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. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. 100 Scares All week long, Vulture is exploring the movies that shaped horror (and our nightmares). Jennifer Lawrence in Mother!. Photo: Paramount Pictures Since the early days of film, horrors greatest strength has been its intimacy. A great horror film can slip under your skin, grab hold of your heart, and never let go. Due to this, horror is a genre that has often been defined and graded by the most personal of criterion: whether it scares you or not. But recently, horror has been steeped in a trend sometimes referred to as art-house horror, or more gratingly elevated horror, that has seen the genre become more accepted by major stars and publications. These works put a premium on mood and detail, with few jump scares or none at all. They are defined by a more dramatic sense of unease roiling throughout the film rather than wall-to-wall gore. These glossy, austere works include Get Out, Mother!, It Comes at Night, Hereditary, and to a lesser extent, the new grim reimagining of Suspiria (which hasnt been as easy to sever from the genre, given it is based on such a well-known giallo horror classic). As horror has grown in scope, though, the mainstream conversation around the genre has narrowed. For Vogue last month, Taylor Antrim picked apart this years horror slate, including The Haunting of Hill House Netflix series, the quickly beloved new Halloween, and the Suspiria remake, because the slow pacing lacked dark delight and intensity, or because he wasnt personally scared by them. A common complaint about the 2016, grimly construed period piece The Witch was that it was not scary enough. Filmmakers and stars have also distanced themselves from the genre. In the lead-up to his sharply construed, gut punch of a horror film Hereditary, writer-director Ari Aster admitted to ScreenCrush, [E]ven from the beginning, and this is something Ive said before but I was kind of careful to never really call it a horror film. The people that were on the crew, or even the people that I was pitching the film to, I would describe it as a family tragedy that curdles into a nightmare. And in a conversation with Jennifer Lawrence about Mother! last year, Seth Meyers said, I feel like this movie is more disturbing than a horror movie. Lawrence agreed, describing it more as horrifying. Darren Aronofsky himself continuously explained Mother! as Biblical allusion, global-warming metaphor, and basically everything but a horror film. He referred to it at one point as a thriller, a genre distinction that seems especially created so filmmakers and marketing departments can distance themselves from horror. This phenomenon isnt new it has ebbed and flowed through the history of the genre. For as long as horror has compelled audiences, filmmakers and more high-minded critics have twisted themselves into knots to avoid describing so-called highbrow movies as horror. In Men, Women, and Chainsaws, Carol J. Clover details the conversation around the release of the 1960 Michael Powell film Peeping Tom. Its a brutal and magnificent film that uses its central serial killer to present a theory about the nature of what it means to be a cinematic spectator. Clover writes, Powell especially objected to the reception of Peeping Tom as a horror film akin to the gory Hammers on the British market during those years. Powell resolutely claimed Peeping Tom wasnt horror but a film of compassion, of observation, and of memory, yes! Its a film about the cinema from 1900 to 1960. For the first issue of the recently revamped Fangoria magazine, writer Michael Gingold discusses what it was like to interact with distributors in the 80s and 90s who purposely avoided horror labels, while writing for a publication that wears its love of the genre, in all its forms, with pride. The denial of the horror was particularly pronounced when it came to the flood of films about disturbed or psychopathic individuals in the wake of 1987s Fatal Attraction and 1991s The Silence of the Lambs (which was not widely acknowledged as a horror film during its initial release as it is now), he writes. Even though many of these films rely on the fear factor and starred a damaged individual threatening and terrorizing other characters [that] was essentially the same as in Psycho, Halloween, or slashers, these were, apparently not horror films. With New Line Cinema refusing to set up interviews at Fangoria with the people involved with Se7en despite it being, as Gingold describes, one of the most horrifying movies released by them or anyone else in the 90s the publication had ample opportunity for its recurring banner: Its Not a Horror Film! What perhaps separates the current moment from these earlier examples is that horror is being embraced by A-list talent on a more regular basis. When stars are typically in horror films, we associate that with either the early moments in their career before they were famous (think Jennifer Anistons appearance in the Leprechaun franchise) or when their standing was dimming in Hollywood (consider Bette Davis and Joan Crawford in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? which spawned the hagsploitation genre and saw many queens from classic Hollywood using horror as a jumping-off point for a new audience). But recently, horror has attracted prestige more consistently, particularly since Jordan Peeles megasuccess Get Out. The stars are brighter and more renowned (Lawrence in Mother!, Natalie Portman in Annihilation). The productions feel moneyed, with better design and a glossier budget for marketing. I think most importantly, there is an ongoing conversation in horror cropping up in publications and circles that would usually not give the genre the intellectual study. Critics and cinephiles in general tend to dismiss genre cinema wholesale, and genre fans as well, and seeing members of the community react to these films with such violent negativity only reinforces their image of the horror fan as a slack-jawed dullard whose only interests are sex and gore, Jason Kauffman astutely wrote for Medium, about the tense dynamics surrounding art-house horror films like The Witch, in which some die-hard horror fans dismissed the film as boring and not for true horror fans. There are as many definitions of horror films as there are people who watch them. Perhaps this collision of so-called high and low culture is what leads to this distancing effect. And one of the driving forces behind this infuriating dialogue is the difficulty in defining horror as a genre. Tying a film like Candyman or even The Silence of the Lambs to schlockier fare like The Nightmare on Elm Street franchise isnt hard, but trying to link all these works to something like Annihilation proves more difficult, since it shirks the markers people associate with horror (a central villain, gore, its particular archetypes) for something more difficult and beguiling, while also being indebted to science fiction. Ever since I fell in love with horror as an awkward, curious preteen, I have understood its shape-shifting quality as a genre. The first two entries in the Hellraiser franchise are grim and immensely sexual works primed for gorehounds; Tales From the Crypt is uproarious and arch; Candyman carries the tenor of myth and is shot through with a strange romanticism; Buffy the Vampire Slayer didnt only cement my interest in feminism, it taught me the ways modern filmmakers can lean into and subvert the iconography of horror. Horror can be a beautiful genre that elucidates our darkest fears and our most taboo desires in ways that are meant to scare us, yes, but its also expressed in so many different ways the roiling dread of Nosferatu, the quip-laden joyous terror of Scream, the beguiling romanticism and fear that is braided together in Candyman, the garish spectacle of Tragedy Girls that can be hard to peg down. Despite the genres flexibility, I think what links all of these works is not how much they scare you, but the underlying sense of fear, and the exploration of this primal response on personal, cultural, and existential levels. If you look at the recent crop of films even those that have been questioned they all use fear as a framework to shape the characters lives and guide deep concerns about the world we live in. Hereditary and The Babadook potently explore womens complicated relationship with motherhood. Annihilation continues the concern of horror films like The Thing in how it uses the idea of our bodies being invaded and shaped by strange forces, in order to explore loneliness and depression. Mother! is a bonkers mythological story about the fear of our most private spaces being invaded and destroyed. This is different from the goals of filmmakers to unnerve and scare audiences, but more about how they approach questions such as these: What fears are shaping our culture? How does fear shape the lives of these characters? I cant remember the last time I was scared watching a film Ive been a bit desensitized over the years, watching Hellraiser at 10 will do that to you but recent films like Annihilation, The Witch, and Under the Shadow still do what horror does best: provoked a deeper response that forces you to consider and understand how fear shapes our lives in ways personal and cultural, intimate and inescapable. Lena Dunham. Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images Lena Dunham has publicly apologized to actress Aurora Perrineau, who accused a Girls writer of assault. When Perrineau went public with the allegation accusing Girls writer and producer Murray Miller of assaulting her last fall, Dunham and her former collaborator Jenni Konner released a statement defending Miller. Later that week, they apologized for the statement. Now, in The Hollywood Reporter, Dunham reflected on her part in the whole ordeal: When someone I knew, someone I had loved as a brother, was accused, I did something inexcusable: I publicly spoke up in his defense, she wrote. There are few acts I could ever regret more in this life. I didnt have the insider information I claimed but rather blind faith in a story that kept slipping and changing and revealed itself to mean nothing at all. Dunham apologized to Perrineau directly: To Aurora: You have been on my mind and in my heart every day this year. I love you. I will always love you. I will always work to right that wrong. In that way, you have made me a better woman and a better feminist, she wrote. You shouldnt have been given that job in addition to your other burdens, but here we are, and here I am asking: How do we move forward? Not just you and I but all of us, living in the gray space between admission and vindication. You know what that is? Growth! Spend 47 days in the art world with Seen. Photo: Private Collection The artist and designer Leonor Fini never considered herself a Surrealist. They were too sexist. And despite a decades-long career in the avant-garde she was born in 1907, and died in 1996 she ended up being far less well-known compared to her friends and collaborators, including Max Ernst, Salvador Dali, Albert Camus, and Yves Saint Laurent. But the Museum of Sexs exhibition Leonor Fini: Theatre of Desire should help call attention again to her provocative and expansive accomplishments. Its the first-ever survey of her body of work, and it winds through a ruby-hued gallery reminiscent of a goth cabaret, complementing Finis richly pigmented paintings, film, furniture, costume, and set designs. Included in the exhibit are extravagantly staged photographs of Fini, by the likes of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Andre Ostier. Fini used fantasy and mythology as a vehicle through which she could subvert male-dominated narratives in Western art that relegated women to the status of subservient muse. Today her legacy is revisited by media and auction houses alike, with San Franciscos Weinstein Gallery and Pariss Galerie Minsky asserting Finis status as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Photo: Courtesy of Leonor Fini Estate Fini is one of several female Surrealists just now receiving their due. This fall, a retrospective of fellow Surrealist Maruja Mallo opened at New York gallery Ortuzar Projects, marking the first time that the Spanish artists work has been shown in the United States in over 70 years. Finis artwork exhibited the enigmatic, dreamlike attributes ascribed to works of the Surrealist movement, and earned her international acclaim when she participated in the 1936 Fantastic Art, Dada, Surrealism exhibit at the MoMA in New York City. But she never considered herself to be an official member of the group. She objected to the misogyny of leader Andre Breton, who actually excluded female artists from official photos of the Surrealists and believed fervently in the traditional role of woman as erotic muse. Inverting the gendered tropes, Fini consistently depicted men in her artwork as delicate, beautiful beings in need of guidance and protection. Lissa Rivera, who curated the Theatre of Desire retrospective, attributes Finis relative obscurity to the reality that men were predominantly the decision-makers in the art world in the 20th century. Attitudes at the time she passed away, in 1996, were quite negative and condescending. Her work is very emasculating in a lot of ways, so it probably wasnt the most comfortable work to sit with, for those who were in charge. Photo: Kris Graves/Museum of Sex/PHOTOGRAPH BY KRIS GRAVES The sphinx is a recurring motif in Finis work. She often styled the mythical creature in her own image and depicted this mythological avatar as a sort of protector or guide of the androgynous males in her paintings. The role of the woman and the sphinx in her artwork was informed by Finis study of Freuds Interpretation of Dreams and Sophocles Oedipus in her youth. While Dali and Ernst fixated on the remorse and threat of the sphinx for its role in the tragedy, Finis interpretation favors the sphinxs eventual victory. She interprets the sphinx as the character with the greatest insight, says Alyce Mahon, art-history professor at the University of Cambridge and curatorial adviser for Theatre of Desire. Oedipus is blind. He might be cunning, he might be virile, and he might solve the riddle, but he is ultimately revealed to be the fool. Fini interprets the sphinx as the heroine of the story. Fini grew up in Trieste, Italy, with her mother, but was often dressed as a boy to evade kidnappers sent from Argentina by her father. It is thought that the time Fini spent dressed as a boy ignited her lifelong fascination with both androgyny and donning elaborate costumes. She is quoted describing her interest of blending the attributes of both sexes in Peter Webbs biography, Sphinx: The Life and Art of Leonor Fini: I am fascinated by the androgyne, for it seems to me to be the ideal I would like to think of myself as androgynous. She held a lifelong aversion to being labeled in any other way, and would later object to being called a woman artist or a feminist. Photo: Courtesy of Weinstein Gallery Largely self-taught, Fini was deeply fascinated by art and studied works spanning from the Pre-Raphaelites to the Renaissance and the Mannerists. As a teenager, she taught herself anatomy, sketching studies of cadavers at the morgue and read the untranslated works of Freud and Jung. It should come as no surprise, then, that Fini was readily accepted into the Salon Carre of Paris when she moved to France in 1931, at the age of 24. While Fini got her start as an artist during a brief stint in Milan as part of a 1929 group exhibition, she truly flourished in Paris. Christian Dior, a gallerist at the time, exhibited her works before leaving art for fashion. She counted Surrealist painters Leonora Carrington, Meret Oppenheim, Salvador Dali, and Max Ernst as close friends. By day, Fini worked for hours on end in her atelier but enjoyed a lavish nightlife, attending parties and balls in elaborate costumes with a man on each arm. Her lovers, who included Ernst, painter Stanislao Lepri and writer Constantin Jelenski, lived with her in menages a trois and served as her muses during the daytime. Its this sense that her art has been an extension of her real or fantasy lives, a stage for her seductive ways, that often dominates readings of her work, explains Mahon. In the exhibition, weve very much explored the theme of theatricality; it has been not just to show her as a female troubadour, as Giorgio de Chirico described her once, but very much to show her as an excellent artist. Photo: Courtesy of Weinstein Gallery Finis art, for all of its subversive thematic exploration, aided her rise to fame during her lifetime. Now, it has finally begun to receive its much-deserved credit from the art world at large. Echoes of Finis legacy reverberate across todays fashion and design landscape. The Elsa Schiaparellis Shocking fragrance bottle she modeled after Mae Wests figure, on display as part of the Theatre of Desire exhibition, directly influenced the famous Jean-Paul Gaultier perfume bottle, which Kim Kardashian-West has now imitated (lawsuit from Gaultier pending). Also on display are Finis 1942 costume designs for George Balanchines Palais de Cristal; the designs later inspired Balanchines 1967 ballet, Jewels, which recently wrapped its latest run at the New York City Ballet. Finally, Maria Grazia Chiuri dedicated Diors spring 2018 couture collection to the late Fini with a possible nod to her affinity for showing up to parties in Paris wearing nothing but a cape of white feathers and boots. Periods of interest in Fini emerge, but having her work fit into the narrative in a more permanent way is something that I feel this show has a chance of achieving, says Rivera. Jimmy Kimmel did it. How hard can it be? Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Note: This post originally went up Tuesday afternoon, a few hours before Kevin Hart was announced as the host of the 2019 Oscars. Obviously, a lot has happened since then. Please enjoy this updated version. Have you heard? Were currently in the first week of the December, and the Oscars havent found their host yet. In case you were thinking the shows producers simply forgot to hire one, The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday set you straight: Theyre trying, okay? Its just really hard to find someone! [Update: Its really, really hard.] THRs Stephen Galloway runs down the obstacles that make the hosting gig such a difficult role to fill: [T]he host is expected to boost the ratings, which means he or she must have wide name recognition; must be funny (without being tawdry), topical (without being controversial), politically savvy (without being too partisan), young (but not so young as to scare the Academys governors) and satisfactory to a coalition of competing interests. [Update: Another difficult standard to meet is that the host is expected not to have a long history of homophobic jokes, and, if confronted about these jokes, is expected to express some sort of contrition.] Accordingly, some of the highest-profile names have reportedly pulled themselves from consideration, concluding that hosting the Oscars is a lose-lose situation: Its a lot of work for not much money, and no one will remember you did it, unless you screw up. [Update: People will also probably remember if you screw up so much that you have to drop out before the show even begins.] Still, this is depressing news for those of us who still like to believe in a fantasy where the glitz and glamour of awards season overrule all other earthly considerations. This is the Oscars not the Golden Globes, which are decided by a motley group of Italian and Brazilian journalists, or the Grammys, where country stars piss themselves on stage. That would have never happened at the Oscars: Its Hollywoods biggest night! [Update: Even after all of this, I still believe in the glitz and glamour of the Oscars.] Its easy to think of people who would do a good job (Tom Hanks), and people who would say yes (Anna Kendrick), but its much harder to think of people who would fit both categories. Still, I get the sense that the Academy wouldnt have leaked to THR unless they were looking for some, any kind of outside help. So consider this list of potential hosts my way of paying it forward to the body that did not nominate Pay It Forward. [Update: I think the Academy could probably still use some help, yes.] Kevin Hart If you read between the lines of the THR story, something interesting sticks out. In a paragraph explaining why various celebrities are too risky (Sarah Silverman might say something gross; John Oliver might be too political), Kevin Hart is the only one mentioned without a caveat: Hes funny without being tasteless, the report says. Could this be an indication that Harts name has been mooted, but there is a dispute internally about whether to go with him, thus forcing someone in the pro-Hart camp to leak his name to THR ? Whatever. As an official Oscar pundit, I declare that Kevin Hart is totally fine and I swear I will not complain if they pick him because I know producing the Oscars is a hard job and sometimes you need to make compromises, okay? [Update: Never have I ever been so right and so wrong at the same time. Please forget this happened.] The Rock Because this is a Vulture story about finding a new Oscars host, I am contractually obligated to mention The Rock. And did you know hes got a Disney movie, Jungle Cruise, coming summer 2020? [Update: The Rock is friends with Kevin Hart, so he will probably not take the job, even if its offered.] Key and Peele This suggestion comes from my colleague Jesse David Fox, who wont stop bugging me until I say Ill include them. And its not a terrible idea. Until last year, I would have said that the sketch duo might not have had the requisite gravitas, but now Jordan Peele is an Oscar winner, baby! Just think of all the people who havent won Oscars that theyve let host the Oscars: Jon Stewart, Neil Patrick Harris, Billy Crystal. By the rule of Oscars, Jordan Peele is more prestigious than all of them. And Key was pretty good in Dont Think Twice! [Update: I dont think Key and Peele have screwed up recently, but I also dont want to check.] Lin-Manuel Miranda With the scrapping of televised sound categories and the misbegotten plan to hand out an award for Best Popular Film, the Oscars have been coming off like a bookish eighth-grader trying to reinvent themselves by the time high school rolls around. Hiring Lin-Manuel Miranda to host would uh, go against that slightly, but if Mary Poppins Returns is a massive hit I think his profile will be big enough for the platform. And Im sure Disney would not mind the male lead of one of their biggest awards contenders taking the gig. [Update: Thats Golden Globe nominee Lin-Manuel Miranda to you.] Robert Downey Jr. By contrast, Downey lets Disney keep it in the family while still giving them a host that will entice those wonderful 18-to-34-year-old males to tune in. Chris Evans himself endorsed his Avengers co-star in a tweet that received 243,000 likes. If every person who liked that tweet promises to watch the Oscars, I think we could lock this one in. [Update: I think Robert Downey Jr. is still free. Make the call!] Donald Glover Hes voicing Simba in Disneys new Lion King, hes got cultural cachet out the wazoo, and the kids love him. But I suspect the Academy may be too conservative to accept the risk of Glover doing something unexpected. Who cares. Just do it and be legends, man. [Update: The Academys enthusiasm for someone who might do something unexpected is probably pretty slim at this point.] Tiffany Haddish Haddish was mentioned in the THR story, which noted that some poobahs quivered with rage when she mispronounced names at last Januarys nominees announcement. To which I say: Get over yourselves! Tiffany Haddish is delightful, and its not like Daniel Kaluuya is getting nominated again this year anyway. [Update: Tiffany Haddish is also friends with Kevin Hart, so I dont think she would take the gig now either.] Patton Oswalt Stephen King says so! (Even if he couldnt be bothered to check the spelling.) [Update: Patton Oswalt has been preparing for just this moment for five years.] A Retread If the history of the Oscars has told us anything, theres nothing the Academy likes in a host more than a host who has hosted before. According to THR, Neil Patrick Harris up for another go, with the mag shadily noting its perhaps because his star doesnt shine quite as bright as some other contenders. Alec Baldwin might have a court date, Anne Hathaway is probably too scarred from her earlier experience, and James Franco is out for obvious reasons. Hugh Jackman would be an interesting choice, though: He sings, he dances, and The Greatest Showman was big enough recently enough that he probably wont be too salty about not scoring a nomination for The Front Runner. Bring on the self-deprecating Gary Hart jokes! [Update: With time slipping away, this is probably the option the Academy will wind up going with. You know what that means: Hellllooo, Billy Crystal!] Despite being one of the most sweater-filled shows on TV, Schitts Creek mostly takes place in the summer because, as creator and star Dan Levy explained at Vulture Festival Los Angeles, thats when its easiest to film. (Also, a show set during the Canadian winter about a family who lost everything would be pretty depressing.) But before the fifth season premieres, the show will air a special holiday episode on December 19, which gives us a sense of what its like in the town of Schitts Creek around the holidays. After screening the episode, we sat down with the cast including Dan Levy, Eugene Levy, Catherine OHara, Annie Murphy, Emily Hampshire, and Noah Reid to talk through how the episode came to be, and what it was like to give a little flashback into the lives of the Rose family. Related Tekashi 6ix9ine. Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/WireImage SoundCloud rap has exploded over the last two years with rappers whose criminal pasts have led to uncertain futures. XXXTentacion was murdered last June while awaiting trial on charges that he brutally assaulted and threatened to kill his pregnant girlfriend in 2016, allegations which only heightened his notoriety online during his brief career. (He confessed to the abuse in a since-surfaced secret recording.) Similarly, Tekashi 6ix9ine, whose rainbow hair suits his troll persona, has had his fame come with an asterisk. Last year, 6ix9ine narrowly avoided jail time and having to register as a sex offender for pleading guilty to the use of a child in a sexual performance in 2015; instead, he was sentenced to four years probation. But that was only the tip of his controversies: He went on to dace life in prison on federal racketeering charges related to gang activity and a potential future in witness protection due to his cooperation with the federal government. On December 18, Tekashi met his fate in Manhattan Federal Court when he was sentenced to two years in prison after a whirlwind of chaos. To try to make sense of it all, weve compiled a timeline of his fast rise and even faster fall. Pre-2017 Rise to Fame 6ix9ine, born Daniel Hernandez in 1996, grew up in Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York, and was raised by a Mexican mother and Puerto Rican father. His father was murdered in 2009 when Hernandez was 13 years old. According to his No Jumper interview, 6ix9ine was expelled from school in the eighth grade and did not further his education. I stopped going to school to help my mom pay the rent, he said. Following his fathers death, he worked several jobs and began selling marijuana to help support his mother and brother. In 2014, 6ix9ine begins rapping on a whim. I started rapping for fun to be honest with you. I didnt really want to be a rapper or whatever, he told No Jumper. I just started making music because everybody was like, Yo you look mad cool. He develops an online presence built off his eccentric fashion choices including wearing oversize shirts emboldened with the words Pussy Nigga, his rainbow-colored hair and grill, many face tattoos including a giant 69 over his right eyebrow (he estimates he has over 200 tattoos of the number) and a portrait of Jigsaw, and starting beef with other SoundCloud rappers including Trippie Redd by trolling them on social media. Photos of him also start to become a viral meme. During that time, he begins releasing scream-rap music under the Slovakia-based label FCK THEM, including Scumlife, Yokai, and Hellsing Station, and featuring anime in his music videos. He establishes the 6ix9ine persona, describing it as a lifestyle. I stand up for the kids who cant stand up for themselves, hell later tell Mass Appeal. Kids that get bullied and deal with a whole bunch of cyberbullying and school bullying kids in group homes, detention centers, where they dont have parents there looking out for them. They feel alone, like outcasts, or some type of joke to society. Im the hope for those kids. His song, Scumlife, he explained, stands for Society Cant Understand Me. (It is also a reference to the Flatbush gang; 6ix9ine has also said hes been affiliated with the Bloods set known as 9 Trey Bloods his other nickname, TreyWay, is both a reference to that set as well as his manager of the same name.) He has refused to wear name-brand clothing like Supreme so as to appear relatable to kids who cant afford those designers the way he couldnt growing up. I start my own trends. Im making it cool to be a bum, to be poor, he says. Tekashi is his own character I build my own world and I want my world to look like its on fucking fire. 2015 Sexual-Misconduct Case February 21: Amid his rising notoriety, 6ix9ine is accused of having sexual contact with a minor. On February 21, he attends a gathering at a Harlem apartment where videos are filmed of a naked girl later revealed to have been 13 years old at the time. According to the details of a criminal complaint filed a week and a half after the incident, and later obtained and publicized by Jezebel in December 2017, 6ix9ine, who was 18 at the time, is seen in one of the videos making a thrusting motion with his pelvis and smacking her on her buttocks while she engages in oral sexual intercourse with another man, who was also later arrested. In a separate video, the girl is seen sitting naked on the laps of 6ix9ine and another man; in a third video; a man is seen pouring liquid on the girls breasts while she sits on 6ix9ines lap. The videos are uploaded to Instagram and 6ix9ine reuploads them to his own account, later telling police he did so for my image. 6ix9ine claims to have believed the girl was of legal age at the time. When she came in she asked me how old I was and I told her I was 18 and I assumed she was older. The way she was asking made me think she was older, he told police. March 5: 6ix9ine is arrested and charged with the use of a child in a sexual performance. October 22: 6ix9ine pleads guilty to one felony count of use of a child in a sexual performance. According to Jezebel, the terms of his plea deal state that in the time until his sentencing (originally meant for October 2017, but since continuously postponed until October 2018), he is to complete one year of probation, 300 hours of community service, two years of mental health treatment, not to share sexually explicit or violent images featuring women/children to social media, and write an apology letter to the victim and her family all of which appear to have since been completed. He is also required to obtain his GED and stay out of criminal trouble for two years. District attorneys are now arguing he has violated the latter two requirements. 2017 July: A photo of 6ix9ine on Instagram, displaying his tattoos and colorful hair, goes viral on Reddit, drawing attention to his music. October: 6ix9ine releases Gummo, his official debut single, which rises to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. November: 6ix9ine does a widely circulated interview with DJ Akademiks in which he gives his version of the events of the 2015 case, speaking publicly about it for the first time. I dont know her exact age, I think she was 14 or some shit like that, he says. He claims to have been 17 years young at the time of the incident, despite correctly stating to police that he was 18, and denies having any sexual contact with the victim. Im not touching the girl, Im not having sexual intercourse with the girl, Im not doing nothing, she just nude in some type of way, he says. I didnt rape nobody, bro, the girl wasnt even raped I didnt have no sexual contact with the girl but I was in the video. 2018 January 6: 6ix9ine is involved in an alleged altercation with a 16-year-old boy at the Galleria Mall in Houston, Texas. According to the police report obtained by Pitchfork, the boy tries to take a video of 6ix9ine, prompting the rapper to grab him by the neck causing small scratch marks and pain. 6ix9ine and his bodyguards allegedly further threaten the boy to erase the video, which he does to not get hurt again. In July, 6ix9ine is arrested in New York at JFK airport on an outstanding warrant for the incident and is charged with misdemeanor assault. In October, the alleged victim, Santiago Albarran, appears in court to reportedly ask that 6ix9ine not be prosecuted, even posing for a photo with the rapper. The case is ongoing. February 23: He releases his debut mixtape, Day 69. April 19: A woman tells Babe that 6ix9ine knowingly engaged in a sexual relationship with her when she was underage. Martha Gold, now 18, claims that they met in March 2017 when she was 17 and he was 20 and that she repeatedly informed him of her age. She says they had sexual contact in Los Angeles, where the legal age of consent is 18. She does not appear to be pressing charges. Im not tryna put him in jail or anything, but he has to learn to stay in his lane, she says. April 25: 6ix9ines manager, Tr3yway, is reportedly investigated in connection with two shootings, one at Barclays Center on the day of the Adrien Broner fight, and the other hours prior on the streets of Brooklyn. His crew is also reportedly investigated for a shooting on a music video set in Brooklyn days prior. The incidents all reportedly involve rapper Casanova, with whom 6ix9ine had beef at the time. TMZ reports that 6ix9ine has been banned from performing at Barclays due to the alleged incident. May 20: 6ix9ine allegedly illegally parks in front of a fire hydrant in Brooklyn while also allegedly driving with a suspended license. He is reportedly charged with two misdemeanors: operating a vehicle without a license and facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. May 21, the very next day: The morning after his arrest for the parking incident, 6ix9ine reportedly gets into an altercation with a police officer at the 77th Precinct in Brooklyn. After being instructed to take off his unlocked handcuffs, 6ix9ine allegedly grabs and squeezes the officers hand against the cuffs and refuses to take off the cuffs or let go of the officer, allegedly causing the officer swelling and redness to [his] fingers and, to suffer substantial pain, to fear further physical injury. He is slapped with four more misdemeanor charges due to the incident: third-degree assault, third-degree attempted assault, third-degree menacing, and second-degree obstructing governmental administration. Both cases are still ongoing. June 18: 6ix9ine is reportedly investigated for a shooting in New York involving rapper Chief Keef. He denies any involvement, though the two have beefed online and he insinuated his involvement on Instagram. July 22: He releases Fefe with Nicki Minaj, his biggest and most commercial song to date. It rises to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Minaj later defends working with 6ix9ine despite his misconduct, saying The thing with me, when I know somebody theres nothing you can tell me about them. Thats just how it is. Also on July 22: 6ix9ine is involved in an attack the same day his Nicki collaboration is released. He is reportedly kidnapped, pistol-whipped, and robbed in Brooklyn. As crazy as it sounds.. yesterday morning I had a feeling that it was my day to die, he later writes on Instagram. He also claims it was not a publicity stunt to promote the single. August 8: 6ix9ine starts beef with rapper YG over a line on YGs song Su Whoop in which he calls out fake Bloods, alluding to 6ix9ine. 6ix9ine taunts YG on Instagram, saying his single Fefe with Nicki is outselling YGs single with Nicki, Big Bank. He added, You a whole bum out here. Stop going on radio stations tryin to promote your album mentioning my name. You a big-ass dummy. August 10: The Manhattan District Attorneys office requests that a judge revoke 6ix9ines plea deal in the 2015 sexual misconduct case, arguing that he violated the terms of the deal by getting into further legal trouble and did not complete his GED in time. They ask that he be required to register as a sexual offender and that the rapper be sentenced to one to three years of jail time. 6ix9ines lawyers are arguing that any arrests that occurred after the original planned October 20, 2017, sentencing date should not count against his plea deal because it wouldve expired by then. Pitchfork reports that postponements to that hearing were due to 6ix9ines lawyers requesting more time for him to complete his GED, which they say he did in April 2018. August 21: Nicki Minaj claims that MTV would not allow 6ix9ine to perform with her at the VMAs. Tekashi, I wanted to perform with me at the VMAs. And somewhere along the line he didnt get approved to perform by the powers that be, she says. I dont want anyone to think for a second that I would not have asked him to come on my stage to perform his amazing hit Fefe. September 1: 6ix9ine performs at Jay-Zs Made in America Festival on the main stage to massive applause despite showing up two hours late. Its his first major U.S. festival performance, which he points out during his set saying no other festival had invited him. Minaj brings him out to perform with her during her headlining set at the festival. September 9: Kanye West hits the studio with 6ix9ine, fueling speculation that hell appear on Kanyes album Yandhi. September 14: YG releases the video for his song Bulletproof, which features a 6ix9ine look-alike in jail. He flashes the word pedophile on the screen, alluding to the misconduct case. October 22: Pitchfork reports that 6ix9ine is due in court for three separate incidents in the same week the 2015 sexual misconduct case, the Houston fan incident, and the altercation with the police officer in Brooklyn. He is expected to appear at a sentencing hearing in the misconduct case on October 26 where he could face jail time; he does not attend the October 25 pretrial hearing for the Houston case but is scheduled to be deposed on December 20; his October 23 for the cop case is adjourned and he is scheduled to be back in court on November 14. In the misconduct case, the D.A. further argues for jail time citing 6ix9ines multiple arrests that violate the terms of his plea deal, his gang affiliations, using his social media presence to perpetuate violence by starting feuds with other artists, as well as the criminal investigations involving the Chief Keef shooting and the shooting involving his manager. The DA writes: [6ix9ine] has failed to mature into the law-abiding adult anticipated by the plea agreement which he signed on October 20, 2015. October 26: 6ix9ine avoids jail time for the 2015 sexual misconduct case involving a minor, sentenced instead to four years probation. Hell get credit for one year served. At his sentencing, 6ix9ine tells the judge, Your honor, sometimes I feel like Im behind a closed door trying to convince the world Im a good man. Im not Tekashi 6ix9ine. Im not committing murders, Im not out there robbing people, and Im not out there raping people. October 26, later that day: According to TMZ, gunfire breaks out at a post-sentencing dinner in mid-town Manhattan following an argument between 6ix9ines entourage and a record executives bodyguard. A third party allegedly fires four shots during the dispute, hitting one of Hernandezs bodyguards in the stomach. He is subsequently taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.. October 28: 6ix9ine makes a surprise appearance at Power 105.1s Powerhouse NYC concert at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. He performs a full set and alludes to how his legal troubles have affected his career, telling the crowd, I never get invited to shit like this. October 29: The Associated Press reports that two men in 6ix9ines entourage are arrested for gang assault in connection with the afterparty shooting following his sentencing. One of the men, Faheem Walter, was the bodyguard shot in the incident; the other is named as Zachary Bunce. According to the report, the two men had attempted to enter the restaurant Philippe Chow on the Upper West Side and, when turned away, they returned and hit an armed security guard with a chair. That guard then shot Walter. 6ix9ine was reportedly not present at the time of the incident. November 4: Tekashi is reportedly involved in a verbal altercation with YG affiliate, rapper Slim 400, at ComplexCon in Los Angeles. According to reports and Slim himself, Slim and his crew barred Tekashi and his crew from entering the venue. November 5: Responding to the incident at ComplexCon in an interview with paparazzi, Tekashi mocks Slim for being lesser known and taunts YG for his affiliation with Slim. If YG was really your friend, you wouldnt be in the hood right now. But YG cant even get himself out the hood, he says. November 7: One of Tekashis managers, Shotti (ne Kifano Jordan) reportedly surrenders to police in connection with the shooting at Tekashis post-sentencing after-party where one of Tekashis bodyguards was shot. Shotti is charged with gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Tekashi is snapped out in Los Angeles with an entourage now including at least five bodyguards. Thats him overshadowed in the middle. Tekashi announces hes dropping his debut album, titled Dummy Boy, on Black Friday, November 23. Its cover features a cartoon version of Tekashi peeing out a rainbow onto a checkered floor. Watch me outsell everybody suck my dick, he writes. November 9: TMZ reports that an alleged shooting occurred on the Beverly Hills mansion set of a Tekashi music video featuring Nicki Minaj and Kanye West for a new song off 6ix9ines forthcoming album. It is described as a drive-by shooting where eight shots were fired, but no one was hit. One bullet reportedly struck a bedroom window. According to TMZ, both Tekashi and Kanye were on the set, but Nicki had not yet arrived; Kanye immediately left while production was halted and the crew was shaken up. November 14: TMZ reports that a man was arrested for allegedly robbing and kidnapping Tekashi 6ix9ine back in July. Anthony Jamel Ellison, a former member of Tekashis management team, was detained on November 6 on a federal warrant. He has been indicted on one count of carrying a firearm to commit a crime, one count of conspiracy to obstruct commerce by robbery, and one count of obstructing commerce by robbery. Ellison pleaded not guilty on all charges and awaits trial in Manhattan federal prison. Tekashi claimed at the time of the incident that it was an inside job; it appears he may have been right. Tekashi also accepted a plea deal in the case involving his assault on a police officer in Brooklyn during an arrest back in May. Pitchfork reports that he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and received a sentence of conditional discharge that requires him to stay out of trouble and not discuss the case on social media. He reportedly faces 15 days in jail if he breaks those terms. According to the Blast, the violation will not appear on his criminal record. November 15: Tekashi fires his entire team, including his manager Shotti, booking agent, and publicist. He also cancels his American tour. November 16: Tekashi appears on The Breakfast Club to explain why he fired his team saying he cant trust nobody and that the shooting on the set of music video with Nicki Minaj and Kanye West was the final straw, insinuating he suspected it mightve been an inside job. He also says he only fears two things: God and the FBI. November 18: Tekashi shares the track list for this debut album, confirming his song featuring Kanye West and Nicki Minaj, MAMA. (Kanye is also featured on another song, FEEFA.) November 19: Tekashi is arrested on federal charges of racketeering and firearms related to organized gang activity as part of the local set Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, including armed robbery, conspiracy to commit murder, and drug trafficking. Hes taken into custody along with his ex-manager Shotti, bodyguard Faheem Crippy Walter, and three other associates. The arrest is reportedly part of a joint investigation between the NYPD, Homeland Security, and the Justice Departments Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He is charged with six counts of an eight-count indictment, two of which carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. 6ix9ine is held without bail and reportedly put in general population. It is revealed during his arraignment that his associates might have been planning a hit on 6ix9ine. They were secretly recorded saying they wanted to super violate 6ix9ine and that certain high ranking members of the Bloods had authorized violence. November 21: Two days after Tekashis arrest, Minaj posts to her Instagram saying his album Dummy Boy would be delayed due to reasons beyond music. His lawyer argues that Tekashi was never a gang member but just behaved like one as part of his rap image. An entertainer who portrays a gangster image to promote his music does not make him a member of an enterprise, the statement reads. November 22: Tekashi is reportedly transferred to a federal facility that is said to hold witnesses who are cooperating with law enforcement. His lawyer claims the transfer was for security reasons, after gang members threatened Tekashi at the original facility he was sent to. November 24: His new album Dummy Boy leaks days after its release is indefinitely delayed. November 26: Tekashi pleads not guilty to six counts of racketeering in federal court. November 27: 6ix9ines debut album Dummy Boy is officially released while hes in prison. He reportedly signs a new distribution deal with his publishing company Create Music Group to put out the album, exiting his previous contract with Capitol Music Group and Caroline after a disagreement stemming from the albums leak. The federal government announces it had an informant embedded in 6ix9ines crew who recorded secret conversations with the rapper as well as his associates. November 28: TMZ reports the findings of the wiretaps from the informant working with the Feds. Both Tekashis former manager, Shotti, and associate, Mel Murda, were recorded making violents threats against 6ix9ines life and discrediting him as a gang member. November 29: Complex host DJ Akademiks, who was the first to report 6ix9ines racketeering arrest, denies being the informant working with the Feds in a statement to TMZ. [I have] zero connection to this criminal case against Daniel Hernandez & other co-defendants. I view them as good people to me, he says. All these charges are a shock to me and do not involve me. I have never been questioned or much less cooperated in this. I am just a news reporter. November 30: Rick Ross taunts 6ix9ine over his legal troubles on new song Whats Free with Meek Mill and Jay-Z, using a homophobic slur to mock the rapper. Screaming gang gang now you wanna rap, racketeering charges caught him on a tap/Looking for a bond lawyers wanna tax, purple hair got them f****ts on your back, he raps. December 5: A Manhattan judge revokes 6ix9ines four-year probation in his 2015 child-sexual-misconduct case, giving him credit for time served. He will also no longer have to complete 1,000 hours of community service. The decision was reportedly due to his multiple pending federal racketeering and firearms charges. While awaiting trial in federal prison, it was deemed that the court cant enforce the terms of his probation or community service. The sexual-misconduct case is declared closed. 2019 February 1: Tekashi 6ix9ine pleads guilty to nine counts of federal racketeering, following his November arrest. Its revealed that 6ix9ine is discussing a plea deal with prosecutors involving the disclosure of information regarding multiple violent people associated with the same criminal enterprise. He faces 47 years to life in prison, though he likely wont be sentenced until 2020. March 28: The rappers former manager Kifano Shotti Jordan also pleads guilty to racketeering charges. During the proceedings, Jordan admitted to using and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, related to two assaults in April 2019. June 4: Rapper Kooda B admits to the court that Tekashi 6ix9ine paid him in exchange for getting someone to shoot Chief Keef, almost exactly a year after Keef was shot at in front of a Times Square hotel. Tekashi pleads guilty, saying that he did so in furtherance of the Nine Trey. Kooda B faces up to 20 years in federal prison. September 10: A report that lists the crimes Tekashi 6ix9ine has admitted to and wont be charged for under his plea agreement includes committing domestic violence from 2011 up until he was arrested in November. September 17: 6ix9ine testifies in court against Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods members Anthony Harv Ellison and Aljermiah Nuke Mack, whom he allegedly associated with. He also pointed out any alleged gang members who appear in his music videos, adding that it was his idea to include them. Tekashis witness statements are part of a plea deal with the Feds that may end with him in witness protection. 6ix9ine claimed that his role in the gang was to make music, make money, and in return they would offer protection. September 23: Its revealed that Tekashi 6ix9ines driver, Jorge Rivera, who was driving the car when 6ix9ine was allegedly kidnapped, had been working as a confidential informant following an ICE arrest. September 26: According to TMZ, sources say that Tekashi 6ix9ine has no plans to enter the witness protection program following his prison time. Instead, hell be paying for private security for both himself and his family. October 10: Tekashi 6ix9ine reportedly signs an over $10 million record deal with his former label, 10K Projects. The agreement includes two albums, one in Spanish and one in English. Plans for civilian life are underway. December 4: Prosecutors officially argue for a reduced sentence, calling his testimony both incredibly significant and extremely useful for their racketeering case against the Nine Trey gang. In their letter, prosecutors say they intend on requesting a lower-than-minimum sentence, provided that he continues to comply with the terms of his cooperation agreement. A minimum sentence for Tekashi 6ix9ine is 47 years in prison. December 11: I find it difficult to find the right words to express what my life has been like for the last year, the rapper said in a letter to the court, asking for leniency. It honestly feels like my world is crashing down. December 13: 6ix9ines mother, bodyguard, and girlfriend send their own letters to the court, vouching for him and explaining why he needs a reduced sentence. December 17: The two individuals Tekashi 6ix9ine and his associates mistakenly robbed at Rap-A-Lot Records in April 2018, instead of its CEO James Prince, send victims statements to the federal judge in charge of 6ix9ines fate. One victim described the impact the attack has on his life and asks, Why should this person, who nearly ended my life, be free when I am not free? December 18: Tekashi is sentenced to two years in prison, with credit for time served; hes expected to be released in 11 months and will remain on supervised release for five years. Tekashi addressed the judge at his sentencing, Im not a victim, I put myself in this position. William H. Macy. Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images Itll certainly be an emotional sendoff for Emmy Rossums Fiona in Shameless. Well, for everyone except her own TV dad Frank Gallagher, that is. According to star William H. Macy, Frank is more of a jerk than usual during Fionas good-bye, or as he puts it, hes really a complete shithole the whole episode. Although the actor admits the overall episode is so sweet, fans can leave it to his character Frank to put the bitter in bittersweet. All the actors really wanted a great good-bye scene with Emmy I had hoped that I could have a lovely, warm, conciliatory meeting good-bye with her, he explained at Showtimes red carpet at the Wilder vs. Fury fight on Saturday. Im horrible, worse than Ive been in a long time. Just a waste of oxygen. In late August, Emmy Rossum announced shed be leaving Shameless after playing such a critical role in the series since the 2011 pilot. While Macy says the show will be back for a tenth season, he has no idea what itll look like without one of its key players. Not a clue. Things evolve, he says. Itll be a different show The kids have grown up. Im excited but it also frightens me. Still, fans can expect the craziness at the shows core to remain intact. I, like you, read these scripts and I go, What the fuck? These writers need therapy. And if theres one thing hes certain of moving forward with the series, its this: I dont want to work any harder. Photo-Illustration: Maya Robinson/Vulture In 2014, about a million readers sobbed ugly tears over Anthony Doerrs All the Light We Cannot See. The following year, everyone (really, 11 million everyones) took in the drunken hijinks of Paula Hawkinss titular girl on the train. But then, in 2015, attention spans swiveled toward our very own Richard III, determined to prove a villain in the Oval Office. Since that year, no work of new fiction has sold more than a million copies in the U.S. No powerhouse novel, no cover spotted on every L train or Barnes & Noble front display. Only one novel, James Pattersons The President Is Missing, sold more than half a million copies this year, according to NPD BookScan, and only half of the top-ten fiction sellers for 2018 were even new (the other half comprised relevant classics like Fahrenheit 451.) Fiction sales have fallen 16 percent from 2013 to 2017 a brutal statistic Publishers Weekly has partly blamed on all those gangbusters books about Trump that are siphoning off the meager budgets of book-buyers. And yet, not unlike the electoral resistance that rose up on November 6, there has been a grassroots pushback against hot-take nonfiction one led, of course, by women. They didnt launch any franchises no girl-titled blockbusters and probably no future Jennifer Lawrence vehicles but collectively, they dominated a shrunken literary ecosystem. Each week it seemed that a promising new novel emerged that reimagined fiction for politics sake, for literatures sake, for the sake of expanding whatever the hell fiction might become in an age when Twains old maxim about the truth being stranger is tragically truer than ever. Not every one of these novels will become a relevant classic, but this year they spread their roots so far and deep that they essentially choked off the usual white, male suspects. Take the shopworn category of autofiction. In years past, sprawling collections of transparently veiled autobiography by Edward St. Aubyn and Karl Ove Knausgaard ruled the day. This year both took a somewhat deflated valedictory lap: The concluding book of Knausgaards My Struggle series elicited a wave of admiring ambivalence, and a TV adaptation of St. Aubyns Patrick Melrose novels earned a smattering of polite applause. Meanwhile, Kudos, the final installment of Rachel Cusks Faye trilogy, prompted Jonathan Dee to write that any new British novel at this particular moment must emerge, it seems, in the shadow of Rachel Cusk. That wasnt entirely true the finale of Hilary Mantels Cromwell trilogy might soon dwarf them all but it did capture the fact that the latest wave of autofiction, defined by Cusk and Motherhood author Sheila Heti, is decidedly female, feminist, and new. Fayes conversations with everyone from the contractor remodeling her London home to the creepy Greek driver who lures her onto his boat reconceived autofictive writing as a deconstruction of fiction itself. I dont think characters exist anymore, Cusk told The New Yorker. Her narrator is passive to the point of translucence. Lisa Halliday, taking a more traditional revisionist course, produced the sleeper literary hit Asymmetry, which was partly about a March-December romance like one she had had with the late Philip Roth. The first-time novelist insisted that the Rothian lover Ezra Blazer is a work of fiction; the world replied with a skeptical twist of the mouth. But there was far more to the book than literary gossip. A two-part rhapsody about the young book editor Alice and Amar, an Iraqi-American economist trapped in airport security, Asymmetry pivoted on a crucial coda unpacking the anxiety of (male) influence. In the Times, Alice Gregory found it so strange and startlingly smart that its mere existence seems like commentary on the state of fiction. It was certainly a commentary on Roths fiction from the sexual sputtering of Portnoys Complaint to the dying animals of his late books. It defined itself, like Cusks reappropriations, against something that no longer felt fresh. Other novelists reached much farther back to Dickens, Balzac, and other avatars of fiction as a vehicle for not just empathy but also social and political awakening. In early February, Tayari Jones released An American Marriage, the story of an upwardly mobile black couple whose lives are unfairly destroyed by a wrongful rape conviction. Oprah chose it for her book club which in previous years would surely have vaulted it into the stratosphere. This year it was merely the 51st best-selling novel, despite being passed around from reader to reader like a miracle tonic. Its what you might irritatingly call compulsively readable, and the writing sings, but its greatest accomplishment was enlightening readers without instructing them. Oprah promised, Youll come away with greater empathy and understanding, but even if you dont, its just a really great read. Ordinarily, such a dutiful mandate would be depressing, but in the hands of authors like Rachel Kushner and Rebecca Makkai, its the raw material of beautifully constructed literature that bends toward social justice. Kushners Booker Prize short listed The Mars Room and Makkais National Book Award finalist The Great Believers, both published last summer, eschewed pity, telling the truths of the voiceless female prisoners in a maximum security prison and a tribe of gay men in the early AIDS years, respectively without stripping them of dignity. But theres more than one way to address the abyss. On the flip side of earnestness is what Id affectionately call the novels of disaffection, accounts of women who quite literally want to lay down their arms their bodies, really and opt out. Ottessa Moshfegh, whose first novel Eileen produced the most revoltingly desperate young woman literature has ever seen, pivoted her brand of ugly kink toward beautiful sloth in My Year of Rest and Relaxation, in which the unnamed, orphaned protagonist applies a Gradgrindian work ethic to pharmaceutically induced hibernation. If I kept going, she muses, Id disappear completely, then reappear in some new form. This was my hope. This was the dream. Its sleep as Ur-wellness, taken to its illogical extreme. Lucy, the protagonist of Melissa Broders slimy unromance The Pisces, also crunches on Ambien for relief from the unbearable lightness of her Ph.D. dissertation but instead finds new complications on Venice Beach, in the arms of a merman with a very alluring sea cucumber. Moshfegh and Broder sang a familiar tune to their distressed peers readers practicing bathtub self-care to avoid diminishing job prospects, ballooning rents, and the increasingly byzantine demands of digital reputation management. As weve known for several years now, an increasingly dystopic status quo breeds increasingly inventive dystopia. Keeping up with reality (and competing to prove Twain wrong), this years women writers used Americas political sunken place as a fungal starter culture for festering nightmares of disenfranchisement. Leni Zumass Red Clocks, which takes as its premise the Mike Pence fever dream in which abortion is illegal in all 50 states, took up residence on multiple best-of lists, including Vultures own 21st Century Canon. In Christina Dalchers Vox, women are only permitted to speak 100 words a day; in Bina Shahs Before She Sleeps, a female resistance subverts repressive gender laws by offering nonsexual comfort to men. Margaret Atwood ought to start receiving royalties for every book hyped as a sister to The Handmaids Tale, although shes probably set for life; her 1985 novel sold over 350,000 copies this year (enough to spawn a very belated sequel). Thrillers bent to the same theme, spilling over with livid women aiming for the patriarchys jugular. In Idra Noveys Those Who Knew, a domestic abuse victim worries about her role in potentially exposing her famous, beloved abuser. In Megan Abbotts Give Me Your Hand, an enraged teenager seeks (undeserved) vengeance on a man, and the star of Oyinkan Braithwaites dark Nigerian romp, My Sister the Serial Killer, goes farther still. The caregiver in Leila Slimanis The Perfect Nanny confronts a class system that keeps her living in a barely habitable studio while her employers glide through their smart apartment in Pariss Tenth Arrondissement. It doesnt ruin the ending to tell you that she murders the children. Even Tana Frenchs The Witch Elm pivots on a #MeToo revelation. To a woman, these writers avoided taking cartoonish shots at the anus-mouthed idiot in the Oval and thank God: What a dull goddamn fiction world it would be that so garishly mirrored our own. Instead, Sigrid Nunezs National Book Awardwinning The Friend chronicled a relationship between owner and pup. Sarah Perrys sophomore novel Melmoth channeled our anxieties into a single-handed revival of the Gothic tradition. And yet another essay could be written about the Asian-American women R.O. Kwon, Ling Ma, Crystal Hana Kim who each made their own distinctive mark this year. So if youll forgive me a maudlin moment, Im here to declare that the state of fiction is strong, on the basis of no other metrics than excellence, variety, and Oprahs Dictum of Really Great Reads. Trump propped up the industry that prints literature, but women preserved its soul. Forget the White House and screw sales numbers: This golden age of womens fiction is the resistance that we didnt know was coming to save us. Jim Blackburn owns the Decatur Shoe Repair on Fourth Avenue and says someone stole thousands of dollars worth of equipment from him over the weekend. I love this job because I love people, and Ive always considered myself a public servant," Blackburn said. Blackburn is 82 years old and has been repairing and shining shoes for about 68 of those years. So, when he found out at least $4,000 worth of equipment he uses for his business was stolen, he was upset. Its almost unbelievable, some of the machines they took, how heavy they were," Blackburn said. "I would say theyre professional at what they do. Blackburn says this time of year is his busiest, with Christmas coming up, but hes thankful his customers have been so supportive. People understand some stuff will have to be put on hold," he said. WAAY 31 talked with one of those customers who had nothing but good things to say about Blackburn, and he says he hopes the equipment will be returned. These guys who stole it, they need to bring it back to him, because he works hard for a living, and he needs his stuff, said Carl Sanford. And while Blackburns business may be affected, he says he forgives those responsible. Theyll still be in my prayers day and night. I pray to God theyll have a change of attitude," he said. "Its not up to me to judge them or to condemn them. Its up to me to forgive them. And he isnt giving up on his business either. In fact, Blackburn says he hopes hes able to continue working until hes 100 years old. I want my customers to know that Im not going anywhere. Ill still be here," he said. "After 68 years, you just dont walk away from something. Blackburn told WAAY 31 he didnt have any surveillance video of the theft, but he did file a police report. If you saw anything or know whos responsible for the crime, you're asked to call the Decatur Police Department. A second lawsuit was filed Tuesday against the driver and the charter bus company, Teague VIP Express, after a fatal wreck in Mississippi that resulted in 2 deaths and 44 injuries. The bus was travelling from Huntsville to Tunica, Mississippi when it crashed in severe weather. The lawsuit was filed by Veronica Love, Minnie Allen, Hilda McComb and Willie Corner, who are all residents of north Alabama. This comes after another lawsuit was filed in November against the bus company. Both suits claims the driver was going too fast for the weather conditions. This lawsuit filed today is 18 pages, compared to 8 from the one filed last week. This suit details specific things the defendants would be liable for if they are found to be at fault. According to attorney Will League of Huntsville one of his clients, who is part of the suit filed Tuesday, has a broken back. That is not the only injury his clients claim to have, "anywhere from brain injury, spinal injury, fractured bones, ACL's, shoulder surgeries," said League. League's suit claims the driver, Robin Vines, was not properly trained for the weather conditions and did not handle the situation properly, but there is a lot they still don't know about the accident that could impact any sort of settlement. "If we find out there was a warning they failed to heed and went in the face of that warning that will rise to wantonness, or punitive damages," said League. Right now, the Mississippi Highway Patrol still won't release the completed crash report, because it has personal information in it. Previously, they told us the bus was, "possibly," going too fast for the weather conditions. League and his team have the report, but still need more info, "We're evaluating it, along with our experts, to determine if our re-constructionists come up with the same conclusions that the mississippi highway patrol has," said League. It could be a while before this and other lawsuits go to court, "I tell clients its like taking a ticket at an ice cream stand; waiting your turn to get to court, so you don't know when that will be," said League. WAAY 31 called the bus company, Teague VIP Express, and the driver, Robin Vines, but both could not be reached for comment. S. Lucia choir performs in Italy thanks to Swedish embassy in Rome. 10-11 Dec. This years choir of young students from Stockholms Musikgymnasium high school will perform Swedish traditional Christmas songs, carols and hymns at St Peter's Basilica on Monday 10 December at 17.00. This is followed later that evening with a concert at Piazza di Pietra in the historic centre, at 19.00, where guests will be provided with Swedish Christmas treats such as glogg (hot spiced wine), pepparkakor (ginger bread biscuits), and julmust (non-alcoholic soft drink). On Tuesday 11 December the choir will perform at the IKEA store at Porta di Roma at 14.00. S. Lucia, the third-century Italian martyr from Syracuse, has over the years lent her name to a festival of light in Scandinavia. Now one of Sweden's most important annual events, the festival features youngsters dressed in white robes and red sashes, carrying candles in procession as traditional songs are sung.For insights into Rome's Swedish community see Wanted in Rome feature article The Smithsonian spent about $750 million building the American Indian and African American museums, and a similar amount was used to renovate most of its other buildings, including the National Portrait Gallery/Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History, three of its most-visited branches. The latest priority is the renovation of the Smithsonians most-visited attraction, the 42-year-old National Air and Space Museum, which welcomed about 7 million visitors last year. Congress has awarded about $248 million of the $700 million for that seven-year project to replace the museums mechanical systems and stone exterior, while Smithsonian officials have pledged to raise $250 million in private donations to update the exhibition galleries. After the funeral, Bushs remains will be returned to Houston to lie at St. Martins Episcopal Church before burial Thursday in Texas. His final resting place will be alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years who died in April, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukemia in 1953 at age 3. Madden is protective of her neutrality. She likes nothing on Facebook. She wont say if theres a religion behind her peaceful ways, and if she thinks any zoo animals are adorable, she keeps it to herself. She also declined to comment on a recent effort in Congress to remove gray wolves in the continental United States from federal threatened and endangered lists. Part of the nature of my work is that its not about me. Its really about the people who are in that conflict, that destructive conflict, who are hurting, who have needs that are not being met, and so who I am is irrelevant, she explains. Sixth St., 400 block, 10:15 p.m. Nov. 24. A woman inside a restaurant discovered her purse had been stolen. When she checked her vehicle, it had also been stolen. Police located the vehicle at 11:45 p.m. in the unit block of Bens dDrive. A 35-year-old Annapolis man was arrested and charged with motor vehicle theft, theft, theft of credit card, fraudulent use of a credit card and false statement for giving officers a false name during booking. I think we need to give credit where credit is due, State Board of Education President Justin Hartings said. The fact that they have taken this close a look at this district . . . and found so much better practice, I think, is very positive. Its likely that theres more work to be done but the progress thats been made, I think, is clearly identifiable. The charter school movement is here to stay, but theyre no longer going to serve as this escape hatch for big-city mayors and school boards or investors or people who are critical of the public schools, he said. It isnt going to be a low-wage workspace. It isnt going to be a place where teachers dont have a voice. 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 No name was available, and no cause of the fire could be learned immediately. The site is between S and T streets and about three blocks south of Rhode Island Avenue. Mrs. Wallace said she didnt often known how a book would end until she arrived there. She would sit up late at night writing because I couldnt wait until the next morning to find out, she once said, according to the reference guide Contemporary Authors. Whatever I do write, I know it will always be for children and will always have a happy ending. And thats the wonderful thing about being a writer I get to choose! There is significant public skepticism about self-driving cars, and polls find most people dont want to ride in them. Earlier this year, a driverless Uber SUV killed a pedestrian pushing a bike across a dark street in nearby Tempe. The emergency braking system had been shut off for driverless testing, and the backup driver did not start slowing down until after the vehicle struck Elaine Herzberg, 49. That safety driver had looked down more than 200 times and her smartphone was streaming NBCs The Voice in the run-up to the deadly collision, according to investigators. Theres no way to know whether such an alert would have saved Billie, but her family said that more people may have been on the lookout for her and that they would have taken comfort in knowing everything was being done to find her. They say the legislation would be their daughters legacy. In one exchange with the unnamed staff member, Keady wrote: Next time someone complains about doing things not in their job description, remind me to tell them the story where I went to three different stores before 9 to find tom skim milk lol, the report says. The lab does this testing on what are known as humanized mice. These are mice that start out with deficient immune systems. Tissue from the thymus glands of aborted fetuses is implanted into a capsule in the connective tissue under the mices kidneys. In four months, that tissue grows into the equivalent of a human thymus, the site of the body that produces T cells, which become depleted in people or such mice infected with HIV. The inmate was still in his orange jail jumpsuit and had grabbed a knife sharpening tool from the womans kitchen in Pickens as he headed toward her bedroom around 3 a.m. Tuesday, Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark said. The delayed 2021 race in September drew 180,000 fans over the three racing days under coronavirus mega-event protocols. Another recession will hit, as the latest stock-market fluctuations remind, and after that another boom. The fortunes of the next generation do not turn on that. They turn on whether we change the conditions in society that hold across booms and busts and that determine how the labor market behaves. We will have to revitalize the industrial economy to create better job opportunities, especially for the majority of Americans who still do not obtain even a community college degree, and build pathways in the education system to help such workers gain a foothold in the labor force. We will need a system of organized labor appropriate to the challenges of the 21st century and a safety net that subsidizes work rather than discouraging it. Trade and immigration policies will have to seek balance in the flows of both people and products into and out of our markets. If I ask you the Golden Rule, youll likely answer: Treat others as you wish to be treated; do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But there is another version, the one youre liable to hear around courthouses, in prisons and in other precincts where the rubber of justice meets the road of inequality. It goes like this: Those with the gold make the rules. As a university president, I know all too well how crucial it is and how complex it can be to quickly and appropriately respond to sexual harassment and sexual violence. Since I came to lead the University of California in 2014, the UC system has dedicated significant time, tangible resources and its best thinking to develop processes that are fair to those accused and to those bringing complaints. Many other schools did the same, and as these processes continue to evolve on campuses and in the courts, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure fair and equitable outcomes for all parties. We have made important progress and, as a result, have seen a significant increase in reporting. This is important because it means people feel more confident about coming forward and are able to access the resources and recourse available to them. A second heavily-redacted portion of the memo appears to refer to Flynns cooperation in an area of the special counsels investigation other than interactions between Trump officials and Russians. Again, we cant be certain, but it seems likely this refers to Muellers investigation of possible obstruction of justice by the president. Flynn was at the center of much of that alleged obstruction; for example, former FBI director James B. Comey reported that Trump asked him to back off on the investigation of Flynn after it became apparent that he had lied to the FBI about his actions on behalf of the president. It make sense that Flynn had information relevant to the obstruction investigation to share with the special counsels office. George H.W. Bushs noblesse oblige and humility were on full display when, as a junior Foreign Service officer, I accompanied him during a visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, in 1995. Although already out of office and in Jakarta only to give a speech at a private event, he insisted on visiting the U.S. Embassy to have his picture taken with the Marine Security Guards and greet the embassy staff. The line of U.S. and Indonesian employees waiting to see him stretched around a large outdoor courtyard. After a half-hour of him shaking hands, one of his aides suggested that he go inside to escape the oppressive heat and humidity. No, I cant do that, he said. There are people still waiting in line. The Nashua debate was a big story, but there was a follow-up a few months later to which the press paid little attention that confirmed Reagans low opinion of Bush. Bush had complained that in the Texas primary, he was being smeared by leaflets circulated by Reagan supporters. On May 2, in Houston, a local television station put the question to Reagan, who heatedly denied responsibility for the leaflets. The station then showed the clip to Bush, while being interviewed in his Houston home. To the astonishment of Reagan and his wife, Nancy, who were watching the interview, Bush absolved Reagan of blame and said the leaflets were no big deal. The article focused on the various ways some senior executives in finance have been spooked by #MeToo and are struggling to cope resorting to staying on different hotel floors from women when on business trips, not dining alone with any woman 35 or younger, leaving an office door open when meeting one-on-one with a junior female. Generally speaking, these might not be such bad rules but for the fact that, as Bloomberg News pointed out, young women often need mentors to advance and female executives are far scarcer than men on Wall Street. And as one wealth adviser said, simply hiring a woman has become an unknown risk. Trump was in the company of all his living predecessors for the first time Wednesday, and the encounter was plainly uncomfortable. By 10:49 a.m., when Trump and first lady Melania Trump stepped into the cathedral, a cool hush had come over the pews filled by American dignitaries and foreign leaders, past and present. Trump handed his black overcoat to a military aide and took his seat on the aisle next to his wife, with three past presidents and first ladies seated to her side. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Mueller will have an opportunity to lay out additional pieces of the evidence he has been gathering later this week. On Friday, prosecutors with the special counsels office are scheduled to file a letter to the judge who will sentence Michael Cohen, the presidents former attorney. The letter will outline additional details of Cohens cooperation with Muellers office. People are saying . . . theres no fraud, and the others are saying theres a lot of fraud, Gardner said at the time in response to accusations made by the panels vice chairman, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, regarding college students use of out-of-state ID cards to vote. And there might be no fraud; there might be a lot of fraud. But theres no proof! Like his predecessors, Trump also took a motorcade to the recent lighting of the National Christmas Tree, on the Ellipse though Trump left the press pool behind after his speech when he returned to the White House, with the reporters stranded outside in frigid temperatures, reduced to tweeting their displeasure. (The White House pool of 13 reporters, photographers and videographers has long shadowed the U.S. president to record his movements for history and in case of an emergency.) Barrow is a centrist who ran ads in which he said, Yeah, Im a Democrat, but I wont bite you, and he was attempting to energize a base of liberal voters Abrams had mobilized for her campaign. He was also attempting a political rebirth: He served as a congressman for a decade before losing his seat in 2014. In all, there were five more trips in January and February, according to documents and interviews. The number of attendees rose to 50 on one trip in late January, and the trips extended to three nights, according to agendas sent to veterans. That also was the clients call. Gibson said he never told any Trump hotel staff that the Saudis were paying: I did all this on my corporate credit card for my client, who was Qorvis, and said I was bringing a group of veterans to work on legislation. Last evening at a political forum at American University, Senator Tester misheard a question about Governor Bullock and his future, Testers chief of staff, Aaron Murphy, said in a statement. Governor Bullock was the only Democrat in the nation to win a statewide reelection in a state President Trump won in 2016, and Jon knows the Governors focus now is to keep bringing Republicans and Democrats together, to fight dark money in politics, and to find effective policy solutions for Montanans. But the tension was still blindingly obvious. When Trump and first lady Melania Trump entered the church, they exchanged brief handshakes with the Obamas, who were seated next to them, as dictated by protocol. Melania Trump shook hands with Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton gave her a smile. But the president made no effort to greet the Clintons. Bill Clinton looked in Trumps direction briefly, as if willing to shake hands. But Hillary Clinton stared straight ahead and never glanced at the man who defeated her for the White House. I dont think we can just keep looking the other way or sweep this issue under the rug, Huffman said in an interview, citing potential threats to public safety and national security from a lost or stolen weapon or an overheated lawmaker. Our political climate is too volatile and there are too many warning signs that we need to address things like this. Last week, Trump publicly accused Pakistan of not doing a damn thing to help the United States despite huge amounts of American aid. Khan responded with an indignant tweet saying that the record needs to be put straight on Mr. Trumps tirade against Pakistan, which he said had suffered more than 75,000 casualties in the fight against terrorism. The United States, he said, should stop making Pakistan a scapegoat for its failure to win the war in Afghanistan. Russia has managed to create the perception in the Middle East that it is more powerful, more capable and more relevant than the United States, he said. Its not how much power you have. Its how you use it. The United States has all these troops and bases, and Russia has a fraction of that. But Russia uses its power more effectively. The aides, Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Assiri and Saud al-Qahtani, are believed to be in Saudi Arabia, and there is little chance the Saudi government will surrender them to Turkish authorities. Rather, the warrants appeared to be part of a continuing effort by the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to pressure Saudi Arabia to reveal more details about Khashoggis killing, as well as to isolate the crown prince. The Malaysian corruption probe known by the shorthand 1MDB for the economic development fund on which it focused has drawn many headlines over the years as investigators traced the money they believe was pilfered by government officials and their associates. Notably, prosecutors in the United States sought to seize some future proceeds from the award-winning movie The Wolf of Wall Street that they said were connected to the case, and authorities in Malaysia charged their countrys former prime minister with money laundering. Brauer proposed having the undercovers U.S. clients send money overseas and setting up a fake investment for them. Then, Brauer would create a fake loss to the clients from the investment, so that if anyone questioned where the money had gone, it would look like the money had been placed in an investment that had done poorly, the indictment charges. Brauer then stated . . . he and the undercover could move the money back to the United States for the undercovers U.S. clients without the IRS discovering it. Khalid abruptly left Washington in October as U.S. officials and lawmakers called on the kingdom to straighten out its shifting explanations of Khashoggis death. Saudi authorities had first claimed that Khashoggi walked out of the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul after his Oct. 2 visit. They then said he died in a confrontation that escalated into a fistfight, then later admitted that he was killed by Saudi agents who flew to Istanbul from Riyadh for the purpose. Saudi Arabia, Russia and other members of the OPEC+ group recommended an oil production cut, defying a Twitter plea from President Donald Trump to keep the taps open, but their meeting didn't agree on how big any reduction should be. The group secured the participation of Russia for six months of output curbs starting in January, Oman's Oil Minister Mohammed Al Rumhy told reporters in Vienna as he left the meeting on Wednesday. Ministers from the core OPEC group, which doesn't include Russia, will now meet on Thursday to seek a consensus on exactly who will cut and by how much. Credit:Bloomberg The committee didn't discuss specific numbers and there's still debate on the scale of the cut that's needed. Al Rumhy said the group could eventually agree to remove about 1 million barrels a day from the market -- just over 1 per cent of global output -- but a delegate from another country said some members believe a smaller reduction is adequate. Ministers from the core OPEC group, which doesn't include Russia, will now meet on Thursday to seek a consensus on exactly who will cut and by how much. While Saudi Arabia, the group's biggest producer, will shoulder most of the burden, the kingdom wants commitments from other countries before completing a final deal. A captain of the Australian army was convicted in a Canberra military court on Monday of raping a fellow officer, after he inserted a beer bottle into the mans anus during a drunken incident at a work function. Prosecutors and the defence described the offence committed by Captain Rhiley Boyson against his friend as a prank, an act of tomfoolery gone too far". After a five-day court martial, and an hour and a half of deliberating, a panel of five male officers found 26-year-old Boyson guilty of one count of sexual intercourse without consent earlier this week. On Tuesday, the panel retired to consider the sentence they will impose and it is expected they will deliver it on Wednesday. It seemed likely Boyson will be kicked out of the army, either by the panel ordering a sentence of dismissal or through an administrative termination notice after the conviction, the court heard. Chris Dawson has been arrested in Queensland over the death of his wife Lynette and was denied bail as he is extradited to NSW. Mr Dawson, subject of a podcast called The Teacher's Pet, was arrested by Queensland police officers at a home in Biggera Waters on the Gold Coast on Wednesday morning, at the request of New South Wales Police. Lynette Dawson disappeared in 1982, her body has never been found. Mrs Dawson disappeared in 1982. Her body has never been found. The 70-year-old former Newtown Jets rugby league player and high school teacher was expected to be charged with murder. AAP reports it's believed new evidence was provided by Ms Curtis and another former student of Mr Dawson's. Mr Dawson told her family that his wife needed time away, and failed to report her disappearance to police for almost six weeks. Chris and Lynette Dawson on their wedding day. Credit:Sean Davey Long the prime suspect, Mr Dawson has always maintained his innocence and has repeatedly told police that his wife took off of her own accord. His family released a statement on Wednesday saying they were confident he would be found not guilty. We are disappointed at the decision of the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] as there is clear and uncontested evidence that Lyn Dawson was alive long after she left Chris and their daughters, it read. Chris Dawson, pictured in 1970, has been arrested over the death of his wife, Lynette Dawson. The case has twice been referred to the NSW Coroner. In 2003, then-deputy state coroner Carl Milovanovich recommending that a "known person" be charged with murder but the DPP has repeatedly declined to prosecute. Looking for Lynette A year after the state government increased the reward money for information about Mrs Dawsons disappearance to $200,000, Strike Force Scriven was formed in 2015 to further investigate the circumstances in which she went missing. Detective Senior Constable Daniel Poole, whose work NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller branded "tireless" at a press conference on Wednesday, took over from long-time investigator Detective Sergeant Damian Loone when the renewed investigation kicked off. NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller addresses the media on Wednesday. Credit:AAP In April this year, Detective Superintendent Cook wrote to the DPP with the polices brief of evidence, and an application for a warrant was lodged after NSW Police received advice back from the DPP earlier this week. In September, police conducted a five-day dig beneath the family home but it did not uncover any further evidence or clues. Commissioner Fuller said Mrs Dawsons family were relieved at her husbands arrest. Loading "We spoke to the family of Lynette Dawson this morning, who were certainly relieved to hear this result, he said. Mrs Dawsons nephew David Jenkins tweeted that he was shaking after news broke. It's been a long struggle too, but hopefully there's a light at the end of the tunnel, he wrote online. All this won't be resolved until Lyn is at rest. Commissioner Fuller on Wednesday vowed the hunt for Mrs Dawsons body would continue, and expressed hope Mr Dawson would help investigators uncover it. "We would like to have found the body of Lynette Dawson, not just for the evidence but for the family and we certainly will not give up on the search," he said. Previously, former director of public prosecutions Nicholas Cowdery QC told the ABCs Australian Story that he had declined to prosecute because the case was weak without a body to confirm Mrs Dawson was dead. "Without a body, without knowing first of all whether in fact she is dead, without knowing secondly if she is dead, how she died, it's very hard to mount a case of a reasonable prospect of conviction just on motive and the undefined existence of means and opportunity. That makes it very weak," he said. 'Concerned about the stigma' Lynette Dawson disappeared in 1982, her body has never been found. Mr Dawson is expected to be charged with his wifes 1982 murder, and face a Sydney court this week after he flies back in police custody. A police source said suggestions that police were considering chartering a private plane to return him were incorrect, and that logistics and security clearances from airlines were a routine part of the extradition process between different jurisdictions. "He is concerned about the stigma that is attached to an extradition," his lawyer Rachel Barnes told the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday. "He does understand the seriousness of the allegations." Criminal lawyer Lauren MacDougall of Korn MacDougall Legal said the intense media scrutiny, including a popular podcast from The Australian newspaper, will impact on Mr Dawsons ability to get a fair trial. When Informer 3838 first turned snitch, detectives wanted to know why she wanted to be an informer (it is standard practice to try to establish the motivation). Now, 14 years later, they are still not sure. What we do know is she was not trapped into betraying her clients it was her idea. At a dinner with members of the Purana taskforce she spoke of wanting to clear her conscience and make a fresh start but the detectives were not convinced. Informer 3838 and the legal controversy surrounding her have dominated this week's headlines. Credit:Mark Stehle What they believe is she wanted to head down a one-way road that would make it impossible for her to U-turn and head back, not to being a criminal barrister but a confidant of gangsters and there is a difference. She made the terrible mistake of not treating her clients as exactly that, people to meet in an office to provide legal advice and in court to defend them. She became a mate, she drank with them, laughed with them and this is what has blurred the professional line. Prominent gangland lawyer Zarah Garde-Wilson has claimed she tried to expose a former police informant who betrayed some of the state's most dangerous criminals. Ms Garde-Wilson said she became aware years ago of the conduct of a fellow gangland lawyer who had turned police informer. The informer, known as 3838, has claimed to have helped Victoria Police in at least 386 cases involving notorious figures from Melbourne's underworld, including major drug traffickers, murderers and Mafia figures. Ms Garde-Wilson revealed she knew Informer 3838 was working in a dual capacity since 2014 and further claimed she had been fighting for a royal commission into the legal scandal ever since. Thirty-six years after his wife Lynettes suspicious disappearance, Chris Dawson has been sensationally arrested on the Gold Coast in what NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller hailed as an "important step" towards justice for the missing mother-of-two. Speaking at a packed media conference on Wednesday morning, Mr Fuller declared authorities "will not give up" on finding the body of Mrs Dawson, whose disappearance was the subject of the popular Teacher's Pet podcast. NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller addresses the media on Wednesday after Chris Dawson's arrest. Credit:AAP The unsolved homicide squad established Strike Force Scriven in 2015 to re-investigate the circumstances surrounding Mrs Dawson's disappearance and suspected murder. Police said their extensive investigations led to the brief of evidence being sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to review last April. Australian National University chancellor Gareth Evans has downplayed the threats to academic freedoms in Australia but suggested there were enough warning signs for institutions to take action and prevent their campuses being "infected" by problems seen in the United States. Professor Evans, a former Labor foreign minister, also defended the ANU's rejection of Ramsay Centre philanthropic funding, saying the decision was based on "alarm bells" over contractual arrangements and not hostility to the idea of a Western civilisation program. He lashed activists at the University of Sydney for opposing the principle of a Ramsay partnership, accusing them of "nonsensical" anti-intellectualism. ANU chancellor and former Labor foreign minister, Gareth Evans. Credit:Daniel Munoz At an ANU summit on academic freedom and autonomy on Wednesday, Professor Evans said Australia did "not presently have anything remotely resembling a free speech crisis", backing comments on Tuesday from leading academic Glyn Davis, who dismissed the issue as a "confected calamity". There was "no obvious present need" for a review of free speech on university campuses, Professor Evans said, rejecting the process established by the Morrison government that will consider measures to safeguard an environment of free inquiry in higher education. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will allow an urgent conscience vote on a law to strip religious schools of the right to expel gay students, after the Coalition and Labor failed to agree on the terms of a bill. The government bill would abolish religious schools' right to expel LGBTI students, but allow schools to introduce rules to uphold their "ethos", even if it involved indirect discrimination. "I think members should vote with their conscience on this": Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Morrison said he was prepared to suspend standing orders in the Parliament today and bring on an urgent debate. "I want to resolve this, but its got to be done reasonably and fairly," he said. Spurned Labor MP Emma Husar could move to the crossbench before the budget in a move that would set her up to recontest her western Sydney seat as an independent next year. The backbencher has stoked fears among colleagues that she may quit the party in protest at what she sees as a smear campaign by former staff and enemies within the Labor machine. "I have lots of friends around this building": Labor MP Emma Husar. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Ms Husar has missed both Labor caucus meetings this parliamentary sitting fortnight, citing illness, but was well enough to participate in a parliamentary basketball game on Tuesday. On Monday, she said she deliberately missed a vote moved by deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek condemning Prime Minister Scott Morrison for "abandoning women" because: "I was not elected to play politics or be played by agendas of others." Wellington: A powerful earthquake that struck in the southern Pacific Ocean on Wednesday sent jitters around the region after authorities warned of possible tsunamis, but there were no initial reports of destructive waves or major damage. The magnitude 7.5 quake hit in the afternoon near the French territory of New Caledonia at a shallow depth, where earthquakes are generally more damaging. It was felt as far away as Vanuatu, about 630 kilometres away. The Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia. Credit:Alamy Tsunami sirens blared across New Caledonia minutes after the quake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said tsunami waves of between one and three metres were possible along some coasts of New Caledonia and Vanuatu, before later lifting the warning. Local authorities in New Caledonia ordered residents to evacuate coastal zones on the eastern edge of the archipelago, including the Loyalty Islands and the island of Ile des Pins. The evacuation order from the regional police said western islands didn't need to evacuate but should remain vigilant. An Appleton man accused of posing as a doctor is being held on $200,000 bond on 18 criminal counts. The prosecutors' 20-page criminal complain details conversations investigators had with four patients and the defendant, Kyle Larsen. "He had given... somebody a flu shot. He had given some other medications that people had taken that are unknown at this time, Somebody else received a medication with red drops that they were suppose to take. Some of these people took all the medication so there's nothing left," District Attorney Melinda Tempelis said. According to the complaint: Larsen, 32, presented himself to patients as Dr. Kyle Ellis at his practice, Medical Psychology of Wisconsin LLC, on E. Wisconsin Ave. They say Larsen gave Ritalin and Amoxicillin to patients without a prescription; gave a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia a shot, which Larsen later said was a flu shot; and gave liquid concoctions, including a blue liquid and a prescription medication mixed with water and oil, to a patient with depression. The complaint says in one case, he contacted a patient's employer and provided them with updates on her treatment. She ended up resigning from her job. That patient told police "Dr. Ellis" also texted her, many times some days, with very inappropriate messages. Some of his patients found him through Craigslist ads, others from Facebook friend referrals. He didn't accept insurance and made everyone pay in cash. One patient paid him $20 and he said he would continue treating her for free. Larsen told investigators he was a licensed practical nurse but lost his job after he was arrested for theft, and it was hard to get a nursing job after that. He was working as a janitor, and had the idea to start a medical practice with a real doctor, but he had a hard time getting started. He also admitted his practice isn't really a limited liability corporation because he couldn't afford the paperwork for an LLC. The prescription Ritalin and Amoxicillin patients were his own, he said. Asked where he got the medical equipment for his office, Larsen said he bought it off Craigslist, at garage sales and from a retired chiropractor. Police also say Larsen broke into a dental office in his Wisconsin Ave. office building to steal equipment and a prescription pad. Larsen was charged Wednesday with six felony counts of theft by false representation. Other felony charges include manufacturing or delivering a prescription drug and maintaining a drug trafficking place. Four counts of practicing medicine or surgery without a license, three counts of practicing pharmacy without a license, and two counts of unlicensed practice of psychology are misdemeanors. He's being held on $200,000 cash bond. WSU Hosts Faraday Lectures, a Scientific Holiday Tradition December 5, 2018 OGDEN, Utah Faraday Lectures, a unique celebration combining the holidays and science, returns to Weber State University, Dec. 17 from 6-8 p.m. on the first and second floors of the Tracy Hall Science Center. The Faraday Lectures pay homage to Michael Faraday, a renowned English scientist known for his contributions to electromagnetism and electrochemistry. Faraday hosted Christmas Lectures at The Royal Institution in London from 1825 to 1861. WSU has continued the holiday tradition to entertain and educate both children and adults. Every member of the chemistry and biochemistry department became a scientist because they were fascinated by our physical world, even from a young age, said assistant professor Brandon Burnett. We hope to provide an opportunity to fascinate and inspire the next generation of great scientists through a celebration of cool chemistry. Demonstrations and activities will teach scientific principles such as chemical reactions, energy, catalysts and hydrophobic materials. Presentations will be provided by faculty from the chemistry and biochemistry departments, the Weber State Chemistry Club and high school students from Weber High and NUAMES. Weber States College of Science began hosting the Faraday Lectures in 2013 and has continued and grown the event each holiday season since. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Visit weber.edu/chemistry/faraday for more information about the Faraday Lectures. For photos of the 2017 Faraday Lectures, visit the following link: wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Faraday-Lectures-2017 Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. There may be tens of thousands of contaminated sites across Connecticut, according to the state, among them 516 designated as brownfields. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) estimates that there could be tens of thousands of sites in the state that are or may be polluted, which it attributes to Connecticuts long industrial history, according to an issue brief on brownfields released by the states Office of Legislative Research. UPDATE 2 P.M.: State Rep. David Michel, D-146, has called off his plans to protest and boycott and will instead join a discussion at the Avon Theatre about the film. ORIGINAL STORY: STAMFORD Ritual dolphin killing is again riling an incoming state representative after he learned a documentary white-washing the slaughter is coming to a theater near you. Shippan native David Michel, who will be sworn in to represent the 146th state House District early next month, is calling for a boycott of a film screening Wednesday evening at the Avon Theatre. The cinema will screen A Whale of a Tale and host director Megumi Sasaki. The film casts the annual slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan as a complicated matter pitting tradition against activism local interests versus global citizens. Michel, who volunteered for the activist group Sea Shepherd and spent time in Taiji in 2013 to combat the killings, said wholesale slaughter is a more accurate representation. He had to cancel another trip there this winter because of the upcoming legislative session, he said. Dolphins are herded into a hidden cove where they are captured sometimes sold for $200,000 a head to zoos and aquariums or killed in large numbers, he said. He shared with the Stamford Advocate photos he took from his trip, which included blood-red water and penned-in dolphins. This is frustrating for me, Michel said. (The film) is really, really, really propaganda and its now in my backyard. Adam Birnbaum, the Avons director of business development and film programming, said he is saddened by Michels reaction. The Avon is a nonprofit, a non-partisan venue and safe space, he said. The Bedford Street theater is a viable conduit to challenging subjects. We are not and will never be censors, Birnbaum said. Michel said his trip to Japan and an earlier documentary on the killings called The Cove, which sought to expose both a shocking instance of animal abuse and a serious threat to human health, according to IMDB, prompted him to be more politically involved and even made him vegan. It changed me forever, he said. There is no two ways of seeing this this is not tradition, this is money. A Whale of a Tale is in many ways a rebuttal and follow-up on The Cove, which won an Academy Award. The Avon is playing the film Wednesday evening as part of a documentary-night series. On its website, the theater says the film reveals the complex story behind the ongoing debate. Told through a wide range of characters, including local fishermen, international activists and an American journalist (and longtime Japanese resident), this powerful documentary unearths a deep divide in eastern and western thought about nature and wildlife and cultural sensitivity in the face of global activism. Birnbaum said he picked the film because the theater has kept in touch with Sasaki after screening her 2008 film Herb & Dorothy. Not only is this a provocative subject, he said, but its a film about a exploring another film. It could absolutely stimulate a very interesting discourse. Michel said he hopes to introduce a bill that bans Connecticut zoos and aquariums from purchasing cetaceans dolphins, whales and porpoises when he is in office. Birnbaum said he questions Michels fitness for office after promoting a boycott of a nonprofit art-house cinema. Michel said he loves the Avon and doesnt mean to promote a boycott of the theater itself, but wants to keep the movie out of Stamford. Im really sorry and sad to see that somebody who is an elected official in the state of Connecticut could pick this path, Birnbaum said. barry.lytton@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2263; @bglytton Chabad of Stamford hosted its annual Giant Menorah Lighting at Latham Park in Stamford on Tuesday. Fairfield County's largest menorah was lit as folks enjoyed music, apple cider and latkes in a celebration on the third night of Hanukkah. Gov.-elect Ned Lamont has named Melissa McCaw, the acting chief financial officer for the city of Hartford, as his top budget and policy official, succeeding Ben Barnes, who has held the job for eight years under Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Lamont also appointed Ryan Drajewicz, a Fairfield resident and onetime aide to former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd and an executive at Westport-based Bridgewater Associates, as chief of staff for his administration. Drajewicz has been executive director of the Lamont transition team after taking a leave of absence from Bridgewater, the worlds largest hedge fund. Drajewicz has been part of top management at Bridgewater, which has $162 billion under management. He was part of the team that was planning for the succession of founder and CEO Ray Dalio, Connecticuts richest resident, who still runs the firm. Both appointees, arguably the most important of the governors administration, are age 39. Were trying to recruit from the broadest cross section of folks that want to serve our state, Lamont said, adding McCaw was his first choice for the secretary of Office and Policy Management. I like the fact that Melissa has been on the front lines, Lamont said, referring to the city of Hartfords well-documented budget woes that will require oversight from the state. Shes battle tested. McCaw, of Hartford, will be the first black woman to serve as the governors top budget aide. She was a budget manager for OPM under both Gov. John G. Rowland and Gov. M. Jodi Rells administrations, and a budget director for the University of Hartford. More recently, she worked closely with OPM as a state oversight board took partial control of Hartford municipal finances. McCaw has held the interim position in Hartford for three years. She helped negotiate a highly controversial arrangement earlier this year under which the state agreed to pay the citys $550 million in long-term, outstanding debt. Critics called it an outrageous bailout. Defenders said it was the best mechanism for stabilizing the capital city. They said they expect the city to pay much of the debt after a few years. McCaw will take office facing an immediate projected shortfall of $1.7 billion for the fiscal year that starts July 1 and will be Lamonts chief adviser on how to balance the budget. Though her experience has been primarily apolitical and numbers-driven, McCaws new role will require her to work closely with politicians as she negotiates with the state Legislature. Lamont joked he now owes Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin a favor for taking McCaw from the city. Bronin hugged McCaw after the announcement in the halls of the Capitol building, and offered his congratulations. The Office of Policy and Management oversees policy in a broad swath of state initiatives such as criminal justice planning, hiring and management methods in addition to crafting and directing the governors budget. Barnes, a former budget director in the city of Stamford. Barnes will move to a job as chief financial officer for the Connecticut community colleges and state universities, not including the University of Connecticut. Drajewicz has managed teams of up to 60 people at Bridgewater, he said. The hedge fund is known for its unusual and aggressive corporate culture of radical transparency, including tactics such as publicly ranking employees. Lamont said he was impressed with Drajewiczs ideas. I really like the importance he puts upon the performance metrics and thinking about how we reorganize government and thinking about how our government departments work together in a more collaborative way so we get to more effectiveness and perhaps some cost savings, Lamont said. His experience in the financial sector a critical industry in the Connecticut economy thanks to its high-paid employees that call the state home, and who the Lamont administration hopes to keep on the tax rolls is no doubt an attempt to bridge the gap between the government and the financial services sector. I returned to public service because this is a critical time for Connecticut, Drajewicz said. kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt NEW CANAAN The property at 716 Silvermine Road is a study in contrast. At one end of the two-acre level corner lot is a rustic historic barn built in the late 19th century, and at the other end is a stately colonial house that was built a century later on a picturesque private lane. The two combine to create an attractive estate that straddles past and present, and it sits in historic Silvermine. Silvermine is a unique Fairfield County, Connecticut neighborhood which is made up of adjoining sections of Norwalk, New Canaan and Wilton, according to the website for the Silvermine Community Association, a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization. Association membership comprises residents and friends of this area. Members engage in cultural, civic, literary, historic, social, and charitable activities, and the association hosts events year-round, including occasional history dinners, neighborhood clean-ups, an annual potluck dinner and quarterly Silvermine socials, the website says. This festive time of year, Santa Claus always arrives on the back of the fire engine to deliver presents to children of SCA members, and the Easter Bunny visits the associations annual Pancake Breakfast. Also found in Silvermine is GrayBarns on the Silvermine River in neighboring Norwalk, a short distance from this house, as is the Silvermine Art Center in New Canaan. GrayBarns has a rich history of its own. The former millhouse and textile factory, which is now a rustically luxurious inn and tavern offering an upscale seasonal menu, once catered to celebrities and now serves as an elegant retreat. The tavern hosted Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher on their honeymoon and received frequent visits from Hollywood heartthrob Spencer Tracy, the GrayBarns website says. While GrayBarns provides deluxe accommodations, this 6,675-square-foot clapboard and stone house features its own upscale amenities and other attractive features, including its heated Gunite in-ground swimming pool, pool house, built-in grilling area, an outdoor fireplace, and fruit trees apples and pears. There is also a carriage barn with two heated garage bays and a studio above it with a kitchenette and full bath. ABOUT THIS HOUSE STYLE: Colonial ADDRESS: 716 Silvermine Road PRICE: $2,750,000 ROOMS: 11 FEATURES: 2.06-acre level property, corner lot, historic barn, carriage barn with heated garage bays and studio, heated Gunite in-ground swimming pool, spa, pool house, flagstone terraces, exterior lighting, three fireplaces (one of them outdoors), outdoor gas grill, pergola, covered rear porch, proximity to conservation land trust property, convenient to three town centers, wet bar, rear stairs, apple and pear orchard, thermal storm windows, private guest room/au pair suite, skylights, wood roof, full partially finished walk-out lower level, pull-down attic stairs, attached and detached garages with total of five bays, semi-circular driveway with double border of Belgium block, stone wall, zoned central air conditioning and heating system, can be available largely furnished, six bedrooms, six full and one half baths SCHOOLS: East Elementary, Saxe Middle, New Canaan High School ASSESSMENT: $1,533,910 MILL RATE: 16.96 mills TAXES: $26,015 See More Collapse The white house with gray shutters was built in 1972 and was meticulously renovated by current owners. Many improvements were made this year giving the house a renovated chefs kitchen with new custom-designed white cabinetry, a renovated master bath with a soaking tub, oversized shower, double vanity and marble floor; and renovated den. Several spaces, including the formal living room, family room, and guest bedroom, were updated, repainted and re-carpeted. The exterior of the house was power-washed and repainted, and in the backyard the pool equipment was replaced with an all new system that includes remote access from an iPhone. Indoor-outdoor living is encouraged with the French doors that lead from the formal living room to a flagstone patio. In the formal dining room another set of French doors leads to the patio with the grilling area and fireplace. Inside, there is a marble fireplace in the living room and a floor-to-ceiling red brick fireplace in the family room. The main barn on the property was built circa 1875, according to James Sexton, architectural and documentary researcher with special expertise in colonial architecture. Sexton has prepared Historic Structures Reports for the Bush-Holley historic site in Greenwich and the Pardee-Morris House, owned by the New Haven Colony Historical Society. In a report he presented to the New Canaan Planning and Zoning Commission on September 26, 2007, Sexton called this structure a side-entry or eaves-front bank barn with a sawn, square-rule frame, interior silo, and gambrel roof. It has two small gable roofed dependencies that together create a structure with a U-shaped plan. If the building were constructed much earlier than this, it would not have been raised up off the ground in the way that it is, Sexton said, adding the U-shaped collection of buildings creates a shelter doorway to the south of the main barn, fitting a longstanding tradition. From the research Sexton did on this barn, he concluded that this is an architecturally and historically significant structure. The barn complex at 716 Silvermine Road is a well-preserved example of the sorts of agricultural structures from the end of the 19th century that once filled the landscape of Fairfield County (and much of the rest of Connecticut as well). Its survival into the 21st century makes it an important physical reminder of the areas agrarian past and an artifact well worth preserving for future generations, Sexton said in his report. There are other advantages to this location. The house is only minutes to schools, the New Canaan train station, and the centers of three towns New Canaan, Norwalk, and Wilton. It is also close to the New Canaan Land Trusts Silvermine-Fowler Preserve with walking trails. For more information or to make an appointment to see the house contact co-listing agents Marsha Charles and Holly Slattery of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; Charles at 203-904-4663 or marsha.charles@cbmoves.com, and Slattery at 203-722-2139 or holly.slattery@coldwellbankermoves.com. Tangerine Bank, a subsidiary of Scotiabank, is set to embark on new growth plans as it recently welcomed its new president and CEO. Gillian Riley, who was appointed to fill in the position effective Dec. 1, will be responsible for setting and spearheading Tangerine's strategic objectives to solidify its position in Canadas digital banking industry. "[Rileys appointment] is a reflection of her ability to build strong teams and deliver outstanding business results. Gillian's extensive experience in retail banking positions her exceptionally well to lead Tangerine during this time of growth," said James O'Sullivan, Scotiabanks group head of Canadian banking. Riley joined Scotiabank in 1994. Prior to her appointment as Tangerine president and CEO, she served as executive vice president in commercial banking. Riley succeeds Brenda Rideout, who served as president and CEO of the company since 2017 and had been with the organization for more than 18 years. 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. Lillie Freeman Audio Article Lillie Freeman, 93, of Fairview, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. Lillie was born... Lewis Bayer Audio Article Lewis Bayer was a caring brother, uncle, and friend to many within Floresville, Texas, and the surrounding communities. The Lord... Gene Ernest Maeckel Audio Article Gene Ernest Maeckel of Poth, Texas, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021. Born... WASHINGTON - Thousands of emails were stolen from aides to the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 2018 midterm campaign, a major breach exposing vulnerabilities that have kept cybersecurity experts on edge since the 2016 presidential race. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. WASHINGTON - Thousands of emails were stolen from aides to the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 2018 midterm campaign, a major breach exposing vulnerabilities that have kept cybersecurity experts on edge since the 2016 presidential race. The email accounts were compromised during a series of intrusions that had been spread over several months and discovered in April, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. At least four party aides had their emails surveilled by hackers, said the person, who was not authorized to discuss the details publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The committee said an "unknown entity" was behind the hack but provided few other details. A cybersecurity firm and the FBI have been investigating the matter, the committee said. The FBI declined to comment. Politically motivated cyberespionage is commonplace across the world, but Americans have become particularly alert to the possibility of digital interference since Russia's meddling in the 2016 election. The theft of Democrats' emails is still fresh in the minds of many political operatives and lawmakers, who have stepped up defensive measures but still struggle to protect themselves. Foreign spies routinely try to hack into politicians' emails to gain insight, ferret out weaknesses and win a diplomatic edge. But hackers often launch sweeping spear-phishing campaigns to gain access to a variety accounts with no political motivation. With no immediate suspects and few technical details, it's unclear what the significance of this latest incursion is. In August, the Democratic National Committee thought it had thwarted an attempt to break into its massive voter database but the effort turned out to be unauthorized test that mimicked what an attack would look like. CrowdStrike, a California-based cybersecurity company, said Tuesday the NRCC asked the company in April to "perform an investigation related to unauthorized access" to the committee's emails. Before that, the company had been helping the committee protect its internal corporate network, which wasn't compromised. "The cybersecurity of the committee's data is paramount, and upon learning of the intrusion, the NRCC immediately launched an internal investigation and notified the FBI, which is now investigating the matter," the committee said in a statement. The hack was first reported by Politico. Earlier this year, NRCC Chairman Steve Stivers said the committee which raises money to support Republican candidates for the House hired multiple cybersecurity staffers to work with its candidates and promised to do more. "We're starting to advise campaigns, but we're not ready to roll the whole thing out. We're working on it," Stivers said in March. "We're working on the technology-based stuff to try and make sure that we know what's out there which is hard, too and then we try to defend against it the best we can." During the 2016 presidential campaign, Russian state-aligned hackers organized the leak of more than 150,000 emails stolen from more than a dozen Democrats. The FBI later said that the Russians had targeted more than 300 people affiliated with the Hillary Clinton campaign and other Democratic institutions over the course of the presidential contest. Special counsel Robert Mueller is now investigating the whether people close to Donald Trump's presidential campaign had advance knowledge of WikiLeaks' plans. U.S. officials have expressed concern about foreign interference in U.S. elections. This weekend, Defence Secretary Jim Mattis accused Russia of trying to "muck around" in the November midterm elections. Mattis did not offer specifics and would not elaborate. In October, the Justice Department unsealed criminal charges detailing a yearslong effort by a Russian troll farm to "sow division and discord in the U.S. political system" by creating thousands of false social media profiles and email accounts that appeared to be from people inside the United States. The complaint provided a clear picture that there is still a hidden but powerful Russian social media effort aimed at spreading distrust for American political candidates and causing divisions on social issues such as immigration and gun control. The campaign season saw several examples of digital mischief, although none with the impact of the 2016 hacks. In August, Microsoft alerted the public to attempts by government-backed Russian hackers to target U.S. conservatives' email by creating fake websites that appeared to belong to a pair of think tanks, the Hudson Institute and International Republican Institute. It also confirmed an attempt similarly attributed to Russian hackers to infiltrate the Senate computer network of Sen. Claire McCaskill, the Missouri Democrat who lost a re-election bid in November. Google later confirmed in September that the personal Gmail accounts of multiple senators and staffers had recently been targeted by foreign hackers, though it did not specify the cyberspies' nationality nor the party affiliations of the targets. ___ Associated Press writers Eric Tucker and Colleen Long in Washington and Raphael Satter in London contributed to this report. TOKYO - The former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was arrested in Japan on suspicion of underreporting his income, seems prepared to fight out his case and has asked for thriller books, according to the Brazilian consul general. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Consulate General of Brazil in Tokyo Joao de Mendonca Lima Neto speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018. Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, arrested in Japan on suspicion of underreporting his income, is holding up well while in detention and asked for thriller books, according to the Brazilian consul general, one of the few allowed to visit. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) TOKYO - The former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was arrested in Japan on suspicion of underreporting his income, seems prepared to fight out his case and has asked for thriller books, according to the Brazilian consul general. Joao de Mendonca Lima Neto, one of the few visitors Ghosn has been allowed to see under Japan's stringent rules, said Ghosn was healthy and holding up well. "My impression is that he is a strong man in the sense that he will fight this out properly. He doesn't look worried," Mendonca told The Associated Press on Wednesday at Brazil's consulate in Tokyo. "I admire him for his fortitude." Mendonca declined comment on the specifics of the allegations against Ghosn, saying his job was about helping Brazilian citizens with their problems. He said he has conveyed Ghosn's verbal messages to his family and has relayed the family's messages back. He declined to disclose details. In this Dec. 4, 2018, photo, people stand in front of a showroom of Nissan in Tokyo. The company has ousted Carlos Ghosn as chairman, and a replacement has not yet been picked. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) Ghosn, who headed the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Motors auto alliance, was arrested last month on suspicion he underreported his income by millions of dollars for years at a time. Born in Brazil, Ghosn holds French, Lebanese and Brazilian citizenships. Only representatives of a suspect's home country and attorneys can visit suspects in detention in Japan. Consular officials have visited Ghosn four times in the last two weeks, Mendonca said. They brought history and philosophy books and fruit, but Ghosn asked for thriller books to pass the time. Mendonca said he speaks with Ghosn in Portuguese through a glass barrier. Although Japanese detention cells are not heated and the weather can be chilly, Mendonca said Ghosn told him he was warm. He was wearing a blue zipped-up top, he recalled. "Dr. Ghosn has always said that he is well and he is well treated, given the circumstances," he said. "He answers normally, 'I'm fine.'" Japanese media, without identifying sources, have reported prosecutors will detain Ghosn on additional allegations beyond Dec. 10, when the period of detention allowed on the first set of allegations against him will run out. Prosecutors have refused to comment except in weekly meetings, when they confirm some basic facts. Ghosn has not been charged. Since he was sent by Renault SA of France to turn around a near-bankrupt Nissan Motor Co. two decades ago, Ghosn's star-level pay has drawn attention since executives in Japan tend to be paid far less than their international counterparts. At the centre of the allegations, according to Japanese media reports, is Ghosn's deferred income, promised as money, stocks and other items for a later date, including after retirement. Nissan, which makes the March subcompact, Leaf electric car and Infiniti luxury models, says an internal investigation found Ghosn hid his pay and misused company funds and assets for personal gain. The company has ousted Ghosn as chairman but has yet to pick a replacement. Brazilians are proud of Ghosn, Mendonca said. "We also have a position of wait and see. What you read in the press is not what he is saying. We are just waiting for the result, and hopefully the best result," he said. "Given his position, he has been an icon not only here but all over the world." ___ Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter at https://twitter.com/yurikageyama On Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yurikageyama/?hl=en BEIJING - China issued an upbeat but vague promise Wednesday to carry out a tariff cease-fire with Washington but gave no details that might dispel confusion about what Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump agreed to in Argentina. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. BEIJING - China issued an upbeat but vague promise Wednesday to carry out a tariff cease-fire with Washington but gave no details that might dispel confusion about what Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump agreed to in Argentina. China has yet to confirm Trump's claim that Beijing committed to cut auto tariffs and buy more American farm exports. That, coupled with conflicting statements by Trump and U.S. officials, helped trigger a tumble in U.S. stock prices Tuesday amid doubt about the chances for a lasting settlement of a battle over technology that threatens to chill global economic growth. "China will start from implementing specific issues on which consensus has been reached, and the sooner, the better," the Commerce Ministry said on its website. The two sides have a "clear timetable and road map" for talks, the ministry said, but gave no details. The ministry didn't respond to questions by phone and fax. The Chinese silence prompted questions about what Trump said was a promise by Beijing to buy more American exports and negotiate over U.S. complaints that it steals American technology. Stock markets rose Monday after U.S. officials touted the agreement as a historic breakthrough. But they plunged Tuesday after Trump called himself "Tariff Man" on Twitter and renewed threats of penalty duties. Be patient, said Ma Hong, a trade expert at Tsinghua University in Beijing. He said Chinese leaders are right to move carefully as they deal with contentious details. The delay in talking "isn't a sign of rejection, but of cautiousness," said Ma. "The United States has put forward many demands, not all of them reasonable," he said. Negotiations will proceed "step by step, not based on the rhythm of the United States." Trump is pressing Beijing to roll back plans for state-led development of Chinese technology champions that Washington says violate its market-opening commitments. Chinese leaders have offered to change some details of plans such as "Made in China 2025." They have rejected pressure to scrap strategies they see as a path to prosperity and global influence, but foreign analysts say they might be starting to understand the depth of foreign opposition to their plans. Beijing has tried without success to recruit Europe, South Korea and other countries as allies against Trump. They criticize Washington's tactics but share its complaints. This week's confusion highlights the clash between the secrecy and measured pace of the ruling Communist Party and Trump, who fires off dozens of Twitter comments a day and cultivates an image as a fast-paced, unpredictable deal-maker. Chinese leaders routinely use delays of months or years to pressure negotiating partners. Even on routine matters, with no voters to placate and total control of Chinese media, they can frustrate other governments by leaving them waiting weeks or months for a response. Beijing is less informative than Washington, which "might sometimes be too transparent," with officials issuing conflicting statements, said Louis Kuijs of Oxford Economics. Despite the Chinese silence, the "atmosphere is more constructive" and Beijing might be more willing to negotiate, Kuijs said. He noted all the major American players attended the Argentina meeting, giving a sign of "buy in" on a U.S. position. China has responded to Washington's list of demands, though it is unclear what Beijing said. The Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post, citing unidentified sources, said Beijing was preparing to send a 30-member negotiating team to Washington. "I think there is a higher likelihood that we get meaningful discussions now than in much of the last six months," said Kuijs. Questions began to swirl after China's foreign minister read a statement Saturday in Buenos Aires that said Washington agreed to halt tariff hikes. Wang Yi failed to mention industrial policy or Trump's demand that Beijing make progress in changing it or face renewed duty increases. That prompted some economists to ask whether Beijing was presenting a positive image for Chinese audiences or didn't understand the depth of American opposition to its technology plans. On Tuesday, China's government issued a pledge that appeared to be aimed at mollifying U.S. complaints about rampant violations of patents and copyrights. It promised to create a list of violators that would make it harder for them to do business or get government support. Analysts noted, however, there were no additional enforcement efforts. "The notice won't convince President Trump that China is taking a serious stance on the matter," Irene Pang of ING said in a report. Meanwhile, Rabobank suggested a simpler explanation Wednesday for China's silence: Xi has yet to return to Beijing to approve official statements. The president, China's most powerful leader since at least the 1980s, flew from Argentina to Panama for an official visit and on Wednesday was in Portugal. "Talk about one-man rule!" Rabobank researchers said in a report. "(And does the man not have email?)" 2 Powerful Aides Are Holding Nigeria and My Husband In Hostage - Aisha Buhari nametalkam at 5-12-2018 07:56 AM (2 years ago) (m) Wife of the President, Dr. Aisha Buhari Monday lamented that two powerful personalities have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheels of speedy development of the administration. Wife of the President, Dr. Aisha Buhari Monday lamented that two powerful personalities have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheels of speedy development of the administration. Mrs. who spoke at a conference organized by Project 4+4 in Abuja, however did not mention the names of the powerful persons. The event was also attended by the wife of the Vice President Dolapo Osinbajo. The First Lady explained that the government has achieved a lot but could have achieved more or even achieved all it has in one year but for two people in government who will never allow things to move fast. The President wife said that she was disappointed in men who rather than fight these two men will go to them in the night begging for favour. Mrs. Buhari urged Nigerian women to rise up and fight. According to her, I have realized that Sen Babafemi Ojodu, Special Adviser political to the President, and Dr. Hajo Sani, my aide Sajo and wife of the Vice-President Mrs Osinbajo are not comfortable with my saying this and want me to confine myself to my prepared speech but we must say the truth, she said with emotions. The Presidents wife insisted that the powerful duo are retrogressive elements preventing the government from moving forward. Mrs. who spoke at a conference organized by Project 4+4 in Abuja, however did not mention the names of the powerful persons. The event was also attended by the wife of the Vice President Dolapo Osinbajo.The First Lady explained that the government has achieved a lot but could have achieved more or even achieved all it has in one year but for two people in government who will never allow things to move fast.The President wife said that she was disappointed in men who rather than fight these two men will go to them in the night begging for favour. Mrs. Buhari urged Nigerian women to rise up and fight.According to her, I have realized that Sen Babafemi Ojodu, Special Adviser political to the President, and Dr. Hajo Sani, my aide Sajo and wife of the Vice-President Mrs Osinbajo are not comfortable with my saying this and want me to confine myself to my prepared speech but we must say the truth, she said with emotions.The Presidents wife insisted that the powerful duo are retrogressive elements preventing the government from moving forward. Post Reply I specialize in investigative reportage across several subject matter and sectors but mainly focus on metro events and investigation. Do leave your thoughts and opinion on my reports to let me know what you think about them. Thank you Posted: at 5-12-2018 07:56 AM (2 years ago) | Hero kaposky at 5-12-2018 08:07 AM (2 years ago) (m) STORY FOR THE gods, ABEG PARK WELL Posted: at 5-12-2018 08:07 AM (2 years ago) | Gistmaniac STORY FOR THE gods, ABEG PARK WELL Reply johnnychuks2 at 5-12-2018 08:16 AM (2 years ago) (m) Na today Posted: at 5-12-2018 08:16 AM (2 years ago) | Upcoming Na today Reply Wazubia at 5-12-2018 10:08 AM (2 years ago) (m) YOUR HUSBAND (MR CHANGE JUBIRIL BUHARI) CANT CHANGE THEM? ONLY IN ZOOGERIA..... Posted: at 5-12-2018 10:08 AM (2 years ago) | Gistmaniac YOUR HUSBAND (MR CHANGE JUBIRIL BUHARI)CANT CHANGE THEM?ONLY IN ZOOGERIA..... Reply Edwarddy at 5-12-2018 11:02 AM (2 years ago) (m) Are you sure is your husband...... She is invariably trying to say meaning things but is as if she is under oaths... God please save Aisha buhari...she is a good woman Posted: at 5-12-2018 11:02 AM (2 years ago) | Newbie Are you sure is your husband...... She is invariably trying to say meaning things but is as if she is under oaths... God please save Aisha buhari...she is a good woman Reply fineboy77 at 5-12-2018 08:11 PM (2 years ago) (m) Quote from: Edwarddy on 5-12-2018 11:02 AM Are you sure is your husband...... She is invariably trying to say meaning things but is as if she is under oaths... God please save Aisha buhari...she is a good woman she is trying to say something,but the powers that be wont let her. What is the color beneath your skin? Posted: at 5-12-2018 08:11 PM (2 years ago) | Hero she is trying to say something,but the powers that be wont let her. Reply james987 at 6-12-2018 02:55 AM (2 years ago) (m) Long ago this lady has been trying to tell us that jubril isn't buhari. Long ago she said hardly meets him. Imagine just two persons controlling the whole nation. So osibanjo and his wife knows the truth. Men of God now turned men of Satan because of politics and money. Posted: at 6-12-2018 02:55 AM (2 years ago) | Hero Long ago this lady has been trying to tell us that jubril isn't buhari. Long ago she said hardly meets him. Imagine just two persons controlling the whole nation. So osibanjo and his wife knows the truth. Men of God now turned men of Satan because of politics and money. Reply jdybad at 6-12-2018 07:40 AM (2 years ago) (m) It's interesting to know that the truth has being said all the while y Aisha Buhari, but the masses especially the elite and educated ones decides to skip the truth and play along the dirty game. In all, men shall reap their rewards in one form or another. we may not be alive to witness it, but it will happen. i believe someday, Nigeria will be better. All these clamoring for citizenship in other countries and claiming biafra....please note.......the said countries have their history and if you preview it, they are not good to the eye or ears, but they have come up after centuries of struggle. we should build our own and fight injustice. people came out to give their country a face like Mandela in the very face of injustice and corruption. You should do same, rather than show stupidity through neuritic write ups. Posted: at 6-12-2018 07:40 AM (2 years ago) | Upcoming It's interesting to know that the truth has being said all the while y Aisha Buhari, but the masses especially the elite and educated ones decides to skip the truth and play along the dirty game.In all, men shall reap their rewards in one form or another. we may not be alive to witness it, but it will happen. i believe someday, Nigeria will be better.All these clamoring for citizenship in other countries and claiming biafra....please note.......the said countries have their history and if you preview it, they are not good to the eye or ears, but they have come up after centuries of struggle. we should build our own and fight injustice. people came out to give their country a face like Mandela in the very face of injustice and corruption.You should do same, rather than show stupidity through neuritic write ups. Reply mjyabah2 at 6-12-2018 08:14 PM (2 years ago) (m) Allah will continue to give this sweet-hearted woman a healthy and long life. She told the world before that her husband was no longer running the affairs of the country. She is letting the cat out of the bag just so people could interpret her parables to divulge the beclouded leadership at Aso Rock. Aisha is not in cohort with the presidency impersonation. It all will come to light soon. Posted: at 6-12-2018 08:14 PM (2 years ago) | Gistmaniac Allah will continue to give this sweet-hearted woman a healthy and long life. She told the world before that her husband was no longer running the affairs of the country. She is letting the cat out of the bag just so people could interpret her parables to divulge the beclouded leadership at Aso Rock. Aisha is not in cohort with the presidency impersonation. It all will come to light soon. Reply OTTAWA - Wrangling over the agenda doesn't bode well for Friday's first ministers' meeting, which is shaping up as one of the most fractious gatherings of Canada's federal, provincial and territorial leaders in decades. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responds during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, Dec.5, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - Wrangling over the agenda doesn't bode well for Friday's first ministers' meeting, which is shaping up as one of the most fractious gatherings of Canada's federal, provincial and territorial leaders in decades. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is bracing for a barrage of criticism from premiers upset about the federal approach to pipelines, carbon taxation, environmental assessments, GM's Oshawa plant closure in Ontario and the oil price crisis none of which are specifically on the agenda. Meanwhile, federal officials privately concede little headway is likely to be made on the official objective of the Montreal meeting: reducing interprovincial trade barriers. Indeed, the feds are fully expecting the most openly hostile premier Ontario's Doug Ford will do his best to derail the meeting altogether, including potentially storming out of the gathering or possibly even boycotting it outright. Trudeau is scheduled to hold a 30-minute bilateral meeting with Ford on Thursday afternoon. Federal suspicions have been stoked by what insiders say are the hardball games Ford and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe are playing on the agenda, demanding that it be expanded in writing to include the oil price crisis and the planned federal tax on carbon pollution. According to sources familiar with the dispute, who were not authorized to speak publicly, the pair have not been satisfied by the federal response that the agenda already includes a discussion on economic competitiveness a broad topic that Ottawa says will allow premiers to raise all the issues they please. Moe confirmed in an interview Wednesday that there is "some frustration, myself included, with the agenda provided by the prime minister," which includes having several federal ministers address the premiers on their initiatives. He said he intends to raise the oil price crisis, the carbon tax, pipelines and repeal of Bill C-69, which re-writes the rules for environmental assessments of energy projects. "We'd like it in writing, confirm that we're going to discuss those items. But rest assured that the premier of the province of Saskatchewan will bring those items to the floor (regardless)," Moe said, adding that he doesn't intend to leave the meeting early. Even the guest list for a pre-meeting dinner hosted by Trudeau on Thursday evening has become a matter of dispute. The feds proposed that it be a private affair for first ministers only, with a single notetaker present. The premiers demanded that each be allowed to bring one official. This will be the fourth first ministers' meeting Trudeau has hosted since becoming prime minister in 2015. And it's certain to be the most acrimonious. Since first ministers' last met, the prime minister has lost several of his most reliable provincial Liberal allies Ontario's Kathleen Wynne, Quebec's Philippe Couillard and New Brunswick's Brian Gallant. He now faces a phalanx of conservative premiers, four of whom Ford, Moe, Manitoba's Brian Pallister and New Brunswick's Blaine Higgs have joined in court challenges to the federal carbon pricing plan and one of whom Ford has routinely engaged in conflicts with the federal Liberals in general. Alberta's NDP Premier Rachel Notley was initially an ally for Trudeau, supporting him on carbon pricing. But she parted company last summer over the failure to get the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project off the ground and is now crusading for federal help to ease the discount price Alberta is obliged to accept for its oil because it can't get it to tidewater for shipment overseas. She and Moe sent Trudeau a letter this week, asking that the agenda for the first ministers' meeting be revised to include the oil price crisis, which they argued is costing the country $80 million per day. And Notley disparaged the federal government's preferred focus on interprovincial trade barriers. "We tend to have conversations about minor internal trade issues and then when it's my opportunity to talk, I say, 'Well, there's one big internal trade issue that we have about getting our product from one province to another and to other markets and it's actually worth 100 times the value of these other issues,'" she said Tuesday. Trudeau said Wednesday that he looks forward to "talking about anything the premiers want to talk about." "I'm looking forward to a broad range of discussions on whatever it is they have as priorities," he said on his way into the House of Commons. "Including oil, of course. Natural resources are an essential part of our economy. We're going to be talking about that as well." Notley, Moe and a number of other premiers, including Newfoundland and Labrador's Dwight Ball and Nova Scotia's Stephen McNeil, also want to talk about Bill C-69, federal legislation that is currently stalled in the Senate and which would set more stringent rules for environmental assessments of energy projects. Critics maintain it will create more red tape and delays in project approvals that will scare off potential investors. "We are looking for clarity around Bill C-69," Ball said in an interview, adding that it's creating uncertainty in his province's offshore oil and mining industries. "We know that the regulatory regime can be an impediment in attracting investment." In a similar vein, Biggs said he wants to talk about reviving the defunct Energy East pipeline proposal, which TransCanada abandoned last year, citing regulatory hurdles and changed circumstances. Quebec Premier Francois Legault, meanwhile, said he wants to talk about continuing U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and compensation for dairy farmers hurt by the new NAFTA. In a statement Wednesday, he also said he intends to raise Quebec's demand for federal compensation to cover the cost of the influx of irregular asylum seekers and press Ottawa on the "excessive and ever longer" time taken to address Quebec's files. Manitoba's Pallister is among the few premiers who appear to actually want to make progress on knocking down interprovincial trade barriers barriers he said amount to imposing a seven per cent tariff on goods that cross provincial borders. "I think it's time to strike on that," he said Wednesday. That said, Pallister too said the meeting needs to be narrowly focused on a few key economic issues, including the oil price crisis. First ministers are to meet for two hours with Indigenous leaders Friday morning before holing up behind closed doors for some six hours with Trudeau. With files from Ryan McKenna in Regina, Holly McKenzie-Sutter in St. John's and Steve Lambert in Winnipeg. SAN FRANCISCO - Google's self-driving car spinoff is finally ready to try to profit from its nearly decade-old technology. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. This undated photo provided by Waymo shows its self-driving minivan. Google's self-driving car spinoff is finally ready to try to profit from its nearly decade-old technology. Waymo introduced a small-scale ride-hailing service in the Phoenix area Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2018, that will include a human behind the wheel in case the robotic vehicles malfunction. (Waymo via AP) SAN FRANCISCO - Google's self-driving car spinoff is finally ready to try to profit from its nearly decade-old technology. Waymo is introducing a small-scale ride-hailing service in the Phoenix area that will include a human behind the wheel in case the robotic vehicles malfunction. The service debuting Wednesday marks a significant milestone for Waymo, a company that began as a secretive project within Google in 2009. Since then, its cars have robotically logged more 10 million miles on public roads in 25 cities in California, Arizona, Washington, Michigan and Georgia while getting into only a few accidents mostly fender benders. The company is initially operating the new service cautiously, underscoring the challenges still facing its autonomous vehicles as they navigate around vehicles with human drivers that don't always follow the same rules as robots. The service, dubbed Waymo One, at first will only be available to a couple hundred riders, all of whom had already been participating in a free pilot program that began in April 2017. It will be confined to a roughly 100-square-mile area in and around Phoenix, including the neighbouring cities of Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, and Gilbert. Although Waymo has been driving passengers without any humans behind the wheel in its free pilot program, it decided to be less daring with the new commercial service. "Self-driving technology is new to many, so we're proceeding carefully with the comfort and convenience of our riders in mind," Waymo CEO John Krafcik wrote in Wednesday blog post heralding the arrival of the new service. The ride-hailing service is launching in the same area where a car using robotic technology from ride-hailing service Uber hit and killed a pedestrian crossing a darkened street in Tempe, Arizona seven months ago. That fatal collision attracted worldwide attention that cast a pall over the entire self-driving car industry as more people began to publicly question the safety of the vehicles. "I suspect the Uber fatality has caused Waymo to slow down its pace a bit" and use human safety drivers in its ride-hailing service," said Navigant Research analyst Sam Abuelsamid. "If people keep dying, there will be a bigger backlash against these vehicles." The Uber robotic car had a human safety driver behind the wheel, but that wasn't enough to prevent its lethal accident in March. Waymo's self-driving vehicles are still susceptible to glitches, as an Associated Press reporter experienced during a mid-October ride in an autonomous minivan alongside Krafcik near company's Mountain View, California, headquarters. The minivan performed smoothly, even stopping for a jaywalker, before abruptly pulling to the right side of the road. Ahead was a left-turning FedEx delivery truck. In a digital message to the two human backup drivers, the van said it "detected an issue" and it would connect to a rider support agent. Rider support didn't respond due to what the company blamed on a dead spot in cellular phone coverage. The human drivers switched to manual mode and returned to Waymo headquarters. At that time, Krafcik conceded to the AP that Waymo's self-driving vehicles were still encountering occasional problems negotiating left-hand turns at complicated intersections. "I think the things that humans have challenges with, we're challenged with as well," Krafcik said. "So sometimes unprotected lefts are super challenging for a human, sometimes they're super challenging for us." Waymo eventually plans to open its new ride-hailing app to all comers in the Phoenix area, although it won't say when. It also wants to expand its service to other cities, but isn't saying where. When that happens, it could pose a threat to Uber and the second most popular U.S. ride-hailing service, Lyft, especially since it should be able charge lower prices without the need to share revenue with a human driver in control at all times. General Motors also is gearing up to begin offering a ride-hailing service through its Cruise subsidiary under the management of a new CEO, Dan Ammann, who has been the Detroit automaker's No. 2 executive. Cruise plans to start its ride-hailing service at some point next year in at least one U.S. city. Another self-driving car company, Drive.ai, has been giving short-distance rides to all comers within Frisco, Texas and Arlington, Texas since the summer. ___ AP Auto Writer Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed to this story. NEW YORK - A federal jury convicted a Hong Kong businessman Wednesday of bribing the presidents of two African nations to secure oil rights for a Chinese energy conglomerate, a case that stretched from the halls of the United Nations and highlighted the often blurry line between nongovernmental organizations and private enterprise. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In this courtroom drawing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Zolkind, standing, addresses cooperating witness Cheikh Gadio, far right, during Hong Kong businessman Dr. Chi Ping Patrick Ho's bribery trial in New York, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Seated at far left is the defendant, Dr. Chi Ping Patrick Ho. On the bench is Judge Loretta Preska. The photo on the monitor shows the defendant and the President of Chad, Idriss Deby, taken during a meeting. (Elizabeth Williams via AP) NEW YORK - A federal jury convicted a Hong Kong businessman Wednesday of bribing the presidents of two African nations to secure oil rights for a Chinese energy conglomerate, a case that stretched from the halls of the United Nations and highlighted the often blurry line between nongovernmental organizations and private enterprise. Dr. Chi Ping Patrick Ho was found guilty of seven of eight counts, including conspiracy, money laundering and violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in a case that involved several former presidents of the United Nations General Assembly. Ho's attorneys did not dispute that he made the payments, including $2 million secreted in gift boxes delivered to the president of Chad in 2014. But they insisted the transactions were charitable donations intended to foster goodwill in Chad and Uganda and expand the business of CEFC China Energy . Ho, 69, showed little emotion after the verdict was announced. He addressed reporters briefly in Cantonese as he left the courtroom, saying the outcome had been "expected." Ho's defence attorneys said they had not yet decided whether they would appeal the verdict. U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska set sentencing for March 14. Two jurors for the Patrick Ho bribery trial leave federal court following a verdict in the case, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in New York. The Hong Kong businessman was convicted of bribing leaders of Chad and Uganda to land oil rights for a Chinese energy firm. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) The jury harboured little doubt of Ho's criminal intent but spent some time debating whether the U.S. Justice Department had jurisdiction on some of the counts, said Margaret Ann Withers, the jury foreperson. "There was just a lot of evidence," Withers said outside the courtroom. Ho was charged and tried in New York, prosecutors said, because several relevant meetings, communications and wire transfers occurred in Manhattan. "Ho's repeated attempts to corrupt foreign leaders were not business as usual but criminal efforts to undermine the fairness of international markets and erode the public's faith in its leaders," U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said in a statement. Prosecutors portrayed Ho, an ophthalmologist and former secretary for home affairs in Hong Kong, as an astute bagman who parlayed his position at the helm of CEFC China Energy's non-profitthink-tank to befriend and line the pockets of government officials as the oil and gas company sought new business ventures around the world. "Running an NGO allowed the defendant to pass himself off as a humanitarian," Paul Hayden, a U.S. Justice Department trial attorney, told jurors at the outset of the trial. "He offered millions of dollars in bribes, and he did so to gain business." Ho's attorneys called the prosecution a "bribery case with no bribe." They insisted Ho took pains to document the payments to the foreign officials. CEFC received nothing in return for the payments, they said, a characterization that prosecutors disputed. "He made no attempt to hide what he was doing," defence attorney Edward Kim said. Perhaps the most colorful, and critical, testimony in the trial came from Cheikh Gadio, a former foreign minister to Senegal who had been indicted with Ho before agreeing to testify. The energy conglomerate engaged Gadio as a consultant. Ho relied on him for an introduction to President Idriss Deby of Chad. Gadio told jurors Deby became enraged after his security team discovered $2 million in cash had been included in more than a half dozen gift boxes the energy company presented during a visit to the presidential compound. According to Gadio, Deby said his first impulse was to expel the company's delegation from his country. Gadio said the president asked him "why people believe that all African leaders are corrupt." Gadio said Ho told the president he was "impressed" by his refusal of the bribe . He said CEFC insisted the Chadian government keep the cash as a charitable donation. "This is not how legitimate business is done," Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Zolkind said. "It's bribery." Ho's defence attorneys claimed it was Gadio who suggested the bribe. "He has never taken responsibility for his actions," Kim said of Gadio. Ho also was charged with bribing Sam Kutesa, the foreign minister of Uganda and a former president of the U.N. General Assembly, and Kutesa's brother-in-law, longtime Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. Ho did not testify during the seven-day trial. NEW YORK - Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Tuesday: Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/12/2018 (1088 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. NEW YORK - Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Tuesday: Bank of America Corp. (BAC), down $1.55 to $26.99 Banks fell more than the rest of the market as bond yields dropped sharply, which makes it harder to make money from lending. Duke Energy Corp. (DUK), up 43 cents to $90.05 High-dividend stocks like utilities held up relatively well as traders sought out lower-risk investments. Cronos Group Inc. (CRON), up 57 cents to $10.74 The marijuana producer confirmed it's in talks about a potential investment by the U.S. tobacco company Altria Group. AutoZone Inc. (AZO), up $55.61 to $880.07 The Memphis, Tennessee-based auto parts retailer reported earnings that beat Wall Street's forecasts. Dollar General Corp. (DG), down $7.60 to $104.10 The discount retailer said it expects lingering costs from hurricane season to hurt its results through the rest of the year. Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. (HOV), down 12 cents to $1.10 Homebuilders fell after luxury homebuilder Toll Brothers issued a cautious assessment of the housing market. United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS), down $8.50 to $106.77 Morgan Stanley analysts said the market is underestimating the negative impact on UPS and Federal Express from Amazon Air. RH (RH), up $13.48 to $137.13 The furniture and housewares company reported earnings that came in far ahead of what analysts were expecting. FREDERICTON - The premier of New Brunswick says he believes he can convince Quebec's skeptical premier of the benefits of reviving the Energy East pipeline project. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. New Brunswick Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs answers questions from the media at Government House in Fredericton on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. The premier of New Brunswick says the level of transfer payments to the provinces could be at risk if a pipeline isn't built to move western crude to Eastern Canada and foreign markets. THE CANADIAN PRESS/James West FREDERICTON - The premier of New Brunswick says he believes he can convince Quebec's skeptical premier of the benefits of reviving the Energy East pipeline project. Higgs, along with a number of other premiers and federal politicians, are pressing for a restart of the $16 billion Energy East pipeline to get oil from Alberta to refineries in eastern Canada and to an export terminal in Saint John, N.B. The pipeline would have to pass through Quebec, but so far, Premier Francois Legault has signalled he's not interested. Higgs says he's hoping to convince Legault that Energy East would benefit all provinces including Quebec when the two men are face-to-face this week at a first ministers' meeting in Montreal. "We have a number of provinces lined up who say this is a big interest for us. I'm optimistic that he too is going to see the benefit here because we all share in the benefit of this resource, and he has refineries too that would be interested in sourcing this oil that are currently on foreign oil," Higgs said Wednesday. Legault's spokesman told La Presse this week that Quebec has no intention of supporting any revival of Energy East. "Our government's ambition is to increase the level of wealth in Quebec, but it will have to be done in a perspective that respects the environment," Ewan Sauves told the Montreal news outlet. "We have always been reluctant faced with this project, which is poorly put together environmentally and economically." Sauves told The Canadian Press Wednesday they have no further comment for the moment. Alberta is cutting production and buying rail cars in an effort to address slumping prices for its oil. Higgs said he's worried the level of transfer payments to provinces like his could be at risk if Alberta's falling oil revenues aren't addressed, and he believes a pipeline to move western crude to Eastern Canada and foreign markets could be the solution. He said transfers currently make up about 30 per cent of New Brunswick's budget. "Right now we have foreign oil that's coming into our province that our own oil can displace. We have a resource here that we have chosen not to market, and it's going to hurt every one of us," Higgs said. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley made a similar point last week. "Quite frankly it is quite perverse that we are selling our oil in Alberta for $10 a barrel and then in eastern Canada we are importing from places like Saudi Arabia. This makes no sense," she said. TransCanada, the original proponent of the pipeline, has stated it has no plans to revisit the project. "We are focused on developing the more than $36 billion in commercially secured pipeline and power generation projects that we currently have underway across North America, including Keystone XL and the Coastal GasLink project in B.C.,'' Terry Cunha, manager of communications for TransCanada, wrote in a statement. But Higgs said he's confident TransCanada could be lured back onboard. "They never left because of the market. They left because of political uncertainty and the continual political roadblocks," he said. Higgs suggests that a holding company be formed to start the application process to the National Energy Board, and that TransCanada or another company could become interested then. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump and executives from Germany's biggest automakers discussed the companies' investments in the U.S. on Tuesday as trade tensions with the Europeans and Trump's threat to impose tariffs on foreign cars sold here loomed overhead. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/12/2018 (1088 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess talks with reporters after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump and executives from Germany's biggest automakers discussed the companies' investments in the U.S. on Tuesday as trade tensions with the Europeans and Trump's threat to impose tariffs on foreign cars sold here loomed overhead. Trump "shared his vision of all automakers producing in the United States and creating a more friendly business environment," the White House said in a statement. The statement did not say whether Trump raised tariffs with executives from BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen. Trump, however, has threatened to slap tariffs on auto imports from Europe and other countries, citing U.S. trade deficits with those nations. Trump is relying on tariffs, and the threat of imposing them, to force other countries to buy more goods from America. "I am a Tariff Man," the president said Tuesday in one of a series of tweets about a new round of trade talks with China after the world's two largest economies imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods after Trump struck first. "When people or countries come in to raid the great wealth of our Nation, I want them to pay for the privilege of doing so. It will always be the best way to max out our economic power. We are right now taking in $billions in Tariffs. MAKE AMERICA RICH AGAIN." Automakers said the talks were productive. They included individual conversations with some of the president's top economic advisers. "From our perspective, the U.S. position is understandable," VW said in a statement. "They want more investment in the U.S. Now it is up to the governments and the European Union to find a solution that benefits all parties. As Volkswagen Group, we are committed to encouraging stable trade relations between the U.S., Germany and the whole European Union." Daimler said the discussions were "conducted in a businesslike atmosphere and related to the respective companies and their involvement in the USA. The meeting with the president was very good and very open." BMW said it used the opportunity "to explain in detail the extent of its footprint in the USA" and that the "mandate to talk about international trade politics rests solely with the relevant political institutions," the company said in a statement. German Chancellor Angela Merkel this week dismissed suggestions that the automakers could conduct trade policy, saying trade negotiations are the responsibility of the European Union. BMW also described itself as a committed "local player" for a quarter century with a plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, that employs nearly 10,000 people. The company said it will invest $600 million in manufacturing through 2021, creating an additional 1,000 jobs in Spartanburg. Trump has threatened to tax imported cars, trucks and auto parts, potentially targeting imports that last year totalled $335 billion, and the European Union had warned that it would retaliate with tariffs on products worth $20 billion if Trump put duties on cars and auto parts from Europe. But Trump and European leaders stepped back from the brink of a trade war over autos during the summer, agreeing to open talks to tear down trade barriers between the United States and the EU. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow and other administration officials met individually with executives from each of the automakers. The meetings follow the announcement last week by General Motors that it will cut up to 14,000 workers in North America and put five plants up for possible closure as it restructures to focus more on autonomous and electric vehicles. Peter Navarro, the president's top trade adviser, expressed confidence in Trump's trade strategy. "What's great about this is that they wouldn't be coming to the table here to talk to us unless the president had auto tariffs on the table," Navarro told Fox Business Network about the Germans. ___ Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap Large industrial companies which rely on rail service in the Murray Industrial Park in St. James will continue to get those services, according to a deal to be presented to the City of Winnipegs executive policy committee (EPC) today. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/12/2018 (1088 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Large industrial companies which rely on rail service in the Murray Industrial Park in St. James will continue to get those services, according to a deal to be presented to the City of Winnipegs executive policy committee (EPC) today. For $1, the citys administration is recommending selling the Murray Industrial Park spur line to Brandon-based Cando Rail Services. Companies in the park include Boeing Co. and MacDon Industries Ltd. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Murray Industrial Park rail Spur. If approved by the EPC, the proposal would then to go to city council for approval. "Cando Rail Services has the opportunity to tentatively purchase the Murray Industrial Spur from the City of Winnipeg, which would allow us to provide dedicated service to a growing industrial sector in that area," Cando general manager Jay Cranney said Tuesday. "The deal is currently being reviewed by Cando and the city, and we can provide a further update once that process is complete." Cando, formed in 1978, is a specialized rail support company that annually moves $22-billion worth of product on short lines between companies and the major railways. According to a city report, while CP Rail currently operates the spur line, the land it runs on is owned by the city. Canadian Pacific has told the city it no longer wants to operate the line. When the industrial park was created in 1975, the city agreed with CP Rail that as long as CP provides rail service on the spur line, the city would pay all the costs of ongoing maintenance. There is no end date to the agreement. Since October 2016, the city has spent $160,000 fixing the rail spur. Area Coun. Scott Gillingham said the city has spent even more over the years. "From what I have been told, the city has been paying for maintenance and repairs since 1975," Gillingham (St. James) said. "There have been ongoing costs to the city, but the spur line is still needed by at least one business in that area... and the spur line is in an area that is home to several significant businesses that employ thousands of people." Earlier this year, Cando approached the city about purchasing the rail spur. According to a city report, if the land and spur line is sold to Cando, it would mean the City of Winnipeg would no longer have to maintain the rail line or pay to decommission it someday. Cando would also pay property tax, and rail service would continue in the industrial park. For the sale to go through, council would have to waive the more than decade-old policy of not selling city-owned property directly to a buyer. But it is believed there would be few, if any, other interested suitors for the spur line. A spokeswoman for CentrePort Canada said while the Murray Industrial Park falls within the 20,000 acres that make up the inland port, the spur line being discussed only services that area and not CentrePort as a whole. kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) had no problem allowing former grand chief Derek Nepinak to spend 27 hours fasting in a replica of Nelson Mandelas prison cell because it aligned with the museums mandate to generate dialogue on human rights issues. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) had no problem allowing former grand chief Derek Nepinak to spend 27 hours fasting in a replica of Nelson Mandelas prison cell because it aligned with the museums mandate to generate dialogue on human rights issues. "When Derek approached us with this idea and helped us understand what his objectives were, we felt that that goal of creating opportunities to talk about human rights and equality and about taking action for change aligned with what we were doing as a museum," said Angela Cassie, vice-president of public affairs and programs at CMHR. "I think what we did was create an opportunity for reflection. We were able to spark dialogue and generate issue interest." On Tuesday afternoon, Nepinak, former grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, broke his fast following a traditional Anishinaabe ceremony. Nepinak spent the previous 27 hours in the replica of Mandelas eight-foot-by-seven-foot prison cell at the CMHR exhibit Mandela: Struggle for Freedom. Each hour Nepinak spent in the cell represented one year of Mandelas imprisonment. "I only do this work because I love my kids, I love my family, I love my community and I love the Anishinaabe nation, and I think that under our treaties, the original principles of forming good relationships are still there and we can still find ways to make these things work," Nepinak said. "I wonder sometimes though, where is our mobilization, where is our revolution to overcome the challenges we face in a nation state where sometimes those barriers we face are a little bit more subversive or a little bit hidden from the blind eye?" Nepinak said he has no plans for further political actions following the event, where he spent the 27 hours reflecting on the parallels between the experiences of Canadas Indigenous people and South Africas apartheid, an era of institutionalized racial segregation that lasted from the late 1940s to early 1990s. Nepinak started his fast at 10 a.m. on Monday, which is a day the museum is normally closed. On Tuesday, however, the museum set up a sign by Mandelas cell explaining Nepinaks fast and asking patrons not to disturb him out of respect. This was the first time the museum has hosted a private political act such as Nepinaks. When asked if the museum would still allow a personal political act if it did not align with its mandate, Cassie said each case would have to be measured on its merits. "In this circumstance, we felt that the effort to advance the conversation for human rights and create a place and a space for that dialogue aligned with our mandate," Cassie said, adding the museums goal is to broaden the conversation of human rights. Thirty-three patrons visited the Mandela exhibit during Nepinaks fast. danton.unger@freepress.mb.ca Businesses and schools need to resist the urge to shut down in the face of generalized, non-specific threats, a U.S.-based expert who has spent more than 25 years studying workplace and school violence says. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Businesses and schools need to resist the urge to shut down in the face of "generalized, non-specific threats," a U.S.-based expert who has spent more than 25 years studying workplace and school violence says. Steve Albrecht, a former police officer and certified threat manager, internationally known for his training and consulting work, said while threats can shake any place of business or education, it is exceedingly rare for them to lead to violence. (MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Great-West Life employees were told not to come to work Wednesday through an automated message, although some staff didn't get the message in time and were turned away at the door. And when institutions buckle under their weight and shut down, it rewards the perpetrator and reinforces the behaviour. "What we dont want to do is empower these people to shut down the school. People who carry out these kinds of acts dont broadcast it first. And if they do mention it, its going to be a threat made to a third party, not the actual target," Albrecht said Wednesday. "School administrators, business owners, principals, police, they want to err on the side of caution, which is understandable, but its not the right approach. When we shut down the school, we give these people what they want: disruption." On Wednesday, Great-West Life Assurance Company temporarily shut down five buildings in Winnipeg, forcing 5,000 local employees to stay home from work, after threats were made against the insurance giant. The move came on the heels of a recent string of incidents that resulted in class cancellations and lockdowns for the 15 schools in the Lord Selkirk School Division this week. Albrecht said while his advice might sound counter-intuitive to many, its backed up by decades of research and data. "We have a model called hunters versus howlers. Howlers howl -- they want to be provocative and stir things up. Hunters want to harm people, and the last thing theyre going to want to do is warn the target," he said. "Hunters use camouflage. They use stealth. They dont come in and make a lot of noise. And they are the people we need to be worried about." 'School administrators, business owners, principals, police, they want to err on the side of caution, which is understandable, but its not the right approach. When we shut down the school, we give these people what they want: disruption' Steve Albrecht, a former police officer and certified threat manager Albrecht said its not that he doesnt take threats seriously. He believes police should aggressive pursue anyone who threatens a workplace or school. However, he believes strongly the proper response isnt to shut down, pointing to the fact "generalized, non-specific threats" are almost never followed by actual violence. Winnipeg police were first notified of a threat made against Great-West Lifeco in the early morning hours Wednesday. Its building at 100 Osborne St. was subsequently searched and cleared by police. After police left, however, another threat was reportedly made against the company. It was then Great-West Lifeco decided to shut down operations for the day. Police were also contacted to carry out another search. Meanwhile, Lord Selkirk School Division implemented new security measures Wednesday, in response to the recent string of threats made against its schools on social media. Until further notice, the school division plans to lock all exterior doors at its buildings from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The recent incidents, which have reportedly left some students shaken, began Sunday night when threats against the Selkirk high school surfaced online. Three people were subsequently arrested, and two ultimately charged. As a precaution, the school division kept all of its schools closed Monday. The schools reopened for classes Tuesday. However, one of the earlier online threats was reshared online, sparking new fears and leading to a division-wide "hold and secure" lockdown. RCMP later determined there was no new threat. On Nov. 20, nearly 1,700 students from Kelvin High School and Brock Corydon School in Winnipeg were cleared from the buildings due to bomb threats. In both cases, the threats proved to be unfounded. On Oct. 18, a bomb threat led to the evacuation of Churchill High School in Winnipeg. The incident landed a 14-year-old boy in handcuffs and facing two criminal charges. Albrecht said while he understands the administrative responses in these cases, theyre ultimately mistaken. "The right approach is to figure out who is making these threats, interview as many people as you can about what theyre hearing, and focus on certain people who rise up in the investigation," he said. "You investigate harder and you can also do things to reassure people: let parents know youre taking this seriously, park a cop car in front of the school, tighten security policies, set up a tip line. "What you dont do is overreact -- because then the perpetrator succeeds and what youre going to get is more of the same behaviour." ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @rk_thorpe Nobody called Bonnie Bricker when her son Reid walked out of the Health Sciences Centre in the middle of the night three years ago, hours after he arrived there in a police car following a suicide attempt. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/12/2018 (1088 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Nobody called Bonnie Bricker when her son Reid walked out of the Health Sciences Centre in the middle of the night three years ago, hours after he arrived there in a police car following a suicide attempt. Reid, who had tried to kill himself on three previous occasions, was 33 years old. And there are strict rules prohibiting health officials from disclosing personal health information against someone's wishes unless the medical provider feels they are in serious and immediate danger of harming themselves. The penalties for doing so are severe. Reid Bricker's remains were later recovered from the Red River. His mother was at the legislature Tuesday to witness the introduction of a bill that would amend the Mental Health Act and Personal Health Information Act to allow medical professionals, in exceptional circumstances, to reach out to family, designated friends or other individuals without a patient's consent, if necessary to lower the risk of patients harming themselves or anyone else. "It's a giant step for all of us," she said. BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES George and Bonnie Bricker, parents of Reid Bricker. Bricker and many others have lobbied the province for years to change the law. "Do you think that I wouldn't have appreciated a phone call that said, 'Can I just ask you some questions about your son?' Even at three o'clock in the morning I would have answered that phone," she told reporters after Bill 5 was introduced. "I would have talked to them. I would have told them things they didn't know, and that would have helped." Health Minister Cameron Friesen said the province is attempting to balance privacy concerns with the ability to give medical authorities a tool to help at-risk patients. If the legislation passes, health authorities will develop standardized protocols for when calls to friends or family, even against the wishes of a patient, can be made. There is that ability now, but the legal threshold is too high, Friesen said, adding the government's intent is to prevent future tragedies. "We believe that (the bill) is a reasonable step, and that in some cases it may make the difference between life and death," he said. "There have been some tremendously tragic circumstances in which an individual was released (and) the person providing the care didn't believe they had the authority to contact family members. DAVID LIPNOWSKI / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Manitoba Finance Minister Cameron Friesen "We believe this could make a difference in cases like that." British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Ontario already have similar legislation to what is being proposed in Manitoba. Friesen said once the legislation is in place, which won't happen until next year, there would be a lot of work to do to educate health-care providers about the new rules. He said patients would still have recourse to complain to the provincial ombudsman's office if they objected to their health information being released. Health providers will likely have to record any such disclosures in patient files. Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said his party has been promoting such a measure for a long time and "it's good to see it's been picked up by the government." NDP Leader Wab Kinew said he didn't have any immediate concerns about Bill 5, but he said he's been hearing from people who have family members struggling with mental-health issues frustrated with the lack of available hospital beds and other kinds of support. "In a situation where somebody may be suicidal or they need some kind of intensive mental-health intervention, you could disclose the information about this individual, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they're going to be able to get the resources or the bed that they need to be made well again," he said. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca 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. A passenger train rolled into town for the first time in 18 months and that, by itself, would be a reason enough to celebrate. But Churchill's party Tuesday was as much about the community's resilience as it was for the resumption of rail service. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/12/2018 (1088 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A passenger train rolled into town for the first time in 18 months and that, by itself, would be a reason enough to celebrate. But Churchill's party Tuesday was as much about the community's resilience as it was for the resumption of rail service. The Via Rail train that left Winnipeg Sunday made stops in Dauphin, The Pas, Thompson and Gillam to help fill its 162 seats and sleeper cars for the monumental some might say miraculous 48-hour journey. The town siren blared and grateful residents lined the track at the Via Rail Station to greet the passengers just after noon. "It was great, and we had a lot of people turn out," Mayor Mike Spence said. "People were just excited and people are relieved. It feels really good. Some people were emotional. "We're free now." In May 2017, flooding washed out several parts of the rail line south of Churchill. The community on Hudson Bay was looking at economic devastation from the damage to the tourism industry and from skyrocketing prices for already-expensive food and household goods. Plans for repairs dragged, and at times seemed hopeless, as the rail lines owner at the time, Omnitrax, refused to pay to fix the track. DANTON UNGER / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Mike Spence, mayor of Churchill, was on hand to announce the departure of the first passenger train to reach the northern town since May 2017. In September this year, the new ownership coalition, Arctic Gateway Group, took over the rail line and port and completed all of the repairs to get trains running again before residents had to face a second winter with no land link in or out. Murad Al-Katib of the Arctic Gateway Group a partnership among several First Nations communities, Fairfax Financial Holdings in Toronto and Regina-based AGT Food told The Canadian Press that 29 washouts were repaired in just 35 days. In a private-public partnership, the federal government chipped in $74 million to help fix the track and purchase the Hudson Bay Rail Co., the Hudson Bay Port Co. and the Churchill Marine Tank Farm. It has promised an additional $43 million over 10 years to help subsidize operations. "There's just so many smiling faces," Spence said. "It took longer (to fix) but it came together, thanks to... many, many supporters along the way that kept our spirits lifted." "@VIA_Rail #693 has arrived on platform 1!" People cheering, crying, screaming in joy... what a day to be from Churchill! pic.twitter.com/FIe8jNOZfr Joe Stover (@joechurchill) December 4, 2018 The Town Centre Complex was party-central Tuesday, with food and children's activity throughout the afternoon and evening. A 7 p.m. fireworks display closed out the day. Tuesday's party was the second in just over a month; Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined the festivities organized to celebrate the return of rail service on Nov. 1 when the first freight train rolled in. Spence said tourists are expected to begin arriving shortly. "We are known for our polar bears and beluga whales, but Churchill also offers world-class year-round tourism opportunities," he said. "This week, a tourist operator informed me they have guests that still held on to their deposit for two years waiting for the train's return. We look forward to welcoming them here." Spence said he expects it will take some time for the community to build some of its businesses back up again after many were forced to lay off employees. "There were some missed opportunities, overall. Some of those things, you don't get them back. But it's all about looking ahead now, so people are looking ahead," he said. Via Rail's passenger service to Churchill is scheduled three times a week. Residents are looking forward to the arrival of a freight train next week loaded with groceries. "We're still paying high prices for food products," Spence said. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca OTTAWA Winnipeg methamphetamine users need governments to fast-track mental health and housing commitments, before the crisis becomes untenable, local groups have told Parliament. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/12/2018 (1088 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Winnipeg methamphetamine users need governments to fast-track mental health and housing commitments, before the crisis becomes untenable, local groups have told Parliament. The situation has become so desperate, some Winnipeg women addicted to meth are considering getting pregnant in the belief it will fast track their access to treatment, MPs heard Tuesday at the House health committees hearings. Darlene Jackson, head of the Manitoba Nurses Union, told the committee a nurse in one of the citys neo-natal intensive units reported that women with addictions will get pregnant to jump the queue to get into a treatment bed. "We are in desperate need of treatment beds," she said. James Favel, the leader of volunteer community safety Bear Clan Patrol, told the committee anti-poverty initiatives such as Ottawas national housing strategy need to be fast-tracked to face a growing need. "We are in a really bad spot, right now. If things don't change quickly, we're going to be overrun by this," he said. Darlene Jackson, head of the Manitoba Nurses Union, heard a story about women getting pregnant to get into a treatment bed quicker. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files) The patrol group reported it found 18 needles on the ground in 2014, which jumped to 300 the next year, then 4,000, then 40,000 so far in 2018. "Right now, it's only four years in; we can still change things," Favel said. Jackson testified Winnipeg nurses are seeing meth use present itself in patients from across the city, from every economic strata. For example, cocaine users in the suburbs who have unknowingly snorted meth. She said meth users in crisis are swamping emergency rooms, which the cost-cutting provincial government is already closing, resulting in vulnerable patients living near the Health Sciences Centre being sent elsewhere. Jackson suggested the stressful environment of hospitals is probably contributing to meth users acting out, which can lead to attacks against medical staff. "This is a crisis; this is getting bigger every day, and I have nurses who don't even want to go to work anymore. I actually had a nurse say to me, 'I know every day when I go to work I'm going to be assaulted; I just pray it's a verbal assault, not a physical assault." Meanwhile, downtown and North End meth users are being registered in recovery programs located at the St. Boniface or Grace Hospitals, despite lacking the money and wherewithal to make the "monumental" journey to such appointments, Jackson said, floating the idea of a shuttle for such patients. Bear Clan Patrol leader James Favel told a parliamentary committee it's easier and cheaper to score drugs than buy groceries in downtown Winnipeg. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files) "When that patient is ready, we need to be there for them, to provide that care." Favel said his crew comes across people in mental distress in the middle of the night, who can't access services until business hours. Jackson, Favel and grassroots addictions workers from Ontario and Vancouver all agreed Canada needs to expand supervised-injection sites an idea the Manitoba government has largely rejected. Bear Clan claims CRA thwarting charity status The head of Winnipegs Bear Clan Patrol claims the Canada Revenue Agencys onerous rules are thwarting its efforts to fund-raise. click to read more The head of Winnipegs Bear Clan Patrol claims the Canada Revenue Agencys onerous rules are thwarting its efforts to fund-raise. "We're going to have to fall in line with CRA to get those donations flowing. And then it ties our hands and limits what we're able to do, James Favel told the Free Press, moments after testifying to Parliament on Tuesday. The good work that we're doing they're trying to stifle that." Favel said the volunteer community safety group has been in touch with the tax agency for a year-and-a-half, seeking charitable status so it can get the funds to run programming in the Manitoba capital and across Canada. "We give temporary job placements to our volunteers, but if we pay our volunteers anything more than $2,000, we're going to come afoul of CRA, Favel said. So they're telling us that we have to stop doing the things that we're doing what we're focusing on in our communities: trying to alleviate poverty." Favel said the CRAs rules are part of a system thats broken, where recovering drug addicts have limited job opportunities and meagre welfare payments. The CRA said it couldnt discuss specific cases, but said charities have to follow specific rules on using donated cash to fund employees Whether an employees salary is considered an amount spent on charitable activity depends on the duties that the employee performs, wrote spokesman Etienne Biram. For example, a charity whose employee spends half their time teaching youth and the rest applying for grants would only be able to claim 50 per cent of paid hours as charitable work. Dylan Robertson Close In May, the review of the provinces mental health services was accidentally sent to media in draft form, with the final version missing the recommendation for a safe-injection site in Winnipeg. Jackson accused the provincial Conservatives of burying their head in the sand on the issue, while echoing their criticism of the federal Liberals' plan for health-care transfers. Both Jackson and Favel said the provinces new rapid access to addictions medicine clinics will help put a dent in the crisis though not nearly enough to reverse a growing trend. As for Jacksons contention women are having babies in other to get a treatment bed, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said there is no guarantee. The Bear Clan Patrol walks streets in Winnipeg's North End as a way of promoting safety and serving as a deterent to crime. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files) "Pregnancy is a factor that is considered as part of the whole clinical picture, but pregnancy alone does not guarantee a faster intake into treatment," wrote spokesman Paul Turenne. The WRHA said it was not aware of women intentionally getting pregnant in order to access treatment. The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba hadn't heard of that problem either. In any case, Favel testified the lack of housing and job opportunities leads "stifled" people to shuffle back and forth between jail time and relapsing into addictions on the street. "The biggest issue that I'm coming across is the poverty in my community," he said. Help line for meth users Click to Expand Former meth users in Winnipeg have started an informal peer-support phone line, under the name Jib Stop. Through a Facebook group and a local number, drug users are encouraged to call for information and referrals to organizations that can help them stop using meth. The phone number is 204-904-7867 (STOP). The line is manned by former meth users, and not trained therapists. Dylan Robertson Favel said welfare payments are low and have a requirement to own a bank account, freezing out those most in need. Meanwhile, its easier to score crack pipes and drugs downtown than it is to find affordable groceries, he said. He said thats partially why Winnipeggers can often find drug users clustered along West Broadway, in the North End and around the Maryland Bridge and Sherbrook Street. "They congregate like that for their own safety. And we need to provide better for them, so that they don't have to feel that way." Favel said Bear Clan is trying to educate young people about the dangers of drugs and connect them with better uses of their time, but even volunteers cant find adequate help for their addictions. "A boy turned 18 on June 25 and graduated from our youth patrol to our adult patrol, and then we buried him on the ninth of August," Favel said. His comment left the MPs visibly startled. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca In any election, there are essentially two ways for politicians to appeal to voters: they can campaign on their positive accomplishments and instil hope for the future, or they can callously attack their opponent and spread fear by offering a litany of false claims. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion In any election, there are essentially two ways for politicians to appeal to voters: they can campaign on their positive accomplishments and instil hope for the future, or they can callously attack their opponent and spread fear by offering a litany of false claims. Needless to say, in the recent U.S. midterm elections, President Donald Trump opted for the latter approach. Instead of highlighting the strong U.S. economy, for which his administration could take some credit, he chose to stoke fear in order to arouse his Republican base. On Twitter and at countless rallies, he absurdly labelled the Democrats an "angry left-wing mob," and prophesied that the countrys economy would be devastated if the "Dems" regained control of the House of Representatives. So far, that devastation hasnt happened. More reckless was Trumps repeated warnings of the so-called "invasion" of a Central American caravan of approximately 7,000 migrants mainly Honduran families fleeing gang violence, corruption and poverty walking slowly through Mexico towards the U.S. border intent on seeking asylum. About 5,000 of the migrants have now reached the border, where they may be stuck for many months. Initially, Trump claimed with no evidence, as he is wont to do that the caravan included "criminals and unknown Middle Easterners." After that, he and other Republicans suggested, again with no proof, that billionaire financier and Democratic Party supporter George Soros was funding the migrants trek. To further heighten the supposed threat these impoverished men, women and children posed, Trump ordered nearly 6,000 active-duty troops to the southwest border to assist in controlling the caravan, at an estimated cost of US$210 million. The military troops are not permitted to take part in law enforcement or interact with the migrants; they are there to support the U.S Border Patrol with logistics, build barbed-wire fencing and other tasks designed to control the movement of the asylum seekers. According to a U.S. Defense Department directive, the troops will not be armed. It is now clear that the entire exercise was a political stunt. A few weeks after the election, and just as some members of the caravan have reached the border, there are reports that some of the troops will start returning home in the near future. A Homeland Security Department memo on Nov. 17 concluded that there is only a "minimal" chance the border guards will face any violence from the migrants. Nonetheless, Trump has continued to lash out about the supposed dangerous situation and his administration attempted to limit asylum claims. A recent ruling by a federal judge in San Francisco has blocked this arbitrary change in immigration law without Congressional approval at least temporarily. Not since Republicans Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge were in the White House during the 1920s has a president adopted such an extreme anti-immigration position or raised the spectre of an invading horde of foreigners as Trump has. And all coming from a president who, like millions of other Americans, has immigrant roots. In Trumps case, his grandfather, Friedrich Trump (changed from Drumpf) came to the U.S. as a 16-year-old from Germany in 1885 to join his sister, who was already in New York. In the midst of a downturn of the economy after the First World War, and concerned about radicals, anarchists and Bolsheviks in the wake of the Russian Revolution in 1917, Harding and Coolidge both supported restrictive immigration, especially from southern and eastern Europe. The 1924 Immigration Act, which set quotas for Italians, Greeks, Poles and Eastern European Jews, among other groups, was passed by Congress and signed by Coolidge in May 1924. It also strengthened previous immigration laws that prevented Asians from entering the U.S., including the Japanese, who had been excluded from earlier restrictive laws (Canada had also passed an act in 1923 that banned Chinese immigration to the country, which was not repealed until 1947). At the time, when eugenics was popular, Henry Ford promoted an anti-Jewish conspiracy in his weekly newspaper, the Dearborn Independent, and everything revolved around the concept of "race," the 1924 act which was not revised until 1952 was hailed as a way to preserve the purity of Americas white character. Arguably, the same objective Trump has been pursuing. Trump has declared that he is not against legal immigration, particularly from western European countries that he regards as acceptable, such as Sweden or Denmark, provided the newcomers are not poor or would become a "public charge." His preference, and that of his administration, are for wealthier and educated immigrants who can speak English. The main target of his disdain has thus been illegal Mexican immigrants who, during this presidential campaign, he castigated for "bringing drugs" and for being criminals and rapists, as well as Muslim immigrants he has sought to ban because, as with the radicals and Bolsheviks of the past, they are supposedly likely to be terrorists. The asylum seekers from Central America are yet another detested group that must be stopped because they do not fit into Trumps nationalistic "Make America Great Again" vision for the U.S. And his decision earlier this year to separate hundreds of immigrant families, including young children and there are hundreds who still have not been reunited with their parents shows the extent to which he is prepared to go to accomplish his aim. Now & Then is a column in which historian Allan Levine puts the events of today in a historical context. His most recent book is Seeking the Fabled City: The Canadian Jewish Experience. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled federal, provincial and territorial governments have the constitutional right to agree to create a single national securities regulator. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled federal, provincial and territorial governments have the constitutional right to agree to create a single national securities regulator. The court found that a co-operative plan to provide for countrywide oversight of stocks, bonds, fund units and other investments falls within the federal governments power to regulate trade and commerce. This was bad news for crooks and con artists. But great news for the rest of us. Our lack of a national watchdog has long made Canada a haven for investor fraud and securities-market scams. An end to that dubious distinction is at last close at hand. Criminals fear and loathe a national securities regulator. The last thing they want is a cross-jurisdictional scheme to prevent, prosecute and punish securities scams and frauds. The case was heard by our highest court on appeal from a Quebec Court of Appeal decision. The Quebec appellate court had earlier ruled that the constitutional division of powers doesnt permit a pan-Canadian securities regulator, via agreement or otherwise. In a brief and unanimous decision, and some unusually blunt language, the Supreme Court pretty much kicked the Quebec court ruling to the curb. Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Yukon had already joined the federal government in a proposed plan to create an integrated national securities regulator called the Capital Markets Regulatory Authority, prior to our high courts greenlighting it. Only Quebec and Alberta are flat-out opposed to a national securities regulator. Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Manitoba have expressed reservations about the plan, but in varying degrees and differing ways. With six provinces and territories now on board, representing nearly 60 per cent of market capitalization for publicly traded companies and more than 75 per cent of the number of companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and TSX Venture Exchange, the plan has real traction. All other major developed nations have a single national securities commission or equivalent agency. The United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany have one each. Canada, meanwhile, has 13 one for each province and territory. At meetings of the 100-plus-members International Organization of Securities Commissions, we have long looked amateurish and silly with our gaggle of little provincial and territorial fiefdoms. But its not just about looking silly. Our patchwork system has made enforcement of securities laws difficult. Ponzi or pyramid schemes, in which a constant stream of money from newly duped investors is used to keep afloat the inflated returns promised earlier investors, thrive where a lack of shared information allows Ponzi fraudsters to move from province to province. Pump-and-dump schemes are likewise notoriously portable in Canada. In a pump-and-dump, the operators of the scheme inflate share values by falsely talking up company fortunes so that theyre bought at overvalued prices by unsuspecting investors (the "pump"). The operators then sell their own now grossly overvalued shares (the "dump"), leaving bona fide investors holding worthless, or next-to-worthless, stock. Too often, by the time local regulators get around to issuing a warning to the public about hatched schemes, the con artists have decamped and set up shop in another part of the country. Consumers in the next province likewise dont get wind of the scam until they, too, number among the victims. And so the criminals roll on, garnering ill-gotten gains as they flit from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. As if Canadian-resident scams arent bad enough, the proliferation of foreign-based high-pressure online and telemarketing sales of supposedly low-risk but high-yield securities that are actually worthless has become a growth industry over the past decade. The illicit online sale of offshore investments that exist solely to bilk investors requires a national prevention and prosecution strategy from justice and law-enforcement officials. Manitobas failure to join in the national regulatory scheme amounts to an invitation to fraudsters to set up shop here. Which is precisely why Manitoba should stop dithering and sign on to the plan. A co-operative federal-provincial agency is the best way to thwart the fraudsters and flim-flam artists that prey on Manitobans. Becoming globally known as one of the last remaining easy targets for illegal securities marketing and manipulation isnt a reputation our provincial government should be cultivating. Douglas J. Johnston is a Winnipeg lawyer and writer. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Whither the USMCA? Now that the low-key signing ceremony for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) at the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires is over, the real work begins. While it wont be as gruelling as the 13 months of roller-coaster trilateral negotiations, it wont be a walk in the proverbial park either. The central problem lies in the actual final ratification of the North American trade pact. More specifically, after the November U.S. midterm elections, the Democrats will control the House of Representatives in early January 2019 along with chairing and dominating the pivotal House ways and means committee (which needs to approve the deal before it goes for a full House vote). Democrat Bill Pascrell from New Jersey and the likely incoming chairman of the House ways and means subcommittee on trade has clearly indicated his reservations about the agreement. As he noted: "There are certainly some improvements in the USMCA over the previous NAFTA, but the jury is still out as to whether this deal meets my standard for a better deal for American workers." More worrisome, some House Democrats have started to make noises about possible changes to the USMCA in order for it to get the requisite congressional votes. This is where things get really tricky for Ottawa, since it is invariably the White House that is supposed to ensure that the U.S. Congress is on side. The last thing that the Trudeau government wants to do is to be seen as interfering in the congressional process to arm-twist and sway votes in its favour. It looks like the Democrats and the incoming House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, want the Mexicans to cough up some important concessions. As the party of Big Labour, the Democrats are looking to squeeze Mexico to put in place stronger language to guarantee higher wages for Mexican autoworkers. Moreover, the empowered Democrats want the Mexican government to commit firmly to allowing Mexican workers to unionize on their shop floors. In addition, they are pushing hard to get a promise from Mexico to toughen its laws on environmental protection. A gaggle of Republicans, for their part, are also very uneasy about the deals clause (which Canada insisted on including) on LGBTTQ* worker rights (language on discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation). Evidently, conservative lawmakers see this as an unacceptable infringement of U.S. national sovereignty. In a letter to the Trump administration, they made it very clear that they will not support ratification unless this language is removed from the legal text. "A trade agreement is no place for the adoption of social policy. It is especially inappropriate and insulting to our sovereignty to needlessly submit to social policies which the United States Congress has so far explicitly refused to accept," it explained. Of course, these changes may cause the Trump White House to delay sending the USMCA implementation legislation up to Capitol Hill. But I cant see U.S. President Donald Trump backing away from the trade pact now. The point here is that the Democrats want to take a pot shot at Trump as they put their own stamp (and tweaking) on the USMCA. And thats all part of how they plan to sell the deal to their partisans in 2020. There is a remote possibility, however, that the USMCA will not be put to bed in 2019. That leaves a stalemated U.S. Congress in 2020 and the prospect of a nasty presidential election campaign. Translation: no ratified free trade agreement. The old NAFTA would then kick back into place, which is just as well as far as Canada is concerned. But that would still leave the outstanding trade disputes over softwood lumber and punishing Section 232 tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. (It is also worth noting that the threatened Section 232 tariffs on Canadian auto imports into the U.S. will not go into effect after the pact is signed on Nov. 30.) In the end, though, the Democrats are likely to hold their noses and ratify the USMCA with some specific amendments and minor tinkering. They have no interest in re-fighting the old NAFTA or a NAFTA 2.0 pact in the 2020 presidential election. And after backing the earlier Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal (favoured by the former Obama administration), they would be raked over the coals if they blocked the USMCA. Final ratification probably wont be easy, mind you, but Canada will eventually get its modified NAFTA. There are just too many forces aligned in favour of the deal in Washington, Mexico City and Ottawa for it to all fall apart now. Peter McKenna is professor and chairman of political science at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown. Theres something wrong with Manitobas legal system when the overloaded court dockets include breaches of bail conditions that are relatively puny. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/12/2018 (1088 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Theres something wrong with Manitobas legal system when the overloaded court dockets include breaches of bail conditions that are relatively puny. Perhaps its a person who missed her bus and therefore missed an appointment with her probation officer. Perhaps its someone who was spotted drinking beer despite the alcohol ban on his probation order. Perhaps its someone who communicated with a friend despite a no-contact order. In some places, such minor violations are handled sensibly; probation officers and prosecutors have discretion to treat relatively trivial violations with relatively trivial consequences, freeing up resources to target the highest-risk offenders. But Manitoba is infamous for its zero-tolerance policy on alleged court-order violations. This is the province where the weighty and expensive court system judges, lawyers and support staff gather to hear the case of a guy who was late coming home and missed his court-ordered curfew. Unfortunately, such small violations are a big deal in a legal system that is clogged with cases. A total of 45 per cent of cases in Manitobas court system stem from such violations of court orders. Its not immediately known how many are relatively minor, but the Manitoba total of violations is well above the national average, according to the courts latest annual report. The Manitoba tradition of overloading its justice system with violation-of-order charges is nothing new. A 2014 report by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association said: "The situation in Manitoba also merits particular attention. In contrast to the discretion exercised by bail-supervision programs across the country, all interview participants from Winnipeg report there is zero tolerance towards any breach of conditions. Government officials confirm all breaches are automatically reported to the police, but were unable to explain the rationale for this policy or how long it has been in place. The result is that a single missed appointment after months of perfect attendance or one late arrival automatically leads to criminal charges." The ramifications of this no-flexibility stance are seen throughout the difference stages of the Manitoba legal system. The Winnipeg Police Service laid 4,536 charges for violations of court orders in 2017, an average of 12 a day. Prosecuting such charges helps crowd the dockets in provincial court, where cases take an average of five months to resolve, according to the 2017-18 annual report from Manitoba Justice. Most of the inmates at Winnipeg Remand Centre and Headingley jail are on remand, and remand inmates are there for an average of 54 days. Those institutions are crowded well over capacity to the point where jail violence has increased, according to correction officers. Fortunately, the current Progressive Conservative government seems to recognize the problems that flow from Manitobas zero-tolerance policy on violations of court orders, a policy it says it inherited from its NDP predecessor. On Nov. 19, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen launched a text-message notification program to remind Winnipeggers of their court dates. Its a small step, but its in the right direction. The government could also relax the current zero-tolerance policy and craft explicit policy that lets prosecutors and probation officers use discretion when people violate court orders. A possible model is B.C.s Crown Policy Manual, which directs prosecutors to consider whether its in the public interest to prosecute an alleged violation of a court order. For example, it means violators could continue to be charged when they present a risk of physical violence, such as domestic violence offenders. But it would give probation officers and prosecutors the freedom to pursue more sensible alternatives when, for example, a person who has a solid track record of keeping her probation appointments oversleeps and misses a single appointment, but phones promptly to explain and apologize. In replacing Manitobas zero-tolerance policy with a common-sense policy, a little wiggle room would go a long way. MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned the United States that if it walks out of a key arms treaty and starts developing the type of missiles banned by it, Russia will do the same. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Deputy Chief of General Staff of Russia, Valery Gerasimov delivers his speech during a briefing in the Russian Defense Ministry's headquarters in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018. Gerasimov told a briefing of foreign military attaches on Wednesday that if the U.S. "were to destroy" the treaty "we will not leave it without a response." (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned the United States that if it walks out of a key arms treaty and starts developing the type of missiles banned by it, Russia will do the same. Putin's remarks to Russian news agencies on Wednesday came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced at a NATO meeting that Washington will suspend its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) in 60 days, citing Russian "cheating." The U.S. has shared intelligence evidence with its NATO allies that it says shows that Russia's new SSC-8 ground-fired cruise missile could give Moscow the ability to launch a nuclear strike in Europe with little or no notice. Russia has denied the accusations. President Donald Trump earlier this year announced his decision to withdraw from the INF, accusing Russia and China which is not a signatory to the treaty of violating it. Putin on Wednesday accused the United States of making up excuses for pulling out of the pact, saying that the U.S. first made up its mind to walk out of it and only then "started to look for the reasons why they should do it." "It seems that our American partners believe that the situation has changed so much that the U.S. has to have this type of weapons," he said in televised remarks. "What would be our response? A very simple one: in that case, we will do the same." Speaking at a briefing of foreign military attaches earlier, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of staff of the Russian military, warned of a Russian response and said that it would be the countries that host U.S. intermediate-range missiles that would become immediate targets for Russia. When signed in 1987, the INF treaty was lauded as a major safeguard for global security since they eliminated shorter-range missiles that take just a few minutes to reach their targets. The removal of such destabilizing weapons would in theory allow more time for decision-making in case of a warning of a missile attack. U.S. ally Germany, which has been keen to preserve the treaty, called on Russia to try to save it while it still has the time. "The INF treaty is of great significance for security in Europe," government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said in Berlin on Wednesday. "The German government welcomes the fact that the American government is giving its preservation another chance," she added, referring to the 60-day deadline. She also noted that the issue came up in a meeting between Chancellor Angela Merkel and Trump in Argentina on Saturday. "It is now up to Russia to avert the end of the treaty," Demmer said. __ Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report. SPEED READ: Ohio last week became the first state where businesses can pay their taxes in bitcoin. Seminole County, Fla., began accepting bitcoin for some payments this summer. Bitcoin is the most well-known of cryptocurrencies, which allow users to record data and transactions instantaneously in a way that is mostly unhackable. Over the last four months, two governments in the United States have started accepting certain types of payments in cryptocurrency, marking a growing trend that some hope will catch on.Last week, Ohio became the first state where businesses can pay their taxes in bitcoin. The move follows Seminole County, Fla., which began accepting payments in bitcoin for things like license fees and taxes in late August.The government adoption is the latest signal that cryptocurrencies are gaining legitimacy after initially being associated mainly with drug and weapons dealers on the dark web. "The negative stigma is really starting to go away," says Sean Rolland, director of product for BitPay, which has partnered with both governments. "These are not money launderers but real people using this on a regular basis."For both Ohio and Seminole County, accepting bitcoin has two major perks. First, BitPay -- much like currency exchange desks -- locks in an exchange rate and converts the currency to U.S. dollars. That makes the transaction less risky for governments. After all, it's been a topsy turvy year so far for bitcoin. The cryptocurrency's value plummeted 73 percent this year. This week, the currency saw a quick drop, falling more than 6 percent to $3,886 per coin on Monday."Whether bitcoin is worth $1,000 or $10,000 dollars is not relevant to us because it works like an exchange rate," says Joel Greenberg, Seminole County's tax collector.Second, bitcoin offers taxpayers an option with a lower fee -- 1 percent -- than those associated with credit cards, where there's usually a 2 or 3 percent surcharge for payments to the government. As part of their partnership with BitPay, Ohio and Seminole County lets the company keep the fee as compensation.Bitcoin is the most well-known of cryptocurrencies, which all use distributed ledger technology. Distributed ledger technology -- such as blockchain -- allows users to record data and transactions instantaneously in a way that is mostly unhackable.Given those features, Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel hopes accepting bitcoin for 23 business taxes will be particularly appealing to tech startups and international businesses. He eventually wants to expand payments to individual taxes and other types of cryptocurrencies."We want to project to the rest of America that Ohio is loud and proud about embracing blockchain technology," he says, noting that the launch of ohiocrypto.com coincides with a major blockchain conference in Cleveland. "We're trying to plant the flag and send the message to entrepreneurs and software developers across America that Ohio is open for business."Still, Mandel acknowledges that such a change in business climate won't happen overnight. The take-up rate in Ohio is likely to be slow, as it as been so far in Seminole County. But that's understandable given both the newness of the program and bitcoin's volatility.For now, it'll likely remain something of a novelty. To that end, Greenberg points out that his office installed a bitcoin ATM in the lobby where taxpayers can buy the currency and speculate. "If they want to sit on it for a week before they come back to make their payment, they can," he says. "If it goes up, they net the difference." 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. Floridians will now have less time to apply for Medicaid coverage if they want healthcare costs retroactively covered, after federal officials approved a state request Friday to shorten how far back the state's program can pick up the bill.The change, which critics have charged will limit access to healthcare for the poor, elderly and those with disabilities, means those who qualify for the safety-net program now have up to 30 days of retroactive eligibility once they qualify for Medicaid, as opposed to the original 90 days. After approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees the safety net program, the 30-day policy will go into effect Feb. 1 and remain in place until June 30 unless state lawmakers vote to extend the change.The state Agency for Health Care Administration requested the policy change in the spring, after lawmakers earlier this year voted to support shortening the retroactive eligibility period over the objections of some Democratic colleagues. State Medicaid officials had previously estimated the eligibility would affect about 39,000 people annually -- with pregnant women and children exempt -- and amount to $98 million. The agency also contended that the change would not harm applicants so long as they submitted their paperwork on time.But during a public comment period, the federal agency received hundreds of comments, all critical of the change: that it would financially hurt providers and patients, impede continuous care or limit access to healthcare services for older patients and those with disabilities in particular.Some also contended that limiting retroactive eligibility to the start of the month a patient applied for benefits could harm those who became eligible late in the month, shrinking the window they had to submit their paperwork.In the letter giving the state approval, Seema Verma, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator, acknowledged the comments but wrote the state would be required to have a "robust outreach and communication strategy" with providers and beneficiaries that would also be posted on the website.Medicaid coverage would also date back to the first day of the month an application was filed, even if there was a delay in processing, according to the letter, "which may help mitigate these concerns."Verma also asserted that the change, requested under an amendment process that is meant to encourage "innovative" healthcare, would enable the state to determine if shortening the retroactive eligibility period could stop people from only intermittently having coverage."Florida will be required to test its hypothesis that the waiver will incentivize individuals to obtain and maintain health coverage, even when healthy, or to apply for coverage as soon as possible after the finding or diagnosis that gives rise to their Medicaid eligibility," she wrote. The federal agency is also requiring the state to conduct an independent evaluation within four months of the approval.The federal agency has approved similar changes in Iowa and Kentucky, though both states also expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act to include able-bodied adults. Florida has not expanded who is eligible for the program.The federal agency also approved several other Medicaid changes the state had proposed, from providing a new state Medicaid managed dental plan to making changes to the Low Income Pool, a Medicaid funding program.The agency approved community behavioral health providers as participants in the funding program, which could expand their access to funding for services treating mental health and substance abuse. It also agreed to a reclassification of regional perinatal care centers, which serve women with high-risk pregnancies and newborns with special health needs, allowing them to access more funding. 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Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. 4 hours ago Biden sets out oil, gas leasing reform, stops short of ban WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration on Friday recommended an overhaul of the nation's oil and gas leasing program to limit areas available for energy development and raise costs for oil and gas companies to drill on public land and water. The long-awaited report by the Interior Department stops short of recommending an end to oil and gas leasing on public lands, as many environmental groups have urged. Read Article Wisconsin has had a long tradition of open and transparent government, a legacy of the original progressive movement of a century ago. For many Democrats -- and at least a few Republicans -- the votes held Wednesday by GOP legislators to strip incoming Democratic Gov. Tony Evers of some of his powers amounted to a betrayal of that tradition.To put this week's action into perspective,spoke with Dan Kaufman, a New York-based writer who is a native of Wisconsin. Earlier this year, Kaufman published The Fall of Wisconsin , a book that examines the actions of Gov. Scott Walker and other contemporary Republicans in their efforts to undo many of the state's political traditions.Kaufman, who covered this year's race between Evers and Walker forand wrote an opinion column about the power-stripping effort for, was in the Wisconsin Capitol for this week's debate and votes."It was kind of the perfect bookend to the Walker reign," he says. "He began with Act 10," which abolished collective bargaining rights for most public employees in 2011. "That was the most divisive piece of legislation in Wisconsin's history. And it ends with this."This interview has been edited for length and clarity.I thought it seemed pretty extreme. During this last month, [Assembly Speaker] Robin Vos and [Senate Majority Leader] Scott Fitzgerald both used the word "reasonable." They tried to downplay what the changes were, which was effective toward diminishing the public outrage. There were only vague ideas floating around, but clearly they were working on it right away. It's a dense, 141-page bill, with a lot of changes.Like most of what has happened in the last eight years, there was no public input, with one limited hearing. The process itself is maybe the biggest outrage for people.He ran ads on that, and that was an effective message.They had all month to explain it if they wanted to. They tried to explain it but in ways that are not credible. Remember, they're the ones that gave Walker more power originally.Vos' argument was that legislators are the closest to the governed. But Wisconsin's legislature, particularly the Assembly, is the most gerrymandered in the country.Arguably, given that the gerrymandering is so extreme, the statewide elections are more representative. Assembly Democrats have never gotten more than 39 votes with this map.That's why this is an outrage. It's an outrage to some Republicans.This is the part that's really undemocratic. Tony Evers campaigned on certain things. He ran on the position of defending the Affordable Care Act. That was a central part of his campaign. Nobody ran on their side on stripping power away from the incoming governor, whoever it may be.Vos said at his press conference Tuesday that they planned to do this in the spring and they were sorry they didn't get around to it. Does anybody believe that?It's part and parcel with all of their major actions, which have been efforts to tilt the balance in their favor.Everything that they've done is about engineering their dominance through gaming the political system. Act 10, which bankrupted the unions. Gutting the campaign finance system. Abolishing the Government Accountability Board It's a continuation of divide-and-conquer politics. Madison and Milwaukee are part of the state. Dane County [which includes Madison] is the biggest job engine, and it's almost the only part of the state that's growing in population and with the economy.We don't vote on pockets of land. It's a person that's voting. I heard one representative say -- I have to paraphrase, but he said that his election matters just as much as Tony Evers'. First of all, he's one state Assembly person vs. the governor, who reflects the will of a lot more people. Second of all, he's gerrymandered. His seat was carved out to ensure that a member of his party was elected.No. I think it's very scary. It's possible to transform a political system, even one that's relatively robust like Wisconsin's was.Look at my book. I wrote a whole book about it. Looking back, the state was very innovative in opening up the process of government. It was very innovative not just on labor rights but a kind of transparency that was part of that lower case democratic system. There was an unusual amount of citizen involvement in state government.There's a lot of interest with what's happening with Trump, but when you look at what's happening in states and particularly Wisconsin, you see how easy it is to have what amounts to minority rule, to defy norms and take power that really isn't yours to take. 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. Truist Financial Corp. operates as a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of banking services to individuals, businesses and municipalities. The firm offers a variety of loans and lease financing to individuals and entities, including insurance premium financing, permanent commercial real estate financing arrangements, loan servicing for third-party investors, direct consumer finance loans to individuals, credit card lending, automobile financing and equipment financing. It also markets a range of other services, including deposits, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, health Truist Financial Corp. operates as a financial holding company. It engages in the provision of banking services to individuals, businesses and municipalities. The company operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Wealth; Corporate and Commercial Banking; and Insurance Holdings. The firm offers a variety of loans and lease financing to individuals and entities, including insurance premium financing, permanent commercial real estate financing arrangements, loan servicing for third-party investors, direct consumer finance loans to individuals, credit card lending, automobile financing and equipment financing. It also markets a range of other services, including deposits, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, health insurance and commercial general liability insurance on an agency basis and through a wholesale insurance brokerage operation, merchant services, trust and retirement services, comprehensive wealth advisory services, asset management and capital markets services. The company was founded on December 6, 2019 and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. insurance and commercial general liability insurance on an agency basis and through a wholesale insurance brokerage operation, merchant services, trust and retirement services, comprehensive wealth advisory services, asset management and capital markets services. The company was founded on December 6, 2019 and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Boston Scientific: 34 Biomedical Merger Corp., 9357-1867 Quebec Inc., Acurate Industria e Comercio Ltda., Advanced Bionics, Advanced Stent Technologies, American Medical Systems, American Medical Systems Europe B.V., Apama Medical, Apama Medical Inc., Asthmatx, Atritech, Augmenix, Augmenix Inc., Augmenix K.K., BSC International Medical Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., BSC Medical Device Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., BTG, BTG Australasia Pty Ltd, BTG Europe B.V., BTG IM Holdings Ltd., BTG International (Holdings) Limited, BTG International Asia Limited, BTG International Canada Inc., BTG International Germany GmbH, BTG International Healthcare Inc., BTG International Healthcare LLC, BTG International Healthcare Limited, BTG International Inc., BTG International Limited, BTG Limited, BTG Management Services Limited, BTG Medikal Limited Sirketi, Bard Electrophysiology, Barosense, Biocompatibles Inc., Biocompatibles International Limited, Biocompatibles UK Limited, Boston Scientific (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Boston Scientific (South Africa) Proprietary Limited, Boston Scientific (Thailand) Ltd., Boston Scientific (UK) Limited, Boston Scientific AG, Boston Scientific Argentina S.A., Boston Scientific Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Boston Scientific Benelux NV, Boston Scientific Canada Limited, Boston Scientific Ceska republika s.r.o., Boston Scientific Chile SpA, Boston Scientific Colombia Limitada, Boston Scientific Comercial de Costa Rica BSCR S.R.L., Boston Scientific Far East B.V., Boston Scientific Gesellschaft m.b.H., Boston Scientific Group plc, Boston Scientific Hellas S.A., Boston Scientific Hong Kong Limited, Boston Scientific Iberica S.A., Boston Scientific India Private Limited, Boston Scientific International B.V., Boston Scientific International Finance Limited, Boston Scientific International S.A., Boston Scientific Israel Ltd., Boston Scientific Japan K.K., Boston Scientific Korea Co. Ltd., Boston Scientific Lebanon SAL, Boston Scientific Limited, Boston Scientific Ltd., Boston Scientific Medical Device, Boston Scientific Medical Device Limited, Boston Scientific Medizintechnik GmbH, Boston Scientific Middle East FZ-LLC, Boston Scientific Middle East SAL, Boston Scientific Nederland B.V., Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation, Boston Scientific New Zealand Limited, Boston Scientific Nordic AB, Boston Scientific Peru S.A.C., Boston Scientific Philippines Inc., Boston Scientific Polska Sp. z o.o., Boston Scientific Portugal - Dispositivos Medicos Lda, Boston Scientific Pty Ltd, Boston Scientific Romania S.R.L., Boston Scientific S.A.S., Boston Scientific S.p.A., Boston Scientific Scimed, Boston Scientific Scimed Inc., Boston Scientific Services Private Limited, Boston Scientific TIP Gerecleri Limited Sirketi, Boston Scientific Technology & Engineering Services Private Limited, Boston Scientific Uruguay S.A., Boston Scientific Vietnam Company Limited, Boston Scientific de Costa Rica S.R.L., Boston Scientific de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Boston Scientific del Caribe Inc., Boston Scientific do Brasil Ltda., Bravo Bidco Limited, BridgePoint Medical, Cameron Health, Cardiac Pacemakers Inc., Cardiac Pathways Corp, Catheter Innovations, Claret Medical, Claret Medical Inc., Cosman Medical, Cosman Medical LLC, CryoCor, Cryterion Medical, Cryterion Medical Inc., Cryterion Medical Ireland Limited, EKOS LLC, EMcision, EMcision International Inc., EP Technologies, EP Technologies Inc., Electron Acquisition Corporation, EndoChoice, EndoChoice Holdings Inc., EndoChoice Inc., EndoChoice Innovation Center Ltd., EndoChoice Israel Ltd., Endotex, Enteric Medical Technologies, Galil Medical Inc., Galil Medical Ltd., Galil Medical UK Limited, Guidant, Guidant Delaware Holding Corporation, Guidant Europe NV, Guidant Puerto Rico B.V., Hong Kong Medtech Trading Limited, Intelect Medical, Millipede, Millipede Inc., NXT Merger Corp., Notebook Merger Sub Ltd., Novate Medical Limited, NxThera, NxThera Inc., PT Boston Scientific Indonesia, PneumRx GmbH, PneumRx LLC, PneumRx Liimited, Protherics Medicines Development B.V., Protherics Medicines Development Limited, Protherics UK Limited, Provensis Limited, RMI Acquisition Corp., Remon Medical Technologies, Rhythmia Medical, Robert S. Smith M.D. Inc., Roxwood Medical Inc., SNS Merger Corp, Sadra Medical, Sadra Medical Inc., Securus Medical Group, Securus Medical Group Inc., Special K Merger Corp., StarMedTec, Stream Enterprises LLC, Symetis, Symetis SA, Target Therapeutics, Target Therapeutics Inc., The LumenR Tissue Retractor System, Veniti, Veniti Inc., VertiFlex, Vertiflex Inc., Vessix Vascular, Xlumena, Zuma Investment Pty Ltd, iogyn, nVision Medical, and nVision Medical Corporation. The following companies are subsidiares of Caterpillar: Advanced Tri-Gen Power Systems LLC, Anchor Coupling Inc., Asia Power Systems (Tianjin) Ltd., AsiaTrak (Tianjin) Ltd., Banco Caterpillar S.A., Berg Propulsion International Pte Ltd., Bucyrus, Bucyrus Australia Surface Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Holdings Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Limited, Bucyrus International (Chile) Limitada, Bucyrus International (Peru) S.A., Bucyrus Mining Australia Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Mining China LLC, Bucyrus UK Limited, Cat Rental Kyushu LLC, Caterpillar (Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar (China) Financial Leasing Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Machinery Components Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (HK) Limited, Caterpillar (Huainan) Machinery Service Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Langfang) Mining Equipment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Luxembourg) Investment Co. S.a r.l., Caterpillar (NI) Limited, Caterpillar (Newberry) LLC, Caterpillar (Qingzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Logistics Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar (U.K.) Limited, Caterpillar (Wujiang) Ltd., Caterpillar (Xuzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Zhengzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar Acquisition Holding Corp., Caterpillar Americas C.V., Caterpillar Americas Co., Caterpillar Americas Funding Inc., Caterpillar Americas Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Asia Limited, Caterpillar Asia Pacific L.P., Caterpillar Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Asset Intelligence LLC, Caterpillar Belgium S.A., Caterpillar Brasil Comercio de Maquinas e Pecas Ltda., Caterpillar Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Brazil LLC, Caterpillar Castings Kiel GmbH, Caterpillar Centro de Formacion S.L., Caterpillar China Limited, Caterpillar Commercial Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Commercial LLC, Caterpillar Commercial Northern Europe Limited, Caterpillar Commercial S.A., Caterpillar Commercial S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Commercial Services S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Communications LLC, Caterpillar Corporativo Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Cote DIvoire, Caterpillar Credito S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., Caterpillar DC Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Digital Services & Solutions SARL, Caterpillar Distribution International LLC, Caterpillar Distribution Services Europe B.V.B.A., Caterpillar East Real Estate Holding Ltd., Caterpillar Emissions Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH, Caterpillar Energy Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions S.A., Caterpillar Energy System Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Engine Systems Inc., Caterpillar Equipos Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Eurasia LLC, Caterpillar FS (QFC) LLC, Caterpillar Finance France S.A., Caterpillar Finance Kabushiki Kaisha, Caterpillar Financial Acquisition Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Aftermarket Solutions Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Australia Leasing Pty Limited, Caterpillar Financial Australia Limited, Caterpillar Financial Commercial Account Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Corporacion Financiera S.A. E.F.C., Caterpillar Financial Dealer Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Funding Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Caterpillar Financial Leasing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial New Zealand Limited, Caterpillar Financial Nordic Services AB, Caterpillar Financial Nova Scotia Corporation, Caterpillar Financial OOO, Caterpillar Financial Receivables Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Renting S.A., Caterpillar Financial SARL, Caterpillar Financial Services (Dubai) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services (Ireland) plc, Caterpillar Financial Services (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Argentina S.A., Caterpillar Financial Services Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Financial Services CR s.r.o., Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Services GmbH, Caterpillar Financial Services India Private Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Leasing ULC, Caterpillar Financial Services Limited Les Services Financiers Caterpillar Limitee, Caterpillar Financial Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Caterpillar Financial Services Netherlands B.V., Caterpillar Financial Services Norway AS, Caterpillar Financial Services Philippines Inc., Caterpillar Financial Services Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Limited, Caterpillar Financial UK Acquisition Funding Partners, Caterpillar Financial Ukraine LLC, Caterpillar Fluid Systems S.r.l., Caterpillar Fomento Comercial Ltda., Caterpillar Forest Products Inc., Caterpillar France S.A.S., Caterpillar GB L.L.C., Caterpillar Global Investments S.a r.l., Caterpillar Global Mining America LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Equipamentos De Mineracao do Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Expanded Products Pty Ltd, Caterpillar Global Mining Germany Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining HMS GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong AFC Manufacturing Holding Co. Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Global Mining SARL, Caterpillar Global Mining U.S. Parts LLC, Caterpillar Global Services LLC, Caterpillar Group Services S.A., Caterpillar Holding (France) S.A.S., Caterpillar Holding Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Holdings Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Hungary Components Manufacturing Ltd., Caterpillar Hydraulics Italia S.r.l., Caterpillar IPX LLC, Caterpillar IRB LLC, Caterpillar Impact Products Limited, Caterpillar India Private Limited, Caterpillar Industrial Inc., Caterpillar Industrias Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Industries (Pty) Ltd, Caterpillar Insurance Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Insurance Company, Caterpillar Insurance Holdings Inc., Caterpillar Insurance Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Finance Designated Activity Company, Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg I S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg II S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Product SARL, Caterpillar International Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Services del Peru S.A., Caterpillar Investment Limited, Caterpillar Investment One SARL, Caterpillar Investment Two SARL, Caterpillar Investments, Caterpillar Japan LLC, Caterpillar Latin America Services S.R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Panama S. de R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Servicios de Chile Limitada, Caterpillar Latin America Support Services S. DE R.L., Caterpillar Leasing (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar Leasing Chile S.A., Caterpillar Leasing GmbH (Leipzig), Caterpillar Leasing Operativo Limitada, Caterpillar Life Insurance Company, Caterpillar Logistics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Logistics (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Logistics Inc., Caterpillar Logistics ML Services France S.A.S., Caterpillar Logistics Services China Limited, Caterpillar Luxembourg Group S.ar.l., Caterpillar Luxembourg LLC, Caterpillar Luxembourg S.a r.l., Caterpillar Machinery Nantong Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asset Intelligence, Caterpillar Marine Power UK Limited, Caterpillar Marine Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Maroc SARL, Caterpillar Materiels Routiers SAS, Caterpillar Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Mexico S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Mining Canada ULC, Caterpillar Mining Chile Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Motoren (Guangdong) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG, Caterpillar Motoren Henstedt-Ulzburg GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Rostock GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Verwaltungs-GmbH, Caterpillar Netherlands Holding B.V., Caterpillar North America C.V., Caterpillar Operator Training Ltd., Caterpillar Overseas Credit Corporation SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Investment Holding SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Limited, Caterpillar Overseas SARL, Caterpillar Panama Services S.A., Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Caterpillar Paving Products Xuzhou Ltd., Caterpillar Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Power Generation Systems (Bangladesh) Limited, Caterpillar Power Generation Systems L.L.C., Caterpillar Power Systems Inc., Caterpillar Power Ventures International Ltd., Caterpillar Precision Seals Korea, Caterpillar Prodotti Stradali S.r.l., Caterpillar Product Services Corporation, Caterpillar Propulsion AB, Caterpillar Propulsion International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Italy S.R.L., Caterpillar Propulsion Namibia (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar Propulsion Production AB, Caterpillar Propulsion Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Singapore Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar R&D Center (China) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe LLC, Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe Servicios S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Drivetrain LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Renting France S.A.S., Caterpillar Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar SARL, Caterpillar Services Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Servizi Italia Srl, Caterpillar Shrewsbury Limited, Caterpillar Skinningrove Limited, Caterpillar Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd., Caterpillar Special Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Switchgear Americas LLC, Caterpillar Switchgear Holding Inc., Caterpillar Tianjin Ltd., Caterpillar Torreon S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Tosno L.L.C., Caterpillar Transmissions France S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Tunneling Canada Holdings Ltd., Caterpillar Tunnelling Canada Corporation, Caterpillar Tunnelling Europe Limited, Caterpillar UK Employee Trust Limited, Caterpillar UK Engines Company Limited, Caterpillar UK Group Limited, Caterpillar UK Holdings Limited, Caterpillar Undercarriage (Xuzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Used Equipment Services Inc., Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc., Caterpillar Work Tools B.V., Caterpillar Work Tools Inc., Caterpillar World Trading Corporation, Caterpillar Xuzhou, Caterpillar of Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar of Canada Corporation, Caterpillar of Delaware Inc., Centre de Distribution de Wallonie SPRL, CleanAir Systems, Downer Freight Rail, ECM Railway Evolution Romania s.r.l., ECM S.p.A., EDC European Excavator Design Center GmbH, EMC Holding Corp., EMD International Holdings Inc., ERA Information & Entertainment (BVI) Limited, ERA Mining Machinery Limited, Electro-Motive Diesel Limited, Electro-Motive Locomotive Technologies LLC, Electro-Motive Technical Consulting Co. (Beijing) Ltd., Energy Services International Limited, Equipos de Acuna S.A. de C.V., Eurenov S.A.S., F. G. Wilson (Proprietary) Limited, F. Perkins Limited, FG Wilson (Engineering) Limited, GB Holdco (China) Inc., GFCM Comercial Mexico S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., GFCM Servicios S.A. de C.V., Gremada Industries - Assets, Hong Kong Siwei Holdings Limited, Inmobiliaria Conek S.A. de C.V., JCS Co., Kemper Valve & Fittings Corp., Leo Inc., Locomotive Demand Power Pty Ltd., Locomotoras Progress Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Lovat, M2M Data Corporation, MGE Equipamentos & Servicos Ferroviarios, MWM, MWM Austria GmbH, MWM Benelux B.V., MWM Energy Australia Pty Ltd, MWM France S.A.S, MWM Real Estate GmbH, MaK Americas Inc., MaK Americas Inc. (Canada), Magnum Power Products LLC, Marble, Maschinenbau Kiel GmbH, Mec-Track S.r.l., Metalmark Financial Services Limited, Motoren Steffens GmbH, Nippon Caterpillar LLC, P. T. Solar Services Indonesia, PT Caterpillar Finance Indonesia, PT. Bucyrus Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia Batam, PT. Caterpillar Remanufacturing Indonesia, Perkins Engines, Perkins Engines (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, Perkins Engines Group Limited, Perkins Engines Inc., Perkins Group Limited, Perkins Holdings Limited LLC, Perkins India Private Limited, Perkins International Inc., Perkins Japan LLC, Perkins Limited, Perkins Machinery (Changshu) Co. Ltd., Perkins Motores do Brasil Ltda., Perkins Power Systems Technology (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines LLC, Perkins Small Engines Limited, Perkins Technology Inc., Progress Metal Reclamation Company, Progress Rail Arabia Limited Company, Progress Rail Australia Pty Ltd, Progress Rail Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Equipamentos e Servicos Ferroviarios do Brasil Ltda., Progress Rail Equipment Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Holdings Inc., Progress Rail Innovations Private Limited, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems GmbH, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems S.r.l., Progress Rail International Corp., Progress Rail Leasing Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Progress Rail Locomotivas (do Brasil) Ltda., Progress Rail Locomotive Canada Co., Progress Rail Locomotive Chile SpA, Progress Rail Locomotive Inc., Progress Rail Maintenance de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Progress Rail Manufacturing Corporation, Progress Rail Raceland Corporation, Progress Rail Rocklin Corporation, Progress Rail SA Proprietary Limited, Progress Rail Services Corporation, Progress Rail Services Holdings Corp., Progress Rail Services LLC, Progress Rail Services UK Limited, Progress Rail Switching Services LLC, Progress Rail Transcanada Corporation, Progress Rail Welding Corporation, Progress Rail Wildwood LLC, Progress Rail de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pyroban Group, Pyroban Group, Pyrrha Investments B.V., Pyrrha Investments Limited, S&L Railroad LLC, SCM Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., SPL Software Alliance LLC, Sabre Engines, Servicios de Turbinas Solar S. de R.L. de C.V., Shandong SEM Machinery Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines (Beijing) Trading Services Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines (Thailand) Ltd., Solar Turbines CIS Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Canada Ltd./Ltee., Solar Turbines Central Asia Limited Liability Partnership, Solar Turbines EAME s.r.o., Solar Turbines Egypt Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Europe S.A., Solar Turbines India Private Limited, Solar Turbines International Company, Solar Turbines Italy S.R.L., Solar Turbines Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Solar Turbines Middle East Limited, Solar Turbines New Zealand Limited, Solar Turbines Saudi Arabia Limited, Solar Turbines Services Company, Solar Turbines Services Nigeria Limited, Solar Turbines Services of Argentina S.R.L., Solar Turbines Switzerland Sagl, Solar Turbines Trinidad & Tobago Limited, Solar Turbines West-Africa SARL, Tangshan DBT Machinery Co. Ltd., Tecnologia Modificada S.A. de C.V., Towmotor Corporation, Traction & Mining Motor Repairs Pty Ltd, Turbinas Solar S.A. de C.V., Turbinas Solar de Colombia S.A., Turbinas Solar de Venezuela C.A., Turbo Tecnologia de Reparaciones S.A. de C.V., Turbomach, Turbomach Endustriyel Gaz Turbinleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited, Turbomach France SARL, Turbomach GmbH, Turbomach Netherlands B.V., Turbomach Pakistan (Private) Limited, Turbomach S.A. Unipersonal, Turbomach Sp. Z o.o., Turner Powertrain Systems Limited, UK Hose Assembly Limited, Underground Imaging Technologies Inc, United Industries LLC, VALA Inc., Vasky Energy Ltd., Wealdstone Engineering, Weir - Oil & Gas Division, West Virginia Auto Shredding Inc., Western Gear Machinery LLC, Wetland Sustainability Fund I LLC, Williams Technologies, Yard Club, Zhengzhou Siwei Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Sales Co. Ltd., and okyo Rental Ltd.. A staffer for New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy told lawmakers Tuesday that high-ranking members of Murphy's campaign and administration, including the governor himself, failed to act when she tried to alert them about a fellow campaign aide who she says raped her."I had access to people in the highest positions of power in the state of New Jersey," Katie Brennan, chief of staff for the state's housing agency, said at a legislative hearing in Trenton. "And at each turn my pleas for help went unanswered."Brennan, 31, gave her account of the alleged sexual assault, and subsequent efforts to alert Murphy campaign aides and administration officials, this fall to The Wall Street Journal. But her public testimony made for an extraordinary moment in Trenton.The story engulfed Murphy in his first big scandal since he took office in January. Democrats, who control both houses of the Legislature, formed a special committee to investigate the hiring of the accused aide, Al Alvarez and, more broadly, hiring practices in state government.In addition to hearing testimony from Brennan, the committee is expected to call several high-ranking Murphy administration officials. That would create new headaches for the administration and possibly threaten Murphy's political standing. He has clashed repeatedly with legislative leaders, who have demonstrated little interest in pursuing the governor's agenda.It's all the more striking given that Murphy campaigned as an unabashed progressive and advocate of women's rights _ and yet, his administration ended up hiring an accused rapist to a high-ranking position."I thought if any administration could make progressive reforms, it would be this one," Brennan testified Tuesday, explaining why she reached out to the governor directly in June 2018.Brennan told the Journal that she was allegedly assaulted in April 2017 in her apartment by Alvarez, who was the campaign's director of Muslim and Latino outreach. The following is Brennan's account of the incident, as reported by the newspaper: Alvarez gave her a ride to her apartment in Jersey City following a bar outing among campaign workers. Alvarez said he wanted to use the bathroom and get a drink of water, then attacked her. She managed to get away and lock herself in the bathroom. He left.Alvarez has denied the allegations.Brennan contacted the police the next day, and the Hudson County prosecutor's office began an investigation. It later declined to prosecute. The Middlesex County prosecutor's office is now conducting an investigation, after Hudson prosecutors said their office had a conflict of interest.In late November 2017, after Murphy had been elected, Brennan said she allowed a friend _ and now high-ranking administration official _ to inform Murphy's transition team that Alvarez might be arrested.The prosecutor's office declined to pursue the case, and Alvarez was named chief of staff at the Schools Development Authority, which manages the construction of school facilities.Brennan, who in February became chief of staff at the state Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, testified that she told Murphy's chief counsel, Matt Platkin, about the alleged assault in March.The following month, the governor's chief ethics officer informed Brennan that the administration couldn't fire Alvarez because neither he nor Brennan was a state employee at the time of the alleged assault."Once again, no action," Brennan told lawmakers. "Once again, my voice went unheard."In June, Brennan emailed the governor and his wife, Tammy Murphy, to request a meeting. She cited a "sensitive matter," without disclosing the assault.The governor wrote back within the hour, telling Brennan to "hang in. We are on it." Murphy has said he wasn't made aware of the allegations until October, when the Journal contacted the governor's office.No meeting was scheduled, but within days, Jonathan Berkon, an attorney who had served as a lawyer on the campaign, told Brennan that Alvarez would be leaving the administration. Berkon would not say why Alvarez was leaving, calling it a human resources matter, Brennan testified.By September, though, Alvarez was still employed by the state. "My only power left was my voice," Brennan said. "I told my story to The Wall Street Journal."The governor and his wife told the newspaper that they were confident the administration had handled the allegation "appropriately," but that it was clear the transition team made a mistake in hiring Alvarez, who resigned in October when the Journal contacted him.At an October press conference, Murphy announced he had ordered an independent investigation and said he felt "awful" for Brennan."Nobody deserves this," Murphy said. "She's been screaming out for help and she didn't get it. And whether it's reviewing the laws, the policies, who did what when, criminal justice reform, we're just not good enough."Brennan said she didn't understand why it took so long to get that acknowledgement. "Why did I have to tell my story to The Wall Street Journal for the administration to acknowledge it should not have hired Mr. Alvarez?" she asked. Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE:MNK) announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August, 4th. The company reported $1.89 EPS for the quarter, beating the Thomson Reuters' consensus estimate of $1.34 by $0.55. The business had revenue of $700.90 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $630.19 million. Mallinckrodt had a positive trailing twelve-month return on equity of 34.26% and a negative net margin of 89.94%. The firm's revenue was down 14.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.53 earnings per share. View Mallinckrodt's earnings history. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF's stock was trading at $73.25 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EFG shares have increased by 46.6% and is now trading at $107.38. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Gov. Rick Scott won't become Senator Scott until Jan. 8.Scott announced Tuesday that he will remain in his current role until governor-elect Ron DeSantis is sworn in. Scott, who has kept his plans secret for weeks, was scheduled to become a U.S. senator five days before his term as governor would end."Governor Scott will remain governor until January 8th, 2019," said John Tupps, a spokesman for Scott. "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has agreed to hold the ceremony for Governor Scott's swearing-in as U.S. senator from Florida that afternoon."DeSantis will be sworn in Jan. 8. New and re-elected U.S. senators are sworn in Jan. 3. According to the U.S. Constitution, if the senator-elect is not sworn in on that day, the seat remains vacant until he or she is sworn in.Scott's decision means that he'll come to Washington as the most junior incoming senator. He would have been 97th on the seniority list. Seniority plays a major role in things like the seating chart on the Senate floor, office space and committee assignments.Tupps said Scott's reason for staying in his role is because he "promised to fight for Florida families every single day of his term."That five-day gap could have only been filled by Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who has served in the role since 2014. Scott is one of seven new Republican senators elected in November.Most Florida officeholders who seek other office are required to put their resignation in writing under the state's resign-to-run law.That law prohibits anyone from holding two public offices at the same time. Scott was not required to sign such a letter, since his term is scheduled to expire and be filled in the same primary period as the federal office he is seeking. The last time a similar situation happened was when two-term Gov. Bob Graham was elected to the Senate and resigned as governor on Jan. 3, 1987.Lt. Gov. Wayne Mixson, a lawmaker from the Panhandle town of Marianna, held the office until Bob Martinez was sworn in as governor three days later. Mixson, 96, still lives in Tallahassee. The specialty license tag on his Lexus says "1 AND 2" because he held both positions."It's an awkward position," Mixon said Tuesday. "But I benefited from it."He added that Lopez-Cantera will miss out on getting an official portrait framed and hung in the Capitol, as well as the power to stay at the governor's mansion and make appointments. During his few days in office, Mixon appointed 40 people to local positions left open by Graham. He also held a cabinet meeting and threw a fete for staff at the mansion."It was a rollickin' good party," Mixon said. "Bob and I got along so well. It truly was an honor." Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through four strategic business units: Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; and Capital Markets. The company offers chequing, savings, and business accounts; mortgages; loans, lines of credit, student lines of credit, and business and agriculture loans; investment and insurance services; and credit cards, as well as overdraft protection services. It also provides day-to-day banking, borrowing and credit, investing and wealth, specialty, and international services; correspondent banking and online foreign exchange services; and cash management services. The company serves its customers through its banking centers, as well as direct, mobile, and remote channels. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More Deutsche Beteiligungs AG is a private equity firm specializing in direct and fund of fund investments. Within direct investments the firm specializes in expansion capital, management buyout, middle market, growth capital, add-on acquisitions, bridge financing, management buy-ins for experienced executives, corporate spin-offs, succession arrangements and generational transition in a family-owned business, small and medium-sized companies and pre-IPO stage investments. Within fund of fund investments the firm invests in private equity funds. It does not invest in start-up and early stage companies. The firm prefers to invest in automotive suppliers, industrial, mechanical and plant engineering, businesses develop, building supplier, measurement and automation technology, specialty chemical, support service providers, printing, media, broadband/telecommunication, IT services/software, healthcare and packaging sectors. It also prefer to invest in manufacture industrial components for very different customer sectors, produced machines and plants for various customer sectors, industrial support services, and logistics. It have accessed business models and invested very successfully in other sectors as well. The firm primarily seeks to invest in companies headquartered or having significant business relationships in Germany Mittelstand, DACH (Austria, Switzerland and Germany) France, Netherlands, United States of America, European neighboring countries, and in German speaking European countries. Within European Emerging Markets, it prefers to invest in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The firm typically invests between A10 million ($11.07 million) and A75 million ($105.61 million) in companies with revenues between A30 million ($55.33 million) and A500 million ($704.12 million) and enterprise value between A35 million ($35.26 million) and A300 million ($422.47 million), but may also consider investments in smaller companies or participating in larger transactions. In individual instances, it also prefers structure transactions, in which the enterprise value exceeds this range and which require equity capital investments of up to A200 million ($235.19 million). It can also co-invest with other firms. The firm seeks to take majority or minority stakes in its portfolio companies. It prefers to invest in split-offs of peripheral activities from large corporations, a sale from the portfolio of another financial investor, and a capital requirement to fund a company's growth. The firm seeks to take seats on the portfolio companies' advisory councils or supervisory boards. It typically holds its investment for a period of eight years. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG was founded in 1965 and is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Advisors S.r.l., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe (Services) Limited, AIG Europe Holdings S.a.rl., AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Insurance Company (Switzerland) Ltd, AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG Shared Services Corporation, AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE EOLA LLC, AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American Home Assurance Company Escritorio de Representacao no Brasil Ltda., American International Group Inc., American International Group UK Limited, American International Overseas Association, American International Overseas Limited, American International Realty Corp., American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A., American Security Life Insurance Company Limited, Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Avondhu Limited, Blackboard Customer Care Insurance Services LLC, Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Services LLC, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., Chartis Takaful Enaya B.S.C. (c), Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Fortitude Group Holdings LLC, Fortitude Life & Annuity Solutions Inc., Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd., Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Group Risk Services Limited, Group Risk Technologies Limited, Illinois National Insurance Co., Jefferson Eola Venture LLC, Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, MG Reinsurance Limited, Mt. Mansfield Company Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Private Joint-Stock Company AIG Ukraine Insurance Company, Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SA Affordable Housing LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners Inc., SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., Thai CIT Holding Company Limited, The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., Western World Insurance Company, and Western World Insurance Group Inc.. 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 nation's largest police department on Tuesday announced that it will soon deploy a newly acquired fleet of 14 drones to assist with emergencies.And New York police officials went out of their way to assure civil libertarians that the unmanned aerial vehicles would not be used to peer into the lives of everyday New Yorkers."Let me be clear," Chief of Department Terence Monahan told reporters, "NYPD drones will not be used for warrantless surveillances."The department said in a statement the devices would be used for searches and rescues, car crash investigations, crime scene documentation, evidence searches at hard-to-access locales, hazardous materials calls, monitoring crowds at large events, hostage and barricaded-suspect incidents, and "other emergency situations" so long as the chief of department approves. WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides government-sponsored managed care services. The company operates in three segments: Medicaid Health Plans, Medicare Health Plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs). The Medicaid Health Plans segment offers plans for beneficiaries of temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental security income, and aged blind and disabled residents; and other state-based programs, such as children's health insurance programs and long-term services and supports programs for qualifying families who are not eligible for Medicaid. The Medicare Health Plans segment provides Medicare, a federal program that provides eligible persons aged 65 and over, as well as some disabled persons with a range of hospital, medical, and prescription drug benefits; Medicare Advantage, a Medicare's managed care alternative to the original Medicare program, which offers individuals standard Medicare benefits directly through Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and coordinated care plans that are administered through health maintenance organizations and require members to seek health care services and select a primary care physician from a network of health care providers. The Medicare PDPs segment provides Medicare part D PDP plans to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries. Its PDP plans offer national in-network prescription drug coverage, including a preferred pharmacy network. As of December 31, 2018, the company served approximately 5.5 million members in the United States. WellCare Health Plans, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Read More Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc. provides mission-critical flow control and compression equipment; and associated aftermarket parts, consumables, and services in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through three segments: Industrials, Energy, and Medical. The Industrials segment designs, manufactures, markets, and services a range of air compression, vacuum, and blower products, as well as offers associated aftermarket parts, consumables, and services. Its products are used in process-critical applications, such as the operation of industrial air tools, vacuum packaging of food products, aeration of waste water, and others. This segment sells its products through an integrated network of direct sales representatives and independent distributors under the Gardner Denver, CompAir, Elmo Rietschle, Robuschi, and other brand names. The Energy segment engages in the design, manufacture, marketing, and service of a range of displacement and liquid ring vacuum pumps, compressors and integrated systems, and engineered fluid loading and transfer equipment, as well as offers associated aftermarket parts, consumables, and services under the Gardner Denver, Nash, Emco Wheaton, and other brands. It serves customers in upstream, midstream, and downstream energy markets, as well as petrochemical processing, transportation, and general industrial sectors. The Medical segment designs, manufactures, and markets a range of specialized gas, liquid, and precision syringe pumps and compressors for use in oxygen therapy, blood dialysis, patient monitoring, laboratory sterilization and wound treatment, and other applications. This segment sells its products under the Thomas and other brands. Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1859 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Read More 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 Dozens of subpoenas were issued Tuesday to businesses affiliated with President Donald Trump and others in a lawsuit by Maryland and the District of Columbia that alleges the president violated a constitutional prohibition on profiting from his post by doing business with foreign governments.Among those receiving subpoenas were 13 Trump organizations, including The Trump Organization Inc., Trump International Hotels Management LLC, Trump Old Post Office LLC and The Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust.The subpoenas were issued after a federal judge ruled Monday, over the objections of U.S. Justice Department lawyers, that discovery in the case could proceed. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, who filed the case in 2017 with D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine, called the decision "a huge step forward in our emoluments case."The case centers on foreign dignitaries paying to stay at the Trump International Hotel in Washington. Frosh and Racine say Trump's ownership of a business that accepts money from foreign governments violates the U.S. Constitution's emoluments clause. The framers of the Constitution adopted the clause out of concern that foreign heads of state could exert influence over the president or other federal officials.Also subpoenaed were the federal departments of agriculture, commerce, defense and the treasury, as well as the U.S. General Services Administration -- agencies that may have patronized the luxury hotel, which hosts meetings and events. Trump's company leases the hotel from the GSA.Frosh said Tuesday that the case is a reaction to Trump's unprecedented behavior."There has never been a president who has ever walked this close to the line," the attorney general said in an interview.Maryland and the District are seeking an injunction, he said, prohibiting future violations of the emoluments clause and requiring Trump "to put the people's interest first."The White House declined comment, said spokesman Judd Deere. The Justice Department also would not comment.A spokesperson for the Trump Organization -- which oversees hotels and other business interests -- said in an email that last February it "voluntarily donated to the U.S. Treasury all profits identified as being from foreign government patronage at our hotels and similar businesses. We intend to make a similar contribution in 2019."Frosh said it is possible he could seek the tax returns of Trump, who has declined to make them public. The president's stance to keep them private is a break from tradition, but violates no laws."We're not ruling that out," Frosh said. "In this first round of discovery, we want to get what is absolutely essential to our case. We think we can get it perhaps without the tax returns."The Justice Department has argued that the emoluments clause is being applied too broadly in the case and should not apply to the president's business interests.The department also has challenged the suit by asserting that the plaintiffs lack standing because they could not clearly show how their residents had been harmed by the payments. But U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte rejected that argument in declining to dismiss the case in March.Messitte's order Monday began the case's discovery phase. In discovery, each side can request that the other answer specific questions or produce documents.The subpoenas are designed to solicit information to show that commercial interests in Maryland and the District -- such as competing hotels -- could be harmed by any advantage the Trump hotel enjoys through its association with the president.Eighteen entities said to compete with the Trump hotel also were subpoenaed."Today's subpoenas focus on answering three questions: which foreign and domestic governments are paying the Trump International Hotel, where is that money going, and how is the Trump hotel affecting the hospitality industry in the District of Columbia and Maryland," Frosh said in a statement. "We're seeking records of those payments through subpoenas to Trump business entities, as well as from federal agencies and state governments. We are also seeking information proving that hotel revenues are flowing to the president through his affiliated entities."Frosh said subpoenas directed to rival hotels, restaurants and other venues "seek to illuminate the unfair nature of that competition."Organizations can be cited for contempt for ignoring subpoenas.University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias said Trump's lawyers "probably can delay by seeking stays" from Messitte, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals or the U.S. Supreme Court."They also may claim executive privilege and that it is too onerous," Tobias said.But he said a significant case -- Paula Jones' sexual harassment suit against then-President Bill Clinton -- established that the president is not immune from a civil suit and that plaintiffs can get "reasonable discovery."Since Trump's election, Messitte said in a ruling last summer, "a number of foreign governments or their instrumentalities have patronized or have expressed a definite intention to patronize the hotel, some of which have indicated that they are doing so precisely because of the president's association with it."At least one state -- Maine -- also patronized the hotel. Its governor and others visited the president and other officials in 2017. Maine was included on the list of subpoenas provided by Frosh. Suburban Propane Partners LP engages in the business of liquefied petroleum gas business. It operates through the following business segments: Propane; Fuel Oil and Refined Fuels; Natural Gas and Electricity; and All Other. The Propane segment engages in natural gas processing and petroleum refining. It also used in residential and commercial applications, industrial applications and agriculture. The Fuel Oil and Refined Fuels segment refers to the marketing and distribution of fuel oil, kerosene, diesel fuel and gasoline primarily to the northeast region of the United States. The Natural Gas and Electricity segment pertains to the generation, transmission, and distribution of natural gas and electricity among residential and small commercial customers. The All Other segment include the sale, installation and service of whole-house heating products, air cleaners, humidifiers, and space heaters to the customer who uses propane, fuel oil, natural gas and electricity businesses. The company was founded by Mark Anton in 1928 and is headquartered in Whippany, NJ. Read More iShares MSCI Japan ETF shares reverse split on Monday, November 7th 2016. The 1-4 reverse split was announced on Friday, October 14th 2016. The number of shares owned by shareholders was adjusted after the market closes on Friday, November 4th 2016. An investor that had 100 shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF stock prior to the reverse split would have 25 shares after the split. There is not enough analysis data for John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III. 5.0 Community Rank Outperform Votes John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III has received 281 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III has received 61 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III has received 82.16% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe HPS will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe HPS will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next There are different types of climate deniers. There are those who have been hoodwinked by "fake facts" and "opinions" into believing it is all a liberal plot to do something terrible to them and their freedoms. "The next thing is they will take our guns!" I ran into one of these very sincere people at a campaign event I attended about five years ago. This person was asking me about what I believed about climate change and she went on to say, "You know they use computers to come up with their information" meaning climate science. Yes, yes, those evil computers are involved.I don't have as big an issue with these people as I do the ones addressed in this op-ed,These people and organizations are the real culprits, who without their funding, the messaging by climate deniers would be much less effective. Of the three items mentioned in the subtitle, I think it is really all about the money. I also thought it interesting that the author called these people's actions "sin."For those of you of a religious bent, without going into the entire spectrum of sin, there are two types of sin, sins of omission and sins of commission. The sin of commission is deliberate, e.g., a man cheating on his spouse, etc. The person knows it is wrong but chooses to act in an immoral way anyway. The sin that this latter group of people looking to profit from an anti-climate change stance are the ones acting in an amoral manner. They don't give a hoot about tomorrow or the earth that their descendants will live in. Theirs are sins of commission. They know what they are doing and don't care.Claire Rubin shared the link above. 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 The following companies are subsidiares of Exxon Mobil: AKG Marketing Company Limited, Aera Energy LLC, Al-Jubail Petrochemical Company, Ampolex (Cepu) Pte Ltd, Ancon Insurance Company Inc., Barnett Gathering LLC, Barzan Gas Company Limited, Caspian Pipeline Consortium, Celtic Exploration Ltd., Coral FLNG S.A., Cross Timbers Energy LLC, Ellora Energy Inc., Esmeroon Oil Transporta Imperial Oil Limited, Esso (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd, Esso Deutschland GmbH, Esso Erdgas Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 17) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Angola (Overseas) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Chad Inc., Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Esso Exploration and Production UK Limited, Esso Global Investments Ltd., Esso Italiana S.r.l., Esso Nederland B.V., Esso Norge AS, Esso Petroleum Company Limited, Esso Raffinage, Esso Societe Anonyme Francaise, Exxo Holdings Inc., Exxon Azerbaijan Limited, Exxon Chemical Arabia Inc., Exxon International Finance Company, Exxon Luxembourg Holdings LLC, Exxon Mobile Bay Limited Partnership, Exxon Neftegas Limited, Exxon Overseas Corporation, Exxon Overseas Investment Corporation, ExxonMobil (China) Investment Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil (Taicang) Petroleum Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil Abu Dhabi Offshore Petroleum Company Limited, ExxonMobil Alaska Production Inc., ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., ExxonMobil Australia Pty Ltd, ExxonMobil B Resources Company, ExxonMobil Capital Finance Company, ExxonMobil Capital Netherlands B.V., ExxonMobil Central Europe Holding GmbH, ExxonMobil Cepu Limited, ExxonMobil Chemical France, ExxonMobil Chemical Gulf Coast Investments LLC, ExxonMobil Chemical Holland B.V., ExxonMobil Chemical Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil China Petroleum & Petrochemical Company Limited, ExxonMobil Development Africa B.V., ExxonMobil Development Company, ExxonMobil Egypt (S.A.E.), ExxonMobil Exploracao Brasil Ltda., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Norway AS, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania Limited, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Tanzania Limited, ExxonMobil Finance Company Limited, ExxonMobil Financial Investment Company Limited, ExxonMobil France Holding SAS, ExxonMobil Gas Marketing Europe Limited, ExxonMobil General Finance Company, ExxonMobil Global Services Company, ExxonMobil Golden Pass Surety LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Company Holland LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Norway AS, ExxonMobil Hong Kong Limited, ExxonMobil International Services SARL, ExxonMobil Iraq Limited, ExxonMobil Italiana Gas S.r.l., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Inc., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Ventures Inc., ExxonMobil LNG Services B.V., ExxonMobil Lubricants Trading Company, ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical BVBA, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical Holdings Inc., ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH, ExxonMobil Production Norway Inc., ExxonMobil Qatargas (II) Limited, ExxonMobil Qatargas Inc., ExxonMobil Ras Laffan (III) Limited, ExxonMobil Rasgas Inc., ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, ExxonMobil Russia Kara Sea Holdings B.V., ExxonMobil Sales and Supply LLC, ExxonMobil Technology Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Funding Ltd., Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Golden Pass LNG Terminal Investments LLC, Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures LLC, Imperial Oil Limited, Imperial Oil Resources Limited, Imperial Oil Resources N.W.T. Limited, Imperial Oil/Petroliere Imperiale, Infineum Italia s.r.I., Infineum Singapore Pte. Ltd., InterOil Corporation, Jurong Aromatics Corporation Pte Ltd, MPM Lubricants, Marine Well Containment Company LLC, Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited, Mobil California Exploration & Producing Asset Company, Mobil Caspian Pipeline Company, Mobil Chemical Products International Inc., Mobil Corporation, Mobil Equatorial Guinea Inc., Mobil Erdgas Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Mobil Exploration & Producing Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil International Petroleum Corporation, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Southeast Inc., Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mobil Producing Texas & New Mexico Inc., Mobil SerLimited, Mobil Venezolana De Petroleos Inc., Mobil Yanbu Petrochemical Company Inc., Mobil Yanbu Refining Company Inc., Mountain Gathering LLC, Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A., Palmetto Transoceanic LLC, Papua New Guinea Liquefied Natural Gas Global Company LDC, Permian Express Partners LLC, Phillips Exploration LLC, Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (II), SPI Limited, Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery Company Ltd., Saudi Yanbu Petrochemical Co., SeaRiver Maritime Inc., South Hook LNG Terminal Company Limited, Tengizchevroil LLP, Terminale GNL Adriatico S.r.l, Trend Gathering & Treating LLC, Wolverine Pipe Line Company, XH LLC, XTO Delaware Basin LLC, XTO ENERGY, XTO Energy Canada, and XTO Holdings LLC. (TNS) - The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $4.5-million plan Tuesday to reduce the strain on the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which responds to devastating incidents such as the Woolsey fire but also provides 24-hour emergency services across 2,300 square miles.The supervisors plan seeks to educate the public and leaders in the 59 municipalities the department serves about the new realities in staffing, equipment and facilities and to gather their input about their experiences during recent fires.The new effort comes months after the board raised concerns about the departments aging stations and equipment, and weeks after the Woolsey fire burned more than 90,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.The supervisors said the fire has highlighted a new reality for the department: It must respond to wildfires in an era of drought conditions and prolonged periods of dry, windy weather while also providing emergency medical services to 4 million county residents.The number and severity of wildfires in Los Angeles County has dramatically increased over the past several years ... and that is testing our county Fire Department like it has never been tested before, said Supervisor Janice Hahn, who took over as board chairwoman Tuesday. This new normal has propelled me to ask whether our Fire Department has what it needs.The boards move also comes amid new scrutiny about the departments payroll after the countys chief executive officer, Sachi Hamai, asked the auditor-controller to examine its overtime practices.The Times reported in October that more than 640 firefighters received at least $100,000 in overtime in the 2017 calendar year as commanders struggled with staffing vacancies and the demand for fighting wildfires.The report also found that two dozen firefighters made in excess of $200,000 in overtime.The audit began in September and was expected to include interviews with department management about payroll and timekeeping to ensure that overtime spending complies with guidelines.Auditors were expected to review some of the top overtime earners and study whether the department has a process for receiving some reimbursement when it helps other departments with emergencies such as wildfires or hurricanes.The report is scheduled to be completed later this month, though its unclear whether the departments full-blown response to the Woolsey fire might delay the outcome.Fire Chief Daryl Osby, who was appointed in 2011, told supervisors that his department is already among the busiest in the nation, behind New York, Chicago and Los Angeles city, he said.The department responded to more than 400,000 calls last year, he said, and roughly 80% were to address emergency medical needs.Only a fraction of the calls relate to actual fires but incidents such as the Woolsey blaze expose lingering concerns about the departments staffing and equipment.The county has already identified the need to upgrade the departments communications system and infrastructure, including breathing apparatus, fire engines and helicopters.The Woolsey incident has probably laid on the map some of the challenges, he said, recalling his departments struggles to fight the blaze. We could never catch up with it.Fire Capt. Dave Gillotte, who directs the union representing the departments 3,200 firefighters and paramedics, said the department should focus on hiring more firefighters and paramedics including more women.An integral part of this will be the recruitment of candidates from out there in our communities, he said.Gillotte said he hoped the supervisors effort might change the culture in a department that has historically expected to do more with less.The new norm is: We do more with more, he said. You give us more, and we can serve the citizens better.2018 the Los Angeles TimesVisit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The following companies are subsidiares of Quanta Services: (De) Lazy Q Ranch LLC, 1 Diamond LLC, 1Diamond AS, 618232 Alberta Ltd., 8246408 Canada Inc., Advanced Electric Systems, Advanced Electric Systems LLC, Advanced Utility Testing & Maintenance LLC, Alexander Publications LLC, Allteck GP Ltd., Allteck Limited Partnership, Apprenticeship Programs Inc., Arby Construction, Arcanum Chemicals LLC, Arnett & Burgess Oil Field Construction Limited, Arnett & Burgess Pipeliners (Rockies) LLC, Arnett & Burgess Pipeliners Ltd., B&N Clearing and Environmental LLC, Banister Pipelines Constructors Corp., Banister Pipelines Constructors GP Ltd., Banister Pipelines Limited Partnership, Brent Woodward Inc., Brink Constructors Inc., Brink Constructors Inc. A Corporation Of South Dakota, Brown Engineering and Testing, CAT SPEC Ltd., CAT-SPEC Limited Partnership, CAT-SPEC Limited Partnership (Regd Name) CAT SPEC Ltd., CAT-Spec Limited Partnership, Canadian Utility Construction Corp., Cat Spec Limited LP, Cat Spec Ltd, Cat Spec Ltd. L.P., Cat Spec Ltd. LP, Cat Spec. Ltd. LP, Cat-Spec Ltd (A Domestic limited Partnership), Cat-Spec Ltd LP, Cat-Spec Ltd., Cat-Spec Ltd. L.P., Cat-Spec Ltd. LP, Cat-Spec Ltd. Limited Partnership, Catalyst Changers Inc., Chatham Electric, Citadel Industrial Services L.P., Citadel Industrial Services Ltd., Citadel Industrial Services Ltd. L.P., Citadel Industrial Services Ltd. Limited Partnership, Coe Drilling Pty Ltd., Computapole, Conam Construction Co., Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd, Conti Communications Inc., Crux Subsurface Canada Ltd., Crux Subsurface Inc., Cutting Technology - 1 Diamond LLC, DB Utilities Inc., DE Lazy Q Ranch LLC, DNR Pressure Welding Ltd., Dacon Corporation, Dashiell (DE) Corporation (Dashiell Corporation), Dashiell Corporation, Dashiell Corporation DBA Dashiell (DE) Corporation, De Mears Group, De Mears Group Inc., Delaware Quanta Technology LLC, Delaware Underground Construction Co., Didado Utility Company Inc., Digco Utility Construction L.P. Digco Utility Construction Limited Partnership, Dorado Specialty Services L.P., Dorado Specialty Services Ltd., Dorado Specialty Services Ltd. L.P., Dorado Specialty Services Ltd. Limited Partnership, Dorado Specialty Services. Ltd. L.P., Driftwood Electrical Contractors, EHV Power ULC, ELITE PIPING & CIVIL L.P., ELITE TURNAROUND SPECIALISTS LTD, Elite Fabrication Ltd. Elite Fabrication LP, Elite Piping & Civil Limited Partnership, Elite Piping & Civil Limited Partnership, Elite Piping & Civil Lp, Elite Piping & Civil Ltd L.P., Elite Piping & Civil Ltd., Elite Piping & Civil Ltd. L.P., Elite Piping & Civil Ltd. Limited Partnership, Elite Piping and Civil L.P., Elite Turnaround Specialists L.p., Elite Turnaround Specialists Limited Lp, Elite Turnaround Specialists Limited Partnership, Elite Turnaround Specialists Limited Partnership, Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd Lp, Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd., Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd. L.P., Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd. LP, Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd. Limited Partnership, Energy Consulting Group LLC, Enscope, Enscope Pty Ltd, FIC GP LLC, Field Personnel Services LLC, First Infrastructure Capital Advisors LLC, First Infrastructure Capital GP L.P., Five Points Construction Co., G-Tek, G-Vac, GEM Engineering Co., Grand Electric Inc., Great Lakes Line Builders, Grid Creative Inc., Grid Manufacturing Corporation, Grid Training Corporation, H.L. Chapman Pipeline Construction Inc., Haverfield Aviation, Haverfield Aviation Inc., Haverfield International Incorporated, Heritage Midstream LLC, IM Electric Inc., IUC ILLINOIS LLC, IUC Nebraska LLC, InfraSource Construction LLC, InfraSource Field Services LLC, InfraSource Services LLC, InfraSources Construction LLC, Infraestructura ETP de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V, Infrasource Engineering Company PC, Infrasource Iowa Underground LLC, Infrasource Of Pa LLC, Integracion Tecnologica del Peru SAC, Intermountain Electric Inc., Intermountain Electric Inc. A Corporation of Colorado, IonEarth LLC, Irby Construction Company, Irby Construction Company Inc., Iron Mountain M.J. Electric LLC, Island Mechanical Corporation, J.C.R. Construction Co. Inc., J.C.R. Utility Construction Co., J.W. Didado Electric Inc., J.W. Didado Electric LLC, J.w. Didado Electric, JBT Electric LLC, Kingston Contracting Inc., Lazy Q Ranch LLC, Lazy Q Training Center LLC The Lazy Q Lineman School, Legend Foundation Services, Lex Engineering Ltd., Lindsey Electric L.P., Logical Link, Longfellow Drilling, M. G. Dyess Inc., M. J. ELECTRIC LLC IRON MOUNTAIN, M. J. Electric LLC, M. J. Electric LLC - Iron Mountain, M. J. Electric LLC DBA M. J. Electric Iron Mountain LLC, M.J. Electric LLC DBA M.J. Electric Iron Mountain, M.J. Electric LLC Iron Mountain, MTS Field Services, MTS Field Services (Richmond Co), MTS Quanta LLC, Manuel Bros. Inc., Marathon Construction Services, Mears Canada Corp., Mears Equipment Services LLC, Mears Group Inc., Mears Group Pty Ltd, Mears Installation LLC, Mearsmex S. de R.L. de C.V., Mejia Personnel Services LLC, Mercer Technical Services, Microline Technology Corporation, Mid America Energy Services Inc., NACAP Niugini Ltd., NC Northstar Energy Services Inc, NGI Construction, NGI Construction Inc., NGI Construction Inc. (FN), NLC CA. Inc., NLC FL. Inc. Northwest Lineman Center, NLC ID. Inc. Northwest Lineman College, NLC TX. Inc., NPC Energy Services LLC, Nacap Australia, Nacap PNG Limited, Network Communication Services, North Houston Pole Line L.P., North Houston Pole Line Limited Partnership, North Sky Communications, NorthStar Energy Services Inc., Northern Powerline Constructors Inc., Northstar Energy Solutions LLC, Northwest Lineman Center, Northwest Lineman College, Northwest Lineman Training Center, Northwest Lineman Training Center Inc., Nova Constructors LLC, Nova Constructors LTD, Nova Equipment Leasing LLC, Nova Group Inc, Nova Group Inc (CA), Nova Group Inc., Nova Group Inc. DBA NGI Construction, Nova NextGen Solutions LLC, O. J. Pipelines Canada Corporation, O. J. Pipelines Canada Limited Partnership, O.J. Industrial Maintenance, O.J. Pipelines Canada, One Call Locators Canada Ltd., P.D.G. Electric, PAR Electrical Contractors Inc., PDG Electric Co., Par Internacional S. de R.L. de C.V., Performance Energy Services Guyana Ltd., Performance Energy Services L.L.C., Phasor Engineering Inc., Phoenix North Constructors Inc., Phoenix Power Group Inc., Potelco Inc., Potelco Incorporated, Power Delivery Program Inc., Price Gregory International Inc., Price Gregory Services LLC, Probst Construction Inc., Probst Electric Inc., QEPC, QEPC Power Solutions LLC, QES GP LLC, QP Energy Services LLC, QPS Engineering LLC, QPS Engineering LTD., QPS Engineering PLLC, QPS Environmental, QPS Flint Construction, QPS Flint Tank Services, QPS Global, QPS Global Services, QPS Global Services (Richmond Ci), QPS Professional Services, QPSE, QS Mats, QSI Engineering Inc., QSI Finance (Australia) Pty Ltd., QSI Finance (Cayman) Pvt. Ltd., QSI Finance Canada ULC, QSI Finance GP (US) LLC, QSI Finance I (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., QSI Finance I (US) LP, QSI Finance II (Australia) Pty Ltd., QSI Finance II (Lux) S.a r.l, QSI Finance II (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., QSI Finance III (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance III (Lux) SARL, QSI Finance IV (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance IX (Canada) Limited Partnership, QSI Finance V (US) L.P., QSI Finance VI (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance VII (Canada) Limited Partnership, QSI Finance VIII (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance X (Canada) ULC, QSI Inc., QSN Lux Holdings I SCSp, QSN Lux Holdings II SCSp, QSN Lux Holdings III SCSp, QSN Lux Holdings IV SCSp, QTSL LLC, QUANTA FOUNDATION SERVICES, Quanta APL GP II Ltd., Quanta Asset Management LLC, Quanta Associates L.P., Quanta Aviation Services LLC, Quanta Canada GP ULC, Quanta Canada Holdings III Limited Partnership, Quanta Canada Holdings LP, Quanta Canada III GP Ltd., Quanta Capital GP LLC, Quanta Capital LP L.P., Quanta Capital Solutions Inc., Quanta Cares, Quanta EPC Services, Quanta Electric Power Construction LLC, Quanta Electric Power Construction Management Inc., Quanta Electric Power Services LLC, Quanta Electric Power Services West LLC, Quanta Energized Innovations Ltd., Quanta Energized Services U.S. LLC, Quanta Energized Services of Canada Ltd., Quanta Energy Services LLC, Quanta Environmental Solutions, Quanta Equipment Company LLC, Quanta Government Solutions Inc., Quanta Holdings I (Netherlands) B.V., Quanta Holdings II (Netherlands) B.V., Quanta Infraestructura de Chile SpA, Quanta Infrastructure Services LLC, Quanta Infrastructure Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Quanta Inline Devices LLC, Quanta Inspection Services, Quanta Insurance Company Inc., Quanta International Holdings (US) LLC, Quanta International Holdings II Ltd., Quanta International Holdings Ltd., Quanta International Limited, Quanta Kingsvale LP Ltd., Quanta Lines Pty Ltd., Quanta Maine Services LLC, Quanta Middle East LLC, Quanta Pipeline Services Inc., Quanta Power Australia Pty Ltd, Quanta Power Generation Inc., Quanta Power Inc., Quanta Power Solutions India Private Limited, Quanta Resource Development, Quanta Services Africa (PTY) Ltd., Quanta Services Australia Pty Ltd., Quanta Services Chile SpA, Quanta Services Colombia S.A.S., Quanta Services Costa Rica Ltda., Quanta Services Guatemala Ltda., Quanta Services International Holdings II LP, Quanta Services International Holdings LP, Quanta Services Management Partnership L.P., Quanta Services Netherlands B.V., Quanta Services Panama S. de R.L., Quanta Services Peru S.A.C., Quanta Services Puerto Rico LLC, Quanta Services of Canada Ltd., Quanta Subsurface Canada Ltd., Quanta Subsurface LLC, Quanta Tank Services, Quanta Technology Canada ULC, Quanta Technology LLC, Quanta Technology UK Ltd., Quanta Tecnologia do Brasil Ltda., Quanta Telecom, Quanta Telecom Services, Quanta Telecommunication Services, Quanta Telecommunication Services LLC, Quanta Telecommunications Services LLC, Quanta Underground Services, Quanta Underground Services (Culpeper Co), Quanta Underground Services (Spotsylvania Co), Quanta Underground Services Inc., Quanta Utility Engineering Services Inc., Quanta Utility Installation Company Inc., Quanta Utility Operation LLC, Quanta West LLC, Quantecua Cia. Ltda., R. R. Cassidy Inc., RMS Holdings LLC, RMS Holdings LLC (Delaware), RMS Welding Systems, RMS Welding Systems LLC, Ranger Directional, Realtime Engineers Inc., Realtime Utility Engineers Inc., Redes Andinas de Comunicaciones S.R.L., Riggin & Diggin Line Construction, Rms Welding LLC, Rms Welding Systems LLC, Road Bore Corporation, Ryan Company Inc. The, Ryan Company Inc. of Massachusetts, Ryan Company Inc.(The), Seaward, Seaward Corp, Seaward Corporation, Service EC (DE) Inc., Service Electric Company (DE), Service Electric Company Inc., Service Electric Company of Delaware, Servicios Par Electric S. de R.L. de C.V., Servicios de Infraestructura del Peru S.A.C., Southwest Trenching Company Inc., Specialty Tank Services L.P., Specialty Tank Services LP, Specialty Tank Services Limited Partnership, Specialty Tank Services Limited Partnership, Specialty Tank Services Ltd., Specialty Tank Services Ltd. (LP), Specialty Tank Services Ltd. L.P., Specialty Tank Services Ltd. LP, Specialty Tank Services Ltd. LP, Specialty Tank Services Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold General LLC, Stronghold Holdings (BVI) Limited, Stronghold Inspection L.P., Stronghold Inspection Limited Partnership, Stronghold Inspection Limited Partnership, Stronghold Inspection Lp, Stronghold Inspection Ltd L.P., Stronghold Inspection Ltd., Stronghold Inspection Ltd. L.P., Stronghold Inspection Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold Limited Partnership, Stronghold Ltd., Stronghold Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold Management Holdings LP, Stronghold Specialty General LLC, Stronghold Specialty Ltd., Stronghold Specialty Ltd., Stronghold Specialty Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold Tower Group LP, Stronghold Tower Group Ltd LP, Stronghold Tower Group Ltd., Stronghold Tower Group Ltd. LP, Stronghold VI LLC, Subterra Damage Prevention Specialists Ltd., Summit Line Construction, Sumter Utilities Inc., T. G. Mercer Consulting Services Inc., TA Construction, TC Infrastructure Services Ltd., Taylor Built, Texas Specialty Tank Services Ltd. LP, The Aspen Utility Company LLC, The ComTran Group Inc., The Hallen Construction Co. Inc., The Massachusetts Ryan Company Inc., The Ryan Company Inc Of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company Inc., The Ryan Company Inc. (Massachusetts), The Ryan Company Inc. of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company Incorporated of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company Of Massachusetts Inc., The Ryan Company of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company of Massachusetts (FN), Tom Allen Construction Company Inc., Tom Allen Construction Company of Delaware, Trans Tech Electric, TurnKey Automation Limited Partnership, TurnKey Automation Limited Partnership, TurnKey Automation Ltd., TurnKey Automation Ltd. Limited Partnership, TurnKey Automation Ltd. Limited Partnership, TurnKey I&E Ltd., Turnkey Automation Ltd. L.P., Turnkey Automation Ltd. LP., UCC Underground Construction Co. Inc., Ucc - Underground Construction Co., Underground Construction Co. Inc., Underground Construction Co. Inc. (Delaware), Underground Electric Construction Company LLC, Utilco Inc., Utility Fleet Services, Utility Line Management Services Inc., Utility Testing & Maintenance LLC, Utility Training Services Corporation, VALARD Polska sp. Z o.o., Valard, Valard, Valard Construction (Ontario) Ltd., Valard Construction (Quebec) Inc., Valard Construction 2008 Ltd., Valard Construction Australia Pty Ltd, Valard Construction LLC, Valard Equipment (AB) Ltd., Valard Equipment GP Ltd., Valard Equipment Limited Partnership, Valard Geomatics (Ontario) Ltd., Valard Geomatics BC Ltd., Valard Geomatics Ltd., Valard Mechanical Ltd., Valard Norway AS, Valard Sweden AB, Valard Zagreb d. o. o., Wade D. Taylor Inc., West Coast Communications, Winco Helicopters, Winco Inc., Winco Inc. an Oregon Based Corporation, Winco Powerline Services, Winco Powerline Services Inc., Winco Powerline Services Inc., Winco Services Inc., World Fiber Inc., and mmit Line Construction Inc.. Ralph Lauren Corp. engages in the design, marketing, and distribution of premium lifestyle products. The firm offers apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and other licensed product. It operates through the following segments: North America, Europe, and Asia. The North America segment consists of sales of Ralph Lauren branded apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and related products made through the Company's wholesale and retail businesses in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Club Monaco. The Europe segment caters to sales of Ralph Lauren branded apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and related products made through the Company's wholesale and retail businesses in Europe and the Middle East, excluding Club Monaco. The Asia segment covers the sales of Ralph Lauren branded apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and related products made through the Company's wholesale and retail businesses in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The company was founded by Ralph Lauren in 1967 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Accenture: 2nd Road, 2nd Road Pty Ltd., ?What If!, ?What If! China Holdings Ltd, ?What If! Holdings Limited, ?What If! Innovation Singapore Holdings Pte, ?What If! Limited, ?What If! Shanghai Co. Ltd, ?What If! USA LLC, ACN Consulting Co Ltd, AD Dialeto Agencia de Publicidade SA, AD.Dialeto (Digital Agency acquired by Accenture), AGS Business and Technology Services Limited, ASM Research Inc., ASM Research LLC, ATAN, Accenture (Beijing) Mobile Technology Co Ltd, Accenture (Botswana) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (China) Co Ltd, Accenture (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd., Accenture (South Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (South Africa) Pty Limited, Accenture (UK) Ltd, Accenture 2 Business Process Services S.A., Accenture 2 LLC, Accenture A/S, Accenture AB, Accenture AG, Accenture AS, Accenture Africa Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Holding B.V., Accenture Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Azerbaijan Ltd, Accenture BPM Operations Support Services S.A., Accenture BPM S.C.R.L., Accenture BV, Accenture Branch Holdings B.V., Accenture Bulgaria EOOD, Accenture Business Services for Utilities Inc, Accenture Business Services of British Columbia Limited Partnership, Accenture Business and Technology Services LLC, Accenture C.A, Accenture CAS GmbH, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc., Accenture Capital DAC, Accenture Capital Inc, Accenture Central Europe B.V., Accenture Chile Asesorias y Servicios Ltda, Accenture Cloud Services GmbH, Accenture Cloud Software Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions LLC, Accenture Cloud Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd., Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd, Accenture Company Ltd, Accenture Consulting Services Ltd Tanzania, Accenture Consultores de Gestao S.A., Accenture Consultoria de Industria e Consumo Ltda, Accenture Consultoria de Recursos Naturais Ltda, Accenture Credit Services LLC, Accenture Customer Services Distribution SAS, Accenture Customer Services Limited, Accenture Danismanlik Limited Sirketi, Accenture Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Delivery Poland sp. z o.o., Accenture Dienstleistungen GmbH, Accenture Digital France Holdings SA, Accenture Digital Holdings GmbH, Accenture East Africa Limited, Accenture Ecuador S.A., Accenture Egypt LLC, Accenture Enterprise Development (Shanghai) Co Ltd., Accenture Federal Services LLC, Accenture Finance (Gibraltar) III Ltd, Accenture Finance GmbH, Accenture Finance GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II GmbH, Accenture Finance II GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II Ltd, Accenture Finance Limited, Accenture Finance and Accounting BPO Services S.p.A., Accenture Finance and Accounting Services Srl, Accenture Flex LLC, Accenture GP LLC, Accenture Ghana Limited, Accenture Global Holdings Ltd., Accenture Global Services Ltd, Accenture Global Solutions Ltd, Accenture GmbH, Accenture HR Services Ltd, Accenture HR Services S.p.A., Accenture Healthcare Processing Inc., Accenture Holding GmbH, Accenture Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Accenture Holding GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Holdings (Iberia) S.L., Accenture Holdings B.V., Accenture Holdings France SAS, Accenture Holdings plc, Accenture Hungary Holdings Kft, Accenture Inc, Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazylym Cozumleri Limited irketi), Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazlm Cozumleri Limited Sirketi), Accenture Industrial Software Solutions Kft, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions SA, Accenture Insurance Services LLC, Accenture Insurance Services SAS, Accenture Insurance Services SpA, Accenture International BV, Accenture International Capital SCA, Accenture International LLC, Accenture International Limited, Accenture International Sarl, Accenture Japan Ltd, Accenture Korea BV, Accenture LLC, Accenture LLP, Accenture Lanka (Private) Ltd, Accenture Limited, Accenture Ltd, Accenture Ltda, Accenture Maghreb S.a.r.l., Accenture Managed Services SRL, Accenture Managed Services SpA, Accenture Management GmbH, Accenture Middle East B.V, Accenture Middle East BV, Accenture Minority I BV, Accenture Minority III Ltd, Accenture Mozambique Limitada, Accenture Mzansi (Pty) Ltd, Accenture NV/SA, Accenture NZ Limited, Accenture Newco LLC, Accenture Nova Scotia Unlimited Liability Co., Accenture OOO, Accenture Operations Sp. z o.o., Accenture Outsourcing SRL, Accenture Outsourcing Services, Accenture Outsourcing Services S.A., Accenture Oy, Accenture Panama Inc, Accenture Participations BV, Accenture Participations II Limited, Accenture Peru S.R.L, Accenture Peru S.R.L., Accenture Post Trade Processing SAS, Accenture Post-Trade Processing Limited, Accenture Process Ltd, Accenture Product Lifecycle Services, Accenture Properties, Accenture Pte Ltd, Accenture Puerto Rico LLC, Accenture S.A., Accenture S.C., Accenture S.L., Accenture S.R.L., Accenture SAS, Accenture SG Services Pte Ltd, Accenture SRL, Accenture Saudi Arabia Limited, Accenture Sendirian Berhad, Accenture Service Center SRL, Accenture Services (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Services AB, Accenture Services AG, Accenture Services AS, Accenture Services GmbH, Accenture Services Ltd, Accenture Services Morocco SA, Accenture Services Oy, Accenture Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Services S.r.l., Accenture Services SRL, Accenture Services Sp. z o.o., Accenture Services Sp. z.o.o., Accenture Services and Technology Srl, Accenture Services fur Kreditinstitute GmbH, Accenture Services s.r.o., Accenture Servicos Administrativos Ltda, Accenture Servicos de Suporte de Negocios Ltda, Accenture Solutions Co Ltd, Accenture Solutions Private Limited, Accenture Solutions Pte Ltd, Accenture Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture Sp. z o.o., Accenture Sp. z.o.o., Accenture SpA, Accenture State Healthcare Services LLC, Accenture Sub II Inc., Accenture Sub Inc, Accenture Sub LLC, Accenture Systems Integration Limited, Accenture Sarl, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag KFT, Accenture Technologia, Accenture Technologia Consultoria e Outsourcing S.A., Accenture Technology Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (Dalian) Co Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (HK) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas S.A., Accenture Technology Solutions GmbH, Accenture Technology Solutions Oy, Accenture Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions S.A. de C.V., Accenture Technology Solutions SAS, Accenture Technology Solutions SRL, Accenture Technology Solutions Sdn. Bhd., Accenture Technology Solutions Slovakia s.r.o., Accenture Technology Ventures BV, Accenture Technology Ventures S.P.R.L., Accenture Uruguay SRL, Accenture Vietnam Co., Accenture Vietnam Co. LTD, Accenture Zambia Limited, Accenture do Brasil Limitada, Accenture plc, Accenture s.r.o., Acceria, Acquity Customer Insight Limited, Acquity Group, Adaptly LLC, Adaptly UK Limited, AddVal Technology, Adqptly, Advantium Inc., Agave Consultants Limited, Agilex Technologies Inc., Allen International, Allen International Consulting Group Ltd, Alnova Technologies Corporation S.L., AlphaBeta Advisors, Altima, Altima Asia Ltd., Altima SAS, Altitude, Altitude LLC, Analytics 8 LP, Analytics 8 Pty Ltd, Analytics8, Aorui Advertising (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Apis, Appaloosa Technology SAS, Arca, Ariba - BPO, Arismore, Aspiro Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Avanade, Avanade (Guangzhou) Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd., Avanade (Thailand) Co Ltd, Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, Avanade Australia Pty Ltd, Avanade Belgium SPRL, Avanade Canada Inc., Avanade Denmark A/S, Avanade Denmark ApS, Avanade Deutschland GmbH, Avanade Europe Holdings Ltd, Avanade Europe Services Ltd, Avanade Federal Services LLC, Avanade Finland Oy, Avanade France SAS, Avanade GZ Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd. (SH), Avanade Guangzhou, Avanade Holdings LLC, Avanade Hong Kong Ltd, Avanade International Corporation, Avanade Ireland Limited, Avanade Italy SRL, Avanade KK, Avanade Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avanade Netherlands BV, Avanade Norway AS, Avanade Poland Sp. z o.o., Avanade Poland Sp. z.o.o., Avanade Schweiz GmbH, Avanade South Africa, Avanade South Africa Pty Ltd, Avanade Spain SL, Avanade Sweden AB, Avanade UK Ltd, Avanade do Brasil Limitada, Avanade Osterreich GmbH, AvantBiz Consulting Limited, Avenai, Axia Ltd., BABCN LLC, BCT Solutions, BCT Solutions Pty Ltd, BPO Servicos Administrativos Ltda, BRIDGE Energy Group, Beacon Consulting Group Inc., Beijing Genesis Interactive Technology Co. Ltd., Benext, Bionic, Blue Horseshoe, Boomerang Pharmaceutical Communications, Boomerang Pharmaceuticals Communications Ireland Limited, Bow & Arrow, Brand Learning, Brand Learning Group Limited, Brand Learning LLC, Brand Learning Ltd, Brand Learning Partners Limited, Brand Learning Pte Limited, Bridge Energy Group LLC, Brightstep AB, Byte Prophecy, CAS, CRMWaypoint, CadenceQuest Inc., Capable Marketer Limited, Capgemini - North American health practice, Capital Consultancy Services Inc., Certus Solutions Consulting Services Ltd, Certus Solutions Ltd, ChangeTrack Research Pty Ltd., Chaotic Moon Studios, Chengdu Mensa Advertising Co. Ltd., Cimation, Cimation UK Limited, Cirruseo, Cirruseo SAS, Clarity Insights, Clearhead, Clearhead Group, Clearhead Group LLC, ClientHouse GmbH, Cloud Sherpas, Cloud Sherpas (GA) LLC, Cloud Sherpas (SN) (PTE.) Limited, Cloud Sherpas New Zealand Ltd., Cloud Talent Limited, Cloudsherpas, Cloudsherpas Inc., Cloudworks, Codagenic Pty. Ltd., Computer Research and Telecommunications LLC, Concrete Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda., Concrete Solutions, Concrete Solutions Ltda., Context Information Security, Coritel S.A., Corliant Inc., CreativeDrive, CustomerWorks Europe SL, Cutting Edge Solutions Ltd, D5 Global Holdings LLC, DAZ Systems Inc, DAZ Systems LLC, DAZSI Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., DMA Solutions Limited, Davies Consulting, DayNine Consulting, DayNine Consulting (Australia) PTY LTD, DayNine Consulting (Deutschland) GmbH, DayNine Consulting (New Zealand) Limited, DayNine Consulting France SAS, DayNine Consulting Japan K.K., DayNine Consulting LLC, Declarative Holdings, Declarative Holdings LLC, Defense Point Security, Deja vu Security, Design Strategy and Research de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Designaffairs LLC, Digiplug S.A.S., Digiplug SAS, Digital Consulting & Software Services LLC, Droga5, Droga5 LLC, Droga5 Studios LLC, Droga5 UK Ltd., Duck Creek Technologies, Duck Creek Technologies LLC, Deja Vu Security LLC, ESR Labs, Elcurator SAS, Enaxis Consulting, Enaxis Consulting L.P., End-to-End Analytics, Energuia Web, Energuia Web S.A., Energy Management Brokers Ltd., Energy Quote Private Ltd., EnergyQuote JHA, EnergyQuote JHA Ltd., EnergyQuote Trading Ltd., Enimbos, Enkitec, Enterprise System Partners, Enterprise System Partners B.V. , Enterprise System Partners Bilisim Danismanlik Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Enterprise System Partners Global Corporation, Enterprise System Partners Limited, Enterprise System Partners PR LLC, Enterprise System Partners S.A.S., Entropia, Epylon, Ethica Consulting Group, Evopro Group, Exactside Limited, Exton Consulting, Fairway Technologies Inc, Fairway Technologies LLC, Filmproduction ApS, First Annapolis Consulting, First Annapolis Consulting Inc., First Annapolis Consulting LLC, First Annapolis International, Fjord, Focus Group Europe, Focus Group Europe Limited, Formicary, Formicary Holdings Limited, Formicary Limited, FusionX, FutureMove Automotive, Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Genfour, Genfour Limited, George Group Consulting L.P., Gestalt LLC, Gestion Altima Canada Inc., Gevity, Global Public Firm S.L., GlobalView SAS, GoodFilm GmbH Filmproduktion Stuttgart, H.B. Maynard and Co. Inc., HRC Retail Advisory, Hagberg Consulting Group, Hangzhou Aiyunzhe Technology Co. Ltd., Happen, Hjaltelin Stahl, Hjaltelin Stahl K/S, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Hytracc Consulting UK Limited, Hytracc Holding AS, I-Faber S.p.A., IBB Consulting, IMJ Corp, IMJ Corporation, INCAD, INSITUM, IT One Company Limited, ITBS Servicios Bancarios de Tecnologia de la Informacion SL, Icon Integration, Imagine Broadband (USA) Ltd, Imagine Broadband USA LLC, Imaginea Inc, Industrie&Co, Infoman AG, Infoman Schweiz AG, Informatica de Euskadi S.L., Infusion Development Inc., Infusion Development UK Limited, InfusionDev LLC, Innoveer Solutions India Pvt Ltd, Insitum Consultoria Argentina SRL, Insitum Consultoria Brasil LTDA, Insitum Consultoria Colombia SAS, Insitum Consultoria Europa SL, Insitum Consultoria Peru SAC, Insitum Consultoria S.A. de C.V., Intrepid, Intrigo Systems Inc, Intrigo Systems India Pvt. Limited, Intrigo Systems LLC, Inventor Advertisement (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inventor Technology Limited, InvestTech, Investtech Systems Consulting LLC, Javelin Group, Javelin Group (Bulgaria) EOOD, Javelin Group Limited (UK), Javelin Group SASU, K Comms Group Limited, KCS.net AG, KCS.net AG West, KCS.net Deutschland GmbH, KCS.net Holding AG, KCS.net Osterreich GmbH, Kaper Communications Limited, Karma Communications Debtco Limited, Karma Communications Group Limited, Karma Communications Holdings Limited, Karmarama, Karmarama Comms Limited, Karmarama Limited, Knowledge Rules Inc., Knowledgent, Knowledgent Group LLC, Kogentix, Kogentix LLC, Kogentix Ltd, Kogentix Singapore Pte. Ltd, Kogentix Technologies Private Limited, Kolle Rebbe, Kolle Rebbe GmbH, Kream Comms Limited, Kunstmaan, Kunstmaan NV, Kurt Salmon, Kurt Salmon Canada LTD, Kurt Salmon UKI, Kurt Salmon UKI Ltd., Kurt Salmon US LLC, LEXTA, LINKBYNET, LabAnswer, LabAnswer Government, LemonXL Limited, Logistics Market Place Limited (UK), Loud & Clear Creative Pty Ltd, MAXIM Systems Inc., MCG US Holdings LLC, Mackevision CG Technology and Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mackevision Corporation, Mackevision Japan Co. Ltd., Mackevision Korea Ltd, Mackevision Medien Design, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Mackevision Singapore Pte. Ltd., Mackevision UK Ltd, Maglan, Maglan Information Defense Technologies Research Ltd., Maihiro, Matter, Matter Llc, Maud Corp Pty Limited, Maxamine International, Media Audits Ltd., Media Hive, Mediasenz Pty Ltd., Meredith Specialty LLC, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing Corporation, Meridian Informed Purchasing Ltd., Mindtribe, Mindtribe Product Engineering LLC, MobGen, MobGen Technology S.L, Moonrise NV, Mortgage Cadence, Mortgage Cadence an Accenture Company, Most Champion Ltd, Mudano, N3 LLC, NBS Marketing Inc., NYTEC, Nanjing Demeng Advertising Co. Ltd., Nashco Consulting, NaviSys Inc., NellArmonia, Neo Metrics Analytics S.L., Neo Metrics Chile, Neo Metrics Chile S.A., New Content, New Content Chile SpA, New Content Editora e Produtora Ltda., New Energy Aborda, New Energy Associates Ltd, New Energy Group, New Energy S.r.l., NewsPage, NewsPage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, NewsPage China Ltd., NewsPage Pte Ltd, Nice Agency Limited, Northstream, Northstream AB, Northstream Holding AB, OCTO Technology, OPS Rules Management Consultants, Octagon Research Solutions Inc., Octo Technology LTDA, Octo Technology Pty Ltd, Octo Technology SA, Octo Technology SPRL, Octoman SAS, Odgaard ApS, Olikka, Openmind, Openminded, Operaciones Accenture S.A. de C.V., OpusLine, Orbium, Orbium Consulting Ltd, Orbium GmbH, Orbium Holding AG, Orbium Inc., Orbium International AG, Orbium International sp. z o.o., Orbium Licences AG, Orbium Limited, Orbium Pte. Ltd., Orbium Pty Ltd, Orbium Services sp. z o.o., Orbium Sarl, Origin Digital, PCO Innovation, PCO Innovation Canada Inc., PCO Innovation EURL, PIXO PUNCH Limited, PLM Systems S.r.l, POC Holdings, PRION GmbH, PT Accenture, PT Asta Catur Indra, PT Kogentix Teknologi Indonesia, Pach Invest SARL, Pach Invest SAS, PacificLink Group, PacificLink iMedia Ltd., Paja Finanssipalvelut Oy, Parker Fitzgerald Inc, Parker Fitzgerald Inc., Parker Fitzgerald International Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Limited, Parker Fitzgerald PTY Ltd, Parker Fitzgerald Services Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Solutions Limited, Partners Technology Mexico Holdings BV, Pecaso Ltd., Pegasus Production K/S, Perseroan Terbatas. Accenture, Phase One Consulting Group, Pillar Technology, Pollux, Pragsis Bidoop, Pragsis Bidoop UK Ltd, Pragsis Technologies S.L, PrimeQ, PrimeQ Australia Pty Ltd, PrimeQ Ltd, PrimeQ NZ Pty Ltd, Procurian Germany GmbH, Procurian Inc., Procurian International I LLC, Procurian International II LLC, Procurian LLC, Procurian Singapore Pte. Ltd., Procurian Switzerland GmbH, Procurian USA LLC, Proquire LLC, PureApps Ltd., Qi Jie Beijing Information Technologies Co Ltd, Radiant Services, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Limited, Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (Asia) Pte Ltd, Redcore (India) Private Limited (India), Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Renacentis IT Services, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Rothco, Rothco Holdings Designated Activity Company, Rothco Unlimited Company, S.C. EnergyQuote S.r.l., S3 TV Technology Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SEC Servizi, SEC Servizi S.p.A., SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Sagacious Consultants LLC, Salt Solutions, Sanchez Capital Services Pvt Ltd, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Airline Planning Group, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace Asia (Hong Kong) Limited, Seabury Aviation Consulting LLC, Seabury Cargo Advisory B.V., Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Human Capital LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Seabury Structured Finance LLC, Search Technologies BPO, Search Technologies BPO Inc., Search Technologies GmbH, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LATAM, Search Technologies LATAM S.A., Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Sente Partners LLC, Sentelis, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Shackleton, Shackleton Barcelona S.L., Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton Madrid S.L., Shackleton S.A., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., Silveo, Simian Pty Limited, SinnerSchrader, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Commerce GmbH, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader Praha s.r.o., SinnerSchrader Swipe GmbH, Sistemes Consulting S.L., Solutions IQ, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Storm Digital, Storm Digital B.V., Structure Consulting Group, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Systor AG, TQuila Limited (UK), Tadata Creative Unlimited Company, Tara Insurance DAC, Tara Risk DAC, TargetST8, TargetST8 Consulting LLC, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica Ltd., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Limited, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Total Logistics Supply Chain Consultants Limited, Tquila, Trivadis AG, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Verax Solutions, Verax Solutions Corporation, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong, Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd., Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Wabion GmbH, Weblinc Pty Ltd, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wire Stone Sarl, Wolox, Workforce Insight, Yesler, Zag, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines, Zenta Global Philippines Inc., Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc., Zielpuls, Zielpuls (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zielpuls GmbH, avVenta, designaffairs, designaffairs Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., designaffairs GmbH, designaffairs group China Co. Ltd., dgroup, i4C Analytics, iDefense, and solid-serVision.com GmbH. Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. is a supplier of precision instruments and services. The firm manufactures weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial, packaging, logistics, and food retailing applications. It also manufactures several related analytical instruments and provides automated chemistry solutions used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development; and also, metal detection and other end-of-line inspection systems used in production and packaging and provides solutions for use in certain process analytics applications. Its operations are conducted by the following segments: U. S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations and Other. The U.S. Operations segment represents certain of the company's marketing and producing organizations located in the United States. The Swiss Operations segment includes marketing and producing organizations located in Switzerland, as well as extensive R&D operations that are responsible for the development, production, and marketing of precision instruments, including weighing, analytical, and measurement technologies for use in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications. Th Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc., ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics. 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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 (TNS) Santa Fe Public Schools will consider entering into a memorandum of understanding with the police department that would allow for police access to on-campus surveillance cameras, but only in emergency situations.The school board on Tuesday heard from attorney Geno Zamora who talked about the impact such an agreement would have on the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, a federal law that protects the privacy of students.Zamora said the MOU would have to define access, but assured the board that any MOU would be limited to emergency situations.Superintendent Veronica Garcia said that up to now the school district had a gentlemans agreement to allow police access in certain situations. She said she had allowed police access to surveillance video from Capital or Santa Fe high schools a handful of times since a school shooting in Parkland, Fla., last February.One recent incident she mentioned involved a Capital High student brandishing a gun and there have been several situations where threats were made at Santa Fe High in recent years.Cameras are only in common areas, like hallways and school grounds, she said, not in classrooms, bathrooms or locker rooms.Discussion of police access to surveillance cameras on school grounds was placed on the agenda by board president Steven Carrillo as a discussion item after thepublished a Sunday article on police use of surveillance cameras around town.While not disputing the accuracy of the piece, Carrillo said the article left the impression that police were conducting 24/7 surveillance of high schools, raising questions about violations of students civil liberties. He said he had heard from one constituent asking whether police would need a warrant to gain access to surveillance video.Another question was raised about whether the superintendent had the authority to grant police permission to access video. Carrillo was quoted in the article as saying that granting police access would demand board support before being enacted.Superintendent Garcia on Tuesday said that she was hired to make quick decisions and that I will always err on the (side of the) safety of students.The discussion got testy at times, with board members Lorraine Price stating that the board president didnt speak for her and Kate Noble expressing concern over micro-managing tendencies.Carrillo concluded by saying he was happy the board agreed to have the discussion, even if there was disagreement.Hopefully, we learn from each others positions, he said.2018 the Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, N.M.)Visit the Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, N.M.) at www.abqjournal.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The following companies are subsidiares of Sonoco Products: AMGH, APEI UK Limited, APEI Unlimited IOM, Associated Packaging Technologies Inc., Beteiligungen Sonoco Deutschland Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft mbh, CP Acquisition LLC, Can Packaging, Can Packaging SAS, Cap Liners Limited, Capseals Limited, Capseals Liners Limited, Cascades Sonoco Inc. (fka Cascades Conversion Inc), Clear Lam Flexible Films (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., Clear Lam Packaging Inc., Clear Pack Co., Clear Pack Company, Colombiana P.M. LLC, Conitex Sonoco (BVI) Ltd., Conitex Sonoco (Mexico) S. de R.L. de C.V., Conitex Sonoco Hellas S.A., Conitex Sonoco Holding B.V., Conitex Sonoco Inc., Conitex Sonoco India Pvt. Ltd., Conitex Sonoco N.V., Conitex Sonoco Shanghai Ltd., Conitex Sonoco Suzhou Co. Ltd., Conitex Sonoco Taiwan Ltd., Conitex Sonoco USA Inc., Convex Mold Inc., Corenso Holdings America Inc., Corenso North America, Corenso Richmond LLC, Corepak Limited, CorrFlex Graphics LLC, Demolli Industria Cartaria S.p.A., Engraph Inc., Engraph Puerto Rico Inc., Fair Lawn Packaging Services LLC, Friarsgate Studio Limited, Graffo Paranaense De Embalagens S.A., Graffo Paranaense de Embalagens S/A, Grove Mill Paper Company Limited, Gunther of America Inc., Hartsville Corrugating LLC, Hayes Manufacturing Group, Heathfield Reels Limited, Highland Packaging Solutions, Highland Packaging Solutions LLC, Industrial Machine Co. Inc., Inversiones Sonoco Limitada, Italtubetti SpA, Laminar Medica, Laminar Medica (CE) s.r.o., Laminar Medica Limited, Manufacturas Sonoco S.A. de C.V., Matrix Packaging Inc., Nathaniel Lloyd & Company Limited, OOO Sonoco Alcore (fka ZAO Sonoco Alcore), Ontario Inc., PT Conitex Sonoco, PT Papcor Asia Pacific, PT Papertech Indonesia, PT Sonoco Indonesia, Packaging Holdings Inc., Papcor (Dezhou) Packaging Material Co. Ltd., Papertech Dezhou Co. Ltd., Papertech SL, PenPack LLC, Peninsula Packaging Company, Peninsula Packaging LLC, Penpack S. de R.L. de C.V., Phoenix Packaging Corp., Plastique Holdings LTD, SAS Du Lagon, SCI Lagon Quest, SMB GmbH, SPC Capital Management Inc., SPC Liquidation LLC, SPC Management LLC, SPC Resources Inc., SR Holdings of the Carolinas LLC, Sebro Plastics Inc., Sonoco (Shanghai) Co., Sonoco (Taicang) Packaging Co., Sonoco (Weifang) Packaging Company Ltd., Sonoco Absorbent Technologies LLC, Sonoco Absorbent Technologies Limited, Sonoco Alcore - Demolli S.r.l., Sonoco Alcore AB, Sonoco Alcore GmbH, Sonoco Alcore N.V., Sonoco Alcore Nederland B.V., Sonoco Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Sonoco Asia Holding S.a.r.l., Sonoco Asia L.L.C., Sonoco Asia Management Company L.L.C., Sonoco Australia Pty Ltd, Sonoco Board Mills Limited, Sonoco Bonmati S.A.U., Sonoco Canada Corporation, Sonoco Capseals Liners Limited, Sonoco Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco Consumer Products Dordrecht B.V. (fka Dorpak B.V.), Sonoco Consumer Products Europe GmbH (fka Weidenhammer Packaging Group GmbH), Sonoco Consumer Products Hellas S.A. (fka Weidenhammer Hellas S.A.), Sonoco Consumer Products Limited, Sonoco Consumer Products Mechelen BVBA (fka Weidenhammer Belgium BVBA), Sonoco Consumer Products Montanay SAS (fka Neuvibox SAS), Sonoco Consumer Products Poland Sp. Z.O.O., Sonoco Consumer Products SAS, Sonoco Consumer Products South Africa (PTY) Ltd., Sonoco Consumer Products Zwenkau GmbH (fka fka Weidenhammer Plastice Packaging GmbH), Sonoco Cores and Paper Limited, Sonoco D & P LLC, Sonoco D and P York LLC, Sonoco Deutschland GmbH, Sonoco Deutschland Holdings GmbH, Sonoco Development Inc., Sonoco Display and Packaging LLC, Sonoco Elk Grove Inc., Sonoco Embalagens Ltda. (fka Sonoco Embalagens S.A.), Sonoco Europe Limited, Sonoco Flexible Packaging Canada Corporation, Sonoco Flexible Packaging Co. Inc., Sonoco Graphics India Private Limited, Sonoco Hickory Inc., Sonoco Holdings Inc., Sonoco Holdings UK Limited, Sonoco Hutchinson LLC, Sonoco IPD France SAS, Sonoco Iberia S.L.U., Sonoco International Holdings GmbH, Sonoco JV GmbH & Co. KG, Sonoco Kaiping Packaging Co. Ltd., Sonoco Limited, Sonoco Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Sonoco Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Sonoco Milnrow, Sonoco Netherlands Holding II BV, Sonoco Netherlands Holding III BV, Sonoco New Zealand Limited, Sonoco Operadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco Packaging Limited, Sonoco Packaging Tapes Limited, Sonoco Paper Mill & IPD Hellas SA, Sonoco Paperboard Group LLC, Sonoco Partitions Inc., Sonoco Phoenix LLC, Sonoco Pina S.A.U., Sonoco Plastics B.V., Sonoco Plastics Canada ULC, Sonoco Plastics Germany GmbH, Sonoco Plastics Inc., Sonoco Poland Holdings B.V., Sonoco Polysack A/S Inc., Sonoco Polysack Limited, Sonoco Products Company UK, Sonoco Products Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Sonoco Protective Solutions Inc., Sonoco Recycling - International Trade Group LLC (fka Reparco USA Inc.), Sonoco Recycling LLC, Sonoco Reels Limited, Sonoco Retail Packaging S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco S.A. de C.V., Sonoco SAS, Sonoco Saudi Limited Company, Sonoco Services LLC, Sonoco Singapore Pte. Ltd., Sonoco TEQ Holdings Ltd, Sonoco TEQ LLC, Sonoco TEQ Ltd, Sonoco TEQ Sp. Z.o.o, Sonoco Taiwan Ltd, Sonoco Thailand Ltd, Sonoco UK Leasing Limited, Sonoco Venezolana C.A., Sonoco Venture International Holdings GmbH, Sonoco Ventures UK Limited, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Core Plant LLC, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Inc., Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Paper Mill LLC, Sonoco Yatai Pinghu Packaging Co Ltd, Sonoco de Colombia Ltda, Sonoco do Brasil Participacoes Ltda, Sonoco do Brazil Ltda, Sonoco of Puerto Rico Inc., Sonoco-Alcore AS, Sonoco-Alcore Ou, Sonoco-Alcore Oy, Sonoco-Alcore S.a.r.l., Sonoco-Alcore Sp. Z.O.O., Sonoco-Engraph Puerto Rico Inc., TPT Board Mills Limited, TPT Limited, Tegrant Alloyd Brands Inc., Tegrant Corporation, Tegrant International Inc., Tegrant Property Holdings LLC, Tegrant de Mexico S.A. de C.V., ThermoSafe Brands Asia PTE LTD., ThermoSafe Brands Europe Ltd., Thermoform Engineered Quality LLC, Trident Graphics Canada Corporation, Trident Graphics NA LLC, U.S. Paper Mills Corp., Unit Reels & Drums Limited, Weidenhammer Chile Ltda., Weidenhammer Packaging Group, Weidenhammer UK Ltd., and Wisenberg U.S. Inc.. The following companies are subsidiares of EnerSys: ABSL Power Solutions Inc., ABSL Power Solutions Ltd., Acumuladores Industriales EnerSys SA, Alpha Alternative Energy Inc., Alpha Broadband Services Inc., Alpha Innovations Industria e Comercio de Produtos Eletronicos Ltda., Alpha Innovations Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Alpha Mexico Network Power S.A. de C.V., Alpha Tech Energy Solutions India Private Limited, Alpha Technical Services Ltd., Alpha Technologies Ltd., Alpha Technologies Pty. Ltd., Alpha Technologies Services Inc., Alphatec Technologies (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Argus Research Ltd., Batterias Hawker de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Battery Power International Pte Ltd., Coppervale Enterprises Inc., DCPM Engineering Sdn Bhd, EH Batterien AG, EH Europe GmbH, EH Global Holdings GmbH, EH Swiss Holdings GmbH, ENAS Industrial Batteries Morocco Sarl, EnerSys (Chaozhou) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (China) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (Chongqing) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (Jiangsu) Huada Batteries Company Limited (94.7%) *, EnerSys (Luxembourg) Finance Sarl, EnerSys (Yangzhou) Huada Batteries Co. Ltd., EnerSys A/S, EnerSys AB, EnerSys AD, EnerSys AE, EnerSys AS, EnerSys Advanced Systems Inc., EnerSys Argentina S.A., EnerSys Asia Limited, EnerSys Australia Pty Ltd., EnerSys BV, EnerSys BVBA, EnerSys Battery Private Limited, EnerSys Brasil Ltda., EnerSys Bulgaria EOOD, EnerSys Canada Inc., EnerSys Capital Inc., EnerSys Cayman Euro L.P., EnerSys Cayman Holdings L.P., EnerSys Cayman Inc., EnerSys Delaware Inc., EnerSys Delaware LLC I, EnerSys Delaware LLC II, EnerSys Delaware LLC III, EnerSys Delaware LLC IV, EnerSys Delaware LLC V, EnerSys Energy Products Inc., EnerSys Europe Oy, EnerSys European Holding Co., EnerSys GmbH, EnerSys Holdings (Luxembourg) Sarl, EnerSys Holdings UK Ltd., EnerSys Hungaria Kft., EnerSys India Batteries Private Ltd., EnerSys JSC, EnerSys LLC, EnerSys Ltd., EnerSys Malaysia Sdn Bhd, EnerSys Mexico Holdings LLC, EnerSys Mexico Management LLC, EnerSys Participacoes Ltda., EnerSys Reserve Power Pte. Ltd., EnerSys S.r.l., EnerSys SARL, EnerSys SNC, EnerSys South East Asia Pte. Ltd., EnerSys de Mexico II S de R.L. de CV, EnerSys de Mexico S de R.L. de CV, EnerSys s.r.o., EnerSys sp. z o.o., EnerSystem Chile Ltda., Enersys Aku Sanaya Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Esfinco LLC, Hawker GmbH, Hawker Power Systems Inc., Hawker Powersource Inc., Hawker Systems GmbH & Co. KG., ICS Industries Pty Ltd, ICS Industries Pty Ltd., ICS Sheet Metal Pty Ltd., Industrial Battery Holding Ltda., International Communication Shelters Australasia Pty Ltd., Lancord Pty Ltd., Lenmic Pty Ltd., MIB Energy Sdn Bhd, N Holding AB, National Infrastructure Pty Ltd., National Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd., NaviSemi Energy Pte Ltd., NaviSemi Inc., New Pacifico Realty Inc., NorthStar Battery Company LLC, NorthStar Battery Company LLC, NorthStar Battery DMCC, Outback Power Technologies Inc., Powercom (NSW) Pty Ltd., Powersonic S de R.L. de CV, Purcell Systems, Purcell Systems Inc., Purcell Systems International AB, Quallion LLC, Riverfront Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Shenzhen Huada Power Supply Mechanical & Electrical Co. Ltd. , SiteTel Shanghai Co Ltd., SiteTel Sweden AB, Telecomponents & Supply (Hong Kong) Ltd., The Enser Corporation, UTS Holdings Sdn Bhd, UTS Technology (JB) Sdn Bhd, UTS Technology (PG) Sdn Bhd, YCI Inc., and Yecoltd S. de R.L. de CV. Analyzing massive genetic datasets Download to Learn More The National Institute on Aging works with the International Parkinsons Disease Genomics Consortium , a broad collaboration of scientists striving to characterize molecular changes associated with the debilitating disease. A recent study involved compiling information from thousands of exomesor the DNA sequence of all transcribed regions in an individuals genomefrom data generated at various research institutes on different sequencing platforms over a period of several years.To make real scientific discoveries possible from so many sources of data, the data had to be reanalyzed for consistency. To reduce the possibility of technical artifacts, scientists had to perform realignment, recalibration, and re-genotyping of the exomes. But there was a problem: none of the consortium members had enough local computational resources to process all 6,500 exomes.The team decided to use Google Genomics , a fully managed service on Google Cloud Platform . Scientist Mike Nalls ran Broad Institutes GATK Best Practices pipeline using Google Genomics, processing the full 200TB set of 6,500 exomesstarting with raw, unaligned sequence data and leading to a set of variant callsin just three and a half weeks. The dataset was subsequently used to identify six new risk loci for Parkinsons disease, helping scientists better understand genetic risks for the disease.Cloud computing allowed us to speed up discovery, says Mike Nalls, PhD, Scientist at National Institute on Aging. We collaborated with Google Genomics to test varying implementations of the standard processing pipeline for exome sequence data on the cohort and population scale.Mike could have run the analysis even faster, but opted to limit the number of virtual machines and disks to take advantage of sustained use discounts and reduce costs. Even if hardware could have been procured, the effort would have taken months of compute time using local infrastructure. With Google Genomics on Google Cloud Platform, the National Institute on Aging can now analyze massive datasets, giving scientists access to virtually unlimited compute resources for large-scale projects.To learn more about how cloud computing allows new discoveries in weeks versus months, download the paper "National Institute on Aging: Accelerating the fight against Parkinsons Disease." Vermilion Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of petroleum and natural gas in North America, Europe, and Australia. It owns 81% working interest in 642,300 net acres of developed land and 87% working interest in 376,700 net acres of undeveloped land, and 613 net producing natural gas wells and 3,034 net producing oil wells in Canada; and 96% working interest in 248,900 net acres of developed land and 91% working interest in 222,100 net acres of undeveloped land in the Aquitaine and Paris Basins, and 325 net producing oil wells and 3.0 net producing gas wells in France. The company also owns 49% working interest in 930,000 net acres of land and 51 net producing natural gas wells in the Netherlands; and 36,900 net developed acres and 965,900 net undeveloped acres of land, and 61 net producing oil wells and 8 net producing natural gas wells in Germany. In addition, it owns offshore Corrib natural gas field located to the northwest coast of Ireland; and 100% working interest in the Wandoo offshore oil field and related production assets that covers 59,600 acres located on Western Australia's northwest shelf. Further, the company holds 138,000 net acres of land in the Powder River basin, and 136.6 net producing oil wells in the United States; and 951,200 net acres of land in Hungary, 244,900 net acres of land in Slovakia, and 2.4 million net acres of land in Croatia. Vermilion Energy Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More UTICA, N.Y. - Utica residents came out for downtown community forum Tuesday evening. About two dozen Utica residents attended the forum held at the Veterans Outreach Center. Organizers held the forum to give the community a chance to understand the economic development initiatives in downtown Utica. Growth, diversity, and infrastructure were just some of the challenges and goals that were discussed. The biggest topic of the night was how Utica is going to move forward and achieve these goals. There were many concerns raised from the people attending the forum. A lot of concerns come from the announcement of Amazon moving into New York City. I want to see development that works for everyone, from the lowest standard of our society all the way to the highest, facilitator Stephen Keblish said. Just because companies like Amazon are running around with a lot of money, doesnt mean that theyre the right fit for Utica. We want to see opportunities for people who have nothing, make something instead of relying on people with a lot. Other issues discussed were current and upcoming projects in Utica. Organizers plan to hold similar forums in the future. ROME, N.Y. -- The Oneida County executive is calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York City mayor to help facilitate a partnership between Amazon's headquarters downstate with Oneida Countys drone research and development. In letters to Cuomo and Bill deBlasio, picante wrote that Amazon has been clear that they intend to develop drone package delivery. And he says the best place in the nation to do that is at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. Amazon is getting more than a billion dollars in incentives to open in Queens. (TNS) Henderson County residents offered input Tuesday on what they want for high-speed Internet at the first of a series of meetings to receive input on a regional initiative to bring in high-speed networks to Western North Carolina.Tuesday evening, the town the Fletcher hosted the first of three public input meetings scheduled this week in the county to receive feedback on residents current broadband service. Similar meetings will be held Wednesday in Hendersonville and Laurel Park.In 2016, Fletcher, Hendersonville and Laurel Park began working with Asheville, Biltmore Forest and Waynesville to form the West Next Generation Network. The six municipalities are working with UNC-Asheville, Western Carolina University and N.C. State University with support from the Land of Sky Council of Governments in hopes of recruiting more private companies in the area to provide broadband service, increasing competition in the process.The western municipalities hope to repeat the success of the original North Carolina Next Generation Network in the Research Triangle. The result of the Triangles universities and cities banding together as one resulted in AT&T and Google Fiber implementing gigabit service in the area.Fletcher Town Manager Mark Biberdorf said WestNGN interviewed two firms and began talks with RiverStreet Networks a subsidiary for telephone membership cooperative Wilkes Communications based out of Wilkes County. RiverStreet also helped assemble the survey that has been sent out to residents to take.Tuesdays meeting at Fletcher Town Hall began with a presentation from RiverStreet. CEO Eric Cramer said the goal of RiverStreet is to purchase old copper-based phone companies and turn them into broadband companies, Cramer said. The company now has about 25,000 customers in mostly rural areas across North Carolina and southern Virginia.Cramer said the company is gauging interest in providing fiber to Fletcher, Hendersonville, Laurel Park and Biltmore Forest, with the ability to expand that service into neighboring rural areas over time. Their goal is to be able to offer everyone speeds of 100 megabytes per second for $100.The meeting also included presentations from Henderson Countys current Internet providers, Morris Broadband and Charter Communications, on their offers and long-term plans. Representatives from AT&T did not attend.The countys Internet customer base is largely spilt between Morris and AT&T, while Charter only offers Internet to 50 customers in northern Henderson County, with no plans to expand.After the presentations, the meeting was opened to the public for questions. Audience members wanted to see more competition in the area to lower cost, increased reliability and expanding Charter into Hendersonville, while business owners expressed the need for high-speed Internet.Another public input meeting will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church in Laurel Park, 1735 Fifth Ave. W. A meeting will also be held at 6 p.m. at the City Operations Center in Hendersonville, 305 Williams St. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) Increasing ridership for CityBus is a main focus for its five-year-plan. The company says after hearing from community members Tuesday its ready to present to its board of directors. The budget for the project is $750,000. More than half of that is going toward a new Salisbury route. It will have an extra bus and run farther on Sagamore Parkway West. The route will have improved pedestrian safety as well. Other additional improvements include more weekend service. CityBus says the longer weekend hours are something that the community wants. The general manager says this plan will help the future of Greater Lafayette and the company. "We want to be very fiscally conservative and be sustainable," said Marty Sennett. "If we are going to put something out we want to keep it out there. We don't want to put it out for a year or two and say we can't afford to run it anymore." The company will meet with its board of directors who will make the final say on the plan. If approved the improvements can start in the spring and the new Salisbury route will start next school year. INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) -- "So, you're open to medical marijuana?" the leader of Indiana was asked. "Medicinal." Gov. Eric Holcomb responded. "If it is a source that can be regulated, not under-the-table cash business. Banks don't recognize the revenue right now. They're literally being paid in cash. That ought to tell you something." Legislators have expressed varying opinions. Indiana's Prosecuting Attorney's Council and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce both oppose medical cannabis. The governor said medical marijuana is illegal federally, and he is glad U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has called for more research. Adams is Indiana's former health commissioner. Holcomb said Monday, "I also would encourage the federal government, including the Department of Justice, to clarify this so states don't approach this as a hodgepodge way of collecting revenue." Senate Democrats have said they're going to ask Holcomb to make medical marijuana a priority for 2019. Republican State Rep. Jim Lucas is already working on his own medical marijuana bill for the upcoming legislative session. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Lawmakers are criticizing Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb's unilateral move to spend $1 billion in proceeds from a renegotiated toll road lease without their oversight. The Republican governor announced the windfall in September, which he is spending on road construction and pet projects. His administration argues it's within their legal authority. But legislators in both parties voiced concern Tuesday during a meeting of the State Budget Committee. State Sen. Ryan Mishler, a Bremen Republican, said lawmakers are exploring legislation that would prevent a governor from doing the same in the future. He added that there needs to be legislative oversight whenever it comes to that type of spending. Democratic Indianapolis Rep. Greg Porter called Holcomb's move "disconcerting" and accused him of keeping lawmakers out of the loop. LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) Two new businesses are helping to give one corner of downtown Lafayette a second chance. Sichuan House and Kawa Sushi now fill the space where Ichiban Sichuan Restaurant use to sit. It will be a change for a building with a troubled past. As we reported back in June, the Tippecanoe County Health Department revoked Ichiban's food permit after it received 101 health code violations. Manager of Sichuan House, Klair Huang said she and her co-workers are always communicating with the health department. "When we have questions we just ask and they are really nice and tell us everything and then when we have problems they help us to fix it," said Huang. She hopes that will help them to keep the business afloat. The restaurant markets itself as truly authentic Chinese, a style manager Jack Sun said some people may not be use to. "There are so many Chinese restaurants and I think most of them serve the American style Chinese food," Sun said. The style is specific to the southwest region of China. "It's well-known for its spicy, pungent, hot uses lots of garlic and chili pepper," said Sun. He encourages first time customers to ask lots of questions. "I think I'm good educator. If people got any questions I would be glad to tell them." Sichuan House plans to have a soft opening this week and will announce the grand opening soon after. No word on when Kawa will open, but a sign on the door Tuesday, said it would be closed the next few days for maintenance. Managers at Sichuan said the two businesses are not connected in any way. Dallas switched CIOs in September, with former San Antonio CIO Hugh Miller taking over the position from William Finch, who had held it for approximately six years.Miller is a veteran of municipal government tech work in Texas, having previously served as CIO/CTO for San Antonio from 2004 through November 2016. In recent years, he has done CIO consulting work for Visit San Antonio, the citys tourism promotion entity, and for the city of Austin, Texas.The Communication and Information Services Department that Miller will now head provides internal support within the city of Dallas. It consists of four divisions: business technology services, business management services, technology infrastructure services, and IT planning, standards, and compliance services.Earlier this year, Dallas also set about searching for a chief innovation officer to take a bigger picture approach to how technology can be used to solve municipal government challenges. Its unclear whether that job listing, which closed in March, yielded a successful hiring.Finch became Dallas CIO in September of 2012 after having spent a decade with the city and has worked for more than three decades in IT overall. MARSHALL COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) A male teenager student has died following a crash between a semi and a school bus in Marshall County. According to the Indiana State Police, the crash happened Wednesday morning around 9:00 a.m. on U.S. 31 two miles south of State Road 30. Preliminary investigation indicates a 2016 International bus being driven by Cheryl Warner had just stopped at a railroad crossing and was starting to accelerate when it was struck from behind by a flatbed truck driven by Perry Tylor. A male teenage student seated in the left rear of the bus was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another student, Zane Bell was airlifted from the scene and taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend with non-life-threatening injuries. Other students were taken to Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth, IN for complaints of pain and reunification with parents. At the time of the crash, the bus was occupied by 38 eighth grade students and three chaperones that were on the way to see a Christmas musical in Warsaw. Police do not think the weather was a factor. Police continue to investigate the crash. (TNS) -- U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio announced Monday a plan to regulate cryptocurrency and initial coin offerings through the federal government.An initial coin offering is when a company begins to sell a cryptocurrency in the form of tokens. There are a limited amount of these tokens, which is what gives them value. Investors can pay for these tokens with money or existing cryptocurrency. Because these tokens sell quickly and run out, it gives the company a wave of money that it can use to build a product.In the case of FileCoin, which has the largest initial coin offering to date at $257 million according to the New York Times , the money will fund a blockchain-based storage system. People who own FileCoin tokens can use them to pay for that storage.The federal government thus far hasnt regulated a companys ability to raise money through initial coin offerings. The federal Security Exchange Commission is trying to crack down on fraudulent offerings, where a company inflates its tokens' value by making promises it cant keep. The SEC is setting up a new division to talk to financial technology companies who want to launch initial coin offerings In the past, the SEC has found that several initial coin offerings used tokens as publicly traded securities, which are subject to regulations. The bipartisan bill would seek to create an asset class for tokens, which would prevent them from being classified as securities, but would also allow the federal government to regulate initial coin offerings more effectively.What this does for entrepreneurs is it gives people an ability to raise capital a different way, he said. "ThisThe legislation has not yet been introduced, but should become public soon. Davidson, a Hamilton Republican who in September invited more than 30 leaders in the industry to discuss potential regulations, is hopeful on what this means for the future of the financial industry.Davidson announced his plans Monday at the Blockland Solutions conference, held in downtown Cleveland. The four-day event is discussing applications for blockchain technology, the online distributed ledger system on which cryptocurrency is based.Though the conference focuses on uses outside of cryptocurrency, a main point is how blockchain can be used in government. Lt. Governor-elect Jon Husted spoke Sunday evening about how blockchain technology could be incorporated into InnovateOhio, a plan to modernize Ohios government processes. The entire Great Wall is about 13,171 miles long. The wall was formed from over centuries by joining walls constructed by various Chinese Empires. These dynasties include Ming, Han, and Qin dynasties. The Great Wall is significantly part of the Ming dynasty wall, which is the part that is mostly still in existence as some of the parts of the wall are mostly ruined. The Great Wall of Ming is about 5,500 miles of the entire Great Wall. History and Path of the Great Wall of China The construction of the Great Wall dates to the 7th and 8th centuries. The walls were made of board edges, which were smeared with grit and soil in between. During the border attacks, King Zheng of Qin defeated his rivals, and he led as Emperor of Qin dynasty. Zheng then ordered the demolition of walls that separated his dynasty from other states with the aim of bringing unity. At the same time, he also ordered the construction of adjoining walls to connect with the remaining barricades. The building of the wall took place using available materials since transporting construction material was challenging and hectic. For mountainous areas, the builders used stones from the mountains while for plains, they used earth soil. It is believed that dynasties like the Northern, Han, and Sul also got involved in renovating and extending the Great Wall later on with the aim of protecting themselves from northern trespassers. The Great Wall concept was again brought into existence in the 14th century by the Ming dynasty. The Ming dynasty decided to build walls along the northern boundary of China to keep Mongolian tribes away after numerous battles, which they lost. The wall built by this dynasty was firmer than the previous fortifications since construction was mainly done using bricks and stones. As construction of the wall went on progressively, Qi Jiguang dynasty also got involved in repairing and reconstructing the wall in the period between 1567 and 1570. The path of the entire Great Wall is not clearly defined, however, some of the passages from where the Ming construction started can be plotted. The station in the West of the Ming wall is Jiayu Pass, found in Gansu Province. The wall moves through the corridors of Hexi and into Ningxia desert. From these paths, it passes into the western boundaries at Yinchuan and into another desert named the Ordos. It is at Xinzhou that the wall splits into two paths namely the outer and inner Great Wall. The latter ends up at Beijing; this part of the Great Wall is constantly renovated and frequently visited by tourists to date. Functions of the Great Wall of China It is evident that the Great Wall was initially built as a barrier to keep away invaders who were mostly from the Eurasian Steppe. However, with time, the Great Wall's functionalities expanded and it currently works as a barrier control to inhibit illegal movements and transportations. The Great Wall also makes it easier to levy taxes on goods moving through the wall. The wall also acts as a transportation passage. Today, the site is a famed tourist attraction in China with visitors from around the world. The Great Wall of China is a prehistoric run of fortifications and walls made of bricks, wood, stone, and other materials. It is located in northern China. In ancient China, Empires were building walls around their territories to act as boundaries and provide protection to the Chinese empires and states. The building of walls began as early as the 7th century BCE; the Great Wall was formed due to the joining of the walls that had been built. It is said that the Great Wall of China is approximately over 2,300 years old with the very first wall was put up in 221 BCE. Construction of the Great Wall of China Since various walls that were built by the Chinese empires form the Great Wall of China, there is no clear record of how long it took to construct the wall. Besides the various walls making up the Great Wall were built at different times. However, there is still no exact records to show how long the building took; archeologists suggest that all the walls that make up the Great Wall were completed in 22 centuries. After its completion, the Great wall has undergone numerous adjustments and advancements made by the various Chinese dynasties. Why Was the Wall Built? The building of the wall took place during the 7th and the 8th century. During this time, there were frequent battles especially between the Warring States dynasty and the Spring-Autumn dynasty. Different dynasties and empires were constantly in wars for various reasons such as the expansion of territories and the need for slaves. Therefore, to defend themselves, the different dynasties began to build walls and watchtowers at their respective regions. During the Qin Dynasty, the whole kingdom was united. However, this kingdom was under constant threats from the northern tribes. To keep his kingdom safe, Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered for the joining of different walls and thus forming the Great Wall. Therefore, it can be observed that the primary purpose for the construction of the Great Wall of China was to provide protection. The creation of this wall helped protect the Qin Dynasty from the Mongols who were well known for coordinating raids. Apart from protecting the Chinese territory, the wall also prevented any Chinese from escaping. Tactical Advantage and Significance of the Wall The construction of the Great Wall happened during a period when most of the kingdoms had not gained any building techniques; however, China was already familiar with wall-building techniques. Therefore, the Chinese dynasties had a tactical advantage over their enemies. During this time, the wall was built by only stamping gravel between two board frames to provide protection from simple tools such as swords and arrows. During the 14th century, the wall was strengthened via the use of bricks. The wall has been a crucial element in controlling the Chinese border by permitting imposition of duties on all goods transported through the Silk Road. The wall has been a significant Chinese landmark and has attracted numerous tourists from the different corners of the world. The National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Program is a government initiative that aims to encourage the conservation of areas with outstanding natural history in the United States. It is the only national natural areas program in the country that recognizes and identifies the best cases of biological and ecological attributes under the ownership of both the private and the public. They were initiated in May 1962 by Stewart Udall, the US Secretary of Interior. By 2016, there were a total of 599 sites throughout the US that had been put into the National Registry of National Landmarks. These sites were found in 48 different states within the country including, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico. The state of Mississippi has a total of 5 National Natural Landmarks. National Natural Landmarks in Mississippi Mississippi Petrified Forest The Mississippi Petrified Forest is found near Flora in Madison County, and it is a privately own property. It is believed that the forests were formed more than 30 million years in the past, and the maple and fir logs were washed down the channels of the ancient river to their current location where they were petrified. There are only two of these forests in the eastern region of the US, and the other one is the New Yorks Gilboa Fossil Forest. The site was named in 1965 as one of the NNL in the US and is, therefore, the oldest in Mississippi. Harrell Prairie Hill Harrell Prairie Hill is also known as Harrell Prairie Botanical Area, and it covers an area of 65 hectares. The property is publicly owned, and it is located in the Scott County, Mississippi. The site is covered with tallgrass prairie, and it is a nature reserve, which is an exemplary remnant of the Jackson Prairie Belt in the state of Mississippi. The site was named as National Natural landmarks in May 1976, and the Forest Service declared as a Botanical area in 1980. The site contains the least disturbed and the largest Jackson Prairie in the State of Mississippi. Green Ash-Overcup Oak-Sweetgum Research Natural Areas These areas are found in the Delta Natural Forest, and they are located in Sharkey County, Mississippi. They are public property, and in May 1976, they were named National Natural Landmarks. The whole of Delta National Forest covers an area of 95 square miles. The Delta Forest is one out of the only six National Forests which lie wholly in one county, and it is considered to be the only bottomland hardwood forest within the National Forest. The site represents a rare pristine bottomland hardwood forests. Evaluating National Natural Landmarks The Natural National Landmarks program have the sole mandate of recognizing sites with significant biological and geological importance and tries to strengthen the appreciation and conservation of natural heritage in the country by the public. Any potential NNL is typically evaluated based on different factors such as the value of education and science, diversity, rarity, illustrative value, and outstanding condition. The interior secretary is responsible for designating such areas. (TNS) The Legal Aid Society claimed victory Monday in an appellate courts ruling ordering a federal judge to consider the potential chilling effect the use of surveillance cameras in attorney-client interview rooms at the Staten Island Courthouse could have on those parties conversations.Todays ruling is a victory for the Sixth Amendment and a victory for due process, said Tina Luongo, Legal Aids attorney-in-charge of the criminal practice. Our clients are entitled to meet with their attorneys in private a fundamental part of the right to counsel. We look forward to arguing the merits of this Sixth Amendment chilling effect on our clients right to speak freely with counsel and call on the city to terminate this practice on Staten Island and elsewhere in the interim.In February, a Manhattan federal court judge had dissolved a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order prohibiting the use of the cameras in pre-arraignment interview rooms at the courthouse.The appellate court instructed the judge to rehear the case and weigh the impact the cameras could have on a defendants right to counsel.The district court did not appropriately consider the chilling effect that the cameras presence in the attorney-client booths could have on pre-arraignment detainees willingness to communicate candidly with their attorneys, the appellate court opined.The Legal Aid Society, which represents the majority of criminal defendants in the borough, had sued the city, the Correction Department and the NYPD in Manhattan federal court over the cameras use at the courthouse after it opened St. George in September 2015.A preliminary injunction was ordered shortly thereafter preventing the cameras from operating.Legal Aid maintains that the cameras in the pre-arraignment interview rooms hinder their clients ability to speak frankly with their lawyers.Attorneys said the initial arraignment interview at the courthouse is where criminal defendants first meet their attorneys and form the basis of the lawyer-client relationship.That session allows lawyers to explore investigative leads, assess the client's mental health and develop information to make a bail request.The city and Correction Department contended the cameras were necessary for security purposes and to respond to emergencies.While the parties attempted to reach a more permanent solution after the preliminary injunction was issued, the city and Correction Department experimented with masking technology in the interview rooms, said the appellate ruling.Under the masking technology, cameras only viewed detainees and not lawyers. The cameras audio function also was disabled.The city maintained detainees were warned by notices in interview rooms that cameras only recorded visual images and did not capture sound, the ruling said.But Legal Aid contended the recording of those conversations, even just visually, potentially impedes open and frank talks between defendants and attorneys.Lawyers fear discussions could be lip-read and used against clients. Videotape would also reveal body markings a client shows an attorney in confidence.Were very pleased with the Second Circuits decision, which affirms the constitutional right of individuals accused of a crime to speak candidly with their attorneys, said Colin West, associate at the law firm White & Case, which announced the ruling along with the Legal Aid Society. The Second Circuit appropriately recognized that the presence of surveillance cameras may impede that right because detained individuals may fear that their conversations are being monitored and recorded.While the appellate court ruling doesnt specifically say the cameras violate detainees Sixth Amendment rights, it does instruct the district court to weigh the cameras potential impact on free discourse between attorneys and their clients balanced against the city and Corrections security concerns.Legal Aid said it intends to confirm the cameras have been turned off in view of the appellate ruling.However, a source with knowledge of the case said the ruling doesnt explicitly address whether the cameras can continue to record while the matter is being reconsidered.Nick Paolucci, a city Law Department spokesman, said the city thinks it is on solid legal ground.We believe the current camera setup appropriately balances (Corrections) security concerns with detainees Sixth Amendment rights, and that the district court will adhere to its determination that (Corrections) use of the cameras complies with the law, said Paolucci. Keeping everyone informed Government done well speaks to people where they are, and people are in Google Maps so it was critical, particularly during a crisis, to convey important information in a familiar platform. We need to know vital emergency news can be quickly viewed and shared. Brandon Williams, Innovation and Strategy Manager, Eagle County Government Download to Learn More With terrain ranging from rugged, snowy mountain peaks to lush valleys, Eagle County, Colorado can experience its fair share of natural disasters, from dramatic weather events to fires and floods. During certain seasons, these conditions can become dangerous and Eagle County Government officials are always looking to improve how they broadcast emergency information. More than 50,000 Coloradans call Eagle County home and the county also hosts hundreds of thousands of tourists throughout the year, all there to enjoy the beauty of the Colorado Rockies.There is absolutely no time to waste in a disaster, says Jill Ryan, Eagle County Commissioner. For the safety of all of our residents, visiting tourists, and emergency response teams, we needed a way to quickly communicate important information to help ensure everyones safety.Eagle County solved this problem by centralizing its crisis management approach. By reorganizing its emergency operations center (EOC) around Google Maps Platform and cloud solutions, the county is helping ensure that the tools are on hand to respond quickly to dangerous events.The Lake Christine Fire, which started in July 2018, created many challenges for Eagle County officials. Beginning outside Basalt, Colorado, the fire burned more than 12,000 acres throughout the region. Within this high-pressure scenario, Eagle County planned to migrate its emergency operations center to Google Cloud.Maps was a central part of the countys communication strategy, as Eagle County needed a solution that could serve as an emergency information portal for both residents and tourists. As part of this strategy, the county created a Lake Christine Fire map that posted real-time updates during the wildfire: people could see information including road closures, driving directions, and evacuation center locations. Active hyperlink support also meant that county officials could efficiently redirect people to other emergency pages right within Maps.For potential floods following the fire, the county also exported its internal analysis information and created a second map that residents could use to see if their homes fell within a flood risk zone. With this map, at-risk homeowners could easily learn about insurance subsidies and other flood resources.Despite the high stakes, the move to Maps was a success for the employees in Eagle County. The ease of use for accessing the app made the fire map a crucial public outreach tool. As developments came in, EOC staffers could push real-time updates and provide residents with live information without having to manually update the county site for every instance.To learn more about how the Google Maps Platform and G Suite enabled Eagle County to improve the delivery of vital crisis information to Colorado residents during natural disasters, download the paper "Eagle County: Prepared for natural disasters." (TNS) Three Michigan cities are testing a new process designed to provide strong statistical evidence that the election outcome is correct.The "risk-limiting audit" is a relatively new election security measure being tested across Michigan this week. It's designed to detect irregularities that could influence reported election outcomes, including cyber-attacks and unintentional machine or human errors.The goal of the pilot will be to determine how risk-limiting audits could be rolled out statewide. Kalamazoo, Lansing and Rochester Hills will also pilot the procedure during the first week of December."Our goal as election administrators is to foster confidence in the electoral process, the results of that process, and ultimately our democratic institutions," said Kalamazoo City Clerk Scott Borling. "Michigan voters put their faith in us to conduct free and fair elections. The Risk-Limiting Audit provides another tool and opportunity to demonstrate their trust is well placed."Results from the Nov. 6 election will be audited from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kalamazoo City Hall on Wednesday.The audit aims to confirm whether reported election results are correct and detect possible anomalies that may need further scrutiny. Ballots will be randomly selected based on a mathematical formula to confirm that the ballot tabulators tallied them correctly.Michigan's election system already incorporates election security measures recommended by national security and cybersecurity experts, however, risk-limiting audits are intended to complement existing procedures.Colorado, which has an all mail-in election process, used risk-limiting audits for the first time statewide this year. Other states, including Rhode Island and Virginia, will start using them statewide in future election cycles.When the pilot was announced in October, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said Michigan is seeking to get ahead of other states in strengthening election integrity.Michigan's highly decentralized elections system features both Election Day and absentee voting administered by the 1,520 city and township clerks across the state.The Michigan Bureau of Elections and municipal clerks partnered with a team of experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, the University of California at Berkeley, the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, Verified Voting, and Indiana's Voting System Technical Oversight Program. Over the past three weeks, hundreds of thousands of people have participated in yellow vest demonstrations in France against social inequality and austerity, demanding the fall of the hated government of the banker-president Emmanuel Macron. All over the world, the editorial pages of major newspapers have responded to the protests with hostility. As with every popular uprising, the elites and their hangers-on slander the outpouring of popular opposition as riots, mob rule and disorder. To this reactionary class snobbery has been added a new argument: that the internet, and in particular social media, should be shut down, censored or regulated to prevent working people from organizing protests against their social conditions. Of course, this argument predates the yellow vest protests. Beginning in the immediate aftermath of the 2016 US election, sections of the US media aligned with the Democratic Party, including the New York Times and the Washington Post, began to demand that Google, Facebook and Twitter censor oppositional viewpoints in the name of fighting fake news and Russian propaganda. These efforts led the technology giants to implement a draconian regime of internet censorship, with Facebook deleting left-wing and anti-war pages and Google slashing traffic to oppositional sites. The measures demanded by the major newspapers, the Democrats and the intelligence agencies had nothing to do with stopping fake news or foreign propaganda, but were intended to silence mass opposition to capitalism. The real target of internet censorship is the billions of workers all over the world who use the internet to voice their grievances and to organize opposition. Up to this point, the arguments for censorship stopped short of direct demands that popular protests be silenced. But with the upsurge of popular opposition gripping France, the proponents of censorship have felt empowered to vent their spleen at what they believe to be the unwashed masses who dare to use Facebook to express their views. On December 3, Frederic Filloux, the former editor of Liberation, one of the most popular newspapers in Paris, penned a screed on Medium denouncing Facebook for allowing demonstrators to express themselves. Facebook is playing a critical role in one of the worst cases of civil unrest ever seen in France, Filloux wrote. Frances inexpensive and reliable cellular infrastructure has led to countless selfies, videos, and live blogging, which fueled anger and fantasy. He added, Facebook provided an incredibly efficient logistical support for hundreds of demonstrations large and small across the country. The free and open self-expression provided by Facebook and other social media platforms is toxic, he declared. As the absolute amplifier and radicalizer of the popular anger, Facebook has demonstrated its toxicity to the democratic process. Filloux called for ways to contain Facebooks ability to spread the dangerous cocktail of hatred, fake news, and logistical help tools that fuel the fire. The obvious implication of Fillouxs statements is that Facebook should either be banned or even more aggressively censored. To this end, he asks, Should Facebook be banned altogether? If Filloux does not directly call for such a course of action, it is entirely on tactical grounds: because Facebook would be replaced by services completely beyond the control of the Western government. Fillouxs argument has been picked up approvingly in the American press. Theres nothing democratic about the emergence of Facebook group administrators as spokespeople for what passes for a popular movement, writes Leonid Bershidsky in Bloomberg. He adds, Its time to cast away any remaining illusions that social networks can play a positive role in promoting democracy and freedom. Bershidsky concludes, A free society cant ban Facebook, or even completely regulate away its hate-enhancing function; but it should be aware of the risk Facebook and similar platforms pose to democratic institutions. He writes with barely-disguised envy about open dictatorships: The threat to authoritarian regimes is less: they have learned to manipulate opinion on the platforms with propaganda. Anyone reading his column would walk away with the impression that the author prefers the authoritarian course to the mob rule on the streets of Paris. But perhaps the most naked expression of this reactionary argument was presented by Casey Newton, the Silicon Valley editor at the Verge, who argued that French workers anger about social inequality is not due to the exponential growth of wealth disparities, but the fact that people post about it on Facebook. He writes, Think about how the Yellow Vests came about. A political decision was made, and discussed on Facebook. A small group began discussing it in groups. Algorithms and viral sharing mechanics promoted the group posts most likely to get engagement into the News Feed. Over the next few months, the majority of France that uses Facebook saw a darker, angrier reflection of their country in the News Feed than perhaps actually existed. In time, perception became reality. And now Arc de Triomphe is under attack. This is the argument made by every dictatorship. The present social order is the best of all possible worlds, and if the people dont agree, its because theyre being led astray by demagogues who must be silenced by censoring the press. In the 21st century, these dictatorial arguments take the form of the demands not of shutting down newspapers, but of censoring and blocking social media and oppositional news sites. As workers all over the world enter into struggle, they must take up the fight to defend the free, open and uncensored internet. The World Socialist Web Site is leading this struggle and calls on all workers and young people seeking to oppose internet censorship to joint this fight. This resolution was unanimously adopted by the Fourth National Congress of the Socialist Equality Party in Britain, which was held October 27-30, 2018. It is being published in three parts. This is the final part. To join the Socialist Equality Party, click here. The struggle against the pseudo-left 45. The building of the SEP as a mass party in the working class requires a concerted political and theoretical offensive against the anti-Marxist theories of the pseudo-left groups, most of whom have their origins in the repudiation of the Fourth International as the world party of socialist revolution. Representatives of the many Pabloite, state-capitalist and other pseudo-left tendencies occupy leading positions in university departments, academic journals, online media and publishing houses, as well as the trade unions. They function as professional anti-Trotskyists, playing the essential role in promoting theories aimed at attacking the fundamental tenets of Marxism, including philosophical materialism, the revolutionary role of the working class and the necessity for a vanguard party. Their rejection of the grand narrative of the class struggle, in favour of identity politics based on race, nationality, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, facilitates the anti-democratic agenda of the ruling elite. Their embrace of irrationalism and philosophical subjectivism articulates the striving of an upper middle-class layer to buttress their social privileges against the challenge from below. 46. Whether they are organisationally part of the Labour Party or formally stand outside it, the pseudo-left are all loyal advocates of a Corbyn-led government, apologists for his every retreat before the right and determined opponents of the developing rebellion of the working class against the trade union bureaucracy, whose authority they uphold unconditionally. They collaborate intimately with Corbyns Stalinist advisers, such as Seumas Milne and Andrew Murray, and the leadership of Momentum, Jon Lansman, Paul Mason and Owen Jones, who have collectively drawn up the blueprint for an incoming Labour government. The pseudo-lefts acceptance of Momentums claim to represent a people-powered, grassroots movement facilitated the efforts of Lansman et al to stifle opposition to the right-wing, and police the influx of new members into the Labour Party. Notwithstanding belated and token criticisms, this collusion continues despite Momentum endorsing the expulsion of Ken Livingstone and others, removing critics of Israel from its National Executive Committee slate and Lansman joining anti-Corbyn coup plotters on the platform of the Zionist Jewish Labour Movement. 47. The pseudo-lefts support for Corbyn is based on their desire for a position of influence within government and the state apparatus. Like Corbyn, their model is the Syriza government in Greece that, in 2015, betrayed its anti-austerity mandate. In the period since, it has dutifully implemented austerity measures far worse than those of its right-wing predecessors, and ruthlessly enforced the anti-immigrant policies of the EU. Earlier this year, Corbyn not only congratulated Syriza Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on his record, but also invited Minister of State Dimitris Tzanakopoulos to address Labours annual conference, so delegates could understand what they are going to do if they are going to enter government. Tzanakopoulos was also afforded pride of place at Momentums World Transformed event, where Paul Mason echoed the statement of Syrizas former finance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, that his aim was to save European capitalism from itself, by boasting that Labour could make an offer to capitalism. We will save your bacon. 48. Chantal Mouffe has emerged as a key advisor defining the political agenda of Momentum and similar pseudo-left groups throughout Europe, such as Die Linke in Germany and La France Insoumise. Mouffe describes Corbyn as potentially the most successful example of a new wave of left populism, because he stands at the head of a great party and enjoys the support of the trade unions. His success, she told Red Pepper, is above all based on Labours break with politics based on the working class and its defence of political liberal institutions. The traditional left political frontier was established on the basis of class. There was the working class, or the proletariat, versus the bourgeoisie. Today, given the evolution of society, that is not the way in which one should establish the political frontier anymore, she asserted. The reactionary character of this perspective is underscored by Momentums endorsement of Aufstehen (Stand Up), a right-wing initiative spawned from Die Linke that competes with the AfD in its denunciations of unrestricted immigration, which also includes those who merely want to earn more money and enjoy a standard of living. The class struggle, rank and file committees and the general strike 49. In a period of enormous flux and sharp political changes, the SEP is charged with providing a programme, perspective and leadership, through which the working class can advance its independent interests and open the road to socialist revolution. The lag between the consciousness of the working class and the advanced stage of the imperialist world crisis presents grave dangers. But the objective conditions that give rise to these dangers also provide the basis for their overcoming, through the intensification of class conflict. The struggle against the horrors of mass poverty, fascism and war generated by capitalism will dispel illusions, undermine traditional beliefs and radicalise social consciousness. 50. This is foreshadowed by recent strikes, where opposition to the attacks of the employers has immediately involved a confrontation between workers and the trade unions. The past two years has witnessed a series of walk-outs on the railways against Driver Only Operated trains, and the generalised attack on pay, pensions and safety. Entire areas of the country, including London, have been paralysed, demonstrating the immense potential power of the working class. After decades in which anti-union legislation and the threat of punitive fines and dismissal has been used to prevent solidarity action, railway drivers have refused to cross guards picket lines. During the recent strike by female council workers in Glasgow, refuse collectors took illegal secondary action in their support. In each instance, this was in defiance of the trade union bureaucracy, which functions as the chief ally of corporate management and enforcer of anti-union laws. The strike by lecturers saw mass protests outside the University and College Union HQ, in opposition to its planned sell-out deal and the early closure of its annual conference to prevent motions of censure against its leadership. In the Royal College of Nursing, anger at a similar rotten pay deal forced the resignation of the entire executive. In November, an entire shift of auto workers at Vauxhalls Ellesmere Port plant mounted a wildcat strike against job losses that Unite was negotiating, while, on the same day, Cammell Laird shipyard workers, just 20 minutes away, began a series of strikes against mass redundancies. 51. Historical experience demonstrates that the escalation of social struggles leads towards a general strike, which poses the question of political power. This was the case in the 1926 General Strike that was betrayed by the TUC and Labour Party. The same possibility was pregnant within the strikes by miners and others that erupted between 1972 and 1974, which brought down the Conservative government of Edward Heath. Today, the generalised offensive of the capitalist class, and the common experience of millions, who face worsening social hardship and brutal exploitation, must once again provoke such a unified counter-offensive by the working class. Preparation for such a coalescence of struggles requires the formation of rank-and-file committees of action in factories, workplaces and communities, from which the capitalist politicians and the corporate-controlled trade unions are excluded. The World Socialist Web Site has established the International Amazon Workers Voice and the Autoworkers Newsletter as a forum through which workers can begin to coordinate their struggles independently and on a global basis. In Britain, the SEP set up NHS Fightback and the Grenfell Fire Forum, which has worked to systematically expose the fraud of the official government inquiry through hundreds of postings and in the monthly public meetings held in the local area. 52. The rightward evolution of what was once defined as the labour movement has seen the emergence of mass protests and movements outside the confines of official politics. In the absence of a socialist program, such socially heterogeneous protests, often in defence of essential democratic and social rights, take on a confused character. Hundreds of thousands protested in favour of Remain, animated by genuine revulsion at the nationalist xenophobia of the leading Brexiteers and its devastating economic impact. Close to 300,000 protested in France against Macrons crippling fuel tax rises. In Britain, this sentiment was exploited by a coalition of Blairites, Liberal Democrats and Tories, while in France it was Marine Le Pens National Rally that tried to make political capital from the fuel protests. But the ability of right-wing or far-right forces to secure influence and exploit popular discontent is the product of the suppression of the class struggle by the trade unions and social democratic parties. Against this danger, the working class must come forward as the leadership of the emerging social and political movements. The tasks of the Socialist Equality Party 53. The SEPs work in the coming period will be to extend its influence in every section of the working class. It will connect struggles against austerity, falling wages, attacks on the NHS and the dismantling of education with the defence of immigrant workers and free movement, and opposition to the destruction of democratic rights and the danger of world war. It will seek to impart to these struggles a revolutionary socialist, anti-imperialist and internationalist orientation for the working class to take state power and reorganise economic life to meet social need, not private profit. At the centre of this is the fight for the United Socialist States of Europe. 54. Together with its sister parties, the SEP has a central responsibility in building sections of the ICFI throughout Europe. It will wage a unified campaign in next years European elections, in support of the candidates of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, and will publish and popularise the book, Why Are They Back ? Historical Falsification, Political Conspiracy And The Return Of Fascism In Germany, documenting the fight waged by the SGP since 2014 to develop a socialist opposition to the rehabilitation of fascism and the renewal of German militarism. The SGP and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality have been alone in alerting workers and young people to the implications of efforts to rehabilitate Hitler by far-right ideologues such as Jorg Baberowski of Humboldt University. For this, the SGP has been cited by the German secret service as a left-wing extremist party, and identified as an object of observation. This is justified on the basis of the SGPs opposition to nationalism, imperialism and militarism. In contrast, the AfD is mentioned only as a victim of alleged left-wing extremists. The issues fought out by the SGP have become the immediate concern of masses of workers and youth, as expressed in the recent 250,000-strong protest in Berlin against the rise of the far-right. 55. The SEP has a special responsibility to champion the rights of immigrant workers, above all the refugees made homeless by the social and economic devastation created by imperialist intervention in their countries. The SEP defends the right to free movement, not just for European citizens but for workers throughout the world. It opposes the whipping up of anti-immigrant chauvinism, from the open xenophobes on the far right and the EUs inhumane Fortress Europe policies, to Corbyns specious advocacy of managed migration. The fight against the persecution of immigrants must be based on the recognition that their scapegoating is an attack on all workers, and that the brutal measures taken against them strengthens the state in its suppression of social and political dissent. Their defence is the cutting edge of the struggle to unite the working class across national boundaries in the struggle for socialism. 56. The SEP will redouble its efforts to develop an international coalition of socialist and anti-war web sites against Internet censorship by the tech corporations and governments. The WSWS has been the primary target of internet censorship, because of its role as the authentic voice of Marxist revolutionary socialism. The aim of the international coalition is to encourage the broadest possible mobilisation of the working class in defence of democratic rights. It opposes all attempts to justify censorship with claims of Russian interference, combating terrorism, or on the grounds of anti-bullying and political correctness. Measures taken on such pretexts are directed at closing off all avenues of democratic debate and independent political action by the working class. It will counter the efforts to conceal the WSWS, by Google and other search engines, by developing its content and expanding its readership, including through the development of our social media presence. 57. Central to this work is the intensification of the campaign to end Britains persecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. For exposing the war crimes of the major powers, Assange has been forced to shelter in the Ecuadorian Embassy for six years, against Britains plans to extradite him to the US, where he faces criminal proceedings that could even include the death penalty. Since the start of the year, he has been rendered incommunicado, cut off from contact with the outside world. The key role in isolating Assange, despite massive popular support, has been played by the Labour and trade union bureaucracy and the pseudo-left groups. Based upon their espousal of identity politics, they endorsed the demands for Assange to be extradited to Sweden to face trumped-up allegations. All of them, including Corbyn, have erected a wall of silence, behind which the government conspires to lay the basis for Assange to be arrested and deported to the US to face espionage charges. 58. The branches of the SEP must conduct an energetic offensive to build the International Youth and Students for Social Equality among young workers and on the campuses. The desire for social change is felt most keenly in the young generation, which is the hope for a new social order. The focus of the IYSSE will be to educate the younger generation in Marxism and the history of Trotskyism, and to turn student youth towards the working class and a conscious struggle against capitalism. It will make a focused intervention among the younger generation of workers, especially the super-exploited in the major distribution centres, call centres and others employed for a pittance in the gig economy. 59. The SEP reaffirms its commitment to establishing a new socialist anti-war movement of the working class. The principles of such a movement are outlined in the ICFI statement, Socialism and the Fight Against War: i) The struggle against war must be based on the working class, the great revolutionary force in society, uniting behind it all progressive elements in the population. ii) The new anti-war movement must be anti-capitalist and socialist, since there can be no serious struggle against war except in the fight to end the dictatorship of finance capital and the economic system that is the fundamental cause of militarism and war. iii) The new anti-war movement must therefore, of necessity, be completely and unequivocally independent of, and hostile to, all political parties and organizations of the capitalist class. iv) The new anti-war movement must, above all, be international, mobilizing the vast power of the working class in a unified global struggle against imperialism. The permanent war of the bourgeoisie must be answered with the perspective of permanent revolution by the working class, the strategic goal of which is the abolition of the nation-state system and the establishment of a world socialist federation. This will make possible the rational, planned development of global resources and, on this basis, the eradication of poverty and the raising of human culture to new heights. 60. The building of a new revolutionary leadership demands that the cadre of the SEP is firmly rooted in the historical experiences of the Marxist movement, above all the eighty-year history of the Fourth International. This immense history must be brought into the developing movement of the working class. As Trotsky insisted, Without a party, apart from a party, over the head of a party, or with a substitute for a party, the proletarian revolution cannot conquer (The Lessons of October). Only the conscious alignment of the programme and practice of the revolutionary party with the objective radicalisation of the working class will create the conditions for a world free of class exploitation, fascist reaction and war. Concluded US senators, including leading Republicans otherwise loyal to President Donald Trump, emerged from a closed-door briefing by CIA Director Gina Haspel on Tuesday expressing their strengthened conviction that Saudi Arabias crown prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman was responsible for the October 2 assassination of self-exiled journalist and former regime insider Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Senator Bob Corker, the Tennessee Republican head of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, told reporters that if bin Salman were brought before a jury on murder charges, he would be convicted in 30 minutes. I have zero question in my mind that the crown prince directed the murder and was kept appraised of the situation all the way through it, Corker said. Theres not a smoking gun, theres a smoking saw, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina told the media, referring to the bone saw brought to Istanbul by the 15-member death squad dispatched from Saudi Arabia for the purpose of dismembering Khashoggis body. This just confirmed what I thought all along. This all leads up to the crown prince, declared Senator Richard Shelby, the Alabama Republican. It would defy logic to believe otherwise, he added, noting that members of the princes own royal guard were part of the assassination team. The testimony by Haspel, who traveled to Turkey in the wake of the murder and reviewed evidence of the crime, including an audiotape of the brutal murder, came one week after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis testified before the Senate. Both insisted that there was no smoking gun proving bin Salmans responsibility and warned that proposed legislation halting US backing for the near-genocidal Saudi-led war against Yemen or any other significant sanctions against Riyadh would undermine US national security. In a repudiation of the administrations position and in anger over the failure of Haspel to appear with the two secretaries to provide intelligence on the Khashoggi assassination, 14 Republicans joined with Senate Democrats last Wednesday in a 63-to-37 vote for a procedural motion to advance the bill cutting off aid to the Yemen war. Some Republicans who voted with Democrats to move the legislation forward now indicate that they will either vote against it or to amend it. If it is finally passed, it is certain to be blocked by the Republican leadership in the House of Representatives. Trump has also signaled that he would veto any such measure. While the Senate leaders and leading members of the national security and appropriations committees who heard Haspels testimony would not provide details of the classified briefing, Graham reported that the CIA director had brought a team of intelligence analysts with her and said of the briefing, you can be assured it was thorough and the evidence is overwhelming. There have been multiple reports that the CIA had concluded with high confidence that bin Salman ordered the assassination. More recently, it has been revealed, based on leaks from the CIA, that communications intercepts had detected at least 11 messages between the crown prince and the Saudi official overseeing the operation from Riyadh immediately before, during and after the gruesome murder. Also intercepted was a message from a close aide to bin Salman who headed the death squad to the Saudi official in Riyadh instructing him to tell your boss that Khashoggi was dead. Haspel, who herself oversaw torture at a CIA black site in Thailand and was subsequently involved in the destruction of tapes recording the torture sessions, was reportedly furious over the leaks. Another aspect of the Saudi preparations for the assassination has been brought to light by a Saudi exile in Canada who filed a lawsuit this week against an Israeli cybersecurity firm, the NSO Group, charging that the companys software was used to hack his cellphone and transmit conversations he conducted with Khashoggi to the Saudi authorities. The software employed, known as Pegasus, enables the hacker to access all information stored on the phone and use it to secretly conduct video and audio surveillance of the subject. Legal papers filed on behalf of the Canadian-based Saudi exile, Omar Abdulaziz, 27, said that he and Khashoggi had discussed setting up a website advocating human rights in the Middle East as well as plans to buy foreign SIM cards for activists in Saudi Arabia in order to open Twitter accounts to criticize the countrys monarchical regime. Other messages from Khashoggi were reported to have sharply denounced Mohamed bin Salman. While the Israeli company has called the suit baseless and insisted that it is not responsible for how customers use its software, the Israeli and Saudi government have covertly pursued closer relations in connection with the anti-Iranian axis promoted by Washington in the Middle East. The declarations of the US senators Tuesday ran sharply counter to the Trump administrations position, which has been that there exists no conclusive evidence linking bin Salman to the Khashoggi assassination. The White House has likewise insisted that the murder of the US resident and Washington Post columnist must not be allowed to interfere with the anti-Iranian campaign, the hundreds of billions of dollars in investments and arms sales that the administration claims to have secured from Riyadh, and the Saudi monarchys collaboration in keeping oil prices low. Both the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal published worried editorials Tuesday criticizing the Trump administrations response to the Khashoggi assassination, expressing disquiet within the American ruling establishment over the callous handling of a vicious international crime that serves to undermine US attempts to posture as a champion of human rights in its pursuit of imperialist interests. There are no doubt also concerns that Washington has tied its Middle East policy too closely to the interests of the Saudi monarchy, instead of subordinating Riyadh more directly to American imperialisms own objectives. The Wall Street Journal suggested that Trump should have shown more disgust for the Khashoggi murder and described the US-Saudi relations in less transactional terms. At the same time, it cautioned that cutting off arms sales would go too far in our view. The Post stressed that Saudi Arabia and Mohammed bin Salman are not synonymous and that the crown prince is out of control, as evidenced by the high-five he exchanged with Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires. Bin Salman, the editorial stated, must not be allowed to damage US interests in the Middle East, suggesting that some in the military and intelligence apparatus may be contemplating regime change within the Saudi monarchy. The hypocrisy of all of these protests is underscored by the fact that the top leaders in the Senate from both parties, as well as the editorial boards of the major US newspapers, have had no difficulty going along with the crimes of the Saudi regime, carried out with the full support of both the Obama and Trump administrations, as tens of thousands have been murdered in Yemen and millions pushed to the brink of starvation. Their overriding concern today is not the personal fate of Khashoggi, nor the savage character of his assassination, but rather that the murder and its exposure may be symptomatic of a deep-going crisis in the Saudi monarchy, the reactionary pillar of US imperialist policy in the Middle East. As George W. Bush delivers his eulogy today at the official national day of mourning ceremony in Washington for his father, George H. W. Bushthe culmination of five days of non-stop panegyrics and lies about the deceased war criminal and anti-working class reactionaryit is fitting that we repost a commentary published in 2003 dealing with one critical aspect of the actual record of the Bush family. This article exposes the factwell known to the corporate media and the politicians of both partiesthat a substantial portion of the Bush family fortune was derived from the extensive business relations over many years between the Nazis and the family patriarch, Prescott Bush, George Bush Seniors father and Juniors grandfather. The lucrative financial dealings of the banker-turned US senator with Hitlers fascist party and its corporate sponsors in Germany continued into the war years. Thus, the family millions that gave George H. W. Bush and his children a life of privilege and boosted their political careers are bound up with the mass murder and torture of the millions of victims of the Holocaust and the German imperialist rape of Europe. ** A presidential visit to Auschwitz The Holocaust and the Bush family fortune By Bill Van Auken 5 June 2003 History is a reminder of whats possible. These were the words spoken by President George W. Bush as he emerged from a guided tour of the gas chambers at Auschwitz. The former Nazi death camp in Poland was one of the first stops on his seven-day tour of Europe and the Middle East. What precisely the US president meant by this banal comment is not clear. However, given Bushs political recordassembly-line executions in Texas, Guantanamos Camp X-Ray, the indefinite imprisonment of US citizens without charges, two preemptive warsit could be open to the most sinister of interpretations. There is no doubt that the visit to Auschwitz was choreographed to serve immediate policy objectives: invoking the horrors of Hitlers concentration camps to further an agenda of militarism and domestic repression. Perhaps no greater disservice could be done to the memory of the six million Jews and the millions of others who were murdered by the Nazis. In a speech delivered in Krakow that same day, Bush declared that the concentration camps remind us that evil is real and must be called by name and must be opposed. He continued: Having seen the works of evil firsthand on this continent, we must never lose the courage to oppose it everywhere. The cause of the Holocaust, Bush suggested, was evil. For the US president, the word evil serves to cover up a multitude of sins. He has used it repeatedly to describe the Islamic fundamentalist group that carried out the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. On numerous occasions he has referred to the leader of Al Qaeda as the evil one. This particular expression serves a very immediate political purpose, since it avoids naming Osama bin Laden and thereby calling to mind the longstanding business association between the Bushes and the wealthy bin Laden family of Saudi Arabia. The existence of evil constitutes the only explanation given by the Bush administration for the emergence of Islamic fundamentalist terrorism. Such a semi-mystical and religious presentation (which, of course, assumes that the United States government embodies good) has the advantage of precluding any consideration of politics or history. In particular, it obscures the role played by US foreign policyWashingtons alliance with despotic oil-rich regimes such as the one in Saudi Arabia, US sponsorship of the Afghan Mujahadeen, the CIAs covert war against secular nationalist and socialist groups in the Middle East, the unconditional support for Israel against the Palestiniansin creating the social and political conditions in which retrograde tendencies like Al Qaeda could grow. The use of the word evil serves a similar function in the case of the Holocaust. This attempt to obscure the social, political and economic roots of the rise of fascism in Europe in the 1930s and the horrific crimes that followed is not unique to Bush. The adoption of anti-communism as the core of the post-World War II US ideology made any analysis of the anti-socialist roots of fascism inconvenient. Rather, communism and fascism were equated as totalitarian and evil. Fascism is the continuation of capitalism, an attempt to perpetuate its existence by the most bestial and monstrous measures, wrote Leon Trotsky on the eve of his assassination in 1940. Capitalism obtained an opportunity to resort to fascism only because the proletariat did not accomplish the socialist revolution in time. This was not just the opinion of Trotsky. It was widely understood that the Nazis, like Mussolinis fascist party, had been elevated to power with the backing of big business for the purpose of smashing the socialist workers movement and eradicating the threat of revolution. The final solution that Hitlers regime developed against the Jews was bound up with this essential mission. In his authoritative biography of Hitler, Ian Kershaw, describing the path taken by the Third Reich to the final solution, noted that the war in the Eastand ultimately the Holocaust itselfwas portrayed in Nazi propaganda as a crusade against Bolshevism. Kershaw wrote: The more ideologically committed pro-Nazis would entirely swallow the interpretation of the war as a preventive one to avoid the destruction of western culture by the Bolshevik hordes. They fervently believed that Europe would never be liberated before Jewish Bolshevism was utterly and completely rooted out. The path to the Holocaust, intertwined with the showdown with Bolshevism, was prefigured in such notions. The legacy of hatred towards Bolshevism, fully interlaced with anti-Semitism, was about to be revealed in its full ferocity. (Hitler 1936-1945: Nemesis, New York and London, 2001, p. 389). In the immediate aftermath of the war, the US occupation authorities found themselves obliged to recognize the culpability of German big business in the crimes carried out by the Nazi regime. Gen. Telford Taylor, one of the principal prosecutors in the Nuremberg war crimes trials, pressed for the conviction of some of the top German industrialists. One of these was Friedrich Flick, the co-owner of the German Steel Trust with Fritz Thyssen. From 1932 on, he was one of the main financial contributors to the Nazis and the SS. Taylor declared in his summation to the court: We are dealing with men so bent on the attainment of power and wealth that all else took second place. I do not know whether or not Flick and his associates hated the Jews; it is quite possible that he never gave the matter much thought until it became a question of practical importance, and not their inner feelings and sentiments. He continued: The defendants were men of wealth; many mines and factories were their private property. They will certainly tell you that they believed in the sanctity of private property, and perhaps they will say that they supported Hitler because German communism threatened that concept. But the factories of Rombach and Riga belonged to someone else. So, one might well add, did the oil wells of Iraq. The description given by General Taylor of the German ruling elite could, with little alteration, be applied to the predatory layer of multi-millionaires that constitutes the principal base of the Bush administration. General Taylor, it should be noted, found himself out of step with the subsequent anti-communist historical revisionism until his death in 1998. He was among the earliest figures to publicly confront Senator Joseph McCarthys witch-hunt. And he was a prominent opponent of the US war in Vietnam, arguing that the trial of Lt. William Calley for the massacre of some 500 women and children at My Lai should have been extended right up the US military chain of command. Prescott Bush and the Nazis In Bushs case, covering up the historical origins of fascism in Germany serves a particular, indeed personal, function. While the presidents father had dealings with the bin Ladens, his grandfather made a considerable share of the family fortune through his dealings with Nazi Germany. Some have suggested that the Bushes assets have their ultimate source, in part, in the exploitation of slave labor at Auschwitz itself. From the 1920s into the 1940safter the Second World War had begunPrescott Bush was a partner and executive in the Brown Brothers Harriman holding company on Wall Street and a director of one of its key financial components, the Union Banking Corporation (UBC). Together with his father-in-law George Herbert Walkerthe current presidents great grandfatherPrescott Bush controlled another asset of the holding company, the Hamburg-Amerika shipping line, which was utilized by the Nazi regime to transport its agents in and out of North America. Another subsidiary of the Harriman group, Harriman International Co., struck a deal with Hitlers regime in 1933 to coordinate German exports to the US market. UBC, meanwhile, managed all of the banking operations outside of Germany for Fritz Thyssen, the German industrial magnate and author of the book I Paid Hitler, in which he acknowledged having financed the Nazi movement from 1923 until its rise to power. In October 1942, 10 months after it had entered the Second World War, the US government seized UBC and several other companies in which the Harrimans and Prescott Bush had interests. In addition to Bush and Roland Harriman, three Nazi executives were named in the order issued by Washington to take over the bank. An investigation carried out in 1945 revealed that the bank run by Prescott Bush was linked to the German Steel Trust run by Thyssen and Flick, one of the defendants at Nuremberg. This gigantic industrial firm produced fully half the steel and more than a third of the explosives, not to mention other strategic materials, used by the German military machine during the war years. On October 28, 1942, the US government confiscated the assets of two firms that served as fronts for the Nazi regimethe Holland-American Trading Corporation and the Seamless Steel Equipment Corporation, both controlled by UBC. A month later, it seized Nazi interests in the Silesian-American Corporation (SAC), directed by Prescott Bush and his father-in-law, George Walker. The seizure order, issued under the Trading with the Enemy Act, described Silesian-American as a US holding company with German and Polish subsidiaries that controlled large and valuable coal and zinc mines in Silesia, Poland and Germany. It added that, since September 1939 (when Hitler unleashed the Second World War) these properties had been under the control of the Nazi regime, which had utilized them to further its war effort. Among SACs assets was a steel plant in Poland in the same district as Auschwitz. The plant reportedly used the concentration camps inmates as slave labor. Among those who have investigated the links between the Bushes and the Nazis is John Loftus, a former prosecutor in the Justice Departments War Crimes Unit, who now heads the Florida Holocaust Museum in Saint Petersburg. Loftus has charged that the Bush family received $1.5 million from its interest in UBC, when the bank was finally liquidated in 1951. Thats where the Bush family fortune came from: It came from the Third Reich, Loftus said in a recent speech. Loftus argues that this moneya substantial sum at that timeincluded direct profit from the slave labor of those who died at Auschwitz. In an interview with journalist Toby Rogers, the former prosecutor said: It is bad enough that the Bush family helped raise the money for Thyssen to give Hitler his start in the 1920s, but giving aid and comfort to the enemy in time of war is treason. The Bush bank helped the Thyssens make the Nazi steel that killed Allied soldiers. As bad as financing the Nazi war machine may seem, aiding and abetting the Holocaust was worse. Thyssens coal mines used Jewish slaves as if they were disposable chemicals. There are six million skeletons in the Thyssen family closet, and a myriad of criminal and historical questions to be answered about the Bush familys complicity. Prescott Bush was by no means unique, though his financial connections with the Third Reich were perhaps more intimate than most. Henry Ford was an avowed admirer of Hitler, and together GM and Ford played the predominant role in producing the military trucks that carried German troops across Europe. After the war, both auto companies demanded and received reparations for damage to their German plants caused by allied bombing. Standard Oil and Chase Bank, both controlled by the Rockefellers, invested heavily in Nazi Germany, as did many of Wall Streets leading brokerage houses. These business dealings continued after the war had begun, with Standard Oil shipping fuel to the Nazis through Switzerland as late as 1942 and collaborating with I.G. Farben, the firm that manufactured Zyklon B gas for the Nazi death chambers and operated a synthetic rubber plant using slave labor from Auschwitz. In his book Trading with the Enemy: The Nazi American Money Plot, former New York Times reporter Charles Higham noted that the US government sought to cover up the role played by Prescott Bush and many other leading US financiers and industrialists in supporting Hitler. He wrote that the government feared that any attempt to prosecute these figures would only provoke a public scandal and would have drastically affected public morale, caused widespread strikes and perhaps provoked mutinies in the armed services. Moreover, Higham wrote, the government believed their trial and imprisonment would have made it impossible for the corporate boards to help the American war effort. (Trading with the EnemyThe Nazi American Money Plot 1933-1949, New York, 1983, p. xvii). The Roosevelt administration and powerful political figures in both parties did their best to smooth over Prescott Bushs problems arising from his business dealings with the Nazis. He was installed as chairman of the National War Board, helping raise private funds for war-related charities. Shortly after receiving his $1.5 million payout from UBC, he ran successfully for the US Senate from Connecticut, a position he held until 1963. A considerable section of the leading American capitalists sympathized with Nazism and shared its anti-Semitic outlook, even if not as vocally as Henry Ford. These sentiments continued to inform US policy after the war had begun, with the Roosevelt administration refusing to alter its immigration policies in the slightest to admit Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust, and the military rejecting requests that the rail lines to Auschwitz be bombed, on the grounds that they constituted a non-military target. While Bushs speech writers like to portray US policy in terms of moral absolutesthe struggle of good against evilthe record of complicity of the American ruling class, and the Bush family in particular, with Nazi Germany demonstrates that the only constant is the defense of the power and privilege of the ruling oligarchy by whatever means are required. In the 1930s and 1940s this overriding consideration led George W. Bushs grandfather to establish a profitable commercial relationship with the Nazis. In the 1980s, it underlay the alliance forgedin no small part by George W. Bushs father, the senior President Bushwith the Islamic fundamentalists in the war against the Soviet-backed regime in Afghanistan. Today it is at the heart the younger Bushs policies of militarism and colonialism abroad and repression and social attacks at home. The author also recommends: A kinder, gentler imperialist butcher, dead at 94 Media, political establishment laud George H. W. Bush [3 December 2018] The lack of appropriate mental health services in the United States has led patients to increasingly seek care in hospital emergency roomsa practice known as psychiatric boarding. Others only receive mental healthcare within the confines of jails and prisons, often incarcerated for crimes associated with their mental illness. The bleak situation faced by millions of Americans with mental health problems was highlighted in a recent article by Dr. Anne Zink, published by STAT, an online health publication produced by Boston Globe Media. Dr. Zink is the medical director for emergency medicine at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska. According to the article, nearly 1 in 5 adults, some 44 million people, experience mental illness every year, a figure that is projected to increase in the coming years. Every year approximately 1 in 25 adults, 9.8 million people, experience a serious mental illness that severely interferes with their major life activities. Homeless people make up one of the largest populations suffering serious mental health problems. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, an estimated 26 percent of homeless adults who stay in shelters have a serious mental illness. Forty-six percent of the homeless live with severe mental illness and/or drug use disorders. The United States homeless population expanded in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, with the population increasing in 2016 for the first time since 2010. Rent prices soared beyond what the average worker could pay, while mental health services became less affordable and accessible. There is no doubt that the growth of underemployment and unemployment has contributed significantly to the psychological distress among workers and youth. Another manifestation of the mental health crisis is the perpetual shortage of trained psychiatrists. The annual rise in mental illness has created an atmosphere where, according to Zink, the demand for mental health professionals is outstripping supply. A 2017 report from the National Council for Behavioral Health estimated that the psychiatric deficit will be between 6,100 and 15,600 by 2025. The shortage of psychiatric professionals is particularly acute in Alaska. The only psychiatric hospital in the state is the Alaska Psychiatric Institute. In 1990, the hospital maintained 160 beds. That number has since decreased to 80, with only 50 beds available for patients experiencing severe mental breakdowns. The article acknowledges that the final result of the grossly inadequate funding for mental health treatment, exacerbated by corporate downsizing among the large hospital chains, is that patients swing indiscriminately from poorly-equipped group home facilities to emergency roomsand, ultimately, jails and prisons. As Zink points out, jails and prisons are now among the largest settings for mental health services, a final destination for individuals failed by the medical system. Indeed, the largest mental health hospital in America is Cook County Department of Corrections in Illinois. A third of those incarcerated in the jail suffer from psychological disorders. The source of the crisis of mental health as well as healthcare in general lies not simply in the incompetence or negligence of this or that psychiatric institution, but in the very nature of the capitalist system, which subordinates all aspects of social need to the profit interests of the ruling class. The explosion of psychiatric disorders has coincided with the proliferation of deaths of despair from opioid overdoses and suicides. Pharmaceutical conglomerates have made a fortune in recent years by pushing doctors to overprescribe highly addictive painkillers, flooding communities and the black market with opioids and then dramatically hiking the price of the drug used to treat overdoses, naloxone. According to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), more than 72,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2017 alone. According to the latest annual mortality report by the CDC, the suicide rate in 2017 rose to its highest level in 50 years, with suicide being the second leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 34. These disturbing trends are the predictable outcome of the austerity agenda pursued by both Republicans and Democrats, including reactionary tax cuts for the rich, attacks on social programs, the neglect of infrastructure, and healthcare policies designed to cut costs and increase profits for corporations by rationing care for working people. The Trump administrations 2018 budget cuts are a sign of an accelerating attack on mental health programs and support. The 2019 fiscal year budget for the Department of Health and Human Services saw a 21 percent cut in its funding from 2017. Trumps budget reduced funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and its affiliated programs by $600 million. It also eliminates $451 million in other health professional and training programs. After weeks of mass yellow vest protests against austerity and inequality, the French government of President Emmanuel Macron announced yesterday that it would temporarily suspend its planned fuel tax increase targeting workers and pledged to hold a debate on taxation and public spending. The claims by Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe that the government is listening to popular grievances are worthless. Macron, determined to restructure French society in the interests of French and international finance capital, is on a collision course with the working class. Rather, his governments tactical retreat is determined by military and police calculations. It has been taken aback by the outpouring of working class anger at the financial aristocracy and capitalist exploitation erupting outside state-sanctioned trade union channels. Its mass arrests of hundreds of protesters, tear gas attacks and beatings have not halted the protests. Macrons government is playing for time, attempting to regroup and prepare the next wave in the assault on workers social rights, to be enforced, if necessary, through a re-imposition of the state of emergency and other police state measures. Long historical experience shows that the initial confusion of the ruling elite does not ensure victory to the workers. The discovery that police posted snipers on the rooftops of the Champs-Elysees to monitor and take aim at protesters last Saturday, and Macrons hailing of Nazi-collaborationist dictator Philippe Petain last month as a war hero, are among many warnings. Terrified by rising working class anger, the bourgeoisie is preparing ruthless measures. As Macron prepares a new round of attacks, workers must make their own preparations. Already, growing sections of the working classincluding ambulance drivers and refinery workers, as well as student youthare joining the demonstrations. The critical question is expanding the struggle to ever-broader sections of the working class, both in France and internationally. The Parti de legalite socialiste (PES), the French section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, calls for the formation of committees of action in the working class. These committees must be independent from the trade unions, which have for decades betrayed every effort by workers in their struggle to defend their social rights. New organizations of struggleorganizationally and politically independent from the corporate, pro-government trade unionsare the only way for workers to coordinate strikes and protests to defend against government attacks. These committees of action will draw together the different sections of workers and youth, counter official efforts to isolate and dissipate these struggles, and address pressing tasks of the movement against Macron. These include actions for the release of protesters railroaded into jail by kangaroo courts, the defense of demonstrators and working class districts from police brutality, and strikes and protests against Macrons austerity agenda and the return to military service. As yellow vest protests spread to Belgium, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, such committees would allow workers and youth in France to seek out and organize collaboration with their closest allies: the European and international working class. Driving developments in France are not essentially national, but international conditions, raising at every point the need for the international unity of the working class. The Socialist Party (PS) and its affiliated media, the union bureaucracy and their petty-bourgeois political allies are all seeking to trap the protests in the straitjacket of the trade unions, and thereby subordinate them to the interests of the capitalist ruling elite. Le Monde editorialized that there is a danger of a tipping point in Macrons presidency and criticized him for supposedly weakening the trade unions, which are crucial to control social conflict of this sort. The French Democratic Labor Confederation (CFDT) union praised Philippe for opening dialog and maintaining the taxes, which it hailed as a necessary ecological transition. The official parties in what passes for the left are united in rejecting a struggle of the working class to bring down the Macron government. Jean-Luc Melenchon is calling for new elections, apparently hoping to realize his offer to serve as Macrons prime minister. The Pabloite New Anti-capitalist Partys (NPA) Revolution permanente website calls for convergence of the yellow vest and the Stalinist General Confederation of Labor (CGT) union, whose boss, Philippe Martinez, refused to support the protesters, insinuating that they are neo-fascists. Outside of the PES, not a single political tendency claiming to be on the left is fighting for an expansion of the struggle against Macron. Rather, by seeking to put the unions back in the saddle, they are working to engineer a settlement on the terms most favorable to the government. Workers must reject all such efforts to draw down the struggle. Rather, the fight must be expanded through the broadest possible appeal to the working class, in France and internationally, and by building committees of action to take the struggle into every workplace, school and university, in France and throughout Europe. The development of organizations through which the class struggle can be prosecuted against Macron must be connected to the development of a political leadership based on a revolutionary and socialist perspective. Inevitably, the fight that is developing in France and internationally is not just a fight against one individual or one government, but the whole capitalist system. The PES calls for the broadest discussion of this perspective at workplaces, in schools and universities, as well as on social media. It encourages those who want to participate in this fight to contact and to join the PES. Mario Isola has defended Pirelli amid suggestions it is the tyres that are making formula one races boring. Recently, the F1 drivers met with the Pirelli F1 chief to argue that they need more robust tyres that they can "push" with rather than so often nurse to the pitstops. The Italian company has secured the contract to remain F1's sole tyre supplier through 2023. Isola said the current situation is not all Pirelli's fault. "Faced with the problem of the 21 or 22 seconds that it costs to do a pitstop, the teams have preferred to slow down the drivers," he told France's Auto Hebdo. "It's not just because of the tyres. There are other limitations including the engine and fuel consumption and so on. "Personally, I would like to see the drivers attack more," Isola added. He said he is not sure what should be done to make the racing more exciting. "The regulations could impose a minimum of two stops, but there is a good chance that everyone would stop at the same time. It's a complex problem that is not easy to understand. "Every decision we make must be accurately evaluated. We had discussions with the drivers and the teams on this subject, as well as the FIA and FOM, but nobody has a miracle solution," added Isola. (GMM) Research at Australian universities increasingly is being placed under government control and surveillance, in order to more closely integrate it into the requirements of the corporate elite, clamp down on criticism and prepare for war-time conditions. As well as vetoing peer-reviewed research grants, the federal government has imposed a more stringent national interest test for future grants and cut overall research funding, except in military-related fields. Further light was shed on these issues last month, when it was revealed that the Liberal-National Coalition government had secretly overturned 11 Australian Research Council (ARC) arts and humanities grants. Without notifying the public, or even the research teams involved, that he vetoed the grants, the then Education Minister Simon Birmingham effectively engaged in political and cultural censorship. He rejected grants that had been recommended by the ARC after an intensive selection process. News of his interventions only emerged many months later. One of the projects was a study of the social impact of the 2017 closure of the General Motors plant at Elizabeth in northern Adelaide, which destroyed thousands of jobs at the factory and related auto industries. The ARC had agreed to fund a project looking at how an industrial suburb deals with industrial closure and the role of music in that. The Elizabeth closure was just part of a wider destruction of full-time employment, which included the shut down of the countrys entire car industry by GM, Ford and Toyota. Other vetoed grants with political themes included Rioting and the literary archive, Soviet cinema in Hollywood before the Black List 1917-1950 and Legal secularism in Australia. Among the overturned grants for historical studies was Double Crossings: post-Orientalist arts at the Strait of Gibraltar. It proposed to examine the way painters and photographers crisscrossed the 15 kilometres of the most politically contested water in the worldEurope to Africa, Muslim to Christian worldsin search of arresting images of other cultures. In recent months, government figures and media commentators have accused universities of inadequately teaching Western civilisation. Yet one of the pillars of modern civilisation is the secular Enlightenment, which encouraged debate and criticism of established ideas. Because of the secrecy surrounding ministerial rejections, the only previous known veto was in 2005 by Brendan Nelson, the then Coalition education minister. The ARC Act, introduced in 2001, places no obligation on ministers to explain, or even announce, vetoes. This is despite the fact that ARC grants are highly-competitive. In 2017, the ARC approved only 18 percent of discovery grant applications, and 17 percent of Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards. Only 20 percent of Future Fellowships were awarded in the 2018 round. Each application is assigned two general assessorsexperts from the relevant field of researchthen sent to up to six reviewers, who provide anonymous comments and ratings. Birminghams successor as education minister, Dan Tehan, last month belatedly reversed three of the vetoes, insisting the projects were now markedly different. At the same time, he delayed this years round of ARC grants to allow Prime Minister Scott Morrisons government to draw up its national interest test. Tehan announced: Applicants will be asked to explain the extent to which the research contributes to Australias national interest through its potential to have economic, commercial, environmental, social or cultural benefits to the Australian community. Previously applicants were asked to state the benefit and impact of their research. Now they would be required to provide a 100- to 150-word statement in plain English against those criteria, the minister said. While presented in vague language, the test essentially means tailoring all research to meet the requirements of the Australian financial and business establishment, at the expense of broader and deeper social and historical inquiry. It is also part of an underlying process of elevating nationalism to the centre stage of all political, social and legal affairsfrom demanding that all members of parliament must owe sole loyalty to Australia to requiring all immigrants to pass English language examinations and tests of their agreement with Australian values. Moreover, the strengthened national interest test was unveiled against a backdrop of a two-year drumbeat of propaganda produced by the national security establishment and the corporate media, accusing China of espionage and aggression. Evidently briefed by the government, Fairfax Media outlets reported on November 10: Fairfax Media understands the test announced by federal Education Minister Dan Tehan last week has been designed with one eye squarely on China and its growing influence at Australias major research universities. A report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) released last week pointed to the booming collaboration between Australian universities and Chinese military scientists. This was a reference to a recently-published report by the government-funded thinktank, which has close connections to the US military and intelligence network. Based on unsubstantiated assertions and unclear estimates, ASPI hysterically alleged that Chinese military-linked researchers were working undercover in universities in Australia and other US allied countries. The report received wide coverage around the world, including in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNN, Financial Times and Canadas Globe and Mail, as well as across Australia. Despite criticising the governments grant vetoes, the opposition Labor Party insisted that a Labor government would retain the power to overrule research grants. That is because Labor backs the underlying thrust of the Coalition governments measures. Likewise, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), which covers academics and other university workers, denounced the governments vetoes but remained silent on Labors determination to have the same power. With Labors support, the government has been integrating universities into US-linked military research, and seeking new provisions to block collaboration with overseas researchers, especially from China. The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has requested sweeping powers over research, whether directly related to military purposes or not. Under the Defence Department blueprint, universities, in particular, would be placed under wartime-style scrutiny, prohibited from undertaking collaborative research with countries regarded as US enemies, especially China, while being drawn more tightly into research jointly funded by the Pentagon. These moves depict Australia as already being on the front line of a battle against Chinese interference and plans for war. These scare campaigns are conducted amid the Trump administrations increasingly overt trade war and military moves to confront China and prevent it from challenging the global hegemony established by the US capitalist class after World War II. The new national interest test also is being imposed amid an intensifying squeeze on research and other university funding. In the latest move, the government recently cut $134 million from the Research Support Program, which funds researchers salaries, laboratories and libraries, supposedly to divert the funding to universities in regional areas. This was on top of the second year of a funding freeze on domestic student places, which is driving a new round of wage, job and course cuts by the chronically-underfunded public universities. The author also recommends: Australian universities integrated into military build-up [10 April 2018] HOUSTON, Miss. (WTVA) - A Chickasaw County man lost his attempt to have his conviction for burglary overturned on appeal. Thaxter Baker, 26, is serving 15 years in prison for the burglary of a home in Okolona in 2014. Police say they found items stolen from a nearby home when responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle. Court records say Baker admitted to the burglary when asked by police who had confirmed the vehicle belonged to him. Baker appealed saying there is nothing more than circumstantial evidence to link him to the burglary. He says no DNA or fingerprint evidence and no witnesses testified they saw him burglarize the home. Baker also says the judge was wrong not to allow the inclusion of circumstantial evidence in the jury instructions. The Mississippi Court of Appeals ruled against Baker saying he admitted to police he committed the burglary and the judge was correct not to allow the jury instruction. JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) - The Mississippi State Department of Health reports the first confirmed pediatric flu death in the state for the 2018-2019 flu season. The deceased was from south Mississippi and had underlying health conditions, the state department stated. Pediatric deaths are defined as deaths of individuals under the age of 18. Across the nation, there have been five pediatric flu deaths reported this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Including this death, there have been a total of 20 pediatric flu deaths reported in Mississippi since pediatric flu deaths became reportable in the 2008-2009 flu season. We know that last year there were 183 influenza deaths in children, three of which were in Mississippi, said MSDH Interim State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs. Nationally, about 80 percent of the pediatric deaths were in children who were not vaccinated against the flu. Mississippis first laboratory-confirmed case of flu was reported Tuesday. RELATED: Flu season hits Mississippi; health officials provide recommendations Flu season typically peaks in January through March in Mississippi. In Mississippi, only pediatric flu deaths are reported to MSDH. Even over the phone, Arnold Mindell is beguiling. Though we've never met, never even spoken before, he calls me by my first name 20 times in as many minutes. He sounds as though he's in the middle of many important and exciting projects, but has managed to put me at the top of his list. Quick to laugh, he is impressed by my questions, by the depth of understanding they convey; before hanging up, he tells me that he feels very encouraging toward me, that I should probably be writing books. And though I suspect that Arny would rather I were writing books than asking indelicate questions about his curious graduate school on Northwest Hoyt Street, I can't help but feel flattered. At a time when corporate health plans cover acupuncture and First Ladies consult with astrologers, Mindell's freewheeling psychotherapy school, which trains students to interpret dreams and read body signals, may not raise many eyebrows. But this month, as the Process Work Center of Portland seeks state authorization to continue to offer a master's degree in a therapeutic subspecies it calls "Process Work," it has come under the microscope of the obscure state agency that's charged with defending academic integrity. In considering the PWCP's application, the Office of Degree Authorization is investigating some serious allegations: that the master's in Process Work is a meaningless degree aimed only at satisfying INS regulations, that student confidences shared in the privacy of therapy will be used as fodder for public discussion, and that the shortest route to a degree and diploma may be through a teacher's bedroom. "This is by far the most serious collection of complaints that I've had in the two years that I've been here," says Alan Contreras, the one-man staff of the Office of Degree Authorization. A report commissioned by Contreras takes the PWCP to task on many points, offers a tawdry glimpse inside the world of a New Age academy, and may prompt some to wonder if there's a downside to Portland's embrace of fringe thinking. Born in Schenectady, N.Y., in 1940, Arnold Mindell had earned three degrees by the age of 24, including a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He moved from MIT to Switzerland, where he studied at the C.G. Jung Institute in Kusnacht, receiving his analyst's diploma in 1970 and continuing on at the institute as a training analyst. Described as an intensely charismatic man, Mindell was soon attracting students and clients to his own brand of psychotherapy, which he came to call Process Work. In 1979 he married one of those clients, Amy Kaplan, and in 1980 the Mindells opened the Process Oriented Psychology Center of Zurich. With the publication of Mindell's book Dreambody in 1982, his teachings began to acquire a worldwide following in the field of holistic healing. Now the author of 15 books (published in 18 languages), he's a regular keynote speaker at international conferences on alternative therapy and conflict resolution. In more traditional psychological circles, however, the Mindells and their brand of psychotherapy are almost unknown, even in the city where he has practiced for more than a decade. When contacted by WW, Muriel Lezak, a neuropsychologist at Oregon Health and Science University, had never heard of Process Work. Nor had her OHSU colleagues Harold Boverman, a professor of clinical psychiatry, or Loren Pankratz, a consultation psychologist. Pam Birrell, a clinical psychologist at University of Oregon, had heard of Process Work and, though reluctant to judge it by the little she'd seen, described it as "a very out-there offshoot." Those who admire Mindell and have benefited from his teachings don't seem to care that his work sits squarely outside the academy. Richard Grimaldi, a family counselor practicing in Bend, received his master's in Process Work in 1998, and he considers the degree invaluable. "I learned to master various awareness practices, both in group settings and in terms of my own inner work," Grimaldi says. "I knew it was what my soul needed." To the uninitiated, the term "Process Work" resists definition, and the jargon-filled language used by Mindell and his followers can be baffling. On its website, the PWCP describes Process Work as "a cross-disciplinary approach to individual and collective change," and says that it is rooted in Jungian psychology, Taoism and quantum physics. Mindell's own explanation is just as gauzy: "Process Work is an attempt to follow process," he says. "That means the outer signals of ourselves and others, as well as the less visible, subjective and dreamlike experiences of everyone." The unconscious world looms extra-large in Mindell's brand of therapy. The course-book description of a PWCP class titled Life Is But a Dream: Exploring the Foundations of Process Work reads in part: "Process Work offers an awesome technology for noticing, entering and unfolding the dreaming process. Yet when we are working with others and ourselves, we often have trouble crossing the border into other worlds. We will work on developing our fluidity in crossing between consensus reality and the magical world of our dreaming process." At advanced levels, Process Work takes off in even more divergent directions, including "worldwork," in which process-oriented therapy is brought to bear on ethnic and large-group conflict, and "comawork"--whereby a Certified Process Worker (for $120 per hour) will attempt to communicate with a comatose patient. "Arny can establish communication using signals," says Katrina Wynne, a yoga instructor in Vancouver, Wash., and a former MPW student who has observed Mindell's comawork. "Signals can be eye movements, twitches. A signal can even be the flow of blood moving closer to the skin." It is in this area, working with what Mindell calls "extreme states" (process workers also claim that their therapies can be of use to those suffering from chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and AIDS), that the techniques begin to resemble faith healing. Mindell is careful about the claims he makes--"We're not trying to heal people," he said in a 1990 interview--but some believe he's walking a dangerous line. One disenchanted former student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was troubled by what he saw at workshops in which Process Work was used to help people suffering severe physical ailments. "If you go to one of these workshops, you'll experience this intense psychodrama," says the former student. "I think it gives people the hope that they may be able to act out of their illness, and that can be risky, especially if you're chronically ill." Standing outside the Process Work Center of Portland, you may not realize that you're steps away from the academic epicenter of such groundbreaking work. A modest, one-story former dental clinic, the PWCP looks like so many other medical office buildings in the Northwest neighborhood, where chiropractors and hypnotherapists rub elbows with acupuncturists and massage therapists. According to Ingrid Rose, the administrator of the MPW program, the Mindells decided to leave Switzerland after Carl Jung appeared to Arnold in a dream and told him to it was time to return to the States. Portland was chosen as America's Zurich on the Willamette, and in 1990, the PWCP opened as a nonprofit corporation offering classes, seminars and clinics. It's hard to gauge how many people consider themselves students of the PWCP. In a 1999 IRS filing, the center estimated its student body at 675. That number, however, includes everyone signed up for one-day seminars and five-day workshops. To receive the ambiguous "diploma" (which is also referred to as a "certificate") in Process Work, students study for years. In 1992, the school added the master's degree, which is meant, says faculty member Joe Goodbread, to serve as an academic marker of achievement en route to becoming a "Diplomate," the highest rung on the Process Work ladder. School officials estimate that there are "about 30" Diplomates, in the Portland area, 20 of whom serve as faculty of the MPW program. In the last nine years, 11 students--eight of them foreign nationals--have received the MPW, with nine more currently enrolled. Rose, the MPW administrator, says the program lasts a minimum of four years, but that many students have taken longer. She estimates the MPW tuition at $8,000 per year and says that this figure includes all costs related to the program, including the required therapy. At least one former student, however, says that figure is misleading. To defray tuition costs, students often do clerical work--and sometimes housework--for faculty. By all accounts, the Process Work community is a close-knit one. Mindell inspires devotion in many current and former students interviewed for this article. "He's at a different level of development," says Bend counselor Grimaldi. "He's a masterful artist with people and a unique soul." In February of 2000, however, an anonymous letter alleging sordid and sundry shenanigans at the PWCP landed on Contreras' desk. The allegations, made by a former student, painted a bizarre picture of psychotherapy run amok. The complaint made three serious charges. First, the letter claimed that students progress not by completing a course of study but by divining the unspoken requirements of the Mindells and their inner circle of Diplomates. Gaining access to this exclusive clique is key to academic advancement, the complaint alleged, and sex with higher-ups is a common path to success. Second, the complainant alleged that the academic and therapeutic aspects of the program are so intertwined that violations of confidentiality are inevitable and create an atmosphere of paranoia and palace intrigue. Finally, according to the complainant, the master's degree is professionally useless even within the Process Work community, its primary purpose being to provide INS protection to foreign students while they earn the much-coveted diploma, which is not a degree recognized by the INS. Contreras recognized immediately that he was dealing with a special situation. He's used to making calls about offshore academies--"We've had a lot of trouble with St. Kitt's, for example"--and pursuing "graduates" of Internet-based diploma factories, his newest foes. "They're breeding faster than I can kill them," he says of these scams, many of which operate beyond his reach. But no one is alleging that the PWCP is a diploma mill; to the contrary, students spend years in pursuit of a degree. And Contreras is the first to admit that he has no experience evaluating psychotherapy training academies, which contain all manner of differing approaches, theories and techniques. So he hired Paul Kohn, an independent consultant and court-appointed investigator, to look into the allegations of what his report called "certain programmatic and ethical issues." The Office of Degree Authorization may not be the best-known state agency, but it has an ambitious mission: "To preserve the integrity of an academic degree as a public credential." It is a task Contreras takes very seriously. If a school is regionally accredited (in Oregon, that means accreditation by the Northwest Association), its academic degrees are to be honored at face value. But all sorts of institutions, from foreign academies to very specialized schools, cannot get regional accreditation; that's where Contreras comes in. He runs unaccredited Oregon institutions through a 23-point checklist to make sure they're legit, and he sniffs out charlatan schools in other states that have "graduates" in Oregon. He loves his job. "There's a very definite sense of being able to do the work of goodness and light here," he says from his office in Eugene. At Contreras' request, Kohn visited the school, interviewed students and faculty and reviewed the PWCP's own student handbooks. He concluded that some of the allegations were "substantially correct" and recommended further investigation before the master's program is reauthorized. Kohn found that the school had changed its position regarding what, exactly, the MPW entitles its holder to do. In 1993, a graduate with an MPW was supposed to be able to use the degree in the role of a counselor. But the 2001 student handbook specifically prohibits MPW graduates from calling themselves Process-oriented therapists. That right belongs only to Diplomates, who are also called Certified Process Workers. Kohn concluded that "the meaning and market-value of the MPW degree has been materially changed in such a way as to render it less meaningful." Noting that many PWCP students come from abroad, Kohn suggested that the degree may be little more than "a vehicle for foreign national Diploma Program Students to meet INS requirements in order to maintain U.S. residency." (In general, the INS allows foreign students to remain here while in pursuit of an academic degree.) Kohn was unable to confirm that sex between students and teachers was related to academic success, but he did find that "romantic and intimate relationships between students and teachers are accepted without basic prohibition." In that regard, he noted, PWCP is way out of step with mental-health professional standards. Given the small size of the Process Work community in Portland, Kohn reasoned that sleeping with a student is likely to mean sleeping with a current or former client, a practice expressly forbidden by established psychotherapy. Ethical codes enforced by professional psychological organizations discourage any sort of "dual relationship"--including business, professional or social relationships--from forming between therapist and client. Regarding sexual relationships with former clients, professional standards range from lifelong prohibition to the imposition of a two-year waiting period. Though the PWCP recognizes the need for a waiting period, it is coy about specifics. The "Ethical Guidelines" the school lays down for process workers state, "We don't specify the length of the waiting period because we work out the details of these and any allied issues soon after the professional relationship has concluded rather than wait for several years." Kohn found this reasoning troubling, and concluded that the PWCP's standards are "unethical" and "potentially harmful." Kohn also agreed with the complainant that Mindell's school fails to protect the confidentiality of its students while they are engaged in program-required therapy with their teachers. He didn't like the confusion of roles that occurs when faculty are seeing students on the couch as well as in the classroom, nor did he like the idea of a forum called "Diplomate Case Control," a group discussion led by Mindell in which Diplomates discuss issues they are encountering as therapists. "What happens to confidentiality when the student's therapist discloses to the student's supervisor, the therapist's therapist or the therapist's supervisor, confidential information about the student?" he wrote. On a couple of points, the PWCP agreed with Kohn's findings. It promised, for example, to revise its consent forms so students understand that the school's therapist-client relationship is not as privileged as it is in private practice. In other areas, however, the school and the state are still at an impasse. One has to do with students' ability to complete the MPW program. Contreras wants a clear sense from the PWCP of "what is supposed to be learned in a given course; how the material will be graded; and how it's possible to demonstrate that students are progressing through the program." Second, he wants to see some sort of time limit on the use of credits toward a master's degree. This may prove difficult, as the PWCP uses criteria like "personal depth" when considering a student's fitness for a degree and seems loath to adhere to conventional timelines. "Since the evaluation process is also a dreaming process and does not depend on conscious efforts alone," the student handbook states, "the duration or even completion of the process cannot be predicted." Likewise, the sex issue is also a sticking point. Faculty member Goodbread says the blanket prohibition against dual relationships "is artificial and unenforceable; it never works in practice, and it sets a bad model for how people interact with each other." Mindell, too, seems reluctant to set strict guidelines. "In my opinion," Mindell told WW, "a more standard rule will not repress the natural human tendency towards multiple roles in relationships." But that's just the tendency that has to be repressed, say many in the field. Jason Reynolds, a Northwest neighbor who hosted a French PWCP student two years ago, was appalled by what he saw going on at the school. "Everyone was having sex with everyone else, and some people were being persecuted and traumatized," says Reynolds, who has a background in professional mental health. "There was no sense of boundaries, no sense of professionalism." And Mindell, he continues, "was invested with almost godlike importance." Whether shaman or charlatan, Mindell and his theories will certainly continue to attract adherents as more people turn to unorthodox therapies and holistic healing. What's less clear is whether the PWCP will be allowed to continue to offer a master's degree, though Contreras insists that he remains open to the idea. "Unusualness is not a crime," he says, "and I have been willing to authorize some unusual and distinctive programs." As examples, he points to the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, the Western Culinary Institute and Birthingway, a midwifery school he recently authorized to grant a bachelor's degree. In fact, Contreras is proud of Oregon's "extraordinary variety of approved programs." But he stands vigilantly atop the ramparts of the ivory tower when it comes to academic titles. "For me, this is not a complicated issue," he says. "If you're going to use degrees, and you want those degrees to mean something, society has an obligation to do the kind of enforcement that I do." While such notions may seem quaint in the age of "distance-based" learning and "virtual classrooms," at least one of Mindell's former students wishes that Contreras had started poking around earlier. "It's a free country, and people can participate in whatever they want," says the student. "But it seems that you can end up six or eight years down the road thinking, 'God, I spent a lot of money and got really confused, and what good was it?'" There are other alternative therapy schools offering advanced degrees. Naropa University, in Boulder, Colo., is an accredited institution offering an M.A. in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology. At San Francisco's Institute for Integral Studies, one can earn a Ph.D. in Transformative Learning and Change. In Europe, Process Work is known as Process Oriented Psychology. To get a sense of the Mindell's presence overseas, check out www.rspopuk.com . In addition to the Process Work Center of Portland, the Mindells also are affiliated with the Global Process Institute (which lists the same address). It offers seminars using Process Work to resolve ethnic and global conflict. The Palestinian- Israeli conflict is cited as a situation sorely in need of some Process Work. Alan Contreras has come across all sorts of dodgy institutions, including Columbia Commonwealth, in Montana, which claims to be accredited by the nation of Malawi. In Oregon, use of a bogus diploma is considered both fraud and a misdemeanor. DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME: In the description of a class titled "Shamanism and Chronic Symptoms: Tunneling Methods," Arnold Mindell warns that the class "involves prolonged altered states and is not appropriate for anyone in need of sustained assistance with these states." In Oregon, anyone can call himself a "counselor" or a "therapist." The Oregon Revised Statutes (675.020) prohibit the use of "psychology," "psychological," "psychotherapy" or "psychologist" in the title or description of anyone not licensed by the Oregon State Board of Psychologist Examiners. Neither of the Mindells is licensed in Oregon. For a full listing of PWCP class offerings, go to the school's home page: www.processwork.org . WWeek 2015 News Scary rare fish spotted on a beach in San Diego At first, I thought it was a like a jellyfish or something, and then I went and looked at it a little more carefully, and some other people were gathered around it too, and then I saw that it was this very unusual fish. Major changes lie ahead on Batthyany ter, as the square across the Danube from Parliament will no longer be a bus terminal, First District mayor Tamas Gabor Nagy told Inforadio on Tuesday. He said a comprehensive upgrade is planned for next year with funding from City Hall, the districts own resources and possibly state support. Buses will be removed from the square, according to plans, but could stop near the Danube embankment, and traffic would be organised in a such a way that buses would only stop briefly at Batthyany ter. A community park will be established in the middle of the square with adorning covers to highlight the statues there. Never before has a single European issue defined a European parliamentary election campaign almost everywhere in the bloc, Gergely Gulyas , the head of the prime ministers office, said in a briefing to MPs. At a meeting of parliaments foreign affairs committee, Gulyas said Hungary accepted the principle of solidarity but rejected migrant quotas, as there is no legal basis for this. Referring to the EP election, he said similar political developments to those seen in Germany would be repeated elsewhere in Europe. In Germany, he said, grand coalitions had become the norm in recent times, but this situation has changed. The issue of migration has shifted the balance of power, he added. It had once seemed inconceivable that coalitions of the big parties would not amass a large majority. And yet it seems that will be the case when it comes to the EP, he said, adding that the left wing was likely to weaken, since it had never been quite so weak in large European states as it is now. Germany, he said, is Hungarys most stable and important political and economic ally, and despite disagreement on many issues, there is a mutual interest in pursuing good cooperation. Our interests are bound together, and yet Europe is more divided than ever, he said. For the EU to succeed, we need to make clear those areas where we need to work together and those areas where, due to the differences between societies, we disagree, he said, adding that differences must be accepted on certain issues, and migration was one of them. Commenting on the EU budget, Gulyas said agreement is needed between net contributor countries and cohesion fund recipients, as well as countries benefiting from farm subsidies. Hungarys standpoint is clear, he said. If the global figure is reduced due to Brexit, then everyone else should pay proportionally more into the budget. Hungary is ready to do so, but there is great resistance elsewhere, so it is likely that everyone will have less, he said. Gulyas noted that the aim of the cohesion fund is to reduce disparities in the standard of living between EU member states. But the European Commission wants to divert funding to countries experiencing slower growth, seeing the issue of living standard disparities as secondary, he said. Yet those countries with a high rate of economic growth that have complied with the Maastricht criteria would be penalised for obeying the rules, he said. Responding to opposition criticism regarding Hungarys geopolitical orientation, Gulyas said Hungarys EU membership was a national interest and NATO guaranteed its security to the highest level, so it was the right decision to join these integrations. MTI Photo: Balogh Zoltan The Article 7 procedure, which was launched against Hungary earlier this year, will be a long drawn-out affair, a justice ministry official said in an interview published in Magyar Hirlap. It is unlikely that anything will happen before the EP elections in May next year, and its going to be a different EP and European Commission afterwards, state secretary Pal Volner said, adding that the procedure was part of a political show trial. This whole business shows the endeavours of the old EU pacesetters, Germany and France, to preside over decision-making in the bloc. When there are breaking points on certain issues, they tend to punish certain member states on other matters too, Volner said. One such focal point is the issue of migration. Regarding the United Nations global compact for migration, which Hungary refuses to sign, Volner said that according to certain interpretations, such compacts are non-binding. However, looking at previous compacts, it seems that such recommendations are later used as points of reference in international courts. The government believes the compact would activate world-wide migration processes, and Europe remains one of the main destinations, he said. Regarding the so-called debit cards for migrants, the state secretary said that global regulations against money laundering require that everyone, including debit card holders, should be identifiable. The debit cards for migrants do not contain such data, he said. Meanwhile, the introduction of migrant visas would lead to a renewal of the idea of distributing migrants among the member states, Volner said. MTI Photo: Balogh Zoltan After the President of the Central European University announced that 49 of the CEUs 59 courses will be transferred to Vienna, the debate continues in the press on whether the governments refusal to let them stay serves or harms Hungarys interests. Michael Ignatieff, the President and Rector of the Central European University told the press on Monday that since no more students are allowed to be recruited to its US accredited courses in Budapest from January 1, those programmes will be transferred to Vienna from September next year. The US State Department expressed its disappointment. The US Ambassador to Budapest told RTL TV that his sustained efforts to keep the US degree courses in Hungary failed because of an irreconcilable conflict between PM Viktor Orban and the CEUs founder, American-Hungarian financier George Soros. David Cornstein added that the CEU could have been more willing to find a more suitable solution. Istvan Hollik, the newly appointed government spokesman called the departure of the CEU a bluff, since it will continue to offer courses in Budapest. In Magyar Hirlap, Csilla Korompay quotes a Washington Post report about a meeting at the American Embassy where the Ambassador said that given its small size, the CEU could not be compared to the big American universities and therefore found it strange that its fate had become such a big issue. Her answer is that what makes the CEU so important for so many influential people is its networking. In other words, she writes, the CEU is world class in matters of bluff. That is why its alumni find it easy to find jobs and this is why the media trumpets how happy Vienna is to host the CEU. Viennese people are in reality no happier than the people of Budapest are unhappy about the CEU transferring courses to the Austrian capital, Korompay concludes. In a harshly worded reaction, 888s Gellert Olah describes the CEU as an illegally operating liberal degree factory. Its US campus which was supposed to legalise it, he continues, is one small pavilion and its compliance with the new legal regulations is therefore fully fictitious. In the headline to Olahs commentary, 888 defines the CEUs departure as the best news of the week. In a bitter column on 444, Gergo Planko finds the indifference surrounding the matter devastating. On Monday afternoon, a mere 40 people gathered in show of solidarity in front of the CEU building in Budapest and at least ten of these were news reporters. He sharply criticises the US Ambassador, accusing him of minimising what has happened by framing it as the expression of a personal feud between Mr Orban and Mr Soros. In a rare political editorial, Blikk deplores the departure of most CEU courses from Budapest as a textbook case of why education should not become the stake of political games. That prestige clash, the editors of the tabloid write, could have been fought on so many other battlefields. That was not the case, and thus there are only losers all round. Hungary is losing professors and students and we are not well enough off to afford that. MTI photo: Szigetvary Zsolt Slayer Extends Final World Tour Into 2019. We want to assure our fans that well be on the road through 2019 and will get to as many places around the world as possible. The End is Near Slayer is making its exit with one, final world tour right now. The farewell gig will be in Budapest on June 11, 2019 at Budapest Arena. In January of 2018 Slayer announced their final world tour which began in North America in May and followed by a European tour this autumn. In the continuation band will visit places such as South America, Australia, Japan and then they will return to Europe in the summer. Bassist Tom Araya thanked the bands fans: You really are loyal and dedicated fans and we appreciate that so much from you, he said. We still have quite a few places to play, so next year, keep your eyes and ears open so you can catch us live one last and final time. Again, thank you! Thirty-seven years into its career, Slayer remains the preeminent punk-thrash band that helped establish the genre and that up-and-coming metal heads continue to revere and emulate. Slayer is a five-time nominated, two-time Grammy Award-winning metal juggernaut that writes songs which mirror the turmoil and aberrations of our society. Slayer's place in music history is secure as one of The Big Four (alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax): they helped define the thrash-metal genre. Tickets for Budapest are available first for registered Live Nation members on December 4, from 10am, while the public on-sale begins on December 5, at 10am via www.livenation.hu and www.funcode.hu. Source and further info: Livenation.hu Things havent been going so well between the United States and Russia, and it looks like a 30-year-old disarmament treaty between the two nations could be coming to an end. In 1987, the United States and the Soviet Union signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF), a pact prohibiting the use of short- and medium-range missiles. On Tuesday, NATO formally accused Russia of breaking the treaty. Allies have concluded that Russia has developed and fielded a missile system, the 9M729, which violates the INF Treaty and poses significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security, read a statement issued by the foreign ministers of the alliance of Western nations. Following the statements release, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. would give Russia 60 days to return to compliance. If that doesnt happen, the U.S. will pull out of the deal, as well. 27 Hours later : Pompeo issues Statement on #Russia s Escalation vs. #Ukraine . Deep concern + call for restraint: pic.twitter.com/d07UAGI7uM Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) November 26, 2018 Putin didnt appreciate any of this. Now it seems our American partners believe that the situation has changed so much that [they] must also have such a weapon, the Russian leader said on television. Whats our response? Its simple. In that case we will also do this. But the U.S. has long suspected that Russia has already done this, and in October President Trump announced he would be removing America from the deal. Russia has violated the agreement, he told reporters after a rally in Nevada. Theyve been violating it for many years. I dont know why President Obama didnt negotiate or pull out. Were not going to let them violate a nuclear agreement and go out and do weapons and were not allowed to. Were the ones that have stayed in the agreement and weve honored the agreement. Story continues President Obama first accused Russia of violating the treaty in 2014 regarding a ground-launched cruise missile the country was testing. Officials said at the time they believed Russia may have begun testing the missile in 2008. Russia denied any wrongdoing then, and did so again following Trumps accusation in October. Its likely that an explanation from the U.S. will be required following the latest scandalous statements, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Putins I-Know-You-Are-But-What-Am-I retort to NATOs decision to back the U.S. comes less than a week after Trump scrapped plans to meet with the Russian president while the two leaders were in Argentina for the G-20 summit. 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 hours after telling reporters it was still a very good time to have the meeting. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this issue is resolved! .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 previous weekend, Russia forcibly seized three Ukrainian ships and 23 sailors, dramatically escalating tension between the two nations. The recent naval conflict was the first armed incident between Russia and Ukraine since 2014, when Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula. President Trump has been hesitant to criticize Russia for seizing land from Ukraine, instead opting to blame Obama, who he says allowed it to happen. The presidents general indifference to Putins despotic behavior has led many, including Russia, to believe that the presidents decision to cancel the meeting in Argentina was actually in response to the revelation that Trump has been in discussion to build a Trump Tower in Moscow well into the 2016 campaign. A few hours before Trumps ships and sailors tweet, his former attorney and fixer, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about the nature of the discussions surrounding the potential real estate development, heightening speculation around what kind of leverage Putin may have had on the president. Regardless of what prompted Trump to cancel the meeting, tensions are escalating. The U.S. on Wednesday morning maneuvered a warship near waters Russia has claimed in the Sea of Japan. The [USS] McCampbell sailed in the vicinity of Peter the Great Bay to challenge Russias excessive maritime claims and uphold the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea enjoyed by the United States and other Nations, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Rachel McMarr told CNN in a statement. Those concerned can take solace in Trumps determination to be friends maybe best friends? with the authoritarian leader. Versatile Egyptian auteur Ahmad Abdalla is well known on the fest circuit for Microphone, about Egypts hip-hop scene, Rags & Tatters, which exposed the countrys deep post-revolution poverty, and female identity melodrama Decor. In EXT. Night, which is his 6th feature, he returns to Egypts darkness with a wry comedy in which a young film director, a hooker, and a cab driver wander around Cairos backstreets during the course of a single night that poignantly puts on screen the citys segregated class system and its misogyny, besides its bustling vitality. During the Cairo Film Festival where, after bowing in Toronto, the pic had its Middle East premiere, Abdalla spoke to Variety about how he built EXT. Nigh around the character of an empowered woman named Toutou who happens to be a prostitute. If Im not mistaken, after Decor you were supposed to make a Zombie comedy. Then due to budget issues you instead did EXT. Night which in a way marks a return to your roots, shooting on the street, like Heliopolis and Microphone. Yes. I wanted to make Zombie Gozombie but due to financial difficulties I decided that while I was waiting for the the financing to come through I would embark on another project that would be more personal; that would take me out of my creative comfort zone and that I would shoot and and co-produce myself. In this film you pay tribute to Cairo. I think you have called it a deconstruction of Cairo. Can you elaborate on that? Yes Cairo really is a main theme of this film. The characters all share this same city, and actually all live very close to each other. But each neighborhood is a world of its own. So it was my way to observe the extreme segregation in Cairo and how people who are living in this huge city arent able to communicate. This is happening in every big city [around the world] but I think its more obvious in Egypt, and its very clear that social stratification is a problem. Story continues How did you choose Egyptian-Austrian actress Mona Hala who carries the movie? When me and Sherif [Alfy] were working on the script we were already thinking about Mona. Many people told us she doesnt look Egyptian, that she has European features. But I didnt care, because shes actually very Egyptian. The way she speaks, the way she understand the community and the old traditional dynamics between men and women in this city. Shes a very smart observer of everything happening around her regarding social differences and gender issues. Would other Egyptian actresses have turned down the role of a prostitute? I would assume that many would, and probably this is why I didnt think of calling most of the obvious names on the market. I tried going to Mona Hala who isnt as much of a familiar presence in Egyptian cinema. I knew that many of them would not like to play a prostitute, even though I dont see Toutou as a prostitute. I see her as a struggling woman trying to find her place. I knew that many actors in Cairo who would refuse to play this part, but I also knew that Hala would read more into it than just being a prostitute. Even though Toutou is mistreated, its clear that you are not portraying her merely as a victim. Shes headstrong and smarter than the two men she is with. In fact I think the whole film is centered around her character. True. I wanted to use her character to delve deeper into Cairo because usually the voice of women, and especially women in her profession, is very suppressed in Egypt. It was interesting for me to work with a character that has become a stereotype in cinema and look at her from a different perspective and also a prism to view the other characters and the city. The film talks about censorship in regards to a novel, citing a real case. Several Egyptian films, such as The Nile Hilton Incident, have been censored in Egypt recently. But it seems you have not had any trouble with this film even though the police are not depicted in the most favorable light. I cant speak for other films because I dont know what negotiations went on with them, but Ive been lucky enough that so far the films Ive made have all been approved by censorship. Thats probably because my films are not very direct in the way they observe Egyptian society. EXT. Night was cleared to play at the Cairo festival and will also be playing in Egyptian cinemas in mid-December. Related stories 'Hale County' Director RaMell Ross Reflects on His Year on the Festival Circuit James Gray Discusses 'Ad Astra,' Cannes, Harvey Weinstein Guillermo del Toro on Monsters, Death, Wabi-sabi Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! On The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Tuesday night, Colbert may have gotten Julia Robertss Ben Is Back co-star Lucas Hedges in a little bit of hot water. In fact, Colbert totally threw Hedges under the bus. Roberts explained that because Hedges wasnt be able to make it home to New York to be with his family, she invited him to Thanksgiving dinner at her house. And while Hedges had previously called Roberts the greatest cook, when he was a guest on The Late Show Monday night, he did have one little complaint. What was Thanksgiving there? How was it? Colbert asked. It was delicious, Hedges replied. Yeah? Turkey wasnt dry? Colbert inquired. This is where Hedges should have lied. Instead, he said, Little dry. Needless to say Roberts was stunned, and Hedges shouldnt be expecting another invitation to her house for Thanksgiving anytime soon. The Oscar winner shot back, with a smile of course, Thats the last f***ing turkey hes getting at my house. The Late Show With Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on CBS. Watch Stephen Colbert accuse Donald Trump of copyright infringement: Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Americans from all walks of life come to Capitol to honor President George H.W. Bush Americans from all walks of life come to Capitol to honor President George H.W. Bush originally appeared on abcnews.go.com As a military honor guard stood silent watch, thousands reverently filed through the U.S. Capitol Rotunda Tuesday to pay their respects to former President George H.W. Bush as he lay in state ahead of his state funeral Wednesday morning. Since Monday evening and all through the night -- with only the sounds of footsteps echoing in the historic chamber -- Americans from all walks of life have come to honor the nation's 41st president, from parents with young children to the former top commanders of Operation Desert Storm -- the Bush-led liberation of Kuwait from Saddam Hussein's Iraq. PHOTO: People gather in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol to pay respects to former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, as the remains of the former president lie in state in Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 2018. (Alex Edelman/AFP/Getty Images) (MORE: President Trump, first lady visit Capitol Rotunda to pay respects for George H.W. Bush ) In between citizens who paused to gaze and pray, some in tears, before the former presidents flag-draped casket, dignitaries and former government leaders also paid somber tribute. PHOTO: People gather in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol to pay respects to former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, as the remains of the former president lie in state in Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 2018. (Alex Edelman/AFP/Getty Images) In an especially dramatic moment Tuesday afternoon, former Republican Sen. Bob Dole, 95 years old and in failing health, rose from his wheelchair with the help of an aide used his only good arm -- his left one -- to salute his fellow WWII veteran. PHOTO: Former U.S. Senator Bob Dole salutes before the flag-draped coffin of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush at the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 2018. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images) Retired Gen. Colin Powell, who served as Bushs chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the first Gulf War, joined a group of his fellow military leaders saluting their former commander-in-chief. PHOTO: Sully, former President George H.W. Bush's service dog, pays his respect to President Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Dec. 4, 2018. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Shortly afterward, Sully, Bushs service dog during his final months in a wheelchair, was brought in to say a final goodbye, sitting quietly in front of the casket before being led out to eventually begin his new mission serving wounded troops at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The golden lab appeared symbolically with beneficiaries of the Americans with Disabilities Act, one of the most enduring pieces of legislation signed by the late president. PHOTO: CIA Director Gina Haspel together with former CIA Directors pay their last respect to former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Dec. 4, 2018. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Current CIA director Gina Haspel also made a symbolic visit to the Rotunda with former CIA directors, including John Brennan, just hours before she would go to Capitol Hill to brief senators on the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi as they weigh their next steps in possibly punishing Saudi Arabia over the slaying. Story continues President Trump and first lady Melania Trump came to the Rotunda to pay their respects Monday evening. The president saluted the casket as his wife looked on. The Bush family returned to the Rotunda Tuesday evening, shaking hands and hugging close family and friends. PHOTO: Former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush stand at the flag-draped casket of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush as it lies in state inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, Dec. 4, 2018. (Yuri Gripas/Reuters) (MORE: President Trump to offer his private condolences to Bush family in Blair House visit ) As the nation mourns the former president -- from his Washington funeral to his burial in Houston in this week of tributes -- here is what you need to know about the memorials ahead: Tuesday Before George H.W. Bushs body is laid to rest at his presidential library and museum at Texas A&M University in College Station on Thursday, the former presidents casket will remain on view at the Capitol Rotunda until 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. Bushs personal U.S. Secret Service detail, whose members who grew close to Bush over the years, were expected to visit the Capitol Rotunda. Wednesday On Wednesday at 10 a.m., a departure ceremony from the Capitol to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., begins. The Bush funeral procession includes the countrys highest honor, a 21-gun salute made with cannons positioned at Truman Park. The ceremony will start with a presentation of arms and the playing of Hail to the Chief. The casket of the president, one of the last of the World War II generation and who helped steer the U.S. when the Cold War ended, will then be placed in a hearse to proceed to Washington National Cathedral. During the state funeral, former President George W. Bush, Mr. Bushs son, will deliver a eulogy, along with former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, former Wyoming GOP Sen. Alan Simpson, and historian Jon Meacham. Foreign leaders from around the world are expected to attend the service, including Britain's Prince Charles and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Despite his past feud with the Bush Family, President Trump has announced that he will attend the funeral with first lady Melania Trump. But breaking with recent tradition, Trump is not slated to deliver a eulogy. All of the other living former presidents -- Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama -- are also expected to attend the funeral. Following the state funeral, Bush's casket will be taken to Joint Base Andrews and flown back to Texas, where the Bush family will participate in an arrival ceremony at Ellington Field in Houston. Mr. Bushs casket will be then be brought to St. Martins Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas, where Bush will lie in repose until Thursday. Thursday A funeral service will be held at St. Martins at 11 a.m., after which the former president will be taken by train to the George HW Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University. The 41st presidents final resting place will be next to his wife of 73 years, Barbara. A spokesman for the former president tweeted that Bush, known for often wearing quirky socks and his playful sense of humor, will be buried in socks that pay tribute to his time as a naval aviator in World War II and his lifetime of public service. Dangerous inmate who escaped prison in North Carolina may now be hiding in Maryland: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A dangerous inmate who escaped from a North Carolina prison and allegedly stole a truck in Virginia may now be hiding out in Maryland, authorities warned. Cul Priest Lamont Jones, 44, who is serving a sentence for first-degree burglary, was a minimum custody inmate when he escaped from North Carolina's Hoke Correctional Institution in October, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety said. He was sentenced in 2014 and was scheduled to be released on Jan. 7, 2023, officials said. PHOTO: Cul Priest Lamont Jones in an undated photo. (Maryland State Police) (MORE: Massive manhunt for convicted murderer who bailed out of jail by posing as cellmate) In November, authorities in Virginia said they received multiple reports of burglaries at homes and businesses around Gasburg. A truck was stolen from a Gasburg business and Jones was the suspect, Virginia's Brunswick County Sheriff's Office said. (MORE: 2 years ago, a pair of killers made a prison break straight out of 'Shawshank Redemption') On Saturday, the stolen blue and tan Chevrolet truck was found in Callaway, Maryland, the Maryland State Police said. The truck had been parked in the woods behind a campground for about six days, police said. Authorities believe Jones may have traveled through St. Mary's County, Maryland, and may still be in the state, police said. Jones is described as having black hair and brown eyes, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds. PHOTO: Cul Priest Lamont Jones in an undated photo. (Maryland State Police) Anyone who sees him is urged to call 911. "The Department of Public Safety continues to work with local law enforcement on the situation," North Carolina Corrections spokesman Jerry Higgins told ABC News Tuesday via email. The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office in Virginia said the U.S. Marshals Service is helping with the manhunt. Judge orders release of Alabama mall shooting evidence to defense originally appeared on abcnews.go.com An Alabama judge is ordering prosecutors to turn over evidence about an altercation inside a suburban shopping mall that ended with police shooting and killing a young black man on Thanksgiving night. A different man was arresting in connection to the original altercation days later. Jefferson County District Judge William A. Bell Jr. issued the order Wednesday, granting the request from 20-year-old Erron Martez Dequan Brown, who is charged with attempted murder in connection to the Nov. 22 incident at Riverchase Galleria mall in the town of Hoover. Prosecutors must now provide the defense with the evidence, which includes all videos of the altercation, according to Brown's lawyer, Charles Salvagio. "He's not guilty. Period," Salvagio said of his client during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. "I can't wait to see the video, personally." The order doesn't mean the evidence will be made available to the public immediately, according to Salvagio. PHOTO: This Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 booking photograph provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in Birmingham, Ala., shows Erron Brown, who is charged with attempted murder in a shooting at a shopping mall on Thanksgiving. (Jefferson County Sheriff via AP) Brown is accused of pulling out a gun during a scuffle inside the mall, then shooting and wounding an 18-year-old man. A 12-year-old girl who was a bystander was also hit, authorities said. Responding officers first suspected that another man, 21-year-old Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr., was the culprit. He was shot to death by police at the scene that night. Investigators later determined that Bradford, who was armed, "may have been involved in some aspect of the altercation" but did not fire his weapon, according to a statement from the Hoover Police Department. Brown was taken into custody a week later near Atlanta, Georgia, and subsequently extradited to Birmingham to face charges in connection to the incident. He is being held in Jefferson County Jail on $125,000 bond. "We believe that when the video is shown, and not necessarily [police] body cam but video from the mall, we believe that it will show very clearly that Erron Brown was not the instigator of this," Salvagio told reporters Wednesday. "These people knew each other. This could have happened to anybody. Somebody wanted it to happen at the Galleria, that's all I got to say." Story continues (MORE: Rev. Jesse Jackson delivers powerful eulogy at funeral for Alabama man shot dead by police) PHOTO: 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 Nov. 27, 2018. (Jay Reeves/AP, FILE) Salvagio would not elaborate on his comment that all the individuals involved in the altercation knew each other. "This was not a random thing," the lawyer said. "This has been an ongoing thing." Brown's mother, Ebony Brown, said she stands by her son, whom she described as "a loving kid." "I just want the facts to come out to clear my son's name," she told reporters at the press conference Wednesday. "My son is locked up. It's very painful." (MORE: Mall shooting suspect apprehended days after police shoot and kill wrong man) PHOTO: Protestors carry a sign reading 'Justice for E.J.' during a protest at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Ala., Nov. 24, 2018. (Kim Chandler/AP, FILE) Bradford's relatives, along with protesters and activists, have repeatedly urged authorities to release any video of the shooting and to file charges against the unnamed officer who fired the fatal shot. The Bradford family's attorney, Benjamin Crump, said that Bradford was carrying a handgun but was licensed to do so. Bardford's parents have called his death "unjust," claiming their son was just trying to defuse the chaos. Demonstrations have been held almost every day since Bradford was killed. More than 100 demonstrators swarmed into a Walmart and nearby businesses in Hoover before taking to Interstate 459 in a caravan of vehicles on Tuesday night. The group drove slowly with their hazard lights flashing while some got out of their cars and stood in the roadway, prompting police to briefly shut down the Hoover entrances to the interstate (MORE: Demonstrators shut down major highway to protest fatal police shooting at Alabama mall) PHOTO: Protesters angry over the shooting death of Emantic Fitzgerald 'E.J.' Bradford Jr. pass through part of an interstate in Hoover, Ala., Dec. 4, 2018. (WIAT) A funeral service for Bradford was held Saturday at the Boutwell Memorial Auditorium in Birmingham, where renowned civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson delivered a powerful eulogy. Jackson described the shooting as the "violent death of another innocent son wrapped in black skin," saying that Bradford joins a long list of "victims in this sickness of uncontrolled violence." The reverend named Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager who was fatally shot by a neighborhood watchman in Florida in 2012, among those victims. "His blood will not have been shed in vain," Jackson said. "The officer who took Emantic's life must face justice." Jackson called for transparency as the crowd joined him in repeating the words, "Show the tapes now!" George W. Bush eulogizes his father with laughter and tears: 'A genuinely optimistic man' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com President George H.W. Bush once said about his funeral and lying in state, "Do you think anyone will come?" On Wednesday, after thousands of teary-eyed visitors waited hours in the December cold to pay their respects to the late president in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, hundreds of dignitaries, heads of state and family members gathered at the Washington National Cathedral for a state funeral honoring his life and answering his humble question with a resounding "yes." The final eulogy came from the son who followed in his footsteps, George W. Bush, the 43rd president who often referred to his father endearingly as "41." "He was a genuinely optimistic man," said Bush, recounting stories, as others did, that made the those gathered react with knowing and generous laughter. PHOTO: Jeb Bush, Laura Bush, and former President George W. Bush share a laugh as a story is told about former President George H.W. Bush during a State funeral at the National Cathedral, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP) "Of course, he wasn't perfect," Bush said. "The man couldn't stomach vegetables," especially broccoli, he said, adding it was a genetic trait he'd passed along to his children. As he neared the end, he broke down as he described him as "the best father a son or daughter could have." He spoke of the last conversation he had with his father, which ended with the late president's last words. "Dad, I love you and you've been a wonderful father," Bush said he told his father. "And the last words he would ever say on earth were 'I love you, too,'" Bush said. PHOTO: Former President George W. Bush speaks during the funeral service for his father, former President George H. W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., Dec. 5, 2018. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) His father, who died last Friday at age 94, has been memorialized among a bipartisan chorus of voices since his death for his commitment to national service and dedication to his family. His funeral service at the National Cathedral marked a rare and very public gathering of the nations living presidents and first ladies. The last time the Bush, Clinton, Trump and Obama families were at the same public event was in January 2017, at Trump's inauguration. Story continues PHOTO: President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, joining other former presidents and their spouses for the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush, Dec. 5, 2018 in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump entered the cathedral just before the services began. Trump handed his coat to a member of the military before sitting down beside his wife, who sat next to the Obamas on the end of the row. Next to the Obamas sat the Clintons and the Carters. The president and the Clintons didn't exchange greetings, though both Trump and the first lady said hello to the Obamas. PHOTO: Former President George W. Bush greets former President Bill Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter at the state funeral for his father, former President George H.W. Bush in Washington, Dec. 5, 2018. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) While the presidents, first ladies and hundreds of Washington power figures gathered at the cathedral, the city of Washington watched as the motorcade carrying the remains of the 41st president left the Capitol for a final time. The Bush family stood with their hands on their hearts as the casket was carried slowly down the Capitol steps as a military band played "Nearer My God to Thee." A hearse then began the drive to the cathedral past streets lined with mourners. PHOTO: The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard from the U.S. Capitol, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/Pool via AP) The first eulogist, historian and Bush biographer Jon Meacham, told the story of a 20-year-old George H.W. Bush surviving being shot down during World War II. For the rest of his life, Meacham said, he asked, nearly daily: 'Why me? Why was I spared?' The rest of his life was spent proving himself worthy of that salvation, Meacham said. "America's last great soldier-statesman," he called him. "An imperfect man, he left us a more perfect union." Meacham recalled how Bush, while campaigning in New Hampshire, once shook hands with a mannequin. "You never know, gotta ask," Meacham said Bush replied when told. Other eulogies came from former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who spoke of Bush as a world leader. "Every single person knew you were dealing with a gentleman," he said. Former Wyoming GOP Sen. Alan Simpson, an old friend, spoke of the many laughs they shared -- and promised not to speak too long. Relax," he told the gathering. "George told me I only had 10 minutes. Simpson joked that Bush had a good sense of humor -- one he "never lost" -- despite never being able to remember a punch line. "Humor is a universal solvent against the abrasive elements of life," Simpson said. That's what humor is." Bush "never hated anyone," he said. The funeral program itself was largely reflective of Bush's own service in the military and includes full state's honors and performances by the U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra, the Armed Forces Chorus, the Air Force Singing Sergeants and the "President's Own" Marine Band, among others. PHOTO: The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush arrives for a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Dec. 5, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Pool via Getty Images) (MORE: President Trump, first lady visit Capitol Rotunda to pay respects for George H.W. Bush) It marked a contrast to the funeral service scheduled for Thursday after the president's return to Texas, which is said would feature friends of the family from "west of the Mississippi" and would include performances from the Oak Ridge Boys and Reba McEntire. PHOTO: People line the street as the hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush heads to a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/Pool via Reuters) Trump's public statements about Bush since his passing and the White House's coordination of the service have largely received praise for striking a tone of respect and being in alignment with his predecessors' handling of state funerals. Looking forward to being with the Bush family. This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 5, 2018 But that tone of respect will hardly negate what has been the president's overwhelmingly hostile posture towards the Bush family, the Obamas and the Clintons, both on the campaign trail and since taking office. PHOTO: Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush watch as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried to a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Dec. 5, 2018 in Washington. (Alex Brandon/Pool via Getty Images) While both the president and the first lady met privately with members of the Bush family Tuesday, as recently as last week, Trump shared an image with his millions of Twitter followers that called for Obama and Clinton to be jailed and investigated for "treason." Even so, the service itself did not carry some of the more political overtones present in the service for former Sen. John McCain earlier this year, which included a eulogy from McCain's daughter Meghan McCain, that seemed to take veiled shots at Trump himself. (MORE: President Trump praises George H.W. Bush as a 'very fine man' despite long-running feud with Bush family) Trump was not asked to deliver a eulogy, marking a departure from the most recent state funerals for Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon, where both George W. Bush and Bill Clinton delivered eulogies as acting presidents. As the church service ended, George W. Bush and the rest of the Bush family followed the casket out of the cathedral and watched as it was placed in the waiting hearse, which took the president's remains to Joint Base Andrews outside Washington for the flight to Texas. There, as a military band played the hymn, "Coming Home," the family once again placed their hands over their hearts as the casket was loaded on the plane and they then boarded themselves. An emotional Bush family looks on as the casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried out of the National Cathedral. https://t.co/cKodAkVaYd #Remembering41 pic.twitter.com/FVVrNKqugj ABC News (@ABC) December 5, 2018 He was being taken home to Houston, where his body will lie in repose at the St. Martin's Episcopal Church, where Bush and his wife Barbara first became members in 1959. There will be a funeral service at the church on Thursday before Bush's remains are transported by train to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University, where he will be interred alongside his wife and daughter, Robin, who died at age three. Algiers (AFP) - The 19 Roman Catholic clergy to be beatified as martyrs in Algeria on Saturday were assassinated between 1994 and 1996 amid a brutal war between Islamic militants and government forces. Mostly French nationals, the men and women were declared martyrs by the Vatican in January 2018, since they were murdered "in odium fidei", or out of hatred for the faith. Here is a summary of the killings. - Four White Fathers - On December 27, 1994 attackers armed with automatic rifles gunned down four missionaries at their rectory at Tizi Ouzou, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of the capital Algiers. From the Missionaries of Africa order -- also known as the White Fathers -- they were French nationals Jean Chevillard, 69, Alain Dieulangard, 75, and Christian Chessel, 36, and Belgian Charles Deckers, 70. Two days later, the radical insurgent Armed Islamic Group of Algeria (GIA) claimed responsibility, in rapid revenge for the December 26 killing of four of its men who had hijacked an Air France plane and were shot dead by French forces. The group, the most radical of the insurgent organisations then at war with Algeria's secular government, said at the time its "forces will continue the extermination of Christian crusaders." The four GIA hijackers seized the plane on the tarmac at Algiers airport on December 24, killing three of its more than 200 passengers and crew. After the plane landed at Marseille airport two days later, it was stormed by elite forces who killed the abductors and freed the passengers. - The monks of Tibhirine - On the night of March 26 to 27, 1996, gunmen stormed the Notre Dame de l'Atlas monastery in Tibhirine, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) southwest of Algiers, and kidnapped seven French Trappist monks. The GIA announced on May 23 it had slit their throats, blaming the French government's refusal to negotiate with them. Algeria's army said they found the heads of the victims on May 30; the bodies were never seen again. Story continues The Algerian government maintained the massacre was another crime by the Islamists. But this version came into doubt after allegations from various witnesses that the army itself may have been responsible, either through blunder or to discredit the Islamists. The seven were: Christian de Cherge, 59; Luc Dochier, 82; Paul Favre-Miville, 56; Christophe Lebreton, 45; Michel Fleury, 51; Celestin Ringeard, 62; and Bruno Lemarchand, 66. - Bishop of Oran - Bishop Pierre Claverie, 58, was killed with his driver on August 1, 1996 when a remote-controlled bomb exploded at his residence in Oran in western Algeria. Claverie, a dual French-Algerian national, was attacked after returning home from a meeting with the then French foreign minister. He had publicly condemned atrocities attributed to Islamic fundamentalists and his killing was blamed on the GIA. The murder was met with outrage in Algeria and France, coming only weeks after the kidnapping and murder of the monks of Tibhirine. - Killed in Algiers - Two French nationals were gunned down in a library in the Casbah suburb of Algiers in May 1994. Of the 19 clergy to be beatified on Saturday, they were the first to lose their lives. Brother Henri Verges, 63, and Sister Paul-Helene Saint-Raymond, 67, were killed while they were helping young Algerians to prepare for their examinations. The GIA claimed the killings. In October 1994 two Spanish Augustine nuns -- Esther Paniagua Alonso, 45, and Caridad Alvarez Martin, 61 -- were shot dead en-route to prayers in the residential, working class Bab El-Oued area. In September 1995 two more nuns -- Jeanne Littlejohn, 61, of Maltese nationality and Denise Leclerc, 65, from France -- were shot dead returning from prayers in the capital's poor Belcourt district. In November the same year French nun Odette Prevost, 63, was killed in an attack in the Kouba district, a working class area of central Algiers. 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 Rome (AFP) - A rights group called Wednesday for an international criminal investigation after 15 migrants died following 11 days drifting off the coast of Libya without food, water, or help. The protest came as NGOs expressed growing concern about the plight of migrants attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing and accused officials in several countries of blocking aid efforts. In a tweet, Claus-Peter Reisch, founder of the German group Mission Lifeline, accused EU agencies Frontex and Eunavfor Med, which police the EU bloc's border and coastguard activities, of "crimes against humanity" and called on "the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate". Axel Steier, a spokesman for the group, told AFP both agencies "have military vessels, satellites, reconnaissance planes covering all of this zone. "They had the means to see that these refugees were in distress. But they did nothing, they left them to die," he added. "That's called a crime." A group of 25 migrants left Sabratha, 70 kilometres (44 miles) west of Tripoli, in a bid to reach the Italian coast, said the Libyan Red Cross. But the currents caused them to float offshore in a rubber boat for 11 days without food or water, capsizing off Misrata, 270 kilometres further east, and washing up on a beach Monday evening. There were only 10 survivors, including two women. All of suffered from "complete dehydration and exhaustion", said Dr Mohamed Abughalia of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). They also suffered "trauma, severe malnutrition and burns sustained from the boat's engine fuel" and four required emergency medical care, he added. - Saving lives should be priority - The IOM's Libyan head of mission, Othman Belbeisi, expressed concern about the lack of search and rescue capacity for migrants attempting the sea crossing, especially with winter approaching. "Saving lives at sea should be the number one priority, and search and rescue operations clearly need to be reinforced," he said in a statement. Story continues Others aid agencies also denounced the lack of help for migrants attempting the perilous crossing to Europe. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) tweeted of "increasingly alarming" reports confirming its own observations: "search & #rescue capacity is insufficient, and boats in distress are being ignored or refused help". "During this time, civilian rescue vessels are prevented from carrying out their mission by targeted political attacks," said a statement from French migrant rights group SOS Mediterranee. The Aquarius rescue vessel it runs jointly with MSF is stuck in the French port of Marseille after Bahrain revoked the ship's flag rights, which means it cannot set sail legally. Mission Lifeline's main vessel, Lifeline, is itself stranded at the Maltese port of Valetta, also for legal reasons. According to figures released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday, 1,285 people have died trying to cross the central Mediterranean since the beginning of the year, despite a significant drop in the numbers attempting the crossing. Luanda (AFP) - An Angolan activist critical of the government met President Joao Lourenco on Wednesday, a day after he was barred from entering the presidential palace as part of an unprecedented civil society delegation. Anti-corruption campaigner and journalist Rafael Marques, considered a bug-bear of the authorities, met Lourenco to discuss the issue of graft in the oil-rich but poor southern African country. Marques, who has been convicted of various crimes linked to his investigative reporting, was among a group of activists due to meet Lourenco for unprecedented talks on Tuesday. But at the last minute palace aides blocked Marques from meeting the head of state who has publicly proclaimed his commitment to the fight against corruption. Marques praised the president's "noble gesture" and hailed his "openness". "Obviously we spoke about corruption," he told journalists following the 45 minute encounter. "I think the contribution of society to morality... is important so that corruption is no longer a cancer that eats away at society and saps our resources." Lourenco took power a year ago after his predecessor Jose Eduardo dos Santos' 38-year rule of steel. He quickly distanced himself from his one-time mentor and clamped down on Dos Santos' children who had assumed central roles in the economic sector. The former president's son is in prison as part of an investigation into misappropriation of state funds. "Corruption isn't the preserve of ministers -- there's also petty corruption which affects everyone," said Marques. He added that he had raised the "plight" of the Angolan people in his presidential one-to-one. "People need to be able to eat to enjoy democracy," said Marques. Angola has been locked in a grave economic crisis in the wake of 2014's fall in the price of oil which is the country's largest export. Despite its riches of black gold, the second largest on the African continent after Nigeria, Angola remains a deeply poor country which Lourenco has vowed to revive. Brussels (AFP) - Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel won the support of parliament to sign a UN accord on migration on Wednesday, amid a row that threatens to tear apart his coalition. The way is now apparently clear for Michel to head to a UN conference in Marrakesh next week to endorse the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. But if he does so, his coalition government could lose the backing of the Flemish nationalist N-VA party, and thus its parliamentary majority. The non-binding UN accord, which would promote a common global approach to migrant flows, has become a cause celebre for European anti-immigration parties. Michel, a liberal, has been unable to unite his government behind the accord, and so turned to parliament, where the foreign affairs committee has now backed it. "Parliament is the heart of democracy in our country. Its message is very important," the premier told RTL radio. But N-VA members did not back the vote and Michel said he would endorse the text in Marrakesh on behalf of Belgium's parliament and not of his divided government. And N-VA parliamentary group leader Peter De Roover played down speculation the government would fall saying that there remains much noon-immigration work to finish. The draft UN pact lays down 23 objectives to open up legal migration and better manage a global flow of 250 million people, three percent of the world population. The United States dropped out of talks on the pact last year and countries such as Hungary, Austria, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Australia have rejected it. Brasilia (AFP) - Brazil has opened an investigation into commodity trading groups Glencore, Vitol and Trafigura over alleged bribery of employees at state-run oil company Petrobras, prosecutors said Wednesday. The probe marked a new phase in Operation Car Wash, an anti-corruption investigation opened in 2014 that has resulted in charges and convictions against many in Brazil's corporate elite -- as well as the imprisonment of former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Prosecutors alleged the three commodity trading groups had paid $15 million in bribes to Petrobras employees between 2009 and 2014 in return for advantages such as discounted prices or extra trading deals. Other commodity trading firms were also being investigated for alleged bribery amounting to another $16 million, they said without identifying them. Eleven arrest warrants have been issued under the new probe, and a police source told AFP that six individuals had been arrested by late Wednesday. Of the remaining five, four were abroad and one was in a Brazilian hospital, the source said, without giving the suspects' nationalities. According to the prosecutors, the alleged bribery implicated Petrobras marketing and sales employees in operations handled by its offices in the US city of Houston, as well as in its operations center in Rio de Janeiro. Sofia (AFP) - Bulgaria's government confirmed on Wednesday that it would not join the United Nations pact for better regulating worldwide migration, set to be adopted later this month. "The government decided that Bulgaria will abstain from joining the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration," said a government statement. Bulgaria would not send representatives to the December 10-11 conference in Marrakesh, Morocco, at which the pact is set to be formally adopted, the statement added. And it would abstain at the UN general assembly vote to affirm the pact. The non-binding pact lays down 23 objectives to open up legal migration and better manage migratory flows. The number of people on the move worldwide has increased to 250 million, or three percent of the world population. The US quit talks on the pact last December, and several countries including Hungary, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Australia also rejected it. Joining the pact would contradict Bulgaria's national interest, the country's conservative government said Wednesday. It vowed to stand by its international commitments to observe human rights while also exercising heightened control of its borders. When the government first hinted it might reject the pact in November, analysts accused Premier Boyko Borisov of caving in to pressure from junior coalition partners the anti-immigrant United Patriots. The Balkan country, which lies at the European Union's external border with Turkey, has built a fence to stop incoming migrants. Anti-immigrant sentiment remains strong among its impoverished population. Havana (AFP) - Ten years after they were first authorized to do business in Cuba, private entrepreneurs will be subjected to tougher restrictions from Friday -- a move likely to stall their expansion on the communist-ruled island. For Estrella Rivas, who rents out rooms in Havana's Vedado neighborhood, the new rules means she will be unable to offer breakfast to her guests -- just a place to sleep. "That means less money for me," Rivas says matter-of-factly. So who is going to enforce the new rules on private-sector businesses, which now account for 13 percent of Cuba's workforce, or 592,000 people? "I don't know," replies Rivas. "It seems there will be inspectors questioning the tourists." Since the new measures were published in July in the country's official gazette, setting off a 150-day countdown to implementation that ends Friday, the government has worked overtime to explain them. But those efforts have been to no avail -- confusion is still the order of the day. For lawyer Julio Antonio Fernandez, it's pretty simple: the new rules will "put significant limits on private business activity." "It's a devastating blow to a lot of people," Fernandez told AFP. Since 2008, these small business owners have run restaurants, fixed bikes, made clothes, driven taxis, cut hair... at least 1.5 million people are believed to be dependent on that income, on an island of 11.2 million. - One license per person - The new constitution, which will be put to a referendum on February 24, seemed to promise great new things for entrepreneurs, as it recognizes for the first time the role of market forces and private enterprise in Cuba. It seemed to be a way to codify former president Raul Castro's efforts to modernize the Cuban economy by allowing individuals to run their own businesses. But new President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who took over from Castro in April, "appears set on pursuing progressive reforms without touching the backbone of the centralized system, or the state's monopoly on commerce," Cuban economist Pavel Vidal told AFP. Story continues With economic growth barely registering at 1.1 percent in the first half of 2018, the government seems more and more interested in foreign investment, rather than in a homegrown groundswell of economic activity -- hence the new restrictions. Among the most significant moves are new limits on business licenses, with only one allowed per person and per location. In theory, that would prevent a restaurant from having a separate bar or a guest house from serving food. A business owner will also have to have a bank account and signed contracts with his or her employees. The number of authorized trade categories will be reduced from 201 to 123. And the new legislation forbids all negotiations with foreign entities, who are more and more present in Cuba. There are new types of infractions on the books, with stiffer fines. - Welcome or not? - The government's stated goal is to combat tax evasion and off-the-books employment -- in other words, don't get rich on the backs of others in a society that is meant to be egalitarian. The new constitution, which reaffirms that Cuba is socialist by definition, specifies that private property must not be "concentrated" -- a phrase that many Cubans see as an official ban on being too successful. For Fernandez, that part of the constitution must be more explicit or "we are preventing business owners from going as far as they can, from making real progress." Estaban Morales, a political analyst and economist, says if Havana subjects its entrepreneurs to too many restrictions and regulations, it begs the question of whether "they are really welcome or not in our economy." A dollar a day is roughly the average monthly wage for a government worker, but those in private enterprises can make far more. For now, the government seems to be putting its emphasis on private cooperatives, which will have sole access to the island's wholesale trade. In late September, there were 434 such cooperatives (outside the farm sector), 157 of them in the restaurant business. But according to the official blog Cubadebate, "quality, image and prices leave much to be desired." Cairo (AFP) - A man accused of hijacking a plane more than two years ago and diverting it to Cyprus will face trial on a string of charges, Egypt's public prosecutor said Wednesday. Seif al-Din Mohamed Mostafa, who was extradited in August from Cyprus, is accused of forcing a domestic flight from Alexandria to Cairo to divert its route to the Mediterranean island in March 2016. Egypt's public prosecutor announced on Wednesday the case has been referred to the country's criminal court, paving the way for a trial to begin at an unspecified date. Accusations against Mostafa include deliberately disrupting a flight, seizing control of an aircraft through threats and intimidation and promoting the ideas of the now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group, the prosecutor said in a statement. Cypriot authorities handed over Mostafa to their Egyptian counterparts after a court ruling allowed his extradition. While held in Cyprus, Mostafa fought his extradition on grounds he would not receive a fair trial in Egypt. The Cypriot supreme court however dismissed his appeal last year against being sent home. His request for asylum was refused as Cypriot authorities deemed him a "perpetrator of serious crimes". The 2016 hijacking took place a few months after the October 2015 downing of a Russian airliner by the Islamic State group, killing all 224 on board, an incident that dealt a severe blow to Egypt's lucrative tourism industry. Mexico City (AFP) - The first woman elected mayor of Mexico City was sworn in Wednesday for a six-year term leading one of the world's largest cities, in a country with a deep tradition of machismo. Claudia Sheinbaum, a 56-year-old scientist and environmentalist, rode to victory in the July 1 elections on the same anti-establishment wave that brought her left-wing ally and former mentor to power, Mexico's new President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. She echoed Lopez Obrador's fervent anti-corruption message in her inaugural address before the city legislature. "We are beginning a new era of honesty and eradicating the privileges long enjoyed by top officials," she said. She vowed to end "the privatization of public spaces" and excessive fines and taxes in the sprawling capital of more than eight million inhabitants, whose greater urban area is home to some 20 million people. Another woman previously served as mayor of the capital on an interim basis -- Rosario Robles, from 1999 to 2000 -- but Sheinbaum, who holds a doctorate in physics, is the first woman elected to the post. Sheinbaum was an early ally of Lopez Obrador, who was himself Mexico City mayor from 2000 to 2005. She was among the first politicians to leave Mexico's established left-wing party, the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), and join Lopez Obrador's breakaway, Morena, when he formally launched it in 2014. The following year, she won an election for district mayor of Mexico City's Tlalpan neighborhood, Lopez Obrador's own district and one of the 16 "delegations" that make up the city. That was her launch pad for her mayoral campaign. But her rapid rise has not been without controversy. When a private elementary school in her district collapsed in the earthquake that rocked Mexico on September 19, 2017 -- killing 19 children and seven adults inside -- it emerged that the local government had granted dodgy construction permits to the school's owner, who is today on the run from the law. A group of victims' families has brought criminal charges over the case, and wants Sheinbaum to face investigation. Sheinbaum vehemently denies responsibility, and accuses her opponents of exploiting the tragedy for political gain. France is a country thats no stranger to protest movementsfrom the massive student demonstrations of 1968 to contemporary union-led strikes. But during the yellow vest protests that rocked the streets of Paris this weekend, protesters reached further back in their history, to the era of the French Revolution. Protesters marching along the Champs-Elysees on Saturday (Dec. 1) could be heard chanting slogans like We are running the revolution and Macron to the Bastille. The Arc de Triomphe bore a message in spray paint: We have chopped off heads for less than this, a reference to the death by guillotine of king Louis XVI and his wife, Marie-Antoinette. Are the yellow vests modern Jacobins fighting contemporary tyrannyor are they something entirely different? Quartz spoke with Danielle Tartakowsky, a history professor at Paris 8 university who recently published a book about the French state, about how to contextualize the yellow vests within Frances history of protest movements. According to Tartakowsky, the current demonstrations are unlike any other, marking an important shift in Frances political landscape. A grassroots movement Unlike in previous large-scale protest movements in France, the yellow vests began as an organic, grassroots movement, born of the frustration of a small group of individuals who organized the protests entirely on Facebook (link in French). Tartakowsky says thats one way in which these protests are unique. Typically, French protests on the left have been organized or supported by major labor unions, and protests on the right (such as the marches against the legalization of gay marriage in 2012) were typically organized by Catholic groups. The lack of institutional framework is one of the things that sets the yellow vests apart from previous political movements and give them independence from any particular party, politician, or political leaning. That is one of their strengths, says Tartakowsky, since it gives the movement broader appeal (link in French). But it is also a major weakness, since the movement suffers from a lack of coherent message and leadership. Even its elected representatives disagree with one another (link in French) about the future of the movement. Story continues And while the yellow vest movement began as a protest against the French governments planned increase in fuel taxes, its demands have since grown to encompass all sorts of grievances against the government of president Emmanuel Macron, from gender inequality to the funding of public services and immigration policies. These factors have made it difficult for the government to engage in dialogue with the yellow vests. An unusual coalition Frances previous blue-collar movements were traditionally affiliated with left-wing parties and workers unions, while its socially conservative movements have been linked to the right and religious groups. But the yellow vests are an amorphous group of people from all different political leanings in France, including socialists, communists, conservatives, far-right extremists, anarchists, and even centrists who identify as former Macron supporters. As Tartakowsky pointed out (link in French) in the French magazine Les Inrockuptibles, the movement has defined itself in opposition of Macron, a man who self-identifies as neither right nor left, and so it is neither on the right or left itself. We can see that our categories are disrupted, she told the magazine. Instead, the yellow vests have coalesced around what can broadly be described as a working- and middle-class agendaand a complaint that they have seen their quality of life and purchasing power dwindle in recent years. Writing in The New York Times, Alissa Rubin writes (paywall) that the protestors are men and women who rely on their cars to get to work and take care of their families, including small-business owners, independent contractors, farmers, home aides, nurses and truck drivers who live and work primarily in rural towns and in the suburbs or exurbs of Frances big cities, many earning just enough to get by. A reflection of Frances changing political system Tartakowsky says we cant understand the yellow vests without looking at the disintegration of Frances traditional left-right divide. Macron himself represents a type of political insurrection; when he created his own party La Republique En Marche, and beat every established party in France to win the presidency in May 2017, he caused a reorganization of French political structures. This geopolitical trend didnt start with Macron; the traditional, two-party system is under siege in many countries (paywall). But he has embodied this process more than any other single politician in France. Tartakowsky argues that the leaderless, grassroots yellow vests are a logical continuation of this reorganization of political and institutional life. The terms of our social and republican compromise was generated throughout fifty years of our history, she told daily newspaper Le Figaro (link in French). But there is not much left of it now. A new social compromise remains to be born. In my opinion, the yellow vests are a serious symptom of a problem whose outcome nobody seems to be able to control. And the problem is a daunting one: How can governments help the people left behind by a rapidly-changing, globalized economic system? Thats why she explains that, even if the yellow vests disband, economic inequality, the urban-rural divide, and the anti-globalization backlash that led to the protests will not go away. As she told Quartz,I think this is a moment that will be crucial for the future of the country. Looking for more in-depth coverage from Quartz? Become a member to read our premium content and master your understanding of the global economy. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: Libreville (AFP) - Gabon's President Ali Bongo is recovering well after being hospitalised in Morocco, his prime minister said after the two met in the capital Rabat. The 59-year-old president, who fell ill on October 24 at an economic forum, arrived in Morocco last week following a month's treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia for an illness that has not been officially revealed. "The head of state is doing fairly well, the process of his rehabilitation is evolving very quickly and positively," Prime Minister Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet said in Libreville late Tuesday. Ngondet had previously travelled to Morocco accompanied by senior officials to visit Bongo in hospital. "The head of state is conscious, he recognises who he is speaking to, he can see well, he speaks well, his voice is good," Ngondet told reporters. He said the officials were "reassured" following the meeting. Public television in Gabon late Tuesday broadcast a silent video of the meeting between Bongo, Ngondet, Vice President Pierre-Claver Maganga Moussavou and the head of the constitutional court, Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo. The footage follows the release on Monday by Morocco's royal palace of a handout picture which it said showed Moroccan King Mohamed VI with Bongo at the hospital. The prime minister's announcement follows more than a month of speculation over the health of the Gabonese president. After a long silence, the Gabonese presidency admitted last month that Bongo was "seriously ill" and had undergone surgery. The lack of official news recalled the secrecy surrounding the death of Bongo's father Omar Bongo in 2009 after decades at the helm. Ali Bongo was narrowly re-elected president in 2016 after beating opposition challenger Jean Ping by a few thousand votes following a poll marred by deadly violence and allegations of fraud. Opposition figure Jean Eyeghe Ndong on Wednesday dismissed Ngondet's assurances, calling for professional medical bulletins on Bongo's health. Doctors are "the most appropriate people" to assess the president's condition, said Ndong, head of the Coalition for the New Republic backing Ping. Rabat (AFP) - Gabon's President Ali Bongo has left hospital in Rabat and will stay at a private residence in the Moroccan capital as he recovers from illness, a presidency source said Wednesday. The 59-year-old, who fell ill on October 24 at an economic forum, arrived in Morocco last week following treatment in Saudi Arabia for an illness that has not been officially revealed. The decision to dismiss him from the military hospital in Rabat came "after authorisation from the medical team", the source in the Moroccan presidency said. Morocco's King Mohammed VI had on Monday paid a visit to Bongo at the hospital, with the palace issuing handout pictures of their meeting. The images failed to put to rest rumours about Bongo's health, with numerous posts on social media networks back home in Gabon raising doubts about their authenticity. On Tuesday evening, Gabonese public television broadcast a video showing the president with his prime minister, vice president and the head of the constitutional court. "The head of state is doing fairly well, the process of his rehabilitation is evolving very quickly and positively," Prime Minister Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet said in Libreville. Opposition figure Jean Eyeghe Ndong on Wednesday dismissed Ngondet's assurances, calling for professional medical bulletins on Bongo's health. Bongo arrived in Rabat last Thursday to continue his recuperation and rehabilitation in hospital, after more than a month at a medical facility in the Saudi capital Riyadh. 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. former U.S. President George Bush speaks during a forum to discuss the 10th anniversary of the Gulf War, February 23, 2001 In his one term as president, the late George H.W. Bush took a tough stance on Israel. His policy helped bring the Middle East closer to a semblance of peace than any president ever did before or since. According to the Huffington Post, Bush 41 helped orchestrate the first ever direct peace talks between Israel and Palestine. To help bring the meeting about, the former president threated United States aid to Israel, and he was the last U.S. president of either party to ever take such a firm stance with the country. Bushs foreign policy legacy, especially on the issue of Israeli-Palestinian peace, cannot be overstated, said Daniel Kurtzer, a longtime U.S. diplomat who helped shape Bushs Middle East policy. His willingness to be tough on all parties ushered in a period of intense diplomacy involving Israel and all of the Arab world. Click here to continue and read more... Budapest (AFP) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gave the green light Wednesday for the merger of hundreds of pro-government media outlets, despite criticism this will give him almost "complete control" of the country's media. Last week, some 500 pro-government media outlets were "donated" by their owners to a foundation set up in August and headed by a loyal ally of Orban. On Wednesday, the prime minister signed a decree classifying the merger as being of "national strategic significance in the public interest". In doing so, he blocked any possibility for competition or media authorities to challenge the move. The new conglomerate -- named the Central European Press and Media Foundation (CEPMF) -- comprises national and regional newspapers, websites, television and radio stations that were previously owned by a raft of government-linked figures. Since coming to power in 2010, Orban has turned Hungary's public media into a government propaganda organ while his allies have steadily bought up swathes of the private media sector, benefiting from lucrative state advertising revenue, critics say. The new merger brings these private companies under one umbrella group where they can come under "complete central control," according to Gabor Polyak, an analyst with Mertek Media Monitor. The Hague (AFP) - Police arrested dozens of suspected mobsters in Europe and South America on Wednesday in a huge international swoop targeting Italy's notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia clan, officials said. Nearly 90 people including high-ranking members of the powerful organised crime syndicate accused of drug trafficking and money laundering were arrested in coordinated raids in six countries, EU justice agency Eurojust said. The "unprecedented" crackdown on the group based in Calabria, southern Italy, came just a day after Italian police arrested the new boss of the separate Sicilian mafia. Hundreds of police took part in Wednesday's operation, seizing four tonnes of cocaine, 120 kilos of ecstasy and two million euros (dollars) in cash across Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Suriname. "Today, we send a clear message to organised crime groups across Europe," Filippo Spiezia, vice president of the EU's judicial agency Eurojust, told reporters in The Hague. "They are not the only ones able to operate across borders; so are Europe's judiciary and law enforcement communities." He said the "unprecedented and extraordinary result", the fruit of a two-year operation, targeted "dangerous members of the 'Ndrangheta family deeply involved in drug trafficking and money laundering". - Italian restaurants - The 'Ndrangheta -- which derives its meaning from the Greek word for heroism -- is made up of numerous village and family-based clans in Calabria, the rural, mountainous and under-developed "toe" of Italy's boot. Despite intense police attention and frequent arrests, the organisation has continued to extend its reach. It has surpassed Sicily's Cosa Nostra and the Naples-based Camorra in influence thanks to control of the cocaine trade and is the sole mafia organisation to operate on all continents, according to anti-mafia prosecutors. Story continues Officials hailed Wednesday's operation -- dubbed "Operation Pollina" -- as a serious blow to the group. In total 41 people were arrested in Italy, 21 in Germany, 14 in Belgium, five in the Netherlands and two in Luxembourg, with operations still underway, Eurojust said. Italian police said the sweep targeted the 'Ndrangheta and its "projections across South America". Italian anti-mafia prosecutor Federico Cafiero De Raho said the operations would affect the 'Ndrangheta's drug trafficking operations around the world, including Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil. But he warned that it was "just a first step", saying the arrests were "nothing for the 'Ndrangheta, there are thousands of people who should be arrested and billions that should be seized". In Germany, Wednesday's operation focused on restaurants, offices and apartments, mainly in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria region. Dutch prosecutors said the investigation began after they noticed money laundering at two Italian restaurants in the southern Netherlands that showed criminal links with Germany and Calabria, home of the 'Ndrangheta. Using an often family-based network spread out around Europe, drugs would come into the Dutch port of Rotterdam and the Belgian port of Antwerp before being moved around the continent. Prosecutor Fred Westerbeke said they had also probed ice cream parlours, adding that together with restaurants "the suspicion is that the mafia organisation is laundering money through these establishments and they are used as a cover for their criminal organisations". He also confirmed that there had been raids in Suriname, a small South American country that was once a Dutch colony. Dutch NOS television said the 'Ndrangheta were mainly active in the Netherlands in drug smuggling through the country's huge flower export market. - 'Decisive hit' - The Belgian operations were concentrated on the Limburg area, home to many people of Italian descent who moved there after World War II to work in coal mines, Belgian prosecutors said. The European police agency Europol said it was a "decisive hit against one of the most powerful Italian criminal networks in the world". European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, who is Italian, sent "congratulations" to the police forces involved, adding: "Europe fights 'Ndrangheta criminal groups". On Tuesday, Italian police arrested new Cosa Nostra boss Settimino Mineo and dozens of other suspects in Sicily in a major swoop. Jeweller Mineo, 80, was detained with at least 45 others just before he was due to be appointed official heir to notorious mafia boss Toto Riina, who died in prison last year. burs-dk/jj KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine said on Tuesday it had resumed grain shipments from the Azov Sea, blocked for around 10 days after a military standoff with Russia in the Kerch Strait off Crimea. Russia seized three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Nov. 25 after opening fire on them, accusing them of illegally entering its territorial waters. Ukraine denied its ships had done anything wrong and accused Russia of military aggression. Its president, Petro Poroshenko, imposed martial law on Nov. 26 in parts of the country deemed most vulnerable to Russian attack. "The passage of vessels with agricultural products through ports in the Azov Sea has been unlocked," Ukraine's agriculture ministry said on Tuesday in a statement. "The loading of grain to vessels through the ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk is restored and carried out in regular mode," it said. Earlier, Ukraine's infrastructure minister Volodymyr Omelyan had said the two ports - vital for eastern Ukraine's economy - had been "partially unlocked" with the restoration of some free movement through the Kerch Strait. Germany welcomed the news but also repeated its call for Russia to release the 24 Ukrainian sailors who are facing charges of illegally entering Russian waters. "We will try to ensure that this conflict does not result in a serious crisis," Foreign Heiko Maas told reporters in Brussels after a meeting of NATO foreign ministers also attended by officials from Ukraine and Georgia. Germany wants to de-escalate the situation and work toward a political solution, he said, adding there would be further discussions on the issue this week but gave no details. German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the Azov Sea standoff with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk in Kiev and Andrea Shalal in Berlin; Editing by Gareth Jones) Washington (AFP) - Texas executed a man Tuesday who, along with six others known as the "Texas Seven," killed a police officer during a 2000 crime spree before being arrested thanks in part to the television program "America's Most Wanted." Joseph Garcia, 47, was executed by lethal injection and pronounced dead at 6:43 pm local time (0043 GMT) in the death chamber in Huntsville. Sentenced to 50 years in prison for killing a friend during a fight, Garcia and six other inmates at the Connally high-security prison in southern Texas participated in an infamous escape. The men attacked guards for their uniforms and forced another to open the door. One of the men's fathers was waiting in a car outside. To finance their post-escape trip, the "Texas Seven" looted retail businesses, and on Christmas Eve, they attacked a sporting goods store in a Dallas suburb. As the men fled the scene, they killed Aubrey Hawkins, a young police officer who had been called in for reinforcement and who was showered with bullets and hit by a 4x4 plank of wood. Authorities launched a manhunt, offering a $100,000 reward, which eventually grew to $500,000 for information on the gang. After the airing of an episode of "America's Most Wanted" -- a popular program dedicated to the search for dangerous criminals -- several people reported crossing paths with the fugitives. Six weeks after their escape, the men were apprehended in Colorado, and one of them killed himself during the arrest. The survivors were found guilty of the officer's murder and sentenced to death. Three have already been executed and two more remain on death row. Garcia's lawyers argued that he did not fire the fatal shots and so should be spared, filing an unsuccessful last-minute appeal with the Supreme Court to suspend the execution. MEXICO CITY (AP) Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn into office Wednesday as the first elected female mayor of Mexico City and immediately announced she would dissolve the riot police. "The police are there to protect the people, and we don't need a police force to repress them," said Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum pledged to build cable cars to impoverished slums, and improve bus and subway service. She also said replacement housing would be built for people who lost their homes and apartments in the 2017 earthquakes. The previous administration had offered loans for rebuilding, but residents wanted the government to pay for the new units. Her key promises included reducing crime and enforcing zoning laws, a hot-button issue in the constantly growing megalopolis, where developers routinely build bigger buildings than zoning rules allow. Sheinbaum, who has a doctorate in environmental engineering, did post-doctoral research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California and is a former member of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. She's also a longtime associate of new leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The only previous female governor for the city of 9 million was Rosario Robles, who was appointed in 1999 to serve out the remaining year term of Cuauhtemoc Cardenas when he ran unsuccessfully for the presidency. Though Michelle Obama went through her teenage years at a much different time than her daughter, Malia, some things, she says, are universal. In a new interview for the January cover of Good Housekeeping, Mrs. Obama got candid about how shed compare her own adolescence with Malia, 20, and daughter Sasha, 17. Malia and I were talking recently about all the little things wed stress over in junior high and high school whether were wearing the right clothes, a snarky comment somebody made about us, the boys we crushed on, and on and on and on, Obama told Good Housekeeping. We laughed about how many hours were spent inside our heads, hoping a boy would ask us to dance, or stewing over a big test, just doing everything we could to avoid even the most minor embarrassments. Mrs. Obama, 54, admitted that when she was younger, she often wondered whether this kind of obsessive thinking was unique to me and my girlfriends, but I realize now that it was something every girl feels. Whats inspiring to me is that so many of the young women Ive met are triumphing in incredible ways, the Becoming author added to the magazine. Unlike my generation, theyre not as held back by the societal belief that girls and boys cant do the same things. RELATED: Meghan Markle and Michelle Obama Met Last Night for the First Time Heres What They Discussed Barack and Michelle Obama and daughter Malia Obama In a recent Good Morning America interview, the former first lady said her daughters are well-adjusted despite spending their younger years in the spotlight while dad, former President Barack Obama, was in the White House. Theyve managed the situation with poise and grace and they are normal and kind and smart and friendly and open, said Mrs. Obama. It couldve gone so wrong. RELATED: Michelle Obama Struggled to Keep Up with the Pace & Sometimes Didnt Feel Good Enough While First Lady Michelle Obama And despite living in the countrys most famous house, Mrs. Obama has said the girls still dealt with normal teen rites of passage including the prom. Story continues According to Becoming, Malia, then 16, begged the first lady and president on her special night in spring 2015: Just be cool please, okay? Malia told her parents that shed been invited to prom by a boy she kind of liked, Mrs. Obama writes in the book. RELATED VIDEO: Michelle Obama Shares the Advice Shed Give Meghan Markle: Dont Be in a Hurry to Do Anything On the appointed evening, her date arrived in his car, the former first lady writes, clearing security at the southeast gate of the White House, following the path up and around the South Lawn by which heads of state and other visiting dignitaries normally arrived, and then gamely bravely walking into the Dip Room dressed in a black suit. Her embarrassment [had] already [begun] to smolder as we rode the elevator downstairs, Mrs. Obama writes. I was barefoot, and Barack was in flip-flops. Malia wore a long black skirt and an elegant bare-shouldered top. She looked beautiful and about twenty-three years old. Moscow (AFP) - A defiant Vladimir Putin on Wednesday threatened to develop nuclear missiles banned under a treaty with the United States after Washington gave Moscow a deadline to comply with the key arms control agreement. The latest spike in tensions came a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would withdraw from a major Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms within 60 days if Russia does not dismantle missiles that the US claims breach the deal. Putin dismissed Pompeo's statement as a smokescreen, saying Washington had already decided to ditch the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF). "They thought we would not notice," the Kremlin chief said, claiming the Pentagon has already earmarked an amount for the development of missiles banned by the treaty. "We are against the destruction of this treaty. But if this happens, we will react accordingly." Putin said about a dozen countries were now producing mid-range missiles of the type banned by the INF treaty. "Apparently now American partners believe the situation has changed so much that the United States should also have such weapons. "What will be our answer? A simple one: we will also do this," Putin said. - 'Head off arms race' - In Brussels, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini urged Russia and the US to save the treaty, warning that Europe did not want to become a battlefield for global powers once again, as it had been during the Cold War. "The INF has guaranteed peace and security in European territory for 30 years now," Mogherini said as she arrived for talks with NATO foreign ministers. In October, President Donald Trump sparked concern globally by declaring the United States would pull out of the deal and build up America's nuclear stockpile "until people come to their senses". Putin at the time warned that abandoning the treaty and failure to extend another key arms control agreement known as the New START, would unleash a new arms race and put Europe in danger. Story continues On Monday, the US leader said he wants talks with Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping "to head off a major and uncontrollable arms race". Valery Gerasimov, head of Russia's General Staff, said that Moscow would increase the capabilities of its ground-based strategic nuclear arms. "One of the main destructive factors complicating the international situation is how the US is acting as it attempts to retain its dominant role in the world," he said in comments released by the defence ministry. "It is for these purposes that Washington and its allies are taking comprehensive, concerted measures to contain Russia and discredit its role in international affairs." - 'Ballistic missiles' - Signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, the INF resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals. But it was a bilateral treaty between the US and the then Soviet Union, so it puts no restrictions on other major military actors like China. Pompeo said at a meeting with fellow NATO foreign ministers on Tuesday that there was no reason why the US "should continue to cede this crucial military advantage" to rival powers. NATO said it was now "up to Russia" to save the treaty. The Trump administration has complained of Moscow's deployment of Novator 9M729 missiles, which Washington says fall under the treaty's ban on missiles that can travel distances of up to 5,500 kilometres (3,400 miles) The nuclear-capable Russian cruise missiles are mobile and hard to detect and can hit cities in Europe with little or no warning, according to NATO, dramatically changing the security situation on the continent. US-Russia ties are under deep strain over a number of crises including accusations Moscow meddled in the 2016 US presidential election. The two Cold War enemies are also at odds over Russian support for Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria's civil war, and the conflict in Ukraine. Washington on Tuesday promised Russia more "pain" if Moscow did not release three Ukrainian vessels and 24 sailors captured off Crimea last last month. WASHINGTON A memo filed in federal court for the District of Columbia on Tuesday confirmed that President Trumps former top national security adviser, Michael Flynn, has been cooperating extensively with special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The document also revealed that Mueller is working on a separate criminal investigation, but it did not divulge any details about the focus of that probe. The memo was a sentencing recommendation for Flynn that summarized his misconduct and subsequent work with prosecutors. It said Flynn had provided substantial assistance to Muellers team since pleading guilty to one count of making false statements to the FBI in November 2017. In the document, Mueller recommended that Flynn due to his cooperation receive the low end of the zero- to six-month sentence that could have come with his crime. Given the defendants substantial assistance and other considerations set forth below, a sentence at the low end of the guideline range including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration is appropriate and warranted, Mueller wrote. The seven-page sentencing memo was accompanied by a heavily redacted six-page addendum detailing the significance and usefulness of Flynns assistance. Mueller had requested that the addendum to be partially sealed because it contained what he described as sensitive information about ongoing investigations. Robert Mueller and Michael Flynn (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: AP) Most of the blacked out portions of the addendum dealt with a criminal investigation that the document distinguished from the special counsels principal probe into coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign. While Muellers documents provided almost no detail about this mysterious investigation, they confirmed it was separate from the Russia probe and that it is continuing. It is not clear from the documents whether the second investigation involves Trump. The addendum also included indications the other probe might involve prosecutors outside of Muellers office. Mueller wrote that, as part of his cooperation, Flynn participated in 19 interviews with the special counsel or attorneys from other Department of Justice offices. Story continues In addition to confirming the separate criminal investigation, one section of the addendum that noted Flynn has assisted with several ongoing investigations tantalizingly indicated there may be a third probe. The special counsels office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about how many investigations Flynn has assisted with. Michael Flynn after his plea hearing on Dec. 1, 2017, in Washington. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Details of Flynns cooperation had been hotly anticipated by close observers of the Mueller investigation. Since Flynns guilty plea one year ago, he has not appeared as a witness in any public proceeding related to the special counsels office and no information clearly derived from his cooperation surfaced in any court documents filed by the special counsel apart from status updates postponing his sentencing. Consequently, Tuesday nights filings represented the first substantial update to Flynns part of the investigation in a full year. In addition, the amount of disclosure provided by Flynns sentencing memo was a key signal of the status of Muellers investigation overall. A highly detailed picture of Flynns cooperation could have indicated that Mueller had few matters left that he wished to keep secret and the investigation was winding down, as many expected. However, the heavy redactions in the documents appear to indicate Mueller is continuing to work on significant matters not currently known to the public. The documents filed on Tuesday also provide some hints of where Muellers Russia probe is focusing. It said Flynn had provided firsthand information about the content and context of interactions between Trumps presidential transition team and Russian government officials. As an example, Mueller cited information Flynn provided prosecutors about his own contacts with Russia. Much of this portion of the document was heavily redacted, however. Michael Flynn and Russian President Vladimir Putin, at center on back side of table, attend a 2015 event marking the 10th anniversary of RT, a Russian TV news channel, in Moscow. (Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool/AP) ) A U.S. intelligence community assessment concluded Russia intervened in the 2016 election to help Trump. However, Trump has repeatedly dismissed Muellers probe as a partisan witch hunt and insisted there was no collusion between his campaign and the Kremlin. The president has also attacked other former allies who have cooperated with Mueller and accused them of trying to avoid punishment for their own independent misdeeds. The White House and Trumps legal team did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the Flynn memo. The false statements Flynn pleaded guilty to making to the FBI occurred in an interview he had with agents in January 2017, the month Trump took office. At the time, Flynn was serving as the presidents national security adviser. In that interview, Flynn falsely denied asking Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak not to respond to President Barack Obamas sanctions against the Kremlin for the election interference. Flynn was fired from the Trump administration in February 2017 after it was discovered he also lied about his contacts with Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence. Muellers memo also revealed that Flynn admitted to misrepresenting his lobbying work on behalf of the Turkish government. He was not charged for that crime. Prior to his short stint in the White House, Flynn was a particularly high profile and high volume supporter of Trump. At the Republican National Convention in 2016, Flynn gave a speech where he led a memorable lock her up chant calling for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton to be imprisoned for using a private email server to conduct official business during her time as secretary of state under Obama. Flynn had a decorated military career for more than three decades that culminated in reaching the rank of lieutenant general and serving as the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency under Obama. He was forced out in 2014, and reports at the time reference critics citing both a chaotic management style and policy plans for the agency that caused friction with both his supervisors and his subordinates. Flynns attorney, Robert Kelner, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the sentencing memo. Flynn is due to be sentenced on Dec. 18. Additional reporting contributed by Michael Isikoff _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Algiers (AFP) - The seven French monks among 19 Catholics murdered in Algeria in the 1990s, and being beatified Saturday, were killed in murky circumstances with damning claims years afterwards casting doubt on the official version. Only the heads of the men, aged between 45 and 82, were ever found after their kidnapping, which came as Algeria was deep in the 1991-2002 civil war between government forces and Islamists that left up to 200,000 people dead. The tragedy inspired the 2010 French film "Des Hommes et des Dieux" ("Of Gods and Men"), which won the Cannes film festival's Grand Prix that year. Here is an overview of the mystery of the murdered monks of Tibhirine. - Kidnapped from a monastery - The Trappist monks lived at the Notre Dame de l'Atlas monastery in Tibhirine, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) southwest of Algiers, outside the town of Medea. On the night of March 26 to 27, 1996, a group of gunmen stormed the monastery and kidnapped the seven Frenchmen. A month later the Armed Islamic Group of Algeria (GIA), one of the main insurgent groups at war with the secular government, claimed responsibility. GIA chief Djamel Zitouni said they could be exchanged for jailed insurgents. But on May 23 the GIA announced it had slit the monks' throats two days earlier, blaming the French government's refusal to negotiate. The Algerian army said it found their heads on May 30 on a road near Medea. The bodies were never seen again. - Questions surface - The Algerian government maintained that the massacre was another Islamist crime. However doubts were raised after allegations that the army itself may have been responsible, either through a blunder or to discredit the Islamists. In July 2002 a former Algerian soldier, Abderrahmane Chouchane, said that Zitouni had also been a military agent while running the GIA. Then in December 2002 an ex-member of the Algerian secret services, Abdelkader Tigha, claimed in the French daily Liberation that the military had ordered the abductions using the services of Zitouni's group. Story continues "Annoyed by the obstinate presence of the Trappist monks in a strategic area ... and anxious to secure France's support for its anti-terrorist campaign," the military decided to kidnap them, Tigha alleged from prison. In 2004 Paris prosecutors opened a formal inquiry. French general Francois Buchwalter, the military attache to Algiers in 1996, told the investigation in 2009 that he had learned that the Algerian military killed the men in error. Buchwalter said an Algerian soldier whose brother took part had told him that military helicopters had opened fire on a militant camp, realising afterwards that they had also killed the monks. The general said the monks' heads were removed afterwards to make it look like the work of jihadist rebels. He accused the French authorities of abetting a cover-up. - Skulls exhumed - In 2014, three years after a formal request, Algeria agreed the skulls, buried at the monastery, could be exhumed for examination in the presence of French magistrates and experts. It however blocked the French team from taking the samples back to Paris. In 2015 the investigators released a report that heaped doubts on the official version by concluding the monks were likely killed several weeks before the date claimed by the GIA. They said the skulls did not show bullet wounds, which would also undermine the claim of an army error, but without the bodies it was hard to make any conclusions on how the men died. Investigators were finally in 2016 able to take samples from the remains to France. Another report released in 2018 made similar conclusions but added that all the skulls showed signs of a "post-mortem decapitation", feeding suspicions their beheading may have been staged. - Martyrs - In January 2018 the Vatican declared that the monks were martyrs for their faith, along with the 12 other slain clergy, including the bishop of Oran, Pierre Claverie, killed in a bombing in 1996. They had been murdered "in odium fidei", or out of hatred for the faith, it said, opening the way for their beatification -- the first step on the path to Roman Catholic sainthood. LONDON (Reuters) - The Northern Irish party propping up British Prime Minister Theresa May's government will vote against her Brexit divorce deal in a key vote in parliament next week, according to one its lawmakers. The Democratic Unionist Party are unhappy with the divorce deal's so-called backstop provision which will align Northern Ireland more closely with the European Union than the rest of the United Kingdom if no other way can be found to avoid a hard border with the Republic of Ireland. "My party will be opposing this agreement as put forward on the basis that we believe it has left Northern Ireland in a constitutionally vulnerable position irrespective of the assurances that we have been given," Paul Girvan told parliament in a debate on the deal. (Reporting by Andrew MacAskill; Editing by Sandra Maler) Washington (AFP) - He hovers over Washington's seething political swamp like The Phantom. No one ever sees Robert Mueller, the special counsel leading the Russia collusion investigation; he never speaks. But he's constantly present, showing his hand through a trickle of court filings, each one stoking speculation through the halls of government, in offices and barrooms, and over dinner tables: What does he have on Donald Trump? Eighteen months into his investigation, Mueller has the US capital spellbound. He threw tantalizing new bait to Russia-gate adepts late Tuesday when he recommended to a court that Trump's former national security advisor Michael Flynn, who had lied to investigators about his own Russia contacts, be let off without any jail time. While Flynn was guilty of a "serious" offense, Mueller said in a court filing, he had fully cooperated with investigators in multiple cases, and submitted to interviews 19 times. What Flynn told them, though, Mueller wasn't saying. It all adds to a mystique about the veteran prosecutor, who is depicted in fan memes as a Star Wars Jedi or a character from Game of Thrones. "Mueller is coming," they warn ominously. Liberals see Mueller as a warrior against injustice, and are whipped up by every court document containing a tidbit that potentially links the president to a crime. Republicans are afraid to even imagine what damage their party faces from the outcome of the probe. Trump, meanwhile, seems more on edge with each new court filing, blasting out tweets calling the probe an "illegal witch hunt." - Invisible star - It's an extreme makeover for the 74-year-old former Marine, who was a public prosecutor battling the mafia and Russian spies before taking the lead of the Federal Bureau of Investigation just one week in advance of the devastating September 11, 2001 terror attacks. Director of the FBI for 12 years, he was a very public figure, respected but hardly beloved. Now, he is the invisible star of Washington. Story continues Yet he is barely known by the people that cheer and fear him. Gaunt and stately, he has only been spotted in public a handful of times this year, reported and heavily forwarded on social media: alone, with no security, crossing a Washington street; dining in a low-key restaurant; getting help at the Georgetown Apple store with his wife of 52 years, Anne Standish. "Even special counsel needs occasional IT support," tweeted communications consultant Meghan Pianta, who snapped a photo of the couple with one of the Apple techies. In July, he was also spied in Washington National Airport waiting for a flight, unwittingly just feet away from Donald Trump Jr., the president's son who is believed to be a target of the investigation. Mueller lives in a gated community in Northern Virginia, and arrives at and leaves work at a non-descript office building in southwest Washington unseen through the parking garage. He doesn't visit the White House to talk with Trump's lawyers; they go to him. Mostly, his two dozen seasoned investigators and prosecutors do the public work, making court appearances and filings, and likewise letting documents speak for them. Few know what Mueller is like in person. Is he the brusque taskmaster who demanded results in the 9/11 investigation barely 24 hours after it took place? Or the quiet, patient but determined chess-player that the Russia collusion investigation's steady march suggests? News-wise, in notoriously leaky Washington, his shop is hermetically sealed, making it an object of both wonder and disbelief. He has a spokesman, Peter Carr, who will explain things that are already public record. For any seeking a hint of what is coming up, the answer is always "We decline to comment." - Threatened by Trump - However, by never defending themselves in public, his operation stays vulnerable to attacks like Trump's, who repeatedly has threatened to shut the investigation down. Mueller, the president said on Twitter on Monday, "is a much different man than people think." "His out of control band of Angry Democrats, don't want the truth, they only want lies." Despite hours spent speculating every day by an army of TV analysts, no one knows exactly where the investigation stands. That could change on Friday when Mueller's team is expected to divulge more of what they have uncovered in a court filing in the case of Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, who like Flynn has been cooperating. If he sticks to practice, Mueller still will not give away the whole picture, until he is ready. His fans, though, are showing signs of impatience. To wit, Saturday Night Live closed its show last week demanding results in an abridged chorus of the Mariah Carey holiday rocker: "Mueller, All I want For Christmas is You." RAF AKROTIRI, Cyprus (AP) Prince William and his wife Kate brought Christmas gifts and holiday greetings Wednesday to British servicemen at the Royal Air Force Base Akrotiri in Cyprus. The visit by William and the Duchess of Cambridge was designed to honor the estimated 11,000 British soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines deployed on foreign operations over the holidays. After meeting servicemen in a hangar, William thanked Britain's Armed Forces for their sacrifices. "We are in your debt and Catherine and I feel very lucky to be able to spend time with you today," he said. Officials say British forces are involved in 30 operations in 35 countries. On Tuesday, the royal couple also hosted a party on the grounds at London's Kensington Palace for military families. The Akrotiri base plays an important role in Britain's military activities throughout the Middle East. Hundreds showed up at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on December 4 to protest against the lame duck session in which outgoing Republicans are attempting to pass multiple bills before handing over to the recently elected Democrats. Protesters gathered in the rotunda, chanting we voted for blue, not for you, and shame. A report from the Lansing State Journal said that protesters took particular issue with SB 1254, a bill looking to change Proposal 2, which was a ballot initiative to limit gerrymandering that voters already green-lighted during the midterm vote. Additionally, protesters opposed bills proposing amendments to limit the increase on minimum wage and sick pay. Overall, reports said these efforts were designed to attempt to limit the power of the incoming governor, attorney general, and secretary of state, all of whom are Democrats. Credit: @Abby_B19 via Storyful KATOWICE, Poland (AP) Arnold Schwarzenegger says he wishes he could travel back in time like the cyborg he played in "The Terminator" so he could stop fossil fuels from being used. "If we would've never started in that direction and used other technology, we'd be much better off," the actor and former California governor said Monday at the start of a U.N. climate conference in Poland. "The biggest evil is fossil fuels: it's coal, it's gasoline, it's the natural gas," he told conference delegates. Schwarzenegger also insisted that the United States was "still in" an international accord to curb global warming despite U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to walk away from the agreement. Calling Trump "meshugge" - Yiddish for "crazy" - for abandoning the accord, Schwarzenegger said the 2015 agreement has widespread support at the local and state levels even if the federal government isn't on board. American states, cities, businesses and citizens can do a lot to curb global warming, and representatives from those arenas should be invited to next year's climate conference, he told the audience in Poland. "And if you do that, I promise you: I'll be back," he said in another reference to "The Terminator." Schwarzenegger later told The Associated Press he has converted his signature Humvee trucks to run on hydrogen, electricity and biofuel and only allows himself to eat meat three days a week. "I mean, maybe it tastes delicious, but I think we should think then and there before we eat about the world and about the pollution," he said. "So I discontinued eating meat four days a week. And eventually, maybe we'll go to seven days" The disappearance of American tourist Carla Stefaniak in Costa Rica and the grim discovery of a body in the backyard of her AirBnB is shedding light on the growing violence in the Central American country, which had long been considered safe. Authorities are awaiting an autopsy to confirm that the remains, found on Tuesday, are those of Stefaniak. The 36-year-old Florida resident disappeared Nov. 28 from the capital, San Jose. She had been visiting Costa Rica with her sister-in-law, April Burton, to celebrate her birthday. According to a GoFundMe, Burton left last Tuesday while Stefaniak was scheduled to fly home the following day. Although she checked in for her flight, Stefaniak never made it on board. A week after she went missing, police confirmed they found a body in the backyard of the Airbnb where Stefaniak had been staying. Costa Rica has garnered a reputation for being one of the safest countries in Central America, particularly for tourists. Known for its rainforest and beaches, the Central American country is sandwiched between Panama and Nicaragua. Recently though, the murder rate in the country of 4.9 million has been on the rise, with a record-high of 603 people killed in 2017, Bloomberg reported. Thats a 63% increase compared to 10 years ago. In August Costa Rica was in the spotlight when two female tourists were killed within a week. According to Costa Rican news site QCOSTARICA.com, a 31-year-old Spanish woman was found strangled to death near Tortuguero National Park and days later a 25-year-old Mexican tourist was drowned to death at El Carmen beach in Santa Teresa. The brutal deaths were a huge concern to Costa Rican authorities at the time. Shortly after the murders security minister Michael Soto told Bloomberg, There has already been damage done to the countrys image. In October, the body of 62-year-old Vermont-native Thomas Cook was found in a shallow grave after he was being reported missing for weeks, Fox News reported. Cook had retired and was living in a small town outside of San Jose. Police are investigating his cause of death. Story continues The recent string of homicides might have financial consequences for the country as well. Tourism makes up a large portion of the nations economy. Bloomberg reported that Costa Rica had nearly 3 million tourists visit the country in 2017, with almost half the visitors coming from the U.S. and Canada. In 2017 alone tourism brought in $3.9 billion for the economy, according to the tourism chamber. According to the U.S. Commerce Departments National Travel & Tourism Office, Costa Rica ranked 15th among international destinations for Americans, with more than 1 million visiting in 2017. However, tourism dipped in 2017 as the number of American visitors declined for the first time since 2009. While officials have not stated a reason for the decline in American tourism, it comes as there is a spike in crime in the country. According to InSight Crime, a nonprofit news organization that focuses on crime in Latin America, in the first six months of 2018, Costa Rica registered 302 homicides, an increase of 29 during the same period the previous year. Officials from the Judicial Investigation Agency (Organismo de Investigacion Judicial) project that 2018 will break 2017s record with an estimated 625 homicides. But despite the rise in murders, Costa Rica is still one of the safest country in the region. The homicide rate as of 2017 was 12.1 out of 100,000, according to data compiled by InSight Crime. Thats still lower than the murder rate in other top destinations for American tourists like Mexico, 22.5; the Dominican Republic, 14.9; and Jamaica, 55.7. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A condemned Tennessee inmate is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to halt his Thursday execution and consider his claims that the electric chair is unconstitutional but the state's lethal injection method is worse. Attorneys for David Earl Miller filed a petition with the high court Monday after a panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the inmate. Miller has chosen to die by electrocution, the second Tennessee inmate in just more than a month to make that choice. His attorneys have argued that Tennessee's preferred execution method of midazolam-based lethal injection cause a prolonged and torturous death. The 6th Circuit ruled that Miller could not challenge electrocution because he chose that method. His attorneys argue the choice was coerced by the threat of something even worse. Lome (AFP) - Togolese churches on Wednesday called for the postponement of parliamentary elections that have been boycotted by the main opposition parties because of alleged irregularities. The country has been rocked in the last year by a wave of protests calling for the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbe, whose family has been in power since 1968. The opposition is calling for constitutional reforms that would put a limit on presidential terms and reconfigure the office of the electoral commission. In a joint statement, evangelical, Presbyterian and Methodist churches denounced the "non-consensual conditions" of the December 20 election. "A postponement of a few months" would "deepen the dialogue", it added. "It is clear that on the one hand the reforms have still not been made, and that on the other the revision of the electoral roll was made by the electoral commission without the inclusive participation of all relevant actors," said the statement. The attitude of the political class "viscerally obsessed by the defence of its political interests legitimately raises questions about its attachment to the people it aspires to lead". The government has pledged to implement the requested reforms but not retroactively apply the two-term limit, which the oppositions says would enable Gnassingbe to stand for re-election in 2020 and 2025. He has been in power since the death of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, in 2005. Last week, the new draft of the constitution was not passed by parliament. The opposition, which was absent, said they had not been informed of the meeting. The coalition also announced on Wednesday a series of new protests to stop the election by December 18, the date when the campaign is scheduled to end. Istanbul (AFP) - A Turkish court issued arrest warrants Wednesday for two suspects close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, increasing pressure on the kingdom's de facto leader. The chief prosecutor's office in Istanbul filed an application on Tuesday to obtain the warrants for Ahmad al-Assiri and Saud al-Qahtani, described in court documents as being "among the planners" of Khashoggi's grisly killing. Then on Wednesday, an Istanbul court issued the arrest warrants for Assiri and Qahtani on the charge of "deliberately killing (someone) with monstrous feeling or causing torment", according to state news agency Anadolu. Assiri, the former deputy head of general intelligence, often sat in during Prince Mohammed's closed-door meetings with visiting foreign dignitaries. Qahtani was a key counsellor to the crown prince. Both were sacked after Riyadh admitted Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate. Saudi Arabia has sought to distance Prince Mohammed from the murder and has received support from US President Donald Trump. His administration has downplayed possible links between the crown prince and what happened to Khashoggi, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis saying they had seen no direct ties. But two key senators from Trump's own Republican party said Tuesday that a briefing by the CIA's director had strengthened their conviction that Prince Mohammed directed the murder. After the hour-long briefing by CIA direcotr Gina Haspel, US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker said he had "zero question in my mind" that Prince Mohammed directed the killing. Trump ally and fellow Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said the "crazy" crown prince was "complicit in the murder of Mr Khashoggi to the highest level possible". "You have to be wilfully blind" not to conclude the murder was orchestrated by people under Prince Mohammed's command, Graham added, in a swipe at Trump, Mattis and Pompeo. Story continues On Wednesday, Mattis said Graham "has the right to his own opinion." "We believe in accountability for whoever was directly involved in the Khashoggi murder", he told reporters. "I am quite satisfied we will find more evidence of what happened. I just don't know what it is going to be, or who will be implicated, but we will follow it as far as we can." - Remains not found - Khashoggi, a Saudi contributor to the Washington Post, was killed shortly after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain paperwork for his upcoming marriage. According to Turkey, a 15-member Saudi team was sent to Istanbul to kill him. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government, but has insisted it was not King Salman. The Istanbul prosecutor in charge of the Turkish investigation said in late October that Khashoggi, a former Saudi insider turned critic, was strangled then his body was cut into pieces. Turkish officials have searched the consulate, the consul-general's residence, a forest in Istanbul and two villas in the northwestern province of Yalova, but Khashoggi's remains have still not been found. Riyadh, after initially denying that Khashogghi had been killed at the consulate, has detained 21 people over the murder and is seeking death penalties against five of them. But it has strongly denied the crown prince was involved. - Saudis 'won't take action' - A senior Turkish official said Wednesday that the prosecutor's move "reflects the view that the Saudi authorities won't take formal action against those individuals". Riyadh could "address those concerns" by extraditing the suspects to Turkey, the official said. The official, who did not wish to be named, also suggested there could be more arrest warrants sought by the prosecutor. Erdogan maintained pressure on Riyadh this week in an interview with reporters during his visit to South America, urging the kingdom to provide further details. "Where is Khashoggi's body? Your team of 20 knows this," he demanded, the Hurriyet newspaper quoted him as saying. On Saturday Erdogan insisted that the Saudis extradite suspects in the killing to Turkey for trial, but said the kingdom was not cooperating. - Turkey seeks transparency - Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday said Turkey would "not hesitate" to seek an international probe if there were difficulties during its investigation. Cavusoglu also criticised the lack of evidence given to Turkey by Riyadh as he urged the kingdom to be "transparent". The murder has damaged Riyadh's international reputation and Western countries including the US, France and Canada have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals. Two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn was in Istanbul on Wednesday filming a documentary about the murder, Anadolu reported, sharing images of the American actor outside the consulate. Six US marines were missing after two American military aircraft crashed on Thursday during a refuelling operation off the coast of Japan, officials from both countries told AFP. The two planes -- an F-18 fighter and a C-130 tanker -- were involved in a "mishap about 200 miles off of the coast of Japan around 2:00 am" according to a statement from the US Marines in Japan. A US defense official told AFP there had been a crash after the plane took off from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in southern Japan. A spokesman for Japan's Self-Defense Forces said that one of the airmen had been rescued but the immediate fate of the remaining crew members was unclear. The crew member was being assessed by doctors, the Marine statement said, adding that "the search and rescue operations continue for the remaining six." The C-130 was thought to be carrying five servicemen and the F-18 two, said the Japanese official, who added that Japan had scrambled four aircraft and three ships in the search. US media also reported five crew on the C-130 and two on the F-18. "We are thankful for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's efforts as they immediately responded in the search and rescue operation," the Marines said. The planes took off from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in southern Japan and were "conducting regularly scheduled training when the mishap occurred," the statement said. The circumstances of the mishap are currently under investigation, the military added. The US military has about 50,000 troops stationed in Japan and accidents are not uncommon. In November, a US navy fighter jet crashed into the sea off Japan's southern island of Okinawa and its two crew members were rescued alive. The US military has also experienced difficulties with its Osprey helicopters, with several emergency landings, a deadly crash and a piece of the chopper falling on the grounds of a Japanese school. Those incidents have stoked tensions between close military allies Washington and Tokyo and led to protests against the deployment of Ospreys by residents living near US bases. Goma (DR Congo) (AFP) - Uganda has vaccinated thousands of health workers against Ebola to counter the spread of the deadly virus from its neighbour Democratic Republic of Congo, the health ministers of both countries said Wednesday. A growing outbreak of Ebola in the Beni region of eastern DR Congo, just 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the Ugandan border, has claimed some 268 lives among a total of 453 cases, according to figures released Tuesday from the DRC health ministry. Uganda, which last month announced the plan to roll out the vaccinations for frontline health workers over fears the virus could spread, said on Wednesday that it had already given the precautionary treatment to 3,000 people "because we are worried". "We have not waited for the first case to arrive. The vaccination is continuing," said Ugandan Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, at a joint briefing with her Congolese counterpart Oly Ilunga in Goma. Thousands of people cross the 15 border points between the two countries, particularly on midweek market days, she added. Giving an update on DR Congo's own vaccine drive, Ilunga said authorities had given the treatment to some 38,000 people. "If there were no vaccines, half of those would have developed the illness, we would be at tens of thousands of victims and of deaths," he estimated. Eastern DR Congo is ravaged by decades of inter-ethnic bloodshed and militia violence, hampering the response to the Ebola outbreak, which is testing a large UN peacekeeping mission deployed in the country. DR Congo last month kicked off campaigning for a crucial December 23 election to choose a successor to President Joseph Kabila, who has constitutionally remained in power as caretaker leader even though his second and final elected term ended nearly two years ago. Ilunga said each polling station in the affected areas would have an area for disinfection and to check temperatures. "During the entire epidemic we have not shut down social life. The markets are open, the schools are open, the churches have not closed," he said. "We think that the organisation of the elections are not an additional risk." United Nations (United States) (AFP) - A UN team authorized over a year ago to investigate the massacre of the Yazidi minority and other atrocities by jihadists in Iraq will finally begin work early next year, the head of the investigation said Tuesday. The UN Security Council adopted a resolution in September 2017 to bring those responsible for Islamic State group war crimes to justice -- a cause championed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad and international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney. The team, led by British lawyer Karim Asad Ahmad Khan, was deployed to Baghdad in October, but has since focused on administrative and technical details to lay the groundwork for the probe. "The investigative team now looks forward to continuing preparations in Iraq with a view to commencing investigative activities in early 2019," Ahmad Khan told the council during his first report. The Iraqi government had resisted calls for the UN probe and the head of the investigative team stressed that much effort had been deployed to ensure cooperation from Baghdad. Ahmad Khan told the council that "the realization of our investigative activities is dependent on securing the cooperation, support and trust of all elements of Iraqi society." The United Nations has described the massacre of the Yazidis by IS jihadists as possible genocide and UN rights investigators have documented horrific accounts of abuse suffered by women and girls. Nadia Murad is among thousands of Yazidi women who were taken hostage and held as sex slaves when IS fighters swept into Iraq's Sinjar region in August 2014. The investigators will gather evidence on war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide for use in Iraqi courts that will hold trials for IS militants, according to the UN resolution. More than 200 mass graves containing up to 12,000 bodies have been recently discovered in Iraq, providing evidence of war crimes by IS. The United States announced it will provide $2 million to support the work of the investigative team, known as UNITAD, the UN investigative team to promote accountability for crimes committed by Daesh, an Arabic acronym for IS. Story continues After being awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize, Murad said she wanted IS jihadists to face trial in a courtroom. "For me, justice doesn't mean killing all of the Daesh members who committed these crimes against us," she said in October. "Justice for me is taking Daesh members to a court of law and seeing them in court admitting to the crimes they committed against Yazidis and being punished for those crimes specifically," she said in October. Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump appeared increasingly under threat from the Russia collusion probe Wednesday after a court filing revealed that his former national security advisor Michael Flynn cooperated extensively in multiple high-level investigations over the past year. A sentencing recommendation late Tuesday from Russia probe head Robert Mueller that Flynn spend no time in jail explained that the retired three-star general had given "substantial assistance" to his and other secret, high-level investigations. Underscoring the level of cooperation, the filing in the federal court in Washington spelled out that Flynn had been interviewed a total of 19 times over the past year -- during which his sentencing for one charge of lying to investigators had been postponed four times. "Given the defendant's substantial assistance and other considerations set forth below, a sentence at the low end of the guideline range -- including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration -- is appropriate and warranted," Mueller said in a memorandum to the court. That came on the heels of Trump's ex-personal lawyer Michael Cohen admitting in a court filing last week that he had been in contact with a top aide to Russia President Vladimir Putin well into the 2016 presidential campaign over obtaining a green light to develop a 100 story Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen made clear that, contrary to the president's previous denials, he had informed Trump and members of his family about the project throughout the first half of 2016, even after Trump had secured the Republican presidential nomination. - Mueller building a case - Taken together, the two cases added to the evidence that Mueller is building a case that there was frequent and possibly systematic communications between Trump's inner circle and Moscow ahead of the November 2016 presidential election that could bolster charges of perjury or even conspiracy to collude with the Russians. Story continues After having condemned Cohen as a liar and saying he deserved a "full and complete" jail sentence, Trump was notably silent early Wednesday about the implications of what Flynn may have told investigators. Flynn was a top-level insider in the 2016 campaign, accompanying Trump to key events and making a keynote speech at the July Republican convention, where he led the audience in a rousing cheer to "lock up" Trump's election rival Hillary Clinton. He then took hold of national security policy in the White House in Trump's first weeks in office, making him a potentially extremely valuable witness. The sentencing memorandum from Mueller, however, gave no hint of what the former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency has said. It said he cooperated on questions regarding Mueller's examination of actions by senior officials of Trump's transition team between the election and the January 20, 2017 inauguration. That could point to Vice President Mike Pence, Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, or Trump's former deputy chief of staff Rick Dearborn. That was the period in which Flynn repeatedly had secret phone discussions with Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak that he later lied about, which led to his early expulsion from the White House and then to charges he lied to Mueller's investigators. But in a heavily redacted addendum to Tuesday's memorandum, Mueller indicated that Flynn was helping on two other investigations, at least one not in his hands, that appeared to have deep national security implications. That could be an ominous signal for Trump, Adam Schiff, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, suggested. "That most of the details are redacted signals he has given far more than we or the President may know," Schiff said in a tweet. However sketchy, the revelations led to new calls in Congress for a law to protect the 18-month-old Mueller investigation. Trump recently installed an acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, who has strongly criticized Mueller for supposedly overreaching in his investigation. "We need to protect the Mueller investigation now more than ever. There's a bipartisan bill waiting to do this in the Senate. We need our Republican colleagues to join us and pass it," Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote Wednesday on Twitter. IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis presented Tuesday footage of Hezbollah terrorists approaching a hidden camera inside a tunnel located on the Lebanese border. The camera was placed by the IDF earlier on Tuesday, as part of Operation Northern Shield to expose and neutralize terror tunnels built by Hezbollah along the border. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The video captures two Hezbollah terrorists approaching the hidden IDF camera and running away from it, as a device, which was attached to it, explodes. Hezbollah terrorist inside the tunnel (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) The footage was shown at the beginning of a special press conference held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot at the Kirya Headquarters in Tel Aviv. Hezbollah terrorists inside a tunnel (: ") X IDF spokesperson revealed additional information about the tunnel which was discovered and neutralized by the IDF. "The tunnel was dug underneath a civilian building that served as a civilian block factory until 2014, only a few meters away from United Nations Interim Force's (UNIFIL) post and patrols," he said. "A few minutes after the beginning of the operation, we placed a hidden camera 25-meter deep inside the tunnel. A few minutes after the camera was placed, you can see two Hezbollah terrorists approaching the camera, and detonating a small bomb which was attached to it. In a matter of minutes, the small device is replaced by a larger bomb that prevents operational use inside other tunnels," Manelis explained. After the footage was shown, the prime minister said that Operation Northern Shield, the Israeli military's operation to destroy cross-border tunnels constructed by the Iran-backed Shiite militia "will continue until all its objectives are met." Eisenkot and Netanyahu (Photo: Reuters) "This is not a limited operation, it is a broad and ongoing operation...For years, Hezbollah and Hamas invested huge sums and efforts in building tunnels and hiding them. Well, the army is methodically, calmly, and decisively dismantling this weapon," Netanyahu stated. "I want to express special appreciation to the Chief of Staff for leading the operation, as well as to former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman, who helped prepare this operation," he continued. "Only two weeks ago I said that in order to ensure the security of Israel, we need to be patient and stay calm. I also said that there is more than meets the eye. Today, I want to tell you that what you see now is only a small part of the overall picture of the action we have taken and continue to take to ensure Israel's security in all sectors," the prime minister and minister of defense added. "The operation is due to last several weeks and will be led by the head of the IDF Northern Command Maj. Gen. Yoel Strick," IDF chief of staff Eisenkot said in a statement. According to Eisenkot, the cabinet approved the operation on November 17 when "conditions were ripe. The army chief added the operation was launched before the tunnels became operational and posed an immediate and direct threat to northern communities and IDF bases in the north. The operation that led to a cease-fire with Hamas Shortly before the press conference, a special Security Cabinet meeting was held. During the meeting, the ministers received updates on the operation, which was finally approved at a cabinet meeting last Wednesday. However, Operation Northern Shield was discussed at several cabinet meetings, including the dramatic meeting on November 13, in which the cease-fire deal with Hamas was approved. On his first day in the Defense Ministry, Netanyahu hinted at a dramatic event that led to the cease-fire deal. It is now clear that the tunnel threat was one of the factors that influenced the decision to refrain from a military operation in Gaza. IDF forces begin Operation Northern Shield (Photo: AP) However, the tunnel threat was not the only factor that influenced the cabinet's decision. According to several ministers, there were additional considerations that led to the cease-fire deal with Hamas which are related to the north. The army pressed the cabinet to carry out the operation at this time, a proposal which was raised even before Avigdor Lieberman's resignation as minister of defense. "It was clear to those present that Lieberman objected to the operation in the north for political reasons," cabinet ministers said, while rejecting the claims that there was a connection between the timing of the operation and the prime minister's investigation. During the discussions, the army estimated that the operation would not lead to an escalation in the north. However, they did not rule out the possibility that the operation might spill into a military conflict. This is a hard strategic blow to Hezbollah, which keeps losing a significant offensive tool, in addition to an intelligence failure. One tunnel has already been found, stretching from a residential structure in the south of Kafr Kela in Lebanon and reaching 40 meters (130 feet) into Israeli territory. The IDF said it took Hezbollah two years to dig the 200-meters-long (656 feet) tunnel in the rocky terrain, adding there are longer tunnels. The tunnel is about two meters tall and two meters wide (6 feet 7 inches) and includes ventilation systems, electricity and piping. It was dug 25 meters (82 feet) underground. Unlike the tunnels Hamas is digging in Gaza, Hezbollah's tunnel does not require concrete walls as it is supported by the rocky terrain it was dug through. IDF soldiers on the Lebanese border (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) Hezbollah is closely monitoring the activities of IDF forces and has distributed video clips and close-up pictures of soldiers and officers on the border during the operation. Large UNIFIL forces were deployed Tuesday on both sides of the border. In addition, dozens of UN soldiers came to monitor and document the events in an attempt to calm the situation and prevent escalation. Moreover, the airspace 6 kilometers from the Lebanese border was closed Tuesday for civilian flights. The airspace will be closed until Wednesday at 5pm. The IDF has also mobilized artillery and conducted a partial mobilization of reservists as part of the operation to expose and neutralize Hezbollah tunnels on the Lebanese border. IDF officials estimated the operation would last a few weeks, but noted that "some of the actions will be precise and others less so. We hold a broader picture than the route itself, including where each tunnel came from." Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon predicted Tuesday that a US-sponsored resolution condemning the Hamas terror organization for launching rockets from Gaza into Israel will be approved by the General Assembly "no matter what." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Danon told reporters he believes "we will get a majority" of the votes, with at least 50 countries currently expected to vote in favor of the US draft resolution. The 193-member General Assembly is scheduled to vote on the draft Thursday afternoon. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon (Photo: AFP) The draft resolution "demands that Hamas and other militant actors, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, cease activity, including by using airborne incendiary devices." In addition, the resolution seeks to condemn the Palestinian factions in Gaza for using civilian infrastructure for military purposes and for violating human rights. It also calls on Hamas to stop violent attacks against humanitarian aid workers and medical staff. The draft further urges the terror group to go back to the negotiating table to restart the intra-Palestinian reconciliation processwhich might have contributed to the decision of the Arab states to vote in favor of the draft. It was amended to gain support of the 28-member European Unionas well as some countries from Eastern Europe, the Pacific islands and African statesadding a reference to "relevant UN resolutions," though not specific ones. Arab states are also expected to back the US draft despite efforts by Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to torpedo the move by appealing to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who promised to enlist the help of the Arab UN member states to stop the resolution. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (Photo: EPA) The Palestinian Authority (PA) is also expected to join forces with the terror group and vote against the resolution. "Hamas is a Palestinian political party and can not be defined as a terrorist organization," said the Secretary General of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Saeb Erekat. US envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt condemned the PA for its decision to back Hamas, calling it beyond absurd. "The Palestinian Authority, which hates Hamas, has cut payments to Gaza for months, increasing the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, now tries to defend Hamas and terrorism by undermining a condemnation of Hamas at the UN. Its time to speak the truth," stressed Greenblatt on his Twitter account. Nevertheless, Kuwait's UN Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi said Arab nations will seek to have the resolution approved by a two-thirds majority rather than a simple majority. Secretary General of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Saeb Erekat (Photo: AFP) However, the Hamas vote is just a fig leaf in the context of an overwhelming amount of anti-Israel resolutions, Professor Eytan Gilboa, a senior research associate at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, told the Media Line. Arab states, he explained, would only vote for it because they also hate Hamas," but "even if this resolution passes, it doesnt mean much because General Assembly resolutions (as opposed to Security Council resolutions) are just recommendations. Yet the disparity between anti-Israeli resolutions and those benefiting Israels security, clearly show an imbalance when it comes to the Middle East peace process. Its important to pass this resolution in view of the last eight months of violent Hamas-sponsored protests along the Israel-Gaza border, he continued, but its just a drop in the bucket in terms of adopting reasonable resolutions that are not one-sided. The UN General Assembly Beyond such disparities on Israel, some experts have pointed to problems in how the voting at the UN is structured. The United Nations, at least in the General Assembly, has a structure based on full equality between nations, Einat Wilf, a former member of Knesset, explained to The Media Line. Therefore, dictatorships have the same rights in the assembly as advanced liberal democracies, and since the UN enjoys an image of general respectability, few are aware of the wide gulf between what the UN stands for and what it actually does, she concluded. A powerful earthquake that struck in the southern Pacific Ocean on Wednesday sent jitters around the region after authorities warned of possible tsunamis, but there were no initial reports of destructive waves or major damage. The magnitude 7.5 quake hit in the afternoon near New Caledonia at a shallow depth, where earthquakes are generally more damaging. It was felt as far away as Vanuatu. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves of between 1 and 3 meters (3 and 10 feet) were possible along some coasts of New Caledonia and Vanuatu, before later lifting the warning. Local authorities in New Caledonia ordered residents to evacuate coastal zones on the eastern edge of the archipelago, including the Iles Loyaute islands and Ile des Pins island. The evacuation order from the regional police said western islands didn't need to evacuate but should remain vigilant. Residents of the north, residing in the vicinity of the Lebanese border, said Wednesday, following the launch of Operation Northern Shield, that they have been notifying authorities about the tunnel threat for years, but were blatantly ignored. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter "I told the army I was hearing strange noises back in 2013. They came, checked the area and told me the noise came from a water pool and a stalactite cave. Now I know I was right," said Shula Asayag, 70, who has been living in Zar'it, a moshav near the Lebanese border, for the past 50 years. IDF Operation Northern Shield She is not the only one. Many residents of the north said at the launch of Operation Northern Shield Tuesday that they told authorities about Hezbollah's tunnels a long time ago, but no one was listening. "For years, when my children come to visit, they are too afraid to stay the night," said Asayag. "Now, when the tunnels are exposed, I am more at ease, they are taking care of it. By the way, I'm not afraid for my life, I'm afraid for the lives of the soldiers." David Ozana, 65, who lives 300 meters away from the border, also suspected something is going on beneath the surface: "I reported hearing drill noises, the army arrived with a drill and assured us that there was nothing wrong. Perhaps they only said so to deceive the other side. But the moshav brought in experts who determined with certainty that tunnels were dug hereit turns out they were right. I have no doubt that a horrible disaster was prevented." David Ozana Galit Levy, 28, was born in Zar'it when sounds of Katyusha rockets ripped through the air. "We heard the sound of explosions, and saw trucks moving dirt piles across the border. IDF forces came in and inspected the area, but, it's not pleasant to say but it's the truth: they were looking in the wrong places. Today, I am more at ease but as a mother I have a responsibility: if something happens, I will leave Zar'it in a second. It's very frightening to think about terrorists infiltrating Israel underneath our feet. Not too far from here, soldiers were kidnapped," she explained. Beni Ben Muvhar, head of Mevo'ot HaHermon Regional Council, said he warned about the tunnel threat four years ago. "They thought I was crazy," he disclosed and added that he is "glad the army didnt ignore the residents' warnings. I assume the chief of staff knows exactly what he's doing." Shlomi Local Council Chairman Gabi Naaman asked his employees to inspect the shelters in town, 136 in number, and go over procedures. "It's good that the army exposed the tunnels," he acknowledged. "In the past we were told the ground is too rocky for tunnel digging. Today, we are left with one big question mark: If we don't go to war now, we will suffer ten times more in the future." Ronit Sandler The pressure was also felt in Metula. "After years of trying to calm our families and convince ourselves that there's nothing to be afraid of, we now feel like the enemy is walking under our feet," said Yossi Levit, whose family has been farming in Metula for a century. "Some people were hearing noises over a long period of time. We calmed them down. I told them that Metula is very close to the border so why would Hezbollah dig if they can cross the border above ground? It turns out that I was wrong and they were right. " Ravit Sandler Jaffe, 40, a member of the Metula Local Council, added: "We continue our daily routine, the children go to summer camps and kindergarten, but there is a sense that life is changing around us. The tunnel issue has been raised a few years ago. Residents began to ask: 'If this happens in the south, when will it reach us?' We constantly see Hezbollah men moving along the border. There is also a large quarry nearby. It was only a matter of time until it would reach us. In the south we see how long this thing (tunnel threated.) has been going on. We hope that things will be different in the north." Levav Weinberg's apple orchard (Photo: Anat Weinberg) The land, which IDF forces dug as part of Operation Northern Shield, belongs to farmer Levav Weinberg who grows apples on it. Weinberg, second generation of Metula farmers, said the army had been operating in the site for several months now. "There was military activity inside the apple orchard and near the border fence, but only now did I realize what it was all for," he said Tuesday. On Monday night, Weinberg was asked to come to the site and dismantle several water heads so they don't interfere with IDF's activity. "On Tuesday we received an order to stay away from the orchard and so we worked in the valley," he went on to say. Later on, he was allowed to enter the site. "It is a complicated situation; when I went there on Tuesday I saw the orchard completely destroyed. Nevertheless, of course it's not what matters, what matters most is that terror activity was prevented." Weinberg added that until recently, farmers from Metula interacted with their colleagues on the other side of the border. "It's not that we drank coffee together or had conversations, but when we passed each other, we waved. The construction of the wall was completed recently, and there is no longer any eye contact between us. In the northern part of the border, where there is no wall, interactions between Israeli and Lebanese farmers still exist," he concluded. Some 30,000 people arrived at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night for a mass rally against violence and murder of women Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The rally was the culmination of a day of strikes and protests against domestic abuse after 24 women were murdered over the past year. Thousands of women went on strike and went out on the streets to protest. Demonstrators at Rabin Square protest against domestic violence (: ) The day's events began early Tuesday morning, when activists from NA'AMAT-Movement of Working Women & Volunteers "replaced" the names of main streets in Tel Aviv with the names of the women who were murdered. In addition, a display of red shoes covered Habima Square in the city, and some 150 men and women wearing black and carrying coffins took part in a "mourning march." Protesters carry coffins in Tel Aviv (Photo: Shaul Golan) Protesters in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv blocked main roads, while road blocking at Ben-Gurion Airport caused delays to nine flights. Protesters block the Azrielly Junction in Tel Aviv (Photo: EPA) Demonstrations also took place in many towns and cities in the Arab sector. Dozens of men and women in Tira, Qalansawe and Tayibe protested throughout the day. They held up photos of women who were murdered and demanded to continue the struggle and put an end to domestic violence. A joint Jewish-Arab demonstration took place at the Givat Haviva Junction. Demonstrators at Rabin Square protest against domestic violence (Photo: EPA) The protest reached academia as well, with some 1,000 students taking part in a demonstration outside Tel Aviv University as classes were halted for an hour. A similar number of students also protested at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, at both the Mount Scopus and Givat Ram campuses. Protest events also took place at Haifa University and Bar-Ilan University, among other higher education institutions. Demonstrators at Rabin Square protest against domestic violence (Photo: AP) At the Rabin Square rally, Ortal Shafak, the daughter of Aliza Shafak who was murdered by her husband two months ago, spoke about her mother: "The more she tried to get away from him, the more he tried to get closer and closer. And the more he realized he was losing her and she was choosing her own freedom, the more he grew to understand that she could live without him. But he... what is he? He's nothing without her." Ortal Shafak (Photo: Dana Kopel) "Two months ago it was my mother who was murdered, who was taken away from her loved ones just because she wanted to be free. Tomorrow it could be any one of us!" Shafak said. "More than 20 women were murdered this year by someone they knew. I see women fighting tooth and nail to pass bill proposals, which are rejected out of hand; women who are trying to promote anything that could help even a little and save our lives." Demonstrators at Rabin Square protest against domestic violence (Photo: EPA) She called on authorities not to settle for ankle monitors on violent men. "A man known to authorities for being violent must be required by law to attend anger management workshops, be in therapy, and be removed from home for a certain period of time while he receives treatment. Because today it might be a slap or a threat, but there might not be a tomorrow for that woman," she said. Masses at Rabin Square to protest against domestic violence (Photo: Dana Kopel) Shayma Rifi, whose sister Dua'a Abu Sharkh was shot to death in Lod in 2016, criticized the use of the term "honor killing." "The use of the term 'honor killing' for every murder of an Arab woman is not in line with reality a lot of the times, especially in my sister Dua'a's case, and it causes an injustice to the Arab women and their families," she said. Shayma Rifi (Photo: Lihi Kropnik) "A lot of women in Israel live in fear and don't know if they'll see tomorrow. Over 50 percent of cases were closed due to a lack of evidence or lack of public of interest. About half of the women who were murdered first turned to authorities or the police and complained, and ended up being murdered!" she bemoaned. Ayala Yatmar, whose sister was murdered by her husband in 2003, called for official recognition to the families of murdered women. "We, the families of the murdered women, seek recognition and supportemotional and economicto deal with the pain of daily life. We also want severe punishment to the murderers. A man with blood on his hands, who took a life, cannot retain his full rights," she said. Demonstrators at Rabin Square protest against domestic violence (Photo: Dana Kopel) She too urged the state to invest money and resources into combating domestic abuse. The rally featured feminist leaders and prominent public figures such as Malka Piotrkowsky, the executive director of the Israel Women's Network Michal Gera Margaliot, the head of the Eritrean Women's Community Center Eden Tesfamariam, social activist Maisam Jaljuli and others. Hezbollah's " Conquering the Galilee " plan has made headlines long before the IDF launched Operation Northern Shield on Tuesday morning to expose and neutralize terror tunnels the Shiite organization had constructed along the Israel-Lebanon border since 2006. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The plan entails fighters from Hezbollah's elite Radwan unit infiltrating Israel from Lebanon, entrenching themselves in Israeli communities near the border while taking hostages and using Israeli citizens as human shields. Hezbollah documenting IDF's activity on the Israel-Lebanon border According to the plan, Tehran is expected to aid Hezbollah's operation by sending money and weapons sent to the Shiite terror organization, as well as militias to fight alongside Hezbollah. Hezbollah's Radwan unit, which carries out the organization's top secret missions, is expected to be in charge of executing most of the plan to capture the Galilee. Hezbollah's video threatening to capture the Galilee X The unitwhich was established by Hezbollah leader Imad Mughniyeh to fight Israelis a fast intervention force whose people go through grueling training. Arab media outlets describe Radwan as a shadow unit whose militants operate only in special and extreme cases. Hezbollah is maintaining complete ambiguity surrounding Radwan, with official reports about the unit being very rare. The unit's methods are diverse, ranging from a quiet invasion through the border to penetrating from the sea with inflatable boats, as depicted by Hezbollah's video threatening to seize the Galilee. IDF uncovered Hezbollah tunnels X When announcing Operation Northern Shield, the IDF Spokesperson's Office also addressed the terror organization's plan to capture the Galilee. "In 2012, we identified Hezbollah's plan of attack inside Israel titled 'Conquering the Galilee,' to which the organization's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah refers, and which includes terror tunnels infiltrating Israel," it said. "In 2013, the IDF examined suspicions the terror group was digging near the border after Israeli residents in the north reported hearing digging noises, but did not find anything," the IDF added. In 2015, Nasrallah stated that "Hezbollah is ready and prepared for a confrontation in the Galilee and beyond the Galilee," during an interview with Al Mayadeen network. "We are prepared for all that a war with Israel entails," he added. Nasrallah says Hezbollah ready for confrontation with Israel (Photo: AFP) Hezbollah also reportedly plans to use fighters from Al-Najba'a conquer the Galilee. It is a pro-Iranian Shiite Iraqi militia that has several thousands of fighters in Iraq and in Syria and had ties to the commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani. In addition, Hezbollah will receive aid from other militias, from Iraq and other countries, to fight Israel. Hezbollah: Operation Northern Shield meant to shield Netanyahu Hezbollah's TV channel Al-Manar opened its broadcast on Tuesday by discussing the reasons pushing the IDF to launch Operation Northern Shield. "Is Operation Northern Shield meant to shield (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu from corruption?" a newscaster wondered. The terror organization's media outlets chose to stress the calm prevailing in southern Lebanon despite the IDF operation, covering it with utter contempt, and casting doubt over Israeli claims of its necessity, while denying the existence of the terror tunnels. Lebanese soldiers (Photo: AP) Hezbollah is monitoring Israeli discourse, as well as the army's activities along the border, documenting IDF officers and soldiers working to expose and neutralize the tunnels. "The Zionist intimidation remains beyond the border fence and our citizens are only witnessing the dust rising from the Israeli bulldozers," Hezbollah said. Hezbollah documenting IDF's activity on the Israel-Lebanon border Furthermore, the organization claims the operation's real purpose is to distract the Israeli public's attention from the multiple investigations against Netanyahu and the police's recommendations to indict the prime minister for bribery, fraud and breach of trust. The Arab media also pointed out that the police recommendation was made on former police commissioner Roni Alsheikh's last day on the job. Hezbollah documenting IDF's activity on the Israel-Lebanon border "Every now and again a military source being interviewed stresses that the works will remain on Israeli territory, and when he is reminded of Netanyahu's crisis, he goes back to threatening and intimidating," al-Manar noted. The Lebanese Al Mayadeen news channel also covered the quiet maintained in southern Lebanon's villages. Hezbollah's combat equipment in action Meanwhile, the Lebanese army issued a statement stressing the calm along the border. "Calm and stability are maintained on the Lebanese side. Our forces are deployed in the area and carry out their routine tasks along the border, in cooperation and coordination with United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), to prevent escalation in southern Lebanon," the statement read. Lebanese citizens discussed on social media networks the situation in southern Lebanon. Some expressed support for their brothers in the south, while some wrote that "Israel is digging its own grave," and others doubted Hezbollah's ability to fight Israel. Hezbollah's spokespeople, on their part, released archive photos of combat equipment in action, with the caption, "File photos from the battle field." Hezbollah's combat equipment in action Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri cast a doubt there were terror tunnels in the village of Kafr Kela. "The Israeli story is questionable. Lebanon demands to receive the coordinates of the exact location of the tunnels as well as additional proof of Israel's claims," he said. "If Israel wants to dig in the territory it occupied, it can dig as much as it wants and do whatever it wants. However, if it seeks to continue the digging on Lebanon's territory, it's a whole different thing," he added. In the meantime, Lebanese newspaper Al Joumhouria reported that Operation Northern Shield is merely preparation for a much larger Israeli action. "Is this operation only a cover-up for something bigger?" the newspaper wondered, while mentioning Netanyahu's meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels on Monday as well as Netanyahu's recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in which the two discussed Hezbollah's high-precision guided missile factories in Beirut. On the backdrop of Operation Northern Shield, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry said Wednesday that "Israel has the right to protect itself as well as preventing illegal entry into its territory." "We hope that the actions taking place will not violate UN resolution 1701, and expect UNIFIL to fulfill its mission," the ministry added. "We call on both sides to show restraint and responsibility, avoiding provocative actions and statements, which would escalate tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border," it concluded. It was clear that with the onset of Operation Northern Shield meant to neutralize terror tunnels Hezbollah has constructed along the Israel-Lebanon bordersome would call it a public relations stunt by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Those who believe the timing of the police's recommendations in Case 4000 announced on the last day of Roni Alsheikhs tenure as the police commissionerwas reasonable, somehow complain about the timing of the operation. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter It would be fair to say that those who raise questions over the police recommendation to indict the prime minister and the timing of the operation in the north are cynically exploiting the situation, choosing their political interests over the security ones. Prime Minister Netanyahu and IDF chief Eisenkot (Photo: AFP) Throughout his tenure, the prime minister excelled in one thinghe has never been trigger-happy. Quite the contrary. There were those who accused him of being overly cautious. For instance, Operation Protective Edge only went ahead after multiple attempts were made by Netanyahu to avoid the conflict. "Quiet for quiet," Netanyahu said repeatedly just days before the operation began, and although it didnt help, he never wanted that war. He was dragged into it. There are enough good arguments against Netanyahu; there is no need to paint him as a warmonger. Even during the later stages of the 2011 social justice protest, there were those who claimed that Netanyahu would start a war to put an end to it. It did not happen. These accusations were false back then as well. It happened again a few weeks ago, when it felt like we were on a brink of another war with Hamas, but once again it didnt happen. Netanyahu, again and again, chooses to reach understandings with the terror group. Thats his way. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Amos Ben Gershom GPO) Another thing to remember is that for Netanyahu to launch another military operation because of personal interests, he would need the cooperation of the IDFs top brass, and there is no chance of that happening. Planning a widescale military operation takes years, so no one is going to take a chance on starting a war just because the political timing seems rightthat would be disrespectful to the IDF officers. It just so happens that the preparations for the current operation were only completed fairly recently. In fact, there were signs hinting at an impending operation. But Netanyahulike Netanyahu always doeswas not in a rush to pull the trigger. So even when he talks about a military operationits on a small scale. In general, if there are any concerns about Netanyahu, they can be put to rest by the rumors coming from former senior defense establishment officialsand not right-wingersthat Netanyahu always makes every effort to avoid a confrontation. IDF works on the Lebanon border For example, there are those who claim that Israel must preemptively strike the Hezbollah infrastructure used for the conversion of inaccurate projectiles into precision-guided missiles. The argument is that Israel should make the most of the current window of opportunity, because Hezbollah is weakenednot only because of the political crisis in Lebanon, but also due to the losses sustained in Syria while fighting alongside the Assad regime. But Netanyahu, they claim, is once again hesitant to launch an operation. It is unclear whether these claims are true, but it is clear that Netanyahu is in no hurry to get bogged down in a military conflict, neither in the north nor in the south. The current operation, despite being conducted on Israeli territory, could potentially deteriorate into a military confrontation with Hezbollah. That is why Israel needed to coordinate it with the US, because its forces are still in the region. Also, because Hezbollah is defined by the US and Europe as a terrorist organization. After all, this is a strategic threat initiated by Iran's regional ambitions. Therefore, the claims that Netanyahu cynically exploited the operation on the Lebanese border for his political interests are the kind of claims that Hezbollahs spokespeople would makeand so they did after the news first broke. Its regrettable that the terror group's sentiments were echoed by some in the Knesset. Hezbollah released purported footage of IDF engineers taking part in Operation Northern Shield to locate and neutralize infiltration tunnels near southwestern Lebanon, adjacent to moshav Zar'it, on Wednesday. Also, Lebanese media aired footage of the concrete block factory that concealed the Hezbollah tunnel that was destroyed by IDF Tuesday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter According to the terror organization, the footage was taken near the village of Ramyah in the Bint Jbeil District. IDF operating near Ramyah village Hezbollah noted the exact location of where the photos were taken in an attempt to show that they continue to monitor the events on the other side of the border as Operation Northern shield enters its second day. At the beginning of the operation, IDF said additional tunnels might exist across the border areafrom Rosh HaNikra in the Western Galilee to Metula in the East. The footage was published by Hezbollah spokesmen, along with the caption "the army of the Israeli enemy began digging next to the barb wire fence opposite Ramyah village in the western part of southern Lebanon." Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry said that "Israel has the right to protect itself as well as preventing illegal entry into its territory." IDF soldiers near Israel-Lebanon border (Photo: Reuters) "We hope that the actions taking place will not violate UN resolution 1701, and expect the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to fulfill its mission," the ministry added. "We call on both sides to show restraint and responsibility, avoiding provocative actions and statements, which would escalate tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border," it concluded. The IDF estimates that the critical mass of the tunnels revealed by the IDF on Tuesday will be exposed to the public in the upcoming weeks. However, the neutralization of the tunnels will last several weeks, during which the state of alert in the north is expected to remain high. IDF operating near Ramyah village The army is preparing for two scenarios that might lead to a violent retaliation by the Shiite terrorist group: an explosion or deliberate collapse of the tunnels which might harm Hezbollah members, or spillage of the IDF's operation into, or underneath, Lebanese territory. Moreover, the stormy weather expected over the weekend could affect the ground, to the benefit or detriment of either side. It appears Hezbollah has only dug a few tunnels that cross into Israel. Nevertheless, additional tunnels might be discovered in the future. On Tuesday, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, released camera footage of a Hezbollah tunnel near Metula. Hezbollah terrorists inside a tunnel (: ") X The video captured two Hezbollah terrorists approaching the hidden IDF camera and running away from it, as a device, which was attached to it, explodes. The footage shows the tunnel at its very last moment, before being completely destroyed. The 200-meter tunnel, which was dug near Metula, seems to have been operational. "Minutes after Operation Northern Shield was launched, we inserted a camera 25 meter deep into the tunnel, which captured Hezbollah members approaching it, and then trying to escape the tunnel as a small explosive device, which was attached to the camera, exploded," IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis said. Hezbollah terrorist inside the tunnel (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) IDF spokesperson revealed additional information about the tunnel. "The tunnel was dug underneath a civilian building that served as a civilian concrete block factory until 2014, only a few meters from UNIFIL's post and patrols," he said On Wednesday Aljadeed TV, a Lebanese television station, aired footage of the "cement factory" in order to show that no terrorist activity has taken place there. In 2009, civilian work appears to have occurred at the plant, work which was suspended in October 2014, two months after the conclusion of Operation Protective Edge. The Lebanese "Block Factory" We monitored this structure in 2014 and saw that civilian activity in the plant began declining while military activity increased, Manelis explained. We started to see unusual activity under the guise of a civilian activity: we saw vehicles and trucks transporting dirt from the plant to a nearby area in Kafr Kela. In fact, they were clearing the dirt from the tunnel construction. Hezbollah tried to hide this from us, from Lebanon civilians, and from UNIFIL. In October 2015, a military generator was spotted in the area, and a month later a guard post was placed there. The tunnel was most likely dug over a period of two years. It stretches from a residential structure in the south of Kafr Kela in Lebanon and reaches 40 meters (130 feet) into Israeli territory. The 200-meters-long (656 feet) tunnel is about two meters tall and two meters wide (6 feet 7 inches) and includes ventilation systems, electricity and piping. It was dug 25 meters (82 feet) underground. The Lebanese "Block Factory" X Unlike the tunnels Hamas is digging in Gaza, Hezbollah's tunnel does not require concrete walls as it is supported by the rocky terrain it was dug through. The total population of Kafr Kela, the village from which the tunnel was dug, is about 15,000. Its altitude is around 700 meters above sea level, and it is very close to the border and the Fatima Gate, also known as the Good Fence Crossing, a former border crossing between Lebanon and Israel. In the 1980s, many of the villagers served in the South Lebanon Army (SLA), but after the Israeli withdrawal in 2000, some villagers fled the area and others joined Hezbollah. In recent years, the village has been considered a Hezbollah stronghold. During the Second Lebanon War, the villagers received a warning to leave their homes, and most of them fled the area. Later on, fire exchanges between IDF fighters and Hezbollah terrorists commenced and the Israeli Air Force bombed the area. In 2012, to stop drug smugglers who were throwing contraband sacks over the fence, a wall was erected. Hamas claims that a 55-year-old Israeli-Arab woman is one of six people sentenced to death by a military court in the Gaza Strip for allegedly collaborating with Israel, as part of the terror groups continued anti-collaboration campaign against Israeli informants. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The woman, named Amal," is not a Gaza resident and was sentenced to hanging in absentia for helping to recruit her nephew, who lives in the strip, to the Israeli intelligence service. On Monday, the Interior Ministry in Gaza held a press conference announcing that eight additional defendants had been sentenced to life in prison by the Hamas-controlled court. Profile of Arab-Israeli woman sentenced to death by Hamas This morning, the organization's security apparatus said that according to the indictment filed against the woman, Amal's nephew, Adham, had asked her to help him leave Gaza and move to the West Bank, prompting the 55 year old to connect him to one of the Israeli intelligence agencies in order to guarantee him a safe passage. The Hamas-run Interior Ministry has published a list of punishments for collaborators, according to which, anyone accused of supplying arms to the enemy will be executed. In addition, those who are accused of providing information or documents that may undermine either the groups military activity or security facilities will also be sentenced to death. "We call on the collaborators to recalculate their actions, because justice awaits them. The latest sentencings are a clear message to the informants, because this is their fate and its unavoidable, stressed the Interior Ministrys spokesperson at the press conference. They must understand that Israel will not be able to defend them," the spokesperson emphasized. Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Parliament of Lebanon, said Wednesday that Israel did not provide proof that Hezbollah had dug tunnels along the Lebanese border, in a reference to a meeting held between Israel, Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Earlier Wednesday, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced that as part of Operation Northern Shield, it had uncovered and neutralized a tunnel excavated from the village of Kila in Lebanon all the way to Metula. Where is Hassan Nasrallah? On Tuesday, three Lebanese parliamentarians and newspaper editors tried to pressure Hezbollah's secretary-general to appear and deliver a "vigorous speech," not only to refute information circulated by Israel, but also to threaten Israel with a wide-scale operation. But Nasrallah chose not to respond. He himself has threatened, on multiple occasions, to attack northern Israel and over the weekend Hezbollah broadcast a video displaying "targets" in Israel, with maps of IDF bases, Defense Ministry headquarters and threats in Nasrallah's voice. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter But on Tuesday, Nasrallah preferred to dispatch Hezbollah fighters, in civilian clothing, to portray an image of calm from the villages of south Lebanon. I hear from senior officials in Beirut that Nasrallah has in recent days played a moderating role between Hezbollah, Iran and Syria, which is re-eyeing Lebanon enviously. Nasrallah sent his men to inform the Iranians that "this is not the right time to enter into confrontations with Israel." Hassan Nasrallah hearing the sound of digging tunnels . What is new is the massive Iranian presence that is now coming out of Syria. The Iranians who failed to securely entrench themselves in Syria seek to turn Lebanon into an arena of confrontation with Israel and to recruit Hezbollah for the task. Nasrallah is already stuck in a confrontation with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri on the formation of his new government coalition. But the two have a common interest: Neither of them needs a confrontation with Israeli now. Hariri also does not want the Iranians and the Syrians in Lebanon at all. Hariri met with US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richards to convey the message that he cannot afford a new round of confrontation with Israel. Hezbollah video threatening the Kirya defense complex Once again we read in the Russian media, not coincidentally, that Israel is plotting to expand the operation into Lebanon in order to eliminate Nasrallah. But even Nasrallah knows that this is not Israels intention. One can even say that Nasrallah is actually protected. Israel has no plans to eliminate him now, and we know that if Nasrallah disappears, there is always a willing new leader for Hezbollah to take his place. Israel has grown accustomed to Nasrallah and his dramatic performances are familiar to us, with all the threats he likes to issue. We must recall that Hezbollah has huge quantities of missiles, some of which can reach almost the entire territory of the State of Israel. And yet Hezbollah does not use them. And another fact: Israel knows exactly where Nasrallah is hiding, at what address, on what floor, and yet did not even try to kill him once. To some extent he is protected, unless he commits a terrible folly. It is likely that he will appear within a few days to convey a message to his organization's members, to the Lebanese government, and to Israel as well. Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri commented on Israels Operation Northern Shield stating that recent developments are not a reason for an escalation with Israel. Hariri said that Lebanon is committed to UN resolution 1701 and that Israel is the one violating the 2006 ceasefire. By P.J. GLISSON [email protected] Bessemer Bessemer City Council members on Monday formally commended a Bessemer resident who almost single-handedly created a new trail option to connect with an original trail behind Bluff Valley Park. The Bluff Trail Reroute Project has formally ended, said Kelden Witt, who did much of the work himself with hand tools. Witt presented councilors with a slide show of the new trail, which he said provides an easier starting point to the original trail leading hikers to the top of the bluff behind the park. Councilors, who approved the projects initiation in July, were delighted with the results. Ive never seen any one individual put so much work into a single project, said mayor pro tempore Allen Archie, who recommended the trail be named after Witt. Mayor Adam Zak suggested the name Keldens Pass. City Manager Charly Loper, who said Witts effort was phenomenal, will work with him to finalize the trail name. Once she has names of other volunteers who helped Witt with the project, she said shell have the council express its gratitude to them as well. It is thanks to volunteers such as yourself that make Bessemer such a great place to live, states the councils formal letter to Witt. This will be a wonderful trail to hike and snowshoe on and falls right in line with our plans to grow our outdoor recreation options. The letter adds, The city is very impressed with how efficient you were in getting the trail done in one season and how resourceful you were in obtaining tools and coordinating other volunteers. In other news, councilor Terry Kryshak moved to withdraw his prior motion to review qualifications from various engineering companies in relation to water and sewer work projected for 2021 and made possible by a $21 million loan package from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Zak said it seems right to welcome bids from other companies, and councilors Rob Coleman and Linda Nelson agreed, with Nelson adding, I think we would be remiss to not go out and hear what other people have to say. However, Andy Granskog, who is Michigans USDA engineer, specifically requested the city to reserve the work for c2ae, a regional engineering company with an office in Escanaba, on the grounds that its employees compiled the grant application, understand the projects intent, and are familiar with the citys water and sewer system. Since all council members gave high praise to c2ae and several expressed the likelihood that the city would choose that company anyway, Archie concluded that asking for bids from other companies might just result in their personnel wasting a lot of time compiling bids when they stand little chance of competing with c2ae. Moreover, said Archie, It seems a little foolhardy to have someone jump in the middle. Kryshak agreed and included in his motion the citys intent to prepare for the likelihood of working with c2ae. The vote passed unanimously. Loper said she will arrange for a legal review of c2aes contract in relation to the new work before the city votes to accept it. The council also: Voted to withhold until completion $72,000 in payments due to Snow Country Contracting, Inc. of Bessemer for construction work done in relation to the citys current USDA loan. The council acted on the grounds of unmet deadlines that the company attributed largely to weather delays. Engineer Kelly Heidbrier of c2ae said the project should be complete by July of 2019. The company has conducted the projects related water and sewer work. Voted to approve a $13,124.22 change order in relation to the water, and waste water, system improvement project, with funds to be taken from the citys contingency fund. Voted to apply $25,000 from city funds to the citys water asset management plan. Voted to file two communications from Robert Avery and Katie Trakselis-Avery, owners of Bluffs Inn, who recommended the city choose the 3-lane option regarding the still pending decision on U.S. 2 reconstruction. Voted to pass a resolution increasing the fixed fee of the citys water and sewer rates over a three-year period, to help fund the citys portion of 2021 pipe replacements to be covered largely by USDA funds. As of Jan. 1, 2019, city residents will pay approximately 5 percent more per monthly bill as a result. Voted to sell for $1 city lots 65 and 66 to the Gogebic Range Trail Authority, located on neighboring property. They are a vital part of the economy, said Zak of GRTA, with councilors Kryshak and Coleman praising GRTA for facilitating both snowmobiling and four-wheeling. The land appraised at $1,317 had attracted two other bids: (1) $1,800 from Bill Lafond, who intended to donate it to GRTA; and (2) $2,510 from Bessemer Storage Voted to accept bids for refuse collection and disposal in various city locations, with an eye to making a related decision by August of 2019. Proposal and contract forms, as well as plans and specifications, are available in the clerks office, and bids will be accepted there until Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. Voted to appoint Neal Nelson, the citys lead in public works, to a two-year term on the Gogebic Range Water Authority. Voted to extend the operating permit of Michigan Bell Telephone Company, or AT&T Michigan, until Dec. 31, 2023. Voted to adopt two resolutions relating to the local pavement agency warranty program. State mandates require compliance with an eye to statewide standardization. The council will meet next on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the city hall. This combined meeting will include the citys planning commission, downtown development authority, and parks and recreation committee. The public is welcome. HURLEY, Wis. - Marial Desolyn Bino, 102, a long-time Hurley educator, ended her earthly adventure on Nov. 22, 2018. Born May 11, 1916, in Hurley to Mary (Fragno) and John Bino Sr., Marial often recounted how she and her siblings enjoyed a loving, care-free, adventurous childhood. She was pre-deceased by her parents, her siblings and their spouses, Louise (John) Maddock, John (Antoinette) Bino Jr., Catherine (Albert) Faust, Desolyn (James) Maccani and her nephew, James Maccani Jr. Marial was a woman with varied interests and an unparalleled zest for life. In her younger years, she was a swimmer, downhill skier, hiker and bicyclist. In later years, she could be found walking her dog, Faun, on the streets of Hurley. An avid reader and New York Times crossword enthusiast, she always completed them in ink while listening to CNN or classical music. According to Marial, she had been on one side or the other of the academic desk for most of her life. A 1934 graduate of the Lincoln (Hurley) High School, she attended Ironwood Junior College (Gogebic Community College), received a Bachelor of Education at Superior State College (UW-Superior), and both a Master of Science in library science and an Master of Arts in developmental psychology from Columbia University in New York. She also studied in Innsbruck, Austria. Her teaching career included every level, from elementary to college. In the early 1940s, she was one of few women teaching aeronautics ground instruction and civil air law through the Civilian Pilot Training Program at Stout State College (UW-Stout) and Eau Claire State College (UW-Eau Claire). These students were training to be World War II pilots. She also worked for the Iron County Social Services Department as a social worker. Before her tenure in the Hurley School District, she taught in Oma, Iron Belt and Arbor Vitae-Woodruff. Hired first as a fourth-grade teacher at the Southside School in Hurley in 1950, Miss Bino became the librarian for the entire school district in 1952. While serving on the Hurley faculty, she was invited to be a lecturer at Gogebic Community College, UW-Platteville, and numerous educational conferences and service organizations. Though she retired in 1989, she never stopped teaching or learning. She also served one term on the Hurley City Council. Miss Bino was recognized by the Hurley Education Foundation as a Distinguished Alumni in 2008. Though she insisted, "I don't deserve to be singled out; I was just doing the job I loved," many of her former students would disagree. Not only did she provide expert advice in library research and literature, she also organized both library and audio-visual clubs. These service clubs were assets to both the faculty and other students. Over the years, the library club expanded its outreach to the community. Former students talk fondly of the activities, events and trips they organized through the club. There were candy and pie sales, storytelling in the elementary schools, historical and wedding dress fashion shows, birthday and historical calendars, and educational trips to Minneapolis, Chicago and New York. A world traveler, Marial was known for collecting and sharing her discoveries with schools and community groups. She traveled throughout the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, South America, Russia, China, Tibet, Malaysia and Morocco, collecting early books and writing materials, primitive dolls and native hats. A 2004 trip down the Amazon River with her grandnephews added still more artifacts to these collections. Always the teacher, Miss Bino often said that even though we (as a country) continue to be faced with both national and global challenges, she remained optimistic about the future. According to her, "The family and community must always strive to provide all children with personal and educational skills needed to cope with and adapt to an ever-changing world." She emphasized, "Each of us must also think of himself as a citizen of the world, not just Hurley, Wisconsin, or the United States and do everything to protect it." Marial was "overjoyed to have lived in these exciting, challenging, and dynamic times." She often offered this toast, "To life; the great adventure." She is survived by her nephew and nieces, Jay (Margaret, deceased) Maddock, of Big Rock, Ill .; Kay (Ted) Kolodziej, of Roselle, Ill .; Mary Ann (Gary) Berger, of Fitchburg; Kathryn (Michael) Levra, of Hurley; and Karen Vukusich, of Bessemer, Mich., and their families. She shared a special relationship with her grandnephews, Christopher (Sarah Reichert) Berger and their daughter, Grace Marial, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Daniel (Heather) Berger and their sons, Jonathan and Charles, of Seattle, Wash. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 10, preceded by a visitation at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Hurley. Rev. Frank Kordek, OFM will be the celebrant. Marial will be placed to rest next to her parents in the family plot at St. Mary's Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider a donation to St. Mary's Church, the Hurley Education Foundation or a charity of choice in Marial's memory. The family would like to thank the staff of Sky View Nursing Center for their care and compassion given to Marial over the last years. Heartfelt thanks especially go to Sharon, Lois and Bill, Amelia, Diana, and Senja for their friendship, visits, cards and letters. "I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit." - John Steinbeck Private online condolences may be sent to mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com or 2350 Fitchburg Road, Fitchburg, WI 53593. Mckevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family. News Washington, DC - Presidential Message to the Congress on the Death of George Herbert Walker Bush: By this Message, I officially inform you of the death of George Herbert Walker Bush, the forty-first President of the United States. President George H.W. Bush led a life that exemplified what is truly great about America. As with so many of his generation, the Greatest Generation, President Bush worked selflessly throughout his long life to bring about a world of justice and lasting peace. With his passing, we mark one of the last pages of a defining chapter in American history. Much of George H.W. Bushs life was shaped by global conflict. He began his adult life by volunteering for combat in the Pacific Theater of World War Two. Through his heroic efforts as an aviator in the United States Navy, the youngest in United States history at the time, President Bush flew 58 combat missions, helping to win a hard-fought but fragile peace. Shortly after the war, the Nation found itself confronted with new challenges, including a protracted Cold War and the threat of nuclear annihilation by the Soviet Union. Propelled by his sense of duty to his Nation, George H.W. Bush reentered public service, first as a Member of Congress, and then as Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief of the United States Liaison Office in China, Director of Central Intelligence, Vice President, and President of the United States. Resolute through war, President Bush was magnanimous in peace. As the Communist threat subsided, he stood down Americas nuclear bombers from the alert posture they had maintained for so long and gently encouraged the development of democracy and free markets in the crumbling Soviet Union. Through these and other gestures of goodwill, President Bush helped to bring the Cold War to a victorious end and to transition the country into a period of sustained peace and prosperity. During one of his many combat missions as a young man, then-Lieutenant Bush was forced to parachute from his airplane into the ocean below. Many years later, in celebration of a life of accomplishments in both war and peace, President Bush jumped from another aircraft this time a helicopter and parachuted safely onto the grounds of his home in Maine. Fearless, courageous, adventurous, and unyielding, through the highs and lows of the twentieth century and into the next millennium, President Bush served his Nation, creating an example that will inspire generations for decades to come. DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE, December 3, 2018. News Houston, Texas - A Houston, doctor was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a fraudulent medical clinic that ran costly, unnecessary diagnostic tests. Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBIs Houston Field Office, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector Generals (HHS-OIG) Dallas Regional Office and the Texas Attorney Generals Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement. Faiz Ahmed, M.D., 66, of Houston, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller of the Southern District of Texas. Judge Miller also ordered the defendant to pay $4,192,156 in restitution. Ahmed was found guilty following a six-day trial in 2017 of one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and seven counts of healthcare fraud. Ahmed and eight co-defendants engaged in a conspiracy to falsely bill Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary diagnostic tests. According to evidence admitted at trial, Ahmed agreed to approve the unnecessary testing and allowed his physician number to be used to fraudulently bill the Medicare program. As a result of the overall conspiracy, Medicare and Medicaid were billed approximately $13 million and paid out approximately $9 million in false claims. Eight others have pleaded guilty for their respective roles including Mkrtich Yepremian, 61; Bompa Mbokoso Mompiere, 59; Michael Wayne Wilson, 49; Jermaine Doleman, 41; Harding Dudley Ross, 64; Eric Johnson, 64; Ann Marie Rocha, 51; and Eddie Wayne Taylor, 59, all of Houston. These defendants have all been sentenced. This case was investigated by the FBI, HHS-OIG and the Texas Attorney Generals Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Trial Attorney Jason Knutson of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Bradley formerly of the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case. The Criminal Divisions Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than 14 billion. Living Section Wellton, Arizona - Need help preparing for the Citizenship exam? On Friday, December 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, the Wellton Library will host citizenship practice sessions at 1:30 p.m. Review test subjects, learn interview tips, and more! There is no charge to attend. The Wellton Library is located at 28790 San Jose Avenue in Wellton. For more information, call (928) 785-9575. 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. Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. operates as an independent specialty pharmacy in the United States. The company operates through Specialty and PBM (pharmacy benefit management) segment. It provides specialty infusion pharmacy, patient care coordination, clinical, compliance and persistency program, patient financial assistance, specialty pharmacy training, benefits investigation, prior authorization, risk evaluation and medication strategy, retail specialty, and hub services, as well as clinical and administrative support services to hospitals and health systems. The company primarily focuses on medication management programs for individuals with complex chronic diseases, including oncology, immunology, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, specialized infusion therapy, and various other serious or long-term conditions. It also offers PBM services, including electronic point-of-sale pharmacy claims management, retail pharmacy network management, mail pharmacy claims management, specialty pharmacy claims management, Medicare Part D services, benefit design consultation, drug review and analysis, consulting services, data access, and reporting, information analysis, and preferred drug management programs to managed care organizations, self-insured employer groups, unions, and third-party healthcare plan administrators and worker's compensation payers. The company was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Flint, Michigan. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Masco: A&J Gummers, Airex 3 LLC, Arrow Fastener, BEHR PAINTS IT! INC., BSI Holdings, Behr (Beijing) Paint Company Limited, Behr Paint (Beijing) Commercial Co. 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Ltd., Tapicerias Pacifico SA de CV, Tempered Products Inc., Texwood Industries, The Faucet-Queens, The GMU Group, The L.D. Kichler Co., Tvilum, Vapor Technologies Inc., Vapor Technologies Shenzhen Co. Ltd., Watkins Distribution UK Limited, Watkins Europe BVBA, Watkins Manufacturing Corporation, and Wellness Marketing Corporation. - Four candidates have picked nomination forms to contest as presidential candidates for the NDC for the 2020 elections - The four include John Mahama, Professor Joshua Alabi, Sylvester Mensah and Stephen Atubiga. - Alban Bagbin and others have sent a petition to the Council of Elders of the party over the process Information available to YEN.com.gh shows that four National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential aspirants have picked nomination forms. This was confirmed after the deadline for picking the forms came to an end on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. The four candidates are former president John Mahama, Professor Joshua Alabi, Sylvester Mensah and Stephen Atubiga. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, NDC Chairman Source: Supplied Source: UGC READ ALSO: Lawrence Tetteh breaks silence on Shatta Wale's death prophecy YEN.com.gh understands that forms were picked for a fifth candidate, Alban Bagbin, but he rejected them. He explained that he had not authorized anyone to pick the forms on his behalf, and for that matter, he was not interested in them. According to the legislator, he, together with other aspirants, have sent a petition to the Council of Elders of the party. Bagbin went on to say that he was aware the council will be meeting tomorrow, and for that reason, he was waiting for their decision. Aside Mahama, all the other aspirants reportedly expressed reservations about the GHC 400,000 filing fee and the GHC 20,000 charged for the forms. Some of the aspirants had began adopting strategies to raise funds to help their campaign bid. One of them, Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, allegedly called for the resignation of two top executives of the party. The NDC is scheduled to hold a congress to select its flagbearer on Saturday, January 19, 2019. READ ALSO: 3 sister die in an accident in Cape Coast Star Gist: Rosemond Brown a.k.a. Akuapem Poloo discloses how much she earns | #Yencomgh Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen - The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC), has gone back to the use of the old logo which had been in existence for years. - The old logo had the coat of arms and the eagles as it symbol, with transparency, fairness and integrity as its motto The Electoral Commission has reverted to the use of the original Eagles and Coat of Arms logo which was controversially changed by the former EC boss, Charlotte Osei. YEN.com.gh has sighted a memo written by the chairperson of the electoral commissioner, Jean Mensa copied to the deputy chairperson. The memo read, Effective December 4, 2018, the original logo of the Electoral Commission which bears the coat of arms and has a ballot box showing the hand casting its vote has been restored. Old and New Logos of the EC Source: Myjoyonline Source: UGC READ ALSO: NDC flagbearership race: 4 candidates pick forms Before the 2016 elections, former EC boss, Charlotte Osei, introduced a new logo as part of her efforts to rebrand the Commission. Despite heavy criticisms by the opposition party at the time, and from some civil society organisations, the former EC boss stood by the decision to change the logo. According to her, the commission picked the logo because they liked it and were also happy with it READ ALSO: Photos: Mahama gets an honorary doctorate from Lyon Business School Jean Mensa was appointed to chair the commission after Charlotte Osei was impeached earlier this year over allegations of misconduct and breach of procurement laws leveled against her. Less than a year in office, Jean has ordered a reversal to the old logo which was changed by her predecessor. In the memo announcing the reversion, the EC boss added that: All communications from the Electoral Commission must from today be made on the letterhead bearing the original logo of the commission as appears on the face of this letterhead READ ALSO: I have prayed for Shatta Wale; he wont die Dr. Lawrence Tetteh declares Author: Naa Ayeley Aryee Ghana News Today: Colleges of Education Closed Indefinitely / Work Continues at GIJ | #Yencomgh Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place Source: Yen - Professor Dua Agyeman, has complained of his inability to serve NDC's general secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, with court summons - He however added that the court has instructed him to serve it on all available notices - The summons are in respect of defamatory words made by Nketia, also known as 'General Mosquito' The chairman of the Audit Service Board, Professor Dua Agyeman, has reportedly complained about the difficulty in serving the general secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, with court summons. Speaking on Okay FM, he revealed that Nketia, also known as 'General Mosquito', hds been dodging him, hence his inability to serve him with the summons. He, however, added that the court had ordered that the summons should be served on all notices, including those at the partys head office. Professor Dua Agyeman, Chairman of the Audit Service Board Source: Graphic.com.gh Source: UGC READ ALSO: NDC race: 4 pick forms; Bagbin and others petition Council of Elders Professor Agyeman further indicated that per instructions from his lawyers, General Mosquito had asked his legal team to open defense in a defamatory case brought against him. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, General Mosquito reportedly stated that Professor Agyeman lacks the integrity to occupy his office. It was Prof. Dua Agyeman, who in 1983, was banned by the Institute of Chartered Accountants-Ghana from practicing Accountancy and Auditing in Ghana for forging an audit report for a private firm, whose accounts hes neither seen nor audited. The person who has been appointed by Nana Akufo-Addo to chair the Audit Service Board, and who is being asked to recruit these private firms in the name of Cabinet Committees kitty, hes the person who now has been recycled to Chair the Audit Service Board by Nana Akufo-Addo to fight corruption," General Mosquito said. He further added that Professor Agyemans integrity was tainted with scandals, and for that reason, he does not have to occupy his present office. READ ALSO: EC 'dumps' Charlotte Osei's logo for a new one Ghana News Today: Highlight of Performances at AFRIMA 2018| #Yencomgh Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen Dancehall sensation Shatta Wale, has called on President Akufo-Addo to sit up, insisting the youth of the country are suffering. According to him, the hard economic conditions have made it difficult for the youth of Ghana to thrive. The Zylofon Media signee was recently in the spotlight after he referred to Ghana as a village. READ ALSO: St James Seminary SHS in Sunyani tops SHSs Rankings Performing at the Indigo, O2 in London, the artiste paused and asked his fans to repeat after him that Ghana is a village. He went on to call on Ghanaians living in the diaspora to return home to help build the country. But in a latest post, Shatta Wale has now diverted his attention to President Akufo-Addo, who he says must sit up. The My Level hit maker said anyone who says the economy of the country is functioning well is a liar and a hypocrite. Remember when the youth rise there is no stopping cuz everybody is saying it loud now ..Chale money no deh the system hard my job spoil this government has failed us Yes this is what the street is saying and anyone who will comment and say am lying is a damn liar himself .. Mr president stand up !!! Shatta Wale wrote. In an earlier interview with Accra-based Citi FM, he said many politicians do not care about the welfare of the youth. He warned that the youth of the country may soon rebel due to disappointments from politicians. READ ALSO: Shatta Wale set to die on December 24 Prophet warns Ill go for it because I believe Ghana is not for one person. It is for all of us and if people feel I have that strength to talk for them [why not?]. They [politicians] shouldnt come and blame me in future when the eyes of the youth open and they feel like we are tired. That time, it wouldnt be violence or anything but they will just want that leader who can speak for them. I am ready to negotiate with the politicians. I will do that for the youth of Ghana. For the next generation Our leaders also need to watch this side of life because the youth are complaining, he lamented. Brain Storming: What is the Full Meaning of VAT? | #Yencomgh READ ALSO: Ghanaians descend on Akufo-Addo for suggesting that he has improved their lives Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen The Ministry of Finance has released GH67,135,600 for the first payment of salaries for beneficiaries of the Nation Builders Corps (NaBCo). Some 95,908 trainees who confirmed their acceptance onto the scheme are to benefit from the allowance of GH700 each. The Chief Executive Officer of NaBCo, Ibrahim Anyars, said the beneficiaries were to be paid through the e-zwich system of the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) to ensure that the beneficiaries were not enrolled on other government programmes. Source: Supplied Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Please marry me -Nayas cries out to Paedae Anyars said the first payment was also to enable the beneficiaries to settle into their new places. He added that a location-based MobileApp had also been developed for the trainees to log in and log out each time they reported for duty and closed from work so that they do not to cheat the system. The system, he said, would also be endorsed by their supervisors to authenticate their presence at post, as well as the completion of time sheets. READ ALSO: Top NDC official exposed for lying about Akufo-Addos trip to South Africa President Akufo-Addo on May 1, 2018 launched the NaBCo programme in Kumasi as a major government flagship programme to deal with graduate unemployment. It was designed to meet the pressing needs of the nation, while providing jobs for the teeming youth who had received tertiary education but were struggling to find jobs, partly because of the ban placed on public sector employment by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The scheme was finally outdoored at a public ceremony at the Black Star Square in Accra on October 17, 2018. READ ALSO: Ghanaian youth are suffering Shatta Wale tells Nana Addo 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 Ministers Learn about the ministers of the Health portfolio, including who they are, what they are responsible for and what they do. (Reuters) Nestle (NESN.S) Chairman Paul Bulcke said the food giants stake in French cosmetics firm LOreal (OREP.PA) was something active on the boards agenda in an interview with the Financial Times published on Monday that could trigger a fresh round of speculation. To read this article: (HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission Tuesday charged Mark Suleymanov of Glen Cove, New York with engaging in an online binary options scheme that defrauded retail investors out of approximately $4 million. The SECs complaint alleges that from at least 2012 to 2016, Suleymanov engaged in the unregistered offer and sale of binary options, which are securities that pay out depending on the outcome of a yes/no proposition, such as whether a specific equity security will close at or above a specified price on a given trading day. Suleymanov promoted and sold the options on the SpotFN website and other related websites he controlled, and misrepresented the profitability of investing in the binary options, as well as investors ability to access their funds. Suleymanov allegedly used software to manipulate investors trading results to increase investor losses, and prevented many investors from withdrawing their funds. As alleged in the complaint, the SpotFN website also falsely stated that an investors funds would be held in a separate account and used only for trading options, not for SpotFNs business expenses. In fact, Suleymanov commingled investor funds in his bank accounts and misused certain of the funds for business and personal expenses. The SECs complaint charges Suleymanov with violating the antifraud provisions of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, as well as the registration provisions of Section 5 of the Securities Act. The complaint seeks a permanent injunction, disgorgement plus prejudgment interest, and a penalty. Suleymanov has agreed to a bifurcated settlement where he will be permanently enjoined from these provisions. The settlement, which is subject to Court approval, reserves the issues of disgorgement, prejudgment interest and a civil penalty for further determination by the court upon motion of the SEC. Things like these shouldnt be happening in Finland, he lamented on YLE A-Studio on Monday. Minister of the Interior Kai Mykkanen (NCP) has expressed his shock at reports that a group of men are suspected of repeatedly raping and sexually abusing an underage girl over a couple of months in Oulu, North Ostrobothnia. The Oulu Police Department on Saturday reported that several men of foreign background are suspected of repeatedly raping and sexually abusing a girl aged over 10 but under 15 in a number of flats in Oulu. The District Court of Oulu has detained a total of seven people on suspicion of aggravated child sexual abuse and aggravated rape in connection with the offences, which are believed to have taken place this year over a few-month period. More arrests are expected, according to the Oulu Police Department. The case has been described as exceptional also by Johanna Niemi, a professor of procedural law at the University of Turku. Sometimes it feels like nothing can shock you, but this case certainly does, she stated. YLE on Monday highlighted that foreign nationals are disproportionately represented in sex crime statistics: Finnish nationals were suspected of a total of 693 sex crimes and foreign nationals of 286 sex crimes in Finland in 2017. This is a difficult issue that we must be able to talk about, commented Mykkanen. He also drew attention to the need to take action to prevent sex crimes by, for example, educating the residents of reception centres across the country. The Finnish government, he also pointed out, has tabled a legislative proposal to expedite deportations in circumstances where the foreign national has committed a crime in Finland. The Ministry of Justice, meanwhile, has presented a legislative proposal to introduce the aggravated rape of a child into the criminal code and raise the punishments for aggravated child sexual abuse. Aleksi Teivainen HT Source: Uusi Suomi Petteri Orpo (NCP), the Finnish Minister of Finance, has revealed that the government agreed this morning to present its proposal for introducing equity savings accounts for small investors to the Parliament. Related posts: Proposal for equity savings accounts comes under criticism from the left (03 September, 2018) The Finnish government has marketed the proposal as a means to make investment a more attractive proposition for ordinary citizens. The equity savings accounts could be used to invest up to 50,000 euros in the shares of listed companies, while the funds in the account would only be subject to a moderate capital income tax upon withdrawal. The proposal has faced criticism from both opposition members and trade unions. Timo Harakka (SDP) in September stated that the equity savings accounts would effectively lower tax rates for the wealthy while denting the tax revenues of Finland. Only four per cent of Finns own shares in more than four listed companies. The wealthiest one per cent owns nearly a half of the shares. What is preventing ordinary Finns from investing are not taxes but rather the fact that they are unable to save money, he argued. Aleksi Teivainen HT Source: Uusi Suomi University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers have found revolutionary evidence that an evolutionary phenomenon at work in complex organisms is at play in their single-celled, extreme-loving counterparts, too. Species most often evolve through mutations in DNA that get inherited by successive generations. A few decades ago, researchers began discovering that multicellular species can also evolve through epigenetics: traits originating not from genetic changes but from the inheritance of cellular proteins that control access to an organism's DNA. Because those proteins can respond to shifts in an organism's environment, epigenetics resides on the ever-thin border between nature and nurture. Evidence for it had emerged only in eukaryotes, the multicellular domain of life that comprises animals, plants and several other kingdoms. But a series of experiments from Nebraska's Sophie Payne, Paul Blum and colleagues has shown that epigenetics can pass along extreme acid resistance in a species of archaea: microscopic, single-celled organisms that share features with both eukaryotes and bacteria. "The surprise is that it's in these relatively primitive organisms, which we know to be ancient," said Blum, Charles Bessey Professor of biological sciences at Nebraska. "We've been thinking about this as something (evolutionarily) new. But epigenetics is not a newcomer to the planet." The team discovered the phenomenon in Sulfolobus solfataricus, a sulfur-eating species that thrives in the boiling, vinegar-acidic springs of Yellowstone National Park. By exposing the species to increasing levels of acidity over several years, the researchers evolved three strains that exhibited a resistance 178 times greater than that of their Yellowstone ancestors. One of those strains evolved the resistance despite no mutations in its DNA, while the other two underwent mutations in mutually exclusive genes that do not contribute to acid resistance. And when the team disrupted the proteins thought to control the expression of resistance-relevant genes - leaving the DNA itself untouched - that resistance abruptly disappeared in subsequent generations. "We predicted that they'd be mutated, and we'd follow the mutations, and that would teach us what caused the extreme acid resistance," Blum said. "But that's not what we found." Though epigenetics is essential to some of the most productive and destructive physiological processes in humans - the differentiation of cells into roughly 200 types, the occurrence of cancers - it remains difficult to study in eukaryotes. The simplicity of archaea, combined with the fact that their cells resemble eukaryotes' in some important ways, should allow researchers to investigate epigenetic questions much faster and more cheaply than was possible before, Blum said. "We don't know what flips the switch in humans that changes epigenetic traits," Blum said. "And we sure don't know how to reverse it very often. That's the first thing we'll go after: how to turn it on, how to turn it off, how to get it to switch. And that has benefits when you think about (managing) traits in us or traits in plants." Yet the discovery also raises questions, Payne said, especially about how both eukaryotes and archaea came to adopt epigenetics as a method of inheritance. "Maybe both of them had it because they diverged from a common ancestor that had it," said Payne, a doctoral student in biological sciences. "Or maybe it evolved twice. It's a really interesting concept from an evolutionary perspective." Blum said the team is likewise curious about whether and how epigenetics might explain why no known archaea cause disease or wage antibiotic-armed warfare against their brethren, as bacteria do. "There are no antibiotics going on in that world," he said. "Why is that? We're thinking (that) it's got something to do with epigenetics, and so their interactions among each other are fundamentally different than bacteria." The discovery also introduces an even broader question, Blum said. "What was the benefit for them to have this? We don't know." @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 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. Mayor Thomas Bernard, left, Library Director Mindy Hackner and North Adams Historical Society President Charles 'Chuck' Cahoon in the library's front parlor on Tuesday for the announcement of bequests from the estate of Rep. Gailanne Cariddi. Late Representative's Will Leaves $420,000 to North Adams Gailanne Cariddi, the late state representative and city councilor, has left more than $400,000 to the city and high school libraries, and the bike path. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Gailanne Cariddi is still making significant contributions to the community more than a year after her death at age 63. The late state representative's "remarkable, unbelievable generosity" in providing $420,000 in bequests to the city of North Adams was announced by Mayor Thomas Bernard on Tuesday. In addition, the North Adams Historical Society has received at least $35,000 and friends and family of Cariddi have endowed a scholarship in her honor at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Local officials, friends and members of organizations benefiting from Cariddi's will gathered in the city's "living room" at the North Adams Public Library for the announcements. These first distributions from her estate are in addition to other bequests left to various organizations shortly after her passing. The library was left $175,000 from her estate, in addition to a $7,500 gift it received last year toward establishing an astronomy program there. "Gail Cariddi was a leader who believed in an educated body politic," said Library Director Mindy Hackner. "She relished a good debate, she thought deeply about civics and civil rights, she worked tirelessly on behalf of our city library and this generous bequest will help the trustees continue her good work." The trustees and the City Council had voted last year to accept an unknown amount of money after being apprised that Cariddi had made arrangements for donations after her death. The trustees had voted in October 2017 to establish a separate account for use for library programs, maintenance and operations. Trustee Chairman Rich Remsberg couldn't immediately speak to how the money would be used but said the trustees had some ideas. The library has been operating on a shoestring for a number of years. Its 150-year-old building is also facing some repair issues. Cariddi, a Drury High School graduate, also left $35,000 to the high school library. Superintendent of Schools Barbara Malkas described the longtime city councilor as "a model of civic leadership." "I would like to thank you Rep. Cariddi, wherever you may be," Malkas said, her eyes heavenward. "We know that you held education in very high regard. Thank you." The final amount was a surprising $210,000 to the city "for the purpose of maintenance and upkeep of the bike path/pedestrian path connecting the Town of Adams and the Town of Williamstown." Cariddi was instrumental in moving forward the bike and pedestrian paths in North County as an active member for many years with the Berkshire Bike Path Council. The North Adams section currently under design will go near her home on Galvin Road. While the entire route through Williamstown has been dubbed the Mohawk Bike Path, the section from Williamstown to the airport was dubbed "the Cariddi Mile" by former Mayor Richard Alcombright, a name that many have picked up. Bernard noted there have been a lot of questions about maintenance and upkeep on the trail and that this bequest helps answer some of those questions. The North Adams Historical Society was surprised that it, too, had been mentioned in the will. Cariddi left at least $35,000 for the nonprofit local history group and the society was given 18 freight cars to scale with the main railroad setup that runs around its current museum in Western Gateway Heritage State Park. "It happened at a very appropriate time, we're going to move from Heritage Park to the Holiday Inn and perhaps open next spring. if all goes well," President Charles "Chuck" Cahoon said. "Certainly this gift is going to assist this in a long way." Family, friends and beneficiaries chat after the announcement. Robert P. Ziomek, MCLA vice president for institutional advancement, said the newly endowed scholarship would go to Massachusetts sophomores and juniors, with a preference for those in communities that Cariddi represented, who shared her commitment to politics and the environment. "I've been told that Gailanne was a familiar fixture on our campus talking with our students, she loved to teach them about how state government works," he said. "Her impact continues on our campus through the generosity of her family and friends with this newly established scholarship." The gathering included Alcombright, City Councilors Marie T. Harpin, Jason LaForest and Paul Hopkins, members of the Democratic City Committee, representatives from the featured organizations and family and friends. Cariddi's successor, John Barrett III was in Boston and unable to attend. Cariddi was had represented the 1st Berkshire District since her election 2010. She spent 20 years on the City Council, serving several terms as president, was a member of the library's building committee and the board of Northern Berkshire Community Television, and a longtime member of the North Adams Democratic City Committee. She was the financial manager of her family's business, the former Cariddi Sales Co., for more than 30 years. Bernard called the bequests "a remarkable testament to the representative's legacy." "Some like those in this room will know it and appreciate it but some will never know it," he said. "And I think that, too, is a testament to the quiet, humble way that Rep. Cariddi did her work ... "Not seeking the spotlight but seeking first and foremost to serve." Eighth-graders at Clarksburg Elementary School set up displays for Thursday's annual Holocaust exhibit. Studies of the Holocaust have been part of the school's curriculum for more than a dozen years. Clarksburg Elementary School Holocaust Exhibit Set Thursday The students use posterboards to show their research. This year's program focused on Krakow-Plaszow survivor and author Raymond Fishler, who unfortunately died in November. CLARKSBURG, Mass. The 14th Clarksburg Elementary School Holocaust Exhibit mourns the passing of survivor Raymond Fishler and celebrates his life. Eighth-grade English teacher Michael Little said this year's exhibit is heavier than those of the past with the passing of planned speaker and Krakow-Plaszow survivor Raymond Fishler. "To me, it feels like this is a ghost-filled exhibit. The original speaker is not there and yet here it is his life story is laid out," Little said. "This is really it and time is limited so cherish the time you get with survivors." The exhibit was supposed to take place Nov. 15 and students informed by his book "Once We Were Eight" were busily preparing posters outlining Fishler's life on posters. But a just over a week before the exhibit, Little said he received word that Fishler was in the hospital and was not expected to return home. Fishler died at the age of 93 on Nov. 19. He and his father had been the only members of his family to survive the Holocaust. He emigrated to the United States in 1949 and spent years as a Holocaust educator, fulfilling his mother's charge to tell people what had happened. "It's been hard. It really knocked the wind out of our sails and we had to rally," Little said. "We thought about postponing it to the spring or just not doing it, but we decided to finish what we started and we are going to do a memorial and celebration of Ray." Little said the students agreed to reach out to Inge Auerbacher, a Terezin survivor who has spoken at the exhibit in the past "He and Inge were friends and Inge had traveled with him in Poland and Germany and they have done speaking things together," he said. "So both of the messages in their books are similar: mend the world, try to make the world a better place after the atrocities that happened." Little said the students will set up their posters in the gym and hold a memorial for Fishler "His life story will be in the gym and it will be a celebration and memorial to his life," he said. "We have done so much work, we have 30 boards." Little said Auerbacher will reflect on Fishler and their time together as well as talk about her own life. He hopes to be able to bring the boards to New Jersey and present them to Fishler's family. Inge Auerbacher, a friend of Fishler's who spoke at the school in 2013, will be the main speaker on Thursday. Every year, it gets harder to find survivors and there will be a day in the near future when the only accounts will be in book or video form, Little said. The exhibit will have to change and bring in second-generation survivors. "This is the last of them. There are not many survivors and it is hard to find people," he said. "They are 88, 89 and a lot of them can't travel anymore or are not well enough to speak so we are very limited." Little thinks Auerbacher and Fishler's message will resonate and urged the community to attend. "How we treat each other does matter. Kindness can go a long way rather than hatred. We can make a change," he said. "Like the Torah says change one soul, change the world entirely. I am hoping we can just change one soul at a time especially in a world that is so unsettled." The event is Thursday and starts at 6 p.m. at the school with students' work on display. Rabbi Robert Sternberg, a longtime participant in the program and Rabbi Robert Sternberg, professor of Holocaust studies at Westfield State College and American International College, will speak at 6:15 and Auerbacher will speak at 7:30. The event is free and open to the community, but free-will donations will be accepted to help defray costs. Little thanked Robert and Elaine Baum, McLain Electric, Christo's Famous Pizza, Midtown Tax and Bookkeeping Co., Wise Guy Snacks, and Cheshire Elementary School for making the event possible. The Berkshire Eagle's Conversation Series: A conversation with the Berkshire mayors: Hopes and challenges for the county MCLA Church Street Center Auditorium, 375 Church St. 413-496-6355 or email circstaff@berkshireeagle.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM; program begins at 7 PM Tickets: $12, $10 for subscribers, $5 with valid student ID call to reserve serving A conversation with the Berkshire mayors: Hopes and challenges for the county Moderated by Kevin Moran, executive editor of The Berkshire Eagle Linda M. Tyer, mayor of Pittsfield - Linda M. Tyer took office in January 2016 as the first mayor elected to a four-year term in Pittsfields history. A former Pittsfield city clerk and Ward 3 city councilor, Mayor Tyers family roots in the city date back to her great-grandparents, one of whom was a Pittsfield police officer. Mayor Tyer cites their strong work ethic and community pride as influencing her deep commitment to the city of Pittsfield. As a city councilor, she served on the Ordinances & Rules, Finance, and Public Health and Safety committees, and she was the City Councils representative to the Community Development Board. She is a founding member and past president of the Samuel Harrison Society in Pittsfield. She is an alumna of the Leadership Institute for Public Policy and Impact and a graduate of Bay Path College. Thomas W. Bernard, mayor of North Adams - Thomas W. Bernard began his term of office in January. As mayor, he also chairs North Adams school committee. Mayor Bernard previously served as director of special projects at Smith College, in various administrative roles at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and as a development officer at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. He serves on the Berkshire Compact for Education, the Berkshire County Education Task Forces governance subcommittee, the Berkshire Blueprint steering committee and the Impact Council of Berkshire County Leaders. He is a founding board member of Develop North Adams and the North Adams Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Bernard is a graduate of Drury High School, Williams College and Westfield State University. Subscriber discount only available by phone or in-person. Student discount available in-person only. Call to reserve your advanced seating, 413-496-6355 Americans who wish to object, may contact their Congressional representatives here . Informational cards to distribute about the bill, containing the top image, can be downloaded here . Israel would get far more than $38 billion under the new deal A stack of 3.8 billion dollar bills would reach the International Space Station. The new package to Israel will give Israel ten times that much money. An Israeli official gloated that the package was obtained despite budget cuts, including defense cuts, in the U.S. In an unprecedented gift of our executive power to Israel, the House has passed for the very first time a law that forces the American president to give Israel a minimum of $3.8 billion per year. We have, in effect, crippled our ability to promote US interests in the Middle East. The new House version is even more generous to Israel than the Senate bill and the 2016 MOU it amounts to $7,230 per minute to Israel, or $120 per second By Nicole Feied The AIPAC sponsored bill that guarantees $38 billion to Israel over the next ten years is a dramatic departure from the deal offered under President Obamas 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).[1] Passed by the House of Representatives on September 12, 2018, the United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018 effectively rolls back every limitation that President Obama placed on the amount of aid we give to Israel. In addition, the House version provides Israel even more perks than the version passed by the Senate on August 11. Most dramatically, this new act would eviscerate the ability of President Trump and his successors for the next ten years to withhold United States aid to Israel. Historically, almost every president since Eisenhower has attempted to withhold such aid at one time or another in order to force Israel to the peace table or to stop Israel from committing human right abuses or illegal acts such as taking Palestinian land and giving it to Israeli settlers. In an unprecedented gift of our executive power to Israel, the House has passed for the very first time a law that forces the American president to give Israel a minimum of $3.8 billion per year. We have, in effect, crippled our ability to promote US interests in the Middle East. President Eisenhower was the last American President who managed to use this threat effectively, when he forced Israel to withdraw from Egypts Sinai Peninsula in 1957. Notably, President George Bush Senior failed miserably to make good on his threat to delay aid to Israel when their actions threatened a possible peace agreement with the neighboring Arab countries, complaining that he was just one little lonely guy in his battle against pro-Israel lobbyists. (New York Times, 1991 article, Bush Urges Delay On Aid For Israel; Threatens A Veto.) Aid to Israel likely to increase even more The second most important effect of this act is in Section 103. While the MOU limits the amount of aid we give Israel to the amount agreed upon, in this case $38 billion over 10 years, Section 103 of the current bill removes all limitations on how much we give Israel. Under the new act, instead of 38 billion being the cap, as Obama stipulated in his 2016 MOU, we must now give Israel a minimum of $3.8 billion per year until 2028. Without a cap, and with incessant lobbying by Israel and her proxies in the United States, the amount we give could conceivably double over the next 10 years. This is a huge coup for Prime Minister Netanyahu and quite a slap in the face to the Obama administration. Section 106 will increase Israels access to a war-reserve stockpile by completely removing the limits on how many precision guided missiles we can give Israel. The existing law set a maximum of $200 million worth of arms from the stockpile per year, to be charged against the agreed aid package. The House version of the bill differs from the Senate version, replacing the words sell and sale to transfer, which appears to open the door for more gifts in excess of the $38 billion. To put this in context, a Tomahawk Missile currently costs about $1 million. The media recently lambasted President Trump for using 60 such missiles in Syria because of the high cost. Section 107 calls on the President to prescribe procedures for the rapid acquisition and deployment of precision guided munitions. The House text differs from the Senate version in that it removes all the detailed requirements for Israel to have such rapid acquisition. In the version just passed by the House, there is only one, extremely broad requirement, that Israel is under direct threat of missiles (in Israels opinion). Israel can export U.S. arms Section 108 of the Act authorizes Israel to export arms it receives from the U.S., even though this violates U.S. law. The Senate version included a provision calling on the President to make an assessment of Israels eligibility before adding Israel to the exemption list. The House version deleted that requirement, and simply orders the American President to grant Israel the privilege. In fact, Israel is ineligible, having repeatedly made unauthorized sales in violation of this Act. The Export Act further forbids granting such an exemption to any country that is in violation of International Nuclear Non-proliferation Agreement, which Israel has refused to sign. Israel is known to be in possession of nuclear weapons, and hence in violation and ineligible for the export exemption. Congress thus reiterates the message that it will force the President to continue funding Israel even when that violates our laws. NASA Section 201 orders NASA to work with the Israel Space Agency, even though an Israeli space official has been accused of illegally obtaining classified scientific technology from a NASA research project. U.S. agencies periodically name Israel as a top espionage threat against the United States. The section also states that United States Agency for International Development (USAID) must partner with Israel in a wide variety of sectors, including energy, agriculture and food security, democracy, human rights and governance, economic growth and trade, education, environment, global health, and water and sanitation. Israel eludes usual military aid requirement All countries except Israel are required to spend US military aid on American goods. This ensures that the American economy benefits to some degree from these massive gifts. (Of course, if americans wished to subsidize these U.S. companies, money could be provided directly to them, and Israel and other countries left to buy their equipment with their own money.) In the past, Israel has spent 40 percent of U.S. aid on Israeli companies, at the expense of U.S. industry. Under Obamas 2016 MOU, this percentage was to be decreased over the 10-year span, and eventually Israels unique right not to spend use U.S. military aid to purchase items from American companies was to be ended. The new Act eliminates this requirement, putting Israeli economic interests before our own. Many in Israel criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for his aggressive attempts to undermine President Obamas Iran deal, fearing that it would anger the White House and result in a less favorable aid offer. Analysts were particularly worried about what might happen if Trump were elected, since in 2016 he had said that he expected Israel to pay back the security assistance it receives from the US. Yet just two years later it looks like the Israeli Prime Minister will obtain everything he sought and more. This is not surprising, since Trump, under extreme political pressure, is increasingly pandering to hardcore Israel supporters like billionaire Sheldon Adelson and South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham. (Graham is a top recipient of pro-Israel campaign donations.[2]) The bill now will go back to the Senate for approval, and then to Trump to be signed into U.S. law. The $38 billion package amounts to $7,230 per minute to Israel, or $120 per second. And thats before Israel advocates and ambitious politicians in our own country push it even higher. Nicole Feied is an American writer and former criminal defense attorney, currently based in Greece. Alison Weir also contributed to the article. Americans who wish to object, may contact their Congressional representatives here. Informational cards to distribute about the bill, containing the top image, can be downloaded here. The bill was timed to be introduced just before AIPACs 2018 annual conference in Washington D.C., so that delegates could lobby their representatives while they were in D.C. Lobelog reported in 2015: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) spoke bluntly about his plans for raising campaign funds for his prospective presidential campaign in an interview published today on Washington Wire, a Wall Street Journal blog. Over a glass of Riesling, according to the account, he answered a series of questions, including how he plans to finance his campaign. He described the means as the biggest hurdle facing his potential campaign, adding: If I put together a finance team that will make me financially competitive enough to stay in this thing I may have the first all-Jewish cabinet in America because of the pro-Israel funding. [Chuckles.] Bottom line is, Ive got a lot of support from the pro-Israel funding. The House renamed the bill to honor Miami Congresswoman Ilean Ros-Lehtinens long service to Israel. The new name is now officially the Ileana Ros-Lehtinen United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018. Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. December 04, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - After a week of insisting that a meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Argentina was going to happen, President Trump at the last minute sent out a Tweet explaining that due to a Russia/Ukraine dispute in the Sea of Azov he would no longer be willing to meet his Russian counterpart. According to Trump, the meeting had to be cancelled because the Russians seized three Ukrainian naval vessels in Russian waters that refused to follow instructions from the Russian military. But as Pat Buchanan wrote in a recent column: how is this little dispute thousands of miles away any of our business? Unfortunately it is our business because of President Obamas foolish idea to overthrow a democratically-elected, pro-Russia government in Ukraine in favor of what his Administration believed would be a pro-Western and pro-NATO replacement. In short, the Obama Administration did openly to Ukraine what his Democratic Party claims without proof the Russians did to the United States: meddled in a vote. US interventionism in Ukraine led to the 2014 coup and many dead Ukrainians. Crimeas majority-Russian population held a referendum and decided to re-join Russia rather than remain in a pro-West Ukraine that immediately began discriminating against them. Why would anyone object to people opting out of abusive relationships? Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter What is most disappointing about President Trumps foreign policy is that it didnt have to be this way. He ran on a platform of America first, ending foreign wars, NATO skepticism, and better relations with Russia. Americans voted for this policy. He had a mandate, a rejection of Obamas destructive interventionism. But he lost his nerve. Instead of being the president who ships lethal weapons to the Ukrainian regime, instead of being the president who insists that Crimea remain in Ukraine, instead of being the president who continues policies the American people clearly rejected at the ballot box, Trump could have blamed the Ukraine/Russia mess on the failed Obama foreign policy and charted a very different course. What flag flies over Crimea is none of our business. We are not the policemen of the world and candidate Trump seemed to have understood that. But now Trumps in a trap. He was foolish enough to believe that Beltway foreign policy experts have a clue about what really is American national interest. Just this week he told the Washington Post, in response to three US soldiers being killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, that he has to keep US troops fighting in the longest war in US history because the experts tell him there is no alternative. He said, virtually every expert that I have and speak to say if we dont go there, theyre going to be fighting over here. And Ive heard it over and over again. That is the same bunkum the neocons sold us as they lied us into Iraq! Weve got to fight Saddam over there or hed soon be in our streets. These experts are worthless, yet for some reason President Trump cannot break free of them. Well heres some unsolicited advice to the president: Listen to the people who elected you, who are tired of the US as the worlds police force. Let Ukraine and Russia work out their own problems. Give all your experts a pink slip and start over with a real pro-American foreign policy: non-interventionism. This article was originally published by " RonPaul Institute " - Copyright 2018 by RonPaul Institute. Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. What Foreign Threats? The biggest threats to America come from its "friends" By Philip Giraldi December 04, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - One of the local Washington television stations was doing a typical early morning honoring our soldiers schtick just before Thanksgiving. In it soldiers stationed far from home were treated to video links so they could talk to their families and everyone could nod happily and wish themselves a wonderful holiday. Not really listening, I became interested when I half heard that the soldier being interviewed was spending his Thanksgiving in Ukraine. It occurred to me that the soldier just might have committed a security faux pas by revealing where he was, but I also recalled that there have been joint military maneuvers as well as some kind of training mission going on in the country, teaching the Ukrainian Army how to use the shiny new sophisticated weapons that the United States was providing it with to defend against Russian aggression. Ukraine is only one part of the world where the Trump Administration has expanded the mission of democracy promotion, only in Kiev the reality is more like faux democracy promotion since Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is clearly exploiting a situation that he himself provoked. He envisions setting himself up as a victim of Moscow to aid in his attempts to establish his own power through a security relationship with Washington. That in turn will help his bid for reelection in March 2019 elections, in which his poll numbers are currently running embarrassingly low largely due to the widescale corruption in his government. Poroshenko has already done much to silence the press in his county while the developing crisis with Russia has enabled him to declare martial law in the eastern parts of the country where he is most poorly regarded. If it all works out, he hopes to win the election and subsequently, it is widely believed, he will move to expand his own executive authority. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter There also has to be some consideration the encounter with the Russians on the Kerch Strait was contrived by Poroshenko with the assistance of a gaggle of American neoconservative and Israeli advisers who have been actively engaged with the Ukrainian government for the past several years. The timing was good for Poroshenko for his own domestic political reasons but it was also an opportunity for the neocons warmongers that surround Trump and proliferate inside the Beltway to scuttle any possible meeting between a vulnerable Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at the G20 gathering in Argentina. The defection of Trumps lawyer Michael Cohen, together with the assumption that a lot of anti-Trump dirt will be spilled soon, means that the American president had to be even more cautious than ever in any dealings with Moscow and all he needed was a nod of approval from National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to cancel the encounter. A heads-of-state meeting might not have solved anything but it certainly would be better than the current drift towards a new cold war. If the United States has only one vitally important relationship anywhere it is with Russia as the two countries are ready, able and apparently willing to destroy the world under the aegis of self-defense. Given the anti-Russian hysteria prevailing in the U.S. and the ability of the neocons to switch on the media, it should come as no surprise that the Russian-Ukrainian incident immediately generated calls from the press and politicians for the White House to get tough with the Kremlin. It is important to note that the United States has no actual national interest in getting involved in a war between Russia and Ukraine if that should come about. The two Eastern European countries are neighbors and have a long history of both friendship and hostility but the only thing clear about the conflict is that it is up to them to sort things out and no amount of sanctions and jawing by concerned congressmen will change that fact. Other Eastern European nations that similarly have problems with Russia should also be considered provocateurs as they seek to create tension to bind the United States more closely to them through the NATO alliance. The reality is that todays Russian Federation is not the Soviet Union and it neither aspires to nor can afford hegemony over its former allies. What it has made very clear that it does want is a modus vivendi where Russia itself is not being threatened by the West. Recent military maneuvers in Poland and Lithuania and the stationing of new missiles in Eastern Europe do indeed pose a genuine threat to Moscow as it places NATO forces on top of Russias border. When Russia reacts to incursions by NATO warships and planes right along its borders, it is accused of acting aggressively. One wonders how the U.S. government would respond if a Russian aircraft carrier were to take up position off the eastern seaboard and were to begin staging reconnaissance flights. Or if the Russian army were to begin military exercises with the Cubans? Does anyone today remember the Bay of Pigs? When it comes to international conflicts context is everything. Seeing the incident between Russia and Ukraine in Manichean terms as an example of Moscows aggressive instincts is satisfying in some circles, but it does not in any way reflect the reality on the ground. Internal politics of the two countries combined with deliberate fabrications that are expected to generate a certain response operate together to create a largely false narrative for both international and domestic consumption. Unfortunately, narratives have consequences: in this case, the sacrifice of the possibly beneficial meeting between Trump and Putin. The same dynamic works vis-a-vis Washingtons other enemy du jour Iran. In the case of Russia, useless friend Ukraine is pulling the strings while regarding Iran it is conniving Israel and Saudi Arabia. Iran has been accused of being the worlds leading sponsor of terror, of destabilizing the Middle East, and of having a secret nuclear weapon program that will be used to attack Israel and Europe. None of those assertions are true. The terrorism tag comes from the countrys relationship with Hezbollah, which is only a terrorist group insofar as it is hostile to Israel and pledged to resist any future Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Washington and Israel have pushed the terrorism label for Hezbollah, but most Europeans have begun to disregard the designation since the group has become a part of the Lebanese government. And regarding destabilizing the Middle East, that has largely been the end result of actions undertaken by the United States, Israel and the Saudis, while the alleged Persian nuclear weapons program is a fantasy. If someone in the U.S. national security apparatus had any brains the United States would work to improve relations with Iran real soon as the Iranians would in the long run quite likely prove to be better friends than those rascals who are currently running around using that label. And there are other friends in unlikely places. Beleaguered British Prime Minister Theresa May is wailing loudly against a Trump threat to reveal classified documents relating to Russiagate. The real problem is that the documents apparently dont expose anything done by the Russians. Rather, they seem to appear to reveal a plot by the British intelligence and security services working in collusion with then CIA Director John Brennan to subvert the course of the 2016 election in favor of the Deep State and Establishment favorite Hillary Clinton. How did that one work out? So how about it? Teenagers who get in trouble often have to ditch their bad friends to turn their lives around. There is still a chance for the United States if we keep our distance from the bad friends we have been nurturing all around the world, friends who have been convincing us to make poor choices. Get rid of the ties the bind to the Saudis, Israelis, Ukrainians, Poles, and yes, even the British. Deal fairly with all nations and treat everyone the same, but bear in mind that there are only two relationships that really matter Russia and China. Make a serious effort to avoid a war by learning how to get along with those two nations and America might actually survive to celebrate a tricentennial in 2076. Home Search ICH By Ken Livingstone December 04, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Although Saudi Arabia admitted weeks ago that its staff murdered Jamal Khashoggi, the UK hasnt imposed sanctions on the Riyadh government. In stark contrast, when it comes to sanctioning Russia, London never lacks enthusiasm. While no punishment has been inflicted on the Saudi government and no diplomats were expelled over the murder of the journalist in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, we have still got Britains Prime Minister Theresa May demanding action against President Putins government because of recent conflict with Ukraine. Even though it is now nine months since the attempted murder of the Skripals in Salisbury, there has still been no conclusive evidence that President Putins government was involved in any way. So why does Britains prime minister have such a double standard in how she handles events? She cannot really believe that Russia is going to go to war against the West, but there seems an absolute determination to see the removal of Putins government. Is May Scared of Putin? British Showing Double Standards Over Russia To understand this hysteria about Putin we need to look at the history of Russia since the disintegration of the Soviet Union back in 1991. Once Boris Yeltsin had seized power one of his first actions was to bring in a group of economists from the neo-liberal Institute of Economic Affairs which is based in London. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The result of Yeltsin adopting the neo-liberal economic agenda was effectively the looting of Russias economy with devastating effects on the Russian people. There was widespread support from the US government for Yeltsins policy with the so-called Wolfowitz Doctrine which spelt out that no nation must ever again be allowed to rise to the stature of the Soviet Union and there should now be a unipolar world under the domination of the United States. The looting of Russias economy was finally stopped and the neo-liberalist economists thrown out when Vladimir Putin was elected president in 2000 and began the reversal of the destruction of Russias industries. Putin firmly rejected the Wolfowitz Doctrine which led to several insurgencies in Russias Caucasus which Moscow suspected had the backing and instigation of British intelligence. Although President Trump seems uncertain about what his policy should be towards Russia and China, his vice-president Mike Pence has no doubts. On October 4, Pence made a speech at the Hudson Institute in which he strongly denounced China. The host was Mike Pillsbury, a consultant with the US Department of Defense, who has a long involvement in Americas policy towards China. He said that Pences speech represents a significant influential minority around Trump, but not a government wide position. There is a rising influence in Trumps administration, by those who wish to provoke conflict with both China and Russia with its members still committed to the neoconservative doctrine of Americas global predominance. Similar views have been expressed by Trumps National Security Advisor John Bolton, who has constantly urged a hard line towards China and Russia. Bolton has opposed Trumps policy towards North Korea and has been a key player in persuading Trump to get the USA to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which had been agreed between Reagan and Gorbachev in 1987. To build support for this hostility to Putins administration the Western media has been filled with lies about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Up until 2014 there was a good relationship between Putin and the directly-elected president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych. That year Yanukovych announced a delay in reaching an economic agreement with the European Union because he wished to ensure it did not damage Ukraines economic relations with its biggest trading partner, Russia. Almost immediately right-wing demonstrators started protesting in Kievs central square. These protests quickly evolved into violent clashes with radical nationalists and paramilitary groups echoing the fascist ideology of Stepan Bandera, chanting Nazi and racist slogans and demanding the ethnic cleansing of Russians from Ukraine. No-one will be surprised that Britain, the US and EU officials supported the coup, and there is little doubt that Western intelligence agencies had been up to their necks in encouraging these far-right groups ever since the end of WWII. Nowhere in the Western media do we see honest reporting about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It is never mentioned that during the WWII, as Russian troops drove the Nazis out of Ukraine, many Ukrainians fought side-by-side with the Nazis against Stalins troops. This long-standing conflict has recently erupted following the Kerch Strait crisis. The Western press constantly repeats the story that Russia has seized three Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea and their crews and dismisses Russias claim that these ships had illegally entered Russian waters. President Putin pointed out that it was without a doubt, a provocation. It was organised by the president ahead of the elections. The president is in fifth place ratings-wise and therefore had to do something. It was used as pretext to introduce martial law. The Russian newspaper Izvestia cited sources in Ukraines leadership saying that they have been trying to persuade the US (unsuccessfully) to open a military base in Ukraine. The report cannot be confirmed but could well be true. I believe that Ukraines President Poroshenko is deliberately talking up the so-called threat from Russia because at the elections in March he seems doomed to lose. But his imposition of martial law in several parts of Ukraine could be used to rig the forthcoming election and he has warned of the risk of full-scale war, claiming to have detected a build up of Russian tanks on the border which overlooks the fact that Moscow moved army units closer to the border four years ago. The hardliners in Trumps administration want him to increase his support for NATO and Kiev, while Ukraine itself wishes to become a member of the organization which would mean the frontier of the military alliance coming right up to the border of Russia. Poroshenko has also claimed that Putin is planning to annex Ukraine. On November 29, he told the German newspaper Bild Dont believe Putins lies. Putin wants the old Russian empire back. Crimea, Donbass, the whole country He believes his empire cannot function without Ukraine. He sees us as his colony. Poroshenko has been pushing for the West to increase economic sanctions against Russia and urged Germanys Angela Merkel to drop a plan to cooperate with Russia on building a new gas pipeline. Poroshenko warned this would make the EU dependent on Russian energy and reduce Ukraines sales to the EU via its existing pipeline. Given the enfeebled state of Ukraines economy its hard to see how Russia could benefit by taking it over. Back in August, in my first column for RT, I spelt out the truth about the history of tensions between Russia and Ukraine. From the beginning of the Soviet Union under Lenin, Crimea had never been a part of Ukraine and over ninety percent of its population were Russians. It was only in 1954 that Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev changed the boundary to include Crimea in Ukraine. After the overthrow of Ukraines government in 2014 the vast majority of Crimean residents decided to opt out of Ukraine and reunite with the Russia they had been part of for centuries before Khrushchevs arbitrary decision. The whole of the Western media was screaming that Russia had gone to war to seize Crimea and this led to the US, UK and other European states imposing sanctions against Russia without recognising the right of Crimeas people of to determine their own future. Given the number of US satellites that circle the planet, spying around the world, it is surprising that America hasnt been able to reveal the truth about whether or not Ukraines three ships deliberately crossed the boundary into Russian waters on November 25. As Putin pointed out Military vessels intruded into Russian territorial waters and did not answer [the border guards] What were they supposed to do? he said at a business forum in Moscow. They would do the same in your country, this is absolutely obvious, he told a foreign investor. These territorial waters were always ours even before Crimea joined Russia. As I wrote in my first article for RT, my generation was lied to all our lives about the so-called threat from the Soviet Union, so dont be surprised if I dont always believe what our prime ministers tell us. Ken Livingstone is an English politician, he served as the Mayor of London between 2000 and 2008. He is also a former MP and a former member of the Labour Party. This article was originally published by " RT " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Washington Mourns War Criminal By Jimmy Dore War criminals mourn death of war criminal. Chomsky Proves George H.W. Bush Was War Criminal Posted December 04, 2018 Twitter POUNCES On George H.W. Bush's War Crimes After Death Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== In case you missed it: Ray McGovern: Recalling the Bush Slaughter of 400 Innocent Women and Children In case you missed it: A Short History of U.S. Bombing of Civilian Facilities In case you missed it: William Blum, "Rogue State,": We are faced with the fact that any number of countries would be justified in issuing a list of Americans barred from entry because of "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity". Such a list, of those still alive in 2005, might include: A Nazi in the (pocket) is worth four in the Bush (family) Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. December 04, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - A single common theme emerges from most public discussions of U.S. foreign policy. No matter how widespread the carnage, devastating the financial impact or enormous the opportunity cost of war the United States is always presumed to have meant well. US foreign policies are designed as much to improve the well-being of foreigners as to protect US national security. It is relatively rare for revisionist historians or informed critics questioning the true motives behind US foreign policy to be allowed any significant platform to air contrarian views. Despite this pervasive discrimination, a significant segment of the American public not only believes US elites exploited the 9/11 attacks, but would like to see US government officials who backed the "Global War on Terror" criminally prosecuted. Credible "Global War on Terror" damage assessments are as scarce as policy contrarians. Since 9/11, US government officials debated but generally shied away from releasing official body counts. This is to avoid public perceptions that the US is now trapped in a "quagmire" reminiscent of Vietnam. Credible, official total financial cost estimates of the series of conflicts officially premised on the idea that they will protect the US from future 9/11-style attacks are similarly difficult to come by. When there are no solid numbers, it becomes impossible to have meaningful debates or perform public opinion research which may be why the information deficits persist. Not all researchers are daunted, and some continue to bridge the knowledge gap. Brown Universitys Cost of War Project released a November 14 estimate that half a million have died and that the spent and obligated cost of post-9/11 US wars through fiscal year 2019 is $5.9 trillion. This financial cost is comparable to the 2020 forecast GDP of Japan. The average US taxpayer has been tapped for $23,286 for the wars since 2001, according to Browns 2017 update. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter How do most Americans feel about this immense diversion of wealth and carnage? When asked, "Brown University says the global war on terror caused 480,000 deaths, uprooted 21 million & cost more than $6 trillion. Did US elites improperly exploit 9/11 for gain?" a surprisingly high percentage roughly a third of Americans replied that "Yes, elites did exploit 9/11 for gain." Question #1: Brown University says the "global war on terror" caused 480,000 deaths, uprooted 21 million and cost more than $6 trillion. Did US elites improperly exploit 9/11 for gain? December 04, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Given that we have all been born and raised under a regime that has the CIA, hardly anyone questions the power of the CIA to assassinate people. The CIAs power of assassination has become a deeply established part of American life. Yet, the Constitution, which called the federal government into existence and established its powers, does not authorize the federal government to assassinate people. If the proponents of the Constitution had told the American people that the Constitution was bringing into existence a government that wielded the power to assassinate people, there is no way that Americans would have approved the deal, in which case they would have continued operating under the Articles of Confederation. Under the Articles, the powers of the federal government were so weak, it didnt even have the power to tax, much less the power to assassinate people. Thats because our American ancestors wanted it that way. The last thing they wanted was a federal government with vast powers. In fact, the purpose of the Constitutional Convention was simply to amend the Articles of Confederation. During the 13 years of operating under the Articles, problems had arisen, such as trade wars between the states. The convention was intended to fix those problems with amendments to the Articles. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Instead, the delegates came out with an entirely different proposal, one that would call into existence a federal government that had more powers, including the power to tax. Americans were leery. The last thing they wanted was a powerful central government. They had had enough of that type of government as British citizens under the British Empire. They believed that the biggest threat to peoples freedom and well-being lay with their own government. They believed that if they approved a federal government, it would become tyrannical and oppressive, like other governments had done throughout history. They were especially concerned with the power of the government to murder people, including citizens. They knew that state-sponsored murder was the ultimate power in any tyrannical regime. When a government can kill anyone it wants with impunity, all other rights are effectively nullified. And our ancestors were sufficiently well-versed in history to know that tyrannical regimes were notorious for killing their own citizens, especially those people who challenge, criticize, or object to the tyranny. The proponents of the Constitution told Americans that they had nothing to be concerned about. The Constitution wasnt calling into existence a government with general powers to do anything it wanted. Instead, by the terms of the document that would be calling the federal government into existence, its powers would be limited to the few powers that were enumerated within the document. Thus, if a power wasnt enumerated, it didnt exist and, therefore, couldnt be exercised. Since the Constitution wasnt giving the federal government the power to murder people, it couldnt exercise that power. On that basis, our American ancestors approved the deal, but only on the condition that the Constitution would be immediately amended after approval with a Bill of Rights. To make sure that federal officials understood that they didnt have the power to murder people, the Fifth Amendment was enacted. It prohibited the federal government from killing people without first according them due process of law. Its worth noting that the protections of the Fifth Amendment are not limited to American citizens. The Amendment prohibits the federal government from murdering anyone, including people who are not US citizens. What is due process of law? Its a phrase that stretches all the way back to Magna Carta in 1215, when the barons of England forced their king to acknowledge that his powers over them were limited. Magna Carta prohibited the king from killing British citizens in violation of the law of the land, a phase that evolved over the centuries into due process of law. Essentially, due process means notice and hearing. It says to the government: You cannot kill anyone unless you first give him formal notice of the particular criminal offense that you are claiming warrants killing him. Then, after notice, there has to be fair trial in which the accused has the right to be heard. The Sixth Amendment ensured that people would have the right of trial by jury because our ancestors didnt trust judges or tribunals. And so it was that the American people lived in a society for more than 150 years in which the federal government lacked the power to assassinate people, which is really just a fancy word for murder. A governmental assassination is the state-sponsored killing of a person without notice and trial that is, without due process of law. The situation changed after World War II, when the federal government, in a watershed event, was converted from a limited-government republic into what is known as a national-security state, a type of governmental system that is inherent to totalitarian regimes. US officials maintained that the conversion was necessary in order to confront the Soviet Union, a communist state, which itself was a national-security state. The idea was that in order to defeat the Soviet Union in the Cold War, it would be necessary for the United States to adopt, temporarily, its same type of national-security state system. In 1947, the CIA was called into existence as part of this new national-security state. President Truman, the president who was responsible for the federal governments conversion to a national-security state, intended for the CIA to be strictly an intelligence-gathering agency. But someone slipped a bit of nebulous language into the law that called the CIA into existence, which the CIA seized upon to justify the adoption of omnipotent powers, including the power to assassinate people with impunity, so long as the assassination was to protect national security. Needless to say, the CIA had the omnipotent power to make that determination. As monumental as the conversion to a national-security state was, it was not done through a constitutional amendment. The Constitution continued to be the supreme law that governed the operations of the federal government, including the CIA. Thus, since the Constitution did not give the federal government the power to assassinate people and since the Fifth Amendment expressly prohibited the federal government from assassinating people, the US Supreme Court and the rest of the federal judiciary had the responsibility to declare the CIAs power to assassinate people unconstitutional. Unfortunately, however, in a national-security state power is everything and especially omnipotent power. Recognizing that as a practical matter, there would be no way that the federal judiciary could keep the CIA from assassinating people in the name of protecting national security, the federal courts went silent or even supportive. In 1989 the Cold War ended. Yet, we still have a national-security state and we still have a CIA with the power to assassinate people, including Americans. Why is that? This article was originally published by " Future of Freedom Foundation " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== In case you missed it: The CIA has a Long History of Helping to Kill Leaders Around the World Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Vanguard House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta has expressed dissatisfaction with the state of work on East-West Road, which has been under construction for the past 12 years. The Sun Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court Lagos yesterday ordered the destruction of 14 containers loaded with a proscribed drug, Tramadol, confiscated at Apapa Wharf, Lagos, by the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS). Guardian Security analyst cum consultant, Mr. Mamefe Wanogho in this interview with KELVIN EBIRI, warned that the brewing political tension in the Niger Delta and the politicisation of security might lead to the resurgence of militancy. Guardian Security analyst cum consultant, Mr. Mamefe Wanogho in this interview with KELVIN EBIRI, warned that the brewing political tension in the Niger Delta and the politicisation of security might lead to the resurgence of militancy. Daily Trust A former Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor, Uche Nwosu, yesterday, formally defected from the APC to the Action Alliance (AA), which was registered by Gov. Rochas Okorocha, to pursue his gubernatorial ambition. Leadership Supporters of former vice president and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, are optimistic that he will defeat President Muhammadu Buhari at the February 2019 presidential election. The Nation The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, has assured the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, that his people will not betray them in their quest for the leadership of Lagos State. Tribune The Ekiti bar is mourning the murder of one of their own, Mr Adeola Adebayo, who was also the secretary of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikole Branch and has decided to boycott all courts for one week. Presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie has taken another swipe at the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Atiku Abubakar. According to president Muhammadu Buharis aide on social media, while speaking via Twitter on Wednesday, the President has just 150 cows, not causing any threat to any one but said the former vice president, has thousands of his cows roaming about with armed herdsmen. This may be in defense to criticisms that Buhari has had just 150, since he declared his assets on assuming office in 2015, and the figure has never gone up making critics say that, a president who cant increase his personal business, would definitely be unable to manage the Nigerian economy. Onochie, is quite popular on social media, making very controversial statements, which some people have argued are unfit to be uttered by someone in her position. See tweet Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Atiku Abubakar, kicked off his campaign in Sokoto state on Monday, with a huge crowd. Atiku, who hopes to get Nigeria working again, should he win, the 2019 presidential election, took to Twitter to gush about a successful campaign in the Northwestern state. However, there have been noise about the authenticity of the crowd on social media, as some Nigerians are saying the crowd was a rented on. Also, boosting the rumour, is Kaduna state senator, Shehu Sani, who made a tweet on Tuesday, that suggests that the crowd were rented from the neighbouring country, Niger. He wrote; They rent theirs from Niger because of proximity ;You can rent yours from Sudan because of affinity. See tweet Call me crazy but I think Wisconsin Republicans made a big strategic boo-boo last night and this morning. The Republican legislators worked all night and into this morning in their lame duck session and, despite protests, internal disagreement and Democratic opposition both Houses of the state legislature passed a package of proposals designed to fuck Democratic voters and empower the GOP-controlled Legislature at the expense of the incoming all-Democratic executive branch. Governor-elect Tony Evers and Attorney General-elect Josh Kaul warned them that the ensuing lawsuits will tie the state up in gridlock. (Keep in mind that in the popular vote in legislative elections last month in Wisconsin, Democrats won 53-45% but, entirely because of Republican gerrymandering, Democrats only won 36% of the seats in the Assembly-- 53% of the vote but 36% of the seats.) Just after midnight, the Assembly enacted a venal Medicaid work requirement that would prevent Evers from withdrawing a federal waiver request to implement the work requirement and require new legislative oversight of gubernatorial waiver requests related to health care. In the Senate, backroom deal making led to this morning's vote to weaken the governors power to put administrative rules enacting state laws in place. The legislature, not the governor, would have the majority of appointments on the states economic development agency that Evers has said he wants to dismantle. The Republican bill also restricts early voting to no more than two weeks before an election and gives the legislature-- not the attorney general-- the power to withdraw Wisconsin from the Texas lawsuit challenging the federal health care law that protects people with pre-existing conditions. The state Senate passed this package of steaming shit 17-16, all Democrats plus one Republican, Rob Cowles of Green Bay, voting against it. Democratic state Senator Chris Larson, who represents a suburban district south of Milwaukee told me just moments ago that "This morning, fresh off an election defeat, the Republican-controlled legislature voted to subvert the will of the people. The effects of this vote will be felt for years to come. Never before in Wisconsins 170 year history has an extraordinary session been used in such a cold, calculated way in order to usurp the power of duly elected constitutional officers. It is particularly disturbing that legislative Republicans would chose to poison the well of bipartisanship before duly elected officials are allowed to take office." Larson-- like DWT-- sees the potential damage these moves will do not just to the state, but to the Republican Party itself, where independent voters are looking at it in disgust. "What the Republicans have done is terribly short-sighted and will leave a permanent stain on their and our states legacy," he continued. "It is unfortunate, that by refusing to recognize the voice of the people, they have broken Wisconsin Government. It will be all of our neighbors who suffer for years to come. Wisconsinites went to the polls in record midterm numbers and voted for change on November 6th. They responded to the people by essentially appointing the losing side as Attorney General. Now unelected, unaccountable private lawyers can potentially usurp any federal case from the duly elected Attorney General. We have a rich American history of peaceful transfer of power for the good of the people. This morning, Republicans instead decided to burn the house down on their way out the door." Mother Jones, put the Ari Berman, writing for, put the Republican Party racist assault on voting rights into a cohesive national context. The 2018 election saw historic victories for voting rights. Seven states passed ballot initiatives that will make it easier to vote and harder to gerrymander. And some of the biggest cheerleaders for restricting access to the ballot, such as Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, lost their gubernatorial races. But now Republicans in four key swing states-- Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and North Carolina-- are undertaking unprecedented efforts in lame-duck legislative sessions to strip newly elected Democratic officials of their power to oversee state voting laws and rushing to pass new laws that will make it harder to vote. ...Currently, Wisconsin counties can decide when to begin the early voting period. Democratic cities like Madison and Milwaukee began early voting six weeks before the election in 2018 and saw record turnout. The new bill would limit the early voting period to just two weeks across Wisconsin. The new effort to cut early voting is similar to a previous law that was struck down by a federal court. In 2014, Wisconsins Legislature cut early voting from 30 days to 12, reduced early voting hours on nights and weekends, and restricted early voting to one location per municipality, hampering voters in large urban areas. A federal judge ruled in 2016 that the early voting cuts intentionally discriminate on the basis of race and had been passed to suppress the reliably Democratic vote of Milwaukees African Americans. After the law was overturned, jurisdictions in Wisconsin, particularly in places like Madison and Milwaukee, expanded early voting locations and hours, leading to record turnout in 2016 and 2018. Democrats have pledged to sue if the new law is passed by the Legislature on Tuesday. The new bill would also prevent Evers from making the states voter ID law less restrictive by barring him from expanding the types of IDs Wisconsinites can use to vote. The law, which first went into effect in 2016, led to a sharp decrease in black voter turnout in the last presidential election. A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that the ID requirement kept as many as 23,000 people from voting in two of the states most Democratic counties, Milwaukee County and Madisons Dane County, with African Americans more than three times as likely as whites to be deterred from voting. President Donald Trump won the state by that very margin. It is very probable, Milwaukees top election official, Neil Albrecht, told Mother Jones last year, that enough people were prevented from voting to have changed the outcome of the presidential election in Wisconsin. The GOP bill would also move the states 2020 presidential primary from April to March, while keeping the state Supreme Court election in April. A lower turnout in the court race would likely benefit Republicans and help them keep their majority on the court. ...Republican efforts to strip Democrats of power during lame-duck legislative sessions originated in North Carolina in 2016. Following the election of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in 2016, the Republican-led Legislature passed a series of bills to reduce his power, which included preventing the governor from appointing a majority of members to the state board of elections and 100 county boards of elections. Now the North Carolina Legislature is at it again. It originally passed a voter ID law in 2013 that the federal courts said targeted black voters with almost surgical precision. After that law was struck down in court, the Republican Legislature put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2018 requiring government-issued photo ID to vote. It passed with 60 percent support on Election Day, but because Republicans lost their legislative supermajority in 2018, theyre rushing to pass a bill implementing the amendment in the lame-duck session so Cooper will be unable to veto it. Republicans in all four of these states owe their majorities partly to extreme partisan gerrymandering. Ohio Republicans barely got 50 percent of the vote in last months elections, but hold a supermajority in the Legislature, while Republicans in Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Carolina got a minority of votes but control a majority of seats. Now, by stripping power from Democratic officials who won a majority of votes and enacting laws making it harder to vote, they are further enshrining minority rule. Just back from Berniepalooza, Randy Bryce was busy all day and all night yesterday. This morning, he told me that he "had the opportunity to testify in opposition to the power grab. First words out of my mouth was that this isnt a bill, its a coup. The Republicans need to answer one very simple question. If this was so badly needed, why did they wait until after the election to write it? We are witnessing a very sad time in our states history. They are literally doing this in the middle of the night." Emir of Kanos son, Aminu Sanusi, is set to wed soon and the groom-to-be has taken to IG to release his quite stunning pre-wedding photos. Taking to the photo gram yesterday evening, Aminu shared the quite lovely photos with a quite lovely caption as he called his bride-to-be, his gold. He wrote, Nothing like perfect wife or perfect marriage ..All you can wish for is an understandable and respectful wife..And after years of trial and error I have finally met my gold..so ladies and gentlemen allow me to introduce the new princess of kano..Fulani zainab Ali bashir... Congrats to them! Checkout the photos below: Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, was in Ilorin, Kwara state, for his North central, campaign rally, to get Nigerians from that region to buy into the #LetsGetNigeriaWorkingAgain plan. According to the former vice president, who pulled a mammoth of crowd in the state, he has listened to the failures of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led government Atiku, in a statement shortly after the rally on Wednesday, revealed that corruption under the present government is worse than it was, during the last administration. Atiku said that Nigeria, enjoyed her best years under the former ruling party, and as such, it was time to return the country back to the PDP. He also urged Nigerians not to sell their permanent voters card, because the APC was buying them for as low as N10, in order to steal their future. See full statement below Today we have listened to the failures of the APC government since 2015 till today. There is nothing they have not promised us, they promised us security, jobs and better economy, they failed. Whatever they promised, they failed. It is time to return Nigeria to PDP, because the best years of this country was when the PDP was governing our country from 1999-2015. In terms of corruption, Nigeria is worse of today than we were in 2014. In terms of economy, we are the poorest country in the world today. In terms of insecurity, we are most insecure than at any other time in our history. This is what the APC are doing. They are buying PVCs, they will come to you and give you N10, N20, N50 to buy your PVC they are buying your future. Do you want to sell your future? Dont sell your PVCs because they are going to use it against you. God bless you all. Thank you. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has said the party is fully ready to take over the Southwest from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. The opposition party made this known via its handle on Twitter, on Wednesday, in preparation for its Southwest rally According to the party, the zone is too educationally exposed, to allow certificate forgers, continue to preside over its affairs. The party also mentioned an expansionist in the Southwest, who with the collaboration of his cronies have made life miserable for the people of the zone by stealing public funds, forcefully taking over territories. The PDP kicked off its presidential campaign on Monday, in preparation for the forthcoming election in the country. The campaign rally which kicked off in Sokoto, then Kwara state, on Tuesday, saw a huge crowd. See statement S/W Zonal Rally: The PDP is set to dislodge the failed and discredited APC in the South West in 2019. The Zone is too sophisticated and educationally exposed to allow certificate forgers, incompetent leaders and fraudulent elements to continue to sit over their affairs. The APC expansionist in the South West and his cronies have looted the resources of the zone and made life miserable for the people through forceful territorial occupation, direct stealing of public funds,annexing of public property and income generating institutions, etc. Senate president, Bukola Saraki, has urged president Muhammadu Buhari to sign the electoral bill, in order to enable all parties to the forthcoming election, prepare for a credible process. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, on Wednesday, Saraki urged Buhari to ignore those people, who are against the countrys democracy, that are mounting pressure on him not to assent the bill. The President should know that the survival of democracy, its development and the future of Nigeria are far more important than the ambition of any individual or party. I am using this opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to put a stop to this uncertainty in the political process by signing without delay the 2018 Electoral Bill so as to allow INEC and the concerned parties know how to prepare for a credible process. Also speaking via his Twitter handle on Wednesday, the senate president, noted that the signing of the electoral bill, will enable a more transparent election, than what was enjoyed in 2015. He said: I call on President Muhammadu Buhari to end the uncertainty by signing, without delay, the 2018 Electoral Bill. This would allow INEC and all concerned parties to prepare on time for a credible process in the upcoming General Election. My position remains that the president, his aides, the entire country and the international community are aware that all the concerns raised by the President on the past three occasions he withheld assent to the Electoral Bill have been addressed by the legislature. We bent backwards on each occasion to accommodate the wishes of the President on the Electoral Bill. We started work on this law since 2016 to prevent a situation where it would become part of the election controversies. Every sincere commentator, observer and analyst knows that what we have done with the Electoral Bill is to raise the level of transparency, credibility and acceptability of our electoral process. We made sure that if the Electoral Bill is assented to and honestly applied by INEC, we will have an election that would be more transparent than what we had in 2015. This content is from: Jurisdictions International Tax Reviews Global Tax 20 highlights the most influential people, events and companies which have had an impact on the global tax landscape during the past year. Joe Stanley-Smith introduces the Global Tax 20. Cody Woodruff, Speaker of the Senate for the Iowa State Student Government addresses the crowd of club officers that gathered at Carver Hall on Nov. 1. to discuss the universities' new trademark policies for clubs and organizations. Woodruff explained that he is against the policy and told the group that "if things get terribly bad, we are going to look at a lawsuit". 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 When Apple first announced its first smart speaker, the HomePod, it also confirmed a limited initial release in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. But the device has been expanding in availability since then. In June of this year, for instance, the smart speaker arrived in Canada, France, and Germany. And, most recently, the HomePod launched in Spain and Mexico along with a rumor that the device could launch in Italy soon. And now there is one more market to circle on the globe. Apple has confirmed that the HomePod will finally launch in China and Hong Kong in the early part of 2019. Unfortunately, there isnt an exact date just yet, and customers in China cant put in their order for the smart speaker, either. There is a landing page for the device, though, so were moving in the right direction at least. The HomePod will support Traditional, Simplified, and Hong Kong Traditional Chinese language for Siri interaction. And, just like in the other markets, the HomePod will be available in both Black and White when it launches in China next year. It is priced at RMB 2,799. If youre in China, do you plan on picking up the HomePod when it goes on sale? [via Apple The Uganda Cup champions, KCCA FC, who represent Uganda in the CAF Confederations Cup, received a bye to the first round of qualification due to improved performances on the continent over the years. Kasasiro boys will face the Tanzanian cup winners Mtibwa Sugar in the first round of the 2018/19 Caf confederation group stage qualifiers. Visiting Tanzanian club Mtibwa Sugar completed a double over Northern Dynamo of Seychelles with a narrow 1-0 win at Stad Linite in Mahe on Tuesday afternoon to register a 5-0 triumph in this preliminary round. Stories Continues after ad The first leg will be played on Saturday 15th December 2018 at StarTimes Stadium Lugogo with the return leg scheduled for a week later in Dar es Salaam. The victor of the fixture over the two legs will await a draw where they will face one of the sides that will have been eliminated from the Caf Champions League at the first round stage. Meanwhile in the Caf Champions league, Vipers SC prepare for the return leg of the CAF Champions League tie against Al Merrikh of Sudan on Wednesday afternoon at St Marys Stadium, Kitende. 2018/19 Caf Confederations Cup 15th December, 2018 KCCA FC vs Mtibwa Sugar StarTimes stadium, Lugogo (4pm) Microsoft has a lot of traction with Outlook for mobile devices, with the app seeing over 100 million active users across iOS and Android. And now the company is adding a lot of little changes to the iOS app version, hoping to make the experience even better. The latest big update for Outlook on iOS wont add a ton of new features to the mix, but will instead focus on offering up a significant redesign to the app itself, with many smaller changes littered around to create one new, better experience overall. The Verge has a quick look at whats coming first. Those little changes include new animations, like the calendar icon that will animate when you move backwards and forwards. And Outlook for iOS is even adding haptic feedback, so when you interact with an email, like swiping to move it to a new folder, the phone will vibrate to make it feel like youre actually moving it. And Microsoft is finally adding that very distinct blue banner to the top of the app as well (this was present on the Android version of the app, but strangely missing from iOS): The blue was not there [on iOS], says Miles Fitzgerald, who leads the mobile design for Outlook. Were bringing the family together, and were proud of our brand. Outlook for iOS will now offer a prompt for customizable swipes the first time you use that feature. Outlook is also adding a favorites folder, which should make keeping tabs on the things that matter most even easier. There is a new inline view for your calendar events as you interact with them, making them easier to see while you decide on whether or not to accept or deny an invitation. Avatars are now supported in the app, too, making it even easier to see who sent a message. We do a lot of research and understanding if it actually increases positive feelings for the product, explains Jon Friedman, who leads Microsofts design efforts for Office. What weve found is that if people have more positive feelings towards a product, which is different than just how they rationally think about it, theres a correlation to higher net promoter score, higher retention, and longer life time value of that people using the app. But, thats not all! Outlook for iOS is also getting a dark mode at some point in the future. It wont be rolling out today, but Microsoft says its coming soon. So keep an eye out for that, too. Microsoft is overhauling quite a bit lately. The company recently shared its brand new app icons for its longstanding Office suite, which appears to be just the tip of the iceberg as Microsoft aims to modernize Windows across platforms. The new Outlook for iOS will be rolling out today. A link to download and install the app from the App Store is available below if you dont already have it. Its free. Download Outlook Free [via The Verge The maritime military security relationship between China and the United States keeps deteriorating and has fallen to a historical low in 2018. One of the most obvious manifestations is that the United States has performed increased Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) and overflight in the South China Sea, during which dangerous encounters between the maritime and air forces of the two countries turned to be uncommonly frequent. In 2018, the United States has deployed 6 warships to perform FONOPs and 28 sorties of B-52 bombers to overfly the South China Sea. The following tables list the relevant US operations in the South China Sea: the FONOPs since 2015 and some of the B-52 flights in 2018: Table 1. FONOPs performed by US warships in the South China Sea since 2015 (Data sources: Chinas Ministry of National Defense official website, CNN, Reuters) Table 2. US B-52 bomber presence in the South China Sea in 2018 (Data sources: twitter @AircraftSpots, CNN, ABS-CBN) On September 30, the two sides were caught in an incident during an encounter at sea, when a dangerous approach of 41 meters occurred between the US Navys destroyer USS Decatur (DDG-73), which was performing a FONOP within 12 nautical miles to Nanxun Reef, a reef of Nansha Islands (also known as the Spratly Islands), and the Chinese Navy destroyer Lanzhou (hull number 170), which was trying to intercept and head off the former. Many in the US military soon voiced accusations of the unsafe and unprofessional action of the Chinese side. Later, on October 4, the US military released through public media that, to display military strength, the US Pacific Fleet is preparing to carry out a series of military actions in November, including exercises involving warships, fighters, and troops to demonstrate the capability of the United States to fight potential opponents. This was intended as a warning to China. Against the background of the growing trade friction between China and the United States, where will the China-US air and sea military security situation go? Do these dangerous interactions between the air and sea forces of the two sides indicate that the two China-US mechanisms to enhance military mutual trust signed in 2014, especially the Memorandum of Understanding on the Rules of Behavior for the Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters (ROB), will end up as dead letters? Is it possible that incidents like the aircraft collision on April 1, 2001 or the US-Soviet Black Sea collision in 1988 will happen again, this time between China and the United States? Or worse, will a military conflict break out between the two powers, either in the air or at sea, and even escalate to a local war? I. At present, China-US disputes over FONOPs in the South China Sea do not involve conflicts of core interests. Neither China nor the United States should raise them to a full military confrontation. Chinas core interest in the South China Sea is to safeguard the territorial sovereignty of its islands and reefs therein. So far, Chinas claim on sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea, is clarified, most authoritatively and comprehensively, in the Statement of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China on Chinas Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights and Interests in the South China Sea. Issued on July 12, 2016, the document states that China has territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, including, inter alia: i. China has sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, consisting of Dongsha Qundao, Xisha Qundao, Zhongsha Qundao and Nansha Qundao; ii. China has internal waters, territorial sea and contiguous zone, based on Nanhai Zhudao; iii. China has exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, based on Nanhai Zhudao; iv. China has historic rights in the South China Sea. President Xi Jinping also stated that Nanhai Zhudao have been Chinese territory since ancient times. Chinas maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are not only clarified and protected by Chinas domestic legislation and policy statements, but also need to follow the basic principles of contemporary international law, with due regard to the rights of other coastal states in the South China Sea as well as those out of the region. The core of the US advocacy of FONOPs is to maintain the basic concept of free use, especially the military use, of the ocean. According to the official statement of the United States, the passage of US warships in the South China Sea is part of its global FONOP initiative. Every year, the United States challenges the excessive maritime claims of more than ten countries around the world. In the sovereignty disputes over the South China Sea islands, the United States has consistently stated that it has a neutral stance and does not take sides. It has not publicly raised its objection to the stationing of Chinese troops on the existing islands and reefs. According to the official statement of the US Department of Defense, the US FONOPs mainly challenge Chinas maritime claims of rights as follow: i. The straight baseline of territorial sea set by China does not conform to the principles of international law of the sea; ii. Innocent passage by foreign warships in Chinas territorial water requires prior approval; iii. China has the right to control security in the contiguous zone; iv. China restricts the activities of foreign military aircraft over the exclusive economic zone; v. China restricts foreign aircraft that do not intend to enter Chinas territorial airspace to fly over the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone; vi. China restricts foreign countries marine survey activities within its exclusive economic zone; and vii. The construction of some of the Nansha Islands by China should be legally defined as artificial islands and therefore cannot justify Chinas claim for territorial sea. The disputes between China and the United States on FONOPs in the South China Sea are partly due to differences in understanding and interpretation of international law, as well as in home legislation and policies between the two countries. However, these disputes do not involve any US objection to Chinas territorial sovereignty over the South China Sea islands, which makes its core interests as stated, but instead, show more the conflicting outlooks on the ocean between China and the United States. There is still room for negotiation between China and the United States. The United States is a traditional maritime country, and the concept of freedom of the sea is rooted in the history of national development for more than two hundred years. China is a traditional continental state, not starting to know and learn maritime rights and interests until less than half a century ago. China is still in the initial stage of building a maritime power with well-maintained balance between land and sea. Its ideology of the continental state is so deeply rooted that in its mindset, ownership of the sea as territory often weighs down the free use of the ocean as a natural passage. Due to the increasing economic importance of strategic energy corridors and trade routes at sea, the growing defense strength and therefore enhanced national security in coastal waters, the Chinese navy is more and more moving toward the ocean to maintain overseas interests of the country. Chinese warships and military aircraft also have to steer through or overfly straits, waterways and territorial seas of other countries, and conduct military operations in EEZ and territorial seas of coastal states like itself, whatever the operation is for training, exercise, reconnaissance, survey, shipping escort, evacuation of overseas Chinese, or combat against international crimes. Ensuring the freedom of navigation across the global oceans and straits has also risen as a vital strategic interest for China as it must maintain the freedom of navigation not only for its merchant ships, but also for its operating warships and military aircraft. China's understanding of freedom of navigation needs to change in response to the development of national interests. The current divergences between China and the United States on FONOPs and maritime military activities reflect the formers policy adjustment in transition from a continental country into one with coordinated land-sea priority. Such divergences will not escalate to conflict over core interests between the two countries. Instead, with the development and establishment of an ocean-oriented outlook in China, the two countries will find more convergences and commonalities in their ocean views and maritime interests. A typical case of national practice that changed the attitude toward FONOPs comes from the former Soviet Union, which had opposed innocent passage of warships in its territorial sea since its founding. At the first United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea in 1958, the Soviet Union still required foreign warships transiting through its territorial sea to apply for permission 30 days in advance. Later, with the rapid development of the Soviet Navy, Soviet warships began to operate worldwide and compete with the US Navy, gradually leading to a changed position on freedom of navigation. However, in the 1982 Soviet State Border Law promulgated by the Soviet Union, it was stipulated that foreign warships could pass through certain passages in the Soviet territorial sea of the Baltic Sea, the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan, retaining restrictions on innocent passage of warships. The United States then began performing FONOPs in the Soviet territorial sea of the Black Sea until the famous Black Sea bumping incident occurred in February 1988 a Soviet warship slammed into a US warship performing a FONOP. Unexpectedly, the outcome of the negotiation after the incident turned out to be a complete reversal. On September 23, 1989, the United States and the Soviet Union signed the Uniform Interpretation of Rules of International Law Governing Innocent Passage which clearly stated: All ships, including warships, regardless of cargo, armament or means of propulsion, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea in accordance with international law, for which neither prior notification nor authorization is required. Then the US navy stopped FONOPs in the Soviet territorial sea. To meet their own interests, the Soviet Union finally changed its policy on the issue of innocent passage by warships in its territorial sea. Therefore, the divergences between countries on freedom of navigation are not irreconcilable conflict over core interests. As consensus and divergences coexist between China and the United States on the issue of freedom of navigation, what China opposes are mainly unilateral FONOPs performed by US military aircraft and warships which challenge Chinas domestic legislation and which attempt to force China to accept its claims. There is still room for China and the United States to resolve the issue of FONOPs in the South China Sea through dialogue and negotiation, while irrational military means should never be a solution to resort to. II. It is not Chinas goal to gain control of the entire South China Sea: it seems tempting but it is not in Chinas interest. The core of the South China Sea issue is the territorial disputes over islands and reefs between China and its neighbors, and thereof arises the disputes over jurisdiction rights of waters in the South China Sea. In addition, China and its neighboring countries in the South China Sea have common interests in maintaining the openness of channels in the South China Sea and developing and sustaining resources in the region. The view that Chinas strategic goal is to gain control of the entire South China Sea and turn it into Chinas internal water is a misjudgment of Chinas intentions. The South China Sea is a common strategic channel connecting China and East Asian countries with the Indian Ocean, and therefore offering an access to farther destinations in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The sea is a strategic energy corridor that ensures an economic lifeline for East Asian countries. But it makes just one section of the vital Sea Lines of Communication as a whole. The route connecting the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean is dotted by a series of waterways such as the Singapore Strait, the Strait of Malacca, the Sunda Strait, and the Lombok Strait. These waterways are located in the territorial seas and the archipelagic waters of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. After passing through these straits, this strategic route goes across the vast Indian Ocean and enters the Strait of Hormuz before it reaches the Persian Gulf, and arrives in Europe after transiting through the Gulf of Aden, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. China has never formulated any military strategy to control such a vast ocean and so many waterways that are mostly located in the sovereign waters of coastal states. Facing such a long international waterway, taking control of some of the sea areas (such as the South China Sea and the waters within the first island chain) makes no sense, which leads nowhere in gaining control of the entire waterway. Even if China can win a local war against the United States within the first island chain, completely drive the US military power out of the South China Sea, and therefore gain full control of the South China Sea, the latter still has the advantages to blockade the main waterways connecting South China Sea to the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Europe. It will be difficult for China to break through and hold the situation for a long time. This strategic channel will be cut off anyway, and that will be fatal for Chinas economic development. As the current conflicts of interest between China and the United States have not escalated to a stage that warrants a war, avoiding air and sea crises and armed conflict should remain as the primary strategic and operational goal for both sides. Therefore, on the issue of strategic channel security, China must give up the old concept of sea power that advocates the seizure of ocean control by use of force, and adopt a new concept of ocean security highlighting international cooperation. It is impossible for China to rely on military power to gain exclusive control of strategic channels. It must rely on international cooperation to jointly safeguard strategic channel security. This includes cooperation not only between China and the coastal states of the South China Sea, but also between China and maritime powers outside of the region, for example the United States. To obtain completely exclusive control of the South China Sea is neither a strategic intention nor is it in the interest of China. In a long historical period in the future, China will remain as a country with coordinated land-sea priorities. The ocean is an important domain for Chinas economic development, while land affairs stay vital due to their great relevance to Chinas survival and development. China finds no cultural foundation, demand, or strength to develop a concept of sea power that pursues ocean control globally. Chinas recent military building, especially its island construction since 2015 in the South China Sea, is another important reason for the United States to believe that China seeks to control the South China Sea. But building the military capacity of islands and reefs is not the same as seeking sea area control. The meaning of a countrys militarization on its territory lies in the fact that it is a process of preparing the country for conflict or war and therefore is an inherent defense right of a sovereign state. The interpretation of Chinas military building on islands and reefs in the South China Sea as a use of force by China to threaten neighboring countries in fact covers up the legitimacy of militarization in an unperceivable way. Ever since China recovered the Xisha Islands (also known as the Paracel Islands) and the Nansha Islands in 1946, it has stationed soldiers on the islands of the South China Sea and deployed weapons and equipment. Since the 1970s, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia have encroached more than 40 islands and reefs of Chinas Nansha Islands. As the sovereign state, China has carried out corresponding island reef construction and military deployment, naturally, in order to get ready for potential conflicts or wars. It is understandable and there is nothing to hide. Chinas current South China Sea policy is to resolve disputes through peaceful negotiation and not to take initiative to resolve the issue by use of force. This is not just an official account catering to foreign audiences, but rather a rational choice of China based on the need to maintain the security environment of the South China Sea, which is closely relevant to its own development interests. Therefore, Chinas military construction on its islands in the South China Sea has natural legitimacy and does not mean that China is pursuing a strategic goal to put the South China Sea under its control. III. The Rules of Behavior for the Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters are still important as avoiding conflict remains as the primary goal. As both China and the United States are nuclear powers, any incident like collisions at sea or in the air, or small friction, may go out of control and spark local armed conflict or even nuclear war. That will be catastrophic to both countries. In spite of divergences on ocean law and policy as well as the settlement of disputes in the South China Sea, China and the United States have reached consensus on how to control the actions of their air and sea forces in peacetime. Both sides have sensibly realized that the reoccurrence of collision incidents similar to that of April 1, 2001 will drag the two countries into unpredictable risks. In November 2014, Chinas Ministry of National Defense and the US Department of Defense signed the two measures to enhance military mutual trust. In particular, the ROB with its annexes signed in 2015, constitute basic rules of conduct for peacetime encounters between the air and sea forces of the two countries. When dangerous incidents occur between the air and sea forces of both sides, the strict implementation of these rules is an effective way to avoid escalating the crises, to prevent the outbreak of armed conflict, and to avoid any serious damage to the common interests of China and the United States. The dangerous approach between Chinese and US warships on September 30 has been ascribed to the US FONOP performed within 12 nautical miles of Chinese island. However, at the technical level, it is highly probable that one side violated relevant ROB rules on keeping safe separation, which include but not limited to provisions as follow: Annex II, Section I: Military vessels that encounter each other at sea are to abide by the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea,1972 and the Collision Regulations (COLREGs) contained therein and implement in good faith the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) developed and adopted by the Western Pacific Naval Symposium. Section IV: General Navigation Safety Rules: i. When military vessels of either Side encounter each other at sea, they are to maintain a safe distance to avoid the risk of collision. While the incident indeed happened, it did not mean that the situation would slip out of control. The ROB also includes provisions for crisis management: The Section VI, iv. Rules for Emergency On-Scene Coordination, 3. For situations occurring at sea, such as a dangerous approach and collision, or other actions that could lead to misperception and miscalculation, both Sides should take active measures to reduce tension and communicate with each other, conduct professional assessment, and explore improvement measures through military and diplomatic channels and the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) mechanism. Therefore, there were crisis management channels and means ready at hand for the two sides to resolve the incident. On October 4, the US media disclosed that the US military would make big moves in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait in November. On October 16, the US Navy oceanographic research vessel the USNS Thomas G. Thompson (T-AGOR-9) docked in Taiwan. On October 22, the USS Antitham (CG-54) and the USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) sailed through the Taiwan Strait. Could these be the prelude to the big move? What subsequent actions will the US military take? As is known from relevant articles of US military scholars and the US practice in global FONOPs, the United States may conduct actions that are not directly relevant to the passage in Chinas territorial sea of islands and reefs in the South China Sea, such as using weapons in exercises, collecting intelligence, launching and recovering aircraft, operating UAVs and UUVs, conducting research or surveys, or interfering with communications. Also, the US military may sail and fly within 12 nautical miles of the Nansha Islands and reefs occupied by Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia, or increase the presence or activity of its warships and aircraft beyond 12 nautical miles of the Nansha Islands. Examining each of these options, one can easily find that these moves will do no more than strengthen the US claims on freedom of navigation. What they will yield, more likely, are rounds of media hype rather than actual damage to Chinas sovereignty its core interest in the South China Sea. Conclusion The military interaction between China and the United States in the South China Sea is not merely a bilateral issue. It also has an important impact on the relations between China and ASEAN, as well as between China and the Asia-Pacific countries. To rush into war is not in Chinas interest, and nor should it be Chinas policy option. On April 17, US Admiral Philip Scot Davidson said at the Senate hearing that nominated him as the Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command: China is now capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios short of war with the United States. Of course, he is not over-pessimistic about the capability of the US military. One may perceive from Admiral Davidsons remarks that the US military still has the ability to control the South China Sea during wartime, which reflects objectively the current superiority of US military strength over China. According to the data of Janes Information Group in October 2018, the US Navy has 116 oceanic surface combatants with a total displacement of 1.93 million tons, while the Chinese Navy has only 54, totaling 0.35 million tons in displacement. The number of medium and long-range shipborne missiles of US navy is 6.5 times of the Chinese Navy. In terms of aviation strength, the US Navy and Marine Corps are equipped with 4,185 aircraft of various types, while the Chinese Navy has only 574. The US military strength is far superior in number to that of the Peoples Liberation Army, not to mention the disparities in performance of ships and aircraft. China cannot be unrealistically optimistic. The only way to make rational policy decisions is to recognize the gap in overall military strength between China and the United States. Currently, the economic and trade friction between China and the United States has been heating up, and an all-out trade war seems to be on the verge of breaking out. In this situation, does China need to open up a new battlefield in the domain of maritime security? Has the conflict of interest in maritime security between China and the United States reached the state of fire and water? The comprehensive analysis of the perceptions of interests of China and US and their divergences on the South China Sea issue, especially their assessments of the freedom of navigation dispute, their conflicts over strategic interests, and the interaction of their air and sea forces, do not lead us to the conclusion that military conflict between China and the United States is inevitable. Military relations are the bottom line of China-US relations. Also, they are relatively independent, without inevitable connection with economic and trade ties. As the current conflicts of interest between China and the United States have not escalated to a stage that warrants a war, avoiding air and sea crises and armed conflict should remain as the primary strategic and operational goal for both sides. Exhibit sheds light on menorahs As a 5-year-old growing up in New Jersey, Howard Berman was given a miniature brass menorah that uses birthday candles. It was customary for children in the area to receive such a menorah, usually when they started Hebrew school. Young Howard lit that menorah that year and every year since.... Emhoff: Affixing mezuzah on VP house a top 21 memory (JTA) When Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, picked a favorite memory from the last year for a Thanksgiving-themed tweet, he didnt turn to the day in January when his wife was sworn in or mention their first diplomatic trip together. Instead, he shared pictures from... Hanukkah Happenings Holiday family animated film The Jewish Federation of Floridas Gulf Coast, PJ Library, and American Stage are bringing a special, family friendly Hanukkah edition of the Real to Reel Film Series to the community. The screening of the 1986 animated movie, An American Tail, will take place in-person at American... The long and winding road leads to Penny Lane Bobby Entel didnt watch the Beatles Feb. 9, 1964 performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. He was 7 years old at the time and in bed. He never saw them in person. He was 11 when they recorded their rooftop album on Jan. 30, 1969, their last time together. He... Focus on Lisa Netz, co-owner of The Lavish Loft Submitted by Haleh Rabizadeh Resnick, Federation Business and Community Development Director For the Voice What was your path to South Jersey? I grew up in... Focus on Peter Hecht Partner at Magna Legal Services Tell me about your connection to the South Jersey Jewish Community? I actually grew up in East Brunswick, Exit 9 off the Turnpike. But weve... Focus on Abigail Dahan: Owner of the Bake School Tell me a bit about your life in South Jersey. I grew up in Cherry Hill. We moved here from Paris when I was six... The 6th East African Community University Students debate on regional integration has kicked off at the Nkrumah Hall, Julius Nyerere Campus of the University Of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Speaking at the official kicking of the debate, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr Charles Njoroge, cautioned young people within the EAC against falling victim to migrant smuggling as they look for greener pastures across national borders. Mr Njoroge said that crafty persons and cartels had taken advantage of young people seeking better opportunities out of their countries, the problem of migrant smuggling had been compounded by insufficient systems and corruption which hinder national and international efforts to combat transnational and cross-border crimes. Stories Continues after ad As the integration deepens, there was an overwhelming movement of people across the borders, adding that this free movement comes with various challenges including trafficking of persons, migrant smuggling, drug trafficking and terrorism, he said He said that the EAC was undertaking various initiatives to promote continuous dialogue among the youth and enhance their participation in moving the regional integration process forward. A total of 30 students from Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda a are participating in the debate that is aimed at picking a Youth Ambassador and Deputy Youth Ambassador from each EAC Partner State. There were no participants from South Sudan. The theme of this years debate is: The debate is held under the theme Border management to address migrant smuggling and corruption at borders for stability and social economic development in the East African Community, Role and Implications of the youth Our Youth Ambassadors are a tested group of young leaders. The selection process is highly competitive and subsequent capacity building Programme ensures that the youth leaders are well nurtured and groomed for furthering personal and regional development of EAC, said Mr Njoroge. Speaking at the event, Prof. Cuthbert Kimambo, the Deputy Vice Chancellor-Research, at the University of Dar es Salaam, said the debate was a noble initiative that could be used to bring young people to discuss pertinent issued concerning the EAC. The University of Dar es Salaam firmly believes that the youth are a key stakeholder in the entire EAC integration process and we need to engage them in matters of East African integration at each step of the way, said Prof. Kimambo. Prof. Kimambo said the debate was a perfect venue for identifying young people who were passionate about the integration process and who would in turn sensitize their peers on the EAC integration process. Mali, Chowkidar, Naib Qasid, Record Lifter Jobs 2019 Latest Building Division Posts Quetta 2021 Experienced and strong persons for the posts of Mali, Chowkidar, Naib Qasid, Record Lifter required for a leading and well known Building Division in District Balochistan. How to Apply on Building Division 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. NADRA Islamabad Jobs 2019 for Female Junior Executive Latest National Database & Registration Authority NADRA Executive Posts Islamabad 2021 National Database & Registration Authority NADRA Islamabad, Government of Pakistan are requires applications from experienced candidates to fill the posts of Female Junior Executive. Skills Required Data Processing Data Entry Web Search How to Apply on National Database & Registration Authority NADRA 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. 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. Defy Aging with Biotulin Organic Botox Going under the knife and needles are the thing of the past. The "in" thing now is inside a bottle. YES, it's the little secret of Madonna and Kim Kardashian that recently arrived in the Philippine shore. 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The industry already is facing pressure to keep up as ChinaAos big spenders shift to buying more at the spreading networks of luxury outlets in their own country. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Coalition Avenir Quebec MNA Simon Jolin-Barrette responds to reporters questions on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at the legislature in Quebec City. The new Coalition Avenir Quebec government says it will cut immigration to the province by roughly 20 cent next year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot With 1,419 booths set up by Vietnamese and Chinese businesses, and those from the Republic of Korea and Thailand, the fair introduced a wide range of farm produce, frozen seafood, clothes and handicrafts. The annual event is rotationally held by Vietnams Lao Cai province and Chinas Yunnan province, aiming to promote trade between investors from the two countries and others. It offers a chance for participating businesses to promote their products and seek opportunities to expand the markets. Within the framework of the five-day event, there will be a seminar on economic and trade cooperation between Lao Cai and Yunnan provinces, and the signing of contracts between Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises. Vietnam has seven provinces bordering China, namely Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Ha Giang, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Cao Bang and Dien Bien. Vietnam has over taken Malaysia to become the largest trade partner of China in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Their two-way trade was estimated at USD66 billion in the first half of 2018, with the average monthly trade turnover between the two countries having exceeded USD10 billion for the first time./. 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. 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Ada 36 nomor berbeda dalam permainan populer ini di mana sebuah bola kecil diputar dan dilemparkan ke dalam mesin roulette. Anda harus menebak dari mana bola kecil itu masuk dan di nomor berapa ia berhenti. Ada banyak jenis pilihan angka dari 0-36, dan mereka dihitung secara berbeda. Sebagai agen casino terpercaya, panduan permainan roulette ini juga memberikan informasi tentang jenis pilihan dan nama permainan roulette casino online sebagai berikut: 1. Straight Up: Penempatan angka tunggal dari 0 hingga 36. Contoh perhitungan straight up adalah mengalikan taruhan dengan 35. Ini adalah jenis taruhan tertinggi dalam permainan roulette kasino, jadi 50 dikalikan dengan 35 memberi Anda 1750, mengapa jenis taruhan ini menghasilkan pengembalian yang begitu tinggi? Hal ini karena tidak mudah untuk memenangkan pilihan nomor dengan memilih hanya satu nomor dari banyak. 2. Taruhan split: Jenis taruhan yang ditempatkan pada dua angka atau di antara dua angka yang berbeda. Misalnya, menempatkan di sela-sela angka 9 dan 12 atau 13d dan 14 dihitung sebagai jenis taruhan split. Setiap nomor dapat ditempatkan dalam jenis ini selama nomor tersebut berdekatan dan persis seperti Gambar A dan B. Untuk taruhan ini, jika Anda memenangkan contoh dan mengalikannya dengan 850, Anda akan menerima jumlah taruhan yang dikalikan dengan 17. . 3. Taruhan jalanan: bertaruh dengan 3 angka ke bawah, misalnya 1,2,3 atau 10,11,12. Semua taruhan jalan akan menerima kemenangan dikalikan dengan 11. Misalnya, 50 dikalikan 550. 4. Taruhan sudut: Jenis taruhan di mana empat angka ditempatkan saling berhadapan, seperti 13,14,16,17 atau 19,20,22,23. Semua angka valid karena terdiri dari 4 angka yang diisi seperti kotak dan taruhan dikalikan 8 (misalnya 50 kali 800). 5. Taruhan baris: Atau, Anda dapat mengatakan bahwa ada 6 jenis taruhan yang terdiri dari 2 baris, tetapi 6 poin dengan 2 peregangan, seperti taruhan jalanan. Misalnya, jika Anda memilih angka 7 hingga 12 dan 13 hingga 18, taruhan 50 adalah 5 kali dan kemudian dikalikan dengan 250 kemenangan. 6. Kolom Inner Bet: Jenis taruhan vertikal dengan 12 poin berturut-turut, seperti kolom numerik 1,4,7,10,13,19,22,25,25,28,22,24,34 atau kolom lainnya. Dan jika dia memenangkan kolom, 50 taruhan digandakan dan 100 taruhan. 7. Lusin : Jenis taruhan menempatkan 12 angka tetapi menempatkannya pada kotak berbentuk seperti contoh Kolom A dengan angka 1 sampai 12 dan odds dengan kolom lain untuk dipilih dengan memilih 1 kotak pertama untuk Kolom A. Kalikan dengan 2, 50 taruhan 100. 8. Zero part : Cara bertaruh 0.1,2,3 sama persis seperti di gambar, karena berdekatan dengan angka 0, anda hanya bisa bertaruh 0.1,2,3. Menempatkan taruhan ini mengalikannya dengan 50. hingga 8. 9. Zero Corner: Bertaruh pada angka 0.1,2 atau 0.2,3 adalah dua pilihan karena Anda hanya bertaruh mendekati angka nol. Jenis taruhan ini dikalikan 11 jika taruhan menang. 10. Two Dozen: Jenis taruhan dengan hanya dua pilihan: 1-18 atau 19-36. Jika taruhan Anda adalah 50, itu dikalikan dengan 1 hingga 50 jika Anda menang. 11. Merah atau Hitam: Masukkan taruhan Anda dengan memilih Merah atau Hitam sebagai warna angka yang muncul saat taruhan 50. 12. Genap/Ganjil: Pilih angka yang menghasilkan jumlah jenis taruhan ganjil. Exploring meat textures: micro-computed tomography (CT) displays the product structure. (Fig.: Patrick Wittek, KIT) In canteens and supermarkets, plant-based substitute products for chicken escalopes and beef steaks have become standard fare. Together with colleagues from TU Berlin, researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) are examining how these products are manufactured. Their aim is to give these high-protein foods, based on soybeans or peas for example, a meat-like texture. For health, ethical or ecological reasons, many people decide to reduce their meat consumption. But not everyone who covers their protein requirements with plant-based substitutes in whole or in part, wants to give up the chewing sensation typical of meat. This mouthfeel is based primarily on the fiber-like texture of meat, explains Dr. Azad Emin from KIT. The process engineer is head of the Extrusion of Biopolymers junior research group in the Food Process Engineering (LVT) section of the Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences at KIT. The food industry has been using extrusion a technique in which a mass is pressed through a nozzle for a long time, for example to produce peanut flips and breakfast cereals. The process is also suitable for the production of meat substitutes from plant-based proteins. During wet extrusion, the dough-like raw mass, which is mixed with water, is moved through a housing by two rotating worm shafts, heated and then pressed through a cooled nozzle. In order for vegetarian burger patties and vegan escalopes to be a carbon copy of the meat products not only in appearance, smell and taste but also in texture, the researchers at LVT want to help match the texture of products from plant-based proteins even more faithfully to that of animal meat. To learn more about the interactions between pressure, temperature, flow, shear forces and raw material properties, they are examining the conditions in the production system also called an extruder very closely. Because so far only little has been known about how the process works in detail. We have developed an approach and a method which enable the process to be examined and controlled with the focus on changes in texture, says Emin. So far, it has taken a lot of time and costs to push product development forward empirically, in other words by trial and error. Flow simulations and flow measurements within the extruder as well as insights into the interplay of flow properties and thermo-mechanical stresses provide information about the process and the resulting textural changes in plant-based proteins. The examinations carried out by the Karlsruhe scientists are part of the Texturing Mechanisms in the Wet Extrusion of Soy and Pea Protein research project of the cooperative industrial research program of the Industrial Cooperative Research Associations. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy funded the project from 2015 for three years with a total of 690,000 euros, with KIT receiving approximately 250,000 euros. Other participants in the project were TU Berlin and the German Institute of Food Technologies in Quakenbruck. In further research, we want to make the texture and mouthfeel even more meat-like by adding lipids and pretextured protein components, says Azad Emin, underlining that not least in view of the growing world population, the supply of plant-based protein is becoming more and more important. Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,600 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 23,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence. To apply controlled pressure to their microscopic superconducting sample (graphics), researchers use sensitive brackets with actuators based on the piezoelectric effect. (Fig.: KIT) High-temperature superconductors can transport electrical energy without resistance. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have carried out high-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering and have found that high uniaxial pressure induces a long-range charge order competing with superconductivity. Their study opens up new insights into the behavior of correlated electrons. The researchers report on it in the Science journal (DOI: 10.1126/science.aat4708). Transporting current without losses superconductors make it possible but only below a certain critical temperature. Conventional superconductors need to be cooled down to almost absolute zero minus 273 degrees Celsius and even the so-called high-temperature superconductors still need temperatures of around minus 200 degrees Celsius to transport current without resistance. Despite this, superconductors are already used in various areas (superconducting magnets, frequency filters, high density power lines). To develop superconductors that work at even higher temperatures possibly up to room temperature and therefore significantly contribute to an efficient energy supply, electronic states and processes involved in the formation of the superconducting condensate need to be understood at a fundamental level. Researchers led by Professor Matthieu Le Tacon, director of the Institute of Solid-State Physics (IFP) at KIT, have now made a significant step forward: they have shown that high uniaxial pressure can be used to tune the competing states in a high-temperature superconductor. In addition to IFP at KIT, the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, and the Universidad Nacional de la Plata in Argentina took part in the study. The results are presented in the Science journal. Using high-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering, the scientists examined a high-temperature cuprate superconductor, YBa2Cu3O6.67. In this complex compound, copper and oxygen atoms form two-dimensional structures. Changing the charge carrier concentration in these planes yields a variety of electronic phases including superconductivity and charge orders. In the charge ordered state, the electrons crystallize into stripe-shaped nanostructures. This electronic state is usually observed in these materials when superconductivity is suppressed using very large magnetic fields, making it hard to investigate using conventional spectroscopic tools. Inducing this state in YBa2Cu3O6.67 using uniaxial pressure instead of magnetic fields allows to study its relationship to superconductivity using x-ray scattering, as the researchers from Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, Dresden, Grenoble and La Plata discovered in their work. They have in particular been able to identified strong anomalies of the lattice excitation conneted to the formation of the charge order. Our results provide new insights into the behavior of electrons in correlated electron materials and into the mechanisms yielding to high-temperature superconductitivity explains Professor Matthieu Le Tacon from KIT. They also show that uniaxial pressure has the potential to control the order of the electrons in such materials. Original publication: H.-H. Kim, S. M. Souliou, M. E. Barber, E. Lefrancois, M. Minola, M. Tortora, R. Heid, N. Nandi, R. A. Borzi, G. Garbarino, A. Bosak, J. Porras, T. Loew, M. Konig, P. M. Moll, A. P. Mackenzie, B. Keimer, C. W. Hicks, M. Le Tacon: Uniaxial Pressure Control of Competing Orders in a High Temperature Superconductor. Science, 2018. DOI: 10.1126/science.aat4708. (Abstract at Http://science.sciencemag.org/content/362/6418/1040) Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,600 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 23,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence. Spokesman of the Cambodian Council of Ministers Phay Siphan (Photo: VNA) So said Phay Siphan, Minister and Spokesman of the Cambodian Council of Ministers, during an interview granted for Vietnam News Agency on the purpose and significance of the visit, as well as the bilateral relationship. He confirmed that the visit to Vietnam and other foreign countries after Hun Sens re-election as Cambodian Prime Minister aims to thank foreign friends for their support to Cambodia and himself. As planned, the Prime Minister will have meetings with Vietnams highest leaders and witness the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements. According to the Cambodian official, Vietnam and Cambodia have proven to the world and next generations about the continuous development of their ties. Mutual understanding, respect and non-intervention into each others internal affairs are important foundations for the relationship development, he said. He said that Cambodia and Vietnam need to continue to maintain mutual understanding and respect, and work together to build a historic border line, adding that Cambodia always wants to cooperate with Vietnam, especially in economics. The good relationship and the guideline in building a friendly, peaceful, stable and developed border line have helped develop bordered localities, he went on to say. Cambodian border residents can find it easy to come to Vietnam for health check-ups. He expressed his thanks to the Vietnamese Government, State and people for their support and collaboration across various fields, including healthcare. He stressed that Vietnam is willing to help Cambodia when it is in difficult circumstances. Recalling the sacrifice by Vietnamese soldiers for Cambodias life and revival, he said that Vietnam has proven the value and purity of its support to the neighbouring country. The official described the good neighbourliness between Vietnam and Cambodia as a model and said that the two countries will continue to work together to advance the relationship. Established diplomatic relations on June 24th, 1967, the two nations have regularly maintained the exchange of visits at all levels. Statistics from Vietnam News Agency showed that Vietnam has become one of Cambodias leading economic partners, with two-way trade reaching nearly USD3.8 billion in 2017, up more than 25% year-on-year. The two countries are striving to raise the figure to USD5 billion in the coming years. Vietnam has, to date, invested in 206 projects in Cambodia with a combined registered capital of USD3.02 billion, among the top five foreign investors in Cambodia. Meanwhile, Cambodia has poured USD58.1 million into 18 projects in Vietnam. In 2017, 835,000 Vietnamese visited Cambodia while 222,000 Cambodians travelled to Vietnam./. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 36F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 36F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. A scene from the film "Swing Kids" / Courtesy of NEW By Park Jin-hai A film about prisoners of war who try to seek happiness through dancing will arrive this winter. "Swing Kids," starring Doh Kyung-soo, or D.O. of K-pop group EXO, brings the story of a tap dancing group trapped in a prison camp to the silver screen. Director Kang Hyoung-chul's new dance film is set during the 1951-53 Korean War in Geoje Prisoner of War Camp on Geoje Island, which was said to be as large as a little city. The camp held about 173,000 imprisoned soldiers from North Korea and China. By showing the characters' passion for dancing regardless of their nationalities, languages and ideologies, the film shows humanity surviving even in the most tragic environments. Kang, acclaimed for his previous hit films "Scandal Makers" (2008) and "Sunny" (2011), says the film started from his thoughts about the way Koreans live separated into the North and the South, still living under the threat of war. "The matter of two Koreas and ideological differences has been always in my mind. So I wanted to make an exciting dance film for my next project and the result was 'Swing Kids,'" said the director during a press conference at a theater in Seoul, Tuesday. The film, an adaptation of original musical "RHO71500," has been inspired by photos taken by Swiss photo journalist Werner Bischof showing the POWs performing "talchum," Korea's traditional mask dance, in front of Statue of Liberty at Geoje prison camp that the UN established during the Korean War. The villain in his film is ideology, Kang says. "In the film, so many have lost their loved ones during the war. I think the war is something that produces a limited few happy people and a majority of many unhappy people. So the most heinous villain in my film is ideology," the director said. "I thought it is wrong that ideology as a systemized belief makes or breaks an individual's happiness." Doh takes the title role of Rho Ki-soo, a North Korean prisoner and troublemaker of the prison camp. Roh happens to fall in love with tap dancing after meeting Jackson, played by Jared Grimes, an officer from Broadway, and he joins Jackson's dance group, "Swing Kids." The inaugurated camp head, eager to improve the camp's image and get himself a promotion, supports the dance group and their passion toward dancing that goes beyond their differences and develops into a friendship. For this new role, rising star Doh said he practiced tap dancing whenever he had time for about five months before shooting started. For this much anticipated dance film, The Beatles' original song "Free as a Bird" has been used as the film's closing song. Many other great songs, including David Bowie's "Modern Love" and Benny Goodman's "Sing Sing Sing," will accompany and please the ears of audiences. The film will hit local theaters on Dec. 19. Lotte Group's headquarters in Seoul / Korea Times file By Jhoo Dong-chan Market attention is growing over who will acquire Lotte Group's credit card and insurance units after the group announced its plans in late November to offload its financial subsidiaries before turning into a holding company. Lotte Card is the nation's fifth-largest card firm with net assets of 12.92 trillion won ($11.62 billion) while Lotte Insurance (worth 13.35 trillion won) is Korea's seventh-largest non-life insurer. Offloading its credit card business, which has generated a great deal of synergy with the department stores and other retailers the group operates, will likely deal a blow to Lotte's sales, but Lotte said in a press release it decided to dispose of the two subsidiaries to comply with Korean law as it seeks to transform itself into a holding company structure. Korea's fair trade law prohibits a holding company from owning a stake in a financial firm. Sources said Lotte Group seeks at least 2 trillion won for disposal of its two subsidiaries. The sales of Lotte Card and Lotte Insurance are being managed by Citigroup Global Markets Korea Securities. However, potential buyers, including large financial groups, remain cautious taking a wait-and-see approach. Of the nation's financial firms, BNK Financial Group is the only one publicly displaying an interest in acquiring Lotte Card and Insurance. "The group has started reviewing its plan to acquire the two firms," BNK Financial Group Chairman Kim Ji-wan said in a recent media conference. MPK Partners, a leading local private equity, is considered one of the potential bidders for Lotte's financial subsidiaries, as it has a proven track record of taking over a financial firm and selling it at higher prices. In 2013, the firm acquired then ING Life, the Korean arm of the Dutch insurer ING Group, for 1.8 trillion won. In September, it agreed to sell ING Group's ex-Korean unit for 2.29 trillion won to Shinhan Financial Group. Local business daily The Korea Economic Daily reported Woori Bank also showed interest in acquiring both companies since it seeks to strengthen its businesses in non-banking sectors before it turns itself into a holding company in 2019, but a Woori Bank official denied it. "Woori Bank is not reviewing any related plans regarding acquiring Lotte Card and Insurance," the official said. Rumors allege that other financial groups, such as KB and Hana Financial Group, may join the takeover battle for Lotte Card and Insurance, but representatives of both financial group also declined the allegations. "It is not rational to acquire them at this moment," said an industry insider who demanded not to be named. "Card firms have posted worsening earnings every year, and the Moon Jae-in administration' move to slash card transaction fees will be another blow to their profitability." According to a regulatory filing submitted by Lotte Card, it posted a 72.93 billion won net profit in the January-to-September period this year. It was the lowest figure among the nation's eight card companies. Lotte Insurance also marked a 61.89 billion won net profit in the period, also remaining among the lower ranks in the list. Another unfavorable factor behind the sale of Lotte Insurance is an industry trend to meet IFRS17, a new set of strengthened international reporting standards that will go into effect January 2022. "The group is seeking sale of the two firms," Lotte Card CEO Kim Chang-kwon said in a press release last week. "Lotte Card will do its best to find the best acquirer." By Lee Kyung-min NH Investment & Securities Jeong Young-chae A growing number of local securities companies have appointed investment banking (IB) experts as CEOs in a bid to revamp their business models and diversify revenue sources. Amid falling fee income, the brokerage houses feel a sense of urgency in strengthening their IB capabilities and developing it as the next growth engine for long-term profit. They are: Mirae Asset Daewoo President Kim Sang-tae, NH Investment & Securities CEO Jeong Young-chae and Korea Investment & Securities CEO Jung Il-mun. Jung has yet to take office as his appointment is awaiting approval of the company board. Jung will succeed Yoo Sang-ho who stepped down in November concluding his 12 successful years as Korea's longest-serving securities firm CEO. Korea Investment & Securities said the appointment of Jung comes at an opportune moment for the firm to brace for the change after it posted record operating profit of 539.7 billion won ($476 million) in the first three quarters of 2018. "The new CEO will help the company become stronger by further strengthening the already tightly integrated organizational structure between holding company and the subsidiaries." The holding company of the securities firm will convene a board meeting and pass a motion to appoint him soon. He began working at Dongwon Securities in 1988. He has extensive experience in the IB business, corporate finance pension management. He has been vice CEO since 2016. Mirae Asset Daewoo President Kim Sang-tae NH Investment & Securities Jeong Young-chae is the youngest CEO to have been appointed in recognition of his 14 years of experience as the IB department head and the resulting achievement in helping the firm become an industry leader. The firm said employees' morale was further boosted following the appointment of Jeong as his colleagues have high regard for his competence and professionalism. "Our firm has topped the list of best performing securities firms in sectors of Initial Public Offering (IPO), capital increase by issuing new stocks, corporate bond issuances, corporate restructuring and merger and acquisitions (M&A), all of which was part of his achievement since he began working at the firm in 2005," a NH Investment & Securities official said. "Jeong was deemed the perfect fit for our new business strategy moving toward capital management-derived profit, and less brokerage business." The appointments came amid broader efforts for securities firms to enhance IB business to find an alternative for profit amid continued decline in stock trade fees. Jung Il-mun, CEO nominee for Korea Investment & Securities The Hankook Ilbo, the sister paper of The Korea Times, is holding an anti-addiction contest with the purpose of reducing non-drug addiction, including those related to gambling, smartphones and online games. The competition is sponsored by Kangwon Land and the Kangwon Land Addiction Care Center (KLACC). The contest aims to draw public attention to the harmful consequences of non-drug addictions, and to discover the preventive strategies and positive initiatives of people who have overcome these to promote and encourage everyone to avoid getting trapped in a cycle of addiction. There are four categories for contestants User Creative Content (UCC) videos, posters, webtoons, and slogans and calligraphy. All submissions should be original works. The award-winning pieces will be widely used in a nationwide campaign to prevent addiction. Qualifications: Koreans living in Korea can participate as individuals or teams of up to three people. Theme: Raising awareness and a warning of the dangers and side effects of non-drug addictions, including gambling, smart phones and video games Categories: UCC videos, posters, webtoons, and slogans and calligraphy Deadline: Jan. 21, 2019 Result announcement: Early March Award ceremony: Early March Prizes: Grand Prize for UCC video 5 million won Excellence Prize for UCC video 2 million won Runner-up Prize for UCC video 700,000 won Grand Prize for poster 3 million won Excellence Prize for poster 1 million won Runner-up Prize for poster 500,000 won Grand Prize for webtoon 3 million won Excellence Prize for webtoon 1 million won Runner-up Prize for webtoon 500,000 won Grand Prize for slogan and calligraphy 3 million won Excellence Prize for slogan and calligraphy 1 million won Runner-up Prize for slogan and calligraphy 500,000 won Application: www.klacc-contest.co.kr Inquiries: (02) 6395-3127 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays) U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo talks during a press conference after a NATO Foreign Ministers meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on Dec. 4. AFP U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that the international sanctions campaign against North Korea is an example of U.S. leadership in the world. Speaking in Brussels, the top U.S. diplomat rejected criticism that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is undermining the world order by withdrawing from international organizations and pacts, including the nuclear deal with Iran. "Under President Trump, we are not abandoning international leadership or our friends in the international system," Pompeo said in a speech at the German Marshall Fund. "Indeed, quite the contrary," he continued. "Just look, as one example, at the historic number of countries which have gotten on board our pressure campaign against North Korea. No other nation in the world could have rallied dozens of nations, from every corner of the world, to impose sanctions on the regime in Pyongyang." His remarks come as the North has protested the sanctions regime, contributing to the recent impasse in U.S.-North Korea negotiations to dismantle Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. Last year, the U.S. led a series of U.N. Security Council sanctions resolutions punishing the North for its tests of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles. (Yonhap) A students' committee holds a press conference at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Nov. 26, to welcome North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's expected visit to Seoul. Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in agreed on the visit during their third summit in Pyongyang in September./ Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk Some students' welcoming of 'great man' raises ire of others By Jung Hae-myoung A bold statement drew attention at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Nov. 26. "I am a fan of Kim Jong-un," Kim Soo-keun, the leader of the Korea Youth Solidarity (KYS), said. "I love communism and you will too," he added. The statement came during a press conference by a committee of several students' organizations, led by the KYS, to welcome the planned Seoul visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un whom they referred to as the "great man." Some passersby showed uneasiness, especially those who had directly experienced the tension between the two Koreas. Others were astonished to see such a daring disclosure of a political stance by young people who are usually deemed indifferent to political activities. "People who lived through the Korean War can be critical, but the young are sensitive to changes and new ideas. We have to live in an open-minded world and have new perspectives toward each other," a KYS member told The Korea Times. "We saw two inter-Korean summits live, and a peaceful atmosphere spread through social media, and we broke free from prejudice, realizing there has been a gap between the reality of North Korea and what we have learnt from textbooks." On Nov. 26, 103 youth organizations gathered to show they welcomed Kim's Seoul visit and to encourage more inter-Korean summits. "I think college students are not wholly indifferent to politics. Many who took part in the candlelit rallies to impeach former President Park Geun-hye were university students," the KYS member said. Engineers inspect a ruptured heating pipe in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. / Yonhap By Jung Hae-myoung An underground hot water pipe that ruptured at 8:41 p.m. near Baekseok Station, killing one and injuring 25 with a high pressure steam leak, likely burst because of its age the authorities said Wednesday. They say the 27-year-old pipe in Goyang, western Seoul, that provided heat for a nearby apartment complex, probably cracked and then gave way under pressure from the boiling water inside. "It seems a welded part of the pipe had been rusting for a long time and it exploded when it could not cope with the pressure anymore," an official of Goyang local government said after checking the site. "Chances are the pipe broke because it was too old. It has been there more than 20 years," said Lee Jin-sang, head of Korea District Heating Corp.'s Goyang office. "But we have to inspect the pipe to find the exact cause." After looking into the authorities reactivated the heating system at 9 a.m. Wednesday, despite the incident leaving the area flooded. Firefighters transport an injured person to an ambulance after a heating pipe burst in Goyang, Tuesday. / Yonhap A 68-year-old surnamed Sohn was found dead, his entire body burnt from steam that penetrated his minivan. He was killed after driving home following a dinner with his daughter and her husband to bless their marriage. Two people have life-threatening injuries, and 23 were transferred to hospitals for burn treatment. Rescue workers try to recover a car that sank into a sinkhole after a pipeline was ruptured. /Yonhap Civic groups engage in a sit-in protest in front of the Jeju Provincial Government Office, Wednesday, after the regional administration announced the authorization of the country's first for-profit hospital. / Yonhap Civic groups fear breakdown of public healthcare system By Lee Suh-yoon The country's first for-profit hospital was given authorization to open on Jeju Island, Wednesday, on the condition that it offers services only to foreign patients. "The Greenland International Hospital has been approved conditionally. It cannot offer treatments for domestic patients," Governor Won Hee-ryong said in a press conference. The Greenland International Hospital is focused on catering to wealthy Chinese tourists, and will offer plastic surgery and dermatological services. Internal and family medicine will also be available. Won also emphasized that Greenland was separate from the country's public health care system; and national health insurance will not be accepted by or be applicable to the hospital. The 47-bed hospital was constructed in 2017 by Greenland Group a state-led Chinese real-estate developer based in Shanghai after the pro-free market Park Geun-hye administration gave it the green light to start building in Jeju Healthcare Town on the island's southern coast in 2015. The law allows for such open-investment hospitals for foreign patients in special economic zones such as Jeju if over 50 percent of the capital is financed by foreign investment. Greenland Group spent 77.8 billion won ($69 million) to build the hospital and has already hired over 100 staff. The possibility of a multi-million lawsuit and ties with China seems to also have affected the governor's decision. The decision to approve Greenland International Hospital overturns a recent recommendation by the citizens' panel to ban it. It also goes against a recent public poll which showed that almost 60 percent of Jeju Island residents who voted were against allowing the hospital to operate. The Greenland International Hospital at Seogwipo on Jeju Island. / Courtesy of Jeju Free International City Development Center During a reception in Busan city on December 4 for its Mayor Oh Keo-don, NA Chair Ngan said Vietnam attaches great importance to its ties with the RoK as the two countries share historical and cultural similarities. She stressed the need to promote ties between the two countries localities outside of governmental and parliamentary links. Lauding cooperative ties between Busan and Ho Chi Minh City over the past two decades, Ngan expressed her delight at the fact that one fourth of Korean investors in Vietnam come from Busan. The leader hailed the RoK as one of the top trade and investment partners of Vietnam, adding that Vietnam is interested in small- and medium-sized enterprises, wishing that more Busan businesspeople would invest in fields of Vietnams demand. According to the Vietnamese top legislator, the number of Vietnamese people living and working in the RoK is equivalent to the total Korean population in Vietnam. As well as locality-to-locality cooperation, she called for stepping up people-to-people exchange. Expressing her thanks to Busan authorities for providing positive support for Vietnamese nationals in the locality, she hailed Busan for its preparations for the establishment of a support centre for Vietnam-RoK families. Along with refining legal regulations and creating a fair business environment for foreign firms, Vietnam also advocates a policy of protecting foreign citizens, including Koreans, in the country. Mayor Oh Keo-don, for his part, thanked the top Vietnamese legislator for choosing Busan as the first destination during her trip. He said that the Busan people love Vietnam and its people, and that there are many Vietnamese people living and working in the locality. He expressed his belief that Vietnam will further thrive and that both countries should partner up for mutual development. President Moon Jae-in, right, shakes hands with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern before their bilateral summit held at the Auckland Cordis Hotel in Auckland, New Zealand, Tuesday (KST). Yonhap By Kim Yoo-chul AUCKLAND, New Zealand North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit to Seoul, if realized, could help accelerate denuclearization of the North, President Moon Jae-in said Tuesday (KST). In a joint press conference following his summit with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Moon also said Kim's visit would lead to a successful second summit between the North Korean leader and U.S. President Donald Trump, expected to be held early next year. "There is a possibility that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could come to Seoul before the end of the year. If this happens, it would be the first time for a leader from the North to officially visit South Korea," Moon said. "The timing of Kim Jong-un's visit to Seoul doesn't matter as what really matters is how to advance the denuclearization talks. I hope Kim's visit to Seoul will provide greater momentum for that." A local hot water pipe burst late Tuesday evening in Goyang, north of Seoul, claiming one life, firefighters said. According to the firefighters, one person died apparently from the accident in which a hot water pipe blew open and emitted hot water. Investigators found one body inside a vehicle at the scene of the accident. Around 20 pedestrians nearby were also carried to hospitals after getting burned by the accident. Two of them are in severe condition, they added. The cause of the accident has not been identified. (Yonhap) By Park Si-soo A police officer who specialized in sexual crime investigations was for molesting his female colleague. The Seoul Central District Court sentenced the investigator to 18 months in prison. He was ordered to receive 40 hours of sexual crime education and banned from working at an institute for children for three years. The officer was charged with molesting his female colleague while drunk at a karaoke bar in 2014. The case came to light after the victim revealed the incident at the height of the #MeToo movement. "The crime took place shortly after the victim got appointed as an investigator when she found it difficult to reject the offender's suggestion of drinking alcohol together, which was a really bad byproduct of the prosecution's 'seniors order and juniors obey' culture," Judge Kim Yeon-hak said. "The case was left unrevealed for a while, during which the victim had to endure substantial mental pain." Two workers were killed after being buried under a mound of soil at a construction site in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. Yonhap Two workers died after being buried under a mound of soil at a drainage pipe construction site just north of Seoul, authorities said Wednesday. The accident happened at 11:57 a.m. in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, when the pile of soil suddenly collapsed on top of the two workers, aged 52 and 50, police and firefighters said. They were pulled out by rescue workers and sent to a hospital but died later, the officials said. The workers were reportedly working about 3 meters underground to install sewer pipes. The soil had been piled up on the ground next to the pipes. The authorities said they are investigating to figure out the exact cause of the accident. (Yonhap) Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, along with military commanders, salutes the national flag at the start of their meeting at the ministry building in Seoul, Wednesday. / Yonhap By Lee Min-hyung The South Korean military should develop its capabilities in order to be able to oversee U.S. troops before Seoul takes over wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington, Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said Wednesday. "We should be capable of taking control of U.S. troops here because we are going to regain OPCON from the U.S.," he said in a year-end meeting with commanders. "We can only take operational control of U.S. troops when we are fully aware of not just the operational plans for battles on land, sea and in the air, but also the weapon systems used by the U.S. military." President Moon Jae-in's administration is pushing for the OPCON transfer before his term ends in 2022. The defense chief also underlined that all procedures regarding the OPCON transfer will be taken under close consultation with the U.S. Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, right, speaks during a consultative meeting with the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) at the National Assembly, Wednesday. The government and DPK agreed Wednesday to lift some restricted military zones in border areas to ease residents' inconvenience. / Yonhap By Park Ji-won The government and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) agreed Wednesday to lift the restricted military zone designation for some areas of the border region with North Korea. The Ministry of National Defense and the ruling DPK held a consultative meeting and decided to lift restrictions on 337 square kilometers of controlled military land at 21 sites, the largest amount since 1994. "People will be able build and develop facilities without consulting the military authorities as their property rights will be returned to them, and this will boost the local economy in those areas," DPK chief policymaker Kim Tae-nyeon said after the meeting. The move comes in line with the two Korea's efforts to ease military tension along the border and boost exchanges. Under inter-Korean agreements, the two Koreas finished demolishing 10 guard posts on each side of the border recently. A South Korean train transporting dozens of South Korean officials runs on the rails leading to North Korea inside the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas, in Paju, South Korea, on Nov. 30. AP-Yonhap By Kim Yoo-chul North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may ride South Korea's high-speed train if he visits Seoul, a Cheong Wa Dae official said, Wednesday. President Moon Jae-in confirmed early this week that Kim's visit to Seoul could take place within this year. The official, who asked not to be identified, said various scenarios and plans are currently being reviewed in preparation for Kim's visit. "One thing I can tell you is there is a strong possibility that Kim will ride the KTX bullet train from Seoul to Busan during his stay in the South given his repeated desire to advance the North's outdated train infrastructure," the official said. But the official declined to confirm speculations that Kim will give a speech in the National Assembly or plans to visit Samsung Electronics' highly advanced memory chip fabrication facilities in Giheung and Hwaseong, on the outskirts of Seoul. South Korean soldiers stand guard at the train tracks leading to North Korea inside the DMZ separating the two Koreas, in Paju, Nov. 30. A train carrying South Korean engineers and officials recently crossed the border into North Korea for a joint survey for reconnecting the two Koreas' rail networks. AFP-Yonhap By Richard Pennington I am a sucker for a good historical episode, and this is one. Please allow me to summarize. On April 15, 1885, three British warships (HMS Agamemnon, HMS Pegasus and HMS Firebrand) and two transport ships steamed out of Nagasaki and headed west. They came to a three-island archipelago approximately halfway between the Korean mainland and Jeju Island. Meeting no resistance from the natives, the Brits took possession not de jure but de facto. For the next 22 months, they would be in command. John Bull called it "Port Hamilton" in honor of W.A.B. Hamilton, former secretary of the Admiralty. The British Empire in the 19th century grew by 26 million square kilometers and 400 million people. Colonialism and neo-colonialism did not yet have a bad name. Why not add a little island off Korea's south coast? From a modern perspective, however, it was a hostile and audacious act. Richard Pennington poses at the British cemetery on Geomundo, off Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, during his visit to the island last summer. /Courtesy of Richard Pennington Time to take action to restructure economy The country marked its 55th Export Day on Wednesday. Its exports are expected to hit a record high of $600 billion by the end of the year. This figure makes South Korea the world's sixth-biggest exporter. Nevertheless, this special day came and went with little fanfare because of a gloomy outlook for next year. For starters, it is evident that exports have begun to lose steam. According to official statistics, the export growth rate shrank from 9.8 percent in the first quarter to 3.1 percent in the second quarter and 1.7 percent in the third quarter. More worrisome is that this declining trend will continue in 2019. The state-funded Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade (KIET) predicted the country's exports to grow 3.7 percent next year, far lower than this year's estimated 6.4 percent. It is inevitable for the shipments of Korean-made goods to grow at a slower rate due to the U.S.-China trade war and an anticipated global economic slowdown. The projected lower export growth will deal a severe setback to the Korean economy which is reeling from a sizable contraction in domestic demand, investment and employment. The problem is more serious when we take a closer look at Korea's excessive reliance on the world's two largest economies the U.S. and China. The country's exports to China and the U.S. accounted for 24.8 percent and 11.9 percent, respectively, of the total exports in 2017. This indicated 36.7 percent of Korea's exports went to the G2. Washington and Beijing declared a ceasefire in their tariff war during a meeting last week between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. But few believe the two giants will easily find a negotiated solution to their trade dispute anytime soon. Another problem is Korea's undue dependence on semiconductors for export growth. In the first 11 months of the year, semiconductor exports were estimated at $113 billion, or 21.1 percent of total exports. The percentage was higher than last year's 17.1 percent. This is certainly a cause for concern, given that the country's exports could tumble if the global boom for semiconductors goes bust. The growth rate of semiconductor exports plunged to 11.6 percent last month from 53.3 percent in January. This seems to herald an end to the so-called global super cycle of semiconductors. The prices of memory chips are on the decline. Making matters worse, shipments of other key export items such as cars, mobile phones and equipment, flat panels and steel have also started to decrease at a rapid pace. Now the government and the business community should work together to minimize the fallout of the export slowdown. They also must push for economic restructuring to improve the competitiveness of Korea Inc. Most of all, the country ought to create a more favorable business environment by promoting deregulation and innovation. Kim Kyung-nam, CEO of SELVAS AI / Courtesy of SELVAS AI Tech firm develops medical transcription system based on deep learning By Jun Ji-hye The medical and healthcare sector is one of the areas where ICT convergence has been actively realized worldwide, making it possible to offer remote healthcare services for senior citizens and perform surgery through robots. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled the early detection of diseases, which helps doctors improve their medical services, and reduces patients' medical expenses, said Kim Kyung-nam, CEO of SELVAS AI, in a recent interview with The Korea Times. According to Indiana University, doctors can improve their diagnosis by 41.9 percent when an AI algorithm is utilized, while patients can reduce their medical expenses by 58.5 percent, Kim said. In an effort to contribute to improving healthcare, which has a huge influence on people's lives, SELVAS AI, a Seoul-based AI company, has developed Selvy MediVoice, a comprehensive medical transcription system providing voice recording, auto text conversion and easy correction. "We have cooperated with Severance Hospital for the past three years for the deep learning of medical terms for each department in order to develop Selvy MediVoice, equipped with the voice recognition engine," Kim said. The Selvy MediVoice was commercialized at Severance Hospital in October. A staffer of SELVAS AI demonstrates the Selvy MediVoice that enables doctors' voices to be converted into text files in real time and saved as electronic medical records automatically. / Courtesy of SELVAS AI Previously, doctors or assistants had to convert various voice data, generated while doctors were interpreting radiographic images and having conversations with medical practitioners, into text files by typing it up on their own. Then, they had to save the files to create electronic medical records (EMR), which required a final check from doctors. "When a hospital used this process, it usually took seven days on average to create the EMR," Kim said. "Selvy MediVoice, based on a deep learning algorithm, enables doctors' voices to be converted into text files in real time and saved as EMRs automatically. Doctors do not need to waste their time creating medical records. Instead, they will be able to offer their patients better medical services." Selvy MediVoice trains itself based on the voice data from medical staff, providing a voice recognizer optimized for each member, the company said, noting that the system automatically filters out unnecessary parts such as patient speech, and only records that of the medical staff. The system detects parts requiring correction, which helps save correction time, the firm added. Guests at the ceremony included Pham Minh Chinh, head of the Central Commission for Organisation and President of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Parliamentarians Group, and representatives from the family of the late Party leader. The Government of Japan on November 9, 2018 announced a decision dated October 1, 2018 on the conferment of the noble decoration to late Party General Secretary Do Muoi. The decision noted that after Japan resumed aid to Vietnam in 1992, Do Muoi, who was Chairman of the Council of Ministers (now Prime Minister) and General Secretary of the CPV from 1988 to 1997, paid the first State visit to Japan as General Secretary of the CPV, thus laying the foundation for the Japan-Vietnam ties. By Jun Ji-hye A Korean-made geostationary weather satellite was successfully launched from a space center in French Guiana at 5:37 p.m. Tuesday (local time), the Ministry of Science and ICT said Wednesday. The Chollian-2A, designed to enhance the nation's weather monitoring system, was on board the Arianespace's Ariane-5 projectile. The satellite was separated from the projectile at an altitude of 2,340 kilometers, 34 minutes after liftoff and successfully made initial contact with a ground station 39 minutes after. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute confirmed the conditions of the satellite were normal, the ministry said, noting it will be arriving at its target geostationary orbit of 36,000 kilometers in about two weeks. The Chollian-2A will begin its missions in earnest in July next year after test operations. The satellite will transmit high-definition images to the National Satellite Meteorological Center and other ground centers every 10 minutes at normal times and every two minutes in dangerous weather conditions. "Through the use of the satellite, the government will be able to offer the people more accurate weather information and other core information such as yellow dust and ozone levels," said Choi Won-ho, an official from the ministry. Jaguar director of design Ian Callum speaks during a press conference at Grand Hyatt Seoul, Wednesday. / Courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover Korea By Park Jae-hyuk Jaguar's top designer expressed skepticism about self-driving cars without steering wheels during a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday. "We are approaching an autonomous car in Jaguar design, but I think it will take a long time for you to see an autonomous car from Jaguar without a steering wheel completely," Jaguar director of design Ian Callum told reporters at Grand Hyatt Seoul. He added Jaguar's autonomous car will still include driver interaction in the future, because driving is a fundamental part of using vehicles made by the British luxury carmaker. The designer, however, admitted that the role of a car's interior space will change in the era of self-driving. "Regarding the interior space design of autonomous cars, I think flexibility will be the key," Callum said, expecting an autonomous car's interior space will be a place for social gathering of more people as drivers won't have to drive in the same way as before. He emphasized that the growing importance of the interior space design does not mean that a car's exterior design will be less important. According to the designer, consumers will continue to want individualism from luxury products, although volume brands may become more anonymous in the future. His remarks imply that the winner of the Jaguar Car Design Award 2018 should be the one who thinks like that. Jaguar Land Rover Korea, which hosted the event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar XJ, will announce the winner of the contest Thursday among students who submitted designs for the 2068 edition of Jaguar XJ. According to the company, 129 teams from 43 universities nationwide exercised their imaginations about futuristic cars that will hit roads 50 years from now. The top three competitors will give presentations about their designs to Callum, Thursday. They will get the chance to visit London and meet the design team of Jaguar's global headquarters. Callum, who joined Jaguar in 1999, is known as one of the top three designers in the global automotive industry. The design director of the contemporary XF, XJ, F-Type, XE and F-Pace also led the design of the I-Pace, the first electric vehicle that Jaguar has ever made. A screen capture of the WeMakePrice website selling instant noodles made in Fukushima By Park Jae-hyuk WeMakePrice and Homeplus were found to have sold instant noodles produced in Japan's Fukushima Prefecture, raising food safety concerns among consumers. Fukushima is the northeastern part of Japan's Honshu Island, contaminated by radioactivity following the explosions of reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011. According to industry officials Wednesday, the two retailers had sold the made-in-Fukushima "Otaru Shio Ramen" until early this week. But they decided to take the instant noodles off shelves as consumers discovered product information written in Japanese shows the manufacturer is located in Fukushima. The product information written in Korean only says it was made in Japan. After the revelation, angry consumers claimed the retailers tried to deceive those who cannot read Japanese. "I hurriedly canceled my purchase before its delivery. I might have been a guinea pig," said a consumer, who had bought the instant noodles from WeMakePrice. The companies emphasized the safety of the product, but said they decided to stop selling it to reassure their customers. "The instant noodles were produced at a factory in a Fukushima city of Kitakata, which is located over 100 kilometers from the contaminated region," a Homeplus official said. "The product also underwent a radioactivity check before its import, and it was found to be safe." The discount chain also refuted criticisms that the retailers tried to deceive consumers. "According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's guidelines, the product information does not need to include the specific place of origin. It just needs to include the country of origin," the official said. The government has banned the import of agricultural and marine products from Fukushima, but it still allows the import of processed foods from the prefecture, if their importers get certification. Moreover, Korea may be brought to the World Trade Organization (WTO) if it prohibits the import of made-in-Fukushima foods without any scientific reason. Japan is seeking to file a complaint with the WTO against Taiwan which held a referendum recently and decided to ban the import of agricultural products from Fukushima. Korean consumers, however, demand the right to know the specific place of origin at least, if the government cannot ban the overall import of products from Fukushima. Amid the growing concerns, they have begun filing online petitions on the Cheong Wa Dae website to urge the government to demand retailers specify the exact place of origin of food products. Kolon Group Chairman Lee Woong-yeul announces his resignation at Kolon One&Only Tower in Magok-dong, Seoul, on Nov. 28. / Courtesy of Kolon Group By Nam Hyun-woo Suspicion is growing over the reason behind the "premature" resignation of Kolon Group Chairman Lee Woong-yeul as he is facing a criminal investigation over an alleged tax evasion. Even though Kolon argues Lee's resignation has nothing to do with the prosecution's investigation, it is already dealing a heavy blow to the company's reputation, weighing down on share prices of group units. According to Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Wednesday, prosecutors have recently started an investigation into allegations against Lee and plan to summon him for questioning. The case was filed by the National Tax Service (NTS) last year, which raised questions about Lee's inheritance of a 40 percent stake in Kolon Corp., the group's holding company, from his late father and former chairman Lee Dong-chan, in 2015. The tax agency launched an investigation on the holding company and flagship unit Kolon Industries in April 2016 and ordered them to pay 74.3 billion won in unpaid tax. The group appealed the order to the Tax Tribunal and cut it to 12.56 billion won, but the NTS took the case to the prosecution due to a belief that Lee had intention to evade tax. Over the prosecution's move, Kolon stressed Lee's resignation has no relation to the investigation, saying Lee "decided to quit the company a long time ago and the investigation came at an odd time." On Nov. 28, Lee abruptly announced he will withdraw from all of his posts within the group, including the group chairmanship, board membership and others at Kolon Corp. and Kolon Industries, effective Jan. 1. In his letter, he explained he believes it was the last chance for him to muster the courage to quit and allow the group to embrace new leadership. "Though we have pledged innovation in every New Year ceremony, no major changes have been made compared to 10 years ago," Lee said. "This is the right time for me to leave. You (employees) also have to understand now is the time for change." He also said he will leave the country to start new businesses using the experiences as the group leader, but is expected to face setbacks when the prosecution's investigation picks up momentum. Lee took chairmanship of Kolon in January 1996 and has led the group for 23 years. He owns 49.74 percent stake in the holding firm. As the prosecution's move came to the public, Kolon stocks plunged throughout Wednesday's trading session. Except for Kolon Life Science, a drug making unit, all Kolon stocks shed. Kolon Corp. ended at 34,100 won, down 3.94 percent from a day earlier, and Kolon Industries closed at 53,600 won, also down 1.83 percent during the same period. The news came to Robert Hatano in the mail. The letter was sent to his mothers house in Bonsall, his permanent mailing address since his divorce. Hatano, director of dining services at Casa de Manana, didnt know anyone in Massachusetts. So he assumed it was a thank-you from an eBay seller for making a purchase. It was a thank-you. But, boy, was it not from an eBay seller. Dear Mr. Hatano, it read, I dont know if you remember but, about 20 years ago, you donated some sperm. I happen to be that sperm. I just wanted to reach out, mostly because I want to say thank you for giving me life. Josie Brody, 19, was raised by a single lesbian Jewish mother in rural Orange, Massachusetts. But there was a side of me that I was curious about, she tells the La Jolla Light. I always knew growing up that there was this Japanese thing going on with me, and I just didnt really know what that meant. Josie and her mother, Lise, have traveled to Roberts mothers house today Josie from Stanford University, where she is a sophomore who hasnt decided on a major, Lise from her home near Boston to share Thanksgiving like the real-life instant family they have become in a little short of two years. I can sort of see her in me, says Robert, who is 51, as he stares into Josies eyes. She looks like my mom when she was young. Are you kidding me? adds Lise, 57. Shes like a copy of him! Lise was teaching at a Massachusetts boarding school in the mid-90s when the maternal urge struck hard. I wanted to share the world with someone, she recalls. I was around kids, teaching kids. I wanted to parent someone. I dont know how else to describe the feeling. Lise was partner-less at the time. And that was the point, she says. I wasnt with anyone and I wasnt going to wait around. She had already cast a net for trusted male friends to donate. Only one stepped up and his sperm resulted in a miscarriage. So she called Pacific Reproductive Services in Oakland, which catered to lesbians including several she knew. The first thing they sent you was a xeroxed list of all their donors by number, Lise says before stopping her train of thought to address Robert. (Is it weird for you to hear this? she asks him. No, Robert replies.) It is only the tenth time Robert and Josie have met in person, the fifth time for Robert and Lise. And you can already see the love in their body language. Josie strokes Roberts left shoulder as she leans on and stares up at him, Lise holding her left hand. Robert and Josie pose at La Jolla Children's Pool, across the street from Casa de Manana, where Robert serves as head of dining services. COURTESY Sperms and conditions Each donor was described by criteria including hair and eye color, ethnicity, height, medical history, hobbies, profession and education level. (A PhD in physics was listed as sold out.) Nowadays, with home DNA tests, anonymity for sperm and egg donors is no longer possible. But 20 years ago, it still was. And some of the donors Lise saw were willing to be identified when the child turned 18, others were not. That was my number-one criterion that it be a donor who was willing to be known, Lise says. I wanted to give my child the option of knowing. Lise chose three finalists, then splurged for $30 more to see their longer profile forms their answers to questions such as whats your goal in life? and where would you like to travel? And you got to see their handwriting, she says. I read the forms and it was a no-brainer. (Roberts) answers were down-to-earth, unpretentious. He just seemed like a really nice guy. A vial for self-insemination arrived on dry ice shortly after payment was received. Lise coughs. Then Josie coughs. They all cough. They all have asthma, which Robert listed on his medical history. I should have looked more closely at that, Lise jokes. They all laugh. And cough. The great challenge in life It was hardly the $50 that motivated Robert, then a film major at San Francisco State University, to answer the San Francisco Weekly classified ad that stated: Sperm-donors needed, Asian, black, Hispanic. I did it because I thought I could be helpful to someone, Robert says. I always wanted to have children. I thought its this great challenge in life that to have and raise a child is the greatest thing. So if somebody really wanted a child, I imagine they would be really good parents and they should have that chance. Josie said her childhood was happy and didnt feel to her as though someone was missing. It wasnt that I had a hole in my life that I needed to fill, she says. I saw that other people had something that I didnt. People asked, What do your parents do? and all of my friends had dads who picked them up and threw them in the air. So I knew. But Ive been so lucky. Ive never felt like I dont have enough support in my life. Ive never thought my mom wasnt all that I needed in any way, shape or form. Yet there was still that curiosity. So, soon after she turned 18 on Christmas Day 2016, Josie called the center. They provided Roberts name, but didnt know his current address, email or phone number. She Googled him and got the address of the house theyve gathered in today. Josie meets her grandmother, Masako Hatano. COURTESY Josies jackpot There was more to Josies letter, by the way. It continued: Obviously, I know you have a life. I dont want to intrude on that. But if youre interested, I would love to meet you. Robert folded it up, stuck it in his pocket and asked his mom and dad if they wanted to visit nearby Valley View Casino. I was in shock, but I have a pretty good poker face, Robert says, so we went off to the casino and I came back and read the letter. It was super sweet. It really got to me. Robert describes his parents as very conservative first-generation Japanese-Americans who might not have approved. In fact, he didnt tell them for months. But they were ultimately both overjoyed to hear about and meet their grandchild. (Roberts dad died last year.) Obviously, I knew that I had been a sperm donor, but I had no thought whatsoever that I would hear from a child, Robert continues. For all I knew, my vial was just sitting on a shelf somewhere. Robert and his ex-wife tried to have a baby, but she miscarried several times. Then, after we got divorced, I was 46, he says, which seemed pretty late to all of a sudden find the right person and have children. The letter couldnt have arrived at a better time or to a better addressee. Roberts pretty unusual, actually, Lise says, because I know a lot of people with donor-conceived kids. Some of them, theres actually many, many donor siblings, and the donor siblings develop this little community. But the actual donor is kind of not involved or interested, or theyll meet him and its like, OK, nice to meet you, bye, and no relationship forms. Josie hit the jackpot, she says. Love at first sight Bio-father and bio-daughter emailed back and forth for a month. Robert played it cooler than he actually felt about the blossoming relationship. I was nervous because it does mean a tremendous amount to me that shes in this world, he says. It really changed my whole world view. At one point, I just thought, Well, now I can die. No, no, dont do that, Josie interrupts him. At Roberts insistence, he met Josie and Lise at the same time. He flew into San Francisco, then drove them to Palo Alto to tour Stanford. Josie sat in on classes and Robert and I went to find a glass of wine, which we needed badly, Lise picks up the story, laughing. So we got talking, and it was a really lovely way to do it. And then we picked Josie up and it just looked like a family. It was a very surreal moment for me. Josie has no reservations referring to Robert as my dad. Likewise, Robert calls Josie my daughter but he feels a little weird about it. Obviously, I did nothing to raise her and its kind of uncomfortable when people praise me: Oh, shes so beautiful or shes so smart, he says, avoiding eye contact from the new women in his life. You can take credit for the beauty, Lise replies, and the smart. You can take credit for both of those. And you can take credit for the asthma! Everyone laughs and coughs again. Lise who it seems would have the smallest claim on being fundamentally altered by this experience says she feels it equally. There were two things I always wanted, she says as tears begin flowing from everyone. One was to say thank you to whoever the man was, and the other thing was the only thing I found hard as a single parent which was not surviving the flu or making ends meet, but not having there be another person in the world who also thought she was the most amazing child ever born. Opinion / Guest Commentary / Our Readers Write: Clear coastal waters, breathtaking beaches and rugged desert trails are just a few of the natural features that define San Diego and draw people here from all over the world. As San Diego City Attorney, I work to protect our environment by fighting for tough laws and holding violators accountable. I count you as a partner in this effort. As you read these highlights of the work my office does, remember: We need you to speak up when you see potential environmental violations. Ive included reporting information below. Water pollution. Our office is suing Monsanto, the chemical manufacturing behemoth, for the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in San Diego Bay and the waterways leading to it. Monsanto manufactured PCBs for years despite overwhelming evidence of their public health risk. In August, a judge allowed our claim to move forward, bringing us one step closer to ensuring the company pays to clean up our watershed and bay. Lead paint. Our office is part of a statewide coalition of prosecutors that won a long-running case against paint manufacturers that knowingly sold toxic lead paint to California families. Lead, when ingested by children, can damage the central nervous system and cause lifelong learning disabilities. The companies tried to appeal this decision to the United States Supreme Court, but the court wouldnt take the case. The companies must now pay into a $409 million fund to remove toxic lead paint from affected homes, including many in San Diego. Illegal dumping. Lead paint can also contaminate our rivers and ocean. A citizen complaint led our office to successfully prosecute a Riverside County-based painting company that power-washed painted curbs in Del Cerro, allowing toxic paint chips to flow into the street and storm drains. Two employees and the CEO were ordered to pay more than $12,000 in fines and restitution, and perform community service work. Hazardous waste. The unlawful handling of hazardous waste puts us all at risk. Thats why my office joined 21 other prosecuting agencies in a successful lawsuit against Whole Foods, which was illegally disposing hazardous waste in our landfills. With inadequate safety protocols to protect customers, employees or the public, Whole Foods improperly disposed ignitable liquids, cleaning agents, aerosol products and other flammable, reactive, toxic and corrosive materials, at its California facilities. Stores in Hillcrest and UTC were implicated in the complaint. San Diego will receive more than $110,000 in civil penalties, including funds to support the work of the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health. Wildlife poaching. Our office also targets individuals who harm the environment. Within the past two years, we have prosecuted more than 15 marine wildlife poachers, many of them repeat offenders poaching lobster and abalone in protected areas. Citizens reported them to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and we brought them to justice. A portion of the damages we collect go toward critical preservation efforts. You can help To strengthen our ability to enforce environmental regulations, I recently created the Nuisance Abatement Unit to oversee cases related to illegal dumping, hazardous waste, fish and wildlife, illegal grading, lead paint and the destruction of environmentally sensitive lands. You can report environmental violations to our Nuisance Abatement Unit by contacting us at (619) 533-5500, cityattorney@sandiego.gov or sandiego.gov/cityattorney/divisions/communityjustice/nau Whether we are taking on powerful interests accustomed to operating above the law, or prosecuting individuals who threaten our precious ocean ecology, my office is committed to protecting the environment for the safety and enjoyment of all. Christmas may define December in the minds of most La Jollans. But on the patio outside The LOT at 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2 just two hours after the La Jolla Christmas Parade marched to a close Chabad of La Jolla offered a public reminder that it also belongs to Hanukkah. (At least it does except on the very rare occasion that it falls at the end of November.) As around 100 celebrants looked on, Rabbi Baruch Ezagui ushered in the Jewish holiday just after sundown by lighting the first of eight candles on his congregations grand menorah. Hanukkah is a holiday of quality over quantity, Ezagui announced. We Jews have never been in the biggest numbers as far as population. Our number and our journey has always been challenged by exterior circumstances. But like a little flame in the darkness of night, weve never been deterred. Rabbi Baruch Ezagui prepares to light the first candle of Hanukkah. COREY LEVITAN This is the third year that Chabad the orthodox Hasidic movement formerly known as Lubavitch has celebrated Hanukkah at The LOT. (The movie theaters owners, Adolfo Fastlicht and Carlos Wellman, are Jewish.) During the lighting, Ezagui said prayers in Hebrew celebrating what religious Jews believe was the miracle that occurred in the Jewish temple more than 2,000 years ago. In 175 B.C., according to the story, the new Greco-Syrian Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes tried forcing all Jews to assimilate. He outlawed Judaism, captured the temple and built an altar to the Greek god Zeus inside. Jews who resisted were crucified or dismembered. Judah the Maccabee, son of a Jewish priest, revolted and won back Jerusalem in 165 B.C., driving the Seleucids from Judea and rededicating the temple. (The word hanukkah means dedication.) The Seleucids left only one intact vial of oil, the story goes, enough to light the temples candelabrum for one day. But it burned for eight days, which was the miracle. Rabbi Ezagui, who originally hails from Canada, passed out candles and requested that celebrants light them on the gas fire pits encircling them on The LOTs patio. Then he informed them what happened just a few hours earlier in Berlin, Germany. My colleague, Rabbi (Yehudah) Teichtal, stood with the president of Germany (Frank-Walter Steinmeier), lighting tonights first Hanukkah menorah candle under the Brandenburg Archway, Ezagui said. Only 80 years ago until today, the anniversary of kristallnacht (the first night of the atrocities of the Holocaust), it lay dormant and dark. But, my friends, tonight, light triumphed over darkness. Tonight, a giant, 40-foot menorah was lit in that archway. One candle, the first flame on the menorah, illuminated and pierced through 80 years of darkness, bringing hope, joy, warmth and light into world. Ezagui lit the center candle (the shamash), with which he lit a candle placed on the far right. Miracle on Prospect Street Instead of returning to her car immediately following Sunday services at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, as she usually does, La Jolla resident Anne Marshall decided to check out the rummage sale out front for a few minutes. Unfortunately, she chose Dec. 2 to do it, which occupied her until five minutes past the posted towing deadline for cars parked along Prospect Street. (Two hours later, the La Jolla Christmas Parade would march to a close along that same stretch.) A tow-truck driver had already chained up Marshalls SUV and a police officer was already writing the ticket when Marshall saw and came screaming across Silverado Street. In the spirit of Christmas, both decided to let Marshall off the hook. She drove away unticketed. Its a Christmas miracle! Marshall said after posing for a photo for the Light with her new favorite people. Westfield UTC shopping mall sets date for parking charge Jan. 30, 2019 is the date Westfield UTC will begin charging for parking. The mall has had ticket machines and gates in place for nearly a year. It is not known what the hourly charge will be, but it will be implemented after the first two hours, which will be free. In addition, individual venues such as the ice rink, movie theater and 24 Hour Fitness will validate for up to four hours of free parking. UTC claims the reason for the move is not profit, but curbing illegitimate use of its parking. We were shocked at how many friends at the IrvineCo. (offices) are parking on our site, mall manager Ryan Perry reportedly told attendees of a UC San Diego retail real-estate conference in 2017. P.F. Chang parks in our lot. UCSD students love to park at UTC and go to school. UC San Diego launches new cultural-inclusivity initiative In California, Latino/Chicano students make up nearly 55 percent of all K-12 students. However, they only make up 20 percent of UC San Diegos undergraduate population. With this in mind, UCSD has launched the Latinx/Chicanx Academic Excellence Initiative. According to a UCSD statement, the campuswide initiative led by the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion unifies and expands services dedicated to attracting and supporting a diverse faculty, staff and student community. The statement also said of the initiative: It acknowledges that student success is not just about academic success. It is about affirming identity, celebrating culture and recognizing diverse backgrounds all of which contribute to a positive college experience. One individual can change a life, and one mentor can set a student on a pathway that they never even considered, said Frances Contreras, associate vice chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Our goal is to create an infrastructure where these pivotal moments arent happenstance and are more widely available to our undergraduates. Latinx recognizes those whose roots stem from Latin America; Chicanx is an identity rooted in a social justice movement to empower Mexican-American and Latinx communities. The gender-neutral x replaces the gendered endings a and o. Coffee and ink at Pannikin Occasional Pannikin resident-artist Natalie Bessell has announced a joint show with Ita Lilianthal titled La Tigrosa y Las Poetas (The Tiger & The Poets) debuting Dec. 8. Mexican American artist Ita uses recycled Amazon boxes as papier mache to create sculptures he calls bajabrijes reminiscent of Mexican Folk Art. Bessell draws inspiration from traditional Chinese & Japanese ink paintings in her new works on paper. It fascinates me that with minimal use of line and color, emotionally complex pieces of art are created, Bessell said. The premiere party, which is open to the public, is 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Pannikin, 7467 Girard Ave. (858) 454-5453. UCSD health updates UC San Diego Health has launched the Pancreatic Cancer Prevention and Screening Clinic. A multidisciplinary team has created one of the first-of-its-kind clinics to develop a personalized prevention and early detection plan for high-risk patients seeking care at San Diegos only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. UCSD Health is also the first medical center in San Diego to be certified to offer (CAR) T-cell therapies for the treatment of certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. CAR T-cell therapy involves genetically modifying a patients T-cells (white blood cells) to recognize a specific protein (antigen) found on tumor cells and kill them. Most of the 11 patients treated with CAR T-cell therapy through clinical trials at UC San Diego Health thus far have seen their disease go into remission for at least six months. But not all patients will experience a long disease-free survival and some may still require a blood or marrow stem cell transplant. Also at UCSD, School of Medicine researchers have developed a method to leverage human B cells, best known for producing antibodies, to manufacture and secrete tumor-supressing microRNAs. Once internalized by cancer cells, these small pieces of genetic material dampen a gene that spurs tumor growth. In mice, breast tumors treated with this approach were fewer and significantly smaller than in untreated tumors. The study is published in the Dec. 4 issue of Scientific Reports. Nominations open for the County Womens Hall of Fame The San Diego County Womens Hall of Fame, established in 2001, is accepting nominations in five categories: Trailblazer: Women who have paved the way for other women, or who were first in their fields. Empowerer: Women who have significantly improved the lives of women in San Diego. Activist: Women who have created structural change and shifted our way of thinking and doing to better womens lives. Cultural Competency: Women who are multi-culturally competent and involved in building bridges, coalitions and understanding within the communities of San Diego. Historian: Women who have kept their culture and history alive within the community, thereby contributing to the maintenance and integrity of the community. The public is invited to nominate by completing the form at sandiegowomenshalloffame.com by Dec. 31. Honorees must be present to be inducted at the 18th annual Womens Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3, 2019 at the Joe and Vi Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Ave. Board of Supervisors approves new bike plan The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved a plan that could eventually add several hundred miles of safer, more convenient bicycle lanes to roads in and around unincorporated communities.The Board voted 4-0, with Supervisor Ron Roberts absent, to approve a new Active Transportation Plan, the first update of the Countys bike plan since 2003. The plan will be used to guide the potential addition of bike lanes or bike lane improvements when road projects in unincorporated communities, including resurfacing and repaving, are planned and built in the future. The transportation plan aims to give County residents healthier opportunities to get around, exercise and have fun, by biking rather than driving on unincorporated roads. Improvements in the newly adopted Active Transportation Plan would more than triple the potential miles of future bike lanes, from 280 miles to 934 miles, putting in striped markings dedicating space for bicyclists that would improve safety for both bicyclists and motorists. In addition, the plan could also potentially add 22 miles off-road bike lanes that are completely separated from traffic. Kiwanis hosts Roberts The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla hosted County Supervisor Ron Roberts at its Nov. 30 meeting. Roberts, who is retiring in January after 31 years in public service, described the various projects in which he has participated, involving programs for transportation, children and the homeless. La Jolla Presbyterian Church to sponsor blood drive Dec. 9 La Jolla Presbyterian Church, 7715 Draper Ave., will host a blood drive in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank, 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 in the churchs Life Center Building, Room 3. Donors must be age 17 or older and present a photo ID, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in good health. Walk-ins are welcome, but donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at (619) 469-7322 or sandiegobloodbank.org Charges filed in ivory trafficking case against La Jolla gallery San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott filed criminal charges Nov. 28 against the Carlton Gallery in La Jolla, its owner, and an employee for trafficking ivory in defiance of California law. This prosecution follows the largest seizure of ivory products by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife since a state law banning their sale took effect in 2016. More than 300 pieces of ivory and items containing ivory were seized from the gallery and its warehouse valued at $1.3 million. The investigation into Carlton Gallery began in May 2017, when wildlife officers from the Department of Fish and Wildlifes Trafficking Unit observed two art-deco sculptures that appeared to be ivory in the gallerys 1144 Prospect St. display window. In December 2017 and March 2018, wildlife officers returned and observed additional items that appeared to contain ivory. In a sting operation conducted on May 1, 2018, undercover wildlife officers purchased an ivory sculpture from salesperson Sheldon Miles Kupersmith, who offered to sell the officers three other sculptures containing ivory. Wildlife officers obtained and executed a search warrant later that day and seized 146 items containing ivory from the gallery. The Gallerys owner, Victor Hyman Cohen, then led investigators to a warehouse nearby where officers seized 192 additional pieces of ivory. Most of the items contained ivory from elephants, while some contained ivory from the teeth of hippopotami. Cohen and Kupersmith were charged as individuals. Ivory trafficking is an illegal and reprehensible business that encourages the senseless slaughter of elephants and other endangered species, said City Attorney Mara W. Elliott. I hope this prosecution sends a strong message to anyone who sells or is thinking about selling ivory on the black market in San Diego: We will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank our partners at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for uncovering this crime in our city. This case is being prosecuted by Supervising Deputy City Attorney Patricia Miranda and Deputy City Attorney Jordan DuBois on behalf of the People of the State of California. Citizens may report health and safety and environmental violations to the City Attorneys Nuisance Abatement Unit at (619) 533-5655. City Attorneys reports Woman on life-support following arrest in La Jolla A 24-year-old woman is on life-support following her arrest during a traffic stop Nov. 27 near the 3700 block of La Jolla Village Drive. Police report Aleah Mariah Jenkins was pulled over for a traffic stop and was arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant, at which time she said she had an upset stomach and vomited. The officers called for paramedics, but Jenkins said she had only had an upset stomach, so medics were canceled. While in police custody, she became unresponsive and appeared to be in medical distress. According to press material: Officers immediately began life-saving efforts and called for medical assistance. San Diego Fire-Rescue personnel responded to assist. Due to the seriousness of the females condition, investigators from the Homicide Unit were assigned to investigate the incident. The investigators are conducting an exhaustive investigation into the facts surrounding the arrest and the events leading up to the female going into medical distress. During the course of the medical intervention, controlled substances were found concealed in (Jenkins) clothing. She was taken to a local hospital where she is on life-support. Police report there is no indication force was used on Jenkins, but the name of the officer that transported her (a six-year department veteran) is not being released. Soon after her arrest, a Facebook group formed called What Happened to Aleah Jenkins asking for the San Diego Police Department to release the body camera footage of her arrest and explain what happened during her time in police custody. A posting reads: While in police custody something happened. We dont know. What happened to her!? Her mother, Kieala Jenkins, deserves answers! Why cant she see the footage? Why is homicide involved? Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Police Blotter Nov. 17 Vehicle theft, 400 block Prospect St., 12:01 a.m. Nov. 18 Petty theft, 6600 block Avenida la Reina, 10:30 a.m. Vehicle theft, 5900 block Camino de la Costa, 1:55 p.m. Nov. 22 Grand theft over $950, 700 block Archer St., 11 p.m. Nov. 23 Vehicle break-in/theft, 600 block Tourmaline St., 2 p.m. Nov. 24 Vehicle theft, Mission Boulevard at Wilbur Avenue, noon Nov. 26 Vehicle theft, 8300 block Camino del Oro, 4 p.m. Vandalism ($400 or more), 400 block Camino de la Costa, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 27 Vehicle break-in/theft, 2200 block Calle Frescota, 9:15 a.m. Residential burglary, 2500 block Hidden Valley Place, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 28 Vehicle break-in/theft, 8300 block El Paseo Grande, 9:20 a.m. Vandalism, 1200 block Torrey Pines Road, 9:40 a.m. Nov. 30 Vehicle break-in/theft, 7800 block Ivanhoe Ave., noon Dec. 1 Vehicle break-in/theft, 2600 block Torrey Pines Road, 2 a.m. Commercial burglary, 900 block Pearl St., 3:48 a.m. Compiled by Ashley Mackin-Solomon Less than 24 hours after the meeting last week to bring those on both sides of the contentious Playa del Norte stanchions issue to the table, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconers office announced a decision to reinstate the stanchions in the coming days. The issue, a year-and-a-half in the making (see timeline, below), centers on a striped, no-parking area at the foot of Playa del Norte where it meets Neptune Place, where experimental parking configurations have been implemented. First, the area was blocked with stanchions, drawing the ire of the surfers who use the spot to view the surf. Then, in April, City Council member Barbara Bry implemented a six-month pilot program to permit two, 15-minute parking spaces in that area to placate the surfers, but drawing the ire of the residents who live nearby. The residents contend they are troubled by noise and alleged drug-use from those using the parking spots. Their other concern is the traffic safety issue associated with drivers proceeding the wrong way on a one-way street to make a U-turn to access the spaces. A meeting was held the evening of Nov. 27 at the La Jolla Riford Library with both sides reporting, moderated by National Conflict Resolution Center mediator and land-use lawyer Cary Lowe, tasked with developing a common understanding to determine the next needed steps for a solution. However, the next day, Mayor Faulconers office e-mailed Brys office announcing the dissolution of the pilot program that allowed the parking, and stating that the stanchions would be replaced. It read in part: After receiving many complaints, photos and video from community members, we have decided to act in the interest of public safety. We will be reverting the program site back to its original state with additional stanchions to act as a barrier to illegal parking. Craig Gustafson, senior director of communications for the Mayor, told La Jolla Light: This was a well-intentioned, but ultimately failed, experiment that drew daily complaints from nearby residents about the dangerous conditions observed following installation of the parking spots. The Mayor is removing the parking spots for public-safety reasons and to do whats in the best interest of the community. Despite the decision, residents representing the surfing community are asking for the opportunity to finish what was started at the Nov. 27 meeting and they have Council member Brys support. Attempt at resolution When representatives from both parties met to seek a resolution, speaking for keeping the parking places were La Jolla Community Planning Association trustees Patrick Ahern and Glen Rasmussen. Speaking for re-instating the stanchions were La Jolla Town Council trustee Michael Dershowitz and La Jolla Neighborhood Watch coordinator Cynthia Chasan, along with resident of the nearby condominium complex Mike Wong. Nothing is going to be decided today, no one in this room is a decision-maker for the City or any other agency with authority, Lowe opened, but what we can do tonight is arrive at a common definition of what the problem is now, and at least, what the options are for addressing it. Then he gave each side the chance to offer opening statements. Rasmussen said: This view is the most perfect view of the surf at WindanSea that exists. Before this condo was built and before the bollards went up, people were used to the tradition of driving up, seeing if the surf was consistent and worth the time to park their vehicles and unload their stuff. Dershowitz countered: There is nothing more important than peoples safety. The residents of La Jolla would be best served by the continuation of the no-parking policy. Allowing parking has proven to cause documented adverse results: risks of collisions, risks to those on bikes and pedestrians, traffic congestion, illegal parking, loitering, excessive noise and drug use. Over the course of the two-hour meeting, many shared anecdotes about the space. Longtime resident Melinda Merryweather said: My mother lived on that street for 32 years, and for 70 years, people have stopped there to look at the surf. Another resident added there were no problems with the space before the construction of the condominium complex immediately adjacent in 2015. However, residents who documented infractions with their home-surveillance cameras reported 2,192 incidences of wrong-way driving (the majority of which were reportedly to access the spaces); 1,204 cases of illegal parking violations; 1,260 violations of the 15-minute parking limitation; and 251 violations of the 8 p.m. parking limit. Local architects Phil Merten and Jim Neri proposed street designs to improve the situation by keeping the parking places, but discouraging wrong-way driving. However, with no plans that met the needs of all those involved, some suggested deferring design ideas to professional traffic engineers. Moderator Lowe posed the idea of removing the dedicated parking and the striping, and to have parallel parking against the curb like every other street in the City of San Diego, which was met with applause from half the room. All said, Lowe presented three next steps that would involve a third party to create a neutral basis of information and move forward. Step 1: Ask the City to survey area parking to determine if these parking spaces are needed (based on the number of houses, use, and the recommended parking number) and see how that compares to what is already there; Step 2: Have the City Attorney weigh in on the concept of an attractive nuisance that might come with the parking configuration and the gray area of the extent to which the City can be held liable for creating a condition that is arguably dangerous; Step 3: Meet with the City for a workshop with traffic engineers tasked with coming up with a plan that meets the needs identified in the City (Step 1) study that satisfies the neighborhood and the nearby residents. However, before the City could consider these steps, the Mayors office announced its decision to replace the stanchions and remove the parking. Nevertheless, Bry told La Jolla Light: This decision doesnt preclude my office and the community from moving forward and I will follow the direction of the working group to work with City staff on the (three) action items. Parking Issue Timeline In June 2017, the La Jolla Traffic & Transportation advisory group approves a proposal to install stanchions along a striped, no-parking area at the foot of Playa del Norte in WindanSea (where it meets Neptune Place) to deter illegal parking and subsequent drug-use and nuisance activities. Residents of the nearby condominium complex report vandalism and disruption to their quality of life. Before the La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA) can ratify the decision, the City installs stanchions to block parking. December 2017, LJCPA votes to ask the City to remove the stanchions to preserve the view treasured by surfers, and asks the City to implement a temporary parking configuration as an alternative. April 2018, a community meeting is held to discuss safety, and, hoping for a meet-in-the-middle solution, District 1 City Council member Barbara Bry launches a six-month pilot program to allow for two, 15-minute parking spaces, where parking is permitted 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The stanchions come down and the striped area is reduced that day. In the following months, residents report 4,907 violations (the most serious is wrong-way driving) and multiple incidents (from April 18 to Aug. 31) where more than two cars are using the spaces. These are documented via a security camera. September 2018, LJCPA asks to make the pilot program permanent. One week later, La Jolla Town Council votes in direct opposition, asking the City to remove the parking places and re-instate the stanchions. Soon after, Bry calls for the creation of an ad-hoc committee comprised of reps from all stakeholder groups to come together and craft a solution. The group holds its meeting Nov. 27 at the La Jolla Library. The next day, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconers office announces the dissolution of the pilot parking program. Less than 24 hours after a meeting was held to bring those on both sides of Playa del Norte stanchions issue to the table, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconers office announced a decision had been made to reinstate the stanchions, which will happen later this month. Mayors office announces stanchions replacement 24 hours after community meeting 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 Prince Andrew paid an official visit to Vietnam from December 2 to 4 at the invitation of Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Minh on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the countries diplomatic relations. Minh applauded the success of the Pitch@Palace entrepreneurship promotion event held by the Prince and British firms in Ho Chi Minh City on December 3. To further strengthen bilateral ties, he asked the British royal family and Prince Andrew to encourage UK businesses to invest more in Vietnam, develop a Vietnam-UK university in Da Nang city, and step up cooperation in finance, education-training, science-technology, startup, and innovation. The official also asked the Pitch@Palace organising board to work closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology to continue implementing relevant activities in the time to come. For his part, Prince Andrew said he has special sentiment towards Vietnam, and this was his seventh visit to the country. He also asked Vietnam to continue optimal conditions for UK investors to do long-term business and assist the two countries companies to share information and partner with each other. He highly valued bilateral collaboration in education, health care, tourism and United Nations peacekeeping activities, and at international organisations and forums. The Prince also highlighted the potential for the countries cooperation in various fields, especially entrepreneurship and innovation. After the meeting, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Minh and Prince Andrew witnessed the signing of two memoranda of cooperation between the Vietnamese Foreign Ministrys Department of Foreign Affairs of Localities and the British Business Group Vietnam and the British University Vietnam. He made the request at a meeting with Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Peoples Committee, Nguyen The Hung, on December 4, as part of his visit to Vietnam. The official stated that Belarus considers its cooperation with Vietnam as a priority in its diplomacy in Asia, noting that the bilateral ties in many fields are still short of their potential. He praised the Hanoi authorities support for Belarusian firms operating in the city and hoped that the collaboration between Vietnam and his country, as well as between Hanoi and Minsk, would improve in the future. Agreeing with his guest, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Peoples Committee Hung highlighted the potential for bilateral engagements between the two capitals and said Hanoi will soon send a delegation to Minsk in order to discuss the cooperation pact. The agreement is expected to be signed in May or June next year, he added. The official took the occasion to praise the performance of 32 made-in-Belarus buses in Hanoi, asking the Belarusian side to continue its involvement in the development of the local bus system and public transport management. Hanoi put the 32 buses produced by the Belarusian Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) into use last year. The vehicles have proved better quality compared to the others operating in the city. The eyeglasses worn by literary legend James Joyce while he was writing his modernist classic Ulysses sold for more than $19,000 at auction on Tuesday in Dublin. The Irish Post reports that the spectacles were apparently a gift from Joyce to Thomas Pugh, a longtime friend of the pioneering writer. The glasses were sold with a leather case and a gold chain. Joyce struggled with vision problems. Auctioneer Fonsie Mealy noted that his friend Pugh did as well, the Irish Times reports. Pugh also had problems with his eyesight, and became blind in later years, Mealy said. Perhaps this was a spare pair, or one Joyce no longer used. Presumably it was given to Pugh on one of his visits to Joyce in Paris. Advertisement A letter from Joyce to Pugh also went under the hammer, selling for nearly $16,000. Joyces glasses werent the hottest item at the auction. A copy of William Butler Yeats The Wanderings of Oisin, inscribed by Yeats to Irish nationalist Maud Gonne, sold for $54,000. Yeats, the legendary Irish poet, was in love with Gonne, an actress and suffragette, and proposed marriage to her multiple times, all of which she declined. The two remained friends, however. It was a friendship which unsettled Yeats life for more than 20 years, but gave him a magnificent harvest in his poetry, Mealy said. Surviving items inscribed by Yeats to Maud Gonne are now of the greatest rarity. Other notable items sold at the Dublin auction included an autographed copy of Irish poet Seamus Heaneys Nobel Prize lecture, which sold for $11,000. A first edition of the first James Bond book, Ian Flemings Casino Royale, fetched the same price. CBS Corp.s board hired two high-powered law firms with sterling credentials to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct by former Chief Executive Leslie Moonves. But a series of leaks is already revealing a pattern of alleged misconduct by Moonves that raises more questions about the companys oversight of its once powerful CEO. The New York Times reported this week that it had reviewed a draft report of the investigations findings, including that Moonves allegedly destroyed evidence and sought to mislead investigators in an effort to salvage his reputation and preserve his claims to $120 million in severance pay. Moonves once the most powerful man in television was fired Sept. 9. Advertisement The extent of Moonves alleged misconduct was wider than initially thought, according to the report. The document is said to allege that Moonves received oral sex from at least four CBS employees under circumstances that sound transactional and improper because there was no hint of romance or a relationship. CBS declined to comment. Two prominent attorneys Mary Jo White and Nancy Kestenbaum have been investigating the situation since early August. Theyve been preparing their report with plans to submit it to CBS board next week, in advance of the companys annual shareholders meeting. However, Tuesdays leak of the 59-page draft report heightened tensions about the handling of the investigation. It was not the first time privileged information was passed along to the New York Times. Last week, the paper reported details about Moonves conversations with longtime Los Angeles talent manager Marv Dauer. The paper quoted emails and text messages between Dauer and Moonves information that was in the investigators possession. At least two people close to the matter said they suspected leaks have been coming from one of the two law firms handling the probe investigation: Whites firm, Debevoise & Plimpton, or Kestenbaums Covington & Burling. The investigators acknowledged that few people had access to the draft report and sought to defuse the situation. The investigators and the board are committed to a thorough and fair process, a spokesman for the investigators said. Anyone who may have disclosed draft information to the New York Times did so without authority and in violation of their obligations. The report appears to contain several bombshells. The investigators are said to have found Moonves to be evasive and untruthful at times and to have deliberately lied about and minimized the extent of his sexual misconduct, according to the draft report. The investigators have concluded that CBS board members have justification to fire Moonves for cause denying him any severance pay. A spokesperson for Moonves declined to comment on the draft report. He released a statement saying, Mr. Moonves vehemently denies having any non-consensual sexual relations. But investigators said they heard multiple reports about a network employee who was on call to perform oral sex for Moonves when he ran CBS. The report did not specify a time period for such activity but noted that the sexual misconduct ended after Moonves marriage to Julie Chen in 2004. His first marriage to Nancy Wiesenfeld ended in divorce. In one case, previously reported by Vanity Fair, a Los Angeles physician, Dr. Anne Peters, told investigators that Moonves had tried to kiss her and masturbated in front of her during a medical consultation in 1999. Peters said she had later told film producer Arnold Kopelson about the incident, according to the draft report. Kopelson, a CBS board member until this fall, died in October. Last year, CBS lavished Moonves with a $70-million pay package. But within weeks after the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault scandal made headlines, rumors began swirling about Moonves alleged sexual misconduct. No draft of the investigators ongoing work product has been shared with the board or the company, the spokesman for the investigators said. Our work is still in progress, and there are bound to be many facts and assessments that evolve and change as the work is completed. meg.james@latimes.com Twitter: @MegJamesLAT A group of Google employees wrote to Chief Executive Sundar Pichai demanding better conditions for the thousands of contractors who make up more than half of the internet giants workforce. Last month, Alphabet Inc. overhauled the way it handles allegations of sexual harassment and assault, but the updated policies largely left out temporary, vendor and contract workers. On Wednesday, a group of full-time and contract workers sent a letter to Pichai asking for that to change. They also listed other requests, such as access to companywide emails and town hall staff meetings, better healthcare and benefits, and a more transparent process for applying for full-time jobs. We will continue to be mistreated and ignored if we stay silent, the workers wrote in the letter. Google has the power and the money to ensure that we are treated equitably. This is the latest example of Google employees speaking out, at a time when the company is being criticized for its handling of sexual misconduct, contracts with the U.S. military and a plan to build a censored search engine in China. A spokeswoman for Google declined to comment on the letter. The company has said it has strict rules for how vendors and suppliers respond to misconduct, and investigates when a contractor makes a complaint against a Google employee. Advertisement U.S. corporations often use contractors. But some Google employees and outside activists contend the company, which is on track to make more than $30 billion in profit this year, can easily afford to treat everyone who works in its offices the same. In July, Bloomberg wrote about Googles shadow workforce and revealed that earlier this year, for the first time, temporary, vendor and contract workers made up more than half of the companys total staff. The workers, known internally as TVCs, do all sorts of jobs, including serving meals, piloting self-driving cars, writing code and managing teams. Unlike full-time workers, they arent given stock, and many struggle with inadequate healthcare. They arent allowed in some buildings or at certain company meetings. They are often employed by outside agencies, including Adecco Group AG, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. and Randstad NV. Several TVCs interviewed recently by Bloomberg News described feeling like second-class citizens compared with full-time Google employees. They asked not to be identified for fear of losing their jobs. When a shooting happened at YouTubes campus in San Bruno, Calif., in April, TVCs didnt get some communications updating workers on the situation, which left them feeling unsafe, the TVCs said. The workers are often on teams with full-time employees and said their contributions are indistinguishable from the better-placed colleagues. One contractor, who works 50 to 60 hours a week in Googles marketing division, said TVCs are treated as collateral damage who can be hired and fired on short notice to help the company achieve business goals quickly and cheaply. Another TVC described full-time staff asking her to move from an office desk or cutting ahead of her in line for coffee because she was a contractor and therefore not as important. Another contract worker said when he took a job doing user research for Google, a manager told him he would be able to eventually convert the position into a full-time role. Two years later, that hasnt happened, and hes largely given up on that ever happening. California regulators have taken over Merced Property & Casualty, an insurance company bankrupted by insurance claims from the Camp fire. The small San Joaquin Valley insurer had assets of about $23 million, but expected it might have to pay out as much as $64 million in claims for properties in Paradise, the Butte County town where fire destroyed thousands of homes. A judge on Monday gave California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones permission to seize and liquidate the companys assets. Now, the company is in the process of handing over policy and customer information to the California Insurance Guarantee Assn., or CIGA, which processes and pays claims on behalf of insolvent insurers. Merceds insolvency has big ramifications for customers, particularly victims of the Camp fire. Heres what policyholders should know: Advertisement If my home was damaged or destroyed and I have already filed a claim with Merced, what do I need to do? Claims already filed will be transferred to the CIGA. Wayne Wilson, CIGAs executive director, said he expects to start processing claims Monday. This is the first time in decades that CIGA has had to step in to cover claims for a property insurer. What if I havent filed a claim yet? File your claim with CIGA, not with Merced. Heres CIGAs contact information: Phone: (818) 844-4300 Email: assistance@caiga.org Mail: California Insurance Guarantee Association, P.O. Box 29066, Glendale, CA 91209-9066 Claims must be filed by Jan. 2. After that, all Merced policies will expire. Merced policyholders can find more information on CIGAs website: www.caiga.org. Will my insurance claim be paid in full? Wilson said the association will cover most claims, but payouts are capped at $500,000 per claim. That limit applies separately to claims for damage to the structure of a home, damage to the homes contents and other types of coverage. For instance, if a policyholder had $500,000 worth of coverage for the structure of his or her home, plus $50,000 in coverage for furniture and other contents, plus $10,000 for living expenses, that would be three separate claims, and all would be paid in full. What if I have a claim that exceeds CIGAs limit? You can file a claim seeking additional payment, but youll likely get less than youre owed and it could take months or years to get your money. Once CIGA pays out claims, Merceds assets will go to repay the association and to policyholders whose claims exceed $500,000. If I have a Merced policy and my home was not affected by the Camp fire, what happens now? Policyholders will need to find new insurance coverage after Merced policies expire next month. Customers who have already paid for coverage beyond Jan. 2 will get refunds from CIGA, though those refunds may take a while to process. I bought insurance from Merced because I live in a high fire-risk area and other insurers turned me down. How do I find insurance? The California FAIR Plan, an association of insurance companies, acts as an insurer of last resort. FAIR Plan coverage is available only in certain high-risk areas, and it can be more expensive and cover less than insurance purchased on the open market. Why did Merced go under? Should I worry that another insurer might fail in a future fire? The Atwater-based company, which was founded in 1906 and sold insurance throughout Central California, was willing to offer policies to homeowners in Paradise, where some other insurers had limited their business due to fire risk. Its not yet clear how many policies Merced had in Paradise the company has not returned calls for comment but the insurer was very small. It sold less than one-tenth of 1% of all homeowner insurance policies in the state last year. Its size and regional focus likely made it more vulnerable to being wiped out by a single catastrophe. Bigger firms that write policies statewide are less prone to such a risk. james.koren@latimes.com Follow me: @jrkoren Italys version of the Supreme Court has ruled that one of the J. Paul Getty Museums most prized antiquities the 2,000-plus-year-old Greek artwork known as Statue of a Victorious Youth, or the Getty bronze should be repatriated back to Italy. The Gettys response: No. We will continue to defend our legal right to the statue, Lisa Lapin, vice president of communications for the J. Paul Getty Trust, said in a statement about the work, which has been on view at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. The law and facts in this case do not warrant restitution to the Italian government of a statue that has been on public display in Los Angeles for nearly a half century. Court rulings over the statues provenance date back to 2007. Italian fishermen found the statue in international waters in 1964, and the Getty bought it from a German art dealer for $3.95 million in 1977, years after Italys highest court, the Court of Cassation, concluded in 1968 that there was no evidence that the statue belonged to Italy, Lapin said. The Getty first displayed Victorious Youth, which depicts an athlete wearing an olive wreath, in 1978. The work dates to 300 to 100 BC and is believed to possibly have been created by Alexander the Greats personal sculptor, Lysippus. Advertisement In 1989, the Italian government asked the Getty to return the statue, asserting that the artwork been illegally exported by the fishermen. It said that from the moment the art work touched the fishermens net, the statue became Italian property nullifying the legality of the acquisition by the Getty. The most recent ruling on the statue came on June 8. Judge Giacomo Gasparini of Italys Court for the Preliminary Investigations of Pesaro upheld a 2010 forfeiture order issued by another Preliminary Investigations judge. The Getty repeatedly appealed that forfeiture first in 2010 and again in 2012, leading to additional legal actions. Earlier this year, it again appealed to the Court of Cassation, resulting in this months ruling. So what does all of this mean for the Getty and the future of its treasured artwork? Not much, the Getty essentially said in a lengthy statement Tuesday. The statue is not and has never been part of Italys cultural heritage, Lapin said in the statement. Accidental discovery by Italian citizens does not make the statue an Italian object. Found outside the territory of any modern state, and immersed in the sea for two millennia, the Bronze has only a fleeting and incidental connection with Italy. We believe any forfeiture order is contrary to American and international law. Our priority is to continue our productive and long-standing collaborations with our many Italian colleagues and the Cultural Ministry. It is unfortunate that this issue has been a distraction from that important work. When asked if there was any possible scenario (a U.S. court ruling, for example) in which the Getty would agree to yield ownership of the work, or whether the museum would consider a compromise in which it retained official ownership of the statue but shared possession and display of it, the museum said no. The Getty legally owns the statue, the museum said. We purchased it after the Court of Cassation ruled there was no evidence it belonged to Italy. There still is no evidence. The museum said it will continue to oppose any effort to remove Victorious Youth from its home in Los Angeles. deborah.vankin@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter: @debvankin Its an exhibition that tells the story of a family: a mother, her daughter and her daughters daughter. It also tells the story of settlement, of a fur-trading outpost in the frigid Canadian Arctic transformed into an unlikely print-making center. And it tells a story of the Inuit people, of a community at the moment of rupture, when tradition rapidly gave way to encroaching European influence. Akunnittinni: A Kinngait Family Portrait, at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena through the middle of December, presents work by three generations of artists from a single Inuit family: Pitseolak Ashoona, Napachie Pootoogook and Annie Pootoogook. All were born and raised in Cape Dorset, Nunavut (current population 1,400), a sparse settlement off the Northwest Passage that is closer to Greenland than it is to much of the Canadian mainland. Collectively, their work including keenly observed renderings of Arctic wildlife, Inuit tradition and private domestic scenes weaves together more than a century of personal, political and cultural life in the Arctic, an engrossing narrative arc of indigenous life over a period of tumultuous change. You can understand the harshness of it and the difficulty of it, says exhibition curator Andrea Hanley, but the beauty of it too. Advertisement The story begins with Ashoona, who was born circa 1904, almost a decade before the Hudson Bay Co. opened a trading post in Cape Dorset, a seaside settlement known as Kinngait in the native Inuktitut language. For much of her youth, Ashoona and her family adhered to traditional nomadic life and its rhythm of seasonal moves in search of fresh hunting grounds themes reflected in her work until her death in 1983. Migration Towards Our Summer Camp, 1983, by Pitseolak Ashoona. (Dorset Fine Arts) Her prints feature hunting scenes, celebrations and mythical spirits. A print made the year of her death, Migration Towards Our Summer Camp, depicts a bundled family ready to make the trek to a new location. Smiling men clutch arrows, dogs bear packs full of goods, children strike playful poses all against a field of white. It really talks about community and what that means, says Hanley. Ashoona once described her art as recording the things we did long ago before there were many white men. By the time Ashoonas daughter, Napachie Pootoogook was born in 1938, Inuit life was undergoing radical changes. What had once been a nomadic, subsistence culture was becoming increasingly dependent on European trade. When the fur business went into steep decline in the 1940s and 50s, so did the fortunes of countless Arctic settlements. The Canadian government, in the meantime, continued to encourage Inuit people to settle in villages a move that made bureaucratic administration easier from a distance, but chipped away at traditional life. For many Inuit, daily life became a cycle of grinding poverty. In Cape Dorset, however, economic survival came through art. In the late 1940s, James Houston, a charismatic Canadian mainlander, settled in the area and, intrigued by Inuit carving traditions, began to acquire and promote the work in Montreals cultural institutions. By the late 1950s, he had founded the West Baffin Eskimo Co-Operative, a print-making studio in Cape Dorset. His successor, Terry Ryan, worked to establish a business arm for the studio in the 1970s: Dorset Fine Arts in Toronto, which helped market and distribute artists work. Cape Dorset became the so-called capital of Inuit art. A Portrait of Pitseolak, 2003-04, by Annie Pootoogook. (Dorset Fine Arts) There was this huge issue related to livelihoods after the fur trade had died, Hanley says. In the 1950s, it was people trying to create this workforce of artists. They were doing lithography and silk-screening and they were drawing. There was a significant market for it in mainland Canada. For Ashoona, who found herself a widow and a single mother after her husband died from a viral infection in the 1940s, the printmaking studio was not only an important site of self-expression but it also proved an economic lifeline. For her daughter Napachie, it was also essential. (Early on, Ashoona encouraged her daughter to draw, and her sons became sculptors.) Like her mother, Napachie, who died in 2002, also straddled two significant eras during her 64 years: the traditional nomadic life of her early youth, followed by an adulthood spent almost entirely in Cape Dorset. Dream of Motherhood, 1969, by the late Pitseolak Ashoona, from an exhibition at the Armory Center for Arts in Pasadena. (Dorset Fine Arts) Napachies drawings and prints engaged tradition, depicting Inuit games and mythological figures, as her mother did. But she accomplished this in ways that featured unusual perspectives (she regularly employed omniscient overhead views) and graceful details the blocks of an igloo, for example, that seem to envelope their human figures like architectonic wombs. But while she was reverent, she was also unflinching, recording the harsh realities of everyday life: a sailing ship split in two on a reef, or Inuit men trading their women to Europeans for a handful of goods. In the 1994 drawing Alcohol, on view at the Armory, she shows a woman clutching a baby and attempting to seize a bottle from a drunken man. Another figure lies passed out on the floor. (Alcohol has been a devastating force among indigenous communities in the Arctic.) I think Napachie really wanted to tell the story of what it was to be an indigenous woman in her time and to document it, Hanley says. She wanted people to understand for women who suffered, for women who survived. Nascopie Reef, 1989, by Napachie Pootoogook. (Edward J. Guarino Collection) By the time Napachies own daughter Annie Pootoogook was born in 1969, life in the Arctic had irrevocably changed for indigenous people. Annie came of age in an era of gas-powered snowmobiles and consumer electronics. Like her mother and grandmother, she too became an artist, but her flat, colorful drawings dont recall legends; they are instead a record of daily Inuit life at the turn of the 21st century. Annie shows families sharing meals of seal meat while seated on the floors of Western-style homes and a clutch of shoppers gazing at the freezer section of a supermarket in a location where temperatures can dip to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. In one image at the Armory, a man helps a woman place an infant on her back in a traditional parka. At their feet, another child watches The Simpsons. Annies wry depictions of life in Cape Dorset, says Hanley, changed what people thought of as Inuit art. They also drew the attention of the broader art world. In 2006, she received a prestigious Canadian Sobey Award, which came with a $50,000 prize. She went on to show her work at the Montreal Biennale and Documenta, the every-five-years exhibition in Kassel, Germany. But Annies work wasnt simply about mundanities. Like Napachie, Annie was clear-eyed about the problems her community faced. In her vibrant drawings, there is disaffection, violence and alcoholism. She herself struggled with the latter, accompanied by spells of homelessness. In 2016, she was found dead at age 47 in Ottawas Rideau River. The police investigation into her death was inconclusive. Family Sleeping in a Tent, 2003-04, by Annie Pootoogook. (Eduardo J. Guarino Collection) Its coming from this tribal context, this indigenous feminist context. You get a sense of what it is to be an Indian woman. Andrea Hanley, curator Akunnittinni is not a full-blown survey of the three artists work. Ashoona, her daughter and granddaughter were, by all accounts, prolific artists, each creating thousands of prints and drawings during their careers. The show, which originated at Santa Fes Museum of Contemporary Native Arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts (where Hanley serves as program manager), instead draws narrowly from works held by Dorset Fine Arts and a private collector of Native American art in New York. But what is on view nonetheless represents a moving and intimate artistic dialogue. Hanley, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, says she sees her own experience reflected in the drawings on the museums walls. I come from a matrilineal tribe, she says. I was really drawn to this idea of generations of these indigenous women; they were all coming from one family, and its a really strong family voice. But theyre each very different. Its coming from this tribal context, this indigenous feminist context. You get a sense of what it is to be an Indian woman. Its survival, she adds thoughtfully. Its resilience. Pitseolaks Glasses, 2006, by Annie Pootoogook. (Edward J. Guarino Collection) Among the works presented in the show is a simple 2006 collograph print by Annie that depicts her grandmothers eyeglasses the object through which Ashoona observed her shifting world. The eyeglasses survive as a line, printed on paper. But they also serve as a line between one artist and another, between one woman and another, between indigenous people who have weathered unrelenting change. It is from this idea that the exhibition gets its name. In Inuktitut, Akunnittinni translates to between us. Akunnittinni: A Kinngait Family Portrait Where: Armory Center for the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena When: Through Dec. 16 Info: armoryarts.org ALSO The best of times, the worst of times: art in the age of rising white supremacy Review: Avant-garde and self-taught artists intersect at LACMAs Outliers and American Vanguard Art Guadalupe Rosales used Instagram to create an archive of Chicano youth of the 90s now its an art installation In advance of the midterms, Barbara Kruger reprises MOCA mural that asks Who is beyond the law? Sign up for our weekly Essential Arts & Culture newsletter carolina.miranda@latimes.com | Twitter: @cmonstah Promoting Spike Lees BlacKkKlansman when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, Adam Driver gave a brief interview saying that, growing up in Indiana, there were always Klan rallies, like, every summer. A few historians in Indiana pushed back, accusing Driver of indulging in hyperbole until they checked newspaper archives and discovered that the Klan was active in the St. Joseph County area during Drivers youth there in the 90s. I heard about that peripherally, Driver says of the debate. That I was making it up. It was very strange. Now, I cant keep track of every summer, but my point was that it was frequent. I didnt understand why it was questioned. Advertisement After winning acclaim playing Lena Dunhams aloof, intense love interest on HBOs Girls, Driver has fashioned an impeccable film career, working with such giants as Martin Scorsese (Silence), Jim Jarmusch (Paterson) and the Coen brothers (Inside Llewyn Davis). And, yes, as Kylo Ren, he killed Han Solo in the seventh installment of the ongoing Star Wars franchise. (But we still prefer not to think about that.) In BlacKkKlansman, Driver plays Flip, a Jewish detective who partners with a black cop (played by John David Washington) to infiltrate the Klan. We caught up with Driver recently over coffee during a brief stay in Los Angeles. Director Spike Lee, actors Topher Grace and Adam Driver on the set of Spike Lees BlacKkKlansman. (David Lee / Focus Features) Were you surprised that people expressed skepticism about white supremacists in the Midwest? I understand that for people in Indiana, theres a sensitivity about not being painted with a broad brush as being a haven for racists, which it is not. But to say there is no Klan presence throughout Indiana is frustrating. I was always aware of it. In my own neighborhood, there were people down the street from me. Flips complicated relationship with his own faith and heritage is one of the more interesting aspects of the film. Was that part of the appeal of playing him? Apart from working with Spike, thats one of the main reasons I wanted to do the film. I love the idea of your heritage becoming important to you at different times in your life. Flip doesnt internalize his job, maybe to self-preserve. As an actor, I can understand that. But also, as an actor, I know that you have to be invested at a certain point. And when Flip goes undercover and has to say these terrible things out loud, it affects him. I dont know how it couldnt. So he has to face those questions. Maybe he has to take it personally and thats not a bad thing. Its empowering. Topher Grace stars as David Duke and Adam Driver as Flip Zimmerman in Spike Lees BlacKkKlansman. (David Lee / Focus Features) You strike me as an actor who takes things personally. [Laughs] Well yes and no. The thing about acting is that youre always up against time, which is frustrating. You have to get it right and then move on. Thats why I try not to watch anything Ive done because there are so many other possible ways of doing it. You mentioned the idea of your heritage becoming important to you at different times. You were raised in the Baptist church. Do you still go? I dont. I think everyone is looking for something. Maybe someday, Ill think about that more. Meanwhile, were all looking for some kind of explanation of why were here, what we are doing. I like the idea of a community hopefully creating something that explains why we do what we do, why were terrible to each other, why were great to each other. And then its over! [Laughs] But in the meantime, theres coffee and conversation. John David Washington scores with back-to-back films about the insidious nature of racism Adam Driver as Kylo Ren in a scene from the movie Star Wars: The Last Jedi. (Lucasfilm Ltd.) You say you try not to watch anything youve done. Does that apply to the Star Wars movies too? Star Wars is a little different. Theres such a visual thing going on, especially with the first one where they were like, Trust us. Theres space behind you. Trust us. Your lightsaber looks like this. So I needed to see how it would come together. What was it like watching that? I was very numb. The first time I saw it was with Carrie Fisher and Daisy Ridley and Carries dog, Gary. And you dont know how to feel. Youve been working on it for so long and thinking about it for so long. Thats one of the many reasons I try not to watch anything. To really absorb it, I feel like youve got to watch it a lot to think that its not you there doing it. To look at the story and not just all the mistakes you made. But I was very numb. It was a lot to take in. Then, I saw it again at the premiere. I had never sat in the audience of a premiere of a movie I was in before. Something like that, because I knew what was coming up, the Han scene, I was very sick to my stomach, very pale, cold, waiting for it just to be over. Then, the response was so nice. It was a very memorable, crazy night. What about The Last Jedi? Did you see that? I did. I didnt have to almost puke that time. I feel like Im making progress. Adam McKays last movie, the blistering broadside The Big Short, earned five Oscar nominations, including best picture, adapted screenplay (for which it won) and a supporting nod for Christian Bales turn as a socially awkward money manager who anticipates the 2008 global economic collapse. Bale is back in McKays follow-up, Vice, a scathing look at the life of Dick Cheney and the sobering consequences of his actions as the most powerful vice president in U.S. history, as well as the American indifference that enabled the damage to occur. Its a crazy idea, isnt it?, Bale said of his casting at a Q&A following the first public screening of the film just before Thanksgiving. It seems like a typo to say Christian Bale as Dick Cheney. Its no typo and, sure, the makeup and 40-pound weight gain helped, but Bales work as the shrewd Cheney is bone-deep. Id give him the Oscar just for being willing to go spelunking for the better part of a year into the dark recesses of this political schemers head space. Advertisement So, yes, put Bale at the head of the pack for lead actor. Heres how all the Oscar acting races are shaping up at this early date. LEAD ACTOR Christian Bale, Vice Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born Ethan Hawke, First Reformed Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody Viggo Mortensen, Green Book On the cusp: Ryan Gosling, First Man; Willem Dafoe, At Eternitys Gate In the mix: Lucas Hedges, Boy Erased; Robert Redford, The Old Man & the Gun; John David Washington, BlacKkKlansman; Steve Carell, Beautiful Boy; Hugh Jackman, The Front Runner; Stephan James, If Beale Street Could Talk; Ben Foster, Leave No Trace Not yet seen: Clint Eastwood, The Mule Analysis: Hawke has four Oscar nominations two as a supporting actor (Boyhood and Training Day) and two for his writing contributions to Before Sunset and Before Midnight. His deeply committed turn as the lost, tormented priest in Paul Schraders First Reformed should place him in the lead category for the first time in his lengthy career. Hawke already has momentum: He won a Gotham award in late November. Expect a cavalcade of critics prizes in coming weeks. Lady Gaga is a lead actress contender for A Star Is Born. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) LEAD ACTRESS Olivia Colman, The Favourite Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born Glenn Close, The Wife Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me? Yalitza Aparicio, Roma On the cusp: Viola Davis, Widows; Emily Blunt, Mary Poppins Returns; Julia Roberts, Ben Is Back; Nicole Kidman, Destroyer In the mix: Toni Collette, Hereditary; Saoirse Ronan, Mary Queen of Scots; Joanna Kulig, Cold War; Elsie Fisher, Eighth Grade; Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Kindergarten Teacher; Rosamund Pike, A Private War; KiKi Layne, If Beale Street Could Talk Analysis: Gaga and Colman feel inevitable, and probably Close too, though the passion for The Wife doesnt feel strong enough to give the six-time nominee her long-overdue Oscar. This is another year in which the women outshine the men, meaning there are far too many worthy performances to fit in this category. That means, as always, the story behind the performance is almost as important as the work. Nobody has a better tale than Aparicio, an unknown who had never acted and ended up carrying Alfonso Cuarons Roma with a graceful, almost silent performance. With the academy adding so many international members the past three years, a nomination for this newcomer isnt as much of a stretch as it might have previously been. Sam Elliott has been winning strong reviews for A Star Is Born. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times) SUPPORTING ACTOR Sam Elliott, A Star Is Born Mahershala Ali, Green Book Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me? Michael B. Jordan, Black Panther Timothee Chalamet, Beautiful Boy On the cusp: Sam Rockwell, Vice; Adam Driver, BlacKkKlansman; Steve Carell, Vice In the mix: Daniel Kaluuya, Widows; Russell Hornsby, The Hate U Give; Brian Tyree Henry, If Beale Street Could Talk and Widows; Jonathan Pryce, The Wife; Hugh Grant, Paddington 2 Analysis: How many scenes do you need to earn a nomination this year? Henry pretty much has just one in Beale Street, but its a beaut, a 10-minute kitchen-table conversation between two men (Henry and lead Stephan James) about the corrosive, crippling effects of incarceration and a life controlled by oppressors and not ones own self-determination. But Henry is up against several actors with much larger roles. Ali, Chalamet, Grant and, to a lesser extent, Jordan function as co-leads (or, at least 1B to 1A) in their respective films. Driver does too in BlacKkKlansman, playing a Jewish detective forced to think about his identity while investigating the Klan. I dont think the category would be complete without him, though you could say that about several of the actors here. Three-time Emmy winner Regina King might earn her first Oscar nomination for If Beale Street Could Talk. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) SUPPORTING ACTRESS Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk Amy Adams, Vice Emma Stone, The Favourite Rachel Weisz, The Favourite Nicole Kidman, Boy Erased On the cusp: Claire Foy, First Man; Michelle Yeoh, Crazy Rich Asians In the mix: Marina de Tavira, Roma; Elizabeth Debicki, Widows; Margot Robbie, Mary Queen of Scots; Emily Blunt, A Quiet Place; Thomasin McKenzie, Leave No Trace; Natalie Portman, Vox Lux Analysis: It would be a welcome surprise to see voters recognize Yeohs work as the protective mother in Crazy Rich Asians, a commanding performance laced with a heartbreaking vulnerability. The film would have been a shoo-in nominee for the academys scrapped best popular film category. Nominating the deserving Yeoh would be a terrific way to honor it. For The Favourite, Fox Searchlight is campaigning Colman in lead and Stone and Weisz in supporting, though their categories could easily be flipped. The strategy makes sense. The last time two women from the same film were nominated in lead came in 1992 with Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon for Thelma and Louise. (Both characters names are in the title, for crying out loud.) Since then, there have been nine occasions when one movie boasted two supporting actress nominees, the last being Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer for The Help in 2012. (Spencer won.) Expect that number to roll over to 10 this year with Stone and Weisz. glenn.whipp@latimes.com Twitter: @glennwhipp From the outside, it might appear that John Cho planned his career this way, establishing himself as a wry comedic presence in mainstream hits like American Pie and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle before seguing into more serious fare with acclaimed recent indies such as last years Columbus. But as the 46-year-old actor relaxes at a Beverly Hills restaurant, he explains that the shift wasnt strategic. He was just responding to where he was personally. I got married, I had kids, he says simply. I think I was in a less-light stage of my life. Its funny: When you have kids, along with a sense of life comes an equal understanding of mortality which sounds heavy and philosophical, but I mean it in the most matter-of-fact way. Ill look at how great this is, and it will end I know this to be true, and its terrible. Its bitter because its so sweet. That fear of losing loved ones powers Searching, this summers gripping low-budget thriller in which Cho plays David, a father whos still mourning his recently deceased wife when his strong-willed teenage daughter (Michelle La) goes missing. I saw it as a story about two people grieving for the same person in different ways, Cho says. And, unfortunately, they werent grieving together. Thats the first time he loses his daughter the second time is when she physically is missing. The late-summer film earned Cho a nomination last month for the Independent Spirit Awards. But long before the accolades, he had to wrap his head around the movies daring conceit: First-time feature filmmaker Aneesh Chaganty dramatizes Davids anguished search entirely from the perspective of computer screens and FaceTime. Essentially, Cho would have to perform a one-man show as his character trawls the web and social media for clues. Chaganty trained a camera close to Chos face while he looked at a blank screen, the director telling him what was happening at that moment in Davids online investigation. Advertisement John Cho stars in Searching as a frantic father searching his missing daughters computer for clues. (Screen Gems) Chos performance is arresting and vulnerable, but it was a lonely experience. It was a bummer to not have eyeballs, a human face, [to work off], he says. I just think its the best way to get to a performance, by looking at a person. I couldnt rely on any bag of tricks. It kept me on my toes. With a good-natured laugh befitting his modest, easygoing manner, he confesses, I resented it while we were doing it. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Cho immigrated with his family to the States when he was 6. (We didnt have a refrigerator, he recalls of his South Korean childhood. We didnt have a toilet in our house.) Notably, generational conflict underpins both Searching and Columbus, the small-scale 2017 drama that tells the story of a restless young man preparing for his estranged fathers imminent death. Theyre both at their heart parent-child stories, Cho says. As for his relationship with his own father, Cho attributes his interest in acting to his dads profession. My dad was a preacher, he says, so theres a performance aspect in what he does. The fun of staying in the world of words maybe is some connection to my father too. I wanna be around the same people all the time. But in my professional life, I like jumping around. I dont even wanna sign a TV contract. John Cho His family moved several times, and that nomadic lifestyle informed his later calling as well. Im so shy and I hated moving, he says. But I feel like the experience of moving of migration and the anxiety of that is a central trauma of my life, and that I have chosen this career to master that anxiety. Im always in a new situation meeting 100 new people and having to become very intimate very rapidly which, emotionally, I dont like doing. I wanna be around the same people all the time. But in my professional life, I like jumping around. I dont even wanna sign a TV contract. 2018 has been a banner year for Asian American cinema, with Crazy Rich Asians emerging as one of summers biggest smashes and Searching becoming, as Vanity Fair pointed out, the first mainstream, contemporary thriller headlined by an Asian-American actor. Being a personal trailblazer matters less to Cho than the fact that Searching featured a Korean family a rarity in Hollywood. Even so, he didnt anticipate how moved hed be at the films premiere at Sundance, where this scrappy, surprisingly affecting indie was scooped up by Sony. I was watching people watch the movie, he recalls. Obviously, Ive seen myself on screen, and I am Asian, but this was a different feeling because it was a [Korean] family. And for some reason, that made a big difference to me, because that family very much resembled my own both physically and how they related to one another. FULL COVERAGE: Get the latest on awards season from The Envelope calendar@latimes.com The senior legislator said she was glad to know that most of the multicultural families in the RoK are living happily and they always think of the homeland. The Vietnamese in the RoK in general, and Vietnam-RoK multicultural families in particular, are serving as an important bridge to forge connectivity, cooperation and development of the two nations, she stressed. The Vietnamese Party, State and people always consider the overseas Vietnamese community as an indispensable part of the nation, she affirmed. She hoped the Vietnamese expats would regard the RoK as their second fatherland and make more contributions to the host countrys construction and development. The Chairwoman called on overseas Vietnamese to obey by the RoK law, while promoting the Vietnamese culture to help nurture and develop the bilateral friendship. She pledged to instruct the National Assembly Office to send textbooks and books to Busan to help with the teaching of the Vietnamese language, culture and history in the overseas Vietnamese community. At the meeting, Mayor of Busan Oh Keo-don affirmed that the city will support multicultural families and foreigners living, studying and working in Busan. He noted that Busan is operating six agencies to support multicultural families and foreigners, including the Busan cultural centre, which was set up in 2014, with the task of connecting multinational cultures and hosting an annual cultural day for the community of Asian people in Busan. Every year, Julia Roberts says, shaking her head. Every year its: And now shes back. Listen, she gets it. She doesnt act at as frequent a pace as some of her peers, like Nicole Kidman, who of late has appeared in at least three major projects a year. Roberts admires that kind of work ethic, she says, though it perplexes her how people can juggle that much work when she just doesnt have that capacity. So while it may seem like this winter signals a new era for Roberts starring in both the acclaimed Amazon series Homecoming and Ben Is Back, an indie drug-addiction drama being released at the height of awards season this is kind of business as usual for her. Over the last decade, shes continued to work steadily, always turning up in at least one movie a year, and sometimes two. Other than 2010s Eat, Pray, Love, though, she has largely strayed from playing the kind of charismatic romantic heroines that made her one of the biggest movie stars in the world. The majority of her recent performances have been dramatic turns in smaller-scaled films, and many have been supporting roles. Some of that, she says, has to do with being 51. Advertisement I think with age comes complexity and the opportunity to portray different people, she explains. Everybody in their life is going to experience heartbreak or unrequited love or chasing a boy or a girl. Everybody is going to be somebody in My Best Friends Wedding at some point in their life. I think there is less of that kind of commonality in some of the parts I play now. Thats certainly the case with her part in Sam Esmails Homecoming, for which she is expected to earn a Golden Globe nomination on Thursday. (It would be her ninth nomination from the Hollywood Foreign Press, but the first for TV.) The psychological thriller, which Amazon released Nov. 2, follows a caseworker who is tasked with helping soldiers ease back into civilian life at a government-sponsored facility. Her performance in the series has been lauded for its quiet subtlety, employing a totally different skill set than the one she uses for another well-reviewed turn in Ben Is Back. In the film, out Friday in L.A., Roberts plays a mother dealing with the fallout of her sons unexpected return home from drug rehab on Christmas. Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges in Ben Is Back. (Mark Schafer / LD Ent. / Roadside Attractions) RELATED: Ben Is Back writer-director Peter Hedges uncovers the heroic core of broken women Its pouring rain outside and Roberts has just made a mad dash from the lobby of the Sunset Marquis to the hotels restaurant. As she took off her dripping metallic raincoat, she fretted that the weather might cause mudslides near her home in Malibu. She and her family had only days before returned to their home following the wildfires that ravaged the beach city. We were spared, thankfully, she says. But a lot of my very good friends were not, and a lot of my community was not, so its a very strange time. Shes been spending a lot of that time on the phone with her girlfriends who lost their homes, urging them to feel comfortable sharing their feelings about the loss. They all have great attitudes about it, but Ive been saying, on the day you wake up and realize: Oh my God, my favorite sweater is gone, call me. Because Ill be there for you for that conversation. Theres room for all of that. Home has always been central for Roberts, who has a reputation for being selective about work because she does not like to spend time away from her husband, cinematographer Danny Moder, and their children, 14-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus and Henry, 11. I do like to be with my family, and I feel like my kids are young and therell be a time when its not as feasible for all five of us to be together as much as we are now, she says. But it also has to do with the fact that the kind of work that I do will follow me around forever each choice will follow me around forever. So I want to be able to really stand by each little cement stone I put down. Of all that I have been able to accomplish, I feel super-proud of that. I dont go, Oh, that was a bad patch. Because I do put a lot of consideration into the jobs that I take. This is why Peter Hedges, who wrote and directed Ben Is Back, feared it would be difficult to attract the actress interest in his movie. He started envisioning her in the role after watching Wonder, the 2017 breakout hit family drama in which she played the mother to a boy with facial differences. But then I thought, Of course, Im never gonna get her for the film, because shes very selective about what she does and I knew enough about her to know that she doesnt like to be away from her kids during the school year so it just wasnt ever gonna happen, the filmmaker recalls over the telephone. Julia Roberts stars with Jacob Tremblay in Wonder. (Lionsgate) Nonetheless, Hedges decided to take a swing, sending Roberts his screenplay along with a letter that said something like: Ive tried to write interesting mothers all of my career, but this is my favorite mother Ive ever written. I feel like you could be both ferocious in this part and fragile, and if youd do the film, wed have the best chance of it reaching the most people. To his surprise, Roberts responded, and within days, he flew to California to meet the actress. Then, on Sept. 11, at 8:30 a.m. EST he has the time committed to memory she sent him a text message telling him she was officially in. Roberts prides herself on being particular in her decision-making. Im a person whos very specific, she says. Im not going to say yes and get talked into a no. With my kids, I believe that tells them you are a person of conviction and that you have given consideration to your question. Its important that they know if they ask me a question, that my answer is my true answer, not an answer you can wear out in 20 minutes. I think it makes you feel safe. Her avocado toast and chicken apple sausage then arrive at the table, but theres an unexpected side of potatoes on the plate. Um, can I get a little side plate? I just want to get rid of this situation, she immediately requests. I think Im clear, she continues. I dont think Im stubborn. Its not that I cant change my mind if someone says But have you considered and they present something meaningful to me. But I am a person who is considerate. I dont just go, Oh, yeah! In other words: Her representatives arent going to talk her into a project. Oh, my agents would never talk me into a project, she says. Why do I want to do what they want to do? They bring me things and I consider them and I make my decisions. Roberts prides herself on being thoughtful in her decision-making. (Michael Nagle / For The Times) RELATED: Lucas Hedges plumbs the depths of his inner angst for two new film roles Roberts does, however, seem effective at talking others into things. On Ben Is Back, the actress felt strongly that Lucas Hedges the directors son and an Oscar nominee for Manchester by the Sea should play her drug-addicted son in the movie. But the younger Hedges had long ago determined he never wanted to make a movie with his dad. Nonetheless, Roberts began sending the filmmaker photos of herself with her ginger-headed son, whose hair resembled Lucas. Look how good I am with young men with red hair! They like me! the director says she kidded. It was very charming, and I eventually shared that with Lucas, who was excited that she would want to work with him. It was really flattering for me, Lucas admits in a separate call. It meant a lot that she wanted me to do it, and in any way compared me to her child. It felt like a big invitation from her. Ben Is Back is one of a few recent projects in which Roberts has explored motherhood, though she says that hasnt been a conscious choice. Still, her son, Henry, picked up on the theme, and when she told her family shed accepted the Ben Is Back role, he replied: Mom, how come youre always in movies where someone is playing your son? Thats when I thought to myself, Im gonna get Lucas over here so they can all know each other, Roberts says. Then its not just some person in some scenario its mom and Lucas going off to New York to do this movie. Accordingly, Roberts requested that rehearsals for the film take place at her residence in Malibu. She felt that inviting her colleagues into her home would give them a sense of who she was in a truncated amount of time. And it gave her the opportunity to see them differently too Peter Hedges broke out his ukulele and started playing with Hazel, while Lucas went surfing with her other kids down at the beach. To be in the home of arguably one of our biggest stars ever and see that in her house, theres such balance such regard for every kid, every pet, every corner of every room I was there for too long for that to have been an act, the filmmaker says with a laugh. I learned that one of our greatest actresses has figured out how to live a great life. The curtain would have been pulled back if it wasnt true. For his son, the time served to de-glamorize Roberts. So when I was acting with her later, I didnt experience her as an actress, I experienced her as a mother, Lucas says. Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in a scene from the 1990 film Pretty Woman. (Hulton Archive / Getty Images) Indeed, even as Roberts has moved away from so-called movie-star roles, her identity as one of Hollywoods most famous people has remained. Earlier this month, Gwyneth Paltrow had Roberts on her podcast and spent a fair amount of it gushing over the actress. She called Pretty Woman kind of the best movie of all time, noting that she wanted to both marry and be Roberts after seeing it. A few weeks later, Roberts appeared on Busy Philipps new late-night talk show, and the host teared up when Roberts said she joined Instagram because of her. What a doll, Roberts says of Philipps. I was going on her show feeling like, Oh, I have a new friend. Were peers. But based on how often she says the word dope, I thought, Maybe were not peers. Im older than her. Shes so rad, and wow, I am not this cool. We can be friends, but we are not peers. Julia Roberts in a scene from Homecoming. (Amazon Prime Video) GOLDEN GLOBES NOMINATION PREVIEW: Will Homecoming break through? While Philipps deemed Roberts an instant expert at Instagram she only joined the social media network in June the actress acknowledges shes perplexed by other new technology. Before Homecoming began, she asked Esmail, how one measured success on Amazon. She says she hasnt asked the companys executives about the numbers because it would be tacky. And I bet it would be hard to keep track of, wouldnt it? All those devices? she ponders. Roberts has instead been tracking the success of Homecoming via text messages from her friends. A month after its release, she says she is still receiving at least one text per day praising her performance. The character she plays on the show isnt as glamorous as some of her other roles, so its become this really big surprise to all of us that people were kind of noting that her star quality came out regardless of the character, says Esmail. Hedges believes that its partly Roberts age that has allowed her to evolve in such a way, becoming less careful and more fearless. There are people who start to pull away and shrink with age, who curate an idea of themselves because they want the world to see them in a certain way, he says. She hasnt done that. The kind of work shes doing now is hard to do when youre young, because youre still figuring out who you are. Phase one was leading up to Erin Brockovich. Phase two was Erin Brockovich to now. And phase three? We need to buckle our seatbelts, because the places shes gonna go shes got a lot left to show us. We need to buckle our seatbelts, because the places shes gonna go shes got a lot left to show us, says Ben is Back director Peter Hedges of Roberts. (Michael Nagle / For The Times) amy.kaufman@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @AmyKinLA At the beginning of versatile Scottish actress Karen Gillans debut feature as a writer-director, The Partys Just Beginning, we might be forgiven for looking upon Liusaidh (Gillan) as just another callously hedonistic, snarky 20-something. In the opening scenes, she uses her karaoke time to hilariously philosophize to the nightclub crowd about lifes emptiness (to drunken boos), then indulges in some nameless sex, and on her way home, appears to shrug in response to a young man jumping off a bridge. The reality, though, is that Liusaidh, who lives with her parents, is a deeply troubled soul flailing in the wake of the suicide of her best friend Alistair (Matthew Beard) a year ago. Gillan, returning to her Highlands roots to spotlight a depressingly high suicide rate there among young people, has not only given herself an expectedly meaty role that walks a fine line between sad and bitterly funny, but shes proven to be a director with a keen eye for expressive visuals. Playing with visions, flashbacks and reckless behavior, Gillan turns Liusaidh into a magnetic conduit for grief and grit as we learn more about her relationship with Alistair, watch her handle a fling with a traveling businessman (Lee Pace), and develop a phone friendship with an elderly gentleman on the brink of ending his own life. The movies sneaky theme is anonymity as our 21st century cure-all for the burden of knowing too much and yet wondering if we really know anyone at all. Advertisement ------------- The Partys Just Beginning Not rated Running time: 1 hour, 31 minutes Playing: Starts Dec. 7, Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica; available on VOD Dec. 11 ------------ See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers calendar@latimes.com @LATimesMovies The end of an era when leaders governed with integrity. The chance for a divided country to unite. The death of the elite WASP establishment. The Greatest Generation meets Make America Great Again. The memorial of 41st president George H.W. Bush on Wednesday elicited myriad interpretations from a media and public searching for deeper meaning rooted in less turbulent times. The national longing for order and decisive leadership was as much a part of the funeral as the long motorcade accompanying the presidential hearse through the streets of the capital, or the Washington National Cathedral choir that sang hymns during the service bathed in the light of the churchs stained-glass windows. No matter ones political leanings or their feelings toward either Bush presidency, the services mix of centuries-old White House tradition, religious ritual and a sons raw grief over his fathers death momentarily suspended the acrimony weve all come to expect from anything out of Washington and replaced it with a show of mutual respect for a family whod lost their patriarch. 1 / 18 President Donald Trumps Chief of Staff John Kelly, left, watches as Former Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyo, right, touches the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush as it is carried out by a military honor guard during a State Funeral at the National Cathedral. (ANDREW HARNIK / AFP / Getty Images) 2 / 18 The casket of former president George H.W. Bush is carried out by pall bearers during his state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP/Getty Images) 3 / 18 Former President George W. Bush speaks in front of the flag-draped casket of his father, former President George H.W. Bush, at the State Funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. (Pool) 4 / 18 Former President George W. Bush touches the flag-draped casket of his father, former President George H.W. Bush, as he prepares to speak during his funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington DC. (ANDREW HARNIK / AFP / Getty Images) 5 / 18 Former President George W. Bush shares a moment with his brother Jeb Bush and Laura Bush, center, after speaking at the State Funeral for their father, former President George H.W. Bush. (Pool ) 6 / 18 From left, President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump; former president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama; former president Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton; former president Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter attend the state funeral of former president George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC. (MANDEL NGAN / AFP/Getty Images) 7 / 18 The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush arrives carried by a military honor guard during a State Funeral at the National Cathedral. (ANDREW HARNIK / AFP/Getty Images) 8 / 18 The casket is viewed during the funeral service for former President George H. W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. (MANDEL NGAN / AFP/Getty Images) 9 / 18 The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a military honor guard during a State Funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) 10 / 18 The casket with the remains of former President George H.W. Bush departs the U.S. Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington, DC. (SAUL LOEB / AFP/Getty Images) 11 / 18 The remains of President George H.W. Bush are transported from the U.S. Capitol to the National Cathedral. (SARAH SILBIGER / AFP/Getty Images) 12 / 18 Former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, Neil Bush, and Sharon Bush, stand as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard from the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC. (ALEX BRANDON / POOL ) 13 / 18 Former presidents, vice presidents, first ladies and President Donald Trump attend the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) 14 / 18 The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard from the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) 15 / 18 Visitors gather for the funeral service for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik / AFP/Getty Images) 16 / 18 Former Vice President Al Gore, left, speaks with former Vice President Joe Biden (2-L), and his wife Jill Biden (C), as former Vice President Dick Cheney (Bottom-C), speaks with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross (R), before a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral. (ANDREW HARNIK / AFP / Getty Images) 17 / 18 Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, left, prior to the funeral service for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. (Erik S. Lesser / EPA / Shutterstock) 18 / 18 The flag-draped casket bearing the remains of former President George H.W. Bush lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda is closed to the public to prepare for the state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday. (Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press) Advertisement The 2 -hour ceremony for Bush Sr., who died Friday at the age of 94, marked the first death of a president since Gerald Fords in 2006. It also marked one of the first times in the past two years when President Trump, who was present at the memorial, didnt dominate the narrative due to his beefs with half the dignitaries in the room. Unlike the late Sen. John McCain, who had left Trump off his memorial invitee list, Bush Sr. requested 45 be invited to his service, reportedly as a way to counter the rancor ripping at the seams of the American political system. Trump and first lady Melania Trump were seated in the front row next to Barack and Michelle Obama with the Clintons and Carters only a few seats away. Nearby, similar lineups of personalities from different sides of the aisle and political spectrum sat side by side: Clarence Thomas and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Dick Cheney and Joe Biden. Vice President Mike Pence was even seen chatting with former first daughter Chelsea Clinton. It was a scene that momentarily offered some of the unity onlookers hoped the funeral might provide. Then the president shook hands with the Obamas but failed to do so with Bill or Hillary Clinton or Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. So much for healing deep divisions. But on any other day, the terse transaction would have been the headline. But on this day, such trivial petulance was quickly put into perspective when Bushs flag-draped casket was carried in by uniformed military guards and set atop the same bier on which the bodies of Abraham Lincoln and generations of other presidents were laid. He was a one-term president who, like his son the 43rd president, George W. Bush, carried the weight of a legacy fraught by ill-advised military campaigns, economic crisis and low popularity ratings. And the idea thats been floated posthumously Bush Sr. always did what he thought was right for the country is also debatable depending on who you ask. But undeniable was the reality that the late commander in chief, who came from a long dynasty of American politicians, was loved and respected by those around him. Friends, granddaughters and dignitaries read passages from the Bible and gave personal remembrances from a podium about the casket. Former Wyoming Sen. Alan Simpson, the son of a senator himself, spoke of his first meeting with Bush in 1963. A presidential historian said that former SNL comedian Dana Carvey summed up the late presidents demeanor best when he said a key to a good impersonation of H.W. Bush was acting like Mr. Rogers trying to be John Wayne. But finally, it was a eulogy by his devoted son George W. that elevated the service from a ceremonious and respectful remembrance of a former leader to an emotional show of loss and grief. Former President George W. Bush eulogizes his father as the brightest of a thousand points of light Bush extolled his fathers unflagging devotion to country as a WWII veteran and president, joked about his dads dancing skills (he was no Fred Astaire), remembered the devoted relationship between Dad and Mom, then broke down and cried when recalling the last words he and his father said to one another: I love you. I love you too. He patted the casket as he returned to the pews, where former First Lady Laura Bush handed him a packet of tissues from her purse. He wiped his damp cheeks more than once before the service concluded. After much prayer and more hymns, Bush Sr.s casket was carried out of the cathedral and enveloped in another processional. It wound through the streets of D.C. to the executive tarmac, where Air Force One was waiting to take 41 to his final resting place in Texas. And then, the media and the nation were back to Washington as we know it: the scandals, FBI reports, the news of potential election meddling. But for a rare moment, the theatrics of D.C. were upstaged by the very human need to mourn. The interpretations of what Bush Sr.s passing represents the death of decorum and civility, the loss of a gentler time, etc. will likely continue and the chances for a deeper reconciliation of the country seem slim. ALSO Why the P word propaganda might be best for what were seeing on our TV screens Trump turns his news conference into a post-election spectacle White House Correspondents Dinner takes comedy off the menu, but comedians have never been more serious The rise and fall of Megyn Kelly and what it says about the state of the media calendar@latimes.com Paul McCartney has added four new stadium concerts to the U.S. leg of his 2019 Freshen Up tour, including at San Diegos Petco Park on June 22 and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on July 13. The other two new dates are June 8 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., and June 14 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. With the addition of the four new 2019 concerts, McCartneys Freshen Up tour now numbers 12 U.S. dates. It is in support of his latest album, Egypt Station, which was released earlier this year. McCartney will turn 77 on June 18. Tickets will go on sale for the San Diego, Los Angeles and Arlington concerts Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets for the Green Bay concert will go on sale Monday at 10 a.m. local time. Advertisement A pre-sale for American Express card members in San Diego, Los Angeles and Arlington begins at 10 a.m. Monday, local time, and runs through 10 p.m. Wednesday. george.varga@sduniontribune.com Twitter @georgevarga Ashley Jensen fans we know who we are have reason to be glad: Agatha Raisin is back. Adapted from the novels of Marion Chesney (writing as M.C. Beaton), the series stars Jensen as a London publicity agent turned small-town detective a sort of Miss Marple in bangs, stiletto heels and animal prints. The show has recently begun a second season here in the U.S. on the streaming channel Acorn TV. (Acorn rescued the series after its original producer, Sky One, declined to renew it, as it similarly did for Foyles War.) From comedy to drama and all the shades in between, Jensen is a versatile actress, able to play sweet, saucy or slightly unhinged, and yet always somehow remain herself, down to her native Scots accent she invariably (and unusually in British productions) keeps from role to role. Her humanity is always evident, even when the character is difficult. Americans who have followed her career less closely are most likely to know her from Ugly Betty, where she played the title characters best friend, fashion magazine seamstress Christina McKinney. Indeed, Jensen has a long history of playing best friends and sidekicks. She was first noticed here as Maggie, Ricky Gervais socially dim but endearing colleague on Extras she was the soul of that series and you may seen her solving uncanny crimes alongside Patrick Stewart in Eleventh Hour. Advertisement But now, nearing 50, Jensen has graduated to lead in two series, the comic-romantic mystery Agatha and the people-are-complicated drama Love, Lies and Records, which also plays on Acorn TV, set in a registry office in Leeds. In addition, shes still playing the best friend (though one with much to do) in the dark comedy Catastrophe, which streams domestically via Amazon, and shell be seen in Gervais upcoming Netflix series After Life and heard in the Disney live-action/computer-animated remake of Lady of the Tramp as, what else, a Scottie. Its almost become a bit of a brand, my voice, Jensen says on a recent transatlantic telephone call. Of Agatha Raisin, Jensen says, its one of these things we do quite well in Britain. We get a rag bag of eclectic characters and throw them into a situation against the beautiful English countryside very much a chocolate box England in this show, but with modern story lines and modern themes. As to her future with Agatha, I would love to continue playing her. Its an absolute joy. Ill play her till Im no longer in stilettos, but possibly with a walker. The first episode of the new season, the feature-length Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham is streaming now; Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam premieres Dec. 24, followed by Agatha Raisin and the Case of the Curious Curate on Jan. 28. Its got all the elements of perfect television. Its got escapism, its a little camp ... it looks amazing, its got ... madcap characters. Ashley Jensen on Agatha Raisin What made you want to act? I grew up in a little kind of rural place in the southwest of Scotland, so I had no theater we didnt really have a movie theater so television was my connection with acting. There was a sitcom in the 1970s called Some Mothers Do Ave Em, with Michael Crawford, who you may know from Phantom of the Opera and Barnum. He played this madcap character called Frank Spencer who was a kind of naive fool, really, and very much a sort of clown he was a man who just got it all wrong. And I look back on it now and kind of think my Extras character, with her naivete and her wide-eyed openness and innocence, was reminiscent of that. He was what I saw and went, Oh gosh, when Im an actor I want to be like that. He was very much involved with physical comedy and Im getting an opportunity on Agatha to play around with more physical comedy than Ive had before. Its something I really love, and goes back to things like Laurel and Hardy and Buster Keaton, before words were as important. Theres a sort of innocence about it and I quite like that charm. Were you trained in any particular sort of method? Not hugely. I went to the National Youth Theater; in fact the first year I didnt get in, and then the second year I think I was more determined and I got in. [Before that] I went to a drama school which, to be honest, wasnt the best drama school in the world I dont think its even going now. But I didnt have a great deal of choice because I lived in Scotland and there were two drama schools and it was so incredibly expensive to go down to London and live and support yourself. At the time it was all very much stage oriented and nobody really tells you well they certainly didnt when I was there how to act in front of a camera. Thats the sort of thing I literally learned on the job really. Agatha Raisin (Ashley Jensen) gets a new hairdo in The Wizard of Evesham, the second-season debut of Acorn TVs Agatha Raisin. (Acorn TV) Everybody has lots of different sides; its finding your key into each character and then...wearing the character. Ashley Jensen Does your approach change when youre playing drama as opposed to comedy? The main thing is that you always come at it from an angle of truth. Its interesting playing different kinds of comedy, from Extras to Ugly Betty to Catastrophe to Agatha Raisin. Theres an element of me in all of these characters. Everybody has lots of different sides; its finding your key into each character and then expanding upon that and then wearing the character that way almost. Its understanding the kind of program youre in, as well. In Agatha, were aware we can get away with more physical comedy than I maybe could on Afterlife, the program Ive just done with Ricky, or on Extras. It wouldnt be appropriate on Ugly Betty to be pratfalling through a closet because that was more about the fast dialogue and keeping it moving. When the first Agatha Raisin series ended, did you already know Sky One wasnt going to renew it? No, I didnt. We were all incredibly optimistic. Half the crew were saying, Im not going to take another job because I know for sure this is going to go again. So everyone was quite dumbfounded and dispirited when it wasnt picked up because to me, its got all the elements of perfect television. Its got escapism, its a little camp, its a little arch, it looks amazing, its got wonderful madcap characters. And our producer was very tenacious and felt there would be more life in this character and this show and decided to go out there across the pond to Acorn. That gave us quite a lot of confidence that an American company decided, We think this has legs and we will support it. You seem to lack vanity as an actress; in the new series first episode, youre running about in a green cosmetic face mask, given a terrible haircut and other characters are continually commenting on your age and looks. Having played the best friend pretty much all my career Im not under pressure really to be the leading woman or a beautiful woman, and I think sometimes women when theyre younger and theyre in that lead role, juvenile lead role, theres a lot more pressure. Theres even less pressure if youre meant to look a bit crap from time to time though, having said that I did a film called The Lobster a few years ago, and the director [Yorgos Lanthimos] was like, I want to cut her hair and have her with no makeup on. And they put this wig on me because my hair was long at the time, and he went, Yeah, but she still looks OK. And I said to him, Yorgos, please dont worry, it really does not take much to take me over the edge. But me and the makeup lady evolved this terrible hairstyle, and I got on to the set the first day, and she came up to me, she was Irish [Jensen does the accent], Ah, sheila, Yorgos says he thinks you should maybe have a little makeup on after all. People cant be poised and beautiful all the time, can they? Thats just part of being human. Im quite confident with who I am and what I look like, and just happy that it all still works. What does playing Agatha give you that earlier roles might not have? Obviously to be playing the lead, and also a character this quite brash and quite rude and quite frankly doesnt [care] what other people think about her. She doesnt take no for an answer. People always ask, Is it fun to play that? Of course its fun to play a character that is supremely confident in how she conducts herself. Its fun playing people who behave maybe in a way you yourself wouldnt behave. Another thing thats interesting is that often the person whos the focus of affection is a young woman, 25 or 20 or 32 maybe. To have a woman whos a bit older having men fighting over her is quite unusual and quite timely. And about time. ALSO: TV Picks: Future-Worm! with guest Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Ashley Jensen in Agatha Raisin Ashley Jensen: Aiding or abetting, the accent stays on honesty Review: Where the haunted meets the hunted Catastrophe co-creator Rob Delaney on his shows third season and exploring the realities of marriage robert.lloyd@latimes.com Follow Robert Lloyd on Twitter @LATimesTVLloyd The ubiquity of molokhia an irresistible dish of braised greens served over rice that hails from Egypt and has taken root in the cuisines of Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Israel and across North Africa would seem to indicate that itd be easy to find on menus around town. Such is not the case, largely because, through its cultural dispersion, its name has taken on so many forms mloukhiya, molohiya, mulukhiyya mulukhiyah, and malukhiyah that Ive started keeping count. The common name for the green that is molokhia is jute leaf, considered a vitamin-rich superfood thats reputed to be a sleep and digestion aid as well as to improve eyesight. (The Druze, a small religious sect found mostly in Syria, Lebanon and Israel, however, believe in a different bodily consequence theyre forbidden to eat molokhia because it is thought to be an aphrodisiac.) Jute leaf is also known as Egyptian spinach, West African sorrel, okra leaf or (ahem) Jews mallow. Either because of this or because many Angelenos have never heard of molokhia, it might show up on a menu as jute leaf stew or, as the Monday-only special is called at Carnival restaurant in Sherman Oaks, okra leaf stew. There, its a plate of boiled, shredded chicken, Chiclet-sized squares of toasted pita and, on the side, some quick-pickled minced onion and moss-colored molokhia that is as sublimely garlicky as it is cilantro-forward. . When I prodded, Carnivals generally talkative general manager, Nabeel Halaby, about how he makes it, he suddenly grew tight-lipped, offering only that its cooked from a very, very old recipe. Advertisement The jute leaf is known as a superfood and is reputed to be a sleep and digestion aid. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times) Sometimes, molokhia is meatless, but it usually comes with a protein. At Cairo Cafe in Anaheim, the brothy molokhia arrives in a cup along with a mound of rice crowned with a crispy piece of chicken. At Sunnin Lebanese Cafe on Westwood Boulevard, the lamb shank or chicken you get to choose is already submerged in a thick, shiny pool of almost liquefied greens, accompanied by a side of rice, a small vessel of finely chopped vinegary onions and some toasted pita. Its classified at Sunnin as a stew, but, just as often, molokhia ends up in the soup section of a menu. Though its difficult to find fresh jute leaves in Los Angeles, most Middle Eastern markets have a dried version, as well as 15-ounce packets found in the freezer section. Whether dehydrated leaves or the flash-frozen kind makes for a better molokhia is debated. But what most recipes invariably feel the need to address as an apologetic side tip, or a worthy final piece to the puzzle is the resolution to a different issue. Jute leaves, when cooked, get slimy, in a manner similar to the way stewed okra does. Michael Solomonov, chef and co-writer of the book Israeli Soul has a stern approach to addressing molokhias viscosity. I tell [people], Get over it, says Solomonov. Slippery is a good thing. Oysters somehow get a pass. Uni somehow gets a pass. It just is what it is. I was watching my kids eat gummy worms yesterday and I was like, If you like gummy worms, slippery and slimy isnt so bad. Recipe: Jute mallow soup Some sworn-by techniques to mitigate the texture include soaking leaves in lemon juice, or squeezing the daylights out of wet jute. Most people are put off by [the texture], says Reem Kassis, author of the cookbook The Palestinian Table, whose remedy involves adding a teaspoon of tomato paste. Its not enough to alter the flavor. It doesnt change the color. But it has some acid in it so it adjusts the pH balance to a point where you dont see much of the mucus. Kassis can rattle off lots of facts about molokhia how Palestinians prefer a squeeze of lemon on top, or that in Egypt, rabbit or pigeon is the preferred protein. But she insists theres no definitive way to consume it. Some believe pita croutons go on the bottom, then rice, then molokhia, then meat. Others just dump and stir. You can go into houses in the same neighborhood and how you eat it varies, says Kassis, who grew up in Jerusalem in a family where molokhia was prepared two ways. Her mothers version was a soup, her father took the whole leaves, lots-of-garlic route, eaten as a stew over rice. How does Kassis, who is now Philadelphia-based, convince novices to give molokhia a try? I never get into the nitty gritty of how good it is for you, she says. The best way to sell it is to focus on is just how good it tastes. Carnival Restaurant, 4356 Woodman Ave., Sherman Oaks, (818) 784-3469, www.carnivalrest.com Cairo Cafe, 10832 Katella Ave., Anaheim, (714) 999-8861, cairooc.com Sunnin Lebanese Cafe, 1776 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 475-3358, sunnin.com food@latimes.com Twitter: @latimesfood Ryan Faughnder is a film business reporter for the Los Angeles Times Company Town and the host of the entertainment business newsletter The Wide Shot. Faughnder writes about Hollywood studios, including Walt Disney Co., and has covered such major stories as the Sony hack. An alumnus of USCs Annenberg School and UC Santa Barbara, he previously wrote for the Los Angeles Business Journal and Bloomberg News. For more than a quarter-century, MGM Resorts International has both set and continuously raised the bar for Las Vegas hospitality, dining and nightlife. Heading into the next decade, MGM Restorts is again unveiling ahead-of-the-game innovations in food, accommodations and experience-enhancing tech across its multiple Vegas properties, including Bellagio, Vdara, Aria and the all-new Park MGM. But the story starts with one pioneer: Wolfgang Puck. The famed L.A. chef put Las Vegas on the culinary map in 1992 when he opened his legendary Spago restaurant on the Strip, instantly shining among bland cheap eats and buffets. Now the celebrated chef has brought his distinctively Californian, farm-to-table freshness to Bellagio, where the architecturally-spectacular new Spago debuted this summer overlooking the resorts famed fountains. Its the perfect synergy, said Puck. The resorts clientele and my longtime guests align perfectly with Spagos exceptional offerings and elegant atmosphere... It is truly a match made in heaven. At Park MGM, a $550-million reimagining of the Monte Carlo, L.A. legend Roy Choi is opening his anticipated, Koreatown-influenced Best Friend later this month. Hes calling Best Friend his remixed and remastered collection inspired by his much-loved L.A. eateries, explained Patrick Miller, president and COO of Park MGM. Hes marrying his love of L.A. and the authentic dining experiences that can be found there with his excitement for Las Vegas. Also arriving at Park MGM this month is Eataly, a huge, immersive 40,000-square-foot Italian marketplace featuring cafes, to-go counters, sit-down restaurants and vendors of high-quality, sustainable goods. Meanwhile, celebrity chefs continue to be drawn to the energy of MGMs Las Vegas properties, including former Gayot Restaurateur of the Year Michael Mina (Mandalay Bays STRIPSTEAK, Michael Mina at Bellagio, Bardot Brasserie at Aria, and PUB 1842 inside the MGM Grand); the James Beard award-winning Shawn McClain (Arias Sage and FIVE50 Pizza Bar; Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay); and Hawaiian chef Roy Ellamars market-inspired passion project Harvest, at Bellagio. Restaurant sensation Catch recently brought its A-list attractors to Aria. The seafood restaurant, with outposts in New York, Dubai and Hollywood, is known as a celebrity hotspot, but the market fresh fish is the real star here. Modern touches meet Asian classics with truffle sashimi, and the Wagyu on a Rock is not to be missed. The natural canopy entryway opens to an indoor-outdoor room that feels more treehouse getaway than dining hall. But this isnt just about common spaces or glamorous eateries. MGMs guest rooms are becoming more sleek yet more purposeful in design, and nowhere is this better represented than at Park MGM (and its boutique hotel-within-a-hotel, NoMad Las Vegas.) Intentional design is paramount in every corner of the resort. That same comfortable feeling, that residential appeal, is consistent throughout, said Miller. Theres a sense of discovery, too -- guests can happen upon a park bench located within sight of works from renowned English artist David Hockney, or a cozy corner nook in Primroses drawing room. Defying its 3,000-room stature (including NoMads 293 guest rooms and suites), Park MGM has artfully created comfortable, personalized livability that has traditionally been hard to find in Vegas. is reflected in everything down to the art program, curated like a personal collection of treasured photographs, collected drawings and postcards, Miller continued. Thoughtful design, like the use of a solid table in lieu of a wall-facing desk, creates a welcoming and open atmosphere. The energy surrounding the transformation of Park MGM has been building steadily as weve unveiled each phase of the resort, and as we inch closer to the finish line, its just electric, said Miller. Not only can you feel it among guests as they explore and see what weve added, but it is absolutely palpable with our employees who are so proud of what Park MGM has become. -Paul Rogers, Custom Publishing Writer A cooling tower at Disneyland was the likely source for all 22 cases in a Legionnaires disease outbreak last year near the theme park, an Orange County health official testified Tuesday. Most of those who fell ill visited the park in the fall of 2017. Disneyland has denied it was the source, pointing to three infected people who had been in Anaheim but not at Disneyland. One of them died. Dr. Matthew Zahn, medical director for epidemiology at the Orange County Health Care Agency, told an appeals board judge at the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those three people were in nursing homes in Anaheim. He said health workers visited the nursing homes and determined there were no likely sources of the Legionella bacteria there. Tests around the time of the outbreak showed high levels of Legionella bacteria in two of Disneylands cooling towers, which likely spread contaminated droplets to people in the park, Zahn said. The medical director said he concluded the three nursing home patients were probably sickened by Disneyland as well, because water infected with Legionella bacteria can spread two to four miles. Advertisement Zahn pointed out that cooling towers part of an air-conditioning system that releases mist are the most common source of Legionnaires outbreaks. Disneyland cooling tower #4 had very high levels of Legionella bacteria when people began to fall sick, Zahn said. Once it was sanitized, Legionnaires infections appeared to cease, he added. Most likely those cases were related to a common exposure, Zahn said. Cooling tower #4 was the most likely source of exposure. The health agency has never formally identified a cause of the outbreak. Upon questioning by Disneylands lawyers, Zahn said he could not be 100% certain that Disneyland was the source of all of the cases without additional testing. He also said the countys environmental health workers could not identify a source of the outbreak when they examined the parks water sources in October last year. They did not find an obvious on their pass through source, Zahn said. Earlier this year, Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown said in a statement: We strongly object to Cal-OSHAs allegation that our cooling towers caused any illness, since the source of the outbreak has never been scientifically determined. In March, the Cal-OSHA cited and fined Disneyland $33,000 for failing to properly clean cooling equipment linked to the outbreak and other related violations. The agency investigates only hazards that endanger workers, so its findings focus on how three Disneyland employees were infected and does not address the 19 non-employees sickened. Disneyland is appealing the citation at a two-day hearing in West Covina that began Tuesday. Christopher Merrill, the Cal-OSHA administrative law judge, will rule within 60 days. Zahn was a witness called by lawyers for Cal-OSHA. Testimony by the agencys witnesses will continue Wednesday. Disneyland is expected not to call any witnesses, Merrill said. Cal-OSHA lawyers also called Christopher Casteel, who conducted the investigation into Disneylands violations. Casteel, associate safety engineer with the agencys Department of Industrial Relations, said cleaning records showed that Disneyland did not follow proper guidelines to disinfect its cooling towers, thereby allowing high levels of bacteria to grow in the towers and spread in the park. Orange County health officials never formally identified the cooling towers as the source of the outbreak, and Disneyland officials have said that the test results dont definitively prove that the towers were to blame. Disneylands cooling towers have been free of Legionella since November 2017, and there is currently no risk to the public, Orange County health officials said. Meanwhile, a young girl who was diagnosed with Legionnaires after visiting Disneyland last fall filed a suit against the theme park last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The girl went to the theme park in mid-October last year to celebrate her mothers birthday and two weeks later developed a persistent cough, according to the lawsuit. The facts dont support these claims and the lawsuit has no merit, Disneys Brown said Tuesday. The girl visited the theme park on Oct. 13, 2017, but the last person who developed Legionnaires as part of this outbreak visited the park on Oct. 3, according to Zahns testimony Tuesday. soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com Twitter: @skarlamangla Speaking at the ceremony, Kim said NA Chairwoman Ngan has contributed to fostering Vietnam-RoK ties not only in legislation and politics, but also in education, labour, investment, and trade. He expressed his belief that with her excellent brainpower and leadership, the top Vietnamese legislator will help to inspire future talents. Kim hoped that Vietnam and the RoK will work closely together on talent training, contributing to the common development of Asia and bilateral friendship. The NA Chairwoman it is a great honour to receive the distinction, saying that it is a vivid symbol of the Vietnam-RoK friendship and all-around collaboration over the past 26 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, including in education and training. Following the ceremony, NA Chairwoman Ngan talked with Vietnamese students who are studying at the Pukyong National University. She said that over the past more than three decades, Vietnam has made great achievements in politics-diplomacy, socio-economy, and national defence-security. From its humble beginning as an underdeveloped country with a low average income per capita, Vietnam has become a middle-income country, Ngan said. This year, Vietnams economic scale surpassed US$ 240.5 billion with a total import-export turnover exceeding US$ 475 billion, she said, adding that the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.81 percent in 2017 and the figure is expected to reach 6.7-7 percent in 2018. Hailing the RoK as an important partner, the largest foreign investor, the second largest supplier of official development assistance (ODA), and the second largest trade partner of Vietnam, the top legislator said the country is shifting to a new economic growth model and restructuring its economy. According to the top legislator, Vietnam is focusing on three strategic breakthroughs, including refining a market economy mechanism with priority given to creating a fair competition environment, building a synchronous infrastructure for economic growth, and basic, comprehensive educational reform. Vietnam has actively and proactively deployed a foreign policy of openness, diversification, and multilateralisation of international relations, she said, adding that the Party, State, parliamentary, and people-to-people diplomacy have brought about important results, she said. NA Chairwoman Ngan added that Vietnam has formed diplomatic ties with 185 countries worldwide, including two comprehensive strategic partners, 13 strategic partners, and 11 comprehensive partners. Bilateral economic, trade, and investment ties with more than 220 countries and territories have continued to grow. Vietnam is now an official member of over 70 international and regional organisations, and a number of new-generation free trade agreements, she said, adding that Vietnam-RoK ties are at their peak with growing political trust, regular visits by high-ranking lawmakers, and valued meetings on the sidelines of international conferences and multilateral forums. There are about 120 flights between the two countries per week, which have yet to meet travel demands of their people. Meanwhile, there are some 190,000 citizens of each nation living, working and studying in the other country. As Vietnam is facing rapid population aging and has passed the golden era of population and labour, Ngan asked the Vietnamese students to make greater efforts in their studies and contribute to the homeland upon return. The NA Chairwoman urged them to offer mutual support in studies and daily life, abide by the laws of the host country, and serve as a bridge to promote the bilateral friendship. On the occasion, NA Chairwoman Ngan also answered students questions about the States policy in attracting excellent students and start-ups. A Bakersfield man has been arrested after authorities say his false call about an active shooter put an area hospital on an hours-long lockdown Tuesday. Police said Mario Thompson, 46, called Bakersfield Memorial Hospital to report an active shooter, sending the hospital and the surrounding area into a panic. The hospital was put on lockdown while police searched the area, but no evidence of an actual shooting was found, said Sgt. Brian Holcombe, a spokesman for the Bakersfield Police Department. As soon as the initial call came in, the hospital operator sent an emergency alert to staff and police were called to the scene, authorities said. The police department also received a second call about a shooter in the parking lot near the hospitals emergency room. Investigators later learned the call was made from inside the hospital, and staff directed police to Thompson, who was near the building that day. Advertisement Hospital security said Thompson had identified himself as a police officer during the incident. Police said he was wearing a security badge and trying to insert himself into the officers investigation. When questioned by officers, Thompson told them he was a security guard at the hospital, but staff told police he was not an employee. Thompson was arrested on suspicion of reporting a false emergency, being a felon in possession of pepper spray and impersonating an officer, among other charges. BPD responded to report of an active shooter at Memorial Hospital at 1:36 p.m. At this time no injuries reported and no evidence of a shooting. Officers still clearing the hospital. Reminder to the public to stay clear of the area. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/u32ugFGaBk Bakersfield Police (@bakersfieldpd) December 4, 2018 He also is suspected of falsely reporting an active shooter at Mercy Southwest Hospital on Aug. 1, police said. Much like Tuesdays incident, the Mercy Southwest call prompted a swarm of police activity and area lockdowns, including at nearby Cal State Bakersfield. Hoax calls to emergency services, a practice known as swatting, have had deadly consequences in the past. A Los Angeles man was charged with manslaughter after prosecutors said he made a prank call that resulted in the fatal police shooting of an innocent man in Kansas. The FBI estimates roughly 400 swatting cases occur annually. The hospital search is ongoing. Still no evidence of a shooting. No injuries reported or located. Still asking the public to avoid the area. School lockdowns have been lifted. More information to follow. Bakersfield Police (@bakersfieldpd) December 4, 2018 Times staff writers Richard Winton and James Queally contributed to this report. alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com Twitter: @r_valejandra The annual Night on Broadway event, which attracts people to downtown Los Angeles Historic Core as part of City Councilman Jose Huizars plan to revitalize the area, has been canceled for the coming year. The event, which began in 2014 and features access to Broadways historic theaters, live music, carnival rides and food booths, will return in 2020, according to the events website. The cancellation comes roughly a month after FBI agents searched Huizars home and offices, hauling out an array of materials, including a cardboard box labeled Fundraising. Patti Berman, president of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council, said she was disappointed to learn the event wont be happening next month. Berman said the letter she received from Huizars office about the cancellation offered no explanation for the change. Advertisement Council District 14 produces this 100% by themselves, and under the circumstances, its probably more than they can handle, said Berman, who indicated that she was speaking for herself, not for the neighborhood council. Huizar spokesman Rick Coca did not offer a reason for the move, saying in a statement that Night on Broadway will be better served if it is rescheduled. Our office continues to support community events, including seven holiday events throughout Council District 14 this holiday season, he said. The cancellation was reported earlier by City News Service. Huizar has been under legal pressure for several weeks. He has been sued by two former aides who alleged that they faced retaliation after complaining about unethical or potentially illegal activities. After the FBI searches, Huizar was stripped of his committee assignments that deal with planning, economic development, poverty and homelessness, and election rules and state legislation. About 250,000 people attended Night on Broadway in January. The event is billed as a key component of Huizars 10-year plan known as the Bringing Back Broadway initiative to boost economic development along the historic thoroughfare. Berman said the yearly event has been a huge success, showcasing the areas shops and restaurants and giving newcomers reasons to come back. Its something thats going to be difficult to replicate, she said. Times staff writers David Zahniser and Emily Alpert Reyes contributed to this report. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @Hannahnfry UPDATES: 5:15 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Patti Berman. This article was originally published at 7:35 a.m. Californias top court wrangled Wednesday over whether the state may eliminate a pension benefit for state workers without running afoul of decades of protective pension precedents. Hearing arguments in the first of five pension disputes under review, the California Supreme Court indicated it might reach a narrow decision that would leave broader questions to be answered in future cases. The case argued Wednesday involved a challenge to a 2012 law that took away an opportunity for state employees to pay a fee to tack an extra five years onto their work history. Legislators created the opportunity for air time so called because the employee does not actually work for pension calculations in 2003. Workers had to have at least five years of state service to take advantage of it. Advertisement The law was particularly advantageous to workers who took a break from their government jobs to take care of family or work on political campaigns. More than a decade later, legislators rescinded the offer and allowed other pension cuts in bills intended to forestall a looming financial crisis stemming from a shortfall of hundreds of billions of dollars in state and local government pension systems. Public employee unions sued in cases that are now awaiting decisions by the state high court. No one disputes that pension benefits may be reduced for new hires. But for decades, California court rulings have said that public employers were largely barred from reducing pension benefits that were promised at the time a worker was hired. During Wednesdays argument, it appeared the court might dispense with the dispute issue by concluding the air time benefit did not amount to a vested pension right. Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said past court rulings protecting public employee pensions were based on concepts of deferred compensation. She suggested the air time law was different. Gregg McLean Adam, representing state employees, said the state had made a promise to its workers. Do we keep our promises? Adam asked. Adam said some employees may have turned down other job offers because they wanted to take advantage of the air time law. Justice Goodwin Liu noted that the state can change other kinds of benefits. For example, he said, there was no question the state could discontinue offering workers an insurance plan at discounted rates. Adam disagreed, saying employees took or stayed on jobs because of promised benefits. A skeptical Liu retorted that labors position would prevent the government from altering all sorts of benefits, including vacation. It seems everything is an inducement to employment, he said. Rei Onishi, representing Gov. Jerry Brown, said the Legislature did not intend to create a lifelong right when it passed the air time law. It turns on the specific intent of the Legislature, he said. Justice Ming W. Chin asked Adam to respond to the states contention that the Legislature had not intended to create a vested benefit. Then why, Adam responded, did the Legislature say in the bill that air time could be purchased up until retirement? The court will hand down a decision within 90 days. UPDATES: 1:55 p.m.: This article was updated with additional background. 12:45 p.m.: This article was updated with details of the argument. This article was originally published at 8:30 a.m. Californias top court will consider Wednesday whether promised retirement benefits for public employees may be trimmed to reduce a shortfall of hundreds of billions of dollars in state and local pension systems. The state high court is weighing whether to uphold a state law that ended an opportunity for state workers to pay a fee to tack on an extra five years to their work history. No one disputes that pension benefits may be reduced for new hires. But for decades, California court rulings have said that public employers were barred from reducing benefits that were promised at the time a worker was hired. The court hearing, which begins at 9 a.m., can be viewed here. Advertisement RELATED: California promised public employees generous retirements. Will the courts give government a way out? maura.dolan@latimes.com Twitter: @mauradolan A Petaluma man who was stabbed in the eye with a drumstick was released from the hospital only to be struck by a car, leading him right back to a trauma center over the weekend, officials said. William McCullough, 68, was hospitalized for a week after a transient reportedly attacked him in a bank parking lot on Nov. 24. Our suspect was on top of him and holding the drumstick in his eye, pushing down, said Lt. Tim Lyons, a spokesman for the Petaluma Police Department. He had also stuffed a water bottle down his throat. Police said they dont know of a motive for the attack and dont think the two men knew each other. Advertisement The suspect, Jessie Aaron Chamberlain, 32, was arrested on suspicion of mayhem and elder abuse, but Lyons said he will be charged with attempted murder. After initial treatment in Petaluma, McCullough was transferred to Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, where he spent a week recovering before being released Friday. That night, after returning to Petaluma, McCullough was trying to cross a busy street when he was struck by a vehicle shortly after 9 p.m., Lyons said. He was wearing an eye patch when he tried to dash across the roadway; police arent sure whether that contributed to the collision. McCullough is now at a Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital trauma unit with a minor to moderate head injury and some small lacerations, Lyons said. Police said McCullough is expected to survive his injuries. alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com Twitter: @r_valejandra Los Angeles leaders voted Wednesday to reappoint Fred Pickel as a watchdog overseeing the Department of Water and Power, over the protests of some environmental and consumer activists who argue that he has failed to speak up for ratepayers. The sole vote against him was cast by Councilman Paul Koretz, who contended that Pickel should undergo a performance review before getting another term as the executive director of the Office of Public Accountability. Much of the debate over Pickel has revolved around the expected role of the ratepayer advocate, a job created by voters in 2011 after a clash at City Hall over rate hikes. Under the City Charter, his office is supposed to provide public independent analysis of department actions as they relate to water and electricity rates. Tony Wilkinson, who headed a selection committee that recommended Pickel for a second term, credited him with having the technical expertise to effectively fact check the utility. Pickel, a former energy consultant with an MIT doctorate in engineering and economic systems analysis, has written reports scrutinizing rates, outages and utility budgets in his six years on the job. Advertisement Former DWP Commissioner William Funderburk said Pickel had produced objective, market-informed advice that quietly saved money for L.A. ratepayers, weighing in on disputes over dust mitigation in the Owens Valley and a lawsuit against PricewaterhouseCoopers over the disastrous rollout of a new billing system. When Funderburk prodded the utility to adopt a new system to track whether all ratepayers were being treated fairly and equitably, Pickel was indispensable in winning support with his measured analysis of the plan, he said. If we had had a grandstander, if we had had a cheerleader, if we had someone who was working for press quotes over doing the work, it would not have happened, Funderburk said. Some critics complain that Pickel has not been an outspoken advocate for ratepayers. Activists from the advocacy group Consumer Watchdog and the environmental group Food & Water Watch have faulted Pickel for backing rate hikes and opining that a controversial project to tunnel under the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta was affordable for L.A. households. Jasmin Vargas, a senior organizer with Food & Water Watch, said Pickel seemed to see green programs such as renewable energy as kind of supplemental, luxury programs and not necessarily part of his mandate. Her group was dismayed when Pickel supported a move to downsize plans for a natural gas plant in Utah, rather than insisting on renewable power. What weve seen him advocate for are the Department of Water and Power positions, not necessarily the ratepayer, Vargas said. In recent months, Koretz had chimed in publicly with critics, saying Pickel had routinely rubber-stamped utility decisions and operated more like a technical advisor than a ratepayer advocate. The councilman also challenged whether Pickel had violated the City Charter by serving as both executive director and ratepayer advocate, rather than appointing someone else. Koretz pushed for the city to get an outside consultant to do a performance review for Pickel before giving him another term a call that Consumer Watchdog echoed at a Tuesday council committee hearing. This Office of Public Accountability should not be above public accountability, Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court told the council committee. He was later ejected from the meeting after calling out from the audience, attempting to challenge an assertion about whether another candidate vying for the job had gotten an interview. At Tuesdays committee hearing, Pickel said Court had lots of fire and lots of passion but was short on facts. In the past, Pickel has repeatedly pointed back to the list of reports on his website when faced with public criticism, rather than sparring over specific points in the media a reaction emblematic of his understated approach.He declined a request for an interview, saying he would prefer to wait until after the confirmation process is complete. At the Tuesday hearing, Pickel defended some of his positions and laid out some of the issues before the utility in coming years, including technological challenges and environmental goals. A city analyst said that after Pickel was chosen as executive director of the office, city staff determined that he could also be the ratepayer advocate. Councilman Paul Krekorian said that while he had not always agreed with Pickel, he had never felt a lack of independence in his analysis. He argued that if the council were involved in reviewing his performance, it could compromise his independence and politicize the office. He shouldnt care what we have to say, Krekorian said. Hes there in order to give us independent advice whether we like it or not. Members of the selection committee, who were appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti, Council President Herb Wesson and Councilwoman Nury Martinez, strenuously defended their choice Tuesday, saying they rigorously vetted dozens of candidates. Committee member Elva Yanez said she was offended that critics had accused them of a sham process. I dont do sham processes, she said. Yanez said that despite the complaints from Consumer Watchdog and Food & Water Watch, their concerns about Pickel did not seem to be common during the selection process, which included more than a dozen meetings. Where are all the other environmental and environmental justice issue organizations who have a problem with Mr. Pickel? Yanez asked. Members of the selection committee emphasized that they wanted Pickel to do more to engage the community. Another applicant for the L.A. job told The Times that he could not weigh in on Pickel specifically but said that in general, being a good advocate requires not only mastery of the analytical work but also being able to effectively communicate and influence. To actually be an advocate, youve got to build coalitions and exercise influence and be in the public sphere, calling out when you think that the decisions being made are harmful to ratepayers, said Max Gomberg, who worked previously for the Office of Ratepayer Advocates at the California Public Utilities Commission and said he interviewed for the L.A. job. Three years ago, outside consultants assessing how the DWP is governed wrote that the ratepayer advocate faced continuous political pressure from city and utility officials. They did not criticize Pickel personally but concluded that the job itself was stuck in a no mans land, as it is neither a regulator nor a truly independent advisor. emily.alpert@latimes.com Twitter: @AlpertReyes UPDATES: 11:10 a.m., Dec. 5: This article was updated with Fred Pickel being reappointed. This article was originally published at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 4. An Argentine man accused of masterminding a global extortion scheme that preyed on people hoping to find love through magic spells pleaded guilty in San Diego federal court Monday. Ariel Boiteuxs guilty plea comes just weeks after a San Diego federal judge found him to be mentally competent to move forward with his prosecution. Boiteux, a computer expert and self-described sorcerer, was among four suspects arrested in Paraguay last year in connection with the witchcraft services offered by Amarres Inmediatos. He was extradited in July to face charges in San Diego. The scheme tapped into a Latin American industry in which witches or spiritual guides use black or white magic for amarres de amor, or moorings of love. Advertisement According to the plea agreement, Boiteux and his associates advertised on social media and MercadoLibre, an online marketplace similar to Craigslist. Boiteuxs group offered to perform the rituals remotely for clients and instructed them to arrange specific items, such as candles and photographs. They were then told to drink alcohol, recite sexually explicit statements and perform sexual acts, all while video recording or photographing the ritual. The clients were instructed to send in the videos or photos of the ritual to complete the spell. The clients then received threats to send more money or their intimate recordings would be posted online. Boiteuxs network would research victims ahead of time to determine who was ripe for extortion, according to the plea agreement. Authorities in Paraguay estimated that the scheme victimized more than 200 people around the world, including in the U.S., Mexico, Peru, Switzerland and Spain. The first report to law enforcement came from the U.S., according to media reports in Paraguay. The plea agreement admits to only one victim. After Boiteux researched the client, he determined the person was a public figure and had significant resources, according to the plea. Boiteuxs associates then extorted the victim, who ended up wiring $7,200 through Western Union in February 2017. The threats continued after that with demands for $250,000, the plea agreement states. The victims name was not released, and it is unknown if the victim has any San Diego ties. Prosecutors have said earlier that in October 2017, Boiteux caused $800 to be wired to a co-conspirator from a Western Union agent in San Diego to Paraguay. After Boiteuxs extradition to San Diego, his mental competency was in question and an exam was ordered. Before his transfer to San Diego, he tied his mouth shut with wire as part of a hunger strike, according to the Argentine news website TN.com. For his initial court appearance, he was rolled into the courtroom in a wheelchair. When the judge asked him to confirm his identity, he answered with a nonsensical statement about angels. Davis writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com A Studio City man has been charged with illegally possessing and mistreating a tiger cub after investigators spotted the cat in a 2017 YouTube video published by controversial internet celebrity Logan Paul, authorities said. Nicholas Perkins, 32, could face up to 30 months in prison if convicted on the animal mistreatment charges, according to a news release issued by the Los Angeles City Attorneys office. In October 2017, investigators with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife received a tip about a model posing with a tiger cub on Instagram and were able to verify its location after spotting the animal in a YouTube video published by Paul last year, according to the city attorneys office. The clip has been viewed 8.2 million times. In the video, Paul can be seen rubbing the cats belly and letting it play with a small dog. Paul who was met with global revulsion after posing alongside a dead body at a so-called suicide forest in Japan earlier this year posted a disclaimer with the clip that the video was filmed in a closed environment with animal professionals. Advertisement Tigers and other exotic animals are not pets, Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer said in a statement Wednesday. Keeping these potentially dangerous animals in a residential setting poses a serious safety risk for residents and animals alike. The cub was rescued in November 2017 after investigators served a search warrant at Perkins residence, where anabolic steroids also were found. The cat allegedly had been malnourished, and Perkins was accused of feeding the animal kitten milk replacement formula, the city attorneys office said. The cub has since made a full recovery at a sanctuary in Los Angeles County, authorities said. It was not immediately clear whether Perkins has an attorney. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the city attorneys office, said investigators think Perkins purchased the animal through an out-of-state dealer, but he could not provide additional information. james.queally@latimes.com Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California. USC vowed to improve accountability and transparency in the wake of a scandal earlier this year in which the longtime campus gynecologist was accused of sexual misconduct against hundreds of students. A dispute in USCs Marshall School of Business is shaping up to be a key test of this new approach, and its pitting top administrators against some of the universitys major donors. At issue is the removal of Dean James Ellis, who has led the school since 2007, over his response to sexual harassment and discrimination claims against faculty and staff. USCs interim president, Wanda Austin, informed Ellis earlier this fall that she planned to replace him at the close of the academic year next spring, three years before his term expired. Austin, the first woman to serve as president, as well as her supporters cast the decision as evidence that the school is addressing previous missteps. Advertisement We learned our lesson, Austin told The Times this week. But influential USC benefactors are fighting the move. Pasadena billionaire Ming Hsieh, a trustee who has donated more than $85 million, hired a Century City litigator to advocate for Ellis before the USC board. Jims not going quietly and were not going quietly, said Lloyd Greif, chief executive of his own investment banking firm who has donated more than $5 million to the business school. This decision needs to be reversed. When USCs trustees meet next week, Ellis status will be on the agenda. Board chair Rick Caruso has told fellow trustees in letters reviewed by The Times that he planned to lay out the facts behind Austins decision and that he was confident she acted with due consideration and in furtherance of the universitys best interests. USC Dean James Ellis (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press) Little has been released publicly about the sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination cases Ellis has handled in his role as dean. Such complaints are investigated on a confidential basis by USCs Office of Equity and Diversity, and Austin declined to discuss the nature or number of accusations. An executive assistant for Ellis said the dean was unavailable for an interview. The attorney Hsieh retained, Louis Skip Miller, said he was representing both Ellis and the billionaire trustee. Miller said none of the accusations at issue concerned behavior by the dean himself. In a letter Monday to colleagues at Marshall, Ellis wrote that the decision to remove him was not based on anything I personally had done, but rather a cumulative record of OED cases from Marshall. The vast majority of these cases were never brought to my attention. Addressing sexual misconduct became a top priority at USC in May, when The Times revealed that the university had allowed gynecologist George Tyndall to practice on campus for three decades despite complaints to administrators about inappropriate behavior toward female patients. The Tyndall scandal led to the resignation of President C.L. Max Nikias and the appointment of Austin, a trustee and retired aerospace executive, as interim president. Austin arrived with a mandate to help heal the campus after the scandal and address concerns by students, faculty and alumni that the administration take misconduct allegations more seriously. Within a few months of her August appointment, Austin was focused on Ellis and his schools record on sexual harassment. Marshall has long been one of the universitys most prestigious schools, and during his tenure, Ellis, a marketing professor, was credited with making it an even more competitive program. USCs full-time MBA program was ranked 31st by U.S. News & World Report in 2017 and jumped 11 spots to 20th in the most recent listing. He also raised nearly $500 million for the school, according to his supporters. Complete Coverage: USC former gynecologist Dr. George Tyndall accused of inappropriate behavior To examine the harassment issue, Austin turned to a law firm, Cooley LLP, to investigate and also asked an outside human-resources consultant to weigh in, according to interviews and correspondence with the trustees. Austin and Michael Blanton, the head of USCs new office of professionalism and ethics, then met with Ellis to discuss the law firms findings, according to the correspondence. Miller, Ellis attorney, said the meeting lasted less than 15 minutes, during which Austin informed the dean he had to leave. The attorney said Ellis was never told what he had done wrong and asserted Ellis was pure as the driven snow in his conduct. To the extent any complaint has ever come to his attention during his 11 years as dean, hes run it down, investigated it and handled it, Miller said. Austin told him he would be allowed to remain until the end of the spring term and USC would pay out the three years remaining on his deans contract, according to correspondence from Caruso to trustees. Ellis annual compensation was $636,000, according to USCs 2017 tax filing. As a tenured professor, Ellis will remain on the business school faculty. The decision outraged Ellis supporters, who felt that Austin had overstepped her temporary role. Since when is an Interim President given the same unfettered power to make personnel decisions as a permanent President who is selected by a Search Committee after a nationwide search and given a five-year mandate to steer the University? wrote Greif, the prominent donor and alumnus, in a four-page letter sent Friday to the business schools advisory board. Miller sent a letter to the 57 voting trustees, a whos who of wealthy and powerful alumni and boosters, arguing that removing Ellis violated the trustees fiduciary duty to the institution because he had added so much value to the school. The question we therefore have is, whats going on at USC? Is Dean Ellis being caught up in some kind of internal political move? Miller wrote in the Nov. 20 letter. In yet another letter, a group of more than 100 business leaders that advises the Marshall School urged the full Board of Trustees to immediately intercede and rescind the Interim Presidents misguided decision. The groups membership includes prominent alumni and local executives. Austin said in an interview that she respected Ellis service to the university, but I wish Jim had taken a different tack in fighting his dismissal. In a statement late Tuesday afternoon, she added, The commitment we made to our university community to improve our campus culture sometimes requires us to make difficult decisions. We understand that there will be those who disagree, but that doesnt mean these arent the right decisions to move the university forward, Austin wrote. matt.hamilton@latimes.com Twitter: @MattHjourno harriet.ryan@latimes.com Twitter: @latimesharriet UPDATES: 8:15 p.m. This article was updated with more information about the group of 100 business leaders. This article was originally posted at 7:30 p.m. The Justice Department charged four people Tuesday with scheming for decades to hide tens of millions of dollars from the Internal Revenue Service the first U.S. indictment over an alleged tax-evasion scheme revealed in 2016 through the Panama Papers. The four people charged include a former investment manager, a former U.S. resident, an American accountant, and a Panamanian lawyer who once worked for the firm at the center of the case, Mossack Fonseca. The Panama Papers is the name given to a trove of more than 11 million documents from the Mossack Fonseca firm, which a consortium of journalists made public in April 2016, leading to criminal investigations throughout Europe into possible tax evasion and money laundering. The 11-count indictment unsealed in New York marks the first time the U.S. government has charged anyone with tax crimes related to the firm and authorities suggested others could soon be charged. Advertisement More investigations are on the way, said IRS criminal investigations chief Don Fort. The head of the Justice Departments criminal division, Brian Benczkowski, issued a warning to law firms, asset managers and accountants that they can be arrested if they help their clients evade taxes. The charges announced today demonstrate our commitment to prosecute professionals who facilitate financial crimes across international borders and the tax cheats who use their services, he said. The charges include wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States and false statements. The indictment suggests investigators were looking at Mossack Fonsecas activities years before the Panama Papers were released, noting that one unnamed client grew uneasy about the arrangement and went to authorities in 2013 under a voluntary program to report previously undeclared assets being held in overseas accounts. That client is identified in court papers as a U.S. citizen currently living in Manhattan who made millions of dollars as a liaison between investors and money managers, and for years hid that money from the IRS. The indictment describes an ambitious effort by Mossack Fonseca and people associated with the firm to hide assets from the IRS, while still giving their American clients access to the money the taxman couldnt reach. The Justice Department charged Ramses Owens, a lawyer who worked for Mossack Fonseca, who remains at large. Also charged was Dirk Brauer, who worked as an asset manager for Mossfon Asset Management, a company closely affiliated with Mossack Fonseca. Brauer was arrested in Paris last month. Richard Gaffey, an accountant in Massachusetts, was arrested Tuesday morning, and Harald Von Der Goltz, a former U.S. resident now living in London, was arrested Monday. The indictment charges that Owens, Brauer and Gaffey spent years setting up complex entities allowing their clients to hide and invest millions of dollars controlled by American clients who did not report that money to the IRS. The indictment also charges the men created new schemes and cover stories for their clients secret accounts as the Justice Department began in 2008 to more closely scrutinize banks in Switzerland and elsewhere that had long served as hiding places for such money. At one point in early 2017, according to the indictment, one of their clients decided to cooperate with the Justice Departments investigation, setting up a meeting between Brauer and an undercover agent posing as a financial advisor. Brauer proposed having the undercovers U.S. clients send money overseas and setting up a fake investment for them. Then, Brauer would create a fake loss to the clients from the investment, so that if anyone questioned where the money had gone, it would look like the money had been placed in an investment that had done poorly, the indictment charges. Brauer then stated ... he and the undercover could move the money back to the United States for the undercovers U.S. clients without the IRS discovering it. Barrett writes for the Washington Post. Underlining the importance of this international event, PM Phuc said that its success will help enhance Vietnams position and affirm the Vietnamese Party and States consistent policy of respecting and ensuring the right to freedom of religion and belief. He urged the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Central Committee to map out a master plan on the organisation of the event, and make the best preparations in not only infrastructure but also the agenda. Relevant localities were requested to coordinate closely with the VBS, while concerned ministries and agencies were required to work out specific plans, including those involved in communications. The Ministry of Public Security should direct its units and local police forces to ensure absolute security and safety for the event, he stressed. For Ha Nam province which hosts the celebrations, the Government leader asked the locality to set up an organising board which holds meetings regularly to ensure the process of building infrastructure. The United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations is scheduled to take place in the Ha Nam province from May 12-14 under the theme of Buddhisms approach to global leadership and sharing responsibility for a sustainable society. It is expected to draw around 1,500 foreign delegates from over 90 nations and territories and 10,000 domestic delegates and Buddhist dignitaries and followers. Along with the opening and closing sessions, the event will include five seminars focusing on Buddhisms approach to harmonious family, health care and sustainable society, global education and morality; responsible consumption and sustainable development, and on the relationship between the fourth Industrial Revolution and Buddhist education. This will be the third time Vietnam hosts the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations, after the successful events in 2008 and 2014. Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. Its Wednesday, Dec. 5, and heres whats happening across California: Lets talk about straws for a moment. This year has seen cities across California and the state itself pass measures to limit the availability of single-use plastic straws in restaurants. In some cases, like San Francisco, they were banned outright. The city and the county of Los Angeles are the latest to join the fun. Both took up slightly different measures. The city asked for an ordinance to be drafted requiring dining establishments to give out plastic straws only by request, which lays the groundwork for a complete ban in the future. These changes, which have been applauded for reducing the amount of plastic in the ocean, have also found loud pockets of opposition. One is from the those in the disabled community who say these laws create an undue burden. Thats because plastic straws are a necessity in their lives and the alternatives like bamboo or paper straws are not an adequate replacement, said Lawrence Carter-Long, the communications director for the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund. One of the benefits of plastic is its flexibility. That bendy upper third is actually useful for a lot of disabled people who have difficulty controlling their bite or using their hands, he said. They work the best for the greatest number of people. Advertisement Carter-Long, who has cerebral palsy in his legs, explained that this issue hadnt really been on his organizations radar until San Francisco completely banned plastic straws earlier this year. He said his organization started getting calls from constituents who, for example, were worried about being out in the middle of day and not being able to get a drink to take a medication. He hopes that by 2021, when a full ban in the city of Los Angeles might take effect, there will be a better alternative to plastic straws. Similarly, Autumn Elliott, a senior counsel for the group Disability Rights California, was heartened that the city is convening a working group to help make sure this new policy doesnt burden disabled people. If restaurants and other establishments stopped having plastic straws available, disabled people wouldnt be able to do what we can do, which is walk into an establishment and order a drink and enjoy it, Elliott said. Los Angeles Times The latest at USC USC vowed to improve accountability and transparency in the wake of a scandal earlier this year in which the longtime campus gynecologist was accused of sexual misconduct against hundreds of students. A dispute in USCs Marshall School of Business is shaping up to be a key test of this new approach, and its pitting top administrators against some of the universitys major donors. Los Angeles Times More about the new sheriff Alex Villanueva has long known the feeling of not fitting in. He retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department after many low notes, including claims of retaliation for bucking the status quo and racial discrimination. Now hes done the unthinkable, scoring the highest position in the department. His defeat of then-sheriff Jim McDonnell in the Nov. 6 election stunned the political establishment, while also prompting questions about whether Villanueva has the skill set to lead a department rattled by years of corruption scandals. The first-time officeholder faces a steep challenge in assuming one of the most powerful jobs in all of law enforcement. Los Angeles Times Alex Villanueva and his wife, Vivian, attend the East Los Angeles Christmas Parade in Los Angeles on Sunday, the day before he was sworn in as L.A. County sheriff. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) A fire followed by a housing crisis Four fires across five counties in Northern California in the past 13 months destroyed more than 20,000 homes, roughly 85% of the number of homes that have been built in those counties combined over the past decade. How will that loss affect the states affordability problems? Los Angeles Times L.A. County officials are coming to terms with the fact that there is a new reality for firefighting that will require better equipment and planning. The idea is to respond to wildfires in an era of drought conditions and prolonged periods of dry, windy weather while also providing emergency medical services to 4 million county residents. Los Angeles Times The list of missing in Paradise once topped 1,300. Now its down to 11 names. Chico Enterprise-Record When the big fire hits, even flame-resistant homes are no match. LAist Simultaneous fires have long been an issue in California. But are things getting worse now? SFGate False flags of fires. Fake news comes marching in. Science Alert Get the Essential California newsletter L.A. STORIES Called off: The annual Night on Broadway event, which aims to draw people to downtown Los Angeles historic corridor as part of City Councilman Jose Huizars plan to revitalize the area, has been canceled next year amid an FBI investigation into him. Los Angeles Times The No Sunday rule: Southern California cheerleaders are battling to compete in the nationals, but an obscure rule stands in their way. Orange County Register Movie history: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures gave a sneak peek of what youll see inside, though youll have to wait for the opening. Los Angeles Times Plus: Kevin Hart is set to host the 91st Academy Awards. Los Angeles Times Eeeek! A very cool but stressful visualization of traffic patterns in Southern California. Curbed LA CRIME AND COURTS Big win: In another defeat for the Trump administration, a federal appeals court decided unanimously to strike down a federal law that makes it a felony to encourage someone to violate immigration laws. Los Angeles Times Shoppers beware: With the holidays here, thefts of Amazon packages from porches have become a epidemic in San Francisco. San Francisco Chronicle Bikers beware: A landmark law designed to improve bike safety is rarely enforced. Why? LAist POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT Sore losers: Columnist Robin Abcarian looks at George H.W. Bush, Donald Trump and the politics of being a bad sport. Los Angeles Times South of the border: The Central American migrants moving into Tijuana are getting pushback in Mexico as well. San Diego Union-Tribune Plus: A photo essay of the scene in Tijuana. San Diego Union-Tribune Dynamic duo: Sen. Susan Rubio and Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio are making history as the first sisters in the state Legislature. And they are united in taking on Trump. Sacramento Bee Hot take: Fox News offers an alternative reason for the GOP rout in Orange County. Fox News CALIFORNIA CULTURE Appropriate or not? For many Jewish Americans, the question is not whether they will travel to Israel, but when. Now, the birthright has become a political issue, and there is debate about whether protest is a good idea. Los Angeles Times Sweetness: Inside the Sees Candies factorys Bon Bon Room, the candy heaven of L.A. Los Angeles Daily News Bring it: Kobe Bryant is no longer on the Lakers, but he is still stoking rivalries, trash talking the Golden State Warriors. Mercury News Moving on: NPR President and Chief Executive Jarl Mohn, a force in Southern California public radio for year, will step down from his leadership role but also provide a generous donation. Los Angeles Times An under-explored story: Trump and the Vietnamese immigration crisis. New York Times CALIFORNIA ALMANAC Los Angeles area: showers, 58, Wednesday; showers, 62, Thursday. San Diego: showers, 63, Wednesday; thunderstorms, 65, Thursday. San Francisco area: showers, 54, Wednesday; sunny, 57, Thursday. San Jose: partly cloudy, 59, Wednesday; partly cloudy, 60, Thursday. Sacramento: cloudy, 52, Wednesday; sunny, 57, Thursday. More weather is here. AND FINALLY Todays California memory comes from Mary Rose: I went to elementary school in what was then a rural part of Santa Clara County (the area between Alviso and Agnew), where the seven-street set of tract homes with its tiny strip mall was the only development. At the end of the truncated block where our house was, there was a large bumper-like barricade, and beyond that were empty fields and creek beds. It was a great place to go looking for frogs, blue-belly lizards and garter snakes. Fun times! If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.) Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Benjamin Oreskes and Shelby Grad. Also follow them on Twitter @boreskes and @shelbygrad. The social costs of gun ownership in the U.S. have reached staggering levels, though given the lack of reliable data collection the public is left to sift through conflicting estimates of the numbers of firearms Americans actually own. One survey-based estimate places the number at 265 million guns and another suggests 393 million guns; the larger number, if accurate, would account for nearly half of the civilian-owned guns in the world. According to a Johns Hopkins University study, U.S. emergency room and in-patient medical visits for gunshot wounds alone cost about $2.8 billion a year; its $45 billion if you count lost wages. Mother Jones magazine estimated the annual total costs from gun violence, including medical, law enforcement, trials and other costs, at $229 billion. A few local governments have tried to find a way to make all those gun owners pay a little more toward those associated costs through taxes on guns and ammunition. Levies of $25 per gun sale and up to a nickel per round of ammunition are in effect in Seattle and Cook County, Ill. Similar efforts to establish a California tax on guns and ammunition have cropped up in the past, and Assemblyman Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) on Monday introduced AB 18 to establish a tax at an unspecified rate on handguns and semiautomatic rifles sold in the state, one that might expand to include a tax on ammunition. Making gun owners shoulder a little more of the cost of gun violence is an interesting idea worthy of consideration, though the final shape of such a bill will determine how much support it deserves. Making gun owners shoulder a little more of the cost of gun violence is an interesting idea worthy of consideration. Advertisement But first theres a fundamental hurdle to clear. Much as we disagree with it, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the 2008 Heller decision that the 2nd Amendment confers a right to own a firearm in the home for self-protection. Since it is a court-recognized constitutional right, a tax that is too onerous and which is designed to deter people from exercising that right could create a problem. What is too onerous? Well, thats unclear. The Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory in the Pacific, approved a $1,000 tax on pistols in 2016 in a clear effort to use tax codes to limit gun sales; a federal judge later struck down the tax because it places an excessive burden on the exercise of the right of law-abiding citizens to purchase handguns for self-defense without a corresponding important government interest. But other courts have upheld a $25 tax as non-punitive. Guns range wildly in price, but handguns tend to average in the $500 to $550 range. A Rand Corp. study found that increased fees for hunting licenses did not affect the number of people who hunt, and the Cook County tax didnt reduce gun sales there. Fewer than a third of Americans own a firearm (and 29% of those own five or more guns), according to the Pew Research Center. It seems unlikely that an additional $25 per gun or $50 for that matter would unduly restrict their ability to buy a firearm. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion But is it a wise tax? How much money might be generated will be influenced by what firearms are covered. Levine is proposing that long guns used for hunting not be subject to the tax, though its unclear how many such guns are sold in California each year. What we do know is that over the last five years, an average of 503,000 handguns have been sold each year, as have 556,000 long guns, including hunting rifles, shotguns and assault weapons. If just handguns had been covered, a $25 tax would have raised $12.6 million per year; if all the guns were covered, that would have raised $26.5 million a year. AB 18 would direct the new revenues to the states existing $9.2-million California Violence Intervention and Prevention Program that offers grants to community organizations mounting effective gun-violence prevention programs. It might be more pragmatic to make the distribution of the proposed tax revenues wider and include medical facilities that bear some of the costs of caring for gun violence victims, but fundamentally it is a good idea to tie the revenues to specific gun-related uses so the money doesnt disappear into the general fund. The Legislature should give this proposal serious consideration, and take care that whatever final form it takes will survive the inevitable legal challenge from the gun lobby. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook Despite a worldwide campaign to stop the brutal practice of female genital cutting, it persists in communities across the globe, and especially in Africa and some Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Generally performed on girls under the age of 15, the procedure involves the removal of the female genitalia a partial or total removal of the clitoris and sometimes the labia minora as well. In other instances, even the vaginal opening is narrowed. This is not just some cultural ritual that Westerners cant grasp but which deserves respect. It is, in fact, a mutilation of womens bodies, often painful in the process. Its sole purpose is to take away a womans ability to experience sexual pleasure and safeguard her chastity until marriage. There is no health benefit to the procedure. On the contrary, it can leave girls and women bleeding in the short term, with various chronic infections, among other problems, in the long term. The procedure is banned in more than 40 countries, yet the World Health Organization and the United Nations Population Fund estimate that more than 200 million women and girls worldwide have undergone it. Although it is often associated with Islam, genital cutting is also practiced among some Christian groups and it actually predates the rise of either Islam or Christianity. Whatever the incidence of female genital mutilation in the U.S, it is a heinous practice that should be outlawed by every state in the union. Advertisement The United States has had a law on the books banning female genital mutilation since 1996; Congress even amended the law in the last several years to include a ban on taking girls out of the U.S. to get the procedure (vacation cutting, as it is known). But the law had never been tested until the arrest, last year, of Jumana Nagarwala, a Detroit hospital emergency room doctor, for performing the procedure on two 7-year-old girls in a clinic in Livonia, Mich., after hours. The girls were brought to the clinic from Minnesota by their parents. The parents, the doctor and several others were charged with a range of crimes, including transporting minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Eventually, authorities charged Nagarwala, who is a member of a small Muslim sect, with performing the procedure on nine girls. Nagarwala pleaded not guilty, contending that she performed a religious procedure that did not involve cutting the young girls genitals. But the bulk of the case never got to trial. Late last month, a federal judge declared the federal law banning genital mutilation to be unconstitutional, saying that Congress had overstepped its authority in passing it in the first place. (Nagarwala still faces two conspiracy charges.) U.S. District Judge Bernard A. Friedman ruled that female genital mutilation was local criminal activity for the states to regulate, not a commercial activity that could be regulated by Congress. As despicable as this practice may be, it is essentially assault, he wrote. In light of that ruling, states that have not already passed laws against female genital mutilation should do so immediately. At the moment, there are 27 states with such laws on the books. California is one of them. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Its difficult to know how much cutting goes on in the United States; relative to many other countries, the number of documented cases appears to be low. A handful of cases have made headlines in the last couple of decades. A posting on the FBIs website suggests that the procedure is conducted by physicians, nurses and midwives as well as by female elders in immigrant communities. Researchers believe that the women and girls most at risk in the U.S. are immigrants or the young daughters of immigrants from those countries where a significant percentage of the female population has undergone this; a widely-cited report commissioned by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control concluded that 513,000 girls and women in the U.S. are at risk of or have already been subjected to the procedure. Whatever the incidence of female genital mutilation in the U.S, it is a heinous practice that should be outlawed by every state in the union to keep its occurrence rare and to assure that authorities have a way to combat it. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook Congress can help atone for the nations horrific past by finally making lynching a federal crime Since the Civil War, Americans have struggled to define what seems to be obvious: What is a lynching? It conjures visions of a mob pulling a man from a jail cell, hauling him to a tree and throwing a rope over a branch. But debates have centered on how how many people must take part in such an extrajudicial killing for it to qualify as a lynching (the NAACP suggested in 1921 at least five). And must the motive be racial? Was the hanging of a suspected white horse thief in the Wild West by ranch hands the same as a white Southern mob, amid taunts, jeers and spit, turning a black man accused of insulting a white woman into strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees, as Billie Holliday once sang? Do the nuances really matter? Its true that not all lynching victims were black, but blacks were overwhelmingly the targets (and many white victims of lynching had defended blacks or opposed lynching). We cannot sever that horrific practice from our disgraceful history of racism. Slavery was abominable, and to this day the nation is influenced by the riches from New England shipowners to New York financiers to Southern farmers and brokers and the evils of our original sin. Lynching became slaverys evil spawn, acts of indefensible extrajudicial brutality meant to scare former slaves and their descendants to hew to their constricted place in a white society. After slavery, these acts of terrorism more than 4,700 documented cases from 1882 to 1968 became the ultimate expression of racism and white supremacy. Rather than being shamed, some whites celebrated racial lynching. Photographers sold pictures and postcards as souvenirs; to this day you can see white faces beam smiles into the camera as bloody bodies dangle gruesomely overhead. Some of the cards collected and posted on the Without Sanctuary site, part of a 1999 book and film project, are shocking in the banality of the notes to friends. Well John, reads the back of one card sent to Dr. John W.F. Williams of Lafayette, Ky. This is a token of a great day we had in Dallas, March 3, a negro was hung for an assault on a three year old girl. I saw this on my noon hour. I was very much in the bunch. You can see the negro hanging on a telephone pole. That photo was dated March 3, 1910 two years after the post office supposedly banned lynching cards from the mails. It is to this nations continuing embarrassment that Congress has, for generations, failed to make lynching a federal crime (Philip Dray documented the history in his At the Hands of Persons Unknown: The Lynching of Black America). It wouldnt act more than a century ago when it might have made a difference, as local prosecutors looked the other way or local juries refused to indict or convict. And it wont act today, even after the laws necessity has faded and its value resides primarily in its symbolism. The old argument against a federal anti-lynching law is that murder is a state crime and not the business of the federal government. States rights and all that. But that argument was fig leaf over the racism that propelled lynching, in which local and state prosecutions of the perpetrators were rare, convictions rarer still. The 14th Amendment guarantees equal protection of the laws, and when local communities in numbers small and large come together to use collective violence to repress African Americans, that is clearly a federal interest. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) has co-sponsored a fresh piece of legislation to classify a lynching as a deprivation of civil rights essentially a federal anti-lynching law that she says would give the Justice Department a few more teeth in prosecuting attempted lynching and conspiracy. Yet as Times reporter Jaweed Kaleem wrote this week, the prognosis for its passage isnt much better than the fate of its 200-plus predecessors. Why is unclear. It could be that lynching has moved to an out of sight, out of mind status, even though three white supremacists lynched James Byrd Jr. only 20 years ago in East Texas by beating him then chaining him to a truck while he was still alive and dragging him three miles. All three perpetrators were convicted; one has been executed, a second is on death row and the third is serving a life sentence. Those local authorities, unlike their predecessors elsewhere in the South, did their jobs. So, some question, why bother with a law now? Isnt this just a symbolic gesture? Yes, it is a symbolic gesture. But a necessary one. Lynching served as a powerfully intimidating symbol behave yourselves, lest you meet the same fate that resonates today. Racism in the workplace often surfaces as a noose left in a locker or on a desk. Three years ago two members of the University of Oklahomas Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity were expelled (inappropriately given the right to even hateful speech) and the chapter shut down after a video surfaced of members singing a song including the N-word, You can hang em from a tree / But hell never sign with me / There will never be a ... SAE. Just last year, nooses were left at the African American Museum in Washington, D.C. The symbolic weight of that despicable act is heavy. The U.S. Senate did approve a resolution in 2005 apologizing to lynching victims and their descendants for failing to act in the past. It passed in a late-night voice vote; 11 senators opted not to co-sponsor it. We cannot, of course, turn back the calendar and undo the sins of our forebears. But we also cannot ignore them, or their legacy. In an era in which African Americans take to the streets to protest the killings of unarmed black men by police, when reported hate crimes are on the upswing, when the president uses dog-whistle racism to mobilize his hard-right political base, when minority neighborhoods are over-policed and when African Americans disproportionately are subject to death sentences, Congress standing up now and correcting this historical wrong by making lynching a federal crime would send a powerful symbol to the entire nation. And not passing this measure would also send a message, one that would reflect poorly on Congress, and on the nation. The aftermath of every catastrophe includes a period of finger-pointing. In California, this has already begun. With firefighters still battling the remnants of devastating wildfires, questions about public warning what the people in the path of the fires were told, and when they were told it loom large. Some residents of Butte County are saying that officials should have done more as the massive Camp fire roared up the Sierra foothills toward Paradise. The Butte County sheriff says his department did adequately notify citizens of the danger: More than 10,000 emails and text messages were sent, and more than 25,000 phone calls were made. Advertisement Californias alert system is, in reality, 58 county alert systems duct-taped together, with 58 different processes and capabilities. But only residents who had opted into CodeRed, the countys alert system, had any chance of knowing what was happening. A much more powerful system the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Wireless Emergency Alert, or WEA could have pushed an immediate alert to every cellphone in the danger zone. It wasnt used. While local officials scrambled to get resources to the scene, predict the future of a fast-moving wildfire and simultaneously control a complex evacuation, others could have been doing more. The state ought to have ensured that all residents near the fires path were warned. Californias alert system is, in reality, 58 county alert systems duct-taped together, with 58 different processes and capabilities. The problem with this set-up, as we learned last month, is that local officials are inevitably overwhelmed in the early minutes of a catastrophe. As the frequency of extreme weather events increases with climate change, California and the rest of the country need to bring more order to the chaos of our sprawling and fractured public warning systems. It was another wildfire season, one very much like the one California is currently experiencing, that taught us how to organize emergency response teams during a disaster. In the fall of 1970, someone set a match to tinder-dry grass in the Oakland Hills east of the UC Berkeley campus. Within minutes, the flames, feeding on dry coyote brush and pine trees and whipped by hot winds, swept up the hills and leaped onto homes. In less than two hours, 36 homes burned down. By the end of the 1970 fire season, 600,000 acres had burned, 16 people had died and 700 homes had been destroyed across California. Despite the herculean efforts of firefighters, the public was stunned by the scale of the devastation, and the fire services were criticized for what was widely perceived to be a mismanaged response. Formal investigations found that a series of mistakes had compounded the disaster, mostly stemming from a failure to coordinate the dozens of teams from around the country and from all levels of government that had come to help. Congress ordered the U.S. Forest Service to fund a five-year research program called the Firefighting Resources of Southern California Organized for Potential Emergencies, or Firescope. The Firescope team, in turn, created a new management system, called Incident Command System, or ICS. Its a structure for managing crises in which different agencies are integrated into one organizational order and chain of command. ICS is now standard practice not only in the United States but also in many other countries around the world. It is simple to learn and use, and versatile enough to bring order to the chaos of any king of disaster. It is also scalable, meaning it can be applied to a car accident or a catastrophic earthquake. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Although ICS is used to organize various first-response teams during a disaster, the structure is not applied to emergency alert systems, which remain fractured across the country. We need a new Firescope program that applies the ICS process to our public warning systems. A unified warning system could leverage all of our monitoring and forecasting assets including resources from the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Based on ICS principles, it could connect our watch centers and all levels of government together, in California and across the country, with our various alert systems. The aftermath of any catastrophe may bring a period of finger-pointing, but it also brings a period of opportunity a brief window of time for us to diagnose problems and fix them. That window of opportunity is now. Kelly McKinney is the senior director of emergency management at NYU Langone Health and the author of Moment of Truth: The Nature of Catastrophes and How to Prepare for Them. He was previously deputy commissioner at the New York City Office of Emergency Management and chief disaster officer at the American Red Cross in Greater New York. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook Today at 10 a.m. a remarkable funeral is scheduled to take place at Boyle Heights Evergreen Memorial Park and Crematory. The dead will number 1,467. Their lives ended, and they were cremated, three years ago. By the time the service begins, the cemetery workers will have dug a single grave, put all the cremains in it, and covered it back up. No one will intone the decedents names (though the county will keep a record). There will be no eulogies or comforting of relatives because very few people present will know anyone being buried. None of this makes the memorial any less crucial for Los Angeles living and dead. Wednesdays burial is an annual ritual for the countys indigent unclaimed. The reasons these souls go into a mass paupers grave vary: They outlived their relatives, their kin were also struggling, or, in the saddest cases, brothers, sisters, children or parents didnt want anything to do with the deceased. When someone dies with no one to claim the body, an army of workers springs into action. Advertisement Their stories wont be told: family strife, alienation, perhaps addiction, loneliness, poverty or violence in a big city. We may have seen some of the people being interred without noticing them: a homeless woman camping at Ballona Creek, an immigrant trying to survive after a disabling work accident, a former dancer whose career faltered who was living in a downtown hotel, an elderly man found days after his death in a small apartment filled with stuff. These arent happy Hollywood endings. But at least when these people die, Los Angeles doesnt abandon them. The Greek philosopher Diogenes, a Cynic, provoked his contemporaries by challenging their burial customs: When his life was over, he said, his body should be thrown over the city wall to be devoured by wild animals. Diogenes view, however, has never prevailed. Across civilizations, few communities have chosen to treat the dead as carrion. The way we dispose of human remains, we believe, reflects our own humanity. At Evergreen cemetery, L.A.s humanity thrives. Los Angeles County has been interring the unclaimed there since 1896, and by some estimates it is the resting place of at least 100,000 Angelenos. When someone dies with no one to claim the body, an army of workers springs into action. You find them in the offices of the coroner-medical examiner, the public administrator who acts as a legal guardian of those who have no one else to speak for them, and at the Office of Decedent Affairs at the county morgue. These workers track down family members who may have severed ties with the deceased decades earlier. If that search is fruitless, or if the relatives are unable or unwilling to claim the deceased and there is no money for a private funeral, county workers cremate the body and wait to give relatives one more chance to pick up the cremains. Those who remain in county hands after three years will be buried in the annual ceremony at Evergreen cemetery. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion It is a dignified interfaith event, with clergy leading prayers. It isnt morbid, but it is solemn. Weve attended for the last three years. It shores up our sense of what community means: Giving those who were largely invisible one last sign of recognition. And it reminds us of the fragility of life: It could be any of us in that common grave. It may take only one economic downturn or one big family fight. The ceremony is a marker for the living, no less than for the dead. Even though the county workers are highly professional and the ceremony is dignified, few of us would choose a paupers grave, with a stone bearing only the year of death. What can we do now to avoid such an end? Maybe it is time to patch things up with your sister. Maybe its time to think about what you would like to do before dying, or at the least to figure out the details of your own passing. If you cant join us in Boyle Heights today, observe a minute of silence, in recognition of our shared mortality, and the lives and deaths of those who will finally be laid to rest. Stefan Timmermans is a professor of sociology at UCLA and author of Postmortem: How Medical Examiners Explain Suspicious Deaths. He and sociologist Pamela Prickett, a professor at the University of Amsterdam, are writing a book on how communities around the world deal with their unclaimed dead. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook To the editor: Your editorial points out that people are driving more, not less. The reasons are obvious we all have places to go and things to do, and time, safety and convenience are some of our most valuable commodities. Most people would not choose to share their vehicles with a sleeping homeless person, as they sometimes must do on a bus or train. Many people enjoy living outside Los Angeles. They vote with their feet and their wallets, whether it is the transportation they choose, the place that they live, or the food that they eat. Central planning did not work in the Soviet Union, it is not working in China (given a choice, people there will buy a car when they have the money instead of riding a bike), and it will not work here. Subsidies for electric cars have done nothing to change bestselling vehicles in the U.S., which continue to be pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles. The government trying to regulate cannabis out of existence did not work, and it will not work with SUVs. The market will determine where people live and what kinds of cars they buy, not the government. Advertisement Philip C. Putnam, Los Angeles .. To the editor: The editorial decries urban sprawl and Californians use of gas-powered cars. With the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report saying we have about a decade to dramatically cut carbon emissions, the states so-called Sustainable Communities Strategies initiative, meant to combat urban sprawl, is woefully inadequate. New thinking is required. Radical, immediate steps on the federal level are needed, including but not limited to outlawing the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines by 2030, and a carbon tax that ramps up over the next 10 years to incentivize people to dump their gas-powered autos. There are many details to work out in such policies, but doing that will be easy compared with dealing with the consequences of inaction. Bill Seibel, Glendora Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Once the calendar page flips over to December, it seems everyone becomes busier than they are during any of the prior 11 months. That is certainly the case for the staff, leadership and members of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members geared up for this month of nonstop celebrations last week with, what else, a celebration, as they gathered for their second-to-the-last monthly after-hours mixer of 2018 last week. Enjoying an evening of mixing and mingling with the Burbank business community are Dr. Luke Swistun, from left, Lee Wochner, and Drs. Blanka and George Orloff. (David Laurell / Burbank Leader) Members were welcomed to the event held at Burbanks SKIN MATRx Plastic Surgery by the organizations board chairwoman Gema Sanchez, managing director Chris Hunter and staff-support representative Christina Ellixson. Hosted by Drs. George and Blanka Orloff and Dr. Luke Swistun, all with SKIN MATRx, attendees kicked off the holiday season with a festive evening that included a raffle drawing offering prizes donated by member businesses as well as an introduction of new members. Our mixers are an awesome two hours of power networking for chamber members, said Sanchez, whose term as the boards chair is winding down. Building relationships and making business connections are key strategies for small business success. Darin Chase, left, of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Councilman Bob Frutos to last weeks After Hours Business Mixer. (David Laurell / Burbank Leader) The chamber will be maintaining its busy December schedule by hosting a holiday networking party this coming Saturday evening at the Mirage Banquet Hall, and its Holiday Jingle and Mingle, which will be held on Dec. 13 in the offices of American Federation of Musicians, Local 47. This month will also see the chambers executive committee and staff meet for what has become their annual year-end strategy session. Under the direction of Sanchez, her predecessor, Lee Wochner, incoming successor Darin Chase, and chamber chief executive Tom Flavin, the leadership of the local business advocate group will analyze their this year accomplishments and establish goals for next year. Patricia Nelson of Nelson Treasures, left, and Karen Volpei-Gussow of Volpei-Gussow Real Estate, were among those who engaged in some holiday season mixing. (David Laurell / Burbank Leader) Among the issues they will be discussing will be the successful launch of the organizations improved website, continuing commitment to capital improvements at the chambers Magnolia Boulevard headquarters and how to best serve the businesses the group represents. For more information about the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, membership or upcoming events, visit burbankchamber.org or call (818) 846-3111. David Laurell may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007. DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007. An attempt by the Burbank Unified School District to raise a little over $9 million a year via a parcel tax was officially defeated last week. Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan certified the Nov. 6 election results on Friday, and the districts Measure QS just missed passing, despite a late run. The parcel tax, per Proposition 13 stipulations, needed a two-thirds vote of support to pass, but finished with 25,413 yes votes, or 64.33%, versus 14,093 no votes, or 35.67%. The measure came up short of reaching 66.7% by 938 votes. My takeaway is that there is a lot of support for schools in Burbank, and there are a lot of people willing to stand behind it monetarily, said Anita Schackmann, a member of the Yes on QS campaign. What Measure QS supporters saw was that two-thirds is a big threshold, and we just missed it. Measure QS made some gains after receiving 16,354 yes votes, or 61.68%, in initial results on election night, which was a point of pride for some supporters. Thats the positive for me, said David Dobson, treasurer of the Yes on QS Committee. We had the majority, a clear majority, just not a super majority. We did better than Measure P, and didnt spend nearly as much money. Measure QS also received more votes than the citys Measure P, a three-quarter-cent sales tax hike, which passed with 24,567, or 61.79%, of the votes. In total, 42,549 Burbank residents, or 65.03%, voted in the most recent election out of a total of 65,428 registered voters. The parcel tax was a 10-cents-per-square-foot annual fee that was estimated to cost the average Burbank homeowner roughly $170 a year. Money from the proposed tax would have been spent in several ways, including keeping class sizes from kindergarten through third grade at a 24-to-1 student-teacher ratio, along with providing money for musical-instrument repairs and new band uniforms as well as filling some positions, such as counselors and a custodian. One of the rallying points against the measure was that it lacked an expiration date. If I could change one thing, it would be that there was no sunset, Dobson said. I heard that from a few people who didnt vote for it. I dont know if thats what lost it, but thats what I would have changed. The group who may be hardest hit by the proposed taxs failure is Burbank Unified employees, who lost a one-time, 3% raise that was dependent on the measures passage. While Burbank voters have passed tax measures and bonds over the past decade, parcel taxes havent fared well. The defeat of Measure QS marked the second time in five years local voters have rejected a proposed parcel tax. A sewer-and-refuse relief bill designated for seniors and low-income residents, known as Measure S, was defeated 56.4% to 43.5% in 2013. Without the added revenue, the district will likely need to make cuts, according to school officials. Burbank Unified is operating with a $1.1-million structural deficit that is expected to hit $3.14 million by the 2020-21 school year. People are aware of the great education their children receive at Burbank schools, Schackmann said. Now, the community will have to come together to find solutions. andrew.campa@latimes.com Twitter @campadresports Fountain Valleys mayor pro tem, Steve Nagel, moved up to mayor Tuesday night, while City Council colleague Cheryl Brothers took the pro tem slot on unanimous votes during the councils annual leadership changes. The meeting also included the departures of council veterans John Collins and Larry Crandall and the installation of newly elected members Patrick Harper and Kim Constantine. Incumbent Michael Vo, the mayor the past year, also took the oath of office after winning reelection in November. Harper, who moves to the council after a stint on the city Planning Commission, said he looks forward to working with his fellow council members, and he thanked voters for giving him the opportunity. Council member Vo, Mayor Nagel and Mayor Pro Tem Brothers, you have such great experience and wisdom and I look forward to learning a lot from your experience on the council, he said. Vo has been on the council since 2010, Nagel since 2008 and Brothers from 2002 to 2010 and again since 2012. Constantine thanked Collins and Crandall, saying they leave big shoes to fill. Im excited to be here, she said. Im scared, Im nervous and thankful and grateful. We have an amazing city. Crandall was appointed to the council in February to complete the term of Mark McCurdy, who resigned in January. Before that, Crandall served on the council from 1998 to 2012, with three one-year terms as mayor. Collins is retiring from the council after 28 years and a record-setting seven turns as mayor, most recently in 2017. His colleagues presented him with cookies, a framed photo of him sitting in an office filled with plaques from his decades of experience, and a new day planner ready to be penciled in with appointments and activities outside City Hall. Collins said he devoted himself to public service and charitable works because of a love for God and neighbors. Crandall said he and Collins sometimes disagreed, but he knew Collins always had the best intentions. We did the peoples work and we did it in a good way, Crandall said. hillary.davis@latimes.com Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and his wife Peng Liyuan disembark from the airplane after arriving in Lisbon, Portugal, on Dec. 4, 2018. Xi arrived in Portugal on Tuesday for a two-day state visit. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) LISBON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Portugal on Tuesday for a two-day state visit aimed at carrying forward friendship and expanding cooperation between the two countries. It is the first visit by a Chinese head of state to the European country in eight years. Two Portuguese fighter jets escorted Xi's plane as it entered the country's airspace. Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were greeted by senior Portuguese government officials at the airport. While delivering a written speech upon arrival, Xi praised the traditional friendship between China and Portugal, saying that the bilateral relations have withstood the test of time and international vicissitudes and become even stronger. In 1999, the two countries properly resolved the question of Macao through friendly consultations, setting an example for other nations to tackle issues left over from history, Xi said. In 2005, China and Portugal established a comprehensive strategic partnership, which enabled their mutually beneficial cooperation to embark on a fast lane of development and deliver substantial benefits to the people of the two countries, Xi said. He said that next year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, which is a new starting point in history for the bilateral relations. Xi said that he is looking forward to meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Antonio Costa and other Portuguese leaders to draw up the blueprint for future bilateral cooperation. He added that he believes with the concerted efforts of both sides, the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership will enjoy an even brighter future. Portugal is the final stop of Xi's Europe and Latin America tour, which has already taken him to Spain, Argentina and Panama. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Xi also attended the 13th Group of 20 summit, and met U.S. President Donald Trump as well as leaders of other countries. When Xi left Panama for Portugal, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela went to the airport to see him off. The Laguna Beach City Council unanimously chose member Bob Whalen as mayor and Steve Dicterow as mayor pro tem at a packed council meeting Tuesday night. The council also swore in the three winners of the Nov. 6 election six-term incumbent Toni Iseman and newcomers Peter Blake and Sue Kempf. According to election results, Blake won the highest number of votes with 4,881. Iseman received 4,792 and Kempf, a former planning commissioner, had 4,483. A few of the 10 candidates for council, including Blake, took to social media during the campaign to defend themselves against negative comments from residents and to promote their messages. One of the first things we need to do is heal this community, Iseman said. Ive never seen it so fragmented and Ive never known so much anger. Kempf said shes glad the election is over. I think were going to be a great team, she said of her fellow council members. Blake did not give a statement. Recently elected Laguna Beach City Council members Toni Iseman, Sue Kempf and Peter Blake, from left, take the oath of office Tuesday for four-year terms. (Photo by Faith E. Pinho) The council and members of the public also honored departing Mayor Kelly Boyd who did not run for reelection for his 16 years of service on the council. A quartet gathered around the podium to sing Frank Sinatras Just in Time as a parody: Kelly has served his time. Boyd thanked his family and the community for their support. He held back tears when his son surprised him by flying in for the meeting from Northern California. Ive been very fortunate to put in 16 years to the city I love, the city I was born in, the city thats been good to me, Boyd said. Whether you realize it or not, Kelly, youre a Laguna Beach icon, said departing one-term council member Rob Zur Schmiede, who in September dropped his bid for reelection to care for his younger brother, who was seriously injured in a car accident in June. It has been an absolute pleasure and honor to serve on the City Council, said Zur Schmiede, who was mayor pro tem the past year. Although I am a little sad about the choice [not to run again], I dont regret it because I think it was right. Dicterow praised Zur Schmiedes decision, saying: He made a great personal sacrifice in order to do what was right for his family. And for that I will always admire [him]. Whalen presented Boyd and Zur Schmiede with city tiles and resolutions honoring their work. The council credited Boyd with implementing the Alternative Sleeping Location homeless shelter in Laguna Canyon, pushing through the Village Entrance project and overseeing plans for the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Center. The newly configured council first set to work to assign each member to vacant spots on several city panels. faith.pinho@latimes.com Twitter: @faithepinho A Laguna Beach sculptor who has been trying for years to build an artist work/live complex on Laguna Canyon Road is suing the California Coastal Commission and 33 of its current and former members and employees for withholding his development permit and demanding that he reimburse legal fees from an earlier case involving the commission and project opponents. In the latest episode in the saga of Louis Longis plan to create a multi-unit apartment and artist workspace, he filed the lawsuit with business partner Chris Dornin of Dornin Investment Group in October in Orange County Superior Court. The Coastal Commission approved Longis request for a coastal development permit in August 2017, but Longi and Dornin say they still havent received it. Weve been demanding it, Dornin said. They will not tell us why they are withholding the permit. Longi said they are awaiting a meeting with Coastal Commission representatives and that a court date in the case has not been set. Representatives of the commission did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Dornin said the duo is seeking well in excess of a million dollars in punitive damages. Were just these two individuals and weve run up against this Goliath that is just unbelievably powerful, Longi said. Its just sad that its come to this. The current dispute can be traced to 2015, when commissioners first heard Longis case. Commissioners unanimously approved the permit in January that year, but not before having several talks with Longi and his lawyers and failing to file timely disclosures about them. State law requires the commission to disclose any such ex-parte communications within seven days of the conversations and before its next hearing on the subject. According to Longis lawsuit, the commissioners filed the disclosures days after the deadline and then backdated many of the documents to appear as though they had been filed on time. A group called Friends of the Canyon, which opposes Longis project, sued, saying the commissioners abused their discretion in approving the coastal development permit. In December 2016, Superior Court Judge Kim Dunning ordered the commission to rehear the case, partly because six of the 10 commissioners had not properly disclosed their private conversations. The commission held another hearing in August last year and approved Longis request for 28 units in two two-story structures with a condition that he pay the commissions legal fees from the Friends of the Canyon case. Theyre just saying, If you want your permit, you need to reimburse us for the fees that we incurred as a result of their wrongdoing, Dornin said. Its pure, simple extortion. Friends of the Canyon last year filed a Superior Court challenge to the commissions second approval, and the case is in the pretrial stage, according to Julie Hamilton, attorney for Friends of the Canyon. Longi first applied for a coastal development permit from the Laguna Beach Planning Commission in 2013. Since then, the project has been roiled in legal battles. After the Planning Commission and City Council approved permits in 2014, Friends of the Canyon appealed to the Coastal Commission. The group argued that the project is unfit for the proposed site at 20412 and 20432 Laguna Canyon Road because it would not be rural and small scale requirements of the Laguna Canyon Annexation Area Specific Plan. This project is not small scale and rural by anyones definition, Hamilton said. Its urban. Longi and Durnin say in their lawsuit that Laguna planning staff confirmed the project conforms to the area specific plan. faith.pinho@latimes.com Twitter: @faithepinho One giant pool is more efficient than four smaller ones. Thats one suggestion Glendale Unified staff members are giving the school board as a way to make the Clark Magnet High School lottery system more transparent. During a board meeting late last month, district staff recommended a revamp of the lottery, which grants admission to the magnet school that emphasizes science and technology. Currently, each of the districts four middle schools Roosevelt, Rosemont, Toll and Wilson receive 25% of all available freshman spots at Clark Magnet. Rather than four separate groups, district staff members think that one pool for all students within the districts boundaries including students attending private schools and those who are home-schooled would be more fair. A discussion is expected at the next board meeting on Dec. 11, with potential for a vote by school officials. We recommend that we do a one-lottery system for the [2019-20] school year, said Hagop Eulmessekian, the districts director of student support. Every student will have an equal opportunity to get in. This school year, 325 eligible ninth-graders were accepted and only 14 all of them on a waiting list at Wilson were denied. Wilson did accept 91 applicants, followed by 81 for Toll. Meanwhile, Roosevelt accepted 76 students and Rosemont had 47. Also, 30 private or non-current district students were enrolled from local middle schools. Those non-district students were placed into whichever lottery corresponded with their area. The single-pool lottery system had previously been used from the 2014-15 school year until 2017-18 when the current four-group model was adopted. Since the 2012-13 school year, the district has swapped lottery systems in an attempt to find the fairest way to determine school acceptance. One school thats been impacted more than others, regardless of which system is used, has been Wilson, which has seen 85 students on waiting lists rejected over the previous seven application periods. Eulmessekian said that more Wilson students have been accepted and rejected because the school annually has a higher number of applicants. Toll comes in next in terms of rejections, with 30 turned away. In comparison, private and home-schooled students not enrolled in a district school at application time have only been rejected 14 times over seven years. The debate has always been, do the private-school students have the same opportunity as the resident students who have been at our middle schools? said Kelly King, the districts assistant superintendent. Or do we give them a priority, like their own separate pool, because were interested in regaining enrollment? King added. Staff members also recommended linked applications for students with siblings, so either the entire group is accepted or rejected. On the flip side, district staff members recommended not giving priority to students with siblings already at Clark. If thats what happens, were going to end up every year increasing the number of [eligible siblings], and were looking at the possibility of up to 25% of the 325 spots being taken by siblings, reducing the chances for [other] students, Eulmessekian said. Also, district staff members are advocating that private and home-schooled students within the district have equal access to the lottery process as currently enrolled district students. To be eligible to apply to Clark Magnet, an incoming freshman needs to have a 2.0 grade-point average in core subjects and must be ready for Integrated Math I or higher. Other requirements include students having no more than five school-rule infractions or two unsatisfactory citizenship marks in the three semesters prior to the application process. Students also cannot have missed more than 14 full days and must reside within the districts boundaries. andrew.campa@latimes.com Twitter @campadresports A median project intended to bring green space and community identity to a stretch of Foothill Boulevard in the unincorporated area of La Crescenta opened on Monday. Encompassing seven landscaped medians, two monument signs and irrigation between Briggs and Pennsylvania avenues, the $1.8-million project has been in the works for more than a decade, according to representatives from Los Angeles Countys Department of Public Works. [The project] reflects what our community is all about, said Harry Leon, president of the Crescenta Valley Town Council. Featured in the medians are drought-resistant plants, including the succulent Blue Chalk Fingers and blossoming Soap Aloe, as well as repurposed boulders from nearby Dunsmuir Canyon, according to Dave Gallagher, a landscape architect from public works and La Crescenta resident who helmed the project. Gallagher personally scoped out and tagged boulders he liked about this time last year to include in the project, he said. Near the intersection with Briggs Avenue is a monument sign that Gallagher said represents the nest between the Verdugo and San Gabriel mountains that flank the area. Council members brought the median-project concept to then Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich in 2015, current Supervisor Kathryn Barger recalled after the ceremony. [The council] had a vision and came to us, and really did put their blood, sweat and tears into making it happen, said Barger, who now represents the 5th District and was Antonovichs chief of staff at the time. Discussion to launch the beautification project began in the early 2000s, after La Canada Flintridge officials unveiled landscaped medians of their own, and everyone was so impressed, Leon said in late September. It wasnt until 2015 that it really took off, Los Angeles County spokesman Steven Frasher also said around the same time. That year, Antonovich set aside $1 million for the project, and the design process began in earnest. Construction started on Sept. 4 of this year, after being pushed back from January to April and then to August by the California Department of Transportation, or Caltrans, citing delays on unrelated construction work on the 210 Freeway, Leon said. It wrapped up the week of Thanksgiving. During construction in late September, Foothill Boulevard was reduced to one lane in either direction, triggering increased traffic congestion and complaints from residents. Some residents and local employees have not warmed up to the project, questioning its value and speculating about its continued impact on traffic. Its pretty, but dont we have other issues deeper than median beautification? said La Crescenta resident Connie Miranda, while waiting for the bus on Foothill after the ceremony. Ahmik Akhverbyan, a Sunland resident who works in La Crescenta, was more blunt, calling the project a waste of money and a waste of time. According to Leon, funding streams for the median project and something such as the school system or affordable housing are unrelated. Several public forums were held between the projects inception and groundbreaking to seek input and suggestions from residents, Leon added. Gallagher said he recalled robust attendance when he gave a design presentation before construction began. That was encouraging because it showed people care, Gallagher said. And we took that to heart to build something that would respect their efforts to be heard. There are some loose ends that need to be tied up with the project, including the under-lighting of the monument sign near Briggs, which is slated to be complete in mid-December, Gallagher said. lila.seidman@latimes.com Twitter: @lila_seidman Spitak, Armenias submission in the foreign language category for the 2019 Academy Awards, is about an earthquake that devastated the country in 1988, but its not really about a natural disaster, according to the movies director, Alexander Kott. This film is a requiem, Kott said. Its about the memory, about finding yourself and your roots. As a result, the film, set for its Los Angeles premiere on Friday at the Laemmle Glendale, is surprisingly quiet. Hysteria, panic and tears are depicted minimally. Even the quake registers as an understatement. Instead, Kott focuses on the hard physical and emotional work that follows. At the center is protagonist, Ghor (Lernik Harutyunyan), who returns to Spitak, the city that was at the quakes epicenter, to find his wife and daughter, who he left behind to pursue a new life in Moscow. What he finds are locals and their relatives struggling to find their loved ones dead or alive amid heaps of rubble, debris and bodies. At one point, young French journalist Madeleine (Josephine Japy) tears the film out of the camera shes been using to document the horror, overwhelmed by the images, but a man intercedes. If you dont need it, we all need it. We need it to remember, you see? he tells her. Composer Serj Tankian said he sought to develop a modern, minimalist score with piano, strings, woodwinds and arpeggiated pad-type instruments to contrast the movies darker themes. In the film, Ghors estranged wife, Ghoar (Hermine Stepanyan), and daughter, Anush (Alexandra Politic), are trapped in a photography studio where they were having their pictures taken when the earthquake struck. Theyre surrounded by costumes and props, creating this kind of dark, Alice in Wonderland-ish interior for this young girl, said Tankian, who is best known for fronting the rock band System of a Down but has been focusing on composing in recent years. So we played with that theme, to make it magical and hopeful, and to counterbalance the dark and gritty scenery of the devastation, Tankian said. The contrast of the two realities is furthered enhanced by the camera work. Above-ground shots of cement, grey monotony and hard work are shot by a nervous, hand-held camera, Kott said. Below ground is perfectly smooth. At the end, the two realities merge, according to Kott. Its about believing in miracles, Kott said. There were lots of things that miraculously happened in Spitak. While Kott said Glendale is an ideal screening location, given its large Armenian and Armenian-American population, he expressed worry that many in attendance may have painful memories stirred up because of their personal connection to the tragedy. Growing up in Los Angeles, Lebanon-born Tankian said he clearly remembers going door-to-door following the earthquake to collect funds to send to Armenia. That connection, however tragic, endeared him to the project. I thought it would be really cool to work on something like this, something meaningful, he said. lila.seidman@latimes.com Twitter: @lila_seidman Former Pro Bowl defensive back Brandon Browner pleaded no contest to attempted murder and two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to a child during a hearing Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Pomona. Judge Bruce F. Marrs sentenced the Sylmar native and onetime member of the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints to eight years in state prison. Prosecutors charged Browner in July with breaking into a former girlfriends home in La Verne, chasing and dragging her, then smothering her in a carpet. The womans two young children were present during the incident. Browner, 34, has been jailed in lieu of $10-million bail since his arrest. Advertisement The former girlfriend applied for a temporary restraining order against Browner in September 2017, according to court records, but the court didnt find a basis to issue a permanent order. Physically, he has given me several black eyes, the former girlfriend wrote in the application. He has assaulted me and given me a broken tailbone, busted my eardrum. I dont feel safe leaving my children with him. She added in the application that Browner previously threatened to kill her, saying, Imma bust on you. Imma dangerous man. The attempted murder arrest capped a series of run-ins between Browner and law enforcement that included at least five additional criminal cases since October 2017. Three of the cases for violating a protective order, possession of a controlled substance and disobeying a court order were dismissed in May. The same day, Browner pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and contempt of court stemming from a February incident. He was sentenced to three years of probation, anger-management classes and a 52-week domestic violence treatment program. In June, Browner pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and cruelty to a child by inflicting injury during an incident involving the former girlfriend and one of her children. It occurred the day after his previous no-contest plea. Browners sentence included one day in jail and 48 hours of community service. As part of Tuesdays sentence, the judge ordered Browner to stay away from the former girlfriend and her two children for 10 years. Browner attended Oregon State and was a member of the famed Legion of Boom defensive backfield for the Seahawks during five seasons in the NFL. nathan.fenno@latimes.com Twitter: @nathanfenno Honolulu has its own Christmas traditions that are nothing like what you find in the Lower 48. For one thing, Santa wears aloha shirts and sandals rather than a red velvet suit. For another, he favors an outrigger canoe over a reindeer-led sleigh. If youre spending the holidays on Oahu, here are four experiences not to miss. 1. Sand-a Claus? Stop by the Sheraton Waikiki to see how theyre been decorating island-style for years. Each fall, the hotel hires a Florida company to create giant sand sculptures with festive themes. This years present to visitors is a 25-ton sculpture of Santa and his helpers loading presents into the sleigh. In true Hawaiian style, St. Nicks assistants are menehune, mythical island trolls, instead of elves. Info: Sheraton Waikiki, 2255 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu Advertisement 2. Paddling Santa Santa Claus will swap his sleigh and reindeer for an outrigger canoe for a Saturday arrival at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. (Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort) Despite the lack of snow on Oahu, Santa makes the rounds at various venues island-wide. On Saturday, St. Nick will arrive at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort in what else? an outrigger canoe. Santa is scheduled to hit the beach at 9 a.m. Plan to arrive early to get a good spot for pictures. Info: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, 3. Aloha Santa Unlike mall Santas, the one at Honolulus International Market Place greets children wearing an aloha shirt and a kukui nut necklace. (International Market Place) Mr. Claus goes Hawaiian for appearances at Honolulus International Market Place, leaving his warm red suit at the North Pole and instead wearing an aloha shirt, board shorts and slippers. Santa will stroll through the mall, greeting shoppers from 3 to 10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays until Dec. 23; and 3 to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Info: International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu 4. Gelato and rum The Ultimate Rum Cake costs $22 and is sold at the Ko Hana distillery and the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina. (Ola Collective) Ko Hana Distillers in Kunia, about 25 miles northwest of Waikiki, is partnering with the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina to offer the Hawaiian version of the traditional fruitcake. The Ultimate Rum Cake is handcrafted by Helen Hong, the West Oahu resorts executive pastry chef. The key ingredient is rum, specifically the distillerys KEA Hawaiian Agricole Rum made with hand-harvested heirloom sugarcane. Presented in a square tin, the cake is priced at $22 and available at the distillery and the resort. Ko Hana Distillery on Oahu produces rum made from heirloom Hawaiian sugarcane. (Ko Hana Rum) The distillery also offers tours $25 for adults and $15 for children in which the adults sample rum and youngsters try gelato. Info: Book tours online at Ko Hana Distillers, 92-1770 Kunia Road #227, Kunia travel@latimes.com @latimestravel The Richard Nixon Presidential Library will open its East Room on Wednesday to visitors who want to watch live coverage of President George H.W. Bushs funeral in Washington. The rest of the library and galleries will remain closed to observe the national day of mourning for the president, who died Friday at 94. The event is free, but visitors are asked to register in advance online if they plan to attend. The room will open at 7:30 a.m., a half hour before the state funeral service is set to begin at the Washington National Cathedral. Its expected to last until 10 a.m. (Pacific). Advertisement In addition, guests are invited to share their tributes and messages about the 41st president in a book that will be delivered to the Bush family. It will remain in place through Dec. 16; no admission charge if you come to sign the book. All former living presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama as well as President Trump are expected to attend. George W. Bush, the 43rd U.S. president and George Bushs oldest son, will give a eulogy. After the funeral, President Bushs remains will be be flown to to Texas for a second memorial service and burial at the George Bush Presidential Library & Museum in College Station on Thursday. The Bush Library will be closed for the burial and will reopen Friday morning. Admission will be free Friday and Saturday. Info: Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum, 18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard, Yorba Linda travel@latimes.com @latimestravel See Moorish palaces in Seville, iconic artwork in Barcelona and avant-garde architecture in Valencia on a 10-night tour and cruise that visits six Spanish cities. Another plus: The Azamara Club Cruises voyage will be aboard a new ship, Azamara Pursuit, which launched in August. The tour departs from Lisbon, Portugal, and includes a three-night post-cruise visit to Barcelona. Among other highlights is a visit to Almeria, where passengers can trek to the Tabernas Desert, the only desert in Europe, where many western movies were filmed. Dates: April 6-16 Advertisement Price: Rates for an inside cabin start at $6,439 per person, double occupancy. Includes accommodations, meals, a seven-night voyage and post-cruise land-and-sea package. International airfare and taxes, fees and port expenses not included. Info: Azamara Club Cruises, (855) 292-6272 The few words offered by Chinas Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday about a deal with the United States to temporarily suspend tariff increases expressed confidence but provided little clarity on just what President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping negotiated at a weekend dinner. It was a very successful meeting, and we are very confident in the implementation, a Ministry of Commerce spokesman said in a brief statement posted on the agencys website. The unnamed spokesmans remarks acknowledged for the first time that the ceasefire was set at 90 days, but they did not indicate when that would start and end. And the statement offered few hints on what China would do to satisfy the Trump administrations concerns about Chinas mercantilist economic practices. Investors initially reacted with enthusiasm after the Saturday meeting that followed the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires and the news that Trump and Xi had agreed to a truce in an escalating trade conflict, which has cast a pall over the U.S. and global economies. But the two sides did not put out a joint statement, and conflicting statements and a lack of details from China since then have raised concerns about the outlook for negotiations. Advertisement On Tuesday, after Trump went on Twitter and called himself a Tariff Man, stock markets fell sharply. Markets were closed Wednesday in the United States to honor the death of President George H.W. Bush. In an early-morning series of tweets Wednesday, Trump again insisted his meeting with Xi was a success, despite criticisms from some corners that he had fallen for Chinese delay tactics by agreeing to hold off on ratcheting up tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods Jan. 1 to 25% from the current 10% rate. Very strong signals being sent by China once they returned home from their long trip, including stops, from Argentina, Trump wrote. Not to sound naive or anything, but I believe President Xi meant every word of what he said at our long and hopefully historic meeting. ALL subjects discussed! The White House said in a statement Saturday that the tariff increase would take effect in 90 days if negotiations fail to produce a deal on important issues such as market barriers, forced technology transfers and cyberthefts. It said China would buy a very substantial amount of agricultural, energy, industrial and other product to address the large trade imbalance between the two countries. The next day, Trump tweeted that Beijing also has agreed to reduce and remove tariffs on cars coming into China from the U.S. But the official Chinese account of the agreement has been much more general. It made no mention of specific products that China would buy from the United States, or about cutting the current 40% tariff on imported American cars. And it was only Wednesday that Beijing officially noted that there was a timetable for the truce. The Trump administration, for its part, has only added to the confusion. Trumps top economic advisor, Larry Kudlow, who was at the dinner meeting, said Monday that the 90-day deferral of higher tariffs would start Jan. 1, meaning the two sides would have at least until the end of March before Trump boosted the punitive taxes. But later that day the White House said the 90-day clock began Dec. 1. Kudlow and other administration officials also could not confirm any specific deal that had been reached on car tariffs. This summer China reduced its import tariffs on cars to 15% from 25%, but bumped it up to 40% for American autos in retaliation for new U.S. tariffs. From the China side, one possible reason for the lack of detail is that Xi has been overseas, completing a state visit in Portugal. The Ministry of Commerce spokesman, in answering a reporters question, said Wednesday that there had been consensus between Trump and Xi on certain issues and that China would move ahead, the sooner the better, but did not elaborate. Both teams will follow a very clear timetable and road map, to actively promote the consultation within 90 days. Separately, a spokesman for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed hopes of a deal to end the trade war. We hope the two working teams from both sides can, based on the consensus reached between the two countries leaders, strengthen consultations and reach a mutually beneficial agreement soon, spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters Wednesday. Geng also indicated that Chinese government agencies had adopted an order to strengthen punishment for infringing on intellectual property. Chinese theft of intellectual property has been a long-running complaint from the United States and other countries. The order was dated Nov. 21 but released only this week, according to the foreign ministry. Geng would not say whether the timing had anything to do with the Trump-Xi meeting. Some reports emerged Wednesday suggesting that China may be ready to move ahead with some trade concessions. The South China Morning Post in Hong Kong reported that Chinese officials were preparing to resume imports of U.S. soybeans and liquefied petroleum gas something Trump took note of Wednesday on Twitter. Reuters reported Chinese state-owned oil trading firm Unipec would resume imports of U.S. oil by March, also citing unnamed sources. Such measures might be seen as good-faith gestures as negotiations unfold, but would not meet Washingtons demands for broad changes to Chinas industrial policy, including its state support for key high-tech industrial firms and forced transfers of technology by U.S. companies doing business in China. Chinas Made in China 2025 plan Xis ambitious policy to see China emerge as a global leader in key high-tech industries is perceived in Washington as a threat to the United States global power, as is his Belt and Road infrastructure initiative that has extended Chinas reach across the world as it offers loans and underwrites building projects in dozens of nations. Dixon reported from Beijing and Lee from Washington. robyn.dixon@latimes.com Twitter: @RobynDixon_LAT UPDATES: 3:45 p.m.: This article was updated with details of the trade negotiations and background on the U.S.-China trade war. This article was originally published at 11:10 a.m. Haunted by "Yellow Vests," Macron seeks to get out of social uprising via risky moratorium PARIS, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Under fire of social rebellion, French President Emmanuel Macron, struggling to regain the initiative, on Tuesday backed down on higher fuel tax's plan, proposing a six-month suspension of the due tax to defuse widespread demonstration that had triggered unprecedented violence the weekend. In a televised address, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced that the tax, set to come into effect on Jan. 1, will be suspended until June 2019, in addition to the suspension of planned rise in power and gas prices in order to alleviate the burden on France's squeezed middle-class households. "This anger, you'd have to be deaf or blind not to see it or hear it," the Prime Minister said. The six-month moratorium would be used to launch talks with the concerned parts "to identify and implement fair and effective measures," to help the working-class citizens to switch to environment-friendly vehicles. "The French who have donned yellow vests want taxes to drop, and work to pay. That's also what we want. If I didn't manage to explain it, if the ruling majority didn't manage to convince the French, then something must change," the prime minister added. "Defining course and maintaining it is a necessity to govern France, but no tax deserves to jeopardize the unity of the nation," he stressed. President Macron's first retreat on a major policy since taking power in 2017, came after protests across French cities notably in Paris turned particularly violent at the weekend, with the Arc de Triomphe vandalized and avenues off the capital's Champs Elysees were damaged. Without making any commitment to increase the minimum wage, the French Prime Minister planned to launch a "large debate on taxes and public spending," by mid-December that "should lead to concrete solutions" in terms of taxes which according to him are "the highest in Europe." TOO LATE, NOT ENOUGH To Eric Drouet, one of the movement's representatives "all "Yellow Vests" do not agree at all with the announced measures," saying streets action "will continue until there are real changes." "The government is very late on what is happening on the ground. it's not possible to wait that long time before acting," he told BFMTV news channel. "These measures have not convinced. The only announcements we have are suspension or tax freezes," he said, adding that the movement wanted the tax cancellation. While the Prime Minister rose the curtain on "measures of appeasement," protests continued. "Yellow Vests" blocked access to a major fuel depot in the port of Fos-sur-Mer, near Marseille, in southern France and petrol stations across the country have run out of fuel. High-school students that oppose changes to colleges and the university system, seized on the mood of the movement to step up blockades of many schools across French cities where violent clashes have been reported in Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Paris region. In Balgnac, southwest France, they set a part of the Saint-Exupery high school on fire. The NL-SD, high school students organization planned a "black Tuesday" on Dec. 11, arguing that "the moratorium on the increases of carbon tax is not sufficient." Started on Nov. 17, the "Yellow Vests" movement, began as a protest against a rise in fuel tax which Macron says is necessary to combat climate change. They have since turned into a bigger uprising denouncing a squeeze on household spending, high living costs caused by the president's fiscal and economic policy which they say favors the rich. Some of them asked Macron to step down. "These decisions should have been taken from the beginning of the conflict which becomes quite hard (to manage) due to the rage, the exasperation of people, notably pensioners...More you let the situation deteriorates, more you have to let go in return," former Socialist ecology minister Segolene Royal told Radio Classique. On social media, "Yellow Vests" supporters have already been coordinating to stage more nationwide blockades on Saturday, for the fourth weekend in a row, that may paralyze the eurozone's second power and world's top tourism destination during Christmas festivities. ON THE HOT SEAT Upon his inauguration in May 2017, Macron pledged that his first mission would be uniting the French people, facing all challenges and getting the country out of crisis. Since then, he had been changing labor code and pension, proposing to inject dynamism into public services and institutions and reforming rail sector and education system, areas where he was facing fierce opposition that drew thousands to the country's streets in addition to rolling strikes. His latest reform to speed up energy transition and protect environment has created a tense social climate that could turn the tide against the 40-year-old president. For Macron, a decision to bow to streets pressure and shift the course would pose further risk and cast doubts into his ability to put on the ground economic and defend liberalism and progressive approach ahead of European Parliament elections next May. An ifop poll released on Tuesday showed Macron's approval ratings at 23 percent, reaching his record low score since May 2017, pulled down by the social rebellion. Support for the far-right under Marine Le Pen rose by 5 percentage points to 35 percent, positioning the anti Europe party as the country's main opposition. Furthermore, the proposed moratorium on fuel tax is estimated to cost the government at least 2 billion euros (2.26 billion U.S. dollars), according to local media. A plan worth 500 million euros was announced last month, mainly to double a 2,000 euro bonus granted to motorists on low incomes who change old-model cars for cleaner ones. To pay the bill, the government will be forced to squeeze public expenditure to compensate the extra-spending, while the week-long unrest had put the country's economy in tatters, causing major disruption in retailers activities, restaurants and hotels during Christmas festivities. "For France, the impact of social unrest on growth dynamics is the point that should be addressed now," Philippe Waechter, director of economic research at Ostrum Asset Management, wrote in a note. Waechter warned that the "Yellow Vest" blockades of access to shopping centers would affect households consumption and business investment, the country's two growth engines, and that could stagnate economic activities in the last quarter of the year after it had reported wane performance during the previous quarters. "So, the average growth for 2019 would be only 1 percent. It would then be very low from the target of 1.7 percent as projected ...for 2019. This would then result in a public deficit beyond 3 percent," he said. (1 euro = 1.134 U.S. dollars) Turkey is seeking the arrest of two former aides to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who were dismissed amid the fallout from the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. The U.N.s human rights chief, meanwhile, said an international probe is needed into Khashoggis death. Turkeys official Anadolu news agency said Wednesday a court approved arrest warrants for former royal court advisor Saud Qahtani and former deputy intelligence chief Ahmed Assiri, who are believed to have overseen the team that killed and dismembered Khashoggi at the kingdoms Istanbul consulate in October. Saudi authorities say the agents who killed Khashoggi exceeded their authority. The Istanbul chief prosecutors Tuesday court application says there is strong suspicion the two aides were involved in planning the killing. Advertisement Turkey has been seeking to extradite 18 suspects, including 15 members of the alleged assassination squad. The government says a trial in Turkey would provide transparency and accountability and says Saudi authorities have not fully cooperated with the probe. Speaking in Brussels, Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Wednesday that Turkey had been patiently requesting information from the Saudi investigation. He said Saudi Arabia instead gave contradictory statements and called on the kingdom to be transparent towards us and the international community, share what has resulted from the investigations. RELATED: After CIA briefing about Khashoggi slaying, GOP senators say its clear Saudi crown prince was complicit Speaking on condition of anonymity in line with government protocol, a senior Turkish official familiar with the investigation said the arrest warrants reflect Turkeys view that Saudi Arabia wont hold the suspects accountable. The international community seems to doubt Saudi Arabias commitment to prosecute this heinous crime, the official said, adding that by extraditing all suspects to Turkey, Saudi authorities could address those concerns. Saudi Arabia has detained 21 people and says it is seeking the death penalty for five. Saudi authorities initially said Khashoggi, who had written articles critical of the crown princes policies, had disappeared after safely leaving the consulate. It only acknowledged he was killed after Turkish press reports based on intelligence leaks revealed extensive details of the operation. Khashoggi had visited the consulate on Oct. 2 to obtain documents required to wed his Turkish fiancee. His remains are still to be found, and Turkey has repeatedly demanded that Saudi officials reveal the identity of a local collaborator who may have disposed of the body. U.S. intelligence assessments and experts say its unlikely the killing could have happened without the crown princes knowledge. U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said an international investigation is needed into the awful killing of Khashoggi. Speaking at a news conference in Geneva timed for the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she alluded to similar calls from outside experts linked to the U.N. human rights office. We also call for an international investigation, she said. We mentioned to the [U.N.] secretary-general that we thought it was needed, a criminal investigation international investigation. She said her office doesnt have the mandate to conduct a criminal investigation, however. Cavusoglu said if needed, Turkey would not refrain from an international investigation, adding that he discussed it with counterparts at NATO meetings and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with world leaders during last weeks G-20 summit. There was much talk this past year about a blue wave, but what really occurred was a red wave. This red wave has little to do with electoral politics, but rather accurately describes both the federal and state budgets which for the current fiscal year are awash in red ink. Within days of the November General Election the Independent Fiscal Office revealed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania faces at least a $1.7 billion deficit as Gov. Tom Wolf and lawmakers get set to begin the 2019-2020 state budget process. That pales in comparison with the federal government which for the current fiscal year is expected to come perilously close to running a trillion dollar deficit. That is trillion with a T as current estimates forecast a $985 billion deficit which, if history is a guide, will end up being substantially higher. The fiscal year 2019 federal budget deficit is 18% greater than the deficit rung up in 2018 largely due to a massive omnibus spending bill passed by congress last December that ended spending restraints Republicans put into place during the Obama Administration. That set the stage for a spending binge. Rather than plunge the nation into a government shut-down President Donald Trump signed that spending bill, but pledged to never do so again. That promise will be tested as Congress faces a December deadline for passing another continuing resolution to keep the government running. In this midst of this spending orgy some conservative Republicans are offering plans to begin getting the budget under control. One particularly promising idea has been put forth by Senator Rand Paul and has been aptly titled the Penny Plan. Realizing that most peoples eyes glaze over when talking about billions and trillions, Senator Paul has simplified the discussion by proposing that for every on-budget dollar the federal government spent in fiscal year 2018 it spends one penny less for each of the next five years. That one penny per dollar reduction would reduce spending by $13.35 trillion over the next 10 years. Keeping in mind that much federal spending is off budget, that means total spending will still increase by 14.6% during those ten years. Thus those who howl at the prospect of reducing on-budget spending by one percent per year for five years will still see an overall increase in federal spending. It is important to note the one penny per dollar cut does not apply to Social Security and other safety net programs. It also makes no specific policy assumptions, allowing congress and the deep state bureaucracy to determine how to achieve one percent annual reductions by increasing efficiency, consolidating services or other means. In introducing the Penny Plan Sen. Paul called upon conservatives to govern like conservatives, something they failed to do during the two years Republicans held complete control of congress. Paul added it is time to prove to the American people that it (congress) is serious about getting our fiscal house in order. Meanwhile, back in Pennsylvania, the likelihood of an extend budget battle in 2019 has grown dramatically with the Independent Fiscal Offices report. Like their colleagues in Washington, D.C., many legislators in Harrisburg have been addicted to higher and higher spending. They have utilized a series of budget gimmicks and one-time revenue sources in an effort to avoid making hard decisions. Their profligate spending has now caught up with them. You can bet the mortgage that Gov. Wolf will propose even more spending, especially to pour down the public education rat hole. He will also propose what will likely be a menu of tax hike options with a so-called severance tax on natural gas as the main course. Southeastern Pennsylvania RINOs are virtually extinct after this years elections, so fiscal conservatives will find their voices amplified in the coming legislative session. The Achilles heel, however, remains weak-kneed Senate Republican leadership, which tends to cater to spending interests. As a result, strategies for reducing spending to match projected revenue will be driven by the House of Representatives where leadership is much more taxpayer friendly. With divided government at both the federal and state levels getting spending under control, which is difficult under the best of circumstances, will be even more so this coming year. Bipartisan unity only seems to exist when both sides are feasting at the taxpayers table. It remains to be seen whether the red wave begins to subside, or whether it turns into a tidal wave of red ink. Lowman S. Henry is Chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute and host of the weekly Lincoln Radio Journal. His email address is lhenry@lincolninstitute.org Honor guards are seen at a ceremony honoring the life of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, who passed away on Nov. 30 at the age of 94, in Houston, Texas, the United States, Dec. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Steven Song) HOUSTON, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Houstonians gathered at the City Hall Monday evening to honor the life of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, who passed away on Nov. 30 in Houston at the age of 94. The city mayor, Sylvester Turner, and other local leaders offered words of comfort and remembrance for the former president. "George Herbert Walker Bush clearly influenced this city," Turner said in his speech. "He shone a light on Houston's growth and potential wherever he could." Attendees were encouraged to wear colorful socks in a nod to one of Bush's favorite fashion accessories. Earlier on Monday, Bush's body was flown from Houston to Washington D.C. by Air Force One to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until Wednesday morning. U.S. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other Trump staffers have arrived at the Capitol to pay their respects to the former president. A state funeral is scheduled on Wednesday at the National Cathedral in central Washington. According to the White House, Trump and his wife will attend the funeral. Later on Wednesday, Bush's remains will return to Houston and lie in St. Martin Episcopal Church, where a funeral will take place on Thursday. The body will then be carried by train to the George Bush Presidential Library Center in College Station, Texas, on the campus of Texas A&M University, where he will be laid to rest near the graves of his wife Barbara Bush and one of his daughters, Robin. Bush was elected U.S. president in 1988 as the successor to Ronald Reagan. He served as head of the U.S. Liaison Office in China between 1974 and 1975. Claudia Hallebach 168 The judgment that crops modified by CRISPR-Cas9 technologies are genetically modified organisms has halted efforts to establish a European CRISPR patent pool in the agricultural sector, according to in-house sources. Agricultural businesses had started working together to establish a licensing platform for must-have, gene-editing technologies until the European Court of Justice ruled that organisms obtained by mutagenesis must be governed by the restrictive provisions of the EU GMO Directive. Having this licensing platform was a high priority before the ECJ ruling, but due to the uncertainties on commercialisation of plant varieties with genome editing under this new ruling in Europe, the urgency has decreased somewhat, says Claudia Hallebach, head of legal affairs and IP at seed company KWS. Having this licensing platform was a high priority before the ECJ ruling, but due to the uncertainties on commercialisation of plant varieties with genome editing under this new ruling in Europe, the urgency has decreased somewhat Claudia Hallebach, KWS She adds that her firm was actively promoting the idea with other CRISPR players in the agricultural space to enable unrestricted innovation for gene-edited crops. Although there are companies with larger portfolios of CRISPR-Cas9 patents, she says, even they would need access to patents surrounding the technology from both the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors. The pool would have operated in a similar manner to the sectors International Licensing Platform, which offers licences for agricultural patents under fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. But the uncertainty and limitations that the ruling has imposed on CRISPR crop development has stifled the industry in Europe. It is not clear what the next steps are and whether the regulations in Europe will be lifted. Hallebach says the concept of the licensing platform will remain relevant because genome editing technologies are not considered as essentially biological processes and so are not prohibited by European patent law. Nevertheless it needs to be ensured that access to breeding material will not be blocked by patented genome-editing traits contained in plant varieties. Therefore a licensing platform, coming with a contractual breeders exemption, could provide a balanced solution in future, she says. The European Commissions Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) Group of Chief Scientific Advisors mirrored Hallebachs position on decreased CRISPR innovation as a result of this ruling, contending in a published statement that the EU must improve the regulatory environment for products of gene-editing or Europe would be left behind in the field. GMO Directive governance stands to limit CRISPR crop commercialisation because products regulated by its provisions can only be released into the environment or put on the market after an environmental risk assessment and public consultation. The directive also contains a safeguard clause in Article 23 that allows member states to restrict the use and sale of GMOs previously approved by the EU and so even if a GMO product is authorised, states can opt out and restrict or ban a GMO product. This opt-out provision has been used before, and it means the use of the older, random methods of mutagenesis is likely to be a safer bet than using CRISPR. The ECJ went against the opinion given by Advocate General Bobek in January 2018, which said that organisms obtained by mutagenesis should be exempted from the GMO Directive. European patents nipped in the bud Part of the reason that a European CRISPR patent pool is less important is that because the ECJ ruling has stifled CRISPR innovation in agriculture, patents for the technology and derived products are less valuable, and fewer will be filed than previously expected. The head of IP at a Netherlands-based food technology company says that European CRISPR patents will be less valuable because GMO classification will inevitably reduce demand for gene-edited products in certain jurisdictions. If a product is GMO, that rules out some customers and countries entirely, and that will affect the IP behind it Demand for a food product is obviously very much dependant on what the final customer wants, which is why some things are marketed as natural or organic, for example. If a product is GMO, that rules out some customers and countries entirely, and that will affect the IP behind it. The IP director of a food tech business agrees with this view, and adds that her company is now on the fence on how involved it want to be in the technology. Many of the ingredients we make are sourced through natural strains but we are also investigating genetic engineering of strains because we see advantages in manipulating properties, she says. Depending on how this all turns out, we may want to change our level of activity in that space. Sources also explain that European vegetable seed companies traditionally have not used GMOs because the profit margins for modified vegetables is relatively low compared to the regulatory costs of producing them. One source says his company would have entered the CRISPR space had the ECJ not ruled the way it did, but is now very unlikely to. I do not know why you would patent something that you cannot bring to the market anyway, he adds. But the regulatory regime for CRISPR products is going down a more permissive path in places such as the US. Sources say they will likely seek appropriate global protection and patent designations, despite the regulatory decision. Although based in Europe, our business is a worldwide one, the head of IP at a global seeds company points out. We are still analysing the situation, but that fact will have a large bearing on our strategy. Jeroen Rouppe van der Voort, IP research manager at Enza Zaden, adds that companies developing CRISPR agricultural products elsewhere in the world would also likely have little difficulty selling them in Europe. Products developed in the US, for example, will go the European market and if they are declared non-GMO, they would be treated as a non-GMO because of treaties between the EU and US. He points out that the ruling ultimately cannot be enforced because the types of mutations generated by CRISPR also occur in nature, which means the technology does not leave a trace like those solutions traditionally used to produce GMOs. As such, the ruling only stands to have the effect of limiting innovation and will likely fail to effectively regulate the distribution of CRISPR derived food products in Europe as it intended. Future patentability? The ruling from the ECJ does not affect patentability of CRISPR technologies or products because the GMO Directive is separate from the Biotech Directive and Article 53 of the European Patent Convention that provide exceptions to patentability in Europe. The permanent working group on IP rights for the ALLEA (European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities) considered whether there should be changes to the EU Biotech Directive in view of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in 2016. I do not know why you would patent something that you cannot bring to the market anyway It concluded that European patent law provided the necessary incentives for the successful development of CRISPR-Cas9 technologies while the EU Biotech Directive gave the necessary safeguards, and as such changes to patent law were not needed. According to most in-house sources, the laws governing CRISPR patentability are likely to stay as they are but not everyone is convinced. The IP director of a food tech business says she has doubts over the assertion that the ECJs ruling will not one day affect patentability. It may not happen in the next few years because we have just had this giant discussion around it but I would not be surprised if it did affect patentability to some extent in the future, she says. She adds that she cannot imagine that EU lawmakers will leave patent law surrounding CRISPR intact if the situation stays as it is. The material on this site is for law firms, companies and other IP specialists. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article This content is from: Patents Based on the Supreme Courts line of questioning during Helsinn v Tevas arguments, it appears the court may part from the Federal Circuit and support a new interpretation of on-sale This content is from: Trademarks In what is being viewed as a significant blow to Cadbury, the UK Court of Appeal did not accept the confectionery companys argument that its registration for the colour purple contained a series of trade marks Lucknow : A day after a police officer was brutally killed in mob frenzy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a security meeting late on Tuesday night, but kept the focus firmly on cow slaughter. Police Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh was attacked with stones and shot dead by a mob of hundreds that chased his car and surrounded it in a field. The Chief Minister was quoted in a government press release as telling officers in the meeting: "Tough action needs to be taken against those who carried out cow slaughter."Yogi Adityanath reportedly also asked for the arrest of everyone related to the slaughter of cows. The military will form a unit to counter New Peoples Army hit squads this month , made up mostly of intelligence officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its different branches, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday. The core of this unit will be from the Intelligence Service of the AFP. The Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines have their own intel unit, so they could form the core of this anti-SPARU unit, Lorenzana said, referring to the NPA Special Partisan Unit. READ: Sparu revival only a ploy, CPP warns He said he supports the formation of the special unit to protect military personnel from attack by NPA hit squads. I support the anti-SPARU unit that will protect our soldiers but I said let us be very careful in organizing these people. Some quarters are saying well get civilians to do it. I think no, this will be very difficult for civilians to do this [as] they might think they have blanket authority to just kill anybody they suspect of being NPA. I want soldiers to be our anti-SPARU unit members and this should be supervised by officers, he added. President Rodrigo Duterte proposed the creation of a Duterte Death Squad after reports said 136 people, most of them military, police and rebel returnees, were assassinated by the communist rebels in the last three years. The Communist Party of the Philippines blamed the President for the repeated termination of peace talks. CCP founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison said communist rebels have wanted to peacefully end the five-decade-old armed conflict with the government, but the Duterte administration has failed by setting up conditions and terminating the peace talks. Duterte and his armed minions have only themselves to blame for the repeated terminations of peace negotiations that Duterte declared and for making preconditions, said Sison from his base in Utrecht, The Netherlands on Wednesday. The top communist official said the governments conditions such as the surrender of the New Peoples Army, the laying aside of the peoples demand for social, economic and political reforms, and the self-destruction of the revolutionary movement have blocked the path to peace and hindered the establishment of a just and lasting ceasefire between the government and communist rebels. Sison said the National Democratic Front of the Philippines was expecting that the comprehensive agreements would have been made before the end of the year. He said Duterte should have fulfilled his promise to [grant] amnesty and release all political prisoners. He would have gotten a ceasefire longer than the nearly six months from August 2016 to January 2017. And the peace negotiations would have advanced fast and smoothly, Sison said. But whenever the comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms moved forward, Duterte always came up with a surprise declaration of termination. Meanwhile, the AFP has formed a division-size group of infantry men to be deployed in the volatile province of Sulu to defeat the lingering security threat posed by various terrorist groups, particularly the Abu Sayyaf Group. AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the division-sized unit will be permanently stationed in Sulu Archipelago to containe and decimate terrorists elements that continue to sow havoc.The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in support to national leadership, is determined to engage squarely and defeat decisively all threat to national security that are harboring in Sulu, Arevalo said. The insertion of the 11th Infantry Division with a complement of about a thousand troops in Sulu came after President Duterte expressed concern that, despite the AFP garnering major victories in Sulu, security forces continue to incur casualties. The 11th ID is envisioned to effectively and efficiently engage and decisively defeat the lingering threat in Sulu in the soonest time possible, Arevalo said. Arevalo said ground troops were able to kill 72 bandits and capture 32 fighters in various armed engagements from January to November. Some 180 have surrendered. Arevalo also highlighted the seizure of 214 firearms, 13 Improvised Explosive Devices and 11 encampments. Duterte on Wednesday said he was not ready to talk to Sison. I am no longer ready talk to you. You insult me, I insult you. Were like kids. Just dont return here, I promise you, I will slap you, Duterte said in his speech during the awarding ceremonies for the 2017 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities on Wednesday evening. The President said Sison should just stay in his base in Utrecht, The Netherlands because once the latter sets foot in the Philippines, Duterte will slap him in the face. If you try [to come back] at the airport, I will make you eat your dentures... You are so full of yourself when you talk, the President added, belittling Sisons intellectual capacity. Duterte made his remarks after Sison called Duterte a dopehead for failing to file diplomatic protests and to sue China in the courts for violating Philippine sovereign rights. Sison said China has violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines for illegally making artificial islands in the resource-filled waters of the West Philippine Sea. Only Duterte and his cronies can make some limited and narrow sense out of his treason and stupidity by admitting the obvious fact that they stand to benefit from contract shares and finders fees, he said. The logic of their greed betrays the sovereign rights and interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people, Sison added. READ: Palace wants permanent truce with communists When I was young, I wanted to be a train driver, said 45-year-old Han Junjia, a high-speed train driver in Beijing, explaining that his childhood dream had been to drive the fastest train possible. Little did he know, as a boy, that there would one day be a train that could drive 350 kilometers per hour. When Han first entered the industry, the maximum speed of steam locomotives was 56-60 kilometers per hour, and drivers dealt with harsh working conditions. Han started his career as a stillman. During this time all he needed for work was a multipurpose lunchbox, which could be used as a pot to reheat rice, a container to drink water from and a seat in case he got tired. In 1996, Han became a diesel locomotive driver. He was delighted because the drivers cabin was upgraded, and new train facilities were added such as a monitoring system, a temperature detector and a rear view mirror, making work more manageable. However, Han said the diesel trains were so loud so that he and his colleagues had to shout in order to communicate with each other. In 2008, there was a breakthrough in China's railway development when electric trains were introduced throughout the country. The speed increased from 120 km per hour to 160 km per hour, and the new electric trains were much safer as computers controlled them. In 2009, Han signed up as a high-speed train driver along the Beijing-Shanghai route, which was still under construction at the time, and in November 2010, Han became a high-speed train driver. He said the train's beautiful interior, futuristic design and incredible speed impressed him. On Sept. 21, 2017, Han became a Fuxing bullet train driver. These trains, which are developed in China, are designed to run at a speed of 350 kilometers per hour. In July 2018, sixteen lengthened Fuxing Bullet trains went into operation. Whenever I drove a new train, I felt the progress of the countrys rail technology, said Han. CHICAGO, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- The American Soybean Association (ASA) on Monday welcomed the "positive" outcome from the weekend meeting between the U.S. and Chinese leaders in Argentina, calling for repairing the "damage done to our trade relations with China." "This is the first positive news we've seen after months of downturned prices and halted shipments," said ASA president John Heisdorffer in a statement released on Monday. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, agreed Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires to take measures to ease bilateral trade tensions. They agreed not to impose new additional tariffs, and to step up negotiations toward the removal of all additional tariffs and reaching a concrete deal that is mutually beneficial and win-win. If this suspension of tariff increases leads to a longer-term agreement, it will be extremely positive for the soy industry, said the statement. "We want to begin repairing damage done to our trade relations with China, which has been essential to successful soybean exports for years," said Heisdorffer, a soybean grower from Iowa state, in the statement. China is the world's top soybean buyer. But amid the escalation of trade disputes, China cut down its soybean imports from the United States. Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Monday called for closer cooperation between her country and Panama on AIDS prevention as well as women and children affairs. Peng Liyuan (L), wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and World Health Organization goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS and UNESCO special envoy for the advancement of girls' and women's education, and Panamanian First Lady Lorena Castillo Garcia, special ambassador for UNAIDS in Latin America, pose for photos holding colorful paper butterflies, which symbolize the Zero Discrimination campaign, to show their solid support for the global cause against AIDS in Panama City, Panama, Dec. 3, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua/Yan Yan] eng, who was in Panama City accompanying Xi for a state visit to the Central American country, made the appeal in a meeting with Panamanian First Lady Lorena Castillo Garcia. The Chinese government attaches great importance to AIDS prevention and treatment and to care of AIDS patients, and has made tremendous efforts and important achievements in those aspects, said Peng, who is also a World Health Organization goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. The Chinese side, she added, highly appreciates the enormous work Panama has done in those fields. Google CEO Sundar Pichai will testify before U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee next Tuesday over the company's transparency and privacy policy, as well as data collection and use. The hearing, which was announced on the committee's official website Tuesday, was rescheduled from Wednesday when a funeral will be held for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, who died last Friday at the age of 94. The hearing will focus on Google's "data collection, use and filtering practices," according to the committee's announcement, and Pichai is expected to answer questions from lawmakers over alleged bias against conservative content on its platform. In his first congressional appearance, Pichai will also be questioned about the tech company's search algorithm, how it collects and use data, a two-year bug that exposed users' private information, foreign interference on social media, and misinformation. The Google CEO skipped a high-profile tech hearing in Congress in September when both Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testified. On Thursday, Pichai will attend a separate meeting on innovation policy at the White House with top executives from other tech companies such as Microsoft, Oracle and Qualcomm. BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- China Southern Airlines, Asia's largest carrier, will implement comprehensive digitalized pre-selection to seats on its domestic flights since Jan. 1, 2019, said the airline Tuesday. As a major part of the digitalization services, the airline will introduce digitalized seat pre-selection as well as paperless boarding on flights on its domestic routes. These moves target further uplifting the passenger flight experience while responding to the Chinese civil aviation authorities' initiatives of environment-friendly travel, the company said. The Guangzhou-based company has a fleet of more than 800 aircraft, ranking the third worldwide. In 2017, the airline provided flight services to 126 million passenger trips. Among which, 108 million were on their domestic routes. After purchasing a ticket from China Southern Airlines, passengers can select their seats via multiple official channels of the airline, such as its official website, mobile app and WeChat applet. Holding the digital boarding pass, passengers will be able to pass airport security checks and board the aircraft at airports that are equipped to receive passengers with digital passes. To date, there are about 40 Chinese airports that support digital boarding passes. For passengers who do not select their seats, the airline will distribute their seats under the principles of meeting the safety requirements and load balance of the aircraft. Unaccompanied children, seniors, pregnant women, military personnel and other passengers who need special assistance will receive preferential treatment by allowing them to choose seats that are most convenient for them. In 2017, China recorded 549 million air passenger trips, a 12.6 percent year-on-year increase, according to statistics from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. New Delhi is planning to expand Indian partnership with Russia in the energy sector, according to Indias ambassador to Russia, Bala Venkatesh Varma. The decision reportedly comes amid the latest US sanctions against Iran, among other reasons. We are planning to extend our energy cooperation with Russia, the ambassador said in an interview with RIA Novosti. Read more Indias biggest foreign investments are directed into Russias energy sector. In the same way, Russia has invested lots of money into the Indian energy. According to Varma, Moscow and Delhi are in constant talks on how to deepen their energy cooperation. The ambassador said the energy partnership will definitely be boosted, especially because of the potential impact of sanctions on Iran introduced by Washington earlier this year. We think Russia is playing a crucial part in the process of stabilizing the global oil market. We appreciate Russias role in eliminating the volatility of oil prices, Varma said, stressing that India, as one of the biggest energy consumers, is interested in stable and reasonable prices for oil. The latest batch of US sanctions against Iran was imposed in November. The penalties hit the countrys oil, shipping, and financial sectors. Sanctions followed the landmark decision by the US to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal. The US also threatened secondary sanctions on nations and corporations that continue to do business with Tehran after the penalties came into force. India, which relies heavily on Iranian oil, along with several other nations, was granted a temporary waiver in order to gradually reduce its energy purchases from the Islamic Republic. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section Afghanistan is ready to negotiate peace with the Taliban without any preconditions, including drafting a new constitution, a high-ranking government official said on the heels of an Afghanistan peace conference in Moscow. Afghanistans government will not set out any preconditions for direct peace talks with the Taliban, Ehsan Taheri, spokesman for the countrys High Peace Council (HPC), told RIA Novosti in an interview. Previously, Kabul demanded that the insurgent movement lay down its arms and respect the constitution, but this is not the case now. Read more Nowadays, we the government and the High Peace Council declare that there are no prerequisites for the launch of the talks, Taheri said. Established in 2010 by then-President Hamid Karzai, the HPC is a body in charge of negotiating peace with the Taliban. The long-awaited peace negotiations may start this year or next year. There is a growing desire among Taliban commanders to engage in the talks without intermediaries, according to the official. Therefore, Kabul is open to discuss any issue crucial for Afghanistans future, the official said. There are no problems for the government and the Taliban even to talk changes to the countrys constitution because is provisions allow for making amendments. Now, it is up to the Taliban to respond to the HPCs peace gesture and confirm if they are ready for direct talks, Taheri noted. The militant movement has long rejected the governments offers of talks, saying they will only deal with the US. In the meantime, they sent emissaries to meet with Afghan government officials in Moscow in early November. The talks in Moscow mark the first time the Taliban has publicly appeared in the international arena since they were removed from power in Afghanistan following the US-led invasion in 2001. The meeting, brokered by Russian diplomats, helped pave the way for a future dialogue between Kabul and the Taliban, Taheri said. Also on rt.com Our goal is to end invasion: Taliban seeks talks with US on NATO troop withdrawal The atmosphere was very friendly at the end of the conference, he said, adding that the Kabul delegation was comfortable sitting in front of the Taliban officials. The discussions were going on even during coffee breaks there was no negativity at all. There has been low-key diplomatic activity going on in and around Afghanistan. In recent months, the Taliban reportedly sent official delegations to neighboring Uzbekistan, and also held talks with US diplomats in Qatar, where the militants political wing has an unofficial liaison office. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! If any country is to follow in Qatars footsteps and break ranks with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), it will be Iraq, says Michael Cohen, head of energy markets research at Barclays bank. I think in terms of all the OPEC countries, to me the one that stands out over the last six to eight months is Iraq, Cohen told CNBC, adding Iraq has been out of line with its target frequently so if restrictions to cut were too stringent, Iraq might feel it in its best interest to no longer be a member of the organization. Read more Iraq is 15-member OPECs second-largest oil producer after Saudi Arabia. More than 90 percent of the countrys revenue comes from oil, according to the International Energy Agency. Iraq was pumping a record 4.76 million barrels per day (bpd) in October, according to its former oil minister. Its increased production, as well as multi-year output highs from Libya, contributed to 2018 peaks in global production this fall. READ MORE: Crude mood: Oil enters bear market, plunging most since 2015 Citing the visits of Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih to Baghdad over the last two months, Cohen said: Were not privy to the nature of those conversations, but clearly there is a lot of concern in terms of keeping Iraq to what it says. Media reported that Al-Falih met with his Iraqi counterparts and the countrys Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi to discuss increasing cooperation in the energy and electricity fields. Iraqs recently-appointed oil minister Thamir Ghadhban told media in late October that pumping more oil was a top priority for the country of 38 million people. Iraqs national Basra Oil Company plans to increase production from 3.2 million bpd to 5 million bpd in the next seven years. Also on rt.com Qatar quitting OPEC 'bad for oil cartel's and Saudi credibility' Iraqi officials estimate they need $100 billion in funding to rebuild homes and infrastructure, following years of war and sanctions. Oil will remain critical to reconstruction funding, experts say, noting that means Baghdad has an incentive to keep its taps turned on. Meanwhile, the worlds two largest oil exporters, Saudi Arabia and Russia, last weekend agreed to extend a deal to limit production and support oil prices. OPEC and non-OPEC members are expected to coordinate a supply cut when meeting in Vienna later this week. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section Slovakia expelled Russian diplomat over intelligence activities PM Slovakia expelled Russian diplomat over intelligence activities PM Slovakia has expelled a Russian diplomat, Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said on Wednesday. Based on data provided by military intelligence, the diplomat, who worked for the missions military attache, was expelled on November 22, Pellegrini said. The diplomat was declared persona non grata for engaging in intelligence activities against Slovakia and NATO, TASS quoted the PM as saying. He said the Russian diplomat left Slovakia within 48 hours after having been declared persona non grata. Pellegrini added that Slovakia strictly abides by its commitments to NATO and the EU and has established standard relations with Russia.Source : RT - Daily news The US troops won't leave Kabul and will train Afghan forces fighting a stalemate against the Taliban, a top US general, Marine Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, has said. However, he stopped short of pledging more US troops. Read more McKenzie, who is set to become the next head of US Central Command, was grilled by lawmakers of the Senate Armed Service Committee on Tuesday, when he was forced to admit that there is no feasible deadline for the US troops to end the 17-year campaign. I do know that today it would be very difficult for (the Afghan security forces) to survive without our and our coalition partners assistance, McKenzie said, noting that if the US forces are to leave precipitously right now, the Afghan government might crumble under the pressure by the resurgent Taliban. I do not believe they would be able to successfully defend their country, he said. The general, however, said that there were no plans to reinforce the 14,000 US troops currently stationed in Afghanistan. The death toll for the Afghan soldiers has skyrocketed since 2015, when the Afghan security forces took over from the US-led NATO mission. According to estimates by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, 28,529 have died fighting the Taliban in the past three years. A report by the US Inspector General for Afghanistan found that the number of deaths for the past six months, from May to October, has set a new record high. McKenzie said that in light of a steep rise in casualties, the US must step up its efforts to help Afghan forces to recruit and train much-needed reinforcements, describing the current rate of losses as unsustainable. Read more Theyre fighting hard, but their losses are not going to be sustainable unless we correct this problem. At least one lawmaker seemed to find McKenzies call for more training questionable, reminding the general that Afghan forces have enjoyed nearly two decades of US support. Weve been at it for 17 years; 17 years is a long time. What are we doing differently when it comes to the Afghan security forces that we havent done for 17 years? Sen. Ben Peters (D-Michigan) inquired. Speaking about the situation on the ground, McKenzie repeated an earlier assessment made by US commanders, saying that Afghan and Taliban forces continued to be locked in a stalemate. The Afghan government said on Wednesday that it was ready to negotiate with the Taliban without any preconditions, and would even consider drafting a new constitution. The Taliban has insisted that peace could only be achieved if US and NATO troops withdraw, calling the government in Kabul powerless and foreign imposed. The US-led invasion to remove the Taliban from power in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks has turned into a protracted war on terror that has claimed the lives of more than 2,200 Americans and cost US taxpayers a mesmerizing $840 billion. According to official estimates of the US government, the Taliban has expanded its domain and now controls or has a meaningful presence in 44 percent of the territory. However, some analysts believe that these figures sugarcoat the grim picture on the ground. According to some estimates, the insurgents are in control of 61 percent of the country. Also on rt.com Mission accomplished? Number of Sunni terrorists worldwide quadrupled from Sept 11, 2001 study A recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found that the US-led war on terror has had a reverse effect in terms of the number of jihadists that are now operating around the world. The report prepared by the Washington DC think tank found that the number of Sunni Islamist militants has since quadrupled, from 60,000 to as many as 230,000 terrorists worldwide, since September 11, 2001. Like this story? Share it with a friend! Yemen govt delegation heads to Sweden for peace talks with Houthis Yemen govt delegation heads to Sweden for peace talks with Houthis A delegation from Yemens Saudi-backed government left for Sweden on Wednesday to hold UN-sponsored peace talks with representatives of the Houthi group. The team representing the internationally recognized government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi left from the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh for the consultations, the first since 2016, according to a Yemeni official. Western allies have ramped up pressure on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, leaders of the coalition battling the Houthis to restore Hadis government. Outrage over the October 2 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdoms Istanbul consulate has refocused attention on the Yemen war and scrutiny over Saudi Arabias activities in the region, Reuters said. The Houthi delegation arrived for the talks in Sweden on Tuesday, having failed to turn up for the last round of talks in September in Geneva.Source : RT - Daily news BRUSSELS, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The European Travel Commission (ETC) on Tuesday called for full visa liberalization for Chinese travelers to tap into the world's largest outbound travel market, generating more inbound spending and jobs across Europe. The ETC, an association of 32 national tourism organizations, is the leading promoter of Europe as a tourist destination in third markets. In a press release, the ETC said it had published a report quantifying the potential impacts of visa facilitation for Chinese travelers on European tourism. "The results show that visa liberalization would undoubtedly increase demand from one of the most lucrative source markets and contribute to European GDP and employment growth. The analysis estimates that a full visa liberalization scenario between China and the European Union (EU) is likely to increase the average growth of Chinese arrivals from 7 percent to 18 percent per year between 2018-2023," said the release. "This in turn would generate additional inbound spending of 12.5 billion euros per annum and raise total employment level by nearly 1 percent, creating 237,000 additional jobs, including 120,000 directly within the travel and tourism sector. This would contribute to an increase of Europe's GDP by one percent," said the release. Stating that "Europe's visa regimes are among the most restrictive in the world according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization," the ETC said "it is imperative that the EU's visa policies are modernized and enhanced to further facilitate travel from key markets." Robert Andrzejczyk, ETC vice-president and coordinator of ETC's visa advocacy work, said in the release that "liberalization of Europes visa regimes for Chinese travelers is essential for the continent to maximize its share of the benefit from the growth of the Chinese travel market in the decades ahead. Now more than ever Europe needs to secure further employment; investing in visa liberalization targeted at key markets can achieve this aim efficiently and effectively." [December 04, 2018] New Mexico Entrepreneurial Community to Get a Boost, Thanks to $19K Grant Wells Fargo (News - Alert) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) today awarded $19,500 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funds to ABQid, a nonprofit that supports New Mexico's entrepreneurial community with educational resources. The funds will help fund ABQid's programs and operational expenses. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181204006134/en/ ABQid received $19,500 in Partnership Grant Program funds from FHLB Dallas and Wells Fargo to assist with the nonprofit's programs and operational expenses. (Photo: Business Wire) Representatives from the banks presented the funds today at a ceremonial check presentation at ABQid's offices in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "ABQid deeply appreciates the grant from FHLB Dallas and Wells Fargo," said Harold Lavender, director of business development and finance at ABQid. "We have used and will continue to use these funds to further our mission of economic development in New Mexico." ABQid's mission is to provide New Mexico's entrepreneurial community with startup support programming, seed fund investment and stakeholder engagement. As the only curriculum-based, venture-backed business accelerator in New Mexico, the organization as served more than 1,200 entrepreneurs and assisted 36 companies through its bootcamps, workshops and educational support. The structure of the PGP (News - Alert) allows FHLB Dallas member institutions like Wells Fargo to make a contribution of $500 to $4,000 to a community-based organization (CBO), which FHLB Dallas will match at a 3:1 ratio. "ABQid is committed to supporting New Mexico's entrepreneurial community by helping them build great businesses that create jobs in our state," said Pat Nie, vice president/community relations with Wells Fargo. "We are very pleased to support them in their mission." Melanie Dill, community and economic development product manager at FHLB Dallas, said the PGP strengthens the relationships between its members and local nonprofits. "The PGP is so popular because it is truly impactful on the communities and nonprofits that receive awards, enabling them to further their mission and purpose," she said. For more information about the PGP, visit fhlb.com/pgp. About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo's vision is to satisfy our customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,950 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 37 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 262,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune's 2018 rankings of America's largest corporations. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank system created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $73.7 billion as of September 30, 2018, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 825 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181204006134/en/ [ Back To www.mobilitytechzone.com\LTE's Homepage ] 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. NORRISTOWN Nearly all results from the 2021 general election were certified Monday by members of the Montgomery County Board of Elections. Several races were on the Nov. 2 ballot including councils, school boards and judgeships. There were a total... UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's United Nations (UN) Security Council presidency for November has has been highly productive, with a focus on multilateralism, peacekeeping in Africa and a trip of Security Council members to China. The Security Council had a very busy and fruitful month and the Chinese presidency has contributed to maintaining international peace and security, said Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, at the end of the Chinese presidency. In November, China presided over 35 council meetings, and oversaw the adoption of six resolutions and seven Security Council press statements, he said at a press conference on Thursday. DEFENDING MULTILATERALISM, BOOSTING ROLE OF UN At a time when nationalism and populism are on the rise in some parts of the world, the need for multilateralism has never been greater. The open debate on multilateralism on Nov. 9 attracted leaders of major UN agencies, including the UN secretary-general, the acting president of the General Assembly, the president of the Economic and Social Council, and the president of the International Court of Justice. More than 70 countries and international organizations were represented at the event. "Both developing countries and developed ones regarded multilateralism as a must. They have reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and called on the parties to uphold multilateralism, strengthen the UN, maintain the rules-based international order and jointly meet global challenges," Ma told reporters. The world is getting more complicated and no one country alone can solve the many global challenges, he said, adding that it is against this backdrop that multilateralism is becoming more important. At the open debate, which was held just days before the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that it was the lack of multilateral mechanisms for international problem-solving that led to the great tragedy. It took World War II to trigger the multilateral arrangements of today, which have had a proven track record in saving lives, generating economic and social progress and avoiding a third descent into a world war, he said. He said the world must learn from the bitter lessons of WWI, and practice multilateralism to pass the tests and counter the threats of today and tomorrow. "As 21st-century challenges threaten to outpace 20th-century institutions and mindsets, let us reaffirm the ideals of collective action while pursuing a new generation of approaches and architecture capable of responding," he said. IMPROVING PEACEKEEPING IN AFRICA The Security Council, first and foremost, is about international peace and security. This year marks the 70th anniversary of UN peacekeeping, a lot of which is directed at Africa. Half of the 14 UN peacekeeping operations are in Africa, including the five largest ones. Of the 20 major troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping, more than half are African. It was against this background that the Chinese Security Council presidency arranged another flagship event in November: peacekeeping in Africa. Recalling the Nov. 20 open debate, Ma, the Chinese ambassador, said the event was warmly welcomed by member states. Representatives from more than 50 countries and international organizations made statements and put forward suggestions to improve peacekeeping in Africa, he said. At the debate, Guterres asked for support for peacekeeping in Africa, saying conflicts in Africa threaten global security. "In our interconnected age, security challenges on one continent present a risk to the whole world. The factors that drive conflict in Africa, including poverty, youth unemployment, climate change, competition for resources, and transnational crime, threaten global security," he said. Improving the impact and effectiveness of peacekeeping in Africa is a collective responsibility, he said. China is playing an increasingly important role in UN peacekeeping. The country is the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and a contributor of troops and police officers. It was against this backdrop that the Chinese presidency invited ambassadors of the Security Council members to visit China in November. SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS IMPRESSED BY CHINA VISIT The council members had a "very rich and intensive" program in China, visiting the three cities of Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, said Ma. The council members visited a peacekeeping standby force and had face-to-face exchanges with the soldiers. A workshop was held among the council members, the soldiers and some experts, which focused on UN peacekeeping challenges and steps that can improve the operations, he said. Through their trip to the southern Chinese cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, they gained a better understanding of China's reform and opening-up policy, which was initiated 40 years ago. "Both Guangzhou and Shenzhen were the pioneers of practicing this policy. ... The members visited several companies there to see the high-tech industry and the links between China and the world," said Ma. The China visit also facilitated extensive and in-depth exchanges among the members, he said. "It's important for the members to have an opportunity to discuss issues of common concern in a free and relaxed atmosphere." The exchanges are beneficial to enhancing the mutual understanding and trust among the member states, "which is the foundation of our work in the Security Council," said Ma. CULTURAL SIDE EVENT STUNS AUDIENCE As a side event, a music and dance production presented by the world-renowned China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe was held at the Lincoln Center in New York City on Nov. 6. The show dazzled viewers, including UN officials and diplomats, and received a standing ovation. The troupe members, either with hearing or vision disabilities, performed a repertoire of both Chinese and Western songs and dances, including Chinese folk songs, Peking opera, a bamboo flute solo, a string duet, and a Latin dance. The climax was "Thousand-hand Bodhisattva" performed by about two dozen artists, featuring the "countless" agile and all-reaching arms of the Buddhist goddess who is popular in Chinese religious culture. UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa said the troupe members "are cultural ambassadors of goodwill among peoples, dignity and respect as well as inclusion." She appreciated the disabled performers' choice to inspire and motivate through arts and beauty "in a world often filled with negative headlines." "As a poet, I am very much impressed by the artists' self-confidence and their show will inspire us in facing the global challenges ahead," she said. Before the show, Ma said the troupe artists "have brought to the world the beauty of arts as well as the strength of life." 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. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R, front) meets with Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Binali Yildirim in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 4, 2018. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) BEIJING, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Binali Yildirim in Beijing on Tuesday, vowing to push forward bilateral ties and deepen cooperation. Hailing China and Turkey as emerging market economies and crucial partners, Li said China would continue working with Turkey to respect each other's core interests and major concerns, enhance exchanges and cooperation in all fields and at all levels, including parliamentary exchanges, reinforce the public-opinion foundation of ties, to push forward China-Turkey relations. There is great potential for pragmatic cooperation and China hopes to synergize the development strategies of the two countries, Li said, proposing that they should make use of their respective advantages, work for balanced trade development, make progress in key cooperation areas, and realize mutual benefit and win-win results. Turkey views China as an important strategic partner and appreciates China's achievements in reform and opening up, Yildirim said. He noted that Turkey would align its development strategy with China, deepen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, investment and other areas, to achieve common development. The Nelson Mandela bust is unveiled in Beijing on December 3, 2018. (People's Daily Online/Morag Hobbs). A bust sculpture of Nelson Mandela, known as Madiba in South Africa, was unveiled at the Beijing Jintai Arts Museum on Dec. 3, to commemorate 100 years since Mandelas birth and also 20 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and China. The bust and inscription were contributed to by the SA Embassy in Beijing and Consulates General in Shanghai and Hong Kong. SA Minister of Arts and Culture Mr. Nathi Mthethwa was present as a guest of honor alongside other senior government officials. During the unveiling, the national anthems of the Republic of South Africa and the People's Republic of China were played, and a number of guests placed flowers under the statue. 2018 marks 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela. The former South African President is globally renowned for his selfless contribution to the global struggle against oppression and the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Globally, Madiba is renowned for his role as a great negotiator and a living symbol of reconciliation. He is a symbol of unity in a country, South Africa, which is courageously grappling with the legacy of a vicious past, Mthethwa said during his speech. A number of guests place flowers beneath the statue of Nelson Mandela on December 3, 2018. (People's Daily Online/Morag Hobbs). He explained that when Mandela and his compatriots were jailed for life in 1964, China was among the countries that sent protest notes and called for their release. Subsequently, China was one of the countries that Mandela visited after his release from prison. Given the historical ties between South Africa and China, said Mthethwa, it was Mandela who embraced and ultimately promoted the one-China diplomatic policy, which saw South Africa and China establish diplomatic relations on Jan. 1, 1998. During her speech before the unveiling, Ambassador Dolana Msimang said, It is most fitting that we celebrate our 20 year anniversary together with Madibas centenary, as he was the main architect who built, shaped and nurtured our relations with China. SA Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, delivers a speech during the unveiling event on December 3, 2018. (People's Daily Online/Morag Hobbs). She went on to say that South Africa and China have since forged an outstanding partnership that has grown immensely over two decades, even though its a young relationship. Our friendship and collaboration with China has profusely strengthened and deepened in the past two decades. We share common interests in numerous global affairs, enabling us to cooperate and strengthen the voice of developing countries in our goal of achieving a balanced political and economic global order. To this end, we thank the Chinese government and its people for the unwavering support during our struggle for liberation, and for honoring Madiba among other great world leaders, noted Mthethwa. Coos County Democrat Woodburn's counseling records to be reviewed by Tara Giles Sports reporter - Coos County Democrat and Berlin Reporter Sports reporter - Coos County Democrat and Berlin Reporter write the author REGION The legal saga surrounding domestic violence charges against North Country Sen. Jeff Woodburn continues to unfold. Woodburn, who was defeated last month in his bid for re-election, faces nine misdemeanor charges of abuse against his former partner. Recently, Judge Thomas Rappa ruled that he will review counseling records between Woodburn and the alleged victim in the case. Woodburn is claiming self-defense, and said that the alleged victim "repeatedly tried to block or restrain Mr. Woodburn from leaving her, including at one point brandishing a knife, and that any force that Mr. Woodburn used against the alleged victim was necessary for him to use in order to leave or attempt to leave a volatile situation created by the alleged victim." Dr. Paul Donohue, the couple's counselor, was asked to hand over counseling records between the two parties. In a court filing, Woodburn said that Donohue left a voicemail warning him to 'proceed with caution' and relayed to Woodburn that his ex was planning ways to 'get back at you' for ending the relationship. Woodburn stated that he wanted the records shared with the judge to show the situation as a whole. Judge Rappa will review the records in camera. In his ruling, Rappa wrote, "The entirety of the counseling records related to the defendant and the alleged victim shall be submitted to the court for an in camera review to determine which, if any, contain exculpatory information that should be provided to the defendant. The use of any such records deemed by the court to be discoverable shall be subject to further protective orders as the court deems necessary and appropriate." Rappa further said, "There is a reasonable probability that the records contain relevant material in that the defendant has made the necessary showing that the records may contain information that impacts the alleged victim's credibility." Woodburn's filing will remain sealed due to the fact that the records are confidential and may or may not be used as evidence. "I'm looking forward to going to court and clearing my name. The process will continue to reveal not only the truth, but also the motivations, tactics and politics surrounding these charges," said Woodburn. Patricia LaFrance, the attorney representing the alleged victim (whose name we have chosen not to disclose in keeping with our policy regarding victims of domestic violence), has rebutted claims that her client went to the police to seek revenge on Woodburn. The Attorney General's office apparently learned of the alleged domestic violence through a person in the state legislature. At this time, that person is unknown. The alleged victim allegedly recorded Woodburn without his knowledge for several months. Woodburn's journal that has been the subject of several news stories was allegedly left at the victim's house. The alleged victim signed a 'proffer' letter which would protect her from being charged with any crimes. Recording someone without their knowledge is a misdemeanor in New Hampshire. The 'proffer' letter from Attorney General Geoffrey Ward, included in the motion read, "It is understood that after reviewing (alleged victim's) proffered information the state will explore and evaluate the possibility of (her) cooperating with the state. Therefore, it agrees the state will not use any of (her) proffered information provided by her at the proffer against her in any criminal prosecution, except for crimes enumerated in RSA 641:1, 641:2, 641:3 and 641:4; or their equivalents in other jurisdictions, provided that this information is truthful. If the (alleged victim) knowingly lies during this proffer, the state will be allowed to introduce any and all statements that (she) makes during this proffer or evidence provided by her at the proffer in any and all court proceedings." Rappa has transferred the case from the Circuit Court to Coos County Superior Court, where a jury trial will decide the case. REGION The legal saga surrounding domestic violence charges against North Country Sen. Jeff Woodburn continues to unfold.Woodburn, who was defeated last month in his bid for re-election, faces nine misdemeanor charges of abuse against his former partner.Recently, Judge Thomas Rappa ruled that he will review counseling records between Woodburn and the alleged victim in the case. Woodburn is claiming self-defense, and said that the alleged victim "repeatedly tried to block or restrain Mr. Woodburn from leaving her, including at one point brandishing a knife, and that any force that Mr. Woodburn used against the alleged victim was necessary for him to use in order to leave or attempt to leave a volatile situation created by the alleged victim."Dr. Paul Donohue, the couple's counselor, was asked to hand over counseling records between the two parties. In a court filing, Woodburn said that Donohue left a voicemail warning him to 'proceed with caution' and relayed to Woodburn that his ex was planning ways to 'get back at you' for ending the relationship.Woodburn stated that he wanted the records shared with the judge to show the situation as a whole. Judge Rappa will review the records in camera.In his ruling, Rappa wrote, "The entirety of the counseling records related to the defendant and the alleged victim shall be submitted to the court for an in camera review to determine which, if any, contain exculpatory information that should be provided to the defendant. The use of any such records deemed by the court to be discoverable shall be subject to further protective orders as the court deems necessary and appropriate."Rappa further said, "There is a reasonable probability that the records contain relevant material in that the defendant has made the necessary showing that the records may contain information that impacts the alleged victim's credibility."Woodburn's filing will remain sealed due to the fact that the records are confidential and may or may not be used as evidence."I'm looking forward to going to court and clearing my name. The process will continue to reveal not only the truth, but also the motivations, tactics and politics surrounding these charges," said Woodburn.Patricia LaFrance, the attorney representing the alleged victim (whose name we have chosen not to disclose in keeping with our policy regarding victims of domestic violence), has rebutted claims that her client went to the police to seek revenge on Woodburn. The Attorney General's office apparently learned of the alleged domestic violence through a person in the state legislature. At this time, that person is unknown.The alleged victim allegedly recorded Woodburn without his knowledge for several months. Woodburn's journal that has been the subject of several news stories was allegedly left at the victim's house. The alleged victim signed a 'proffer' letter which would protect her from being charged with any crimes. Recording someone without their knowledge is a misdemeanor in New Hampshire.The 'proffer' letter from Attorney General Geoffrey Ward, included in the motion read, "It is understood that after reviewing (alleged victim's) proffered information the state will explore and evaluate the possibility of (her) cooperating with the state. Therefore, it agrees the state will not use any of (her) proffered information provided by her at the proffer against her in any criminal prosecution, except for crimes enumerated in RSA 641:1, 641:2, 641:3 and 641:4; or their equivalents in other jurisdictions, provided that this information is truthful. If the (alleged victim) knowingly lies during this proffer, the state will be allowed to introduce any and all statements that (she) makes during this proffer or evidence provided by her at the proffer in any and all court proceedings."Rappa has transferred the case from the Circuit Court to Coos County Superior Court, where a jury trial will decide the case. Coos County Democrat Local youth sports receive donations in memory of Bill Clark GHS Business Education students visited by Santa's Village representatives Recent Tara Giles Local youth sports receive donations in memory of Bill Clark 2021-Nov-24 Biden touts benefits of infrastructure bill during NH visit 2021-Nov-24 Shaheen visits Berlin to discuss COVID spike 2021-Nov-18 Witnesses testify at Zhukovskyy trial 2021-Nov-18 Large turnout for children at WMRHS vaccine clinic 2021-Nov-18 Local ski resorts kick off snow making 2021-Nov-18 More... Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com By Express News Service HYDERABAD : As the year draws to a close, all eyes are on the proposed merger of Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank. Announced in September, the merger was to be completed within 4-6 months and the merged entity was to commence operations starting next fiscal. While the boards of respective banks have approved the proposal in-principle, the actual challenge begins now, determining solutions for complex aspects including the swap ratio, organisational structure, integrating business, aligning customers and setting the way forward. Importantly, all three banks have significant brand recall, but its unclear if the merged entity will be named afresh. While BoBs chief P S Jayakumars term has been extended until next year, leadership continuity at the top-deck following the merger could be a challenge. This is also the NDA governments second attempt in banking consolidation, having tested the waters merging SBI and five associate banks last year. The move also comes months after the IDBI-LIC deal was announced, which is also the governments attempt to revive the ailing banking sector. What will possibly complicate the integration process is the organisational structure as the three banks have disparate cultures, unlike SBI and associate banks, all of which followed a four-tier structure. Likewise, the business mix among these banks is varied, with the loss-making Dena Bank skewed towards MSMEs, and Vijaya Bank and BOBs loan books relatively broad-based the latter with higher retail exposure and a pan-India presence. According to sources, the banks top management will decide on the share swap ratio within this month, which will be appraised to the government. Subsequently, the government will set the merger proposal in motion, for which the Bank Nationalisation Act will need to be amended. Sources also indicate that the proposal will be tabled in the upcoming winter session of the Parliament next week. The merged entity, comprising two relatively stronger banks and a weak bank, will go down in history, irrespective of whether it succeeds or not. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR : Fly Blade Inc, the largest arranger of helicopter flights for civilian travel in the United States, is set to commence operations in India in March 2019, with the maiden flight taking off between Mumbai and Pune. The American firm will set up a local subsidiary, Blade India, in partnership with Hunch Ventures, a Delhi-based equity investment firm that has deployed over $100 million in consumer-facing business in India. The joint venture has not yet settled on prices for its India service, but promises to price the flights significantly lower than private chartered jets. The service will help customers avoid large commercial airports entirely as they transform unpredictable four-to-eight hours drive into short 35-minute flights, said Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal. Its not going to be as inexpensive as an Ola or Uber, but for people who value their time more than the cost, our service does make sense, he said. After Pune, the services will be extended to Shirdi. Amar Abrol, who till May this year was heading AirAsia India, will be CEO of the India operations. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In an interesting development, fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Wednesday took to social media offering to pay back 100 per cent of the public money to his lender banks, while adding that his extradition from the UK to India will take its own legal course.In series of tweets, Mallya claimed that he has been falsely implicated as a defaulter following a concerted propaganda by politicians and the media. Politicians and media are constantly talking loudly about me being a defaulter, who has run away with PSU banks money. All this is false, Mallya said, going on to say that he is ready to pay back 100 per cent of the public money. The most important point is the public money and I am offering to pay 100 per cent back. I humbly request the banks and government to take it. If payback refused, WHY (sic), he tweeted. Mallya, who is already fighting a legal battle against his extradition to India, said that the law will take its own course in this regard. In a series of tweets, he said that he sees quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. His tweet came days ahead of the UK courts final verdict in the case pertaining to his extradition. The UK court had, in September, fixed December 10 as the date to deliver its verdict on whether Mallya can be extradited to India or not to face trial on charges of fraud and laundering of money amounting to around `9,000 crore. Mallya, who owes money to several banks, had fled to the UK in March 2016. On the fall of Kingfisher Airlines, Mallya said that the company faced the highest-ever crude prices of $140 per barrel. Losses mounted and thats where the banks money went. I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it, he tweeted. By Express News Service BENGALURU: A young research scholar with a start-up company was killed due to a blast during an experiment at the Laboratory for Hypersonic and Shockwave Research at the Indian Institute of Science on Wednesday afternoon. Three others are said to be grievously injured and have been admitted to MS Ramaiah Hospital. According to the fire department officials who rushed to the spot the incident happened around 2.20 PM. The students called the department to inform that they heard a loud blast and also saw fumes coming out of the research laboratory for Hypersonic and Shockwave of Aerospace Department. Blast at @iiscbangalore , admin curiously choosing not to talk about it. No statement yet. Pic by @tniegadekal pic.twitter.com/viS6ZEHtL3 Avinash Bhat (@avinbhat) December 5, 2018 According to Sadashivnagar police, the scholar, Manoj Kumar, a post-graduate working for the startup, Super-Wave Technology Private Limited (SWTPL), an IISc initiative, set up by KPJ Reddy and G Jagadeesh along with three others Atulya, Kartik and Nagesh Kumar were working at the laboratory when the explosion, threw Manoj Kumar against the wall killing him on the spot. Three others in the laboratory have been rushed to the hospital where their condition is said to be critical. However, IISc authorities cordoned off the place and didn't allow anyone to enter the site. They claimed that the reason for the blast is yet to be known and they do not know how the explosion took place. Police have registered a case and is investigating. By Express News Service CHENNAI : By the end of the third day of placements at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, 90 job offers were made in the field of data science and analytics which shows that there is a rising demand in the field. A total of 816 students from the institute were given job offers by Monday, the third day of placements, said a statement issued by the institute on Tuesday. The first session of placements was scheduled between December 1 and 8 and around 133 companies have made 688 offers to the students so far (till Monday). After adding the 136 pre-placement offers received by students, the total number of offers goes up to 816. The total number of offers (not including pre-placement offers) until day three increased by nearly 30 per cent compared to last year, said the statement. The number of recruiting companies has also increased by 25 per cent. In the 2017-18 academic year, 106 companies made 526 offers which went up to 643 including the pre-placement offers. According to the statement, out of 680 offers, more than 90 were for data science or data analytics, indicating a strong growth in this sector. Analytics, consulting and finance sectors accounted for 33 per cent of the total job offers so far. The core and research and development sectors accounted for 37 per cent. Number of offers more than last year The total number of offers (not including pre-placement offers) until day three increased by nearly 30 per cent compared to last year, said a statement issued by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. The number of recruiting companies has also increased by 25 per cent. Postgraduate placements In 2017-18, 307 post-graduate students (including masters and PhD) were placed by the end of the third day. This year, 374 post-graduate students got placed in the current placement until Monday. Jayanthi Pawar By Express News Service CHENNAI: A teaching faculty of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras allegedly ended her life at her quarters inside the college campus on Tuesday night. Police said the assistant professor identified as Aditi Simha, aged 48, was a native of Bengaluru. She was an assistant professor in the Physics department of the institute. Simha was reportedly separated from her husband three years ago and lived alone in the campus. On Monday night, a colleague of Simha spotted her unconscious and rushed her to a private hospital where she died around 4 Wednesday early morning. The Kotturpuram police have registered a case and further investigations are on. Police suspect a family issue could have driven the woman to end her life, however, they are yet to ascertain the actual cause for her suicide. Police said, Simha, was married to another professor who worked in IIT at Varanasi five years ago. (Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on Tamil Nadus health helpline 104 and Snehas suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050) Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In a sign of improved India-China ties, a senior Colonel of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army is currently in India for a year-long course in military management. Sources said the officer is currently with the College of Defence Management in Secunderabad, Telangana. He arrived in March this year. In another sign of the thaw in relations, the two armies will hold a counter-terrorism military exercise named Hand in Hand in Chengdu between December 10 and 23. The joint exercise was cancelled in 2017. India will send 130 soldiers of the 11 Sikh Light Infantry. India and China have exchanged personnel for courses in their military establishments but it was discontinued after a trust deficit between the two countries, especially after the 73-day stand-off in Doklam, Bhutan, last year. This is a good development. India and China are mature nations committed to improving relations further, said Lt Gen SL Narsimhan (Retd), a member of the National Security Advisory Board. He said more of such activities would result in improving mutual understanding. The exchange of officers had started about 20 years back but it had few takers. The maximum exchange took place in 2003, when once officer each from the Army, Navy and Air Force went from India to China for a course in their military establishments. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: The Bar and Bench of the Hyderabad High Court on Tuesday bid farewell to Justice CV Nagarjuna Reddy on his retirement. Chief Justice TBN Radhakrishnan, the judges and members of the legal fraternity and family members of Justice Nagarjuna Reddy assembled in the first court hall for farewell function. The CJ, and the advocate generals of AP and Telangana Dammalapati Srinivas and BS Prasad, respectively, lauded the services Justice Nagarjuna Reddy rendered to the judiciary sector. On this occasion, Justice Nagarjuna Reddy while thanking all those who cooperated with him in discharge of his duties, said that the independence of Judiciary was at stake. The Bar and Bench need to realise that it is time to protect it or else it would perish. In the latter event, our progeny will not pardon us, he added. Later in the day, the members of AP and Telangana High Court advocates associations felicitated Justice Reddy with shawl and memento. On this occasion, Justice Reddy donated `lakh to each of the association and asked the association members to utilise the amount for the benefit of junior advocates. By Express News Service JANGAON: Jangaon police seized Rs 5.80 crore cash from a Swift Dezire car coming from Hyderabad near Pembarthy check post in the district and arrested three persons in the wee hours of Tuesday. According to police, seized currency included Rs 2,000 notes amounting to Rs 1,79,63,000 and Rs 500 notes totalling Rs 4,01,02,000. The three persons transporting the amount were identified as Kirthi Kumar Jain, Navaram & Muthyam Prashanth Kumar. Speaking to media persons, Warangal Commissioner of Police V Ravinder claimed that the persons transporting the cash confessed that they were supposed to hand over it to Khammam TDP candidate Nama Nageshwar Rao, Warangal East Congress candidate Vaddiraju Ravichandra and Parkal Congress candidate Konda Surekas husband Konda Muralidhar Rao. Of the Rs 5.80 crore, Rs 1.5 crore were meant for Nageshwar Rao, Rs 2 crore for Ravichandra and Rs 2.3 crore for Konda Muralidhar Rao, he said.Ravinder said that Kirthi Kumar Jain was into hawala transactions and he was told to deliver the amount to three of them. The entire amount was hidden between the boot space and the rear seats of the car, he informed. Meanwhile, Warangal East Congress candidate Vaddiraju Ravichandra took strong objection to Warangal commissioner of police V Ravinders claim that a part of Rs 5.80 crore seized was meant for him. Speaking to reporters, Ravichandra said, Police is unnecessarily dragging my name in the issue. I have nothing to do with the cash seized,he asserted.He alleged that his rivals were trying to defame him. If you've spent time in China, you are probably already familiar with the nation's staple lagers such as Tsingtao, Harbin and Snow. However, over the past few years, the taste for strong, dark and hoppy beer has been growing, and a distinct craft beer culture has emerged across the country, with the Craft Brewer's Association of China (CBAC) festival taking place earlier this month, along-side large import events such as the CIIE and ANUFOOD, which showcased, among other things, beers from international brewers. The Craft Brewer's Association of China (CBAC) beer festival (Photo Credit: Great Leap Brewery) The demand for craft beer in China has significantly increased over the last few years, with both the rise of local craft breweries and the arrival of a growing number of foreign brands. In 2017, China's beer market surpassed that of the United States to become the world's largest in value, according to the China Craft Beer Market Report 2018 issued by Drink Sector, a beverage industry research company. The report indicates that the number of domestic craft beer breweries has rapidly increased within larger urban markets in recent years. Great Leap Brewing, based in Beijing, is a great example, expanding its repertoire from four beers in 2010, to 20 today. Founder Carl Setzer explains, When we officially opened for business in October 2010, our entire business was located at what is now our Great Leap Brewing Original #6 Brewpub. Since then, in Beijing alone, we have seen almost 15 other craft breweries open up, of varying sizes and production level. This does not include the craft breweries of other places in China, either. According to Setzer, this increase is due to Chinas status as an emerging market in the world economy. This means that a lot of people are moving here, coming to visit, coming to study abroad, etc. Because of this, new trends and styles will be quick to both emerge and permeate. Alongside new trends brought in from abroad, China's growing middle-income group of consumers, with more disposable income and a desire to purchase premium products, are another driving force behind the burgeoning popularity of craft beer. In his government work report delivered in March this year, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stated that over the past five years, personal income has increased by an annual average of 7.4 percent in China, outpacing the country's economic growth. Incomplete statistics also showed that more than 400 million of China's nearly 1.4 billion population had become middle-income earners by March of this year, said He Lifeng, director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), adding that the figure is still rising. Although Drink Sector's report indicates that the number of domestic craft beer breweries has increased, it also noted that affluent consumers continue to develop a preference for foreign brands. The Craft Brewer's Association of China (CBAC) beer festival (Photo Credit: Great Leap Brewery) In 2014, almost half of all beer imported to China was German, but this trend has since declined, allowing brands from different countries around the world the opportunity to enter the Chinese market. The report noted that in particular, small and medium-sized craft breweries are well suited to target their brands in China at a niche segment of affluent and middle-class consumers who want to try premium foreign products. Beer Select is a company from Belgium which represents a number of Belgian microbreweries. Export manager, Tarik De Winter, brought a range of craft beer to this year's ANUFOOD, which ran from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23 in Beijing, showcasing a variety of international food and beverage goods to Chinese buyers and consumers. Although there is a market for craft beer in China, said De Winter, many small breweries struggle to find a way to break into the market. There are two kinds of breweries in Belgium - the big companies such as Stella, and then there's the backbone of Belgian beer - the small guys in a small local town; their brewing is amazing and innovative. Belgium has 11 million people and hundreds of breweries, so these companies need to export. However, exporting can be difficult - they may not have time to take a plane and get all the certificates that are required to enter the Chinese market. That's where we come in. De Winter explained that he came to the first ever CIIE, which ran in Shanghai earlier this month. Since then, his company has hired someone in China, found an importer and are now trying to push distribution. I think its much more competitive than people think it is and you really need to go that extra mile. Its also a lifestyle product, and thats something that we at Beer Select try to push. For example, we will have QR codes on our next shipment, so Chinese buyers can learn about the beer they are drinking, and we also include tasting wheels so consumers can learn about different ingredients and flavors. Beer Select at the ANUFOOD event which took place from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23 in Beijing (People's Daily Online/Morag Hobbs) Earlier this month, the Craft Brewer's Association of China (CBAC) festival took place in Beijing, with 142 unique beers served over three days and four sessions ranging from sours to barrel aged beer to New England style IPAs to uniquely Chinese-inspired styles made with teas, spices, and local yeasts. "What we didnt see was boredom or disappointment. It wasnt a festival of yellow, black, and white beers or Bavarian retreads that were so prevalent three years ago," noted Setzer. "With a culinary history as rich as China, and so many different regional cuisines, the Chinese palate is not only adept at recognizing interesting flavors but strives to find them as well," said Setzer, noting that Great Leap's most popular beers are ones made almost solely with Chinese ingredients. For example, Great Leaps Honey Ma Gold is made with honey from an apiary near the Great Wall and Sichuan Peppercorn, whereas the Little General IPA is made with 100 percent Chinese ingredients including whole flower Qingdao Flower Hops from Gansu Province. With a business about to expand even further, Setzer hopes that at some point in the not-too-distant future, hell also be able to export his locally made beer. Once our Tianjin facility is complete in the future, it will have a Phase 1 capacity of 60,000 barrels, and at Phase 3 maximum capacity, it will be producing 500,000 barrels of beer, which will allow us not only to sell nationwide but expand internationally as well. As China plans to increase imports to satisfy its ever-increasing domestic demand and growing middle class, and local breweries grow in size and name, the love for craft beer is set to expand throughout the country. "We are very much in the infant stage here, but there is a huge potential to make China the next great market for craft beer as long as people care about producing quality beers in a responsible way," noted Setzer. By Express News Service KOCHI: A five-member team from France on Wednesday will interrogate an alleged operative of the so-called Islamic State (IS) terror outfit at the Viyyur Central Jail as part of the probe into the 2015 Paris terror strike. The NIA will facilitate the interrogation session and the French officers will be in Kerala for three days. It will be a rare instance in which an accused lodged in an Indian jail will be interrogated by an investigation team from an EU-member state. The team will comprise investigators from France and officers of the French consulate. The NIA court in Kochi granted permission for interrogating alleged IS operative Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Thodupuzha, at the jail from Wednesday to Friday.The French delegation will reach the Central Jail on Wednesday morning. The interrogation will be carried out with the assistance of NIA officers from the agencys Kochi and New Delhi units. The French team will be staying in Kochi and visit the Viyyur jail to complete the procedure, said an officer with the state intelligence. Subahani, an accused in the Kanakamala IS case, confessed to the NIA he had fought for the IS in Iraq in 2015. Subahani, who reached Iraq via Turkey, was trained at an IS camp before his induction into the terror outfit. He told the NIA he had fought for an IS regiment called Omer-Kathi-Kaliph, commanded by Abu Sulaimani Al Francisse. During his time there, some of the masterminds of the Paris attack, including Abdel Hamid, Abdesalam and Mohammad Usman, visited Sulaimani. He decided to return to India after one of his friends was charred to death on the battlefield. Subahani was lodged at a jail in Raqqa, the IS de facto capital, in Syria, before he was let out after he agreed to work for the dreaded terror outfit in India. By Express News Service KOCHI: A day after the talks held by the representatives of the online taxi drivers with Transport Minister A K Saseendran failed to yield a result, the Uber and Ola drivers have decided to go on an indefinite strike from Thursday midnight. Though the online cab drivers union president Jackson Varghese has been staging an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Ernakulam civil station for more than a week, the government has turned a blind eye to it. According to the drivers, the government has decided to increase the auto and taxi fare on Wednesday, but they have taken a double standard attitude while considering the online drivers plea. The Transport Minister on Tuesday said a rule-making is in the process and the drivers have to wait for a long time for it to become a legislation. We are forced to go on an indefinite strike as the government has turned down our request to consider our demands. The strike will continue until the government takes a decision, said Jackson. Meanwhile, the action council members also said the families of drivers will join the protest.Our family is depending on our income which we are earning through driving. They too will join our strike with an aim to open the eyes of the government to find a solution to this, said Jackson, whose condition is getting worse as the hunger strike has entered the ninth day. Stop exorbitant commission charged by Uber and Ola, increase wages by implementing the govt-decided fare, end sacking drivers without any prior intimation, stop Ola from bringing in vehicles of their own, end pool and share system and monitor the functioning of companies by the state government are the major demands of the action council. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As cases of fever and H1N1 are showing a spike in the state, a meeting was convened at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital on Tuesday to assess the situation. The meeting chaired by medical college principal Dr Thomas Mathew decided to set up a cough corner at the Medical College Hospital. According to the authorities, those who arrive at the casualty with fever and cough will be provided with masks from the corner. Other than that the patients, as well as the bystanders, will be provided with awareness on preventing fever. A majority of the patients who arrive at the MCH with H1N1 symptoms are those who sought treatment at private hospitals. It has been ensured adequate medicines are there for them and for those who show acute symptoms an isolation ward and ICU has been set up, said Thomas Mathew. At the same time, he also said there was nothing to worry about Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever that it is transmitted by ticks.As per the data with the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, this month alone there were 22,707 confirmed cases of fever and one confirmed death. In the case of H1N1, there were 19 confirmed cases and four deaths. The cumulative figure of the year is 2,73,2253 (fever) and 59 deaths- fever and 597 (confirmed cases) and 39 deaths when it comes to H1N1. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: SRM University-AP in association with Amara Raja Batteries is hosting an International Conference on Green Energy Technologies for Smart Cities (GETSC-2018) at SRM University-AP, Amaravati from December 19 to 21. NITI Aayog honourable member Dr VK Saraswat will inaugurate the conference. During the conference, a series of presentations and panel discussions will cover basic and advanced fields of research - materials and computational sciences, biotechnology, environmental science and engineering, health education and environment. Equal emphasis will be laid on practical technologies and applications for smart cities such as smart grids, storage solutions (hydrogen production, batteries and energy storage technologies), fuel cells and sensor technologies, carbon footprint as well as smart waste management systems. Over 45 international delegates from 10 countries and 150 delegates including distinguished academicians and researchers in the field of material science, renewable energy and green technologies from across the country will be attending the meet. By PTI HYDERABAD: The high decibel campaign by political parties for the December 7 Assembly polls, which saw political heavyweights like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi crisscrossing the state addressing rallies, ended Wednesday. Leaders from across political parties, including BJP Chief Amit Shah, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Chief Ministers of various states, Union Ministers and several others conducted election rallies and roadshows to woo voters in the state. READ| Telangana Elections: Will BJP eat into the share of TDP, TRS? Hinting at a possible future political direction, Rahul Gandhi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu shared dais for the first time. Congress formed the "People's Front" with Telugu Desam Party (TDP), CPI and Professor M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS), while the TRS and BJP are going it alone. CPI(M)-led Bahujan Left Front is also in the fray. "Mental," "420," "Chor," "Gaddar," "betrayer," "Broker" and "Cheat" were some of the words used by some political leaders during their speeches in various meetings, as campaigning heated up in the last few days. Sonia Gandhi addressed one public meeting, while Modi addressed three election rallies. Rahul Gandhi threw his weight fully behind the campaign, addressing over a dozen public meetings and road shows. Highlighting his government's achievements, Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao addressed about 90 meetings, seeking a second term for the TRS. Naidu also participated extensively in road shows and meetings, raising the election "fever. " Modi in his speeches highlighted the "family rule" of TRS and Congress even as he and Amit Shah maintained that reservations for Muslim Minorities, proposed by the Telangana government, was "anti-constitutional. " KCR, as Rao is referred to by many, largely talked about the achievements of his government and slammed Modi for not giving consent to the state's Muslim quota bill and Congress-TDP for "unholy tie up. " Amit Shah described AIMIM as a party of "Razakars," while Akbaruddin Owaisi, brother of AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi, kicked up a row by saying that whoever becomes chief minister of Telangana should "bow their head" to his party. Huge sums of unaccounted cash and illegal liquor and other goods were seized since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect on September 27. As per the last count, the total seizures stood at nearly Rs 120 crore, including unaccounted cash, illegal liquor and other goods. By IANS MUMBAI: Actress Swara Bhasker says the second season of web series "It's Not That Simple" will not only be bigger and better, but will also raise some important questions. "It's Not That Simple" tells the story of Meera -- a young woman who is trying to find her way in a world run by men while questioning the gender bias. The second season, which will start streaming on VOOT later this month, will take forward Meera's story and her struggle. "'It's Not That Simple' is back with its second edition and the show is bigger and better in all aspects," Swara said in a statement. ALSO READ: Twitter wants 'Prime Minister' Swara Bhasker to resign, but for what? "I can't wait for our viewers to meet the stronger than ever Meera. While I reprise my character as Meera in the new season, this new avatar of Meera will take everyone by storm. "I am sure that the new season which questions gender roles and challenges stereotypes will compel you to raise the very pertinent question 'Does the sex really matter?'" The show also features Sumeet Vyas and Purab Kohli. By PTI NEW DELHI: Hundreds of employees of state-owned AAI Tuesday staged protests across the country against the government's decision to privatise six profit-making airports, according to a union representative. The protests were organised by the Airports Authority Employees Union. Last month, the government cleared a proposal to manage six AAI airports under public-private partnership. They are Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru. The Union's General Secretary Balraj Singh Ahlawat told PTI that protests were held across the country against the planned privatisation of the six airports. The employees are planning to go on hunger strike starting from December 10 and later they might also go on mass casual leave, he said. There are around 15,000-16,000 employees at the AAI, he added. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) operates more than 100 aerodromes. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: One person was killed in the first of the two-phase Assam panchayat elections which was marred by large-scale anomalies on Wednesday. Voting was held in 16 districts to decide the fate of 43,515 candidates. There were altogether 92,19,938 voters. A retired jawan of the Border Security Force, suffering from mental disorders, was shot dead by the police in Golaghat district after he allegedly unleashed a reign of terror with a machete near a polling station. The deceased was identified as Gyanendra Rajkhowa. A large number of people in several districts could not cast their votes as their names were missing from electoral rolls. There were also reports about mismatch in symbols of BJP, Congress and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) at various places. In northern Assams Biswanath, an enraged mob made its way into a polling booth, snatched the ballot box and later, burnt down the ballot papers alleging discrepancies. The State Election Commission has ordered re-polling here as well as in some other places following violence. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported from some places. There was also mismatch in party symbols. We received reports about peoples names missing from electoral rolls. Re-polling will be held at all the places on December 7, State Election Commissioner HN Bora told reporters. He added that till 3 pm, 70 per cent polling was recorded. In Upper Assams Demow, former Congress MLA Sushanta Borgohain could failed to cast his vote as his name was missing from electoral rolls. Meanwhile, the war of words between allies BJP and AGP has reached the crescendo. The AGP on Wednesday predicted that the BJP would not fare well in its maiden panchayat elections in Assam. The BJP is doing politics of mud-slinging. It is contesting the panchayat elections for the first time. So, it is very unlikely that the party will do well, AGP president Atul Bora said. However, BJP president Ranjit Kumar Dass asserted that he would quit politics if the saffron party does not come first in the polls. The two parties have been critical of each other for the past few weeks following their differences over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 which the Centre wants to pass to legitimize the stay of non-Muslim immigrants of Bangladesh besides Pakistan and Afghanistan. The BJP favours the Bills passage. The AGP stands opposed to it. The panchayat polls are being seen as a prelude to next years Lok Sabha elections. The second phase of polling will be held on December 9 followed by the counting of votes on December 12. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: Dalit leader and former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi may have little hope of becoming chief minister again, but he is playing the role of chief minister in an upcoming Bollywood movie named Coat. Manjhi, 74, the national president of the minuscule party Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), is quite happy to land the movie role that is just as unexpected as his becoming Bihars chief minister in May 2014. The movie, he said, is based on the life of a poor, Dalit youth called Madho who toils hard to fulfil his desire of wearing a coat and then realises his dream. READ| Charge framed against former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi I love this movies subject The movie would show new light to millions of youth who complain about their fate and limited resources and stop moving forward, said Manjhi, who shot for his role of CM at Tungi village in Nalanda district on Tuesday. The movie, set in rural Bihar, is a small-budget, experimental movie directed by Akshay Singh. Vivaan Shah, the son of noted actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak, plays the lead role in the movie, which is aimed mainly at the festival circuit, said people familiar with the project. I had agreed to act in the movie immediately after listening to its script narrated to me by the producer and director. It is very rich in content. It is a story of struggle and success, said Manjhi, who served as Bihars chief minister for nine months since May 2014. After JD(U)s rout in the Lok Sabha polls in 2014, CM Nitish Kumar had stepped down and anointed Manjhi, then a minister in the state cabinet, as the CM. Manjhi took several decisions that felt many in JD(U) annoyed, and he was forced to leave the post for Kumar again seven months later. Manjhis HAM, which snapped ties with NDA in February, has since been a part of the RJD-led Grand Alliance. Manjhi, the only MLA of his party, has vowed to make RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav the next chief minister of Bihar. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Terming the fight between the two top officers of the CBI as an unprecedented and extraordinary situation, the Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that it had affected the image of the investigating agency and this was the sole reason for divesting CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers. Attorney General K K Venugopal told a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi that the Centres main aim was to see that the confidence of the public in the premier institution was restored. Two top officers, Alok Kumar Verma and Rakesh Asthana, were fighting against each other and went public, which exposed the CBI to ridicule, Venugopal told the bench. He said the fight between them had created an unprecedented and extraordinary situation and the Government of India was watching with amazement what the two officers were doing. They were fighting like Kilkenny cats, Venugopal said, adding that it was absolutely essential for the government to step in and act.Replying to Justice K M Josephs query as to how the government had come to know that the officers had gone public with their fight and whether they had held a press conference, Venugopal referred to media reports, and said that he could produce relevant materials to this effect. If anybody asks today, who is the CBI Director? The answer is Alok Verma. He is getting the same salary, perks and perquisites and having the same designation. He is staying in his same official residence here, he said. If the government had not done so, only God knows where and how this fight between the two top officers would have ended, Venugopal told the bench, concluding his arguments. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), in his submissions, elaborated on the powers of superintendence the CVC exercises over the CBI, and pointed out that the CVC had been empowered by law to issue directions to the CBI in cases related to the Prevention of Corruption Act. the court posted the matter for further arguments on Thursday. WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. special counsel Robert Mueller's team on Tuesday recommended no jail time for former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, citing his "substantial assistance" in the Russia probe. "Given the defendant's substantial assistance and other considerations set forth below, a sentence at the low end of the guideline range -- including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration -- is appropriate and warranted," said the sentencing memo filed by the Mueller team. The Mueller team previously filed a document saying that the sentencing guidelines for Flynn's offense suggest zero to six months. "The defendant provided firsthand information about the content and context of interactions between the transition team and Russian government officials," the memo noted. A sentence that includes no prison time for Flynn, who has met with Mueller's team for 19 times, is "appropriate and warranted," local media quoted the heavily-redacted memo as saying. However, the memo said Flynn's offense is serious, accusing that Flynn "made multiple false statements, to multiple Department of Justice (DOJ) entities, on multiple occasions." Flynn, a retired three-star general, was forced to resign on Feb. 13, 2017 for misleading Vice President Mike Pence and other officials about his contacts with then Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition. Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia. He was scheduled to be sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Dec. 18. He is so far the only member of the Trump administration to plead guilty during Mueller's probe into the alleged Russia meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. The Russian government has denied the allegation. Trump has repeatedly denied colluding with Russia, calling the Mueller probe a "witch hunt." By PTI SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday welcomed the "positive approach" of Pakistan's leadership on resolving long-pending issues with India, saying it has rekindled the hope that the two countries can live with trust and friendship. "I foresee a time when my colleagues, friends and family members move around without security. It is perhaps for that day, God has kept me going," Abdullah said at the annual day celebrations of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar. READ| Sajjad Lone's father 'brought gun' to Valley: Farooq Abdullah His comments come two days after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who completed 100 days as premier last week, said his government enjoys unwavering support of the armed forces, an influential player in the country's politics, particularly on matters of foreign policy. Last week, Khan said his government, the army and all political parties in Pakistan are on the same page on improving ties with India. He, however, did not mention cross-border terrorism which India has stressed is as a stumbling block in resuming talks between the two sides. India and Pakistan last month laid the foundation stones, on their respective sides, to open a corridor to facilitate Sikh pilgrims in visiting gurdwaras on either side. It signaled a possible move to mend ties that had nosedived over terrorist attacks in India by Pakistan-based groups. "I wish that day comes when the two neighbouring countries of India and Pakistan live in camaraderie," Abdullah, a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said. He said Khan's avowals on India-Pakistan bonhomie has rekindled the hope that a day will come when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will live in a peaceful atmosphere. Abdullah asserted that only democratically elected governments will advance the cause of development and will work for the socio-economic emancipation of the underprivileged. "I look forward to elections for the state assembly at an earliest. Only a popular government can mitigate the mounting woes of people. And it is the duty of people to elect honest people to the legislature," he said. Expressing his dismay over the attack on the secular visage of India, the NC president said "many powers that are inimical to the secular character of India are making bigoted attempts to polarize people on religious lines to garner support. This, I believe, is dangerous for a country like India which belongs to all". He said people want answers for all those "fanciful promises" that were made by the BJP. "People cannot forget the ordeal that they had to undergo due to demonetization. Small businessmen and small enterprise holders too are at the receiving end due to the promulgation of GST," he said. Applauding the professionalism and efforts of doctors of SKIMS institute, Abdullah said the institute should take lead in research. "It is the shared effort of people who run this institution that will make it great. The other day I read that the research being done in India is not of good quality. SKIMS should take a lead in research and come up with cure for many diseases that are a source of agony for people. The institute should find cure for diseases like diabetes and cancer. It will earn laurels for the institute," he said. Abdullah, who is Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, allocated Rs one crore for construction of auditorium at SKIMS from his constituency development fund. Ramananda Sengupta By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Christian James Michel, a powerful middleman in the scam-tainted AgustaWestland helicopter deal, on Tuesday became the first major economic fugitive to be extradited under Narendra Modis watch as prime minister. He arrived in Delhi from Dubai on a private Gulfstream jet around 10.35 pm. The extradition is a major shot in the arm for the government, which has been facing constant attacks from the Congress on the Rafale jet deal with France, and comes months ahead of next years parliamentary elections. Reports said a team of Indian officials had reached Dubai late last week to finalise the extradition. The UAE had ratified an extradition treaty with India in May 2013, and India had filed the Michels extradition request before the Dubai Public Prosecution in February last year. Michel was arrested, and when the case came up for hearing in a Dubai court in July, he pleaded not guilty. In September this year, the Dubai Appeal Court approved the extradition request, but this too, was challenged by Michels lawyers. But on November 19, Dubais Cassation court rejected Michels lawyer Bin Suwaidans argument that the case was politically motivated and that his client would be mistreated by the Indian authorities and upheld the appellate courts decision, clearing the way for his extradition. Michel reportedly received EUR 30 million (Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland for paying politicians and bureaucrats for firming up a Rs 3,600 crore order for 12 AgustaWestland AW101 for VVIPs signed in 2010. But the order was put on hold and finally cancelled in 2014 after an Italian court arrested chairman of Finmeccanica (the parent company AgustaWestland) Giuseppe Orsi and CEO of AgustaWestland Bruno Spagnolini on charges of bribing middlemen to secure the deal with the IAF. Though the government recovered most of the money paid to AgustaWestland, questions were raised about the role of then PM Manmohan Singh, former defence minister A K Antony, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, her close aide and MP Ahmed Patel and former IAF chief S P Tyagi in finalising the deal. Tyagi reportedly had the original flight ceiling required by the IAF reduced to get Agusta enter the bid. Obviously the case is a political one, said an official who held a senior position during the UPA government. I wouldnt be surprised if Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, who are both said to be in the UK, are also brought back just before the elections next year. Also, Pakistan is under tremendous pressure from the US at our behest to extradite Dawood Ibrahim. But then, the ISI is a tough nut to crack. Coincidence or design, Sushma on UAE visit External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is in Dubai to co-chair the 12th session of the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting for Economic and Technical Cooperation with her UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Coincidence? She is expected to return to Delhi on Wednesday By Express News Service BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan finally broke his silence over Congress sustained allegations about mishandling of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the state, dubbing the allegations a part of the Oppositions pressure tactics ahead of the counting on December 11. Taking a dig at the Congress for unnecessarily raising a hue and cry which amounted to doubting the credibility of a constitutional institution like the Election Commission, Chouhan said the EC was harsh with the BJP and at times even inhuman while enforcing the model code of conduct in the state. READ| Im surprised that the CM here works from home: Shivraj Singh Chouhan slams TRS chief KCR Chouhan, while talking to journalists in Bhopal before leaving for a leisure trip to Bandhavgarh National Park in Umaria district on Wednesday, said The EC is a constitutional body whose credibility and impartial working can never be doubted. Frankly speaking, the EC and the poll officials have actually exercised strictness mostly with BJP. Not only has the EC been harshest with the BJP, but at times it has also been inhuman over adherence to the poll code, said Chouhan. I couldnt attend the last rites of a dear friend and co-worker Raghuveer Dangi on November 27 (a day before polling) in Vidisha district as the EC denied permission stating that as a candidate, I cannot go to another Assembly constituency. But despite this I never complained about it, the CM said. Mai sach kah raha hoon, agar chunav aayog aur adhikariyon se sabse jyada koi pratadit raha hai toh voh BJP rahi hai (Im telling the truth that if anyone has bore the brunt of harshness of the EC and poll officials, its been the BJP), reiterated Chouhan. Launching a scathing attack at the Congress for making allegations at various levels of the polling process, the CM said it has been on since the polling day itself, as at 3 pm on November 28 only, Jyotiraditya Scindia wrote a letter to the EC. After the completion of voting, every day from morning to evening, the Congress has been making allegations about the safety of EVMs kept in strong rooms. Even those politicians who are not candidates have managed to get entry into the strong rooms; but weve remained quiet. It seems the Congress, seeing defeat imminent in this election, is preparing the ground to shift the complete blame of its defeat on the EC, the poll officials and the police, added Chouhan. The Congress seems to have no belief on the EC, poll officials and the police, no one knows on whom the opposition party and its leaders actually have faith. By embarking on a drive of baseless allegations, it has made the entire poll process look like a joke. Congress needs to come alive to reality that tampering with EVMs is not a gudde gudiyon ka khel (like playing with dolls), he further added. Responding to the CMs statement about the EC and poll staff having been inhuman to the BJP, MP Congress president Kamal Nath tweeted that the CMs statement amounted to disrespecting the poll staff and also doubting their impartial functioning. The CM needs to clarify his statement and apologise for it, tweeted Nath. By Express News Service CHENNAI: The State Government has put new guidelines for declaring holidays for schools on account of rains. Mere rain or drizzle should not be taken as cause for declaring holidays, said notice issued to the district collectors. The circular also requested to exercise extra caution in declaring school holidays and inform the government of such holidays. According to a circular sent by the School Education Department Secretary, Pradeep Yadav to district collectors, schools should be declared holidays only in case of severe inundation or flooding in any area leading to paralysis of transport facilities. Mere rain or drizzle should not be taken as cause for declaring holidays, it added. Also, decision to close schools may be taken three hours before the opening of schools, taking into account the situation prevailing at that time. The chief educational officers shall assess the gravity of the situation and suggest the area and day for declaring holiday to the district collector. Holiday may be restricted to the affected areas only. Revenue district need not be the unit of declaration of holiday. Educational district, Block or any other local body could even be the unit for declaring holiday, the circular said. It further said that the announcement for declaring holiday on other accounts such as local temple festivals etc should also contain the day on which compensatory classes would be held. Each holiday declared in any area should be duly compensated by opening schools in that area on Saturdays,s o that students do not miss any lesson planned for the day of holiday. Efforts should be made to open schools at the earliest. Camps, if any should be shifted to other facilities available in the vicinity. Pumping out of water in case of water logging and cleaning of premises should be given the utmost priority in the scheme of relief and rehabilitation, the circular added. By PTI HYDERABAD: The Congress on Tuesday said the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were "latching" on to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal who was extradited to India from Dubai, for a "smear campaign" against opposition leaders. Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, in a statement, alleged that facing "imminent defeat" in state polls, Prime Minister Modi and the BJP government were seeking to "weave a web of lies" and construct a "mesh of deception to hoodwink" the people of India in the chopper case. The PM said that investigation in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam took place after BJP came to power and Christian Michel will reveal all secrets. In his rally in Rajasthan on the last day of campaigning before the state elections on Friday, Modi referred to the extradition of Michel saying, "The government has brought the middleman involved in a helicopter scam from Dubai. He served politicians and will now disclose secrets. " Surjewala accused the Modi government of indulging in a "cover up conspiracy" to hide its role in helping and promoting the "banned company" AgustaWestland and its parent company, Finmeccanica. "While the BJP and PM Modi are seeking fake credit without being subjected to investigation by the CBI for their own complicity and connivance, they are latching on to Christian Michel for committing a smear campaign against opposition leaders. The truth qua Christian Michel is already out in the open," he claimed. Surjewala alleged the statement made by Michel's advocate Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos after his detention in July had "clearly brought out" that the Modi government and its agencies were forcing him to sign a false confessional statement naming UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in return for complete exoneration from any charge whatsoever in the case. "Even Christian Michel's sister had come out and reiterated the coercions of falsely naming opposition leaders as a ticket of exoneration of Christian Michel," he said. He claimed that never before in the history of India has a prime minister been found "complicit" in gaining "false evidence" against opposition leaders to seek "revenge". Surjewala also said it was time that CBI investigated the prime minister for his alleged role in "exonerating" AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica instead of "weaving a fake story" to deflect attention from the "imminent defeat" in five states. The ruling BJP had said Tuesday that the extradition in the case from the UPA era is a diplomatic victory for India and could spell "serious trouble" for the Congress's "first family", referring to Gandhis. It also asserted that the development was an unequivocal affirmation of the Modi government's "seriousness in fighting corruption". Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: With just two days left before voting in Rajasthan, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday sharpened his verbal attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that although the PM begins every speech with an invocation of Bharat Mata Ki Jai, he works only for rich businessmen. Rahul brought up the Rafale fighter jet deal, in which he has alleged a scam, and added that Modi refrains from mentioning it in speeches. The Congress leader was speaking at a rally in Alwar. He also attacked the PM saying that the government had waived off loans of rich businessmen but had ignored the farmers of the country. Are these farmers not a part of the motherland? In every speech Modiji says bharat mata ki jai. What is bharat mata? Bharat mata is this state. It is the farmers, the crores of young men and women and it is the workers. All of them comprise Bharat mata. But I want to ask why does he work for Anil Ambani, If he salutes the motherland. PM should start his speeches by saying, Anil Ambani ki jai, Mehul Choksi ki jai,Nirav Modi ki jai, and Lalit Modi ki jai, said Rahul. He added that the Modi government was formed by industrialists which is why he is favouring businessmen and waiving off their loans. He added that the Congress is going to form the government in Rajasthan and it is going to be the government of the workers, farmers and small shop owners. Also claiming a victory in Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, Rahul said, our governments in these states will give you a reply on this. We will waive off farmer loans in just 10 days . This is called Bharat mata ki jai. Rahul also hit out at Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje saying that her government had done nothing to end unemployment. Modi and Raje lied to the youngsters of the country by promising them jobs and now they cant deliver, said Rahul. I want to ask , if you had given employment opportunities to the youth, would these 4 boys have committed suicide. Please tell me. You call Anil Ambani daily. But have you once called the families of the deceased in the suicide incident and apologised? Rahul questioned. He was referring to four youngsters in Rajasthan who committed suicide last month allegedly because they were unable to get jobs. Lashes out at Raje govt for unemployment Rahul also hit out at Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje saying that her government had done nothing to end unemployment. Modi and Raje lied to the youngsters of the country by promising them jobs and now they cant deliver, he said. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: After weeks of soaring bitterness over NDAs seat-sharing plans in Bihar for the next Lok Sabha polls and targeting JD(U), the Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) on Wednesday openly turned against BJP and decided to walk out of NDA. A formal announcement of RLSPs exit from NDA is all set to be made at the partys open-house conference at Motihari in Bihars East Champaran district on Thursday, said reliable sources in the party. Kushwaha, the Union minister of state for human resources development, would resign from the central cabinet before parliaments winter session begins, they added. Resolutions adopted at RLSPs two-day chintan shivir at Valmikinagar that ended on Wednesday strongly disapproved of BJPs efforts to polarise the nation along religious lines and vowed to dethrone the corrupt, inefficient Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar. BJP has once again brought up the emotional issue of Ram temple just before the polls to divert attention from critical issues of public interest such as black money and unemployment. All the leaders, functionaries and workers of RLSP expressed deep disappointment with BJPs renewed stress on the Ram temple and JD(U)s utter neglect of Bihars interests, said RLSP national general secretary Madhaw Anand to this newspaper. Kushwaha was unanimously authorised to take the final decision on behalf of the party regarding its continuance in NDA, Anand added. Sources said the RLSP chief would announce the partys decision to walk out of NDA at Motihari on Thursday. After BJP and JD(U) offered RLSP just two seats out of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, Kushwaha had been publicly airing his disappointment with NDA and hinting at plans to part ways with the alliance. His exit from NDA is likely to spur a bout of realignment in Bihars political landscape and impact the outcome of the 2019 LS polls and the state Assembly polls in 2020. Although RLSP is unlikely to announce its next step after exiting NDA, it is reliably learnt that it would join Bihars RJD-led Grand Alliance, which is a part of UPA. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: A handwritten letter, threatening to blow up famous Sankat Mochan temple of Lord Hanuman in PM Narendra Modis constituency Varanasi, was received by its chief priest and caretaker Prof Vishambhar Nath Mishra late on Monday night. The priest handed over the letter to local police authorities on Tuesday. An FIR is lodged and a probe has been launched jointly by the crime branch and Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of UP police to find the roots of the letter. However, the sender of the letter has allegedly claimed that the blast at the temple this time would be bigger than 2006. According to Prof Mishra, he received the letter in an envelope during his routine visit to the temple late on Monday night. The senders of the letter has claimed that 2006 blast was also executed by them and that this time it will be bigger than 2006, said Prof Mishra. On the basis of the complaint of Prof Mishra, a named FIR has been lodged against two persons -- Jamadar Miya and Ashok Yadavat the Lanka police station. The two have been mentioned in the letter as senders who have cautioned Prof Mishra against taking the letter lightly. Varanasi SSP Anand Kulkarni confirmed the lodging of the case and ensuing inquiry into the issue. In the meantime, Prof Mishra duly informed Union home ministry, intelligence bureau, ADG Varanasi zone about the threat. "The letter had some names and a mobile number. Prima facie it appears someone may have done it to create trouble for the person named in the letter due to personal enmity. This temple is an important place of worship in Varanasi and we have tightened security in the area," said SSP Kulkarni on Wednesday. As per the police sources, the SSP called a high-level meeting of the senior cops of the district and entrusted the crime branch with the investigation into the matter in coordination with Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of UP police. The probe by crime branch has already taken off, said a senior police officer. The police administration is doubly cautious as the letter has been received just a day ahead of December 6 which happens to be the 26th anniversary of Ayodhya demolition, added the police official. In fact, Sankta Mochan temple, Cantt Railway Station and Dashashwamedh Ghat of Varanasi were rocked by a series of blasts on March 7, 2006, killing 28 persons and leaving around 100 injured. Even in 2010, another attempt was made by the terror elements to conduct a blast on temple premises but it was averted by the police administration in time. An unknown outfit Lashkar-e-Kahar (also known as Lashkar-e-Qahab) had claimed responsibility for the 2006 Varanasi attacks and warned of similar attacks in other cities. By PTI NEW DELHI: Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, was Wednesday produced before a Delhi court which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. He will again be produced in the court on December 10. Michel, who is a citizen of United Kingdom, was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE in connection with the case. He was produced before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar which allowed discussions between him and his advocate for five minutes. Michel's advocate asked the court to send him to judicial custody but the CBI sought his 14-days custodial interrogation to confront him with evidence and unearth the money trail in the scam. However, the judge allowed CBI to interrogate Michel for five days in its custody. The court asked the CBI to provide all relevant documents including the charge sheet to Michel. A bail plea was also moved on his behalf. The court did not give any specific date for hearing the bail plea. Security was tightened at the Patiala House court complex hours before the production of Michel. Around 15-20 personnel of the CRPF and 30 Delhi Police officials had been deputed in the court complex as well as outside several of its gates, said one of the police officials. The police force, included women officials. Michel, 54, landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on a Gulfstream jet at 10.35 pm Tuesday night after which he was arrested by the CBI in connection with the case. Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the ED and the CBI. Both the agencies have notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. Michel had denied the charges. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (approximately Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. The money was nothing but "kickbacks" paid by the firm to execute the 12 helicopter deal in favour of the firm in the "guise of" genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country, according to the charge sheet. The ED investigation found that remittances made by Michel through his Dubai-based firm Global Services to a media firm he floated in Delhi, along with two Indians, were made from the funds which he got from AgustaWestland through "criminal activity" and corruption in the chopper deal, which led to the subsequent generation of proceeds of crime. On January 1, 2014, India scrapped the contract with Italy-based Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of paying kickbacks to the tune of Rs 423 crore by it for securing the deal. The CBI on September 1, 2017, had filed a charge sheet in the case in which Michel was named as one of the accused. Former IAF Chief S P Tyagi was also chargesheeted by the CBI in a Delhi Court along with nine others in connection with a bribery case in the VVIP chopper deal. Tyagi (73) is the first chief of the Indian Air Force to be chargesheeted in a corruption or a criminal case by the CBI and he has denied all charges against him. Besides him, the agency has also chargesheeted retired Air Marshal J S Gujral along with eight others, including five foreign nationals, in the charge sheet filed before the Special CBI Judge. The anglo-italian company, AgustaWestland, is also one of the accused. Others named in the charge sheet are -- Tyagi's cousin Sanjeev alias Julie, advocate Gautam Khaitan, alleged European middlemen Carlo Gerosa, Christian Michel, Guido Haschke, former AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini and former Finmeccanica Chairman Giuseppe Orsi. They have been chargesheeted for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the IPC in the case relating to alleged bribery of Rs 450 crore. Tyagi, who had retired in 2007, his cousin Sanjeev and Khaitan were arrested on December 9 last year by the CBI in the case. These accused are currently on bail. By PTI NEW DELHI: The British High Commission sought consular access to Christian Michel, the British national who was sent to a five-day custody of the CBI on Wednesday, a day after he was brought here from the UAE to face probe in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal scam. A spokesperson of the High Commission said information has been sought from the Indian authorities urgently on Michel's "circumstances". Another official said, "we have sought consular access to Michel." "Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in the UAE. We are in contact with his family and the Emirati authorities regarding his case, and are urgently seeking information from the Indian authorities on his circumstances," the spokesperson said. Michel was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE in connection with the case. A court Wednesday remanded him in five-day CBI custody. Chinese President Xi Jinpings state visit to Portugal is expected to expand pragmatic cooperation between China and Portugal under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), said Portuguese experts who look forward to the opportunity to deepen bilateral relations in various fields. President Xi is scheduled to pay a state visit to Portugal from Dec. 4 to 5. It will be the first state visit by a Chinese head of state to Portugal in eight years and also the first visit to Portugal since Xi took office as Chinese president. The prospect for future cooperation between Portugal and China is promising, said Dr. Fernanda Ilheu, president of the New Silk Road Friends Association, adding that Xis visit will promote cooperation in various fields, including the marine economy, aviation, clean energy, and university cooperation. Portugal is an important partner in the construction of the BRI and one of the founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Through Xis visit, Portugal can explore more possibilities for cooperation with China under the BRI framework, said Dr. Paulo Duarte, a researcher and lecturer at the University of Minho. He stressed that with the rise of protectionism, Portugal and the EU should adopt a more positive attitude toward the BRI. China is Portugals largest trading partner in Asia, while Portugal is one of the main destinations for Chinese investment within the European Union (EU). Bilateral trade value between China and Portugal reached about $5.6 billion in 2017. The friendship and cooperation between Portugal and China go back 100 years, said Dr. Maria Teresa de Salter Cid Goncalves Rocha Pires, Director of the University of Lisbons Confucius Institute, adding that relations between the two countries are deepening in all aspects. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) will question alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP choppers deal Christian Michel over purported creation of "shell firms" in India and abroad by him and others to launder bribe money, official sources said on Wednesday. The central probe agency is expected to either seek fresh custody of Michel or move an application for questioning of the accused alongside the CBI under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency may also file a fresh (supplementary) charge sheet in this case detailing the role of other accused. The ED, which is probing the case along with the CBI, had filed a charge sheet against Michel in 2016 and had alleged that Michel received Euro 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland which was nothing but "kickbacks" paid by the firm to execute the 12 helicopter deal in favour of the firm in "guise of" of genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country. Michel, 57, was extradited by India from the UAE and was brought to Delhi late Tuesday night. ALSO READ | VVIP chopper scam: British embassy seeks consular access to accused middleman Christian Michel He was formally arrested by the CBI and produced before a special court here on Wednesday that sent him to five days of the agency's custody. They said Michel will be confronted with the documents that have been either seized or obtained by the agency in this probe till now and will be asked to "join the dots" of the alleged dubious payments or bribes made by him and others to those in power-- politicians and bureaucrats. The ED, the sources said, will specifically asked about their "dealings" with Indian Air Force (IAF) officials during the course of the VVIP choppers deal. The agency has some trail and evidence of the illegal monies sent abroad or routed from foreign shores to India vis-a-vis this case and Michel is expected to tell the investigators about the entire flow of money that has happened in at least two bank accounts in Delhi and few accounts linked to a media firm in Delhi, they said. There are a few firms that were floated in India and abroad for routing the alleged bribe money and such companies were nothing but dummy or shell firms, they said. Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, apart from Italian Guido Haschke (US and Italian nationality) and Carlo Gerosa (Swiss and Italian nationality). ALSO READ | VVIP chopper scam: Christian Michel may prove to be missing link in AgustaWestland money trail The ED in its charge sheet had said that the three middlemen "managed to" make inroads into the IAF in order to influence and subvert the stand of the air force regarding reducing the service ceiling of the helicopters from 6,000-metres to 4,500 metres in 2005 after which AgustaWestland became eligible to supply the dozen helicopters for flying VVIP sorties. ED investigations have found that remittances made by Michel through his Dubai-based firm Global Services, FZE to a media firm he floated in Delhi, along with two Indians, were made from the funds which he got from AgustaWestland SpA through "criminal activity" and corruption being done in the chopper deal that led to the subsequent generation of proceeds of crime. The PMLA probe found that AgustaWestland Chief Executive Officer Bruno Spagnolini was paying "kickbacks" to Michel and the two other middlemen in the guise of numerous "consultancy contracts" and Michel alone received Euro 30 million in his Dubai company accounts and others under this arrangement. The agency has also detected that the media firm floated by Michel in Delhi, along with two Indians, was nothing but a "shell company" to "launder the proceeds of crime". The probe also found that Michel had hired a firm to provide to him from India an analysis of market publications related to manufacturing industry active in Indian defence arena, the economic and financial trends in the country and overall views on private sector participation in Indian defence and manufacturing industry. On January 1, 2014, India scrapped the contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying the 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of paying kickbacks to the tune of Rs 423 crore by it for securing the deal. The CBI had filed a charge sheet in September, 2017 in this case and had named Michel as one of the accused. Former IAF Chief S P Tyagi was also listed in the charge sheet by the CBI along with nine others. By PTI PATNA: Cracks within Union minister Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) came to the fore on Monday, with two of its MLAs in Bihar making a surprise appearance in the BJP legislature party meeting here on Monday night. BJP leaders remained tight-lipped about the development, but sources within the party said on condition of anonymity that their presence at the meeting was a resounding snub to Kushwaha. One of the MLAs, Sudhansu Shekhar, had recently visited Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence, triggering angry reactions from Kushwaha, who has since been accusing the Janata Dal (United) president of trying to poach his MLAs. Earlier in the day, outside the Assembly premises, Shekhar told reporters: "I had met Kumar and there is nothing unusual in that. Legislators from all parties do meet the chief minister to discuss problems relating to their respective constituencies and I did nothing wrong." In response to a query regarding Kushwaha's ultimatum to the NDA to finalise a seat-sharing deal by Friday, Shekhar cryptically remarked: "I am going to remain in the NDA." The other RLSP MLA, Lalan Paswan, launched a scathing attack on Kushwaha, terming him incapable of managing two MLAs and an MP, let alone an entire party. "Kushwaha calls Nitish Kumar his elder brother and yet has all sorts of problems with the latter. He, however, feels no discomfort in paying obeisance to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav," Paswan, who was suspended from the RLSP two years ago, said. Paswan had joined a parallel outfit floated by rebel Jehanabad MP Arun Kumar but technically continues to be an MLA of Kushwaha's party. "He goes on whining that he is being insulted in the NDA, that he deserves a respectable treatment. Whom is he trying to fool? He is a member of the Union council of ministers in the NDA government. Do people get appointed ministers out of disrespect?" Paswan asked sarcastically. Besides the two MLAs, the party's Sitamarhi MP, Ram Kumar Sharma, had recently stated that he was in favour of the RLSP remaining in the NDA and, in an obvious hint of his future preferences, said he was in constant touch with Nitish Kumar. Meanwhile, flustered by the developments within his five-year-old party, Kushwaha announced on Twitter on Monday that he had sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi between Tuesday and Friday. The development comes at a time when Kushwaha has raised the pitch for respect within the NDA and allocation of a respectable number of seats to his party for the 2019 general election. The RLSP had won three Lok Sabha seats in 2014. Kushwaha has recently met RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and senior leader Sharad Yadav, which triggered speculation of his leaving the NDA for the Grand Alliance. By Express News Service VISAKHAPATNAM: All roads in the city led to the Beach Road where Eastern Naval Command (ENC) conducted its annual Operations Demo (OpDemo) to mark the Navy Day celebrations, on Tuesday. Every inch of available space along the beach from RK Beach to Submarine Museum was occupied by people, including foreigners, forming a boisterous crowd that kept on yelling throughout the show of strength by the Indian Navy. Children, who accompanied their parents were on cloud nine as they got a chance to witness live stunts of the Naval personnel. The celebrations highlighted the multi-dimensional warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy in protecting the vast maritime borders and offshore assets of the country. Navy personnel performing on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday on the Navy Day | G Satyanarayana On arrival at venue, chief guest N Chinarajappa, deputy chief minister, was greeted by a burst of water plume charges by the elite Marine Commandos. This was followed by the spectacular descent of the skydivers, following a combat free fall over the venue. The demonstration of naval power continued with the display of helicopters landing and taking off from the moving columns of Indian Navy ships - Ranvir, Satpura, Khanjar and Kadmatt - sailing in a taut formation. The Navys search and rescue capabilities, which have played a vital role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, both at national and international levels, were showcased by the UH3H helicopter. In a spellbinding display of covert operation, insertion of a team of Marine Commandos in a precise maneuvering was undertaken from a Sea King helicopter. This was followed by beach assault and amphibious landing on the beach front. By PTI NEW YORK: German scientist Albert Einstein's most famous letter about his views on God and religion, written just a year before his death, has been sold for a whopping USD 2.89 million at an auction here. The letter was expected to fetch upto USD 1.5 million, Christie's said in a statement. The two-page letter, dated January 3, 1954, was written to German philosopher Eric Gutkind, who had sent Einstein a copy of his book "Choose Life: The Biblical Call To Revolt". "The word God is for me nothing but the expression and product of human weakness, the Bible a collection of venerable but still primitive legends," Einstein wrote in the letter. This remarkably candid, private letter was written a year before Einstein's death and remains the most fully articulated expression of his religious and philosophical views, the auction said in a statement. "The word God is for me nothing but the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of venerable but still rather primitive legends," Einstein wrote. "No interpretation, no matter how subtle, can (for me) change anything about this," he wrote. Einstein instead invokes Baruch Spinoza, the 17th-century Jewish Dutch philosopher with whom he strongly identified from an early age. Spinoza believed not in an anthropomorphic God who intervened in daily lives, but in a God beyond description, one responsible for the sublime beauty and orderliness of the universe. "For me the unadulterated Jewish religion is, like all other religions, an incarnation of primitive superstition. And the Jewish people to whom I gladly belong, and in whose mentality I feel profoundly anchored, still for me does not have any different kind of dignity from all other peoples," Einstein wrote. "As far as my experience goes, they are in fact no better than other human groups, even if they are protected from the worst excesses by a lack of power. Otherwise I cannot perceive anything 'chosen' about them," the letter says. Einstein wrote in response to Eric Gutkind's 1952 book, Choose Life: The Biblical Call to Revolt, which he read at the behest of Dutch mathematician and philosopher L.E.J.Brouwer (1881-1966). Though Einstein was unequivocal in his critique of Gutkind's work, he sought to establish a common ground between them, noting that they still agreed on "the essentials. " Prefacing his frank remarks on God and religion, he observed diplomatically that he and Gutkind both believed in the importance of a strong moral foundation that rose above self-interest and instead sought to benefit humanity. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As many as 9,928 people lost their lives in 70,443 bus accidents in the past 10 years, Transport Minister A K Saseendran has informed the Assembly. As per the data of State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), 2,635 persons died in about 15,226 KSRTC bus accidents from 2006 to 18. And about 7,293 persons died due to 55,217 private bus accidents recorded from January 2008 to October 2018. The minister also said the major reason for these accidents was rash and negligent driving. Strict action will be taken against the drivers responsible for the accident. Appropriate steps have been taken to suspend the driving licence of the drivers responsible for rash driving. Further measures have been taken against 5,432 drivers in the past three months, Saseendran told the House in reply to a question from K J Maxi. In order to avoid such accidents, required instructions and training are being provided to drivers and conductors. Single duty and crew change have been implemented for long distance services. Parvathi Benu By Express News Service A day after Shinu, a student of Iqbal College in Thiruvananthapuram was allegedly assaulted by the members of the Campus Front of India (CFI) and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the college's CFI Unit Secretary, Aslam Yoosuf, resigned from his post, condemning the attack. Aslam, a third-year student of BA Communicative English had put up a Facebook post which said that acts of violence have become a part of both SDPI and CFI and are creating more Abhimanyus on campuses across Kerala. The CFI denied the allegations and accused the SFI of hacking into Aslam's profile and updating the status. READ | Sahal stabbed Abhimanyu to death, says chargesheet "On December 3, 2018, CFI conducted its proclamation rally. The local activists of SDPI created a ruckus during the same and attacked one of the SFI activists and attempted to murder him. As a mark of protest against this unethical activity, I am resigning from all the posts of the organisation. This is an attempt from the part of CFI to create more and more Abhimanyu's inside campuses. I am leaving this organisation forever," Aslam wrote on December 4. Aslam Yoosuf But, Sajeer Kallambalam, the CFI Thiruvananthapuram District President, denied all the claims. "The SFI activists violently marched towards the CFI rally and three of our members are now hospitalised. We've lodged a police complaint against this," he said. He added that there is no way Aslam would put up such a Facebook post and that the organisation suspects foul play. READ | Campus Front documents reveal pathological hatred for CPM, affiliates "We're yet to have a word with Aslam about this. But I don't believe that he would ever do something to defame the organisation. The primary internal investigation on this reveals that someone else has posted the status from Aslam's Facebook account," he said. No violence in the college campus The college's principal Dr Abdul Khalam tells us that despite these incidents, there is no atmosphere of violence in the college campus. "CFI doesn't have many supporters in the college. A few days back, they conducted a rally outside the campus and were provoked by the SFI members. Things took a violent turn and a student named Shinu was attacked," he said. He said that the SFI had called for a strike condemning this, but regular classes are being conducted as usual. (This article was originally published in Edexlive) By Online Desk As the debate and protests over the Supreme Court order permitting women of all ages to enter the hill shrine of Sabarimala rage on, five women protestors on Tuesday entered a public meet in Thiruvananthapuram where Kerala Minister for Local Administration AC Moideen was addressing a women's gathering. ALSO READ | Hindu organisations to form human wall against discrimination towards women The protestors entered the venue at Kaattakkada, chanting "Naamajapams" or Ayyappa chants and tried to disrupt the Minister's speech, prompting other women to join them at the same time. However, to their surprise, instead of joining the chanting, hundreds of women present at the venue booed at the five from all sides till they were forced out of the area by the cops deployed at the venue. ALSO READ | Sabarimala row: Kerala moves SC to transfer all cases before HC In a video that is doing rounds on social media, Minister Moideen is heard pacifying the crowd as more and more attendees stood up from their seats to boo the protestors as they were being moved by the police. "They will go now. They came here on somebody's compulsion," the Minister is heard saying. Interestingly, the incident has happened at a time when the BJP state unit and other parties while refusing to accept the court ruling, have openly declared that they have the backing of all the practising Hindu women in Kerala, who, they said don't wish to visit Sabarimala before they turn 50. ALSO READ | TDB to tie up with voluntary organisations for free food at Sabarimala Kerala's Left government had welcomed the apex court ruling allowing young women to enter the Ayyappa temple, while the opposition Congress and BJP started protests against the ruling. In the violent agitations that followed, women journalists were attacked and elderly women were to be given police protection at the Nilakkal base camp. While the left circles of the state interpret the ongoing agitation as a Sangh Parivar-sponsored agenda to halt Kerala's progressive and secular values, the right-wingers have claimed the Pinarayi Vijayan government's decision to implement the ruling to be an atheist-communist effort to destroy the rituals at the Hindu temple. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Director of Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) Bindu R Pillai on Tuesday hailed the role of women in farming and aqua culture. Speaking at the National Day for Women in Agriculture, Pillai said seed rearing, breeding and culture of ornamental fishes, carp culture in community ponds and post-harvest processing of freshwater fishes are being adopted by women in increasing numbers as a means of strengthening their livelihood. CIFA as a research institute is promoting such ventures among women through a number of flagship schemes, including Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav, Krishi Kalyan Aviyaan, Farmer First and North East Hill programme, Pillai said. Principal Scientist KD Mahapatra said rural women these days are contributing immensely to agriculture and allied sectors. They are taking up agriculture, fishery and establishing start-ups and launching portals for distribution and delivery, he added. Among others, Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Khurda PN Ananth, Principal Scientist GS Saha and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department Ashima Patnaik also spoke. Over 200 farm women from different blocks of Khurda district participated. By Online Desk The Chennai city police have released the photographs of the prime suspects in the Avadi double murder case. Photos of Podilappu Suresh Kumar and his wife Bhulakshmi from Andhra Pradesh were released along with circulars and pamphlets, alerting Chennai residents of the notorious couple, who have more than 30 cases pending against them in their native state, TOI reported. The circulars, which are being distributed to all police stations and pasted in major railway stations and bus depots, ask people to contact the city police control room at 100 or the assistant commissioner of police of Avadi range on 94448-03562, 94981-06608, if they spot the couple anywhere. Retired government press employees Jegadeesan (68) and wife Vishalini (61) was found murdered in their house in Avadi on November 28, 2018. The Police had recovered an iron rod with blood strains which the assailant is believed to have used to kill the couple when they were sleeping in their bedroom. By PTI PARIS: French farmers said Wednesday that they will stage a series of protests next week, adding to President Emmanuel Macron's woes as the "yellow vest" anti-tax movement rocks the country. The farmers' grievances include financial charges on their operations, the head of the main agricultural union told AFP. "No specific day has been set, it's for the week," Christiane Lambert said of the farmer protests. She said the farmers were not officially joining the "yellow vests", a grassroots uprising which has shunned alignments with political parties or labour unions. "They want an apolitical movement, without unions, and I respect that," she said, adding that farmers were facing "specific problems". She accused the government of "agri-bashing" by imposing new regulations such as requiring farmers to declare when they use glyphosate, a weedkiller suspected by some scientists of causing cancer. "Farmers feel humiliated," Lambert said. Many are also worried after Agriculture Minister Didier Guillaume said Wednesday that measures aimed at improving their negotiating power with distributors would be delayed as the government grapples with the "yellow vest" movement. The measures aim to prevent distributors and retailers from selling at a loss and limit price wars that farmers say are squeezing their margins to the limit. They were supposed to be approved at a cabinet meeting Wednesday and come into effect on January 1. But they may now be delayed until later in the month or February, Guillaume said. "It's delayed, but there must not be any retreat by the government," Lambert said. "The important thing is that it can be applied as of January 1," she said. More and more Portuguese comes to love Chinese culture Students learn Chinese calligraphy at Parque Primary School in Sao Joao da Madeira, Portugal. Photo by Zhang Yuannan from Peoples Daily Chinese President Xi Jinping depicted the deep friendship between Chinese and Portuguese in his signed article titled "A Friendship across Time and Space, A Partnership for the Future" published on Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias ahead of his state visit to Portugal. Nowadays, more and more Portuguese are learning Chinese and the "Chinese fever" is continuously heating up, indicating the increasingly deepening cultural exchanges and cooperation between people from China and Portugal. Practicing calligraphy is as interesting as painting! Its cool to learn Chinese. These are the comments of students from Parque Primary School in Sao Joao da Madeira, Portugal where Chinese is a compulsory course. With a calligraphy brush in their hands, more than 20 students are learning to write one, two, three and four in Chinese characters under the guidance of a Chinese teacher and a Portuguese teacher. About 700 students are learning Chinese in Sao Joao da Madeira, introduced the city mayor Jorge Vultos Sequeira. Six years ago, Chinese has been introduced to the compulsory curriculum for grades three and four of all public elementary schools in the city. In addition, students can continue to learn Chinese as an elective course from the fifth grade till they graduate from junior middle schools. Residents in the Portuguese capital Lisbon visit a cultural exhibition titled "Wisdom of Confucius Culture". Photo by Zhang Yuannan from Peoples Daily To help students better understand Chinese, a Chinese teacher and a Portuguese teacher have been arranged at every place of teaching by the Confucius Institute of the University of Aveiro Sequeiras nephew is also a Chinese learner. Every time they meet, the little boy will sing a Chinese song and write Chinese characters for his uncle. China is a distant and mysterious country for children, but learning Chinese has given them a super power to know more about the country, said the mayor. The two-year compulsory Chinese course, once in a week, is not enough for the students to speak fluent Chinese. However, it is important that the course can plant a seed in their hearts. In this sense, China and Chinese language are not strange to Portuguese children and turn out to be childhood memories that accompany them to grow up, said Sequeira. Cherries plus Chinese equal beautiful life, published by an 18-year-old Chinese learner named Francisco Silva from Porto on friend zone of WeChat, a Chinese social media platform. With just 7 months study of Chinese, Francisco passed Level IV of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages. He is not only able to communicate fluently in Chinese but also writes Chinese characters well. In this October, he took part in the Chinese Bridge" in Aveiro, a worldwide Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students and won the most creativity award. There is no Confucius Institute in Porto. Francisco Silva has to travel 77 kilometers from Porto to the Confucius Institute of the University of Aveiro by bus and train every week to attend the 3.5-hour Chinese class. Ill never stop learning Chinese. My dream is to speak Chinese like native speakers, said Francisco Silva. An increasing number of young Portuguese comes to love Chinese culture, said Carlos Morais, the Portuguese director of the Confucius Institute in University of Aveiro. In Aveiro District, there are 112 classes in total and 2,500 registered students at Confucius Institute. Chinese class is also availabe at Macau Science and Cultural Center in Lisbon, and its students are usually aged between 17 and 24. For young generation, learning Chinese is not only an interest, but also a skill, because China and Asia mean future and hope, said Luis Filipe Barreto, director of the center. In the eyes of young people, mastering Chinese means the golden key to future, said Barreto, expressing his hope to add Chinese into the curriculum of public junior middle schools in Portugal. Promoting Chinese as a compulsory course is a long-term effort, said Sequeira, adding that they are planning to cultivate a batch of talents who are capable of boosting Portugal-China trade relations in order to develop local economy. China means opportunity, which is the most unpretending belief of Portuguese people, Sequeira noted. By PTI WAMENA: Indonesian soldiers hunted Wednesday for rebels suspected of killing a group of construction workers in restive Papua province, as an eyewitness account supplied by the military described a grisly mass execution. The survivor's account detailed the killing of at least 19 people, which if confirmed would mark the deadliest bout of violence in years to hit a region wracked for decades by a low-level independence insurgency. Some 150 military personnel were focusing their operation at Nduga, where employees of state-owned contractor Istaka Karya were building bridges and roads as part of efforts to boost infrastructure in the impoverished region. Some Papuans resent Indonesia's building efforts, saying it is a way to exert more control over a region that shares a border with Papua New Guinea, an independent island nation. Four workers -- including three suffering gunshot wounds -- were among a dozen civilians who have been evacuated from the area so far. "Today we are going to continue to evacuate any more victims and search for the perpetrators," said Papua military spokesman Muhammad Aidi. In this picture taken and release on December 5, 2018 by Indonesian military shows alleged survivor in Wamena, Papua province, of an alleged killing in Nduga a day before. Indonesian soldiers hunted for rebels suspected of killing a group of construction workers in restive Papua provincE . (Photo | AFP) On Wednesday, the military supplied an account from one survivor identified only by his initials "JA" who claimed about 50 rebels entered the workers' camp on Saturday and led them away with their hands tied behind their backs. The following day, the rebels shot dead a group of workers, while some tried to escape, the account said. The attackers allegedly recaptured six workers and slit their throats, according to the uninjured witness, who said at least 19 employees had been killed in all. Previous local media reports pegged the number of dead between 24 and 31, but authorities have yet confirm any killings. AFP has confirmed with relatives that the witness worked for contractor Istaka Karya in the area where the killings allegedly took place, but his account of a massacre could not be independently verified. Indonesia routinely blames separatists for violence in Papua and foreign media need permission to report there so obtaining reliable information is difficult. The suspected killings came as more than 500 activists -- including an Australian -- were arrested in a nationwide police crackdown that coincided with rallies on December 1, a date many Papuans consider their anniversary of independence from Dutch colonialists. Papua declared itself an independent nation on that date in 1961, but neighbouring Indonesia took control of the resource-rich region by force in 1963. It officially annexed Papua in 1969 with a UN-backed vote, widely seen as a sham. Jakarta keeps a tight grip on Papua, which experienced several spasms of violence this summer including the killing of three local people, allegedly by rebels. Much of the past violence, however, has involved skirmishes between rebel factions and Indonesian security forces. The military has long been accused of rights abuses against Papua's ethnic Melanesian population including extrajudicial killings of activists and peaceful protestors. By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told America's special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on Wednesday that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan is in Islamabad's abiding interest and he will continue to support peace efforts in the war-torn neighbouring country. Khan held talks with Khalilzad, who arrived here on Tuesday to coordinate closely with the Pakistani leadership on the US efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to end the 17-year-long war in Afghanistan. The prime minister "reiterated Pakistan's abiding interest in achieving peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through a political settlement," according to a statement by the PM Office. ALSO READ | "Pakistan wants a political solution to Afghan peace and reconciliation," he told Khalilzad. During the meeting, the US special envoy conveyed President Donald Trump's best wishes. The US leadership is looking for a peaceful solution to the Afghan peace process and mutual cooperation between the two sides," Khalilzad told the premier. ALSO READ | Opposition mocks Pakistan PM's poultry-based poverty alleviation programme, Imran Khan hits back Khalilzad also met Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and reiterated President Trump's desire to seek Pakistan's cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan, according to a Foreign Office spokesman. "The FM assured the US side of Pakistan's steadfast support for a negotiated settlement," said the spokesman. "Pakistan will continue to cooperate with sincerity for political settlement in Afghanistan. Long-lasting peace in Afghanistan is in Pakistan's best interest," Qureshi tweeted. Khalilzad also held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, where officials from diplomatic, security and defense from both sides present at the meeting. "Peace and political settlement in Afghanistan was discussed," according to the spokesman. Pakistan is accused by both US and Afghanistan of supporting the Taliban who have waged a more than the 17-year old insurgency. Pakistan maintains that the Taliban have long shifted to Afghanistan where they control a sizeable area and that it has little control over them. Khalilzad arrived here a day after Pakistan announced that President Trump has written a letter to Prime Minister Khan, seeking Islamabad's "assistance and facilitation in achieving a negotiated settlement of the Afghan war". Khan told the media on Monday that resolution of conflict in Afghanistan was also in the best interest of Pakistan, which always made serious efforts to bring peace in the neighbouring country. Khalilzad will also travel to other regional countries including Afghanistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to seek support for his mission. Afghan-origin Khalilzad served as a special envoy of President George W Bush following the fall of the Taliban government in 2001. ALSO READ | Pakistan's mindset has 'changed', ready to meet PM Modi for talks: Imran Khan He also served as US ambassador to Afghanistan. He is seen in Pakistan as a hawk who has often accused Islamabad of supporting Taliban militants. It's his second visit to Pakistan following his appointment as special representative and reflects the Trump administration's intent to support, facilitate, and participate in a peace process in Afghanistan. After his first trip in October, Pakistan announced that it released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to help in the efforts of peace in Afghanistan. Baradar, the former right-hand man of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, was among several senior Taliban leaders freed in recent months, after the Taliban demanded their release in direct talks with Khalilzad on October 12. It is believed that Mulla Baradar's release would help persuade Afghan Taliban to lay down arms and negotiate in new peace talks. By Express News Service CHENNAI: A satanic group has added its statue to a series of decorations at a US government building in Illinois to mark the advent of the festive season. The Chicago chapter of the Temple of Satan has erected a "four-foot sculpture depicting a snake curled around an outstretched arm holding an apple" and has placed it in the Illinois statehouse rotunda, BBC reports. The Illinois state government has defended its decision to allow the exhibition of the controversial statue in the midst of Christmas decorations, saying the Temple of Satan had the same rights as other religious groups. "Under the Constitution, the First Amendment, people have a right to express their feelings, their thoughts. This recognises that," Dave Druker, a spokesman for the Illinois secretary of state, told a local newspaper Satanic groups are prevalent in the US and their idols are routinely displayed in public buildings. For instance, in August, the temple placed a statue of Baphomet a satanic deity resembling a goat in the Arkansas Capitol building during a First Amendment rally there. Members of the group, which is opposed to the power of the church, have often clashed with devout Christians. The temple is, by and large, regarded as a controversial entity, despite its regular charity works. What is the Temple of Satan? Contrary to the popular perception, they are not a bunch of evildoers worshipping the devil. In fact, only a few members of the temple actually worship Satan, most dont. Rather, they are a politically active group that has advocated for, among other things, a scientific understanding of the world. What do they do? They claim to be guided by human conscience to undertake noble pursuits, including promoting egalitarianism, empathy, and compassion. According to their website, The mission of The Satanic Temple is to encourage benevolence and empathy among all people, reject tyrannical authority, and advocate practical common sense and justice. Towards these ends, they have organised numerous charitable activities. For instance, in March, a chapter of the temple collected and distributed socks to homeless people in Pensacola, Florida. They are also known for their strong advocacy of Planned Parenthood. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 26F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 26F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Reporter Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey). Where is Fort Washington? Where is Fort Washington? That is the question Daniel Elliott and his associates, Rita Elliott, Kathy Mulchrone, and high school volunteer Rachael Walters, are trying to answer. Funded by a... Tignall store robbed at gunpoint; no leads yet This past Monday, on November 15, around 7-7:30 p.m., Wilkes County Sheriffs Deputies responded to a 911 call at Fast Trip number two in Tignall. According to the Sheriffs Office,... Wilkes County Emergency services conduct fire evacuation drill Wills Memorial Hospital, the Wilkes County Fire Department, Wilkes County EMS, and the Sheriffs Office participated in an emergency preparedness drill on November 17. Over 75 civilians were on hand... Chief Executive Carrie Lam hosts a lunch for her advisers as well as chairmen and vice-chairmen of advisory and statutory bodies at Government House to facilitate exchange of views on the future development of Hong Kong. The Chief Executives Council of Advisers on Innovation & Strategic Development held its fourth meeting today to discuss talent and manpower development in Hong Kong. Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung gave a presentation on the city's talent and manpower development at the meeting, where members received a briefing on the manpower challenges faced by Hong Kong. The challenges include an ageing population, a low fertility rate, a dwindling workforce, and a fast-changing and competitive global economic environment. They gave advice on the citys talent admission schemes as well as ways to enhance education and training. Chief Executive Carrie Lam said talent is the most important driver for Hong Kongs continued development, and education and training are the key to nurturing talent. In addition to enhancing the quality of local talent, various schemes are in place to attract talent outside Hong Kong, and we will continue to review their effectiveness and seek ways to improve them as and when necessary. She hosted a lunch before the council meeting for her advisers as well as chairmen and vice-chairmen of relevant advisory and statutory bodies. The 13th meeting of the Mainland-Hong Kong Science & Technology Co-operation Committee was held in Guangzhou today. It was co-chaired by Secretary for Innovation & Technology Nicholas Yang, and Science & Technology Vice Minister Zhang Jianguo. At the meeting, Mr Yang said it was a year of breakthroughs for innovation and technology co-operation between the two places. One of the highlights is the new policy announced in May allowing universities and research institutions in Hong Kong to directly apply for science and technology funding of the Central Government and use the funding in Hong Kong. He also noted the signing of the Arrangement on Enhancing Innovation & Technology Cooperation between the two places in September. Looking ahead, Mr Yang said he considered the opening of three key technology areas under the National Key Research & Development Programme for application by 10 local universities a great encouragement for universities and research institutions in the city. The Mainland-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme will also launch early next year, he added. Mr Yang said the Government looks forward to broadening and enriching I&T co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland under the framework of the arrangement. Portugal-China relations are exceptional, and are at the best period in history, said Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in an interview with Peoples Daily,ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinpings state visit to Portugal. He also expressed his hope that Xis visit will inject new vitality into Portugal-China relations. Rebelo de Sousa said, Portugal and China have more than 500 years history of communication and people from these two countries know each other well. 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and in the last 40 years, Portugal-China relations have developed in the fields of economy, finance, education and culture, the president remarked. Chinese companies now have an active presence in areas like banking, insurance, infrastructure and energy in Portugal, while Portuguese companies are also entering into the Chinese market and partnering with Chinese firms in trade, industry and civil engineering, Rebelo de Sousa noted. Portugal and China enjoy a close friendship, he said, adding that they can and shall enhance their cooperation, Rebelo de Sousa told Peoples Daily. China has opened its door to the world through Reform and Opening Up, building wide cultural, social, economic and financial connections with other countries. Portugal firmly believes that multilateralism and economic globalization are vital for safeguarding global peace, security, and development, as well as solidarity among people, Rebelo de Sousa noted. Portuguese are good at building bridges, he hopes that Portugal will become a bridge to enhance the link between China and the European Union. He also pointed out that One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR) proposed by China is complementary with Portugals national development strategy. Portugal hopes to seize the opportunity and actively participate in the OBOR construction so as to enhance communication and connectivity between Europe and Asia, he said. Rebelo de Sousa stressed that mutual trust between China and Portugal is rooted in the high importance placed on bilateral relations by the leaders of both countries and the strong and comprehensive cooperation between these two countries. Xis visit will not only reinforce mutual trust and friendship of the two countries but also achieve positive results, he said. There Was No Chance of Survivorsbut They Found One (Newser) The city of Norfolk has agreed to pay $4.9 million to four former sailors who were wrongly convicted of a woman's rape and murder based on intimidating police interrogations. A copy of the settlement agreement for the "Norfolk Four" was obtained by the AP. The state also has agreed to pay $3.5 million. The payments close out a decades-long case that drew widespread attention as the men's innocence claims were backed by dozens of former FBI agents, ex-prosecutors, and crime novelist John Grisham. "These guys can now put all this behind them and try to recoup their lives," said Tony Troy, a lawyer who represented one of the sailors. The menEric Wilson, Danial Williams, Joseph Dick, and Derek Ticewere pardoned by then-Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe last year of the 1997 rape and murder of Michelle Moore-Bosko. story continues below Moore-Bosko's husband found her stabbed and strangled body in their apartment in July of that year after returning from a week at sea. Williams, who lived in the same building, was quickly identified as a suspect because a neighbor told police he had a crush on the victim. Williams admitted to her rape and murderthe first of a series of confessions, which conflicted with each other, that the men, then-sailors at the Naval base in Norfolk, say were forced by police. DNA evidence matched only one person: Omar Ballard, the fifth man convicted in the case. Ballard, who pleaded guilty in 2000, acknowledged he was solely responsible and is serving a life sentence. Ballard's account was the only one containing information matching the crime scene. In vacating some of the Norfolk Four's convictions, a federal judge once declared that "no sane human being" could find them guilty. (Much more on the case here.) (Newser) The Colorado 23-year-old who said his 19-year-old victim hired him to kill her was sentenced Monday to 48 years in prison. Joseph Lopez, who fatally shot Natalie Bollinger in the head on Dec. 29, 2017, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, People reports. The plea deal allowed him to skirt a possible life sentence, CBS reports. Lopez told investigators he was responding to an ad posted to Craigslist's singles section titled, "I want to put a hit on myself." He said Bollinger posted the ad asking for a hitman to kill her, but officials have never confirmed the ad existed. The chief deputy DA did, however, say at Lopez's sentencing that Lopez exchanged dozens of texts with Bollinger before shooting her and could have alerted authorities instead of going through with the plan: "He didnt respond as a human being. He responded as a predator." (Lopez said that before killing her, he prayed with Bollinger.) (Newser) Roger Stone, a confidant of President Donald Trump, says he won't provide documents to the Senate Judiciary Committee or testify and will instead invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, the AP reports. In a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the committee's top Democrat, a lawyer for Stone said the panel's requests for information about people with whom Stone has communicated in the last three years were "far too overbroad, far too overreaching," and "far too wide ranging." "Mr. Stone's invocation of his Fifth Amendment privilege must be understood by all to be the assertion of a Constitutional right by an innocent citizen who denounces secrecy," wrote Stone's lawyer, Grant Smith. Feinstein released the letter on Twitter on Tuesday. story continues below Stone has been entangled in investigations by Congress and special counsel Robert Mueller into whether Trump aides had advance knowledge of Democratic emails published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 election. He was interviewed last year by the House intelligence committee, and a transcript of that session may soon be released. Stone has not been charged and has said he had no knowledge of the timing or specifics of WikiLeaks' plans. A federal grand jury has heard testimony for months from Stone associates and offered a plea deal to one friend, Jerome Corsi, that would have required him to admit to lying to investigators about a conversation he had with Stone about WikiLeaks. Corsi has rejected that offer. (Stone had already vowed not to testify against Trump, and the POTUS said his former personal attorney should be more like Stone.) (Newser) The attorneys general of the District of Columbia and Maryland plan to file subpoenas Tuesday seeking records from the Trump Organization, the Treasury Department, and dozens of other entities as part of a lawsuit accusing Donald Trump of profiting off the presidency, the AP reports. The flurry of subpoenas came a day after US District Court Judge Peter J. Messitte approved a brisk schedule for discovery in the case alleging that foreign and domestic government spending at Trump's Washington, DC, hotel amounts to gifts to the president in violation of the Constitution's emoluments clause. The subpoenas target 37 entities, including 13 Trump-linked entities and the federal agency that oversees the lease for Trump's Washington hotel. Subpoenas were also being sent to the Department of Defense, General Services Administration, Department of Commerce and Department of Agriculture, all of which have spent taxpayer dollars at the hotel or have information on Trump's finances relevant to the case. story continues below Other Trump entities that officials plan to subpoena include those related to his Washington hotel and its management. Eighteen private entities including restaurants, venues and hotels that compete with the Trump hotel are also being subpoenaed to "illuminate the unfair nature of that competition," said Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh. "We're seeking to confirm the information that everybody already knows: Trump's violation of the emoluments clause of the Constitution," Frosh said. "He's received numerous payments from foreign governments and state governments and they've been funneled, at least in part, through the Trump (hotel) in DC." While news organizations have reported how groups representing Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and the Philippines have hosted events at Trump's DC hotel since he took office, the subpoenas offer the best chance to get a complete picture of which foreign and domestic governments are spending at the hotel, how much they are spending, and where that money is going. (Click for much more of the latest.) (Newser) A 45-year-old woman who'd been pregnant and had three successful deliveries died from a strokebut her uterus just produced its fourth child. In what Gizmodo calls a "medical first," doctors in Sao Paulo, Brazil, implanted that woman's reproductive organ after her death in a 32-year-old patient who was born without a uterus, and just over a year later, that second woman gave birth to a baby girl who now seems to be doing well. The birth was a C-section, and doctors apparently had no issues during the procedure. The "case of [live birth] via deceased donor" is outlined in the Lancet journal, which notes the new mother suffers from a rare congenital condition called Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome that leaves sufferers with either an underdeveloped uterus or none at all, though their external genitals are typically unaffected. story continues below Four months before the September 2016 transplant, the recipient went through IVF that resulted in eight good embryos, which were put on ice. She then had the 10-hour transplant surgery, and after a round of drugs so her body wouldn't reject the uterus, an embryo was implanted seven months later. The patient soon was confirmed pregnant and gave birth in December 2017; the uterus was taken out after the birth. The BBC notes there've been around 40 womb transplants, resulting in about a dozen live births, but none of those donors were deceased. One doctor calls the development an "extremely exciting" one, as finding live donors who want to give up their uterus can be difficult. CNN notes the baby, now almost a year old, is doing fine, as is the mother. (America's first uterus transplant failed just one day after being deemed a success.) (Newser) Albert Einstein didn't hold back in his famous 1954 "God letter," which fetched nearly $3 million at a Christie's auction Tuesday. "The word God is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of honorable, but still primitive, legends which are nevertheless pretty childish," wrote the famous physicist. He said he gladly belonged to the Jewish people, but "the Jewish religion like all others is an incarnation of the most childish superstitions." The 1.5-page letter in German to philosopher Eric Gutkind sold for $2.89 million, including the buyer's premium, doubling the pre-sale estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million, the BBC reports. The buyer's name was not disclosed. story continues below Christie's described the letter, written a year before Einstein's death, as "the most fully articulated expression of his religious and philosophical views." It has been cited as evidence that Einstein was an atheist, though on other occasions, he criticized "fanatical atheists" and said he was more of an agnostic, the Guardian reports."I do not share the crusading spirit of the professional atheist whose fervor is mostly due to a painful act of liberation from the fetters of religious indoctrination received in youth," he once wrote. "I prefer an attitude of humility corresponding to the weakness of our intellectual understanding of nature and of our own being." (A note that Einstein gave a messenger as a tip sold for $1.5 million last year.) Alhaji Osman Kamara works at the Chinese operated Hastings Toll Gate in Sierra Leone, and says he is grateful to the China Railway Seventh Group for creating job opportunities for Sierra Leonean graduates. Sierra Leone has long suffered from a high rate of graduate unemployment, but according to Kamara, with the intervention of the China Railway Seventh Group, many of these graduates are now employed in the local area. Kamara, who has been working for the China Railway Seventh Group since August, said that working for the company has been beneficial to his current and future career prospects. He said that all employees go through training and examinations before they are allowed to work at the toll gate, meaning they are more than capable of carrying out the necessary work. He noted that the toll gate is a blessing to the country, as there used to be heavy traffic along the Wellington-Hastings-Waterloo highways, but the construction of a four-way road has significantly reduced driving time and delays. Kamara called on the government to look out for more companies like the China Railway Seventh Group, that can help develop the country. He added that the company currently employs hundreds of local workers. Abdul Richard Fofanah, a senior member of staff at the China Railway Seventh Group, explained that since the company's establishment, management has gone the extra mile to ensure that employees are paid well and in a timely manner. Apart from providing employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans, the company also contributes to the development of Sierra Leone. For example, the company helped during a recent mudslide, lending its machinery to rescue operations, as well as providing trucks during the country's national cleaning day exercise, to assist in loading and depositing garbage. Additionally, during the Ebola epidemic, the China Railway Seventh Group donated money to help fight the deadly disease. China Railway in Sierra Leone Fofanah added that the company also sends qualified members of staff to China to study in relevant fields, enabling them to become effective managers once the toll gates are entirely taken over by Sierra Leonean workers. Graduate Abdul Richard Fofanah noted that he and his colleagues are satisfied with the way that Chinese managers are treating Sierra Leonean staff. Young Sierra Leoneans are still applying to work for this institution. The good pay and good treatment, added to other benefits we enjoy thanks to this company, points to the fact that the China Railway Seventh Group is not only abiding by government labor rules, but they are also creating employment opportunities for our graduates and skilled workers, he said. Several other local members of staff held similar opinions, adding that they count themselves lucky to be employed by the China Railway Seventh Group and are calling on the government to do more to attract other international companies to the country, to further empower the country's younger generation. (Newser) Police in Australia say they've solved a 36-year-old murder that fascinated worldwide listeners of a true-crime podcast. More than 27 million people have listened to The Teacher's Pet produced by The Australianwhich hit No. 1 in the US, Canada, and the UKsince it began in May exploring Lynette Dawson's 1982 murder, reports the BBC. Inquests previously recommended murder charges against a known suspect, though prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence. With new witness statements as a result of increased media coverage, however, police now say they're "confident" in charging Chris Dawson, who previously claimed the mother of his two daughters ran off to join a religious cult, per News.com.au. Arrested in Queensland on Wednesday, the 70-year-old is to be extradited to New South Wales, where the murder allegedly occurred. story continues below Investigators say the former high school teacher engaged in sexual relationships with students, including a 16-year-old who moved into the Dawsons' home two days after Lynette's disappearance, which Chris reported six weeks later. Police eventually dug up one of Lynette's cardigans showing "marks consistent with stabbing," but no body was ever found, per News.com.au. "From our perspective, it is not crucial to finalizing the matter," says an officer, while the Sydney Morning Herald reports prosecutors plan to present evidence of domestic violence. The outlet also references a family portrait Lynette had planned as evidence that she didn't plan to run away. Her brother says he's "over the moon" about the arrest. Meanwhile, Chris' family touts his innocence, citing "uncontested evidence that Lyn Dawson was alive long after she left Chris." (Officers dug up the couple's former home this year.) (Newser) In a sign of how much the security situation in Somalia's capital has improved, the US has established a permanent diplomatic presence there for the first time in almost 28 years. In a sign of how dangerous Mogadishu remains, many staffers will remain at the US diplomatic mission to Somalia based in Nairobi, Kenya. The State Department said the permanent diplomatic mission was opened in a small ceremony Sunday. "This historic event reflects Somalia's progress in recent years," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement, per the BBC. The department still lists Somalia as "Level 4: Do Not Travel," and it's not clear whether Ambassador Donald Yamamoto will be moving to Mogadishu from Nairobi. story continues below The US closed and evacuated its embassy in Mogadishu at the start of 1991 as Somalia's civil war intensified and the government collapsed. Officials have not disclosed how many diplomatic personnel will be moving to Mogadishu, where the US already had a facility for visiting staffers from Nairobi inside the heavily guarded airport security zone, ABC News reports. The announcement of the restoration of the permanent diplomatic presence comes 26 years to the day after George HW Bush announced that 20,000 American troops would be sent to the country to "save thousands of innocents from death." They were withdrawn after 18 service members were killed in the 1993 "Black Hawk Down" incident. (John Kerry announced America's return in a 2015 visit.) (Newser) Hundreds of former Justice Department officials have signed a letter saying they are "disturbed" by President Trump's appointment of Matt Whitaker as acting attorney general. In the letter, circulated by the Protect Democracy watchdog group, more than 400 Justice alumni urge the president to "follow the constitutional process by nominating an attorney general, and replacing Mr. Whitaker as acting attorney general with the Senate-confirmed official who is next in the line of succession by operation of federal law." They warn that Whitaker's qualifications have not been publicly reviewed, he has not been confirmed by the Senate, and he has not been vetted for possible conflicts of interest. story continues below It "falls to all of us," they write, to ensure the department's "role in maintaining the rule of law is not undermined or tainted." Protect Democracy describes itself as a nonpartisan group, and the letter states that the signatories "served under Senate-confirmed attorneys general who come from both political parties," NBC News reports. The letter says the responsibilities of the position require somebody who has been subject to the "strictest scrutiny" as required by the Constitution, though Justice Department officials have argued that Whitaker's former position as Jeff Sessions' chief of staff "unquestionably" qualifies him for the role, reports USA Today. (Advocacy groups are asking questions about Whitaker's financial disclosures.) (Newser) A 300-pound woman in Pennsylvania has pleaded guilty to murdering her boyfriend by stabbing him, hitting in the head with a table leg, and finally crushing the 120-pound man with her own weight. Windi Thomas, 44, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in the March 18 death of Keeno Butler in exchange for a recommended sentence of 18 to 36 years in state prison, the Erie Times-News reports. Police say Thomas admitted crushing Butler after a fight at their Erie residence. She told them she positioned herself so that some of her weight would be on his head. story continues below The death was ruled a homicide "caused by respiratory insufficiency secondary to blunt force trauma to the neck and thoracic compression, exacerbated by blunt force trauma to the head," court papers state. Sandra Butler, the victim's sister, says Thomas should have gotten life. "My mother, she calls for him every night," she says. Thomas, who had been scheduled to go on trial next week, will be sentenced Dec. 21, the AP reports. (A Fitbit led to this man's arrest after he claimed an obese intruder killed his wife.) (Newser) The maker of Marlboro cigarettes is joining some of the biggest names in beer in exploring the budding cannabis marketplace. Altria Group Inc., which owns Philip Morris USA, is the latest big company to show interest in marijuana. Canadian medical marijuana company Cronos Group Inc. has confirmed talks with Altria about a possible investment, the AP reports. Altria, based in Richmond, Va., is one of the largest cigarette makers in the United States. The company said it had no comment on Cronos' announcement. Altria joins beverage makers like Molson Coors, Constellation Brands, and Heineken, which have already announced moves in the cannabis space. story continues below Other big companies like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Anheuser-Busch, and Guinness brewer Diageo haven't acted yet, but have said they're watching closely as the market for marijuana and its extracts evolves. The cannabis market is expected to rapidly grow as legalization expands in the US and social norms change. On Tuesday, conservative Utah became the latest state to legalize marijuana use for medical purposes. Consumers are expected to spend $57 billion per year worldwide on legal cannabis by 2027, according to Arcview Market Research, a cannabis-focused investment firm. In North America, that spending is expected to grow from $9.2 billion in 2017 to $47.3 billion in 2027. (Canada believes its legalization of pot could be a model for the rest of the world.) (Newser) Despite her brother's best hopes, a woman's body discovered at the back of an Airbnb property in Costa Rica has been identified as Florida's Carla Stefaniak, whom a security guard is now suspected of killing. Nicaraguan Bismarck Espinosa Martinez, a 32-year-old security guard who'd been staying in the apartment next-door to Stefaniak, was arrested after making conflicting statements to police, report the BBC and CNN. Early reports suggested a security guard had seen Stefaniak leave the Airbnb in a car around 5am on Nov. 28, her 36th birthday, though that now seems unlikely. Investigators say suspected blood was found inside the Airbnb, while Stefaniak's bodyshowing neck lacerations and blunt force trauma to the head, per the APwas partially buried some 200 feet away. story continues below "Carla's father confirmed that the body belongs to Carla," reads a post on a Facebook group set up to help find Stefaniak, noting family members "will release critical digital leads of the investigation" and "continue asking questions about the involvement of others in Carlas murder" in the coming days. Stefaniak had arrived in Costa Rica on Nov. 22 with her sister-in-law, who returned to the US on Nov. 27, a day before Stefaniak was to fly home to Miami. She seemingly vanished after complaining about a power outage at the "sketchy" Airbnb in San Jose's San Antonio de Escazu neighborhood. Officials say Martinez was detained after surveillance video from the apartment conflicted with his statements. Considered a flight risk, he's being held in jail, per CNN. (Another US tourist was murdered in Mexico.) (Newser) The mail has been stopped, the NYSE has been shuttered, and past US presidents, world leaders, and other dignitaries are converging on DC to attend the state funeral for George HW Bush. President Trump, who has declared Wednesday a national day of mourning, is set to attend the service for the 41st president at the Washington National Cathedral with first lady Melania Trump, reports CNN. Also expected: the entire Bush family, including No. 43, George W Bush; the other three remaining ex-presidents (Obama, Clinton, and Carter) and their wives; former first kids, including Chelsea Clinton and Tricia Nixon Cox; and a bevy of both current and former heads of state from around the globe, including Prince Charles, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Jordan's King Abdullah II, and ex-Polish leader Lech Walesa. More on the big farewell: CNN notes the "uneasy presidents club" that will be congregating, with "few [believing] the death of President George HW Bush will lead to new camaraderie between Trump and the men who served before him." The site points out Trump hasn't spoken to any of his three living predecessors (or former first lady Hillary Clinton) since he's taken office. Despite that tension, the service is expected to encompass "an unusual bipartisan spirit," per Reuters, which notes Bush's once-stated desire for a "kinder, gentler" United States. "You'll see a lot of joy," a former re-election staffer says. story continues below Son George W. Bush will offer a eulogy that "promises a moment for the history books," USA Today notes. Biographer Jon Meacham is also set to speak, as are former Canadian PM Brian Mulroney and ex-US Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming. Fox News reports on a "dramatic moment" at the Capitol Rotunda that took place Tuesday as Bush's body lay in state: former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, 95, being helped out of his wheelchair to offer a standing salute in front of Bush's American flag-draped casket. PBS has the video. Besides the USPS and NYSE, Money has the scoop on what else is open and closed on Wednesday. (No. 41 is wearing a special piece of clothing for his send-off.) (Newser) A tour company offering expeditions down Zimbabwe's Zambezi River is called Wild Horizons, but one Florida woman's canoe adventure turned a bit too wild. The Tampa Bay Times reports that Kristen Yaldor remains in intensive care in a South African hospital after she was attacked on the river by a hippopotamus, considered one of the most dangerous creatures in the world. Yaldor and her husband, Ryan, were in Zimbabwe to celebrate her 37th birthday, but as they floated down the river, their vessel apparently spooked a mother hippo, whose calf was hunkered down under the water's surface with her. The protective mama sent the Yaldors' canoe flying, and while Ryan was able to make it to shore, Kristen was dragged underneath the water by the upset animal, which clamped down on her leg and broke her femur. story continues below She finally got away, but it took at least an hour for a medical chopper to arrive, then 13 more to get to a hospital in neighboring South Africa. Kristen is being painted by some local media as being a reckless US tourist who didn't heed instructions, with the Sunday News quoting a witness as saying the Yaldors got "too close" to the hippo (it also misidentified her as "Christine" Yaldor). But Ryan says no one informed them a baby hippo may have been nearby or that they may have been in danger. He also notes their guide's cellphone and radio weren't functioning, which delayed help after the attack. His mom also disputes that he and his wife were to blame for what happened. "The facts here are so distorted and misstated," Martine Yaldor tells the Times, adding the two didn't do "anything frivolous." (A hippo killed a Chinese tourist in Kenya over the summer.) (Newser) It's a question that fervently divides us: one space after a period or two? For Rudy Giuliani, the big issue is that there were zero. What started as a Friday typo has spiraled into a prank and then accusations of a conspiracy. Here's the timeline: On Friday, Giuliani took to Twitter to rail against Robert Mueller in a five-sentence tweet. Here it is, exactly as written. Pay attention to the spacing: "Mueller filed an indictment just as the President left for G-20.In July he indicted the Russians who will never come here just before he left for Helsinki.Either could have been done earlier or later. Out of control!Supervision please? In three instances, Giuliani failed to insert a space between two sentences. On the first occasion, what resulted was "G-20.In," which looked to Twitter like a hyperlink, as ".in" is the Internet country code for India, reports the Washington Postso it was automatically made into a clickable link. Jason Velazquez knew it was an oops, but clicked on the link anyway, saw no one owned it, scooped it up for roughly $6, and used it to display a white sentence on a black background: "Donald J. Trump is a traitor to our country." He tells CNET the whole process took him 15 minutes, and "I did it, mostly, because I could." story continues below Velazquez, 37, tweeted about what he had done. Others took note, per the Post, including Alyssa Milano and former Mexican president Vicente Fox, who tweeted "whoever is behind the g-20.in, is a godd--- genius." Giuliani noticed by Tuesday night, at which point he tweeted a gripe with Twitter itself: "Twitter allowed someone to invade my text with a disgusting anti-President message. The same thing-period no space-occurred later and it didn't happen. Don't tell me they are not committed cardcarrying anti-Trumpers. Time Magazine also may fit that description. FAIRNESS PLEASE." Twitter essentially said that's ludicrous as it cannot and does not edit tweets. Here's its statement to the New York Times: "The accusation that we're artificially injecting something into a tweet is completely false." The Times highlights what many Twitter users are highlighting: The fact that Giuliani first joined the Trump administration as a cybersecurity adviser. CNET rounds up some of the tweeted replies to Giuliani in that vein (read them here), like this one: "Did you try unplugging it then plugging it back in?" (Read more Rudy Giuliani stories.) (Newser) Cardi B is no longer feeling the love after little more than a year of marriage to fellow rapper Offset. She posted a video on Instagram saying that "we gotta lot of love for each other, but things just haven't been working out between us for a long time." The 26-year-old adds, "I guess we grew out of love, but we're not together anymore," though they're good friends and business partners. Cardi B says "it might take time to get a divorce." Her video has been viewed more than 6 million times. Offset responded, "Y'all won," reports the AP. The couple got married in September 2017 and welcomed a baby girl in July. story continues below Cardi B is scheduled to appear in court Friday over allegations stemming from an altercation at a New York City bar. CNN reports she risks jail time if she doesn't show, after she skipped out on a Monday court appearance. Her attorney told the judge she was at a previously scheduled commitment. How Page Six reported on said commitment: "Cardi B dressed up like a tiger instead of going to court." It has a photo of her as said creature, apparently filming a music video in Miami. See the pic here. (Or read more on her arrest here.) The back pattern of the 8-gram pure gold coin. [Photo/Official website of PBOC] The gold and silver commemorative coins issued by the central bank to celebrate the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up are now available, Chinanews.com reported on Wednesday. The People's Bank of China has issued a set of "reform and opening-up" coins including 1 gold coin, 5 silver coins and 1 double-color copper alloy coin. The gold coin containing 8 grams of pure gold is 22mm in diameter, with the denomination of 100 yuan. Its back pattern is a combination of the digital "40" shape and peony flowers, and the words "celebration of the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up". The gold coins will be issued with the largest distribution of 20,000. The back pattern of the 150-gram round silver coin is designed to symbolize the "Belt and Road Initiative" decoration of land, sea, bridge, olive branch, etc. Its maximum issuance is 4,000. The back pattern of the 150-gram silver coin. [Photo/Official website of PBOC] The other four 30-gram silver coins are patterned with different symbols of memorabilia of the reform and opening-up. The gold coin will not be sold separately but will go with four 30-gram silver coins, at a price range from 9,300 yuan ($1,355) to 13,000 yuan ($1,896). Buyer can also only purchase the set of the four silver coins at a range from 2300 yuan to 2600 yuan. The 150-gram silver coin sells separately at more than 13,000 yuan. The gold and silver coins are distributed exclusively through the country's licensed or franchised gold coin retailers, and all of the coins will not be in circulation. To buy the first batch of the double-color copper alloy coins, people can make appointment from Dec 5 to 8 through the official websites of the four biggest State-owned commercial banks or directly to their business outlets. Its exchange limit is 20 for each buyer. (Newser) Even after Facebook agreed to restrict access to user data, the social media giant gave certain companies special access to that data, according to a trove of documents released by a British parliamentary committee Wednesday. The emails and other internal Facebook documents from 2012 to 2015 show that Facebook entered into agreements with companies including Airbnb, Lyft, and Netflix allowing those companies special access, the New York Times reports. Motherboard calls the nearly 250 pages of documents "devastating" for Facebook, but the company says in a statement that the documents were gathered as part of a "baseless case" and "are only part of the story and are presented in a way that is very misleading without additional context." The statement adds, "The facts are clear: weve never sold peoples data." story continues below BuzzFeed last week published an extensive explainer on the documents: They were gathered by Ted Kramer, the managing director of an app developer that is suing Facebook in California, as part of discovery in that lawsuit; he traveled to the UK on business while they were in his possession, and the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport Committee, which is investigating Facebook over user data issues, seized the documents from him. It was Damian Collins, the chair of that committee, who then published the documents; he used parliament's sergeant-at-arms to obtain the documents as well as the authority to publish them. The documents also show Facebook debating whether to shut down access to user data for competitors and whether to offer more access to app developers that advertised with Facebook. (Read more Facebook stories.) A leading Indian social scientist is on a mission to boost business and cultural ties between the Kingdom and India. Sarvesh Tiwari, the founder of PR Professionals, was in the Kingdom as part of his project aimed at improving the people-to-people contact between both nations. Tourism, culture and business are the three sectors where the Kingdom and Bahrain can further boost ties. Bahrain is becoming a major tourist destination for Indians while more Bahrainis are travelling to India compared to the past. Wedding tourism is becoming a big success here in the Kingdom, which has hosted many luxurious Indian weddings. As part of his project, Mr Tiwari has signed a MoU with Room 32, a leading event management company in the Kingdom, owned by McIndies Holdings. Yusuffali Musaliam Veettil Abdul Kader, or Yusuffali MA as he is popularly known, is the Middle Easts answer to Sam Walton, who founded the Walmart Stores back in 1962. With a personal wealth of $5.6 billion and nearly 50,000 employees under him, Mr Yusuffali runs the popular LuLu Hypermarkets across the Middle East and India, making him the 26th richest man in India, according to Forbes Magazine. The LuLu Hypermarkets see 1.35 million shoppers a day and operate about 156 shopping centres across 23 countries. The groups mall in the Indian state of Keralas Kochi is counted among one of the largest in the world. The LuLu Group will open its seventh hypermarket in the Kingdom at The Atrium Mall in Saar today. In an email interview with Tribune, Mr Yusuffali said the Kingdom remains a key market for the global chain. The LuLu Group is a global enterprise that sees every country as unique and vital to its growth and expansion. We have been in Bahrain for 12 years now and in that time, we have reached our seventh hypermarket opening. We are committed to further expansion in Bahrain and greater investment, thanks to our confidence in the vision of the leaders of Bahrain and the business-friendly environment of the Kingdom. I see Bahrain as a key marketplace in our global chain. It may be smaller than others but is sophisticated and our shoppers are keenly aware of quality and cost parameters and repay the LuLu quality promise with customer loyalty. It is a pleasure for LuLu Hypermarket to serve Bahrain. When asked about the ongoing economic downturns across the world, Mr Yusuffali said they are just economic cycles, which shouldnt be a cause of worry. I must say that I believe that market phenomenon such as recession or slowdown are temporary conditions and it does not stop us from forging ahead with our plans. The LuLu Group always worked towards a holistic success rather than any set number of stores. Having said that, we are currently working on 26 different projects in different countries in the GCC as well as in Egypt, India and the Far East. I think we shall be crossing our 200th hypermarket mark by 2020. Beyonce led an all-star lineup including Ed Sheeran, Jay-Z and Usher in Johannesburg at a concert to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela on Sunday. The concert was the climax of a year of events celebrating the centennial of M a n d e l a s birth in 1918, and part of a campaign to tackle poverty, child malnutrition and boost gender equality. This years Global Citizen Festival was held at Johannesburgs FNB staium and saw Beyonce perform several of her hits as well as a duet with Sheeran. Thousands of music fans, many of whom had received free tickets to reward their activism and campaigning work, flocked to the stadium hours before the concert began. Im proud to be part of the global citizen movement because they are trying to make a positive impact on peoples lives -- especially womens and childrens issues, said Nokthula Khuzwayo, 23, from Soweto. I loved Dbanjs performance and of course Queen B and Jay-Z, even though it was a brief one. As well as a constellation of global stars that also included Pharrell Williams and Coldplays Chris Martin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted fellow heads of state from Ghana, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. We are here to act in one voice, said Ramaphosa. An Indonesian soldier was killed while investigating reports that more than two dozen construction workers were shot dead by separatist rebels in restive Papua province, officials said yesterday. If confirmed, the killings would mark the deadliest bout of violence in years to hit a far-flung region wracked for decades by a low-level independence insurgency. Citing local police, Indonesian media reported late Monday that the workers were shot dead on Sunday in Nduga, a district in the centre of the region on the western half of New Guinea island, just north of Australia. Police and military teams were sent to the area on Monday when they came under rebel gunfire with one soldier killed and another wounded in the firefight, authorities said. The employees of stateowned contractor Istaka Karya were building bridges and roads as part of efforts to boost infrastructure in the impoverished region. All construction work in the area would be temporarily suspended, the public works ministry said. More than a dozen coffins were being readied in Wamena, the nearest major town to where the alleged killings happened. The Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) was nominated to represent the Arab Region within the ITU-T Study Group 17 for Cyber Security. This was announced during the Regional Cybersecurity Week 2018 for the Arab Region organized by the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority of Kuwait. ITU-T Study Group 17 coordinates security-related work across all ITU-T Study Groups. Often working in cooperation with other standards development organizations and various ICT industry consortia, SG17 deals with a broad range of standardization issues. The need and significance of Cybersecurity has become extremely essential and critical worldwide. TRAs participation in such cyber security-related events promotes the Kingdom of Bahrains collaborative works towards global ICT security standards which conforms to the best practices of developing countries in the implementation of security standards. said TRAs Director of Technical and Operations Mohamed Alnoaimi. The event was held from 21 25 October in Kuwait in cooperation with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)s Arab Regional Office and the Arab Regional Cybersecurity Centre (ARCC). TRA also participated in the 7th Regional Cybersecurity Summit that aims to address the best preventive strategies to counteract cyber threats and the 6th Regional Cyber Drill that aims to enhance communication and capacity building and boost emergency readiness and response to cyber threats and/or attacks. When it comes to enhancing national GDP, Bahrains tourism sector is one of the leading contributors, said BTEA CEO adding that 6.9 per cent of the Kingdoms GDP comes from this sector. Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, the Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, further stressed that the sector plays a vital role in increasing employment rates and has great potential for further growth and development. Participating in the 3rd UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture, the top official said that BTEAs strategy focuses on developing the tourism sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Held under the theme for the Benefit of All, the conference was held in Istanbul, Turkey between the 3rd and 5th of December 2018. During the conference, Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa took part in a ministerial discussion which focused on strengthening collaboration between tourism and culture stakeholders. The session brought together Ministers of tourism and culture to share good practice examples on how policies can be aligned to accelerate the shift towards sustainable development, how countries around the world are supporting public-private partnerships and ways of strengthening tripartite collaboration between tourism, culture and community. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has highlighted the importance of instilling national identity through the preservation of Bahraini Arabian horse breeds, the revival of the pearl industry and the restoration of historical sites in the Kingdom, the CEO of BTEA told the conference participants. The Authority also plays an integral role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, he added. Officials at the 2018 China Forum in Sierra Leone The Sierra Leone-China Foundation has facilitated a China Forum to discuss China-Sierra Leone trade and economic cooperation from a reciprocal perspective. Held in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, the event brought together Sierra Leonean officials, international experts, organizations, the media and business community stakeholders from both countries. With the theme of Work together with Chinese Investment to Achieve Common Development and Build a Shared Future in Sierra Leone, the event echoed President Xi Jinpings vision of building a China-Africa community with a shared future that pursues win-win cooperation, a message that was highlighted throughout the FOCAC Beijing Summit this year. Speakers praised the Chinese government and people for their relentless support to Sierra Leone and underscored the importance of attracting more Chinese investment to the West African nation for greater economic development. Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Ambassador Wu Peng, said with the government's commitment to fight against corruption and diversify the economy, he believes that Sierra Leone's business environment will continue to improve. Chinese officials at the Forum In line with the H.E. President Bios development priority, I have spent time and effort encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest in the agricultural sector, to help master planting methods and increase food yield in Sierra Leone, he said, adding that Sierra Leone has advantageous natural conditions and rich resources. Managed by good governance, the people of Sierra Leone can achieve food self-sufficiency and independent development, the Chinese Ambassador explained. In recent years, China-Sierra Leone relations have enjoyed a sound momentum of development in various fields, and China is one of the country's most important trading partners. In 2017, the bilateral trade volume between China and Sierra Leone reached 580 million US dollars, of which China exported 240 million US dollars and imported 340 million US dollars. Today, more than 3,000 Chinese people work in Sierra Leone, providing convenience to the daily life of local people and offering many job opportunities. At the same time, private investments have seen a steady increase, with small-scale and medium-sized enterprises injecting vitality into local communities and offering daily necessities at an affordable price. A shared prosperous future cannot be achieved without respect for rules of law. As I always highlight in meetings with the Chinese business community in Sierra Leone, abiding by the local laws and regulations is the very first step. Only by following the rules can a company obtain long-term development, Ambassador Wu told the 2018 China Forum. He said that to help regulate Chinese companies operating in Sierra Leone and encourage them to fulfill their social responsibility, his embassy was working closely with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Sierra Leone Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Sierra Leonean Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to disseminate related laws and regulations. A cross section of journalists at the Forum The Ambassador noted that his embassy has also demanded that Chinese business people must register in the embassy upon their arrival in Sierra Leone. I believe with the joint efforts of all of us, the Chinese business communitys presence in Sierra Leone will be welcomed by all, which in turn will help them to achieve even greater success, he noted. China, he revealed, is marching on the path toward common development, and follows the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, good faith and shared interests. It is for this reason that China has won friends in Africa and around the world, he said. During President Maada Bios state visit to China this year, China and Sierra Leone signed an MOU on the Belt and Road Initiative, from which both countries will benefit and harvest fruitful results of win-win cooperation. A prosperous future of Sierra Leone can be achieved with the joint effort of its people. I wish this forum today a complete success, and I wish you all a fruitful harvest, Ambassador Wu concluded. NEW YORK, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- China's efforts to deepen its policy of reform and opening-up and promote trade liberalization give foreign enterprises confidence to bolster growth in the Asian country, a senior executive of a healthcare giant has said. "We certainly recognize the great importance and potential of the China market and are committed to the market by continuing to invest in innovation and bring more innovative healthcare solutions," Vladimir Makatsaria, chairman of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) China, recently told Xinhua via email. Makatsaria spoke highly of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first import-themed national-level expo held in Shanghai. "The CIIE was a great platform to carry out more in-depth exchanges with governments, enterprises and other stakeholders and jointly discuss the development of the healthcare industry," he said. The U.S. New Jersey-headquartered company was one of the biggest healthcare exhibitors at the CIIE. Along with more than 160 U.S. enterprises, the company showcased its latest products and services to attract Chinese consumers and build cooperative ties with a wide range of healthcare partners worldwide. Calling the Chinese market one of the most important to the company's global business, Makatsaria noted that China has been essential in J&J's efforts to boost its research and development (R&D) and innovation capabilities. "All our three business sectors have their R&D center in China," said the company chief, adding that in the coming year the company will further expand its presence in China. J&J's first innovation incubator outside North America will be open in Shanghai in 2019 after the company launched its Asia Pacific's first Innovation Center in 2014. Meanwhile, its new Ethicon factory in Suzhou in east China's Jiangsu province is also expected to open next year to produce high quality surgical products for China's market, according to the chairman. J&J set its footprint in China in 1985, following the country's opening up in 1978, and was among the first foreign healthcare companies to do business in the country. The past three decades have witnessed J&J's robust development in China. With its businesses spanning across consumer, pharmaceutical and medical goods, the company has nearly 10,000 employees in more than 90 cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xi'an. The meeting between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) ended without any agreement on Tuesday.... The meeting between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) ended without any agreement on Tuesday. Speaking with reporters at the end of the closed door meeting in Abuja, Biodun Ogunyemi, ASUU national president, said negotiations were still ongoing. He said both parties were yet to reach a concrete decision. For now, we have started to discuss. We are yet to reach any concrete decision. Once we have more information, we will make ourselves available to the press, he said. The union will reconvene very soon to continue negotiations. The meeting, held at the instance of Adamu Adamu, minister of education, was to find lasting solution to the ongoing strike by the university lecturers. ASUU had, on November 4, embarked on an indefinite strike over poor funding of Nigerian universities and non-implementation of previous agreements by government. Meanwhile, Danielson Akpan, president, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has urged both parties to have a common ground so that the universities can reopen. A policy group in Nigeria has picked some loopholes in Atiku Abubakars policy plan, noting that, it lacks remorse and is not people f... A policy group in Nigeria has picked some loopholes in Atiku Abubakars policy plan, noting that, it lacks remorse and is not people friendly. The Economy and Strategy Team of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, BCO, was reacting to the Peoples Democratic Partys presidential candidates speech in Sokoto where he flagged off his 2019 campaign. Abubakar had claimed that he would run a people-friendly government but the group differed, stressing that his policy plan said otherwise when viewed in detail. The group said it thought that Abubakars policy document would blow the ruling APC out of the water because its ideas were already out there, and because the candidate had amassed enough resources to enable him employ pawns and foot soldiers that could run an effective media blitz. In the end, it was a non-event. To use a colloquialism it was a damp squib. If one wants to be kind, the best that can be said about the Atiku Policy Document is that it was rushed out to create a policy platform to mask the real intentions which is to regain power to continue business as usual, the group said in a statement. Adding that, Let us be candid, it is a wishy-washy, unimaginative and internally inconsistent document. In short it is Disatikulated. Given the relative although unlikely chances of the PDP of becoming the official opposition in 2019, it is important to quickly deconstruct its ideas and to do so by way of general comments and some more specific comments. The group noted that the document is not original and borrows liberally from other peoples policy documents from within and outside Nigeria. As such, it is bland and unimaginative and does not specify how the things it hopes to achieve can be done in terms of resources and bureaucratic capacity of the country. It is alright to propose implementing pro-poor policies that will enhance their participation in economic activities and improve household incomes Anyone can say that. The issue is how? After all, we in the APC have shown what is possible with our ground breaking Social Investment Programme. The group explained that one of the most striking things about the Atikus Policy Document is that it is mostly bereft of people-oriented policies. In its haste to pander to big business, our blinkered friends in the PDP completely relegate the issues around investing in the Nigerian people to talking about poverty alleviation. Apart from showing ignorance about the latest thinking around the positive impact that tackling multi-dimensional poverty has on growth, for the Atiku people to be talking about mere poverty alleviation shows that they are completely insensitive to the needs of ordinary Nigerians. In case what we are saying is not clear, let us put it in other words. Nobody in serious international development discourse these days talks about poverty alleviation. The reversion to poverty eradication later on in the document does not help their case. It only underscores the sloppy preparation of the document. Another great drawback of the Atiku Policy Document is that it pretends as if the past never happened. It makes no atonement for past looting and mis-governance and goes on as if there was nothing untoward in its past. How can Atiku Abubakar talk about privatisation with a straight face? How can any PDP person fail to explain why huge funds were voted year after year for projects with no results to show? It is only here in Nigeria that a party boasts about projects it started but Did Not Finish (DNF) which is the result given to failed athletes. The group said it carried out a thorough analysis of the Atiku document and that it talks about increasing debt with a straight face. The Zamfara state police command has confirmed that 16 of its officers died in a fierce gun battle with bandits in the state last Thur... The Zamfara state police command has confirmed that 16 of its officers died in a fierce gun battle with bandits in the state last Thursday. It said 20 officers have also been rescued. Muhammad Shehu, the state commands spokesman, said Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police (IGP), is saddened by the loss of the officers whom he described as heroes. In a statement on Wednesday,Muhammad Shehu, the state commands spokesman, said Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police (IGP), is saddened by the loss of the officers whom he described as heroes. On Friday, the police had announced the killing of 104 armed bandits in the attack at Birnin Magaji local government area of the state, while it kept mute on the casualty suffered by the command. Shehu said a combined team of security operatives have strengthened surveillance of hideouts in the area to fish out the bandits. In the search and rescue operation of the missing personnel after the last Thursdays onslaught on armed bandits, 20 personnel were rescued while 16 were found dead, the statement read. The IGP is saddened with the death of the gallant officers whom he described as heroes of the Force; their demise is a great loss to Nigeria Police Force and our dear Nation, Nigeria. The supreme price they paid for the security and safety of the Country will not be in vain. The Colleges Of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, has suspended the strike it embarkedThe Unions president, Nuhu Ogirima, who disclosed this at a press briefing, Wednesday,in Abuja, after an expanded national executive council meeting of COEASU.He said the suspension has become necessary following reassurances from government to meet some of the workers key demandsAccording to him, the suspension is to enable government implement the agreements.Ogirima, however, said the union will reconvene in January to reassess governments commitment, warning that it will not hesitate to stay away from work again if the government reneged in the agreement.Government accepts decay of colleges of education and has agreed to implement the NEEDS assessment report.The government through the Minister of Education, has met with state governors over poor and non-payment of salaries in states colleges, he added.Ogirima said government has agreed to release a white paper tagged: dual mode to implement partially for some colleges to award degrees.He said the government also promised to get back sacked members of Ogun State Colleges of EducationThe COEASUs action came at the time Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU,was being faced with inconclusive meetings with government even as its strike over similar demands was still lingering.Also, the action of the teachers of the nations colleges of education came when polytechnic teachers had threatened to embark on strike.Recall that the polytechnic lecturers under the umbrella of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics,ASUP, had warned that they may downtool next week. Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State yesterday stated that there was no basis comparing the achievements recorded by the President Muha... Governor Bagudu stated this while speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting behind closed doors with the chief of staff to the President Abba Kyari at the presidential villa, Abuja. In apparent reference to the PDP presidential candidate, the Kebbi state governor said what President Buhari has achieved and what has been outlined for the second term was not comparable. Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State yesterday stated that there was no basis comparing the achievements recorded by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and what the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is promising Nigerians.Governor Bagudu stated this while speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting behind closed doors with the chief of staff to the President Abba Kyari at the presidential villa, Abuja.In apparent reference to the PDP presidential candidate, the Kebbi state governor said what President Buhari has achieved and what has been outlined for the second term was not comparable. Responding to a question on the crowed that attended the campaigns of the PDP presidential candidate in Sokoto on Monday, the Kebbi governor said I dont know what you mean when you said you saw crowd there because many people have different interpretations. And like I said, President Buhari is running on his own record. Within the last ten days, the next level agenda was disclosed showing what has been achieved and what the second term will usher and that I believe has resonated with Nigerians and there is no comparison. The governor noted that Kebbi State remains one area to showcase the achievement of the President Buhari Government in the last three and a half years. We believe that President Muhammadu Buhari is running on his record and Kebbi state is one of those states that is very proud of the policies that had been put in place. It has helped the state to achieve gross in output, gross in income, better security and more transparency in the management of our revenue. So all the three elements that President Muhammadu Buhari promised in his campaign, we have seen the benefits in Kebbi State. So as a result, we are a welfare and transparent State. The generality of the people of Kebbi State are united under one party and we are determined to lead all other states to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are re-elected, he said. On preparation of the Kebbi to make rice available during the Yuletide season, the governor said Few days ago the President was quoted at a farmers day by the oil company, Agip. I think I read the press statement by Femi Adesina, where President said he is working on with the National Food Security Council on ensuring that farmers, Fishermen and all those that are in the livestock sector are supported particularly on the devastation caused by the flood so that the festive season will be a better one and they can replant and compensate. Secondly, last year, Mr. President graciously approved an intervention where rice was sold in many markets, Onitsha, Lagos, Abeokuta, Kano for N12,000 and I am confident that the President is looking forward to making Nigerians happy. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has sworn in three new members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly.The new lawmakers were winners of the by-elections held in Katsina, Bauchi and Kwara states, and are all members of the ruling All Progressives Congress.The oath-taking ceremony was conducted by the Clerk to the House at the commencement of plenary on Wednesday.They thereafter shook hands with Dogara; the Majority Leader, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila; and other members of the House. The Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has stood down a bill seeking to restrict children of government officials to public schools.Dogara, who noted that the bill was presented over a year ago, stood it down based on the demand by members.During the second reading of the bill at the plenary on Wednesday, the sponsor, Mr. Sergius Osei Ogun, rose to lead the debate on the bill; but another member, Mr. Ozioma Abonta, raised a point of order to say that the aim of the bill might infringe on the rights of Nigerians.The Majority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, agreed with Abonta that it might prevent Nigerians from exercising their rights of choice, movement, privacy and family life, among others.Dogara had ruled that the bill be stood down and referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for a review.Ogun, who was angered by the ruling, threatened to address the media and embark on a road show over the bill.Responding, Dogara said, We wish you well; adding that members would attend the road show. President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, stated that the desired level in the fight against corruption was yet to be attained. Buhari... President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, stated that the desired level in the fight against corruption was yet to be attained. Buhari Speaking at the Conference of Auditor-Generals in Nigeria, in Abuja, Buhari who was represented by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, therefore tasked auditors-general in the country to contribute their own quota in the task of enthroning transparency and accountability in the public sector so as to deepen the fight against corruption. He said, At the inception of this administration, three cardinal goals were set: these are security, fight against corruption and revamping of the economy. Three and the half years down the life of this administration, I am pleased to report that tremendous achievement has been recorded in all three areas. I will say, however, that the desired level in the fight against corruption is yet to be attained. He said, At the inception of this administration, three cardinal goals were set: these are security, fight against corruption and revamping of the economy. Three and the half years down the life of this administration, I am pleased to report that tremendous achievement has been recorded in all three areas. I will say, however, that the desired level in the fight against corruption is yet to be attained. Despite this continued effort on the part of government, gap still remained to be closed, especially in the area of external auditing. Buhari said since inception, the current administration had introduced several different initiatives, especially in the financial and management sector aimed at stemming the tide of corruption. Some of this initiatives, he said, include the treasury single account, which have tremendously reduced leakages in the system, as well as the Presidential initiative on Continuous Audit, PICA. Some of this initiatives, he said, include the treasury single account, which have tremendously reduced leakages in the system, as well as the Presidential initiative on Continuous Audit, PICA. He said, PICA have the mandate to validate controls, assess risk, probe a small cost, ensure compliance with public financial management refunds, detect errors and make recommendations to management for necessary actions. Recently, I approve several sweeping reforms in the public finance sector so as to further reduce waste and drive up revenue. This reforms include performance monitoring, that will set financial indicators and targets for revenue generating for government owned enterprises; new measures for expenditure controls, budgeting and financial reporting requirement. Recently, I approve several sweeping reforms in the public finance sector so as to further reduce waste and drive up revenue. This reforms include performance monitoring, that will set financial indicators and targets for revenue generating for government owned enterprises; new measures for expenditure controls, budgeting and financial reporting requirement. Buhari further stated that henceforth, the account of government-owned enterprises shall be audited within the period of four months after the end each financial year, adding that the role to be played by auditors-general in the success of this new reforms can, therefore, not be over emphasized. Let me challenge you all to think about how progress should be measured and I look forward to this as part of the outcome of your deliberations. The Sustainable Development Goals, SDG, adopted by all United Nations member state, is a universal call to action to end poverty and protect the planet and ensure that all, people enjoy peace and prosperity. These are well captured eithin the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP. Independent evaluation by auditors, for the success or otherwise of the implementations especially in the management of looted funds; against the right of proper implementations of the treasury single account TSA, the input achieved through the NPower programme, the lives that have been improved through the social safety net, conditional cash transfers and the school feeding programme and the visible progress with growth and real infrastructure, Across the country are all necessary ingredients for improvement, Buhari maintained. Also speaking, Auditor General of the Federation, Mr Anthony Ayine, said if the audit function performs well in its role, the journey towards achieving the SDGs would be shorter and smoother, adding that where audit institutions are weak, the chance of achieving the SDGs become even more remote. A National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, has challenged the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential c... A National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, has challenged the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar on the Halliburton bribery scandal. Tinubu dared the former Vice President to disclose to Nigerians why Halliburton left the country. Speaking during the National Consultative Forum themed: Nigeria on the right track organised by the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups, on Tuesday, Tinubu said the Waziri of Adamawa should explain why NEPA was privatized to wealthy Nigerians. The former governor of Lagos State stated that Nigerians have crossed the red ocean and they cannot be taken back to Egypt, Daily Trust reports. They said we should not talk about the past. We must look at what you have done before. We have to look at the Halliburton issue. Why do they leave Nigeria? $16billion on NEPA for darkness Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday in Abuja wondered how a certain Jibril from Sudan would be presiding over the Federal Execut... Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday in Abuja wondered how a certain Jibril from Sudan would be presiding over the Federal Executive Council(FEC) meeting. The misconception of Jibril, a purported body-double of President Muhammadu Buhari, has been rife in both conventional and social media lately. Buhari himself had while fielding questions in Poland, cleared the air and debunked the claims that he was cloned. Osinbajo expressed this shock at a National Consultative Forum organised by the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups (NCBSG) in collaboration with Council for New Nigeria Initiative. He said that the fear of Buhari was making some detractors lose their senses. According to the vice president, the present government is earning 60 per cent less than the previous government, yet it has spent N2.7 trillion on infrastructure, the highest in the history of the country. He said that the Buhari-led administration had done much because it was not stealing money; was doing major roads in 36 statesLagos Kano railway, Warri, Aladja, Mambilla, Port Hacourt, Maiduguri among others. Osinbajo said that the government was feeding over 9.2 million children every day; giving 2 million petty traders a better deal in life with Tradermoni and had employed 500,000 graduates under the N-Power programme. We are giving about 300,000 of the poorest Nigerians N5000 a month. How? Because Buhari is the gate keeper he has stopped grand corruption. So despite the fact that we are earning 60 per cent less we are doing five times more. This is why there is a gang up by the discredited elite against him. They prayed for him to die, he didnt die. When he came back hale and hearty by the grace of the Almighty God, they mourned while Nigerians rejoiced. They prayed for him to die, he didnt die. When he came back hale and hearty by the grace of the Almighty God, they mourned while Nigerians rejoiced. The fear of Buhari makes these people desperate even crazy. So now they say he is Jibrin from Sudan. If you cant discredit him say he doesnt exist; they were all alive and well when Pastor Adeboye went to London and prayed for him the day before he returned to Nigeria. How will one Jubril sit in Federal Executive Council and conduct meetings, consult with his ministers, speak to me daily? Their strategy is simple, if you tell a lie often enough some will believe you; Buhari is not only alive and well, he will by Gods grace live long and well after his second term in office, he said. He commended the members of National Commitee on Buhari Support Groups, saying that they were the vanguard of the battle for the soul of Nigeria. On his part, Sen. Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader, All progressives Congress (APC) expressed optimism that the part would emerge victorious in the 2019 presidential election. Tinubu gave the support groups a recipe for effective campaign. He said that the opposition would talk about herdsmen and farmers clash, adding it also occurred during the previous government. But they have low way of thinking; they have low capacity to convert tragedy to a situation of opportunity and economic prosperity; we have the capacity in this country to do irrigation; utilise our water resources; to create green pastures and ranches. We will convert that mystery; that tragedy to opportunity to our people; we have higher institutions which have conducted various studies on ranching; we can only change the way of life of some people. The herders will have greener pastures, okay; lets build schools; lets build ranches and ask the animals to be in one position and create opportunities for farmers to provide animal feeds; even animal dung will become manure and will create a bigger economy. We can create slaughter labs and abattoirs; we can hygenically transfer those feed in a cold storagetransportation; that is equally business. We can easily take those animal skins to make shoes, handbags, belts, and turn our locality to China and export. We are not going to cry; feel sorry for ourselves; relinquish our responsibility because we are thinkers and doers; we will convert it to prosperity. Believe me and believe Buhari, he said. The APC national leaders told the groups that the opposition would ask them what the Buhari government had achieved. He said that their response should be that the administration had diversified the economy; more farmers were making money and Nigeria was no longer importing rice. Tinubu said that the groups should also talk about the achievements in rail transportation. President Muhammadu Buhari has urged his supporters not to panic, saying his return to power in 2019 is non-negotiable.He also described those seeking to unseat him in next years general elections as enemies who stole from the nation blindly and should be avoided.He made the disclosure yesterday at the National Consultative Forum of the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups held in Abuja.Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, cited infrastructural development, fight against corruption, Treasury Single Account and school feeding programme as some of the achievements that have endeared him to the people.He wondered why the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he accused of plundering the nations resources, would want to stage a return in 2019, especially after his own government has made the country the best economy in Africa.Prominent guests at the event included the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode, and Senators George Akume, Ayogu Eze and Abu Ibrahim.Tinubu vowed that the APC would beat down the PDP, flaying what he described as political prostitution by PDPs presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.He also criticised Senate President Bukola Saraki for allegedly riding on the ruling partys mandate to give a lifeline to the opposition.Osinbajos campaign train stopped at the Nyanya and Karu areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday for the commencement of a door-to-door campaign.Security operatives on his entourage had a herculean task controlling the crowd as people struggled to catch a glimpse of the vice president and shake his hands as he moved through the densely populated suburbs.Osinbajo, at Nyanya, was received at the residence of Alhaji Kabiru Ahmed. Addressing the crowd there, he said: We are here to greet you and we want to say to you that President Buhari is determined that if you vote for him for this second term, we will all go higher; we will all do better. Our country can feed all of us and we can find work for everybody because we have the money.I want you all, everybody who is here, please, make sure that you vote for President Buhari in 2019. As you know, hes a truthful man; hes an honest man. Our money will be used for us; it will be used to build our roads. Our money will be used properly. It will not be stolen. So, let us vote for the man who will use our money well.He had a similar message for the people at a community square in Karu. He said: We are going higher, higher; we are going higher and higher, and I am very happy to be here with you. I want you to believe that President Muhammadu Buhari is going to do even better.Buhari, who is currently attending the UN Climate Change Conference, COP24, pledged that his government would not rest until the remaining Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in April 2014 have been released.He renewed the commitment yesterday in Katowice, Poland, at a bilateral meeting with Swiss President Alain Berset, on the margins of the conference.The president had spent the entire day at the International Conference Centre, Katowice, where he delivered his national address at the opening of the 12-day meeting, met with several world leaders, and visited the Nigerian pavilion.During his meeting with the Swiss president, Buhari thanked the Swiss Confederation for its role as intermediaries in efforts to secure the release of some of the abducted. The issue of the remaining girls and other kidnapped persons will remain a key priority for the Nigerian government, he said.Buhari and his Swiss counterpart discussed joint strategies to ensure the safe return of the girls, building on past successes. He also welcomed the Swiss presidents commitment to continue providing humanitarian assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.In separate bilateral meetings with the President of Poland Andrzej Duda and the Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Buhari commended the country for a successful outing at the opening of the COP24 meeting.He told his Polish counterpart that Nigeria was facing serious climate change challenges, particularly the receding Lake Chad, which is a source of livelihood to some 40 million people living in the region.Nigeria is totally committed to global efforts to mitigate and adapt to effects of climate change, Buhari told the Polish leader, whose country holds the presidency of COP24.Meanwhile, the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari yesterday stunned her audience when she revealed that two men in her husbands government were obstructing the administrations progress.She regretted that but for the duo the APC-led government would have achieved more. The men, according to her, would never allow things to move fast.She made the revelation at the National Women Leadership Summit organised by a group, Project 4+4, which is seeking support for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in 2019. The event was held at the National Women Development Center, Abuja.The presidents wife, who did not disclose the names of the men, said she was dismayed at the disposition of some Nigerians who, rather than fight the two, crawl to them at night to curry favour.In an emotionally laden voice, Mrs. Buhari added: I have realised that Senator Babafemi Ojudu, SA political to the president, and Dr. Hajo Sani, my aide Sajo, and Wife of the Vice President Mrs. Osinbajo are not comfortable with my saying this and want me to confine myself to my prepared speech but we must say the truth.She urged women to vote massively and return the APC to power and encouraged them to spread the news of accomplishments by the government. She also called for a minutes silence in honour of soldiers that died fighting the insurgency.She commended the political group for organising the summit and setting the tone for other Buhari support groups.Also speaking at the event, the wife of the Vice President Dolapo Osinbajo commended women for providing a permanent support base for the APC. She urged them to keep supporting the party to achieve a better Nigeria for them and their children.Earlier, the national coordinator of Project 4+4, Comrade Garba Musa Bello, explained that the purpose of the summit was to bring together women from the countrys 774 local government areas and give them a strategy for the campaign.In a related development, the Deputy Inspector General of Police for the South West, Mr. Oshodi Glover Agboola, disclosed yesterday that the Inspector General of Police has put together a robust and elaborate security arrangement to ensure peaceful campaign for all the political parties.At an interactive session with political party leaders and officers from other security agencies in Abeokuta, Ogun State, he urged everyone to tread on the path of peace before, during and after the 2019 elections.He warned that any person found with arms during campaigns would be prosecuted. He also appealed to parents and guardians to keep their wards off thuggery, because politics is not a do or die affair. Senator Bala Ibn NaAllah, (APC Kebbi), has revealed how he and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Adamu M... Senator Bala Ibn NaAllah, (APC Kebbi), has revealed how he and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Adamu Muazu persuaded former President Goodluck Jonathan to concede defeat to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Senator NaAllah said that the story of events that led to the conceding of defeat to Buhari were inaccurately stated by Jonathan in his new book, My Transition Hours. The lawmaker told Daily Mail, Muazu called me saying from the intelligence report we got, we have lost this election. So, I want you to come to Abuja and persuade Jonathan to concede defeat for the sake of peace. According to him, he arrived Abuja that fateful day and went to Muazus house where he met Buhari Bala, former treasurer of PDP, Inuwa Baba, and Ambassador Sani Saulawa. NaAllah said the former PDP chairman drove them to the Presidential Villa. At the Villa, we met former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, Jonathans special assistant on domestic matters, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, and his ADC Colonel Ojogbane Adegbe. At the Villa, Adamu Muazu asked where is the president, and Chidoka answered that he was having a meeting with the Attorney General Mohammed Adoke. While we are standing there for about 15 minutes, Adamu Muazu ordered that he should be served tea. As the tea man was coming with the tea, Adoke alighted from a room holding a file and came straight to Adamu Muazu and said we will not allow this to happen. We exchanged pleasantries and he hurriedly left. Then, President Jonathan invited us (Muazu and NaAllah) into a room. When we got into the room, we barely settled when Jonathan looked at Muazu and said Mr Chairman, the numbers coming out so far do not appear to be encouraging. It was at that stage that I cut in and said, yes, Mr President, we only have Oyo waiting. And even if the entire Oyo gives PDP the entire votes, the elections have already been lost. The next thing is how to handle the remaining parts of the transition. And I am of the opinion that God has given you the golden opportunity to write your name in gold. Then, Jonathan pointed to about five boxes in that room, and said these are my things and I have started packing, he narrated. NaAllah said Jonathan then gave them a long story of how he became a deputy governor in Bayelsa, then vice president, and later president and how he was serving his second term, saying he will never be part of anything that will bring problems into Nigeria. The senator said it was at the end of that meeting that Jonathan told them that if my fault is that I have not jailed people, let Buhari come and jail whoever he wants to jail. He said as they were leaving the room, Ahmadu Ali came in looking disturbed. And got into the same room we met Jonathan. We then left. About three hours later, we were sitting down with Muazu, Ambassador Saulawa, and Inuwa Baba, when the breaking news came that Jonathan had put a call to Buhari as president-elect. And we all jubilated and left. The senator said for Jonathan to completely leave that aspect from his book, to me, is like he inaccurately told the story of what happened on that day. And, I think, it is not fair that this fundamental aspect be left aside. It is not for Bala NaAllah but for history and Nigeria. According to NaAllah, he was also disturbed by another aspect of Jonathans account where he said, in page 76 of his book, that he was in his leaving room with some of his aides and ministers, and they were recommending sundry alternatives. Nigerians are entitled to know what were these recommendations. This is because it is only when we know these recommendations that we will know whether the decision he took was as a result of our advice or the sundry issues they have recommended. One thing, I am sure is, President Jonathan will not deny the fact we were the first to meet him over this matter. Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has said the nation failed to plan for its future in spite of the fortunes it made from crude oil sale... Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has said the nation failed to plan for its future in spite of the fortunes it made from crude oil sales and other sources under the government of President Goodluck Jonathan. Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 5th National Family Planning Conference in Abuja. The VP, who admitted that the current population growth of 3.2 percent posed risks for the nation by 2030, explained that apart from the economic policies of the past government, the administration did not make adequate family planning commodities available to those who needed them. He said: In the absence of basic social safety nets, and pro-poor policy making, tens of millions of our people were left stranded, observing the statistics of economic growth from a distance, but were completely untouched by it. The sad reality is that for most of our history as a country, periods of economic growth have somehow managed to leave out the majority of our population. Between 2011 and 2015 when Nigeria enjoyed some of the highest revenues in history and overtook South Africa to become the largest economy in Africa, there was no commensurate impact in poverty alleviation and wellbeing. If Nigerias prevailing annual population growth rate 3.2 percent persists, we will have an additional 68 million people by 2030, and will be the third most populous country in the world by 2050, he said Between 2011 and 2015 when Nigeria enjoyed some of the highest revenues in history and overtook South Africa to become the largest economy in Africa, there was no commensurate impact in poverty alleviation and wellbeing.If Nigerias prevailing annual population growth rate 3.2 percent persists, we will have an additional 68 million people by 2030, and will be the third most populous country in the world by 2050, he said Speaking on the theme of the conference: Investment, Innovation and Inclusiveness, the VP who was represented by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, added: Investment, innovation, and inclusiveness are three critical keys for unlocking the very beneficial contributions of family planning to Nigerias ambition of reaping all of its potential demographic dividends. National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC has launched a fierce attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his support to his erstwhile estranged deputy, Atiku Abubakar who is the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the next general elections.According to him, both Obasanjo and Atiku would be divinely punished at the polls in February, saying Atikus political infidelity would be his main albatross at the polls.Oshiomhole spoke yesterday when he received women leaders of the APC from across the local governments of his home state, Edo who were at his private office on a solidarity visit.The APC chairman also lambasted Messrs Atiku and Uche Secondus, the National Chairman of the PDP, faulting their calls for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris and Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.He said while Atiku wants to replace the IGP, Secondus is bent on becoming the INEC Chairman with the sole aim of subverting the electoral process.Oshiomhole also described as prodigal sons, some aggrieved governors of the party who have been threatening to work against its governorship candidates in their states, adding that the party would not immediately sanction them for anti-party activities as their main punishment would come from the electorate. A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential aspirant, Stanley Osifo, on Tuesday threatened to drag the party to court if it fails to ... A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential aspirant, Stanley Osifo, on Tuesday threatened to drag the party to court if it fails to address issues surrounding the emergence of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar as the partys presidential candidate. Osifo described the emergence of the Waziri of Adamawa as an imposition. Addressing a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, Osifo said the PDPs national convention in Port Harcourt, the River State capital, was null and void because it did not follow laid down rules and regulations of the party. He stated that he was denied participation in the exercise despite having obtained the necessary documents and fulfilled the requirement to enable him take part in the said convention. According to Osifo, I, therefore, call on the party to address this germane issue in the next 48 hours, failure which, we will proceed to court to seek redress. Therefore, the primary that produced the partys presidential candidate is null and void. I have written two letters to the party and the chairman on the matter. But my complaint was not taken seriously and we would not relent until we get justice because we will continue to pursue the matter. The former presidential aspirant said his alleged sidelining was the height of impunity in the party, saying the party should not have deemed it fit to collect from him money for expression of interest form, among others if it did not want him to participate in the exercise. There is no doubt; this is the height of impunity in the party. Before I decided to participate in the election, I met and discussed with the party leadership. As such, I obtained the form to enable me participate. Incidentally, when the party was meeting the aspirants to have discussion on primaries, I was never invited and only got to know about the development in the media. It is instructive to note that if the party did not want me to participate, why should it collect the money I paid for expression of interest to contest forms? he queried. The PDP stalwart, however, said the complaints he made that the impunity and injustice done to him be addressed by the party were yet to be responded to adequately. While stating that nobody was using him to scuttle the efforts of the party, Osifo stressed that he was protesting on the ground that he equally had the same rights to contest as a party member. I have addressed the same allegation in the past alleging that I am a mole in the party. I must make it clear again that nobody can use me to derail the PDP. I believe in the cohesiveness of the party, but it is not laying good example, he said. Real reasons the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, cleared the Senate President, Bukola Saraki,... Real reasons the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, cleared the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Kwara State Governor, Abdulfata Ahmed, and his Chief of Staff, Yusuf Abdulwahab, of any complicity in the April 5, 2018, robbery in Offa, which claimed no fewer than 31 lives, were hinged on lack of concrete evidence to nail the suspects Vanguard reports that in the case file sighted last night, it observed that in all the investigation activities, which the police high command claimed to have carried out in respect of the crime, the investigators failed to establish how and when the three top government officials aided and abetted the suspects to carry out the attack, which also drained nine banks of huge cash deposits. Similarly, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which was asked to give a legal opinion on the robbery incident and subsequently take over the prosecution of the case, is said to have been hamstrung by the clear legal position that the robbery was a state matter, having been meticulously planned and executed in Offa, Kwara State, and not the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. In preparing its legal brief to the Inspector General of Police, after reviewing two investigation briefs carried out by the police, the AGF drew the attention of the IGP to the fact that the submission did not establish any prima facie evidence that could enable the government to nail Saraki, Ahmed and Abdulwahab along with the prime robbery suspects in court. Part of the legal advice sighted read: That from the totality of the evidence contained in the interim investigation report, there is no evidence linking Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki and the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatai Ahmed Megida to the commission of the offence of armed robbery, aiding or abetting, accessory before or after the fact under investigation. It is therefore the opinion of this office that there is no prospect for prosecution on the offences of aiding or abetting, accessory before or after fact in which a reasonable court can convict based on the available evidence with respect to Senator Bukola Saraki and the Governor of Kwara State, Fatai Ahmed Megida. There must be evidence which identifies the accused to the crime or with the crime. This was illustrated in the case of DELE GABRIEL VS. THE STATE (2010) 6 NWLR (PT 2290) 280 @ 295 H.20 where it was stated that: Conviction can only be based on proof beyond reasonable doubt and not on suspicion or speculation. From the above position of law, suspicion no matter how strong can never take the place of credible evidence in proof of allegation, the AGF said. In particular, the OAGF noted that it would be in the interest of the case for the police to go back to the drawing board by taking steps to retrieve the huge cash, which the robbery mastermind, Michael Adikwu, and his gang, are said to have carted away from the nine banks and the weapons, including the 21 AK-47 rifles, which they used in executing the robbery to serve as evidence in court. However, the AGF said it had sufficient reasons to charge the Personal Assistant to the Governor of Kwara State, Alabi Olalekan, to court, in relation to robbery. He is accused of possessing a firearm, a federal offence that can be prosecuted by the OAGF, which has already begun the process to nail him. Consequently, the Justice Ministry has filed three-count charge against the suspect and the case is coming up this week at the Federal High Court, Ilorin, Kwara State. Wife of the President, Dr. Aisha Buhari, Wedneday lamented that two powerful personalities have constituted themselves as a cog in the ... Buhari, who spoke at a conference organized by Project 4+4 in Abuja, however, did not mention the names of the powerful persons. The event was also attended by the wife of the Vice President Dolapo Osinbajo. The First Lady explained that the government had achieved a lot but could have achieved more or even achieved all it had in one year but for two people in government who will never allow things to move fast. Wife of the President, Dr. Aisha Buhari, Wedneday lamented that two powerful personalities have constituted themselves as a cog in the wheel of speedy development of the country.Buhari, who spoke at a conference organized by Project 4+4 in Abuja, however, did not mention the names of the powerful persons.The event was also attended by the wife of the Vice President Dolapo Osinbajo.The First Lady explained that the government had achieved a lot but could have achieved more or even achieved all it had in one year but for two people in government who will never allow things to move fast. The Presidents wife said that she was disappointed in men who rather than fight these two men will go to them in the night begging for favour. According to persecondnews.com Mrs. Buhari, who urged Nigerian women to rise and fight, said: I have realized that Senator Babafemi Ojodu, Special Adviser, political, to the President, and Dr. Hajo Sani, and wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Osinbajo, are not comfortable with my saying this and want me to confine myself to my prepared speech but we must say the truth. The Presidents wife insisted that the powerful duo were retrogressive elements preventing the government from moving forward. The First Lady, known for her frank talk when it comes to issues concerning her husbands administration, had in October 2016, told the BBC in an interview, that her husband was being held hostage by a cabal. The president does not know 45 out of 50, for example, of the people he appointed and I dont know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years. Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position, she had said. The First Lady had also threatened not to vote for Buhari, saying he is yet to tell me, but I have decided as his wife, that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again. Also, Mrs. Buhari, on Monday, October 9, 2017, condemned the management of Aso Rock clinic, adding that the health center didnt have the facilities to treat patients. According to her, she had to visit a private clinic after she found out the Aso Rock clinics X-Ray machine was not working. In her outburst on the APC primaries, she said: It is disheartening to note that some aspirants used their hard earned money to purchase nomination forms, got screened, cleared and campaigned vigorously yet found their names omitted on Election Day, these forms were bought at exorbitant prices. Many others contested and yet had their result delayed. Fully knowing that AUTOMATIC tickets have been given to other people. All Progressives Congress being a party which cardinal principle is change and headed by a comrade/ activist whose main concern is for the common man, yet, such impunity could take place under its watch. Meanwhile, Mrs Aisha Buhari had earlier appealed to women to ensure the return of the, All Progressives Congress, APC, administration in 2019. She observed that during the last election, women participated fully in the voting process and ensured that APC was elected. According to her, that is why the government of President Buhari came up with social investment programmes targeted at them and their children in order to engage them and reduce the level of poverty among them. The First Lady in a statement by her Director of Information, Suleiman Haruna called on them to spread the good news of the accomplishments of this administration. She said women had been at the receiving end of the struggles of men, especially soldiers who had been fighting insurgency and called on government to ensure speedy release of their entitlements, so their families do not suffer. She commended the political group for organizing the Summit and setting the tone for other Buhari support groups as 2019 election campaign period opens. Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, speaking at the event, commended women for providing a permanent support base for the APC and said they remain ambassadors of the party wherever they find themselves. Egypt's military chief of staff held talks on Wednesday with African military and defence chiefs and a UAE official on the sidelines of the country's first defence expo, an Egyptian military statement said. Mohamed Farid Hegazy discussed military cooperation, joint training exercises and current developments on the African continent with Cameron's Defence Minister Joseph Beti, Malian Chief of Staff M'Bemba Moussa Keita, and Rwandas Chief of Staff Patrick Nyamvumba. During the talks, the Egyptian military leader stressed that Cairo looks forward to furthering bilateral cooperation with these countries. Also on Wednesday, Hegazy met with the chairman of the UAE's National Service and Reserve Authority Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon Al-Nahyan. The pair discussed Egyptian-Emirati cooperation, and future coordination to host global gatherings in Egypt and the UAE. The talks came on the sidelines of Egypt's first military and defence industries expo, EDEX 2018, which concludes on Wednesday. Egypt has said over 370 companies from 41 countries are taking part in the three-day exhibition to showcase their military and defence equipment. Search Keywords: Short link: The convicted, who include the group's supreme guide, are accused of inciting the murder of protesters in front of the group's headquarters in July 2013 An Egyptian criminal court sentenced Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie and five others figures of the Brotherhood -- which is designated as a terrorist group -- to life in prison on Wednesday on violence-related charges which date back to 2013. Brotherhood leaders Khairat El-Shater and Mostafa Abdel-Azim, and two others, were also among those convicted to life in prison by the verdict on Wednesday. Other leading figures including Essam El-Erian, Mohamed El-Beltagy and former parliament speaker Saad Al-Katatni were acquitted, as were three other Brotherhood members. The court said that late former supreme guide Mahdy Akef had been dropped from the case as he had passed away. The case dates back to deadly clashes in front of the Muslim Brotherhoods headquarters in Cairos Mokattam in July 2013, which was stormed and ransacked by angry protesters. The defendants were convicted of inciting the killing of protesters, inciting violence and terrorism, murder, forming a gang to attack citizens and supplying it with arms and funds. The remaining suspects are charged with terrorising, crowding, murder, joining a group that attacked citizens, damaging private property and possessing arms. The verdict is not final as those convicted have the right to appeal. Search Keywords: Short link: 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. Ahmed Eleiba explores the first edition of the international Egyptian Defence Exhibition which opened this week President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, supreme commander of the Armed Forces, inaugurated the first edition of the international Egyptian Defence Exhibition (EDEX 2018) in the company of senior military officials and undertook a tour of the various pavilions. General Mohamed Zaki, minister of defence and military production, explains that EDEX 2018 has four aims. EDEX 2018 First, the international event offers countries and companies that produce weapons and defence systems the opportunity to display the latest advances in military technology. Second, it provides a sophisticated military gathering at which expertise can be exchanged and relations between states strengthened militarily and in the fields of military production. It also underscores current realities that confirm peace requires strength to protect it and guarantee its continuity, and demonstrates Egypts ability to organise high-level international events in a climate of security and stability.The Egyptian Armed Forces, says General Zaki, have been and remain the faithful bastion of the capacities of the Egyptian nation. Our quest to build our strength is the quest to safeguard our nations security and safety in a world awash with conflicts. Those who possess the keys to strength are the ones who are able to make peace. EDEX 2018 The Egyptian army is greater than the challenges posed by the dangers it faces, however grave. It is fortified by strength and unity as it strives to acquire the most advanced armament systems, in cooperation with the international community, so that it may always remain a guardian and a protector of our nation. After a brief summary of the Egyptian militarys plans for modernisation and development, Major General Tarek Saad Zaghloul, chief of the Armed Forces Armament Authority, offered facts about the exhibition. More than 376 military firms and institutions from 41 countries were participating in the first edition of EDEX and 10,000 visitors from the international military and arms manufacturing community are expected to attend. The event, sponsored by 15 international and local firms, took place on exhibition grounds measuring 19,200 m2, of which 17,000 m2 were allocated to internal exhibition spaces and 2,200 m2 to external exhibition spaces. EDEX 2018 One of the spaces of the expo has been dedicated to a Security and Counter-Terrorism Zone where manufacturers can showcase the weapons and equipment they produce for the fight against international terrorism. Bilateral meetings between military officials were held on the sidelines of EDEX 2018. Defence Minister Mohamed Zaki met with his French counterpart Florence Parly, his Greek counterpart Panos Kammenos and his Cypriot counterpart Savvas Angelides. The ministers discussed the latest regional and international developments and ways to strengthen military cooperation. Lieutenant General Mohamed Farid, chief of staff of the Armed Forces, met with Yong Hong, head of South Koreas Defence Needs Management Program; Lieutenant General Mohamed Freihat, Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff; Evangelos Apostolaks, Chief of the General Staff of the Greek Ministry of Defence and General Fayad bin Hamed Al-Rawaili, chief of the general staff of the Saudi armed forces. US arms manufacturers took prominent stands in the exhibition. Diane James, who represents Military Truck Parts Inc, said this was her first visit to Egypt even though her company has had an office in Cairo for 20 years. She is very impressed by the exhibition and by the welcome she received. She believes that the fact that the US had the highest level of representation in the event is a reflection of the closeness of military relations between her country and Egypt. EDEX 2018 The UAE also had a high profile. In the Emirati wing Al-Ahram Weekly spoke with Abdel-Rehim Al-Husseini, director of Advance PyroTechnics, a company registered with NATO which produces non-lethal firearms. Its products are used by armies and police forces to fight terrorism, quell riots and break up demonstrations. Cairo offered excellent door-to-door facilities to the UAE participants, Al-Husseini said. The level of preparation and organisation has been good from day one. Participation is high. We have many companies from the UAE here. These are semi-governmental companies under contract to the UAE armed forces and they are interested in this market. Al-Husseini felt that the Emirates was able to compete in terms of price, quality and technology with international competitors. The exhibition, he said, offered a strategic platform and an opportunity for strategic participation with Egypt. Dimitry Litovkin, representing the Russian firm Uralvaganzavod, said he had good impressions of his first opportunity to take part in an exhibition in Cairo. He hoped that the quality of the exhibition would be reflected in the level of cooperation between his firm and Egypt. On his expectations from the Middle East market Litovkin said his firm is less concerned with the current volume of trade than with the technologies it can add to the market. EDEX 2018 General Mohamed Qashqoush, of the Higher Nasser Military Academy, believes that the military hardware and technologies on display serve as indicators not just of progress in military and defence technologies but of current market orientations. They reflect growing interest in, and the need for, specialised weapons to fight terrorism. We can also measure competitiveness within the international armaments market and the ability of countries in the region with growing national military manufacturing sectors to compete, he said. EDEX 2018 The US, with 42 firms displaying their wares, was the largest participant. France, with 32 firms, was the largest European exhibitor, and also one of the most diverse. Its displays ranged from Rafale fighter jets to maritime hardware produced by Naval Group which is cooperating closely with Egypt through the technology transfer that has made it possible to construct the Gowind class corvette in the Alexandria Shipyard using Egyptian manpower. The French presence at EDEX 2018 reflects the aspirations of French military and defence companies to increase business in the Middle East after successful deals with Arab countries for its Rafales, and Egypts purchase of two Mistral class helicopter carriers. Germany, with 19 firms, was the second largest European participant. This reflects Germanys competitive edge in some areas as well as its eagerness to up its profile in the Arab/Middle Eastern market, especially when it comes to the various models of Germanys 902-Class submarines. China, the UK and Russia were represented by 16 companies each. China stood out for the diversity of its wares on display, not least missiles of various types and ranges. India and Spain were represented by 13 firms. With over 300 pieces of military hardware and equipment on show the Russian wing drew particular attention. A special attraction was the Ka-52 Alligator scout/attack helicopter which was designed for the Mistral. Other aircraft on display include the Su-35 multipurpose super-manoeuvrable fighter, the MiG-29M/M2 multirole front-line fighter and Ansat helicopters. EDEX 2018 Russias large military, scientific and industrial complex Uralvaganzavod showed its T-90MC, T-90C, T-72 and T-55 tanks, as well as the BMPT Terminator tank support combat vehicle, the IMR-3M Combat Engineer Vehicle, BREM-1M Armoured Recovery, the PTS-4 amphibious transport vehicle, and the TOC-1A heavy flamethrower system. A model B92C2 diesel engine is also on display while the Institute for Scientific Research and Applied Chemistry exhibited maquettes of its smoke bombs. In addition to Uralvaganzavod, major participants from Russia include Aviahelp Group, International Military Technical Forum, MIG, Russian Aviation, Russian Helicopter and Sukhoi. The UAE had the highest representation from the Arab world, with 23 companies, followed by Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, with eight and four companies respectively. The Saudi exhibitors told the Weekly that their hardware on display is manufactured domestically, either by Saudi firms or jointly with foreign companies. T he most significant item to be shown was the SG-03 Air Guard radar, a drone with a range of 200km equipped to perform surveillance, reconnaissance and precise targeting tasks. In addition, Saudi-based robotics firms are displaying advanced technologies for handling as land mines and IEDs. * All Photos Courtsey of Egyptian Military Spokesman Official Facebook Page *A version of this article appears in print in the 6 December, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: EDEX 2018: An overview Search Keywords: Short link: Last weeks cabinet decision to expropriate land on Warraq has provoked anger among the islands residents. The decision to expropriate 100 metres of land along both sides of the Rod Al-Farrag Axis as it crosses the island, and to take 30 metres of land around the islands shoreline to construct a corniche, was taken on 22 November and published in the official gazette four days later. In a ministerial meeting held to follow up on the development of Warraq on Sunday, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli said the government is working on turning Warraq island into a fully urbanised society. As part of the process of developing the island and upgrading services, Madbouli said forms had been distributed to all those affected by the urbanisation plan, offering them the choice of financial compensation, alternative housing in a new location or resettlement on the island once development plans are completed. How can they expect us to leave our homes, asks Amina, a housewife in her 60s who was born on the island. The government, she says, should have built alternative houses on the island before beginning any demolitions. Lets assume that I opt for resettlement on the island once the development plans are complete. Where will I live in the meantime, and what guarantees are in place that I really will be allocated a place in the newly developed area, asks Mohamed Basa, aka Hamasa, a 27-year-old resident of Warraq. Last year the islands inhabitants elected a council to represent their interests and negotiate with the government. The council has filed a lawsuit contesting a government decree issued earlier this year identifying parts of the island earmarked for the building of new urban communities but the case was adjourned last week by the State Council Administrative Court. The next hearing is scheduled for 22 December. Abdel-Fattah, a 65-year-old plumber with four children, was born on the island, as was his father and grandfather. I built our house more than 50 years ago. We have meters for water and electricity and we pay the bills every month. Yet like many other residents of the island I cant sleep at night due to anxiety, fear of what tomorrow holds, says Abdel-Fattah. Warraq lies opposite Shobra Al-Kheima. It covers 1,400 feddans and is home to 90,000 people. It has three schools, a public hospital, police station, tens of mosques and a church. No bridges connect it to the banks of the river, leaving the islanders to depend on five ferries. The struggle between the islands residents and the state began in 2017. During a conference on land reclamation in June 2017 President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi referred to Warraq without naming it: There is an island in the middle of the Nile, he said, that stretches over 1,250 feddans. Chaos has spread and people have been building on land that they seized. Now there are 50,000 houses there. Where does their sewage go? It goes into the Nile water which we drink. Security forces arrived on the island in July 2017 to oversee the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on state land but were met with resistance from the islands inhabitants. In the ensuing clashes one person was killed and dozens injured and the police managed to carry out just 30 out of 700 demolition orders. In the face of such fierce resistance on the part of residents meetings were held during which Major General Kamel Al-Wazir, head of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority, promised that anyone who lost property because of development plans would receive compensation or alternative accommodation. According to Al-Wazir, residents will receive LE1,400 per metre of land they lose or alternative accommodation in one of the social housing projects in Moqattam. The islands residents, however, say the compensation is a fraction of the true value of their land. The governments compensation offer is far less than the lands real worth. Its likely they want to develop the island for tourism or speculative construction yet what they are offering is not enough for us to buy a house to replace the home we will lose, Yehia Al-Maghrabi, a member of the residents council, told Al-Ahram Weekly. Al-Maghrabi said the council has been in negotiations with the government for more than a year and half yet still no one knows what the governments development plan for the island involves. We didnt oppose the governments decision two years ago to seize 38 feddans to make way for the Rod Al-Farrag Axis. We offered our help. During negotiations we agreed with officials that eight metres either side of the Rod Al-Farrag Axis could be taken but then they issued a decree taking 100 metres from each side which means 500 houses will be demolished. *A version of this article appears in print in the 6 December, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Warraq: Unfinished business Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian actress Rania Youssef was allowed to walk free on Wednesday after four hours of questioning over obscenity charges for wearing a revealing dress, a source at the public prosecution office told Ahram Online. Youssef, 45, stirred uproar on social media last week after wearing a see-through dress that revealed her entire legs at the closing ceremony of a film festival in Cairo. Many accused her of disrespecting Egypt's cultural and ethical values. The initial complaint was filed by a group of lawyers to Egypt's top prosecutor and she was then charged with public obscenity and "inciting debauchery." But they later said they decided to withdraw their legal action after Youssef made a public statement. Youssef apologized earlier this week and said she did not expect the dress to cause much anger. I would like to apologise as an actress with good and positive credit with my fans, she said on Twitter. I hope everyone can understand my good intentions and that I did not wish to anger anyone. But a trial has already been scheduled for 12 January. The incident has prompted the actors' union to announce plans to investigate and penalize those who acted in a way that conflicts with the "traditions, values and ethics of the society.'' Search Keywords: Short link: The United Nations has reports of Islamic State (ISIL) executing people perceived as cooperating with rebel fighters in Deir Ezzor governorate in eastern Syria, the U.N. human rights boss said on Wednesday. Michelle Bachelet, speaking to a news conference in Geneva, voiced deep concern for 7,000 civilians who she said were trapped between Islamic State fighters preventing them from leaving Deir Ezzor and air strikes by a U.S.-led coalition. We also have reports of ISIL executing people perceived as cooperating with SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) or other parties to the conflict, she said, adding that civilians were being used as pawns and bargaining chips in the conflict. Search Keywords: Short link: UN-backed talks may yet make the next anniversary of the Yemen war the last UN Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths was expected to start UN-backed talks to end the four-year long Yemeni war today in Sweden, with Ansarullah, representing the Iran-supported Houthis of Yemen, and representatives of the ruling regime of President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, supported by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), attending. On Monday the Swedish Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying a date for the start of talks had yet to be fixed. On Tuesday morning, however, UN sources said that the talks are likely to start on Thursday morning, with preliminary meetings held by Griffiths a day earlier. On Tuesday Griffiths accompanied Houthi representatives on board a plane from Sanaa to Stockholm, a clear sign that the political talks were set to start. The talks will seek to chart a preliminary roadmap towards a political settlement to a conflict that has been raging since March 2015. Though the war was initially announced by the Hadi regime it has been prosecuted by a Saudi-led coalition in which the UAE is Riyadhs most enthusiastic partner. Ostensibly an operation to end the Houthis rebellion against Hadis legitimate regime, the conflict is actually a proxy war between on the one hand Saudi Arabia Riyadh has long considered Yemen as its backyard and the UAE which is keen to expand its strategic presence across the Red Sea, on the other Iran. Tehran has a long and vocal history of supporting Shia minorities in the Arab world. With no decisive military victory for either side in sight, the war has ratcheted up enormous humanitarian costs. Yemen is one of the worst humanitarian stories, if not the worst, of the 21st century, said an international aid official who asked for her name to be withheld. Aside from who started the war and who has committed war crimes, because war crimes have been committed, Yemen is almost back to the middle ages. There is acute famine, a disturbing spread of contagious disease and the infrastructure of the country is almost all gone, she said. Mark Lowcock, the UNs humanitarian aid chief, has visited Yemen several times in recent weeks. He warns of devastating ramifications if the war in Yemen, which he has already qualified as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, is allowed to continue. Speaking in Geneva, Lowcock said he is not expecting easy or rapid process in the peace talks being hosted by Sweden. UN-backed talks were initially expected to be held in early November in Geneva but failed to materialise when the Houthis refused to leave for Switzerland for fear of being unable to return to Yemen. They referred to cases of other Houthi politicians who had been prevented from returning following interventions by the coalition. A Cairo-based Yemeni source close to the Hadi regime said the return of Houthis had been blocked in the past based on information that they had been in contact with militant trainers and financiers during their time out of country. UN sources who spoke to Al-Ahram Weekly in November, and earlier this week, said the travel logistics of the Houthi delegation were not the only problem faced by the Geneva talks. The Houthis had demanded that some of their wounded be evacuated from Yemen while the Saudi-led coalition demands had insisted the Houthis hand over their arms in some conflict zones. UN and regional diplomatic sources say things are different this time round. The evacuation of the wounded was secured earlier in the week following mediation by Oman and Kuwait. Despite their membership of the Gulf Cooperation Council that is largely dominated by Riyadhs political agenda, both countries have distanced themselves from the coalition. Kuwait, which hosted the last round of direct talks between the warring Yemeni factions two years ago, was particularly helpful, according to one of the UN sources. On Sunday Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom was in Kuwait for talks. Deputy Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Garallah said his country is doing everything it can to support the peace talks and argued that a settlement of the conflict in Yemen is a prerequisite for regional stability, and that any future dispensation should include room for friendly relations with Iran on the condition of non-interference by Tehran in internal Arab affairs. On Monday the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced it would support the talks to be held by Sweden. Positive statements also came out of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. UN and Arab diplomats agree that the time is now propitious to push for a settlement of the conflict. In the words of one: The Iranians possibly feel that this is the time to move forward because they can see that pressure is being applied by the West on Riyadh to act promptly to bring an end to the war which is why they decided to support the talks. The Houthis feel weakened by this debilitating war, said a UN source. They do not want to alienate their own constituency because of the deteriorating humanitarian situation. A Cairo-based Western diplomat echoed the words of other regional and Western diplomats in recent weeks by stressing that the US and the EU are pushing Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to end the war quickly in the face of growing international outrage at the images of famine and disease coming out of devastated Yemen. On Tuesday, as Griffiths and the Houthis were making their way to Stockholm, Sweden was preparing to receive the delegation from the Hadi regime. A Swedish diplomat said that while his country would do everything it could to facilitate the talks, they are essentially the call of Griffiths and the UN. Sweden is prepared to host the delegations for a week, give or take a couple of days, the Swedish diplomat said. A little under a week or a little over a week we cannot tell yet; so much depends on how quickly the talks will start, said a UN source. An agreement between the two Yemeni sides on the ultimate objective of the talks has yet to be reached. The Hadi regime is hoping for a political settlement under which the Houthis recognise its legitimacy while the Houthis are more focused on easing humanitarian conditions. According to a UN source the top three issues for the Swedish talks or at least this first round of talks since nobody is expecting a peace deal to be produced in a week or so are: to solve problems at the Central Bank of Yemen which have exacerbated the financial challenges facing the impoverished country; to clear the path for the security and political measures necessary to re-open Sanaa airport; and to secure the frail de-escalation at the port of Hodaidah secured in the last couple of weeks. The UN believes success in these three areas will represent a significant confidence-building measure that could lead to improvements in the humanitarian situation and at the same time pave the way towards a political framework that can be pursued beyond the current meeting, though the UN source warns there are no clear indications of how things will go. Regional diplomats are no less sceptical. They agree that the future of the talks depends on two things: Riyadhs realisation that the world will no longer tolerate an open-ended humanitarian disaster in Yemen, and Tehran understanding that international pressure on Riyadh to end the war will stop short of pushing Saudi Arabia to accept a strong Iranian influence in Yemen. *A version of this article appears in print in the 6 December, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Yemen: Hopes for peace Search Keywords: Short link: The first UN-backed discussions on the disputed Western Sahara region since 2012 opened in Geneva on Wednesday, but expectations remained low, with the meeting seen as just a first step towards resuming dialogue. Six years after direct talks broke down, Morocco and the Polisario Front, which fought a war over the region until a 1991 ceasefire, are taking part in two days of roundtable discussions along with Algeria and Mauritania. UN envoy Horst Koehler, a former German president, is hosting the talks, which kicked off at the UN headquarters in Geneva on Wednesday afternoon. In his October invitation letter to the talks, Koehler insisted it was "time to open a new chapter in the political process". The UN meanwhile has described the talks as "a first step towards a renewed negotiations process with the aim of reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara." A former Spanish colony, phosphate-rich Western Sahara sits on the western edge of the vast eponymous desert, stretching around 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) along the Atlantic coastline, a prime fishing region. When Spain withdrew from the North African territory in 1975, Rabat sent thousands of people across the border and claimed it was an integral part of Morocco. The following year the Polisario Front declared Western Sahara the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), with support from Algeria and Libya, and demanded a referendum on self-determination. Since then 84 UN member states have recognised the SADR. But a stalemate ensued, and Morocco built razor-wire-topped concentric sand walls in the desert that still ring 80 percent of the territory it controls. Under a 1991 ceasefire, the United Nations deployed a peacekeeping mission which has perpetuated the line of control, but the international community has long intended for a referendum to be held to decide the territory's status. Rabat currently rejects any vote in which independence is an option, arguing that only granting autonomy is on the table and that this is necessary for regional security. Awaiting a settlement, between 100,000 and 200,000 refugees live precariously in camps near the town of Tindouf in western Algeria, not far from the Moroccan and Western Sahara borders. The last direct talks were launched by the UN in 2007 but collapsed five years later over the territory's status and the proposed referendum. Koehler, who has led the diplomatic efforts since 2017, is hosting the foreign ministers of Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania on Wednesday, as well as a Polisario delegation headed by Khatri Addouh, the speaker of the Sahrawi parliament. But the agenda for the meetings remains vague and the format has not been unanimously agreed. Algeria wants to participate only as an "observer country", but Rabat considers it a "stakeholder" in the discussions, since Algiers is the Polisario's main backer. In a statement issued Wednesday, Algiers said Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel has met with Koehler and reiterated his country's support for the process "in its capacity as a neighbouring country". And while all sides signalled goodwill ahead of Wednesday's meeting, they did not budge from their positions. King Mohammed VI has said he supports a "durable" political solution marked by a "spirit of compromise", but in a recent speech he insisted that Morocco would not yield on its "territorial integrity", including control over Western Sahara. And key Polisario official Mhamed Khadad told AFP ahead of the talks that "everything can be negotiated except the inalienable and imprescriptible right of our people to self-determination." Diplomats and others with insight into the process have meanwhile played down the prospect of any real breakthrough. One diplomat stressed that the roundtable was "not a negotiation" but rather a meeting "that will make it possible to test the real will of the parties, and to determine if they should move forward" or not. Observers meanwhile point to increased pressure on the sides to find a solution, after the UN Security Council recently adopted a US-drafted resolution to renew a small peacekeeping mission at the ceasefire line, but cut its mandate from 12 to six months. Search Keywords: Short link: London will allow refugees living on a UK military base in Cyprus since 1998 to settle in Britain following a long legal dispute, a spokesman said on Tuesday. The group of six families are among 75 people from Ethiopia, Iraq, Sudan and Syria who landed on the southwest coast of Cyprus after the boat in which they were travelling to Italy foundered. They were recognised as refugees but then interior minister Theresa May decided they could not be admitted to Britain and they have since been pursuing a legal challenge. The refugees have been living on the Dhekelia base, which is British sovereign territory. "Given the unique and highly unusual circumstances of these refugees and their children we have made an exceptional decision to bring an end to this long-standing issue, enabling them to leave Dhekelia immediately and settle in the UK," a British interior ministry spokesman said. While they could in theory claim asylum in Cyprus, many say they have little prospect of finding work or permanent residency on the island. The dispute has rumbled on for so long that many of the refugees have married and had children, all within the boundaries of the seven-square-kilometre (three-square-mile) outpost where they live, although they are able to go outside. "We are delighted that the current Home Secretary has done the humane thing and agreed to grant our clients and their families leave to enter the UK for permanent residency," Tessa Gregory, a solicitor at Leigh Day, said in a statement. Tag Bashir, the lead claimant, said: "We only want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to help us escape this 20-year nightmare. "I cannot express how happy our families are to be given the opportunity to come to the UK and start our lives again," he said. Search Keywords: Short link: Related FBI looking into bid to smear Russia probe chief Mueller President Donald Trump appeared increasingly under threat from the Russia collusion probe Wednesday after a court filing revealed that his former national security advisor Michael Flynn cooperated extensively in multiple high-level investigations over the past year. A sentencing recommendation late Tuesday from Russia probe head Robert Mueller that Flynn spend no time in jail explained that the retired three-star general had given "substantial assistance" to his and other secret, high-level investigations. Underscoring the level of cooperation, the filing in the federal court in Washington spelled out that Flynn had been interviewed a total of 19 times over the past year -- during which his sentencing for one charge of lying to investigators had been postponed four times. "Given the defendant's substantial assistance and other considerations set forth below, a sentence at the low end of the guideline range -- including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration -- is appropriate and warranted," Mueller said in a memorandum to the court. That came on the heels of Trump's ex-personal lawyer Michael Cohen admitting in a court filing last week that he had been in contact with a top aide to Russia President Vladimir Putin well into the 2016 presidential campaign over obtaining a green light to develop a 100 story Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen made clear that, contrary to the president's previous denials, he had informed Trump and members of his family about the project throughout the first half of 2016, even after Trump had secured the Republican presidential nomination. Taken together, the two cases added to the evidence that Mueller is building a case that there was frequent and possibly systematic communications between Trump's inner circle and Moscow ahead of the November 2016 presidential election that could bolster charges of perjury or even conspiracy to collude with the Russians. After having condemned Cohen as a liar and saying he deserved a "full and complete" jail sentence, Trump was notably silent early Wednesday about the implications of what Flynn may have told investigators. Flynn was a top-level insider in the 2016 campaign, accompanying Trump to key events and making a keynote speech at the July Republican convention, where he led the audience in a rousing cheer to "lock up" Trump's election rival Hillary Clinton. He then took hold of national security policy in the White House in Trump's first weeks in office, making him a potentially extremely valuable witness. The sentencing memorandum from Mueller, however, gave no hint of what the former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency has said. It said he cooperated on questions regarding Mueller's examination of actions by senior officials of Trump's transition team between the election and the January 20, 2017 inauguration. That could point to Vice President Mike Pence, Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, or Trump's former deputy chief of staff Rick Dearborn. That was the period in which Flynn repeatedly had secret phone discussions with Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak that he later lied about, which led to his early expulsion from the White House and then to charges he lied to Mueller's investigators. But in a heavily redacted addendum to Tuesday's memorandum, Mueller indicated that Flynn was helping on two other investigations, at least one not in his hands, that appeared to have deep national security implications. That could be an ominous signal for Trump, Adam Schiff, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, suggested. "That most of the details are redacted signals he has given far more than we or the President may know," Schiff said in a tweet. However sketchy, the revelations led to new calls in Congress for a law to protect the 18-month-old Mueller investigation. Trump recently installed an acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, who has strongly criticized Mueller for supposedly overreaching in his investigation. "We need to protect the Mueller investigation now more than ever. There's a bipartisan bill waiting to do this in the Senate. We need our Republican colleagues to join us and pass it," Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote Wednesday on Twitter. Search Keywords: Short link: The Council of Arab Economic Unity will hold a conference on the Arab digital economy on 16-17 December, it was announced on Wednesday in Cairo. In a press conference held at the councils headquarters, its general-secretary Ambassador Mohamed El-Rabei announced that the "A Common Vision For an Arab Digital Economy Initiative" conference was a serious attempt to revive economic unity between the Arab countries. The conference will for the first time present an initiative for a common Arab digital economy strategy, he said. El-Rabei said that the council had chosen Abu Dhabi to kick off the conference in its first ever edition because the leaders of the UAE presented their expertise and achievements in supporting a common Arab vision for a digital economy. "The Arab common market was launched in 1964,he said. Unfortunately, two generations have lived through those years with hopes of seeing in the real world that market which has not been fully achieved, but now we have a hope of achieving it through the digital economy system." Ali El-Khoury, the chairman of the Arab Federation for the Digital Economy and an advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity, said that the council had commissioned Cairo University in Egypt to design a strategy for an Arab digital economy built on the concepts of the digital economy and the fourth industrial revolution. El-Khoury added that a committee made up of Arab and international experts as well as international organisations like the UN and the World Bank would draft and revise the final strategy. He said that the strategy was being prepared to join the main files to be discussed in the upcoming Arab summit to be held in Tunis in March next year. According to El-Khoury, the conference will showcase different parts of the strategy, as well the economic opportunities in Arab countries that have resulted from the digital transformation. "I would like to hint that there are real opportunities for investments in technical and digital economy infrastructure in the Arab countries," he said, calling on officials, economy ministers and heads of central banks in the Arab word to attend. The conference is being held under the auspices of Sheikh Mohamed bin Ziyad Al-Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE's armed forces. The World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), and the European Commission are among the sponsors of the event. The Council of Arab Economic Unity is attached to the League of Arab States. Search Keywords: Short link: The Yellow Vests movement in France may be spinning out of control, raising the risk of contagion to other European countries The French nation is no stranger to strikes and protests, and the French are among those nations whose citizens organise strikes on the most regular basis. The labour unions in France wield massive powers in rallying and executing major strikes that can hit vital economic sectors such as transportation and communications. These strikes have affected the French economy negatively for years, but the nation survives them as they are perceived as part of democratic practice in France. However, this time round the protests and strikes that have hit France since 17 November have been a far cry from the usual strikes and sit-ins. The new wave of protests organised by the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) who wear high-visibility yellow vests during their demonstrations have taken over major streets across the country in protest against the new taxes imposed by the French government on fuel along with other objections to French President Emmanuel Macrons economic policies. The fuel taxes reportedly increased by 14 per cent in 2017 and 22 per cent in October 2018 on unleaded 95 petrol and diesel. What appears to have triggered the current protests is a new fuel tax that is set to be applied in January 2019 on the same type of fuel of 6.5 and 2.9 per cent, respectively. The announcement of the latter was the last straw for the French protestors, who feel their government is squeezing them dry for no valid reason. The Yellow Vests movement remains unaffiliated with any political party, but it comprises people from all social classes angered by Macrons economic policies. It was first organised as a Facebook group, choosing 17 November as a date to trigger protests. It is thus reminiscent of the 25 January 2011 uprising in Cairo that started as a call on social-media outlets and ended up in Cairos Tahrir Square with the difference that the famous Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris is the setting for the French protests. Unlike other protests in France, these have been characterised by rioting, vandalism and the looting of private property. The protests started with over 300,000 protestors across the country, and they left two dead and hundreds injured, with hundreds of others being arrested. Some of the protesters have resorted to violence, including by throwing stones, torching cars, shops and restaurants, and assaulting the police, who have responded by tear gas and occasionally heavy-handed tactics. The riots and acts of vandalism have continued for three weeks, and on 1 December they appeared to be out of control with over 200 arrests and over 100 injuries being recorded in Paris. The demands of the protesters have also been escalating, with some now demanding that Macron step down from office. Macron has condemned the violent demonstrations and claimed that far-right groups have infiltrated the protests despite indications that the protests contain all social classes, including immigrants from North Africa and others. He has aimed to use the riots to attack his far-right adversary, National Front leader Marine Le Pen, but this is oversimplifying the situation and harming Macrons position. While the president is correct in condemning the violent nature of the protests, which have resulted in the loss of life and hundreds of injuries, he has yet to address their roots. Macron is perceived by many of his detractors as an elitist former banker who rules in favour of the upper social classes and does little for the middle or lower ones. This reputation has been tainting the French president, and he has failed to brush it off during his time in the Elysee Palace. Tax breaks were among Macrons actions when he was at the ministry of finance under former president Francois Hollande. Despite adopting more conciliatory rhetoric with the left-wing parties by promising taxes on richer citizens and corporations, he has actually declared further tax reduction for corporation from 33 per cent to 25 per cent while at the same time increasing taxes on fuel. The latter taxes affect the majority of French citizens. Macron has been left with a limited range of options that includes weathering the storm and waiting out the situation, which is a risky strategy given the timing close to the Christmas holidays. If the situation is not resolved by the end of the year, it will likely escalate further, and France will have to endure deeper political and economic losses. Aside from the costs of the destroyed property, the economic losses stem mainly from the paralysis that could hit major sectors in France including transportation and other services and the loss of tourism revenue during the Christmas holiday season. Macron could choose to cancel the planned increases in the price of fuel and surrender to the protestors, while at the same time reshuffling his cabinet. While this second option is less risky, it means halting Macrons economic plans and also opening the door for further demands. Should Macron be seen to give in to the Yellow Vests movement, others will be emboldened to make further demands. However, every passing moment appears to place the future of the young French president in a more precarious position as the situation seems to be spinning out of control and even affecting neighbouring countries. The Arab Spring revolutions in 2011 also moved from one country to another. Waves of protests leading to a revolution started in Tunisia before moving to Egypt and then to other countries in the Middle East in 2011. A similar situation may be simmering on the European continent. A group of Yellow Vests in Belgium organised violent demonstrations in Brussels that resulted in serious clashes with the police on 1 December, for example. An anti-EU group in Italy has declared it is adopting the Yellow Vests model and plans to organise similar waves of protests. Some of the Yellow Vests are hoping that the movement could reach Germany and Holland. If that happens, Europe could be witnessing the birth of a European Spring, which, though it will probably not be as violent as the Arab Spring was in the Middle East, will remain unchartered waters that could cause the toppling of some European governments. The present incidents in France serve as a reminder that governments, even the most democratic among them, do not have carte blanche to do as they please when it concerns the economy without serious consequences. Trying to adjust the fiscal balance through taxation can lead to adverse consequences that toss away any gains made from higher taxes. There is a limit to what people can bear in taxation and price hikes even in the most democratic of nations, and France is becoming a prime example of where such policies may lead. * The writer is a political analyst and author of Egypts Arab Spring and the Winding Road to Democracy. *A version of this article appears in print in the 6 December, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Frances European Spring Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt is preparing a range of practical initiatives that will help transform the continent as it gears up to take over the chairmanship of the African Union in January next year In January next year, Egypt will begin its one-year stint as chair of the African Union (AU). It will be keen to leave an imprint on the organisation commensurate with its status, and Africa as a whole is looking forward to benefitting from the leadership of a country that it regards as a cornerstone of the continent with its wealth of resources, skills and expertise. What initiatives can we look forward to during Egypts chairmanship of the AU? Some have been initiated earlier, and then abandoned, while others are ripe for revival, helping to make Egypts year at the head of the AU a year of unprecedented achievements. Egypts African policy is about to embark on a practical course that will steer the continent towards greater mutual benefits, closer interdependence and a brighter future. One idea is to create a fund to finance projects by Egyptian companies in Africa. This could function in the manner of the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) or its Chinese equivalent, and with a budget of at least $500 million it could offer loans for projects carried out in Africa on the condition that they are by Egyptian firms. The initiative would open African markets to Egyptian companies, and Egypts support for the new bank would attract African countries to it. All countries that have launched successful initiatives in Africa have drawn on ideas of this sort. In addition to India and China, South Korea, Turkey, Russia, Japan, France, the US and Germany have all opened lines of credit that prioritise funding for activities undertaken by their companies in Africa. These loans are one of the instruments these countries have used to establish their economic and political presence in the region. A second idea is to create an African swap fund that would allow the direct exchange of goods on the basis of their value on international markets, thereby alleviating pressures related to foreign currency payments. The fund would value African goods and handle the shipping arrangements between the countries striking the deals. The idea could be expanded to enable collective purchasing by countries keen to reduce costs and to counter monopolisation. All African countries need to purchase the same medicines, for example. If they pooled their resources to purchase supplies collectively, it would bring down the costs for each. Egypt proposed other ideas during previous rounds as chair of the AU that could have had a significant impact. One was to establish an Egyptian satellite channel to Africa broadcasting from Cairo and providing information about Africas cultures and civilisations before the Western colonialist invasion. The channel could air programmes on the continents music, cinema, literature and arts and on other awareness-raising and inspirational subjects. When Egypt proposed this initiative in 2006, a delegation headed by Alfa Oumar Konare, then chair of the Commission of the African Union, visited Cairo. Along with officials from the national broadcasting sector, I met with Konare at the Radio and Television Union in Maspero before he visited Cairos Media Production City. Konare said that after having learned of the facilities in Cairo, he thought the proposed satellite television channel could be launched tomorrow. A meeting of African media ministers was organised to discuss it, but just at the point where it seemed that this splendid project would in fact be realised it ground to a halt. The reasons for this remain a mystery, especially given the benefits it could have brought to Egypt. The idea should be explored again today, particularly as such a station, if well implemented, could raise awareness of the dangers of extremism, illegal migration and other ills across the continent and serve as a beacon of education and enlightenment. Another important initiative that Egypt has proposed for Africa, and one that was energetically supported by former health minister Mohamed Awad Tageddin, was the creation of an African Centre for Infectious Diseases. This would conduct research on the dangerous diseases that threaten the lives of millions on the continent, including malaria, AIDS and Ebola. Egypt even earmarked premises for the new centre in facilities belonging to Alexandria University, but following a cabinet reshuffle the project lost the backing necessary to follow it through in spite of the welcome it had received among African ministers of health. There was also an excellent exhibition by Egyptian pharmaceutical firms in the hope of opening African markets to these companies products. In addition to rehabilitating this initiative, we can now add research on the Hepatitis C virus, given the success that Egypt has had in treating this dangerous illness. Effective regional and international publicity for the treatment programme that has been set up in Egypt could generate an excellent source of revenues and become a branch of medical tourism. Medical Initiatives While it could be useful to promote this conventional type of medical tourism, an important trend today that is being applied successfully by some countries in the Arab region such as Jordan is to promote specialised healthcare and medical facilities. Former health minister Mohamed Awad Tageddin was a supporter of this concept, which entails preparing a catalogue of the specialised medical centres and facilities in Egypt together with the services they offer and their costs and to market these in the African countries. These services, including heart surgery, kidney transplantation and laser eye surgery, could be the object of agreements with health organisations or government bodies in these countries, including insurance companies or ministries of health, interior or defence. Sending patients to be treated for such conditions in Egypt could spare the African countries the huge amounts of money they spend in sending patients to the US or Europe for treatment. An initiative of this sort could also be promoted in the Arab region, augmenting revenues as well as mutual benefits. Such initiatives, which are all very feasible, almost got off the ground during earlier rounds of Egypts chairing the AU. However, for various reasons they were shelved. The hope today, as Egypt once again takes up the chairmanship of the organisation, is that they will be revived and relaunched to the benefit of Africa and ourselves. Two further challenges on which Egypt should take the initiative can be met through the proposed coordinating mechanism for the fight against terrorism that was approved during the meeting of ministers of defence of the Sahel and Sahara countries in 2016. Egypt should study the ways in which we can offer our expertise to help Africa overcome the challenges of terrorism, and in the same way it should take the lead in supporting Africa in the fight against illegal migration. As AU chair, Egypt should take the initiative on the economic front, organising conferences on Africa along the lines of the economic and trade conferences it has hosted in Sharm El-Sheikh, the latest of which is being organised by the Ministry of International Cooperation and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Due to open on 12 December, this will be the fourth conference in what we hope will remain an African tradition. Equally important is the need to reach out to African youth. In this regard, Egypt will be hosting the next African Youth Conference in Aswan, which will be declared next years Capital of One Africa. Venues for dialogue and exchange should be extended beyond hotels and assembly halls into a variety of public spaces dedicated to presentations of African arts. The Aswan event will conclude with an excursion to Luxor, the cradle of Egyptian and African civilisation, where the closing ceremony will be held in the court of an ancient pharaonic temple. As we look forward to Egypts year as AU chair, every government ministry must assume its responsibilities. Let us work together to explore the possibilities in Cairo or elsewhere of hosting further meetings of African ministers. A coastal city such as Alexandria might host a conference of African immigration ministers on illegal migration, for example, and Sharm El-Sheikh or the Red Sea governorate could host a conference for African ministers of tourism. As for Cairo, this could host the next conference of the UN United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) Organisation or the next council meeting of that organisation, as was decided in the summit that was held in Marrakech two weeks ago. Thanks to the effective participation of Egypts minister of local development, Cairo was chosen as the organisations headquarters for North Africa and the governor of Cairo was elected to its executive committee. Each Egyptian minister, in collaboration with his counterparts in Africa in health, education, irrigation and other areas, should try to arrange a conference in his area of specialisation at some point during the year of Egypts chairmanship of the AU. This would help Egypt to author an array of new initiatives for Africa that will confirm that chairing the AU is not just a routine affair for Egypt that will end after a year, but instead is a means to manifest its ongoing commitment to addressing the continents most challenging issues and advancing its welfare. * The writer is former assistant foreign minister. *A version of this article appears in print in the 6 December, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Egypts initiatives for the African Union Search Keywords: Short link: China and the United States agreed to suspend any increase in trade tariffs after a meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Saturday. The two sides also agreed to discuss issues of common concern, including market access, intellectual property rights protection, technology transfer, and fighting cyber theft. The US agreed to leave the tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports at 10 percent instead of raising them to 25 percent on Jan 1, saying it would raise the tariff to 25 percent if no agreement is reached with China within 90 days. Apart from reaching a consensus on economic and trade issues, the two heads of state also prevented the trade conflict from spiraling into a full-blown confrontation. China has always attached great importance to maintaining and strengthening bilateral relations with the US. Less than three months after Trump became US president, Xi made it clear Beijing will make concerted efforts to not only maintain but also further improve Sino-US ties. China even took concrete actions to this end: Xi visited the US in April 2017 and held extensive talks with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. And during Trump's visit to China in late 2017, the two sides signed bilateral economic and trade cooperation deals worth $250 billion, showing China's sincerity in reducing its trade surplus with the US. Still, the US triggered a trade conflict with China on an unprecedented scale, raising grave concerns that the two sides were headed toward a confrontation. Financial markets across the world were worried that a headon clash between the world's two largest economies could create a serious systemic risk for global trade. That's why the successful Xi-Trump talks in Buenos Aires have made people breathe a sigh of relief. "The two presidents agreed that the two sides can and must get bilateral relations right", as State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said. Wang added that the two sides also agreed to advance Sino-US relations in a coordinated, cooperative and stable way. China has long advocated the use of talks to resolve trade disputes with the US, but it is also confident of tackling any challenges in the event of the disputes not being amicably settled. The Xi-Trump talks not only helped defuse tensions in the monthslong China-US trade conflict, but also saw China pushing for a settlement of the economic and trade row with the US on the principle of expanding imports rather than reducing exports. The "truce" in the trade conflict is good for China and the US, as well as the global economy. It is also expected to boost stock markets across the world, even though we cannot say for sure the Sino-US trade conflict is over. So Beijing should be psychologically prepared to deal with a protracted trade dispute with the USeven the worst-case scenario, that is, imposition of extra tariffs on all Chinese goods by the US. The US raises claims that are against accepted economic laws, and attempts to resolve the trade disputes by "falling sick itself but forcing other countries to take medicines". For example, the US blames China for its colossal trade deficit when the fact is that it is a result of its long-time low savings ratewhich makes it impossible for the US to completely eliminate its trade deficit in the foreseeable future no matter to what extent China expands its imports from the US. On the contrary, the problem may exacerbate because of the US' excessive increase in military and social security budgets. The shadow of an economic depression and financial crisis looming over the US is likely to prompt the Washington to resort to more trade protectionist measures, which will make it even more difficult for it to agree to a final deal between China and the US in the coming 90 days. In the future, therefore, China should prepare to negotiate trade deals as well as deal with "trade conflicts" with the US. The author is a researcher at the International Trade and Economic Cooperation Institute of the Ministry of Commerce. By Cheng Yuyi and He Cong According to a report of Yonhap News Agency on November 28, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) would officially kick off joint railway inspection of 1,200 kilometers in 18 days from November 30. The ROKs Unification Minister Cho Myung-gyon said that the DPRK and the ROK will achieve prosperity through the interconnected railway system, which will in turn benefit regional peace. The United Nations (UN) Security Council ruled on November 23 that it would exempt some sanctions against the DPRK under the DPRK-ROK railway docking project. A number of military mitigation measures were also taken by the DPRK and the ROK. In mid-November, the DPRK and the ROK militaries dismantled each sides 10 sentry posts located in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in accordance with the September 19th Military Agreement. On November 30, the ROK Defense Ministry said that in view of the old communications equipment of the DPRK, the ROK side had provided relevant equipment to the DPRK on November 29 in order to ensure smooth military communication lines on western Korean Peninsula. Recently, the DPRK-ROK relations has made breakthroughs and the situation on the Korean Peninsula has been eased. On September 19, the DPRKs supreme leader Kim Jong Un held talks with the ROKs President Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang, signed the September Pyongyang Joint Declaration, and held a joint press conference. They have reached new and important consensuses in terms of improving relations between the two countries, easing military tension in the region, pushing forward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the process of peace talks, and further promoting the reconciliation and cooperation between the two countries. In addition to the agreement on easing border military confrontation, the DPRK and the ROK have also further clarified future specific cooperation programs in areas of economy, tourism, health, culture, and sports, including a groundbreaking ceremony within this year in a bid to eventually connect railways and roads across the border along the eastern and western Korean Peninsula, enabling the normal operation of the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC) and the Mount Kumgang Tourism Project when conditions permit, promoting cooperation in preventing infectious diseases and other fields of healthcare, and making joint efforts to bid for the 2032 Summer Olympics. The rapid development of the DPRK-ROK relations has made the United States uncomfortable. For the US, close DPRK-ROK ties mean that the US will increasingly be marginalized on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. There are still uncertainties in the US-DPRK and even the DPRK-ROK relations, despite the meeting between the leaders of the DPRK and the United States in June, and the visit of the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the DPRK in October with some progress made. In addition, the DPRK and the US have been stuck over which comes first: the removal of US sanctions imposed on the DPRK or the abandonment of nuclear projects by the DPRK. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo publicly warned at the press conference of the first session of the ROK-US working group on November 20 that the development of DPRK-ROK ties should not over speed. According to Reuters report on November 21, Pompeo said the day before that: We have clearly stated to the Republic of Korea that the US hopes to ensure peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, which should not lag behind the development of the DPRK-ROK relations. In addition, the UN Security Council plans to hold the fifth annual meeting on human rights issues of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in December driven by the US, which has triggered dissatisfaction from the DPRK. The DPRKs permanent representative to the UN sent a letter to all UN Security Council members except the US, calling on these member states to vote against the holding of the meeting, and expressing his surprise and regret over the UN Security Councils intention of deviating from the current trend of striving for dialogue, peace, and stability. Obviously, under the trend of seeking security, stability, cooperation, and mutual benefit, the situation on the Korean Peninsula is being eased. The DPRK and the ROK have once again launched a railway docking inspection to promote economic cooperation to expand beyond sanctions. However, we are not sure whether the DPRK-ROK railway docking and transformation project can proceed smoothly due to the impact of UN sanctions and Americas policy towards the DPRK. Whats more, the future development of the DPRK-ROK ties and the situation on the Korean Peninsula still face many uncertainties. Disclaimer: The authors are Cheng Yuyi and He Cong. The article was published on the China's National Defense newspaper on December 5. It is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military online. Streams of mourners filed past the flag-draped casket of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, a day ahead of the state funeral for the country's 41st president. Visitors included ordinary Americans, people who served under Bush in his various jobs, as well as past and present directors of the CIA. Among them was former Senate majority leader and presidential candidate Bob Dole, who was brought to the Capitol Rotunda in a wheelchair. An aide helped him stand up and once he was steady, the 95-year-old saluted his fellow World War II veteran. "Just incredible. Thank you Senator Dole," Jeb Bush, the late president's son, posted on Twitter. Former Sen. Bob Dole salutes the flag-draped casket containing the remains of former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Dec. 4, 2018. /AP U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump privately offered their condolences to Bush's son, former President George W. Bush, the country's 43rd president, former first lady Laura Bush and other Bush family members at Blair House, the presidential guest house across the street from the White House. Before that meeting, the first lady escorted Laura Bush on a tour of the holiday decorations at the White House. Trump and his wife joined mourners Monday night at the Capitol Rotunda. They paused steps from Bush's casket for a minute, with Trump saluting and Melania Trump placing her hand over her heart, before they quietly walked away. Trump has often aimed political taunts at the Bush family, long a symbol of the traditional, more moderate wing of the U.S. Republican party that often is at odds with Trump's populist supporters. The elder Bush never warmed to Trump and voted for Trump's 2016 challenger, Democrat Hillary Clinton. But Trump wrote members of Congress to hail him as a man who "led a life that exemplified what is truly great about America. President Bush worked selflessly throughout his long life to bring about a world of justice and lasting peace." Before the public started walking past Bush's casket, U.S. political dignitaries praised him as an American hero in World War II, a statesman, a world leader and, perhaps most of all, as a decent man full of grace. Bush died last week at the age of 94 at his home in Texas after years of failing health. Vice President Mike Pence said "President Bush was a great leader who made a great difference in the life of this nation. But he was also just a good man, who was devoted to his wife, his family and his friends." Pence said there was a kindness about Bush "that was evident to everyone who ever met him." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said America stands with the Bush family "in mourning but also in gratitude. Gratitude for lives well-lived and duties thoroughly fulfilled." House Speaker Paul Ryan said "here lies a great man, a gentle soul... His legacy is grace perfected." The public viewing of Bush's casket extends until early Wednesday when the casket will be transported to Washington National Cathedral for the state funeral. The Episcopal service will include four eulogies, from George W. Bush, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Evan Meacham, who wrote a biography of Bush. The Trumps are attending the funeral but are not expected to speak. From left, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush watch as the casket of former President George H.W. Bush arrives to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, U.S. on Dec. 3, 2018. /Reuters Trump has designated Wednesday as a national day of mourning in Bush's honor. The New York Stock Exchange will be closed, as are most government offices. Political analyst Larry Sabato at the University of Virginia said Bush's stature among the country's 45 presidents has grown in the quarter century since he left office. "It's pretty obvious as people look back, and as people are recollecting the Bush presidency, it looks a heck of a lot better than it did at the end of it," Sabato told VOA. "Bush, of course, was defeated for re-election, and most people at the time considered him a failed president" because of a recession during his time in the White House. "But now, I think we can see in retrospect that he was actually quite successful," Sabato said, particularly in foreign affairs, as he helped shape the Western response to the demise of the Soviet Union and the reunification of Germany. He also led the U.S. to a military victory in reversing Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's takeover of Kuwait. Moreover, Sabato said, Bush benefits from a comparison with Trump's demeanor nearly halfway through the current president's first term in the White House. "To be honest," Sabato said, "at one point in history, it would not have been exceptional to have a president who obeyed and appreciated the norms of the American system and of the presidency, who was civil, who was kind to people and who rose above petty squabbles. But you know, things have changed, particularly in the last couple years. And the contrast between George H.W. Bush and the current president could not be more stark." Archbishop of Basra: an Advent of Crises, Fleeing Families and Fears of Violence Basra -- The Christian community is preparing to live the period of Advent that brings us closer to Christmas "in a situation of persistent violence. Every two or three days at most there are new demonstrations of the unemployed, young people and adults looking for work " Mgr Alnaufali Habib Jajou, Chaldean archbishop of Basra, in southern Iraq tells AsiaNews. Since last July has been the scene of violence and demonstrations for an increasingly critical socio-economic situation. To this, the prelate continues, there are "clashes between tribes, who use guns and firearms" to settle "disputes and personal issues: this happens at least once a week". The metropolis of southern Iraq has long been hit by a severe water crisis and is the scene of demonstrations. Citizens protest against the poor quality of public services, unemployment (10% according to official figures, but with peaks up to 60% among young people) and endemic corruption. The Basra region includes around 90% of the country's hydrocarbon resources; however, only 1% of the workforce comes from the area. Because of the bloody protests (23 victims confirmed since 8 July), the local Church has decided to suspend cultural activities and catechism. At that time the Archbishop had warned of a possible escalation. Once upon a time the Christians of Basra were a significant part of the city, many of them exponents of the merchant class. However, in recent years the community has declined, even if in the south it has not suffered the same persecutions experienced in Mosul, Baghdad, Kirkuk or in the plain of Nineveh. "These days - says Msgr. Habib Jajou - another family has emigrated to Jordan because of the poor conditions. In general, at least one family a month leaves ". Yesterday, meanwhile, hundreds of people took to the streets to protest the lack of work and the lack of essential services. Among these were dozens of teachers who marched to the governorate, blocking the streets and chanting slogans against the government. "You and Saddam [Hussein, the former dictator] are two sides of the same coin." Many call for the area to be converted into an "autonomous region" to benefit more from exports (95% of Iraq's total oil come from this area) of oil. In a situation of crisis and tension, Christians began celebrations in preparation for Christmas. In spite of the fears of violence, says the Archbishop, "we will continue to celebrate masses and families will continue to meet in small groups in individual apartments, made available in turn, for prayers and meetings". Although in a minor tone, a special Santa Claus will bring gifts and sweets to the children "and we will organize a small party, even if people do not like to stay out for a long time" for fear of being involved in demonstrations or attacks. Finally, between December 25 and January 6, according to tradition, although in a minor tone, there will be "exchanges of greetings and traditional visits to relatives and friends". According to recent estimates, today only a little more than 10% of the original population remained, a few hundred compared to the 3,000 Christian families once present in the area. In September 2015, the local community celebrated the inauguration of the first Christian museum in southern Iraq; it houses more than 200 religious artifacts, documents, liturgical furnishings, photographs, clothes and furniture, some of which date back to the seventeenth century. Envoys from Britain, France and the United States voiced concern Tuesday at the United Nations following Iran's test-firing of a medium-range ballistic missile last Saturday. "Iran's recent ballistic missile test was dangerous and concerning, but not surprising," U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement. "The United States has repeatedly warned the world about Iran's deliberate efforts to destabilize the Middle East and defy international norms." Haley said the missile test was "provocative" and urged the international community not to keep "turning a blind eye every time Iran blatantly ignores Security Council resolutions." On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Iran of carrying out the launch in violation of UN resolutions and called on Tehran to cease such activities. A 2015 UN resolution endorsing the Iran nuclear deal "calls on" Tehran not to engage in missile development, but it does not expressly forbid it. State-run news agency IRNA quoted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying the country's missile program is "defensive in nature" and does not violate any U.N. resolution. He did not confirm or deny carrying out the test. Britain and France called for the closed-door discussions Tuesday in the Security Council. "We recognize that Iran has a legitimate role in the region and we recognize that she has legitimate defensive needs," British U.N. Ambassador Karen Pierce told reporters. "But we also believe, and our information is, that the sorts of missiles she test-launched on 1 December go way beyond legitimate defensive needs and, in respect of her overall role in region, we look again to Iran to cease her destabilizing activity and play a constructive role in this very important region." France's UN envoy said there was "widely-shared concern" among the 15 council members related to the launch. Francois Delattre said the test firing was "inconsistent" with UN resolutions, but he did not go so far as to say it was a violation. Traders from both sides also swap cargo between North Korean seafood and Chinese food and daily necessities on the West Sea to avoid the authorities. Heavy trucks are being used to transport iron ore and rare earths, RFA said quoting a trader in Dandong. Traders smuggle them through customs hidden in 50 kg burlap sacks. North Korean seafood is also widely sold at markets in Dandong despite a UNSC ban, according to RFA. Exports of North Korean iron ore, which are banned under UN Security Council sanctions, flow freely to China through the border city of Dandong, Radio Free Asia reported on Tuesday. Trade has revived in the North Korea-China border region and investment by Chinese companies has resumed in Pyongyang despite international sanctions. According to Korea Analysis & Strategy Consultancy, a civic research institute, North Korean seafood is being smuggled into Dandong on North Korean-registered Chinese ships. North Korean processed textile products are also being smuggled into the Chinese city in defiance of sanctions. RFA said North Korean cargo trucks return to their own country with full gas tanks. In an annual report for 2018 released last month, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, a congressional bipartisan advisory group, warned that China appears to be relaxing enforcement of sanctions. "North Korean workers have returned to jobs in northeast China, economic activity and tourism have picked up in border towns, flights in both directions have resumed, and the two countries have conducted high-profile official exchanges to discuss economic development," it said. Last year, the North also purchased US$640.78 million worth of banned luxury goods thanks to lax enforcement by China. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has visited China three times this year. In Pyongyang's Mangyongdae district, meanwhile, factories that stopped running in the 1990s due to economic difficulties, have recently resumed operations thanks to Chinese investment. According to a source, Pyongyang Kumgang Company started production in October after signing a memorandum of understanding on joint venture investment with a trading company in Shenyang. Chinese investment has also reportedly revived a chicken factory, kimchi factory, an athletes' village, and restaurants in the district. But many Chinese trading companies dealing with North Korean companies are on the verge of bankruptcy because there is no proper way to collect their revenues because of financial sanctions, RFA said. The UN is getting serious about enforcing sanctions against North Korea where it can even as China flaunts them with growing impunity. The Eugene Bell Foundation, a U.S. charity providing medical assistance to rural North Korea, was granted exemption from UN sanctions only once the global body had checked each medical product, paper cup and instant noodle package being sent to the impoverished country. Medical products and daily necessities are not subject to UN sanctions, but all shipments to the North are being thoroughly checked. According to Voice of America on Monday, the UN informed the foundation late last month that it had been granted an exemption for the shipment of 277 items to the North valued at around US$3 million. The foundation has been providing support to North Korea to fight tuberculosis since 1995. VOA said it sought UN approval for 277 products to be sent to the North, including tuberculosis medication, electrocardiogram machines and other medical equipment. The shipment also included surgical masks, tissue, hand sanitizers, instant noodles and coffee filters for medical volunteers. Kathmandu, December 5 Two days after the Constitutional Council failed to nominate the next Chief Justice, sources close to the ruling Nepal Communist Party have accused the main opposition Nepali Congress of intentionally deferring the discussion as it wanted some share in vacant constitutional positions. On the Council meeting on Monday, Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, who represents the main opposition party in the Council, had requested other members to defer the discussion as he had to attend the partys Central Working Committee meeting. Deuba did so as he wanted to discuss the issue with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, according to the sources. They claim the opposition party is eyeing at vacant positions of commissioners at the anti-corruption agency, CIAA. Otherwise, Deuba did not have any reason for deferring the discussion Cholendra Shamsher Rana was the sole candidate for the position, the sources claim. The party had openly backed his name while he was endorsed for the apex court judgeship four years ago. The Judicial Council has recommended Deepak Raj Joshee also, but he is unlikely to make it to the final nomination as the Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee had rejected his name for the Chief Justice some months ago. Meanwhile, the Congress has refused to accept the charge. The partys chief whip Bal Krishna Khand says the party has just stated that apolitical persons should be appointed to such positions. 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 Red Bull has confirmed that junior driver Dan Ticktum will be heading east in 2019 to race in the ultra-competitive Japanese Super Formula series. Ticktum finished runner-up to Mick Schumacher in this year's FIA European F3, and as the young charger next in line in Red Bull's programme the Brit was at one point considered for a seat at Toro Rosso for next season. However, the 19-year-old's promotion to F1 was blocked because of a lack of points to qualify for Grand Prix racing's mandatory superlicence. With Formula 2 and Super Formula seen as Ticktum's best options, Red Bull has decided on sending its protege to Japan where he will race for Mugen under the energy drink company's banner. Ticktum won't be the only Red Bull representative racing in the Land of the Rising Sun next season, with former DTM winner Lucas Auer also electing to spend a year in Japan. The nephew of ten-time Grand Prix winner Gerhard Berger was left without a programme for 2019 following Mercedes departure from the DTM series. Auer, who enjoyed several tests with Force India in the past, will join the new B-Max Racing/Motorpark operation in Super Formula. As it restructures its junior programme for next season, Red Bull also confirmed its 2019 support for European F3 racer Juri Vips and Japanese F4 champion Yuki Tsunoda. More drivers will be added to its roster in the coming weeks, with Red Bull announcing its full junior programme by the end of the year. Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Snow this evening will taper off and give way to cloudy skies late. Low 2C. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 100%. 3 to 5 inches of snow expected.. Tonight Snow this evening will taper off and give way to cloudy skies late. Low -4C. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 100%. 3 to 5 inches of snow expected. 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. . , 30 . . . 2 , 5- 12- , , ... MBABANE Two Judges have recused themselves from late tycoon Dumisa Mbusi Dlaminis matter in the Supreme Court. The matter is an appeal against the stoppage of the sale of properties owned by companies in which Dlamini was a shareholder. The judges are Justice Jacobus Annandale and acting Justice Judith Currie. The judges recused themselves on November 27, 2018. They presided in the matter together with Justice Benjamin Odoki. The matter was postponed to a date that is to be fixed by the registrar. The recusal of the judges came after EswatiniBank filed an application that they remove themselves from the matter following their previous involvement in the proceedings. The duo was either involved as a judge, in the case of Judge Annandale, or acting Judge Currie, as an attorney. The companies in which Dlamini was either a direct or indirect shareholder are Marshall Campbell (Pty) Ltd, Matlock Estates (Pty) Ltd and Pircadie Estates (Pty). The bank, which is represented by Mangaliso Magagula of Magagula and Hlophe Attorneys, is a creditor in Dlaminis estate and it claims to be owed money in excess of E27 million. EswatiniBank is opposed to the sale of properties owned by the aforementioned companies since the estate itself is yet to be wound up. It is appealing the High Courts decision to stop the sale of the properties by public auction pending compliance with statutory requirements and approval of the sale by the shareholders of the companies. Dlaminis matters have been ongoing since 2004. EswatiniBank Managing Director Zakhele Lukhele said Judge Currie had acted as a legal representative of the trustees of Dlaminis estate, who were subsequently removed by an order of the High Court and replaced by Sibusiso Motsa. Recognised He also said Judge Currie acted as an attorney for the previous trustees who were recognised, by an order of July 2004 issued by the High Court, as trustees of Dlaminis estate. Lukhele further told the court that pursuant to that order, the trustees sold a number of farms and properties belonging to Dlamini between 2004 and 2007. According to Lukhele, the previous trustees were removed by a court order dated May 27, 2016 after they failed to account for monies realised from the sale of Dlaminis properties. The millions worth of properties, Lukhele said, were sold by the previous trustees and they did not account for a cent of the money. Lukhele further said an investigation by Motsa revealed that despite the previous trustees having sold properties worth millions, they allegedly only deposited a sum of E1.8 million to the estate bank at Standard Bank. He also stated that Judge Curries offices were opposed to the removal of the previous trustees. Lukhele said this contradicted what the judge allegedly stated in chambers that she last acted for the former trustees in 2009. The MD went on to submit that the judge was, in May 2016, paid a sum of E8 438 at a time when the court had ordered her clients, the previous trustees, to revoke signing powers in the bank account of Dlaminis estate. Lukhele said said the judgment which is appealed against in the current matter contains findings which have a bearing on the matters decided in the previous judgments where Judge Currie was acting for the then trustees and Judge Annandale expressed an opinion. In the opposing affidavit, Lawyer Lindifa Mamba submitted that prior involvement of Judge Currie and Judge Jacobus Annandale did not support the contention that they were in danger of departing from the standard of even-handed justice. MBABANE Senior personnel in all ministries have to overlook hotels and meet in boardrooms for government business. According to the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Evart Madlopha, this was one of the measures heeding to the call by the Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, to cut costs. The premier informed the nation that Cabinet had taken eight key decisions in dealing with the financial challenges experienced by the country. These key decisions were said to be aimed at saving every penny by government, following the financial challenges. Crisis Leading to that, this publication had reported that despite the financial crisis, ministries were hosting meetings in hotels. An example of what has been termed unnecessary expenditure was the recent event involving Minister of Health, Lizzy Nkosi. On November 15, the politician was met and introduced to senior Health ministry staff at Mountain Inn. To this, Madlopha said the ministry was releasing a circular aimed at capping unnecessary expenditure. He noted that there were instances where government was sponsored. He said: We cannot say they should stop using hotels altogether; but their meetings should be held there if sponsored. Averting hosting meetings in hotels will save government money as the need for expensive refreshments will not be incurred. The bureaucrat noted that there were conference rooms in all ministries where meetings could be held. He further said working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the ministry had finalised means to ensure that all sponsored external travel, as approved, will not attract quarter rate for all public servants. The 25 per cent awarded to personnel embarking on sponsored international trips will be a thing of the past as articulated by the premier. This, he said, was a term and condition of service that he was responsible for and had engaged other stakeholders to deal with. Further, he said government had revived that every copy being photocopied or printed was done back-to-back. This, he said, was now a habit that every civil servant was accustomed to as paper rims were expensive. Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov is holding negotiations with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, Trend reports citing a Twitter message from Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry. On the sidelines of 25th Ministerial Council of the OSCE, Foreign Minister #Elmar Mammadyarov is holding negotiations with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk also takes part at the meeting, said the message. 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. By Trend The price of Brent crude oil may rise again to $64-69 per barrel, Ilkin Aliyev, analyst of the Azerbaijani investment company InvestAZ, told Trend Dec. 4. He said that such a scenario is possible if the oil price in global markets continues to remain above $62 a barrel. Recently, the decision of the government of Qatar to withdraw from OPEC has been discussed at commodity exchanges, Aliyev said, noting that daily oil production in Qatar reaches 1.9 million barrels per day. The main question of market participants is how this decision may affect oil prices. He said that the decision of Qatar will weaken the position of OPEC in relation to oil production in the world, but wont have a strong impact on oil prices. One of the main reasons for this is the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Russia, and the price of oil is controlled by OPEC+, Ilkin Aliyev said. In addition, the Qatari government noted that it will remain in the OPEC+ agreement. Qatari Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi has earlier stated that Qatar is withdrawing from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as of January 2019. Commenting on the decision, the minister noted that Qatar wants to focus on the production of natural and liquefied gas. It has been nearly a year since the rollout of VAT in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with Bahrain set to join them on January 1, 2019. When the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members signed the Common VAT Agreement of the States of the GCC in 2017, they agreed to implement value-added tax (VAT) at the unified rate of five per cent, but with varying legislative parameters for each country. This was a major step for the GCC region that had in the past levied little tax and relied heavily on oil revenues instead. The move aligns with Bahrains Economic Vision 2030 and is part of the countrys economic diversification plan that aims to reduce budget deficit and develop sectors including finance, real estate, oil and gas, healthcare, education and transport. Further developments in taxation can be expected, with ongoing discussions about the possible introduction of remittance tax, expat tax, corporate tax and transfer pricing across the region. There are fears that VAT will have negative implications for businesses and individuals in Bahrain. However, a broad-based VAT at a low rate is unlikely to dissuade investment in the country or the wider region, whose appeal lies in its strategic geographical location that allows easy access to every market in the Middle East. Preparation is critical because VAT non-compliance could lead to severe penalties, business disruption and potential reputational risk. Companies that have been operating in a largely non-tax environment should start to prepare, analyse the impact of the new tax in detail, assess the internal systems and educate employees on the changes. It all begins with understanding the Bahrain VAT. What is VAT? VAT is an indirect tax on the consumption of goods and services that is charged and collected by a taxable person or entity and remitted to the tax authority. It is commonly misunderstood as a tax on business, which it is not, as the businesses are only tax collectors. How will VAT work? At present, Article 3 of the Bahrain VAT Law provides for a standard VAT rate of five per cent, while certain goods and services may be classified under zero rate or exempt from taxation. For example, supply of vacant land and buildings by way of lease or sale, necessities for people with special needs, and personal luggage and gifts carried by travellers will be exempt from VAT. Some of the goods and services that will be zero-rated in Bahrain include: Oil, gas and oil derivatives Supply and imports of foodstuffs Transport Construction of new buildings Supply and imports of certain medicines and medical equipment Supply and imports of investment gold, silver and platinum with a purity level not less than 99 per cent that is tradeable on the global bullion market (subject to obtaining a certificate) Educational services, as well as the supply of related goods and services to nurseries, pre-schools, primary, secondary and higher education institutions Supply of goods under a customs duty suspension scheme The first supply of gold, silver and platinum after extraction for commercial purposes Supply and import of pearls and precious stones (subject to obtaining a certificate) The introduction of VAT certainly brings an additional layer of challenges for multinational companies, as ERP solutions will need to factor in compliance. However, VAT-compliant accounting software and ERPs enable an easy transition and help businesses manage their VAT returns, invoicing, reporting, adjustments, payments and refunds. What is the tax period, and when should returns be filed? The regulations specify the duration of the tax period, which should not be less than one month. Companies must bear in mind that the deadline for filing the VAT return is the last day of the month following the month in which the tax period ends. They also need to issue their customers tax invoices within 15 days of the end of the month following the supply date. Understanding the tax periods is very important, especially for small and medium businesses, due to the need for efficient cash flow management. Penalties or preparation? To avoid fines, companies will need to be well-informed of the rules and deadlines. If they neglect to register for VAT, they will face penalties up to BD10,000, and failing to provide the tax authority with the required information could incur fines up to BD5,000. Article 63 of the Bahrain VAT Law also stipulates that the following violations can be regarded as tax evasion and could result in imprisonment: Failing to register for VAT within 60 days of the registration deadline Failing to pay VAT within 60 days of the payment deadline Failing to provide a tax invoice Charging VAT on non-taxable items Unrightfully recovering input VAT When it comes to VAT compliance, it is always better to be proactive than reactive. While it is only natural that it will take companies a while to fully comprehend the various impacts of VAT, business leaders would do well to invest in smart solutions that ensure a seamless transition. TradeArabia News Service * Mansoor Sarwar is regional director technical services and pre-sales at Sage Middle East Four times bestselling author, futurist and world-renowned expert on the future of global banking, Brett King will be a keynote speaker at the 3rd Middle East & Africa FinTech Forum, the regions premier FinTech conference, being held in Bahrain. The event will be hosted by Bank ABC and Arab Financial Services (AFS) on February 20 and 21 February 2019, under the patronage of the Central Bank of Bahrain. King was one of the key advisors for the Obama administration on its FinTech policy. Currently, he advises CEOs of the worlds top banks and regulators around the globe on financial technology transformation. His books include Bank 2.0, Branch Today Gone Tomorrow, Bank 3.0, Breaking Banks, and Augmented: Life In the Smart Lane. King also hosts the worlds first and top-ranked radio show on FinTech called Breaking Banks. He is also the CEO and Founder of Moven, a successful mobile start-up, which has raised more than $24 million to date, with the first downloadable bank account and was called King of Disruptors by the Banking Exchange magazine. Sael Al Waary, deputy group CEO of Bank ABC and chairman of AFS, said: We are delighted to have Mr King as a keynote speaker at this important forum. We, along with the hundreds of delegates attending the forum are excited to hear the views and experiences Mr King will share at the forum. He added that hosting the 3rd FinTech Forum reflects our commitment to Bahrain and the region as a whole, as this event has become the most prominent FinTech conference in Mena and supports Bahrains vision to become a leading FinTech hub. More regional banks and financial institutions are expected to take part in the Forum next year. Both Bank ABC and AFS are committed to the development of new FinTech solutions and bringing these latest tech innovations to the Region. The Middle East & Africa FinTech Forum, which is sponsored by Bank ABC and AFS (Arab Financial Services) brings together internationally renowned thought leaders, practitioners and innovators from the FinTech and artificial intelligence (AI) arenas to discuss a wide range of issues including the future of banking, potential impact of AI and how it will transform the future, open banking, crowdsourcing and financial inclusion. TradeArabia News Service Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah) said it has reached an agreement to acquire a stake in the Bahrain Car Parks Company in exchange for the transfer of the operational utilisation rights for a period of 99 years in one of the parking buildings owned by the company. Edamah is the real estate arm of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the country's sovereign wealth fund which focuses on managing and promoting a diversified real estate portfolio across the kingdom. Bahrain Car Park Company, a publicly-listed company on the Bahrain Bourse, is a specialist in the construction, development and management of parking lots. This comes in line with Edamahs strategy to diversify its investment portfolio, where the MoU opens doors for it to purchase shares of the publicly-listed Bahraini shareholding company. In addition, to boost efficiency and profitability, the agreement assigns Bahrain Car Parks Company as the exclusive manager of all car park buildings currently owned by Edamah, as well as car park buildings that will be developed in the future. The MoU is part of Edamahs larger long-term strategy to develop new projects, renovate previous projects, and manage them all to global standards and best practices. The company prides itself on exercising stringent corporate governance laws that include the highest forms of transparency, which boost its commitment to sustainable development. Speaking on the deal, CEO Amin Alarrayed, said: "The MoU builds an effective framework to bring a valuable addition for Edamah, to expand its real estate investment and management efforts into car park buildings." "Revamping current properties that support the trade and tourism sectors in the kingdom reflects our commitment to contribute to the growth of the national economy," he added. Ismael Al Marhoon, the chairman of Bahrain Car Parks Company, said: "We are delighted to have inked this collaboration in partnership with Edamah, which will establish mutual support in the management of parking areas." "This agreement feeds into our primal strategy that focuses on developing and efficiently managing parking spaces aiming to provide services that meet the customers expectations. In addition to implementing the latest developments and introducing innovative and valuable services," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Omans Raysut Cement Company aims to acquire ARM Cement, a leading producer and major supplier of cement in Kenya, as part of the companys aggressive strategy to expand into East and Central Africa. The move from Omans largest cement manufacturer comes following the declaration by ARM Cement that it has a debt of over $140 million. Raysut said it had expressed its interest to the administrators to take over the company in a deal which is estimated to be valued at over $100 million. The Omani firm is already in the process of setting up a grinding unit in Somaliland and Mogadishu, Somalia with a Dubai-based partner. The company is also in advanced discussions to acquire various cement producers in Uganda and Djibouti. Plans are also afoot to build a one million tonne per annum cement plant in Berbera, Somalia and the construction work could start as early as next month. Also it is in advanced negotiations with Kampala Cement, it stated. Besides, Oman cement giant is also building a one million tonne plant in Georgia, near Tbilisi, it added. This comes as part of Group CEO Joey Ghose's five-year strategy to turn Raysut Cement into a 20-million tonne company by 2022. The acquisition will complement Raysuts revised strategy to manufacture clinker in proximity to the markets it supplies to in East Africa, said a statement from the Omani company. Raysut Cement is one of the major clinker suppliers to the East African region and the ARM assets will fit very well with its plans for East Africa where in the last quarter alone it supplied over 300,000 tonnes of clinker from its home plant at Salalah, Oman to Kenya and Tanzania, it stated. A recent board meeting held in the presence of Raysut Group Chairman Ahmed bin Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah Al Ibrahim approved the proposal of the Kenyan-born Ghose with significant support from all stakeholders of the company, including the government representatives.-TradeArabia News Service Emaar Hospitality Group presented industry-first projects including Expo 2020 Hotel of the Future at the ongoing Hitec Dubai 2018, a major hospitality technology show in Dubai, UAE. Hitec Dubai 2018, the Middle Easts largest hospitality technology exhibition and conference, is endorsed by Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). Co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Naseba, this years expo, which is taking place at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai on December 5 and 6, is showcasing innovative solutions from the worlds leading hospitality technology providers. Speaking at the Hitec conference, Olivier Harnisch, CEO of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: Emaar Hospitality Group has paved the way for creating an innovative hospitality landscape in Dubai, offering a range of experiences, from luxury to contemporary midscale. We aim to be the most innovative hospitality company and are excited to meld the best of technology with the warmth of human touch. The future of our industry is being defined by the all-encompassing digital transformation. Over the past year we have introduced a series of digital innovations that cover all the touch points focused on enhancing the guest experience. Continuing our journey, we look forward to showing the best that technology and human ingenuity has to offer at Expo 2020. Frank Wolfe CAE, CEO of HFTP, said: Expo 2020 is driving growth in Dubai as the emirate aims to complete 160,000 hotel rooms in time to welcome an additional five million visitors during the event. In preparation of the expected 25 million visitors the city has made unprecedented investments in its infrastructure and hospitality sector to cater for the influx of travellers. The hotel industry is going through a period of unparalleled changes. As in other parts of the world, technology is playing a crucial role in the future of hospitality industry while propelling Dubais transition to a knowledge-based economy by 2021. It is exciting to see at Hitec Dubai how Emaar Hospitality Groups is leading the way with industry-first digital transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing the guest experience and operational excellence, he added. TradeArabia News Service An international exhibition of production technologies for import-substituting products was held in Ashgabat. It was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The exhibition aimed to demonstrate Turkmenistans successes in the sphere of import substitution, as well as prospects for international cooperation. The exhibition brought together about 90 exhibitors, including state-owned and private business structures of Turkmenistan, as well as companies from Europe and the CIS. Much focus at the exhibition was placed on the priority areas of development of the Turkmen business, i.e. establishment of import-substituting industrial and agricultural food enterprises. Foreign exhibitors offered equipment for packaging of finished products, as well as for manufacturing of various types of packages. As part of the exhibition, representatives of Turkmenistan and foreign partners held talks on establishment of cooperation and direct contacts. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 The 5th meeting of the Coordinating Committee of the Serial World Heritage Nomination of the Silk Road for the UNESCO World Heritage List was held at the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan. The meeting agenda included issues related to preparation of the transnational serial nomination of historical sites related to the caravan trade between East and West in antiquity and the Middle Ages. The meeting participants discussed measures for development of cooperation in the serial nomination of the Silk Road and coordination of activities of the countries through the territories of which the caravan routes once ran. It was noted at the meeting that the coordinating committee is currently developing an overall management policy for all the World Heritage sites of the Silk Road. This will make it possible to define responsibilities of individual participating countries in accordance with their national legislations and the system for protection of historical monuments. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 Climate change is the defining issue of our time and we are at a defining momentthis is the absolute priority. UN Secretary General Developing countries are not waiting for international finance to enable their climate response. They have already begun to prioritise billions of dollars of their own scarce domestic resources for climate action. It is difficult to articulate how much is being spent on climate through national budgets as climate change impacts so many different ministries spending across central and local government. But ministries of finance are rising to this challenge by establishing Climate Budget Tagging systems to monitor and track climate-related expenditures in their public budget systems. Whilst the proportion of budgets classified as aligned with climate objectives varies, it averages in the range of five to ten percent of a countrys budget often amounting to billions of dollars. State bureaus in charge of managing budget formulation and execution are increasingly vexed by climate change as a systemic issue impacting the effectiveness and efficiency of their spending. Take the Pacific Islands, whose budgets are already pressured by limited fiscal opportunity and regularly depleted by disasters: They are not waiting for international finance to fill their fiscal gaps but, with UNDPs help, have integrated disaster risk screening tools into their budget appraisal process and ensured that national budgets are directly accountable to parliament for their impacts on climate change adaption. In Pakistan, sector ministries such as the Water Ministry have integrated climate change into their medium term budgetary frameworks, aligning over US$400m of their ministry budget with climate change objectives. Countries big and small are taking action, but of course, domestic public funds will never be enough. For developing countries, international funds will also be critical, and donors will have to live up to their commitments. Where budget reforms are now in place, donor funds can achieve significant leverage and impact flowing through governments own systems. Ultimately, it is only if private sector investment is leveraged and innovative financing arrangements are put in place across public and private sectors, that adequate finance will be mobilized. UNDP is increasingly supporting public-private collaborations to finance a response to climate change. For example, we have been supporting the Ministry of Finance in Indonesia to issue a green Islamic bond the Green Sukuk - mobilizing US$1.25 billion. We are also supporting India, Vietnam and Mongolia to mobilise Green Climate Fund resources in ways that will crowd in private finance for adaptation into their countries. Our ability to mobilise all of society behind a response to climate change is probably the most essential cog in this wheel. We will need to see a significant broadening of the coalition for reform we cannot leave the push for a climate compatible future to ministries of environment and climate change alone. As the UNFCCC COP24 begins its meeting this week, lets all play our part in identifying opportunities to mobilise resources and harness them for a more sustainable and prosperous future. In particular, lets work to ensure more ministries of finance and more private sector institutions join in on these efforts. Photo: Adobe stock United Airlines monitoring situation after new COVID-19 variant detected: Spokesperson 26 Nov 2021 | 11:37 PM Washington, Nov 26 (UNI/Sputnik) United Airlines is monitoring the situation after scientists detected a new coronavirus variant in several regions in Africa, but the company does not consider making changes in its services schedule at this time, spokesperson Nicole Carriere told Sputnik on Friday. see more.. US diplomat to visit Southeast Asia to engage allies on pressuring Myanmar State Dept 26 Nov 2021 | 11:32 PM Washington, Nov 26 (UNI/Sputnik) US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel J. Kritenbrink will depart for Southeast Asia on Saturday to engage regional allies on a range of issues, including ways to pressure the Myanmar military government into ceasing ongoing violence and allowing humanitarian access, the State Department said. see more.. Greek gov't denies alleged surveillance on journalists 26 Nov 2021 | 11:23 PM Athens, Nov 26 (UNI/Sputnik) Greek intelligence has never carried out surveillance on any journalist, Greek Minister of State Giorgos Gerapetritis said on Friday, responding to allegations of the Foreign Press Association of Greece (FPA). see more.. Sputnik V vaccine most effective at preventing COVID-19 mortality: Study 26 Nov 2021 | 11:19 PM Moscow, Nov 25 (UNI/Sputnik) A comparative study of five vaccines in Hungary has shown that Sputnik V is the best vaccine to prevent the likelihood of death from the COVID-19 disease, according to a press statement published by experts. see more.. Huge consignment of foreign liquor seized in dry Bihar Hajipur, Dec 5 (UNI) Police seized huge consignment of foreign liquor from a mini truck near Taraura village under Mahua police station area in Vaishali district today. Police said here that 222 cartons of foreign liquor were seized from the mini truck on the basis of specific intelligence input. Sources said the truck driver made good his escape from the spot after abandoning his vehicle on the spot. Police said that the seized liquor was manufactured in Haryana. A woman has been arrested in this connection, sources added. Mamata greets all on Constitution Day 26 Nov 2021 | 10:54 PM Kolkata, Nov 26 (UNI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday greeted all on Constitution Day. see more.. TMC decides the names of the 144 candidates for the coming Kolkata Municipal election 26 Nov 2021 | 10:53 PM Kolkata, Nov 26 (UNI) The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday decided the names of the 144 candidates for the upcoming Kolkata Municipal election secluded to be held on December 19. see more.. Mukul Sangma elected PP leader of TMC, to meet Mamata on Monday 26 Nov 2021 | 10:03 PM Shillong, Nov 26 (UNI) Former Meghalaya chief minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma, who led 11 other sitting Congress legislators out of the party to join the All India Triamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday, is scheduled to lead a delegation to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Monday. see more.. Meghalaya records 20 recoveries, 16 new COVID-19 cases 26 Nov 2021 | 9:48 PM Shillong, Nov 26 (UNI) Meghalaya on Friday recorded 20 more cases of recovery from COVID-19 related complications, which surged the number of recovered cases to 82591 and 16 new cases of infection, which added up to 335 active cases, health officials said. see more.. United Nations, Dec 5 (UNI) Delivering a summary of his first report to the Security Council, Special Adviser and head of the UN Investigative Team for Accountability of Daesh the Arabic name for the extremist group ISIL which recently held sway over large parts of Iraq and Syria - said that the team can only be effective if it gains the trust of Iraqi society. The team, said Karim Asad Ahmad Khan, who was appointed in May to lead the UN team that was established at the request of Iraq to gather evidence in order to build a case against ISIS militants for possible war crimes, must operate as an independent, impartial and credible accountability mechanism, capable of conducting its work to the highest possible standards. He further said, was the need to ensure that our work is carried out collaboratively and cooperatively with the Government of Iraq, with full respect for its national sovereignty and in a manner that harnesses the talents, and engenders the support, of all elements of Iraqi society. The team was set up following a September 2017 Security Council resolution in a bid to help domestic efforts to hold ISIL accountable for their actions, Daeshs time in control of large areas of Iraq, between June 2014 and December 2017, has been described by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) as a relentless campaign of terror and violence. During his September visit to the country, Mr Khan heard first-hand from survivors of Daesh violence, in testimony described as heart-wrenching, and stressed the need to ensure that they are protected, and that perpetrators of atrocities are brought to justice, the loss suffered by these communities is profound. I realise that the wounds of sorrow remain open and that, even when there is healing, the scars will run deep. In his December statement to the Security Council, Mr Khan paid tribute to the survivors, who have suffered at the hands of Daesh, and recognised the tremendous courage and sacrifice already demonstrated by the people of Iraq in their efforts to defeat ISIL and bring justice for its victims, adding that, since Daesh has been driven from its strongholds, including its former stronghold of Raqqa in northern Syria, the scope and magnitude of its crimes has been exposed. Witness testimony has revealed a plethora of unimaginable abuses. Thousands, including women and children, have become victims and witnesses of its crimes. Working alongside the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMA), the UN human rights office, has documented the existence of 200 mass graves in the northern and western parts of the country, which may contain thousands of bodies, and it is believed that many more still remain to be discovered. UNI XC RSU 0830 Slovenian PM criticizes Austria for extending border controls Vienna, Dec 5 (Xinhua) Visiting Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Sarec on Wednesday criticized Austria for extending border controls along their shared border. Slovenia is "not against border controls when they are necessary," but it already has its own controls implemented at its section of the Schengen external border, Sarec told a joint press conference with his Austrian counterpart, Sebastian Kurz, after a bilateral meeting. His country is in agreement with Austria, however, that the external borders of the European Union should be better protected, Sarec said. Tehran will never make nuclear-capable missiles - Foreign Ministry Moscow, Dec 5 (Sputnik) Tehran has never planned to and will not make missiles that are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, the Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman said Wednesday. On Saturday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Iran had test-launched a nuclear-capable medium-range ballistic missile in violation of a UN Security Council resolution. On Tuesday, a diplomatic source told Sputnik that the French and UK missions to the United Nations had requested closed UN Security Council consultations to discuss Iran's nuclear tests. "In Irans transparent missile and defense policies there is no design and plan for having missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, and there won't be any in the future," Bahram Qassemi was quoted as saying by the ministry's press service. United Nations, Dec 5 (UNI) A United Nations independent rights expert has condemned Egyptian Government reprisals, which included housing demolitions and arbitrary arrests, against human rights defenders. Special Rapporteur on the right to housing, Leilani Farha, said that Egypt 'failed to adhere' to the assurances it provided to her, that no person would be harassed, intimidated or subjected to reprisal for meeting or providing information to her or others in her official delegation during the more than week-long visit. I am shocked that after my mission a number of families from two communities I visited have suffered forced eviction contrary to international human rights law, she added. Arcilia Acosta will deliver the keynote address at both UTSA Commencement ceremonies. (Dec. 4, 2018) When more than 4,200 eligible UTSA graduates celebrate their academic achievements this month at UTSA Fall Commencement, they will hear a special message to encourage and inspire them as they take their next steps in the workforce or academia. Ms. Arcilia Acosta, an entrepreneur and a nationally recognized speaker and philanthropist, will deliver the keynote addresses at two ceremonies at the Alamodome on Sunday, Dec. 16. Acosta is the President and CEO of CARCON Industries and Construction, a full-service construction firm based in Dallas with offices throughout Texas. She is also the founder and CEO of Southwestern Testing Laboratories (STL Engineers), a geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing firm and her oil and gas division is based in Midland. She and her companies have received numerous national awards for construction and for her civic leadership. She is an inductee to the National Womens Business Hall of Fame. In 2016, Acosta was appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board by Governor Greg Abbott. Acosta has previously served as Commencement speaker at Texas Tech University, Mountain View College, Texas Woman's University and Sam Houston State University. >> Learn more about UTSA Commencement including the significance of UTSAs academic regalia. UTSAs first Commencement ceremony begins at 10 a.m. to honor graduates from the College of Architecture, Construction and Planning, College of Business, College of Education and Human Development and College of Public Policy. At 4 p.m., the second ceremony will be held to honor graduates from the College of Engineering, College of Liberal and Fine Arts, College of Sciences and the University College. Fall 2018 graduates are encouraged to arrive two hours prior to their ceremony for check-in, located on the ground level of the Alamodome. Family and friends are also welcome. All Roadrunners and their families and friends are encouraged to share their Commencement experience on social media using #UTSA and #UTSAGrad18. This falls graduating class will bring UTSAs alumni network to 126,000 Roadrunners strong. Smoking on your Carnival Cruise balcony could cost you under new policy The Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey as guarantors of the Astana format: 1. 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; 2. Highlighted that these principles should be universally respected and that any action that might violate them and undermine achievements of the Astana format should be avoided; 3. Rejected all attempts to create new realities on the ground under the pretext of combating terrorism and expressed their determination to stand against separatist agendas aimed at undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria as well as the national security of neighboring countries; 4. Discussed the current situation on the ground in Syria, took stock of the recent developments following their last meeting in Sochi on 30-31 July 2018 and underscored their determination to strengthen their trilateral coordination in light of their agreements; 5. Examined in details the situation in the Idlib de-escalation area and reaffirmed their determination to fully implement the Memorandum on Stabilization of the Situation in the Idlib De-escalation Area of 17 September 2018. In this regard they expressed their concern with the ongoing violations of the ceasefire regime, and declared that, as guarantors of the ceasefire regime, they would step up their efforts to ensure observance with it, including by enhancing work of the Joint Iranian-Russian-Turkish Coordination Center. They stressed the importance of a lasting ceasefire while underlining the necessity to continue effective fight against terrorism. They also emphasized that under no circumstances the creation of the above-mentioned de-escalation area should undermine the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic; 6. Reaffirmed their determination to continue cooperation in order to ultimately eliminate DAESH/ISIL, Nusra Front and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaeda or DAESH/ISIL as designated by the UN Security Council. They called upon all armed opposition groups in Syria to completely and immediately dissociate from the above-mentioned terrorist groups; 7. Strongly condemned any use of chemical weapons in Syria and demanded that any reports in this regard should be investigated promptly and professionally in full compliance with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction and by the OPCW as the main international competent authority to establish use of chemical weapons; 8. Underlined their firm conviction that there could be no military solution to the Syrian conflict and that the conflict could be resolved only through the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, UN-facilitated political process in line with the UN Security Council resolution 2254; 9. Reaffirmed their determination to step up joint efforts to launch the Constitutional Committee in Geneva, that would enjoy support of the Syrian parties, in accordance with the decisions of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi and decided to intensify their consultations on all the levels to finalize its establishment at the soonest possible time; 10. Welcomed the successful development of the "pilot project" within the framework of the Working Group on the release of detainees/abductees and handover of the bodies as well as the identification of missing persons. The release of the detainees on 24 November 2018 constituted a step forward in implementing confidence-building measures between Syrian parties to contribute to the viability of the political process and normalization of the situation on the ground. In this regard they reiterated their commitment to further advance the efforts of the Working group; 11. Emphasized the need to continue all efforts to help all Syrians restore normal and peaceful life as well as alleviate their sufferings. In this regard, they called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and its humanitarian agencies, to increase their assistance to Syria by providing additional humanitarian aid, restoring humanitarian infrastructure assets, including water and power supply facilities, schools and hospitals; 12. Highlighted the need to create conditions for the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their original places of residence in Syria. They reaffirmed their readiness to continue interaction with all relevant parties, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other specialized international agencies, in particular in the context of rendering assistance to preparing and convening the International conference on Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs); 13. Expressed their appreciation to Mr.Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General Special Envoy on Syria, for his efforts to seek peaceful solution for the Syrian crisis and for his constructive interaction and cooperation with the Astana format during his mission; 14. Expressed their sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Nursultan Nazarbayev and the Kazakh authorities for hosting in Astana the 11th International Meeting on Syria; 15. Decided to hold the next International Meeting on Syria in Astana in early February 2019. On 4 December, the Israeli Defence forces launched an operation to destroy the tunnels dug out by the Lebanese Hezbollah in the No Mans Land established by the United Nations between the two countries (Operation Northern Lock). Four years ago, the Hezbollah constructed tunnels in this area. This would provide it with a way of passing under the border should Israel attack, and allow it to make a counter attack against the Hebrew State. Tsahal now has sonars for detecting tunnels. Till now, this material was exclusively possessed by the Chinese army had but Israeli is now developing them for use against Hamas at the Gaza border. The UN Interim Force at Lebanon (Finul) is composed of soldiers from forty countries. Some have only one observer, whilst others such as Spain, France, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia and Nepal have more than 500 soldiers. One section of the Finul officers is linked to Israel, another section to the Hezbollah. On 30 November, the Hezbollah published a video subtitled in Hebrew. This video indicated that if Israel launched a war, then the Hezbollah would respond by attacking multiple targets such as the chemical factories, Kirya (chief of staff) or the nuclear centre at Dimona. The video finishes off with the message if you dare to attack, youll be sorry! There was no issue of tunnels. For the missiles that the Hezbollah now possesses are so superior to those it had in 2006, that a 2006/2018 missile comparison would be meaningless. Israel continues to qualify the Hezbollahs militia as terrorists. True, the Hezbollah was once a network for Resistance to the occupation. But during the war in Syria, it has grown into a real army in uniform and one of the best in the Middle East. According to the Israeli intelligence services, Iran had just delivered sophisticated military material to the Hezbollah. These materials were carried by a civil plane to Beirut. It would be the first operation of this type for several years. For two months, the Iranian military advisors and the militia supported by Iran are withdrawing from Syria and Iraq. Israel fears lest this set up is soon redeployed in Lebanon. Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 36F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 36F. Winds light and variable. Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. By West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 05, 2018 | 01:12 PM | PADUCAH A Paducah teen who was sentenced in January to 10 years behind bars for conspiring with his girlfriend to kill his mother and her parents will now only have to serve five years probation.Kyle Parrish received a 10-year prison sentence on Jan. 4 on a conspiracy to commit manslaughter charge. Court records show Judge Tim Kaltenback reduced his sentence on Tuesday to five years probation.As part of the new sentence, Parrish is required to remain employed and stay out of legal trouble. He is also prohibited from contacting Zoe Bryan. Bryan was convicted of conspiracy to commit first-degree manslaughter and second-degree arson in the case. She was sentenced to 10 and 15 years on those charges, respectively.Hundreds of text messages between Parrish and Zoe Brown were used as evidence in the case against them. The assistant prosecutor said the couple were upset because they couldn't spend time together, and the texts outlined their plans to kill their parents. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 05, 2018 | WESTERN KENTUCKY By West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 05, 2018 | 04:39 PM | WESTERN KENTUCKY Crews from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are pre-treating roads since weather forecasts are calling for a mixture of sleet and snow this weekend. After it is sprayed, the brine dries to leave a fine powder of salt on the pavement. It becomes activated during the early hours of a snow and ice event, which can keep driving conditions a little better during that time. The brine also keeps snow and ice from bonding to the road, which helps when snow plows begin their work. Crews will start brine spraying activities on C Snow and Ice Routes, then move to B routes and A routes. The less-traveled routes are sprayed first since they have less traffic, which can wear the salt off the road. A routes, which are Interstates, US Highways, and other more heavily traveled routes, are treated last so more remains on them when winter weather begins. Drivers should use appropriate caution when they see spray trucks over the next two days. When on I-24 and I-69, the Supertanker and sprayer should be running near normal highway speeds. Advertisement By Mike Cooper, West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 05, 2018 | MAYFIELD By Mike Cooper, West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 05, 2018 | 03:37 PM | MAYFIELD An early morning fire Wednesday destroyed an apartment house at 8th and Hale Streets in Mayfield, across the street from Mayfield Middle School. According to Mayfield Fire Chief Jeremy Creason, upon arrival on the scene at 1:32 am, the structure was engulfed in flames. He said the building was a total loss and, at this time, the cause is undetermined. The structure, which at one time had been a single family dwelling, had been converted into five apartments, two on the ground floor, two upstairs, and one in the basement. All tenants escaped the building safely and no injuries were reported. Chief Creason said, that becuase of the massive damage to the structure, and being close to Mayfield Middle School, what was left of the structure was being demolished on Wednesday afternoon. Wits honours Baroness Valerie Amos with an honorary Doctorate in Literature Baroness Amos has served a full career in public service in Britain and the UN, and served as a special advisor to the South African Human Rights Commission. Wits University honoured The Right Honourable The Baroness Amos of Brondesbury, Valerie Amos, with an honorary Doctorate of Literature on Wednesday, December 5. The baroness is arguably among the very few black women to break through the glass ceiling of both gender and race discrimination in British politics. Having emigrated to Britain with her family from British Guyana as a child, Amos attended schools in England in the 1960s, and went on to a full career in public service. Her career saw her take up senior positions in race relations and equal opportunities at several Boroughs in London, culminating in her appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the Equal Opportunities Commission (1989-1994). After relinquishing her position in the Equal Opportunities Commission and having started her own consultancy she became an advisor to the new South African government, especially on public service reform, labour legislation and employment equity. She was also a valuable and expert advisor to the South African Human Rights Commission in organisational, strategic planning and anti-racism strategies. Amos was also active in advising South Africa in the run-up to the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held in Durban in 2001. Since then Baroness Amos has closely followed the South African story. CITATION: VALERIE AMOS Valerie Amos, properly styled The Right Honourable The Baroness Amos of Brondesbury, was born in British Guyana on 13 March 1954. She immigrated to the United Kingdom with her parents as a child and attended schools in England in the 1960s. After the Second World War, immigration from the Caribbean was public policy in order to provide unskilled labour in factories for what were then a period of booming industrialisation, as well as the growing provision of public service facilities such as transport and health care. By the 1960s Caribbean immigration had settled, and especially English cities had a considerable black presence. In some cities, like London, black Caribbean British people were concentrated in particular suburbs. Discrimination was being experienced by the so-called new immigrants, housing had become ghettoized, and education for the black British was lamentable. At the same time studies showed that black youth were dropping out of schools, and the social breakdown in some black communities contributed to poverty and to the criminalisation of black male youth. Valerie Amos is arguably among the very few black women to break through the glass ceiling of both gender and race discrimination. At Bexleyheath School for Girls, one of her many firsts was to be elected the first black deputy head girl. She proceeded to attend Warwick University, where she graduated with a degree in Sociology. She later took courses in cultural studies and development studies at Birmingham University and the University of East Anglia. Her career saw her take up senior positions in race relations and equal opportunities at several Boroughs in London, culminating in her appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the Equal Opportunities Commission (1989-1994). As a student leader and an activist in the British Labour Party, Baroness Amos was immersed not just in the anti-racism struggles in the UK, but also in the anti-apartheid movement. It was therefore natural that upon relinquishing her position in the Equal Opportunities Commission and having started her own consultancy she became an advisor to the new South African government, especially on public service reform, labour legislation and employment equity. She was also a valuable and expert advisor to the South African Human Rights Commission in organisational, strategic planning and anti-racism strategies. Amos was also active in advising South Africa in the run-up to the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held in Durban in 2001. Since then Baroness Amos has closely followed the South African story. In a lifetime of public service, she has served as a trustee of many public bodies and non-governmental organisations committed to social justice and equality, among them the Runnymede Trust, the Institute for Public Policy Research, the University College Hospital Trust and the Royal College of Nursing Institute. In 1997, Baroness Amos was appointed a member of the House of Lords following the reform of the Lords by the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair. As a life peer she held various positions: spokesperson on Social Security, International Development, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and Government Chief Whip in the House of Lords. In 2001 she became Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and for a short period she was Secretary of State for International Development in the wake of the resignation of Clare Short in protest against Blairs policy on Iraq. Thereafter she served as the Leader of the House of Lords in 2003. She left government following the resignation of Blair as Prime Minister. Baroness Amos then assumed the position of British High Commissioner in Canberra, and in 2010 was appointed Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief at the United Nations. She was active in bringing world attention to the imploding humanitarian situation in Syria and the outflows of migrants into Europe. In September 2015, Baroness Amos became Director of the London School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS), the first person of African descent to do so. She has been honoured with honorary LLD degrees from Warwick University, her alma mater, and Leicester University, and at Birmingham University a room in the Students Union has been named after her. She is also Honorary Professor in Equality and Justice at the Thames Valley University. In 2016 The Right Honourable Baroness Amos PC CH was named in the Queens Birthday Honours List to the Order of the Companion of Honour for services to the United Nations. She has also been honoured as among the 100 great Britons today. The Right Honourable The Baroness Amos of Brondesbury has an abiding passion for justice and equality around the world, and has served as an expert in world development. She is an activist for social justice, a diplomat and a public servant. She is a role model and a reminder of our common humanity and it is therefore befitting that the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg awards an honorary doctorate degree to Valerie Amos. 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 Accept This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Read More 2,000 PACT funding to support valuable work of Wrexham Street Pastors This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Dec 5th, 2018 Wrexham Street Pastors have been awarded 2,000 to support their work in the night-time economy in Wrexham. The organisation started in 2006 with an aim to play an active part in creating safer streets for the community. There are currently 35 volunteers who work with other civil and community partners in Wrexham including North Wales Police, Red Cross and the Night Safe Team, co-ordinated by Wrexham County Borough Council. The visible presence of the Wrexham Street Pastors, along with their partners during busy periods at night and at large scale events has contributed to a decrease in anti-social behaviour. In 2017, former Chief Constable Mark Polin said that anti-social behaviour decreases by up to 65% when the Street Pastors are on patrol. When on duty in the town the Street Pastors undertake a number of tasks such as helping vulnerable people who are over intoxicated or those who have been exposed to drugs. They also speak to others who are distressed or in need of help. Street Pastors also pick up empty bottles, cans and glasses or anything else that could be used to potentially cause harm and hand out flip-flops to ladies who have removed their high heels and are walking bare-foot through town. This broad spectrum of support reduces the demand on the police and allows them to respond quickly to any more serious incidents. They are also involved with the Hafan y Dref welfare centre in the town centre, which offers a triage-service and immediate first aid if youre injured or suffering from too much to drink. In November Wrexham.com reported that the safe space had provided help to more than 12,000 this year alone resulting in 56 ambulances being cancelled thanks to the centre offering more appropriate alternatives to 999. The PACT funding awarded to the group has been used to purchase radios, new uniforms, flip flops; a part of the contribution will go towards funding for the office and co-ordination functions. Dave Evans, PACT Project Manager said: My fellow trustee, Lloyd FitzHugh, and I were delighted to be able to present our cheque for 2,000.00 to Wrexham Street Pastors co-ordinator, Laurie Searle and his colleague Dave Picken. We know that the Street Pastors will put this funding to very good use and work with North Wales Police and other partners to continue to make the Wrexham night-time economy a safer environment. Chief Inspector Mark Williams added: Wrexham Street Pastors are a valuable asset to the night-time economy in Wrexham. They are a visible and reassuring presence in the town at key times and offer a service which significantly reduces vulnerability and demand on other public sector resources. North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) is the community safety charity which supports community-led projects that encourage a safer North Wales. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, PACT continues to champion neighbourhood projects that support the policing and community safety priorities and strives to deliver positive outcomes for all concerned. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A Tallahassee community College student died from acute meningitis, according to an autopsy report. Jessie Melcolm, 19, of St. Augustine, was found unconscious at West Ten Apartments on November 6. She died later that day at a local hospital after Tallahassee Police Department and emergency responders provided her medical attention. The report was issued by the District 2 Medical Examiner's Office. TPD: Foul play ruled out in 19-year-old TCC student's death TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Tallahassee Police Department says that a 19-year-old Tallahassee Community College student who unexpectedly died on Nov. 6 passed away from a "medical issue." The Tallahassee Police Department responded to West Ten Apartments on Nov.6 for an unconscious female, later identified as 19-year-old Jessie Melcolm. TPD and Emergency responders immediately provided medical attention to Melcolm, who was later transported to a local hospital for treatment. The student passed away that afternoon. Police say their investigation of the student's death revealed foul play was not a factor in her death. It was determined Melcolm died of a medical issue. WTXL reached out to the Florida Department of Health to determine exactly what "medical issue" the student passed away from. They say an official cause of death has not yet been released by a medical examiner: "At this time the medical examiner has not released an official cause of death concerning Jesse Melcolm. The department continues to work closely with the ME until a determination can be determined. As this is an ongoing investigation the department cannot release any other details at this time per F.S. 381.0031 (6)." Tallahassee Police investigating death of 19-year-old TCC student TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Tallahassee Police Department is investigating how a 19-year-old Tallahassee Community College student unexpectedly passed away after being found unresponsive on Tuesday. TPD confirmed that the student, who TCC identified as 19-year-old Jessie Lauren Melcolm, was found unresponsive inside her West 10 apartment on Tuesday. An incident report says Melcolm was dead when TPD arrived on scene. Police cannot confirm where the student was found. At this time, the department says it is unable to confirm any additional details about the investigation. The Leon County Medical Examiner's Office says they cannot comment on the incident because it's under an open and active investigation. According to TCC, Melcolm passed away on Tuesday. The university sent an internal email to the community regarding the student's passing: To the TCC Community: Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of a TCC student who passed away in Tallahassee on Tuesday. The medical examiners office has yet to diagnose the cause of death. We will continue to check and share reliable information with the TCC community as it becomes available. We offer condolences and sympathies to those suffering through the loss of a TCC Eagle. If any students need assistance, locations and contact information for TCC campus resources are listed below. Creeks Baseball Club is also raising money to help support Melcolm's family during this time. Click here to donate. This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates. THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL) - A handgun magazine company is relocating its headquarters to Thomasville, bringing in hundreds of new jobs with million dollar investments. Check-Mate Industries is a family-owned New York company that specializes in producing handgun and rifle magazines and life-saving surgical tools. With this announcement, Check-Mate Industries joins many other innovative manufacturers who have relocated to or expanded in Georgia in recent years thanks to our extensive resources for manufacturing, including low energy costs," said Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. By the first of 2019, they'll move their operation to the vacant Catepillar building on U.S. 319. There, they'll invest in over $15 million of improvements to the building and equipment. "With the pro-business and manufacturing environment here, coupled with the skilled, dedicated workforce and training programs Georgia has to offer, we are thrilled to announce our new location within the wonderful community of Thomasville, said Joseph DeBello, Check-Mate Industries president and chief operating officer. Payroll Development Authority Economic Developer Shelley Zorn says this company is exactly what Thomasville was missing. "I just think they're the perfect fit for the City of Thomasville," said Zorn. "Also, because of our 72 private hunting plantations it's a perfect fit for the gun industry." Zorn says the company serves the needs of the law enforcement, government, and commercial markets. We appreciate that the owner of Check-Mate Industries and her family value the quality of life in Thomasville and want to become a part of the community, said Thomasville Payroll Development Authority (Thomasville PDA) Board Chairman and Thomasville Mayor Greg Hobbs. That was a very important factor in negotiations - they have a family-friendly corporate atmosphere and we feel they are the perfect fit for our community. By this summer, Check-Mate will begin the hiring process. They have three years to hire 230 employees. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Some residents of Tallahassee's Southside plan to protest the city's decision to move the Public Safety Headquarters. WTXL ABC 27's Jada Williams was live Wednesday morning from City Hall. Many factors are angering those on the Southside, but it all boils down to a lack of communication between the community and city officials. Earlier this year, the city began plans to put a brand new public safety complex where the Town South Plaza currently stands. That plaza includes a pharmacy, grocery store, and clothing store to name a few - the only option for many in the area who can't go far. Regina Joseph with the Tallahassee Community Action Committee says that the $60 million dollar project is coming out of the taxpayers' pockets, and therefore they deserve the opportunity to have some input. Regina Joseph, a protest organizer, said "The City Commission acted as if it was a done deal. That's what we heard multiple times from members of the City Commission that said that this police station is already a done deal and we're just going to go ahead and build it. But when I have actually spoken to members of the community a lot of them are actually against what's happening because they're not actually being told by people in our government what's actually going on." The protest is Wednesday at City Hall. It starts at 4 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m. Yemen's Houthi rebel negotiators board a plane to depart for attending the upcoming peace talks in Sweden, in Sanaa, Yemen, on Dec. 4, 2018. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed) SANAA, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebel negotiators accompanied by visiting UN envoy Martin Griffiths left rebel-held capital Sanaa for Stockholm on a Kuwaiti plane on Tuesday afternoon to attend upcoming peace talks, a Xinhua reporter at the airport witnessed. Griffiths arrived in Sanaa a day earlier in a brief stop, during which he met rebel leaders, including Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, head of Houthi Higher Revolutionary Committee, according to a statement by al-Houthi office released on Tuesday morning. The apparent breakthrough came a day after the Saudi-led coalition allowed the evacuation of 50 wounded rebels from Sanaa to Oman on a UN-chartered plane for medical treatment. The Tuesday's flight consisted of a number of the Houthi delegates from Sanaa, while the head of the Houthi rebel negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam and the rest of the delegation have been already in Oman and were set to head for Stockholm on Wednesday, a Houthi media official at the Houthi-controlled Information Ministry in Sanaa told Xinhua on Tuesday on condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, Mohammed al-Ameri, the advisor to the internationally-recognized President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, told another Xinhua reporter on Monday that "the government delegation in the Saudi capital Riyadh was set to head for Stockholm on Thursday." On Monday night, the Houthi-controlled Information Ministry said in a statement that the UN envoy's office informed the Houthi side that the coalition-backed Yemeni government "signed a UN-brokered agreement for exchanging war prisoners and we (Houthis) signed it too." Also, the Houthi negotiating delegation received guarantees from the UN for a safe depart and return to Sanaa, a Houthi official said on anonymity. The evacuation of injured, also receiving guarantee for safe return and the signing of the prisoner exchange deal, were part of "the confidence-building framework" between the Yemeni rival parties, and particularly fulfilled demands the Houthis had made before they attend the peace talks. Griffiths' office in Jordanian capital Amman has told Xinhua that the talks in Stockholm would likely start in next few days. The upcoming round of talks would be the second attempt by the UN envoy to bring the rival Yemeni parties on the negotiating table, just nearly three months after a previous round in September in Geneva collapsed as the Houthi delegation did not show up. Saudi Arabia is leading the Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to reinstate government of President Hadi after the Houthi rebels forced him into exile. Nearly four years of the Yemeni devastating war have killed more than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, displaced 3 million others, and pushed the country to the brink of famine. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 04:01:25|Editor: ZD Video Player Close Norway's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mari Skare (L), UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa (C), and Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, pose for a photo after a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York, Dec. 4, 2018. Maria Fernanda Espinosa on Tuesday launched a global campaign against plastic pollution, primarily to raise awareness among peoples around the world. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa on Tuesday launched a global campaign against plastic pollution, primarily to raise awareness among peoples around the world. "I intend to leverage the capacity of the office of the president of the General Assembly to support ongoing global campaigns to beat plastic pollution," Espinosa told reporters at the UN Headquarters in New York. The campaign has two elements: reduction of plastic waste at the UN system; global advocacy in collaboration with member states and UN agencies for public awareness across the world. She expressed the hope that single-use plastic could be eradicated at UN premises. There has already been a roadmap for in-house action, she said. The campaign is a collaboration with the Group of Friends led by Antigua and Barbuda, Norway and other member states as well as UN Environment and other relevant actors. Gaston Browne, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, said his country has put in place a ban on single-use plastic in the past two years and it worked well. Antigua and Barbuda is the first country in the Caribbean to introduce such a ban, he said. "We want to use our example, our experiences to encourage other countries to follow." He called on all countries in the world to introduce a ban on single-use plastic. The prime minister announced that there will be a grand concert in his country in April 2019 to boost awareness of plastic pollution. Norway's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mari Skare said the use of single-use plastic poses a threat to the oceans and to human health. "Fish eat plastics and humans eat fish, so we have a problem." There are solutions so long as there is concerted action by consumers, businesses, governments and civil society, she said. "We want to pull our weight in finding good, clean solutions for our common future." Eighty percent of consumed single-use plastic ends up in the oceans. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans, Espinosa stressed. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 05:21:43|Editor: yan Video Player Close BEIRUT, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese army said on Tuesday that it is following up closely on the situation on its southern borders, hours after Israel announced that it started blocking tunnels allegedly built by Hezbollah, local media reported. "The army command assures that the situation is calm ... and is being followed up on," Elnashra, an online independent newspaper, quoted the army as saying. The army said that it continues to implement its duties along the borders in coordination with the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Meanwhile, the UNIFIL said it is working on preserving stability in the area and it has increased its patrolling along the Blue Line in cooperation with the Lebanese army. Earlier in the day, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus said the military had detected tunnels crossing from Lebanon into northern Israel and that the country had initiated an operation to thwart them. Conricus said the operation would be inside Israel, and would not cross the border. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 05:26:45|Editor: yan Video Player Close BERLIN, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The toy industry in Germany is expecting stable revenues this year. The German toy industry association (DVSI) announced on Tuesday that the industry would generate an annual turnover of over 3 billion euros (3.4 billion U.S. dollars) in 2018. During the annual press conference, DVSI leader Ulrich Brobeil said that "the situation of the German toy industry is constantly good and stable at a high level. Most of companies are very well positioned and thus well equipped for the challenges of the future." Retailers in Germany also have a similarly positive evaluation of this year's business and especially the Christmas season which brings in between 30 and 40 percent of the annual revenues. According to a recent survey, Germans are intending to spend around 472 euros on average on Christmas gifts this year, approximately 7 euros more than in 2017. "Dolls, trains and horses are the eternal stars among children. Whether digital or analogue, toys have never been as diverse and stimulating as they are today", said Steffen Kahnt of the German toy retailers association (BVS). Overall, the toy industry remains optimistic about the development of revenues. 51 percent of companies surveyed by DVSI expect a better development in the future while only 11 percent expect business to deteriorate. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 06:57:08|Editor: ZD Video Player Close THE HAGUE, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- During a debate in parliament on Tuesday night, the Dutch government survived a no-confidence motion related to its support of the UN migration pact. The motion by the far-rightist Forum for Democracy (FvD) was rejected with 18 votes in favor and 117 against. The FvD was only supported by the far-rightist Party for Freedom (PVV) of Geert Wilders. FvD leader Thierry Baudet submitted the motion at the beginning of the debate. He called the cabinet's decision to sign the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration "completely irresponsible and unacceptable and with far-reaching long-term consequences for Dutch society". "We are governed by a few weak people," said Baudet. He warned that the pact would encourage immigration and that migrants would derive rights from it with the help of lawyers. Most other parties did not agree with him. "It is a diplomatic document," Malik Amzani of government party VVD (liberals) responded. "The VVD has urged the cabinet that there should be no direct or indirect legal consequences for the Netherlands." "We do not see what is wrong with better regulation of migration and combating human trafficking," said Maarten Groothuizen of government party D66 (democrats). The UN migration pact to regulate and cover all dimensions of worldwide migration was approved by the UN in 2016 and will be adopted during the conference in Marrakesh on December 10 and 11, although several countries like the United States, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria have rejected the pact. The outcome of the debate in the Dutch parliament was actually already clear in advance. Next week, the Dutch government will agree with the pact in Marrakesh. The Dutch will however out of precaution come up with an additional declaration, known as EOP, to prevent unintentional legal consequences, although it is a non-legally binding pact. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 07:25:24|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close Snowmobiles loaded with supplies head for the Zhongshan station in Antarctica, Dec. 2, 2018. China's research icebreaker Xuelong, also known as the Snow Dragon, is now 44 kilometers away from the Zhongshan station. Unloading operations have been carried out after the routes were determined. (Xinhua/Liu Shiping) A poster on a wall reads "ISIS will lose; #Love will win", at a police cordon near to Borough Market in London on June 5, 2017, left in tribute to the victims of the June 3 attacks. British police on Monday made several arrests in two dawn raids following the June 3 London attacks, claimed by the Islamic State group which left seven people dead. (Xinhua/AFP PHOTO) WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis will attend a meeting of the top military contributing partners to the global coalition to defeat ISIS in Ottawa of Canada on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by Pentagon on Tuesday. The meeting will be co-hosted by the United States and Canada, according to the statement. The White House previously said the military mission to eradicate ISIS would come to a rapid end, with ISIS being almost defeated. The defeat of ISIS, however, was not going to be the absence of ISIS, said Lt. Gen. Frank McKenzie, President Donald Trump's nominee to head the U.S. Central Command, at the Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday. "ISIS... is going to transition to an insurgency and there are going to be continued attacks from ISIS and derivatives of ISIS, both in the region and globally," McKenzie said. The United States has about 2,000 troops serving in Syria, assisting local forces against the ISIS militants, according to U.S. media reports. The Syrian government, however, repeatedly urged the UN Security Council to put an end to the violations of the U.S.-led coalition in Syria. Pentagon said that Mattis would also meet with key partners on a broad range of security issues. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 08:42:24|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) shakes hands with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in Lisbon, Portugal, Dec. 4, 2018. President Xi Jinping held talks with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) LISBON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks here on Tuesday with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. They agreed to take the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next year as a new historical starting point, to promote the friendly cooperation to score more progress and open up a new chapter in the development of China-Portugal relations. Xi said the two countries enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges, adding that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 39 years ago, China and Portugal have always witnessed win-win cooperation with mutual understanding, respect and trust. The bilateral ties stood the test of changes in the international landscape and have been developing in a healthy and stable way. Noting an ancient Chinese saying "A partnership forged with the right approach defies geographical distance; it is thicker than glue and stronger than metal and stone," Xi said China and Portugal are such kind of good friends and partners who are getting along with each other. Xi said that the Chinese side appreciates Portugal's adherence to the one-China policy, and will continue to work with Portugal to share mutual understanding and support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns. Xi called on the two sides to advance high-level exchanges, strengthen exchanges between the two governments, legislative bodies, political parties, local areas and non-governmental bodies, and deepen political mutual trust, in efforts to cement political foundation for friendship. The two sides should take the opportunity of signing a memorandum of understanding on the cooperation over the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to comprehensively forge ahead cooperation within the framework of the BRI and facilitate connectivity, said Xi. The Chinese president also expected the two countries to expand pragmatic cooperation, enlarge and strengthen existing projects, enhance bilateral trade and create more cooperation aspects for further growth. The two sides should strengthen cultural exchanges, accelerate the preparation for the Chinese cultural center in Lisbon, and deepen exchanges in education, broadcasting, film and television, he said. The two sides should strengthen multilateral coordination, cement communication and collaboration on major international and regional issues, and jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, said Xi. Noting that China and the European Union (EU) are comprehensive strategic partners, Xi said that China firmly supports the integration process in Europe and hoped that Portugal continues to play an active role within the EU to ensure the development of China-EU ties to be on a correct direction. Rebelo de Sousa expressed a warm welcome to his Chinese counterpart, saying the fact that Portugal and China share mutual understanding and a long history of exchanges offers a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations. As next year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, Portugal is looking forward to deepening exchanges and cooperation with China in such areas as economy, trade, finance, and culture, said Rebelo de Sousa, adding that more China's investments are welcome in Portugal. The Portuguese president said that Portugal supports the BRI and is willing to become the hub in Europe of the overland and the maritime silk roads. Portugal and China have similar positions on many international issues, as both countries support multilateralism while opposing unilateralism, and support free trade while opposing protectionism, said Rebelo de Sousa, expecting the two countries to push forward coordination in multilateral organizations. Portugal supports closer Europe-China ties, and will make efforts to press ahead cooperation between Portuguese-speaking countries and China, said the Portuguese president. The two leaders met with the press after the talks. Before the talks, Rebelo de Sousa hosted a grand ceremony for President Xi. Xi also laid a wreath at the tomb of famous Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes inside the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon. On Tuesday evening, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan, together with the Portuguese president, also visited a cultural relics exhibition of "The Forbidden City and the Maritime Silk Road," which was temporarily showcased in a Portuguese museum. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 08:42:25|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close SYDNEY, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- One of Australia's cutest native creatures, the bilby, is back in the wild of New South Wales (NSW) for the first time in 100 years, with 30 of the marsupials released into a specially protected conservation area on Wednesday. Bilbies, also known as rabbit-bandicoots for their long ears, have been extinct in NSW since 1910 when introduced predators such as foxes and cats decimated their wild populations. Now a push by the NSW government to reintroduce native species into the wild will see not just bilbies returning to their natural habitats, but also a number of other species including the bridled nail-tail wallaby, brush-tailed bettong and numbats. "The bilbies are the first of 13 regionally extinct mammals that will be returned to the wild in a 10-year NSW Government Saving Our Species project," NSW environment minister Gabrielle Upton said. A 5,800-hectare area in the Pilliga region, surrounded by 32 km of predator proof fence, will protect the animals from harm and contain an ecosystem which organizers hope will resemble the land as it was before European settlement and the introduction of feral species. "The aim is that the Pilliga will return to what it was like 200 years ago, before feral predators took their toll," Australian Wildlife Conservancy chief executive Tim Allard said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 10:27:52|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close CANBERRA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Australian law enforcement agencies have been granted the power to access encrypted messages of suspected criminals. The governing Liberal National Party (LNP) and Opposition Australian Labor Party (ALP) reached an agreement to support the new laws on Tuesday night after the ALP previously threatened to vote against the legislation in Parliament. Christian Porter, the attorney-general for Australia, said the new laws, which global technology giants such as Google, Apple and Facebook have argued against, would give law enforcement a "fighting chance" in the fight against terrorism and organized crime. "(This) gives them a fighting chance against the most serious offenders - terrorists, child-sex offenders, people who've committed homicide in various Australian jurisdictions," Porter told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday night. The LNP and Prime Minister Scott Morrison made securing support for the encryption laws its top priority in the last Parliamentary sitting week of 2018 after security agency bosses declared that the need for the new power was urgent. Labor withdrew its support late in November to seek a compromise that would exclude state police from the powers. It marked the first time since 2013 that the ALP has withheld support on a matter of national security. "At the beginning of this week, the situation that we faced was a proposal from the opposition for an interim bill that would have removed state police completely from a system designed to assist us with encryption," Porter said. Under the new laws, law enforcement agencies will have to get a warrant before they can remotely access a suspect's encrypted messages. Mark Dreyfus, the ALP's legal affairs spokesperson, said that the party decided to support the legislation on the grounds of protecting Australians. "Let me be clear - this bill is far from perfect and there are likely to be significant outstanding issues," he said. "But this compromise will deliver security and enforcement agencies the powers they say they need over the Christmas period." Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 10:47:55|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Some U.S. senators said on Tuesday that CIA chief should brief full Senate on the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, after a classified briefing held earlier that day. CIA Director Gina Haspel gave a classified briefing on Khashoggi's death to several senators on Tuesday, which aroused some senators' calling for a full Senate brief. "Every Senator should hear what I heard this afternoon," Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois said on his official website, "CIA Director Haspel must brief the full Senate immediately." Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer also said that Haspel should meet with the full Senate, according to media reports. "CIA Director Haspel should brief the full Senate without delay," Schumer, a New York Democrat, said in a statement on Tuesday. Senator Rand Paul, who was excluded from the Tuesday briefing, said that the small group briefing was an example of the "deep state." "Why shouldn't every senator know what is going on?" the Kentucky Republican said on his Twitter, "This is just ridiculous!" House Representatives will receive an intelligence briefing from the administration next week on the Khashoggi case, but it's unclear whether the CIA chief will attend, according to media reports. 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. Treasury imposed sanctions on 17 individuals over their alleged roles in the killing of Khashoggi in mid-November, following U.S. State Department's decision in late October to revoke 21 Saudi suspects' visas. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 10:57:58|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close VIENTIANE, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has told the National Assembly (NA) that his government would do more to improve business environment after Laos' global ease-of-doing-business ranking fell 13 places, local media reported Wednesday. Responding to questions from members of parliament last week, the premier said the measures the government had imposed to improve ease of doing business needed more time to yield fruit, local daily Vientiane Times reported. He named five areas the government will be focusing on, in addition to the Prime Minister's Order issued in February on the improvement of procedures and coordinated mechanisms to facilitate business operations. Detailing the focal areas, the premier said his administration would work closely with businesses to learn about the difficulties they were encountering. Guidance will be given on ways to eliminate these difficulties in a quicker and more efficient manner. Laos will review and amend legislation that is contradictory or is an obstacle to business operations and investment, the prime minister told the NA's ongoing ordinary session. The government will make a point of explaining legislation that relates to business operations and investment to ensure that business executives understand better and that legislation is strictly observed. The government will continue to streamline the administrative structure of state entities, their roles, coordinated mechanisms, related databases and other instruments to create conditions favourable for business operation. In addition, the government will work towards increasing the responsibility of state officials at all levels and improving their willingness to serve. Action will be taken to mitigate and even eliminate autocratic practices and misconduct by civil servants. The government will take decisive action against cadres who violate the regulations and laws, or engage in corruption or other forms of misconduct. Efforts to improve ease of doing business, one of the eight measures taken by the government to spur economic growth, sparked heated debate among Assembly members and the general public, after the World Bank's annual ranking showed that Laos had dropped 13 places to 154th out of 190 economies worldwide. Laos's ranking worsened despite the government's intensified efforts to remove barriers to business, said the daily report. Thongloun said he believed that with the government's determination to work harder, it would be able to make a significant improvement in business environment. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 11:08:02|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The nominated commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) voiced concern on Tuesday over the high casualty rate of Afghan security forces as the fight in the war-torn country is dragging into its 18th year. "Their losses have been very high ... their losses are not going to be sustainable unless we correct this problem," said Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. McKenzie was nominated to replace departing Army General Joseph L. Votel to head CENTCOM. He also acknowledged the recent deaths of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and the passing of U.S. commander of the Fifth Fleet, Scott Stearney, in Bahrain. McKenzie's remarks came as Washington has stepped up efforts to seek a peaceful solution to end the exhausting war in Afghanistan. During the hearing, U.S. lawmakers also voiced frustration over the stalemate for U.S. troops' involvement in the Afghan war. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said last month that over 28,000 Afghan police officers and soldiers have been killed since 2015. The death toll of U.S. service members has surpassed 2,400 since the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001. U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad held three-day talks with the Taliban political envoys last month but reached no peace deal. More talks are expected to be held this month. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 11:18:04|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan Red Crescent said on Tuesday that 15 illegal immigrants drowned when their boat capsized off the city of Misurata, some 250 km east of the capital Tripoli. "A rubber boat capsized off Misurata coast carrying 25 illegal immigrants. 15 migrants drowned, while 10 others survived after reaching Misurata shore," Baha al-Kawash, Libyan Red Crescent spokesman told Xinhua later Tuesday. Othman Belbeisi, chief of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) mission in Libya, said the 10 migrants suffered severe dehydration. "Only 10 survivors suffering from severe dehydration taken to detention center, IOM Libya doctors and emergency team on the way. Alarming we still do not see solid steps to address irregular unsafe movements across MedSea (Mediterranean Sea)," Belbeisi said on his Twitter account. Thousands of illegal immigrants choose to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Europe, due to the state of insecurity and chaos in the north African nation since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's government in 2011. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 11:28:05|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close TOKYO, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks lost ground Wednesday morning as a drop in long-term U.S. Treasury yields sparked concern among investors about the pace of growth in the U.S. economy. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average lost 89.11 points, or 0.40 percent, from Tuesday to 21,946.94. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, lost 4.80 points, or 0.29 percent, at 1,644.40. Insurance, oil and coal product, and securities house-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the morning break. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 11:28:07|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close YANGON, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has called on teachers of the country to provide education in far-flung areas, Myanmar News Agency reported on Wednesday. "Equal education opportunities should be created without differentiating between the hilly regions and lowlands and teachers should see it as a challenge to serve in remote areas," the state counselor said in her opening address at the two-day Education Development Implementation Conference which kicked off in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday. "Teaching the school curriculum alone is not enough for a teacher. They need to teach their students how to live safely and information programs on the danger of drugs need to be arranged in basic education schools," Suu Kyi said. She stressed the need to strengthen quality education and put investment in it, saying the 2015 National Education Law has prescribed the aim of national education expenditure to be 20 percent of the total national expenditure. She called for efforts to increase annual education expenditure to successfully implement the National Education Strategic Plan (2016-2021). At the conference, Education Minister Myo Thein Gyi said the government has made concerted efforts to get every child of school age into schooling and have access to education without any discrimination while upgrading some schools to promote opportunities for higher learning. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 11:38:09|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Wednesday that the latest meeting between presidents of China and the United States on economic and trade issues was "very successful." "We are confident about the implementation [of the consensus from the meeting]," the spokesperson said. "In 90 days, economic and trade teams of both sides will actively push forward the consultation following clear schedule and roadmap," the spokesperson said. China will start with implementing the specific aspects of the newly-reached consensus as soon as possible, according to the spokesperson. Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump held a meeting at a working dinner in Buenos Aires, reaching important consensus and agreeing not to impose new additional tariffs. They also instructed the economic teams of the two sides to step up negotiations toward the removal of all additional tariffs and reach a concrete agreement that would lead to win-win results. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 11:38:09|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Labor Minister Caio Vieira de Mello on Tuesday criticized the decision to remove the Labor Ministry when Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro takes office in January. Vieira de Mello said that the removal of the Labor Ministry will destroy the supervision activities over labor crimes and make the living of the workers harder. Bolsonaro's office on Monday confirmed the planned removal of the Labor Ministry, which the newly-elected president had already announced just after the election but backed off after much criticism. The Labor Ministry will be dismantled and its functions will be divided among three other offices: the ministries of justice and public security, economy and citizenship, according to Bolsonaro's office. The current ministries of justice and public security will be merged; the Ministry of Citizenship will result from the merger of the ministries of social development, culture and sports; and the ministry of Economy will gather the current ministries of finance, planning and budget, as well as industry and foreign trade. The labor minister hoped that Bolsonaro will reconsider his decision. "The Labor Ministry is a historical organ and source of social rights," said Vieira de Mello. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 12:28:15|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close PYONGYANG, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Tuesday sent a wreath to the bier of Kim Chol Man, member of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), expressing deep condolences over his death, the Korean Central News Agency reported on Wednesday. Kim Chol Man, who was also a deputy to the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, died of bladder cancer on Monday at the age of 98. The Central Committee of the WPK, the Central Military Commission of the WPK, the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK jointly issued a notice, saying that the late Kim Chol Man would be accorded a state funeral and the state funeral committee has been formed, the report said. An obituary said Kim Chol Man was an anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter and a reliable veteran revolutionary, who devotedly struggled for the liberation of the country, freedom and happiness of the people and development of the People's Army and the defense industry all his life. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 12:33:18|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. special counsel Robert Mueller's team on Tuesday recommended no jail time for former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, citing his "substantial assistance" in the Russia probe. "Given the defendant's substantial assistance and other considerations set forth below, a sentence at the low end of the guideline range -- including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration -- is appropriate and warranted," said the sentencing memo filed by the Mueller team. The Mueller team previously filed a document saying that the sentencing guidelines for Flynn's offense suggest zero to six months. "The defendant provided firsthand information about the content and context of interactions between the transition team and Russian government officials," the memo noted. A sentence that includes no prison time for Flynn, who has met with Mueller's team for 19 times, is "appropriate and warranted," local media quoted the heavily-redacted memo as saying. Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia. He was scheduled to be sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Dec. 18. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 12:58:24|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces on Tuesday called for eliminations of inequality and financing gaps in middle-income countries. "In the last 50 years, middle-income countries have become a growing economic force substantially contributing to the global gross domestic product (GDP) and boosting their international exports," said Espinosa at a high-level meeting on gaps and impediments faced by middle-income countries in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Middle-income countries shelter 70 percent of the world's population, and improving living conditions there is critical, she said. "Sustainable and predictable growth is essential to develop fiscal policies," said Espinosa, adding that middle-income countries need responsible investments along with social commitments that respect human rights, environmental regulations and fiscal norms. Middle-income countries have recently suffered a drastic reduction in development flows, she said, emphasizing the need to renew commitment to South-South cooperation. Espinosa called for innovative ideas to resolve the paradox that middle-income countries face. The ambition and boldness of the 2030 Agenda must continue to compel the international community to work together to overcome challenges, she said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 13:28:30|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close SYDNEY, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Infants who contract a severe respiratory viral disease after the age of six months are twice more likely to develop severe asthma in later years than babies who get the condition prior to six months, highlighting the need to improve vaccination against it, according to a latest Australian research. Severe respiratory syncytial viral (RSV) disease is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections like bronchiolitis in infants, requiring hospitalization in serious cases, while its early stages form a strong predictor of childhood asthma, the University of New South Wales said in a statement on Wednesday. Researchers looked at more than 18,000 children with the disease who were hospitalized in their first two years of life between 2001 and 2010 and found that 60 percent of all admissions were for infants aged six months or younger. Of the 40 percent of children who were hospitalized after the age of six months, more of them returned to hospital with severe asthma in later years than the cohort of infants who contracted RSV in their first six months of life, according to the researchers. "So what our analysis showed is that even though you get more RSV in the first six months of life, if you get severe RSV after six months of age, the rate of subsequent asthma is actually higher in those children," said the study's lead author Dr Nusrat Homaira. The findings highlight the importance of improving children's immunity against the disease beyond the one given to women during their third trimester to boost maternal antibodies, said the researchers. Their work was reported in the Journal of Infectious Diseases academic publication. "While the maternal vaccine is extremely important for our children, we also need an active vaccination strategy or an active vaccine candidate that is going to protect children in the first two years of life," said Homaira. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 13:33:31|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close KIEV, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian parliament issued a decree last week, saying the next presidential elections in Ukraine will be held on March 31, 2019. This means that the electoral campaign will start at the end of this month. Faced with low voter enthusiasm and no clear winner among the candidates, local analysts expect a fierce battle for power in the election. ATMOSPHERE OF DISTRUST Nov. 26 was an uneasy day for Ukraine as the country's parliament approved a bill to impose martial law in the country's 10 regions mainly bordering Russia for 30 days. Initially, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko proposed imposition of the law for 60 days, triggering speculations that it may lead to a postponement of the presidential elections, which were preliminarily slated for March 31, 2019. Poroshenko amended the period of the law after consultations with the parliament. "It is important that Poroshenko finally offered to introduce the martial law for 30 days instead of 60 days in order to hold the elections on the scheduled date," Natalya Belitser, an analyst at Pylyp Orlyk Institute for Democracy, told Xinhua. Unlike the 2014 presidential race, when Ukrainians were full of hopes that the political newcomers will bring positive changes to the country, now people have fewer expectations for the upcoming elections, according to local media reports and analysts. "Currently, the atmosphere of frustration and total distrust of the all potential candidates reigns in Ukraine. None of the candidates has a high rating," Mykhailo Svystovych, an expert at the non-government organization Vidsich, said. With weak approval ratings of all presidential candidates, the 2019 presidential vote is likely to see a record low voter turnout. According to the latest opinion poll, conducted by the sociological group "Rating," only 34 percent of Ukrainians are firmly determined to cast their ballots in next year's elections. In the 2014 presidential elections, the voter turnout was 59.5 percent, while it stood at about 67 percent in 2010. Some local analysts believe that the low voter enthusiasm would be one of the main challenges for the election process. POTENTIAL WINNERS Although Ukraine's incumbent president has not officially announced his intention to run for a second term, local analysts have no doubts he would participate in the elections. "Currently, Poroshenko is taking steps that indicate his firm intention to run for president. For example, he has finalized the sale of his businesses and began a number of strategic projects regarding church, cooperation with NATO and the European Union," Igor Solovey, an international observer with local online media outlet LB.ua, said. Opposition politician Yulia Tymoshenko, who is widely viewed as a frontrunner in the presidential race, is now actively carrying out her campaign. Tymoshenko promised her voters to adopt a new Ukrainian Constitution, in a bid to "de-monopolize power," cut utility tariffs, raise salaries and end the conflict in Ukraine's eastern region of Donbas, which started in April 2014 after government forces launched offensives to regain control of the cities and towns seized by independence-seeking armed groups. According to various opinion polls, Poroshenko and Tymoshenko have the highest approval ratings among potential voters. However, neither of them is expected to bypass the 50-percent threshold needed to avoid a run-off. "I think that the 2019 elections are likely to be held in two rounds. At least at the moment, there is no sign that any of the potential candidates has a chance to win in the first round," Oleksandr Musienko, head of the Center for Military and Law Research, said. A recent survey conducted by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology showed that Tymoshenko would receive 12.7 percent of voter support if the elections take place in the near future, while 6.3 percent of the respondents would vote for Poroshenko. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 13:33:31|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close SYDNEY, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- A new dinosaur species has been identified through the discovery of a jawbone fragment found in a bucket of opal mineral rubble near an Australian mining town, according to a latest research. Weewarrasaurus pobeni dates back about 100 million years and was a two-legged, plant-eating dinosaur about the size of a kelpie sheep dog, local media reported on Wednesday. The species is the first dinosaur to be named in Australia's New South Wales state in almost a century and it honors the Wee Warra opal field near Lightning Ridge where the fossil was first spotted five years ago, reported the ABC news channel. "There are certain features about the teeth that are a dead ringer for a group of dinosaurs we call ornithopods, and these are all characteristically relatively small, dog-sized, bipedal animals that eat plants," University of New England paleontologist Dr Phil Bell told the channel. Bell and his team spent the past few years investigating the origins of the fossil fragment before determining that it belonged to the species believed to have roamed the state's ancient northern floodplains. The university is now looking into acquiring mines known to produce fossils, according to the channel. "Unfortunately, the fossil remnants we see are almost always part of mining spoil... but on another hand, we would never get to see even those fragments if it wasn't for mining," said Bell. The jaw fragment has been added to the Australian Opal Center collection. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 13:48:36|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close NANNING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Forty years after China started its reform and opening-up, more than 18 million rural residents have been lifted out of poverty in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The autonomous region, which will mark its 60th anniversary this December, reported a 2.67 million rural population living in poverty at the end of 2017, down from 21 million in 1978, according to the latest government data. "The rural poverty rate fell from 70 percent to 5.7 percent in this period," said Huang Weijing, secretary-general of Guangxi Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Improving infrastructure has been highlighted in Guangxi's anti-poverty campaign. Huang said the region now operates 1,771 km of high-speed railway and 91 percent of the counties have access to expressways. The autonomous region, heavily inhabited by China's most populous ethnic minority Zhuang and many other minority groups, was established in 1958. It has been a major front in China's ongoing battle against poverty. Poverty reduction has been high on the agenda of the Chinese government, which aims to eradicate absolute poverty by 2020. The country's poverty line stands at 2,300 yuan (335 U.S. dollars) in annual income. The official said the region's GDP reached 2 trillion yuan in 2017, almost tenfold that of 1958 upon its founding, boosted by prospering industries including food processing, machinery and electronic information. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 13:58:39|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Secretary's Representative for Syria Engagement Jim Jeffrey will visit Turkey and Jordan as tension continues in the region, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday. Traveling with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Levant Affairs and Special Envoy for Syria Joel Rayburn, Jeffrey will visit the two countries on Dec. 4-14, said the department in a statement. In Turkey, Jeffrey will meet with Turkish leaders and other senior officials to discuss the security situation in Syria and attend a High-Level Working Group on Syria. In Jordan, Jeffrey will meet with senior Jordanian officials on humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees and other issues, said the statement. Relations between Turkey and the United States have been strained recently because of the support provided by Washington for the People's Protection Units (YPG), which is regarded by Ankara as Syrian affiliates of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Meanwhile, Turkey is uneasy about U.S. plans to set up observation posts in northern Syria, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Saturday. The U.S.-led coalition has intensified its airstrikes in recent weeks to support the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is fighting to dislodge the Islamic State (IS) from its last stronghold on the eastern bank of Euphrates River. At least 206 civilians were killed in November this year by U.S.-led airstrikes on areas controlled by the IS in eastern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Saturday. In this file photo, farmers plant paddy saplings in a paddy field at Chilla village, some 160 km away from Kolkata, India, on Aug. 4, 2018. (Xinhua/Tumpa Mondal) by Pankaj Yadav NEW DELHI, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- India is basically an agriculture-based economy as it remains among the top producers of commodities including wheat, rice, cotton, cereals, vegetables and fruits, milk and milk products. Nearly 70 percent of India's population still lives in villages and depends, directly or indirectly, on agriculture for earning a livelihood. Agriculture contributes to the extent of 18 percent towards India's gross domestic product (GDP), even as the country accounts for nearly 7 percent of total global agricultural output. As per the fourth advance estimates (released in August) for the year 2017-2018, total food grains production in the country was estimated at 284.83 million tons which was higher by 9.72 million tons than the previous record production of foodgrain of 275.11 million tons achieved during 2016-2017. However, despite all this rosy picture, farmers in India are a dejected lot these days, and are venting out their anger against the government's policies, which they allege, overlook their interests and basic needs. Barely able to recover their basic costs, the farmers allege that agriculture is fast turning into an unfeasible activity. Fed up after not being able to sell his onion produce of around 750 kg at a price more than 1.41 Indian Rupees (around 2 cents) per kg, a farmer in India's southwestern state Maharashtra sent whatever money he could receive by selling his total produce to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a money order as a mark of protest and to highlight the farmers' plight. Sanjay Sathe, the farmer from Maharashtra's Nasik district, reportedly said, "I produced 750 kg of onion this season but was offered a rate of one Indian rupee per kilogram at Niphad wholesale market last week. Finally I could negotiate a deal for 1.40 Indian rupees per kilogram and received 1,064 Indian rupees for 750 kg. It was painful to see such paltry returns on four months of toil. Hence I have donated 1,064 Indian Rupees to Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund as a protest. I had to pay additional 54 Indian rupees for sending it by money order." Interestingly, Sathe was among the selected few "progressive farmers" who were picked by the Union Agriculture Ministry in 2010 to interact with former U.S. President Barack Obama during the latter's visit. Strangely, while on one hand, the farmers are not able to recover their bare minimum cost, on the other hand, the retailers are openly selling the same commodity at least 20 times the cost which is paid to the farmers, thereby reaping heavy profits. Sribhagwan Singh, a farmer in Kanganheri village located in southwest Delhi, laments that he grew garlic on his farms and reaped a harvest of around 800 kg, but is not able to sell it in the market as he is getting a price of not more than 10 Indian rupees per kg. "The bare minimum cost which I incurred in growing this garlic produce was at least 25 Indian rupees per kilogram. For over the past three months I have been contacting vendors in big vegetable markets in and around Delhi, but not able to find a buyer of my produce for more than 10 Indian rupees per kilogram. The final conclusion is that farming is a loss making entity in India, and farmers have no option but to quit it and look for some alternative source of income," he told Xinhua. He added that the same garlic was being sold in retail market in Delhi and surrounding areas at the rate of 150 Indian rupees per kg. Only a few days ago, thousands of farmers congregated in Delhi from across the country and carried out a two-day agitation against the central government, demanding loan waivers and increase in minimum support prices (MSPs) for their agriculture produce. Due to big amounts of loans standing in their names and finding no possibilities of getting a stable income from agriculture, the farmers are driven to a situation where they find no alternative but to commit suicides. Farmers suicides has a major cause of concern in India for many years now, with the state of Maharashtra being on top. The country's Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, however, claims that the number of farmers suicides in on the decline. A couple of months ago he informed the parliament that the number of farmers suicides and agricultural laborers during 2016 had come down approximately by 9.77 percent compared to the previous years. "The number of suicides has come down from 12,602 in 2015 to 11,370 in 2016," he was quoted as saying. The maximum number of these suicides were reported from the state of Maharashtra. The main reasons behind agriculture being a loss making activity in India is the large dependence on monsoons and lack of use of modern farming techniques. Due to non-availability of water resources round the year, a large chunk of farmers depend on monsoon rains. At times, due to poor rains, or floods caused by excess rains, standing crops get damaged thereby resulting in huge losses to the farmers. Besides, use of traditional farming methods and non-acceptance of modern equipment and techniques, also results in poor produce in terms of yield per hectare, as compared to other countries. In a bid to address the farmers' woes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that a new agriculture export policy will be unveiled soon to boost farm income as the government was on track to achieve the target of doubling farmers' income by 2022. The main thrust of the policy would be fixing the minimum support price (MSP) of crops at least 1.5 times of the cost of production. The Crop Insurance Schemes have been in place as a means of protecting the agriculturist against financial losses due to uncertainties that may arise from crop failures or losses arising from named or all unforeseen perils beyond their control. One such scheme - Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) (or, Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme) aims at supporting sustainable production in agriculture sector by way of providing financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen events; stabilizing their income to ensure their continuance in farming; encouraging farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices; ensuring flow of credit to the agriculture sector which will contribute to food security, crop diversification and enhancing growth and competitiveness of agriculture sector besides protecting farmers from production risks. Amidst all this, the farmers community in India continues to live in abject poverty in the hope of seeing the government's polices yielding results on the ground on fine day. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 15:03:53|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 militants have been killed and 18 others captured alive as the government forces pounded Taliban hideouts in parts of the restive province, provincial government spokesman Aref Nuri said Wednesday. The government forces, according to the official, targeted Taliban hideouts from ground and air in several villages of Khogiani district over the past 24 hours, leaving a dozen insurgents dead and wounding four others. All the captured 18 suspected insurgents have been taken to Kabul for investigation, the official said. Taliban militants haven't commented on the report. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 15:03:55|Editor: mmm Video Player Close by Wu Xiaoling, Ye Zaiqi SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States have enjoyed long-standing cooperation, and bilateral aviation cooperation is an epitome of their relations of mutual benefit, John Bruns, president of Boeing China has said. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Bruns said the U.S.-China aviation cooperation has a broad and far-reaching prospect of unlimited possibilities, which is "a bright spot, microcosm and good example" of the mutually beneficial relationship. Boeing delivered the 2,000th airplane to China, a Boeing 737 MAX jet for Xiamen Airlines, on Friday in Seattle, Washington state. "It took us 40 years to deliver the first 1,000, and it only took us five years to deliver the second 1,000 aircraft to China. So, it shows you how fast the aviation industry is growing. Aviation, I believe, is a real bright spot in the cooperation between the U.S. and China," he said. Bruns recalled that in the early days of Boeing's establishment, Boeing employed its first Chinese engineer who was educated in the United States and helped design the company's first commercially successful aircraft. Since China opened to the rest of the world and introduced a policy of reform four decades ago, many Chinese leaders have visited Boeing Company, he said. Although the two countries experienced some challenges, and ups and downs, the U.S.-China relations have maintained an overall positive trend of development, Bruns said. "If we are firmly committed to the China market, we will be in China as long as Boeing Company exists. We will stay close with our customers to understand their needs and requirements, and do our best to provide them with the best products in the best services we can to help China aviation grow," he noted. China is not only a market of Boeing products but also an important trade partner, and the cooperation is "a real win-win" partnership, Bruns said. He cited the 2,000th aircraft newly delivered to China as an example, saying some parts of the passenger plane were made in China's Xi'an and Shanghai, respectively, and China has participated in the production and assembly of about 10,000 Boeing airplanes that are currently in operation. Bruns said he is optimistic about the U.S.-China cooperation in economy and trade in the future, and also confident that the two countries will find a path to their future-oriented cooperation and development that benefit both. He noted that China is becoming wealthier with a larger middle class population, and its industry is undergoing upgrading. This is good news to the rest of the world, and American businesses will also benefit from that, he said. As China's industry is growing more mature, more and more world-class suppliers will join the supply chain of Boeing Company, he said, adding that China has become the company's largest market outside the United States. The next 20 years will witness China's commercial fleet more than doubled, and China will need 7,690 new airplanes valued at 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars by 2038, according to a Boeing forecast. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 15:18:58|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Two police officers were killed and another wounded following a landmine explosion here on Tuesday, a local official said on Wednesday. "The incident occurred in Houz-e-Madad area of Zharay district late Tuesday and a police vehicle was also destroyed after the explosion," district chief Amir Zulmay told Xinhua. The official blamed enemies of peace, a term referring to Taliban militant group for the attack. Security situation has been improving in Kandahar, the former stronghold of Taliban, over the last months, as security forces have conducted search and cordon operations across the province. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 15:34:01|Editor: mmm Video Player Close by Marcela Ganea BUCHAREST, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- A book on China's diplomacy has commanded public attention in Romania, with its launch event on Tuesday creating an opportunity for Romanian scholars, diplomats and those interested in China to exchange opinions on the east Asian country and its relations to the world. The book, "The Chinese Diplomacy -- historical and spiritual fundamentals," was written by Ana Eva Budura, a Romanian historian and sinologist. "While China is becoming a global rising power, its gate opened and its cultural assets are becoming assets of the entire mankind," said Budura at the book launch, where participants discussed China's peaceful diplomacy from the perspectives of history, culture and philosophy. Zhao Lei, counselor of the Chinese embassy in Romania, called the book "a window that allows the readers to get to know China better, and a gift for this year's celebration of Romania's centennial and for next year's celebration of 70 years of friendship between China and Romania." The discussions at the event centered on two topics. One is that China has given the world an incomparable, special spirituality that can serve as a source of wisdom, continuity and human values while the other is that the older generation of Romanian sinologists want the younger generation to take over their studies. Budura said she is among "the first generation of Romanian sinologists." "Sixty-eight years ago, I went to Tsinghua University (in Chinese capital Beijing) and started to study one of the greatest human civilizations. I had the chance to perceive its deep and unique nature," she said. As one of the first five Romanian students to study in China in the early 1950s, she later worked as a diplomat in Beijing for years together with her husband Ioan Romulus Budura, the Romanian ambassador to China between 1990 and 1996. Constantin Vlad, a former Romanian diplomat, said the book is a retrospective of a diplomacy that belongs to a still-alive millenniums-old civilization. The Chinese spirituality is the key to understanding the "Chinese phenomenon," said Vlad, who used to represented Romania in Finland, Japan and Australia. Gheorghe Magheru, a diplomat and the governor for Romania in the Asia-Europe Foundation, said the book makes intelligible the fundamentals of the Chinese spirituality. It helps people understand one of China's contemporary preoccupations, which is to reconcile the Chinese classical and modern concepts on the one hand, and the Chinese and the Western concepts on the other hand, in an effort to find a locus where the East meets the West to build a community with a shared future for mankind, he said. The book, first published in 2008 and now republished, introduces the formation of important historical periods of the Chinese nation, and the characteristics of its internal affairs and diplomacy, revealing the historical and spiritual roots of the Chinese nation's external exchanges. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 15:39:04|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday confirmed NATO's political, military and security support for Libya. Stoltenberg made his remarks during a meeting with Libya's UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj at NATO's headquarters in Brussels, where the two officials discussed political and security developments in Libya. According to a statement issued by the PM's information office, Stoltenberg said that NATO supports the efforts made by the United Nations (UN) Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame to reach a solution to the Libyan crisis. "The prime minister stressed the importance of security and military coordination and cooperation between Libya and NATO" related to "border security and the fight against terrorism," the statement said. Libyan security services struggle to train and equip their personnel amid years of turmoil. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 16:34:18|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The negotiating team representing the Saudi-backed Yemeni government left Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh early Wednesday for the UN-sponsored peace talks in Sweden. The 13-member team, headed by Yemen's Foreign Minister Khaled Yamani, departed Saudi Arabia to engage in direct negotiations with the delegates of Houthi rebels in Sweden's capital Stockholm, a government source said on condition of anonymity. Abdullah Al-Alimy, head of Yemen's Presidency Office, said on his official Twitter account that the government delegation will put the concerns and aspirations of the Yemeni people as the priority. "All efforts will be exerted to ensure the success of the talks that are considered as a real chance for peace," Al-Alimy noted. A day earlier, the Houthi negotiators, accompanied by visiting UN Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths and a Kuwaiti envoy, left the rebel-held capital Sanaa for Stockholm on a Kuwaiti plane to attend the talks. No exact date has been announced yet for the start of the first peace talks on Yemen since 2016. Griffiths' office in the Jordanian capital of Amman has told Xinhua that the talks in Stockholm is likely to start in a few days. The discussions in Sweden were expected to focus on allowing the Yemeni people access to humanitarian aid, under the imminent threat of famine amid war. "Yemen is on the brink of a major catastrophe," UN Undersecretary-General Mark Lowcock, emergency relief coordinator and head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said after his latest visit to Yemen. Saudi Arabia is leading an Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to reinstate the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after the Houthi rebels forced him into exile in Riyadh. The almost four years of the Yemeni war have killed more than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, displaced 3 million others, and pushed the country to the brink of famine. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 16:39:18|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close HAVANA, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Cuba and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) called for strengthening bilateral ties here on Tuesday. The appeal was made during a meeting between Raul Castro, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK. According to a statement released by the Cuban government, "both leaders expressed mutual satisfaction for the progresses made in bilateral relations." The statement said Kim's official visit is part of "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. During a meeting with Kim Yong Nam last week, Diaz-Canel said both sides expressed a willingness to deepen bilateral relations and agreed on the importance of maintaining high-level dialogues. Kim Yong Nam began a Latin American tour last week to strengthen political and cooperative ties with different nations. Cuba is the second leg of his three-nation tour. Havana and Pyongyang have maintained sound political and economic relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1960. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 16:44:21|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Microfinance institution Hattha Kaksekar Limited (HKL), the third largest microlender in Cambodia, became the first firm to list its corporate bonds on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) on Wednesday. HKL's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Huot Ieng Tong said the HKL was the company that issued the first-ever local currency bonds in the kingdom, saying that the firm issued 1.2 million bonds worth 120 billion riels (30 million U.S. dollars). "The HKL's corporate bonds have the period of three years with a coupon rate of 8.5 percent per annum," he said during the listing ceremony. "The capital from bond issuance will be used for the expansion of the firm's business operations." "From now on, investors can buy and sell the HKL corporate bonds on the CSX," Ieng Tong said. CSX's CEO Hong Sok Hour said the International Finance Corporation (IFC) had bought 800,000 bonds worth 20 million U.S. dollars, as the remaining bonds were purchased by banks and insurers. "This is a new history for the CSX to get the first bond listing," he said. Launched in 2011, the CSX has so far received five stock-listed companies and one bond-listed firm, Sok Hour said, adding that the six enterprises have collected a total capital of 110 million U.S. dollars from the securities market. He said it is expected that three more enterprises will list on the CSX next year. According to Sok Hour, more than 20,000 individuals and companies have opened trading accounts at the CSX so far, up from 9,000 in December last year. "These achievements truly reflect the steady progress of the CSX, and we believe that the CSX will develop faster in coming years," he said. Kyle F. Kelhofer, IFC senior country manager for Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, said the IFC was strongly confident in the growth of the HKL and the banking and financial sector in Cambodia. "IFC is pleased to buy the first-ever Khmer riel bonds issued by HKL, and we will continue to work with key stakeholders and market participants to further strengthen the debt capital market in Cambodia," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 17:43:53|Editor: mym Video Player Close Visitors wait in line before entering the Capitol Hill to pay their respects to late former U.S. President George H.W. Bush lying in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, in Washington D.C., the United States, on Dec. 4, 2018. The coffin of late former U.S. President George H.W. Bush was flown to Washington D.C. on Monday as the nation is paying tribute to him and his legacy. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 18:29:51|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close MANILA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Wednesday that it has either killed, arrested or surrendered a total 1,740 terrorists operating in the southern Philippines since January this year. Moreover, the AFP said it recovered a total of 5,172 firearms from the terrorists, including 2,952 high-powered firearms and 145 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In a report, the AFP said a total of 284 terrorists belonging to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have been neutralized during the first 11 months of 2018. A total of 72 ASG fighters have been killed, 180 surrendered and 32 arrested, the report added. A total of 11 ASG camps have also been seized during the period, the report said. The military said a total of 141 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and 145 terrorists from Maute have also been neutralized during the 11-month period. Moreover, the military said a total of 1,170 other members of Mindanao-based local terrorist groups have also either been killed, arrested or surrendered in the first 11 months this year. ASG Group, BIFF Group and Maute Group are the three major local terrorist groups in the southern Philippines, which often carry out kidnappings, bombings and beheadings. Local terrorists belonging to the Maute Group and ASG Group attacked Marawi City in the southern Philippines on May 23, 2017. The Philippine government took five months to regain control of the city. More than 1,200 people were killed in the battle to retake the city that fell into ruins. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 19:05:00|Editor: mmm Video Player Close by Xinhua writer Quan Xiaoshu BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers claim, based on a three-year research, that gene mutation shall be blamed for the lower breast cancer cure rate in China than in the West, as it cripples the effect of a classical drug for treatment. The mutation in a liver enzyme among East Asian people may severely impair the conversion of tamoxifen (TAM), a standard drug for breast cancer post-operation therapy in most cases, said Xu Binghe, a professor at the Cancer Hospital with Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. About 75 percent of breast cancer patients in China have estrogen receptors (ERs) expressed in their tumors. Nurtured by estrogen, a female hormone, the receptors can facilitate the growth of tumors, leading to their metastasis and recurrence, so these patients usually receive endocrine treatment after their operation, said Xu, an oncologist on breast cancer for more than 30 years. "Globally, TAM is a classic drug for this type of cancer and has been used in clinical treatment for nearly half a century since the 1970s," Xu said. According to him, TAM, a small molecule compound, can block the binding of human estrogen to tumor receptors. "TAM looks so similar to estrogen that it can confuse the receptors, which then unites with the drugs and rejects the real estrogen," said Xu. "So to speak, TAM is like a fake key that can match the 'lock' of tumors, and estrogen, the real key, instead cannot open the 'door' anymore as it shall not fit in a blocked 'keyhole.'" ER-positive breast cancer patients usually need to take TAM for five to 10 years after surgery. The drug has helped cut down the recurrence rate by half and the death rate by more than 30 percent. TAM is also very economical, costing less than one yuan (about 15 cents in U.S. dollar term) a day. The drug, with its effectiveness and low cost, has been enlisted in both international and domestic guidelines for breast cancer treatment. "However, in our practice, we feel that it is not as effective on Chinese patients as it is on Westerners," Xu said. Although the overall survival rate of breast cancer patients in China has improved dramatically in recent years, it is still seven to 10 percentage points lower than that in the United States. A special enzyme named CYP2D6 in the liver, which plays a key role in converting TAM into active and valid ingredients, has caused attention among Xu and his coworkers on the team. It has more than 100 types of gene mutations, and CYP2D6*10 is the most common polymorphism among Asian populations. "Is this mutation crippling the effectiveness of the drug?" This question has emerged from day-to-day treatment and prompted Xu's team to conduct a retrospective study of nearly 1,000 patients who have been treated at their hospital. Testing their blood samples revealed that 20 percent of the patients have the CYP2D6*10 genotype with both chromosomes mutative. These patients have a lower five-year survival rate and a higher recurrence rate than others. "It indicates that the gene mutation obviously impacts the conversion of TAM, which lowers the drug's effectiveness to only 1 percent of the expected efficacy. In other words, to achieve the effect of one pill for ordinary patients, these cancer sufferers have to take 100 pills," said Ma Fei, a core researcher on Xu's team from the Cancer Hospital. The researchers also found that the effect of toremifene and aromatase inhibitors, alternatives to TAM, are not affected by the gene mutation in the CYP2D6 enzyme. "Since alternative drugs are more expensive, there has been a long-time misunderstanding that patients who use them are more wealthy and have access to better overall medical conditions, leading to a lower cancer recurrence rate among them," Ma said. "It seems now that the gene mutation should shoulder the blame." He noted that this study is very important for all East Asian populations, as the gene mutation happens in one in every five people while it is quite rare in Westerners. "We can't expect experts in America and European countries to do the research, as they don't encounter the problem. The difficulties that China has faced can only be solved by ourselves," Ma said. The results of the serial researches by the team were published twice in the International Journal of Cancer, the official journal of the Union for International Cancer Control, and the latest was selected as a cover article in November. Xu and his team will, for the next step, study the feasibility of multiple alternative therapies for patients with the above gene mutation, aiming to modify and improve the treatment guidelines through more rigorous clinical research and to improve the breast cancer cure rate in China. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 19:25:03|Editor: mmm Video Player Close KUNMING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- More than 170 students from over 30 countries have joined college teachers and students in southwest China's Yunnan Province to protect the local environment. The volunteers carried out activities near Erhai Lake in the city of Dali on Wednesday, calling for more young people to pay attention to the protection of the picturesque lake. According to the Yunnan provincial committee of the Communist Youth League, the overseas volunteers are from countries such as Russia, India, Kazakhstan and Thailand. They will take part in tree planting, art making and trekking activities. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 20:15:12|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close MAIMANA, Afghanistan, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- A total of eight militants including a Taliban key commander Qari Hamidullah were killed in the northern Faryab province on Wednesday, army spokesman in the northern region Abdul Hadi Jamal said. "Acting upon intelligence report, the security forces targeted a Taliban hideout in Qurghan district today in the morning, killing eight rebels including Taliban key commander Qari Hamidullah and his deputy Mistary Mahmoud on the spot," Jamal told Xinhua. Twelve more including 10 militants and two security personnel were injured, the official added. The operation, which began late on Tuesday night in Andkhoi and Qurghan districts, would continue until the area was cleared of the insurgents, Jamal said. Taliban militants who are active in parts of the restive Faryab province with Maimana as its capital have yet to make comments. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 20:30:15|Editor: mmm Video Player Close CHENGDU, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Confucius Institutes have played an important role in boosting ties and cultural exchanges, said delegates attending the 13th Confucius Institute Conference in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Isaac Meroka Mbeche, deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi in Kenya, is also the director of the university's Confucius Institute, which is the first in Africa. The dual training of Chinese and vocational technology have prepared local students for better jobs after graduation, especially in Belt and Road projects and Chinese companies, according to the director. The Confucius Institute at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom was established in 2007, and now has opened nearly 200 classes with a total of 14,000 local residents learning Chinese there, said Keith Burnett, former vice-chancellor of the university. Confucius Institutes serve as a bridge of mutual understanding between China and the rest of the world, he said. "My favorite thing is telling my parents the Chinese stories I've learned at the Confucius Institute," said a 12-year-old American girl in fluent Chinese. She has a Chinese name Kang Kemi, and has been learning Chinese for seven years. Nearly 1,500 university presidents and representatives of Confucius Institutes from more than 150 countries and regions attended the two-day conference that concluded on Wednesday. China has established 548 Confucius Institutes in 154 countries and regions. A total of 46,700 full-time and part-time Chinese and foreign teachers now teach in Confucius Institutes and 1,193 Confucius classrooms at primary and middle schools across the globe. Another 810,000 people have registered for online lessons. This year will see 30 new Confucius Institutes, according to the conference. China has been establishing the non-profit education organization since 2004, aiming to promote cross-cultural exchanges. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 20:30:15|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- A veteran Somali journalist was seriously wounded in a car bomb attack in Mogadishu on Tuesday afternoon, police said. The police who did not want to be identified confirmed Wednesday that Ismail Sheikh Khalifa, also a media rights activist was injured when the bomb hidden in his vehicle was remotely exploded in Waberi district and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. Somali Media Association (SOMA) in a statement released on Tuesday evening condemned the incident and called for thorough investigations. "We strongly condemn in the strongest term this worrying act of attempting the lives of an innocent Somali journalist. We therefore call on the Somali authorities and all the media stakeholders to spare no effort in further improving and protecting the safety of journalists and the freedom of expression," SOMA said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility in the latest incident. The logo of the OPEC is seen at the organization's headquarters on the eve of the 164th OPEC meeting in Vienna, Austria on Dec. 3, 2013. (AFP file photo) TEHRAN, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming meeting of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will discuss the crude oversupply by Saudi Arabia, Iran's oil minister said Wednesday. "The issue of Saudi oversupply is among the topics that would be discussed in the forthcoming OPEC meeting," Bijan Namdar Zanganeh was quoted Iran's PetroEnergy Information Network as saying. The OPEC member states should probe into the reasons behind Qatar's withdrawal from the cartel, as some oil producers have created problems for Qatar, Zanganeh added. The Iranian minister also ruled out the possibility of discussing the quota of Iran's oil output in the next OPEC meeting. "As long as Iran is facing the (U.S.) sanctions (on oil sales), the discussion on the quota of Iran's output is out of the question," he noted. Hossein Kazempour Ardebili, Iran's OPEC governor, said earlier that Qatar's decision to quit the OPEC shows frustration of small crude producers with the dominant role of Saudi Arabia in the oil club. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 21:00:22|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close MOMBASA, Kenya, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police said Wednesday they have seized 11 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 50 kgs in a forest in the coastal county of Kilifi. Kennedy Osando, Kaloleni divisional police commander said a contingent of security officers ambushed two men who were selling the ivory tusks in the forest on Tuesday evening. Osando said one suspect was arrested while the other escaped. The suspect, he said, is being interrogated by the police. "They were looking for buyers while hiding in the forest, our officers pretended to buy and pounced on them," Osando told journalists in Mombasa, noting that the police are combing the forest in search of the other accomplice who escaped. Police believe the two are a dealer and a poacher. Osando said three of the tusks were fresh and the elephants might have been killed some weeks ago and that the elephants were still youth given the length of the tusks. "We have to get the suspect, we have to fight for our animals, we have to fight this illegal trade," said the local police officer. Kilifi County borders Taita Taveta County which is a home to Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park hosting hundreds of elephants. Kenya has been identified in various researches as one of the leading transit routes for smuggling ivory out of Africa, with several incidents of ivory seizures and recovery of wildlife carcasses in recent times. The conservationists decried the entry of organized crime syndicates into the illegal wildlife trade, most notably of rhino horn and elephant tusks, has created a crisis situation in many African countries. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 21:05:23|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close LUSAKA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Wednesday sent a message of condolences to United States (US) President Donald Trump following the death of that country's former leader. Lungu conveyed his heartfelt condolences following the passing away of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush who died on November 30, according to his office. The Zambian leader said he learnt with a deep sense of sorrow on the death of the former president and prayed that his family will find solace during the trying period. The late president, he said, will be remembered for his persistent fight for peace, security and stability in the world. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 21:05:24|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close BERLIN, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Several hundred police officers have searched restaurants, offices and apartments in Germany, which are associated with the Italian Mafia organization 'Ndrangheta, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) announced on Wednesday. Eurojust, the European agency that oversees judicial cooperation in criminal investigations, coordinated the international operation codenamed "Pollino" and confirmed that several arrests and seizures had been made in the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and Belgium. The operation on Wednesday was the result of an "intensive joint investigation that started in 2016 and has been coordinated at European level," according to Eurojust. The current operation was the "largest and most complex investigation" conducted by the German criminal office BKA, and marked the first time German police took massive action against a mafia clan in Germany, Spiegel magazine reported. Some 240 BKA officers and 200 officers of the German Federal Police, including special forces of the anti-terror unit GSG 9, as well as hundreds of local state police officers had been deployed in the raid. More than 100 properties were searched nationwide, according to Germany's biggest newspaper Bild. A BKA spokeswoman told the German press agency (dpa) on Wednesday that the investigation focused on the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, but premises in Munich had also been searched. The Calabrian 'Ndrangheta is one of the most powerful Italian mafia organizations in Germany and is understood to be particularly active in drug trafficking and money laundering across Europe. BKA figures show that in 2017, 14 organized crime cases were filed against members of Italian mafia groups, half of which were attributed to 'Ndrangheta. In August 2007, 'Ndrangheta caused an international uproar when six people were shot in front of an Italian restaurant in the German city of Duisburg. A dispute between two 'Ndrangheta families had been the trigger for this violent crime. The main culprit was arrested in Amsterdam in 2009 and is serving a life sentence in Italy. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 21:15:26|Editor: mmm Video Player Close JUBA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan He Xiangdong has voiced optimism that the recently signed Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) will hold, and vows continued support towards its implementation. He said China remains hopeful that the peace agreement signed on Sept. 12 between President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar in the Ethiopian capital will pave way for genuine peace. He made the remarks Tuesday in Juba after he signed the document as one of the international community witnesses and guarantors of the peace agreement. China has been a very active supporter to the peace process in South Sudan working alongside the United States, Britain and Norway and countries of the east African regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) which mediated the peace process. "I hope and would say that I am confident with the support of the international community, regional countries and with the support of South Sudanese, the peace process will move forward and implementation of the R-ARCSS will be a very successful one," said He. "I would like to say that China's government and people will continue to do our best to support the peace process along with IGAD countries, African leaders, African countries and the international community," he added. Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, lauded China for unwaveringly supporting the peace process that left the international community anxious due to the fact the process was slow and several peace deals agreed upon in the past collapsed. "From the very beginning and starting from 2015, China was always ready to support the peace process and this we witnessed as IGAD countries," said Wais. He said they have made progress on peace implementation due to the fact that all key committees charged with monitoring the peace agreement have been reconstituted and all will operate within South Sudan unlike previously when some bodies operated outside the country. Wais said the reconstituted peace monitoring bodies include the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism, Joint Military Ceasefire Commission, National Constitutional Amendment Committee, and National Pre-Transitional Committee. "The most important thing is that all these committees decided to implement this project and this agreement from and within Juba. No more meetings outside and also it shows the trust and confidence between these parties on this agreement and to one another," he said. The envoy added that members of the key Technical Border Commission comprised of experts from IGAD and international community have already started to arrive in the capital. South Sudan descended into civil war in late 2013, and the conflict has created one of the fastest growing refugee crises in the world. A peace agreement signed in 2015 to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital, Juba, forcing Machar to flee into exile. The United Nations estimates that about four million South Sudanese have been displaced internally and externally. President Salva Kiir, his former deputy Machar and several opposition groups in September signed a new power-sharing deal aimed at ending the five-year old conflict. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 21:15:26|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for upcoming Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) at the House of Commons in London, Britain, Dec. 5, 2018. The British government on Wednesday published Brexit legal advice in full, one day after MPs found it in contempt of the British parliament. The British MPs are set to vote on the withdrawal agreement on Dec. 11. (Xinhua/Tim Ireland) LONDON, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The British government on Wednesday published Brexit legal advice in full, one day after MPs found it in contempt of the British parliament. In the documents, the Attorney General Geoffrey Cox said the proposed backstop arrangement with the European Union (EU) to prevent a hard Irish border could "endure indefinitely." He said the UK would not be able to "lawfully exit" the arrangement without a subsequent political agreement and this could lead to stalemate. The SNP MP Ian Blackford accused the British Prime Minister Theresa May of "misleading parliament." May, at the Prime Minister Questions at the parliament, rejected the accusation, saying the legal position had been set out clearly. The British government agreed to publish the full advice after being found in contempt of the parliament by an MP vote on Tuesday. Experts have warned that the Irish backstop, a key feature of the EU withdrawal agreement, would see the whole of the UK remain in a single customs territory with the EU until their future relationship was sorted out. The British MPs are set to vote on the withdrawal agreement on Dec. 11. SEARCH A minimum of 3 characters are required to be typed in the search bar in order to perform a search. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 21:35:40|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Somali security forces have destroyed al-Shabab militants' network in Awdhegle in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia following a sting operation in the region, officials said on Wednesday. National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said that their forces killed al-Shabab fighters and seized explosive materials used by the militants to carry out terrorist attacks on unspecified locations in the country during the operation conducted on Tuesday night. Mohamed Ibrahim Bare, governor of Lower Shabelle region, said the forces killed some militants and completely destroyed their network in the midnight operation. "The forces carried out well planned operation against terrorists preparing explosives. We killed some militants and completely destroyed their network. The operation was a very successful one," Bare said. Sources said the Somali troops backed by partner forces believed to be the United States forces attacked the militants' tax collection site, killing several militants. Bare added that the military operations will continue in the same region until all the militants are flushed out of the region. Al-Shabab militants however said their fighters foiled an attack from a joint United States and Somali forces in the area. Meanwhile, NISA confirmed the arrest of a senior al-Shabab bomb expert during a sting security operation in Mogadishu. The security agency said the bomb expert was plotting to carry out a massive bomb attack on public places in the capital, noting that no one was killed during the arrest of the senior militant operative. The move came as African Union peacekeeping troops and Somali troops have intensified their onslaught against the al-Qaeda affiliated group in southern and central Somalia. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 21:35:41|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. actor and filmmaker Sean Penn and his crew on Wednesday did some shooting in front of the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul reportedly for a documentary on the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the mission. The private NTV broadcaster said the actor has been trying to gather detailed information on the scene to make a documentary about the murder of Khashoggi, a case that has sparked an international outcry. Penn is expected to meet with Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of Khashoggi, in the city, according to the broadcaster. The Sabah daily reported that the actor will also pay a visit to the capital city of Ankara in the upcoming days to meet Turkish officials. According to the Istanbul prosecutor, Khashoggi was strangled to death after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 to get documents for marrying his fiancee, and his body was then dismembered and destroyed. Turkish police and crime scene investigators are still trying to locate the remaining parts of his body across Istanbul and the neighboring Yalova province. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 21:35:42|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close SARAJEVO, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sarajevo International Airport (SIA) welcomed on Wednesday its one millionth passenger in 2018, registering a new annual record in its history. "This is an important day for Sarajevo International Airport, given that, for the first time in its history a record one million passengers were served in one year," SIA's announcement said. This represents a 9 percent growth year-on-year. In addition, SIA has hit a record by handling nearly 12,000 flights and more than 2 million kilograms of cargo goods in one year. Aida Birno, the one millionth passenger, said she was a frequent traveler and that she was surprised by the award. "I travel often for business to Istanbul. I used to read about similar awards in the newspapers, and it was always pretty unreal. However, it is also a nice feeling to be the one millionth traveler," Birno told reporters after being rewarded with a free return ticket from Sarajevo to Istanbul. Armin Kajmakovic, SIA director, said this was an important record for the airport. For the third year in a row, SIA has registered a record number of passengers. At the beginning of Dec. 2016, more than 800,000 passengers were registered; in 2017, more than 900,000 passengers; and this year more than one million passengers. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 21:35:42|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close KABUL, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 24 militants had been killed elsewhere in Afghanistan as Afghan security forces increased pressure on the armed opposition groups, officials said. In the latest crackdown on militants, the government forces stormed Taliban hideouts outside Pul-e-Alam the capital of eastern Logar province early on Wednesday, killing four insurgents and capturing 11 others, provincial government spokesman Shahpor Ahmadzai said. According to Ahmadzai, two important commanders of the Taliban group namely Mullah Mohammad Gul alias Burhan and Mullah Azim are also among those killed in the raids. In targeting Taliban hideouts, the government forces launched operations against the armed outfit in parts of Andkhoi and Qurghan districts in the northern Faryab province late Tuesday night, killing eight militants including a key commander Qari Hamidullah and his deputy Mistary Mahmoud on the spot, an army spokesman in the northern region Abdul Hadi Jamal said. According to Jamal, 12 more fighters including 10 militants and two security personnel were injured in the ongoing operations. Similarly, the government forces in operations against Taliban group in the eastern Ghazni province have killed at least 12 militants and captured 18 others in Khogiani district of the troubled province since Tuesday, Aref Nuri, the spokesman for Ghazni's provincial governor, said Wednesday. Four more insurgents were injured in the fighting, the official contended. The official, however, avoided to comment on the casualties of security personnel. Warring sides in Afghanistan, usually exaggerate the casualties of the opponents and it is difficult to get verification with independent sources. Afghan observers believe that the warring sides would do their best to gain more ground and consolidate positions ahead of snowfall and freezing winter in Afghanistan. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 21:35:43|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Photo taken on Dec. 4, 2018 shows the pavilion of China National Precision Machinery Import & Export Corporation at Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2018 in Cairo, Egypt. Chinese defense products have demonstrated strong presence in their pavilions at Egypt's first tri-service defense expo, EDEX 2018, held on Dec. 3-5 in the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) by Mahmoud Fouly, Ahmed Shafiq CAIRO, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese defense products have demonstrated strong presence in their pavilions at Egypt's first tri-service defense expo, EDEX 2018, held on Dec. 3-5 in the vast Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center. Several Chinese leading military corporations, including China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC), exhibited their latest military products in the three-day event. China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co., Ltd. (CSOC), China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) also took part in the big fair. NORINCO displayed some of its most advanced weapons and military equipment, including artillery, missiles, rocket launchers, air defense systems, as well as armored vehicles and tanks. "We have been officially invited by the Egyptian defense ministry to take part in the event, for we have strong cooperation with the Egyptian armed forces," said Wang Cheng, deputy general manager of NORINCO's West Asia department. "We cooperate with the Egyptian army in providing light and heavy weapons as well as ammunition and modernizing old military equipment for the Egyptian armed forces," Wang told Xinhua at the exhibition. Fu Yongcai, CSIC assistant president and head of the company's military trade department, told Xinhua that his corporation displayed 22 models and two products, "including ships and army equipment." The main exhibited products are four types of warships and a series of small-sized submarines that are being or already sold in the Middle East, as well as the Kirin-class submarines for export, Fu said. "Our company has been cooperating with Egypt since 1980s. At that time, Egypt purchased four Chinese submarines that it has been using for 30 years and they are still in use until now," said the CSIC assistant chief, hoping that EDEX will become an international exhibition covering the Middle East and Africa. EDEX 2018, with the participation of 373 enterprises from 41 countries, was inaugurated by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Monday, in the presence of senior military officials and defense ministers of many participant states. The event is fully supported by Egyptian armed forces and presents a new opportunity for exhibitors to showcase the latest technology, equipment and systems across land, sea and air on an area of about 17,000 square meters under the sponsorship of 15 local and international companies. In recent years, the growing relations between Egypt and China have been raised to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership backed by both leaderships. AVIC exhibited models of its star aircraft including the Vigorous Dragon single-seat and two-seat fighters, the Yun-9 military transport aircraft, the L-15 advanced trainer jets and the Pterosaur-1 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Cheng Hongjun, sales manager at China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation, which is directly affiliated with AVIC, said AVIC currently has full-spectrum military aircraft and related airborne weapons including fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, UAVs and trainer jets, after more than 60 years of development. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 21:50:47|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close TOKYO, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court in Japan on Wednesday rejected demands from the Okinawa prefectural government to halt the relocation of a controversial U.S. base within Japan's southernmost prefecture despite calls from local officials and residents for the base to be moved off the island. The Okinawa prefectural government's appeal for the suspension of work for the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from the crowded residential area of Ginowan to the less populated Henoko coastal district in Nago, both in Okinawa, was dismissed by a lower court with the ruling upheld by the high court on Wednesday. The central government now plans to restart landfill work in earnest on Dec. 14 for the construction of the new U.S. replacement military facility, despite the local government highlighting the fact that documents necessary for temporarily storing soil and sand near the construction site had not been submitted. Okinawa hosts the bulk of U.S. military facilities in Japan, yet the tiny sub-tropical island accounts for just a small fraction of Japan's total landmass. As well as shouldering the majority of U.S. bases and being victims of U.S. base-linked workers' criminal activities, which span rape and murder, to driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as a steady flow of accidents and mishaps involving U.S. military aircraft, the new location for the base has an extremely delicate ecosystem unique to Okinawa that the locals desperately want to protect. The overall plans for the new base involve 157 hectares of land being reclaimed from pristine waters off the Henoko area and the building of a V-shaped runway. The plans stem from a pact made between the United States and Japan in 1996, with Henoko being selected as the replacement site in 1999. The local and central governments have been at odds over the relocation of the base since 1999, with Denny Tamaki, who became Okinawa governor on Oct. 4 following the death of his predecessor Governor Takeshi Onaga, urging the central government to reduce Okinawa's disproportionate base-hosting burdens and shift the new base off the island. Tamaki was elected as governor in September's gubernatorial election on a platform of opposing the base's relocation and lessening Okinawa's base-hosting burdens and has since been pushing to resolve the issue through dialogue with the central government. The central government, however, despite Tamaki's push for face-to-face talks, has forged ahead unilaterally with land reclamation work necessary to build the new base after the land ministry issued an injunction to suspend Okinawa revoking a permit for the landfill work. Tamaki had previously said that the central government's persistent push to continue with the landfill work is completely unacceptable and against the will of Okinawans who wish to see the base moved outside of Okinawa and Japan altogether. Nevertheless, Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya told a press briefing on Wednesday that the local chapter of the ministry has begun loading soil and sand brought from a quarry directly onto a vessel for the contentious landfill work to resume. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 22:10:54|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's northern Tigray regional state announced on Wednesday that it has pardoned 820 prisoners. Teklay Gebreyesus, Head of Prisons of Northwest Zone of Tigray regional state, said the prisoners were pardoned because they had shown good behavior during their imprisonment and had promised to be socially responsible citizens after they are released to their local communities. He further said the prisoners have been given life skills and vocational trainings before being released in order to help the prisoners become productive members of their society. The latest prisoners pardons comes just a week after Tigray regional state pardoned 3,231 prisoners as part of efforts to rehabilitate and re-integrate them back to their local communities. The Ethiopian government has also characterized the mass prisoner release program as part of its efforts to foster reconciliation and create national consensus. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 22:20:56|Editor: mym Video Player Close JUBA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ongoing face-to-face meetings between South Sudan's rival armed groups with the army have boosted peace efforts by reducing tension and hostilities among the foes in the country's five-year-old conflict, top military officials said Wednesday. For almost a month now, forces of the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the main rebel group, Sudan People's Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) have been holding face-to-face dialogues across the country in an effort to forge unity and strengthen implementation of a new peace deal signed in September. The talks facilitated by the internationally-backed peace monitoring group, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) are meant to build trust between the rival armed factions who previously broke several ceasefire deals. Lul Ruai Koang, South Sudan military spokesperson said since the inception of the interactive dialogue process early last month, fighting has significantly reduced all over South Sudan. "The confidence building has led to almost 99 percent in cessation of hostilities. We are moving from the atmosphere of fighting to being partners of peace," Koang told Xinhua in Juba. "The confidence building has done a lot of good things. They (government forces) call us and we call them every morning. This kind of cooperation is very good," SPLA-IO deputy military spokesperson Lam Paul Gabriel spoke to Xinhua by phone. South Sudan descended into civil war in late 2013, and the conflict has created one of the fastest growing refugee crises in the world. A peace deal signed in August 2015 collapsed following renewed violence in Juba in July 2016. Under the new peace deal signed in September this year, former vice president and opposition leader Riek Machar will once again be reinstated as President Salva Kiir's deputy. In an effort to minimize further confrontation with other armed groups, Machar recently ordered his forces to gather at designated cantonment sites across the country and wait to be integrated into a joint military force agreed by the parties to the new power-sharing deal. "This is a very good and bold step taken by our chairman, and we are going to comply with it," said Gabriel. "The order will go a long way in enhancing implementation of transitional security arrangement and we applaud the decision by Riek to officially order his forces to report to cantonment sites," said Koang. "We will make sure that we cooperate with them and we will give them passage to areas they want to go to," Koang added. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 22:20:57|Editor: mmm Video Player Close People visit the Ancient China Technology exhibition in Athens, Greece on Sept. 21, 2017. Greece's National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) in Athens has been building new bridges of intercultural dialogue with China as part of a wider Sino-Greek effort to bring the two countries and peoples closer, EMST's Director Katerina Koskina told Xinhua in a recent interview. "China and Greece are both ancient countries, have huge civilizations behind them, and you can relate to that. As far as I can tell from my experience in Beijing, the Chinese have a deep respect and admiration for the Greek civilization and I think that works both ways. It is the same for Greeks too," she underlined. She also expressed hope that ties between Greece and China in the field of art could deepen in the future. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) ATHENS, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Greece's National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) in Athens has been building new bridges of intercultural dialogue with China as part of a wider Sino-Greek effort to bring the two countries and peoples closer, EMST's Director Katerina Koskina told Xinhua in a recent interview. On Tuesday evening, during the opening of an exhibition of EMST's new acquisitions of the past two years, Koskina talked about the collaboration launched last year with the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) thanks to the support of the culture ministries in Athens and Beijing and the exchanges of museum exhibits. She also expressed hope that ties between Greece and China in the field of art could deepen in the future. "Last week, EMST inaugurated in Beijing, China at NAMOC, a very important exhibition, which includes more than 80 works of art of Greek and international artists. This is a very important moment for us," Koskina said referring to the exhibition entitled "In the Beginning was the Word. Concepts - Images - Script". Forty Greek and foreign artists are participating with 80 works that belong to EMST's permanent collection. The exhibition runs until mid-January 2019, as part of the Year of Cultural Exchanges between Greece and China 2017-2018. "It is a great opportunity, because working in the intercultural dialogue, the dialogue between such important ancient civilizations that grew together and today are able to reinforce the old dialogue, is really amazing," she stressed. "This exhibition was a kind of return since last year in this very place EMST hosted a very important exhibition on Xieyi (freehand brush work) painting, masterpieces from the NAMOC collections, in Athens, and this was the starting point of hopefully a long lasting friendship and cooperation in the cultural field between Greece and China," Koskina said. The exhibition "Chinese Xieyi: Masterpieces from the National Art Museum of China" was open between September and November 2017, and received a warm welcome from the Greek audience. "The reception from the Athenian audience was very warm. There were excited comments about this exhibition and we had many many visitors," Anna Mykoniati, EMST's curator, told Xinhua. Explaining the idea behind the exhibition, which traveled to China, she said that EMST chose writing and script in art as a main theme, because China has a great tradition in calligraphy and this is a theme that the Chinese audience can relate to, getting in parallel an idea about the Greek contemporary art scene. "The Chinese audience was very open to the artwork, because it is very contemporary art and the collection of NAMOC is more traditional, more painting," she said, expressing confidence that Greece and China can enhance intercultural exchange in the coming years. "China and Greece are both ancient countries, have huge civilizations behind them, and you can relate to that. As far as I can tell from my experience in Beijing, the Chinese have a deep respect and admiration for the Greek civilization and I think that works both ways. It is the same for Greeks too," she underlined. EMST is one of the partners in the International Alliance of Art Museums and Galleries involving the countries along the "Belt and Road" initiative. The alliance was established this summer in Beijing. "We are very hopeful that this will lead to a future collaboration with China and other countries along the Silk Road," Mykoniati said. Greek artist Alexandros Georgiou, who is participating in both exhibitions currently hosted at EMST and NAMOC, has no doubt that Sino-Greek intercultural dialogue has much to offer. "I just find Chinese art incredibly interesting ... I always learn something new when I look at Chinese art and it is never what I thought it is going to be, so I think it comes from a culture that in a way can relate to ours by being so different, but shedding a different light on subjects that we also care about but never thought of in the way that Chinese artists do," he told Xinhua during Tuesday's event. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 22:41:00|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close TOKYO, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- An outbreak of swine flu has been found at a public research institute in the central Japan city of Minokamo, in Gifu Prefecture, the local government said Wednesday. Following two pigs testing positive for the virus, also known as hog cholera, the prefecture began the culling of hogs at the institute, which breeds around 500 pigs for premium pork products. Japan's farm minister Takamori Yoshikawa said at a meeting in response to the outbreak Wednesday that, "It is extremely serious that the infection was detected at the prefectural institute. It will have a huge impact." At the same meeting, Gifu Governor Hajime Furuta apologized for the incident occurring at a facility that should have been better protected. "We are really sorry that the outbreak occurred at the prefectural facility, which is supposed to have well-prepared preventive measures," Furuta was quoted as saying. The latest outbreak of hog cholera marks the third case in Japan since an outbreak was reported earlier in the year. Prior to that, Japan had not seen a case of swine flu for decades. This year's cases have all occurred in Gifu Prefecture, with the first outbreak occurring at a pig farm in September and the second at a public livestock center park in November. Following the outbreak on September 9, 546 hogs were culled and buried and pork exports from across Japan had to be halted to contain the spread of the virus. The local government in Gifu has suggested the virus may have made its way onto the farms and facilities by way of wild boars or pigs that had contracted the disease and passed it onto the local farms and enclosures. No infections of pig cholera have been recorded in Japan since the first outbreak in 1992 and the virus was declared eradicated in 2007, according to official records. Colorado Springs, Colo., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Catalyst Accelerator announced it will launch the third space technology cohort focused on innovative Resilient Commercial Space Communications in April 2019. The semi-residential, 12-week, cohort-based Catalyst Accelerator program is hosted by Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate at Catalyst Campus and includes seed investment, network connections, mentorship, workshops, and opportunities for future investment and growth. The accelerators mission is to promote technology advancement for the warfighter and guide technology transfer from the commercial market to the government and vice versa. Catalyst Accelerator is seeking established startups and small businesses with commercial solutions to expand, enhance, reinforce, and improve current space communication capabilities. The U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense (DoD) are interested in emerging space assets to integrate into a resilient multi-domain network rather than creating stove-piped solutions for space communications. Current Air Force and DoD space communication challenges include but are not limited to robust and cybersecure communications networking solutions, interoperability among existing communications solutions, jam-resistant technology, band exploitation, and solutions for low-likelihood of interception and detection. Proposed applicant technologies may be ground-based or space-borne and can involve some combination of hardware devices, software, data products, algorithms, or services. Catalyst Accelerator participants will receive immediate capital of $15,000 from Space Capital Colorado, a Catalyst-endowed accelerator fund. Space Capital Colorado may further invest in any of the accelerator companies if they show potential. The program will culminate with a demonstration day at Catalyst Campus in June when each team will pitch to government and commercial investors for an opportunity to raise additional capital or follow-on government funding for further technology development. The Catalyst Accelerator is open for applications now through January 30, 2019. The Resilient Commercial Space Communications cohort will kick off in April 2019 with a 12-week, semi-residential curriculum and concludes with a final demo day at the end of June 2019. Interested applicants can learn more about the program and apply to the Catalyst Accelerator here: https://www.catalystaccelerator.space/ * Catalyst Space Accelerator The AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate Catalyst Accelerator is a NewSpace-focused defense and national security industry accelerator, headquartered on the Catalyst Campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Catalyst Campus is a collaborative ecosystem where industry, small business, entrepreneurs, startups, government, academia, and venture capital intersect with Colorados aerospace and defense industry to create community, spark innovation and stimulate business growth. Catalyst Accelerator is a collaborative program hosted by the Center for Technology, Research, and Commercialization (C-TRAC), Catalyst Campus, Space Capital Colorado, and the Colorado Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory to provide a robust, mentor-driven curriculum for accelerator teams. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 22:41:00|Editor: yan Video Player Close JAKARTA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Wednesday ordered the military and police to arrest those responsible for the recent killing of construction workers and a troop in Papua province. Widodo reiterated the trans-Papua project would continue despite deadly challenges from insurgents. Speaking to the reporters, the president said he had ordered the chiefs of the military and the national police to chase and arrest all the perpetrators of these barbaric and inhumane acts. He said the government was not deterred with the killings, and there was no single reason to stop the construction of the infrastructure project in Papua. "The road construction linking Wamena and Mamugu must be completed to assure development and accomplishment of social justice in Papua," said the president, referring to the road that witnessed the killing of construction workers. Located in extremely high ground, the 278-kilometer road is part of the government-initiated trans-Papua project which is prone to security threats from insurgents. The 4,325-kilometer trans-Papua road project that spans from Papua northern city of Sorong to easternmost city of Merauke is planned to be completed next year. On the same occasion, Indonesia Police Chief General Tito Karnavian said 20 people, including 19 workers and one soldier, had been killed by a Papua insurgent group in Papua province's Nduga regency. Citing information gathered from around the killing location, Papua police spokesperson said earlier that the number of the fallen workers stood at 31. Tito said that the Papua military and police were hunting for the perpetrators around the location surrounded by thick jungles. Reports said some 150 personnel both from the military and police had been assigned to the mission. Citing the ordeal experienced by survivor Jimmi Aritonang, Papua Province military spokesman Muhammad Aidi said Wednesday that the Papua insurgents forced 25 workers working for Istaka Karya, the contractor that builds the road, out from their camp in the regency's Yigi district on Saturday afternoon. Around 50 insurgents carrying military rifles forced the workers to climb up Kabo hill the next day with their hands tied up. "As they cheered with tribal shouting, the insurgents shot their rifles against the workers. Many were killed instantly, while 11 of the workers pretended to be dead and made attempts to escape later on," Aidi said. Be aware of the escape attempts by the 11 workers, the insurgents chased and captured five of them, who were slayed instantly on the scene, Aidi added. The remaining six workers managed to run to Mbua district but eventually only four of them were found by the authorities and the remaining two were yet to be located. The insurgents attacked a military outpost in Mbua district on Monday, killing a soldier and injuring another one. Indonesian rights group of Kontras condemned the killing of the workers in Papua, saying that there is no justification for violence against and killing of civilians. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 22:41:00|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- A scientist was killed and three others were injured Wednesday in an explosion inside Indian Institute of Science (IISc) at Bengaluru city in southern state of Karnataka, officials said. According to reports the blast was caused after a hydrogen cylinder exploded at laboratory of the institute. "Today late afternoon a blast was reported inside the aerospace lab in IISc," a police official said. "Four people were injured in the blast, out of which one researcher Manoj Kumar succumbed. The three injured ones, who suffered severe wounds, including burns and fractures were rushed to a nearby hospital." Reports quoting officials at the institute said the intensity of the blast was such that it flung away four researchers, one of them some 20 feet away. Officials said it was the first time that such a mishandling took place at the institute. Police have registered a case and ordered investigations into the explosion. Established in 1909, the IISc is a public institute for research and higher education in science, engineering, design, and management. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 22:46:01|Editor: yan Video Player Close DHAKA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- As Bangladesh general elections are drawing nearer, crowd are getting larger at the shopping malls selling public address mikes in Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. Also workers in the factories have been putting in overtime to make many mikes ahead of the elections slated for Dec. 30. Mohammad Abdul Majid works at a mike factory for about seven years in Dhaka's Shyampur area. He said demand for mike is currently on the rise due to forthcoming Bangladesh general election. "We are now quite busy with lots of fresh orders (from buyers)," he added. Another factory worker Abdul Aziz said every day they make 30 to 40 mikes and some days up to 45. "We're working even at night since there is huge demand for mikes during the elections," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 22:46:01|Editor: yan Video Player Close TOKYO, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court in Japan on Wednesday rejected demands from the Okinawa prefectural government to halt the relocation of a controversial U.S. base within Japan's southernmost prefecture, despite calls from officials and locals in Okinawa for the base to be moved off the island. The Okinawa prefectural government's appeal for the suspension of work for the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from the crowded residential area of Ginowan to the less populated Henoko coastal district in Nago, both in Okinawa, was dismissed by a lower court with the ruling upheld by the high court on Wednesday. The central government now plans to restart landfill work in earnest on Dec. 14 for the construction of the new U.S. replacement military facility, despite the local government highlighting the fact that documents necessary for temporarily storing soil and sand near the construction site had not been submitted, along with a number of other issues of contention. Okinawa hosts the bulk of U.S. military facilities in Japan, yet the tiny sub-tropical island accounts for just a small fraction of Japan's total landmass. As well as shouldering the majority of U.S. bases and being victims of U.S. base-linked workers' criminal activities, which span rape and murder, to driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as a steady flow of accidents and mishaps involving U.S. military aircraft, the new location for the base has an extremely delicate ecosystem unique to Okinawa that the locals desperately want to protect. The overall plans for the new base involve 157 hectares of land being reclaimed from pristine waters off the Henoko area and the building of a V-shaped runway. The plans stem from a pact made between the U.S. and Japan in 1996, with Henoko being selected as the replacement site in 1999. The local and central governments have been at odds over the relocation of the base since 1999, with Denny Tamaki, who became Okinawa governor on Oct. 4 following the death of his predecessor Governor Takeshi Onaga, urging the central government to reduce Okinawa's disproportionate base-hosting burdens and shift the new base off the island. Tamaki was elected as governor in September's gubernatorial election on a platform of opposing the base's relocation and lessening Okinawa's base-hosting burdens and has since been pushing to resolve the issue through dialogue with the central government. The central government, however, despite Tamaki's push for face-to-face talks, has forged ahead unilaterally with land reclamation work necessary to build the new base after the land ministry issued an injunction to suspend Okinawa revoking a permit for the landfill work. Tamaki had previously said that the central government's persistent push to continue with the landfill work is completely unacceptable and against the will of Okinawans who wish to see the base moved outside of Okinawa and Japan altogether. Nevertheless, Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya told a press briefing on Wednesday that the local chapter of the ministry has begun loading soil and sand brought from a quarry directly onto a vessel for the contentious landfill work to resume. Officials in Okinawa have previously stated, however, that the reclamation work runs contrary to the National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan as it is damaging an ecosystem unique to the region. Environmentalists have also voiced concerns about the materials used for the reclamation work introducing invasive species to the region. Experts, having surveyed the coral reef at the bottom of the ocean near the tip of one of the seawalls, concluded that the Porites lutea coral, which is part of the reef and just 20 meters away from the tip of the seawall, has a high likelihood of being destroyed by the construction work. The waters of Oura Bay are also the last home of the highly-endangered Japanese dugong, which is a large marine mammal and cousin of the manatee. Environmentalists are certain of the species' extinction if the central government's construction work continues. Prefectural authorities in Okinawa have also claimed that the construction work is illegally infringing on the rights granted to local fisherman in the coastal region. Having already petitioned Washington over the matter, Okinawa Prefecture will hold a referendum on the relocation of the base within the prefecture on Feb. 24. An ordinance was announced on Oct. 31, calling for a referendum on the controversial relocation plan by the central government, with the vote taking place within six months, or by the end of April 2019. Due to there being no major events at the time, the highest voter turnout is expected to be in February, the prefectural government has said. The prefecture is trying to coordinate all municipalities in Okinawa to take part in the referendum and the majority of cities have confirmed they will field staff members. According to Tamaki, the referendum will be an extremely important chance for the people of Okinawa to make their voice truly heard in Japan and across the world. Tamaki said he hopes as many people as possible in Okinawa will take part in the referendum and try and halt the current course of the central government. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 22:51:02|Editor: yan Video Player Close NAIROBI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) funded projects in Kenya have achieved "remarkable" gender equality results, a report released on Wednesday said. The report said that women's access to resources, assets and services has improved and they have gained more influence in decision-making both at home and within their communities. "The success has been attained following IFAD's innovation in bringing solutions around credit delivery, agro-processing and environmental management," the report noted. The agency said that the interventions have led to higher incomes and improved food security for beneficiaries of all projects besides boosting agricultural productivity. Donal Brown, associate vice-president for program management department at IFAD revealed that the IFAD and Kenya government have worked for nearly 40 years with small farming families to raise their production and incomes. "The report that was prepared by the Independent Office of Evaluation of IFAD (IOE) is proof of how these families have more access to diverse food, with higher levels of animal and vegetable proteins," Brown said. He said that the IFAD will continue partnering with Kenya in its efforts to improve food security and nutrition for rural families, while building on lessons learned to improve the impact of the efforts. The official revealed that the organization has invested in 18 projects in Kenya amounting to 71.13 billion Kenyan shillings (around 711 million U.S. dollars) since 1979, of which 376 million dollars were financed by IFAD. The report said horticulture is extremely important to Kenya's economy since it accounts for about 33 percent of the country's agricultural GDP and seven percent of total GDP. "The program had a significant impact on farmers' incomes and food security, increasing the quality and quantity of horticultural production in the country through the use of a value chain approach," it noted. The report said that farmers who benefited from the program had higher income gains as a result of greater gross margins driven mainly by higher yields in some of the horticultural commodities that the program promoted such as bananas and Irish potatoes. "We need to strengthen policy engagement and create more space and opportunities for engaging the private sector," said Oscar Garcia, IOE's director, adding that the private sector can contribute significant financing to drive the rural economy. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 23:01:05|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Photo taken on Dec. 5, 2018 shows the exhibition entrance of China Home Life Fair and China Machinex Fair Kenya 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya. Kenya's business community is seeking to tap into China's industrial technology in order to boost its exports, officials said on Wednesday. The China Home Life Fair and China Machinex Fair Kenya 2018 kicked off here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Lyu Shuai) NAIROBI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's business community is seeking to tap into China's industrial technology in order to boost its exports, officials said on Wednesday. James Mureu, national vice chairman of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), told a business forum in Nairobi that local manufacturers are facing stiff competition from foreign industrialists leading to a stagnation of the sector. "We are therefore keen for joint ventures with Chinese firms so that Kenya can benefit from advanced manufacturing technology that will make the country a major exporter of products," Mureu said during the first edition of the China Home Life Kenya Exhibition and Business to Business Forum. Over 600 Chinese suppliers of home products such as consumer electronics, furniture, textile garments, lights and lamps from eight Chinese provinces in China are showcasing their products for three days. The KNCCI has already signed memorandum of understandings with four provincial chambers of commerce in China in order to boost bilateral commercial ties. Oliver Konje, director of bilateral trade at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives said that the Chinese fair provides a very good platform for Kenyan buyers to network with Chinese suppliers. "The interaction may culminate in joint ventures, which are significant in expansion of trade and investment," Kiptoo said. He revealed that Kenya's main exports to China were titanium ores, niobium, tantalum, tea, plastic waste, leather, sheep, lamb skin and other oil seeds while top imports from China included telephone sets, non-electric rail locomotives, cars and automatic data processing machines. The government official said that trade plays a significant role in both countries' growth and development through its linkages with all sectors of the economy. Konje said that Kenya welcomes increased Chinese investments especially in manufacturing and value addition. "This will help bridge the wide trade deficit between the two countries and support the government's big four agenda," he added. He observed that Kenya is working tirelessly on improving the investment environment in order to reduce the cost of doing business in the country. Li Xuhang, Charge d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Kenya said that the China Home Life Kenya Exhibition is not only a platform to promote the development of bilateral trade but also a bridge for communication and cooperation. According to the envoy, the exhibitors are from the major economic and trade provinces in China that have their own characteristics in industrial development, which are highly complementary to Kenya. "We hope that on this fair, participants will have in-depth and extensive exchanges, establish contacts and lay a foundation for future cooperation. At the same time, apart from commodity trade, we hope that participants from both sides pay more attention to industrial investment cooperation," he added. He noted that the Chinese government encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Kenya, adding that as a gateway to East Africa, Kenya's significant geographical advantages, stable political status, solid economic foundation and relatively superior business environment make it an attractive destination for Chinese investment. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 23:01:06|Editor: yan Video Player Close KIEV, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine has successfully test-fired the new cruise missile "Neptun" developed by the state-run Kiev design bureau Luch, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Wednesday. During the tests, the missile hit a target at a distance of 280 km, Poroshenko wrote on Facebook. Later in the day, the country's state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom said that the missile, fired from a testing range in Ukraine's southern Odessa region, hit the target in the Black Sea. The missile was developed within the framework of the "Rocket Shield" project, which aims to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, Ukroboronprom said in a statement. In the near future, the missile is expected to be adopted by the Ukrainian army and put into series production. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 23:11:08|Editor: yan Video Player Close MOSCOW, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday praised the bilateral relations between Moscow and Beijing. "Our relations are intrinsically valuable and they do not depend on the world situation or the situation in other regions," the ministry's spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a news briefing. "Because we are neighbors and connected by a common border, a common geography, a common history and the interests of the peoples of our countries," she said. Zakharova noted that the two leaders regularly exchanged visits, attended various events in Russia and China, and made phone calls to each other. In an unstable world it is very important to maintain close dialogue between countries that are responsible global players, she said. Zakharova also stressed the importance of a meeting of Russian, Chinese and Indian leaders on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina on Nov. 30. "This is a lively format, which deals not only with political statements, but also with real applied diplomacy and responds to the international agenda, while solving the problems of the three participating countries directly," she said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 23:26:17|Editor: yan Video Player Close JAKARTA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani said on Wednesday that the nation would receive 1,936 trillion rupiah (about 134.4 billion U.S. dollars) of revenues by the end of the year, 18.2 percent higher than 1,894 trillion rupiah (about 131.5 billion dollars) set in the state budget. The minister said the swelling revenues were mostly contributed by significant revenues in tax, customs and non-tax that grow 15.2, 14.7 and 28.4 percent respectively. "This would be the first time that state revenues reaching a level above the one set in the state budget," the minister said here. On the other hand, the state expenditure also grows to 2,210 trillion rupiah (about 153.5 billion dollars), or 11 percent from it was set in the state budget and 6.9 percent from the expenditure figure last year. Citing the projected revenues and expenditure figures, the minister said that state budget deficit may reach 1.86 percent from gross domestic products (GDP) or below 2.19 percent assumed in the state budget. The low deficit would also affect the nation's primary balance to 15 trillion rupiah (about 1 billion dollars), far lower than 87 trillion rupiah (about 6 billion dollars) projected in the state budget. "These sound figures showed good improvement that we can use to brace for ensuing uncertainties next year," she said. File Photo: A Turkish soldier mans a turret on an infantry fighting vehicle driving near the village of Yazi Bagh, about six kilometres from the Bab al-Salamah border crossing between Syria and Turkey in the north of Aleppo province, on Jan. 21, 2018. (Xinhua/AFP) WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Secretary's Representative for Syria Engagement Jim Jeffrey will visit Turkey and Jordan as tension continues in the region, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday. Traveling with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Levant Affairs and Special Envoy for Syria Joel Rayburn, Jeffrey will visit the two countries on Dec. 4-14, said the department in a statement. In Turkey, Jeffrey will meet with Turkish leaders and other senior officials to discuss the security situation in Syria and attend a High-Level Working Group on Syria. In Jordan, Jeffrey will meet with senior Jordanian officials on humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees and other issues, said the statement. Relations between Turkey and the United States have been strained recently because of the support provided by Washington for the People's Protection Units (YPG), which is regarded by Ankara as Syrian affiliates of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Meanwhile, Turkey is uneasy about U.S. plans to set up observation posts in northern Syria, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Saturday. The U.S.-led coalition has intensified its airstrikes in recent weeks to support the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is fighting to dislodge the Islamic State (IS) from its last stronghold on the eastern bank of Euphrates River. At least 206 civilians were killed in November this year by U.S.-led airstrikes on areas controlled by the IS in eastern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Saturday. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MGX Minerals Inc. (MGX or the Company) ( CSE: XMG / FKT: 1MG / OTCQB: MGXMF ) is pleased to announce that drilling will recommence shortly at its 100% owned Fran Gold Property (Fran or the Property) located 30km southwest of the Mount Milligan Gold-Copper Mine. Initial Winter 2018 drilling will drill a twin vertical hole to confirm and test below historic drill hole FR-027 from 2002. Hole FR-027 was drilled in the Hilltop Zone. Historic drill hole FR-027 assayed 13 meters of 3.76 g/t Au from 153.00m - 166.00m including 5.10 meters of 12.89 g/t Au and 18.70 g/t Au over 1.0 meter. Significant intercepts are shown in the table below (MacIntyre 2013): Hole From To Length Au ppm FR-02-027 45.45 46.00 0.55 1.75 FR-02-027 46.00 48.00 2.00 2.49 FR-02-027 147.00 149.00 2.00 1.03 FR-02-027 149.00 151.00 2.00 3.47 FR-02-027 153.00 155.00 2.00 1.02 FR-02-027 155.00 157.00 2.00 2.74 FR-02-027 157.00 159.00 2.00 1.82 FR-02-027 159.00 160.90 1.90 1.74 FR-02-027 160.90 163.00 2.10 15.90 FR-02-027 163.00 165.00 2.00 6.83 FR-02-027 165.00 166.00 1.00 18.70 This data is historic in nature and based on drilling results reported by previous operators. The Company believes this information, reports, data and assays are reliable and relevant. This information has been reviewed by an independent Qualified Person Dr. D.G. MacIntyre (P.Eng) on behalf of the Company. Fall 2018 Drilling Drill hole FR18-95 returned a broad intercept from 227.0 to 241.0 meters of gold mineralization at depth at the Main Zone within the Bullion Alley Gold Area. This has confirmed the extension of gold mineralization in auriferous veins from near surface to depth. The highest-grade gold mineralization was contained within a quartz-pyrite vein which averaged 21 g/t Au over 2.2m including 35.9 g/t Au across 0.76m and 26.70 g/t Au over 0.75m ( see press release dated December 3, 2018 ). Drill data from the Fall 2018 drill program is currently being reviewed and correlated with the existing database of 87 previous drill holes. A drill has been mobilized and Winter 2018 drilling is set to commence within days. Fran Gold Project The Fran Property encompasses 10,227 hectares and is located 30km southwest of the Mount Milligan Gold-Copper Mine and 19km by logging road from the Mount Milligan western access road. The Bullion Alley Zone has been the subject of extensive shallow exploration starting in the late 1990s. Significant gold mineralization associated with shear zones has been intersected by historic diamond drilling. A total of 15,575 meters of diamond drilling was completed in 87 drill holes at the Bullion Alley Zone prior to 2018. Previous drilling identified three areas along the northwest trending 1.5km strike with up to three lateral zones in addition to proximate gold zones such as the Hilltop Zone. No significant drilling at depth has occurred on the property. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Sample chain of custody is managed by site geologist Myles Dickson (P.Geo). Drill core is stored and split at a secure storage facility in Fort St. James, BC. and shipped to ACT Labs Minerals (ACT) for assay using 1A2-ICP Kamloops Au-Fire Assay and 1E3-Kamloops Aqua Regia ICP(AQUAGEO). Blanks and standards are used for data verification purposes. ACT is an independent, ISO-certified analytical laboratory located in Kamloops, British Columbia. Qualified Person Andris Kikauka (P. Geo.), Vice President of Exploration for MGX Minerals, has prepared, reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. Mr. Kikauka is a non-independent Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards. About MGX Minerals MGX Minerals is a diversified Canadian resource and technology company with interests in global advanced material, energy and water assets. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 23:41:20|Editor: yan Video Player Close MUSCAT, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Mohammed Abdel Salam, spokesman for Yemeni Houthi rebel, travelled on a plane on Wednesday from the Omani capital Muscat to the Swedish capital Stockholm to attend the upcoming peace talks, an official statement from the Omani Foreign Ministry said. The Omani statement said that Oman's facilitation of the travel came within the framework of efforts exerted by the country to support the efforts of the United Nations to hold consultations between the Yemeni parties. Oman on Monday received 50 wounded Houthi rebel fighters for treatment in hospitals. The Houthis had required the travel before their delegation leaving for Sweden to participate in the peace talks. Some experts expect Sweden's consultations to discuss confidence-building measures between the Yemeni parties, negotiations on prisoners and detainees exchange agreement and the reopening of Sanaa International Airport. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-05 23:56:26|Editor: yan Video Player Close RAMALLAH, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Authority condemned on Wednesday the Israeli demolition of a school in the southern West Bank city of Hebron and called on the world to bear its responsibilities towards "the endless daily Israeli violations." The PA Ministry of Higher Education in Ramallah said in a press statement that the international community "should bear its responsibilities towards the Israeli violations against the Palestinian education establishments in the West Bank." Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli military authorities demolished a school called al-Tahadi 13 (Challenge 13) school in the city and declared the area of the school "a closed military zone," according to Palestinian media reports. "The demolition of the school interprets the real meaning of the organized terror practiced by Israel against educational establishments and represents an awful crime added to the series of escalating measures against education," said the statement. The school was demolished just few days before its inauguration in the Palestinian city, said the statement, adding "demolishing the school before opening it won't break our pupils' determination to carry on with education." Muhanad Masalameh, the public relations coordinator in the governorate of Hebron, said that Israeli army bulldozers demolished the school that was scheduled to be opened within the coming two days, adding that the school consists of seven classes. The PA built up the school in area (C) which is still under the Israeli jurisdiction, and the aim of building up a school in the area was to enable pupils living in devastated areas to receive a proper education, he said. Meanwhile, the PA Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to act properly and as immediately as possible "to protect the Palestinian people from the endless daily Israeli violations and its aggressive policies against them." Under the interim Oslo Accords signed between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel in 1993, the West Bank is divided into three zones: A, B and C, with area (A) being under Palestinian control, (B) under Israeli security coordination and Palestinian administrative control and (C) under full Israeli control. Israel claimed that the school was demolished because it was built on a territory that is under its full control and the school was built up without requesting a permission from the Israeli authorities. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 00:01:27|Editor: yan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- There is urgent need to effectively manage Africa's diverse natural resources, according to a new report published by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The fifth edition of the African Governance Report (AGR-V), which was produced by the ECA and launched late Tuesday, examined the various efforts made to improve the governance of Africa's abundant natural resources, as well as the need towards an improved governance in the continent. The report also emphasized that "if well managed and sustainably exploited, natural resources have the potential to drastically improve domestic revenue mobilization and promotion of economic diversification across Africa." The report, however, indicated that Africa has been slow to convert its natural resources endowments to tangible development outcomes. "There is urgent need to sustainably manage Africa's diverse natural resources, including land and water for agriculture, forests, minerals, oil and gas," ECA's Macroeconomic Policy Division Director Adam Elhiraika said during the report launching. "The direct exploitation of natural resources has dominated economic activity, with benefits not being channeled down to everyone, and this has to change," Elhiraika said. The ECA Director further stressed that "good natural resource governance required good institutions both formal and informal." "Africa has been slow due to weaknesses in governance and the wider capacities of the African state. Hence, a capable state with legitimacy and political will is needed to minimize harm from exploiting resources and to maximize positive development outcomes," he added. Many African countries are applying concurrent governance frameworks backed by donor countries and international institutions, adding a layer of externally oriented accountability that does not always support mutual reinforcement of domestic institutions and regimes, according to the ECA. Ownership right to natural resources is also said to be among the challenges of good resource governance in the African continent. The ECA indicated that in many African countries ownership rights are vested in the state. "This ownership arrangement is a means of control by the political elite and with widespread opacity in the management of resources," Elhiraika said. The AGR-V, entitled "Natural Resource Governance and Domestic Revenue Mobilization for Structural Transformation," builds on the themes and recommendations of previous African Governance Reports which place good economic governance at the centre of Africa's structural transformation, according to the ECA. Case studies from eight African countries - Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Madagascar, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda - support the diversity in natural resource governance. According to the ECA, some countries in the continent are very dependent on extractive resources while others have relatively diversified sources of revenues. "Some states have weak institutional capacities while others exerted improvements in terms of renewed state legitimacy and state capability," according to the ECA. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 00:01:29|Editor: yan Video Player Close BERLIN, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The transport service Uber will return to the German city of Frankfurt, head of Uber Germany Christoph Weigler told newspaper Bild on Wednesday. "We have seen that half a million people wanted to travel with Uber in Frankfurt this year alone, but could not because we were not here", Weigler said. Uber services are accessed via an app and include UberTaxi, a service that connects customers to regular taxis, UberX which books rental cars with a chauffeur, as well as UberGreen for electric cars. In 2014, the American company Uber first attempted to gain a foothold on the German market via UberPop which connects passengers with private drivers in private vehicles. German taxi associations successfully filed a lawsuit against Uber because private drivers had no taxi license or permission to transport passengers. Since then, Uber has only been active in Germany as taxi and rental car service in the cities of Berlin and Munich but recently also resumed operations again in Dusseldorf. According to head of Uber Germany Weigler, statutory violations relating to UberPop would no longer occur in Germany. "We must and will stick to the legal framework without any ifs and buts", Weigler said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 00:11:31|Editor: yan Video Player Close HELSINKI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila Wednesday commented on a criminal investigation into alleged sexual abuse of children by at least seven men of foreign background. The incidents had taken place over several months, but the scale of the alleged crimes surfaced in November. While strongly condemning the alleged crimes, Sipila underlined the legal system will process the cases after the police investigation. Comments by cabinet members about ongoing criminal investigations are rare in Finland. Local observers have noted the incidents in Oulu, northern Finland are making the sex crimes by asylum seekers a focal issue with half a year to go before the general election in April 2019. In Oulu, the police on Tuesday issued a warning to girls. The police suspects that girls could still be enticed on the internet. In 2015 there were several sex crimes allegedly committed by asylum seekers in the news. Earlier this year the Finnish government submitted a bill to the parliament to increase the penalties for sex crimes on children. The bill would make it possible to sentence ten-year imprisonment for aggravated rape of a child. The change was not driven particularly due to immigrant crimes. For decades the Finnish court system has regarded prison sentences as rehabilitation from criminality, rather than a retaliation or suffering inflicted on a criminal. Prison sentences are generally shorter than in many other countries due to the relatively high cost of offering prison accommodation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 00:11:31|Editor: yan Video Player Close GAZA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Islamic Hamas movement accepted a new Egyptian vision for achieving a Palestinian reconciliation and ending internal division, a senior Hamas official announced Wednesday. Khalil al-Hayya, member of Hamas politburo, told a conference held in Gaza in support for Jerusalem that "our Egyptian brothers presented a new vision to end the internal split and achieve reconciliation and meet the factions' requirements." Al-Hayya didn't give any more details over the Egyptian vision; however, he said that Hamas accepted it although his movement has some reservations on the vision. "We hope that our brothers in Fatah movement will work with us in order to leave the quarter of vision that causes harms to all of us," al-Hayya said, adding "we have to be all united in order to confront the occupation." Last month, the Egyptian security intelligence service had separately hosted in Cairo two delegations; one represents Hamas and the other represents Fatah Party of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The aim of holding the meetings with the two delegations in Cairo was to bridge the gaps between the two rival groups, who have been going through political division since 2007. "Hamas is still looking forward for a real partnership that reconstructs the Palestinian establishments and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) because it is the real address for unity in order to confront all the challenges," al-Hayya said. All efforts to end 12 years of internal political and geographical division between Fatah and Hamas had so far failed although both had signed and reached a series of agreements and understandings. They still argue and trade accusations since they reached an agreement in Cairo in October 2017 of handing over power in the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority consensus government. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 00:11:31|Editor: yan Video Player Close HARARE, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's pharmaceutical sector said Wednesday it is struggling to import critical medical drugs due to the ongoing shortage of foreign currency. Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe president Portifa Mwendera told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Welfare that the sector owes foreign medicine suppliers 38 million U.S. dollars, up from 13 million in October last year. He said due to their inability to pay, foreign suppliers were now demanding cash up front, forcing retail pharmacies to also charge their products in U.S. dollars. "What has happened with new trade terms is that some suppliers have actually asked for cash upfront for any deliveries into Zimbabwe," Mwendera said. "So you then find retailers asking the public to provide that foreign currency so that we pay for the products to get into Zimbabwe." He said the country was faced with a public health crisis due to the shortage of medical drugs. "The crisis that we are in is critical in that we are already noticing shortages of some main line medicines," Mwendera said. "We have shortages for painkillers, anti-diabetes medicines. We also have for those stocks that are available, limited supply for about three weeks to a month or so of stocks that are in the suppliers' warehouses," he said. He said the crisis had been worsened by the reluctance by foreign suppliers to continue providing medication on credit. In September, the country imported about 6.8 million dollars worth of medical drugs from India and in October the figure fell down to about 1.6 million dollars, he said. "November was a very sad story and December we do not know if we will be able to import anything because as long we do not have any funds to pay for the new consignment or to service the debt, it will be a difficult position," he said. Mwendera urged the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to speed up and increase foreign currency allocation to enable the sector to import medicines. File Photo: 7-year-old Lan Guijing helps air corn during summer vacation in Nongyong Village of Dahua Yao Autonomous County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Aug. 7, 2016. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaobang) UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Tuesday urged the international community to support multilateral global trade in order to boost growth in developing countries. "Under current circumstances, the international community needs to more than ever raise the banner of development, firmly support multilateralism, and promote global peace and development," said Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations. Ma was speaking at the UN high-level meeting on the challenges confronting middle-income countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which calls for eliminating poverty and achieving sustainable development by 2030. Ma pointed out that problems such as imbalances in development, lagging governance, and increasing inequality remain acute. Developing countries, including middle-income countries, face development challenges that cannot be ignored, adding that more work remains to be done in meeting the goal of "leaving no country and no one behind" on schedule globally. "Middle-income countries are also developing countries. Like other developing countries, they face challenges in poverty eradication, food security, addressing climate change challenges, infrastructure, and scientific and technological progress among others," said the envoy. The international community should provide strong support for the development of middle-income countries, the envoy added. "The United Nations should take reform as an opportunity to ... better solve the problem of inadequate and unbalanced global development," said Ma. "We must defend multilateralism, uphold the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations, and unequivocally oppose unilateralism and protectionism," Ma added. Noting that China is a middle-income country and more importantly a developing country, Ma said though a large economy, China's per capita gross domestic product is only about 80 percent of the world's average. "China's new industries, new trends and new models are developing rapidly, but traditional industries still make up a large proportion of our economy," he said, adding that China is faced with the difficult task of shifting to new industries of growth. "China has always been a member of the body of developing countries. It is a reliable friend and a sincere partner of all developing countries," he said. "Regardless of how the international situation changes, there will be no change in the direction in which China works with other developing countries, nor in our determination to firmly safeguard our common interests," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 00:56:43|Editor: yan Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Wednesday awarded certificates to three university students who are winners of the Huawei ICT Skills Competition for Southern Africa 2018/2019. Huawei said the winners will join students from other southern African countries for another competition scheduled for February, next year, which will be held in South Africa and later in China if they won in the second round. Majaliwa said Huawei was one of the largest companies in the world that were leading in information and communications technology (ICT). The prime minister added that the competition was held at a time when the government of Tanzania needed ICT expertise to support the east African nation's industrialization drive. "I urge students who have won in this competition to do more in South Africa to promote the country. They should use their ICT knowledge for the benefit of the entire nation," he said. Majaliwa said ICT had helped in simplifying communication and reduced bureaucracy within the government. For his part, Emmanuel Chaula, a winner from the University of Dar es Salaam, thanked Huawei for creating the competition, saying it was helping students to showcase their talents. "I am going to South Africa to compete with other students. My intention is to win and I will," said Chaula. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 01:21:50|Editor: yan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian Federal Police on Wednesday arrested five regional state officials suspected in connection with the recent deadly violence that rocked Ethiopia's western Benishangul Gumuz region in recent months. The arrested five senior regional government officials were detained on suspicion of instigating two deadly conflicts that occurred in the regional capital Assosa town last June as well as the recent clash along the borders of Ethiopia's largest Oromia region and Benishangul Gumuz late November, state affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC) reported. Revealing the arrest of the senior officials, the East African country's police also vowed to consolidate its efforts towards bringing those responsible individuals to justice. In October, police had also announced the arrest of 10 suspects for masterminding illegal military training of local insurgents in the Benishangul Gumuz regional state. The suspects were said to be providing military training for locals in order to create havoc in the region. The arrests were made amid a recent wave of violence, mainly triggered by ethnic differences, in towns across the region. About a dozen people were killed in clashes in the regional capital, Assosa, and its surroundings in September this year, according to regional government authorities. The state, located in western Ethiopia along the border with Sudan, hosts the country's largest development project, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is under construction on the Blue Nile River. POWAY, Calif., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apricorn , the leading manufacturer of software-free, 256-bit AES XTS hardware-encrypted USB data storage devices, today announced the release of the Aegis Fortress L3 with FIPS validation encrypted USB 3.0, 3.1, 3.2 drives for regulated industries including finance, government, power and energy, legal and healthcare. The new device features Apricorns latest encryption chipset that gives SSD versions of the Aegis Fortress L3 write speeds up to 150 percent faster and read speeds up to 180 percent faster. The products complete FIPS 140-2 Level-3 validation (pending Q1 2019) is the highest level assigned by NIST to portable encrypted devices and the validation boundary includes the electronics, drive and enclosure. The enclosure itself is milled from a solid block of aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum alloy with snap-off unidirectional security fasteners cemented with epoxy to capture evidence of tampering. The membrane-style keypad carries an IP66 certification (pending) against water, dust and grit penetration. The ruggedized exterior is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, demanding field conditions, and resistance to shock. Like all Aegis Secure Drives and Secure Keys, the Fortress L3 is software-free in setup and use; all passwords and commands are entered by way of the devices onboard keypad and all authentication and encryption processes take place within the device itself, never sharing password or encryption key data with its host computer. Featuring military-grade 256-bit AES XTS encryption and locked down firmware, the Fortress cannot be updated further - making it immune to malware such as BadUSB. The device comes standard with Forced Enrollment (no default PINs), two read-only modes, data recovery PINs, and Aegis Configurator compatibility. Data protection concerns will continue to rise globally in light of GDPR and the upcoming California Consumer Privacy Act in 2020 as will the growing need to securely store and move large amounts of sensitive data offline, avoiding potential targeting in the cloud and software encryption vulnerabilities, said Mike McCandless, vice president of sales and marketing at Apricorn. Our new Aegis Fortress L3 gives regulated industries the highest level of security validation for small form-factor storage systems and ensures compliance with Article 32 of GDPR. Aegis Fortress L3 with interchangeable Type-A and Type-C connector cables features: 256-Bit AES XTS Military-Grade Hardware Encryption: Encrypts all data on the fly Software-Free: Ready to use right out of the box; no software, no drivers, no updates OS Agnostic: Compatible with PC, MAC, Linux, Android, Symbian or any mass storage compliant system with a powered USB port Forced Enrollment: No factory-preset default PINs Aegis Configurator compatible: Create custom profiles and mass configure multiple Aegis devices at once Onboard Keypad: All PIN entries are performed on the devices keypad making it compatible with systems without keyboards and shares no critical security parameters with its host computer Lock-Override Mode: Can be programmed to remain unlocked during reboot / USB re-enumeration Two Read-Only Modes: Preserve data in its original, unaltered state while blocking malware Data Recovery PINs that provide access to the device in the event of forgotten PINs Programmable Brute Force Protection: After a predetermined number of consecutive incorrect PIN entry attempts, the Aegis Fortress L3 will conclude that it is under Brute Force and destroy its encryption key and PINs rendering the data useless Increased Storage Capacities: 1TB - 5TB in HDD models; 500GB - 16TB in SSD models The Aegis Fortress L3 is now available, for more information visit https://www.apricorn.com/aegis-fortress-l3 . About Apricorn Headquartered in Poway, California, Apricorn provides secure storage innovations to the most prominent companies in the categories of finance, healthcare, education, and government throughout North America, Canada and EMEA. Apricorn products have become the trusted standard for a myriad of data security strategies worldwide. Founded in 1983, numerous award-winning products have been developed under the Apricorn brand as well as for a number of leading computer manufacturers on an OEM basis. Contact: Sarah Thorson 10Fold Communications apricorn@10fold.com 609-234-8531 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5170687-36f5-40aa-b2ec-fafe4313f4bf Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 01:41:55|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Chinese doctors conduct free cataract surgery for Sudanese patients at the Eye Hospital of Al-Nilain University in Khartoum, Sudan, Dec. 5, 2018. A Chinese medical team of eight members will conduct 250 free surgeries to Sudanese cataract patients at the Eye Hospital of Al-Nilain University in Khartoum, said Chinese Embassy in Sudan on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir) KHARTOUM, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese medical team of eight members will conduct 250 free surgeries to Sudanese cataract patients at the Eye Hospital of Al-Nilain University in Khartoum, said Chinese Embassy in Sudan on Wednesday. The Chinese aid program to Sudan, known as "Brightness Action 2018," was co-launched by Khartoum State's Health Ministry and the Economic and Commercial Counselor's Office of the Chinese Embassy in Sudan. "We highly appreciate the deeply-rooted relationship between Sudan and China. We, at the Health Ministry, have greatly benefited from the cooperation with the Chinese Friendship Hospital, which provides a great work," said Mamoun Homeida, Khartoum state health minister, when addressing the launching ceremony. He noted that Sudan's efforts to reduce eye diseases have achieved positive results, saying that "the blindness rate in Sudan dropped from 500,000 cases to 200,000 cases, and by 2020 it will drop to less than 1,000 case." Zhou Chunlin, representative of Economic and Commercial Counselor's Office of the China Embassy in Sudan, for his part, said that the program "comes as part of the cooperation between China and Sudan." He added that there has been a standing cooperation between the two countries in the health field, pointing out that since 1970, the Chinese government has sent 34 missions of Chinese medical experts to work in Sudan. The visit of the Chinese medical team comes as part of a short-term medical assistance program that China implements in less-developed countries, where the team has previously conducted cataract surgeries for citizens of Sierra Leone, Senegal and Chad. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 02:52:06|Editor: yan Video Player Close ROME, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Italy has busted a major 'Ndrangheta mafia drug smuggling and money laundering ring, arresting 90 suspects in a joint operation with Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, police announced Wednesday. "International operation by Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium police forces in joint action against 'Ndrangheta (Calabria-based mafia) and its affiliates in Europe and South America," Italian state police tweeted. "90 probed for mafia association, drug trafficking, laundering goods of illicit provenance." Code-named Operation Pollino after an area in southern Italy where the crime organization has its roots, the action entailed "arrests and seizures against a 'Ndrangheta criminal group involved in cocaine trafficking, money laundering, bribery, and violence," European Union (EU) judicial cooperation agency Eurojust, which coordinated the four-country joint investigation that began in January 2016, said in a statement. Italian National Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor Federico Cafiero De Raho said the drug trafficking ring moved an estimated two tonnes of cocaine and hashish through the Dutch ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam and through Gioia Tauro, Naples, Salerno, Genoa, and Livorno ports in Italy. They did this with the help of "permanent groups working in ports and harbors, where they unload the drugs from containers and sort them," Cafiero De Raho told reporters at a joint press conference with top law enforcement officials from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands as well as Eurojust. "When we say 'Ndrangheta, we mean a global organization based...in the province of Reggio Calabria (on the tip of Italy's boot) with hundreds of branches in Italy and abroad," Cafiero De Raho explained. The 'Ndrangheta, he said, has bases in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, 50 local branches in Canada and the U.S. as well as international brokers in Brazil, Columbia, and Ecuador. "Any country that produces cocaine has these kinds of people residing there," said the Italian top prosecutor, adding that in the course of the investigation, law enforcement tracked drug imports to Europe from Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname. "Of the 90 arrests, 70 are Italian nationals," he said, praising the "extraordinary nature of this operation" which was also carried out with help from Europol, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Eurojust. Cafiero De Raho stressed that international cooperation is the key to fighting the mafia, which has allied itself with criminal organizations from other countries, such as the Albanian mafia. "If we do not cooperate as we did in this case, the 'Ndrangheta and other mafia organizations will continue polluting the market in order to infiltrate the legal economy," he said. "They act in the market through professionals such as lawyers and accountants," he explained. "This learned part of the 'Ndrangheta has university degrees and is invisible, and this is how they pollute not just the Italian economy but also other European economies." "Certainly we have not defeated the 'Ndrangheta with this operation," Cafiero De Raho added, describing the Calabrian criminal organization as "extremely powerful, extremely rich" and one that is seen as an equal by Columbian and Mexican drug cartels. Dutch Chief Prosecutor Fred Westerbeke, who was at the press conference, said "Today we have conveyed an important message to criminal organizations: they are not the only ones who operate in a transborder fashion." Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 02:57:07|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close The casket of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush is carried out of the U.S. Capitol for a state funeral in Washington D.C., the United States, on Dec. 5, 2018. In laughter and tears, the United States held a state funeral here Wednesday for the 41st President George H.W. Bush, who has been widely mourned and praised as a good leader and a devoted person with a "gentle soul" and great sense of humor during his 94-year-long lifetime. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- In laughter and tears, the United States held a state funeral here Wednesday for the 41st President George H.W. Bush, who has been widely mourned and praised as a good leader and a devoted person with a "gentle soul" and great sense of humor during his 94-year-long lifetime. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, four other living former U.S. presidents, together with dignitaries from across the country and foreign leaders attended the state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. Bush was remembered as "America's last great soldier-statesman" by biographer Jon Meacham, one of four people that delivered eulogies at the solemn ceremony broadcast live on major U.S. TV networks. Meacham recalled Bush's public service and personal integrity, evoking laughter filling in the cathedral time after time. Delivering the final eulogy at the funeral emotionally, the 41st president's son, former President George W. Bush, said his late father was "a great and noble man. The best father a son or daughter could have." "He showed me what it means to be a president who serves with integrity, leads with courage and acts with love in his heart for the citizens of our country," said George W. Bush, who returned to his seat with tears in eyes. In and outside the Capitol Hill, along the Pennsylvania Avenue, thousands of Americans gathered on Wednesday morning to bid farewell to the former president when his casket was transported by a motorcade from the Capitol to the National Cathedral. Tom Wiggins was one of them. He told Xinhua that he admired the late president as a "good person and a good leader" who had an extraordinary and exemplary life. "Very bright, even-tempered, trying to be fair and considerate - a true gentlemen," said Ed Nef, 85, president of a nonprofit organization, The Ed Nef Foundation, who recalled his exchanges of light-hearted letters with the late president in 1991. They attended the same high school-- Phillips Academy, Andover -- in the eastern U.S. state of Massachusetts. Les Schroeppel, a resident of Washington D.C., told Xinhua outside the National Cathedral that he knew the late president served as head of the U.S. Liaison Office in China when the two nations were not diplomatically tied. He said the 41st president was effective in building contacts and communications with China and other countries. George H.W. Bush passed away on Friday at his home in Houston, Texas. The former president, who served as head of the U.S. Liaison Office in China between 1974 and 1975, was seen "an old friend of the Chinese people," who had witnessed and promoted the historic development of U.S.-China relations in the past decades. Born in 1924, Bush joined the U.S. Navy upon finishing high school in 1942. His wartime duty was spent in the Pacific flying a three-man Avenger torpedo bomber. He graduated from Yale University in 1948 with a degree in economics. Bush was elected U.S. president in 1988 as the successor to Ronald Reagan. Following the funeral service in Washington, Bush's remains will be flown back to Houston later on Wednesday to lie in repose at St. Martin's Episcopal Church before burial Thursday at his family plot behind the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University. He will be buried alongside his wife Barbara Bush who died seven months ago, and Robin Bush, the daughter the couple lost to leukemia in 1953 at age of three. File Photo: Plastic bags of fentanyl are displayed on a table at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection area at the International Mail Facility at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Nov. 29, 2017. (Xinhua/REUTERS) SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Wholesale dealers that sell fentanyl are driving the rise of fentanyl in the U.S. drug market because of heroin supply shocks and shortages, a study of University of California San Francisco (UCSF) said Tuesday. The findings of the study by UCSF researchers, which were published in the journal Addiction on Tuesday, said fentanyl is the easiest and cheapest drug for manufacturers and traffickers to produce, usually at a rate fast enough to meet the rapidly rising demand for opioids in the United States. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that is 30 to 40 times stronger than heroin, caused nearly 29,000 overdose deaths in the United States, said the study. With a more powerful effect, fentanyl is much cheaper to produce than heroin, which is derived from poppy opium, and it is usually sold deceptively as heroin or other brand name prescription drugs, the study said. "The dealers selling fentanyl directly to the users often don't know what's in it. Not only is this particularly dangerous, but it also means penalizing low level dealers isn't going to make any difference in the fentanyl poisoning epidemic," said Sarah Mars, the first author of the study and a researcher in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at UCSF. The UCSF researchers found that most of the illicit fentanyl has been in the Northeast and Midwest, which reported a high death rate. They said many drug users and street-level dealers did not have enough accurate information about the drugs, and it's impossible for them to determine which synthetic opioid is present or how potent it is before they use it. As prescription opioids are becoming harder to obtain in the United States, which created heroin shortages or "supply shocks," fentanyl is an easy substitute for heroin because of its cheaper production cost. The drug is entirely lab-made and can be produced all year round. There are "significant incentives" for wholesale suppliers to shift to fentanyl, either partially or completely, even though it often causes users to overdose, according to the study. In this file photo taken on March 18, 2008, Russian troops are seen near truck-mounted Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missiles at a training field outside Moscow. MOSCOW, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia opposes the U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) and it will respond "in an appropriate manner," Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday. "Apparently, our U.S. partners believe that the situation has changed so much that the United States should have such weapons. What is the answer from our side? Simple: we will also have them then," Putin told reporters. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday during a press conference in Brussels that the United States would suspend its obligations under the INF Treaty in 60 days unless Russia returns to full compliance with the agreement. Putin said that the U.S. Congress allocated money for the development of missiles banned by the treaty even before Washington announced its withdrawal from the pact and they did it quietly hoping that nobody would notice it. As the next step, Washington began to look for someone to blame and chose Russia, he said, adding that the United States, however, provides no evidence of Russian violation. Putin recalled that in the early 2000s the United States unilaterally withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, one of the cornerstones of international security. Now the United States is taking another "thoughtless step," the Russian leader said. The INF Treaty was signed in 1987 between the Soviet Union and the United States on the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles. Moscow and Washington have been accusing each other of violating the arms control agreement in recent years amid increasing tensions between the two countries. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 03:52:21|Editor: ZD Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) meets with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Lisbon, Portugal, on Dec. 5, 2018. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) LISBON, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- China and Portugal pledged Wednesday to jointly push forward the construction of the Belt and Road to strengthen Asia-Europe connectivity and boost global trade. The consensus was reached during a meeting between visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa. After the meeting, the two leaders also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the governments of the two countries on jointly advancing the construction of the Belt and Road. During the meeting, Xi said that since Prime Minister Costa's official visit to China two years ago, the important consensuses reached between the two sides have been translated into concrete results of cooperation, as two-way trade is showing sound momentum of growth and the investment cooperation in key areas is making smooth progress. The China-Portugal relations are entering the best period in history and presented with new opportunities for development, Xi said. China is willing to work with the Portuguese side to elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level, the president said. For the next phase, Xi noted, the two sides should increase high-level visits as well as exchanges at all levels and in all areas, and work together to push for more practical results through jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, thus playing a positive role in strengthening Asia-Europe connectivity. He proposed that two sides expand cooperation in finance, investment, aviation, automobile and new energy, advance the implementation of more cooperation projects, and explore third-party markets to achieve benefits for all. He also called on the two sides to enlarge cooperation in culture, education, tourism, science and technology, and medicine. On international affairs, Xi said that the two countries should increase coordination and cooperation, promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and jointly oppose protectionism and unilateralism. He also expressed the hope that Portugal could continue to play a positive role in pushing forward the China-Europe relations in the right direction. On his part, Costa said that President Xi's visit is of great historic significance. He said that Portugal and China have had a long history of traditional friendship and built good mutual trust. The Portuguese side thanks China for its support in helping the country maintain its financial stability, Costa said, noting that Portugal stands ready to take this visit as an opportunity to join hands with China to elevate the bilateral relations to a higher level. He said that Portugal upholds openness, cooperation and free trade, and is willing to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, as this initiative can not only help enhance friendship and cooperation between the two peoples, and promote trade and investment between the two countries, but also help strengthen Asia-Europe connectivity, partnership and trust, and boost global trade, thus delivering benefits to people of the world at large. Portugal stands ready to boost cooperation with China in infrastructure, finance, automobile, and science and technology, he said. Chinese businesses in Portugal abide by local laws and regulations, Costa said, noting that Portugal welcomes China to invest in the country and increase production and manufacturing here, and hopes to expand third-party cooperation with China in Africa and other regions through the Forum for Economic and Commercial Cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries. Portugal expects to increase communication and coordination with China in tackling climate change and other global affairs, and jointly safeguard multilateralism, he said. Portugal is willing to play a greater role in enhancing Europe-China mutual trust and cooperation, he added. After the meeting, the two leaders met reporters. Xi said that his visit has been fruitful and a complete success, injecting fresh, strong impetus into the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership. Portugal is the final stop of Xi's Europe and Latin America tour, which also took him to Spain, Argentina and Panama. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Xi also attended the 13th Group of 20 summit. Xi told reporters that through the trip, he deeply felt the good wishes and ardent expectation of the world people for global peace and stability, and national development and prosperity, as well as a happy life and work for their own. Despite various issues and challenges the world is facing, Xi noted, China will always uphold the principles of mutual respect and equal consultation, and pursue peaceful development and win-win cooperation, so as to work with all other countries to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity. The two governments signed a series of cooperation documents after the meeting between the two leaders, including the memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative and another one on science and technology cooperation. The two countries also issued a joint statement on Wednesday, pledging to further strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, China and Portugal decided to hold cultural festivals at the other side in 2019. They also agreed to provide mutual support in setting up cultural centers. The two sides will strengthen their Blue Partnership to facilitate marine cooperation and grow marine economy for their own countries, according to the joint statement. The two countries will also jointly push for the launch of more direct flights, it said. They agreed to start negotiations for a bilateral social security agreement in the first half of 2019. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be held in April 2019 in Beijing and pay a state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi, the joint statement said. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro during a meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on December 5, 2018. (POOL/AFP) MOSCOW, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday that he condemns actions of terrorist nature and attempts to change the situation in Venezuela by force. "We realize and know that the situation in Venezuela remains difficult. We support your efforts to achieve mutual understanding in the society and settle relations with the opposition," Putin said at a meeting with Maduro. According to Putin, Russia-Venezuela economic relations went through very difficult times in previous years with a significant drop in trade. "But we have managed to stop this negative trend and can see some growth this year," said the Russian leader. Maduro said, according to a Kremlin transcript, that his country faced various threats and aggression, but it always learned from these events. "I think we have found the point that helps us survive and launch a rather full, comprehensive economic program that fully complies with the economic relations between Russia and Venezuela," he said. The Kremlin did not release details of Putin's talks with the visiting Venezuelan president. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 05:22:42|Editor: yan Video Player Close RIGA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The five political parties involved in negotiations on Latvia's next coalition government took a break from the talks on Wednesday to analyze the proposal of Prime Minister-designate Aldis Gobzems regarding the distribution of ministerial posts in his cabinet, local media reported. Gobzems of KPV LV party had planned to hold separate meetings with party representatives and a joint meeting with all potential coalition partners on Wednesday, but these talks were cancelled, further delaying the slow government formation process. Gobzems had hoped that the parliament might approve his government on Dec. 7, but the break in the negotiations means that the parliamentary vote has to be postponed. The centrist Union of Greens and Farmers is for the time being the only party to express support for the five-party government proposed by Gobzems. The right-wing National Alliance said it would join the Gobzems-led cabinet only on the condition that it includes all five parties participating in the negotiations, which complicates the situation as the New Conservative Party insists on leaving the Greens and Farmers Union out. Janis Bordans, leader of the New Conservative Party, is still determined to convince partners of the necessity to form a four-party coalition without the Greens and Farmers. The center-right New Unity party, meanwhile, will only decide on accepting or rejecting Gobzems' proposal on Dec. 10. On Tuesday Dec. 4, Gobzems unveiled his plan for a five-party coalition government, offering ministerial posts to his KPV LV party, the New Conservative Party, the National Alliance, the Greens and Farmers Union and New Unity, but excluding the sixth potential partner, the liberal alliance For Development/For, from further talks. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 05:22:42|Editor: yan Video Player Close KIGALI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan tour packages have been placed on one of China's major online travel service platforms, which enable Chinese tourists to directly book a tour to the east African nation, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said Wednesday in a statement. The launch of "Visit Rwanda" pavilion on Alibaba's travel arm, Fliggy, followed the launch of the Chinese e-commerce giant's Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) in October, which aims to promote public-private dialogue. According to the memorandum of understanding signed between the Rwandan government and Alibaba under the framework of eWTP, Fliggy and the RDB will work together to promote Rwanda as a tourist destination through a Rwanda Tourism Store for booking flights, hotels and travel experiences and a Destination Pavilion, where Chinese consumers can learn more about Rwanda. "We believe that the Visit Rwanda pavilion on Fliggy is one of the avenues that will lead to an increase in tourism traffic to Rwanda from China," said Clare Akamanzi, CEO of the RDB, in the statement. Chairman of the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism Aimable Rutagarama said the Rwandan tourism sector is confident that putting tourism products on China's online platform helps the industry efficiently penetrate the Chinese market. The move will also help the tourism sector earn more profits as intermediaries will be bypassed and commissions reduced, said Rutagarama in the statement. He urged all tourism businesses to embrace the platform and package their services and products in a unique and innovative way to market Rwanda as an attractive and competitive destination. Rwanda plans to double tourism earnings in the coming years through sustainable wildlife conservation, the RDB said in September. Rwanda's tourism sector generated 438 million U.S. dollars in 2017, according to the RDB. Endangered mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park contribute about 90 percent of tourism revenues from the country's national parks, RDB statistics showed. Rwanda boasts other tourist attractions such as Akagera and Nyungwe national parks, and Lake Kivu. Dublin, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Japanese Secure Content Management Market, Forecast to 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Japanese Secure Content Management (SCM) market witnessed a meager growth rate of 2.8% on a Year-on-Year (YoY) basis There was an increase in SCM adoption of integrated security appliance, such as UTM or next-generation firewall appliances, instead of stand-alone SCM solutions. Moreover, the Japanese SCM market has a highly competitive vendor landscape and recorded low price competitiveness in 2017. As the Japanese email security market is highly saturated, there were few greenfield opportunities, which indicated that replacement deals contributed to the majority of the revenue. As for verticals, service providers were the largest spenders in 2017. They increased SCM spending to expand their managed security services offerings, as many Japanese enterprises have started to enjoy the as a service' model rather than invest in SCM infrastructure on their own. This approach has helped Japanese enterprises to refrain from high capex investments. The Japanese SCM market will continue to witness an upward trend until 2019, driven by the Tokyo Olympic Games to be held in 2020. Owing to this, the general investment in the cyber security space will also remain positive during the forecast period. In addition to market growth analysis, the study highlights the key driving forces of the SCM market. Some key drivers of SCM solutions include the increasing risks associated with email and Web gateways. Besides, industry and local compliance continues to drive the investment in SCM for data protection and content management. Moreover, the increasing adoption of mobility in workplace requires organizations to tighten control over online content to enhance productivity and to prevent threat. Market trends are analyzed for the study period 2016 to 2022, with 2017 as the base year. SCM solutions are the key focus area in this study. The vertical segmentation in this study includes the government, banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), service providers, manufacturing, education, and other sectors. Key Issues Addressed Is the SCM market growing? How long will it continue to grow, and at what rate? What are the key trends of the SCM market in 2017 and in the future? What are the key drivers and restraints of the market? What is the competitive landscape across Japan? What is the market growth forecast from 2017 to 2022? Key Topics Covered: 1. Market Overview Market Definitions Research Objectives Geographical Coverage Key Questions this Study will Answer Market Segmentation 2. Forecast and Trends Forecast Assumptions Key Findings Market Engineering Measurements Revenue Forecast Percent Revenue Forecast by Segment Revenue Forecast by Segment Revenue Forecast Discussion Market Share Analysis Competitive Environment 3. Growth Opportunities and Call to Action Major Growth Opportunities Growth Opportunity 1 - Vendor Discussions Which Must Move from Simply Meeting Compliance Requirements Growth Opportunity 2 - Growing Cloud Adoption Growth Opportunity 3 - An Integrated Security Platform Growth Opportunity 4 - Incorporating Advanced Security Technology Strategic Imperatives for Success and Growth 4. The Last Word 3 Big Predictions Legal Disclaimer 5. Appendix Market Engineering Methodology List of Exhibits Companies Mentioned Alps Systems Barracuda Canon IT Solutions Cisco (Ironport) Digital Arts Imatrix McAfee RUAG Defence (Clearswift) Symantec Trend Micro For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/fzrpzl/japanese_secure?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 05:37:45|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Senior UN and African Union (AU) officials are "appalled" at reports of conflict-related sexual violence against more than 150 women and girls in South Sudan and call for government action, a UN spokesman said on Wednesday. Stephane Dujarric said the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported the attacks on women and girls traveling from their villages to the town of Bentiu in the Unity region, a government controlled area in the north of the country, in the last dozen days or so. "UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Ambassador Smail Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security and UN Undersecretary-General Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcukaz, executive director for UN Women, are appalled by the acts of sexual violence, including rape, committed against an estimated more than 150 women and girls recently near Bentiu," Dujarric said. The attacks were by "young men in civilian clothing or military uniforms," UNMISS said earlier. "The UN Mission has sent patrols to the area and its human rights team has launched an investigation to identify the perpetrators." It also said UNMISS engineers were clearing foliage from the sides of the road to make it harder for attackers to conceal their presence. However since then 25 more attacks were recorded bringing the total to more than 150, officials said. The spokesman said that during a joint visit to South Sudan and Bentiu only two months ago, the three officials noted the continued brutality to which women and girls were subjected and the lack of accountability. At that time they met with women "who were hopeful about the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), but remained concerned and fearful about the fragile peace and security in their communities," Dujarric said. "This type of predatory behavior is abhorrent and must end immediately." Lacroix, Chergui and Mlambo-Ngcuka "recalled the resolve of government authorities to address sexual violence," the spokesman said. Given that these recent attacks took place in government controlled areas, the three urged President Salva Kiir and his senior leadership "to expedite efforts to prevent such violence, including through immediate justice and accountability measures." "Further, they urge all parties to the conflict in South Sudan to implement their obligations to address sexual violence and restore the dignity of the women and children of South Sudan, as well as prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent," the Dujarric said, adding both the UN and the AU "stand ready to assist the parties in finding a political solution to the conflict." On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the "brutal sexual attacks." "These horrific acts are a distressing reminder of how, despite recent recommitments by South Sudan's leaders to a cessation of hostilities and a revitalized peace agreement, the security situation for civilians remains dire, especially for women and children," said a statement issued in the name of the spokesman for Guterres. "Rape and other forms of sexual violence have been a consistent feature of the conflict in South Sudan, used both as a tactic of war and a driver of forced displacement," it said "The Secretary-General underlines that such predatory behavior against the most vulnerable is unacceptable." Guterres also urged "the leaders of all the parties to the conflict - and future leaders in the Transitional Government of National Unity - to ensure the safety of civilians and address impunity for these crimes through investigation and prosecution of perpetrators." "The secretary-general underlines that the only viable solution for the security and prosperity of the people of South Sudan is the immediate cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan," the statement said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 05:47:48|Editor: yan Video Player Close TIRANA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Albania will manage the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Chairmanship in 2020, Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) reported on Wednesday. According to ATA, the news was announced in Italy which is chairing OSCE in 2018. The OSCE Presence in Albania in a statement expressed its congratulations for Albania. "We congratulate Albania on the 2020 OSCE Chairmanship and look forward to an even closer co-operation with our host country as it prepares for its new role and the responsibilities that it entails within our security community," read the statement. The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Tirana Luigi Soreca also welcomed the decision. "The EU Embassy in Albania welcomes the decision to approve Albania's candidacy for the OSCE chairmanship. We look forward to giving our support to Albania for this important role," wrote Soreca in a statement. With 57 participating states in North America, Europe and Asia, the OSCE is the world's largest regional security organization. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 06:32:59|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close QUITO, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Interpol on Wednesday rejected Ecuador's request to issue a "red notice" calling for the arrest of ex-president Rafael Correa. The international police coordinating agency said that after close examination of the case, it concluded that calling for his arrest "was not compatible" with Interpol's obligation to ensure effective cooperation between police in different parts of the world. Correa, who has been living in Belgium since the end of his term, is wanted in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a political rival, a charge he claims is politically driven to keep him out of politics. Ecuador's National Court of Justice (CNJ), which had made the request in July, confirmed it received Interpol's response. It also said Interpol's decision failed to comply with the agency's own regulations and should be reviewed. Correa, who governed from 2007 to 2017, was aware of the CNJ request and said he was expecting Interpol to reject it given the "evidently political (nature) of the case." The "Balda Case," as it's known in Ecuadorean media, revolves around Fernando Balda, a former member of the progressive PAIS Alliance -- the still ruling party that Correa founded. Balda later joined the opposition, becoming an ardent anti-Correa activist and collaborating with extreme right-wing groups in Colombia. Balda alleged that in 2012, five people forced him into a car, but Colombian police succeeded in intercepting the vehicle. He accused Correa and his intelligence aides of ordering the attack. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 06:38:02|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close MADRID, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The return legs of the Spanish Copa del Rey knockout tournament played on Wednesday night failed to produce any surprises with no underdogs able to qualify for the last 16 of the competition. FC Barcelona made wholesale changes against Cultural Leonesa and two goals from Denis Suarez, as well as strikes from Munir El Haddad and Malcom saw them cruise past Cultural Leonesa 4-1 (5-1 on aggregate). Atletico Madrid made hard work of fourth tier side Sant Andreu and went in 0-0 at the break, before second half goals from Thomas Lemar, Nikola Kalinic, Angel Correa and Vitolo secured a 4-0 win on the night and a 5-0 aggregate victory. Sevilla also struggled against third tier Villanovense before going through 1-0 thanks to Andre Silva's goal early in the second half, although there were some nervous moments for fans in the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium as a late goal for the minnows would have seen them through on away goals. Villarreal were a lot more convincing and had the night's hero in Karl Toko Ekambi, who scored 4 goals as his side dispatched second division Almeria 8-0 on the night to qualify 11-3 on aggregate. Mikel Oyarzabal and Adnan Januzaj scored first half goals as Real Sociedad beat Celta Vigo 2-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate, while Girona came back from a goal down to defeat Alaves 2-1 and qualify 4-3 after a 2-2 draw in the first leg. Valladolid also qualified after a 2-1 home with against a spirited second division Mallorca. Tuesday saw Getafe, Valencia, Leganes and Espanyol qualify for the last 16, with the remaining ties, including Real Madrid's home game against third tier side, Melilla, to be played on Thursday. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 06:43:04|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military has started the preparations to dispatch a warship into the Black Sea amid the tension between Russia and Ukraine over the Kerch Strait incident, reported U.S. media on Wednesday. The U.S. military has asked the State Department to notify Turkey about its possible plan to sail a warship into the Black Sea, CNN reported, citing multiple U.S. officials who claimed the move was a response to the recent Russia-Ukraine confrontation. "The United States carries out its activities consistent with the terms of the Montreux Convention. We will not, however, comment on the nature of our diplomatic correspondence with the Government of Turkey," reported the cable network, quoting a State Department spokesman. Under the Montreux Convention signed in 1936, naval vessels of non-riparian countries are required to notify Turkey in advance about their passage through the Bosporus and the Dardanelles straits, which connect the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. Under the rules of the treaty, ships of non-riparian countries cannot remain in the Black Sea for more than 21 days. On Nov. 25, three Ukrainian naval ships and more than 20 sailors 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 called the incident an "act of aggression," saying it had informed Moscow in advance of the passage. Meanwhile, Russia said it had received no such report and the ships ignored multiple warnings by the Russian border guards. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday it has appealed to the Budapest Memorandum guarantor countries the United States, Britain and Russia, for urgent consultations over the tension in the Kerch Strait. Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 06:43:05|Editor: yan Video Player Close by Xinhua writers Jin Jing, Zhang Jiawei, Zhang Zhang KATOWICE, Poland, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Climate activists have called for bold and rapid actions by world leaders to tackle climate change as a report showed Wednesday that global carbon emissions are set to hit an all-time high in 2018. According to researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Global Carbon Project, global carbon emissions are expected to reach 37.1 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2018. The 2018 global emission is expected to rise by more than 2 percent from last year, driven by a solid growth in coal use and sustained growth in oil and gas use, said the report, urging actions by governments at the ongoing 24th Conference of the Parties (COP 24) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Katowice. CALLS FOR ACTION "To limit global warming to the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5C, CO2 emissions would need to decline by 50 percent by 2030 and reach net zero by around 2050," said lead researcher Corinne Le Quere, director of the Tyndall Center for Climate Change Research and Professor of Climate Change Science and Policy at UEA. "We are a long way from this and much more needs to be done," Le Quere said. CO2 emissions have now risen for a second year, after three years of little-to-no growth from 2014 to 2016, according to the report. "The growing global demand for energy is outpacing decarbonisation for now," said Le Quere, "We need strong policy and economic support for rapid deployment of low carbon technologies to cut emissions across the energy and transport sectors, from buildings and from industry." The two-week COP24, which opened Sunday, aims to finalize the implementation guidelines of the landmark Paris deal and provide clarity on how to carry out the accord fairly for all participating countries. Adopting the guidelines is crucial for putting the Paris deal into practice as it will enable and encourage climate actions at all levels worldwide and demonstrate the global commitment to tackling the pressing challenge. While countries including China and France are fully committed to finalizing the guidelines, a great deal of work remains to be done in Katowice. CHINA TAKES THE LEAD Despite grave concerns over rising emissions, the research team say energy trends are changing with coal use decreasing in many parts of the world and an explosion in wind and solar energy. The report noted that even though China's emissions have grown an estimated 4.7 percent in 2018, its energy from renewables is growing by 25 percent per year. Thanks to increased investment in green energy, China's carbon intensity, or the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP, declined by 46 percent by 2017 from 2005 levels, meeting the target ahead of schedule of a 40-45 percent drop by 2020, according to the latest report by the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment. According to Xie Zhenhua, China's special representative for climate change, China is well positioned to meet the target of peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, and even accomplishing that sooner than planned. Not only has China takes the implementation of the Paris Agreement as an inherent part of its own sustainable development, it is also taking solid actions to help developing countries deal with climate challenges. China has in 2015 pledged a package of 3.1 billion U.S. dollars to the South-South Cooperation Fund on Climate Change for developing countries. It has also donated energy conserving or renewable-energy facilities as well as climate change surveillance instruments, and provided funds, technologies and capacity building to the least developed countries, small-island countries and African countries. In the just concluded G20 summit, China, along with France, reaffirmed its highest political commitment to the effective and transparent implementation of the Paris Agreement. COMMON BUT DIFFERENTIATED RESPONSIBILITIES Among the ten biggest emitters in 2018, five are developed countries, namely the United States, Japan, Germany, South Korea and Canada, according to the UEA report. Emissions in the United States account for 15 percent of the global total, and set to have grown about 2.5 percent in 2018, said the report. "While renewables are rising fast, it is not yet enough to reverse global emissions trends. The rapid actions needed to address climate change also need to be fair to all generations," Le Quere said. "Fair mean responsibility. It means equity. It means that the poor must not pay the price of the adjustments. Everybody has to take action but the poor should not be burdened," said Meenakshi Raman, legal advisor of Coordinator Climate Change Programme for Third World Network, an independent non-profit research and advocacy organization. Much of the climate challenges the world is facing today are largely because many developed countries did not have the constraint on carbon emissions, she said, adding that the developed countries are not doing enough in accordance with their responsibilities in this regard. Meanwhile, China, as the world's largest developing country, is showing "real leadership" in tackling climate change, she said. (Xinhua reporters Shi Zhongyu also contributed to this story) Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-06 06:58:07|Editor: ZD Video Player Close HELSINKI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- A parliamentary debate on Finns' attitude on the national defense was arranged at short notice on Wednesday, on the eve of the Finnish Independence Day. Finland observes on Thursday the national independence recollecting the declaration of independence from Russia in 1917. Continued strong support for national defense has been part of the core message of the Independence Day for decades, but a fresh research report indicating a sudden drop in the pro-defense attitudes created an unexpected framework for 2018. While last year, 72 percent of the Finns had backed the view that Finland should be "defended militarily even if the outcome looked uncertain", the figure for 2018 was 66 percent. A much larger decline was noted among young people. Addressing the parliamentary debate on defense attitude Wednesday, Defence Minister Jussi Niinisto said the "result must be taken seriously". He also made a political remark saying the drop in the national poll was largest among those who support the Green Party. Matti Pesu, a researcher at the Finnish Institute for International Affairs, told national broadcaster Yle Wednesday that the decline in supporting armed defense would on the long term impair the credibility of the Finnish security policy. "Credibility does not depend only on the weaponry, but also on the motivation of the people," he added. Pesu said that the legitimacy of the present conscription based defense is not self-evident. "The willingness to defend the country does not form in a social isolation," he said, noting that the way "young people see the society and their future position in it" matters. In Finland, military service between six months and a year is compulsory to all men and there is a voluntary service for women. Men can choose a civilian service based on conscience objection grounds. In the latest poll, some form of selective service gained in support, but 74 percent of the people still supported the current universal male conscription. Ilkka Kanerva, chairman of the parliamentary defense committee, said that the emergence of new threats may have undermined the image of military defense. Today the climate change, cyber threats and hybrid influencing are also seen as menaces. "The actual military threat may have been forgotten," he said. Krista Mikkonen, a member of parliament from the Green Party, said the positive vistas of young people should be taken care of. Mikkonen also noted the different treatment of men and women seems odd to young people today as the society is otherwise based on equality. Coun Perez reiterates warning to barangay leaders involved in drugs 07 Aug 2017 Hits:37 Comments(0) Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Jerry Perez yesterday reiterated his warning to all barangay officials from using or selling drugs. Perez said he is closely monitoring the activities of all the barangay officials and vowed sanctions against erring leaders. Aqui gane na mio barangay ya quita ya iyo na puesto cunel dos barangay leaders quien mas temprano ya sale positivo na... BST has demonstrated its competitiveness by continuously winning milestone high-speed train orders over the past 20 years The joint venture is a significant Bombardier centre of excellence for high-speed and commuter train manufacturing BERLIN, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Bombardiers Chinese joint venture, Bombardier Sifang (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd. (BST), celebrated the 20th anniversary of its factory, inaugurated in 1998. The facility as well as its achievements are a testament to Bombardiers commitment to contributing to Chinas high-speed rail network and to strengthening its long-term relationship with its partner CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC). Bombardier Transportation owns 50% of the shares in BST, which is consolidated by Bombardier Transportations partner CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd. Leaders from CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co., Ltd., CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd, Jinan Railway Bureau, Chengyang District government and Bombardier China participated in the ceremony. Jianwei Zhang, Chairman of Bombardier China & President of Bombardier Transportation China, expressed, As a unique qualified Sino-foreign company to manufacture high-speed trains and intercity passenger trains, BST had the honour to play a key role in the latest three generations of Chinese railway passenger trains. These last 20 years have been ambitious and exciting times, given the pace at which Chinas rail industry has developed. We thank the Chinese government and our customer CRC for their trust and we are looking forward to many more decades of sustainable success in China. In the past 20 years, BST has delivered more than 4,000 high-speed and intercity railway passenger cars. The joint venture plays an important role in the construction of Chinas high-speed network by its milestone contracts, including its first order of 300 high-grade intercity cars awarded in November 1999, the order from Ministry of Railways (MOR) for 182 high altitude passenger rail cars for Qinghai-Tibet line in 2005, the order for 400 high-speed train cars and 240 EMU sleeper cars from MOR in 2007, the contract to supply 1,120 very high-speed train cars for MOR in 2009, and its first two contracts to supply 120 and 168 CR400AF new Chinese standard high-speed train cars for CRC in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Bombardier Transportation in China is the full solution provider across the entire value chain. From vehicles and propulsion to services and design, Bombardier Transportation in China has six joint ventures, seven wholly foreign-owned enterprises, and more than 7,000 employees. Together, the joint ventures have delivered more than 4,000 railway passenger cars, 580 electric locomotives and over 2,500 metro cars, Monorail, APM (Automated People Mover), and trams to Chinas growing urban mass transit markets. Through its joint ventures, Bombardier also provides propulsion and signaling systems to third party metro car builders for use in more than 30 Chinese cities. About Bombardier Transportation Bombardier Transportation is a global mobility solution provider leading the way with the rail industrys broadest portfolio. It covers the full spectrum of solutions, ranging from trains to sub-systems and signalling to complete turnkey transport systems, e-mobility technology and data-driven maintenance services. Combining technology and performance with empathy, Bombardier Transportation continuously breaks new ground in sustainable mobility by providing integrated solutions that create substantial benefits for operators, passengers and the environment. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Bombardier Transportation employs around 39,850 people and its products and services operate in over 60 countries. About Bombardier With over 69,500 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier . Notes to editors For news, related material and photos, visit our newsroom at www.rail.bombardier.com/en/newsroom.html . Please subscribe to our RSS Feed to receive press releases or follow Bombardier Transportation on Twitter @BombardierRail . Bombardier is a trademark of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. For information Media relations, China Li Wang +86 10 85172268 li.wang@rail.bombardier.com Global media relations +49 30 98607 1687 press@rail.bombardier.com Cand aveti nevoie de foraje puturi Eco Drill va poate fi partener ideal in astfel de proiecte Pentru orice lucrare avem specialisti care se pot ocupa. Apelam la cei mai buni dintr-un domeniu cand dorim sa croim haine la comanda, sa ne proiectam casa si asa mai departe. Cand vine vorba de foraje, pretentiile [citeste mai departe] Michelle Erickson in her studio. Erickson specializes in ceramics from the colonial era. Read more During the American Revolution, patriots used a variety of methods to encourage people to support their cause -- pamphlets, newsprint, cartoons, and engravings. Messages supporting independence even made it onto ceramics during the colonial era, which is what artist Michelle Erickson studies and specializes in. Erickson has created ceramic pieces for The Patriot, HBOs John Adams, and even for Queen Elizabeth II. Shes also created politically charged pieces criticizing the Trump administration and mass incarceration. One of her works is a colonial-inspired pickle stand -- a tiered dish that in its day would have held nuts and pickled fruits during the dessert course -- with delicate porcelain miniatures of seashells and Made in China" emblazoned in red, currently in the collection of Washington and Lee University. Erickson modeled it after a pickle stand made by Bonnin & Morris of Philadelphia, the first American porcelain factory. The original piece, which is owned by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, is politically significant because colonists were supposed to be buying only china made in England at the time. Patrons of Bonnin & Morris were patriots. The Museum of the American Revolution also has several politically charged porcelain objects in its collection, including a punch bowl wishing Success to the Triphena, a merchant ship that carried a 1765 Stamp Act protest letter from Philadelphia to London, and a mug from the 1770s inscribed with Success to ye city of Boston, Liberty For Ever." On Thursday evening, Erickson will give a talk at the Museum of the American Revolution about the role ceramics played in the revolutionary cause. On Saturday afternoon, shell demonstrate how to make a pickle stand. The Thursday talk is a ticketed event; the weekend demonstration is included with general admission. We talked with Erickson about how she became interested in the ceramics of the colonial era, the challenges of working in such a traditional medium, and what it was like to make a leech bowl for John Adams. Why were ceramics used as a medium of communication during the American Revolution? Ceramics have been used historically to communicate social and political ideas, especially after the invention of print transfer. A lot of published material was able to be translated directly onto ceramic items. It was a huge global industry in the 18th century, which made ceramics a very democratic medium that reached a lot of people. People would have household items that communicated their stances on social and political change that they could display and use during dining rituals. A lot of these ceramic items were for the socially elite, who were drafting American ideology and even potentially funding these kinds of enterprises. How did you become involved with them? I went to the College of William and Mary and majored in fine and performing arts. Eventually, I started ceramics classes because I became disillusioned with painting. When I was working in the ceramics department, I took some undergraduates to Colonial Williamsburg to see their collection of ceramics. They had an incredible range of wares stacked floor to ceiling, and I had never seen that breadth and variety before. A lot of studio ceramics at the time revolved around an Asian aesthetic, so we really didnt get much on the whole Western world of ceramics, but I became fascinated with that. Where do you draw inspiration for your pieces? I draw upon different genres. And I try to match the social or political issue Im commenting on to that genre. For example, if Im making a piece that comments on mass incarceration today, Ill draw from the genre of ceramics used by abolitionists. I was particularly struck when Colin Kaepernick took a knee a couple years ago, because the posture he took was so similar to the kneeling slave on the medallion circulated by abolitionists during the 18th and 19th centuries. I wanted to make that connection visually. What kind of challenges come with making colonial-style ceramics versus contemporary ceramics? From the 16th to mid-18th centuries, there was nothing written down about how the ceramics were made. I have to make all my glazes and slips. Youve created some pieces for major period movies and television shows. What does that process look like? The producers usually come to me as a consultant. The movie industry is a little bit different because, while they want to be historically accurate, aesthetic is really important to them. I generally work with the prop manager and the set decorator. When I was working on HBOs John Adams, they asked me to make a leech bowl. I made one using the techniques that they would have used back then, but it was a little too big for them to use. So they sent it back. Movie and television people want historical accuracy, but if theyre picking between that and aesthetic, theyll usually go with the latter. Politics, Porcelain and Revolution with Michelle Erickson. 6 p.m. Thursday, $20 ($10 for students); pickle-stand demonstrations 1-4 p.m. Saturday, free with museum admission of $19 ($12 children ages 6-17). Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St., 215-253-6731, amrevmuseum.org When German photographer Matthias Schaller paid a visit to Cy Twomblys studio in Gaeta, Italy, in 2007, he noted the resemblance of one of the painters palettes to his paintings. Schaller has a detectives instinct for the meanings of things left behind and the feelings they arouse. He had documented empty studios of photographers and architects, unoccupied work spaces of cardinals at the Vatican, and early astronaut suits. And in that Twombly palette, he recognized his next project. He was soon shooting a Whos Who of artists palettes. Now, 27 of those large-format color photographs are on view at the Berman Museum. That exhibition, Die Meisterstuck (The Masterpiece), is an impressive effort even by Berman standards. The series, then nascent, made its debut in 2010 at the Kunstmuseum Picasso in Muenster, Germany. Five years later, 20 of the photographs were displayed during the Venice Biennale. Almost all of the palettes are the classic flat, wooden kind, and Schaller photographed them vertically, thumb hole at top. All belonged to prominent painters of the 19th and 20th centuries and were found by Schaller in museums, foundations, and private collections. At first glance, I was disappointed that the palettes were not more like their respective artists paintings. The only ones immediately identifiable were Van Goghs, with its thick, heavy strokes of green, yellow, and orange paint; Miros, with cheerful blobs of red, yellow, blue, and white; Chagalls, like a mini version of one of his paintings; and Twomblys, with its energetic strokes and smears. A longer, closer look was rewarding, though. Morandis atmospheric blur of a palette a complete anomaly in this group matches the pale backgrounds in his tabletop still lifes. Eugene Delacroixs palette, another outlier, is daubed with premixed colors arranged in rows. It reveals him developing his color scheme for a particular painting. (He went through numerous palettes and liked to show them off to visitors). The crusty bits of yellow and white confined to a corner of Renoirs palette suggest he had an inner Twombly itching to break loose, as do some anxious zigzag strokes in the center. In fact, a number of palettes seem to reveal avant-garde urges not realized in paintings. Im still curious about the palettes that seemed least likely to belong to their artists -- Kahlo, Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Matisse, and de Chirico, among others. Was it simply a matter of thriftiness and using palettes longer than the others did? Or were these painters so absorbed in their visions that the palette was peripheral? Id guess the latter. Through Dec. 19 at the Berman Museum, Ursinus College, 610 E. Main St., Collegeville, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, 610-409-3500 or ursinus.edu. Frank feminism at Taller Puertorriqueno Kukuli Velarde, a Peruvian-born Philadelphia artist, is known primarily for her feminist ceramic reinterpretations of pre-Columbian sculptures. The recipient of a Pew Fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship, she is now having her first Philadelphia solo show of paintings, at Taller Puertorriqueno. The Complicit Eye features paintings from 2005 to the present, all of which depict Velarde as the central character in narratives critiquing stereotypical womens roles. Theres the pin-up girl, the comic book superhero, the goddess, the everyday sex object. Velardes large paintings on aluminum borrow the scale and look of 16th-century Latin American religious paintings, and of the Mexican murals by the all-male roster of Rivera, Orozco, Siqueiros, and others. Interestingly, though her works depict Velarde in mostly degrading situations, you sense shes in control of her destiny. My first thought on seeing these paintings was that Velarde was channeling Kahlo, but her paintings arent uncomfortably personal or narcissistic. Theyre disturbing and outspoken. Through April 30, , at Taller Puertorriqueno, 2600 N. Fifth St., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. 215-426-3311 or tallerpr.org. Crowdsourced show at Penn Last spring, Heather Gibson Moqtaderi, an assistant director and associate curator at the University of Pennsylvanias Arthur Ross Gallery, asked members of Philadelphias art community to vote online for their favorite works in the universitys art collection. Now, the chosen works are on display in the gallerys Citizen Salon exhibition, accompanied by observations from some of the choosers. Its a curious display of great works and forgettable ones. (Full disclosure: I voted for a Hobson Pittman painting that made the cut.) The stars are paintings, including March Averys Karla & Nicholas (much in her father, Milton Averys, style), Humbert Howards Folk Festival Gathering, and Henry Inmans Rydal Mount, accompanied by a comment from Kathleen Foster, the Philadelphia Museum of Art curator of American art. Pittmans painting Music Room at Strawberry Mansion is perfectly described by Jim Hartman, a local art collector and dedicated volunteer at the musuem: Pittman mastered the ability to paint room and indoor scenes where the viewer is pretty sure an ethereal character is in the scene. The thrill of seeing a ghost in just about every one of these interior scenes has not been duplicated. Im with Jim. Through March 24 at Arthur Ross Gallery, Fisher Fine Arts Library Building, University of Pennsylvania, 220 S. 34th St., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 215-898-2083 or arthurrossgallery.org A bag of trim, leaves from harvested medical marijuana plants are bagged and held for extraction. Read more Pennsylvanias ambitious plan to become the national center for medical marijuana research just cant get off the ground. In the latest setback for the program, the state Department of Health on Wednesday rejected the applications of all eight marijuana growers who had planned to partner with the states medical schools. Regulators said the applications were riddled with mistakes and missing information. The Wolf administration said it would open a second round of applications in early 2019. A statement issued by the Department of Health said none of the applicants which include some of the nations most successful cannabis cultivators met the rigorous requirements of the competitive application review process. Several industry experts said the rejections could hold up research indefinitely. Eight billionaire groups who have spent the last four years trying to situate themselves as medical marijuana kingpins in the state have just been told No,'" said Andrew Sacks, cochair of the Pennsylvania Bar Associations Committee on Medical Marijuana and Hemp. "Thats big news. The health department previously had delayed the program to rewrite some of the regulations. If the permits had been awarded, each of the aspiring growers would have won the right to grow cannabis in the state and to open six retail dispensaries. Last week, Harrisburg lawyer Judith Cassel filed a lawsuit to prevent the Department of Health from granting permits to aspiring research growers. The suit alleged pay-to-play between the already-partnered growers and the medical schools. The filing also claimed that the state would be unconstitutionally abdicating its role if the medical schools were allowed to choose their own partners without scoring by the state. And the suit claimed that the state required only the minimum amount of research. Cassel filed the suit on behalf of several current Pennsylvania medical marijuana growers and dispensaries. The state said the lawsuit played no role in its decisions. Our goal is to ensure that our research program operates at the highest standards, said Secretary of Health Rachel Levine, a former research scientist. We are disappointed that awards were not made, but must uphold the standards set out in the regulations. The Department of Healths reasons for rejection varied. The applications were not available for review by the Inquirer and Daily News, but the department provided copies of five denial letters. Curaleaf Holdings, the Russian-backed company paired with the University of Pennsylvania, failed to meet the minimum acceptable score for each scoreable section in key sections of its application. It scored poorly in sections weighing its organization, ownership, capital, and tax status. It was also labeled below expectations in its diversity plan and community impact statement. The $4 billion cannabis grower operates in 10 states and was previously known as PalliaTech. A Curaleaf executive said the company planned to appeal the decision to the department. Whats most disappointing in this news is that it will impede our ability to help patients in Pennsylvania and around the country, said Joseph Lusardi, the companys CEO. This research is essential, as it will help identify other ways that medical cannabis can help aid in suffering with conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, epilepsy, and cancer. Laurel Harvest Labs, a Lancaster-based firm partnered with Temple Universitys Lewis Katz School of Medicine, was strongly criticized for failing to meet minimum acceptable scores on its application. The state gave Laurel Harvest, which has no prior marijuana growing experience, low marks on its diversity plan, community impact statement, and site and facility plan. It was a surprise that we were all rejected, said Laurel Harvests managing director, Andrew Dodge. Were certainly looking to go forward and reapply. Hopefully, the outcome will be more desirable for the patients of Pennsylvania who deserve to have this up and running. Prime Wellness, which is owned by Acreage Holdings, partnered with Drexel University. Though it was among the high scorers last year and granted a grower/processor license by the health department, Prime Wellness was rejected this time because it failed to include a dispensary application and the required fees. Acreage Holdings includes former House Speaker John Boehner on its board of directors and recently added former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney to its board. Several growers were denied for more amateur reasons: They did not follow directions. Franklin Labs, which partnered with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, was one of three schools denied for failing to include a valid contractual relationship with a research institution. The schools erred because they had included letters of intent that predated the health departments certification of the medical school as a valid medical marijuana research center. Other companies that lost out for the same reasons included MLH Explorations, which paired with Thomas Jefferson University; and Cansortium Health Partners, which teamed with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Cassel applauded the state for not awarding the permits. The process was flawed and the outcome confirms this, Cassel said. We hope that Health will go on to create a process that is open, transparent and seeks the very best in the state to pursue research and that the research requirement is substantial. "But as it stands, we wont withdraw our litigation at this time. Marc Lamont Hill speaks at a Meek Mill rally in front of the Criminal Justice Center on 1301 Filbert Street on April 16, 2018. Read more Temple University professor Marc Lamont Hill provoked a fierce controversy with a speech at the United Nations that called for a free Palestine from the river to the sea. As I know from decades of covering the Israel-Palestine issue in the region, that phrase has historically been used to mean an Arab Palestine over all of the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel. It is a favorite slogan of the Gaza militant group Hamas. No question that it means the end of a sovereign State of Israel, which Hill admits in his writings. But there is another aspect of this controversy that has gotten insufficient attention. Hill told the Inquirer he wants one bi-national state for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, with equal rights for Palestinians and Jews. This idea is a naive delusion that will never happen because neither side will tolerate it. Yet the one-state solution albeit in a different form than Hills -- is exactly where Israeli government policies are heading. The Hill episode illustrates the perils down the one-state road. Lets focus first on Hills idea of a bi-national state. In the 1970s and 1980s, before the Palestine Liberation Organization recognized the Israeli state, only one small, secular, Marxist-Leninist Palestinian group called for a bi-national state. And few Arabs paid it any attention. Fast forward to now. A quick look around the Mideast makes clear why the idea of one bi-national state is a non-starter. If you think identity politics is polarizing the United States, in the communal Mideast it rips states and societies apart. Just look at Iraq, where the U.S. tried to impose a Western template of one person, one vote. The countrys religious and sectarian groups Kurds and Arabs, Shiite and Sunni Muslims - demanded separate representation, and still fight viciously among themselves for which community will control the others. In Lebanon, the only long-running Arab democracy, power is also assigned by sect, and brutal inter-sectarian civil wars have killed thousands. So the idea that Palestinians would give up their long-held dream of sovereignty for a bi-national state is ludicrous. Yes, the idea is gaining traction as the hope for a two-state solution dies. But the vision is one in which Palestinians would soon hold the popular majority and control the state. Moreover, the idea that Israel would give up sovereignty short of military defeat is ludicrous. However, there are strange parallels between Hill and Israeli government policy: Jerusalem is rapidly heading down the road toward establishing one state between the river and the sea. It is 25 years since Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat endorsed the Oslo accords that were supposed to lead to two sovereign states, side by side. No room here to lay out the blame for the failure of negotiations. The hawkish Rabin reluctantly accepted the two-state idea because he recognized the long-term danger of keeping the West Bank and Gaza. Eventually Palestinian Arabs would outnumber Jews (the population is now equal). Then Israel would have to give them the vote, or rule over a disenfranchised majority. That is the situation Jerusalem faces right now. The Israeli government is pursuing leaping not creeping annexation of the West Bank, in the words of the Americans for Peace Now organization. That refers to Israeli settlement expansion that has virtually ruled out any contiguous Palestinian entity on the West Bank. Meantime, powerful Israeli right-wing political parties are demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu annex large chunks or all of the West Bank and impose Israeli law there. Netanyahus goal is to establish local Palestinian control in urban patches of West Bank territory, with Israel retaining control of most land, movement, and economy. Gaza would remain under Israeli external control, with some economic sweeteners. In essence, Israel would continue to control the entire population between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea -- effectively a one-state solution. The Palestinian population will lack any sovereign rights, creating a situation that many (including leading Israelis) compare to apartheid. Such a situation and here Hill does have an argument is rife for violations of Palestinian human rights. As the one-state solution becomes more entrenched, the outside world will start pressuring Israel for more concessions to disenfranchised Palestinians. If the latter are smart, they will abandon thoughts of any new uprising and campaign for the right to one person, one vote. For those unfamiliar with the communal Middle East, that concept will seem just. The campaign to give Palestinians equal rights within one state will gather force, and Hills arguments will become more accepted. This is not a question of fairness or of whos to blame, but a prediction of what happens unless new Israeli and Palestinian leadership can come up with better solutions, whether federation, confederation, or something not yet imagined. Its unlikely that the long-awaited Trump peace plan will even recognize the problem. Thus Hills speech irrespective of the emotions it provokes - offers a peek into a future that is arriving fast. LONDON, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Norway, Denmark and Sweden regularly top lists of the best places in the world to start a new business, despite their high rates of taxation. But can this model be replicated elsewhere in the world? While it is clear there is more than one way of doing business, for the latest edition of European CEO magazine, Barclay Ballard investigates how specific cultural and social factors explain why the Scandinavian model of high taxation has proven so successful and why it might not work as well in other countries. Elsewhere in the magazine, Elizabeth Matsangou looks into the global wellness market, which was estimated to be worth a whopping $4.2trn in 2017. Although yoga, meditation and detox retreats have entered the mainstream, definitively proving that this once-niche market is no longer a marginal trend, the fast-growing industry must also contend with the pseudo-science that threatens to damage its reputation. Meanwhile, at a time when global relations are threatened by clashing ideals, disruptive technologies and rampant inequality, Courtney Goldsmith lays out what to expect when the World Economic Forum returns to Davos for its 49th annual meeting in January. Other topics examined in the winter issue of European CEO include features on how poor corporate cultures create so-called queen bees, the characteristics of great leaders and the burgeoning market that has opened up for high-end products containing CBD, a naturally occurring compound of the cannabis plant. Elsewhere, features look into the trend of fashion brands using virtual supermodels to market their products and what the entrepreneurial stereotype gets wrong about successful business founders. To discover all this and more, pick up the latest copy of European CEO magazine, available in print, on tablet and online now. www.europeanceo.com World News Media is a leading publisher of quality financial and business magazines, which enjoys a global distribution network that includes subscriber lists of prominent decision-makers around the world. MAYS LANDING, N.J. Freddy Augello finally got his chance to speak his mind in court on Wednesday, and the Jersey Shore Pagans motorcycle club leader, guitar maker, and convicted murderer blamed the 2012 killing of April Kauffman on two other men: one who testified against him and another who died of an overdose years ago. Im not John Gotti," he told Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury. DeLury was undeterred. After listening to Augello for more than 20 minutes a speech the prosecutor later called the ramblings of a man whos going to spend the next 55 years in jail he sentenced Augello, 62, to life in prison for being the leader of a drug ring, and 30 years for murder. Augello would not be eligible for parole unless he lived to age 117. He plans an appeal of the verdict. The sentencing ended the long drama of the April Kauffman murder, a crime set in motion by her husband, endocrinologist James Kauffman, who had also been charged with murder but hanged himself inside a Hudson County jail cell. Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner said after the verdict that the only things remaining unknown in the murder-for-hire scheme were the location of the gun used to kill Kauffman inside her bedroom -- and why authorities and others did nothing to solve the case for nearly six years. Shame on anyone who sat on their hands and did nothing while being content to allow murderers to go free, to walk the streets of our county, Tyner said. April Kauffman was an outspoken radio host and veterans advocate who counted politicians, police officers, and numerous veterans among her friends and admirers. Prosecutors believe that she was trying to divorce James Kauffman, and that he wanted her killed to protect his assets and to prevent her from revealing a drug ring he was running with members of the Pagan Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. Augello downplayed the extent of the drug operation, which prosecutors said revolved around Kauffmans medical office. It was not a drug ring, he said. It was a drug-addict ring. He accused Tyner of exploiting the case to advance a political career. Before the sentencing, the judge dismissed a motion to set aside the verdict, saying he found no evidence the Prosecutors Office had withheld exculpatory evidence, as one current and two former employees of the office have contended. Despite his impassioned speech to the judge, in which he said he felt horrible for what Kauffmans daughter, Kimberly Pack, has gone through, but denied any connection to the murder, Augello showed little reaction to the sentence as he was led out of the courtroom. At the trial, Joseph Mullholland testified that he drove the man recruited to do the killing for the doc identified as Francis Mulholland to Linwood on the day of the murder. Joseph Mulholland pleaded guilty to drug offenses but has not been sentenced. Francis Mullholland died after taking a lethal dose of heroin, which Augello said he believed had been given to him by Joseph Mulholland. I didnt murder Mrs. Kauffman, he said. I didnt send anyone to murder Mrs. Kauffman. This whole thing is a farce. Theres no justice for April until you can dig Francis Mulholland out of his grave. Pack detailed the dark years that have followed her mothers murder, her life dogged by rumors and the burden of the unsolved crime in the death of a woman she said was her best friend. I do not wish anyone ill will in this case, she said. "I am just so sad. " Friends of Augello filled the courtroom and said they did not believe Augello had a role in the murder or was a drug kingpin as described by prosecutors. Ive watched him build guitars," said Anna Caulk, who said shed been friends with Augello for 40 years, first meeting as fellow motorcycle riders in South Jersey. If its the worlds biggest drug ring, wheres the money? They didnt follow the money trail. Freddy didnt have a dime. Former President George W. Bush speaks in front of the flag-draped casket of his father, former President George H.W. Bush, at the State Funeral at the National Cathedral Wednesday in Washington. Read more WASHINGTON -- In a rare moment of national unity, President Trump, four former presidents and a mass of national and international leaders were gathering at the soaring National Cathedral Wednesday morning to honor former President George H.W. Bush. We have running updates as the event unfolds: George H.W. Bush heads back to Houston The Bush family marched out of the cathedral, trailing behind the casket of the former president as a military honor guard carried him to a hearse, around 1:20 p.m., concluding a warm ceremony marked by both tears and laughter. A military band played Hail to the Chief and Holy God, We Praise Thy Name. Bushs casket was to fly to Houston, and then be transported by train to his burial place at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. His body will make the roughly 70-mile trip between Houston and the school on a train pulled by a locomotive called Bush 4141, unveiled in his honor in 2005 and painted to resemble Air Force One. Crowds are expected to gather to see the train pass, echoing national funerals of years past. Bushs burial is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. George W. Bush: The best father a son or daughter could have Former President George W. Bush delivered a eulogy for his father that mixed laughs and caring and nearly brought him to tears. The last words he would ever say on earth were I love you, too, the younger Bush said, recounting their final conversation, by phone. He described his fathers love of off-color jokes and his poor putting in golf, but also his love for his family, faith, setbacks and kindness. He was no cynic, he looked for the good in each person, and he usually found it, Bush said. Dad taught us that public service is noble and necessary. Bush said his father learned to love life because he almost died young twice: first as a teenager with a staph infection, and later as a Navy pilot shot down during World War II. He golfed fast so that he could move on to the next event to live it all, Bush said. And he recalled his fathers prayers for Robin, the daughter who died of leukemia at the age of three. Dad always believed that one day he would hug his precious Robin again, Bush said. As he concluded, he nearly broke down in tears as he called the 41st president the best father a son or daughter could have. Dad is hugging Robin and holding moms hand again, Bush concluded. He tapped his fathers coffin as he walked back to his seat, still near tears. As he sat, his brother Jeb reached out, and grasped his hand. Former Sen. Alan K. Simpson (R.,Wyo.): He was one of natures noble men. Former Sen. Alan Simpson, Republican of Wyoming, recalled the tense moment late in the presidency when bipartisan congressional negotiators came up with a budget deal that would help restore solvency to the nation - except, the House and Senate leaders said, theyd need some revenue. Bush, of course, had famously promised read my lips," no new taxes during his campaign. He paused and said, What Ive said on that subject sure puts a hell of a lot of heat on me...OK, go for it, but it will be a punch in the gut, Simpson recalled. And, he said, Bush never looked back, even though the decision hastened his return to private life....He often said, When the really tough choices come, its the country, not me. That was just one illustration, Simpson said, why the 41st presidents epitaph is perhaps a single letter, L, for loyalty. Mulroney: an international leader Former Canadian Prime Minster Brian Mulroney hailed Bushs leadership on the international stage -- citing the former presidents steady hand during the disintegration of the communist bloc and his work to build a coalition during the first Iraq War. The collapse of the Soviet Union, Mulroney said was in my judgment the most epochal event, political event, of the 20th century, an ominous situation that could become extremely menacing to world security. Instead, he said in a tribute, Bush helped usher in the broad and powerful currents of freedom. He said the unity that won the first Iraq War will rank with the most spectacular and successful international initiatives ever undertaken in modern history. When George Bush was president of the United States of America, every single head of government in the world knew that they were dealing with a gentleman, a genuine leader, Mulroney said. A lion who loved us Historian Jon Meacham, delivering the first tribute to Bush, recalled the seminal event in his life, when the future presidents plane was shot down in the South Pacific during World War II, and two crewmates were killed. Bush, Meacham said, felt a physical burden or responsibility. In a sense, the rest of his life was a perennial effort to prove himself worthy of his salvation on that distant morning. To him, his life was no longer his own, said Meacham, who wrote a Bush biography. And what a headlong race he made of it all. Meacham also recounted Bushs foibles, drawing laughs and knowing nods from the former presidents children. He recalled his fumbling syntax, and how comedian Dana Carvey once described his Bush imitation as Mr. Rogers trying to be John Wayne. He also noted the hard-edged tactics Bush could use in politics, saying the president acknowledged that politics isnt a pure undertaking, not if you want to win. But he said Bush, though imperfect, ultimately showed his deep caring for others. A lion who not only led us, but who loved us, Meacham said. Thats why him. Thats why he was spared. George W. Bush greets presidents, first ladies The late presidents casket was marched down the central aisle of the cathedral in a solemn proceeding just before 11:30 a.m., the only sounds the squeaking of the dress shoes of the military honor guard, an officer quietly calling cadence, and muffled coughing. After it was placed before the altar, the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of the cathedral, prayed over the body the Collect for Burial from the Episcopal Churchs Book of Common Prayer, the psalter from which George H.W. Bushs mother read to him when he was a child. O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servant George, and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Hollerith said. Former President George W. Bush led the former presidents children and their spouses into the cathedral around 11:20 a.m. He went to the pew filled by President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and four other presidents and first laides -- the Obamas, Clintons and Carters -- and greeted them each in turn. The military honor guard slowly marched the elder Bushs casket up the aisle of the hushed cathedral. Bush appeared to hand something to Michelle Obama, in an apparently light reminder of a warm moment at Sen. John McCains funeral in September, when Bush playfully snuck a candy to her. The family arrived at the cathedral after a drive through hushed streets, passing by the White House along the way. Bushs casket leaves the Capitol The Bush family, in dark suits, black dresses and overcoats, gathered on the sweeping plaza outside the U.S. Capitol around 10:20 a.m. as a military honor guard slowly carried the former presidents flag-wrapped casket from the buildings rotunda into a hearse. Former President George W. Bush, the son of George H.W. Bush, visibly fought tears as a military band played Hail to the Chief one more time for his father. Nearby canons fired in salute. Under low, gray skies, the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate and House stood together to watch in unison. The coffin was to be taken to the cathedral, past thousands of people who had lined the cold Washington streets to watch and pay respects. At the cathedral, cameras caught glimpses of former presidents and vice presidents, Supreme Court justices and senators and House members filling the pews. Vice President Pence spoke with Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was defeated by Pence and President Trump. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama laughed with the Clintons in the front row. As Trump arrived, he shook hands with both Obamas. He and First Lady Melania Trump sat alongside the Obamas, Clintons and former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter in the front row. Looking forward to being with the Bush family. This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life, Trump tweeted Wednesday morning. Evoking a less divisive era Memorials to Bush since his death Friday have evoked memories of a less divisive, caustic era, and Wednesdays funeral came with the prospect of Democratic and Republican presidents sitting side-by-side in the pews. Trump was expected to sit near Barack Obama and Bushs son, former President George W. Bush, both of whom he has excoriated in the past. Trump, however, has praised the 41st president since he died at the age of 94, and has extended courtesies to the Bush family despite testy relations with the family, including inviting them to stay at the Blair House, the presidential guest accommodations across Pennsylvania Avenue from the the executive mansion. George W. Bush, the 43rd president, will eulogize his father, along with former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, former Sen. Alan Simpson and historian Jon Meacham, who wrote a 2015 biography of George H.W. Bush. The event will cap a week of mourning in Washington before Bushs body is flown to Texas, where he will be buried next to his wife, Barbara, and daughter Robin at Texas A&M University, home to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The funeral comes just three months after a national outpouring for the late Sen. John McCain, who died in August and whose services effectively morphed into a national rally for dignity, respect and character -- and an explicit rebuke to Trump. Many of those same themes have coursed through the remembrances and ceremonies honoring Bush. Unlike with McCain, though, there have been no direct contrast with Trump or efforts to exclude the current president. (It is unusual, however, for a sitting president not to be invited to give a eulogy). Bushs body lay in state in the U.S. Capitol from Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning, drawing a steady stream of mourners and well-wishers who visited the casket beneath the Capitol rotunda. Lori Steele visited wearing a maroon-and-white Texas A & M scarf -- her husband works as an administrator at the university, which hosts the elder Bushs library. She said he embodied the seven core values listed in the schools purpose statement: excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service. This is one president that held them all, said Steele, 59, of Bowie, Md. She said she had been to several events attended by the former president and his late wife, Barbara Bush. Hes such a family man, you feel like you know him even if you dont. Scott Outlaw and Steve Hoggard, retired police officers from Ahoskie, N.C., drove three-and-a-half hours to pay their respects. Both of us considered him one of the best presidents of our time, said Outlaw, 55. He was a peoples president -- he respected the office. Archie Bates, a 50-year-old former Army acquisition officer, came to pay tribute to a fellow military man. Bush was a highly decorated Navy pilot in World War II who was shot down during the Pacific campaign to liberate Japanese-held islands, but rarely talked about his experiences there. Bush would go on to decades in public life. He was a congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, liaison to China, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, vice president and then president. He lost reelection to Democrat Bill Clinton in 1992, but would later form a partnership with his one-time rival. Together they raised money for disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina and became co-chairmen of the National Institute for Civil Discourse. He was the last member of his generation to have served as president, and was widely remembered this week for his calm and dignified demeanor, a sharp contrast to the fury that has come to define U.S. politics in the nearly three decades since he left office. Police respond to an officer involved shooting in the 3500 block of Belgrade Street Wednesday morning December 5, 2018. DAVID SWANSON / Staff Photographer Read more Philadelphia police fatally shot a man in Port Richmond on Wednesday morning after the man allegedly ran into a strangers house and then pulled a knife on the officer who followed him inside, authorities said. Capt. Sekou Kinebrew, police spokesperson, said officers first responded to a report of a fight on the 3500 block of Belgrade Street around 8:45 a.m. Members of the crowd said one man was causing a problem, at which point the man whom Kinebrew did not identify started running away. He ran into a home on the block. He did not live there, but the front door was open because a woman was walking out to take a child to school, according to Kinebrew. An officer followed the man inside and told him to show his hands, police said. The officer first pulled out his Taser as he yelled out commands, but the man ultimately pulled a knife. The officer then pulled out his gun, Kinebrew said, and when the man lunged at the officer a 16-year veteran assigned to the 24th District he fired one shot, hitting the man in the torso. The man was taken to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:16 a.m., Kinebrew said. Kinebrew said police were not certain why the man ran into the house. No one else was reported injured during the shooting or the preceding commotion, he said, and nothing was reported stolen. The Police Departments officer-involved shooting unit was investigating, and the officer, whom the department has not yet publicly identified, will be placed on desk duty pending the outcome. Ernest Gardner carries a bag of trash after raking it off of his block on North 19th Street in North Central Philadelphia in February. Read more Philadelphias slovenly rep as one of the only big cities without residential street sweeping could soon be tidied up. City officials announced Wednesday that a pilot cleaning program will begin this spring. Street sweeping is not the silver bullet thats going to clean everything up, said Nic Esposito, head of the citys Zero Waste and Litter cabinet. We knew it was something cities do that weve done to varying degrees in the city before, its just that larger issues like illegal dumping, better regulation of waste management ... is something we had to get a handle on first. Esposito, who first announced the pilot on WHYYs Radio Times, said the city has not chosen the inaugural neighborhoods but would use its litter index to inform the selection process. The survey ranks the citys litter situation block by block. Some of the most littered areas, according to the index, are in North Central Philadelphia and Kensington. While most big cities have a residential sweeping program, they vary in scope and frequency. I want people to break away from the thinking that comprehensive citywide street sweeping means every neighborhood in every other city is getting once-a-week sweeping," Esposito said. "We want to make it as equitable as possible and as efficient as possible. The pilot is one of several initiatives Espositos office has launched in recent months, including giving a trash can to every rowhouse in an area of North Philadelphia, cracking down on illegal dumping, and surveying the city to determine which blocks have the most trash. Bringing back weekly citywide street sweeping would cost $5.2 million annually and require a one-time $12 million purchase of equipment, the Streets Department told the Inquirer in February. The departments 2017 budget was $98.9 million. The city does sweep some major corridors, but Mayor Kenney has suggested the issue with a larger-scale residential sweeping program is more political than financial. Hes often cited how former Councilman Frank DiCiccos resurrection of street sweeping was met with loud complaints from neighbors having to move their cars in tight pockets of South Philadelphia. Kenney has received some criticism for leaning on the neighbors dont want to move their cars excuse in a city that has long struggled with trash and litter problems, earning the nickname Filthadelphia. An Inquirer article last year found that the litter problem is especially bad in lower-income neighborhoods, where the city can be slow to respond to a high number of complaints. When the city polled 7,000 residents last year and asked what issue mattered most to them, streets and sanitation topped the list. Citywide, Philadelphia has 6,500 block captains, who volunteer to clean their own blocks. But only a quarter of blocks in Philadelphia have a captain, and the city keeps their names private, making it difficult to determine who is in charge. That has left some civic groups pooling money to pay for street-cleaning services or taking care of the mess themselves. West Philly resident Dave Brindley created Not in Philly, which allows people to claim a block to clean up via an interactive map. Hes got 1,300 people signed up to clean streets across the city. About 10 percent of the volunteers, he notes, are in South Philadelphia. Theres a strong hatred of litter even in South Philly, he said. Litter is something that all Philadelphians hate seeing, and I dont know why there is such a mystical belief that drivers in Philadelphia will never move their cars. Every other city does this. But Esposito said parking cant be discounted either. Parking is an issue. It is something we are going to have to consider as we do this. Because not everyone is on the side of Just run the sweepers now, we dont care. Kierstein Leo and Robert Huttenlock live in one of the apartments Huttenlock created in the renovation of the former convent associated with Holy Name of Jesus Church in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood. Read more The Rev. John Siebel, the retired pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Church in Fishtown, is happy the stately Italian Renaissance convent associated with his church wasn't torn down "like so many of our beautiful church buildings when they no longer are needed," he says. Siebel called developer Robert Huttenlock "a hero" because two years ago, Huttenlock purchased and saved the 94-year-old convent, designed in 1924 by architect Peter F. Getz. The building had been empty for many years after the school closed and nuns were no longer needed to teach there. Huttenlock, who converted the 11,300-square-foot Gothic-style convent into an apartment building, says he doesn't think of himself as a hero. "I always admired the building and finally decided to try to save it," said Huttenlock, who lives in one of the apartments with Kierstein Leo. Both Huttenlock and Leo grew up in Fishtown and went to school in the neighborhood. They met soon after they graduated. Before renovating the building, Huttenlock had to appear at three zoning hearings to get the property's use changed to multi-family from single-family. If he had lost his zoning petitions, he said, he would have lost his investment. "The community was behind me," he said. "No one thought the building could ever be used as a single-family home." After winning the zoning variance, Huttenlock turned to architect Richard Miller, who also lives in Fishtown, to redesign and modernize the former convent. After two years of work, the former convent's adaptation was completed last spring. It now has eight apartments, including the former chapel, which has been turned into a home for Huttenlock and Leo. Features include an 18-foot peaked ceiling and diffused light coming from stained-glass windows across the front wall. The glass was in good condition and needed very little work. Standing in the two-floor living room on an unusually warm early November day, Leo turned on the air-conditioning, which she said she likes as much as "the built-in gas fireplace." "Just being in the former convent has been very exciting for me," Leo said, because it was the home of many of the elementary school teachers who taught her siblings. "Whenever they could after we bought the building, my sisters wanted to see the inside where the nuns lived," she said. The convent originally included 16 tiny rooms with sinks and twin beds for the nuns. Miller said his first design challenge was figuring out how to tear out the walls of the sisters' units and create the eight modern apartments, three with two bedrooms and the rest with one. "The basic subfloor structure was in good shape after the walls were torn down," he said. There had been roof leaks and a lack of heat, but only the surface floors needed to be replaced with new oak ones. In the largest unit, created out of the main chapel, Miller designed a mezzanine that opens up from a small sitting room over the former low altar. A door from the mezzanine leads to a second bedroom. Under the mezzanine, a kitchen spreads out behind a quartz island leading to the living room/dining area. All this would seem like a normal interior except that everything is bathed in the pastel glow of the high-arched stained-glass windows. "It was important to preserve the building's original character such as the detailing of the lobby, the stairway, and the original wood trusses," Huttenlock said. "Miller also said he wanted to make sure the original mosaic of beige and white tiles in the lobby of the building along with the marble steps were preserved." The couple wanted to retain as much as they could of the original Holy Name Convent, but one feature stands out that's clearly not part of the Catholic history: a large painted statue of Buddha, which was left by a guest on the mezzanine. "We think it is cool," Leo said. "I don't know how long the Buddha will stay, but it is definitely a new touch, not part of the former convent." Vanessa Brown, a 41 year old single mother and deli manager from Philadelphia, who, in a stunning move, knocked out sitting Rep. Tommy Blackwell. ( David Swanson / Staff Photographer) Read more To paraphrase Jay-Z, State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown has 99 problems. Last month, the Philadelphia Democrat was convicted of bribery and other charges from accepting cash-stuffed envelopes from an undercover operative in a sting operation. The 52-year-old single mother from West Philly managed to escape a prison sentence, but her government pension is in jeopardy. Her political career is toast. Her reputation is in tatters. She has many health issues and is about to lose her insurance. But things could be worse for her. Instead of jail, she got 23 months' probation. Almost anything is better than sitting in the pokey, which is why her friends are throwing a party in her honor on Saturday. They're not calling it a victory party, but that's the sentiment behind what's being called an "appreciation" celebration. I was sitting at home last weekend when I got a text from Brown informing me of the event, which will be held at a venue in West Philly and is scheduled to last until 1 a.m. As I looked at it, I got a follow-up text asking me to bring an unwrapped toy, coat, or accessory, presumably for a holiday gift giveaway. It struck me as odd. A party when things remain so, well, unsettled? Brown hasn't resigned her House seat. Pennsylvania's constitution prohibits public officials convicted of certain crimes from serving in the legislature. Convicted lawmakers typically step down on the day they're sentenced. I was scratching my head over it all when my cell rang. It was Brown, who explained, "My friends said, 'We've got to celebrate.' It's just going to be an all-night celebration." Brown strikes me as a kind and well-meaning person, but out of her element when it comes to the rough-and-tumble world of Harrisburg politics. "I'm just very grateful I was able to get probation," she said. "I still have some things to work on. It's not over yet. My legal team hasn't given up on me, and they're deciding what the next course of action would be for me." Brown, who was re-elected last month to represent parts of West Philly, pointed out, "I am not seeking to be seated on Jan. 1." In other words, she doesn't plan to show up on swearing-in day. She also said she is no longer representing herself as a member of the Pennsylvania House. Many of her constituents still look to her as their representative, though. "I'm just Vanessa Brown," she said. "Yes, I still do help people, because people need help and they don't know where to go. So my phone is still ringing from constituents day and night, 'Can you still help me? I know you're not a Rep. anymore, but I know you know how to help me.' And I'm not going to say no to anyone." Still trying to help people. That's how she came into office in 2008. And it's how she's going out. I like that about her, but this is a matter of ethics. Brown abused the public trust when she accepted $4,000 from that undercover informant in that shady sting operation. She's been convicted of it in a court of law. I've got all kinds of problems with that operation and whom it targeted and why. But it's time to move on. It would be best for Brown's former constituents if she would resign. Besides, Brown already has endorsed the candidate who she thinks should step in as her successor a 31-year-old day-care entrepreneur named Amen Brown (to whom she is not related). Vanessa Brown needs to step aside. Then she can party all she wants. Each winter, as furnaces light and generators and space heaters spring to life, the Poison Control Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia gets calls about a potentially deadly gas that you can't see, smell, or tastecarbon monoxide, also known as the "silent killer". CO poisoning unrelated to fire accidents results in more than 400 unintentional deaths of Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CO poisoning may result in tragedies where "whole families are poisoned, some fatally," said Fred Henretig, MD, a physician and toxicologist at the Poison Control Center. CO is produced from gas or wood burning appliances including space heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, and generators. As Henretig and his colleagues reported in the American Journal of Public Health earlier this year, generator-associated CO poisoning increases after major storms that result in power outages. CO poisoning makes it harder for red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of the body. This leads to symptoms which might mimic colds and the flu, including headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, CO poisoning can lead to fainting, coma, seizures, and death because of inadequate oxygen delivery. The CO molecule is composed of only two common elements, but poisoning from CO can be dangerous to a whole household with exposures as short as 20 to 30 minutes. This deadly gas can be avoided if you take certain precautions: You shouldn't be alarmed if you have properly working alarms Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home and in your garage. If you already have one, test to make sure that the alarms are working. The City of Philadelphia recommends checking your carbon monoxide detectors every six months. The CDC suggests routine checking when changing the time on your clocks each spring and fall. Some manufacturers have even recommended testing the alarms every week, so it's important to check the manual as well. Keep home heating systems in check A qualified service technician can check your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances. Obstructed ventilation systems increase the risk of CO accumulation. Common signs of ventilation problems include finding rust or flaking paint on the top of the heater, but self-inspections do not replace regular maintenance by a licensed professional. Properly use appliances Never use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device indoors, in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, or nearby doors, windows or vents. This includes garages, crawl spaces, and basements. Never use a gas range or oven for heating because this can cause a buildup of CO. Never run a vehicle inside a garage attached to your house as car exhaust contains CO. Be especially careful with keyless vehicles and always ensure that the engine is turned off when parked inside your garage. What should you do if you suspect carbon monoxide in your home? Leave the building for fresh air. Windows can be quickly opened for ventilation but it is important to get to safety. Avoid staying inside until proper inspection by a licensed professional. Call the fire department by calling 911; they can test for carbon monoxide and assess the safety of the building. Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for help with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.. Call your gas company, oil company or local health authority to help identify and remove sources of carbon monoxide contamination. The Poison Control Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia offers more information about carbon monoxide poisoning here. Kachel Mallari, a PharmD Candidate at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, wrote this in conjunction with the Poison Control Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Editors note: This article was published in 2018. If you decide to give tips in person, you should take precautions against contracting COVID-19. Tom Beggs holiday tips have run the gamut. A garbage collector in the King of Prussia area for the last decade, Beggs has received winter gloves, sweatshirts, homemade sweets, and Wawa gift cards. Tons of Wawa gift cards, he said. Beggs, 31, of Brookhaven, appreciates any and all tips, he said, and especially loves when customers come out to his big, blue Republic Services trash truck to give the gifts in person. His ideal tip comes in the form of cash, which he then uses to buy Christmas presents for his family and friends. "I'll never turn down the cash," Beggs said with a laugh, "but Christmas cookies are good, too." Every holiday season, in households across the region, families debate best gift-giving practices. The conversations center not only on how much to spend on relatives and friends, but also on what to give the garbage collectors, letter carriers, and countless other people who provide regular services. So, how much should someone spend? And on whom? Should the tip be cash, a gift card, or something more personal? Well, the answer depends on whom you ask. More than 60 percent of Americans tipped at least one service provider during the 2017 holiday season, according to a recent Consumer Reports national survey. Overall, Americans gave out an average total of $45 in tips, a $5 increase from the previous year. Regionally, the Northeast spends the most money the most often on holiday tipping, according to Consumer Reports. On suburban Facebook groups, posts pondering what and whom to tip receive dozens of responses and often lead to impassioned debate. Some users said they dont tip anyone around the holidays. Others tip nominally or only for exceptional service (several complained that their garbage collectors throw trash cans around or that they dont see the workers to tip them in person). Those who do tip said they show their appreciation in a variety of ways with lottery tickets, local specialty foods, cases of beer, crafts handmade by their children, or something more personal. Ive gotten everything from socks to T-shirts, said Tom Tryon, who has worked as a letter carrier in Bucks and Montgomery Counties for the last 25 years. On his current route in Croydon, Tryon said about a third of the households give a holiday gift. Over the years, he said, that percentage has fluctuated with the economy. Tryon loves interacting with residents and forming relationships with them. So to him, homemade cookies and a "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas" greeting can mean as much as a small gift, he said. "Don't feel obligated," Tryon said. "Times are hard. Not everybody is in the position to give." Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas, said she advises folks to go by the standards laid out in her holiday tipping guide, if they choose to tip at all. For garbage collectors, she suggests $10 to $25 per person, if a tip is allowed by their employer. Philadelphia municipal workers, for example, are prohibited from accepting tips or gifts, and both employees and residents can be prosecuted for giving or receiving. Ultimately, Gottsman said, holiday gifting and tipping is an individual decision, one that should be made based on the relationship with the recipient. "Your budget is first priority when deciding who, and how much, you should tip this holiday season," Gottsman wrote in the guide. "Next, think about the service the person provides throughout the year and the frequency of your visits." Jessica Daisey, 38, said she can attest to a regional discrepancy in holiday tipping practices. When she lived in Texas and Georgia, she said, holiday tipping did not seem to be as widespread. But when she moved several years ago to a home near the Art Museum with her husband and two children, that was a different story. In Philadelphia, Daisey said she gave each of her four regular trash collectors a $5 Wawa gift card in December. Knowing the federal policy on cash gifts for postal workers (technically, cash tips are not allowed, but gifts up to $20 in value are permissible), Daisey bought her letter carrier a nice reusable water bottle, a present she could use when she worked during the warm months. Daisey, who now lives in a Baltimore suburb with her husband and two children, said she draws the line at employees she sees only sporadically. For instance, she doesn't have a regular hairdresser or get her nails done often, she said, so she won't give those providers a special holiday gift. But she makes a point to show appreciation for those who make day-to-day life easier for her family. "I enjoy it. I feel like life is about giving when you can," Daisey said. But "if it doesn't make you feel good, I don't think you should do it." In Lower Merion, Nancy Schultz, 63, also enjoys thanking the people who work hard to improve her quality of life. "I like to give to people who are out in the weather every day, every week," Schultz said. Schultz said she usually gives a $20 Acme gift card to her newspaper delivery people, a husband-and-wife team, and $5 in cash to each of her garbage collectors. "I should think about raising that amount," Schultz said, recalling the few times she has forgotten to take her cans to the end of the driveway and chased after the trash trucks, which always stopped for her. And as for her letter carrier, Schultz declined to comment, noting the postal service policy on tipping. "That's between me and my mailman," she said with a laugh. "We do thank him, because he's a very nice guy." Emily Hunter, 7, of Glenolden, said she shows appreciation for her letter carrier by leaving him cards throughout the year, sometimes on special occasions and sometimes for no reason at all. Her father, Jon Hunter, 32, said the holiday season brings a special effort from Emily. On notebook paper, Emily uses crayons to draw a snowman, a Christmas tree, and snowflakes. Inside, she said, she leaves a heartfelt note, thanking him for delivering the mail and being kind as he goes about his job. Then, she stuffs it in an envelope, printing "to the mailman" on the outside and leaving it in the mailbox. "I really like the mailman," said Emily, whose dad added that they will also likely give $5 gift cards to their letter carrier and other service providers. Stephanie Vitali, 37, of West Chester, said she, too, likes to throw in a personal touch, giving her letter carrier a Christmas ornament and a homemade plate of cookies, and her kids' bus driver a tray of chocolate-covered pretzels. When it comes to the garbage collectors, however, "I'm not sure how to even handle them," Vitali said. She doesn't like to tape an envelope to the lid of her trash can out of fear that someone might steal the gift, she said, and she often misses the pickup in the morning. (Gottsman, the etiquette expert, notes that tips and gifts can be dropped off at the corporate office of trash-collection companies if in-person giving isn't possible.) For the most part, Vitali said she enjoys holiday giving "because most of the people we give to I have a personal relationship with." Yet "it's tough," she added. "It does feel like there's a lot of pressure." Beggs, of Republic Services, said folks shouldn't pile on any extra anxiety this time of year. He put it simply: "If you have good service, then tip. Even $5, whatever you can afford." Readers: Have you given a meaningful holiday gift or tip to a favorite service provider? Or are you a garbage collector, letter carrier, teacher, dog walker, or other employee who has received a heartwarming gift from a customer, client, or student? Email me your stories at emccarthy@philly.com. I may share them in a future article. Giving Guidelines If you choose to tip service providers this holiday season, and the providers' company policy allows, the following are an expert's suggestions. Garbage collector: $10-$25 per person USPS letter carriers: gift valued at $20 or less (no cash, per policy) Teacher: gift certificate or contribution to class gift Bus driver: $25 Babysitter: gift card or cash equivalent to a night's pay Regular handyman: $20-$100 Newspaper delivery person: $10-$30 Lawn or pool maintenance: tip/gift equivalent to one week's service Nanny: tip equivalent to one week's to one month's pay and a gift from your child Doorman: $20-$100, more if they help you often throughout the year Housekeeper: equivalent of one week's or day's pay After-school tutor, coach, dance instructor: $25 or gift card Dog walker or pet groomer: equivalent of one service Regular hair stylist, manicurist, personal trainer, or massage therapist: equivalent of one service Source: Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsmans 2018 Holiday Tipping Guide Rose Merrigan was one of more than 25 Upper Bucks County residents who commented Tuesday during a state Department of Environmental Protection hearing on the Adelphia Gateway pipeline's proposed compressor station in West Rockhill Township. Read more On a brisk night in Bucks County, a group of retirees and young families unloaded on state officials their frustrations about natural-gas infrastructure. "They say this pipeline is for the benefit of Pennsylvanians, but it is not. This line goes to Marcus Hook for export," said Christine Shelly of West Rockhill Township. "Adelphia is looking to squeeze the last drops of a dying energy source out of the ground, oblivious to the cries of the people, who plead for protection as our air, ground and water become fouled." Shelly was one of more than 25 residents who spoke Tuesday at a hearing organized by the state Department of Environmental Protection as part of its air-quality review of the Adelphia Gateway project. Adelphia Gateway LLC is proposing to convert a hybrid oil/natural gas pipeline to solely pump natural gas from a plant in Northampton County to a refinery in Marcus Hook, Delaware County. The company, a subsidiary of New Jersey Resources, bought the 84-mile pipeline from Talen Energy Co. last year for $189 million. That planned conversion, under review by state and federal authorities, requires two 5,625-horsepower compressor stations. One, dubbed the Quakertown Compressor Station, is proposed for a 1.5-acre lot in a residential neighborhood in West Rockhill. The proposal has drawn scorn from residents in the rural township in the northwest corner of the county. "I have a quiet country lifestyle, and I've been here more than 50 years," said Shirley Mann, who lives across the street from the site where the compressor station would be built. "It seems like Adelphia is coming in and dictating how I'm supposed to live." The residents who went to West Rockhill Elementary School for the hearing lobbed questions at Jim Rebarchak, the air quality program manager for the DEP's Southeast Regional office, often amid applause. Adelphia did not send any representatives to the hearing, nor was it required to, according to Rebarchak. The company has said it's working closely with township officials to create a facility that blends into the area "while delivering much-needed natural gas safely to its intended end users." During its air-quality review, DEP officials will weigh the residents' comments as well as any others submitted in writing before Dec. 14. If the application is approved, DEP will provide Adelphia with a plan on how to monitor the stations in a way "that will ensure the construction and operation are conducted in compliance with applicable rules and regulations," according to the agency. Rebarchak, per the protocol of the hearing, couldn't directly answer any questions. Residents covered a wide swath of topics, including the project's environmental impact, integrity of the existing pipeline first installed in the 1970s and how local volunteer fire departments would respond to pipeline-related emergencies. A frequent source of contention came from how Adelphia has distributed information to residents. Tammy Springer said she lives about a mile and a half from the proposed location, but is closing on a new home much closer, where she hopes to start a family. She and her husband didn't know about Adelphia's planned station until a few months ago, when a neighbor put a flier in her mailbox. Now, she's worried about pollutants that would be emitted by the station, concerned about the potential impact they might have on children, or that they might aggravate her congenital heart defect. "This may seem like a rural area, but this is definitely residential," Springer said. "And it's an area where people want to live and raise families." Adelphia Gateway's application to the DEP says the natural-gas powered compressors at the Quakertown station will run continuously. They'll emit carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds, at levels the company estimates to be below what the department considers a "major source" of pollutants. "You say you're going to monitor operations, but who is going to come to make sure my children aren't going to end up with cancer?" said Cathy Weierbach, whose home on Rich Hill Road is 500 feet from the proposed station. "We feel people should be the first priority in this site and how it's being built," she said. "It doesn't seem to be in our best interest. It seems to be all about cost." LONDON, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VistaJet, the first and only global business aviation company, announced today the launch of The VistaJet Wine Program, the most expansive and engaging experience of wine, designed to enhance the exploration of the world of wine on its aircraft and at world destinations. VistaJet Founder and Chairman, Thomas Flohr is an avid collector and investor in wine with a cellar of more than 3,000 bottles and a particular passion for Burgundies. Enjoying a glass of wine while in flight should be the same as a glass of wine in a restaurant. But nobody has ever managed to offer this on a global scale, said Flohr. So, to provide the consistency of service and quality to our Members, we have created the first global program that will ensure our guests enjoy the best possible wine in the sky whilst catering to all their needs when it comes to tasting, collecting, discovering and developing a deeper knowledge of wine anytime, anywhere. Much of the pleasure of savoring wine is in understanding its nuances, yet the effects of altitude, cabin pressure and air quality mean that selecting the right wine for a flight can prove to be difficult. During the development of The VistaJet Wine Program, the company hosted some of the worlds foremost wine experts, including those from Marchesi Antinori, Rothschild (Lafite), Ca del Bosco and Artemis Domaines, on several flights to sample, taste and compare a number of different wines from all over the world. By tasting on the ground and in the sky, the experts were able to further understand how taste and smell are the senses most affected by the atmosphere and work together in a pressurized cabin; nasal sensors reception of aromas are limited owing to the lower air pressure that comes with a lower humidity; bubbles found in sparkling wines, which contain up to thirty times more aromas than the liquid, tend to stick to the sides of the glass; and that fruit flavors are diminished, while bitterness and spiciness are largely unaffected. In addition to that of the palate, Oxford University professor Charles Spence noted that the level of background noise on a commercial flight adversely affects a persons perception of smell and taste. In a business jet however, the comforts of someones home environment are more accurately recreated with cabin noise 35 decibels less than commercial, minimizing the inherent psychological impact. Flying at 45,000 feet, VistaJets Global 6000 has an equivalent air pressure of only 4,500 feet, making many of the sensory effects of air travel less noticeable. The learnings from these memorable wine flights, touching down in exclusive vineyards including Clos de Tart and Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, proved instrumental in the development of The VistaJet Wine Program. Elements of The VistaJet Wine Program include: The Wine in the Sky Questionnaire VistaJet invited popular oenophiles including Sofia Coppola, Andrea Bocelli, Jeannie Cho Lee and Daniel Boulud, to contribute to The Wine in the Sky Questionnaire, a compendium of considered suggestions for tasting, serving and transporting wine on travels around the world. Published in collaboration with Assouline, the book serves to advise on how to select the most appropriate wines considering the different effects of flying on our senses. The Wine in the Sky Questionnaire will be available for pre-order from December 6th on Assouline.com and in stores mid-December. Signature Wine List Sourced from some of the worlds most iconic vineyards and personally handpicked by Thomas Flohr, all VistaJet passengers can enjoy the Signature Wine List with wines that take advantage of the effects of flying to perform best in the sky. The list features great classics such as the elegant, pure and aromatic Ruinart Champagnes; the dense, smooth and ripe Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac Leognan with its lifted notes of raspberries; and the Gaja, Rossj Bass Chardonnay, presenting a definite character and good acidity with a fresh and lingering finish. The VistaJet Wine Club Adding a discovery aspect to the signature offering, The VistaJet Wine Club will allow Members to explore the world of wine with 12 carefully selected wines each year, tasting two new bottles every other month from a range of producers and grapes around the world. To further enhance the experience, VistaJet Cabin Hostesses, trained up to WSET Level 2, can organize a blind tasting to assess the characteristics of grape varieties and record notes on tasting cards. The full list will be disclosed to VistaJet Program Members throughout the year, with the first selection of wines including the infinitely delicate yet complex 2015 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Albert Bichot; the 2009 Ca del Bosco Cuvee Annamaria Clementi with its tangy acidity and ultrafine perlage; and the full bodied 2013 Solaia, from Marchesi Antinori with tannins of much shape and solidity. Wine Tours Through its global coverage, VistaJet provides bespoke access and personal introductions to the worlds best winemakers and wine clubs through the VistaJet Chairmans Office. With the global Wine Tours, Members can also request round-the-world wine itineraries and personal tours of the finest vineyards and wine regions, as well as access to wine auctions and events with fine wine traders and collectors. VistaJets Wine Tours include a three-day experience hosted by Marchesi Antinori, to enjoy a dinner with the family at Palazzo Antinori, tasting wines from their private collections, before visiting their historical vineyards in Tuscany and Umbria by helicopter and staying in the family estates exclusive guest houses. The World of Wine Concierge The World of Wine Concierge offers tasting advice both prior to flight and at destination, to help Members discover wines and vineyards in any region theyre visiting. The concierge can also assist with acquiring a historic vintage for a special anniversary, giving personalized recommendations about buying wine en primeur and at auction, as well as help arranging safe transportation of wine around the world. Members can request advice from a global network of local experts in North America, Europe and Asia. www.vistajet.com/wine Information Jennifer Farquhar | VistaJet | T: +44 203 617 3077 | jennifer.farquhar@vistajet.com About VistaJet VistaJet is the first and only global aviation company. On its fleet of over 70 silver and red business jets, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world. Founded in 2004 by Thomas Flohr, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers have access to an entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJets signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on its fleet of mid and long-range jets, to fly them anytime, anywhere. Customers can also request Direct one-off flights through the industrys first end-to-end booking app or a 24/7 global team. More VistaJet information and news at vistajet.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55a3aaeb-374c-47a8-b7cc-634eab0e93eb http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cee54f04-33ea-47bd-8756-38ef2d36826b http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec6152b2-9c29-4e76-819e-1b1084b67870 http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0be26e2a-0374-4caa-8461-09f9aebb2b05 Did Santa bring everything you asked for? Or did you find surprises under the tree? If it was the latter, you're certainly not alone. As another holiday season wraps up, the Inquirer, Daily News and Philly.com asked readers to share their stories of holiday surprises. From a duplicate timepiece to a toilet seat given in earnest, we're sharing a few responses. Have your own story to tell? Fill out the form below, or email pmadej@phillynews.com. We'll be sure to add some of our favorites. (Responses have been lightly edited.) "As our children got older, traditions changed. In 1995, our family headed to the King of Prussia Mall to shop and eat out. We split up my husband took the two boys and I ventured through the stores with our daughter. The hustle and bustle was fun, since most of my shopping was already done. The goal for the day was to find a gift for my husband. I bought a beautiful mantle clock mission accomplished! We all met up for lunch and by the way the kids were talking, I knew something was up. Looking under the table, my husband had a bag from the same store where I purchased his clock. I'm a pretty good judge of shopping bags and knew he bought me the same clock! I returned his since we only had one mantle. Although I can't remember what I bought instead, it still makes me smile that we bought each other the same gift. We were married for 15 years at that point and sure could judge what the other wanted. Still can today after 37 years of marriage!" Denise Kossuth, 58, of West Chester "Received a toilet seat, unwrapped, no receipt. It was a serious gift." Pat A., 56, of Abington "My wife (then my girlfriend) and I had traditional Christmas Eve at her parents, where we exchanged gifts. After a lovely dinner, her father gave me something special. It was a small package. He said he found it under his mattress and figured it was mine. A small hash pipe, some hash and a little weed were in the package. His daughter and I were sophomores in college at the time. It was not our stash but her younger brother never fessed up, even when I offered it back later in private. I had the pipe for more than 30 years. Now, I wish I had saved it to pass on." Harry, 63, of Radnor "A Dallas Cowboys starter jacket, when my whole family were diehard Eagles fans, especially my dad. Meanwhile, his sister got it for me and as soon as I opened it, without hesitation, my dad stood up, walked over to the trash can and threw it out, laughed and said, 'I can't believe my own sister, my flesh and blood, would do something so cruel!' I was real young but I wasn't dumb. I still hated the Cowboys and bled green then, too." Chris S., 30, of Bensalem Our staff also shared stories of holiday surprises: "When I was about 7 years old my parents took me Christmas shopping, probably Sears or K-Mart, to buy a kid about my age a present. Knowing funds were limited, I picked a plastic clarinet because it was cheap, leaving money left over for my parents to buy me something better. Christmas morning arrives and guess what? I had a plastic clarinet waiting for me under the tree. Let's just say this trick never worked again." Alejandro Alvarez, online photo editor "When I was three years old, my mom took me with her to buy Christmas presents. She bought my dad a watch, and then talked to me about how it would be a surprise and we had to keep it secret and not tell my dad. Very excited to be gift shopping, I nodded along. When we got home, my dad asked if we'd had a good time shopping. I said yes, and then proudly burst out: 'And I'm not even going to tell you that we got you a watch!' I had no idea I'd given away the secret, and on Christmas morning, my dad acted surprised as anyone when he unwrapped it." Justine McDaniel, staff writer "In college I got my mother a 'microphone mug' for Christmas. It was a beer mug that had a microphone built into the handle. My mother neither drinks much beer nor does she do karaoke. One of my friends was horrified and insisted I not give my mom that gift. Wisely I took that friend's advice." Jason Laughlin, staff writer "My father had an aunt who was a nun. When I was a teenager, she gave my mother a set of six oversized coffee mugs for Christmas. They were emblazoned with images of animals cows and bears and elephants jumbled together. The nun, Aunt Anna, was in her 70s by then and her eyesight wasn't great. But our eyes failed us, too. We used the mugs for a year before one of my mom's friends, having a cup of tea while visiting, pointed out that the animals depicted on the mugs were engaged in an orgy." Chris Brennan, staff writer Jeffrey Dennis, who was fatally shot by an undercover police officer in Tacony on Aug. 20, 2018. Read more An undercover Philadelphia officer will not face criminal charges in the fatal shooting of a Tacony man during a police drug investigation in August, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Tuesday. The action clears Officer Richard Nicoletti, a 29-year veteran assigned to the Narcotics Field Unit, from prosecution in the death of Jeffrey Dennis, 36, who was killed on Aug. 20 while officers were preparing to raid his home on the 7100 block of Cottage Street. Shapiro launched an investigation into the shooting after the case was handed off by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner due to a potential conflict of interest. Krasner, formerly a defense attorney, once represented Dennis. "My office conducted a thorough four-month review of this case, interviewing witnesses, examining video footage, and analyzing all available evidence," Shapiro said in a statement. "We applied the facts to Pennsylvania law, and accordingly, no criminal charges against Richard Nicoletti will be filed by my office." Shapiro's decision does not completely spare Nicoletti, who was placed on desk duty pending the investigation's outcome. The Police Department on Tuesday released a statement indicating that it has an ongoing investigation into the shooting. "There remain phases of the Police Department's internal review process that have not yet been completed," the statement read. "We will provide additional comment as those phases move toward completion." The District Attorney's Office declined to comment. Dennis was a father of three children ages 7, 11, and 17 and had recently become engaged to be married. His family had demanded that the officer involved in the shooting be fired and criminally charged. The family could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Its lawyer, Lee Merritt, said Shapiro did not do enough. "The AG has a responsibility to complete an investigation and empanel a grand jury. My biggest concern is that he didn't do that," he said. The shooting happened shortly before 4:15 p.m. Officers preparing to search Dennis' home spotted him driving a Toyota Camry on nearby Hegerman Street. Two unmarked cars moved to sandwich the Camry, blocking Dennis' route. In a surveillance video released Tuesday by the Attorney General's Office, Dennis' car is seen ramming one of the unmarked vehicles as five plainclothes officers rush toward the Camry with their service weapons drawn. Another undercover officer runs toward the driver's side of the Camry with a long-handled hammer and shatters the window, sending glass flying. In the video, Dennis attempts to turn his vehicle around. Nicoletti, in a gray T-shirt, approaches Dennis and shoots at near-point-blank range. The Camry stops. The footage ends. Medics pronounced Dennis dead minutes later. Police Department policy forbids the discharge of shots into a moving vehicle. Protocols also prohibit shooting "to subdue a fleeing individual who presents no immediate threat of death or serious physical injury to themselves or another person." But Shapiro said violations of police procedures do not always rise to the level of criminal charges. "Whether the Philadelphia Police Department procedure was followed during this incident was not in the scope of our investigation, and will be addressed by Commissioner Ross and the department," Shapiro said. Nicoletti could not be reached Tuesday. John McNesby, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said the case had been "fairly and impartially reviewed." "It's unfortunate that someone lost their life that day, and we support Officer Nicoletti and other officers who were out there on the scene that day," McNesby said in a statement. Ross did not respond to a request for comment. In August, he told an NBC10 reporter that "quite candidly, we have some concerns about the shooting some of the tactics that were used." Shapiro said he and senior investigators had met with the Dennis family several times, including Tuesday to inform them of the decision not to prosecute. "Mr. Dennis' death leaves a family in mourning and children missing their father, and I am deeply saddened by that loss," Shapiro said. "I know the outcome of this case is frustrating to some, and I understand the very real mistrust that exists between our communities and law enforcement. I swore an oath to assess the findings of every investigation and apply them to the law." Krasner in September charged a Philadelphia officer with murder in an on-duty shooting, the first time a city officer was charged in an on-duty shooting in nearly two decades. In October, a judge downgraded that case to third-degree murder. Officer Ryan Pownall was released on bail and is awaiting trial. Staff writer Chris Palmer contributed to this article. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Thursday, Dec. 6, the Fraser Institute will release a new study on government-sector pensions in Canada. Risk and Reward in Public Sector Pension Plans: a Taxpayers Perspective reveals how taxpayers subsidize government employee pensions, and why private- and government-sector pensions offer different benefits for contributors. A news release with additional information will be issued via GlobeNewswire on Dec. 6 at 5:00 am (Eastern). MEDIA CONTACTS: Philip Cross, Senior Fellow Fraser Institute To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact: Bryn Weese, Senior Media Relations Specialist, Fraser Institute (604) 688-0221 Ext. 589 bryn.weese@fraserinstitute.org Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Like us on Facebook Washington: US senators say they are more certain than ever after a private CIA briefing that the Saudi crown prince had a role in the murder of a journalist. In a blistering attack, Senator Lindsey Graham said he had "high confidence" Mohammed bin Salman was complicit in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, BBC reported. The South Carolina Republican described the Saudi royal as "a wrecking ball", "crazy" and "dangerous". The Saudis have charged 11 people but deny the crown prince was involved. Members of the Senate`s Committee on Foreign Relations did not mince words after the briefing by CIA Director Gina Haspel on Tuesday. "There is not a smoking gun - there is a smoking saw," Graham said, referring to Khashoggi`s alleged dismemberment in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. The senator said he could not support Saudi Arabia`s involvement in the war in Yemen or arms sales to the Saudi government as long as the crown prince remained in power. Senator Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, echoed those views. He said the US must "send a clear and unequivocal message that such actions are not acceptable in the world`s stage". Another senator, Bob Corker, told reporters, using the crown prince`s initials: "I have zero question on my mind that the crown prince MBS ordered the killing." The Tennessee Republican added: "If he was in front of a jury, he would be convicted in 30 minutes. Guilty." Corker suggested that US President Donald Trump had condoned the murder of a journalist by refusing to condemn the Saudi crown prince. Fellow Republican Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama said: "Now the question is, how do you separate the Saudi crown prince and his group from the nation?" The Senate is planning to vote on a proposal to end US military support to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, after members of both parties advanced the resolution last week. Senator Chris Murphy, who was not privy to Tuesday`s briefing, criticised the Trump administration. "Not everything needs to be secret," the Connecticut Democrat tweeted. "If our government knows that Saudi leaders were involved in the murder of a US resident, why shouldn`t the public know this?" The CIA has concluded Mohammed bin Salman "probably ordered" the killing of Khashoggi. The spy agency has evidence he exchanged messages with Saud al-Qahtani, who allegedly oversaw the Saudi reporter`s murder. The CIA director -- who has reportedly heard an audio recording of the murder -- did not attend a recent congressional briefing by cabinet members, dismaying lawmakers. The White House denied having a hand in Ms Haspel`s conspicuous absence, and the CIA said no one had told Haspel not to attend. At last week`s hearing, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis told senators there was no direct evidence of the crown prince`s involvement in Khashoggi`s death. Trump has said the CIA findings on the crown prince were not conclusive. On November 20, he said: "It could very well be that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event - maybe he did and maybe he didn`t." NEW DELHI: With a war of words erupting between the ruling BJP and his party over the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers scam case, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that they have made their position clear on the issue and instead asked the Prime Minister to answer questions related to the controversial Rafale deal. When quizzed about the alleged link between the Augusta case middleman Christian Michel and some top leaders of Congress party, Rahul said, '' We have made our position very very clear in this matter earlier in a press conference. The Prime Minister should explain why he gave Rs 30,000 crore on Rafale to Mr Anil Ambani.'' Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad on #AgustaWestland : Congress party has made its position very very clear in this matter earlier in a press conference. The Prime Minister should explain why he gave Rs 30,000 Crore on Rafale to Mr Anil Ambani. #ChristianMichel pic.twitter.com/4cJC6bPTkJ ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 Rahul made these remarks in Hyderabad where he is campaigning for his party for the December 7 assembly polls. The response from the Congress chief came hours after the PM made a scathing attack on the main opposition party, claiming that Michel the alleged middleman in the Augusta deal had mentioned UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's name in his diary. Michel's will reveal more secrets during the course of his interrogation, the PM added. It may be recalled that a Special CBI court on Wednesday sent Michel to a five-day CBI custody. During the hearing in the special court, the CBI counsel argued that "the investigation is still going on and we need his custody as money was transferred in two Dubai based accounts." The British national, who is wanted in India in connection with the multi-crore AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal case, was extradited to India on the night of Tuesday. The VVIP choppers deal middleman, who was led by UAE authorities to India, landed in New Delhi late on Tuesday, according to reports. According to the CBI sources, the operation to extradite the middleman was conducted under the guidance of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and was coordinated by agencys in-charge director M Nageswara Rao. News agency ANI quoted the CBI officials as saying that a team led by the central agencys Joint Director, A Sai Manohar, was sent to Dubai for the purpose of extraditing Christian Michel. The Court of Cassation had last month upheld a lower court order which said that Michel could be extradited to India. India officially made the request to the UAE in 2017 for his extradition, based on the criminal investigations conducted in the case by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). JAIPUR: The Congress party is angry because a chaiwala (tea-seller) took the Gandhi family to court, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the last date of campaigning in the poll-bound Rajasthan. Rajasthan cannot be given to people on bail, said PM Modi in a reference to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi while addressing a massive rally in Sumerpur town of Rajasthan's Pali district on Wednesday. The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Income Tax Department to re-assess the tax of Rahul and Sonia Gandhi for 2011-12 in connection with the National Herald case. Sonia and Rahul were granted bail in the case by a trial court on December 19, 2015. "Congress which created so many divisions in society in the last 70 years, how can they work in the interest of the people. First, give an account of these 70 years, then ask about 4.5 years from us, he said. The Congress has sinned. It can't do good for public anymore. I can say this with confidence. Rajasthan's people have decided that BJP will win this election, he said, adding, I don't just have to win Rajasthan, I have to win every polling booth in Rajasthan. The Prime Minister said that the Congress party is trying to find possible logic so that the responsibility of defeat does not lie on naamdar's shoulders. I wasnt born with a gold spoon. Ive seen hard times in my life. Im one of you people, said the Prime Minister. Referring to P Chidambaram and son Karti Chidambaram, Modi claimed that his fight against corruption brought the Congress leaders down. They go to courts and plead for new date of hearing to avoid arrest. Modi will later address another rally in Dausa district, a BJP spokesperson said in a statement. Rajasthan will go to polls on Friday. The counting of votes will be held on December 11. The BJP is eyeing a second consecutive term in the state. New Delhi: The telecom department is likely to appoint at least 4-5 auditors this month to conduct the planned special audit of private telecom companies for period FY12 to FY18, according to a source. The bids are expected to be submitted by December 18 by interested auditors that are empanelled under Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and the appointment is likely to take place by the month-end, said an official familiar with the entire process. The audit will be carried-out to check for any under-reporting of revenue by telecom companies, and is expected to be wrapped-up by middle of next year, the official added. Audits will be conducted for all large private telecom companies as also those which have announced an exit or are in the process of merging with bigger rivals. The work on auditing will start from January, the source said. "The idea is to see whether there is any concealment of revenue... Because our licence fee is based on their revenue. We want to ensure that the accounts reveal a fair and true picture of the revenue earned," the source added. Telecom service providers pay licence fees and spectrum usage charges to the government on the basis of their income. 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 been seeking urgent relief measures entailing debt restructuring, cut in levies, and release of GST input tax credit locked up with the government. Reflecting the financial stress of the industry, the gross revenue of telecom service providers and licence fee paid to the government declined by around 10 percent to Rs 58,401 crore and Rs 2,929 crore, respectively, in April-June 2018 compared to the year-ago period, according to recent data by telecom regulator Trai. "Gross revenue (GR) and adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of the telecom service sector for the quarter ended June 2018 has been Rs 58,401 crore and Rs 36,552 crore, respectively," Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had said in its Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator report released in October. The GR and AGR declined by 10 and 8.11 percent, respectively, on year-on-year basis. The decline in AGR -- which is revenue earned from sale of telecom services alone -- led to fall in licence fees paid to the government by around 10 percent to Rs 2,929 crore. SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Palamina Corp. (PA:TSX.V; PLMNF:OTC.MKTS) , a Canada-based precious metals exploration company, released information about developments that could propel the company forward. According to the company, Palamina is looking for the hard rock source of a modern day gold rush underway in Peru. Company mentioned: Palamina Corp. Palamina has acquired five district scale gold projects covering 77,000 hectares in the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt in southeastern Peru: Coasa, Bendi, Gaban, Cori and Orco. All five projects either have visible gold showings or there is visible gold being mined adjacent to them. There are also 100,000 artisanal miners in the belt actively mining gold driving this modern day gold rush, the company stated. Palamina initially went into Peru at the end of 2016. Management says 2017 was spent acquiring, visiting, assessing and prioritizing the land. It wasn't until 2018 that the company started systematic exploration. First Heli-Borne Geophysical Surveys in the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt (POGB) In late October 2018, management announced the completion of heli-borne geophysical surveys over its Coasa, Gaban and Cori projects. The company noted that in the POGB, gold mineralization frequently has an association with disseminated magnetic pyrrhotite hosted by quartz veins within regional shear zone structures. Andrew Thomson, president of Palamina stated, "Palamina is the first company to conduct heli-borne geophysics in the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt (POGB). The ~3,000 line-km survey is now complete, and we are awaiting the processed data to better understand the structures of the Coasa, Gaban and Cori gold projects." Continue reading this article: Exploration Company Makes Headway in Peru Gold Belt About Streetwise Reports Streetwise Reports shares investment ideas in many sectors. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. DISCLOSURE: The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Palamina Corp. New Delhi: Etihad Airways is holding talks with Jet Airways Ltd and its bankers on a rescue plan for the debt-laden Indian carrier, two sources aware of the matter told Reuters. Executives from Etihad and Jet have met some of the airline`s bankers in Mumbai in recent days to discuss ways to address its cash flow issues and evaluate the carrier`s future business plan, the sources said. Etihad, which owns 24 percent stake in Jet Airways, is also considering investing fresh funds in the airline if it can agree on the structure, one of the sources said, adding that no deal has been finalised. The sources did not want to be named as the discussions are private. Jet, which is India`s biggest full service carrier by market share, is in desperate need of cash. The 25-year-old airline, founded by Naresh Goyal, owes money to lessors and vendors, has delayed salary payments to pilots and senior executives and is cutting flights on non-profitable routes to save money. India is one of the world`s fastest-growing domestic aviation markets but high fuel prices, a weak rupee and intense price wars in the country, which is dominated by no-frills airlines like Interglobe Aviation Ltd`s IndiGo, has exacerbated Jet`s woes in recent months. Etihad has already come to Jet`s rescue once when it picked up a 24 percent stake in the carrier in 2013 but the situation is different this time. While the Abu Dhabi-based carrier is invested in Jet, it has lost money in other airline ventures such as Alitalia and Air Berlin and may be wary of loosening the purse strings again, said another source. Also, with tighter lending norms and a liquidity crisis in India, bankers may be hesitant to lend more to the struggling airline. On Tuesday news channel CNBC-TV18 reported citing sources that Jet is close to finalising a deal under which Etihad will inject fresh funds in the airline. Goyal, who is founder and majority shareholder, has assured the airline`s pilot union that the funding, which will likely result in route restructuring and more flights to Abu Dhabi, could take place as early as mid-December, the channel said. Goyal has also assured pilots that there will be no delays in salary payments from April 1, according to the channel. Jet and Etihad did not immediately respond to Reuters' emails seeking comment. New Delhi: Private carrier Jet Airways on Wednesday introduced 65 additional frequencies on its international and domestic routes starting December. The airline said that it has added a daily direct frequency from Pune to Singapore making it the first airline to do so. Owing to the going traffic to Singapore the company has also added a 3rd daily frequency from both its hubs, Mumbai and Delhi to Singapore. On the international network from Delhi, Jet Airways has added an additional third service between Delhi and Bangkok and a fourth frequency on the Delhi Kathmandu route to meet the growing demand from travelers. Jet Airways has also introduced a second frequency to Doha from Delhi and Mumbai. The airline has added a 7th new daily frequency between Mumbai and Dubai. On the domestic front, effective 5th December, Jet Airways will introduce a fourth frequency between Delhi and Amritsar, and a direct daily service connecting Mumbai to the Holy city. The cash-strapped airline has recently said that it will no more offer complimentary meals for economy class passengers traveling on domestic routes under two more fare categories. The carrier currently offers five fare options in the economy class - light, deal, saver, classic and flex - for customers booking flights on domestic routes. The latest revision in complimentary meals would be available only for economy passengers who booked their tickets under the flex option, the release said. New Delhi: Absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya has offered to repay 100 percent of the Principal amount of the loan to the banks urging them to accept it. Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India over default of Rs 9,000 crore that was loaned to Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) by several banks. In a series of tweets, Mallya claimed he had made the offer to settle the dues to the banks since 2016. He wrote, Airlines struggling financially partly becoz of high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $ 140/barrel. Losses mounted and thats where Banks money went. I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them. Please take it. I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ? Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 Mallya also expressed anguish over him being tagged as a defaulter asking to be given a hearing and a fair treatment. Mallya tweeted, Politicians and Media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU Bank money. All this is false. Why dont I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. Sad. He wrote, For three decades running Indias largest alcoholic beverage group, we contributed thousands of crores to the State exchequers. Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the States. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it. In September, a UK court had fixed December 10 as the date to deliver its verdict on whether beleaguered liquor baron can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore. NEW DELHI: A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Wednesday sent British national and alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case Christian Michel to five days of CBI custody. During the hearing in the special court, the CBI counsel argued that "the investigation is still going on and we need his custody as money was transferred in two Dubai based accounts." Michel has also moved a bail plea before the special court, which kept his bail plea pending for next hearing and remanded him to 5-day CBI custody. Court, however, allowed his counsel one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening for consultancy. The British national, who is wanted in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal case, was extradited to India on the night of Tuesday. The VVIP choppers deal middleman, who was led by UAE authorities to India, landed in New Delhi late on Tuesday, according to reports. According to the CBI, the operation to extradite the middleman was conducted under the guidance of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and was coordinated by agencys in-charge director M Nageswara Rao. News agency ANI quoted the CBI officials as saying that a team led by the central agencys Joint Director, A Sai Manohar, was sent to Dubai for the purpose of extraditing Christian Michel. The Court of Cassation had last month upheld a lower court order which said that Michel could be extradited to India. India officially made the request to the UAE in 2017 for his extradition, based on the criminal investigations conducted in the case by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED, in its chargesheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that the Britishman received Euro 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. The money was nothing but "kickbacks" paid by the firm to execute the 12 helicopter deal in favour of the firm in "guise of" genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country, according to the chargesheet. Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the ED and the CBI. Both the agencies have notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. The ED investigation found that remittances made by Michel through his Dubai-based firm Global Services to a media firm he floated in Delhi, along with two Indians, were made from the funds which he got from AgustaWestland through "criminal activity" and corruption being done in the chopper deal that led to the subsequent generation of proceeds of crime. Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland chopper VVIP deal, was taken to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters after being extradited to India from Dubai, UAE late on Tuesday. The CBI took him under custody as soon as he arrived at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport around 11.35 pm on Gulfstream jet. James, 57, was accompanied by some CBI, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and Ministry of External Affairs officials. After the immigration procedure, he was taken to the CBI headquarters at south Delhi`s Lodhi Road area. #WATCH: Christian Michel, alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper deal, brought to Delhi after being extradited from UAE pic.twitter.com/33e23YkNm9 ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2018 The central probe agency in a press note said the entire extradition operation was conducted under the guidance of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and coordination of interim CBI Director M Nageswara Rao. A team lead by Joint CBI Director A Sai Manohar had been to Dubai to extradite James, who has been avoiding criminal proceedings in India in AgustaWestland case. The action comes after the Court of Cassation in UAE had in November upheld a lower court order which said that Michel could be extradited to India. According to the report, James was kept under detention at the Dubai Police`s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as per the Indian government`s request. The extradition is undertaken in coordination with the Interpol and the CID. James is one of three middlemen being probed in the case by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the scam. In January, the ED had lodged a request with the UAE authorities for extraditing James. Both the ED and the CBI had filed chargesheets in bribery cases in Indian courts and non-bailable warrants had been issued against the accused. In 2017, a Red Corner notice was issued against James by the Interpol on a request by the CBI. RCNs were also issued against two Italians involved in the scam -- Carlo Gerosa and Guido Haschke. According to Indian investigative agencies, James had received at least Rs 235 crore for ensuring that the chopper contract went to AgustaWestland. He was a frequent visitor to India, having undertaken 300 trips to this country between 1997 and 2013. The ED officials earlier had said that bribes to James were paid through a web of companies located abroad and in India on the pretext of payment for consultancy work. James also used his Dubai-based firm Global Services FZE as a conduit for money. In its chargesheet, the CBI had named former Indian Air Force chief S.P. Tyagi, his cousin Sanjeev Tyagi alias Julie, then IAF Vice Chief J.S. Gujral and advocate Gautam Khaitan as the four Indians involved in the scam. The chargesheet mentioned Khaitan as the "brain" behind the deal. Others named in the chargesheet included Giuseppe Orsi, the former chief of Italian defence and aerospace major Finmeccanica, and Bruno Spagnolini, former CEO of AgustaWestland, apart from middlemen James, Haschke and Gerosa. On January 1, 2014, India cancelled the contract with Finmeccanica`s British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over an alleged breach of contractual obligations and on charges of paying kickbacks amounting to Rs 423 crore. The CBI, which registered an FIR in the case on March 12, 2013, had alleged that Tyagi and the other accused received kickbacks from AgustaWestland to help it win the contract. At least one jawan of the Indian Army was injured on Wednesday after Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir. The ceasefire violation took place at Uri sector of Baramulla district in the state. The injured soldier has been admitted to the hospital. This is a developing story. More details awaited. HYDERABAD: Hitting out at ruling BJP dispensation at the Centre, the Congress party on Wednesday accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government of forcing AgustaWestland bribery case middleman Christian Michel to sign false statement naming UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The Congress party also accused the Prime Minister of being the "protector, benefactor and promoter" of AgustaWestland and its parent company Finmeccanica. ''The Congress government had investigated against AgustaWestland company, blacklisted it and recovered money from the company. When Narendra Modi Ji came to power, he protected, benefited and lifted the blacklist off the company,'' Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said. Randeep Surjewala, Congress in Hyderabad: Congress government had investigated against #AgustaWestland company, blacklisted it and recovered money from the company. When Modi Ji came, he protected, benefited and lifted the blacklist off the company. pic.twitter.com/XxyH8Q15ID ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 The main opposition party also demanded a CBI probe into PM Modi`s role in "exonerating" the Italian defence and aerospace major which was blacklisted by the UPA. Citing Christian Michel's advocate Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos' July 17 statement, Surjewala said, "the Modi government and its agencies were forcing Michel to sign a false confessional statement naming UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in return for complete exoneration from any charge whatsoever in the AgustaWestland Case". "Even Michel`s sister had come out and reiterated the coercions of falsely naming opposition leaders as a ticket for exoneration of Christian Michel. Their interviews were recorded by many Indian TV channels also," Surjewala said. "Never before in the history of India has a Prime Minister been found complicit in gaining false evidence against Opposition leaders to seek revenge. "This shocking expose is also a testimony to the disease prevailing in CBI/ED prostrating before the Prime Minister to collect fake and false evidence with a single minded aim of tarnishing the reputation of opposition leaders and serving the political masters as a captive puppet and a willing tool of malicious conspiracy," the Congress leader alleged. The Congress attack on the Centre came on a day when both PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah hit out at the main opposition party saying Michel, who has taken Sonia Gandhi`s name, "will spill the beans" on the deal during the UPA government's tenure. Responding to their allegations, Congress alleged that the Modi government was indulging in cover-up to "hide its sinister role in helping and promoting the AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica which were blacklisted by the UPA. "The most intriguing part of the conspiracy is the undisclosed reason on part of Modi government for permitting a blacklisted company to get clearances from Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) and permit its entry as partner or sub-contractor to various Indian corporates,'' Surjewala said. "Not only this, the Modi government also sought a special opinion from its Attorney General in July, 2014 and permitted AgustaWestland/Finmeccanica to be part of Make in India and bid for 100 Naval Utility Helicopters, besides clearing its investment proposals through FIPB for manufacture of AW119 helicopters in partnership with Tata," Surjewala added. Surjewala said that it was time for the CBI to investigate PM Modi`s role in exonerating AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica instead of "weaving fake story to deflect attention". It may be noted that the British national, Christian Michel James, a middleman wanted in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, was extradited to India late on Tuesday. He was sent to a five-day CBI custody by a special court in connection with the case on Wednesday. Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) supremo Upendra Kushwaha is expected to walk out of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Thursday. According to sources, a decision in this regard was taken at Chintan Shivir, key meeting of RLSP leaders on Wednesday. The sources further said that the Union Minister will announce the decision to end the alliance with the BJP at a public meeting in Motihari on Thursday. The Chintan Shivir was held at Valmikinagar. This comes just days after Kushwaha targeted the BJP leadership, claiming he had sought time with Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi but was denied the same. The RLSP chief had said, I do not know why neither Shah (Amit) nor Modi (Narendra) gave me an appointment. They may have had other preoccupations. But there are other modes of communication. There could have been at least a phone call. Last month, Kushwaha had alleged that Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal United (JDU) supremo Nitish Kumar was trying to poach his MLAs. He had said, Nitish Kumar ji has been trying to poach MLAs. He has come down to destroying Upendra Kushwaha and his party, but he cannot cause any damage to me. He is a part of the NDA and so are we, he should not do such things. Speculations have also been rife over Kushwaha inclining towards the Mahagathbandhan, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, among other smaller parties. The speculations had been triggered following a meeting between Kushwaha and leader of opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, who has been at the helm of RJD affairs since party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadavs conviction in fodder scam cases. Suggesting that political discussions took place during the meeting, former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi had told mediapersons that meetings are always positive. TSX-Venture Exchange: SUGR, SUGR.WT CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SugarBud Craft Growers Corp. (SugarBud or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Saeid Mobini, Ph.D. as Master Cultivator and Mr. Craig Kolochuk, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Mobini holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture and Agricultural-Biotechnology with a focus on aeroponics, soilless and tissue culture and plant breeding. Most recently, Dr. Mobini was a greenhouse specialist at the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Ministry where he focused on LED lighting applications in commercial scale aeroponic and hydroponic systems. Prior thereto, Dr. Mobini was a postdoctoral fellow and research officer at the University of Saskatchewan, where he developed innovative concepts for improving indoor crop growth and production. Dr. Mobini has identified highly effective combinations of LED spectrum, undertaken extensive plant breeding programs, and developed state-of-the-art aeroponics systems intended to maximize cannabinoid and terpene profiles, plant quality and yields. We couldnt be happier that Dr. Mobini has elected to join the SugarBud team. Dr. Mobini is a member of the Canadian Cannabis Breeding Consortium (cannabisbreeding.ca) who brings unparalleled passion and dedication to cannabis horticulture. We expect that Dr. Mobini will add significant value in our quest to grow hand-crafted, select-batch, ultra-premium bud, stated Mr. Kolochuk. SugarBud is also pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr. Kolochuk to its Board of Directors. Mr. Kolochuk joined SugarBud as President in April 2018 and assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2018. Mr. Dan Wilson, SugarBuds Chairman, stated: Craig has been instrumental to SugarBuds success to date. His continued leadership and dedication to SugarBud will ensure that we execute on our business plan and capitalize on other high-impact initiatives for the benefit of our shareholders. About SugarBud Craft Growers Corp. SugarBud is a Calgary based emerging cannabis company engaged in the development, acquisition, production and distribution of cannabis in Canada. For further information regarding this news release, please contact: Craig Kolochuk President & Chief Executive Officer SugarBud Craft Growers Corp. Phone: (403) 875-5665 E-mail: craigk@sugarbud.ca Jeff Swainson Chief Financial Officer SugarBud Craft Growers Corp. Phone: (403) 796-3640 E-mail: jeffs@sugarbud.ca Investor Relations Contact Gary Perkins, President Tekkfund Capital Corp. Tel: (416) 882-0020 E-mail: garyperkins@rogers.com Website: http://www.sugarbud.ca/ Address: Suite 620, 634 - 6th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 0S4 Telephone: 403-532-4466 Fax: 587-955-9668 Forward Looking and Cautionary Statements This news release may include forward-looking statements including opinions, assumptions, estimates, the Companys assessment of future plans and operations, and, more particularly, statements concerning the performance of key staff members. When used in this document, the words will, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, intent, may, project, should, and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are founded on the basis of expectations and assumptions made by the Company which include, but are not limited to, receipt of bids in respect of the sale of its oil and gas assets. Forward-looking statements are subject to a wide range of risks and uncertainties, and although the Company believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will be realized. Any number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to: regulatory and third party approvals not being obtained in the manner or timing anticipated; changes in general market conditions; industry conditions and events; competition from other industry participants; and other factors more fully described from time to time in the reports and filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities. Please refer to the Companys annual information form (AIF) for the year ended December 31, 2017 and managements discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three and nine months September 30, 2018 for additional risk factors relating to the Company. The AIF and MD&A can be accessed under the Companys profile on www.sedar.com. Except as required by applicable laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Neither the TSXV nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Orissa High Court on Wednesday granted bail to journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra, more than a month after he was arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks on Konark temple. Earlier on Tuesday, the Odisha government had decided to grant pardon to Abhijit, who is lodged in jail for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the state, its people and culture, officials said. The decision came following Mitra's prayer to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to consider withholding sanction to prosecute him in certain criminal cases pending against him, a home department official said. "He (Mitra) has appealed to the chief minister to accept his apology and contrition in having wounded the sentiments of people of Odisha without intention," the official said. Mitra had further mentioned in his representation that in consideration of his unconditional apology in having hurt the sentiments of the people of Odisha "unintentionally without malice and mal-intent", the Odisha Assembly pardoned him on November 17. "Taking into account his representation, the government decided not to accord sanction of prosecution in cases where prosecution has been sought for and also decided to take steps to withdraw other cases pending against him by following laid-down procedures," the official said. The Delhi-based journalist and researcher was arrested on October 23 after he posted a video on his Twitter handle, allegedly criticising Odisha, Lord Jagannath, Konark temple and the Odisha lawmakers. Two cases were registered against Mitra at Saheed Nagar Police Station in Bhubaneswar and Konark Police Station in Puri district. He was arrested under various sections of IPC, Information Technology Act and Ancient Monument & Archaeological sites & Remains Act. In his petition to the state government, Mitra requested the chief minister and the chief secretary to withdraw the sanctions prosecuting him under Section 196 of the CrPC. He also apologised for the video saying he didn't intend to hurt the sentiments of the people of Odisha. The Odisha Assembly had on November 17 pardoned Mitra after he tendered an unconditional and unreserved apology for his statement against the lawmakers. The assembly accepted the recommendations made by a House Committee which was set up to enquire into the question of alleged breach of privilege relating to the statement made by Mitra. The committee was set up on September 20 following concerns expressed by MLAs cutting across party lines. Mitra, who has been lodged at the high-security Jharpada Special Jail in the state capital, was admitted to a hospital in Bhubaneswar after he complained of illness on December 2. Mumbai: The Bombay High Court Wednesday dismissed an application filed by late actor Jiah Khan's mother Rabia, seeking retrieval of messages her daughter and her actor-boyfriend Sooraj Pancholi exchanged on Blackberry messenger. Pancholi has been charged with abetting Khan's suicide. According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Khan, best known for her performance in film "Nishabd" starring Amitabh Bachchan, was found hanging at her residence here on June 3, 2013. In her application filed before the court, Rabia had sought to bring on record as evidence the details of the Blackberry messenger chats exchanged between her daughter and Pancholi. On Wednesday, Justice Mridula Bhatkar rejected Rabia's request. While dismissing the plea, Justice Bhatkar said the request made by Rabia was "not feasible under the law". A detailed order is likely to be made public by Thursday. During a previous hearing, the CBI had told the court that the mobile phones of Khan and Pancholi had been sent to a forensic laboratory, where experts said the messages could not be retrieved. The Mumbai police, which probed the case initially, had recovered a three-page unsigned note narrating Khan's "intimate relationship with Pancholi, physical abuse, and mental and physical torture at his hands" from her flat. Handwriting experts later confirmed that the note was written by the actor. In October 2013, Rabia moved the high court alleging that her daughter had been murdered. She sought a CBI probe, which was granted in July 2014. In January this year, the CBI filed a charge sheet against Pancholi, the son of actors Aditya Pancholi and Zareena Wahab, before a trial court, charging him under section 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code. New Delhi: While glimpses from Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' dreamy wedding are taking the internet by storm, looks like B-town celebrities, too, can't stop gushing about the stills and videos. Nick and Priyanka took to their respective social media handles to unveil their wedding photographs and ever since, their fans and film industry friends are in awe of the sheer grandeur of the event. Actor Abhishek Bachchan wrote: "Many congratulations to the two of you." Neha Dhupia wrote: "Congratulations you two.. always and forever." Esha Gupta, while sharing a photo of the newlyweds on her Instagram Story, wrote "So beautiful.." and tagged the much-in-love couple. "Congratulations Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas! Wish you both a forever filled with joy, beautiful memories and loads of magic!" wrote actor Dia Mirza along with a picture of the couple on Instagram. Katrina Kaif, who took over from Priyanka as the female lead in Ali Abbas Zafar's upcoming film 'Bharat' also extended wishes to the couple on Instagram.Alia Bhatt, too, seemed to be in awe of the stunning photographs, as she wrote "Just too beautiful. Congratulations you guys" along with a photo of the couple from their wedding on her Instagram Story. Actor Sonam Kapoor-Ahuja took to Twitter to congratulate the newlyweds. "Oh god Priyanka what a fairytale and you look breathtaking ?? congratulations to both of you ??" she tweeted. Oh god Priyanka what a fairytale and you look breathtaking __ congratulations to both of you _ https://t.co/Ib9IYF4USO Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) December 4, 2018 Priyanka's 'Bajirao Mastani' co-star Deepika Padukone also extended greetings to her. Yash Raj Films' casting director Shanoo Sharma shared a series of photographs from the fairytale wedding, alongside a caption that read "How beautiful this looks". Priyanka and Nick tied the knot on December 1 and 2 in two elaborate ceremonies at Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace. They first got hitched in a Christian wedding ceremony, which was even more special as it was officiated by Nick's father, Paul Kevin Jonas Sr. On the second day, they got married as per Hindu wedding rituals. New Delhi: The chhote Nawab of B-Town Saif Ali Khan was showered with praises for his act in Netflix originals 'Sacred Games'. His act as Inspector Sartaj Singh in the web-series impressed one and sundry leaving the audience eagerly waiting for its second part. Recently, the actor was spotted at a studio in Bandra and guess what? His turbaned look gave it all. The actor, it seems, has started shooting for the second part of the web-series and we can't be more excited. The paps managed to click him and here are the pictures: (Pic Courtesy: Yogen Shah) The show also starred Radhika Apte and Nawazuddin Siddiqui among others. 'Sacred Games' is a thriller based on Vikram Chandra's 2006 novel of the same name. The first Netflix original series in India, it was helmed by renowned filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap, who also produced it. 'Sacred Games' was an 8 episode series which had subtitles in more than 20 languages. Are you excited to watch 'Sacred Games 2'? New Delhi: The task force set up to redraft Income Tax law will focus on removing the ambiguities, rather than suggesting dramatic policy changes and tweaking of tax rates, the panel's convenor Akhilesh Ranjan said Tuesday. Ranjan said the 6-member task force formed to redraft the over 50-year old I-T law will meet shortly to draft a new law which will be more comprehensible. "Tax rate is prima-facie not the main focus area of this task force.... (task force will focus on) simplification which can remove the ambiguities," Ranjan told reporters here. He said there are clauses, provisos and explanations which have been added to the I-T Act, 1961 over time which need to be streamlined in simple language. "We have been adding provisions after provisions, explanations after explanations, they have become inconsistent, ambiguous. So let us clarify the real intent of the law. In that process there may be some new policy initiatives while trying to make things clear. "The focus is not on coming out with a new tax policy but focus is on making the law more comprehensible," said Ranjan, who is member legislation in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). The task force was set up by the finance ministry in November last. Arbind Modi was made the convenor of the panel and he retired on September 30. On November 26, Ranjan was appointed as the new convenor, who has been mandated to submit the report by February 28, 2019. Asked if the panel would submit any report before the interim budget on February 1, Ranjan said it is unlikely. The NDA government will be presenting its interim Budget for 2019-20 on February 1. The full Budget would be presented after the general elections due sometime in the mid of 2019. In September last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had said in an event that the Income-tax Act, 1961 needs to be redrafted. Other members of the task force include Girish Ahuja (chartered accountant), Rajiv Memani (Chairman and Regional Managing Partner of EY), Mukesh Patel (practicing tax advocate), Mansi Kedia (Consultant, ICRIER) and G C Srivastava (retired IRS and advocate). "I am having a meeting (of task force) very shortly. I'm sure that they have done a lot of work and I would like to know what is the work that has been done till now and we will take it forward," Ranjan said. The panel was tasked to draft direct tax laws in line with the laws prevalent in other countries, incorporating international best practices, and keeping in mind the economic needs of the country. Former finance minister P Chidambaram had in 2009 proposed a direct taxes code (DTC) to replace the cumbersome IT law to embody the principle of keeping taxes low and removing exemptions. The NDA government, since coming to power in 2014, has already implemented general anti-avoidance rules GAAR. In 2016, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also promised to lower corporate tax rate to 25 percent in 5 years. Currently, income up to Rs 2.5 lakh per annum is exempt from tax for individuals. Geneva: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani made an apparent threat on Tuesday to disrupt other countries` oil shipments through the Gulf if Washington presses ahead with efforts to halt Iranian oil exports. The United States has imposed sanctions on Iran and US officials say they aim to reduce Iran`s oil exports to zero in a bid to curb the Islamic Republic`s missile programme and regional influence. "America should know that we are selling our oil and will continue to sell our oil and they are not able to stop our oil exports," Rouhani said in a televised speech during a trip to the northern Iranian city of Shahroud. "If one day they want to prevent the export of Iran`s oil, then no oil will be exported from the Persian Gulf," he said. Rouhani made similar comments in July. Also in July, an Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander, Ismail Kowsari, was quoted as saying that Tehran would block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz lf the United States banned Iranian oil sales. Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States after US President Donald Trump withdrew from a multilateral nuclear deal in May and reimposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Rouhani said the United States would not succeed in cutting Iran`s economic ties with the region and the world. "The most hostile group in America, with relation to Iran, has taken power," Rouhani said, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). "Of course they never had a friendship with the people of Iran and we never trusted America or others 100 percent." Earlier, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif denied a Reuters report that said a European mechanism to set up an account to trade with Iran and beat the newly reimposed US sanctions may not cover oil sales, the Iranian foreign ministry website reported. "Based on the information we have, it`s not so. Because if Iran`s oil money is not deposited into the account, it`s not clear that there would be any funds for trade, because oil is a major part of Iran`s exports," Zarif said, according to the website. "This appears to be propaganda aimed at discouraging people," Zarif added. France and Germany are to take joint responsibility for the EU-Iran trade mechanism, Reuters reported. But the agency quoted diplomats as saying that, with US threats of retribution for sanctions-busting unrelenting, the goals of the nascent trade mechanism could be scaled back to encompass only less sensitive items such as humanitarian and food products. Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri said on Tuesday that US sanctions were hitting vulnerable people in Iran. "When (Americans) say their target is the Iranian government and there won`t be pressure on the sick, the elderly and the weak in society, it`s a lie," Jahangiri said, according to IRNA. WASHINGTON: Senior US senators said on Tuesday they were more certain than ever that Saudi Arabia`s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, was responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after receiving a CIA briefing on the matter. "You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organised by people under the command of MbS," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters after the meeting with Central Intelligence Agency Director Gina Haspel, referring to the crown prince by his initials. In his bid to pressure the Trump administration to condemn the crown prince, Graham, who has become one of the president`s most vocal allies, said there may not be a "smoking gun," but that there was a "smoking saw," a reference to a bone saw that investigators said was used to cut up Khashoggi`s body. Making some of their strongest accusations so far, both Republicans and Democrats said they still want to pass legislation to send a message to Saudi Arabia that the United States condemns the death of Khashoggi. But they remain sharply divided over how to do so. Many Democrats want a "straight up or down vote" on a war powers resolution to end all U.S. support for the Saudi coalition in Yemen, without amendments. But President Donald Trump and some of his fellow Republicans have argued that Washington should not take action that would risk its relationship with Riyadh, which is viewed as an important counterweight to Iran in the Middle East. "Somebody should be punished," Republican Senator Richard Shelby said. "Now the question is how do you separate the Saudi crown prince and his group from the nation itself?" Last week, 14 of Trump`s fellow Republicans, who hold a slim majority in the Senate and rarely break from the president, defied his wishes and voted with Democrats to advance the measure that would end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war effort in Yemen. The unusual vote last week came shortly after a briefing by Trump`s Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, who urged lawmakers not to do anything to undermine the U.S.-Saudi relationship. Haspel`s absence from that briefing angered senators. Graham said he would not vote for the Yemen resolution. He said he would prefer to pass a separate bill to cut off arms sales to Saudi Arabia, military aid for the war in Yemen and impose sanctions on those responsible for individuals responsible for human rights abuses. Graham introduced a bill setting out those goals last month. Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, another lead sponsor of the legislation, told reporters after the Haspel briefing that he might try to get it passed as an amendment to a must-pass spending bill if the Senate does not pass the war powers resolution. Both Republicans and Democrats urged Trump himself to strongly condemn the killing after he stood by the crown prince. "If the crown prince went in front of a jury, he`d be convicted in 30 minutes," said Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Asked if he would be convicted of murder, Corker replied "Yes." The senators spoke to reporters as they left the closed-door briefing for some Senate committee leaders and Senate leaders by CIA Director Haspel. "Before this briefing, I was convinced that we had to take steps on the war in Yemen and I believe that we had to take steps on the Saudis, Menendez said. "I am only solidified in that view after this briefing. It is my hope that the Senate will act and send a strong, unequivocal message that such actions cannot stand and I believe that my legislation with Senator Graham is the appropriate response." Corker shook his head no when asked if he thought Haspel`s Senate briefing on Tuesday had changed any minds. Khashoggi, a U.S. resident who was a columnist for the Washington Post, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. Senators acknowledged there are still deep divides between the two parties on how to proceed. Corker said it would be "difficult" to come up with legislation that could pass the Senate. He said he was working with colleagues on how to amend the resolution, and he had not had suggestions from the Trump administration on how it might prefer to proceed. Bethesda, Maryland, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) is seeking applicants for its 2019 Bladder Cancer Research Innovation Award which will fund one $300,000 two-year grant to an experienced investigator who will break new ground in the field of bladder cancer. The application process is open, and letters of intent are due by January 16, 2019. Launched in 2013 and considered the cornerstone of BCANs research program, the Bladder Cancer Research Innovation Award supports novel and creative projects to produce breakthroughs in the management of bladder cancer. The proposed research may be basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological and must have direct applicability and relevance to bladder cancer. Projects that are high-risk and high-reward, as opposed to incremental in nature, are encouraged. By 2019, BCAN will have invested more than $4.3 million to fund bladder cancer research. BCAN is thrilled to continue our support of outstanding researchers in their quests to improve the understanding and treatment of bladder cancer. Scientific findings from past awardees offer hope to the many individuals diagnosed with this common cancer, stated Andrea Maddox-Smith, CEO of BCAN. Recently, BCAN was recognized by Charity Navigator as one of America's Top Ten Best Medical Research organizations for being committed to funding cutting-edge research and finding breakthroughs for a spectrum of conditions and diseases. The Award is available to full time, independent investigators who are affiliated with a nonprofit academic, medical or research institution within the United States or Canada. Eligible recipients include investigators who have experience in other areas of cancer or biomedical/health science research with promising ideas and approaches that can be applied to bladder cancer research. Go to www.BCAN.org/2019-bcan-innovation-award for full research guidelines and instructions for letters of intent and applications. # # # About the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Networks (BCAN) mission is to increase public awareness about bladder cancer, advance bladder cancer research, and provide educational and support services for the bladder cancer community. BCAN serves as the leading voice for bladder cancer in the U.S., providing resources to not only those diagnosed with the disease but their families, caregivers and the medical community united in support of people touched by the disease. BCAN promotes and funds collaborative and cutting-edge research programs, providing critical patient support and education services. Each year, BCAN provides thousands of patients, caregivers, and the medical community with the educational resources and support services they need to navigate their bladder cancer journey. BCAN works collaboratively with the medical and research professionals dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of bladder cancer and empowers the patient community by allowing them to share experiences with others, and to participate in building awareness of the need for a cure. For more information go to www.bcan.org or call 1-888-901-BCAN (2226). According to the World Health Organization, in 2000 there were 29.6 suicides per 100 thousand people in Ukraine. After 10 years, their number dropped to 18-19, but over the past couple of years it has increased again and exceeded 20 suicides per 100 thousand people. A new wave of suicides is caused by several factors: a decline in economic prosperity, a certain political ambiguity, personal frustration and a lack of confidence in the future. In general, these are the reasons that push the citizens of developing countries with a low level of wealth to end their lives. But in the case of Ukraine, another category of people is being added - the current and former military. After all, completely different laws are in force at the front, and the way of life there is very different from that which people lead in the peaceful territory of the country. At the same time, it is very important to understand how participants in the hostilities ready to fight with an external aggressor. Sharp mobilization, without any adaptation and "transitional regime", forced the young recruits to raise their weapons, to fight for their country. At the same time, volunteers, that is, politically and ideologically convinced people, suffer from depression, disorientation and desocialization much less. These reflections were confirmed by a recent study of our Psychology Institute. From this it follows those people who went to the front not as a volunteer, but due to mobilization, tend to commit suicide much more. As the chief prosecutor of Ukraine, Anatoliy Matios, said in one of his interview, 2-3 servicemen commit suicide weekly in the combat area: that is, since the beginning of hostilities in the East, more than 500 soldiers of our army have killed themselves. At the same time, these calculations do not take into account the already demobilized combatants. Global Statistics and Ukraine According to the State Statistics Service, last year the suicide rate in Ukraine was 16.6 people per 100 thousand people (WHO data differ: 20.1 per 100 thousand people), that is, about 7 thousand Ukrainians became victims of suicide. Suicide in Ukraine is the second cause of death after the natural and external causes. Countries with a higher standard of living - South Korea, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland are higher in this ranking. In general, suicide rates are higher in high-income countries than in poor countries. This is due to the following factors: 1. People with low incomes work a lot of time, they have no time to think about the meaning of life. They have a goal: to increase wealth in the family, to provide their relatives with the most necessary things. This goal (as well as any other objectivized goals) keeps them afloat. In South Korea (rate 24.1) people are stressed from childhood. At first, the child studies almost round-the-clock in several schools, then there comes a time of the same hard and continuous work, but there is no time for rest and relaxation. Five years ago in the Republic of Korea, there was one of the highest suicide rates in the world, so the government had to create various psychological support services, and in places where people most often commit suicides, they hung posters: "The best part of your life is still to come." Such measures of the state significantly reduced the number of deaths. As for Ukraine, our people are holding back from suicide because of the struggle for the independence of the state, which has lasted for centuries (nomadic tribes, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Austria-Hungary, and finally the Russian Federation). And it is possible to reduce the increasing number of suicides due to hostilities. To do this, it is enough to at least tell the person that there are free services in the country, where they can call or come and where they will always be listened to. Such services will help them to understand themselves and the situation. People on the verge of suicide are often deprived of the belief that someone can help them solve their problems, that there is a real solution. It is possible to reduce the number of suicides in the country through the early diagnosis and treatment of depressive states. Persons who decide to commit suicide express their intentions directly or indirectly. According to world statistics, more than 80% of people committing suicide, usually inform their close friends or work colleagues about their intention. It is important to protect relatives suffering from depression from alcohol and drug use, as well as cut off their contact with persons who have previously attempted suicide. Make it clear to a friend that he is not alone, that you support him and make joint plans to get out of a difficult situation. Remember that criticizing or calling for prudence and optimism is ineffective. A good way out would be to entice a person into solving immediate domestic issues. Your faithful allies in the struggle of a loved one with the burden of self-destruction can also be the presence of religious and spiritual values, the unfulfilled professional and personal plans and dreams, the need to care for children, affection for a person from the side of relatives and friends. Read original article at 112.ua One of the Ukrainian defenders deceased in combat in eastern Ukraine; two more were wounded, the HQ of Joint Forces Operation reported. 'Over the day, Russian occupant forces violated the ceasefire mode 11 times. Four cases of use of Minsk-banned weapons were documented', the message says. The report added that the illegal armed units of Russian militants attacked Novozvanivka, Luhanske, Avdiivka, Berezove, Novomykhailivka, Starohnativka, Vodyane and Shyrokyne. The enemy mostly used small arms, heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, IFVs and grenade launchers. 82 mm mines hit Ukrainian positions near Vodyane, Shyrokyne and Luhanske. In the latter case, the mercenaries opened fire from 120 mm mortars, too. The militants used weapons prohibited by Minsk Agreements four times Open source One Ukrainian serviceman sustained injuries as a result of hostilities in eastern Ukraine on December 5, reports the press office of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) on Facebook. Today, December 5, the Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire regime eight times One serviceman from the Joint Forces received injuries, as a result of combat actions, reads the report. The militants used weapons prohibited by Minsk Agreements four times. In the afternoon, the enemy opened aimed fire 82mm mortars, ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft mount, grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, and small arms at the positions of the Joint Forces in the area of Vilne farmstead. At the same location, the occupiers used anti-tank guided missiles, the headquarters reported. It is also noted that the strongholds of the Ukrainian forces near Opytne were fired 120mm mortars, and defensive fortifications near Krasnohorivka were fired from heavy machine guns. Moreover, the Russian armed formations performed shelling on the approaches to Taramchuk, Novomykhailivka, and Hnutove. Over the last day, December 4, 24 attacks against Ukrainian forces were recorded. As a result of the combat actions, one Ukrainian serviceman died, three more sustained injuries. It was established during the identification parade that it is a body of Serhy Prodanyuk Open source Illegal armed formations have passed the body of soldier Serhiy Prodanyuk deceased in the fight on November 29 to the Ukrainian side, as the press service of the Headquarters of Joint Forces Operation (JFO) reported on Facebook. On December 5, in Luhansk region, after long negotiations, the illegal armed formations of the Russian Federation passed the body of deceased Ukrainian solder to the Ukrainian side in the presence of the OSCE. After the identification parade, the authenticity of the body of Serhiy Prodanyuk, the report says. It was reminded that Prodanyuk went missing after the clash on November 29 near Krymske (Luhansk region). The soldier died by resisting offensives of the enemys diversion intelligence group. He killed one militant. Over the past 24 hours, on December 4, one Ukrainian serviceman was killed, another three sustained wounds in the combat area in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian military intelligence added that two occupants were killed and five more were injured over the said period. When the Island Bay cargo ship arrived from Beirut at the Kerch Strait, gateway to the Azov Sea, it sailed into a perfect storm of geopolitics and bad weather Open source When the Island Bay cargo ship arrived from Beirut at the Kerch Strait, gateway to the Azov Sea, it sailed into a perfect storm of geopolitics and bad weather. The following day, Russia opened fire on three Ukrainian naval ships, impounded them and detained their sailors, some of them wounded. It then blocked the strait by putting a tanker underneath a new bridge it has built linking the Russian mainland to the Crimean peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. While the world digested the implications of the Nov. 25 incident, the most explosive clash in recent years, Russia said it had reopened the channel to the Azov Sea, which is shared by Russia and Ukraine. But Island Bay remained at anchor outside the strait, lashed by gale force winds and sleet, its hull icing over while cargo ships amassed on either side. On Monday, a week on, the captain reported seeing 20 vessels awaiting clearance to cross. Refinitiv data that day also showed 20 Ukraine-bound vessels held up at the strait since Nov. 25, with two others allowed through. Meanwhile, Island Bays cargo of 5,500 tonnes of wheat, destined for flour mills in Libya, waited in the Ukrainian port of Berdyansk. The saga of the ship is a window on the leverage Moscow has over Ukraines Azov seaboard, affecting dock workers, port operators, brokers and farmers who depend on the route. Russia, whose coast guards began inspecting traffic in the Kerch Strait eight months ago, blamed inclement weather for the delay. But on Sunday, when the skies cleared, just a handful of ships passed through; by Monday evening, the Island Bays captains frustration was beginning to show. It is acceptable weather for transit. Coast guards have own opinion, his log, seen by Reuters, said. That day, he reported seeing just two ships cross into the Azov Sea. Ukraine says the hiatus is one of many since the Russian spot-checks began in May, when Russia opened the Kerch bridge, interrupting exports of grain and steel and imports of coal. Moscow denies any disruption. THE STEVEDORES In Berdyansks port, where icy winds had recently ripped off the roof of a nearby shed, staff of stevedore company Ascet Shipping were reading the daily reports from the Island Bay with growing concern. Ascet loads almost a million tonnes of Ukrainian grain a year onto cargo ships in Berdyansk and was waiting to load the Island Bay; its size means each day of waiting time costs around $2,000-$2,500, Ascets chief executive, Denis Rusin, said. This has made Berdyansk an unpopular port in recent months. Ship owners do not want to go to Berdyansk, said Rusin, whose clients include U.S. firm Cargill [CARG.UL], one of the worlds largest dry bulk and tank shipping companies. Buyers are refusing to bet on passage. Since Russia and Ukraine clashed in the strait, Ukraine has introduced martial law in 10 regions, including the Azov Sea coast - highlighting the risks of doing business with Berdyansk. For us this was the worst week in recent years, Rusin said. Clients have stopped considering the possibility of signing contracts for delivery in January, let alone February or spring, he said. THE PORT Some Ukrainian politicians have accused Moscow of trying to strangle Ukraines Azov Sea ports in preparation for an invasion from the east, following on from Crimeas annexation and the subsequent breakaway of Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine. Moscow says that idea is a fantasy dreamt up by Ukraines pro-Western leaders ahead of elections next year. It says it has the right to patrol the strait. But Berdyansks businesses say the patrols target ships bound for Ukraine, causing damaging delays. The recent escalation in tensions has not affected ships coming to pick up grain from the Russian side of the Azov Sea, according to Sergei Filipov, director of trading firm QAM7 Dubai, which has operations there. He said inspections have delayed travel by the usual two or three days. On its eleventh day at anchor in Kerch Strait, with skies finally clear, Island Bay reported to Berdyansk: We called everywhere to make guards (come and) inspect the vessel, but their intentions cannot be explained. The situation has sent Rusin racing to further revise down his business forecasts. Climbing out onto the windswept roof of his office on Friday, he pointed to a single truck of grain where multiple trucks used to line up along the dock. We had expected to load around 150,000 tonnes over the next three months... Maybe 200,000, he said. Now the company is preparing for anything between 50,000 tonnes and no business at all, he said. This was a change of plan that happened this week. The Azov Sea grain supply chain makes up just 2 to 3 percent of Ukraines agricultural exports, deputy central bank chief Dmitry Sologub said. But for the southeastern Zaporozhye region, home to 1.8 million people, it is critical. At the government Port Authority in Berdyansk, officials said they feared for the ports future as clients look to other locations with direct access to the Black Sea. Of course we would prefer (to use other ports), said Erdem Sekreter, fleet manager at Turkeys Bayraktar shipping group, which has two ships waiting to cross the Kerch Strait to reach the Ukrainian coast. It is getting more expensive for ship-owners to go to the Azov Sea the Ukrainian side of course, he added. We are paying out of our pocket now. FARMERS AND TRADERS Bison Group owns 40,000 hectares of arable land in Zaporozhye region and exports much of its harvest via Berdyansk. With ship-owners raising freight charges to factor in the new risks in the Azov Sea, the costs will be passed down to grain producers, Bison deputy director Igor Serov said. It hits agricultural producers really hard. Prices will have to go down by at least $10 per tonne, a trader at Atria Brokers, which handles Berdyansk grain, said. But producers may not have other options. The railway infrastructure is not in place to send exports via Black Sea ports instead, Serov said, and transferring grain by truck to Odessa, for example, would cost an extra $40 per tonne. Buyers are also pulling back, afraid of the risks. Our sales have fallen, the Atria trader said. It has affected us in a fundamental way. Every day Island Bays cargo sits in port, it racks up costs for traders. Grain can spoil, and storage costs are steep. The market is suffering... everyone along the chain is paying the price for these war games, a grain trader said, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation. On Tuesday, Ukraines agriculture ministry said some grain shipments from the Azov Sea had resumed. Five of the 14 ships headed to the Ukrainian port of Mariupol, held up since the stand-off, were still waiting to cross on Wednesday, Refinitiv data showed. One had turned back to Istanbul. In comparison, of the ships aiming for one of Russian city Rostov-on-Dons ports, that had arrived to Kerch Strait since the stand-off began, none were still waiting for passage, the data showed the same day. Only one out of the six boats headed to Berdyansk had crossed by Wednesday. After twelve days at anchor in the waters near the strait, Island Bay was still waiting. Read the original text at Reuters. When relations between Moscow and Ankara rapidly deteriorated in late 2015, following Turkeys shoot-down of a Russian bomber that strayed into Turkish airspace near the border with Syria, Kyiv and Ankara immediately commenced a broad range of cooperative initiatives across their military and economical spheres. That cooperation has persisted, even as Turkeys relations with Russia improved since roughly the summer of 2016 One of the most undesirable geopolitical scenarios for Russia would be the establishment of a strategic alliance between the two other major Black Sea regional powersTurkey and Ukraine. Such an outcome would not only hamper the Kremlins plans in Europes East and the wider Black Sea region but also undermine its ambitions in the Middle East. And though little noticed in the West, just such a process appears to quietly and gradually be underway between Ankara and Kyiv. When relations between Moscow and Ankara rapidly deteriorated in late 2015, following Turkeys shoot-down of a Russian bomber that strayed into Turkish airspace near the border with Syria (see EDM, December 3, 2015), Kyiv and Ankara immediately commenced a broad range of cooperative initiatives across their military and economical spheres. That cooperation has persisted, even as Turkeys relations with Russia improved since roughly the summer of 2016 (see EDM, June 30, 2016). Last month, on November 34, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko visited Turkey to meet with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan (President.gov.ua, November 3). This was the two leaders fifth official meeting. As has been common to their talks in the past, they discussed issues falling into three main baskets: the military, economics, and Turkish arbitration in Ukraines relations with Russiain particular, concerning the situation of the Crimean Tatars in occupied Crimea. As part of the visit, Poroshenko and Erdogan held the seventh meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council, a bilateral format first established in 2011 (President.gov.ua, November 3). After talking with Erdogan, President Poroshenko stressed, Important for us are Turkeys assurances that it will not stand aside amidst Russias aggression in the Sea of Azov Fakty.ua, November 3). That statement was crucially noteworthy in retrospect, considering the November 25 Russian attack on three Ukrainian naval vessels trying to reach Ukraines Azov Sea ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk (see EDM, November 26, 28, 29). Earlier this year (June 12), Poroshenko also attended the opening ceremony of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), in Turkey. At this event, the Ukrainian president declared that his country would be open to receiving gas from this pipeline (Korrespondent.net, June 13). Yet, for the Kremlin, the most irritating aspect of Turkey and Ukraines evolving relations is arguably their growing military cooperation. These two states already jointly participate in the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations (NATO) military drills in the Black Sea. At the same time, Turkey controls the Turkish Straits, which, according to the Montreux Convention, it could close off, thus limiting Russias access to the Eastern Mediterranean in a time of war. From Ukraines perspective, the Montreux Convention is a double-edged sword, since it also limits passage through the Straits for nonBlack Sea NATO members ships. Moreover, Turkey continues to oppose the creation of a permanent Alliance naval mission in the Black Sea. Last September, Ukrainian parliamentary deputy Anna Hopko called on Turkey to block Russias passage through the Straits considering Moscows aggression in the Black and Azov seas (5.ua, September 10). In light of Russias November 25 aggression against Ukraine at sea, that idea has recently gained additional momentum in Kyiv (UNIAN, November 30). To date, Ukrainian-Turkish cooperation in the military sphere has materialized in the following practical initiatives: Turkey and Ukraine jointly participate within the NATO framework and hold regular high-level bilateral meetings. In April 2016, Ukraines state-owned defense-industry enterprise Ukroboronprom began cooperating with Turkish company Havelsan on operating passive radar production facilities (Ukroboronprom.com.ua, April 11, 2016). In April 2017, state firm Ukrinmash began preparations for the creation of a single center for cybersecurity in Ukraine, together with consultants from Havelsan (Ukrinmash.com, April 2017); In May 2017, Ukrainian state-owned plane-maker Antonov signed a memorandum of cooperation with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the development and production of various modifications of combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The memorandum was also signed by the head of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov (Ukroboronprom.com.ua, May 10, 2017). In November 2016, following a year of negotiations, Ukraine signed an agreement with the Turkish firm ASELSAN for the procurement of military radio systems together with the software necessary to make them compatible with the Ukrainian militarys preexisting Harris and Motorola models (Aselsan.com.tr, October 10, 2017). In April 2018, Turkey and Ukraine presented a jointly built transport plane, the An-188, constructed according to NATO standards (TSN.ua, April 26, 2018). Turkey is considering turning to Ukraine to purchase engines for the Altay main battle tank. Last year, the prime ministers of both states signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the possibility of building Ukrainian 6D3 engines for Turkish tanks (Mil.in.ua, March 29, 2017). In May 2018, Ukrainian state-owned company Luch, together with Turkeys ASELSAN, tested the Skif anti-tank guided missile (Defence-ua.com, September 8). According to Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, Ukraine won a tender for the modernization of Turkeys M-17 helicopters (Twitter.com/AvakovArsen, September 4). Ukraine is open to Turkish participation in a potential United Nations peacekeeping operation in Donbas (Facebook.com/petroporoshenko, April 9). It is possible to draw a number of strategic conclusions based on this growing list of cooperative initiatives. First, their military-technical cooperation may help to speed up the transformation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and assist in bringing them closer to NATO standards. And on the other hand, Turkey is drawing on Ukraines own intellectual and technical resources, including tank engine or aircraft design and construction. Indeed, it is easier for Kyiv to cooperate with a partner that has its own practical reasons to want to work with Ukraine than it is for Kyiv to collaborate with many (more technologically advanced) Western partners. Finally, Turkey and Ukraines close cooperation is driven by a national security interest to counterbalance Russia in the Black Sea region. Russias latest provocative actions regarding the Sea of Azov are thus likely to further spur Turkey and Ukraines developing military strategic partnership. It of course remains to be seen how far either side will push this cooperation. But its further development in the military, political and economic spheres could contribute to preventing further Russian expansion and effectively deter it. Thus, it is in the Wests collective interest to see this strategic military partnership between Kyiv and Ankara expand and flourish. Read the original text here. The Ukrainian border guards did not allow two Russian journalists to enter Ukraine. One of them is chief editor of internet media Takie Dela (so it goes, - 112.international) Anastasiia Lotareva, as she reported about this case on Facebook. Nice Kyiv city, wonderful airport Zhuliany, it is pitiful, I am deported after two hours of expectation to not less beautiful Minsk city. (The purpose of the visit is not confirmed, however, I came at the invitation of the social organization). I was questioned (in a very polite form) about Holodomor, Ukrainian sailors, and Boeing for two hours. Also, when I mentioned Memorial they tensed a lot, confusing it with Immortal regiment and OBD Memorial, she wrote. Besides, Yevgenia Zobnina, the correspondent of Dozhd could not get into the territory of Ukraine. According to the TV channel website, she arrived at the invitation of human rights center Memorial, Luhansk human rights center Alternative, and German organization DRA for the participation in the blog-tour on Donbas. Zobnina had to depart from Kyiv to Kramatorsk in the evening of December 4. The journalist was interviewed at Kyiv airport. Zobnina was asked about the organizer of her visit and who paid for it. Moreover, the law enforcers were interested whether she covered the topics connected with Crimea and construction of the Crimean Bridge, whether she visited the territory of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics and whether she knew about imposing martial law. Finally, Zobnina was refused the entry as she could not confirm the aim of her visit. Ukraine has banned the entry to its territory for the male citizens of Russia in the age from 16 up to 60. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko proposed to tighten the rules of the registration in Ukraine for the Russians. 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. Related video: TORONTO, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2019 Cantech Investment Conference, which has expanded to a two-day event taking place January 29-30 in Toronto, is pleased to announce the return of the Haywood Meeting Centre, hosted and sponsored by Haywood Securities Inc . The Haywood Meeting Centre will provide institutional investors and presenting companies with exclusive access to private meeting rooms. We are pleased to once again partner with the Cantech Investment Conference, the premier technology investment conference in Canada. said Haywoods Senior Technology Analyst, Pardeep S. Sangha. The Haywood Meeting Centre will provide technology companies an opportunity to present their story to institutional investors in a private setting. Once again, we welcome Haywood Securities as a vital part of what is now a two-day exhibition. Haywood has become an essential voice in the capital markets tech community and their presence at Cantech greatly improves our offering, said Cantech Letter Founding Editor, Nick Waddell. The Cantech Investment Conference will bring together game-changing speakers, innovative companies and the most influential investors in the country for an action-packed two-day exposition at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With over 3,000 attendees expected to attend, this will be the ultimate showcase for Canadian technology development and valuable investor opportunities. The Cantech Investment Conference is proudly sponsored by the Toronto Stock Exchange and Haywood Securities Inc. To secure your participation and learn more, please visit CambridgeHouse.com/Cantech . About the Cantech Investment Conference Entering its sixth year, the Cantech Investment Conference is where Canada's next great technology companies meet the investment community. The conference, brought to you by Cantech Letter and Cambridge House International, attracts public market investors, VCs, angel investors and media to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for a powerful two-day exhibit and presentation. Past speakers include Edward Snowden, Chris Hadfield, Sir Terry Matthews, and Dragons' Den stars Michael Wekerle and Michele Romanow. About Haywood Securities Inc. Founded in 1981, Haywood Securities Inc. is a 100% employee-owned investment dealer with 300 employees in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary. Haywood is a full-service investment dealer that provides equity research, investment banking and sales & trading services to both retail and institutional customers across a range of sectors with focused intelligence on mining, oil & gas, technology and diversified industries. The missile, developed by Ukraine's Luch construction bureau can hit the vessels located within the range of 300 km Field tests of Neptune, the anti-ship missile, December 2018 NSDC Neptune, the new anti-ship missile, was successfully tested in Odesa region, southern Ukraine. Stepan Poltorak, Ukraine's defense minister, stated this after the field probes held on December 5. The missile, developed by Ukraine's Luch construction bureau can hit the vessels located within the range of 300 km. 'We tested 'Neptune', our anti-ship missile. At this particular stage, the tasks were completed, and there's even an opportunity to boost the current combat capacity [of the missile]', Poltorak said. The minister added that the military tested an upgraded version of S-125, the surface-to-air missile system. Thanks to the upgrade, the missile fired from it can hit the sea-based targets, too. Poltorak also said that the works on further upgrades will continue. Commenting on the tests, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov said that Ukraine proved it was 'capable of protecting its borders in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.' 24 years ago, Ukraine refused from a nuclear weapon in exchange for security guarantees, which were embodied in the Budapest Memorandum by the UK, U.S., and Russia due to the fact that Ukraine joint the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Ukraines Foreign Ministry demanded that the signatories of the Budapest Memorandum conduct consultations to provide compliance with the obligations and cease Russian aggression, as the press office of the institution reported. 24 years ago, Ukraine refused from a nuclear weapon in exchange for security guarantees, which were embodied in the Budapest Memorandum by UK, the U.S., and Russia due to the fact that Ukraine joint the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. In particular, these states obliged to refrain from the threats or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine. The Foreign Ministry stresses that on November 25, Russia performed another act of armed aggression against Ukraine it has captured Ukraines Navy vessels in the Black Sea and Kerch Strait. On November 28, 2018, Ukraines Foreign Ministry appealed to the signatories of the Budapest Memorandum with a demand to conduct immediate consultations to provide complete compliance with the obligations and immediate termination of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the message says. Ukrainian diplomats stress that Ukraine regards the Budapest Memorandum as an important tool which provides security for Ukraine and demands that Russia adheres to commitments made. Russian aggression and violation of the conditions of Ukraines refusal from nuclear weapon undermines the international regime of non-proliferation and will define the future relations with the countries which can choose the way of development of this type of weapons, the statement says. The representatives of the Foreign Ministry noted that only effective steps can restore credibility to the Budapest Memorandum As it was reported, the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko presented a bill on termination of the Treaty of Friendship with Russia to the Verkhovna Rada. The Head of the State offers to cease the operation of the treaty since April 1, 2019. According to Viktor Muzhenko, Russia is building up forces on the border with Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko, the Head of the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces Reuters Since August, Russia was reinforcing its positions near the border with Ukraine and now, it is the biggest military threat since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, as Viktor Muzhenko, the Head of the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces, said in an interview for Reuters. In front of us is an aggressor who has no legal, moral or any other limits. It is very difficult to predict when it will occur to him to begin active combat actions against Ukraine, he said. Muzhenko showed some satellite imageries, which demonstrate that Russias T-62 M tanks are located 18 kilometers away from the Ukrainian border. According to the Head of the General Staff, the number of these tanks have increased from 93 to 250 from the middle of September till October 1. He noted that this could be evidence of a concerted build-up of Russian forces in the run-up to Nov. 25, when Russia fired on and captured three Ukrainian vessels at the Kerch Strait, an action Kievs leadership fears may be a precursor to a full-scale invasion. This (the Kerch Strait incident) was an act of aggression from regular forces, the border service (of the Russian Federation) in relation to the Ukrainian armed forces, Muzhenko said. Crimea was annexed by Russia by way of the illegal referendum that was held on the peninsula in March 2014. Earlier, the Russian military captured all strategic military objects and buildings of the key authoritative bodies. Neither Ukraine nor the rest of the civilized countries recognized the results of the referendum. A number of the European and the world countries, including Ukraine, imposed the economic sanctions against Russia. On October 7, 2015, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has signed the relevant law. International organizations recognized the occupation and annexation of Crimea illegal and condemned Russia's actions. Western countries have introduced a series of economic sanctions. Russia denied the occupation of the peninsula and calls it a "restoration of historical justice." Related video: According to the Prime Minister of the country, military intelligence defined that the Russian conducted espionage against Bratislava and NATO member states Peter Pellegrini, the Prime Minister of Slovakia Open source Slovakia expelled one of the Russian diplomats, as Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said, Reuters reported. According to him, the military intelligence defined that the Russian conducted espionage against Bratislava and NATO member states. We expelled him on November 22, and he left Slovakia within 48 hours, Pellegrini said. At the same time, the Prime Minister did not specify the status of the diplomat. According to TASS, the Russian Embassy in Slovakia would not comment on this. Slovakia was one of few European states, which did not join a mass exile of the Russian diplomats due to possible involvement in the Skripals case. Then, Ukraine expelled 13 Russian diplomats, and Russia declared 13 Ukrainian diplomats persona non grata. 56 Russians were not let in Ukraine within 24 hours 730 Russians were denied entering Ukraine in some regions of the country, as Ukrinform reported referring to Oleg Slobodyan, Assistant to the Chairman of Ukraines State Border Guard Service. In total, around 730 Russian citizens were denied entering Ukraine since martial law was imposed in Ukraine. 56 Russians were not let in Ukraine within 24 hours, he said. Slobodyan noted that there were no incidents concerning this on the checkpoints. Ukraine has banned the entry to its territory for the male citizens of Russia in the age from 16 up to 60. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko proposed to tighten the rules of the registration in Ukraine for the Russians. 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. The police have enhanced the security of the entrances to Odesa, as Dumskaya reported citing Main Department of the National Police in Odesa region. Particularly, the decision was made to assume extra security measures at the checkpoints Two Columns, Dachne (Odesa-Kyiv highway), and near former plant Tsentrolit at Mykolaiv road. The armored patrol cars will be placed at the checkpoints besides the police officers with the assault rifles. The police also denied information that people without passports are not allowed to Odesa. The law enforcers stop only suspicious cars, trying not to stop the main flow. The gossips that people without passports cannot come to the city is not true. It is fake, the message said. According to the police, two attempts to break out the police cordons were spotted in Odesa since imposing military law: the drunken drivers did not react to the signs to stop. Earlier it was reported that the entry of the small vessels to the Black Sea was banned in Odesa city and Odesa region since December 1. 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. Related video: A ship blocks passage under the Crimean bridge over the Kerch Strait on Nov. 25 Associated Press Ukraines Government decided to allocate $3,600 for every family of the Ukrainian sailors who were captured in Kerch Strait and then taken to Moscow, as Vadym Chernysh, Minister of Temporarily Occupied Territories, 112 Ukraine reported. According to him, such sum is provided by the relevant government decree. There are means in the state budget, they were intended for other categories of persons, for the political prisoners and individuals who are deprived of personal freedom due to political motivation or for social activities. The Government decided that these means can be spent on payments for the POWs. These means are provided in the current state budget, he noted. 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. Today, November 25, the ships of the Ukrainian Navy with two armored gunboats and a sea mule tugboat have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. The intention to make the transition was informed in advance in accordance with international standards in order to ensure the safety of navigation. However, contrary to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Treaty between Ukraine and the Russian Federation on cooperation in the use of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, the Russian coast guard ships - Sobol class patrol boat, Don border guard cruiser, Mangust class patrol boat and Suzdalets anti-submarine warfare ship performed blatantly aggressive acts against the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, reads the message. Related: Moscow's ombudswoman informs Ukrainian colleague on health conditions of Ukrainian sailors It is specified that Don border guard cruiser rammed the Ukrainian armored artillery boat, which led to the damage of the main engine. The Ukrainian Navy states that "the dispatcher service of the occupiers refuses to ensure the right of freedom of navigation, guaranteed by international agreements." Thus, according to the Ukrainian side, Russia has once again demonstrated its aggressive nature and complete disregard for the norms of international law. Related: Ukraine demands to release sailors during Minsk talks Related video: NEW YORK, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The demand for Europe small scale LNG market is projected to grow from 1,902.60 million Euros in 2020 to 5,818.75 million Euros by 2030, while actuating at an estimated CAGR of 11.8% from 2020 to 2030. Europe is likely to experience faster growth as compared to other regions in the global market owing to the mandate set by European Union on sulphur emmsions. For instance, the sulphur emmsions cap for marine fuel is set as 0.5% by the year 2020. Favorable prices of LNG along with growing demand from key sectors such as transportation and power generation, is projected to augment market demand over the forecast period. Also, various government regulations in light of environmental benefits of LNG have fostered the market growth in the region. Small scale LNG includes the direct use of LNG in its liquid form. Conventional modes of regasification and subsequent introduction of LNG into the gas transmission grid for lesser production capacities have now become a part of small scale LNG. These small-scale liquefaction plants posses a production capacity of less than 500,000 tonnes per year (tpy), and vessels with a LNG storage capacity less than 30,000 cubic meters. Small-scale LNG plants are re-deployable and primarily designed for small gas field. Small scale LNG meets the growing demand from the shipping and trucking industries for fuels that are environment friendly as compared to oil and diesel. Key findings from the report: The Europe small scale LNG market is expected to reach 5818.7 million Euros by 2030 at a CAGR of 11.8% Based on application: The road transport fuel segment is likely to be the largest segment of the Europe small scale LNG market in 2020 The marine fuel segment is expected to emerge as the fastest growing segment, over the forecast period Based on off grid power generation: Off-grid industrial segment is projected to hold the largest share of the Europe small scale LNG market in 2020 Based on supply mode: Ship-to-ship segment is likely to dominate the market in 2020 and the trend is likely to continue over the forecast period. Some of the key companies operating in the market include Engie; Fluxys S.A.; Gazprom; Linde Gas; Skangas; Gasrec; Gasnor; Wartsila Corporation; General Electric; and LNG Gorskaya LLC, among others Marine fuel segment : Expected to experience the fastest growth during 2020-2030 The marine fuel segment is likely to propel at the fastest CAGR of 12.48% over the forecast period. A rise in bunkering operations has been observed for small-scale ships, which suggests that the marine use of LNG is also becoming popular. Moreover, the regional fleet of LNG fueled ships in operations are increasing, such as supply & service vessels, and passenger ships among others. LNG offers superior performance, while meeting the environmental requirements as compared to other fuels. Considering these factors, the demand for LNG as a maritime fuel across the region is expected to grow significantly. Road transport fuel segment : likely to dominate the market by 2030 The road transport fuel segment is likely to dominate the market in 2020 with a value of 888.67 million Euros owing to the increasing use of LNG as a cleaner road transport fuel in the region. Additionally, the volumes in truck loading have gone up by 8% as compared to last year, along with an increase in the number of LNG stations across Europe. Off-grid power generation segment Small-scale LNG has emerged as an effective and reliable solution for off-grid power generation and supply. On account of its flexibility, small scale LNG has fuelled demand in areas which were previously unsuited to LNG as a fuel source, such as off-grid power generation in remote areas or islands. These include the use of small scale LNG in households as well as for industrial purposes. A key driver for demand in off-grid power generation application is the development of an efficient and sustainable logistics network so that end users in remote locations can be reached. In addition, the investment required to switch towards LNG power is relatively lower than for other applications such as trucking and bunkering and no major infrastructure is required. Small-Scale LNG Infrastructure The LNG refueling stations are now appearing on the EU major trunk lines. The key suppliers of small scale LNG in Europe include Skangas in Sweden; Gaz Natural Fenosa and Enagas in Spain; Gazprom in Russia; ENGIE in France; and Liquigas in Italy. Most of the European LNG import terminals already offer truck loading and the availability of loading bunkering ships is increasing as well. Regasification terminals in the region have adapted their services to market conditions, while offering flexibility as well as developing small scale LNG infrastructure. These small-scale LNG infrastructure and services contribute towards increasing regional security of supply along with reducing EU emissions. Browse full research report with TOC on "Europe Small-Scale LNG Market Outlook, Trend and Opportunity Analysis, Competitive Insights, Actionable Segmentation & Forecast 2020-2030" at: https://www.energiasmarketresearch.com/europe-small-scale-lng-market-report/ To purchase report: sales@energiasmarketresearch.com Europe Regional Insight Europe has witnessed significant development in small-scale infrastructure in recent years. Countries such as France, Spain, and United Kingdom have multiple small-scale LNG import terminals supplying LNG to industries, off-grid power generation units, and truck refueling stations via truck reloading operations. These terminals also supply LNG to the bunkering terminals for the purpose of providing LNG as a marine fuel for LNG fueled ships. Major European countries plan to set up a bunkering network by the year 2020 for maritime operations. By the year 2025, these countries plan to have a bunkering network to serve inland waterways vessels as well. Germany, France, Spain, and United Kingdom among other countries are developing the Blue Corridor network which aims to establish LNG as an alternative fuel for medium and long-distance transport. This initiative is expected to propel the demand for LNG as a transport fuel segment over the next few years. Additionally, countries with islands are expected to adopt LNG as a fuel for off-grid power generation. The report segments European small-scale LNG market on the basis of application, infrastructure, and region. Europe LNG Market, By Scale Small-Scale LNG Large-Scale LNG Europe Small-Scale LNG Market, By Application Marine Fuel by Supply Mode Ship-To-Ship Terminal-To-Ship Truck-To-Ship Others Road Transport Off-Grid Power Generation Off-Grid Household Off-Grid Industrial Industry By Europe Small-Scale LNG Market, Infrastructure Truck Fueling Stations Bunkering Vessels Bunker Barge Bunkering Terminals Storage Hubs LNG Storage Regas Facilities Truck-To-Ship Bunkering LNG Trailers By Country United Kingdom France Italy Germany Spain Belgium Norway Sweden Greece Croatia Poland Netherlands Denmark Romania Hungary Serbia Albania Luxembourg Slovenia Montenegro Lithuania Slovakia Estonia Macedonia Latvia Rest of Europe About Energias Market Research Pvt. Ltd. - Energias Market Research launched with the objective to provide in-depth market analysis, business research solutions, and consultation that is tailored to our clients specific needs based on our impeccable research methodology. With a wide range of expertise from various industrial sectors and more than 50 industries that include energy, chemical and materials, information communication technology, semiconductor industries, healthcare and daily consumer goods, etc. We strive to provide our clients with a one-stop solution for all research and consulting needs. Our comprehensive industry-specific knowledge enables us in creating high quality global research outputs. This wide-range capability differentiates us from our competitors. Contact: Mr. Alan Andrews Business Development Manager For any queries email us: info@energiasmarketresearch.com To purchase report: sales@energiasmarketresearch.com Call us: +1-716-239-4915 Visit: https://www.energiasmarketresearch.com/ A man has a general body exhaustion and minor skin damage, his life is not under threat peacekeeper of the Republic of Malawi rescued from Congo jungles, Dec. 5 mil.gov.ua Ukrainian military helicopters evacuated the peacekeeper of the Republic of Malawi, who survived by himself in the jungle of Democratic Republic of the Congo for 16 days. This was reported by the press service of the Defense Ministry. "During the clashes, a peacekeeper from the contingent of the Republic of Malawi lost contact with his unit and ended up alone in the jungle. Search and rescue operations did not give any results for 16 days due to extremely dense vegetation and difficult weather conditions. Fortunately, this soldier did not panic and managed to reach an open area, where he was found and promptly evacuated by the crew of a Ukrainian military helicopter," the message said. mil.gov.ua peacekeeper of the Republic of Malawi rescued from Congo jungles, Dec. 5 mil.gov.ua peacekeeper of the Republic of Malawi rescued from Congo jungles, Dec. 5 mil.gov.ua peacekeeper of the Republic of Malawi rescued from Congo jungles, Dec. 5 It doctors after the inspection of the Malawi peacekeeper said that his health was stable, he had a general body exhaustion and minor skin damage. The Ukrainian servicemen of the 18th Separate Helicopter Detachment of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO), together with the medical personnel of the South African Republic, transported a peacekeeper to a military hospital in Goma. mil.gov.ua peacekeeper of the Republic of Malawi rescued from Congo jungles, Dec. 5 mil.gov.ua peacekeeper of the Republic of Malawi rescued from Congo jungles, Dec. 5 mil.gov.ua peacekeeper of the Republic of Malawi rescued from Congo jungles, Dec. 5 "Next, he must undergo a full medical examination," the message notes. The MONUSCO, together with the Armed Forces of the country, is conducting a large-scale operation against the illegal armed formation in North Kivu region, which is also the area of responsibility of the Ukrainian national contingent. The mission assumes that Malawi citizen managed to survive for a long time in the jungle due to training he received in his home country, and training conducted by mission personnel in DR Congo. All peacekeeping contingents without exception receive this training. As it was reported earlier, Ukraine's president urges UN to deploy peacekeepers in Donbas in September. Poroshenko thinks that it is a timely possibility for the members of the organization and its leadership of the implementation of the relevant events on this issue. He specified that the international mission with broad and clear authorities should settle the conflict, not freeze it. Volker urged Russia to renew the dialogue with Ukraine on the basis of Treaty on cooperation in the use of the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait dated 2003 The United States and European Union can extend the sanctions against Russia due to the seizure of Ukrainian sailors and ships. Kurt Volker, the U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine made such statement as Interfax reported. Some of our European allies talked about new sanctions or extension of the current. I think it is a decent idea, we will consider it, Volker said. He also urged Russia to release captured Ukrainians sailors and ships as a gesture of goodwill before the holidays. They were attacked groundlessly in the high seas and arrested. They (the Russians) should resort to de-escalation and return themWe hope that Russia will immediately return sailors, he claimed. The U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine urged Russia to renew the dialogue with Ukraine on the basis of Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Ukraine on cooperation in the use of the sea of Azov and the strait of Kerch. The territories of both countries have an access to the Sea of Azov. Both countries possess a right and need to use the see for the navigation. Then we should return to the more extended discussion on how to settle the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, Volker stated. 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. 21 Ukrainian sailors have been delivered to Lefortovo remand center in Moscow, three others are in the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison. On December 3, the Russian prosecutors officially accused Ukrainian sailors with the 'illegal crossing of the state border'during the Kerch Strait incident. 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. Related video: Serving God with all of our hearts no matter where we are English Italian RECORDATI RECEIVES ORPHAN DRUG DESIGNATION FOR ITS INVESTIGATIONAL TREATMENT FOR NEUROTROPHIC KERATITIS Milan, 5 December 2018 Recordati today announced that the FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to Recordati Rare Diseases investigational product REC 0559 for the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis. REC 0559 is a low molecular weight non-peptidic human nerve growth factor (NGF) mimetic currently under global development by Recordati. REC 0559 was licensed in 2017 from MimeTech, an Italian-based company focused on the development of pharmaceutical applications for synthetic neurotrophin mimetics. Neurotrophic keratitis is a rare degenerative corneal disease, which in its more severe forms affects less than one person out of 10,000 worldwide, and it results from deficiency of the trigeminal nerve or its branches, usually caused by surgery, neoplasia, aneurysm or facial trauma. Impairment or loss of corneal sensory innervation is responsible for corneal epithelial defects, ulcer and perforation, with progression of the disease leading to dramatic impairment to patients sight. Orphan drug designation applies to drugs that seek to treat rare diseases or conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 patients in the U.S. while providing significant therapeutic advantage over existing therapies. The designation can provide development and commercial incentives for designated compounds and medicines, including eligibility for a seven-year period of market exclusivity in the U.S. after product approval, FDA assistance in clinical trial design and an exemption from FDA user fees. Orphan drug designation is a key regulatory achievement in the global development of REC 0559. We are very pleased to receive the designation from US FDA, which confirms our continuous commitment to innovative treatments to address the needs of patients suffering from rare diseases, stated Andrea Recordati, CEO. This represents another significant step in the development of our business dedicated to the treatment of diseases with unmet medical needs. Recordati, established in 1926, is an international pharmaceutical group, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (Reuters RECI.MI, Bloomberg REC IM, ISIN IT 0003828271), with a total staff of more than 4,100, dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Recordati has operations throughout the whole of Europe, including Russia, Turkey, North Africa, the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, some South American countries, Japan and Australia. An efficient field force of medical representatives promotes a wide range of innovative pharmaceuticals, both proprietary and under license, in a number of therapeutic areas including a specialized business dedicated to treatments for rare diseases. Recordati is a partner of choice for new product licenses for its territories. Recordati is committed to the research and development of new specialties with a focus on treatments for rare diseases. Consolidated revenue for 2017 was 1,288.1 million, operating income was 406.5 million and net income was 288.8 million. For further information: Recordati website: www.recordati.com Investor Relations Media Relations Marianne Tatschke Studio Noris Morano (39)0248787393 (39)0276004736, (39)0276004745 e-mail: investorelations@recordati.it e-mail: norismorano@studionorismorano.com Statements contained in this release, other than historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements are based on currently available information, on current best estimates, and on assumptions believed to be reasonable. This information, these estimates and assumptions may prove to be incomplete or erroneous, and involve numerous risks and uncertainties, beyond the Companys control. Hence, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All mentions and descriptions of Recordati products are intended solely as information on the general nature of the companys activities and are not intended to indicate the advisability of administering any product in any particular instance. Attachment BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Q.E.P. Co., Inc. (OTC: QEPC.PK) announced today that it has signed a Partnership/Distribution Agreement with the Congoleum Corporation, a leading manufacturer of specialty flooring, effective January 1, 2019. Q.E.P. will continue to be the distributor and representative for Congoleum in Canada, through its recent business acquisition of Kraus Floors. The agreement expands the territory coverage to include most of the western portion of the United States on an exclusive basis. QEP/Kraus will represent all Congoleum flooring products, including the introduction of their innovative new flooring product called Cleo. Congoleum Chief Executive Officer Chris OConnor commented: We truly value our long-standing relationships and couldnt be more excited for this opportunity to grow the western region with Q.E.P.s Kraus distribution network. We are confident that the region offers a nearly untapped opportunity that will result in incredible benefits for both companies. OConnor added, This is an incredibly exciting time for our company, our distribution partners and our retailers. Lewis Gould, Chairman of Q.E.P. Co., Inc. commented, We are very enthused about this great partnership through our recent business acquisition of Kraus Floors, headed by Shawn Davies. We believe that this partnership will create new synergies going forward for our company in the flooring industry. Mr. Gould concluded, "We look forward to growing this relationship with Congoleum." Q.E.P. Co., Inc., founded in 1979, is a world class, worldwide provider of innovative, quality and value-driven flooring and industrial solutions. As a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor, QEP delivers a comprehensive line of hardwood and laminate flooring, flooring installation tools, adhesives and flooring related products targeted for the professional installer as well as the do-it-yourselfer. In addition, the Company provides industrial tools with cutting edge technology to the industrial trades. Under brand names including QEP, ROBERTS, Capitol, HarrisWood, Kraus, Naturally Aged Flooring, Fausfloor, Vitrex, Homelux, TileRite, PRCI, Nupla, HISCO, Plasplugs, Ludell, Porta-Nails, Tomecanic, Benetiere, Elastiment, X-TREME Board and AppleCreek, the Company sells its products to home improvement retail centers, specialty distribution outlets, municipalities and industrial solution providers in 50 states and throughout the world. CONTACT: Q.E.P. Co., Inc. Mark S. Walter Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer 561-994-5550 IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Identillect Technologies Corp. (the "Company" or "Identillect") (TSX-V: ID) (OTCQB: IDTLF) (Frankfurt: 8ID), a trusted leading provider of compliant email security, announces the Wyoming State Bar has selected Delivery Trust as the preferred solution for bar members to meet and exceed the regulatory requirements to protect their member sensitive communications. Identillect has recently partnered with various state bar and legal associations providing the legal community the simplest and most secure way to communicate with clients and associates. The Wyoming State Bar is the states integrated bar association, first organized in 1915 as a voluntary association and integrated by the state legislature in 1939. The mission of the Wyoming State Bar is to regulate the practice of law, facilitate the provision of quality legal services to the public, and assist attorneys in the professional practice of law. The Bar also takes pride in providing security education and digital communication tools which bar members have direct access to utilize. This has created the desire for a partnership with the legal cyber-security leader Identillect Technologies. Weston Graham, President of the Wyoming State Bar, commented, The Wyoming State Bar takes cyber-security protection for our members seriously, and we are excited about the partnership with Identillect, which provides a robust security platform for our members. Additionally, the cyber-security education about current threats and regulatory compliance that Identillect provides is essential to the advancement of our members. We believe Delivery Trust will be well received by our members. Identillect CEO Todd Sexton states, Identillect is proud to be the security solutions provider for Wyoming State Bar. Wyoming State Bar is a valued partner and has a strong legal community that is taking cyber-security seriously. Identillect has taken a solid foothold with state bar associations across the country and we look forward to be a significant contributor to the ongoing benefits the Wyoming bar members have come to expect from the Bar. In a recent American Bar Association article, David Ries, a well-known lawyer and author on cyber-security stated, Confidential data in computers and information systems, including those used by attorneys and law firms, faces greater security threats today than ever beforeand they continue to grow! Security breaches are becoming so prevalent that there is a new mantra in cybersecurity today: Its when not if, a law firm or other entity will suffer a breach. In an ABA Tech Report 2017 article they highlighted that lawyers are being specifically targeted. Cyber-security threats are increasing, 43% of cyber-attacks are aimed at small businesses due to the lack of security infrastructure. The damages cybercrimes create for a business has no end in sight, it is estimated businesses will incur more than $6 Trillion annually by 2021 . The best way a business can combat being another statistic is through employee education and security protocols. About Identillect Identillect Technologies is the leading provider of email encryption service Delivery Trust, empowering enterprises of all sizes to protect their business and their clients critical information against cyber security attacks. Delivery Trust is an award-winning, multi-platform plug-in, which gives users complete control of their emails, for one low price. One simple integration complies with all regulations and most importantly provides peace of mind. For more information, or your free trial, please visit www.identillect.com On Behalf of the Board of Directors of: IDENTILLECT TECHNOLOGIES CORP. Todd Sexton Chief Executive Officer Tel: (949) 468-7878 Email: todd.sexton@identillect.com About Wyoming State Bar The Wyoming State Bar is the state of Wyomings integrated bar association, first organized in 1915 as a voluntary association and integrated by the state legislature in 1939. The mission of the Wyoming State Bar is to regulate the practice of law, facilitate the provision of quality legal services to the public, and assist attorneys in the professional practice of law. 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, exploitation and exploration successes, 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. IQALUIT, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- World Wildlife Fund Canada welcomes the announcement of an agreement in principal between the government of Canada and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to explore options to protect the High Arctic Basin, or Tuvaijuittuq, which means the ice never melts in Inuktitut. This builds on the previous announcement of Tallurutiup Imanga national marine conservation area formerly Lancaster Sound to significantly expand habitat protections for polar bears, narwhal and other Arctic wildlife. Both Tuvaijuittuq and Tallurutiup Imanga are located within the Last Ice Area, that area where summer sea ice will persist the longest in the face of climate change, providing refuge for ice-dependent species. Paul Crowley, vice president of Arctic Conservation for WWF-Canada, says: WWF has been concerned about conservation in the Last Ice Area for years, since it will be the last refuge for ice-dependent species in the Arctic as the climate changes. Conservation measures for both Tallurutiup Imanga and the High Arctic Basin, and the corresponding investment in the conservation economy, will make this area more resilient for communities and wildlife as the world warms. Working on these resilience pieces now is essential, but we cant focus on this alone. We still need an immediate, massive effort to drive down greenhouse gas emissions in the next 12 years. About World Wildlife Fund Canada WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more information, visit wwf.ca. For further information Rebecca Spring, senior communications specialist, rspring@wwfcanada.org, +1 647-338-6274 TORONTO, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kuuhubb Inc. (Kuuhubb or the Company) (TSX-V: KUU), a technology company focused on acquiring, developing and distributing lifestyle and mobile game applications for the female audience, is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced Euro 2,000,000 (approximately CAD$3,000,000) private placement financing (the Financing) through the issuance by the Company of an unsecured convertible debenture (the Debenture) in the principal amount of Euro 2,000,000. The Debenture matures on November 7, 2021, bears interest at an annual rate of 5.5% (with the interest payable every six months), and is convertible at the option of the holder into common shares of Kuuhubb at a price of CAD$1.10 per share. As well, Kuuhubb has the option to (a) convert the Debenture into common shares of the Company after the two year anniversary of the issuance of the Debenture if the market price of such shares exceeds CAD$1.10 per share, and (b) redeem the Debenture after the two year anniversary of the issuance of the Debenture. The Debenture is subject to a four month hold period and will not be listed for trading on any exchange. Kuuhubbs CEO Jouni Keranen stated: This financing, together with other non-dilutive financing plans being explored, will allow us to significantly accelerate our growth plans in 2019, and expedite the new product development, soft launches and commercialization initiatives underway. I am excited for our shareholders and team, as we have much to look forward to in the coming weeks and months. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Financing for portfolio growth initiatives and general corporate purposes. Kuuhubbs Executive Vice President Christian Kolster commented: The closing of this financing with a CAD$1.10 strike price underlines our long-stated goal of preventing dilution whenever possible. About Kuuhubb Kuuhubb is a company active in the digital space that focuses mainly on lifestyle and mobile game applications for the female audience. Its strategy is to create sustainable shareholder value through acquisitions of proven, yet underappreciated, assets with robust long-term growth potential. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Kuuhubb has a global presence with a strong focus on developing U.S. brand collaborations and Asian partnerships. Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information. 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 (including, without limitation, statements relating to future revenue and products and the development and growth of the Companys business) are forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, risks related to the growth strategy of the Company, the possibility that results from the Companys growth and development plans will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, the early stage of the Company's development, competition from companies in a number of industries, the ability of the Company to manage expansion and integrate acquisitions into its business, future business development of the Company and the other risks disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated November 8, 2018 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is provided and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein. 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. For further information, please contact: Kuuhubb Inc. Jouni Keranen CEO jouni@kuuhubb.com Office: +358 40 590 0919 Mechatronics products offer easier vehicle access New engineering center to support the growing vehicle accessibility market in China Magna to hire more than 100 new engineers by 2020 to strengthen presence in region SHANGHAI, China, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Automakers around the world are looking to mechatronics as an opportunity to improve getting in and out of vehicles both today and in the future. Mechatronics products, such as power doors and liftgates, work through a combination of mechanical systems, electronic control units and embedded software to offer consumers unique vehicle access experiences. To support the growing market, especially in China, Magna was joined today by customers and local government officials to announce the opening of a new mechatronics engineering center in Suzhou in the Jiangsu Province, China. The Magna Mechatronics Engineering Center will focus on designing and developing the companys mechatronic product offerings for the China market as well as globally, including its SmartAccess power door experience. The center will hire more than 100 new engineers, including specialists in the development of software and hardware. These new hires will join the current staff of 110 engineers, who are moving from Magnas previous engineering center located in Kunshan. Our mechatronic products fuse the capabilities of mechanical systems with the intelligence of electronics controls to enable new ways of interacting with your vehicle, said John OHara, president of Magna Mechatronics, Mirrors and Lighting. Without compromising safety requirements, our technology provides an innovative solution during door opening and closing, and offers more space and freedom for design and styling. We believe there is a significant opportunity in China for product solutions which improve vehicle access. As a world leader in mechatronics, we are excited to be developing these innovative solutions locally for automakers, said Benson Wang, Vice-President of Magna Mechatronics Asia. Magna delivers complete mechatronic systems from design to production, and focuses on providing consumers with innovative and first-to-market vehicle access experiences. Magnas SmartLatch technology stands as a prime example: representing a new paradigm for side-door latches by operating 100 percent electronically, the industry-first technology launched on the BMW i8 and was selected an Automotive News PACE Award winner for supplier innovation. TAGS Mechatronics, power doors, power liftgates INVESTOR CONTACT Louis Tonelli, Vice-President, Investor Relations louis.tonelli@magna.com , (+1) 905.726.7035 MEDIA CONTACT Tracy Fuerst, Global Director of Corporate Communications & PR tracy.fuerst@magna.com , (+1) 248.631.5396 ABOUT MAGNA We have more than 173,000 entrepreneurial-minded employees dedicated to delivering mobility solutions. We are a mobility technology company and one of the world's largest automotive suppliers with 340 manufacturing operations and 89 product development, engineering and sales centres in 27 countries. Our competitive capabilities include body exteriors and structures, power and vision technologies, seating systems and complete vehicle solutions. Our common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MG) and the New York Stock Exchange (MGA). For further information about Magna, visit www.magna.com. THIS RELEASE MAY CONTAIN STATEMENTS WHICH CONSTITUTE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS UNDER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LEGISLATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO, AND EXPRESSLY QUALIFIED BY, THE CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMERS THAT ARE SET OUT IN MAGNAS REGULATORY FILINGS. PLEASE REFER TO MAGNAS MOST CURRENT MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL POSITION, ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM AND ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 40-F, AS REPLACED OR UPDATED BY ANY OF MAGNAS SUBSEQUENT REGULATORY FILINGS, WHICH SET OUT THE CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMERS, INCLUDING THE RISK FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL EVENTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE INDICATED BY SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW ON MAGNAS WEBSITE AT WWW.MAGNA.COM. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/793739fe-90e7-404a-add8-c11276eaeb63 MISSION, Kan., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xact Data Discovery (XDD), a leading international provider of eDiscovery, data management and managed review services for law firms and corporations, announces the acquisition of Esquify, a cutting-edge software company that provides powerful AI automation workforce management solutions for legal review. Esquify is the worlds first AI-driven workforce management platform for law and leverages powerful, proprietary and patented productivity benchmarking, communications and virtual supervision technology to augment the capabilities of eDiscovery reviewer teams. As a venture-backed start-up and recent winners of the Chicago Innovation Awards, US LegalTech Venture Day and Product of the Year by M&A Advisor, Esquify's innovations will be embedded into XDD's existing managed review business to help drive increased client value and technology-driven results. "We're beyond excited to be bringing our AI innovations to XDD's vast client base and launching our award-winning, 21st century technology to a wider audience," said Drew Stern, Esquify CEO. "Our reviewer technology, powering XDD's existing, market-leading managed review business will drive huge value for clients and be a game-changer for the eDiscovery industry." Bob Polus, XDD President and CEO, states, Esquify has done a terrific job of building and bringing technology solutions to the Managed Review space. Working in parallel with Rick Weber from Arbor Ridge Partners, we determined integrating Esquify would improve work flow, productivity and accountability on multiple fronts. The addition of Esquify to the XDD portfolio further demonstrates our commitment to redefining our industry through unparalleled customer service, proven technology and innovative thought leadership. Bringing XDD and Esquify together is a great fit for both companies and the markets they serve, states Rick Weber, Managing Partner at Arbor Ridge Partners. About Xact Data Discovery Xact Data Discovery is a leading international provider of eDiscovery, data management and managed review services for law firms and corporations. XDD helps clients optimize their eDiscovery matters by orchestrating pristine communication between people, processes, technology and data. XDD services include forensics, eDiscovery processing, Relativity hosting and managed review. XDD has 16 offices throughout the United States and two locations in India. XDD offers exceptional customer service with a commitment to responsive, transparent and timely communication to ensure clients remain informed throughout the entire discovery life cycle. Press Contact: Bob Lorum Xact Data Discovery 951.378.1991 blorum@xactdatadiscovery.com About Esquify Based in Chicago and founded in 2014, VC-backed Esquify was born out of the belief that technology could revolutionize how attorneys practice law - particularly in eDiscovery. Esquify transforms and augments review teams' capabilities with its AI-driven workforce management platform for review. Esquifys patented machine learning technology powers up review team performance, facilitating a more secure, productive, and quality review. Esquify's technology generates unprecedented client savings, team efficiencies and real-time analytics, giving clients both peace of mind and tangible results. As an award-winning legal tech 'disruptor,' Esquify has won over a dozen awards including the Chicago Innovation Awards 2018, the US LegalTech Venture Competition 2018, and the M&A Advisor: Product of the Year 2017. Esquify's technology has been used by AM Law 100 firms, Fortune 100 companies and many major legal service providers to power their reviewer teams. Esquify is an LGBTQ founded business. About Arbor Ridge Partners NEW YORK, NY, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Symphony Talent, a leading talent marketing solutions provider, today announced its partnership with Google Cloud Talent Solution to provide its clients with enhanced search capabilities to attract, hire and engage high-quality talent faster. Google Cloud Talent Solution provides a combination of search APIs that leverages machine learning and Googles learnings in search to produce better search performance and conversion by delivering high-quality results to job seekers far beyond the limitations of typical keyword-based methods. This integration provides candidates with the same superior search experience they have come to expect from Google. The seamless integration of Google Cloud Talent Solution with the career site job content of Symphony Talents clients will help return enhanced search results for candidates that account for the role level, jargon, abbreviations and acronyms, and misspellings. In addition, the job search capability leverages machine learning, so the results will continue to improve over time. Our partnership with Google Cloud Talent Solution delivers a significant opportunity for our clients to optimize their candidate and recruiter experiences, said Roopesh Nair, president and CEO, Symphony Talent. The synchronicity of Googles industry-leading search capabilities with our data-driven, experience-focused solutions will empower global brands to redefine how they connect with quality talent. Symphony Talent has collaborated with Google to deliver enhanced search capabilities and advance the candidate experiences for its portfolio of global clients, such as UCLA Health and Hilton Grand Vacations. According to Nair, the benefits of Symphony Talents seamless integration with Google Cloud Talent Solution include: More accurate results and a shorter funnel for candidates Enhanced candidate and recruiter experiences Higher apply rates and decreased drop-off Increased candidate conversion Better fit candidates Symphony Talent is an alpha partner for future Google Cloud Talent Solution enhancements, including the profile APIs. This partnership and shared vision between Symphony Talent and Google Cloud Talent Solution will also allow their teams to collaborate and further advance the experiences, job search function, candidate job recommendations and the recruiter profile search on Symphony Talents platform. About Symphony Talent Symphony Talent is redefining how brands and talent connect by applying data-driven consumer marketing best practices to talent marketing. Symphony Talent is the only talent marketing solutions provider that combines award-winning creative and marketing technology to deliver seamless, personalized experiences for candidates, employees and recruiters. Companies such as Northwell Health, Chilis, Advantage EZ Rent-A-Car, UCLA Health, Unilever and UnitedHealth Group rely on Symphony Talent to power their employer branding and talent acquisition efforts. For more information, visit: www.symphonytalent.com or follow us on Twitter, @SymphonyTalent_. # # # VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RedZone Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: REZ, Frankfurt: REZ, OTC: REZZF) (the Company or RedZone) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding purchase agreement to acquire the Wells Vanadium Project. The Wells Vanadium Project consists of two mineral tenures which total 1,225 Ha and are located 20 kilometres east southeast of Barkerville, B.C. Access to the property is by 35 km of logging roads via Cunningham Creek. Previous work by Cominco Ltd. analysed 44 rock samples, collected over a 2-kilometre by 1-kilometre area, for their vanadium content and reported in B.C. Assessment Report 15,366. Eleven samples were found to contain greater than 1,000 ppm vanadium and values ranged up to 1,852 ppm (0.33% V205). The mineralization is found in phosphatic black clastic sediments of the Black Stuart Formation. The results from previous programs were collected in the 1980s prior to the implementation of National Instrument 43-101. There is no record of analytical standards or duplicates in the reviewed assessment report. The qualified person has not verified the scientific and technical information and data disclosed in the news release. To acquire 100% of the Wells Vanadium Property: On signing, $10,000 CAD and 150,000 shares 1st anniversary, $20,000 CAD and 200,000 shares 2nd anniversary, $20,000 CAD and 200,000 shares 3rd anniversary, $25,000 CAD and 250,000 shares 4th anniversary, $25,000 CAD and 300,000 shares. The property is subject to a 2% NSR, of which 1% can be bought back for $1 million CAD. RedZone has the option to exit the purchase agreement any time prior to the fourth anniversary. Year one work on the project will involve resampling of the anomalous rock chip samples collected by the previous operator, follow up stream sediment sampling and ridge and spur soil geochemistry. Property access is expected by late May. All scientific and technical information in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Cameron Bell, P. Geo., a consultant and Director of RedZone, and a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. RedZone Resources is a mineral exploration company with a focus on metals that make up and support the rapid evolution to battery power. RedZones common shares are listed on the TSX-V: REZ, on the Frankfurt exchange: REZ, and on the OTC: REZZF. RedZone currently has three projects: 1) Fortner-Boyd Lithium project in Arizona, 2) North-West Leinster Lithium property in Ireland, and 3) a 55% stake in the Peru based Lara copper property, which has over 10,000 metres of drilling. More information about the Company is available on its issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or at www.RedZoneResources.ca . For further information please contact: Michael Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer E: michael.murphy@redzoneresources.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 and/or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to the potential for gold and/or lithium at any of the Companys properties, the prospective nature of any claims comprising the Companys property interests, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory approvals, uncertainty of sample results, timing and results of future exploration, and the availability of financing. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. ATLANTA, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Spirit of Ramanujan STEM Talent Initiative (SOR) is pleased to announce two more recipients of the 2019 TempletonRamanujan Fellowship: Sinar Zaito (11, Beirut, Lebanon) and Anna Krokhine (15, Toronto, Canada). SOR strives to find undiscovered geniuses around the world. Honoring the legacy of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan the initiative supports emerging engineers, mathematicians, and scientists who lack traditional institutional support through financial grants and mentorship opportunities. Anna and Sinar are dynamos, said Ken Ono, the director of the Spirit of Ramanujan and the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Mathematics at Emory University. Both are emerging as young leaders in mathematics in their own right, and its a pleasure to give them access to the highest level of training that is available to gifted math students. Anna is an 11th grader at the University of Toronto Schools, where she completed its mathematics curriculum (including AP courses) at 14. Having studied mathematics on her own, she plans to pursue a career in the field. Following her passion for combinatorics and graph theory, Anna is participating in research projects and taking a graph theory course at the University of Toronto. She has also excelled in competitions. As part of this years Team Canada for the European Girls Mathematical Olympiad, she earned a bronze medal while being one of the youngest participants. Anna has yet to choose where she will use her Spirit of Ramanujan TempletonRamanujan Fellowship. Sinar is a 6th grader in Lebanon who has completed all the mathematics courses available at his local school. He is now studying graduate-level mathematics courses and intends to pursue a career in the mathematical sciences. Sinar will use his TempletonRamanujan Fellowship to support his research with Professor Wissam Raji, Chairman of the Department of Mathematics at the American University of Beirut. Sinars award also provides three years of Art of Problem Solving courses and $1,000 USD in STEM books. At Art of Problem Solving, we empower students to reach their full potential. As educators, we believe that problem solving is the single most important skill we can develop in the students of today, says David Patrick, teacher and curriculum developer at Art of Problem Solving. We love challenging students to be the best they can be, and we're thrilled to offer Sinar access to our program. Working with gifted young students, like Sinar, makes you realize that math is embedded in our human logic as a natural foundation of our being and that we are only discovering it, said Professor Wissam Raji. It is truly amazing to mentor students at his age who are able to comprehend a high level of mathematics and have a passion for the field of study. The Spirit of Ramanujan STEM Talent Initiative was founded in 2016 by Ken Ono of Emory University. The priority submission deadline is December 31, 2018, with rolling admission until May 30, 2019. For more information about the Spirit of Ramanujan and submission guidelines, visit https://spiritoframanujan.com . About The Spirit of Ramanujan The Spirit of Ramanujan STEM Talent Initiative strives to find undiscovered STEM talent around the World. Honoring the legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan, the initiative supports emerging engineers, mathematicians, and scientists who lack traditional institutional support through financial grants and mentorship opportunities. The Spirit of Ramanujan STEM Talent Initiative is presented by Ken Ono, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Mathematics at Emory University; Art of Problem Solving; Expii, the open, personalized learning platform; and the Templeton World Charity Foundation, in conjunction with Pressman Film, producers of the motion picture The Man Who Knew Infinity. Dublin, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Mobile Services in Western Europe: Trends and Forecasts 2018-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. 5G services will be launched in Europe, but these services lack a strong enough proposition to reverse the long-term stagnation in mobile revenue in the region Operators across Western Europe (WE) are competing to be the first to launch 5G mobile services, although these services are unlikely to boost revenue in most cases. In this report, we examine the key trends and drivers and provide a comprehensive mobile telecoms market forecast for the WE region and for 16 individually modelled countries. This report provides: a 5-year forecast of 224 mobile KPIs for the Western European region and for 16 key countries an in-depth analysis of the trends, drivers and forecast assumptions for each type of mobile service, and for key countries an overview of operator strategies and country-specific topics, which highlight similarities and differences between countries a summary of results, key implications and recommendations for mobile operators. Data Coverage Mobile connections Handset, mobile broadband, IoT Prepaid, contract 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G Smartphone, non-smartphone Mobile revenue Service, retail Prepaid, contract Handset, mobile broadband, IoT Handset voice, messaging, data Mobile ARPU SIMs, handset Prepaid, contract Handset voice, data Voice traffic Outgoing minutes, MoU Key Topics Covered Chapter No. 5. Executive summary 6. Worldwide: mobile handset data and next-generation access broadband services will drive telecoms retail revenue growth worldwide 7. Worldwide trends 8. Worldwide: mobile handset data and next-generation access broadband services will drive telecoms retail revenue growth worldwide 9. Regional trends 10. Mobile: the overall mobile telecoms revenue outlook for Western Europe remains flat 11. Mobile: 4G will become the default technology for all market segments; this will lead to a strong growth in mobile data usage, but not in ARPU 12. Mobile: mobile penetration will decline gradually in most countries as the contract share of connections increases and replacement cycles lengthen 13. Mobile: ARPU is noticeably higher in the two non-EU countries in WE, where the incumbents have a high market share 14. Mobile: operators across Western Europe are preparing for the launch of 5G services in the next 2 years 15. Country-level trends 16. France: improved technology, a better market situation and good economic performance will lead to low but stable telecoms revenue growth in France 17. Germany: 5G will be introduced commercially in 2020, causing the 4G share of connections to decline from 2021 onwards 18. Italy: new entrant Iliad has further increased competition in the mobile market; 5G frequencies were released in October 2018 19. Spain: operators will focus on 5G deployments 20. UK: mobile ARPU will continue to grow modestly despite strong traffic growth 21. Forecast methodology and assumptions 22. Our forecast model is supported by sound market knowledge 23. Examples of forecast input drivers For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/xqjj98/the_western?w=12 MONTREAL, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Resources Inc (HPQ) (TSX Venture: HPQ) is pleased to inform shareholders that HPQ subsidiary, Beauce Gold Fields Inc (BGF) has raised the minimum $550,000 concurrent private placement required for its listing on the TSX-Venture Exchange (Exchange) under the reserved stock symbol BGF. Patrick Levasseur, President and CEO of HPQ Beauce Gold Fields subsidiary stated, I would like to thank everyone who has subscribed to the private placement for the listing of BGF. This will allow HPQ to unlock the full potential value of the Beauce Gold property through a fresh new entity starting with a tight capital structure. Mr. Levasseur also stated The Beauce is Canadas last underexplored historical placer mining camp. Its similar to the placer to hard rock exploration projects in the Yukon or the Cariboo district in BC, that were both placer gold mining camps as well, but recently had major gold discoveries. Combining our large claims holding in St-Simon-Les-Mines together with our increasing knowledge of the geology, we believe we have narrowed the search in exploring for a hard rock gold deposit TSX-V Conditional Approval and Concurrent Private Placement The Listing of BGF was conditional to closing the private placement. The listing is also conditional to the submission of the Listing Application, the required financial statements plus various supporting documents that HPQ is submitting to the Exchange for satisfactory review. Following the satisfactory review, the Date of Record and subsequent Distribution and Listing Date will be announced. In this regard, the BGF's notice for filing in connection with this Private Placement will be the following basis: 3,500,000 hard-cash units (HC Units) at the price of $0.10 per HC Unit for total of $350,000.00 1,666,666 flow-through units (FT Units) at the price of $0.12 per FT Unit for total of $200,000.00 Each HC Unit will be comprised of one common share and one warrant to purchase one common share at the price of $0.15 per share for two years following the closing date. Each FT Unit will be comprised of one flow-through common share and one-half of one warrant, with each full warrant allowing the holder to purchase one common share at the exercise price of $0.18 per share for a period of two years following the closing date. Beauce Gold Fields A Tight Capital Structure at Listing Transactions Number of Shares Private Placement to HPQ 200,000 Spin-out Shares at $0.10 per Share 13,350,000 HPQ Direct Ownership ( 15%) 2,870,000 Distributed to HPQ Shareholders (55%) 10,680,000 Flow Through Private Placement at $0.12 per Share 1,666,666 Hard Cash Private Placement at $0.10 per Share 3,500,000 BGF Shares outstanding at Listing 18,716,666 Warrants- Private Placement 4,333,333 Warrants HPQ warrant holders * 4,158,350 Stock Option Plan (rolling 10%) 1,900,000 Fully Diluted Capital 29,108,349 * Subject to adjustment based on the final HPQ Ratio upon the Ex-Distribution Date. About Beauce Gold Fields BGF is a wholly owned subsidiary of HPQ Silicon into which HPQ gold assets were transferred. Subject to approval by TSX-V, HPQ is in the process of listing BGF as a new public junior gold company, following the approval by shareholders during HPQ AGM held on Aug. 10, 2018, of the proposed terms of the plan of arrangement. The Beauce Gold Fields project is a unique, historically prolific gold property located in the municipality of Saint-Simon-les-Mines in the Beauce region of Southern Quebec. Comprising of a block of 152 claims 100% owned by HPQ, the project area hosts a six kilometre long unconsolidated gold-bearing sedimentary unit (a lower saprolite and an upper brown diamictite). Textural observations (angularity) of gold nuggets suggest a relatively proximal source and therefore a short transport distance. The gold in saprolite indicates a close proximity to a bedrock source of gold, providing possible further exploration discoveries. The property was also hosts numerous historical gold mines that were active from 1860s to the 1960s (see HPQ SEDAR-filed report). Find more information at: www.beaucegold.com About HPQ Silicon HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. is a TSX-V listed resource company planning to become a vertically integrated and diversified High Purity, Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG Si) producer and a manufacturer of multi and monocrystalline solar cells of the P and N types, required for production of high performance photovoltaic conversion. HPQs goal is to develop, in collaboration with industry leaders, PyroGenesis (TSX-V:PYR) and Apollon Solar, that are experts in their fields of interest, the innovative PUREVAPTM Quartz Reduction Reactors (QRR), a truly 2.0 Carbothermic process (patent pending), which will permit the transformation and purification of quartz (SiO 2 ) into high purity silicon metal (Si) in one step and reduce by a factor of at least two-thirds (2/3) the costs associated with the transformation of quartz (SiO 2 ) into SoG Si. The pilot plant equipment that will validate the commercial potential of the process is on schedule to start mid-2019. Disclaimers: This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. 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 the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or the benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S un der the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's on-going filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by 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. For further information contact Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President and CEO HPQ Tel (514) 907-1011 Patrick Levasseur, COO HPQ, President and CEO BGF Tel: (514) 262-9239 www.HPQSilicon.com Shares outstanding: 222,284,053 Dublin, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Developing High Performance HR Business Partner and Consulting Skills" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. In the current climate, the role of the HR business partner has become essential in supporting the organisation through complex and changing business landscapes. It is no longer enough to just deliver good transactional services, a much deeper and broader understanding of business is needed. It's also crucial to have the ability to work alongside all levels of management, with greater self-awareness and the right skill set, to positively influence the organisation at both a strategic and tactical level. This leap demands that you have the right expertise and knowledge to add value to commercial decisions and link HR to the overall business strategy. During this process, HR needs to demonstrate that it can support the business in taking robust decisions and drive change by helping consider the options and optimal solutions. During this highly experiential two-day programme you will: Explore the role of the HR business partner in the context of the organisation and the challenges presented by Brexit the role of the HR business partner in the context of the organisation and the challenges presented by Brexit Practise the application of the principles of good internal consulting skills the application of the principles of good internal consulting skills Understand how to support and influence the organisational change agenda how to support and influence the organisational change agenda Identify how the role of business partner adds value to the organisation how the role of business partner adds value to the organisation Adopt a useful framework to help support line managers resolve and implement good people decisions a useful framework to help support line managers resolve and implement good people decisions Identify what needs to be done differently to bring the HR business partner role to life what needs to be done differently to bring the HR business partner role to life Map the profile of the HR business partner and identify your personal development action This programme has been specifically designed to improve your skill set and ability to develop the influence HR has on leadership and the broader organisation. It will enable you to implement new initiatives and approaches that leverage people capability and support the business in its overall strategy. These new skills will make you an invaluable asset to the business and allow you to reach your full potential as a high performer. During the two days you will: Learn from case study scenarios that highlight classic organisational challenges Practise using new consulting tools and techniques in a low-risk environment Develop a strategy and set of actions to enhance your role within the HR function to that of a fully immersed business partner Enhance your skills to influence senior colleagues and fellow managers concerning the people challenges around the strategic business agenda Increase your understanding of how HR can add value at a commercial level in today's organisation Understand how to drive and support change within your business Discuss the challenges faced by HR today, especially in relation to Brexit Agenda Module 1 - The HR business partner as a strategic partner During this module participants will consider their business partner brand and develop the compelling case for their contribution. Understand the difference the HR business partner role makes to commercial success. The HR business partner in the context of your organisation - how organisations implement the HRBP role to suit the needs of the business Examine the effectiveness of the current HR operating model and the position of the HR business partner and how this can be enhanced Consider how the component parts of the HR function interact and how this can be improved Evaluate the latest thinking on the evolution of the HR business partner as credible activists and as strategic practitioners who understand business context How to deliver business value and navigate the inherent tensions in the business The business partner contribution to the implementation of business strategy How to map your key clients and delivery channels Techniques to establish trust and build positive stakeholder relationships - creating the right climate for HR and its client base Develop the partnering mindset - establish the key capabilities to know your business and internal clients and plan your stakeholder engagement map Module 2 - Applying a consulting framework In this module participants will examine a proven consultancy framework. They will become familiar with the key skills and a variety of tools and techniques to support implementation of the framework. There will be an opportunity to practise using and applying these skills through case studies. Explore a model for internal consultancy Define the stages of client engagement Levels of engagement Clarify the need and analyse the key issues Explore the skills and behaviours needed in successful implementation of the model Understand the clients' agendas - a framework to build awareness and develop clarity of where and how the HRBP can add value Types of relationships How to manage client meetings successfully Identify where the HR relationship is positioned Understand your personal power in cementing trust Key behavioural skills needed to build and maintain rapport Tools to engage others Ensure buy-in Method to deliver agreed outcomes which are practical, realistic and sustainable Re-evaluate and plan for ongoing success Module 3 - Driving and supporting change within your organisation This module has been designed to focus on how the HR business partner drives and supports change within the organisation. Using practical discussion and exercises it will examine the role of HR as the catalyst and facilitator of change to illustrate how you can apply this to any change project within your organisation. Build the case for change - the HR business partner as catalyst and facilitator Understand models for identifying where change is needed Define the HR business partner contribution when considering the impact of major change - a facilitated discussion on the challenges faced by HR today Techniques to help managers through the change experience and ensure the organisation is prepared and ready Change reaction profiling - personality predictor analysis of participants' own reaction to change, enabling personal awareness and understanding of the reaction of others Strategies to communicate change and manage the transition - consultative approach techniques Understand how to remove blockages and move forward Tools, techniques and work streams to support positive change outcomes Module 4 - Practical application for the workplace: case studies and exercises The final module is dedicated to bringing all the models, tools and techniques together in case study activities to help embed learning. Discussions and facilitated debate will provide participants with the opportunity to practise using the skills they have learnt. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask the trainer questions and receive feedback on the use and application of the tools. Meaningful conversations exercise - a framework for guiding discussions which explore issues, provide challenge and develop options in a way that can be embraced by all stakeholders Practise how to flex and use the tools and techniques in a variety of scenarios Relate theory to practical situations and apply the ideas and knowledge discussed during the programme to issues faced in the workplace Assess your own organisation's readiness for change and devise practical implementation plans Understand culture in the context of your organisation and its impact on the change agenda Evaluate the HR strategy as a lever for organisational and cultural change Personal reflection time and individual action planning For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/mbtntf/developing_high?w=12 Newton Square, PA,, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alarm Capital Alliance ("ACA"), a division of My Alarm Center, a leading security alarm company, today announced it has welcomed Teresa Brewer as the new vice president of business development for ACA. Teresa brings more than 30 years of experience building business units and teams for Fortune 100 companies, including Honeywell and Sprint. In her role, Teresa will be responsible for developing relationships with small and mid-size security alarm companies, identifying potential acquisition targets, negotiating terms of potential acquisitions, as well as creating and managing sales plans and strategies. Teresa brings numerous positive attributes to the ACA family, including a passion for the industry, decades of proven success managing teams, and established industry relationships, said Amy Kothari, president and CEO of My Alarm Center. In addition, her experience working closely with owners on all aspects of their business, as well as helping many with their exit strategy and succession plans, are exactly the expertise we need. Since its inception in 2000, ACA, as a division of My Alarm Center, has achieved nearly 18 consecutive years of growth and is ranked as one of the largest residential security alarm companies by SDM Magazine. The company has approximately 600 employees and over 180,000 customers nationwide. ACAs approach to the industry not only produces a consistent level of substantial growth, but also ensures that the companys account portfolio is of the highest possible quality. This foundation creates a significant platform from which to continue to expand the business. The Companys unique model and approach have resulted in industry-wide recognition as the partner of choice for acquisitions, and strong long-term relationships with many small and mid-size security alarm companies. This opportunity with ACA is one that aligns perfectly with my background and areas of interest, said Brewer. This role is a true extension of my experience and the relationships I have cultivated in my career. Im looking forward to working with business owners and moving the needle for ACA. About Alarm Capital Alliance Alarm Capital Alliance (ACA), headquartered in Newtown Square, PA, is a leading security alarm company that utilizes a unique business model for the acquisition, installation, and management of security alarm contracts and dominates a critical industry niche which includes an Independent Dealer Program. Since inception in 2000, the Company has achieved 18 consecutive years of growth and is consistently ranked amongst SDM Magazine's list of the largest security alarm companies in the country. Dublin, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "The Global Caprolactam Market" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. According to a recently conducted research about the global caprolactam market, as an overall, it is projected to reach approximately 6,564 thousand tons by the end of 2023, increasing at a CAGR of around 3% per year in the period 2017-2023. The report focuses on both product and regional breakdown, offering a larger perspective on the market dynamics. Although caprolactam is predominantly used for the manufacture of synthetic fibers, the analysis considers the application of caprolactam across various industries. In particular, the largest share of caprolactam consumption is for the production of polyamide fibers, which accounted for around 55% of the total in volume terms. Meanwhile, the chemical's application for PAM resins has been growing with the highest rate of about 5.58% per year. Regionally, the largest global caprolactam market was North East Asia, which accounted for about 50% of the total in volume terms. In comparison, Africa was the smallest global caprolactam market during the analyzed period and is expected to remain such in the medium term. During the last several years, the development of the automobile industry is one of the major factors, driving the global caprolactam market. This is due to the variety of applications of nylon 6 in different automotive parts such as door handles, air bag containers, radiator grilles, relay boxes, air intake manifold and engine covers, among others. Furthermore, automakers are focusing on light weighting of vehicles in order to improve fuel efficiency and performance. Therefore, metallic parts of automobile are being rapidly replaced by nylon 6 due to high temperature and chemical resistance. In addition, innovation in the field of electronics along with increasing consumption of smart phones, tablets, laptops and TVs has resulted in driving demand for engineering plastics, subsequently driving the growth of the global caprolactam market. The growing demand for convenience food across the globe is also a major contributor for the demand growth for specialty films for packing. Since nylon 6 is a key constituent in specialty films, the latter is driving the global caprolactam market. In recent years on the global scene many large market players closed their capacities, owing to the capacity surged in Asia over the past few years. Another fact, influencing the caprolactam market is the recent Chinese policy decision. In October 2017, the China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) announced that it will extend anti-dumping duties on imports of caprolactam from the EU and the US for another five years. The demand for caprolactam in North America was estimated to be more in resins as compared to fibers over the last two years. It was supported by stringent government regulations, increasing pressure for lightweight and durable polyamide 6, as well as the need for improving the standard of processing and manufacturing end products. Key Topics Covered 1. Introduction 1.1. Report description 1.2. Research methodology 2. Executive summary 3. Characteristics of caprolactam 4. State of the global demographics and economy 4.1. Characteristics of the global demographics in 2013-2017 4.2. Characteristics of the global economy in 2013-2017 4.3. Forecast for the development of the global economy in the medium term 5. Overview and analysis of the global caprolactam market 5.1. Volume and dynamics of the global caprolactam market in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 5.2. Structure of the global caprolactam market by main regions in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 5.3. Structure of the caprolactam market in Africa by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 5.4. Structure of the caprolactam market in Asia and Pacific by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 5.5. Structure of the caprolactam market in the CIS countries by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 5.6. Structure of the caprolactam market in Europe by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 5.7. Structure of the caprolactam market in the Middle East by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 5.8. Structure of the caprolactam market in North America by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 5.9. Structure of the caprolactam market in North East Asia by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 5.10. Structure of the caprolactam market in South and Central America by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 5.11. Structure of the global caprolactam market by application/main product groups in 2013-2017 and forecast for its development in 2018-2023 5.12. Key recent trends on the global caprolactam market 5.13. Key drivers and restraints for the market development in the medium term 6. Overview and analysis of the global production of caprolactam 6.1. Volume, distribution and dynamics of the installed capacities for the global production of caprolactam broken down by regions in 2013-2017 and forecast for their development in 2018-2023 6.2. Volume and dynamics of the average annual utilization rates used for the production of caprolactam globally, broken down by regions, in 2013-2017 and forecast for their development in 2018-2023 6.3. Volume and dynamics of the global production of caprolactam in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 6.4. Structure of the global production of caprolactam in 2013-2017 by main regions and forecast for 2018-2023 6.5. Structure of the caprolactam production in Africa by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 6.6. Structure of the caprolactam production in Asia and Pacific by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 6.7. Structure of the caprolactam production in the CIS countries by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 6.8. Structure of the caprolactam production in Europe by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 6.9. Structure of the caprolactam production in the Middle East by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 6.10. Structure of the caprolactam production in North America by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 6.11. Structure of the caprolactam production in North East Asia by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 6.12. Structure of the caprolactam production in South and Central America by countries in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 6.13. Characteristics of the main producers of caprolactam globally along with their exact installed capacities and used production techniques 7. Characteristics and analysis of the global prices of caprolactam 7.1. Value chain analysis 7.2. Structure of price formation 7.3. Characteristics of the global prices of caprolactam in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 7.4. Characteristics of the regional prices of caprolactam in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 8. Overview and analysis of the global imports of caprolactam 8.1. Volume, value and dynamics of the global imports of caprolactam in 2013-2017 8.2. Structure of the global imports of caprolactam by main regions in 2013-2017 8.3. Average prices of the caprolactam, imported globally in 2013-2017 9. Overview and analysis of the global exports of caprolactam 9.1. Volume, value and dynamics of the global exports of caprolactam in 2013-2017 9.2. Structure of the global exports of caprolactam by main regions in 2013-2017 9.3. Average prices of the global exports of caprolactam in 2013-2017 10. Balance between supply and demand on the global caprolactam market 10.1. Balance between supply and demand on the global caprolactam market in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 10.2. Balance between supply and demand on the global caprolactam market by main regions in 2013-2017 and forecast for 2018-2023 Companies Mentioned BASF Lanxess Domo Caproleuna Grupa Azoty Ube Industries Grodno Azot Azot Kemerovo Kuibyshevazot Shchekinoazot Azot Cherkassy Advansix Fibrant Abel Chemical China Risun Coal Chemicals Group Fibrant Fujian Eversun Holding Fujian Jinjiang Pc Comp. Lim. Fujian Shenyuan New Materials Fujian Tianchen Yaolong New Mat. Hengshen Technology Hubei Sanning Chem Co Jiangsu Haili Chemical Juhua Group Corp. Luxi Chemical Group Shandong Fangming Pc Shandong Haili Chemical Shanxi Jintaoyuan Shanxi Lanhua Sci-Tech Venture Shanxi Lubao Group Coking Shenma Group Sinopec Baling Pc Sinopec Shijiazhuang Rf Ch Taiyuan Chem. Ind. Zhejiang Baling Hengyi Sumitomo Chemical Toray Industries Ube Industries Capro Corp. Fert. and Chem. Travancore Gujarat State Fertilizer Ube Chemicals (Asia) Monomeros Col/Venez For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6q2hrv/global?w=12 San Francisco, Calif., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The California Historical Society has appointed Susan D. Anderson as its new Director of Library, Collections, Exhibitions, and Programs. Anderson comes to CHS from the African American Museum & Library in Oakland, where she has served as Interim Chief Curator for the past year. Anderson is a third generation Californian who was born at the Presidio in San Francisco, and has studied, lived, and worked throughout the state to increase public understanding of history. She is an expert in American and African American history with focused interest on ethnic, literary, and social justice communities in California. We are grateful to have found Susan, whose experience and expertise stood out among a group of exceptional candidates. As a historian, Susan has explored deeply a wide range of diverse communities and social justice movements, said CHS Executive Director and CEO, Anthea Hartig. That experience will be invaluable to her future work in acquisition, the development of CHSs permanent collection, and guidance of our public history programming, with the goal of reflecting the diversity of California and documenting contemporary movements. Andersons additional professional experience includes working as curator and managing director at UCLA and USC libraries special collections, as well as curating a statewide, touring exhibition commemorating the centennial of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park alongside the California African American Museum. Anderson has one published book of poetry and is working on another book to be published through Heyday Books entitled, African Americans and the California Dream.Throughout her decade of experience working in the public history realm, she has lectured at the California State Capitol Museum, the California State Railroad Museum, the Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology, UC Berkeley, the San Francisco Presidio, Richmond Museum of History, and the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, among others. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the talented, committed staff at the California Historical Society to expand its vision, reach, activities, and success to continue to make history a meaningful part of everyday experience, Susan Anderson said. This is truly an honor to be associated with such an esteemed organization that has been a trailblazer in terms of its exhibitions, historical significance and mission. In her new role at CHS, Anderson will serve as a key leader to the organization, providing guidance and vision to the North Baker Research Library and the CHS collection, as well as its rotating exhibitions and public programming, in alignment with CHSs mission and strategic objectives. Critically, she will drive the fulfillment of two primary initiatives in the near future: The assessment of the collections needs and future in San Franciscos Old U.S. Mint as part of an intensive study of that property as CHSs new home, and the completion of Teaching California, a collaborative project funded by the State of California, designed to offer California K-12 teachers and their students an innovative online collection of teaching resources. About the California Historical Society: The California Historical Society (CHS) is a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire and empower people to make the states richly diverse past a meaningful part of their contemporary lives in order to create a more just and informed future. Founded in 1871, CHS maintains a premier collection of original materials documenting the history of California from the Spanish conquest to the present day. The CHS Collection represents the environmental, economic, social, political, and cultural heritage of the entire state, including materials from outside California that contribute to a greater understanding of the state and its people. Beginning with its founding, and especially since establishing its Yerba Buena District headquarters on Mission Street in 1995, CHS has served residents of the Bay Area, the state, and beyond with its research library, exhibitions, publications, and public educational programs that draw on its important and wide-ranging collections of California history. Today, CHS is embarking on a four-pronged effort to increase its public accessibility, relevance, and impact through innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions; impactful educational programs for youth and adults; expanded programming in Southern California where CHS holds significant collections in partnerships with the Autry National Center and the University of Southern California; and a major digital preservation, management, and access initiative. Importantly, CHS has received a major grant from the State of California to evaluate a relocation to the Old U.S. Mint via a partnership with the City and County of San Francisco. For more information, please visit www.californiahistoricalsociety.org. # # # Attachments Funding includes $1.485 million in seed capital from Clean Tech Angel Investors and $748,000 grant from National Science Foundation New investors include Sierra Angels and Sand Hill Angels Targets water purification, energy storage and biotherapeutics industries SEATTLE, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Membrion, a manufacturer of ultra-low cost, high performance ion exchange membranes, today announced it has closed its Series Seed round, having raised a total of $1.485 million. Sierra Angels and Sand Hill Angels joined existing investors E8 and the E8 Fund, Bellingham Angel Investors, as well as other prominent angels. This round, combined with a $748,000 grant the company received earlier this year from the National Science Foundation, puts the company on the path to commercialization in 2019. Membrion will use this funding to continue to scale its novel technology and develop commercially viable membranes for the ion exchange markets in water separation technologies and energy storage applications. The high cost of current ion exchange membranes and the inferior performance of polymer membranes have held back many of the most promising solutions to todays clean energy, fresh water and human health challenges. Membrions low-cost, high-performance ceramic ion exchange membranes solve both problems, thereby allowing its customers to unlock the true potential of grid-scale energy storage; cutting-edge water purification and desalinization technologies; and advanced filtration in pharmaceuticals and chemical separations. Membrion leverages silica gel an inexpensive, non-toxic material that is often packaged with new shoes, beef jerky and many other consumer products to produce a novel class of commercial ceramic membranes. Membrions technology converts the highly absorbent, small-pore silica gel into flexible ceramic membranes that can be engineered to meet the needs of a wide range of applications. It does so at a dramatic cost reduction relative to the current industry leading membranes. Our oversubscribed round is a testament to the belief by our investors that Membrion has the right team, the right technology and the right strategy, said John Plaza, CEO of Membrion. Its full steam ahead for us now as we commercialize this breakthrough technology. Membrion was founded in 2016 by Dr. Greg Newbloom, based on the technology he developed alongside Professor Lilo Pozzo at the University of Washingtons College of Engineering. Spun out of University of Washington, Membrion has received generous support from UWs CoMotion, Buerk Center & Clean Energy Institute, the National Science Foundation, Amazons Catalyst program, the Murdock Charitable Trust, and the CalTech Rocket Fund. About Membrion Membrion has developed breakthrough Molecular Self Assembly (MSA) technology that uses readily available, non-toxic and low-cost materials to produce advanced ceramic ion exchange membranes which perform better and cost significantly less than todays ceramic and polymer options. Membranes are at the heart of solutions to enable more cost-effective solutions for clean energy, fresh water supplies and human health challenges. Membrions affordable, high-performance membranes will help unleash a new wave of innovation and market penetration for these technologies. More information is available at www.membrion.com . About E8 E8 is an impact angel investment group focused exclusively on promising cleantech startups. Its mission is to accelerate the transition to a cleaner future, a healthier planet, and a prosperous sustainable world. To date, individual members and the E8 Fund have invested more than $30 million in 81 companies and capital funds across North America. More information is available at: www.E8angels.com About Bellingham Angel Investors Bellingham Angel Investors (BAI) is a leading angel investment group located in Bellingham, Washington. BAI invests in early stage companies in the Pacific Northwest from Vancouver, BC, to Portland, Oregon, for the purpose of accelerating the growth of entrepreneurial technology companies while building exceptional shareholder value. BAI is an experienced investor with approximately $25 million invested in over 40 companies over the last 10 years through both an investment fund and as individual angel investors. More information is available at www.bellinghamangelinvestors.com About Sierra Angels Sierra Angels is Nevadas premier angel investment group founded at North Lake Tahoe in 1997. Our Membership consists of 50 highly experienced executives and entrepreneurs who provide funding, mentoring and strategic introductions for meritorious early-stage technology companies primarily in Nevada and Northern California. We also proactively collaborate with other angel groups throughout the Western States. More information is available at http://www.sierraangels.com About Sand Hill Angels Sand Hill Angels is a group of Silicon Valley angel investors passionate about helping entrepreneurs get to the next level. What makes the group unique is the collective experience of its members building and scaling deep technology companies. The group has been around for close to two decades. Sand Hill Angels works openly and collaboratively with venture capital funds, other angel organizations, and the Bay Area ecosystem that fosters the growth of technology startups. For additional information, visit www.sandhillangels.com or follow @SandHillAngels.com on Twitter. BELFIELD, N.D., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meridian Energy Group, Inc., the leading developer of innovative, advanced technology and environmentally-compliant oil refining facilities, announced today that the company has signed an agreement with McDermott out of Houston, Texas under which McDermott will finalize the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for the Meridian Davis Refinery in Billings County, North Dakota. Following the completion of the FEED effort, the Parties will be prepared to enter into a comprehensive turnkey Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Agreement to build the Davis Refinery. McDermott is a premier, fully integrated provider of technology, engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry. Meridian has initiated site preparation and grading at the Davis site, and is proceeding with final design and equipment fabrication and procurement with full construction activities and foundation work resuming in Spring 2019. William Prentice, CEO of Meridian, said of this agreement, Meridians mission is to drive the reinvention of the refining industry, and the Davis Refinery is intended to be the prototype for a new type of refinery. To fulfill this mission, Meridian requires an EPC Partner that shares this vision, and that has the expertise and professionalism to complete Davis and follow-on projects in a reliable and cost-effective manner Meridian believes that McDermott is that firm and is very happy to be entering into this agreement and finalizing another major milestone on the Davis project. Lance Medlin, Meridian EVP of Projects on EPC with McDermott, The Davis Refinery is being designed as a cutting-edge facility, setting a new standard in how emerging energy needs are addressed at regional levels. Meridians partnership with McDermott for the engineering and development of the Davis Refinery is another step in what has proven to be the consistently right direction in refining, and were proud to announce this next phase in the Davis Project. About Meridian Energy Group, Inc. The Mission of Meridian Energy Group, Inc. is to provide long-term shareholder value through the development and operation of the cleanest, most environmentally-compliant crude oil refineries in the world, benefiting the community and its investors. Established in 2013, Meridian is led by industry experts with a combined 500 years of world-class expertise in energy & hydrocarbon processing and large capital project management. Visit: http://www.meridianenergygroupinc.com SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LightStep, the leading provider of application performance management (APM) for organizations adopting microservices and serverless, today announced $41 million in Series C funding, bringing the total raised to $70 million. The round was led by Altimeter Capital with participation from all existing investors: Redpoint, Sequoia, Cowboy Ventures and Harrison Metal. LightStep will use the funding to accelerate product development and meet record market demand. "Microservices and serverless architectures are quickly reshaping how enterprises build and operate software at scale," said Kevin Wang, partner at Altimeter Capital. "LightStep has been at the forefront of this disruption and is fundamentally redefining the APM market with a world-class team, ambitious vision, powerful product and delighted customers. We're excited to support LightStep as they continue building a transformative company through rapid growth and innovation." "LightStep has grown quickly in the past year, and along many axes: our customer base, our pace of innovation, our revenue, our headcount, and, most importantly, the value we've delivered to our customers, said Ben Sigelman, co-founder and CEO at LightStep. LightSteps market opportunity is tremendous, and we can accelerate our expansion with this new capital from Altimeter and our existing investors. As we grow the business, we will also continue to invest in our unique architecture and further product innovation this will extend our lead in the APM space for organizations adopting microservices." Sigelman is an expert in performance analysis and debugging in large software systems. He designed and deployed global-scale monitoring technologies at Google, including Dapper, an always-on distributed tracing system that analyzes more than 2 billion transactions per second. He is also the co-creator of the OpenTracing standard, part of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. LightStep formally launched last year with customers Twilio, Lyft, Yext, GitHub and DigitalOcean to address challenges faced by enterprises building and operating complex software at scale. The growing adoption of microservices has accelerated software development but it also brings greater operational complexity and a dramatic increase in the volume of diagnostic data, making performance management a challenge. The existing APM solutions designed for monolithic applications fail to handle the scale or complexity of modern architectures. They cannot provide accurate insights in real-time because ordinary transactions involve dozens to thousands of distinct services. LightStep [x]PM delivers precise and robust measurements of performance issues, in real-time, and provides clear explanations that enable engineers to reduce mean time to resolution (MTTR). Its unique, decentralized architecture continuously analyzes 100% of transactions across all services, at scale, in production. LightStep [x]PM goes beyond isolated single-transaction timing diagrams to offer differentiated and valuable tracing-based capabilities: LightStep [x]PM uses the raw, unsampled tracing data to power features, including real-time monitoring, alerting, time-series dashboards, and fine-grained multi-dimensional latency analysis. Customers see reduced MTTR, improved development efficiency and more effective root cause analysis. LightStep will be showcasing LightStep [x]PM in booth S10 at KubeCon and leading the Observability Practitioners Summit later this month. Customers on LightStep: We support millions of athletes in their goals to become healthier, and that generates massive amounts of data supported by lots of services. LightStep gives us critical insight into the performance of complex system interactions and is a key tool in both our operational environment and our Cloud Native transformation. By using OpenTracing as a foundational layer, [x]PM assists us to remain standards-compliant, and use a powerful distributed tracing solution to pinpoint the root cause if performance and/or operational issues occur. - Eric Wood, Director, Platform Engineering at Under Armour At Medium, we are building the best place for reading and writing on the internet. Behind the seemingly simple and elegant interface, Medium is powered by a complex system, evolving from a monolithic service to a microservice system. Microservice boundaries are opaque by design. This presents innumerable challenges observing them, especially when we need to track down performance issues or failures cross multiple services. Without good observability, developing and troubleshooting microservices quickly turns into a nightmare with even just a few services. This is why we rely heavily on LightStep [x]PM to help us understand the performance of our systems and pinpoint the root cause of latency issues. It is instrumental throughout the entire cycle of engineering microservices. Even when things work well, we use LightStep [x]PM to understand how the systems work together as a whole and identify opportunities of improvement. - Xiao Ma, Chief Architect at Medium Segment provides the customer data infrastructure that helps businesses put their customers first. LightStep [x]PM is a very strategic product that's been helping us to get more visibility into our data pipeline than we've had in the past. We've used it to pinpoint the root cause of performance issues to help ensure that we're able to have the most efficient possible infrastructure for our 15,000 customers. - Tido Carriero, VP of Engineering, Product and Design at Segment LightStep [x]PM has been an invaluable solution for us. We were tasked with transitioning our application from a monolith to microservices and improving its performance by 4x at the same time. Microservices present new performance challenges, primarily around long-tail latency that we were unfamiliar with. So to achieve our goal, we had to isolate and eliminate long-tail latency a task that was nearly impossible before we adopted LightStep. Now, since LightStep analyzes 100% of the data, we never drop spans and never miss these crucial outliers. Unlike other solutions, LightStep [x]PM doesn't just tell us when we have a performance issue, it shows us why. Zack Angelo, VP Platform Engineering at BigCommerce Since LightStep formally launched last year: LightStep has achieved record revenue growth and added key customers including Airtable, BigCommerce, Indeed, InVision, Ola, Medium, Segment, Sift Science, SkyScanner, Under Armour, Zalando and many others LightStep has delivered extensive product innovations including: -- Real-time performance histograms that enable organizations to understand whats normal and whats not, all with an unprecedented level of analytical detail -- LightStep Snapshots : durable, shareable insights and trace data extracted from LightSteps Satellites to specifically explain anomalies or performance regressions. Snapshots are an industry first, providing an unprecedented level of detail and analytical depth, even for events in the past. -- Numerous usability enhancements including Service Directory which provides an intuitive services-oriented view into applications -- Integration with leading ecosystem partners including Grafana , Sumo Logic , Envoy , and Istio -- Enhanced C# and .NET support -- Improved ability to organize, discover, and share distributed traces -- that enable organizations to understand whats normal and whats not, all with an unprecedented level of analytical detail -- LightStep : durable, shareable insights and trace data extracted from LightSteps Satellites to specifically explain anomalies or performance regressions. Snapshots are an industry first, providing an unprecedented level of detail and analytical depth, even for events in the past. -- Numerous usability enhancements including which provides an intuitive services-oriented view into applications -- Integration with leading ecosystem partners including , , , and -- Enhanced support -- Improved ability to organize, discover, and share distributed traces LightStep has analyzed more than 100 trillion microservice calls and almost 10 petabytes of data in the past year alone LightStep has been recognized in the Cool Vendors in Performance Analysis; Analytics and Containers[1] report by Gartner, Inc., was named one of the 20 Rising Stars as part of the Forbes 2018 Cloud 100 list, the definitive list of the top 100 private cloud companies in the world, and was selected as a MIT Sloan CIO Symposium Innovation Showcase finalist LightStep doubled its employee base and recently added Rob Benson as VP of Engineering. Prior to joining LightStep, Benson held technical leadership positions at Twitter and Confluent. About LightStep LightStep's mission is to deliver confidence at scale for those who develop, operate and rely upon todays powerful software applications. Its first product, LightStep [x]PM, is reinventing application performance management. It provides accurate, detailed snapshots of the entire software system at any point in time, enabling organizations to identify bottlenecks and resolve incidents rapidly. LightStep is backed by Redpoint, Sequoia and Altimeter Capital and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit https://lightstep.com or follow at @LightStepHQ. About Altimeter Capital Altimeter Capital is a technology focused investment firm that manages both public and private equity funds. Altimeter has a track record of investments in successful software-as-a-service companies including AppDynamics, MongoDB, Okta, Snowflake and Twilio. For more information, visit https://www.altimeter.com. [1]Gartner Cool Vendors in Performance Analysis; Analytics and Containers report by Padraig Byrne, Vivek Bhalla, Pankaj Prasad, Federico De Silva and Charley Rich, 12 September 2018 Gartner Disclaimer: Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Media and Analyst Contact: Amber Rowland amber@therowlandagency.com +1-650-814-4560 In this sense, the Head of State highlighted the military's strength, as well as the unrestricted respect for legal and constitutional order it has shown over the years. It should be noted this year marks the 25th anniversary of women's incorporation into military service. Moreover, President Vizcarra praised the Army's decision to allow young disabled people to join the voluntary military service. On the occasion, he was joined by Defense Minister Jose Huerta, as well as civilian and military authorities. Presidente @MartinVizcarraC : Una iniciativa importante de inclusion social es incorporar al Servicio Militar Voluntario a jovenes con discapacidad cuyo sueno es servir a la Patria. Seguiremos creciendo como pais, solo si ofrecemos iguales oportunidades para todas y todos. pic.twitter.com/yW8p60O5yS Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: Este domingo, nuevamente se celebra la democracia en nuestro pais, con millones de peruanos acudiendo a las urnas a expresar su voluntad; y ustedes seran, nuevamente, quienes garanticen que este proceso, se realice en paz y armonia. pic.twitter.com/zzylKOlWCJ MEDORA, N.D., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum proposed allocating $50 million from the states Legacy Fund earnings toward the effort to build the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, N.D. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation (TRPLF), along with the Governor, have had numerous conversations over the past year with interested North Dakotans and national partners that are convinced the library will showcase the role North Dakota played in shaping Roosevelts life, character and legacy. Additionally, a $50 million contribution from the Legacy Fund earnings will unlock well over another $100 million in matching gifts to be invested in this project, while locating the library in Medora at the TR National Park will enhance tourism and expand its economic impact in the region and throughout the state. It is truly an incredible opportunity for North Dakota that such a presidential library does not already exist, said Gov. Burgum. I can think of no better place for a TR Presidential Library than in synergy with our states only National Park. The TRPLF was formed to plan, build and oversee operations of all aspects of the library. This project has already gained statewide, regional and national attention and will provide a unique opportunity to provide rare insight into Roosevelts life, character and legacy. My great, great grandfather came to North Dakota in the 1880s to be a cattle rancher and hunter, said Theodore Roosevelt V. He later declared that North Dakota was where he found the romance of his life and I enjoy knowing that his Presidential Library is going to be located near his beloved Elkhorn cabin in the badlands. A broad range of organizations, including the National Park Service, the Theodore Roosevelt Association, the National Park Foundation and Theodore Roosevelt National Park have pledged their support for the project. Theodore Roosevelt National Park has been linked with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library concept from the beginning, and I pledge our continued support, said Wendy Ross, superintendent of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We remain strong advocates for the librarys establishment. As for the possibility of a future asylum request by Alan Garcia, he said the ex-Head of State is free to do what he thinks is right. Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: Todas las autoridades de la region #Puno deben trabajar coordinadamente para priorizar los proyectos que beneficien a sus ciudadanos. Desde el Gobierno central apoyaremos a todos los alcaldes y gobernadores durante su gestion. pic.twitter.com/6Ge3KSBU88 YEREVAN, DECEBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The Russian military has changed its mind on supplying Azerbaijan the SSC-6 'Sennight' coastal missile system, a version of the Kh-35 turbojet subsonic cruise anti-ship missile, according to Kommersant newspaper. According to the newspaper, Russian military officials found that even the export variant of the missile system might pose a potential threat for their own navy vessels in the Caspian sea that are on-duty in Russian territorial waters. A source familiar with the matter told Kommersant that Russia and Azerbaijan had initialed the deal on a small batch of the systems and a few dozen missiles, however the agreement was never signed. Kommersant reported that the topic isnt discussed yet because a very delicate geopolitical nuance exists. In recent years, the X-35 missile warheads guidance system has been modified to strike also land targets. We wouldnt want this weapon to be used in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the source told Kommersant. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The CSTO secretary general issue will be solved through a consensus, Armenias caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a campaigning event for the My Step bloc in Yerevan. Armenia hasnt addressed anyone with neither a request nor a proposal, weve said that we have our candidate in the CSTO, and we are coherently continuing to negotiate over the issue of our candidate. I have said numerously that the secretary general issue isnt the most important one, a lot more serious issues are being discussed in this context, and the most important issue is the issue of the CSTOs effectiveness and the mutual obligations of member countries of the organization, mechanisms of implementation of these obligations, the issue of member countries obligations before the countries of the organization. The secretary generals status isnt pivotal, Pashinyan told reporters. Asked if he will demand explanations from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Pashinyan said he will definitely discuss the issues in the event of meeting him. Pashinyan will depart for Russia to participate in the December 6 Eurasian Supreme Economic Council session in St. Petersburg. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenia and Mongolia will abolish visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders, reports Armenpress. The draft decision on approving the respective agreement is included in the Armenian governments December 6 session agenda. The agreement aims to promote, facilitate and encourage the visits of officials of the sides by abolishing visa requirements for persons holding diplomatic and official valid passports. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan TORONTO, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sparton Resources Inc. (TSXV.SRI) ("Sparton" or the "Company") announced today that it has entered into, effective December 5, 2018, an agreement for a private placement financing totalling $50,000 through the sale of 714,286 flow through shares to one accredited investor. Each Flow Through Common Share. is priced at $0.07. The placement is non brokered and no finders fees or commissions are being paid. Proceeds will be used for expenditures on the Companys Canadian Exploration Programs including drilling activities on the Bruell Project in the Val DOr East Quebec gold area. Resale of the shares is subject to normal restrictions under TSX Venture Exchange Policy and the transaction is subject to final regulatory approval. Bruell Drilling Program Six drill holes are planned totalling approximately 1000 meters to follow up the gold mineralization located in last seasons program. These will test the extensions at depth and laterally of the known zones and the new shear zone mineralization found in the final hole (SP 18-03) drilled last April. See Sparton News Release dated May 28, 2018 for details. The current program will involve vertical and lateral step out holes located 50 and 100 meters from hole SP 18-03. (See map posted on Sparton website www.spartonres.ca). For more information contact: A. Lee Barker, M.A Sc., P. Eng., P.Geol. President and CEO Tel./Fax: 647-344-7734 or Mobile: 416-716-5762 Email: info@spartonres.ca Website: www.spartonres.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release involves forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, financings and transactions being pursued, and all such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof 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. Although the Company 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 and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such forward-looking statements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein. We Seek Safe Harbour YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Vice President of the Armenian Eagles: United Armenia political party Mher Yeghyazaryan, who also manages the Haynews.am online media outlet, has released a statement saying he is beginning a hunger strike. Yeghyazaryan was arrested earlier by the National Security Service in suspicion of racketeering. In the statement, he said he doesnt trust the investigation and that he refuses to participate in the process. He said he begins a hunger strike from 09:00, December 5 in jail. He requested a meeting with the Ombudsman of Armenia, according to the statement. At the same time, he said he will take part in the court hearing of the case. Armenian Eagles: United Armenia is not running for parliament. Vice President of the Armenian Eagles: United Armenia political party Mher Yeghyazaryan, who also manages Haynews.am online media outlet, has been arrested by the National Security Service in suspicion of racketeering. The man is suspected in grand theft. Authorities said he has extorted various amounts of money, ranging from 370$ up to 10,000 dollars, from several citizens, including military servicemen, with the pretext of forwarding the money as a bribe for different reasons, including for career promotion, employment, and solving various tupes of other issues. Yeghyazaryan operated the scheme from 2014 to 2018, the National Security Service said. He has been placed under arrest and an investigation is underway. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, who leads the My Step bloc for the general election, doesnt threaten candidates for parliament with the National Security Service (NSS). On the contrary, I threaten ourselves with the NSS. They tell us you are committing conspiracy for surrendering Artsakh. Now they are accusing us.If we leave it silent, then they will say, this means they are [covering up] something. I believe that the NSS ought to summon the authors of this statement and before the election: if it turns out that we are making conspiracy then the people know about it. If it turns out that this is a lie, then at that time we should at least know that some are liars, moreover, cheap [liars], Pashinyan said. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Acting deputy prime minister of Armenia Tigran Avinyan attended a celebration dedicated to the national holiday of Japan, reports Armenpress. Avinyan said on Facebook that all were shocked by listening to the performance of national anthems of the two countries by Japans Ambassador to Armenia Jun Yamada. Tigran Avinyan delivered remarks during the event, in particularly noting: I sincerely congratulate you on the national holiday of Japan. Armenia and Japan have established closed ties and productive cooperation as a result of more than a quarter-century-old diplomatic relations between the two countries. Numerous achievements were recorded in the bilateral relations during these years, an atmosphere of mutual trust has been formed and important grounds were put for the progressive development of the future cooperation. The establishment of embassies in the two capitals greatly contributed to boosting the relations. The bilateral agenda of 2018 was full of a number of key events. On February 14 the Armenian and Japanese governments signed an agreement on liberalization, promotion and protection of investments which is the first in the region. The visit of deputy foreign minister of Japan on parliamentary matters was held to Armenia in the same month, and the foreign ministers of the two countries met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The visit of minister Taro Kono to Armenia was an important event in the relations between Armenia and Japan which was his first visit to Armenia. All these prove that the Armenian-Japanese relations enter a qualitatively new stage and aim at intensifying not only political, but also economic, scientific-educational and cultural ties, implementing joint programs. Ladies and Gentlemen, I want t once again congratulate you on the Japanese national holiday and offer a toast wishing health to the Emperor, as well as peace and prosperity to the people of Japan, and deepening and strengthening of friendly ties between our countries. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian together with spouse Nune Sarkissian visited the Puppet Theater after Stepan Alikhanyan in Gyumri, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. Its the first puppet theater in Armenia established in 1935. The theater is a member of the International Union of the Marionette (UNIMA). The President and spouse toured the theater and were introduced on the history and creative path of the theater. It was stated that the theater has participated in many festivals during its long-term activity by receiving medals, diplomas and certificates. Armen Sarkissian and Nune Sarkissian watched a performance together with children. Thereafter, the President urged the kids to read fairy tales and study, and handed over fairy tale books to them. Armen Sarkissian said the theater has rich traditions and the children of Gyumri deserve better conditions, therefore everything must be done to improve the theater. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian sent a letter of condolences on the death of famous Russian writer, honorary citizen of Yerevan, Andrei Bitov, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. Armenia has lost one of its loyal, reliable and dedicated friends. Andrei Bitov was really enjoying the sincere respect and love of the Armenian people. I extend condolences to Andrei Bitovs family members and relatives, readers and fans of his talent. He has passed away, but his books, which give friendship, love and kindness to the people, stay with us, the letter reads. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Ambassador to Netherlands Tigran Balayan on December 4 met with David van Weel, Dutch Prime Ministers foreign policy and defense advisor, the Armenian foreign ministry told Armenpress. Welcoming the Armenian Ambassador, David van Weel said the Armenian-Dutch relations are of friendly nature and have a tendency to further develop. In his turn Ambassador Balayan thanked for the reception and stated that Armenia and Netherlands have an experience of effective mutual cooperation at bilateral and multilateral formats, and one of the key goals of his mission is to boost the commercial ties between the two countries. Ambassador Balayan introduced the official on the ongoing developments in Armenia since the recent velvet revolution, the efforts of the authorities aimed at strengthening the democratic institutions and civil society, the fight against corruption, as well as the steps for providing equal economic opportunities. Tigran Balayan said the current government is inclined to hold the upcoming parliamentary elections in accordance with the highest international standards, and thanked in this context for sending Dutch observers to Armenia to follow the election process. During the meeting the officials also exchanged views on expanding the political and economic cooperation between Armenia and the Netherlands. They also touched upon a number of issues of international agenda. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan talked about the wiretapped conversations between himself and NSS Director Artur Vanetsyan, as well as between Artur Vanetsyan and Head of Special Investigation Service Sasun Khachatryan on a live Facebook broadcast. Pashinyan expressed confidence that the recording has been published for the reason that the ring surrounding the corrupt system tightens more and more. The corrupt system sees that what we have promised will step by step become reality following the parliamentary elections. These recording are published for finding some canals to rescue. I have told in the past and reaffirm now that in fact, this is a warfare declared against the statehood of Armenia, and those who have provoked this warfare will be crushed, ARMENPRESS reports Pashinyan as saying. He urged the citizens of Armenia to go to the polling stations on December 9 irrespective of the weather conditions and vote for My step block. I want to remind that these are first of all elections of Prime Minister. I hope to receive a very powerful mandate from the citizens of Armenia in order I can fight against corruption, return what has been looted from the people, and inflict a crushing defeat against this warfare waged against the people of Armenia, the acting PM said. He added that the wiretapping has been cut and cropped and some episodes have been removed. Nikol Pashinyan expressed confidence that what has happened is a counterrevolution move but the corrupt system will be crushed for sure. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan So heres the other side of the story from the Chimbu Valley, where an estimated 100 or so men were killed in the days following the shooting of the two missionaries. In early 1935, the press in Australia mentioned only the killing of the two white men. The fate of the Chimbu people who died was not considered to be of interest. I guess nothing much has changed. Commenting on this article, Fr Garry Roche mentioned the Chimbu Valley shooting of Fr Karl Morschheuser SVD and Br Eugene Frank SVD but did not tell the Chimbu side of the story. I believe the stories Peter related are an important part of Chimbu and New Guinea history that must be told to our younger generations in Australia and Papua New Guinea. KUNDIAWA - I must commend Peter Krantz for his recent article The bloody early years of outside engagement with the Simbu. A big number that never got a mention in the Australian press. Not even the Pope knew of those souls that perished by the guns of Christian men whose fifth Commandment said, Thou shall not kill. Assistant District Officer (ADO) James Lindsay Taylor was in-charge of the government patrol that went into the Chimbu Valley on 16 January 1935 to investigate and arrest the men who shot the missionaries. However, this task of identifying the culprits who shot the two missionaries from an estimated 10,000 natives in the valley was challenging. On 11 February at the present day Gembogl station, 35 Mauglak and Inaugl warriors were shot dead by the Taylor patrol. At the time the two tribes were engaged in warfare on opposite sides of the Chimbu River. A government officer reported that only five men had been shot. But this was a mass killing, by definition a massacre, and it happened in comparatively modern times. Part of the Taylor team was a young Danny Leahy, younger brother of gold prospector Michael, who was made a special constable for the purpose of this expedition. He was included in the contingent of 12 New Guinea Police Force (NGPF) men. A month after this, 70 Chimbu Valley men were marched 700 kilometers to Salamaua on the Morobe coast. One could only imagine the atrocious conditions these men, many of them tribal chiefs, endured. First, they suffered in a notorious pit prison at the Chimbu-Wahgi post for 30 days and then, during 26 days walking tied to the hand of the next prisoner, they suffered through the highlands cold and the lowlands tropical heat treated less as men, some of real standing, and more as sub-humans. While held in Salamaua for many months, many died of coastal diseases and were buried far away from their loved ones. Sometime later, many of the remaining men who returned to their homes also died of these diseases. The world did not know of these tragedies. An earlier killing on 21 August 1933 at Waingar, two kilometers from present day Mingende Catholic Mission Station mentioned by Peter Krantz, occurred on the return trip from Mt Hagen by the Taylor-Leahy patrol and involved Taylor himself, surveyor Ken Spinks and two NGPF men. Taylor reported that one man was killed by the patrol but in my findings, supported by anthropologist Paula Brown and others, five men of the Waugla Muguaku tribe were killed after a knife was stolen. In September 2014, I wrote in PNG Attitude of another massacre among my Keri Golen people at Sua in late 1946 when John Amery Jack Costelloe was Assistant District Officer at Kundiawa. Robin and Carolyn Hide later provided an addendum to my article. Costelloes presence at the shooting in Sua was uncertain but, in ensuing days, my article generated a lively discussion which included denials from some writers that this could have occurred and, sadly, personal accusations of bias against me. In my studies, and as I progress steadily through my sizeable History of Chimbu, I have come to realise that the work by kiaps to assert control of the communities might have been seen as taking too long. So, to hasten efforts in areas where there was rampant tribal fighting, the kiaps decided upon big impact shooting so the tribes would see and learn from them and hopefully cease their warfare. In other words, the kiaps intended to teach the kanakas a lesson. This style of shooting happened at Gembogl, at Sua and also in other parts of Chimbu. One area of mutual practice among these early Australian colonial officers in charge of patrols, was that they did not accurately report their killings of indigenous people to their superiors. Often they would understate the deaths and sometimes they did not report them at all. In the years between 1933 and 1948, these premeditated killings by officers did achieve their aim for quickly controlling the tribes. However these intentional acts - or for that matter any killing by a government patrol - should always have been investigated and, of warranted, the officers disciplined. As shown clearly from the Kouno incident in Jiwaka Province in July 1947 involving a young Patrol Officer Craig AJ Symonds, the authorities at the time were corrupt - from Taylor at district level as far up as EJ Ward, the Australian federal minister responsible. Six months later Symonds, who was charged with manslaughter, and Taylor, who was charged with attempting to pervert the cause of justice in shielding, Symons were both exonerated and returned to their posts. Mathias Kin Historian Dr August Kituai discusses the Kouno shooting in d etail but did not investigate further the killings in Chimbu. If he had, he would have exhumed mass graves in many parts of Chimbu, including the Chimbu Valley. Finally, I believe authorities in Australia and in PNG must acknowledge the atrocities that occurred on those highlands frontiers between the early 1930s and the post-war period. This is a side of New Guinea history that has been concealed and not investigated as thoroughly as it should have been in the past. I hope my 'History of Chimbu' may change that. In June next year, Bougainville will hold a referendum on its political future and, as the months roll by, both governments are rushing everything often in the absence of care, consideration and even good faith. The issue today is that many problems brought about the Bougainville crisis (1988-97) were not covered by the peace agreement and have since been ignored by both the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the PNG national government. When complications occur or conflict erupts, the peace agreement suggests it is consultation that can be initiated to address such hurdles. ARAWA - The entire Bougainville Peace Agreement signed in 2001 has plenty of loopholes, but these weak points are catered for by one word that repeatedly appears. It is the word consultation. The thick documents they have compiled by this December of 2018 are certainly great in quantity but not in quality. Last year, between September and October, with me as one of their officers, the Department of Bougainville Peace agreement and Implementation held what was planned as a Bougainville-wide public consultation. From the beginning, to me, the consultation lacked both quality and quantity in terms of both practice and ethics and I could not accept it as being appropriately managed by a professionally functioning bureaucracy. In their wandering, our team leaders engaged only with an average of about seven persons each from local level government, former combatants, women and people in the street. The ABG referendum directorate began this public consultation as scheduled in September 2017 as a two-three month project. We kicked off at Nigeria Guest House in Buin Town, driving there from Arawas Arevai Guest House which was our base camp. Upon reaching Nigeria on the morning of 21 September, the Buin district stakeholders arranged by our advance officers were not there. So our leaders sent the two hired Landcruisers to collect them. When they returned having still not reached the expected numbers, the leaders ordered the vehicles to go to Buin Town to pick up any Tom, Dick and Harry they could. The consultation happened but, as the officer tasked to conduct and pay for the referendum research, I was sick thinking about the ethics of what we were doing. From that very first day there was no observance of research ethics. Some known factions in Buin were represented in the consultation; but most of Buin district was not. The 17 people we talked with were those we had hauled in and far from a representative sample. The same scene was repeated at our next consultation in the Siwai district. There, on a Friday at the Siwai District Office, we mingled with the staff. There was no one else. Five days later, on 27 September, we were at the Motuna-Hukonoh community government in Siwai for a meeting that was well attended but, as in Buin, not representative. Kieta, Bana and Panguna consultations were also flawed and problematic. The consultation team split up in Buin and again in Kieta due to poor leadership. I was one who walked out. The team leaders were university youths with no power and experience in the tangle of Bougainville politics. Then, another big problem. The funding earmarked to cover consultation in the entirety of Bougainville was exhausted when we had done no more than south and central Bougainville. These incidents hijacked the consultation process. It was not because we were not capable, but because both the Bougainville and PNG governments had treated this aspect of things as nominal. Poor leadership, poor logistics and poor resources. The ABG bureaucracy is a system designed by consultants for public servants with impressive university degrees but no insight or experience of entrenched Bougainville problems. They do not seem to understand the seriousness of the work required nor the solutions that are relevant for Bougainvilleans. So now we face a Bougainville referendum as the long-awaited ultimate resolution of a 10-year bloody civil war and some 15,000 deaths. But the problem we want to address is not a new one and not a Papua New Guinean problem, its the old conflict of Solomon islanders against Papua New Guineans and colonisation. It will take more than a flawed consultation to sort that one out. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daniel Russell, the single largest shareholder of Synex International Inc. (the Company) (TSX: SXI), along with other concerned shareholders (collectively, the Concerned Shareholders), wish to report that the British Columbia Supreme Court (the Court) has booked a full day hearing to be held on December 20, 2018 to decide whether the decision by the Chair of the Company to disallow votes from over 50% of the Companys shareholders at the annual shareholder meeting of the Company held on November 2, 2018 was correct. While the Concerned Shareholders requested an earlier hearing date in accordance with established precedent, the Company remarkably represented to the Court during an administrative hearing on November 21, 2018 that there was no urgency and that the matter could proceed in the usual course. The Company has also refused to undertake to restrict its business to the ordinary course pending the judicial proceeding. It is extremely frustrating that the incumbents are not prepared to agree to such a basic and reasonable request, stated Daniel Russell. It is unfathomable that a board of directors who may have been improperly declared elected by the Chair continues to carry on the business of the Company without the support of more than 50% of the Companys shareholders. I am concerned that the incumbents are wasting valuable Company resources instead of looking after the best interests of all shareholders. All shareholders need clarity and they need it immediately. In the meantime, we will watch the incumbents carefully. Any attempt to upset the status quo will be vigorously opposed, if necessary in court. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward-looking, and the words anticipate, believe, expect, estimate, plan, and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of the Concerned Shareholders and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. The Concerned Shareholders do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, except as required by applicable law. Except where otherwise stated herein, the statements contained in this press release are not made by or on behalf of the management of the Company but are made by or on behalf of the Concerned Shareholders. For more information please contact: Daniel J. Russell 4248 Broughton Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3K6 Telephone: 905-646-7545 It should also be noted that many of the views and opinions that emerged during the killings debate have been taken into account by the author, and he explores them in detail in this final version. I should point out that these events make up just a small part of what is a more comprehensive and expansionary account of the history of the Chimbu people that this book reveals. The controversy related to allegations of extra-judicial killings carried out by officers of the Australian Administration during the exploratory and pacification years in colonial Chimbu from the 1930s (see, for example, The truth about the Highlands frontier and the comments that follow). TUMBY BAY - PNG Attitude readers may remember the vigorous debate that occurred when an extract from an early draft of Mathias Kins book was published. My Chimbu: a short history of Chimbu in the highlands of PNG by Mathias Kin, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2018, 418 pages, ISBN: 978-1729711309. Available from Amazon , US$80 plus postage [availability may be limited] This does not detract from Kins original thesis nor does it diminish his contention that the colonisation of the province had some of the hallmarks of invasion and that the Chimbu people had every right to feel affronted by the disruption to what they considered their perfectly serviceable way of life. You can argue the inevitability of western expansionism and mollify it by advancing that the largely benign Australian administration was the least offensive colonial option on offer at the time, but in the end it comes down to the replacement of one way of life by another claiming a dubious superiority. And this is the nub of the importance of this book because it presents a view from the opposite side of what has so far been accepted as established fact. The account of colonisation presented in My Chimbu comes from the point of view of the colonised as opposed to the conventional view of the colonisers. As such it suggests that that view is not the end of the story and there is more to be written. The impetus for this book began with the author listening to the stories and reminiscences his elders told in the hausman [mens house] when he was a child. From there he developed a firm view that those stories needed to be recorded before they were lost. Over subsequent years he did just that and assembled an impressive collection of primary data. In his introduction Kin explains that: The voices contained in my primary documents ought to be heard because these had remained silent for over 70 years. He adds: Without the durability of the written word, our generation and others to come will never authentically replicate the unique memories of these people. The book begins with a brief history of what the author calls the taim bipo [the olden days] and progresses through to the arrival of the first foreigners into Chimbu in the 1930s and subsequent penetration, control and development of the province by the Australian Administration. From there the transition to self-government and independence as it affected Chimbu is covered. The post-independence period is also described and assessed and, in a final chapter, some thoughts are offered about the possible future of the Chimbu people. These latter chapters are no more remarkable in their detail than the earlier ones, given the parlous state of historical research in Papua New Guinea, and are probably as valuable as the memories of the elders because they too run the risk of being forgotten. I certainly learned a lot I didnt know, both about the history of Chimbu and Papua New Guinea itself. It is remarkable that the author has collected this information with minimal resources. Chimbu is still a remote part of the world and access to the primary data that is the bread and butter of any historian elsewhere is severely limited. In Chimbu, as in the rest of Papua New Guinea, the convenience of dropping into the local or national archives just doesnt exist. Mathias Kin acknowledges this problem and the effect it has had on the scholarship of his book. He humbly accepts that deficiencies exist: Generally names, events and dates will be missing, not adequately captured or wrongly placed in the scripts. I expect critics and disputes for which I take responsibility You dont get too many writers offering that sort of caveat. Despite its possible faults, the book is ground-breaking in its scope because it provides not only the first comprehensive history of a Papua New Guinean province but also a blueprint for others to follow. Hopefully this might happen before the rest of Papua New Guineas history, especially that which is told from a local perspective, is lost. It is worth acknowledging the part the Simbu Writers Association played in the publication of the book. The association is one of the most positive aspects that came out of the literary experimentation that was the Crocodile Prize for Literature. A large part of the success of the writers association is due to its chief editor and publisher Francis Nii. His dedication to the writers and literature of Chimbu is unparalleled. Mathias Kin has written a large and complex book and it is not possible to do it justice in a short review. It has to be read to be fully appreciated and I would urge Chimbus, as well as general readers, to do just that. I dont think you will be disappointed. Finally, I would like to note that, with this book, Mathias Kin has emerged as a talented and accomplished writer. I believe we will hear more from him in the future. A nine-year-old boy has convinced the leaders of his small town to overturn a nearly century-old ban on snowball fights, and he already knows who his first target will be his little brother. Dane Best, who lives in the often snow-swept northern Colorado town of Severance, presented his arguments at a town board meeting Monday night, and members voted unanimously to lift the ban. I think its an outdated law, Dane said in the lead-up to the meeting. Nine-year-old Dane Best has convinced the leaders of his small northern Colorado town to overturn a nearly century-old ban on snowball fights. Source: AP I want to be able to throw a snowball without getting in trouble. Danes mother, Brooke Best, told local news outlet The Greeley Tribune her son had been talking about snowballs since he found out about a six weeks ago that it was illegal to throw them within town limits. The last time it snowed, Dane said he and his friends looked around for police and joked about breaking the law. Why snowball throwing was illegal Kyle Rietkerk, assistant to the Severance town administrator, said the rule was part of a larger ordinance that made it illegal to throw or shoot stones or missiles at people, animals, buildings, trees, any other public or private property or vehicles. Snowballs fell under the towns definition of missiles. All of the kids always get blown away that its illegal to have snowball fights in Severance, Mr Rietkerk said before the meeting. Nine-year-old Dane Best has been throwing snowballs all his life, but when he found out that was illegal, he did something about it. Source: Brooke Best So, what ends up happening is [town leaders] always encourage the kids with, You have the power, you can change the law. No-one has. Then Dane took up the cause, writing letters with his classmates in support of overturning the ban. After Monday nights success, his four-year-old brother Dax had better watch out. When board members asked Dane during a meeting in November who he wants to hit, he pointed at his little brother. Dane and his family have researched other Severance ordinances, including one that defines pets only as cats and dogs. Dane has a guinea pig, which is also illegal in Severance, so changing that could be next on the schoolboys agenda. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday faced fresh attacks on her Brexit deal after MPs forced her government to publish legal advice on the arrangements for leaving the European Union. Pro- and anti-Brexit MPs seized on the advice relating to clauses on Northern Ireland, warning once again they would not back the deal when the House of Commons votes on it on December 11. The Northern Irish party which props up May's government said it was "totally unacceptable", while the pro-European Scottish National Party (SNP) accused May of concealing the truth until now. May said she understood their concerns and fuelled speculation she was still seeking a compromise to avoid a heavy defeat in the Brexit vote next week. "I believe that the deal we have negotiated is a good deal," she told MPs, adding: "I'm continuing to listen to colleagues on that and considering a way forward." It is not clear what she can do. May says the withdrawal agreement will not be reopened, echoing EU leaders who want the issue settled as Brexit looms in March. But the fragility of her position was laid bare in a stunning series of Commons defeats on Tuesday night. Her allies, Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), sided with the opposition Labour party to find ministers in contempt for failing to publish in full the legal advice on the Brexit deal. Some her own Conservative MPs meanwhile voted with Labour to give the Commons more say in what happens if the deal falls. The government on Wednesday published the legal advice on the most controversial clause of the deal, relating to the "backstop" plan to avoid border checks with Ireland. May said she had always been clear on the risks of the arrangement, which could keep Britain in the EU's customs union indefinitely after Brexit, and risks a separate status for Northern Ireland. But SNP lawmaker Ian Blackford was twice reprimanded by the Commons speaker for suggesting May had been "concealing the facts on her Brexit deal". Keir Starmer, Labour's Brexit spokesman, said the legal advice revealed "the central weaknesses in the government's deal". - Steal Brexit - May opened the debate on the Brexit deal on Tuesday with a personal plea for MPs to back her, and will hold meetings with Conservative colleagues in the coming days to try to convince them. Ministers will make the government's case during four more days of debate, but few believe they can overcome the intense opposition to the deal. If May loses next week's vote, the government has 21 days to return to MPs to propose what happens next, first in a statement and then a motion to the Commons. MPs on Tuesday backed an amendment tabled by Conservative former attorney general Dominic Grieve that would allow the Commons to amend that motion. This raises the possibility they could demand a re-negotiation, a second referendum or even staying in the EU. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox aired that concern on Wednesday, saying that a majority in favour of staying in the EU in parliament "may attempt to steal Brexit from the British people". - Going round in circles - Some Conservative MPs are pushing for a second referendum, but May warned against spending "the next decade as a country going round in circles". Many MPs want May to return to Brussels to renegotiate her deal, and she is due at a summit two days after next week's vote. Some are pushing for Britain to stay in the European Economic Area (EEA). But some eurosceptic Conservatives believe Britain can leave without any deal at all, even after a government assessment found this risked causing a major recession. If her deal fails, Labour has said it will almost certainly trigger a confidence vote in the Commons, while May also risks a challenge by her own Conservative MPs. In Brussels, meanwhile, the European Commission began the process of ratifying the Brexit deal. "Of course we need to see what the outcome of discussions in UK parliament and the result of a vote in parliament would be," Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said. "But we are preparing for the deal, we have agreed on the deal with the government." British Prime Minister Theresa May says the withdrawal agreement will not be reopened, echoing EU leaders who want the issue settled as Brexit looms in March Few people believe that British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal will survive the vote next Tuesday, but the question of what happens then remains wide open Pro-Brexit demonstrators protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London where Prime Minister Theresa May faced fresh attacks on her Brexit deal Brexit timeline, 2016-2020 A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck near New Caledonia Wednesday, triggering a tsunami alert and emergency evacuations across a swathe of the South Pacific, but there were no reports of serious damage or injuries. Authorities said the quake, followed by at least 20 strong aftershocks, was centred about 170 kilometres (100 miles) southeast of New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands at a depth of just 10 kilometres. Island residents said the initial quake shook the walls of buildings and in places turned the sea foamy. Tsunami waves were recorded moving out from the epicentre, prompting people to flee to high ground. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned surges of up to three metres (10 feet) could be expected and shallow quakes of that magnitude can be devastating. But the centre later reported waves measured by its monitors around the region only reached about 72 centimetres (2.4 feet) on the island of Tanna, Vanuatu. Civil defence officials in Noumea said tsunami waves hit parts of the Loyalty Islands and the Isle of Pines, but caused no damage. "Reports from the area confirm that the strength of the tsunami has fallen significantly and there is no longer a major risk for the population," said a spokesman for the civil defence department. "There have been no injuries or damage," he said. Almost three hours after the quake, the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported the threat stemming from the initial quake "has now passed". Multiple aftershocks of up to magnitude 6.6 hit the area in the hours following the initial quake, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake triggered emergency warning systems in New Caledonia, where residents received an urgent text message directing them to go to refuges immediately. - Ring of fire - Basile Citre, a municipal official on the Loyalty Island of Mare, said he had been in a meeting at the town hall when he felt a small tremor followed by a bigger shock. "The building shook, but there was no damage," he told AFP. "When the sirens sounded, the population headed for higher ground for safety. For now, nothing serious has happened." A spokesman for the Vanuatu geohazards observatory said the sparsely populated island of Tanna was expected to be most affected but no evacuations had been ordered. "There are no sirens on Tanna but the people on the island are familiar with these situations and they will have taken precautions and gone to higher ground," he told AFP. CCTV footage showed bathers still frolicking in crystalline seas off Noumea, seemingly unaware of the seriousness of the threat on the other coast, just 50 kilometres away. New Caledonia, with a population of 269,000 people, is a French Pacific territory. It sits along the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. The island's citizens last month rejected independence in a referendum, though the vote revealed lower-then-expected support for remaining part of France. New Caledonia is home to a quarter of the world's known supplies of nickel -- a vital electronics component -- and is a foothold for France in the Pacific, with French troops stationed on the island. burs-arb/dm/kaf/mtp New Caledonia, with a population of 269,000 people, is a French Pacific territory China vowed Wednesday to move swiftly to strike a trade consensus with the United States -- to the apparent relief of US President Donald Trump after a day of mixed signals that sent global markets into a swoon. "Very strong signals being sent by China once they returned home from their long trip, including stops, from Argentina," Trump tweeted. The Chinese commerce ministry said negotiators will "actively push forward negotiations within 90 days in accordance with a clear timetable and roadmap" -- marking Beijing's first public acknowledgement of the deadline announced by the US at the weekend. The ministry lauded Trump's talks with President Xi Jinping at the weekend as "successful" and said it was "confident" their agreement would be implemented. The ministry vowed to start implementing "specific matters" that were agreed -- saying "the sooner the better" -- but did not provide any details. "Not to sound naive or anything, but I believe President Xi meant every word of what he said at our long and hopefully historic meeting. ALL subjects discussed!" Trump responded on Twitter. Trump and Xi agreed on a trade war truce on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Argentina on Saturday, holding off on new tariffs and giving negotiators three months to reach an agreement. In Buenos Aires, China pledged to buy more from the United States and the White House said the two sides would negotiate "structural changes" to thorny issues plaguing relations, but few details and no dollar amounts were disclosed. But the verbal detente had appeared broken earlier Wednesday as China's foreign ministry lashed out at criticism from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Speaking in Brussels on Tuesday Pompeo said the US could abandon some international agreements to thwart "bad actors" like China, which he accused of cynically exploiting World Trade Organization rules. Pompeo's remarks "go contrary to the spirit of the consensus between our two leaders," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters. Noting the applause at the end of Xi-Trump summit, Geng asked: "I don't know why people clapping at that time now mean by saying this type of thing, what are their intentions?" - 'REAL deal' - Adding to the confusion, Trump indicated on Tuesday that the trade talks could go beyond the March 1 deadline. But the US leader kept up the threats as he warned he was ready to make China "pay for the privilege" of selling in the US market if the negotiations fail -- in a shift from 24 hours earlier, when Trump was unreservedly triumphant, saying relations with China had taken a "BIG leap forward." While he said he would "happily sign" a fair deal that addresses US concerns, he also warned: "remember, I am a Tariff Man." The change in tone and the increased confusion over what was achieved at the meeting contributed to a sharp decline in the US stock market, which plunged on Tuesday, driven lower by trade worries and fears for future US economic growth. Chinese shares closed lower on Wednesday amid similar doubts. As part of the truce, Trump agreed to hold off on plans to raise the tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 percent beginning January 1, leaving them at the current 10 percent rate. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said markets were in a "wait-and-see" mode. "The market is trying to figure out, is there going to be a real deal at the end of 90 days or not," Mnuchin said at a Wall Street Journal event on Tuesday. - IP theft - Beijing pledged to import more US products to narrow its massive trade surplus with the US following the Argentina talks, but has given few details about what was agreed. The White House has said China agreed to purchase a "very substantial" amount of agricultural, energy, industrial and other products to reduce the yawning trade gap. It also would begin buying products from US farmers "immediately". Trump added China would roll back tariffs of 40 percent on cars, though Beijing has yet to confirm the move. The two sides will also negotiate "structural changes" to forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, cyber intrusions and cyber theft, services and agriculture, according to the White House. IP theft is a core battleground in the trade war. China's state planner announced Tuesday stiffer punishments for serious violators of IP rights, a move that may help ease Washington's discontent. "This is a specific step taken by the Chinese side to strengthen protection of intellectual property and crack down on IP rights violations," Geng said. Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed on a trade war truce on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Argentina on Saturday, holding off on new tariffs and giving US and Chinese negotiators three months to reach a deal US-China tariffs Even as China struggles to curb domestic coal-fired power and the deadly pollution it produces, the world's top carbon emitter is aggressively exporting the same troubled technology to Asia, Africa and the Middle East, an investigation by AFP has shown. The carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from these Chinese-backed plants could cripple global efforts to rein in global warming caused by the burning of fossil fuels -- especially coal, analysts warn. "China is a world leader in terms of embracing the policy and investment needs to progressively decarbonise its economy," said Tim Buckley, director of energy finance studies at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). "But internationally, China continues to invest in a range of coal project in direct contradiction to its domestic energy strategy." Globally, coal use accounts for 40 percent of CO2 emissions, and is on the rise after declining slightly from 2014 to 2016. More than two-fifths of the world's electricity is generated by coal-fired power, nearly double the share of natural gas and 15 times as much as solar and wind combined. A quarter of coal plants in the planning stage or under construction outside China are backed by Chinese state-owned financial institutions and corporations, according to research by IEEFA, an energy finance think-tank based in Cleveland, Ohio. Remove India from the picture, and the share of coal development supported by China rises to above a third. "The risk is locking these countries into something that won't be good for them in the long-run, and that is incompatible with the Paris climate agreement's temperature goals," said Christine Shearer, an energy analyst for CoalSwarm and lead author of the research, which is slated for publication later this month. Many of the recipients of China's largesse -- Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe and half a dozen others -- currently have little or no coal-fired power, and no coal to fuel future plants. "That means they will have to build import infrastructure, or even coals mines," Shearer told AFP. The 2015 Paris treaty calls for capping global warming at "well under" two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and a landmark report by the UN's climate science panel warned last month that even the 2C target may not be ambitious enough to avert catastrophic impacts. With only one 1C of warming so far, the planet has seen a crescendo of lethal heatwaves, flooding, drought and storms surges made worse by rising seas. - SE Asian coal boom - And yet, Chinese banks and investment agencies have committed more than $21 billion (18.5 billion euros) to developing 31 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired capacity in a dozen countries, and an additional $15 billion is on offer to support projects that would generate 71 GW in 24 nations, for a total of more than 101 GW, IEEFA found. Worldwide, there are nearly 2,500 30-megawatt-or-larger coal-fired stations in operation, with a combined capacity of about 2000 GW, according to the Global Coal Plant Tracker. "A glut of new coal infrastructure would bury our chances of keeping global warming well below 2C," Heffa Schuecking, director of Urgewald, an environmental NGO based in Germany which tracks the coal sector, told AFP. "The Chinese government needs to stop bankrolling new coal plants both at home and abroad." Any pathway to a 1.5C world -- even one that allows for "overshooting" the target and depends heavily on extracting CO2 from the air -- requires the near elimination of coal from the energy mix by mid-century, according to the UN. A "sustainable development" scenario laid out by the International Energy Agency (IEA) sees coal power dropping 60 percent by 2040. Coal use within China -- nearly half the world total -- has declined slightly in recent years, as has CO2 emissions, though both are likely to tilt upward this year. In the rest of Asia, however, soaring demand for electricity has translated into a sharp jump in coal consumption. In Vietnam, Bangladesh and the Philippines, for example, electricity generation shot up more than 20 percent from 2014 to 2017 -- triple the global average -- with China-backed coal powering a significant part of the increase. China is not alone in peddling the most carbon-intensive of fossil fuels beyond its borders. As of last month, South Korea and its export credit agencies were positioned to back 12 GW of coal-fired power abroad, and Japan was behind another 10, according to a research note from Han Chen, international energy policy manager at the Natural Resources Defense Council. During the 2013-2018 period, South Korea and Japan financed 8 GW and 20 GW, respectively. - Spectre of stranded assets - But their shares were dwarfed by China's, whose financing covered as much power generation as Japan and South Korea combined. The three East Asian rivals supported 90 percent of the 135 GW built since 2013 or in the pipeline. "China is winning more bids, and Chinese firms are more willing to consider countries and markets with high risk profiles," Chen told AFP. All this external funding comes at a time when financial institutions in the rest of the world are starting to shy away from coal. Cheap solar and wind energy combined with mounting concern about climate impacts have cast a shadow over coal-fired power, raising the spectre of stranded assets. At least 19 major insurers with more than $6 trillion in assets -- 20 percent of the global total -- have divested from coal, up from $4 trillion a year ago, the Unfriend Coal Scorecard, which tracks divestment in the insurance sector, reported this week. Insurers Generali, Lloyd's, Hannover Re, AG2R La Mondiale and Groupama all announced new divestment policies this year. Investors, pension funds, export credit agencies, and multilateral development banks -- including the World Bank -- have also pulled back, as have many private banks. An analysis by the Washington DC-based World Resources Institute of China's energy sector financing under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) -- which seeks to boost $6 trillion in infrastructure across 68 nations -- shows that very little went towards renewables. "Most Chinese deals from 2014 to 2017 in energy and transportation" -- totalling $250 billion in loans and financing -- "were tied to carbon-intensive sectors," said lead author Lihuan Zhou, an associate at the WRI's Sustainable Finance Center. China is acutely aware of mounting criticism of its drive to export coal-fired power, said Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and -- as France's top climate negotiator -- one of the main architects of the Paris Agreement. - 'China has to choose' - "Every conference, every discussion is about how to green the Belt and Road Initiative," she told AFP upon returning from a round of meetings in Beijing. Domestically, the barriers to rapidly drawing down coal use -- despite a cap on coal production -- are evident. "China has built up an enormous coal-power generation industry -- workers, companies, technology manufacturing -- and now they have a lot of surplus," said energy analyst Shearer. At the same time, China's juggernaut economy is slowing, which has left these state-run behemoths "looking for new markets". But a dozen experts interviewed for this article pointed out that -- outside its borders -- Beijing could opt for a different path. "They do have a choice," said Oliver Sartor, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations in Paris. "It looks hypocritical to clean up at home and then be investing in coal abroad." Tubiana said that "China's dynamic private sector -- which is very much involved in renewables, electric vehicles -- would be a perfect vehicle for outside influence". Several coal-fired projects in the pipeline financed by China have met fierce resistance. Three of them -- the Sendou plant in Senegal, the Rampal project in Bangladesh, and the Lamu plant in Kenya -- are in countries where little or no energy is currently produced by coal. The Sendou and Rampal developments are in coastal areas where local communities have already been devastated by climate impacts. "China has to choose whether it will offload abroad what it is trying to leave behind at home, or secure a far bigger market share over the next few decades in clean energy," said Renato Redentor Constantino, executive director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities in Manila. "I think it will choose clean energy, but it won't do it alone," he added. "Pressure has to come from other countries and civil society." The emissions from Chinese-backed coal-fired power plants could cripple global efforts to rein in climate change, analysts warn As China tries to draw down its domestic coal use, it has aggressively pushed coal power outside its borders Globally, coal use accounts for 40 percent of CO2 emissions, and is on the rise The world's biggest producers and consumers of coal Three possible scenarios for the future of the world's energy production An anti-coal protest in Lamu, Kenya, where China has financed a coal-fired project NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Spirit Resources Inc. ("CSRI" or the "Corporation") (TSXV:SPI) (OTCBB:CSPUF) is pleased to announce that it closed, effective December 3, 2018, its previously announced (see news release dated October 18, 2018) rights offering equity financing (the "Rights Offering"). The Rights Offering offered rights to holders of its common shares at the close of business on the record date of October 26, 2018 on the basis of one (1) right for each common share held. Each nine and one-half (9) rights entitled the holder to subscribe for one (1) common share of CSRI upon payment of the subscription price of $0.08 per common share prior to the expiry date of November 30, 2018. The Rights Offering was fully subscribed resulting in the issuance of 18,683,579 common shares and total gross proceeds to the Corporation of $1,494,686. Upon completion of the Rights Offering, the Corporation had an aggregate of 196,177,583 common shares issued and outstanding. All directors, executive officers and insiders of the Corporation participated in the Rights Offering, purchasing a combined 9,994,661 common shares. Elmag Investments Inc. ("Elmag"), the Corporations largest shareholder, provided a standby commitment to purchase all of the common shares not subscribed for by other shareholders of the Corporation under the Rights Offering. The Rights Offering was over-subscribed resulting in no share purchases being made by Elmag pursuant to the standby commitment. No fees or commissions were paid in connection with the Rights Offering. CSRI is a natural resources company focusing on the identification and development of opportunities in the unconventional natural gas sector of the energy industry. Information regarding CSRI is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or the Corporation's website at www.csri.ca . On behalf of the Board of Directors CANADIAN SPIRIT RESOURCES INC. "Richard Couillard" President and Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Canadian Spirit Resources Inc. Telephone (403) 539-5005 Richard Couillard ( rich.couillard@csri.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 NEWS RELEASE THE SECURITIES OFFERED HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS. THIS PRESS RELEASE SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. A couple were left devastated when their holiday on board a cruise ship was cut short when they were left stranded in Cuba. Kevin Rohrer and his partner were travelling aboard the Norwegian Sky vessel when they made a scheduled stop in Havana in April this year. Yet when turning up at the dock by 3.30pm for the 5pm departure time indicated on their printed itinerary, they were stunned to see the cruise ship had left. It was a frightening situation. We were devastated, Mr Rohrer said in his complaint to Norwegian Cruise Line. They were forced to head to the airport and buy two tickets home at a cost of nearly $650. The initial itinerary shows the ship was departing at 5pm. Source: Elliot Advocacy The pair contacted consumer rights group Elliot Advocacy to help them take on the cruise company in their hunt for compensation after believing they werent notified of the ship leaving earlier than planned. But it turns out the couple had been informed of the change in departure time, albeit, according to Mr Rohrer, only in written form. An information sheet Mr Rohrer was handed the morning of the departure date indicated all passengers must be onboard the ship by 1.30pm at the latest. Mr Rohrer told Elliott Advocacy he didnt get round to reading the daily newsletter due to his tight schedule with the Cuban Tour Advocacy. The Norwegian Sky vessel the couple were travelling on. Source: Wikipedia Yet Mr Rohrer was handed this newsletter on the morning of the departure which indicated the change in schedule. Source: Elliot Advocacy After putting it in his pocket, the first chance he had to read the update was while sat in the airport. Other than the note which indicated the departure time had changed to 2pm, Mr Rohrer said staff made no effort to inform travellers of this change. But in a statement from NSL, they revealed the change had been relayed to guests over a month before. Additionally, the day before calling into Havana, the Cruise Director announced the new time repeatedly throughout the day and additional signage was placed on the gangway for all those disembarking to see, the company said. In NSLs contract of carriage, there was further confirmation the company was not liable for the coupes failure to board the cruise ship. Story continues In the event of strikes, lockouts, stoppages of labor, riots, weather conditions, mechanical difficulties or any other reason whatsoever, Norwegian Cruise Line has the right to cancel, advance, postpone or substitute any scheduled sailing or itinerary without prior notice. Norwegian Cruise Line shall not be responsible for failure to adhere to published arrival and departure times for any of its ports of call. Michelle Couch-Friedman, who was handling the case for Elliot Advocacy, said the incident was a poignant reminder to be on top of your holiday. Its essential that all passengers maintain awareness of the possibility of cruise schedule changes, she said. This is especially important if you have booked your own shore excursion. It may cost a little more money to book the excursion through the cruise line, but you can be certain that the boat wont sail away without you during your adventure. The French government signalled Wednesday that it was prepared to make further concessionsto "yellow vest" protesters, even raising a possible rollback on a controversial move to cut taxes for high earners last year. President Emmanuel Macron faces a crucial few days as he seeks an end to more than two weeks of protests which degenerated on Saturday into some of the worst violence in central Paris in decades. The former investment banker was heckled by a crowd as he visited a burned out government building in Puy-en-Velay in central France on Tuesday night, just hours after a new opinion poll showed his approval rating at just 23 percent. The so-called "yellow vest" protests began on November 17 in opposition to rising fuel taxes, but they have since ballooned into a broad challenge to Macron's pro-business agenda. One of the frequent demands from the protesters, who are mostly from rural or small-town France, is a repeal of Macron's move last year to cut the ISF "fortune tax" which was previously levied on high-earners. "If something isn't working, we're not dumb, we'll change it," government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said on RTL radio on Wednesday morning, saying the wealth tax would be evaluated between now and late next year. Macron, 40, made the issue one of his key campaign pledges ahead of his election in May 2017, arguing that punitive taxes on the wealthy discouraged job creation and led many entrepreneurs to leave France. Griveaux stressed that re-instating the ISF "is not on the table for now," but Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa said she would argue to bring it back unless the tax cut could be shown to be effective. "The government has been too technocratic and took too long to respond" to the protests, she told France 3 television Tuesday in a withering assessment of the management of the current political crisis. - U-turn on taxes - On Tuesday, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced the first major U-turn of Macron's presidency when he suspended for six months a rise in fuel taxes scheduled for January 1. Griveaux stressed that the tax hikes could be scrapped permanently if no agreement was reached during consultations over the next six months. "We're not in politics to be right. We're in politics so that things work out," he said. A source in the prime minister's office also told AFP that "the government has not necessarily played all of its cards", with further concessions such as a further cut in residence taxes possible. Many "yellow vest" protesters, named after the high-visibility jackets they wear, have said that Philippe's rollback on fuel taxes is not enough and have called for new protests in the capital on Saturday. Two truck driver unions have also called an indefinite sympathy strike to begin Sunday night, and the protests have spread to dozens of schools nationwide as students denounce tougher university entrance requirements. Farmers will also consider later Wednesday whether to mount a day of demonstrations and possibly road blockades next week, the head of the FNSEA agricultural union said. Barricades at fuel depots are also causing shortages in some areas of France, while Paris businesses are bracing for new clashes which could erupt between protesters and police on Saturday. - More violence? - Interior Minister Christophe Castaner on Tuesday urged "responsible" protesters not to come to the capital after crowds ran amok last Saturday, burning more than 200 cars, vandalising shops and leaving the Arc de Triomphe daubed in graffiti. Opposition leaders, including Laurent Wauquiez of the rightwing Republicans, have called on the government to impose a state of emergency and to deploy army units to back up police. Amid his domestic woes, Macron also saw his "friend" US President Donald Trump weigh in on Twitter, saying protesters were disavowing Macron's adherence to the 2015 Paris climate accord. "The Paris Agreement is fatally flawed because it raises the price of energy for responsible countries while whitewashing some of the worst polluters... in the world," Trump wrote. Trump also retweeted a false claim from American conservative student activist Charlie Kirk that said: "'We want Trump' being chanted through the streets of Paris." Macron's office said it had "no comment" on Trump's tweets. burs-adp/js/wdb A yellow vest protester blocking a fuel depot in Frontignan, southern France, on Monday. Her vest reads "Macron traitor, the people are hungry." Barricades at fuel depots are causing shortages in some areas of France Philippe announced the first major U-turn of Macron's presidency when he suspended a rise in fuel taxes scheduled for January 1 The "yellow vest" protests began on November 17 in opposition to rising fuel taxes The French government, under pressure from weeks of "yellow vest" protests over rising living costs, on Wednesday scrapped all planned fuel tax hikes for 2019 and appealed for calm. An increase scheduled for January 1, was "scrapped for the year 2019" in its entirety, Environment Minister Francois de Rugy announced on BFM TV, in an about-turn for the government. The presidency, meanwhile, warned of possible violence during a new round of protests planned for Saturday in Paris and elsewhere in the country. "We have reasons to fear major violence," a source in the Elysee Palace told AFP amid calls for fresh mobilisation of the "yellow vests" movement already linked to four deaths and hundreds of injuries in often violent demonstrations. The protests began on November 17 to oppose rising fuel taxes, but have ballooned into a broad challenge to French President Emmanuel Macron's perceived pro-business agenda and complaints that he is out of touch with the struggles of ordinary people. Demonstrators have blocked roads nationwide, playing havoc with traffic in the busy run-up to Christmas. Last Saturday, rioters ran amok in the capital, torching some 200 cars, smashing shop windows, and vandalising the Arc de Triomphe, an iconic national monument. Macron and his government appealed for calm Wednesday, and signalled they were ready to make further concessions to avoid more violence. "The moment that we are living through is not about political opposition, it's about the republic," government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said after a cabinet meeting where he said Macron urged decision-makers to issue "a clear and explicit call to calm." Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told parliament: "What is at stake is the security of French people and our institutions. I'm calling for responsibility." However far-right leader Marine Le Pen and hard-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon have been vocal in backing the demonstrators' demands. - Tax cuts for the rich - Protests continued Wednesday, with petrol depots, service stations, and shopping centres among the targets of the "yellow vests" or "gilets jaunes" -- so named for the high-visibility road safety jackets they wear. Macron, whose approval ratings are down to just 23 percent, is yet to comment publicly since returning to France from a G20 summit in Argentina on Sunday morning. But his office said he told ministers he would stick to his decision to cut a "fortune tax" on high-earners -- a move which has infuriated many protesters. The one-year moratorium on fuel tax rises was announced the day after Philippe, in the first major retreat of Macron's presidency, said the January 1 fuel tax rise would be postponed for six months. On Wednesday, De Rugy said the period was extended to assuage fears that the unpopular increase would simply be reintroduced once the protests stop. In a battery of announcements targeting low-income families, Philippe also froze increases in regulated electricity and gas prices, and new vehicle norms that would have hit users of old, polluting diesel cars. Macron had made cutting wealth taxes a key campaign pledge ahead of his election in May 2017, arguing such levies discourage investment and drive away entrepreneurs But the policy, along with comments deemed insensitive to the working class, has prompted many of the ex-banker's critics to label him a "president of the rich". The "yellow vests" are largely made up of modest earners from rural and small-town France. Experts say the government may have reacted too late to the street protests -- a regular feature of French political life which have repeatedly forced previous presidents into U-turns. "When you leave things to fester too long, it costs more," Jean-Francois Amadieu, a sociologist at Paris 1 University, told AFP. Nine government ministers were deployed to television and radio studios Wednesday to explain the administration's stance. Labour Minister Muriel Penicaud warned against creating "chaos" which would "do nothing to resolve the problems" of workers. Some 72 percent of French people support the "yellow vests" movement -- a figure which has remained stable despite last weekend's violence and the government's climbdown. - Farmer protests - In the wake of calls for a large mobilisation on Saturday, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner urged "responsible" protesters not to descend on Paris. He has nonetheless called in police reinforcements, fearing more violence. Adding to the image of a country in revolt, the main French farmers' union said Wednesday its members would hold demonstrations every day next week. Two truck driver unions called an indefinite sympathy strike from Sunday night, and students are blocking dozens of schools nationwide to denounce tougher university entrance requirements. Fuel shortages due to blockades remain a problem in areas of Brittany, Normandy, and southeast regions of France. burs-adp/kjl/pvh/mlr/rma Yellow vest protesters have blocked fuel depots like this one in Frontignan, southern France, where a woman's vest reads 'Macron, traitor, the people are hungry' The protests began over fuel taxes but have widened into a broad challenge to Macron's pro-business agenda French Gender Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa argued that the 'fortune tax' should be restored unless it could be proved that scrapping it is an effective tool French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced the first major U-turn of Macron's presidency when he suspended a rise in fuel taxes scheduled for January 1 Customers of a Melbourne ice cream shop have thrown their support behind the new business after a coward left them a racist note telling the owner to go back to where you came from. The ice creamery in Cheltenham, in Melbournes south-east, was recently opened by Joyce Ng, an Indonesian national who has lived in Australia for 15 years, and her partner Andrew. On Monday, the pair came to work at the Paradise Gelato shop to find a note slid under the door that read: Asian Gelato, No way, go back to where you came from, followed by a racial slur and an offensive drawing. A coward left the owner of a Cheltenham gelato shop a racist note telling her to go back to where you came from. Source: Paradise Gelato / Facebook I came in with my partner Joyce, who the note is targeting, she is of south-east Asian descent but shes been in Australia for 15 years, Andrew told Ross and Johns 3AW radio program. The owners then shared the note on the shops Facebook page, revealing they had received our very first love letter from a racist coward! The post began by saying there was no such thing as Asian Gelato, as the iconic dessert comes from Italy, regardless of who is making it. Paradise Gelato in Cheltenham is owned by Indonesian expat Joyce Ng and her partner Andrew. Source: Paradise Gelato / Facebook The Asians who work here, one of them is a volunteer teaching assistant who wants to teach English in Japan and the other speaks 7 languages and can communicate with 70% of the world, what have you done with your life? the post continued. The picture sparked an overwhelming response from customers and community members quick to express their support for the business. One person dropped off flowers, another wrote a heartwarming note of support for Ms Ng, while many others flooded the shops Facebook account with messages of support. Damn straight youre not going anywhere. You guys are part of our community now and we are not letting you leave! You guys are so welcome in Cheltenham, one man wrote. An overwhelming response from customers and community members followed, expressing their support. Source: Paradise Gelato / Facebook On Tuesday the business made a proactive move to fight racism by revealing it would donate 10 per cent of all gelati sold in the store that day to Bully Zero, a foundation fighting bullying in Australia. Story continues Love the way you are handling the incident. Much respect to you. Love & light, xx one supporter commented. Andrew said he and his partner were overwhelmed by the communitys response to the incident. We never really expected the response we got, weve been absolutely overwhelmed by the love and support weve got from the community, he told 3AW. A knife-edge vote Friday will determine Angela Merkel's successor as head of her party after 18 years at the helm, with the German chancellor's own political fate and legacy on the line. Merkel, the European Union's most powerful leader, stunned observers in October with the announcement following a state election setback that she would not stand again as chairwoman of her centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU). After years of turmoil within the party and the electorate over her disputed decision to keep the border open to more than one million asylum seekers, Merkel has said she will leave politics when her term ends in 2021. Whether she can hold on to power until then will depend in large part on who the CDU elects to replace her at a party conference in Hamburg, with a Merkel loyalist and a longtime nemesis running neck-and-neck. "Sooner or later, whoever becomes the leader of Germany's biggest party will probably become chancellor," political scientist Eckhard Jesse of the University of Chemnitz told AFP. Widely seen as Merkel's anointed crown princess is Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56. Known as AKK for short, she is the CDU's centrist general secretary and former premier of tiny Saarland state. While polls indicate that she is also the favoured choice among German voters and the CDU's rank-and-file, there are indications she has failed to electrify the 1,001 delegates who will cast ballots in the race against her charismatic main rival, Friedrich Merz. Merz, 63, a hard-charging corporate lawyer, lost a power struggle to Merkel in 2002 and insiders say he has never forgiven her. He is also viewed as embodying the party's desire for change in both style and substance after 13 years with Merkel in the chancellery, despite her enduring popularity. The wild card in the race is Jens Spahn, a 38-year-old openly gay minister in Merkel's cabinet who long railed against her refugee policy. Analysts say that a win for either Merz or Spahn would likely bring a swift end to Merkel's chancellorship, possibly triggering new elections next year. - 'Slap in the face' - How the delegates will vote is anyone's guess, with most keeping their cards close to their vests. Nearly all hold political office or party posts. One-third are women. After more than a decade in the private sector, Merz says his conservative credentials and business savvy make him best placed to win back disaffected voters. But he touched a nerve when he said the CDU, in his absence, had accepted the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party during the refugee crisis "shrugging its shoulders". "I get icy chills down my spine when I see people running around in this country doing the Hitler salute," he told one regional conference. Kramp-Karrenbauer, who has criticised some aspects of Merkel's border policy, shot back that Merz's accusation was a "slap in the face" for the party's foot soldiers. "Pretending you could just say or decide something and then the fight against the AfD would be won is naive," she told the weekly Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. - 'Like matricide' - The CDU remains Germany's biggest party. But the 33 percent it scored in the September 2017 general election has sunk to around 28 percent in opinion polls as the party suffered losses in a string of regional votes. While still seen as Europe's go-to leader on crises from Brexit to Ukraine, Merkel has watched her standing diminish at the top of a loveless "grand coalition" with the Social Democrats (SPD). They are faring even worse in the polls, as internal divisions over its former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's sweeping labour market reforms continue to fester. CDU stalwarts expect a Merkel nostalgia-fest in Hamburg as the faithful bid a gradual goodbye to the woman who won them four national elections. But newsweekly Der Spiegel noted that the leadership struggle needed to produce some sort of consensus on Merkel's legacy if the party wants to avoid the fate of the SPD. "Without a critical reckoning with her era, the CDU will be stuck in an interminable therapy session," it said. "The CDU has to allow it, even if it seems to many like matricide." While still seen as Europe's go-to leader on crises from Brexit to Ukraine, Merkel has watched her standing diminish at the top of a loveless "grand coalition" with the Social Democrats While Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer leads polls among German voters and the CDU's rank-and-file, there are indications she has failed to electrify the 1,001 delegates who will cast ballots in the race Merz, a hard-charging corporate lawyer, lost a power struggle to Merkel in 2002 and insiders say he has never forgiven her Jens Spahn, a 38-year-old openly gay minister in Merkel's cabinet who long railed against her refugee policy, is the wild card in the race CDU stalwarts expect a Merkel nostalgia-fest in Hamburg as the faithful bid a gradual goodbye to the woman who won them four national elections The body of a woman who mysteriously vanished from her holiday Airbnb after sending loved ones an alarming message is believed to have been found. Costa Rican authorities have said they found what appears to be missing South Florida woman Carla Stefaniak, who was on vacation in the Central American country to celebrate her 36th birthday. A suspect has also been detained. Ms Stefaniak was staying at an Airbnb in the San Antonio de Escazu neighbourhood when she messaged her sister-in-law April Burton that the power had cut out amid torrential rain on November 27. Its pretty sketchy here, the last message before her disappearance read. It is believed the body of Carla Stefaniak was found near the Airbnb where she was staying. Source: Facebook/Finding Carla Walter Espinoza, head of the countrys Judicial Investigation Department, said officials were comparing fingerprints to confirm the identity. An autopsy revealed that the victim suffered a blunt force wound to the head and lacerations on the neck and arms, he said. A Facebook page set up by friends of the missing woman said family members went to the morgue in San Jose on Tuesday to identify the body, but were turned away by local authorities. Ms Stefaniak was staying at an Airbnb in the San Antonio de Escazu neighbourhood. Source: WFTS The body was found covered in plastic bags near an Airbnb apartment that was rented by Ms Stefaniak, who went missing nearly a week ago. A Gofundme account said she was last heard from around 8pm on November 27 and she didnt show up for her 1pm flight home the next day. Police discovered what appeared to be blood in the apartment where Ms Stefaniak stayed, and analysed surveillance video from the apartment complex. Carla Stefaniak was last heard from on Tuesday. Source: Facebook/ Finding Carla Espinoza said the images in the video did not align with statements made by the buildings security guard, a 32-year-old Nicaraguan who police detained for further questioning. The case continues to be under investigation, Espinoza said. Officials have sealed off the apartment to protect evidence. Countries signed up to the International Criminal Court renewed their backing Wednesday for the embattled global legal body, targeted by the Trump administration, but urged the ICC to speed up its work. "The European Union strongly supports the International Criminal Court and its work as an independent and impartial judicial institution," said Heidemaria Guerer at the annual meeting of the court's 123 member states in The Hague. "We believed that in a time that the rules-based international order is facing increased pressure, the strengthening of the international criminal justice system is an imperative," she said, speaking on behalf of the continental bloc. Other countries including those in Africa where the ICC is active, such as Nigeria and Uganda, also pledged continued support. This year the ICC is celebrating 20 years since its founding mandate, the Rome Statute, was agreed upon by states in Rome in 1998 to prosecute the world's worst crimes. But the court has since come under attack by some African states, who have accused it of being biaised, and more recently by US President Donald Trump and White House National Security Advisor John Bolton. Trump in September accused the ICC of lacking any legitimacy, saying it violated "all principles of justice" and that it had no authority. In the same month, Bolton threatened to arrest ICC judges and officials if they moved against Israel and the United States -- neither of whom are members of the ICC but who are under scrutiny by the court's prosecutors. ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has launched a preliminary probe of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in war-ravaged Afghanistan -- including by US service members. Her office is also conducting an initial investigation into similar alleged crimes committed in Israel and the Palestinian territories in the wake of the Gaza war. Without referring to any specific country, Britain's delegate Andrew Murdoch said Wednesday "the court has many critics... Some of their criticism is strident and in our judgement misplaced". But as a member state that supported the ICC "we also speak plainly about the concerns we have," he said. Murdoch urged the court to speed up its work including its investigations and trials. "After 20 years and 1.5 billion euros spent, we have only three core crime convictions," by the ICC, Murdoch told delegates. The ICC has secured convictions in three cases for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Mali and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2018 the ICC is celebrating 20 years since its founding mandate, the Rome Statute, was agreed upon by states in Rome in 1998 to prosecute the world's worst crimes NOTRE DAME, Ind., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of Notre Dame and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) have signed a strategic alliance agreement to encourage collaborations between Notre Dame and IBRI researchers. The alliance will enable both organizations to work together on research covering significant health issues in Indiana and around the world. We are very excited to have this new partnership with the IBRI in place, said Robert J. Bernhard, vice president for research and professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering. We believe that partnerships with organizations like the IBRI with significant ties to industry, universities, government, and local communities will be an important pathway for research in the future and we are pleased to be able to give Notre Dame faculty and students access to the IBRI resources and networks. The alliance will allow researchers from each institution to share resources, including equipment and space, within each others facilities through new collaborations. Additionally, faculty of Notre Dame and employees of IBRI may receive joint or adjunct appointments within the partner institution as needed to support various projects. We are delighted to have this strategic alliance with the University of Notre Dame, one of the preeminent research universities in the world, said Dr. Rainer Fischer, the IBRIs chief executive officer and chief scientific and innovation officer. This partnership enables the IBRI and Notre Dame to collaborate on research and technology licensing to boost Indianas economy and help patients around the world. It is another great example of why the IBRI was created to foster research collaboration between industry and academia. The IBRI is an independent, nonprofit applied research institute dedicated to translating scientific discovery into improved outcomes. Their goal is to build a world-class organization that works collaboratively with companies and universities on interrelated health issues to provide better results for patients. In 2017, the IBRI opened a satellite location at Notre Dames Innovation Park in an effort to extend their relationship with the Universitys faculty and students. To learn more about the IBRI, their partners, and projects, please visit https://www.indianabiosciences.org/ . About Notre Dame Research: The University of Notre Dame is a private research and teaching university inspired by its Catholic mission. Located in South Bend, Indiana, its researchers are advancing human understanding through research, scholarship, education, and creative endeavor in order to be a repository for knowledge and a powerful means for doing good in the world. For more information, please see research.nd.edu or @UNDResearch. Libya is set to launch a campaign overseen by the World Health Organization to vaccinate more than 2.7 million children after months of shortages, the health ministry said Wednesday. The "national immunisation campaign", organised with the United Nations children fund UNICEF, is expected to begin on Saturday, Libya's WHO representative Jaafar Hassan told a press conference. The UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) has faced major difficulties with its vaccine supply, over which the state has a monopoly. Nearly a year's worth of vaccine shortages have pushed many Libyan parents with newborns to travel to other countries or to import drugs themselves. "Three months ago, Libya filed an application with international organisations to help them cope with a serious shortage of vaccines," said Badereddine al-Najjar, head of the National Center for Disease Control. "The answer... was quick," he said, adding that Germany had financed the vaccines. UNICEF has also played a role in importing and distributing vaccines, he added. Najjar said his team has suggested the GNA "set aside an independent budget for the next three years" to avert another vaccine crisis. Libya fell into chaos following the NATO-backed uprising that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, with two rival authorities and a multitude of militias still vying for control of the oil-rich country. The United Nations children fund UNICEF has launched a "national immunisation campaign" in Libya Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday of over-dramatising the army's discovery of Hezbollah tunnels infiltrating its territory from Lebanon for political gain. Livni told public radio that while she and the rest of the opposition welcomed the army's discovery of the tunnels and their eventual demolition, "the incident must be kept in proportion". "We are not now in a situation where our soldiers are behind enemy lines," said Livni, who served as foreign minister during Israel's 2006 war with Hezbollah. "We are talking about engineering activity within the sovereign territory of the state of Israel," she added, accusing Netanyahu of "blowing the incident out of proportion". Israel announced on Tuesday that it had discovered Hezbollah tunnels infiltrating its territory from Lebanon and launched an operation to destroy them. Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said the "attack tunnels" dug by the Shiite militant group backed by Iran, Israel's main enemy, were not yet operational. He declined to say how many had been detected or how they would be destroyed, but stressed all activities would take place within Israeli territory. Netanyahu, whose electoral appeal rests to a large extent on his image as the Jewish state's "Mr Security", went on television on Tuesday evening to explain the tunnel threat, with armed forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Gadi Eisenkot at his side. On Wednesday he told UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the phone that "he expects the UN to strongly condemn the violation of Israel's sovereignty," according to his office's Twitter account. - Seeking to 'sow panic' - Netanyahu also demanded the international community join in demands to "impose increased sanctions on Hezbollah", it added. The Israeli leader is seeking to hold his governing coalition together after last month's resignation of defence minister Avigdor Lieberman over a controversial Gaza ceasefire, which left him clinging to a one-seat majority in parliament. The prime minister took over the defence portfolio after Lieberman's resignation. He has also faced mounting legal woes, with police on Sunday recommending that he and his wife Sara be indicted for bribery, the third such decision against the premier in recent months. The army has dismissed any suggestion of political influence in the operation, but some in the opposition, while supporting the army's actions, have pointed to how Netanyahu handled the announcement. Livni alleged that part of Netanyahu's thinking was to deflect criticism from residents of southern Israel who say he has failed to quash the threat of cross-border rocket fire from militants in the Gaza Strip. "Therefore he made a defensive engineering event into a dramatic military operation," she said, giving two possible reasons for such a move. "Either the prime minister is himself panicking or he wants to sow panic to justify his actions both in delaying elections and abandoning the residents of southern Israel." Livni later told foreign journalists in a phone briefing that the international community should bring greater pressure on Lebanon over Hezbollah's activities. Israeli soldiers deploy excavators alongside the border wall with Lebanon on December 5, 2018, after the army announced it had discovered Hezbollah infiltration tunnels passing under it A Pakistani man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of stabbing to death a teacher in broad daylight outside a university in the Paris suburbs. The 66-year-old teacher, an Irishman who taught English, was stabbed repeatedly in front of the private Leonard-de-Vinci university in Courbevoie, northwest of Paris. Higher Education Minister Frederique Vidal expressed "deep shock and anger" at a killing which has stunned students and staff at the university in the La Defense business district just outside the capital. "It's a tragedy that has struck the whole community. This was a language teacher who had been here for 20 years and was respected by everyone," the university's director Pascal Brouaye told reporters. A source close to the investigation said the teacher, who has not been named, was stabbed 13 times, including in the throat. He was declared dead at 12.35 pm, and a knife was found at the scene. A police source said the suspect, who is in custody, was a former student at the university who was born in Pakistan in 1981 and was not previously known to police. Sebastien Tran, director of the management school where the suspect had enrolled in 2016, said he had been kicked out in August 2017 for failing the year. Forensic police could be seen in front of the university in the early afternoon, where a white tent stood over the scene of the killing. "It's heartbreaking. We still can't believe it," said Stephen Amoah, a 28-year-old student from Ghana. His classmate Jad Sharif, a 33-year-old from Lebanon, described the murdered teacher as "very kind". "We liked him more than most of our teachers," he added. Students showed photographs of the white-bearded Irishman on their mobile phones, smiling and arm in arm with members of his class. The victim was a 66-year-old Irishman who taught English American actor Sean Penn was in Istanbul on Wednesday to film a documentary about the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate, Turkish media reported. Khashoggi, a US resident since 2017, was killed during his visit to the consulate to obtain marriage-related paperwork on October 2. In one image shared by state news agency Anadolu, two-time Oscar winner Penn was seen outside the mission where the Washington Post contributor was strangled before he was cut up into pieces by a 15-man Saudi team especially sent to Istanbul for the task. The remains of the 59-year-old have not yet been found despite searches of the consulate and other places. The agency said Penn was also seen outside the consul-general's nearby residence. Pro-government daily Sabah said the actor wanted to meet Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, during his visit. Since Khashoggi was critical of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, there has been speculation the de facto leader of the kingdom ordered the hit. Despite denials by Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's reputation has been tarnished, with US senators pointing the finger at the crown prince after a CIA briefing Tuesday. Penn has previously attracted controversy as a result of his foray into politics and current affairs, and especially after he and Mexican-American actress Kate del Castillo interviewed Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman while he was on the run. Penn, 58, won two Oscar awards for best actor for his roles in Mystic River and in Milk. US actor Sean Penn, seen here in January 2018, previously sparked controversy when he interviewed Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman while he was on the run NEW YORK, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP announces that a federal securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of investors that purchased or otherwise acquired Cheetah Mobile Inc. (Cheetah or the Company) (NYSE: CMCM) American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) between April 26, 2017 and November 27, 2018, inclusive (the Class Period). Investors who have incurred losses in the ADRs of Cheetah Mobile Inc. are urged to contact the firm immediately at classmember@whafh.com or (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774. You may obtain additional information concerning the action on our website, www.whafh.com. If you have incurred losses in the ADRs of Cheetah Mobile Inc., you may, no later than January 29, 2019, request that the Court appoint you lead plaintiff of the proposed class. Please contact Wolf Haldenstein to learn more about your rights as an investor in Cheetah Mobile Inc. ## Follow the firm and learn about newly filed cases on Twitter and Facebook. ## The filed complaint filed in this class action alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: Cheetah Mobiles apps had undisclosed imbedded features which tracked when users downloaded new apps; Cheetah Mobile used this data to inappropriately claim credit for having caused the downloads; the foregoing features, when discovered, would foreseeably subject Cheetah Mobiles apps to removal from the Google Play store; accordingly, Cheetah Mobiles revenues during the relevant period were in part the product of improper conduct and thus unsustainable; and as a result, Cheetah Mobiles public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On November 26, 2018, BuzzFeed News reported that certain Cheetah apps were exploiting user permissions as part of an ad fraud scheme. Specifically, the article claimed that certain Cheetah apps tracked when users downloaded new apps and used this data to inappropriately claim credit for having caused the download. On this news, Cheetahs share price fell $3.32 per share or nearly 37% over the next two trading days to close at $5.48 per share on November 27, 2018, thereby injuring investors. Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP has extensive experience in the prosecution of securities class actions and derivative litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas; and offices in New York, Chicago and San Diego. The reputation and expertise of this firm in shareholder and other class litigation has been repeatedly recognized by the courts, which have appointed it to major positions in complex securities multi-district and consolidated litigation. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions regarding your rights and interests in this case, please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein by telephone at (800) 575-0735, via e-mail at classmember@whafh.com , or visit our website at www.whafh.com. ## Follow the firm and learn about newly filed cases on Twitter and Facebook. ## Contact: Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP Kevin Cooper, Esq. Gregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial Analysis Email: gstone@whafh.com , kcooper@whafh.com or classmember@whafh.com Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774 Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged OPEC members not to slash production at their upcoming meeting, saying global oil prices should remain low. Trump's comment came as members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil-producing nations prepared to meet Thursday and Friday in Vienna to discuss lowering their output. "Hopefully OPEC will be keeping oil flows as is, not restricted. The World does not want to see, or need, higher oil prices!" Trump said on Twitter. If the 20 or so OPEC members and other nations at the Vienna talks -- which account for more than half of the world's oil -- continue to pump at current record levels, they risk seeing prices continue to tumble. Prices have already plunged more than 30 percent over the past two months and a barrel of Brent crude, the European benchmark, currently stands at around $60. But if oil producers close the taps, they risk choking off the global economy, which needs affordable oil to keep running. Trump has repeatedly accused the oil cartel of keeping prices artificially high. That has put OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia in a delicate position -- Riyadh is keen not to incur Trump's wrath as relations between the two countries become increasingly complicated in the wake of the murder of opposition journalist Jamal Khashoggi. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries not to cut production, as prices would rise German auto giant Volkswagen will begin rolling out its last generation of combustion engine cars in 2026, in its latest green pledge as it looks to turn the corner on the "dieselgate" emissions cheating scandal. The carmaker, which last month announced a 44 billion euro ($50 billion) electric offensive by 2023, said it would phase out its diesel and petrol cars as it looks to meet the emissions targets of the 2015 Paris climate deal by 2050. Michael Jost, Volkswagen's strategy chief, told an industry conference on Tuesday that the firm's employees were working on "the last platform for vehicles that aren't CO2 neutral". "We're gradually fading out combustion engines to the absolute minimum," he said at the conference near the company's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany. The group, whose brands range from luxury Porsche and Audi to the budget-conscious Skoda and Seat, has set itself the ambitious target of offering more than 50 electric models by 2025, up from six today. Jost said that last generation of vehicles would begin to roll out in 2026 and predicted that the last vehicle with a combustion engine would be sold around 2040, according to the German newspaper Handelsblatt, whose car conference he spoke at. In November's announcement the group said its "electric offensive" would focus on electric, self-driving and connected cars as well as mobility services like car sharing. The move underscores just how serious the automaker is about closing the gap with Asian competitors and US tech giant Tesla who have had a head start in the e-car race. Volkswagen's pivot towards e-cars has in part been spurred by efforts to shake off its ongoing "dieselgate" scandal. The group was forced to admit in 2015 that it had installed cheating software in 11 million diesel vehicles designed to dupe pollution tests. Suspicions of trickery later spread to other carmakers too, badly hurting the industry's reputation. The saga also fuelled a backlash against diesel, with a string of German cities now facing driving bans for the oldest, most polluting diesel cars. Faced with increasingly angry drivers, the German government has come under pressure to avoid the bans but its efforts to get carmakers to commit to cleaning up engines have had limited success. The "dieselgate" fallout has so far cost VW more than 28 billion euros in fines, buybacks and compensation and the company remains mired in legal woes around the world. -- Bloomberg News contributed to this story -- The carmaker last month announced a 44 billion euro ($50 billion) "electric offensive by 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Portugal on Tuesday for a two-day visit to boost economic ties, despite concern in some EU capitals over China's growing influence across the continent. "Relations between China and Portugal are entering their best period... We must develop existing projects and step up our commercial exchanges," Xi said at a meeting with counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. His two-day stay will include the signing of cooperation agreements, one of which will bring the southwestern port of Sines into what China calls the "new Silk Road". The initiative offers loans to build railways, roads, and ports across Asia, Europe and Africa. "Portugal is an important hub in the land and maritime silk routes," Xi said. De Sousa added Sines was "the symbol of a partnership which we want to continue to build." Andre Verissimo, editor of the leading business newspaper Jornal de Negocios, said: "If Portugal joins the initiative, it will become the first country in western Europe to do so." Portugal, one of western Europe's poorest countries, opened to Chinese investment after being hit hard by the 2008 global financial crisis. Investment from China accounted for 3.6 percent of Portugal's GDP between 2010 and 2016, according to figures from Spain's ESADE business school. But China's growing influence in Europe, welcomed by Greece and some east European countries, is viewed warily by others on the continent. At the initiative of France and Germany, EU countries last week agreed on a framework regulating foreign investment, particularly from China. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said Lisbon did not back the idea and was relieved that the final accord provided for only an advisory role for the European Commission. "In Portugal, we are not anxious about the origin of foreign investment," Costa said, asking Europe to eschew "the path of protectionism." - Seeking 'large-scale investment' - China now owns a 28 percent stake in Portuguese energy utility EDP, the country's largest firm, via China Three Gorges and China's state-owned international investment company CNIC. It also has a stake in Portugal's biggest private bank, BCP, and its leading insurance company, Fidelidade. According to estimates, Chinese investment in the country could total 12 billion dollars. Perhaps the most contentious issue is China Three Gorges' bid to take a controlling stake in EDP, of which it is already the main stakeholder. The operation, launched in May, involves some nine billion euros. But while it has been welcomed by the Portuguese government it still risks running foul of barriers imposed by regulators in around 15 countries where EDP operates -- including the United States. China has risen to Portugal's 11th-largest trade partner in the decade since 2008, when it was 28th on the list. Xi said relations between the two countries were entering their best period China now owns a 28 percent stake in Portuguese energy utility EDP, the country's largest firm, via China Three Gorges and China's state-owned international investment company CNIC Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said foreign investment does not worry Portugal and the EU should not "take the path of protectionism" Dec. 5, 1993 Joe Speno, left, gets a hug from his daughter, Jennifer, 5, as he is welcomed home after undergoing a bone marrow transplant at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Speno had been in the hospital for nearly a month after undergoing the operation. A 44-year-old Dutch woman donated bone marrow for the transplant. "It's great to smell the fresh air again," Speno commented as he was greeted by friends and family members at his home in Owasco. AUBURN The Auburn Downtown Revitalization Initiative Local Planning Committee reviewed 21 open call project proposals at its last meeting in November, which some highlighted for further discussion while others were seen as unrealistic. As a recipient of a $10 million DRI grant, Auburn will use state funding to invest in projects aimed at transforming the downtown community. Because of limited funding, some projects will be chosen over others. Project proposals must obey "study area" boundaries. In order to consider projects that fall outside of the downtown zone, the committee would have to modify the set boundaries. In addition to project proposals submitted through the open-call process the committee ran earlier this fall, the committee is also considering projects that were included in the city's original 2018 DRI application with the state. The next LPC meeting will be held at the Auburn Holiday Inn on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 3:30 p.m. A public participation meeting will then follow at 6:30 p.m. Here's a breakdown of the open-call submissions: Talking Movies A marketing plan to merge Theodore Case's legacy with the renovation of the Auburn Schine Theater with no preliminary cost estimate specified. The project sponsor is not the property owner. 123-125 Genesee St. Exterior building renovations including a new roof and siding. The project is requesting the full estimated cost of $23,500 from DRI funding. 39 Genesee St. Interior building renovations with facade improvements and parking lot repaving. The project is requesting the full estimated cost of $73,000 from DRI funding. 41-55 Washington St. Redeveloping a former shoe factory site to create a mixed-use recreation center with fitness, cafe, retail and residential facilities. The project is requesting $750,000 of the total estimated cost of $4,005,000. A DRI boundary amendment would be required. Beeline Apartments Interior and exterior renovations of a total of three apartment units. The project is requesting DRI to fund $705,140 out of the total estimated cost of $805,140. Cayuga Counseling Renovations Interior renovations with facade and site improvements to improve efficiency, aesthetics, safety, security and sustainability. The project is requesting the full estimated cost of $1,318,660 to be funded by DRI. Good Vibes Neighborhood House Establishment of a community center that supports the holistic healing and growth of youth and families. There is no specified project cost, and a location is undecided. Harriet Tubman Center for the Arts! Provide a home for a dance theater, performance spaces, classrooms, an incubator for MWBE entrepreneurs, a teen inspiration program and residential space. The project has no decided location, and is requesting $1 million of the estimated total of $1.2 million to be funded by DRI. Museum Building Repair This project is requesting $1,056,000 out of estimated total of $1,151,900 to structurally repair the Seward House Museum's carriage house and barn. Museum Climate Regulation Installing climate control systems in the Seward House Museum. The project is requesting $500,000 out of the estimated total of $775,000. Osborne Library Restoring the interior and exterior of the building to create a self-sustaining museum and community resource center. Of the total estimated cost of $1,366,280, the project is requesting $399,000 from DRI. A DRI boundary amendment would be required. Tinker's Guild Expansion Building an addition to include a new approximately 180-square-feet kitchen. The project is requesting $110,000 of the total estimated cost of $240,000 to be covered by DRI. A boundary amendment would be required. Veterans Health Services Creating a 3,000 square-foot suite at the Health Central building dedicated to the health of veterans. The total estimated cost is $285,000, and $115,000 is being requested from DRI. A DRI boundary amendment would be required. Willard Chapel Improving accessibility at Willard Chapel through interior restoration and site improvements. The project is requesting $750,000 out of the total estimated cost of $1.5 million from DRI. A boundary amendment would be requirement. Women's Health Services Creating a 10,000 square-foot suite at Health Central dedicated to women's health. With a total estimated cost of $950,000, the project is requesting $385,000 from DRI. A boundary amendment would be required. Downtown Public Art Designing and installing four murals and three sculptures to create an "Avenue of the Arts." This project requires the use of multiple public and private properties. Of the total estimated cost of $100,000, the project is requesting $90,000 from DRI. Genesee Street Mall Creating a public square, renovating the parking garage and improving landscapes at city hall and South Street by closing Genesee Street. The project is requesting $164,800 of the total estimated cost of $285,000. The project sponsor is not the property owner. This project obligates the city to match funding. Light Up Auburn Installing lighting to celebrate seasonal foliage changes in downtown public spaces. The project is estimated to cost $27,830 and $19,481 is being requested from DRI. The project sponsor is not the property owner. Play Space Public Art Installing interactive sculptures and improving lighting to the the Play Space. The project is requesting $66,000 of the total estimated cost of $112,000. Pollinator Path Establishing a native meadow in the existing grass medians of Arterials East and West. The project is requesting the full estimated cost of $9,000 to be funded by DRI. The project sponsor is not the property owner and relies on city resources. Urban Forest Replacing 61 trees downtown to improve the city's urban forest. The full estimated cost of $183,913.40 is being requested by DRI. The project sponsor does not own the property and relies on city resources for implementation. Staff writer Dan Orzechowski can be reached at (315) 282-2239 or dan.orzechowski@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @OrzechowskiDan Love 3 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 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. Hamilton, Bermuda, December 5, 2018 Dear shareholders, Nordic American Offshore Ltd (NAO) has been awarded a one-year fixed contract for the Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) "NAO Power" (2013). Commencement will be in early December 2018. The contract also has two 3-months options after the initial firm period. "NAO Power" will be operating above all in the North Sea for a first class company. This contract has been concluded with one of our regular customers. The contract is securing steady employment and contribution for the "NAO Power". CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," "potential," "may," "should," "expect," "pending" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, our management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the PSV market, as a result of changes in the general market conditions of the oil and natural gas industry which influence charter hire rates and vessel values, demand in platform supply vessels, our operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry docking and insurance costs, governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities as well as potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, the availability of financing and refinancing, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hire and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contacts: Gary J. Wolfe Seward & Kissel LLP New York, USA Tel: +1 212 574 1223 Bjrn Giver, CFO Nordic American Offshore Ltd. Tel: +1 888 755 8391 or +47 91 35 00 91 Herbjrn Hansson, Executive Chairman Nordic American Offshore Ltd Tel: +1 866 805 9504 or +47 90 14 62 91 Web-site: www.nao.bm 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 Q How does virtual reality work? Molly Torinus A Kevin Ponto, assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and researcher at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery: Virtual reality is often talked about in terms of 3-D computer graphics or technology. A broader definition says virtual reality is the idea of combining the physical world and the artificial world in such a way that the two are indistinguishable. The field of virtual reality does pretty well in terms of visuals, creating computer graphics that look fairly realistic, and can produce sounds that are realistic. Bigger challenges come with senses like touch and smell. Virtual reality technology is being used in a variety of ways. For example, the Living Environments Lab (LEL) at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery had an original goal of understanding health in the home environment. When people go to the doctor or go to the hospital, theyre in an ideal environment for taking care of their health, studying health. When people go back home, their environment isnt necessarily built for health care. The LEL decided to create a virtual reality environment that simulates home environments. Researchers can conduct studies to learn more about how the environment affects peoples health information management and adherence to doctors advice. Researchers go into homes with a technology called LIDAR, which stands for light detection and ranging. The LIDAR scanner can capture the depth and color of everything in a room it can see. Once the environments are captured, theyre projected in the six-sided virtual reality CAVE at the LEL. People can navigate through the virtual environments with this tool, and researchers can start understanding which context and cues in the home environment are motivating peoples health management. This same technology and methodology could be used to capture and analyze crime scenes, allow architects to visualize designs in a virtual environment or even be used as a tool for learning. Blue Sky Science is a collaboration of the Wisconsin State Journal and the Morgridge Institute for Research. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 AUBURN Ann Geherin Scanlan went to her final resting place on the morning of Dec. 3, 2018. After living a beautiful and full life with her family and friends, she passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Ann was born on May 16, 1948 in Auburn, to Jack (predeceased) and Gloria (Gilbert) Geherin, who survives her. Ann spent her entire life in Auburn, graduating from Mount Carmel High School in 1966 to go on to St. Francis College in Loretto, Pa., graduating in 1970. Ann retired in July 2010 from First Niagara Bank where she was VP and Regional Sales Manager of financial services. On Jan. 16, 1971, Ann married the love of her life, John Michael Scanlan, who survives her. Ann is also survived by her four sons, Eric (Bridget), Brian (Rebecca), Christopher (Nicole), and Brendan (Kristin). Ann leaves 11 grandchildren that she truly adored, Kieran, Kate, Hailey, Jake, Sheamus, Cameron, Maddie, Chloe, Molly, Cooper, and Trevor. In addition, Ann leaves her siblings, Mark (Jennifer) Geherin, Tom (Melissa) Geherin, Chris (Kathy) Geherin, and Jean (Jack) Baraczek. Ann truly lived life to the fullest! Always surrounded by her family and an amazing group of friends, she had many incredible experiences. Alongside her husband, John, she loved to spend time with her sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren at the lake and on vacations. She loved the special relationship she had with her sister, Jean, and cherished every moment they had together. She volunteered with many organizations throughout her life - Matthew House, Blessed Trinity, and St. Alphonsus, just to name a few. She took many vacations with John to many beautiful locations - Europe, Caribbean, Ireland, and the Rocky Mountains, always looking to experience life. She was an incredible mom to her four boys, being sure to attend every game from CYO though Nazareth College lacrosse. She had so many wonderful experiences and a positive effect on so many because as she used to say I just love people. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, in Sacred Heart Church. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Sacred Heart Church, Melrose Road, Auburn. Langham Funeral Home, LLC, has been entrusted with Anns funeral arrangements. Visit www.Langhamfuneralhomellc.com to leave a condolence for the family. The family requests the omission of flowers and suggests donations in Anns memory to one of the following organizations: Hope Lodge in Rochester, NY; American Cancer Society and/or Strong Memorial Hospital Liver Transplant team. American Cancer Society B. Thomas Golisano Hope Lodge Hospitality House, 1120 South Goodman St., Rochester, NY 14620 https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/rochester-ny/support-us.html. Donations to the Transplant Patient Needs Fund will be used to help other families during their transplant journey. Checks made payable to URMC Transplant Patient Needs Fund, Attention: Nancy Metzler, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box Surg/Txp, Rochester, NY 14642. We also encourage you to find out more about organ donation, and to consider becoming a life-saving donor. Information available at Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network (585) 272-4930 or online at www.donorrecovery.org. She was a longtime resident of Auburn and a graduate of Mount Carmel class of 1962. She went on to raise her family before starting her career in home decorating throughout many counties. She spent several years working for Sears and was proud of her many accomplishments within their organization. Her proudest moments were spent being a mom and grandmother and the time she spent with family. Its what was most important to her. Her last several years were spent in Florida where she met Dave and together they started a beautiful life together. Her latest journey was back to Auburn upon Daves retirement to be closer to her family. Paxum Inc. has announced that the EFT and ACH withdrawal limit on client accounts has been permanently increased to $3,500 USD per day, effective immediately. Paxum clients located in the USA and most of Europe can use the EFT/ACH withdrawal option at any time from the "Withdraw Funds" section of their Paxum account. EFT/ACH withdrawal has a typical delivery time of 3-6 business days to a client's local bank account. SEATTLE, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- CFN Media Group (CFN Media), the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the North American cannabis industry, announces publication of an article discussing Creso Pharmas (ASX: CPH) innovative approach, diverse product portfolio, and why investors may want to take a closer look as it gears up to go public on the Venture exchange in Canada. The listing would make Creso the first public cannabis company listed in both Australia and Canada. The North American cannabis industry is littered with companies touting global ambitions. There are regular announcements regarding letters of intent to distribute in emerging markets like Europe and Latin America, long on potential and short on concrete details. Many of these announcements are speculative at best, requiring a mix of regulatory approvals, licensing, product development, and funding to make them a reality. Creso Pharma is an Australian-based company with operations in Switzerland, Canada, Colombia, and Israel along with established product distribution across the globe. The company develops and sells pharmaceutical-grade nutraceutical products for both humans and animals. Utilizing its deep background in pharmaceutical science and international regulatory product approvals, Creso Pharma leverages GMP-certified facilities and partnerships with world-class manufacturing and distribution companies to create a global footprint in key markets. What Creso Has Now Creso Pharma was founded by a team of executives set on bringing pharmaceutical rigor to the medicinal and recreational cannabis markets. Co-founder and CEO Dr. Miri Halperin Wernli has more than 30 years of strategic and operational leadership in global pharmaceutical and biomedical industries in Canada, the U.S., and Switzerland. Co-founder Boaz Wachtel is a leading medical cannabis expert, having co-founded the pioneering Australian Medicinal Cannabis company Phytotech Medical. In addition to its experienced management team, the company is developing cultivation, processing, extraction, and manufacturing operations, partnering with well-established companies where necessary. In 2017, Creso became the first company to import medicinal cannabis to Australia. The company is also in the final stages of completing the acquisition of licensed Colombian company, Kunna Colombia, which will add a low-cost cultivation operation to supply its own product development. Creso has a joint venture in Israel focused on genetic development, cultivation, and R&D. Its wholly owned, purpose built, GMP state-of-the-art cultivation and production facility in Nova Scotia is built and ready to roll , awaiting licensing under Canadas new Cannabis Act. Called the Global Centre for Edible Cannabis Research and Development, the facility is designed to leverage Canadas leading regulatory environment along with Cresos extensive research and scientific relationships to develop innovative cannabis edibles for the global market. Creso sells and develops nutraceutical products, backed by scientific research and data that ensures the products will meet and often exceed any regulatory requirements. Its a refreshing approach in comparison to the current and largely unregulated CBD market, where all kinds of potential benefits are claimed without any scientific backing. Creso Pharma has already developed and commercialized a range of innovative products. For example, the company offers CBD-infused nutraceutical products designed to help reduce stress, enhance sleep or improve mental function that are already commercially-available in Switzerland and select EU countries. Its pipeline contains many more of these products targeting both humans and animals. Creso very recently launched, in a joint venture, the Old Boy Mary Jane line of infused beer. This type of product is a point of emphasis for the company going forward, as more consumer-oriented edible products gain regulatory and market traction across the industry. Where Creso Is Headed Creso believes that there is a much bigger opportunity in next-generation cannabis products that reach into other product categories. While Grandview Research projects the global cannabis industry to reach about $64 billion by 2024, it sees the animal supplements market reaching $96 billion and the human supplements market hitting $278 billion over the same time. Creso is active in all of the above, meaning the companys targeted end markets could exceed $435 billion in just five years. Cresos products are organized across five businesses: Creso Therapeutics - The companys cannQIX 50 is a CBD-based, full-spectrum hemp extract medicinal cannabis buccal lozenge formulation with vitamins, minerals, and capsicum to assist with managing pain. After its launch in New Zealand this year, the company plans to launch in Australia in 2019 before moving on to Europe. Creso Nutraceuticals - The companys cannQIX family of brands consists of cannabinoid formulations to help reduce stress, improve sleep, and support mental and nervous function in humans. The company has already launched these products in Switzerland and other European markets (UK, Netherlands). Creso Animal Health - The companys anibidiol range of products is a complementary feed for companion animals with CBD full spectrum hemp oil extract and targeted vitamins. After launching in Switzerland and Liechtenstein in November 2017, the company plans to launch in an additional 15 countries later this year with its global partner Virbac. Creso Lifestyle - The company is working on a portfolio of cannabis and hemp-derived alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages containing a unique mix of terpenes. The company plans on launching these products in conjunction with CLV Frontiers in Estonia. The first beers were launched in the third quarter of this year. Creso Topicals - The company partnered with Frike Technologies to develop cannaDOL, a range of organic CBD-based functional topicals. The initial focus is on analgesic needs for sports-related injuries, arthritis, and other issues. The plan is to launch the product early next year. The company has several distribution partners in place across Switzerland, Australia, the UK, and the Netherlands to help expand revenue over the coming quarters. The partners are generally well established, highly professional firms like Virbac (8th largest animal health company in the world), PharmaCare, and Doetsch Grether AG . Creso intends to greatly expand its product offerings over the coming quarters, utilizing its partners widespread distribution networks to create significant growth in key international markets. Looking Ahead There are many details to cover regarding Creso Pharma (ASX: CPH) and its comprehensive product development and sales strategy. With its pharmaceutical approach, the company has already developed a number of innovative commercial products. Its near-term plans to cultivate in Canada, Israel, and Colombia could open the door to strong revenue growth, while a listing on Canadas TSX Venture stock exchange could draw more investor interest. Look for more developments in this space over the coming months. For more information, visit the companys website at www.cresopharma.com . Please follow this link to read the full article: http://www.cannabisfn.com/creso-pharma-a-tcannabis-company/ About CFN Media CFN Media (CannabisFN), the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the global cannabis industry, helps companies operating in the space attract investors, capital, and publicity. Since 2013, private and public cannabis companies in the US and Canada have relied on CFN Media to grow and succeed. Learn how to become a CFN Media client company, brand or entrepreneur: http://www.cannabisfn.com/featuredcompany Download the CFN Media iOS mobile app to access the world of cannabis from the palm of your hand: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cannabisfn/id988009247?ls=1&mt=8 Or visit our homepage and enter your mobile number under the Apple App Store logo to receive a download link text on your iPhone: http://www.cannabisfn.com Disclaimer CannabisFN.com is not an independent financial investment advisor or broker-dealer. You should always consult with your own independent legal, tax, and/or investment professionals before making any investment decisions. The information provided on http://www.cannabisfn.com (the Site) is either original financial news or paid advertisements drafted by our in-house team or provided by an affiliate. CannabisFN.com, a financial news media and marketing firm enters into media buys or service agreements with the companies that are the subject of the articles posted on the Site or other editorials for advertising such companies. We are not an independent news media provider. We make no warranty or representation about the information including its completeness, accuracy, truthfulness or reliability and we disclaim, expressly and implicitly, all warranties of any kind, including whether the Information is complete, accurate, truthful, or reliable. As such, your use of the information is at your own risk. Nor do we undertake any obligation to update the items posted. CannabisFN.com received compensation for producing and presenting high quality and sophisticated content on CannabisFN.com along with financial and corporate news. The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/ Frank Lane 206-369-7050 flane@cannabisfn.com Pret A Manger has revealed details of the ingredient labelling scheme being introduced following the death of a teenage customer. In a blog on the companys website, CEO Clive Schlee announced the business had launched its first full ingredient labelling pilot in a shop in Londons Victoria. He described the move as the latest in a series of changes Pret had made since it learnt of the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse in 2017. Ednan-Laperouse died on a flight from London to Nice after eating an artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette bought at Londons Heathrow Airport. The dough in the baguette contained sesame, to which she was allergic. In October this year, Pret pledged it would learn from the teenagers death and that it wanted to see meaningful change come from the tragedy. It said prominent allergen warning stickers would be placed on all individual freshly made products, additional allergen warning signs would be displayed in shops and that full ingredient information, including allergens, for all products would be available online and in shops. It made full ingredient information for its products available online in the same month, and in November placed allergen awareness stickers on the packaging of its sandwiches and salads for the first time. Now, the business has begun rolling out ingredients labels at its Bresseden Place store, where it will look to gain feedback from customers. Schlee wrote: Well keep improving the process and the labels over the coming weeks, and this first approach might not be the final version. Well be using the pilots to listen to our customers, especially people with allergies, and learn what they like and dont like. Schlee added that the initial roll-out had taken some time, as it was vital there was minimal chance of human error when applying the stickers to the packaging. The wrong label on the wrong sandwich can be worse than no label at all. Our teams make our sandwiches and salads in small batches (typically around 12 to 15 at a time) throughout the day in over 350 different Pret kitchens all over the country. We have to perfect the process to minimise the chance of human error. Pret said it would share the learnings from its trial with the government and wider food industry. Pladis is expanding its McVities Jaffa Cakes brand with the launch of Jaffa Cakes Nibbles. Rolling out in early January 2019, the product will offer consumers an orange centre and light sponge, coated in milk and dark chocolate, this time in a bite-sized format. We know the UK loves Jaffa Cakes, with over a billion being eaten every year, and were confident the brand-new format will appeal to a new generation of Jaffa Cakes Nibblers and help to unlock new consumption moments, said Emma Stowers, brand director for Mcvities at Pladis UK&I. Pladis said its Jaffa Cakes brand is bought by almost a third (31%) of households in the UK, and that the new Nibbles format would look to drive an increase in regular purchases, while capturing incremental sales from people wanting to enjoy a sharing snacking treat. The launch comes as Pladis introduces a new look for its Jaffa Cakes, with an updated pack design aiming to refresh and modernise the brand by emphasising its distinctive and playful cues, such as the zesty orange. McVities Jaffa Cakes Nibbles will be available in a 100g sharing pouch (rsp 1.50), as well as a 39g on-the-go handy pack (rsp 0.69). 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. TORONTO, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DALBAR Inc. announced the release of its 2018 Newcomers to Canada: Retail Branch Experience study. A follow-up to an earlier 2014 Newcomers study, this years study was undertaken to identify trends and best practices in retail branch experiences for Newcomers to Canada with mass affluent backgrounds. Seven Canadian banks were tested, BMO, CIBC, RBC, Scotiabank, TD, HSBC, and National Bank. Newcomers were required to open a chequing account and apply for a credit card, two important banking products to own upon arriving in Canada. DALBAR found no clear winners amongst the seven banks. Similar to the previous study, bank representatives remained reactive to Newcomers service needs. Key trends observed: 1) Only 45% of representatives attempted to assess the net worth of the Newcomers 2) Only 17% proactively discussed mortgages with mass affluent Newcomers 3) Only 26% of representatives shared information on investments (term deposits, mutual funds) The study also points out the missed opportunities by bank representatives to better understand the evolving needs of mass affluent Newcomers. Mass affluent Newcomers have a unique set of needs that can often be overlooked. Asking a few simple questions upfront can change the direction and engagement level of the conversation altogether, said Anita Lo, Vice President, Canada at DALBAR. The 2018 Newcomers to Canada: Retail Branch Experience study confirms that while Newcomers are a valuable asset to the Canadian economy, the banks can do a better job at tailoring the service experience to their evolving needs. DALBAR, Inc. is the financial communitys leading independent expert for evaluating, auditing and rating business practices, customer performance, product quality and service. Launched in 1976, DALBAR has earned the recognition for consistent and unbiased evaluations of investment companies, registered investment advisers, insurance companies, broker/dealers, retirement plan providers and financial professionals. DALBAR awards are recognized as marks of a superior standard of care in the financial community. For all news media enquiries, please contact: Brooke Halloran 617.624.7273 bhalloran@dalbar.com BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bloomfield Capital, a national direct lender and equity investor has announced the closing of a $2.8 million senior bridge loan. The loan is secured by a mixed-use property in Denver, CO. The project is located in the burgeoning River North (RiNo) neighborhood of downtown Denver and consists of two existing structures plus vacant land. Bloomfield provided a new bridge loan to complete the acquisition and provide funds for capital improvements and stabilization of the two existing buildings and surrounding parking spaces. Bloomfields loan allowed the Sponsor to timely acquire the off-market transaction and quickly begin renovating the assets. The Sponsor, a long-time commercial real estate investor has previously completed similar renovation and repositioning projects. Once the building improvements are complete, the Sponsor plans to lease the buildings to commercial tenants to complement the surrounding makeup of the RiNo neighborhood which includes boutique stores, restaurants and craft breweries. This was a time sensitive and confidential transaction that involved significant redevelopment of a mixed-use building, stated Renee Lewis, Managing Partner at Bloomfield Capital. Upon stabilization of the asset, the Sponsor plans to refinance our loan with conventional bank debt and hold the property for the foreseeable future. About Bloomfield Capital Bloomfield Capital is a direct lender and equity investor in commercial real estate assets nationwide. With offices in Detroit, New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, and Portland, Bloomfield Capital's team draws from a broad base of commercial real estate and finance experience. The firm provides debt and equity solutions to meet the demands of time sensitive and complex transactions. Bloomfield Capital specializes in small to medium sized financings from $2-20 million in the form of bridge loans, mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments. Bloomfield Capital Contact: Brent Truscott Partner 248-745-1700 btruscott@bloomfieldcapital.com www.bloomfieldcapital.com The Michael Flynn Memo is out. It's redacted af. According to the sentencing memorandum filed by the Special Counsel tonight, Donald Trump's former national security adviser sat for 19 interviews with the special counsel's office and other attorneys at the Justice Department. Nineteen. Interviews. The memo references several investigations, one of which is completely redacted. The investigations for which Flynn was interviewed appear to include at least one *criminal* probe, which is separate from Mueller's Trump-Russia investigation. What's up with that? Robert Mueller is recommending no prison time for Flynn, given his cooperation in the ongoing investigation(s). The memo hit the internet around 8:36 PM Eastern Time, on December 4, 2018. What does this all mean? It means people higher up than Flynn are in deep trouble. Here's the main memo from the special counsel's office: https://t.co/ihaDJBEd7l / Here's the redacted supplemental memo: https://t.co/BscRgJkO3w Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner) December 5, 2018 3. This chunk of redactions begins with "the defendant also provided useful information concerning." pic.twitter.com/uC4QubcU9B Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) December 5, 2018 4. A significant statement from the Special Counsel on Flynn's participation. pic.twitter.com/3QGAxinzjY Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) December 5, 2018 So the Flynn memo is like a teaser trailer? Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) December 5, 2018 Michael Flynn has sat for 19 interviews with Special Counsel and DOJ. The memo appears to list at least 3 ongoing investigations being pursued. One "criminal investigation" is completely redacted in the document, another is also completely redacted. Allie Malloy (@AlliemalCNN) December 5, 2018 Michael Flynn has been singing pic.twitter.com/LQWdtLHKVj Mike McIntire (@mmcintire) December 5, 2018 The main point of the main memo: Mueller recommends no jail time for Flynn due to his "substantial assistance." pic.twitter.com/oN85GKck4F Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner) December 5, 2018 Mueller's office reiterates that Michael Flynn was secretly being paid $530,000 by Turkey while he was a national security advisor and surrogate for Trump and "opining publicly on foreign and national security issues." pic.twitter.com/kFlNKzvpOX Vera Bergengruen (@VeraMBergen) December 5, 2018 In the Occult Defence Agency Budgeting Simulator, you are placed in charge of the budget for an organisation whose mission is "defending the United Kingdom from paranormal threats. Vampire covens, stray werewolves, pixie swarms, cultists with funny robes and impractical daggers, unlicensed hauntings, and more obscure matters" but you are British, and that means your boss is a government minister who insists that you make headline-grabbing "swingeing cuts" every year. As you twiddle the dials on payments for the staff Christmas party, pixie relations, the Graveyard Patrol, werewolf holding cells, national branch offices, the staff exorcist, and travel expenses, the minister checks in with you every year to micromanage your choices and also demand further cuts, even as you learn of werewolf outbreaks and rogue vampirism. Can you save Britain from Tories monsters? "Sacrifices must be made!" The minister, who was previously in charge of education, and before that, of health, and who is now heading occult affairs after the most recent cabinet reshuffle, having once again failed to unseat the prime minister, shakes your hand. His skin is damp and oddly yielding. You relax when you realize he doesn't mean human sacrifices. He just wants to reduce your organisation's budget, he explains. By twenty percent. Effective immediately. Your organisation is in charge of defending the United Kingdom from paranormal threats. Vampire covens, stray werewolves, pixie swarms, cultists with funny robes and impractical daggers, unlicensed hauntings, and more obscure matters. Also, to liaise with sister organisations as part of the EUROCC framework except maybe not anymore, as no one can agree on whether EUROCC, which predates the EU, is affected by Brexit and to render occult aid and advice to the government as if they'd ever listen. Your predecessor, in charge for over twenty years, finally retired last year, got his life peerage, and is now spending most of his time with ducks. He left behind a sprawling agency and very little documentation as to which parts are vital to the defence of the realm, and which parts are the hobby-horses of an eccentric Oxfordian. Well, you're just going to have to find out. Start cutting. Occult Defence Agency Budgeting Simulator [Zarkonnen/Itch.io] (via Four Short Links) They're burying George HW Bush today and even before they planted him, the whitewashing began: we've heard an awful lot about how kind he was to his service dog and his love of colorful socks and a lot less about his role in running an onshore terrorist training camp for Latin America's death squads, his role in toppling democratic governments on two continents, his role in arming and supporting Saddam Hussein, then turning on him and kicking off a genocidal war in Iraq whose goal was to bomb an advanced, heavily populated nation "to the pre-industrial era." As Jeremy Scahill (previously) puts it in this week's Intercepted podcast (an 84-minute documentary on the humanitarian legacy of Bush I): the US state religion is American Exceptionalism, and today they will saint George Herbert Walker Bush. The Bush family are not your friends, not even when they're cuddling with Michelle Obama. They are the scions of war profiteers whose fortune grew through helping the Nazis tool up during Hitler's rise to power. They are war-mongers themselves. They have deliberately and coldly planned the murder of civilians: babies, children, women, the elderly. They killed, and the policies they created were carried on and the antes murderously upped by Clinton, by Obama. Rest in Peace, St Bush, and may your millions of victims find you in the afterlife. The United States is now in the midst of a grotesque canonization of one of its imperial saints, George Herbert Walker Bush. This week on Intercepted: an honest memorial service for an unrepentant warmonger who dedicated his life to militarism, war, coups, regime change, and the lies of "American exceptionalism." Jeremy Scahill details the crimes of Bush, the sick propaganda of the corporate media memorials, and the trail of blood, death, and tears Bush leaves behind. Independent journalist Arun Gupta covers decades of Bush, from his time at the helm of the CIA to the presidency. Gupta discusses Bush's support for Manuel Noriega and his eventual invasion of Panama, the pardoning of Iran-Contra criminals, the dirty wars in Central America, the support for Saddam Hussein, and the launch of the Gulf War. Acclaimed Iraqi poet and scholar Sinan Antoon describes his life under the U.S.-backed dictatorship of Saddam, the horrors of the Gulf War, and how Bush's destruction of Iraqi civilian society led to the rise of ISIS. George H.W. Bush (1924-2018), American War Criminal [Intercepted/The Intercept] VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Zara Resources Inc. (Zara Resources or the Company) (CSE: ZRI) is pleased to announce that, further to the Companys news releases dated September 20, 2018 November 26, 2018 in respect to the proposed business combination transaction (the Proposed Transaction) between the Company and Blacklist Holdings Inc., a private Washington company, (Blacklist), and a concurrent financing of Blacklist. Blacklist has completed the second tranche of its concurrent transaction financing of up to $10 million (the Financing), raising gross proceeds of approximately $3.1 million and completing a $230,000 debt settlement with Blacklist senior management. Combined with the first tranche, the total gross proceeds raised in the oversubscribed financing, including debt settlements, was approximately $10.1 million. The closing of the second and final tranche of the Financing is comprised of a non-brokered private placement offering of approximately 6.2 million subscription receipts of Blacklist Finco Inc. (Blacklist Finco), a wholly-owned BC incorporated subsidiary of Blacklist (the Subscription Receipts), for gross proceeds of approximately $3.1 million, and a non-brokered private placement offering of convertible debentures of Blacklist (the Debentures) in the principal amount of approximately $333,000 for gross proceeds of approximately $333,000, for total gross proceeds of approximately $3.4 million, and approximately $230,000 debt settlement by way of an issuance of 459,390 shares of common stock of Blacklist (the Blacklist Shares). Blacklist intends to use the proceeds of the Financing, including the proceeds from the sale of the Debentures upon closing of the Financing, and the proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts, subject to the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below), to evaluate potential investments in the US cannabis industry and provide general working capital. John Gorst, Blacklist CEO & Chairman, states We are extremely pleased with the overall results of the oversubscribed financing. We initially set out to raise $5 million and this has exceeded our expectations. I believe that the strong institutional participation and the closing of an oversubscribed financing in adverse market conditions speaks to the quality of the Ionic brand, strength of the team, and significant upside of the company. Each Subscription Receipt was sold at an issue price of $0.50. Subject to the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below), each Subscription Receipt entitles the holder to receive, without payment of additional consideration or taking of further action, one common share of Blacklist Finco (each a Blacklist Finco Share), provided that upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, which is expected to occur immediately following the issuance of such Blacklist Finco Share, each such Blacklist Finco Share will then be exchanged in accordance with the terms of the Proposed Transaction at an exchange ratio of one Blacklist Finco Share for one common share of the Company, following an expected share consolidation as set out in the September Release (each a Zara Share). The gross proceeds from the issuance of Subscription Receipts have been deposited with Odyssey Trust Company (the Subscription Receipt Agent), as the subscription receipt agent, in escrow (the Escrowed Proceeds) pursuant to a subscription receipt agreement (the Subscription Receipt Agreement). The Escrowed Proceeds will be released by the Subscription Receipt Agent to Blacklist Finco upon receipt of a notice (the Release Notice) to the Subscription Receipt Agent from Blacklist Finco on or prior to 5:00 pm (Toronto time) on March 26, 2019 (as the same may be extended in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement) (the Termination Time) indicating (a) the completion or satisfaction, as the case may be, of all conditions precedent to the Proposed Transaction shall have occurred, been satisfied or been waived, other than the issuance of the consideration contemplated by the Proposed Transaction or the filing of the articles of amalgamation or other applicable documentation as may be required pursuant to corporate law; and (b) the receipt of all required shareholder, third party and regulatory approvals in connection with the Proposed Transaction, including the conditional approval of the listing of the Zara Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE) ((a) and (b) together, the Escrow Release Conditions). Upon and subject to the receipt by the Subscription Receipt Agent of the Release Notice the Escrowed Proceeds shall be released to Blacklist Finco and the holders of Subscription Receipts will be issued Blacklist Finco Shares, which are to be then exchanged for Zara Shares upon completion of a three-cornered amalgamation between Blacklist Finco, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zara and Zara as part of the Proposed Transaction. If the Escrow Release Conditions have not been satisfied, or Blacklist Finco advises the Subscription Receipt Agent, or publicly announces, that it does not intend to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions, prior to the Termination Time, holders of Subscription Receipts will be refunded the gross proceeds paid for the Subscription Receipts, plus any accrued interest. The Debentures bear interest at a rate of 0% per annum payable, maturing two years from the date of issuance of the Debenture, provided that if the Proposed Transaction is not completed then the Debenture will no longer be convertible, will bear interest at a rate of 9.0%, accruing three months after the date of the termination, and mature one year from the date of issuance. In accordance with terms of the Debenture, the Debenture is automatically convertible into previously unissued Blacklist Shares at a conversion price of CDN$0.50 per share upon satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing of the Proposed Transaction, all upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Debenture. Each Blacklist Share will then be exchanged for one Zara Share pursuant to the terms of the Proposed Transaction. The Debentures are secured by a general security agreement of Blacklist. As part of the Financing, Blacklist also issued 459,390 Blacklist Shares at an issue price of $0.50 per share to settle amounts owing to officers and directors of Blacklist equal to $230,000. In connection with the Financing, Blacklist will pay finders fees to a group of finders consisting of the payment of aggregate cash fees of $190,346, being up to 8% of the gross proceeds of the second and final tranche of the Financing, and the issuance of an aggregate of 380,692 common share purchase warrants, being up to 8% of the Subscription Receipts and Debentures issued pursuant to the second and final tranche of the Financing, with each whole common share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional Blacklist Share at an exercise price of $0.50 per share at any time up until eighteen (18) months from the date of the closing of the Proposed Transaction, upon completion of the Proposed Transaction. These share purchase warrants are expected to be assumed by the Company in the Proposed Transaction, and are consequently expected to become exercisable into Zara Shares. All securities issued in connection with the Financings will be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada until the later of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the date the issuer of the security becomes a reporting issuer in any province or territory of Canada, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Proposed Transaction or the Financing has been or will be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws, and any securities issued pursuant to the Proposed Transaction and the concurrent Financing to persons in the United States, including but not limited to Blacklist Shares upon the conversion of the Debentures and the Blacklist Finco Shares upon the conversion of the Subscription Receipts are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Rule 506(b) of Regulation D and/or Section 4(a)(2) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. In addition, the securities to be issued pursuant to the Proposed Transaction and the concurrent Financing to persons in United States under an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act, as well as the Debentures and underlying Blacklist Shares to be issued to all persons, will be restricted securities as defined under Rule 144(a)(3) of the U.S. Securities Act and will contain the appropriate restrictive legend as required under the U.S. Securities Act. About Blacklist Holdings Inc. Blacklist, a privately held company based in Washington State, owns the IONIC brand which is a leading cannabis vape pen and cannabis cartridge producer and distributor in Washington State, Oregon and now in California. With its recent expansion into Oregon, Blacklist currently intends to build a leadership position in the growing cannabis concentrate segment. Disclosure and Caution The Proposed Transaction remains subject to a number of closing conditions including, without limitation, (a) completion of customary due diligence, (b) negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement (the Definitive Agreement), (c) the receipt of all required regulatory and third party approvals, including approval of the CSE, and, if applicable, the approval of the shareholders of the Company and Blacklist, respectively, and (e) any other conditions to the Proposed Transaction to be contained in the Definitive Agreement. There can be no guarantees that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as contemplated or at all. Further details about the Proposed Transaction and the Financing will be provided in a comprehensive press release issued upon the entering into of the Definitive Agreement and in the disclosure document to be prepared and filed in respect of the Proposed Transaction. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the disclosure document, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Additional information in respect of the Proposed Transaction and the Financing will be included in Zaras filing statement to be filed in connection with the Proposed Transaction and which will be available on Zaras SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com . For further information, please contact Zara, Interim CEO & Director - Ken Cotiamco at (604) 687-7130; Skanderbeg Capital Advisors at (604) 687-7130; or Blacklist Holdings Inc. - John Gorst, CEO & Chairman at (253) 248-7922. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kenneth Cotiamco Kenneth Cotiamco Interim CEO and Director Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information or statements within the meaning of applicable securities law and involve various risks and uncertainties. Generally, such forward-looking information or statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, will continue, will occur or will be achieved. The forward-looking information and statements contained herein may include, but are not limited to, the Proposed Transaction; the ability to complete and the timing of the Proposed Transaction; the terms of the Proposed Transaction; the Financing; expectations for the effects of the Proposed Transaction; the business objectives and expansion plans of Blacklist and the proposed combined entity with the Company; the future plans of Blacklist, the conversion of the Subscription Receipts and/or the Debentures; and the use of proceeds of the Financing. There can be no assurance that such information or statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information or statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ, materially from the Companys expectations include, but are not limited to, the ability to complete the Proposed Transaction; the ability to obtain the required regulatory, third party and, if applicable, shareholder approvals; the ability to satisfy the conditions to the Proposed Transaction; the ability to satisfy the conditions of the Financing; the ability to meet the Escrow Release Conditions or the conditions to the automatic conversion of the Debentures; and other risks that are disclosed in the Companys documents filed from time to time with the Canadian Securities Exchange, the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and the Alberta Securities Commission. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information or statements that are contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. None of the securities issued pursuant to the Proposed Transaction will be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and any securities issued pursuant to the Proposed Transaction or concurrent Financing will be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. In addition, the Debentures and Blacklist Shares, issued under an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act, as well as the Subscription Receipts and underlying Blacklist Finco Shares issued to persons in the United States are restricted securities as defined under Rule 144(a)(3) of the U.S. Securities Act and will contain the appropriate restrictive legend as required under the U.S. Securities Act. This year, the people of Wisconsin pronounced their verdict on the GOP legislators who seized control over the state through gerrymandering and voter suppression: overwhelmingly, they voted to replace those legislators and the governor with progressive Democrats (it worked in the case of the governor; the legislature will remain Republican for now, thanks to extreme Republican gerrymandering that renders the votes of many in the state useless). The lame-duck Republicans sitting in the state-house awaiting the new Democratic governor weren't done: like their counterparts in Michigan, they had a giant Fuck You up their sleeves for the voters: a slate of reforms that would neuter the power of the incoming governor and his attorney general, along with a toxic stew of other measures, like a prohibition on handgun bans in the capital. Despite subzero temperatures, thousands of protesters thronged the capital to protest the coup. Despite the manifest popular will on their doorstep, the Wisconsin GOP staged an all-night session and passed nearly the whole state (the sole significant change was the elimination of a proposal to let the state legislature hire its own lawyers to bypass the Attorney General). Governor Scott Walker who handed billions in corporate welfare to a Chinese company that has reneged on its promise of creating good, in-state jobs has said he will sign the bill. The next stop will be a courthouse: the incoming governor Tony Evers has vowed to fight the legislation there. The bill would weaken the governor's ability to put in place rules that enact laws and shield the state jobs agency from his control until September. It would also limit early voting to no more than two weeks before an election, a restriction similar to what a federal judge ruled was unconstitutional. Democrats were optimistic it would be rejected by the courts again. The proposal would also weaken the attorney general's office by requiring a legislative committee, rather than the attorney general, to sign off on withdrawing from federal lawsuits. That would stop Evers and Kaul from fulfilling their campaign promises to withdraw Wisconsin from a multi-state lawsuit seeking repeal of the Affordable Care Act. They made opposition to that lawsuit a central part of both of their campaigns. The Legislature passed another measure to enact Medicaid work requirement rules Walker recently won a federal waiver to establish. The bill would also give the Legislature oversight over the governor seeking future waivers for health care, a change Democrats said would handcuff the new administration. The proposals come after North Carolina lawmakers took similar steps two years ago. Michigan Republicans also are discussing taking action before a Democratic governor takes over there. Wisconsin GOP pass slew of measures during lameduck session [Scott Bauer and Todd Richmond/AP] Damian Collins chairs the UK Parliament's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee; it was he who ordered the Parliamentary Serjeant at Arms to drag a visiting US tech executive named Ted Kramer out of his hotel to surrender his laptop to Parliament so they could see the internal Facebook documents that a US federal judge had ordered sealed. Kramer is CEO of Six4Three, a creepy US startup whose Facebook app helped you find pictures of your friends in bikinis; when the app was neutered by a change to Facebook's API, Six4Three sued Facebook and in the course of pre-trial discovery, they were given extensive internal documents from Facebook, which the judge in the case had ordered sealed. Somehow, Collins got wind of the fact that Kramer, his laptop, and the documents were all in London, and having been spurned by Mark Zuckerberg, who repeatedly refused demands to appear in Parliament saw his chance. Now, Collins has dumped a 250 page file, hosted on Parliament's servers, which includes the documents from Kramer's laptop and Collins's summary. The release comes despite a plea from Facebook to respect the US court order and not publish the documents. The documents are incredibly damning. They show Facebookers at the highest level up to CEO Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg conspiring to trick Android users about how much data was being gathered by an update to the Facebook app; to give certain companies "whitelisted" access to user data beyond the access the company had disclosed to its users; to explicitly productize "friends" data (that is, to allow the trick Cambridge Analytica pulled, when getting a user to grant permission to their own data also allowed a company to access their friends' data); to use the Onavo battery-monitor app to covertly gather data on which other apps users had installed; and anti-competitive targeting of partners' apps. Collins tweeted: "I believe there is considerable public interest in releasing these documents. They raise important questions about how Facebook treats users data, their policies for working with app developers, and how they exercise their dominant position in the social media market." This isn't just one smoking gun, it's hundreds of them. This is Facebook's worst nightmare. Summary of key issues from the Six4Three files 1. White Lists Facebook have clearly entered into whitelisting agreements with certain companies, which meant that after the platform changes in 2014/15 they maintained full access to friends data. It is not clear that there was any user consent for this, nor how Facebook decided which companies should be whitelisted or not. 2. Value of friends data It is clear that increasing revenues from major app developers was one of the key drivers behind the Platform 3.0 changes at Facebook. The idea of linking access to friends data to the financial value of the developers relationship with Facebook is a recurring feature of the documents. 3. Reciprocity Data reciprocity between Facebook and app developers was a central feature in the discussions about the launch of Platform 3.0. 4. Android Facebook knew that the changes to its policies on the Android mobile phone system, which enabled the Facebook app to collect a record of calls and texts sent by the user would be controversial. To mitigate any bad PR, Facebook planned to make it as hard of possible for users to know that this was one of th e underlying features of the upgrade of their app. 5. Onavo Facebook used Onavo to conduct global surveys of the usage of mobile apps by customers, and apparently without their knowledge. They used this data to assess not just how many people had download ed apps, but how often they used them. This knowledge helped them to decide which companies to acquire, and which to treat as a threat. 6. Targeting competitor Apps The files show evidence of Facebook taking aggressive positions against apps, with the consequence that denying them access to data led to the failure of that business. Summary of key issues from the Six4Three files [Damian Collins MP/DCMS Committee] Nearly 250 Pages of Devastating Internal Facebook Documents Posted Online By UK Parliament [Jason Koebler and Joseph Cox/Motherboard] Russia is back on its Ukraine bullshit again: last week, the Russian navy boarded and seized a Ukrainian gunboat and a tugboat taking the crews of the vessels prisoner, at least for the time being. NATO is sitting on their hands, just like they did when Putin sent mercenaries and unflagged Russian special forces operators into Ukraine to wrest control of the Crimea peninsula back in 2014. There's a lot of finger wagging and tut-tutting, sure. Trump said that he was calling off his chat with Putin last week as a result of the Russian military's aquatic clusterfuckbut then he met with him anyway. After four years of putting up with Russian occupation of a chunk of their territory, Ukraine knows better than to leave sorting it out to diplomacy: the seizure of the nation's vessels could well be Putin's way of gauging the west's reaction to a larger actionone that could lead to a large-scale assault on Ukrainian turf. In response to Putin's dry run, Ukraine has called up its citizen reservists, declared martial law in some parts of the country, and has been toying with the idea of refusing entry to any Russian male of fighting age. Oh, and they've asked Canada to renew the assistance that they've been giving them for the past few years. From The CBC: Canada is being asked to renew its military training mission to Ukraine a proposal that's taking on a whole new level of urgency as border tension ramps up with Russia. Canada's deployment of 200 soldiers is up for renewal in March. Moscow seized three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews Sunday in waters off Russian-annexed Crimea. Tensions in the region particularly over the Kerch Strait have been building for months and aren't likely to dissipate soon, said Ukraine's ambassador to Canada in an interview with CBC News. "All of these provocations by Russia, they are a good reason to reinforce what we already do," said Andriy Shevchenko. "We expect and hope Canada will renew its Operation Unifier, which is this wonderful training mission that Canada has in Ukraine." Since being deployed by the previous Conservative government in the wake of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, Canadian troops have trained almost 8,000 Ukrainian soldiers in advanced small combat team skills, bomb disposal, medical care and military policing. In 2014, the woefully under prepared, undermanned and under equipped Ukraine military couldn't meet the sudden asymmetric onslaught of their Russian invaders. As a result, a large portion of the resistance mounted by the Ukrainians had to be mounted by volunteer militias with members pouring in to help the country fend off the attack. Once the bulk of the fighting stopped (it's still kinda going on,) the Ukrainian government asked many of the volunteers to head on home and absorbed others into the Ukrainian military. Over the past four years, the nation, with the help of pals like Canada, has been taking steps to ensure that they're not caught with their pants down again. Whether NATO will be onboard with extending more resources to the Ukraine military in light of Russia's most recent attack remains to be seen. The question of Canada's continuing their training mission in the nation is anybody's guess. Image via The Canadian Armed Forces-(Photo by Op UNIFIER DND, Joint Task Force Ukraine) News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association has endorsed the candidature of President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the 2023 harmonised elections in a show of confidence in his leadership.The association affirmed its appreciation of the work being done by the presidium and dissociated itself from the renegade ex-combatants that have joined the MDC-Alliance and were co-ordinating a march to Munhumutapa to hand over a petition to President Mnagagwa.ZNLWVA secretary general Victor Matemadanda said war veterans being the bedrock and foundation of the State of Zimbabwe could not be seen doing the inconceivable and pitting themselves against President Mnangagwa, their patron. He made the remarks during a media briefing to outline the association's resolutions to be presented at the Zanu-PF's National Conference set for Esigodini, Matabeleland South province next week."ZNLWVA as patroned by His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is guided by the vision and policies being expounded by the President as leader of the revolutionary party Zanu-PF," he said."ZNLWVA endorses and supports Government initiatives and policies on the financial stabilisation programme and on Command Agriculture as an effort towards restoring food security in the country and reclaim the country's bread basket status."Matemadanda said the association dissociated itself from a section of Kwekwe war veterans that have crossed the floor to join the opposition MDC-Alliance and purporting to be representing all war veterans. He said they further dissociated themselves from another section of Harare war veterans who had been organising through social media a march to Munhumutapa to hand over a petition to President Mnangagwa."The President is our patron we cannot co-ordinate through social media and march to handover anything to him when he agrees to meet us whenever we ask for a meeting. Further, we have met the President and the VPs three times since November last year and our grievances have been aired to the President."Matemadanda also lashed out at some war veterans that were moving around with the former first lady, Grace Mugabe, saying they have now teamed up to pretend they wanted to present their queries to the President, yet they were pushing for their reactionary agenda. Most of these, said Matemadanda, were working in cahoots with the MDC-Alliance or National Patriotic Front allegedly fronted by the former first family."The six war veterans from Kwekwe who joined MDC Alliance, while it is their democratic right to associate with a party of their choice, cannot claim to represent any other person as the War Veterans' Act is clear on who and how one can represent other war veterans," he said."They are a group that was deployed by those who were fighting the ascendancy of ED to any higher post. It is a group deployed to fight ED from the early 1990s."Matemadanda said it was important for their membership to know that while all along this group had pretended to be in Zanu-PF they have become clear reactionaries by joining the MDC-Alliance."They have turned their backs on the revolution and the revolutionary party in search of reactionary ideals," he said. News / National by Staff reporter BULAWAYO police have barred self-imposed Ndebele king, Stanley Raphael Khumalo, from holding an enrobing ceremony a cultural event where a king's heir is officially presented with the royal regalia and other artefacts.Police, in a letter to the organisers, said the event could not be sanctioned as it was likely to give the green light to other opposition political parties planning anti-government protests."There are political parties who are threatening to demonstrate against the government who might hijack the function for their own political mileage. The cholera epidemic has not completely left us, and it will be calamitous to hold an event of such magnitude with (10 000) people," Superintendent Matongo wrote in a letter dated November 23 to organisers of the event.Matongo also said the Constitution did not recognise a 'king.'"The function/event is illegal since a king is not covered in the Constitution of Zimbabwe or in the Traditional Leaders Act. There are other rivalry groups also claiming the same kingship who might try to disturb the event," he said.Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango refused to comment on the issue yesterday.However, Greater Sibanda, the Ndebele king's spokesperson, condemned the cancellation of the event as regrettable."We will keep engaging the authorities, because we believe cancelling the event is regrettable since it has nothing to do with politics, but culture and tradition," Sibanda said yesterday.Raphael Khumalo self-declared himself Ndebele king in 2017. Lobengula was the last king after a British Pioneer Column led by Cecil John Rhodes destroyed the Ndebele Kingdom in 1983.Khumalo's actions have divided opinion in Matabeleland, with some secessionists supporting him while descendants of the Lobengula family have dismissed him as an impostor.Government stopped plans to coronate South Africa-based Bulelani Collin Khumalo as King Lobengula's heir, also arguing the ceremony was not only illegal, but also unconstitutional.The ban was upheld by High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese following an urgent court application by the crown council that planned Bulelani's coronation. News / National by Staff reporter THE Zanu-PF national people's conference scheduled for December 10 to 15 at Umzingwane High School in Esigodini, Matabeleland South is projected to gobble over$1 million, with provinces expected to contribute to the costs.A total of 50 cattle, five from each province and 50 tonnes of maize meal, five tonnes from each province, are expected to be consumed during the annual indaba.This emerged during the Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial co-ordinating committee meeting held at the party's provincial headquarters at Davies Hall on Monday to endorse resolutions the province will push for at the conference.Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial secretary for administration, Elifas Mashava, said the provinces were given targets for various contributions towards the conference, which include cattle, money and maize meal."We are expected to contribute five cattle, $50 000 and five tonnes of maize meal from each province towards the conference," Mashava said."There are elders who promised to donate cattle and we need an update on the contributions as to how much has been raised."Bulawayo Zanu-PF co-ordinating committee's finance administrator, Mlungisi Moyo, told party members that they had so far received pledges in cash and surpassed the maize meal target of five tonnes."We have so far received pledges for cash totalling to $22 000, while $15 000 cash is now at hand," Moyo, who was a losing candidate for the Bulawayo Central in the July 30 elections, said."Also, our politburo members (Absolom) Sikhosana and (Joshua) Malinga pledged to give us a beast each. We also have managed to get six tonnes of maize-meal and this means we are going to the conference with six tonnes, surpassing our target of five tonnes. We hope by the time we go to the conference, we will have met all the targets."Sikhosana said Bulawayo province will have 306 delegates at the conference.He said the members attending must not be there as listeners, but as contributors to the policy formulations that inform the Zanu-PF government on how it should manage the nation as a ruling party.Politburo members and central committee members will be accommodated at Holiday Inn and Rainbow Hotels in one room each, while the rest of the members will be housed at Hillside and Bulawayo Polytechnic Colleges. News / National by Staff reporter WAR veterans are plotting to force the ruling Zanu-PF party to make a constitutional amendment that will raise the age limit of presidential aspirants from 40 to 52 years, which would effectively block opposition leader Nelson Chamisa from contesting against President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 general elections.The MDC leader is 40; the age limit for aspirants allowed in the Constitution while Zanu-PF enjoys a two-thirds majority in the Ninth Parliament after a landslide in the July 30 elections.Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association (ZNLWVA) secretary-general Victor Matemadanda also called on Parliament to come hard on "people who call for sanctions and economic sabotage and bar them from contesting in any election".Matemadanda said the war veterans will use the party's conference to be held in Esigodini next week to lobby Zanu-PF to use its majority in Parliament to enact the restrictive laws."The ZNLWVA condemns reactionary forces who go around the world asking for the extension of sanctions and calls upon the conference to ask Parliament to amend the age limit of those who can contest on the presidential election from the age of 40 to 52," he said."This will make sure that anyone who contests for presidency is mature enough to run the country."Matemadanda, who is also War Veterans deputy minister, however, did not explain how the former liberation war fighters reached at the age of 52 as the threshold for maturity.After the July 30 elections, when Chamisa was challenging Mnangagwa's electoral victory at the Constitutional Court, Buhera South legislator Joseph Chinotimba (Zanu-PF) suggested the ruling party would use its two-thirds majority in Parliament to raise the presidential age limit to between 55 and 60.The move, although resisted by Zanu-PF youths, was targeting Chamisa, who narrowly lost out to the Zanu-PF leader and still contends that his "victory" was stolen by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec), referring to Mnangagwa as an "illegitimate president".Mnangagwa won with 2 460 463 or 50,6% of votes compared to Chamisa's 2 147 436 or 44,3% of the votes, according to Zec."We call upon the conference to declare all who call for sanctions against Zimbabwe and work against government efforts to resuscitate the economy as enemies of the State and nation of Zimbabwe," Matemadanda said."(We) call upon Parliament to enact laws that cause an investigation and establishment of facts on people who call for sanctions and economic sabotage. If proved to be true, to make such people not eligible for election to district council, provincial council, Member of Parliament and President positions."We will also ask Parliament to classify economic sabotage and the calling of economic sanctions as third schedule offences."Third schedule offences include treason and murder, among other serious crimes.The war veterans also endorsed Mnangagwa as Zanu-PF presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections and hailed Finance minister Mthuli Ncube's economic stabilisation programme.Matemadanda attacked some sections of war veterans from Kwekwe whom he accused of being liberation and economic saboteurs for supporting the MDC and castigating government's command agriculture programme.Matemadanda also distanced himself from the group of war veterans who petitioned Mnangagwa last week, demanding that he address the welfare of the former combatants.But MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume scoffed at the war veterans' proposals to raise the presidential age limit, saying it showed how much Zanu-PF fears Chamisa in an electoral contest. He said although Zanu-PF claims to have a two-thirds parliamentary majority, such an amendment violates peoples' political rights in the Bill of Rights and, therefore, requires a referendum."They are cowards, they fear Chamisa. Old men have destroyed this country and if ever there should be an amendment, it should be on an upper age limit," Mafume said.Zanu-PF spokesperson Simon Kaya Moyo said: "I am not the spokesperson of the war veterans, and any case, this has not been brought to us as a party."However, according to section 328 of the Constitution, there is no need for a referendum to raise the presidential age limit. The process can be done through a constitutional Bill which would need to pass through a two-thirds majority in both the lower and upper houses. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Deputy Minister of Information and Media and Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi arrived in South Korea on Wednesday where he was welcomed by the Korean cult's Unification Movement secretary-general, Dr Young Ho Yun.Said Mutodi, "Today I was warmly received by Dr Youngho Yun at their palace in Seoul, South Korea ahead of a business engagement tomorrow with CEOs of big companies interested in Zimbabwe. Step by step we will get Zimbabwe right on track."Recently the co-Founder of the Unification cult Dr Hak Ja Han Moon was in the country where she was expected to conduct a mass wedding for 4 000 couples. The event was flop after the media and the church exposed Moon as a cultist. President Emmerson Mnangagwa was supposed to grace the event but snubbed it with only Politiburo member Josiah Hungwe and Deputy Minister Mutodi attending it.South Korea has of late being renewing its energy to engage Zimbabwe.Recently South Korea handed over office equipment, furniture and motor vehicles worth $130 000 to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to assist it in fulfilling its expanded mandate.The ministry was expanded to include international trade under the Second Republic.Government received two vehicles, computers, printers, chairs, binding machines and other equipment from the Koreans.Handing over the donation, South Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Cho Jaichel said his country would always support Zimbabwe and contribute to the successful achievement of Vision 2030. MEMPHIS, Tenn., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capital Bank and First Tennessee Bank today announced the launch of new digital websites for merchant services. Capital Bank and First Tennessee Bank are part of the First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE:FHN) family of companies, which also includes FTB Advisors and FTN Financial. Capital Bank and First Tennessee business clients can now enroll in merchant services, get credit approval and shop for Clover point of sale system solutions through the new digital enrollment websites. We are pleased to offer this new digital channel to our clients, improving client experience and simplifying the process to enroll in merchant services and access Clover solutions, said John Levesque, First Horizons merchant services executive. This is a win, especially for small business owners, because Clover solutions are smart, easy to use and can be customized by business owners to best manage their companies and employees. By understanding their unique operational needs, this is one more way we are helping equip our clients with solutions designed to enhance their cash flow. The service, processed by First Data, is built on an online platform where new and existing business clients can shop for merchant solutions, enroll in a merchant account and get credit approval all in a matter of minutes. The websites fully digitize the merchant enrollment process, expedite merchant onboarding and provide instant access to First Datas Clover solutions, which include in-store, online, and mobile solutions. Clover merchants also have access to Clovers app market, offering more than 300 unique apps that aim to simplify daily tasks for business owners. First Datas digital enrollment platform is helping Capital Bank and First Tennessee transform the client experience by delivering simplicity and efficiency to their merchant clients online, said Neal Korzekwinski, senior vice president, Head of FI Partner Collaboration at First Data. In a matter of minutes a business owner can shop for Clover products, enroll in a merchant account, and get credit approval. For more information, visit https://www.clover.com/partner/capital-bank for Capital Bank clients and https://www.clover.com/partner/first-tennessee for First Tennessee clients. About First Horizon First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE:FHN) provides financial services through its Capital Bank, First Tennessee Bank, FTB Advisors, and FTN Financial businesses. First Horizon operates approximately 300 bank locations across the southern U.S. and 28 FTN Financial offices across the entire U.S. Our banking subsidiary was founded in 1864 and has the 14th oldest national bank charter in the country. Our First Tennessee and Capital Bank brands have the largest deposit market share in Tennessee and one of the highest customer retention rates of any bank in the country. We have been ranked by American Banker as No. 5 among the Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Banks. Our FTB Advisors wealth management group has more than 300 financial professionals and provides services to about $4.8 billion in assets under management. FTN Financial is a capital markets industry leader in fixed income sales, trading and strategies for institutional customers in the U.S. and abroad. We have been recognized as one of the nations best employers by American Banker magazine and the National Association for Female Executives. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com . FHN-G Heres the Reason Many People Engage in Casual Sex Trending News: The Unexpected Reason Many People Engage in Casual Sex Why do people engage in casual sex? Theres the easy-going lack of commitment. The dispensing with troublesome emotions. An opportunity to experiment with your sexuality. Sometimes, its just to have fun in the sack with someone new. But a new study by researchers from Binghamton University, SUNY Broome in New York and Indiana Universitys Kinsey Institute suggests another unexpected reason for a quick hook-up: intimacy. Intimate Hook-Ups In the study, published in the Journal of Relationships Research, researchers sent a voluntary online questionnaire to several hundred randomly selected college students, asking about their affectionate and intimate activities during sexual encounters in the contexts of both romantic relationships and casual sex hook-ups. Specifically, participants were asked about acts such as cuddling, spending the night, eye gazing, and foreplay. Students also indicated which of these acts they preferred during casual sex or hook-ups, and which they liked during sex as part of a romantic relationship. The researchers found, as expected, that partners were more likely to engage in affectionate and intimate activities in relationship sex than in casual sex. But the rate of affection and intimacy in casual encounters was way higher than anticipated. Women were found to be more likely to engage in intimate acts across all scenarios, as hypothesized. But men were into it too in particular foreplay and eye gazing. Sean Massey, a co-author of the study and a social psychologist and associate professor at Binghamton, said the team was surprised by some of the results. Young adults who indicated they prefer casual sexual encounters over relationship sex were more likely to want affection and intimacy from them, Massey said in a news release. This suggests they seek to meet their need for intimacy through those casual encounters. Reinterpreting Casual Sex The research could help redefine societys interpretation of casual sex. Massey said he hopes the study will help to eliminate some of the stigmas that surround hook-up culture. We have a stereotype that casual sex (hook-ups) are just about meaningless sex, but this research shows this is not necessarily true, added Ann Merriwether, a developmental psychologist and lecturer at Binghamton. It shows intimacy is important and desired by many people, especially those who prefer hook-ups to more traditional relationships. Need a gentlemans guide to hook-ups? We have you covered. You Might Also Dig (Bloomberg) -- Australia is set to give its police and intelligence agencies the power to access encrypted messages on platforms such as WhatsApp, becoming the latest country to face down privacy concerns in the name of public safety. Amid protests from companies such as Facebook Inc. and Google, the government and main opposition struck a deal on Tuesday that should see the legislation passed by parliament this week. Under the proposed powers, technology companies could be forced to help decrypt communications on popular messaging apps, or even build new functionality to help police access data. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the legislation is needed to help foil terrorist attacks and organized crime. Critics say it is flawed and could undermine security across the Internet, jeopardizing activities from online voting to market trading and data storage. The legislation thrusts Australia to the heart of a global tug of war between tech companies and governments over privacy and security. In 2016, the U.S. Justice Department clashed with Apple Inc. when the company refused to unlock an iPhone connected to a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California. The U.K. government, meanwhile, has been deeply critical of WhatsApps end-to-end encryption after the messaging service was used by a terrorist shortly before he killed five people in London in March 2017. The Australian governments cyber security adviser Alastair MacGibbon said Wednesday that authorities had been able to intercept telephone communications lawfully for almost 40 years, and needed new powers to keep pace with modern technology. Law enforcers have been going blind or going deaf because of encryption, he said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corp. What this law does is help codify a conversation between police and telecommunication companies, that has to be reasonable, has to be proportionate, and has to be technically feasible, he said. Story continues The Digital Industry Group, an industry association whose members include Facebook and Google, has campaigned against the bill in a loose alliance with Amnesty International and the Human Rights Law Center. Lobby group Digital Rights Watch said some extremely dangerous elements of the legislation had been addressed by the agreement between the government and the opposition Labor party. The legislation, for instance, will be subject to a review by a parliamentary committee for 12 months. And any so-called technical capability notice that would force tech companies to create new functionality would require stricter oversight. But the fundamental fact remains that the powers being sought by law enforcement are ill-informed, badly drafted and a gross overreach, Digital Rights Watch said in a statement. This bill is still deeply flawed, and has the likely impact of weakening Australias overall cyber-security, lowering confidence in e-commerce, reducing standards of safety for data storage and reducing civil right protections. To contact the reporter on this story: Jason Scott in Canberra at jscott14@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Ruth Pollard at rpollard2@bloomberg.net, Edward Johnson For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2018 Bloomberg L.P. Canada's largest natural-gas pipeline company is dumping its once-troubled New Brunswick retail gas system less than two decades after it entered the provincial market. Calgary-based Enbridge is selling its subsidiary, Enbridge Gas New Brunswick, to Algonquin Power and Utilities for $331 million. David Pasieka, Algonquin's chief transformation officer, said Tuesday that the company is optimistic that eventually it can stabilize New Brunswick natural gas rates, which are now the highest in Canada. "We hope that our growth plan will ultimately be able to come up with some other ideas which ultimately will benefit you and the price that's associated with the gas you're paying for," he said during an interview at Enbridge's Fredericton office. The acquisition comes two years after a legal settlement between Enbridge and the province, designed to address uncertainty about the future of natural gas in the province. CBC The terms of the settlement meant Enbridge "had been looking forward from 2016," and now Algonquin will inherit the benefits of that agreement, Pasieka said. With Algonquin's "entrepreneurial spirit" and the local experience Enbridge's employees will bring to the company, "we should be able to do good things together," he said. Jennifer Rowland, an energy industry analyst, said Enbridge's sale was less about exiting the New Brunswick market and more about the company's selling off of $8 billion in assets to pay down debt from its purchase of another energy company two years ago. "Enbridge has been selling assets all year," she said. Enbridge won the franchise to distribute offshore Nova Scotia natural gas from the Maritimes and Northeast pipeline in 1999, beating out Irving Oil. But it fell short of its goal of signing up the 71,000 customers it hoped to enrol within its first two decades. The much smaller base of 12,000 customers had to be charged more to pay down Enbridge's accumulated debt from building its lines. Story continues That contributed to ever-increasing distribution rates for customers, which the previous PC government tried to stop by passing legislation in 2011 to break Enbridge's contract. The legislation let competitors enter the retail gas market to force rates down. Enbridge filed lawsuits claiming $800 million, lawsuits the Liberal government settled in 2016. That settlement capped gas rates for 2018 and 2019 in return for letting Enbridge seek higher rate increases after that, to pay down its deferral account. It also extended Enbridge's franchise agreement by 25 years and restored its near-monopoly. Now it's up to Algonquin to build on that stability, Pasieka said. "We have a very optimistic growth plan set up for here. We think we can bring more customers onto the pipe. That will be helpful for everybody. We'll look for diversifying supply and signing longer-term contracts." One element will be an incentive program to persuade new customers to sign up for natural gas. Pasieka said Algonquin's shareholders will put up $5 million to fund those incentives, which could include covering "up to 100 per cent" of the costs of converting homes to natural gas. He said the details will be worked out after the sale is finalized. 'An encouraging sign' Premier Blaine Higgs called the acquisition a good sign for the economy. "It's an encouraging sign of a company investing in our province, so that's positive," he said. "They seem to want to grow the market, [for] which the opportunity exists more so if we can develop some of our homegrown resources to supply it." CBC That's a reference to the PC decision to partially lift a moratorium on shale gas development in the Sussex area if there's local support for it. Pasieka also said that could "fit into the equation" for the company. But he said the Enbridge deal has been in the works for about fourth months and is not related to the recent election result or any policy decisions by the new Progressive Conservative government. "This opportunity came up," he said. "We knocked on their door and the timing was right for Enbridge. It was just almost happenstance that the situations come together at almost the same time." No cuts Algonquin does not plan to cut any staff in the province. "Every employee here in New Brunswick will keep their job," Pasieka said. "They'll keep their title, they'll keep their pay and their benefits." The company will also relocate to Fredericton a handful of Enbridge employees who deal with New Brunswick customer-service calls from an out-of-province office. The acquisition must be approved by the provincial Energy and Utilities Board. Algonquin will run the gas operation through its subsidiary, Liberty Utilities. The company operates 39 utilities in the United States. Previous Canadian dealings The New Brunswick retail gas system will be the company's first regulated utility in Canada, though it already operates the Tinker Dam, a hydroelectric dam in Victoria County that sells electricity to the municipally owned power utility in the nearby Perth-Andover. Dan Dionne, the village manager in Perth-Andover, said the company has been good to deal with. Last year, the village signed a 14-year extension on its contract for power from the dam. James West/Canadian Press "We're certainly looking forward to a long-term relationship with them, and found them very professional and A-1 to work with so far," Dionne said. Pasieka would not comment on how the carbon-tax debate would affect the company. The previous Liberal government's climate plan exempted fossil fuels for home heating from its carbon price. But Ottawa rejected that plan and will impose its own carbon tax, which will apply to residential natural gas, starting next year. "We're just monitoring the situation and we'll see how that unfolds," Pasieka said. By Allison Lampert and Debroop Roy (Reuters) - Canada's second-largest carrier WestJet Airlines Ltd aims to grow its share of higher-paying passengers to a similar level as its 37 percent overall market share, Chief Executive Officer Ed Sims said on Tuesday. The Calgary-based airline carries about 21 percent of business and premium passengers, even though it has a 37 percent share of the market overall in Canada, Sims said in an interview following the company's investor day presentation in Toronto. "We'd like to have a similar market share in the premium market for that which we have in the Canadian market," he said by phone. WestJet's premium economy cabin revenue rose 70 percent this year over 2017, helped by fees for perks like priority boarding. But the airline said it faces pressure from rising costs for labor and maintenance, along with the introduction of its new Boeing 787 widebody service in 2019, weighing on the stock, which ended down 2.3 percent. The benchmark Canada stock exchange was down 1.4 percent. WestJet said it expects cost per available seat mile (CASM) excluding fuel, to be flat or rise by about 2 percent next year, as it introduces the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Analysts were expecting a decline in CASM next year, according to notes reviewed by Reuters. The guidance includes higher costs anticipated for a new pilot contract, Chief Financial Officer Harry Taylor said during the investor day presentation. WestJet will introduce business-class cabins on its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets in 2019, as it seeks to grow revenues after a difficult 2018. WestJet was hit this year by a combination of higher fuel costs, tough domestic competition and the threat of a strike by its recently-unionized pilots, which sent its stock down about 23 percent, year to date. Earlier on Tuesday, WestJet forecast revenue per available seat mile (RASM) in 2019 to grow 2-4 percent, helped by higher demand and a target to grow ancillary fees from approximately C$32 to more than C$40 per passenger on its budget airline Swoop. A key industry metric, RASM is calculated by dividing operating income by available seat miles. WestJet does not break out revenues for premium economy or business travel. The carrier expects earnings per share to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 40 percent between a weak 2018 and 2022, helped by an expansion in Dreamliner and Swoop service. ($1 =C$1.32) (Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal and Debroop Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel and Marguerita Choy) Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Step Out for Their First Christmas Carol Service Together Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Attend Christmas Carol Service Meghan Markle joined Prince Harry on Tuesday for one of his annual Christmas traditions. The royal couple made a poignant contribution to a seasonal service at St. Lukes Church in London in support of one of the princes favorite causes, which was set up in the name of a late close friend. The Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund helps schools in Uganda, Africa, and was named for one of the princes school friends who died in a car accident. Both Prince Harry and Prince William are patrons of the charity. Cant get enough of PEOPLEs Royals coverage? Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Meghan, who is pregnant with her first child, gave a reading from the poem Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson at the Christmas carol service, which Harry attended solo last year after announcing his engagement to Meghan. Before Meghan made her reading she said she and Harry believed it was the perfect reading because it sums up he spirit of what the Henry van Straubenzee Fund does to empower young children. Harry used his address to the congregation to highlight the work the charity does for young girls and getting them into education. As my wife said many years ago when working on menstrual health and health education, this is not about periods but potential, he said, referencing Meghans visit to India with World Vision in January 2017 to highlight the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation. Harry, 34, was very close to Henry they went to Ludgrove prep school together while Prince William counts Henrys older brother, Thomas, as one of his best friends. Thomas is a godfather to Princess Charlotte. Harry and Meghan also went to the wedding of Thomas younger brother, Charlie van Straubenzee, to Daisy Jenks over the summer. He went on to say Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund is one of the charities trying to make a difference with hands-on programs on the ground. They have built 945 bathrooms in schools especially for girls, he added. Story continues The charity was established as a memorial to Henry a very special friend of mine who tragically died in 2002 and this is the tenth carol service and, he said. The money raised tonight is a crucial part of their fundraising plan of the charity. He praised the van Straubenzee family for running the truly amazing charity. Thanking them, he added, Mrs van you have created the most incredible legacy for your son. The couples night out coincided with Queen Elizabeths annual white-tie evening reception for diplomats, attended by Prince William and Kate Middleton. Research shows North Atlantic right whales are visiting the Gulf of St. Lawrence in greater numbers but are more likely to encounter fishing gear in deep waters a finding that may have implications for next season's lobster and crab fishery restrictions in New Brunswick. In a technical briefing hosted by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Transport Canada, scientists presented what they learned from a peer-review last week of research done over the past three years. The meeting brought together 40 scientists and academics to discuss right whale distribution and whether the endangered mammals can find a safe habitat in Canadian waters. Entanglement with fishing gear and strikes by ships have been identified as leading threats to the endangered whales. Shane Fowler/CBC Garry Stenson, chair of the meeting, said one of the key pieces of information comes from tracking whales using acoustic listening devices and drones. About half the remaining North Atlantic right whales visited the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence this summer, or 190 out of a total 411 whales. And of those whales in the gulf, almost all preferred water deeper than 50 metres. "Very few right whales are found in those shallow waters," he said. "Only one was found in waters less than 50 metres Presence of prey is also rare there." Stop-and-go fisheries Lobster are typically most abundant in cold water at around 50 metres deep, while snow crabs are found at varying depths from 50 to 600 metres deep. This year's snow crab and lobster seasons in the gulf and Bay of Fundy were stop-and-go because of closures implemented by the Department of Fisheries to protect right whales. The closures were a response to the deaths of 12 endangered whales in Canadian waters in 2017. Over the summer, fishermen complained the closures hurt. According to the Grand Manan Fishermen's Association, a 15-day fishery shutdown caused by a right whale sighting cost the industry millions of dollars and affected the final income for many workers. Story continues Michael Dwyer/Associated Press The Fisheries Department also implemented speed restrictions on cargo ships because of the increased whale population in the southwestern Gulf of St. Lawrence. These measures may be the reason why there have been no reported right whale deaths in Canada this year and fewer entanglements. But there have been three reported right whale deaths in the United States, and no recorded births anywhere. Increased numbers Scientists don't know why more whales have been moving to the gulf from the Bay of Fundy and nearby Roseway Basin, but it may be because their food is moving north as the water warms, Stenson said. "There's clear evidence now to suggest that yes, there was an increase in number of whales starting from 2015," he said. "There were whales present earlier but they were quite rare." Scientists gathered their findings from simulations. "Virtual whales," with behaviour based on observed right whale behaviour, were more likely to encounter fishing gear in deeper waters, he said. "If there's a lot of fishing gear in the southwest Gulf of St. Lawrence, there's potential of interaction," he said. Submitted by Nicole Boudreau But that doesn't mean that there will be an entanglement, he said. "An encounter is not an entrapment." Does that mean the restrictions on crab fisheries this season were effective? Stenson said the restricted area in 2018 seemed to cover "most of the places where fishing gear and right whales might overlap." As to what impact this research will have on government policy, Stenson said a "post-mortem" of the peer-review meeting will be done in January, and the group will compile a report with more detailed findings and recommendations that may help guide public policy. Wildlife officials from Quebec say the Labrador Innu had no rights to the caribou meat officers seized from Innu Nation Grand Chief Gregory Rich and a few companions last week. The meat, which Rich said was given to him as a gift on behalf of the Chisasibi Cree First Nation, was seized in Ouje-Bougoumou, Que., a Cree community about 300 kilometres northwest of Saguenay. The meat came from the Leaf River caribou herd, which has been declining in size. Submitted by Luc Gervais Rich said the Cree nation has permission to hunt the Leaf River caribou and that he had a letter from Chief Davey Bobbish supporting the Innu Nation in taking the caribou to Labrador. Still, wildlife officers told him it was illegal to hunt caribou in Cree territory or to be in possession of the caribou meat, he said. According to a statement issued by Quebec's wildlife ministry on Monday, the area in question falls under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, which protects the hunting rights of the Cree, Inuit and Naskapi beneficiaries. The Labrador Innu Nation is not a beneficiary in the region, the statement said, and so they must comply with Quebec's hunting regulations. An investigation into the incident is underway, according to Quebec officials. Read more stories from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador VICTOR, N.Y., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a leading beverage alcohol company, announced today it will report financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended November 30, 2018, on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, before the open of the U.S. markets. A conference call to discuss the financial results and outlook will be hosted by Chief Executive Officer Rob Sands, President and Chief Operating Officer Bill Newlands and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer David Klein at 10:30 a.m. EST, January 9, 2019. The conference call can be accessed by dialing +1-877-673-1771 and entering conference identification number 5284499, beginning at 10:20 a.m. EST. A live, listen-only webcast of the conference call will be available on the companys website, www.cbrands.com , under the Investors/Events & Presentations section. When the call begins, financial information discussed on the conference call, and a reconciliation of reported (GAAP) financial measures with comparable or non-GAAP financial measures, will also be available on the companys website under Investors and by selecting Reporting. For anyone unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available on the companys website. About Constellation Brands Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a Fortune 500 company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, Italy and Canada. Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra and Pacifico. The companys beer portfolio also includes Ballast Point, one of the most awarded craft brewers in the U.S., and Funky Buddha Brewery. In addition, Constellation is the world leader in premium wine, selling great brands that people love, including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Mark West, Black Box, Ruffino and The Prisoner. The companys premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey. Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio; about 40 wineries, breweries and distilleries; and approximately 10,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @cbrands and visit www.cbrands.com . MEDIA CONTACTS INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS Mike McGrew 773-251-4934 | Amy Martin 585-678-7141 Patty Yahn-Urlaub 585-678-7483 | Bob Czudak 585-678-7170 Tom Conaway 585-678-7503 PDF available: http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/649e2735-8522-4ed8-ae3c-5693b97117b0 The City of Vancouver is opening its warming centres again Tuesday night as a lifesaving response for people sleeping outside during extreme cold. Environment Canada said temperatures are expected to dip as low as 4 C along the South Coast by Thursday evening, with highs during the day only climbing to 2 C on Friday. Vancouver's centres will be open Tuesday at: Britannia Community Centre 1739 Venables St. (9 p.m.-8:30 a.m.) West End Community Centre 870 Denman St. (11 p.m.-6 a.m.) Powell Street Getaway 528 Powell St. (9 p.m.-7 a.m.) Vancouver Public Library 350 W. Georgia St. (11 p.m.-7 a.m.) Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC The city said it might keep the warming centres open for longer if the temperature remains below 5 C or feels like 5 C. On Monday night, extra shelter and warming centre spaces were opened as temperatures dropped. Guy Lecuyer, who has lived in Vancouver for 12 years, stayed at the West End centre to get out of the cold. "If I wasn't staying here, I'd be in the park somewhere underneath the waterfront," said Lecuyer, who also used shelters last winter. "It's not fun ... but you gotta do what you gotta do." Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC Hot drinks and snacks are available at the centres and those with their own bedding may choose to sleep for the night. Anyone looking for shelter space can call 211 to check availability. Up to 100 people used warming centres on any given night last year, according to the city. Surrey struggling Meanwhile, the City of Surrey has so many people sleeping outside that they're being turned away at packed emergency shelters. Mike Musgrove, who works with Surrey Urban Mission, said hypothermia and frostbite are major concerns at this time of year. "I found a guy lying on the ground in a parking lot and he was hypothermic," Musgrove said. "Emergency services had to respond." Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC Earlier this year, more than 170 people living in tents along 135A Street known as the Surrey Strip were moved into shelters or new temporary housing units that arrived in the city over the summer. Story continues Musgrove said he and other outreach workers are still struggling to get people indoors. "We have lots of folks still living in the bush, living really rough. It's tough out there. There's no housing coming available. The modulars are full. The shelters are full every night," he said. Musgrove is asking any places of worship or businesses with extra space to consider opening their doors to the homeless during this stretch of cold weather. The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) has partnered with a South Korean high school to bring more international students to Windsor. On Monday, GECDSB signed a five-year "memorandum of understanding" with Yuhan Technical High School, promising to "develop and implement programs for students that promote internationalism, language and multiculturalism." Vicki Houston, the GECDSB's superintendent of education, said international students from South Korea will be required to pay a tuition fee to attend Windsor's public schools at the K-12 level totalling about $13,000. "As well as any health care and insurance that they need to have," said Houston, adding those additional services may increase expenses by another $6,000. Sanjay Maru/CBC The school board mandates all international students stay with a host family in Windsor, as they would be under 18, so they can be assigned to a legal guardian. Houston said the public board will use existing partnerships with "English as a second language" programs and support workers to ensure translation services are provided. 'English is the primary concern' For Yuhan Technical High School principal Seok-ho Kim, bringing students to Windsor will give them "better education and cultural exchanges," according to his translator. "English is the primary concern and I also hope that students can learn different cultures," said Kim. Sanjay Maru/CBC He also said Windsor has a "beautiful environment" and teachers in the city are "very dedicated" to their students. The GECDSB said it's not sure how many students will be enrolled in Windsor's public schools in the upcoming school year, but said it could range between 20 and 50 students. ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) New Zealand captain Kane Williamson scored a fighting half century on a turning wicket Monday and rallied his team to 229-7 on the first day of the third and final test against Pakistan. Williamson's 89 off 176 balls was the cornerstone of New Zealand's revival after leg-spinner Yasir Shah's (3-62) triple strike had left the visitors reeling at 72-4 before lunch. B.J. Watling, who added 104 runs with Williamson for the fifth-wicket stand, defied Pakistan for more than four hours to remain unbeaten on 42 off 180 deliveries, hitting a solitary boundary in his patient knock. Williamson and Watling dug in well and denied Pakistan success in the middle session before the home team got three wickets after tea to check New Zealand's progress. Fast bowler Hasan Ali finally broke the (1-46) century partnership when Williamson was caught at short mid-wicket. The New Zealand captain used his feet well against the spinners and hit seven fours before falling to Hasan's reverse swing. Colin de Grandhomme (20) was smartly held by Asad Shafiq in the leg slip only a ball after surviving a stumping attempt by Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed off Bilal Asif's (2-57) offspin. Tim Southee, playing his first test match of the series, then top-edged Asif before debutant Will Somerville (12 not out) successfully overturned an lbw decision against the off-spinner and saw off the day with Watling. Asif could have dented New Zealand after lunch but Watling was dropped by Imam-ul-Haq at forward short leg as Pakistan couldn't make further inroads after Shah's demolition in the first session. Williamson completed his half century off 109 balls with three fours when he drove Asif to the covers for three runs and looked comfortable against seamers and spinners before he was undone by Hasan. Earlier, Shah had the wickets of Jeet Raval (45) and Ross Taylor (0) off successive deliveries before Henry Nicholls (1) played on to the leg-spinner after Williamson won the toss and elected to bat. Story continues Shah playing in his 33rd test match needs two more wickets to become the quickest bowler in test history to reach 200 wickets. Australia leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett holds the record after taking his 200th wicket in his 36th test in 1925. Pakistan struck early through debutant Shaheen Afridi (1-43) when the left-arm fast bowler had Tom Latham (4) leg before wicket in his third over. Onfield umpire Paul Reiffel adjudged Latham not out but Pakistan had the decision overturned through television referral as the replays showed the ball would have crashed into the middle and leg stump. Shah's 14-wicket haul had earned Pakistan a resounding innings and 16-run victory in the second test, which leveled the series at 1-1. And New Zealand's batsmen continued to struggle against Shah's nine overs in the first session at the same venue, where Williamson's team won the first test narrowly by four runs last month. The leg-spinner had Raval leg before wicket off a delivery which came back in to the lefthander, ending a 46-run second-wicket stand. Taylor was clean bowled off the next delivery, which didn't rise above shin height. Nicholls denied Shah a hat trick but in the next over was clean bowled as he dragged the ball back onto the stumps while attempting a sweep shot as New Zealand lost three wickets for two runs. ___ More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh. blogspot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work. . ..Haaretz/Opinion..04 December '18..Jewish Voice for Peace can finally claim a couple of victories for its Deadly Exchange program. The Vermont State Police and the Northampton, Massachusetts Police Department have pulled out of a program in which law enforcement personnel take part in a week-long seminar on terrorism in Israel. Participants hear from Israeli and Palestinian Authority police and learn from their experience in dealing with the problem.The program, which is sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League, is more than a decade old and is one of those that have been targeted by JVP as part of its so-called Deadly Exchange campaign. JVPs argument is that exposing American police officers to the techniques and ideas employed by Israel in its counter-terrorism efforts encourages brutality and mistreatment of minorities back home. The conceit of Deadly Exchange is that such training is both inappropriate for Americans as well as indirectly responsible for outrages like police murders, shoot to kill policies, extrajudicial executions as well as spying and deportation and detention. The claim here is that Israeli police are a force that is primarily interested in repression and violence and those U.S. personnel that learn from them are more likely to kill Americans.The problem with Deadly Exchange is more than a matter of how you think the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be resolved. Has anything changed, as I wrote of this in 2014. Back then in The Conversation by David Rolph, cited a successful Tweet defamation case of the judgment in Mickle v. Farley. Photo - Tronson du Coudray art Ascension Judge Elkaim makes the point that unlike mass media outlets where you have circulation figures or the ratings to inform you it is difficult to know with social media platforms how big the audience is. Not a truer word was said. I wrote back then of the danger of social media and cited the Sydney Morning Herald written by Christopher Knaus about a series of court cases over a 2011 tweet by Federal MP Mike Kelly went back to the Federal court and this statement: The High Court found against Dr Kelly, and ordered him to pay over $100,000 in costs. In that article I stated that regardless of the ultimate outcome of this case, what it illustrates is that what proves later to be an unfortunate or hasty tweet can become an expensive exercise. The point was made that this was nothing new. Many a book has had to be pulped by a publisher either before or after a court case, where a set of words was shown to have been in some way defamatory or that they were shown to have been less than the whole truth or even implied such. It's a tricky business in any such public format Email, Internet, Blog, Tweets, Flyer, Book, Magazine, Newspaper whereby someone feels wounded to the heart. Moreover outcomes can be unpredictable. It might cost you your house, or your reputation, possibly your job, becoming in effect unemployable, being deemed a serious risk, never again allowed such public responsibility, losing your marriage and family there is much at stake. On the other hand, as Edward Barton noted in the 17th century, that when good men do nothing, evil prevails. Therefore there are times that demand great courage to speak out and one of the reasons why our Parliamentarians have the legal freedom in speak in the Parliament without fear of prosecution. What we see here is a balancing act. Major publishers have lawyers on tap who specialise in this area, whereby the fine line between 'comment' and 'defamation' is carefully gauged. Long drawn out expensive court cases have resulted over such matters. The recent film The Post illustrates the competing efforts at both ends of the spectrum. In that case the Washington Post published which led to Watergate and the ultimate resignation of President Nixon. Now, it may not matter in the great scheme of things where neighbours or friends fall-out and something untoward is written in the public space, but for those feel they have been targeted unfairly and an adversarial team of lawyers who only get paid if they win, the stakes can soon get out of hand. Photo - Tronson du Coudray art Reach the Sky Costly in many ways In recent months we've seen this reported across the nation with well healed neighbours fighting it out in the courts let alone the politicians whose every word is carefully assessed in this growing litigious arena. Recently, a judge criticised a litigate who refused to settle and ended up with much less than the offered settlement and that entire amount was gobbled up in legal fees. There is much more besides. A tweet is restricted to a specific number of words. How anyone one of us might couch those words is the critical factor. The lesson is to be very careful what you tweet. Comment is nonetheless protected. Every commentator in whatever forum they use, whether that is a newspaper, on-line news, magazine, blog, whatever . is necessarily able and legitimate to 'comment' on whatever the subject matter. Comment is not only essential to democracy, it is the life blood of a fair and free society and therefore many a lawyer has advised a client that 'Comment' is both fair and legitimate in a robust liberal society. There is nonetheless a fine line between all these issues and hence the need to carefully analyse what is written. The major city newspapers have key note Comment writers who specialise in such matters and for any would be Comment writer, it might not be such a bad idea to start reading these writers who put together articles that carefully spell out the unfolding drama. They are poignant reading and politicians ignores them at their peril. Photo - Tronson du Coudray art Passion and Heart Guidelines In the cited The Conversation article David Rolph gives some basic guidelines. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter make it easier for people to share or retweet. This means that it is easy for people to spread defamatory material and also difficult for people to know how far and wide their reputations have been damaged. In the current environment, the best advice is to think before you tweet, bearing in mind that what you tweet can be retweeted by your followers and can be found by online searches. He points out defamation law applies to every form of communication, from private conversations to national broadcasts and beyond. Whenever one person is talking about another person in front of other people, there is a risk of defamation. For those who write Comment article David Rolph offers this salutatory wisdom: ... truth and comment, but you have to prove what you have said is true and, if you are making a comment, it has to be based on fact. In practice, these defences can be difficult to establish. One of Well-Being Australias mission roles was to help a small community with an on-line weekly news and after 8 years it closed last month. The two people running it had run their course, a season had come to an end. But there was also a sigh of relief as whatever might be said, with a too smart-by-half tricky lawyer - could bring anything of that nature down and those of good-will around them. In the end it was too risky. Facebook today is a better option for community inter-action as long as the administrator has 24/7 protective surveillance of the site. Photo - Tronson du Coudray art Trust Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand. Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html Black Label Trading Company (BLTC) has announced its annual limited, small batch Deliverance release for 2018. This years installment will feature two blends: the Deliverance Nocturne, a Pennsylvania Broadleaf-wrapped blend and Deliverance Porcelain, a Connecticut Shade wrapped blend. Deliverance Nocturne has been a staple of the Deliverance line since 2015. In addition to a Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper, the blend features a Nicaraguan Habano binder and Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania tobaccos in the filler. Nocturne is being released in two sizes for 2018 Perfecto (5 x 56) and the Short Salomon Snub Nose (4 3/4 x 40 x 56). The Perfectos are presented in 20-count boxes while the Short Salomon Snub Nose is presented in 18-count boxes. Both vitolas are priced at $10.50 per cigar. Deliverance Porcelain is a cigar that was first showcased at the 2018 IPCPR Trade Show. In addition to the Connecticut Shade wrapper, it features a Nicaraguan Habano binder and Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania tobaccos in the filler. Porcelain is available in one size a 5 1/2 x 48 Corona Gorda. It is packaged in 16-count boxes and priced at $10.00 per cigar. Both Deliverance Nocturne and Deliverance Porcelain are produced at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua. This is the 4th release of Deliverance Nocturne. The Nocturne highlights everything I love about PA Broadleaf, the rich, complex and bold earthiness of the wrapper highlights the unique blend of this cigar. We are also releasing the Deliverance Porcelain featuring a Connecticut wrapper. The Porcelain has a different profile from what you might expect. This is a Connecticut that is geared towards our consumers, commented James Brown, creator of BLTC and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra in a press release. At a glance, here is a look at the Deliverance Nocturne and Deliverance Porcelain 2018: Deliverance Nocturne Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf Binder: Nicaraguan Habano Filler: Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fabrica Oveja Negra Perfecto: 5 x 56 Short Salomon Snub Nose: 4 3/4 x 40 x 56 Deliverance Porcelain Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Nicaraguan Habano Filler: Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Fabrica Oveja Negra Corona Gorda: 5 1/2 x 48 Image Credits: Black Label Trading Company, except where noted English French MONTREAL, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MOBI724 Global Solutions Inc. (MOBI724 or the Company) (TSX-V:MOS) (OTCQB:MOBIF), a global Fintech company offering a fully integrated suite of multiple Card-Linked Offers and Rewards (CLO&R), Digital Marketing and Business Intelligence (DMBI) and Payment Solutions (Payment) announces that it has arrived at an out-of-court settlement with Mr. Nick Chine (Chine) in relation to a lawsuit the latter filed against the Company in 2015 for unpaid commissions allegedly owed to him (Litigation). Without any admission of liability, pursuant to the settlement of the Litigation, the Company has agreed to pay Chine unpaid commissions of $55,000 in common shares of the Company (Common Shares) at a conversion price equivalent to $0.07. The issuance of 785,714 Common Shares is conditional upon the the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange). Conversion of Debt to Equity: The Company also agreed to convert an amount of $50,000, as debt forgiveness related to unpaid bonuses of $25,000 respectively owed to both a former employee and a former consultant of I.Q. 7/24 Inc., at a price per Common Share of $0.07 The issuance of 714,286 Common Shares is subject to the conditional approval of the Exchange. About Mobi724 Global Solutions Inc. We enable smart transactions anywhere. MOBI724, a global Fintech company, offers a fully integrated suite of multiple Card-Linked Offers and Rewards, Digital Marketing and Business Intelligence and Payment Solutions (including a mobile EMV compliant payment platform), which work with any payment card, on any mobile device and at any Point of Sale. MOBI724 provides turnkey solutions for card associations, card issuers, banks, retailers, manufacturers, offer providers, to create, manage, deliver and track and measure incentive campaigns worldwide in real time. The company captures value from big data to deliver seamless and personalized user experiences for the benefits of all parties in the ecosystem. MOBI724 headquarters are in Montreal, Canada, and the company presently has operations in North and Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia Pacific. Legal Disclaimer Certain statements in this document, including those which express management expectations or estimations with regard to the Companys future performance, constitute forward-looking statements as understood by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are, of necessity, based on a certain number of estimates and hypotheses; while management considers these to be accurate at the time they are expressed, they are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and risks on the commercial, economic and competitive levels. We advise readers that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other known and unknown factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Investors are advised to not rely unduly on the forward-looking statements. This advisory applies to all forward-looking statements, whether expressed orally or in writing, attributed to the Company or to any individual expressing them in the name of the Company. Unless required by law, the Company is under no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events, or other circumstances. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell any securities in the United States. For further information, please visit www.MOBI724.com or contact: Investor Relations: Mr. George Aizpurua Vice-President, Communications First Canadian Capital Corp. T: 647-500-2389/416-742-5600; E: gaizpurua@firstcanadiancapital.com Ms. Rachel Girard, CPA, CA Chief Financial Officer MOBI724 Global Solutions Inc. T: 514-394-5200; E: IR@mobi724.com WEDNESDAY, Dec. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- A new mint-sized, battery-free patch that alerts wearers to potentially harmful sunlight exposure in real time might become a powerful weapon in preventing skin cancer. Powered by the sun while designed to measure its rays, the patch automatically transmits sun readings to a user's smartphone. It works wet or dry, is fully reusable, and weighs next to nothing. "In the U.S., we're in a skin cancer epidemic, which is driven by excessive UV exposure," noted study author Dr. Steve (Shuai) Xu. He is a dermatology instructor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. "Thus, this technology would be useful for the majority of individuals by empowering them to know how much UV they are actually getting," he said. So, what does it look like and how does it work? Xu said the device weighs less than a single tic tac, is half the diameter of a dime, and thinner than a credit card. What's more, "the devices are virtually indestructible," said Xu. "We've washed them, dunked them in boiling water. They will last forever." As to function, Xu said a solar-powered sensor embedded in the patch picks up UV, infrared and/or visible light readings, sending exposure numbers wirelessly to the wearer's smartphone app. Caregivers could also use the patch to monitor blue light phototherapy when treating jaundice (in newborns), psoriasis and/or atopic dermatitis, Xu explained. But the prized benefit is that "we're able to give actionable, accurate information to the user" about sun exposure in real time, he noted. In fact, his team's earlier work with a sensor prototype found that nearly two-thirds of patch users got fewer sunburns, while roughly one-third said they wore more sunscreen and looked for more shade. "We're expecting even better results with this sensor," Xu said. "It's more accurate and sensitive than anything else out there." Xu is also medical director for Northwestern's Center for Bio-Integrated Electronics. In the study, two outdoor UV patch trials involving more than 10 participants per experiment were conducted in the sunny locales of Rio de Janeiro and St. Petersburg, Fla. In addition, blue light therapy patch trials were conducted in three babies undergoing neonatal care in a hospital setting. The cosmetics company L'Oreal contributed research funding (along with the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the U.S. National Institutes of Health), and has recently launched a UVA-monitoring version of the patch for consumers. On the downside, the trials highlighted a "fundamental limitation" of the patch: Given that not all parts of the body get the same degree of sun exposure, the small detection area of the patch means that readings may not truly represent sun exposure across the full surface of the body. But the results indicated that the patch was easily wearable on those parts of the body that might be of "critical" sun exposure interest, including the shoulders and ears. It could even be placed on a pair of sunglasses, the researchers noted. The findings were published Dec. 5 in the journal Science Translational Medicine. The Skin Cancer Foundation in New York City issued a position statement on the device. The foundation "can't speak to the technology and reliability of these [wearable] devices," the statement read. The group also warned "against relying on these devices to determine when to take sun protection measures. Rather, the Skin Cancer Foundation counsels the public to consider sun protection a healthy habit to be practiced daily. This includes seeking shade during peak sun hours, covering up with clothing, hats and sunglasses, and applying sunscreen daily. When spending time outdoors, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating," the statement concluded. Each year, there are 5.4 million new cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in the United States, alongside 178,000 new cases of melanoma, resulting in an estimated 9,000 deaths, the investigators noted. More information There's more about sun protection at the Skin Cancer Foundation. SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- COMPanion Corporation is proud to announce that its visitor management solution, KeepnTrack, will participate in the Safer Schools in America Impact Initiative spearheaded by Global Grid for Learning (GG4L) and McREL International. The application period for the initial phase of this approximately $25 million grant is now open and runs until the end of January 2019. A GG4L Member US district can nominate three schools to qualify for grants that fund several pre-integrated innovative solutions from over 25 global EdTech providers to be deployed and measured at no cost to the schools for a minimum of three years each. Any US school or district can become a GG4L member and apply for the grant at no cost (https://gg4l.com/impact-initiative-grant-application/). 100 US schools will be selected for the opening phase of the grant, with 400 additional schools to be selected later in 2019. The goal of this initiative is to measure and evaluate the broad range of activities necessary to establish and maintain a safe and productive learning environment this includes an entire spectrum of criteria, ranging from physical and emotional well-being to community engagement. "Parents, students, teachers and administrators expect schools to be safe, secure, and supportive for teaching and learning, but little research has been done to date to measure the effectiveness of the solutions that we purchase to address safety and well-being," explains Dr. Sandra Elliott, Chief Academic Officer at GG4L. Bryan Goodwin, CEO of McREL comments, "We hope that by joining this partnership, McREL can contribute to building a better evidence base that helps educators and parents make informed decisions about which approaches will work best for their students and schools." This initiative adheres to the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) framework that was established as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title IV Part A, and will therefore employ objective measurement procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of each solution, before establishing national safety standards. To learn more about the initiative or the EdTech providers whose sponsorships made this grant possible, check out http://gg4l.com/impact/safer-schools/ SLC, UT www.companioncorp.com COMPanion Corporation is an educational software provider that makes several innovative solutions, one of which is KeepnTrack. VP, Mike Voseipka mvoseipka@companioncorp.com 801-943-7277 ext 520 About Documentation Centre The Documentation Centre of ICSF was initiated in 1999, in Chennai, India. The main aims behind the setting up of the Centre were to disseminate relevant information pertinent to small-scale fisheries and fishworkers in a format that would be easily available. The focus areas of information collection of the DC has been: artisanal fisheries, working conditions of fishworkers, fishworkers unions, fishworker movements, social security, women in fisheries, fisheries statistics, fishing technology, fishing communities, aquaculture, fisheries trade, fisheries management, coastal ecosystems and legal instruments, from different parts of the world. TORONTO, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier, I write today amidst growing concern in my community. The recent announcement that General Motors plans to close the Oshawa assembly plant in 2019 has hit my community hard. GMs decision will have a devastating impact on GM workers, their families, and the city of Oshawa, but will also affect thousands more across Durham Region, and the province of Ontario. I was born and raised in Oshawa. I represented autoworkers and fought on their behalf for 27 years. I know how General Motors operates. I can tell you, this decision isnt final until the last vehicle rolls off the production line, and until that happens, we must do everything we can in the fight to save Oshawa GM. Like many in our city, I was disheartened to learn of the impending plant closure in Oshawa. As rumours began to circulate on November 25, I spent much of the night fielding calls from former colleagues and concerned workers, I spoke to the leadership of the union. The following day, it was reported that you had already spoken to GM, and they told you, the ship has already left the dock. Premier, we expect more from you than to cower at the first hurdle. Had I done that over my many years of bargaining against GM they would have left Oshawa a long-time ago, but they did not. This fight is far from over. On December 2, 2018, you made a promise to the workers and families affected by this devastating news. You said, the fight for these workers is a fight to ensure they can find new jobswere going to fight for you, and were going to fight like youve never seen before. Premier, I join with the many affected, and take issue with the suggestion that what these workers need is new jobs. What these workers and their families, our community, and our province needs - is a commitment from General Motors to continue producing vehicles in Oshawa. As noted, we are not just talking about the direct negative impact on the GM workers in Oshawa. For every production job at GM, there are up to nine other spin-off jobs, in feeder plants and auto parts manufacturing, vehicle dealerships, all of which are also at stake. The domino effect of this decision reaches beyond the auto sector. In fact, the United Way Durham Region alone is facing an estimated $1 million shortfall when their organization factors in the impact of the GM closure. That means that those in our communities that benefit from their work - the least advantaged, those in greatest need of help - will also be adversely affected. If as you say, your government has committed to fight like youve never seen beforefor these workers and their families, to ensure those words are not just an empty promise, Im asking that you explore and act with all available tools at your disposal. GM workers have done their part. They did what was asked of them. These workers and retirees made concessions at the bargaining table to shelter and protect GM during the lean years. The Oshawa assembly plant is the pride of GMs manufacturing facilities. These workers have won numerous awards for their expertise, dedication and continued hard work. They have been recognized for delivering excellence across quality, efficiency and competitiveness measures. The trophy cabinet is full. Ontarians and Canadians have done their part too. During the auto crisis, governments extended a lifeline to General Motors when it appeared they were on the brink of bankruptcy. In 2009, as the financial crisis decimated vehicle sales, both GM and Chrysler pleaded with governments in the United States and Canada to keep them afloat. We did. In total, the federal and Ontario governments contributed $13.7-billion to the two companies, in addition to a $66-billion bailout from the United States. Governments of the day came to their aid, and together we saved General Motors. Now, we must demand of GM, as they did of us save GM in Oshawa. Things are different this time. GMs decision to close the Oshawa assembly plant was not announced during the height of a market crisis as it was in 2009. These are booming times in the auto industry. GM sales in the U.S. are expected above 17 million units, with Canadian sales set to top 2 million units, once again this year. Unlike their bleak financial picture a decade ago, today GM is quite profitable. It earned $6 billion USD in profits in the first three quarters of 2018 alone. General Motors has a multitude of options and alternatives to explore as they restructure and transform for continued success. Closing their existing Canadian operations must not be one of those options. Premier, if you want to stand with these workers, you must fight for a commitment from GM to continue producing world class vehicles in Oshawa. Your government, in step with your federal counterparts, must consider all economic policies at your disposal. Whether it be import tariffs, or the creation of incentives designed to encourage and drive investment into developing and emerging markets, like green technologies - once again, governments must act, and quickly. If GM wants access to Ontarios market, they should make vehicles in Ontario. You can take immediate steps to reinstate the Green Energy Act. Your governments decision to scrap several environmental policies, such as the rebate program for Ontarians purchasing electric and hydrogen vehicles, is sending the wrong message to GM. Cancelling this program means the U.S. now has more generous incentives for electric vehicle sales than Ontario does. By ensuring Ontario is open for business in the estimated $26-trillion global clean economy we can ensure that Oshawa, and in fact all of Ontario, is poised to play a leading role in the development and production of emergent future technologies. GM has made it no secret that they are transforming their business to meet the future demand of green, electric and autonomous vehicles. Ontario too must transform. What better place to lead this charge than in Oshawa? In addition to an existent and proven world class workforce, new investment by GM in engineering facilities in Markham and their Oshawa Regional Design and Engineering Centre coupled with the future contribution of thought leaders emerging from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and their state-of-the-art facilities like the Automotive Centre of Excellence, prove that we are ready to lead. Oshawa, Durham Region, Ontario, can become leaders through investment in people, and a leading destination for the manufacture of the vehicles of the future. Premier, I call on you to do everything in your power to demand GM reverse its decision to close the Oshawa assembly plant. This is not the first time that GM has threatened to cease production in Oshawa, we resisted previous attempts, it wasnt easy. Nothing worth fighting for ever is. There is too much at stake for GM workers, our community at large, and those employed in the auto sector across Ontario - to not try everything at your disposal to save GM Oshawa. We must not allow General Motors to close its Oshawa assembly plant. They must understand that should they follow through with this decision, the consequences for their actions will be swift, costly, and detrimental to their ability to sell vehicles in Ontario, indeed, across Canada. Take it from me, General Motors will feel the pain of this decision. The backlash in my community towards GM is growing and will have dire consequences for the future profitability and viability of General Motors in Canada. This doesnt have to be the case. We can find a win-win solution. Premier Ford, you were elected to lead our Province. Now is the time to join with us, exercise your power to influence, and take a leadership role in joining the fight to keep GM in Oshawa. I eagerly await your response, and on behalf of my entire community, suggest that you could benefit from the expertise of the workers who have negotiated with this company for the last 30 years. I hope that you will work with us to fight GM on their decision to end vehicle production in Oshawa. The devastating impact of GMs decision on these workers and their families, the city of Oshawa, the region, and the province requires deliberate and sustained action by our governments, commensurate with the challenge ahead. Sincerely, CHRIS BUCKLEY President Chris Buckley is the President of the Ontario Federation of Labour. The OFL represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. For information, visit www.OFL.ca and follow @OFLabour on Facebook and Twitter. To arrange interviews or for further information, please contact: Meagan Perry Director of Communications, Ontario Federation of Labour mperry@ofl.ca l 416-894-3456 Tennessee death row inmate David Earl Miller has been moved into a cell next to the electric chair days before his scheduled execution. The Tennessee Department announced the move Tuesday, as preparations for Miller's execution continued. The new cell is part of Miller's "death watch," a period of time within 72 hours of an execution, when an inmate is under 24-7 surveillance and other heightened security measures. Unless a court or Gov. Bill Haslam intervenes, Miller will stay in the new cell until he is put to death Thursday night. Miller, 61, has told prison officials he wants to die by the electric chair. David Earl Miller is scheduled to die by electrocution Thursday Inmates can choose the chair over lethal injection if they were convicted of a crime that took place before 1999. The chair was used last for the execution of Edmund Zagorski on Nov. 1. State officials said they are prepared to use the electric chair. Miller's execution seems likely to move forward his legal options are dwindling, with long-shot requests for a stay pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. Gov. Bill Haslam has not commented on Miller's request for clemency, but the governor has not stopped previous executions. Miller was sentenced to death for the 1981 murder of Lee Standifer, 23, in Knoxville. David Earl Miller is scheduled to die by electrocution Thursday. Here's what to expect Tennessee is scheduled to execute inmate David Earl Miller Thursday after 36 years on death row. If things move forward as expected, Miller, 61, would be the third man put to death in 2018, although his attorneys are still fighting delay the execution. Miller was sentenced to death after he was convicted of murdering Lee Standifer, 23, in 1981. Here is what to expect as the state prepares for Miller's execution. Ongoing legal challenges Miller's legal team is still trying to delay his death, although their options are dwindling. His legal team has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to delay his death while the justices consider a separate lethal injection case. That request is pending. Courts rejected similar arguments for postponing Edmund Zagorski's execution in November. Miller is one of four death row inmates suing in federal court asking Tennessee to use a firing squad rather than lethal injection or electrocution. The judge in that case said executions could move forward while that challenge is pending. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals similarly declined to delay the execution while the suit is in court. Miller's lawyers have appealed this issue to the U.S. Supreme Court. Previous death row inmates asked Gov. Bill Haslam for mercy before their executions. A spokeswoman for the governor said Miller's attorneys filed a clemency petition Friday. Miller moved to death watch Tuesday Miller was moved out of his cell on death row Tuesday and into a cell next to the execution chamber for a three-day period known as "death watch." During death watch, the 72 hours leading up to an execution, "strict guidelines are implemented to maintain the security and control of the offender and to maintain safe and orderly operations of the prison," according to the Tennessee Department of Correction. Last-minute intervention from the courts or the governor could still delay the execution at any point during death watch. Miller will pick a last meal Miller is expected to pick a last meal Wednesday, which will be served in the before his execution at 7 p.m. Thursday. Death row inmates typically get $20 toward a special meal before they are executed. Preparation for the electric chair Miller has chosen to die by the electric chair. Tennessee used the chair last month to execute Zagorski. Here is how staff will prepare Miller for death by electrocution on Thursday, according to state documents: At 5 p.m., Miller will be dressed in cotton pants, a shirt and cotton socks or cloth house shoes. Around an hour later, prison staff will shave Miller's head and legs. At 7 p.m., prison staff will take Miller out of his cell next to the execution chamber. He will be led to the electric chair. Staff will strap Miller into the chair with an electric chair harness and wrist straps. Four sponges soaked in salt water will be strapped around his ankles to increase conductivity. At 7:10 p.m., blinds to the witness rooms will open and the warden will ask Miller for last words. After that, prison staff will place another sponge soaked in salt water on Miller's head. Staff will then place the electric chair headpiece on Miller's head. They will also place a shroud around his face. More salt brine will be poured over the ankle sponges. The warden will give the signal to proceed, and the executioner will activate the electric chair. The electric chair will release 1,750 volts of electricity for 20 seconds, will stop for 15 seconds and then will release 1,750 volts for another 15 seconds. After the first wave of electricity, officials will wait five minutes and then close the blinds into the witness room. A doctor will check Miller for signs of life. If there are none, the doctor will pronounce him dead. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde Rani had taken a loan from Das a few months ago, and soon realised that he was rich. She then decided to extort money from him and roped in the other accused. Bengaluru: A family of four, including a mother-daughter duo, have been arrested for honey-trapping and extorting a businessman of Rs 73.55 lakh in the city. Baby Rani, 39, her daughter Niveditha, 23, son-in-law Manigandan, 27, and his brother Prasad Murthy, 26 have been arrested by the Nandini Layout police. Baby Rani had faked her own death to blackmail the businessman and through her daughter had made him cough up Rs 73.55 lakh. But the accused overreached and were caught when Ranis associates demanded Rs 65 lakh more and the businessman, Krishna Das, a caterer from the city, approached the police. Rani had taken a loan from Das a few months ago, and soon realised that he was rich. She then decided to extort money from him and roped in the other accused. Putting their plan into action, Rani called Das to a house in Kodigehalli on the pretext of returning the loan amount. When he arrived there, she lured him and as they were in a compromising position, Manigandan, Murthy and their associates barged into the house and told him that they were police. They threatened to book Das under a prostitution case, and a scared Das agreed to pay Rs 17 lakh to get out of the situation. In September, they called Das again and told him that Rani had been murdered and they would book him as an accused. They even gave him a fake FIR, mentioning Rani as the deceased. They demanded Rs 36 lakh, and Das, who had no money, had to pledge his house to get them the money. The accused hatched another plan and this time, Niveditha called him and said that she was approaching the womens commission to file a complaint against him, saying he was behind her mothers murder. Das convinced her not to approach the commission and paid Rs 20 lakh. Their luck ran out when the accused, posing as policemen, again approached him and demanded Rs 65 lakh saying they had successfully hushed up the case, but have to pay the seniors and judges to close the case. They had prepared a document to make it look like a closure report and showed it to him. Das realised that something was not right and approached the police. Based on his complaint, the police trapped the accused, including Baby Rani who had faked her death. The police have recovered Rs 11.17 lakh cash, 60 gm of gold valuables, two cars and a fake FIR that mentions Baby Rani as deceased. Bengaluru: A 30-year-old school bus driver was found bludgeoned to death at his rented room in Peenya police limits on Tuesday morning. The deceased, Hanumanthe Gowda alias Kumar, hailed from Gadag, The Peenya police said that they found beer bottles in the room which indicated that he had partied with his friends on Monday night and later a fight might have broken out ending in his murder. The police have zeroed in on his friends and probing their involvement. Cab driver stabbed to death: A 28-year-old cab driver was fatally stabbed by a gang of four armed men in Nagavara Palya in Byappanahalli police station limits early Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as Mohan, a native of Arasikere in Hassan. The police said the incident took place while Mohan, along with his friend Sandeep, were walking home after having dinner. According to the police, Mohan went to a shop to buy cigarette and a heated argument broke out with a group of youth over a trivial issue. The accused followed them on their bikes and tried to snatch Mohans mobile phone. When Mohan tried to resist, the accused stabbed him and fled. Sandeep immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead. The Byappanahalli police have registered a case of robbery and murder. Saudi Arabian ambassador in India Dr Saud Mohammed Al-Sati, met Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru on Tuesday amid speculation that the Saudis are planning a consulate in the tech and defence capital. Bengaluru: The state government has requested MPs from Karnataka to appeal to the Centre to clear its long pending projects and release the funds it needs for others. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the MPs here on Tuesday, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said although the Defence Minister had agreed to part with land for Namma Metro and the city's roads, there had been no progress on this front. Also several projects were pending approval in various departments of the Union government, he said. "The Centre has not paid Rs 938 crore due to the RDPR since 2016-17 and not released its full share of funds under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan programme either. So far, it has released only Rs 520 crore of the Rs 1020 crore due. Under the Public Distribution Scheme too the Centre has not released its share of Rs 1100 crore to the state," Mr Kumaraswamy deplored, adding that it had not honoured its agreement on coal supply to the state as well. "Consequently, power generation has been hit in the state and although there is an airport at Kalaburagi, it is not operational for want of the Centre's cooperation. There are also pending railway projects," Mr Kumaraswamy explained. The CM also asked the MPs to stand together against any opposition by neighbouring Tamil Nadu to Mekedatu project across the Cauvery river during the winter session of Parliament. Tamil Nadu has demanded that the Centre withdraw its permission to Karnataka for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a proposed balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water project at Mekedatu. To a question on farm loan waiver by nationalised banks, he said in the first phase loans pertaining to 17 lakh farm loan accounts would be waived. The repayment will start in January, when loans up to Rs 50,000 will be written off. "Clearing of farm loans in the cooperative sector has already started and we have the data pertaining to Sedam and Doddaballapur. The next instalment for clearing loans upto Rs 350 crore will be released on December 31," the CM added. Defeating despair Suicide is declining almost everywhere Thank urbanisation, greater freedom and some helpful policies ZOZH IS A Russian neologism, born of an acronym for a healthy lifestyle. It is visible on Instagram, where millions of posts celebrate newly toned bodies; in the boom in health clubs in Russias cities; in the proliferation of cafes where the young sip soft drinks and munch muesli. It is so popular that Russias most famous rock band, Leningrad, has satirised it: They say drinking isnt trendy, the trend is some sort of zozh. Before he was a drunk, and now hes muscleman. The video of the song depicts men dying gruesome deaths while exercising. For a band that trades on degenerate cynicism, zozh may be laughable, but for the rest of Russia it is great news. It is part of a social transformation that has helped banish Russias demons. As exercise and smoothies have replaced despair and alcohol, the suicide rate in Russia has crashed. And this trend is not unique to Russia (see chart). Globally, the rate has fallen by 38% from its peak in 1994. As a result, over 4m lives have been savedmore than four times as many people as were killed in combat over the period. The decline has happened at different rates and different times in different parts of the world. In the West, it started long ago: in Britain, for instance, the male rate peaked at around 30 per 100,000 a year in 1905, and again at the same level in 1934, during the Great Depression; among women it peaked at 12 in 1964. In most of the West, it has been flat or falling for the past two decades. In other parts of the world, rates have dropped more recently. Chinas started to come down in the 1990s and declined steadily, flattening out in recent years. Russias, Japans, South Koreas and Indias rates, still high, have all fallen. America is the big exception. Until the turn of the century the rate there dropped along with those in other rich countries. But since then, it has risen by 18% to 12.8well above Chinas current rate of seven. The declines in those other big countries, however, far outweigh the rise in America. Although Americas numbers are probably reliable, there is reason to treat some of these data with caution. Some countries where powerful religions forbid suicide have historically underreported the act; some still do so. For example, a recent study in Iran of attempted suicides came up with a rate ten times higher than the health ministrys figure. But the trends are probably broadly correct. Experts mostly reckon data are getting better rather than worse, which (given past underreporting) would tend to push rates up rather than down, yet the opposite is happening. Why? Half the sky One big reason seems to be an improvement in the lot of Asian women. In most countries, men are more likely to kill themselves than women, and older people more than younger ones. But in both China and India the suicide rate among young women has long been unusually high. That has changed. Among Chinese women in their 20s, the rate has dropped by nine-tenths since the mid-1990s; that group accounts for around half a million of those 4m lives saved. Greater social freedom is one of the reasons, suggests Jing Jun, a professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing: Female independence has saved a lot of women. In a study in 2002 looking at high rates among young rural women, two-thirds who attempted suicide cited unhappy marriages, two-fifths said they were beaten by their spouses and a third complained of conflict with their mothers-in-law. Professor Jing explains: They married into their husbands families; theyd leave their home town; theyd go to a place where they knew nobody. These days, scarcity may enhance the value and power of rural women: in Chinese villages, among 30- to 34-year-olds, there are three unmarried men for every unmarried woman. There may be something similar going on in India. Young women face particularly challenging gender norms in India, says Vikram Patel of the Harvard Medical School. If parents disapprove of a relationship, they will tell the police their daughter has been abducted. The cops will then take a 21-year-old away from a consensual relationship. So, he concludes, many suicides in India are related to the lack of agency for young people to choose their own romantic partners. As social mores have liberalised, that is changing. Rates among young women have fallen faster than among any other group since 1990; Mr Patel believes they will continue to improve as social liberalisation continues. Urbanisation has probably helped in both China and India. That seems counter-intuitive since it is associated with the weakening of the social bonds which, according to Emile Durkheim, a 19th-century sociologist and theorist of suicide, helped protect people against suicidal urges. Yet all over the world, suicide rates tend to be higher in rural areas than in urban ones. Social bonds sometimes constrain people as well as sustaining them; escaping an abusive husband or tyrannical mother-in-law is easier in a city than in a village. And the means to kill oneself are harder to come by in a town than in the countryside. While the demographic oddity in China and India was the high rate among young women, that in Russia was the high rate among middle-aged men. They, it seemed, were the victims of the huge social dislocation that happened after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The period is brought to life by Second-Hand Time, an oral history by Svetlana Alexievich, a Nobel-prizewinning author, notable for a bleak pattern: its characters keep killing themselves. Worn down by hunger and poverty, one man set himself on fire in his vegetable patch. An ageing veteran survived the second world war, only to throw himself under a train in 1992. An officer who took part in the attempted coup against Mikhail Gorbachev in 1991 later hanged himself in the Kremlin. Everything I heretofore considered to be the meaning of my life is being destroyed, he wrote in a suicide note. Hyperinflation, falling incomes and rampant unemployment in the first years of transition left many facing misery and want. The 1998 financial crisis, when the Russian government defaulted on its debts, wiped out many families savings. Since the early 2000s, however, the trends have been reversing. Russias suicide rate now sits at 25very high by global standards, but down by half from its peak. The decline has happened disproportionately among middle-aged men, the group that suffered most in the 1990s. A big reason is probably that society is settling down after the upheaval of the post-Soviet era. According to Olga Kalashnikova, a psychologist at the suicide and crisis-psychiatry department of Moscow City Hospital No 20, Now people know how to get by, and how to get by without the state. Since 2000 GDP per head has nearly doubled. Wages recovered their losses from the 1990s and more. Unemployment is below 5%. Relatively high current levels of suicide among males in rural areas, which tend to be less well-off, reinforce the socioeconomic hypothesis. Ilnur Aminov, a demographer, points out that nearly 40% of all suicides in his home region of Bashkiria are by unemployed people. There are parallels between the rise in suicide in post-Soviet Russia and the deaths of despair in America identified by Anne Case and Sir Angus Deaton, economists at Princeton University. Suicide rates among white Americans are higher, and have risen faster since 2000, than among any other group except native Americans (see chart). The same trend can be seen among the middle-aged. At the turn of the century, older people were much more likely to kill themselves than those in their 50s, but that is no longer true. Rates among people in rural areas are higher, and have been increasing faster, than those among people in towns and cities. It is hard to conclude that the explanation is a simple economic one of stagnating median incomes and falling employment rates. Blacks and Hispanics have faced similar economic problems to whites, and employment rates among the young tend to be lower than those among the middle-aged. Ms Case and Sir Angus put it down to familiar stories about globalisation and automation, changes in social customs that have allowed dysfunctional changes in patterns of marriage and child-rearing, the decline of unions, and others. Ultimately, we see our story as about the collapse of the white working class after its heyday in the early 1970s, and the pathologies that accompany this decline. The increase in the American suicide rate predated the economic crash, but accelerated in the recession that followed it. Research suggests that, after the global economic crisis, an uptick in suicide rates in Europe, America and Canada led to 10,000 more deaths between 2007 and 2010. Debt, foreclosure and unemployment are all implicated in suicide: unemployed people kill themselves at a rate 2.5 times higher than those in work. A spike of suicides in South Korea followed the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98. Policy can mitigate the effects of recession. According to research by David Stuckler of Bocconi University in Milan, Sweden saw no increase in suicide in either its recession of 1991-92 or after 2007. Mr Stuckler attributes this in part to better health servicesunemployment is less daunting where health care is available to all than in countries such as America where it is linked to employmentand government efforts to get people back into the workplace. A study of 26 European countries showed suicide rates to be inversely correlated with spending on active labour-market policies. Japans suicide-watchers attribute the decline there in part to the success of Abenomics in bringing down unemployment. Michiko Ueda of Waseda University thinks the economy is the number one reason for the decline in suicide. Also clearly linked to suicide is alcoholat least in dry drinking cultures, such as Russia, eastern Europe and Scandinavia, where people drink to get drunk, though not in wet drinking places such as southern and central Europe, where people drink socially over a meal. In Russia, drinking and suicide have risen and fallen in tandem. Alcohol consumption halved between 2003 and 2016; by then, Russians were drinking less per head than French or Germans. As Russians adopt healthier lifestyles, beers share of the market has been rising and that of spirits falling. Suicide and drinking do seem to go togetherbut both might be the effect of social turbulence. Evidence from before the collapse of the Soviet Union, however, suggests that, to some extent at least, alcohol leads to suicide. In 1985 Mr Gorbachev imposed tough regulations on the production and distribution of alcohol. Vodka sales fell by half between 1984 and 1986. Over that period, the male suicide rate dropped by 41% and the female rate by 24%. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the states alcohol monopoly was abolished and the regulations were ripped up. Alcohol consumption and suicide both soared. State intervention is probably in part responsible for the recent fall in suicide, too. In 2006 new rules on alcohol production and distribution pushed up prices. Statistical analysis suggests that those restrictions led to a 9% decline in male suicide, which saved 4,000 lives a year; a similar policy in Slovenia in 2003 led to a 10% decline. Improvements in the lives of the elderly are also believed to have helped bring down suicide rates. Globally, the rate among the old has tended to be higher than among the young and middle-aged, but in most places it has also fallen faster. One reason may be that, as Diego de Leo, former head of the Australian Institute for Suicide Prevention and Research, points out, across the world poverty rates among the old (often the poorest group in society) have been declining faster than those among other groups. Better health services, used by the old more than the young, may be another reason. Long-term sickness is a common reason for suicide, and efforts to ease patients pain can make a big difference. Britains palliative-care system, regarded as the best in the world, helps explain a remarkable fall in the suicide rate among old people. Home care, too, can cheer up the elderly. Mr de Leo points to the influx of badanti, migrant care workers, in Italy. Italian children are reluctant to consign their parents to old peoples homes, but also often have neither the time nor the inclination to look after the elderly themselves. Migrant workers, says Professor de Leo, have brought a massive improvement. (Too much so, grumble some middle-aged Italians, aghast at their aged parents hooking up with supposedly gold-digging migrants.) Tsinghua Universitys Jing Jun believes that China also needs to focus on reducing suicides among the old. He blames the Chinese tradition of responsibility for parental care. With the one-child policy, there are too few children to bear the burden, and if there is more than one, parents may find themselves causing conflict. In the West, your children are bickering only about the time theyre spending with you. In China theyre fighting over the money theyre spending on you. But he says things are moving in the right direction: rates among the old have come down as pension and health-care provision have improved. Restricting access to the means to kill oneself can also make a big difference. Suicide is a surprisingly impulsive act, especially among the young. According to that 2002 study of young Chinese women who had tried to kill themselves, three-fifths had been thinking of suicide for two hours or less, including two-fifths who had been thinking of it for ten minutes or less, and one in ten for just a minute. Reaching for the rat-poison88% of them had used agricultural pesticidesis likely to lead to many more deaths than, say, grabbing a bottle of pills. That may help explain why the decline in rates among Chinese women has been sharper than among men. In urban areas, men favour violent means such as hanging or jumping off buildings, whereas women tend to favour medication, which is less likely to kill them. So moving away from rural areas tends to save more women than men. Better never than late People tend to believe that those who intend to kill themselves are very likely to end up doing so. In a survey carried out by Matthew Miller of Northeastern University, 34% of respondents thought that all or most of those who jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge would have found another way of killing themselves if a barrier had stopped them; a further 40% thought most would have. But a study of 515 people who had survived the leap between 1937 and 1971 showed that 94% were still alive when the study was carried out in 1978, which suggests that suicide is often a fleeting impulse rather than a settled intention. Britain in the 1960s offers a sharp illustration of what can happen if access to an easy means of killing oneself is foreclosed. When the country switched from toxic coal gasthe favoured means of suicide among women and elderly mento harmless North Sea gas, rates among those groups crashed. At the time, rates were rising among young men, lending support to the idea that the gas switch played a role. That was the fortuitous consequence of an energy find, but deliberate policy can play a role in restricting access to the means of suicide. A series of bans in Sri Lankamost recently of paraquat, in 2008-11helped bring the rate down from 45 in the early 1990s to 20 now. When South Korea banned paraquat in 2011, the reduction in suicide deaths is reckoned to have contributed half of the overall decline in suicides over the next two years. Paraquat is now banned in the EU; China has said it will ban it; distribution is restricted in America; but in many parts of the world it remains freely available. In western Europe, where pesticides are no longer a serious risk, the focus has been on limiting access to dangerous pills. In Britain, for instance, a law was passed in 1998 to limit the number of aspirin and paracetamol that could be sold in a single pack. In the following year, aspirin suicides were down by 46% and paracetamol ones by 22%. Blister packs help, too, because pills must be pushed out tediously one by one, allowing a would-be suicide time to reconsider. In America, alas, paracetamol is still sold loose in bottles, so 50 pills can be chugged in one go. But the main means of suicide in America is guns. They account for half of suicides, and suicides account for more firearms deaths than homicides do. Guns are more efficient than pills, so people who impulsively shoot themselves are more likely to end up in the morgue than in the emergency ward. According to Matthew Miller of Harvard University, gun-ownership levels largely explain the variation in suicide rates, which range from 26 per 100,000 in Montana to five in Washington, DC. If America gave up its guns, suicides would crash. Self-restraint on the part of the media can also play a role. Even in death, people are influenced by celebrities. This is known as the Werther effect, after the rash of suicides that followed the publication in 1774 of a novel by Goethe which ends with the eponymous heros suicide. Particularly common in Asia, the phenomenon has been observed all over the world. After Robin Williams, an American comedian, hanged himself in 2014, researchers calculated that there were 1,841 more suicidesa 10% increasethan would have been expected during the next four months. The rise in hangings, and among the middle-aged, was particularly marked. Suicide experts criticised the sheriff of Marin County for describing in detail the method that Williams had used. Reporting clearly makes a difference. Paul Yip of Hong Kong University points to trends in the territory after a front-page story in 1998 on the suicide of a woman who had killed herself by sealing up a room and burning charcoal, thus poisoning herself with carbon monoxide. Within a year, charcoal-burner suicides had gone from zero to 10% of the total. When Ahn Jae-hwan, a South Korean actor, killed himself in his car with a charcoal-burner in 2008, the method went from less than 1% of South Korean suicides to 8% in 2011, accounting for most of the overall rise in the rate in that period. Many countries have media guidelines, which basically say the same things: dont write about suicides in a heroic light and dont report the location or method in detail. Media restraint seems to make a difference. After a spate of suicides on the underground in Vienna, when people were killing themselves at a rate of nine every six months, newspapers were persuaded to stop reporting suicides or at least to keep them off the front page. Numbers went down to one to four every six months. But in some countries media guidelines are widely ignored. A study of South Korean suicide-reporting earlier this year showed that three-quarters of articles gave details of method and location, and half revealed the contents of the dead persons suicide note. Readers prurient fascination with the gory details of suicide trumps responsible journalism. Faced with the horror of a suicidal friend or relation, people feel scared and impotent. Yet just as individuals can make a differencetalking, listening, helping people through a difficult timeso can societies. Giving women more control over their lives, cushioning the impacts of social change, providing better care for the elderly, restraining the way that suicide is reported, restricting access to the means of killing oneself: all these things can make life a little more worth living, or at least persuade the desperate to hold onto it until it seems that way. A 5G sign is seen at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 28, 2018. Photo by Reuters Vietnamese telecom firms are seeking a head start in the 5G race as the country becomes an early adopter of the technology. State-owned Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) recently signed a deal with Finnish telecom firm Nokia to develop 5G solutions and technology for the Internet of Things. The three-year deal is worth $15 million. The countrys third largest mobile service provider is seeking permission from the Ministry of Information and Communications for its Vinaphone network to beta test 5G, chairman Tran Manh Hung said at a conference last month. He said the test would help VNPT master the technology and prepare to produce 5G equipment, adding Vinaphone is ready to provide 5G services as soon as it gets the ministry green light. Military-run Viettel Group has also announced it is ready to beta test 5G next year. Its deputy director, Tao Duc Thang, said its installation of infrastructure for 4G even in remote areas allows Viettel to be ready for the new network. 5G is said to offer speeds 100 times faster than 4G, primarily used for smartphones and other similar devices. The former is also expected to support new applications like remote medical procedures and autonomous driving. Thang said Viettel, the countrys largest mobile service provider, is working with partners to manufacture 5G equipment. "I think Vietnamese operators are ready for 5G with the existing infrastructure. When the market, equipment and users are ready, developing 5G will be possible." The company, which has been working on 5G plans since 2015, will start installing infrastructure early next year and introduce the service first in big cities like Hanoi and HCMC. The countrys second biggest mobile service provider, MobiFone, which trailed its competitors in deploying 4G, earlier this year signed an agreement with Samsung Electronics for engineering and commercial cooperation on 4G and 5G networks. Vietnamobile, a joint venture between Hanoi Telecom and Hongkong-based Hutchison Asia Telecommunications, has also announced its interest in offering 5G services. VNPT, Viettel, MobiFone, and Vietnamobile are expected to receive 5G testing licenses in January. Last month Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung said at a conference that Vietnam should test 5G next year and ensure nationwide coverage by 2020. "Vietnam should be one of the first to launch the network, at least in Hanoi and HCMC." The country had been one of the last in Southeast Asia to roll out 4G. This time Vietnam would be able to produce the required equipment before it launches the network, whereas for 4G the country had to wait for eight years before being able to do so, and for 2G and 3G all the equipment had to be imported, he said. "5G is not only an opportunity for connection services and going up the telecommunications ladder, but also an opportunity for developing the countrys information and communications technology industry." The International Telecommunication Union last year ranked Vietnam 115th out of 193 economies in terms of mobile teledensity, but Hung wants the country to have 100 percent subscription by 2020 and be among top 30-50 countries in the world in data spending per capita. Vietnam's telecom market was estimated at more than $16 billion in 2016, with the three state-owned providers, Viettel, MobiFone, and VNPT, accounting for 95 percent of the market, according to the Nikkei Asian Review. Viettel had the largest share with 46.7 percent, followed by MobiFone with 26.1 percent and VNPT with 22.2 percent. While MobiFone and VNPT are on the list of state-owned companies slated for privatization by 2020, Viettel will remain in government hands. A Facebook photo shows Saigon students queue from 4 a.m. last Sunday to register for the TOEIC exam. Photo by Tran Duy My Linh Saigon students are queuing up before daybreak to register for the TOEIC language exam, fearing upcoming format changes. After announcements that the format of the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) will be renewed from February next year, hundreds of students have been waking up early and lining up in front of the IIG Vietnam office in District 3 from 4 a.m. onwards over the past few days to register for the exam. Currently, IIG Vietnam is the only official representative of the U.S.-based Educational Testing Service, which has been authorized to organize the TOEIC exam in the country. Images and videos have gone viral on social media, showing scores of exam-takers standing in line from 4 a.m. during the weekends awaiting their turn to register for the TOEIC test and the crowds were still going strong until Monday. Candidates fill up the stair of the IMG Vietnam's office in District 3 waiting to take the exam. Photo by Nguyen Duc on Facebook Explaining the reason for the early exam registration, many students said that they were worried about the updates as they were familiar with the current test structure. "I have spent more than six months brushing up on the current TOEIC format with the hope to achieving a 450/990 score that is enough for me to be qualified for university graduation, but the upcoming changes could wash away my hopes, said a female candidate who asked to remain anonymous. Doan Hong Nam, head of IIG Vietnam, said: "Candidates should prepare for the test carefully and practice English skills fluently to gain high marks and avoid wasting time." He also advised students not to hurriedly take the exam without acquiring the knowledge and proficiency needed. IIG Vietnam has also warned that many universities and colleges that have organized the TOEIC exams on their own and granted certificates for internal use is also a seriously violation of the copyright for the internationally-recognized TOEIC exam. Those graduates using fake TOEIC certificate to apply for job will be blacklisted by companies and banned from attending the TOEIC test in the coming years, it warned. The TOEIC is an internationally recognized English language test, which measures candidates English proficiency in reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It is widely used by Vietnamese companies to assess job applications. The TOEIC certificate is only valid for two years. Vietnam ranks 41st among 88 countries and territories in the world and seventh among 19 Asian countries in English proficiency, according to the latest annual English Proficiency Index released last month by the Swiss Education First (EF), a global language training company. From 2012 to 2014, the country was classed among a group of countries with "low level" English skills, but has moved up to a "moderate level" since. Experts have attributed this to the increased access to resources such as cable TV, the Internet and movies in English with subtitles. More students are taking expensive courses at language schools where they learn in an English-speaking environment, they say. "Vietnam has been afflicted with English fever for quite some time," said Mark Ashwill, an American educator who has lived and worked in Vietnam for over a decade, "with parents of means sending their young children to English centers in the hopes that a knowledge of English will give them a leg up academically and, in the future, professionally." A screenshot from an online video clip showed security staff at Tho Xuan Airport in the central Thanh Hoa Province attacked by a man. Four security staff at a Thanh Hoa airport, who failed to protect a female airline employee from violent hooligans last month, have been fined. Aviation authorities announced a VND4 million ($172) for each after an investigation found the guards at Tho Xuan Airport in the north central province had not immediately stepped in when three drunk men slapped and kicked the woman. The victim was identified as Le Thi Giang of budget carrier Vietjet Air. Tran Hoai Phuong, director of the Northern Airports Authority, said the four security personnel had been in charge of security screening and checks. "Camera footage showed the security staff responded slowly and let the thugs severely assault the victim right under their noses," Phuong said. On November 23, the three men, Pham Huu An, 28, Le Van Nhi, 41, and Le Trung Dung, 34, went to the airport to see off a friend. After their friend checked in, the trio asked Giang to pose for a photo with them and she accepted. When they asked her to pose once again, she declined saying she was busy. They became angry and violent, slapping her, knocking her over and kicking her. A female airport official who tried to stop them was also slapped in the face. It took armed airport security personnel to subdue the trio and hand them over to the police. Their violence, captured on video by a witness, has sparked a public outcry after going viral, prompting top officials to step in. Vietnam airport security personnel fined for letting thugs assault woman worker Drunk men assault flight attendant at Vietnam airport over selfie refusal The local police earlier announced they have opened criminal probe against the men for "disturbing public order" charges. One of the trio is the son of a former district chief. The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam has slapped a one-year flight ban on them. Vietjet, known as the bikini airline and owned by Vietnam's only female billionaire, has made no statements regarding the issue. Low-cost carriers and the countrys increasing affluence have seen the rapid growth of the aviation industry. It served more than 53 million passengers in the first half of this year, up 14 percent from a year ago. Five years ago, if 3.9-feet tall Xuan was told shed get married and have kids someday, she wouldve said yeah right. And she would have been very wrong. So wrong that a big foreigner who met her in person for the very first time would call out "my wife" when he saw her. In a small house in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, the U.S, Pham Thi Khanh Xuan sits by Freddie Scott, her husband, watching television and keeping an eye on their two boys who are playing. Theirs is a most improbable love story. "My husband is very funny, he cant speak Vietnamese well, but when I tell him what to say, he imitates immediately," says Xuan, giggling. The simple happiness shes enjoying now was an impossible dream, when she looks back just four years. Xuan had a C-section when she was in the 32nd week of her pregnancy, but the prematurely born twins have pulled through. Photo courtesy of Pham Thi Khanh Xuan. Xuan, a native of the southern province of Dong Nai, was stunted and underweight when she was a young child, and could only walk with difficulty. When she graduated from university, she was only as tall as an elementary school student. Born to a poor family, she lost her mother when she was just eight. The difficulties they faced pushed Xuan to do well in school and work hard at various jobs in Saigon so she could stand on her own feet in a big city and support her father in his old age. At the end of 2013, she was working part-time as an advertisement poster for a 50-year-old American businessman selling carpets and old cars. At that time, her father had a stroke, so she had to quit her full-time job and go back to her hometown. She continued to work online while tending to her father. Posting ads for the American involved a lot of online communication with him. At first, the conversations revolved around work, then it moved on to exchanging personal confidences. "When he confessed his love to me, I was so surprised and thought 'this guy must be teasing me or this means something bad' because I had heard of many cheating love affairs that happened online," Xuan said. After this happened, every time he talked about love, she would remain silent and respond only when the topic moved to other things. Over time, as he talked about his work, his past, his broken family and his child who died not long after birth, she realized he was serious and compassionate. She gradually opened up to him. He even introduced her to his friends, colleagues, and family members. And sent flowers and gifts from America. The most memorable day for the two was probably May 11, 2014, when he flew from the U.S. to Vietnam to meet her. "As soon as we met at the Tan Son Nhat airport, he hugged me and called out "my wife". My family and I were stunned by this shout out in public, wondering how he did not feel embarrassed, especially when he was with someone like me. I just stayed silent in his arms and was close to tears of happiness," the 37-year-old woman told VnExpress. During his visit to Vietnam, he took good care of her when she had to be hospitalized. They got married in 2015 and she went to live with her husband in the U.S. After seven months, they were joyous on finding out that she was pregnant. However, the joy turned to worry, given her small stature, when the doctor announced that she was carrying twins. The heavy weight of the fetus on her body plus unbearable pain led to a C-section at week 32. Ethan and Victor were cared for in the section for premature infants. Xuan says that when her children were smaller, she could hold them for a while, but carrying them is beyond her now. Photo courtesy of Pham Thi Khanh Xuan. Shortly after they were born, the boys experienced several health problems and were in the hospital for four months. And later, nurses tended to them at home until they were three years old. Besides getting up every night to feed them in the first year, Xuan did not feel raising the twins was a laborious task, because every day, after he returned from work, her husband would clean up the house, do the dishes and take care of the boys. "Ethan and Victor love their father, maybe because only he can carry them, I can no longer do it. Every night he tucks them to bed," Xuan said. Often, after tucking the boys to sleep, Scott would make time to bake some pastry for Xuan for the next day since she does not know how to make Western food. Each weekend, Freddie Scott takes Xuan and the babies for a picnic or shopping expedition. Photo courtesy of Pham Thi Khanh Xuan. Ethan and Victor are still absorbing food through catheters because of their illness and still learning to chew and swallow. They are also slightly stunted as they do not eat as much as kids their age. The boys are routinely monitored to see if their delayed development is caused by the preterm birth or genetic predisposition from Xuan so that an early intervention can be made. Xuan and her husband do not worry too much about this. Other than the problems they have now, the boys are relatively healthy and very agile. They talk all day long and quickly react to everyone. Their adorable looks and friendliness get them many fans. "I dont see anything to worry about. Even if the kids turn out to be like their mother, they would still have a future like other human beings. In America, even children with brain disorders can get a job when they are old enough," Xuan said. She told VnExpress that since she moved to the U.S, she has not felt self-conscious about her looks, because people treat her like a normal person and are willing to help when needed. Her husband finds her a "very beautiful" person with a big heart; someone who is always sympathetic and giving. He admires her ability to "cultivate the family, be it planning their finances, buying a house, or ensuring savings. Asked what he loves most about his wife, he puts his arm around his wife and grins: "Everything." Giang Quoc Nghiep and Giang Quoc Co try to break the Guinness World Record with their death-defying head-to-head balancing act in Italy on November 15. Photo by VnExpress/Viet Khoa The daredevil Giang brothers have taken their death-defying head-to-head balancing act to new heights in Italy. Giang Quoc Co, 34, and Giang Quoc Nghiep, 28, set a new world record by performing their death-defying acrobatic act blindfolded, with one balancing the others head on his own head at a film studio in Rome, Italy on November 15. They smashed the world record by walking up and down 10 stairs in 53.97 seconds, Guinness World Record officials announced Wednesday, sharing this video on Facebook. Vietnamese brothers set new Guinness World Record Vietnamese brothers set new Guinness World Record The duo was given a minute to perform the stunt, but they managed it in 53.97 seconds. The Giang brothers were thrust into the international spotlight after setting a Guinness World Record in 2016 for the most stairs climbed while balancing a person on the head, easily beating the previous record of 26 stairs in a minute set by Chinese couple Tang Tao and Su Zengxian in 2014. The duo then climbed their way to greater global reputation, eliciting gasps of wonder and amazement from the audience awestruck judges in the finals of the Britains Got Talent show in London last June. However, the duo finally missed a top 3 spot, surprising millions of Vietnamese and international fans. Watch the video showing the Giang brothers in Vietnam's military uniform performing their daredevil performance at Britain's Got Talent 2018. Vietnamese brothers set new Guinness World Record Vietnamese brothers set new Guinness World Record Co and Nghiep were born into a family with a strong circus tradition, and they started training before they were into their teens. Their incredible walk up and down a staircase in the head-to- head position was made possible by rigorous training lasting six to eight hours every day for almost 20 years, the brothers told VnExpress last June. The video relives how the Giang brothers broke the Guinness World Record in 2016 by climbing 90 stairs on the steps of the Cathedral of Girona in Spain in 52 seconds. A photo collection offers a glimpse into the often chaotic traffic in Hanoi. "Fantastic four" is a collection by photographer Pham Thanh Long. The photo album focuses on the motorbike, the most popular means of transport in Hanoi and across Vietnam. In these photos, the four people were carrying large blue barrels of leftover food. Long got the photo idea four years ago, but it took him until late 2018 to actually do it. He said about his work: "The photos look down from an overhead pass, making the vehicles seem very close and lively against the simple background of the road surface." On Hanois streets, these rickety old motorbikes are a familiar scene. They date back to several decades ago, but still function reasonably well. These pictures were taken at different spots along the road from the Nga Tu So intersection in Thanh Xuan District to Ha Dong District, about 10 km south west of Hanoi downtown. This is the beginning of Longs project, and it would expand in future, he said. The sleeping children are carried in different styles on motorbikes. These are scenes that Vietnamese see every day, but are portrayed in a unique way through the lens of the artist. These pictures show four drivers stuck in traffic jams, all surrounded by cars. Some people even refer to Hanoi traffic as a gap filling game, since drivers drive through any space they find on the street ignoring traffic lanes. This has become a typical image of traffic in Vietnam. Some foreigners call crossing a street in Vietnam an extreme sport or a survival game. Many Vietnamese are used to driving across the street often by just waving their hands to signal to oncoming vehicles. Capturing Hanoi traffic from above is not a new idea. In the past photographer Loes Heerink shot collections of shoulder pole vendors. Longs photo album, however, captures the citys traffic flows and drivers' habits from more angles. Some drivers do not wear helmets. It is 10 years since Vietnam made helmets compulsory, and 90 percent comply, according to the National Traffic Safety Committee. Motorbikes are used to carry all sorts of things irrespective of size. These photos taken last November show motorbikes lugging bicycles. Bicycles too are among the most popular vehicles in Vietnam. These photos are titled "lane dividers". The motorbike riders are carrying extra long tubes or iron bars. At the end of last year Vietnam had around 51 million motorbikes for a population of 95 million. The Vietnam Association of Motorbike Manufacturers estimates 8,768 new motorbikes hot the streets on average every day. Women wearing sunglasses, masks and UV protection clothes are jokingly called "street ninjas". In contrast to the four street ninjas are these bald men without helmets or masks. These photos were taken between November and early December 2018. Many people ignore safety rules, putting their feet up high, removing their bike mirrors. These men carry their wives and bulky goods from outside the city to sell. The scene is common in the morning when traders hurry to markets or trading spots. A shovel and FoxConn logo are seen before the arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump as he participates in the Foxconn Technology Group groundbreaking ceremony for its LCD manufacturing campus, in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, U.S., June 28, 2018. Photo by Reuters/Darren Hauck Apples biggest iPhone assembler Foxconn is considering setting up a factory in Vietnam to mitigate any impact of the ongoing trade war. The report from Vietnamese state media comes after several executives interviewed by Reuters last week singled out Vietnam and neighboring Thailand as preferred destinations should they need to shelter operations from the trade war, braving hurdles such a lack of skilled labor and inadequate infrastructure. Foxconn Group and the Hanoi Peoples Committee are working together to open an iPhone manufacturing facility in Vietnam to negate the impacts of the U.S.-China trade war. Vu Tien Loc, head of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, raised the matter with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at a meeting on Nov. 22. "We are discussing the possibility of this with Foxconn," Loc told Reuters, without elaborating. Hanoi Peoples Committee Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung declined to comment. Taiwans Foxconn, formally Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, told Reuters it "follows a strict company policy of not commenting on any matters related to current or potential customers, or any of their products". In trade talks on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed not to introduce any tariffs for 90 days as negotiations continue. On Friday night, the Columbia University Asian American Alliance (AAA) hosted "cultureSHOCK: Reclaim," an annual charity performance/showcase intended to celebrate Asian American artistic expression. Their featured comedian of the night was former Saturday Night Live writer/comedian Nimesh Patel, who joined the show in 2017 and became its first ever Indian-American writer. And, well, things at the event did not go as planned. According to a report from the Columbia Daily Spectator, the organizers of AAA ended up interrupting Patel during his set and booting him from the stage because of what they deemed offensive material. More specifically, they write, "Patels performance featured commentary on his experience living in a diverse area of New York Cityincluding a joke about a gay, black man in his neighborhoodwhich AAA officials deemed inappropriate. Patel joked that being gay cannot be a choice because 'no one looks in the mirror and thinks, this black thing is too easy, let me just add another thing to it.'" According to other reports, his jokes "progressed to uncomfortable territory" and the "tension in the room increased," though that aforementioned joke is the only one specifically cited. Then about "30 minutes" into his set, the Spectator writes that members of AAA "interrupted the performance, denounced his jokes about racial identities and sexual orientation, and provided him with a few moments for closing remarks." Reactions to what happened have been polarized, to say the least. A commenter on Bwog who attended the event offered this context for the original joke that upset organizers: - He explicitly said that he had a friend who was gay and black, and that this wasn't just some random "gay black man in his neighbourhood". He later added during the confrontation with the staff that it was his friend who thought up that joke when the staff pointed out that he wasn't entitled to joke about this group's experiences. - His original point was that no one who was black would choose to be gay because no one who would have a choice of sexual preference would want to choose to suffer the additional discrimination of being gay. (I thought that was pretty clearly his message, and that most people got that. Did people interpret differently, or is it this interpretation that's problematic?) - He was given (and took) the option of giving closing remarks by the staff. But I did hear this: he said he'll stop because it's AAA's performance, but he countered with a criticism of AAA for disrespecting him by going onstage to cut him off in the first place. He ended with the remark about knowing comedy and being a generation above us as was reported. And then he walked off stage. I don't think it was ever the case that "he tried to continue speaking until his mic was cut" though it was a pretty heated moment so I'm not sure if he tried to continue (since AAA added in some last words like "to you" after his last sentence). At the same time, another student named Liberty Martin wrote an op-ed for the Spectator in which she "spilled the tea" on what really happened in her view. She called his performance a "trainwreck" from the start, saying he delivered the "usual condescending and presumptuous spiel about how we need to learn about the 'real world.'" She also criticized him for doing crowd work and focusing on one woman in particular ("Patel just kept returning to the same girl to ask her painfully drawn out questions, as if he were mining material for a routine he had not prepared"), and called out his "blatant anti-Blackness." She adds: Patels mic wasnt just cut off because he told offensive jokes to a sensitive, snowflake audience, which is the narrative that I see being talked about. He was booted off the stage because he sucked the energy out of an entire auditorium. When he told the gay Black joke, even he noted the tension. His routine was the antithesis of what cultureSHOCK stood for. He stepped into an uplifting atmosphere and soiled it, which is the opposite of what he was meant to do as a hired entertainer performing at someone elses event. Several people have commented on the story, and especially the op-ed, including the unlikely trio of right wing conspiracy theorist Mike Cernovich, longtime columnist Clyde Haberman, and NY Times culture reporter Sopan Deb: When older generations say you need to stop being so sensitive, its like undermining what our generation is trying to do in accepting others and making it safer. https://t.co/yQproavAHR Mike Cernovich (@Cernovich) December 4, 2018 If youre a stand up comic, why would you perform at Columbia University after this? https://t.co/EgiglgSv0q pic.twitter.com/dyDdcC3yYZ Sopan Deb (@SopanDeb) December 4, 2018 Maybe Columbia will require stand-up comics to issue trigger warnings in the future. https://t.co/nLHjQH42vY Clyde Haberman (@ClydeHaberman) December 4, 2018 Um, its not on the comic to change who he is. The organizers booked him. Its on them to know who the comedian is. Sopan Deb (@SopanDeb) December 4, 2018 This is in the context of a piece defending Patel getting booted off the stage for what the writer thinks is a "gay black joke." It's not remotely a joke at the expense of black or gay people, and it's not a joke told by someone who has never experienced racism. jaime lutz (@jaime_lutz) December 4, 2018 When contacted for comment, AAA directed Gothamist to an official statement on Facebook, in which they write that Patel's "remarks did not align with the mission and message of Asian American Alliance and cultureSHOCK...Patels remarks ran counter to the inclusive spirit and integrity of cultureSHOCK and as such, the choice was made to invite him to leave. We acknowledge that discomfort and safety can coexist, however, the discomfort Patel caused was unproductive in this space." You can read the whole statement below: As an organization, we first want to acknowledge the incredible, hard work of the models, designers, student performers, and directors involved with cultureSHOCK. This showcase could not have happened without you and you helped send an important message about empowerment. Thank you all so much. Next, we want to address the performance of Nimesh Patel. His remarks did not align with the mission and message of Asian American Alliance and cultureSHOCK. Asian American Alliance stands for the political, social, and personal empowerment of Asian Americans as well as other marginalized groups. We seek to explore and understand Asian Americans places within current and historical political discussions in order to organize in the most effective ways that we can. cultureSHOCK is a celebration of identity and a space of inclusion. Patels remarks ran counter to the inclusive spirit and integrity of cultureSHOCK and as such, the choice was made to invite him to leave. We acknowledge that discomfort and safety can coexist, however, the discomfort Patel caused was unproductive in this space. We ourselves are still processing the events of cultureSHOCK and maintain different perspectives on it even within our organization. We invite and welcome dialogue concerning his remarks and our actions. That being said, we deeply apologize for inviting him in the first place and bringing these comments into a space for inclusion and acceptance. We apologize for the hurt his words caused members of the community. We also apologize for being inarticulate as we invited him to leave and that we fell back on an excuse that implicated Lerner Tech, a group not concerned in the issue. This has been a learning experience that we will take with us as we plan future events. We want to thank everyone who supported the event so much, as a charity showcase we were able to raise nearly $4000 for the Asian American Writers Workshop, which we hope will go on to support Asian American artists and positively impact the Asian American community. We are endlessly proud of the show that we produced, particularly the fashion show, and our directors. It was one of the most impressive to date, and the work put into it, and especially the other sections of the show, should not be overlooked. We've reached out to Patela stand-up comedian who has also written for the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Comedy KO, the 2016 Oscars with Chris Rock, and worked for SNL last seasonfor his thoughts on what transpired, and we'll update when we hear back. What do you think about our new website? Share your opinion Ukraine's State Management of Affairs to buy two armored Mercedes cars for US$1.5 mln The market price of an unarmoured model of the Mercedes-Benz S600 is about US$177,179. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Employing the phrase "bite the bullet" ten times, New York City Transit Authority President Andy Byford urged the City Council's Transportation Committee on Tuesday morning to repair and modernize the city's subways and bus routes by backing his Fast Forward plan, which some cost estimates have pegged at $40 billion. "At the moment we're still in that state of emergency, we still have more to do," Byford said, referring to the "state of emergency" that Governor Andrew Cuomo declared in the summer of 2017. "And every day the system literally gets older, the infrastructure gets older, the pressure on the system increases, so the need to bite the bullet and deliver on this plan becomes ever more compelling." The main planks of Byford's Fast Forward plan, which is laid out over two five-year phases, would modernize the system's ancient signal system ("the single most transformative thing" that can be done to fix the subways as he put it), revamp bus routes enough to stop plummeting ridership, and make subway stations accessible enough to disabled New Yorkers so that in five years, every subway station will sit within two stops of one that is accessible. Byford is also pledging to fix the culture of the MTA, and referred to working groups that are looking into improving transparency and cost containment. The transit chief also pointed to some hopeful signs: "major incidents" involving 50 or more trains are down by 11%, average wait times are "trending down." "We are having a blitz on customer restrooms," Byford added. Still, right now, the subway system is historically terrible at getting people from point A to point B without disruption or delay, and several councilmembers pointed this out when they asked Byford about a planned fare hike in the first half of next year. "If your train systems are not largely working, should New Yorkers have to pay for something that's broken and not really working?" Queens Councilmember Donovan Richards asked. "Would you mark up the price on a lemona lemon is considered a hooptie, a horrible car?" Byford said that the MTA's board was ultimately responsible for approving any fare hikewhich would either keep the base fare at $2.75 but eliminate bonuses on unlimited MetroCards, or raise the regular fare to $3 but keep bonusesbut added that a massive decrease in ridership would cause a death spiral. The MTA is projecting a $244 million deficit next year without a fare hike, which would balloon to $1.6 billion in 2022. "If you're not careful, you'll end up in a massive downward spiral, because people not paying means there's less money to provide services, which means service degrades, which means even few people pay, which means service degrades even further." Totally not a massive downward spiral on the 1 train this morning. (Ben Yakas / Gothamist) Byford and the City Council agreed that the MTA needed to find new revenue streams immediately, with congestion pricing and Mayor Bill de Blasio's "millionaire's tax" both getting many mentions ("I think it should be both," Transportation Committee Chair Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez said). The most popular congestion pricing plan would bring in around $1.5 billion a year, a millionaire's tax around $700 million. Sources recently told Politico that an MTA task force is circling around a number to both enact Byford's Fast Forward plan and get the rest of the MTA in a state of good repair: $60 billion. "Congestion pricing will go a lot towards our needs. Will that suffice? No," Byford said. "We still will need other mechanisms." Byford was living in London when that city initiated congestion pricing over what he called "siren voices, people saying, 'It's not going to work.'" "It was striking to see the impact on day one. Absolutely striking." Councilmembers also pressed Byford on comments he made Monday, in which he blamed a policy change by the Manhattan DA's office to not arrest farebeaters for a decline in revenue of around $200 million, and said he would think about stationing MTA employees at entrances to deter anyone who might be thinking about jumping a turnstile. NYPD Chief of Transit Edward Delatorre told reporters at a press conference that officers have made 6,248 stops in November, a 25% increase over 2017. The new policy favors summonses over arrests, which the police say are largely made for "persistent offenders." "So whats happening now is because of our new policy, officers are free to make more arrests and spend more time on a platform instead of getting tied up with other arrests," Delatorre said. "If you cover your license plate, you run over a toll the worst case scenario would be a ticket from a police officer. If you're a black kid jumping over at turnstile the worst thing that could happen is you could go to jail," Brooklyn Councilmember Antonio Reynoso told Byford. "We're not targeting more affluent car owners but instead targeting mostly young people of color. That is the equity issue. This problem is not necessarily the fact that you need your money." Byford himself offered to be a turnstile monitor, and pledged that he would do everything he could to prevent racially imbalanced stops. "We will be explicit in our instruction and our direction to the NYPD to be very, very careful not to target certain communities," Byford said. "I cannot stress that enough. You have my commitment in a public forum on that." A recent survey of subway farebeating arrests by The Marshall Project published in Gothamist showed that 89% of those arrested are Black or Latino, a percentage that is virtually unchanged since 2014. Asked after the hearing why he seemed so fixated on turnstile jumping giving its relatively minimum impact on the MTA's $16.6 billion operating budget, Byford said he compiled that farebeating analysis "because I was mandated to report back to the [MTA] board." "The figure that we quoted, $215 million, may not seem big in the grand scheme of things, but thats still a chunk of money thats not going towards improving transit, making it more reliable, buying new vehicles, improving stations. You know, Ive got to be fair." At the end of the hearing, which stretched more than three hours, Councilmember Rodriguez said he wanted the City to chip in money to fund Fast Forward. "I personally will lead any initiative to make the voice loud and clear that the city should be open to increase the contribution, and that the state should do the same thing, but that money should be dedicated only to the MTA, and that money should only be used for maintenance and repair," Rodriguez said. Staff for both City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Mayor de Blasio both told Gothamist that they supported the Fast Forward plan, but declined to say whether the City should help fund it. The state and city will come up with their budgets in April and June, respectively. "I genuinely do believe this is within our grasp," Byford told reporters after the hearing. "The key now between now and spring is to convince stakeholders in Albany, City Hall, and for that matter in Washington, that this is a plan worth investing in." Vox president Santiago Abascal celebrating on Sunday. Rafa Alcaide (EFE) Marine Le Pen congratulated her pal Santiago Abascal before Voxs victory had even become public. It was preventive praise; a premonition that took flight when the Spanish party managed the feat of getting 12 deputies into the Andalusian assembly; it was a symbolic welcome into Europes far-right club. Not that Vox had been turning its back to the right-wing magma bubbling beyond our borders; its just that it had yet to graduate into the sacred space of parliament: Vox now has a voice. This message from Le Pen was the most eloquent illustration of the ideological and political affinities of the party headed by Santiago Abascal. Yet it is noteworthy how angrily the Vox leader and his sympathizers reject this far-right label, even as they do nothing else but underscore it through their words and deeds. The local peculiarities of the Spanish party do not place it outside the far rights natural habitat Vox is indeed a far-right party, and this is so because its idiosyncrasy feeds on a nationalist-confessional model that hints at supremacy and thrives on an identity-based narrative. Its discussion of Spains decentralized system of government is not so much based on a conceptual position the Jacobin ideal of a strongly centralized state as it is on a questioning of the Constitution and on the notion of Madrid as a gravitational axis that would function as the core for a Spain that is great and free, prone to flashes of authoritarianism, and full of moralistic ambition. Abascal and his co-religionists proscribe abortion and gay marriage, they loathe feminism, and they encroach on individual freedoms from a paternalistic position that reeks of church incense and army barracks: God, country and family. Vox is also distrustful of the media, when it is not altogether censoring or expelling members of the press, in best Beppe Grillo style. This is a party that has managed to appropriate the fast-moving, fleeting flag of indignation, yet the good intentions of its voters, who reject the system and are frustrated with conventional politics, cannot counterpoint the Le Pen-like rhetoric based on a nostalgic memory of the prim-and-proper Spain of yesteryear. Voxs anti-EU, anti-globalization rhetoric thrives on fear fear of immigration, of the Muslim half-crescent; it thrives on instinctive thinking and on historical superstitions, and its onanistic, unenlightened narrative exhibits an inertia that is quite in sync with the excluding xenophobia of Italys Matteo Salvini and the religion-imbued politics of Hungarys Viktor Orban. There is a name for this: the far right. Vox encroaches on individual freedoms from a paternalistic position that reeks of church incense and army barracks The parodic Spain First slogan establishes an unequivocal link between Vox and trending populist movements, from Trump to Bolsonaro and from Marine Le Pen to Geert Wilder. And while Abascal lacks the charisma and screen presence of these other personalities, he imitates their haughty, self-righteous attitude in the name of a patriotic and emotional incitement that has taken its imitative penchant so far that it is even promising to build an insurmountable wall in Ceuta and Melilla. It is true that Voxs economic model puts liberalism ahead of protectionism. And it is also true that Vox has made the most of popular reaction to the Catalan sovereignty push and to the outlandish exhumation of Francos remains. But the local peculiarities of the Spanish party do not place it outside the far rights natural habitat instead, they bring added variety to the fauna and flora of the obscurantism that seeks to transform Spain and disfigure Europe. English version by Susana Urra. The five members of La Manada at the 2016 Running of the Bulls. A Spanish appeals court has upheld a nine-year prison conviction against five men found guilty of sexually abusing an 18-year-old woman at the 2016 Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona. The case became known as La Manada (the Wolf Pack) after the Whatsapp chat group that the men used to boast about their sexual exploits, and the original court decision triggered nationwide protests in April of this year after judges found the men guilty of abuse but not of rape. Women are being told that if they dont kick and scream and risk their lives, then theyre not being raped Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias That decision also sparked a public debate about the definition of sexual violence, and about whether the Spanish justice system is addressing it adequately. Now, the High Court of Navarre has ratified the conviction in a 3-2 vote. Two members of the five-judge panel entered a dissenting opinion, asking for the prison sentence to be raised to 14 years. The panels decision may be appealed before the Supreme Court. In their dissenting opinion, the judges Joaquin Galve and Miguel Angel Abarzuza said that the acts committed by the members of La Manada must be penally classified as a crime of sexual aggression, a category that includes rape, rather than sexual abuse. This is so because the Manada members set a trap for the victim, who had practically no possibility of fleeing and/or escaping, meaning that intimidation and coercion were used. Reaction People protesting the original court decision in April. Monica Torres There was reaction to the ruling throughout Wednesday. Women are being told that if they dont kick and scream and risk their lives, then theyre not being raped. Were going to introduce a bill stating that only yes means yes, said Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias in the TVE morning show Los Desayunos. Spains Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo, whose own background is in law, said that this new ruling awards credibility to the victim and that it is likely that all five Manada members will immediately go back to prison, after being released on bail last June. The main judge associations have asked authorities for a reform of the criminal code to clarify the various types of sex crimes, given the fine line that creates doubt in cases such as this one. Original ruling In April, a lower court found that the victims consent was compromised when she was led into a building lobby by the men, who took turns having sex with her and making cellphone recordings. Even though the judges described the woman as stunned and unable to react, they concluded that there had been no violence or intimidation, two necessary requirements for rape under Spanish law. In its ruling, the lower court said that according to Supreme Court case law, there can only be violence if physical aggression is used against a victim an act the judges believe did not occur. In September of this year, four members of La Manada returned to court in a separate case, accused of sexually abusing a 21-year-old woman in a moving vehicle while she was asleep, and also capturing their actions on a cellphone and then sharing the recordings via WhatsApp. The incident took place just two months before the Running of the Bulls fiestas. English version by Susana Urra. The attack took place at the University of the Basque Country in Vitoria. L. RICO A student at the University of the Basque Country (UPV) was beaten up last Friday by attackers who called him espanol de mierda (Spanish shithead). Eye witnesses told the police that the attackers approached their victim outside the History School on the Vitoria campus, asked him whether he was a member of a student club that defends the unity of Spain, and began to kick and punch him. If these acts have no place in society, it is particularly worrisome to see them happen inside a university Ramiro Gonzalez, Alava provincial authority The victim was in hospital for five days and required reconstructive nose and cheek surgery. The Basque regional police, the Ertzaintza, is investigating the case. The attack took place around 7pm on Friday, shortly after an event held inside the History School to protest the proliferation on campus of posters and public tributes to members of the terrorist group ETA, which announced its dissolution in May of this year after a 59-year campaign that killed over 800. Acquaintances of the victim said that he is one of the founders of the association that organized the event. The student club was created to defend the feelings of many students who feel both Basque and Spanish. This club has also criticized university officials for looking the other way while some groups organize ETA tributes. In a release, UPV officials said that they resolutely condemn the attack, express full support and solidarity with the affected individual, and wish him a speedy recovery. Violence has no place inside university or outside it. University sources said that in recent weeks they have detected increased tension among far-left groups who have multiplied their public exhibitions of radical symbols. A few students have started to react and to demand the same kind of space for their own views, said these sources. Basque political parties have issued condemnations of their own. Vitoria Mayor Gorka Urtaran, of the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), condemned the brutal attack and said that Vitoria, the de facto capital of the Basque Country, is a plural and diverse city where there is no room for violence or for violations of human rights. The regional leader of the conservative Popular Party (PP), Alfonso Alonso, supported the young man for defending his ideas in the face of intolerance. The head of the Alava provincial authority, Ramiro Gonzalez, also of the PNV, said that if these acts have no place in society, it is particularly worrisome to see them happen inside a university. The coordinator general of the far-left EH Bildu party, Arnaldo Otegi who served time in the 1980s and 90s for participating in ETA activities said that people who defend the unity of Spain have the right to do so as long as they dont use violence, and added that the most reactionary sectors of the (Spanish) State have an interest in this violence. English version by Susana Urra. Members of the New York City Council are pushing for the creation of an Office of Hate Crimes Prevention, in response to the rising number of hate crimes. Speaking in front on City Hall on Tuesday, Councilman Mark Levine said the office would serve as an umbrella organization, one that would streamline coordination between other city agencies in the wake of a hate crime. Theyve come for a synagogue, theyve come for a church, theyve come for a mosque, theyve come for our universities, theyve come for our African Burial Ground, said Council Member Donovan Richards, who is partnering with Levine on the legislation. When will it stop? Pushing back against the common perception that New York is better off than other places when it comes to bigotry, Levines office cited data from the Center for the Study of Hate Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino: Hate crimes in [New York City] rose 12.4 percent in 2016; much more than the 4.6 percent national rise, propelled by a massive spike in the weeks following the presidential election." According to the NYPD, there were 309 hate crimes reported as of November 7th of this yearup slightly from 2017, a year that saw a dramatic rise in hate crimes both in New York City and nationwide. To that end, President Trump featured prominently in Tuesdays press conference, although he often went unnamed. The one thing that the Orange Man has done, [he] has organized us, said Councilman Jumaane Williams. If we were organized before and realized the humanity we all shared, the Orange Madness would not be here. Its not lost on any of us that the current epidemic of hate crimes that were living through started at almost the exact moment that Donald Trump launched his presidential campaign, said Levine. And it has only built as he has continued to poison the rhetoric in this country. Levine said the Mayors office was currently supportive of the proposal. According to an aide the measure has seven cosponsors. The City Council has not yet said how much city money would be allocated to fund the office. If created, an Office of Hate Crimes Prevention would work not just with the NYPD, said Levine, but with the schools to coordinate education, and well as the Department of Health and the Administration for Childrens Services. He said the city needs better tracking and reporting of hate crimes data. He also called for better training of youth to build open lines of communication with law enforcement officials. Theres more we can do to up our game and we want this office to focus on that, Levine said. In response to the proposal, Albert Fox Cahn, Legal Director at the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, noted that his office had recorded a 974% state-wide increase in anti-Muslim harassment, discrimination and hate crimes from 2015 to 2017. While we believe that the Office of Hate Crimes Prevention could offer valuable services, we want to know how the office will counter the systemic barriers that block so many hate crime victims in marginalized communities from reporting their attacks, Cahn wrote in an email. Sadly, we still receive reports of victims who are wrongly turned away by responding officers, told that their hate crimes shouldnt be investigated. Any effort to better analyze existing city data on hate crimes must account for how some of our most vulnerable communities are not counted when it matters most, he said. Councilman Richards said the new office would help the city move away from the reactive approach to violent hate crimes and coordinate efforts between different communities. "The simple message that were sending today is, when they come for one of us, they come for all of us." Arun Venugopal is a reporter who focuses on issues of race and immigration at WNYC. You can follow him on Twitter at @arunNYC. Verkhovna Rada Speaker Andriy Parubiy has sent a letter to U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence to tell him about "the Russian aggression in the Sea of Azov" and to call for imposing additional energy and financial sanctions on Russia. "We are urging you to use every existent opportunity for stopping the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its apparent violation of international rules and norms by means of additional sanctions in the field of energy and finance," the letter, which copy was published on the Ukrainian parliament's website, said. The speaker noted the determined efforts taken by Ukraine, the United States, and the international community since 2014 in order to counter Russia and mentioned economic sanctions amongst other measures. The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act was adopted by the U.S. Congress in 2017, Parubiy said. The U.S. policy aims at supporting the Ukrainian government's struggle for restoring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and for countering "the destabilizing actions of Russia," he said. "Given those provisions and new aggressive actions of Russia, Ukrainian deputies urge the United States to endorse a new package of sanctions against Russia consistent with the proposed bipartisan bill," the letter said. The bill includes sanctions against operations of certain oligarchs and politicians, the new Russian state debt, and oil extraction, it said. It also envisages sanctions for some types of cyber activity and Russian energy projects "with a value exceeding $250 million, such as the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project," the letter said. U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker has said the United States and Europe could strengthen sanctions against Russia or introduce new ones due to the seizure of Ukrainian sailors and ships, the U.S. government-funded Voice of America has reported. Some of our European allies talked about new sanctions or the strengthening of existing sanctions. I think this is a worthy idea, we will consider it, Volker said. He noted that Russia should release the captured Ukrainian sailors and the ship as a gesture of goodwill before the holidays. They were unreasonably attacked in open waters, arrested. They (Russians) must resort to de-escalate the situation and return them, he said, adding that maintaining attention on the fate of the Ukrainian sailors should contribute to their release. Do not forget about them, so that attention remains focused on their fate, Volker said. He said Russia should restore dialogue with Ukraine on the basis of the 2003 Treaty on Cooperation in the Use of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. The territories of both countries go to the Sea of Azov. Both countries have the right and the need to use the sea for traffic. Next, we must return to a broader discussion on how to end the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, Volker said. Batkivschyna Party leader Yulia Tymoshenko has met with U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker during her trip to the United States. The sides discussed the situation in Ukraine, first of all, the escalation of Russia's war against Ukraine and the latest events in the Kerch area strait. "Kurt Volker stressed the need for the return of captured sailors and warships to Ukraine. For her part, Tymoshenko thanked the United States for the help and support. She called for tougher sanctions against the aggressor country and assistance to Ukraine's Naval Forces," her party's press service said on Wednesday morning. Volker thanked Tymoshenko for a clear position on the need to continue Ukraine's integration into NATO and the EU. He stressed that the United States will continue to support the open door policy of NATO for the Ukrainian state. "In addition, the parties substantively discussed Tymoshenko's proposals for new Constitution, the New Economic Course and proposals for new steps to end the war and establish peace," her press service said. The Ukrainian side plans to serve a notice of suspicion to more than 10 Russian servicemen involved in aggression against the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, press secretary of Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko, Larysa Sarhan has said. "In the near future, it is planned to serve a suspicion notice to more than 10 servicemen of the Russian Federation Navy, the border guard service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation and the Air Force and the air defense of the Russian Armed Forces from junior officers to generals," Sarhan wrote on her Facebook page on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the prosecutor general said that during seven days of the pretrial investigation, 17 volumes of evidence of the Russian Federation's aggression against the Naval Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were collected. "The pretrial investigation body is the investigative department of the SBU in Odesa region. The procedural management in criminal proceedings is carried out by the Military Prosecutor's Office of the Southern Region of Ukraine," said Sarhan. NATO stands ready to build up its presence in the Black Sea region, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said, commenting on the NATO ministerial meeting held in Brussels on Tuesday. "Everybody understands that NATO should build up its presence in the Black Sea area. It has yet to be discussed how this should be done, but you'll be hearing some decisions soon. Certainly, this would also include the presence of NATO ships, and this is going to happen quite soon," Klimkin said in an interview with the online publication European Pravda. He said that NATO should continuously monitor Russia's activities in the Black Sea region and step up cooperation with its partners. "I proposed that we have a special format within which NATO could actively cooperate with the countries that will be NATO members, Ukraine and Georgia. Another thing that I also explained to all of our allies is that Russia is not only affecting freedom of navigation in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, which is also dangerous to the Alliance, but also doing all it can to destabilize southern Ukraine," Klimkin said. Representatives of all 29 NATO countries spoke at the meeting, and they unanimously voiced support for Ukraine, he said. "It is significant that all our allies are not only denouncing Russia's aggression but also holding important discussions about what we should do, saying that we shouldn't just limit ourselves to statements, however strong they might be. We should formulate a comprehensive response to what Russia is doing in the Black Sea, the Kerch Strait, and the Sea of Azov," he said. According to Klimkin, the meeting's participants also discussed the political aspect of the situation, saying that the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait should be qualified as territorial waters to which the Convention on the Law of the Sea fully applies. High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini has said that in Milan on Wednesday she intends to discuss the tension in the Black and Azov Sea regions with the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine, Sergei Lavrov and Pavlo Klimkin. "Tomorrow in Milan at the OSCE ministerial meeting, I would have bilateral meetings separately with Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergei Lavrov and with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin," she told journalists in Brussels. "I would definitely raise the tensions in the Azov Sea," she added, speaking about topics she was going to discuss at these meetings. Mogherini said that Brussels is "also extremely concerned about developments in the Azov Sea." She said that "the activities in the Azov Sea slow down enormously." She said that this also concerns the vessels that are also carrying EU member states' flags. "We have been suffering an impact on our own economies," Mogherini said. The European diplomat said that the EU has always backed Ukraine's territorial integrity. "Our position has been very clear. We always stand very firmly at the side of our Ukrainian friends for their territorial integrity, for the sovereignty," she said. Head of the State Border Service of Ukraine Petro Tsyhykal, during his working visit to Romania, has met with Assignee General Inspector of the Romanian Border Police Adrian Popescu, during which the parties discussed the results of the joint work and signed a plan for the development of cooperation between the border agencies of Ukraine and Romania for 2019. "As a result of a meeting with my Romanian colleague, we signed a plan for the development of cooperation between the border agencies of Ukraine and Romania for 2019 and a meeting protocol," Tsyhykal wrote on Facebook on Wednesday morning. The head of the State Border Service of Ukraine stressed that despite the significant concentration of resources of the department in the east of the country, guarding the border with EU countries, and Romania in particular, is one of the priorities. "The figures eloquently testify to the results of the joint work. This year the number of detained illegal immigrants in the common area of the border increased by 38%, while, like last year, there were numerous facts of smuggling illegal Danube immigrants. In addition, owing to joint countermeasures, economic smuggling activity, in particular the illicit movement of cigarettes, decreased by 28%," he wrote. Employees of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) under the procedural management of the prosecuting authorities and the national police have found signs of operations of an organized network to spread materials that incite to religious discord, the SBU press center told Interfax-Ukraine. "Law enforcers have conducted a series of searches at certain administrative premises of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and buildings privately owned by members of this denomination in the past few days. A lot of printed matter, the contents of which show signs of the incitement to religious and inter-faith discord, were seized following the searches," the SBU press center said. A total of 75 copies of a brochure entitled "Ukrainian Orthodox Church: Relations with the State, Attitude to the ATO and the Church Schism. Questions and Answers" have been seized among other things in the past two days, it said. The brochure has already been reviewed by the SBU and a relevant expert conclusion regarding it has already been given. According to the expert conclusion of the Ukrainian Research Institution of Technical and Forensic Assessment, this publication "contains propaganda of religious intolerance, offends the feelings of citizens over their religious beliefs, incites to religious and inter-faith enmity and hatred," the SBU press center said. "Experts will also evaluate other seized materials," it said. Archpriest Oleksandr Bakhov, the director of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's legal division, in turn, said on his Facebook page that as of 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 20 priests of the church were summoned for questioning at the SBU department for Rivne region as part of a criminal case of high treason and religious enmity. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has sent proposals to Kyiv's foreign partners regarding possible sanctions on Russia over the incident in the Kerch Strait, deputy head of the presidential administration's Foreign Policy and European Integration Department Serhiy Leshchenko said in Kyiv on Wednesday. "We are working to draft a new package of 'Azov sanctions,' which would include an expansion of the sanctions that the European Union and the United States have already imposed for building the Crimean Bridge," Leshchenko said. "The president provided our partners with information about the individuals and vessels involved in the act of aggression in the Kerch Strait and the judges and prosecutors responsible for the arrest of our unlawfully detained sailors," he said. Ukraine is discussing the imposition of these sanctions with its partners, Leshchenko said. The Ukrainian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will seek special discussions at the January session of the Assembly on the militarization of the Sea of Azov by Russia and on the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war, First Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada, member of the Ukrainian delegation Iryna Gerashchenko has said. "Today I am working at the PACE migration committee in Paris. Together with Leonid Yemts [MP from the People's Front] we are planning to speak with our colleagues on the sidelines and during breaks to convey information about the exacerbation of the situation in the Azov and Kerch Strait. The Ukrainian delegation will insist that the January session of the Assembly hold a special debate on the militarization of Azov, the creeping annexation of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait by Russia, demand for the immediate release of prisoners of war and other Kremlin captives," she wrote on her page on Facebook on Wednesday. According to her, the Ukrainian side is already collecting signatures in support of this initiative among parliamentarians from other countries. For those invested in civilization's survival, the last few years haven't offered much cause for optimism. Dire climate change reports seem to land on our screens weekly, with normally sober scientists issuing increasingly panicked warnings about the catastrophe currently in progress. Meanwhile, the president of the United States plugs his fingers into his ears and shouts into his rage machine, pausing only occasionally to insult the victims of our burning new reality. In recent weeks, however, that debilitating sense of doom has showed signs of lifting. On November 13th, the progressive push for a Green New Deal burst onto the national stage with a march on Rep. Nancy Pelosis office. Members of the youth-led Sunrise Movement led the sit-in, and were joined unexpectedly by Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Since then, nineteen Democrats have signed on to support the formation of a select committee to create a blueprint for the Green New Deal a "galvanizing moment" not seen in decades, according to longtime environmentalist Bill McKibben. To be sure, the details of what a Green New Deal would actually entail are still extremely vague. In broad terms, the proposal would urgently shift the United States away from fossil fuels and toward 100 percent renewable energy, while creating thousands of living-wage jobs to oversee the massive economic and social mobilization required. Theoretically, advocates say, such a comprehensive undertaking could offer a pathway to the "rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society" that the recent IPCC report demands. More realistically, the idea would probably require a trifecta of Democratic control and even then, a similar proposal once championed by President Obama died a quiet technocratic death within months of him taking office. But climate experts say that calculus has changed, thanks in large part to the mass uprising of grass-roots climate rage. In a recent Intercept story, best-selling author and social activist Naomi Klein described the significance of that momentum, writing, "Decades from now, if we are exquisitely lucky enough to tell a thrilling story about how humanity came together in the nick of time to intercept the metaphorical meteor, the pivotal chapter...will be the moment when a group of fed-up young people from the Sunrise Movement occupied the offices of Pelosi after the midterm elections." US Capitol Police arrest activists from the Sunrise Movement during a protest at House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's office on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC (SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) On Tuesday, we caught up with one of those fed-up young people. Reached by phone, Aracely Jimenez-Hudis, a recent graduate and full-time organizer with the Sunrise Movement, spoke to Gothamist about the organization's whirlwind month, the perils of incrementalism, and her "overwhelming sense of hope." What is the Green New Deal? How does it differ from previous climate and sustainability proposals? Our goal is to stop climate change while creating of millions of good jobs in the process. It's directly in response to this huge lie we've been fed by the fossil fuel industry and by fossil fuel-corrupted politicians. For decades we've heard this excuse that we can't stop climate change because it would be bad for the economy, or that people in the coal and natural gas industry would lose their jobs. We don't believe that's true. The economy is shifting toward 100% renewable energy, and with a Green New Deal we can provide job training programs that create better-paying jobs that don't destroy workers' health. So there's a lot of overlap with the labor movement and the Green New Deal. Sunrise rose to national prominence seemingly overnight following the Pelosi protest, and now the group is one of the most prominent backers of this massive environmental stimulus project. How are you handling that attention and pressure? It's been a whirlwind. There's this overwhelming sense of hope, which I think is something that is really rare in the climate movement, especially since the 2016 election. We've heard this from a lot of folks who've gotten involved with Sunrise in just the last month. They want bold, progressive change that has a real chance of turning this country around, and now they're confident it can actually be done. It suddenly feels we've been talking about a Green New Deal for a long time. I have to put things in perspective and realize it's only been on the table in a mainstream way for less than a month, which is pretty astounding. And the Green New Deal train keeps chugging! Rep. @NydiaVelazquez has become the 1st incoming House Committee Chair to endorse the Select Committee for #GreenNewDeal! Thank you @NydiaVelazquez for you political courage to stand up for ALL our communities, from PR to BK. https://t.co/9RduP03fHx Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) December 4, 2018 During a climate town hall hosted by Bernie Sanders earlier this week, Ocasio-Cortez said she hadn't planned for a Green New Deal protest to be one of her first actions in D.C. a "poetry of history," she put it. Can you talk a bit about your movement's relationship to this new crop of elected officials? It was really exhilarating. I'm from Brooklyn. I grew up in Sunset park. As another woman of color from a primarily Hispanic working-class community, I felt a lot of pride watching Ocasio-Cortez shine in the national political spotlight. Then to see her come to Nancy Pelosi's office and to stand with us and show her support, and to have her actually draft a proposal for this Select Committee [on the Green New Deal], it adds to that feeling of hope. We're not just activists screaming into the void. We actually have allies in Congress who are willing to act on those campaign promises they made. It builds trust between our elected representatives and the people not just in the climate movement but the social, racial and economic justice movements across the country. Opponents, especially on the right, have attacked the plan for not being more detailed. What's your response to that criticism? I run the Sunrise Twitter account, so I see that critique a lot online. If you're looking at the history of climate legislation in the United States, this is the first time in our country's history that we're even seeing a plan to make a plan to really tackle climate change. The Select Committee on the Green New Deal is that plan to make a plan. It's a committee of representatives who reject fossil fuel contributions and have a mandate from the speaker to actually draft legislation by 2020. In that process they're going to hold hearings, they're going to consult scientists, they're going to consult economists. We can't get those specifics unless we have a committee that has a mandate from the speaker to actually craft aggressive climate legislation. You've been very critical of some Democrats as well. Last week, for example, the group organized a protest inside Senator Chuck Schumer's office to demand he not appoint West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin a major backer of the coal industry to the top Democratic spot on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. What other Democrats do you think need to be put on notice? We know that there are some Democrats in Congress who have taken quite a bit of money from the oil, gas and coal industries. For example, Frank Pallone, who represents a coastal district in New Jersey. We visited his D.C. office the Friday after our sit-in at Pelosi's office, and we asked him to support the Select Committee on a Green New Deal put forth by Ocasio-Cortez. He kept saying that he wasn't familiar with the proposal, or that it wasn't necessary. He sidestepped questions about his finances, even when he was asked by one of his representatives. So when we hear that, we hear lame excuses. We're pretty tired of it. Of course, Frank Pallone isn't the only representative like that. When we go to D.C. on December 10th, that's who we're targeting: primarily Democrats who have taken money from fossil fuel executives, from fossil fuel lobbyists, and those who continue to make excuses precisely because of these campaign donations. We have until Dec 13 to set the agenda for 2019. A #GreenNewDeal MUST be a priority. Join us in Washington DC on Dec 10 to tell @TheDemocrats: #NoExcuses. Support a Green New Deal and reject fossil fuel money. REGISTER HERE: https://t.co/JFuoRaNWA4 pic.twitter.com/By9BFG4PSq Sunrise Movement (@sunrisemvmt) November 28, 2018 On a local level, some city officials are now calling for a Green New Deal for New York City, and hundreds attended a rally for the idea outside City Hall on Tuesday. What role do you think local governments will play in this? For the most part, Sunrise's strategy is pushing this through the federal government, because if we're going to abide by the guidelines set forth by the IPCC report, then we need sweeping federal changes. On the state level, there's a bill called the Climate and Communities Protection Act [currently held up in the state senate]. A lot of New Yorkers don't know about that, and so we need local elected officials to raise awareness and push for that. Also, in a lot of communities we're seeing corporate developers coming in and trying to tell us how to build up our economies, only to force them out of the neighborhoods they've lived in for generations. They bring in plans to the table that are just really out of touch with what the communities need Jeff Bezos and Amazon is just the latest example. So mayors and city council members can stand up to these development forces, while supporting a Green New Deal that would actually bring good local jobs to the communities instead of pricing people out. Sunrise boasts that its plan for a Green New Deal will be overseen by an "army of young people." Are you finding that your generation is more receptive to these progressive ideas? Yes, definitely. We're a youth-led movement fighting against climate change. We obviously accept and welcome support from people of all ages, and we know that climate change and climate change-fueled disasters don't discriminate. But it's really important to put youth at the forefront of this movement. As demographics shift in the country, millennials and eventually Gen Z will become the largest voting bloc in American history. We need leaders who see the world's problems as we do, specifically who view climate change as the drastic, existential crisis that it is. We hear so many leaders talking about climate change while saying that we need be conservative, or that we should strive for bipartisanship. That's essentially a death sentence to us, the people who are going to spend a majority of our lives facing the effects of climate change. We've read the reports, we know that we need to change our economy and our society away from fossil fuels and onto 100 percent renewable energy now. Are you worried that your demands might be seen as too extreme, or too radical, by some potential allies? I would tell them to look at what happened in California. Over 85 people are dead and hundreds are missing and that's not even the final death count. We need to be extreme in our response because we're facing apocalyptic climate disaster. Just look at what's happening to the world around you. We have the money to fix it, all we're lacking is the political courage. This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity Sefcovic, Klimkin say trilateral format the most effective for gas talks European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic held a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin on Wednesday, Sefcovic said on Twitter. "Appreciated Ukraine Naftogaz Ukraine's constructive involvement in the ongoing trilateral talks on the long-term transit of gas to Europe. This process is the most effective platform to seek a satisfactory solution; its continuation is vital," Sefcovic tweeted. First Deputy Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament and Ukraine's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group's humanitarian subgroup Iryna Gerashchenko and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of State George Kent have discussed the issue of freeing prisoners of war and political prisoners in Russia, as well as the introduction of martial law in 10 Ukrainian regions. "We are counting on the support of our strategic partner, the United States, in the issue of the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war, hostages and political prisoners of the Kremlin," the parliament's press service quoted Gerashchenko as saying at the meeting with Kent in Kyiv on Monday. The sides discussed the issue of security in Donbas and the situation with the violation of human rights in the Russian-occupied Crimea. "Particular attention during the meeting was paid to the issue of security in the region of the Azov and Black Seas and the Kerch Strait," the report said. In addition, the meeting participants discussed the peculiarities of the legal regime of martial law introduced in 10 regions of Ukraine, as well as in the internal waters of the Azov-Kerch water area. Kent said the United States remains a reliable partner of Ukraine and supports the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said state-owned Ukroboronprom concern is preparing for the mass production of the Neptune cruise missile, which was successfully tested on December 5 in the Odesa region. I was just told that the new cruise missile Neptune passed successful tests and destroyed a target at a distance of 280 km. The Ukrainian rocket developed by the Kyiv-based Luch State Design Bureau as part of the missile shield project is strategically important for the country's defense capability. Ukroboronprom is preparing for the mass production of the cruise missile if it is adopted by Ukraine's Armed Forces," Poroshenko said on Facebook. Cabinet to allocate UAH 100,000 to pay to each Ukrainian naval seaman taken prisoners of war The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has passed a resolution to pay UAH 100,000 to each Ukrainian naval seaman taken prisoners of war by Russia near the Kerch Strait on November 25. A respective decision was made at the government's meeting on December 5, a correspondent of the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency has reported. "Today the Cabinet of Ministers passed a resolution to make payments to the prisoners of war who had been captured by the Russian Federation following an incident in the Black Sea," Vadym Chernysh, Ukraine's Minister of Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons, told the press after the Cabinet's meeting on December 5. As soon as the Ukrainian Defense Ministry provides a list of the prisoners of war with their accurate personal details, the Ministry of Temporarily Occupied Territories will start to identify those persons to make payments to their relatives or legal representatives to the tune of UAH 100,000 to each. He said the money is to be spent solely on the protection of the prisoners of war, in particular, on legal assistance, correspondence, and other such purposes. As reported earlier, on November 25, Russian border guards attacked three Ukrainian naval ships near the Kerch Strait. As a result, the crews and ships were detained and some crew members wounded. Two dozen crew members were arrested by courts in Simferopol and Kerch until January 25, 2019, and taken to Moscow. The Ukrainian Association of Patriots (UKROP) party has officially named MP Oleksandr Shevchenko who does not belong to any faction in the parliament its candidate for the presidential elections in Ukraine that are scheduled for March 2018, Yevhenia Kravchuk, head of the party's press service, said. "The UKROP party has officially nominated MP Oleksandr Shevchenko as its candidate to run for president of Ukraine in the elections in March 2019. A respective decision was made by the party at its 16th assembly, which is taking place today at the Kyiv International Exhibition Center," Kravchuk wrote on Facebook on December 5. She said Shevchenko was given the right to run for president "after his victory in the primaries within the party." "The MP has received the support of members of the Ukrainian Association of Patriots in 24 regions of Ukraine," Kravchuk said. Earlier on December 5, Borys Filatov, mayor of Dnipro, announced that he submitted a letter of resignation to discontinue his membership of the UKROP party. "Starting from today, I am abdicating my duties as a member of the board of the political council of UKROP and leaving the party," Filatov wrote on Facebook. The Ukrainian party has called to hold a special meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group for Settling the Situation in Donbas (TCG) by February, Ukraine's representative to the TCG Yevhen Marchuk has said. "We have suggested the following: in February next year, it will be four years since the very important Minsk agreements [of February 12 that outline a number of measures to implement the Minsk protocol] were reached. We have suggested a special meeting be held before that time to discuss all the issues, what has been implemented and what has not, and most of all, why," he said in a comment to the Priamy TV channel. On Wednesday, December 7, at 11.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Building up Floodplain of Irpen River - Powerful Eco-bomb near Kyiv." Participants include head of the Department of Water Resources of the National Ecological Council of Ukraine, chairman of the Fishermen Association of Ukraine Oleksandr Chystiakov and public activist, director of the Pravoxpert law firm Serhiy Hapon present a report on the consequences of building the Irpin river floodplain by 10 and 16-storey buildings (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation. KYIV. Dec 5 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Colliers International consulting company (Ukraine) is in talks to attract the international hotel operator AccorHotels (France) to manage the first premium apartment hotel in Kyiv, which is to open in 2020. Natalia Chystiakova, the director of the appraisal and consulting department at Colliers International (Ukraine), said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine that the building of the future apartment hotel has already been constructed, therefore it will take not much time to complete the construction work. "Colliers International is currently negotiating attracting an international operator in the high price segment of apartment hotels. This will be the AccorHotels brand. We cannot yet say what the object will be. But this will be the first premium apartment hotel under the control of the professional international operator. Presumably, the object will enter the market in 2020," she said. According to AccorHotels' website, its portfolio includes a network of apartment hotels under the Adagio brand. AccorHotels Group is one of the leading hotel operators in the world. It opened the first hotel under the Novotel brand in Lille (France) in 1967. The Iranian government has lost two thirds of its funding, according to statements from the head of the Islamic Republics Planning and Budget Organization (PBO) that were quickly removed from official websites. Mohammad Bagher Nobakht painted the dire fiscal picture December 4 while speaking at a gathering of representatives of disabled people assembled at the PBO to protest cuts to government funds allocated to support them. The budget shortfalls are largely due to losses in oil revenue as a result of re-imposed sanctions slapped on Iran after the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear deal in May. The Research Center of Irans parliament has predicted that Washingtons decision to reimpose sanctions will lower Irans oil exports by 500,000 to one million BPD. Meanwhile, Rouhani's first deputy, Eshaq Jahangiri, reports that revenues from petroleum sales in the next fiscal year, which begins March 21 in Iran, will be 25 percent lower than this year. That can be an optimistic forecast, especially with lower oil prices. Behrooz Nemati, the spokesman for the presiding board of the parliament, announced in a telephone interview with state-run IRIB December 2 that the government estimates sales of 1.5 million BPD of oil at the price of $54 per barrel in the budget bill. But critics say Iran's oil exports can go as low as 500 BPD in the coming months. Each dollar is predicted to be worth 57,000 rials in the budget bill, he added. Jahangiri accused the U.S. of attempting to totally block all of Irans oil exports, and said the government has decided to only rely on oil revenues for 25 percent of the budget. In the meantime, Tehran still hopes that its EU partners will soon find a way to salvage some of the nuclear deal despite the withdraw of the U.S., and allow Iran export its oil and benefit from international investment. Speaking to the state-run Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency (ICANA) on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif rejected the recent claim by Reuters that the Iran-EU trade mechanism created to replace the nuclear deal, officially known as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), will not cover oil sales and only includes humanitarian and food products. Zarif says Irans oil sales are actually the focal point of the EUs promised trade mechanism, adding based on the information we have, [Reuters claim] is not true. If the revenues of Irans oil sales are not put into an account, then it wont be clear if there is any money to do transactions with. On the other hand, Irans major export is oil, so I suspect there is some media hype aimed at making people lose hope. President Hassan Rouhani has repeated threats to subvert oil exports from Gulf states if Iran is not allowed to export its oil. The Islamic Republic's authorities have repeatedly vowed to disrupt the flow of oil through the Straits of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf if Tehran is prevented from exporting its oil. Reacting to Rouhanis earlier threats, the U.S. militarys Central Command said on July 5, The U.S. Navy stands ready to ensure free navigation and the flow of commercethrough the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. Furthermore, retired Admiral James Stavridis had previously told CNBC that in the event Iran chooses to close the Strait of Hormuz with military force, the United States and its Arab allies would be able to open it in a matter of days. The Israeli News Agency (INA) reported on 3 December that The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) was "on highest alert as operation Northern Shield to destroy Hezbollah tunnels was under way." "Iran just supplied Hezbollah with weapons. IDF knows all offensive targets in Lebanon and Iran. IDF reservists called up. Air force, Navy prepared to engage Iran with NATO," the Israeli News Agency added. Meanwhile Haaretz reported on 3 December that Israel is shifting its battle with Iran to Lebanon, after two years of attacking Iranian targets in Syria to prevent Iran from establishing its military presence in that country. Haaretz further reported that "IDF is disturbed by Hezbollah honing its skills in the Syria war and sending some of its units back to Lebanon. Over the border, the Lebanese are increasingly suspicious of Israel, and their wariness is turning into threats." The paper opined that after Iran changed its behavior under Russia's pressures, the battle between Israel and Iran will be dragged into other countries. A former Israeli military intelligence chief says "Iran has changed its tactics in Syria but it is moving everything from Syria to Lebanon." The report was released on Monday at a time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his intelligence chief were meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels. Netanyahu tweeted before leaving for Brussels: "I am leaving for Brussels for an important meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. I will discuss with @SecPompeo a series of regional developments as well as the steps we are taking together to block the aggression of Iran and its proxies in the north." Later, he addressed Pompeo in a tweet: " I look forward to discussing with you how we can together curb Iran's aggression in the region, in Syria, in Iraq, in Lebanon and elsewhere." And finally he revealed that " We have just launched Operation Northern Shield to expose and neutralize cross-border attack tunnels dug by Hezbollah from #Lebanon to #Israel. #NorthernShield." This was the first of a series of tweets in which he explained the importance of operation Northern Shield. Likewise, Israeli Foreign Minister also tweeted his take on the operation releasing further details: " The #terror tunnels built by #Hezbollah, crossing from Lebanon into Israel, are a gross violation of Israeli sovereignty & #UNSC Res 1701. Israel launched Op #NorthernShield to neutralize these tunnels & to protect its citizens and its territory from Hezbollah's aggression." Observers in Lebanon say the operation is possibly an attempt at escalating the situation, though there's no clear indication of an upcoming war. The Lebanese media are broadcasting factual reporting on the development, not making a big deal out of it. Politicians are also relatively quiet. The Jerusalem Post reported December 5 that the existence of the tunnels were known for some time, as border area residents have been telling the army of hearing noises for years. This brings up the question of Israeli timing to reveal the story and highlight the potential threat from Hezbollah. Three months ago when the Israeli prime minister said at the UN General Assembly that Hezbollah has been turning Southern Lebanon into a depot of Iranian missiles, Hezbollah said its response is one of "deliberate silence." The Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri has ruled out Israeli claims, but Israeli media say "Fars Air Qeshm" flights from Iran to Lebanon are carrying suspicious cargo containing weapons for Hezbollah. One such flight to Beirut last Thursday was followed by an Israeli air raid. One day later, Hezbollah threatened to attack Israeli military and nuclear establishments and showed a video containing satellite imagery of those targets. Meanwhile, an Israeli military commander has suggested that Israel should resume targeted attacks on terrorist organizations and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The operation could have been a reaction to Iran test firing a ballistic missile. Secretary Pompeo on Saturday said Iran tested a medium-range ballistic missile, violating a United Nations resolution. Meanwhile, France and UK also said that the missile test may breach a UN resolution that calls on Iran to stop developing missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has denied the missile's nuclear capability. However, following a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday, some of the 15 ambassadors present at the meeting expressed concern over Iran's action but no new resolution was adopted and no joint statement issued despite a U.S. call for council members to condemn Iran's weekend ballistic missile test, which Washington described as "dangerous and concerning." "The United States has repeatedly warned the world about Iran's deliberate efforts to destabilize the Middle East and defy international norms, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement. "The international community cannot keep turning a blind eye every time Iran blatantly ignores Security Council resolutions." In retrospect, Mayor Bill de Blasio said, he should have called Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito himself. If he had, maybe things wouldnt have gotten so... complicated. On Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin had fired Esposito the previous Friday, while the mayor was away at the Bernie Sanders Institute in Vermont. But Esposito, who said he had not heard from the mayor, showed up to work on Monday morning anyway. Joseph Esposito, the city's OEM commissioner, apparently got "fired" by a deputy mayor--but then ripped a page out of the George Costanza playbook by showing up today to work anyway! @NYCMayor was full of words when asked it: "We'll get back to you later!"https://t.co/kH2ZNTLQdF Rich Calder (@Rich_Calder) December 3, 2018 For hours on Monday, the City Hall press corps pressed the mayor for answers about who, if anyone, was in charge of the Office of Emergency Management, which is charged with handling major disasters and, well, emergencies. Heres the video of what happened today when a member of the mayors security detail prevented reporters from following de Blasio out of City Hall. pic.twitter.com/xaWrgHY95h Grace Rauh (@gracerauh) December 3, 2018 But the mayor did not respond. Dozens of New York City council members voiced support for Esposito, formerly a top NYPD official who oversaw the department's response to the 9/11 terrorist attack. Then at 10 p.m. on Monday, after meeting with Esposito twice at Gracie Mansion, the mayor released a statement: We have started the process of leadership change at New York City Emergency Management. Commissioner Joe Esposito will continue to lead OEM as we conduct a national search for his successor. It is impossible to overstate Commissioner Espositos significant contributions to our citys safety while at OEM and the NYPD. We look forward to exploring additional opportunities for Commissioner Esposito to remain in the administration. Speaking to reporters at his monthly crime stats presser on Tuesday, de Blasio acknowledged that the Esposito affair had been mishandled. There was a lot of confusion in the public domain yesterday, he said, noting it was absolutely understandable that there was so much confusion. De Blasio said he approved a leadership change at OEM weeks ago, before a November snowstorm snarled traffic and left children stranded on school buses for hours. I want to be very clear that this had nothing to do with the storm, he said. The mayor said he wanted a more strategic approach at the agency, though he didnt elaborate beyond a passing reference to new challenges posed by climate change and terrorism. There were really good skills, attributes, he said of Esposito, but there were also things missing for where we wanted to go. De Blasio noted that Anglin and Esposito had an emotional, tense conversation on Friday that caused a misunderstanding. He said he realizes now that it would have been smarter to have had the conversation with Esposito himself. Obviously something went wrong. I have to take responsibility for that. This is not the first time the de Blasio administration has been caught up in unexpected personnel drama. At the end of April this year, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho accepted and then rejected an offer to become the citys new schools superintendent, during a live television broadcast. But Esposito said there's no hard feelings between him and the mayor over losing his job. As he left work Tuesday night, Esposito said the awkwardness has been ironed out. I serve at his discretion, Esposito said. If he decides it's time for me to go, it's time for me to go. He gave me the job, I thank him for giving me the job, he can take it away just as fast as he gives it. Esposito said he will stay in office until the mayor finds his replacement. Additional reporting by Danny Lewis. Jessica Gould is a reporter in the newsroom at WNYC. You can follow her on Twitter at @ByJessicaGould. DOHA, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has received a written invitation from Saudi Arabia's King Salman to attend an annual Gulf Arab summit being held in Riyadh on Dec. 9, the Qatar News Agency said on Tuesday. Qatar is locked in a bitter dispute with Saudi Arabia that has fractured the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and it has not said what level of representation it will send to the gathering of heads of state seen by analysts as unlikely to bring a diplomatic breakthrough. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and non-GCC member Egypt have imposed diplomatic, trade and transport sanctions on Qatar since June 2017, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Doha denies the charge. At last year's GCC summit, held in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain sent ministers or deputy prime ministers, rather than heads of state. The invite from the Saudi king comes a day after Qatar abruptly announced it was quitting OPEC after 57 years to focus on gas in an apparent swipe at the oil-producing bloc's de facto leader Saudi Arabia. Doha's exit from OPEC has deepened the sense among diplomats and analysts that any prospect for a near-term resolution to the Gulf row was unlikely to come at the summit in Riyadh. "I'm sure this summit will not bring any change," said Mahjoob Zweiri, director of the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have repeatedly said that the dispute was not a high priority for them, and Qatar's foreign minister said last month he saw no thaw. At an Arab League summit in Riyadh last April Qatar did not send a senior official and its delegation was headed instead by its permanent representative to the Arab League. The row has defied mediation efforts by Kuwait and the United States which sees Gulf unity as essential to efforts to contain Iran. The GCC was founded in 1980 as a bulwark against bigger neighbors Iran and Iraq, but the protracted row has undermined its role in regional affairs. GENEVA, Dec 4 (Reuters) The United States has made 11 attempts to begin negotiations with Iran in the last two years, all rejected by Tehran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was quoted as saying on Tuesday. Tensions have escalated between the two countries after U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from a multilateral nuclear agreement with Iran in May and reimposed sanctions in a bid to curb the Islamic Republic's missile program and regional influence. "If you think America is victorious, know that today Iran is victorious and Trump has been defeated," Rouhani said in coments reported by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) news agency. "Last year America requested negotiations eight times directly and this year three times indirectly which we did not accept on the basis of the dignity of the people." The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rouhani did not say which subjects the United States wanted to negotiate about and nor did he specify whether he was referring to the Iranian calendar year, which begins in March. Trump said in July he would be willing to meet Rouhani without preconditions to discuss how to improve ties after he pulled the United States out of the 2015 nuclear deal, saying, "If they want to meet, well meet." Senior Iranian officials and military commanders rejected Trumps offer as worthless and "a dream," saying his words contradicted his action of reimposing sanctions on Tehran. (Reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh, additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed in Washington; Editing by Adrian Croft) VIENNA, Dec 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. government confirmed that Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih met with U.S. special representative for Iran Brian Hook in Vienna on Wednesday, contradicting a Saudi denial that the talks had taken place. Sources familiar with the meeting said earlier that Hook, a senior policy adviser to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, had spoken with Falih a day before the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries was due to debate oil output cuts. The United States reimposed sanctions on OPEC member Iran last month. The measure has severely reduced Iranian oil flows. Washington has said it wants ultimately to drive Iranian shipments to zero. A Saudi Energy Ministry spokesman said of the talks between Falih and Hook: "We categorically deny such a meeting took place." However, a U.S. State Department spokeswoman later confirmed the meeting occurred. "Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook met briefly with the Saudi Minister of Energy in Vienna on Wednesday," the State Department spokeswoman said. U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Saudi Arabia, OPEC's de facto leader, to refrain from production cuts in order to keep oil prices low. He said higher oil supplies were a payback from Riyadh for U.S. support against Saudi arch-rival Iran. Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh criticized Hook over the meeting for what he said was his "meddlesome approach". "If Mr. Hook has come to Vienna to apply for U.S. membership in OPEC, and this is the reason why he meets OPEC members, this request shall be reviewed, Zanganeh told Iran's Oil Ministry news website SHANA. "Otherwise, he has adopted an unprofessional, naive and meddlesome approach. OPEC is an independent organization and is not part of the U.S. Department of Energy to take orders from Washington," Zanganeh told SHANA. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria Bernd Alexander Bayerl. The president has also received credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea Kim Tong-op. President Aliyev also received credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Khairullah Spelenai. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has presented "Labor" Order 1st Class to People's Artist of Azerbaijan and the USSR, hero of Socialist Labor, holder of state prizes Tahir Salahov. The president hailed the activity of prominent representative of the contemporary art school of Azerbaijan, Tahir Salahov. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 Trend: Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met Attilio Fontana, the president of the Lombardy Region of Italy in the framework of his visit to Milan. At the meeting a satisfaction was expressed over the current level of Azerbaijan-Italy relations and it was mentioned that bilateral beneficial cooperation exists in all areas, including the economic area, and Italy is the main trade partner of Azerbaijan. It was underlined that many Italian companies are operating in Azerbaijan, cooperation exists with the biggest Italian companies like Saipem, Eni, Snam, Maire Tecnimont whose headquarters are located in Lombardy, as well as the existence of direct flight between Milan and Baku is important from the point of developing relations between the two states in the sphere of tourism. Taking into account the crucial role that the Lombardy Region plays in economic and cultural life of Italy, certitude was expressed on additional contribution this region would make in further development of Azerbaijan-Italy relations. The president of the region of Lombardy shared his good memories of his visit to Baku in his youth, informed that he is aware of impressive achievements of Azerbaijan during the last years, expressed interest of the companies of the region headed by him in benefiting from new economic opportunities in Azerbaijan and pointed out that taking into account the high level scientific-technological potential of Lombardy, the development of relations between the higher education and scientific research institutions of both sides would be beneficial. Minister Elmar Mammadyarov noted that the intensification in the relations between Azerbaijan and Italy is observed over the last years, and in this regard especially the official visit of the President of the Republic of Italy Sergio Mattarella to Azerbaijan in July of this year and negotiations held with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was underlined. Minister mentioned the opening of the Polymer Plant constructed by the Maire Tecnimont Company in the framework of SOCAR Polymer project within Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park with the participation of both of the Presidents. Informing his interlocutor on the development strategy of Azerbaijan, priority development directions, regional and globally important projects of Azerbaijan, including the leading role of the country in realization of the Southern Gas Corridor, Minister Elmar Mammadyarov invited Attilio Fontana together with the representatives of economic and scientific-academic circles of the region to our country in order to get better acquainted with Azerbaijan and discuss the cooperation opportunities in various fields. Accepting the invitation with great pleasure, the president of the Lombardy Region said that he intends to visit Azerbaijan with a large delegation in near future. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 6 Trend: On December 5th, 2018 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Araz Azimov participated at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council with Resolute Support Operational Partner and Potential Operational Partner Nations in Foreign Ministers' session. During the meeting NATO allies and operational partners discussed the security situation in Afghanistan, developments vis-a-vis the peace process and reiterated their support to Afghanistans long-term security and stability. Deputy Minister Araz Azimov highlighted that alongside with the 13th Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, current meeting is yet another opportunity to restate the commitment to establishing peace in Afghanistan. He reaffirmed Azerbaijans continued support to Resolute Support Mission and development of Afghanistan. Deputy Minister Araz Azimov reiterated Azerbaijans support to sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the internationally recognized borders of Afghanistan. Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov also met with the NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller during his visit to NATO Headquarters. The sides exchanged views on the issues of the current state and perspectives of relations between Azerbaijan and NATO, regional security and other issues of common interest. The successful cooperation and achievements made in the framework of the 25 year-long Partnership for Peace Program between Azerbaijan and NATO were hailed at the meeting. Deputy Minister Araz Azimov noted the determination of Azerbaijan to continue its regular political dialogue and practical cooperation with the Alliance. The NATO Deputy Secretary General commended Azerbaijan for its significant contributions to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission through rendering military forces, transit, training and financial assistance. She thanked the Government of Azerbaijan for all its efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. The sides also discussed the regional security and other issues of common interest. Japan Village, the latest in an apparently inexhaustible series of NYC food halls, completed its first full weekend on Sunday with most, though not yet all, of its vendors open. Located within Industry Citythough, conveniently, the entrance is right on Third Avenue, a block away from the subway, so you wont get lost in the megacomplex mazethe jam-packed venue houses both an ample Sunrise Mart for Asian-brand groceries, beverages, and snacks, and (at least currently) seven different booths covering the Japanese food basics. That old East Village standby Setagaya provides the ramen, for example, while Gohei next door will satisfy your soba and udon needs. A griddle outfit called Hachi had yakisoba and okonomiyaki on their menu over the weekend, with takoyaki (octopus balls) coming soon. Deep frying duties fall to Shokusaido, with vegetable and fish tempuras as well as pork and chicken katsus. Moriya also has fried delights, offered in rice bowl format. Prices are mostly very reasonable throughout: my generous bowl of Niku udon, topped with plenty of "sweet and savory" beef, cost only $11; and my Seafood Okononmiyaki, packed with bits of octopus, shrimp, and scallop, was only $9. The best thing I ate on Sunday was the pair of onigiri at Obentoyasan. One was an Ume, or pickled plum, and possibly the most umami thing you can put in your mouth; the other a Mentaiko, stuffed with cod and topped with roe and also soft, juicy, and exploding with flavor. The rice, the seaweed, the fillings, the temperature, the balance among ingredients: all perfect. And only three bucks each. Hard to know if they can consistently deliver such wonderful treats, but I would happily navigate the usual weekend subway mess just to try more of the varieties here. They also serve three types of Miso Soup. The layout here is a bit of a challenge once it gets really crowded (if you can go during the week, you should definitely do that), but that's mostly due to the plentiful seating taking up every bit of open space throughout. If it's even moderately warm, the courtyard right out back is the obvious move. There's a central bar with Japanese beers and sake, and most stations also sell beer as well as softer beverages. The true Japan Village pros, however, will pop over to Sunrise Mart for drinks and snacky supplements to their meal. Japan Village, which includes the Sunrise Mart, is located at Industry City, 934 Third Avenue, in Sunset Park, and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. More food vendors, including a sushi bar, and longer hours coming soon. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 Trend: As part of the State Program for Development of Silkworm Breeding and Sericulture in Azerbaijan in 2018-2025, another batch of one million mulberry tree seedlings have been imported from China, Trend reported citing the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan. The seedlings will be distributed to 36 districts of Azerbaijan. The seedlings are divided among the districts according to orders made by them, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan Ilham Guliyev told reporters. The mulberry seedlings will be planted in the previously allocated areas of the Azerbaijani districts using Chinese technology and the Chinese experts from will monitor the process, the deputy minister said adding that so far 3.5 million seedlings have been imported to Azerbaijan. Ilham Guliyev noted that in 2018, 514 tons of raw silk cocoons were produced, and added that the supply of new seedlings will allow to increase the harvest in 2019. According to the negotiations held with China,this year it is planned to bring 20,000 silkworm boxes to Azerbaijan. Both seedlings and silkworms will be provided to farmers for free. The deputy minister stressed that that thanks to the state support to cocoon breeding and sericulture, farmers, without getting distracted from their main job, receive sufficient additional income. Azeripek LLC buys raw silk cocoons from farmers for 4 manats, and the state gives farmers 5 manats of subsidies for every kilogram of raw silk cocoons. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Sara Israfilbayova - Trend: The World Bank (WB) is working with Azerbaijans Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources to examine different options of the "green economy" development, Head of the WB Baku Office Naveed Naqvi told Trend. The bank has also been able to mobilize funds from the Korean Green Growth Trust Fund, to support green economy in Azerbaijan. Naqvi further said that apart from having a longstanding partnership with Azerbaijan in the energy sector, there were preliminary conversations with Azerbaijans Energy Ministry regarding alternative energy sources. "Currently, there are no specific projects, but if the government is interested in working with the WB on alternative renewable energy, such as wind or solar power, we will provide our support," he concluded. Azerbaijan is currently taking serious steps to develop alternative energy. To this end, negotiations are underway with foreign companies and investors, including companies from China, the UAE, the US and the EU. For example, the Norwegian company DNV GL will help create a support system and a legal framework in Azerbaijan's alternative energy sector. Most of Azerbaijan's potential in this sector comes from the solar energy and this potential is estimated at 5,000 megawatts. Wind power accounts for 4,500 megawatts, biomass for 1,500 megawatts, geothermal energy for 800 megawatts, and the remaining 350 megawatts account for small hydropower plants. The potential of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan exceeds 25,300 megawatts, which will allow generating 62.8 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually. According to the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan, in January-September 2018, hydropower production amounted to 1,422.3 kilowatt hours, solar energy to 31.7 kilowatt hours and wind power to 31.9 kilowatt hours. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec. 5 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: In a message to Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Slovenian President Borut Pahor expressed confidence that cooperation between the countries will develop and strengthen. The message was sent on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Slovenia and Turkmenistan. "A high level of political relations has been established between the Republic of Slovenia and Turkmenistan over the past years, which are based on mutual respect," the message said. Among the priority sectors of the partnership between Ashgabat and Ljubljana are trade, communications, telecommunications, transport, air traffic, freight shipping, agriculture and food industry. The negotiations are also underway to launch direct flights between the countries and expand business contacts. Turkmenistan is exploring the possibilities of supplying gas to the European market. For this purpose, a project is underway to lay the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline to the shores of Azerbaijan, from where Turkmen gas can be supplied to Turkey and further to Europe. The EU, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan have been holding the talks on this project since 2011. According to the Turkmen government, the readiness of the two countries for cooperation in ensuring global energy security was stressed during Pahors visit to Ashgabat in late July 2014. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Taleh Mursagulov - Trend: The Agency for Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) of Azerbaijan has obtained the right to participate in all exhibitions organized by Iteca Caspian LLC, Orkhan Mammadov, chairman of the board of the Agency, told reporters in Baku Dec. 5. He said that in this regard, the Agency signed a memorandum of understanding with Iteca Caspian LLC, Trend reports. The agency will support and provide the appropriate assistance to SMEs interested in participating in exhibitions, he noted. Speaking about the Bakutel exhibition being held in Baku, he said that as part of the KOBI Destek program, the Agency for Development of SMEs of Azerbaijan together with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan created conditions for startups, micro and small enterprises to participate in the exhibition and demonstrate their innovations. In addition, Mammadov noted that as part of the exhibition, the Agency for Development of SMEs of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies presented an innovative program to support entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs will be able to use this online platform very effectively, he said. As part of this program, entrepreneurs will be able to create their profile and send their appeals, suggestions and complaints to the relevant government agencies online via the Agency. He added that changes in tax legislation were recently discussed in the Azerbaijani parliament, and as part of these changes, certain benefits for startups are provided, and in the near future, certain benefits for SMEs will be fully made public. Speaking about the activities of the Agency, he noted that during the five months of its activities, three Friends of SMEs centers, which are representative offices of the Agency, were commissioned in Masalli, Khachmaz and Siyazan districts of Azerbaijan. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Elnur Baghishov Trend: In the first eight months of this Iranian year (started on March 21, 2018), Iraq ranks first among the countries importing goods from Iran according to the statistics on foreign trade of the Iran Customs Administration, Trend reports citing Tasnim news agency. Iraq ranks first among the countries importing goods from Iran for two months running. During eight months, about 14,000 tons of products worth $6.7 billion were exported to Iraq, which is 66 percent more compared to the same period of last Iranian year. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Rashid Shirinov Trend: Kazakh Invest National Company is presently negotiating with about 20 leading Turkish holdings, Managing Director of the company Erik Yakubayev told Trend. The negotiations are aimed at establishing in Kazakhstan the production of canned vegetables, paint and varnish products, sandwich panels, yarn and home textiles, processing of meat products, construction of solar power plants, as well as the opening of a modern clinic and projects in the logistics, chemical, mining and metallurgical industries. It is worth noting that since the beginning of this year, 23 projects with Turkish capital worth $1.5 billion have been in the monitoring system of Kazakh Invest. "For Kazakhstan, the implementation of agreements with Turkish companies will contribute to the development of the non-primary sector of the country's economy, as well as will have a positive socio-economic effect," Yakubayev said. For instance, more than 3,000 jobs will be created in the regions of the country. New plants will appear in Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, Aktobe and Almaty regions in the fields of mining and smelting, production of building materials, agriculture, agricultural chemistry and manufacturing. Since Kazakhstan gained independence, Turkey has invested more than $3 billion in the country. Moreover, Turkey is among the top 10 trade partners of Kazakhstan. Trade turnover between the two countries in 2017 increased by 27 percent and amounted to almost $2 billion. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @ShirinovRashid Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.5 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Qatars decision to withdraw from OPEC is unlikely to have a domino effect within the cartel, Francis Perrin, Senior Fellow at the OCP Policy Center (Rabat) and Senior Research Fellow at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS, Paris) told Trend. "Qatar's decision to withdraw from OPEC is a great surprise. It is mostly a business decision. The country is a small oil producer and exporter and a big gas producer and exporter. It is the world leading LNG (liquefied natural gas) exporter. OPEC is dealing only with crude oil and not with natural gas or natural gas liquids. For Qatar the strategic priority is to focus on gas, especially LNG, which is the jewel in its crown and which presents interesting opportunities of growth in the mid-term and in the long-term," said the expert. Another reason is that Qatar is a small country within OPEC, noted Perrin. "It is the 11th oil producer within the organization which gathers 15 countries. It means that Qatar's weight within OPEC is not very important." Perrin said Qatari leaders stress that this decision has nothing to do with the political and economic sanctions imposed since June 2017 by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt (Saudi Arabia and the UAE are OPEC member states). "I would agree that this political issue is not a key issue to explain Qatar's decision. But it may have played some role even if it is a small part of the explanation," the expert noted. Further, he said that Qatar's withdrawal will not have a significant impact on the oil market and oil prices because Qatar's crude oil production is only 600,000 barrels per day presently out of a total OPEC production of 33 million b/d. "World oil production is 100 million b/d. Oil prices are a little higher today due to the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Russia in order to cut their oil output from the beginning of 2019 (the formal decision will be taken by OPEC and by 10 non-OPEC countries in a few days) and to an agreement between the US and China over trade matters." As for the possibility of Qatars increasing its crude output after leaving OPEC, Perrin said it is out of question. "Qatar's withdrawal will be effective from January 2019. It means that from next year onwards the country will theoretically be able to do what it wants to do with its oil production. But the Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs said that Qatar would comply with the decision that OPEC will take in a few days. Moreover Qatar does not have the capacity to increase its oil production even if it wanted to do this tomorrow. The future of Qatar is natural gas rather than oil. As far as gas and LNG are concerned the country has the capacity and the willingness to increase its production and exports and it will do this in the next years," said the expert. Perrin said he doesnt think that Qatar's move will have a domino effect within OPEC. "But the organization must take this decision into account and be receptive to the needs and constraints of all its member states, including the smallest producers. It is a kind of waking call for OPEC." Qatars Energy Minister, Saad al-Kaabi, has announced that the country will leave OPEC with effect from 1st January 2019. Mr. al-Kaabi pinned the decision on the countrys desire to focus on investing in its LNG capacity and that, as a small oil producer, it had little influence over OPEC policy. The announcement comes ahead of the meeting by OPEC and its allies including Russia on Dec. 6-7 to discuss cutting supply. The minister said the decision was not easy as Qatar has been in OPEC for 57 years, but that the countrys impact on OPEC production decisions was small. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Sara Israfilbayova Trend: Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR is doing everything possible to bring carbon dioxide emissions to a minimum, Trend reports citing SOCAR Vice President for Ecology Rafiga Huseynzade as saying during a seminar on the application of the national action plan for Azerbaijan. The main source of carbon dioxide is the energy sector, and we are doing everything possible to bring these emissions to a minimum, she said, adding that various laws were adopted in this direction, as well as the corresponding decrees and orders were signed. In particular, the laws On Ecological Safety and On Environmental Protection can be considered most important of them, she noted. Azerbaijan has taken important steps in this direction in a very short time and is participating in many global projects, she added. SOCAR follows the zero waste principle. Further, she noted that in recent years, SOCAR has been involved in large-scale projects. Thus, since 2012, SOCAR has been implementing a joint project with the World Bank, as part of which the associated gas is collected from the Oil Rocks. Every day about one million cubic meters of associated gas is collected and provided to the population, said Huseynzade, stressing that this is a significant achievement. As part of another project jointly with the World Bank, in which BP also participates, one million cubic meters of associated gas is also being collected at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli field. In turn, as Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Novruz Guliyev noted, despite that Azerbaijan is a developing country, it has the potential to put to life all plans and projects (to reduce harmful emissions). He noted the importance of the Paris Agreement to combat climate change, of which Azerbaijan is a party (the country signed it in 2016), adding that by implementing the measures considered in this agreement, it will be possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and thereby ensure the health of future generations. SOCAR reduced carbon dioxide emissions within its projects to 5.891 million tons in 2017. Since 2010, emissions have been reduced by 45 percent. Fourteen drones are now a part of the NYPD's Technical Assistance Response Unit [TARU], raising concerns about law enforcement spying and data collection on protesters. At a press conference in Fort Totten on Tuesday morning, top police officials dubbed the technology the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program. The NYPD says the drones will be used for search and rescue and inaccessible crime scenesand not for routine patrols or "as a weapon." (A recent Fox TV drama featured a Chicago police district using drones to fight crime.) Drones will also be deployed at "large events," which could presumably include political demonstrations, which the NYPD has already made a practice of filming with hand-held cameras. The NYPDs 14 Unmanned Aircraft Systems can be used to aid police officers in: Search & rescue missions Crime scene documentation HAZMAT incidents Traffic & pedestrians at large events Hostage situations Other emergency situations with approval by @NYPDChiefofDept pic.twitter.com/EqgKAWtHjt NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 4, 2018 The Unmanned Aircraft System will NOT be used for: Routine patrol Traffic enforcement Immobilizing vehicles/ suspects Warrantless surveillance As a weapon pic.twitter.com/13fb4J9C7L NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 4, 2018 Only licensed members of the Technical Assistance Response Unit will be using the drones. In announcing the new drone program, the NYPD pointed to "more than 900 state and local police, fire and emergency units with UAVs" nationwide. "During the NYPDs research and development stage, NYPD officials met with other police departments to learn about their programs. Additionally, the Department solicited feedback from City Council members and advocates." The NYPD also sought feedback from the New York Civil Liberties Union, which remains concerned about potential abuses of privacy and departmental overreach. In a statement, Christopher Dunn, the NYCLU's associate legal director, said, "Police cameras in the skies of New York City offer a new frontier for both public safety and abuses of power. When the NYPD provided us with an early look at a draft policy that would govern the Departments deployment of drones, the NYCLU expressed serious concerns. The NYPD did make some changes, but we continue to believe the NYPDs drone program poses a serious threat to New Yorkers privacy." Dunn added, "The NYPDs drone policy places no meaningful restrictions on police deployment of drones in New York City and opens the door to the police department building a permanent archive of drone footage of political activity and intimate private behavior visible only from the sky. While we appreciate the NYPDs willingness to meet with us before it announced this program, we believe the new policy falls far short of what is needed to balance the departments legitimate law-enforcement needs against the privacy interests of New Yorkers." The NYCLU wants more specificity on how long data collected by drones will be retained and what kind of "emergency" circumstances would necessitate drones. Here's the letter the NYCLU sent to the NYPD on October 12th, 2018: The NYPD has not yet responded to our question about how long drone data will be retained. City Council Member Donovan Richards told the NY Times he wants legislation to protect citizens' privacy passed soon: "What we want to avoid is mission creep, where you start with the use of drones for traffic and before you know it, its being used for surveillance." In Illinois, police are allowed to use drones without warrants only in emergency situations where "swift action is needed to prevent imminent harm to life." A bill that would have expanded drone usage to monitor large gatherings over 100 people did not pass earlier this year. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: Belarus and Azerbaijan are working on proposals for cooperation in the petrochemical industry, Ambassador of Belarus to Azerbaijan Gennady Akhramovich said in an interview with the magazine Vestnik Belneftekhima, Trend reports citing Belta. He said that for the development of cooperation with Azerbaijan in the petrochemical industry, Belarusian producers need to maintain a constant dialogue and direct personal contacts with partners. The ambassador noted that the Azerbaijani petrochemical market doesnt experience shortage of proposals regarding most of the commodity items, and the competition in the market is quite high. In each niche, brands of the worlds leading manufacturers are presented in various prices, and many exporters simultaneously offer preferential terms of supplies, he said. Under these conditions, Belarusian producers need to carry out the work aimed at increasing the quality characteristics of goods, maintain constant dialogue and direct personal contacts with Azerbaijani partners, be flexible in addressing the supply of products and services, he said. In general, systematic work is required in this area. We are working out mutually beneficial proposals. The diplomat also said that petrochemical production in Belarus and Azerbaijan is one of the priority areas, so cooperation in this sphere is very promising. In his opinion, joint coordinated work of all interested structures is important in this direction. He noted that in recent years, under the concluded contracts and agreements between the specialized companies of the two countries, the value of the oil products sold in foreign markets amounted to hundreds of millions of US dollars. Therefore, we are actively working to further expand the Belarusian-Azerbaijani cooperation in this industry, he said. Azerbaijans trade turnover with Belarus amounted to $175.7 million in January-October 2018, and over $158 million of this value accounted for the import of Belarusian products, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. Over the year, the trade turnover between the two countries increased by 54.8 percent. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @AzadHasanli Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Sara Israfilbayova - Trend: BP has managed to achieve significant results in the nationalization of Azerbaijan's energy sector, Gary Jones, BP regional president for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, said at an event on the strategy of nationalizing the oil and gas industry Dec. 5, Trend reports. Jones noted that BP started its activities in Azerbaijan 26 years ago and the company is proud to be involved in all major energy projects in the country. For the five years of the program's implementation, the number of Azerbaijanis working at BP reached 90 percent, which was BPs goal, he said. He noted that the share of local personnel holding top positions in the company increased from 37 percent to 62 percent over the period. The number of women in high positions has doubled, he said, adding that the share of Azerbaijanis working in mid-level positions reached a record high of 95 percent. Jones also praised the Baku Higher Oil School, noting that it trains highly qualified specialists. He stressed that for economic development, it is important to create favorable conditions for a healthy competition. In this regard, he expressed gratitude to Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR for cooperation. Speaking at the event, Head of the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan Vusal Huseynov also emphasized the high indicators of nationalization in oil and gas companies. He noted that the work carried out in this direction will make it possible to form a new labor market, ensure more effective participation of local specialists in transnational oil and gas companies and increase employment rates. In November 2013, SOCAR and BP signed a protocol on cooperation in nationalization, and in February 2014, SOCAR and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan signed a corresponding memorandum of cooperation. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @IsrafilbekovaS Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: The first Islamic bank in Tajikistan to be opened in April 2019, a source in the financial market of Tajikistan told Trend. According to the information, in 2018, the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Regional office in the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Hub in Almaty, Kazakhstan was approached by Sohibkorbank, a mid-sized bank in Tajikistan. Sohibkorbank sought to get technical guidance to achieve their strategic ambition of transforming from a conventional bank into the 1st Islamic bank in Tajikistan by 2019, the source noted. He added that the ICD team is currently guiding the bank through its journey of transformation, spanning Sharia (Islamic religious law) governance and product development, legal support, human resources, IT solutions, accounting, treasury, risk management, and marketing and communications support. The project, reportedly, achieved significant progress in all spheres and is approaching launch of the new Islamic bank in Tajikistan. Islamic banking or Islamic finance is banking or financing activity that complies with Sharia and its practical application through the development of Islamic economics. Some of the modes of Islamic banking/finance include Mudarabah (profit-sharing and loss-bearing), Wadiah (safekeeping), Musharaka (joint venture), Murabahah (cost-plus), and Ijara (leasing). Sharia prohibits riba, or usury, defined as interest paid on all loans of money, although some Muslims dispute whether there is a consensus that interest is equivalent to riba. Investment in businesses that provide goods or services considered contrary to Islamic principles (e.g. pork or alcohol) is also haraam (sinful and prohibited). OJSC Sohibkorbank offers banking services in Tajikistan. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is based in Khujand, Tajikistan. It has branch offices in Dushanbe, Kanibadam, Isfara, and Kurgantyube. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Rashid Shirinov, Huseyn Valiyev Trend: Turkmen Communications Ministry is developing an internal concept of transition to a digital economy, the implementation of which will significantly improve the quality of life of the population, including agriculture and the national economy, said the Minister of Communications Bairamgeldi Ovezov, Trend reported. He made the remarks at the 54th meeting of the Council of Heads of Communications Administrations of the Regional Communication Commonwealth, held in Baku. Ovezov said that on December 1, the president of Turkmenistan signed a decree approving the concept of developing the country's digital economy for 2019-2025. "The current trend of the world economy development is closely related to the increasing role of information technology and knowledge of economic life of society. The economy is changing, becoming more innovative and based on the use of high-speed internet, the minister said, adding that the countries that are able to constantly improve with technological innovations in economic management are the most competitive today. Ovezov added that while implementing the State for Human policy of the president of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Communications pays special attention to the development of telecommunications infrastructure of the country, mainly in rural areas. "The main goal of the national rural program is to raise the quality of life of people and create conditions for improving the well-being of the population. This is the aim of measures to industrialize the regions, increase domestic production and provide rural residents with new jobs, Ovezov said. He added that the task of the communications ministry as a regulator is to meet the needs of the rural population, agricultural enterprises, local authorities and social infrastructure with the highest quality ICT services, including telephone, data transmission and Internet access. We see the strategy of the Ministry of Communications in terms of achieving the digital transformation of the country in providing high-speed broadband connection to settlements in all parts of the country," said Ovezov. The head of the ministry also highlighted the importance of ensuring the information security of Turkmenistan. "This is a top priority for modern society. This is quite a complex multifunctional process that depends on external and internal factors. This is due to the fact that at the present stage of society development, information technology is becoming increasingly important for the whole country," the minister said. Tehran, Iran, Dec. 5 Trend: Iran's Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi has called for establishment of strong regional organizations to face the US sanctions during his speech at the Caspian Innovation Conference in Baku. "Establishing regional organizations and developing cooperation with neighbors are the solution to the sanctions," he said, Trend reports citing IRNA. The Iranian IT minister attended the Caspian Innovation Conference alongside his counterparts from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Afghanistan and 14 other countries. "We should follow our path to establish regional organizations to face the US unilateral challenge in the region, especially in IT," he said. "The world is entering a new revolution, the fourth industrial revolution or digital transformation," he added. "Iran has had a successful path in digital transformation and young Iranians have done big moves in developing IT," he said. "We are ready to share our experience in digital transformation with other countries," he said. Caspian Innovation Conference is an annual feature event of the BakuTel International Exhibition and covers different themes, such as Broadband Connectivity, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), E-Services Delivery, ICT-based Startups and Innovative SMEs, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Knowledge-based Manufacturing, Cyber-security Readiness, etc. Details added (first version posted on 17:09) Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Huseyn Valiyev Trend: The Azerbaijani national communications operator Aztelekom LLC and the Belarusian Republican Unitary Enterprise Beltelecom signed a memorandum of cooperation, Trend reports. The document was signed during the 4th Azerbaijan-Belarus business forum in the field of information and communication technologies held in Baku on Dec. 5. From the Azerbaijani side, the memorandum was signed by director general of Aztelekom Suat Pashayev, while from the Belarusian side - by deputy director general of Beltelecom Sergey Turomsha. During the business forum, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Information and Computing Center of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies and the Institute of Applied Software Systems of the Belarusian Ministry of Communications and Informatization. The document was signed by director of the Azerbaijani Information and Computing Center Elnar Asadov and director of the Belarusian Institute of Applied Software Systems Igor Mikhailovsky. Moreover, the memorandum of cooperation was signed by Director General of Azerpost LLC Emin Efendiyev and Director General of the Belarusian mail service company Belpochta Vladimir Matusevich. Elmir Valizade, deputy minister of transport, communications and high technologies of Azerbaijan, noted at the business forum that the forum takes place in the year when the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus is celebrated. On this occasion, a special postage stamp was issued, he said. Intensive cooperation between our countries in the field of ICT contributes to the strengthening of the potential of both countries, the introduction of advanced technologies and innovations in this field, he noted. We have a good tradition of being represented at our exhibitions by our national pavilions. This is an indicator of our mutual relations. In turn, deputy head of the Belarusian delegation Sergei Zhernosek read out the welcoming speech on behalf of Minister of Communications and Informatization of Belarus Konstantin Shulgan. As noted in the welcoming speech, the Belarusian side proposes to transfer ideas and knowledge, exchange successful experience in the use of ICT in traditional industries to further enhance cooperation in the innovation sphere between Belarus and Azerbaijan, as well as to consider the possibilities within the business program of the international ICT forum to be held in 2019 in Minsk April 8-12. The Belarus-Azerbaijan Innovation Forum will be organized as part of the ICT Forum in Minsk. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Taleh Mursagulov - Trend: An e-government executive group has been established in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The group was created at an event Development of e-government and transition to digital government: new concept and look into future. The event was attended by representatives of various government agencies working in this area. Chairman of the State Agency for Public Services and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan Ulvi Mehtiyev told reporters that the State Agency prepared an action plan for the transition to e-government and a new concept of e-government. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree March 14 on measures to develop e-government and transition to the digital government. According to the decree, the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations has been charged with the implementation and regulation of a state policy on e-government to improve the management system in this area, strengthen state control and improve the efficiency of the conducted work. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.5 By Ilhama Isabalayeva Trend: Azerbaijan plans to double the number of incoming tourists by 2023, Trend reported citing executive director of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Promotion Bureau Florian Sengstschmid. He made the remarks during the First General Assembly of the Azerbaijan Hotel Association in Baku. He pointed out that one of the main goals is to turn Azerbaijan into one of the attractive and successful tourism destinations. The tourism strategy until 2023 covers nine areas, such as accumulation of experience, education in the sphere of tourism, innovations and technologies, brand, marketing and other fields, said Sengstschmid. The cooperation of the government and business is the key point in this strategy for developing tourism in the country, especially in the hotel industry, he said, adding that if the government cooperates with tourism companies, this sphere will develop more rapidly. The First General Assembly of the Association of Hotels of Azerbaijan was held in Baku on December 4. The main goal of the event is to unite the hotel industry specialists and inform the assembly participants about the structure, charter, future activities, goals of the newly established Association of Azerbaijan Hotels. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 Trend: Exotic destinations are becoming more popular and not only for tourists. The logistics industry is also expanding towards new horizons and discovering new and extraordinary destinations. International transportation and logistics services provider AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG offers global air cargo shipping for a wide range of load types including perishables and dangerous goods. Transportation of cargo by air remains in great demand among AsstrAs clients due to fast delivery times, broad geographical reach, and minimal fraud risks. Our company helps its customers enjoy all the advantages of air freight shipping by organizing the transportation of all cargo in strict conformity with agreed timeframes and shipment destinations. Thanks to close cooperation with international airlines, AsstrA offers a flexible pricing policy and maintains a high level of service quality. The geographical reach of AsstrAs airfreight services is unlimited. Apart from destinations on high-demand trade lanes, the corporate group offers air transport to more exotic countries. Experts from the AsstrA Italia Branch Office in Bergamo, Italy, know well how to organize extraordinary air deliveries. Air transportation to distant countries is our area of expertise. We help clients ship their goods to all Asian countries, Australia, the USA, and Africa from key Italian airports like Malpensa, Fiumicino, Marco Polo, Punta Raisi, Firenze, Torino, or Caselle. Since the beginning of 2017 we have already executed many shipments from Italy to India, Kenya, Nigeria, Argentina, and Azerbaijan, says Alan Terzi, Freight Forwarder in the AsstrA Express Delivery and Groupage Cargo Division. AsstrAs airfreight offerings also comprise customs formalities support as well as comprehensive cargo tracking and professional groupage services. The range of transported load types is very wide. AsstrA also gives clients the possibility to load ADR cargoes. There is no limit to the types of cargo flown on exotic trade lanes. Everything from spare machine parts to flour and paper. Recently, we successfully transported spare machine parts to several African countries for a key client. AsstrA can serve any industry, adds Alan Terzi. For airfreight to Asian countries, Australia, the USA, and Africa, transportation is different than for other common destinations. As Mr. Terzi goes on to highlight: Large volumes of paperwork required by the airlines are the norm for these trade lanes, so it is very important to work with the customer in order to prepare everything correctly. Lubov Zakharava, AsstrA Italy Country Manager, points out that Airfreight to all Asian countries, Australia, the USA and Africa is one of our key offerings. We launched it last year and have already observed significant demand from clients. We would like to keep improving our service and increase our volumes. In the future, we would also like to obtain IATA authorization in Italy to complement our existing Russian IATA status. That way we will work directly with air companies and be able to offer customers an even better standard of service. 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. Email: [email protected], Mobile: +99450 2450456 WhatsApp & Viber: +48 576147796 Website: http://www.asstra.com Fb: https://www.facebook.com/AsstrAsia/ In Bishkek, the State Agency for Local Government and Inter-Ethnic Relations (SALGIER) under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic together with the State Personnel Service of the Kyrgyz Republic (SPS) and the representative office of Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSS) held a conference on Prospects for Applying the Bavarian Experience in Rural Development in the Kyrgyz Republic, kabar.kg reports. The press service of the institution reported that a representative of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kyrgyz Republic Monika Iversen and representatives of local governments of all the regions of the republic took part in the conference. During the Conference, Director of the SALGIER Bakhtiyar Saliev welcomed the participants and noted that the main goal of the regional policy of Kyrgyzstan is to ensure the accelerated socio-economic development of the republics regions in order to improve the well-being and quality of life of the population through support of the development of key areas, including development centers and respective aiyl aimaks. The experience of developing rural areas in Bavaria is useful for us, since 65% of the population of Kyrgyzstan lives in rural areas, where local self-government bodies solve local issues and exercise state powers entrusted to them. In all the issues of local communities, local governments cannot stand aside, whether they are issues of farming, land management, subsoil use or other issues, Saliev said. The conference program also presents other experience on local development in Bavaria. Sometimes, when I find myself trapped underground, being slowly smothered by my neighbors' winter parkas during another one of the MTA's unscheduled, epoch-long "service changes," I think about how all this might have been avoided. What could our transit authority have done differently to prevent that chunk of falling ceiling from beaning this unfortunate straphanger on the head? How many fingers must we sacrifice prying open this F train's automatic doors before the state coughs up a cash hairball large enough to finance repairs? Solutions have been proposed: There's the inevitable fare hike, of course, and that whole congestion pricing proposition. But have you considered jazz cabbage? According to a new report from the NYU Rudin Center for Transportation, a compelling case exists for pouring profits from marijuana legalization into the subway. According to the report, illegal marijuana sales already amount to between $1.7 and $3.5 billion per year. With a retail tax of 7 to 15 percent, plus a state and local sales tax rate of 8.5 to 8.875 percent, legalizing marijuanaa move the state health department supports, by the wayat its current consumption rate could mean more than $670 million in extra revenue each year. Granted, ganja alone cannot fill this gap: MTA President Andy Byford has repeatedly emphasized that modernizing the subway system means biting a $40 billion bullet. Might they also consider hitting this multi-million dollar spliff? The transit authority had not responded to our request for comment on this modest proposal by time of publication, but as the Times pointed out, the MTA has previously identified as "agnostic" on the question of where the money comes from. According to the NY Times, State Senators have formed an official Pot Panelexcuse me, a Metropolitan Transportation Sustainability Advisory Workgroupto explore the best possible subway saviors, regulated weed among them. And although about 63 percent on New York residents support legal grass, Governor Andrew Cuomo has classically been hard to sell on the idea, having (in classic Dad Fashion) identified marijuana as a "gateway drug" in 2017. Yet legalization has gained traction nationwide for a number of reasons: It helps reduce unjust racial disparities in drug arrests, could lessen reliance on prescription opioids for pain relief, and tends to boost state economies with its aforementioned tax revenue potential. When it comes to the subway, crumbling into dust as I write this, the people seem pretty on board. One rider described the proposed Bud Bailout as "phenomenal," telling the Times: "It's going to happen anyway. It's a matter of time. So they might as well utilize the money on things that they have unfortunately neglected." And while we wait on the promised repairs, might the latitude to light up a jazz cigarette help relieve some of our subway-induced stress? For many, the answer to that question will be yes. Why, just this morning, my esteemed colleague Ben Yakas watched two of his fellow prisoners spark a commuting doobie with a shrug, and honestly, I can't say that I blame them. gothamist morning commute slack is lit pic.twitter.com/zS1btxzkhH Jen Carlson (@jenist) December 5, 2018 Who among us has not been trapped on a 1 train the MTA erroneously claims is running without delays for well over an hour, forced by the circumstances to become another brick in the human meat wall (as Yakas described it) revealed when a train finally stops and its doors creak open? When that has become our daily reality, are we REALLY in a position to say no to drugs? Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec. 5 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The Turkmen delegation took part in the 29th session of the Energy Charter Conference, which has been recently held in Bucharest, Romania, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a message. According to the message, the participants were informed about the international initiatives in the energy sector and topical energy projects in Turkmenistan. The Energy Charter in the development of the global energy sector, support for sustainable energy future, energy efficiency, as well as the development of innovative energy technologies and the modernization of the Energy Charter Treaty were highlighted at the conference. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec. 5 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The second meeting of the joint intergovernmental Turkmen-Egyptian commission on economic, scientific and technical cooperation was held in Cairo, Trend reported citing the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. About 20 businessmen from Turkmenistan and representatives of 35 Egyptian companies took part in the joint forum. Bilateral meetings were held during the meeting. The views on the issues of mutual interest were exchanged and agreements were reached on some of them. The cooperation should be intensified in such areas as trade, energy, agro-industrial complex, health care, pharmaceutics, transport and communications, chemical industry, textile industry, construction. The sides agreed to hold the third meeting of the Turkmen-Egyptian intergovernmental commission on economic, scientific and technical cooperation in Ashgabat in 2019. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: Eighteen MPs representing Isfahan province in Irans parliament have resigned, Iranian MP Akbar Torki said in an interview with Tasnim news agency. He said that their letters of resignation have been submitted to the Iranian parliaments presidium. He noted that the MPs took this step in protest against the withdrawal of water projects of Isfahan from the next years budget. Iranian and Italian lawmakers in a meeting underlined cooperation in education field, IRNA reports. Italy is a major destination for the Iranian students, Head of the Iranian delegation Assadalloh Abbasi said. Abbasi called for promotion of cooperation between the Iranian and Italian academic centers and facilitating presence of Iranian students, there. During the meeting, President of the Commission for Culture, Education and Science of the Chamber of Deputies in the XVIII legislature Luigi Gallo welcomed cooperation with Iranian academic and education centers. He promised to resolve the problems of Iranian students in Italy. Baku, Azerbaijan, December 5 By Azer Ahmadbayli Trend: Russia's actions in Syria have made a strong impression on many Arab countries and have become a trigger of the rapid growth of Russian influence in the Middle East. Many leaders in the region, irritated and kept off-balance by the unpredictable policy of the United States, are readily seeking to establish contacts with Russia, renewing once existing friendly relations with Moscow. In turn, Moscow, having lost almost all of its influence in the Middle East after the collapse of the USSR, is now actively working to restore partnership relations with almost all states of the region. The Persian Gulf has always been considered the sphere of Washington's complete influence with Saudi Arabia being its closest Arab partner and ally. However, in recent years, many facts indicate that the Saudis are trying to get away from unilateral dependence and to diversify their foreign policy relations. Whereas previously the Gulf monarchs were frightened by the "red plague" - the Communist ideology pursued by the Soviet Union, now this argument has lost sense. So, its good time to adjust the sails of foreign policy, commencing cooperation with Russia on the basis of national interests. At the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, everyone paid attention to how President Putin and the crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed each other. Putins Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that he had never seen the head of the Russian state so warmly greeted someone from the world politicians, and explained that as a sign of good personal relations. Amid allegations against the crown Prince, who is considered by many to be directly involved in the murder of journalist Jamal Hashoggi, President Putin made it clear that he attaches great importance to relations with Riyadh. If, at the level of Congress, despite President Trump's rhetoric about the importance of Saudi Arabia for the United States, tough decisions will be made against Riyadh, then here it is Moscow with its welcoming embrace. This seems impossible, considering long-term US protection of the Kingdom, but on the other hand, there have been enough surprising events in recent years that seemed impossible. Who in the world could have imagined that in the center of Istanbul, behind the walls of a diplomatic mission, a human body will be dismembered? The rapprochement between Russia and Saudi Arabia is taking and can take place in several directions: the oil and gas sector and control over prices on the oil market, the post-war order of Syria, nuclear energy, the acquisition of the latest Russian weapons, Moscow's possible mediation in establishing relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. For Washington, it could be a nightmare if, for example, Russian Rosatom wins a tender for the construction of a nuclear power plant and provides nuclear reactors with the possibility of further enrichment of uranium by the Saudis. Or, if deliveries of Russian S-400 missile systems begin the two countries have already had preliminary agreements in these areas. However, Washington has many strong arguments for their Saudi allies, the main of which are military bases scattered throughout the Persian Gulf, as well as the presence of the US Navy 5 Fleet in the region. In late November, the Kremlin announced a possible visit of President Putin to Saudi Arabia. This issue is on the agenda, said the assistant to President Putin Yuri Ushakov, RIA Novosti reported. However, the visit is unlikely to take place until the final point in the Hashoggi case is reached, and possible consequences for Saudi Arabia and the crown Prince personally are made clear, especially by Washington. Georgia is increasing its role as an important trade partner for China, adding new products to its export list, Agenda.ge reports. After successfully exporting wine to China, now olive oil, whisky and tea will be Georgias next export products to China, announces the Partnership Fund. The decision to export new Georgian products to China came at a forum for trade-economic relations in China, where 15 Georgian companies were represented. At the forum the Georgian pavilion showcased Georgian tea, hazelnuts, mineral water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. As for Georgian wine, it first appeared in China in 2017 and was sold in the stores of Cheers Wines in Beijing. Dozens of Chinese wine importers have come to Georgia, while Georgia has been actively participating in food exhibitions in China. Also, a number of Georgian wine houses have been opened in China recently. As a result of all these activities today China takes the place as the third largest importer of Georgian wine. Georgia exported 6,275,909 bottles of wine to China in January-November of 2018. Israeli cybersecurity company ITsMine announced this week that it will provide its artificial intelligence-based data protection solution free of charge to the hotel industry through the end of 2019, The Jerusalem Post reports. The decision follows Marriott International hotel group's announcement that it had suffered a major data breach affecting personal details of approximately 500 million guests, the latest in a series of industry data breaches this year. The company admitted Friday there had been unauthorized access to its Starwood guest reservation database, and did not rule out the possibility that hackers obtained necessary information to decrypt payment card numbers of some customers. Seeking to better secure organizational data, ITsMine's automated Data Loss Prevention (DLP) system promises reduced deployment time and superior protection, while detecting data breaches in real-time and blocking data loss. Installation of the system takes only two hours. "Facing increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity attacks and data breaches, companies must find new and improved ways of storing critical customer data," said Kfir Kimhi, CEO and co-founder of ITsMine. "We hope that by offering our advanced solutions free of charge, we will encourage hotels to take immediate action, on protecting the valuable data of their guests." Founded in 2017 by Kimhi and a team of IDF technology veterans and experts, ITsMine is a portfolio company of the OurCrowd Labs/02 seed-stage incubator. The company was selected as one of the top 10 most innovative cybersecurity start-ups at September's Internet Security Conference in China. The Marriott data breach is the latest in a growing number of sophisticated hacking attacks on the hotel industry. In November, Radisson Hotel Group announced that it had identified a breach targeting its Radisson Rewards database. In August, Chinese state media reported that 500 million pieces of customer information belonging to Shanghai-based Huazhu Group had been shared online. On Tuesday, question-and-answer website Quora said that information belonging to 100 million users was compromised by hackers, gaining access to possible combination of personal information, passwords and direct messages. Lebanons Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Israel had provided no evidence to back up its assertion that tunnels had been dug across their shared border, Reuters reports. Israel accused Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah movement of digging cross-border attack tunnels and launched an operation on Tuesday to expose and thwart them. The Israelis did not present any information, at a meeting with the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers, a statement from Berris office said. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak positively assesses outcomes of the meeting with Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Khalid Al-Faleh that took place before the meeting of the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, TASS reports. "The meeting was good," the Minister told reporters. The parties will have time and opportunities to negotiate specific parameters of the OPEC+ oil production capping deal in 2019, Novak said. The committee is to make further policy recommendations for OPEC+ countries concerning oil production volumes at the forthcoming meeting. The Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee comprises six countries and its work is steered by Russia and Saudi Arabia. Russia and Saudi Arabia have not yet reached consensus on the production cut volume, as reported earlier. Both countries are playing a critical role in the OPEC+ oil production limiting agreement and assumed the largest quotas for oil production cuts during the first round of reduction in 2017. They had to change the course dramatically to boost production in order to prevent market deficit due to the production decline in Iran and Venezuela. A new offer surplus emerged after growth of oil production in these countries during six months. OPEC+ is now discussing the need for the new production cut. The usually reticent Ira Kaplan, his hair screaming toward the sky like Bob Dylan circa 1966, seemed practically giddy. After opener Nancy performed in capes, after comedian Jo Firestone told some jokes about Spanx, Yo La Tengo emerged for their set on the third night of their eight-night run of Hanukkah shows at Bowery Ballroom on Tuesday. It felt special from the start, with a beautiful, droney cover of "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" (which Kaplan dedicated to "all the Abraham's out there"), with hypnotic waves of feedback undergirding Kaplan's delicate vocals. As they cycled through a wide-ranging setlistincluding a piano rendition of "Big Day Coming," an exquisitely gentle performance of "Black Flowers" with upright bass, covers of NRBQ and The McCoys, and body-shaking electric guitar jams like "Nothing To Hide" and "Sugarcube"there was a sense that the evening was building toward something big. Then during the encore, Kaplan's enthusiasm bubbled over: The Strangeloves, one of those iconic garage bands featured on the Nuggets compilation, were reuniting after 53 years on Yo La Tengo's behalf. The two bands combined to perform their classics, including "Night Time," "Hang On Sloopy," and "I Want Candy." "This could be my favorite Hanukkah ever," Kaplan said with a smile. "This could be number one." For the better part of the last 17 years, Yo La Tengo have been hosting NYC/NJ's most essential Hanukkah celebration, eight nights of indie comedy and rock 'n' roll filled with big name surprise guests, a deep dive into their own back catalogue, and unexpected jams with some of history's greatest Jewish songwriters. We spoke to the band and some of their most loyal fans about the origins of the beloved tradition, to understand how it's become the ultimate Hanukkah tribute. Really, the only thing the shows are missing are the smell of latkes. Kaplan, who was born in Queens, told Gothamist that he grew up in a secular Jewish household. Although his family had a menorah they lit up at home for the holidays, "we were not practicing Jews. But any event that included presents was an important part of our life," he said. The band was formed in Hoboken in 1984 by Kaplan, then a rock critic, and future wife Georgia Hubley; after releasing several well-regarded indie rock albums (including early masterpiece Fakebook, which hinted at the musical eclecticism that would soon become one of the group's trademarks), bassist James McNew joined the band in 1991 to complete the core lineup. In 1993, the trio hooked up with Matador Records, and gradually became one of the most beloved, tireless indie bands ever behind landmark albums, including Painful, I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One and And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out. By the end of '90s, Kaplan says the group started talking about putting on some kind of year-end celebratory event. "And being as unimaginative as the next people, we kept thinking of it as a kind of a Christmas event," he said. "Then it just never took off. I think it just seemed like, who needed another Christmas party? We would have the idea and then it would just go away." But then in 2001, they had an idea that didn't go away: "Somebody just said, 'You know, it'd be funny if we played all eight nights of Hanukkah,'" Kaplan recounted. "And that did seem funny, and it seemed really challenging. Everything about it seemed like, dare we? And once we dare ourselves to do something, the answer is usually yes." Jesse Jarnow, who wrote a biography of the band called Big Day Coming and has attended just about every Hanukkah show since 2004 (and also meticulously keeps track of the various setlists and guests on his blog), said it started out as a joke between the band and Todd Abramson, who used to book Hoboken club Maxwell's. And despite Kaplan's sheepishness about the religiosity of the event, part of the thematic concept over the years became that "they would honor the great Jewish songwriters, people like Lou Reed, Marc Bolan of T-Rex, kind of the great, underground Jewish songwriters. And have lots of guests." Kaplan says that putting the shows together have made him much more aware of the breadth of Jewish songwriters. The Strangeloves are a great example of this. "There was a band from Australia, three brothers," Kaplan said last night as he introduced them. "Miles, Giles & Niles. It later transpired they weren't from Australia at all, they were just three good Jewish boys from NYC." So 2001 became the first year of the Hanukkah shows, staged at their longtime favorite venue, Maxwell's. "The format was in place right from the beginning to do it as benefits, and ask people from all over the map to join in and having comedy and opening dance. It was very ambitious right from the start in that sense," Kaplan said. That format has been pretty steady from the start: first there's a surprise opening band, then a comedian comes on (that's included the likes of John Mulaney, John Hodgman, Marc Maron, Eugene Mirman, Todd Barry, John Oliver, Kristen Schaal and more); then Yo La Tengo takes the stage, and inevitably at some point, the opener (and/or another surprise guest) joins them for a massive joint performance by the end. Every show is a benefit concert for a different charity. And just like it was in Kaplan's household growing up, there's always a menorah somewhere in the background onstage as well. "We thought that if we're not getting paid, then we can, with a clear conscience, ask people to join in without being paid what they're worth," Kaplan said of the illustrious list of guests they've gotten to join them over the years. "The second year, at first we told people who was performing when we knew, but it became so difficult to figure it out sometimesI mean literally, we just finished setting up the last slot for this week, and things change all the timeso at a certain point we just thought, you know what? We'll just stop telling people at all. It'll seem kinda more exciting if no one knows who's playing, and it's easier for us." "That didn't happen 'til a couple years in, but by the second or third year we had Ray Davies, and Ronnie Spector and David Byrne, John Cameron Mitchell, I think even on consecutive nights. I mean it was crazy, the people we were able to get to come to Maxwell's and take part." For fans, the fun isn't just the surprise all-star guests like Superchunk, Graham Nash and Jeff Tweedy, but the incredible grab bag of songs that get played, including the band's greatest hits, deep cuts, and left field covers, often performed in wildly differing arrangements. "There is a sense that everyone in the room is on the ride together," said Brooklyn resident Andrew Peerless. The 39-year-old estimates he's been to over 40 YLT shows, including all eight of the Hanukkah shows in 2017. "The constant surprisesthe guest performers, the comedians, the new arrangements of songsdistinguish each night's performance from the one before and the one after, and you pick up an almost palpable sense that the collective room feels very lucky to have the opportunity to experience whatever is happening in that moment. The band's commitment to keeping the shows varied and interesting make it rewarding especially for long-time fans; I've heard songs from their back catalogue in the past two nights that I've never seen them perform before, and arrangements of songs I've heard 100 times that let me appreciate them in a different way." One way in which the shows have evolved over the years is that in 2017, the band made sure to play a different song every night with no repeats (something they appear to be doing again in 2018). Jarnow said this development, as well as the band's increasingly eclectic approach to setlists and arrangements, has brought comparisons to the Grateful Dead, and inspired similar loyalty among fans. "There's always been a Deadhead contingent who are into Yo La Tengo, but I think that's actually grown in the last few years as well, which is heartening to me," he said. And then there's the intimacy and joy of spending time with like-minded music fans: "It's very literally a holiday gathering for this kind of very large, extended family that Yo La Tengo emerged out of, musically speaking, and they're still a part of," Jarnow explained. Some fans are willing to fly in from around the country so as not to miss it: "I live in Chicago and do fly in specifically for this," said 52-year-old Dave Saslavsky, who estimates he's seen over 50 YLT shows, including a dozen or so Hanukkah shows (he has tickets to all eight this year). "It starts with the intimacy," he said, explaining why he's willing to spend hundreds on airfare to attend the shows. "Since the shows sell out months in advance, most everyone there really wants to be there and to listen! They don't generally repeat a song the entire run, and if they do, they do a different arrangement." He added, "The sheer breadth of their music is unlike most other bands. They can play the most gorgeous ballad and then follow that with a loud bombastic tune. Plus, their knowledge of all types of music is pretty amazing. I aspire to be as big a music nerd as them." Jewish culture is having to coordinate attending THREE different Hanukkah celebrations every year: my family's Hanukkah, my girlfriend's family's Hanukkah, and Yo La Tengo's Hanukkah Zach Schonfeld (@zzzzaaaacccchhh) December 4, 2018 Some fans also draw a lot of meaning out of the connection to the Jewish holidays. "My wife often refers to herself as a 'Hanukkah Widow,'" said Stuy Town resident Jeff Lazar, who says he's been to too many YLT shows to count. "She has come to a bunch of Yo La shows but she knows these are sacred ground for me. I am Jewish and these eight days are without a doubt the musical highlight of my year!" "I think it reminds me a little of my childhood, when we would receive a different gift each night," Saslavsky added. "It has the elements of [the same] anticipation and surprise." There have been years since its inception that the band has had to skip out on the holiday showsKaplan said that usually happened because they were burnt out on regular album touring, and didn't have the time or energy to put the special shows together. But in 2012, with the announcement that Maxwell's was closing, Kaplan thought that really might be the end for the shows, since he couldn't quite get his head around doing it elsewhere. "We did it in 2012 and then didn't do it 'til last year," he said. "I think, particularly to me, it seemed inconceivable to do it anywhere else. When we ultimately decided to do it at the Bowery last year, I was definitely the last person to come around to that being a good idea." Was it a matter of loyalty to Maxwell's? "I wouldn't say loyalty. I think it felt [like] that was our clubhouse in some ways, and that we're having people come over to our place. I wasn't as confident as George and James that we could create that atmosphere at a different venue, a considerably bigger venue. I think it was just...trying to figure out what makes these shows special and if we could move them." Kaplan is wary not to overcommit to anything in the future, but after the successful, sold out run of shows at Bowery Ballroom in 2017and this year's similarly sold out showsit seems like they have found a new clubhouse. "We try to do as little foreseeing as possible," he said about future Hanukkah shows, which he called both an exhilarating and exhausting undertaking. "We want to do it for the fun of it." And that's why there's no doubt in my mind they'll be back. If you saw the joy on Kaplan's face over getting to bring back (and play with) The Strangeloves last night before an adoring crowd, you'd agree. Moments like these don't just happen at normal concerts. "Well, there's just the unknown," he mused. "I mean, that moment [during Sunday night's first show] when the Sun Ra Arkestra guys came on, and we knew when they were coming, and we knew what songs we were going to dobut we had really no idea, and wouldn't have wanted one of how it was going to happen. And just to not try to dictate it, but just let the moment take over. That's an incredibly special feeling, and to have that opportunity, it's just a gift to us." "And then, we've just finished doing this wild blow out with six members of the Arkestra sitting in, we clear the stage, and we're out their doing Hollies songs with Graham Nash. That's pretty special." Yo La Tengo's Hanukkah run at the Bowery Ballroom continues through Sunday. Tickets may still be available at the door some nights. Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: A passenger bus has overturned in Turkeys Istanbul city, leaving 14 injured according to the preliminary data, Trend reported citing the Turkish media. All the injured are Turkish citizens. Among them are women and children. The injured were taken to the nearest hospitals. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: As part of an operation conducted by the Turkish Air Force against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorists in northern Iraq, four PKK militants were killed, the Turkish General Staff reports. The operation was carried out in Hakurk district, the message reads. The Turkish Air Force conducted military operations in northern Iraq to eliminate PKK terrorists on Dec. 3. Meanwhile, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu stated that from early 2018, 87,838 operations have been carried out against PKK in Turkey, and 289 PKK terrorists have been killed. "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 By Mohammad Gharebag, KYODO NEWS - Dec 5, 2018 - 21:01 | World, All Iran stands ready to address the concerns of Japanese companies willing to continue business with the country, even as the United States presses its allies to get tough on Iran and to stop importing its oil, a top government official said Tuesday. "We are ready to negotiate with Japanese companies who are interested to continue their business in Iran for reaching new solutions in order to ease their concerns," First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri told Kyodo News in an interview. "The Japanese government and companies have always had their own ways to pass U.S. pressures and we hope again they use their initiatives to stay as a major oil importer from Iran," he added. Japan is among eight nations that received six-month exemptions from U.S. sanctions on importing Iranian oil, which went into effect on Nov. 4, to give them more time to reduce their imports to zero. Jahangiri said although Iran-Japan economic ties are currently affected by U.S. pressure, the two countries have long had good relations and Iran looks forward to a state visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, for which it does "not see any obstacle." "Anytime he is willing to pay a visit to Iran, Tehran is ready to welcome and host him," he added. Jahangiri praised Japan's stand in supporting global peace after World War II, but called it to use its power and influence to put an end to "U.S. unilateralism" in the world. "Japan must stand against U.S. unilateralism, which is threatening independent countries and might go beyond Iran's nuclear issue to encompass other issues around the globe," he said. Regarding the impact of U.S. sanctions on Iran's oil exports, the vice president said it has "found new customers and sold our oil to them." While he did not reveal the identity of the "new customers," he said his government has started "serious negotiations" for selling more oil to Russia and to China and other Asian countries, for example. Jahangiri anticipated that Iran could restore its oil exports to the level of before Nov. 4 even after expiration of the six-month waivers. He called the stated U.S. goal of getting all the nations to reduce their imports of Iranian oil to zero "very dangerous," but at the same time "very unlikely." "I assure the world that if Iran would be deprived of its main source of income, we would not be silent and will take appropriate measure in the right time." Under a 2015 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. On May 8, U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the accord struck under his predecessor Barack Obama and pledged "the highest level of economic sanction" against Iran, calling it "the leading state sponsor of terror." Justice Devan Ramachandran felt that swift and exemplary action could change the psychology of the police. ABSTRACT In general, the conditions for the growth of vegetation in former mining works are unfavorable, particularly in locations where the rooting process or inadequate functional contact by the root system with underground water, creates vegetative problems. For the process of the revitalization of the disrupted areas to be successful, the correct rooting of woody plants is essential for starting the development of the vegetation, and directing it towards greater biodiversity. The addition of bio alginates, whose basic raw component is selected seaweed, to the soil ensures the stimulation of the root system, thereby significantly increasing the likelihood of the plants surviving. The article monitors, in detail, the effect of the application of these bio alginates, and the subsequent response of the plants in growth patterns. Keywords: Bioalginates, Soil, Root System, Abandoned Mining Works, Reclamation 1. Introduction The quality of plant tissues and their healthy tissular turgor, just like the richness of the branching of the root system, belongs among the physiological indicators of the plants full potential, its perfect vitality and, last but not least, also its targeted yield. In this specific case, it is also a sign of a full functional yield, relating to rehabilitation, technical and possibly also power-producing plants, and last but not least also to plants which function as an active component of so-called root purifiers. A no less important fact is that, in additional to a nutritional function, root systems also have a secondary, fixation function. This is mainly during the reinforcement of the terrain, as an effective anti-erosion and also anti-abrasion mass, particularly on sloping sections and on the collateral surfaces of terrain furrows on road and railway routes, as well as on the terraces of mine dumps etc. Bio alginates are agents which significantly strengthen these functional dispositions, without negatively burdening or contaminating the environment in any way. This is because they are completely consumed by the perceptive sphere of soil microbiota, and in the process of their metabolization they are converted mainly into a high level of easily accessible vital energy. The raw material for the production of bio alginates is specially mined, dried and finally hydrolyzed selected seaweed, which is present in the shallow and clean coastal waters of arctic seas in the area of Iceland and other Scandinavian countries, as well as in coastal areas of Canada [1] [2] [3] [4] . It is purposefully harvested in these areas using special techniques, and then treated, dried and preserved for further use [5] [6] [7] . It finds successful application in the form of specially formulated seaweed preparations, not only in rehabilitation, redevelopment, revitalization and agricultural fields [1] [8] [9] [10] [11] , but also in other biological areas (food supplements, surgery, dermatology, gynecology etc. [12] ). It offers its own participation in the traditional sphere of the rehabilitation of plants and plant communities, particularly in areas with an unfavorable soil environment burden [7] [13] [14] , but also while increasing the value of biological waste materials and the specific preservation of catabolites during the biodegradation of spontaneously released nutrients [1] [3] [10] [11] [12] [15] [16] . Bio alginates also possess a strong and wide-spectrum detoxification capability, which is also applied in the soil profile or in the deposited layers of waste materials of a biological origin [1] [12] [17] [18] . The article proved positive influence of bio alginates that were applied on caryopsis if winter and spring wheat in time of columning. All of the monitored indicators showed positive response on bio alginates, especially root volume of spring wheat, where the difference between treated and non-treated samples indicated increase in root volume for over 13 ml. Second part of the research was an experiment for observation of one-off effect of bio alginates applied to pots with summer oak seedlings, where soil from spoil tips was used as a growth medium. 2. Materials and Methods Preparations from the bio alginate range are a concentrate of specific plant gels and natural polysaccharides, composed primarily of polyuronic seaweed acids. These uronic acids are polyelectrolytes, with a high ion exchange capacity at a level of 5000 - 20,000 m/val. [1] [12] [15] . They absorb substances released by the biological decomposition of organic matter, as well as an entire range of toxic elements and components [9] [14] [19] . Their molecular structure is identical to gray humic acid which, together with fine soil particles, is able to create a clay-humus complex [11] [14] . They create complexes with heavy metals, and eliminating their toxicity [10] . In water, bio alginates formunder the influence of metalsa water-insoluble gel-flake system, which successfully eradicates the current toxicity of these metallic elements. The given example actually involves a multi-functional and universal nutritious soil, in whose presence cooperative decomposition microorganisms multiply very quickly and in a balanced manner, without being affected by disruptive chemical factors [7] [9] [11] [17] [20] . The equipping of these seaweed hydrolyzates with specific phytohormones and a wide additional spectrum of biologically effective substances determines their ability to significantly stimulate the processes of the multiplication and growth of root systems, as well as the development of supporting microbial communities [1] [2] [21] . One of the effective methods that were used for the experiment is the application of bio alginate preparations. These preparations work spontaneously even during simple application, e.g. during planting, particularly during planting in an environment about whose vegetative dispositions we have justified doubts. Past experience confirms that the most suitable application method during rehabilitative planting so far, particularly of bare-root seedlings, is the thorough immersion of the entire seedling in the prepared bio alginate bath (1 part Bio-algeen [B.A] root concentrate: 8 parts utility water). After covering it with soilparticularly in unfavorable soil-climatic conditionsthe set plant should also be supplied with a dose of 1 spoon of B.A. Granulate. The reason for the immersion of the entire seedling is based on the specific properties and functional biochemistry of the bio alginate structure. With their protective film, formed in this way from their solution on the surface of plant tissues, effectively prevents the excessive evaporation of water from the seedling organism. It does so both immediately during and shortly after planting (solar radiation, if applicable high temperature and low relative humidity of the surrounding air) and particularly in the critical period of their adaptation to a new environment. The aforementioned protective film from bio alginates forms semi-permeable membranes on the plants surface areas, which allow the intake of water into the plant but prevent its loss from it. Specific B.A. formulation The granulate also has another positive property, consisting of the fact that it is able to bind as many as 350 parts by weight of water to itselfit therefore forms an important and relatively extensive life-saving and hydrating focal deposit in the root environment. Thanks to this collective anti-stress mechanism, supplemented by the significant buffering capacity of bio alginates, the shock of the replanted vegetation due to the change of environment is reliably minimized. Moreover, bio alginatesthanks to their biostimulative propertiessupport and accelerate the settlement and development of mycorrhizal root communities and other soil-based microbial cooperators. However, they can also be used as a sufficient substitution for vegetation, in the form of directed watering or a pressurized injection into the soil, into the area of the expected root branching. Apart from the fact that bio alginates induce and subsequently support the development of a stronger root system, in this way they also stimulate the plant to increase its fertility. Of significance is also the verified fact that bio alginatesor the consequences thereofare effective in the soil for 1 - 3 years. A basic principle of the utilization of bio alginates during managed and rehabilitative plant cultivation is the stimulation of their growth using a concentrate of polyuronic acids, amino acids, phytohormones and trace elements, contained in used products with bio alginate component content. These effective substances affect all green plants in general, by accelerating and intensifying their life functions, and increasing photosynthesis and substance exchange. At the same time, the plants develop harmoniously, and fully utilize their genetic potential. The natural form of support for the development of the root system is also closely linked to the development of a stronger and healthier aboveground part (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Figure 1. Model illustration of the effect of bio alginates on the development of the root systems of potted plants (plants of the same type and origin, planted in identical soil and cultivated under exactly the same conditions). They differ only in that the plant on the left was watered with clean water, while water with bio alginate content was used on the plant on the right. The differences in the richness of the root stitching are clearly evident (the producers photograph was used). Figure 2. Comparative presentation of two young experimental plantson the left: growing under the effect of bio alginates and on the right: without their effect (the producers company materials were used). The effect of the application of bio alginates, primarily on the root system and subsequently on the above-ground part of the plant, is also clearly evident in Figure 3. 3. Results and Discussion Results of a comparative experiment monitoring the effect of the application of bio alginate on caryopsis, and its response in certain growth patterns are shown in Table 1. The observed species of plant were winter and spring wheat at time of columning. Within the monitored values (root volume, aboveground part dry matter, dry root matter) positive effects of bio alginates were observed on both species of wheat. The most significant change was increase in all of the monitored indicators in case of spring wheat, especially the increase of root volume of the sample treated with bio alginate (Table 1). Second experiment to demonstrate positive effects of bio alginates was a Figure 3. Demonstrative effect of the application of bio alginates during the replanting of vegetation. Experimental container no. 1 was not treated with bio alginates at all. Container no. 2 was only treated by one-time watering with a diluted B.A. preparation. In the case of container no. 3, the watering was combined with the application of B.A. root concentrate, while container no. 4 presents the effect of the application of watering with a root concentrate and the application of B.A. granulate to the soil substrate (the producers company materials were used). Table 1. Comparative expression of the effect of the addition of B.A. Bio alginate S-90 on both aboveground and underground developmentroot sections of the model plant. one-time application of the B. A. Granulate into two pots with summer oak seedlings. Soil from spoil tips, created during brown coal mining, was used as a growth medium. This type of soil often shows signs of contamination, and is low on nutrients. In order to accelerate the growth of vegetation (mainly the root system) during reclamation and restoration works on the spoil tips, the application of bio alginates proved to be very effective (Figure 4). The stimulation of the development of root systems is justified in several respects: to achieve the development of higher-quality, healthy and well-rounded plants; to achieve a better root connection in the soil and subsequently also better reinforcement of the soil, particularly in sloping positions and inundated territories; the presence of bio alginates near the root capillaries also functions similarly to gray humic acid with a buffering dispositions, has a protective effect on developing roots, and coworks as a focal element of the accumulation of soil moisture and on the principle of permanently induced ion exchange; in addition to thisas a basic effecteven during one-time treatment, bio alginates show an ability to safely induce a 30 - 50% growth in the root matter of treated plants or cultures; the stimulative and supportive effect of bio alginates during the building and operational management of root water purifiers, whose effectiveness, lifespan and capacity disposition is clearly supported by bio alginates; under the specific conditions of thorough aeration, they also increase their effectiveness during the decontamination of waters by petroleum-based substances. The results of the experiments proved that application of bio alginates has a Figure 4. Pictorial presentation of the one-time effect of bio alginates on the development of the root system of the English oak (under the specific conditions of soil from mine dumps), effective only during half of the vegetation period). On the leftroot system not affected by bio alginates, on the rightroots developing under the direct effect of a one-time dose of B.A. Granulate. positive effect on vegetation in rehabilitation, redevelopment, revitalization and agricultural fields [1] [8] [9] [10] [11] , especially when it comes to areas with soils with higher contamination and lower nutrient content [7] [13] [14] . Substrate on the spoil tips that are created during surface brown coal mining are example of such soils. In order to succeed the reclamation of the anthropogenic formations, a good growth medium for vegetation must be ensured. An important function of bio alginates when applied on spoil tip soils is their complex creation with heavy metals, thereby eliminating their toxicity [10] . The application of bio alginates is an effective solution to improve reclamation and restoration processes. 4. Conclusions To conclude the positive effects of bio alginates: They increase the fertility of all soils and substrates, make it accessible to plants and hardly available nutrients, and they regulate water regime, increase erosion and drying resistance, help in the development of soil micro-organisms. They can be active in the soil for 1 - 3 years and ensure faster and healthier growth of planted plants, a more powerful root system, and increased fertility and yield. The functional insufficiency of root systems, or even their hypotrophy, is one of the fundamental issues when monitoring the vital and functional prosperity of plants, or even entire communities thereof. A sufficiently developed root system is one of the basic conditions of an optimal trophic state in the relevant plants organism, and the subsequent development of its tissues, and if applicable its fertility or functional capacity. In close connection with how current climatic excesses, as well as persisting anthropogenic burden, lead to the deterioration of actual vegetative disposition in certain areas, the rooting of plants and woody plants must be supported during the revitalization and rehabilitation of the disrupted areas. Particularly in locations where the rooting process, or eventually also insufficient functional contact by the root system with underground water, creates vegetative problems, the stimulation of root systems by the addition of bio alginates can significantly increase the plants chances of survival. In the area of the establishment and operation of root water purifiers, the managed strengthening of root systems will bring about a significant increase in their functional effectiveness. Acknowledgements This article was supported by project QJ1520307 entitled "Sustainable Forms of Management in an Anthropogenically Burdened Region." This project was realized with financial support from state budget resources through the KUS program, Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper. Cite this paper Soch, M., Vostoupal, B., Vrablikova, J., Vrablik, P. and Stastna, J. (2018) Microbiotechnological Stimulation of the Root Systems of Woody Plants within the Scope of the Revitalization of Mining Works. Agricultural Sciences, 9, 1529-1537. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2018.912107 References By Allison Martell TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian steel buyers are racing to get construction steel into the country to claim first-come, first-serve exemptions from tariffs that were meant to stabilize the country's market in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's metals tariffs. With steel prices already high, the companies that fabricate steel structures used in major building projects say the import controls, which cover at least 600,000 tonnes of steel, are making it even more difficult to operate because they cannot predict the price of basic materials. The disruption is the latest consequence of Canada's response to U.S. protectionism, which has been to layer on more tariffs to protect local mills owned by Stelco Holdings Inc and ArcelorMittal, raising metal prices in both countries. They are the public companies with primary steel mills as well as Essar, which owns a third primary mill. "It's causing havoc," said Cory Pittman, operations manager at Allstar Rebar in Newfoundland, on Canada's East Coast. "Trying to run a business is like playing roulette." Rebar is steel used to reinforce concrete and masonry. In late October Canada imposed a system of quotas and tariffs on seven categories of steel to prevent cheap metal from flooding into the country as Trump's tariffs forced overseas producers to seek new markets. But the first firm to get steel to a Canadian dock gets to use the tariff-free quota. Shipments above previous average import levels from many countries now face a provisional 25 percent tariff. The quota system makes it impossible for buyers to know more than five days before delivery whether their goods will be subject to the tariff because there is no way to apply for quota in advance. Canada, which produced about 14 million tonnes of steel in 2017, typically imports more of the metal than it exports, some 2.1 million tonnes more last year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The construction industry says only about one-half of its steel can be made in Canada. Because of its distance from Canadian mills, Newfoundland is particularly dependent on imports. Allstar is bidding on work for next year with no way of knowing whether it will have to pay a tariff on its raw materials. Story continues Elsewhere, the chief executive officer of one West Coast fabricator recently traveled to Singapore to arrange a rush shipment of rebar back to Canada - something that was never necessary before. 'COST US DOWN THE ROAD' Anoop Khosla, managing director of Midvalley Rebar in British Columbia, has been struggling to get quotes from overseas mills and fears they do not trust Canadian buyers to pay unexpected tariffs. "They don't want to risk production of that steel," he said. "It's making us not a favored destination and that's going to cost us down the road." Khosla is drafting contracts that would pass on tariffs to customers, but they are resisting. He said the Canadian government, at a minimum, needs a permitting system to give buyers clarity in advance. A regulatory change currently in the works could make that possible in the new year. If import controls stay in place, the government would consider allocating permits in advance to "provide predictability to the market," Department of Finance spokesman Pierre-Olivier Herbert said in a statement. "Our government is listening to the concerns of some in the sector and is assessing ways to minimize the impact of safeguards in certain specific import situations, while maintaining the broad objectives of the provisional safeguards," he said. In the meantime, Walter Koppelaar, CEO of structural steel fabricator Walters Group, said the uncertainty is making it impossible to bid efficiently. Since the new quotas kicked in, Koppelaar has passed on some projects that would have required steel plate covered by the tariffs. Fabricators cut, bend and assemble steel into large structures that support buildings and bridges. At the same time, U.S. and Canadian tariffs have driven up the price of locally made steel across Canada and the United States, so Walters is paying more than it had expected for metal even for current projects. He recently met with Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland. "I told her, when she's sitting in the House of Commons looking up at that beautiful new roof, remember the company in Hamilton that built it," he said. "That was us." (Reporting by Allison Martell; Editing by Denny Thomas and Jeffrey Benkoe) FILE PHOTO: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches carrying a Qatari communications satellite, which will provide connectivity to Qatar and neighbouring parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, from historic Launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., November 15, 2018. REUTERS/Joe Skipper/File Photo (Corrects to delete incorrect information that rocket carried a University of Illinois satellite) By Joey Roulette (Reuters) - Elon Musk's SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from California on Monday carrying 64 small satellites into low orbit around the Earth, which the company called the largest-ever "rideshare" mission by a U.S.-based rocket. The mission, dubbed SSO-A, also marked the third voyage to space for the same Falcon 9 rocket - another milestone for SpaceX's cost-cutting reusable rocket technology. The Falcon 9 blasted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 10:34 a.m. local time (18:34 GMT) carrying satellites from 34 different companies, government agencies and universities. SpaceX said the mission was "one of the most complex and intricate endeavors" for Seattle-based startup Spaceflight, the ride-share company that arranged passage for each satellite maker. The mission comes days after India fired a rocket carrying 31 satellites into space. After the launch, the Falcon 9's first-stage booster returned to earth as planned, landing on a ship off the coast of southern California, according to a live video of the flight. However, the Falcon 9's payload fairing - an enclosure that protected the satellites during launch - missed a landing net on the barge and ended up in the ocean. "Falcon fairing halves missed the net, but touched down softly in the water," Musk, SpaceX's chief executive officer, said on Twitter. He said the boat was moving to pick them up. "Plan is to dry them out & launch again. Nothing wrong with a little swim," Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla Inc, said on Twitter. (Reporting by Joey Roulette in Orlando, Florida, editing by Bill Berkrot) Elis continues its growth in Spain with the acquisition of Lavanderias Triton Saint-Cloud, December 5, 2018 - Elis, an international multi-service provider, offering textile, hygiene and facility services solutions across Europe and Latin America, continues its acquisition strategy in its key markets and announces the closing of the acquisition of 100% of Lavanderias Triton, S.L in Spain. The Lavanderias Triton, S.L plant, located in the Madrid area is specialized in Flat linen operations and the vast majority of its customers operate in the Hospitality business. The company also serves the cities of Barcelona, Malaga, Elche and Segovia through partners. Lavanderias Triton, S.L is a family business that generated revenues of c. 8 million euros in 2017. The acquisition, which further expands the existing Elis network in Spain, will deliver synergies and allow Elis to to address a broader range of customers. Commenting on this announcement, Xavier Martire, CEO of Elis, declared: "The acquisition of Lavanderias Triton enables Elis to continue the development of its network in Spain. The rapid integration of this family company will contribute to the continuation of Elis` profitable growth." Contact Nicolas Buron Investor Relations Director - Phone: +33 1 75 49 98 30 - nicolas.buron@elis.com Audrey Bourgeois Investor Relations - Phone: +33 1 75 49 96 25 - audrey.bourgeois@elis.com Elis is growing in Spain with the acquisition of Lavanderias Triton 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: Elis via GlobeNewswire HUG#2227896 (Bloomberg) -- A group of Google employees wrote to Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai demanding better conditions for the thousands of contractors that make up more than half of the internet giants work force. Last month, Alphabet Inc. overhauled the way it handles allegations of sexual harassment and assault, but the updated policies largely left out temporary, vendor and contract workers. On Wednesday, a group of full-time and contract workers sent a letter to Pichai asking for that to change. They also listed other requests, such as access to companywide emails and town hall staff meetings, better health care and benefits, and a more transparent process for applying for full-time jobs. We will continue to be mistreated and ignored if we stay silent, the workers wrote in the letter. Google has the power -- and the money -- to ensure that we are treated equitably. This is the latest example of Google employees speaking out, at a time when the company is being criticized for its handling of sexual misconduct, contracts with the U.S. military and a plan to build a censored search engine in China. A spokeswoman for Google declined to comment on the letter. The company has said it has strict rules for how vendors and suppliers respond to misconduct, and investigates when a contractor makes a complaint against a Google employee. U.S. corporations often use contractors. But some Google employees and outside activists contend the company, which is on track to make more than $30 billion in profit this year, can easily afford to treat everyone who works in its offices the same. In July, Bloomberg wrote about Googles shadow workforce and revealed that earlier this year, for the first time, temporary, vendor and contract workers made up more than half of the companys total staff. The workers, known internally as "TVCs," do all sorts of jobs, from serving meals and piloting self-driving cars to writing code and managing teams. Unlike full-time workers, they arent given stock, and many struggle with inadequate health care. They arent allowed in some buildings or at certain company meetings. They are employed by outside agencies, including Adecco Group AG, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. and Randstad NV. Story continues Several TVCs interviewed recently by Bloomberg News described feeling like second-class citizens compared with full-time Google employees. They asked not to be identified for fear of losing their jobs. When a shooting happened at YouTubes campus in San Bruno, California, in April, TVCs didnt get some communications updating workers on the situation, which left them feeling unsafe, the TVCs said. A spokeswoman for Google said updates were sent to TVCs through their employers, and that they were invited to attend a town hall after the event with full-time staff. The workers are often on teams with full-time employees and said their contributions are indistinguishable from the better-placed colleagues. One contractor, who works 50 to 60 hours a week in Googles marketing division, said TVCs are treated as collateral damage who can be hired and fired on short notice to help the company achieve business goals quickly and cheaply. Another TVC described full-time staff asking her to move from an office desk or cutting ahead of her in line for coffee because she was a contractor and therefore not as important. Another contract worker said when he took a job doing user research for Google, a manager told him he would be able to eventually convert the position into a full-time role. Two years later, that hasnt happened, and hes largely given up on that ever happening. (Updates with Google comment on San Bruno shooting in ninth paragraph.) To contact the reporter on this story: Gerrit De Vynck in New York at gdevynck@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Alistair Barr, Edwin Chan For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2018 Bloomberg L.P. U.S. presidents, for better or worse, get too much credit for the economy and stock market performance. The Federal Reserve, in its quest for the elusive soft landing, exerts more direct control over the nations economic levers. Nevertheless, its instructive to recall the touches some light, some heavy that presidents have had on the markets. Elections are often referendums on the economy, and so it was with George H.W. Bush, sailing into office after the Reagan Revolution delivered returns of 30.6% and 61.5% in the S&P 500 over Reagans two terms. But despite a 52.6% return during Bushs 1989 to 1993 term, the economy had fallen into mild recession. Though skilled in international affairs, economics was not Bushs strong suit. As Yahoo Finance editor-in-chief Andy Serwer writes, [President] Clinton based his campaign [against Bush] on the catchphrase Its the economy stupid, which originally was an internal reminder for campaign workers created by Clinton strategist James Carville. S&P 500 returns measured from each presidential election day to the next presidential election day. Source: Yahoo Finance Later, Bush would blame Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan for his loss to Clinton. I reappointed him, and he disappointed me. Fighting the Fed Prior to the Federal Reserve Reform Act of 1977, which was designed in part to establish Fed independence, other presidents took a more heavy handed approach toward consulting with their Fed counterparts. As President Lyndon Johnson waged twin wars in Vietnam and on poverty, deficits stacked up, and this concerned Fed Chairman William McChesney Martin. The two got together at Johnsons ranch, and a confrontation ensued. Johnson got Martin alone and did not mince words. According to different accounts, the 6-foot-4 Johnson pushed the shorter Martin up against a wall, writes the New York Times. Martin, my boys are dying in Vietnam, and you wont print the money I need, he said. On Nov. 14, 1972, the Dow closed for the first time above 1,000 points. The week before, President Richard Nixon won re-election by a landslide. (AP Photo) The Fed eventually succumbed to money printing pressure (now called accommodative monetary policy), President Nixon closed the gold window, stagflation ruled, gas lines ensued. Thus, was the 1970s. The most exceptional returns belonged to Jimmy Carter, but 25.2% wouldnt overcome an Iranian revolution and economic malaise. After Fed chairman Paul Volcker flexed his independent Fed muscle, ratcheting short-term rates to an eye-watering 19% in 1981, the reset button had effectively been hit, setting the stage for his successor, Alan Greenspan a chairman who would earn the dubious nickname Easy Al. Story continues Clinton: Greenspans big winner President Bill Clinton was the biggest winner in the Greenspan era, racking up returns of 70.1% and 100.5% in his two terms. President George W. Bush inherited the dot com bubble bust, and racked up a loss of 21.0% in his first term. But a recovery was underway, quite literally built on housing. Most of us remember how that ended. George W. Bushs second term ended with stocks down only 11.0%, which disguises the 40.8% peak-to-valley loss from the market high in October 2007 until President Obama was elected. Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as a television shows U.S. President Barack Obamas news conference during the G20 summit in St. Petersburg, September 6, 2013. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid Like his predecessor, Obama inherited a bubble economy recently busted, but one much worse than than before. But trillions of fiscal and monetary stimulus would eventually turn around a financial crisis into stock markets returns of 42.0% and 49.8% over Obamas two terms. Unfortunately, economic growth didnt rebound with stocks, leaving economists to wonder if we had entered a new, slower normal. The Trump factor Enter President Trump. By November 8, 2016, the Fed had begun to raise rates (once, the prior December), and it looked like the monetary spigots couldnt be counted on. But stocks were emerging from an earnings recession, and Q3 GDP wasnt terrible at 1.9%. After a stomach-churning drop in stock futures on Trumps election night, the following day would close in the green, and it was off to the races for U.S. stocks. The promise of pro-business policies, deregulation, tax cuts, infrastructure and other fiscal stimulus helped stocks climb 37.5% by January 2018. A TV screen showing U.S. President Donald Trump is pictured in front of the German share price index, DAX board, at the stock exchange in Frankfurt, Germany, November 9, 2016. REUTERS/Staff But volatility, which had become a distant memory, reared its ugly head again. And a hawkish Fed, burgeoning trade war and non-U.S. global slowdown have weighed on risk markets since. As of Friday, December 7, Trumps return stands at 23.1%, 523 trading days from his election. Its anyones guess where stocks will stand on November 3, 2020. A worker holds a nozzle to pump petrol into a vehicle at a fuel station in Mumbai, India, May 21, 2018. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas By Christopher Johnson LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Tuesday, extending gains ahead of expected output cuts by producer cartel OPEC and a reduction in Canadian supply. Brent crude oil jumped by $1.89 or 3 percent to a high of $63.58 before slipping back to trade around $62.25, up 56 cents by 1425 GMT. U.S. light crude was last up 20 cents at $53.15 after earlier gaining more than 3 percent to an intraday high of $54.55 a barrel. Both benchmarks climbed by around 4 percent on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed at a meeting of the Group of 20 industrialised nations (G20) to pause an escalating trade dispute. "Buying pressures remain at the fore of the energy complex as market players keenly await fresh supply curbs," said Stephen Brennock, analyst at London brokerage PVM Oil. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meets on Thursday in Vienna to agree output policy and will discuss its strategy with producers outside OPEC, including Russia. OPEC and its allies are working towards a deal to reduce output by at least 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd), OPEC sources have told Reuters, adding that they were still talking to Russia about the extent of its production cuts. However Saudi Oil Minister Khalid Al-Falih said it was too soon to be certain that OPEC and other oil exporters would cut production because the terms of a deal remain unresolved. Al-Falih said he thought the market was oversupplied but he cautioned that all members of OPEC and its allies needed to come together for a cut to go ahead. "A cut in OPEC and Russia production of 1.3 bpd will be required to reverse the ongoing counter-seasonally large increase in inventories," Goldman Sachs said in a note. It added that it expected a joint effort by OPEC and Russia to withhold supply to push Brent oil prices "above the mid-$60 per barrel level". Helping OPEC in its efforts to rein in emerging oversupply was an order on Sunday by the Canadian province of Alberta for producers to scale back output by 325,000 bpd until excess crude in storage is reduced. OPEC's biggest problem is surging production in the United States, where output - mostly from its southern shale fields - has grown by about 2 million bpd within a year to more than 11.5 million bpd. Story continues Barclays bank said in a note to clients that oil production in Texas alone "reached 4.69 million bpd in September, compared with Iraqi output of 4.66 million by our estimates". Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest oil producer behind Saudi Arabia. (Reporting by Christopher Johnson in London and Henning Gloystein in Singapore; Editing by Ed Osmond and Kirsten Donovan) By Jessica Resnick-Ault NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices pared gains in a volatile trade on Tuesday amid fears that demand would stall due to a trade war between the United States and China, and concerns that Russia remains a stumbling block to a deal to cut global crude supply. U.S. President Donald Trump made clear he would revert to tariffs on China if the two sides could not resolve their differences. The comments put a damper on market enthusiasm and a major selloff was seen across stocks and other assets, with Wall Street falling more than 3 percent on Tuesday. Oil has pulled back alongside other asset classes in recent weeks, driven by worries about trade and economic growth. Oil benchmarks gave up Monday's 4 percent gains, which had come after Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed at a meeting of the Group of 20 industrialized nations (G20) to pause an escalating trade dispute. In Monday's session, expectations of a production cut by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, when they meet on Thursday in Vienna, had also supported prices. OPEC and its allies are working toward a deal to reduce oil output by at least 1.3 million barrels per day, four sources said on Tuesday, adding that Russia's resistance to a significant production cut was so far the main stumbling block. "Now we're starting to get uncertainty on both the trade and production cut fronts and the market is giving back those gains," said Gene McGillian, director of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut. "Some of the optimism surrounding the easing of trade tensions seems to be evaporating." U.S. crude settled up 30 cents at $53.25 a barrel after a volatile session that saw the benchmark rally 3 percent to $54.55. Brent crude oil rose 39 cents to settle at $62.08, after earlier touching a session high of $63.58. In post settlement trading, both benchmarks edged slightly lower. Story continues Ahead of the OPEC meeting, Saudi Oil Minister Khalid Al-Falih said it was too soon to be certain that OPEC and other oil exporters would cut production because the terms of a deal remain unresolved. Al-Falih said he thought the market was oversupplied but he cautioned that all members of OPEC and its allies needed to come together for a cut to go ahead. Trump has put pressure on Saudi Arabia to keep prices low, blaming the kingdom for rising prices. "A cut in OPEC and Russia production of 1.3 million bpd will be required to reverse the ongoing counter-seasonally large increase in inventories," Goldman Sachs said in a note. It added that it expected a joint effort by OPEC and Russia to withhold supply to push Brent oil prices "above the mid-$60 per barrel level". Helping OPEC in its efforts to rein in emerging oversupply was an order on Sunday by the Canadian province of Alberta for producers to scale back output by 325,000 bpd until excess crude in storage is reduced. OPEC's biggest problem is surging production in the United States, where output - mostly from its shale fields - has grown by about 2 million bpd within a year to more than 11.5 million bpd. Barclays bank said in a note to clients that oil production in Texas alone "reached 4.69 million bpd in September, compared with Iraqi output of 4.66 million by our estimates". Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest oil producer behind Saudi Arabia. (Additional reporting by Christopher Johnson in London and Henning Gloystein in Singapore; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Sandra Maler) Falcon 9 with 10 Iridium NEXT communications satellites at Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Today (Dec. 3), SpaceX is expected to launch the most satellites ever carried by an American rocket: 64 small satellites, operated by 34 customers from 17 countries. For perspective, 335 small satellites were launched in all of 2017, according to researcher from Bryce Space Technologies. The promise of Elon Musks space company, like most venture-backed startups, is the promise of exponential growth. Billions of venture dollars are flowing to space startups on the belief that the relatively small amount of revenue earned in orbit now will expand dramatically in the future. But last year, the space industry brought in only $354 billion globallyfar less than the $515 billion in 2017 sales from the worlds two largest car companies, Toyota and Volkswagen. Making space a bigger sector means more activity in orbit, and this mission contains that promise, launching satellites for more than two dozen companies. Many are based or funded in Silicon Valley, just hours north of the launch site at Californias Vandenberg Air Force Base. Ive been in this business for 30 years and I dont recall coming even close to the number of satellite deployments that we have here, says SpaceX VP of launch and mission Lee Rosen, who began his career launching satellites for the US Air Force. Its primary payload are five satellites being launched by Planet, the leading commercial satellite start-up, but it also includes a tiny experimental spacecraft from Swarm, which launched the first unauthorized satellite this year, an art project sponsored by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the cremated remains of one or more people. The window for todays launch opens at 10:32am US Pacific time. You watch SpaceXs live stream here, starting about 15 minutes before liftoff: Ups and downs This mission marks the first attempt by SpaceX to launch one of its reusable boosters for a third time. This rocket is designed to fly to orbit ten times, reaching a velocity of 17,500 mph and plunging from humid seaside into the freezing vacuum of space on every trip. Story continues This year well launch more flight-proven vehicles than we will launch new vehicles, Rosen says, telling Quartz that SpaceXs customers and insurers dont distinguish between new or previously-flown boosters. Reusable boosters were invented to save money, but SpaceX founder Elon Musk is aiming for something grander than low-cost satellite delivery; he wants spaceflight to be so cheap that a new range of profitable businesses will be possible outside the atmosphere. Its definitely the largest undertaking of this kind. Satellite operators involved with the launch raised more than $308 million this year. Others are likely to fundraise following the deployment of their spacecraftresulting in more satellites for SpaceX and its rivals to launch in the future. Frankly, the moment the satellite gets launched and we check all the systems, then, you know, the valuation of this company is completely different, Payam Banazadeh, whose space radar company Capella raised $20 million based the launch, told Quartz in September. Capella is one of two new space radar companies flying on the rocket. There are several space data relay providers, a global radio surveillance platform, a variety of earth imaging satellites, prototype space propulsions systems and other test satellites from universities around the world, the US military and established corporations like Honeywell and ViaSat. Three years to flight This mission would not have happened without a new kind of business: Spaceflight, the satellite broker-integrator. Prior to the last decade, anyone launching a satellite was a government space agency, or hired the same big contractors the government does. Now, start-ups are making satellites at such a clip that middle-men are needed to get them on rockets and into space. Spaceflight was founded in 2010 to streamline the complex bureaucracy around purchasing rocket launches. Since then, its helped launch more than 140 satellites. This Falcon 9, purchased in 2015, is the biggest the company has used for a ride-share. Its definitely the largest undertaking of this kind, maybe not in terms of the absolute number of payloads and spacecraft, [but] the mass of all the payloads combined, CEO Curt Blake told Quartz. The mission originally began in 2015 with the Google-owned space imaging company Terra Bella, which wanted to launch two SkySats, weighing around 220 lbs (100 kg). They were too small to be the main payload on a large rocket, but a bit too big to be a secondary payload. Spaceflight agreed to solve the problem by selling the rest of the space on the rocket to other satellite operators. In 2017, Planet bought Terra Bella, and kept the launch contract. Mike Safyan, Planets VP of launch, says the company was happy to do soSpaceflight brokered the launch of the first Planet satellite, from an Antares rocket. Now, as the small satellite industry matures, Safyan launches satellites around the world on a variety of different rockets, but notes that rideshares brokered by Spaceflight provide important advantages. A Falcon 9 rocket on the ground at Vandenberg Air Force Base. A Falcon 9 rocket on the ground at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Youre paying cheaper rates per kilogram, which is really important for us because launch continues to be one of the biggest expenses for us, Safyan says, praising Spaceflight. It requires a level of business maturity and technical sophistication to go out and procure a full launch vehicle, a Falcon 9 at that, and coordinate all the different payloads you want to get on there. The broker eventually found enough cargo to make the mission work. Id be lying if I didnt say it was a bit of a challenge to get that many different companies from that many regions of the world to coalesce and be ready at a certain point for integration and launch, Blake told Quartz, but the work was worth it. Its definitely profitable, and the margins were happy with. Meet Frankenstack This mission also required a new satellite dispenser, capable of ejecting both large and small spacecraft from the rocket once in orbit. Most rockets launch one or two satellites, occasionally a handful. The world record was set last year by India with the countrys PSLV rocket, which launched 104 satellites. Most of those were cubesats weighing 9 lbs. To get its varied cargo on their way, Spaceflight built a machine affectionately known as Frankenstack because of its cobbled-together appearance. It fits underneath the nosecone of the Falcon rocket, and releases the satellites in space. Deploying so many satellites at once is tricky. Some need to be able to deploy solar panels immediately to receive power or they will be dead in orbit. Other satellites operate in groups, and must be deployed near each other. Cubesats are easiest: They rest in spring-loaded canisters that pop them into space when its door opens. Above all, they must not hit each other or their launch vehicle. Collisions between spacecraft generate new debris that can create a scary chain reaction in orbit, putting vital space assets at risk. For Spaceflight, that means ensuring that its deployment sequence is absolutely coordinated, tested, choreographed, analyzed to the Nth degree, according to Adam Hadaller, the companys mission director. His team runs more than a thousand computer simulations of the deployment to choose the one with the lowest probability of an accident; they also design the Frankenstack so that it burns up safely in the atmosphere once its work is done. Risk business Despite these efforts, some spacecraft trackers fear that not enough has been done. T.S. Kelso, the head of satellite database CelesTrak, has predicted that one third of the satellites launched in this mission will effectively become debris as soon as they are released from the rocket. Kelso did not respond to inquiries from Quartz, but both the US Air Force, which is responsible for tracking satellites, and Spaceflight say they are following proper procedures. As space activity increases, the risk of collision is rising and government regulators are pushing for tighter rules. In 2017, the FCC denied a Swarm approval to launch, fearing its tiny satellites could not be tracked. After they were launched illegally, radar sites were in fact able to spot them. That revelation contributed to the approval of the companys payload on this mission. Spaceflight, which brokered Swarms first launch, says it has tightened its paperwork procedures to ensure such mix-ups wont happen again. You just dont want to risk two satellites colliding because we werent paying attention to this issue, and having debris all over the place, Blake, Spaceflights CEO, says. Its bad for the world, its bad for future applications going into space, its bad for our business. New satellite operators have already won government approval to launch thousands of new spacecraft in the years ahead, so industry and government will need to get ahead of the problem. Sometimes regulation helps business, not just hurts it, Blake says. Update: This story has been revised to include SpaceXs new launch date after a one-day delay. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. A SpaceX Falcon 9 booster flies to space in 2017. SpaceX launched 64 satellites today (Dec. 3), in the process setting a new record for the number of missions to orbit by a private company in a calendar year. The 19th launch of the year for Elon Musks rocket company beat its own 2017 record of 18 launches. That had in turn outpaced the 16 launches flown by United Launch Alliance, the rocket-building joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin, in 2009. The SpaceX mission, called SSO-A, carried the most satellites to space ever by a US launch vehicle, many representing new businesses in orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket that carried them there is already a key part of the infrastructure for getting into orbit, thanks to how its reusability drives down its price compared to traditional launch vehicles. This year, SpaceX is also on pace to out-launch not just private competitors, but also every nation but China, which has already flown 33 missions to space in 2018, compared to 26 launched from the US and 15 by Russian-built rockets. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Two major pipelines bringing oil from Canada to the United States were hit by disruptions on Tuesday, with TransCanada Corp's Keystone line shutting down, while Enbridge Inc's Mainline pipeline was hit with outages and reduced flow rates. TransCanada's 590,000 barrel-per-day crude Keystone pipeline was shut due to a third party utility issue, according to a shipper on the line and traders. There was no estimated restart timeline for the line, one source said, citing a notice to shippers. The company did not respond to a request for comment. The Enbridge pipeline system, which carries crude, fuel and natural gas liquids, was hit by a power outages in Saskatchewan, Canada, due to severe weather, the company said Tuesday. Enbridge said it does not know when operations will return to normal, but it is working with SaskPower, the primary utility company in the province. Enbridge said in an emailed statement that there were temporary outages or reduced flow rates on lines 1, 2a, 3, 4, 13 and 67. Those lines are part of the entire Enbridge pipeline system, which has the capacity to ship about 2.9 million bpd of crude and other liquids, according to its website. Western Canadian Select (WCS) heavy oil prices weakened on the news, dealers said, last trading at $24.50 a barrel below West Texas Intermediate benchmark prices. Canada has been grappling with transportation bottlenecks as production has surged beyond pipeline capacity, depressing regional prices. Traders said they expect the outages to be brief. "If the lines are not up tomorrow, I'm sure folks will start to get nervous," one shipper on the lines said. Both lines originate in Alberta, where most of Canada's oil is produced, and bring fuel and crude oil to the United States. TransCanada's Keystone line runs to Steele City, Nebraska and from there to other U.S. markets. Decreased power consumption on that line was observed at about 9:30 a.m. EST (1430 GMT), according to market intelligence firm Genscape. (Reporting by Devika Krishna Kumar in New York and Julie Gordon in Vancouver; Editing by Richard Chang and Marguerita Choy) Dec 5 (Reuters) - Washington regulators on Wednesday rejected Canadian electric utility Hydro One Ltd's proposed acquisition of rival Avista Corp, saying the deal does not serve the public interest. Hydro One had proposed to buy Avista for C$6.7 billion ($5.02 billion) in 2017 as it sought to expand into the U.S. Northwest. "The proposed transaction cannot be said to be consistent with the public interest when it is evident that decisions affecting Hydro One's and Avista's business operations and financial integrity are subject to political considerations," the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission said https://www.utc.wa.gov/aboutUs/Lists/News/DispForm.aspx?ID=570. The Ontario government owns 47 percent of Hydro One. According to the commission, post the June 2018 general election in the Province of Ontario, the province and Hydro One announced an agreement that led to the replacement of the company's board and the retirement of its chief executive officer. Upon investigation, the commission said it found that the resignation of the board and the CEO elevated the government's political interests than that of the stakeholders, including investors that owned stakes in Hydro One. The deal would not benefit customers of Spokane, Washington-based Avista and would not meet the net-benefit standard required by state law, the commission said. "Provincial government interference in Hydro One's affairs, the risk of which has been shown by events to be significant, could result in direct or indirect harm to Avista if it were acquired by Hydro One," the commission said. Hydro One and Avista were not immediately available for comments. ($1 = 1.3356 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva) Volkswagen export cars are seen in the port of Emden, beside the VW plant, Germany March 9, 2018. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer By Edward Taylor WOLFSBURG, Germany (Reuters) - The global system of international trade is in crisis, the World Trade Organization (WTO) warned on Tuesday, as German car bosses gathered in Washington hoping to stave off potential tariffs on U.S. imports of luxury cars. Top officials from Daimler, BMW and Volkswagen have been summoned to the United States to meet White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow to discuss U.S. efforts to rebalance global trade. The meeting comes after months of warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump that he might impose big tariffs on imported cars, and days after he agreed a truce in a broader trade war with China. "The system is in crisis mode and how this plays out remains to be seen," WTO Deputy Director General Karl Brauner told the Handelsblatt automotive summit in Wolfsburg, Germany. Global trade and welfare cannot continue when large countries take unilateral action which deviates from common rules and principles, Brauner warned. "You need legal certainty and predictability, and if everybody just does whatever they want, it's over," Brauner said, adding the visit by German car bosses may help Trump's administration understand the impact of tariffs on global trade. Trump warned German carmakers in 2017 he could impose a 35 percent tax on vehicles imported to the United States unless there was some "rebalancing" of trade. There were too many Mercedes-Benz cars rolling down New York's Fifth Avenue, Trump said, lamenting that Europeans were not buying enough Chevrolets. The White House's demand to meet German car bosses comes despite the fact it is the European Commission that formally handles trade negotiations on behalf of the European Union. To try to assuage Trump officials, German car bosses will outline plans for increasing the proportion of components produced in the United States. Volkswagen (VW) will reiterate it is looking to expand its U.S. manufacturing capacity to include electric cars. Story continues German carmakers are among the largest net exporters of vehicles to and from the United States. BMW and Mercedes, for example, build most of their sport utility vehicles in U.S. plants and import luxury limousines built in Germany to America. BMW has its largest global car factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, while VW has a plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Mercedes builds cars in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. "The German car bosses will not try to negotiate international trade policy, but they will ensure that the people in Washington have the same understanding about the impact of their policies as the mayor of Chattanooga," Brauner said. Around 10,000 local jobs depend on each model built in Chattanooga, the city's mayor Andy Berke told the Wolfsburg conference in a Webcast interview. (Reporting by Edward Taylor; Editing by Mark Potter) Nothing about pianist Jim Brickmans family background suggested his future as an award-winning instrumental pop musician. None of his family members was a musician, and no piano was in his home. But that didnt stop the 5-year-old from seeking out the keyboard and piano lessons, even when his first teacher told his mom he didnt have the knack for it. My mom told my teachers, I dont care if he has a knack for it. Its something he loves to do. Keep teaching him. Its not about him being technically proficient or a star, but him enjoying it, whether it becomes a hobby or not, Brickman recalled from a tour rehearsal in Minneapolis. If you go JIM BRICKMAN 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., $38-$68; 520-7469, pikespeakcenter.com, axs.com Brickman will bring his A Joyful Christmas show to Pikes Peak Center on Thursday. I always like to play a nice combination of hit songs, but also a lot of Christmas music, he said. Its a nice balance of energy and funny and emotional, sort of like a gathering of friends who stopped by to sing a couple of songs and a lot of joyful celebration. That little kid who followed his inner compass grew into an adult who did the same thing. After his high school band won a talent competition and made a radio appearance, he was thrown into a whole new world. At 19, he started writing commercial jingles. He considered it his career, which surprises people who assume he always wanted to make it big as a musician. I wasnt thinking it was headed toward something, Brickman said. I was happy writing jingles. It was an amazing education because you have to be creative on demand. During that time, he was drawn to the lecture circuit and started to travel the country, talking to advertising organizations about creativity, tapping into spirit and communicating emotionally to people. He realized he was comfortable speaking and telling stories in front of large groups, another skill that eventually would help him in his music career. Eventually, jingle writing lost its shine, and he moved to Los Angeles, where he thought he could find work writing songs for movies or other people. He began to play piano again regularly, and when he listened to his recordings, he was pleasantly surprised. I thought, This is pretty good. Maybe people would take a bubble bath to this or relax. Theres not enough music in the world like that. I heard it and thought maybe I could record, he said. His intuition was right. The Dove Award winner is the most charted Billboard adult contemporary artist, withn 21 No. 1 albums and multiple hits, such as The Gift, Angel Eyes and Sending You a Little Christmas. Hes also the host of radios long-running The Jim Brickman Show. Its clear Brickman has reflected on why people come to his music, which he calls honest and authentic. He doesnt try to impress with over-the-top technical playing, and he realizes its music for special moments, such as the birth of a child or a wedding. Theres also another important aspect to it. It breathes, which is hard to explain, he said, but you have to have moments of silence in order to have moments of sound that resonates with people. Like someone who talks too much, theres too much to take in. Its the same thing with music. If you dont give it a chance to breathe, people cant absorb the content. JENNIFER MULSON, THE GAZETTE, 636-0270, JEN.MULSON@GAZETTE.COM This playful drawing was part of the Marsville A Cosmic Village exhibition at the Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center Friday. The educational program speculated what it might be like to live on the Red Planet in the future. Xcel Energy announced plans Tuesday to slash its emissions 80 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels and deliver 100 percent carbon-free electricity to millions of customers in Colorado and seven other states by 2050. Officials for the electric utility called it the most ambitious [carbon reduction plans] announced to date within the electric power industry. Were accelerating our carbon reduction goals because were encouraged by advances in technology, motivated by customers who are asking for it and committed to working with partners to make it happen, said Ben Fowke, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy, which is Colorados largest electric utility. You probably have seen the same kind of scientific reports coming out of the U.N. and U.S. that I have, and those studies suggest climate change isnt getting any better, its getting worse, so when we step back as a company, we think about what more we can do, Fowke said Tuesday on a conference call with reporters. To us, using technology, we believe that we can do more, and why shouldnt we do more if we can do more at basically the same cost? Fowke said. The technologies are not yet available on the commercial scale to actually reach zero carbon emissions by 2050, Fowke noted. But he said hopes that new technology will be developed in time put the goal within reach. Those technologies include but arent limited to nuclear power, carbon capture and hydrogen power. Xcel has made some strides toward the goal. This year, it built the largest wind-generating facility in the state, distributing 600 megawatts of energy to an estimated 325,000 homes. Its projected to pump $1 billion into the Colorado economy and will help Xcel reach 55 percent renewable energy by 2026. The announcement comes on the heels of the election victory by Gov.-elect Jared Polis. The Boulder congressman campaigned partly on the promise to move the state to 100 percent renewables by 2040. With Xcel on board, Polis vision is more likely to become a reality. Xcel Energys exciting announcement today, along with the strong climate goals (that) communities like Pueblo, Summit County, Fort Collins, Denver and others across the state have embraced, show we are leading the way forward right here in Colorado by committing to a renewable and clean energy future, Polis said in a press release announcing the plan. Environmental organizations also applauded the move. Clean energy is good for business, job creation, our health and the environment. Xcel knows this first hand, which is why its retiring and replacing its coal plants with solar, win, and battery storage, said Zach Pierce, Sierra Clubs senior representative for the Beyond Coal Campaign in Colorado. Embracing this critical transition to clean energy will save customers millions on their energy bills and bring local economic investment to communities in Colorado. Environment Colorado Director Garrett Garner-Wells likewise praised Xcel, pointing toward the looming costs of fossil fuel reliance. The consequences of inaction keep getting worse, so we need to do all we can as fast as we can, Garner-Wells said. Xcels announcement shows that the writings on the wall for fossil fuels and dirty energy, while setting the bar for utilities in Colorado and nationwide. Pierce and Garner-Wells encouraged other utilities in Colorado to follow Xcel Energys lead. In September, Colorado Springs Utilities moved to generate more than a fifth of its electricity using solar power after it adds 150 megawatts of renewable energy to its portfolio. The purchase was part of Utilities 2016 Electric Integrated Resource Plan, which set goals for the organization to produce a fifth of its energy through renewable means with no more than a 1 percent increase to the average electric bill by 2020. The board approved two solar array projects in 2018, totaling 95 megawatts, which boosted Utilities renewable portfolio from 9 percent to 15 percent with a 0.95 percent estimated increase on the average bill. Fowke said it will be challenging to get Public Utilities Commission approval, as well as the legislative steps necessary to advance the plan, particularly as it relates to increasing the amount of research and development going on in the state. I dont think getting buy-in across both sides of the aisle and various stakeholders is going to be a cakewalk, Fowke said. We need support and we need to demonstrate the compelling economics and the plan that we can put forth to get us there. Reporter David O. Williams contributed to this story. A Salida man was ordered to serve four years in prison Wednesday after his attempt to lure children into a car in Colorado Springs was foiled by a baby sitter armed with a crowbar. Michael John Garbacz, 47, agreed to serve his sentence under a guilty plea to second-degree kidnapping. Prosecutors dismissed indecent exposure and child enticement charges in exchange. The penalty was imposed by 4th Judicial District Chief Judge William Bain. The attempted luring came July 28, 2017, at an RV park near downtown. According to authorities, Garbacz exposed himself to three children playing in a front yard and invited one of them into his car. That girl ran inside a house to alert her baby sitter, who came out and threw a crowbar at Garbaczs fleeing car, smashing a window. I learned I have a frigging awesome baby sitter, the girls father said after the sentencing. He said all three children had been taught to be wary of strangers. Garbacz has at least three prior felonies, prosecutor Brien Cecil said at his sentencing hearing. Gazette partner KKTV News said his latest crime came months after he was released from a Florida prison after a serving a four-year sentence for aggravated battery and assault. The defendant was granted credit for time served for 461 days he spent in custody after his arrest. Colorado's U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner said Tuesday he plans to introduce bipartisan legislation aimed at forcing the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay benefits to student veterans who have been shorted because of the VA's information processing and accounting difficulties. The VA let these veterans down and this cannot be tolerated, Gardner said in a statement. First, the VA made a mistake and did not properly pay student veterans the money they are entitled to; and now the VA is failing in their responsibility again by not providing a plan to pay those students back quickly." The Colorado Republican and U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, an Alabama Democrat, are co-sponsoring the Fix Immediately Outstanding Underpayments for Student Veterans Act, which would establish a VA commission to audit monthly payments to student veterans and require that students who have been underpaid are made whole. The VA hasn't been paying some student veterans the full benefits they're entitled to under a 2017 law that boosted benefits changed the way certain housing payments are calculated. NBC News reported last week that VA officials had been telling congressional staff that they wouldn't make retroactive payments to veterans who were paid less than they were owed, but VA Secretary Robert Wilkie later insisted the government will set things right once it gets its systems in order. The Gardner-Jones bill includes a provision to prevent the VA from taking back money it overpaid in error. Gardner sent Wilkie a letter in late October demanding the VA fix the problems after student veterans at Colorado Mesa University brought the underpayments to his attention. "Most problems Congress addresses are complicated and do not have one right answer," Gardner said in a statement Tuesday. "This is not one of those issues. To me, its pretty clear what the right thing to do is: Congress must act to ensure our student veterans receive every penny they are entitled to. The VA encourages students encountering problems with their GI benefits to call 1-888-442-4551. A handgun magazine with live ammo was found Wednesday morning in a Harrison High School hallway lined with lockers, prompting an hourslong lockout and early dismissal for students. No gun was found, and District 2 officials stressed in a letter sent to parents that students were never in danger. Nevertheless, police were notified and officers, along with district security staff searched lockers, bathrooms, students and staff to ensure no one was in possession of a weapon, the letter stated. As you can guess, that wing of lockers was the first area that we went through, said John Taylor, district director of security. The magazine lying on the hallway floor was found by a teacher about 7:45 a.m., just as first period was beginning, Taylor said. After the magazine was found, the school at 2755 Janitell Road was placed on lockout, according to the letter sent to parents. During a lockout, classes continue but no one is allowed to enter or leave the school. Students were sent home at 1 p.m., more than two hours earlier than usual. Please discuss this incident with your student and emphasize that it is against the law to bring weapons of any type to school, the letter says. Also, please emphasize the importance of telling you or a staff member if there is a weapon at school. In this way, we are all working together to keep our school safe. Classes will resume Thursday, with increased security at the school for the remainder of the week. Right now, we feel confident that our kids will be safe to come back to school tomorrow, said Principal Peter Vargas. With the help of our district security team and with the Colorado Springs Police Department, we feel really comfortable having classes tomorrow. Students safety is the schools No. 1 priority, Vargas said. One of the exciting things is one of our kids shook my hand and gave me a hug and said, Mr. Vargas, thank you for helping us be safe today, and that just kind of hit it on the head for us our kids recognizing that we want to make sure theyre safe when they come to school, he said. Joe Barrera, Ph.D., is the former director of the Ethnic Studies Program at UCCS, and a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. HOUSTON, Dec. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DiCentral , a leading provider of business-to-business (B2B) supply chain integration and collaboration solutions, today announced the recent acquisition of Compello GmbH (Compello Germany) and launch of DiCentral Europe. The acquisition creates one of the fastest growing integrated business networks, with deep vertical expertise and an expansive global footprint that now services clients in 35 countries. The expansion of its European footprint gives DiCentral the reach to serve multi-national organizations that seek to establish a unified global platform to support their data integration needs. The merged company offers data integration solutions for a variety of industries, including retail, automotive, energy, consumer products, financial services, logistics and transportation. With this acquisition, DiCentral continues to execute on its vision to service the needs of multi-national clients seeking to integrate their global supply chains, said Thuy Mai, president and CEO of DiCentral. There are powerful and rapid forces shaping the nature of the way global business is conducted and many internal systems simply cannot keep up. We help our clients conduct commerce all over the world with increasingly complex data integration requirements. By combining the two companies we can address the needs of both small and large enterprises around the globe, while providing vertical-specific solutions. Going forward, Compello Germany products and services will be rebranded under DiCentral and all products and services provided by Compello Germany will continue to be maintained and supported. We are delighted to join forces with DiCentral and expand its breadth of products and services across Europe, said Andreas Waldbrenner, General Manager of Compello Germany. As business becomes more global, organizations seek a trusted software and services partner to assist with their supply chain integration needs. DiCentral is one of the few truly global providers that can satisfy this requirement. Based in Houston, Texas, DiCentral has an extensive global network and has local offices in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. DiCentral can be found on the web at www.dicentral.com . About DiCentral DiCentral is a leading global provider of B2B supply chain collaboration and integration solutions that simplify and enhance business process integration and collaboration among trading partners. Organizations worldwide leverage the DiCentral Managed Services Network to extend supply chain networks, adopt new business models such as omni-channel retailing and drop ship, automate warehousing, optimize order management, manage electronic payments, and gain greater supply chain visibility. DiCentrals Managed SaaS solution empowers customers with the expertise, technical infrastructure and customer support to conduct B2B e-commerce with trading partners globally. Blair, Nebraska, Dec. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Great Plains Communications, the largest privately-owned telecommunications company in Nebraska is pleased to announce that IT and Network Operations Center Manager, Wyatt Leehy has been appointed to the Federal Communications Commissions new Disaster Response and Recovery Working Group of the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC). The group has been formed to provide advice and recommendations for improvement of disaster preparation, response, and recovery for broadband infrastructure. Mr. Leehy joined Great Plains Communications in 2011. Since that time he has held multiple leadership roles in the areas of information technology, project management, network operations, cyber security, and business continuity. He has also implemented several projects to improve disaster response and recovery including data center and workplace redundancy, infrastructure resiliency, and designs for a mobile central office. Prior to joining the company, he served as a Communications Officer in the United States Marine Corps where he supported complex telecommunications networks supporting combat operations. As a first responder with the Blair, Nebraska Volunteer Fire Department, he holds a deep appreciation for the effects of natural and manmade disasters and the impact these can have on people, property, and communications. Mr. Leehy had this to say. Proactive disaster response and recovery plans are critical to a resilient telecommunications infrastructure. I look forward to providing the working group with a rural perspective for disaster response and recovery planning to ensure the recommendations we develop are applicable at all levels of the industry. The mission of the BDAC is to make recommendations to the Commission on how to accelerate the deployment of high-speed Internet access, or broadband, encouraging deployment of broadband to all Americans. In turn, the Disaster Response and Recovery Working Group will be charged with making recommendations for measures to be taken prior to a disaster to improve resiliency of broadband infrastructure, as well as strategies to be implemented during disaster response to minimize network downtime, and actions to be taken to restore broadband infrastructure during the disaster recovery process. Great Plains Communications is well aligned with the mission of the BDAC, working alongside them to accelerate broadband deployment, said Todd Foje, CEO of Great Plains Communications. Having one of our own on the Disaster Response and Recovery Working Group is a great honor for our company. Wyatt Leehy is an excellent choice for this appointment. He has the background and the insight to make a great difference for the cause of disaster response and recovery on a national level. About Great Plains Communications Great Plains Communications is the largest privately-owned telecommunications provider in Nebraska. The company provides over 90 communities across the state with high-speed Internet, cable television, and voice services. Business solutions range from traditional and cloud-based voice and data products to installation and support of large business networks with scalable Internet and Ethernet solutions. At the core of their service offering is an extensive 9,500-mile regional fiber network including over 300 fiber miles in the Omaha Metro area. The network extends beyond Nebraska into Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wyoming offering community access rings, last-mile, and middle-mile solutions, all fully supported by their 24x7x365 Network Operations Center. The company is financially strong with over a century of experience providing reliable and innovative solutions. Great Plains Communications is privately owned by Grain Management, LLC: a leading private equity firm focused on investments in the Communications sector. For more information visit www.gpcom.com. New York, New York, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silverline, a Salesforce Platinum Consulting Firm headquartered in New York City, has been honored with a Glassdoor Employees Choice Award, recognizing the Best Places to Work in 2019, as well as once again being named as one of Crains Best Places to Work in New York City for the sixth year in a row. The Glassdoor Employees Choice Awards program, now in its 11th year, is based solely on the input of employees, who elect to provide feedback on their jobs, work environments, and companies on Glassdoor, one of the worlds largest job and recruiting sites. This year, more than 830,000 employers were considered, of which only 50 were selected. Silverline was ranked third this year, becoming the first company to consecutively place in the top three for the award. I am beyond thrilled that Silverline is an Employees Choice Award winner for our second year in a row, said Silverline CEO Gireesh Sonnad. We strive to be a place where our employees can express their passions and follow their career aspirations, and this award signals that were continuing to support our employees. Glassdoors Best Places to Work were determined using company reviews shared by U.S.-based employees in October 2018. The final list is compiled using Glassdoors proprietary algorithm, led by its Economic Research Team, and takes into account quantity, quality, and consistency of reviews. Silverline has also been selected as a Crains 2018 Best Place to Work in New York City. Silverline has achieved this status six years running. This year, Silverline placed #12 among large companies, which Crains newly designated as companies with more than 100 employees. Crains surveyed 23,000 local New York City employees, covering topics such as corporate culture, working conditions, and benefits. As part of their celebration of these achievements, Silverline will be contributing to PepUp Tech as a way to give back to the community. PepUp Tech is a non-profit organization bringing computer science and technology programs to underserved communities. Earlier this year, Silverline and PepUp Tech forged a partnership so together they can serve underrepresented groups within the tech community, bringing diversity to the industry and offering exciting opportunities to young people around the country. The best way for us to celebrate our win is by continuing to support and promote others who equally share our desire to build an innovative, inspiring, and inclusive workplace, said Silverlines Chief People Officer, Lisa Dallenbach. We look forward to the year ahead and hope we can continue to positively impact not only our employees but those in our greater community. About Glassdoor Glassdoor combines all the latest jobs with millions of reviews and insights to make it easy for people to find a job that is uniquely right for them. As a result, Glassdoor helps employers hire truly informed candidates at scale through effective recruiting solutions like job advertising and employer branding products. Launched in 2008, Glassdoor now has reviews and insights for over 830,000 companies located in more than 190 countries. For more information, visit glassdoor.com. Glassdoor is a registered trademark of Glassdoor, Inc. About Crain Communications Crain Communications is a privately held media company that produces trusted and relevant news publications, lead generation, research and data products, digital platforms, custom publishing, and events with uncompromising integrity. Reaching 6 million business decision-makers and consumers across the United States and in select markets in Europe and Asia, the companys 55 brand portfolio consists of 21 print publications and 34 digital-only news sites. Many of Crains brands are the most influential media properties in the verticals they serve including Automotive News, Autoweek, Advertising Age, Modern Healthcare, Plastics News, and Pensions & Investments. Headquartered in Detroit, the company has nearly 750 employees in 11 locations delivering exceptional news content over a variety of platforms to empower the success of its readers and clients. About Silverline Silverline creates unique digital experiences that transform the way our clients do business. As a Salesforce Platinum Cloud Alliance Partner, Silverline leverages best practices acquired by over 1,100 implementations, with significant expertise in the Financial Services and Healthcare industries. Our Industry solution focus combines Strategic Advisory, technical implementation, and ongoing Managed Services to enable organizations to achieve maximum value with the Salesforce platform. SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As green energy initiatives boost the need for graphite, one company continues to explore for the element in an unlikely place. Company mentioned: SRG Graphite Inc. (SRG:TSX.V) SRG Graphite Inc. is a Canadian resource company that works in the exploration, development and production of high-quality, low-cost natural graphite flakes. The company is also working on its nickel-cobalt-scandium laterite project located 5km away from its graphite project. SRG operates in the southeast region of the Republic of Guinea, in West Africa, and recently announced results for its latest round of assay testing with 162 new boreholes, bringing total tests to 557 boreholes and over 18,037 meters drilled. Cost efficiencies encouraged SRG management to expand the drilling program, according to a recent press release . Mineralized material from the deposit is being used to produce graphite concentrate so the company can ship samples to prospective clients. Intermediate graphite concentrate will also be shipped to prospective customers to assist in evaluation of the equipment selected for the feasibility study. Committed to sustainable and traceable mining, SRG also signed on to the United Nations Global Compact, which commits it to universal sustainability principles. The company further reports sustainability progress through the Global Reporting Initiative, an independent international standardization organization. SRG recently engaged the expertise of EEM Sustainable Management (EEM), a Canada-based independent environment consultancy company from Montreal with significant experience in Guinea, to revise and update the Lola graphite project environmental and social impact assessment to ensure compliance with local and international standards. Continue reading this article: Canadian Mining Company Takes Advantage of Boom in Energy Storage About Streetwise Reports Streetwise Reports shares investment ideas in many sectors. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. DISCLOSURE: The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: SRG Graphite. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of SRG Graphite. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ethiopia, the base for Africas largest Aviation Group Ethiopian Airlines, has overtaken Dubai as the top transit hub for long-haul passengers to Africa, Reuters has reported citing travel consultancy ForwardKeys. The success underscores the continued success of Ethiopian Airlines expansion drive and the reforms of Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, according to ForwardKeys. Addis Ababa airport had increased the number of international transfer passengers to sub-Saharan Africa for five years in a row, and in 2018 had surpassed Dubai, one of the worlds busiest airports, as the transfer hub for long-haul travel to the region. Travel booking systems data revealed that the number of long-haul transfers to sub-Saharan Africa via Addis Ababa jumped by 85 percent from 2013 to 2017. Transfers via Dubai over the same period rose by 31 percent. The move to allow visitors to apply for visas online, and the pledge of Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed to open Ethiopias largely state-controlled economy to foreign investment are said to have contributed to the increase in bookings via Addis Ababa. Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam remarked, The report by travel consultancy ForwardKeys reveals Ethiopias leading role in serving as the major African hub to long-haul air travel to the region, and it perfectly matches with the ambitions of our Pan-African airline which has always sought a fair share for African carriers in the continents air travel market. Our continued investment in expanding our intra-African network, which is the largest by an airline, is now paying dividends. With the partnerships we are entering with indigenous African airlines and the massive expansion work underway at Addis Ababa Airport, Ethiopia is set to grow even further as the major transit hub for long-haul air traffic to/from Africa. Dubai has long been a major global air travel hub because it is the base of Gulf carrier Emirates. Given the lack of an open skies deal smoothing flights across Africa, many passengers traveling between one part of the continent and another, or from Asia or Europe to Africa, must often transit through Dubai, Reuters noted in its report. With 117 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents, 60 of which are in Africa, Ethiopian commands the lions share of intra-African network. Reuters report is available at the below link: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ethiopia-airlines/ethiopia-overtakes-dubai-as-top-feeder-of-air-traffic-to-africa-idUSKCN1NX21E About Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the largest and fastest growing airline in Africa. For more than 70 years of operation, Ethiopian is the continents leading carrier, unrivaled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian operates the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 100 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. The Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft, such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, and Bombardier Q-400 double cabin. The average age of the aircraft is five years. Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft. Attachment ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- P1 Purpose: P2 Purpose: P3 Purpose: P4 Purpose: Main point ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Which one of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage? Pre-thinking Main point question The main point is to investigate the reasons why modern architecture is criticized for by analyzing the work and ideas of OW (A) Modern architecture has been criticized for emphasizing practical and technical issues and for failing to focus on aesthetic concerns. Partial scope (B) Critics have failed to take into account the technological innovations and aesthetic features that architects have incorporated into modern buildings. incorrect (C) Wagners Modern Architecture provides architects with a chronicle of the origins of modern architecture. The main point is not just to describe something (D) Wagners Modern Architecture indicates that the founders of modern architecture did not believe that practical issues should supersede the aesthetic concerns of the past. This option is both correct and broad enough. Hence it is a valid main point (E) Wagners seminal text, Modern Architecture, provides the intellectual basis for the purely materialistic definition of modern architecture. incorrect definition of OW's work 2. According to the passage, Wagner asserts which one of the following about the roles of architect and engineer? Pre-thinking Detail question The role of these 2 figures is discussed in paragraph 3. According to OW the two figures should connect but arts should prevail. (A) The architect should make decision about aesthetic issues and leave decision about technical matters to the engineers. not mentioned (B) The engineer has often developed the powers of aesthetic judgment previously thought to be unique to the architect. not mentioned (C) The judgment of the engineer should be as important as the judgment of the architect when decisions are made about aesthetic issues. not mentioned (D) The technical judgment of the engineer should prevail over the aesthetic judgment of the architect in the design of modern buildings. not mentioned (E) The architect should acquire the knowledge of technical matters typically held by the engineer. mentioned here: "the architect developing the skills of the engineer without losing the powers of aesthetic judgment that Wagner felt were unique to the artist." 3. The passage suggests that Wagner would be LEAST likely to agree with which one of the following statements about classical architecture and the modern architect? Pre-thinking Inference question Our task here is to find what most OW would agree with and eliminate the remaining option. (A) The modern architect should avoid the mechanical imitation of the models of the Italian Renaissance and Austrian Baroque. Ow thinks that architects should use the means available in the current era... (B) The modern architect cannot design buildings appropriate to a modern, urban society and still retain emotional attachments to the forms of the Italian Renaissance and Austrian Baroque. That's basically the opposite of what OW thinks. correct (C) The modern architect should possess knowledge of engineering as well as of the architecture of the past. OW believes this to be true (D) The modern architect should not base designs on the technological conditions that underlay the design of the models of the Italian Renaissance and Austrian Baroque. Similar reasoning used in option A (E) The designs of modern architects should reflect political ideals different from those reflected in the designs of classical architecture. In line with what is written in P2 4. The passage suggests which one of the following about the quotations from Modern Architecture cited in the second paragraph? Pre-thinking Inference question " This would indeed seem to be the basis of a purely materialist definition of architecture, a prototype for the simplistic form-follows-function dogma that opponents have identified as the intellectual basis of modern architecture. But the picture was more complex " (A) They represent the part of Wagners work that has had the least influence on the architects who designed the high-rise buildings of the 1960s and 1970s. Cannot be inferred (B) They describe the part of Wagners work that is most often evoked by proponents of Wagners ideas on art and technology. Cannot be inferred (C) They do not adequately reflect the complexity of Wagners ideas on the use of modern technology in architecture. In line with pre-thinking (D) They reflect Wagners active participation in the political revolutions of the nineteenth century. Cannot be inferred (E) They provide an overview of Wagners ideas on the relationship between art and technology. Cannot be inferred 5. The author of the passage states which one of the following about the concerns of modern architecture? Pre-thinking Detail question Refer to the first paragraph (A) Cost-efficiency, utility, and aesthetic demands are the primary concerns of the modern architect. Inconsistent (B) Practical issues supersede aesthetic concerns in the design of many modern buildings. Correct (C) Cost-efficiency is more important to the modern architects than are other practical concerns. More important is wrong (D) The design of many new buildings suggests that modern architects are still inspired by architectural forms of the past. Not mentioned (E) Many modern architects use current technology to design modern buildings that are aesthetically pleasing. not mentioned 6. The author mentions Wagners choice of a circular ground plan for churches (line 54) most likely in order to Pre-thinking Function question This example is used to show that deep down OW was still attached to the renaissance (A) provide an example of the kinds of technological innovations Wagner introduced into modern architecture Not in line with pre-thinking (B) provide an example of Wagners dismissal of historical forms from Italian Renaissance Not in line with pre-thinking (C) provide an example of a modern building where technological issues were much less significant than aesthetic demands Not in line with pre-thinking (D) provide evidence of Wagners tendency to imitate Italian Renaissance and Austrian Baroque models in line with pre-thinking (E) provide evidence of the tension between Wagners commitment to modern technology and to the Classical tradition Not in line with pre-thinking 7. The passage is primarily concerned with Pre-thinking Main point question The main point is to investigate the reasons why modern architecture is criticized for by analyzing the work and ideas of OW (A) summarizing the history of a debate Not the intent (B) explaining a traditional argument Not the intent (C) describing and evaluating a recent approach no approach is discussed (D) justifying a recent criticism by presenting new evidence no new evidence is cited (E) supporting an assertion by discussing an important work the assertion is found in the first paragraph: " the failure of modern architecture cannot be blamed on the ideals of its founders. ". And the rest of the paragraph discusses an important work by OW It is a good day to be alive! Hi everyone,Got all correct in 12:30 minutes, including 5:50 minutes to read.In paragraph one we are given why modern architecture is criticized for: it appears that utility has become more important that aesthetic. But according to the work of OW we know that the failure of modern architecture cannot be blamed on its founders.Explain why modern architecture has been criticized for and present the work of WOParagraph 2 describes OW's work and gives us his idea of what architecture should be. He thinks that between architecture and society there should be a connexion and that architecture should be a reflection of the materials, achievements and so on of the current world. But there must be something more as in the last sentence we can see the usage of the conditional. Plus note that the following paragraph starts with a but.The purpose is to describe OW's work and to cast doubt on the apparent definition of architecture given in such workHere we are given that there is more to know about OW. He thinks that arts play an important role in architecture and that the figure of the architect and of the engineer will meddle. However the arts will be prevailing in this relation.To highlight an hidden aspect of OW.In this last paragraph we know something more about OW. Even tough he claimed that technology was very significant, he was still attached to the renaissance/classic values.To reveal that OW was still attached to classical valuesThe main point is to investigate the reasons why modern architecture is criticized for by analyzing the work and ideas of OW | Atoll IN 200 Signature jiarui : f : 10 : f: 10 #1 Atoll IN 200 Signature / 05-12-2018 04:59 Atoll IN 200 Signature ( 24-06-2021 14:01 #1 .) : : : -------------------- -- Hi-Fi ---- ---- ---- ---- -- -- -- -- ---- D ---- BD/DVD/LD ---- - ---- , ---- ---- -- -- -- : 1 () IceViking strongly condemns physical attacks and harassment directed towards them. They are also often victims of the Islamic idea. This is true when it comes to the cruel and tragic treatment of Muslim women and children when it is in accord with the Koran, the example of Mohammed and Islamic law, Sharia, which may be applied regardless of where a Muslim male may find himself in the world, whether in a Muslim or non-Muslim country. However, in no way, shape or form should one judge all Muslim men because of what is in Islamic scripture and what constitutes the Islamic law, Sharia. "Race", ethnicity or basically anything that you are "merely" born with should never be a basis for bigotry and discrimination. Apostates from Islam have been executed for 1400 years in accord with the Koran and the words and actions of the Islamic prophet Mohammed and Islamic law, Sharia. They should be lovingly helped. Furthermore, approximately as many as 11,000,000 Muslims may have been killed by other Muslims since 1948. To quote the website The Religion of Peace (TROP), edited by Glen Roberts: While it may be safe to say that a true Muslim would not intentionally kill another true Muslim ( 4:92-93 ), the Quran places no such value on the life of a Muslim who is not true. Consider verse 9:73 : Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them, their abode is Hell. The Arabic for strive hard uses the same root as Jihad - and the context in this sura is holy war (see v. 86 and 91). Thus, there are two distinct classes of people that a true Muslim is to target with harshness: disbelievers and hypocrites. A disbeliever obviously refers to a non-Muslim, so a "hypocrite" must be a Muslim of some sort. In fact, hypocrites are those who say they believe, but do not act as they should. In other words, they are "Muslims", but not true Muslims. They will go to hell just as unbelievers do, and so, according to the verse, their lives matter for naught. The same sura says that a hypocrite can be recognized not just by lack of piety (reluctance to follow Sharia), but by fear of death ( 9:56 ), reluctance to fight ( 9:44-45 ) and even friendliness toward non-believers ( 9:67 ). A true Muslim would thus be a pious person who relishes martyrdom, is eager to fight, and shuns non-believers. Even the Quranic passage that warns against killing "believers" ( 4:88-94 ) is more complicated than it first appears. It never says that a true Muslim is incapable of killing another Muslim, just that it should not be done. In fact, it makes exceptions for the unintentional killing of "believers" in war and mandates the killing of "hypocrites." Verse 17:33 says, "Do not kill anyone which Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause" . The greatest cause of all is that Islam be superior ( 9:33 ), which is exactly what Islamic terrorists say is their goal. Thus believing Muslims are allowed to be collateral damage in the war on unbelievers. There is sadly a phenomena that I`ve noticed in Sweden and elsewhere of people using true facts about Islamic doctrine and history as a cover for all sorts of irrational targeting of Muslims, ranging from xenophobia and racism to verbal abuse and physical attacks. This is strongly condemned by this website and does not in any way serve serious criticism of orthodox Islam and other important work. It`s also important that one tries to express oneself in a civilized way. Words matter. In this bloggers humble opinion the root cause of the problem is the ancient doctrine of orthodox Islam. In simple terms a non-Muslim is a Kafir. " The Koran defines the kafir and kafir is not a neutral word. A kafir is not merely someone who does not agree with Islam, but a kafir is evil, disgusting, the lowest form of life." An exact quote, as stated in the writings of Dr. Bill Warner in the article "Kafir" at http://www.politicalislam.com/kafir . In the perfect Koran (Allah`s direct and literal word as revealed to Mohammed through the angel Jibril), Muslims are told 89 times to emulate Mohammed in all ways (see Koran 33:21 for instance). Mohammed`s example, the Sunna, is found in the Hadith (stories of what Mohammed said and did) and the Sira (biographies of Mohammed). Islamic law, Sharia , is directly derived from these unchanging scriptures. It is based on the Koran`s numerous commands to obey Allah and obey the Messenger, that is Mohammed (see Koran 4:59 for instance). Islam is Sharia. Sharia is Islam. It is a capital crime for Muslims to deny Sharia in any way. A Muslim is someone who submits to Islam and submitting to Islam means obeying the Sharia of Allah. Sharia law includes pronouncements for both Muslims and non-Muslims (Kafirs). Islam is a "complete way of life", a "complete code of life", a "complete system of life". Islam is not just a religion but also a comprehensive ideology. Islam is a supremacist ideology. Islam is a totalitarian and imperialistic ideology akin to Communism and Nazism. Islam is a civilization. Islamic law, Sharia, is a manual for a civilization. Islamic law, Sharia, governs every aspect of life. It has a say about every conceivable human act . Non-Muslims are morally and legally inferior in Islam. Women are morally and legally inferior in Islam. The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS by Robert Spencer is the first one-volume history of jihad in the English language and a great book on the topic. Allah guarantees Paradise to those who "kill and are killed" for him (Koran 9:111). A hadith depicts a Muslim asking Muhammad: "Instruct me as to such a deed as equals Jihad (in reward)." Muhammad replied, "I do not find such a deed." (Bukhari 4.52.44) Muhammad himself said: I have been commanded to fight against people so long as they do not declare that there is no god but Allah, and he who professed it was guaranteed the protection of his property and life on my behalf except for the right affairs rest with Allah. (Sahih Muslim 30) Freedom of speech, human rights, democracy, science and human lives are all at stake in the fight against the Islamic Jihad. As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ Internet access will be a human right in Yucatan The Yucatan Times Other officials in the U.S. administration are being equally forceful when it comes to Iran, most notably Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton. Pompeo said a few months ago that the administration is working on finding a way to put a permanent end to Irans nuclear ambitions. Previous to this, the Secretary of State listed twelve demands that Iran must adhere to before the United States will consider treating it like a normal nation. The demands were focused on the regimes nuclear program, its domestic behaviour and its interference in the Middle East. John Bolton has spoken about the administrations intention to squeeze Iran as hard as possible. He said earlier this year that the United States wants to put unprecedented pressure on the government of Iran to change its behaviour. He said: They should not underestimate our determination that were going to put pressure on them until they give up their pursuit of nuclear weapons and all the other activities that I mentioned. That, we are very serious about. However, the U.S. policy is not working as effectively as it could be. The Trump administration is focusing on containing the Iran threat but it could really go a step further. Pulling out of the joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the 2015 Iran nuclear deal as it is known, was a very good start. The deal was appalling and did not really do anything to curb the Iran threat. And the sanctions that have been re-imposed are essential to cut the regime off from the funding that it uses to support its various militias and proxy groups across the region. However, instead of focusing on containment, it would be even better if the United States could move towards actively pushing Iran back to its own borders. And to pushing the proxies and militias back to their own countries too. The real key, though, is the main opposition to the Iranian regime. The Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI / MEK) which is part of the National Council of Resistance (NCRI) the largest coalition of groups and dissidents that want democratic change in Iran, knows the Iranian regime better than anyone. The PMOI / MEK and the NCRI are actively supporting the people of Iran who have been taking to the streets since the end of last year. Their shared goal is freedom, democracy and human rights in Iran and they know that the only way this will ever be possible will be via regime change. Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the NCRI, has a ten-point plan for the future of Iran. It is a roadmap for democratic rule and political freedom. Supporting the opposition, the United States can play a big role in ensuring that Iran is one day free. The test was conducted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday, just two days after Hooks exhibition at joint base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, DC. It involved a weapon that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as being capable of carrying multiple warheads, according to NBC News. In this sense, Saturdays launch was in tension with United Nations Security Council 2231, which oversaw the implementation of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and separately called upon the Islamic Republic to avoid work on all weapons that are designed to be capable of carrying a nuclear payload. The comparatively weak language has led to some differences of interpretation, and these were highlighted on Tuesday when the Security Council held a closed-door meeting at the request of the French and British governments, both of which have previously expressed concern over the Iranian ballistic missile program and the regimes destabilizing influence over the broader region. In keeping with pre-established talking points, the US used the meeting to describe the latest launch one of approximately a dozen since the nuclear deal went into effect as an outright violation of the Security Council resolution. Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, added that the move was dangerous and concerning, but not surprising. She went on to accuse the international community of turning a blind eye to violations and malign activities of the kind that the Trump administration used to pull out of the nuclear deal, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in May. For their part, France and the United Kingdom extended their former criticisms of Iranian belligerence but would only say that Saturdays launch was inconsistent with Resolution 2231. Still, Agence France Presse quoted British Ambassador Karen Pierce as saying that Irans activities go way beyond legitimate defensive needs, and Reuters credited France with objecting to the Iranian frenzy for missile development and stockpiling. The two European nations and permanent Security Council member states have, along with Germany, been effectively torn between the White Houses assertive Iran policy and the efforts by the rest of Europe to expand trade relations with the Islamic Republic by keeping the JCPOA in force. Some supporters of the JCPOA have expressed concern that further pressures on the Iranian regime could prompt it to follow the US in withdrawing from the deal, which imposes limited restrictions on Irans nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief. The agreement does not bar Western powers or the United Nations from imposing additional sanctions on Irans non-nuclear activities such as ballistic missile tests, support of terrorism, and human rights violations. Yet the European leadership has been wary of taking such steps, nonetheless. As Reuters pointed out in its report on Tuesdays Security Council meeting, this wariness was put on display in March when other European Union member states rebuffed efforts by the UK, France, and Germany to impose sanctions on the Iranian ballistic missile program. However, the same report underscored that the whole of Europe is facing rising levels of pressure from the US over this and related issues. Furthermore, European lawmakers may be generally more open to the notion of financial penalties on the Islamic Republic, following the past several months revelations of terrorist plots targeting Iranian opposition figures on European soil. In June, two Iranian operatives were arrested while attempting to travel into France with explosives and a detonator. German authorities subsequently arrested a high-ranking Iranian diplomat who had been stationed in Vienna and was identified as the mastermind behind the plot to bomb the international rally organized near Paris by the National Council of Resistance of Iran. Three months earlier, authorities in Albania disrupted a plot to attack members of the NCRIs main constituent group, the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran. And in October, it was announced that an Iranian operative had been arrested in Denmark on suspicion of plotting the assassination of Iranian Arab opposition leaders. The affected states naturally responded to these threats by urging collective action to confront Iranian terrorism and undermine relevant networks. This pressure, together with more broad-minded pressure from the White House, may serve to amplify the cracks that Fox News reported to be showing in the Iran deal coalition on Tuesday. The report described some European leaders as fuming over the provocative ballistic missile tests, although this and other reports on the subject indicated that no collective action had been decided by either the Security Council or the EU. This could still change, however, as the council is expected to meet again on December 19 to engage in a broader discussion about the implementation of the relevant resolution. Even if this also fails to yield concrete measures, Fox emphasized that the Trump administration has made it clear that the US will continue to take unilateral actions as they are deemed necessary. In what may be a relevant example of a unilateral response, Business Insider reported on Tuesday that a US aircraft carrier was en route to the Persian Gulf for the first time since the USS Theodore Roosevelt left eight months ago. Although the deployment was scheduled far in advance of the Iranian missile test and surrounding political conflict, US officials did reportedly portray it as an answer to Iranian belligerence, as well as a warning to European allies about the potential danger of ignoring Irans destabilizing influence. Tehran has made no secret of its vigorous pursuit of a greater regional presence, and Saturdays missile launch is arguably emblematic of this effort. Business Insider quoted Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, the head of the Iranian air force, as saying One of our most important programs is increasing the range of missiles and ammunition. Officials have previously boasted of increasing their missile range and have specifically highlighted their supposed ability to strike US bases in Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, and elsewhere. Furthermore, Reuters reported that the chief of staff of Irans armed forces claimed in 2016 that the regime was thinking of setting up its own naval bases in Yemen and Syria, two areas of civil war where Iranian influence has been credited with greatly protracting the conflict. This rhetoric was greatly expanded last week when Tehran announced its intention to place a number of new military naval vessels into service, including one that allegedly features stealth technology. One naval commander even claimed that the Sahand destroyer may soon be dispatched on a mission as far away as Venezuela. Such rhetoric even goes beyond that which Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei offered when lauding new domestic military developments. Increase your capability and readiness as much as you can, Khamenei said in a speech before naval officials, adding that new ships and submarines should serve to extend the Iranian militarys influence well beyond the nations borders and the Persian Gulf. This was not a secret; the US made it quite clear, but apparently not clear enough for the Iran Lobby, who have taken it upon themselves to defend Irans test launch of a ballistic missile on Saturday, which was condemned by the US, Britain, and France. Iran tested a medium-range ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads and of striking Europe and the Middle East, amid rising tensions with their enemies, and this caught the attention of foreign diplomats who are understandably worried by these events and the impact that it could have on global security. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned Irans test in a tweet, calling on Iran to abide by the United Nations resolution that enshrines the nuclear deal, which Iran is a still a party to, in order to prevent further destabilisation of the Middle East. Trita Parsi, the founder and former president of the National Iranian American Council, claims that the language of that particular resolution is ambiguous as it actually calls on Iran to not test its missies rather than forbidding it outright. The interesting point that Parsi is accidentally making here, as he wrestles with semantics, is that the Iranian Regime should never be trusted to do the right thing when there is any kind of legal loophole. This is a great case for increasing sanctions on Iran and making the agreements stricter. One might expect Parsi, who claims to care about ordinary Iranians, to condemn the mullahs for their use of ballistic missiles at the expense of the welfare of the Iranian people, but he shows, once again, that he just wants to protect the Iranian Regime at any cost. While both the Iran lobby and the Iranian regime have objected to any UN restrictions on Irans ballistic missile programme, it is more than clear that Iran is not developing defensive missiles and has moved onto offensive weapons that are able to lift nuclear warheads and multiple payloads. This cannot be seen as anything other than an effort to extend its malign influence far outside of Iran. The key flaw in the nuclear deal, which still includes Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia as signatories, was that it focused solely on nuclear weapons instead of the overall behaviour of the Iranian Regime, including human rights violations and sponsorship of terrorism. The UN Security Council Resolution 2231 surrounding the deal was the best attempt to rectify this and the remaining signatories should enforce this resolution. The good news is the Britain and France have raised the issue at the UN already, while British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted: [I am concerned by] Irans test-firing of a medium-range ballistic missile. Provocative, threatening and inconsistent with UNSCR 2231. Our support for (the Iran nuclear accord) in no way lessens our concern at Irans destabilizing missile program and determination that it should cease. - Canada is facing a labor crisis as of this year - There are 430,000 reported jobs that remained unfilled in the past four months - Some businesses are feeling the pressure because of this shortage PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Canada has been facing a labor shortage as reported by Inquirer. KAMI learned that there are more than 430,000 jobs unfilled at small and medium-sized firms for the past four months. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the job vacancy rate rose from 2.9% last year to 3.3% this year. As stated by CFIB chief economist Ted Mallett, the rate was above the records set before the 2008 financial crisis, and businesses are really feeling the pressure. In a data by their government statistical agency, Canada has 5.8% unemployment rate as of the moment. Photo from Getty Images Source: Getty Images PAY ATTENTION: Using free basics app to access internet for free? Now you can read KAMI news there too. Use the search option to find us. Read KAMI news while saving your data! Quebec Premier Francois Legault vowed to cut immigration even though there has been a crisis in skilled workers. However, for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, it may not be the best time to cut immigration. What I hear across Quebec is entrepreneurs, businesses concerned about the labor shortage, so I'm not sure it's the best time to cut immigration," the Prime Minister said. As previously reported by KAMI, Japan will be enhancing their issuance of working visas to overseas Filipino workers (OFW). However, only 14 job classifications will be covered by the new system. Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! HumanMeter team is tricking Filipinos in the street with the second part of our famous Beggar With A Twist prank. The reactions from the prank victims are just extremely hilarious! You can also check out our other videos on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel! Source: Kami.com.ph New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Cloudy skies with periods of rain late. Low around 45F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies with periods of rain late. Low around 45F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Actor-comedian Kevin Hart will host 2019 Oscars LOS ANGELES (AP) Kevin Hart has a new job he will host the 2019 Academy Awards, a role the prolific actor-comedian says fulfills a longtime dream. Hart announced his selection for the 91st Oscars in an Instagram statement Tuesday. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences followed up with a tweet that welcomed him to the family. ADVERTISEMENT The announcement came hours after trade publication The Hollywood Reporter posted a story calling the Oscars host position the least wanted job in Hollywood. Hart clearly doesnt feel that way, writing on Instagram that it has been on his list of dream jobs for years. The 2019 Oscars will be broadcast Feb. 24 on ABC. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long timeTo be able to join the legendary list of host that have graced this stage is unbelievable, Hart wrote. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. I will be sure to make sure this years Oscars are a special one, Hart wrote. Hart takes over hosting duties from Jimmy Kimmel, who presided over the last two ceremonies, including 2016s flub that resulted in the wrong best picture winner being announced. Last years ceremony was an all-time ratings low, and the film academy has announced a series of changes to the upcoming show . Those include shortening the broadcast to three hours, and also presenting certain categories during commercial breaks and broadcasting excerpts of those winners speeches later in the show. The 39-year-old Hart has become a bankable star with films such as Ride Along, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Night School. ADVERTISEMENT Celebrities including Martin Lawrence and Chris Rock, who hosted the ceremony in 2005 and 2016, posted congratulatory messages about Harts selection Tuesday night. Damn Ive lost another job to Kevin Hart, Rock posted on Instagram, echoing a joke he told during his 2016 opening monologue . They got the best person for the job. The American city of Anchorage, Alaska is recovering from a powerful earthquake Friday that damaged public buildings, homes and roads. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused buildings to sway. But there have been no reports of deaths, serious injuries or widespread damage. Officials at the Port of Anchorage say the quake has not interfered with transportation of food and other supplies. The ships are coming in on schedule, the supply lines are at this point uninterrupted, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz told reporters Sunday. The scenic Glenn Highway was probably the road hit hardest by the earthquake. It links the states largest city to communities in the north. Traffic has been heavy and slow-moving since the quake. Drivers are being redirected around road damage. Work crews are trying to rebuild areas where the quake created large holes in the road or caused other damage. Falling rocks also are a danger on some roads. Residents still nervous after the major quake have been upset further by more than 1,700 aftershocks. Several have measured 4.5 magnitude or greater. "Anything that moves, you're on your last nerve," said Anchorage resident Lyn Matthews, whose home suffered structural damage, including a sunken foundation. Alaska put in place strict building rules after a 9.2 earthquake in 1964. That was the second most powerful earthquake on record. Federal officials declared a public health emergency on Monday to guarantee that federal medical assistance money will continue. Mental health aid is also available for people traumatized by the disaster. "Remember, whatever you're feeling right now is valid," Anchorage Health and Human Services director Natasha Pineda said at a weekend briefing. Earthquake experts say there is a 4 percent chance of another earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 or greater in the first week after the first quake. "The chance is very small, but it's not impossible," said U.S. Geological Survey Geophysicist Paul Caruso. Im Caty Weaver. The Associated Press reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story uninterrupted adj. not stopped or blocked scenic adj. having a pleasing view of natural scenery such as mountains or valleys foundation n. the base that supports a building strict adj. describing something that must be obeyed traumatized adj. something that causes someone to be upset often in a serious way valid adj. fair or reasonable This is Whats Trending Today Cold, snowy weather has arrived in many places. That means young people are enjoying building snowmen, going sledding and having snowball fights. But in one small American city, snowball fights are illegal. Welcome to Severance, Colorado. The town, north of Denver, gets about 100 centimeters of snowfall a year. For almost 100 years, city rules have said it is illegal to throw or shoot stones or missiles at people, animals, buildings, trees, property or vehicles. Snowballs were considered to be part of the towns definition of missiles. Kyle Rietkerk works for the town of Severance. He said children cannot believe that it is illegal to have snowball fights in their hometown. He said town leaders have for years told the children, You have the power, you can change the law. But no one had tried -- until now. Nine-year-old Dane Best lives in Severance with his parents and little brother. He has made it his mission to get the snowball-fight ban overturned. Dane says he believes the law is outdated. I want to be able to throw a snowball without getting in trouble, he said. Danes mother, Brooke Best, told The Greeley Tribune newspaper that her son found out it was illegal to throw snowballs within town limits about a month and a half ago. Since then, he has been talking about how to change that. Dane wrote letters with his classmates in support of overturning the ban. And on Monday, he spoke about the issue at a Severance town meeting. Leaders listened as Dane presented his arguments. Then, they all voted to lift the ban. Dane says the first person he hopes to hit with a snowball is his four-year-old brother. Dane and his family have researched other Severance rules, including one that defines pets only as cats and dogs. Dane has a guinea pig, which appears to be illegal in Severance, too. And thats Whats Trending Today. Ashley Thompson adapted this story for Learning English from an Associated Press news report. Hai Do was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story sled - v. to ride on a sled (a small vehicle that has a flat bottom or long, narrow strips of metal or wood on the bottom and that is used for moving over snow or ice) Presidents, a king and queen, a prince, a chancellor and a handyman from Maine joined family and friends to celebrate the life of President George H.W. Bush, Wednesday. The day began with a 21-gun salute and the song Hail to the Chief as Bushs flag-covered casket came down from the Capitol where he had lain in state. The vehicle carrying his casket passed by the White House where Bush had served the country as its 41st president. At the National Cathedral in Washington D.C, President Donald Trump sat next to former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, and their wives. Across the aisle were Bushs son George W. Bush, the countrys 43rd president, and the rest of the Bush family. Presidential historian Jon Meacham called Bush Americas last great soldier-statesman in the first of four eulogies. Meacham described how Bush was shot down over the Pacific Ocean as a 20-year-old Navy pilot. He reminded others of how the event shaped Bushs mission in life. Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney praised Bush for his work as a leader. He credited Bush for working to end the Cold War, uniting Germany, leading an international coalition to free Kuwait from Iraq and creating the North American Free Trade Agreement. He added, I believe it will be said that no occupant of the Oval Office was more courageous, more principled and more honorable than George Herbert Walker Bush. Another family friend, former Senator Alan Simpson, brought laughter to the full cathedral with his story of loyalty and friendship. George W. Bush remembered his father as the brightest of a thousand points of light. He said his father was someone who made his children believe anything was possible. In a lighter moment, Bush said, To us he was close to perfect, but not totally perfectThe man couldnt stomach vegetables, especially broccoli. The late president was known for his dislike of the vegetable. The son broke down at the end of his eulogy while talking about the time his parents lost a young daughter. He added, Dad is hugging Robin and holding Moms hand again. The kinder and gentler tone of the state funeral had been set much earlier. The Bush family invited President Donald Trump to attend the event. Trump was not invited to Barbara Bushs funeral in April or the recent funeral of Senator John McCain. Earlier in the day, the president tweeted, This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed! Representatives from countries around the word included King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, Prince Charles of Britain, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Polish President Andrzej Duda. Only people with an invitation could attend the funeral in the cathedral. Among them was Mike Lovejoy, a man who has been fixing things at the Bushs summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine for many years. At the end of the state funeral, Bushs casket returned to Houston to lie in repose at St. Martins Episcopal Church. On Thursday, Bush will be buried on the grounds of his presidential library at Texas A&M University. There, he will be buried next to his wife Barbara Bush and his daughter Robin. Im Mario Ritter. Hai Do wrote this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter Jr. was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story handyman n. a person skilled in doing small jobs often around a house casket n. a box used for burial, a coffin lie in state v. when the body of an official is placed in a state building for the public to pay their respects aisle n. a passage between one group of seats in a church (theater or airplane) and another eulogy n. a speech that praises someone who has died occupant n. a person who holds a position at a particular time principled adj. having strong beliefs about what is right and wrong distinguished adj. known by many people because of some quality or achievement repose n. to rest or be lain somewhere library n. a place where books, magazines, recordings and other media are available for people to use or borrow The 24th United Nations Climate Change Conference is taking place in Katowice, Poland. Delegates have gathered to work on a collective action plan, including on issues like rising sea levels and water temperatures. Since the late 20th century, the worlds oceans have experienced the highest warming on record. Oceans also take in about 30 percent of carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere, creating a change in ocean chemistry. The change is killing some sea life and preventing the growth of others. And, many coastal communities around the world are facing the effects. One such community is Lisbon, Portugal. For Lisbon, the start of summer marks the celebration of saints of the Roman Catholic Church. Lisbons most beloved saint is Saint Anthony. He was a Portuguese Catholic clergyman who lived 800 years ago. Each year, Lisbon honors St. Anthony with a huge three-day festival and parade. It is the citys largest, happiest and most colorful celebration. Almost every neighborhood has a street party with music, food and drink. And everywhere you walk, the air is filled with the smell of grilled sardines. Tradition says that, one day, Saint Anthony went down to the river and gave a religious sermon to the fish. Hundreds of years later, the people of Lisbon still honor him with sardinesa lot of them. Collectively, the Portuguese eat close to 13 sardines every second during a normal day in June. But as ocean water temperatures rise, sardines are getting harder to catch. A week before the festival in 2018, officials delayed sardine fishing in some waters. They worried about overfishing, as rising temperatures have put sardine populations in danger. Effect on communities The Portuguese have always been a nation of sailors, fishermen and fish lovers. Sardines especially are central to Portuguese history and customs. In Lisbon, the smaller harvests of the country's most treasured fish comes with a lot of emotion. This year, Helena Melo attended the Saint Anthony festival with a group of friends. She spoke to the Reuters news agency as she and her friends ate sardines outside a social club. Melo said she has heard the news about the sardines. "We listen to it all year round that maybe this year we will not have sardines," she said. The fish Melo and friends ate may not have been from a fresh catch. Because of limits on fishing, the available sardines at the latest festivities were mostly frozen. Up the hill from the social club was Jorge Rito, who has cooked for the club every June for five years. Rito said he is worried about the decline and that sardines are important for our finances, our economies, for us." Youngest sardines at risk Just as the next generation of people will pay a high price for climate change, the youngest generation of sardines is at risk. Susana Garrido is a researcher with the Portuguese Oceanic and Atmospheric Institute in Lisbon. She said climate change is putting sardines in special danger as compared with similar fish species. Deep, cold seawater upwelling in waters off Portugals western coast keeps the coastal waters cool. But small differences in temperature can have a big effect on whether the fish larvae will survive and fully grow, Garrido said. Other researchers have tested how well adult sardines survived in different conditions. But they found little evidence that things such as food availability and water temperature affected the full-grown fish, Garrido said. So, she and her team decided to study sardine larvae. They found that temperature not the amount of salt in seawater or other things decided whether or not the larvae would survive. And, she said, a recent count showed that the larval sardine numbers were extremely low. The Portuguese sardine population started to fall about 10 years ago. Around the same time, other fish species slowly moved in. Larger forces at work Alexandra Silva also works for the Portuguese Oceanic and Atmospheric Institute. She has been studying Portuguese sardine populations since the late 1990s. When she started, the northern sardine population was somewhat healthy. But today, the population is near complete ruin along the coast, from northwestern Spain to the southern end of Portugal. In 2004, officials began to bar fishing during the spring, when sardines reproduce. For a while, that seemed to help. Between 2004 and 2011, the population remained mostly healthy. But since 2012, the population has taken a sharp drop. And fisheries supervisors have limited the days a week that fishermen can catch sardines, as well as the size of the catch. They have also limited fishing to six months each year. I would miss this Lisbon's historic Graca neighborhood sits at the highest point in the hilly capital. For the Saint Anthony festival, spaces are set up for music, along with several temporary food and drink stands. Luis Diogo Senior, his wife, Rita, and their two children, Luis Junior and Vera, came out to join the party. "This is a country between Spain and the sea, so we went to the sea very soon in our history," Luis Senior said. Luis Junior did not pay much attention to his father. He was directing his energy to his sardines. "I would miss this very much," the 17-year-old said, after eating his third plate of the beloved fish. Im Alice Bryant. And Im Jonathan Evans. Maurice Tamman wrote this story for the Reuters news agency. Alice Bryant adapted it for VOA Learning English. George was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story emission n. the act of producing or sending out something, such as energy or gas, from a source saint n. a person who is officially recognized by the Christian church as being very holy because of the way he or she lived grilled adj. cooked over hot coals or an open fire sardine n. a very small fish that is used for food sermon n. a speech about a moral or religious subject that is usually given by a religious leader larvae n. a very young form of an animal upwell v. to move or flow upward plate n. a flat and usually round dish that is used for eating or serving food Syrian-born artist Mohamed Hafez creates little worlds inside of suitcases. One of his art works looks like a building that was blown open by a bomb. It has small pieces of clothing among the destruction to represent the people who once lived there. "I think the human eye is fascinated by the detail of destruction," he explains. We are always curious to find out what happened." Hafez's art works show the damage caused by the seven-year civil war in his native Syria. "There's nothing glamorous about destruction," Hafez says, "but I use it as away for me to heal and creatively weep over the destruction." Hafez is an architect who designs large, modern buildings. In his art work, however, he makes small versions of buildings, cars and other things. His art show, called "Collateral Damage," is being held at the Fairfield University Museum in Fairfield, Connecticut. It has artwork representing Syria before the war, Syria during the war and the experience of refugees. The show also has his most recent work, which examines Syrian people who have left their country. Hafezs representation of the refugee experience has won recognition in the past few years. One reason is that the small scenes are placed in real suitcases ones once carried by real refugees as they fled. A lot of people came to me with their parents and grandparents suitcases. Im talking about Jewish communities, Irish communities, German communities, Indian communities, said Hafez. He added that the suitcases reminded people of their own immigrant history. Some of the suitcases go back to the 1800s. As the "belongings of yesterday's immigrants," they play a part in telling "the story of today's immigrants to remind us collectively that history could repeat itself," Hafez said. Hafez is an immigrant himself. He brings his own understanding of the refugee experience. Born in Damascus, Syria, he grew upin Saudi Arabia. He arrived in the U.S.15 years ago as an architecture student. He came on a single-entry visa, which meant he could not go home for the first eight years. "This has caused a lot of homesickness and longing to the beautiful country that I have left. I started usingleftover materials from architectural model making. And I started remodeling old Damascus and old Aleppo in miniature form." Hafez believes he is providing something for the American skylines" as a Syrian and a Muslim. Hafez said he is "proudly a member of (American) society. I call America my home." Hafez is fighting for his America through his art. He hopes to answer people who question the value of immigrants in America. Museum visitor Tre Kayumba is an immigrant to the United States. He came from the Congo, but was raised in South Africa. He said that Hafezs artwork "speaks to the human condition," and how disagreements "can result in total destruction." Im Susan Shand. VOAs June Soh reported this story. Susan Shand adapted this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter Jr. was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story suitcase n. a large container used to carry clothing and belongings while traveling fascinate v. to cause someone to be very interested in something or someone curious adj. having the desire to learn or know more about something glamorous adj. very exciting and attractive weep v. to cry very deeply architect n. one who designs buildings collateral adj. related but not in a direct or close way miniature adj. very small An American spacecraft this week successfully reached its target, the asteroid Bennu. The spacecraft OSIRIS-REx is now operating around the asteroid, about 122 million kilometers from Earth. Its goal? To bring back a sample of the ancient space rock for scientists to study. It is a process that will take years. Relieved, proud, and anxious to start exploring! That is what lead scientist Dante Lauretta of the University of Arizona wrote this week on Twitter. To Bennu and back! It is the first time the United States has tried to gather asteroid samples for return to Earth. Only Japan has successfully done so. The first step in the process has begun. OSIRIS-REx is now moving 19 kilometers above Bennus surface to map the asteroid. It will fly over, around and across the ancient space rock, getting as close as 7 kilometers above the surface with each flyover. Mapping Bennu will help scientists create a more exact model of its shape, its mass and how fast it spins, or turns. They want to know whether there are rocky or smooth areas. They also hope to learn what minerals are on the surface of the carbon-rich asteroid. This information will help the scientists choose the place to grab the best sample of dirt and rock to then bring back to Earth. The American space agency, NASA, sent OSIRIS-REx on the mission to Bennu. NASA hopes to learn more about how our solar systems planets were formed, and how life began here on Earth. NASA explains that asteroids are what is left of the parts that made up the planets in the early solar system about 4.5 billion years ago. Scientists say asteroids like Bennu hold natural resources like water, organics and metals. Future space trips may need to use asteroids for these materials. After its first mapping of Bennu, the spacecraft will begin orbiting around the asteroid. The spacecraft is set to enter orbit around Bennu on Dec. 31. Bennu is only about 500 meters across. It will be the smallest object ever to be orbited by a spacecraft. OSIRIS-REx aims to collect at least 60 grams of dust and rock from Bennu. The spacecraft will not land on the asteroid to collect the sample. Instead, it will use a three-meter-long arm to briefly touch down and gather particles. This is planned to take place in 2020. The sample container will break loose and head back to Earth in 2021. It is expected to land in the western state of Utah in 2023. Bennu is not the only asteroid scientists are studying. A Japanese spacecraft has been orbiting another near-Earth asteroid since June. That asteroid is named Ryugu. It is about two times the size of Bennu. It is Japans second asteroid mission, and it also involves collecting samples. Ryugus sample is expected to be back on Earth by December 2020. But, it will be a much smaller sample than what scientists plan to collect from OSIRIS-REx. Both Bennu and Ryugu are considered possibly harmful asteroids. They could strike Earth years from now. Bennu may come close about 150 years from now. If it struck, it would create a crater. Scientist Dante Lauretta confirmed that NASAs work with Bennu will not change its orbit or make it more dangerous to us. The $800-million OSIRIS-REx mission began in 2016. It launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. As of this week, it has traveled a total of 2 billion kilometers. Im Anne Ball. Anne Ball wrote this story for Learning English with information from the Associated Press and NASA. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story asteroid n. any one of thousands of small planets that circle around the sun anxious adj. afraid or nervous about what may happen grab v. to take quickly and hold solar system n. the sun together with a group of bodies that orbit it organic adj. of, relating to, or obtained from living things crater n. a hole in the ground made by the explosion of a bomb or by something falling from the sky The memory of a beloved pet inspires one couple's fight against injustice. Jorge Villalba/iStock(WASHINGTON) -- A new Trump administration report on the financial challenges facing the U.S. Postal Service could lead to cost increases for online retail giants like Amazon. Released during the holiday shopping season, the Treasury Department suggested that the Postal Service needs more flexibility in setting rates and that, packages have not been priced with profitability in mind. This formal review comes after President Donald Trump himself has called for rate increases, specifically targeting Amazon. Trump issued an executive order in April that created the Treasury Department Task Force to conduct the review. Amazon announced that customers bought more products during this year's "Cyber Monday" than any other single day in Amazon's history. Customers of the "Amazon Prime" subscription service ordered more than two billion products with one day or faster delivery times in the past year, the company said Monday. The 74-page report suggests a singular fix with Amazon alone will not solve the postal services profitability struggles as competitors like UPS and FedEx continue to dominate the shipping market. The benefits of the USPS monopolies continue to diminish, according to the report. The USPS must pursue price increases, reduce service costs, or exit the business line for any class of mail that falls outside of the determined essential services and that does not cover attributable costs. The recommendations also include expanding the definition of those essential services to include person-to-person shipping, so small businesses run from residential homes might not see the same increases as online retail giants. The USPS should have the authority to charge market-based prices for both mail and package items that are not deemed 'essential services,' according to the review. Both Amazon and Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from ABC News. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. * "Most Popular Intellectual Property Law Blawg" of all time according to Justia rankings , November 2021. * "Most Popular Copyright Blawg" of all time according to Justia rankings , November 2021. * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the World Intellectual Property Review's "Influential Women in IP" of 2020. * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2018. * IPKat founder and Blogmeister Emeritus Jeremy Phillips listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2005, 2011, 2013, and 2014. * Recommended by the European Patent Office as reading material for candidates for the European Qualifying Examinations, 2013. * Listed as "Top Legal Blog" in The Times Online, March 2011. 2010 ABA Journal 100. * One of the only two non-US blogs listed in the Blawg100. * Court Reporter Top Copyright Blog award winner, November 2010. * Number 1 in the 2010 Top Copyright Blog list compiled by the Copyright Litigation Blog, July 2010. * Selected by the United States Library of Congress for inclusion in its historic collections of Internet materials related to Legal Blawgs as of 2010. * Top Patent Blog poll 2009: 3rd out of 50 in the "Favourite Patent Blog" poll and 2nd out of 50 in the "Most-read" poll. Blog of the Year, 20 August 2008. * ComputerWeekly IT Law and Governance, 20 August 2008. Scary Anti-Gun Legislation Proposed in New York By Tim Schmidt - USCCA Founder. November 2018. Issue No. 48, Concealed Carry Magazine Report. Ah, New York. The Empire State. Home of Niagara Falls, Broadway, the Stock Exchange, its own style of pizza and... Lots and lots of ridiculous (and often unconstitutional) gun legislation. According to Newsweek, "a proposed bill in the New York State Senate could mean that anyone wanting to buy a pistol or renew [his or her] permit will be subject to a review of [his or her] internet history and social media accounts going back up to three years. The bill, referred to as S9191, was drafted by State Senator Kevin Parker from New York's 21st Congressional District with the intention of keeping firearms out of the hands of potentially violent people." As the Brooklyn Daily Eagle notes, the proposed legislation "comes on the heels of the horrific Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in October. Gunman Robert Bowers had made a series of anti-Semitic posts on the now-defunct Gab website in advance of the shooting. In another case, Nikolas Cruz, the teenager arrested and charged in the Parkland shooting, also left threatening comments on social media in advance of his violence." The bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee, and the summary of it, found on The New York State Senate's website, references the application for or renewal of a concealed carry permit as being subject to a person's "consent to having his or her social media accounts and search engine history reviewed and investigated for certain posts and/or searches over a period of 1-3 years prior to the approval of such application or renewal." The Miami Herald reports that posts on social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram -- as well as search history from search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo -- would be fair game for investigators: "Under the bill, police are instructed to watch for posts that include profane slurs or biased language related to race, color, ancestry, gender, religion, age, disability and sexual orientation. Other red flags would include threats to other people and acts of terrorism that turn up in the search." While it's perhaps not surprising that anti-gunners would be OK violating the privacy of a whole group of people of which they're not a part, the proposed legislation brings up troubling concerns about constitutional rights. According to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, "The American Civil Liberties Union has argued that government surveillance of social media has a chilling effect on the First Amendment, discouraging free expression." And the Fourth Amendment "protects citizens from warrantless searches where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy." Of course, we can't overlook the bill's violation of the Second Amendment. Our right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed by something we've written on Facebook. (Obviously, the rules of common sense still apply. Always assume that others will scrutinize what you post on social media.) The bottom line is that this proposed legislation is concerning on multiple fronts. And while I'm hard-pressed to think this will make it to the governor's desk, New York has already proven to be a paradise for anti-gunners. Stay tuned. Take care and stay safe, Tim Schmidt Publisher - Concealed Carry Report USCCA Founder This is a scheme that could set a dangerous precedent against law abiding gun owners. As so often what might appear superficially to be a good idea would in fact be demonstrably unconstitutional and a violation of privacy. As has been mentioned, New York State is already a source of some of the most egregious 'gun control' in the nation and most certainly does not need even more - in fact quite the opposite. Back to Top Srinagar, December 05: A woman died due to cardiopulmonary arrest after the Indian forces fired tear smoke shells on peaceful protesters in Hajin area of north Kashmirs Bandipora district on Wednesday evening. Family of Hajira Begum (60), wife of Nazir Ahmad Dar said that died due to suffocation caused by teargas shells fired by the Indian troops to disperse protesters during a siege and search operation in the area. The search operation was jointly launched by the Indian armys 13RR Unit, Police and CRPF in Dangar Mohalla of Hajin. Hajira was collecting charcoal in the front yard of her house in Dangar Mohalla area when the forces fired tear smoke shells near the higher secondary school in Mir Mohalla, said the relatives to journalists. There was a lot of smoke in the area and around our house. She (Hajira) felt unconscious as she had inhaled the tear smoke. She was an asthma and diabetic patient, said a relative. Meanwhile, BMO Hajin, Dr. Tariq Ahamd said that the woman was brought dead to the CHC Hajin. She had died due to cardio pulmonary arrest. Attorneys Office seeks centres aid to challenge high courts decision The Attorneys Office, Biratnagar, is preparing to send a letter to the Office of Attorney General in Kathmandu with a request to challenge the decision of the Biratnagar High Court to remand at large Madan Silwal and Prabhat Agrawal, the suspects in the 33kg gold smuggling and Sanam Shakya murder case. Bhutanese refugee issue resurfaces after provisions dry up Nepal faces renewed diplomatic and internal challenges in coping with 6,500 Bhutanese refugees who remain in two camps in Jhapa as the World Food Programme suspends its 26-year-old support and the third country settlement scheme draws to its close. Conservationists hail success of Parsa-Chitwan bio-corridor Conservationists have been elated with the increasing movement of wild animals in Syauli area of Parsa, a bio-corridor linking Chitwan and Parsa national parks of Nepal and Valmiki Tigers Reserve of India. 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. 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. Indian security force blocks road construction Indian Shasastra Seema Bal (SSB) has obstructed the opening of a road in Bhimdutta-10, Kanchanpur district. Magnitude 7.5 earthquake strikes off New Caledonia A powerful earthquake that struck in the southern Pacific Ocean on Wednesday sent jitters around the region after authorities warned of possible tsunamis, but there were no initial reports of destructive waves or major damage. NC demands probe against Ambassador Lucky Sherpa The main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) has demanded investigation against Nepali Ambassador to Australia Lucky Sherpa. Nepal, Bangladesh agree to build hydro projects Nepal and Bangladesh agreed to develop hydropower projects with government-to-government investment at an energy secretary-level meeting that concluded in Kathmandu on Tuesday. Nepal gets poor marks at Trade Policy Review in Geneva The World Trade Organisation criticised Nepal for slow progress in formulating and implementing legal frameworks for different types of trade policies and intellectual property rights to boost its production and trading capacity in the global market. Nepals diplomatic frivolity Nepals bilateral diplomacy has been marked by glittering rhetoric 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 By Ruth Anderah. High Court Judge Jane Francis Abodo has convicted a 29 year old man for defiling a 10 year old girl. Emmanuel Eguchi a resident of Kibuli in Kampala district convicted following his decision to change his plea from not guilty as earlier pleaded to guilty. Although he has pleaded guilty state led by Nandaula Lillian asked Justice Abodo to give the convict a deterrent sentence of not less than 15 years to serve as an example to other would be offenders. The prosecutor added that from the convict s actions the young girl sustained Injuries in private parts yet he was her fathers friend. The judge has set the December 11th as the date to deliver a sentence. Prosecution states that on May 3rd 2016 while at Kibuli village in Nakibinge zone Kampala District he performed sexual acts with a 10 year old friends daughter. The president of Uganda has cited weak laws as the reason behind persistent corruption in Uganda. This comes at the time when Ugandans are being rallied to join government to fight syndicated corruption in Uganda. Speaking during the national Anti-corruption dialogue in Kampala organized by transparency international, President Yoweri Museveni said that even though Public wants to see sacking of alleged corrupt leaders, but prosecuting laws are still weak. He said that unless parliament strengthen laws that prosecute corrupt civil servants, all efforts will not be fruitful. Lotte Hotels and Resorts took over the New York Palace in 2015. / Courtesy of Lotte Hotels and Resorts By Kang Seung-woo Lotte Hotels and Resorts, Korea's largest hotel chain, has expanded its presence in the U.S. market with its Lotte New York Palace which become one of the top 20 properties for the holiday season. According to the Forbes Travel Guide, released last week, the Lotte New York Palace made it onto its list of the 20 Places to Celebrate the Holidays. In 2015, Lotte took over the historic hotel that was built in 1882. "There's nowhere quite like The Big Apple during the holidays, and this elegant Four-Star tower wants to help you experience the magic in style," Forbes said. It also suggested that visitors snap a selfie or two in front of the property's spectacularly decorated tree. Along with the New York Palace, the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, the Mandarin Oriental, Munich and the Park Hyatt Chicago were among others in the list. Since Lotte acquired it three years ago, the New York Palace has steadily gained recognition in one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world. Former U.S. President Barack Obama chose the Lotte Hotel over the Waldorf Astoria that used to house his predecessors during his visit to Manhattan for the U.N. General Assembly in 2015. In addition, it hosted a summit between President Moon Jae-in and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump and a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump last September. In April last year, Forbes also selected the hotel as one of the 21 hot hotels around the globe and U.S. News and World Report ranked it as the third-best hotel in New York City in February. "It is a huge honor that Lotte Hotel is gaining recognition in New York City, where global hotel chains flock," said its CEO Kim Jung-hwan. "We are set to concentrate more efforts on leaping ahead as a global hotel brand." We listen to local police and fire departments scanner traffic, but sometimes miss crimes, wrecks, fires or other incidents, especially if they happen overnight. If you know of something were not covering yet, please let Managing Editor Jeff Pownall know by emailing him at jpownall@lufkindailynews.com, or submit a news tip online by visiting lufkindailynews.com/tips. 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Ayala Corp. said in a disclosure to the stock exchange wholly-owned subsidiary AC Industrial Technology Holdings Inc. signed a distributorship agreement with Koreas automotive giant Kia Motors Corp. to re-establish the Kia brand in the Philippines. Under the agreement, a joint venture company, with AC Industrials as majority stockholder, will be established in collaboration with the previous distributorColumbian Autocar Corp. of businessman Pepito Alvarez. A relaunch of Kia brand, under AC Industrials, is slated by January 2019. We are very excited to partner with Kia Motors in re-introducing the Kia brand to the Philippine market. With Kias dominant position globally, this partnership will undoubtedly boost AC Industrials automotive portfolio and enhance its position in the domestic automotive space, Ayala Corp. chairman and chief executive Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said. Ho-Sung Song, executive vice president and chief operating officer at KMC HQ in Seoul, South Korea, and Steve Lee, president of Kia Motors Asia Regional HQ based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, welcome the strategic partnership with the Ayala group. Together we will offer a refreshed, competitive model lineup and an outstanding sales and service experience. We also look forward to gradually bringing to the Filipino market many of the disruptive technologies now reshaping the future of the automotive industry, they said in a joint statement.KMC is a global automobile manufacturer, established in 1944 and an affiliate of the Hyundai Motor Group since 1998. KMC sold 2.76 million vehicles in 2017 in 185 countries through 24 sales offices and over 6,000 dealers. Collectively, the Hyundai-Kia group is the worlds third-largest automotive manufacturer, producing 7.25 million vehicles in 2017. Kia will be the sixth brand under the stewardship of AC Automotive, which is the vehicle distribution and dealership unit of AC Industrials. AC Automotive currently distributes Volkswagen and KTM in the Philippines and is the countrys leading dealership group for both the Honda and Isuzu brands. It also operates a nationwide network of 27 company-owned and 30 third-party-owned dealerships. AC Automotive also formalized a partnership with SAIC, Chinas largest automaker, to distribute the Maxus commercial vehicle brand beginning in 2019. First Gen Corp. on Wednesday signed a joint development agreement with Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd. to jointly pursue the development of FGen LNG Corp.s liquefied natural gas terminal project in Batangas province. Tokyo Gas will take a 20-percent participating interest in the FGen LNG Project and provide support in development work to achieve a final investment decision, First Gen said in disclosure to the stock exchange. Upon reaching FID under the JDA, the parties will sign a definitive agreement to proceed with the construction of the FGen LNG Project. First Gen is excited to partner with Tokyo Gas, a world-class natural gas and LNG company with vast experience in the development, financing, construction and operations of LNG storage and regasification facilities. First Gen and Tokyo Gas share the common belief that the country needs clean natural gas to produce power which is not only cost-competitive but, given its flexible operations, is the perfect complement to a growing renewable energy industry, said First Gen president Giles Puno. Tokyo Gas was declared by the Energy Department as one of the seriously interested companies to develop an LNG facility in the country. The government views an LNG terminal as a vital national infrastructure to maintain and enhance the countrys energy security once the Malampaya gas field in northwest Palawan is depleted by 2024. Finally, we both share the vision of the Department of Energy in the implementation of LNG projects in the Philippines. First Gen and Tokyo Gas intend to cooperate with all relevant stakeholders who share the same vision to participate in making LNG viable for the Philippines, said Puno.First Gen short-listed two engineering, procurement and construction contractors for the planned LNG facility. The company continues to work on various development activities to be able to advance the project and make a final investment decision. The LNG terminals front end engineering design has been completed, and it is now going through a tender for the EPC Contract in which it has shortlisted two tenderers, the company said in an earlier report to the PSE. First Gen said it would pursue and develop its planned import and re-gasification LNG terminal for completion in 2024. FGen LNG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Gen, one of the biggest independent power producers in the country and the leading gas power generation company in the Philippines with approximately 2,000 MW in operating gas assets composed of four gas-fired power plants. Tokyo Gas is pleased and delighted to have signed the agreement with First Gen which is the leading company utilizing environmentally-friendly natural gas in the Philippines, and which has been contributing to realize a low carbon society, said Tokyo Gas president Takashi Uchida. He said Tokyo Gas aimed to become instrumental in introducing LNG to the Philippines by pursuing the FGen LNG Project and developing a safe and stable energy infrastructure system, taking advantage of its LNG expertise accumulated for half a century. San FernandoPampanga bested other provinces across the country in terms of disaster risk reduction and rescue during the 20th National Gawad Kalasag Awards on Tuesday at the AFP Amphitheater in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The prestigious award was received by Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis Pineda in behalf of his mother, Governor Lilia Pineda, during the rites at the AFP General Headquarters. A national selection committee from member-agencies of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chaired by the Office of Civil Defense conducted a series of stringent evaluation of the provincial disaster councils systems and programs, developed from one of the worlds worst disasters, Mt. Pinatubos 1991 eruptions and lahar flows. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana handed the award to Vice Governor Pineda, co-chair of the PDRRMC, at the AFP Amphitheater. The PDRRMC stood out for its best practices in empowering communities and the private sector to be alert, prepared and safe from disasters, the councils action officer Angelina Blanco explained. The PDRRMC won the regional Gawad Kalasag Hall of Fame for five consecutive years. In 2016, the PDRRMC landed second in the 18th National Gawad Kalasag. The National Gawad Kalasag Award recognizes the leadership of the PDRRMC headed by the chairperson, Governor Lilia Pineda, and vice chairperson, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, in the councils programs and projects that try to reduce the risks posed on people by natural hazards such as flooding, storm surges, landslides, and earthquakes, Blanco said. Through the PDRRMC, we also see the cooperation of the provincial government, public agencies, private organizations, non-government organizations, and civil society groups, she added. J Vice Governor Pineda has championed the construction of a provincial command center that is linked to coastal and inland communities to make disaster responses quicker.The PDRRMC pioneered in Central Luzon the construction and establishment of three three-storey permanent evacuation centers in Barangay San Isidro in Magalang town, Barangay Concepcion in Lubao town, and Barangay Sta. Maria in Mexico town. It began land banking by buying 10.7 hectares in Barangay San Roque in Mexico town, 5 hectares in San Isidro in Magalang town, 42 hectares in Sta. Catalina in Lubao and 10 hectares in Telapayong in Arayat town under a usufruct contract with the National Housing Authority as relocation site sand possibly a trading post for the agriculture sector. Through colored stickers, it tagged houses in remote coastal villages to be able to prioritize the rescue of elderly (orange), persons with disabilities and ailments (red) and children (yellow). It has organized a wide network for information dissemination in disaster preparedness, mobilizing 550 public school teachers and 9,760 Nanay (mothers) community volunteers who assist village leaders. It is well-equipped for rescue missions and medical emergencies. It has also five backhoes on barge that deepen creeks and rivers year-round. It has trucks capable of delivering fuel and water. Its has forged partnerships with the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Red Cross, Pampanga Association of Water Districts, Pampanga Truckers Association, Pampanga Youth Association, Center for Emergency Aid and Rehabilitation Inc. (CONCERN), Pampanga Disaster Risk Reduction Network and Association of Health Workers. After doing humanitarian assistance in Tacloban and Samar that bore the wrath of SuperTyphoon Yolanda in November 2013, the Pampanga PDRRMC made rescue and relief missions to flood victims of Typhoon Lando in Nueva Ecija in October 2015, Bataan and Olongapo City in 2019. It conducts training and drills in evacuation and evacuation management. It leads mangroves planting in coastal communities to create a natural belt against storm surges from Manila Bay. PAG-IBIG Fund extended half a billion pesos or P500.43 million in cash loans to 23,153 borrowing overseas Filipino worker-members (OFW-members) from January to October this year, posting a 228-percent increase from the same period in 2017s P152.69 million in cash loans to 6,731 OFW-borrowers. For OFW-members housing needs, Pag-IBIG Fund released P12.95 billion to 12,152 OFW families from January to September 2018. Speaking on behalf of Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy Moti, Deputy CEO for Member Services Cluster Alexander Hilario Aguilar reported the agencys accomplishments at its 2018 OFW Day and Fund Coordinators General Assembly. Our OFW-members have a steady partner in Pag-IBIG Fund. We support President Rodrigo Roa Dutertes social development program through our cash and housing loans. Pag-IBIG Fund also ensures that our housing programs are aligned with the BALAI Filipino (Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable, and Inclusive Filipino Communities) program led by Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, the Chairperson of the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council [HUDCC], DCEO Aguilar said in a statement. As of October 2018, Pag-IBIG Funds active OFW-members rose to 1,139,785 or 40 percent higher compared to only 816,128 last October 2017.Membership savings collections further went up to P2.26 billion in the first 10 months of the year, higher by 26 percent or P472 million more than the P1.78 billion collected for the same period in 2017. OFW-members saved P1.72 billion under Pag-IBIG 1 savings program, and P541 million under the voluntary Modified Pag-IBIG 2 (MP2) savings program, Aguilar said. Also at the event, Pag-IBIG Fund recognized its partners from government, non-government organizations and other private entities who supported the Funds programs for its OFW-members. Pag-IBIG Fund has 23 overseas posts worldwide to serve OFW-members: nine in the Middle East, four in Europe, eight in Asia-Pacific, and two in North America. In the Philippines, the OFW Center is located at the Pag-IBIG Fund International Operations Group office, 6th floor, Justine Building, 317 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. President Rodrigo Duterte need not to issue an executive order for the rehabilitation of Panglao Island in Bohol and El Nido in Palawan, the Palace said on Wednesday. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Dutertes Cabinet members had agreed that an EO was no longer necessary for the government to rehabilitate the tourist destinations. On the rehabilitation of Panglao Island in Bohol and El Nido in Palawan, the Cabinet agreed that there is no need to issue an Executive Order, Panelo said in a statement Wednesday. The Cabinet members reached the said agreement a week after Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the government has ordered a swimming ban in two beaches in both Panglao and El Nido. The Tourism chief added the Alona Beach in Panglao and Buena Suerte Beach in El Nido would not be allowed to swim for tourists and locals due to a high level of coliform, stressing the ban on the two beaches would be in effect until the coliform levels are acceptable. Coliform is a type of bacteria that comes from human or animal feces. It can cause diarrhea and other water-borne diseases that can be fatal to children.She explained the coliform levels in the two beaches had reached beyond the acceptable coliform count of 100 most probable number. Puyat clarified the imposed ban was part of the governments efforts to rehabilitate the beaches of El Nido and Panglao. According to the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force, composed of Puyat, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, and Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano, El Nido faces environmental problems similar to Boracay such as the easement of shoreline, waste disposal management, and overcrowding. Panglao, on the other hand, also suffers from environmental problems due to unregulated development, lax enforcement of laws, and large influx of tourist arrivals. The inter-agency task force, however, said it did not plan to totally shutdown Panglao and El Nido contrary to what happened to Boracay, which was closed to the public for six months. Voting 188-8, the House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the proposed Traffic and Congestion Crisis Act to address the traffic gridlock in Metro Manila and mega cities such as Metro Cebu and Davao City. The House approved House Bill 6425 or the proposed Traffic and Congestion Crisis Act, which tasks Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade as traffic chief to simplify the countrys management of traffic and transportation and regulate the road use in metropolitan areas. But Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, the chairman of the House committee on transportation, said the proposal might not be able to pass this 17th Congress due to lack of material time. Sarmiento said the Senate was now preoccupied with the deliberations of the 2019 proposed P3.757-trillion national budget and the campaign season had just started. In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte asked Congress to grant him emergency powers to address the traffic congestion in major cities.Under the House-approved version, the President through the secretary of DOTr as traffic chief shall be allowed to enter into negotiated contracts for priority projects for the construction, repair, restoration, rehabilitation, improvement or maintenance of critical infrastructure projects, facilities and any directly related procurement of goods and service. The secretary of the DOTr shall have the power of supervision and control over the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority; Cebu Coordinating Council, as created under the bill; Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group; Land Transportation Office; Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; Road Board; all other executive agencies, bureaus and offices with roles pertaining to land transportation regulation; and the Davao traffic administrator. The bill provides the traffic chief, as the alter ego of the President, with power of supervision over all local government units in these metropolitan areas. The traffic chief shall formulate, coordinate, and monitor policies, standards, programs and projects to rationalize existing public transport operations, infrastructure requirements, the use of thoroughfares, safe movement of persons and goods, the administration and implementation of all traffic enforcement operations, traffic engineering services, and traffic education programs. American priest in Biliran town nabbed for rape posted December 05, 2018 at 11:00 pm by Manila Standard December 05, 2018 at 11:00 pm A 78-year-old American priest who had been in the country for the past five decades was arrested by a composite team from the United States Homeland Security and the Philippine Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday. According to a GMA 7 report, Fr. Kenneth Bernard Hendricks, 78, was accused of molesting and raping over 50 victims, most of whom were sacristans, some as young as seven years old. In an interview, Hendricks said that his arrest saddens him since he had developed close ties with the people in Biliran. A 78-year-old American priest who had been in the country for the past five decades was arrested by a composite team from the United States Homeland Security and the Philippine Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday. According to a GMA 7 report, Fr. Kenneth Bernard Hendricks, 78, was accused of molesting and raping over 50 victims, most of whom were sacristans, some as young as seven years old. In an interview, Hendricks said that his arrest saddens him since he had developed close ties with the people in Biliran.Some patrons of his congregation even turned emotional when Hendricks had to say goodbye when he was arrested. The long-time Biliran prelate, however, was first brought to a provincial hospital for a medical checkup before he was brought to Manila for deportation proceedings. COMMENT DISCLAIMER: Reader comments posted on this Web site are not in any way endorsed by Manila Standard. Comments are views by manilastandard.net readers who exercise their right to free expression and they do not necessarily represent or reflect the position or viewpoint of manilastandard.net. While reserving this publications right to delete comments that are deemed offensive, indecent or inconsistent with Manila Standard editorial standards, Manila Standard may not be held liable for any false information posted by readers in this comments section. Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos has rallied local governments to implement direct interventions such as providing fertilizers and seeds to farmers while buying their produce and selling these at pop-up stores to help keep prices of rice low and ensure ample supply of the grain. Local government units are the front liners in the war against high prices of basic goods, including rice. LGUs play a major role in securing cheap and steady supply of essential products. We can help keep prices low at the grassroots level, said Marcos, the only incumbent local executive running for senator in the 2019 midterm polls. In Ilocos Norte, we have been able to keep prices of rice at an affordable P27 per kilo in the poorest areas in the province. In some parts of the country, rice prices have shot up to as much as P55 to P57 per kiloway higher than the prevailing prices in Ilocos Norte, she added. Marcos said LGUs can replicate the efforts in her province and roll out Kadiwa pop-up stores to sell heavily discounted basic goods, including the Filipino staple food. I am a GI (Genuine Ilocano) so I really get mad when prices of basic goods spiral out of controland that is what is happening now. Basic goods are no longer affordable, she said. Because of interventions from our provincial government, we have successfully maintained low prices of basic goods. For the poorest of our people, food accounts for almost 60 percent of their income. Price increases really have an adverse effect on their income, on their cost of living, unless we help tide them over, she said. Marcos said replicating the Kadiwa centers or rolling stores will not only create a sure market for farmers produce but ensure a steady supply of cheap basic goods for poor families as well. The Kadiwa stores can likewise carry cheap Christmas goodies and Noche Buena packages.Pop-up stores are the appropriate design technology now because these can be rapidly deployed and dismantled, and can carry more stocks of goods. When the intense need for the Kadiwa goods has subsided, the pop-up stores can be redeployed to the next high-poverty communities, she added. Marcos also called on the National Food Authority to shelve its plan to increase its selling price of NFA rice from P27 per kilo to between P33 to P35 per kilo because it continues to incur losses. Instead of increasing the price of NFA rice, Marcos said the government should seriously consider removing the Value Added Tax on rice for at least a year. The poor can no longer cope with the record-high prices of food. It is the obligation of the state to help our people. As it is, prices of commercial rice have skyrocketed, and there is not enough supply of cheap NFA rice, she added. Marcos said LGUs must work hand-in-hand with the national government in addressing the problem of spiralling food prices. This will entail using their own resources to support mechanisms that will keep food prices low. Limitations on the use of resources for LGUs must also be relaxed to help us be more agile in providing solutions while retaining stringent accountability systems, she said. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Honda delivered a total of 1,240,384 vehicles in China from January to November with a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 5.6%. The year-to-date (YTD) sales for two joint venturesGAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda were 650,725 units and 589,659 units, dropping 1.9% and 9.4% over a year earlier respectively, according to the sales data released by Honda China. As for the performance in November, the Japanese automaker saw its sales in China fall 4.3% YoY to 136,714 units, among which 67,735 units from GAC Honda (shrinking 7.8% YoY) and 68,979 units from Dongfeng Honda (edging down 0.7% YoY). This is the fifth month in a row for GAC Honda to see YoY sales decline. Last month, a total of 66,596 Honda branded vehicles were handed over. Three modelsthe Accord, the Fit and the CRIDER whose Nov. sales exceeded 10,000 units all gained positive YoY growth, yet they still failed to offset the negative downturn caused by other models. The Acura brand has suffered consecutive YoY sales decline of over 40% since July. What is noteworthy that the Nov. sales of the RDX skyrocketed 160.4% from the previous year to 237 units. Dongfeng Honda Nov. sales basically remained steady compared with the same period a year ago. Two major sales driversthe CIVIC and the XR-V both saw an evident YoY increase exceeding 20% in Nov. sales. The sales of the INSPIRE, the company's latest flagship sedan model hitting the market on October 25, reached only 943 units last month, limited by less sufficient production capacity. The Department of Justice on Wednesday said there is no need for the Senate to review the agreement entered between the Duterte administration and China on oil and gas development in the West Philippine Sea since it is not in the nature of a treaty.Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that the memorandum of agreement signed during the recent state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping does not require concurrence of Senate under the 1987 Constitution. Its not a treaty, and therefore does not require any senate concurrence or review, Guevarra said, in an interview. The Justice Secretary issued the statement after Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto called for a legislative review of the MOU following concerns that it could compromise the countrys sovereignty or lead to a debt trap. According to Guevarra, he has examined the MOU and did not find any violation of the laws. There are no sovereignty issues whatsoever as the MOU merely expresses a mutual desire to agree on specific cooperation arrangements within 12 months, he explained. Guevarra also pointed out that the agreement expressly stated that it shall be without prejudice to the respective legal positions of the two governments and does not give rise to any rights or obligations under international or domestic law. Its just an MOU, its non-committal, non-obligatory, and non-binding from a legal standpoint. Its a mere expression of mutual desires, he maintained. Guevarra disputed the opinion of former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay that the MOU may be unconstitutional. Hilbay argued that the agreement is incompatible with the full control and supervision standard or clause. It is clear that we own the West Philippine Sea and it is against the Constitution if we allow China to jointly explore with us its natural resources like oil and gas jointly, he said. However, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, a vocal critic on Chinas claims in the West Philippine Sea, rebutted Hilbays position, saying that the MOU is safe as it included a service contract provision.I dont have any objection with that kind of arrangement because if China comes in through our service contractors, those service contracts expressly recognize that the area falls within Philippine sovereignty or sovereign rights, Carpio said. The magistrate even suggested that the service contractor in the Philippines Recto Bank (Reed Bank), Forum Energy, could tap a Chinese firm as a subcontractor Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinans PXP Energy Corp., through its London-listed unit Forum Energy Plc, holds an exploration permit covering Recto Bank. Carpio said China can come in as a subcontractor of Forum Energy or it can buy into equity of Forum Energy, or it could do both. The MOU entitled Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and Government of the Peoples Republic of China was signed during Xis visit recently. It acknowledged that through positive dialogue and practical cooperation, the Philippines and China have made substantial progress and meaningful gains in exploring opportunities and means to cooperate with each other in maritime activities, which has made significant contributions to peace, stability and development in the region. The deal stated that an inter-governmental joint steering committee and an inter-entrepreneurial working group will be established and will be led by ministries of foreign affairs, as well as energy departments. China identified China National Offshore Oil Corporation as the Chinese enterprise for each working group, while the Philippines has designated the Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corporation as the Philippine enterprise. The MOU was also specific on the timeline of the agreement, stating that the two governments will endeavor to agree on the cooperation arrangements within 12 months. The joint exploration, upon bearing fruit, would pave the way for another cooperation agreement on the exploitation of resources found, according to the same document. However, the MOU specifically stated: This Memorandum of Understanding does not create rights or obligations under international or domestic law. A pro-charter change lawmaker on Wednesday said the House of Representatives may ask the Supreme Court to compel the Senate to act on the proposed federal charter if the senators neglect their job. Speaking to the ANC news channel, Leyte Rep. Vicente Veloso, chairman of the committee on constitutional amendments, said the Rules of Court provide that if you refuse to perform an act specified by law then you can be subject to a petition for mandamus. I dont like to make any further comment because we might be telegraphing our punches. But there are a lot of things that the House of Representatives can do, he added. The House on Tuesday approved on second reading a proposed federal charter in line with President Rodrigo Dutertes campaign promise to set up a federal system of government. Unlike the draft prepared by Dutertes consultative committee for Cha-Cha, the House version removes term limits for elected positions, restores the vice president in the line of succession for the presidency and removes the ban on political dynasties. Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, however, said the House should explain to the public the concept of federalism before it is implemented. I think the level of awareness on federalism is still low, he said. A recent survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations in June showed that 75 percent of Filipinos said they were unaware of the federal system of government. Senator Francis Pangilinan said it is an important issue that should not rushed. Only 3 percent of the people say Charter change is important, he added. Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Wednesday defended the move of the House leadership to approve on second reading a resolution on the proposed federal charter, saying it was not rushed. House gab topbills READ: Cha-cha Arroyo said Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 15, which is among the priority measures President Duterte emphasized in his State of the Nation Address, was deliberated thoroughly, had gone through a regular process, and that its passage was a collegial decision. It was part of the democratic process, there was a debate, it was voted on, Arroyo told reporters. RBH pushes for a presidential-bicameral-federal system of government and empowers Congress to establish federal states by convening Congress into a constituent assembly. Arroyo said the resolution will be approved on third and final reading before Congress adjourns for a Christmas break starting Dec. 15. Because it passed on second reading, three days after the copy is circulated, we should be taking it up on third reading that would be Monday, she said. Arroyo said her only contribution to the draft charter was the mechanism for setting up the federal states. Under the House draft Constitution, the president and vice president shall be elected with each other to serve four-year terms, subject to one reelection. The first election under the proposed Constitution will be held on the second Monday of May 2022, as proposed by the Houses federal draft. "I have always wanted to make a difference." In 1985, when the country was deep in trouble as a result of the assassination of former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., and when investors thought it best to keep their money abroad, I too entertained thoughts to go abroad with my family. I also recall that my former publisher at the, Ken Macker, told me that if I ever wanted to work in the United States, I could do so because he would be able to find a job for me. At that time I was an editorial writer for the. I also had my own column which was simply called Opinion. This was after my stint as business editor. My wife and I were exploring our options. Our oldest son Vic was working as a manager in some LA hotels. My daughter Nina was also working in a hotel, in New York. My son Eric had just finished his MBA in New Hampshire and was working at a financial institution. It was only my youngest son Nicky who had refused to study abroad. After the Aquino assassination, things in the Philippines got so bad that many of my friends went to the US in pursuit of a better life. When I called Macker and told him I want to go to the US, he told me to wait for a week or so. After a week, he said he had found a job for me at the San Franciscoand I was to be paid $2500 monthly. I said I would think about it. My wife and I agonized over the thought of my leaving her and our youngest son. I decided to stay. I felt that the country needed me, a journalist, at its worst time. I thanked Macker for his help but said I could not leave my family. The rest is history, as they say. I soon became vice president of the Loyola Group of Companies, and even then I continued to write columns for various publications. That was until Rod Reyes and I co-foundedin 1987. * * * I have always been an idealist. I say this after spending the best years of my life at the old Ateneo de Manila ruins of Padre Faura. I finished my Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Humanities. And then I took up law at the Philippine Law School. Believe it or not, I even entertained the idea of being a priest. I wanted to do more for others.But when I volunteered to assist the Mindanao Cross, I met the love of my life, Miss Trinidad Kapunan Capistrano. I forgot my priesthood dreams and married her after a long courtship. She graduated from UP. As an Ateneo graduate, I wanted to make a difference no matter how smallhence, I studied law. But being a lawyer didnt excite me much, after all. I then decided I would be a journalist after having some experience in Cotabato with my best friend, Rudy Tupas. When I became a junior partner at the Salonga & Ordonez Law Offices, I had occasion to have breakfast at the old Botica Bois where newspapermen, politicians and businessmen congregated. It was at this time, after I got married, that I met my friend Jose Prollamente, then head of the Jai Alai, owned and operated by the late Vicente Madrigal. When he found out I was jobless, and when he heard of my two-year stint at The Mindanao Cross, he offered to help me get a job at the. Prollamente then took me to Madrigals office, who called his editor in chief and told him to find a place for me. It was a stroke of good luck because the then-business editor was going on leave of absence to take the Bar. The editor-in-chief Felix Gonzales told me he did not like Ateneans but since I was recommended by Don Vicente, he pointed to an empty desk and told me to begin working the following day. Ive been a journalist for almost seven decades now. * * * Why did I not practice law? Why did I become a journalist? I realized I could make a difference by being a journalist. I am an idealist my wife tells me that all the time. I want to make the Philippines a better place to live in. I have seen history in the making. I have covered 10 presidents and walked the corridors of power. This is why I am sad that Filipinos seem to be losing their priorities. For example, we elect leaders just because they are popular. We forget that we should elect those with probity and integrity. We even elect leaders who do not lead moral lives! I have never seen so many killings in my life as I am seeing now. Worse, the people seem to be seen, hear and say nothing. Still, I prefer not to dwell in the darkness. I would always want to light a candle. Violence against women, in its many forms, has long ceased to be a private matter. It is indeed a public issue, a national concern, that is no longer confined to the walls of the home. We are now in the thick of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women, observed from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12. According to the Philippine Commission on Women, the campaign expresses support to the governments goal to protect the human rights of women and to address all forms of gender-based violence. The numbers from the National Demographic and Health Survey paint an alarming scenario. In 2017, one in four26 percentof the 11,558 ever-married Filipino women aged 15 to 49 surveyed has experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence committed by their husband or partner. Statistics of the police, social workers and health workers only reflect cases that are actually reported to them. The theme of the commemoration is VAW-free community starts with meemphasizing that everyone, not only the victims and their childlren, has a stake in combating domestic violence.But beyond calendar commemorations, people must realize that violence against womenand the culture of silence and passive acceptance that comes with ithas deep-seated roots that must first be acknowledged before they can be addressed. They come from traditional ways of thinking that, for instance, violence is a way to discipline women, or that it is a wifes duty to tolerate her partners gross behavior, that marriages are religiously ordained and thus inviolable at all costs, or that sex is an obligation that must be performed on demand. These mindsets may have been acceptable decades ago, so it comes as a shock that acts of violence continue to happen today, even in the most progressive of communities and families. That women must be sheltered and protected from their abusers is also an outdated view. The best way the larger community can help is to empower women to know better, to know their rights and stand up for themselves, and to realize they have options and that they are not irrevocably bound to their abusers. The campaign lasts for 18 days, but every day is an opportunity to enlighten somebodya friend, an acquaintance, a total strangerthat there is absolutely no justification for violence and that it must never be tolerated, not even from those they love. Raysut Cement Company has come forward to acquire struggling ARM Cement Ltd of Kenya as the Omani clinker company embarks on its expansion strategy in eastern part and in the horn of Africa. Raysut is in competition with Dangote Cement Plc, Africas biggest producer, to acquire ARM, which is looking for $140 million to pay its debts. The Omani group reportedly has proposed $100 million for the deal. The firm is already present in the eastern African country and Tanzania where it supplies clinker. The company supplied 300,000 tons of clinker in the last quarter, it said in a statement. The acquisition plans are in line with the five-year strategy of Salalah-based firms CEO Joey Ghose to turn Raysut Cement into a 20-million ton company by 2022, reports say. Acquisition of ARM is strategic and is enshrined in the companys blue print to manufacture clinker in proximity to the markets it supplies to in East Africa. As part of the expansion strategy, Raysut is in process of setting up a grinding unit in Somaliland and Mogadishu, Somalia with a Dubai-based partner. Djibouti and Uganda are within the target of the company seeking to acquire cement producers in the two countries. Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock warned, while launching Tuesday a major annual analysis of global humanitarian needs, that yemen will have the biggest problem in 2019 as three-quarters of the countrys population will likely need help. The conflict in Yemen is one of the main reasons why next years funding appeal is so high, amid ongoing violence between Government forces and Houthi opposition, that has left at least eight million people close to famine, the Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock said. Highlighting the near-economic collapse of Yemens economy, which will require long-term financial support from the international community if it is to recover, Mr. Lowcock warned that next year, three-quarters of the countrys population 24 million people are likely to need help. The country with the biggest problem in 2019 is going to be Yemen, he said, before insisting that the UNs coordinated response plans help the humanitarian community to deliver, more and better to millions of people. In total the UN is seeking $4 billion for its Yemen appeal, Mr. Lowcock said, adding that theres going to need to be billions of dollars additional support for the Government of Yemen from the international community, because oil revenues are down 85 per cent. Every month in 2018, humanitarians have reached eight million Yemenis with food assistance, Mr. Lowcock explained, nothing that this is happening even as threats to the safety of aid workers are on the rise. and 5.4 million Syrians with supplies, medical assistance and protection, Mr. Lowcock explained. This is happening even as threats to the safety of aid workers are on the rise, he noted. Unless they get help, the problems associated with plummeting currency are going to happen again, the UN official said, while also stressing the need to tackle the root causes of conflicts everywhere. Beyond Yemen, needs will remain exceptionally high in Syria, where humanitarian workers have reached every month in 2018, 5.4 million Syrians with supplies, medical assistance and protection, Mr. Lowcock said. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Sudan will also be in critical need of humanitarian assistance in 2019, Mr. Lowcock said. Globally, a total of 132 million people will need assistance next year. Of that number, the UN and its partner organizations aim to support 93.6 million. While conflict is the main cause, climate-related risks such as drought and tropical storms are also significant contributors to the number of people in crisis, the Emergency Relief Coordinator said. Kuwait-based aircraft lease company ALAFCO will start leasing as of next year five new A320neo aircraft to Scandinavian Airline Systems (SAS). Under the agreement, Aviation Lease and Finance Company (ALAFCO) will lease the aircraft for a duration of 10 years. SAS will receive the first jet in April next year, Arabian Business reports. We are very pleased to have ALAFCO as a partner. The agreement gives SAS a strong cost-effective platform in a competitive market. As always, we seek long term relationships with solution-oriented partners, such as ALAFCO, that understands the complex and demanding aviation business, said Niklas Hardange, vice president SAS Fleet Management. ALAFCO has a fleet portfolio of 62 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, leased to 20 airlines in 13 countries. The company has also placed orders for 87 new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing including 43 A320neo, 10 A321neo and 34 B737 MAX. Ethiopias Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali has offered to play a mediation role in fixing rivalries between Yemeni warring sides in a conflict where more than 10 million people, mostly civilians, were killed. War has no winner. It destroys the homeland, its capabilities and civilization, Abiy said in a letter addressed to the protagonists according to the Ethiopian state-run news agency. War brings only destruction, loss, hatred and riots, he added. Abiys offer comes as the opposed sides meet in Sweden to attend UN-brokered peace talks. Houthis arrived Tuesday onboard a Kuwaiti aircraft following a prisoner swap deal and the evacuation of 50 wounded insurgents for treatment in Oman. Yemen has descended into chaos since 2015 when war broke between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and forces of exiled President Mansour Hadi, backed by a Saudi-led international coalition supported by western powers. The rebels control vast swathes of the northern part of the country including capital Sanaa. The war has killed over 10,000 people and displaced millions. Doctors at state-run Zimbabwean hospitals began a strike for the second time this year, saying working conditions, shortage of drugs and a deteriorating health-care system need immediate government attention. According to Mathabisi Bebhe, secretary general of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association, most junior doctors at the five major hospitals had downed tools to protest over pay, allowances and drug shortages. The union is really hopeful that the government will intervene as early as possible, he said. The duration of the industrial action depends on when the government gives a proper practical solution, he warned. The government has previously said doctors should present their grievances while at work and has relied on military doctors to help at state hospitals during strikes. In March, the doctors went on strike and won an increase in pay and allowances. However, doctors were still struggling to survive, Bebhe said. In a statement dated November 30 and signed by the Doctors National Committee, comprising top doctors in government health institutions, the health workers said President Emmerson Mnangagwas government needs to take swift action to avoid a prolonged industrial action. The doctors, who earn a basic monthly salary of about $385, allowances not included, are also pressing the government to raise on-call allowances by 25 percent to $10 an hour paid in cash. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, a University of Cambridge-trained economist who was appointed in September, has been trying to find ways to raise income for the southern African nation. The International Monetary Fund estimates the states wage bill consumes more than 90 percent of government revenue. The King of Morocco Mohammed VI has called Monday on ailing Gabonese president Ali Bongo Ondimba, who is recovering from a stroke in a military hospital in Rabat. Ali Bongo is currently in the North African Kingdom for medical recovery after his hospitalization in the King Fahd hospital in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, last month. The royal palace has shared a photo showing the two leaders talking. However there is no information on how long Bongo will stay in Morocco. Two weeks ago, Gabons constitutional court gave the vice president and prime minister some powers to carry out certain roles of the president while he is away. The vice president is now empowered to chair the Council of Ministers. The court explained that its decision was taken to ensure the continuity of the state and of public services. However, the opposition has condemned the move as an attempt to consolidate power in the hands of the Bongo clan. Key government officials will join Ali Bongo in the hospital in Morocco to work on urgent matters, according to First Lady Sylvie Bongo. The 59-year-old President has ruled the oil-rich Central African nation since 2009 after the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who had ruled since 1967. Deputy Finance Minister Says Debt Annulment Starts on December 15 Georgias Deputy Finance Minister, Lasha Khutsishvili says the large-scale project of bank debt annulment of 600,000 people will start from December 15, as promised by the government.According to him, preparatory works are currently underway to form the list of the people whose loans will be annulled."Additionally, around 10 more loan lending organization has been involved in the loan annulment project which did not wish to cooperate at the initial stage. The information will be allocated to the unified database, which will be placed in the nearest future on the website created for this project, said Khutsishvili.He added that each citizen will be able to check if they are in the list or address the financial institutions with the request to put them in the list.Loan annulment is the recent initiative of the government, as a result of which bank debts of over 600,000 Georgian citizens, including those on a so-called Black List', will be written off.As stated by Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze in mid-November, total money for debts amounting to 1,6 billion GEL would be covered by the Cartu foundation, the foundation owned by ruling Georgian Dream (GD) founder and chair, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.Cartu Foundation and commercial institutions had negotiations and reached the agreement that the foundation will take responsibility for the loans of black-listed people in banks, whose loans do not exceed GEL 2000. Out of the total 600,000 people, 150,000 are socially vulnerable ones.The non-governmental sector stated the initiative of the ruling party contains signs of vote-buying ahead of the November 28 elections, adding it was directed in favor of Salome Zourabichvili, the candidate supported by the ruling party, who managed to win the race.They even addressed the Prosecutor's Office to launch an investigation into the case, which is already underway.The opposition also shares the position of the NGOs regarding the alleged attempt of vote-buying. They say the authorities pressure private banks and micro-finance companies to sell the debts of people to Cartu Foundation for 1% of the total amount.Koba Gvenetadze, the President of the National Bank of Georgia (NBG), stated in late November that this is a one-time initiative and people should not think their future loans will also be paid. Opening Ceremony for the project financed by the Government of Japan Within the framework of Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects On November 30, the Opening Ceremony for The Project for Provision of a Second-hand Fire Engine for Tbilisi within the framework of the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects was held at the Training Center of Emergency Management Service.The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Georgia HE Tadaharu Uehara, leadership of the Emergency Management Services in Georgia, representatives of the Society for Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy and other partners and colleagues involved in implementation of the project.Under the project, the second-hand fire engine has been provided to Emergency Management Service of Georgia for the rescue missions in Tbilisi area. There are approximately 3-4 thousand fire incidents every year in Tbilisi, approximately 10% of them happen in multi-storey buildings, where people live. The fire engine will be designated for Isani-Samgori area, but can be transported fast to the rest of the territory of Tbilisi, in emergency situations (and could potentially cover 27580 hectares of territory and save thousands of lives). The funding of the Embassy of Japan for this project is 99733 USD.The Human Security Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) provides assistance to relatively small projects and aims at improvement of human security in Georgia. It applies to projects in the field of sustainable agriculture, environment protection, poverty alleviation, public health, education, social protection, etc. Since 1998, 163 GGP projects have been financed in Georgia by the Government of Japan, totaling 16642524 USD. Elections 2018 Paroxysm of negativities By Lasha Kharazi Every sphere of life owns its window of manifestation. Politics is not an exception. The normative language of politics, called democracy, at the end of the day, reveals itself through facticity of elections. Within democratic technology of governance, elections are neither a mere procedure for registering the proportions of the general will, nor is it solely an act of measuring the common touch between people and their representatives, but something more profound is resonating from its ground, something promptly named here as the truth of political unconscious.One should not be the Doctor of psychology to understand that there are certain moments when real compositions of things are expressed through boundary situations. Elections, given in the one step distance from power, apparently are the boundary situation of politics. Not rarely, invisible pathologies of politics are coming up on scene during pre-election campaign, those faces with engraved lines of expected power and words left without shadows victoriously marching from the unconscious plane of negativities towards realities of daytime, flooding and corrupting everything on the way.There is a problematic gathering of conditions when sadly enough, elections, instead of creating the new possibilities of life become the very negation of politics itself.2018 presidential elections in Georgia were a sheer evidence of the mentioned sadness. Symptoms shown through it necessitate a thorough diagnosis.Let us pose the question here: what is the conceptual message of the recent elections? Simply following the principle of Occams razor the briefest thought coming into the mind is that there is not much of political in this message. Once again the exhausted binarism of Georgian politics with its utterly simplistic structure was unmasked in its tedious banality. On the one side United National Movement, politically spent force, with its detrimental rhetoric of being overwhelmed with opponents' never-ending attempts to rake over the coals for their past violations, immunized with mighty informational machinery of Rustavi 2, the most ordinary factory of lies one can imagine. On the other side, governing party of Georgian Dream with its somewhat fuzzy ideological arrangement and therefore with the everlasting burden of self-identification. It is hard to disregard the impression that even after six years from coming to power Georgian Dream is still incapable to outline even hypothetically legible answer on the most significant political question, what is to be done? not to say anything how those things should be done.But as it is said, every cloud has a silver lining. What might be the positive effect from all those negativities hovering all over the recent elections in Georgia? And I might be an over-optimistic here but should not the very fact of such a ruthless depreciation of things become sufficiently concrete and sensible object of discontent, unambiguously demanding the collective work of thought from people yet to come? As the turning point of the relative minimum in politics is reached, suffocating political life is urgently demanding novel blocks of perceptions and sensations.Speaking from the standpoint of motivational dispositions, now it is the most appropriate time to enhance the process of deliberation on new politics. It will be a tough row to hoe. Vainly to expect any easy doings. But one thing is foremostly essential. If a desirous model will rightly necessitate the gradual depersonalization of politics (as it is conventionally thought), only through personalities and personal deeds, it will be achieved. With a slight sense for being, let us take as the reference to this, words coming from the shores of poets intuition, precisely from the remarkable essay by T. S. Elliot Tradition and the individual talent, where we read the following line - But, of course, only those who have personality and emotions know what it means to want to escape from these things. With an image of his great-great-great-grandfather Frederick Douglass in the background, Kenneth B. Morris Jr. reads from one of famed abolitionists speeches during Frederick Douglass: A Bicentennial Tribute on Nov. 27 at Emorys Cannon Chapel. Emory Photo/Video Dramatic readings of lectures originally given by abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass, presented at an event Nov. 27 at Emorys Cannon Chapel, struck a chord with contemporary listeners just as they did more than 130 years ago. Emory Libraries and the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library partnered with the Consulate General of Ireland in Atlanta for Frederick Douglass: A Bicentennial Tribute, an event celebrating the 200th birthday of the abolitionist, author, statesman and orator. The event drew about 175 people from the Atlanta and Emory communities. Presenters read narratives and excerpts from a selection of Douglasss lectures, which included American Prejudice Against Color given in Cork, Ireland (1845), 4th of July Speech in Philadelphia (1852), Address for the Promotion of Colored Enlistments in Philadelphia (1863), and the address delivered before the National Convention of Colored Men in Louisville, Kentucky (1883). These are powerful, hard hitting, so often tough speeches, and they were delivered in just the right way, said Consul General Shane Stephens. Humor was brought in when appropriate, and that really lifted it. Readers included Kenneth B. Morris Jr., Douglasss great-great-great-grandson, along with several Emory voices: Robert Franklin, James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor in Moral Leadership Teresa Fry Brown, Bandy Professor of Preaching in Candler School of Theology Carol Anderson, Charles Howard Candler Professor and Chair of African American Studies Michelle Gordon, senior lecturer in African American studies Randall K. Burkett, retired curator of African American collections at the Rose Library Yolanda Cooper, University Librarian Joseph Crespino, Jimmy Carter Professor of American History Brendan Moore, Emory graduate student in comparative literature Patrick Finley, a fiddler from Atlanta, provided interlude music, and Jeremy Hathcoat, from Fayettesville, Georgia, sang an Irish song to close the program. Listening to the words of Frederick Douglass read by his direct descendant, Kenneth Morris, and by Emory faculty was an extraordinary, electric experience, said Geraldine Higgins, director of Irish Studies at Emory. This event was so moving and informative, and it was one of the highlights of the semester. Parts of the lectures resonated with the audience as the speakers gave passionate readings, even drawing laughter several times as parallels to recent political events became pointedly obvious. In the 1845 speech read by Morris, Douglass recalled he was accused of lying as he spoke out against slavery to a crowd containing several slave owners. He offered instead to read a law passed by southern legislators: This raised a general clamour, for they did not wish the laws exposed. They hated facts, sparking laughter from the Cannon Chapel audience. What really struck me was how the words of Frederick Douglass 150 or 130 years ago still resonate today, said Andra Gillespie, associate professor of political science, after the event. He could have said the exact same thing if he were living and breathing and walking among us today. I think that shows how timeless and relevant his words are. It also tells us how far we have to go as a community, as a society. Collaboration and community engagement The event was part of a wave of celebrations by Irish consulates across the U.S. this year, commemorating Douglasss 200th birthday and his relationship to Ireland. Born as a slave, Douglass, who died in 1895, did not know what year he was born, but historians have estimated the year as 1818. He escaped as a young man in Maryland, writing and speaking out against slavery and becoming well known as an orator and abolitionist. During his lifetime, he published three autobiographies, held public office and published an abolitionist newspaper called the North Star. Douglass traveled to Ireland in 1845 and 1846 for a lecture tour, shortly after the publication of his book Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave. He was warmly received and developed an affinity for the country. During his stay, he met people who made an impact on him, particularly the Liberator, Daniel OConnell, who led a nonviolent political campaign for Catholic emancipation. Douglasss experiences in Ireland had a significant effect on his personal development as an international human rights activist, and he took to calling himself the black Daniel OConnell. The readings closed with a video of Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. reading The Passing of Douglass, a poem by W.E.B. Du Bois on the occasion of Douglasss death on Feb. 20, 1895, recorded especially for the tribute event at Emory. Gossett was slated to read the poem in person at the event but was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. This tribute to Frederick Douglass was a great example of collaboration and community engagement, said Pellom McDaniels, Rose Library curator of African American collections and emcee for the event. The fact that the Irish consulate reached out to us to imagine how we might jointly present a memorable event with Douglass at the center became a wonderful opportunity for Emory to serve as host to the larger Atlanta community. I am so appreciative of our presenters, who made the event a tremendous success. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] An AP News and NBC News investigation found more than 80,000 incidents of injuries caused by spinal cord stimulators since 2008. While there were injury reports, neurosurgeon Joseph Christiano, MD, defended his use of the stimulators with News 4 Tucson. Here are three insights: 1. Dr. Christiano told the news outlet he performs between 150 and 200 spinal cord stimulation procedures annually. 2. While the investigation highlighted dangers in the device, Dr. Christiano told patients not to worry. "Lookat where we get our devices and how that process occurs to get them from manufacturer to patient," Dr. Christiano told News 4 Tucson. "On the other hand, it is also important to balance that with what is effective for patients and make sure the statistics are not over- or under-represented." 3. The neurosurgeon reported 85 percent of the spinal cord stimulators he implants are successful. "The key there is we have to make sure we are selecting patients for the right reasons or for the right problems," he told the news outlet. Greenville, S.C.-based Shriners Hospital for Children patient Jack Mickey, 4, underwent his 22nd spinal procedure as treatment for a rare spinal disease he was diagnosed with. To help cheer Jack up postoperative, hundreds of Twitter users sent photos and facts of his favorite animal, turtles, to the hashtag #Turtles4Jack, The Washington Post reports. Here are seven details: 1. Jack was diagnosed with early onset progressive infantile scoliosis at 9 months old. Since then, he has had to wear a full torso cast comprised of plaster and fiberglass to help his spine grow straight, according to the report. 2. Every six to eight weeks, Jack travels to Shriners Hospital for Children to get his cast reconstructed to adjust for his growth. 3. Jack undergoes full anesthesia for the procedure, which can take up to multiple hours, according to the report. 4. For Jack's Nov. 30 procedure, his mother, Sandy Mickey, sent a tweet out on Twitter with the hashtag #Turtles4Jack asking for users to send photos, facts and stories about turtles to help boost Jack's spirits. 5. To Ms. Mickey's surprise, hundreds of tweets came in, which helped keep Jack distracted as hospital staff performed post-operation duties, she told The Washington Post. 6. Peter Stasikelis, MD, Jack's orthopedic surgeon at Shriners, told The Post while the treatments are universally effective, he acknowledges the whole situation can put a large amount of stress on a family. 7. To keep spirits up, Dr. Stasikelis said things such as #Turtles4Jack can be "lifesaving," according to the report. A section of south Belfast's Lisburn Road which is home to a number of well-established businesses may be turned into apartments in a 12m project, it has emerged. (stock photo) A section of south Belfast's Lisburn Road which is home to a number of well-established businesses may be turned into apartments in a 12m project, it has emerged. The buildings at 721 to 739 are the location of businesses including fashion boutique MaxMara, healthy eating cafe Tony & Jen's, financial advisors Marlborough Place and a Kwik Fit tyre-fitting workshop and garage. It's understood some could be incorporated as part of the new scheme or may have plans to move elsewhere. A community consultation is to be held on the Lisburn Road next week to discuss the plans. The proposal from Galgorm Properties is for a mixed-use commercial and residential development with 80 apartments, 845 sq ft of retail floor space in five units, a gym and car parking spaces. A spokesman for Galgorm Properties said: "The developer has met with all current tenants and has kept them informed on the scheme as it is moving forward. Some of the existing tenants will remain, with others moving on, depending on their requirements." The Kwik Fit site had been subject to an earlier planning application from Galgorm Properties. The company then won planning permission to demolish the building - where Kwik Fit has operated for 25 years - to replace it with two cafes. But a spokesman confirmed that the earlier plans will be abandoned as the Kwik Fit site is included in the latest scheme. Last year a spokesman for Kwik Fit said it hoped to continue its tenure at the spot. "The Kwik Fit centre in Lisburn Road has been serving the local community since November 1992 and we would like to remain in that location," he added. "Our team is committed to supporting motorists in the area and we have advised the landlord we would like a new lease. We are currently awaiting the outcome of those discussions." The first phase of a 100m plan to transform the King's Hall site in Belfast into a new healthcare facility looks set to receive planning approval, one month after councillors deferred their decision in order to visit the site. The Benmore Octopus bid went before last month's planning committee of Belfast City Council with a recommendation from officials to approve the major project. The developer's plan involves refurbishing the listed King's Hall and building a two-storey extension on the site. Non-listed structures earmarked for demolition include a conference facility, showgrounds and stables. However, councillors moved to delay their decision in order to visit the site last week, on Monday, November 26. Council documents show that members of the planning committee spent just over one hour at the location with officials. They will now reconsider three applications linked to the project at a meeting next Tuesday, when it's expected they will sign off on the recommendation from officials to approve the proposals. Benmore Octopus has said phase one of its plan for the site could create up to 500 jobs, with the new health facility opening by 2021. The King's Hall has been vacant since the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society relocated to the former Maze prison site in 2013. Benmore said its plan would "revitalise" the building, providing health centre accommodation for new GP practices, diagnostic services and other primary care professionals. The expected approval represents stage one of the developer's plan for the site. Last year an application was approved to develop a portion of the site as an assisted living scheme by Abbeyfield. A wider masterplan for the 16-acre site is set to be submitted in the coming weeks. It includes proposals for a care home facility, independent living apartments, as well as a hotel and a gym facility Benmore chief executive David Burrows said: "The building will act as a one-stop shop for up to 30,000 patients, but the ability to deliver this facility alongside other healthcare-related development, including assisted and future living for over-55s, a care home facility, neighbourhood and health-related retail and gym, will in time regenerate the entire site. "For patients coming to visit their GP, nurse or other health practitioner it will create a bright, positive and healthy environment in keeping with our plans to deliver new, modern healthcare facilities across the wider site." Trend-setter: Holly Willoughby on Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here Holly Willoughby's outfits always get a lot of attention, and since she headed to Australia to present I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! with Declan Donnelly, there's been no let-up, with fans clamouring to find out where to buy every item she wears. While she's been Down Under, the 37-year-old has changed her style significantly, and there's been one element that viewers have really responded to - Holly's footwear. Swapping her trademark heels for flat, chunky boots has resulted in almost every pair of boots she's worn being sold out back in the UK. It started with some brown Grenson boots, followed by a black pair from Topshop, and then her 295 Heidi boots from designer Camilla Elphick, leaving retailers scrabbling to get them back in stock. Willoughby is actually tapping into a trend that started with Gucci's edgy hiking/biker boot hybrids, and now the 'hiker' boot is all over the high street. Combining sporty laces and hiking-style eyelets with a biker boot tread and silhouette, the hiker boot is a luxe take on outdoor gear. Let's be clear, hiker boots aren't really intended for walking expeditions (some have got a sizeable heel, after all), but they'll keep your feet warm and they're sturdy enough for stomping around in even the worst winter weather. Also, as the fashionable Mrs Willoughby has suddenly made everyone realise, they can be paired with everything from mini-dresses to leather skirts and denim cut-offs. Plus, you don't have to spend a fortune to try the trend, because there are lots of fab hiker boots on the high street from as little as 35. Here, we've rounded up the best buys, from budget to blow-out... Ticking a box on an application form proved a barrier for Amy McMillan when it came to securing a job after graduation. The deaf 24-year-old is convinced that declaring her disability meant most of her applications were binned. It became such a problem that Amy even considered avoiding admitting she was deaf. Today, she is working in a job she loves in her chosen field of marketing, but the tough road she faced getting there has compelled her to help others. Amy has teamed up with a charity, Action on Hearing Loss, to help highlight a new campaign aimed at encouraging employers to take action and learn about the support available for recruiting and retaining staff with hearing loss. The Working for Change project was launched on the back of research by the charity showing that more than a third of employers don't feel confident about employing people with hearing loss. The research also found that many deaf people had not disclosed their hearing loss when applying for a job because they feared employers wouldn't think they were competent for the role, and they were worried that they would be treated unfairly in the workplace. After unsuccessfully applying for more than 30 jobs, Amy, from Saintfield, faced a dilemma. "I'm always in two minds about whether to mention my deafness on application forms," she explains. "Legally, you're meant to declare a disability, but once you tick that box, you're putting yourself in a box and separating yourself from other candidates. "I wanted an employer to judge my CV based on my qualifications and skills, not on a box I've ticked. "I was on the Great Britain and Ireland deaf badminton team - I was sponsored by the Royal Mail and the Mary Peters Trust, and it's something I'm very proud of. "I used to do tutoring through the National Deaf Children's Society. When I put that on my CV, I never heard back from employers, but then when I took it off, it was fine. "It was something so little, but I felt like employers were honing in on it and disregarding all my other skills. Expand Close Breaking barriers: Amy McMillan, works for the Agnew Group in Belfast / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Breaking barriers: Amy McMillan, works for the Agnew Group in Belfast "I've been to an interview where they didn't write anything down. "I'm pretty sure I was interviewed because I was a disabled candidate, but they obviously had no intention of offering me the job - they just assumed I wouldn't be able to do it. "I have the skills and qualifications - I wouldn't have applied for a job if I didn't think I could do it. "It worries me that employers could pre-judge me because of a disability. Why bother with the work if it counts for nothing?" Amy, who lives with her mum, Kim McMonagle (56), and sister Katy (26), recently completed a master's degree in digital media communications at Ulster University. She also has a BA honours degree in photography, an HNC and a HND in photographics and a postgraduate diploma in digital media communications. Despite her impressive qualifications, she spent many months searching for a job, so she was thrilled to be recently appointed as a junior digital marketing assistant with the Agnew Motor Group. She also runs a blog called Deaf Girl in a Noisy World, in which she shares her experiences of the challenges she faced trying to get a job. It has had a huge response. "I had loads of messages from people who had faced similar attitudes and felt like they couldn't go to job interviews," Amy says. "All I could say was that you have to believe in yourself before someone else will. "My family has been vital for building my confidence. My mum always said, 'There's nothing you can't do'. It's only people outside my home who have said otherwise. "Mum made no barriers for me. No matter what I wanted to do, she always found a way around it so that I could do it, which made me realise that there really wasn't anything holding me back - I may just have to do things differently." Although Amy is confident about her abilities, it hasn't always been this way. She attended Saintfield High School until fifth year, and while the staff gave her excellent support, she still had to rely on lip-reading to communicate. After moving to Hunterhouse College for her A-levels, she found a way to study online, which gave her the confidence to believe in herself. "I struggled in school because I relied heavily on lip-reading, which can be exhausting - I'd often fall asleep on the bus," Amy explains. "I didn't do that well at school, but I did really well in my degree - I found a way of learning which worked for me and I never looked back. Studying for my degree online was a completely different approach to learning. I exceeded all my goals and expectations, and was thrilled to go on to complete my master's degree at Ulster University. "I look back now and feel sad that I thought I wasn't good enough or intelligent enough, when all I needed was a different approach to learning. "I've often found that people are surprised by my abilities, which frustrates me. "I saw one of my old teachers a while ago and explained to her that I had just finished my master's degree. "She was surprised and said she hadn't expected me to do a master's. I asked her why, but she couldn't answer. "I can't hear, but that doesn't mean that I'm not creative or intelligent." Amy believes that many people with disabilities, no matter how intelligent or skilled they may be, are being effectively forced out of the job market because their disability. As such, she loves working for the Agnew Group because the company has given her the chance to put her qualifications and skills to good use. "I was really excited about the opportunity of this role," she says. "At my interview, I spoke passionately about my blog, where I talk about being deaf, and the work I had completed with Action on Hearing Loss. "The interviewers were really considerate. They asked me if the room was okay and they didn't speak over each other. It meant that I could ask them to repeat themselves. "They were very friendly and I didn't feel under pressure or uncomfortable - I've never had an interview like that before. "They commented about my sporting achievements and were really positive about them, which opened the door to talking about my deafness. "They saw the love I have for what I want to do, rather than the disability. Unfortunately, that can be very rare. "I have never felt left out or unsupported at Agnew, and I really enjoy my work. "My hearing impacts my work minimally. However, as any deaf person would understand, it can be a long day lip-reading. "That can be exhausting, but when you enjoy something, you push on through." Amy's dream is to be a full-time blogger or to set up her own digital marketing business. She believes employers are missing out on the chance to employ talented people by failing to consider disabled candidates. "There's always a way around things," Amy stresses. "I might need a different phone, but that's all I need. "I think being deaf actually gives me an edge - I can't hear, so I'm more visual, which helps with things like arranging merchandise and branding. "I'm also more aware of how to help others with disabilities - I used to work for Edinburgh Woollen Mill, which has an older clientele. Lots of customers had a hearing loss, and they would talk to me because I would make an effort to speak to them, to look at them and not turn away when I was speaking to them. I was more aware, and it made my colleagues more aware. "I hate it when people assume I won't want to do something, or they question my abilities because I'm deaf. "It annoys me enough to want to prove myself to people. I believe that the only limitations are the ones I make for myself - that the only disability in life is a bad attitude." As part of its Working for Change campaign, Action on Hearing Loss is encouraging employers to visit an online employer hub, where they can access free resources, including a downloadable tool kit, for recruiting and retaining staff with hearing loss. Claire Lavery, communications and campaigns manager at the charity, wants an even playing field in the job market. "People should be given jobs based on their skills and expertise, yet our research shows that many people feel that if they disclose their hearing loss an employer may look twice at their application," she says. "Our employment team hear from people in Northern Ireland every week who are struggling to obtain work, or experience problems in work, often due to a lack of deaf awareness. "We want to encourage employers that employing someone with a hearing loss doesn't have to be difficult, and that they could be missing out on an incredible pool of talent. "Often the reasonable adjustments required for someone with hearing loss don't cost a lot of money. "They can be as simple as talking to the employee about their needs, changing where they sit in the office, buying assistive equipment such as an amplified telephone, or training staff on understanding hearing loss." Visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/employers to download a free employers' toolkit for supporting employees with hearing loss. For more information about Action on Hearing Loss' employment service in Northern Ireland, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/northernireland Hearing loss charity hosting information day Action on Hearing Loss is inviting people with hearing loss and tinnitus to their Christmas information day to help them hear better over the festive period. The event is on Monday, December 10, at the Belfast Central Mission, Glenagall Street running from 10am to 1pm. Recent research has shown that hearing aids can slow the progress of dementia by 75%. The event will feature information on the importance of wearing hearing aids and the opportunity for NHS hearing aid users to benefit from free hearing aid maintenance, including new batteries, re-tubing and support. Information will also be provided about sensory support services, and equipment that can help people with hearing loss and tinnitus. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from the police link officer for the deaf and enjoy a mindful art session with local artist Moyra Blayney. For more details, contact Paula McAnulty, information officer at Action on Hearing Loss, by telephoning 028 9023 9619/07587 130502, or emailing: paula.mcanulty@hearingloss.org.uk. British Sign Language interpreters and note-takers will be provided at the event. MPs in the House of Commons prepare to announce the result of a vote in which MPs approved a motion finding ministers in contempt of Parliament The DUP joined forces with opposition parties yesterday to inflict a humiliating defeat on Theresa May. In dramatic scenes at Westminster, MPs voted by 311 to 293 that the Government had been in contempt of Parliament by not revealing the full legal advice on the Brexit deal. Read More The embarrassing division came shortly before the Prime Minister was due to open a five-day debate on her deal, amid widespread expectations that her proposals are set for rejection by MPs. Mrs May's DUP allies - along with Tory MPs Philip Hollobone and Peter Bone - joined opposition parties in the unprecedented contempt move. It is the first time in modern history that any Government has been found in contempt and means the highly sensitive advice provided by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will be published, in contravention of long-standing practice. DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds said his party had been "crucial" in defeating the Government. "Our votes have been crucial in ensuring that the legal advice will now be published," he told Sky News. Mr Dodds insisted the DUP was not breaking the confidence and supply arrangement, but claimed Mrs May was not keeping her end of the bargain. "We signed up to the confidence and supply agreement to support the Government on Brexit on the basis of shared priorities. We haven't broken that, Theresa May unfortunately seems to be going down a road of delivering neither Brexit in its true form or keeping the United Kingdom together economically and politically." The vote came shortly before Mrs May kicked off a five-day debate ahead of the December 11 "meaningful vote" with a speech lasting more than an hour in which she told MPs she had delivered "the very best deal for the British people" and backed it "with my whole heart". Before the Prime Minister appeared at the despatch box, her Government had gone down to defeat for the third time in an hour. MPs backed a move that could put Parliament in the driving seat if the Brexit deal is rejected on December 11 by giving the Commons the power to amend a motion that Mrs May would be required to make within the following 21 days to set out the Government's next steps. Some 26 Tory MPs - including former ministers Sir Michael Fallon, Damian Green and Sir Oliver Letwin - rebelled on the amendment tabled by ex-attorney general Dominic Grieve. This could open the door for the Commons to throw its weight behind a Norway-style soft Brexit or even a second EU referendum. Labour's shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said the finding of contempt was "a badge of shame" for the Government, with "huge constitutional and political significance". "By treating Parliament with contempt, the Government has proved it has lost its majority and the respect of the House," Sir Keir said. "The Prime Minister can't keep pushing Parliament away or avoiding responsible scrutiny." Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable repeated calls for a second referendum, saying: "Theresa May's majority has evaporated and the credibility of her deal is evaporating with it." Asked if Mrs May still felt she could command a majority in the Commons for the crunch vote next Tuesday, a Downing Street source said: "Everybody knows the parliamentary arithmetic. "The fact is, during the course of this administration we have won the overwhelming majority of votes that have taken place on the floor of the House of Commons." Opening the debate on the deal she struck in Brussels last month, Mrs May warned: "Don't imagine that if we vote this down another deal is going to miraculously appear. The alternative is uncertainty and risk - the risk Brexit could be stopped, the risk we could crash out with no deal." She said it would not be in the "national interest" to block the Withdrawal Agreement, adding: "The only certainty would be uncertainty." MPs' decisions over the next week would "set the course our country takes for decades to come", she said. Mrs May told them: "I promise you today, this is the very best deal for the British people, I ask you to back it in the best interests of our constituents and our country. And with my whole heart I commend this motion to the House." Meanwhile, Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned a no-deal Brexit could result in shopping bills soaring by 10%. He told the Commons Treasury Committee that increased tariff prices, import costs and a collapse in the value of the pound after a no-deal Brexit would send food prices soaring "quite quickly". Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said talks cannot be re-opened on the UK withdrawal deal. (Niall Carson/PA) The Irish Premier has ruled out the possibility of reopening Brexit negotiations with UK parliamentarians if the Withdrawal Bill is defeated next week. The House of Commons is set to vote on Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit deal on December 11. Some opponents of the deal have called for it to be renegotiated. Leo Varadkar has said that is not feasible. Speaking during Taoiseachs Questions in the Irish Parliament (Dail) on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar ruled out the possibility of talks reopening. The agreement we have took 18 months to negotiate, is 500 pages long, 28 governments agreed to it, he told the Dail. The suggestion that somehow if it is defeated we would somehow find ourselves negotiating with a parliament really is quite unworkable. To see a parliamentary delegation entering the tunnel to reopen the talks is just not something that is feasible. In response to a question over whether Irish legal advice on the deal should be published, as legal advice to the UK government was published on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said it should be privileged. The six-page document by UK Attorney General Geoffrey Cox was released to MPs a day after the House of Commons found the Government in contempt of Parliament for trying to keep it secret. Mr Varadkar told the Dail he had not read the document at that stage, but indicated he would not publish the advice his government had received on the Brexit deal. It is my strong view when it comes to legal advice from the AG (Attorney General), that legal advice should be privileged to those who receive it, he said. DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has said that the backstop within Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal is "totally unacceptable to unionists" and must be defeated in the House of Commons next week. Mr Dodds was speaking after Attorney General Geoffrey Cox's full legal advice on Mrs May's deal was released to MPs a day after the House of Commons found the Government in contempt of Parliament for trying to keep it secret. Read More Mr Cox found that the protocol setting out the terms of the backstop does not provide for a mechanism that is likely to enable the UK lawfully to exit the UK-wide customs union without a subsequent agreement. And he said that despite assurances from both London and Brussels that it is intended to be temporary the protocol would endure indefinitely under international law until another agreement takes its place. His advice warned: In the absence of a right of termination, there is a legal risk that the United Kingdom might become subject to protracted and repeating rounds of negotiations. Mrs May's deal will come before the House of Commons next Tuesday, November 11 and faces an uphill struggle to be passed with opposition from the DUP, the Labour Party and a section of MPs within Mrs May's own Conservative Party. Mr Dodds said that the publishing of the full legal advice "vindicated" the DUP's position in opposition to the backstop arrangement. 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 advice said that Great Britain would be "essentially treated as a third country by Northern Ireland for goods passing from Great Britain into Northern Ireland." @NigelDoddsDUP - The legal advice makes it clear: NI remains in the EU Customs Union and Commission & ECJ continue to have jurisdiction over compliance. NI would treat Great Britain as a 'third country'. How can he possibly recommend this deal? pic.twitter.com/iO9HXTsOBy DUP (@duponline) December 5, 2018 Expand Close The DUP's Gregory Campbell (Niall Carson) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The DUP's Gregory Campbell (Niall Carson) Mr Dodds said this was " totally unacceptable and economically mad in that it will be erecting internal economic and trade barriers within the United Kingdom. He said that the advice showed that the backstop would not be temporary in nature and that Northern Ireland could be forced to remain in the customs union while the rest of Great Britain exited. "This advice concisely sets out the stark reality of the operation of the backstop. Its publication demonstrates how the Prime Minister has failed to abide by the commitments she gave in that the United Kingdom as a whole would leave the European Union and that she would ensure there would be no customs or regulatory divergence within the United Kingdom," the North Belfast MP said. "This backstop is totally unacceptable to unionists throughout the United Kingdom and it must be defeated and arrangements renegotiated that uphold the commitments which the Prime Minister and her government has in the House of Commons." Speaking in the House of Commons Wednesday East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell rejected the idea that the backstop was needed to prevent a hard border in Ireland. "Does the Prime Minister agree at this last moment that the entire premise of the backstop has been based on a false assertion, it is a practical, physical and political impossibility under any circumstances for a hard border to emerge on the island of Ireland. Why has she allowed that to be used as a negotiating ploy by the EU against the United Kingdom?," Mr Campbell asked. Mrs May rejected Mr Campbell's comments saying that the people of Northern Ireland needed a commitment that there would be no hard border and that a political assertion was not enough. The Equality Commission has said a bookshop owner planning to ban the DUP from a new cafe could face a discrimination case. John Junk is the managing director of Belfast Books on York Road in north Belfast. He's currently attempting to raise 15,000 through crowdfunding to open a cafe in the building - one where he says elected members of the DUP won't be welcome. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph yesterday, he said his main problem was with the DUP's use of the petition of concern in the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2015 to block same-sex marriage. The move has drawn comparisons with the Ashers 'gay cake' case, in which Gareth Lee was refused a cake with a slogan supporting gay marriage. Recently the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the bakery owners, who said their problem was not with the customer but with promoting a message they disagreed with. Referring to the Belfast Books matters, a spokesperson for the Equality Commission said no discrimination could actually occur until the bookshop cafe opens. "If the cafe were open and someone was refused service because of his/her political beliefs, then a case of unlawful political discrimination could be taken," the spokesperson explained. In the front window display of the Belfast Books sits a biography of the late DUP leader Ian Paisley. Mr Junk says he has no problem selling the book and is not hostile towards the DUP, but feels it's right to take a stand against the party's stance on same-sex marriage. Critics on social media have accused him of a publicity stunt to promote his funding campaign, but he said: "There's much more to it. The LGBT thing is a personal issue for me because it affected someone dear to me. "Suggestions that this is a publicity stunt are understandable, but it's about getting this story back into the news and people talking about it. "I want there to be a discourse and hopefully an accommodation where LGBT people are not discriminated against." Asked how this differed from the Ashers case, he said: "First of all, Ashers existed and this is hypothetical. "It's not about boosting our crowdfunding - the press coverage hasn't moved it by one digit at all. "If that was the intention, then it's a pretty bad job on my part." Mr Junk also alleged that in an area of "serious blight", DUP representatives were a rare sight. "The DUP deputy leader, Nigel Dodds, has his office about 700 metres down the road and I've never seen them out apart from election time," he said. "The community needs this, not just leaflets through their door." Pointing to several empty fields surrounding the shop, he said that delays in building much-needed new housing were another concern. Any future ban on the DUP using his proposed cafe would be lifted if the party allowed its members a free vote on same-sex marriage, he continued. "I think there's lots of people in the DUP who have no issue on LGBT and same-sex issues," he said. "This is about the POC (petition of concern), not the DUP. If they would give a free vote to their members, they would be welcome to the cafe." Since opening in 2014, he said the premises has become as much an advice centre as a book shop, adding that the frustration he hears from local residents has made him consider running in the local council elections next year. The DUP was contacted for a response, but declined to comment. However, one of its MLAs, Christopher Stalford, said on Twitter: "Apparently as a DUP elected representative I've been banned from a bookshop cafe. The fact that the bookshop (cafe) is yet to actually open and the people behind it are crowdfunding is beside the fact. "I wonder would the owners of this non-existent shop also ban books they don't like?" Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie also opposed the potential DUP ban, describing it in a Twitter post as "counterproductive". So far 840 of the 15,000 cafe target has been raised, and Mr Junk concluded that if it does open, "Nigel Dodds ain't going to be cutting the ribbon". A Co Antrim man accused of ordering his young son to get into his stepmother's bed, where he was allegedly sexually abused by her, has gone on trial with his 59-year-old wife in Belfast A Co Antrim man accused of ordering his young son to get into his stepmother's bed, where he was allegedly sexually abused by her, has gone on trial with his 59-year-old wife in Belfast. The couple, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are charged with a series of offences allegedly committed over a 12-year period up to 1996 involving the boy and his brother. The 62-year-old man, who denies repeatedly beating his sons, faces two charges of cruelty towards them. His wife denies cruelty, indecently assaulting the elder boy and a further seven charges of indecently assaulting his younger brother. Prosecuting QC Peter Irvine told a Crown Court jury of nine women and three men that when the alleged abuse came to light in 2015, the man accepted he gave his children "a slap with the belt ... back in those days (when everyone) got a slap", but denied he was being cruel. His wife denied any alleged abuse. The lawyer said the court would hear from the younger of the two brothers, who claimed that his father would come into his bedroom on Saturday mornings and tell him to get into bed with his stepmother. When aged about 11 or 12, he claimed his stepmother made him touch her over her nightdress. He claimed that, over time, this progressed to being made to touch her under her nightgown. The lawyer said that the boy's elder brother would claim that when he was eight or nine, while on a visit to his father's then girlfriend's home, "all of a sudden" she indecently assaulted him. The prosecution lawyer claimed that the now grown brothers would tell the court of alleged beatings they suffered at the hands of their father when they were youngsters. The beatings allegedly left them with bruising, black eyes and bloodied noses. The younger brother, it was said, would describe his relationship with his father as being "difficult to say the very least" when growing up. On one occasion, he was allegedly given a beating for trying to have a shower in private, and for fighting with his older brother. His brother, claimed Mr Irvine, would in turn tell of his beatings by his father from when he was aged five-and-a-half. The court would also hear that after one alleged beating, his father later came to him weeping and asking for forgiveness. Counsel claimed that on one occasion his stepmother split his earlobe and that later he was further punished by his father. The trial continues. A convicted murderer has won a legal battle over his security re-categorisation in prison. The Court of Appeal declared that Gareth Anderson was subjected to procedural unfairness in the delay in providing enough reasons for the move. Anderson, 34, is serving a life sentence for his role in the killing of hospital porter David Hamilton. Mr Hamilton was beaten to death at his home in the Ballybeen estate, on the outskirts of east Belfast, in 2004. Anderson, who lived in the same block of flats as the victim, was one of three men convicted of the murder. He is serving a minimum 16-year sentence for his role in the killing. Last year he was allegedly put into isolation at HMP Maghaberry following an investigation into the suspected smuggling of illicit substances into the jail. Anderson's status was also changed from Category C to the maximum security Category A, according to his lawyers. Proceedings were brought against the Northern Ireland Prison Service, claiming he had not been subject to relevant adjudications. His lawyers argued that he was held in isolation for weeks without being able to persuade the authorities that the allegations against him were unfounded. They contended that he had been provided with little information about the alleged misbehaviour, rendering him unable to make meaningful representations in his defence. Anderson's legal team claimed a justification that he was subject of a joint prison and police investigation was contradicted when they checked with the PSNI. Although he was returned to the general prison population, he was said to have remained a Category A inmate at that stage. Anderson mounted a judicial review challenge in a bid to have his re-categorisation ruled unlawful. Issues were raised over the provision of information by prison authorities about the allegations, so that informed representations can be made in rebuttal. A High Court judge dismissed the case on the basis that he had been given a clear enough indication about the intervention in relation to alleged criminal activity. But Anderson's lawyer, Eoin Murphy of O'Muirigh Solicitors, said that decision was not maintained in the Court of Appeal. Judges allowed the challenge and made a declaration, agreed by parties in the case, that Anderson was subject to procedural unfairness in the delay in providing him with an adequate gist of the reasons for his re-categorisation as a Category A prisoner. Outside court Mr Murphy insisted his client had not been treated in a manner consistent with the obligations imposed on public authorities. "The Prison Service have a duty to provide as much information as possible to allow for meaningful and informed representations to be made in a prisoner's defence," he said. "It should not be the case that simply because of incarceration, a person should have qualified rights in defending allegations against them." The solicitor added: "It is hoped that this will prevent such subversion of the rules in future and clarify those rights which must be adhered to going forward." Forty-three children have been recalled by Belfast Trust because of incomplete health records, it has emerged. Following a recent review of paediatric audiology records it came to the Trust's attention that the records for 43 children were not complete. A Belfast Trust spokesman said: "As a precautionary measure, and to ensure that the Trust holds and maintains a complete set of notes for each child, these children have each been invited to attend an audiology review appointment with access to an Ear, Nose and throat (ENT) consultant during the next few weeks. "The Trust has sought to minimise the impact of any inconvenience that this might cause children and parents at this busy time of year by arranging extra clinic dates to suit each child as far as possible." Sinn Fein Health spokesman Pat Sheehan said it was vital the children get reassessed as a "matter of urgency". The west Belfast MLA added: Sinn Fein made the Department of Health aware of concerns about paediatric audiology assessments in a letter in July. We raised these concerns after party colleagues in Mayo/Roscommon had made us aware of problems with audiology services there involving an audiologist believed to be working in the Health and Social Care service in the north," he said. "A review of services showed a failure in standards for hearing assessment and treatment which adversely affected a number of children in Mayo-Roscommon. "I subsequently met with the Permanent Secretary of Health and the Chief Executive of the Belfast Trust in October to seek assurances that services in the north were not impacted. "During the meeting Belfast Trust representatives expressed their confidence that paediatric audiology services were not affected. "This recent recall of 43 children by the Belfast Trust suggests otherwise and is worrying, in particular for the children involved and their parents. "I have requested an urgent meeting with Belfast Trust to clarify what has brought about this recall and why it has taken five months since we initially raised our concern regarding children's audiology services to identify these potential problems." MANDATORY CREDIT: UK Parliament/Mark Duffy. UK Parliament handout photo of Prime Minister Theresa May during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons, London. Tory resistance to Theresa Mays Brexit deal has been bolstered after Eurosceptics were warned that if the agreement goes through it could bring down the Government. DUP support for Mrs Mays administration in any confidence motion would depend on the deal being defeated or ditched by the Prime Minister. The DUPs 10 MPs would not back the Prime Minister if her Brexit deal, including the controversial Northern Ireland backstop measure, survives. The position means that Tory Eurosceptics, who had feared defeat for Mrs Mays deal in the crunch vote on December 11 could result in the collapse of the Government, may now feel emboldened to vote against it. Between them the Conservatives and DUP have the parliamentary numbers to resist a motion of no confidence. The Prime Minister depends on the DUP for her Commons majority, but the unionist party claims the Withdrawal Agreement thrashed out with Brussels breaches the terms of the confidence and supply deal struck with the Tories. Setting out his position, the DUPs Westminster leader Nigel Dodds said: We will vote against her plan because it is bad for the United Kingdom, certainly bad for Northern Ireland given the legal advice that we have forced out of the Government today. Labour has indicated it will table a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister in the wake of a defeat on such a pivotal issue for Mrs May. But Mr Dodds said that if the Brexit deal is defeated it would be somewhat illogical having seen off the Withdrawal Agreement to turn around the next day and say lets vote the Government out. He warned there would be implications if Mrs May pushed ahead with her plan, telling ITVs Peston: Thats the risk that the Prime Minister is running. Even if there was not a general election, the lack of a majority would make it difficult for the Conservatives to get any legislation through Parliament including the bill to implement the Brexit deal. The DUPs position was set out to Tory Brexiteers at a meeting of the European Research Group (ERG), led by Jacob Rees-Mogg. Mr Rees-Mogg told the private meeting: The DUP will support the Government in a confidence motion if the Withdrawal Agreement is voted down. But the risk of losing them and having an election is if the Withdrawal Agreement goes through. In the latest indication of Government efforts to avoid a defeat on December 11, Chief Whip Julian Smith put in an appearance at the meeting. Sources at the ERG meeting described it as full and frank and candid, with the Chief Whip left in no doubt about what would be required to win over would-be rebels. A Government source said the Whips Office and the Prime Minister were in listening mode and would do as much as possible to get support in one of the biggest votes in recent parliamentary history. The source said ministers were looking at all options to secure the vote. But it is understood that no detailed policy proposals were put forward by the Government at the meeting. One potential measure reportedly being floated as a way to win over would-be rebels is a parliamentary lock which would give MPs a vote before the Northern Irish backstop is implemented. But a senior Eurosceptic said the ERG had seen no text for any amendment other than those which had already been put down. And Mr Dodds dismissed the parliamentary lock, pointing out that it doesnt have any effect on the Withdrawal Agreement thrashed out with Brussels which contains the contentious measure. The mounting problems for Mrs May come after the Government was forced to publish the legal advice offered to the Cabinet by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox. It warned the backstop could result in the UK becoming stuck for many years in protracted and repeating rounds of negotiations with no lawful power to exit. And it made clear that Brussels could apply to an arbitration panel for Northern Ireland to remain in the EU customs area while the rest of the UK left. Devastating legal advice from AG https://t.co/TBnbdPb9F1 Nigel Dodds (@NigelDoddsDUP) December 5, 2018 At Prime Ministers Questions, the Scottish National Partys leader in Westminster, Ian Blackford, called on Mrs May to take responsibility for concealing the facts on her Brexit deal from MPs and the public. But Mrs May rejected the claim, insisting the document contained the same information as a shortened statement made to MPs by Mr Cox earlier this week. Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said that the 33-paragraph document revealed the central weaknesses in the Governments deal. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Mr Cox found that the protocol setting out the terms of the backstop, which is aimed at preventing a hard border with Ireland, does not provide for a mechanism that is likely to enable the UK lawfully to exit the UK-wide customs union without a subsequent agreement. This remains the case even if parties are still negotiating many years later and even if the parties believe that talks have clearly broken down and there is no prospect of a future relationship agreement, he added. Under the arrangements, for regulatory purposes, GB is essentially treated as a third country by NI for goods passing from GB into NI, he said. All week we have heard from Government ministers that releasing this information. could harm the national interest. Nothing of the sort. All this advice reveals is the central weaknesses in the Governments deal. 2/3 Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 5, 2018 And he said that despite assurances from both London and Brussels that it is intended to be temporary the protocol would endure indefinitely under international law until another agreement takes its place. The funeral for Ronan Rafferty (41) was held yesterday at St Malachy's Church in the Co Londonderry town. (stock picture) Tributes have been paid to a Coleraine man who died after a "freak accident" in Dublin. The funeral for Ronan Rafferty (41) was held yesterday at St Malachy's Church in the Co Londonderry town. SDLP councillor Stephanie Quigley attended the service and said Mr Rafferty's unexpected death had shocked the local community. "I'm told there had been a storm in Dublin and he was on a pier when the accident took place but it's unclear exactly how it happened," she said. "It was a huge shock. He had been very well, happy-go-lucky and a very gentle, kind and tender-hearted man. "So I understand this was a freak accident and came completely out of the blue." A family notice described him as the precious son of Michael and Patricia and the beloved brother of Angela, Fidelma, Michael, Niall, Aidan, Ciara and the late James. "The funeral service was one of the biggest I've ever seen in the parish," Ms Quigley said. "This guy was deeply loved, had a great sense of humour and obviously his parents are heartbroken. Both of them are in shock, but he was so well thought of and there were people of all ages at the service. "We heard how full of life he was, enjoying surfing and snowboarding and living to the full. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family." The son of a Carrickfergus man shot dead in his car has spent a second day in the witness box at his father's murder trial. George Gilmore died from a brain injury after his car was shot at in the Woodburn area of Carrick last March. Three men are currently on trial at Belfast Crown Court, accused of murdering the 44-year old, attempting to murder his two passengers and of possessing a firearm. The trio have denied all charged against them. They 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 'Scotch Brian' McClean, from Valetta Park in Newtownards. The deceased's son George Gilmore Jnr yesterday spent a second day in the witness box, where he denied a suggestion he had "adopted a theory for what happened" on March 13, 2017. Mr Gilmore Jnr has already told the court that as he was driving in the estate, he claimed he saw both 'Dee Dee and Scotch Brian'. The Carrick man said he saw McMaw in an alleyway, and that McClean ran on to the road before running off. Seconds later, shots were fired at Mr Gilmore senior's white Vauxhall Insignia in Pinewood Avenue, and he was pronounced dead in the early hours of the following morning. When a barrister representing McMaw said to Mr Gilmore Jnr: "I would suggest to you that you didn't see Mr David McMaw on this day," the witness replied: "No, I seen him." Eilis McDermott QC then said: "Just to be completely clear, you didn't see him at Cherry Walk, you didn't see him in the alleyway or anywhere else". To this, Mr Gilmore junior said: "I did." And when the barrister suggested to him that he had "adopted a theory" about what happened, Mr Gilmore Jnr replied: "Definitely not. I seen them. I seen Dee Dee and Brian at Cherry Walk. Brian ran out in front of my car and Dee Dee was in the alleyway." Also called to the witness box was a friend of Mr Gilmore's, who was a passenger in his red BMW on March 13 last year. The passenger confirmed that he was part of the 'Gilmore party' who travelled from Laganside Court to Carrick that morning, and that they had gone to a bakery in Carrick upon their return. This witness also claimed he saw 'Dee Dee and Scotch Brian' in the Woodburn estate, and when asked "how sure are you that these are the men you saw?", he replied: "I am 100% positive." While Mr Gilmore Jnr and his passenger didn't see the gun attack at Pinewood Avenue on the deceased's car, they heard shots being fired, and arrived on the scene seconds later. After being asked how many shots he heard, he said: "About five or six. "There were quite a lot of shots. As soon as we heard the shots, George drove back to Pinewood Avenue. I got out of the car and ran over to the white Insignia." He is due to return to the witness box today. Prime Minister Theresa May faced three Commons defeats on the first day of debate on her Brexit plan (PA) Theresa Mays Brexit deal will face fresh scrutiny when the Cabinets full legal advice is published, following one of the most punishing days in the Commons for a sitting Government in recent memory. Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said the advice on the Withdrawal Agreement from Attorney General Geoffrey Cox would be published on Wednesday morning, after MPs on Tuesday found the Government to be in contempt of Parliament for the first time in modern history. Wednesday is the second of five days of debates on the deal before the December 11 vote, and follows a first day which saw a series of dramatic defeats for the Prime Ministers struggling administration. As well as losing the contempt vote, the Government was also forced to allow MPs to have a say in what happens next if the Brexit deal is voted down on Tuesday. Mrs Leadsom told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that the Government would release the legal advice, but not without some regret. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) She also fired a warning shot at rebels within the Tory Party, saying: Going forward, not only will Government ministers be very careful about what they ask law officers to give advice on, but law officers themselves will be very reluctant to give any advice to Government that they might then see published on the front pages of the newspapers, so its the principle of the thing. And, frankly, I think any parliamentarian who wants at some point in the future to be in Government is going to live to regret their vote last night. Mrs Leadsom, who had been reported to have been leading intra-Cabinet attempts to get Mrs May to change the deal agreed with Brussels after months of hard-fought negotiations. Synchronise watches everyone: Andrea Leadsom says the full Brexit deal legal advice will be published at 11.30am. David Wilcock (@DavidTWilcock) December 5, 2018 She told Today that she was staying in Government to make absolutely sure Britain does not end up in the backstop, saying: I am a very strong arch Brexiteer, I genuinely believe that we have a bright future ahead of us when we leave the EU. And so all the way through Ive had conflicting thoughts and Ive had to consider whether I can live with things, but at the end of the day this deal is the best combination that were going to get and so I just urge colleagues to look at it carefully to give it a real chance. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) On Tuesday night, Mrs May had made a last-ditch attempt to rally MPs behind her Brexit deal after suffering the historic humiliation of seeing her Government found in contempt of Parliament. In dramatic scenes at Westminster, the Government bowed to pressure to publish the final and full legal advice to Cabinet on the deal after MPs voted by 311 to 293 that its failure to do so amounted to contempt. The Prime Ministers Democratic Unionist Party allies along with Tory MPs Philip Hollobone and Peter Bone joined opposition parties in the unprecedented move. House of Commons votes 311 to 293 to approve the privilege motion, finding Ministers in contempt and ordering the immediate publication of the full legal advice on the #Brexit deal. pic.twitter.com/haXVmbH36s UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) December 4, 2018 MPs also backed a move that could put Parliament in the driving seat if the Brexit deal is rejected on December 11 by giving the Commons the power to amend a motion that Mrs May would be required to make within the following 21 days to set out the Governments next steps. This could open the door for the Commons to throw its weight behind a Norway-style soft Brexit or even a second EU referendum, though prominent Leave-backing MPs questioned whether any such vote would be binding on ministers. Some 26 Tory MPs including former ministers Sir Michael Fallon, Damian Green and Sir Oliver Letwin rebelled on the amendment tabled by ex-attorney general Dominic Grieve. The drama in the Chamber came after: Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned that a no-deal Brexit could result in shopping bills soaring by 10%; The European Court of Justices Advocate General, Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona, said Article 50, which started the Brexit process, could be revoked unilaterally by the UK; A senior Toyota executive warned that a no-deal Brexit could result in stop-start production for weeks or months at the car giants UK plant; The BBC dropped proposals for a TV debate featuring Mrs May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn followed by a discussion between eight panellists including politicians from different sides of the Brexit argument. Expand Close Theresa May with ministers and Tory MPs after speaking at the start of a five-day debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa May with ministers and Tory MPs after speaking at the start of a five-day debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement (PA) Tory former chief whip Mark Harper became the latest to break ranks to say he would vote against the Prime Ministers proposal, telling the Telegraph it would leave the UK worse off and should be renegotiated. Shadow attorney general Shami Chakrabarti said extending Article 50 cant be ruled out. Asked on Today about Labours stance on the issue given the Advocate Generals opinion, she said: It cant be ruled out because the clock is ticking. I think there would be time if Mrs May heard what happened in the House of Commons last night and decided to think again and go back to her European colleagues right now and not wait until next week. A man was allegedly bitten and had a gun held against him amid suspicions he brought a young child into a makeshift "Rangers bar", the High Court heard on Wednesday. He claims intruders subjected him to a 45-minute assault and called him an "Orange b******" after entering his flat in Coleraine, Co Derry, a judge was told. Simon Fleming, 44, of Somerset Drive in the town, denies charges of aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and intimidation over the incident. During a bail application prosecutors said he and a co-accused allegedly arrived at the man's Drumtarsey Road home on November 22 and started questioning him. According to his account they wanted to know if he had taken a brought a child aged three or four to drinking premises being operated at the back of a house in nearby Articlave village. "Exception was taken to the bar in question being a loyalist bar, a Rangers bar," a Crown lawyer said. Investigating detectives were told Fleming allegedly produced a pistol described as being similar to the type carried by police. The man claimed he was then punched and kicked, and that the co-accused bit him above his eye. "At one stage he said the gun was placed against his neck as threats were being made," the prosecutor continued. "He stated that he was referred to as an Orange b****** on a number of occasions." It has now been established that he never took the child in question to the bar, the court was told. Ben Thompson, defending, described the allegations against Fleming as "a work of fiction". He said his client went to the apartment because it was a "good house for a party", only for the complainant to start behaving erratically. The barrister argued that a cut above the man's eye was due to a brief fight between him and the co-accused, rather than any sustained assault involving allegations of stamping and kicking. Mr Thompson also disclosed Fleming himself sustained serious brain injuries earlier this year when he was dragged 500 yards along a road by a horse that had bolted. He spent three months in hospital and is still receiving treatment as part of his recuperation, the court heard. Adjourning his bail application, judge Sir Richard McLaughlin said he wanted more details on a proposed address outside Coleraine. However, he granted Fleming temporary prison release to attend a hospital appointment on Thursday. The family of a Co Down woman, who died from a viral illness in Australia, say they are "beyond devastated" by her untimely passing. Originally from Newry, Kathy Kucuk (nee McConville) lost her fight against viral myocarditis following heart surgery on Monday evening. Only weeks ago, Mrs Kucuk (34) was fit and healthy but last month, she, along with her husband Fatih and one-year-old daughter Zoe, came down with a virus. While Fatih and Zoe recovered, the young mum's condition went from bad to worse. She was rushed to hospital in Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on November 15 and was quickly diagnosed with viral myocarditis - an inflammatory and often deadly disease which attacks heart muscle. As her condition worsened, Mrs Kucuk was airlifted to Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane where she underwent open heart surgery. She was placed on both life support and an emergency heart transplant list. Complications including a lack of blood circulation meant doctors had been forced to amputate one of her legs. She died on Monday during her sixth heart operation within days. Mrs Kucuk and her husband, who is originally from Turkey, married last year. The couple had recently moved from Melbourne to Noosa with their baby daughter where they had started up a new business. A hairdresser by trade, Mrs Kucuk was planning to retrain as a primary school teacher. The news of her death was announced on a GoFundMe page which was set up by her family to raise funds for her treatment since she was admitted to hospital last month. So far around 16,000 has been raised. Her sister-in-law, Rachael Welch, said the family were "beyond devastated" by her death but overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support to date. She said: "Kathy was in her sixth surgery and she fought so hard to be here but it was just too long and too hard on her. "Our campaign has not ended nor has our goal. We are now focused on helping Kathy's husband and daughter move through this terrible period with less worry and stress. So if you care to share this campaign we would be so grateful. "We are humbled and truly moved by all the donations, support and love that has been given and extended for Kathy and her family. We can never thank you enough," she added. Her cousin Anna McAllister (36) told the Belfast Telegraph that the family were rallying behind Mrs Kucuk's heartbroken grandmother Florence McClelland, who is aged 91 and still lives in Newry. Anna said: "Kathy always remained a very proud Newry woman and loved returning home whenever she could. "She had been in Australia for a decade and received her citizenship in 2012 which she had worked really hard for. "Kathy always had a real zest for life and lived for each day. She was back in Ireland in September to see her beloved Nana Florrie and all her family and friends at home. We all had a great time with her and she was delighted to show off her much longed for and beautiful baby Zoe." Anna added: "Kathy was embracing her new life as a wife and mother and had so many plans for the future. She was in a really happy place and the family were embarking on their next chapter with their new home and business. "Now all of a sudden, out of the blue, our lovely (and always healthy) cousin is gone. It's so hard to take in particularly when she was so far away from home and it's just so tragic given her young age." Mrs Kucuk is survived by her husband, Fatih, daughter Zoe, mother Patricia, brothers Matthew and David and sister Julie all of whom live in Australia along with their families. Her death is also being mourned in Northern Ireland by her sister Emma, brother Mark, grandmother and the wider family circle. You can contribute towards the family's fundraising at www.gofundme.com/help-for-our-kathy PSNI officers have fired their weapons accidentally 28 times in the past five years - seven times more than they shot their guns in 'operational discharge' during the same period. The shocking figure was revealed in a Freedom of Information request querying the amount of times PSNI officers across all Northern Ireland policing districts have discharged their weapons since 2013. Between January 1, 2013, and October 31, 2018, only four officers in Northern Ireland fired a shot during normal policing operations. During this time there were 21 occasions when officers had to fire their weapon to humanely destroy animals. These figures exclude any discharge of attenuating energy projectiles (AEP) or any negligent discharges. The highest number of shots fired within Northern Ireland during this period, however, were shots fired by officers in error. The number of occasions in which a PSNI officer discharged their firearm negligently varied across policing districts, with the highest rate in the Lisburn and Castlereagh policing district, standing at six shots. Officers negligently fired their weapons four times in the Antrim and Newtownabbey district, and three times in the Newry, Mourne and Down, Derry City and Strabane, Causeway Coast and Glens, and Belfast policing districts. Policing areas in Ards and North Down and Mid Ulster saw two shots fired in error in the five-year period, and Mid and East Antrim and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon saw just one instance each over the five years. UUP MLA and former soldier Doug Beattie said the figures were "worrying". "Negligent discharge of a weapon is basically accidental discharge through negligence," he said. "It's not like they fired their weapon when they shouldn't have. To give some context, as opposed to an officer aiming and firing his or her weapon then thinking they shouldn't have shot, it is an officer unloading their weapon, or putting it in their holster and it goes off. "It happens because the officer has failed to carry out the correct drill with the weapon and it is worrying. It is worrying because it endangers the officer, it endangers the officer's colleagues, but it can also endanger members of the public if it were to happen when the officer is out on patrol. "These figures mean that on 28 occasions, an officer has been negligent with a loaded firearm. I think we should all be concerned about that." Mr Beattie said that the remedial action taken after a negligent discharge "is the most important thing" and that the officer in question is "retrained so they do not do it again". "Of course these things happen. But police officers have to go through annual training on their weapon, they have to go through tests, proficiency tests, to ensure that they are able to use that weapon correctly," he said. "What you have to bear in mind is that police officers are routinely armed. "They are not only armed with side-arms, pistols, but also rifles." He continued: "They have a number of weapons so therefore they would not be immune to making mistakes in this manner. "Certainly the military, when they served in Northern Ireland, would have had exactly the same issues, where people would have negligently discharged their weapons. "It is always a concern and always something that has to be looked at." A spokesperson for the PSNI said: "Whilst the PSNI takes the negligent discharge of police firearms very seriously, the number of incidents should be placed in context with the strength of the PSNI, which is 6,605 regular officers and 277 POPTs (Police Officer Part-Time), and the fact that the service is routinely armed. "All negligent discharges of police firearms are routinely reported to our Professional Standards Department." They added: "Negligent discharges of firearms by officers on duty are routinely reported to the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland." Plans to locate a major gold mine in Co Tyrone were not "oven ready" when presented to the public, the High Court heard on Wednesday. Counsel for a residents group claimed no proper indication of the size of the project was given at an information event. Canadian Canadian firm Dalradian is seeking permission to operate a mine in an area of the Sperrin Mountains where up to 3bn worth of gold is said to be deposited. If approved, the 25-year scheme could reportedly support 350 jobs, with the company predicting a massive boost to the local economy. But the Greencastle, Rouskey, Gortin (GRG) Community is challenging the Department for Infrastructure's handling of the pre-application community consultation (PACC). They claim there were serious flaws in that preliminary stage around such a significant and controversial proposed scheme, involving 144 hectares of surface infrastructure in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Gregory Jones QC, for GRG, argued that a public event in November 2016, where information on the mine was put on show, implied a planning application being lodged a month later. "You could say it's premature, or that the development was not what it's purported to be under the PACC process, something almost ready to go," he said. He contended that the height, scale and size of the surface infrastructure was not disclosed. "If there's to be a meaningful consultation, which the guidance says should take place, should give the parameters of, for example, overground development," the barrister insisted. Mr Jones told the court: "The application wasn't quite as oven ready as was being suggested." The legal challenge is the first of its kind to be mounted in Northern Ireland. According to the residents group they were not given enough information before the 10,000 page planning application was submitted. Further issues were raised about the level of detail provided on the stripping of peat topsoil and the size of a car park which would feature. The court was told that if the mine is approved, it will take an estimated five years to complete restoration of the area when the operation comes to an end. But Mr Jones claimed there had been "a fundamental approach error" at the community consultation stage. The hearing continues. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of paramilitary activity connected to the INLA after a number of searches in Londonderry discovered drugs, counterfeiting clothing and cigarettes. Two men, aged 45 and 60, and a 57-year-old woman have been arrested in the city under the Terrorism Act on Wednesday. The suspects have been taken to Musgrave Street Police Station in Belfast for questioning. A number of searches were also carried out in the Galliagh, Buncrana Road and Ballymagroarty areas in relation to INLA criminality including the supply of controlled drugs and illicit cigarettes, money laundering and a recent paramilitary style attack which took place on 14 November in the Ballymagroarty area of the city. Expand Close Counterfeit goods seized by the PSNI. Credit: PSNI / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Counterfeit goods seized by the PSNI. Credit: PSNI A quantity of Class A and B drugs were seized from the search in the Galliagh area and a 17-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of the drugs with intent to supply. Quantities of suspected Class C Controlled drugs were seized from the searches in the Ballymagroarty and Buncrana Rd areas. Documentation, phones, computers and cash were also seized. This follows a PSNI operation on Tuesday when police supported HMRC officers visited ten shops in the Londonderry and Strabane areas where approximately 36,000 illicit cigarettes and 5 kilograms of illicit tobacco were seized. Counterfeit clothing, footwear, DVDs and CDs were also seized from three of the shops. Expand Close Counterfeit cigarettes seized by the PSNI. Credit: PSNI / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Counterfeit cigarettes seized by the PSNI. Credit: PSNI Detective Inspector Tom McClure of the PSNIs Organised Crime Unit said: These operations are further evidence of PSNIs continuing commitment to tackling Paramilitarism. "INLA in Derry and Strabane claim to be protecting their communities from crime however in reality they themselves are heavily involved in a wide range of criminal money-making rackets including extortion, supply of controlled drugs, counterfeit goods and money laundering. "As well as taking a cut from alleged local drug dealers (known locally as pay-to-stay) they are also supplying controlled drugs themselves. INLA use brutality, threats and fear to exert control in their local communities and they recently carried out a paramilitary style shooting of a man for having a minor altercation with INLA members. We also believe they are heavily involved in the importation and supply of illicit cigarettes into the North West and for this reason we requested HMRCs assistance for yesterdays operation. I am very concerned that all ten shops visited yesterday in the area were found to have illicit cigarettes on their premises. Expand Close Counterfeit cigarettes seized by the PSNI. Credit: PSNI / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Counterfeit cigarettes seized by the PSNI. Credit: PSNI "Retailers who stock and sell illicit cigarettes to the public should think carefully about the potential implications upon conviction. They and customers who knowingly purchase illicit cigarettes should also be aware that they may be indirectly funding INLA terrorism and criminality which brings misery and harm to local communities, all for their own selfish gains. I would like to thank our partners in HMRC for their assistance with this operation." A 56-year-old man was also arrested on Tuesday by HMRC for Fraudulent Evasion of Duty Chargeable On Goods in respect of 19,800 illegal cigarettes seized from one of the shops in the Galliagh area of Derry. Expand Close Drugs found by the PSNI in Londonderry. Credit: PSNI / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Drugs found by the PSNI in Londonderry. Credit: PSNI He has subsequently been released pending report to the Public Prosecution Service. Steve Tracey, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: "Working together in partnership with other enforcement colleagues we can target the criminal gangs who are stealing from the taxpayer, robbing public services and undermining legitimate, honest traders." Three people have been arrested on suspicion of paramilitary activity in connection to the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said. Police said a 57-year-old woman, a 40-year-old man and a 45-year-old man were arrested in Londonderry under the Terrorism Act by detectives on Wednesday. All three have been taken to Musgrave Street police station in Belfast for questioning. The arrests come amid a number of searches that were carried out in the Galliagh, Buncrana Road and Ballymagroarty areas of Derry, the force said. These raids were in relation to INLA criminality including the supply of controlled drugs and illicit cigarettes, money laundering and a recent paramilitary-style attack on November 14. The PSNI said a quantity of Class A and B drugs were seized during the search in the Galliagh area and a 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. Quantities of Class C drugs were seized during the searches in the Ballymagroarty and Buncrana Road areas, as well as documentation, phones, computers and cash. The raids follow on operation on Tuesday in which PSNI officers alongside those from HMRC visited 10 shops in the Derry and Strabane areas. More than 36,000 illicit cigarettes and five kilograms of illicit tobacco were seized. Counterfeit clothing, footwear, DVDs and CDs were confiscated in three of the shops, the force said. Detective Inspector Tom McClure of PSNIs organised crime unit said the operations are further evidence of the commitment by the force to tackling paramilitarism. INLA in Derry and Strabane claim to be protecting their communities from crime, however in reality they themselves are heavily involved in a wide range of criminal money-making rackets including extortion, supply of controlled drugs, counterfeit goods and money laundering, he said. As well as taking a cut from alleged local drug dealers (known locally as pay-to-stay) they are also supplying controlled drugs themselves. INLA use brutality, threats and fear to exert control in their local communities and they recently carried out a paramilitary-style shooting of a man for having a minor altercation with INLA members. We also believe they are heavily involved in the importation and supply of illicit cigarettes into the North West and for this reason we requested HMRCs assistance for yesterdays operation. He said he was very concerned that all 10 shops that were visited on Tuesday were found to have illicit cigarettes on their premises, and warned retailers who stock and sell them to think carefully about the potential implications upon conviction. They and customers who knowingly purchase illicit cigarettes should also be aware that they may be indirectly funding INLA terrorism and criminality which brings misery and harm to local communities, all for their own selfish gains, he added. The force said a 56-year-old man arrested on Tuesday by HMRC accused of fraudulent evasion of duty chargeable on goods in respect of the seizure of 19,800 illegal cigarettes from a shop in Galliagh, has been released pending a report to the public prosecution service. Santa in Londonderrys Guildhall Square to switch on the Christmas lights It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Northern Ireland. Towns and cities are full of the Christmas spirit as they're lit up for the festive season. While some, perhaps are a little more spectacular than others, the dark nights are definitely being brightened by the twinkling lights. Among the stand-out displays this year is Lisburn's tree, which drew a global audience after a video of the perfectly synced lighting spectacular went viral and garnered over two million views online. It has even been shared on Australian media. The lighting show will continue to run at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm every day until January 25 in effort to enhance community spirit and lure shoppers into the city. Dungannon has opted for a more traditional approach to herald in the festive season proving you don't always need to branch out to impress. Leafy plants have been carefully pruned to create an angelic atmosphere around the slimline tree, which has been beautifully wrapped with thousands of tiny bulbs. They've even added wings of light and a halo to a carefully crafted tree as an angel looks out across the Co Tyrone town. Cookstown remains as impressive as ever with trees lining the longest and widest main street in Ireland. Elsewhere it's the usual set-up, but not everyone has been left feeling the festive spirit - the Christmas tree in Castledawson has caused local residents to scowl at the scraggly structure which is tangled up in a few dozen lights and baubles. "This sorry sight is a laughing stock around the town and beyond," one local man wrote on social media, and it follows last year's spectacle which was also branded "embarrassing". Have you a great Christmas Tree? Send pictures to: digital.editorial @belfasttelegraph.co.uk Forensic police at the main entrance of the private Leonard-de-Vinci university in Courbevoie, northwest of Paris, where a 66-year-old teacher was repeatedly stabbed to death. Photo: PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images An Irishman working as a lecturer at a private university in Paris has been stabbed and killed by a former student. French police say that the man was stabbed a number of times outside the Pole Universitaire Leonard-de-Vinci, in the Hauts-de-Seine on Wednesday. He has been named as 66-year-old John Dowling. The French news service Le Monde said the police also confirmed that they had detained the suspected killer of the academic who was close to retirement after 20 years teaching service. The victim has not yet been named. "The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance," a spokesman confirmed. The suspect who was detained has been described as a 37-year-old former student at Leonardo da Vinci University, which is situated in the district of La Defence in the suburbs of the French capital. The student is understood to have been born in Pakistan. Sebastien Tran, a director at the university, said he believed the student was "dissatisfied" at his exclusion from the university in 2017, but added that he had not been seen as a particular threat. "We are very surprised and upset," Mr Tran added. The university director general, Pascal Brouaye, spoke to reporters after the incident. "Its an incident which has stricken our entire community. This is a language teacher who gave 20 years service here and who was well liked by everyone," Mr Brouaye said. Mr Dowling had previously taught at the Emerald Cultural Institute in Dublin where colleagues paid tribute to him. It is with deep sadness that we have learnt of the death of our beloved friend and colleague John Dowling. We will all miss him more than words can say, a Facebook post read. Another user commented that they were sad to hear the news and that Mr Dowling was a gentleman. The director general confirmed that the victim was of Irish nationality, aged 66, and close to retirement. After the incident happened on Wednesday, all classes were suspended for the day, and counselling services were made available to staff and students. The French minister responsible for third level education, Frederique Vidal, expressed her "deep regret and enormous indignation" at news of the killing. She added her hope that the incident will be fully investigated and all details made public. A motive for the killing remains unknown. I have not been updating this blog for years, but Im keeping it around because it has many of my posts from a decade ago! For the moment, heres why you c... 8 months ago Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the Dail he would not be supporting rent freeze proposals (Niall Carson/PA) The Taoiseach has rejected a further call by Sinn Fein to introduce a rent freeze to alleviate the housing crisis. Leo Varadkar said he would not be supporting Sinn Feins proposal to put a cap rent increases for three years because he would rather give tax cuts to all workers struggling with bills and not just renters. No thats not a proposal were supporting, Mr Varadkar said. Weve an alternative proposal which is in the finance bill. Rather than just giving income tax cuts to people who are renting were giving them to all workers because other people struggleits not just people who are renting. Mr Varadkar made the comments after Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald made a fresh appeal in the Dail on Tuesday for the Government to put a cap on rents. I want to suggest to you that you introduce a three-year rent freeze and a temporary tax relief for renters with immediate fact, she said. She accused the Fine Gael leader and his Government of being incapable of meaningful action when it came to the homeless and housing crisis. Her remarks came after thousands took to the capitals streets on Saturday to protest the homeless situation. Almost 10,000 people are recorded as homeless, according to the latest statistics. Expand Close A rough sleeper outside Custom House in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A rough sleeper outside Custom House in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) New figures from the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, released on Monday, found a 40% increase in the number of people sleeping rough. Some 156 people were sleeping rough in the capital compared to 110 last spring. That is shocking, Ms McDonald said. The crisis is real Taoiseachpeople are frankly fed up waiting for you to get your act together, she said. People are being screwed day in day out with runaway rents and it seems your government is incapable of meaningful action. You seem to have a speciality in empty promises. We need something tangible to help people who are struggling. The Taoiseach described the rough sleepers count figures as very disappointing. He told the Dail that at Christmas time people thoughts inevitably turned to those who are less fortunate and dont have shelter. Thats why the figures.in terms of rough sleepers were very disappointing, he said. He added: It wasnt the highest ever by any means, it was higher a year ago, and it was higher four years ago, but it does represent an increase on the last count. He said an extra 203 emergency beds would be available by the end of the year, 51 of those are already in place, so that there would be emergency accommodation for everyone that needed it this winter. Mr Varadkar added that when it came to supply issues, he did not think it was a case of promises anymore, and that by the end of this year 20,000 people will be spending Christmas in homes that did not exist last year. Theresa May has appointed a former Remain-backing MP as Minister for Universities and Science, replacing Sam Gyimah, who quit last week in protest at her Brexit plan. Chris Skidmore backed Remain in the 2016 referendum, but has since been a loyalist over the Prime Ministers approach to Brexit and is expected to back her deal in next weeks crunch Commons vote. He warned in a speech in March against allowing the party to be dominated by those with hard line views on Brexit, in what was widely seen as a swipe at Eurosceptics like Jacob Rees-Mogg. Arguing that Tories need to offer a positive programme stretching beyond the issue of Europe, he said then: I dont think those tendencies are helpful and we have to be careful how we approach Brexit if it is going to allow a particular faction of the party to dominate in the future. I believe that, while we are leaving the EU, it doesnt give everyone a carte blanche to come up with quite hardline ideas. Delighted and honoured to have been appointed Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation at @beisgovuk and @educationgovuk Chris Skidmore (@CSkidmoreUK) December 5, 2018 Mr Gyimah resigned from the Government on November 30, warning that the withdrawal deal agreed with Brussels leaves us poorer, less secure and weaker in the pursuit of our national interests. Mr Skidmore, 37, has been Conservative MP for Kingswood in south Gloucestershire since 2010. Mrs May appointed him minister for the constitution in the Cabinet Office when she came to power in 2016 and moved him in a reshuffle this January to the post of vice-chairman of the Conservative Party with responsibility for policy. An Oxford history graduate, he has published a number of books about the Tudors and Richard III. An online fund for a bullied Syrian boy has been closed after it went around the world and raised more than 158,000 for his family. GoFundMe said the appeal for the 15-year-old refugee who was attacked at Almondbury School in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was the one of the most widely shared and fastest growing of the year. Its organiser Mohammed Tahir thanked everyone of their contributions towards the 158,089 total which he said represented a life-changing amount for the family. Mr Tahir said: As you can see, the donations have slowed down and I feel we are in a position where we can close the campaign. The donations have now been turned off and I personally would like to thank everyone who supported the cause. Expand Close The sign for Almondbury Community School (Danny Lawson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The sign for Almondbury Community School (Danny Lawson/PA) GoFundMe spokesman John Coventry said: This has been one of the most widely shared and fast growing GoFundMe pages of 2018 with people coming together from 50 countries in a truly inspiring show of support. Were now working closely with the family to get the funds directly to them. Prime Minister Theresa May has previously said the generous public response showed the true spirit of Britain. Footage of the boy being attacked and threatened with drowning at his school provoked a flood of sympathy after it was shared on social media. 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. Prince Louis of Luxembourg has paid tribute to estranged wife Princess Tessy after a fight over money at a London divorce court (Stefan Rousseau/PA) A European prince has paid tribute to his estranged wife following the breakdown of their fairytale marriage. Prince Louis of Luxembourg has told a London divorce court judge that Princess Tessy, a former soldier, had undertaken her role with grace and served Luxembourgs royal family well. His tribute has emerged in a ruling published by Mr Justice MacDonald after the pair argued over the division of money and property at a trial in the Family Division of the High Court. The judge said at its heart the dispute was simply a sad case involving a couple who were determined to marry for love and had been happy before their fairytale soured. Mr Justice MacDonald had analysed evidence at a private hearing in London in October. He said Prince Louis and Princess Tessy, who are both in their early 30s, could be named in media coverage of the case, but placed limits on what can be reported. The prince is the third son of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg and now lives in Paris. Princess Tessy, now a director at a non-governmental organisation she founded called Professors Without Borders, lives in London. Expand Close Prince Louis of Luxembourg (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince Louis of Luxembourg (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Mr Justice MacDonald heard that the couple began a relationship in 2004, married in 2006 and had two children. Princess Tessy, who was born Tessy Antony, was not of royal descent but had been recognised as a member of the royal family and granted her title by royal decree, the judge was told. When married, they had lived in the United States and London. Their marriage broke down during the summer of 2016 and another judge granted a divorce decree a decree nisi in February 2017. Mr Justice MacDonald said he had decided that Princess Tessy, and the children, could live in a property the couple had shared when married. He said the prince would pay the princess nominal maintenance and pay child maintenance of 4,000 a year per child. The judge said he had examined the relatively complex financial arrangements of the Luxembourg royal family during the trial. He included in his ruling a statement the prince had made during the trial. We married young and much has been expected from the applicant in her role as princess, the prince had told the judge. She undertook that role with grace and represented my family well, for which I am grateful to her. Mr Justice MacDonald added: At its heart, this is simply a sad case about a young couple who determined to marry for love despite the considerable challenges posed by the way in which history, tradition and chance had conspired to define their respective social status and to shape attitudes towards their marriage. It is a case about a couple who thereafter, for a time, were happy together, before the fairytale soured. Princess Tessy had been unfairly traduced by some journalists, Mr Justice MacDonald said. He said she had been labelled in some sections of the foreign press as a gold digger and an incorrigible chaser of status. Nothing could be further from the truth, he said. The fact that the wife chose in these circumstances to pursue financial remedies, as is her right in accordance with the law, does not act to equate her with those people who cynically form relationships with partners in order to obtain money or status. He added: I take the view that the manner in which the wife has been traduced in some sections of the press by the use of that malign characterisation is both unfair and unwarranted. Princess Tessy had told the judge that she was a single mother of two European princes and was simply asking for a house for her and her children and some financial support. The prince said he had already received inheritance monies totally more than 200,000. He said his prospects for any further inheritance were uncertain. He said his father held the legal title to the homes they had shared in London and the USA. The princess said the prince could rely on the willingness of his family to give him the money to meet any award the judge made. Mr Justice MacDonald said they had run up nearly 500,000 in lawyers bills between them. Princess Tessy had not been represented by lawyers during the trial. A senior barrister represented the princes legal team. James Ewins QC asked questions on the princes behalf and outlined arguments to a judge. But Princess Tessy represented herself and acted as a litigant in person. Mr Justice MacDonald said she had represented herself with dignity and some very considerable skill. The judge said what Princess Tessy, whose gross salary was 75,000, wanted had evolved somewhat during the hearing. She said her annual budget for herself and the children was around 150,000 and she had initially asked for a 1.5 million lump sum plus money to buy a family home and a car. In her closing submissions she had said she was simply asking for a house for her and her children and financial support. The prince had said her claims for maintenance should be dismissed. He offered to pay 3,000 a year per child and offered to give her the family car. The judge said he was satisfied that the prince did not own a share of the beneficial interest in the former matrimonial home. He said he had decided that he was limited in this case to making orders including providing the princess and children with a licence to occupy the home the couple shared when married, providing for nominal spousal maintenance and periodical payments of 4,000 per annum per child. A British academic who was accused of spying and held in solitary confinement in the United Arab Emirates for nearly six months has told how his ordeal at the hands of interrogators felt like psychological torture. Matthew Hedges was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Gulf state after being accused of working for MI6, before being pardoned by the nations president days later. Now back home in the UK with wife Daniela Tejada, the Durham University PhD student has spoken about his experience, claiming aggressive interrogators left him so scared and on edge. I was never physically tortured, but it was psychological, and it felt like torture, he said in an interview with The Times. According to the paper, Mr Hedges was questioned for up to 15 hours a day and was forced to wear ankle cuffs. Thanks for collectively helping me to bring back my husband. Weve been through hell and back and would really appreciate having some space to catch up on much-needed rest. Kindly asking you to please respect our privacy and our families - they too deserve your consideration. pic.twitter.com/m3hGZrq3TX Daniela Tejada (@DanielaTejada) November 27, 2018 He was offered a favourable bargain if he turned double agent and stole documents from the Foreign Office, the paper added. They started getting more and more aggressive and Id have panic attacks for two or three days in a row, Mr Hedges said. After all that pressure, I said OK fine, whatever, yeah sure. The 31-year-old is also said to have been given a cocktail of Xanax, Valium and benzodiazepine after he begged to be given medicine for his depression and anxiety. He is reported to have been forced to go cold turkey from the drugs during a stint in hospital. Mr Hedges, originally from Exeter, was arrested at Dubai Airport as he tried to leave on May 5. His wife mounted a campaign to free her husband and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt personally discussed the case with UAE leaders. He was freed last month but officials persisted in calling him an MI6 spy a claim denied by family and colleagues. Foreign Secretary @Jeremy_Hunt's statement today on the release of Matthew Hedges pic.twitter.com/5WBr6q6Cnl Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) November 26, 2018 An official told reporters in Abu Dhabi that Mr Hedges was 100% a full-time secret service operative who was in the country to steal the UAEs sensitive security national secrets for his paymasters. He said the Britons pardon came in response to a letter from his family appealing for clemency and due to the historical close ties between the UK and the UAE. The UK takes a neither confirm nor deny approach to allegations of intelligence service membership, but Mr Hunt previously said he had seen absolutely no evidence to suggest Mr Hedges was a spy. Earlier this week, the head of MI6 said he was perplexed by Mr Hedgess jailing and said there would be frank conversations with the UAE. Mr Hedges said the support he had received for his case had been amazing. A wonderful pensioner has died after two burglars forced their way into her flat. The 77-year-old collapsed while on the phone to a police operator after she called 999, and had to be given CPR by police called to the break-in at around 6pm on Tuesday in Bells Hill, Barnet. She was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died on Wednesday morning. Her family has been told. Detectives are investigating whether the burglary is linked to three other break-ins in the area. This burglary has ended with the worst possible consequences. A wonderful elderly lady has died.Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh said: Our focus now is catching the culprits behind this burglary which has contributed to the death of an elderly woman. We are doing everything we can to build a clear picture of this incident. This includes looking at three other break-ins that have been reported in the nearby area. Work is ongoing to establish if they are linked. Three of the four properties targeted were empty when the burglaries took place. Any burglary is an awful and harrowing experience which can leave many feeling uncomfortable in their own homes. This burglary has ended with the worst possible consequences. A wonderful elderly lady has died. With that in mind, I want to reach out and make a direct appeal to anyone from the criminal fraternity who has information to contact us. You will know and discussions will be going on about who is involved and where any stolen property is, I need you to have the confidence to call police and let us know who is responsible. Detectives appeal to trace two suspects after woman, 77, dies following burglary in #Barnet - house to house enquiries, CCTV gathering and forensic work to identify the individuals involved is ongoing https://t.co/xiatcStfak pic.twitter.com/bzZ84WDbw7 Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) December 5, 2018 The suspects are both thin, white men aged in their twenties who wore dark woolly hats and dark clothing. Chief Superintendent Simon Rose said: These break-ins and the subsequent death of an elderly woman will no doubt cause concern and alarm to those in the area. Locals can expect to see an increased police presence in the area. We are there to help them and support the local community but need their help also. If you live or were passing through Bells Hill flats in Barnet yesterday evening did you see anything suspicious? Have you got information that could assist police? We need to hear from you urgently to catch those responsible. Anyone with information can contact police on 020 8785 8099, tweet @MetCC, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online. The force said there is so far no evidence to suggest the burglary is linked to the violent break-in at the home of Second World War veteran Peter Gouldstone, around six miles away. The 98-year-old died after he was severely injured during the aggravated burglary at his home in Evesham Road, Enfield, on November 6, during which a 26in Panasonic television and other possessions were stolen. Theresa May was accused of misleading the House of Commons by the SNP over the Irish backstop after the full Brexit legal advice was published. The partys Westminster leader Ian Blackford made the allegation during heated and hostile exchanges during Prime Ministers Questions. He said Mrs May had been concealing the facts on her Brexit deal, saying the Withdrawal Agreement would allow Northern Ireland to remain in the EUs single market while Scotland could not. Mr Blackford mocked the PM for having lost three votes on Tuesday and being found in contempt of Parliament, saying: We were promised strong and stable what weve got is a Government in crisis. The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber then asked: Is it time that the Prime Minister took responsibility for concealing the facts on her Brexit deal from members in this House and the public? Will she take responsibility? Mrs May rejected the claim, and said the full legal advice they were forced to publish contained the same arguments as the shortened version the Government made available earlier this week. Expand Close Mr Blackfords comments sparked jeers in the Commons (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Blackfords comments sparked jeers in the Commons (PA) Mr Blackford called that an incredibly disappointing response, and suggested the release of the full legal advice showed that: Since the Prime Minister returned from Brussels she has been misleading the house, inadvertently or otherwise. This led to a prolonged period of shouting across the chamber, with Tory MPs calling for him to withdraw the comment. Commons Speaker John Bercow rebuked Mr Blackford, saying there could be no ambiguity in comments to suggest that the PM had purposefully misled the House. This led Mr Blackford to alter his wording to say she had done it perhaps inadvertently. But this failed to dampen the jeers from the Tory benches and Mr Bercow asked to him to again rephrase his argument. However, he continued in the same vein. In response, Mrs May said the copy of the full legal advice he was holding was no different to the statement the Attorney General Geoffrey Cox made on Monday. She added: I have myself said on the floor of this House that there is indeed no unilateral right to pull out of the backstop. What I have also said is that it is not the intention of either party that a) the backstop should be used in the first place, or b) that if it is used, should be anything other than temporary. The Queen has sent a message to Queenslanders (Heathcliff OMalley/Daily Telegraph/PA) The Queen has sent a message to Queenslanders affected by the bushfires. The monarch, who is also Queen of Australia, said she was saddened to hear of the impact of the unprecedented fires. She paid tribute to the emergency services battling to control the blazes, and praised the true Australian spirit as other States and Territories offered their support. Her Majesty The Queen has sent the following message to Queenslanders affected by the bushfires. Read the full message here: https://t.co/1x9g89ijdW The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 5, 2018 Large swathes of north-east Australia have endured unprecedented fire danger with 138 wildfires across Queensland state last week, forcing schools to be closed and thousands of homes to be evacuated. The fire danger was rated catastrophic in areas of central Queensland, the first time the highest rating had been applied to the state. The Queen said: Prince Philip and I are saddened to hear of the unprecedented fires impacting so many people in Queensland. Expand Close Fires burn north of Bundaberg (Queensland Fire and Rescue/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fires burn north of Bundaberg (Queensland Fire and Rescue/AP) I pay tribute to the commitment and dedication of the firefighters, other emergency services personnel, and the volunteers who are working tirelessly to contain the fires. In true Australian spirit, it is heartening to know other States and Territories are working alongside Queensland in support of the relief effort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Parliament will be gridlocked no matter what the Brexit deal, former Cabinet minister Justine Greening warned as she urged the Government to ask the people to break the impasse. The Tory former education secretary told MPs a referendum could be held in the next 22 weeks as she derided Theresa Mays current plan. Ms Greening said the deal negotiated by the Prime Minister was the equivalent of asking someone to jump out of a plane without knowing if your parachute is there and attached. This Brexit deal is not the Brexit that Leave campaigners campaigned forJustine Greening She said: If this was anything else comparable, for example a big infrastructure project, wed have a national policy statement that might be a thousand pages of detail for the House to consider. Here weve got just 26 pages, a proposed deal on leaving the European union is perhaps the ultimate national policy statement, yet weve virtually nothing, its the political equivalent of being asked to jump out of a plane without knowing if your parachute is there and attached, its like agreeing to move out of your house without knowing where your going to live next or not even having agreed the sales price but selling out and signing a contract anyway. None of us would do this in our own lives, yet this Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration asks us to do it on behalf of our country. She added: This Brexit deal is not the Brexit that Leave campaigners campaigned for, and it is not the Brexit that Leave voters voted for, it is not delivering on the result of the 2016 referendum. Leavers in my own community reject it. Remainers reject it, theyre left thinking whats the point if Leavers are not happy with the outcome of the referendum were they won. What is the point of leaving to simply have all the same EU rules anyway. Ms Greening ended by telling the Commons that we can do a referendum in 22 weeks, she said: A referendum is one of the ways that we could enable millions of Leave voters who dont think that this Government is delivering on the verdict of that referendum a chance to have their say properly in a way that they dont think is happening in this Parliament and we now have some clear cut practical choices and we should put those on the table. Tory MP Dr Sarah Wollaston, who chairs the Commons health committee, echoed calls for a second referendum. The Totnes MP said: It seems to me that even the dogs in the street know that the Prime Ministers deal is not going to pass this House next week, thats the truth of it. What we should do now is be thinking about plan B and be honest about that, to my mind plan B must not involve no-deal, no responsible Government could inflict no-deal in 114 days on the United Kingdom, we are absolutely not prepared for that. The alternative is to look at going back to the British people. Tory MP Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) spoke out against a second referendum, saying: In 2016 we had a peoples vote. For anybody to even suggest that another referendum would be the peoples vote because the last one wasnt is totally and wholly fraudulent. Its ridiculous. Prime Minister Theresa May faced three Commons defeats on the first day of debate on her Brexit plan (PA) Theresa May is battling to keep her Brexit agenda on track as MPs are again set to clash over the Prime Ministers EU withdrawal plan after inflicting major defeats on the Government. As the Commons prepared for a second of five days of debate on Mrs Mays controversial Brexit deal on Wednesday, a Tory former chief whip broke ranks and said he would vote against the proposals. Mark Harper, who backed Remain in the referendum, insisted the EU agreement would leave the UK worse off. Forecasting that Mrs May would lose the crunch Brexit vote next Tuesday by more than 80 votes, Mr Harper urged the PM to renegotiate the deal. The comments came in the wake of a humiliating set of Commons defeats for Mrs May which saw the Government forced to allow MPs to have a say in what happens next if the Brexit deal is voted down on Tuesday. Ministers also had to agree to publish the final and full legal advice to Cabinet on the withdrawal agreement as the Government was found to be in contempt of Parliament for not already doing so. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Harper said: The Cabinets proposals are not acceptable because they threaten the integrity of our country, keep us trapped indefinitely in a customs union and leave us in a weak negotiating position for our future relationship. Mr Harper sharply criticised plans for an Irish border backstop arrangement. House of Commons votes 311 to 293 to approve the privilege motion, finding Ministers in contempt and ordering the immediate publication of the full legal advice on the #Brexit deal. pic.twitter.com/haXVmbH36s UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) December 4, 2018 He said: The Prime Minister said that the EUs proposal would undermine the UK common market and threaten the constitutional integrity of the UK by creating a customs and regulatory border down the Irish Sea, and no UK prime minister could ever agree to it. However, regrettably, the Withdrawal Agreement that is currently in front of us does exactly this. Im just very disappointed that as a loyal MP Ive found myself in this situation, that in order to keep to the promises we made just last year in the general election, Ive been forced to vote against the Cabinets proposals. Keeping promises in politics is important and I think many colleagues also feel they have been misled. Expand Close Theresa May with ministers and Tory MPs after speaking at the start of a five-day debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa May with ministers and Tory MPs after speaking at the start of a five-day debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement (PA) Education Secretary Damian Hinds told BBC2s Newsnight that the difficulties endured by the Government would help focus minds of Tory MPs. There is one deal on the table. If that were not to be passed, then I think we go into a period of some uncertainty about what would happen instead. He added: If we dont get this deal, there are two other things could happen: either you could have no deal and that would not be good for us, or you might end up with no Brexit at all. And for individual MPs, we cant guarantee which of those other two alternatives might happen if the deal doesnt go through. Ministers were expected to set out on Wednesday how the highly sensitive legal advice provided to the Cabinet by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox on the withdrawal deal will be made public. Morocco took over from Algeria as co-chair, with France, for the year 2019, of the Steering Committee of the ministerial conference on the initiative for sustainable development of the blue economy in the western Mediterranean, known as the WestMed Initiative. At the ministerial meeting convened in Algiers on December 3-4, Morocco has been officially designated, in the person of Minister of Agriculture & Maritime Fisheries Aziz Akhannouch, to take over, from 1 January 2019, as co-chair of the Steering Committee of the WestMed initiative. The steering committee was co-chaired in 2018 by France and Algeria. The Steering Committee, which met four times in 2018 in Brussels, Marseille and Algiers, is the decision-making body of WestMed initiative. It ensures the operational coordination and follows the execution of the action framework as it prioritizes the actions, besides proposing and approving projects for the implementation of the initiative. Akhannouch emphasized during the ministerial conference debates the importance of taking action to ensure effective marine risk management and integrated coastal zone management that are increasingly confronted to the vulnerability of marine ecosystems. The official, who recalled that in view of the various environmental challenges, Morocco has integrated sustainable fisheries management into its development plan for the sea-fishing sector, Halieutis, called for concrete measures to address the over-exploitation of resources, global warming and the pollution of marine waters that fuel worries around the world. He renewed Moroccos commitment to work for the initiative to be converted into concrete achievements with the support of the various stakeholders, including the European Commission and the Union for the Mediterranean in terms of technical, logistical and financial contribution. As a party in the WestMed initiative, Morocco has conducted a series of actions, in consultation with other stakeholders, to define a set of projects within the framework of the blue economy in the western Mediterranean, he said. These projects focus on the implementation of the Blue Belt Initiative launched at COP 22, held in Marrakesh in November 2016. The initiative concerns the creation of integrated coastal monitoring systems, the development of fisheries and aquaculture, and the promotion coastal communities working and living conditions. The projects also concern capacity building in aquaculture as part of an integrated maritime policy through the development of skills, know-how and regulatory framework of the entities promoting this area, as well as the prevention of marine pollution, generated by fishing activities and the protection and preservation of the port environment and adjacent areas against any pollution generated by mooring vessels. The promotion of ecotourism and cruise tourism in the framework of an intelligent, sustainable and inclusive blue growth and the creation of a maritime cluster is also part of these projects. Marine litter management is also among the projects proposed by Morocco to preserve biodiversity and natural ecosystems in marine protected areas in the Mediterranean by applying a harmonized approach against marine pollution. This project, supported by the EUs Interreg MED Program with 5 million, is part of the Biodiversity, Conservation and Restoration of Marine Habitat category of the WestMed initiative. In 2012, the European Union had put in place a mechanism for the establishment of an Integrated Maritime Policy for the Mediterranean (IMP-MED) to encourage 9 Southern Mediterranean States to engage in the development of maritime affairs and to obtain technical assistance for its implementation. The diversity of the activities of this mechanism and its geographical scope have led it to create more targeted initiatives in thematic and geographical coverage, including WestMed, which is an initiative for the sustainable development of the blue economy in the Mediterranean Sea West region. It includes, besides Morocco, Algeria, Spain, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Portugal and Tunisia around three main common objectives namely a safer and more secure maritime area; secure, smart and resilient blue economy by 2022; and better governance of the sea. The Algiers conference highlighted by the adoption of a Declaration outlining a concrete roadmap for the development of maritime clusters, the conservation of biodiversity and marine habitat, sustainable fish consumption and production, the development of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, the promotion of maritime safety and the fight against marine pollution. Social media users have voiced their outrage at steep ticket prices for Odeons newly refurbished Leicester Square theatre. The cinema has now been branded an Odeon Luxe, meaning adult cinema-goers looking for a more luxurious experience will pay up to 40.75 for brand new releases. Luxe recliners have been installed, and viewers can now watch from a Royal Box. Tickets begin at 10 for each showing, and can reach just over 40. Mary Poppins Returns is now on sale at the newly revamped Odeon Leicester Square, at the bargain price of--- HOW MUCH?! pic.twitter.com/OI6Bu6qAcV Chris Presswell (@ChrisPresswell) December 4, 2018 The soon-to-be re-opened Odeon Luxe Leicester Square cinema has undergone a major 11-month refurbishment. The new 800-seat cinema will feature a cocktail bar and reclining seats, meaning prices have increased at the venue. how much? wow, I hope that includes popcorn! (and a drink, and a three course meal) Nicky (@D80Noo) December 4, 2018 Social media users have voiced their disagreement with the price-hike, though the 40 tickets are only for the highest tier. It was always on the rise, and the Leicester Square Odeon was always expensive but this is off the scale No Time To Dan (@Danburden1138) December 4, 2018 Odeon explained that as Mary Poppins Returns is in its first week during the festive season, prices have been raised accordingly. The odeon is so expensive. Forgot I had to take out a loan for popcorn and a ticket Georgie Lovatt (@GeorgieLovatt) October 14, 2018 A spokesperson for Odeon said: Price choices vary and flex depending on a number of factors including seat type and location in the auditorium, what were showing, time of day, and the number of people booking at one time. The first week of the biggest film of the year during the festive season is obviously peak, and guests can expect prices will flex throughout the year. The cinema added that the prices are cheaper if you sign up for one of Odeons Limitless cards; the membership costs 19.99 a month for London cinemas, costing 5 extra per visit for Luxe recliner seats. Washington is bidding its final farewell to George HW Bush in a service of prayer and praise that is drawing together world envoys, Americans of high office and a guy from Maine who used to fix things in Mr Bushs house on the water. A viewing for the 41st president at the hushed Capitol Rotunda closed on Wednesday morning, and his coffin was carried to Washington National Cathedral for a state funeral. Expand Close The hearse carrying the flag-draped coffin (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The hearse carrying the flag-draped coffin (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) The ceremony caps three days of remembrance by dignitaries and ordinary citizens as they honour the Republican president who oversaw the post-Cold War transition and led a successful Gulf War, only to lose a re-election in a generational shift to Democrat Bill Clinton in 1992. The four living ex-presidents Jimmy Carter, Mr Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama are due at the service, and Bush Jnr will eulogise his father. President Donald Trump will attend but is not scheduled to speak. Also attending: one king (Jordan), one queen (Jordan), two princes (Britain, Bahrain), Germanys chancellor and Polands president, among representatives of more than a dozen countries. Also expected in the invitation-only crowd is Mike Lovejoy, an electrician and fix-it man who has worked at Mr Bushs Maine summer estate since 1990 and says he was shocked and heartened to be asked to come. On Tuesday, soldiers, citizens in wheelchairs and long lines of others on foot wound through the Capitol Rotunda to view Mr Bushs coffin and honour a president whose legacy included Second World War military service and a landmark law affirming the rights of the disabled. Former senator Bob Dole, a compatriot in war, peace and political struggle, steadied himself out of his wheelchair and saluted his old friend and one-time rival. Expand Close Bob Dole pays his last respects (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bob Dole pays his last respects (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) After the national funeral service at the cathedral, Mr Bushs remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose at St Martins Episcopal Church before burial on Thursday at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. His final resting place will be alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years who died in April, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukaemia in 1953 at the age of three. Mr Trump ordered the federal government closed on Wednesday for a national day of mourning. Flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days. Expand Close Sully the dog (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sully the dog (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Mr Bushs service dog Sully was taken to the coffin viewing his main service in the months since Mrs Bushs death in April being to rest his head on her husbands lap. Hundreds of police in Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands have arrested at least 84 suspected mobsters and seized around 2 million euros (1.7 million) in co-ordinated raids targeting a powerful branch of the Italian mafia. The raids were the culmination of an investigation codenamed Pollino that was launched in 2016 against the ndrangheta criminal group on allegations of cocaine trafficking, money laundering, bribery and violence. The operation was co-ordinated by Eurojust, the European prosecution agency that fights cross-border organised crime. Eurojust said the massive operation was the biggest of its kind in Europe. Four tons of cocaine were traced during the two-year joint investigation, while cocaine and ecstasy pills were seized in Wednesdays raids. Action Day #antimafia: Today, we send a clear message to organised crime groups across Europe. They are not the only ones able to operate across borders: so are Europes judiciary and law enforcement communities. F Spiezia, Vice President @Eurojust pic.twitter.com/XHzMAdPPnG Eurojust (@Eurojust) December 5, 2018 Today we send a clear message to organised crime groups across Europe, Eurojust vice president Filippo Spiezia said. They are not the only ones able to operate across borders; so are Europes judiciary and law enforcement communities. Eurojust said Italian authorities arrested 41 suspects mainly in the southern regions of Calabria and Catanzaro. In Germany, federal police said there had been multiple arrests in early morning raids on premises linked to the southern Italy-based crime group. The focus was on the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which borders the Netherlands and Belgium, and Bavaria to the south. Five suspects were arrested in the Netherlands, where prosecutors got the ball rolling for the investigation in 2014 with probes into two Italian restaurants, and more were detained over the border in Belgium. Italian police hailed the co-operation between European police forces, saying it was an important new crimefighting tactic that allowed investigators in different countries to share information in real time. Expand Close Federico Cafiero De Raho (Peter Dejong/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Federico Cafiero De Raho (Peter Dejong/AP) Federico Cafiero De Raho, Italian anti-mafia and anti-terrorism national prosecutor, sounded a note of caution, saying the raids only scratched the surface of the powerful ndrangheta, whose tentacles and illicit activities spread all over the world. Speaking in The Hague, Mr De Raho said the arrests are nothing for ndrangheta. There are thousands of people who should be arrested and billions of euros that should be seized. The ndrangheta is Italys most powerful criminal organisation, eclipsing Sicilys Cosa Nostra and the Naples area Camorra. It was the second significant mob takedown in as many days. On Tuesday, Italian authorities said they had dismantled the rebuilt upper echelons of the Cosa Nostra in the Sicilian capital of Palermo by arresting 46 people, including Settimo Mineo, the man presumed to have taken over as provincial kingpin after the death of the boss of bosses Salvatore Toto Riina. . The last visitors pay respects to the late president, George H.W. Bush (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The life and public service of the 41st president of the US have been celebrated with praise and humour at Washington National Cathedral as three former presidents looked on and a fourth George W Bush prepared to eulogise his father. The congregation, populated with foreign leaders and diplomats, Americans of high office, and others touched by Bush Snrs life, rose for the arrival of the coffin, accompanied by clergy of faiths from around the world. Expand Close The coffin is carried into the National Cathedral (Andrew Harnik/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The coffin is carried into the National Cathedral (Andrew Harnik/AP) George W Bush said he told his father just before he died that he had been a wonderful dad and that he loved him. Delivering a eulogy at the funeral on Wednesday, Bush Jnr said his fathers last words on earth were, I love you too'. The younger Bush choked up at the end of his eulogy before regaining his composure. He patted his fathers flag-draped coffin twice as he went back to his seat in the cathedral, and former first lady Laura Bush wiped her eyes with a tissue as her husband sat next to her. Expand Close George W Bush (Alex Brandon/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp George W Bush (Alex Brandon/AP) In their row together, President Donald Trump and predecessors Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton stood with their spouses and all placed their hands over their hearts. Mr Bush the last president to fight in the Second World War was the last great-soldier statesman, historian Jon Meacham said in his eulogy. On a light note, he added that Mr Bush, campaigning in a crowd in a department store, once shook hands with a mannequin. Rather than flushing in embarrassment, he simply cracked: You never know. The national funeral service caps three days of remembrance in Washington before Mr Bushs remains return to Texas for his burial on Thursday. A military band played Hail To The Chief as the coffin was carried down the US Capitol steps in a solemn procession, with members of the Bush family watching and a cannon salute. Expand Close The coffin is carried down the steps of the US Capitol (Sarah Silbiger/New York Times/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The coffin is carried down the steps of the US Capitol (Sarah Silbiger/New York Times/AP) The hearse was driven in a motorcade to the cathedral, slowing in front of the White House. The route was lined with people much of the way, bundled in winter hats and taking photos. A colour guard stood at attention as the hearse arrived, and military pallbearers carried the coffin up the steps to the cathedral. Waiting for his arrival inside, Mr Trump shook hands with Mr Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, who greeted him by saying Good morning. Mr Trump did not shake hands with Bill and Hillary Clinton, who looked straight ahead. Expand Close Hillary Clinton greets Barack Obama (Andrew Harnik/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hillary Clinton greets Barack Obama (Andrew Harnik/AP) Mr Clinton and Mrs Obama smiled and chatted as music played; Mr Carter was seated silently next to Mrs Clinton in the cavernous cathedral; Mr Obama cracked up laughing at someones quip; vice president Mike Pence shook Mr Carters hand. Also expected in the invitation-only crowd was Mike Lovejoy, an electrician and fix-it man who has worked at Mr Bushs Maine summer estate since 1990 and said he was shocked and heartened to be asked to come. On Tuesday, soldiers, citizens in wheelchairs and long lines of others on foot wound through the Capitol Rotunda to view the coffin and honour a president whose legacy included wartime military service and a landmark law affirming the rights of the disabled. Expand Close Bob Dole pays his last respects (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bob Dole pays his last respects (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Former senator Bob Dole, a compatriot in war, peace and political struggle, steadied himself out of his wheelchair and saluted his old friend and one-time rival. After the national funeral service, Mr Bushs remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose at St Martins Episcopal Church before burial at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. His final resting place will be alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years who died in April, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukaemia in 1953 at the age of three. Mr Trump ordered the federal government closed on Wednesday for a national day of mourning. Flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days. Expand Close Sully the dog (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sully the dog (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Mr Bushs service dog Sully was taken to the viewing too his main service in recent months since Mrs Bushs death in April being to rest his head on her husbands lap. The quake struck about 104 miles east of Tadine in New Caledonia (PA) A powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake has struck in the southern Pacific Ocean near New Caledonia, prompting authorities to warn of a tsunami threat to nearby islands. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said tsunami waves of between 3ft and 10ft were possible along some coasts of New Caledonia and Vanuatu, while waves of up to 3ft were possible in Fiji. The warning centre said there was no threat to Hawaii. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck about 104 miles east of Tadine in New Caledonia at a shallow depth of six miles. Prelim M5.7 Earthquake southeast of the Loyalty Islands Dec-05 04:41 UTC, updates https://t.co/XKz8tPANE2 USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) December 5, 2018 Earthquakes are generally more destructive when the epicentre is near the surface. At least five aftershocks also hit, ranging in magnitude from 5.6 to 6.0. New Caledonia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where most of the worlds earthquakes and volcanic activity occur. #Tsunami waves have been observed from the 7.6 mag. #earthquake southeast of the Loyalty Islands. Wave heights of 1 to 3 m possible in New Caledonia and Vanuatu, and 0.3 to 1.0 m in Fiji. No tsunami threat to any other coasts at this time.https://t.co/kYQGMK7DyC NWS PTWC (@NWS_PTWC) December 5, 2018 Dan McGarry, the media director at the Vanuatu Daily Post, said he heard only of three small wave surges hitting the southern island of Aneityum. He said the waves travelled only a couple of meters beyond the normal tidal waves, and that everybody was fine on the island. Mr McGarry said he felt the quake where he is based in Vanuatus capital, Port Vila, as a mild shaking. We get a lot of earthquakes every year, he said. The tsunami warning was what was different this time, though. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the US that if it walks out of a key arms treaty and starts developing banned missiles then Moscow will do the same. Mr Putins remarks to Russian news agencies came a day after US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced at a Nato meeting that Washington will suspend its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) in 60 days, citing Russian cheating. Russia has denied violating the treaty. If #Russia admits its #INF violations and fully and verifiably comes back into compliance we will welcome that course of action. But only Russia can take this step. Appreciate @NATOs strong support for our decision. https://t.co/SeSuTKcoeA Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) December 4, 2018 President Donald Trump earlier this year announced his decision to withdraw from the INF, which has been described as a cornerstone of global security, accusing Russia and China which is not a signatory to the treaty of violating it. Mr Putin said on Wednesday that the US decision to ditch the INF means Washington has decided the US has to have these weapons. Mr Putin said of Moscows response: We will do the same. The US shared intelligence with Nato allies that it says shows Russias new SSC-8 ground-fired cruise missile could give Moscow the ability to launch a nuclear strike in Europe with little or no notice. Russia has denied the accusations. Mr Putin accused Washington of making up excuses for pulling out of the pact, saying the US first made up its mind to walk out and only then started to look for the reasons why they should do it. It seems that our American partners believe that the situation has changed so much that the US has to have this type of weapons, he said in televised remarks. What would be our response? A very simple one: in that case, we will do the same. Expand Close Valery Gerasimov (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Valery Gerasimov (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP) Speaking at a briefing of foreign military attaches earlier, General Valery Gerasimov, chief of staff of the Russian military, warned of a Russian response and said countries that host US intermediate-range missiles would become immediate targets. When signed in 1987, the INF treaty was lauded as a major safeguard for global security as it eliminated shorter-range missiles that take just a few minutes to reach their targets. The removal of such weapons would in theory allow more time for decision-making in case of a warning of a missile attack. US ally Germany, which has been keen to preserve the treaty, called on Russia to try to save it. The INF treaty is of great significance for security in Europe, government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said in Berlin. The German government welcomes the fact that the American government is giving its preservation another chance, she added, referring to the 60-day deadline. She also noted that the issue came up in a meeting between Chancellor Angela Merkel and Mr Trump in Argentina on Saturday. It is now up to Russia to avert the end of the treaty, Ms Demmer said. Donald Trump pulled the US out of the Paris climate accord (AP/Ricardo Mazalan) Donald Trump has claimed Emmanuel Macrons decision to delay an energy tax hike after massive protests justifies his own decision to withdraw from an international climate accord. Mr Trump said his Mr Macrons decision means the French president has reached the same conclusion as his US counterpart that the global agreement reached by nearly 200 nations in Paris in 2015 is fatally flawed. (That is) because it raises the price of energy for responsible countries while whitewashing some of the worst polluters in the world, Mr Trump tweeted. The president said he wants clean air and water, but US taxpayers and workers shouldnt pay to clean up other countries pollution. He has said the accord would damage the US economy. Frances planned tax hike was aimed at weaning French consumers off fossil fuels, which are believed to contribute to climate change. When we think of dangerous drugs, it is narcotics like heroin or cocaine or other illicit substances which spring most readily to mind. But there are two other perfectly legal addictive substances which generate large amounts of money for the Treasury which are equally dangerous - cigarettes and alcohol When we think of dangerous drugs, it is narcotics like heroin or cocaine or other illicit substances which spring most readily to mind. But there are two other perfectly legal addictive substances which generate large amounts of money for the Treasury which are equally dangerous - cigarettes and alcohol. While the effort to get people to stub out cigarettes is being won to an extent, through a combination of constantly rising prices, extensive education programmes and new, anonymous packaging, the problem of alcohol is reaching new levels in Northern Ireland. There has been a 40% increase in the number of deaths due to alcohol-related problems in the province since 2001, according to a report just issued by the Office of National Statistics, the highest proportionate rise of any region in the UK. Quite why there has been such a dramatic increase is not explained, but there are some obvious factors. There is always the suspicion of a Troubles-related cause attached to such issues. Drink is a relatively slow killer and it may be that some people bereaved, injured or responsible for terrorist acts found solace in the bottle, with consequences which are only now becoming apparent. There is also the fact that, unlike cigarettes, the price of drink has got cheaper in recent times with the entry of supermarkets and cut-price alcohol into the marketplace. It is ironic that a potent drug can be sold legally to anyone aged 18 or over for a large part of every day, six days a week. Anyone reading our story today of a woman whose brother, at the relatively young age of 57, requires round-the-clock care because of the ravages of drink, cannot fail to be moved. We often imagine that alcohol abuse affects only the liver, but its deadly tentacles can reach other vital organs and set in motion potentially lethal diseases, such as various forms of cancer. While it is obvious that we need more facilities to help those in the throes of alcohol addiction - which has as potent a grip as any drug - we also need to take a more holistic approach towards reducing demand in the first place. In Scotland a minimum price policy on alcohol was introduced in May and that is a debate which needs to take place also in Northern Ireland. However, the absence of a devolved government means that potentially life-saving debate cannot yet take place. So far, the former president is not discouraging chatter about Beto being the next Obama. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images From the beginning, the audacious idea of Texas congressman Beto ORourke running for president in 2020 has been given vital heft by its indirect association with Barack Obama. Multiple former Obama aides have waxed enthusiastic about the idea, not showing any reluctance to make comparisons between the young and inexperienced senator who jumped into a presidential race in February of 2007 and the equally young and inexperienced near-senator of 2018, as the Hill reported last week: In many ways, say the Obama supporters, ORourke is a 2020 version of their former boss. That ability to make people feel invested in his campaign and his story does remind me of Obama 08, said David Litt, who served as a speechwriter in the Obama White House. You see the crowds and the enthusiasm, the kind of movement that isnt about me but about us Another former Obama aide said ORourke, even after losing his Senate bid, has energized the party like no one since the former president. The party hasnt seen this kind of enthusiasm since Obama, the aide said. There isnt one other potential candidate out there that has people buzzing. And thats exactly why people supported Obama and why theyll support Beto. Former Obama adviser Dan Pfeiffer made a more practical pitch for Beto: Our nominee needs to be able to excite first-time and periodic voters to turn out AND win over independent voters, particularly in the exurban and rural counties that turned Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania from Obama blue to Trump red. This was the formula Beto used to do better than any Democrat has done in Texas in decades. According to exit polls, first time voters made up one-fifth of the electorate and went for Beto by 14 points. Betos successful progressive appeal to the base didnt turn off the middle he did 12 points better with independents than Hillary Clinton did in 2016. And now, it transpires that Barack Obama himself has done more than just say nice things about ORourke, according to the Washington Post: Beto ORourke, weighing whether to mount a 2020 presidential bid, met recently with Barack Obama at his post- presidency offices in Washington The meeting was the first sign of Obama getting personally involved in conversations with ORourke, who despite his November loss in a U.S. Senate race in Texas has triggered more recent discussion and speculation than any other candidate in the burgeoning 2020 field. Presumably Obama, like most everyone else in Democratic politics, was impressed by ORourkes phenomenal small-dollar fundraising and his ability to draw progressive activists everywhere into an uphill fight in a red state against incumbent Ted Cruz, the runner-up for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Hes very unlikely to endorse Beto or anyone else before the 2020 primaries are fully underway, certainly so long as his two-term vice-president Joe Biden, his close friend Deval Patrick, and potentially multiple members of his Cabinet are still considering campaigns. But the association with Obama, however informal, is worth its weight in gold to ORourke. It provides him cover for his short resume in elected office; Obama had been in the Senate for just three years when he announced for president while the Texan had six years of service in the House. And perhaps even more important, it helps ORourke overcome his lack of a clear ideological or racial/ethnic advantage in what looks to be an incredibly diverse field. Being thought of as potentially the next Obama is particularly potent in Iowa, where Democrats are still proud of their role in lifting the 44th president into contention in 2008. If he runs and can get through the initial contests, the Texas primary on March 3 (the same day as California and seven other states) could give him a big lift. Well have to see if the flirtation of ObamaWorld with Beto ORourke waxes or wanes. But if it continues, you could definitely imagine early canvassers for the fluent Spanish-speaking Beto holding signs with United Farm Workers slogan adopted by Obama 08: Si Se Puede! Indonesian security forces prepare to board a helicopter in Papua province to retrieve the bodies of construction workers allegedly killed by separatist rebels in Nduga regency, Dec. 5, 2018. A separatist group claimed responsibility Wednesday for attacks that left at least 20 people dead in Indonesias eastern Papua province, alleging that the people they killed were soldiers disguised as construction workers. The attacks at the weekend and on Monday in the Mbua area of Nduga regency were led by the Egianus Kogoya, the local leader of the West Papuan National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the insurgent groups spokesman Sebby Sembom said. The fatalities were soldiers under the Indonesian Armys Combat Engineering Detachment (Denzipur) who had enlisted to build roads and bridges in the area, Sebby told BenarNews in a phone interview. It was a gunfight, not an execution. TPNPB has long been monitoring workers in Kali Awarok and Kali Yigi [districts]. They were members of Denzipur, not civilian workers, Sebby said, without elaborating. All leaders and soldiers of the TPNPB National Command have a code of ethics in the revolutionary war. We will not fight against civilians, he said. Gen. Tito Karnavian, the Indonesian national police chief, told reporters in Jakarta that 19 construction workers and a soldier were killed. Police in Papua had earlier said that rebels killed 31 workers who were building roads and bridges as part of the Trans-Papua highway project part of President Joko Jokowi Widodos efforts to improve infrastructure in the province, where road access is limited due to jungle-clad terrain. Authorities did not explain what caused the discrepancy in the reported number of fatalities. Reinforcements The Papua military garrison has sent soldiers as reinforcements to support the local police. Military officials told reporters they believed that 20 rebels were involved in the attacks. The TNI soldiers were already in Wamena after being flown from Sentani on a Hercules plane, Maj. Gen. Joshua Sembiring, the Papuan military commander, told reporters. At least 169 soldiers and police had been sent earlier to Nduga to retrieve the bodies of the dead and hunt for the suspects behind what police had described as the worst attack launched by an armed group in Indonesia in recent years. As of Wednesday, however, attempts to collect the bodies were not successful due to difficult terrain and bad weather, police and military officials said. On Tuesday, Col. Muhammad Aidi, a military spokesman, said security forces had rescued 12 people from Mbua, including three employees of the state-owned construction company PT Istaka Karya who suffered gunshot wounds. Jokowi's statement In Jakarta, President Joko Jokowi Widodo said he had ordered the military and the police to hunt those responsible for the barbaric attacks. I emphasize that there is no place for armed criminal groups in Papua and throughout the country, he said during a news conference at the State Palace on Wednesday. Former Gen. Moeldoko, the presidential chief of staff, called the killings an act of terrorism by the Free Papua Movement (OPM), which has fought for the mainly Melanesian regions independence since the 1960s. The TPNPB is the OPMs armed wing. Despite the attacks, Moeldoko said security forces should not take disproportionate actions. Please act professionally and proportionally. Dont get tempted to act in revenge, he said. Widodo said that the construction of the 4,600-kilometer (2,875-mile) Trans-Papua road would continue. We also will never be afraid. And this makes our determination even stronger to continue our great task of developing the land of Papua, he said. However, construction work on the Trans-Papua road in Nduga has been suspended pending a review on security measures, said the head of Jayapura's XVIII National Road Implementation Center, Osman Marbun. We are suspending the construction of the bridges, but other development activities elsewhere in Papua are still running, according to schedule, he said. Human rights Meanwhile, Ahmad Taufan Damanik, chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), urged the authorities to resolve the case according to the rule of law and human rights principles. The government needs to make prevention efforts by involving various institutions and communities so that such events will not happen again, Ahmad Taufan told reporters. Papua, located at the far eastern end of the Indonesia, is one of the archipelagos poorest regions despite its rich natural resources. The area where the violence took place was at about 1,500 meters (about 5,000 feet) above sea level. Human rights groups have accused security forces of committing rights abuses during counter-insurgency operations. Foreign journalists have been largely banned from reporting from Papua, with the government citing concerns for their security for the restrictions. Malaysian police said Wednesday they were looking to extradite fugitive financier Jho Low and four other suspects, including former 1MDB employees, after a court filed fresh charges against them over the alleged misappropriation of billions of dollars from the state fund. Low Taek Jho (better known as Jho Low) and his family friend, Eric Tan Kim Loong were charged Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court. They were indicted along with 1MDB Business Development Director Casey Tang Keng Chee, legal counsel Jasmine Loo Ai Swan and Executive Director of Finance Terrence Geh Choh Heng, authorities said. The five face a total of 13 charges involving losses totaling U.S. $1.17 billion (4.85 ringgit). In a statement on Wednesday, Police Inspector-General Mohamad Fuzi Harun said all five had fled the country and police were increasing efforts to arrest them. The Royal Malaysian Police will seek cooperation from foreign authorities as well as Interpol to help track them, Fuzi said. If they are identified to be in any other countries, the police through the Attorney Generals Chamber will apply for an extradition notice to allow them to be brought back to Malaysia to face the charges. Fuzi said Jho Low, who already faces eight charges, was charged with five counts of money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act for allegedly receiving $1.03 billion (4.27 billion ringgit) into the account of Gold Star Limited at a Zurich bank between Sept. 30, 2009, and Oct. 25, 2011. In addition, he and Eric Tan were jointly charged under the same act over losses totaling $126 million ($523 million ringgit) relating to debt notes by the Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA) in May 2009 that the two allegedly received through a Singapore account. TIA was set up with the help of Low in 2008 as a sovereign wealth fund for the Malaysian state of Terengganu before being taken over by the Ministry of Finance and incorporated into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) on July 31, 2009. Former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who as finance minister founded 1MDB, has been identified as a close associate of Jho Low. His party was defeated in a general election in May by the Pakatan Harapan alliance led Mahathir Mohamad. As the new prime minister, Mahathir has reopened investigations into 1MDB that have led to 38 corruption charges against Najib. Cannot get a free trial in Malaysia: Jho Low spokesman In the United States, Department of Justice officials described 1MDB as the worst kleptocracy scandal in recent times, alleging that almost $4.5 billion (18.7 billion ringgit) from the state fund was embezzled and laundered through real estate and other assets. On Tuesday, a Jho Low spokesman issued a statement through his attorneys alleging that the new charges against their client were trumped up and political. These charges are intended to create another false sense of security for the political loss that the Mahathir regime has brought upon itself due to its failures on current issues, the statement said. They are no more than a continuation of the trial by media and political reprisals by the Mahathir regime. The statement affirmed Jho Lows claim of innocence and his stance of not submitting himself to jurisdictions without an independent legal process. It is clear that Mr. Low cannot get a free trial in Malaysia where the regime has proven numerous times that they have no interest in the rule of law, the statement added. Jho Low was charged on Aug. 24 with receiving $261 million (1 billion ringgit) from 1MDB between Dec. 26, 2013, and June 3, 2014. Earlier that month, business daily The Edge Markets reported the money was used to purchase the yacht Equanimity, which is in the process of being sold after being repossessed by the government on Aug. 6. Others charged Fuzi said Tang was charged with one count of criminal breach of trust for his alleged involvement in moving $700 million (2.9 billion ringgit) into an account belonging to Jho Low and two counts under the Anti-Money Laundering Act for allegedly receiving $6.7 million (27.8 million) through offshore bank accounts in the Seychelles and Switzerland, on Aug. 5, 2009 and Dec. 23, 2010, respectively. Two other 1MDB employees, Loo and Geh, each face two money laundering charges involving $6 million (24.9 million ringgit) and one criminal breach of trust charge involving $125 million (519 million ringgit), respectively. Members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters stand in formation in Datu Saudi-Ampatuan town in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao. July 2012. Filipino militants allied with the Islamic State assaulted an army camp in the southern Philippines, but the military repelled them using artillery in four hours of clashes that left seven attackers dead, the military said Wednesday. There were no casualties on the government side, officials said. The fighting came amid tightened security in the south, a month before the holding of a plebiscite to ratify a Muslim autonomy law that aims to bring economic development to the south that has been ravaged by decades of rebellion. We used artillery fire to drive away the militants, Army spokesman Capt. Arvin John Encinas told BenarNews. Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked the military camp Tuesday near the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province, but they were repelled after a heavy exchange of gunfire, Encinas said. The guerrillas first launched their assault around 10 a.m. on a detachment of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion, forcing residents to evacuate, he said, adding that security forces did not suffer casualties. Commander Abu Rusdak led the attack, but soldiers fought back and killed seven of their enemies, Encinas said. Rusdak is one of the lieutenants of Abu Turaipe, believed to be the most senior leader in line to inherit the leadership of the local IS branch following the slaying of Isnilon Hapilon last year in Marawi city, about 225 km (140 miles) north of Maguindanao. Hapilons group laid siege to Marawi for five months, leaving at least 1,200 dead, most of them militants. The battle was the biggest security crisis faced by the government of President Rodrigo Duterte, who has placed the entire south under military rule. Martial law is due to expire this month, but the military has asked Duterte to extend it, citing continuing threats from militants. The military has concentrated its combat operations in Maguindanao since early this year, after intelligence reports said that militants were recruiting fresh members to launch attacks similar to Marawi. Several foreigners from the Southeast Asian region and the Middle East have also been arrested since December last year. The BIFF, which commands hundreds of fighters, split from the 10,000-member Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2008. BIFF has pledged allegiance to IS, but did not send fighters to Marawi. The latest fighting occurred weeks before the south holds a special plebiscite in January aimed at ratifying the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which Duterte signed in July this year. The law aims to give the poverty-stricken south an expanded autonomous area, offering self-determination to the nations minority four million Muslims by giving them powers to elect their own parliament. The plebiscite is to take place in the predominantly Muslim provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. It will also include six towns in Lanao del Norte and the cities of Cotabato and Isabela in Basilan. Authorities hope that the law would end a nearly 40-year conflict that has killed more than 120,000 people in the countrys second-largest island of Mindanao. As part of the deal on the BOL, the MILF had also agreed to disband its fighting force. But the military has said that it needed to maintain its control of the south, citing continuing threats of likely attacks from IS-inspired groups. It said that its heavy presence in the south has prevented those flushed out from Marawi from regrouping. Richel V. Umel in Iligan City contributed to this report. Leaders of Thailands major political parties on Wednesday turned down a meeting organized by the junta, which sought to bring more than 100 parties together to discuss their platforms ahead of the first elections due after almost five years of military rule. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the junta chief who led a military coup in May 2014 that toppled the civilian government of Yingluck Shinawatra amid bloody street protests, had called the meeting for Friday. In addition, Prayuth said he would discuss the possibility of lifting a ban on political gatherings leading up to nationwide polls planned for February 2019. Earlier this year, police charged seven pro-democracy activists with sedition and defying a ban on public gatherings for leading a January demonstration that drew about 100 people in downtown Bangkok. They allegedly violated a junta order prohibiting public political gatherings of five or more people. Prayuths invitation ran into resistance from at least four major parties whose leaders claimed he was seeking to extend the juntas grip on power through at least one proxy, the Palang Pracharat Party (PPP), which announced that it would nominate him for prime minister. The Pheu Thai Party, the Thai Raksa Chart Party (a splinter of Pheu Thai), the Future Forward Party and the Democrat Party are expected to gain seats in the upcoming parliament election scheduled for February. The election appears to be moving forward after a series of delays by Prayuth, who, early on during his governments rule, promised to steer Thailand back on a path to democracy. The Palang Pracharat Party has different views on many things, said Abhisit Vejjajiva, the leader of the Democrat Party, one of Thailands largest political parties. It consolidates the power to run the nation by taking members of parliament from other parties. That is not the democratic way. I think it isnt constructive politics or a reform. So I dont see a need to talk, added Abhisit, who served as prime minister before Yingluck. MPs change parties About 40 leaders of Pheu Thai Party, which had been led by Yingluck and previously by her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, have defected to the PPP. Both Yingluck and Thaksin lost control of government through military coups and are living in exile outside of Thailand. The migration of MPs shows that there might be some groups maneuvering in support of Prayuth or the military, said Titipol Phakdeewanich, dean of the political science faculty at Ubon Ratchathani University. Meanwhile, Sudarat Keyuraphan, a Pheu Thai leader, said the junta lacked legitimacy to conduct an election. She reiterated that her party would not attend the meeting. The government conducts popular subsidy projects called Pracharat that are linked to the political party with the same name, Sudarat told reporters on Wednesday. It is wrong in principle, therefore its useless to meet and discuss. On Tuesday, Prayuth spoke to reporters about his plans to meet with political leaders. My goal is to support political parties that seek to move the country forward, Prayuth said. So other parties should tell us their political strategies. If they dont want to talk, I dont care. If they dont join the meeting, it means they dont want an election, he said. They dont respect the rules, how can we be together? How can they set up a government? Analysts expect Prayuth to benefit from a senate under the control of the junta if he were to run for office. He has not announced if he wants to be nominated to serve as prime minister. A constitution approved through a 2016 referendum added 100 seats to the senate and allows the military to appoint all 250 senators. All senators have the power to help members of the 500-seat National Legislative Assembly appoint a new prime minister, meaning Prayuth would need the support of only 126 MPs to give him 376 votes and retain his power. Despite concerns about the pro-junta PPP, the Democrat Party has to choose between joining it or forming a coalition with other parties if it has any chance of stopping Prayuth, according to Uchane Cheangsan, a political science professor at Walailuck University. If the party wants to get rid of Prayuth, members must isolate him and force him to find support from lesser parties instead, but it is unlikely to happen, Uchane told BenarNews. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have already begun a long-overdue debate on a post-Obama foreign policy for Democrats. Photo: AP/REX/Shutterstock Presidential campaigns are generally where an American political partys foreign policy messages are worked out and divisions are explored or resolved. For Democrats, there are already signs that eight years of largely deferring to Barack Obama and two years of focus on domestic policy under Donald Trump are coming to an end as the partys potentially huge 2020 presidential field takes shape. The immediate flash point illuminating this transition is the suddenly pervasive Democratic resistance to the U.S.-backed Saudi war in Yemen, exacerbated by the Saudi murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This was a war pursued steadfastly by the Obama administration and supported by Hillary Clinton. Now, as The Atlantics Peter Beinart points out, Bernie Sanderss resolution to utilize the War Powers Act to end most U.S. operations in Yemen is no longer controversial: [W]hen Sanderss legislation came up again [last week], every Democrat who had voted against it in March flipped and voted to discharge the bill from committee. Powered by unanimous Democratic support, the move to discharge the bill passed. But underlying this consolidation of opinion is something more profound: In explaining their decision to invoke the War Powers Act, Democratic staffers I talked to explicitly compared this period with the era in which it was introduced: the final years of the Vietnam War. By 1973, when Congress passed the War Powers Act, the Cold War was thawing: Richard Nixons administration was pursuing a detente with the Soviet Union and an opening to China. As the hysteria eased, liberals pursued two goals. First, they tried to restore congressional oversight of foreign policy after decades in which fear of communism had enabled the rise of an imperial presidency. [Second,] [t]hey were trying to remove anti-communism from its central position in American foreign policy. Beinart thinks Democrats are now similarly shifting away from the basic foreign policy orientation of both parties since 9/11: Democrats pushing a War Powers Resolution on Yemen want not merely to expand oversight of the Pentagons sprawling anti-terrorism operations, but to reorient American foreign policy away from terrorism altogether. This reorientation within the Democratic Party has been in progress for quite some time, beginning with the opposition of many Democrats to George W. Bushs disastrous Iraq War, and becoming more general as most Democrats objected to Bushs global war on terrorism framing of U.S. foreign policy (Obama, notably, refused to use that terminology). Now the Yemen war has pushed the evolution further as Democrats no longer think in terms of basing much of U.S. foreign policy on anti-terrorist alliances with Israel and conservative Arab regimes like Saudi Arabia at the expense of every other principle. A corollary will likely be the final Democratic abandonment of support for the endless war in Afghanistan, which Obama actually escalated. And while support for Israels security needs will almost certainly remain standard for most Democrats, it will not extend to the Trump administrations vision of a Greater Israel acting as an aggressive regional counterweight to Iran in implicit alliance with the Saudis. Splitting with Republicans on Yemen, the Middle East, Afghanistan, or even the primacy of anti-terrorism efforts is one thing; articulating a positive foreign policy is another altogether, and thats where the 2020 presidential campaign comes in. Two proto-candidates, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, have already delivered major foreign policy addresses aimed at laying out a progressive alternative to Trumps America First stylings. Both deplore endless wars, excessive defense spending, and the power of elites at home and abroad in shaping the world order. They differ in some important particulars: Sanders contemplates a more central role for the United Nations, while Warren wants a renewed and revised alliance system. But in general, their foreign policy views are as different from those of, say, John Kerry circa 2004 as George McGoverns in 1972 differed from Hubert Humphreys in 1968. As it happens, the tone of Sanderss and Warrens foreign policy visions nicely fits their perceived positions on the spectrum of Democratic ideology generally, with Sanders holding down the left end and Warren occupying ground more to the center. Peter Beinart probably exaggerates in identifying Sanders with Henry Wallace and Warren with Harry Truman in the great intra-Democratic debate at the beginning of the Cold War (which Truman emphatically won). But they differ enough to begin a real debate, and it will be interesting to see whether other 2020 candidates choose to distinguish themselves on foreign policy issues or remain obsessed with universal health-care blueprints, progressive tax plans, and variations on the theme of Ill be tougher on Trump. Does the shift on Yemen truly mark the end of Democratic acquiescence to the primacy of anti-terrorism as the prime national interest we are defending with our almost unbelievably elaborate and expensive national security structure? Or will someone in the 2020 field (perhaps Joe Biden?) revive the ancient tradition of Democratic hawks? The answer to that question could be key to separating sheep from goats as Democrats struggle to winnow their presidential options. On this exclusive, members-only event, Bill breaks down what you need to know about The Real Joe Biden. Who is he and how will he directly affect you and your family? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A distinguished jury selected PhagoMed as a Phoenix laureate and the award was presented jointly by the Austrian Minister of Digital and Economic Affairs and the Austrian Minister of Education, Science and Research during a prize ceremony in Vienna. Vienna-based Biotech Company PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH was yesterday awarded the Austrian Entrepreneurship Award Phonix 2018 in the category Start-Up International. The Phoenix award honours the development of antibiotics alternatives based on phages, a class of natural viruses that only infect bacteria, at the Vienna Biocentre. A distinguished jury selected PhagoMed as a Phoenix laureate and the award was presented jointly by the Austrian Minister of Digital and Economic Affairs and the Austrian Minister of Education, Science and Research during a prize ceremony in Vienna. PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH (PhagoMed) works on solutions for the global antibiotics crisis the accelerating rate of multi-drug resistances against the historically so effective antibiotics. The company develops pharmaceuticals based on natural viruses, so-called phages that can infect and destroy bacteria. Phages therefore have the potential to become a highly effective alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of multi-drug resistant infections. Indeed, PhagoMeds clinical co-founders have successfully treated individual patients with phages in Germany as a last resort when antibiotics had failed. The high potential of PhagoMeds technology as well as the high socio-political relevance of its development programs were recognized by the distinguished jury of the Austrian Entrepreneurship Award Phonix, which was awarded for the fifth time this year. The award is presented jointly by the Austrian Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs and the Austrian Ministry of Education, Science and Research and honours young and successful companies that serve as role models for high-class research and successful high-tech entrepreneurship in Austria. In a competitive contest, PhagoMed emerged as the winner in the category Start-Up International and received the award yesterday evening during a prize ceremony in Vienna. The award in the category Start-Up International is given to most successful young company, whose business idea was created outside of Austria and which was subsequently successfully established in Austria. One specific field of focus for the company is the treatment of infected artificial joints, such as hip prostheses. These infections are difficult to treat since they are often caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. In addition, the bacteria typically form a so-called biofilm on the surface of the prosthesis, which further inhibits the effectiveness of antibiotics. In these types of complex infections phages are especially promising as a treatment alternative since they can degrade the bacterial biofilms as well as kill the multi-drug resistant bacteria. Since 2018, PhagoMeds development programs are co-financed through public grants by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (Osterreichische Forschungsforderungsgesellschaft mbH, FFG) and the Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH (aws). Both institutions recognized the necessity of developing solutions for the antibiotics crisis and the potential of phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics. A lot happened this year, and BioSpectrum took this opportunity to interact with a few industry players on their reviews on 2018. India, the third-largest pharmaceutical market in Asia, is increasingly gaining the much-needed Government focus on expanding affordable health care. This year, India took a giant leap towards providing accessible and affordable healthcare to the common man with the launch of Ayushman Bharat in September, 2018. In parallel, the Government remains committed to establishing India as a global manufacturing hub for medical devices with this sector expected to increase significantly. A lot happened this year, and BioSpectrum took this opportunity to interact with a few industry players on their reviews on 2018- This year, the focus on patient centricity was catalyzed with Governments announcement of the Ayushman Bharat. While the government is working towards upgrading quality standards in the country, industry representatives, industry associations and patient groups need to play their role in delivering quality medicines. Quality is a continuous journey, not a destination. We must keep working at it in a sustained fashion. A Vaidheesh, President, OPPI Through this year India has witnessed a few major challenges. First, there was a rapid rise in the so-called dual disease burden as the share of non-communicable diseases, better known as lifestyle diseases, is increasing along with a continuing rise in communicable diseases. With the growing middle-class and working-age population, incidence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiac ailments also increased. Second, the lacuna in capital infrastructure in the Indian healthcare sector widened. Dr Debraj Shome, Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon & Director, The Esthetic Clinics Accessible healthcare is the main aim of HCG and we have always believed that it is important to provide timely treatment for better outcome and quality of life. This year, Triesta Sciences, our diagnostics division was merged with Strands Life Sciences, where HCG is a major shareholder dealing with molecular diagnostics and bio-informatics. Dr. BS Ajaikumar, CEO and Chairman, HealthCare Global Enterprises This year was an interesting year for Medical Devices Industry. In India, Medical Devices is now considered a very important cog in the delivery of quality health care to the masses. The launch of MDR 2017 was a very important first step in creating a robust platform. The awareness around the need to have a robust Medical Devices ecosystem in the country is more than ever before. The industry has seen growth rates much higher than global industry growth rate. Vishnu Bhat, Co-founder, Blue Neem Medical Devices The year started off with Transasia being recognized as The India Medical Devices Company of the Year, a befitting honour by the Govt. of India. This year, we further expanded our reach by opening our global sales and marketing headquarter along with a Technical Training Centre in London and our own operations in Brazil, Ireland, Vietnam and whole of Eastern Europe. Suresh Vazirani, CMD, Transasia Bio-Medicals 2018 has been a year of positive change for us. We have further strengthened our core businesses across all the segments: Aesthetics, Urology, ENT, Ophthalmology. We have also strengthened our foundation for clinical training programs for Urologists - HTC (Holmium training Classes) and, Clinical training programs for Aestheticians - GuruKool (Clinical learning platform). Bijal Shah, Country Manager, India & South Asia, Lumenis The Life Sciences sector has seen very significant events this year, with the universal health coverage scheme being announced and the approvals received for bio-similars from the regulated markets. Utkarsh Palnitkar, Founder & Managing Partner, Aarna Corporate Advisors 2018 has been a very positive year overall. On the application and technology front, Immuno-oncology is gaining good interest and this year Noble prize in the similar field has further highlighted the importance of the same. BD Biosciences has continued its endeavor of knowledge sharing with new courses at BD-JH FACSAcademy and through several focused workshops across India. Murli Sundrani, Business Director, BD Life Sciences Biosciences By strengthening the core of our business, which includes leveraging our partnerships, our momentum in Asia to drive core growth and our Sigma-Aldrich.com e-commerce platform, customers in nearly every country can easily find and access the exact products needed to advance their research. Yves Dubaquie, Ph.D., Head, Global Business Development, Merck In March this year, we received $2.2 million in seed funding from marquee investors such as Ranjan Pai, Currae Health and GrowX Ventures. Later in August, we had the opportunity to present real world evidence from our clinical trials at the 78th Scientific Session of the American Diabetes Association in Orlando, USA. Most recently, we announced one of our biggest partnerships with Roche Diagnostics to power the Accu-Chek Active line of glucometers sold across the South and West of India. Abhishek Shah, CEO & Co-Founder, Wellthy Therapeutics 2018 has been a year of process enhancement. We have been upgrading our secure Laboratory Information Management System, especially the report generation system and a module for genetic counselors. We have also made forays into incorporating new technologies such as blockchain, with strategic partnerships. Anu Acharya, CEO, Mapmygenome In 2018, on business side we concluded the Series C funding and have been successful in closing partnership deals with hospitals and diagnostic labs across the country. In addition, we have expanded our presence in Mumbai by taking over Centre for Genetic Health Care and launched three genomic centres in Chennai, Coimbatore and Kolkata respectively. Dr. VL Ramprasad, COO, MedGenome This year we have successfully raised another $6 million led by our lead investor with commitments into the ensuing round. We will use the funds for our lead molecule development which will be submitted for IND filing next year. On the business front, our Syngene relationship has fortified into a global one. Dr Sunit Maity, Director, Product Development, Zumutor Biologics PeeSafe has introduced a variety of personal hygiene products both for women and men. We have also expanded our offline distribution channel from few hundred stores to 2500+ stores in India. Vikas Bagaria, Founder, Pee Safe 2018 has been a very challenging year as markets are undergoing a sea change and we try to keep pace with our growth plans. As someone said, change is the only thing which is constant; we adapt to changing market needs and pursue our goal of making our customers successful. Anil Kumar, President, Waters India To read the full story, please suscribe to BioSpectrum magazine! Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images This morning, the British parliamentary committee leading an inquiry into Facebook released a trove of documents it seized last month. The documents evidence in a lawsuit brought against the company by a banned app developer include internal communications from high-ranking employees at the company, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg. Many of the emails were sent between 2012 and 2015, as a post-IPO Facebook was figuring out how to monetize its services. There is not anything particularly outrageous or damning in the emails, but collectively they point to a company whose priorities were self-preservation, revenue generation, and fear of being exposed for dubious privacy practices. It is a far cry from the benevolent, touchy-feely, global-community messaging that Facebook has pushed over the years. Among the incidents that committee chair Damian Collins highlights, two stick out. The first concerns an update to Facebooks Android app which would have required the company to inform users of increased access to their call logs. Upgrading the app would have required informed consent on the part of users, whereby the app would receive permission to access those logs. As Facebook employee Michael LeBeau wrote in early 2015: [The growth team is] going to include the read call log permission, which will trigger the Android permissions dialog on update, requiring users to accept the update. They will then provide an in-app opt in NUX for a feature that lets you continuously upload your SMS and call log history to Facebook to be used for improving things like PYMK [the People you May Know tool], coefficient calculation, feed ranking etc. This is a pretty high-risk thing to do from a PR perspective but it appears that the growth team will charge ahead and do it. A reply from a different employee points out that the Growth team (if it wasnt obvious, the team responsible for scaling up Facebook) was working on a method to upgrade users without subjecting them to an Android permissions dialogue. To boil this down: here is Facebook trying to figure out a way to scrape more user data from phones without being upfront with its users about doing so. As LeBeau acknowledges, the call-data extraction is a pretty high-risk thing to do from a PR perspective. In other words, users give Facebook less data when Facebook is clear about its data-harvesting practices. Facebooks business interests are at odds with user privacy; if users control their privacy more effectively, Facebook has less data to profit from. This is not a new fact, but it is one that Facebook was well aware of and discussing internally as it figured out how to guide users into surrendering access to their phones. The other practice highlighted by Collins is an anti-competitive move. Other emails collected by the committee show that Mark Zuckerberg himself signed off on a measure to snuff out Vine, Twitters then-new video-sharing app. On the apps launch day, Justin Osofsky, a Facebook vice president, proposed shutting down Vines ability to access Facebooks friends API. This made it difficult for users to find their Facebook friends within Vine, kneecapping the apps ability to grow and compete with Facebook. Zuckerbergs response: Yup, go for it. The documents overall paint a picture of a company that wants to center itself as the engine of communication for the internet. Everything, apparently, needs to flow through Facebook. Developers can build apps using Facebook data, if they also feed data back into Facebooks own system. Perhaps the best summation of this comes in a 2012 email thread in which Zuckerberg lays out his thinking on Facebooks API, which allows third-party developers to access user data. The tension, he explained at the time, was over whether Facebook should charge developers for API access, or offer it for free in order to obtain more users and data (which could be monetized in other ways, like with targeted ads). Theres a clear tension between platform ubiquity and charging, Zuckerberg explained. Ultimately, Zuckerberg landed on the side of ubiquity, endorsing a strategy known as full reciprocity, meaning that apps using Facebooks API be required to offer a prominent option to share all of their social content within that service back to Facebook. The point of this is that users cannot just share stuff anywhere they want; they need to be encouraged to share through Facebook. Zuckerberg writes (emphasis added): The answer I came to is that were trying to enable people to share everything they want, and to do it on Facebook. Sometimes the best way to enable people to share something is to have a developer build a special purpose app or network for that type of content and to make that app social by having Facebook plug into it. However, that may be good for the world but its not good for us unless people also share back to Facebook and that content increases the value of our network. So ultimately, I think the purpose of platform even the read side is to increase sharing back to Facebook. Sheryl Sandberg agreed, writing, I think the observation that we are trying to maximize sharing on facebook, not just sharing in the world, is a critical one. Zuckerberg (and thus, Facebooks) worldview couldnt be laid out any more clearly. Any app that benefits people without running through Facebook is a direct threat to the companys dominance. Thats something to think about next time Zuckerberg parrots his companys supposed goals of building a global community and improving the world or whatever. The mandate came directly from the CEO: When it comes to deciding between altruism and Facebook, Facebook comes first. The Ivey case study, titled "Vaidam Health: Facilitating Medical Value Travel," notes that since its inception in January 2016, Vaidam has partnered with over 100 world-class healthcare facilities and more than 1,000 medical practitioners in India. Gurugram-based start-up Vaidam Health, Indias premier online platform for medical tourists established by two IIM graduates has now become the subject of a case study by Ivey Business School, one of the oldest business schools in Canada whose MBA program is ranked among the worlds best. The case study, meant to provide material for class discussion for MBA students at Ivey and other business schools worldwide, has been written by Prof. (Dr.) Anupama Prashar of Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon, and published by Ivey Publishing, the publishing arm of Ivey Business School which is the most prolific and credible publisher of business case studies in the world after Harvard Business School. Said Manish Chandra, Co-founder, Vaidam Health: Though Ivey Business School publishes about 350 case studies each year focusing on businesses around the world, very few actually relate to India. We are therefore extremely delighted that this prestigious B school has chosen to publish a case study on Vaidam Health for study by MBA students worldwide, and our company may be taught as a part of their curriculum. This is a huge achievement and a vindication of our business model and future growth potential considering that we started our operations hardly three years ago. The Ivey case study, titled "Vaidam Health: Facilitating Medical Value Travel," notes that since its inception in January 2016, Vaidam has partnered with over 100 world-class healthcare facilities and more than 1,000 medical practitioners in India. As one of the pioneers in setting up web-based medical tourism services in India, Vaidam has been able gain the trust of overseas patients by offering personalized and customized care with complete transparency, it points out. Vaidam Health, which raised angel funding in 2016 from Singapore-based 4CE Ventures, has been certified to ISO 9001 and 27001 standards as a web-based medical tourism facilitator. It is also Indias first and only online platform for medical tourists to get accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). The portal ( www.vaidam.com ) is a healthcare facilitator connecting foreign patients with best-accredited healthcare specialists and hospitals in India for treatment at an affordable price. Said Manish Chandra, Co-founder, Vaidam Health: Though India's medical tourism market is growing at a CAGR of 15% and is expected to touch $8 billion by 2020, it is still largely unstructured, consisting of hundreds of small to medium-sized medical tourism facilitators. Our mission is to organize this market so that foreign patients can make an informed choice and get a hassle-free experience in coming to the country and getting world-class treatment at a fraction of the price back home. Ivey cases are highly prized by the academic community for meeting the rigorous demands of management education. They are real-world cases, typically field-based, involving actual interviews with businesses from around the world. Unlike Harvard, however, whose case studies are written by its own professors, authors of Ivey case studies can come from any business school in the world, making the works representative of whats being used and selected by professors in the wider world. Most business schools in the US, Canada and elsewhere have adopted the case method as their primary approach to teaching. Case studies produced by business schools like Ivey and Harvard are also used by B schools around the world for teaching their own students. During the inaugural address, Prof CNR Rao, National Research Professor congratulated Karnataka government for its tremendous support towards science over the years The Decennial edition of 'BENGALURU INDIA NANO 2018' opened today at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru with the theme 'Nano for a Better World'. The focus of the event will be on a range of issues pertaining to Research, Technology Development, Skills Requirement, Risks Issues, Regulatory & Governance Structure, Investment and Collaborations between R&D, Academia & Industry. The Event is expected to have significant participation from Chief Scientific Officers, Chief Technology Officers, Policy Makers, Scientists, Chemists, Research Leaders / Fellows / Advisors from Industry, Venture Capitalists, Governments and Research Institutions. During the inaugural address, Prof CNR Rao, National Research Professor congratulated Karnataka government for its tremendous support towards science over the years. "The National Institute of Nanotechnology in Bengaluru has started functioning with full support from Karnataka government. There are a number of challenges facing the mankind today. In order to address those, it is imperative to discover something new and innovative that can make a whole lot of difference for everyone. It is an open challenge for the Nanotech institute to come up with something in line with a Na-Nose for early detection of lung cancer", said Prof CNR Rao. The inaugural ceremony was also graced by the presence of HD Kumaraswamy, Chief Minister, Karnataka, and KJ George, Minister for IT, BT, Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka. "Over the years, Bengaluru has become the science capital of India and soon the city will be recognised as a Nanotech hub. It is an open invitation for the industry captains to come ahead and work towards building Centres of Excellence (CoE) along with academia, for promoting the field of nanotechnology. Also, skill development needs to be built for this sector. The government will provide all the support required by carrying out public-private partnerships in naotechnology", mentioned HD Kumaraswamy. The inaugural function also saw the felicitation of Prof S Sampath, Dept of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry, IISc, Bengaluru for receiving the Prof CNR Rao Bengaluru India Nano Science Award 2018. Bengaluru India Nano 2018 is packed with conferences, exhibitions, tutorials and much more for the coming two days (6th & 7th Dec 2018). Bill Gardner, New Hampshires secretary of State since 1976. Photo: Elise Amendola/AP/REX/Shutterstock In an unusual display of a peculiar local tradition, the New Hampshire legislature reelected Secretary of State Bill Gardner to a 22nd term as secretary of State (and thus elections chief). Thats right: Gardner has held the position since 1976. But he was actually an underdog to former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Colin Van Ostern when the newly Democratic legislature voted today, thanks to his involvement with Donald Trumps fiasco of a voter fraud commission and his support for restrictions in voting by college students, which offset his own original Democratic affiliation back in the day. Van Ostern, who called for modernization of the secretary of States office, won an easy straw poll endorsement from Democratic legislators meeting as a caucus last month. But he retained just enough Democratic support to stay in contention, as the Union Leader reports: Gardner had the support of all Republicans and many powerful Democrats, like former Gov. John Lynch and Manchester Sen. Lou DAllesandro, the dean of the Senate Gardner said last week that the straw vote was not necessarily an accurate indication of how he would fare on Dec. 5. He pointed out that 55 elected Democrats at the Nov. 15 caucus did not vote for Van Ostern. Some were absent, some left before the secretary of state straw vote and seven left the ballot blank. There was last-minute drama when Gardner fell one vote short of an actual majority after edging Van Ostern 208-207. A second vote was called, and Gardner added a vote and won. The incumbent may have saved himself by pledging to step down in 2020, just wanting one more term to reach the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of the New Hampshire presidential primary. Gardner was widely regarded as the monomaniacal guardian of the Granite States first-in-the-nation status. And indeed, his supporters warned that if he lost to a partisan Democrats, Republicans might retaliate against the state by entertaining rivals to that status. That seems a bit far-fetched, particularly since Republicans probably wont even have a competitive New Hampshire primary in 2020 and it also wouldnt make much sense to overturn a largely settled early state order just to vindicate one election official. But the neurotic talk about Gardner may reflect very real fears in New Hampshire and other early states about the impact of early voting on their quadrennial showcases, as Gabriel Debenedetti recent noted: Ohio and Illinois could both begin their own early voting before the Granite States day in the spotlight, and Georgia and North Carolina could start the day of New Hampshires primary. Then the windows could open in Tennessee, Texas, Arizona, and Louisiana before Nevadas caucuses, let alone South Carolinas primary. There was just enough dont-rock-any-boats sentiment in New Hampshire to save Bill Gardner. Whether the grip this small and not terribly representative state has on presidential politics can be saved over the long haul is an entirely different matter. Old man yells at cloud. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images Rudy Giuliani, who most people know as the former mayor of New York City and a failed presidential candidate, is also President Trumps attorney in the Russia investigation. A lot of people know that too. But what they may not know is that Giuliani is also an informal adviser to Trump on cybersecurity. Keep that in mind as we travel back to Friday, when Giuliani tweeted some complaints about Special Counsel Robert Mueller. The context isnt important. All you need to know is that in his haste, or his attempt to emulate Trump, Giuliani included several typos in the tweet, including the omission of a space at the start of a sentence that started with the word in. The placement of a period and no spaces between G-20 and in resulted in an inadvertent hyperlink showing up in Giulianis tweet. Mueller filed an indictment just as the President left for https://t.co/8ZNrQ6X29a July he indicted the Russians who will never come here just before he left for Helsinki.Either could have been done earlier or later. Out of control!Supervision please? Rudy Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) November 30, 2018 A clever scamp quickly snatched up the URL G-20.in and set up this page: Thats pretty embarrassing by itself, but Giuliani made the error even worse Tuesday night when he blamed the hyperlink in Fridays tweet on Twitter, which he accused of allowing someone to invade my text. Twitter allowed someone to invade my text with a disgusting anti-President message. The same thing-period no space-occurred later and it didnt happen. Dont tell me they are not committed cardcarrying anti-Trumpers. Time Magazine also may fit that description. FAIRNESS PLEASE Rudy Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) December 5, 2018 Once again, Giuliani is Trumps special adviser on cybersecurity and he doesnt understand that the link was generated automatically. Or that the reason Helsinki.Either didnt also turn into a link is that .either is not a valid domain name. But the most damning part of this story? Both tweets are (at least at the time of this posting) still up. 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 COPYRIGHT NZCIVAIR All information and photographs used on this blog are copyright to NZCIVAIR. PR Newswire SYDNEY, Dec. 5, 2018 Solution to include fully-managed advanced VSAT solutions across Asia for Malaysian oil and gas operator SYDNEY, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Speedcast International Limited (ASX: SDA), the world's most trusted provider of remote communication and IT solutions, announced today that it has been awarded a new multi-year contract valued at over US$10 million from one of the region's top multinational operators to deliver fully-managed VSAT communications to a fleet of oil and gas platforms and vessels across Asia. This customer required a communications solution that could be delivered across its production platforms, drilling rigs and FPSOs in multiple countries, with unique requirements on each asset. Speedcast was awarded the contract for new business to deliver fully-managed VSAT onboard its offshore assets, replacing the incumbent. This solution leverages C-Band advanced VSAT on multiple satellites for highly-redundant coverage and a dedicated SCPC network to ensure security, reliability and network efficiency on each asset. "The commissioning of our services for these new assets is a testament to the trust we have built with this customer by delivering on their needs in Malaysia and other locations in Africa, while growing the relationship into a more strategic partnership," said Keith Johnson, Speedcast's COO and EVP of Energy. "As one of the Asia Pacific region's top rated fully-managed integrators for the oil and gas market, many drilling companies and operators rely on Speedcast to keep daily operations and revenue-generating activities constantly running. We are thankful that our customer has expanded our relationship and trusts us to serve their fleet of offshore assets in multiple countries." For more information about our capabilities in Asia, please contact [email protected] About Speedcast International LimitedSpeedcast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) is the largest provider of remote communications and IT services in the world. Speedcast's fully-managed service is delivered via a leading global, multi-access technology, multi-band and multi-orbit network of 70+ satellites and an interconnecting global terrestrial network, bolstered by extensive on-the-ground local support from 40+ countries. This global "network of networks" allows customers to fully rely on the most robust, integrated infrastructure available in the market for their mission critical applications. Speedcast is uniquely positioned as a strategic business partner, tailoring communications, IT and digital solutions to meet unique customer needs and enable business transformation. Speedcast extends its managed services through differentiated technology offerings including cyber-security, crew welfare, content solutions, data and voice applications, and network systems integration services. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 2,000 customers in more than 140 countries in sectors such as Maritime, Energy, Mining, Enterprise, Media, Cruise, NGOs and Government. Learn more at www.speedcast.com. Speedcast is a trademark and registered trademark of Speedcast International Limited. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective owners. 2018 Speedcast International Limited. All rights reserved. Contact Information:Toni Lee RudnickiVice President, Global MarketingSpeedcast International [email protected] +1-832-668-2634 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/610079/Speedcast_International_Ltd_Logo.jpg PR Newswire LONDON, Dec. 4, 2018 LONDON, Dec. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Surgery Tables Market (Type - Powered, Non powered; Application - General Surgery Tables, Orthopedic Tables, Imaging Tables; End use - Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgery Centers) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2018 - 2026Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5611666 Global Surgery Tables Market - OverviewSurgery tables are designed to provide a safe way of positioning patients for surgery.They are divided into four sections that support major body parts such as the head, back, seat, and leg.The global surgery tables market is expanding at a significant pace due to factors such as new technological advances in modern surgery tables, increasing government investment in health care infrastructure, and integration of hybrid operating rooms in existing hospitals.The global surgery tables market report comprises an elaborate executive summary, which includes a snapshot that provides information about various segments of the market.It also provides information and data analysis of the global market with respect to the segments based on type, application, end-user, and region.A detailed qualitative analysis of drivers, restraints, and opportunities has been provided in the market overview section.Additionally, the section comprises a competitive matrix and company profiles to understand the competitive landscape in the market.This section of the report also provides market attractiveness analysis, by geography, and market share analysis, by key players, thereby presenting a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the global surgery tables market.Global Surgery Tables Market: Key SegmentsIn terms of type, the global surgery tables market has been segmented into powered and non-powered.Based on application, the global surgery tables market has been classified into general surgery tables, orthopedic tables, imaging tables, and others.In terms of end-user, the global surgery tables market has been categorized into hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and others. The market size and forecast for each of these segments have been provided for the period from 2016 to 2026, along with their respective CAGRs for the forecast period from 2018 to 2026, considering 2017 as the base year.Global Surgery Tables Market: Regional OutlookIn terms of geography, the global surgery tables market has been segmented into five major regions and key countries/sub-regions in the respective regions: North America (the U.S. and Canada), Europe (the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia & New Zealand, and Rest of Asia Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, and Rest of Latin America), and Middle East & Africa (GCC Countries, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa). The market size and forecast for each of these regions and the mentioned countries have been provided for the period from 2016 to 2026, along with their respective CAGRs for the period from 2018 to 2026, considering 2017 as the base year. The research study also provides the competitive scenario in these regions.Companies Mentioned in ReportThe report also profiles major players in the market in terms of various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, devices portfolios, business strategies, and recent developments. Major companies profiled in the global surgery tables market include Stryker, STERIS plc, Hill-Rom Services, Inc., Mizuho OSI, Getinge AB, Surgical Tables Inc., AMTAI Medical Equipment, Inc., BARRFAB, and Merivaara Corp.The global surgery tables market has been segmented as follows:Global Surgery Tables Market, by TypePoweredNon-poweredGlobal Surgery Tables Market, by ApplicationGeneral Surgery TablesOrthopedic TablesImaging TablesOthersGlobal Surgery Tables Market, by End-userHospitalsAmbulatory Surgery CentersOthersGlobal Surgery Tables Market, by RegionNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyU.K.FranceItalySpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificJapanChinaIndiaAustralia & New ZealandRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoArgentinaChilePeruBoliviaColombiaRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGCC CountriesSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaDownload the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5611666 About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +1 (718) 213 4904 Website: www.reportbuyer.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/surgery-tables-market---global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2018---2026-300759987.html SOURCE ReportBuyer After the Patiala House court sent AgustaWestland scam accused British national Christian Michel to five-day CBI custody on Wednesday, the UK government has issued a statement, saying it is in contact with his family and the Indian government. The UK government has reportedly sought information regarding the middleman's "circumstances" from the Indian authorities. "Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in the UAE. We are in contact with his family and the Emirati authorities regarding his case, and are urgently seeking information from the Indian authorities on his circumstances," UK High Commission spokesperson Sally Hedley said. The UK High Commission has also sought consular access to Christian Michel, who was brought in a private jet from Dubai on Tuesday night after the UAE government cleared his extradition to India. During his appearance before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar at the Patiala House court, Michel denied his role in the VVIP chopper scam. His lawyers had pleaded that he should be sent to judicial custody, not the CBI custody. But the CBI pleaded his custody was crucial to gain access to documents related to the case that might be in his possession. Politics over Michel's extradition has also gained momentum, with the BJP claiming it as an unequivocal affirmation of the PM Narendra Modi-led government's "seriousness in fighting corruption". The Congress, on the other hand, has raised objections to the way the government has specifically focussed on the AgustaWestland case to distract attention from major issues, like the Rafale deal and Bulandshahr riots. Michel has been accused of receiving about Rs 225 crore from UK-based helicopter manufacturing company AgustaWestland to influence the deal in its favour. His involvement in the 12 VVIP helicopter deal surfaced in 2012 when he was accused of swinging the deal in favour of AgustaWestland and making illegal payments to the Indian authorities. Also read: Who is Christian Michel and what is the AgustaWestland chopper scam? The UPA government had scrapped 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers' contract with the Finmeccanica British subsidiary, AgustaWestland, in January 2014 over the breach of contractual obligations and the charges of paying Rs 423 crore as kickbacks. During the investigation, the CBI had concluded that the Indian government had to bear losses to the tune of Rs 2,600 crore due to the deal. Former Air Force chief SP Tyagi was also arrested over the allegations of reducing the flying ceiling of the helicopter to put AgustaWestland in the race. Edited by Manoj Sharma Union labour minister Santosh Gangwar met a delegation of EPS-95 pensioners on Wednesday and promised to discuss their demand of penison hike with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Pensioners, between the age of 60 and 80 years, have been staging an indefinite hunger strike at the EPFO headquarters in New Delhi since Tuesday over demands of a hike in their pensions. "Our delegation met with Minister Gangwar and demanded that he should forward the duly recommended proposal for enhancement in minimum pension to Rs 7,500 with DA and withdraw EPFO interim advisory of May 31, 2017, for a higher pension on actual salary. The Labour Minister has assured that the government will take every possible step to help the pensioners," said Commander Ashok Raut, President of EPF Rashtriya Sangharsh Samiti. Nearly 60 lakh EPS-95 pensioners, who are receiving pensions in the range of Rs 200 to Rs 2,500, are protesting against the low pension. On December 4, thousands of such pensioners formed a human chain in front of Labour Ministry office to press for their demand. The pensioners are demanding Rs 7,500 along with DA according to the recommendations of Koshiyari Committee. The panel had stated that the minimum monthly pension must be increased to Rs 3,000, plus DA in 2013. The employees who were not brought under the ambit of EPS-95 must be given a monthly pension of Rs 5,000. Paul Blake/ABC(NEW YORK) -- Financially strapped, Jose Aguilar said it felt as though he'd let his family down in 2015 when Wells Fargo foreclosed on his mortgage. But his disappointment redoubled earlier this year when the bank sent him a letter that said a system glitch caused him to lose his home of four years, he says. Aguilar is one of an estimated 545 customers who lost their homes when the bank incorrectly denied 870 loan modification requests due to calculation errors. Wells Fargo, one of the country's largest lenders, revealed the error in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing last month. "Twelve, 13, 15 months time passed, and there was no way of catching up at that point," Aguilar said. "That's when the whole foreclosure proceedings started." Aguilar, who owned a home in upstate New York, said his wife was so exasperated at one point she was "just like, 'I can't do this anymore,'" and she took their kids and moved back to Florida. With the foreclosure weighing on his credit score, Aguilar, who works at a manufacturing plant near Syracuse, found it hard to rent a new place and ended up moving into a friend's basement. "I actually felt like, 'What the hell happened?' Like, I had I thought about suicide many times," he added. "I lost that and everything -- all the money that I put into that house, all the monthly payments that I had to work six, seven days a week just to stay on top of the mortgage." Aguilar said the bank sent him a check for $25,000 earlier this year in an effort to rectify the mistake, but it was far too late -- he'd already lost his home and his family had been torn apart. "My kids are going through hell and back," Aguilar said. "My kids still look at me like it was my fault. Now, I'm the one that let them down. Everything is my fault." Wells Fargo said it's offered the affected families continuing mediation at no cost to them, and has successfully given loan modifications to nearly one million consumers since the glitch occurred. But Aguilar's lawyer, Mark Dann, said the bank has a lot more explaining to do. "Wells Fargo has not been transparent at all about how this happened," Dann said. "Wells Fargo told us well we're not servicing these loans anymore because these people have been foreclosed on. I mean, there's all kinds of things that we need to know so that we can form a lawsuit against them or try to negotiate some sort of a reasonable resolution with them." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. On this episode of Radio Free Acton, producer Caroline Roberts speaks with A.J. Jacobs, journalist and New York Times bestselling author, about his latest book Thanks a Thousand, detailing his trip around to world to find and thank each person who worked to produce his morning coffee. After that, senior editor at the Acton Institute, Rev. Ben Johnson, speaks with Estonian politician Mari-Ann Kelam about her witness of Soviet occupied Estonia and her work to champion freedom even after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Check out these additional resources on this weeks podcast topics: Learn more about A.J. Jacobs Read How gratitude transforms our perspective on global trade by Joseph Sunde Watch The Good Society Read For your freedom and ours: Mari-Ann Kelam and Estonias Singing Revolution by Rev. Ben Johnson Read Walmarts T-shirt homage to mass murder by Mari-Ann Kelam Do you have questions for the Radio Free Acton team that you would like answered in future podcast segments? We want to hear from you! Leave a message at 888-705-4180 or email [email protected] Lastly, if you like what you heard on todays episode, dont forget to give us a rating on iTunes. Fugitive liquor baron, Vijay Mallya, said that he offered to pay back the full amount of the principal loan he owes multiple banks. Mallya, who is being investigated for money-laundering and fraud posted a couple of tweets, following AugustaWestland middleman's Christian Michel's extradition. He also added that Kingfisher beer and airlines added thousands of crore to state exchequers and that he is now offering to pay the entire loan, adding, "Please take it." Vijay Mallya's tweet said that the most important thing is that he is offering the money back. "Politicians and Media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU Bank money. All this is false. Why don't I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. Sad. (sic)," Vijay Mallya tweeted. "Airlines struggling financially partly becoz of high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $ 140/barrel. Losses mounted and that's where Banks money went. I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them. Please take it. (sic)," tweeted Vijay Mallya. He said that for three decades he had been running India's largest alcoholic beverage group and contributed thousands of crore to the state exchequers. Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the states, he said. "Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it. (sic)," Vijay Mallya further tweeted. For three decades running India's largest alcoholic beverage group, we contributed thousands of crores to the State exchequers. Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the States. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it. - Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 He also said that there is a media narrative about his extradition, further adding that it is a separate matter that will take its own legal course. "The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ? (sic)," Vijay Mallya tweeted. I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ? - Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 This is not the first time Mallya has spoken about wanting to repay the banks fully. In a letter to the PM earlier this year, he said that he was making every attempt to settle his dues but has been portrayed as the poster boy of bank defaults in India. The 62-year-old availed huge loans from various banks before fleeing India in March 2016 when banks initiated legal proceedings to recover their loans of more than Rs 9,000 crore. Mallya is currently in the UK and has been trying to fend off India's attempts to bring him back to the country. In what is being seen as a major political coup for the Modi government, Christian James Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore Choppergate scandal was extradited to India from Dubai last night and is expected to be presented in a special CBI court today. Here's all you need to know about the man and the scandal he is linked to, which is India's biggest defence scam after Bofors. Who is Christian James Michel? The 57-year-old British national is an established arms dealer who allegedly helped AgustaWestland - owned by Italian defence company Finmeccanica (now Leornado) - to bag the February 2010 deal for 12 AW101 choppers, mainly meant for VVIP use. The Enforcement Directorate's charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016 accused him of receiving 30 million euros or about Rs 225 crore from the helicopter manufacturer for bribing Indian bureaucrats, politicians and Indian Air Force officials. His diaries, seized by the Italian police and later handed over to the CBI, reveal that he might have paid six million euros to Indian Air Force (IAF) officers, 8.4 million to bureaucrats in addition to 15-16 million to an unidentified political family. The ED officials had previously told PTI that the kickbacks to Michel were paid through a web of companies located in India and overseas on the pretext of payment for consultancy work. He reportedly undertook 300 trips to India between 1997 and 2013. According to India Today, the ED investigation found that Michel remitted part of the money he received from AgustaWestland to a media firm he floated in Delhi through his Dubai-based firm Global Services - one among a maze of shell companies that he had set up. The agency described the fund routing as "criminal activity". Similar payments were allegedly made to various other companies, including Krishnom, a firm jointly owned by former IAF chief SP Tyagi, which received Rs 1 crore. Tyagi is accused of tweaking the contours of the contract to favour AgustaWestland ahead of the bidding process. Incidentally, Michel is not the only middleman being probed in connection with Choppergate - the other two are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. By his own admission, Michel was arrested by the UAE authorities last year on a personal request made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I was arrested in Dubai in February 2017 for the purpose of extradition after a personal request was made by the Indian prime minister to the rulers of the UAE who were attending the Republic Day parade in Delhi in January," Michel was quoted as saying in the Corruption Watch UK report. The Indian investigative agencies had been trying to secure his extradition ever since. What was the AgustaWestland helicopter deal? The Congress-led UPA government in February 2010 inked a deal to purchase 12 AW101 choppers for the IAF from AgustaWestland for Rs 3,600 crore. These choppers were primarily meant to be used for flying VVIPs like the President of India, the Prime Minister, and others. At the time of the deal, India was using Russian helicopter Mi-8 for ferrying the top brass, which was long found to be obsolete in view of the changing threat perceptions. In fact, as far back as 1999, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister, the IAF had reportedly reviewed and recommended the purchase of new choppers. So, tenders were first floated for new helicopters in 2002, but the eligibility criteria at the time meant only one player qualified for the bidding. After the Manmohan Singh government replaced the Vajpayee government in 2004, the new defence ministry put out new eligibility criteria for bidding, bringing down the flying altitude capability from 6,000 metre altitude to 4,500 metre. This expanded the pool of eligible bidders to three manufacturers and six years later AgustaWestland emerged the winner. Significantly, before Tyagi took over as the Air Force chief, the IAF had reportedly opposed purchasing AW101 choppers as they were not capable of flying in high-altitude areas like Siachen and Tiger Hill. By 2012, three AW101 helicopters were delivered to the IAF but the following year the Italian police arrested Bruno Spagnolini, then AgustaWestland CEO, and Giuseppe Orsi, the former president of Finmeccanica, on charges of paying bribes to bag the deal with IAF. This led to the UPA regime first putting the deal on hold - keeping the received choppers in mothball status - while ordering a probe into the allegations, followed by the cancellation of the deal in January 2014 citing breach of contractual obligations. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (approximately Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer due to this scrapped deal. How did India's investigative agencies net Michel? Michel's alleged involvement as a middleman in the deal surfaced in 2012. However, he managed to escape. A fresh CBI charge sheet was finally filed against him and nine other accused in September last year and an open non-bailable arrest was subsequently issued against him. On the basis of this warrant, the Interpol issued a Red Corner Notice which finally led to his arrest in Dubai last February. India officially made the request to the Gulf nation for his extradition, based on the criminal investigations conducted in the case by the CBI and the ED, last March. Michel has reportedly denied all the charges. What's next for Michel? The CBI took Michel into custody as soon as he landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport last night. He will be produced before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar later in the day and the CBI is reportedly likely to request the court for extended custody to grill Michel. With PTI inputs India's major public sector natural resources companies -- ONGC, NMDC and Coal India -- find their going tough in the stock market and lag behind their all-time high market value (annual average) even after years. On November 30, ONGC's market value remained 34 per cent below its all-time high annual average of Rs 2,72,663 crore for financial year 2013/14. Coal India's current market value is 33.75 per cent below its peak value at Rs 2,28,904 crore in FY15. NMDC, which touched its peak of Rs 1,16,621 crore in FY10, is now 74 per cent less in valuation at a paltry Rs 30,230 crore. ONGC has been facing margin pressure for the last four-five years and it failed to increase the profits to FY14 level. In the last financial year, the PSU oil exploration company posted a standalone profit of Rs 19,945 crore, compared to Rs 22,094 crore in FY14. Besides, the company was allegedly under pressure to bail out the debt-laden Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) as it bought the gas block for Rs 7800 crore recently. The opposition parties alleged that the company was used to meet the government's disinvestment target--- ONGC bought government's entire 51.11 per cent stake in HPCL for Rs 36,915 crore earlier this year. The latest news is that the government plans to sell 149 oil and gas fields of ONGC and OIL India to private companies. It has also courted controversy. A six-member panel has been appointed by the government to supervise the sale. Meanwhile, Coal India's employees largely stayed away from buying shares reserved for them during recent government's offer for sale. The shares were undersubscribed by more than 90 per cent, though they were offered to employees at a discount. Coal India shares fell over 15 per cent in November before recovering slightly in the last few days. The state-owned company reported lesser adjusted EBIDTA in the second quarter against the brokerage estimates. Coal India is supplying higher share of production on a priority basis to the less remunerative power sector. The demand for domestic coal increases when imports are expensive, however, Coal India is not benefitting from the demand. "Coal India's production growth has been weak, while the auctioned and allocated coal blocks have not been able to ramp up production," analysts at JP Morgan said in a recent report. The company's profit is consistently falling and its FY18 consolidated profit of Rs 7,020 crore is just half of its FY16 profit. The country's largest iron ore producer NMDC has slashed prices of high grade iron ore and fines for the current month for countering the cheap imports. In April-September, the country's import has soared 183 per cent over the year-ago period and it affected NMDC. Iron ore imports by the country is projected to touch 15 million tonnes (mt) by the close of this fiscal, 60 per cent higher than 8.7 mt imported in FY18, as per the forecasts of the Pellet Manufacturers Association of India (PMAI). Earlier, NMDC was struggling to achieve volume growth due to the production halt at Donimalai mine over the issue of additional rental demanded by the Karnataka government as a pre-condition for extending the mining lease. NMDC's under-construction steel plant at Nagarnar in Chhattisgarh is facing delay after local protests. The central government had a plan to privatise the steel plant, but it met with little success because of the opposition from NMDC employees, Financial Express reported. The company's standalone profit of Rs 3800 crore is almost half compared to its FY14 level. The situation is same with the country's largest public sector power producer NTPC, which has a share value capitalisation of Rs 1,15,395 crore and is 32 per cent lower than the peak in FY10. The power generation company is not seeing any improvement in profit for the last four-five years. OTTAWA - An idyllic estate on the shore of Meech Lake outside Ottawa will be the scene Thursday when representatives from more than a dozen countries gather to discuss the war against the Islamic State group and the futures of Iraq and Syria. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - An idyllic estate on the shore of Meech Lake outside Ottawa will be the scene Thursday when representatives from more than a dozen countries gather to discuss the war against the Islamic State group and the futures of Iraq and Syria. The meeting, co-hosted by Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and his American counterpart James Mattis, comes as Canada weighs its own role in the region, where the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant remains a threat despite its battlefield defeats. Minister of National Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, Dec.4, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld A recent U.S. Defense Department report that said while ISIL has lost nearly all the territory it once controlled in Iraq, it has started to dig roots as an "effective" insurgent group and that it could take "years, if not decades" before the Iraqi military can deal with it on its own. Canada earlier this year assumed command of a NATO training mission that includes 250 Canadian troops and whose aim is to train the Iraqi military so that it can ensure security and defend against threats such as ISIL. But hundreds of other Canadian soldiers not assigned to the training mission have continued to fly transport and refuelling aircraft, collect and analyze intelligence and provide medical assistance to coalition efforts against ISIL, also known as ISIS. That aspect of the mission is set to expire in March, and the question going into Thursday's meeting is whether the federal government will opt to keep those troops in Iraq, change their mission or begin to take them out of the country. "We want to be a responsible coalition partner," Sajjan said Wednesday when asked whether the government will extend the mission in Iraq. "We're doing the proper analysis and we'll adjust with the situation." The Meech Lake meeting will involve representatives from 13 countries leading the fight against ISIL, whose capture of large swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014 and brutal tactics resulted in a massive U.S.-led military intervention involving dozens of countries. Canada initially deployed a handful of special-forces soldiers to help the Kurds in northern Iraq defend against further ISIL incursions in September 2014, before adding fighter jets, surveillance and refuelling aircraft and more troops. The mission, now in its fifth year, has evolved numerous times. That includes the Liberal government's decision to withdraw Canadian fighter jets from the region in 2016 and a shift from training Kurdish forces to helping the Iraqi military. The Liberal government has given military commanders permission to deploy up to 850 Canadian Forces members to the region, though a military spokeswoman could not say Wednesday how many are on the ground now. The U.S.-led coalition against ISIL says the extremist group has lost all the territory it held in Iraq and still holds less than one per cent of the land it once occupied in Syria. "Great progress has been made. Daesh now does not control any territory," Sajjan said Wednesday. "Now we need to make sure that we focus on the capacity-building and the training." Yet a report released by the U.S. Defense Department's lead inspector general for overseas contingency operations last month warned that "an effective clandestine ISIS organization appears to be taking hold in both countries." Iraq's deserts and mountains were found to have made it hard for the Iraqi military to oust the last ISIL remnants, it added, allowing the group to continue attacks against Iraqi forces, local community leaders and the country's power grid. That, in turn, has weakened public confidence in the Iraqi government and military, which is already low amid anger and protests over a lack of water, electricity and jobs as corruption and political instability in Baghdad have slowed post-ISIL recovery. Political, ethnic and religious divisions, as well as competing interests among various foreign actors such as the U.S. and Iran, have posed significant challenges to stabilization and reconstruction over the past year. Yet while Canada and others have turned their efforts to train the Iraqi military from fighting on the battlefield to counter-insurgency, the report quoted the U.S. Defense Department as warning that it could take "years, if not decades" for the Iraqis to become self-reliant. "Systemic weaknesses remain, many of which are the same deficiencies that enabled the rise of ISIS in 2014," the report reads. The assessment raises questions about how long U.S. forces will need to remain in the country, it adds, "since the goal of that mission is defined as the 'enduring defeat' of ISIS." With files from Terry Pedwell Follow @leeberthiaume on Twitter WASHINGTON - It was his first NATO meeting in 1989, and as a parade of world leaders took turns at the podium, newly elected U.S. president George H.W. Bush was taking a lot of notes. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Former Sen. Bob Dole salutes the flag-draped casket containing the remains of former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) WASHINGTON - It was his first NATO meeting in 1989, and as a parade of world leaders took turns at the podium, newly elected U.S. president George H.W. Bush was taking a lot of notes. Brian Mulroney, Canada's prime minister at the time, couldn't help but notice and ultimately couldn't resist. "It's very flattering to have the president of the United States take notes as you speak," Mulroney wryly observed during a moment of levity in his tribute to the life and foreign-policy legacy of his close friend and confidant. "Even someone as modest as me," he said, pausing for a cascade of knowing laughter, "threw in a few more adjectives here and there, to extend the pleasure of the experience." Nearly 30 years later, Mulroney again spared few superlatives Wednesday during a solemn and reverential state funeral at Washington's National Cathedral, predicting that the 41st president would go down in history as the strongest, bravest and most distinguished commander-in-chief the United States has ever known. "Many men of differing talents and skills have served as president and many more will do so as the decades unfold, bringing new strength and glory to these United States of America," Mulroney said, with the current one Donald Trump sitting directly in front of him. "And 50 or 100 years from now, as historians review the accomplishments and the context of all who have served as president, I believe it will be said ... that no occupant of the Oval Office was more courageous, more principled and more honourable than George Herbert Walker Bush." Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, center, shakes hands with former President George W. Bush, right, after speaking during the State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool) None of the president's eulogizers not Mulroney, nor presidential historian Jon Meacham, nor former Republican senator Alan Simpson, nor Bush's own son and eventual successor in the White House, George W. Bush made any overt comparisons to Trump. But at virtually every turn, in every rhetorical flourish hailing the elder Bush as a paragon of leadership, virtue and character, the contrast and the tension were palpable. Before the ceremony began, the current president's arrival alongside first lady Melania Trump marked a dramatic shift in mood. As they sat down, the couple exchanged brief pleasantries with their predecessors, Barack and Michelle Obama. Next to them were Bill and Hillary Clinton, Trump's 2016 campaign rival, who stared straight ahead, stone-faced. Bush lived his life through a modest prism of principle, Meacham said: "Tell the truth, don't blame people, be strong, do your best, try hard, forgive, stay the course." He described the president's famous rallying cry of "a thousand points of light" as evocative of Lincoln's "better angels of our nature," calling them "companion verses in America's national hymn." Trump, no fan of the Bush family, has mocked "points of light" at recent campaign rallies, preferring his own protectionist philosophy of "America first." Nor was Trump asked to speak during the funeral, as is tradition for sitting presidents. Ostensibly, that's because the family already had a ready-made former president waiting in the wings: the fallen leader's son, whose eulogy collapsed briefly into tears as he imagined his father reunited with his late wife Barbara and daughter Robin, lost to leukemia in 1953. "Through our tears, let us know the blessings of knowing and loving you, a great and noble man, the best father a son or daughter could ask," Bush said. "And in our grief, let us smile, knowing that Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom's hand again." Mulroney, too, struggled at one point to contain himself as he recounted Bush, a former navy pilot, showing him a plaque mounted at the family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine. It was inscribed with the letters CAVU: "ceiling and visibility unlimited," a description of perfect flying conditions. "They are truly at peace with themselves, joyous in what they and the children have achieved, gratified by the goodness that God has bestowed upon them all. And genuinely content with the thrill and promise of each passing day," Mulroney said, referring to notes he made following that Labour Day encounter in 2001. "George, who had tears in his eyes as I spoke, said, 'You know, Brian, you've got us pegged just right.' " On the side of the Canadian Embassy on Pennsylvania Avenue, a towering banner honoured Bush's memory with a photo of the two leaders together. As the motorcade bearing his flag-shrouded casket drove by, embassy staff stood on the steps in silent tribute, some with hands on their hearts. The former prime minister lingered on his old friend's foreign-policy and legislative resume, hailing his ability to navigate some of the most momentous, fractious moments in global history, including the collapse of the Soviet Union and the delicate challenge of reuniting a divided Germany after the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Mulroney hailed the first Gulf War a "Bush initiative, from beginning to end" as "one of the most spectacular and successful international initiatives ever undertaken in modern history." And he cited the Americans with Disabilities Act, the acid-rain accord with Canada, and of course NAFTA, ushering in "the largest and richest free trade area in the history of the world." NAFTA, he acknowledged, has been "recently modernized and improved by new administrations," a reference to both the Liberal government in Ottawa and Trump himself, who has famously denounced the trade pact as one of the worst deals the United States has ever signed. "There's a word for this," Mulroney said. "It's called leadership. When George Bush was president of the United States of America, every single head of government in the world knew that they were dealing with a gentleman, a genuine leader, one who was distinguished, resolute and brave." Liberal cabinet minister Scott Brison and Ambassador David MacNaughton were also among an estimated 3,000 friends, dignitaries, presidents past and present and other political heavyweights who gathered at the cathedral for a final farewell. "He was just an extraordinarily gracious person," Brison said in an interview Monday. "He came from tremendous privilege, but he chose to use that privilege and that upbringing to serve the greater good. That sense of noblesse oblige is something that a lot of people of privilege don't necessarily remember, that sense of giving back. That was something he took seriously." MONTREAL - It has been just over two months since they were elected to the legislature, and new Quebec solidaire members have not yet succeeded in their goal of replacing capitalism. But they have launched an assault on business attire that is making waves in the provincial capital. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. MONTREAL - It has been just over two months since they were elected to the legislature, and new Quebec solidaire members have not yet succeeded in their goal of replacing capitalism. But they have launched an assault on business attire that is making waves in the provincial capital. Since the legislature resumed sitting last week, some members of the left-leaning party have been spotted at the national assembly wearing tank tops, jeans, heavy boots, tuques and running shoes. Quebec Solidaire MNAs Catherine Dorion, left, and Sol Zanetti smile as they enter for question period, Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the legislature in Quebec City. Some concerns were raised the last days on the dress code from the two MNAs THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot "Institutions change over the years," said 36-year-old Catherine Dorion, who on some days wears green Dr. Martens boots to work. "If they didn't, we would all be wearing white wigs, and women wouldn't be allowed in the legislature." The newcomers' fashion sense has caught the attention of Speaker Francois Paradis, a member of the governing Coalition Avenir Quebec party. He told reporters Wednesday he wants to modernize the legislature and welcomes a debate about its dress code. "I am happy because this reflection is essential and healthy," Paradis said. "This reflection is happening everywhere in the world." Quebec solidaire members take pride in their radical policies they talk openly of nationalizing some industries and moving "beyond capitalism." But the party's 10 members also believe their recent electoral success shows citizens are ready for a different kind of politician. Sol Zanetti, 36, elected for the first time in the Oct. 1 vote, told reporters he wore jeans last week during question period, and no one seemed to notice. He said politicians should be allowed to wear what they want within reason. The 500-page legislature rule book says members must "contribute to the maintenance of decorum," but it does not dictate a dress code. "You have to have confidence in people," Zanetti told reporters at the legislature. "If we came dressed as a chicken or a giraffe, then we would be harming decorum. But as of now, we are dressing in a comfortable way." Quebec solidaire also eschews the traditional party structure. It doesn't have "leaders" in the formal sense, but rather, one male and one female "spokesperson." Politicians are regularly accused of not relating to young people, Dorion said, adding that dressing in a diverse fashion might get new people interested in politics. She gave her election victory speech wearing a pink T-shirt with flamingos printed on it. "Why not go and attract more people by representing a larger palette of people?" she asked. Quebec solidaire increased its seat total to 10 from three in the election, winning beyond Montreal for the first time with seats in Quebec City, the Eastern Townships, and northwestern Quebec. For many, it has replaced the Parti Quebecois as the voice of a young, progressive, sovereigntist movement. Martin Ouellet, a PQ member of the legislature, rejected the idea that more formal attire somehow prevents him from representing everyone in his riding. "If I come here wearing a suit and tie, do I represent less well the people of my riding?" he asked. "My riding is full of people who work in factories, who work hard. If I came here in work boots and factory clothes, would I be more authentic? I'm not convinced." With files from Caroline Plante OTTAWA - This story is not available at this time. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Minister Patricia Hajdu responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons Thursday November 22, 2018 in Ottawa. The federal Liberals are dropping contentious requirements about values and beliefs for any group wanting money from the government's premiere summer jobs program. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - This story is not available at this time. VANCOUVER - The British Columbia government has released its plan to dramatically cut pollution as it builds a low-carbon economy. Here are some of the goals in the government's plan: Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 5/12/2018 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. VANCOUVER - The British Columbia government has released its plan to dramatically cut pollution as it builds a low-carbon economy. Here are some of the goals in the government's plan: The strategy will require an additional 4,000 gigawatt hours of electricity over current demand, equal to increasing BC Hydro's current system-wide capacity by about eight per cent, or about the demand by consumers in Vancouver. By 2032, new buildings will be 80 per cent more efficient than homes built today. Emission from buildings will drop by 40 per cent, the government says. Fossil fuel use for transportation will drop by 20 per cent by 2030, spurred by 30 per cent of sales of new light-duty cars and trucks being zero-emission vehicles. By 2025, methane emissions from the natural gas sector will drop by 45 per cent. Ninety-five per cent of organic waste from agriculture, industry and municipalities will be diverted from landfills and turned into other products by 2030. Seventy-five per cent of landfill methane will be captured by 2030. The legislated target for 2030 is a reduction of 25.4 megatonnes of greenhouse gas from the 2007 baseline. The province set new targets for greenhouse gas emissions in May, committing to reductions of 40 per cent by 2030, 60 per cent by 2040 and 80 per cent by 2050. B.C.'s price on carbon increased this year to $35 per tonne and will go up $5 per year until 2021 in an effort to encourage lower emission alternatives. WASHINGTON - Life-changing technology breakthroughs could be strangled by red tape at the Canada-U.S. border unless the two countries give innovators one shared set of rules to follow, Treasury Board President Scott Brison said in Washington Tuesday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 4/12/2018 (1088 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. WASHINGTON - Life-changing technology breakthroughs could be strangled by red tape at the Canada-U.S. border unless the two countries give innovators one shared set of rules to follow, Treasury Board President Scott Brison said in Washington Tuesday. Brison joined Mick Mulvaney, director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, to kick off a two-day meeting of the Regulatory Co-operation Council, charged with figuring out new ways to cut through the reams of regulations that pose an ever-present risk to Canada-U.S. trade. For a business with a clever new product, having to follow two sets of rules in two different markets can be extremely challenging, especially if the business is small. "It makes a lot of sense for us to work together, multilaterally, in developing regulatory approaches that are consistent between our countries, whether you're talking drones, or AI, or robotics. It is in the interest of the health and safety of our citizens, and the job-creation capacity of our businesses, to work together," Brison said in an interview. One novel idea stakeholders were discussing Tuesday: keep red tape from sprouting in the first place. By working together on standards that are very similar, the risk of regulatory differences could be minimized almost to the point that the need for the council founded in 2011 to cut the countless regulatory roadblocks between the two countries would one day cease to exist. "If we do a really good job of deepening the regulatory co-operation between U.S. agencies and Canadian agencies, in time the RCC is not really going to be needed," Brison said. "The objective will be that the level of co-operation between our two agencies is so deep and so instinctive that you won't need to have another body." The oncoming AI revolution is poised to turn the auto industry on its head, with dramatic changes in how vehicles are built and used sure to be coming fast and furious, said Mark Nantais, president of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association. A seamless integration of standards between Canada and the U.S. would help ensure that both countries realize the benefits not only of new technology itself, but the economic prospects it brings, Nantais said. "There's just so much interest in terms of automated vehicles, electric vehicles everybody wants a piece of that action," including not only in the building of vehicles, but cutting-edge areas like software, cybersecurity and AI, Nantais told the forum during Tuesday's panel discussion. "But if we really want to be effective in how we bring forward those technologies, we have to make sure we don't put in place impediments to those technologies." That means ensuring co-operation between agencies, sharing research and knowing when to resist the temptation to do what often comes naturally to big bureaucracies, he said. "In many instances that may not mean regulation at all that might mean the co-ordination of best practices or non-regulatory approaches." Michael Fitzpatrick, the head of regulatory advocacy, global law and policy for General Electric, told the panel that emerging technologies would be a good area for regulators on either side of the border to work on aligning their rules, since the development of the technology is global in scope. But it's important not to lose sight of the "transactional" nature of business, he added. "At the end of the day, businesses are bottom-line, they do cost-benefit every day, and we're not going to be interested in participating in a three-year process of culture change at the agencies. If you succeed, terrific," Fitzpatrick said. "The bottom line for businesses are, are there actual regulatory wins that will benefit the economy, consumers and business, and can we see the victories at some regular pace." Streetwise: Jingle All the Way by Frank Dunnigan December 2018 As this column approaches its tenth anniversary (120 monthly installments since January 2009), year-end celebrations remain a popular topic for remembrance. In earlier times, holidays were celebrated one by one, with little or no overlap. Halloween items might go on sale in early October at local retailers such as Vicente Variety at 23rd Avenue and Vicente Street, King Normans on Clement Street, many local Woolworth stores, and dozens of other places. When that holiday was over, Thanksgiving goods appeared, and Christmas merchandise would follow a month later. It was a pleasant, orderly way to do businessunlike many stores today, where back-to-school, Halloween, and Thanksgiving items are often displayed side-by-side in late summer, with Christmas-themed goods sometimes creeping into the mix before Labor Day. It used to be just after Thanksgiving that TV commercials began advertising Schwinn bicycles, Easy-Bake ovens, boxed games, dolls, and Lionel trains as Christmas/Hanukkah gifts for good girls and boysa qualifier seldom seen today. Moms and Dads were expected to overhear such suggestions and most kids helped the process along with some not-too-subtle reminders and lengthy letters to Santa. My own mother (along with many others who had secretarial training) kept her holiday shopping list in short-handthe secret code indecipherable by Dads and kids. On December 1st, local newspapers began placing a prominent box on the front pages, announcing Only XX more shopping days before Christmas, while big stores politely refrained from placing a Santa Claus face in a corner of their daily ads until then. The jolly mans arrival downtown via cable car was cause for celebrationunlike todays public stampede and trampling of other greedy shoppers in big box stores just hours after Thanksgiving dinner as weary rent-a-cops look on helplessly. Holiday shopping trips followed a pattern for many families. The Emporium on Market Street was often the first place visited. Five streetcar lines and numerous MUNI buses stopped right in front of the store and often more than half the passengers disembarked simultaneously. The store was decorated to look like a winter wonderland, including its massive toy department at the back of the fourth floor, with childrens clothing nearby. Families would often split up, with Grandma or another relative taking the kids to visit Santa and the carnival-like roof rides so that moms could shop on their own. Lunch at Woolworth was a regular stop for many families, and that store offered numerous gift items priced under $1 (records, books, picture frames, desk accessories) for bargain-conscious shoppersespecially school-age children. Other families favored a sit-down lunch at Bernsteins on Powell Street, Johns Grill on Ellis, or Townsends on Gearyparticularly if grandparents happened to be present. A visit to the City of Paris department store tree beneath the rotunda was a big part of the day, and most kids insisted on viewing the spectacular ornaments from each floor in order to see the details. Depending on how well everyones feet were feeling there might be a walk through the Podesta-Baldocchi flower shop on Grant Avenue with thousands of tiny twinkling lights, poinsettias, and the scent of evergreen boughs. Ladies might make a stop at the beautifully appointed restrooms of I. Magnin, and if youngsters were especially well-behaved there might even be a sweet treat at Blums before the streetcar ride home, with everyone feeling exhausted but happy. Many people also made excursions to Stonestown (more roof rides at the Emporium store there), plus shopping at B. Dalton Books, Gallenkamp Shoes, or Toy World. At the far end of the mall was the Butler Brothers storewhich became City of Paris in 1960, then Bullocks in 1977, then Nordstrom in 1988now reportedly set to close in January 2019. Other visits might include GETs on Sloat Boulevard (kids clothing, Kodak camera equipment, and discounted toys), Sears Roebuck at Geary Boulevard and Masonic Avenue (tools for Dad/a major appliance for Mom), or one of the many shops along neighborhood shopping corridors. Although we generally carried our purchases home, many customers today rely upon a friendly UPS or FedEx driver to deliver items from online merchants. Among childhood traditions, many of us continued to express belief in Santa even after we knew the truthout of fear that our gifts might become underwear, bathrobes, or slippers if our parents learned what we really knew. As we grew older, wish-list items shifted from toys and games to very specific clothing and accessories. Parents often found it difficult to judge fashion trends, and many of them relied upon anything from Joseph Magnin to please teen-age girls, and items from Bruce Bary in Stonestown to please boys (I still wear the red-and-blue scarf in S.I. colors that came from that store at Christmas of 1966). Eventually, money became a popular gift that satisfied changing teen tastes. Major stores offered gift certificates, but nowhere near todays proliferation of gift cards. In the old days, my parents might stock up with a couple of one-pound boxes of Sees Candy or gift-wrapped quarts of bourbon as last-minute giftswhile today, a quick visit to any supermarket provides easy access to gift cards from hundreds of different stores and restaurants. Mom always picked our familys Christmas card in Novemberinvariably one with a decorated tree in shades of green and gold. (Since college, Ive favored images of the three kings for my own cards.) On a Sunday afternoon in December, there would be an assembly line at the kitchen table: Mom addressing envelopes (Palmer Method penmanship from Catholic school days) while Dad would write messages to a dozen or so of his World War II Navy buddies scattered across the country, and then I would apply stamps, return address labels, and Christmas seals. December mail was delivered twice a day until the mid-1960s, and all the cards we received were displayed throughout the living room and dining room. On the 2600 block of 18th Avenue adults and kids alike were eagerly awaiting the second Saturday of Decemberthe kick-off of an annual outdoor holiday lighting tradition begun in the 1930s when the homes were new, and continuing until 1969-70. This was the night that my grandmother always took us out for an early dinner at The Hot House so that party preparations in Moms kitchen were not disturbed. Mexican food, salt spray on a cold night, twinkling lights, and the joyful sounds of Playland remain an indelible Christmas memory for me. Once we were home after dinner, Santa would arrive at 6:00 p.m., courtesy of the San Francisco Fire Department, via an engine from the station on 18th Avenue near Rivera Street. As sirens blared, all the Christmas trees and outdoor lights on the block were illuminated at the same time. Even among those who did not celebrate the religious aspects of Christmas joined in with lighted outdoor Stars of David plus festive pinecone wreaths and jolly snow figures in their windows. As loudspeakers played carols, Santa sat on a gold-painted throne at someones garage entrance, listening to wish lists and distributing peppermint candy canes. The festivities continued with open house parties up and down both sides of the streetparents, kids, classmates, relatives, and friends all joining together in a wonderful celebration that spilled in and out of every home until nearly midnight. We truly knew our neighbors then, and many of those friendships continue to this day. As the holidays grew closer, baking was a popular activity and neighborhood grocery stores sometimes experienced shortages of essential items. Many moms, my own included, would begin accumulating cereals and seasonings for her Chex Mixas others stocked up on red-green sprinkles, chocolate chips, walnuts, or the makings for Rice Krispie treats. Many households saved empty jars and boxes all year long for holiday packaging, eventually filling them with food treats wrapped in shiny foil and topped with a red or green bow as presents for neighbors. Last-minute gifts (Dads traditional bottle of Aqua Velva aftershave and a carton of Kool menthol cigaretteswhat were we thinking???) could be picked up at Reis Pharmacy on Taraval Street. This was also the place to replenish all those red/green/silver foil-wrapped Hershey Kisses that were being quietly devoured daily. For 50+ years, my fathers aunt hosted a Christmas Eve gathering in her big flat on Duboce Avenue, where her youngest child/grandchild/great-grandchild recited Twas the Night Before Christmasan event that I still recall from its final days in the mid-1950s. Most families with children opened gifts on Christmas morning, thus giving parents extra time to agonize over the horrors of easy-to-assemble bicycles with strangely worded instructions: attach rail YX to crossbar L-113, tightening with prudent care to avoid any accidentals which may lead to injurious catastrophes. As kids grew older, many families shifted gift exchanges to Christmas Eve. By the 1970s, many people began a tradition of appetizers/drinks, then opening presents, followed by dessert and coffee. Among my own high school and college friends this celebration was often extended by attending Midnight Mass at St. Ignatius Churcha popular site for this traditional service since the 1880s when it was located on Hayes Street near Van Ness Avenue. Revelers might then return home about 1:30 a.m. to continue the festivities, often in one of those knotty-pine downstairs rooms. Christmas morning breakfast was another popular tradition. Although the Cliff House and its gin fizzes attracted crowds, many people preferred home-based celebrations with made-from-scratch baked goods, sparkling cider, a variety of sausages, and hot chocolate on the table. Everyone was free to sleep in and to relax over breakfast/brunch while still clad in nightclothesa wardrobe statement still favored by all of my cousins when we gather together. In many families, Christmas dinner often resembled a replay of Thanksgiving, though with many more red/green foods (Jell-O salads, veggies, desserts). Often centered on a turkey, rib roast, or hamplus fresh seafood among Italian familiesthis meal was another traditional event. Among those families that opened their gifts on Christmas Eve some opted for a more casual dinner on the 25ththus freeing up college-age kids who happened to be home on school break additional time to socialize with their contemporaries. Today, many family members live far beyond San Francisco, so the holidays have evolved into a two-week-long calendar of events with visiting, gift exchanges, and celebratory meals among parents, step-parents, siblings, step-siblings, in-laws, ex-in-laws, cousins, and multiple sets of grandparents/step-grandparents. Instead of a few days of festivities gatherings are now spread outwith a significant increase in the amount of driving involved, thus introducing many holiday bottlenecks19th Avenue, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, US-101, and Interstate 280, to name just a few. Still, with a spirit of good will in the air, and regardless of ones religious convictions, most people would agree that the end of the calendar year and the start of winter is a fine time to extend good wishes to one and allalong with hopes for a very happy new year. Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places! Boxset viewers and fans of Irish original content are set for a binge-watching boost as the revamped RTE Player is launched before the end of the week. Viewers will be able to gorge on original Irish content exclusive to the RTE Player, which will resemble the user-friendly style of Netflix or Amazon Prime. The plans were unveiled at an RTE briefing in Cork, where staff said the new player would totally overhaul the catch-up television-style model it has followed. Director general Dee Forbes said RTE did not want to be Netflix, and would differentiate itself with a lot more Irish content. In a bid to attract a younger audience, the new player will be collaborating with content producers to produce shows only available on the overhauled platform. It will have 20 original titles to begin with, including a show with Doireann Garrihy, the 26-year-old social media sensation who has made the leap to television in recent months, while favourites like Love/Hate will also be available. Archived favourites should also prove popular with viewers nostalgic for the likes of 1990s teenage gameshow Blackboard Jungle, which helped propel Ray DArcy to national stardom. Major hit Love/Hate is sure to gain a whole new audience after its barnstorming run on the State broadcaster between 2010 and 2014. The player will be advert-based but in a way that is not overwhelming to the viewer, RTE staff said. It was a myth that traditional media was dead, Ms Forbes said, but the shift to online platforms was a parallel track. All this is coming your way tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/YSYFZejbGB RTE Player (@RTEplayer) December 2, 2018 Head of online, Aoife Byrne, said: Were going to start rolling out website today, and the mobile apps tomorrow and Friday, on all connected devices. Its been a huge project for RTE. Our competition is global, so if we are to survive and be relevant for the next generation, we have to have that ambition to be as good as Netflix and Amazon, but yet be distinctive. People have changed and dont wait for us to come to them - we need to give them content how they want to watch it. Weve basically gone from a couple of hundred episodes of catch-up television to a platform for literally people to immerse themselves in. Weve got live channels to watch on any device, weve got brand new channels, an archive channel, a food channel - it will really serve our audience. It will be a destination to go to like Netflix or YouTube -- we have thousands of hours. All the best of RTE drama from the last 10 years, hundreds of documentaries, a kids mode which will lock off any unsuitable content. Television does a brilliant job of doing television -- we are here to fill the gaps, not here to try and duplicate that. Nearly 70% of our Player audience is under 45, and 60% of our streaming is on mobile devices, so there is huge appetite for short-form content. A judge has approved a bail surety for a jailed mother of nine whose humanist marriage he described as mumbo jumbo and 'for the fairies. At Ennis District Court today, Judge Patrick Durcan approved Thomas McLeish as independent surety for 41-year-old Patricia McLeish (Fogarty) of Shanbally, Craughwell, Co Galway. Solicitor for the Co Clare native, Stiofan Fitzpatrick said that Mr McLeish is the ex-husband of the woman. Before approving surety that will allow the woman be released on bail from prison pending her appeal to the Circuit Court, Judge Durcan said that the case had caused him "distress". Ms McLeish (Fogarty) spent Tuesday night in Limerick prison after earlier that day, Judge Durcan at Killaloe District Court jailed the mother of nine, with five children aged under the age of nine, for four months after she pleaded guilty to driving without insurance. It was the Co Clare womans eighth conviction for driving without insurance and she was disqualified from driving when detected driving without insurance in March of this year. Judge Durcan also banned Ms McLeish (Fogarty) from driving for two years after he convicted her of giving a Garda a false name when she said she was Patricia Fogarty after being stopped at the side of the road by Det Garda John Jenks on March 6 last at Bridgetown, Co Clare. On Tuesday, solicitor for Ms McLeish (Fogarty), Jennifer Donovan said that her client now goes by the name of Patricia Fogarty after taking her husbands Fogarty surname after marrying at a humanist ceremony four years ago. Ms Donovan said: She presently goes by the Fogarty name and uses the name of Fogarty but I cant give you any documentation to show that. In reply, Judge Durcan said: Because basically that is not her name. Ms Donovan said that there was no deliberate attempt by her client to mislead Det Jenks on March 6 last when she said that she is Patricia Fogarty. She said: It isnt a name she plucked out of the air. Fogarty is a name she goes by. Her childrens birth certificates have Fogarty on it." However, Judge Durcan said: The law provides procedures for entering into marriage which is something that imposes civil responsibility and imposes civil obligations. That is what marriage is and your client wasnt married four years ago. Judge Durcan said: Let us go by legal principles here - her maiden name is Haskett, her first husband was McLeish - her only husband. Ms Donovan said: She instructed me that she was married in a humanist ceremony four years ago. Judge Durcan said that the woman piles on by telling untruths to Det Garda Jenks and instructs you to come in here with this cock and bull story about being married that is daft and for the fairies. Ms Donovan said that her client has a voting card with the name Fogarty on it. In reply, Judge Durcan said: Your client has been living in an unreal world. Judge Durcan said: Det Garda Jenks spent a considerable time talking to this driver at the side of the road and she did not come clean despite Det Jenkss suspicions and she played it out to the very last moment. Ms McLeish (Fogarty) will now be allowed out on bail pending the hearing of the appeal against her jail term and driving ban at the circuit court. A then 13-year-old boy has been admitted taking part in a vicious mugging in Dublin which left a woman with a fractured skull. The boy, now aged 14, pleaded guilty to the robbery at the North Circular Road at just after 8.50pm on April 4 last. Detective Garda Ruairi O'Connor told the Dublin Children's Court the woman had been walking home from work when she was approached by two males including the boy. She was forcibly dragged to the ground, he said. Her mobile phone was ripped from her hand, Det Garda OConnor added. Her handbag, laptop and mobile phone were taken and she was punched a number of times, Judge John O'Connor was told. The court heard she was taken to the Mater Hospital and suffered a fractured skull. Det Garda OConnor said the woman was now fine and he agreed with defence solicitor Matthew Kenny that she spent six hours in hospital and it was a hairline fracture. He also agreed that the early guilty plea was of assistance to the woman and the 14-year-old was not the main instigator. An older youth is awaiting trial in connection with the incident. Mr Kenny said the 14-year-old was also awaiting sentence in the midlands for a theft offence and a probation report was being prepared. The boy, who did not address the court, was accompanied to hearing by his mother. Judge OConnor described the case as a serious matter and the starting point was custodial sentence. A lot depended on the findings of a probation report, which, he warned, needed to be positive. The boy also admitted attacking a security guard who foiled an attempt to steal clothes from a shop mannequin, in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin on a date last March. The teen struck him as he was fleeing from the shop. He had no prior criminal convictions. Sentencing was adjourned until a date in January. A CORK man who was incarcerated in Greece on suspicion of human trafficking and espionage has been released on bail after an agonising 106 days in jail. Sean Binder, from Doughcloyne in Togher, was incarcerated more than three months ago and it was feared he would spend up to 18 months in the Chios Island prison before going on trial. The 24-year old had travelled to Lesbos as a volunteer with Emergency Response Centre International an NGO working with asylum seekers. However, his life was turned upside down after he became part of an organisation accused of smuggling migrants into Greece, spying and money laundering. Amnesty International said Mr Binder was a volunteer providing life-saving help for refugees. The organisation welcomed his released on bail along with three other NGOs. Whilst we welcome the news that these dedicated humanitarians will be back with their families after more than 100 days behind bars, the fact that they still face absurd charges and potentially long prison sentences is an outrage, Amnesty said in a statement. Seans mother, Fanny, said she is elated by his release and hopes her son can have a proper family Christmas. Amnesty International said the case of Sean Binder and three other NGOs was another example of authorities misusing anti-smuggling laws. This case is just the latest example of how authorities are misusing anti-smuggling laws to target activists and criminalise rescue. To detain dedicated volunteer humanitarians who helped people in need defies logic. People who selflessly act in these ways should be lauded not imprisoned. These baseless charges should be dropped. Seans mum said the support of so many people in Ireland and internationally had helped secure his release on bail. Im convinced that without the support of everyone who spoke up for us, Sean would not be free today, she said. My heart is full of love. The last few weeks were among the hardest. Now we cant wait to come home and be a normal family again. Fanny drew strength from her sons courage throughout the ordeal. I had to keep my emotions stored away, she said. This is something that Ive learned over the last few months. Sean is an amazing young man and there wasnt a day went by that he didnt focus on how to improve his situation and move forward. When I visited him we tried not to talk about his situation. Even then, we still found moments where we laughed together. Fanny said she feared the worst but is delighted by his release. I tried not to think of these things because I didnt want Sean to be disappointed. Nobody thought this would happen. It hasnt even sunk in for me yet. She is most looking forward to sitting down for a meal with the family. Seans favourite dish is lasagne so Im going to be making mountains of it, she laughed. We welcome news that Sean Binder & Sara Mardini have been released on bail, but smuggling charges against the humanitarian workers must be dropped. This case is the latest example of how authorities are mis-using anti-smuggling laws to target activists https://t.co/iYa6Wr9VmB Amnesty Ireland (@AmnestyIreland) December 4, 2018 The graduate of political science at Trinity College was arrested last February before being released. He later handed himself in to authorities after an arrest warrant was issued for him. Fanny said: He wants to find a positive in all of this. Things have to change and policies need to be clearer. Innocent people cant be put in prison. There are thousands of lives at stake here. She is still reeling from the experience. Sean is the most straight-laced person you could ever meet. Its always been important to him to do things right and in a way that doesnt cause hurt to others. Fanny spent the majority of her time since Seans incarceration in Lesbos where she was able to visit her son three times a week. News of Seans incarceration sparked outrage in the community. Supporters of the Cork aid volunteer staged demonstrations across the country calling for his release. The Dail has voted down an amendment to the proposed abortion legislation that has been compared to "an Apartheid-era law". The proposal from a group of pro-life TDs called for medical staff to report a variety of information about a woman when she seeks a termination. The data would include ethnicity, marital status and any previous abortions, still-births over 24 weeks, spontaneous miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and previous terminations. The Independent deputy Peadar Toibin argued that doctors in the UK collect a document and they use the data for research, policy development and to "understand what's happening in the system". Labour's Joan Burton said the proposal was offensive. Ms Burton said: "I think the deputies should seriously consider withdrawing this amendment because it is needlessly offensive. "To be perfectly honest, it owes more to the language of South Africa before the ending of Apartheid than it does to Ireland in this day and age." The Social Democrats Co-Leader Catherine Murphy said it was not about public health policy, but about making women feel guilty. She said: "It's objectionable and it's been tabled for all the wrong reasons". Dublin City Council has written to Deliveroo and Just Eat over what it calls the "reckless" behaviour of their cyclists on the city's streets. It follows complaints made by Councillor Mannix Flynn who said that many cyclists do not abide by the rules of the road and are constantly on their phones or Sat-Nav to find locations. A Dublin man who beat his victim around the face with a rock leaving him with multiple facial fractures and a dislocated eye socket has been sentenced to five years in prison. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that victim, Derek Curran, was so badly beaten by Keith Mooney (27) that a garda who knew Mr Curran didn't recognise him when he arrived on the scene. Mooney of Broadford Walk, Ballinteer, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and production of a rock during the course of an assault at St Enda's Park, Rathfarnham on June 26, 2017. He has 26 previous convictions including burglary, assault, criminal damage and public order. Judge Melanie Greally described it as a particularly violent and brutal assault that caused very serious injuries to the victim. She noted that a victim impact report, which was not read out in court, stated that Mr Curran had been left traumatised and his mental health had been severely affected. The judge said the case was as serious as they get in terms of this type of offence before she sentenced Mooney to the maximum term of five years. Judge Greally suspended the final 18 months of the sentence having taking into account Mooney's plea of guilty. She accepted evidence that he comes from a respectable family and he has addictions to both alcohol and cannabis. Garda PJ Foley told Lisa Dempsey BL, prosecuting, that Mr Curran first met Mooney with another man in St Enda's Park that evening when they passed him by while he was smoking and drinking on a park bench. He said Money and his friend said How's it going? I met you with your boyfriend before. They asked Mr Curran if there was a bin nearby and he directed them. Gda Foley said the victim had just walked his partner to a nearby bus stop before going into the park. An hour later Mr Curran bumped into the pair again at a nearby bookies and they struck up a conversation and exchanged names. Mr Curran indicated that he knew Mooney's family. Mr Curran later went to a nearby convenience store with Mooney's friend, while Mooney remained in the bookies. Mooney then joined the other two a short time later back in St Enda's Park where the two men were drinking, smoking and chatting. Mr Curran told gardai at the point that Mooney joined them he seemed very agitated and was ruining the mood. He asked Mr Curran for money and when the man said he had none, Mooney produced his penis and asked for 20 for that. Mr Curran asked him please don't do that and Mooney put his penis away. Mooney then started punching Mr Curran to the right-hand side of his face. The victim began to gather up his belongings to try and move away before Mooney returned with a rock. He struck the victim on the right side of his face. Mr Curran managed to get to his phone and dial 999 while Mooney continued to beat him with the rock, until he lost consciousness and fell to the ground. Gda Foley said the next thing Mr Curran recalled was waking up in hospital. He required surgery to the injuries having suffered fractured ribs, a dislocated eye socket and a broken cheek bone. He required 35 stitches to his head. Gda Foley told Ms Dempsey that his colleague who attended the scene with him knew Mr Curran but didn't recognise the man because his injuries were so extensive. Mooney was nominated as a suspect and his home was searched the following day where blood stained clothing was recovered. He told gardai that he never heard of Derek Curran and said he had been a fight with someone else in the park. Gda Foley agreed with Brian Gageby BL, defending, that his client had a history of substance abuse but came from a decent family. Counsel said his client had been abusing cannabis from the age of 12, had a history of psychosis and was on anti-psychotic medication while on remand in prison. He said his client is currently drug free and is anxious to remain so. A no-deal Brexit scenario would be disastrous for Ireland and the Government must publish its contingency plans, the Dail has heard. A British crash out in March will see accelerated recruitment and redeployment of staff to ensure Ireland's border is properly maintained, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said. Under mounting pressure to publish its no-deal contingency planning, Mr Varadkar said Government agencies are engaging in detailed preparedness and contingency planning. However, the Government has repeatedly insisted it is not preparing for the return of a hard border, which a no deal would cause, though sources have indicated otherwise. Mr Varadkar said the Government at several recent Cabinet meetings, including one last week discussed Brexit preparedness and contingency planning and agreed a range of important actions for the necessary checks and controls for trade on an east-west basis. The Government sanctioned the recruitment of additional staff for customs and sanitary and phytosanitary controls, as well as information and communications technology and infrastructure actions at our ports and airports, he said. In a no-deal scenario, various actions could be employed, including accelerated recruitment and rapid redeployment of staff. Many issues will need to be dealt with on an EU-wide basis. The contingency action plan that was published by the European Commission recently covered eight particular areas, he added. Business Minister Heather Humphreys said the Government said all scenarios are being prepared for including a no deal but added: "It is not helpful to discuss the no-deal scenario at this time." Labour leader Brendan Howlin said that after two and a half years of wrangling, we still have no solution that we believe will command a majority in Westminster. He said there is a growing likelihood that the deal that has been negotiated will not command a majority in the House of Commons next week. He asked would the Irish Government support a postponement of the implementation of Article 50? What, in the Taoiseach's view, would be the attitude of the other 26 member states to such a proposal? Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said we have also seen the parliamentary manoeuvres by British Labour party Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer, in forcing the publication of the advice of the UK Attorney General.He said in many ways this illustrates the strength of the British Parliament, its parliamentary tradition and its power vis-a-vis the UK Executive. It is something we might look at here? he asked. Mr Varadkar said: I am not sure if the UK Parliament is an example we want to follow given the chaos we are seeing in Westminster. The agreement we have, took 18 months to negotiate. It is 500 pages long and 28 Governments agreed to it. The suggestion that somehow if it is defeated we would find ourselves negotiating with a parliament really is quite unworkable." Update 3.11pm: The Housing Minister says homeless people are not being kicked out of hotels to make room for guests this Christmas. Labour TD Jan O'Sullivan said that she has come across cases where people are being asked to leave for the holiday season. However, Eoghan Murphy says it is scaremongering to suggest it is happening across the board. He said: "We heard fearmongering like this ahead of the Papal visit. "People saying that people were going to be moved out of hotels in the city centre because the Pope was coming and there would be excess demand for people to stay in hotels. "It wasn't the case because the Dublin Region Homeless Executive puts in a huge amount of work, in advance, to protect people who are unfortunately in hotels as emergency accommodation through periods of high demand in the city. "So we saw scaremongering like this at the Papal Visit, ahead of it, it didn't happen and it won't happen over Christmas." Earlier: Report: Hotels ordering homeless families to leave over Christmas There are fears that homeless families in emergency accommodation could be kicked out of hotels and B&Bs over Christmas. Campaigners say that many establishments will either be closed or booked out over the festive period. According to the Irish Mirror, one hotel in Dublin is already telling families to leave and come back in January, while another confirmed that it will be closed for three days. Niamh Randall of the Simon Community said: Everybody talks about Christmas and being at home at Christmas and its really, really difficult if you dont have a secure place to call home and youve nowhere at Christmas to go home to. We need to ensure we never stop being shocked and horrified this is the norm, where a serious number of children are going to wake up without a secure place to call home this Christmas and in the New Year. It comes as Labour urge the Government to bring in legislation that has been waiting on a shelf for more than a year. Labour housing spokesperson Jan OSullivan has accused ministers of having no sense of urgency in addressing the housing crisis. She was speaking after a Dublin city councillor said some homeless families should be charged up to 50 to stay in a hotel when seeking emergency accommodation. Ms OSullivan said there is an attempt to blame homeless people for the crisis. Highlighting a December 2017 Labour bill to make it mandatory to prioritise the needs of children in homeless families, she said while the law change was accepted, the bill enacting it has been lying on a shelf for more than a year, risking families being thrown out on the streets without help this Christmas. Families are under huge pressure this time of year we have nearly 4,000 children homeless, over 10,000 people, said Ms OSullivan. I was talking to a woman last week who told me she was in a hotel in Limerick with two schoolgoing children, who have been told they have to get out of their hotel because the hotel is required for Christmas. While we passed a referendum on the rights of the child it simply hasnt been implemented when it comes to children who are homeless. This bill will oblige the local authority to ensure families with young children have somewhere to go [if they are evicted or asked to leave emergency accommodation]. At the moment, families are being sent to garda stations or are walking around streets, because there is no priority. Ms OSullivan criticised Independent Dublin councillor Ruairi McGinley, who told RTEs Today with Sean ORourke programme he wants to see some homeless families charged up to 50 for staying in hotels or B&Bs. Labelling the comments as entirely kite-flying, Ms OSullivan said: If you are homeless in a hotel you havent got anywhere to wash your clothes, you have to buy food you cant prepare for yourself, so there are extra costs imposed on those already at-risk families. I honestly think this [Mr McGinleys comments] is just an attempt to put some sort of blame on people who are homeless rather than ensuring something is done about it. Balochistan CM met OPBU founder Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Overseas Pakistani Baloch Unity (OPBU) founder Dr Jumma Khan Marri have agreed to step up efforts to expose before the world the so-called Baloch leaders who are involved in various terrorist activities inside Pakistan on the behest of the enemies. At a meeting in Moscow, the two leaders discussed important issues concerning Pakistan, especially the recent attack by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) on the Chinese consulate in Karachi. Dr Marri suggested that Pakistan government should raise the issue with the United Kingdom demanding that it must stop providing a safe haven to BLA commander Hyrbyair Marri. He also emphasised that steps should be taken to raise the issue at the platform of the United Nations (UN). He promised to voice his concerns regarding the issue in the European Union Parliament. Jam Kamal and Dr Marri vowed to raise further awareness among Pakistani community residing in Europe about these so-called leaders who are actively involved in various terrorist activities inside Pakistan on the behest of the enemies. On the occasion, Dr Marri invited the chief minister to the launching ceremony of Overseas Pakistani Baloch Unitys Europe chapter which is expected to be held in near future. During the upcoming ceremony, a few prominent Baloch personalities are expected to join the mainstream Pakistani politicians by declaring their disassociation with the anti-Pakistani forces. The chief minister applauded Dr Marris efforts in this regard and promised complete support from the government. The sudden death of a bachelor that occurred during a burglary at his home was precipitated by him having come upon the intruders ransacking his house, a jury has found at the inquest into John ODonoghues death. Mr ODonoghue, 62, collapsed and died in the front yard of his house at, Toomaline, Doon, Co Limerick, as he approached the house believing the intruders were still inside the property, Limerick City Coroners Court heard. Two members of the gang, David Casey (23), of Carragh Park, Bellcamp, Dublin 17, and Michael Casey, (34), of Clonglong Halting Site, Southill, Limerick, who both pleaded guilty to a string of burglary offences on the same day, including at Mr ODonoghues home, were originally sentenced to four and a half years with the final year suspended. The Court of Criminal Appeal later increased their sentences to seven years with the final eight months suspended, following an appeal by the DPP, on grounds the original sentences were too lenient. Todays inquest heard Mr ODonghues sister Christina ODonoghue pleaded with the intruders to help her brother but, she said, no one came to help. I didnt care about the property, I just cared about John, she said in her statement to gardai which was read into the record at the inquest by Inspector Ollie Kennedy, Roxboro Road. The siblings, who lived together, had returned home from a shopping trip when they noticed the front gate was open, as well as a black Renault Laguna car parked across the road with a suspicious looking man seated in the drivers seat. John got out of the car and approached the house. He said the front door was broken. I told him to be careful, and that (the intruders) were inside (the house), Ms ODonoghue said. The gangs getaway driver was furiously beeping the car horn to alert the two men inside the house that the ODonoghues had returned. John got a shovel from the shed as he wasnt sure if they were going to rush (at) him. I told him to leave it, Ms ODonoghue added. She said she rushed to her brothers aid upon seeing him collapse down in the yard. I tried to do CPR and then I went into the house to (contact) an ambulance to give them directions. Ms ODonghue also telephoned their friend and neighbour Patrick Sweeney for help. Mr Sweeney, who identified the body of my friend John to gardai, told officers he found John on the ground and Christina was rendering him assistance. Willie Reale, a local Eircom technician who had been working near Mr ODonoghues passed on vital information to gardai about seeing the driver of the Laguna acting suspiciously, and two other men running along the road. Christina ODonoghue leaving the court. Picture: Liam Burke/Press 22 Limerick City Coroner, Dr John McNamara paid tribute to Garda Bill Collins, Cappamore, and Garda Elaine ODonovan, Bruff, who had quickly responded to the scene and performed CPR on Mr ODonoghue. The two gardai also apprehended the two defendants sentenced for the burglary. The gangs getaway driver remains at large. State Pathologist, Professor Marie Casssidy, who performed a post-mortem on Mr ODonghues body - concluded that an evaluation of his death cannot be separated from the circumstances in which it occurred. The autopsy found Mr ODonoghue had an enlarged heart and coronary heart disease, and he was at increased risk of sudden collapse or death at any time. Ms Cassidys report also stated, the stress of the situation would have caused an increase in his heart rate and blood pressure, and this precipitated his death. Dr McNamara told Mr ODonoghues family, who were present for the emotional hearing: He didnt deserve to die on this particular day in such tragic circumstances. There is quite clearly a close association between the burglary and John ODonoghues death; Its hard to untangle the two of them, he added. Dr McNamara noted however, that Mr ODonoghue had a significant heart condition, and, that, as individuals involved were convicted of burglary, and nothing more, we cannot go beyond that. Having deliberated for a brief period the jury found Mr ODonoghues death was due to natural causes precipitated by the discovery of intruders at his home, in accordance with the medial evidence heard. Addressing Mr ODonoghues family, Dr John McNamara said the deceased came across intruders in his house, and it would have caused anyone shock and upset, and it would have had (anyones) heart racing. Facing Christina ODonoghue, he added: Latest: A man widely named as the British Armys notorious IRA agent Stakeknife has avoided prison after admitting two counts of possessing extreme pornography. Freddie Scappaticci, 72, appeared briefly before Westminster magistrates in central London to admit the charges, which related to at least 329 images, including those involving animals. Wearing a blue fleece and green tracksuit bottoms, Scappaticci spoke with an Irish accent to enter his pleas to the charges. Chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot sentenced Scappaticci to three months in custody, suspended for 12 months. The magistrate said: You have not been before the court for 50 years and thats good character in my book. I can see you are not a well man at all you have very serious health issues and that you live a lonely life. You have not been before the court for 50 years - and that's good character in my book Scappaticci has always strongly denied claims that he is Stakeknife, a high-ranking military mole who reputedly led the republican organisations nutting squad, an internal security unit which interrogated and murdered suspected spies during the Troubles. He was arrested by police in January about offences including murder and abduction but was released on bail. Westminster Magistrates Court heard Scappaticci told police he was not sexually interested in animals, and preferred women with big breasts. He told them he was not doing anyone any real harm and said he had depression. The court heard he used his laptop to search for areas of interests, including cars, the British Army, maps, combat, football, politics, but that he also searched for pornography. He conducted a number of searches on a total of 13 different days between November 2015 and January 2018. Scappaticci was ordered to pay a 100 victim surcharge and 85 costs. - Press Association Suspected IRA informer 'Stakeknife' admits possessing extreme pornography Earlier: A man widely named as the British Army's notorious IRA agent Stakeknife has admitted two counts of possessing extreme pornography. Freddie Scappaticci, 72, appeared briefly before Westminster magistrates in central London to admit the charges. Wearing a blue fleece and green tracksuit bottoms, Scappaticci spoke with an Irish accent to enter his pleas to the charges. Chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot sentenced Scappaticci to three months in custody, suspended for 12 months. The court heard the charges related to at least 329 images, including those involving animals. There were no images involving children. The magistrate said: "You have not been before the court for 50 years - and that's good character in my book." Scappaticci has always strongly denied claims that he is Stakeknife, a high-ranking British military mole who reputedly led the republican organisation's "nutting squad", an internal security unit which interrogated and murdered suspected spies during the Troubles. Update 7pm: An Irish man has been stabbed to death in Paris. The 66-year-old teacher was attacked outside the Leonard de Vinci University where he worked. He has been named by the college as John Dowling, who had been working there for nearly 20 years. A man was arrested at the scene of the stabbing. The university has confirmed the alleged attacker was a former student at the college. The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. Earlier: An Irish lecturer has been stabbed to death in Paris by a former student, according to media reports. Paris Match reports that the Irish man was stabbed at the Leonard de Vinci university campus. It is reported that the 66-year-old had been teaching English in France for the last 20 years. Le Parisien reports that he was stabbed by a Pakistani national who has since been arrested. The same paper reports that the alleged attacker was admitted to the university in 2016 but expelled the following year. The Department of Foreign Affairs said they are aware of the case and are providing consular assistance. More to follow... Update 4.15pm: There needs to be a balance between rights for landlords and tenants, according to the Taoiseach. Leo Varadkar says it is wrong to demonise landlords for the problems in the housing sector. It is after a new report from Threshold showed a rise in the number of people worried about rent increases. The government is considering fines for landlords who break rent caps, but Leo Varadkar said it is not all their fault. "We have to find an appropriate balance between the rights and protections that we afford tenants and the rights and protections that we afford landlords as well," said Mr Varadkar. "Say for example someone who had to emigrate during the recession - went to England, went to Australia - they are now coming back to Ireland, taking up a job in our public service and they want to move back into the house that they bought before they emigrated. "Should they not be allowed to do so?" - Digital Desk Update - 11.44am: Landlords hit back at unfair eviction claims; Ireland facing unprecedented crisis say Threshold The director of the Residential Landlords Association has accused Threshold of exaggerating the situation facing tenants, writes Vivienne Clarke. Fintan McNamara told RTEs Today with Sean ORourke show that he worries the public might get the wrong end of things. He said that by and large landlords do not issue notices of termination unless they genuinely intend to sell. Last year 1,000 landlords exited the private rental sector which meant there were now 6,000 fewer properties available to rent, he said. Mr McNamara pointed out that recently Threshold had to withdraw a press release they issued claiming that landlords were charging potential tenants a fee to view properties. He rejected calls for more regulation of the sector such as a rent register, saying that Ireland has the most highly regulated private rental sector in Western Europe. The rent cap of 4% is already causing problems for landlords who, even if they take in new tenants, cannot increase rent by more than the 4% limit even if what they are charging is half the market rate, he added. Potential investors are reluctant to invest in a property with sitting tenants which means even fewer properties for rent as they will sell them on rather than rent. He said it was not good for the housing charity to come out in the media, causing fear. He called on them not to scare the public all the time. He also rejected a claim that retention of deposits is a major problem, saying that it used to be the main problem dealt with by the Residential Tenancy Board, but now the main issue was rent arrears. He said: "There were many cases where properties were in negative equity and repossessed by the bank with tenants caught in the middle. You never hear about rent arrears which amounted to 1.5m last year. Thats lost, you never hear about that. Earlier: Ireland facing an unprecedented crisis in housing as tenants being unfairly evicted: Threshold Housing charity Threshold has seen a dramatic rise in the number of calls it received from tenants in danger of losing their home because their landlords claimed they were going to sell the property. The charitys annual report which will be published today says that 32% of calls in 2017 were from renters who had been told their tenancies were coming to an end, that figure was up 18% from 2016. She also said that, to date in 2018, 40% of calls were in relation to notices of termination. The agencys chairperson, Aideen Hayden, told RTEs Morning Ireland: We received 73,526 calls from the public last year. There is an increased vulnerability in this sector. Threshold has helped 209 tenants in determining that they have received a valid notice of termination by bringing their cases to the Rental Tenancy Board. Ms Hayden gave the example of one case where a landlord issued such a notice, but for the tenants to subsequently see the property on the rental market again. Ms Hayden said: It is being used as an excuse. She called on the Government to immediately address two issues unaffordable rent increases and the sale of rental properties. She said that unless there is an open, transparent rent register then the current rent protection legislation in rent pressure zones cannot work. She pointed out that despite a cap of 4%, rents in Dublin increased by more than 10% last year. Ms Hayden also said that in other countries tenants do not have to leave when a property is being sold. People are being evicted into homelessness. In other jurisdictions, the sale of a property is not a valid reason for ending tenancy. Where a property is being sold on into the rental market, were asking that there be no end to the tenancy. Properties are being left vacant for months, and in some cases, years, she said. We would welcome any improvement in the current situation. If the Minister wants to stem the tide, he needs to address unaffordable rent increases and the sale of rental properties. Ms Hayden said that in 40 years Threshold has assisted half a million people and while there have been some improvements, the agency has never seen a crisis like this. This is a very vulnerable sector, she said, with one in five people in the country in rented accommodation, one in three in Dublin and one in three in Galway. Ms Hayden said: The Government cannot ignore the fact that people are facing homelessness in the private rental sector. A Lithuanian man whose extradition was frustrated after he twice refused to board a commercial flight due to take him back there has won his Supreme Court appeal against a third order for his surrender. The five-judge court's unanimous judgment was given by Mr Justice William McKechnie who said issues arising from the appeal appeared to require "legislative reassessment" of sections of the European Arrest Warrant 2003. Tomas Vilkas' appeal centred on Section 16 of the 2003 Act and a January 2017 decision of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) interpreting Article 23 of the Framework Decision on the European arrest warrant and surrender procedures. Section 16 was intended to transpose Article 23. Mr Vilkas is wanted in Lithuania to serve a four-year sentence imposed in 2012 for offences including robbery and unauthorised possession of a firearm. The High Court made two orders for his surrender in July 2015 but he twice refused to board flights to Lithuania. A third order was then sought for his surrender via ferry and over land. The net issue in the appeal was whether, when a person has not been surrendered within the time limits prescribed by Section 16 due to circumstances beyond the State's control referred to as a "force majeure", it is possible to extend the time for surrender and fix a new date for that purpose more than once. The Supreme Court ruled there was no jurisdiction to fix a second date and granted Mr Vilkas' appeal against a Court of Appeal finding otherwise. The COA based its finding on the CJEU decision that Article 23 of the Framework Decision allows for the agreement of a new surrender date on more than one occasion. Mr Justice McKechnie ruled the cumulative effect of the relevant and unambiguous Section 16 subsections means it is not possible to fix a new date more than once. He rejected arguments by the State that the principle of conforming interpretation [between EU and domestic law] could be used to render the Section 16 provisions consistent with the CJEU's opinion. If surrender has not taken place within the timeframe of the original order for surrender made under the 2003 Act, or if a new surrender date has not been obtained within the time period, other provisions of Section 16 require the person must be discharged and the surrender process is at an end, he said. Those subsections also could not be read so as to accord with the CJEU decision, he added. The judge noted, when the appeal was at hearing, Mr Vilkas was detained in Northern Ireland under the same European Arrest Warrants. If he successfully resists his surrender there and returns here, what are the relevant authorities to do in order to comply with the CJEU decision? the judge asked. Such issues appeared to call for a "legislative reassessment" of sections of the 2003 Act. Earlier, he noted the CJEU had said the concept of force majeure as provided for in Article 23(3) of the Framework Decision must be interpreted strictly. The CJEU said a case of force majeure can justify extending the period for surrender only insofar as that case of force majeure means their surrender within the period laid down is "prevented". The Supreme Court dismissed a separate appeal by a Polish man, Piotr Paawel Skiba, which raised similar issues. After Mr Skiba's surrender was ordered by the High Court, plans were made to return him to Poland on a commercial flight on December 22nd 2016. His solicitor phoned the Garda Extradition Unit ten days before to say Mr Skiba had a fear of flying. On December 22, Mr Skiba refused to pass the departure gate and the effect of the commotion was the flight captain refused to let him board. A second order for his surrender was granted, and a new surrender date set, on grounds the first was not executed due to a force majeure event. Although his surrender was successfully effected in January 2017, the Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal over whether the Court of Appeal correctly determined the applicable law. Mr Justice McKechnie agreed with the COA Mr Skiba's resistance to boarding the plane was a circumstance beyond the State's control and therefore the fixing of a new surrender date was appropriate. He disagreed the solicitor's phone call meant the refusal to board the aircraft was foreseeable. A vessel detained by the Irish Naval Service is making its way to Dingle in Kerry this morning. It is being tailed by the LE Samuel Becket, which seized the fishing vessel last night 170 nautical miles west off Mizen Head. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has told opposition parties to allow more than 30 pages of amendments to new laws allowing directly elected mayors to pass despite a backlash over the last-minute changes. Mr Murphy called for the support after Labour, Sinn Fein, the Social Democrats, Solidarity-People Before Profit and the Greens hit out at the major alterations, saying late changes risk delaying the new rules. Under long-flagged plans, the Government intends to allow Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford to directly elected their mayor in the future. The potential move will be outlined in a plebiscite which is intended to be voted on in May. However, in order for this to happen a Local Government Bill must be passed in the coming days by the Dail and Seanad. Although there is little opposition to the plans, opposition parties have raised significant concerns over the fact the Government has tabled more than 30 pages of amendments to the bill. In a Dail debate on Tuesday night, Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy, Sinn Fein's housing spokesperson Eoin O Broin, Labour housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan, Solidarity-PBP TD Mick Barry and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan all hit out at the last-minute changes. However, asked about the controversy this morning, Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy - whose department has overall responsibility for local government matters - said the criticism is unwarranted. Dismissing the concerns by saying the changes were always planned, Mr Murphy called on opposition parties to fully support the bill if they are in favour of "local democracy". He said: "We always flagged there were technical amendments coming, and we always flagged that we wanted to have plebiscites in May for the election of directly elected mayors. "So the opposition knew this was coming. What we want to do is put in place the amendments so we can have the plebiscites in May, and then decide what kind of a mayor we want to put to the people. "If people believe in local democracy, if people believe in the parties in the Oireachtas in giving greater powers to our cities in particular as they grow into the future, then they should support this bill," he said. Update 6.35pm: Chilling footage of a gunman minutes before he killed his victim in front of scores of terrified children in Northern Ireland has been released by police. Jim Donegan, 43, was targeted in a gangland-style attack in front of children leaving school on the Glen Road in west Belfast. The married father of two sons was sprayed with bullets and shot in the head as he sat in his luxury Porsche car waiting to collect his teenage son, dying instantly, detectives said. Security camera material shows a man in a high-visibility coat walking near a school in west Belfast. Investigators said he was carrying a gun in a bag he had over his shoulder. A seven-year-old boy who witnessed the violence has been left traumatised, his mother said. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery said: Children who moments before were no doubt enjoying Christmas activities in class, maybe practising for their Christmas concert or school nativity, will no longer be dreaming about Santa or presents. Detectives investigating James Donegan murder release CCTV footage of gunman.https://t.co/lge9NxSKIk Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) December 5, 2018 Instead they will be having nightmares about a murder in broad daylight outside their school. A place which should be a safe haven to learn and grow. The gunman walked past these children and fired a weapon eight times. It is utter madness as any one of these bullets could have ricocheted, and having been at the scene I cannot emphasise enough that it is sheer luck I am not investigating multiple fatalities. Police at the scene of the shooting in Glen Road, west Belfast (Niall Carson/PA) Youngsters are being offered counselling. The mother of a seven-year-old told Q Radio News that she fled with her son after seeing the gunman. I heard about six or seven gunshots and then I heard someone screaming, my son saw it, he was able to tell me he saw a man up ahead with a hi-vis vest on, and his hood up and carrying a bag, she said. He was still standing there at the time so I just turned with him (her son) and ran up the street. It was very scary, more so for him (her son), he is still freaking out about if he is still going to be there tomorrow, he has been asking me, will they all be away when he is going to school? The incident occurred just as scores of children were leaving school (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Donegans 13-year-old son is a pupil at St Marys Grammar School, near where the attack happened. Interim principal Fiona Crookes said the boy and his mother Laura were brought back to the school after the shooting. More than 1,000 pupils were exiting the school at the time of the attack and teachers shielded the car in which Mr Donegan sat from the view of children. The school is expected to reopen for classes on Thursday. - Press Association Update - 11.03am: Boy, 7, 'left traumatised' by shooting dead of man outside Belfast school A seven-year-old boy who saw a gunman shoot a man dead outside a Belfast school has been left traumatised, his mother said. Police are searching for the lone gunman who shot the man, named locally as Jim Donegan, as he was sitting in his luxury Porsche car. Mr Donegan, who was aged in his 40s, was targeted in the gangland-style attack in front of scores of terrified children. A gunman wearing a high-visibility vest with the word security emblazoned on the back left the scene on foot, detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland said. The mother of a seven-year-old boy who saw the gunman told Q Radio News that her son is now anxious about returning to school. The incident happened outside St Marys Grammar School in west Belfast at around 3.15pm when scores of children were departing. The school is closed and pupils will be offered counselling. There are a number of schools in the area. Earlier: PSNI hunt for gunman who shot man in front of schoolchildren in Belfast The PSNI is searching for a suspect in his 40s in a murder probe after a man was shot dead outside a Belfast school yesterday. The suspected gunman was wearing a hood and a high-viz vest with "security" written on the back. The victim was shot a number of times outside St Mary's Grammar School in the west of the city. The name of the victim, who is aged in his forties, has not yet been made public. He had been sitting in his parked car when he was attacked as terrified schoolchildren looked on. On Tuesday night, family members comforted each other at the police cordon around the scene of the incident outside St Mary's Grammar School on the Glen Road. Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts said children could have been killed during what he termed "an absolutely disgraceful and reckless act". "This man is believed to be in his forties and was sitting in his car when he was approached by a lone gunman who shot him several times, including at least once in the head," he said. "This is an absolutely disgraceful and reckless act for which there can be no justification whatsoever, the act was carried out in the immediate vicinity of three schools where there were large numbers of pupils at the time and it is entirely possible that we could have had a seriously injured or dead child or children as a result of this terrible act." Mr Roberts said it was too early to comment on motive, but added police have not ruled out the possibility of dissident republican involvement. He made an appeal for information about the incident, including a description of the suspected gunman as having worn a high-visibility jacket with the word security on the back, who fled the scene on foot. "The gunman is also believed to be aged in his forties," he added. Earlier on Tuesday, St Mary's Grammar School said it will be closed on Wednesday but said counselling and support services will be made available to pupils. "The thoughts and prayers of the principal and all the staff are with our pupil and his family at this very sad time," the school's statement said. "Ensuring that all pupils got home safely was our absolute focus following this tragic incident. "The school will be closed on Wednesday 5th December 2018 due to the on-going investigation. "The school will be providing pupils with counselling and support services." West Belfast MP Paul Maskey said: "It is deeply concerning that this killing was carried out in full view of hundreds of kids who were leaving school at the time. "People are very shocked by this, they thought these days were well past us, especially on a road like this with a number of schools, which is usually filled with fun and joy and the noise of children walking up and down, but that was ruined today with gunfire." SDLP Belfast City councillor Tim Attwood described the incident as reckless. "It is absolutely sickening that a gun was fired in the vicinity of both a primary and secondary school in west Belfast today. "A number of pupils witnessed this fatality and are understandably very disturbed and frightened after this reckless act occurred nearby the school gates. "There is absolutely no place for this in 2018; this madness belongs in the past and we cannot allow it to once again become our normality." - Digital Desk and PA Two puppies have been rescued after being found under a pile of rubbish in Longford when their cries were heard by a passer-by. The kind-hearted member of the public heard the sound of a crying puppy among the discarded rubbish beside the River Innys red bridge in Gurteen, Ballymahon, County Longford on Monday. They called the ISPCA who sent out a staff member to collect the Collie-Terrier type puppy. The puppy was taken to the nearby National Animal Centre for immediate veterinary assessment. ISPCA acting Centre Manager Hugh OToole said: When I collected the puppy she seemed to be in reasonably good health but was suffering from the elements. She could have been there for some time. "She was placed in a warm bed under a heat lamp and monitored closely. The member of the public kept on searching the area after hearing more crying and found another two puppies. One was alive, but sadly the third puppy had already died, possibly due to drowning in the nearby river, according to the ISPCA. It is not clear how long the puppies were there. The puppies were named Shannon and Saorise by ISPCA staff who are helping them to recuperate. One of the rescued puppies, Shannon. Pic: ISPCA Hugh added: I find it difficult to understand why anyone could do such a thing to these three defenceless little puppies when there are options out there for people. Anybody with any information is asked to contact the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or report online or Longford Garda Station. - Digital Desk New JIT to probe 2014 Model Town incident: SC A five-member Supreme Court bench on Wednesday wrapped up a petition requesting a new joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the 2014 Model Town incident and ordered the Punjab government to reconstitute a probe team to investigate the case. The larger bench constituted specially to debate a legal point today comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, and Justices Asif Saeed Khosa, Sheikh Azmat Saeed, Faisal Arab and Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, decided to hold a hearing to determine whether a new JIT could be formed to probe the Model Town case which is still pending judgement. Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri was among those who presented their arguments on the matter in court today. "My lawyers are present for legal questions," he told the bench. "I will only present facts before the court." "No case is political for the court," the chief justice remarked, ordering the lawyer behind the PAT chief to sit down. Justice Khosa said that all statements would have to be recorded again. "The trial has now come back to zero," Qadri said. "After constitution of the larger bench, the victims were hopeful about getting justice." The trial of the accused persons is ongoing in the anti-terrorism court, he said, adding that there is a trial on both the cases together. "What FIR was the JIT formed on the basis of?" Justice Khosa asked, to which Qadri responded that the police first formed the JIT on their own FIR. "Later it was formed on our FIR," Qadri said. "The judicial commission gave its findings on the matter too." The commission report, which was made public a few months ago, brought a lot of facts to light, the PAT chief said, telling the chief justice that of the 157 witnesses in the case, 23 had recorded their statements already. "It is important to take an overview of the situation before the incident as well, to know why it happened," Qadri pointed out. "To date our case has not been investigated," he claimed. The requirements of the investigation were not met. Although our move to register a case was appreciated, it was only registered after we protested for two months. No victim's statement was recorded during the investigation. PAT did not appear before the JIT. Can it even be called an investigation?" he questioned. The PAT chief said the Model Town affectees had wanted a JIT other than the one formed earlier by the previous Punjab government. "Did you raise your objections over the members of the JIT?" the chief justice asked, to which Qadri responded that he had written to the police chief numerous times expressing his objections over the JIT. "The court needs to assess whether the JIT was independent or not," Justice Nisar said, at which Nawaz Sharif's lawyer chimed in, reminding the court that it included members of agencies. "You should have approached this court earlier. Instead, you paralysed everything along with the court through your protests. The protesters hung their old clothes on court premises. Is this respect for the court? The path of the judges was also stopped," the top judge said. "The people you used to go to are not bigger than the court," Justice Nisar told Qadri. "The court's doors have always been open. You went to those who had no ties to the case. You did not approach the appropriate legal authorities." Former Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah's statement to an earlier JIT was also shared in court. Qadri told the court that the removal of barriers was used as a pretext for halting PAT's political campaign. "We did not receive any notice regarding the removal of barriers," the PAT chief said, adding that they were erected on court orders and removed the same way. "Your point has been noted," Justice Azmat Saeed told Qadri. After the court heard his arguments, it asked the Punjab Advocate General Ahmed Awais what the provincial government's stance on the matter was. Awais responded that the Punjab government had no objections to the reconstitution of a JIT, adding: "You may go and constitute the JIT." The court subsequently ordered the Punjab government to form a new JIT to conduct a fresh investigation, and directed that the statements of the remaining witnesses must be recorded. "The Punjab government has adopted the clear stance that it has agreed to form a new JIT," the court said, adding that it the probe team would be formed under Section 19 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The aim of the petitioner has, through this move, been fulfilled, the court noted, wrapping up the petition. Qadri, while speaking to the media after the hearing, thanked the bench for the decision, saying all five judges had heard his arguments "with great interest". 37-year old Ruth Morrissey, who is suing over alleged misinterpretation of her cervical smears, today went to the High Court in a bid to get the HSE and two laboratories to hand over key documents relating to CervicalCheck screening. These included all instructions and advice given to the HSE in relation to the circulation of the results of smear tests audits and all instructions to treating doctors on the communication of the audit results to the women affected. Key communications between the HSE and the US laboratories who carried out the smear tests under the CervicalCheck Screening programme about quality assurance standards were also sought. Mr Justice Cross said he accepted the HSE submissions that the categories sought were not relevant or necessary. He also accepted the contention on behalf of the laboratories that quality assurances in general in relation to all smear samples is not going to be relevant. The categories sought the judge agreed were too wide and not relevant and he gave Ms Morrissey's legal team time to consider whether to ask for a limited discovery. Following an application by the HSE and the laboratories for the costs of the one day hearing the judge said he was reserving the matter of costs. Ruth Morrissey (37) 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. The case is due to resume before the High Court at the end of January. 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. Ruth Morrissey's legal team had sought discovery of key documents from the HSE relating to the dissemination of the results of audits carried out of the prior cervical smears of women who had been diagnosed as having cervical cancer. These were to include all instructions and or advice given to the HSE in relation to the dissemination of the results of audits along with all documentation generated by the HSE in relation to any decision whether to communicate the results of the audits to women or their treating physicians, They further sought all communication between the HSE and the laboratories in relation to the quality assurance standards and in relation to standard operating procedures that were to apply to the screening of the cervical smears of women participating in the national cervical screening programme. Correspondence between the former chair of the Quality Assurance Committee for Cervical Cytology and Pathology in the Cervical Screening Programme, Dr David Gibbons, the HSE, the Department of Health, the Minister of Health and any Oireachtas committee regarding the outsourcing of the Pap smear laboratory services to foreign laboratories was also sought. Making the application Jeremy Maher SC for Ms Morrissey said the documents and discovery were essential to the proper presentation of Ruth Morrissey's case. "We have been told no obstruction would be placed in the path of victims of cervical cancer. You will be surprised at the response of the HSE which is no, no, no," he said. He said it was a real issue for Ruth Morrissey why the audit results were not communicated to those whose smear samples were being audited. HSE Counsel Patrick Hanratty SC submitted the categories sought would significantly widen the issues in the case and he said it would add to the complexity and cost of the trial. By Ann O'Loughlin The Supreme Court will sit in Galway next March to hear an appeal over whether An Bord Pleanala breached its legal obligations in how it approved the first phase of Apples planned 850m data centre in Athenry. While Apple is not proceeding with the project, the courts decision is likely to affect the Boards consideration of similar data centre developments. Sinead Fitzpatrick, who lives close to the planned development, and Allan Daly, of Athenry, are appealing the High Court's dismissal of their challenge concerning how the Board dealt with the companys proposal. The appeal is opposed by the Board and the State, but Apple is not involved. Today the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Frank Clarke, on behalf of the five-judge Supreme Court, issued a judgment setting out the precise issues to be addressed in the appeal. That judgment arose because the Board had complained the appellants were seeking to put forward grounds which, the Board contended, were inconsistent with, or different from, the grounds they pursued in the High Court. The Chief Justice said the court, as well as deciding the scope of the appeal, had also decided it was not necessary, at this stage, to make a preliminary reference of questions to the Court of Justice of the EU for determination. The court may be persuaded, when the full appeal is being heard, that there remains a question which truly is an issue of European law which requires to be referred, he said. It remains open to the parties to suggest, during the full hearing, that a reference is required, he stressed. He also informed the sides the appeal would be heard on March 6, 2019, in Galway as part of the Supreme Court programme of sittings outside Dublin. There is a link between this appeal and Galway, he observed. The case arose after Apple got planning permission from the Board on August 11, 2016, for a development of one data hall and associated grid connection at Athenry. In today's judgment, the Chief Justice said the central thrust of the appellants' case relates to the extent to which the Board is obliged to assess the environmental impact of the balance of the Apple "masterplan" for eight data halls as part of the Board's obligation to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). He did not see any prejudice would be caused to the Board if the court explored the precise extent of the obligations on the Board to consider the potential impacts of the remainder of the masterplan. The appellants are entitled to argue the Board is obliged to carry out a full EIA on the entire masterplan, "subject only to the limits of practicality", he ruled. They were also entitled, as a "fall-back position", to suggest the Board was obliged to assess environmental impacts in a manner that falls short of the appellants' primary case but which exceeds the EIA actually carried out by the Board. Once the court decides the Board's precise obligations, it can consider whether the assessment actually conducted by the Board fell short of those obligations, he ruled. The appellants must now formulate their grounds of appeal in line with the court's rulings as to scope, he said. Last season's Randox Health Grand National hero Tiger Roll is set to lead a formidable team into battle for Gordon Elliott as the trainer eyes a third victory in the Aintree showpiece next spring. The fresh-faced former amateur rider had not even trained a winner in Ireland when Silver Birch landed the world's most famous steeplechase in 2007. Wind the clock forward a decade and Elliott is firmly established among the training elite, with his staggering rise through the ranks seeing him push perennial champion Willie Mullins close for the Irish trainer's title in each of the last two seasons. Despite his success, Elliott's appetite for winners remains as strong as ever and he would love to be stood in the hallowed Aintree winner's enclosure once again come April 6 next year. He said: "The Grand National is the one race that everybody knows and of course it's a race that everyone wants to win. "We have been lucky enough to win it twice, and you kind of pinch yourself hoping you can win it three times. "We probably didn't really appreciate it the first time, but we did when Tiger Roll won and probably enjoyed that bit more." The diminutive Tiger Roll brought the house down when seeing off the Mullins-trained Pleasant Company in a pulsating renewal of the Grand National eight months ago. The eight-year-old warmed up for his Merseyside mission by winning the Glenfarclas cross-country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and shaped with plenty of promise on his first start since claiming Aintree glory when fourth on his return to Prestbury Park last month. Silver Birch also used the cross-country chase at the Festival as a stepping-stone to National glory and Tiger Roll is set to head down the same route. "Tiger Roll will go to Cheltenham in December and Cheltenham in March. The cross-country fences seem to work for some horses. It's something different and keeps them alive. It keeps their mind going and is a good prep for the National fences," said Elliott. "You just hope they take to the National fences, but until they go out and jump the first three or four, you don't know. "Tiger Roll is a little bit special. He's not the most impressive horse to look at and probably one of the smallest we have, but he wears his heart on his sleeve every day of the week and he's a great bit of stuff. "To be perfectly honest, it would be a massive ask for him to go back and win it again. He's going to have close to top-weight next year, but he'll run in it and have a good sporting each-way chance." "The cross-country race in Cheltenham will be his Gold Cup. He gave almost two stone to a lot of horses on his first run back and I thought he ran a very good race. "I probably minded him a bit more this year because I thought I had him fitter than I had, but Keith (Donoghue) said he took a couple of blows. With a horse like him that has won at three Cheltenham Festivals and an English National, you get a little bit soft with them." Tiger Roll is far from Elliott's only National hope. Other potential runners for the Cullentra maestro include last season's third Bless The Wings, Irish Grand National winner General Principle and, perhaps most interestingly, French recruit Borice. Owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Borice has shown high-class form in his homeland and has pleased Elliott since arriving in Ireland. He said: "At the first entry stage for the National we could have between 10 and 15 entries, and end up having four or five runners. "Tiger Roll obviously will go back there, Outlander I'd imagine could run in it and Bless The Wings was third in it last year. "Mala Beach, Monbeg Notorious and Woods Well are others and Folsom Blue could go if he gets in. If it was soft ground and he got in, Folsom Blue would have a great chance. The Welsh National is the plan for him. "General Principle won the Irish National this year. He doesn't show much at home, but he could be another one for Aintree. "Borice is a horse we got from France this year and I think he could be a dark horse for the National. He would probably need to go up a few pounds to get into the race and, all being well, he'll go for the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. "He ran in a lot of good staying chases in France. He was hitting the crossbar in a few of them, but I think he could be a National type of horse. "The best horse doesn't always win it and you need a lot of luck on your side and things to go right." Two other Elliott inmates who could enter the frame for the National are Don Poli and Noble Endeavor, who are set to tackle the famous Aintree fences in Saturday's Randox Health Becher Chase. Don Poli will be returning from a 664-day absence, having been sidelined by injury since finishing third in the 2017 Irish Gold Cup. Elliott said: "Don Poli and Noble Endeavor both go for the Becher Chase. Jack Kennedy is going over to ride Don Poli and Keith Donoghue will be on Noble Endeavor." PA Pakistan want to see peace beyond its borders: DG ISPR Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Asif Ghafoor Tuesday said that Pakistan wanted to see peace beyond its borders, especially in Afghanistan. He was talking to a group of Pakistan-based foreign journalists wherein he briefed them about the security situation and ongoing stability operations in the country, an ISPR statement said. Matters related to Pak-Afghan border and situation along Line of Control (LoC) were also discussed, said the statement. The DG ISPR told the foreign correspondents that Pakistans security situation had largely improved due to successful clearance operations, adding that the country was now heading towards stability. Having restored peace [at home,] Pakistan wishes to see peace beyond borders especially [in] Afghanistan, the statement quoted the military media wings director general as saying. BBC correspondent Secunder Kermani, who was among the journalists present at the meeting, shared other details from the interaction on Twitter. According to Kermani, when asked whether the Pakistan Army was in direct touch with the Afghan Taliban regarding the peace process, Maj Gen responded that it was the intelligence services of any country that maintained such contacts. However, Maj Gen Ghafoor added that Pakistans influence [on the Afghan Taliban] was no longer as effective as it was [in] 1979, according to the BBC correspondent. Kermani said the ISPR chief had stated that he [Ghafoor] was not aware if a delegation from the Talibans political office in Qatar had arrived in Pakistan, as was reported by some foreign news outlets. According to the ISPR press release, Maj Gen Ghafoor during the meeting said that the international community saw Pakistan through their reporters based in Pakistan and that he expected the foreign journalists to highlight improving peace and stability in Pakistan, which offers economic opportunities for foreign investors. Media has a very important role to project the true positivity of Pakistan, he said during the interaction. Kermani said that the ISPR DG was also asked about the notices reportedly sent to a number of critics of the military by Twitter, saying the microblogging site had received official correspondence that the critics accounts violate Pakistans laws. In his response, Ghafoor said the military had made no complaint to Twitter regarding such accounts, according to Kermani. New York City's taxi and limousine commission has voted to set a minimum wage for Uber and Lyft drivers, marking the first time a government in the United States has imposed wage rules on ride-hailing companies. Under the new rules, which go into effect in January, companies are required to pay drivers $US26.51 ($36) an hour in gross pay, or $US17.22 after expenses. That's slightly higher than the $US15 minimum wage that the city requires all employers to adhere to by the end of next year, but is considered equivalent because drivers are independent contractors. An Uber car drives through LaGuardia Airport in New York. Credit:Seth Wenig About 85 per cent of ride-hailing drivers currently make less than the minimum, according to an independent analysis commissioned by the taxi and limousine commission (TLC). For those drivers, the new wages will amount to an average annual pay raise of more than $US6300. Uber drivers have become a stand-in for a new kind of American worker, seen alternatively as micro-entrepreneurs with more flexibility than traditional wage-earners, or as powerless workers exposed to the full brutality of the free market. OVERLORD R, 110 minutes If history repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce, Overlord is both. It's a tragedy that anyone thought it was worth making this ultra-violent farce. And it's farcical, perhaps even a teensy bit offensive, that someone as smart as JJ Abrams, who cooked up the original idea with screenwriter Billy Ray, thought the horror of D-Day would be an appropriate backdrop for a campy mad-science gorefest. Jovan Adepo as Boyce and Dominic Applewhite as Rosenfeld in Overlord. Credit:PETER MOUNTAIN The young Perth director Julius Avery (Son of a Gun) handles his first Hollywood genre outing with reasonable aplomb. The opening is wonderfully graphic, as an American plane full of paratroopers is shot down over the Channel early on June 6, 1944. Avery maintains good tension and pace. The performances are slightly cheesy, but that's by design in genre movies. Only a handful of paratroopers survive the crash. Our hero, Private Boyce (Jovan Adepo), is a soft-hearted young black kid who's terrified for most of the movie. He links up with hard case Sergeant Ford (Wyatt Russell). Private Tibbett (John Magaro) is the requisite blow-hard. Dawson (Jacob Anderson) is the sweet-natured country boy, so of course, he's the first to step on a land mine. Approaching the village where they're supposed to destroy a German radio tower, they meet the gorgeous and volatile Chloe (Mathilde Ollivier), who guides them to her house. Boyce comes face-to-face with her hideously disfigured granny, so we know the Nazis are up to no good in the secret research lab beneath the tower. PM designates Sheikh Rashid as focal person for Leh Expressway project Prime Minister Imran Khan designated Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister for Railways, as the focal person for the decade old stalled 22 km long Leh Nullah Expressway and Flood Channel Project. He will spearhead the feasibility of the project and, if found feasible, further processing of the project in consultation with all stakeholders including Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform, and the Punjab government, a letter from the Prime Minister Office said. The project launched in March 2007 by former president general Pervez Musharraf was aimed at controlling floods in the Nullah Leh, construction of sewerage treatment plant and limited access roads on either side of the storm drainage to ease traffic congestion on the airport and Murree roads. Frontier Works Organisation initiated work, but the PML-N government stopped funding in 2008, bringing it to a grinding halt. PM Khan also decided to introduce a national policy for the youth and appointed Usman Dar as his special adviser on youth affairs. Following the premiers approval, the Cabinet Division issued a notification regarding Dars appointment. PM Khan also decided to launch Naya Pakistan Youth Programme within a few days. Timing can be everything. Producers Tracey Robertson and Nathan Mayfield, founders of the Brisbane-based Hoodlum Entertainment, had been nursing the possibility of Tidelands for years. And they were thinking big. Writer Stephen M. Irwin, with whom they'd previously worked on Secrets and Lies and Harrow, had an idea about an Australian coastal village rife with ominous and mysterious activity. It involved illegal trading and the fate of a troubled family, and it had supernatural overtones, to do with sirens and mythology. In order to do it justice, the producers imagined a large-scale production multiple locations, a sizeable cast, special effects and they didn't think that the budgets typically allowed for local dramas would be sufficient. But they had faith in the concept, so they pondered international options and they waited. "You might have the most amazing idea for period film, for example, but we're in a business and if the market's not looking for period shows, it's not going to happen," says Mayfield. "But one day, it might." Tidelands was initially developed with one US network and picked up by a studio when that network passed, but it stalled. And then along came Netflix. The production house and global SVOD powerhouse was in the market for an Australian project and Hoodlum was perfectly placed to pitch for it. The campaign urges women to walk out of work at 3:50pm on Wednesday, because "women essentially work an extra 70 or so minutes a day free", its organisers state. The #MeToo activist appeared on Ten's The Project on Tuesday to lend her support to #WalkoutOz , a local campaign aimed at highlighting the gender pay gap. Actress Rose McGowan is urging Australian women to walk out of work on Wednesday afternoon to demand pay parity. McGowan said she was alerted to the campaign by supporters within the Female Social Network, who taught her about the "pay inequalities and inequities in Australia". Campaign organisers say at current rates women would need to work "another 62 earning days in the calendar year to achieve annual pay parity with men". McGowan said male co-workers should join in the protest, in an effort to ensure any management backlash wouldn't be solely shouldered by women campaigning for their own rights. "I would hope that these women would have a co-worker, a man, to walk out alongside them," she told Project host Lisa Wilkinson. "The whole thing with #WalkoutOz is it's really just about showing that this is inherently wrong. Renewable energy drives down wholesale power prices well in excess of subsidy costs and a further expansion of wind and solar would likely push them lower still, a study of Australian and European markets shows. The findings come as Neoen, owner of the world's largest lithium battery, claimed the storage unit in South Australia had saved the wholesale market about $40 million in its first year of operation. Turns out that the more renewables you add, the lower power prices go, a new study finds. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong The renewables research by the Victoria Energy Policy Centre, a hub set up by the Victorian government, examined the wholesales electricity market in South Australia from 2013-18 and compared it with the high-cost energy markets in Denmark, Germany, Italy and Britain. In 2018, average wholesale spot prices in SA were $38 per megawatt-hour cheaper because of renewables, easily triple the $11/MWh cost of subsidies, the report found. Women are now pushing back. This summer, tens of thousands gathered to protest against sexual assault, the proliferation of spy cameras taking voyeuristic videos of women and the harsher standards they face in other aspects of society, from beauty to the law. Bae Eun-jeong, known as Lina Bae, was a YouTube star who gave beauty tutorials. After hearing about the anti-corset movement earlier this year, Bae, 21, took a closer look at the comments on her YouTube channel. Many were from young girls who said makeup gave them the courage to go to school. "I realised there was something very wrong," Bae said. "I wanted to do a new kind of video to tell them that it's okay not to make yourself up." In June, Bae uploaded a video in which she goes through the laborious process of applying creams, foundation, eyeliner and fake eyelashes. A series of simulated messages like those she has received in the past scroll across the screen. One says: "Your eyes are freaking uneven." Another one: "I would kill myself if I were you." Then she takes off all the makeup and tells the viewer, "Don't be so concerned with how others perceive you. You're special and pretty the way you are." Loading The video has been watched 5.5 million times. Bae's YouTube followers jumped to nearly 147,000 from 20,000. A publisher asked her to write a book. She has since cut her hair short and stopped wearing makeup, saving nearly $US500 ($690) a month. Now her videos focus on cooking and sharing ideas. Cha Ji-won, a video content creator at an urban renewal company, joined the movement earlier this year and created her own YouTube channel, which now has 30,000 followers. Cha, 22, once thought that spending as much as $700 ($970) on makeup each month was not enough. Now she has turned her makeup into slime to play with. "They are sort of like toys, like crayons," said Cha. She used to feel like a second-class citizen, she said, but now that she has stopped wearing makeup "people listen to me when I say things". The movement has sparked an ugly backlash. Bae, Kim and Cha, who all have bowl haircuts characteristic of the movement, say they have become targets of verbal abuse and death threats. Kim was told by two prospective bosses that she did not look feminine enough. Feminists talk about their peers "coming out" publicly because many prefer to stay anonymous. "The violence against people who leave the mainstream path is very intense in South Korea compared to other countries," said Seo Sol, 26, who has a YouTube talk show about feminism called Because There Is Too Much to Say. Yim Hyun-ju has experienced the criticism. The 33-year-old anchor at Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, a national broadcaster, decided to wear her glasses on her morning news show on April 12. Her fake eyelashes were making her eyes so tired that she was going through a bottle of artificial tears every day. It became an online sensation. "I did not think it would become news," Yim said. Yim's producers reproached her. Viewers wrote to complain. But women came up to her in public to thank her. Now Yim wears her glasses from time to time, an act that she says sends viewers a message to judge her based on her competence and not her appearance. But she doesn't want to be identified as part of any movement. Loading "If I could act freely, I would apply makeup less," Yim said. "But I'm stuck between my mind and heart, which says one thing, but there is the reality of my job," she added. Many women in the anti-corset movement credit their actions as having had a small impact on the makeup industry. One recent ad, for the Missha cosmetics brand, features a short-haired model and one with freckles. "Get out, expose your flaws and follow your own standards rather than others'," it says. Still, they note, the women in the ad largely stick to Korean beauty standards and the women are wearing makeup. Kim Hong-tae, a spokesman for Able C&C, which owns the Missha brand, said the ad was meant to convey "that there is no predetermined standard of physical appearance". A captain in the Australian army was on Wednesday demoted, kicked out of the military and jailed for three months after he was convicted of raping a fellow officer and friend with a beer bottle. An Australian army captain has been sentenced in a Canberra military court of raping a fellow officer. Credit:Glenn Campbell The conviction of Rhiley Boyson after a court martial earlier this week was the first conviction for sexual intercourse without consent in the military jurisdiction in at least 20 years, prosecutors said. A panel of five male officers had found Boyson, 26, guilty of the crime on Monday after the five day court martial. After several hours deliberating, on Wednesday they delivered their punishment. Chief Judge Advocate Michael Cowen QC ordered military police officers take Boyson in custody and escort him to the military prison at Holsworthy barracks in Sydney, pending an automatic review of the sentence. In the opal industry, fossils dont tend to be valued as highly as other specimens of the gem in fact, they're considered "bycatch". But for opal buyer Mike Poben, the spectacular freak discovery of two opalised jawbone fragments from the same animal was the "holy grail" and led to the naming of the states first new dinosaur species in almost a century. An artist's impression of a Weewarrasauras Pobeni. Credit:University of New England Weewarrasauras Pobeni, named after Mr Poben and Wee Warra, where the fossil was found, was a small, herbivorous dinosaur that walked the earth on two legs about 100 million years ago back when the area of outback NSW near the opal mining mecca Lightning Ridge received good rainfall and was fringed by waterways. It was about the size of a kelpie, or as University of New England palaeontologist Phil Bell described it, a good pet-size dinosaur. These prehistoric reptiles "probably formed family or small herd groups for protection" from large, knife-toothed megoraptorids, Dr Bell said, and were probably pretty docile so herding is a good defence. A Sydney pharmacist jailed by a magistrate for illegally supplying cervical cancer vaccines for overseas export has been released on bail in the lead-up to her appeal. A magistrate sentenced Katherine Gong, 35, to at least six months behind bars on November 28 for supplying 2432 doses of Gardasil 9, at a profit of about $30,000, for shipment to Hong Kong. Sydney pharmacist Katherine Gong. Credit:Facebook She had pleaded guilty to three counts of prohibition on wholesale supply of certain substances. On Wednesday, District Court Judge Helen Syme released Gong from custody from Silverwater jail after her parents offered a $20,000 surety. The Southern Cross was never lost to Indigenous Australians, but it was to Europeans when its five bright stars disappeared from sight in Roman times. So when adventurer Andrea Corsali saw its "marveylous crosse" after he passed the Cape of Good Hope in 1516, he swooned. Now a rare letter containing Corsali's illustration and description of the Southern Cross has been acquired by the State Library of NSW for $1.19 million with support from its foundation. Maggie Patton, chief curator at the State Library of NSW, with a 1516 letter containing a drawing of the Southern Cross, thought to be the oldest European depiction. Credit:State Library of NSW "The crosse is so fayre and bewtiful that none other heavenly signe may be compared to it," Corsali wrote in secret to his patron Giuliano de Medici. The letter, written in Latin in 1516 and translated into English in 1555, is thought to be the earliest printed documentation by a European of the Southern Cross, and is one of the library's most significant acquisitions in recent years. A train station on Brisbane's southside has reopened after a police incident. Emergency services were called to Yeerongpilly station just after 5.30am on Thursday. Yeerongpilly station has reopened on Thursday morning. Credit:Google Maps The station was closed for hours but police said the platforms reopened just after 7am and train services returned to normal. Beenleigh and Gold Coast line trains in both directions had been running express through Yeerongpilly station, but still stopping at Yeronga and Moorooka stations, according to TransLink. SC suggested formation of JIT in illegal construction of shops on shrine land in Pakpattan The Supreme Court on Tuesday suggested formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) in a 1985 case pertaining to illegal construction of shops on shrine land in Pakpattan. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who was the Punjab chief minister at that time, appeared before the Supreme Court. At the onset of the hearing, the lawyer of Sharif informed the CJP that he had issued summon to his client. The CJP referred to the former PM and asked: Did you de-notify the Auqaf Departments property? Sharif responded: The case dates back to 32 years and as per my record, I have taken no such decision [to hand over shrine property to anyone]. The property belonged to the Auqaf Department, but some people who claimed to be its real owners approached the district judge, said the chief justice. The CJP suggested formation of the JIT if the case required further probe. Sharif responded, saying: You can form some other body instead of the joint investigation team it doesnt feel good to see the mention of the JIT Justice Nisar asked the former PM to decide himself what should be done in the case. The hearing of the case was adjourned for a week. This was the first time Sharif appeared in person before CJP Mian Saqib Nisar. During the last hearing, the lawyer of the former PM had submitted response on behalf of his client. The court had ordered the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo to appear in person before the apex court. Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, in the hearing on Oct 19, asked defence lawyer Iftikhar Gillani, Under which law, the shops were built on the shrine land? The lawyer responded that the court, after 29 years, stating that the notification was unconstitutional. The CJP reprimanded the counsel and said: The court is responsible for supremacy of the Constitution. My benches will hear your cases, he added. The bench was informed that 8,000 kanals of the Pakpattan shrine belonging to the Auqaf Department was sold. However, later the Auqaf Department declared it a charitable endowment and a court judgment had also been passed in this regard, the counsel informed the court. The chief justice also inquired about the Auqaf secretary in 1985 who issued the orders. We will issue a notice to him as well, he remarked. The additional advocate general Punjab informed the chief justice that then-Auqaf secretary had passed away. The defence counsel added that: If you want to issue notices then issue them to all owners of such properties across Pakistan. There are 8,000 such people. We will issue notices to everyone, Justice Nisar had responded. Rain dumped on the central Queensland coast in the past 24 hours has dampened down 70 bushfires across the region, with all under control on Wednesday morning. Storms and widespread rain arrived above weary firefighters on Tuesday, providing relief in areas gripped by bushfires for more than a week. A firefighter battles the Deepwater bushfire. Residents have just been allowed to return home. Credit:QFES Media A teenage girl was shocked by a lightning strike that hit the ground near her just after 6pm in Netherdale, 75 kilometres west of Mackay, and taken to hospital in a stable condition. Evacuated residents were allowed to return home to Deepwater, Baffle Creek, Rules Beach and Oyster Creek on Tuesday and the last of the affected state schools reopened on Wednesday. 1980: Joanne Curtis, 16, became Mr Dawsons student in year 11. Later in the year, the couple began a secret relationship. 1965: Chris Dawson and Lynette Simms met at a high-school function when they were both 16. They were a good-looking couple," Mrs Dawsons sister, Pat Jenkins, told the ABC in 2003. "They used to dress beautifully. Loading October 1981: Following difficulties in Joanne's home life, she moved into the Dawsons family home in Bayview, on Sydney's northern beaches, at Mr Dawson's invitation. Joanne spends the next few years between the Bayview property, Mr Dawson's twin brother's home and her mother's home. Towards the end of the year, Joanne alleged that Mr Dawson had tried to hire a hitman to kill his wife. January 8, 1982: The Dawsons attended marriage counselling. Mrs Dawson's friend, Sue Strath, told the ABC in 2003: "I had seen her walking hand-in-hand with him, walking back into work [after the session]. And she was very positive, very hopeful for the future." Later that evening, Mrs Dawson's mother, Helena Simms, called to speak to her daughter. During their chat, Mrs Simms noted her daughter sounded sozzled. Greg Simms, Mrs Dawsons brother, told the ABC in 2003 that Mrs Dawson had said to their mother that everything is just going to be fine. She had five children: daughters Belinda Stevens, Kimberly Watson and Apryl Watson and son Warren Stevens. Another son, Luke, died from SIDS when he was four months old. The trauma of her baby sons death stayed with Ms Day, and her occasional heavy drinking was a way of coping, says her daughter Belinda. Before her death, the 55-year-old had reduced her alcohol intake and was regularly going to the gym. The court heard that on December 5, Ms Day arrived at Echuca station, and bought a ticket to Melbourne for her journey by bus and train. CCTV footage showed Ms Day may have been unsteady on her feet, the court heard. At some point during the train journey to Melbourne she was approached by the train conductor. He said she was unruly, her feet were blocking the aisle and she was unable to produce a valid ticket, the court heard. The police were called, who removed Ms Day from the train - she could walk without assistance - and she was arrested for public drunkenness and taken to Castlemaine police station. Police called the local Aboriginal Community Justice Panel, but were told Ms Day was not known to them, and could not be collected. Justice panels are staffed by volunteers who are on standby to assist any Aboriginal person taken into police custody. Ms Day was detained in a police cell and assessed as level three, which requires detainees to be physically checked every 30 minutes. But this did not happen. Despite falls being observed [on CCTV], no-one entered the cell despite the clear requirement she be roused and a verbal response sought every thirty minutes, said lawyer Fiona McLeod, SC, who is acting for the family and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. CCTV shows Ms Day hit her head in the cell on five occasions. From 4.50pm, she became unable to use her right arm, at 6.40pm she rolled off the bench and lay on her back on the floor. When the first physical check was done at 8pm, police noticed a dark, oval-shaped bruise on her forehead. Ms Day was taken by ambulance to Bendigo hospital, where it was established she had suffered a large bleed to the brain. At 11pm, her blood alcohol level was 0.231. This is the second time Tanyas family has suffered the trauma of a death in custody. Tanya Day was a loved mother-of-five and heavily involved in her local community. Tanyas uncle, Harrison Day, a skilled drover and horseman, died in custody in 1982 from an epileptic fit in an Echuca police cell, after he was arrested for an unpaid $10 fine for public drunkenness. His death was examined by the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, which found supervision of the vulnerable prisoner was grossly inadequate, and recommended the offence of public drunkenness be abolished. Tanya Day never woke up. A scan revealed a massive bleed in her brain and she was flown by helicopter to St Vincents Hospital in Melbourne, where she had emergency surgery to remove a section of her skull and relieve the pressure on her brain. Tanya Day, right, loved spending time with family and friends. Her family say they were given inadequate and incomplete information about her condition, including conflicting advice that she had had an aneurysm, a stroke or haematoma. Seventeen days after Ms Day was arrested, her children made the heartbreaking decision to remove her medical support in the intensive care unit. After the court hearing, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service head Wayne Muir called on the Attorney-General and Premier Daniel Andrews to follow the lead of the coroner and commit to working with the Victorian Aboriginal community to prevent further deaths in custody. "It is time to act to abolish the offence of public drunkenness and properly fund sobering up and community health alternatives to incarceration," Mr Muir said. Tanya Day with relatives. In a statement, Ms Day's family said they would not rest until they got justice for her. "Tanya Day, remember that name, remember that she was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunty and friend to many, she is not just another statistic," they said. It's the first really warm day of summer, so remember to stay hydrated. The Better Health unit of the Victorian government wants you to remember: - check in with anyone over 65, especially if they live alone - take extra caution if you're; pregnant, taking antibiotics or medication, live with a disibility or you work or exercise outdoors - be mindful of babies and young children too - you should drink a lot of water, use wet towels to stay cool or put your feet in cold water. Cool showers work too - keep food properly stored and make sure you wear a hat and suncsreen An old office building blocking the City of Gosnells plans to redevelop its town centre has been forcefully acquired by the WA Planning Commission after the owner refused to voluntarily sell the property. The former Centacare office, which has remained untenanted since March, was the only property in Western Australia forcefully acquired by the state government in the 2017-18 financial year. 108 Lissiman Street, formerly tenanted by Centacare, was the only property in WA to be forcefully acquired by the state government. Credit:Nerissa Briggs The 292 square metre building on Lissiman Street was preventing the City of Gosnells from progressing its long-held $30 million plan to revitalise its town centre and encourage higher density development around Gosnells train station. Despite the Crown taking ownership of the property in February, City of Gosnells chief executive Ian Cowie said the process of valuing the land was yet to be finalised and the former owner yet to be paid any compensation. Police have charged a 31-year-old man with murder over the death of Samuel Riley, whose body was found in his Busselton home in October. South West District Office Detective Inspector Jon Munday said the arrest of the man, from the Busselton suburb of Geographe, was a result of ongoing enquiries as police continued to call for information on an axe connected to the case. South West District Office Detective Inspector Jon Munday with a FISKARS brand X7 model axe, which is an item of interest in the investigation. Credit:Busselton Dunsborough Mail WA Police would like to thank the Busselton community with their assistance in this matter, its been an ongoing inquiry where lots of information has been received by Crime Stoppers, he said. As part of the investigation, police are trying to locate the owner of this axe that was located near the scene. One of the hardest things in life is to see yourself as others see you not how you want them to see you. Voters are living a reality that our politicians just cant seem to grasp. The Liberal Party is totally consumed by itself. It is an unfortunate combination of selfishness, ignorance and pure arrogance to ignore what has happened to the standing of the party in the Longman and Wentworth byelections, and the Victorian state election and, even worse, to deny any lessons, simply offering spurious and fallacious excuses blaming everything and everybody else. The Liberal brand is damaged ... Tony Abbott and Peter Dutton. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen How and why is it that Peter Dutton, hailed as the master campaigner, who was being supported against Malcolm Turnbull in the naive belief that he could win Queensland, failed so miserably in Longman, his neighbouring seat? It cant be all blamed on the candidate, his foibles, his poor campaign. How and why did the party lose Wentworth, an iconic Liberal seat? This loss cant be dismissed as an atypical seat. Kerryn Phelps didnt just win by some 1800 votes she achieved a swing of almost 20 per cent in one of the governments safest seats. The Morrison government is exposed to a humiliating defeat in Parliament from a multi-party push to legislate faster medical treatment for refugees on Manus Island and Nauru, highlighting the Coalition's vulnerability on the last sitting day for the year. Labor and the Greens have formed an alliance with key crossbench MPs to force an end-of-year clash on the issue after calls from the Australian Medical Association for urgent intervention to get children off Nauru. The crossbench will threaten the government's control on the floor of the House of Representatives on Thursday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The plan sets up a vote that could pass new laws on Thursday despite the governments objections. In a significant challenge to the governments authority in Parliament, the alliance has gained a majority in the Senate and appears confident of securing the numbers in the House of Representatives to amend the law. Former shadow attorney-general John Pesutto has formally conceded his seat but says he's "hopeful and interested" in making a return to politics. Almost two weeks after the bloodbath that saw his election defeat played out on live television, Mr Pesutto told ABC radio on Wednesday morning it looked very clear he had lost. John Pesutto speaks to the media on Wednesday morning. Credit:AAP He congratulated Labor candidate John Kennedy, who was leading at 9am by 329 votes. Shah Mahmood Qureshi assured USA of Pakistan help for peace in Afghanistan ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday assured United States visiting Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad of Pakistans help for peace in Afghanistan a day after President Donald Trump sought Pakistan support in reconciliation with the Taliban. Khalilzad, who arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday morning on two-day visit, met Qureshi at the Foreign Ministry and discussed cooperation to promote political solution to the Afghan conflict. It was a pleasure meeting Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad third time since his appointment. Pakistan will continue to cooperate with sincerity for political settlement in Afghanistan. Long lasting Peace in Afghanistan is in Pakistans best interest, Qureshi wrote on Twitter. Khalilzad started Pakistans visit a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he had received a letter from US President Donald Trump, in which he has sought Pakistans support in negotiated settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said Khalilzad reiterated President Trumps desire to seek Pakistans cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan. The foreign minister assured the US side of Pakistans steadfast support for a negotiated settlement, the spokesman said on Twitter. He said the US envoy also held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and discussed peace and political settlement in Afghanistan. Officials from diplomatic, security and defence from both sides were present at the meeting, he added. Some sources say the US envoy is likely to hold more meetings in Islamabad today. The Afghan government had cautiously welcomed President Trumps letter to the Pakistani prime minister and said it would welcome every step for peace in Afghanistan. Shah Hussain Mortazavi, deputy presidential spokesman told the BBC Pashto radio that Kabul expects other countries play positive role in bringing peace to Afghanistan. Meanwhile, a four-member delegation of Taliban political representatives has also arrived in Pakistan following their meetings with the American officials in Qatar, where the Taliban have political office. Taliban sources confirmed the visit to Daily Times but insisted the visit did not have any relation with the visit of the US envoy to Pakistan or any peace talks. The Taliban delegation is comprised Maulvi Shahab ud Din Dilawar, Salam Hanafi, Zia-ur-Rehman Madani and Suhail Shaheen. The State Department had earlier said Khalilzad would be travelling to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Belgium, United Arab Emirates and Qatar with an interagency delegation from December 2-20. Khalilzad held three-day talks with the Taliban political representatives in Qatar last month and more discussions are expected during his current trip Qatar. After his wife, family and friends, John Kennedys greatest love is public transport. The 75 tram and the train from Hawthorn station in particular. Mr Kennedy never got his drivers licence so he will have to use other modes of transport to take up his seat in the Victorian Parliament, where he will soon represent the people of Hawthorn. Labor's candidate for Hawthorn John Kennedy will soon take up his seat in the Victorian Parliament. Credit:Eddie Jim Obviously it was a fairly safe Liberal seat but I had good vibes along the way, during the pre-polling time and on election day itself. So here we are, he said on Wednesday, in his first press conference. To say Mr Kennedy was considered an outside chance of winning the blue-ribbon Liberal electorate would be a huge understatement. Opposition Leader Mike Nahan and former Premier Colin Barnett have been linked to an association dumped by Labor MP Pierre Yang yesterday over its support for Beijing's aggressive military posture in the South China Sea. The website of the Association for Great China Inc. published a message of support from Dr Nahan when he was the multicultural interests minister, congratulating the organisation which was then called the Association of Australian Chinese Mainlanders And Friends Inc. on its seventh anniversary. Premier Mark McGowan and Labor MLC Pierre Yang, who quit two pro-Beijing organisations yesterday after failing to declare his relationship with them. Opposition Leader Mike Nahan wrote a message of support for one of the organisations when he was multicultural minister. "The Association is an important part of Western Australias vibrant multicultural society and plays a key role in promoting Chinese culture in WA, thus contributing to the cultural enrichment of our state," Dr Nahan's statement said. "The Association is active in strengthening relationships between the WA Chinese community and the wider community through cultural exchange and understanding. Microsoft may be planning to bow out of the battle of the internet browsers, with reports indicating the company is building a new application on the same foundation that powers Google Chrome. Microsoft Edge has struggled to take off in the three years since launch, despite shipping as the default browser for Windows 10. A lack of developer support and the browser's notorious issues displaying certain kinds of web content has led to the running joke that Edge is only used once on a new PC; to download and install a different browser. Loading Data from Net Marketshare indicates this might be only a minor exaggeration, showing Edge was used for just 4.2 per cent of desktop web activity last month, compared to 65.57 per cent for Google Chrome. Even the browser that Edge supplanted, the defunct Internet Explorer, was sitting at 9.64 per cent. But a new browser under development at Microsoft will apparently address this by looking and performing a lot more like the current market leader. Codenamed Anaheim, the company's new application will ditch the Microsoft-built EdgeHTML rendering engine according to reports from Windows Central and instead use Chromium and its Blink engine. Jakarta: Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne will make a lightning visit to Bali to mend fences with her Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi, following the damaging leak of messages between the pair over Australia's proposed Jerusalem embassy move. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Credit:AP The pair are scheduled to attend the Bali Democracy Forum on Thursday, where Ms Retno is a keynote speaker and Senator Payne will participate in a panel discussion. But it is their meeting on the sidelines of the forum, which will be the second between the pair since the leaking of Ms Retno's WhatsApp messages to Senator Payne, that is of more significance. A spokesman for Senator Payne on Wednesday morning refused to confirm if the meeting with Ms Retno would take place - underscoring the diplomatic sensitivities over the issue - but a source in the Indonesian Foreign Ministry confirmed it would. Bannon is, in effect, reprising the role of political provocateur he played before joining the Trump campaign in the summer of 2016. Back then, he was running the conservative news site Breitbart and helping promote conspiracy theories through the publication of books like Clinton Cash, which aimed to destroy Hillary Clinton's White House bid. Guo Wengui, who is also known as Miles Kwok, has been a member of US President Donald Trump's Florida club Mar-a-Lago. Credit:New York Times In an interview in his hotel room two weeks ago, Bannon, 65, said the new China-related fund he will head, without pay, will gather evidence, share it with authorities in the United States and elsewhere and publish it in the media. The fund also targets Wall Street banks and law firms, which he says are complicit in China's misdeeds. The project, he says, is consistent with his populist and nationalist agenda. China's reckless behaviour, he contended, is endangering the global economy and sapping America's strength. "As a populist, this is outrageous," Bannon said, noting that US financial institutions have helped back the worrisome global buying sprees of Chinese companies, with cash raised from ordinary people, including government pension funds. "The elites in this country have to be held accountable. We have to get the facts on the table." Guo, 50, insists that the fund offers a way to strike back at Beijing. China has pressed the Trump administration to extradite him so that he can face a raft of charges in China allegations he strongly denies. Billions of dollars in assets he controlled have been frozen by Beijing. And Interpol has issued a warrant seeking his arrest. He travels with a phalanx of security guards, saying he fears for his life. The Guo-Bannon alliance has alarmed some analysts, who view the two men as purveyors of conspiracy theories fuelling anti-China sentiment. Michael Swaine, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace The Chinese embassy in the US could not be reached for comment. But the Guo-Bannon alliance has alarmed some analysts, who view the two men as purveyors of conspiracy theories fuelling anti-China sentiment. "The problem with these types of reckless, loose-cannon accusations is that they undermine the ability of responsible analysts and policymakers to identify the genuine cases of Chinese wrongdoing and fashion realistic and effective policy responses," said Michael Swaine, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington. For Bannon, the new effort plays to a long-standing and complicated interest in China. As a young naval officer in the 1970s, he patrolled the South China Sea. He also lived for a time in Shanghai, where he ran a small online gaming company. In recent years, he has come to view China as a military threat to the United States and a fierce economic rival that refuses to play by the rules. In helping elect Trump, Bannon counselled him to take a tough line on China and step up trade pressure on Beijing. Trump obliged by tapping Harvard-trained economist Peter Navarro, a longtime China critic known for his book Death by China and Michael Pillsbury, a China hawk at the Hudson Institute, as top trade advisers. Loading It was during his time at the White House, Bannon says, that he first heard about Guo. The Chinese billionaire was living in New York, broadcasting allegations of high-level government corruption in China on Twitter and YouTube some credible, some outlandish and still unproven. By then, he had also applied for political asylum. Alarmed by his social media campaign and his public denunciations of the Communist Party, Beijing began pressing the Trump administration to extradite Guo. Chinese investigators said he has ties to Ma Jian, a former spy chief now imprisoned in China on charges of bribery and abuse of power. Inside the White House, there were disagreements over how to deal with Guo. Several Western businessmen, apparently eager to cozy up to Beijing, lobbied Trump to accede to China's demands, according to people familiar with the talks. Bannon said he sided with those in the administration who opposed any handover, viewing Guo as a potentially valuable "intelligence asset". Guo and Bannon met only after Bannon was forced out of the White House. Bannon says he received a call from Bill Gertz, a Washington journalist who has long been critical of China. Gertz told him that Guo was scheduled to give a talk in Washington at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank. The talk was cancelled at the last minute. Over lunch, Guo and Bannon discussed China's military capabilities, as well as the financial implications of Beijing's rule, including what impact the country's mounting corporate debt might have on its economy. A friendship emerged. "It was fantastic. He really impressed me," Bannon said of his first meeting with Guo. "We talked about President Trump's approach to China, and he went into corruption in the Chinese Communist Party." As Bannon sharpened his critique of China's rise, he also began meeting privately with some of America's leading experts on China, to seek their counsel and outline his agenda. Few welcomed his strident remarks, according to people who attended some of the sessions. But more recently, analysts say, his positions have gotten a warmer reception. "The tectonic plates are shifting," says Orville Schell, the director of the Centre on US-China Relations at the Asia Society. "Many analysts would have totally rejected him two years ago. But people are more sympathetic now that engagement with China has been defrocked." Schell adds, "On the China question, he's no longer the skunk at the party." But Bannon is getting blowback from some of Beijing's friends. On a trip abroad this year to drum up support for nationalist and populist leaders in Eastern and Central Europe, Bannon says, he was scolded for his positions on China by Milos Zeman, president of the Czech Republic and one of Beijing's closest allies in the region. "He threw down on me hard," Bannon says. "He said: 'Tell Trump you didn't learn from Hitler. You can't fight on two fronts. You can't take on radical Islam and China. You will end up in the bunker, like Hitler.'" A spokesman for Zeman said that he had challenged Bannon on US tariffs against China and that the two men had parted ways in a very "cold atmosphere." London: A top official at the European Union's highest court advised on Tuesday that Britain can change its mind about leaving the European Union, boosting hopes among pro-EU campaigners in the UK that Brexit can be stopped. Theresa May, UK prime minister. Credit:Bloomberg Prime Minister Theresa May's government insists it will never reverse the decision to leave, but May faces a tough battle to win backing in Parliament before lawmakers vote next week on whether to accept or reject the divorce agreement she has negotiated with the bloc. Defeat would leave the UK facing a chaotic "no-deal" Brexit and could topple the prime minister, her government, or both. Advocate General Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona told the European Court of Justice that a British decision to revoke the countdown to departure would be legally valid. The advice of the advocate general is often, but not always, followed by the full court. London: The UK could become trapped in an indefinite Brexit "stalemate" where it must obey Europe's customs laws and regulations that it no longer has any control over, according to the government's own legal advice that it has been forced to make public. The advice, written by Attorney-General Geoffrey Cox last month, is a frank assessment of the risks and drawbacks to the so-called 'backstop' in the Brexit deal the May government and the European Union agreed to last month. The UK government was forced to publish confidential advice that Attorney-General Geoffrey Cox wrote on Brexit. Credit:Simon Dawson/Bloomberg That backstop would "endure indefinitely" until the UK and EU can agree a future trade deal, Cox wrote, despite statements from both sides indicating they did not intend it to be permanent. This would be the case "even when negotiations have clearly broken down", according to the advice. London: The British academic jailed for spying in the Gulf has told how he is suffering severe withdrawal symptoms after being force-fed a cocktail of drugs by his captors. Matthew Hedges, 31, was held in solitary confinement for almost six months after his arrest at Dubai airport in May on suspicion of spying for Britain's MI6. He was convicted and jailed for life but finally freed last week after receiving a presidential pardon. Hedges has now revealed he is struggling to cope after having to take random medication during his captivity in the United Arab Emirates. He was given Xanax and Valium, highly addictive tranquillisers. When his captors feared he had gone too quiet, they gave him Ritalin, a stimulant used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD. The combination, which Hedges' friends say was given without proper medical supervision, left him reeling in the days since he was flown back to the UK to be reunited with his wife, Daniela Tejada, 27. The biopsies and blood tests completed, and Zainab Mughal's rare blood mutation explained, her parents came to grips with the sudden complication in their daughter's cancer fight. In order for the 2-year-old to survive, it would take something they had absolutely no control over: The kindness of strangers. Zainab, who lives in Florida, was diagnosed in October with a neuroblastoma, an aggressive cancer that usually occurs in children. Doctors said the tumour had been growing inside Zainab's abdomen for nearly half of her life. Fighting it would require two bone marrow transplants and a series of transfusions to replenish her blood supply as chemotherapy shrinks the tumour to nothing, doctors said. Toddler Zainab Mughal needs extremely rare blood to beat cancer. Credit:OneBlood "The results came in and the results were really bad," her father, Raheel Mughal, said in a video. "We were all crying. This was like the worst thing we were expecting." There was another big complication: Mughal and his wife were tested to see if they were compatible blood donors. They weren't. A parade of family and friends came into the hospital to be pricked by needles. No luck. I am a tariff man, said the Republican president. He based his strong support of tariffs on the idea that industries within the U.S. needed protection from foreign competition. A vocal opponent of free trade, his view was that America could tax its way to prosperity. Prices on consumer good rose, which helped to cause the Republicans to lose their majority in the House. But tariff man never wavered from his protectionist impulses, no matter how much damage they caused. By Tariff Man Im referring, of course, to our 25th president, William McKinley. History never repeats itself, as the old adage notes, but it sometimes rhymes. A prime example is a recent tweet by President Trump, which sounds like it came from the 1890s: I am a Tariff Man. When people or countries come in to raid the great wealth of our Nation, I want them to pay for the privilege of doing so. It will always be the best way to max out our economic power. We are right now taking in $billions in Tariffs. MAKE AMERICA RICH AGAIN Such economic ignorance was already inexcusable when McKinley (then still a congressman) imposed his Tariff Act of 1890. But its truly baffling how anyone living in the twenty-first century could think raising taxes on America consumers is the way to make America rich again. Normally, a policy that has been repudiated by empirical evidence for more than 100 years would never even be considered. But as history has shown, politicians tend to have more power than sense. And because we give the executive branch too much power, theres not much we can do about it but complain. But complain we should. There comes a point, after all, when such economic ignorance becomes a matter of immorality. As the Heritage Foundations Logan Kolas and Patrick Tyrrell pointed out last year, tariffs and regressive trade policies hurt the poor: While all Americans stand to benefit from free trade, we must not lose sight of who has the most to lose. Tariffs are just taxes on Americans by another name. However, some Americans shoulder a larger burden under protectionism than others. Unlike our progressive income tax, taxes on imports (tariffs) are regressive and take a bigger percentage of income from poor families. Lower-income individuals and families thus may bear a significant burden from tariffs, while those of more comfortable means are not as affected. In fact, cutting tariffs could be the biggest tax cut low-income families will ever see. As I noted last week, Trumps latest round of tariffs will decrease economic growth and increase unemployment. They will also cost households to suffer losses equivalent to $2,357 per household, or $915 per person. For a multi-millionaire like President Tariff Man Trump, losing $915 a year is no burden. But for most Americansand especially for the working poorthe tariffs are going to make their lives even more difficult, and push them deeper into poverty. There may not be many economic policies that all American Christians can agree on, but refusing to allow the poor to be harmed by discredited 19th century mercantilist policies should be one of them. Trump letter to Imran Khan asking for help with Afghan peace: White House Confirming US President Donald Trumps attempt to reach out to Pakistan to end the war in Afghanistan, US Defence Secretary James Mattis has called for the international community to help end the war in Afghanistan and aid regional leaders in their efforts to bridge longstanding disagreements, saying that conflicts in Afghanistan have now gone on for 40 years. Mattis was speaking to the media while receiving his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to the Pentagon. He said that Washington was doing its best to protect Afghan people as its diplomats were working to end the war. The White House also confirmed a letter, President Donald Trump wrote to Prime Minister Imran Khan, asking for Pakistans help with faltering Afghan peace talks. A senior Trump administration official said the president sought Pakistans full support for the US effort to advance the Afghan peace process. At the Pentagon, Mattis was specifically asked if Washington had more confidence in Pakistans willingness to help with Afghan peace process. Its gone on now, its approaching 40 years, 40 years is enough and its time for everyone to get on board, Mattis told a reporter. All stakeholders are trying to maintain peace and make for a better world here. So we are on that track. It is diplomatically led, as it should be, and well do our best to protect the Afghan people as the diplomats work support to end the war, the defence secretary added. Trump has appointed Afghan-born US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad as special envoy tasked with pushing through the peace talks. The administration official, who did not want to be identified, told Reuters that Trump requested Pakistans full support for the US effort to advance the Afghan peace process and for Khalilzads trip to the region. Separately, China welcomed on Tuesday, the sound interactions between Pakistan and the US, stressing that the relations between Islamabad and Washington were conducive to the large picture of the international counter-terrorism campaign. At a daily briefing at the Foreign Ministrys spokesperson Geng Shuang said that China was happy to see the improvement of Pakistan-US relations and support the equal-footed and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Washington: Former president George W. Bush broke down in tears as he eulogised "the best father a son or daughter could ever have" at the state funeral for the 41st US president George H.W. Bush, who was celebrated as a principled and gracious if imperfect leader. At the funeral on Wednesday, local time, President Donald Trump sat in a pew in the front row of the National Cathedral in Washington DC alongside his predecessors Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and their wives. Members of the Bush family - including sons Jeb and George, who both followed their father into politics - sat on a pew on the other side of the aisle from the former leaders. When the history books are written, George W. Bush said, they will say that George H.W. Bush was a great president of the United States, a diplomat of unmatched skill, a commander in chief of formidable accomplishments and a gentleman who executed the duties of his office with dignity and honour. New York: US sharemarkets plunged on Tuesday, local time, amid growing uncertainty about whether a truce struck between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump at the G20 summit will lead to a long-term deal to ease trade tensions between the two superpowers. Trump - who on Tuesday described himself as "a Tariff Man" - has regularly boasted about gains on the sharemarket as evidence that the US economy has boomed under his leadership. The Dow Jones Industrial Average had fallen by 783 points, or 3.1 per cent, by mid-afternoon on Tuesday local time. The S&P 500 lost 3.2 per cent of its value and the Nasdaq fell by 3.3. per cent. Analysts said the markets had grown skittish because of a lack of clarity about the future of the US-China economic relationship. New York: The long wait for Australia to receive a permanent US ambassador may soon be over. Donald Trump's nominee for the post, Arthur Culvahouse jnr, has been hailed as one of America's most accomplished public servants at Senate hearings in Washington DC. Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr, who has been nominated to be the new US ambassador to Australia. Credit:OMelveny and Myers Culvahouse appeared before the high-powered Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, local time, and looks set to sail through the confirmation process with little trouble. The position of US ambassador to Australia has been vacant since Barack Obama appointee John Berry departed Canberra in September 2016, making Australia one of the last close US allies to receive a permanent ambassador since Trump took office. Latest News CBA hikes fixed rates for third time in six weeks Third rate rise in just six weeks for major lender as market comes to terms with RBA uncertainty Brokers 'stronger than ever' as trend towards leaving the industry reverses Optimism high in channel going in 2022 as challenges of past year have forced brokers to revisit their careers The Australian Banking Association Council has announced it has re-elected a major bank CEO as its chair. The association held its annual general meeting, where ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott was elected to continue as chair, and David Carter as deputy chair, for another 12 months. Elliott has been chair of the ABA since December 2017 and said there was much work to be done as the industry continues to reform and re-earn trust. He said, Im pleased to have been re-elected chair of the ABA for what will be an important year for the industry as we continue to earn trust from customers and the community. While there has been significant reform in recent years, the Royal Commission has clearly highlighted we have made mistakes. The industry has accepted responsibility for our failures and we are accountable for fixing them quickly. Carter, CEO of Suncorp Bank and deputy chair of the ABA since June this year, said he was pleased to be re-elected and focussed on embedding change in the industry. He said, Rebuilding trust with the Australian community will take a significant and sustained effort from the industry. Every member of the ABA is strongly committed to embedding change to ensure issues identified by the Royal Commission are not repeated in the future. Latest News CBA hikes fixed rates for third time in six weeks Third rate rise in just six weeks for major lender as market comes to terms with RBA uncertainty Brokers 'stronger than ever' as trend towards leaving the industry reverses Optimism high in channel going in 2022 as challenges of past year have forced brokers to revisit their careers A recent housing affordability report has shown an improvement nationally with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments decreasing by eight basis points. The Adelaide Bank/REIA Housing Affordability Report for the September quarter 2018 demonstrated Australians on average needed 31.4% of income to pay their loans. Housing affordability improved in all states and territories except Queensland where there was no change. Compared to the September quarter 2017, housing affordability declined in all states and territories. Darren Kasehagen, head of third party banking, Adelaide Bank said, The improvement in housing affordability nationally is a welcome finding. Victoria continues to lead with the highest number of first home buyer loans and housing affordability improved most in NSW for the September Quarter. Refinancing excluded, the Australian Capital Territory had the biggest decrease in the number of loans at -7.8%. All states and territories showed an annual decline in new loans except for Tasmania where there was a 2.7% increase. The declines ranged from 17.6% in Western Australia to 4.4% in South Australia with WA showing both the largest decrease in the number of loans to first home buyers, yet the highest proportion of first home buyers at 35.1%. Kasehagen added, When you consider that rents in Tasmania are now 28.3% of income and loan repayments are now at 25.1%, the decision to switch from renting to buying has never been easier. On these numbers, its about $50 a week cheaper to buy than rent, which may explain why Tasmania is bucking the trend as the only state to see an increase in the number of loans. According to the report, the number of first home buyers decreased to 27,839, a decrease of 2% during the quarter and a decrease of 3.7% compared to the September quarter 2017. The number of first home buyers increased in Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory over the September quarter, with the largest increase in the Northern Territory (14.7%). Compared to the corresponding quarter 2017, the number of first home buyers increased in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, with the largest increase in Tasmania (25.1%). The weighted average capital city median house price decreased to $751,411, a decrease of 1.6% over the quarter and a decrease of 1.5% over the past twelve months. From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As... 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 A 22-year-old Ghanaian, Kofi Gunu, has emerged the winner of the 2019 Rhodes Scholarships for West Africa, thus becoming the third recipient of the prestigious awards from the sub-continent since the re-launch in 2017 Nigerias Toluwalase Awoyemi and Emannuelle Dankwa of Ghana, who commenced studies at the University of Oxford this October, are the two previous beneficiaries. A native of Helekpe, a small farming community in the former Gold Coast, Gunu graduated summa cum laude from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA where he bagged a B.A. in Government/International Affairs. He also obtained a masters degree in Global Affairs from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China as a Schwarzman Scholar. Ike Chioke, Rhodes National Secretary for West Africa, disclosed that Gunu came out tops among the ten most qualified candidates that made the final shortlist. A total of 2,134 applications were received from intending scholars across the region out of which 192 that graduated with a First Class degree or its equivalent made it to the next round. Through further screening, the number was reduced to 66 before being narrowed down to 10 for the final round of in-person interviews. All ten finalists were exceptionally brilliant students, and each performed remarkably well at the interview. Unfortunately, there could only be one winner this time. As set in the Will of Cecil John Rhodes who established the scholarships, there were several other criteria besides academic excellence, which the Selection Committee considered before arriving at a decision. These include moral force of character, commitment to service and instinct to lead, Chioke said. The 2019 Scholar-Elect, Gunu, has worked in the US Senate and at the Council on Foreign Relations. In 2018, he was handpicked to undertake his mandatory national service in the Office of the Vice President of Ghana. He is currently working with the government to develop an industrial apprenticeship program aimed at reducing youth unemployment. Ultimately, he aspires to represent Ghana as a diplomat, serving at the intersection of climate adaptation and Sino-Africa relations. In his response to the scholarship award, Gunu said: I am grateful to my parents who made many sacrifices to ensure that I got the best education. This scholarship is an affirmation of all their sacrifices and self-denial. I was also lucky to have teachers and mentors who blessed me with their wisdom, time and money. He added: As the sole Scholar-Elect from West Africa, I feel a great sense of debt, and I am more determined than ever before to use my education to benefit my community and my country. This is the only way I feel I can begin to make myself worthy of this rare honour. The Rhodes Scholarships cover all university and college fees, a personal stipend for room and board, health insurance and travel, as well as the costs of the Rhodes Leadership Development Programme at Rhodes House. Depending on the course of study, the total value of the scholarship could range from 50,000 to 60,000 per annum, with the average tenure for a Rhodes Scholar being three years. Over time, up to three scholars in residence will be supported under each scholarship at a total of approximately 170,000 each year per Scholarship. The Rhodes Trust the preeminent international scholarship programme established at Oxford University in 1903 selects creative young leaders with a commitment to serving others. The West Africa Scholarship was launched in May 2017, and it is open to students from Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, the island of Saint Helena, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, and Togo. Application opens on 1st June 2019 for the 2020 Scholarships. Interested candidates are to apply online at www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk 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 Etihad Airways is holding talks with Jet Airways Ltd and its bankers on a rescue plan for the debt-laden Indian carrier, two sources aware of the matter told Reuters. Executives from Etihad and Jet have met some of the airline's bankers in Mumbai in recent days to discuss ways to address its cash flow issues and evaluate the carrier's future business plan, the sources said. Etihad, which owns 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways, is also considering investing fresh funds in the airline if it can agree on the structure, one of the sources said, adding that no ... Despite talks with US major Amazon for a possible stake sale in Future Retail, and an entry of the former (through an investment arm) into the group, Future Consumer, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) arm of the conglomerate, could be kept out of the ongoing negotiations, sources in the know said. This comes as Biyani charts out an aggressive future for the company, predicated on a series of launches, brand tie-ups ... 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 Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin may be heading to court over what he describes as a breach of the National Democratic Congress constitution. He insists that partys constitution is clear in the guidelines for the flagbearership race which has to be done in consultation with the Council of elders. He was emphatic that he will not pick the partys presidential nomination forms despite yesterdays deadline. The NDC last Thursday pegged the price of nomination forms at GH20,000 while candidates are required to pay another GH400,000 as filing fee. But two minutes before deadline, One David Jawara Banye, a constituent at the constituency of Member of Parliament for Nadwokli Kaleo at 4:58pm yesterday picked a form for Mr. Bagbin although Mr. Bagbin insists, he has not sanction it. He explains that although, he knows the said David, he has not given his blessing for him to pick the nomination forms on his behalf especially when he had raised concerns over the GH420,000. In the view of Mr. Bagbin, he would get to the end of the matter even if he has to sue. To Sue? His reasons are that picking the forms will mean condoning illegality since the newly elected national executives of the NDC sidestepped the partys Council of Elders in deciding the guidelines for the flagbearer contest. We believe that the process that they have put in place is offending a number of our values, principles and even the provisions of our constitutionand so we have put that across and we are awaiting the response of the Council of elders, told Starr FM yesterday. Theres a legal issue there, he noted adding that A legal issue that we believe has rendered all the process null and void. We know that. And so, if you dont do that and you proceed to do what you know is unlawful it means that all that process is null and void. And thats the difficulty in going to pick the forms because we ourselves will be participating in an unlawful process. Thats the main reason why I am not picking the forms, he added. Bagbin also warned the NDC will be doomed should the national executives go ahead and implement the deadline for the picking of the forms without addressing the concerns raised in their petition. It is not just my candidature thats at risk, the whole party, the success of the whole party is at risk if they decide to treat with contempt the issue that we have raised. They are just taking it lightly and they think that its one of a show of power. I can tell you that the health and future of the whole party will be at risk if they think that they can be pushed and ruled by the mob. They should go on and do that and see. We are all in Ghana. They should see what will happen in future, he said. Spio Angry Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, another aspirant has also given the hint of going to court over the issue. No they wont close the [process]. They cant do it. I am telling you the thing is illegal. The process is unconstitutional, Mr Spio-Garbrah he said on Multi TVs PM Express, Tuesday. Did they consult the Council of Elders? That is all you have to ask them. Just asked them: I read your constitution that you must consult your Council of Elders, did you consult them? Lets wait and see, he said. It is however, unclear why the other flagbearer-aspirants failed to pick their nominations. The aspirants have variously raised concerns about the GH420,000 which they said was too high. As at close of picking of nomination forms yesterday, five persons- Stephen Atubiga, former president John Dramani Mahama, former UPSA Rector, Professor Joshua Alabai and Sylvester Mensah, a former Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NIA) and Mr. Bagbin had picked their nomination forms for the NDC Top Job. 8 Petition Incensed by the killer fees, eight of the 12 aspiring flagbearers petitioned the National Council of Elders of the party, under the chairmanship of the Founder, former President Jerry John Rawlings, to intervene to prevent irreparable harm to the party. Although, it appears not much has been achieved supporters of the four aspirants thronged the NDC headquarters to pick the nomination forms after the hue and cry. Some grassroots supporters of the NDC on Monday, queued at the former presidents Mahamas residence at the Cantonments in Accra to contribute their widows mite towards the former presidents GH 420,000 fees. Sources say ordinary party supporters also massed up at Mahamas residence to contribute GH2 and GH5 to assist him to raise the funds Also, MPs4JM, a group of 96 Minority Members of Parliament who have declared their support for Mahamas bid to run for the NDC flag bearer, have so far mobilized 603 pledges of GH1,000 each towards footing the fees of Mr. Mahama. Surrogates Followers of Stephen Atubiga said to be from the onion market in Accra have also picked up nomination forms for the presidential hopeful with a bundle of cash amounting to GH20,000 as payment for the forms. Prof. Alabis forms on the other hand were picked on his behalf by his campaign team led by former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ken Dzirasah. The NDCs presidential primary is slated for 19 January 2019. Source: The Publisher Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Delhi is facing "severe problems" due to unauthorised construction and encroachment which can be gauged from the fact that the special task force (STF) has already cleared as much as 2.8 million square metre of such area, the said Wednesday. A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur was informed that the STF, constituted in April following the apex court's order to oversee enforcement of laws on illegal construction and monitor the removal of encroachments here, has also cleared about 3,202 sq mt of roads, streets and footpaths. The bench, also comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Hemant Gupta, was told that so far the STF has received around 7,000 complaints out of which about 3,400 complaints have been dealt with and efforts were being made to recruit additional staff for the task force so that they could do their works expeditiously. "On perusal of the report, we find that the total area cleared from encroachment by STF under permanent structures is as high as 10,71,838 square metres. The area under temporary structures that has been cleared from encroachment is 16,99,858 square metres," the bench said. "This confirms the severe problems being faced by Delhi due to unauthorized construction and encroachments and the magnitude of the problem," it said. It also said there was a need to protect and preserve the encroached land and areas which have been retrieved by civic agencies under the directions of STF. "Since the commissioners of the municipal corporations are part of the STF, we would require the STF to look into the matter with due seriousness and protect and preserve the land that has been taken possession/retrieved from the unauthorized encroachments. Needless to say, this also includes the roads/ streets/footpaths that have been cleared by the STF with the assistance of the municipal corporations," the bench said. ALSO READ: Encroachments on 2,280-km roads cleared by August 31 in Delhi Regarding the large number of complaints received by STF about unauthorised constructions and encroachment, the bench said, "We may note that the fact that the STF has received more than 7,000 complaints indicates the magnitude of the problem of encroachments and unauthorized construction in Delhi." At the outset, the bench pulled up Delhi Development Authority (DDA) vice-chairman Tarun Kapoor, who is also the chairman of STF, for not filing reports fortnightly before the apex court despite the court's earlier direction. "We have to beg and say please tell us what is happening," the bench told DDA's vice-chairman who was present in the court. Kapoor said that STF was holding fortnightly meeting and added, "I accept there is a delay (in filing report)". To this, the bench said, "Why do you do this? First of all you cannot handle the problem and when the matter is before the Supreme Court, you say you will do whatever you want. What is this?". Additional Solicitor General (ASG) A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, told the bench that he has told DDA vice-chairman to file STF report in the court fortnightly. "If you cannot do your job then tell us that I cannot do my job. We will replace you. If you want to do this, do it seriously. It was the idea of the Attorney General (to have STF and call for reports). What do people of Delhi will do? What do the will do," the bench said, adding, "It is too much". When the ASG said that STF had to take staffs from other department to deal with the complaints, the bench said, "That is your problem, not ours. There can be million of excuses". Nadkarni said that STF has laid down a time bound procedure for dealing with the complaints and they were also going to employ staff on their own within 15 days or by December 31. He assured the bench that STF would submit fortnightly report in the court and said the task force was also in touch with the court-appointed monitoring committee on sealing in Delhi. Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the Delhi sealing matter, then told the court about the huge area of around 28 lakh square The Orissa High Court Wednesday granted bail to Delhi-based journalist Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, who has been in jail for over a month, in two criminal cases. Justice Debabrata Dash directed the sub-divisional judicial magistrate court of Bhubaneswar and the court of judicial magistrate of Konark to impose conditions as they deem proper for releasing Mitra on bail. "Bails have been granted by the high court in both the cases in which charge sheets have been filed. In the charge sheets, two non-bailable offences were dropped," Mitra's counsel Nikhil Mehra said. The journalist had been booked for non-bailable offences under sections 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class) and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, etc) of the Indian Penal Code. "Under these sections, the prosecution requires sanctions from the state government and it appears sanctions may not have been given," Mehra said. There is still a charge sheet against him with certain bailable offences and those would have to be dealt with, he said, adding that certain other steps are required to be taken to secure his release from jail. The development came a day after the Odisha government decided to grant pardon to the journalist and researcher who is accused of making derogatory remarks against the state, Lord Jagannath, Konark temple and the Odisha lawmakers. "Taking into account his representation, the government decided not to accord sanction of prosecution in cases where prosecution has been sought for and also decided to take steps to withdraw other cases pending against him by following laid-down procedures," a senior official said on Tuesday. The decision was made following Mitra's prayer to Chief Minister to consider withholding sanction to prosecute him in certain criminal cases pending against him. ALSO READ: Jailed for Twitter joke on Konark Temple, Abhijit Mitra now hospitalised On the Odisha government granting pardon to his client, Mehra said governments do not have powers to pardon anybody. "The governments have the power to grant sanctions to prosecute or not, and in this case, the Odisha government chose not to grant sanction for prosecution," he said. Mitra was arrested on October 23 after he posted the controversial video on his Twitter handle. ALSO READ: Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, journalist arrested in Odisha for tweets, hospitalised In a petition to the state government, he apologised for the video saying he didn't intend to hurt the sentiments of the people of Odisha. The Privilege Committee of Odisha Assembly also pardoned him on November 16 after he tendered an unconditional apology for having hurt the sentiments of people of Odisha unintentionally. It is the worst kept secret in rural Rajasthan. Everyone is in on the secret, but it is mostly spoken about in hushed tones. Each village has a story of how it gets rid of its sooni cattle. In parts of Rajasthan, sooni is a term to describe cows and bulls that are not economically useful, and have no owners. A Muslim farmer in Tonk, who didnt want to be named, said two villages came to blows sometime back in his district. This was after one village had taken to leaving their sooni cows and bulls in the neighbouring village at the dead of the night. The ... Some residents of Kumasi look forward to a bigger fortune in the National Weekly Lotto with locked up numbers linked with former President Mahama. Over the weekend lotto stakers at Moshie Zongo and other communities won massively, using the former Presidents birth year, 1958. Luv FMs Kwasi Debrah went to town to find the euphoria surrounding the win, and anticipation for the next draw. If you dont have money, you dont have a say, if not for the lottery my daughter who has gotten nursing training admission, wouldve gotten pregnant, overjoyed charcoal seller, Akua Laariba, expressed. Her burden she said, has been banished by two magic numbers, 19 and 58. When John Mahama came to Moshi Zongo, I went there and it was there [and] we were told of the year he was born and so we decided to stake it. I staked with 10 cedis and won 2,000 cedis. Ive gone for another charcoal consignment and deposited 1,000 cedis in bank to cater for my daughters education, she added. Laariba is not the only celebrant. Ayishetu, a resident of Dekyemso who also heard a conversation about the number, decided to stake GHS5. I was at the store and I heard of it. I had to look for a secluded place to stake. I got 1,000 cedis, she said with excitement. Krofrom-based Alfred is among those who won the least amount of 200 cedis. After we returned from the rally, I staked one cedi, he said. The craze reportedly started from Barekese. A mentally unstable man is said to have encouraged people, during former President Mahamas visit, to stake lotto with his vehicle registration numbers. Lotto seller, Kwame Bekoe, recounts several attempts he made on hearing of the Barekese incident. Since I missed the registration plate numbers I had to fall on the birth year. I staked [and] lost 30 cedis each on Thursday and Friday. Finally, I won on Saturday. Some other friends also won. I think he is a lucky man. Now, people like Bekoe believe there are two more numbers locked up in the lottery draw machine, the former Presidents age, 60 and his birth date, 29. Some even add the month 11. VIDEO= Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video M Wednesday expressed concern over the the manner in which the Judiciary and Speakers of Legislatures were dealing with cases of political defections and said it needed to be disposed of within a "specific timeframe." He also advocated a need for an amendment to the Anti-Defection Law, setting a specific timeframe for disposing of defection cases. In an informal chat with reporters and some of his acquaintances, the said "What is so great about it (in determining whether a particular legislator changed parties)? Is it difficult." "Can't we understand when a person changes his (political) flag, colour, leader and slogan and goes ahead," he asked. Courts too admit petitions and put off the "next hearing" to "next year so and so date," he said. "They dont deliver judgments in time. Courts should admit petitions only if they have time and deliver judgment quickly. If they have no time, they should leave it. But they are doing neither this nor that. This is a matter of grave concern," the said. Referring to criminal and election-related cases against peoples representatives, he said tribunals and special courts should be set up to deal with and dispose of all such cases within a year. "Priority should be given to cases in which certain persons are facing allegations because they are going to be our leaders. They should be disposed of within one year," the vice president said. The Centre will initially spend Rs 700 billion to spread gas pipelines across the country, and is working out plans to expand gas network to Myanmar through Bangladesh, Union Minister said on Wednesday. The central government is promoting gas-based economy which needs a massive network of pipelines for transportation of natural gas to various corners of the country, he said. "In the first phase Rs 700 billion will be invested to spread network across the country," the petroleum minister said while addressing the 19th National Conference on Corrosion Control organised here. Pradhan said India is also planning to expand network to Myanmar through Bangladesh. "Under this programme, pipelines are proposed to be constructed between Dhamra to Bangladesh and Siliguri to Bangladesh to export LNG gas according to the requirement of the neighbouring nation," he said. Turning to Odisha, Pradhan said the state needs a huge infrastructure to store, refine and transport the natural gas to the doorstep of the industry from Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur. He said the Centre is contemplating to promote port based industries in Odisha and also in other coastal states having natural ports. The eastern part of India, including Odisha, needs a high double-digit growth rate to be on a par with the Western region. In Odisha, around Rs 45 billion would be pumped in to construct 1700 kms of pipeline network in first phase. A strategic oil reserve project will also be launched in Chandikhol after acquiring land there, said Pradhan. The petroleum minister also announced that commercial production of polypropylene from Paradip refinery would commence this month. South Eastern Region Pipelines (SERPL) is presently operating cross-country pipelines network of and refined products as well as LPG of 1570 kms length with 19.35 MMTPA capacity, he said. Under this region, India Oil is having the biggest and largest handling facility at Paradip, which is feeding four most important refineries - Paradip, Haladia, Barauni, and Bangaigaon. As future expansion plans under SERPL, laying works of 1212 km Paradip-Hyderabad pipeline with capacity of 4.5 MMTPA is in progress. Moreover, preconstruction works for 360 km long Paradip-Dhamra-Haladia LNG pipeline and 345 km long Paradip-Somanathpur-Haladia pipeline are also under progress, said the Petroleum Minister. Pradhan asked participating delegates, scientists and engineers to chalk out a roadmap for creation of better and advanced infrastructure for energy storage, refining and transportation with utilisation of corrosion free metals. The meet aims at analysing various industrial corrosion problems and provide a platform for interaction among industrialists, scientists, engineers and professionals. The three-day conference is being organised jointly by National Corrosion Council of India, Karaikudi, SERPL, Central Electrochemical Research Institute and (IOCL). The government has procured pulses and oilseeds worth Rs 441.42 billion at minimum support prices from farmers in the four years to 2018-19, the ministry said Tuesday. It had undertaken various interventions to boost the production of pulses and oilseeds during the last four and a half years to achieve self-sufficiency in the country, a release from the ministry said. India reported production of 25.23 million tonnes (MT) of pulses during FY 2017-18 against 14.66 MT in FY 2009-10, an increase of 72.10 per cent, it added. Similarly, production of oilseeds increased from 24.88 MT to 31.3 MT during corresponding period, registering an increase of 25.80 per cent. "Further, the government's decision to create buffer stock of pulses has also led to the increase of pulses production in the country," the statement said. It added that the steps to "raise to 1.5 times of cost of production undertaken this year" will further encourage the farmers to grow more pulses and oilseeds. "It is notable that during five years from 2009-10 to 2013-14, only a quantity of 7,28,000 MT of pulses and oilseeds valuing Rs 31.17 billion was procured at whereas during the period from 2014-15 to 2018-19, a quantity of 93,97,000 MT of pulses and oilseeds valuing Rs 441.42 billion were procured at by government," it added. Procurement of 78,84,000 MT amounting to Rs 358 billion alone has been contributed by the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, it added. (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.) Reserve Bank Governor Wednesday refused comments on the friction with the government, including the invocation of the never-before-used Section 7 or the proposed economic capital framework for the central bank. Speaking at the customary post-policy resser after the fifth bi-monthly policy review, wherein the policy rates were left unchanged, Patel parried three questions on these issues. "I would avoid those questions because we are here discussing the monetary policy resolution," the Governor said. Another questions seeking his views on deputy governor Viral Acharya's public posturing on RBI autonomy and on the economic capital management framework were also met with similar replies. "Is this related to the MPC resolution? I don't think so. We are here to discuss the MPC resolution and the macroeconomy," said Patel, who was facing the press for the first time since the issues came out into the open in October. Relations between the Mint Road and North Block soured since late October, after the mandarins started consultations under the never-before-used Section 7 of the RBI Act which empowers government to direct the central bank to undertake certain policy measures in public interest. According to central bank sources, the government had sent three letters to the RBI before October 10 with nearly a dozen demands, which were replied to within a week. ALSO READ: RBI vs Govt: Will the Centre have its way by invoking an 83-year-old rule? The government primarily wants the RBI to help the struggling non-bank lenders and get some liquidity support, liberalise the prompt corrective action framework on 11 of the state-run banks and undertake other steps which will help push growth, while RBI has been maintaining a conservative stance avoiding any bad precedents. The poll-bound government, which is staring at falling revenue and a likely fiscal slippage, also wants the RBI to part with a large portion of it Rs 9.6 trillion of its cash surplus, which the central bank has been sternly opposing. As the public spat between the two got wider public attention, the RBI's central board, at its November 19 meeting, had decided to climb down and decided to set up a panel to study the quantum of capital it requires apart from restructuring loans of up to Rs 25 crore to give a succor to the troubled ALSO READ: Going beyond policy statement, RBI gives guidance At the policy review Wednesday, the RBI said it is committed to act as a lender of last resort to but underlined that it does not feel the necessity do so now. It also formed a panel to look at the issues plaguing which will submit its report in June 2019. The frictions came to light through a public speech by deputy governor Viral Acharya, wherein he warned of investors' wrath if the RBI's autonomy is compromised. ALSO READ: RBI maintains status quo: Key takeaways from fifth bi-monthly policy meet After reports of action under Section 7 came up, the government had tried to ease tensions by stating that autonomy is "essential" and an accepted governance requirement. The has decided to shift around 600 students of the NIT-Uttarakhand to the institute's Jaipur campus, ministry sources said Tuesday. The decision in this regard was taken by the ministry following protests by students of in Uttarakhand demanding a "safer" campus. Sources said currently B-Tech students of first, second and third year will move to NIT-Jaipur, which will be NIT-Uttarakhand's satellite campus for three years. Sources said the students moving to Jaipur will get their degrees from NIT-Uttarakhand. Over 900 students of the institute in Pauri Garhwal's Srinagar had left en masse for their homes to press for their demand that the institute be shifted from its present "unsafe" location along the National Highway 58 to a permanent campus, officials said. The institute's temporary campus in Uttarakhand comprises two clusters. The hostels and classes are located on the government polytechnic campus while the administrative buildings and laboratories are located at the government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) located 400 metres away. The students have been agitating since October 4 demanding the institute be shifted from its present location along the NH 58 in the town which, according to them, was "unsafe". Three B.Tech students had met with accidents while commuting from one cluster of the institute's temporary campus to another along the highway. Two girl students of the institute were also badly injured after being hit by a vehicle earlier this month, sparking an agitation. 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 On the ground, circumstances were seldom as propitious for the Congress as they are now in Rajasthan, two days before the state votes on November 7. Agrarian distress has taken its toll in the countryside, with farmers, including the better-off ones, complaining that they did not get the minimum support price or MSP for their produce because the state government was willing to pick up just one crop, groundnut. Giridhar Saini, who farms his 80 bigha (approximately 50 acres) of land in Laxmangarh village on the Bikaner highway, has ploughed his savings into the fruit business because he ... In 2015, after 20 years of trying and failing to reach a global accord on climate-changing emissions, 195 nations hammered out a deal, the Paris Agreement, that all of them could accept. Three years on, its becoming increasingly clear that national decisions about climate action, which country negotiators will convey in Poland and over the next two years, will determine whether the breakthrough Paris pact succeeds both on a political and ... 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 late President George H.W. Bush was remembered at his state funeral on Wednesday as a World War Two hero, Cold War veteran and commander in chief of a U.S. victory against Iraq who went on to represent a bygone era of civility in American politics. An unusual bipartisan spirit was on display at the service at the Washington National Cathedral with both Republican and Democratic politicians gathering to honour a president who called for a kinder, gentler nation. Bush, the 41st U.S. president, died last week in Texas aged 94. George H.W. Bush was ... It could be said that Tuesday was the day the government lost control over Brexit and parliament claimed it. In one of the most dramatic days in the House of Commons since before the Iraq war, Prime Minister Theresa May suffered a series of defeats before the debate over her Brexit deal even got started. Theres some justice in the shift of power from the executive to legislature. May had tried her best to squash parliaments role throughout the Brexit process. It took a Supreme Court case to get a parliamentary vote on triggering Article 50 the starting gun on ... Ferry County in northeastern Washington spans more than 2,200 square miles of mostly forestland, rivers and lakes. And according to the Federal Communications Commission, everyone in the sprawling county has access to broadband internet. But that is not the reality experienced by the roughly 7,500 residents of this county, which is rich in natural beauty but internet-poor. The county seat, Republic, has basic broadband service, supplied by a community cable TV company owned by residents. But go beyond the cluster of blocks in the small town, and the high-speed service drops off ... The office of Istanbul's prosecutor on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for two Saudi officials for their alleged links to the murder of journalist at the kingdom's consulate in Turkey. The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) reported that the two officials were Saud al-Qahtani and General Ahmed al-Asiri who are said to be close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The arrest warrant said these two senior officials were among those responsible for planning the murder, according to TRT. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and a critic of the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince, was killed inside the consulate after he went there on October to collect documents in order to marry his Turkish fiancee. The Turkish semi-public agency Anadolu reported that the prosecutor's office had requested for the arrest warrant for Qahtani and Asiri and a court in Istanbul confirmed it. Both Qahtani, one of the advisors to the Saudi Crown Prince, and Asiri, Deputy Director of the Saudi secret services, were dismissed from their positions in October over the scandal caused by Khashoggi's murder. The US administration imposed sanctions on Qahtani in November, accusing him of being part of the planning and execution of the operation that led to the killing of Khashoggi. Asiri, however, was not on the list of 17 people sanctioned by Washington. A team of 15 Saudi agents, allegedly sent by Qahtani, assassinated Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Later, Riyadh acknowledged the homicide but didn't clarify what happened to the corpse. The Turkish prosecutor's office claimed to have evidence that Khashoggi was suffocated and his body was butchered. But it has yet to find a clue for allowing investigators to locate the remains. Robert Mueller, the special prosecutor in charge of the election meddling probe, recommended Tuesday that President Donald Trump's former national security advisor face no jail time due to his "substantial" cooperation with the investigation. Mueller said in a court document that Flynn, who admitted last year to lying about his contacts with Russians in the weeks after Trump's November 2016 election victory, had helped in his and other unspecified federal criminal investigations, including being interviewed 19 times. In a memorandum to a Washington federal court on Flynn's upcoming sentencing, Mueller also said that despite his "serious" offense, the retired three-star general and former Pentagon intelligence chief had a strong record of military and public service. "Given the defendant's substantial assistance and other considerations set forth below, a sentence at the low end of the guideline range -- including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration -- is appropriate and warranted," the filing said. The special counsel had postponed Flynn's sentencing four times over the course of a year, suggesting that he had become a valuable witness. Flynn's was the first guilty plea secured by the Muller investigation into alleged collusion between Trump's election campaign and In an interview with investigators on January 24, 2017, four days after Trump's inauguration, Flynn lied to investigators about conversations he had the previous December with Russia's ambassador to the US, Sergei Kislyak, in which Flynn appeared to be trying to undermine the policy of then-President Obama at the time was planning sanctions on for its interference in the 2016 election. Within weeks, Flynn was forced to resign after it was alleged that he lied to top officials as well about his Kislyak talks. Then in March 2018, in a second interview with the FBI, Flynn also lied about the fact that before and after the election he had a $500,000 lobbying contract on behalf of Turkey that he had not reported. The sentencing memorandum gave no hint as to what Flynn had told the Mueller team about the operations of the Trump campaign and its Russia contacts. But as an insider in the campaign and a key go-between with Russian officials, he could have provided significant material. An addendum to the memorandum was heavily redacted, suggesting that Flynn not only aided Mueller but also other federal criminal investigations not yet public. Those potentially could include an examination of Trump's financial ties to Russia through his real estate business. In a major speech on Tuesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tried to explain one of the abiding conundrums of the Trump administration: How does a nationalist lead on the international stage? The answer, he said, is to revamp or jettison some treaties and institutions while bolstering others. Among the institutions that Mr. Pompeo criticized were the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization of American States and the African Union. But he embraced NATO, which President Trump has harshly criticized, as an indispensable institution. The speech, ... A business group warned on Tuesday that a labour shortage in is deepening, with more than 430,000 at small and medium-sized firms remaining unfilled for at least four months. The job vacancy rate has risen to 3.3 per cent, from 2.9 per cent a year ago, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) said in a report. This is "above the records set before the 2008 financial crisis, and businesses are really feeling the pressure," said CFIB chief economist Ted Mallett. According to the government statistical agency, the unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage points in October to a near record low of 5.8 per cent. The labour shortage, according to the CFIB, is particularly acute in the services, construction, agricultural, and oil and gas sectors, and is putting upward pressure on wages. The data release comes as the federal and Quebec governments spar over immigration targets. Quebec Premier Francois Legault has pledged to cut immigration, despite the mostly French-speaking province being hit hardest by a lack of skilled workers. "What I hear across Quebec is entrepreneurs, businesses concerned about the labor shortage, so I'm not sure it's the best time to cut immigration," Prime Minister commented. US President Donald Trumps top diplomat promised on Tuesday a new democratic world order in which Washington will strengthen or jettison international agreements as it sees fit to stop bad actors such as Russia, China and Iran from gaining. In a twist on Trumps America First policy, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Trump was not abandoning its global leadership but instead reshaping the post-World War Two system on the basis of sovereign states, not multilateral institutions. In the finest traditions of our great democracy, ... regulator has proposed a framework for warehouse companies and other allied service providers engaged in non-agricultural goods, a move which will help in improving the delivery and settlement mechanism. The proposed guidelines would be applicable for warehouses and assayers engaged in non-agricultural commodities such as precious metals, gems and stones, metals, minerals and alloys but excludes crude oil, electricity and natural gas. At present, or have prescribed certain storage norms regarding non-agricultural commodities but there is no uniformity in the norms specified by such entities. In order to ensure efficient delivery by the (CC), is considering a broad set of standards and norms for compliance by CC accredited storage agencies for storage of physically delivered non-agri goods. Under the proposal, said there should be a tripartite agreement among stock exchange, clearing corporation and warehouse service providers (WSP). WSP should be a corporate body with the subscribed and paid up share capital of Rs 100 million, the regulator said in a draft paper dated November 29. An accredited WSP providing storage services should have a minimum net worth of Rs 250 million for precious metals, gems and stones, while the same should be Rs 100 million for single metal and Rs 250 million for multiple metals. Existing WSPs should meet the requirements prescribed latest by March 31, 2020. "Further, the clearing corporation shall ensure that the value of the goods stored in the accredited warehouses of WSP shall not, at any point of time, exceed 33 times of the net worth of the WSP," as per the proposal. Sebi observed that warehousing or storage infrastructure and its ancillary services play a critical role in the delivery mechanism of the commodity derivatives "A robust and credible warehousing infrastructure is sine qua non for an effective commodity derivatives market that can inspire confidence amongst the market participants and other stake holders," the regulator noted. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has sought comments from the public till December 29 and a final regulation will be put in place after taking into account views of all the stakeholders. ALSO READ: What makes warehouses hot property in India attracting billions of dollars As per the proposal, WSP should put in place a business continuity plan and submit such plan to the clearing corporation. should have to ensure that the WSP, its promoters and key management personnel are 'fit and proper' to carry out business of warehousing. Also, they need to ensure that the accredited WSP has a professional management team to oversee its functioning and operations. Besides, clearing corporation should ensure that the WSP should ideally own the warehouse. Alternatively the WSP should hold a direct lease with the owners for at least 3 years. ALSO READ: Amazon warehouse employees hold 'we are not robots' protest on Black Friday The clearing corporation should ensure that the WSP for precious metals, to be eligible for accreditation, has reasonable facility and infrastructure for proper handling and storage of commodity. Besides, clearing corporation may take necessary action against WSP if the warehouse is unable to meet the requirements of an accredited warehouse and fails to improve the standard within the stipulated time. Further, they should frame necessary code of conduct for the WSPs, warehouses, vaults and assayers. The clearing corporation should upload a status report on their websites by the fifth of every month giving the details of the number of applications received for accreditation of warehouses; those pending for registration as well as rejected ones along with the reasons. Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3600 crore helicopter deal, was sent to five days (CBI) custody on Wednesday. Michel, who arrived in the capital in the wee hours of Wednesday after being extradited from Dubai, was produced before a special court here. Special Public Prosecutor Advocate DP Singh appeared for the in the special court. The counsel had asked for 14 days custody of Michel stating that we need his custody to confront him with some important documents. Michel's counsel Aljo K Joseph, however, opposed it. Michel has moved a bail plea. The court, however, kept it pending for next hearing. The court allowed Michel's counsel one hour each in the morning and evening for consultancy. According to CBI sources, Michel complained of anxiety during questioning by CBI and subsequently, he was given medicine. On Tuesday, the CBI tweeted, "Wanted fugitive criminal James who has been avoiding criminal proceedings in in AgustaWestlandCase is being extradited by UAE Authorities to Under the guidance of Ajit Doval, Security Advisor (NSA), the entire operation is being coordinated by Incharge Director/CBI M. Nageswara Rao. A team led by A. Sai Manohar, Joint Director/CBI has been to for the purpose." Michel's extradition, which took place days after a court rejected his plea against the move, marks a major success for Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government and Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who had been pushing for his extradition. The Rs 3,600 crore VIP helicopter deal, finalised during the previous government of Manmohan Singh, had got mired in allegations of kickbacks. The 54-year-old Michel is an accused in the case along with some others including former Air Chief SP Tyagi. According to the charge sheet filed in a court here two years back, Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of 30 million Euros from for the deal involving a purchase of 12 VIP helicopters. The deal, signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 following the bribery allegations. CBI's request for Michel's extradition was forwarded to the UAE authorities on March 19 last year through diplomatic channels. The investigative agency filed a charge sheet in a trial court on September 1 the same year against Michel and 11 other accused. A month later, on October 11, the trial court took cognizance of the offences. Extradition proceedings were held before UAE Court against Michel on the extradition request of CBI. Vide order dated November 19, 2018 the Court of upheld the lower court decision for the possibility of extraditing Michel to Indian authorities. Accordingly, Michel was extradited to face the legal proceedings in (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.) After Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal extradited by Dubai, landed in New Delhi in the wee hours of Wednesday, senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is playing games to 'put a question mark' on his party. The 57-year-old British is an alleged middlemen who had brokered the deal and who, investigators claim, paid bribes to officials and politicians to swing the contract in favour of AgustaWestland, the British arm of Italian firm Finmeccanica. Christian's extradition, took place days after a Dubai court rejected his plea against the move. "It is just a game to put a question mark on Congress. If the CBI is now getting involved in this case, we will fight against it, adding that one should respond to a question, if he/she is obliged to answer it. But I hope they've their facts and figure in place to persuade a court, " Khurshid told ANI. Further mocking the Central probe agency, Khurshid added, "I am very impressed that CBI is tearing itself apart, screaming and shouting at each other with all allegations of corruption doing the rounds before Courts. If CBI has faith in law and order and they think that this needs to be taken in the court then they should go ahead." Michel, who is presently at the CBI headquarters, is likely to be produced before a competent court later today (Wednesday). Furthermore, the CBI is likely to urge the court for extended custody of Michel for the purpose of investigation. The Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VIP helicopter deal, finalised during the previous government led by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, had got mired in allegations of kickbacks. Michel is an accused in the case along with some others including former Air Chief SP Tyagi. According to the Enforcement Directorate charge sheet filed in a court here two years back, Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of 30 million Euros from AgustaWestland for the deal involving a purchase of 12 VIP helicopters. The deal, signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 following the bribery allegations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defending his meeting with Congress general secretary Deepak Babaria at the party headquarters here soon after Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal middleman Christian Michel was sent to five-day CBI custody by a special court, lawyer Aljo K Joseph said that he represented Michel in his 'professional capacity' in the special CBI court, which has nothing to do with the Congress. "I am an actively practicing advocate. I appeared for him (Michel) in my professional capacity. If somebody asks me to appear on behalf of a client...I've only discharged my duty as a lawyer. It has nothing to do with the Congress," Joseph told ANI. "My relation with the Congress is separate. My profession is separate. One of my friends, who was having some Dubai connection, through him the lawyer in Italy had requested me to help him. So, I was just helping in appearing and assisting him in this matter," Joseph said while admitting that he is the in-charge for Indian Youth Congress' legal wing. Michel, who arrived in the capital in the wee hours of Wednesday after being extradited from Dubai, was produced before a special CBI court. Special Public Prosecutor Advocate DP Singh appeared for the CBI in the special court. The CBI counsel had asked for 14 days custody of Michel, stating that "we need his custody to confront him with some important documents." Michel's counsel Joseph, however, opposed the CBI's demand. Michel has moved a bail plea. The court, however, kept it pending for the next hearing. The court allowed Michel's counsel one hour each in the morning and evening for consultations with his client. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Welcome Guest! You Are Here: The Department of Home Affairs has renewed its endorsement of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic in supporting the Australian visa programme. The Department of Home Affairs has now ensured that PTE Academic will continue to be available to individuals applying for an Australian visa or permanent resident outcome. With 50 per cent plus growth in the numbers of people registering to take PTE Academic in recent years, Pearson has now opened 5 new Pearson Professional Centres in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. Pearson has also expanded its network of partner test centres this year to offer to test on campus at the University of Queensland, UNSW, and the Gordon Institute of TAFE in Geelong. These highly secure test centres utilise state-of-the-art security measures including biometric data collection to ensure the security of the testing process. "PTE Academic is the most secure, reliable, objective and accurate computer-based test of English. Backed by cutting-edge technology, the test is extremely convenient and delivers results faster. The renewed endorsement from the Australian government is the testimony of its highly efficient, unbiased and accurate testing framework," said Vikas Singh, Managing Director, Pearson India. The Adelaide test centre was officially opened in October and attended by Minister for Trade and Investment Senator Simon Birmingham and South Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgeway MLC, where they were able to view a demonstration of the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) test and an interactive tour of the new state-of-the-art centre. The guests tried their hand at the listening and speaking sections of the test with a few questions similar to those the test takers experience. The test was created in response to demand for a more accurate, objective, secure and relevant test of English and all 100 per cent computer based. Pearson's innovative test design, use of automated scoring technology, and secure and easy-to-use test centres make applying for local universities, job opportunities and further study as simple as possible for test-takers of all ages. PTE Academic is the leading computer-based test of English for study abroad and immigration because we can deliver test results typically within days, in comparison to other English language tests which provide results in a timeframe of 2-3 weeks. With over 270 test centres around the globe, the PTE Academic test centre network continues to grow. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United Kingdom government's move to not publish the full legal advice based on which it formulated the Brexit plan, was on Tuesday (local time) found to be in contempt of the Parliament. This marks the first-ever instance where the British government has been found to be in contempt of the Parliament, CNN reported. The Prime Minister Theresa May-led Conservative Party government lost the vote earlier today by a margin of 18 votes (311 for, 293 against) in the House of Commons, a heavy blow to the government ahead of the five-day debate on the proposed Brexit agreement. The House of Commons took to Twitter to confirm the outcome of the vote and that ministers were found to be in contempt. "House of Commons votes 311 to 293 to approve the privilege motion, finding Ministers in contempt and ordering the immediate publication of the full legal advice on the #Brexit deal," the tweet read. Following the defeat, the government confirmed that it would release the legal advice, which was prepared by Attorney general Geoffrey Cox, on Wednesday. Prior to the voting, May spoke to the Cabinet about the "candid" legal advice given to ministers, stressing the importance of keeping it confidential. According to CNN, the Labour Party's Brexit spokesperson Keir Starmer said that the defeat in the House was a "badge of shame" for the government. He further told the British Press Association that the decision had "huge constitutional and political significance". The contempt vote comes as senior legislators from six parties urged, via a joint letter, the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, to launch proceedings under contempt of Parliament against the government. "The Government has failed to publish the Attorney General's full and final legal advice on the Brexit deal, as was ordered by Parliament. We have been left with no option but to write to the Speaker of the House of Commons to ask him to launch proceedings of contempt," Starmer tweeted earlier. Starmer had accused the government of "willfully refusing to comply" with the order of the Parliament during the debate on Tuesday. "This is contempt," he added. The day started on a bad note for the British government as a top European Union (EU) law officer that the UK could unilaterally cancel the Brexit process. The Advocate General told the European Court of Justice that the approval of the remaining 27 EU member nations is not necessary for the cancellation of the two-year countdown for Brexit. This was followed by the House of Commons approving an amendment which gives the Parliament more influence over the process if the government's deal was to be rejected by lawmakers next week. In 2016, over 50 per cent of the UK electorate voted to leave the EU, following which the British government had triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, beginning the country's process of its exit from the European bloc. According to the draft deal, the UK is scheduled to leave the bloc on March 29, 2019, after which it will move into a 21-month long transitionary period (post-Brexit transition). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Advocate Aljo K Joseph, counsel for Christian Michel, extradited middleman in AgustaWestland chopper deal, was on Wednesday expelled from the Congress party. He was the in-charge of the legal department of the Indian Youth Congress. "Aljo K Joseph appeared in his personal capacity. He didn't consult the Youth Congress before appearing in the case. IYC does not endorse such actions. IYC has removed Aljo Joseph from IYC's Legal Department and expelled him from the party with immediate effect," read a statement from the Indian Youth Congress' spokesperson Amrish Ranjan Pandey. Earlier while talking to ANI, Joseph had said that he represented Michel in his 'professional capacity' in the special CBI court, which 'has nothing to do with his association with the Congress party. "I am an actively practicing advocate. I appeared for him (Michel) in my professional capacity. If somebody asks me to appear on behalf of a client...I've only discharged my duty as a lawyer. It has nothing to do with the Congress," Joseph said. "My relation with the Congress is separate. My profession is separate. One of my friends, who was having some Dubai connection, through him the lawyer in Italy had requested me to help him. So, I was just helping in appearing and assisting him in this matter," Joseph added. Michel, who arrived in the capital in the wee hours of Wednesday after being extradited from Dubai, was sent to five-day CBI custody by a special court of India's central investigating agency. Michel has moved a bail plea. The court, however, kept his plea pending for the next hearing. The court allowed Michel's counsel one hour each in the morning and evening for consultations with his client. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Demand for Garoland state is once again doing the rounds with the Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC) staging a massive protest here on Wednesday to press for carving out tribal Garo inhabited areas from Meghalaya and Assam. The GHSMC, a conglomeration of several Garo organisations, including regional political party Garo Council (GNC), emphasised that its demand was on the linguistic lines of the States Reorganisations Act, 1956. The participants walked with placards, with slogans written 'Bye bye Meghalaya' and festoons. They were vociferous about their demands and needs while explaining why a separate state should be made for the sub-tribes residing in the region. GHSMC chairman Nikman Marak told ANI, "The demand for a separate state is our birthright as well as legal right. It is high time that the government recognises Garoland officially. In the last elections, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma spoke about the issue in Parliament but no substantial step was taken by the Centre on the issue. We are still struggling. We will continue to protest till all our demands are met by the government." Garo Liberation Army's former chairman Champion Sangma also commented on the issue reiterating that the sub-tribes will continue with their protest till the government fulfilled its demand for a separate state. Meghalaya became an autonomous state in 1971 and a full-fledged state on January 21, 1972. The GNC, one of the oldest regional political parties, has been demanding the creation of Garoland for the past 20 years. However, it does not have any representatives in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly. However, it has merely three members in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council. On March 18, 2014, the Meghalaya Assembly had rejected a resolution for the creation of a separate Garoland state in Garo Hills in the western part of the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi [India], Dec 5 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) likely to file a supplementary complaint in the alleged AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam. A senior ED official told ANI that the agency is expecting more information to come out of middleman Christian James Michel once he is questioned by the ED. Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, was sent to five days CBI custody on Wednesday. Once the CBI interrogation is over, the ED will take charge of the interrogation. The official told ANI that the Investigating Officers are preparing questionnaire to interrogate Michel. He further added that ED has enough evidence against Michel and that ED had filed a prosecution complaint last year where it was alleged that Michel had paid several people in cash. On 18th July 2018, ED filed Prosecution Complaint against 34 accused persons and companies including Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini, former Directors of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland, former IAF chief S.P Tyagi and others in the case of AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam. The ED investigation revealed that the kickbacks were paid by AgustaWestland through two different channels. One channel was handled by middleman Christian Michel James and the other channel was handled by Carlo Gerosa and Guido Haschke. Gerosa and Haschke in collusion with Tyagi brothers (cousins of former IAF chief S.P Tyagi), conspired with Gautam Khaitan of M/s OP Khaitan and Company, Auditors and Solicitors based at New Delhi. Enforcement Directorate had earlier attached properties worth Rs 10 crores and froze shares worth more than Rs 150 crores belonging to Tyagi brothers, Gautam Khaitan, Carlo Gerosa, Guido Haschke, Christian Michel James and Rajiv Saxena. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa on Wednesday visited Air Force Station in Kalaikunda to interact with participating forces of the ongoing Ex Cope India 2018 between U.S Air Force (USAF) and Indian Air Force (IAF). The Air Chief Marshal was received by Air Marshal R Nambiar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command and Air Cmde Saji Antony Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Kalaikunda. The fourth edition of the Ex Cope India is aimed to provide operational exposure to the participating forces and mutual exchange of the best practices towards enhancing Indian Air Force capability. USAF is participating with F-15, C-130 and the Indian side is participating with Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, C-130J, AWACS and AEW&C. Additionally, Special Forces from both the Air Forces are also participating in the exercise. During his visit, the Chief of the Air Staff was briefed in detail about various phases of the exercise and was apprised of its progress. Post the briefing, the Air Chief Marshal visited the USAF and IAF detachment, wherein he interacted with the personnel of both the Air Forces. He was satisfied with the progress of the exercise and complimented all participants on their professional approach and conduct during the exercise, as per an official statement. Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa emphasised on the importance of joint exercises as they create an environment of camaraderie and an opportunity to learn from each other's best practices in enhancing operational synergy. Ex Cope India 2018 is a testimony of the growing Indo-US military relationship. In the past, the Indian Air Force has participated in International exercises with USAF including the Ex-Red Flag. Recently for the first time, the IAF had participated in Ex Pitch Black at Darwin, Australia in which 130 aircraft from 16 countries took part. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The makers of Vicky Kaushal's much-awaited action-thriller 'Uri', have released the action-packed trailer of the film. Going by the sneak-peak, it can be affirmed that the movie will depict the 2016 attacks and the subsequent cross border surgical strikes in the most brilliant way possible. Starring Vicky Kaushal as an army officer, and Paresh Rawal as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the two minute and twenty four seconds clip opens to the instances of what went down during the Indian army's effective Surgical Strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following the attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri town on September 29, 2016. Yami Gautam looks convincing as a no-nonsense interrogation. The 'Raazi' star, who plays the role of an army officer in the Aditya Dhar directorial, plays his action avatar with hard-hitting dialogues, spirit of patriotism and daring stunts, full of intensity and aggression. With powerful sound effects and spectacular visual effects, the film is sure to promise a great cinematic experience. The 2016 surgical strike was initiated after four militants attacked the Indian army at Uri on September 18, 2016, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, killing 19 unarmed soldiers. Partial footages of the surgical strikes were also released to the Indian media. The movie, which is being produced by Ronnie Screwvala, also features Kirti Kulhari and Mohit Raina in pivotal roles. It is slated to hit theatres on January 11 next year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Abhijit Iyer Mitra, the defence analyst, who had been arrested on charges of offending the sentiments of the people of Odisha by sharing a satirical video about Konark temple on his Twitter account. Mitra's bail comes a day after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha government decided not to accord sanction to prosecute the journalist in certain criminal cases and would also take steps to withdraw other criminal cases pending against him. On September 16 this year, Mitra during a visit to the century-old Konark Temple posted a satirical video on Twitter allegedly insulting Odisha, its culture, tradition and state legislators. He later wrote an apology letter to the House Committee of Vidhan Sabha and the Speaker of the Odisha Assembly over his sarcastic remarks and other offenses he was accused of. "Abhijit Iyer Mitra has made an appeal to the Government of Odisha to consider withholding sanction to prosecute him in certain criminal cases pending against him. He has appealed 'to accept his apology and contrition' in having wounded the sentiments of people of Odisha without intention," a press statement from the Department of Home, Odisha government, on December 4 read. "Taking into account his representation, the Government has decided not to accord sanction of prosecution in cases where the prosecution has been sought for and also decided to take steps to withdraw other cases pending against him," the press statement further stated. Mitra was first arrested by the Odisha Police on September 20 from Delhi on the charges of hurting religious sentiments. A Delhi court later granted him bail against a bond of Rs 1 lakh and directed him to join the investigation at Konark police station. He moved the Supreme Court for bail, where his plea had been quashed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence, has added Multi-Act Equity Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. to the growing list of asset management companies that comply with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS). Multi-Act is the first asset management company from India to adopt the GIPS standards, and the compliance was verified by M. P. Chitale & Co. Vidhu Shekhar, CFA, Country Head, India, CFA Institute said, "We are excited that the GIPS standards have made their way to India. We congratulate Multi-Act for becoming the first Indian asset management company to be GIPS verified. This serves as an assurance to investors that the firm's investment performance is complete and fairly presented since it enables investors to directly compare one firm's track record with another firm's record." Globally, more than 1,700 firms have adopted the GIPS standards in 45 markets around the world. Twenty-four of the top 25, and 84 of the top 100 asset management firms claim compliance for some or all of their business, according to data from Cerulli Associates. CFA Institute believes this first step towards industry compliance will lead to greater compliance in India. "Adopting GIPS allows us to demonstrate to our clients that we hold their interests close to our heart. We strongly support this initiative by the CFA Institute in adopting global best practices in ethical and transparent reporting," said Prashant K. Trivedi, Founder, Multi-Act. The GIPS standards are ethical standards to ensure fair representation and full disclosure of investment performance. Firms are required to include all actual, fee-paying, discretionary portfolios in at least one composite defined by investment mandate, objective, or strategy to prevent cherry-picking their best performance. The benefits for investors are greater transparency and rigorous commitment to ethical investment reporting. Sanjay Parikh, Chief Financial Officer at Mahindra Asset Management Company Pvt. Ltd., who leads the efforts to spread GIPS education on behalf of CFA Society India, said: "GIPS standards are set to gain importance in India due to the benefit it brings for investors and firms. We expect more firms to become GIPS verified in the time to come." CFA Institute has also released the 2020 Global Investment Performance Standards Exposure Draft (PDF) and 2020 GIPS Standards for Verifiers Exposure Draft (PDF) for public review and comment by December 31. This marks an important milestone in the evolution of GIPS and in ensuring their relevance for all asset classes and types of investment managers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the heaviest and most-advanced high throughput communication satellite GSAT-11 from the Spaceport in French Guiana. The launch vehicle, Ariane 5 VA-246, lifted off from Kourou Launch Base at 2.07 am (IST) carrying India's GSAT-11 and South Korea's GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellites. Ariane 5 is one of three launch vehicles operated by Arianespace along with Soyuz and Vega. After a 30-minute flight, the GSAT-11 detached from the Ariane 5 upper stage in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, achieving an orbit very close to the intended one, said the ISRO which is headquartered in Bengaluru. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch as a major milestone for the country's space programme, saying it will transform the lives of crores of Indians by connecting remote areas. He congratulated the ISRO scientists and encouraged them to keep innovating and setting high standards of success. "A major milestone for our space programme, which will transform the lives of crores of Indians by connecting remote areas! Congrats to @isro for the successful launch of GSAT-11, which is the heaviest, largest and most-advanced high throughput communication satellite of India," he tweeted. In another tweet, the Prime Minister said: "India is proud of our scientists, who keep innovating and setting high standards of scale, achievements and success. Their remarkable work inspires every Indian. @isro." The 5854-kilogram satellite will provide high data rate connectivity to users in the Indian mainland and islands through 32 user beams in the Ku-band and 8 hub beams in the Ka-band. "GSAT-11 will boost the broadband connectivity to rural and inaccessible gram panchayats in the country coming under the Bharat Net Project, which is part of the Digital India Programme. Today's successful mission has boosted the confidence of the entire team," said ISRO chief Dr K Sivan. The GSAT-11 will act as a forerunner to all future high throughput communication satellites, he added. Post-separation, ISRO's Master Control Facility in Karnataka's Hassan took over command and control of GSAT-11 and found its health parameters to be normal. The scientists will undertake phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres in the following days to place the satellite in the Geostationary Orbit (36,000 kilometers above the equator) using its onboard propulsion systems. The GSAT-11 will be positioned at 74-degree east longitude in the geostationary orbit. Thereafter, the two solar arrays and four antenna reflectors of the GSAT-11 will be deployed into orbit. The satellite will be operational after the successful completion of all in-orbit tests. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump while talking about the US-China trade truce stated that either Washington will have a real deal with Beijing or no deal at all. He further asserted that if no deal is struck between the two nations, then the US will slap major tariffs against Chinese products being exported to the US. "We are either going to have a REAL DEAL with China, or no deal at all - at which point we will be charging major Tariffs against Chinese product being shipped into the United States. Ultimately, I believe, we will be making a deal - either now or into the future.... ...China does not want Tariffs!," Trump tweeted on Tuesday (local time). "I am a Tariff Man," Trump he added. Following the meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of recently concluded G20 summit in Argentina, Trump had tweeted that the negotiation between the two countries had begun and that he was looking forward to the possibility of having a "real deal" with China. Retorting to which, China also decided to reclassify 'fentanyl' as a "controlled substance", making way for the US to deal with the ongoing opioid crisis in the country. This initiative was later on appreciated by the US, reported CNN. Washington and Beijing during the G20 summit had also agreed to take active measures to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement and narcotics control which includes reclassification and control of fentanyl-type substances. After the meeting, the White House had also stated that the US has agreed to maintain the 10 per cent tariffs on 200 billion USD worth of Chinese goods, instead of raising them to 25 per cent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) World leaders and scores of mourners gathered in Washington to bid goodbye to the late 41st President of the United States at the state funeral on Wednesday. Since Monday, thousands of mourners have paid their respects to the former President, who had once asked "Do you think anyone will come?" when he was briefed in 2011 about his eventual state funeral, according to his spokesman, Jim McGrath. His casket was taken from Capitol Rotunda to the Washington National Cathedral in a motorcade, while complete state honours were accorded to the late former President, including a 21-gun salute and cannons. The Bush family, led by former President and H W Bush's son George Bush, was present at the Capitol Rotunda, hands over their hearts, as his casket was loaded onto the hearse. Thousands of citizens lined the streets in remembrance of the stalwart as the Presidential hearse passed the lanes of Washington on December 5, the national day of mourning across the country. Over 3,000 people have gathered at the cathedral, including the Bush family, incumbent US President and the First Lady Melania Trump, former US Presidents and former First Ladies, including Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton along with world leaders like King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan. Four eulogies, two readings, and numerous hymns are a part of the funeral programme, including a eulogy by the late President's son, former US President George W Bush. Several musical pieces will be performed by the Armed Forces Orchestra and the United States Marine Orchestra. Trump had earlier marked the day as a "day of celebration" on Twitter by stating, "Looking forward to being with the Bush family. This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed!" The stalwart, who passed away on November 30, is known for his contributions towards the nation as the 41st President of the United States of America, including steering the nation's foreign policy in the wake of the disintegration of the USSR in 1991 while ushering in a 'new world order'. He had also ordered the invasion of Kuwait to drive out Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and formed a UN-backed 30-nation coalition for the task in 1990. UK Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier paid their obeisance to the leader and offered their condolences to the Bush family. Meanwhile, former First Lady Michelle Obama canceled a few dates of her book tour to attend Bush senior's funeral on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday termed the Congress party as the architect of corruption, a fact which has come to the fore in the form of AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam and the Herald case. Prime Minister Modi, who was addressing an election rally at Sumerpur in Pali district, said, "During the UPA's rule, AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power at the Centre, the investigation was conducted into the matter. One person (Christian Michel) from Dubai has been found involved in the case. Now 'Rajdaar' will reveal all secrets. We don't know how far this issue will go." On Tuesday Christian Michel, a British and alleged middleman in Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, which was signed in February 2019, was extradited to India from Dubai. He has been kept at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters in New Delhi and is likely to be produced in a competent court here on Wednesday. Prime Minister Modi also hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi for their alleged involvement in the Herald case. "We won in the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The apex court said that the Central government has the right to reassess the income tax returns of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi," he said. Invoking his social background, Prime Minister Modi said, "No one had ever thought that a 'chaiwala' will bring down a party that ruled for four generations in the county. I have taken them to the court and they had to seek bail in the cases related to their acts of corruption." It is worth mentioning that BJP leader Subramanian Swamy had filed a case against Rahul and his mother Sonia Gandhi and others in 2012 accusing them of misusing party funds to buy a firm that published the National Herald newspaper. In his complaint, Swamy also alleged that then Congress party president Sonia Gandhi and others committed a fraud of nearly Rs 16 billion by acquiring a public limited company Associated Journals Limited (AJL), through the private company, Young Indian. Prime Minister Modi also accused the Congress of doing "very little" for the poor as the party was "only concerned about being in power." "I was not born with a silver spoon. I have seen poverty. After coming to power, I believe that there is no reason for India to be poor after so many years of independence. Only one family is the reason for our poverty. They were only interested in power. How the Congress, which created so many divisions in the society in the last 70 years, can work for the people? First, they should give the account of these 70 years. Only then they should ask for the account of our 4.5 years' rule," he said. Exuding confidence that the BJP would retain power in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Modi said, "Wherever I traveled and met the people in the state, I have felt that they have decided to elect the BJP once again. People of Rajasthan have decided. Now, our work is to win every polling booth. I don't want to win just Rajasthan. I want to win every polling booth." The single-phase Assembly election in Rajasthan is scheduled to be held on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed confidence that Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal, would "reveal all the secrets" related to the scam. "We don't know how far this issue will go," Modi said while addressing a rally here in Pali district of poll-bound Rajasthan, a day after Michel was brought to India following his extradition from Dubai. Michel, a British is accused of paying kickbacks to secure the Rs 3600 crore deal for 12 VVIP helicopters in 2007. The deal was scrapped in 2013 following the bribery allegations. He was brought to Delhi late on Tuesday night and a court here on Wednesday remanded him to five-day CBI custody. "Under the regime of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power, an investigation was conducted into it and one person from Dubai was found (allegedly) guilty for his involvement in the case. Now this 'razdaar' (custodian of secrets) will reveal all the secrets," the Prime Minister said. During his speech, Modi accused the Congress party of being corrupt while in power in the past. Referring to the ongoing Herald case involving UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Modi said, "We won in the Supreme Court yesterday. The court said that the Indian government has the right to reassess their (Sonia and Rahul Gandhi's) income tax returns." BJP leader Subramanian Swamy had filed a case against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others in 2012, accusing them of misusing party funds to buy a firm that published the Herald newspaper. In his petition, Swamy alleged a fraud to the tune of Rs. 16 billion by acquiring a public limited company Associated Journals Limited (AJL), through their private company, Young Indian. "No one thought that a chai wala (tea seller) would bring down a party that ruled for four generations. I have taken them to court and they have had to seek bail in cases related to corruption," the 68-year-old Prime Minister said, in a veiled reference to the Congress party. Attacking the Congress, he said the party has done very little for the poor and was only concerned about being in power. "I was not born with a silver spoon. I have seen poverty. After coming to power, I believe that there is no reason for India to be poor after so many years. Only one family is the reason for poverty," Modi contended. "How can the Congress party, which created so many divisions in the society in the last 70 years, work for the interest of the people? First, give an account of these 70 years, then ask us about 4.5 years (of NDA rule)," the Prime Minister said. He said he was confident that the people of Rajasthan would vote the BJP back to power in the December 7 polling. "Wherever I travelled and met people, I have seen that they have decided to elect a BJP government once again. People of Rajasthan have decided. Now, our work is to win every polling booth. I don't want to win just Rajasthan, I want to win every polling booth," Modi said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, will embark on a three-day visit to the country from December 6 to December 8, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. Geng Shuang, the spokesperson, said that the visit is aimed at enhancing the relations between China and North Korea. During the visit, the North Korean Foreign Minister will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart on ways of strengthening bilateral ties, Xinhua reported. Relations between Pyongyang and Beijing witnessed an upward trend since this year, following North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit to the country three times -- twice to Beijing and once to the northeastern city of Dalian - and meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping on all the occasions. The two leaders held talks on ways to improve bilateral ties and North Korea's denuclearisation issue. Prior to the upbeat relations, ties between the two nations strained following North Korea's massive development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles in the past few years. China has repeatedly called for the communist country's denuclearisation, for achieving long-lasting peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With just a day left before Rajasthan goes to assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a scathing attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi here said that he was born with a "golden spoon in his mouth" and thus he will never understand the essence of 'Bharat Mata ki jai'. Prime Minister Modi, giving a different touch to a campaign, began the Dausa rally by playing a traditional drum. He said, "Naamdaar issues a fatwa saying that I should not say Bharat Mata ki jai. When we say it we remember our soldiers who are guarding our borders, the soldiers who are in Siachen braving minus 40 degree Celsius temperature. Chanting Bharat Mata ki jai fills us with an intense passion but Naamdar is born with golden spoon in his mouth and will never understand it," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He accused the Congress president of being a "confused" person who doesn't know what he is doing and for what purpose. "The Congress president is a confused man. He always remains in confusion and he doesn't even know in which state he is working in the elections and for whom," said the Prime Minister. "He failed to differentiate between his leader Kumbha Ram and Kumbhakaran of Ramayan as he referred him as Kumbhakaran. How will he take decisions? The people of Rajasthan cannot hand over their state in hands of such confused leadership," said Prime Minister Modi. Congress party doesn't have strong leadership, no vision and no will, he said adding, "It is really unfortunate that Mahatama Gandhi want self-dependence based on Khadi but this fake Gandhi family erased the existence of that Khadi. Did you ever hear any Congress government say anything about Khadi?" "Today, Khadi jacket has become popular; people call it Modi jacket and they (Congress) don't like it. They say how did Khadi of Gandhi become Modi jacket?" he added. The state will go for polls on December 7, while the counting will take place on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump said he is "glad" that people in Paris have reached a conclusion on skyrocketing fuel prices, reiterating that the Paris Agreement is "fatally flawed." Trump's statement comes after a resounding victory for a people's movement in the land where 'liberty, equality, and fraternity' is the nation's motto, as a suspension in fuel price hikes is on the horizon. "I am glad that my friend @EmmanuelMacron and the protestors in Paris have agreed with the conclusion I reached two years ago. The Paris Agreement is fatally flawed because it raises the price of energy for responsible countries while whitewashing some of the worst polluters.... ....in the I want clean air and clean water and have been making great strides in improving America's environment. But American taxpayers - and American workers - shouldn't pay to clean up others countries' pollution," tweeted Trump. The 'yellow vest' protests have been raging in France since mid-November against the rising costs of fuel in the country, with protests turning violent in Paris on Sunday. Dozens of people have been detained so far, while scores have been injured in the clashes, including law enforcement officials. French President Emmanuel Macron, who had earlier slammed the protestors for unleashing violence and bringing life to a standstill in the country, extended an olive branch later by requesting political leaders to meet with the organisers of the protests this week to contain the aggravating situation. The Macron-led government had also mulled the imposition of an emergency in the state to hold back the violence. Around 36,000 people took to the streets on Sunday to protest against the increase in fuel prices, according to CNN. Iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe in the French capital were defaced with graffiti during the protests. On Monday, students showed their support for the 'yellow vests' by blocking the entrance to over a hundred schools across France in protests against education reform that came into effect in September. Since January, diesel prices have increased by around 23 per cent, while petrol is retailed at 15 per cent higher costs. The prices are expected to rise further next month if the moratorium is not announced, as further hikes are scheduled to come into effect on January 1. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A French investigation team on Wednesday reached Viyyur prison in Kerala's Thrissur city to interrogate Subahani Haja Moideen, a suspected Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist, in connection with the 2015 terror attacks in Paris that left 130 people dead and hundreds injured. Moideen was arrested by the Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2016. The agency suspects that Moideen may have detailed knowledge about the attacks. The French investigation team will be interrogating the suspected terrorist with the support of NIA. According to the NIA, Moideen was arrested for allegedly supporting activities of the ISIS group. He had reportedly undergone training in Syria. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Patna High Court lawyer, identified as Jitendra Kumar was shot dead by assailants in the capital's Rajvanshi Nagar area on Wednesday. The police reached the crime scene and are investigating the matter. According to reports, Kumar was on his way to the court when he was shot dead. A 10-member team of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by the Patna Inspector General (IG) has been formed to probe the case. More details are awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of insulting India's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for political gains. "On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi said that the Congress leaders lacked vision during the partition. It is sad that now he is beginning to insult Sardar Patel for his political gains. First Pandit ji and now Sardar." Prime Minister on Tuesday had reportedly said that Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, one of the holiest Sikh shrines, went to Pakistan because of the lack of vision of the then Congress leaders. The campaigning would come to an end on Wednesday in Rajasthan, where the single-phase Assembly will be held on December 7 for 200 seats. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kolkata based software development company Pofco Solution Consultancy Services has partnered with Switzerland based n'cloud.swiss AG as an authoried reseller for the Indian market. The public cloud services market in India has shown outstanding growth over the last couple of years. Swiss cloud provider n'cloud.swiss AG aims to establish their cloud solution in this promising market. The company has been successfully active in the IT market in Switzerland and abroad for 17 years and is the Swiss cloud response to Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud & Co. The innovative cloud platform offers all cloud models from the pure public cloud to the ON-PREM or hybrid cloud with numerous cloud services within one and the same software. The application possibilities are therefore practically unlimited, so that developers, software companies, SMEs, consulting companies up to large international corporations from all branches of industry or services can flexibly cover their cloud needs. With the reputation as one of the cloud pioneers in Europe, the company is increasing efforts in expanding into the Indian market with Pofco Solution Consultancy Services as a strong partner. The Kolkata-based software development company provides a wide range of services from web design, mobile app development and database architecture to Big Data. As a longtime provider of all kinds of AWS services, Pofco Solution Consultancy Services is known for keeping prices at a competitive level and is now pushing ahead with the roll-out of n'cloud.swiss throughout India's cloud market n'cloud.swiss is characterized by high-quality standards in terms of security and reliability in setup and operation of fail-safe cluster-systems. Along with personal support and competitive pricing models with prices, almost 50% lower compared to the leading cloud providers in India, API connectivity for easy and fast transfers of existing developments from or to other major cloud platforms award n'cloud. swiss a unique selling point. On the software side, a number of services is provided by n'cloud.swiss. These are amongst others Docker and Kubernetes-as-a-Service, as well as API Monitoring, Analytics Hadoop, VPN and Cloud Watch. A unique feature of n'cloud.swiss is Continuous Development-as-a-Service (CDaaS). The award-winning service enables customers to use a complete CI/CD environment while reducing time and costs in the development process. The cost-efficient solution is based on automated n'cloud.swiss tools and can be deployed in any development or production environment without external dependencies. In short, with CDaaS, the cloud is being revolutionized and the possibilities become endless. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind will embark on a five-day visit to Myanmar from December 10 to December 14, in an aim to boost bilateral relations between the two countries. During the visit, the President will visit Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon, and would interact with his counterpart U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read. Several agreements are expected to be signed and a joint statement would be adopted during the visit. "Through this visit, the President will reaffirm India's commitment to developing its important partnership with Myanmar. This is a country where India's 'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' policies intersect. It is also the only ASEAN member state that is both a land and maritime neighbour of India. In the past three years, political, economic and defence ties with Myanmar have grown rapidly," read the ministry's statement. "Therefore, as the highest-level visit from India to Myanmar this year, our President's visit is expected to maintain the momentum generated by the Prime Minister's visit in September 2017, and the visit of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to New Delhi in January this year for the India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit, when she met our leadership," it added. India-Myanmar relations are rooted in shared historical, ethnic, cultural and religious ties. The geographical proximity has also helped develop and sustain cordial relations and facilitated people-to-people contact. India and Myanmar share a long land border of over 1600 kilometers and a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. The visit of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1987 laid the foundations for a stronger relationship between India and Myanmar. A number of agreements for enhancing bilateral cooperation have been signed between the two countries. Institutional mechanisms for facilitating regular dialogue on a range of issues of bilateral interest have also been established. A large population of Indian origin lives in Myanmar. India has been responsive to the needs of friendly people of Myanmar and has been providing relief materials and assistance. India provided assistance of USD 1 million for humanitarian relief and rehabilitation in the areas affected by the severe earthquake in Shan state in March 2011. India also provided assistance of USD 1.2 million to the communal riot-affected people of Rakhine state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while calling Congress party the architect of corruption, on Wednesday said that 'Rajdaar' (Christian Michel) would reveal all secrets in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam. Prime Minister Modi, who was addressing an election rally at Sumerpur in Pali district, said, "During the UPA's rule, AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power at the Centre, the investigation was conducted into the matter. "One person (Christian Michel) from Dubai has been found involved in the case. Now 'Rajdaar' will reveal all secrets. We don't know how far this issue will go," added Prime Minister Modi. On Tuesday Christian Michel, a British and alleged middleman in Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, which was signed in February 2019, was extradited to India from Dubai. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday produced Michel in a court in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi also hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi for their alleged involvement in the Herald case. "We won in the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The apex court said that the Central government has the right to reassess the income tax returns of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi," he said. Invoking his social background, Prime Minister Modi said, "No one had ever thought that a 'chaiwala' will bring down a party that ruled for four generations in the county. I have taken them to the court and they had to seek bail in the cases related to their acts of corruption." It is worth mentioning that BJP leader Subramanian Swamy had filed a case against Rahul and his mother Sonia Gandhi and others in 2012 accusing them of misusing party funds to buy a firm that published the Herald newspaper. In his complaint, Swamy also alleged that then Congress party president Sonia Gandhi and others committed a fraud of nearly Rs 16 billion by acquiring a public limited company Associated Journals Limited (AJL), through the private company, Young Indian. Prime Minister Modi also accused the Congress of doing "very little" for the poor as the party was "only concerned about being in power." "I was not born with a silver spoon. I have seen poverty. After coming to power, I believe that there is no reason for India to be poor after so many years of independence. Only one family is the reason for our poverty. They were only interested in power. How the Congress, which created so many divisions in the society in the last 70 years, can work for the people? First, they should give the account of these 70 years. Only then they should ask for the account of our 4.5 years' rule," he said. Exuding confidence that the BJP would retain power in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Modi said, "Wherever I traveled and met the people in the state, I have felt that they have decided to elect the BJP once again. People of Rajasthan have decided. Now, our work is to win every polling booth. I don't want to win just Rajasthan. I want to win every polling booth." The single-phase Assembly election in Rajasthan is scheduled to be held on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Special counsel Robert Mueller on Tuesday (local time) said that United States President Donald Trump's former Security Advisor Michael T. Flynn should receive little or no prison time as he cooperated in the Russia investigation. According to CNN, Flynn has sat for as many as 19 interviews with the Mueller and other Justice Department offices, and his early cooperation made way for the Russia investigation. The prosecutors stated that Flynn's cooperation will help increase the pressure on Trump, who has time and again referred to the investigation as a "witch hunt". In sentencing recommendation memorandum and an addendum that was heavily blacked out, the prosecutors revealed that Flynn's "early cooperation was particularly valuable because he was one of the few people with long-term and firsthand insight" into the subject of Mueller's investigation, reported Fox News. Mueller was appointed to investigate Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and a possible collusion between Trump associates and Russia. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hours after Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore Agusta Westland chopper deal, was extradited to India, another accused in the case- former Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi-refused to comment on the development and in turn lashed out at the media for confronting him. Speaking to media on Wednesday, a fuming Tyagi stated, "Who are you to ask me such a question? You can't disturb me like this. Please be respectful while asking such questions." Tyagi along with his brother was granted bail on September 12 in the AgustaWestland case. Besides the Tyagis, the court had also granted bail to another accused on the same day. The court had granted them bail on a bond of Rs.1 lakh each and the same amount as surety. Christian Michel, arrived in New Delhi in the wee hours of Wednesday after being extradited to India from Dubai. Michel, who is presently at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters, is likely to be produced before a competent court later today. Furthermore, the CBI is likely to ask the court for extended his custody for the purpose of investigation. On Tuesday, the CBI had issued a statement saying: "Wanted fugitive criminal Christian Michel James who has been avoiding criminal proceedings in India in AgustaWestland Case is being extradited by UAE Authorities to India. Under the guidance of Ajit Doval, Security Advisor (NSA), the entire operation is being coordinated by Incharge Director/CBI M. Nageswara Rao. A team lead by A. Sai Manohar, Joint Director/CBI has been to Dubai for the purpose." According to the CBI, Christian's father Wolfgang Max Richard Michel was also a consultant of AgustaWestland, United Kingdom for the Indian territory in 1980s had reportedly acted as a mediator in other countries too. Wolfgang Michel promoted three companies Entera Corporation, UCM International Trading Limited and Ferro-Imports Limited. Between 1987 and 1996, Entera Corporation reportedly earned more than two million pounds from India. The CBI further informed that Christain's sister Sasha Ozeman had been in the news for standing by her brother's side and made public statements pertaining to his involvement in the VVIP Chopper deal case. Christian's extradition, which took place days after a Dubai court rejected his plea against the move, marks a major success for Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government and Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who had been pushing for his extradition. The Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VIP helicopter deal, finalised during the previous government of Manmohan Singh, had got mired in allegations of kickbacks. According to the Enforcement Directorate charge sheet filed in a court two years back, Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of 30 million Euros from AgustaWestland for the deal involving a purchase of 12 VIP helicopters. The deal, signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 following the bribery allegations. CBI had filed charge sheet in a trial court on September 1, 2017 against Christian and 11 other accused persons. The trial court took cognizance of the offences on October 11, 2017. CBI's request for extradition was forwarded to the UAE authorities on March 19, last year through diplomatic channels. Extradition proceedings were held before UAE Court against Christian on the extradition request of CBI. Vide order dated November 19, 2018, the Court of Dubai upheld the lower court decision for possibility of extraditing Christian to Indian authorities. Accordingly, Christian was extradited to face legal proceedings. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The British Secretary of State for International Trade and Member of Parliament (MP), Liam Fox, has said that there is no Plan B in place of the withdrawal agreement while the only plan is to "win the vote" in the British Parliament on December 11. Speaking to the International Trade Committee on December 5 (IST), he also mentioned that the Backstop in the Brexit withdrawal agreement is a "calculated risk". "Without it the Irish government wouldn't have taken part in negotiations," the International Trade Committee quoted Fox as saying. He noted that the UK should try leaving the European Union (EU) in a stable way, as "alternatives are politically unsustainable or economically damaging". Fox further mentioned that the British Parliament may try to "steal the Brexit" from the people, according to Sputnik, at the very same session with the trade committee. His comments come after British Prime Minister Theresa May opened the debate in the House of Commons on the Brexit deal on December 4. The five-day debate will lead up to the final vote by the Parliament on December 11. There are rising fears that the Theresa-led government may suffer a setback in the form of a no Brexit, wherein the Parliament will vote against the deal and foot for a "softer" Brexit or demand for a second Brexit referendum - suggestions of which were shot down by May recently. The fears were set afoot after the House of Commons approved an amendment which gives the Parliament more influence over the Brexit process if the government's deal was to be rejected by lawmakers next week. Furthermore, in a first-ever instance, the British Parliament held May's government in contempt for not releasing the complete legal advice based on which it formulated the Brexit plan on December 4, according to CNN, adding to the fears of a no-Brexit. In 2016, over 50 per cent of the UK electorate voted to leave the EU, following which the British government had triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, beginning the country's process of its exit from the European bloc. According to the withdrawal agreement, the UK is scheduled to leave the bloc on March 29, next year, after which it will move into a 21-month long transitionary period with the EU. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Attorney General KK Venugopal, who was defending the Centre's decision in the Supreme Court over sending Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma on leave, has said that the dispute between the CBI Director and Special Director Rakesh Asthana was tarnishing the reputation of the institution. He added that both the top officials of the investigating agency were "fighting like cats." "The fight between Verma and Asthana was becoming critical and matter of public debate. The Government of India was watching with amazement as to what the top officers were doing. They were fighting like cats," the Attorney General told the apex court. The Supreme Court on Wednesday began hearing a petition filed by Verma against the Central government's decision to send him on leave in view of the allegations of corruption against him. The apex court asked Venugopal: "Is there any evidence of CBI Director Alok Verma going public about the infighting?" Responding to this, the Attorney General gave the court newspaper clippings. The Attorney General told the apex court that the Centre's action was necessary to restore public confidence in the institution of the CBI as the situation needed the Centre's intervention. He added: "After careful consideration and examination of the issue, the Central government was satisfied and took the decision to divest CBI Director Alok Verma of his power." The action against CBI director Alok Verma does not amount to transfer and only his functions have been withdrawn, the Attorney General clarified. "It is well settled that transfer is a change from one station to another and Verma is retaining his designation, bungalow, and benefits," he added. The Attorney General told the apex court that the Centre divested both the Director and Special Director of their respective powers due to their public spat. Defending the Centre, he further said that the Centre acted in its jurisdiction and it had acted the way it should have. It was essential for the government of India to step in. The Attorney General said that Verma has been divested of all powers, function, and duties supervisory role in any manner. "As far as the Government of India is concerned, it acted within the jurisdiction. If it would not have done so, the only god knows where this spat between the top officers may have ended. It was essential for the Government of India to step in," Attorney General Venugopal further said. The Attorney General told the apex court: "The Central government was very concerned about what was happening in the CBI because two senior-most officers were fighting in public. The Government and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) had to take a decision on who is right and who is wrong. The CBI itself was ridiculed." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the CVC told the apex court that the commission shall be responsible for the efficient functioning of the CBI. The investigative agency shall report to the CVC. The CVC would have been answerable to the President and the Parliament if it would not have acted, Solicitor General Mehta said. The Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K M Joseph, was hearing the petition, challenging the validity of CBI Director Alok Verma being sent on leave by the Centre. Verma had filed a petition in the apex court challenging the decision of the Central government to send him on leave. Verma is being represented by senior lawyer Fali S Nariman. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leader, has also challenged the order and is being represented by Kapil Sibal. The Central government recently sent Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana on leave after both levelled allegations of accepting bribes against each other. However, the CBI on October 25 informed that Verma and Asthana would continue to remain as CBI Director and Special Director, respectively. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian government is ready to provide consular access to the United Kingdom High Commission for Christian Michel, a citizen of Britain and alleged middleman in Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, government sources said on Wednesday. The government sources said, "We are ready to provide consular access to the UK High Commission for Christian Michel. We have no objections. However, the UK High Commission has not yet approached the Ministry of External Affairs for this. Due process will have to be followed. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will have no objections." Meanwhile, CBI sources have claimed that they have informed the family of British businessman Michel that he has been extradited to India by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) from the UAE in connection with the AgustaWestland case. The British High Commission spokesperson has said, "Our staff continues to support the family of a British man, following his detention in the UAE. We are in contact with his family and Emirati authorities regarding his case and are urgently seeking information from Indian authorities on his circumstances." Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, was sent to five days CBI custody on Wednesday. Michel, who arrived in the Capital in the wee hours of Wednesday after being extradited from Dubai, was produced before a special CBI court here. The Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VIP helicopter deal, finalised during the previous UPA government, had got mired in allegations of kickbacks. The 54-year-old Michel is an accused in the case along with some others including former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief SP Tyagi. CBI's request for Michel's extradition was forwarded to the UAE authorities on March 19 last year through diplomatic channels. The premier investigative agency filed a charge sheet in a trial court on September 1 the same year against Michel and 11 other accused. A month later, on October 11, the trial court took cognisance of the offences. Extradition proceedings were held before the UAE Court against Michel on the extradition request of the CBI. Vide order dated November 19, 2018 the Court of Dubai upheld the lower court decision for the possibility of extraditing Michel to Indian authorities. Accordingly, Michel was extradited to face legal proceedings in India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Guwahati: Well-known healthcare institution of northeast India, Dispur Hospitals will conduct free blood tests for Thyroid, Hemoglobin & Sugar among the members of Guwahati Press Club (GPC) this week. The hospital representatives will arrive at press club premises on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (6, 7, 8 December 2018) by 3 pm to collect blood samples (20 members per day). The reports will be made available by Monday (10 December) at the press club office. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel on Wednesday refused to take any questions about the central bank's alleged rift with the Union government, including the invocation of Section 7 of the RBI Act earlier this year. "I would avoid those questions because we are here discussing the monetary policy resolution," Patel said when asked about Section 7 of the RBI Act during a media conference after the bank's bi-monthly meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) here. When asked about his views on Deputy Governor Viral Acharya's public posturing on the RBI autonomy, Patel said, "Is this related to the MPC resolution? I don't think so. We are here to discuss the MPC resolution and the macro-economy." According to Section 7(1) in The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, "The Central Government may, from time to time, give such directions to the RBI as it may after consultation with the Governor of the Bank consider necessary in the public interest." In view of the current and evolving macroeconomic situation in the country, the RBI on Wednesday decided to keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 6.5 per cent. The decision was taken at the fifth bi-monthly meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The Central bank pegged India's gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for the financial year of 2018-19 at 7.4 per cent and 7.2 per cent in H2. It is worth mentioning that surplus reserves and relaxing of PCA norms were discussed in the RBI Board meeting held on November 19. In a press statement released after the meeting, the RBI had said that its Central Board discussed the Basel regulatory capital framework, a restructuring scheme for stressed MSMEs, bank health under the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework and the Economic Capital Framework (ECF) of the RBI. The Board decided to constitute an expert committee to examine the ECF, the membership and terms of reference, which will be jointly determined by the central government and the RBI. With regard to the banks under PCA, it was decided that the matter would be examined by the Board for Financial Supervision of RBI. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kesoram Industries fell 13.73% to Rs 83.85 at 11:41 IST on BSE after the company said it will spin off its tyre business into a separate entity. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 213.47 points, or 0.59% to 35,920.84. On the BSE, 2.24 lakh shares were traded in the counter so far compared with average daily volumes of 2.95 lakh shares in the past two weeks. The stock had hit a high of Rs 97 and a low of Rs 83.50 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 173.25 on 10 January 2018. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 54.50 on 23 October 2018. Kesoram Industries decided at a board meeting to spin off its tyre business ("Birla Tyres" ) by demerging this undertaking as per the "demerger" provisions in the Income Tax Act, 1961 into a resulting company, Birla Tyres ("BTL"). Upon grant of the requisite approvals, BTL will also become a listed company with its shareholding pattern mirroring Kesoram. The appointed date for such demerger will be commencement of business 1 January 2019. Kesoram shareholders will get one share of Rs 10 each of Birla Tyres for each share held in the company. The demerger proposed is part of an ongoing exercise undertaken by Kesoram over the past few months in further realigning and recalibrating operations. The objective has been to transform each business into entities that are market driven in their approach. With the proposed spin-off, Kesoram's focus on the both its businesses viz. cement and tyre will get even further sharpened and pave the way for their robust growth. For BTL, especially, the proposition and its implementation will open new growth vistas as it looks at opportunities with renewed vigour. The process is expected to act as a stimulant for further investments into BTL. Resultantly, BTL will be benefited through the revitalising of its existing product portfolio range by extension of reach into a much wider spectrum of tyre segments and markets; and leveraging of the positive brand image of Birla Tyres and the enormous brand equity of the "Birla" name to take on a rapidly growing yet discerning tyre market, the company said in a statement. Kesoram Industries reported net loss of Rs 96.25 crore in Q2 September 2018 as against net loss of Rs 139.59 crore in Q2 September 2017. Net sales rose 10.18% to Rs 926.15 crore in Q2 September 2018 over Q2 September 2017. Kesoram Industries is engaged in cement and automobile tyre business. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kridhan Infra rose 5.76% to Rs 49.60 at 10:23 IST on BSE after the company said its associate company received a letter of intent worth Rs 105 crore. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 155.48 points, or 0.43% to 35,978.83. On the BSE, 18,000 shares were traded in the counter so far compared with average daily volumes of 15,000 shares in the past two weeks. The stock had hit a high of Rs 52 and a low of Rs 49.05 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 142 on 5 January 2018. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 41 on 1 October 2018. Kridhan Infra (KIL) announced that its associate company Vijay Nirman Company (VNC) has received a LoI (Letter of Intent) worth Rs 105 crore. The company has been mandated to construct major and minor bridges, etc. for package 4 of the Mumbai - Nagpur Super Communication Expressway in Maharashtra. The project is expected to be completed over a period of 12 months. On a consolidated basis, net profit of Kridhan Infra rose 6.93% to Rs 14.50 crore on 18.96% decline in net sales to Rs 171.90 crore in Q2 September 2018 over Q2 September 2017. Kridhan Infra is one of the pioneers in introducing the concept of ready-to-use steel for the construction industry in India. The company expanded its business to Singapore, Myanmar, Malaysia, and other South East Asian countries. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lemon Tree Hotels announced the opening of the company's hotel under brand name 'Lemon Tree Premier' on Connaught Road, Pune, on 05 December 2018. This is the company's second owned hotel in the city. The Hotel has 201 rooms with a multi cuisine coffee shop, bar, spa, pool, fitness center, banquet spaces including a conference room. With opening of this Hotel, the company operates 52 Hotels including managed properties across 31 cities in India. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Key benchmark indices were trading near day's low in afternoon trade. At 13:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 223.68 points or 0.62% at 35,910.63. The Nifty 50 index was down 78.70 points or 0.72% at 10,790.80. Provisional data released by the stock exchanges showing that local and foreign funds, both, were net sellers of Indian stocks yesterday, 4 December 2018, also weighed on the sentiment. The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 55.89 crore. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 521.38 crore. Domestic stocks edged lower in early trade as key index pivotals dropped. Key benchmark indices traded with weakness in morning trade after a subdued start to the day's trading session. Weakness persisted on the bourses in afternoon trade. In broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 1.05%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was down 1.04%. Both these indices underperformed the Sensex. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On the BSE, 717 shares rose and 1661 shares fell. A total of 137 shares were unchanged. Hindustan Unilever (up 0.73%), HDFC (up 0.59%), Reliance Industries (up 0.42%), Wipro (up 0.42%) and Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone (up 0.36%), were the major Sensex gainers. Tata Steel (down 2.95%), Vedanta (down 2.74%), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (down 2.45%), Coal India (down 2.4%) and ITC (down 2.11%), were the major Sensex losers. Car major Maruti Suzuki India was down 1.26%. The company informed that over the past year, the cost of Company's vehicles has been impacted adversely due to increase in commodity prices and foreign exchange rates, etc. Hence, it has become imperative for the Company to pass on some impact of the above additional cost to customers through a price increase across various models in January 2019. This price increase shall vary for different models. Meanwhile, the company said that its total production fell 12.6% to 135,946 units in November 2018 over November 2017. Tata Motors lost 2.73% after the company announced that S&P Global Ratings has lowered the credit rating of the company and luxury car unit, Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc (JLR), citing weaker profitability at JLR. S&P cut its rating on Tata Motors' issuer credit and senior unsecured notes to 'BB-' from 'BB'. The ratings remain on negative watch. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. Pharma major Lupin fell 2.26%. The company announced today, 5 December 2018, the completion of United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) inspections carried out at its Mandideep location. Lupin's Mandideep location houses the company's cardiovascular "Pril" API facilities, Cephalosporin API facilities and Cephalosporin Solid Oral Dosage Form facility. These inspections were carried out between November 26 and December 4,2018. The inspection at Unit-2, the Cardiovascular "Pri l" API facilities closed with 4 observations. The inspection at Unit-I, the Cephalosporin facilities closed with 10 observations for the Cephalosporin API facilities and 8 observations for the Cephalosporin Solid Oral Dosage Form facility. The observations are largely procedural in nature with some gaps identified in the aseptic processing areas of the Cepha losporin API block and the company is confident of addressing them satisfactorily. As a company, Lupin has committed to an enhanced Quality Management System and Compliance Sustainability Plan. The Lupin Mandideep site is already executing the plan, which also serves to address some of the concerns ra ised during this inspection. There are no new DMF and ANDA applications pending for review or approval from Lupin's Mandideep facilities. Further, Lupin announced the launch of Silodosin Capsules 4mg and 8mg, having received an approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) earlier. Lupin's Silodosin Capsules 4mg and 8mg; is the generic equivalent of Allergan's Rapaflo. An alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, it is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Rapaflo had annual sales of $198.5 million in the US (IQVIA MAT September 2018). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. On the political front, state assembly elections will be closely watched. Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on 7 December 2018. Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram were held on 28 November 2018. The election to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly was held in two phases 12 and 20 November 2018. Counting of votes will be held across all the five states on 11 December 2018. Overseas, Asian stocks dropped in the wake of the biggest slide in stocks on Wall Street. Activity in China's service sector expanded at a faster pace in November, a private gauge showed Wednesday. The Caixin China services purchasing managers' index rose to 53.8 in November from a 13-month low of 50.8 in October, Caixin Media Co. and research firm Markit said. US financial markets will remain closed Wednesday for a national day of mourning to honor former President George H.W. Bush. US stocks finished sharply lower Tuesday, logging their worst day in nearly a month, as skepticism mounted over the significance of an agreement reached by the US and China to postpone new tariffs. Doubts surrounding the US and China's ability to achieve a concrete deal to avoid new, or expanded, bilateral tariffs are rising, as investors focused on the lack of specific concessions made by China at last weekend's G-20 meeting in Argentina, where President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Weakness persisted on the bourses in mid-morning trade as pivotals remained gripped in selling pressure. At 11:28 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 211.46 points or 0.59% at 35,922.85. The Nifty 50 index was down 79.60 points or 0.73% at 10,789.90. Metal and mining stocks dropped. Provisional data released by the stock exchanges showing that local and foreign funds, both, were net sellers of Indian stocks yesterday, 4 December 2018, also weighed on the sentiment. The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 55.89 crore. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 521.38 crore. The outcome of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) monetary policy meeting will be closely watched. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will conclude its two-day meet today, 5 December 2018. Domestic stocks edged lower in early trade as key index pivotals dropped. Key benchmark indices traded with weakness in morning trade after a subdued start to the day's trading session. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 1.14%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was down 1.07%. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On the BSE, 620 shares rose and 1498 shares fell. A total of 119 shares were unchanged. Back home, metal and mining stocks dropped. Vedanta (down 3.23%), JSW Steel (down 3.03%), Tata Steel (down 2.75%), Steel Authority of India (Sail) (down 3.87%), National Aluminium Company (down 2.94%), Hindustan Zinc (down 1.56%), Jindal Steel & Power (down 5.87%), Hindalco Industries (down 3.58%), NMDC (down 2.99%) and Hindustan Copper (down 1.95%) edged lower. Oil India (OIL) lost 1.55%. Oil India successfully commissioned the cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) technology in the well BGW - 8 in Baghewala PML of Rajasthan for extraction of heavy crude oil for the first time in India. The project was commissioned under the guidance of Dr. John Belgrave of Mis Belgrave Oil & Gas Corporation, a Canada based consulting agency. As part of the pilot project, CSS will be implemented in 2 (two) more wells followed by field scale implementation and will also be applied to assess the potential of other similar reservoirs. This technique will ensure enhancement of production from this field. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. Hinduja Global Solutions rose 2.88%. Hinduja Global Solutions announced that it will be creating up to 150 brand new permanent jobs and investing into its site in Selkirk (UK) over the course of 2019. The company has purchased the site from its lease holder, has recruited a new management team and is about to embark on a 12-month site-investment programme giving further security to the 265 existing employees based there. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. On the political front, state assembly elections will be closely watched. Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held tomorrow, 7 December 2018. Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram were held on 28 November 2018. The election to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly was held in two phases 12 and 20 November 2018. Counting of votes will be held across all the five states on 11 December 2018. Overseas, Asian stocks dropped in the wake of the biggest slide in stocks on Wall Street. Activity in China's service sector expanded at a faster pace in November, a private gauge showed Wednesday. The Caixin China services purchasing managers' index rose to 53.8 in November from a 13-month low of 50.8 in October, Caixin Media Co. and research firm Markit said. US financial markets will remain closed Wednesday for a national day of mourning to honor former President George H.W. Bush. US stocks finished sharply lower Tuesday, logging their worst day in nearly a month, as skepticism mounted over the significance of an agreement reached by the US and China to postpone new tariffs. Doubts surrounding the US and China's ability to achieve a concrete deal to avoid new, or expanded, bilateral tariffs are rising, as investors focused on the lack of specific concessions made by China at last weekend's G-20 meeting in Argentina, where President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Motors announced that S&P Global Ratings has lowered the credit rating of the company and luxury car unit, Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc (JLR), citing weaker profitability at JLR. S&P cut its rating on Tata Motors' issuer credit and senior unsecured notes to 'BB-' from 'BB'. The ratings remain on negative watch. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. Kesoram Industries decided at a board meeting to spin off its tyre business ("Birla Tyres" ) by demerging this undertaking as per the "demerger" provisions in the Income Tax Act, 1961 into a resulting company, Birla Tyres ("BTL"). Upon grant of the requisite approvals, BTL will also become a listed company with its shareholding pattern mirroring Kesoram. The appointed date for such demerger will be commencement of business 1 January 2019. Kesoram shareholders will get one share of Rs 10 each of Birla Tyres for each share held in the company. The demerger proposed is part of an ongoing exercise undertaken by Kesoram over the past few months in further realigning and recalibrating operations. The objective has been to transform each business into entities that are market driven in their approach. With the proposed spin-off , Kesoram's focus on the both its businesses viz. cement and tyre will get even further sharpened and pave the way for their robust growth. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. Oil India (OIL) successfully commissioned the cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) technology in the well BGW - 8 in Baghewala PML of Rajasthan for extraction of heavy crude oil for the first time in India. The project was commissioned under the guidance of Dr. John Belgrave of Mis Belgrave Oil & Gas Corporation, a Canada based consulting agency. As part of the pilot project, CSS will be implemented in 2 (two) more wells followed by field scale implementation and will also be applied to assess the potential of other similar reservoirs. This technique will ensure enhancement of production from this field. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. Pharma major Lupin announced the launch of Silodosin Capsules 4mg and 8mg, having received an approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) earlier. Lupin's Silodosin Capsules 4mg and 8mg; is the generic equivalent of Allergan's Rapaflo. An alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, it is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Rapaflo had annual sales of $198.5 million in the US (IQVIA MAT September 2018). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. Hinduja Global Solutions announced that it will be creating up to 150 brand new permanent jobs and investing into its site in Selkirk (UK) over the course of 2019. The company has purchased the site from its lease holder, has recruited a new management team and is about to embark on a 12-month site-investment programme giving further security to the 265 existing employees based there. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. Kridhan Infra (KIL) announced that its associate company Vijay Nirman Company (VNC) has received a LoI (Letter of Intent) worth Rs 105 crore. The company has been mandated to construct major and minor bridges, etc. for package 4 of the Mumbai - Nagpur Super Communication Expressway in Maharashtra. The project is expected to be completed over a period of 12 months. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. SKF India announced that the buyback committee of the company fixed 21 December 2018 as the record date for the proposed buyback of the equity shares of the company. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 4 December 2018. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ten Indian men and 24 Thai women have been arrested in Thailand on charges of forging documents and filing falsified papers to authorities about their marriages, media reports said on Wednesday. Twenty Indian suspects are still at large, Thai police said. They had allegedly produced the falsified marriage certificates to district officials so that they could be legally allowed to reside and take care of their fake spouses, the police added. The police arrested the 10 unidentified Indian nationals who had allegedly manipulated fake marriages with the 24 Thai women who had been hired as alleged accomplices in such bogus scams, Xinhua news agency reported. Six unidentified Thai women were also yet to be located and arrested, an officer told Xinhua. They had been hired at a price of 500 to 5,000 baht to pretend as the Indians' spouses, the police said. Thailand's Immigration Bureau Chief Surachate Hakparn on Tuesday instructed all immigration units throughout the country to crack down on foreigners on suspicion of possibly commit crimes and jeopardize national security. --IANS in/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Malaysian police on Wednesday filed fresh charges against fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, a key figure in a corruption scandal involving state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) that led to the fall of the previous government. Low, 37, was charged in absentia along with four other high officials or employees of the state investment fund. Low and the four other defendants are still on the run, Efe news reported. The group faces 13 charges for laundering over 4.2 billion ringgit ($1.17 billion) of 1MDB's losses, according to a statement released by the police, which issued an international arrest warrant for the five suspects. Low was charged with five counts over the transfer of $1.03 billion to a Swiss bank between 2009 and 2011, as well as with two others for receiving $126 million in a Singapore-based bank account, the statement said. The Malaysian police filed additional charges against Low in November for conspiring to launder money along with two Goldman Sachs employees. Low is wanted by the American, Malaysian and Singaporean police in connection with cases involving several 1MDB transactions. The US Department of Justice estimated that some $4.5 billion was diverted from 1MDB, out of which some $1 billion could have been used to pay for works of art, properties, jewellery and yachts, among other products. Low, whose passport was revoked, was hiding in China or Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, according to reports. He protested his innocence in a statement published on a website maintained by his lawyers, after charges were filed against him in the US. Low had close ties with former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who created and led 1MDB as a state investment fund after becoming the Finance Minister. The 1MDB corruption scandal was uncovered in 2015 by the Wall Street Journal and the Sarawak Report portal, which brought to light diversion of the 2.6 billion ringgit ($627 million) to Najib's private accounts. Najib, who was in power from 2009 to 2018, denied the accusation and said the money was a donation from a Saudi prince. The scandal cost him the general elections in May, which were won by Mahathir Mohamad, his former mentor. Najib now faces 38 charges in court, while his wife, Rosmah Mansor, faces 17. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A team of French police officers along with one of their envoy has arrived here possibly to question a National Investigation Agency (NIA) undertrial, a Kerala intelligence official said on Wednesday. The team has come to interrogate Subahani Haja Moideen, Kerala intelligence chief T.K. Vinod Kumar told IANS. "Moideen is understood to have been laterally involved with the accused in the Paris attack" that left 130 dead. "May be the French team is here to get more details," said Kumar. According to sources the team arrived here late on Tuesday and has left for Thrissur jail, where Moideen is housed. "The Kerala Police have no involvement in this, as this case is being handled here by the NIA. The November 2015 Paris attack was a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that took place at a few places which left 130 dead and over 400 injured. According to the NIA, Moideen is believed to have been trained in Syria along with Salah Abdeslam, one of the prime accused arrested in the Paris attack. Moideen, 33, hails from Thodupuzha near here and was residing in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, when he was arrested by the NIA in 2016 for joining and supporting the activities of the Islamic State terror group. He had taken part in the jihad and had undergone arms training under the IS. According to the NIA, Moideen was taken to Mosul in Iraq, where he underwent detailed course in Shariya followed by combat training. On completion of combat training, including training in automated weapons, he was sent to the war zone in Mosul for security duties in the IS-held territory, which he performed for almost two-weeks. --IANS sg/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a major international campaign against the Italian mafia clan 'Ndrangheta, a total of 90 arrests were made on Wednesday, European judicial cooperation authority Eurojust announced here. Supported by a coordination centre at Eurojust, judicial and law enforcement authorities from the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and Belgium executed the arrests and seizures against 'Ndrangheta, an organized crime group based in Calabria, Italy, for cocaine trafficking, money laundering, bribery and violence. The action, code named "Pollino", was the result of an intensive joint investigation coordinated at European level, Xinhua news agency reported. A total of 200 million euros ($227 million) of criminal money, as well as 140 kg of ecstasy pills and more than 3,000 kg of cocaine were seized. "This shows that international crime can be tackled well if we work well together," said Eurojust Vice-President Filippo Spiezia. Wil van Gemert, Deputy Director of Europol, said: "This shows the importance of international cooperation and I am convinced this operation will lead to new investigations." The operation took place one day after Settimo Mineo, the alleged head or "godfather" of the Sicilian Mafia, Cosa Nostra, was arrested with 46 other people in the Palermo region of Italy, according to the Italian police and anti-Mafia prosecutors in Palermo. Earlier this year, 170 people in Italy and Germany were arrested in an anti-Mafia swoop. "This is just a small step," said Federico Cafiero De Raho, the Italian National Anti-mafia and Anti-terrorism Prosecutor during the press conference. "These arrests are nothing for 'Ndrangheta. There should be over 1,000 arrests and billions of euros should be seized. The wealth and richness of this organization is enormous." --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after British national Christian Michel James, a middleman wanted in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, was extradited to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the accused, who has taken UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's name, will spill the beans on the deal during the UPA government's tenure. The Congress hit out at Modi and accused him of being the "protector, benefactor and promoter" of AgustaWestland and its parent company Finmeccanica and demanded a CBI probe into the Prime Minister's role while its President Rahul Gandhi sought explanation from Modi on Rafale. Addressing an election meeting in Rajasthan's Sumerpur, the Prime Minister used the "namdaar" jibe to attack Rahul Gandhi and said those leaders whose four generations ruled the country had to knock the doors of court. "You must have read in today's newspapers about VVIP helicopter scam of thousands of crore. You would be aware about a letter of Madam Sonia Gandhi. When we came to power to find out the files, we kept searching for it and finally found a 'razdar' (one who knows all secrets). "He was a middleman of England, who was living in Dubai. He used to serve the friends of 'namdaar' in Dubai. The government has brought him to India. This 'razdar' will reveal the secrets. Don't know where and how far it will go," he said. Modi said a 'chaiwala' was able to do so because of the people who voted him to power. "Why are those who did corruption on bail today? Why are the sons of these corrupt in jail today? How was this 'razdar' brought to India?" he asked the people and answered it himself saying this was possible because of their vote. Addressing a press conference in poll-bound Rajasthan's Jaipur, BJP President Amit Shah accused the Congress of playing negative and rejected charges that extradition of Michel was a diversionary tactic. "Congress has no other issue left. Should we not have nabbed the 'bichauliya' (middleman)? Does the opposition want to save him?" he asked. Rahul Gandhi, who was in Telangana to address election rallies, refused to comment on the extradition of Michel, but sought the Prime Minister's explanation on the controversial Rafale jet deal. "Congress party has made its position very very clear in this matter earlier in a press conference. The Prime Minister should explain why he gave Rs 30,000 crore on Rafale to Anil Ambani," he told reporters. Earlier, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala accused Modi of being the "protector, benefactor and promoter" of AgustaWestland and its parent company Finmeccanica and demanded a CBI probe into the Prime Minister's role in "exonerating" the Italian defence and aerospace major which was blacklisted by the UPA. Citing Michel's advocate Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos' July 17 statement, Surjewala said the "Modi government and its agencies were forcing Michel to sign a false confessional statement naming UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in return for complete exoneration from any charge whatsoever in the AgustaWestland Case". "Even Michel's sister had come out and reiterated the coercions of falsely naming opposition leaders as a ticket for exoneration of Christian Michel. Their interviews were recorded by many Indian TV channels also," said Surjewala. "Never before in the history of India has a Prime Minister been found complicit in gaining false evidence against opposition leaders to seek revenge. "This shocking expose is also a testimony to the disease prevailing in CBI/ED prostrating before the Prime Minister to collect fake and false evidence with a single minded aim of tarnishing the reputation of opposition leaders and serving the political masters as a captive puppet and a willing tool of malicious conspiracy," alleged Surjewala. "The most intriguing part of the conspiracy is the undisclosed reason on part of Modi government for permitting a blacklisted company to get clearances from Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) and permit its entry as partner or sub-contractor to various Indian corporates. "Not only this, the Modi government also sought a special opinion from its Attorney General in July, 2014 and permitted AgustaWestland/Finmeccanica to be part of Make in India and bid for 100 Naval Utility Helicopters, besides clearing its investment proposals through FIPB for manufacture of AW119 helicopters in partnership with Tata," said Surjewala. The Congress said it was time for the CBI to investigate Modi's role in exonerating AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica instead of "weaving fake story to deflect attention". --IANS bns/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa has undergone a successful surgery on his fifth metatarsal bone of his left foot in Brazil, the club confirmed on Wednesday. "Diego Costa underwent an operation on his left foot in Brazil on Wednesday. The operation has been a success and everything has gone according to plan," Atletico Madrid said in a statement on its official website, reports Efe news. "The intervention consisted in the removal of the osteosynthesis material of the fifth metatarsal that our player underwent 12 years ago and in repairing the short peroneal tendon," the statement added. The surgery decision came after Costa retook the field Sunday during the 1-1 La Liga draw with Girona. --IANS kk/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The world's first baby born using a womb transplanted from a dead woman is a breakthrough in the field of obstetrics and a great advantage for women combating infertility, say Indian doctors. According to a case study published in The Lancet on Wednesday, a healthy baby girl was born in 2017, following the uterus transplant from a 45-year-old brain dead woman. The womb transplant, lasting over 10 hours, took place in Sao Paolo in Brazil in September 2016. The baby was born in December 2017. The uterus was removed from the donor and transplanted into the recipient in a surgery that also involved connecting the donor uterus and recipient's veins and arteries, ligament and vaginal canals. "It is a breakthrough in the field of obstetrics as well as a great advantage for women who lost their uterus for some reason or don't have from birth. This would increase the availability of the uterus as living donors are always in scarcity," Ranjana Sharma, Senior Consultant, (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, told IANS. In a majority of such cases, the uterus does not survive after transplant in the recipient due to infections or rejection by the body's immune system. But in the case of a uterus transplant from a cadaver, the potential danger for infections is more, says Kamini A. Rao, Medical Director, Milann-The Fertility Centre, Bengaluru. "One will never be able to find whether the dead woman has had any infections in the uterus, nor in the vaginal canals and whether it is treatable or not," Rao told IANS. "This is not in the case of a kidney or liver transplant, clearly because the vagina is an exposed area and since you are unable to identify what kind of organisms were growing, there is a potential danger for rejection," Rao added. Still, the advantage is that the surgery takes place only for a person. It is a very good thing compared to a live donor, she noted. "When a transplant is dome from a live donor, there is a greater responsibility towards both the donor and recipient, but in a dead body the doctors can be a bit relaxed," Sharma said. Importantly, in the Lancet case study, the uterus had an interval of eight hours before getting connected to the living body. "Up till now it was not known that uterus can survive more than four hours out of a living body, however, the present case shows that the uterus is a quite strong an organ," Sharma said. "Just as cornea, kidney, liver, heart, the pancreas, I am hopeful that the uterus will also be added in the gamut of organs taken out so that many more people will be benefited," Rao noted. Moreover, the doctors said that while a transplanted kidney or liver stays for life, it is not the case with the uterus. "This is only to give birth to a child. Once the baby reaches maturity, the uterus is taken out along with the baby. It is because we don't know the long-term effects of having a foreign uterus in the body. So far the uterus have not been left after taking out the baby. It is then discarded, like any hysterectomy," Sharma said. Besides women who lost uterus or do not have from birth, this kind of transplant could also some day open doors for people who are transgender, Sharma suggested. "However sometimes you may only have an absent uterus like in this case. But for transgender, you will also have to take the donor eggs, like a surrogate gestation," Rao pointed out. (Rachel V. Thomas can be contacted at rachel.t@ians.in) --IANS rt/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There has been a revision of the base year for calculating GDP for 5-6 times in the country since independence, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday in the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the back-series data. "The logic here is that with the national and the global economy expanding and growing, what would be the best global standards to calculate GDP? So, in every 10-12 years, it is revised and is brought about in accordance to the best global standards so that the ground reality of the economy gets reflected in the GDP figures," Jaitley told CNN-News18 in an interview. When it increased, the Congress welcomed the yardstick, when it decreased, they engaged in a political conflict, calling it a cruel joke, he said. He said Chief Election Commissioner was not the appropriate authority on black money transactions. Jaitley said the opposition went overboard on the issue of CBI versus CBI and it did have a lack of understanding of the issue. "There were personal tensions between the two officials. Both of them have their own positions. The Supreme Court is ceasing it. What has the government done? ... The government did not provoke a fight between the two of them. They contested the case and the matter is in the Supreme Court. Whatever the court decides will be final," he said. On Congress president Rahul Gandhi's charges that CBI Director Alok Verma was forced to go on leave because he was planning to investigate the Rafale deal, Jaitley said "When there is nothing, this is just Rahul Gandhi's imagination. An imagination from which only lies crop up. You don't investigate without a shred of paper with you." On the issue of pressure from RSS, VHP to build Ram Mandir, he said "Because it is in the court, I don't want to say much." "If there is anyone who has an issue with it, let us have a referendum on whether people are with Ram Mandir or not and the reality will come out in the front. So, only because there are sentiments attached, people get excited. I cannot find faults in them. Therefore, if we want Ram Mandir, in the right sense, that is we want it, naturally, then the most appropriate way ahead will be keeping the constitutional and legal provisions in mind and with patience." In context to extradition of AugustaWestland middleman Christian Michel, the Finance Minister said fugitive economic offenders Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya should be taken back to the country to face the law. "I really want all of them to come. You commit offences here, loot the country and then flee to the world's role model democracy, England, and sit there... We would want all of them to come back and they're held accountable in front of the law of the land," he said. Jaitley said he was confident of BJP coming back to power in 2019. "I think 2019 is going to be a great election, as far as India is concerned. I am confident because India does not want an unstable regime which will upset the India regime. It does not want an unstable alliance which will collapse within days. It probably will collapse even before the elections," he said. --IANS spk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British Prime Minister has suffered three defeats in the Commons as she set out to sell her deal to sceptical MPs. Ministers have agreed to publish the government's full legal advice on the deal after MPs found them in contempt of Parliament for issuing a summary, BBC reported on Wednesday. And MPs backed calls for the Commons to have a direct say in what happens if her deal is rejected next Tuesday. May said MPs had a duty to deliver on the 2016 vote and the deal on offer was an "honourable compromise". The Prime Minister was addressing the Commons at the start of a five-day debate on her proposed agreement on the terms of the UK's withdrawal and future relations with the The agreement has been endorsed by leaders but must also be backed by the UK Parliament if it is to come into force. MPs will decide whether to reject or accept it on December 11. May said divisions had become "corrosive" to UK and the public believed the issue had "gone on long enough" and must be resolved. The Commons supported a motion demanding full disclosure of the government's legal advice, by 311 votes to 293. The move was backed by six opposition parties, while the Democratic Unionists, which have a parliamentary pact with the Conservatives, also voted against the government. It came after Attorney General Geoffrey Cox published a summary of the advice on Monday and answered MPs questions for three hours - but said that full publication would not be in the national interest. Labour had accused ministers of "wilfully refusing to comply" with a binding Commons vote last month demanding they provided the attorney general's full and final advice. After Labour demanded the advice should be released ahead of next Tuesday's key vote on Mrs May's deal, Commons Speaker John Bercow said it was "unimaginable" this would not happen. In response, Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said she "would respond" on Wednesday but would ask the Commons Privileges Committee to consider the constitutional repercussions. An attempt by ministers to refer the whole issue, including the government's conduct, to the committee of MPs was earlier defeated by four votes. The privileges committee will now decide which ministers should be held accountable and what sanction to apply, with options ranging from a reprimand to the more unlikely scenario of a minister being suspended from the Commons. Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said the result left the government "on the ropes", adding: "Theresa May's majority has evaporated, and the credibility of her deal is evaporating with it." Campaigning in the high-stakes December 7 Assembly elections, dubbed as the semi-final before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, ended in Rajasthan and Telangana on Wednesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi making a concerted attempt on the last day to win the contest for their parties. The contest is largely bipolar between the BJP and Congress for the 200-member Rajasthan assembly but is expected to be triangular, especially in some seats, for the 119-member Telangana assembly where the Congress has tied up with unlikely rival TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS), a new party floated by M. Kodandaram, who was once KCR's friend in the Telangana movement to form 'Praja Kutami" (People's Front). The campaign in both the states has been bitter with personalised attacks by leaders of various parties. In Rajasthan, the BJP is fighting anti-incumbency to retain power though no party has been repeated after one term in the last 20 years. With the poll surveys predicting that Congress was ahead, the BJP has made persistent efforts over the last few days to shore up its prospects with Modi, the main vote getter for the BJP, addressing around 12 rallies. On Wednesday, he made a strong attack on Congress over the issue of corruption in the wake of extradition of Christian Michel, a middleman in the controversial AgustaWestland chopper deal, stating that the British national, who has taken UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's name, will spill the beans on the deal during the UPA government's tenure. Shah has also been holding road shows and addressing press conferences in Rajasthan. The BJP had won 163 seats in Rajasthan in 2013 elections while Congress bagged 21. On the other side, Rahul Gandhi has been on a relentless campaign in both Rajasthan and Telangana. The party has not projected a chief ministerial candidate in both the states. In Telangana, the Congress surprised the rival TRS by coming up with an alliance in a bid to oust the ruling party and has made the election a tough battle between the two sides. The BJP is seeking to emerge as a key player in the state. Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM is in the fray in eight seats and is extending support to TRS in the rest of the state. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had gone into the poll mode about five months ahead of schedule in the hope of taking the opposition parties by surprise. But the Congress sprang a surprise by forging an alliance that included its erstwhile adversary TDP. The opposition seems to have been able to put its act together despite "early mover" advantage of TRS which had declared its candidates early. In Telangana, leaders of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi and Congress held hectic campaigning on the last day. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who has not campaigned in several past elections, made an exception and addressed a rally in Telangana to boost prospects of Congress-led People's Front. She also made an appeal to voters through a video message. The new state of Telangana was created when Congress-led UPA government was in power. The BJP, which had contested the last polls in alliance with the TDP, is seeking to emerge as a major player in Telangana with both Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah having addressed rallies there. In the 2014 Assembly elections which were held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, TRS polled 33% votes bagging 63 seats while Congress secured 21 seats with 24% votes. TDP and its then ally BJP secured 15 and 5 seats respectively with 21% votes (TDP 14%+BJP 7%). The YSR Congress had polled 3 per cent votes and got three seats. Others and independents had 11 per cent vote share. While over 4.74 crore people are eligible to cast their vote in Rajasthan, there are over 2.80 crore voters in Telangana. Tight security arrangements have been made for the polls in both Telangana and Rajasthan with the results to be declared on December 11 along with those of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram. --IANS ps/vsc/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons on Wednesday said the Central government has initiated many new programmes and schemes for the development of tourism in the northeastern states. Speaking at the Hornbill Festival, the Festival of all Festivals in Nagaland, Alphons pointed out that the Central government has given Rs 1,351 crore for the northeastern states to develop the tourism industry. "Nagaland alone is getting Rs 197 crore for two (tourism) projects," he said. "For Nagaland and entire northeast, tourism is a future. I don't really think there is any place under the sun which is more beautiful than northeast India, particularly Nagaland," Alphons said. Noting that Nagaland represents everything wonderful about the country, the Tourism Minister said, "The colour, music, dance, textile and food, it's such an amazing place. The hyper active Chief Minister (Neiphiu Rio), who is everywhere, is leading this state into an amazing state of prosperity." He narrated his conversation with the Union Minister of Civil Aviation regarding helicopter services from Guwahati to Dimapur to Kohima and to Imphal and from Imphal back to Dimapur, where the Minister agreed to his request. "I come from Kerala which is known as 'God's own land' but I think this is 'God's own paradise'," Alphons said. Highlighting the projects undertaken for the poor under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said: "We are on a huge path of progress. Tourism industry in India provides employment to 84 million people, and India generates $234 billion from tourism, contributing 7 per cent of the GDP." Expressing his happiness on the growth of tourism within the last four and a half years and the potential of tourism, Alphons said: "we have amazing people here, smiling all the time, and who are the epitome of hospitality." --IANS rrk/mag/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Come on, kill me. I go around without security" is how AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday reacted to a challenge by a BJP leader to leave his security and fight with him for 15 minutes. T. Raja Singh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Goshamahal Assembly constituency in Hyderabad, had dared Asaduddin Owaisi and his brother Akbaruddin Owaisi to keep aside their security and wrestle with him. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief told reporters that during the last 25 years, he never had even one security guard and goes around alone. "I am ready to die for my cause and I am not scared." Raja Singh, who was a member of the dissolved Assembly, had earlier threatened to cut the head of Akbaruddin Owaisi. "What kind of language is this. Had I used the same language for Prime Minister, you would have turned it into Hindu-Muslim, linked me to Pakistan, and branded me an agent of Lashkar-e-Toiba and a friend of Bin Laden," said Asaduddin Owaisi. The MP said ganging up of Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Telugu Desam chief Chandrababu Naidu against him had given strong message to the people of Hyderabad. "The pride of Hyderabad will be shown on December 7. People will reject of hate and threat and of entitlement. They will give a befitting reply." Referring to the allegations of the BJP and Congress leaders against him, Owaisi said they were working together in Telangana to stop AIMIM. "Whatever I do becomes a point of discussion. All parties whose graph is going down think that by criticising Owaisi they will become relevant in Indian politics," he said. On Yogi's recent statement that if the BJP comes to power, Owaisi will have to flee Hyderabad, the AIMIM leader said the BJP cannot treat Muslims as second-class citizens. "I am not only an Indian by birth like Yogi, but I am also an Indian by choice. We rejected Jinnah's theory and accepted India as our homeland. You can't treat us like second-class citizens." Owaisi said Rahul Gandhi should realise that the of entitlement would not work now. "Because of their ignorance, arrogance, incapacity, incapability and their feudal mentality, people are forced to vote for Modi. The moment they change, the change will happen," he said attacking the Congress. The Hyderabad MP remarked that India's politics cannot be biplolar because the country has huge diversity which is not being represented by the Congress and the BJP. "It has to be reflected by regional parties. They will play an important role in who should be the next Prime Minister," he said. --IANS ms/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress party on Wednesday fired lawyer Aljo K. Joseph from its legal cell after a controversy erupted over Joseph representing AgustaWestland chopper deal middleman Christian Michel James. "Aljo K. Joseph appeared in his personal capacity. He did not consult the Youth Congress before appearing in the case. The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) does NOT endorse such actions," AICC Joint Secretary Krishna Allavaru said in a tweet. "The IYC has removed Aljo Joseph from IYC's legal department and expelled him from the party with immediate effect," Allavaru added. A controversy erupted over Joseph's Congress connection after Suresh Nakhua, spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Mumbai unit, tweeted that Joseph, who appeared for Michel, was in-charge of the legal department of the Youth Congress. "Any guesses who is lawyer for Christian Michel? Mr Aljo K. Joseph, national incharge, legal department, Indian Youth Congress," Nakhua had tweeted. Soon after, Amit Malviya, BJP's In-charge of national IT department tweeted: "Meet the Congressman who is going to defend AgustaWestland 'middleman' Christian Michel... Does it get more obvious than that?" Reacting to it, Joseph accepted that he was associated with the Congress but clarified that he appeared in the case in his personal and professional capacity. "I am an advocate and appeared in my personal capacity. If somebody asks me to appear on his behalf, I have only discharged my duty as a lawyer. This has nothing to do with Congress. My relationship with Congress is separate and my professional relation is separate," Joseph said. Christian Michel James, wanted in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, was produced at a CBI court here on Wednesday after he was extradited to India on Tuesday night from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A CBI team escorted him to India in a special plane. --IANS and-mak/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi government on Wednesday launched the 'Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana' -- which offers free travel packages on five religious circuits for senior citizens from the national capital. The scheme, approved by the Cabinet in July, was launched by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the Delhi Secretariat. "The scheme will enable 1,100 senior citizens from each Assembly constituency of Delhi per year to undertake free pilgrimage, the expenses for which will be borne by the Delhi government," Kejriwal said, adding that a total of 77,000 pilgrims will be able to avail this facility every year. The pilgrimage duration will be of three days and two nights and will be for any of the following routes: Delhi-Mathura-Vrindavan-Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Delhi; Delhi-Haridwar-Rishikesh-Neelkanth-Delhi; Delhi-Ajmer-Pushkar-Delhi; Delhi-Amritsar-Wagah border-Anandpur Sahib-Delhi; or Delhi-Vaishno Devi-Jammu-Delhi. Kejriwal said: "Our mission is to give good education to the students of Delhi, our mission is to provide better health facilities and services to all and now our mission is to provide the best transport to the people. "Our government respects elders and senior citizens. He said that no society or country can progress until and unless it gives respects to its senior citizens." Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Health Minister Satyendar Jain, Revenue and Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, Environment Minister Imran Hussain, SC-ST Welfare Minister Rajendar Pal Gautam and Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev were present at the launch event along with a number of MLAs. Sisodia said that the "Yojana will help and promoting communal harmony and brotherhood in society". Under the scheme, any resident of Delhi above 60 years of age will be eligible for the scheme and those above 70 years can have one attendant. Voter ID card and recommendation from the MLA will be mandatory. The scheme does not have any income criterion, but preference will be given to those who are from the economically weaker section. It will be given out on first-come-first-served basis. The applicant should not be an employee of the central, state, local government or autonomous bodies. The journey will be performed through Indian Railways. --IANS nks/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Accusing the Congress party of playing negative politics, BJP President Amit Shah on Wednesday rejected charges that extradition of AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel was a diversionary tactic and asked if the opposition wanted to save him. Addressing a press conference here, Shah said the Congress was left with no real issue and was hence making such allegations. He asked if it was wrong to extradite the middleman who was a prime accused in the infamous AgustaWestland chopper scam. "Congress has no other issue left. Should we not have nabbed the 'bichauliya' (middleman)? Does the opposition want to save him?" he asked. Michel, the British national and middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, was extradited to India from Dubai and handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) late on Tuesday. Shah also expressed confidence that the BJP would form the government in Rajasthan with complete majority. "I am sure we will form government in Rajasthan with full majority with Vasundhara (Raje) ji as the Chief Minister. People in the state have rejected caste and dynasty of Congress," he said. --IANS vv/mag/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vir Das has always been blatantly honest about his views on the world's socio-political climate, and has freely mocked US President Donald Trump. The actor-comedian feels he is going to be the "ultimate test of humanity's tolerance". Asked what he feels about Trump's impact in politics and social media, Vir told IANS in a recorded response from Mumbai: "Donald Trump is going to be the ultimate test of humanity's tolerance. I think you have to think of Donald Trump as like an injection. At some level, it hurts but when you are done with the injections, you feel better. So, I think when we are done with Donald Trump, we will all feel much better." This is not the first time Vir has put out his opinion on Trump. Last week, he compared the US President to the "Star Wars" movie series that keeps coming back, and called him America's version of an "arranged marriage" in a show. That is not it. The 39-year-old comedian has always managed to weave political issues and personalities in his jokes. Does he not fear landing into a soup, given the current political atmosphere? "No, I don't think so. If you base your comedy on truth we are going to be okay. I also think that as long as you operate within a certain zone of intelligence regarding your political experience most people understand that this is parody and not to be taken seriously," he said. Vir said his live shows every "political spectrum". "Whether they are left wingers or right wingers, centrists -- they are all sitting under the same roof and laughing at the same thing even if they disagree... That's the beauty of comedy. If we disagree about something does not mean we both can't laugh on the same thing and in that way it will bring us together," he added. He is now coming up with a new online comedy show called "Losing It". He describes it as a "completely different show". "It will be new topics and jokes.... This is an edgier show and a lot more personal," he added. How does he see the immense popularity of the digital world? "Digital place has nowhere to go but up. I think India has possibly the most or the second most amount of smartphones in the world. Most content is watched on a smartphone right now, so there will always be a demand for stand up comedy specifically because people need to laugh at least four times a day. So, for comedy and comedians the road is only going to get better." Vir has also bagged Warner Bros' series "Whiskey Cavalier". This marks his second outing in the American television series space after "Theory". He says the growth of Indian talents working on a global platform is happening now because the audience wants to listen to authentic voices. "I think it stems from the fact that there are a lot of Indians who are watching content. We are of one of the largest audience in the world and that audience needs to be catered to... That audience is looking for authentic voices." He credited newly married actress Priyanka Chopra for opening the flood gates for Indian talents in Hollywood. "A lot of credit goes to Priyanka Chopra for being that first person opening that gate for us and post her a couple of great artistes, it is becoming important to networks to encourage that prospective," he said. (Durga Chakravarty can be contacted at durga.c@ians.in) --IANS dc/rb/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi Police has arrested a dreaded gangster involved in over 25 criminal cases in Delhi and adjoining states, an officer said on Wednesday. The police said the accused, identified as Jitender, was arrested on Tuesday night when he was waiting for some one near Dhaula Kaun Metro Station in south Delhi. "A resident of Najafgarh in Delhi, Jitender is a member of slain Rajesh Bharti's gang. Jitender was previously involved in more than 25 heinous criminal cases which included murder, attempt to murder, extortion, carjacking, robbery and kidnapping in Delhi and Haryana," Deputy Commissioner of Police P.S Kushwah said, adding that the accused was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head. "The special Cell team got a tip-off that Jitender, along with his accomplice, would come to meet his contact near Daula Kaun Metro Station. So, a trap was laid. Police teams intercepted Jitender's SUV when it was spotted near the Metro station at 9 p.m," Kushwah said. "Sensing danger, Jitender whipped out his country-made pistol in a bid to flee but police personnel overpowered him. However, his two accomplices managed to escape in the SUV," the DCP added. The abandoned SUV was later found in a desolated spot in Mahipalpur, he said, adding that a hunt is on to nab his accomplices. --IANS sp/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Election Commission on Wednesday ordered the transfer of the Vikarabad Superintendent of Police T. Annapurna, a day after the state Congress Working President Revanth Reddy was arrested by the police. The poll panel has posted Avinash Mohanthy as the new district Superintendent of Police. The Election Commission directed the Telangana Director General of Police not to use the services of Annapurna for election purposes. The action comes a day after Revanth Reddy, also a Congress candidate from Kodangal constituency, was arrested in a raid on his house past midnight. Police said he was taken into preventive custody as he had threatened to disrupt the election rally of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao at Kosgi in Kodangal constituency. Revanth was released after the rally of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief. The Hyderabad High Court had faulted the Telangana Police for the manner in which Revanth was arrested and wondered if the state had become a banana republic. The court on Tuesday had summoned the Advocate General to produce the evidence based on which the police acted against Revanth. The High Court heard the Habeas Corpus petition filed by a Congress leader for a second consecutive day on Wednesday. A division bench of Justice Raghavendra Singh Chauhan and Justice M. Satyanarayana Murthy summoned Director General of Police (DGP) Mahender Reddy and asked him to show the grounds on which the police arrested Revanth. The DGP was also asked at which level the decision to arrest the Congress candidate was taken. A lawyer of the petitioner told reporters that the court was not satisfied with the explanation and records provided by the DGP. It raised doubts on the veracity of a document from the intelligence department. The court directed the DGP to file an affidavit and adjourned the hearing to December 17. Telangana is going to the polls on December 7. --IANS ms/nir (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager on Tuesday criticised the technology "beasts" who are trying to block the entry of upcoming companies to the market. Addressing the technology start-up event, Slush in Helsinki, Vestager defended the ongoing measures of the EU in controlling the digital markets. She said the EU tries to keep the markets open, and the situation should be "fair also to the smaller companies". Complaining that untruths spread fast in social media, Vestager demanded that technology should serve the citizens. She gave the EU data protection act, or GDPR as an example of the actions for this purpose, Xinhua reported. She urged that smaller companies dependent on major platforms should be treated on an equal basis. She assured that the EU does not plan to slow down innovation, but to build trust that is necessary for the business success. Addressing the startup crowd, Vestager suggested that new companies could build their business on values that the right of the customers to protect their personal data is central. The EU recently levied fines amounting to $4.3 billion to sanction the US company Google for misuse of its superior market position in gadgets using the Android system. The EU believed that Google had abused its Android market dominance through bundling its search engine and Chrome apps into the operating system. The EU is also investigating whether Amazon has negatively impacted the possibilities of small companies within its network operations. Vestager noted that the investigation into Amazon is at an early stage. The EU is also currently looking into the ADSense service of Google. (1 euro $1.13). --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Do you sleep too much or do you not get sufficient sleep? If so, there is bad news. The amount of time you sleep, including daytime naps, is associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death, a new study warns. The study found that people who slept for longer than the recommended duration of six to eight hours a day had an increased risk of dying or developing heart disease or stroke. "Our study shows that the optimal duration of estimated sleep is six to eight hours per day for adults," said Chuangshi Wang, postdoctoral student from the McMaster University in Canada. "Too little sleep could be an underlying contributor to death and cases of cardiovascular disease, and too much sleep may indicate underlying conditions that increase risk," Wang added. Although daytime napping was associated with higher risks of death or cardiovascular problems in those with sufficient or longer sleep at night, this was not the case in people who slept under six hours at night as it compensated for the lack of sleep at night and mitigated the risks. For the study, the team looked at a total of 116,632 adults aged between 35 and 70. The findings, published in the European Heart Journal, showed that compared to people who slept for the recommended time, those who slept a total of eight to nine hours a day had a five per cent increased risk of developing the disease. In addition, people sleeping between nine and ten hours a day had an increased risk of 17 per cent and those sleeping more than 10 hours a day had a 41 per cent increased risk. Furthermore, they also found a nine per cent increased risk for people who slept a total of six or fewer hours. Importantly, the team also found that for every 1,000 people sleeping six or fewer hours a night, 9.4 per cent developed CVD or died per year. This occurred in 7.8 per cent of those sleeping six to eight hours, 8.4 per cent of those sleeping eight to nine hours, 10.4 per cent of those sleeping nine to 10 hours and 14.8 per cent of those sleeping more than 10 hours, findings further revealed. "The general public should ensure that they get about six to eight hours of sleep a day. If you sleep too much regularly, then you may want to visit a doctor to check your overall health," Salim Yusuf, Professor from the varsity noted. --IANS pb/rt/mag/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in a Rs 9,000 crore bank loan default case, on Wednesday offered to pay back "100 per cent of the principal amount" as speculations over his extradition were raised after AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel was brought here for interrogation. His move came a day after the British national and middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal was extradited to India from Dubai and handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) late on Tuesday. Lashing out at the quick media narrative about his extradition to India, Mallya said: "I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. "The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100 per cent back. I humbly request the banks and government to take it. If payback refused, Why?" he said. Late in 2017, India filed extradition proceedings against him which he has contested and pending the final verdict in the case, he is currently on bail in London. The court is set to pronounce its verdict on December 10. "Airlines struggling financially partly because of high ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) prices. Kingfisher was a fab(ulous) airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $140/barrel. Losses mounted and that's where banks money went. "I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," Mallya tweeted. Kingfisher began defaulting on loans beginning 2009-10. Hitting out at the political parties and media for accusing him of running away with the money, the head of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines said that all of the accusation was false. "Politicians and media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU (public sector undertaking) banks' money. "All this is false. Why don't I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. Sad," he said. On September 12, during the hearing of his case in London's Westminster Magistrates' Court, Mallya told reporters that he left India after meeting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in 2016, which the minister called "factually false". "I had a scheduled meeting in Geneva. I met the Finance Minister before I left... repeated my offer to settle with the banks. That is the truth." Mallya had said he had also told Jaitley that he was leaving for London. Mallya, who left India on March 2, 2016, also claimed that he had made a comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. The liquor barron also pointed out that for three decades by running India's largest alcoholic beverage group, he contributed thousands of crores to the state exchequers. "Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the states. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay banks so no loss. Please take it," he said in another tweet. Mallya is wanted for committing alleged bank frauds of Rs 9,000 crore, and is currently holed up in the UK, fighting several cases. On June 22, the Enforcement Directorate had moved the Special PMLA Court to declare Mallya a 'fugitive economic offender' and confiscate all his properties, estimated at more Rs 12,000 crore, making it the first such case of its kind under the new FEOA (Fugitive Economic Offender Act) law. --IANS aks-nks/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goan lifeguards will train budding lifeguards in Mumbai to safeguard lives at seven popular beach stretches in India's commercial capital, a Goa government-appointed beach management agency said on Wednesday. The beach stretches are Girgaum, Chowpatty, Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa and Gorai, said a statement issued by Drishti Lifesaving. The agency will work closely with Mumbai's Koli (fisherfolk community) to train them in rescue services. Drishti Lifesaving has been appointed by the Mumbai Fire Department under the aegis of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corp (BMC) for beach safety and rescue services in Mumbai, the statement said. "Our first priority is the recruitment and training of lifeguards. The Goan lifeguard team has been doing an exceptional service. A team from Goa comprising senior trainers and instructors is now working closely with the Koli community in Mumbai to train them in rescue services, life-saving techniques and physical fitness," Ravi Shankar, CEO, Drishti Lifesaving, said. Over 150 lifeguards will be posted on Mumbai's seven beach stretches from mid-December, he added. "The lifeguards will advise beachgoers and swimmers to adhere to some basic safety measures. Swimmers should ideally swim only in the swim zones which are marked with red and yellow flags by the lifeguards," Shankar said. He added that non-swim zones would also be marked on the beaches as a caution to beachgoers against venturing into the risky stretches of the sea which are unsafe for swimming. In 2008, Drishti Lifesaving began operations in Goa. Since then over 3,000 people have been saved from drowning due to rescue operations by the agency. --IANS maya/oeb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Peru on Wednesday signed an agreement for mutual cooperation in matters related to customs and intelligence sharing between their customs authorities. Signed on the sidelines of the 80th session of the Policy Commission meeting of the World Customs Organisations (WCO), the agreement provides a legal framework for sharing of information and will help in the proper application of customs laws, prevention and investigation of customs offences, The Finance Ministry said in a statement. "The agreement will also help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of customs offences. It is expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries," it said. --IANS vv/mag/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao was showing signs of nervousness and exuded confidence that the Congress-led People's Front will win Friday's Assembly elections hands down. Addressing a joint news conference with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N. Chandrababu Naidu and leaders of other allies here to wind up the poll campaign, he said the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief's body language and his comments show that he was nervous and insecurity was building in him. "He was quite abusive yesterday. He abused a couple of people earlier too and made comments like people of Telangana are not mature and they have no understanding. He also said he is going to take rest. All these are signs of reality coming to him." Gandhi said Telangana would be run by people of Telangana with the spirit of youngsters who sacrificed themselves for Telangana. On who will be the Chief Minister, the Congress leader said discussion on this would start after achieving the goal of removing KCR from power. "Five years ago people of Telangana had seen a dream and a vision. We are excited to finally start making that dream come true," he added. Gandhi alleged that the experience of Telangana over last five years had been betrayal of the dream of people of Telangana especially youngsters, who expected a modern state with new way of doing things but they instead got corruption. Naidu said they were able to establish hope among people. He said Telangana was one of the best and rich states with excellent eco-system but it was totally spoiled. "If we put it on right track, the benefits will go to the common man, the farmers, students and the unemployed." The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister termed as false propaganda the allegations by TRS that he was trying to stall the irrigation projects in Telangana. He pointed out that all projects except one were started by him and continued by the previous Congress government. Naidu said while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was creating hatred between Hindus and Muslims, KCR was creating a rift between people of two states. He made it clear that he will have no say in the running the government in Telangana. The TDP chief said all issues including sharing of river water between the two states could be solve amicably. Rahul Gandhi said if voted to power People's Front would focus on creation of employment and addressing the problems of farmers. "KCR and Modi treated farmers as liability. We are absolutely convinced that farmers are the biggest assets and they need to be treated with respect. When Modi waived off Rs 3.5 lakh crore debt of 15 persons, people are asking why can't he waive farmers' loans? We are committed to do it in Telangana." --IANS ms/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rome, Dec 5 (IANS/AKI) Italian lower house of Parliament's Defence Committee members met two marines, Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, who are accused of killing two fishermen off southern India in 2012. "The two informal meetings (on Tuesday) represented an opportunity to show the Defence Committee's interest in an unwavering solidarity over the incident," said a statement from Parliament. A court in the Hague was in October due to begin considering the long-running case which strained bilateral ties and prompted Italy to seek international arbitration in 2015. The fatal shooting in February 2012 of the two unarmed fisherman by Latorre and Girone off Kerala as they guarded an Italian oil tanker sparked a diplomatic incident between Italy and India. Italy alleges the incident took place in international waters during a UN backed anti-piracy mission. Girone and Latorre, who have not been charged over the killings, claim they thought the unarmed fishermen were pirates. Both marines were allowed to return to Italy after the Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in August 2015 ruled India had no jurisdiction in the case and referred it to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The marines have been allowed to stay in Italy pending the Hague court ruling. --IANS/AKI mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Basanta Vasunya a 35-year-old farmer from Bheel tribe of Dudhikheda village points towards a flourishing pond on which three villages rely. A recently established fish hatchery that nourishes, employs and empowers about 250 households stood next to the pond. Coming from one of the poorest tribes, that did fishing for self-consumption, for Basanta and his village chief Ralia Medha, revival and upgradation of traditional fishing into a profit-making business, was a dream they never foresaw. The sparkling pond that now runs over three hectare and 20 feet deep, was parched merely four years back as an effect of years of disproportionate rainfall and rise in temperature. Since 2015, in all 60 ponds across tribal villages in Madya Pradesh's three districts -- Jhabua, Dhar and Alirajpur -- have been revived for fishery and farmers have been trained, under a climate adaptation project financed by the UN Adaptation Fund (UNAF). However, is that enough? About 1,528 ponds in this Nimar-Jhabua region are in dire need of a similar makeover. But the financial flow for the project has stopped, despite the fact that the amount it received through NABARD is less than half of what UNAF had released and less than five times what was originally approved. "The project had to stop as NABARD stopped sending our funds. So far we had received Rs 2.73 crore in five installments -- last in August, 2018," Amod Khanna, Director, NGO Towards Action and Learning (TAAL) told this visiting correspondent. Building Adaptive Capacities of Small Inland Fishermen Community for Climate Resilience and Livelihood Security, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the six major Indian projects receiving climate grants from UNAF. According to the UNAF, total sanctioned amount for the project was $1.79 million (Rs 10.74 crore at exchange rate of Rs 60) of which $895,260 (roughly Rs 5.37 crore), was released. The NABARD being the national accredited entity, however, releases funds as per rules that project executors cannot understand. "We have been raising issues with NABARD, told them that task is not done but there had been no response... We had to stop the project but the local field staff continues visiting the villages," Khanna said. Local tribals believe that fisheries would have seized to exist and they would have had to migrate, had the project not worked out. Though limited to 60 ponds in separate village, people from three to five different villages depend on one revived pond. "Earlier the water was only five feet deep and the pond was 20 feet in length, mostly dried even during the peak season... We never imagined of seeing them full of water and to sell fishes at this scale," said Basanta, who sold fish eggs worth Rs 30,000 in July, along with five quintal small size fish worth Rs 50,000. Earlier raising only local varieties that survived in muddy water, villagers now raise commercial fishes like Rohu, Catla and Carp. "Entire region has seen disproportionate rainfall and rise in heat. Four years back there was drought, and this year there was low rainfall," Ramesh Swedha, a farmer from Vaghlawat village in Dhar, who has received several government awards for his progressive work told IANS. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), between 1951 and 2010 rainfall in the region has decreased by 1.81 mm per year, with 1.74mm drop in monsoon season. The mean temperature also increased by one degree Celsius, leading to excessive use of local water sources, thereby leaving no water for the fishes -- the major source of protein for the region. Swedha, one of the beneficiary, says that he do not need IMD records to assess climate change. "The gauge that I have installed here has been showing "errant rainfall" since past few years," he adds. At the ongoing Kotowice Climate Talks (COP-24), the developing countries seek mobilizations of finance from rich countries -- $100 billion per year. "Without real money for real action, the urgent transition world needs to make will be impossible... Its next to impossible to quantify total amount received, under international climate finance. With countries and agencies having their own definitions as some even count development and infra project under climate action," Harjeet Singh, Global Lead on Climate Change, Action Aid International told IANS. There are over 30 sources of climate finance in India, with the World Bank, Green Climate Fund, UNAF, International Monetary Fund being major sources. Other sources includes bilateral ties with countries like Germany, UK, and earlier, the US. The UNAF, since 2015 has approved over $9.8 Million for six adaptation projects, including the one covered in MP. The total funds released (through NABARD) were $4.2 million. "India's NDC is hardly ambitious, funds are limited but Indian plans don't have vision for grassroot level, there are thousands of international aided projects running, but there is hardly any synergy," said Soumya Dutta, Convener of Climate & Energy Group at the Beyond Copenhagen Collective. (Kushagra Dixit visited MP as part of Smitu Kothari Fellowship from Centre for Financial Accountability, New Delhi. He can be reached at kushagra.d@ians.in.) --IANS kd/hs/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former "Castle" star Stana Katic, who played an agent in the James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace", says there are many exciting opportunities in the spy/espionage film genre for actresses. While actor Daniel Craig's successor as the suave fictional British spy James Bond is yet to be decided, like others, Katic is also excited about finding out who will replace him. "The film series is so engrained in all of us because of the work of the Broccoli family (producers of the series). I trust them to do best for the next installment. I know for sure that I'll be one of those sitting in the audience looking forward to watching it. "That said, there are many exciting opportunities in the spy/espionage film genre for actresses and those films are being helmed by actresses themselves," Katic told IANS in an exclusive interview. She also heaped praise on actress Jessica Chastain, who has produced the spy thriller "355". "She is formidable and I know I am going to watch that film too," she said. Katic's upcoming World War II drama will further prove that the genre is not just a men's zone. "We wrapped that film in June. It's in the stage of editing. The film centres on a story of three real women who were spies during World War II. It focuses on their efforts to free Nazi-run France," she shared. "In this film, I play a British spy mistress. The creator of the James Bond series had said that in the real world of spies, Vera Atkins was the boss. Since we started telling that tale, we learned about these extraordinary women who just stood out as epic heroes from World War II. I have come to admire them very much," she added. Katic has carved a niche for herself in the action genre. She has featured in series like "24", "The Shield", "The Unit" and "Castle". "Absentia" has brought her back to the genre. "I come from a big family with loads of brothers. So, in some way all of those years playing Indiana Jones and X-Men in our family furniture store, primed me for some sort of an action future. It's fun to explore those kind of stories," said the "Pit Fighter" actress. So, is a superhero feature film on her to-do list? "I absolutely would love to play a superhero in a feature film, but in many ways I feel that the character that I am playing right now... Emily Byrne (in 'Absentia') is a type of a superheroine. So, some of those wishes have been already fulfilled," said the actress, who had voiced Talia al Ghul in the "Batman: Arkham City" video game. "The world that we have set up in 'Absentia' is so extreme and so much larger than life. It feels in so many ways like a graphic novel. Almost like the story of Odysseus is being told except that in this case, Odysseus is a woman. So, while I would love to play a superheroine in a feature... I do feel like I am getting a bit of that adrenaline rush just by telling the story that we are in 'Absentia'," she explained. "Absentia" revolves around Emily Byrne, who was earlier declared dead. The first season showed how the FBI agent tried to reclaim her family, identity and innocence while finding herself the prime suspect in a string of murders. She is currently shooting for its second season in Bulgaria. "The world of 'Absentia' in the second season opens up further. Many of the questions that were left... in season one will send Emily and some of the other actors across the globe in search of answers. We end our story in a lawless part of the world where anything and everything can happen. So, it's been a very exciting season for us to film as actors," she said. During the telephonic interview, she also talked about her visit to an orphanage in Bulgaria. "A part of the crew and some of the actors and I found out about this local foster home project (SOS Children's Village) in the area. We decided to go and make a visit and showcase what we do in filmmaking. It was really wonderful. "Everyone's goal was to give these children an option on what's possible in their own future. Just to show what filmmaking is about and all of the various elements that come into play from make-up artiste to hairstylist to stunt choreography and so on... so much more than just the acting and camera work," she said. As for her films, "The Possession of Hannah Grace" just released. "I'd never done a horror film before. It was intriguing to me. I am a very sensitive viewer, so I find that genre disturbing to watch... which seems kind of silly given the fact that I played a role in something like that. "Ultimately, I don't know if I ever laughed on set as much as I did while making this film. It was an incredibly satisfying experience which sits in complete contrast to what the actual story is. It was quite an experience for me," she said. (Natalia Ningthoujam can be contacted at natalia.n@ians.in) --IANS nn/vm/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UK Prime Minister Theresa May was accused of "misleading Parliament" as the full legal advice on her Brexit deal was published on Wednesday, a day after her ministers were found in contempt of Parliament for providing only a legal overview of the deal. A crunch vote on May's Brexit deal is scheduled to take place next week while her ministers continued with attempts to win over rebel MPs on the Prime Minister's agreement, with eight hours of debate on the security and immigration aspects of the pact. In the documents, the Attorney General Geoffrey Cox said the proposed backstop arrangement with the EU to prevent a hard Irish border could "endure indefinitely". He said the UK would not be able to "lawfully exit" the arrangement without a subsequent political agreement and this could lead to stalemate. The Scottish National Party said May had "concealed the facts" after the advice came out. However, the Prime Minister rejected the accusation, saying the legal position had been set out clearly. The British government agreed to publish the full advice after being found in contempt of the Parliament by an MP vote on Tuesday. The Irish backstop, a key feature of the EU withdrawal agreement, would see the whole of the UK remain in a single customs territory with the EU until their future relationship was sorted out, the BBC reported. The Democratic Unionists said the legal viewpoint was "devastating" for May's prospects of getting the backing of MPs for her deal in the vote on December 11. The government said that the Attorney General's analysis of the Brexit deal, that was published on Monday, was adequate and disclosing the full advice would be against the national interest. While the UK would have no unilateral right to withdraw from the backstop -- a measure designed to prevent the return of physical checks on the Irish border -- May insisted neither the UK nor the EU wanted the backstop to come into force in the first place, according to the BBC. Labour said the advice showed the "central weakness" of the Prime Minister's Brexit deal while the Liberal Democrats said it would leave the UK trapped in a "Brexit hamster wheel". The government suffered three embarrassing defeats on Tuesday on the role that MPs will play if May's deal is rejected as well as the disclosure of the legal advice. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox warned there was a risk of Parliament trying to "steal Brexit from the British people" if May's agreement was rejected. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The line of questioning of AugustaWestland middleman James Christian Michel by CBI may centre around ferreting out from him the names of defence personnel, politicians belonging to the UPA and government officials who had allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy with him with others in facilitating the Euro 556.262 million contract for acquiring VVIP choppers. Sources said the probe would also include the money trail of the kickbacks of Euro 42.27 million which was said to have been paid by the Finmeccanica Group to the firms of Michel as kickbacks. Agency officials said the 57-year-old middleman would be confronted with documents recovered during raids by Swiss authorities and shared with the CBI through Letters Rogatory (LRs). The LRs are documents used for making request through a foreign court to obtain information from specified person/s within the jurisdiction of that court. "These indicate bribes paid by Michel to the Indian authorities for securing the contract for the supply of VVIP helicopters," an agency source said. CBI officials said public servants abused their position as they allowed reducing the service ceiling of the VVIP helicopter from 6,000 to 4,500 metres and a contract awarded to the AWIL, UK, by the Indian government through Ministry of Defence on February 8, 2010. "Michel was imposed as a controller on the other two middleman (Ralph Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa) already roped in by AgustaWestland as they had no specific knowledge in the sector of helicopters. Renzo Lunardi, the then commercial manager of AgustaWestland, proposed his appointment to which the CEO of the firm Giuseppe Orsi (2005-2011) agreed," a source said. Officials said that former IAF chief S.P. Tyagi, his cousin Sanjeev Tyagi alias Julie, then Vice Chief of the Air Staff J.S. Gujral and advocate Gautam Khaitan can be summoned by the CBI again for questioning in the case. A CBI chargesheet has mentioned the four Indians. Probe agencies had recovered hand-written diaries detailing the alleged kickbacks paid for the choppers. Michel has repeatedly denied writing the controversial diaries that mention "AP" and "family" while detailing the alleged kickbacks paid for the choppers. Michel has alleged that the diaries were written by Guido Haschke, another alleged middleman and a co-accused in the case. Michel's extradition comes as a major boost to the Indian agencies investigating the bribery angle in the contract. The action comes after the Court of Cassation in the UAE in November upheld a lower court order which said that Michel could be extradited to India. Michel has been accused of bribing many politicians, officials and journalists to swing the deal. The Dubai government ordered his extradition on Tuesday. In 2014, India scrapped the contract with Italian company Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying the choppers to the Indian Air Force over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of paying kickbacks for securing the deal after revelations made during a judicial trial against the company in Italy. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate had, meanwhile, started investigations in India. --IANS rak/vsc/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior separatist leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq on Wednesday condemned the "nocturnal raids" by police in Srinagar city during the separatist-called Human Rights Week. The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), a separatist conglomerate headed by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, have urged people to observe the week from December 3. Mirwaiz Umer said on his twitter page: "Nocturnal raids by police on resistance activists and people's homes in Srinagar city in connection with Human Rights Week! Family members ruthlessly beaten and harassed, activists arrested while others on the run! What state aggression! Even peaceful candle light protests against human rights abuses a threat to the mighty rulers whose standard response is repression, repression and still more repression!" Meanwhile, police here detained Yasin Khan, President of the Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), a body of local traders and manufacturers. Sources in the KEA said Khan was detained immediately after he reached his office on Wednesday morning. --IANS sq/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being the "protector, benefactor and promoter" of AgustaWestland and its parent company Finmeccanica, the Congress on Wednesday demanded a CBI probe into Modi's role in "exonerating" the Italian defence and aerospace major which was blacklisted by the UPA. A day after British national Christian Michel James, a middleman wanted in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, was extradited to India, the Congress attacked Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "using him to launch a smear campaign" against opposition leaders. Citing Michel's advocate Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos' July 17 statement, Congress spokesperosn Randeep Singh Surjewala said the "Modi government and its agencies were forcing Michel to sign a false confessional statement naming UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in return for complete exoneration from any charge whatsoever in the AgustaWestland Case". "Even Michel's sister had come out and reiterated the coercions of falsely naming opposition leaders as a ticket for exoneration of Christian Michel. Their interviews were recorded by many Indian TV channels also," said Surjewala. "Never before in the history of India has a Prime Minister been found complicit in gaining false evidence against opposition leaders to seek revenge. "This shocking expose is also a testimony to the disease prevailing in CBI/ED prostrating before the Prime Minister to collect fake and false evidence with a single minded aim of tarnishing the reputation of opposition leaders and serving the political masters as a captive puppet and a willing tool of malicious conspiracy," alleged Surjewala. The Congress attack came on a day when both Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah hit out at the Congress saying Michel who has taken Sonia Gandhi's name, "will spill the beans" on the deal during the UPA government's tenure. However, the Congress alleged that the Modi government was indulging in cover-up to "hide its sinister role in helping and promoting the AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica which were blacklisted by the UPA. "The most intriguing part of the conspiracy is the undisclosed reason on part of Modi government for permitting a blacklisted company to get clearances from Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) and permit its entry as partner or sub-contractor to various Indian corporates. "Not only this, the Modi government also sought a special opinion from its Attorney General in July, 2014 and permitted AgustaWestland/Finmeccanica to be part of Make in India and bid for 100 Naval Utility Helicopters, besides clearing its investment proposals through FIPB for manufacture of AW119 helicopters in partnership with Tata," said Surjewala. The Congress said it was time for the CBI to investigate Modi's role in exonerating AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica instead of "weaving fake story to deflect attention". --IANS and/in/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON Sustainability is the key issue for U.S. naval operations in the Arctic, a Navy official said. The Navy has to be agile [in its Arctic operations], Jeffrey Barker, a deputy branch head for Policy and Posture in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, said Dec. 4 at a forum, The Arctic and National Security, sponsored by the Woodrow Wilson Center, a Washington think tank. But were not going to do anything unless it is sustainable. I see this as a balance of space, time, and force, Barker said. Barker said the Navy would respond to any combatant commander requirements to operate more often in the Arctic. He stressed that the Navy would work closely with the Coast Guard, Air Force and international partners to accomplish assigned missions in the region. We cant do it all our ourselves, he said. Barker cited a recent Government Accountability Office report that said that, in his words, what we are doing aligns with the National Security Strategy. We think we are positioned very, very well. Although the recent focus on increasing Arctic operations has been brought about by the changes in the ice coverage of the Arctic Ocean, the Navy has long been a regular operator in the region. Most of the missions we do [in the Arctic] we can accomplish with submarines, he said. The submarines are up there to deny bastions to the Russians. Population around Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore's Santiniketan will get the cheapest drinking water in the world at 50 paise per litre with the inauguration of an innovative project on Wednesday that converts contaminated pond water into pure drinking water, claimed an NGO. The project, set-up by Sulabh International, was inaugurated at Mirzapur village in Bolpur sub-division of West Bengal's Birbhum district by the non-governmental organisation's Founder Bindeshwar Pathak. With the area in and around Santiniketan badly affected due to the high prevalence of fluoride and other chemicals, the new project will help to ensure clean drinking water in the area at minimal cost, said Pathak. The project uses a technology developed by French organisation "Fountain 1001". He said the plant will produce around ten thousand litres of pure drinking water in near future. The plant treats accumulated rain water into bottled water that is available at Rs 10 for a 20 litre pack among local people, he said. This is the sixth such project that Sulabh has introduced in West Bengal. The plant is being managed by Santiniketan-based SEVA. A large number of professors and students of Visva Bharti university -- housed in the Santinketan campus and founded by Tagore -- were also present at the inauguration of the project. Pathak expressed concern over the acute problems faced by the rural population in West Bengal because of arsenic contamination of groundwater and bacteriological contamination of surface water. --IANS mitra-ssp/mag/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said if the BJP comes to power in Telangana, it will rename Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar. Addressing a series of election rallies in support of BJP candidates in the state on the last day of the campaign, he said only BJP could turn Hyderabad into Bhagyanagar. "Hyderabad will become Bhagyanagar like we did it in Uttar Pradesh where we changed Faizabad to Ayodhya and Allahabad to Prayagraj," he told a rally in Bodhan town of Nizamabad district. While campaigning in Telangana on Sunday, Yogi had said that if BJP comes to power, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi will flee Hyderabad like Nizam was forced to flee. The BJP leader continued his attacks on MIM at the four meetings he addressed on Wednesday. "If BJP comes to power MIM, which wants to capture Bodhan will run away. They will not be seen anywhere. BJP will shatter their plans to create riots. We will expose them," the UP CM said and alleged that MIM leader openly supported terrorism. Yogi said those involved in anti-national activities and those who have a mentality to create riots were a hurdle in development, and they need to be exposed. He said while providing good governance and ensuring development in the country, BJP would strengthen nationalism to fulfill the dream of 'Ram Rajya'. Targetting Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Yogi said these parties wanted to work only for Muslims and can't think beyond Muslim "Wherever Congress had its governments, there used to be riots, but after BJP came to power in those states, there were no riots. Every citizen is feeling secure." He alleged that all the three parties were doing slavery to 'Nizam Shahi' and unless Telangana gets liberation from 'Nizam Shahi' development was not possible. At Karimnagar, he said if BJP comes to power, it will suppress ISI, naxalism and other anti-national activities with iron hand. He said if Congress, TDP and TRS had taken necessary steps, Karimnagar would not have become hub of ISI activities. --IANS ms/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the backdrop of sugarcane farmers in the state protesting for the past several days, the Punjab government on Wednesday announced that it will pay Rs 25 per quintal extra to the farmers. "Ending the stalemate over the issue, the Captain Amarinder Singh government has decided to pay Rs 25 per quintal directly to the sugarcane farmers, and also announced immediate release of Rs 65 crore towards the interest on loans taken by private sugar mill owners to clear pending dues of farmers," a spokesperson for the Chief Minister said here. The Chief Minister has also directed the private sugar mills to immediately start sugarcane crushing operations, which have already been delayed by over a fortnight. "The Chief Minister has announced that the state government would pay Rs 25 per quintal on sugarcane to the farmers directly out of the State Assured Price (SAP) of Rs 310 per quintal, while the remaining Rs 285 per quintal would be paid to them by the private sugar mills," the spokesperson said. The decision was taken by the Chief Minister at a meeting with the owners of the private sugar mills here on Wednesday. The spokesperson said that the Chief Minister also directed the Financial Commissioner - Development to ensure smooth commencement of crushing, along with meticulous implementation of the settlement reached between the owners of the sugar mills and the state government. "In line with the commitment made by the state government in 2015 to bear the interest on the loan of Rs 200 crore taken by the private sugar mills to clear the payment of farmers for the 2015-16 crushing season, the Chief Minister also announced that the state government would immediately release the accumulated interest, amounting to nearly Rs 65 crore, directly to the farmers to partly clear dues of Rs 192 crore pending with the private mill owners," the spokesperson added. The private mill owners assured the Chief Minister that the balance amount due to the farmers for the crushing season 2017-18 would be paid by them directly at the earliest. --IANS js/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday refused to be drawn into a debate on the extradition of AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should explain why he "gave" Rs 30,000 crore to an industrialist in the Rafale fighter jets deal. "I can't answer. The Congress has made its position very clear. The Prime Minister should explain why he gave Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani," he told reporters here. Gandhi was asked about the Prime Minister referring to the extradition of Michel, said to be a middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, in an election meeting in Rajasthan where he attacked the Congress and Sonia Gandhi on the issue. --IANS vsc/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Superstar Rajinikanth's "2.0", which has set the cost registers ringing all over, is gearing up for a major China release across 56,000 screens, according to its makers. In a statement, Lyca Productions confirmed the news of the Shankar-directed sci-fi movie's release in association with HY Media in China with at least 47,000 of the total screens playing it in 3D format. "2.0" will release in China in May 2019 and it will be the widest 3D release for any foreign language film in history, the statement said. A sequel to Shankar's 2010 blockbuster "Enthiran", "2.0" has been produced by Lyca Productions and was released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi on November 29. The film, which features Rajinikanth in three different 'avatars', also stars Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Adil Hussain and Sudhanshu Pandey. Akshay Kumar, making his southern debut, plays the antagonist. The film has been made on a budget of Rs 600 crore. Rajinikanth plays a scientist and a robot. He also appears as a microbot, dubbed 3.0, which was one of the major surprise elements. Earlier this week, Lyca Productions revealed that the film grossed a whopping Rs 400 crore in its opening weekend worldwide. Shankar has also confirmed he is ready to commence shooting for Kamal Haasan's "Indian 2", which marks his reunion with the latter after two decades. "We recently did a make-up test with Kamal sir and I was really excited to see him in the get-up of Senapathy. We are all set to begin shoot very soon," Shankar told the media. Shooting of "Indian 2" may start from December 14. Kajal Aggarwal has been roped in to play the leading lady. Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music. Lyca Productions will also be bankrolling "Indian 2". --IANS hp/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several "students" took out a rally calling for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Wednesday on the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), inviting disapproval and concerns about safety from the student union, which blamed the security agencies for allowing the participants to "vitiate" the campus environment. A video showed about 50 students carrying out a rally on the campus in the morning on bikes and other vehicles. From a truck, which also was a part of the rally, loud songs were shown being played in praise of Lord Ram. A banner was stuck with its hood advertising the upcoming 'Dharma Sabha' on December 9. The JNU Students Union, comprising members from Leftist student groups, has objected, calling it a "security breach" and accusing the administration of providing "political patronage" to the rightwing student groups. "It has come to our notice that in the morning between 9 a.m.-10 a.m, a group of outsiders in trucks, cars and motorcycles illegally entered the JNU campus forcing themselves through Saraswatipuram gate breaching the security. "We were told by the security personnel that there was no prior permission for such a rally organised by the outsiders on the campus. THe rallyists with saffron flags were vitiating the campus environment with communal slogans and were creating an atmosphere of fear and violence.... it is clear the administration is showing its political patronage to a particular political party and its actions," the union said. Whether the rally participants were JNU students could not be ascertained. Nor could it be known whether they took permission to carry out the procession on the campus. University officials could not be contacted despite several attempts. Saurabh Sharma, member of RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, told IANS that taking out the rally was a democratic right of students. "If students want to take out 'Ram Sankalp Yatra' peacefully, then it's their democratic right," he said. -- IANS vn/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhis brother-in-law Robert Vadra on Wednesday termed the fresh Enforcement Directorate summons issued to him in a land scam case in Rajasthan as a relentless "political witch-hunt". "The political witch-hunt carries on unceasingly with government departments clearly operating on an agenda to besmirch my dignity and reputation," Vadra's statement said, claiming that he was being asked for the same set of documents, which has already been furnished before. "It is indeed strange that I was asked for the very same documents once again even though they had already been furnished over the last few years. "In fact it is even stranger that I was sent another summons within 24 hours without the agency even perusing the latest set of 600 documents supplied to them. "My lawyer has been compelled to appear in Jaipur once more today (Wednesday)(no surprise that this is just two days before the polling in Rajasthan). "The authorities know perfectly well that there is no case to proceed against me," he said. Vadra claimed the summons were aimed at distracting the public and said: "This is nothing but a politically motivated, malicious and baseless prosecution." The summons were issued in connection with an ongoing probe into the 2012 alleged scam in the purchase of land in Kolayat area of Bikaner. According to the ED, Vadra-owned Skylight Hospitality had purchased 69.55 hectares of land for Rs 72 lakh and then sold it to Allegeny Finlease for Rs 5.15 crore, earning a profit of Rs 4.43 crore. The agency registered a criminal case under the Money Laundering Act in 2015, taking cognizance of a case filed by the Rajasthan Police following forgery allegations. --IANS and/in/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A research scholar died and three others were injured in a hydrogen cylinder blast at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) here on Wednesday, police said. Research scholar Manoj Kumar (23) succumbed to severe burns after a hydrogen cylinder exploded in the Institute's aerospace department laboratory during an experiment, Additional Commissioner of Police B.K. Singh told reporters here. Three of the victim's injured colleagues were rushed to a private hospital. "The incident occurred late in the afternoon in the department lab when the team was conducting an experiment in hypersonic shock waves," said Singh. Police have registered a case against the state-run institute to ascertain the cause of the blast. "We will investigate the case after interrogating the department's faculty and those involved in the experiment to find out how the blast occurred," added Singh. An Institute spokesperson said an internal inquiry would be carried out to find what caused the cylinder to explode. --IANS fb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia opposes the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) and it will respond "in an appropriate manner" if Washington goes ahead with the pullout, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday. His comments came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced at a NATO meeting on Tuesday that Washington will suspend its obligations under the 1987 INF Treaty in 60 days, citing Russian "cheating", TASS news agency reported. The NATO Foreign Ministers had also urged Russia to urgently return to full and verifiable compliance with the INF Treaty, pointing out that it is now up to Moscow to preserve the deal. The US shared intelligence evidence with its NATO allies that it said showed that Russia's new SSC-8 ground-fired cruise missile could give Moscow an ability to launch a nuclear strike in Europe with little or no notice. The INF Treaty was signed between the Soviet Union and the US on December 8, 1987 in Washington and took effect on June 1, 1988. The treaty eliminated operational and non-operational medium-range (1,000-5,500 km) and shorter-range (500-1,000 km) ground-launched missiles. Putin said that the US Congress, prior to Washington's announcement about withdrawing from the INF Treaty, allocated funds for the research and development to build relevant missiles. "Hence, the decision was made long ago but quietly, they thought that we wouldn't notice that but this is already stipulated in the Pentagon budget, namely the development of these missiles, but they only publicly announced that they were withdrawing from (the INF Treaty) afterwards. "Then (they) started looking for someone to blame and the simplest and traditional thing for the West to say is that 'Russia is guilty'. But that's not true, we oppose breaking this treaty, but if it happens, we will respond accordingly," said the Russian leader. US President Donald Trump publicly announced plans to pull out of the INF Treaty on October 20 and October 22, the report said. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US actor and filmmaker Sean Penn and his crew were seen in front of the Saudi consulate here on Wednesday, reportedly making a documentary on the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the mission. Turkish private NTV broadcaster said the actor was trying to gather detailed information to make the documentary about the murder of supporter-turned-critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, a case that has sparked an international outcry. The two-time Oscar winner came to the consulate with a crew of around 10 and shot in front of the consulate as well as the residence of the Saudi consul, who left Turkey after the journalist's killing on October 2. Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post, went missing after entering the consulate for collecting documents in order to marry his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz. After initially saying the journalist had left the consulate alive, weeks later the Saudi administration admitted he was killed there and blamed a "rogue" team. Penn was expected to meet Cengiz in the city, according to the broadcaster. The Sabah daily reported that the actor will also visit Ankara to meet Turkish officials. According to the Istanbul prosecutor, Khashoggi was strangled to death after he entered the Saudi consulate and his body was then dismembered and destroyed. The Turkish police and crime scene investigators were still trying to locate the remaining parts of his body across Istanbul and the neighbouring Yalova province. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of commuters on Wednesday had to face troubles owing to technical snags in the Delhi Metro's Blue Line, when trains on the route lost contact with the control centre, first intermittently then completely, resulting at last in total "loss of view" for trains on the entire line. The line that connects Dwarka in west Delhi to Vaishali in Ghaziabad and Noida was hit by signal failure between its Karol Bagh and Dwarka section first, and later between 3 p.m and 3.30 p.m on the entire route. "The view and control of the signalling and Automatic Train Control system on Blue Line (Dwarka Sec-21 to Noida City Centre/Vaishali) at Operations Control Centre (OCC) was intermittently getting lost today (Wednesday) between Karol Bagh and Dwarka section. As a result, trains were being locally controlled as and when such loss happened, resulting into bunching/ hold-up of trains for brief spells. "Between 3 p.m and 3.30 p.m, the loss of view was for the entire Blue Line which created bunching on overall line before being restored again at 3.30 p.m," an official from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation told IANS. The trains during this time took inordinately long halts at stations, according to commuters, even lasting up to 15-20 minutes. The long delay between trains resulted in huge crowded at such stations as Rajiv Chowk, Yamuna Bank and Mandi House, which see a heavy footfall anyway. "Even after an hour, the train moved barely three stations and stopped for several minutes at each station," a commuter, who boarded the Metro from Rajiv Chowk for Noida, told IANS. Finally, the issue was resolved at 4.23 p.m and since then trains were reported to be running smoothly. --IANS vn/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said on Wednesday that the political crisis in the island country will be resolved in seven days. The assurance came after the new government appointed by the President has been temporarily suspended by a Sri Lankan court. A Court of Appeal on Monday issued an interim order to prevent former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa and his party members from acting as Prime Minister and the government till the case is heard on December 12. "The current political crisis will be resolved in one week. It will be completely resolved. This is an effort I will make for the public, for you, for our motherland. I extend the hand of peace to all politicians and political parties," Sirisena said in a statement. Sri Lanka has been embroiled in a political turmoil since Sirisena surprisingly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe late in October and appointed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place. Sirisena added that crucial decisions would be taken in the coming days for the benefit of all Sri Lankans. The President also defended himself by saying that he was not to blame for the current political impasse. "This political situation was created by Ranil Wickremesinghe, by his actions, and by his policies but we will work to resolve it. We will save this country," the President said. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) on Wednesday accused two major online travel aggregators (OTA) of allegedly offering illegal discounts that are harmful to hoteliers and customers. Following many complaints from its members, the FHRAI has alleged that MakeMyTrip and GoIbibo managements were adopting unethical and exploitative business practices, divisive-led predatory pricing and other market distortions. "The biggest industry concern is that after securing discounted rates from a hotel, the OTAs further discount it on their online platforms without our consent. This damages our reputation and distorts the market scenario," said FHRAI Vice President and Hotel and Restaurant Association of India Western India President G.S. Kohli. Accusing the OTAs of 'market cannibalization', Kohli pointed out that they (OTAs) have a clause in their agreement forbidding hotels from discounting their own rates but are themselves free to do so, besides demanding exorbitant commissions, hosting illegal and unlicenced Bed & Breakfast accommodations. The OTAs commissions range from 18-40 percent, adversely hitting the revenues, business and livelihood of the hotel industry, he added. Besides these high commissions charges to the hotels, the OTAs offer big discounts from their own end, rendering the hotels helpless and compelled to conduct business in a self-defeating atmosphere. "An immediate solution to the issues that threaten our livelihood, investments and businesses is extremely necessary and call for an active dialogue with the OTAs," said FHRAI Joint Secretary Venkada Subbu. --IANS qn/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The 15-year-old Swedish climate activist, who went on school strike at the parliament to ask politicians to act against climate change, on Wednesday asked world leaders to step up action to really make a difference. "You are never too small to make a difference," student Greta Thunberg said at the Global Climate Action event, which is part of the ongoing UN climate negotiations, known as COP24, which saw world leaders and decision-makers getting to work on mitigating climate change in this Polish city. "I thought that something has to be done... and I guess it had to be me," the climate activist said about the day she went on strike from school to take climate action. "Everyone can do their part in fighting climate change. All over the world children and adults take climate action. But we have to step up action to really make a difference," Thunberg said. Earlier, Thunberg in her speech to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: "For 25 years, countless people have stood in front of the UN climate conferences, asking our nation's leaders to stop the emissions. "But, clearly, this has not worked since the emissions just continue to rise," she said, "so I will not ask them anything". "Instead, I will ask the media to start treating the crisis as a crisis. Instead, I will ask the people around the world to realize that our political leaders have failed us," she said. "Rich countries like Sweden need to start reducing emissions by at least 15 per cent every year to reach the two degree warming target," she added. Thunberg began a climate protest by striking from school in Sweden in August. Now students around the world have joined her. The school strikes have spread across the world, including Australia, Britain and the US. --IANS vg/mag/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Eight militants including a Taliban key commander were killed in an operation by Afghan security forces in the country's Faryab province on Wednesday, officials said. "Acting upon intelligence report, the security forces targeted a Taliban hideout in Qurghan district, killing eight rebels including Taliban key commander Qari Hamidullah and his deputy Mistary Mahmoud on the spot," Army spokesman Abdul Hadi Jamal told Xinhua news agency. He said 12 others, including 10 militants and two security personnel were injured. The operation began late on Tuesday night in Andkhoi and Qurghan districts and will continue until the area was cleared of the insurgents, the official said. Taliban militants were yet to comment on the strike. --IANS soni/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As curtains drawn on campaigning in Telangana on Wednesday, battle lines are clearly drawn for the first full-fledged Assembly elections in India's youngest state with the ruling TRS and Congress-led People's Front locked in a tough fight. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the third major force in Friday's poll battle but its strength is confined to a few constituencies. The Bahujan Left Front (BLD) led by the Communist Party of India-Marxist and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) are also contesting. A little over 2.80 crore voters are eligible to decide the political fortunes of 1,821 candidates in 119 constituencies. Four-and-a-half years after forming the first government in newly created Telangana, riding on the Telangana sentiment, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is making a determined bid to retain power on the basis of development and welfare schemes, though the slogan of Telangana self-respect also echoed in its campaign. TRS faces a tough challenge from People's Front which also includes Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS), a new party floated by M. Kodandaram, who was once KCR's friend in the Telangana movement. The elections also mark the beginning of new friendship between the Congress and TDP who have put behind their 37-year-old rivalry to join hands. The Congress is contesting 94 seats, leaving the rest to its allies. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, whose TDP won 15 seats in 2014, has fielded candidates in 13 constituencies. The outcome is expected to be a big test for Naidu's efforts to forge an anti-BJP alliance at the national level. In the 2014 Assembly elections which were held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, TRS polled 33% votes bagging 63 seats while Congress secured 21 seats with 24% votes. TDP and its then ally BJP secured 15 and 5 seats respectively with 21% votes (TDP 14%+BJP 7%). The YSR Congress had polled 3% votes and got 3 seats. Others and independents had 11% vote share. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won 7 seats. This time the YSR Congress is not contesting the election and has declared its support to TRS. Except eight constituencies in Hyderabad where the MIM has fielded candidates, it is supporting TRS in the rest of the state. TRS is contesting all seats on its own. It has retained almost all the outgoing MLAs and also gave ticket to nearly two dozen MLAs of Congress and TDP who had crossed over to the ruling party after 2014 elections. This triggered dissidence in the party and rebels entered the fray in some constituencies. While the TRS campaign banked on its achievements, the People's Front and BJP targeted TRS chief K. Chandrashekhar Rao for 'family rule' and failure to fulfill the promises. TDP's presence in poll fray provided KCR, as Rao is popularly known, a chance to raise the issue of Telagana pride. He called up on people not allow Naidu to set his foot into Telangana from backdoor, saying the TDP chief would harm the state. He claimed that TRS alone can safeguard the state's interests. "Do you want to do ghulami of Delhi?" he asked while taking potshots at the Congress and BJP. While KCR led the TRS campaign addressing over 100 rallies, Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressed about 25 meetings, including six meetings where he shared dais with Naidu. The TDP chief campaigned in Khammam district and Greater Hyderabad, which have large number of voters from Andhra Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed three public meetings while BJP President Amit Shah campaigned aggressively. The party also roped in several central Ministers and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states. --IANS ms/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has met his predecessor George W. Bush in front of the White House on the eve of the state funeral in memory of the latter's father, also former President George H.W. Bush. Trump and First Lady Melania met for about 20 minutes with the 43rd president and his wife, Laura, at the Blair House, a historic home across the street from the White House that traditionally houses the American president's guests. None of them made statements to the press about the meeting, but Trump had tweeted on his official account that he would meet "with the wonderful Bush family" before the funeral. Upon arriving at Blair House, the cameras picked up a handshake between Trump and Bush, both smiling, and the kiss Laura Bush gave Melania on the cheek, Efe news reported. The current first lady greeted former President Bush with two kisses on the cheek, and then the four entered the building. In the morning, Melania invited Laura Bush and her family to visit the White House to observe the Christmas decorations at the presidential residence. The US president has avoided any controversy after the death of George W. Bush's father on November 30, even though over the past two years he has repeatedly criticized the two former presidents. Trump will attend the former president's state funeral in Washington's National Cathedral on Wednesday, which is expected to be attended by the four living former US Presidents: Democrats Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter; and the Republican George W. Bush, who will deliver the eulogy. After the funeral, the coffin of the former president will be transferred to Texas again, to receive a final farewell from his family on Thursday. The remains of George H.W. Bush will rest together with "the love of his life", as he always defined his wife Barbara Bush, in the Bush Library located in College Station, Texas, some 160 kilometres from Houston. --IANS in/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked him to hold a press conference. Gandhi, who on the day campaigned in Telangana for the December 7 Assembly polls, shared pictures of his press conference in Hyderabad on Twitter and said it was fun to have questions thrown at you. "Dear Mr Modi, now that campaigning is over, hope you can spare some time for your part-time job as PM," said Gandhi about Modi who has been going around campaigning for the ongoing Assembly polls in five states. Gandhi also reminded Modi that it has been "2,654 days since you became PM. Still no press conference". "Some pics from our Hyderabad press conference today (Wednesday). Try one some day, it's fun having questions thrown at you," added Gandhi. --IANS and/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UK ministers were set to battle on Wednesday in an attempt to win over rebel MPs on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, a day after the government suffered three parliamentary defeats on key votes. The start of a five-day debate on May's deal was delayed by several hours on Tuesday as MPs, in a first defeat for the Prime Minister, passed a historic motion finding the government in contempt of Parliament for failing to publish in full the legal advice on Brexit, the BBC reported. A crunch vote on May's Brexit deal is scheduled to take place next week while her ministers will plough on with attempts to win over MPs on Wednesday, with eight hours of debate on the security and immigration aspects of the withdrawal agreement. The shadow Brexit secretary, Keir Starmer, called the defeats a "badge of shame" for the government. "By treating Parliament with contempt, the government has proved it has lost its majority and the respect of the house. The Prime Minister can't keep pushing Parliament away or avoiding responsible scrutiny," he said. In a second defeat, the government lost a bid to have the legal advice issue dealt with separately by the Privileges Committee of MPs. With May still waiting to open the formal debate, MPs then inflicted a third defeat, passing a cross-party amendment tabled by MPs including Dominic Grieve aimed at strengthening the hand of Parliament if the deal gets voted down. Supporters of a second referendum on May's deal cheered the move, which they said would allow them to demonstrate Parliament's support for alternatives to the Prime Minister's approach. Former Tory chief whip Mark Harper told the BBC he expected May to lose the crunch vote on her Brexit deal scheduled to take place on December 11 where MPs will decide whether to reject or accept the agreement. Harper, who backed Remain in the referendum told the Daily Telegraph he would vote against the withdrawal agreement and predicted the deal would be rejected by 80 of his party colleagues. The deal has been endorsed by EU leaders but must also be backed by the UK Parliament if it is to come into force. The UK is due to leave the EU on March 29, 2019. Ministers say that if MPs reject their deal they increase the chances of Britain leaving without a deal, or not leaving the EU at all. Harper urged May to renegotiate the deal, insisting the current plan would leave the UK worse off. Meanwhile, May was expected to continue trying to convince small groups of her MPs to back the plan in private meetings. "I promise you today that this is the very best deal for the British people and I ask you to back it in the best interest of our constituents and our country," she told the Commons on Tuesday. --IANS soni/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On the last day of campaigning in Rajasthan, where polls for the 199-member Assembly are due on December 7, BJP President Amit Shah on Wednesday attacked the Congress saying many of its candidates were posing as future chief minister on their visit to various districts. "The party lacks discipline, leadership, policies and principles. Like in the past, Congress leaders in the current assembly elections have tried to divide the society on the grounds of caste and religion," he said at a press conference at the BJP media centre in the state capital. He said the opposition party has relied on family legacy as well as on appeasement of various sections of society. "We have played of performance and are contesting elections on the basis of development projects implemented in the state," said Shah. He said Congress leaders stooped to new lows and used insulting words for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Congress' real face came to the fore when its worker was prevented from raising the slogan of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' while he was asked to chant slogans praising Sonia, Rahul and other senior leaders," he said. Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's remark on Tuesday that Modi should not start his public meetings with 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', Shah said: "For Congress, 'Bharat Mata' may have no value, but for BJP 'Bharat Mata' is everything -- we can sacrifice everything for the cause of our motherland." Shah expressed his confidence that BJP will form the government in the state with a majority. As the campaigning ends today, the Prime Minister addressed a dozen gatherings across the state. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, his Madhya Pradesh counterpart Shivraj Chauhan and many others, too, pitched in to enable the party's return to power in Rajasthan. --IANS arc/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After making her debut at this year's Victoria's Secret (VS) Fashion Show, model-activist Winnie Harlow, who suffers from vitiligo, which affects the pigment of the skin, says being the first model with the condition to walk the runway was a "huge honour". In an interview with Teen Vogue, Harlow said: "Any step toward a truly equal and diverse modelling industry is great, but for a huge brand like Victoria's Secret to include models with skin conditions like vitiligo is a huge step to normalising it in the entire industry. "I hope that there's many more in the future. We need to work toward diversity, not for the sake of it, but to make it the norm. And I hope that this is a big step toward that." The 24-year-old also admitted that walking the catwalk made her feel powerful and confident, reported femalefirst.co.uk. "Walking VS was one of my biggest goals as a model, maybe even my top one, so achieving it made me feel more powerful and confident in my career than I ever have before. "I'm excited about taking that confidence and letting it show in everything that I do, whether it's amazing things in the modelling world or new things that I've never thought about doing before. I feel like the sky is the limit now," added Harlow. --IANS sim/sug/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) World leaders and dignitaries were arriving in the US to pay their respects at the state funeral of former President George H.W. Bush on Wednesday. The body of Bush Senior, which has been lying in state at the US Capitol, will be moved to the National Cathedral later on Wednesday for the funeral. His son, former President George W. Bush, as well as former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, former US Senator Alan Simpson and presidential historian Jon Meacham, the late President's biographer will deliver eulogies. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the service, the White House was cited as saying by CNN. According to reports, Trump will not speak at the event. Former US Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter will also be present at the funeral along with their wives. Bush Sr, who served as the 41st US President between 1989 and 1993, died last Friday at the age of 94. He will be buried in his home state of Texas, alongside his wife, Barbara. The Prince of Wales, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Jordan's King Abdullah II were among the world figures present in the US to pay their respects. Former leaders, including John Major, who was UK Prime Minister for most of Bush Sr's term, were also expected to attend the funeral. Wednesday was declared a national day of mourning and many government offices and US stock exchanges will be closed. Another departure ceremony was due to take place at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Bush Sr's casket will be taken on the presidential plane dubbed "Special Mission 41" for the funeral process back to Texas. His casket will then be taken to St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, where the body will lie in repose. A second service was scheduled for Thursday, after which his body will be taken via a train bearing his name to his final resting place at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, 160 km from Houston. He will be buried besides "the love of his life", as he always defined his wife Barbara. --IANS soni/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed four election rallies in Telangana on Wednesday but continued to keep mum on the killing of a police officer by cow vigilantes in his state's Bulandshahr district. Adityanath may meet the family of the slain Subodh Kumar Singh here on Thursday. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister reviewed the law and order situation with Chief Secretary and other top officials in Lucknow but did not make any public comment on the killing of the officer. Meanwhile, the slain Inspector's son Shrey demanded a fair and proper probe into the killing from all angles. Asked whether there was a meeting likely between their family and the Chief Minister, he said some officials have sounded him on that. "He (Singh) gave his life in the line of duty. I have faith in police and the SIT which is investigating the incident. My priority is for a proper and fair probe. The SIT report should cover all anglers. My father is a martyr. "Strict action must be taken against the culprits. Mob lynching is a big social evil and it has to be dealt with strictly. I want justice for my father. This incident should be made an example of so that people do not indulge in such crimes," he said. On Tuesday, the Uttar Pradesh government said the Chief Minister had sought action against those involved in cow slaughter and called the "incident" part of a big conspiracy. "So those involved in cow slaughter directly or indirectly should be arrested," he said. He announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh to the family of Sumeet who was also shot dead in the Bulandshahr violence. The press statement made no mention of Subodh Singh, who was killed allegedly by a mob protesting against the killing of cows. --IANS bns/vsc/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With an aim to deliver food via drones in India, online ordering app Zomato on Wednesday announced it has acquired a Lucknow-based startup TechEagle Innovations that works exclusively on drones, for an undisclosed sum. TechEagle will help Zomato create a hub-to-hub delivery network powered by hybrid multi-rotor drones, the company said in a statement. "We are currently at the early stage of aerial innovations and are taking baby steps towards building a tomorrow wherein users can expect a drone to deliver the food they ordered online," said Deepinder Goyal, Founder and CEO, Zomato. TechEagle was founded in 2015 by IIT-Kanpur alumnus Vikram Singh Meena. "Our first 'delivery job' currently is to design multi-rotor drones that can pick up a payload under 5 kg and set up drone delivery circuits for reducing the last mile delivery leg," added Goyal. Zomato has over 75,000 restaurant partners offering food delivery services across over 100 cities in India. It acquired Runnr last year and currently has over 1.5 lakh delivery partners as part of its last mile delivery fleet. "We are excited to be a part of the team and together build something which will certainly play a significant role in the future of primary and secondary logistics in the food supply chain in India," added Meena. The acquisition came after Zomato announced earlier this week that Durga Raghunath, currently Chief Executive Indian Express Digital Media Services, will be joining the company as Senior Vice President-Growth, effective December 21. --IANS na/sed (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After having burnished its reputation for reliable machines through the TDI or turbocharged direct injection diesel engines since 1989, Volkswagen-owned luxury car-maker Audi India is now acting on plans to shift from diesel to petrol engines across its product portfolio, say those in the know. The company currently sells some 14 different products, of which roughly 33 per cent feature petrol options. Plans are afoot to scale it up to 50 per cent or half its repertoire, starting next year. This will apply to all cars lined up for launch. The move reflects thinking at the top that the ... Delhi Chief Minister Wednesday re-tweeted a purported video on the Bulandshahr violence, and sought to know whether the incident which took the lives of a policeman and a bystander was "staged" by the BJP. Responding to a question on the sidelines of an event at the Secretariat, he said incidents similar to what happened in Bulandshahr were happening across the country. Referring to the video being circulated on social media, the chief minister said if the content of the video was true, it raised questions on whether the entire episode, including the killing of a cow and the police officer, was staged by the saffron party. "Whoever does not bow down to the goons of BJP, be it Hindus, Muslims, police or workers of the party itself, do not have the right to live," he said. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had on Tuesday demanded the government to give an ex gratia of Rs 10 million to the family of the deceased police officer. "The Delhi CM (Arvind Kejriwal) talked to Subodh (Kumar) Singh's sons and assured them of all possible help, while UP CM Yogi Adityanath has not been able to at least call the family," senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh told PTI. He had met the deceased's family in his native village in Uttar Pradesh's Etah district. The AAP leader also demanded the resignation of Adityanath, alleging that he was unable to handle the law and order in the state. "UP is being ruled by the BJP goons. Subodh Singh was killed in a conspiracy," he alleged. A mob of some 400 people, including right-wing activists, fought pitched battles with police on Monday in Siana area of Bulandshahr district, apparently after right-wing activists were angered by the discovery of cow carcasses strewn in a nearby jungle. The incident had left Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and 20-year-old Sumit Kumar dead. Ten Indian men and 24 Thai women have been arrested in Thailand for their alleged involvement in fake marriages aimed at extending spousal visas in the country, authorities said. At least 20 other Indian men and six Thai women are said to be on the run, The Nation newspaper reported on Tuesday. The arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown launched by the Immigration Police Bureau on foreigners living unlawfully in the country, it said. The suspects were among 30 Indian men and 30 Thai women wanted in court-issued arrest warrants for forging state documents, using forged documents and filing faulty information to state officials which may result in others' damages, police said. Immigration Police Bureau 1 in Bangkok had detected fake marriages between 30 men and 30 women, which were falsely documented in order to extend spousal visas for the men, most of whom made a living in Thailand as illegal moneylenders or salesmen for pay-by-installment goods such as clothing and electrical appliances, the police said. The 30 women allegedly colluded in the wrongdoing by being hired, reportedly for 500-5,000 baht (USD 15 to 152) each, to register fake marriages and submit false documents to the authorities, they said. The authorities revoked the men's visas and secured 60 arrest warrants for the suspects. They subsequently arrested 10 of the wanted Indians and 24 of their Thai accomplices, and are continuing to look for the 26 fugitives, the report said. Police investigators presented evidence to revoke the suspects' faulty marriage licences with the respective district offices, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four shelter homes in Odisha have been shut down after an inquiry found that they were running without registration, officials said Wednesday. The state government had ordered the district collectors across the state to inspect shelter homes following allegations of sexual harassment at an NGO-run facility at Beltikiri in Dhenkanal district. The incident had sparked statewide outcry and three persons were arrested in connection with the case. Three of the shelter homes closed were run by Good India (GNI), the same NGO whose branch at Beltikiri was embroiled in the sexual abuse scandal. The other closed shelter home was operated by an NGO with the financial assistance of GNI, sources said. Ganjam district administration shut down a shelter home for children at Saheb Jenapalli near Chhatrapur, run by Good India, they said. The home was closed due to lack of registration, said District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Subodh Sarangi. There were 134 inmates, including 78 girls and 56 boys, in the home. Most of the inmates belong to Kandhamal and Gajapati districts, Sarangi said. The children would be handed over to their parents after producing them before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), he said, adding at present they are lodged in Utkal Balashram, a child care institute run by the government. The DCPO said the home was not registered under Juvenile Justice Act since 2016. In Gajapati district, the administration closed a shelter home at B Sitapur in Goshani block after shifting its inmates to a different hostels. There were 159 children -- 69 boys and 90 girls -- in the home, also run by Good India, said Arun Tripathy, DCPO Gajapati. Similarly, the process to shift inmates from a shelter home at Chandragiri also in Gajapati district was started. While around 50 inmates have been shifted to a nearby hostels, the rest would also be shifted soon, officials said. As many as 109 inmates, including 75 girls and 34 boys, were in the home. The other shelter home is in Kandhamal's G Udayagiri. District administration shifted all 142 inmates, including 113 girls and 23 boys, to child care institutions being run with support of the government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 65 per cent polling was recorded in the first phase of the panchayat election in Assam on Wednesday during which voters at several places complained of anomalies in ballot papers and the authorities have ordered repoll in around 20 polling stations. One person, suspected to be mentally unstable, was killed in police firing when he allegedly attacked security personnel with a sharp weapon at a polling station in Golaghat district, police said. "Till (the closing time of) 3 pm, we have seen polling of 65.5 per cent. But this figure will go up as long queues are still there at many booths. Some districts said polling is likely to continue till 10 pm," Assam State Election Commissioner (ASEC), H N Bora said. The ASEC is expecting that the voting percentage will rise by another 10 percentage points. The state witnessed 76.76 per cent voting in the last panchayat elections in 2013. "There will be some repolls. We have got reports of some problems in ballot papers like mismatch of symbols of candidates. At some booths, a large number of people are missing from voter lists. We have fixed repolling on December 7 and it will be around 20 booths," Bora told a press conference. Though the final report has not been received yet, the Commission has already decided to hold repolling at some booths in Biswanath, Lakhimpur and Sivasagar districts. Complaints of mismatch in the candidate's name and the party in ballot papers came from Nagarbera area in Kamrup district and Tipaimukh in Tinsukia district, while incorrect names of contestants were also detected in ballot papers at Lachitgarh Gaon in Kamrup district, the sources said. Some contestants' names were also missing in ballot papers at Titabor in Jorhat district. Bora said some of the anomalies in ballot papers were settled locally with printing of fresh ballot papers to continue the voting process. People also expressed resentment at their names being missing from the voters' lists at Duliajan, Jalukbari, Pragjyotishpur and Amchang near Guwahati, Tatunbari in Gohpur area of Biswanath district. The ASEC said it is also the responsibility of the voters to check if their names are there in the voters list before the hustings. The names of the voters for the elections were taken from the 2016 Assembly polls voters list with a supplementary one updated till 2017, he added. Bora said some minor untoward incidents were reported from several places, including that of people burning a few ballot papers at Hathipara in Nagaon district alleging poor quality of the papers. Meanwhile, one person succumbed to his injuries suffered in police firing when he "attacked" security personnel with a sharp weapon at Habibul gaon polling station under Golaghat police station area at 7 am. The person, suspected to be mentally unstable, first beat up some voters standing in a queue and later attacked the security men who fired at him in self defence, police said. The first phase polls was held in 16 districts to decide the political fate of 43,515 contestants for 15,899 posts in the three tiers of panchayati raj - Zilla Parishad, Anchalik Panchayat and Gaon Panchayat. Altogether 442 candidates of various parties have already been declared winners uncontested. The second phase of polling will be held on December 9, when fates of 35,056 candidates will be decided for 10,909 posts by 64,21,518 voters through 9,428 polling booths in 13 districts. The counting for both the phases will take place on December 12. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court on Wednesday framed charges against AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan for allegedly abetting the kidnapping of 15 child labourers when they were being rescued from weaving units here in 2010, paving the way for his trial in the case. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal put on trial the legislator and another accused Saifiullah Siddiqui after they appeared in the court and pleaded not guilty. The court framed charges of abetting kidnapping and criminal intimidation to cause death or grievous hurt against the two accused. Both the offences entail a maximum punishment of seven years in jail, with or without fine. It listed the matter for December 14 for commencing the trial by recording evidence. The trial court framed the charges after a sessions court on December 3 set aside an earlier order discharging Khan and Siddiqui. The case relates to the rescue of 15 child labourers by the police and the NGO from Batla House, Jamia Nagar here. However, a mob allegedly led by Khan and Siddiqui gathered at the spot, threatened to kill the rescuing team and forcibly took away the children. The magisterial court had discharged the two accused as the police filed the charge sheet in 2016, six years after the lodging of the FIR, which was much beyond the permissible time limit. Earlier, the court, while setting aside an order discharging Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Khan, had said if the trial court had considered Section 473 (extension of period of limitation in certain cases) of the CrPC, "this court is hopeful that the trial court would have taken a contrary view considering that it was a case involving 15 child labourers who were rescued but again snatched back using criminal intimidation by the accused persons and it would have condoned the delay in the interest of justice". It had passed the order on Monday disposing of a revision petition filed by Rakesh Senger, a former National Secretary of NGO Bachpan Bachao Aandolan (BBA), challenging the discharge. "This is the fact situation in the capital of the country. When an NGO armed with various orders of the courts was part of the rescue team comprising officers of Labour Department and police, still they had to flee to save their life and the police personnel remained silent spectator while the accused persons threatened them that they will be killed or their bones would be broken," said the order made available on Tuesday. The court had rejected the NGO's plea to charge the accused for the offences under Sections 186 and 353 of CrPC in the absence of a written complaint by the public servant to the court. A magisterial court had on May 3 discharged both the accused and pulled up the police for its "lethargic" investigation. An FIR was registered in Jamia Nagar police station on November 1, 2010 on the complaint of the then sub-division magistrate, who was leading a rescue team of child labourers in that area. The FIR had said 15 child labourers were rescued by the authorities from different 'zari' units in a joint raid launched in Batla House area by a task force on elimination of child labour, the sub-divisional magistrate, officials of the Labour Department, the Delhi Police and NGO BBA on November 1, 2010. The children were taken to a vehicle of the NGO, but the accused and others obstructed them from taking them away, shouted at the authorities and had an altercation with labour department officials, it was alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday welcomed the "positive approach" of Pakistan's leadership on resolving long-pending issues with India, saying it has rekindled the hope that the two countries can live with trust and friendship. "I foresee a time when my colleagues, friends and family members move around without security. It is perhaps for that day, God has kept me going," Abdullah said at the annual day celebrations of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar. His comments come two days after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who completed 100 days as premier last week, said his government enjoys unwavering support of the armed forces, an influential player in the country's politics, particulary on matters of foreign policy. Last week, Khan said his government, the army and all political parties in Pakistan are on the same page on improving ties with India. He, however, did not mention cross-border terrorism which India has stressed is as a stumbling block in resuming talks between the two sides. India and Pakistan last month laid the foundation stones, on their respective sides, to open a corridor to facilitate Sikh pilgrims in visiting gurdwaras on either side. It signalled a possible move to mend ties that had nosedived over terrorist attacks in India by Pakistan-based groups. "I wish that day comes when the two neighbouring countries of India and Pakistan live in camaraderie," Abdullah, a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said. He said Khan's avowals on India-Pakistan bonhomie has rekindled the hope that a day will come when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will live in a peaceful atmosphere. Abdullah asserted that only democratically elected governments will advance the cause of development and will work for the socio-economic emancipation of the underprivileged. "I look forward to elections for the state assembly at an earliest. Only a popular government can mitigate the mounting woes of people. And it is the duty of people to elect honest people to the legislature," he said. Expressing his dismay over the attack on the secular visage of India, the NC president said "many powers that are inimical to the secular character of India are making bigoted attempts to polarize people on religious lines to garner support. This, I believe, is dangerous for a country like India which belongs to all." He said people want answers for all those "fanciful promises" that were made by the BJP. "People cannot forget the ordeal that they had to undergo due to demonetization. Small businessmen and small enterprise holders too are at the receiving end due to the promulgation of GST," he said. Applauding the professionalism and efforts of doctors of SKIMS institute, Abdullah said the institute should take lead in research. "It is the shared effort of people who run this institution that will make it great. The other day I read that the research being done in India is not of good quality. SKIMS should take a lead in research and come up with cure for many diseases that are a source of agony for people. The institute should find cure for diseases like diabetes and cancer. It will earn laurels for the institute," he said. Abdullah, who is Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, allocated Rs one crore for construction of auditorium at SKIMS from his constituency development fund. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The West Bengal government has decided to distribute nutritious food material at subsidised rates to members of the Sabar and Lodha communities in the state, an official said Wednesday. The move comes after reports last month said that seven people of the Sabar community have died due to starvation in Jangalmahal region of Jhargram district. People belonging to the two communities, who already get rice and wheat at Rs 2 per kg each, would now receive pulses and soyabean at reduced prices under a proposed scheme through the public distribution system, a senior official at the state secretariat told PTI. The Sabars belong to the Munda ethnic group and is a de-notified tribe. Both the communities reside mostly in West Midnapore district and parts of Jhargram. The official said the food and supplies department would give extra emphasis on the quality of the food distributed to the two communities. The department would soon employ officers who would visit the areas where the two communities live and review their condition, he said. "Our officers will take into consideration their earnings and its mode. Depending on the reports, we will take up programmes to raise the standard of their lives," he said. Secretariat sources said that as per directives of the Chief Minister's Office, its has also been decided that special health camps will be opened in areas inhabited by the two communities. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had refuted the alleged starvation death reports as "fabricated", saying that the deaths either happened due to "age-related ailments" or "excessive liquor consumption". "People have died in Jangalmahal due to excessive consumption of liquor or age-related ailments. While two people have died of illness and old age, others have died due to liver problems caused by excessive consumption of liquor," she had said. Banerjee had also said the state government provides food grain to "every poor person" in the state. "The reports that people from Sabar community have died due to starvation is absolutely false and fabricated. No one has died in Bengal due to starvation. We provide free rice and wheat to each and every poor person in this state from the hills in the north to Jangalmahal in the south," she had stated. The Jangalmahal is a tribal area which is spread across Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram and West Midnapore districts of West Bengal and were once hit by Maoist violence. Besides West Bengal, the Sabar community is found in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, whereas the Lodhas are found in Odisha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AntarRashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP) president Pravin Togadia Wednesday accused the BJP of raking up the Ram temple issue for political benefits ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Talking to reporters in Shamli district, he criticised the BJP for not fulfilling any of its poll promises. "Neither any development took place in the state, nor the Ram temple was built in the last four years of the BJP government," Togadia said. Speaking at a press conference here, he said, "I will field my men in the 2019 general elections to fulfill the long-pending dream of building a Ram temple at Ayodhya. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Anger has mounted in Bangladesh following the suicide of a teenaged Hindu girl who killed herself after being humiliated by her principal and teachers in a prominent Dhaka school. Ninth-grade student Aritry Adhikary's father Dilip has accused the principal of Viqarunnisa Girls School and two teachers of abetting his daughter's suicide as they had reprimanded her for carrying a mobile phone during an exam. According to a police complaint, on December 3 the girl went to school with the phone where one of the teachers seized the device and summoned her parents the next day. Dilip Adhikary has alleged that when he and his wife went to the school along with their daughter they were also subjected to humiliation. "As we went to meet the school's principal, Nazneen Ferdous, my daughter immediately touched her feet and begged her forgiveness," he said. "We also asked for her forgiveness thinking about our daughter's uncertain future. Then we all started crying even as I pleaded with them to give my daughter a second chance. But all our efforts failed to soften her," he said. The shaken girl then suddenly left the principal's room leaving her parents there and went back to her home nearby where she hanged herself in her room after locking the door. Bangladesh's ministry has issued an order asking the school's governing body to suspend the principal and teachers over Aritry's suicide. Aritry's school friends also staged protests in front of the school while social media was flooded with angry comments demanding stern action against the teachers involved. "Departmental action will be taken against all the three teachers as well," Minister Nurul Islam Nahid said. The ministry and the school authorities have also formed two investigation committees after the high court's intervention in the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) / -- Turkey has lowered the minimum amount of capital investment required to obtain Turkish citizenship from $2 million to $500,000 while the lower limit for granting citizenship to foreigners that buy real estate was also decreased from $1 million to $250,000. It has been a month since the amendment has been passed, and according to data gathered by Antalya Homes, the leading international real estate agency in Turkey, residence sales to foreigners increased a record-breaking 151.1% year-on-year since last September. In Turkey, which allows dual citizenship, the residences sold to foreigners in the first nine months of 2018 was purchased by citizens of Middle Eastern countries, Russia, Germany, UK and India. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/774997/antalya_homes.jpg ) Foreigners that intend to buy property in Turkey, which offers visa-free entry to citizens of 102 countries, prefer mostly Istanbul, Antalya, Bursa, Yalova, and Trabzon. Antalya Homes, which has helped thousands of people from 74 different nationalities buy homes in Turkey since 2004, offers foreign nationals full support through the entire real estate purchasing process with its Istanbul Homes, Trabzon Homes, and Bursa Homes brands. If requested, the company also assists the buyers in executing purchasing transactions through power of attorney and carries out all citizenship procedures. Bayram Teke, Chairman of Antalya Homes explained that the Asian countries are significant for property sales. He answered the most frequently asked questions with his 15 years of experience in the sector: "Turkey does not require purchasing one single residence or land for citizenship but allows buying multiple properties amounting to at least $250,000 in total. The property deeds bear an annotation that they cannot be sold for three years, while the owners, their spouses and minor children can finalize citizenship procedures in approximately 12 months. We at Antalya Homes communicate our recommendations to the authorities about facilitating citizenship procedures. Asian countries are especially important to us. For all your questions about obtaining Turkish citizenship, please visit the website of Antalya Homes at https://www.antalyahomes.net/citizenship-in-turkey. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Around 90 people suspected of belonging to the notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia were rounded up on Wednesday in raids across several European and Latin American countries, Italian police said. The suspects are thought to be key members of the powerful organised crime syndicate based in southern Italy. They are accused of committing "serious crimes" including activities linked to international drug trafficking, Italian police said in a statement. The vast anti-mafia operation was carried out by Italy's anti-mafia and anti-terrorism force in collaboration with German, Belgian and Dutch authorities. The 'Ndrangheta -- which derives its meaning from the Greek word for "heroism" -- is made up of numerous village and family-based clans in Calabria, the rural, mountainous and under-developed "toe" of Italy's boot. Despite intense police attention and frequent arrests, the organisation has continued to extend its reach. It has surpassed Sicily's Cosa Nostra and the Naples-based Camorra in influence thanks to its control of the cocaine trade, and is the sole mafia organisation to operate on all continents, according to anti-mafia prosecutors. Wednesday's operation came a day after Italian police arrested new Cosa Nostra boss Settimino Mineo and dozens of other suspects in Sicily in a major swoop. Jeweller Mineo, 80, was detained along with at least 45 others just before he was due to be appointed official heir to notorious mafia boss Toto Riina who died in prison last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On December 3, over 150 students at a primary and junior secondary school in Bulandshahr's Chingrawathi village, where a mob of some 400 people violently confronted police that day, were served the mid-day meal early at 11.15am. Unaware of the tension simmering barely 100 metres away, it was rather unusual for the children who are generally given the meal at 12.30pm on the school premises. "That day, we had got an order to distribute the meal early and send the children home," Rajpal Singh, who cooks and serves the mid-day meal, told PTI. The school, which has 107 children in primary classes and 66 in junior secondary, opens at 9am and continues till 3pm. "After the children were fed the meal, they were quickly sent home," Deshraj Singh, the teacher in-charge of the primary school, said. "Some children left their meal midway and some had left their school bags behind, which were later torn by monkeys," he said. Singh, along with two lady teachers and two shiksha mitras, teaches the students from Class 1-5. Uma Rani, along with one more teacher, teaches the students from Class 6-8. Both primary and junior secondary sections operate from the same school campus. "The crowd was unusually loud, it appeared unprecedented. A message reached us from the Basic Shiksha Adhikari at 11am, saying the situation does not look fine due to the Ijtiba (Muslim congregation), serve meal to the children and leave them early," Singh said. A huge number of people had gathered in Bulandshahr for the three-day Ijtiba, being held at a distance from site of violence. But the main road, near the school, was packed with vehicles and people heading to the congregation. "Huge number of people, truck loads of people were going to the Ijtiba," said a man, in his 50s, who runs a kiosk of grocery items near the main road. The school kids were his primary customers. Singh said the teachers, who come from outside (Meerut), were also asked to leave early lest they get caught in the traffic. He said on Monday everyone left early from the school and later the district administration ordered closure of all schools on Tuesday. When the school reopened on Wednesday, there were no students even as teachers Deshraj Singh and Uma Rani waited for them with other staff. "Certainly it is due to the tension that has gripped the village since Monday," Rani said, expressing hope that the situation would improve and children would return to school. The otherwise quaint village of Bulandshahr made headlines on Monday when a 20-year-old man and a police inspector were killed of gunshots during a mob violence over apparently after cow carcasses were found in a nearby jungle. Four of the nearly 90 accused, 27 of them named, in the FIR registered following the violence have been arrested. A Bajrang Dal man, said to be main accused, remains on the run. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kolkata Police has rescued one minor girl from Mumbai and busted a trafficking racket from there, a senior officer of the Force said Wednesday. The girl's abductor has been also arrested from Mumbai. The girl's mother lodged a complaint in a city police station on November 20 that her daughter was abducted by a youth named Ramjan Khan. "The accused Ramjan had befriended with the minor earlier this year when she had visited her elder sister who lives in Mumbai after her marriage," he said adding that electronic surveillance revealed that Ramjan was a resident of Mumbai. "We understood that the accused could be a member of a trafficking racket and there was every possibility that the minor girl has been trafficked. A team went to Maharashtra and with the help of Mumbai Police, Ramjan was arrested from Kalyan on Monday," the officer said. The minor girl was rescued from his house. Preliminary investigations revealed that Ramjan is originally from Lucknow and is a part of a big trafficking racket, he said. Ramjan has been brought to the city on transit remand, the IPS officer said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Intensifying its campaign in support of women's reservation in Parliament and state Assemblies, the ruling Biju Janata Dal Wednesday decided to consult 22 political parties including the Congress and the BJP for smooth passing of a bill in this regard. At a meeting here, the BJD headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik resolved that its delegates would meet leaders of seven national parties and 15 regional parties and motivate them in favour of the women's reservation bill pending approval of the Lok Sabha, party leaders said. The development came a day after Patnaik wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure passing of the bill to reserve 33 per cent of seats for women in Parliament and state Assemblies. BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra said BJD representatives will meet leaders of national parties - the Congress, the BJP, the Trinamool Congress, the Bahujan Samaj Party, the CPI, the CPI(M) and the NCP. They will also meet the leaders of 15 regional parties - the AAP, the AIDMK, the DMK, the INLD, the JD(S), the JD (U), the National Conference, the PDP, the JMM, the RJD, the SAD, the Shiv Sena, the SP, the TDP and the TRS, Mishra said. The Odisha Assembly on November 20 passed a resolution for making provision of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Legislative Assemblies and Parliament. In 2011, the Odisha government enhanced the reservation for women in panchayats and urban local bodies to 50 per cent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP moved the Calcutta High Court Wednesday, saying it was yet to be given permission for taking out three rallies in West Bengal, scheduled to begin from December 7. (BJP) president Amit Shah is scheduled to kickstart the party's "Save Democracy Rally", comprising three "rath yatra", in the state. The saffron party claimed before the bench of Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty that several letters sent to the DG-IGP and the home secretary, seeking permission for the three rallies, did not elicit any response. The BJP campaign is scheduled to begin from Coochbehar district in the north on December 7, from Kakdwip in the South 24 Parganas district on December 9 and from the Tarapith temple in Birbhum district on December 14. Advovate General Kishore Dutta told the court that the DG-IGP or the home secretary was not the competent authority to grant permission for the rallies, which, as a political party, the petitioner (BJP) should have known. The petitioner should also have known to whom the application should have been sent, he said. Following this, the BJP counsel said they had also applied to the SPs of the districts through which the three "rath yatra" were scheduled to pass. ALSO READ: 2019 elections: Rath Yatra a game changer in West Bengal politics, says BJP The judge suggested that the state authorities and the petitioner should sit together and sort out the issue before returning to court. Dutta then told the court that the three rallies entailed huge security arrangements and he would require instructions from the state government if it could be done at such a short notice. Following this, the court adjourned the matter till 2 pm. On the last day of campaigning in poll-bound Rajasthan, top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Wednesday seized on the extradition of an alleged middleman in a UPA-era defence deal to corner the Congress, which has made a strong bid to oust the saffron party from power in the state. The Congress dubbed the claims of Modi and other BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah, as a "smear campaign" against its leadership, claiming that they were "latching" on to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, as the saffron party was staring at defeats in the ongoing state elections. Michel, a British citizen, was extradited to India on Tuesday night and sent to CBI custody for five days by a Delhi court. At a press conference in Jaipur, Shah asked the Congress to clear its stand on the issue and wondered if the Opposition wanted to save Michel. Later in the day, Modi raised the issue at his rallies, saying his government had brought Michel to India and that the British citizen served politicians and held many secrets. "When he reveals his secrets, things will go very far," he said, adding that it was a big "scam" of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era. At another rally, the prime minister reminded the people of his promise that his government will not spare the corrupt as he spoke of Michel's extradition to target the Congress. The opposition party, however, accused Modi and his government of weaving a "web of lies" to hoodwink people as the BJP was facing defeats in the state polls. "While the BJP and Prime Minister Modi are seeking fake credit without being subjected to investigation by the CBI for their own complicity and connivance, they are latching on to Christian Michel for launching a smear campaign against opposition leaders," Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters in Hyderabad. He alleged that the statement of Michel's lawyer Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos after the former's detention in July had "clearly brought out" that the Modi government and its agencies were forcing him to sign a false confessional statement, naming UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, in return for a complete exoneration from any charge whatsoever in the case. Shah asked the Congress to spell out its stand on Michel's extradition. "I want to know whether any middleman should be arrested or not? What does the Opposition want? Does it want to save them," he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief was responding to the Opposition's charge that the extradition was a move to divert attention from other issues. The BJP and the Congress are locked in a fierce poll battle in Rajasthan with the former pulling out all the stops to foil the latter's bid to return to power in the state after a gap of five years. The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly will go to polls on December 7 and the outcome will be announced on December 11, along with the results of the Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana Assembly elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP transformed poll-bound Rajasthan from a 'bimaru' to a developed state and would now make it prosperous, party president said here on Wednesday while predicting that his party would form a government with full majority. Taking on the Congress at a press conference here, he said the party was involved in negative politics, promoting casteism and appeasement. The BJP, in contrast, practised the politics of development and got a good response, Shah told reporters on the last day of campaigning for the December 7 polls. While the Congress promoted dynastic politics, making members of one family party presidents, the BJP gives importance to those who perform and work to push the country ahead, he said. Referring to the violence in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, earlier this week, Shah said it would be unfair to give it a political colour. The Congress, he added, had made allegations but things would be clear after the Special Investigation Team report. A police inspector and a young man were killed in mob violence that broke out after cow carcasses were found strewn in a jungle in the Uttar Pradesh district on Monday. "The number of those who filed income tax doubled after demonetisation," the party president added. The BJP conducted 15 roadshows and 222 big meetings in Rajasthan during its campaign for another term in office, he said. The votes will be counted on December 11. Ahead of the 26th anniversary of the demolition of the 16th-century mosque, the Babri Masjid Action Committee has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to maintain status quo at the disputed site as per the Supreme Court orders. The Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) will send a memorandum to Modi and Adityanath Thursday when the anniversary of the demolition falls. It has requested the people to observe the day peacefully and hold special prayers for early resolution of the dispute. "The anniversary should be observed peacefully like in previous years and all memorandums addressed to the PM and the CM should be handed over to the district magistrate concerned, requesting them to maintain status quo at the demolition site as per the SC orders," BMAC convener Zafaryab Jilani said. The prime minister and the chief minister should also be requested to issue necessary directions to the CBI to pursue the pending court cases to get their decisions, he said. "Those trying to vitiate atmosphere and giving inflammatory speeches should be strictly dealt with. Security of all the residents of Ayodhya, especially Muslims, should be ensured and necessary action should be taken in this regard," he said. Jilani, also a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, asked Muslims to hold special prayers for early resolution of the issue. Prayers should also be held for peace and harmony in the country, he said, adding that sit-ins could be held on the day but attention should be paid to ensure peace and amity. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court Wednesday dismissed an application filed by late actor Jiah Khan's mother Rabia, seeking retrieval of messages her daughter and her actor-boyfriend Sooraj Pancholi exchanged on Blackberry messenger. Pancholi has been charged with abetting Khan's suicide. According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Khan, best known for her performance in film "Nishabd" starring Amitabh Bachchan, was found hanging at her residence here on June 3, 2013. In her application filed before the court, Rabia had sought to bring on record as evidence the details of the Blackberry messenger chats exchanged between her daughter and Pancholi. On Wednesday, Justice Mridula Bhatkar rejected Rabia's request. While dismissing the plea, Justice Bhatkar said the request made by Rabia was "not feasible under the law". A detailed order is likely to be made public by Thursday. During a previous hearing, the CBI had told the court that the mobile phones of Khan and Pancholi had been sent to a forensic laboratory, where experts said the messages could not be retrieved. The Mumbai police, which probed the case initially, had recovered a three-page unsigned note narrating Khan's "intimate relationship with Pancholi, physical abuse, and mental and physical torture at his hands" from her flat. Handwriting experts later confirmed that the note was written by the actor. In October 2013, Rabia moved the high court alleging that her daughter had been murdered. She sought a CBI probe, which was granted in July 2014. In January this year, the CBI filed a charge sheet against Pancholi, the son of actors Aditya Pancholi and Zareena Wahab, before a trial court, charging him under section 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The police sees a "conspiracy" behind the Bulandshahr mob violence and is investigating why cow carcasses were found on December 3, three days ahead of the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri mosque, says the state's police chief. It was not merely a law and order issue, said Director General of Police (DGP) O P Singh, two days after Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and 20-year-old Sumit Kumar, were killed in the mob violence that broke out after carcasses were found strewn in a jungle. With lakhs of people collected for a 'Tabligi Ijtema' (congregation of Muslims) 40 km from Mahaw village where the skeletal remains were found, police also succeeded in containing what could have been a communal riot, he said. "We are not only seeing it as a law and order issue. It was a conspiracy and we are probing why the particular day - December 3 - and place on which the cows were slaughtered and their remains spread in the field were selected," Singh told PTI. He said two FIRs have been filed. "One FIR is about cow slaughter and the other is on the violence. The probe is on on both the matters," he said. Those named in the FIRs will not be spared, the DGP declared. "We have asked the Special Task Force (STF) to identify those behind this incident as those behind the conspiracy should be booked," he said. Asked whether it was an attempt to vitiate the atmosphere ahead of the demolition anniversary, the DGP said, "We are looking at all angles, including the selection of place (for cow slaughter) and timing of the incident." "Police succeeded in containing what could have been a communal riot. The situation could have been worse if local police not responded timely as lakhs of people were present at the venue of 'Tabligi Ijtema', which was about 40 km from the spot," he said. Though the congregation ended on December 2, over 600,000 people were present on December 3 when the violence broke out, he said. ALSO READ: Bulandshahr violence: Yogi asks police for action against cow slaughter Amid a political furore over the killing of a police inspector and a youth in Bulandshahr in a case of mob violence, UP Chief Minister on Tuesday night ordered a thorough probe. Directions were issued for strict action against those involved in the alleged slaughter of cows. The DGP said he directed officials for a thorough probe in the incident and instructed them to take stringent action against people involved in cow slaughter. "The incident is part of a bigger conspiracy, and hence all those directly or indirectly related to cow slaughter should be arrested in a time-bound manner," Adityanath said. ALSO READ: Bulandshahr village tense after clashes, people flee over 'fear' of cops The chief minister has faced flak from opposition parties for attending a laser show in Gorakhpur when the violence broke out in Bulandshahr on Monday. The Opposition said such incidents are part of attempts to incite communal unrest in the society ahead of polls. An ATM, loaded with over Rs 3.60 lakh cash, was stolen Wednesday in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. A case has been registered, police said, adding they have launched a manhunt to find the machine and nab the culprits. The burglars took the Chhan Rorian village route along the Jammu-Pathankot highway in early hours of Wednesday and decamped with the ATM, a police officer said. State Bank of Indian (SBI) officials told police that an amount of Rs 3,68,400 was in the machine. In another case, two persons were arrested Tuesday for damaging an ATM after they tried to loot the cash in it. They entered the SBI ATM at Janipur in Jammu city on the intervening night of November 30 and December 1 and attempted to take away cash by damaging the machine. Following this a case was registered and investigation was started, a police spokesman said. The two accused, identified as Ayush Sharma of Janipur and Rishav Gupta of Rehari, were then arrested, he said. The duo were further being questioned, police said, adding possibility of their involvement in other cases of burglary could not be ruled out. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) George H.W. Bush was celebrated with high praise and loving humour Wednesday as the nation bade farewell to the man who was America's 41st president and the last to fight for the U.S. in wartime. Three former presidents looked on at Washington National Cathedral as a fourth George W. Bush eulogized his dad. "To us," the son said of the father, "his was the brightest of a thousand points of light." George W. Bush broke down briefly at the end of his eulogy while invoking the daughter his parents lost when she was 3 and his mother, Barbara, who died in April. He took comfort in knowing "Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom's hand again." For all the somber tributes to the late president's public service and strength of character, laughter filled the cathedral time after time. The late president's eulogists son included noted Bush's tendency to tangle his words and show his goofy side. He was "the last great-soldier statesman," historian Jon Meacham said in his eulogy, "our shield" in dangerous times. But he also said that Bush, campaigning in a crowd in a department store, once shook hands with a mannequin. Rather than flushing in embarrassment, he simply cracked, "Never know. Gotta ask." After the service, the hearse and a long procession of cars headed for Joint Base Andrews and the flight to Texas but first down to the National Mall to pass by the World War II Memorial. The congregation at the cathedral, filled with foreign leaders and diplomats, Americans of high office and others touched by Bush's life, rose for the arrival of the casket, accompanied by clergy of faiths from around the world. In their row together, President Donald Trump and former Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton stood with their spouses and all placed their hands over their hearts. Meacham also praised Bush's call to volunteerism his "1,000 points of light" placing it alongside Abraham Lincoln's call to honour "the better angels of our nature" in the American rhetorical canon. Meacham called those lines "companion verses in America's national hymn." Trump had mocked "1,000 points of light" last summer at a rally, saying "What the hell is that? Has anyone ever figured that one out? And it was put out by a Republican, wasn't it?" Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney praised Bush as a strong world leader who helped oversee the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union and set the stage for the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, achieved under his successor, Clinton. With Trump, a NAFTA critic, seated in the front row, Mulroney hailed the "largest and richest free trade area in the history of the world." The three countries have agreed on a revised trade agreement pushed by Trump. Alan Simpson, former Republican senator from Wyoming, regaled the congregation with stories from his years as Bush's friend in Washington. More seriously, he recalled that when he went through a rough patch in the political game, Bush conspicuously stood by him against the advice of aides. "You would have wanted him on your side," he said. The national funeral service capped three days of remembrance in Washington before Bush's remains return to Texas on Wednesday for burial Thursday. He died Friday at age 94. Bush will lie in repose at St. Martin's Episcopal Church before burial at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. His final resting place will be alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukemia in 1953. On Wednesday morning, a military band played "Hail to the Chief" as Bush's casket was carried down the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where he had lain in state. Family members looked on as servicemen fired off a cannon salute. His hearse was then driven in a motorcade to the cathedral ceremony, slowing in front of the White House. Bush's route was lined with people much of the way, bundled in winter hats and taking photos. Waiting for his arrival inside, Trump shook hands with Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, who greeted him by saying "Good morning." Trump did not shake hands with Bill and Hillary Clinton, who looked straight ahead. Bill Clinton and Mrs. Obama smiled and chatted as music played. Carter was seated silently next to Hillary Clinton in the cavernous cathedral. Obama cracked up laughing at someone's quip. Vice President Mike Pence shook Carter's hand. Trump tweeted Wednesday that the day marked "a celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life." Trump and his wife took their seats after the others, briefly greeting the Obamas seated next to them. On Tuesday, soldiers, citizens in wheelchairs and long lines of others on foot wound through the Capitol Rotunda to view Bush's casket and honor a president whose legacy included World War military service and a landmark law affirming the rights of the disabled. Former Sen. Bob Dole, a compatriot in war, peace and political struggle, steadied himself out of his wheelchair and saluted his old friend and one-time rival. Trump ordered the federal government closed Wednesday for a national day of mourning. Flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days. As at notable moments in his life, Bush brought together Republicans and Democrats in his death, and not only the VIPs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Cabinet is expected to approve Thursday a policy to boost exports of agriculture commodities such as tea, coffee and rice and increase the country's share in global agri trade, an official said. The Commerce Ministry has sent the final agri export policy to the Cabinet. The proposed policy would focus on all aspects of agricultural exports including modernising infrastructure, standardisation of products, streamlining regulations, curtailing knee-jerk decisions, and focusing on research and development activities. "The government will aim at a stable export policy for agricultural products. There will be an assurance that processed agri items and organic products will not be brought under the ambit of any kind of export restrictions such as imposition of minimum import price, export duty, export bans and quota restrictions," the official said. The official added that the implementation of the policy will have an estimated financial implication of over Rs 1400 crore. The states would be urged to reform their APMC (Agriculture Produce Market Committee) Acts and remove mandi taxes applicable on export-oriented goods. On the infrastructure front, the government would identify ports that are handling agri exports and perishable berths, agri jetties, railways wagons would be provided. Round-the-clock single window clearance would be extended for perishable exports and imports at Mumbai, Delhi and Kochi airports. As part of the policy, the government is likely to undertake a detailed analysis to identify focus products based on five parameters -- global trade, five-year impact potential, India's current competitiveness, scope for value addition and future market potential. To promote value added products, the government would take certain steps including promotion of R&D and marketing of biscuits and confectionary, dehydrated onion, frozen vegetables, medicinal plants and essential oils. The policy also aims at doubling agricultural shipments to over USD 60 billion by 2022. Agricultural products constitute over 10 per cent of the country's total merchandise exports. The main commodities exported by India include tea, coffee, rice, cereals, tobacco, spices, cashew, oil meals, fruits and vegetables, marine products, meat, dairy and poultry products. Exports of value-added items are significantly low. India's exports in 2017 were about USD 31 billion, which is over 2 per cent of the world agriculture trade. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ganesh Kumar Gupta said a stable policy is fundamental to boost agri exports. "Switch on and off policy in the past has deprived India to be considered at a reliable supplier," Gupta added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The mass detention and deployment of high-tech surveillance technologies to systematically repress Uighurs, Kazakhs, and other Muslim minority groups in China's province is the most severe human rights crisis in the Communist nation since the Cultural Revolution, the has told US lawmakers. The situation in resource-rich has been restive as the native Muslim Uighurs have been resisting increasing settlements of majority Han Chinese from other provinces. An estimated 1.1 million people have been placed in internment camps, including re-education camps where, according to former detainees and other witnesses, inmates are subjected to intense political indoctrination and abuse. Testifying before a Congressional committee, Laura Stone, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, alleged that is doubling down on repressive domestic controls in stark contrast to the universal values that the US and its partners have championed for many decades. "The most severe human rights crisis in - perhaps since the Cultural Revolution - is the mass detention and deployment of high-tech surveillance technologies to systematically repress Uighurs, Kazakhs, and other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang," Stone told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing. "In recent years, we have witnessed a regression in terms of China's respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including religious freedom; the rule of law; and civil society," she said. "China's mass detentions of members of Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang, while perhaps the most egregious example, is only one of many recent actions taken by the Chinese leadership that run counter not only to China's human rights commitments, but also to Chinese law," she said. According to Stone, there have been continued reports that Tibetan Buddhists have been subjected to forced disappearance, physical abuse, arbitrary detention, and arrest. The Chinese government asserts authority over the selection, approval, and veneration of reincarnations of Tibetan Buddhist lamas and supervises their religious education. According to human rights activists, severely restricts the religious practices of Uighur Muslims in and continues to suppress religious rights of Tibetan Buddhists. "We remain concerned about the lack of meaningful autonomy for Tibetans, and we regularly urge China to cease restrictions on the rights of Tibetans, as well as their unique religious, linguistic, and cultural traditions and practices," she said. Recently, oppressive activities aimed at residents of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous region reportedly have severely intensified, as documented by the dogged reporting of diplomats, reporters, academics, and Muslim communities abroad, she alleged. The concluding observations on China by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination further shined a spotlight on the worsening human rights crisis there, she said. Under the guise of fighting "terrorism" and so-called "religious extremism" China's leadership, she alleged, is intensifying long-standing repressive policies targeting individuals who practice non-violent cultural and religious practices in Xinjiang, including by reportedly torturing and abusing prisoners held for their beliefs and forcing individuals to renounce their religion and pledge allegiance to the "We are particularly alarmed by reports that since April 2017, extremely large numbers of Uighurs and other members of Muslim minority groups have been detained in camps," the US official said. Detainees are reportedly trained to diminish their ethnic identities, religious beliefs, and nonviolent cultural and religious practices. There are reports of abuse, including torture, and deaths in these camps. China's claims that these camps are all "humane job- training centers" are preposterous, she said. "These brutal tactics risk creating the very radicalisation to violence that China seeks to avoid. We consistently urge China to reverse its counterproductive policies that conflate terrorism with the peaceful expression of religious beliefs or political views," Stone said. A team of the Central government officials will visit Palghar district in Maharashtra next week to study a recent spate of mild tremors, authorities said Wednesday. The team will study the geographical phenomena during December 11 and 13, said district collector Prashant Narnavre. He said Dahanu and Talasari talukas in the district had witnessed at least half a dozen tremors--the maximum intensity was recorded at 3.3 on Richter scale--in the last 30 days. Similar tremors were also witnessed in the last four days in the region, the collector said, adding the administration is taking necessary precautions to tackle any eventuality. He said Dundalwadi village in Dahanu taluka had experienced the maximum number of tremors, creating panic among its residents. Narnavre also said that the houses in some villages have developed cracks due to the tremors. "The India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed the Maharashtra government Wednesday that considering the recent tremors in Palghar region, a joint visit of officials from the seismology units in New Delhi and Mumbai will visit Palghar between December 11 and 13," said local BJP MLA Manisha Chowdhary. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court Wednesday said the compensation claims of the victims of the "Gaja" cyclone should not be rejected on the ground that pictures of the damage suffered were not attached to the applications. A bench of the high court here comprising justices K K Sasidharan and P D Audikesavalu made the observation during the hearing of a PIL seeking proper relief measures to the people hit by the November 16 cyclone that claimed 63 lives and caused extensive damage to houses and crops in 12 districts of Tamil Nadu. The bench suggested that district collectors could organise special camps in the affected villages in order to prepare a list of people who had suffered damage due to the cyclone. It also asked the state government to request the Centre to extend the time limit for joining the crop insurance scheme. Earlier, the central and state governments informed the bench about various steps taken by them for providing relief and rehabilitation and restoration of power and water supplies in the cyclone-affected areas. In its counter-affidavit, the Centre submitted that it had provided interim relief to the southern state. The state government submitted that it had provided all basic amenities and that the power supply would be fully restored in all the areas within a week. Chief Minister K Palaniswami has sought an assistance of about Rs 15,000 crore from the Centre for the relief works. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal Christian Michel James may prove to be the missing link in the money trail in the alleged multi-crore scam being probed by the CBI. A proposal for the Rs 3,600 crore helicopter deal to ferry VVIPs was initiated in 1999 to find an alternative to the IAF flying horses of Soviet era -- Mi-8s. Several factors such as the inability of the choppers to operate at night, in adverse weather, and safely at places in elevation beyond 2000 metres besides their technical life getting over were primary reasons that the IAF decided to replace its eight Mi-8 helicopters used for ferrying VVIPs like the President, the Prime Minister, the Vice President and the Defence Minister. The then NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee floated a global Request for Proposal in March 2002 for acquisition of 12 helicopters for VVIP duties to which four companies responded. Three were shortlisted by the Technical Evaluation Committee and subjected to flying tests but AgustaWestland's contender EH101 was not certified to fly at 6000 m and it did not participate in the evaluation. After flight evaluation, EC-225 of Eurocopter, France was found suitable for acquisition by the government. A meeting took place under the aegis of the principal secretary to Vajpayee on November 19, 2003 where it was decided that since VVIPs rarely travel at 6000 m height, the ceiling should be reduced to 4500 m which could avoid single vendor problem and give more alternatives to choose from. The principal secretary also wrote a stern letter to the IAF chief on December 22, 2003 that the PMO and the prime minister's guarding force SPG were not consulted before setting mandatory parameters for selecting the VVIP choppers. This reduction in ceiling became the primary allegation in the corruption case in the helicopters' deal which was signed by the Congress led UPA government in 2010. The UPA government deliberated upon and incorporated the changes suggested by the principal secretary. It floated another proposal in which three companies namely Sikorsky, USA AgustaWestland, UK and Rosoboronexport, Russia responded to the RFP. The Russian company was ruled out over the issue of earnest money leaving only Sikorsky and AgustaWestland in the race. They were subjected to flight tests in the US and the UK respectively and AgustaWestland choppers were selected for the deal. The CBI has alleged that the then IAF chief SP Tyagi played a role in recommending the reduction in operational ceiling of the helicopters from 6000 m to 4500 m which brought AgustaWestland in the race. It has alleged that the IAF was strongly opposed to changes but when Tyagi became the chief, he recommended these. This, according to the agency, was allegedly done at the behest of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland's top executives who engaged the services of three middlemen-- Michel, Guido Haschke and Carlos Gerosa who allegedly paid bribes to Tyagi and his cousins Rajiv, Sandeep and Julie. The agency has alleged that firms of Michel received about 42.27 million Euros, approximately seven per cent from the companies to swing the Rs 3600 crore deal in their favour. The bribes were allegedly routed through companies of Michel and advocate Gautam Khaitan in the form of multiple contracts through layered transactions to camouflage them. The money trail, however, is believed to be incomplete and the CBI will need statements and questioning of Michel to fill the gaps to link Tyagi with payments from Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland, officials said. Michel on his part has alleged that the CBI team wants him to take names of Gandhi family, a claim which had been refuted by the agency. The CBI had filed its charge sheet in September last year naming Tyagi, first chief of the Indian Air Force to face corruption charges, and his cousins, Indian middlemen and companies accused. Along with them, five foreigners -- the then Finmeccanica chief Giuseppe Orsi and AgustaWestland's Bruno Spagnolini and middlemen Michel, Haschke and Gerosa were also named. After the case was registered in 2012, Michel had escaped from India and did not join investigation, CBI's spokesperson said. A non-bailable warrant was issued by a special Delhi court followed by an Interpol Red Corner Notice in 2015 which led to his arrest in February 2017 in Dubai. After a Dubai court cleared his extradition rejecting all his contentions, the UAE government gave its nod to his extradition after which he was brought to India by a team of CBI led by Joint Director Sai Manohar, who was part of the SIT once led by Special Director Rakesh Asthana. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission, seeking a probe into the blank postal ballots found unclaimed at the state police's Home Guard office. The poll watchdog, meanwhile, said action has been initiated against three Home Guard personnel for "dereliction of duty" in this connection. "We have complained to the EC about Tuesday's incident in which unclaimed ballot papers were found in the Home Guard office near the State Police Headquarters. We have also complained about the lack of security of EVMs kept in the strongrooms across the state," MP Congress Election Affairs Wing in-charge J P Dhanopia said. He added that his party also requested the EC to provide details of the EVMs replaced during the polling. Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh were held on November 28. The Congress has raised doubts over the security of EVMs, which contain the votes cast to elect a 230-member Assembly in the state. "The postal ballots found at Home Guards office should have been delivered to service voters, who are posted outside. It appears that they had not been given to the jawans. This should be investigated," Dhanopia said. Reacting to the incident, the poll commission's public relations officer said in a press release that the postman had delivered 124 postal ballots sealed in envelopes to an assistant sub inspector at the Home Guards office, instead of delivering them separately to the persons to whom these envelopes were addressed. But the officer and employees did not deliver them to the persons concerned. Three polled postal ballots were found there, it said. As per the EC release, following an investigation into the incident by the Director General of Police and Bhopal District Collector, action was initiated against an Assistant Sub Inspector, a constable and a sainik of Home Guard for dereliction of duty. These ballots are being distributed now, the release added. Meanwhile, Congress's media cell chairperson Shobha Oza held a press conference, where she displayed one of the purported blank ballot papers and alleged that the Home Guard officials distributed the ballot papers to the jawans only on Wednesday. She claimed that these postal ballots were dispatched by the EC on November 29, a day after the polling. Oza alleged that the postal ballots were not distributed to the jawans of Home Guards on time so several of them may fail to exercise their franchise. Reacting to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's allegation that the Congress was raising a hue and cry over the EVMs out of fear, Oza said it was a matter of surprise that the BJP and the CM had no objection about the EVMs reaching 48 hours late to the strongrooms. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking on the Gandhi family a day after the Supreme Court ordered IT cases against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi to be reopened, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here Wednesday that his government had scored a win thanks to the courage of a "chaiwala". Making a final push for the BJP on the last day of campaigning for the state elections on Friday, the prime minister also used the extradition of Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland chopper deal during the previous UPA regime, to target the Congress leadership. Secrets will be told and the "entire family is shivering", he said, a day after Michel was extradited from Dubai and reached here late Tuesday. Modi, who addressed rallies in Sumerpur in Pali district and in Dausa, alleged that the Gandhi family had been enjoying privileges for four generations and said the government's "win" in the apex court on Tuesday was the "victory of the honest". On Tuesday, the Supreme Court allowed the Income Tax Department to reopen the tax assessment of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi for 2011-12 in connection with the National Herald case. "Now I will see how you escape... Look at the courage of a 'chaiwala' who took those running country for four generations to the court's door," Modi said in Sumerpur in a reference to his "chaiwala" roots. The government, he said, had brought Michel from Dubai. "He served politicians and will now disclose secrets Let's see how far this goes," the prime minister said. The entire family is shivering. The 'raazdar' (one who hides secrets) will speak up and they don't know whose name he will disclose It was a matter of thousands of crore so they are in a state of panic, he said. Continuing his attack against the Congress, Modi said in Dausa that the party was a confused party with confused leadership. They don't know the difference between Kumbharam and Kumbhkaran," he declared, referring to Rahul Gandhi's gaffe on Tuesday when he mistakenly referred to the Ashok Gehlot government starting the "Kumbhkaran" lift project instead of saying "Kumbharam" project. Modi said such a confused leadership cannot be good for the party or the country. "They do not have leader, policy and intention, Modi said. The Congress, he asserted, had lost the election and was now contemplating who to hold responsible for its defeat. "The Congress' 'gaaje-baaje' company thought the BJP was finished in Rajasthan. Now they are saying they are losing due to infighting and rebel candidates," he said. He said in Dausa that four generations of "naamdars" (dynasts) had shown no concern for tribal communities. Modi has often referred to Gandhi derisively as "naamdar". Their family is everything for Congress. The 125 crore people of the country is our family, he said. Making a point to mention khadi, for which Dausa is famous, he said the Gandhi family had shattered Mahatma Gandhi's khadi dream. Mahatma Gandhi worked to make khadi self-reliant, but the fake Gandhi family obliterated it, he said. Predicting a win for the BJP, he said people in the desert state were clearly in favour of the party coming back to power. Those singing Raag Darbari in New Delhi will not come to know about the direction of wave flowing, he said. "The public has decided. Now it is our job to win every booth in Rajasthan. Our mantra should be 'mera polling booth, sabse mazboot'," he said. The results for the December 7 elections will be declared on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Signing of currency swap agreement between India and the UAE will help in boosting trade and investments between the two countries, a commerce and industry ministry official said Wednesday. With this arrangement, the two countries allow trading in their own currency and payments to import and export trade at pre-determined exchange rate without bringing in a third benchmark currency like the US dollar, the official added. The idea for the agreement was first mooted by Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu and it was discussed at length in the sixth meeting of the UAE India High Level Joint Task Force on Investments held in Mumbai in October. The commerce ministry was continuously pursuing the matter with the UAE authorities. The ministry has also established a special UAE desk to facilitate investments and resolve issues relating to UAE Investments in India. The pact will further boost bilateral trade and investments between the countries, the official added. The bilateral trade stood at USD 50 billion in 2017-18. India has attracted USD one billion in FDI (foreign direct investment) during that fiscal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four days before the launch of their separate outfits, former INLD leader Ajay Chautala's son Digvijay on Wednesday took a veiled dig at his uncle Abhay Singh Chautala, saying holding public meetings in Haryana will not help get SYL canal waters for the state. Haryana's main opposition Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) on December 1 had started a 'Jan Adhikar Yatra' from Kurukshetra on various issues including the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. Former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala's elder son Ajay Chautala had last month announced to launch a new party on December 9, saying it will contest next year's assembly elections and the Lok Sabha polls from all 10 seats in the state. Ajay Chautala's new party is being launched following a split last month in the INLD, a result of the power struggle between him and his younger brother Abhay Chautala. Ajay and his two sons Digvijay and Hisar MP Dushyant were expelled from the party last month. After the 'Jan Adhikar Yatra' started from Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, leader of opposition Abhay Singh Chautala gave a clarion call to the people of Haryana to launch a decisive struggle on the SYL issue. In the recent past, the INLD had launched "jail bharo" agitation on the SYL issue. "Holding public meetings and rallies across the state will not help the state get SYL waters," Digvijay told reporters in Karnal, where he met supporters ahead of launch of separate outfit on December 9 by the Ajay Chautala's camp. "It has been decided that once our party is formed, we will move the Supreme Court by becoming a party (on SYL issue) like people approach the court on other issues," said Digvijay, the grandson of INLD President Om Prakash Chautala. On 'Jan Adhikar Yatra' started by the INLD under Abhay's leadership, Digvijay said: "Abhay ji doing this, let him continue with it, that is his decision. But I believe that the fight on SYL has to be fought either by pursuing the issue with the Centre or moving the apex court or by convincing the Punjab government (asking it to give Haryana's share). Holding rallies in Haryana is not going to get us SYL waters," he added. Addressing a public meeting in Rewari on Wednesday, Abhay reiterated that when all the legal hurdles have been removed in giving Haryana its share of river water through the SYL canal, "but the BJP government in Delhi and Haryana is finding new excuses to deprive the farmers of the state of their legitimate rights". He said the SYL canal was vital to the existence and sustenance of Haryana, and in its absence, the state was facing a catastrophic future since it was facing the threat of parched lands by also losing groundwater in the absence of river water. Ajay Chautala, who is undergoing a 10-year jail term with father Om Prakash Chautala since 2013 in a teachers' recruitment scam, is currently lodged in Tihar jail and had been out on parole for a brief period last month. Over the past couple of weeks, Ajay's MLA-wife Naina and two sons Dushyant and Digvijay have been holding public meetings and galvanising support ahead of the launch of the new outfit in Jind. Dushyant addressed one such meeting in Fatehabad on Wednesday, where he said time has come to "usher in a new change". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior AIADMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister D Jayakumar Wednesday alleged arch rival DMK was trying to win the by-elections expected in 20 assembly segments through shortcut, including through a secret pact with AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran. DMK is "somehow or through short cut," trying to win the 20 seats when elections are held and "day dreaming," about capturing power through it, he said adding it would never happen. Speaking to reporters here, Jayakumar alleged that DMK could even have a "secret pact," with Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam deputy general secretary Dhinakaran for the polls. The 18 assembly seats represented by disqualified AIADMK MLAs loyal to Dhinakaran have fallen vacant after the Madras High Court recently upheld the Speaker's action and lifted a stay on notifying elections. Two other seats fell vacant due to the demise of sitting MLAs -- DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi (Tiruvarur) and AIADMK's AK Bose (Tiruparankundram). Asserting that the AIADMK government had been implementing all the welfare schemes initiated by late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Jayakumar said such good work for the people will translate into votes for the AIADMK. Referring to the Mekedatu dam issue, he asserted that the AIADMK had all along fought for the rights of farmers and the welfare of the state in river water issues. He accused the DMK of betrayal of the state's interests be it Mullaperiyar dam or the Cauvery issues. The assembly is slated to adopt a resolution on Thursday on the dam issue to urge the Centre to halt its nod to Karnataka for preparing a Detailed Project Report for building a reservoir across Cauvery at Mekedatu. Meanwhile, Dhinakaran said elections to the 20 assembly segments were expected to be held alongwith Parliamentary polls next year. "The ruling party will lose power if it did not win at least eight seats," he told reporters. In the 234-member House with 20 vacancies, AIADMK has 115 MLAS (excluding the Speaker), DMK 88 and its allies (Congress 8 and IUML 1) nine and one is represented by Dhinakaran who won as an independent from RK Nagar last year. "This is a weak (AIADMK) leadership..it is subservient to the Centre and you cannot expect big from it...people know it well and they desire a regime change through elections," Dhinakaran claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Attacking TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu and the Congress-TDP alliance for the December 7 assembly polls, K Chandrasekhar Rao Wednesday asked voters not to hand over the reins of the state to the opposition alliance. In an apparent reference to the leaders in Telangana, he said that the government of " slaves", where Naidu's writ also runs, should not come to power. He asked the voters not to let "migratory forces" assume power. He was addressing the party's last election rally at Gajwel. Rao is in the fray from Gajwel. "From this 2018 elections last meeting, to all the Telangana people, as your child...we will solve if there are any small differences among us. Not a big problem. But don't give place to migratory forces," he said. "A government where Chandrababu Naidu's writ large runs should not come (to power). A government of slaves to should not come. The plight of (people) going to Vijayawada with applications should not come," he said. The is going it alone in the polls, while the Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) have formed the 'people's front'. Alleging that Naidu is anti-Telangana for opposing irrigation projects in the state, Rao said the reins of the state should not be handed over to the opposition alliance at a time when the seeds of development sown by the had started growing. He took exception to Naidu's comments, allegedly about shortage of water in the Krishna river, at the 'people front's last campaign rally at Kodad, addressed by the TDP chief and "What did Chandrababu Naidu speak at Kodad? There is no water in the Krishna. Let's share Godavari water. By making Telangana leaders and their Chief sit, (in their presence) Naidu is endorsing it," he said. "....There is no water in Krishna? Our share is not there?," Rao asked. "The whole of Telangana should say with their votes as to how dare Naidu say that the state's share is not there," he said. Rao highlighted the major progress achieved during TRS rule and stressed on several welfare measures of his government since 2014, including social security pensions, 'Kanti Velugu' eye screening programme and the fresh promises made to the electorate. Rao has been critical about Naidu for opposing irrigation projects in the state, a charge denied by Naidu during the election campaign. Barack Obama surrendered his law license back in 2008 to escape charges of lying on his bar application. Michelle Obama voluntarily surrendered her law license in 1993 after a Federal Judge gave her a choice between surrendering her license or standing trial for insurance fraud. If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). The winner of the USD 25,000 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature will be announced at the Kolkata Literary Meet (Kalam) next month, its presenters Wednesday said. Indian authors Neel Mukherjee, Sujit Saraf, Jayant Kaikini and Manu Joseph and writers of Pakistani origin Kamila Shamsie and Mohsin Hamid are in the race for the award, which is now in its eighth year. The winner will be named at the iconic Victoria Memorial Hall on January 25 at a special ceremony during the literary festival that will take place from January 22-27. The jury is headed by Rudrangshu Mukherjee and has Claire Armitstead, Nandana Sen, Firdous Azim and Tissa Jayatilaka as other members. The partnership with the Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet will provide a significant impetus to the literature of the region as both the prize and the festival are strongly focused to further the cause of South Asian writing, the presenters said. Speaking about the partnership, Surina Narula, founder of the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature said, "We see a lot of positive synergies in this partnership as we both share a common vision to promote and highlight South Asian writing to more people across geographies through the forum of literature and the arts." Malavika Banerjee, director of the Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet, added, "At a time when this region is yielding a rich crop of young writers it's heartening to see a prize that showcases and rewards the best books from this region." Since 2016, the winner is announced in different South Asian countries by rotation. In 2016, it was awarded to Anuradha Roy at the Galle Literary Festival in Sri Lanka and last year, the prize was given to Anuk Arudpragasam at the Dhaka Lit Fest in Bangladesh. The DSC Prize, instituted by Surina and Manhad Narula in 2010, focuses on South Asian fiction writing. From the 88 eligible entries received this year, the DSC Prize had first announced a longlist of 16 books in New Delhi in October and then a six-book shortlist in London in November. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ecuador's vice-president has resigned over allegations by a former aide she took kickbacks which serving as a lawmaker five years ago. Maria Alejandra Vicuna announced her resignation Tuesday on Twitter, saying the South American country did not deserve the "instability" caused by the crisis. It came a day after President Lenin Moreno distanced himself, suspending her from the post to allow her time to fight the allegations. In Ecuador, the vice-president can only be sacked through an impeachment process in the national assembly, which last week called on her to resign. Vicuna has been in the post for just over a year. She replaced Moreno's running mate, Jorge Glas, convicted and jailed over his involvement in the massive Odebrecht bribes scandal. The allegations against Vicuna come from a former aide, Angel Sagbay, who said last week that while working as Vicuna's advisor in 2012 and 2013 he regularly banked deposits -- totalling around $20,000 -- in Vicuna's account that he claims were kickbacks. Prosecutors are investigating the corruption allegations and Vicuna said she was confident she will be cleared by the courts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French farmers said Wednesday that they will stage a series of protests next week, adding to President Emmanuel Macron's woes as the "yellow vest" anti-tax movement rocks the country. The farmers' grievances include financial charges on their operations, the head of the main agricultural union told AFP. "No specific day has been set, it's for the week," Christiane Lambert said of the farmer protests. She said the farmers were not officially joining the "yellow vests", a grassroots uprising which has shunned alignments with political parties or labour unions. "They want an apolitical movement, without unions, and I respect that," she said, adding that farmers were facing "specific problems". She accused the government of "agri-bashing" by imposing new regulations such as requiring farmers to declare when they use glyphosate, a weedkiller suspected by some scientists of causing cancer. "Farmers feel humiliated," Lambert said. Many are also worried after Agriculture Minister Didier Guillaume said Wednesday that measures aimed at improving their negotiating power with distributors would be delayed as the government grapples with the "yellow vest" movement. The measures aim to prevent distributors and retailers from selling at a loss and limit price wars that farmers say are squeezing their margins to the limit. They were supposed to be approved at a cabinet meeting Wednesday and come into effect on January 1. But they may now be delayed until later in the month or February, Guillaume said. "It's delayed, but there must not be any retreat by the government," Lambert said. "The important thing is that it can be applied as of January 1," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A five-member team from a French investigation agency Wednesday reached here to interrogate an alleged Islamic State terror operative in connection with the 2015 Paris blasts, and held discussions with the NIA, which will facilitate the three-day questioning session at a jail in Kerala. The team from the French anti-terror agency will be in Kerala till Friday to interrogate Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Thodupuzha, at the Central jail in Thrissur district. "The five-member team from a French anti-terror investigation agency met us at Kochi today," a top National Investigation Agency (NIA) official told PTI here. He said the team arrived in the country after an NIA court in Kochi granted them permission to interrogate Subahani, currently lodged in Viyyur Central jail. "They (the French team) will visit Thrissur and meet the accused Subahani at Viyyur Central Prison, as permitted by the court, from December 5 to 7," the official said. The NIA probe revealed that Subahani knew the terrorists who carried out the attack inside a theatre in Paris in 2015, killing over 100 people, but has feigned ignorance about the plot. He was arrested from Tamil Nadu in 2016 in a crackdown by the NIA with the help of central security agencies and other state police, foiling designs of ISIS operatives to target some judges of Kerala and foreign tourists visiting the coastal state. Subahani, picked up from Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, was radicalised and recruited in ISIS through social media platforms. He left India for Istanbul from Chennai in April 2015 on the pretext of performing Umrah--Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. After reaching Istanbul, he had crossed over with other people from Pakistan and Afghanistan to Iraqi territory under control of ISIS, officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Karnataka government Wednesday decided to bear the expenses of girl students pursuing pre-university, graduation and post-graduate courses in colleges run by it. The scheme, approved by the state cabinet that met here, would come into effect from this academic year and the government would bear the college fees of 3.7 lakh girls, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Krishna Byregowda told reporters here. This scheme benefiting 3.7 lakh girls in the state would cost Rs 95 crore to the state exchequer annually, he said. The cabinet also gave its consent to a tourism promotion policy that would encourage films to be shot in tourist destinations in the state. The tourism department would pay an honorarium ranging from Rs one crore to Rs 2.5 crore depending upon the scale of the film project, he said. Among others, the cabinet approved simplifying the procedure for change of land use from agriculture to residential and other purposes, revival of ailing sugar factory in Bidar and modernisation of Ghataprabha Left Bank Canal at an expenditure of Rs 573 crore. It also approved and revision of allowances for employees as recommended in the sixth pay commission, which would incur an annual additional expenditure of Rs 400 crore. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) / -- Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, today said that government is committed to providing quality health care within the country and outside through promoting the service sector. Speaking via video conferencing at the 'Advantage Health Care - India 2018' (4th International Summit on Medical Value Travel) organised by FICCI jointly with the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Mr Prabhu said, "We have set aside almost Rs. 5,000 Cr or approximately 700 million dollars for enhancing the overall services sector including healthcare." Mr Sudhanshu Pandey, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, said that it is extremely important that the healthcare facilities are affordable as only then more and more people can access quality healthcare. "Our efforts in India have been to reduce the cost of healthcare services, while we take our journey towards universal coverage, we try to offer and share our resources with the global citizens," he added. He further said that India itself carries a very large disease burden and is trying to come up with programs and policies, latest one being Ayushman Bharat Scheme, where efforts have been made to extend a wide insurance coverage to the Indian citizens numbering over 500 million so that they can have access to better health care facilities. Ms. Sangita Reddy, Vice President, FICCI & Executive Director Apollo Hospitals Group said, "India is unparalleled in delivering quality medical care at one tenth of the global cost, and aims to transform this sector so that India becomes an epicenter of Medical Value Travel." She further added that we will continue to work on better facilities, translation, food, and outstanding medical services for our foreign patients. Our doors are open, our hearts are open, and our facilities are on par with the best. Dr. Devlina Chakravarty, Co-Chair-FICCI MVT Committee & MD, Artemis Hospitals said that India has more than 1,600 NABH accredited facilities, & 32 JCI accredited hospitals. "Cost is not the only differentiator for India when it comes to medical value travel, we're also known for our talent," she added. On the occasion 'FICCI-EY Knowledge Paper on Medical Tourism in India' was also released by FICCI in association with Ernst and Young. The dignitaries at the two-day conference and exhibition included Mr. Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, FICCI; Dr. Shohani Ramzi, Head International Relation, Health Ministry of Iraq; Mr. Suranjan Gupta, Executive Director, EEPC India; Dr. Harish Pillai, Co-Chair - FICCI MVT Committee & CEO Aster Hospitals & Clinics, India at Aster DM Healthcare. Advantage Health Care India - 2018 aims to present India as the most preferred healthcare destination for patients from across the globe. The idea behind the summit is to provide an opportunity for India to showcase its immense pool of medical capabilities as well as help develop opportunities for healthcare collaborations between the participating countries. Visitors and delegates from over 71 countries are participating in the Summit. 'FICCI-EY Knowledge Paper on Medical Tourism in India': Key takeaways of the report: 1. Asia accounts for 58% share of total disease burden, while Africa stands at 24%, indicating the disease burden stress to be highly prominent in the Asian region2. The largest disease burden comes from cardiovascular diseases which accounts for 14-15% of the total. This is followed by cancers, mental and neurological disorders, new born complications and other NCDs. Diarrhea and other infectious disease also account for 10%3. MVT is a burgeoning multi-billion dollar industry and likely to grow higher due to many bene?ts o?ered to patients4. 95% of the medical travelers from Africa prefer travelling to Asia for medical treatments. A high-quality treatment at lower healthcare costs coupled with the possibility to travel to exotic places made Asia the preferred region for foreign medical travelers5. India, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore are the most preferred countries for medical treatments globally due to advanced quality healthcare and a?ordable healthcare costs6. Countries like Costa Rica, Mexico, Barbados and Antigua are expanding their services faster thus attracting patients from North America and Europe. The UAE is also developing itself as MVT hub by promoting developments in Dubai. Huge amounts of investment have been made in Dubai by the government, as it envisages itself as the medical hub in coming years7. The lowest spending by the government has been observed in countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar indicating inadequate medical infrastructure. Thus, the inadequate infrastructure in source countries and higher prices of healthcare in developed economies like U.S. and Canada, become the high potential region where India can focus for the development of MVT. About Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI): A non-government, not-for-profit organisation, FICCI is the voice of India's business and industry. From influencing policy to encouraging debate, engaging with policy makers and civil society, FICCI articulates the views and concerns of industry. It serves its members from the Indian private and public corporate sectors and multinational companies, drawing its strength from diverse regional chambers of commerce and industry across states, reaching out to over 2,50,000 companies. Further information is available at: http://ficci.in. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana were fighting like "kilkenny cats", exposing the country's premier investigating agency to "public ridicule", the government told the Supreme Court on Wednesday while justifying the decision to divest Verma of his duties. Attorney General (AG) K K Venugopal also told the bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi that the government was well "within its right to intervene" and send both officers on leave by divesting them of their powers. The top law officer also asserted that "only the God knows where and how this fight between the two top officers would have ended" if the government would not have taken the action which was aimed at restoring the public faith in the CBI. "The government was watching with amazement. The two top most officers were fighting like kilkenny cats...Dispute between the CBI Director and Special Director was pulling down integrity and respect of premier institution," Venugopal told the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph. "fight like a Kilkenny cat" refers to an old Irish story about two cats who fought to the death and ate each other up such that only their tails were left. It is often used figuratively of two people who are vehemently opposed in attitudes or opinions to the extent that they will never agree and will spark fire off each other whenever they meet. The AG further submitted that the two top officers, Verma and Asthana, were "fighting against each other and went public which exposed CBI to public ridicule." Referring to media reports, he said that their public fight gave print and electronic media "a field day". "It was the duty of the government to ensure that confidence of public in this premier institution is restored," he said. The AG also rebutted the submission of Verma that the selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and the Chief Justice should have been consulted before divesting of his powers. The selection panel's job was to select the candidate for appointment as the CBI Director and the central government, being the appointing authority, was well within its right to take action in view of prevailing "extraordinary and unprecedented" situation in CBI, the AG said. Reacting to Verma's submissions and allegations that the government has not taken any independent decision and only relied upon the order of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in sending him on leave, the AG referred to provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act and the CVC Act to say that the CVC and the Centre have the power of superintendence over CBI. He also read Department of Personnel and Training order against Verma and Asthana and said "the dispute between the CBI Director and the Special Director was pulling down the the respect and integrity of the institution which got eroded." The officers should have settled the fight "in-house" and rather, they went public with it leading to a situation where " channels and the papers had a field day," he said, adding that the government should have acted in July itself when their fight first time became public. He said that common public and the courts have "faith" in the CBI and due to the fight, the reputation of the premier agency had eroded and hampered. Replying to Justice Joseph's query that how the government came to know that the officers have gone public with their fight and asked whether there was any press conference held by them, Venugopal referred to the media reports, and said that he can produce relevant materials to this effect. The law officer then opposed the submission of Verma that sending him on leave amounted to his transfer and hence, the government cannot tamper with the apex court verdict which guarantees two years fixed tenure to the CBI chief. "If anybody asks today, who is the CBI Director. The answer is -- Alok Verma. He is getting the same salary, perks and perquisites and having same designation. He is staying in his same official residence here," he said. The law officer referred to previous judgements and said that there was "no limitation and inhibition" on the power of the Centre, which decided to divest Verma of his powers and asked someone else to perform the duties of the CBI head. In response to a query of the bench whether the CBI chief can still supervise the graft cases cases lodged under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the law officer said that he cannot do this at the moment. "The government was compelled to intervene. Though, it could have done so in July itself," he said, adding, "there were large number of allegations. The government's worry was that CBI was becoming a subject matter of public ridicule. We had to prevent this... the government had to act keeping in mind the totality of facts. Totality required action." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CVC, commenced his arguments by referring to legal provisions relating to the vigilance panel. The court would now resume hearing tomorrow on pleas of Verma, who is challenging the Centre's decision against him, and NGO 'Common Cause' seeking court-monitored SIT probe into allegations of corruption against various CBI officials, including Asthana. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Gujarat High Court Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking a ban on the release of Bollywood film "Kedarnath" and said it was merely a "publicity stunt" by the petitioner. The film, which stars Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan, is set to release on December 7. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice A S Dave and Justice Biren Vaishnav dismissed the PIL that sought a ban on the release of the movie saying that it hurt the "religious sentiments" of Hindus. Prakash Rajput, president of International Hindu Sena, had filed the plea claiming that the movie hurt the sentiments of Hindus as it featured a Muslim boy falling in love with a Hindu girl. In the petition, he alleged the movie also featured kissing scenes at Kedarnath, a revered site, which also hurt the sentiments of Hindus. Coming down heavily on the petitioner, the court said the PIL was nothing but a "publicity stunt". It also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on him. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the movie shows a wealthy Hindu girl falling in love with a Muslim guide during a tour of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik could not attend the annual day function of SKIMShospital on Wednesday here as he was unwell, a Raj Bhawan spokesman said. He was apparently reacting to media reports criticising the Governor for not attending the annual function of the premier tertiary care hospital of the state where Malik was the chief guest. "Governor Satya Pal Malik could not attend SKIMS Soura Annual day function in Srinagar on morning as he was unwell," the spokesman said. "In fact, the Governorwas already scheduled to go to New Delhi after attending function at SKIMS in Srinagar formedical consultations but had to preponehis departure because of medical reasons," the spokesman added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court Tuesday issued notice to the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government on a PIL seeking sanction of funds to rehabilitate families of fishermen in the state affected due to attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy. A division bench comprising Justice M Sathyanarayanan and Justice P Rajamanickam, before which the public interest litigation petition from "Fishermen Care" came up, issued the notice to the governments and asked them to file affidavits with supporting documents before January 10, 2019. The petitioner alleged that human right violations were being committed against the fishermen by the Lankan Navy personnel while they go fishing in the Palk Strait. He claimed that 111 Tamil Nadu fishermen had been killed between 1983 to 2013 by the Lankan Navy and that 16 fishermen were either missing or feared shot dead. Besides, a total of 439 fisherman had been injured in the attacks, he submitted. The petitioner submitted that the human rights violations were the offshoot of "the blunder" committed by India in ceding Katchatheevu islet to Sri Lanka in the 1970s. He claimed that according to the agreement signed by India and Sri Lanka in 1974, the customary rights of both countries to engage in fishing in the waters of Palk Strait were retained, but yet the Indian fishermen had been attacked. Considering the petitioner's repeated representations to formulate welfare schemes to rehabilitate the families of the fishermen, the union government, had in 2017, granted Rs 200 crore for the purpose. But no further action was taken, the petitioner alleged, and cited the futile representations he had made this year to both the governments for the scheme. Hence the present PIL, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As per report at the meeting, two- way trade turnover between Vietnam and South Africa increased US$ 700 million in 2012 to US$ 1.5 billion in 2017 after 25 years of the establishement of diplomatic relationship.Currently, South Africa is Vietnams largest distributor in timber products, chemicals, plastic materials, cotton fibers, fertilizer ...Meanwhile, Vietnamese product exports to South Africa include footwear, coffee, textile and garment, rice, precious gemstones and metalsBy the end of 2019, the two sides expect that bilateral trade turnover will hit US$ 2 billion.The seminar was co-held by branch of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Da Nang and the South Africa Embassy. BY VAN THANG- Translated by Huyen Huong The Heavy Industries Ministry has proposed reducing customs duty on parts of electric vehicles which are currently not exempted from import tariff to the Department of Revenue, according to senior officials. With an aim to boost production of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, the ministry has also suggested defining semi knocked down and completely knocked down kits used for assembling EVs for streamlining of customs duty. At present, key components for EVs, including battery, controller, charger, converter, energy monitor, electric compressor and motor, attract zero customs duty. On the other hand, parts including metals and plastics attract 28 per cent basic customs duty. "We have proposed a definition for completely knocked down (CKDs) and semi knocked down (SKDs) kits for EVs along with a tax structure conducive to increasing their presence on Indian roads. However, we will not touch the parts attracting zero per cent duty," a senior government official told PTI. The tax structure entailing a one-year sunset clause was proposed by the Heavy Industries Ministry to the Finance Ministry in a meeting last week and is likely to be introduced along with the Rs 5,500 crore FAME India scheme entailing subsidies for all categories of electric vehicles, strong hybrid cars and for establishing charging infrastructure. The policy to boost EV adoption in the country will also entail a long-term road-map and vision to encourage domestic manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. "The idea is to encourage big original equipment manufacturers to bring CKD and SKD kits in India so that they can be assembled here and enhance the visibility of EVs. In order that Make in India gets a boost and does not suffer we have suggested sunset clauses," said an official. The Heavy Industries Ministry had drawn up the blueprint for the second phase of FAME India scheme and received the nod for sanction of Rs 5,500 crore from the expenditure finance committee (EFC) under the Finance Ministry in September. However, according to sources, the Prime Minister's Office had emphasised incentives for domestic manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries as they are mostly imported from China. The government presently is not in favour of supporting battery swapping as a means to encourage adoption of electric vehicles owing to fears of dumping of batteries from China and the high cost of establishing battery swapping infrastructure, officials said. While government think-tank NITI Aayog is coordinating among related ministries for the proposals with regard to FAME-II, the Heavy Industries Ministry will implement the scheme once it is approved by the Union Cabinet. "Battery swapping policy may lead to dumping of Li-ion batteries from China with no proper mechanism for their disposal. The duty on import of Li-ion battery is only going to increase so we are not going to encourage their imports," said another official. "Reduction in the SKD and CKD rates for electric vehicles will be a welcome step in the direction of moving towards a cleaner energy option. "However, we would be favourable towards promotion of local manufacturing of electric vehicles under the Make in India programme as such remedies would augment the adoption of EVs and showcase the government's long-term vision," said N Naga Satyam, Executive Director - Olectra Greentech Limited. Olectra Greentech manufactures electric buses in India in a strategic tie-up with BYD Auto Industry Co. Ltd, a leading China-based manufacturer of electric vehicles. The government has already extended the first phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric (and Strong Hybrid) Vehicles (FAME-India) scheme by two years until March 31 next year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Aimed at promoting digital banking, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur Wednesday flagged off the mobile van of the HP State Cooperative Bank from his official residence here. The mobile van is equipped with an ATM, TV screen, CCTV, sound system and publicity material, a spokesperson said. The chief minister said, "The initiative by the State Cooperative Bank would go a long-way in spreading awareness and promoting digital financial literacy in the rural areas of the state." The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) had provided financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh for the purchase of this mobile van, he added. The van will visit remote areas to demonstrate various modernised banking services in order to bring maximum people under financial inclusion, he said. This initiative will help in sensitising businessmen and customers on how to use digital payment system besides creating awareness among the users about the safety measures to be taken while using different banking technologies, the spokesperson added. The CM appreciated the efforts of the bank for being pro-active and taking the initiative which would help in demonstration of ATM and RuPay card transaction etc. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Haryana police has arrested a man who is named as an accused in multiple criminal cases and carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head, police said Wednesday. A team of Special Task Force (STF) nabbed Ravinder alias Rabbo Tuesday night near Kamla Nehru Park, Sohna Chowk in Gurugram, a spokesman for the Haryana Police said. Ravinder is a resident of Rohta Patti, Hodal, district Palwal, he said, adding that a pistol and two live cartridges were also recovered from his possession. He was involved in several cases of crime including attempt to murder, theft, obstructing public servant in discharge of duty, rioting and criminal intimidation", he said. The arrested person has also been declared a proclaimed offender in a case registered at Sadar Police Station, Palwal district, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Countries that go it alone and fail to adapt to new economic realities could face a "dystopian" future where an angry majority is left behind, IMF chief warned Tuesday. She urged world leaders to remember the lesson of the global recession that followed the 2008 financial crisis: " cooperation is essential, not optional." The managing director of the Washington-based global crisis lender issued yet another plea to governments, notably the United States, to back away from protectionism and confrontation. At a time when US President is engaged in global trade conflict that the IMF says puts world economic growth at risk, Lagarde said she is pleased by the "significant progress" over the weekend to defuse the US-China trade dispute. But asked about the sharp decline in US stock markets -- which fell more than three percent due to concerns over the trade war and the impact on the economy -- Lagarde urged patience. "Compared to what we've gone through it's progress," she said. Lagarde delivered her message about the need for global economic cooperation wrapped in praise for the key leadership role the US plays in the world. In the economic prosperity that followed World War II, "We learned from the past, got creative, and changed for the better," she said in a lecture at the US Library of Congress. "None of this would have been possible without the This country challenged the economic order when it needed challenging. It forged compromise when compromise was necessary." And it was in the US interest to take a leading role because "a stronger and more stable world paid dividends for the US," she said. "This success did not come at the expense of other nations," Lagarde said. "On the contrary. This country's collaborative leadership paved the way not only for decades of opportunity here in America, but also for growth that spread across the world." That contrasts sharply with Trump's "America First" rhetoric and his view of trade as a zero-sum game in which imports equate to countries taking money out of the country. Policies like that could lead to an "age of anger," where inequality soars and millions are left behind, Lagarde cautioned. Much of the anger erupting worldwide and the economic anxiety "is a legacy of the crisis," she said in response to a question. In Britain, it was channeled into fear of foreigners and led to Brexit, but she said there is "more regret in the UK than there was only six months ago," as the consequences of leaving the become apparent. To avoid the "dystopian scenario," countries must adapt, improving cooperation among governments, to strengthen oversight, reduce corruption and reform tax collection. That will free up resources to improve infrastructure and education. That also means fixing the trading system to reduce tensions, including getting rid of subsidies and protecting technology -- issues Trump has complained about. The rapidly changing global economy offers "a fundamental choice: stand still and watch discord and discontent bubble over into conflict, or move forward," Lagarde said. "Because more than ever before, what happens in one nation can impact all nations. Describing the killing of a policeman by a mob in Bulandshahr as "shameful", Congress president Rahul Gandhi wondered if police was being treated in such a manner in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's rule, then how terrorised the common man would be feeling. "Police official Subodh Singh's killing by a frenzied mob is painful and shameful," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi on Tuesday night. "If in Modi-Yogi rule police is in such a condition, then how much terror the common man would be feeling," he said. A mob of some 400 people, including right-wing activists, fought pitched battles with police on Monday in Siana area of Bulandshahr district, apparently after right-wing activists were angered by the discovery of cow carcasses strewn in a nearby jungle. They set fire to dozens of vehicles, hurled stones and also fired shots at police who retaliated with gunfire. In the violence, Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, the station house officer of Siana, and 20-year-old Sumit Kumar were killed. Earlier on Tuesday, the Congress attacked Modi over the Bulandshahr violence, asking if "this was the change" he had promised the country. The party demanded an inquiry into the incident under the supervision of a sitting high court judge. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In south Rajasthan's Vagad region, a party from Gujarat is trying to woo voters banking on the undercurrent in the tribal belt. The tribal-dominated region, which lies south of the Mewar and shares border with Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh in the south, has seen resentment against both BJP and Congress over the past few years. Voters here say that none of the two took care of their rights. Banking on this, Gujarat-based Bhartiya Tribal Party or BTP, is reaching out to tribal voters, especially the younger population. The party has even formed a large network of young men led by senior tribal leaders to canvass every nook and corner of the region. "Proper implementation of schedule five of the Constitution, which deals with scheduled areas, is our main agenda because both BJP and Congress suppressed tribals and have 'snatched' their lands," state chief of the party Velaram Ghoghra told PTI. Ghogra is himself contesting from the Dungarpur constituency. Alongside him, the BPT has fielded 10 other candidates. The party is contesting on all four seats in Dungarpur, three of the five seats in Banswara and one seat each in Sirohi, Pratapgarh and Udaipur. Highlighting the "apathy" of tribals, Ghogra said: "They are the custodians of the land but the situation today is that they have to stand along the roadside to seek employment." He added, "Our people are migrating to other states, we have no local resources, electricity and water is another core issue. Youths are educated but they are unemployed and therefore a kind of unrest is developing. People from outside come and grab the lands of tribal." Ahead of this election, the situation has been such that both Congress and BJP have been putting in extra hours to ensure that seats here don't slip out of their hands. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have both toured the area. BTP was founded last year ahead of the Gujarat polls by former JDU legislator Chotubhai Vasava. It won two seats in Gujarat elections in alliance with Congress. In Rajasthan, the party has found strong support from students' group Bhil Vidhyarthi Morcha, which has been active in the tribal belt for over the last three years. In union elections early this year, it won a substantial number of seats in Dungarpur colleges. Ghogra, an advocate of separate state for local ethnic groups, also said: "After the effective implementation of the scheduled 5, Bhil Pradesh will be our next major demand. We want a separate Bhil Pradesh comprising of tribal belt in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh." There have been apprehensions that unrest among tribals may lead to a situation like in Maoist affected areas of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Intelligence agencies have also expressed concern over certain activities in the region. "Yes, there were reports about some sensitive activities in the area over the last two-three years. Some people from states like Telangana have held meetings here. We did whatever we could do," state Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria, who is contesting from Udaipur constituency, said. He said that as far as BTP is concerned, it will not be able to hamper BJP's poll prospects. "We ensured that people get education and basic amenities in the tribal area. We have associated tribal people with our organisations and they (BTP)will not be able to win." On the other side, Congress state chief Sachin Pilot said that when his party was in power it did enough for the welfare of tribals in the state. "Congress has always focused on the welfare of tribal people. On coming to power, we will address their issues by bringing everyone together," he said. Rajasthan will be voting for 199 seats of its 200-member Assembly on December 7. Results will be announced on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India is the fourth highest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, accounting for 7 per cent of global emissions in 2017, a study said Wednesday. The top four emitters in 2017, which covered 58 per cent of global emissions, were China (27 per cent), the US (15 per cent), the European Union (10 per cent) and India (7 per cent), according to the projection by the Global Carbon Project. The rest of the world contributed 41 per cent last year, it said. India's emissions look set to continue their strong growth by an average of 6.3 per cent in 2018, with growth across all fuels coal (7.1pc), oil (2.9pc) and gas (6.0pc), the study said. The top 10 emitters were China, the US, the EU, India, Russia, Japan, Germany, Iran, Saudi Arabia and South Korea. The study also said that the Indian emissions were projected to grow 2 per cent in 2017, compared to 6 per cent per year averaged over the previous decade, due to significant government interventions in the economy. In India, emissions are expected to grow by a solid 6.3 per cent in 2018, pushed by strong economic growth of around 8 per cent per year. "Coal is still the mainstay of the Indian economy, and as in China, it will be a challenge for solar and wind to displace coal, given the strong growth in energy use," it said. It also said that although global coal use is still 3 per cent lower than its historical high, it is expected to grow in 2018, driven by growth in energy consumption in China and India. The emissions in the rest of the world -- remaining 41 per cent of global emissions -- are expected to grow by 1.8 per cent in 2018. This group is of mainly developing countries and the five countries contributing most to the growth in this grouping in the last decade are Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Iraq and South Korea, the study said. China, India and the European Union are setting the pace. These regions represent 40 per cent of global carbon emissions. They are set to achieve more than what they agreed in the first round of Paris Agreement in 2015. Their leaders can step up and announce even bolder programmes at the UN summit in September, 2019, to review the commitments made during Paris Agreement, it said. The study said that while China and India still rely heavily on coal, the US and the EU are slowly decarbonising. India can continue to deploy solar farms, leveraging its leadership of the International Solar Alliance to displace coal and clean up its smog-choked cities. By 2020, India can announce its own fossil-fuel exit strategy and a target date for its peak CO2 emissions, the study said. The study warned that the global emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and industry are projected to rise for the second consecutive year in 2018, by more than 2 per cent to a new record, mainly due to sustained growth in oil and gas use. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sixty Indian Railways officials will be trained in varied areas of safety in Japan, the transporter said Wednesday, after the first meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee for India-Japan project on capacity development on railway safety. "A Japanese study team shall work with NR (Northern Railway) officials over a period of two years. The project also envisages first-hand exposure and training of 60 Indian railway officials in Japan in the identified areas," the statement stated. The meeting was chaired by General Manager, Northern Railway, TP Singh, and attended by railway board officials as well as representatives of the Japanese government. The Indian Railways is having extensive cooperation with Japan. At present, Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Projects are under implementation. Annually, 300 railway officers are being trained by the Japanese government on high speed rail. The projects on Capacity Development on Railway Safety' has been launched to share the best practices in area of safety, the statement said. The preliminary discussions between Ministry of Railways, India and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan started in January, 2017 and a Memorandum of Cooperation on Railway Safety was signed between two countries in February, 2017. This Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at cooperation in rail safety particularly in welding, rail-inspection, track circuit and latest technology related to inspection technology of track and rolling stock maintenance. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian-origin pharmacist was sentenced to life imprisonment by a UK court on Wednesday for murdering his wife to use a two-million pound life insurance payout to build a new life with his gay lover in Australia. Mitesh Patel, 37, was told that he must serve a minimum term of 30 years behind bars before being considered for parole over the murder of Jessica Patel, who was found dead at the couple's home in Middlesborough, northern England, in May. He had denied killing his wife and claimed that she was a victim of a burglary at their home. However, the prosecution proved that Patel staged a burglary scene after injecting his 34-year-old wife with insulin and then strangling her with a plastic supermarket shopping bag. "You have no remorse for your actions. Any pity you have is for yourself," said Justice James Goss, during a sentencing hearing at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday. In a statement on behalf of Jessica's family, her grieving younger sister Divya told the court: "The one thing we hope and prayed for above anything else was that in her final moments she did not suffer". "The cruel reality is that she did in fact suffer, she knew exactly who her killer was, and he mercilessly ignored her attempts to fight for her own life as he ended it. "We can only imagine the fear and panic she must have felt knowing herself this was it. Thinking of that moment makes our hearts so heavy," she said. According to court reports, she then addressed her brother-in-law directly to say that her sister would finally be free of him 'forever'. "As will she rest in heaven, you will rot in hell," she said, adding that he could have divorced her, taken everything he wanted but did not have to take her life. "He had no right to take this evil, cruel and malicious step," Divya said. During the trial, it emerged that the accused had planned to claim a two-million pound (USD 2.5 million) life insurance payout and move to Sydney with lover Dr Amit Patel, described as his "soulmate". The couple had plans to use Jessica's frozen embryos to then have a baby. Prosecutors said Mitesh's motivation for the murder was to escape his strict Hindu upbringing and flee the UK to be with his lover in Australia and start a new family. The jury was told that his wife had been aware for six years that her husband was in love with another man and was having casual sex with men he met on the gay dating app Grindr. The judge described Mitesh as a "selfish" man, whose lies were uncovered by police on examination of the iPhone health app, which tracks any user's steps throughout the day, on his and his wife's phones. The jury heard the cheating husband had made internet searches dating back years, including "I need to kill my wife", "insulin overdose", "plot to kill my wife, do I need a co-conspirator?", "hiring hitman UK" and "how much methadone will kill you?". In July 2015, he told his Sydney-based lover Amit: "Her days are marked." On Tuesday, a jury of six men and six women took three hours of deliberation to give their guilty verdict. Jessica was found at her home on The Avenue in Linthorpe suburb of Middlesborough with "serious injuries" and pronounced dead at the scene on May 14. The victim, also known as Jess, ran the local chemist's shop on Roman Road in Middlesborough with her husband, whom she met while studying at university in Manchester. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japan's National Security Advisor Kentaro Sonoura on Wednesday met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here and discussed various aspects of bilateral ties. Qureshi told Sonoura that Pakistan regards Japan as a close friend and key economic partner, according to a statement by the Foreign Office. They exchanged ideas on enhancing cooperation in political, defence, economic and commercial sectors. Both countries expressed firm resolve to further increase high level interaction, the statement said. The Japanese NSA expressed a desire to further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan. Qureshi also briefed Sonoura about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and invited Japanese investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and assured facilitation for Japanese investors in all sectors. The foreign minister welcomed the sixth round of the Joint Government Business Dialogue scheduled to be held on December 10 in Tokyo and hoped for a concrete outcome. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As per the petition at the yesterday meeting with Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Phung Quoc Hien who led a delegation to work with the province on the problem, Ca Mau Authority presented a petition for emergency aid of VND300 billion ($13 million) which will be used for building resettlement areas for 356 households along river in Nam Can Town which are at risk of erosion. Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Chairman of Ca Mau Peoples Committee Lam Van Bi said that erosion has developed complicatedly causing the loss of protection forest. Statistically, from 2007, Vietnam has lost 8,870 hectare of forest in the coast or averagely, it loses over 800 hectare annually. Worse, it may destroy the embankment system in the west dykes threatening to production and lives of hundreds thousand of households in the region. Presently, around 57,000 meter of the provinces west coast are suffered erosion; around 7,800 meter sections have serious erosion which is highly likely to cause destruction of shoreline embankment while 48,000 meter erosion in the east has caused loss of 145 hectare of protection forest. Coastal districts of Nam Can, Dam Doi and Ngoc Hien are suffering worst erosion. Accordingly, Peoples Committee in Ca Mau proposed an emergency aid to carry out projects of building embankment along coast and vast expanse for restoring protection forest and more spending on improving dyke system in the west and east coast. Additionally, the province will also call for contribution of local enterprises to construct vast expanse for protection forest in combination with ecotourism, solar energy projects. At the meeting, Mr. Hien said that because Ca Mau is one of the localities most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, the National Assembly has approved to allocate VND10 trillion for erosion fight in the Mekong delta. Upon Ca Maus proposal of social contribution and ecotourism, solar energy projects , Mr. Hien answered that the National Assembly will consider. If possible, the National Assembly will give the green light to pilot the project. By TAN THAI - Translated by UYEN PHUONG A team of Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), which has provided soft loan to the Indian government for the country's first bullet train project, will be on a two-day visit of Gujarat from Friday to meet farmers affected by the project. Officials of the JICA, Japan's state-owned funding agency, will visit Surat on Friday to meet farmers, who have been protesting against land acquisition for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. The project-affected people, including farmers and land owners, had made representation to the JICA on September 18 this year, alleging that land acquisition for the project was being done "in complete and abject violation of the JICA guidelines and the Centre's Land Acquisition Act, 2013," seeking the agency's intervention. "In response to it, a JICA team, comprising its chief representative Katsuo Matsumoto and other members, has agreed to meet the affected farmers and their representatives at Surat. JICA team will visit on December 7 and 8," Anand Yagnik, lawyer for the project-affected persons, said. Representatives of the farmers' body, Gujarat Khedut Samaj, which has led a protest against land acquisition, will also take part in the meeting, he said. On Friday, the JICA team will pay a visit to some farm lands and their owners to take stock of situation, he said. "The next day, they will hold a meeting with the farmers and landowners of different villages and districts who are affected by the project," Yagnik, who is representing the project affected persons in ongoing litigation before the Gujarat High Court, said. The project had been launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in September last year. The bullet train will run at a speed of 320-350 kmph, and have 12 stations across its 500-km stretch. Around 1,400 hectares of land will be acquired in Gujarat and Maharashtra for the project. Of that 1,120 hectares land is privately owned. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Chief Minister Wednesday launched the 'Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana' under which 1,100 senior citizens from each of the 70 assembly constituencies here can undertake free pilgrimage. Under the scheme, a city resident above 60 years will be eligible to take free pilgrimage along with his or her spouse. The applicant can also take along an attendant above the age of 20 years, if the applicant or his spouse is above 70 years. The expenditure of the attendant will also be borne by the Delhi government. Speaking after launching the scheme in the presence of his council of ministers, the chief minister noted that a country which does not respect and take care of its senior citizens cannot progress. "The scheme was launched with an aim that every elderly person's desire to undertake a pilgrimage in his life gets fulfilled. I urge all the children and the MLAs to help our elderly register themselves and fill up the forms so that they can avail the service," he said. "Those desirous of undertaking the pilgrimage ought to have a voter ID card, medical certificate and recommendation from the area MLA," Kejriwal said. The applications will be received online and selection of pilgrims will be done through a draw. Respective area MLAs will certify whether the intended beneficiaries belong to Delhi or not. ALSO READ: Chilli powder to ink, here's Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's 'attack' record The pilgrimage for three days and two nights can be undertaken on the circuits of Delhi-Mathura-Vrindavan-Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Delhi; Delhi-Haridwar-Rishikesh-Neelkanth-Delhi; Delhi-Ajmer-Pushkar-Delhi; Delhi-Amritsar-Wagah border-Anandpur Sahib-Delhi; and Delhi-Vaishno Devi-Jammu-Delhi. The scheme was approved by the AAP government in July. There is no income criteria but preference will be given to those from economically weaker sections on first-come-first-serve basis, an official said. ALSO READ: Avoid 'petty politics', pay attention to Kejriwal's security: AAP to Centre Under the scheme, the AAP government will bear the expenses of 77,000 pilgrims every year. Employees of central, state and local government or autonomous bodies are not eligible for the scheme. The Delhi government has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the railways to cater to the pilgrims availing the scheme. International dignitaries will join US leaders present and past on Wednesday in saying their final goodbyes to former president George HW Bush, whose life will be honoured at a funeral service in Washington. The nation's 41st president, who died Friday at age 94, has lain in state since late Monday in the US Capitol rotunda. Tens of thousands of Americans have quietly filed in to pay their respects to a man who steered the nation through turbulent times including the end of the Cold War -- and in a style dramatically different from the bombast and combativeness championed by the current commander-in-chief, Donald Trump. The country's five living presidents -- Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Bush's son George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Trump -- are scheduled to attend the service at Washington National Cathedral, the Neo-Gothic spiritual center point of the US capital. Britain's Prince Charles will be there, as will German Chancellor Angela Merkel, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, and former Polish president Lech Walesa, among others. Trump's ascendancy to the head of the Republican Party saw him exchange vitriolic attacks with the Bushes, including mocking Bush senior's "thousand points of light" phrase and slamming the presidential son's 2003 invasion of Iraq as "one of the worst decisions in the history of our country." But he has taken pains to demonstrate unity since Bush's death, and made a low-key visit to the Capitol late Monday with First Lady Melania Trump to salute Bush's casket. And on the eve of the state funeral, the couple met with George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush at the presidential guest residence Blair House. Trump's relations with the Republican establishment have been rocky since his insurgent campaign took him to the party's nomination and then a shock election win in 2016. He did not attend the funeral this year of George H.W. Bush's wife Barbara Bush, even though other presidents were there. Trump has declared Wednesday a national day of mourning. Many federal offices will be closed along with Wall Street stock markets. Congress has also suspended votes -- even in the midst of a looming potential shutdown that requires congressional action before midnight Friday. The passing of Bush, only the second president to see his son follow him to the Oval Office, has led Americans to reflect on his life of duty and service to country as a leader of the so-called "Greatest Generation." At a time of extraordinary and deep political fissures, Bush was looked to this week as a gracious, humble servant of country who aimed to bridge the divide. "Quite frankly I think it's more important in many cases than the policies of a president," Monica Harisson, who worked eight years for the Reagan administration, told AFP. "We can agree or disagree with the policies. But if we respect the human being, I think it's a much broader framework for civility and good will in the country." Bush was a decorated World War II aviator who nearly lost his life when he was shot down on a bombing mission. He served as ambassador to China, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and vice president to Ronald Reagan before winning the White House. The former president struggled for years with Parkinson's disease, which left him wheelchair-bound and often hospitalized -- including after Barbara's death. After the Washington service, Bush's casket will be flown back to Houston. The former head of state will lie in repose at St Martin's Episcopal Church, where the Bushes worshipped for decades, until Thursday's funeral. He will be interred at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Center in College Station, Texas, next to his wife, who died in April, and their daughter Robin who died of leukemia at age three. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The accused in the Maharashtra arms haul case were members of right-wing outfits like the Sanathan Sanstha and motivated to establish a 'Hindu Rashtra', police said in its charge sheet filed in a special court here Wednesday. The state police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which probed the case, submitted its charge sheet against 12 accused in the special NIA court presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Padalkar. The case relates to seizure of arms and ammunition from different parts of the state in August this year. "The accused were members of organisations such as the (Goa-headquartered) Sanathan Sanstha, (its affiliate) 'Hindu Janjagruti' and similar other smaller outfits," the ATS said. "They had drawn their motivation of making efforts towards establishment of so-called Hindu Rashtra as explained in the Marathi book 'Kshatra Dharma Sadhana', published by Sanathan Sanstha," it said. The accused had hatched a conspiracy to undermine security and sovereignty of the country, the investigating agency said. "The accused had also conspired to form a terrorist gang of youths with similar mindset to work towards undermining unity, integrity, security and sovereignty of the country," it said. The gang had planned to use country-made pistols and bombs, and target the individuals who speak, write, perform against the so-called Hindu Dharma, its traditions and customs besides targeting similar kinds of programmes in order to terrorise the minds of the common people, the squad said. It was revealed during investigation that a western music programme, Sunburn, organised in Pune in December 2017 - was on the radar of the "terrorist gang", says the 6,800-page charge sheet which has statements of around 190 witnesses. "The terrorist gang had planned to use country-made bombs, petrol bombs, firearms and engage in heavy stone pelting in order to send a strong message to the followers of western music and culture, and terrorise the minds of all those who would attend the said programme," it said. The gang had prepared itself to attack the programme, but dropped its plan at the last moment because one of the accused informed others that he had possibly been exposed to one of the CCTV cameras installed at the venue, the ATS said. "It has also been revealed during investigation that the terrorist gang had recced with intention to harm physically rational individuals, speakers, litterateurs and others who target the Hindu religion and its traditions and customs," said the ATS document. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been slapped against the accused after taking necessary approval from authorities concerned, it said. There is strong evidence against the accused for invoking the stringent anti-terror act against them, the ATS told the court. When contacted by PTI, Sanathan Sanstha national spokesman Chetan Rajhans denied any links with the accused. "We have nothing to do with the accused. They are not members of Sanathan Sanstha. They were never our members. It is very surprising that the ATS has taken our name (in the charge sheet)," he said. The charge sheet has named 12 accused, namely Sharad Kalskar (25), Vaibhav Raut (44), Sudhanwa Gondhlekar (39), Shrikant Pangarkar (40), Avinash Pawar (30), Leeladhar Ukhirde (32), Vasudeo Suryawanshi (19), Suchit Kumar Rangswamy (37), Bharat Kurne (37), Amol Kale (34), Amit Baddi (27) and Ganesh Dasharath Miskin (28). The accused, arrested from Nallasopara in adjoining Palghar district, Pune, Aurangabad and elsewhere in the state, are currently in judicial custody. Besides the UAPA, the accused have also been booked under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act, IPC, Arms Act and the Maharashtra Police Act. Three to four more accused are absconding, according to the ATS. A huge quantity of explosives and firearms was seized during raids conducted by the ATS at Nallasopara, Pune and some other parts of the state. The first of the raids was conducted in Nallasopara on August 10 and led to the arrest of Raut who ran the 'Hindu Govansh Raksha Samiti', a little-known cow protection outfit, in Nallasopara near Mumbai, police had said. The seized haul included 23 live country-made bombs, 15 pistols, 10 pistol barrels, six pistol magazines, three partially made pistol magazines and half a dozen pistol slides, they said. Besides weapons, hard drives, pen drives, memory cards, hard discs, eight number plates of vehicles, copies of Kshatra Dharma Sadhana, several pocket diaries and notebooks were seized during the raids, they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mahansaria Family Wednesday announced signing a pact with Swedish engineering company Trelleborg to set up a tyre manufacturing facility for two-wheelers in the country. The joint venture will be 76 per cent owned by the Mahansaria Family and the rest 24 per cent by Trelleborg, a release said. The proposed facility will come up in western India and deliveries are expected to began from 2020, the release said. The company, however, did not disclose any details about the location or the investment in the said facility. For Mahansaria Family, this venture is a part of its strategy to enter the fast-growing two-wheeler tire market in the country, according to the release. "Through this joint venture, we look forward to providing technologically advanced products of global standards to the ever-evolving Indian two-wheeler tire market," Yogesh Mahansaria from Mahansaria Family was quoted as saying in the release. Currently, Trelleborg is focused on the European market for the manufacturing of tyres for two-wheelers, the release said, adding the JV will pave the way for Trelleborg to grow its business globally by gaining access to additional production capacity. "The JV is in line with the government's 'Make in India' initiative as it will help bring foreign technology and capital to India for manufacturing locally and serving Indian as well as global markets," said Mahansaria. The Mahansaria Family has more than 30 years of experience in the tyre industry. During this period, they have built two industry leading businesses - Balkrishna Industries and Alliance Tyre Group for off highway tires, the release said. They exited ATG in early 2016, selling their stake to Japanese tyremaker Yokohama. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mahatma Gandhi, one the "greatest revolutionaries" the world has ever seen, "revolutionised revolution" to convert its ethos from one triggered by "hatred and violence" to one based on "love", according to former diplomat PA Nazareth. He was speaking at the launch of his new book "Gandhi: The Soul Force Warrior" at the India International Centre on Tuesday evening. The former Director General of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) said that Gandhi changed the notion that hatred and violence were necessary ingredients to start a revolution. "The previous century, which was the most blood-stained of all centuries in history, was the century of revolutions. Then all types of revolutions -- fascist, communism, maoism -- were triggered with hate, and accompanied with the worst type of violence. "In this very moment, came a man who wanted to revolutionise revolution. Gandhi made revolution something that could endure and put humanity on a higher level in the ascent of man. That is the greatness of Gandhi," the author said. Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra, who was present at the book launch, congratulated the author for writing the book and help spread Gandhi's message, something he said he was afraid was getting "lost" in the present times. "Gandhiji's teachings, his message of compassion, brotherhood, non-violence, in my perception, from where I have been in last 10 years, are sadly all lost. "They have been vitiated, disintegrated and you can see much of the disorder and turmoil in the world all over, particularly in several parts of our own country," he said. Vohra also helped in the translation of Nazareth's earlier book 'Gandhi's Outstanding Leadership', both in Dogri and Kashmiri. The book has been published in 12 Indian languages, along with 23 foreign languages since its release in 2006. Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Mahatama Gandhi's grand-daughter Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, former Attorney-General Soli Sorabjee, jurist Fali S Nariman were among other eminent personalities who attended the event. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The mountain range in northern Vietnam ranked 7th in this list, and was voted as the most exciting destination in Southeast Asia. National Geographic is a prestigious American magazine with worldwide coverage of publications in 40 languages. Voted by travel editors and explorers of National Geographic, this well-known magazine has "revealed" the best 28 places across the world. In particular, the image of Hoang Lien Son in Sapa, Vietnam, appeared impressive and attractive at the position of 7th out of 28. According to the magazine, thanks to the new cable car, more and more visitors have the opportunity to reach Fansipan summit with 3,143m height. But this northwestern region (far from the crowded town of Sa Pa) still has the wild, idyllic, a different world apart from the noisy urban area Hanoi, although it is only 313 km away from the capital city. To enjoy the original beauty of the worlds most attractive destination 2019 Hoang Lien Son, Fansipan cable car is an interesting means of transportation. Fansipan cable car connects Muong Hoa valley to the top of Fansipan - the "Indochina Summit" in Vietnam, to take visitors gliding between the valley of the rugged primitive forest, through clusters of white clouds, enjoy the majestic beauty of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. From the middle of the sky, through the glass frame of cable car, visitors are able to collect all the typical beauty of the Northwest features such as terraced fields in the rice season. In addition to travelling by the cable car, trekking, exploring the mountains and the life of ethnic people in Sa Pa, are also a unique experience. Hoang Lien Son will also take any visitor to the cloudy city at the top of Fansipan. Here, a complex of architectural spirit majestic mountains are constructed in the middle of the mountainous range, hidden in the white clouds, in the sound of the bell rang echoes of each stone, bringing the feeling of natural and liberty. The highest point of Fansipan is the 3,143m tower - a milestone for the legendary "Indochina Summit". This is where tourists are immersed in the "beautiful clouds looks like a sea cloud" that National Geographic magazine described when talking about Hoang Lien Son. Along with the culinary discoveries in the villages, visitors can also enjoy the full flavour of the highlands with traditional dishes of the Northwest locality such as Sa Pa sausage, Bac Ha noodle soup, smoked buffalo meat and sticky rice cooked by ethnic people in the highlands market area at Fansipan cable car station. Vietnamnews Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on December 5, 2018 2018/12/05 Q: According to reports, the US side warned on December 4 that Russia has 60 days to become compliant with the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty or the US would also cease obeying it. What is your comment? The US side also said that it has asked China many times to join the INF Treaty but was turned down every time. What is your response? A: On your first question, the INF Treaty has played an important role in easing international relations, advancing nuclear disarmament process and maintaining global strategic balance and stability. It is still highly relevant today. A unilateral withdrawal from it will cause negative impacts on many fronts. On your second question, the INF Treaty is a bilateral one reached between the US and the former USSR. China opposes its multilateralization. Meanwhile, China's national defense policy is defensive in its nature, and we have been adopting a highly restrained attitude when it comes to developing our military forces. We have no intention to and will not threaten any other countries. Q: I am just wondering whether the Foreign Ministry has anything to add to the statement made by the Commerce Ministry on the China-US trade issues, including the comment on Trump saying on Twitter that he is a "tariff man"? A: You may all have noted that this morning the spokesperson of the Commerce Ministry made an official statement on the China-US trade issues. As to the specifics you are interested in, I would still refer you to the Commerce Ministry. What I can say here is that we hope that the working teams from China and the US could follow the consensus reached by the two heads of state to step up consultations and reach a mutually beneficial agreement at an early date. Q: First, the statement by the spokesperson of the Commerce Ministry this morning in fact confirmed the existence of a 90-day consultation plan. The US side believed that the 90-day period started from last Saturday and would end on March 1, 2019. In China's view, when does that begin? Second, dozens of China's government agencies yesterday issued a memorandum on intellectual property rights. Can you offer more details? President Xi Jinping said that China will address the "reasonable concerns" of the US side. Does that include intellectual property rights protection? A: On your first question, just like my reply to the previous question, the spokesperson of the Commerce Ministry has made a statement on relevant issues. As to the specifics you want to know, I would refer you to the Commerce Ministry. On your second question, you may all have noted that 38 Chinese agencies including the National Development and Reform Commission, the People's Bank of China and the National Intellectual Property Administration signed the memorandum of cooperation for joint efforts to strengthen punishment for intellectual property infringements. It is the latest step by China in strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights and cracking down on the relevant unlawful activities. As for the discussions between China and the US on the intellectual property rights, these discussions have been going on continuously. The US side is also very clear with China's position and attitude on this issue. We are also committed to engaging in further discussions with the US side on properly resolving the relevant issue. Follow-up: That memorandum is dated November 21, but was not released until yesterday. Does this timing have anything to do with the China-US leaders' meeting? A: I am not aware of the specifics. You may ask the competent department. There can be a lag between when a document is issued and when it goes public. There is nothing special about that. Q: According to reports, on December 4, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in his speech that there will be a new democratic world order in which the US will strengthen or jettison relevant international agreements so as to stop bad actors like China. What is your response? A: The latest remarks made by the US side do not accord with the spirit of the China-US summit which was held not long ago. Several days ago, the two heads of state have just held a successful meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit and reached important consensus. Besides reaching consensus on the trade issues that you are all interested in, the two sides also agreed to expand cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit, manage differences on the basis of mutual respect and jointly promote the China-US ties which are underpinned by coordination, cooperation and stability. Many media agencies reported that at the end of the meeting, applause broke out in the room. I don't know for what purpose someone would applaud then and now say something like this? With regard to China's status and role in the international community, we have kept stressing that China will always be an architect for world peace, a contributor to global development and a guardian of international order. China is committed to championing multilateralism, upholding the rules-based international order and the multilateral system with the UN at its core, building a new type of international relations and forging a community with a shared future for mankind. As to how the US behaves on the world stage, I believe that the international community has a fair judgment. Over a period of time, the US wields the baton of unilateralism and protectionism to disturb the international order under the pretext of "America First" and has withdrawn from a series of international organizations and treaties to challenge the multilateral system. The international community knows fully well that what the US said or did is motivated by self-interest and the US applies multilateral rules in a selective manner. At last, I want to stress that, as we always say, China and the US are respectively the world's largest developing country and developed country. As two major countries with important influence, China and the US are interdependent and they cannot change each other. As an old saying goes, a harmonious bilateral relationship will make both winners, while a confrontational one will make both losers. We hope that the US could meet China halfway and follow the consensus reached by the two heads of state to jointly promote the sound and steady development of bilateral ties and bring more good news and more tangible benefits to the two peoples and people around the world. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the Centre's response on a plea by a PNB executive director, accused in the over Rs 13,000 crore bank fraud involving Nirav Modi, challenging the sanction granted for his prosecution. Justice Mukta Gupta issued notice to the Centre and sought response by January 7 on the plea of K V Brahmaji Rao who has claimed that the sanction for his prosecution was granted without any application of mind. On the insistence of senior advocate Sanjay Jain, appearing for Rao, the court also called for the file relating to grant of prosecution. Jain said a perusal of the records would show there was "no application of mind" while granting sanction for prosecution and urged the court to call for the records. Rao has challenged the government's October 12 decision granting sanction for his prosecution in the case, saying that he was not even remotely connected with the day-to-day transactions. Jain argued in court that the sanction would adversely affect Rao's career as he would not be appointed as Managing Director of Vijaya Bank for which he has been shortlisted. The senior lawyer further said that his client's tenure in PNB was set to end on January 21, 2019, and if the sanction for prosecution remained in operation then his career would be ruined as he would be compulsorily retired after that. "It is a case of gross miscarriage of justice. The order granting sanction suffers from illegality," he argued. Diamond jeweller Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after the scam came to light following a complaint by PNB that the duo had allegedly cheated it of Rs 11,400 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees. The CBI charge sheet in the PNB fraud case names Rao as one of the accused employees who had through their acts facilitated the issuance of fraudulent Letters of Understandings to companies owned by Modi. Rao, in his defence, has contended that he was in the International Banking Division of PNB, where the fraud took place, for only six short months on a temporary basis. "I was a domain ED. I was not even remotely connected with the day-to-day transactions. There were eight other employees of the bank who were directly involved in the transaction," his lawyer argued in court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hundreds of security personnel dotted the roads and bylanes and police made preventive arrests to thwart protests at the disputed site in Ayodhya on the 26th anniversary of demolition of Babri mosque on Thursday, as authorities kept a tight vigil especially in the wake of saffron outfits raising the pitch over the sensitive Ram temple issue. Police on Wednesday arrested four activists of Hindu Samaj Party from Ram Janambhoomi police station area apprehending trouble from them at the disputed site on Thursday. So far eight persons have been taken into custody this week, including Mahant of Tapaswi Chawni temple - Paramhans Das, who had threatened to commit self-immolation for the construction of Ram temple on December 6. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal are preparing to mark the day as 'Shaurya Diwas' (day of bravery) and 'Vijay Diwas' (day of victory) and have asked the people to light earthen lamps as on Diwali, while the Muslim outfits have said they will observe 'Yaum E Gham' (day of sorrow) and 'Yaum E Syah' (black day). Though it has almost become customary for the two sides to come out with such announcements, the events in the run up to the anniversary, especially the 'Dharam Sabha' (religious conclave) organised by the VHP on November 25 on the Ram temple issue, have prompted authorities to further shore up security in the city. Over 2,500 police personnel, besides Rapid Action Force and paramilitary CRPF, have been deployed as part of multi-layered security in Ayodhya including in and around the disputed site and several parts of Hanumangarhi area of the city, officials said. "We have heavy security deployment in the twin towns of Faizabad-Ayodhya. The civil police along with CRPF and RAF have been deployed on roads and sensitive localities," Superintendent of Police, Faizabad (city) Anil Singh said. "Checking of vehicles, hotels and dharmshala (rest houses) in Ayodhya is being conducted. We have made all necessary security arrangements and have allowed only programme which are held by both the communities every year," he said. While Paramhans Das was arrested on Tuesday, Hindu leader Kamlesh Tiwari, who claimed to be a leader of Hindu Maha Sabha, was held on Monday. Tiwari had announced that he will perform Karsewa for the construction of Ram Janambhoomi on December 6. On same day Rangam Krishna Maharaj and Rajesh Mani Tripathi of - Naraini Sena was taken into custody over a planned protest. Despite the visible security presence, it was business as usual in the temple town as pilgrims moved in and around the Hanumangarhi area and most of the eateries and shops were open. "Ayodhya was peaceful during the recently held Dharam Sabha and is absolutely peaceful now," the Mayor of Ayodhya, Rishikesh Upadhyay, said. "Adequate security personnel have been deployed to ensure that no untoward incident takes place. Around 20-25 companies of police and Provisional Armed Constabulary (PAC) are permanently stationed at (Ram Janmabhoomi/Babri Mosque) the site and its vicinity," he said. The VHP spokesperson in Ayodhya, Sharad Sharma, said Hindu organisations are likely "to organise a number of religious programmes so that a grand temple of Lord Ram is built". "Special prayers for Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning) are to be held so that the people, especially politicians do not hinder the construction of a Ram temple, besides hawans seeking to get rid of all obstructions. "Tributes will also be paid to the innocent karsewaks who faced bullets and lost their lives," he said. Mahant Ramdas of Nirmohi Akhara said "the day would be celebrated like Diwali and hawans would be held at Karsewakpuram". Meanwhile, state president of Indian Union Muslim League said, We will observe this day as Black Day. Even the Supreme Court has termed the demolition of as a matter of shame". The Action Committee has called on the people to observe the day peacefully and hold special prayers for early resolution of the dispute. Afaq Ahmad Khan, Chairman of BMAC, said, We are waiting for the last 26 years for justice". He expressed the hope that the mosque will be rebuilt at the site. The BMAC said it will send memoranda to the Prime Minister and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister requesting them to ensure status quo at Ayodhya demolition site as per Supreme Court orders. "The anniversary should be observed peacefully like in previous years," BMAC convener Zafaryab Jilani said. "Those trying to vitiate atmosphere and giving inflammatory speeches should be strictly dealt with. Security of all the residents of Ayodhya, especially Muslims, should be ensured and necessary action should be taken in this regard," he said, adding prayers should also be held for peace and harmony in the country. The Babri mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992 by 'karsevaks' who had converged as part of a movement by the BJP and Hindu outfits for Ram temple at the disputed site. The Ramjanmbhoomi/ title suit is pending in the apex court, which will decide the schedule of hearing in January. Fourteen appeals have been filed in the apex court against a high court judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77 acre land be partitioned equally among three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. After the Supreme Court refused an early hearing, Hindu outfits have demanded that the government bring in an ordinance for construction of Ram temple. Portugal's government on Wednesday said it would cooperate with China in the hope of creating "new Silk Roads" of trade without necessarily becoming an extension of Beijing's "Belt and Road" initiative. Lisbon and Beijing used a two-day state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to ink 17 bilateral cooperation memoranda of understanding including one relating to China's ensemble of investment in infrastructure designed to link Asia, Africa and Europe. "We are going to pursue (the initiative) in a spirit of openness and mutual gain to create further synergies between our development strategies and underpin the construction of new silk roads," Xi told a conference. The Portuguese government welcomed the move on deepening in "a vast range of sectors." In contrast with Britain, where largest mobile provider BT said Wednesday it was shutting out equipment from China's telecoms giant Huawei ahead of the rollout of next-generation 5G internet networks owing to security concerns, Portugal said its door remained open. Telecoms operator MEO, subsidy of France's Altice, revealed it has agreed to cooperate with Huawei in order to "accelerate the development of the 5G network in Portugal." Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa recently announced his intention of giving the green light to a plan for integrating Portugal's southwestern deepwater port of Sines into the "new silk roads" roadmap. Costa on Wednesday simply underlined "the importance of Portugal's strategic role in linking silk roads with the ensemble of connections between Europe and Asia." Several EU countries, including Greece and several eastern European states, have rushed to embrace the silk roads idea and the investment it promises -- but others are wary of growing Chinese influence on the continent. Portugal and neighbouring Spain, which Xi visited last week, are both moderately enthusiastic in their backing for China's multibillion ambition. Madrid notably said ahead of Xi's visit it not sign on to the One Belt, One Road initiative but preferred to work within the framework of an existing "connectivity initiative" with Asia, which Madrid feels Europeans should work within. That initiative entails EU states developing their own infrastructure network to link the continent with Asia while seeking "synergies" between the European and the Chinese projects. Hard hit by the post-2008 economic crisis, Portugal has since received some USD8 billion in Chinese investment, notably in energy, banking and insurance, notably outstripping neighbouring Spain which received around $6 billion, according to data compiled by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). China has invested around USD1.9 trillion since 2005 in global investment and construction projects, according to AEI data. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Turkish prosecutor has demanded that arrest warrants be issued against two Saudi nationals close to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a Turkish source close to the investigation said Wednesday. Khashoggi, 59, was killed shortly after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain paperwork for his upcoming marriage. The chief prosecutor's office in Istanbul filed an application Tuesday to obtain the warrants for Ahmad al-Assiri and Saud al-Qahtani, described in court documents as being "among the planners" of the murder of the Washington Post contributor Khashoggi. Assiri often sat in during Prince Mohammed's closed-door meetings with visiting foreign dignitaries and Qahtani was a key counsellor to the crown prince. Both were sacked after Riyadh admitted Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate. According to Turkey, a 15-member Saudi team was sent to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government, but has insisted it was not King Salman. Riyadh has since detained 21 people over the murder. Despite speculation that the powerful crown prince ordered the hit, the kingdom has strongly denied he was involved. But two key US Republican senators said a Tuesday briefing by the CIA's director only strengthened their conviction that Prince Mohammed directed the murder. The Istanbul prosecutor in charge of the investigation said in late October that the Saudi former insider turned critic was strangled then his body was cut into pieces. The remains of Khashoggi's body have not been found. There has been speculation in pro-government media that his body was dissolved in acid. A senior Turkish official Wednesday said the prosecutor's move "reflects the view that the Saudi authorities won't take formal action against those individuals". The official, who did not wish to be named, pointed to the fact that the wording of the prosecutor's request suggested that the current list wasn't necessarily exhaustive, appearing to indicate that more arrest warrants could be sought. Amid criticism from Ankara over Saudi Arabia's lack of cooperation with the Turkish investigation, the official said Riyadh could "address those concerns" over its commitment to probing the murder by extraditing all the suspects to Turkey. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A British organisation which works to improve the professional competence of business leaders will offer training to India's micro and small enterprises on best practices in corporate governance. The Institute of Directors (IOD) will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). "We are going to have the corporate governance training programme for small and micro sectors so that they can learn the best practices in corporate governance," IOD Vice President Pradeep Chaturvedi said on Wednesday. Speaking at the 'Singapore Global Convention 2018 on Risk and Ethics', he said the focus will be on training micro and small companies while medium size enterprises do get international training on the strength of their own businesses. This is in line with the Indian government's programme to promote MSMEs by building management capacities. "Secondly, we will invite the micro and small enterprises to IOD's international conferences for exposure to global business," said Chaturvedi. Micro and small enterprises would gain from exposure to international businesses with opportunities to become ancillaries or secure orders from large corporations, he explained. The IOD will also promote and propagate the government's programmes for MSMEs through its in-house publications and e-publications. As part of its Indian business promotion, the IOD gave 'Golden Peacock Awards' to 20 companies on Wednesday in three categories - ethics, risk management and innovation management. The awards are based on the latest international practices and judged by a panel chaired by a retired Chief Justice of India or Judge of the Supreme Court. The selection process is "very rigid" for these awards, which puts the winning companies on the international markets, Chaturvedi added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UK government on Wednesday said it has sought urgent information from India on the circumstances surrounding the detention and extradition of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case, who is facing allegations of bribery. The businessman, a British national, was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on Tuesday night. Michel, who was the alleged middleman in the graft-tainted AgustaWestland chopper deal during the UPA rule, was sent to five-day CBI custody by a special CBI court in New Delhi, a day after he was extradited from the UAE. "Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in the UAE," said a spokesperson for the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). "We are in contact with his family and the Emirati authorities regarding his case, and are urgently seeking information from the Indian authorities on his circumstances," the spokesperson said. Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI. Michel has denied all charges and alleged that the CBI wants him to take the names of the Gandhi family, a claim which had been refuted by the central probe agency. CBI prosecutor D P Singh said in court that Michel was required for custodial interrogation to unearth the "deep rooted conspiracy" and the money trail in the case. His custody was required to identify Michel's accomplices including the Indian Air Force (IAF) officials, bureaucrats and politicians, who were influenced or were instrumental in changing the decisions, which made Anglo-Italian company AgustaWestland eligible to participate in the bidding process and to ultimately secure the deal, Singh argued. India has since scrapped the contract with Italy-based Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopters to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of paying kickbacks by it for securing the deal. The deal, initialled in 2010, was scrapped on January 1, 2014. In the court, the special judge was informed by the CBI that its investigation showed Michel had entered into 12 contracts through two of his firms -- M/s Global Trade and Commerce Ltd, London and M/s Global Services FZE, Dubai, UAE, with M/s Finmeccanica, M/s AgustaWestland, M/s Westland Helicopters, UK and others. The British High Commission in New Delhi has also sought consular access to Michel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States says it has re-established a "permanent diplomatic presence" in Somalia for the first time in 27 years. The State Department late Tuesday said "this historic event reflects Somalia's progress in recent years and is another step forward in formalizing US diplomatic engagement in Mogadishu." The US closed its Somalia embassy in January 1991 as the country collapsed into civil war, with the military airlifting out the ambassador and others. The US formally recognized Somalia's new federal government in 2013 but has based its diplomatic mission in the capital of neighboring Kenya. Former Secretary of State John Kerry during a surprise 2015 visit to Somalia said the U.S. would begin the process of re-establishing a diplomatic presence. New Ambassador Donald Yamamoto arrived at the U.S. mission last month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Venezuela's state oil firm PDVSA has paid ONGC Videsh Ltd USD 32 million from crude oil it sold to Reliance Industries, as the first step towards clearing nearly half a billion dollars of dues it owes to the state-owned firm. OVL Managing Director Narendra K Verma said Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) had last month shipped a cargo of crude oil to Reliance Industries and the payment it realised from it has now been given to OVL. "We hope this is this beginning of clearing our past dues is sustained and the mechanism continues," he said. Venezuela has not paid OVL, the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), USD 449 million of accrued dividend for four years. This dividend pertains to the San Cristobal field, where OVL has 40 per cent stake and PDVSA the remaining 60 per cent. PDVSA had agreed to pay OVL once every quarter the proceeds it receives from selling crude oil to refiners. "We hope they continue to make regular payments and all our dues are cleared," Verma said. OVL holds 40 per cent in Venezuela's San Cristobal field, which produces about 17,000 barrels of oil per day. OVL had received its dividend from the sale of crude oil produced from the field totalling USD 56.224 million for 2008. But dividends for 2009 to 2013 totalling USD 537.631 million remained unpaid due to cash flow difficulties being faced by PDVSA. No dividend was declared thereafter. The Latin American nation on November 4, 2016, agreed to pay USD 537.63 million of dividend due for 2009 to 2013, in installments. In lieu, OVL agreed to help PDVSA arrange USD 318 million financing for the San Cristobal project. OVL received USD 88.42 million in accordance with the dividend payment agreement signed in November 2016 and the balance dividend about USD 449 million was pending, he said, adding now PDVSA has given a further USD 32 million. PDVSA, which faces the US and international court actions over pending debts, had recently begun paying some creditors, mostly in oil, to avoid asset seizures. After the November 2016 agreement, OVL received three instalments totalling USD 88.42 million between December 2016 and March 2017, but subsequent ones have been stopped. In the agreement, PDVSA had agreed to supply 17,000 barrels per day of crude oil to repay USD 537 million that it owed to OVL. As part of the agreement, OVL was to stand guarantee for the San Cristobal joint venture to raise USD 318 million capital required for raising production from the field to 27,000 bpd from current 17,000 bpd. OVL also owns 11 per cent of the Carabobo project in the Orinoco region of Venezuela, which is in the pre-production stage. The project was to produce 4,00,000 barrels per day of oil and involved construction of a heavy crude upgrader that could turn Orinoco's tar-like oil into valuable synthetic crude. The agreement for Carabobo was linked to the development of the upgrader after reaching the peak but the project is now producing about 22,000 bpd only. OVL has asked PDVSA to delink the development of the upgrader with the project and give it a dividend so that some revenue could flow to it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Wednesday took to social media with an offer to pay back 100 per cent of "public money" to various Indian banks and urged the government to accept his offer, days ahead of a UK court's decision on his plea not to extradite him to India. The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss, who has been on bail in the UK on an extradition warrant since his arrest in April last year, is fighting extradition to India on charges of fraud and money laundering allegedly amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores. A ruling in the case is expected at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on December 10, but the businessman stressed that the extradition issue was a "separate" matter which will take its "own legal course". "The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100 per cent back. I humbly request the banks and government to take it. If payback refused, why," he questioned in one of his posts on Twitter. In reference to some Indian media reports claiming that his offer is linked to an expected ruling in the extradition case on December 10, he added: "Usual nonsense! I have made settlement offers since 2016." After weeks of silence, Mallya shot off a series of tweets since the early hours of Wednesday to defend the loans he had acquired from various banks as a means of keeping his now-defunct Kingfisher Airline afloat. "Airlines struggling financially partly because of high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of USD 140/barrel. Losses mounted and that's where banks money went. I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," reads one of his posts. Making a reference to his liquor group United Breweries, Mallya said that "India's largest alcoholic beverage group" had contributed "thousands of crores" to the state exchequer over the years. "Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the states. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it," he said. In a further lament against the Indian government and media, he adds: "Politicians and the media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU Bank money. All this is false. Why don't I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. Sad." Mallya's tweets came hours after alleged AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal middleman Christian Michel was brought to India from Dubai, the first successful extradition since India initiated similar proceedings against alleged economic offenders like Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. Mallya is fighting his extradition from the UK to India in a trial which opened in London on December 4 last year. The UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, has attempted to lay out a prima facie case of fraud against Mallya and establish there are no bars to him being extradited to face Indian courts over the allegations relating to loans made out to erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines. In separate legal proceedings, the businessman had lost an appeal in the UK's Court of Appeal earlier this year against a UK High Court order in favour of 13 Indian banks to recover funds amounting to nearly 1.145 billion pounds. The banks, led by State Bank of India (SBI), have since been pursuing ways of recouping the debt as part of a worldwide freezing order. In one of the most recent orders in the case last week, they had acquired the court's permission to pursue any surplus funds from the sale of a luxury yacht formerly owned by Mallya. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Of the seven people from Naya Bans named in an FIR on cow slaughter related to the mob violence here, two are pre-teens, one does not stay in the village and a fourth was away at a Muslim congregation 40 kilometres away, angry villagers said Wednesday. The FIR is based on a complaint filed by Bajrang Dal's district convenor Yogesh Raj, the main accused in the violence that broke out Monday after cow carcasses were found strewn in a jungle, killing a police inspector and a 20-year-old man, police officials said. Raj has been absconding since Monday. Police is investigating the violence that led to Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and Sumit Kumar dying of gunshot injuries on the basis of two FIRs -- one on cow slaughter and the other on violence. Naya Bans village, less than three kilometres from Chingrawati where the violence took place, is the focal point of the cow slaughter FIR. All seven named are from the village and all are Muslims. According to the villagers, a 10-year-old Class 5 student and a 12-year-old Class 6 student are on the list. The two, who can't be identified because of their minor status, are cousins. "Their names should be removed from the FIR which accuses them of cow slaughter. Just look at them," said the father of the Class 5 student, pointing to the children. The 42-year-old, who lost his right foot during a motorcycle accident six years ago, said the children stay at home. "I was summoned to the police station in Siyana on Tuesday. I was told the names (of the children) are in the FIR. I was made to wait for three hours and told that 'kaptan saahab' (local police chief) would enquire about something. But nothing happened and I returned home," he said. The mother of the Class 6 student said police reached her home at 2.15 am on Tuesday and started conducting a check at that unearthly hour. They were not sure of the name of her son and kept looking for a "Shehzaad" and "Qasim", she said. "They left at 2.30 am before leaving everything in the house messed up," she claimed, adding that they kept asking where she was hiding him. Her husband lives and works in Delhi. Tempers were running high in the village with residents disputing two other names. One was not a resident of the village and the other was working in the Ijtima (Muslim congregation) about 40 km away. Mohammad Hussain said his brother Safruddin, 36, was wrongly named in the FIR. "Several people from Naya Bans, including Safruddin, went for the Ijtima. He was there from November 29 and returned yesterday. He was given the task of managing parking at the Ijtima," Hussain said, showing an Ijtima management slip that named Safruddin as a parking official. Safruddin, who works as a cloth trader in Siyana near Naya Bans, has three children -- a 14-year-old daughter and two sons, 12 and 8. As his brother was being questioned by police, Hussain waited patiently outside the police station for him. The fourth name being disputed is that of Sudaif Chaudhary. Queries during a visit to the village yielded no result. Locals said nobody by that name lives in the village. "This (the allegations over wrong names in FIR) is part of analysis and verification," Superintendent of Police, City, Pravin Ranjan Singh told reporters. Officials said the cow slaughter complaint was filed at 1 pm on Monday on a complaint by Raj, about two hours after the violence broke out. Raj, who was named as the main accused in the second FIR filed around 2.30 am Tuesday, has been on the run since Monday, officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The agitating Junior Doctor Association (JDA) of the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, Wednesday decided to continue their strike till their demand is met. The decision came a day after representatives of the JDA called on Health Minister Pratap Jena over the issue. The demands of the junior doctors, who were on strike since November 17, include removal of Director of the institute whom they accused of taking unilateral decisions against students. JDA vice-president Himanshu Mishra said, "We submitted documents and evidences, which substantiated our allegations. But the government has remained indifferent to our demands." He said, the team, which probed the veracity of the allegation made against the VIMSAR authorities, is yet to submit its report. Though the agitation entered its 19th day on Wednesday, the government has not taken any decision on the demand. "Hence, we have decided to continue with the cease work," he added. Earlier, in the day, a meeting was convened in presence of the Sambalpur District Collector Samarth Verma, Dean and Principal of VIMSAR, Prof Braja Mohan Mishra besides the representatives of the junior doctors. In the meeting, the junior doctors were urged to withdraw to cease work but they refused. The agitation has badly hit the services in the biggest health care centre of Western Odisha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Security has been tightened at the Patiala House court complex where Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 36 billion VVIP chopper deal, would be produced on Wednesday. He was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE in connection with the case. Around 15-20 personnel of the CRPF and 30 officials have been deputed in the court complex as well as outside several of its gates, said one of the police officials. The police force, include presence of women officials. Michel, 54, landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on a Gulfstream jet at 10.35 pm Tuesday night after which he was arrested by the CBI in connection with the case. He will be produced before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar later in the day. Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the ED and the CBI. Both the agencies have notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. However, Michel had denied the charges. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (approximately Rs 26.66 billion) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The (ED), in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 2.25 billion) from The money was nothing but "kickbacks" paid by the firm to execute the 12 helicopter deal in favour of the firm in "guise of" genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country, according to the charge sheet. The ED investigation found that remittances made by Michel through his Dubai-based firm Global Services to a media firm he floated in Delhi, along with two Indians, were made from the funds which he got from through "criminal activity" and corruption being done in the chopper deal that led to the subsequent generation of proceeds of crime. On January 1, 2014, India scrapped the contract with Italy-based Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of paying kickbacks to the tune of Rs 4.23 billion by it for securing the deal. The CBI on September 1, 2017, had filed a charge sheet in the case in which Michel was named as one of the accused. Former IAF Chief S P Tyagi was also chargesheeted by the CBI in a along with nine others in connection with a bribery case in the VVIP chopper deal. Tyagi (73) is the first chief of the to be chargesheeted in a corruption or a criminal case by the CBI and he has denied all charges against him. Besides him, the agency has also chargesheeted retired Air Marshal J S Gujral along with eight others, including five foreign nationals, in the charge sheet filed before the Special CBI Judge. Anglo-Italian company, AgustaWestland, is also one of the accused. Others named in the charge sheet are -- Tyagi's cousin Sanjeev alias Julie, advocate Gautam Khaitan, alleged European middlemen Carlo Gerosa, Christian Michel, Guido Haschke, former AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini and former Finmeccanica Chairman Giuseppe Orsi. They have been chargesheeted for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the IPC in the case relating to alleged bribery of Rs 450 crore. Tyagi, who had retired in 2007, his cousin Sanjeev and Khaitan were arrested on December 9 last year by the CBI in the case. These accused are currently on bail. As intense cold wave condition grips Kashmir, a non-governmental organisation has set up a 'wall of kindness' along the banks of River Jhelum in the city to enable people to donate clothes to the needy. People have hung jackets, sweaters, caps and other warm clothing on the wall at the iconic The Bund, on the banks of Jhelum, at the rear side of the posh Residency Road so that the persons who cannot afford such clothing can take what they need without asking anyone for it. The initiative is by WhoisHussain, a charitable organisation inspired by Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad. The NGO has chapters in several countries. "There is a difference between a beggar and a really needy person. The latter is too shy to seek alms or help. It is a good initiative wherein the needy do not have to ask from anyone. They can just pick what they need," Mohammad Imran, who has a business near the wall, said. "This initiative is just an introduction of #wallofkindness in #kashmir. We wish people especially youth to take up this initiative at mohalla levels and make this idea a common thing around us. #spreadlove #helpneedy#whoishussain, Abrar Ali, one of the volunteers, wrote on his Facebook page. A team of volunteers had got together to put up the wall where people can donate new and old clothes, blankets, shoes and other necessary items for those in need to access without apprehension. "The idea is not only to encourage kindness but also to inculcate a sense of giving for the greater good of society," Ali said. Hussain inspires us to care for everyone irrespective of religion, caste or creed, the volunteer added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vicky Kaushal, who had a great run at the movies this year with back-to-back hits in "Sanju", "Raazi" and "Manmarziyaan", on Wednesday said being under pressure keeps him moving. The actor's next film, "Uri: The Surgical Strike", is inspired by true events. "I am lucky I am getting to be part of exciting projects. Every actor wants to test how strong they are. I am grateful to Ronnie Screwala (producer) for this opportunity. I want to be in this pressure zone. I would want to be under pressure," Vicky told reporters at the trailer launch of the film here. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is based on the Indian Army's surgical strikes on Pakistan as a retaliation for the Uri attack in 2016. "I learnt a lot when I read the script. I was very excited to tell the story. There is always an adrenaline rush to play a character like this. I was all charged up to do it right. We have seen films on war and military earlier, but this film will be new for the audience. "India and Pakistan have often been shown fighting at the border, here we are showing how the surgical strike was carried out with the help of intelligence agencies and bureaucrats," he said. Ironically, the role of a special forces commander-in-chief, is a complete turnaround for the actor, who earned critical acclaim for his empathic portrayal of a Pakistani Army officer in Meghna Gulzar's spy drama "Raazi". "Uri" also features Paresh Rawal, Yami Gautam and popular TV actor Mohit Raina, who is making his feature film debut, in key roles. The film is scheduled to be released on January 11 and Vicky said the makers have already shown the film to a segment representing the armed forces. "It is an ode and tribute to them (Army). We would like to get their validation from them and see how they feel," he said. Calling the defence personnel "real heroes", the actor praised their unwavering spirit. "It was so fascinating to hear their stories. You feel your life is so petty. We crib over such small things and for them, losing their life is the smallest worry. They live each day as it comes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For decades, American educators and policymakers have placed a high priority on closing the achievement gap. Consistently, students from disadvantaged backgroundsparticularly students from low-income families and students of colorperform far less well than their more affluent and white peers. On the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) , for example, in 4th grade reading in 2017, 47 percent of white students performed at the proficient level, while 20 percent of black students performed at that levela gap of 27 percentage points, the same gap that existed in 1992. Similarly, the gap in proficiency rates in 4th grade reading between students eligible for free and reduced-price lunches and those not eligible for them was 30 percentage points in 2017 (22 percent versus 52 percent), an even larger gap than in 2003. As many commentators have pointed out, the achievement gap really reflects an opportunity gap : Students from disadvantaged backgrounds lack the resourcesincluding well-prepared and experienced teachers, a challenging curriculum, and financial wherewithalthat their more advantaged peers have. Until those gaps are closed, these commentators state, schools have little hope of closing achievement gaps. A recently released report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows that, whatever their cause, achievement gaps are a global phenomenon. Results from the 2015 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) show that, overall, 15-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds scored 88 points lower in science than their more advantaged peersthe equivalent of three years of schooling. There is no country in the world, the report states, that can yet claim to have entirely eliminated socio-economic inequalities in education. However, the report also notes that some countries have succeeded better than others in improving the lot of disadvantaged students. The OECD refers to this success as resilience"a phenomenon in which disadvantaged students perform relatively well on the assessment. The OECD measures resilience in three ways. The first is national resilience. This measure indicates the extent to which disadvantaged students perform in the top 25 percent in performance in their own country. The OECD average for national resilience is 11 percent; few countries have managed to bring large numbers of disadvantaged students into the top tier of performance. In fact, many high-performing countries, such as Singapore and the four provinces of China that participated in PISA, demonstrate lower-than-average rates of national resistance, perhaps because their top quartile perform at very high levels. In the United States, about 11 percent of disadvantaged students were nationally resilient, the OECD average. A second measure of resilience is international resilience"the extent to which disadvantaged students perform in the top 25 percent across all countries that took part in PISA. Here, top-performing countries tend to do fairly well. In Hong Kong, more than 60 percent of disadvantaged students were internationally resilient, while in Canada, Estonia, Finland, Singapore, and Japan, more than 40 percent earned that designation. In the United States, about 32 percent of disadvantaged students were internationally resilient, just over the OECD average. The third measure of resilience, core-skills resilience. is perhaps the most interesting. This measure indicates the extent to which disadvantaged students perform at Level 3 (out of six levels) in reading, mathematics, and science. Thus this measure is an absolute measure, not a relative one. Students at Level 3 have demonstrated solid skills. According to the OECD, in mathematics, students at Level 3 can execute clearly described procedures, including those that require sequential decisions. Their interpretations are sufficiently sound to be a base for building a simple model or for selecting and applying simple problem-solving strategies. Students at this level can interpret and use representations based on different information sources and reason directly from them. They typically show some ability to handle percentages, fractions and decimal numbers, and to work with proportional relationships. Their solutions reflect that they have engaged in basic interpretation and reasoning. And in reading, At Level 3, tasks require the reader to locate, and in some cases, recognize the relationship betwee, several pieces of information that must meet multiple conditions. Interpretative tasks at this level require the reader to integrate several parts of a text in order to identify a main idea, understand a relationship, or construe the meaning of a word or phrase. They need to take into account many features in comparing, contrasting, or categorizing. Often the required information is not prominent or there is much competing information; or there are other text obstacles, such as ideas that are contrary to expectation or negatively worded. Reflective tasks at this level may require connections, comparisons, and explanations, or they may require the reader to evaluate a feature of the text. Some reflective tasks require readers to demonstrate a fine understanding of the text in relation to familiar, everyday knowledge. Other tasks do not require detailed text comprehension but require the reader to draw on less common knowledge. In Hong Kong, more than 50 percent of disadvantaged students are core-skills resilient; in Estonia, Finland, Japan, and Singapore, more than 40 percent reach that level. In the United States, just over 20 percent of disadvantaged students are core-skills resilient, less than the OECD average. These results mean that several countries have enabled large numbers of disadvantaged students to learn and demonstrate high levels of knowledge and skills, even if achievement gaps remain. They have established a very high floor of achievement and shown that disadvantage is not destiny. Perhaps those countries have managed to close opportunity gaps. It might be worth finding out what they are doing. Work on the National War Memorial near India Gate is likely to be completed by end of December, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said here Wednesday. The memorial will honour soldiers who have laid down their lives for the country since Independence. "The work on the National War Memorial is likely to be completed by this year end. It will include a wall that will carry the names of those soldiers who have laid down their lives for the country," Gen Rawat told PTI on the sidelines of an event at South Block here. The Army chief said, "the memorial would be iconic and serve as a new landmark, which would attract people from near and far." Acceding to a long-pending demand of the armed forces, the government in 2015 had approved the project for building a National War Memorial and a National War Museum near India Gate in memory of over 22,500 soldiers who laid down their lives post-Independence. "This government will be establishing a war memorial and a museum with a deep sense of gratitude to honour those brave soldiers, who laid down their lives," an official statement released after the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had then said. "The memorial will promote a sense of patriotism in the minds of visitors, and will award an opportunity to citizens of this vast nation, to express their token sense of gratitude to the brave soldiers, who laid down their lives for the motherland," it said. India Gate itself is a war memorial built during the British Raj as the All-India War Memorial Arch to honour the soldiers who died in the First World War (1914-1918) and the Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919). The landmark has names of various soldiers inscribed on its surface. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday night ordered strict action against cow slaughter, unlawful trade in cattle and illegal slaughterhouses, two days after two people were killed in mob violence in Bulandshahr. His instructions were conveyed by Chief Secretary Anup Pandey to magistrates and superintendents of police of all 75 districts through a video link, an official release said. Adityanath said the district magistrate and other senior police officials of a district will be held personally responsible for any lapse. On Monday, a mob of some 400 people, including right-wing activists, violently rampaged through the Chingrawathi village apparently after cow carcasses were found strewn in a jungle nearby. The police has arrested four people in connection with the violence. A Bajrang Dal leader, who the police suspect is the main accused in the case, has been absconding since the incident. In a video surfaced online on Wednesday, Bajrang Dal's Bulandshahr convenor Yogesh Raj claimed innocence and the right-wing group also asked him to surrender before police but said it believed he was innocent. Adityanath has been severely criticised by opposition leaders over the state of law and order following Monday's violence in which a police inspector, who had initially probed the 2015 lynching of Akhlaq in Dadri, and a young man died. Akhlaq was lynched on suspicion that beef was being consumed in his home. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee have slammed the law and order situation in the state. Gandhi wondered if police was being treated in such a manner in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's rule, then how terrorised the common man would be feeling. Banerjee slammed Adityanth's administration, alleging the state police is carrying out "fake encounters after fake encounters". The Uttar Pradesh chief minister, who on Wednesday returned to campaign in Telangana, has also been criticised for attending a laser show in Gorakhpur the day violence happened in Bulandshahr. Adityanath will meet the slain inspector's family on Thursday, officials said. He directed district magistrates and senior officials to send weekly reports and ordered divisional commissioners and zonal IGs/DIGs to review implementation of his instructions issued on Wednesday night. He said media reports on any cow slaughter should be taken seriously and an inquiry should be ordered promptly. Nearly 90 people have been made accused in the BUlandshahr violence case and 27 of them have been named. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Julie GordonVANCOUVER (Reuters) - Alberta's decision to mandate output cuts to reduce a supply glut will have negative effects on North American producers of lighter oil used for blending and U.S. refiners importing crude via rail, even as several major Canadian energy companies cheered the move.Canada's oil production is at a record 4.6 million barrels a day, but producers cannot get oil to market because the pipelines that cross into the United States are full. Pipeline construction, particularly in Canada, has not kept up with record output. Shippers and refiners are moving ... Pam Stewart, Floridas education commissioner who stuck by the states rigorous and controversial accountability system amid dramatic federal changes, has announced that she will resign in early January . The states board of education extended Stewarts contract for an entire year before last months mid-term election, but Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has been said in recent days to want someone else to fill the position. Floridas state board appoints the education commissioner. After the federal Every Student Succeeds Act was passed in 2015, Stewart, who was hired in 2013, promised to hold fast to the states accountability system, to which she attributed gains on national rankings. That move outraged the states large English-language learner community, which argued that many of the provisions in the new federal law would ultimately push schools to better serve ELL students. What resulted was a bifurcated accountability system. The state this year will issue a federal report card and a state report card. Kristen Amundson, the president and CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Education has predicted there will be almost two dozen new appointed and elected state education chiefs taking charge in the next six months, many of them fueld by turnover in governorships and state boards. Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics. 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. Although Covid-19, supply chain issues, inflation and labor shortages may slow or derail Texas economic train, State Comptroller Glenn Hegar is forecasting $24 billion in extra revenue during the current two-year budget period, The Texas Tribune reported. Candidates running for office will be able to point to the surplus as a way of funding proposals like lowering property taxes. What would be your priority for the states surplus funds? You voted: The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now. Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market. In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender. India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex. Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted. But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted? Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner. If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems. I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now. I want more variation in masturbation I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own. If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end. What is sex toys for Indian? Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation. It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms. They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable. Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner. The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner. It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past. In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping. Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order. In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing. Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome. Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own. But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance. More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around. Sextoy situation in India Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years. In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India. Mumbai Kolkata Bangalore Delhi Chennai Hyderabad These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India. In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well. If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too. If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it. What are Sextoys for beginner? Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms. Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy. I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion. I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy. If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma. Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it. Advantages of using sextoy for Indians There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways. Can have stimulating sex Can develop new sexual zones If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern. However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways. You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation. Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever. There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure. This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it. When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems. It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms). For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles [Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou... Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India. Sextoy for beginner men in India So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners. For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men! The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men Masturbator Cock rings Love Doll Sex Lubricants Toys for the prostate Lets check each one in detail. Masturbator The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products. It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands. Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands. They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.) Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much. Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! ! Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa SEXToys India PR (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018 Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood. If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ... [For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien... Cock Ring A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis. It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow. It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber. In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection. Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it. Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function. Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy. You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect. [Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat... Love Doll Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex. There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women. Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price. The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true. You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste. There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice. You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls. If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to... Sex lubricants Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules. It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution. Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse. There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent. Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent. If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here. What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many... Toys for the Prostate Another sextoy for men is prostate toys. The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line. Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men. Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men. What is the prostate? The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm. You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus. By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms. Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.) The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation. Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure. sextoy for beinner women in India The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy. The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy. Vibrator. Dildo Electric Masserger Lets check out what each one is in detail. If you want to check out womens toys, click here. [BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm... Vibrators A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator. Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy. It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy. Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women. For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators. Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex. Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself. This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual. Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men. When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons. Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most... Dildo A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis. It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass. A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it. They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well. It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device. A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo. Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands. For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis. This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one. To learn more about dildo, please click here. What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th... Electric Masserger A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores. It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low. Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels. Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation. It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure. For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm. It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out. If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager? To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here. What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th... How to choose a sextoy for Indian Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one. Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points: Does the size fit you (the partner)? Does the size fit you (your partner)? Is the environment able to produce sound without problems? Price range First of all, the choice of size is quite important. Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women. For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage. Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems. Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise. If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level. Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it. Finally, there is the price range. The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest. Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy. Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy? I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance. For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics. If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out. How to buy sextoys in India The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping. For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below. Sextoy is one of them. Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping. SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India. They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry. Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card. To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy. ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal. Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on. Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture. Cautions for Indians using sextoy When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind Keep sex toys clean Watch out for electrical leakage Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone. Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there. It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case. In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness. Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful. If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it. You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly. Summary What did you think? In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India. The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future. As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values. However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health. If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try? Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women. I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it. By Trend Azerbaijan is interested in increasing non-oil exports, Azerbaijani Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov said. The minister noted that the changes made to the budget this year actually reduced the expected tax revenues from the non-oil sector. He recalled that the head of state gave instructions in this regard, the relevant structures, in particular the ministries of economy and agriculture, carry out targeted measures. "In addition, the state applies a special mechanism - the incentive mechanism, that is, we encourage exports," Sharifov added. Speaking about the brand "Made in Azerbaijan", the Minister of Finance said that the state is taking the necessary measures to participate in international exhibitions. By Trend The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $32 million grant to help the Government of Tajikistan improve healthcare services in three districts of Fayzobod, Rasht, and Shamsiddin-Shohin, according to the AND Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM), news.tj reports. A healthy population is crucial for Tajikistans growth and development, but this is only possible if healthcare services, particularly for mothers and children, are of good quality and accessible, said ADB Senior Health Specialist for Central and West Asia Ms. Rouselle Lavado. Healthcare coverage in Tajikistan has improved over the last few decades, but it still lags behind global and subregional averages on maternal and child health. The countrys child mortality rates are 20 neonatal and 37 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to the Sustainable Development Goals target of 12 neonatal and 25 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. The maternal mortality rate is also higher in Tajikistan at 32 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017 than in other Central Asian countries, which average 23 deaths per 100,000 live births. The Maternal and Child Health Integrated Care Project will help address key issues affecting Tajikistans health sector, such as inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure and health facilities, as well as a lack of qualified medical professionals and healthcare providers, especially in rural areas. The project will also modernize infrastructure and equipment in central district hospitals and rural health centers, and improve health education and behavior in communities. It will support the governments efforts to establish a national equipment management system. Total cost of the project, which is expected to be completed in 2025, is $35.2 million, with the Government of Tajikistan providing US$3.2 million. ADB is celebrating 20 years of development partnership with Tajikistan in 2018. To date, ADB has approved over $1.7 billion in grants, concessional loans, and technical assistance to the country. ADB and Tajikistans development partnership, which began in 1998, has restored and built the countrys new transport and energy infrastructure, supported social development, expanded agricultural production, and improved regional cooperation and trade. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members48 from the region. In 2017, ADB operations totaled $32.2 billion, including $11.9 billion in cofinancing. Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE Federal export credit company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with French bank Natixis to strengthen UAE exporters capability to trade globally, assist businesses to expand internationally and support the UAEs non-oil diversification strategy. Natixis is a subsidiary of Groupe BPCE - the second-largest banking group in France. The areas of cooperation between ECI and Natixis include support for UAE businesses by educating them through a series of seminars and workshops on commercial and political risk mitigation, mutual collaboration in export finance solutions, and the exchange of market intelligence between the two parties, said a statement from the company. The partnership will augment the UAEs strategy to reduce its reliance on the oil sector as a source of economic activity over time, and to place a greater focus on developing more diversified growth and trade activity, it said. The MoU was signed by Massimo Falcioni, chief executive officer at ECI; Simon Eedle, regional head of corporate and investment banking, Middle East at Natixis; and Barbara Riccardi, head of Middle East Finance Portfolio at Natixis, in the presence of senior officials from both parties. Engineer Saed Al Awadi, chief executive officer of Dubai Export Development Corporation, and board member and chairman of the executive committee at ECI, said: ECI consistently works towards accelerating and sustaining national economic diversification as well as supporting the export and re-export of UAE goods, works, services, and the foreign investments of the UAE businesses, by providing a range of export credit, financing and investment insurance products. The association with Natixis will pave the way for UAE businesses to forge ahead in line with the UAE Vision 2021 agenda as well as fuel the growth of countrys economy, as a whole and export community, in particular, he added. Massimo Falcioni, chief executive officer, ECI, said: We are now living in an era of digitalisation, and ECI is focused on incorporating innovation to support UAE businesses by offering premium trade credit solutions, also aligned with the new wave of technology revolutionising the banking landscape. The signing of the agreement between us and Natixis, which is known for its highly innovative financial solutions and services, is an important step towards this direction, he said. This alliance will further sustain our mission to help UAE businesses export internationally by providing in-depth intelligence and export credit policies that will give them the confidence necessary to enter and operate in new markets, he added. Simon Eedle said: This partnership with ECI will enable us to considerably increase our support for local corporate clients in the UAE, whether through trade finance, or through the large scale projects where export credit support is often an important element of the financing package. We are looking forward to working closely with ECI, he concluded. TradeArabia News Service The UAE Cabinet has adopted a new package of national legislative policies, and initiatives to empower Emirati women in a special session held at the General Women's Union headquarters in Dubai. The session, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Cabinet approved the empowerment bundle in line with the directives of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to ensure that Emirati women are conducive partners in the UAE's development journey. The new empowerment package is based on three principal axes: Legislation and Policy, Services, and International Representation, all of which include resources to support the advancement of Emirati women as active partners in local, regional and global arenas. During the Cabinet session, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praised Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, chairwoman of the General Women's Union, president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and supreme chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. "Sheikha Fatima bin Mubarak is an inspiring and exemplary model for all women in the UAE. Her Highness is always invested in enhancing the role of women and ensure their active participation in building the nation, he said. "Sheikh Fatima has carried on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, who sought women's empowerment as a crucial element to the nation's development and now my Emirati sisters are reaping the benefits of Zayed's legacy." "Today, we have adopted a well-rounded package of new policies and legislation favouring Emirati women's empowerment and leadership," the Dubai Ruler said. "Women constitute over half of society; they build the foundations of our renaissance whether in education, medicine or engineering. We must, therefore, enhance their dynamic role in both the UAE and global communities, across multiple sectors," Sheikh Mohammed affirmed. "We are now embarking on a new phase in which we provide more tools to enhance women's leadership roles and representation in society across all fields on the local, regional and global scale. The new initiatives will see women's increased participating in diplomatic missions, as well as an increased representation in judicial and legal affairs, he added. The legislative and policies axis will seek to include more female participation in the UAE's judicial system as well as other leadership positions in business. It will also set legislative frameworks concerning domestic violence, as per UAE Cabinet decisions and the nation's human rights frameworks. As for international representation, new policies will ensure the increased participation of female diplomatic missions and representatives of international organisations, including UN peace-keeping missions. The Cabinet also agreed to set up a media hub that monitors and reports on the success of UAE women, led by the UAE Gender Balance Council, in cooperation with concerned national institutions. TradeArabia News Service Microsoft, in partnership with the UAE National Program for Artificial Intelligence, recently concluded a three-day OpenHack event in Dubai, UAE, designed to supercharge the skillsets of UAE software architects and developers, and solve common industry and business challenges. Held at the Sofitel Dubai Downtown, the OpenHack Machine Learning gathered developers who are keen on upskilling to keep pace with the emerging technologies fuelling the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The event also brought together Microsoft customers and community developers to solve a series of problems using a predefined basket of technologies. Participants worked in teams, grappling with increasingly challenging scenarios while collaborating and networking with industry peers. They also gained the opportunity to learn from machine-learning experts from around the world. The UAEs Artificial Intelligence Strategy takes into account the estimated 250 million unnecessary paper transactions conducted by the federal government each year. Some 190 million man hours are wasted in these interactions, which are easy to digitise. The government projects a 50 per cent reduction in annual costs will result from the application of AI solutions to public-services workflow. Additionally, UAE citizens and residents will be spared the 1 billion km of travel that occurs each year to conduct paper transactions in person. Sayed Hashish, regional general manager, Microsoft Gulf, said: Aligned with the UAE AI strategy, we are proud to hold the Dubai Machine Learning OpenHack event in partnership with the UAE National Program for Artificial Intelligence. UAEs efforts in the field of smart solutions reflects that of the vision of the national leadership a smarter, brighter, happier future for all who call the UAE home, said OpenHack is designed to enhance the innovation credentials of developers and encourage them to dream big. Their upskilling allows them to return to their daily roles and achieve more by adding greater value to their organisations digital-transformation journeys engaging citizens and customers, empowering citizens and colleagues, optimising operations and reinventing products, services and business models. The three-day OpenHack Machine Learning event in Dubai focused on solving problems with computer-vision solutions. Developers explored spheres of data wrangling, cognitive services, artificial neural networks and custom machine learning, using the Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Workbench. Problem scenarios focused on solutions to real-world industry and business challenges. Also, on the agenda was a series of Tech Talks with industry experts, and Architecture Design Sessions, where customers aired their individual business challenges. Additionally, Microsoft hosted several networking events that allowed attendees to network with industry peers. OpenHack also continues Microsofts deep commitment to the economic and professional development of the UAE and wider Gulf region. The Dubai event is a major component of an ongoing strategy to help with upskilling national workforces. An estimated 80% of roles that the global 2025 workforce will fill have yet to be made. Having seen technologies such as artificial intelligence created the modern workplace, Microsoft has long encouraged the regions policymakers to promote STEM education and continuous learning programmes as well. The World Bank tells us that every new technology job generates about 4.3 jobs in other industries, said Hashish. We must invest wisely and decisively in our students and professionals, to empower them with tomorrows skills, today. This will ensure that they lead the global pack rather than running to keep up with the pioneers. TradeArabia News Service Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) will highlight the comfort and space on offer, echoing the trend towards larger cabins in new-generation business jets at the Mebaa Show in Dubai next week. Middle East Business Aviation Association (Mebaa) show will run from December 10 to 12. ACJ is exhibiting an ACJ319 at the show. What you get in the cabin, and being able to fly when and where you want, is the bedrock of business aviation, and being able to stand upright and move around freely a trademark feature of Airbus corporate jets makes a huge difference to enjoyment and productivity, says ACJ president Benoit Defforge. Airbus ACJ320 Family aircraft have the widest and tallest cabins of any large business-jet, while being about the same size and delivering similar operating costs. New members of the family, such as the ACJ319neo and ACJ320neo, feature new engines and wingtip-mounted Sharklets, enabling even longer intercontinental flights in the best comfort and space that money can buy - as well as saving fuel and reducing operating costs, ACJ said. The first of these new aircraft, an ACJ320neo for Acropolis Aviation, successfully completed flight trials in November, and will be delivered for outfitting in the coming weeks. It will join more than 500 A320neo Family aircraft that are already in widespread airline service. A total of 11 ACJ320neo Family aircraft have been ordered to date, from customers that include Acropolis Aviation, Comlux, K5 Aviation and undisclosed customers. Continuous improvements mean that the ACJ319neo can fly eight passengers 6,750 nm/12,500 km or more than 15 hours, while the ACJ320neo can transport 25 passengers 6,000 nm/11,100 km or more than 13 hours. The Middle East is one of the biggest business-jet markets in the world and was where Airbus sold its first corporate jet in the mid-eighties. Around 60 ACJs are currently flying in the Middle East, comprising about 40 ACJ320 Family aircraft and some 20 VIP widebodies. It is thus a key market for Airbus VIP widebodies - such as the new ACJ330neo and ACJ350 XWB - which can carry even more passengers and fly nonstop to the world. More than 190 ACJs are in service today, delivering the robust reliability and worldwide support that comes from their airliner heritage, plus services tailored to corporate jet needs, the company said. - TradeArabia News Service The UAE has entered into the top 20 ranking globally in the Global Knowledge Index (GKI), while ranking first among all the Arab states. According to the results of the 2018 Global Knowledge Index, Switzerland retained its number one rank, followed by Sweden, Finland, the US and Luxembourg. The UAE, which is ranked 19th at the global level, also retains its second place globally on the economy index. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) unveiled the 2018 edition of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) today, while also launching the worlds first Future of Knowledge: A Foresight Report, a pilot study on the future fields of knowledge that will shape the transformation of knowledge societies, during the opening of the Knowledge Summit in Dubai the under the title Youth and the Future of Knowledge Economy. Under the umbrella of the partnership between UNDP and MBRF and within the Knowledge for All project, the results of 134 countries in the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) were released. The GKI provides valuable insights on knowledge assets that are key to more effective sustainable development. In addition to the GKI 2018, UNDP and MBRF launched the results of the Future of Knowledge: A Foresight Report, a unique study covering 20 countries that reveals a new knowledge measurement tool using big data. The report aims at better understanding the navigation of present societies to cope with the demands of the future fields that will shape the near and long-term future. It alerts and guides policymakers, business leaders, researchers and civil society to the new emerging fields, i.e. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Biotechnology and Future Skills that will become strategic for the future of societies. The report puts our future in focus, be open and collaborative, and use our imagination, as the reports state. During the session Future of Knowledge Model, a panel comprising Leif Edvinsson, Professor of Knowledge Capital at Lund University, Sweden; Jan Sturesson, founder of Resting Advice from the Future; and Laurent Probst, partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Luxembourg, presented the conceptual framework of the future knowledge model, the factors influencing the future of knowledge, and how countries might be impacted positively, concluding that the Future of Knowledge as documented in the report will empower forward-thinking strategy in the growth of knowledge economy and sustainable development around the world. Organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), the fifth Knowledge Summit kicked off today (December 5) at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and on the directives of MBRF chairman HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the summit bears the theme: Youth and the Future of the Knowledge Economy and tackles the topic of the knowledge economy. The Knowledge Summit 2018 brings together over 100 speakers including experts, decision makers and stakeholders from around the world in more than 45 discussion panels. The summit will also see an elaborate analysis of last year's Global Knowledge Index results to guide decision makers, experts, and researchers towards implementing developmental policies to improve the gaps. Throughout their partnership, the UNDP and MBRF shared a vision of promoting knowledge-based sustainable development in the Arab region and beyond, through pioneering projects and initiatives. TradeArabia News Service Jet Airways, Indias premier full service, international airline, and flynas, Saudi Arabias first budget airline, have entered into an extensive codeshare partnership to enhance connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia. As part of the agreement, Jet Airways will place its marketing code 9W on flynas flights between the gateway cities of Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh, thus providing its guests travelling from India the ability to travel in to Saudi Arabia via one point and depart from another. Jet Airways will also be placing its code via Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh to the Saudi Arabian cities of Medina which is the holiest city in Islam, as well as port city of Gizan, the agriculturally rich city of Gassim, the unofficial summer capital city of Taif and the popular tourist destination Abha, thus extending our reach into Saudi Arabia. In turn, flynas will be able to offer its guests access in to India by placing its marketing code XY on Jet Airways international flights connecting Jeddah to Mumbai, Riyadh to Mumbai and Delhi as well as Dammam to Mumbai and Delhi. In addition to these international routes, flynas will also place its marketing code on certain destinations on the Jet Airways domestic network, via Mumbai to Delhi, Kochi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Lucknow as well as via Delhi to Bengaluru, Lucknow, Chennai, and Kochi. Marnix Fruitema, executive vice president Commercial, Jet Airways, said: Saudi Arabia is the second largest international travel market to/from India with almost 6 million passengers travelling between both countries annually for religious tourism, business as well as leisure. Our codeshare agreement with flynas reflects our continuing commitment to offer our guests the best possible connections to more and more destinations around the world and we are delighted to partner with flynas to offer guests of both the airlines wider network access and a seamless travel experience across the networks of both carriers. Flynas CEO Bander Al-Mohanna stated: This partnership is an important step in-line with flynas expansion and development strategy. Through such agreements we aim to offer a continually improved service to our passengers by adding more travel routes and expanding our reach regionally and internationally, in particular to key markets such as India. We are certain this partnership will support our efforts and enable us to upscale the quality and convenience required to meet and even surpass our passengers demands and expectations. Flights under this agreement are now open for sale, for travel effective December 6, 2018, a statement said. TradeArabia News Service Dubai Airports, Execujet and Lions Clubs International officials recently welcomed the two determined aviators who are piloting small aircraft around the globe in a bid to raise awareness for the inclusion of people with disabilities. The project, organised by Lions Clubs International, has a clear objective of globally promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities to combat discrimination and to raise funds for the association Humanity & Inclusion. The two pilots, South African Mike Lomberg and Guillaume Feral from France - both of whom use wheelchairs, will cover 80,000 km in nine months across 40 countries and six continents via 150 staging points. The support team to this initiative are all former members of the Solar Impulse Project and all volunteers. Dubai Airports is an enthusiastic advocate for the rights and inclusion of people of determination in society. We are proud to be associated with this worthy cause and salute these pilots for their skill and commitment to this important mission, said Essa Al Shamsi, vice president of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports. The Handi-flight team is making a five-day stopover in Dubai allowing them to connect with local officials and media to promote their cause. They will also be attending Lions Clubs Internationals Constitutional Area Forum, which will be held in Dubai bringing together 3,000 delegates from Africa, the Middle East and the Asian sub-continent. During their stay, Dubai Airports and Execujet will be sponsoring aircraft landing, parking and handling. TradeArabia News Service HINDSIGHT - WRITE SOMETHING WORTH READING ABOUT OR DO SOMETHING WORTH WRITING ABOUT Renu Meghwanshi is no stranger to fighting against Dalit atrocities. She might be contesting from the Congress now, but prior to this, she was instrumental in taking cases of Dalit atrocities to an international level. In 2015, she was at the forefront in one such case from Dangawas village in Nagar District where three Dalits were crushed under tractors by members of the Jat community. As the head of the state unit of the womens wing of the Congress, Meghwanshi is now trying to bring the voices of the Dalit community especially women to the mainstream. Aas Mohammed Kaif of TwoCircles.net spoke with Renu Meghwanshi. The following are the excerpts: Could you tell us a little more about the Dangawas atrocity incident and the struggles you had to go through? Let me start by saying that it was one of the most shameful cases of atrocity against Dalits witnessed in Independent India. On May 14, 2015, about 350 people from the Jat community came to the village in over 30 cars and bikes. A Dalit family was working on its land which the Jats wanted to capture. The Jats attacked the Dalits in ways one cant imagine: an elderly mans eyes were gouged out with a burning piece of wood, women were hit in their private parts and three people were crushed under a tractor while dozens were left severely injured. And despite the police having information about the same, they chose to do nothing. But it was due to our struggles and fight against the Vasundhara Raje government which wanted to shield the perpetrators that the matter reached the United Nations. Finally, a CBI inquiry was initiated in the case. However, the truth is that much before CBI came into the picture the local police had gone out of its way to remove evidence in the matter. Support TwoCircles A lot of people including the village Sarpanch tried to push the narrative that the violence was the result of a land dispute. What is your opinion? The attack was planned well in advance. During the investigation, we came to know that the family members of the attackers and various other members of the community knew of the impending attacks. Similarly, the police also had information about it but chose to do nothing. The Jat community had celebrations after the attacks and said that this would be the fate of any and everyone who tried to speak against them. They compared these attacks with the Muzaffarnagar riots in UP to make their point. Not only that, videos of the atrocities were circulated by the Jat community and people congratulated each other. This shows that the incident was carefully planned as a lesson to the Dalits. So what about justice to the victims? Talking about justice seems inappropriate when the attacks are yet to stop. This area is known as Jat land as they are about 60% of the population. But despite CBI action in the Dangawas case, even today the condition is so bad that a Dalit groom cannot sit on a horse for his wedding. Even the Dalit legislatures sit on the ground when talking to Jats. People who killed Delta Meghwal remain free and are living without any problem. If we compare the murder of Delta Meghwal and the murder of three Dalits in Dangawas, what are the common traits you see? What has been the role of the government? To understand the common traits, we need to see how Dalits are perceived by dominant castes. In the case of Dangawas, the attack was meant to show that Dalits can only be land labourers, not owners. This attack was meant to crush the Dalit aspirations and their self-confidence. Similarly, Delta was a talented student who spoke in English and was progressive in her ideas. She wanted to grow in her career and her dreams were big. This clearly made some upper castes uncomfortable and the result was that she was killed too. Both attacks are a way to tell Dalits that they cannot aspire for a better and more honourable life. The other thing that was common in both these cases was that the Rajasthan government tried to shield both sets of accused. The current state government has 32 Dalit MLAs including 16 from the Meghwal community. How come we still see attacks on Dalit communities? The state has become hell for Dalits despite so many Dalit MLAs. The MLA from Dangawas is also from the Meghwal community but did not even bother to pick our call after the attacks. When he goes to meet Jats he removes his shoes and sits on the floor. Such MLAs are eternally grateful to the dominant castes for helping them win. In such a scenario even 64 MLAs are useless. Their lips are sealed. Earlier this year the country saw massive Dalit protests across the country. What was your role in the same and why do you think people were so angry? Dalits and their mentality are changing now and they are ready to protest. My husband is a Professor, his brother is an IAS officer and I am also doing my PhD. We know what our community wants and that we will not settle for second-class treatment. Dalits and their anger against feudalism and casteism are strong and on April 2 we came out on the streets to protest against the same. We will no longer be slaves and submit to others orders. 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. TheaDesign/iStock(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) -- Protesters on Tuesday evening once again swarmed a suburb near Birmingham, Ala., and blocked traffic on a major highway while demanding justice for a 21-year-old black man who was shot to death by police inside a shopping mall on Thanksgiving night. More than 100 demonstrators marched through a Walmart and nearby businesses in Hoover before taking to Interstate 459 in a caravan of vehicles. The group drove slowly with their hazard lights flashing while some got out of their cars and stood in the roadway, prompting police to briefly shut down the Hoover entrances to the interstate. Demonstrations have been held almost every day since Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr., known as EJ, was killed. The protesters, along with Bradford's family, are urging police to release video evidence of the Nov. 22 shooting and to file charges against the unnamed officer who fired the fatal shot. The incident apparently unfolded during a scuffle at Riverchase Galleria mall in Hoover when another man, who police first suspected to be Bradford, pulled out a gun and shot and wounded an 18-year-old man. A 12-year-old girl, an innocent bystander, was also hit. Police later determined that Bradford, who was armed, did not fire his weapon in that altercation and that the suspect was still at large. The Bradford family's attorney, Benjamin Crump, said that Bradford was carrying a handgun but was licensed to do so. Bardford's parents have called his death "unjust," claiming their son was just trying to help calm amid the chaos. On Nov. 29, authorities apprehended 20-year-old Erron Martez Dequan Brown near Atlanta, Ga., in connection with the Nov. 22 shooting. He was subsequently extradited to Birmingham, Alabama, to face charges. Brown, who is charged with attempted murder, is being held in Jefferson County Jail on $125,000 bond. Brown's attorney, who says his client is not guilty, is expected to hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon. A funeral service for Bradford was held Saturday at the Boutwell Memorial Auditorium in Birmingham, where renowned civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson delivered a powerful eulogy. Jackson described the shooting as the "violent death of another innocent son wrapped in black skin," saying that Bradford joins a long list of "victims in this sickness of uncontrolled violence." The reverend named Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager who was fatally shot by a neighborhood watchman in Florida in 2012, among those victims. "His blood will not have been shed in vain," Jackson said. "The officer who took Emantic's life must face justice." Jackson called for transparency, demanding authorities release any video evidence of the Nov. 22 shooting. The crowd joined him in repeating the words, "Show the tapes now!" Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Loi phan oi cua Singapore, ma Malaysia cho la khong chinh xac, la ong thai moi nhat dien ra giua hai nuoc lang gieng cung chia se khu vuc eo bien Singapore, mot trong nhung con uong van tai hang hai nhon nhip nhat the gioi. Singapore phan oi ke hoach mo rong cang bien cua Malaysia. Anh minh hoa: Reuters Bo Giao thong van tai Singapore cho biet a yeu cau Malaysia ao nguoc cac buoc mo rong gioi han cua cang o Johor Bahru e the hien tinh chu quyen cua Singapore oi voi vung bien uoc e cap cung nhu ngung cac hanh ong on phuong xa hon. Singapore cho biet them cac tau cua Malaysia a nhieu lan tien vao lanh hai Singapore ngoai khoi Tuas thuoc phia Tay trong hai tuan qua. Chinh phu Singapore se khong ngan ngai co nhung hanh ong cung ran hon e ngan chan cac hanh vi xam pham nhu tren. Trong khi o, Malaysia cho biet phan cang bien mo rong trong ke hoach cua ho khong lan vao bat ky ranh gioi vung lanh hai chu quyen nao cua Singapore. Singapore makes strong protest to Malaysia over port extension plan (Reuters) - Singapore has made a "strong protest" to Malaysia over its plan to extend the limits of a port in its southernmost state, saying it encroached the territorial waters of the wealthy city-state. The assertion, which Malaysia called inaccurate, is the latest development in the neighbors' spats over parts of the Singapore Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Singapore's transport ministry said it had asked Malaysia to reverse its steps on the port limits to reflect Singapore's sovereignty over the waters in question, and refrain from further unilateral action. "We note with grave concern that Malaysia has recently purported to extend the Johor Bahru port limits in a manner which encroaches into Singapore territorial waters off Tuas," it said in a statement on Tuesday. "In response, Singapore has lodged strong protest with the Malaysian government." It added that Malaysian vessels had repeatedly intruded into Singapore's territorial waters over the past two weeks off Tuas, in the city-state's west. "Singapore has protested the unauthorized movements of, and purported assertions of sovereignty by, these vessels, which are inconsistent with international law," it said. Singapore will not hesitate to take firm action against such activities, it said, adding that it was ready to try and resolve matters amicably, in line with international law. On Wednesday, Malaysia's transport minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, called Singapore's claims inaccurate, saying the altered port limits had not encroached any part of the city state. "The altered port limits of Johor Bahru port are in Malaysia's territorial sea and it is well within Malaysia's right to draw any port limit in our territorial sea," he said in a statement. In a previous territorial dispute between the neighbors, over remote rocky outcrops off Malaysia's southeastern shores, the International Court of Justice awarded rights to a formation to each in 2008. In another dispute, Malaysia told Singapore it intends to take back control of airspace managed by the city-state since 1974, amid friction over a flight path to a secondary airport in Singapore. Singapore was once part of Malaysia but they separated acrimoniously in 1965, clouding diplomatic and economic dealings for years. Press Release: The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut is happy to announce that the creator of New England Women Take Flight recently earned the 16th Annual Combs Gates Award from the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF). New England Women Take Flight is a research project created to establish a database of notable New England women who have made significant contributions to aviation. This research is the first step in development of an exhibit at the New England Air Museum which will honor these women for their aviation achievements. Peggy Loeffler, a Connecticut resident and aviator, received the award on October 16, 2018 at the National Business Aviation Associations 71st Annual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition. The Combs Gates Award, which includes a $20,000 prize, was established to encourage and support relevant aviation history research and preservation efforts. A panel of expert judges reviewed each submission based upon criteria such as historical accuracy, creativity, potential for longterm impact, and value to the NAHFs mission of honoring Americas outstanding air and space pioneers. Ms. Loefflers research will support a permanent exhibit at the New England Air Museum (NEAM) that will honor the many achievements of women as aviation pioneers, pilots, astronauts and engineers and will exist as the only comprehensive collection of its kind. The exhibit will tell the inspirational stories of New England women who have contributed to the history and industry of aviation and celebrate those who had the courage and persistence to overcome gender barriers. Women of today who are pioneering new careers in aviation will also be noted as mentors for the next generation. Loeffler, the daughter of a WWII Army Air Corps B-29 pilot, grew up flying with her father in a small plane throughout her childhood. In 1996 she obtained her private pilot certificate, and with scholarship assistance from the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots, added commercial, instrument, and instructor ratings. She is presently a flight instructor at Great Barrington Airport in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, as well as serving as a Designated Pilot Examiner for the FAA. While serving as Chairman of the Connecticut Chapter 99s, and later, as Governor of the New England Section 99s, Ms. Loeffler participated in panel discussions and aviation workshops before groups as large as 160 girl scouts at the NEAM and co-founded a special event at the NEAM that ran annually for ten years, celebrating women in aviation, past and present, attracting hundreds of people each year. She is also co-coordinator of an aviation class at a Massachusetts high school. Loeffler, assisted by record-setting balloonist Katherine Wadsworth Delano and several other Connecticut women, is working with staff and volunteers at the NEAM to initiate fundraising efforts to begin the design and construction of the planned exhibit. Progress can be followed through the Museum website, social media and membership communication Yankee Air Museums B-52 by Barry Levine The Yankee Air Museum in Belleville, Michigan has a wide range of aircraft in its collection including a Boeing B-52D Stratofortress on permanent loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This early-block B-52D, rolled off Boeings production line in Wichita, Kansas as U.S Air Force serial number 55-0677 during the spring of 1957. She saw extensive service in the Vietnam War, reportedly flying more than 600 missions. She operated from several bases during this period, including Anderson Air Force Base on Guam, U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Air Base in Thailand, and Kadena Air Base, on Okinawa. She also served at Dyess Air Force Base nest Abilene, Texas. The U.S. Air Force retired the old bomber in 1983, with her final flight being to the museums base at Willow Run Airport on October 26th that year. The Museum has had the Stratofortress on external display since that time, as she was simply too big to display indoors. Exposure to the elements took its toll of course, and now there is a restoration project underway on the old bomber. This project is the collective effort of Museum personnel, students and faculty from the MIAT College of Technology (MIAT), and Vietnam War-era veterans who served at U-Tapao (U-Tapao Alumni Association) or other military bases. All three teams have been hard at work on this aircraft. Some of the work includes repairing/replacing damaged metal in the fuselage, wings, engine cowlings and nacelles, and the stringers supporting the wing surface. Museum support includes a core team of workers Joe Provost, Nick Consiglio, Bob Bailey, David Barnhart and Luke Noble, with Ralph Kohler and Bob Catalano providing substantial behind-the-scenes support. The U-Tapao work party takes place on a semi-annual basis, with participants arriving from a number of states to work on 677. At least one of the work party team members, Brad Beall, flew on 677 as a tail gunner during Vietnam; others, such as Consiglio and Provost worked on 677 in a ground crew capacity. As one can see, the crew working on this project has a lot of emotional connection to this aircraft, Vietnam, and this difficult period in US history. The U-Tapao crew work with MIAT instructors and students to prioritize the efforts and to ensure that a high level of historical accuracy is maintained, creating a hands-on learning laboratory on one of the most famous aircraft types in the history of the U.S. Air Force. In addition to the technical skills being taught, this project (in Bob Baileys words) preserves what we can of aviation history and the memory of all the men and woman who came before us. The photographs show some of the work underway, with MIAT students and the U-Tapao team. There is also a short video highlighting these efforts below. Long-term, the Museums vision is to move 677 to its future home indoors at the National Museum of Aviation and Technology, which will reside within the last remaining section of the old Willow Run Bomber Plant (which rolled out a B-24 Liberator every hour during peak production in WWII). As you would expect, restoring an aircraft this large (it has a 185 wingspan, and weighs in at about 175,000 pounds empty) and then moving her across the field will be expensive, so any help from the public which the museum can get will be most gratefully received. If you would like to donate to the 677 restoration effort, please send a check to Yankee Air Museum, 47884 D Street, Belleville MI 48111 (being sure to write Project 677 B52 in the checks memo section). Alternatively, you can call Elisa Guyton, Associate Director of Development, at 734-483-4030, x227 to pledge your help. Lets help to preserve this historic combat-veteran aircraft for generations to come! We would like to welcome aboard Pacific Trailways as a new sponsor. As you will see from their article below, the company is heavily invested in the promotion and safe operation of a vintage warbird, a prime directive for all of us here at Warbird Digest. Its hard to imagine a more beautiful way of touring the magnificent island nation of New Zealand than aboard a vintage 1944 Douglas C-47B Skytrain! Pacific Trailways is a New Zealand tour operator with a passion to create unique, exclusive, adventurous vacation experiences. Late in 2014, the company teamed up with Fly DC3 NZ to plan and operate exceptional, all-inclusive DC-3 (C-47 Skytrain) Air Tours of New Zealand. The tours are now into their fourth successful year and tour guests so far have included New Zealanders, Australians, North Americans, Brits and Europeans. The collaboration between Pacific Trailways and Fly DC3 NZ is a winner. Pacific Trailways Air Tour partner Fly DC3 NZ is a living heritage organisation that flies and maintains a classic C-47 Skytrain refitted to a DC-3 airliner configuration and painted in a legacy RNZAF colour scheme. Their DC-3 was manufactured as C-47B-10-DK 43-49219 at the Douglas Aircraft plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The US Army Air Force accepted her at Tinker Field in Oklahoma City on October 30, 1944. She served predominantly in the USA during the remainder of WWII. Following her military service, the C-47 was operated by a number of airlines in the South Pacific before moving to Australia in 1974. She has been based in New Zealand since 1987. The Fly DC3 NZ organisation grew from an association with a New Zealand Warbirds group back in the 1980s. Today, members of the organisation are professionals from all avenues of the aviation world. Fly DC3 NZ is a well-respected, fully licensed New Zealand airline certified by New Zealand Civil Aviation to meet the highest standards of aviation regulations in every aspect of the operation. The crew undertake regular service checks and training to meet and comply with all New Zealand Civil Aviation standards. Pacific Trailways role is to plan each itinerary route then book and organise all of the Air Tour hotel accommodation, meals, ground transport, sightseeing services, cruises and everything else not related to the operation of the DC-3. Meanwhile the Fly DC3 NZ crew arrange all of the aviation related necessities for the tours including flight sector route planning, security, flight crew and cabin crew roster, en route airport liaison, refuelling and servicing and all the other important details required to keep the DC-3 flying safely. The DC-3 crew are thorough aviation professionals who volunteer their services to Fly DC3 NZ, simply because they enjoy flying the DC-3 and love being part of a significant aviation heritage initiative. Many are current or recent Air New Zealand crew or service personnel from the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Chief Pilot and Training Officer Captain Geoff Cooper has a 37 year career history with Air New Zealand most recently flying B777-300s across the Pacific. He was with the RNZAF before that and has been flying DC-3s for decades. He has a well-established love of round engines and proper flying in preference to the jets! Pacific Trailways generally runs up to four DC-3 New Zealand Air Tours a year over the Southern Hemisphere late spring-summer-autumn period of November through to April. Three tours still have some seats available for this season the flagship 12-Day DC-3 New Zealand Air Tour, the 5-Day Classic Eastland DC-3 Air Tour and the 4-Day Northland DC-3 Air Tour. We are really pleased to have Pacific Trailways as a sponsor, and hope that some of our readers will be fortunate enough to travel aboard their DC-3 tours of New Zealand this will doubtless be a grand adventure! - T. S. Eliot Thoughts After Lambeth "The World is trying the experiment of attempting to form a civilized but non-Christian mentality. The experiment will fail; but we must be very patient in awaiting its collapse; meanwhile redeeming the time: so that the Faith may be preserved alive through the dark ages before us; to renew and rebuild civilization, and save the World from suicide." Calvert City Jingle All the Way 5k and Fun Run set for December 4 2018 - 2019 drilling campaign to target improved Mineral Resource classification and growth. Thackaringa Cobalt Project Drilling & Water Supply Update Sydney, Dec 5, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Cobalt Blue Holdings Limited ( ASX:COB ) is pleased to announce initial results from its major resource definition drilling program underway at Thackaringa, NSW.KEY POINTS:- Initial results reinforce potential for substantial mine life.- Drilling continues to reaffirm the geological model with a total of 5,686metres completed to date - in excess of 15,000 metres will be drilled over the campaign, making the current program the largest undertaken at the project. Previously, between 2H 2016 and 1H 2018, COB has drilled a total of 20,445 metres (38 diamond drill holes, 93 RC drill holes, and 3 RC drill holes with diamond tails) over three campaigns.- The current announcement summarises results from the first three diamond drill (DD) holes (for 120 metres total) and four reverse circulation (RC) holes (for 766 metres total) that were drilled at the Pyrite Hill deposit. Significant intersections include:- 18THR001 - 56m at 824ppm Co, 11.1% Fe & 9.4% S from 146m- 18THR002 - 68m at 1218ppm Co, 13.4% Fe & 13.4% S from 116m- 18THR003 - 52m at 1042ppm Co, 11.1% Fe & 11.2% S from 93m- 18THR004 - 91m at 826ppm Co, 12.8% Fe & 10.2% S from 67m- Updated Resource Model due end Q1 2019.- Cobalt Blue is proud to announce that it has secured up to 1.5 GL of water per annum that will be supplied by Essential Water at a metered off-take point on the western outskirts of Broken Hill.Cobalt Blue's Chairman, Rob Biancardi said: "We are pleased by recommencement of drilling at Thackaringa. Assays received to date have affirmed continuity of high-grade cobalt mineralisation at the Pyrite Hill deposit with further potential for Resource growth identified through down-dip extension"2018-2019 Drilling Program AimsThe current drilling campaign aims include:1. Improved Mineral Resource classification - defining Measured Resources.2. Growth of Mineral Resources - exploration along margins of existing mineralised bodies.3. Overburden definition - identification of oxide and/or transition layer(s).4. Blue-sky exploration - follow up previously identified geophysical anomalies.Drilling UpdateThus far, the current drilling program has focused on the Pyrite Hill deposit which represents 36% of the existing Mineral Resource tonnage and approximately 39% of contained cobalt inventory (Refer to Table 1 for complete Mineral Resource summary). A versatile drilling fleet comprising two diamond and two RC drill rigs has been deployed to service program objectives.To view tables and figures, please visit:About Cobalt Blue Holdings Limited Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd (ASX:COB) is an exploration and project development company focussed on green energy technology. Work programs are advancing to enable an upgrade of the Mineral Resource at the Thackaringa Cobalt Project in New South Wales to include Measured Resources. Cobalt is a strategic metal in strong demand for new generation batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries now being widely used in clean energy systems. Potential to extend the Mineral Resource at Pyrite Hill, Big Hill, Railway and the other prospects is high. Numerous other prospects within COBs tenement package are at an early stage and under-explored. Red Mountain - New Geochemical Anomalies Identified Revised Ballarat, Dec 5, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - White Rock Minerals Ltd ( ASX:WRM ) is pleased to announce that it has identified a number of high priority geochemical anomalies within its recently expanded 100% owned Red Mountain high-grade zinc - silver - lead - gold - copper volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") Project in Alaska.- A detailed regional stream sediment survey identifies 8 high priority geochemical targets for follow-up.- Strong base metal anomalism up to 1.1% zinc in streams indicates high prospectivity for outcropping massive sulphides.- Strong precious metal and other pathfinder elements detected.- Target areas cluster in two distinct areas; west of the known mineralisation at Dry Creek (the southern limb of the Bonnifield syncline) and in the Glacier Creek area with strong sulphide footwall alteration on the northern limb of the Bonnifield syncline.During the 2018 field season White Rock completed a detailed regional stream sediment program over prospective stratigraphy within the Red Mountain project area. This part of the comprehensive 2018 exploration program was optimised based on the geochem orientation survey completed across known mineralisation at Dry Creek. This "calibration" provided a geochemical signature of base metal and precious metal elements together with other pathfinders to use for future exploration of the VMS prospective stratigraphy on both the northern and southern limbs of the regional Bonnifield syncline.This 2018 reconnaissance program identified a number of extensive alteration features for future exploration. Some of these extend on surface for several kilometres of strike. The results from the regional stream sampling program have successfully highlighted 8 priority anomalies within the area of alteration (Figure 1), providing areas for immediate focus through follow-up ground reconnaissance, surface sampling and the application of electrical geophysics prior to drill targeting.The significance of some of the geochemical anomalies is illustrated by the tenor of anomalism with one stream sample returning 1.1% Zn in an area towards the top of the VMS prospective stratigraphy to the west of the Dry Creek deposit. No previous exploration has prospected the immediate catchment area indicating how prospective the immediate surrounds remain.In addition, the area of the northern limb known as Glacier Creek displays footwall sulphide alteration that extends for over 10km of strike. The stream sediment survey has identified 4 discrete high priority targets within the area of alteration. Follow-up work will now be able to focus on these discrete areas of anomalism to enable rapid advancement to drill testing in 2019.CEO Matt Gill said "We recently expanded our tenement footprint three-fold, to now hold a strategic land package of some 475km2. This expansion follows a successful first year of field activities for White Rock where drilling intersected multiple high-grade intervals of zinc-silver-lead-gold-copper mineralisation at Dry Creek and West Tundra (ASX Announcements dated 18 June 2018, 4 July 2018 and 20 August 2018). With some drill hole results returning in excess of 17% zinc, 6% lead, 1,000 g/t silver, 6 g/t gold and 1.5% copper, the 2018 field season also saw three reconnaissance crews out in the field mapping and sampling. The culmination of this work encouraged White Rock to expand its strategic tenement holding to take in more of what has been identified as a highly prospective geological setting.In addition to this successful drilling campaign, including a new discovery of high-grade zinc-rich VMS mineralisation at the Hunter prospect, we now have the results from our regional stream sediment sampling campaign. These results reinforce our belief that the Red Mountain project could yield a camp of VMS deposits in the year ahead.Together with the expansion of the tenement package to 475km2 and coverage of multiple new VMS occurrences throughout the Bonnifield district (Figure 2), White Rock is now poised to advance the project rapidly in 2019 through a second year of aggressive prospecting and drilling."To view tables and figures, please visit:About White Rock Minerals Ltd White Rock Minerals Ltd (ASX:WRM) (OTCMKTS:WRMCF) is a diversified explorer and near-stage producer, headquartered in Ballarat, Victoria. The Company's flagship exploration project is Red Mountain in central Alaska. At Red Mountain, there are already two high grade zinc - silver - gold - lead VMS deposits, with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 9.1 million tonnes @ 609g/t AgEq / 13% ZnEq. The Company is also exploring its recently discovered large intrusion related gold anomaly at Last Chance, also located in the Tintina gold belt of Alaska, home to multi-million gold ounce deposits like Pogo, Fort Knox and the Donlin Project. The Company also has the Mt Carrington project, located near Drake, in Northern NSW, which is a near-production precious metals asset with a resource of 341,000 ounces of gold and 23.2 million ounces of silver on an approved mining lease, and with a Gold First PFS and JORC Reserve. Assyrian Village in North Iraq Closes School After Turkish Shelling A school in the village of Shransha in Duhok's Zakho district, Dec. 4, 2018. ( Kurdistan 24) A school in a Christian village near the Kurdistan Region's northern border has temporarily halted all activities due to intermittent Turkish shelling near the area. "The school has been in recess for the past ten days," Nadir Gada, a teacher at the Shransha primary school told Kurdistan 24 on Tuesday, saying that the reason was continued Turkish attacks in the area. The village, also called Shransha, lies in Duhok's Zakho district, northwest of the regional capital of Erbil. Turkey has routinely shelled and bombarded with warplanes territory well past its border with the Kurdistan Region, claiming nearby detection of members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group fighting a decades-long insurgency with Ankara over Kurdish rights and self-rule. Gada added, "The teachers, who are not from the village, are not ready to return and risk their lives" by working here. The children expressed hope that they would soon be able to return to their studies. The district's Education General Directorate has been working to resume schooling so the children don't lose an entire year of study. "We will try to bring more teachers to the village and... if that does not work we will provide a vehicle for the pupils to drive them to the nearest school," Nazir Yusuf, Director-General of the Education Department of Zakho, told Kurdistan 24 on Tuesday. In November, Turkish shelling killed three civilians from a village near the border. A week earlier, an airstrike hit a resort area, damaging the cars of picnickers who quickly fled the scene. Editing by John J. Catherine Additional reporting by Kurdistan 24 correspondent in Duhok Islam Yusuf. (ANSA) - Rome, December 5 - The government must act given the risk of a recession, European Affairs Minister Paolo Savona said Wednesday. Italy "cannot wait for" the slow transition that will lead to a new European Parliament, a new European Commission and a new European Central Bank in 2019, he said, "because (Italy) must face the risks of a recession". Therefore, he said, "it is our duty to act". Savona stressed the "undoubted capacity of the European organisation to create financial and monetary stability but not to create development". Riyadh claims prince not in contact with Khashoggi's killers Rejects all claims of Bin Salman's connection with the murder (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, DECEMBER 5 - The spokesperson for the Saudi embassy to the US wrote on Twitter on Wednesday that the crown prince had never had any contact with Saudi officials to harm Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist killed in the Saudi embassy in Istanbul in October. Spokesperson Fatima Baeshan added that the country rejected any accusations trying to connect the prince with the incident. The comments came after some US senators accused Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday following a hearing on the case by CIA director Gina Haspel. She said that Saudi Arabia was holding those responsible for the murder in courts of law and was bringing in measures to ensure that nothing of the sort ever happens again and that Riyadh was maintaining its firm commitment to bilateral relations with the US. (ANSAmed). Energy: ERBD to boost Jordan's national electricity company US$ 265 mln accord to help construct substations, reform firm (ANSAmed) - AMMAN, DECEMBER 5 - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed a $265-million finance deal with Jordan's National Electric Power Company (NEPCO), to integrate renewable power sources into the national power network, a statement reads. The accord will allow for "construction of new substations, automated grid management systems and transmission infrastructure will improve the integration of green energy into the national electricity network," according to EBRD statement. NEPCO has been facing mounting financial challenges during the past few years in what has been attributed to mismanagement and an ever increasing cost of fuel and gas. Officials said the deal will deal with part of the financial crisis facing the company, which is running a massive debt and causing challenge in the government annual state budget. Moreover, an agreement was signed with the government to set a reform programme to NEPCO's governance and operations. EBRD officials said the deal includes "the development of a plan of action that includes indicators of performance and measurement. Seeking to boost the role of renewable sources in Jordan's energy mix, the deal comes after the "successful" deployment of the first rounds of renewable energy in Jordan, the bank said in a statement, noting that the funding is the largest provided to Jordan so far. "NEPCO has been at the heart of Jordan's remarkable renewable revolution, which leads the way in using private capital and skills to unlock the country's great wind and solar resources," the statement added. (ANSAmed). Meeting in Cairo to discuss Italian archaeology in Egypt Between missions in Middle East and North Africa (ANSAmed) - CAIRO, DECEMBER 5 - The Italian archaeological missions active in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area are meeting for a conference in Cairo titled 'Italian Archaeology in Egypt and MENA Countries (IAM2)', following a similar conference held in Cairo last year. About 60 Italian archaeologists will meet in the Egyptian capital for four days, from Wednesday to Saturday. The conference includes a documentary exhibition on the work of Italian archaeologists and is structured with an opening session, six "key talk" sessions to be held by renowned Egyptian and Italian Egyptologists, and eight round table discussions. The conference themes include: Which Archaeology Today?, Multidisciplinary Archaeology, Applied Sciences and Documentation, Conservation and Access to Archaeological Sites, Training Ability of Italian Missions, Tourism Promotion of Sites, Archives, Globalisation's "Potentials and Challenges" for the Sector, and Work of Foreign Archaeological Institutes in Egypt. The first two key talk sessions will be held by the Secretary-General of the High Council of Egyptian Antiquities, Mustafa Wasiry, on recent discoveries made in Egypt; and by Patrizia Piacentini, professor of Egyptology at the University of Milan, on the role of archives. The IAM2 conference, organised by the Italian Archaeological Centre and the Italian Institute of Culture in Cairo, will open first at the Ministry of Egyptian Antiquities and will then continue at a hotel. The exhibition will be held at the Italian Institute of Culture.(ANSAmed). BEIRUT - About 700 civilians have been taken to safety in eastern Syria by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from Islamic State (ISIS) territory, Syrian Kurdish media reported on Wednesday. The forces have for weeks been involved in an operation against an area of ISIS resistance near the Iraqi border. The media outlets quote military sources from the SDF - which receive support from the anti-ISIS, US-led international coalition and directly from the US army - fighting in eastern Syria. It is impossible to independently verify the news from the operation in eastern Syria. The SDF are advancing on Hejin, alongside the Euphrates River, the epicenter of the area still in ISIS hands. Over the past 24 hours, the coalition air forces have stepped under their bombing of the area and the sources say that the SDF are near Hejin. EU weighes 6-month extension for Operation Sophia To solve ports issue (ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, DECEMBER 5 - The EU is assessing the possibility of a six-month technical extension to the mandate of Operation EunavForMed Sophia, set to expire on December 31. It is trying to gain some time to resolve the crucial issue of ports to disembark migrants at, since currently all migrants rescued by the ships of the mission are taken to Italian ports. Italy has long urged that this issue be solved. The extension would keep the current conditions until a final solution is found. (ANSAmed). NATO greenlights Bosnia-Herzegovina accession process Ready if they are, Stoltenberg (ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, DECEMBER 5 - NATO has given its approval for the process to prepare Bosnia-Herzegovina for membership. In a Brussels meeting, NATO foreign ministers invited the Balkan country to implement its first annual reform program, which would bring it into line with NATO standards. The move is part of the Membership Action Plan (MAP), a process that helps aspiring countries get read to become part of the alliance. It is not yet clear how long it will take for Bosnia-Herzegovina to be able to enter or - AP reports - whether Sarajevo will even accept the invitation. "We made our decision. We are ready to receive their annual national program. But let them decide and we are ready if they are ready,'' NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said. (ANSAmed). ISTANBUL - The Istanbul prosecutor's office has issued arrest warrants for two Saudi Arabians in connection with the killing of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, said local media sources. The prosecutor's office is seeking the arrest of Saud al Qahtani, a close advisor to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and the prince's former director of social media; and General Ahmed al Asiri, the former Saudi deputy intelligence chief; both of whom were removed from their positions following Khashoggi's murder. Istanbul prosecutors said there is a "strong suspicion" that the two men were among the "planners of the killing". This new move by the Turkish prosecutor aims to keep pressure on Saudi Arabia but it is unlikely to have an immediate effect. The two men are currently in Saudi Arabia, which has no extradition agreement with Turkey, and the Kingdom has already denied Turkish extradition requests. However, Turkey could ask Interpol to issue an international arrest warrant, local media said. On Tuesday, the US Senate was briefed on the Khashoggi killing by the CIA, after which some senators explicitly accused bin Salman of involvement in the murder. UN calls for international probe into Khashoggi killing To ascertain culprits, says High Commissioner Bachelet (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, DECEMBER 5 - Michelle Bachelet, the UN high commissioner for human rights, on Wednesday called for an international investigation of the gruesome killing of Jamal Khashoggi. He was killed on October 2 in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. "I do believe it is really needed in terms of ensuring what really happened and who are the (people) responsible for that awful killing,'' she said at a news conference in Geneva. Turkey is also pushing for an international inquiry. (ANSAmed). YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The Human Rights Defenders Office (Ombudsman) says it is carrying out independent observations from the very first day the campaigning period began for the general election. In a statement, the Ombudsmans Office said it has documented and forwarded to law enforcement agencies all incidents concerning the electoral process that contain elements constituting a crime under the criminal code. It said that, among others, at this moment materials have been forwarded to authorities concerning threats against Republican (HHK) candidate Vahan Babayan, and the obstruction of a campaigning event of the Citizens Decision party in Aparan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan tendered a tactical resignation on October 16 in a maneuver to trigger the process of dissolving the parliament. In accordance to the Constitution, when a Prime Minister resigns the parliament must elect a new PM within two weeks. Lawmakers deliberately failed to elect a new PM as a formality in order to pave the way for dissolution. Pashinyan took office after massive protests in April forced president-turned PM Serzh Sargsyan to resign. But Sargsyans Republican Party (HHK) still held most seats in the 105-seat parliament. Since taking office, Nikol Pashinyan has numerously said that the incumbent parliament doesnt represent the people and that early elections should take place as soon as possible. The parliament was dissolved by virtue of law on November 1. On the same day, President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian signed an order on calling early general election on December 9. The incumbent parliament functions until the new parliament is elected. The government is formally a caretaker government until a new Cabinet is formed after the election. The campaigning period kicked off November 26 with 11 political parties and blocs running for parliament. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, DECEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, running for parliament by heading the My Step bloc, was riding the bus today to interact with citizens. He boarded a bus in Yerevan and gave booklets of the bloc to voters. Some of the passengers even had the chance to ask questions to the caretaker PM. Voters in particular raised the elevator problem issue of apartment buildings. Pashinyan said that the government is focusing on the matter. Pashinyan also said that a single transportation network should exist in Yerevan. He also added that he has agreed with Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan to create a task force and study the traffic jams in the city with police. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan 1 hour ago Black Friday is back but it's not what it used to be NEW YORK (AP) On this year's Black Friday, things almost seem normal. Malls and stores report decent-sized crowds, if not the floods of people that used to fight over the latest toys Read Article American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. All rights reserved. 326 E 8th St #105, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | U.S. Based Support Team at con[email protected] | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. Ormat Technologies, Inc. operates as a holding company. The firm engages in the provision of geothermal and recovered energy power business. It operates through the following segments: Electricity, Product and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment focuses in the sale of electricity from the company's power plants pursuant to PPAs. The Product segment involves in the manufacture, including design and development, of turbines and power units for the supply of electrical energy and in the associated construction of power plants utilizing the power units manufactured by the company to supply energy from geothermal fields and other alternative energy sources. The Energy Storage segment consists of battery energy storage systems as a service and management of curtailable customer loads under contracts with U.S. retail energy providers and directly with large commercial and industrial customers. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Reno, NV. Read More William Lyon Homes (NYSE:WLH) issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November, 6th. The construction company reported $0.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.30 by $0.07. The construction company had revenue of $466.90 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $487.15 million. William Lyon Homes had a trailing twelve-month return on equity of 6.98% and a net margin of 3.04%. The company's quarterly revenue was down 12.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.68 earnings per share. View William Lyon Homes' earnings history. SALEM, Ohio A new farm bill could be just around the corner, and struggling farmers, unsure about the future of their operations and what the new year will bring, hope to see something in place very soon. On Dec. 4, the Associated Press reported that a final bill from the House and Senate conference committee would get filed Dec. 10, with action by the House and Senate to follow later in the week, according to statements by U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, the top Democrat on the House Ag Committee. In a call with reporters, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown said he expects the farm bill conference committee will finish its work within the next couple weeks, and have a bill to the president before the holidays. Brown, a Democrat from Cleveland, is one of nine Senate members on the committee, which also includes House members, including U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs, a Republican from Lakeville. At the beginning of the year, I pledged to get the farm bill done, so that we could provide Ohio farmers with the certainty they deserve, Brown said. And Im proud that this final bipartisan bill will do that. Multi-faceted bill Brown said the new five-year will provide important improvements for dairy farmers, as well as soybean and corn farmers. At the same time, the bill will protect funding for nutrition programs that feed hungry families, while also investing in programs to improve water quality in Lake Erie and across Ohio. One of the biggest differences between the House and Senate versions dealt with work requirements for recipients of food stamps, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. House conservatives wanted to expand the work-related requirements sot that able-bodied adults who receive food stamps would be required to work to the age of 59, instead of 49. The House also sought work requirements for parents with children older than 6, to either work or participate in job training, but the work-related requirements were dropped at the end of November, from a lack of Senate support. The new bill will offer various improvements, including reforms to conservation programs, and for dairy farmers, a new milk risk protection program, designed to replace the unpopular milk Margin Protection Program, included in the 2014 farm bill. The Senate calls the new program the Dairy Risk Coverage program, which would raise the maximum covered margin to $9/cwt. and adjust the minimum percentage of milk that can be insured. The new program would invest an additional $100 million to improve affordability, flexibility and effectiveness for dairy farmers. Participating farmers with about 240 cows or less can now expect to at least break even, according to Peterson. It isnt the best possible bill, but its the best bill possible, Peterson told the AP. Conservation programs As for conservation, Brown said the new farm bill will improve water quality in Lake Erie and across Ohio by refocusing federal investments to the areas where the need is most critical. Specifically, the bill seeks to reform the three largest conservation funding programs to protect waterways while expanding access to quality farmland. The bill creates a new Clean Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers (CLEAR) program to better promote water quality, by prioritizing lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, that will best prevent runoff and protect water quality. It targets the most important land while encouraging production, said Brown, adding that the new bill is good for Lake Erie and good for taxpayers. It is not clear yet what the final program for crop farmers will look like, but Brown said the Agriculture Loss Coverage (ARC) program will still be available. The ARC-CO program provides revenue loss coverage at the county level. ARC-CO payments are issued when the actual county crop revenue of a covered commodity is less than the ARC-CO guarantee for the covered commodity. Producers also had the option, with the old farm bill, to select ARC-IC, which provided individual farm protection. ARC will still be a viable option for farmers to choose, Brown said. Basic agreement On Nov. 29, House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders said they had reached an agreement in principle on the 2018 Farm Bill. In a released statement, the leaders of both committees said they are working to finalize legal and report language as well as CBO scores, but we still have more work to do. We are committed to delivering a new farm bill to America as quickly as possible. Related coverage: WOOSTER, Ohio The key to profitability in sheep farming starts with the shepherds understanding of the tools available and skillfulness in using them, Woody Lane told those gathered for the Buckeye Shepherds Symposium, held Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Lane, livestock nutritionist, forage specialist and author, was the main speaker for the annual event hosted by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, and held at the Shisler Conference Center, in Wooster, Ohio. Based in Roseburg, Oregon, Lane runs Lane Livestock Services, a private livestock consulting business. During his sessions, Lane discussed various tools shepherds can use to improve nutrition, management and overall health of their animals. It starts, he said, with lambing dates. When you choose to lamb sets up the nutritional requirements throughout the year. Particularly in grass-based models, the key is knowing different methods to control, contain or encourage the right nutrition at the right time. It takes real skill to get animals to do what you want them to do on forage, Lane said. Lane also urged attendees to be nimble and assess the health of their flocks. Recommended dry matter intake is just a number, he said. Animals dont use a number, Lane said. They eat what they want. Master shepherd During the event, the association honored longtime Hardin County sheep farmer, Dave Burkhart, as the 2018 Charles Boyle Master Shepherd. Dave Rowe, of Madison County, was honored with a Distinguished Service Award, for his time on the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program board. Elysian Fields, a group that has helped market large numbers of Ohio lambs, was also honored by the association. Mike Bumgarner, CEO of United Producers Inc., was named Friend of the Sheep Industry, for his help in dissolving the club lamb association and creating LEAD, which is the states youth program. Doug Lichtenberger, of Marion County, earned Environmental Stewardship Award honors this year. The association also honored these scholarship recipients: Ralph Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship, Ben Gastier, Erie County; Dr. Jack Judy Memorial Scholarship, Katie Frost, Fayette County; and OSIA LEAD Council scholarships: Samantha McAllister, Darke County; Kayla Ritter, Montgomery County; Seth Wasilewski, Richland County; and Austen Wood, Wayne County. Zane Parrott, of Morrow County, was honored as the Ohio FFA State Sheep Proficiency Award winner, and the 2018 State 4-H Sheep Achievement Award winner was Sean McCutcheon, of Licking County. The Government has refused Lynx UK Trust's application to reintroduce Euasian Lynx in Northumberland, saying it did not meet the necessary standards. Defra Secretary Michael Gove has written to the Lynx UK Trust in response to their application to release 6 Eurasian Lynx into Kielder Forest, Northumberland. He said it did not meet the necessary standards set out in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines. There has been significant public interest in these proposals, and Natural England was asked to provide advice to Defra on the application and to undertake a full assessment. The application was the first ever made in the UK for the species to be re-introduced. Lynx UK Trust said that reintroducing the predator would bring benefits such as helping to control and reduce the UKs over-populated deer numbers, reducing damage to forests and improving habitat for smaller animals. However, sheep farmers have frequently criticised the proposals, saying how after more than 1,000 years of extinction, the UK's natural life would not be prepared for the lynx. 'Victory' The National Sheep Association said they strongly believe Defra's decision is the right one based on ecological, social and agricultural grounds. Farmers first raised its concerns with Natural England in March 2015, nearly four years ago when the release was first suggested. But it was not until last year when Lynx UK Trust submitted plans to Natural England for permission to carry out lynx re-introduction in Kielder forest. NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: Todays victory is not just for farmers, but for the ecology of the area, the rural community and the farming economy. Todays announcement shows the effectiveness of our working with local farmers and community groups that share our concerns. The community in Kielder has really come together and with the support of NSA has hosted meetings and discussions to raise their concerns. Mr Stocker added: The threat of the lynx against sheep was very real and we could not be happier that this isnt a risk our members will have to face. 'Enormous relief' The NFU has said the application refusal will come as an enormous relief to farmers in the area. NFU senior countryside adviser, Claire Robinson said: The NFUs opposition has always been underpinned by our concerns about the impact lynx could have on the welfare of livestock. The Secretary of State himself notes that the application had failed to demonstrate local buy-in and Natural Englands evidence says that the NFUs concerns were not addressed. The NFU will continue to monitor this specific case and respond accordingly to any developments. The sheep industry's main concerns surround the welfare of livestock if any predator is released in the wild. In 2016, a UK farming delegation visited Norway to hear of the devastating consequences that rewilding has on the local industry. During that year, Norwegian authorities paid out compensation on nearly 20,000 sheep lost to predators. A Welsh dairy farmer has said the Government has left him out dry after being accused of tampering bovine TB tests. In 2016, animal health inspectors ordered that 30 of Hefin Owen's cows were to be slaughtered after tests for bovine TB at his farm. Mr Owen was then accused of tampering the tests to force a positive result, meaning the Government must pay out compensation for any lost livestock. The dairy farmer, from Newcastle Emlyn, Ceredigion, was found not guilty of tampering bovine TB tests by Aberystwyth County Court in April earlier this year. Mr Owen has since lost his milking business in a court case battle which has cost him 250,000. The farmer told BBC Radio Wales: There wasn't any evidence to take it to court. It was devastating for us - especially for the business. We were struggling to carry on. They left us without hardly any income really. Having received no compensation, Mr Owen has now launched an online crowd funding page to raise 100,000 to pursue the Government through the courts. The page says: Your help will help them fight this claim and by fighting Defra to ensure that no other young family will face such a terrible ordeal. Tenant farmers have called the amount of criticism levied against livestock farmers in the debate around climate change as unfair. There is growing criticism of the UK livestock industry over claims that it is damaging the climate. However, statistics from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) estimate total UK greenhouse gas emissions are around 468 mtCO2e and all of UK agriculture is responsible for only around 10% of these. The bulk of emissions come from transport and energy which together account for over half of total emissions. The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) has reacted against the criticism of the UK livestock industry, saying it is "unfair". TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn, said: Whilst tenanted holdings are found in all sectors of agriculture, there is a higher proportion of let land in grassland farming. Farmers of this landscape see themselves both as producers of great food, and managers of the environment. It has been unfair, of late, to see the amount of criticism levied against livestock producers in the debate around climate change. 'Store of carbon' UK agriculture is responsible for managing around 70% of the total landmass of the UK, and its emissions are low by comparison to the transport and energy sector. However, agriculture is also a store of carbon with the 10 million ha of grassland across the UK storing something like 600 million tonnes of carbon estimated to cover about one third of the UKs below ground carbon stock, said Mr Dunn. In addition, this grassland is also responsible for the sequestration of around 2.4 mtCO2e annually. On top of this important public good, livestock farming is contributing in large ways to other ecosystems services including landscape and biodiversity. It is also providing an economic base for tourism, public access and food processing, added Mr Dunn. World leaders and a host of other delegates are gathering over two weeks in Poland for the latest UN climate change summit, which ends on Friday 14 December. A farm has cancelled its annual turkey auction after vegan campaigners demanded a stop to it. St Werberghs City Farm turkey auction raises money for homeless people in the Bristol area. Nine turkeys at the farm were to be auctioned off to raise money in time for Christmas. The farm, which keeps animals, grows vegetables and helps the local community learn about the outdoors, had to cancel its tradition after coming under the wrath of local vegan campaigners. On a social media post, Bristol Vegan Action said: With enough support, St Werburghs City Farm may consider sparing these innocent lives, and instead becoming a sanctuary. Vegan campaign group Viva!, on a Facebook post dating Tuesday (4 December), told its 90,000-strong audience to take action by commenting on St Werburghs City Farm Facebook page, emailing their office and phoning the farm. However, as of 5 December, St Werburghs City Farm's Facebook page is unavailable to access. The farm told BBC News it offers turkeys the highest standards of welfare and is proud to keep them for farming. A statement said: We are aware that raising animals for meat is an emotive issue, and having listened to the views of a small section of our community, we have decided not to hold our annual turkey auction. However, the aims and objectives of the farm will remain unchanged and our turkeys will still be sold for Christmas. The news follows vegan campaigners demanding that the ancient Dorset village of Wool change its name to 'Vegan Wool', claiming it promotes sheep cruelty, despite the true origin of the village's name. 'NickYanka's Lavish Wedding Reception Last night, 'NickYanka's lavish wedding reception in Delhi was attended by leading designers, politicos and industrialists along with PC's relatives from her paternal and maternal side, stated a report in DNA. Here's When PC-Nick's Mumbai Reception Will Take Place The daily further quoted a source, "Priyanka has a few ad campaigns lined up, which she needs to shoot for in the coming week. Post that, the couple will throw a bash for the film industry either on December 15 or 16." After this, PeeCee will resume shooting for Shonali Bose's The Sky Is Pink. Priyanka-Nick's Honeymoon Plans "The team will take a short break during Christmas. That's when Nickyanka will fly to an exotic location for their honeymoon. PC will leave the country around December 27 and return in the first week of January," DNA further quoted the source. Priyanka-Nick Will Ring In New Year Together Reportedly, the newlyweds will ring in the New Year with this short trip. The source further added, ""Once she comes back, Priyanka will begin the Ahmedabad schedule for her next. After she has completed all her work commitments, she and Nick will take off for another trip, albeit a longer one this time." Priyanka Chopra Thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi Priyanka Chopra took to Twitter to thank the prime minister of India Narendra Modi for his blessings. Tagging Nick JOnas, the 36-year-old actor wrote, "A heartfelt thank you to our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for gracing us with your presence. Touched by your kind words and blessings." The Security Was Beefed Up During Priyanka Chopra & Nick Jonas' Reception! Similar to the two-part nuptials, the reception was also a fiercely guarded event. There was tight security around the luxury hotel and since the Prime Minister attended the event, policemen were also on their toes. The Big Fat Indian Wedding Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, 26, exchanged wedding vows on December 1 at Jodhpur's majestic the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace in a Catholic ceremony officiated by the groom's father Kevin Jonas Sr. It was followed by an equally grand wedding as per Hindu traditions on December 2. Congratulations have been pouring in - both from within the fraternity and outside - since the couple first exchanged vows. Narendra Modi Congratulated The Newlyweds Priyanka Chopra & Nick Jonas The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi took to Instagram and congratulated the couple by saying, "Congratulations @priyankachopra and @nickjonas. Wishing you a happy married life." The trailer of Uri starring Vicky Kaushal and Yami Gautam is out and will give you goosebumps and also make you feel patriotic all at the same time. Uri is based on the real-life tragic story of surgical strikes, where the Indian soldiers were first attacked by the enemies at the border and a few days later the Government deployed the Indian army to destroy Pakistani bunkers and were successful in doing so as they ripped the Pakistani military bunkers, base, equipments and several other targets in their reach and was a major defeat to Pakistan. Watch the trailer of Uri starring Vicky Kaushal and Yami Gautam below... It's such an amazing trailer, right? Uri shows the might of the Indian army and is an example to the enemies out there stating that if they attack us, their end is near and imminent. For the uninitiated, - On September 18, 2016, 19 Indian soldiers were brutally killed in a cowardly early morning attack by Pakistani terrorists at the 12 Infantry Brigade headquarters in Uri. The sad part is that the Pakistani army were involved with the terrorists during the attacks. Priyanka & Nick Jonas' Wedding: Sophie Turner Ends Up Being A Desi Style Meme! In response to the terrorist attack by Pakistan, the Government ordered the Indian Army's Special Forces to carry out "surgical strikes" on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 29, 2016 and gave a huge blow to Pakistan that they'll never forget for the rest of their lives. Uri is produced by Ronnie Screwvala and directed by Aditya Dhar. The movie is all set to hit the theatres on January 11, 2019. Deepika Padukone & Ranveer Singh Reception: Amitabh Bachchan Shares Inside Pictures From The Party Here Are Some Inputs From The Article "(Sadly, no one has yet to report on whether or not Nick Jonas was truly comfortable riding into his wedding on horseback.) Nick, if you're reading this, find that horse and gallop away as fast as you can!," said the writer for The Cut. Priyanka Chopra Is A Fraud & A Scam Artist The article from The Cut also said that Priyanka Chopra is a fraud and a scam artist. "Even more upsetting, she's a scam artist who never even took the time to make sure he was comfortable riding a horse before arranging for him to enter their wedding ceremony on horseback." All Nick Jonas Wanted Was A Fling With Priyanka Chopra The article from The Cut also said that Nick Jonas just wanted a fling with Priyanka Chopra, but then got tricked into marriage by her. "All Nick wanted was a possible fling with Hollywood's latest It Woman, but instead he wound up staring straight at a life sentence with a global scam artist." The lines are so insensitive, right? Twitterati Thrashed The Writer & The Website Twitterati didn't take things lightly and lashed out against the writer of the article and the website by calling it "sexist, racist and disgusting". For a publication that shows womens what they are made of @TheCut has a lot to answer for . The article on @priyankachopra was sexist , racist and disgusting. Also its written by a woman which is so sad. It reeks of envy and bitterness. @mRiah shame on you! https://t.co/bmbbX7LrAT Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) December 5, 2018 Sonam Kapoor Takes A Stand, Lashes Out Against The Article Sonam Kapoor took a stand for Priyanka Chopra and lashed out against the US website. Here's what she tweeted... The sexism, racism & xenophobia really jumped out lol. You're so mad that a deserving Indian woman found someone who values her worth. The one time a South Asian woman is thriving in Hollywood after working so hard, she gets called a scammer. I hope you do some soul-searching. Eva (@EvaFromThe6ix) December 5, 2018 Sexism, Racism & Xenophobia A Twitter user lashed out against the article by saying it's filled with, "Sexism, racism & xenophobia." Hey The Cut, this is bullshit!! Getting a black woman to share her "views" about a successful, self made brown Indian woman doesn't change the fact that the piece is racist & sexist. Shaming a brown woman for her lifestyle choices shows your disgusting mindset. #PriyankaChopra https://t.co/AnpiGCWKER Amena (@Fashionopolis) December 5, 2018 Disgusting Mindset! Another user took to Twitter by saying that the writer has a "disgusting mindset" and called the article "bullshit". There is an art to dissecting celebrity culture, and this dumb, petty, misogynistic, racist piece of trash isnt it. I really dont feel like listing the many ways @TheCut fucked up on Hindu culture before even getting to the banality of this dumb story. https://t.co/mUCDCm8xaG Beejoli Shah (@beejoli) December 5, 2018 Dumb & Misogynistic A Twitterati is angry with the opinion piece by The Cut and called the article "Dumb, petty, misogynistic, racist" and a "piece of thrash". What a nasty piece of goods the writer is. Did you mean to be funny? Cos you end up sounding sexist & racist. A dreadful piece. Naomi Datta (@nowme_datta) December 5, 2018 The Writer Is Nasty Another user called the writer "nasty" for putting up such an article. Not only this article makes no point.. It is also Absolutely racist,xenophobic hateful writing by @mRiah ! Shameful that she seems to have an issue that @priyankachopra an Indian is rich and accomplished & splurges her own money. Sick @nymagPR published this. Maya (@Sharanyashettyy) December 5, 2018 It's A Shame A Twitter user called the article a new low and a shame to the website for publishing such hate content. Hina Khan may have bid goodbye to her previous show Yeh Rishta Kya Khelata Hai, but she continues to remain good friends with her co-actors. Recently, the Kasautii Zindagi Kay 2 actress took to her Instagram handle to wish her on-screen mother a very happy birthday. Lataa Saberwal, who played Hina's on-screen mother turns a year older today. Hina had the sweetest message for her. She shared a throwback picture with Lataa from their Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai days. Hina wrote,"Happy Happy birthday my forever sexy mommy cum dearest friend. When we say we won't tell anyone we never count ourselves #SecretKeepers." Now isn't that something adorable? Hina Khan became a household name through Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. A while ago, there were speculations that Hina would be making a special appearance on the show. Addressing these rumors, she Tweeted, "Happy Happy birthday my forever sexy mommy cum dearest friend. When we say we won't tell anyone we never count ourselves #SecretKeepers." The actress was last seen on Kasautii Zindagi Kay 2 when her character Komolika was introduced. Her entry video went viral and broke the internet. It received more views than the trailer of the show. But, ever since her entry, Hina has been missing from Ekta Kapoor's show. MOST READ : Khatron Ke Khiladi 9 First Promo: Rohit Shetty & Bharti Singh Crack You Up; Fans Excited! After a lot of waiting and teasing, Hina finally revealed to her fans that she'll be making her Bollywood debut and that's the reason she's away from Kasautii. Talking about the film in an interview with Hindustan Times, she said, "It's a female-centric story. I also love the fact that it's set in a time and place, where we are away from the hustle and bustle of city life, technology, daily rush and competition. I am also thrilled about challenging myself in a brand new medium." British pharmaceutical group GlaxoSmithKline secured the high price of 3.1 billion $3.97 billion for the sale of its Indian business, but the proceeds are mostly in shares rather than cash. GlaxoSmithKline said on Monday that it would sell Horlicks and other consumer healthcare nutrition brands to Unilever as well as merge GSK Consumer Healthcare India with Unilevers Indian unit, Hindustan Unilever. The assets fetched a high valuation at auction partly due to the growth of Indias consumer goods market and fierce competition from bidders. Hindustan Unilever said on a conference call with analysts that it expects the health food... NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- LatinFinance unveiled its 30th Anniversary Awards for Excellence in New York on Tuesday, at an exclusive gala and awards dinner celebrating three decades of progress across the markets and economies of Latin America and the Caribbean. 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner A number of high-profile speakers at the dinner reflected on the evolution of the banking and capital markets of Latin America & the Caribbean, a region which has changed dramatically since the company's founding in 1988. High-level corporate executives, investors, bankers and government dignitaries gathered for the Gala event celebrating a range of achievements over the past three decades. 30th Anniversary Awards for Excellence winners LatinFinance's 30th Anniversary Awards for Excellence recognize outstanding achievements by individuals and institutions that have shaped Latin America's capital markets and economies over the past thirty years. In-depth features on each award winner will be published in LatinFinance's special 30th Anniversary edition, to be launched in January 2019. Keynote speaker Enrique Garcia, former executive president of CAF, the Development Bank of America, took home top honors with a Lifetime Achievement award. Other standout individual achievements included Jane Fraser, who named Transformative Leader for her work as CEO of Citi Latin America, and Agustin Carstens, who received the award for Outstanding Regulator for his work in policy-making over his career. Outstanding RegulatorAgustin Carstens Excellence in Investment Innovation in Latin America Inter-American Development Bank Excellence in Opening New Markets for Latin American Borrowers HSBC Excellence in Executing Regional StrategyGrupo Aval Excellence in Executing Regional Strategy Santander Excellence in Executing Domestic Strategy Itau Unibanco Transformative LeaderJane Fraser Excellence in Financial Innovation XP Investimentos Excellence in Latin American Local Capital Market Development IFC Excellence in Capital Markets Services by a Latin American Law FirmMattos Filho Excellence in Advisory Services Across Latin America JPMorgan Excellence in Corporate Funding StrategyAmerica Movil Excellence in Service to Latin American Regional Markets Citi Outstanding Global Corporate Strategy Cemex Excellence in Legal Services Across Latin America's Capital MarketsCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton Excellence in Full-Range Services to Latin American Issuers Bank of America Merrill Lynch Lifetime AchievementEnrique Garcia Award Selection process The winners of the awards are selected by LatinFinance's editors. The selection process draws on 30 years of editorial expertise and takes into account relevant quantitative and qualitative data as well as extensive input from a range of independent experts. More information about each award will be published LatinFinance's special 30th Anniversary edition, to be launched in January 2019. About LatinFinance LatinFinance is the leading global platform providing intelligence on the financial markets and economies of Latin America and the Caribbean. Drawing on 30 years of editorial excellence, its English-language publications deliver high-value information to an international readership of companies, governments, financiers and investors, while its events convene those communities for high-level networking forums focused on the dynamics of those markets, by geography and sector. Launched in 1988 and published from New York and Miami, with a network of correspondents across Latin America and the Caribbean, LatinFinance explores the issues impacting finance and investment across the region online and through its eponymous award-winning flagship magazine. LatinFinance also serves the capital markets of the region through its daily subscriptions service, the Daily Brief, which provides proprietary news and data on deals, from rumor to close. For more information, please visit www.latinfinance.com . Press contact Please direct press inquiries to Richard Iurilli at richard.iurilli@latinfinance.com | 646.693.7893 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/793852/LatinFinance_Logo.jpg Solution to include fully-managed advanced VSAT solutions across Asia for Malaysian oil and gas operator SYDNEY, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Speedcast International Limited (ASX: SDA), the world's most trusted provider of remote communication and IT solutions, announced today that it has been awarded a new multi-year contract valued at over US$10 million from one of the region's top multinational operators to deliver fully-managed VSAT communications to a fleet of oil and gas platforms and vessels across Asia. This customer required a communications solution that could be delivered across its production platforms, drilling rigs and FPSOs in multiple countries, with unique requirements on each asset. Speedcast was awarded the contract for new business to deliver fully-managed VSAT onboard its offshore assets, replacing the incumbent. This solution leverages C-Band advanced VSAT on multiple satellites for highly-redundant coverage and a dedicated SCPC network to ensure security, reliability and network efficiency on each asset. "The commissioning of our services for these new assets is a testament to the trust we have built with this customer by delivering on their needs in Malaysia and other locations in Africa, while growing the relationship into a more strategic partnership," said Keith Johnson, Speedcast's COO and EVP of Energy. "As one of the Asia Pacific region's top rated fully-managed integrators for the oil and gas market, many drilling companies and operators rely on Speedcast to keep daily operations and revenue-generating activities constantly running. We are thankful that our customer has expanded our relationship and trusts us to serve their fleet of offshore assets in multiple countries." For more information about our capabilities in Asia, please contact marketing@speedcast.com. About Speedcast International Limited Speedcast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) is the largest provider of remote communications and IT services in the world. Speedcast's fully-managed service is delivered via a leading global, multi-access technology, multi-band and multi-orbit network of 70+ satellites and an interconnecting global terrestrial network, bolstered by extensive on-the-ground local support from 40+ countries. This global "network of networks" allows customers to fully rely on the most robust, integrated infrastructure available in the market for their mission critical applications. Speedcast is uniquely positioned as a strategic business partner, tailoring communications, IT and digital solutions to meet unique customer needs and enable business transformation. Speedcast extends its managed services through differentiated technology offerings including cyber-security, crew welfare, content solutions, data and voice applications, and network systems integration services. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 2,000 customers in more than 140 countries in sectors such as Maritime, Energy, Mining, Enterprise, Media, Cruise, NGOs and Government. Learn more at www.speedcast.com. Speedcast is a trademark and registered trademark of Speedcast International Limited. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective owners. 2018 Speedcast International Limited. All rights reserved. Contact Information: Toni Lee Rudnicki Vice President, Global Marketing Speedcast International Ltd ToniLee.Rudnicki@Speedcast.com +1-832-668-2634 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/610079/Speedcast_International_Ltd_Logo.jpg Anglian Water, Bain & Company and XPO Logistics Take Top Spots in UK; SAP the Only Employer to Appear in Five Categories LONDON, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Glassdoor, one of the world's largest job and recruiting sites, has announced the winners of its 11th annual Employees' Choice Awards, honouring the Best Places to Work in 2019 across parts of Europe and North America. Unlike other workplace awards, the Glassdoor Employees' Choice Awards are based on the input of employees who voluntarily provide anonymous feedback, by completing a company review about their job, work environment and employer over the past year. This year, the Glassdoor Employees' Choice Awards feature six distinct categories, honouring the Best Places to Work across the UK , France , Germany , U.S. (Large and SME) and Canada . In the UK, Glassdoor has revealed the 50 Best Places to Work (honouring employers with 1,000 or more employees). Winners are ranked based on their overall rating1 achieved during the past year. The top ten UK Best Places to Work in 2019 are: Anglian Water (4.5 rating) Bain & Company (4.5 rating) XPO Logistics (4.5 rating) Bromford (4.5rating) Salesforce (4.4 rating) Sky Betting & Gaming (4.4 rating) Hiscox (4.4 rating) SAP (4.4 rating) Taylor Wimpey (4.4 rating) Royal London (4.4 rating) "In today's tight labour market, job seekers are in the driver's seat when it comes to deciding where to work and they want to know the inner workings of a company before accepting a new job. To help people find the best jobs and the best companies, the Glassdoor Employees' Choice Awards recognise employers at the top of their game," said Dr. Andrew Chamberlain, Glassdoor Chief Economist. "For employers, we know that a satisfied and engaged workforce helps drive financial performance . Glassdoor Best Places to Work winners are strategically investing in company culture, career growth opportunities and more, which also serves as a major recruiting advantage." Glassdoor's 50 UK Best Places to Work in 2019 list features winning employers hiring across a range of industries, including technology, consulting, insurance, finance and retail. Anglian Water ranks No. 1 for the first time (up from second place in 2018) and is the only utilities company to feature in the top 10. Google (No. 13, 4.4), J.P Morgan (No. 30, 4.3) and PWC (No. 45, 4.2) are the only three employers to make the UK list every year (2015-2019). Sixteen employers are newcomers to the UK list this year, including Bain & Company (No. 2, 4.5), IKEA (No. 16, 4.3), Intercontinental Hotels Group (No. 23, 4.3) and wagamama (No. 41, 4.2). SAP is the only employer this year to appear on five lists (Germany, No. 1; Canada, No. 3; UK, No. 8; France, No. 23; U.S. large, No. 27). When employees submit reviews about their employer on Glassdoor, they are asked to share their opinion on some of the best reasons to work for their employer (pros), any downsides (cons) and are encouraged to provide advice to management. In addition, employees are asked to rate how satisfied they are with their employer overall, rate their CEO as well as rate key workplace attributes like career opportunities, compensation & benefits, work/life balance, senior management and culture & values. Employees are also asked whether they would recommend their employer to a friend and whether they believe their employer's six-month business outlook is positive, negative or if they have no opinion. Among the more than 830,000 employers reviewed on Glassdoor, the average company rating is 3.4. Employees' Choice Award winners for the 2019 Best Places to Work are determined using Glassdoor's proprietary awards algorithm, and each employer's rating determined based on the quantity, quality and consistency of Glassdoor-approved company reviews submitted by UK-based employees between 23rd October, 2017 and 21st October, 2018. During the year-long eligibility period, employers considered for the large list must have received at least 30 ratings for each of the eight workplace attributes (overall company rating, career opportunities, compensation & benefits, work/life balance, senior management, culture & values, recommend to a friend and six-month business outlook) taken into account as part of the awards algorithm. For reporting simplicity, ratings are displayed to the nearest tenth, though calculations extend beyond the thousandth decimal place to determine final rank order. Complete awards methodology can be found and downloaded here: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Award/index.htm SEE THE 2019 WINNERS: All winning employers across this year's six categories can be found by visiting: 50 Best Places to Work - UK 25 Best Places to Work - France 25 Best Places to Work - Germany 100 Best Places to Work - U.S . 50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work For - U.S. 25 Best Places to Work - Canada Workplace/office photos and employee commentary about winning employers are available upon request. Please email: pr@glassdoor.com . BEST PLACES TO WORK TOUR: Curious what makes an employer a Best Place to Work? Register for the free livestream to hear what leaders at winning employers have to say, coming in February 2019. Ratings based on a 5-point scale: 1.0=very dissatisfied, 3.0=OK, 5.0=very satisfied; Actual calculations extend beyond the thousandth decimal place About Glassdoor Glassdoor combines all the latest jobs with millions of reviews and insights to make it easy for people to find a job that is uniquely right for them. As a result, Glassdoor helps employers hire truly informed candidates at scale through effective recruiting solutions like job advertising and employer branding products. Launched in 2008, Glassdoor now has reviews and insights for 830,000 companies located in more than 190 countries. "Glassdoor" and logo are proprietary trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/449764/Glassdoor_Logo.jpg Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company's supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) and granted Priority Review for Tecentriq(atezolizumab), in combination with carboplatin and etoposide (chemotherapy), for the initial (first-line) treatment of people with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). The FDA is expected to make a decision on approval by March 18, 2019. A Priority Review designation is granted to medicines that the FDA has determined to have the potential to provide significant improvements in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of a serious disease. "It's been more than 20 years since there has been a new initial treatment option for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer that delivers a clinically meaningful survival benefit," said Sandra Horning, M.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. "We are working closely with the FDA to bring this Tecentriq-based regimen to people with this difficult-to-treat type of lung cancer as soon as possible." This sBLA is based on results from the Phase III IMpower133 study, which met its co-primary endpoints of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in the initial treatment of people with ES-SCLC. The safety profile of the combination was consistent with the safety profiles of the individual medicines, and no new safety signals were identified. Tecentriq is currently approved by the FDA to treat people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, and have progressed on an appropriate FDA-approved targeted therapy if their tumor has ALK or EGFR gene abnormalities. About the IMpower133 study IMpower133 is a Phase III, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Tecentriq in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin and etoposide) versus chemotherapy (carboplatin and etoposide) alone in chemotherapy-naive people with ES-SCLC. The study enrolled 403 people who were randomized equally (1:1) to receive: Tecentriq in combination with carboplatin and etoposide (Arm A), or Placebo in combination with carboplatin and etoposide (Arm B, control arm) During the treatment-induction phase, people received treatment on 21-day cycles for four cycles, followed by maintenance with Tecentriq or placebo until progressive disease (PD) as assessed by the investigator using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1). Treatment could be continued until persistent radiographic PD or symptomatic deterioration was observed. The co-primary endpoints were: PFS as determined by the investigator using RECIST v1.1 in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population OS in the ITT population IMpower133 met its OS and PFS co-primary endpoints as per the study protocol. The analysis showed that Tecentriq and chemotherapy helped people live significantly longer compared to chemotherapy alone (OS=12.3 versus 10.3 months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.70, 95 percent CI: 0.54-0.91; p=0.0069) in the ITT population. The one-year OS rate for people who received the Tecentriq-based combination was 51.7 percent compared to 38.2 percent for people who received chemotherapy alone. The Tecentriq-based combination also significantly reduced the risk of disease worsening or death compared to chemotherapy alone (PFS=5.2 versus 4.3 months; HR=0.77; 95 percent CI: 0.62-0.96; p=0.017). The one-year PFS rate for people who received the Tecentriq-based combination was 12.6 percent compared to 5.4 percent for people who received chemotherapy alone. Safety for the Tecentriq and chemotherapy combination appeared consistent with the known safety profile of the individual medicines, and no new safety signals were identified with the combination. Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were reported in 56.6 percent of people receiving Tecentriq plus chemotherapy compared to 56.1 percent of people receiving chemotherapy alone. About lung cancer According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that more than 234,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018. Lung cancer can be broadly divided into two major types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most prevalent type, accounting for around 85 percent of all lung cancer cases, and SCLC accounting for approximately 15 percent of all cases. The majority (approximately 70 percent) of people with SCLC are diagnosed with ES-SCLC. About Tecentriq (atezolizumab) Tecentriq is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind with a protein called PD-L1. Tecentriq is designed to bind to PD-L1 expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, blocking its interactions with both PD-1 and B7.1 receptors. By inhibiting PD-L1, Tecentriq may enable the re-activation of T cells. Tecentriq may also affect normal cells. Tecentriq U.S. Indication (pronounced 'te-SEN-trik') Tecentriq is a prescription medicine used to treat: A type of bladder and urinary tract cancer called urothelial carcinoma. Tecentriq may be used when your bladder cancer: has spread or cannot be removed by surgery, and if you have any one of the following conditions you are not able to take chemotherapy that contains a medicine called cisplatin, and your doctor has tested your cancer and found high levels of a specific protein on your cancer called programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), as determined by an FDA-approved test, or you are not able to take chemotherapy that contains any platinum regardless of PD-L1 status on your cancer, or you have tried chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working The approval of Tecentriq in these patients is based on a study that measured response rate and duration of response. There is an ongoing study to confirm clinical benefit. A type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tecentriq may be used when your lung cancer : has spread or grown, and you have tried chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working : If your tumor has an abnormal EGFR or ALK gene, you should have also tried an FDA-approved therapy for tumors with these abnormal genes, and it did not work or is no longer working. It is not known if Tecentriq is safe and effective in children. Important Safety Information What is the most important information about Tecentriq? Tecentriq can cause the immune system to attack normal organs and tissues and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become serious or life threatening and can lead to death. Patients should call or see their healthcare provider right away if they get any symptoms of the following problems or these symptoms get worse. Tecentriq can cause serious side effects, including: Lung problems (pneumonitis) -signs and symptoms may include new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain -signs and symptoms may include new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain Liver problems (hepatitis) -signs and symptoms of hepatitis may include yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, severe nausea or vomiting, pain on the right side of the stomach area (abdomen), drowsiness, dark urine (tea colored), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, and feeling less hungry than usual -signs and symptoms of hepatitis may include yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, severe nausea or vomiting, pain on the right side of the stomach area (abdomen), drowsiness, dark urine (tea colored), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, and feeling less hungry than usual Intestinal problems (colitis) -signs and symptoms of colitis may include diarrhea (loose stools) or more bowel movements than usual, blood or mucous in the stools or dark, tarry, sticky stools, and severe stomach area (abdomen) pain or tenderness -signs and symptoms of colitis may include diarrhea (loose stools) or more bowel movements than usual, blood or mucous in the stools or dark, tarry, sticky stools, and severe stomach area (abdomen) pain or tenderness Hormone gland problems (especially the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary) -signs and symptoms that the hormone glands are not working properly may include headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches, extreme tiredness, weight gain or weight loss, dizziness or fainting, feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual, hair loss, changes in mood or behavior (such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness), feeling cold, constipation, the voice gets deeper, urinating more often than usual, nausea or vomiting, and stomach area (abdomen) pain -signs and symptoms that the hormone glands are not working properly may include headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches, extreme tiredness, weight gain or weight loss, dizziness or fainting, feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual, hair loss, changes in mood or behavior (such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness), feeling cold, constipation, the voice gets deeper, urinating more often than usual, nausea or vomiting, and stomach area (abdomen) pain Problems in other organs -signs and symptoms may include severe muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, confusion, blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems, changes in mood or behavior, extreme sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, eye pain or redness, skin blisters or peeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swelling of the ankles -signs and symptoms may include severe muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, confusion, blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems, changes in mood or behavior, extreme sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, eye pain or redness, skin blisters or peeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swelling of the ankles Severe infections -signs and symptoms of infection may include fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, pain when urinating, and frequent urination or back pain -signs and symptoms of infection may include fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, pain when urinating, and frequent urination or back pain Severe infusion reactions-signs and symptoms of infusion reactions may include chills or shaking, itching or rash, flushing, shortness of breath or wheezing, swelling of the face or lips, dizziness, fever, feeling like passing out, and back or neck pain Getting medical treatment right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. A healthcare provider may treat patients with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. A healthcare provider may delay or completely stop treatment with Tecentriq if patients have severe side effects. Before receiving Tecentriq, patients should tell their healthcare provider about all of their medical conditions, including if they: have immune system problems (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus); have had an organ transplant; have lung or breathing problems; have liver problems; have a condition that affects the nervous system (such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barre syndrome); or are being treated for an infection are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tecentriq can harm an unborn baby. Patients should tell their healthcare provider right away if they become pregnant or think they may be pregnant during treatment with Tecentriq. If patients are able to become pregnant: A healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before they start treatment with Tecentriq. They should use an effective method of birth control during their treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of Tecentriq. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Tecentriq passes into the breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of Tecentriq Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The most common side effects of Tecentriq in people with urothelial carcinoma include: feeling tired decreased appetite nausea constipation urinary tract infection diarrhea fever The most common side effects of Tecentriq in people with non-small cell lung cancer include: feeling tired decreased appetite muscle pain cough shortness of breath Tecentriq may cause fertility problems in females, which may affect the ability to have children. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider if they have concerns about fertility. These are not all the possible side effects of Tecentriq. Patients should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Patients should call their doctor for medical advice about side effects. Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555. Please visit http://www.Tecentriq.com for the Tecentriq full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information. About Genentech in Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy For more than 30 years, Genentech has been developing medicines with the goal to redefine treatment in oncology. Today, we're investing more than ever to bring personalized cancer immunotherapy (PCI) to people with cancer. The goal of PCI is to provide each person with a treatment tailored to harness his or her own immune system to fight cancer. Genentech is studying more than 20 investigational medicines, 10 of which are in clinical trials. In every study we are evaluating biomarkers to identify which people may be appropriate candidates for our medicines. For more information visit http://www.gene.com/cancer-immunotherapy. About Genentech in Lung Cancer Lung cancer is a major area of focus and investment for Genentech, and we are committed to developing new approaches, medicines and tests that can help people with this deadly disease. Our goal is to provide an effective treatment option for every person diagnosed with lung cancer. We currently have four approved medicines to treat certain kinds of lung cancer and more than 10 medicines being developed to target the most common genetic drivers of lung cancer or to boost the immune system to combat the disease. About Genentech Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181204006227/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Meghan Cox, (650) 467-6800 Advocacy Contact: David Cooling, (202) 713-0083 Investor Contacts: Loren Kalm, (650) 225-3217 Karl Mahler, 011 41 61 687 8503 VANTAA, Finland, December 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- RateGain today announced that they have been chosen by Aurinkomatkat, the tour operator of Finnair, to derive comprehensive rate intelligence for pricing its tour packages. RateGain's industry-first, big data solution, RevGain Packages, would aid Aurinkomatkat in predicting the overall demand of tour packages, & then optimize the prices based on the acquired competitive intelligence, historical & other correlated data. Image: http://rategain.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/finnair.jpg Commenting on the partnership, Apurva Chamaria, CRO, RateGain said, "We are happy to announce our association with Aurinkomatkat & support them in augmenting their Revenue Management Operations. RevGain leverages ML & is designed to enhance the pricing & forecasting abilities, so that Package & Tour operator companies can come up with the right suite of offerings. All the price recommendations are scientific & are based on smart algorithms & deep insights acquired from multiple data points. These price recommendations would help Aurinkomatkat optimize its revenue & trigger fast-paced growth." According to Miika Rannikko, Head of Revenue & Trading, Aurinkomatkat, "The booking scenario is becoming uber-competitive with each passing day. Pricing & real-time pricing decisions, therefore, have become critical points of concerns. RevGain is the only solution we could find that addresses our concerns well. It empowers our decision capabilities with forecast intelligence on Demand, Pick-up, & unconstrained sales. We look forward to utilizing their capabilities and expertise and derive positive results." RevGain - Packages has already been helping package holiday providers worldwide in taking profitable decisions with significant revenue lift. Easy on-boarding & RevGain - Package's intuitive usability are helping businesses bring down their Total cost of ownership (TCO) & gain market advantage in the quickest possible time About Aurinkomatkat Aurinkomatkat is the responsible tour operator of Finnair Holidays trips. Founded in 1963, Aurinkomatkat is a part of the Finnair Group, with Timo Kousa as its CEO. In 2017, Aurinkomatkat had 165 employees, of which 76 were working at the holiday destinations abroad. The company's turnover in 2017 was 195 million euros. Please visit http://www.aurinkomatkat.fi About RateGain RateGain is a leading provider of cloud-based innovative solutions for the Travel & Hospitality Industry. RateGain provides the latest technology in rate intelligence, price optimization, seamless electronic distribution, & brand engagement. In 2018, RateGain acquired DHISCO to become the leading, comprehensive travel & hospitality technology distribution platform. please visit https://rategain.com/ Media contact: Aditi Bhandari Senior Manager - Marketing aditi.bhandari@rategain.com +91-9560833220 Press release Stockholm 5 December 2018 Sweden's CFOs remain optimistic about the future, although the upward trend is waning in strength. The expansive agenda is continuing, and the willingness to invest and hire among Swedish companies is still at the top compared with other EU countries. The greatest risk is the continued shortage of qualified talent, both for Swedish companies and in Europe in general. A majority of Sweden's CFOs believe that the trade war will escalate and lead to higher costs, at the same time that the level of external uncertainty is considered to be normal or even slightly lower. The Deloitte/SEB CFO Survey is conducted twice a year and aims to illuminate changes in sentiment among Sweden's CFOs. This past autumn's report shows that optimism about future business opportunities ahead of the coming year has grown for the fifth survey in a row, but that the pace of growth once again slowed. The growing optimism among Sweden's CFOs stands in contrast to the trend in the rest of Europe, where it declined slightly in the autumn survey. "The growth in optimism has even been longer in duration than during the recovery following the financial crisis. This, combined with a slowing pace of growth, suggests some concerns that we are nearing an economic top," says Karl Steiner, economist at SEB. Expansive agenda intact As in the spring, organic growth is a top priority for companies. A slightly lower willingness to use surplus liquidity for investments points cautiously in a defensive direction, however, a continued strong belief in an increase in hiring and higher capital outlays points rather to an intact investment agenda. Moreover, Sweden's CFOs - along with their Norwegian counterparts - are the only in Europe who rank the external uncertainty as normal or even slightly lower than usual. "The survey also shows that despite the decreasing pace of growth in optimism, Swedish companies are continuing along the expansive agenda that they adopted last autumn," says Henrik Nilsson, partner at Deloitte. Competence shortage still the greatest risk As in the past spring, the biggest risk is the shortage of competence - this has been expressed by CFOs both in Sweden and in Europe in general. Above all it is specific technical competence and the right work life experience that are hard to match. The solutions that have mainly been recommended include retraining existing personnel and using temporary resources. However, in sharp contrast to many other countries in Europe, interest in greater automation as a solution for the shortage of competence is tepid among Sweden's CFOs. "Ninety per cent responded that their company to some extent has a hard time finding the right competences, which clearly shows that this is a growing problem," says Henrik Nilsson, adding: "The low interest in automation is a bit surprising, but the specific technical competence that is in demand seems to lend itself less well for automation, while Swedish companies have likely already come comparatively far with respect to automation." Escalating trade war making it harder for companies For the second survey in a row, slowing growth is ranked as the second largest risk. This is closely interwoven with the international trade war, which a majority of Sweden's CFOs believe will escalate, at the same time that there are few who expect it to de-escalate. The biggest effects of a trade war are believed to be higher costs for companies and that it will be harder to make investment decisions. "The belief in an escalation of the trade war is strongest among internationally dependent sectors, such as the engineering industry," says Karl Steiner. For them, it is mainly higher raw material costs that are the main area of concern, while import-dependent sectors are worried that negative currency effects will lead to higher purchasing prices." About the Deloitte/SEB CFO Survey The Deloitte/SEB Survey aims to highlight changes in sentiment among Swedish CFOs, various sectors, and compared with the general sentiment in the rest of Europe, and thereby convey an understanding of economic and financial trends. It is published twice yearly and is conducted in Sweden and in 19 other European countries. Read the complete report, www.cfosurvey.se (http://www.cfosurvey.se) For further information, please contact Karl Steiner, Economist SEB Research 070-332 3104, karl.steiner@seb.se Henrik Nilsson, partner, Deloitte 073-397 1102, henrik.nilsson@deloitte.se Press Contact Frank Hojem, Group Press Officer SEB 070-763 9947, frank.hojem@seb.se Christer Ahlgren, press contact, Clients &Industries, Deloitte 0708-14 23 20, christer.ahlgren@deloitte.se SEB is a leading Nordic financial services group with a strong belief that entrepreneurial minds and innovative companies are key in creating a better world. SEB takes a long-term perspective and supports its customers in good times and bad. In Sweden and the Baltic countries, SEB offers financial advice and a wide range of financial services. In Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany and UK the bank's operations have a strong focus on corporate and investment banking based on a full-service offering to corporate and institutional clients. The international nature of SEB's business is reflected in its presence in some 20 countries worldwide. On September 30, 2018, the Group's total assets amounted to SEK 2,777 billion while its assets under management totalled SEK 1,871 billion. The Group has around 15,000 employees. Read more about SEB at http://www.sebgroup.com (http://www.sebgroup.com). CFO Survey Fall 2018 Final (http://hugin.info/1208/R/2227786/874690.pdf) Press Release (PDF) (http://hugin.info/1208/R/2227786/874688.pdf) 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: SEB via Globenewswire Prepaid Financial Services' Chief Executive Officer, Noel Moran, has emerged as the winner of one of the most prestigious business awards in Europe against competition from CEOs from 28 countries this year. Mr Moran was chosen as the overall winner by a judging panel ahead of three FinTech CEOs who made it to the final of the Payment Solutions for Western Europe competition. James Watson, Awards Manager at European CEO said: "The significance of Mr Noel Moran's success in winning the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year cannot be overstated. The European CEO awards celebrate and recognise those unique and rare individuals who fully embody the qualities of leadership, vision, and character and here at European CEO we know that Mr Moran fully embodies these special qualities." Noel Moran, CEO at PFS responded stating: "I wish to thank European CEO for this honour and all of our employees for their dedicated work and long-term belief in PFS. Together we have enjoyed tremendous successes in 2018 and this included returning a decade of profitability to set us apart in FinTech. We look forward to next year with confidence as we aim to make 2019 a record-breaking year for Prepaid Financial Services, our team and our clients." European CEO works in partnership with the World Finance Banking Awards. See https://www.europeanceo.com/awards-2018/best-ceos/39 About Prepaid Financial Services Prepaid Financial Services Limited (PFS) provides multi-award-winning payment technology solutions by offering comprehensive innovations in e-money. As a pioneer in the evolution of FinTech, its world-class solutions include e-wallets, physical and virtual prepaid cards, as well as IBAN accounts in the UK and Eurozone. PFS is Authorised and Regulated by the FCA in the UK as an electronic money institution and has passported its e-money license to enable e-money issuance in the EEA. PFS has rapidly expanded to become one of Europe's largest e-money issuers. The company has returned profits for 10 consecutive years. With programmes active in 24 countries and growing, PFS has the ability to transact in 22 currencies. PFS' products and state-of-the-art technology platforms are trusted by governments, local authorities, NGOs, mobile network operators, banks, and corporate clients globally. PFS is an agile FinTech chosen by FinTechs. Explore the future of prepaid financial solutions today by visiting https://prepaidfinancialservices.com Discover more about PFS' next-generation payment solutions Sales@PrepaidFinancialServices.com Ends View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005076/en/ Contacts: Marie O'Riordan MPRCA MAM Senior Public Relations Communications Manager Prepaid Financial Services Limited (PFS) Email Marie.ORiordan@PrepaidFinancialServices.com Tel +442071835856 +353469079073 Axon and Cumbria Constabulary to host webinar on Axon Citizen LONDON and SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Axon , the global leader in connected law enforcement technologies and its United Kingdom subsidiary, Axon Public Safety UK Limited, today announced that the Cumbria Constabulary has received more than 3,200 pieces of evidence from the public since deploying Axon Citizen for Officers. Cumbria Constabulary was the first police force in the UK to roll out this public evidence submission tool when it launched in May of this year. This Thursday, December 6th, Cumbria Constabulary's Superintendent Matt Kennerley will join Axon for a webinar on Axon Citizen for Officers and share his experience with the technology. To sign up for the 3 pm GMT webinar and learn more, visit: axon.com/uk-citizen-webinar. "Previously, the only way we could have captured this much evidence would have been by physically retrieving the devices on which the evidence is stored from the members of the public who own that device," says Superintendent Kennerley. "Much of this evidence would have been lost or caused significant travel time and costs." Axon Citizen for Officers allows law enforcement to securely receive and manage one-on-one digital evidence submissions from citizens relating to a specific crime. The product eliminates the need for community members to hand over the phones or recording devices to officers. To learn more about Axon Citizen for Officers, visit: https://uk.axon.com/products/citizen . About Axon Axon is a network of devices, apps and people that helps law enforcement become smarter and safer. Our mission is to protect life. Our technologies give law enforcement the confidence, focus and time they need to keep their communities safe. Our products impact every aspect of an officer's day-to-day experience. We work hard for those who put themselves in harm's way for all of us. To date, there are more than 325,200 software seats booked on the Axon Network around the world and more than 209,000 lives and countless dollars have been saved with the Axon Network of devices, apps and people. Learn more at https://uk.axon.com/ . Facebook is a trademark of Facebook, Inc., and Twitter is a trademark of Twitter, Inc. Axon, Axon Citizen, the Delta Logo, and Protect Life are trademarks of Axon Enterprise, Inc., some of which are registered in the US and other countries. For more information, visit http://uk.axon.com/legal . All rights reserved. Follow Axon here: Axon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Axon_uk Axon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Axon.ProtectLife/ Note to Investors Please visit http://investor.axon.com/ , https://uk.axon.com/press , https://twitter.com/Axon_uk and https://www.facebook.com/Axon.ProtectLife/ where Axon discloses information about the company, its financial information and its business. CONTACT: Carley Partridge Axon PR Specialist Press@Axon.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/793860/Axon_Citizen_ID.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/231466/axon_logo.jpg SAN FRANCISCO, December 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The global 3D printing plastics market size is likely to reach USD 1.98 billion by 2025, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc., rising at a CAGR of 24.9% during the forecast period. Spiraling demand for 3D printing plastics, particularly from the medical and aerospace & defense industries, is anticipated to contribute to the growth of the market during the forecast period. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661327/Grand_View_Research_Logo.jpg ) The 3D printing plastics market is benefitting from favorable government support in key economies such as the U.S. and China. 3D printed products assist significantly in attaining economies of scale through consumption of lesser lead time, reduced costs, and mitigated risks. 3D plastics also allows easier customization as per consumer needs. Thus, there is an upsurge in the demand for 3D printing plastics from various end use industries such as automotive, medical, and electrical & electronics. Adoption rate of 3D printing is poised to witness sharp rise across several new end user industries, which in turn is expected to lead to higher demand for printing materials such as plastics. Functional prototyping, tooling, and designing have enabled extensive applications of 3D printing across newer application areas. Consumer goods is emerging as a significant application of 3D plastic products on account of reduced lead time offered by additive manufacturing techniques. Innovative additive manufacturing solutions enable production of designer parts with complex geometries, thus, facilitating manufacturers to cater to rising consumer needs for personalized parts.Photopolymers was the dominant plastic segment in terms of both revenue and volume in 2017. Heightened demand for photopolymers can be attributed to high consumption in production of industrial prototypes through the utilization of SLA technology. Polyamide/Nylon is estimated to experience the fastest growth rate during the forecast period on account of rising demand from both domestic as well as commercial applications. Use of polyamide/nylon is accompanied by laser sintering technology. Browse full research report with TOC on "3D Printing Plastics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (ABS & ASA, Photopolymers, Polyamide/Nylon, PLA), By Form (Filament, Ink, Powder), By Application, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" at:https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/3d-printing-plastics-market Further Key Findings From the Report Suggest: North America will be the dominant regional market in the global arena in terms of revenue throughout the forecast period, while Asia Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR of 26.7% during the same period. Favorable government policies in Asia Pacific region particularly in China and India are likely to drive market growth will be the dominant regional market in the global arena in terms of revenue throughout the forecast period, while is projected to register the highest CAGR of 26.7% during the same period. Favorable government policies in region particularly in and are likely to drive market growth Photopolymers was the largest type segment in the global 3D printing plastics market in 2017. Photopolymers are used extensively across several end-user industries as it acts as a binder, additive, colorant, plasticizer, and chemical agent in the 3D printed product In April 2018 , 3D Systems Corporation participated in RAPID+TCT 2018 held in the U.S. Product portfolio of the company consisted of several solutions, which would aid manufacturers in switching from prototyping to production and to recognize their competitive advantages. Figure 4 platform demonstrates optimum throughput and accuracy necessary for production of plastic part. Browse related reports by Grand View Research: Thermal Interface Materials Market - The global thermal interface materials market size was valued at USD 1.23 billion in 2015. The global thermal interface materials market size was valued at in 2015. Inorganic Scintillators Market - The global inorganic scintillators market size was estimated to be USD 337.8million in 2016. The global inorganic scintillators market size was estimated to be in 2016. Geomembrane Market - The global geomembrane market size was 809.9 million square meters in 2015. The global geomembrane market size was 809.9 million square meters in 2015. Acoustic Insulation Market - The global acoustic insulation market size was valued at USD 9.33 billion in 2015. Grand View Research has segmented the global 3D printing plastics market on the basis of type, form, application, and region: 3D Printing Plastics Type Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Photopolymers ABS & ASA Polyamide/Nylon Polylactic acid Others 3D Printing Plastics Form Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Filament Ink Powder 3D Printing Plastics Application Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Automotive Medical Aerospace & Defense Consumer Goods 3D Printing Plastics Regional Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea Central & South America Brazil Middle East & Africa South Africa Explore the BI enabled intuitive market research database,Grand View Compass, by Grand View Research, Inc. About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: +1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com SANYA, China, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Themed "An Open and Innovative Lancang-Mekong River for A Future with Win-Win Cooperation", the 2018 Sanya Forum of Lancang-Mekong River Tourist Cities Cooperation opened in Sanya, a seaside city in southern China's island province of Hainan, on November 23. Under the guidance of the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports, the Hainan Provincial Department of Commerce, and the Hainan Provincial Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, the forum was organized by the Sanya Municipal People's Government and co-organized by the Sanya Tourism Development Commission and the Sanya Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office. More than 200 guests including delegations from 18 cities in China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as foreign consular representatives and tourism industry specialists from countries along the Lancang-Mekong River participated in the forum. Tong Daochi, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Sanya Municipal Committee, said during the opening ceremony that Sanya has greatly benefited from cooperation with cities along the Lancang-Mekong River which involved the planning and implementation of new flight routes, tourism, cultural exchanges and bilateral trade in recent years. Sanya plans to discuss prospects and opportunities that will further deepen the cooperation with the cities via the forum with the aim of creating a platform for exchanges in culture, education, agriculture and tourism, he added. Thailand's consul general in Guangzhou, Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng, who had attended two earlier editions of the event, said the forum is a constructive meeting resulting in enhanced cooperation between cities and countries along the Lancang-Mekong River. This year's event is especially important and timely, given the speed of the economic development and wider opening-up policies in both China and countries along the Lancang-Mekong River, as well as China's implementation of the One Belt, One Road initiative and Thailand's plans for the Eastern Economic Corridor and Thailand 4.0, all of which are certain to enhance the benefits that the countries will receive from the tourism cooperation, he added. Soudaphone Khomthavong, Deputy Director of the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Luang Prabang Province in Laos, said the forum has opened up great opportunities for cities along the Lancang-Mekong River and helped them enhance their strengths in the tourism sector. Luang Prabang has established partnerships involving tourism resources with China, in addition to Laos' favorable policies targeting Chinese tourists such as visa upon arrival. She said additional policies benefiting Chinese tourists will be released with the upcoming China- Laos Tourism Year in 2019. The two-day event consisted of a round-table meeting, a Lancang-Mekong cities collaborative exhibition, and a series of breakout sessions on collaboration across the tourism sector. During the round-table meeting, the Lancang-Mekong tourist cities drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on strengthening cooperation as it relates to tourism in seven key areas including establishing a mutual tourism communication mechanism; opening new air routes; opening new cruise routes; and engaging in additional collaborative projects. The first Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Leaders' Meeting was held in Sanya in March 2016, followed by the first Sanya Forum of Lancang-Mekong River Tourist Cities Cooperation which was held in Sanya later the same year to finalize the discussions initiated during the LMC, highlighting the cities' willingness to promote tourism cooperation. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/789065/2018_opening_ceremony.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/789066/2018_round_table.jpg HELSINKI, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Immersal published its markerless, persistent, massively multi-user, anchored, accurate AR Cloud SDK. This means that any developer, anywhere in the world can now create superior AR apps. The SDK enables large-scale AR, allowing Immersal to gather cloud data from end users and AR-enable the whole planet. The SDK can be used e.g. in indoor navigation, games, infotainment, retail and more. Here's a demo video to show it actually works right now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTZQci2pFcE&t=0s What does this mean in practice? Let's go through the tech mumbo jumbo terms one by one: Markerless: In just few minutes, even a large space can be mapped with a normal phone - no markers or extra hardware needed. After this ARKit and ARCore-capable phones are able to enjoy the whole range of Immersal features. Persistent: If one creates an AR object (let's say a spaceship) mid-air, it will stick there until they want to delete it. No matter if they come back with a different device one year later - it's still there. This means no more temporary ad hoc demos on one's office table. Massively Multi-user: Apple and Google's multi-user support in ARKit & ARCore is quite limited. We love them - and actually utilize some of their stuff - but hey, we can enable interactive, shared AR experiences for hundreds or thousands of users right now. Anchored & accurate: Normally AR appears in random places and the accuracy is lousy. With Immersal AR Cloud SDK AR objects are now actually tied into the real physical world with centimeter-accuracy (depending on lots of stuff, of course). Fast and battery-friendly: The system can position the phone in a second or so and after that draw AR in real-time with minimum battery usage. The SDK is in Private Beta now (not all functionalities included yet), the first customers trying it out are Umbra and FlyAR. An AR app for Finnkino (part of Odeon Group, which is owned by AMC, the largest movie theater chain in the world) has just been launched for media and coming out for public soon. Immersal is taking in a second seed round of 1M even as we speak (250k already committed by current investors). About Immersal Immersal Ltd. has previously developed a first in the world: a multi-user AR infotainment platform for Exhibition Center Helsinki. The solution was launched in Jan 2017 and is still up & running. Now Immersal announces a groundbreaking AR Cloud SDK for visual positioning (patent pending). Immersal currently employs 10 AR gurus and aims to be the biggest AR company in the world. More: immersal.com For more information please contact: Jufo Peltomaa, CEO: +358-44-971-1645 jufo@immersal.com Join the Early Access waiting list: www.immersal.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/immersal-ltd-/r/immersal-comes-out-of-the-closet-with-an-ar-sdk-that-will-kickstart-the-global-ar-cloud-revolution,c2692986 As part of Alipay's commitment to supporting digital innovation and talent cultivation in Southeast Asia, the Company today launched its Malaysia roadshow for the Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge ("ANSIC"). ANSIC is a joint initiative by Alipay, the world's largest mobile and online payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group ("Ant Financial"), and NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore ("NUS"). The roadshow was held at WORQ Subang in Shah Alam, Selangor, where Alipay shared its experience of how technology can be used to solve real world problems with start-up entrepreneurs in Asia. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005289/en/ Alipay Senior Algorithm Engineer Xin Guo sharing the story of Dingsunbao with local start-ups in Malaysia. (Photo: Business Wire) Alipay's Senior Algorithm Engineer Xin Guo, explained to a crowd of Malaysian start-up entrepreneurs how he and his team developed the idea of using AI to make car damage claims more efficient for insurance companies, reduce costs and most importantly, increase convenience for car owners. On a rainy evening in September 2016, Xin Guo recalled being involved in a car accident that caused some minor damages to the vehicle. He then waited for 30 minutes for his insurance company to dispatch a claims adjuster, who had been delayed from handling other similar accidents. Despite the wait, it had ultimately, only taken a few minutes to file the claim. While the average waiting time for human claim adjusters to arrive at minor car accidents in China is 30 minutes, in congested cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, car owners may have to wait for hours. This unpleasant experience made Guo wonder: If AI could be used to automate this common process, wouldn't that be a win-win for insurers and car owners? At Ant Financial, every team member is empowered to leverage the power of technology to solve real world problems. Guo pitched his idea to his superior and quickly obtained approval to start building a feasible solution from scratch, using the company's resources. Using AI, machine learning and computer vision, Xin Guo and his team worked day and night to develop a technology service that became known as Dingsunbao, or "Loss Assessment Master". In August 2017, after eight months of development and testing, the first official version of Dingsunbao was launched. The service allows car owners to upload images and videos of their damaged vehicles, and have their claims processed within seconds. Through technology, insurance companies are able to save significant resources by freeing up human claim adjusters to focus on more complicated accidents. Customer satisfaction also significantly improved. In China, it has been difficult for insurers to strike the right balance between operational costs and customer satisfaction. Most insurance companies barely break even or in fact lose money from their automobile insurance business due to labor costs and fierce competition. This has now changed with the introduction of Dingsunbao. As of May 2018, Dingsunbao helped insurance companies reduce their costs of claims handling by over RMB 1 billion, and saved claim adjusters 750,000 hours of time through the automation of the claims process. Xin Guo's sharing session at the ANSIC roadshow sparked lively discussion from participating start-up entrepreneurs. Separately, Dr. Melissa Foo, VP of Social Innovation of Agensi Inovasi Malaysia, moderated a panel discussion entitled, "Running a Sustainable & Scalable Social Enterprise in Malaysia." Panelists included Redza Shahid, CEO and co-founder of Grub Cycle, a social supermarket that is dedicated to reducing food waste and Suzanne Ling, co-founder of the Picha Project, a social enterprise providing sustainable catering services to help refugee families in Malaysia. Discussing the role of technology in addressing social issues, Redza Shahid commented, "Food waste is a global issue and we want to help. Grub Cycle works with restaurants and supermarkets to buy food that they can't sell then distribute the food at a discount to low income groups, through online and offline channels. It really makes a difference when our suppliers and consumers can see in real-time how much they have saved by using Grub Cycle." Susanne Ling explained the reasons she started Picha Project, "The value of social enterprise is in solving real issues. Picha wants to help refugees in Malaysia have a way to support their families before they are able to return to their home country. Our chefs are all refugees in Malaysia who would otherwise have little chance of getting a job. We are focusing on using technology to bring out the stories of our chefs, making corporate catering more convenient and marketing more effective." Xin Guo said, "It's very exciting to see so many young, energetic and ambitious start-ups in Malaysia today. Alipay is also a start-up company. We hope by sharing our own experiences and working with partners here, we can contribute to supporting local innovation and the growth of more indigenous start-ups that use digital technology to address real world problems and benefit more people." The Malaysian roadshow is part of a series of events in Southeast Asia to help raise awareness of the Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge and to inspire new ideas and innovation in the region. In Malaysia, Ant Financial supports its partner Touch n' Go with technological capabilities and experience in implementing a mobile payment platform to offer innovative payment solutions and other inclusive financial services. For more information on the Challenge, please visit www.alipaynusseachallenge.com. About Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge The Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge aims to identify and support the growth of start-ups in Southeast Asia that are using digital technology to build a more inclusive society. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, enabling low-income groups to gain access to better educational opportunities, supporting elderly individuals leverage digital technologies to enhance their lifestyle, and helping people with disabilities through upskilling and reskilling initiatives. The inaugural Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge is taking place in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Applicants can participate by registering online at www.alipaynusseachallenge.com. Applications will close in January 2019. The first round of judging will determine the top three winners within each country, who will each receive a cash prize of SGD $10,000. The nine finalists will compete for the top cash prize of SGD $50,000 in the grand finale, to be held in Singapore in March 2019. The winning teams will not only receive financial rewards to invest toward increasing their social impact, but also receive support to accelerate their growth through networks, mentorship and partnership opportunities with Ant Financial, NUS and other partners in the ecosystem. Top teams will also receive three-month incubation support by NUS Enterprise, as well as access to its BLOCK71 community and co-working space in Singapore, Bandung, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Suzhou and San Francisco. A series of workshops and roadshows have been held in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, to build awareness of the challenge, encourage applications and support further growth for the participating teams. In addition, the winners will become eligible for the 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion programme jointly provided by International Financial Corporation ("IFC"), a member of the World Bank Group, and Alipay. The comprehensive training programme will support the cultivation of 1,000 technology experts in emerging markets from both public and private sectors over the next 10 years. There will also be potential opportunities to work with Ant Financial and Alipay on CSR initiatives. This latest initiative builds on the work and strategic partnerships that Ant Financial has been carrying out in Southeast Asia. Ant Financial has been sharing its technology capabilities with strategic e-wallet partners such as TrueMoney in Thailand, DANA in Indonesia, GCash in the Philippines and Touch 'n Go in Malaysia, to enable them to innovate and better service their customers. About Ant Financial Ant Financial Services Group is dedicated to using technology to bring the world equal opportunities. Our technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, security, Internet of Things and computing, empower us and our ecosystem partners to serve the unbanked and underbanked, bringing more secure, transparent, cost-effective and inclusive financial services to individuals and SMEs worldwide. Ant Financial has formed international partnerships with global strategic partners to serve local users in those markets, and we serve Chinese travelers overseas by connecting Alipay with online and offline merchants in popular destinations. Brands under Ant Financial Services Group include Alipay, Ant Fortune, Zhima Credit, MYbank and Ant Financial Cloud. For more information on Ant Financial, please visit our website at www.antfin.com or follow us on Twitter @AntFinancial. About Alipay Operated by Ant Financial Services Group, Alipay is the world's largest mobile and online payment platform. Launched in 2004, Alipay currently works with over 200 domestic financial institution partners. Over the years, Alipay has evolved from a digital wallet to a lifestyle enabler. Users can hail a taxi, book a hotel, buy movie tickets, pay utility bills, make appointments with doctors, or purchase wealth management products directly from within the app. In addition to online payments, Alipay is expanding to in-store offline payments both inside and outside of China. Alipay's in-store payment service covers over 40 countries and regions across the world, and tax reimbursement via Alipay is supported in 29 countries and regions. Alipay works with over 250 overseas financial institutions and payment solution providers to enable cross-border payments for Chinese travelling overseas and overseas customers who purchase products from Chinese e-commerce sites. Alipay currently supports 27 currencies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005289/en/ Contacts: Media Enquires Le SHEN (Mr.) Ant Financial Alipay Email: shenle.sl@antfin.com Mobile: +86 13910467197 Liege smart logistics hub a key element of the eWTP partnership The Federal Government of Belgium ("Government of Belgium") and Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA; "Alibaba Group") today announced they have agreed to promote inclusive trade under the Electronic World Trade Platform ("eWTP") initiative. Both parties will work closely to co-build a more inclusive and innovative trade platform that will facilitate greater and more equitable access to cross-border trade opportunities, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the eWTP was signed today by Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Consumer Affairs Kris Peeters and Senior Director of Alibaba Group James Song. It was witnessed by Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel and Alibaba Group President of Global Business Angel Zhao. Prime Minister Charles Michel said, "I am excited to welcome eWTP to Belgium and the commitment of Alibaba to improve the competitiveness of Belgian and European firms on the global stage in this partnership. This will be a huge opportunity to boost exports and bring wide reaching economic benefits to society, including employment opportunities to Liege. Participation in eWTP underlines our country's vision to help local small and medium-sized companies to be more competitive in the global marketplace in the digital age. This is an opportunity for not just the small businesses and young people in Belgium but across Europe". The partnership with the Government of Belgium will be Alibaba's initial effort to promote inclusive global trade in Europe, building on the success of similar eWTP partnerships in Asia and Africa over the past two years. "I am delighted that the Government of Belgium is confident toward the eWTP vision and share our commitment. With over 98% of European companies being small to medium businesses, this partnership signifies our initial and expanded effort to enhance inclusive trade opportunities for these businesses in Belgium and across Europe. We strongly believe that under the eWTP, we will open up the huge potential for European businesses to reap the benefits of global cross-border trade, especially into the China market where the demand for European goods is high," said Alibaba Group Chief Executive Officer Daniel Zhang. A major element of the eWTP agreement signed today in Belgium is the establishment of a logistics infrastructure to support cross-border trade. Cainiao Smart Logistics Network Ltd. ("Cainiao Network"), the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, and Liege Airport today also signed a contract to lease a total area of 220,000 square meters to build a world-class smart logistics hub at Liege Airport. The initial investment will be 75 million euros, with the first phase of the facility planned to commence operations in early 2021. The Liege smart logistics hub will enhance overall logistics efficiency to help SMEs better manage their exports especially with the surge in global e-commerce. The new smart logistics hub will be the cornerstone of the eWTP infrastructure collaboration, with Alibaba playing a key role in facilitating trade, particularly for accessing the China market, as part of the Group's commitment to serve as the "Gateway to China" and help import US$200 billion worth of quality goods from the world to China over the next five years. "Alibaba's eWTP project reinforces the attractiveness of our country and its regions. Chinese companies, in particular, those from the tech sector are investing in Belgium. As world trade continues to expand, Wallonia is an ideal logistics hub for global companies given our leading edge in cargo expertise and connectivity for block trains and seaports. This agreement will improve the infrastructure to meet the increasing exports of Belgian products to China," said Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Regional Minister for Economy, Trade Investment. Luc Partoune, CEO of Liege Airport, explains: "The arrival of Cainiao Network reinforces the competitiveness of our airport. Several Chinese companies are already here. Other companies will be attracted by the presence of Cainiao and the opportunity for e-commerce growth between Europe and China." In addition, the Government of Belgium and Alibaba will work closely together to introduce new technologies that will promote digitisation of customs procedures and more efficient clearance of goods which will be crucial for global trade in particularly for SMEs. Alibaba and Belgian trade and investment agencies will also collaborate to increase the sales opportunity of quality Belgian products on e-commerce platforms within Alibaba's ecosystem. This will include product promotions, marketing and direct imports by Alibaba's platforms. Alibaba will also work closely with the Belgian Government to promote Belgium as an attractive tourist destination for Chinese tourists. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and Alibaba Group Chairman Jack Ma met in July this year to discuss the eWTP initiative, with the Prime Minister expressing interest for Belgium to become an eWTP partner and promoting its vision. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Kris Peeters reconfirmed this interest during a meeting with Alibaba Group CEO Daniel Zhang at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. Both parties have worked relentlessly for the past six months, resulting in today's signing of the partnership. About eWTP The Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) is a private sector-led, multi-stakeholder initiative that facilitates public-private dialogue to share best practices, incubate new trade rules, and foster a more integrated and inclusive policy and business environment to promote the development of e-commerce, trade and the digital economy in the internet age. The eWTP was first initiated by Alibaba Group Founder and Executive Chairman Jack Ma in 2016 and was accepted as a major policy recommendation of the Business 20 (B20) and officially included in the 2016 G20 Leaders' Communique. The initiative aims to help smaller companies and participating countries realize their full economic potential by reducing trade barriers and making it easier for small to medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to expand their trading capabilities worldwide. The development will be driven by businesses, with support from governments. Businesses can create hubs for e-commerce and governments can create virtual free trade zones for small business, develop new e-Trade rules, share best practices, facilitate development of e-commerce infrastructure and services. By promoting inclusiveness under the "4Ts" trade, tourism, training and technology, the initiative will help foster a more integrated, inclusive environment for cross border electronic trade. Alibaba Group has established three eWTP hubs outside of China in Malaysia, Rwanda and Belgium respectively. These milestones follow Alibaba's partnership with the three countries to work jointly to enable SMEs to benefit from global trade. For more information on eWTP, please visit: https://www.alizila.com/electronic-world-trade-platform/ About Alibaba Group Alibaba Group's mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere and the company aims to achieve sustainable growth for 102 years. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the company reported revenues of US$39.9 billion. About Cainiao Network Cainiao Network is dedicated to meeting Alibaba Group's logistics vision of fulfilling consumer orders within 24 hours in China and within 72 hours anywhere else in the world. It adopts a platform approach to establish a nationwide fulfillment network that leverages the capacities and capabilities of logistics partners to offer domestic and international one-stop-shop logistics services and supply chain management solutions, fulfilling various logistics needs of merchants and consumers at scale. Cainiao Network is a business of Alibaba Group. About Liege Airport Liege Airport, 8th cargo airport in Europe and 1st in Belgium, is the only European airport that prioritises full cargo (freightersfirst). It specialises in express transport, electronic commerce, pharmaceutical products and perishable goods, as well as live animals. Liege Airport, and its brand Flexpress, is operational 24/7 without restrictions, offering a flexible and fast service, all less than a day's journey by truck to the heart of the Amsterdam-Paris-Frankfurt golden triangle with its 400 million consumers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005291/en/ Contacts: Government of Belgium Miet DECKERS +32 475 766526 Miet.Deckers@peeters.fed.be Alibaba Group Deborah Binks-Moore +44 7470 691277 d.binks-moore@alibaba-inc.com Belgian Trade and Investments Agencies Arnaud Collette AWEX +32 476 570130 arnaud.collette@icloud.com Liege Airport Christian Delcourt, Communication Manager +32 496 53 06 15 cde@liegeairport.com GREENWICH, Conn. - December 5, 2018 - XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO), a leading global provider of transportation and logistics solutions, has received the annual Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award for 2019, advancing 25 places to the number three position based on high marks for culture, values and leadership. The award recognizes the company as one of the best places to work in the United Kingdom as voted by employees. Bradley Jacobs, chief executive officer of XPO Logistics, said, "We're honored to once again be recognized with the Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award for the quality of our culture. We believe in empowering our employees to do their best work and take satisfaction in their contributions to the team." Earlier this year, XPO was named to the Fortune Future 50 (http://fortune.com/future-50/list/) list of US public companies best positioned for breakout growth. This is the first year that XPO has earned a place on the list, joining Amazon, Netflix, Salesforce and other market innovators. About XPO Logistics XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) is a top ten global logistics provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world. The company operates as a highly integrated network of people, technology and physical assets in 32 countries, with 1,529 locations and more than 98,000 employees. XPO uses its network to help more than 50,000 customers manage their goods most efficiently throughout their supply chains. XPO's corporate headquarters is in Greenwich, Conn., USA, and its European headquarters is in Lyon, France. www.xpo.com Media Contact XPO Logistics, Inc. Erin Kurtz +1 203-489-1586 erin.kurtz@xpo.com (mailto:erin.kurtz@xpo.com) This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: XPO Logistics, Inc. via Globenewswire The expansion of AIT's global network fulfills a long-term organizational goal that will enhance support for the company's many customers with supply chains in the UK ITASCA, Illinois, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Supply chain solutions leader AIT Worldwide Logistics announced the expansion of its global footprint with the acquisition of ConneXion World Cargo, a freight forwarder headquartered in London with five additional locations in Asia, Europe and North America. The agreement was finalized on Friday, November 30. According to AIT President and CEO Vaughn Moore, the acquisition of ConneXion fulfills a long-term goal for the company to establish a greater presence in the United Kingdom. He said, "AIT has many customers in the UK with consistently high cargo volume and the company's aspiration to expand there has intensified in recent years. This acquisition also reinforces AIT customers' supply chains in the UK with robust local expertise, particularly when it comes to licensing and customs connections. Adding the ConneXion group to our global team will help mitigate any uncertainty our customers with business in the UK may have with respect to the forthcoming Brexit milestones." Moore added, "AIT is thrilled to expand our operations in Europe with the acquisition of ConneXion World Cargo. We welcome our new ConneXion colleagues in Asia, Europe and North America to our global team and we look forward to supporting ConneXion's loyal customers." AIT's Chief Information Officer, Ray Fennelly, said, "ConneXion is an excellent fit for AIT, especially since their company culture is so similar to ours. The members of their management team have a long tenure with the business during which they have cultivated impressive long-lasting partnerships with their customers. They are a financially stable full-service provider with extensive local relationships and knowledge; we are very pleased that ConneXion's global team of logistics professionals have joined AIT." ConneXion World Cargo has offices in Halifax, Canada; Hong Kong, China and Paris, France as well as United Kingdom-based operational centers in London, Exeter and Manchester. ConneXion's global headquarters is situated in close proximity to London'sHeathrow airport: ConneXion World Cargo Units 1-2 McKay Trading Estate Blackthorne Road Colnbrook, Berkshire SL3 0AH United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0) 1753 680300 The newly acquired company's six locations will be overseen by AIT's Executive Vice President, Global Operations, Greg Weigel. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. About AIT Worldwide Logistics Founded in 1979, Itasca, Illinois-based AIT Worldwide Logistics is a full-service transportation management provider. With continental headquarters in Chicago, Amsterdam and Hong Kong, AIT's offices form a vast network spanning the globe. By coupling a flexible business model with robust technology that presents end-to-end shipment visibility, AIT delivers precisely tailored supply chain solutions for almost every industry imaginable. Leveraging creative, competitively priced multimodal services, AIT removes the complexity from global logistics puzzles, helping companies thrive by regaining focus on the core goals of their business. For more information, visit www.aitworldwide.com. Our Mission At AIT, we vigorously seek opportunities to earn our customers' trust by delivering exceptional worldwide logistics solutions while passionately valuing our co-workers, partners and communities. MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Sanders Corporate Copywriter +1 (630) 766-8300 msanders@aitworldwide.com AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc. Corporate Headquarters 701 N. Rohlwing Road Itasca, IL 60143 800-669-4AIT (4248) www.aitworldwide.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/792468/AIT_Worldwide_Logistics_Acquisition.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/587945/AIT_Worldwide_Logistics_Logo.jpg ALBANY, New York, December 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market has a highly fragmented vendor landscape, Transparency Market Research (TMR) observes. Five prominent players operating in the market collectively accounted for 41% share in the global Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market. Some of the prominent players operating in the dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market are Maruzen Petrochemical, Zibo Lujua Hongjin New Material Co. Ltd., Shell Chemicals, Kolon Industries, Inc., and Fushun Yikesi New Material Co. These players are increasingly adopting strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, and collaboration with local players in order to improve their global presence and distribution channels. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/664869/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) Request a Sample of Global Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) Market:https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=2369 A report from TMR estimates, the global dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market is predicted to attain a value of US$902.3 mn growing from US$561.8 mn in 2016. The market is expected to expand with a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period between 2017 and 2025. Based on application, the market is dominated by the EPDM elastomers, polyester resins, and hydrocarbon resins segments and is likely to witness a surge in demand over the forecast period. Based on the region, Asia Pacific dominated the global dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market by accounting for more than 50% of shares in 2016. Request For Multiple Chapters:https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=MC&rep_id=2369 Advancements on Using DCPD to Propel Growth of Market Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) is a linkage of two polymers of dicyclopentadiene. It is a white crystalline chemical with the same odor of camphor produced through the steam cracking of C5 petroleum products such as naphtha, crude oil, and gas oils. Growing need for cost-effective and efficient vehicles is attracting the manufacturers to invest in the researchers, which is boosting the growth of the global dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market. In order to reduce the weight of vehicle, the poly-DCTD is the most preferred material. These factors have boosted adoption of the DCPD and likely to propel the growth of the global dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market. Request For Discount On This Report:https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=2369 Additionally, numerous governments in countries in regions such as North America and Europe have imposed strict regulations on styrene emissions. Thus, it encourages usage of DCPD as a raw material to decrease emission of styrene content by 42% to 35% in unsaturated polyester resins. This factor is propelling adoption of the DCPD and is likely to propel growth of the global dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market. Expensive Manufacturing to Restrain Growth of Market Numerous hazardous chemicals are emitted while manufacturing the DCPD. Growing awareness about the environment is encouraging governments to impose strict regulations. Thus, the manufacturing of DCPD is involving some advanced techniques, which in turn is increasing the cost of the manufacturing. The aforementioned factors are limiting the growth of the global dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market. Additionally, lack of skilled labors to handle complicated manufacturing and usage of DCPD is hampering the growth of the global dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market. Nonetheless, growing demand from the automotive industry is expected to offer lucrative opportunities for growth over the forecast period. Browse Press Release:https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/dicyclopentadiene-market.htm This information is encompassed in the new report by TMR, titled "Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) Market (Application - Unsaturated Polyester Resin, Hydrocarbon Resin, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Elastomers, Cyclic Olefin Polymer (COP) and Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), Poly DCPD, Pesticide, and Flame Retardant) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025." For the study, the dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) market has been segmented as follows: By Application Unsaturated Polyester Resin Hydrocarbon Resin Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Elastomers Cyclic Olefin Polymer (COP) and Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) Poly DCPD Pesticide Flame Retardant BrowseChemicals and Materials Market Research Reports Popular Research Reports by TMR: Waterproofing Chemicals Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/waterproofing-chemicals-market.html Butene-1 Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/asia-pacific-butene1-market.html Bioadhesive Market:https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/bioadhesives-market.html About Us Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. Contact Us Mr. Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Research Blog:https://cmfenews.com/ Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. The leading private aviation company redefines wine in flight with a collection of expert findings, signature and wine club selections, tastings in the sky and curated tours LONDON, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VistaJet, the first and only global business aviation company, announced today the launch of The VistaJet Wine Program, the most expansive and engaging experience of wine, designed to enhance the exploration of the world of wine on its aircraft and at world destinations. VistaJet Founder and Chairman, Thomas Flohr is an avid collector and investor in wine with a cellar of more than 3,000 bottles and a particular passion for Burgundies. "Enjoying a glass of wine while in flight should be the same as a glass of wine in a restaurant. But nobody has ever managed to offer this on a global scale," said Flohr. "So, to provide the consistency of service and quality to our Members, we have created the first global program that will ensure our guests enjoy the best possible wine in the sky whilst catering to all their needs when it comes to tasting, collecting, discovering and developing a deeper knowledge of wine - anytime, anywhere." Much of the pleasure of savoring wine is in understanding its nuances, yet the effects of altitude, cabin pressure and air quality mean that selecting the right wine for a flight can prove to be difficult. During the development of The VistaJet Wine Program, the company hosted some of the world's foremost wine experts, including those from Marchesi Antinori, Rothschild (Lafite), Ca' del Bosco and Artemis Domaines, on several flights to sample, taste and compare a number of different wines from all over the world. By tasting on the ground and in the sky, the experts were able to further understand how taste and smell are the senses most affected by the atmosphere and work together in a pressurized cabin; nasal sensors' reception of aromas are limited owing to the lower air pressure that comes with a lower humidity; bubbles found in sparkling wines, which contain up to thirty times more aromas than the liquid, tend to stick to the sides of the glass; and that fruit flavors are diminished, while bitterness and spiciness are largely unaffected. In addition to that of the palate, Oxford University professor Charles Spence noted that the level of background noise on a commercial flight adversely affects a person's perception of smell and taste. In a business jet however, the comforts of someone's home environment are more accurately recreated with cabin noise 35 decibels less than commercial, minimizing the inherent psychological impact. Flying at 45,000 feet, VistaJet's Global 6000 has an equivalent air pressure of only 4,500 feet, making many of the sensory effects of air travel less noticeable. The learnings from these memorable wine flights, touching down in exclusive vineyards including Clos de Tart and Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, proved instrumental in the development of The VistaJet Wine Program. Elements of The VistaJet Wine Program include: The Wine in the Sky Questionnaire VistaJet invited popular oenophiles including Sofia Coppola, Andrea Bocelli, Jeannie Cho Lee and Daniel Boulud, to contribute to The Wine in the Sky Questionnaire, a compendium of considered suggestions for tasting, serving and transporting wine on travels around the world. Published in collaboration with Assouline, the book serves to advise on how to select the most appropriate wines considering the different effects of flying on our senses. The Wine in the Sky Questionnaire will be available for pre-order from December 6th on Assouline.com and in stores mid-December. Signature Wine List Sourced from some of the world's most iconic vineyards and personally handpicked by Thomas Flohr, all VistaJet passengers can enjoy the Signature Wine List with wines that take advantage of the effects of flying to perform best in the sky. The list features great classics such as the elegant, pure and aromatic Ruinart Champagnes; the dense, smooth and ripe Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac Leognan with its lifted notes of raspberries; and the Gaja, Rossj Bass Chardonnay, presenting a definite character and good acidity with a fresh and lingering finish. The VistaJet Wine Club Adding a discovery aspect to the signature offering, TheVistaJet Wine Club will allow Members to explore the world of wine with 12 carefully selected wines each year, tasting two new bottles every other month from a range of producers and grapes around the world. To further enhance the experience, VistaJet Cabin Hostesses, trained up to WSET Level 2, can organize a blind tasting to assess the characteristics of grape varieties and record notes on tasting cards. The full list will be disclosed to VistaJet Program Members throughout the year, with the first selection of wines including the infinitely delicate yet complex 2015 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Albert Bichot; the 2009 Ca' del Bosco Cuvee Annamaria Clementi with its tangy acidity and ultrafine perlage; and the full bodied 2013 Solaia, from Marchesi Antinori with tannins of much shape and solidity. Wine Tours Through its global coverage, VistaJet provides bespoke access and personal introductions to the world's best winemakers and wine clubs through the VistaJet Chairman's Office. With the global Wine Tours, Members can also request round-the-world wine itineraries and personal tours of the finest vineyards and wine regions, as well as access to wine auctions and events with fine wine traders and collectors. VistaJet's Wine Tours include a three-day experience hosted by Marchesi Antinori, to enjoy a dinner with the family at Palazzo Antinori, tasting wines from their private collections, before visiting their historical vineyards in Tuscany and Umbria by helicopter and staying in the family estates' exclusive guest houses. The World of Wine Concierge The World of Wine Concierge offers tasting advice both prior to flight and at destination, to help Members discover wines and vineyards in any region they're visiting. The concierge can also assist with acquiring a historic vintage for a special anniversary, giving personalized recommendations about buying wine en primeur and at auction, as well as help arranging safe transportation of wine around the world. Members can request advice from a global network of local experts in North America, Europe and Asia. www.vistajet.com/wine Information? Jennifer Farquhar | VistaJet | T: +44 203 617 3077 | jennifer.farquhar@vistajet.com About VistaJet VistaJet is the first and only global aviation company. On its fleet of over 70 silver and red business jets, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world. Founded in 2004 by Thomas Flohr, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers have access to an entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJet's signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on its fleet of mid and long-range jets, to fly them anytime, anywhere. Customers can also request Direct one-off flights through the industry's first end-to-end booking app or a 24/7 global team. More VistaJet information and news at vistajet.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55a3aaeb-374c-47a8-b7cc-634eab0e93eb http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cee54f04-33ea-47bd-8756-38ef2d36826b http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec6152b2-9c29-4e76-819e-1b1084b67870 http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0be26e2a-0374-4caa-8461-09f9aebb2b05 CHICAGO and LONDON, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago-based R.J. O'Brien & Associates (RJO), the oldest and largest independent futures brokerage and clearing firm in the United States, last night won the 2018 FOW International Award for Non-Bank Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) of the Year - its third consecutive win in the category. FOW, part of the Global Investor Group, presented the award at a dinner ceremony following its Derivatives World London: The Debates conference. The FOW International Awards celebrate those who have provided exceptional service and/or innovation to their clients and the industry. The awards are judged by a panel of industry experts drawn from across the market in a range of disciplines. Luke Jeffs, Managing Editor of Global Investor Group, said: "R.J. O'Brien has established itself in recent years as the leading international non-bank FCM. In a year when some of its top rivals have struggled, RJO has delivered solid results and continues to lead its field." RJO Chairman and CEO Gerald Corcoran said: "Our sustained focus on global growth included a number of key achievements this year, including opening a new office in Dubai, bringing our talented UK team under one roof with room for additional expansion, and building further on our expertise with the addition of key professionals in offices in the U.S. and around the world. We are grateful to FOW for honoring us once again with this terrific recognition." In addition to the three consecutive Non-Bank FCM of the Year awards, RJO's London-based UK affiliate won the magazine's prestigious Editor's Choice Award for 2015, based on factors including growth prospects, company achievements and successful collaborations and acquisitions. RJO's private client division, RJO Futures, also just won Wealth & Finance International magazine's award for "2018's Most Trusted Financial Brokerage Firm" - the first time a futures brokerage has earned the award. Created in April 2017, the Global Investor Group incorporates the Global Investor, FOW and ISF brands and offers news, data and in-depth analysis across derivatives, securities finance, custody and fund services and asset management. About R.J. O'Brien Founded in 1914, R.J. O'Brien & Associates is the largest independent futures brokerage firm in the United States, serving institutional, commercial and individual clients globally, in addition to a network of 400 introducing brokers (IBs). Clearing more than 80,000 client accounts, RJO services the industry's most expansive global network of IBs, a vast array of middle market firms and many of the world's largest financial, industrial and agricultural institutions. The firm offers state-of-the-art electronic trading and 24-hour trade execution on every major futures exchange worldwide. The firm's UK affiliate, R.J. O'Brien Limited (RJO Limited), provides execution, clearing and settlement services to professionals and eligible counterparty clients who transact business on the world's leading futures and options exchanges. RJO Limited offers anonymous electronic and voice access to markets across multiple asset classes, including futures and options on all major global exchanges, equity contracts for difference (CFDs) and over-the-counter cleared commodities. The affiliate also provides real-time risk management across asset classes; tailored post-trade services; proximity and colocation services; and state-of-the-art front-, middle- and back-office solutions for sell-side clients wanting to outsource technology and facilities management. R.J. O'Brien Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 114120). Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/363183/r_j__obrien___associates_logo.jpg -- The IoT Subsidiary of Aquam Corporation Poised to Lead in Global Infrastructure and Water Asset Monitoring Across Industries SAN DIEGO, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Orbis Intelligent Systems ("Orbis"), an Aquam Corporation ("Aquam") company, announced today that it has selected Beau Tucker II as Sales Director. Beau is responsible for executing the firm's asset monitoring market strategy across commercial, residential, and utility applications on a worldwide scale, enhancing Orbis' market position as a new IoT leader for asset management. Beau has built a successful career on his extensive knowledge and expertise in energy and water efficiency technologies across a wide array of industries. Throughout his career, Beau has helped a plethora of Fortune 50 companies save tens of millions of dollars by utilizing data-driven approaches and innovation-provided actionable insights. These companies include SpaceX, Tesla, Rolls Royce, and more. At Orbis, Beau will help clients proactively manage their pipeline assets, as Oribis' IoT technologies capture real-time asset and performance data. "I am excited to join the innovative and driven team at Aquam, and to be sharing with the world Orbis' leading-edge non-invasive [pipeline] monitoring technologies," Beau commented. "With aging, deteriorating, and corroded water infrastructures, the rich and actionable data that Orbis's devices and systems deliver is needed more than ever, allowing asset managers to optimize operations and deliver cost savings." "We are thrilled to have Beau join us," states Danny Krywyj, President and Founder of Orbis. "He is a great fit with our company and our mission. Our clients will greatly benefit from Beau's experience in helping to translate innovative technologies into savings, mitigated risks, and improved asset quality." About Orbis Intelligent Systems Orbis Intelligent Systems is positioned to be a market leader providing data-driven monitoring solutions for distribution infrastructure and water assets in commercial, residential, and utility applications worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Orbis is part of Aquam Corporation. For more information, visit www.orbis-sys.com. About Aquam Corporation Aquam Corporation is a global firm that provides integrated infrastructure support, diagnostics, rehabilitation and monitoring solutions for water and gas infrastructure. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Aquam uses environmentally friendly technologies to address the world's aging infrastructure problems. Aquam is also the parent company of world-leading small-diameter pipe lining technology manufacturer Nu Flow Technologies; pipe rehabilitation provider Specialized Pipe Technologies; and global pipeline assessment and inspection technology provider Aquam Pipe Diagnostics. For more information, visit www.aquamcorp.com. Media Contact: Yiqing Zhao, yzhao@aquamcorp.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/793847/Orbis__Logo.jpg DUBAI, UAE, December 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Professor David Wood , President of the World Heart Federation, welcomes more than 5000 cardiologists, doctors, nurses, and health and policy experts from around the world to Dubai for WCC 2018 at a time when the opportunities for a sustainable impact on cardiovascular health have never been greater World Heart Federation Inaugural Awards honour the dedication and work of world-leading names in the field of cardiovascular health In Dubai today, cardiologists, researchers, policymakers and health leaders came together at the launch of the World Heart Federation's World Congress of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Health 2018. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/794050/World_Heart_Federation_Logo.jpg ) WCC 2018 has the privilege of convening leading figures in cardiovascular health to share ground-breaking research and technologies, offering a truly global perspective on the challenges of bringing heart health to national agendas and reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease. Professor David Wood, President, WHF: "In this WHF's 40th anniversary year, WCC 2018 is a chance to celebrate the contribution our leadership has made in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Thanks to our and our Members' work and dedication, the cardiovascular health of countless people around the world has been improved. But the fight for prevention and control of CVD continues and our Congress plays an important part in this." At WCC 2018 today, the WHF Inaugural Awards also honoured the following leading names in cardiovascular health: Life Time Achievement Award Antonio Bayes De Luna Advocacy Award in Cardiovascular Health Judith Mackay Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Cardiovascular Health Sir Richard Peto and Alan Lopez Best Global Heart Paper Andrew Moran WCC Special Recognition: Endowment Fund Salim Yusuf Sir Richard Peto, Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Oxford and Alan Lopez, Melbourne Laureate Professor, University of Melbourne: "We are delighted the World Heart Federation has chosen to recognize epidemiologists such as us who work on the consequences of smoking, and a tobacco control advocate who works on the control of smoking." Judith Mackay, Director, Asian Consultancy on Tobacco Control and Senior Policy Advisor, WHO: "The massive mortality from smoking can be prevented more effectively in the corridors of power than in the corridors of clinics, with political will the key ingredient. There is plenty left to do, and the awards to Richard, Alan and myself provide welcome confirmation of the World Heart Federation's support for tobacco control." Press Release Companies enter long-term technology partnership to increase network speed and capacity and enhance mobile and fixed broadband service performance in Brazil Modernization of optical transport network to deliver up to 10 Terabits per second throughput to support growing fixed and mobile broadband needs Nokia to deploy AirScale Single Radio Access Network, supporting 2G, 3G, 4G and future 5G services Oi will begin a journey to transform operations to become more efficient and customer-centric with help from Nokia AVA Will enable Oi to offer its customers fiber-to-the-home using Nokia fixed access technology to enhance residential broadband performance 5 December 2018 Espoo, Finland - Nokia and Oi have signed a long-term technology partnership to enable Oi to meet increasing demand for fiber connectivity in the home and expand mobile broadband coverage and capacity, while preparing for the future introduction of 5G. Nokia will leverage its radio access, IP and optical transport and fixed broadband solutions and services, working with Oi on the service provider's operational restructuring process, as part of its recovery plan. Reductions in broadband subscription prices and a growing adoption of smartphones have led to an increase in demand for data services in the home and on the move in Brazil. The introduction of fiber-to-the-home has led to renewed demands for residential broadband services in regions previously covered only by copper networks. Oi and Nokia have signed a series of agreements under which they expect will drive new speeds, capacity and performance in Oi's network to meet these growing demands and connect up to 10 million houses by 2021. Nokia will continue Oi's widespread optical transport and IP access network expansion, delivering up to 10 Terabits per second capacity throughput using dense-wave-division-multiplexing optical transport and IP routing technology. The optical transport network will serve as the backbone for high-speed fiber-to-the-home services, in addition to the Nokia AirScale radio access network to support growing mobile broadband demand as Oi transitions toward 5G. The deployment of the Nokia AirScale single radio access network across the country will support 2G, 3G and 4G services and can be software upgraded to support 5G. This will allow Oi to expand its 4G offering as it gradually reduces 2G and 3G services, while preparing for the delivery of 5G. Network and service operations will be enhanced through increasing use of automation and analytics, including the Nokia AVA cognitive services platform. An improved customer experience will be enabled through machine learning and prescriptive analytics that can predict and prevent service degradations up to 7 days in advance. Nokia and Oi will also explore residential broadband service quality, adopting new models to improve the 'Oi Fibra' and 'Oi TV' services as well as the customer experience. The companies have signed a reseller agreement that will enable Oi to offer Nokia WiFi beacons in its retail outlets in the country. This solution, once installed, quickly establishes a whole-home meshed WiFi network that significantly enhances ultra-broadband coverage and performance. Eurico Teles, CEO of Oi, said: "We expect that this long-term technology partnership agreement will allow us to consolidate our suppliers and benefit from greater operational efficiencies as we continue our restructuring process." Osvaldo Di Campli, head of Nokia Latin America, said: "With an end-to-end technology and services portfolio we are able to work with service providers such as Oi to deliver new capabilities in fixed and mobile services as they transition toward 5G." About the technologies Nokia AirScale Radio Access (https://networks.nokia.com/products/airscale-radio-access) Nokia 1830 Photonic Service Switch (https://networks.nokia.com/products/1830-photonic-service-switch) Nokia 7750 Service Routers (https://networks.nokia.com/products/7750-service-router) Nokia 7360 ISAM FX (https://networks.nokia.com/products/7360-isam-fx-for-msos) Nokia 7368 ISAM optical network terminal (ONT) (https://networks.nokia.com/products/7368-isam-ont-g-240w-b) Nokia AVA Cognitive Services Platform (https://networks.nokia.com/services/nokia-ava-cognitive-services-platform) Analytics Services (https://networks.nokia.com/services/nokia-analytics) Nokia will employ its network implementation (https://networks.nokia.com/services/network-implementation) services expertise for a speedy deployment, professional services to optimize Oi's existing network elements for expansion of its customer offerings as well as mobile network optimization (https://networks.nokia.com/services/network-planning-and-optimization) services. Resources Video: Nokia's vision of AI-driven network operations (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAOvv6TFPh4) About Nokia We create the technology to connect the world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing. We adhere to the highest ethical business standards as we create technology with social purpose, quality and integrity. Nokia is enabling the infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things to transform the human experience. www.nokia.com (http://www.nokia.com) Forward-looking statements: This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Brazilian applicable regulation. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements regarding the beliefs and expectations of Oi, business strategies, future synergies and cost savings, future costs and future liquidity are forward-looking statements. The words "will," "may," "should," "could," "anticipates," "intends," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "plans," "targets," "goal" and similar expressions, as they relate to Oi or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There is no guarantee that the expected events, tendencies or expected results will actually occur. Such statements reflect the current views of management of Oi and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, corporate approvals, operational factors and other factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. All forward-looking statements attributable to Oi or its affiliates, or persons acting on their behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth in this paragraph. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required under the Brazilian or U.S. federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the Brazilian Securities Commission (Comissao de Valores Mobiliarios) ("CVM"), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or of regulatory authorities in other applicable jurisdictions, Oi and its affiliates do not have any intention or obligation to update, revise or publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures Oi makes on related subjects in reports and communications that Oi files with the CVM and the SEC. Media Inquiries: Claudia Roman Nokia Latin America Communications Phone: +5511952576290 Email: claudia.roman@nokia.com Nokia Communications Phone: +358 10 448 4900 Email: press.services@nokia.com (mailto:press.services@nokia.com) This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: NOKIA via Globenewswire VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2018 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX-V: SKE, OTCQX: SKREF) ('Skeena' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce additional Au-Ag drill results for eight holes from the recently completed Phase I surface drilling program at the Eskay Creek Project ('Eskay Creek') located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. The multifaceted Phase I program was performed in the 21A, 21C and 22 Zones. Assays reported in this release are from the 21C Zone; assays from the remaining 21A and 22 Zones will be released when available. Reference images are presented at the end of this release as well as on the Company's website. Eskay Creek 21 C Zone Phase I Drilling - Current Highlights 3.00 g/t Au, 233 g/t Ag (6.10 g/t AuEq) over 10.84 m (SK-18-026) 4.02 g/t Au, 83 g/t Ag (5.12 g/t AuEq) over 11.25 m (SK-18-027) 9.86 g/t Au, 92 g/t Ag (11.10 g/t AuEq) over 14.34 m (SK-18-029) 7.36 g/t Au, 1,189 g/t Ag (23.22 g/t AuEq) over 14.55 m (SK-18-031) 6.39 g/t Au, 157 g/t Ag (8.48 g/t AuEq) over 27.50 m (SK-18-031) 4.23 g/t Au, 314 g/t Ag (8.42 g/t AuEq) over 14.50 m (SK-18-032) Gold Equivalent (AuEq) calculated via the formula: Au (g/t) + [Ag (g/t) / 75]. Reported core lengths represent 80-100% of true widths and are supported by well-defined mineralization geometries derived from historical drilling. Grade capping of individual assays has not been applied to the Au and Ag assays informing the length weighted AuEq composites. Processing recoveries have not been applied to the AuEq calculation and are disclosed at 100%. Samples below detection limit were nulled to a value of zero. 21C Zone Phase I Drilling - Discussion The 2018 Phase I program in the 21C Zone was principally directed at collecting new material for an upcoming metallurgical optimization study. Historical drilling in this zone is tightly-spaced and sufficient for reporting dominantly indicated resources (see Resource Estimate for Eskay Creek reported September 17 2018). Reported core lengths represent 80-100% of true widths and are supported by well-defined mineralization geometries derived in conjunction with historical drilling intercepts. A total of eight drillholes were fanned from a single collar location and totaled 2,012.6 m. Modelled mineralization and geology were predictably intersected and demonstrated excellent reconciliation of historically drilled grades and widths. The 21C Zone displays two styles of mineralization, which is consistent with the other mineralized zones that comprise the Eskay Creek deposits. High-grade mineralization with an epithermal signature is spatially associated with clastic mudstones that occur at the contact between the hangingwall basalts and footwall rhyolites. Syngenetic, feeder-style mineralization is present in strongly-altered rhyolites below the contact mudstones. Samples collected from this program will be utilized to generate spatially distributed master composites that will inform the metallurgical optimization studies in H1 2019. About Eskay Creek In December 2017, Skeena secured an option to acquire 100% interest in the Eskay Creek property. Discovered in the Golden Triangle in 1988, the former Eskay Creek mine produced approximately 3.3 million ounces of gold and 160 million ounces of silver at average grades of 45 g/t gold and 2,224 g/t silver. Eskay Creek was once the world's highest-grade gold mine and fifth-largest silver mine by volume. A precious and base metal-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit, Eskay-style mineralization has been the focus of considerable exploration activity in the Golden Triangle dating back to 1932. Exploration programs in 1988 led to the discovery of the 21A and 21B zones, followed by underground development of the 21B zone starting in 1990 with the official opening of the Eskay Creek mine in 1994. Over the 14-year life of the mine, approximately 2.2 million tonnes of ore were mined with cut-off grades ranging from 12 to 15 g/t AuEq for mill ore and 30 g/t AuEq for direct shipping smelter ore. Eskay is endowed with excellent infrastructure including all-weather road access and proximity to the new 287-kilovolt Northwest Transmission Line. The Property consists of 8 mineral leases, 2 surface leases and several unpatented mining claims totaling 6,151 hectares. About Skeena Skeena Resources Limited is a junior Canadian mining exploration company focused on developing prospective precious and base metal properties in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company's primary activities are the exploration and development of the past-producing Snip mine and the recently optioned Eskay Creek mine, both acquired from Barrick. In addition, the Company has completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the GJ copper-gold porphyry project. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited, Walter Coles Jr. President & CEO Qualified Persons Exploration activities at the Eskay Creek Project are administered on site by the Company's Exploration Managers, Colin Russell, P.Geo. and Adrian Newton, P.Geo. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Paul Geddes, P.Geo. Vice President Exploration and Resource Development, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on its exploration projects. Quality Assurance - Quality Control Once received from the drill and processed, all drill core samples are sawn in half, labelled and bagged. The remaining drill core is subsequently securely stored on site. Numbered security tags are applied to lab shipments for chain of custody requirements. The Company inserts quality control (QC) samples at regular intervals in the sample stream, including blanks and reference materials with all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. The QAQC program was designed and approved by Lynda Bloom, P.Geo. of Analytical Solutions Ltd., and is overseen by the Company's Qualified Person, Paul Geddes, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration and Resource Development. Drill core samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry's analytical facility in North Vancouver, British Columbia for preparation and analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is crushed and 1kg is pulverized. Analysis for gold is by 50g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption (AAS) finish with a lower limit of 0.01 ppm and upper limit of 100 ppm. Samples with gold assays greater than 100ppm are re-analyzed using a 50g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish. Analysis for silver is by 50g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish with a lower limit of 5ppm and upper limit of 10,000ppm. Samples with silver assays greater than 10,000ppm are re-analyzed using a gravimetric silver concentrate method. A selected number of samples are also analyzed using a 48 multi-elemental geochemical package by a 4-acid digestion, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and also for mercury using an aqua regia digest with Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish. Samples with sulfur reporting greater than 10% from the multi-element analysis are re-analyzed for total sulfur by Leco furnace and infrared spectroscopy. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute 'forward looking information' and 'forward looking statements' within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as 'anticipates', 'believes,' 'targets,' 'estimates,' 'plans,' 'expects,' 'may',' 'will,' 'could' or 'would'. Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contact: info@skeenaresources.com Table 1: Eskay Creek Project Phase I 21C Zone length weighted drill hole gold and silver composites: HOLE-ID FROM (M) TO (M) CORE LENGTH (M) AU (G/T) AG (G/T) AUEQ (G/T) SK-18-025 178.00 184.00 6.00 4.17 163 6.33 INCLUDING 178.00 179.50 1.50 6.77 362 11.60 AND 182.70 184.00 1.30 6.31 192 8.87 SK-18-026 171.00 181.84 10.84 3.00 233 6.10 INCLUDING 180.50 181.84 1.34 8.74 696 18.02 SK-18-027 161.00 162.00 1.00 25.40 117 26.96 SK-18-027 173.75 185.00 11.25 4.02 83 5.12 INCLUDING 175.00 175.70 0.70 29.80 778 40.17 SK-18-028 137.50 139.00 1.50 7.58 7 7.67 SK-18-028 194.45 195.80 1.35 4.66 49 5.31 SK-18-028 262.00 263.50 1.50 5.04 5 5.11 SK-18-029 166.00 167.00 1.00 5.02 137 6.85 SK-18-029 177.00 178.25 1.25 3.50 64 4.35 SK-18-029 251.16 265.50 14.34 9.86 92 11.10 INCLUDING 252.50 253.67 1.17 17.85 - 17.85 AND 254.63 255.20 0.57 46.30 1,765 69.83 AND 260.00 261.00 1.00 11.40 56 12.15 AND 262.50 264.00 1.50 12.80 12 12.96 AND 264.00 265.50 1.50 12.25 34 12.70 SK-18-030 209.50 211.00 1.50 5.99 73 6.96 SK-18-030 226.00 227.50 1.50 7.52 8 7.63 SK-18-030 257.50 259.00 1.50 7.10 - 7.10 SK-18-031 166.95 181.50 14.55 7.36 1,189 23.22 INCLUDING 166.95 175.00 8.05 11.84 2,140 40.37 INCLUDING 166.95 167.70 0.75 10.10 124 11.75 AND 167.70 168.70 1.00 5.11 1,435 24.24 AND 168.70 169.20 0.50 60.30 3,460 106.43 AND 169.20 170.00 0.80 24.00 5,570 98.27 AND 170.00 171.50 1.50 4.02 1,365 22.22 AND 171.50 172.86 1.36 7.58 2,710 43.71 AND 172.86 173.82 0.96 16.70 1,420 35.63 AND 173.82 175.00 1.18 0.75 2,050 28.08 SK-18-031 192.00 219.50 27.50 6.39 157 8.48 INCLUDING 195.00 196.50 1.50 13.85 56 14.60 AND 196.50 198.00 1.50 11.95 265 15.48 AND 210.00 211.00 1.00 49.50 1,010 62.97 AND 211.90 212.70 0.80 2.18 1,005 15.58 AND 214.50 215.00 0.50 3.64 1,270 20.57 SK-18-032 162.50 177.00 14.50 4.23 314 8.42 INCLUDING 162.50 165.60 3.10 16.03 708 25.46 INCLUDING 163.00 163.55 0.55 23.50 435 29.30 AND 163.55 164.10 0.55 38.90 1,480 58.63 AND 164.10 164.60 0.50 8.01 1,910 33.48 AND 164.60 165.10 0.50 16.20 231 19.28 SK-18-032 172.60 177.00 4.40 1.92 536 9.06 INCLUDING 175.00 176.00 1.00 2.71 1,030 16.44 AND 176.00 176.50 0.50 3.23 1,170 18.83 SK-18-032 223.50 226.84 3.34 3.73 228 6.77 INCLUDING 224.70 225.20 0.50 12.60 1,270 29.53 Gold Equivalent (AuEq) calculated via the formula: Au (g/t) + [Ag (g/t) / 75]. Reported core lengths represent 80-100% of true widths and are supported by well-defined mineralization geometries derived from historical drilling. Length weighted AuEq composites were constrained by geological considerations. Grade capping of individual assays has not been applied to the Au and Ag assays informing the length weighted AuEq composites. Processing recoveries have not been applied to the AuEq calculation and are disclosed at 100%. Samples below detection limit were nulled to a value of zero. Table 2: Mine grid Phase I drill hole locations and orientations: HOLE-ID EASTING NORTHING ELEVATION LENGTH (M) AZIMUTH DIP SK-18-025 9778.4 10546.8 968.9 204.0 29.5 -71.8 SK-18-026 9778.4 10546.6 968.3 205.0 30.6 -77.5 SK-18-027 9778.3 10546.1 969.4 201.0 33.3 -82.1 SK-18-028 9774.8 10547.1 968.8 300.0 306.1 -76.5 SK-18-029 9775.4 10546.6 969.0 300.0 307.4 -79.3 SK-18-030 9776.0 10542.5 968.2 276.0 183.8 -54.4 SK-18-031 9776.2 10543.1 969.1 276.0 182.9 -64.3 SK-18-032 9775.8 10543.6 968.9 250.6 178.7 -84.7 SOURCE: Skeena Resources Limited View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/529713/Skeena-Intersects-2322-gt-AuEq-736-gt-Au-1189-gt-Ag-over-1455-metres-at-Eskay-Creek IMCON'S 'NO EDGE' PLATFORM INNOVATION EXPECTED TO HELP BRING BILLIONS OF UNDERSERVED GLOBAL CITIZENS ONLINE PARIS, FRANCE / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2018 / Imcon International's Backpack 2.0 Sustainable Microgrid was highlighted at the United Nations 13th Internet Governance Forum. The three-day event, November 12-14, was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres and thousands of industry, government, civil society, and technical community representatives from over 140 countries. The forum, a discussion of public policy issues pertaining to the Internet, took place at UNESCO's Paris headquarters. Syracuse University's School of Information Studies (iSchool) Director of Employer Relations Sarah Weber and Associate Professor (and Imcon Board Member) Lee W McKnight were among those invited to speak during a 'Two Networks' session, organized by Syracuse University Adjunct Professor Garland McCoy. The panel addressed the challenge of bringing energy, and the Internet, to the half of the world's population, 3.5 billion people, still excluded from participating in the global Internet economy. Weber and McKnight stressed that the Imcon Internet Backpack is, among other things, a self-sustaining microgrid, with its foldable, portable, solar panel capable of recharging with 15 hours of sunlight its battery (for energy storage), and thereby all included devices. It can therefore also be understood as an infrastructure-less wireless community network, or mini-ISP (Internet Service Provider) for off-grid connectivity, including both privacy and security by design for its (per-pack) 30 users. Applications for emergency response, education and healthcare for rural residents worldwide were highlighted, as was its blockchained personal data identity app My31 from Hu-manity.co, and its potential uses in smart cities when the centralized grid goes down, whether from a natural disaster or a cyber-attack. Professor McKnight said: 'The assumption that the Internet cannot be affordably extended beyond the reach of the centralized energy grid is now proven to be false. The Internet backpack changes everything, as its order of magnitude lower costs can sustainably connect the unconnected.' Imcon's Internet backpack edgeware platform was developed after more than a decade of U.S. National Science Foundation-sponsored research at Syracuse University with its academic, community, government and industry partners. Imcon International Inc., the start-up developer of the Internet Backpack solution, and Syracuse University have signed a Master Collaboration Agreement to partner also with the Government of Liberia in the recently announced '40 in 2021' project, intended to help increase Liberia's Internet penetration rate from 7% to 40% within 3 years of project launch. Sarah Weber was in Paris to invite support of Syracuse University's engagement in the Liberian National Pilot Project's Public Private Philanthropic Partnership with a Build Transfer Operate model from other UN IGF 2018 attendees. Garland McCoy, President, Technology Education Institute and Adjunct Professor, Syracuse University, said: 'I became aware of Lee's latest promising research on immediate connectivity solutions at the IGF USA in 2017. I arranged a Session at the 13th UN IGF in Paris for the Internet Backpack to be introduced as both a new mobile microgrid and community network. I was delighted to see the recognition by our colleagues that Lee's vision has been developed by Imcon into a breakthrough product changing the way we think of the limits of connectivity - since there are clearly no limits, and no edge of the grid beyond which we cannot connect and share information for social and community development.' About Imcon Imcon International, Inc., is an immediate connectivity solutions provider. Imcon is developing edgeware services and device solutions, such as the Internet Backpack, which conform to the Open Specifications Model for the Internet of Things v0.5. The Internet Backpack is a remote connectivity solution utilizing narrow-bandwidth utilities which allows users to be able to communicate from almost every location on the planet. The Internet Backpack also allows users to create internal wireless networks with large coverage areas utilizing various radio frequencies. Please visit http://imconintl.com for more information. About the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University The iSchool is a globally recognized leader in advancing knowledge and developing creative, thoughtful, and technically capable leaders in the information field. The iSchool's mission is to expand human capabilities by connecting people, information, and technology. The faculty and staff of the iSchool are committed to preparing students to be leaders in the information field, advancing knowledge and using information to solve problems faced by individuals and organizations. The iSchool impacts research and the information profession through scholarship, rigorous education opportunities, and commitment to service that advances science,improves professional practice, and contributes both to communities and more broadly to society. CONTACTS: For Imcon International: Alan Winnikoff Sayles & Winnikoff Communications alan@sayleswinnikoff.com 212-725-5200 x111 Rob Loud Imcon International, Inc. Rob@imconintl.com 470-210-0760 For Syracuse University: J.D. Ross Communications Director School of Information Studies at Syracuse University rossjd@syr.edu 315-443-3094 SOURCE: Imcon International Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/529760/Imcon-International-Incs-Internet-Backpack-20-Highlighted-In-Paris-At-United-Nations-Internet-Governance-Forum-2018 Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2018) - Excelsior Mining Corp. (TSX: MIN) (FSE: 3XS) (OTCQX: EXMGF) ("Excelsior" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Altius Royalty Corporation ("Altius") has exercised the final royalty option under the Share Purchase and Royalty Option Agreement dated July 19, 2013 between the Company and Altius. As a result of the exercise of the final option, Altius has paid the Company C$5.0 million and in return received an additional gross revenue royalty ("Construction GRR") on the Gunnison Copper Project. "This investment by one of the mining industry's foremost royalty companies is another significant endorsement for the Gunnison Copper Project," said Excelsior's President and CEO, Stephen Twyerould. "As we transition into the next new copper producer in the United States, we do so from a position of fiscal strength supported by excellent funding partners such as Altius." "We have been continually impressed by Excelsior's ability to overcome challenging conditions and to ultimately deliver the Gunnison Copper Project to this construction decision milestone. We offer our sincere congratulations to the team and look forward to Gunnison becoming the 16th paying royalty in our portfolio," said Brian Dalton, President and CEO of Altius. The terms of the Construction GRR are Altius has paid C$5.0 million for a gross revenue royalty that is equal to (i) 0.625% while the plant capacity of all the plants operated or constructed by the Company or its affiliates for use in connection with the Gunnison Copper Project ("Plant Capacity") is less than 75 million lbs. of copper per annum; and (ii) 0.5% while the Plant Capacity is greater than or equal to 75 million lbs. of copper per annum. Combined with the GRRs that Altius previously acquired (see Excelsior news releases July 29, 2014 and August 1, 2013) Altius now holds a 1.625% GRR on the Gunnison Copper Project while Plant Capacity is less than 75 million lbs. of copper per annum and 1.5% while the Plant Capacity is greater than or equal to 75 million lbs. of copper per annum. About Altius Altius directly and indirectly holds diversified royalties and streams that generate revenue from 15 operating mines. These are located in Canada and Brazil and produce copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, iron ore, potash and thermal (electrical) and metallurgical coal. The portfolio also includes numerous pre-development stage royalties covering a wide spectrum of mineral commodities and jurisdictions. In addition, Altius holds a large portfolio of exploration stage projects which it has generated for deal making with industry partners that results in newly created royalties and equity and minority interests. About Excelsior Mining Excelsior "The Copper Solution Company" is a mineral exploration and development company that is advancing the Gunnison Copper Project in Cochise County, Arizona. The project is a fully-permitted, advanced staged, low cost, environmentally friendly in-situ recovery copper extraction project. The Feasibility Study projected an after-tax NPV of US$ 807 million and an IRR of 40% using a US$ 2.75 per pound copper price and a 7.5% discount rate. Excelsior's technical work on the Gunnison Copper Project is supervised by Stephen Twyerould, Fellow of AUSIMM, President & CEO of Excelsior and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Twyerould has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Additional information about the Gunnison Copper Project can be found in the technical report filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com entitled: "Gunnison Copper Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Feasibility Study" dated effective December 17, 2016. For more information on Excelsior, please visit our website at www.excelsiormining.com. For further information regarding this press release, please contact: Excelsior Mining Corp. Concord Place, Suite 300, 2999 North 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85018. JJ Jennex, Vice President, Corporate Affairs T: 604 723 1433 E: info@excelsiormining.com www.excelsiormining.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" concerning anticipated developments and events that may occur in the future. Forward looking information contained in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) the results of the Feasibility Study, including operating and capital cost estimates and the economic benefits from the Gunnison Copper Project; (ii) the timeline for commencement of construction and commercial production from the Gunnison Copper Project; and (iII) the ability to mine the Gunnison Copper Project using in-situ recovery mining techniques. In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, copper and other metal prices, the timing and amount of future development expenditures, the estimation of initial and sustaining capital requirements, the estimation of labour and operating costs, the availability of necessary financing and materials to continue to develop and construct the Gunnison Copper Project in the short and long-term, the progress of development activities, the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, the estimation of insurance coverage, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. 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 including the possibility that mining operations may not commence at the Gunnison Copper Project, risks relating to variations in mineral resources and reserves, grade or recovery rates resulting from current exploration and development activities, risks relating to the ability to access infrastructure, risks relating to changes in copper and other commodity prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of copper and related products, risks related to increased competition in the market for copper and related products and in the mining industry generally, risks related to current global financial conditions, uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral resources, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks inherent in the conduct of mining activities, including the risk of accidents, labour disputes, increases in capital and operating costs and the risk of delays or increased costs that might be encountered during the development process, regulatory risks, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks, including the risk that the financing necessary to fund the exploration and development activities at the Gunnison Copper Project may not be available on satisfactory terms, or at all, risks related to disputes concerning property titles and interest, environmental risks and the additional risks identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's reports and filings with applicable Canadian securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2018) - Altamira Gold Corp. (TSXV: ALTA) (FSE: T6UP) (OTC Pink: EQTRF) ("Altamira" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the Company has successfully applied to claim a strategic land position within the Alta Floresta Belt in Mato Grosso, Brazil. These new claims total 70,184.70 hectares and lie on the northern margin of the Alta Floresta Belt close to the contact with the sediments of the Cachimbo Graben. The Company's total land position in the belt is now over 300,000 hectares. Altamira Expands its Firminho Project in the Alta Floresta Belt, Mato Grosso, Brazil To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/41457_6c76726534e028fd_001full.jpg As reported in the Company's news release dated February 21, 2018, the district that Altamira has been developing for over ten years has brought immediate interest from some of the largest copper mining companies of the world. A significant porphyry copper discovery at Jaca located in the eastern part of the belt was the catalyst. Initial research studies by The Geological Service of Brazil -2008 & by the University of Campinas - December 2015 emphasized the potential within the belt to host porphyry-related Paleoproterozoic gold and base metal mineralization, however, Anglo American was the first company to explore for copper in the region and bring the attention of the world stage to the region as quoted in the following interview 'chief executive officer was being a little cryptic with investors', during a shareholder conference call, 'but the message was clear: the company might have found an exciting copper deposit in Brazil' (reference: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-26/has-anglo-american-found-something-big-in-brazil). Since September 2017, Anglo American, Nexa Resources and the world's largest copper producer, Chile state-owned Codelco, have surrounded Altamira's land positioning. Throughout the year the entire district has been very active with technical teams of various major mining companies carrying out geochemical sampling, ground geophysical surveys, diamond drilling and airborne geophysics throughout the belt. Initial early stage mapping along road traverses within the areas to the east of the block has shown the presence of intense sericitic alteration, associated with disseminated sulphides and quartz stockworks within the volcanic and granitic host rocks. Michael Bennett Altamira Gold's President and CEO commented 'We are extremely pleased to have been able to acquire these new exploration areas which significantly expands the potential of the Firmino Project. The new ground now expands our land position to three major projects on the northern flank of the Alta Floresta Belt.' Altamira's new exploration claims in the Firminho area on the north-eastern flank of the Alta Floresta Belt in relation to Anglo American, Nexa Resources and Codelco's claim blocks To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/41457_6c76726534e028fd_002full.jpg About Altamira Gold Corp. The Company is focused on the exploration and development of gold deposits within western central Brazil. The Company holds 12 projects comprising approximately 200,000 hectares, within the prolific Juruena gold belt which historically produced an estimated 7 to 10Moz of placer gold. The Company's advanced Cajueiro project has an NI 43-101 compliant resources of 8.64Mt @ 0.78 g/t Au (for 214,000oz) in the Indicated Resource category and 9.53Mt @ 0.66 g/t Au (for 204,000oz) in the Inferred Resource category and an additional 1.37Mt @ 1.61 g/t Au in oxides (for 79,000oz in saprolite) in the Inferred Resource category. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, ALTAMIRA GOLD CORP. "Michael Bennett" Michael Bennett President & CEO Tel: 604.676.5660 Toll-Free: 1-833-606-6271 info@altamiragold.com www.altamiragold.com Guillermo Hughes, P. Geo., a consultant to the Company as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements.Except as required by law, we do not undertake to update these forward-looking statements. High-growth open source software company will use funding to further expand in US, Europe and Asia First outside funding after being profitable since inception Enterprise customers include more than 200 leading blue-chip banks, mobile operators, insurers and software companies BERLIN and SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Camunda, ?creators of popular open source workflow automation software, has today announced a 25 million Series A financing from ?Highland Europe?, marking the first time the company has taken outside investment. Camunda will use the new funds to accelerate global awareness of its solutions, drive continued product development and expand its organization in the United States, Europe and Asia. With annual recurring revenue (ARR) more than doubling over the past 12 months, Camunda's growth has been fueled by global demand from both digital-native businesses and companies undergoing digital transformation. The Camunda stack provides an integrated platform for software developers and business stakeholders, covering all phases of workflow automation: from process design and execution, to continuous process improvement. The stack includes a robust toolkit for modeling and executing business processes, coupled with powerful visual interfaces for monitoring and troubleshooting active processes and analyzing large volumes of process data. Today, instead of buying monolithic business systems off the shelf, modern organizations are composing their own bespoke technology stack that reflects their individual business model. Digital transformation means that companies need to automate core business processes - which are not rigidly baked into one system, but span multiple microservices and are constantly evolving - in a collaborative effort with software developers, as well as business stakeholders. To achieve this, a new generation of workflow automation infrastructure is needed, with Camunda's solutions helping companies successfully navigate business process automation initiatives. Camunda users come from various industries, including financial services, telecommunications and insurance, as well as software companies seeking to embed Camunda's workflow technology. More than 200 enterprise customers such as AXA Insurance, Intuit, T-Mobile, Universal Music Group and Zalando rely on Camunda's software to automate core business processes such as eCommerce order executions, stock transaction and insurance claim settlements. At the heart of Camunda's offering is the open source Workflow Engine which is built with developers top-of-mind, providing seamless integration points with an organization's broader infrastructure. Camunda will continue to innovate on its product stack, with a specific focus on supporting modern use cases such as microservices orchestration, and high-scale scenarios for processing massive volumes of transactions with low latency. "We are very excited to be working with Highland Europe, who share our long-term vision and cultural values," said Jakob Freund, co-founder and CEO of Camunda. "Raising additional capital gives us the financial liberty to accelerate our growth and drive expansion, without having to compromise on product innovation." "As digital transformation becomes a core focus for businesses across all industries, workflow automation has emerged as one of the fastest growing software categories globally. We've followed Camunda closely for several years and have been incredibly impressed by its product focus, capital efficiency and big ambition. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Camunda team on their next phase of expansion," Sam Brooks, Partner at Highland Europe, said. About Camunda Camunda? is a software company reinventing workflow automation. Hundreds of companies including 24 Hour Fitness, Goldman Sachs, Lufthansa Technik and Zalando trust Camunda to automate core business processes to the highest possible extent, allowing their business to scale and revenue to grow without proportionally increasing operating costs. With its open source-based workflow automation and decision platform, Camunda provides detailed visibility into business operations across distributed systems, boosts system resilience and enables enterprises to overcome "big workflow" challenges resulting from digital transformation. One of the fastest growing companies in EMEA as ranked by Deloitte, Camunda is based in Berlin with offices in San Francisco and Denver, USA. To learn more visit: https://camunda.com/ About Highland Europe: Highland Europe invests in exceptional growth-stage software and internet companies. Active in Europe since 2003 as Highland Capital Partners and formally launched in 2012, Highland Europe has raised over 1 billion and has invested in companies such as Adjust, Bitmovin, ContentSquare, Featurespace, GetYourGuide, Huel, Malwarebytes, MatchesFashion, NewVoiceMedia, Nexthink, Smartly.io and WeTransfer. Highland's collective history of investments across the US, Europe and China includes 46 IPOs and 19 billion-dollar plus companies. To learn more, visit: www.highlandeurope.com . Media Contact: Jessica Jaffe, Sift Communications, ? Jessica.Jaffe@siftpr.com MIAMI, December 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Art of the Wild is spreading its extravagance through Miami with the HyperNature experience Art and nature have been an integral part of Maison Perrier-Jouet since its foundation in 1811. Today, this cultural heritage translates to the creative liberty and unconventional observations of nature illustrated by Art of the Wild: the extravagant universe seen by Maison Perrier-Jouet to re-enchant the everyday through the presence of unbridled nature. British designer Bethan Laura Wood has presented the Maison with a dazzling interpretation of this singular vision of the world, which will be on display in Miami in the form of a vibrant creation called HyperNature. To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8459251-perrier-jouet-bethan-laura-wood-designmiami/ The story of HyperNature began with an encounter: 'Maison Perrier-Jouet commissioned Bethan Laura Wood because she embodies the exuberance of Art Nouveau, a movement that forms part of the Maison's cultural heritage, but also for her capacity to develop a multidisciplinary artistic practice while maintaining her own signature style. Within her work, largely inspired by nature, Wood demonstrates an ability to convey meaning through her unique use of colour and form. These traits allow her to fully capture the essence of Art of the Wild,' explains Axelle de Buffevent, Style Director at Maison Perrier-Jouet. Wood has designed a tree for the Maison named HyperNature, whose curves, petals and colours were inspired by a journey to Champagne several months ago. While visiting the Maison Belle Epoque, the family home of Maison Perrier-Jouet in Epernay, the designer was immersed in Art Nouveau. Her palette of references was enriched by the floral universe of the artistic movement present in every detail of the house. The context of the industrial revolution that was occurring simultaneously to the Art Nouveau movement drove Wood to use industrial materials but place them in the context of the world of luxury, treating them with an artisanal level of care and respect. A notable feature of her work is broadening perspectives of materials with negative connotations by proposing alternative uses for them. Free in form, intense in colour and radiant by its presence, HyperNature is the purest expression of Art of the Wild, but, first and foremost, it provokes an emotional reaction. Beyond the tangible design, HyperNature is a whimsical champagne experience; a new tasting ritual that immerses you into the Art of the Wild. 'I wanted to highlight the luxurious, memorable occasions on which we drink champagne by enhancing an element of fantasy within the tasting ritual. I also looked for a balance between the striking visual impact of the tree and the delicacy of the Perrier-Jouet champagne tasting ritual,' explains Wood. The designer also spent time with Cellar Master Herve Deschamps, the guardian of the intricate, floral signature of Maison Perrier-Jouet's champagnes. Together, they explored the exceptional vineyards of the Maison that inspired Wood to draw a parallel within HyperNature with the meticulous work necessary to turn grapes into champagne. For the seventh instalment of its annual partnership with Design Miami/, Maison Perrier-Jouet presents HyperNature in the Collectors Lounge, a space entirely taken over by Bethan Laura Wood with the spirit of Art of the Wild. HyperNature will be unveiled among pieces from the designer's recent collaboration with contemporary furniture manufacturers Moroso, creating a vivid, joyful atmosphere. To make the most of the Design Miami/ experience, Maison Perrier-Jouet will also present EDEN by Perrier-Jouet at the Faena Hotel on the 5th and 6th of December, an immersive experience that delves into the House's identity. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/794068/Maison_Perrier_Jouet.jpg ) Video: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8459251-perrier-jouet-bethan-laura-wood-designmiami/ LONDON, December 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- COULD A DUCK SAVE OUR SMART METER ROLL OUT? The target for 53 million homes by 2020 has become an industry joke and 2023 looks increasingly challenging. Installation rates are now so low, labour intensive and costly that they're wiping out the very savings smart meters were supposed to generate, and could even increase consumers' energy bills. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/792326/MATS___Meter_Asset_Tracking.jpg ) Duck loving, smart meter specialists, Cloud KB Ltd have launched their solution to tackle the problem. MATS is the first universal SMETS2 Meter Asset Tracking Android App designed to double meter installation rates and halve costs! http://www.cloudKB.co.uk So, how many people does it take to install a smart meter? Too many, installers say, which is why the smart meter roll out is taking too long and costing too much. The National Audit Office agrees, saying that the government's ambition to offer smart meters to everyone by 2020 won't be met and that roll out costs will rise. Kevin Bird, Managing Director at Cloud KB, the smart meter specialists with the distinctive duck marketing, argues that the problem is the lack of automated validation at the point of commissioning and installation. This prevents swift on-site device validation, resulting in lengthy manual checking by head offices. Consequently, instead of 6 homes per day, meter installers are averaging less than 2.5. Cloud KB Ltd today launched their solution MATS - the first universal SMETS2 Meter Asset Tracking Android App. MATSdoubles installation rates and halves costs by liberating smart meter engineers to carry out 100% device validation on-site independently, without the need for head office support. Kevin Bird said: "Meter installers need rapid, automated validation at the point of installation carried out by a single operative on-site. MATS does just that - It's a simple, easy to use smart app that's fully compatible with all DCC Adapters and all Android devices." Christopher Fagan,Director of Access Install - the ambitious MOP/ MAM / MAP agrees and confirmed that their 1500 engineers will start using MATS. Hesaid: "Integrating Cloud KB's MATS solution with our own internally developed market-leading scheduling software was an easy decision. Tailoring the suppliers' needs first to ensure swift, economical and compliant installs was key for both companies. We look forward to our future partnership." MATS is a purpose-built, fully DCC compatible, industry-wide solution, specifically designed for installers on-site. It can manage both RGMA gas & DTN electric smart meter data flows, inventory and appointed assets in one system. MATS also interfaces seamlessly with any workflow management and scheduling system - all via the Cloud. If MATS is adopted as theindustry standard, it could rescue the government's smart metering programme, putting it back on track and back on budget. http://www.cloudkb.co.uk MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2018 / Strategic Management Opportunity Company announced today the hiring of new CEO Peter Zompa To oversee the new business strategy of acquiring revenue producing business in the marijuana, CBD product areas, among other companies in collegian sectors. The hiring is immediate and Mr. Zompa has been actively looking to acquire synergistic companies. "We are close to making exciting announcements. We have been searching, interviewing and performing due diligence on which companies we wish to acquire," Zompa, a licensed tax accountant for over 20 years, and managing partner of a large Miami accounting firm, states. "We are bringing extensive value to our shareholders, and becoming a significant player not just in the CBD business, but other consumable products and raw producers of the highest quality full spectrum CBD...This is just the beginning, we hope," adds Zompa. The medicinal value of CBD is becoming commonly accepted. Says Zompa: "I don't think we have even scratched the surface of how therapeutic CBD is to sufferers of a myriad of health and pain issues. My job is to create a powerful board of directors, and, of course, build a viable public company with our eyes firmly on creating tremendous revenue streams and a huge upside. There is no acquisition target that will escape our efforts this regard." 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 SMPP, Inc. believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, SMPP, 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. CONTACT: Peter Zompa 786-805-3527 SOURCE: Strategic Management Opportunity Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/529763/Strategic-Management-Opportunity-Corporation-Announces-the-Hiring-of-New-CEO--Peter-Zompa London Finance & Investment Group Plc - Result of AGM Date: 5thDecember 2018 On behalf of: London Finance & Investment Group PLC London Finance & Investment Group PLC Results of Annual General Meeting London Finance & Investment Group PLC (LSE: LFI, JSE: LNF) is pleased to announce that at its Annual General Meeting held yesterday, all resolutions put to the Meeting were passed by the required majority. The resolutions were as set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting, as filed with the National Storage Mechanism (www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM) and are also available on the Company's website, www.city-group.com/london-finance-and-investment-group-plc The voting on all resolutions, save for Resolutions 5 and 6, were carried on a show of hands. The total number of the Company's ordinary shares in issue is 31,207,479. Proxy appointments were received from shareholders of 18,147,645 ordinary shares (no votes were withheld) amounting to 58.15% of the Company's issued ordinary share capital. The proxy votes that would have been cast for the resolutions, other than Resolutions 5 and 6, had a poll been held on each resolution, were as follows: Resolution For Against Withheld Number % Number % Number 1 18,147,645 100.00 0 0.00 0 2 18,147,645 100.00 0 0.00 0 3 18,147,645 100.00 0 0.00 0 4 18,147,645 100.00 0 0.00 0 7 18,147,645 100.00 0 0.00 0 8 18,147,645 100.00 0 0.00 0 9 18,147,645 100.00 0 0.00 0 10 18,147,540 99.9995 105 0.0005 0 11 18,147,645 100.00 0 0.00 0 12* 18,147,645 100.00 0 0.00 0 *Special Resolution Resolutions 5 and 6, relating to the re-election of the Independent Directors, were carried on a poll: In accordance with Listing Rule 9.2.2 E(R), the re-election of each of the Independent Directors was approved by (i) the Company's Shareholders and (ii) the Company's Independent Shareholders. The results of the voting by the Company's Shareholders were as follows: Resolution For Against Withheld Number % Number % Number 5 19,640,115 100.00 0 0.00 0 6 19,640,115 100.00 0 0.00 0 The results of the voting by the Independent Shareholders were as follows: Resolution For Against Withheld Number % Number % Number 5 6,749,422 100.00 0 0.00 0 6 6,749,422 100.00 0 0.00 0 In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.2, copies of the resolutions passed at the meeting that do not constitute ordinary business have been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will be available for inspection at (www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM) Notes: (a) The votes "for" include those votes giving the Chairman discretion. (b) A vote "withheld" is not counted towards the votes cast "for" or "against" a resolution. The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. LEI: 213800BV1J4DJE2SY849 London, December 5, 2018 CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI) today announced that Linda Knoll, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), and Alessandro Nasi, President, Specialty Vehicles, will step down from their positions early in the new year. Knoll and Nasi are the two longest-serving members of the Company's Group Executive Council (GEC), the operational decision-making body which is responsible for reviewing the operating performance of the Company's global business activities. Ms. Knoll will leave in late January 2019 to focus solely on her role in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA). She has concurrently served as CHRO in both companies since 2011. In a distinguished career spanning nearly 25 years with CNH Industrial, Ms. Knoll has served in a number of wide-ranging senior leadership roles. "Linda has been a highly valued business partner, guiding her CNH Industrial colleagues through numerous changes over the years. She has been an instrumental leader and mentor to many," said Hubertus Muhlhauser, Chief Executive Officer, CNH Industrial. "I thank both Linda and Alessandro for their many contributions to the Group during their long tenures and for their valuable support and guidance as I have onboarded into the Company in recent weeks." Mr. Nasi will step down in late Q1 2019 from his position as President of Specialty Vehicles, a role he has held since 2013. He has also served as Secretary and Coordinator of the GEC since 2009. The Board anticipates recommending to the Company's shareholders that Mr. Nasi be appointed to the Board at the 2019 AGM. Alessandro Nasi joined CNH Industrial from Fiat Powertrain Technologies in 2008 as Senior Vice President of Business Development and has since held a number of positions of increasing responsibility, including Senior Vice President of Network Development and Chief Business Development Officer. "Linda remains near to us while she dedicates herself to FCA and we look forward to Alessandro joining the CNH Industrial Board. His long tenure in Fiat Group companies, coupled with his early career background in firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Merrill Lynch and JP Morgan, uniquely position him to provide us with extensive insight and guidance," added Suzanne Heywood, Chairperson, CNH Industrial. CNH Industrial N.V. Contacts: Corporate Communications Email: mediarelations@cnhind.com Investor Relations Email: investor.relations@cnhind.com Attachment (AMF Autorite des Marches Financiers) Regulatory News: Genkyotex (Paris:GKTX) (Brussels:GKTX): Genkyotex shares ISIN code FR00011790542 Euronext Paris Brussels Date Number of shares making up the share capital Number of voting rights November 30, 2018 78,777,496 Theoretical number of voting rights(1): 78,777,496 Number of voting rights exercisable at a shareholders' meeting(2): 78,689,456 (1) In accordance with Article 223-111 of the AMF's General Regulation, this number of shares is calculated based on all shares carrying the right to vote, including those stripped of voting rights. (2) Less shares stripped of voting rights. About Genkyotex Genkyotex is the leading biopharmaceutical company in NOX therapies, listed on the Euronext Paris and Euronext Brussels markets. A leader in NOX therapies, its unique therapeutic approach is based on a selective inhibition of NOX enzymes that amplify multiple disease processes such as fibrosis, inflammation, pain processing, cancer development, and neurodegeneration. Genkyotex's platform enables the identification of available small-molecules that selectively inhibit specific NOX enzymes. Genkyotex is developing a pipeline of first-in-class product candidates targeting one or multiple NOX enzymes. The lead product candidate, GKT831, a NOX1 and NOX4 inhibitor is evaluated in a phase II clinical trial in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC, a fibrotic orphan disease) and in an investigator-initiated Phase II clinical trial in Type 1 Diabetes and Kidney Disease (DKD). A grant from the United States National Institutes of Health (U.S. NIH) of $8.9 million has been awarded to Professor Victor Thannickal at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to fund a multi-year research program evaluating the role of NOX enzymes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung disease that results in fibrosis of the lungs, the core component of the program will be to conduct a Phase 2 trial with the GKT831 in patients with IPF. This product candidate may also be active in other fibrotic indications. Its second product candidate, GKT771, is a NOX1 inhibitor targeting multiple pathways in angiogenesis, pain processing, and inflammation, currently undergoing preclinical testing. Genkyotex also has a versatile platform well-suited to the development of various immunotherapies (Vaxiclase). A partnership has been established with Serum Institute of India Private Ltd (Serum Institute) and could generate approximately 150 million in future revenues for Genkyotex, before royalties on sales. For further information, please go towww.genkyotex.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005488/en/ Contacts: Genkyotex The operation code-named 'Unicorn' was carried out under the guidance of NSA Ajit Doval. Christian Michel James was questioned by the CBI through the night. (Photo: ANI) New Delhi: Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was brought to India late on Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE, the CBI said. He was questioned by the central investigating agency through the night. Michel will be produced in court on Wednesday. Here are key highlights to this big story: Michel, 57, landed at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on a Gulfstream jet at 2235 hours, official sources to news agency PTI said. He was arrested in the UAE last year on the basis of an Interpol notice and was out on a bail. The operation code-named 'Unicorn' was carried out under the guidance of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and being coordinated by interim CBI Director M Nageswar Rao, the CBI spokesperson said. A team of the agency's officers led by Joint Director Sai Manohar was in Dubai to bring him back, it said. The agency said that Michel has been brought back to India after completion of the extradition process. The UAE government had cleared the extradition of Michel after his appeal against the move was turned down by a court there. Michel's alleged involvement in the chopper deal surfaced in 2012 as a middleman for swinging the deal in favour of AgustaWestland and for making illegal payment of commissions or kickbacks to the Indian authorities, CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said. Michel was wanted for investigation but he escaped and had avoided joining the probe, he said. A charge sheet was filed against him in September last year. "An open non-bailable arrest warrant dated September 24, 2015, was issued by the special judge, CBI cases, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi," CBI spokesperson said. On the basis of this warrant, a Red Corner Notice was issued by the Interpol which led to his arrest in Dubai in February 2017, he said. The ruling BJP said the extradition in the case from the UPA era is a diplomatic victory for India and could spell "serious trouble" for the Congress's "first family", referring to Gandhis. It also asserted that the development was an unequivocal affirmation of the Narendra Modi government's "seriousness in fighting corruption". It was alleged that Michel had entered into a criminal conspiracy with co-accused persons, which included the then IAF chief SP Tyagi and his family members, and the public servants had abused their official positions by reducing service ceiling of the VVIPs helicopter from 6,000 metres to 4,500 metres. The reduction in ceiling made AgustaWestland eligible for contract worth 556.262 million Euros, which was awarded to it by the Defence Ministry on February 08, 2010, for procurement of 12 VVIP helicopters. He has been alleged to be a "historical consultant" of the AgustaWestland helicopters in the UK with technical operational knowledge of the aircraft, the military bases and the pilots, the CBI spokesperson said in a statement. Michel was allegedly a frequent visitor to India and was operating as a middleman for defence procurement through a wide network of sources cultivated in the IAF and the Defence Ministry at different levels, including through retired and serving IAF officials, CBI said. Michel allegedly shared the information collected from the IAF and the ministry with his associates, who used to transmit the despatches through fax to other counterparts sitting in Italy and Switzerland, the central investigating agency said. "...He was updating and informing the management of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland, namely Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini and others, about his efforts in India for securing supply contract of VVIP Helicopters," the CBI statement said. West Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2018) - Kapa Capital Inc. (TSXV: KAPA.P) ("Kapa" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding agreement (the "Agreement") dated November 29, 2018 with PSI International, Inc. ("PSI"), a US private company incorporated under the laws of the state of Virginia. Kapa and PSI propose to complete an arrangement, amalgamation, share exchange or similar transaction and continue the business of PSI (the "Transaction"). The Transaction is expected to constitute Kapa's Qualifying Transaction under the Capital Pool Companies policy (the "CPC Policy") of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). Kapa, after completion of the Qualifying Transaction, is referred to in this news release as the "Resulting Issuer". For over 40 years, PSI has been a provider of information technology and data analytics and management solutions to federal, state and local government agencies. PSI's key clients include United States' Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Food and Drug Administration and other local and state agencies such as New York State, NYPD, MTA and WMATA. PSI is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia. In 2017, PSI had revenue of approximately US$44 million and positive earnings before taxes, which amount is reflected in the audited consolidated financial statements of PSI for the year ended December 31, 2017. All of PSI's revenues are long-term multi-year contracts with United States's federal, state and local government agencies. Further information about PSI, including financial information and the proposed management and board of directors of the Resulting Issuer, will be provided in a subsequent news release. Prior to and/or concurrent with the completion of the Transaction, PSI may complete one or more private placements of subscription receipts or other form of security, in consultation with Kapa, for gross proceeds of approximately CAD$10 million, or such other amount as may be determined by PSI (the "PSI Private Placement"). Upon completion of the Transaction, the parties anticipate that the Resulting Issuer will be listed as a Tier 2 Technology Issuer on the Exchange. The Transaction is arm's length and is therefore not a Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction under the CPC Policy. Accordingly, the CPC Policy does not require Kapa to obtain shareholder approval of the Transaction. "This represents an important milestone for PSI," said Richard Seol, Chairman and President of PSI. "This agreement with Kapa positions PSI to execute on our growth strategy, broaden our customer base, and expand our geographic footprint. Our client's success continues to drive our business, and this transaction enhances our ability to provide our customer's with valuable and actionable data solutions." Harry Katevatis, President, CEO and director of Kapa stated, "Kapa is excited to combine with PSI and has been impressed with its review of PSI's business and revenue growth, as well as its experienced management team. In addition, PSI has an impressive pipeline of new business opportunities. We look forward to working together towards building shareholder value and executing PSI's business plan." The Agreement contemplates that Kapa, PSI and PSI's stockholders will complete a business combination by way of an amalgamation, share exchange, arrangement or other similar form of transaction whereby the holders of common stock of PSI will exchange such common stock in consideration for common shares of Kapa. Outstanding convertible securities in PSI will also be exchanged for equivalent convertible securities of Kapa on the basis of an exchange ratio to be definitively agreed upon by the parties. Immediately before the closing of the Transaction, Kapa will (a) consolidate the issued and outstanding common shares and convertible securities of Kapa on the basis of an exchange ratio to be agreed upon by the parties (the "Consolidation"), and (b) change its name to a new name suitable to the business of PSI. The share exchange is expected to take place on a 1-for-1 basis, after completion of the Consolidation and the change of name. As of the date hereof PSI has 24,000,000 common shares outstanding, and accordingly Kapa expects to issue 24,000,000 post-Consolidation common shares in consideration of all the shares of PSI now-outstanding (the "Base Value"). In addition to the Base Value, Kapa expects to issue such number of Kapa shares as is equal to the shares of PSI issued under the PSI Private Placement (the "Placement Shares") to the holders of Placement Shares in consideration of 100% of the Placement Shares. Any convertible securities of PSI issued pursuant to the PSI Private Placement will be similarly exchanged. The exact ratio of the Consolidation will be determined by Kapa following completion of the PSI Private Placement, and will be calculated to imply a value of $0.30 per Kapa common share (pre-Consolidation) immediately prior to completion of the Transaction. Certain of the Resulting Issuer shares issued to the principals of PSI who will become management of the Resulting Issuer will be subject to escrow in accordance with TSXV policies. Conditions of Closing Completion of the Transaction will be subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to: (a) the parties' entry into a definitive agreement in furtherance to the Agreement; (b) completion of the PSI Private Placement; (c) receipt of all necessary regulatory approval and the approval of the shareholders of Kapa and PSI; (d) receipt of all necessary third party consents; (e) approval of the Transaction by the Exchange as Kapa's Qualifying Transaction; and (f) Kapa satisfying the Initial Listing Requirements set by the Exchange for a Tier 2 Technology Issuer. Sponsorship Kapa intends to apply to the Exchange for a waiver of the Exchange's sponsorship requirements. There is no assurance that this waiver will be granted; however, Kapa anticipates that, considering the advanced stage of PSI's business and the size of the PSI Private Placement, there are reasonable expectations that the Exchange will grant the waiver. Management and Board of Directors Upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction, it is expected that all members of the Kapa board and certain of Kapa's senior officers will resign and the board of directors and management team of the Resulting Issuer will be reconstituted with nominees put forth by PSI. Kapa will provide further details regarding the proposed insiders of the Resulting Issuer in due course. Trading in Kapa's shares has been halted, and the halt is expected to remain in place until the Transaction is completed. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Kapa Capital Inc. Charalambos (Harry) Katevatis President, Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information contact: Charalambos (Harry) Katevatis President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Kapa Capital Inc. 604 836-6667 Statements in this press release regarding Kapa which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties, such as the completion of the proposed Qualifying Transaction.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. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties such as the risk that the closing may not occur for any reason.Forwarding-looking statements in this news release include the statements that: (i) the parties anticipate that the Resulting Issuer will be listed as a Tier 2 Technology Issuer and (ii) discuss the proposed gross proceeds of the PSI Private Placement. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements due to factors such as: (i) the decision to not close the Qualifying Transaction or PSI Private Placement for any reason, including adverse due diligence results and Exchange refusal of the Qualifying Transaction; (ii) adverse market conditions; and (iii) the need for additional financing.Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update any changes to such statements. Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither 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. Council to be led by mayors of Los Angeles, Athens, Montreal, Milan, Freetown, Kampala, Amman and Bristol Marrakesh, Morocco, Dec. 05, 2018, mayors from around the world will gather in Marrakesh on Dec. 8 to launch the Mayors Migration Council. Cities have played a leading role in responding to the refugee and migration challenges of recent years, pioneering practical solutions for both welcoming and integrating newcomers. The Council will help cities share these experiences to shape and inform international policy debates on migration. "Today, more than ever, cities are ground zero for major global challenges -- and mayors are on the front lines of finding workable solutions to everything from migration to climate change to economic development," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. "When refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants enter our cities, we do the hard work of integrating them into our communities and workforce. With the Mayors Migration Council, Los Angeles and our partners will be able to bring our experiences to the table, share best practices, and help inform smarter policies worldwide." The Council will be represented in Marrakesh by members of its Leadership Board, which includes the mayors of Los Angeles, Amman, Milan, Kampala, Athens, Bristol, Freetown, and Montreal. The launch will take place during the fifth Mayoral Forum on Human Mobility, Migration and Development, where representatives from over 70 cities will debate and endorse a mayoral declaration that will be delivered to the UN conference. "Cities are key players in developing and implementing innovative migration programs. They are leaders in the migration process and know what works and what's needed on the ground. That's why mayors around the world came together in order to influence the outcome of the Global Compact for Migration," Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante said. Cities were not formally party to UN negotiations. "The Mayors Migration Council, working with existing networks, will ensure that local governments have a strategic and powerful voice on the international front on the issue of migration, so that polices are grounded in the actual experience of cities, which is where most of the world's migrants and refugees live," Plante added.The Council will support cities to gain access to and actively participate in migration policy deliberations at the regional and international levels. It will help mayors elevate experiences of successful integration practices that can serve as models for policies and action by cities around the world."Cities offer economic opportunities, services and advanced infrastructure that already support large communities of migrants, the vast majority of whom live in urban areas," Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said. "Today, about 19% of the population of Milan is of foreign origin, more than double the national average. This is a sign of the openness and inclusiveness of our city. The people that come to Milan to work and to raise a family contribute daily to building the future of our city."In 2015, 22 "global cities" hosted 18%-or 44 million-of all international migrants. In Australia, 99% of immigrants live in cities and 95% in the United Kingdom and Canada. Meanwhile, more than half of the world's refugees live in urban areas, whereas only about 25% live in camps. 83% of refugees in Jordan live in urban areas. In the United States, refugees earned more than $77 billion in household income and paid almost $21 billion in taxes in 2015, according to a New American Economy report.Beyond their work on the Global Compacts, local leaders also are making progress in increasing their presence in the international arena on migration issues. A strategic partner of the Mayors Migration Council, since its inception, is C40 Cities, the global network of mayors committed to urgent action on climate change. C40 is working with the Mayors Migration Council to address the intertwined challenges of migration and climate change. For instance, climate-related migration flows are already a reality for many areas of the world, including cities. The World Bank estimates that climate change could force over 140 million to migrate within countries in the next 30 years. C40 and the MMC mayors are and will be at the frontline of these critical challenges.The Mayors Migration Council will work closely with established and recognized city networks who are making headway in engaging this space, most notably UCLG and the Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments. The state-led Global Forum on Migration and Development.For further information about the Mayors Migration Council, interviews with Leadership Board mayors, as well as for press accreditation for this event, please contact Anne McPhersonand +1.917.531.4050). About Transgene Transgene (Euronext: TNG) is a publicly traded French biotechnology company focused on designing and developing targeted immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Transgene's programs utilize viral vector technology with the goal of indirectly or directly killing infected or cancerous cells. The Company's lead clinical-stage programs are: TG4010, a therapeutic vaccine against non-small cell lung cancer, Pexa-Vec, an oncolytic virus against liver cancer, and TG4001, a therapeutic vaccine against HPV-positive head and neck cancers. The Company has several other programs in clinical development, including TG1050 (a therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B) and TG6002 (an oncolytic virus for the treatment of solid tumors). With its proprietary Invir.IO, Transgene builds on its expertise in viral vectors engineering to design a new generation of multifunctional oncolytic viruses. myvac , an individualized MVA-based immunotherapy platform designed to integrate neoantigens, completes this innovative research portfolio. Additional information about Transgene is available at www.transgene.fr. Follow us on Twitter: @TransgeneSA Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Coming together to transform and empower the workforce of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Myers-Briggs Company, a Certified B Corporation, announces today that its workplace tools and solutions, including the well-known Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, will be available throughout Saudi Arabia through its partnership with professional development and consultancy group Ertyad. As a part of the numerous initiatives underway in the Kingdom, the partnership will provide solutions that support the workforce development goals to tap into the Kingdom's younger generation's potential. Harnessing the full power and talents of Saudi Arabia's workforce The Myers-Briggs Company aims to empower people and organizations to harness their full potential at work, home and everywhere in between. With decades of experience in global workforce development, products in 29 languages and a worldwide network of offices and partners, The Myers-Briggs Company shares the important goal of developing people with new distributor Ertyad. Ertyad brings global expertise and local know-how to talent development, with a history of top-tier multinational partnerships including Dale Carnegie Training and Learning Tree International. "We're pleased to announce this partnership with Ertyad as a Saudi Arabian distributor," said Jeff Hayes, president and CEO, The Myers-Briggs Company. "Through the new partnership, we'll work to provide guidance to organizations within Saudi Arabia to help them unify their teams and fully realize the talents and skills of their employees." About The Myers-Briggs Company In our fast-changing world, your edge lies in harnessing 100 percent of your talent - whether you're at work, home, school, college, or anywhere in between. Your success and sense of fulfillment aren't just about what you know and what you can do, they hinge on your relationships and interactions with others. The Myers-Briggs Company empowers individuals to be the best versions of themselves by enriching self-awareness and their understanding of others. We help organizations around the world improve teamwork and collaboration, develop inspirational leaders, foster diversity and solve their most complex people challenges. As a certified B Corp (and a registered California Benefit Corporation), The Myers-Briggs Company is a force for good. Our powerfully practical solutions are grounded in a deep understanding of the significant social and technological trends that affect people and organizations. With over 60 years in assessment development and publishing, and over 30 years of consultancy and training expertise, a global network of offices, partners and certified independent consultants in 115 countries, products in 29 languages, and experience working with 88 of the Fortune 100 companies, we're ready to help you succeed. 800-624-1765: themyersbriggs.com: The Myers-Briggs Company Contact: Michael Burke MSR Communications michael@msrcommunications.com Melissa Summer The Myers-Briggs Company msummer@themyersbriggs.com Capital increase without preferential subscription rights to the benefit of certain categories of investors Delivery of the new 8,700 sqm production facility expected in 2021 Financial information update NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR SOUTH AFRICA Regulatory News: Biom'up (the "Company") (Paris:BUP), a specialist in surgical hemostasis, announces the launch of a capital increase by the issuance of new shares without preferential subscription rights for the benefit of a category of beneficiaries (the "Offer"). Biom'up wishes to raise a minimum of 7 million. Objectives The proceeds of the Offering are mainly intended to provide the Company with additional resources to accelerate its development. Accordingly, the net proceeds from the funds raised within the framework of the Offering, i.e. a minimum of 7 million, will allow the Company to finance, in the following order of priority and in equal proportions: the continuation and ramp up of clinical development for HEMOBLAST TM Bellows in abdominoplasty surgery, knee surgery and spinal surgery. Bellows in abdominoplasty surgery, knee surgery and spinal surgery. continuing expenditures for the construction of the new production plant near the existing site (the Company now estimates this new plant could supply up to 500,000 units of HEMOBLAST Bellows by the end of 2021 v. 2020 initially). To achieve its 2022 target of a 15% market share in the United States and the main European countries, the Company will need additional financing. To achieve its 2022 target of a 15% market share in the United States and the main European countries, the Company will need additional financing. ongoing efforts to deploy the sales force in the United States and Europe, ramping up efforts devoted to marketing and training practitioners and the Company's ordinary operating activities. Structure of the Offering The New Shares (the "New Shares") will be offered in connection with a capital increase, entailing the cancellation of preferential subscription rights for the benefit of categories of persons set by the 5th resolution of the extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of June 5, 2018, in compliance with article L. 225-138 of the French commercial code (the "Capital Increase These categories include notably one or more companies or French or foreign investment funds who customarily invest, or have invested more than 1 million during the 36 months preceding the date of the issue in question, in the life sciences or health technology sector. Financiere Arbevel, acting on behalf of the UCITS and investment mandates that it manages, shareholders of the Company holding 6.68% of the share capital (5.92% on a fully diluted basis), and Athyrium Capital Management L.P., fund manager of the shareholder investment fund of the Company holding 1.43% of the share capital (3.37% on a fully diluted basis) have undertaken to invest respectively 2 million and 5 million in the Offer. These subscription commitments cover the entirety of the minimum amount of the Capital Increase. The New Shares whose admission to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Paris will be requested shall be ordinary shares of the Company, subscribed for and paid up in full, and reserved and allocated to investors meeting the above characteristics. These shares are subject to an offering consisting of (i) a "book-building" process in the European Economic Area (the "EEA") under the derogation provided for by Article 3.2 of the 2003/71/EC Directive of the European Parliament and Council dated November 4, 2003 (as amended), and (ii) a private placement outside the EEA in accordance with the rules of each country concerned, and in particular outside of the United States by virtue of Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and in the United States by virtue of an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act to Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBS) as defined by Article144A of the U.S. Securities Act. In accordance with articles 211-3 and 212-5 of the general Regulation of the AMF, neither the Offer nor the admission of the New Shares to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Paris shall be subject to a prospectus having been granted clearance by the AMF. The New Shares may be listed only after their issuance at the end of the settlement-delivery of New Shares scheduled for December 10, 2018. Placement of the New Shares will be assured by Bryan Garnier Co acting as placement agent under the terms of an underwriting agreement to be concluded with the Company. This underwriting agreement does not constitute a performance guarantee (garantie de bonne fin) within the meaning of Article L. 225-145 of the French commercial code. The Company will grant, under the terms of this agreement, an abstention commitment (whereby it will not proceed with any issue or grant any promise of sale of shares or securities giving access to the capital of the Company), for a period of 90 days expiring after the date of settlement-delivery of the New Shares in the absence of a prior written agreement of the Placement Agent or application of the usual exceptions. The Company's historic shareholders with a stake in the capital before the IPO of October 13, 2017 and Kreos Capital V (UK) Ltd, a holder of share warrants, remain subject to a lock-up commitment for the Company's shares for those securities giving access to the capital they hold or will come to hold until December 31, 2018. Preferential subscription rights The issue of New Shares will be made with the cancellation of preferential subscription rights reserved for categories of beneficiaries in compliance with the provisions of article L.225-135 of the French Commercial Code. In this framework, at the General Meeting of June 5, 2018 (5th resolution) the Company's shareholders decided to cancel their preferential subscription rights for the benefit of investors meeting the above characteristics. Subscription price The final conditions of the Offer, including the subscription price and the impact of the issue of New Shares on the percentage of capital held and the situation of the shareholder will be announced as soon as possible by the issuance of a press release. Indicative timetable for the Offer December 5, 2018 (post-closing) Decision of the Board of Directors deciding on the launch of the Offer and its main procedures. Press release announcing the launch of the Capital Increase December 6, 2018 Decision of the Board of Directors setting the issue price of the New Shares and the final procedures of the Offer (or the chief executive officer when this authority has been delegated to the latter) (before the opening of trading on the stock market) Execution of the Underwriting Agreement Press release announcing the Offer price and the final amount of the Capital Increase (before the opening of trading) December 7, 2018 Publication by Euronext of the notice of admission of the New Shares to trading December 10, 2018 Settlement-Delivery and admission to trading of the New Shares on Euronext Paris. Update of information concerning the company The Company was created in 2005 with the objective of designing and producing implantable, resorbable biomaterials and medical devices derived from biopolymers like collagen. The Group has also developed a new generation of hemostasis products composed of patent-protected biopolymers. The development strategy is now focused on (i) HEMOBLAST Bellows, a hemostatic powder (acting to control minimal to moderate bleeding during surgical procedures) equipped with a bellows applicator and (ii) HEMOSNOWTM, a hemostatic dry powder enabling mechanical or activation for minimal bleeding during surgical procedures. The HEMOBLAST product range can be used in many surgical fields only with the applicator or in conjunction with a 10 cm cannula in most open surgical procedures or with the assistance of a 35 cm laparoscopic cannula in laparoscopy for example. HEMOBLAST Bellows obtained CE marking in December 2016. In the United States, following completion of the Premarket Approval (PMA), in December 2017, the Group received FDA marketing approval in the United States for HEMOBLAST Bellows, 7 months in advance of the original plan. The product's official commercial launch in Europe and the United States took place in the summer of 2018, with the first sales recorded in July 2018. Thanks to the productivity improvement, the doubling of the number of shifts, and the expansion of the capacity of production of HEMOBLAST Bellows subsequent to the capacity freed up by the discontinuation of legacy products, the production site in Saint-Priest is now able to produce 4,000 units of HEMOBLAST Bellows per month. This capacity is anticipated to increase to 7,000 units per month by the first semester of 2019. Delivery of a new 8,700 sqm production facility is now expected in 2021 v. 2020 initially; the Company anticipating this new site to produce up to 500,000 units of HEMOBLAST Bellows per year by end of 2021. In order to achieve the 15% market shares in the United States of America and main European countries in 2022, the Company will need additional financing. Net working capital Since its creation, the Company has financed its growth by strengthening its equity through successive capital increases, and by obtaining public grants for innovation, the reimbursement of research tax credit receivables and through bank borrowings through bond issues. The cash balance was at 33.1 million at September 30, 2018 and 28.8 million at October 31, 2018. The Company has completed a specific review of its liquidity risk and considers that it is unable to honor the terms for future payments (based on a qualified situation of deficiency as of the September 2019). The working capital deficiency would attain a maximum amount of 6.8 million within 12 months, i.e. end of December 2019. The Company however considers the net proceeds of the Offer will be sufficient to meet its obligations and operating cash flow needs during the twelve months. This Offering is the Company's preferred solution for obtaining positive net working capital for the next twelve months. The Company will continue to have significant financing requirements in the future. The Company will consider different sources of financing (equity, debt or other non-dilutive solutions) to guarantee the Company's continuity as a going concern after December 2019. Until the end of March 2019, and subject to fulfillment of certain conditions, the Company has an option to raise an additional 10 million from Athyrium in connection with the March 2018 bond issue. Profit-sharing plans adopted before the Company's initial public offering After reviewing the situation of the share price and its consequences for profit-sharing plans set up pursuant to the delegations of authority granted by the shareholders' general meetings of February 19, 2015 and July 17, 2015 (for BSPCE warrants) and June 21 2016 (for stock options), and in light of notably the exercise price of the instruments in question, i.e. 236,413 BSPCE warrants exercisable at a price of 16.80 for two new shares and 52,579 stock options exercisable under the same conditions, and the shares limited liquidity, on October 29, 2018 the Board decided, on the recommendations of the nomination and compensation committee, to propose to each beneficiary employed by the Group on October 29, 2018 to substitute a fixed amount of 4.20 per dilutive instruments (or 2.10 per underlying share) or a total amount of 418,198.20, in exchange for waiving their rights to said instruments, it being specified that the beneficiaries are corporate officers who waived theirs rights to these instruments without compensation. The offer of substitution was opened to beneficiaries until November 30, 2018, the date on which the beneficiaries had responded favorably. On that basis, the summary of potentially dilutive instruments on the Prospectus date is as follows: Nature of the dilutive instruments Number of instruments Potential new shares BSPCE founders' warrants (Bons de souscription de parts de createur d'entreprise 0 0 Stocks options 418,705 418,705 Warrants 217,320 492,320 Restricted stock units 406,360 406,360 Total 1,042,385 1,317,385 ** Increase to a maximum of 612,320 new shares, taking into account the 120,000 new shares that could be issued from exercising the BSA warrants attached to the bond subscribed by Athyrium in respect of the second tranche of 10 million, not yet issued on this date. Increase to a maximum of 1,437,385 new shares, taking into account the 120,000 new shares that could be issued from exercising the BSA warrants attached to the bond subscribed by Athyrium Capital Management L.P. in respect of the second tranche of 10 million, not yet issued on the date of the Prospectus. Biom'up USA, Inc. Biom'up USA, Inc. is the US subsidiary of the Company responsible for the distribution of the Group's products in its priority market, the United States. On September 18, 2018 Biom'up USA Inc., appointed Mr. William Spotnitz, also the Group's Chief Medical Officer, as Chief Executive Officer, in replacement of Mr. Etienne Binant, also the Company's Chief Executive Officer (directeur general), now occupying the offices of Chairman of Biom'up USA, Inc. In light of the progress and success of the US subsidiary under Mr. Etienne Binant's management between March 2015 and September 2018, this subsidiary granted him a bonus of a net amount in US dollars equal to 490,095. Availability of the registration document and the interim financial report Detailed information about Biom'up, notably relating to its business, results, outlook and the corresponding risk factors is provided in the Company's registration document for 2017, filed with the AMF on May 28, 2018 (No. R.18-043), and in the interim financial report for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 which may be consulted along with other regulated information and all press releases of the Company at the Biom'up website (www.biomup.com). About HEMOBLAST HEMOBLAST Bellows is a hemostatic product to control bleeding in a broad range of surgical procedures, such as cardiac surgery, general surgery, and orthopedic surgery, etc. Biom'up conducted a successful clinical trial in the United States with 412 patients admitted to cardio-thoracic, abdominal or orthopedic (lower limb) surgeries which met all of its primary and secondary endpoints. Given the compelling preliminary results (93 effectiveness at 6 minutes, compared with 74 for the control arm), the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) unanimously recommended to stop the study after an interim analysis of the data, which allowed the company to accelerate the submission of its filing for premarket approval (PMA) to regulatory authorities in June 2017. After obtaining expedited FDA approval for HEMOBLAST Bellows in December 2017, 7 months ahead of original plan, Biom'up's efforts are focused on industrial and commercial activities and the recruitment of sales and marketing teams in the U.S. to prepare the planned commercial roll-out of our lead product in the United States. On July 12, 2018, Biom'up obtained CE Marking for its HEMOBLAST Bellows Laparoscopic Applicator designed to deliver the HEMOBLAST Bellows powder in minimally-invasive procedures. This has opened the way for the Company in a new market segment representing approximately 500,000 surgeries per year in Europe. In addition, on July 2, 2018 the Company filed a PMA supplement to obtain approval for HEMOBLAST Bellows for all laparoscopic surgical procedures in the United States. About Biom'up Founded in 2005 and based in the Lyon suburb of Saint-Priest (France), Biom'up designs hemostatic products based on patented biopolymers that aim to simplify surgical procedures in numerous specialties (spine, cardiothoracic, general, orthopedic, plastic) and give patients a better quality of life. Since its creation, Biom'up has benefited from the support of prominent European investors such as Bpifrance, Innobio, Gimv, Lundbeckfond, Merieux Participation, SHAM and ACG, as well as all the company's managers, who have invested 2 million in equity. Biom'up successfully completed its IPO on Euronext Paris, raising 42.5 million in October 2017. This has been followed by a 16 million capital increase in February 2018 and a 25 million bond financing agreement with Athyrium Opportunities III Acquisition LP, a US fund specializing in innovative companies in the healthcare sector, in March 2018. Warning This document and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, securities of Company. No disclosures or other any information relating to the issue of Company's shares may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction where a registration or approval is required. No formalities have been or will be undertaken in any jurisdiction outside France where such measures would be required. The offering or subscription of the shares may be subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. The Company assumes no responsibility for any violation of such restrictions by any person. This document does not constitute and shall not be construed as constituting a public offer or offer to purchase nor a solicitation to the public in connection with a public offering. The distribution of this document may in certain countries be governed by specific regulations. Any persons in possession of this document should seek advice on and comply with any local restrictions. This announcement is an advertisement and does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Prospectus Directive (as defined below), to the extent such Directive has been transposed in each of the Member States of the European Economic Area. With regard to Member States of the European Economic Area (including France) (the "Member States") that have transposed the Prospectus Directive, no action has been taken or will be taken to make an offer to the public of the securities requiring a publication of a prospectus in one of the Member States. As a result, the securities of the Company may not and will not be offered in any Member State other than France, except in accordance with the exemptions set forth in Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive. For the purposes of this provision, an "offer to the public" in relation to the new or existing shares of the Company in any Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities, as modified, if applicable, by the Member State. "Prospectus Directive" herein refers to the Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, including by Directive 2010/73/EC), and any relevant transposition measure in the Member State. This document may not be distributed, directly or indirectly in the United States of America. This document is neither an offer of securities for sale nor the solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States of America or any other jurisdiction where such offer may be restricted. The securities of the Company may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("US Securities Act"). The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act and the Company does not intend to make a public offer of its securities in the United States of America. In the United Kingdom, distribution of this document (referring to any form of communications) is subject to restrictions provided for by article 21 (restrictions relating to "financial promotion" of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (" FSMA"). This document is distributed to, and is directed only at persons who are (i) investment professionals under Article 19(5) of the FSMA (Financial Promotion Order) 2005 (the "Order") as amended, (ii) persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order and (iii) any person to which this document may be legally transmitted (all persons mentioned in (i), (ii) and (iii) together being referred to as "Relevant Persons". This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment to which this document relates may be proposed to or engaged in the United Kingdom only with Relevant Persons. By receiving this document, you must notify the Company that you are among the categories of persons mentioned above. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005673/en/ Contacts: Biom'up Chief Financial Officer Jean-Yves Quentel investisseurs@biomup.com +33 4 86 57 36 10 MC Services AG International Investor and Public Relations Anne Hennecke anne.hennecke@mc-services.eu +49 211 529252-22 Alize RP Investor Relations Caroline Carmagnol biomup@alizerp.com +33 6 64 18 99 59 Prime Minister Modi and the BJP government were seeking to 'weave a web of lies', said Congress' Randeep Surjewala. Surjewala accused the Modi government of indulging in a "cover-up conspiracy" to hide its role in helping and promoting the "banned company" AgustaWestland and its parent company, Finmeccanica. (Photo: ANI/Twitter) Hyderabad: The Congress on Wednesday said the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were "latching" on to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal who was extradited to India from Dubai, for a "smear campaign" against opposition leaders. Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, in a statement, alleged that facing "imminent defeat" in state polls, Prime Minister Modi and the BJP government were seeking to "weave a web of lies" and construct a "mesh of deception to hoodwink" the people of India in the chopper case. Michel, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE. In his rally in Rajasthan on the last day of campaigning before the state elections on Friday, Modi referred to the extradition of Michel saying, "The government has brought the middleman involved in a helicopter scam from Dubai. He served politicians and will now disclose secrets." Surjewala accused the Modi government of indulging in a "cover-up conspiracy" to hide its role in helping and promoting the "banned company" AgustaWestland and its parent company, Finmeccanica. "While the BJP and PM Modi are seeking fake credit without being subjected to investigation by the CBI for their own complicity and connivance, they are latching on to Christian Michel for committing a smear campaign against opposition leaders. The truth about Christian Michel is already out in the open," he claimed. Surjewala alleged the statement made by Michel's advocate Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos after his detention in July had "clearly brought out" that the Modi government and its agencies were forcing him to sign a false confessional statement naming UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in return for complete exoneration from any charge whatsoever in the case. "Even Christian Michel's sister had come out and reiterated the coercions of falsely naming opposition leaders as a ticket of exoneration of Christian Michel," he said. He claimed that never before in the history of India has a prime minister been found "complicit" in gaining "false evidence" against opposition leaders to seek "revenge". Surjewala also said it was time that CBI investigated the prime minister for his alleged role in "exonerating" AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica instead of "weaving a fake story" to deflect attention from the "imminent defeat" in five states. The ruling BJP had said Tuesday that the extradition in the case from the UPA era is a diplomatic victory for India and could spell "serious trouble" for the Congress's "first family", referring to Gandhi's. It also asserted that the development was an unequivocal affirmation of the Modi government's "seriousness in fighting corruption". Fuel rates have been on the decline since 18 October as a result of falling crude oil prices in the international market due to supply glut and appreciation in the rupee. Fuel prices remained unchanged on Wednesday across the country following a rebound in international crude rates and fall in rupee snapping rate cuts for 13 straight day. Petrol prices remained unchanged across metros. In Delhi, it was priced at Rs 71.72 on Wednesday and diesel at Rs 66.39, as per the data available on Indian Oil Corporation website. In Mumbai, petrol is being retailed at Rs 77.29 per litre, Chennai Rs 74.41 and Kolkata Rs 73.75 per litre. Diesel prices too remained unchanged since Tuesday. In the national capital diesel is being sold Rs 66.39, Mumbai Rs 69.48, Chennai Rs 70.09 and Kolkata Rs 68.12 per litre. Petrol prices dipped by nearly Rs 12 per litre while diesel also became cheaper by a similar amount till 4 December after fuel rates registered a record high in October this year. Fuel rates have been on the decline since 18 October as a result of falling crude oil prices in the international market due to supply glut and appreciation in the rupee. This has wiped off all of the price hikes on petrol and diesel in the 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 price on that day peaked to an all-time high of Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai. Fuel prices had started to climb from 16 August. Petrol in Delhi was priced at Rs 77.14 per litre and in Mumbai Rs 84.58 on 15 August. Diesel on that day was priced at Rs 68.72 per litre in Delhi and Rs 72.96 in Mumbai. Between 16 August and 4 October, petrol price was hiked by Rs 6.86 per litre and diesel by Rs 6.73. Meanwhile, oil prices fell on Wednesday, pulled down by swelling US inventories and a plunge in global stock markets as Chinas government warned of increasing economic headwinds. International Brent crude oil futures were at $60.87 per barrel at 0508 GMT, down $1.21, or 2 percent, from their last close. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $52.33 per barrel, down 92 cents, or 1.7 percent. Reuters technical commodity analyst Wang Tao said WTI could soon test support at $51.75 per barrel, while Brent was threatening to drop below $60 per barrel again soon. Oil prices were pressured by a weekly report from the American Petroleum Institute (API) that said US crude inventories rose by 5.4 million barrels in the week to 30 November, to 448 million barrels, in a sign that US oil markets are in a growing glut. Official US government oil production and inventory data is due later on Wednesday. With inputs from agencies In August 2017, Sun Pharma, Shanghvi and nine other entities settled an insider trading probe on payment of Rs 18 lakh towards settlement charges. Sources said SEBI is likely to reopen the case. Major fund houses and brokerage firms expressed disappointment over the prevailing corporate governance culture at Indias biggest drugmaker Sun Pharma despite assurances from its founder Dilip Shanghvi to alter certain business practices, said media reports. Lack of disclosures around non-related party transactions to the tune of Rs 2,200 crore has become a sore spot for investors, who are questioning the nature and beneficiaries of these loans, reported The Economic Times. Shares of Sun Pharma fell further by 6.79 percent on Wednesday during intra-day trading amid reports of markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) reopening an insider trading case against the firm and probing alleged lapses by some of its promoters. The stocks were trading at Rs 412.75 on the BSE, down 6.79 percent on Wednesday from the previous close of Rs 442.8. Earlier, PTI had reported that SEBI might reopen an insider trading case against Sun Pharmaceutical Industries as well as probe alleged lapses by some of its promoters and other entities in raising funds overseas, sources said. The development comes after a whistleblower reportedly approached the SEBI with a document alleging various irregularities by the company, its promoter Dilip Shanghvi and others, they added. In August 2017, Sun Pharmaceutical, Shanghvi and nine other entities settled an insider trading probe on payment of Rs 18 lakh towards settlement charges. Sources said SEBI is likely to reopen the case. The SEBI has powers to reopen cases of settlement related to insider trading on various grounds. According to the sources, alleged irregularities by the company's promoters and others in raising funds through Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs) are also likely to be investigated by the watchdog. Queries sent to Sun Pharma in this regard remained unanswered. About the whistleblower complaint, a company spokesperson said, "We have not been contacted by SEBI in this regard." On 29 November, stock exchanges had sought clarification from Sun Pharma following a brokerage report that allegedly raised concerns about certain practices at the company. In response, the company said the points raised pertain to historic events, some of which are dated as far back as 10-15 years. "Certain points raised in the said note are incomplete and have been presented in a negative manner. The supporting information to the points raised in the note has been sourced from public domain and hence this information/ data is already available in public," Sun Pharma had said in a filing on 29 November. In August 2017, the regulator had not disclosed details of the case. However, it had appeared to be related to the acquisition of Ranbaxy by Sun Pharma from Japanese drugmaker Daiichi, as the settlement with the regulator has also been done by former Ranbaxy CEO Arun Sawhney, Daiichi's director Kazunori Hirokawa, its ex-chairman Takashi Shoda and its former senior executive officer Tsutomu Une. Shoda is said to have led Daiichi's acquisition of Ranbaxy in 2008, though the Japanese giant had to eventually sell its stake in the company to Sun Pharma in 2014. Besides, the settlement was done by Ranbaxy's former secretary S K Patawari; Sun Pharma's directors Sudhir V Valia and Sailesh Desai; and its company secretary Sunil Ajmera. SEBI had agreed to settle proposed adjudication proceedings in the case, pertaining to violation of the "internal code of conduct for prevention of insider trading" framed by the company, after it was approached by these 11 entities with a plea under the settlement regulations "without admitting or denying the findings of fact and conclusion of law". With PTI inputs Vijay Mallya who is facing money laundering charges in a multi-crore fraud case in India reiterated that he had made a comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court Fugitive economic offender Vijay Mallya has made another offer to the government to pay back his dues. This offer is being reiterated five days before his extradition request will be heard in a UK court. A UK court had fixed 10 December as the date to deliver its verdict on whether the beleaguered liquor baron can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores. In a series of tweets on Tuesday he hit back at the government: For three decades running Indias largest alcoholic beverage group, we contributed thousands of crores to the State exchequers. Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the States. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it. Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 Politicians and Media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU Bank money. All this is false. Why dont I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. Sad. Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 Mallya reiterated that he had made a comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court that will help in paying off all his dues. According to Mallya, he and the United Breweries Group (UBHL) had filed an application in the Karnataka High Court on 22 June 2018, setting out available assets of approximately Rs 13,900 crores. They have asked the court for permission to allow the sale of assets under judicial supervision and repay creditors, including the public sector banks such amounts as may be directed and determined by the Court. Mallya said that airlines are suffering due to high costs of jet fuel or Aviation Turbine Fuel and tweeted he had made an offer to the banks 'to repay 100 percent of the principal' he owed them. Airlines struggling financially partly becoz of high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $ 140/barrel. Losses mounted and thats where Banks money went.I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them. Please take it. Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 Earlier this week, credit ratings agency ICRA said severely mauled by the twin blows of a significant increase in ATF prices and the depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar, the Indian aviation industry continues to grapple with tough times in the current fiscal. As if this was not enough, low pricing power of the industry and inability to raise fares has resulted in mounting losses for the airlines, the agency had said. Taking a swipe at the media for what he termed as a 'media narrative' about his extradition, he said this was a separate issue and would take its own legal course. I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ? Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 --With PTI inputs Vijay Mallya knows that his options are limited now. The image of a Mumbai jail cell could be haunting embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya. Should his battery of high-profile lawyers fail to do their job in the courtroom, he might very well end up there sooner or later post-extradition. A UK court will deliver its verdict on 10 December on the Indian government's request for Mallya's extradition to India. There is no other trigger one can think of for the liquor baron hitting Twitter this morning with a fresh plea to banks that he will "repay 100% of the Principal amount to them. Please take it." To be clear, this is not a new offer but something Mallya has been proposing since 2016 (his tweet says this). I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ? Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 There are two important things Mallya needs to remember. First, there is no logic in offering merely the principal amount to banks and claiming freedom from the debt because there is something called the time value of money. The value of the owed amount doesnt remain the same as times goes by. Mallya's original default to a bank consortium of about 17 lenders headed by State Bank of India was around Rs 6,000 crore. But adding the interest component, the outstanding figure could well be over Rs 10,000 crore now. A businessman will not find this math hard to understand. Thus the question: What is the logic of asking banks to take a huge hit on what's rightfully theirs and what is actually public money? The point here is, Mallya shouldn't consider his willingness to pay the '100% principal amount' as a generous offer. It is not. By this logic, an individual borrower who has defaulted and is absconding, say for a decade, can appear one morning and offer to repay just what he borrowed and not what he actually owes the bank. Will the bank agree to forfeit the interest amount? Two, in his tweet Mallya has presented Kingfisher Airlines' collapse as a case of business failure. He cites factors such as high crude oil prices coupled with government policies as the reason why the airline shut down. But, the point to remember here is that the former Kingfisher Airlines' chief is being investigated by Indian sleuths not just for a loan default but serious charges of financial irregularities. These include alleged diversion of bank money (in other words public money) to group firms and charges of money laundering. Multiple courts have issued summons against Mallya asking him to appear in person, but the orders have been ignored so far. Three, Mallya talks about making an offer to banks, but completely ignores the right of former Kingfisher Airlines' employees who lament about unpaid salaries even after years of the airline terminating its operations. The financial and mental stress of these employees, once associated with the most glamorous airline in India and its flamboyant promoter, can't be ignored. Mallya seems to forget this. Four, Twitter is a good place for publicity but not appropriate to make bank loan settlement offers or even give reminders. It is not clear whether Mallya has approached banks recently again to make a repayment offer. Again, just imagine what would happen if a home or car loan defaulter takes to Twitter and starts negotiating his loan details with banks on the social media platform. Banking institutions cant treat two categories of defaulters differently, can they? Mallya's desperation is understandable. Of late he has faced setbacks in courtrooms. A new law in India makes life very difficult for economic offenders. Also, with the approaching 2019 national elections, life will be even tougher for high profile loan defaulters in exile since the Narendra Modi government would love to get back at least one big corporate loan defaulter and exhibit him in their political rallies. Vijay Mallya knows that his options are limited now. If declared an economic offender, that tag will ostracise himtaking away all his civil rights to make a case legally and will give the power to the authorities to attach his assets and initiate proceedings. Mallya left India in March 2016 just before a clutch of banks moved the Supreme Court to seek his detention. Since then, he has been fighting a bitter legal battle in London with Indian authorities and investigative agencies after his passport was revoked and multiple courts in India issued summons to him. If Mallya is serious about loan repayment, he should immediately put an end to 'Twitter banking' and show the willingness to return to his homeland and face the law, not wait for courts to order his extradition. Nothing else will be indicative of a real change of mind. Gandhi said Modi was now questioning Patel and implying Kartarpur went to Pak due to lack of wisdom of leaders of that time. 'What is in Prime Minister Modi's mind has finally been articulated... to prove himself superior to others, he can demean Gandhi, Patel and other leaders,' Gandhi said. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed his need to prove his superiority by questioning Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and asserting that Kartarpur went to Pakistan due to the lack of wisdom of the leaders of that time. His attack on Modi came a day after the prime minister alleged that Kartarpur went to Pakistan at the time of independence because Congress leaders of that time had no vision and did not respect Sikh sentiments. In a Facebook post in Hindi, Gandhi said Modi was now questioning Patel and implying Kartarpur went to Pakistan due to the lack of wisdom of the leaders of that time. "What is in Prime Minister Modi's mind has finally been articulated... to prove himself superior to others, he can demean Gandhi, Patel and other leaders," Gandhi said. Correcting Congress' mistakes was his "destiny", Modi said in an election meeting in Rajasthan on Tuesday while referring to the recent opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor across India-Pakistan border. The foundation stone for the much-awaited corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district was laid last week. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Volkswagen's chief executive said on Tuesday after a meeting at the White House that the German automaker was building an alliance with Ford Motor Co and might use the U.S. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Volkswagen's chief executive said on Tuesday after a meeting at the White House that the German automaker was building an alliance with Ford Motor Co and might use the U.S. automaker's plants to build cars. VW CEO Herbert Diess said the company was also "considering building a second car plant," adding, "We are in quite advanced negotiations and dialog with Ford Corporation to really build up a global automotive alliance, which also would strengthen the American automotive industry." Ford declined to provide additional details but the automakers have said previously they are talking about potential collaborations. RBC Capital Markets analyst Joseph Spak said in a research note Tuesday that said Diess' comments raised the chances that VW would use some of Ford's unused capacity as part of a broader partnership. Spak also said that a European or Asian automaker could seek to acquire some of General Motors Co unused capacity. GM announced last week it plans to idle five North American plants. "VW may have a little negotiating power as some of the GM facilities could be bought (although this could impact their broader intentions with Ford)," Spak wrote. VW has an assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Of the need for a new plant, Diess said the company is in "quite advanced negotiations in Tennessee but there might be other options as well." Diess said VW would not take an equity stake in Ford as part of its alliance. "We are building an alliance with Ford which will strengthen Ford's position in Europe because we will share platforms," he said. "We might use Ford capacity here in the U.S. to build cars for us." Diess said VW planned to talk more about the Ford alliance in January. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Chris Sanders; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Lisa Shumaker) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Villagers at Morab, about 30 kilometres from Hubballi, informed authorities they would not use the lake till fresh water was filled. Bengaluru: A village in Hubballi district of Karnataka is emptying a lake after a woman reportedly infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) allegedly committed suicide by jumping into it last week, according to authorities. Afraid they would contract HIV/AIDS if they used its water, villagers at Morab, about 30 kilometres from Hubballi, informed authorities they would not use it till fresh water was filled. The woman lived on the banks of the lake spread over 25 acres. Villagers alleged that she was suffering from HIV. Locals used to draw water from the lake. "Three days after her disappearance on 29 November, her body surfaced. It was decomposed, bloated... villagers decided not to use the water until fresh water was filled in the lake," panchayat development officer (PDO) B Nagaraja Kumar said. Ever since the body surfaced, no one turned up to fetch water, Kumar said, adding that the villagers unanimously decided to empty the lake. A former village panchayat member Ravi Kagadal told PTI that the villagers were afraid of contracting HIV/AIDS. Soon after learning about the incident, district panchayat chief executive officer Dr B Satheesha rushed to thespot and tried to convince villagers that HIV never spread the way they thought. He even tried to persuade the villagers not to waste water like that but the villagers remained adamant. District authorities have decided to distribute water from Mallaprabha river, a tributary of the Krishna river, among villagers for the time being. "District authorities have agreed to fill the lake by 20 December. There will be no water crisis till then," the PDO said. Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of infection with HIV, according to medical officials. Representing AgustaWestland accused Christian Michel, Advpcate Aljo K Joseph, who was in charge of the legal department of the Indian Youth Congress had refuted allegations of association with the Congress in connection with the case. The All India Congress Committee on Wednesday announced the removal of Aljo K Joseph, the lawyer representing Christian Michel, saying he did not "consult with the Youth Congress" before appearing for AgustaWestland chopper scam case. "Aljo K Joseph appeared in his personal capacity. Indian Youth Congress (IYC) does not endorse such actions. IYC has removed Aljo Joseph from IYCs Legal Department and expelled him from the party with immediate effect," said Krishna Allavaru, joint secretary, All India Congress Committee. Earlier on Wednesday, Joseph had refuted allegations of association with the Congress in connection with the case. Joseph, who was in charge of the legal department of the Indian Youth Congress, represented Michel in a special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday, after which BJP leader Suresh Nakhua took to Twitter to target him. Any guesses who is lawyer for Christian Michel ? Mr @Aljokjoseph , National incharge, legal department, Indian youth congress (Youth wing of Cong led by #OutonBail @rahulgandhi ) pic.twitter.com/54UQGZaY3x Suresh Nakhua (@SureshNakhua) December 5, 2018 RSS ideologue Swaminathan Gurumurthy tweeted out Joseph's appointment letter as the national in-charge of IYC's legal department. Aljo Joseph's appointment letter as the National incharge of legal department of IYC. He was appointed to "strengthen Rahul's hands" says the letter dt 28.6.2018, 4 months back. His first assignment is to defend the AW middleman Christian Michel. To strengthen Rahul's hands? pic.twitter.com/tBUjW6xQxg S Gurumurthy (@sgurumurthy) December 5, 2018 Taking a dig at Joseph, Gurumurthy claimed his first assignment was to "defend" Michel to "strengthen Rahul Gandhi's hands". According to the letter shared, Joseph was appointed to his post on 28 June, 2018. Speaking to ANI, Joseph said that appearing for Michel had "nothing to do with the Congress", and that he had represented the British businessman only in his "professional capacity". Lawyer of #ChristianMichel, Aljo K Joseph: I'm an actively practicing advocate. I appeared for him (#ChristianMichel) in my professional capacity. If somebody asks me to appear on behalf of a client...I've only discharged my duty as a lawyer. It has nothing to do with Congress. pic.twitter.com/9G06xcpPb0 ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 Further clarifying his stance, Joseph explained that Michel's lawyer in Italy had requested him to take up the case through a friend, who had "Dubai connections". "So I was just helping out by appearing and assisting him in this matter," he told ANI. Earlier on Wednesday, a Delhi court gave the CBI five-day custody of Michel. The agency, according to reports, had sought 14-day custody of the British businessman. On Tuesday, the CBI said Michel "was being extradited to India in an operation under the guidance of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval". This was after the Dubai government passed an order allowing the extradition of the 57-year-old to India after a court turned down his appeal against the move. The ruling BJP had said the extradition in the AgustaWestland case from the UPA regime was a diplomatic victory for India and could spell "serious trouble" for the Congress' "first family", referring to Gandhis. The investigative agency said Michel will be examined with respect to his involvement in the case and confronted with the documents including bogus transactions carried out by his firms, Global Trade & Commerce Ltd. London and Global Services FZE, Dubai to legitimise slush funds. New Delhi: On 15 February 2010 at 14:36 Gautam Khaitan dialled a London number +447788723571 from his mobile 981817166*. Christian James Michel was on the line. They spoke again at 18:07. Just a week before the chat between the two shadowy figures, the Indian government had signed the Rs 3,600 crore deal with AgustaWestland to buy 12 VVIP choppers. Khaitan is an advocate and one of the accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal scandal while Michel acted as a middleman in the same dubious deal. Hours after the phone call, Christine Spliid, a key associate of Michel left Delhi for London. Within few days two NRIs Saahil Parkash Mehra and Sonya Mehra, both British nationals of Indian origin were inducted into 'Beetle Nut Home Limited' a UK based company owned by Michel through proxies. He was running six other companies Crystal Decor Limited, Twin Holdings Limited, Croprotein Limited, Globe Oil, Global Trade and Commerce Limited and Curzons Management Associates though key associates. At least 12 phoney contracts were signed between his firms and AgustaWestland to legitimise approximately Rs 295 crore paid as kickbacks to secure the deal. Two years later in early February 2012, the deal exploded into a massive defence scam. A week later Spliid and one of the non-resident Indians working for Michel made two secret trips to Dubai, Michel's new base after he was barred from doing business in the UK. The sleuths probing into VVIP chopper scam have come across several such incidences to piece together solid evidence to prosecute the middlemen, who had allegedly swung the deal in favour of AgustaWestland. One of his Indian contacts, Khaitan was charge sheeted by Enforcement Directorate in July this year. There are other players who are accused in the bribery case including Guido Haschke, Carlo Gerosa and Tyagi brothers (former Indian Air Force chief SP Tyagi and his three cousins Sandeep, Sanjeev and Rajiv) but no one knows the secrets of shady dealing better than Michel, who was literally born into arms dealing. His father Wolfgang Max Richard Michel, a businessman, was also a consultant of AgustaWestland in the 1980s and had reportedly acted as a mediator in other countries too. Wolfgang Michel, fondly called Walters in the arms lobby, promoted three companies Entera Corporation, UCM International Trading Limited and Ferro-Imports Limited. Between 1987 and 1996, Entera Corporation reportedly earned more than 2 million from India. Michel virtually inherited his business and contacts in India from his father and got first big break in 2002 when he was employed by French company Dassault in Rs 2,500 crore Mirage fighter deal. As he landed on Tuesday at the Palam airport around 10:35 PM after Dubai authorities cleared his extradition, he was driven to the CBI lock up and not the swanky house at Sainik Farms from where he had smoothly operated for years. Given that Michel was the single most important point of contact between AgustaWestland and Indian officials, the officials believe they may be able to unearth a larger network of lobbyist in India. Key to unlock the mystery In days to come Michel will be confronted with documents recovered during raids by Swiss authorities and received by CBI through Letters Rogatory (LR) indicating the bribes paid by Michel to the Indian authorities including political figures for securing the contract for the supply of VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland. Above all, he will be questioned about his linkages with Congress leaders allegedly named in an Italian court judgment in 2016. The 225-page judgment had revealed references to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Oscar Fernandes. On page 204 of the judgment, a 2008 letter seized from the home of middleman Haschke has been cited to argue in the court that key players were targeting top UPA leadership to swing the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal. The letter was allegedly written by Michel to Peter Hulet, then India region sales and liaison head of AgustaWestland. Dear Peter, since Mrs. Gandhi (Sonia Gandhi) is the driving force behind VIP will no longer fly in the MI-8. Mrs. Gandhi and her closest advisers are the people who the British ambassador should target..Prime Minister Manmohan Singh obviously main figure, then there is Secretary (Sonia's Political Secretary) Ahmed Patel, Michel's letter had said. Sonia Gandhi's name figures twice on page 193 of the judgment and once on page 204. On page 9 of the judgment is an interesting handwritten note on how total kickbacks were divided between political leaders, bureaucrats and air force officials in lieu of the deal. Michel is the man, CBI officials believe, who can decode the handwritten note cited on number 3 of Italian Court judgment mentioning about kickback amounting 15 to 16 million for 'Political', 'AP' and 'Fam'. The note also mentioned that bureaucrats in the government to be allotted 8.4 million while air force officials to be given 6 million. The ruling BJP had alleged Congress role in the scam while citing the judgment although an Italian court in early January 2018 acquitted AgustaWestland officials including CEO Bruno Spagnolini and Giuseppe Orsi, president of Finmeccanica, Agustas parent company. CBI officials, however, argued that they have enough evidence to prove the money trail. A CBI statement said Michel entered into criminal conspiracy with co-accused persons already charge sheeted to manipulate the VVIP chopper deal. The agency on Michels role said: Keeping his proven expertise and experience in India, Christian Michel was imposed as a controller on the other two middlemen namely Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa (already roped in by AgustaWestland) as they had no specific knowledge in the specific sector of helicopters. Renzo Lunardi, the then Commercial Manager, AgustaWestland proposed his appointment to which Giuseppe Orsi, CEO AgustaWestland (during 2005-2011) agreed. A meeting was held in Cascina Costa, Italy during July, 2006 and Lunardi in the presence of Orsi proposed that Christian Michel will join Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa in carrying out scouting and monitoring activities with regard to the acquisition of helicopters in India, keeping in view of his knowledge of Indian military operational mechanism. During the above meeting they had negotiated a comprehensive fees equal to 7% of the supply contract amount to cover the expenses and fees of both of them. The investigative agency said Michel will be examined with respect to his involvement in the case and confronted with the documents including bogus transactions carried out by his firms, Global Trade & Commerce Ltd. London and Global Services FZE, Dubai to legitimise slush funds. How Michel was netted According to CBI officials, the chase to nab Michel started in 2014 and in September 2015, a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against him. In November 2015 a Red Corner Notice was issued and his first arrest by UAE authorities in February 2017 brought the focus back on him. Although he managed to wriggle out from the legal tussle in UAE, the CBI requested for extradition on 19 March 2017 through diplomatic channels. Months later on 1 September 2017, a charge sheet was filed against him and the trial court took cognizance of the offences on 11 October 2017. Extradition proceedings were held before UAE Court against Christian Michel Vide order dated 19.11.2018, the Court of Dubai upheld the lower court decision for the possibility of extraditing Michel to Indian Authorities, said a CBI official. A CBI official said National Security Advisor Ajit Doval supervised the entire operation to extradite Michel and a team of CBI led by its joint director A Sai Manohar executed it on the ground. Michel was taken into CBI custody upon landing and a non-bailable warrant was issued against him. On Tuesday, alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper scam Christian James Michel was extradited from UAE to India following an order by the Dubai government. Michel arrived in New Delhi late Tuesday night. India Today reported that Michel was taken into Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody upon landing and a non-bailable warrant was issued against him. He will be quizzed by officials at the CBI headquarters of the (CBI), where he will also be kept for the night. CNN-News18 reported that Michel will be produced before Delhi's Patiala House Court Wednesday. The CBI said that the operation was executed under the guidance of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The UAE government cleared the extradition of 57-year-old Michel on Tuesday days after his appeal against the move was turned down by a court. His alleged involvement in the chopper deal surfaced in 2012. Michel swung the deal in favour of AgustaWestland and made illegal payment of commission/kickbacks to the Indian authorities, CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal claimed. Michel was wanted for investigation but he escaped and avoided joining the probe, he added. A chargesheet was filed against Michel in September, 2017. "An open non-bailable arrest warrant dated 24 September, 2015, was issued by the special judge, CBI cases, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi," he further said. On the basis of this warrant, a Red Corner Notice was issued by the Interpol which led to his arrest in Dubai in February 2017. Michel was behind bars in Dubai since he was arrested and sent to custody pending the legal and judicial procedure in the UAE. The Dubai Court of Cassation dismissed the two objections filed by Michel's lawyers and upheld the appellate court's decision to consider the possibility of extraditing him to the competent Indian authorities. With inputs from agencies by Mathias Hariyadi About 31 workers and one soldier are dead after an armed group attacked the Trans-Papua highway, which is under construction. The project is a priority for the Widodo administration. Since its annexation to Indonesia in 1969, the province has been the scene of an ongoing insurrection by pro-independence forces. Jakarta (AsiaNews) The Indonesian Minister for Housing and Public Works Basuki Hadimuljono has ordered a temporary halt to major construction projects in Papua, Indonesias easternmost province. The government's decision comes after an armed rebel group killed 31 workers and a soldier in Nduga, a district located in the centre of the countrys largest province. Another soldier was also seriously wounded in the attack, which took place between last Sunday and Monday. About 150 soldiers are tracking those who perpetrated the massacre. The workers were employed at Istaka Karya, a state-owned contractor. In Nduga, teams of workers are building bridges and roads, as part of government efforts to upgrade infrastructure in the remote province. One of them is the Trans-Papua highway, a priority project for the administration of President Joko Widodo. According to the first indications, the armed group attacked building sites on Saturday where the victims worked on two bridges across the Aorak and Yigi rivers, in Yigi territory. The next day, militants shot dead 24 workers. Seven others, who tried to flee, were recaptured, and had their throats slit. In the confusion, four workers managed to save themselves. One of the survivors, Aldi Aritonang, told investigators that during the attack on Saturday, the rebels stopped their action against the construction sites to mark "National Day", the day in 1961 when Papua declared its independence. On Monday, police and soldiers arrived at the scene of the murders but came under rebel fire. One soldier was killed and another was wounded. Since Indonesia annexed the province in 1969, pro-independence armed groups such as the Free Papua Movement (OPM) have led an low-level insurrection. Last April, Widodo was the first Indonesian president to visit the remote territory. According to local sources, the president's trip changed the mind of many separatists, who want to abandon the struggle convinced that Widodo is genuinely interested in the fate of the province. Nevertheless, local tribal leaders have repeatedly filed complaints against the Indonesian government over the intensive exploitation of the provinces natural resources. Even though the authorities decided against ratifying the UN antidiscrimination treaty, a rally organised to protest against it will still take place. For many ethnic Malays, the treaty is a threat to their rights and to Islams influence. For one scholar, race and religion are sensitive issues, a time bomb ready to go off. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews/CNA) Islamists and opposition parties will flex their muscles next Saturday at a rally in Kuala Lumpur against the United Nations (UN) treaty on racism. Analysts warn that seven months after a new government took power, race and religion have taken centre stage fuelled by interests that could threaten national unity. In Malaysia, "race" and "religion" are official administrative criteria found on the national identity card of all citizens over the age of 12. The notions of "Malay supremacy" and "Muslim supremacy" ("Ketuanan Melayu" and "Ketuanan Islam") are closely linked, since Malays are legally required to be Muslims. Following sectarian violence in the late 1960s, the government adopted a series of policies in favour of ethnic Malays, who make up around 60 per cent of the countrys 32 million people. Ethnic Chinese are around 23 per cent whilst the Indian population stands at 7 per cent. Contrary to what Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad promised in September, the government on 23 November announced that it would not ratify the International Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). Despite this, supporters of Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) continue to view the treaty a threat to the rights of the Malay ethnic group and Islams influence in the country. In fact, despite the government's U-turn, opposition parties decided to go ahead with their rally, where "thousands of people are expected". The capitals police and city council gave the green light for the event, which will be held along Jalan Raja opposite Merdeka (Independence) Square. The ultra-Malay groups are trying to stir up racial issues to show up the new government, to prove that Pakatan Harapan cannot handle racial tension, said Prof Syed Farid Alatas of National University of Singapores (NUS) Department of Sociology. For Prof Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, a political lecturer at the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), the situation underscores the need for a new law against hate speech. The government must put more efforts on unity and dialogue programmes among multiracial Malaysia, he said. Meanwhile, concern remains high among observers and in public opinion over the recent violence at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu temple in Subang Jaya (Selangor). On 26 November 26, the planned transfer of the place of worship triggered two days of unrest, resulting in damages and 68 arrests. Before the unrest, 50 Muslim Malay men, hired by the company that owns the land, tried to seize the temple. Their presence infuriated Hindus, who are divided between those in favour and against the move. The conclusion after the Senate hearing of Cia Director Gina Haspel. Democrats and Republicans united in accusing the Saudi hereditary prince. In court, he would be declared "guilty in 30 minutes". We do not have a smoking gun, but "a steaming saw". The sale of weapons to Riyadh is at stake. Washington (AsiaNews / Agencies) - According to some authoritative US senators, the hand of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is behind the assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, in spite of the official denials of Riyadh. After hearing the CIA Director Gina Haspel in audition, the members of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee do not use the word media and speak of "zero doubts" about the complicity of the number two of the Wahhabi kingdom. In an unprecedented attack, casting more than a shadow on the relations between President Donald Trump's White House and Riyadh, Senator Lindsey Graham says he strongly believes in the "direct responsibilities" of Mbs. The Republican representative of South Carolina calls bin Salman a "wrecking ball", a "madman" and a "dangerous" person. He is echoed by Bob Corker, president of the Senate Committee, who says he has "zero doubts" about the fact that "the crown prince directed the murder and was informed of every detail related to the operation. If he were in front of a jury in court, he would be convicted in 30 minutes ". "Here we do not have a smoking gun - adds Graham - in this case there is a steaming saw" with a clear reference to the dismemberment of Khashoggi's body inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, where the murder took place in early October . The senators then renew their call to the White House to take punitive measures against Riyadh and to assess the link between Trump and Mbs, anti-Iranian iron allies in the Middle East region. There are also billion dollar arms deals at work, which the Senate has recently criticized over their use in Yemen, where the Saudis have bombed and killed civilians in many cases, including women and children. The United States, underlines the New Jersey Democrat Bob Menendez, must "send a clear signal and an unequivocal message that such acts cannot be acceptable". The Senate is therefore considering putting to the vote the end of US military support in Riyadh and the Arab coalition operating in Yemen. The members of the Upper House therefore seem intent on exerting pressure on President Trump to give a clear and unequivocal sign of condemnation of Mbs. Under consideration the hypothesis to block the sale of weapons or to introduce targeted sanctions, which certainly would not be welcome to the White House. For the US intelligence agency, bin Salman "most likely" ordered the killing of Khashoggi, who had long resided in the United States. Citing Christian Michel's advocate Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos' 17 July statement, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the 'Modi government and its agencies were forcing Michel to sign a false confessional statement naming UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.' Hyderabad: Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being the "protector, benefactor and promoter" of AgustaWestland and its parent company Finmeccanica, the Congress on Wednesday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the prime minister's role in "exonerating" the Italian defence and aerospace major which was blacklisted by the United progressive Alliance (UPA). A day after British national Christian Michel James, a middleman wanted in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, was extradited to India, the Congress attacked Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "using him to launch a smear campaign" against Opposition leaders. Citing Michel's advocate Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos' 17 July statement, Congress spokesperosn Randeep Singh Surjewala said the "Modi government and its agencies were forcing Michel to sign a false confessional statement naming UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in return for complete exoneration from any charge whatsoever in the AgustaWestland Case". "Even Michel's sister had come out and reiterated the coercions of falsely naming Opposition leaders as a ticket for exoneration of Christian Michel. Their interviews were recorded by many Indian TV channels also," said Surjewala. "Never before in the history of India has a prime minister been found complicit in gaining false evidence against Opposition leaders to seek revenge. This shocking expose is also a testimony to the disease prevailing in CBI/ED prostrating before the prime minister to collect fake and false evidence with a single minded aim of tarnishing the reputation of Opposition leaders and serving the political masters as a captive puppet and a willing tool of malicious conspiracy," alleged Surjewala. The Congress attack came on a day when both Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah hit out at the Congress saying Michel who has taken Sonia Gandhi's name, "will spill the beans" on the deal during the UPA government's tenure. However, the Congress alleged that the Modi government was indulging in cover-up to "hide its sinister role in helping and promoting the AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica which were blacklisted by the UPA. "The most intriguing part of the conspiracy is the undisclosed reason on part of Modi government for permitting a blacklisted company to get clearances from Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) and permit its entry as partner or sub-contractor to various Indian corporates," Surjewal said. "Not only this, the Modi government also sought a special opinion from its Attorney General in July, 2014 and permitted AgustaWestland/Finmeccanica to be part of Make in India and bid for 100 Naval Utility Helicopters, besides clearing its investment proposals through FIPB for manufacture of AW119 helicopters in partnership with Tata," said Surjewala. The Congress said it was time for the CBI to investigate Modi's role in exonerating AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica instead of "weaving fake story to deflect attention". Narendra Modi said that Congress has already lost in the state polls and have already started making excuses for it. They are trying to find any possible logic so the responsibility of defeat does not fall on Rahul Gandhi, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Congress over the AgustaWestland chopper deal case, saying that the government has brought back the rajdaar (confidante) Christian Michel from Dubai, and it remains to be seen the deep secrets he (Michel) will unveil. Modi, who was addressing a rally in Rajasthan's Sumerpur on the last day of campaigning in the poll-bound state, said, "The VVIP scam took place when UPA was in power. When this (NDA) government came to power, it started the investigation in the case." UPA VVIP : pic.twitter.com/4s5C2X6riA BJP (@BJP4India) December 5, 2018 Michel, who was extradited to India on Tuesday, is accused of paying bribes to officials and politicians to swing the contract in the favour of AgustaWestland, the British arm of Italian firm Finmeccanica. Several top leaders in Congress are named in the scam. The timing of Michel's extradition has been questioned by the Opposition parties including Congress. According to reports, Michel's extradition and the subsequent arrest has given the BJP a new point to hit back at the Congress, much like Congress has been taking on the BJP over the Rafale deal. By implicating the Gandhi family in the scam, the prime minister is hampering the Congress' electoral prospects in the state. However, Modi termed the Congress's criticism as an acceptance of their defeat ahead of the Assembly polls. "They are trying to find any possible logic so the responsibility of defeat does not lie on the naamdar's (Rahul Gandhi) shoulders," he said. Modi termed the four generation of Congress leaders as termite and that they needed to be "erased completely". He also accused the Congress of creating divisions in society over the last 70 years and claimed that the party cannot work in the interest of the common man. "The one who destroyed the country, can it bring you prosperity?" he asked Speaking about the Supreme Court's decision to allow the Income Tax Department to continue re-assessing the taxes filed by the Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, UPA president Sonia Gandhi and party leader Oscar Fernandes for the 2011-12 financial year, Modi said: "Ab dekhta hoon kaise bach ke nikalte ho (Now I will see how you will escape)." Continuing his statement on the apex court's ruling, he said: "The country had never thought that a chaiwala will take the naamdaars, who ruled the nation for four generations, to a court." Responding to the Congress' consistent demands that the BJP give an account of the work they have done in India, the prime minister said: "Give an account of these 70 years first, and then ask for an account of the last 4.5 years from us." He also launched a personal attack on Rahul, saying that he does not even know the names of his own party leaders. "He did not even know the name of a very popular farmer and Jat leader in Congress, the late Kumbharam. He called him 'Kumbhakaran'," Modi said. "You can imagine what such people will do when in power," he added. BJP president Amit Shah is also touring the state, addressing rallies in Jaipur and Ajmer. Wednesday is the last day of campaigning for the state polls. Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha elections are slated to be held on 7 December, and the results will be declared on 11 December. Click here to read more about the key candidates for the state polls. Click here to read more about the key constituencies in Rajasthan ahead of the polls. As campaigning for the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha polls drew to a close on Wednesday, BJP president Amit Shah claimed that the party will form the next state government 'with full majority.' Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah hit out at Congress over the AgustaWestland chopper deal case, questioning if the Opposition parties want to save middlemen Christen Michel, who was arrested on Wednesday following his extradition from UAE. The Opposition had criticised the BJP questioning the timing of Michels' extradition to India when elections to state assemblies are going on and the Lok Sabha polls are right around the corner. Answering a question at a press conference held to offer details about BJP's electoral campaign in Rajasthan, Shah said that Congress has no other issue but to criticise the BJP. "You tell me, does the Opposition want to save him?" he said. Michel is accused of paying bribes to officials and politicians to swing the contract in favour of AgustaWestland, the British arm of Italian firm Finmeccanica. Speaking to media in Rajasthan's Jaipur, Shah also claimed that the BJP will form the next state government "with a full majority" in the poll-bound state. He also expressed confidence that the Narendra Modi government will serve another term following the Lok Sabha elections next year. "Our party held 13 public meetings, 222 big public meetings and has also done 15 roadshows in Rajasthan," he said. Key BJP leaders like Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been campaigning in the state to garner votes for the saffron party. The BJP president then went on to point out the Congress' pitfalls, saying that the Opposition party practices the politics of "jaativaad (caste-based politics), parivarvaad (dynastic politics), and drishtikaran (politics of appeasement)." His comments come amid personal attacks on the prime minister from Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who said that Modi did not understand the foundation of Hinduism. Conversely, Shah said that the BJP has only kept Rajasthan's future in mind, and focussed on the issues of its development, and poor welfare."Rajasthan has rejected Congress' caste and dynasty politics, and welcomed the BJP's commitment," he said, adding that "we don't give tickets to candidates based on caste and religion, we only encourage genuine aspirants". Shah noted that lakhs of people in the state have benefitted from the NDA's flagship schemes, including the 80 lakh beneficiaries of the Swachh Bharat scheme. He said that these people now have bathrooms in their homes. When asked a question on the recent violence in Bulandshahr, Shah says it is unfair to politicise the issue. He adds that the report from the SIT will paint a clearer picture. Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha elections are slated to be held on 7 December, and the results will be declared on 11 December. Click here to read more about the key candidates for the state polls. Click here to read more about the key constituencies in Rajasthan ahead of the polls. Apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, several top BJP leaders and chief ministers such as Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Raman Singh, Yogi Adityanath, Uma Bharati and Giriraj Singh will also participate in the campaign. Kolkata: With an eye on the upcoming general elections, the BJP is all set to begin its high profile rath yatra from 7 December, claiming that it would prove to be a "game changer" in West Bengal politics. BJP president Amit Shah will kickstart the campaign titled 'Save Democracy Rally'. The campaign is scheduled to begin from Coochbehar district in the north on 7 December, from Kakdwip in the south 24 Parganas district on 9 December and from the Tarapith temple in Birbhum district on 14 December. "The Rath Yatra will be a game changer in West Bengal politics. This will kickstart a wave of support in favour of the BJP and will become a deciding factor in the next general elections," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh told PTI. This is the first time that the BJP has undertaken a political campaign of such a huge magnitude, covering nearly 10,000 kilometres, in the state. Three air-conditioned buses decorated as chariots carrying BJP leaders will criss-cross the entire state for nearly 40 days starting from 7 December, covering all the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. The chariots would have pictures of some of the Bengal-born personalities like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda. Apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, several top BJP leaders and chief ministers such as Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Raman Singh, Yogi Adityanath, Uma Bharati and Giriraj Singh will also participate in the campaign. Modi is also likely to attend four rallies to give a thrust to the party's campaign in the state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. "People will come out on the streets and join our rally irrespective of caste, religion and creed," Ghosh said. The party's Rath Yatra comes at a time when the BJP has made steady inroads in the state with the saffron party winning more than 7,000 seats in the three-tier Panchayat polls held in May this year. In several by-elections held since the 2016 assembly polls, the BJP has emerged as the biggest competition to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) by outsmarting the CPM and the Congress. Shah had set a target of winning 22 Lok Sabha seats out of 42 seats in the state. The party has already prepared a blueprint and has also chalked out seats, where the BJP's chances of winning are more than 60 to 70 percent. The seats are spread across north Bengal, south Bengal and tribal-dominated districts of Junglemahal, said a senior BJP leader on the condition of anonymity. Some of the seats which the BJP will be targeting in the next Lok Sabha polls are Balurghat, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Malda North in north Bengal and Purulia, Jhargram, Medinipur, Krishnagar, Howrah in south Bengal, he said. According to BJP sources, the party's main purpose of conducting Rath Yatras is to strengthen its organisation and reach out to the maximum number of polling booths in the state. West Bengal has around 77,000 polling booths. Another reason is to create a wave against the TMC government over its alleged anti-people policies, the sources said. BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya claimed that the campaign will expose the "misrule and corruption" of the state government. "The police is acting as if they are party members of the TMC. We would expose the criminalisation of politics and politicisation of the administration pursued by the TMC government in the state. This Rath Yatra is being conducted to save democracy in West Bengal," Vijayvargiya told PTI. The party will also use this as an opportunity to spread awareness about NRC in Assam, he said. The BJP has also prepared leaflets which will be distributed in various areas of the state. The leaflets highlight the need for an NRC in West Bengal and passage of the Citizenship Bill, Vijayvargiya said. The party has also engaged its Minority Morcha wing to ensure active participation of Muslims in the campaign. "Muslims comprise nearly 30 percent of the state's population and if the party has to win elections in West Bengal, we have to take them along with us," BJP state Minority Morcha chief Ali Hossain said, adding that the party had fielded more than 850 Muslim candidates in the Panchayat polls and nearly half of them had won. The minority community plays a deciding factor in at least 10-12 parliamentary seats of the state. While the BJP is buoyant over the Rath Yatra, the TMC leadership, however, alleged that the main purpose of the campaign is to create communal tensions in the state. "The main agenda of the BJP is to create a communal rift in West Bengal. But their agenda of dividing people on religious lines will fail," TMC secretary Partha Chatterjee said. Rubbishing all the allegations of Chatterjee, Vijayvargiya claimed that it is the TMC which pursues the policy of appeasement as the BJP believes in the politics of "Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas". Yogi Adityanath has been severely criticised by Opposition leaders over the state of law and order following Monday's violence in which a police inspector, who had initially probed the 2015 lynching of Akhlaq in Dadri, and a young man died. Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday night ordered strict action against cow slaughter, unlawful trade in cattle and illegal slaughterhouses, two days after two people were killed in mob violence in Bulandshahr. His instructions were conveyed by Chief Secretary Anup Pandey to magistrates and superintendents of police of all 75 districts through a video link, an official release said. Adityanath said the district magistrate and other senior police officials of a district will be held personally responsible for any lapse. On Monday, a mob of some 400 people, including right-wing activists, violently rampaged through the Chingrawathi village apparently after cow carcasses were found strewn in a jungle nearby. The police has arrested four people in connection with the violence. A Bajrang Dal leader, who the police suspect is the main accused in the case, has been absconding since the incident. In a video that surfaced online on Wednesday, Bajrang Dal's Bulandshahr convenor Yogesh Raj claimed innocence and the right-wing group also asked him to surrender before police but said it believed he was innocent. Adityanath has been severely criticised by Opposition leaders over the state of law and order following Monday's violence in which a police inspector, who had initially probed the 2015 lynching of Akhlaq in Dadri, and a young man died. Akhlaq was lynched on suspicion that beef was being consumed in his home. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee have slammed the law and order situation in the state. Gandhi wondered if police was being treated in such a manner in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath's rule, then how terrorised the common man would be feeling. Banerjee slammed Adityanth's administration, alleging the state police is carrying out "fake encounters after fake encounters". The Uttar Pradesh chief minister, who on Wednesday returned to campaign in Telangana, has also been criticised for attending a laser show in Gorakhpur the day violence happened in Bulandshahr. "Adityanath will meet the slain inspector's family on Thursday," officials said. He directed district magistrates and senior officials to send weekly reports and ordered divisional commissioners and zonal IGs/DIGs to review implementation of his instructions issued on Wednesday night. He said media reports on any cow slaughter should be taken seriously and an inquiry should be ordered promptly. Nearly 90 people have been made accused in the Bulandshahr violence case and 27 of them have been named. Hours before campaigning came to a halt for the Rajasthan Assembly polls, Modi spoke at a public rally in Pali about the 'helicopter kaand', VVIP helicopters, Michel's extradition and 'Madam Sonia Gandhi's letter' It could be no more than coincidence, but less than 12 hours after Christian Michel, the middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, was extradited from Dubai to New Delhi, Vijay Mallya made an offer to India via Twitter that he was willing to settle his dues, apparently just the principal amount for now. But the timing of his call of conscience is interesting and has its own meaning. Mallya must be aware of developments in the extradition proceedings of Michel and his landing in Delhi, as also the scenario of him being put through the rigour of custodial interrogation and possibly an extended term in jail. He had possible also heard of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement at a public rally asserting that "those who ran away thought they would be saved, but they should know that this is Modi. Whoever has looted my country, I will bring them back one by one". Mallya's current offer to pay the principal and forgo the interest an offer he claims he has been making since 2016 will obviously not be acceptable to the government, agencies and the banks concerned. What he did not mention in his tweet is the fact that the Westminster court is expected to deliver its verdict on December 10. The possibility of the court ruling for his extradition must be frightening to him but even then given to a high-society lifestyle, flamboyance and entitlement, he is seeking special treatment for himself: For three decades running Indias largest alcoholic beverage group, we contributed thousands of crores to the State exchequers. Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the States. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it. Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ? Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 While speaking to CNN-News18, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had a simple message to convey for Mallya: "Now it's Mallya and Nirav Modi's turn". Jaitley was speaking in context of Michel's extradition, something the Modi government will look at as a feather in its cap in the war on corruption. Michel's extradition to India is undoubtedly a big achievement of the Government of India. It remains to be seen what revelations he make before investigative agencies and before courts about bribes paid to bureaucrats and senior politicians belonging to the then ruling Congress. If the London court orders the extradition of Mallya next week, the Modi government and the ruling BJP will have a lot to cheer. Hours before campaigning came to a halt for the Rajasthan Assembly polls, Modi spoke at a public rally in Pali about the "helicopter kaand", VVIP helicopters, Michel's extradition and "Madam Sonia Gandhi's letter". Pointing out that his government brought back to India 'the man who had all the secrets', the prime minister continued to refer to Michel as 'Rajdar'. He took thinly-veiled shots at the Gandhi family and made references to the bribes paid to political leaders as kachhi (payments without receipts). It will take months or even years for the courts to come to a conclusion on the case, but Modi was quick to take it to the people's court, claiming credit and seeking an instant verdict. It would be unrealistic to assume that the issue and Modi's oratory thrust could swing the electoral outcome of the Rajasthan Assembly election but the move and the way this has been executed the foreign middleman brought to India will go in Modi's personal credit kitty. Michel's extradition will help the prime minister to strengthen his image as a tough administrator who will not spare the high and mighty while taking on the corrupt and corruption. During the course of travel to Rajasthan for the coverage of these elections, this writer met several people who believed that Modi was "sincerely working to uproot corruption and make the corrupt" face the tough side of the law. On the last day of campaigning, getting Michel on Indian soil provided the right occasion and platform for Modi to blast the Gandhi family for its alleged corrupt deeds in the National Herald case and Robert Vadra's land scam. The Supreme Court's decision not to give Sonia and Rahul Gandhi any relief in the National Herald case was mentioned at length by Modi. His central message was that he feared no one because people had mandated him to take on the corrupt and corruption of all hues and in all places. P Chidambaram, the most prominent minister of the UPA-1 and UPA-2 was also mentioned by Modi, who claimed that the senior Congress leader would soon be lodged in a jail. Asaduddin Owaisi has advised Congress president Rahul Gandhi to shed his arrogance, and learn humility and modesty from his mother Sonia Gandhi Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi has advised Congress president Rahul Gandhi to shed his arrogance, and learn humility and modesty from his mother Sonia Gandhi. "If you are dreaming of becoming the Prime Minister, shed your arrogance. It is my humble request that you learn humility and sincerity from your mother. She has proved that simplicity takes a person far in politics," the Hyderabad MP said. Owaisi was addressing election rallies of his AIMIM in the old city of Hyderabad on Tuesday night. Dubbing Rahul as younger brother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Owaisi said the Congress president had nothing but still showing arrogance. "If this is your attitude, I will fight you throughout my life," he said. The MP took strong exception to Rahul describing him as the 'C' team of Modi. "I am the captain of Hyderabad team and you are captain of janeu dhari team. You tried insulting me by calling me 'C' team. This reflects the mentality of your upper caste because Janedharu considers himself superior to others." Recalling that he supported Congress party for 12 years, Owaisi said Rahul should tell the people what secret deals he struck with his party. Owaisi said though AIMIM was contesting only eight out of 119 Assembly seats in Telangana, all the leaders from Modi to BJP president Amit Shah to Rahul to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president Chandrababu Naidu were worried. He alleged that all these leaders want to finish AIMIM as it had set an example in the entire country by becoming the voice of Muslims of Hyderabad and the symbol of their unity. "They want to eliminate the political identity of Muslims of Hyderabad," he said. Owaisi pointed out how the Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal were suffering due to lack of any party to strive to safeguard their interests. On Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remark that if BJP comes to power Owaisi will have to flee Hyderabad, the AIMIM leader reiterated that he is neither going to flee nor he is afraid of such threats. Owaisi said Yogi's threat was an insult to 17 crore Muslims of India as this amounts to projecting them as second class citizens. The Hyderabad MP said the Uttar Pradesh chief minister should first take care of his state. "In your state 'gaurakshaks' killed a police officer by shooting him in his head. Why are you coming here? You will get nothing here," he added. As Rajasthan gears up to vote in the 7 December Assembly elections, certain electoral regions in the state seem to hold more power than others to influence the outcome. Exit polls for the Rajasthan Assembly Election 2018 predicted a clear majority for Congress after polling ended on Friday (7 December). In the run-up to the polls, certain electoral regions in the state emerged to hold more power than others either because of the contestants in the fray or because of the constituent of voters in the region. A day before counting of votes is set to take place in Rajasthan, lets take a look at some of the key regions and constituencies in Rajasthan that may have played a decisive role in the upcoming state elections: Jhalarapatan Jhalrapatan, a town in Jhalawar district of southern Rajasthan, comprises over 2,73,404 voters. Of this figure, approximately 15 percent are Muslims, 13 percent are SC-STs, OBCs stand at 11, Brahmins are 7 percent in number, Rajputs-Saundhiyas are at 12 percent, Dangis are at 6 percent, while Mali and Mahajans are at 5 percent each, among others. Besides Jhalrapatan, Jhalawar district consists of Khanpur and two reserved Assembly constituencies Manohar Thana and Dag. Long associated with the Gwalior family, the district has a large Rajput population even in the reserved constituencies, with Jats having little or no presence. Jhalrapatan is of note because Raje from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting from this seat. She has won the Jhalrapatan seat thrice consecutively. Rajes decision to contest for a fourth consecutive time from Jhalrapatan constituency immediately led to the speculation that she was grooming her son Dushyant Singh to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. It is key to remember here that Jhalrapatan is part of the Jhalawar Lok Sabha seat, which is likely why Raje refused to budge, despite the BJP leadership wanting her to change her constituency. Meanwhile, Congress fielded a fellow Rajput Manvendra Singh, who yields a considerable influence owing to his political background and caste, to fight against Raje. It has been speculated that his candidature is a calculated bid to gather support from Rajput-Saundhia group. However, since Manvendra hails from and had previously fought elections from the Barmer-Jaisalmer belt in western Rajasthan, his outsider status has become an arrow in BJPs quiver. The Congress could not even decide who their CM-face would be and now they are dreaming that a candidate with no social contribution would defeat our chief minister (Raje), said Vimal Katiyar, BJPs state media in-charge, adding that the saffron will secure a landslide victory in Jhalrapatan, Tonk and Sardarpura. Tonk Tonk town in eastern Rajasthan is extremely important in the upcoming elections. Out of the over 2.24 lakh voters in the Tonk constituency, approximately 20 percent are Muslims and 17 percent are SC-ST's. Gujjar stands at 14 percent, Rajputs at 4 percent, Mali at 3 percent and Bhramin-Jat-Bairba's are at 5 percent each among others. Not only is state Congress chief Sachin Pilot contesting from here, the BJPs only Muslim candidate in the state, Yoonus Khan, has also been fielded from this constituency. What makes Tonk a game changing constituency is its thriving Muslim and Gujjar populations. Since both communities typically support the Congress government, Pilot would have had an easy win. He has also garnered the support of the erstwhile royal family of Tonk, which bettered his electoral prospects. However, Khans candidacy has added a twist in the tale. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether the Muslims would betray Congress. Even if 30 percent of the near 60,000 Muslim voters, switch sides and vote for Khan, then it might prove to be a difficult scenario for Pilot. Tonk faces a lot of issues, such as unemployment, and lack of industries. The constituency is also facing a serious transport problem as well. The city has no railway link, despite there being a demand for years. According to reports, drinking water scarcity is also quite severe in the area. Both Tonk city and the villages in the district get drinking water supply on alternate days for a few hours. "Most days, we get brackish water in supply," News18 quoted one resident as saying. "Drinking water comes on every other day and lasts for an hour at the maximum," he added. Sardarpura In Sardarpura, there are a total of 2,27,141 voters, of which 1,17,120 male and 1,10,021 female. Approximately 20 percent are Rajputs, and 18 percent are Mali. Brahmins stand at 5 percent, SC-ST's are at 9 percent, and Kumhar-Jat-Vishnoi's are at 9 percent among others. Two-time chief minister Ashok Gehlot will be contesting the elections from Sardarpura, a constituency nestled in the heart of the Marwar region of the Thar desert. The AICC general secretary won four consecutive Assembly elections from this seat and has been the legislator in the area for the past two decades. Meanwhile, the BJP has reposed trust on Shambhu Singh Khetasar, who lost the 2013 elections by over 18,000 votes to the Congress. Khetasar gained media attention after a photograph of him urinating near a wall in Ajmer, right next to a campaign poster featuring Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, went viral on social media. According to reports, Khatesar wanted to contest this time from the Osian seat where he came second in the 2008 polls while contesting as an Independent. Osian is 70 kilometres away from Sardarpura. Of the 11 elections held in Sardarpura formed in 1967, the Congress has won seven times. In the 1998 elections, the Congress got a majority and formed the government. Shekhawat Northern Rajasthans semi-arid Shekhawati region, dominated by the Jat community, comprises Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu districts. The Congress party, which won only five of the 21 seats in 2013 after bagging 13 in 2008, is relying on Jat politics in the State as it banks on anti-incumbency against the ruling BJP, The Hindu reported. According to reports, 48 percent of the region wants the government to change, whereas 41 percent support the ruling BJP. Farmers issues are most prominent in the region, including loan waivers, crop prices, and cow vigilantism. Farmers from Shekhawati played key roles in peasant agitations against the British, Amra Ram, Rajasthan CPM secretary and leader of All India Kisan Sabha, who led a farmers agitation in Sikar in September 2017, told The Times of India. Whenever farmers protested, they have forced governments to reverse decisions. Recently we protested for loan waiver and the government agreed to meet our demands. In 2016, the government increased electricity rates, but backtracked following our protests, said Ram. Anti-incumbency is also on the rise in the region, which has reflected in opinion polls. Many have suggested a loss for the ruling BJP, citing failure to address the farmers grievances and unemployment. Pali Pali, which lies in southwestern Rajasthan, is the states largest district, and accounts for 43 Assembly seats and is crucial in the upcoming polls. Other districts in the state include Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Nagaur, Sirohi, and Jalore. Pali comprises Marwar Junction, Bali, Pali, Sojat, Jaitaran and Samerpur constituencies. The BJP won the Pali seat in the last two Vidhan Sabha elections. The partys Kesa Ram Choudhary defeated Congress Khushveer Singh in Marwar 2013 by a margin of 13,000 votes. However, according to a Hindustan Times report, political commentators do not see the BJP having the same luck in the 7 December elections. There is anti-incumbency against the Vasundhara Raje government. All sections of the society, including farmers, youngsters, Brahmins, Rajputs, SCs, and Muslims are unhappy with the government for not delivering on promises, Congress leader Rajendra Chaudhary told the newspaper. Independent MLA Hanuman Beniwal, who is trying to forge a Third Front in Rajasthan's Khinvsar, said it will emerge victorious this time as people are fed up with the Congress and the BJP. Youth, farmers, traders and all sections want a change. They are tired of the deception by the Congress and the BJP. Both are corrupt and have failed to provide development, says Beniwal. Apart from the aforementioned regions, Udaipur and Nathdwara constituencies are also witnessing high-profile contests. In Udaipur, Congress has fielded former MLA Girija Vyas against state home minister Gulab Chand Katariya. In Nathdwara, former Rajasthan Congress chief CP Joshi is contesting against Mahesh Pratap Singh. Click here to read more about the key candidates for the state polls. Follow all the latest updates from the Telangana Elections here Follow all the latest updates from the Mizoram Elections here Follow all the latest updates from the Chhattisgarh Elections here Follow all the latest updates from the Madhya Pradesh Elections here Follow all the latest updates from the Rajasthan Elections here Follow Firstpost's coverage of the 2018 Vidhan Sabha Elections here For the labouring poor in Telangana, who are generally employed temporarily and often work under MNREGS, the elections are just another job, a source of income, except that most of the money spent is unaccounted for. The money spent by political parties for the Telangana Assembly elections can be palpated in the alcoholic breaths of several flag-bearing men at the political rallies in and around Hyderabad. The money offered at the rallies around Rs 300 per rally is over Rs 100 more than Telangana's rate under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) and close to the daily wage in many parts of the state. For the labouring poor, who are generally employed temporarily and often work under MNREGS, the elections are just another job, a source of income, except that most of the money spent is unaccounted for. The State Election Commission of Telangana seized over Rs 112 crore Rs 90 crore in cash till this week. The figure touched Rs 104 crore after income tax officials found Rs 51 lakh in cash at the farmhouse of S Shridhar Reddy, brother-in-law of Narender Reddy, a candidate of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) contesting from the Kodangal constituency. A notebook the I-T department found in the farmhouse reveals the magnitude and methods in which money is being spent on the elections in Telangana. "Pages 1, 2 and 3 (of a diary) have notes from 27 November when a search took place. The total of all the entries comes to around Rs 1.2 crore," I-T sleuths told the Telangana Chief Electoral Officer in a letter. The notebook also reveals that money was being spent on political campaigns, or "to get political favours by distributing money to various leaders". I-T sleuths also found that several pages of the notebook were regularly torn in an attempt to cover their tracks. A loose page found in the farmhouse contained details of wine distributed across 26 gram panchayats. Furthermore, scores of enthusiastic men cheering at political rallies in Hyderabad are often inebriated. I can vouch for this from the two political events I attended in Hyderabad on 2 and 3 December a mega TRS rally held at Parade Grounds that Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao attended and a roadshow by the "Prajakutami", the alliance of the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and Communist Party of India (CPI), attended by Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu. "Look at them!" a traffic police signaled to me as I took photos of school vans that were being used for the TRS election rally. "Not the vans, the people inside them." I could see a few young men lying inside a school van. The traffic police said that they were too drunk to get out of their vehicles. Alcohol is a theme that perhaps unites people at many election rallies across Telangana. "We were given flags and brought here. Most men have gone to work, which is why there are several women here," a drunk labourer said, holding onto me for support. A few attendees at the rally said they would be paid around Rs 300 after the event. While the drunks at KCR's rally enjoyed themselves dancing to the TRS' songs and munching on snacks, those at Naidu's rally were either waiting to leave or cheering the Andhra chief minister merely to pass the time. "Mujhe Telugu nahi aata (I don't know Telugu)," said a young man who kept cheering for Naidu as he made jabs at KCR. After Naidu left, groups of women waited for vehicles arranged for them. An auto driver, working as a TRS activist, asked a few women why they were attending the alliance's rally. "The earnings of a husband and wife are different," a woman replied, "but I will obviously vote for the car (TRS)." While the TDP, BJP and Congress are seen as outsiders in Telangana, KCR is seen as one of them. TRS has even successfully appropriated various Andhra songs to his party's advantage. At the rally, the audience danced to an altered version of a popular Telugu song from the movie Rangasthalam, which unfolds in the context of coastal Andhra of the 1980s. The lyrics of the TRS version of "Aa Gattu Kosthava Ranganna Eegattu Kostava" (will you stay on that side of the bank, oh Ranganna, will you come to this side) asks the electorate for whom they will vote the good represented by KCR and his policies and the evil represented by the Prajakutami and BJP. Furthermore, the Congress is likely to have an advantage in districts such as Nalgonda, where it had traditionally held power. The votes of landless labourers and tenant farmers could add to the Prajakutami vote share in many areas since these sections have not been able to avail any benefits of KCR's "Rythu Bandhu" farmers' investment support scheme. "I have only half an acre," said Ramulamma, a street vendor at Choutuppal in Nalgonda district. "Only the haves are getting fatter." A flower seller at the same junction in Choutuppal can't decide for whom to vote. "They haven't done much work in our area. But my mother gets pension regularly." In areas where the contest is close between the TRS and Prajakutami, the pink party might get an upper hand because of the welfare schemes it has implemented. In constituencies where BJP candidates are contesting, the goodwill the TRS has harvested through welfare schemes might help them win. Also, the BJP seems to have an unspoken arrangement with the TRS in many places. "Take this," a woman said, handing me a BJP pamphlet. "But vote for car (TRS)." She lives in Nalgonda town and gets paid around Rs 200 to distribute pamphlets. S Latha, another women employed by the BJP to distribute pamphlets said, "We can run our lives only by doing labour work. How can we not go?" For these women, election campaigns are just another opportunity for employment. Although the unemployed help political campaigns, or attend rallies for money, they see a deeper meaning in the election process. They hold trust in the democratic process and will most likely leave for their respective constituencies on the day of the election or the day before. However, not everyone attending these rallies necessarily see the elections as a meaningful process. The teenagers who attended the TRS rally were, perhaps, the most disinterested. One of them even had his headphones on. Many of them recently graduated from school. The two I spoke to weren't interested to vote for any party even if they were given a chance. "They are all the same," said a teenager who would be eligible to vote in four years. He said he and his friends were attending the rally because it was a Sunday and there was no college to attend. "We are 20 of us. And your leader brought us here. We will get money after the meeting. " The author is a journalist based in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and a fellow of the People's Archive of Rural India While in the recent times, KCR has directed more firepower at Chandrababu Naidu, speculations about a tacit understanding between the TRS and BJP are far from over. Rahul Gandhi is the biggest buffoon in the country K Chandrashekar Rao raised quite a few eyebrows with this statement on 6 September. The caustic comment was also remarkable as it was made at a press conference rather than a political rally. This statement was possibly the most dramatic hint that KCR considers the Congress to be his principal opponent, and it left analysts wondering if he has a tacit understanding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Most exit polls have predicted that the KCR-led TRS will defeat the Opposition alliance and secure another term in office. While in the recent times, KCR has directed more firepower at Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu during the Telangana Assembly election campaign, speculation is rife about a tacit understanding between the TRS and BJP. To be sure, his Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had given hints of this approach earlier. In June, when chief ministers of four states held a joint press conference to express their support to their Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal in his agitation against Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, KCR was absent. The press conference was meant to be a show of Opposition unity, but the Telangana chief minister gave it a miss despite being in Delhi. This was a stark contrast to his approach not long before that, when he made a push for Opposition unity, saying that an alternative to the Congress and BJP would soon emerge to bring about a qualitative change in Indian politics. Further, during the no-confidence motion in the Monsoon Session of Parliament, TRS MPs walked out of the House minutes before the voting began, which effectively benefited the central government. Congress president Rahul Gandhi also alleged that KCR and the BJP are working together behind the scenes, remarking that Rao and Modi have a "friendship," and that the former supports any decision of the saffron party. Similar remarks were made by other Congress leaders. For instance, The Telegraph quoted Telangana Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy as saying that KCR is a "despotic" and "corrupt" leader who is a puppet of Modi. Another party leader alleged that the state and Lok Sabha elections were de-linked because KCR wanted to secure Muslim votes for the TRS before he unveiled his pact with Modi. The TRS chief has possible motives both for aligning with the BJP and Opposition alliance. On one hand, as this article points out, the BJP is not a significant challenger for the TRS in Telangana and may, in fact, help to split the anti-TRS vote in some urban constituencies. In the 2014 Assembly election (before the state was bifurcated), the BJP won only five seats in the Telangana region. Moreover, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu has now taken an initiative to meet Opposition leaders in a bid to forge a broad alliance. Considering that Naidu and KCR are known to be bitter rivals, it is not clear whether the TRS would want to be in the same camp at the TDP. On the other hand, one factor that could lead KCR to gravitate towards the Opposition alliance is the possibility of becoming what an article on News18 described as Rahul Gandhis Manmohan Singh. The recent statement by senior Congress leader P Chidambaram that the party has not officially declared Rahul as its prime ministerial candidate can further serve to raise the hopes of regional parties. Earlier this year, Opposition parties including the TRS may also have viewed with keen interest the developments after the Karnataka elections, when the Congress gave up the post of the chief minister for the JD(S), despite securing far more seats than the latter. In the course of campaigning for the state election, KCR has aimed most of his barbs at Naidu, and invoked Telangana pride. He has called Naidu a traitor to Telangana and dubbed the TDP an Andhra party. The TDP chief, on his part, has attacked the TRS in somewhat similar terms as the Congress, and alleged that KCR has "colluded" with Modi to target him. With both the TDP and Congress making such insinuations about the TRS, it remains to be seen how the Telangana Assembly election result affects the BJPs footprint in southern India, and national politics in general. What can certainly be said, for now, is that the bonhomie between the TRS and the TDP seen during the inauguration of Amaravati, when KCR described Naidu as his best friend, is far removed from the present circumstances. Environmentalists and experts say the waters are invaded by household and industrial waste. The situation is "alarming" and progress "is not enough". The problems have been dragging on for decades, the result of bad practices in the treatment of wastewater. Saving the river "is a priority". Beirut (AsiaNews) - After the cedar tree, symbol of the country, activists, environmentalists and civil society in Lebanon raise the alarm for the River Litani, one of the most important in the country, whose waters are now largely the equivalent of a basin of domestic and industrial waste", says scientist Kamal Slim, member of the National Research Council. The situation remains "alarming" in spite of some recent measures - closure of illegal and polluting industries, cleaning the banks which have proven insufficient. The degradation process therefore risks being irreversible if the polluting sources are not stopped. The experts' concern is shared by the population, which observes with its own eyes the environmental crisis. "I do not want to die of cancer," confesses a villager from Bekaa Haouch el-Rafqa desperately to L'Orient-Le Jour (OLJ). Fears about the health of people, especially the elderly and children, are now widespread among locals. For a long time the Litani was one of the most precious natural resources for Lebanon; however, today it is the epicenter of what is called an environmental catastrophe. In the 1960s it was possible to water the vegetables with its waters or swim in peace. Today, however, studies show a progressive deterioration and poor health conditions. Sami Alaouiye, director of the Litani Water Department since March 2018, talks about "progress", but not enough to cope with the "environmental catastrophe" in taking place. The water pollution was precipitated by the presence of Syrian refugees hosted in abusive reception centers built up along the river. However, even if their presence had environmental repercussions, they are certainly not the ones responsible for the emergency. These environmental problems have been dragging on for decades and are the result of malpractice in the treatment of wastewater; in addition, many factories dump industrial waste in the Litany, which is added to the solid waste thrown into the river. In November, the Lebanese Ministry of Industry imposed the closure of 79 irregular factories, which had not respected the rules on the disposal of waste thrown into the Litani. However, at least 251 industries would be targeted by environmentalists and magistrates for their polluting activities: of these, at least 82 were outlawed and another 40 began to comply with environmental regulations. To restore life to the river, the National Litani Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Industry and Energy received a loan of $ 55 million from the World Bank - along with other benefactors - to try to improve sewage systems, solid waste management and the fight against pollution. Ecologists and experts stress that saving the river is a priority that requires everyone's commitment, from the individual citizen to the companies, from the local administration to the national executive. To respond to the emergency would need more powers in terms of environmental protection, because the Litany is the epicenter of an "ecological disaster", but it is still possible to remedy if long-term policies are adopted. Rivers must return to being "sources of life, not diseases". As Telangana heads for Assembly elections on 7 December, politicians have raised a number of issues in the campaigns leading up to the day. As Telangana heads for Assembly elections on 7 December, politicians have raised a number of issues in the campaigns leading up to the day. While some issues like farmers' grievances and unemployment are socially relevant and directly affect the lives of people, others like politics over minority vote banks and the Telangana pride are clearly sentimental issues that politicians created for votes. Most exit polls have predicted that the TRS will return to power for another term in Telangana. Here are the key polls issues in the state: Agriculture If there is one issue dominating the Telangana poll campaign, it is agriculture. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have all promised farm loan waivers. TRS, which implemented a scheme in 2014 to waive Rs 1 lakh off all farm loans, has promised to repeat the scheme if voted to power again. Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) had earlier said that the investment support to farmers under the "Rythu Bandhu" scheme would be increased to Rs 10,000 per acre per annum from the current Rs 8,000. He had also highlighted the free power given to the farm sector. The Congress has also promised loan waivers of up to Rs 2 lakh for farmers if voted to power. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy had alleged that the TRS had copied the main points of its manifesto, after ridiculing farm loan waivers and other promises. The Congress had earlier contended that the farm loan waiver scheme implemented by the TRS government did not benefit farmers as it was done in a phased manner. Former party president Sonia Gandhi had said farmer suicides were taking place in Telangana and cultivators were still facing water scarcity. The BJP has also promised farm loan waivers of up to Rs 2 lakh. Home Minister Rajnath Singh had, on 30 November, flayed the TRS government in Telangana over the alleged suicides of more than 4,000 farmers in the state in the past four and a half years. Unemployment In 2017, The New Indian Express had stated that according to a report titled Unemployment in India A statistical profile prepared by the Bombay Stock Exchange and Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, Telangana had the third-highest level of unemployment among graduates in the country. Naturally, unemployment has become another major poll issue for the state. Enhancement of retirement age of government servants by three years to 61 and unemployment allowance to the youth are among the promises made in the TRS manifesto. The party also promised enhancement of all types of "Aasara" pensions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,016 and also announced an allowance of Rs 3,016 per month for the unemployed. However, CPI national general secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy had criticised the move. "Instead of filling up vacancies (in government offices), KCR is promising unemployment allowance. This looks ridiculous and insulting and cheats the unemployed youth," he had said. However, the Congress and TDP CPI's allies in the Telangana polls under the "Prajakutami" banner have also promised an allowance of Rs 3,000 to all unemployed youth in the state. At a rally, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had asked the crowd to spell out how many jobs KCR had created while in office. "Thirty lakh qualified youth of Telangana are unemployed. How many jobs did KCR create in his tenure?" he had asked. The Congress has also assured the electorate that 20,000 teachers' posts would be filled through the District Selection Committee. The party has claimed that 1 lakh jobs in state government departments would be filled up within a year if it came to power in Telangana. BJP has also promised an allowance of Rs 3,116 per month for the unemployed. Telangana pride "Sonia Gandhi is the mother of Telangana. We have a state because of her. KCR is not the creator. The entire world knows that," Telangana Congress president Uttam Kumar Reddy had said. It is no surprise that all political parties are trying to appeal to the Telangana pride of voters as the country's newest state goes to polls. Therefore, when "mother of Telangana" Sonia visited the state in November, she recalled the problems Congress had to face because of its decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh and said that despite suffering from the consequences, the party had gone ahead and "created" Telangana. "It (carving out Telangana) was not an easy task. It was no small decision. But former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party decided to form Telangana state," News18 had quoted Sonia as saying. Keeping in mind the fact that Sonia has not addressed an election meeting in a long time, it is pretty clear why she addressed this particular rally in Telangana. Of course, TRS claimed that it was the KCR-led agitation that had forced the then UPA government's hand into creating Telangana. While back in June 2014, KCR had stated on the floor of the Telangana Assembly that people must remember Sonia had backed the creation of Telangana, as time passed, TRS began to claim that only KCR was responsible for the creation of the state. The party has also been using Telangana pride to counter TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. TRS leader T Harish Rao had said that Naidu is a "betrayer" of Telangana people, and there was a need to stop him from "indirectly controlling the state". Muslim vote bank The role of Muslims, who constitute over 12 percent of Telangana's 3.51-crore population, may become crucial in the Assembly polls. With a huge concentration of Muslim voters in state capital Hyderabad and some other districts, they are in a position to tilt the balance in nearly half of the 119 Assembly constituencies going to polls. Muslim voters are believed to be between 35 and 60 percent in 10 constituencies in Hyderabad and anywhere between 10 to 40 percent in the 50 other constituencies spread across the rest of the state. The support of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) to the TRS in all constituencies, except the eight where AIMIM candidates are in the fray, may give KCR's party some edge over its rivals. The Jamaat-e-Islami has also declared its support to the TRS, while the Jamaitul Ulema-e-Hind is backing the Congress. The United Muslim Forum, which comprises various Muslim religious and social organisations and is seen as a friendly to the AIMIM, also appears divided over supporting the TRS. Those supporting the TRS argue that the four and a half years under the party were free from communal riots, and that it took some steps for the welfare and development of Muslims, such as opening over 250 residential schools, scholarships for students and schemes like "Shadi Mubarak", under which financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh is provided for the marriage of poor women. However, a section of Muslims is unhappy with the TRS for failing to fulfil its promise to increase reservation for the community from four percent to 12 percent. KCR blames Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this, as the Centre has been sitting on a resolution passed by the state Assembly. This section of Muslims is also apprehensive that KCR may join hands with the BJP after the Assembly elections. They cite the TRS' support for the Modi government on demonetisation and other subjects, including elections for the posts of president and vice-president. Welfare schemes In November, KCR in a reply to Modi criticising the TRS government for not joining the "Ayushman Bharat" scheme had said the welfare schemes implemented in Telangana were much better than the central policy. In the last four and a half years, the TRS spent around "Rs 2 lakh crore on several welfare schemes, and the beneficiaries of these schemes will vote in favour of the TRS", Deccan Chronicle had quoted a senior party leader as saying. And the leader does have a point. The party's schemes have been popular and have given the TRS a vote bank. For instance, in Sircilla the high-profile constituency of KCR's son KT Rama Rao weavers are more concerned about the fate of a government scheme that helped them overcome the scourge of suicides and improve their earnings. There is a fear among some sections that the scheme could be scrapped if the ruling TRS fails to retain power. The TRS government's "free saree distribution scheme" had boosted production in the past year, giving a fillip to the powerloom industry in this constituency. However, Shabbir Ali, who was Leader of Opposition in the Telangana Legislative Council, had said that KCR had "squandered" the state's revenue surplus of Rs 301.20 crore on implementing such schemes. But the Congress itself has promised a number of such programmes and sops tailored for minority communities. Needless to say, the success or failure of welfare schemes will play a crucial role in the Telangana polls. With inputs from agencies Over 1,800 candidates are in the fray for the 119 constituencies in the 7 December Telangana Assembly election. Over 1,800 candidates are in the fray for the 119 constituencies in the 7 December Telangana Assembly election. According to an official release by the Election Commission, 1,762 nominations were either rejected or withdrawn. Telangana Assembly was dissolved on 6 September more than eight months ahead of the expiry of its term on the recommendation of (now) caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, who opted to go for early elections. If exit polls are to be believed, Telangana appears set for another five years of Telangana Rashtra Samithi rule. Congress has struck an understanding with Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) to form the Mahakutami alliance. TDP fought the last election in alliance with BJP. Here are the key candidates who will contest the Telangana election: K Chandrashekar Rao The caretaker chief minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) supremo is contesting the polls from the Gajwel constituency. KCR is undoubtedly the most important candidate in the Telangana polls, as the Mahakutamis attacks are primarily focused on him. And as his son KT Rama Rao himself admitted, TRS is banking on his father and his vision to come to power again. The caretaker chief minister had quit TDP to float the TRS and revive the movement for Telangana state in 2001. At that time, KCR was not a very popular leader, but he proved a huge crowd-puller and single-handedly made 'Jai Telangana' a house-hold slogan. Even his bitter critics admit that the credit of taking the Telangana movement to every nook and corner of the region goes to KCR. In the 2014 polls, even though TRS had managed to just about scrape together a majority of 63 seats out of the total 119 seats, KCR had managed to engineer defections from the Opposition and increase the strength of his partys seats to 90. Uttam Kumar Reddy Telangana Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy is seeking re-election from Huzurnagar constituency. In the previous election, Reddy had won the seat by a margin of 23,924 votes over his nearest TRS rival. Reddy, a former pilot in Indian Air Force, is betting on the "anti-incumbency factor" and the support of the alliance partners for victory in this election. He is seeking re-election for the fifth time. In 1999 and 2004, he contested from Kodad while in 2009 and 2014, he was elected from Huzurnagar. His wife Padmavathi, who represented Kodad in 2014, is contesting again. KT Rama Rao Popularly known as KTR, 42-year-old Rao, KCRs son and caretaker state IT minister, is contesting for the third time from Sircilla constituency, located 140 kilometres from Hyderabad. He had won in 2014 polls with over 53,000 votes against a Congress candidate. KTR is one of the most popular faces in the state and a potential successor of his father. He had earlier said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity is "on the decline" and the BJP leaders are "living in a fool's paradise" if they feel other parties are scared of the 'Modi factor'. V Pratap Reddy Congress has fielded Reddy against KCR in Gajwel. In 2014, Reddy had unsuccessfully contested polls from the same constituency against KCR. In May this year, Reddy had left TDP to join Congress. According to PTI, Reddy on 27 November had made a futile self-immolation bid after a search was conducted at his house in Kompally following a complaint that cash meant for distribution to voters was hidden there. N Venkata Suhasini TDP founder NT Rama Rao's granddaughter N Venkata Suhasini, who is contesting the Telangana polls from Kukatpally constituency in Greater Hyderabad, is banking on her lineage. The presence of Suhasini in the electoral fray in Telangana is significant as the top leadership of TDP moved to Andhra Pradesh following the bifurcation. TDP has fielded Suhasini, daughter of former Minister N Harikrishna, who died in a road accident this year. Suhasini, 43, is a social activist. The Kukatpally constituency has a considerable number of voters with roots in Andhra Pradesh. Akbaruddin Owaisi Akbaruddin Owaisi, brother of All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, is contesting from AIMIM stronghold Chandrayangutta constituency. Owaisi has been elected to the Assembly in 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014 from the constituency. He had quit his MBBS study in his second year to join politics. The AIMIM leader had said that his party was supporting TRS in the election to ensure that it emerges as an alternative force to the Congress and BJP in the upcoming elections. He had also said that chief ministers have always sought the support of AIMIM and the party would be the kingmaker in the state polls. K Laxman The Telangana BJP chief is seeking re-election from Musheerabad constituency in Hyderabad. Even before the Telangana Assembly had been dissolved, Laxman had said that his party was ready to face polls in the state whenever they are held. In August, Laxman had demanded a National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Hyderabad, alleging that the state capital had become a haven for terrorists. T Harish Rao State irrigation minister and KCRs nephew, T Harish Rao is widely known as a key troubleshooter of the ruling 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. From door-to-door visits to addressing rallies, Rao is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that his uncle KCR returns to power for the second time. A Revanth Reddy Telangana Congress working president A Revanth Reddy is contesting from Kodangal in Vikarabad district. In September this year, Income Tax department officials had conducted searches at the residences and offices of Reddy and his close relatives and seized "key documents". However, a senior official of the I-T Department had ruled out Reddys arrest. On 31 May, 2015, Reddy, then in TDP, was caught by the Anti-Corruption Bureau while allegedly paying a bribe of Rs 50 lakh to Elvis Stephenson, a nominated MLA, for supporting TDP nominee Vem Narendar Reddy in Legislative Council elections held on 1 June, 2015. Later, all the accused were granted bail. T Raja Singh Every election has that one candidate who is an expert at making outrageous and shocking remarks. For Telangana polls, that candidate is none other than BJP's T Raja Singh, contesting from Goshamahal. The latest gem from Singh came when he challenged Akbaruddin Owaisi to (drum roll) a street fight. While speaking to India Today TV, Singh also said that he "would not stop fighting Akbaruddin Owaisi till his severed head is under his foot." In fact, Singh is renowned for making such comments. For example, he had earlier said that incidents of lynching will not stop unless cow gets status of 'rashtra mata'. With inputs from agencies The Telangana Assembly elections have concluded and exit polls have given Telangana Rashtra Samiti the lead. These elections a fierce fight is expected between the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and the Opposition 'mahakutami' alliance. The Telangana Assembly elections have concluded and exit polls have given Telangana Rashtra Samiti the lead. These elections a fierce fight is expected between the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and the Opposition 'mahakutami' alliance. While the TRS is seeking to repeat its performance of the 2014 elections (before the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), the TDP, Congress, CPI and Telangana Jana Samithi have formed an alliance against the ruling party. However, the opposition parties have fielded strong candidates to contest in important seats that are TRS bastions like in Gajwel, Sirsilla, Siddipet. Here are the constituencies which will witness significant battles Gajwel Gajwel is the Assembly constituency from where Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao has filed his nomination. The Congress has pitted Vanteru Pratap Reddy against him. During the last elections, Reddy lost the seat to Rao on a TDP ticket. Later, he joined the Congress. However, KCR's margin of victory (19,366 votes) in the election in 2014 may not have been as large as he may have hoped, as Reddy garnered a substantial 67,303 votes. With the Congress and TDP in an alliance, the chief minister's battle to win his constituency may not be an easy one. Another factor that can work against KCR is him not having spent much time in the constituency. According to a recent report in The Times of India, KCR, while addressing party members from across Gajwel at Erravelli, said, I will allocate more time for Gajwel in my next term. Moreover, several TRS leaders from Gajwel joined the Congress in October. KCR, however, remains confident about his governments development work and welfare projects. Khanapur Out of the ten constituencies in Adilabad district, the TRS had won seven seats in 2014. Khanapur, the largest of the ten constituencies will witness a three-way contest in the 7 December elections. It is also ones of the places where the long-brewing Adivasi-Lambada conflict is likely to impact the results of the election. Khanapur will witness a battle between three key candidates sitting TRS legislator Ajmeera Rekha, BJP leader Satla Ashok and Congress Ramesh Rathod. Apart from them, Ajmeera Hari Naik (BSP) and Thodasam Bhim Rao (CPM) are also in the contest. The Adivasis have openly declared support to the BJP candidate after the Congress fielded a Lambada candidate, despite protests. One of the major demands that the residents of the constituency have raised is the establishment of tribal universities. Earlier, the Union government had proposed the establishment of two such universities one in Utnoor, Telangana and the other in Paderu, Andhra Pradesh, as reported by The New Indian Express. According to the 2011 Census, Telangana had 22 lakh Lambadas and 9.5 lakh Adivasis. Sircilla Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao, popularly referred to as KTR, is a three-time MLA from Sircilla. In 2014, KTR garnered 92,135 votes, far ahead of rival candidate K Ravinder Rao, who got 39,131 votes. KTR is the son of Telangana chief minister and TRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao. Apart from KTR, the other key contestants are Mallagari Narsa Goud of BJP and KK Mahender Reddy of Congress. The TRS free saree distribution scheme can earn it dividends in this constituency, as it had greatly benefited weavers. The scheme had helped overcome the scourge of suicides and improve their earnings, and the weavers fear that if the TRS fails to retain power, the scheme may be scrapped. In 2017, the TRS government, under the scheme, placed orders for one crore sarees, which were distributed among women through ration shops. This year, the ruling party has planned to distribute 95 lakh sarees and placed orders of production. KTR has been dividing his time between his own constituency of Sircilla and Hyderabad, where has been extensively campaigning for the TRS. Chandrayangutta In 2014, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) had won seven seats out of 15 in Hyderabad, the most by any party in the city. The TRS, on the other hand, had won from just one constituency Secunderabad. Akbaruddin Owaisi AIMIM leader and younger brother of party chief Asaduddin Owaisi has been elected as an MLAs four times in a row from the Chandrayangutta constituency. The first time that he was elected from the constituency was in 1999. Owaisi, known to be a firebrand leader, was also been booked for hate speech after he allegedly used inflammatory and derogatory language against a community during his public speeches in December 2012. In the 2014 elections, Dr Khayam Khan, the then leader of the AIMIMs traditional political rival Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), had emerged at second place. However, the difference in the votes garnered by Owaisi and Khan was a large one at 59,274. Khayam Khan died of a heart attack in 2016. This time, the MBT has put up Syed Mustafa Mehmood as its candidate. Incumbent MLA Owaisi also faces a challenge from two debutants the Congress Esa bin Obaid Misri and the BJPs Syed Shahzadi. Misri, a former Mr Universe silver medallist, is the first Muslim candidate nominated by the Congress in the constituency since 1985. Shahzadi was a leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Speaking to PTI, she said that there has been no improvement in the condition of the constituency, although the AIMIM has been elected for the past two decades. Serlingampally Serlingampally is one of the richest constituencies in Ranga Reddy district, and IT giants like Google, Deloitte, Oracle and Infosys are located there. As a number of people from outside the state have settled there, the conflict between locals and migrants may play a part in the political scenario in the constituency, as stated by The News Minute. Although, the place is touted as one of the fastest growing areas in Hyderabad city, citizens have been very vocal about several civic problems. In the last election, Arekapudi Gandhi won the Serlingampally seat on a TDP ticket with 1,29,796 votes against TRS candidate Komaragoni Shanker Goud, who was the runner-up with 53, 539 votes. With inputs from PTI Yogi Adityanath further launched an attack on Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Congress, claiming that all the three parties practice dynasty politics. Karimnagar (Telangana): Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that if Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in Telangana then it will rename Karimnagar as Karipuram. Addressing an election rally in Karimnagar, Adityanath said, "In order to respect the sentiments of people of Telangana, BJP will rename Karimnagar to Karipuram." Comparing the work of Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (popularly known as KCR) to that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Adityanath underscored that KCR made big promises but never fulfilled them. However, Modi provided various benefits to the people of the nation without any discrimination. "Two crore people were given affordable houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), four crore poor people were provided with free electricity, 8 crore people were given free LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana, 12 crore toilets were built under Swachh Bharat mission, 32 crore people received benefit of Jan Dhan Yojna and Rs 5 lakh medical insurance on an annual basis is being provided to the needy people," the Uttar Pradesh chief minister added. Adityanath further launched an attack on Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Congress, claiming that all the three parties practice dynasty politics. "If they come to power in Telangana then it will be only their sons or daughters who will take over them. But, BJP gives equal opportunities to all - only BJP can make a tea seller, the Prime Minister of this country," Adityanath asserted. Adityanath also underlined that all other political parties only want to favour Muslims. "The Congress, TDP> and TRS work for the appeasement of Muslims. Their election manifestos say that they will separately work for the development of the Muslim community. They only want to favour Muslims, depriving other communities of their rights," he added. Telangana Assembly elections are due on 7 December. The counting of votes will take place on 11 December. Indo-Asian News Service Australia is mulling a strict law that gives enforcement agencies power to track messages on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram that offer end-to-end encryption and also to force users to open their smartphones when demanded, a media report said. The controversial encryption bill comes at a time amid allegations of encrypted platforms facilitating the spread of rumours, hate speech and even criminal activities like child trafficking and drugs businesses. In countries like India messages circulated in WhatsApp have been linked to several lynching cases, forcing the government to ask platform to take suitable preventive action. But the new Australia bill also raises privacy concerns as under the proposed legislation, the Australian government agencies could compel companies to build spyware. The proposed laws could force companies to remove electronic protections, assist government agencies in accessing material from a suspect's device, and in getting technical information such as design specifications to help in an investigation, News.com.au reported on Wednesday. Critics have slammed the bill for being broad in scope, vague and potentially damaging to the security of the global digital economy, the report said, adding that a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has been scrutinising the bill. The laws will help security agencies nab terrorists, child sex offenders and other serious criminals, Australia's Attorney-General Christian Porter was quoted as saying. About 95 per cent of people currently being surveilled by security agencies are using encrypted messages, he added. The spying powers are limited to only "serious offences" such as preventing terrorism and tackling organised crime in Australia, Daily Mail reported. Reuters Foreign interference including cyber threats and espionage poses greater strategic challenges to Canada than terrorism, the nations spy chief said in a rare public speech on Tuesday. Activities by hostile states can have a corrosive effect on our democratic systems and institutions, said David Vigneault, head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Vigneault said the scale, speed, range and impact of foreign interference had grown as a result of the internet, social media platforms and the availability of cheaper and more accessible cyber tools. Terrorism has understandably occupied a significant portion of our collective attention for almost two decades, he said in a speech in Toronto. Nevertheless, other national security threats such as foreign interference, cyber threats and espionage pose greater strategic challenges and must also be addressed. Vigneault said hostile foreign intelligence services were gathering political, economic, commercial and military information in Canada. In particular, he said, CSIS had seen a trend of state-sponsored espionage in fields such as artificial intelligence, clean technology and the fifth-generation mobile network. Although Vigneault did not single out any nation, Western governments are increasingly wary of what they say is possible Chinese state involvement in 5G and other communications networks. tech2 News Staff Outages aren't very common when it comes to major social media networks like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, that's because these social media giants have teams working around the clock to ensure everything's fine. That said, Facebook is officially down across most countries in Europe and there are several complaints coming in from India as well. But what does one do when there's an outage on Facebook? Well, blow up on Twitter and that's certainly what the world is up to right now. Has Facebook crashed for anyone else??? Keep getting asked to log in? @facebook #facebookdown #facebook Ami (@throughamiseyes) December 5, 2018 OK @facebook ive been locked out of my account and you won't accept my current email address instead of the redundant one I set up the account with because I apparently have another account under my current one. With me? what do I do? Ruth Hayes #FBPE (@ruthiemeech) December 5, 2018 Can't log-in after force log out on #facebook, can't reset password eilher as password reset email didn't arrive, using google to confirm account is broken too. Is facebook down? #FacebookDown pic.twitter.com/7czAWpUN2b Juozas Pocius (@juozas) December 5, 2018 Users are stating that they have been logged out of their accounts and being unable to log back in. Business Manager, a tool meant for Facebook's enterprise clients, also seems to be down. It seems to be a Facebook problem but the two shouldn't be linked like that. You should still be able to log in to the Business Manager interface even if you can't log in on Facebook Charlie Chatz (@charlie_chatz) December 5, 2018 Down detector and Outage.Report, also confirms that Facebook is down, with heat maps suggesting that most of the outage reports are stemming mostly from countries in Europe. Facebook is yet to officially state anything yet and there's no ETA on when you might be able to log back in just yet. We will update this story and keep you updated when that happens. tech2 News Staff Google chief executive Sundar Pichai will testify before the US House Judiciary Committee on 11 December, the panel said in a statement on 4 December as Washington prepared for the state funeral of former President George HW Bush. The hearing will examine Googles social media practices, according to the notice on the panels website. The committees chairman, Bob Goodlatte, had said on 2 December that Pichais testimony would likely be postponed to observe Bushs death. In September another hearing was scheduled where Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Larry Page were asked to come along with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg to defend their respective companies from doubts over their preparedness to combat foreign interference to influence US politics. However, neither Pichai nor Page showed up. Google decided to pass on the chance to defend itself and its empty chair had then intensified the pressure against the company from lawmakers. Finally, the hearing was scheduled for today, 5 December, the same day a state funeral is being held for Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington. Goodlatte said in an interview with Fox News Sunday Morning Futures that he expected the hearing to be rescheduled. But we expect that to occur and its very, very important that it do occur, he said. In addition to queries about possible political bias, lawmakers may also examine Googles potential investments in China. Google previously told US lawmakers it was considering 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. With inputs from Reuters Sheldon Pinto Now that our review of the Mate 20 Pro is out. Its time we took a long, hard look at how Huaweis Mate series smartphones camera compares with rest of the premium segment. The Huawei Mate 20 Pro is one of the last premium flagship smartphones to be launched in India this year (at least we hope so), but the long wait for fans of the brand may seem well worth it. The device is turning out to be one of the best smartphones of 2018 and now it also appears to have one of the best camera hardware, even if the Pixel 3XL goes a step further with software. While I praised the Mate 20 Pro for the variety of lenses it provides, it also packs great software processing that does wonders in low light photography. As for the competition, we have Googles best smartphone with the Pixel 3XL that has been the best Portrait shooter so far. Our next contender is the Apple iPhone XS that has excelled in the video department, but not so much when it comes to photos since the last iPhones. And last, but definitely not the least is the massive Samsung Galaxy Note 9 which is the best we have from Samsung so far with its unique dual aperture camera system. So lets take a look at how it fares when pitted again the competition. Portraits Clicking photos of my colleague Sneha Sharma using all of our four contenders saw the best results coming from the Google Pixel 3XL with the Mate 20 Pro coming in at second and the iPhone XS at third. The Galaxy Note 9 clearly shot the worst Portrait images, but this not something new and we have seen such blurry results since the Galaxy S9. The Google Pixel 3XL thanks to its synthetic fill flash exposed Snehas face really well. It had the most accurate colours, got the edge-detection right, and did not simply round it off like the Mate 20 Pro did (tidying up Snehas hair by giving her a virtual haircut). While the Mate 20 Pro produced a really sharp image, the separation was a bit too extreme and looks a bit artificial in my opinion. The Mate 20 Pro also seems to have cleaned up the subjects face a bit even though Sneha liked the Mate 20 Pro the best. The iPhone XS showcased a heavy yellow cast and just kept her face in focus with her hair and body out of focus. Selfie Portraits Moving to an awkward lighting condition with a strong backlight on a sunny afternoon, I took a Portrait selfie using all the four smartphones. As expected the Google Pixel 3XL aced it with an almost unreal and professionally exposed face against the strong backlight. In second place was the iPhone XS which produced a more natural-looking selfie with sharper details on my face. In third place, is the Mate 20 Pro which surprisingly fell short of details and the Galaxy Note 9 in the last place. Indeed, theres competition when it comes to clicking Portrait photos, but the Pixel 3XL not just gets it right, but thanks to machine learning it gets you a professionally edited photo every single time. Landscapes After spending the working day at the office, shooting humans, I decided to head out and capture the golden hour at Mumbais Marine Drive, hoping to see a good sunset. And boy was I wrong! All the pollution accumulated during the day meant that the sun was barely visible through the thick smog that settled over the island city. So I made the most of it by clicking a few shots of the bland landscape and it kind of looked interesting thanks to the low tide and the exposed rocks and tetrapods. Out here, the Google Pixel 3XL produced the most unreal and contrasted photos, that looked nothing like the scene in front of me. Here, I preferred the output from the Mate 20 Pro, that produced sharp photos with less noise and was closest to what the scene looked like. Second in place would be the Galaxy Note 9 and in third place was the iPhone XS. While some may prefer the over contrasted image that the Pixel 3XL produced, it was not sharp and did look a bit blurry. Once the sun had almost set and the buildings around Marine Drive switched on their lights, I pointed the cameras inwards towards the bay. With wind speeds now picking up the haze finally began to clear up a bit, I quickly snapped pictures of the Air India building and the Trident hotel pointing towards Nariman Point. Out here, The Mate 20 Pro once again produced some sharp and natural-looking images, while the Google Pixel 3XL magically removed the haze (like it was Bruce Almighty). The iPhone XSs results looked a bit too noisy while the Note 9 lost out on details (the Trident logo looks distorted) with the haze. By now, the sun had set so I walked all the way the other side and reached the Gateway of India and it looked glorious with the lighting on. Standing at Apollo Bunder, I pointed all four cameras to get what I could scavenge from the low light scene with just the Gateway monument that was lit up in the distance. The results were quite surprising. The Mate 20 Pro clicked the sharpest images which the Pixel 3XL just could not match. The iPhone XS was far from the competition while Note 9 managed better with a slightly overexposed image that was low on details. The Mate 20 Pro produced a capture with the lowest noise. The Pixel 3XL produced a soft image and all of its machine learning chops just could not help out. I must note that Mate 20 Pros camera does bump up the saturation levels, but again, thats only in some scenarios and not every shot. And after a day of hard work, it was a glass of beer and some sausages at a local pub. To the waiters surprise, I suddenly pulled out the four phones out of my bag and quickly clicked the platter or sausages and fries I had ordered. The Mate 20 Pro again produced the best-looking photo here thanks to its naturally sharp processing with the front area of the plate in focus, while the Pixel 3XL preferred the fries over the sausages and decided to focus on them instead. The iPhone XS was low on details being a dimly lit pub. The Note 9 did produce a surprisingly good food photo but it was a bit too saturated almost making me peep over the phone and look into to my plate to confirm that my dinner looked like that. Extreme Low light And since I was outdoors at night, I decided to shoot images using the Pixel 3XLs Night Sight and the Mate 20 Pros Night Mode. It extremely dark scenarios like the shot of the boats at Apollo Bunder, the results were better on the Mate 20 pro with slightly sharper images that were in focus, as opposed to the Pixel 3XLs blurred results with loads of noise. The Pixel 3XL did manage to produce better colours overall in these extreme low light shots. Next, I decided to click a street lit scene and noticed that the Pixel bumps up the colours a bit too much. The Huawei while over-sharpening things in the same scene did produce a more natural-looking image. But the Pixels Night Sight wins here because Huaweis Night Mode turned the photograph into a painting. The bottom line is that most of us will rarely end up using the photos shot in these modes unless you have a static scene like the street lit scene above. Googles implementation of Night Sight is a bit better than Huaweis since it delivers sharper looking photos in low light (not extreme low light) scenes. But then again, you will not need to use to Night Mode of the Mate 20 Pro as the Auto mode will be enough in such low light shooting scenarios. So for general low light shooting, the Mate 20 Pro is a better choice. While clicking photos of subjects seated up to two metres away in a dark room, the Pixel (right) clicked better photos as compared to blurry and flat shots produced by the Mate 20 Pro. Zoom Since I was out in the field, I also decided to put the Pixel 3XLs Super Res Zoom up against Huaweis optical and digital zoom chops. To my surprise, the Mate 20 Pros Zoom not only goes farther up to 10x (digital) but also produces cleaner images that dont look like painting as on the Pixel 3XL. The Mate 20 Pro also has a macro mode that lets you click subjects as close as 2.5 cm from the lens. You can check out all the camera samples in this comparison in our Flickr album by clicking here. Conclusion While all the four smartphones in the comparison pack in impressive camera hardware, theres simply no beating the Mate 20 Pro with its arsenal of lenses and equally capable software that are built to tackle almost any lighting situation and produce good-looking images. Add to this the attractive pricing, that gets you a bigger display, better design, better battery life, SuperCharging and 128 GB of internal storage at Rs 69,990 is a cherry on the top. The Pixel 3XL at Rs 83,000 for the 64 GB model is still my favourite when it comes to Portrait photos, but thats about it. Its charging speed is lousy and in my opinion, it does look a bit boring with its oversized display notch and uninspiring design despite the stock Android software. The iPhone XSs strong point is its video capabilities that simply cannot be matched by any of its rivals and while it shoots great photos in daylight, its Portrait mode and low light shooting is not up to the mark. And this leaves Samsungs Galaxy Note 9 in a really tough spot despite being the only smartphone to feature a dual aperture system. Samsung really needs to up its camera game as the competition has moved way ahead! Reuters Email accounts for a campaign group supporting Republicans candidates running for the US House of Representatives were hacked before this years congressional elections, according to a person familiar with the investigation. Hackers used National Republican Congressional Committee credentials to access a small number of email accounts at the organisation, which is also known as the NRCC, said the person, who was not authorised to discuss details of the attack. NRCC spokesman Ian Prior confirmed the group was the victim of a cyber attack by an unknown party, but disputed that stolen passwords were used. Upon learning of the intrusion, the NRCC immediately launched an internal investigation and notified the FBI, which is now investigating the matter, Prior said. The NRCC changed the passwords at its web-based email provider and took steps to prevent similar attacks, said the person, who did not name the email provider. The hackers used techniques that make them difficult to identify and officials have yet to determine whether they were aligned with a foreign government, said a second person familiar with the case. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said in a statement that the NRCC asked it in April to investigate unauthorised access to the groups emails. The NRCC had previous hired CrowdStrike to protect the NRCCs internal corporate network, which was not compromised in the incident, the company said. The news was first reported by Politico, which said the NRCC learned about the attack from a vendor who alerted the committee and its cybersecurity contractor. Senior Republican House leaders, including Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, were not informed, however, until contacted by the news site, Politico said. An FBI spokeswoman declined to comment. A senior US Department of Homeland Security official told Reuters on Tuesday the agency had not been informed by the NRCC or FBI of such an attack. During the most recent election cycle, the NRCC raised more than $174 million and spent most of the cash on advertisements trying to help Republicans in difficult races. Concerns about campaign security have heightened since US intelligence agencies concluded last year that Russia orchestrated the hacking of Democratic officials to meddle with the 2016 presidential election. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating Russias alleged 2016 election meddling, which Moscow denies. International organizations have been granted a 60-day deadline to close all operations. In a note, the Ministry of the Interior states: "Expulsion is fully in line with national priorities". Islamabad (AsiaNews) - The expulsion of 18 foreign NGOs by the government of Islamabad puts at risk the survival of 11 million people in need of help, state some Western diplomats to Reuters agency. Among the organizations forced to leave the country, there are World Vision, Plan International and ActionAid, which last week announced the closure of offices and the dismissal of employees. The final decision on the removal of foreign NGOs dates back to two months ago, when the government decided to suspend their activities and set a time limit of 60 days to leave the country. Most of them work in the field of human rights and social support. Adriano Campolina, general secretary of ActionAid International, told AsiaNews that the news was leaked on the press and expressed great concern about the fate of the poor assisted by the association. In Pakistan, ActionAid assists 1.4 million poor people through development programs, children's education and women's empowerment. "Those most affected by our expulsion - he said - is the Pakistani society, the millions of poor people who depend on aid". The groups that defend human rights complain about the lack of transparency that accompanied the process of revision of the concessions and subsequent expulsion of the NGOs. However, with a note released in recent weeks, the Ministry of the Interior says that the policies concerning international associations have been "fully in line" with the development priorities and needs at national level. "The Islamabad government it added - appreciates the assistance provided by donor agencies". Indo-Asian News Service While the global community displayed an unprecedented speed in ratifying the Paris Agreement, the same is not visible in meeting the climate finance obligations, an Indian discussion paper released at COP24 in Poland said. From failure to meet commitments by developed countries and deviations in definition of climate finance to issues related to reporting and tracking of climate finance were some of the issues highlighted by the paper drafted by the Finance Ministry. The paper, which examines the scope, scale and speed required in climate finance, said: "The present scope, scale and speed of climate finance are not only insufficient but also not even being discussed properly." It added: "Though a quarter of a century has passed, climate finance discussions still lack a precise and adequate system of accounting modalities for financial resources." The discussion paper prepared by the Climate Change Finance Unit, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance analysed the post-Paris Agreement developments, the seriousness of discourse in the international climate finance arena, and the scope, scale, and speed needed. The paper, however, had a disclaimer saying it does not necessarily reflect the views of the Indian government. On the scale of investment, the paper said the $100 billion quantitative commitment by developed countries at Copenhagen in 2009 "is a meagre amount in size in contrast to the actual needs assessed for developing countries in trillions of dollars". "We have to be much more serious in this business. Climate finance targets need to be set high in order for climate justice to be delivered for poorer countries and future generations." The paper finds serious concerns with the various numbers on climate finance reported by the developed countries. Definitions of climate change finance used in various reports were not consistent with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provisions, it said. "Methodologies used were also questionable," it added. The highly critical paper said: "The global community displayed an unprecedented speed in ratifying the Paris Agreement. Meeting the climate finance obligations also deserves the same momentum. tech2 News Staff A team of scientists has discovered ripples in space-time, called gravitational waves, from what they think is the biggest black hole collision ever recorded. Scientists made this observation after revisiting old data from one of the world's largest observatory studying gravitational waves the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) in the US. The old data collected by the LIGO team revealed a merger of two separate stars pairs that collapsed into one another to form two separate black holes on 29 July 2017. The result was the merging of these black holes to form a third the biggest one ever recorded. The resulting black hole is roughly 80 times as large as the Sun, they said. Luckily for us, the dramatic event took place nine billion light-years away. "This event also had black holes spinning the fastest of all mergers observed so far. It is also by far the most distant merger observed," Professor Scott, lead scientist of the study at ANU, told university press. Along with the collision, the team also discovered three other 'black holes mergers'. "These detections of black-hole collisions greatly improve our understanding of how many binary black hole systems there are in the Universe, as well as the range of their masses and how fast the black holes spin during a merger," Scott added. The LIGO researchers also intend to make the detector more sensitive to cataclysmic events further away in the universe. After the first observations were picked up by the LIGO team, the instrument was recalibrated and the data from it cleaned up for the next observation run. "This increased the sensitivity of the detector network allowing our searches to detect more sources," Scott said. "We have also incorporated improved models of the expected signals in our searches." The three smaller collisions were detected in August 2017 at distances of three billion and six billion light-years from Earth, causing black holes that were 56 to 66 times larger than the Sun. "These were from four different binary black hole systems smashing together and radiating strong gravitational waves out into space," Scott said. The expert stressed that observing these collisions will help to better understand how many binary black hole systems exist in the universe, as well as the range of their masses and the speed with which they spin during a merger. The LIGO team, with researchers from around the world, has detected gravitational waves from ten different black hole-mergers and one neutron star collision over the past three years. Neutron stars are the densest kinds of stars in the known universe, with a diameter of up to about 20 kilometres. "Our new project will help to provide critical information about what we get from the merger of two neutron stars," Dr Karl Wette, a postdoctoral fellow at ANU. Indo-Asian News Service Around 1,800 million people would be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity by the year 2025, when two-thirds of the world population could be under stress, an expert said here on Tuesday. In India, which is one of the major countries hit by the menace of arsenic contamination of groundwater, the government projects have suffered due to lack of people's involvement, West Bengal government's Arsenic Task Force Chairman KJ Nath said at a workshop organised by the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation (SISSO). "During 1970s and 80s, a large number of people in the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains (West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam) were affected by arsenic contaminated groundwater. It is acute in Bangladesh and China. The government programmes providing arsenic-free water involves operational problem as people are not involved in it," said Nath, former Director of All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health. He pointed out that in the 1930s and 40s, surface water was the primary source of drinking water. But due to an epidemic of diarrhoea and cholera, the government shifted to deep tubular wells and that brought the problem of arsenic. Permissible amount of arsenic in drinking water is 0.05 mg/l in India as per Bureau of Indian Standards. The 2011 Census says that 1.79 crores of rural and 1.41 crores of urban population is affected with high arsenic level in West Bengal. Turning to the global scenario, Nath said the way water defies political boundaries and classification, the crisis is also beyond the scope of any individual country or sector and cannot be dealt with in isolation. "By 2025, 1800 million people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity and two-thirds of the world population could be under stress condition," he said. SISSO, working to improve sanitation in the country, has taken up pilot projects in five places of West Bengal for providing treated surface water at a nominal price. "Through our pilot projects in Madhusudankati (North 24 Parganas), Paschim Midnapur, Harisdaspur (Bongaon), we have been able to assist local NGOs and self-help groups to provide safe water by treating surface water," SISSO Founder Bindeshwar Pathak said. The plant in Madhusudankati provides almost 8,000 litres of water per day at Rs 1 per litre. Pathak mentioned that there are similar projects where the plant is run by community people in Bihar and Delhi. "We are also planning to set up a new plant in Madhusudankati and another one in Bengal that will treat groundwater and make it arsenic free. With a new technology from Denmark, there will be no problem of dealing with the disposal of the collected arsenic," Pathak said. State Panchayat and Rural Development, and Public Health Engineering Minister Subrata Mukherjee called for spreading more awareness. "Around 83 blocks in West Bengal and some places in Kolkata have high arsenic level in groundwater. We are working hard to provide safe water but the main issue is awareness. It is not just about arsenic but also about saving our depleting water resources," Mukherjee said. By Elizabeth Piper, William James and Kylie MacLellan LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered embarrassing blows on Tuesday at the start of five days of debate over her plans to leave the European Union that could determine the future of Brexit and the fate of her government. May wants to secure parliament's approval for her deal to keep close ties with the EU after leaving in March, but opposition is fierce, with Brexit supporters and opponents alike wanting if not to derail, then to thwart her plan. That opposition was writ large at the beginning of the debate, before the main vote on Dec. By Elizabeth Piper, William James and Kylie MacLellan LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered embarrassing blows on Tuesday at the start of five days of debate over her plans to leave the European Union that could determine the future of Brexit and the fate of her government. May wants to secure parliament's approval for her deal to keep close ties with the EU after leaving in March, but opposition is fierce, with Brexit supporters and opponents alike wanting if not to derail, then to thwart her plan. That opposition was writ large at the beginning of the debate, before the main vote on Dec. 11, when her government was found in contempt of parliament and then a group of her own Conservative Party lawmakers won a challenge to hand more power to the House of Commons if her deal is voted down. That could reduce the risk of Britain leaving the EU without any deal, prompting sterling to recover some of its losses after the vote on contempt drove it down to levels not seen since June last year. The debates and final vote on Dec. 11 are crucial in determining how, and possibly even if, Britain leaves the EU as planned on March 29, in the country's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years. Her plans are vulnerable to more change over the days of debate, and advice from a senior EU legal aide that Britain had the right to withdraw its Brexit notice opened yet another front in May's battle to win the approval of parliament. So far, May is standing firm. "We need to deliver a Brexit that respects the decision of the British people," she told lawmakers after suffering the defeats. "This argument has gone on long enough. It is corrosive to our politics and life depends on compromise." If lawmakers do not back her deal, May says, they could open the door either to Britain falling out of the EU without measures to soften the transition, or to the possibility that Brexit does not happen. Anxious to prevent a "no-deal" Brexit, a group of mainly pro-EU lawmakers from May's Conservative Party won a vote to make sure parliament gets more power to dictate any next steps the government takes if her exit plan fails. For them, there may be another way out. The formal advice from a European Court of Justice advocate general - not binding but usually heeded by the court - suggested to some lawmakers that revoking the "Article 50" divorce notice was an option. "It's a false choice to say it's the PM's deal or chaos," said Conservative lawmaker Sam Gyimah, who quit as a minister on Friday over May's deal. "We should look at all the options and not be boxed in by our own red lines." But May's spokesman told reporters: "It does nothing in any event to change the clear position of the government that Article 50 is not going to be revoked." CRUCIAL VOTE If, against the odds, May wins the crucial Dec. 11 vote, Britain will leave the EU on March 29 on the terms she negotiated with Brussels. If she loses, May could call for a second vote on the deal. But defeat would increase the chances of a "no-deal" exit, which could mean chaos for Britain's economy and businesses, and put May under fierce pressure to resign. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney denied accusations of scaremongering after the bank said last week that, under a worst-case Brexit, Britain could suffer greater damage to its economy than during the financial crisis of 2008. Defeat for May could also make it more likely that Britain will hold a second referendum on exiting the EU - which would almost certainly require it at least to defer its departure - three years after voting narrowly to leave. The vote against the government over contempt proceedings, won by 311 against 293, was a smaller margin than some had predicted. But the government lost the later vote on handing parliament more power by a bigger margin, 321 votes to 299, a move some Brexit campaigners said held little weight as it would not bind the government to take any proposed action. May, 62, has toured Britain, spent hours being grilled in parliament and invited lawmakers to her Downing Street residence to try to win over her many critics. But the deal has united critics at both ends of the spectrum: eurosceptics say it will make Britain a vassal state while EU supporters take a similar line, saying it will have to obey the rules of membership while foregoing the benefits. Her own nominal allies in the Northern Irish DUP have also said they will vote against her deal. But on Tuesday DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds said that, despite voting against the government on the contempt issue, his party's agreement to support May's government remained in place. "We signed up to the confidence and supply agreement to support the government on Brexit on the basis of shared priorities. We haven't broken that," he told Sky News. "Theresa May unfortunately seems to be going down a road of delivering neither Brexit in its true form or keeping the United Kingdom together economically and politically." (Additional reporting by Michele Sinner in Luxembourg, Gabriela Baczynska in Brussels, Andrew MacAskill, Costas Pitas, William Schomberg, Michael Holden in London; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Gareth Jones) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Matthew Hedges described being put in ankle cuffs whenever he left his cell to go to the bathroom and said he was 'blindfolded and handcuffed' when being moved to different premises London: A British man convicted in the United Arab Emirates for spying said on Wednesday that he was psychologically tortured and that his captors asked him to turn double agent against the British government. Matthew Hedges, a university researcher, was detained at Dubai airport on 5 May, held in solitary confinement for months and sentenced to life in prison on 21 November before being pardoned by UAE authorities five days later. In his first broadcast interview since returning last week, Hedges was asked on BBC radio's Today programme whether he had been tortured and replied: "Psychologically, correct, yes." Hedges described being put in ankle cuffs whenever he left his cell to go to the bathroom and said he was "blindfolded and handcuffed" when being moved to different premises. One day when he repeated his denials that he was not spying for the British government, he said his interrogators forced him to stand up for an entire day wearing ankle cuffs. "It's mentally exhausting. Physically, the adrenaline takes over. It's how it made you feel mentally," he said. Hedges said he suffered depression and anxiety and was given "a cocktail of medication" by his captors. "I asked for the medication to be increased," he said. When his interrogators increased the psychological pressure, he said he confessed to being an MI6 agent. "At that point, I had no other option," he said. He said he told his interrogators he was a "captain" in MI6 a rank that does not exist in the foreign intelligence service only because it was suggested by them. A few days after being detained, he said he also suffered a panic attack after one of his interrogators asked him "to steal official documentation from the Foreign Office". "I said even if I wanted to I couldn't, I don't work for the Foreign Office," he said. He described the sentencing as "an explosion". "I wasn't able to process it right in the court. It was too much," he said, adding that he was not able to say goodbye to his wife Daniela Tejada who was in the courtroom. His priority now is to "try and relax" before trying to "clear my name", he said, complaining that the UAE conviction on his record could limit his travel options. Hedges has said he was carrying out research on the UAE's foreign and security policies after the Arab Spring revolutions in 2011 for a doctorate at Durham University. The case caused outrage in Britain, a close ally of UAE. The UAE continues to assert that he was a spy and says Hedges was treated fairly. A powerful earthquake that struck in the southern Pacific Ocean on Wednesday sent jitters around the region after authorities warned of possible tsunamis, but there were no initial reports of destructive waves or major damage. Wellington: A powerful earthquake that struck in the southern Pacific Ocean on Wednesday sent jitters around the region after authorities warned of possible tsunamis, but there were no initial reports of destructive waves or major damage. The magnitude 7.5 quake hit in the afternoon near New Caledonia at a shallow depth, where earthquakes are generally more damaging. It was felt as far away as Vanuatu. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said tsunami waves of between 1 and 3 metres (3 and 10 feet) were possible along some coasts of New Caledonia and Vanuatu, before later lifting the warning. Local authorities in New Caledonia ordered residents to evacuate coastal zones on the eastern edge of the archipelago, including the Iles Loyaute islands and Ile des Pins Island. The evacuation order from the regional police said western islands didnt need to evacuate but should remain vigilant. #UPDATE A shallow and powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake strikes off New Caledonia prompting a tsunami alert and evacuations on the Pacific island, authorities say https://t.co/Y72Yc9kagW pic.twitter.com/3YO8QfTQyd AFP news agency (@AFP) December 5, 2018 Judith Rostain, a freelance journalist based in New Caledonias capital Noumea, said there was no damage to the city and that the threat of a tsunami appeared to have passed. She said the situation remained unclear on the east coast and scattered outer islands. In Vanuatu, Dan McGarry said he heard only of three small wave surges hitting the southern island of Aneityum. McGarry, the media director at the Vanuatu Daily Post, said the waves travelled only a couple of metres beyond the normal tidal waves, and that everybody was fine on the island. McGarry said he felt the quake where he is based in Vanuatus capital, Port Vila, as a mild shaking. We get a lot of earthquakes every year, he said. The tsunami warning was what was different this time, though. The warning centre said there was no tsunami threat to Hawaii. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck about 168 kilometres (104 miles) east of Tadine in New Caledonia at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles). At least six aftershocks also hit, ranging in magnitude from 5.6 to 6.6. The populations of Vanuatu and New Caledonia are similar, with just over 2,80,000 people living in each archipelago. Last month, voters in New Caledonia elected to remain a territory of France rather than becoming independent. Both New Caledonia and Vanuatu sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where most of the worlds earthquakes and volcanic activity occur. By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's Unification Ministry, responsible for inter-Korean affairs, has seen its standing wax and wane along with relations between the still officially warring neighbours. By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's Unification Ministry, responsible for inter-Korean affairs, has seen its standing wax and wane along with relations between the still officially warring neighbours. The ministry returned to prominence this year after three summits between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended with pledges to defuse military tensions, restart economic cooperation and formally end the 1950-53 Korean War. But those efforts have placed the ministry in a bind, with Washington wary of rapid progress between the two Koreas that may undermine international sanctions and efforts to dismantle the North's nuclear and missile programmes. Here is a summary of the ministry's history, mission and how its work has evolved in line with changes in domestic political tides and diplomatic dynamics. ONE OF A KIND The South's full-fledged Unification Ministry is the only one of its kind in the world, with its northern counterpart being the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country. Amid fears Pyongyang might forcibly reunify the peninsula, former military dictator Park Chung-hee created the ministry's 45-strong precursor in 1969, at the height of the Cold War, as a public propaganda body against the North. Research papers issued by the agency in 1969 included "Communist forces and their strategy in Far East," "The North Korean puppet regime's Japan policy" and "Communist China's Asia policy and Korea reunification," the National Archives of Korea show. An educational video distributed by the agency in 1972 explores how to utilise North Korean defectors in the South and pro-Pyongyang Korean residents in Japan for "psychological warfare" against the North. "For the Park regime, unification was a good excuse to heighten wariness against the North and justify its military rule," said Chung Se-hyun, who joined the ministry in 1977 and served as minister from 2002 to 2004. HEYDAY AND DECLINE As relations thawed in the early 1970s, the unification agency's role evolved to include cross-border dialogue and exchanges. The ministry expanded its duties in the 1990s, studying human rights abuses in North Korea and helping resettle defectors who fled amid a devastating famine in the mid-1990s. The ministry's heyday came under liberal presidents Kim Dae-jung, who upgraded its status to full-fledged ministry in 1998, and his successor Roh Moo-hyun. It played a pivotal role when Kim and Roh met with North Korea's late leader Kim Jong Il, for summits in 2000 and 2007 respectively, in Pyongyang. Staffing grew to 550 by 2007. But a series of incidents and attacks and the North's pursuit of nuclear-armed missiles, followed by international sanctions and the halt of joint economic projects, saw the ministry's influence wane. In 2008, newly elected conservative president Lee Myung-bak cut staff by 15 percent. In 2016, his conservative successor Park Geun-hye, shut down the Kaesong joint industrial park in the North, the last remaining symbol of inter-Korean rapprochement. NEW WIND AND DILEMMA Moon, a former chief of staff to Roh and who prepared him for the 2007 inter-Korean summit, took office in May 2017 vowing to restore dialogue. Moon wants to build an inter-Korean economic community, under a multibillion-dollar "New Korean Peninsula Economic Map". It envisions joint industrial zones and transportation links, including by reopening the Kaesong factory park and resuming tours to the North's Mount Kumkang resort. Moon's reconciliation policy has given a renewed sense of purpose to the 560-strong ministry, but at the same time posed a dilemma over how to proceed with inter-Korean initiatives while advancing nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington. Kim Jong Un vowed to work towards denuclearisation in his June summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, but the two countries have since failed to agree on a specific timeline or concrete steps to reach that goal in their subsequent negotiations. For full multimedia coverage on North Korea: https://www.reuters.com/north-korea/ (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin. Editing by Lincoln Feast.) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Once welcomed in Jammu, Rohingya refugees are now looked at with suspicion, as many believe that they will cause an exodus of the local population Take me to Hindustan, Mohammad Yusuf, a Rohingya refugee, told an auto rickshaw driver outside a railway station in Jammu city when he first arrived there in 2012. This is all Hindustan, responded the driver, after which Yusuf asked to be dropped in a nearby Muslim area. Since then, Yusuf and his family have been living at a Rohingya camp in the citys Narwal area. They came all the way from Maungdaw in Myanmars Rakhine state, fleeing the persecution led by the Tatmadaw Myanmars Buddhist-dominated military. Word of mouth and the portrayal of India in the news and television channels gave hope to refugees like Yusuf. We saw there is equality here. When we arrived, people showered us with love and showed sympathy, said Yusuf, adding that he believed India would raise a voice for them. After years in Jammu, however, their hopes were dashed last year when a prominent trade organisation called for a catch and kill agitation against the refugees, and local politicians played up fears of a demographic change. The central government too, joined the chorus and announced it was formulating a plan to deport Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. In December last year, the Indian government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Myanmar for the socio-economic development of Rakhine state, the Rohingya homeland, to help it achieve its objective of restoration of normalcy there and enable the return of the displaced. The Government of India, among other things, proposed a prefabricated housing project to accommodate the immediate needs of returning people. India has a long history of sheltering refugees from Afghanistan, Tibet, and Bangladesh to name a few but as India and China compete for influence in Myanmar, the Rohingya described as the worlds most persecuted community brace for an uncertain future. Their fears became stronger in early October as India deported seven Rohingya men a first by any country to Myanmar, where persecution of the ethnic minority continues. The move has shocked the community, said Amir Hussain, a Rohingya representative in Jammu. Hussain said he and other representatives of the Rohingya camps across the country recently met United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) officials in New Delhi, who assured them that the registered refugees would not be immediately deported. However, he said that a precedent has already been set. The government has opened up a way for us to be sent back. It will mean the end for us. There is still oppression in Myanmar, he added. In the camps of the Jammu region mainly in Jammu city and the Samba district Rohingya said they will go back the moment the situation is better in Myanmyar. They are wary of the Buddhist majority that took an active part in their persecution. The Myanmar government hasnt also done much to instill confidence in them and assure security upon their return. They now hope that India will use its political influence over Myanmar. Why cant the Indian government put pressure on Burma? Why cant it tell Burma to allow us to live in peace? If they deport us, it certainly means death or worse. Din Mohammad (60), who fled from the Yanchang village in the Buthidaung district to a camp in the Kirana Talab area of Jammu city, said, In India, everyone Hindu or Muslim is allowed to live together. Mohammad, like many other refugees, is unable to understand why India is then opposed to their stay here. Indias aid to the Myanmar government, he said, would be of no use until Myanmar allows the Rohingya to live with dignity and in a safe environment. Burmas military is the most powerful in the world, he said, referring to the imprisonment of the two Reuters journalists who documented the murders of Rohingya civilians by the Tatmadaw. Even America (the United States) could not free the two mediawallahs. Who will intervene for lakhs of Rohingya? he asked. Increased surveillance Since December 2017, when India and Myanmar signed a MoU, Rohingya refugees in Jammu say they have been put under increased surveillance. The same month, a form titled Format for Nationality Verification was circulated in the camps by the polices Criminal Investigation Department. The form seeks extensive details of the Rohingya, including their places of birth; educational qualifications and profession before migration; their physical features including height, colour of their eyes and hair; names and addresses of their friends and families in India, and if they have any criminal cases against them. A Rohingya representative said that every month, they have to submit the count of individuals staying in different camps. Police officials in Jammu said this was to keep track of the illegal migrants. At the last count, there were at least 1,550 Rohingya families, accounting for 6,500 individuals, living in Jammu a rise from 225 families in 2014 but a drop from more than 7,000 people in 2017. Also read on Firstpost: Rohingya fleeing Myanmar sought refuge in Jammu; now, they're facing prejudice from locals Camp representatives say that rather than more refugees coming to Jammu, many are now moving out, primarily to Hyderabad where a number of Rohingyas are already camping. This year alone about 100 have left, said a camp representative. Ineligible for jobs as they lack government documentation and even the skills, the Rohingya make ends meet by working as daily wagers. Some have opened up shops in their camps to cater to the community that largely does not speak Jammus local languages. The language barrier, refugees say, has often led to misunderstandings and the consistent misrepresentation by Jammus journalists has further exacerbated an already hostile environment. Wary of the growing hostility, a Rohingya representative said that most refugees would not venture far from the camps if it wasnt for earning their livelihood. Refugees vulnerable to radicalisation: Police Since 1947, Jammu city has been a melting pot of various refugee communities, but the influx of Rohingya, who are Muslims, has come at a time when the region is rife with apprehensions of a demographic change, something akin to the fears of the adjacent Kashmir Valley. Editorials in the regions reputed newspapers have regularly whipped up paranoia regarding the refugees, terming them anti-nationals and criminals who would eventually cause an exodus of the local population. Among Jammus Hindu population, police officials said, there were fears of being encircled by Muslims. Police officials in Jammu, however, say there is no concrete evidence to suggest any ill-motives behind the Rohingya community choosing Jammu to settle down. According to Din Mohammad, for many refugees the reason to come to Jammu was that it was the only state led by a Muslim chief minister. Most of our people do not know that there are Muslims in every state in India. When we saw that this state has a Muslim chief minister, we thought this might be a better place to live in, he added. Police officials, however, believe that the refugees, having suffered religion-driven persecution and with little avenues to improve their living standards, are vulnerable to radicalisation as their sufferings can be exploited. By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - When Seoul was preparing to open a liaison office in the North Korean city of Kaesong this summer after a decade of virtually no contact with its longtime enemy, South Korean officials had heated debates over whether they should seek approval from Washington. Some top aides to President Moon Jae-in stressed it was an issue for the two Koreas alone and there was no need to involve their U.S. ally, two people with knowledge of the situation told Reuters By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - When Seoul was preparing to open a liaison office in the North Korean city of Kaesong this summer after a decade of virtually no contact with its longtime enemy, South Korean officials had heated debates over whether they should seek approval from Washington. Some top aides to President Moon Jae-in stressed it was an issue for the two Koreas alone and there was no need to involve their U.S. ally, two people with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. But to the surprise of several officials at the meeting, Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon argued Washington must be consulted because Seoul's plans might run afoul of sanctions imposed on North Korea over its nuclear weapons programme. Two dozen countries including the Britain, Germany and Sweden already have embassies in Pyongyang, and other officials saw the proposed liaison office as a far lower-level of contact with the North. And they certainly did not expect Cho to be a leading advocate of strict enforcement of sanctions. Cho was Moon's personal choice to head the ministry, whose prime mission is to foster reconciliation, cooperation and eventual reunification with the North. Cho, whose 30 year public service history has been inextricably linked to reunification, was even sacked from the ministry in 2008 over his "dovish" stance towards Pyongyang. At the suggestion of Cho and senior diplomats, Seoul ultimately sought U.S. consent before opening the office in September, one of the sources said. All the sources spoke to condition of anonymity due to sensitivity of the matter. Cho declined to comment for this article, but a senior official at the Unification Ministry said it was aware of criticisms of Cho. "Inter-Korean ties are unique in their nature, but it's been difficult, and there's North Korea's duplicity. It's a dilemma we face, or our fate," the official said, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. CHIEF NEGOTIATOR, OR ROADBLOCK? The previously unreported debate among Moon's top officials illustrates a growing divide within South Korea over how to progress relations with the North while keeping Washington on side. Some corners of the administration argue Seoul can't afford to be seen veering from the U.S.-led sanctions and pressure campaign until Pyongyang gives up its nuclear weapons programme, while others feel closer inter-Korean ties can help expedite the stalled diplomatic process, several officials close to the situation say. "If the internal rift leads to moving too quickly with the North without sufficient U.S. consultations, it could pose a setback to not only the nuclear talks but also the alliance and inter-Korean relations," said Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. After the inter-Korean thaw gave way to reconciliation efforts between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year, Trump asked Moon to be "chief negotiator" between the two. That task has become increasingly difficult as Washington and Pyongyang blame each other for the faltering nuclear talks. U.S. officials insist punishing sanctions must remain until North Korea completely denuclearises. North Korea says it has already made concessions by dismantling key facilities and Washington must reciprocate by easing sanctions and declaring an end to the 1950-53 Korean War. "Unlike other advisers, Minister Cho has balanced his staunch desire for peace with an understanding of the importance of retaining a strong South Korea-U.S. alignment," said Patrick Cronin of the Centre for a New American Security, an Asia expert in close touch with both U.S. and South Korean officials. "Some alliance discord is inevitable and not worrisome. What would be worrisome would be a clear rupture in South Korea-U.S. approaches for managing North Korea." The presidential Blue House declined to comment, but Moon told reporters on Monday the view that there was discord between South Korea and the United States was "groundless" because there is no difference in the two countries' positions on the North's denuclearisation. SLOW PROGRESS, MOUNTING FRUSTRATION A third source familiar with the presidential office's thinking said there was mounting frustration with Cho within the Blue House and even inside the Unification Ministry amid concerns he worried too much about U.S. views. "What the president would want from him as the unification minister is to come up with bold ideas to make his pet initiatives happen," the source said. During three summits this year, Moon and Kim agreed to re-link railways and roads, and when conditions are met, restart the joint factory park in Kaesong and tours to the North's Mount Kumgang resort that have been suspended for years. None of those plans have made much headway, either because sanctions ban them outright, or as in the case of Kaesong, Seoul took time to convince sceptical U.S. officials that cross-border projects wouldn't undermine sanctions. North Korea itself has been an unpredictable partner. Discussions through the Kaesong office have been few and far between, with Pyongyang's negotiators often failing to show up for scheduled weekly meetings without notice, Unification Ministry officials say. Even so, the Kaesong move has caused tensions with Washington. U.S. officials told Seoul that South Korea's explanations on the Kaesong office were not "satisfactory," the South's Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha told a parliamentary hearing in August. Washington was also caught off guard when a group of businessmen who used to operate factories in the now-closed Kaesong industrial park were invited for the opening ceremony of the office, a diplomatic source in Seoul said. The allies launched a working group last month led by their nuclear envoys to coordinate North Korean policy. It was borne out of U.S. desire to "keep inter-Korean relations in check," the source said. Asked about the Kaesong office, a U.S. State Department official said: "We expect all member states to fully implement U.N. sanctions, including sectoral goods banned under UN Security Council resolution, and expect all nations to take their responsibilities seriously to help end (North Korea's) illegal nuclear and missile programmes." Another State official said the United States endorsed April's inter-Korean summit agreement during its own summit with North Korea "because progress on inter-Korean relations must happen in lockstep with progress on denuclearisation." Last month, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Cho in Washington, bluntly warning him that inter-Korean cooperation and progress on nuclear negotiations should "remain aligned." ROCK AND A HARD PLACE Even as he faced pressure from Washington to hold a tough line, Cho was being criticised for dragging his feet on reconciliation. In May, the North called off planned talks with the South led by Cho in protest against U.S.-South Korean air combat exercises. When the meeting eventually took place, Cho's counterpart, Ri Son Gwon, openly blamed Cho for having caused a "grave situation" that resulted in the cancellation of the talks. At the Kaesong office opening, factory owners pressed Cho to reopen the complex and said they were dismayed at the Unification Ministry for repeatedly rejecting requests to visit the border city to check on equipment and facilities idled since the 2016 shutdown. "We've expressed, directly and indirectly, our complaint that the minister may be too lukewarm about our requests, even though allowing the trip has nothing to do with sanctions," said Shin Han-yong, who chairs a group of businessmen with plants in Kaesong. Cho recently told the parliament the delays are due to scheduling issues with the North, adding the ministry "needs more time to explain the overall circumstances" to the international community. Shin, the expert at Asan, warned any move to undermine sanctions may expose South Korean companies to risks of punishment. After Moon and Kim's summit in Pyongyang in September, a senior U.S. Treasury official called compliance officers at seven South Korean banks to warn them that resuming financial cooperation with North Korea "does not align with U.S. policies" and the banks must comply with U.N. and U.S. financial sanctions, according to a South Korean regulatory document. "Realistically we have no option but to consider U.S. positions, as the top priority is the North's denuclearisation and the United States has the biggest leverage on that," said Kim Hyung-suk, who served as vice unification minister until last year. "Without progress on the nuclear issues, there would be constraints at some point in sustaining inter-Korean ties. And Minister Cho knows that." For full multimedia coverage on North Korea: https://www.reuters.com/north-korea/ (Editing by Soyoung Kim and Lincoln Feast.) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. In his second major speech since being named in 2014 to head the Secret Intelligence Service or MI6, Alex Younger, ranged across the global threats faced by Britain as it prepares to exit the European Union in less than four months. The chief of Britains foreign intelligence service warned the Kremlin on Monday not to underestimate the West after a brazen nerve agent attack on a retired double agent in England stoked fears about Russian covert activity abroad. In his second major speech since being named in 2014 to head the Secret Intelligence Service or MI6, Alex Younger, ranged across the global threats faced by Britain as it prepares to exit the European Union in less than four months. Russia, the only national adversary named in his scripted speech, has a stance of perpetual confrontation with the West, said Younger, citing the nerve agent attack on former Russian agent Sergei Skripal in March in the English city of Salisbury. Western allies ordered the biggest expulsion of Russian diplomats since the height of the Cold War in response to the attack, in which Britain said Russian GRU military intelligence agents had used the Novichok nerve agent against Skripal. The Russian state used a military-grade chemical weapon on UK soil, Younger told students at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he once studied economics and computer science before joining the British army and then MI6. Our intention is for the Russian state to conclude that, whatever the benefits it thinks it is accruing from this activity, they are not worth the risk, said Younger. Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement and accused British intelligence agencies of staging the attack to stoke anti-Russian hysteria. Skripal, an officer in Russian military intelligence, betrayed dozens of spies to MI6, though he was later pardoned and exchanged in a Cold War-style spy swap. The motive of the attack remains unclear, as is the logic of using such an exotic nerve agent, which has overt links to Russias Soviet past. I should emphasize that even as the Russian state seeks to destabilize us, we do not seek to destabilize Russia. We do not seek escalation, Younger said. Younger, 55, also said that Britains spies have thwarted multiple Islamic State plots originating overseas. MI6 continues to work with partner agencies to strengthen indispensable security ties in Europe, he said, adding that Britain had helped France and Germany prevent terrorist attacks. Go East? Answering questions from students, Younger said the global balance was tilting towards China as the worlds second-largest economy gains significant capital, political clout and technological dominance. Basically, power, money and politics is going east, he said. Thats a new political reality we need to adjust to. He said 5G reliance on Chinese technology was something Britain needed to discuss, though a bigger issue was the likely Chinese future dominance of emerging technologies. Younger said he had been struck by President Xi Jinpings made in China ambitions and that Beijing could within decades dominate all of the key emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, synthetic biology and genetics. This is something we really need to think about, Younger said. The future of knowledge is in play. A career spy who joined MI6 as the Soviet Union was crumbling, Younger said that while technologies advanced, human intelligence remained crucial. Even in an era of artificial intelligence you need human intelligence, in fact, it will become even more important. The era of the fourth industrial revolution calls for a fourth-generation espionage: fusing our traditional human skills with accelerated innovation, new partnerships and a mindset that mobilises diversity and empowers the young, he said. In a recruitment pitch, Younger gave some details of his own life, including drinking obscure homemade alcohol in an attempt to penetrate an organization intent on genocide in the Western Balkans in the 1990s. I want to speak to young people who have never seen themselves in MI6 ... If you want to make a difference and you think you might have what it takes, then the chances are that you do have what it takes, and we hope you will step forward. Despite international sanctions, the exchange of goods on the border between the two nations is once again flourishing. Mainly steel and rare minerals fundamental for the development of the hi-tech industry in China. Seoul (AsiaNews) - International sanctions have not completely abolished trade between China and North Korea. According to Radio Free Asia, after an initial period of cooling between the two nations, the economic exchange would have resumed and is flourishing at the border. The most requested products are North Korean steel and rare earths, minerals fundamental for the development of the hi-tech industry in China. Great attention also to the exchange of foodstuffs, especially seafood and fish caught in the Western Sea. According to the Korea Analysis & Strategy Consultancy, in South Korea, the exchange takes place mainly in the Chinese port city of Dandong but within ships flying the North Korean flag. However, the trade is not unnoticed. An American bipartisan commission has in fact published its annual report for 2018 and also focused on this theme. "China - write members of the US political organism - seems to have relaxed its control over compliance with international sanctions. North Korean workers have returned to work in northeastern China and North Korean companies appear to have received aid from Beijing." Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has filed a defamation suit against a financial adviser and blogger who shared an article on his Facebook page, Lees spokeswoman said on Wednesday. Singapore: Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has filed a defamation suit against a financial adviser and blogger who shared an article on his Facebook page, Lees spokeswoman said on Wednesday. The defendant, Leong Sze Hian, said on his Facebook page he had merely shared the article from a Malaysian online news media about Lee and Malaysias 1MDB state fund without adding any comments or changing the content. He said he was bewildered to receive a letter subsequently from lawyers asserting that posting the article was malicious and damaged the reputation of Prime Minister Lee. I reject all these allegations categorically, he said. The legal action comes weeks after the Singapore government demanded Facebook remove a separate post by an Australia-based blogger about Singapores banks and 1MDB, which it said was false and malicious. Facebook rejected that demand, prompting the Singapore government to say the social media giant could not be relied on to filter false information. Lees press secretary, Chang Li Lin, confirmed the prime minister had initiated legal proceedings against Leong for defamation and the matter was in the hands of Lees lawyers. Mr Lee reserves the right to take legal action against other parties who similarly defame him, Chang told Reuters. Leong, a frequent commentator and critic of government policies, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. But on his Facebook page, he said he had complied with a government request to remove the post, adding it was grossly inaccurate to say he had made a post which was defamatory of the Prime Minister. This article related to the 1MDB saga. I did not add any comments or embellish the article, Leong said on Facebook. 1MDB is the subject of money-laundering probes in at least six countries, including the United States, Singapore and Malaysia. The US justice department says an estimated $4.5 billion was misappropriated from the fund by high-level 1MDB officials between 2009 and 2014. Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, ousted in an election in May, faces multiple corruption charges in relation to the investigation. He has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. By Christine Murray TIJUANA, Mexico (Reuters) - Central American migrants stuck on the threshold of the United States in Mexico breached the border fence on Monday, risking almost certain detention by U.S. By Christine Murray TIJUANA, Mexico (Reuters) - Central American migrants stuck on the threshold of the United States in Mexico breached the border fence on Monday, risking almost certain detention by U.S. authorities but hoping the illegal entry will allow them to apply for asylum. Since mid-October, thousands of Central Americans, mostly from Honduras, have travelled north through Mexico in a caravan, some walking much of the long trek. U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to stop the migrants, sending troops to reinforce the border and attempting a procedural change, so far denied by the courts, to require asylum-seekers to remain in Mexico while their cases are heard. Frustrated and exhausted after weeks of uncertainty, many migrants have become desperate since getting stuck in squalid camps in the Mexican border city of Tijuana. So a number opted to eschew legal procedures and attempt an illegal entry from Tijuana as dusk fell on Monday at a spot about 1,500 feet (450 meters) from the Pacific Ocean. In less than an hour, Reuters reporters observed roughly two dozen people climb the approximately 10-foot (3-meter) fence made of thick sheets and pillars of metal. They chose a place in a large overgrown ditch where the fence is slightly lower. Just before dusk, three thin people squeezed through the fence on the beach and were quickly picked up by the U.S. Border Patrol, witnesses said. But along the border inland as darkness descended, more and more migrants followed, many bringing children. Some used a blanket as a rope to help loved ones get over. A mother and her children made it over the first fence and disappeared into the night. The sight of them climbing the fence encouraged others, even as a helicopter patrolled overhead on the U.S. side. Earlier, Karen Mayeni, a 29-year-old Honduran, sized up the fence while clinging to her three children, aged six, 11 and 12. "We're just observing, waiting to see what happens," Mayeni said. "We'll figure out what to do in a couple of days." Ninety minutes later, she and her family were over the fence. A number of the migrants ran to try to escape capture, but most walked slowly to hand themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol officials waiting under floodlights. 'STAND ON MY HEAD' Some migrants are likely to be economic refugees without a strong asylum claim, but others tell stories of receiving politically motivated death threats in a region troubled by decades of instability and violence. Applying for asylum at a U.S. land border can take months, so if migrants enter illegally and present themselves to authorities, their cases could be heard more quickly. The Pentagon said U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had approved a request to extend the deployment of troops to the U.S. border with Mexico till the end of January. U.S. officials have restricted applications through the Chaparral gate in Tijuana to between 40 and 100 per day. Some migrants may hope to defeat the odds and penetrate one of the most fortified sections of the southern U.S. border. Those that made it across the fence in Tijuana still had to scramble up a hill and contend with a more forbidding wall to reach California. U.S. Border Patrol agents had the territory between the two barriers heavily covered. "Climb up. You can do it! Stand on my head!" one migrant said, egging his companion on. One child and his mother got over the fence and ran up the hill behind. They turned around and waved to those still on the Mexican side. (Reporting by Christine Murray; Writing by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Nick Macfie and David Gregorio) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Aziz El Yaakoubi STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - A Houthi delegation arrived in Sweden on Tuesday for U.N.-sponsored Yemen peace talks, the first since 2016, as Western nations press for an end to the war and the United Nations warned of a looming economic disaster. The nearly four-year-old conflict, which has killed tens of thousands and left millions facing starvation, pits the Iranian-aligned Houthi group against Yemeni forces backed by an Arab coalition loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates By Aziz El Yaakoubi STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - A Houthi delegation arrived in Sweden on Tuesday for U.N.-sponsored Yemen peace talks, the first since 2016, as Western nations press for an end to the war and the United Nations warned of a looming economic disaster. The nearly four-year-old conflict, which has killed tens of thousands and left millions facing starvation, pits the Iranian-aligned Houthi group against Yemeni forces backed by an Arab coalition loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Houthi team was escorted from the capital Sanaa, which was seized by the group in 2014, to Sweden by U.N. special envoy Martin Griffiths. Before boarding a Kuwaiti plane, one delegate praised him for delivering on confidence-building measures like the evacuation of wounded fighters and a prisoner swap deal. "Griffiths was true to his word ... We are certain he has put in place a general framework for negotiations in order to proceed with the political process," Abdelmeguid Hanash told reporters. Hadi's government is expected to follow the Houthis, whose attendance was secured after the evacuation of 50 wounded Houthis for treatment in Oman on Monday. A previous round in September collapsed when the Houthis failed to appear. The talks will be held in a renovated castle outside Stockholm to discuss further confidence-building steps and a transitional governing body, as the U.S. Senate is set to consider a resolution to end support for the coalition in the war. Outrage over the Oct. 2 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has intensified international scrutiny of Saudi activities in the region, potentially giving Western powers, which provide arms and intelligence to the coalition, more leverage to demand action. Germany, Denmark and Sweden have suspended arms exports to Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi's killing and the Yemen war. The United States halted refuelling support for coalition warplanes, whose air strikes have been blamed for many civilian deaths. The Arab alliance intervened in the war in 2015 to restore Hadi's government, but has bogged down in military stalemate. Residents in the port of Hodeidah, now a focus of the war, were fearful of renewed fighting if the talks failed as each side fortified their positions in the Houthi-held Red Sea city after a period of reduced hostilities. "The situation here does not make us optimistic that we will avoid war," said 51-year-old government employee Mohammed Taher. SEVERE HUNGER The conflict, seen as a proxy war between Riyadh and Tehran, has left over 8 million Yemenis facing famine although the United Nations has warned this could rise to 14 million. Three-quarters of the population, or 22 million, rely on aid. World Food Programme chief David Beasley said in Geneva that an upcoming food security report would show an increase in severe hunger rates in Yemen - where a child dies every 11 minutes - but not necessarily meet the criteria of famine. U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock said Yemen's government will need billions of dollars in external support to fund core state functions, its 2019 budget and to avoid another currency collapse, in addition to $4 billion in aid. UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Tuesday that the Sweden talks are a "critical opportunity". "A sustainable Yemeni-led political solution offers the best chance to ending the current crisis. A stable state, important for the region, cannot coexist with unlawful militias." The talks, which will focus on reopening Sanaa airport, implementing a prisoner swap and securing a truce in Hodeidah, the entry point for most of Yemen's commercial goods and aid. This would serve as a foundation for a wider ceasefire that would halt coalition air strikes and Houthi missile attacks on Saudi cities. The last available U.N. figure for the civilian death toll was in 2016 and stood at more than 10,000. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, which tracks violence in Yemen, puts it at around 57,000 people. (Reporting by Reuters team in Sanaa, Mohammed Ghobari in Aden, Stephanie Nebehay and Tom Miles in Geneva; Writing by Ghaida Ghantous; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Grant McCool) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Meizu just launched its flagship Meizu 16th smartphone in India as it had proimsed. It packs a 6-inch Full HD+ 18:9 aspect ratio display from Samsung with 91.18% screen-to-body ratio, thanks to 1.43mm side bezels and 5.74mm chin, is powered by Snapdragon 845 with 8GB of RAM, has custom copper cooling tube and feature an in-display fingerprint sensor that has 99.12% high recognition rate that can unlock the phone in 0.25 seconds. It has a 12-megapixel rear camera with Sony IMX380 sensor, 1.55m pixel size, f/1.8 aperture along with a 20-megapixel secondary telephoto lens with Sony IMX350 sensor for portrait shots and 3x loss-less zoom and a 20-megapixel front facing camera with AI beauty recognition and Face unlock. It has a 3D glass back with ceramic texture, and pack a 3010mAh with 24W mCharge flash charge that can charge the phone from 0 to 67% in 30 minutes. Meizu 16th specifications 6-inch ( 1080 2160 pixels) Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with 10000 : 1 contrast ratio, 430cd/m2 (typical) brightness, 402 PPI Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Mobile Platform with Adreno 630 GPU 8GB RAM, 128GB (UFS 2.1) internal storage Dual SIM Android 8.1 (Oreo) with Flyme OS 12MP rear camera with wide-angle lens, 1/2.3 Sony IMX380 sensor, 1.55m pixel size, f/1.8 aperture, 4-axis OIS, PDAF, Laser auto-focus, secondary 20MP telephoto lens, Sony IMX350 sensor, f/2.6 aperture, 6-LED ring LED flash 20MP front-facing camera with f/2.0 aperture, AI face unlock In-display fingerprint sensor 3.5mm audio jack, dual speakers Dimensions: 150.573.27.3mm ; Weight: 152g 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz) 2 x 2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5, GPS + GLONASS, USB Type-C 3010mAh (typical) / 2950mAh (minimum) battery with mCharge fast charging The Meizu 16th comes in Midnight Black and Moonlight White colors and is priced at Rs. 39,999. It comes with Rs. 2200 cashback (in the form of vouchers) and 100GB additional data for Jio users. At the Flutter Live Google announced it is experimenting Flutter on the web which it is calling Hummingbird project. It also debuted the Flutter Live which is Googles first ever major standalone event for their Flutter app development SDK. Flutter is Googles cross-platform application SDK which is no longer restricted to mobile. At the current state, Flutter can create native apps for Android and iOS, which also opens them to those two platforms and Chrome OS. Flutter team is working on two projects; one being the work-in-progress project called Flutter Desktop Embedding that aims to bring Windows, OS X, and Linux support for Flutter. The second is Hummingbird which is a radical new project to bring entire Flutter apps to the modern, standards-based web. Because Hummingbird runs on standard web technologies like HTML, DOM, Canvas, JavaScript and has no blackbox, the resulting apps will not be limited to Google Chrome, but will also run on other platforms. The company said that the Hummingbird project will also have interoperability with your web pages JavaScript code. The company demonstrated that Flutter code running on the web will be exactly the same as what currently runs on mobile devices. With these two projects in hand, Google aims to make Flutter a one-time effort that runs anywhere app. At the moment, there is no timeline for the Hummingbird release and the team is also not opening up the early access. However, the company is releasing the Flutter 1.0 which is the first stable release of Googles UI toolkit for creating native experiences for iOS and Android from a single codebase. Source Google Chrome 71 is rolling out to desktop and Android, it is a minor release which particularly brings changes to the Duet interface and autoplay. Part of the Google Chrome button address bar redesign which the company shut down in the last minute turned into Chrome Duplex, which is now called Chrome Duet. Duet is still in works and there are a few changes visible in Chrome 71. A share button has been added to the bottom bar, and the search button has a new gray outline. Also, the buttons have moved around in the tabs view, with the New Tab button on the left side and the overflow menu on the right. Duet is being rolled out to users on the Beta, Dev, and Canary channels, but at this moment it is hard to say when it will be available for everyone. It could also end up being canceled, just like the bottom address bar UI. To try out the Duet interface, youll need to switch the #enable-chrome-duet option in chrome://flags to Enabled and restart the browser. With Chrome 66, Google made major changes to how auto-playing video and audio worked. Pages could no longer play video and audio automatically. Autoplay was also possible only if the user had interacted with the site multiple times before. Google continued to tweak autoplay, to strike a balance between developers and users. As of Chrome 71, the new policy now applies to pages using the Web Audio API which is a method of playing audio in a browser commonly used by games and web applications. Web pages can no longer use the Speech Synthesis API unless the user has clicked/tapped on the page first. Other changed include a new interface introduced in Chrome 69 can no longer be disabled. The Addresses and more settings menu has been moved to the main settings page. Sites can now use the new FullscreenOptions API to choose if the navigation bar should be visible in full-screen mode or not. COLR/CPAL fonts are now supported. Web apps can now request permission for persistent storage. You can download the APK and side-load it if you wish to use the latest Chrome 71. Via Huawei recently announced an event in China to unveil a smartphone with in-display camera on December 17. Now the companys Honor brand has scheduled an event in Paris, France on January 22nd, 2019 to unveil a new smartphone with in-screen camera. This could be Honor View 20, successor of Honor View 10 that was introduced at an event in London a year back. The new naming scheme should be in-line with Huaweis P20 and Mate 20 series that were introduced earlier this year. The phone is also expected to feature improved rear cameras, possible triple rear cameras, Full HD+ screen with a screen-to-body ratio of over 92%, powered by the latest Kirin 980 processor with Dual NPU and up to 6GB RAM. There are also possiblities of an in-display fingerprint sensor. We should know more details about the smartphone in the coming weeks since we have over a month for the official launch. We can also expect the phone to launch in India soon after the global announcement, similar to the View 10. The avoidance of alcohol is fast becoming the norm for a growing minority of global consumers. While this trend is evidenced across all age groups, it is most apparent... Read More Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend to the throne on 1st May next year after the abdication of 84-year-old Akihito. Japan wants to show the strength of its link with the United States. The US president is already expected in the country for the G20 in Osaka, on 28-29 June 2019. Tokyo (AsiaNews/Agencies) The Japanese government is considering inviting US President Donald Trump as a state guest after Crown Prince Naruhitos planned accession on 1st May. This would make the US leader the first foreign guest to meet with the new emperor, this according to Japanese media reports citing government sources. Tokyo will arrange the detailed schedule of Trumps trip with Washington, as he is also expected to visit Japan to attend the Group of 20 summit in Osaka from June 28 to 29 next year, sources said. Japan aims to showw its strong alliance with the United States through Trumps visit, as a state guest typically meets with the Emperor, in addition to holding talks with the prime minister. The US leader paid a visit to Japan in November last year as an official guest, rather than a state guest. His predecessor Barack Obama was invited to Japan as a state guest in April 2014. The 58-year-old Crown Prince will accede to the throne after Emperor Akihito, 84, abdicates on 30 April, bringing to an end the Heisei period after 31 years. The following day, Akihito will take the title of "joko", abbreviation of "daijo tenno", sovereign in retirement. The last emperor to renounce the throne was Kokaku in 1817. For most people, this is a good time to be on the hunt for a new job. Unemployment is hovering around record lows, and many industries face a shortage of qualified workers. The result is that job seekers have more options, and they know it. Instead of just taking the first position they're offered, they can hold out a bit and choose the job and employer that is the best fit for them. And that's more than just a matter of determining which company is offering the best package of salary and benefits. In a competitive job market, culture matters. Workers will gravitate toward companies with more pleasant environments, and those that make it clear that they consider the needs of their employees. And one excellent way to identify which businesses fit that description is to look at Glassdoor's annual Best Places to Work list. How it works Glassdoor divides its rankings into two lists: one for large companies with more than 1,000 employees, and the other featuring the 50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work For. Winners are based on employee rankings on a five-point scale across a range of qualities. "In today's tight labor market, job seekers are in the driver's seat when it comes to deciding where to work and they want to know the inner workings of a company before accepting a new job," said Glassdoor Chief Economist Andrew Chamberlain in a press release. "...Glassdoor Best Places to Work winners are strategically investing in company culture, career growth opportunities and more, which also serves as a major recruiting advantage." On the large companies list, top 10 Best Places to Work in 2019 are: 10. Southwest Airlines (4.4) (4.4) 9. lululemon (4.4) (4.4) 8. Google (4.4) (4.4) 7. Facebook (4.5) (4.5) 6. LinkedIn (4.5) 5. Boston Consulting Group (4.5) 4. Procore Technologies (4.5) 3. In-N-Out Burger (4.5) 2. Zoom Video Communications (4.5) 1. Bain & Company (4.6 rating) Perhaps the most notable change is that Facebook fell to seventh place after being ranked first last year. That makes sense, given that the company has been in the news repeatedly for issues around its employment and management practices, and its once-strong morale has taken a hit. The new first place holder, the management consultancy Bain & Company, is no stranger to the top spot, having held it in 2017. For a bit of perspective on how the top 10 stack up against the field, the average company on Glassdoor earned a 3.4 from its employees. Why is this important? While building a reputation as a good employer is helpful on the recruiting front, it's even more important for retention. That's an issue that directly impacts the bottom line: Voluntary turnover (from workers who choose to leave a job on their own) will cost U.S. companies more than $600 billion in 2018, according to Work Institute's 2018 Retention Report. That research also showed that the costs involved in hiring a new employee amount to around 33% of an their annual base pay. Though only a few companies will ever land in the top tier on a "best places to work" list, all employers should strive to. The qualities that earn those high rankings are cost-efficient business practices in the long run, because happy workers stick around longer. And it's simple human nature to work harder and do a better job for an organization you know values you than for one that makes it clear that it doesn't. What happened Shares of natural gas producers Antero Resources, (NYSE:AR) Chesapeake Energy (OTC:CHKA.Q), and EQT (NYSE:EQT) tumbled in November, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. That slump came even though the price of natural gas was red-hot last month. Instead, a sell-off in the oil market, as well as other issues, weighed on these gas stocks. So what A burst of cold air across the U.S. in November caused the price of natural gas to rocket 41% for the month, as the frigid weather stoked demand for the heating fuel. That marked the best month in the gas market in 18 years. That surge in the price of gas should have fueled big gains for natural gas stocks. Instead, most gas producers tumbled last month because oil prices went in the opposite direction, plunging more than 20%. Since oil generates higher margins than gas, its slump will have a greater impact on the profitability of many gas producers, because oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs) -- which derive their price from oil -- supply a large percentage of their revenue. In Antero Resources' case, it's the country's largest NGL producer. As a result, liquids supplied 43% of the company's revenue during the third quarter even though it accounted for only 29% of its production. That's why the sell-off in the oil market spoiled what should have been a good month for Antero, since it reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter results after the market closed in October. Instead of rising on earnings and gas prices, shares of Antero sank 20.3% for the month because of the impact lower oil prices will have on its future NGL profits. Meanwhile, Chesapeake Energy has been growing its oil production in recent years and expects its growth rate to accelerate after it completes its acquisition of the oil-focused WildHorse Resource Development (NYSE: WRD). That focus on oil is why Chesapeake's stock slumped 18.2% last month even though shares should have rallied along with gas prices, as well as the fuel from an upgrade from Raymond James, which raised its rating on the stock from "underperform" to "outperform" while setting a price target of $5 per share. Raymond James called the deal "transformative" as it solves multiple issues at the company, including the need to de-lever its balance sheet and increase oil as a percentage of its output. It also believes Chesapeake is buying WildHorse for a "rock-bottom price," which adds to the appeal. Finally, EQT experienced the biggest drop last month, as its stock plunged 46.4%. However, that happened in large part because the company spun off its midstream assets into Equitrans Midstream (NYSE:ETRN) last month. That spinoff will enable EQT to focus on its natural gas production business, which is the largest in the country, while Equitrans will operate the midstream assets independent of EQT, though the gas giant will remain its largest customer. Goldman Sachs likes EQT as a standalone company, which led it to upgrade the stock from "neutral" to "buy" last month while setting a $23 price target. Goldman believes the market is underappreciating the company's long-term free cash flow potential now that it doesn't have to reinvest cash into building new midstream assets. Now what Despite one of the best monthly gains in the natural gas market in years, several gas stocks took it on the chin last month because they generate a significant portion of their revenue from oil and other liquids, which plunged in price during November. That's why it's important for investors to know how an energy company generates its revenue, since that can have a big impact on its stock price. Heres the new delivery paradigms shaping the future of supply chain KATIE KINRAID, general manager of BluJay Solutions (APAC), writes that to date, the entire supply chain has been orchestrated to service demand, while keeping inventory and logistics costs down. However, with the rise of the digital consumer and the now economy where customers are expecting fast, premium fulfilment and delivery at little to no cost the focus has shifted from forecasting product consumption to anticipating customer needs and catering to personal preferences. Customer experience is becoming more critical to supply chain performance in the food industry. From Amazon to Uber Eats, HelloFresh to Deliveroo, it is the speed and convenience of virtual or physical delivery that thrills consumers and keeps them coming back. Alongside significant advancements in technology, particularly the smartphone, consumers have embraced immediate communication and come to expect instant service. Businesses are expected to know who their customers are, what they want and, more importantly, how to get it to them in their moment of need. This means instant and accurately targeted communication, as well as almost instant delivery. Also in Australian Food News The food industry needs to adapt As this demand evolves and the now economy becomes an expectation, the food industry needs to adapt in order to keep up. This means understanding the shift in consumer behaviours and expectations, being aware of retail and supply chain advancements, and knowing how to leverage both of these things to achieve a competitive advantage. In recent supply chain market research, two-thirds of the respondents reported that delivering an enhanced customer experience is a defined and measured objective within their supply chain organisations. This indicates that competing on customer experience is becoming a competitive differentiator for many organisations, and that competing on price is taking a back seat. First steps Organisations looking to innovate their supply chain should begin by asking a few questions to understand the problem or business opportunity they want to address. Is delivering an enhanced customer experience a defined and measured objective within the supply chain? What factors are driving supply chain and logistics innovation today, and what are the organisations biggest barriers? Which technologies will drive the next wave of supply chain innovation? The Australian food industry seems to be catching on to the importance of customer experience. A good example of how local businesses are adapting to the now economy is Coles introduction of flybuys premium, which taking a leaf out of Amazons book gives members of this tier discounted groceries, free home delivery and even access to online video streaming! However, while the local food industry is moving in the right direction, there is a lot more to be done. MORE: Tech: IoT and supply chain management MORE: Megatrend: Woolworths invests $30m in organic food supply chain MORE: Research into supply chain damage to bananas The most important lesson learned from companies that have been disrupted is the danger of becoming too complacent with the status quo. Organisations need to ensure that they stay informed of new technology trends and competitors and simulate What if? scenarios on an ongoing basis, while experimenting and testing new technologies and business models. It isnt necessary for organisations to rework their models entirely. Rather, the food industry should focus on nailing the basics and putting the customer at the centre of everything they do communicate with the customer, be transparent with them and deliver on promises. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Katie is an innovative leader who keeps a continuous eye on the market for whats next, while taking an active approach to understanding and listening to customer needs. Prior to overseeing customer adoption and growth in the Asia-Pacific region for BluJay Solutions, Katie had responsibility for global product strategy, market awareness, propositions definition, realisation, and product evangelism at Blackbay, a leading mobility-enabled solution provider. Live sheep exports halted during northern summer, Labor to end the trade altogether NO live sheep will be exported from Australia to the Middle East in the northern hemispheres summer, due to an industry moratorium on the controversial trade. Livestock exporters will take $55 million less next year by halting shipments to the Middle East for three months, in hopes of delivering greater security to their trade for the rest of 2019. Although Labor, if it wins the federal election next year as expected, has committed to ending the trade, pledging to transition the industry to chilled meat processing. But for now sheep shipments from Australia to the Middle East will be stopped in June, July and August the northern hemispheress summer and period with the highest heat stress risk for the animals. Exporters have committed to the moratorium while the industry develops new technology which could address such heat stress risks. Methods to detect and avoid temperature extremes, and on-board dehumidification, are among the measures being considered by research and development body Livecorp. MORE: Australias live sheep import trade ships 1.4 million head from Tasmania to Victoria The move is expected to cost the industry about $55 million a year. But Australian Livestock Exporters Council chairman Simon Crean said the moratorium was about maintaining a strong and viable nine-month-a-year live sheep trade. The live sheep trade to the Middle East needs to be reset, Mr Crean said. Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the government would wait for the results of a review of heat stress, which are expected to be released shortly. It would have been better if industry had shown leadership across a broad range of animal welfare matters some years ago, Mr Littleproud said. The step comes after crossbench MPs ramped up the pressure on the government to support a push to phase out live sheep exports over five years. Also in Australian Food News 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. Galveston, TX (77553) Today Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low near 55F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low near 55F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. GM Stock Films/iStock(NEW YORK) -- Far-right terrorism increased in the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe in 2017, even as overall terrorism deaths fell for the third consecutive year, according to a new report. While they comprise a tiny fraction of total terrorism deaths and the overall threat picture is "encouraging," the report's author told ABC News, the rise of right-wing attacks has been an "increasing trend" in recent years. "The Islamic terrorists made terrorism fashionable, as sick as it may be," said Steve Killelea, the founder and executive chairman of the Institute for Economics and Peace, an Australian think tank that publishes the Global Terrorism Index annually, and their use of it as a tool has begun spreading to right-wing groups. In particular, there were 31 right-wing terror attacks in North America in 2017, a threefold increase from the previous highest number of 10 attacks in 2015. That included the Charlottesville, Virginia, protests where a white nationalist protester killed one woman and injured at least 19 others in a vehicle attack, and the knife attack on a Portland, Oregon, train where two people were killed by a white nationalist. It's a trend that appears to have continued into 2018, with the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue killing 11 people and the murder of two elderly African American men in Jeffersontown, Ky. Still, right-wing terrorism killed 17 people globally, out of 18,814 deaths in 2017, according to the report. Killelea said that more research needs to be conducted on the trend, but almost all the attacks are lone actors, not members of a well organized group like ISIS or al Qaeda. "A lot of it would come back to the people who are alienated from the system, alienated from society," he told ABC News. "It's people disgruntled at the system, feeling alienated, and turning up to express their anger." He said the same anger and disillusionment have fueled populist political campaigns that have taken control of governments in the U.S. and some European countries and sparked protests like those over fuel prices in France this week. But the overall picture is an "encouraging" one, in large part due to the collapse of ISIS's control in Iraq and Syria. Although it's unclear how many fighters remain and the group is returning to traditional terror tactics like car bombings and kidnappings, the loss of territory has meant fewer deaths in Iraq and Syria and fewer plots carried out in Europe. Terrorism deaths were down over 5,000 in Iraq from 2016 to 2017 and over 1,000 in Syria, according to the report. In Europe, there were more attacks in 2017, and eight countries in Western Europe recorded at least one death -- the highest number in the past 20 years. But the number of deaths dropped significantly year to year, from 827 to 204 -- a sign that ISIS's "ability to plan and coordinate larger scale terrorist attacks has reduced and that increase counterterrorism measures are working, at least in the short term," the report found. The threat is still present, as evidenced in major attacks like the killing spree in Spain in August 2017, and with ISIS's decline, there are still lone actors inspired by the group or its rivals like al Qaeda. While the Trump administration has focused its attention on the terror threat from Iran, which it calls the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, Killelea said the majority of terror groups are Sunni Muslims, not Shia like Iran, and constitute a stronger threat. "The bulk of the terrorism doesn't originate from Iran," he added. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 launch teased on Flipkart, performance, camera and battery tipped News oi-Sandeep Sarkar The ZenFone Max Pro M2 launch teaser on Flipkart reveals that the device will make use of the "largest capacity battery in the lightest form factor". Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 is one of the highly anticipated mid-range smartphones which is slated to launch this year. The ZenFone Max Pro M2 is the successor of Asus's widely popular ZenFone Max Pro M1 and is touted to be a powerful offering at its price segment. We already know that the smartphone is pegged to launch on December 11 in India and will be Flipkart exclusive in the country. Now, Flipkart has teased the launch of the upcoming ZenFone Max Pro M2 on its website and on the landing page it has shared some insight on the device's camera, overall performance, and battery. The landing page on Flipkart for the upcoming Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 confirms that the display on the device will be protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on top. Another report from GizmoChina reveals that the display on the ZenFone Max Pro M2 will measure 6.3-inch and will be a Full HD+ LCD panel offering a screen resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels. This display configuration makes the device apt for media consumption. The landing page on Flipkart also says that the device will deliver an "unmatched performance" with the help of "fastest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset in the segment". Sadly, the processor was not revealed in the launch teaser. However, it is speculated that the device will be powered by a mid-range Snapdragon 660 or Snapdragon 670 chipset. The teaser also reveals that the smartphone will come with a "best-in-class Sony sensor" in its price segment and it will capture some powerful bokeh and low-light shots. The ZenFone Max Pro M2 launch teaser on Flipkart further reveals that the device will make use of the "largest capacity battery in the lightest form factor". Asus has also made a claim that the ZenFone Max Pro M2 will give a battery backup of more than two days with one single charge. All these points at the humongous 5,000mAh battery unit which we already have seen on its predecessor, i.e, the ZenFone Max Pro M1. Some other leaks surrounding the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 suggests that the device will sport a dual-lens rear camera setup comprising of a 13MP primary sensor and a 5MP secondary sensor. To capture selfies and to make video calls there will be an 8MP front camera. The device will also come with NFC support. Best Mobiles in India Nokia 7.1 up for pre-order in India: Price, launch offers and more News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Nokia 7.1 is an Android One smartphone launched in India for Rs. 19,999. Now, this device is up for pre-order in India. Last week, the Nokia 7.1 was launched in India for Rs. 19,999. At the time of its launch, it was announced that the device will go on sale on December 7 in the country. Notably, it will be available for purchase via both the online and offline stores across the country. Now, it is up for pre-order on the official Nokia online store. Well, the buyers interested in this Nokia smartphone can pre-order it from the Nokia e-store. The shipping of the pre-ordered units will debut on December 7. Notably, the device is listed in two color options - Glass Steel and Gloss Midnight Blue. Nokia 7.1 launch offers Going by the recent trend, there are several enticing launch offers for the buyers of the Nokia smartphone. Airtel prepaid subscribers using the Nokia 7.1 will get 1TB of additional data on recharging for Rs. 199 or above. And, the postpaid users of the telco will get up to 120GB of additional data on subscribing to the Rs. 499 plan. This plan will also be bundled with Amazon Prime subscription and 3 months of free subscription to Netflix. On using an HDFC Bank debit or credit card, the buyers will get 10% cashback on the purchase. Notably, the HDFC offer is valid only on the offline purchases. Nokia 7.1 specifications and features Nokia 7.1 was announced early in October at an event in London. The smartphone has a notch on top of the display and belongs to the Android One program. This ensures that the device will get security and software updates faster than the non-Android One phones. Running Android 8.1 Oreo out-of-the-box, we can expect this device to receive the Android 9 Pie update soon. When it comes to the hardware aspects, the device is fitted with a 5.84-inch PureDisplay IPS LCD display with a FHD+ resolution and HDR10 support. The device gets the power from a Snapdragon 636 SoC paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage space. For imaging, it has a Zeiss-branded dual camera module at its rear with a 12MP primary sensor and a 5MP secondary sensor for depth sensing. The other aspects include an 8MP front camera and a decent 3080mAh battery with support for fast charging. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung caught using stock images to promote Galaxy A8 Star's camera News oi-Vishal Kawadkar Samsung caught pulling off an act of deception. In another case of false advertising, Samsung has been accused of using DSLR images to promote its upcoming Galaxy A8 Star smartphone. The allegations were made by a photographer Dunja Djudjic, who claims that the company used one of her photos on their website. In a post on DIY Photography, Djudjic wrote how Samsung is using her images, which were taken from a DSLR camera, to promote the portrait mode of the Galaxy A8. This came into Djudjic's notice when her image uploaded to the photo community EyeEm was sold through its partner, Getty. Excited to see who bought the image and see where the image has been used, Djudjic ran a reverse search. That's when she found out that image has been used by Samsung's Malaysia website, described as a photo clicked from the Galaxy A8 Star. Djudjic notes the photoshop tools used in Samsung's version of the image. The most noticeable difference is the background in the photo, was completely changed with a new image. This would be due to the fact that the Samsung wanted to show the before and after effect, but since the image's background already blurred, the company had no other option but to replace the background. This isn't the first time Samsung has done something like this to promote its smartphones. Earlier this year, the company used stock images for its social media campaign and portrayed them as images taken from the Galaxy A8 camera. Huawei has also been caught false promoting some of its devices. The company was caught pulling off another act of deception, all thanks to the goof-up from the actress involved in the advertisement. Huawei was found taking a sample image for its Nova 3 smartphone using a DSLR camera. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung Galaxy A8s running on Android 8.0 Oreo certified ahead of its official launch News oi-Sandeep Sarkar The Wi-Fi certification also reveals the model number of the Galaxy A8s which is SM-G8870. Samsung's Galaxy A-series needs no introduction. The Galaxy A series is the mid-tier lineup of smartphones offered by the South Korean tech giant. The company is prepping up to launch its next mid-range smartphone in the Galaxy A series which is slated to launch this year itself. The upcoming Samsung smartphone in the Galaxy A series is the Galaxy A8s and the device is expected to be launched on 10th December which is only a week later. Now, just ahead of its official launch the Samsung Galaxy A8s has been certified by Wi-Fi Alliance. While the Wi-Fi certifications for the upcoming smartphones hardly reveal any specific information on the specifications and features offered by the device, it does shed some light on the Wi-Fi capability of a smartphone. Similar is the case with the recent Wi-Fi Alliance certification for the Galaxy A8s. The Wi-Fi certification for the Galaxy A8s does not disclose the specifications and features it does confirm the Android version of the device. The Samsung Galaxy A8s will ship with Android 8.0 Oreo out-of-the-box which is a bit let down considering that Google had already released the stable Android 9 Pie back in August this year. The Wi-Fi certification also reveals the model number of the Galaxy A8s which is SM-G8870. The device will support dual frequency bands including 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Samsung Galaxy A8s rumored specs and features: The upcoming mid-tier Samsung Galaxy A8s will come with a 6.39-inch Infinity-O display enclosed within a glass and aluminum body material. This would be the first smartphone to offer an Infinity-O display with a 'punch hole'. Some recent leaks had also suggested that Samsung will employ the Chinese display manufacturer BOE to manufacture the LCD display panel for the Galaxy A8s. The Galaxy A8s is tipped to be powered by a Snapdragon 710 processor which will be combined with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The onboard storage on the device can be further expanded to up to 512GB which will take care of the storage needs. As mentioned above, the device will ship with Android 8.0 Oreo out-of-the-box. The imaging aspects of the Galaxy A8s include a triple-rear camera setup which will consist of a 24MP, a 10MP, and a 5MP sensor. To capture selfies and to make video calls the device will use a 24MP camera up front. Backing up the smartphone will be a 3,400mAh battery unit. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung Galaxy S10+ leaked protective glass suggests dual front cameras within display hole News oi-Sandeep Sarkar The screen protector for the suggested Galaxy S10+ has been made public by a known tipster who goes by the name of IceUniverse. Samsung has created a lot of hype with its new range of upcoming smartphones which includes the foldable Galaxy F, the flagship Galaxy S10, and the mid-tier Galaxy A8s. All of these upcoming smartphones have been leaked numerous times over the web giving us an insight on the expected specifications and features which these smartphones will offer. We have been coming across tons of rumors and leaks surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S10, now, a new leak surrounding the Galaxy S10 has made its way online. This time it is the Galaxy S10+ protective glass which has been leaked. The screen protector for the suggested Galaxy S10+ has been made public by a known tipster who goes by the name of IceUniverse. The leaked images of the protective film of the upcoming Galaxy S10+ has been shared via Twitter along with a concept render of the smartphone. We already have come across the reports of a different display hole which the Galaxy S10 lineup will feature in order to accommodate the dual front cameras. The latest leak reiterates the use of pill-shaped display hole on the Samsung Galaxy S10+ smartphone. The leaked image of the protective glass for the Galaxy S10+ highlights a hole which is placed at the top right corner of the display of the device. The display hole carries a pill-shaped form factor stacked horizontally comprising of the circular holes for the placement of the dual front cameras on the device. The image not only shows the positioning of the display hole on the Galaxy S10+ but it also confirms the dual-front camera on the device. The tweet made by IceUniverse further shows the concept design of the Galaxy S10+ and the device will offer a full-screen display design surrounded by narrow bezels and chins. This allows for a maximum display surface area which is definitely going to enhance media consumption experience on the device. Some other recent leaks have also suggested that Samsung might introduce four different variants of the Galaxy S10 with one being a low-end variant and the other three being premium variants. As mentioned earlier, we have tons of leak and rumors surrounding the upcoming flagship Galaxy S10 smartphone, however, it remains to be seen what all new features will Samsung offer with its next flagship offering. We will keep you posted with the further information on the same, so stay tuned for more updates. Image Source Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 855 SoC with 5G modem and more News oi-Karan Sharma Qualcomm Snapdragon launches 855 SoC with 5G modem and improved AI performance. All you need to know about the latest processor. Qualcomm has finally unveiled its latest Snapdragon 855 Mobile Platform on December 4, 2018 (yesterday). This is the first of a new generation of the smartphone processor chips which is going to power 5G on smartphones in the United States, possibly next year. The company revealed the key features of the Snapdragon 855 chip, at a launch event in Hawaii. The company claimed that the 5G Snapdragon X50 modem is for phones to connect to 5G wireless data networks with "multi-gigabit" mobile data speeds. It will be up to 50 or 100 times faster than current 4G networks. Qualcomm is one of the largest suppliers of mobile phone chipsets, and the company said that Snapdragon 855 will be going to power Samsung's upcoming 5G smartphones with Verizon. During the event, Justin Denison, senior vice president of mobile product strategy and marketing, Samsung Electronics America, discussed the company's commitment to 5G, including bringing the first flagship 5G smartphone to the U.S. in the first half of 2019 using the Snapdragon 855 Mobile Platform with the 5G X50 modem. This year's Qualcomm Snapdragon Technology Summit keynotes are being live-streamed daily from December 4, 5 and 6 at 9:00 am. HST daily (11:00 a.m. PST / 2:00 p.m. EST / 7:00 p.m. GMT at www.qualcomm.com/snapdragontechsummit. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chips will feature the company's fourth generation which will come with multi-core Qualcomm AI Engine. The company claims that it will come with three times faster AI performance compare to the previous generation processor. According to Qualcomm, "It also features the world's first Computer Vision (CV) ISP to enable cutting-edge computational photography and video capture features. The platform also delivers the Snapdragon Elite Gaming, bringing next level gaming experiences to premium mobile devices." Before the launch of Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, AnTuTu has revealed some scores of Galaxy S10 Plus which indicates that the smartphone will be powered by the latest Snapdragon 855 SoC. All the mobile chipset makers have rolled out their next-generation CPUs. Samsung unveiled its own Exynos 9820, Huawei announced the HiSilicon Kirin 980 SoC both the mobile chips were pitted against Qualcomm's latest 7nm processor. The Galaxy S10+ was tested on the benchmark and it records a score of 343,051, which is close to the previously leaked scores. In the leaked benchmark the smartphone scores above 360,000 with the same CPU. The Exynos 9820 scored 325,067, and the Kirin 980 from Huawei scored 309,425. 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 How to get free Netflix, Amazon Prime subscription from telecom players News oi-Priyanka Dua State-run telecom players BSNL also offers has Amazon Prime Membership (worth Rs. 999) to its postpaid and broadband customers at no additional for one year. While all of the telecom companies are currently focusing on releasing affordable tariff plans to retain their user base, they are also teaming up with the major OTT players to offer more attractive plans to the users. And today we are going to tell you about the most popular plans from Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance Jio, and BSNL which offers a subscription of Amazon Prime, Hotstar and Netflix. Airtel Infinity Plan India's leading telecom player Bharti Airtel has joined hands with ZEE5 app and Netflix this year in October and to begin with mobile customers on Infinity Postpaid plans of Rs 499 and above are getting three months Netflix subscription gift worth Rs 1500 at no extra charge. While existing Netflix subscribers will also be eligible for this gift and will receive a credit of Rs 1500 in their Netflix account. Eligible customers can avail the three month Netflix subscription gift on Airtel TV app or MyAirtel. Airtel also offers Amazon Prime in which postpaid customers with an Infinity plan of Rs.499 or above are getting a one-year Prime membership at Rs.999, including unlimited access to Prime Video, as part of their plan benefits (at no additional cost). BSNL State-run telecom players BSNL also offers has Amazon Prime Membership (worth Rs. 999) to its postpaid and broadband customers at no additional for one year. BSNL customers across the country with Rs. 399+ postpaid or Rs. 745+ broadband landline plans can avail this offer at no additional cost, according to a statement issued by the telco. Meanwhile, the company is talking to others OTT players like Hotstar and Netflix. "We are tying up with both and within a fortnight we will announce our partnership with Netflix," BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Anupam Shrivastava informed Gizbot in a recent interview. He said, "We are in discussion with Hotstar also and we will announce that within the next one-half month." Vodafone Vodafone is offering Amazon Prime Membership to its Red postpaid customers worth Rs 999 at no additional cost. The customer is also getting access to Prime Video, Prime Music and unlimited free fast shipping on millions of items along with early and exclusive access to deals on Amazon.in. Reliance Jio Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance Jio has partnered with Eros International and Video Streaming app ALT Balaji to offer available its original content on Jio Cinema and JIO TV. ALTBalaji currently offers 14 original shows in different languages across various genres such as romance, mystery, drama, and comedy. 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 LIGO and Virgo announce four new gravitational-wave detections University of Glasgow physicists are closing out 2018 with the publication of a wealth of new gravitational wave data collected during the first two observing runs of the LIGO and Virgo detectors. video In a new paper just published online, scientists from the LIGO and Virgo research collaborations present data from a total of 10 stellar-mass binary black hole mergers and one merger of neutron stars. Seven of these events had been reported before, while four of the black hole detections are newly announced. The paper represents a significant step forward in the fledgling field of gravitational wave astronomy, which searches for tiny ripples in spacetime left in the aftermath of massive astronomical events. University of Glasgow physicists have made major contributions to the search for gravitational waves, including the development and fabrication of the delicate mirror suspensions which make the detections possible and the data analysis which sorts the gravitational wave signals from the background noise of the universe. Professor Sheila Rowan is director of the University of Glasgows Institute for Gravitational Research. Professor Rowan said: This remarkable crop of detections show just how valuable gravitational wave astronomy is in developing our understanding of the universe. In less than three years gravitational wave detections have given us direct evidence of the existence of black holes and binary neutron star collisions. Today we present a wealth of new data from LIGO and Virgo to stand alongside the ground-breaking discoveries already made during their initial observing runs. It took science a century to confirm Einsteins prediction of the existence of gravitational waves, but the pace of our discoveries since then has been exhilarating, and were anticipating many more exciting detections to come. Professor Martin Hendry is head of the University of Glasgows School of Physics and Astronomy. Professor Hendry added: The four new detections discussed in this paper are exciting, particularly the largest and most distant black hole collision weve seen to date, but whats equally significant is that we now have data from 11 detections collected together as a catalogue. That represents a big step forward in our understanding of the universe, and is a ringing endorsement of the effectiveness of gravitational wave astronomy. The University of Glasgows gravitational wave research is funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and in partnership with the Universities of Cardiff and Birmingham, among other UK universities. From September 12, 2015, to January 19, 2016, during the first LIGO observing run since undergoing upgrades in a program called Advanced LIGO, gravitational waves from three binary black hole mergers were detected. The second observing run, which lasted from November 30, 2016, to August 25, 2017, yielded a binary neutron star merger and seven additional binary black hole mergers, including the four new gravitational wave events being reported now. The new events are known as GW170729, GW170809, GW170818 and GW170823 based on the dates on which they were detected. The new event GW170729, detected in the second observing run on July 29, 2017, is the most massive and distant gravitational-wave source ever observed. In this coalescence, which happened roughly 5 billion years ago, an equivalent energy of almost five solar masses was converted into gravitational radiation. The Virgo interferometer joined the two LIGO detectors on August 1, 2017, while LIGO was in its second observing run. Although the LIGO-Virgo three-detector network was operational for only three-and-a-half weeks, five events were observed in this period. Two events detected jointly by LIGO and Virgo, GW170814 and GW170817, have already been reported. GW170814 was the first binary black hole merger measured by the three-detector network, and allowed for first tests of gravitational-wave polarization (analogous to light polarization). Three days later, the event GW170817 was detected. This was the first time that gravitational waves were ever observed from the merger of a binary neutron star system. What's more, this collision was seen in gravitational waves and light, and marked an exciting new chapter in multi-messenger astronomy, in which cosmic objects are observed simultaneously in different forms of radiation. One of the new events, GW170818, detected by the global network formed by the LIGO and Virgo observatories (located in the United States and Italy, respectively), was very precisely pinpointed in the sky. The position of the binary black holes, located 2.5 billion light-years from Earth, was identified in the sky with a precision of 39 square degrees. That makes it the next best localized gravitational-wave source after the GW170817 neutron star merger. It is gratifying to see the new capabilities that become available through the addition of Advanced Virgo to the global network, says Jo van den Brand of Nikhef (the Dutch National Institute for Subatomic Physics) and VU University Amsterdam, who is the spokesperson for the Virgo collaboration. Especially our greatly improved pointing precision will allow astronomers to rapidly find any other cosmic messengers emitted by the gravitational wave sources. This success is made possible by exploiting the pointing capability of the network, which uses the time delays of the signal arrival at the different sites and the so-called antenna patterns of the interferometers. Caltechs Albert Lazzarini, Deputy Director of the LIGO Laboratory, says: The release of 4 additional binary black hole mergers further informs us of the nature of the population of these binary systems in the Universe and better constrains the event rate for this type of events. The next observing run, starting in Spring 2019, should yield many more gravitational-wave candidates, and the science the community can accomplish will grow accordingly, says David Shoemaker, spokesperson for the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and senior research scientist in MITs Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. Its an incredibly exciting time. The new catalog is another proof of the exemplary international collaboration of the gravitational wave community and an asset for the forthcoming runs and upgrades, adds EGO Director Stavros Katsanevas. A total of 11 confident gravitational-wave detections were obtained by three independent analyses of the O1 and O2 data. This gravitational-wave catalog is the reward for a tremendous effort by the LIGO and Virgo collaborations. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of this endeavor and work with so many incredibly talented scientists to achieve this fantastic result, says Patricia Schmidt, research fellow at Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The scientific paper describing these new findings, which is being published today on the arXiv repository of electronic preprints, presents detailed information in the form of a catalog of all the gravitational wave detections and candidate events of the two observing runs. Thanks to more advanced data processing and better calibration of the instruments, the accuracy of the astrophysical parameters of the previously announced events increased considerably. The results of the first two observing runs demonstrate the huge capabilities of the gravitational-wave network to make science, says Viviana Fafone, INFN coordinator for the Virgo Collaboration. This catalog marks the transition from the first pioneering detections to the systematic exploitation of gravitational waves sources for science, adds Benoit Mours, CNRS coordinator for the Virgo Collaboration. Trump aide, Ecuador discussed returning Assange to US: Report Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 09:00AM US President Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, had tried to convince Ecuador officials to detain WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and hand him over to America, according to a new report. Manafort raised the issue with Ecuadorian officials in May 2017, when he traveled to the country to establish political ties with incoming President Lenin Moreno, The New York Times reported Monday, citing three sources familiar with the discussions. The trip was mainly focused on arranging a deal that would see China invest in the South American nation's power system, the report said. However, Manafort attended at least two meetings about Assange, where Moreno and his assistants talked about ridding themselves of the controversial whistleblower who has been staying in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London since 2012. The Times alleged that Moreno and his team had even suggested to Manafort that they would extradite Assange if the US agrees to make concessions such as debt relief. The former Trump aide suggested at the time that he could help Ecuador negotiate a deal along those lines, the report added. Manafort's final meeting in Ecuador came days before the US Justice Department appointed Special Counsel Robert Mueller as the head of a high-profile investigation into the Trump campaign's alleged "collusion" with Russia during the 2016 election. The ongoing probe is based on US intelligence reports that Moscow stole Democratic secrets in a series of email hacking attacks and leaked them through Assange's platform. The Times noted there were no indications that Manafort was working on behalf of the Trump administration back then. It also suggested that the negotiations failed to yield an agreement. The report added that there was no evidence Manafort's negotiations were in any way related to the Russia investigations. Jason Maloni, a spokesman for Manafort, told the paper that it was Moreno who first floated the idea of a deal on Assange. "[Manafort] listened but made no promises as this was ancillary to the purpose of the meeting," Maloni said. "There was no mention of Russia at the meeting." Manafort has been convicted of eight counts of bank and tax fraud. He has reached a plea deal with Mueller which requires him to cooperate in exchange for a watered down sentence. Mueller office announced late last month that Manafort faced jail time for allegedly lying to prosecutors. According to a report by the Guardian last month, Manafort met with Assange multiple times before the 2016 presidential election. WikiLeaks and Manafort have both denied the claims. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Centcom's 20 Nations Present Vexing Challenges, Nominee Tells Senate Dec. 4, 2018 By Terri Moon Cronk Defense.gov WASHINGTON -- The 20 countries that make up the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility are as diverse and unique as any in the world, but they also present a vexing set of challenges, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. told the Senate Armed Forces Committee today. McKenzie made his remarks during his confirmation hearing to be the next commander of Centcom. If confirmed, the existing director of the Joint Staff would also be promoted to the rank of general. "We have vital strategic interest in the Central Command area of responsibility and we're going to need to stay engaged to address these issues," McKenzie told the committee. "Under [its current commander, Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel], Central Command has fostered outstanding relationships across its area of responsibility with myriad senior civilian and military leaders including those from Egypt, Jordan, the [Persian] Gulf States and across Central Asia," he said. McKenzie said Votel also has worked tirelessly with the State Department, the Agency for International Development, and a host of other government and nongovernment organizations, and pledged to continue those interactions. "The work of our colleagues in the Department of State is critical and if confirmed, supporting them will be a very high priority for me personally, and interaction with allies and partners across the region will also be a matter of great importance," he said. Leading A New Generation If confirmed, McKenzie said he hopes to lead a new generation of Centcom professionals to carry on the work of Votel and those leaders who came before him in meeting the command's challenges. "Our nation is safer and stronger because of his selfless service," he said of Votel's leadership. Centcom remains a dangerous theater of war, McKenzie noted, adding, "I am certainly mindful of the burden we had born in the past and that unfortunately we will continue to bear." Army Lt. Gen. Richard D. Clarke, the Joint Staff's director for strategic plans and policy, was also at the hearing to discuss his own nomination for commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. "In my opinion, the president could not have nominated anyone better to be the next Socom commander than Lt. Gen. Rich Clarke," McKenzie told the committee. "He is an exceptionally talented, morally grounded and strategically minded officer, and if we are confirmed, I look forward to the opportunity to continue to march alongside him in Tampa and across the theater." The nominee told the committee he vows to faithfully pursue the "policies and orders of the president and the secretary of defense within the authorities you have provided combatant commanders; and moreover, that I will be open and transparent with you and the rest of Congress." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Near-Peer Competition Means Relook at Special Ops Missions, Socom Nominee Tells Congress Dec. 4, 2018 By Jim Garamone Defense.gov The shift of the National Defense Strategy to confronting near-peer competitors will continue the demand for special operations forces, the president's nominee to be the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command said at his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing today. If confirmed, Army Lt. Gen. Richard D. Clarke, currently the director of strategic plans and policy on the Joint Staff, would succeed Army Gen. Tony Thomas as commander of the worldwide organization next year. The general testified alongside Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, the nominee to command U.S. Central Command. Special operations forces have been a go-to force in the years since the 9/11 attacks. Clarke said the forces provide critical capabilities and options to challenging problems. "Our world continues to evolve and increase in complexity," he said in his testimony. "While violent extremism persists in challenging regional stability and threatening our interest, near-peer competitors grow in both capability and intent to contest our vital national interest. The United States requires capabilities across all elements of national power and special operations remains a critical part of our defense." Special operations forces are crucial parts of the National Defense Strategy, Clarke said, and commanders are shaping those forces in accordance with the strategy. The strategy allows commanders to "relook our strategies and relook what we are doing and prioritize," the general said. The United States must maintain pressure on terrorists and those who aspire to attack the United States and its allies. But, at the same time, Special Operations Command must adapt to combatting nations that pose threats. Clarke said Socom is uniquely qualified through its theater special operations commands to craft strategies in line with national guidance, yet crafted to meet individual threats. Doing this will allow the command to counter the malign activities of Russia and China, he said. U.S. Asymmetric Advantages People talk often about Russian and Chinese advantages, but people should be talking about U.S. asymmetric advantages, Clarke said. "The other thing that we have that those two countries don't have is allies and partners. And our position around the world, specifically with Socom, with our special operations allies do provide us that advantage," he told the Senate panel. The combatant command has worldwide responsibility and budget responsibility for developing special operations capabilities. The force has been busy. This requires a hard look, Clarke said, and if he's confirmed, he added, he will take it. "I believe the most important aspect of Socom are the people," he said, "and the people that are performing the mission wherever it is." Special operators are the heart and soul of the counterterrorism mission. They play a large role in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. They help train foreign allies, and they work in theater commands with allies and partners, he said. "Right now, I believe that the number of personnel within Socom are adequate [to perform their missions]," Clarke said. "If confirmed by this committee, I will take a very hard look at myself and how this applies to great-power competition. One thing that I would highlight is that we should look at all missions across the globe as [Defense Secretary James N. Mattis] has reprioritized." Clarke emphasized that U.S. Special Operations Command should do only those missions that are suited for it. "Those missions that can be adjusted to conventional forces should go to those conventional forces," he said. "So we have to look at a prioritization of requirements." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aviation, Missile Center expands upon Black Hawk aircrew trainer technology By Kerensa Crum December 4, 2018 REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Three years after the first prototype for the Black Hawk aircrew trainer was set up and implemented as a training aid at Fort Bliss, Texas, that technology has been enhanced. A team from System Simulation, Software and Integration Directorate, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Aviation & Missile, also known as AMRDEC, has developed the Collective Aircrew Proficiency Environment. Crew chiefs and gunners can train in a realistic setting where they see and hear the same things simultaneously. Because there was no funding, Joseph P. Creekmore Jr., S3I aviation trainer branch chief and BAT Project director, said BAT team members used borrowed or discarded materials to work on the CAPE during breaks between scheduled projects. It paid off. "Design began over a year ago at a somewhat frustratingly slow pace for the BAT Team but, week by week and part by part, the CAPE device took shape and became the device we have today," Creekmore said. The singular focus of the Army's modernization strategy is making sure the warfighter and their units are ready to fight, win, and come home safely. As the head of the BAT Project, Creekmore said he believes the Army needs the CAPE to contribute to and ensure readiness in aircrews. "Because we are a nation that has been continuously at war since 9/11, all the BAT Projects' Army aviators have experienced combat overseas," Creekmore said. "They all went into combat as part of a trained team. "They all survived combat because they fought as a team. All the BAT Project's former and retired Army aviators know to their very core that, to fight and win America's wars, the Army must train as it fights and that includes training as a full aircrew," Creekmore explained. "So, from Day 1, the BAT Project dreamed and planned for an opportunity to demonstrate an excellent whole-crew trainer that would contribute to the readiness of all U.S. Army Air Warriors." CAPE and BAT are linked using an ethernet connection. Creekmore said the nine locations with fielded BAT devices only need a tethered CAPE to provide Army aviation units with a way to train a complete UH-60 aircrew. Manuel Medina, S3I assimilated integration technician, said he was blown away when he was first introduced to this technology. "Back when I was in, we didn't even have anything like this... If we had the flight hours and the maintenance money to train, we would." According to Jarrod Wright, S3I lead integrator who built the BAT, many aircraft incidents are a result of some type of aircrew miscommunication. "What we're trying to do here is ... teach that crew coordination to allow pilots and crew chiefs to train like they would in combat with two devices tethered to each other," said Wright, who spent more than eight years as a crew chief. "In combat, no UH-60 breaks ground without its full complement of two rated aviators, a non-rated crew chief/door gunner and a second door gunner," Creekmore explained. He said this type of equipment and training is necessary to maintain the high performance level and proficiency that exists in our Warfighters. "This environment allows you, not only to train, but to evaluate potential crew chiefs and door gunners," Wright posited. "You're not throwing someone in there and saying, 'I hope he gets it'." Medina, also a former gunner and crew chief, said this technology can benefit the Army in many ways. Not only can maintenance costs, flight hours, fuel, and training dollars be reduced, but the BAT and CAPE systems focus on considerations like spatial orientation or disorientation, response to changes in gravity, and susceptibility to airsickness. These devices mimic conditions crews see in flight and can identify adverse reactions while minimizing inherent risks. The BAT Project team has high hopes for the CAPE. "It is my hope that ... the Army invests in further development of the CAPE and then fields it as BAT mission equipment so we can get this critical training capability in the hands of UH-60 aircrews throughout the Army," Creekmore said. Wright said the potential exists to use this technology to train complete crews in rescue hoisting and cargo sling load - any scenario they might encounter in any type of combat or rescue situation. He even sees the possibility for the BAT and CAPE to be used as preparation for hurricane relief or similar missions. --- The Aviation & Missile Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to provide innovative research, development and engineering to produce capabilities that provide decisive overmatch to the Army against the complexities of the current and future operating environments in support of the joint warfighter and the nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Foreign Ministers' session NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 04 Dec. 2018 (As delivered) Good evening. NATO's Foreign Ministers have just met and discussed transatlantic security, European efforts on defence, burden sharing and also the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. And I will focus on the INF Treaty. All Allies have concluded that Russia has developed and fielded a new ground launched cruise missile system. The SSC-8, also known as the 9M729. Allies agree that this missile system violates the INF Treaty and poses significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security. And they agree that Russia is therefore in material breach of its obligations under the INF Treaty. The Treaty has been a pillar of Euro-Atlantic security for more than thirty years. It eliminated an entire category of weapons. And made us all safer. For over five years the United States has made every effort to engage with Russia. And to seek answers about the new missile. The US has raised the matter formally with Russia at senior levels more than 30 times. Other Allies have raised it with Russia too. We did so, a few weeks ago, in the NATO-Russia Council here in Brussels. But Russia has continued to produce and deploy the missiles. Russia's violation of the INF Treaty erodes the foundations of effective arms control and undermines Allied security. This is part of Russia's broader pattern of behaviour intended to weaken the overall Euro-Atlantic security architecture. There is no question that the United States fully complies with the Treaty. There are no new US missiles in Europe. But there are new Russian missiles in Europe. Arms control agreements are only effective if they are respected by all sides. A situation where the US abides by the treaty and Russia does not, is simply not sustainable. We call on Russia to return urgently to full and verifiable compliance with the INF Treaty. It is now up to Russia to preserve the INF Treaty. NATO Allies remain firmly committed to preserving strategic stability and Euro-Atlantic unity. NATO will continue to ensure the credibility and the effectiveness of the Alliance's overall deterrence and defence posture. We will continue to consult regularly. And we will continue to keep Russia's military posture and deployments under close review. At the same time, all Allies are firmly committed to supporting and strengthening real and verifiable arms control. NATO exists to prevent conflict and preserve peace. And we seek dialogue, not confrontation, with Russia. We don't want a new arms race. We don't want a new Cold War. So Allies will continue to work for a better relationship with Russia. We will continue to engage, including through the meetings of the NATO-Russia Council. So Russia now has a last chance to come back into compliance with the INF Treaty but we must also start to prepare for a world without the Treaty. And then I'm ready to take your questions. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, Wall Street Journal. Question [Wall Street Journal]: Dan Michaels, Wall Street Journal. In the discussions today, was there any dissent? Was there anyone saying that the US was moving too quickly to announce it was leaving officially the INF? Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: All Allies agreed, and we have reflected that agreement in the statement. And the statement is very clear, very strong, and it states clearly that Russia is in violation and Russia is in material breach of its obligations under the INF Treaty. We also say that it's up to Russia now to preserve the INF Treaty. They have a last chance to show and demonstrate, in a verifiable way, that they comply with the Treaty. But we also have to prepare for a world without the Treaty. And that's exactly what we now do: we state that Russia is violating the Treaty, we call on them to come back into full compliance with the Treaty, but we also start to prepare for the fact that this Treaty may break down because Russia, after years of engagement from our side with them, they still don't provide any credible answers to all our questions. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, NPR. Question [NPR/Deutsche Welle]: Hi, Terri Schultz with NPR and Deutsche Welle. NATO has known for quite a while that this was the US intention, so when you say now that you will start to prepare for a world without this arms control treaty, what does that mean? What are some of the ideas that you are looking at? And also, when you were asked about dissent, we know that not all countries would choose this as the step for the US to take today, so I mean simply repeating that they all agreed on this statement doesn't mean that there aren't Allies who believe differently. Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: I think the way we have handled this issue demonstrates the strength of NATO. We are 29 Allies; there are some times discussions, there are some times the need to sit down and meet and discuss, but at the end we're able to agree. And this statement is a strong demonstration of the unity and the strength of the Alliance, because it sends a very clear message about who is responsible for the violations and the fact that the INF Treaty is now really in jeopardy, and it also sends a message to Russia about that they have a last chance to come back into compliance. So, I really believe that this shows how important it is that we have done exactly what we have done; that we have consulted, that there has been briefings, that we have shared intelligence, and then that we have been able to agree on a common position on the way forward. And this is very important and this is really serious, because of course all missiles are dangerous. But these missiles are in particular dangerous because they are hard to detect, they are mobile, they are nuclear capable, they will reduce warning time, they can reach European cities, and therefore they also reduce the threshold for a potential use of nuclear weapons in a conflict. That's the reason why the INF Treaty has been so important and that's the reason why it is so serious that this Treaty now risks breaking totally down, because of the Russian violations. The last thing I'm going to say is that we are constantly assessing the military posture of Russia, we have strengthened our collective defence and we will then of course also assess the consequences of the deployment of the new Russian missiles. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, Financial Times, over there. Question [Financial Times]: Thank you. Michael Peel, Financial Times. Was there much discussion of potential next steps if Russia doesn't come into compliance? And are there concerns, particularly among European Allies, of the prospect now of fresh US missile deployments in Europe possibly, contributing to exactly the kind of arms race you want to avoid? Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: The important message from this meeting is that we will continue to discuss and address this issue within the NATO framework. We will collectively develop a set of responses. We will do that in a measured, considered way, because this is very serious and we need to analyse the consequences of each and every step. That's exactly why we need to do this as an Alliance, all 29 Allies together. The INF Treaty; the US is party to the INF Treaty, other NATO Allies are not. But of course, the consequences of a breakdown of the INF Treaty will be there for all Allies; this affects the security of all Allies. And therefore, I welcome the fact that United States has consulted over months and long time with NATO Allies. This was an important issue at the previous Defence Ministerial meeting in October, it was an issue addressed at the Summit in July, and it has been an issue which has been discussed within NATO for some time. So, it's too early to conclude now, but the important message is that we will do this as an Alliance, we will have a collectively developed response. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: Washington Post. Up there. Question [Washington Post]: Thank you. Michael Birnbaum from the Washington Post. Mr Secretary General, you've spoken repeatedly over the years about how the missile deployments of the 1970s and 1980s shaped your perspective as a person and as a politician. I wanted to ask what you feel it means for your legacy, as a NATO Secretary General, to preside over an era that likely does see the end of the INF Treaty? Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: I regret that we now most likely will see the end of the INF Treaty. But at the same time, we don't have any other alternative than to react in the way we do. Because we have to remember that the no arms control agreement will work if it's only respected by one part. One party. And the problem with the INF Treaty is that the United States is in compliance, while Russia is violating the Treaty. And that's not only a problem for the INF Treaty, but that's a problem for all other arms control treaties, because if we accept violation of one treaty then we also undermine the credibility of all the other arms control treaties. So, this is part about trying to defend the INF Treaty, but also about trying to defend the whole idea of verifiable arms control. You are right; for me, the issue of intermediate-range nuclear weapons shaped my understanding, back in the 70s and the 80s, about security and defence issues. And I think it shaped a whole generation of young politicians, especially in Europe. We were very concerned about the deployment of SS20s, intermediate-range Soviet Union missiles, but also were concerned about the NATO response, the Pershing and Cruise missiles. Therefore, we all really welcomed and we really felt that the world was moving forward when the Soviet Union and the United States, in 1987, agreed on the INF Treaty. And this was the first treaty that didn't only put a ceiling on the number of weapons, or reduce the number of weapons, but actually banned all weapons, abolished a whole category of weapons. So therefore, this was really arms control at its best. And, therefore, it is a really a big setback if this Treaty now breaks totally down. And, therefore, we call on Russia to use this last chance to come into compliance, but again we have done that for some time, so we need also to recognise that we have to be prepared for a world without the Treaty, and that's something which we all regret very much. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: Reuters, first row. Question [Reuters]: Thank you, Oana. Robin Emmott from Reuters. Secretary General, do you have any idea what the diplomacy during the next 60 days could entail for you? Do you imagine approaching Russia through the NATO-Russia Council? Can you imagine some kind of agreement where, obviously in 60 days, Russia isn't going to destroy these missiles, but it could come forwards with some kind of diplomatic message? Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: We will reach out to Russia in many different ways. Just the fact that we now have this united NATO position sends a clear message to Russia. Second, NATO Allies meet with Russia bilaterally, in different formats, with the Heads of State, Government, Foreign Ministers, and so on, and they raise this issue with their Russian counterparts. And they will also do so in the following days and weeks. And we are also ready to raise this issue again in the NATO-Russia Council; we did so just a few weeks ago. So, Russia knows our position, they know our concern, and in the beginning they denied the existence of this system. Then actually they were not able to deny the existence of the system, but then suddenly they changed explanation and said, "Yes, the system exists, but it doesn't violate the INF Treaty". But we are ready of course to talk to Russia; we did that in the NATO-Russia Council, we are ready to do it again. But I think this is actually not so much a question of how many meetings we will have with Russia, because they very well know our position; this is about whether Russia wants to preserve the INF Treaty. If they so want, they can comply with the Treaty; if not, then this Treaty will not survive. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, we'll go to the last row. Question [Macedonian Press Agency]: Tanja Milevska, Macedonian Press Agency. Secretary General, the Greek Alternative Minister for Foreign Affairs said that he raised the issue of the Macedonian Prime Minister's statement, saying that it's not in the spirit of the Prespa Agreement. Can you confirm that Mr Katrougalos raised this issue with you? And if yes, is this a problem for Macedonia's prospects and membership in NATO? Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: I had a very good discussion and meeting with the Greek Alternate Foreign Minister, and tomorrow we will also have a meeting where we will address the Western Balkans, including the name agreement between Athens and Skopje. We strongly welcome the progress we have seen, we welcome the name agreement and we really hope that the name agreement will be fully implemented. And, therefore, as soon as that happens, we are also then ready to sign the accession protocol and welcome the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as our 30th member. I think I will refrain from going into the details, but the main message is that all NATO Allies agree that we are ready to welcome FYROM, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as our new member, under its new name, the Republic of Northern Macedonia, as soon as the name agreement is implemented. And I really hope that will happen soon. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, we have time for one last question. VG. Question [VG]: Hi, Alf Johnsen, VG Norwegian newspaper. If so that the INF Treaty is gone in like eight months from now, what kind of countermeasures will NATO Allies take then? Will there be a possible development of a similar kind of weapons from the NATO side to kind of countermeasure the Russian missiles? Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: I think it will be wrong if I started to speculate about all the different potential ways NATO could respond. What is important today is two things: first, that we will make our decisions in a considered and measured way, and we will do it collectively as an alliance; second, is that we will take the necessary decisions to maintain credible deterrence and defence. Because there can be no doubt that NATO has to be able, also in the future, to defend and protect all Allies, and provide credible deterrence. That's the best way to preserve the peace. As long as our deterrence is credible and as long as we make the necessary decisions to ensure that, then we prevent conflict. And NATO exists to preserve the peace and to prevent conflict, and therefore we take the necessary decisions to make sure that's also the case in the future. But this is so serious that I think if I started to, you know, list potential options, it will only add to uncertainty and increase tensions, so we will do this in a measured and responsible way. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: Thank you very much, this concludes this press point. We'll see you tomorrow. Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: Thank you. 1. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council with Georgia and Ukraine in Foreign Ministers' session NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 04 Dec. 2018 (As delivered) Good afternoon. NATO Foreign Ministers have just met with the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Georgia. We addressed the security situation in the Black Sea region. Including Russia's violations of Georgia's and Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Four years ago, Russia illegally annexed Crimea. Now, Russia is attempting to use Crimea to expand its influence. And control the Sea of Azov. Just a few days ago, we saw Russia use military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel. We call on Russia to immediately release the Ukrainian sailors and ships it seized. Russia must allow freedom of navigation. And allow unhindered access to Ukrainian ports. Russia's pattern of disrespect for the borders of its neighbours includes military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia must end its recognition of both regions. And withdraw its forces from these regions of Georgia. In response to Russia's aggressive actions, NATO has substantially increased its presence in the Black Sea region over the past few years. At sea, in the air and on the ground. NATO ships routinely patrol and exercise in the Black Sea. This year, ships under NATO command have spent 120 days in the Black Sea, compared to 80 days the year before. Several Allies conduct NATO air policing in the region. Allies also conduct regular reconnaissance flights.And we have set up a Romanian-led multinational brigade in Romania. Three NATO members Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey are littoral states. So there is already a lot of NATO in the Black Sea. And we will continue to assess our presence in the region. At our meeting today, we agreed to continue working together to prepare Georgia for NATO membership. We recognised the significant progress Georgia has made with its reforms. And we thanked Georgia for its major contributions to our mission in Afghanistan. We also restated NATO's solidarity with Ukraine. We recognise Ukraine's aspirations to join the Alliance. And progress has already been made on reforms. But challenges remain, so we encourage Ukraine to continue on this path of reform. This is crucial for prosperity and peace in Ukraine. Allies greatly value our unique partnerships with Georgia and Ukraine. In different ways, each of them contributes to our shared security. And NATO remains committed to strengthening our ties with both countries. And with that, I am ready to take your questions. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: We'll go to the BBC over there. Question [BBC]: Yes, thank you very much. Jonathan Marcus, Secretary General, from the BBC. You've talked about NATO expanding its activities in the Black Sea region over the last few years, but clearly that has been insufficient to change Russia's behaviour in the light of the most recent events in the Sea of Azov. Have you tasked NATO Military Authorities to look at other steps to increase NATO military activity in the Black Sea? Or are there other steps that individual NATO countries might take to provide greater assistance to Ukraine? Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: NATO's presence in the Black Sea makes a difference and we have significantly increased our presence there and, during the meeting today, Allies clearly sent a message that they will continue to provide practical support to Ukraine, political support to Ukraine, but also continue to have a presence in the Black Sea region, both within the NATO framework, but also some NATO Allies have presence bilaterally. We support the Ukrainian armed forces in different ways, with command and control, with cyber; some Allies also provide training in different areas. NATO helps them to strengthen their naval capabilities, we help them at the naval academy in Odessa. We also help them to develop maritime capabilities, training exercises and also port visits. And we will of course very closely monitor and watch the situation in the Black Sea region, after the incidents we saw a few days ago. I think also we have to remember and understand that one of the reasons why NATO is in the process of implementing the biggest reinforcement to our collective defence since the end of the Cold War, is actually Russia's aggression against Ukraine. We have battlegroups in the eastern part of the Alliance for the first time in our history, we have the Romanian-led multinational brigade in Romania, we have air policing in the Black Sea, and we have more naval presence. So, all of this sends a very clear message from NATO and NATO Allies, to Russia. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: We'll go to Ukrainian TV in the first row. Question [5 Kanal]: Good evening. My name is Kristina, TV Channel 5, Ukraine. So, my question is what will be the next steps of NATO in the case of further blockade of the Azov Sea by Russia, if it will continue for example? Because, as we all understand, it is quite a dangerous threat, not just for Ukraine, for Turkey, but for other European countries which suffer from this blockade, and other ships and vessels. Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: This meeting in itself was an important message, or sent an important message to Russia. Because having all NATO Allies, and some of them also have presence on the bilateral level in the Black Sea, and we have three littoral states, all NATO Allies met with Ukraine and Georgia and sent a very clear message about our support. We are present in Georgia, we are present in Ukraine; and they committed to continue and to deepen the cooperation with both Georgia and Ukraine. We will, as I say, follow and monitor. We are following and monitoring closely the developments in the region, including of course in the Black Sea. And then we will, based on our assessments, continue to assess our presence in the region. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: ITAR-TASS, second row centre. Question [ITAR-TASS]: Thank you very much. Denis Dubrovin, TASS News Agency. Mr Secretary General, four years ago your predecessor, Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen, has called for restrain in supressing the Maidan protestors in Kyiv. Would you call now for restrain for the French forces, of police forces, when they are supressing the riots of "gilet jaunes"? Merci. Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: First of all, I think that's no meaning in comparing those two situations. And I also think that to try in any way to compare that is totally wrong. Then, the important thing for NATO is that we support the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and we will never accept and recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea and that Russia continues to destabilise Eastern Ukraine. And we have to understand what happened near the Sea of Azov in this context, because first Russia annexed Crimea, then they built a bridge, and then they used the annexation of Crimea and the illegally built bridge to try to take control over the Sea of Azov. So therefore we continue to call on Russia to release the ships, release the naval personnel, but also allow Ukraine access to the Sea of Azov, with both commercial shops and military ships. Because that's actually an agreement between Russia and Ukraine, and Russia has to honour that agreement. So, any attempt to block, to impede access for Ukrainian ships into the Sea of Azov, will be something which is absolutely in violation of the agreement between the two countries and it's a new example of how Russia is not respecting the territorial integrity of its neighbours. So, this is what this case is about. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: Very last question; RUSTAVI 2, lady in the second row. Question [RUSTAVI 2]: Georgian TV company, RUSTAVI 2. Secretary General, does Ukrainian side raise some new initiations about this situation? And second, Hungarian Foreign Foreign Minister, he made statement that he will raise issue about the Membership Action Plan to Georgia. Do you discuss, on this meeting, this issue? And which kind of position has other Allies? Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: This was one of the topics we addressed in the meeting. I think I will leave it to each individual Ally to refer what they actually said in the specific meeting. But in general, I can say that we strongly support Georgia on its path towards NATO membership and NATO's Heads of State and Government, they stated as late as in July that Georgia will become a member of the Alliance. We continue to provide support to Georgia to implement the necessary reforms. We commend the progress Georgia has made and we continue to work with Georgia in modernising their armed forces, building strong institutions, and we have the training and evaluation centre in Georgia, which we use to work with Georgia. That is important for Georgia, but it's also important for NATO, because it strengthens the interoperability of our forces, and many Allies expressed in the meeting today that they are extremely grateful for the strong contribution of Georgia to different NATO missions and operations. So, I think this meeting was a strong message of solidarity between NATO and Georgia, and NATO and Ukraine, and that we stand together. Oana Lungescu [NATO Spokesperson]: Thank you very much. This concludes this press point. Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg [NATO Secretary General]: Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 04 Dec. 2018 (As delivered) So good morning. Today and tomorrow, NATO's Foreign Ministers will meet and address a wide range of issues of importance for our shared security. We will address Russia destabilizing behaviour, we recently saw how Russia used military force against Ukrainian vessels and arrested the ships and the sailors and we call on Russia to immediately release the ships and the sailors. We are also concerned about the new Russia missile system which puts the INF Treaty in jeopardy. It's urgent that Russia ensures full compliance in a transparent and verifiable way. Because the INF Treaty is so important for our security. We will also discuss the challenges we see emanating from the South. Our partnerships, our work with different countries in North Africa and Middle East. And also the training mission we have started in Iraq. We will also discuss the Western Balkans. And we welcome the progress that Skopje's making moving towards full membership of NATO. So this will be a meeting with a lot of substance and many important topics to be addressed. Q) Inaudible. Secretary General: We will meet the Foreign Minister of Georgia in a meeting later on today. We will there express our strong support to Georgia, to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. Allies also provide not only political support but also practical support to Georgia. So I look forward to the meeting and I look forward to meeting the Foreign Minister of Georgia. Q) Can Ukraine expect help from NATO if Russia begin open attack on Ukraine? Secretary General: All Allies and NATO provide strong political support and strong practical support to Ukraine. Ukraine is not a NATO member but we strongly support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also call on Russia to release the sailors and the ships they have seized. NATO Allies will also continue to help modernise and strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces. NATO is also helping with different trust funds on cyber, on command and control and we also help to modernise the Ukrainian navy. Then I think we also have to remember that because of the aggressive actions of Russia against Ukraine, illegally annexing Crimea, destabilizing eastern Ukraine and now we have also seen what they have tried to do in the Sea of Azov. NATO has implemented the biggest reinforcement of our collective defence since the end of the Cold War, with higher readiness of our armed forces, with combat battalions in the eastern part of the Alliance. Allies are also now investing more in defence. NATO Allies are strehngeing our collective defence as a direct response to what we have seen Russia has done against Ukraine. Q) 1TV: Tomorrow Afghanistan will also be discussed. Considering the regional dimensions of the peace process in Afghanistan and the insecurity, is there any chance that NATO is going to contribute with Russia and Iran in order to create the foundation for a sustainable peace process in Afghanistan? Secretary General: So NATO strongly supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. Therefore we also welcome the initiative taken by President Ghani. We welcome the fact that we had a ceasefire this summer. And also the offer by Ghani to sit down with the Taliban and have unconditional peace talks. NATO is there to create a foundation for a political solution, because we train, assist and advise the Afghan security forces, armed forces, to send a clear message to the Taliban that they will never win on the battlefield. So they have to sit down at the negotiating table and engage in a real peace negotiation with the government. And of course we expect all powers, countries in the region, including Russian and Iran, to support this Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and play a constructive role. Q) Mitra: Afghans are concerned about the negotiations with the Taliban, because they feel that the achievements which were gained over the last 16 years might be compromised. How does the peace process look from the perspective of NATO? What would be the red lines for NATO regarding the peace talks with the Taliban? Secretary General: We strongly believe in a political settlement and a peace process which is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. And therefore it's not for NATO to set specific red lines. It's for those sitting around the negotiating table. But we support the Afghans. We also welcome the progress we have seen in Afghanistan when it comes to women's rights, democracy. And we continue to provide support to the Afghan government to modernise its institutions and strengthen its democratic processes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CVW-1 Exercises with Italian Air Force Navy News Service Story Number: NNS181204-02 Release Date: 12/4/2018 8:29:00 AM By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adelola Tinubu, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs ADRIATIC SEA (NNS) -- Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) conducted integrated flight operations with the Italian Air Force, Nov. 29. The exercise utilized F/A-18s from CVW-1's fighter squadrons, which integrated with Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft from the Italian Air Force. "Every time we fly integration events with other countries, we learn about different ways to plan and communicate," said Lt. Steven Lozano, assigned to CVW-1 strike operations. "Additionally, we gain valuable experience training with aircraft types other than our own US Navy assets. During this exercise our aircrew learned about different training rules and terminology which will allow us to train together more easily in the future." The exercise took advantage of the opportunity to train with foreign Air Forces and promote interoperability. Lozano said the exercise was a positive experience for CVW-1. "It's important for us to maintain good relationships and train regularly with our allies in Europe and around the world, so that we are always prepared to tackle large-scale operations smoothly and effectively," said Lozano. Truman is deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, supporting maritime security operations in support of U.S. national security interests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pompeo to talk defense budgets, Moscow with allies during NATO trip People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:13, December 04, 2018 WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will press allies to meet their defense spending targets and talk about Moscow on his North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) trip, according to a statement issued by the State Department on Monday. Pompeo will participate in the NATO foreign ministers' meetings in Brussels during Dec. 3-5, a senior State Department official told reporters anonymously en route to Brussels, according to the statement. The United States would continue to press allies on the following commitments: 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) spent on defense and 20 percent of defense budgets invested in major equipment. The U.S. administration has been criticizing European nations for failing to meet the official annual defense spending target of 2 percent of GDP set by NATO. According to NATO figures, only five of 29 members have met their defense spending targets this year -- Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Britain and the United States. Besides, NATO members will also go through a report on the bloc's southern dimension during the meeting, and update the 2017 counterterrorism plan with a heavy emphasis on intelligence sharing, according to the statement. In Brussels, the United States would cooperate with NATO allies to counter Moscow on various issues, including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and the recent Kerch Strait incident. "We will be ... working with allies to chart a joint way forward in how we tackle the problem of Russian noncompliance with the INF Treaty," the senior official said. In October, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Washington would pull out of the landmark INF Treaty signed by the Soviet Union and the United States in 1987 on account of Russia's alleged breach of the agreement, which Moscow had repeatedly denied. Russia believes that the U.S. plan to withdraw from the treaty will have grave consequences for the world. Washington also planned to press Moscow to release the Ukrainian crew members and ships, calling on European allies to show leadership in tackling the problem, according to the statement. On Nov. 25, three Ukrainian ships attempting to sail through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov were seized by Russian forces. The Russian side alleged that they had violated the Russian border. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN warns humanitarian crisis to deteriorate next year Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 03:19PM The United Nations says the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, already the worst in the world, will deteriorate in 2019, nearly four years after a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia invaded the impoverished country and began an intense campaign of airstrikes and ground attacks which are still ongoing. "The country with the biggest problem in 2019 is going to be Yemen," said Mark Lowcock, the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in a press conference in the Swiss city of Geneva on Tuesday. He went on to say that last year the world body was providing food assistance to three million Yemenis a month. The figure, however, rose to eight million per month this year and is expected to hit 12 million next year, Lowcock added. Leading a coalition of its allies, including the United Arab Emirates and Sudan, Saudi Arabia invaded Yemen in March 2015 in an attempt to reinstall former President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, who had resigned amid popular discontent and fled to Riyadh. The aggression initially consisted of a bombing campaign but was later coupled with a naval blockade and the deployment of ground forces to Yemen. Since the onset of the imposed war, the Yemeni army, backed by fighters from the country's popular Houthi Ansarullah movement, has been defending the impoverished nation against the brutal aggression. The coalition is also resolute to crush the movement as another goal in its war on Yemen, which is teetering on the edge of famine. The war is estimated to have left 56,000 Yemenis dead. About 8.4 million Yemenis are now facing starvation. The number is likely to increase to 14 million. More than three and a half years into the war, Saudi Arabia has achieved neither of its objectives. Riyadh had declared at the start of the invasion that the war would take no more than a couple of weeks. The situation has worsened in Yemen in recent months due to a broad economic collapse following a full-scale offensive by UAE forces, backed by armed militia loyal to Hadi, launched against the Houthi-held port city of Hudaydah in June. More than 70 percent of Yemen's imports pass through the docks of Hudaydah, which is currently under a tight siege imposed by the invaders. The so-called liberation operation, however, failed to achieve its objective, which is overrunning the vital port and defeating Houthi fighters, backed by those from the Popular Committees. Elsewhere in his comments, Lowcock said the UN was in an urgent need of $4 billion to help the suffering Yemenis in 2019. Overall, 24 million people in Yemen, roughly 75 percent of the whole population, would need humanitarian assistance next year, he added. However, the OCHA head also stressed that the outlook of Yemen could improve if progress is made at UN-brokered peace negotiations that are to begin in Sweden this month. Lowcock said that if the talks bear fruit, "It is possible that we could find by the second half of the year that the extreme edge could get taken off the suffering of those people who have no form of income." However, he added that diplomatic gains were difficult to predict. "The appeal we are making is based on our assessment of what the situation will actually be, rather than wishful thinking about what we would all like it to be." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, China, Iran challenging global US leadership: Pompeo Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 02:29PM US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has targeted Russia, China and Iran for opposing Washington's "leadership role". Pompeo said on Tuesday during a visit to Brussels ahead of a NATO foreign ministers meeting that President Donald Trump aimed to take the helm of a new world order, but certain "bad actors" were opposing him. "President Trump is returning the United States to its traditional central leadership role in the world," he said. Pompeo urged US allies to help Trump to succeed. "We are rallying the noble nations of the world to build a new liberal order" led by Trump, Pompeo said ahead of the meeting with NATO foreign ministers. Pompeo claimed Russia, China and Iran had undermined the global leadership of the United States. He said the Trump administration would no longer tolerate opposing influences willing to stop it from reaching its objectives. The former CIA chief warned international organization to follow suit with US foreign policy. Pompeo hinted that international organizations had to either work in line with US foreign policy, or face change. Organizations such as the United Nations, European Union, African Union, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank have become corroded are in dire need of change, he suggested. "The first two years of the Trump administration demonstrate that President Trump is not undermining these institutions nor is he abandoning American leadership. Quite the opposite," Pompeo said, adding, "Bad actors have exploited our lack of leadership for their own gain." Pompeo told the gathering that it was to duty of every nation to "honestly acknowledge its responsibility to its citizens and ask if the current order serves the interests of its people as well as it could -- and if not, we must ask how we can right it," Pompeo's comments came as NATO foreign ministers are scheduled to meet to discuss recent escalating tensions with Russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel launches operation near Lebanese border against 'Hezbollah tunnels' Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 11:01AM The Israeli military has launched an operation along Lebanon's border under the pretext of "cutting off" what it claims are tunnels dug by the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement near the occupied territories. It announced the operation on Twitter on Tuesday, saying that a number of areas close to Lebanon's border, including Metula, had been declared a closed military zone. Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus claimed that that "a number of tunnels" had penetrated the Israeli-occupied territories. He said that the operation would not cross the border into Lebanon. Conricus, however, said the tunnels "are not yet operationally ready" and therefore did not pose an "immediate threat." He claimed that Hezbollah has been developing an offensive plan that would "shift the battleground into Israel." Hezbollah would use firepower and ground units and "the surprise component of that plan was supposed to be tunnels that would allow infiltrators into Israel," he claimed. According to unnamed Israeli officials, the operation would likely "take weeks." The Israeli army reportedly deployed tanks and construction vehicles near the Lebanese frontier around midnight on Monday. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the Lebanese government was responsible for the build-up of the tunnels. Lebanese media also said forces with the United Nations peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, monitored the Israeli operations, and that the Lebanese army did routine patrols in the surrounding towns. In a statement Tuesday carried by the state-run National News Agency, a UNIFIL official said the situation in the area was calm. The resistance movement Hezbollah was formed following the Israeli regime's invasion of Lebanon and the ensuing occupation of its southern parts in the 1980s, and currently constitutes Lebanon's de facto military power. Since then, the movement has helped the national army retake the occupied regions from Tel Aviv and thwart two Israeli acts of aggression in 2000 and 2006. The movement has also been playing a significant role in the Syrian army's fight against Takfiri terrorist groups, including Daesh and al-Nusra Front, thus preventing the spillover of the war into Lebanon. Hezbollah is also a powerful political party in Lebanon. The movement and its allies currently hold over half of parliamentary seats in the country. Since the end of the 2006 war, Israeli forces have regularly violated Lebanon's sovereignty, with the regime's officials threatening another military offensive against the Arab country. Hezbollah has repeatedly warned the regime in Tel Aviv against launching a new war, vowing a crushing response to any such attempt. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen's Houthis, Saudi-led coalition reach prisoner exchange deal Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 08:28AM A Houthi official says the Saudi-led coalition and militants fighting on its behalf in Yemen have signed a UN-brokered deal for exchanging prisoners with the Houthi Ansarullah movement, prior to the peace negotiations due to be launched in Sweden. Abdul Qader al-Murtaza, chairman of the Houthi-run Committee for Prisoners' Affairs, confirmed the news to Turkey's Anadolu news agency on Monday. "The UN special envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, communicated to us that coalition forces and the Yemeni [self-proclaimed] government have also signed the prisoner exchange agreement that was signed in November by the Houthis," he said. Murtaza also noted that the agreement marks the first step towards resolving the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Peace talks between Yemen's opposite parties are expected to begin in Sweden as early as Wednesday. Griffiths arrived in Sana'a, the Houthi-run Yemeni capital, on Monday to escort the Houthi delegation to the planned discussions. Meanwhile, a UN source told Reuters that the former Saudi-backed regime had also confirmed that it would follow the Houthis to the Sweden peace talks. On Monday, a UN-chartered plane carrying 50 wounded Houthi fighters and three Yemeni doctors left Sana'a for Oman's capital, Muscat, for treatment. The plane took off just a few hours after the UN envoy arrived in Sana'a. Griffiths thanked all parties for facilitating the evacuation of the wounded fighters. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthis' political bureau, told Reuters that the movement's delegation would travel to Sweden Tuesday morning on a plane provided by Kuwait and accompanied by Griffiths. However, Yemeni Minister of Information Daifallah al-Shami said that the Houthis had not received any official invitation for the UN-mediated peace talks in Sweden. "So far (December 2), we have not received any invitation directly from the UN on peace talks in Sweden. From the efforts of UN and its special envoy, we can't see any clear vision for peace talks," he said. The previous round of the peace talks collapsed in the Swiss city of Geneva in September. 'Khashoggi crisis pressured Saudis into deal' Lawrence Davidson, professor at the West Chester University, has told Press TV, that the prisoner exchange deal was made possible because of mounting international pressure on the Riyadh regime over the killing of critic Jamal Khashoggi. "A lot of it has to do with the diplomatic pressure because of the murder of a US-based Saudi journalist and the anger that is generated in Congress and also other countries that are refusing ... to sell them (the Saudis) weapons," he said. "So, this is a tactical move on their part to try to relieve some of that pressure. How far it will go, we will have to see," he added. Khashoggi's murder is widely blamed on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been leading the war on Yemen in his capacity as the kingdom's defense minister. Saudi Arabia and its allies launched the deadly military aggression against Yemen in March 2015 in an attempt to reinstall the country's former Riyadh-allied regime and crush the Houthis, who have been running state affairs in the absence of an effective government. The war is estimated to have left 56,000 Yemenis dead. Back in June, the Saudi-led coalition launched an offensive on the port city of Hudaydah despite international warnings that it would compound the war-torn nation's humanitarian crisis. The Saudi-led offensive, coupled with a naval blockade, has destroyed Yemen's infrastructure and led to famine in the import-dependent state. About 8.4 million Yemenis are now facing starvation. The number is likely to increase to 14 million. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Houthi Ansarullah delegation departs Yemen for peace talks in Sweden Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 10:36PM Delegates from the Houthi Ansarullah movement, escorted by United Nations Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths, have flown from the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a to Sweden to attend UN-sponsored peace negotiations with representatives from the administration of former Yemeni president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. The Houthis left aboard a Kuwaiti airliner on Tuesday, one day after 50 wounded fellow fighters were allowed to fly to neighboring Oman for treatment in a major boost to peace efforts. An unnamed senior United Nations official said Griffiths offered to accompany the Ansarullah delegates after they voiced fears that the Saudi-led military coalition, which has imposed an aerial blockade on Yemen and is conducting a devastating aerial bombardment campaign against the impoverished Arab country, might intercept the flight. Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the spokesman and chief negotiator for the Ansarullah movement, wrote on his official Twitter page that the Houthis "will spare no effort to make a success of the talks to restore peace and end the aggression." Ansarullah officials said that preliminary consultations with Saudi-backed Hadi loyalists could begin as early as Wednesday. Although no date has been announced for the start of the talks, there are reports they could begin on Thursday. Britain has presented a draft UN Security Council resolution on Yemen, and called on parties involved in Yemen's crisis to restart peace negotiations. "The conflict in Yemen can only be resolved though an inclusive political process," the draft resolution said. The draft sets a two-week deadline for warring Yemeni parties to remove all barriers to humanitarian aid, halt attacks on civilian areas and allow unhindered access to the strategic port city of Hudaydah. Also on Tuesday, tens of Saudi-backed militiamen after Yemeni army troopers, supported by allied fighters from Popular Committees, thwarted their offensive on al-Qatab area in the Nihm district of Yemen's province of Sana'a. Moreover, a young girl lost her life after Saudi military forces and their mercenaries targeted residential buildings in the al-Durayhimi district of the western Yemeni province of Hudaydah with a barrage of artillery rounds and mortar shells. Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched a devastating military campaign against Yemen in March 2015, with the aim of bringing the government of Hadi back to power and crushing Ansarullah movement. According to a new report by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), a nonprofit conflict-research organization, the Saudi-led war has so far claimed the lives of around 56,000 Yemenis. The Saudi-led war has also taken a heavy toll on the country's infrastructure, destroying hospitals, schools, and factories. The UN has already said that a record 22.2 million Yemenis are in dire need of food, including 8.4 million threatened by severe hunger. According to the world body, Yemen is suffering from the most severe famine in more than 100 years. A number of Western countries, the US and Britain in particular, are also accused of being complicit in the ongoing aggression as they supply the Riyadh regime with advanced weapons and military equipment as well as logistical and intelligence assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Foreign Ministers To Discuss Missile Treaty Impasse, Kerch Confrontation By RFE/RL December 04, 2018 The Black Sea naval confrontation between Russia and Ukraine and the fate of a major Cold War missile treaty will top the agenda for foreign ministers and diplomats from 29 NATO members meeting in Brussels. Ahead of the December 4 meeting, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg demanded that Russia release Ukrainian sailors and naval vessels it seized in the confrontation nine days ago near Crimea. "There is no justification for this use of force. We call for calm and restraint. Russia must release the Ukrainian sailors and ships," Stoltenberg said on the eve of a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers. Russia has been holding the sailors -- crewmen from three Ukrainian naval craft -- since the confrontation, which added to tension over Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. U.S. officials, meanwhile, are expected to try and rally support for their contention that Russia violated the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty by testing and then deploying a missile banned under the treaty, known as the INF. U.S. officials have been sharing with European allies more detailed intelligence on the missile, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats last week for the first time provided specific indications of how Russia allegedly tested it. Moscow has repeatedly denied any violation, though after years of denials, it has acknowledged the existence of the missile that Washington has identified. President Donald Trump in October announced that the United States would be withdrawing from the INF. The alliance will also host an expanded meeting of its governing North Atlantic Council to involve foreign ministers from Georgia and Ukraine. Russia has vehemently opposed any efforts by NATO to admit former Soviet states into the alliance. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/nato-meeting-missile- treaty-naval-clash/29636177.html Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two Armenian Pilots Killed In Military Jet Crash By RFE/RL's Armenian Service December 04, 2018 An Armenian military aircraft has crashed during a training mission, killing its two pilots. The Defense Ministry said on December 4 that the Su-25 jet disappeared from the radar screens minutes after taking off from an airbase in the northwestern city of Gyumri. The ministry said the wreckage of the plane was found later. Ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovannisian said the two pilots, identified as Lieutenant Colonel Armen Babayan and Major Movses Manukian, died in the crash. There was no word on possible causes of the crash. Armenia's Investigative Committee has reportedly launched an investigation. Soviet-designed Su-25s are the main type of military aircraft making up Armenia's small air force. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/two-armenian-pilots-killed- in-military-jet-crash/29637365.html Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pompeo Says China, Iran, And Russia Causing Global Instability By RFE/RL December 04, 2018 U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has criticized China, Iran, and Russia for violating numerous treaties and multistate agreements. In a foreign policy speech to the German Marshall Fund in Brussels on December 4 ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Pompeo said recent moves by the three countries have caused instability in the world. Pompeo said the United States would continue to lead by calling out "bad actors" that have exploited loopholes within international institutions for their own gain. He also rejected critics who suggest that President Donald Trump's administration is acting unilaterally on key international issues. "In the finest traditions of our great democracy, we are rallying the noble nations to build a new liberal order that prevents war and achieves greater prosperity," Pompeo said. "Under President Trump, we are not abandoning international leadership or our friends in the international system," he said. "We are acting to preserve, protect, and advance an open, just, transparent, and free world of sovereign states," Pompeo said. "This project will require actual, not pretend, restoration of the liberal order among nations," Pompeo said. "It will require an assertive America and leadership from not only my country, but of democracies around the world." Trump in October vowed to abandon a 1987 nuclear arms treaty with Moscow, saying Russia has been violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) since 2014. NATO allies are calling on Trump not to go through with his decision, but instead to work to bring Russia into compliance with the treaty. Pompeo said Trump's administration is working to reform institutions that have been at the heart of international order since the end of World War II. He said the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank have become corroded and are in need of change. He said Washington is pushing the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to reduce funding to countries like China, saying they already have access to financial markets in order to raise capital. With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pompeo-says- china-iran-and-russia-causing-global- instability/29636824.html Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'A Good Example': Secret B-21 Program Passes Developmental Review on Schedule Sputnik News 23:46 04.12.2018 The highly-secretive program to develop the B-21 Raider, a futuristic bomber aircraft, passed a review this week. "Our most recent review was last week, and the B-21 is on schedule and performance," US Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson said at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, over the weekend, Military.com reported. "We are pleased with how that program is moving forward," said Wilson, noting that "it's a good example of how to run a major acquisition program well and why delegation of authority back to the services works to get high quality and to do so quickly." Northrop Grumman was awarded the contract for the B-21 in 2015, though the exact amount of funding has remained classified so as not to reveal any hints of the plane's capabilities. Wilson was alluding to the innumerable bureaucratic and political hurdles project managers can face within the vast Department of Defense, one of the largest organizations in the world. She said that the recent military budgets passed by Congress have increased the level of authority for program managers to spend more time on projects and less time "managing the Pentagon." It's not clear what type of developmental review the B-21 program completed. The bomber program was slated for a crucial design review sometime this month; it's not clear whether the review Wilson mentioned is the same one, Military.com's Oriana Pawlyk noted. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Reportedly Plans to Destroy Hezbollah Tunnels From Inside Lebanon Sputnik News 16:51 04.12.2018(updated 18:48 04.12.2018) Earlier in the day, the Israeli Defence Forces tweeted that they were launching an operation to "expose and neutralise cross-border" tunnels that Hezbollah used to attack Israel from Lebanese soil. Having announced the beginning of Operation Northern Shield on Tuesday morning, IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis said that the military had discovered Hezbollah tunnels, with one of them being dug from a private home in Kafr Kila in southern Lebanon. "Some actions will be more precise and some less. At this point we are operating within Israeli territory to seize the tunnels in the future, these tunnels may be destroyed from other locations", he told reporters. According to the spokesman, it took some two years to build the tunnel under the house that stretches about 200 metres, 40 of which are within Israel's territory. The military said that in the aftermath of the 2014 Gaza war, Israel realised that there was an "underground threat" that was to be eliminated: "Two teams are created: one in the south, which has so far exposed some 17 tunnels, and another on the Northern Command, which operated under the assumption that if there are tunnels in the south, it is likely there are [tunnels] in the north". Manelis went on to say that Israel had warned Lebanon and the United Nations' peacekeeping mission in South Lebanon that anyone who approached the area of the operation, was putting himself in peril. Israeli Envoy to Russia on the Ongoing Operation Commenting on the operation, Israeli Ambassador to Russia Gary Koren told Sputnik that Israel has informed Moscow about Israel's actions. "I can add that not only the Lebanese side, but also the Russian side received this information. Today, the Israeli delegation was in the Russian Foreign Ministry, and a meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister [Sergey] Vershinin took place, where this [operation Northern Shield] was one of the topics that was discussed," Koren said. The official continued by saying that Israel was not pursuing any "hidden agenda" in respect to Lebanon by carrying out the operation. "The tunnel that was discovered by our army in the north of Israel today infiltrates Israel's territory by tens of meters. Hezbollah's goals were clearly aggressive and we could no longer tolerate it. How long the operation will continue, I cannot say. We are searching for the tunnels, I emphasize, on our territory," Koren said. Earlier on Tuesday, the IDF announced the launch of the operation on Twitter: According to Haaretz, the Israeli military has been aware of Hezbollah's plans to build tunnels along the Israel-Lebanon border in order to carry out attacks against the Jewish state since the 2006 Lebanon War and has been trying to map them since 2014. The Israeli campaign was kicked off shortly after Hezbollah uploaded a video to YouTube, warning Israel against launching missile strikes on Lebanon and threatening retaliation. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Relocation of US Okinawa Base Suspended at Local Authorities' Request - Reports Sputnik News 16:03 04.12.2018(updated 16:07 04.12.2018) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Land reclamation work aimed at relocating a US military base in the southern Japanese prefecture of Okinawa has been suspended at the request of local authorities, who argued that the military officials failed to provide necessary documentation related to the issue, NHK reported Tuesday, citing Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya. According to the NHK broadcaster, the defene minister told reporters that the work had been temporarily halted following a request from Okinawa's authorities, who called the work "illegal" because the prefecture's defense bureau had failed to provide them with the required documents. Iwaya also expressed hope that the suspension would not prevent the land reclamation work from starting as planned. According to media reports, full-scale reclamation is expected to begin on December 14. The relocation of the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, which is currently situated in Okinawa's densely populated city of Ginowan, to the Henoko district, was launched in 2017. In August, the prefecture's authorities decided to revoke the permit for the reclamation work. In early November, however, the relocation process resumed as Tokyo reversed the local authorities' ban. The plans to relocate the US airbase sparked protests among tens of thousands of local residents demanding that the facility be removed from Okinawa completely, and not just moved to another location. Okinawa, which accounts for a small fraction of Japan's territory, hosts 74 percent of US military facilities and more than half of all US forces deployed in Japan. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Kicks Off Op to Thwart Hezbollah Attack Tunnels on Lebanese Border - IDF Sputnik News 08:34 04.12.2018(updated 14:17 04.12.2018) Israel has put its forces on the border with Lebanon on a war footing as part of the Northern Shield operation aimed at destroying tunnels of the Hezbollah group. The Israeli Defence Forces announced on Twitter on Tuesday the start of an operation to 'expose and neutralise cross-border' tunnels that Hezbollah is using to attack Israel from Lebanese territory. According to the Haaretz news outlet, the Israeli armed forces knew of Hezbollah's plans dating back to 2006 to construct attack tunnels at points along the Israel-Lebanon frontier in order to conduct attacks against the Jewish state. An attempt to build a tunnel was exposed in 2013, but no construction site was discovered. Later in the day, the Israeli Defence Forces said that they found and neutralised one of the tunnels dug by Hezbollah from southern Kafr Kela in Lebanon into Israeli territory. The news comes days after Hezbollah posted a video clip threatening to retaliate against Israel in case of the missile attack against the group. The footage features Hezbollah leader Hader Hassan Nasrallah warning IDF: "If you dare attack, you will regret it." Israel formed a special team aimed to locate the tunnels in 2014. This was followed in 2015 by Israel kicking off a project to create a barrier on the Lebanese border and establish a technology for the neutralisation of the tunnels. IDF spokesperson Ronen Manelis has said that the construction of Hezbollah tunnels into Israeli territory is 'proof of a flagrant violation of Israeli sovereignty'. 'We see this as a very serious situation that hurts Lebanon and the citizens of Lebanon, and we hold the Lebanese government accountable. We have indisputable proof that the Lebanese government is not in control of their border. Iranian money is all around these tunnels'. Israeli authorities have consistently called Hezbollah an Iranian "terrorist proxy", stressing that the Jewish state will "continue blocking Iran's attempts to use Syria and Lebanon as its forward bases to launch attacks on Israel". Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On the Meeting of the North Atlantic Council Special Briefing Senior State Department Official Washington, DC December 4, 2018 MODERATOR: (In progress) He's going to speak with you on back ground as a senior State Department official. [Senior State Department Official] just exited the meeting that was held on Ukraine and Georgia in which the Secretary spoke and a lot of others spoke, so [Senior State Department Official], go right ahead. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: So as [Moderator] said, I just came out of a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Black Sea security. This is the format focused on Georgia and Ukraine. You may remember, and I want to call everyone's attention to the fact, that Hungary has been blocking participation of Ukraine in certain formats at NATO, a habit that we strongly object to. This is a format, a Black Sea format that it's now the second time this format has met, and it is a format that we put together to have these two countries continue to engage NATO, but it's a workaround to Hungary's blockage, which we continue to object to. In that session, there were strong expressions of support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and Georgia. The United States in particular sent a very clear and strong message of support for both of these countries, joining them in their stand against Russian aggression, both externally with regard to territorial acts of aggression and internally with regard to the building of democracy and continued efforts at reform. There was a special focus in the NAC session just now on the November 25th incident outside the Kerch Strait. I know all of you have followed that closely and are aware of everything that happened. It's a serious concern for the United States for a couple of reasons. One is Ukraine itself. It marks an unmistakable escalation of the conflict there, not least because it's the first time that the Russian Government has openly and unapologetically used its own forces without any attempt at claiming it was done by so-called separatists; but secondly the demonstration effect of what happened in Kerch. There are a lot of international passage maritime passageways in the world Middle East, Asia. We have principled reasons to be concerned about a demonstration like the demonstration effect like this sinking in, but also very practical and interest-based reasons to be concerned about a lot of places in the world where U.S. troops and commerce pass through, and we don't want this precedent to stick. Today the U.S. reiterated that we condemn this Russian act of aggression, call it for what it is; that Crimea is Ukraine; and that the Russian action in Kerch is both a clear military escalation and a violation of international law and freedom of the sea. Long before this latest incident in Kerch, the United States has been raising our concerns about Russian behavior in Azov and with the construction of the Kerch Bridge. We've had State Department statements on Kerch and Azov on numerous occasions, most recently in May, August, and November prior to this incident. We have raised concerns about Azov and Russian behavior there in the OSCE Permanent Council on five occasions since last year. I think all of you know you have followed the President's decision some months ago to reverse the previous administration's blockage of lethal aid to Ukraine we've provided two cutters to enhance maritime security of Ukraine, and a senior State Department official was present at the handoff ceremony. We recently held a meeting of the U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Partnership Commission, which I chair, co-chaired with Minister Foreign Minister Klimkin, and that included a special focus on Azov. I would also note that the Russian entities who are involved in the Kerch Bridge construction and who are operating in Crimea, a number of those at least a dozen by my count are already sanctioned entities. In the period since this incident, we demarched all 28 EU members as well as Russia. We have pressed publicly and privately alongside allies for release of the crew and a reopening of the strait. The Secretary has made very strong and clear statements about this and has tweeted about it on numerous occasions. The President has spoken about this. Ambassador Haley made a statement about this. I think all of you know that the President canceled a Putin meeting because of his concern about this incident. We put out a G7 foreign ministers statement, we had a NATO-NAC statement on November 27th, and we're now working very closely with allies to assess the way forward. And the final thing I would say is I think the Russians have this message; but if they don't, it should be abundantly clear to them that for as long as they hold these crew members, we will continue to raise the costs. They need to release the crews, return the ships, and this is not something that we're going to turn our attention away from. QUESTION: How has how have you risen -- SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: First question, please. QUESTION: How have you risen the costs since the incident? Other than statements, I don't know where, but (inaudible) how has -- SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: So the you haven't heard the final word on this matter. We're in close coordination. QUESTION: Tell me. What is it? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: I don't have a final word for you on this matter. QUESTION: Oh, oh, oh. (Inaudible) you were saying. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: We're closely coordinating with allies on a way forward and we have complete consistency in our concerns and messaging with allies, and right now we're assessing how to get the crew and ships out. There's a variety of options for that, but as I said, it's not an issue that's going to go away. QUESTION: I understand, but you said that the you're going to continue to raise the cost to the Russians if they don't do this. So I'm just "continue to" I don't see how the cost has risen since the incident has happened, so there's nothing that they can get in return for releasing the crew and the ships except for you guys stop writing mean letters, right? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Yeah, thank you for that characterization of our policy. QUESTION: (Off-mike.) SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: I mean, look, there should be no doubt whatsoever, because if you look at our actions over the last two years, there should be no doubt about cost imposition and this administration's focus on cost imposition for Russian aggression. QUESTION: I'm not -- SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: And this is the latest example of Russian aggression. QUESTION: I'm not questioning that. I'm not questioning that. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: So as I said, right now our focus is on working with our allies, because European allies have a principal responsibility for something that happens in their own backyard. QUESTION: Yes, but my only question I'm not doubting that you're tough on the Russians. I'm saying what have you done in response to this specific incident that raises the costs so that they will think again -- SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: I just gave you a really long list of a variety of things that we've done over the last two years, and I think for where we stand right now, I'm just going to call your attention to that list. I think it speaks for itself in communicating our resolve to get the crew out, unblock the strait, and not let the precedent stick. QUESTION: But the crew hadn't been taken -- SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Next question. QUESTION: -- hadn't been taken and the strait wasn't blocked four months ago. MODERATOR: Let's move on. (Inaudible.) QUESTION: So were you happy when MBS did a high-five with Vladimir Putin? Given all of your concerns about Putin's behavior over the last several years, given all the things that you've done to raise that, to talk to to increasingly isolate the Russians on the international stage, one of your closest allies had a enthusiastic, almost bear hug-like high-five with Putin at the G20, where both were sort of obviously gleeful. Is that the sort of messaging that you think is appropriate by one of your closest -- MODERATOR: I think the question about Saudi Arabia should be not addressed to [Senior State Department Official] and that was your (inaudible). SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: It was about look -- QUESTION: (Inaudible.) MODERATOR: Hold on. You can certainly answer ask the that question to the Secretary. QUESTION: Okay. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Look, let me answer that in part from an EUR perspective. Vladimir Putin is determined to increase Russian influence in the Middle East and the Russians, make no mistake, have a strategy to exercise greater influence over things like the price of oil. This is a big part of the reason why, when we look at policy both in Eastern Europe and in the Middle East, we have to be cognizant of the fact that Putin is an opportunistic player looking to cement stronger strategic relations with countries like Saudi Arabia that's a close U.S. friend and partner. So it's part of the reason that I think Secretary Pompeo has been clear there's a lot of equities that we have in the Saudi relationship, and we have to balance those wisely. So I would say your question points to something that I hope our friends in the media are cognizant of, that we have to prevent Putin from having opportunities like this to cement relations with Saudis, among others. MODERATOR: Next question. QUESTION: There were reports this morning that the Russians were easing their blockade of Ukrainian seaports. Was that mentioned? Do you see that as a sign of progress? And then you've been repeatedly saying the Europeans should be doing more here since this is in their backyard. Have any solid commitments been made? And what specifically more (inaudible)? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Yeah. So on the first part of your question, even a partial blockage from our standpoint is unacceptable, both under international law and the obligations that the Russians have to the Ukrainians from their own agreements on how they bilateral agreements on how they manage that passageway. So we don't see that as success. On your second question, I would answer that a lot like I did earlier, that we are talking and working very closely with European allies right now to chart a unified way forward where the West is not only speaking with one voice, which I think we are right now, but what we're working on and a big part of why we're here today is charting the way forward in terms of actions. QUESTION: Is it consensus that that's unacceptable, that it's not a victory the partial unblockage, or is that just the U.S.? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: I can only speak from the perspective of U.S. policy. I would refer you to numerous other foreign ministries. QUESTION: Well, that didn't come up in the did it didn't come up in the NAC meeting? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Did what come up? QUESTION: The partial unblockage, and did you all come to consensus that this is not good enough, that they have to -- SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: A lot of those developments are very, very recent, right, so over the last few hours. Several of the ministers who spoke up noted that, but they didn't note it by way of saying we're out of the woods. But people are aware of the fact I think across the alliance are aware that this is a fluid situation. I mean, I'll go out on a limb and say I think generally from a NATO-wide perspective no one would see that as a satisfactory move or the end of a matter. MODERATOR: [Senior State Department Official] only has a few more minutes. Nike, go ahead. QUESTION: Yes. Thank you very much. First I would like to know if do you see any indication of Russia (phone rings). Sorry. Do you see any indication on Russia stepping up interference in Ukraine in the run-up to the excuse me in the presidential and parliamentary election next year? And separately, was Georgia's bid to become a NATO member addressed? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: We see a noticeable uptick in already very high levels of Russian interference inside Ukraine. I think the Russians, and I should specifically say the Russian Government and I think these decisions are coming from Putin sees Ukraine as a very vulnerable target and is attempting through a variety of means to undermine confidence in democratic institutions. A lot of Russian cyber activity. As you may know, the State Department has provided a lot of practical support to the Ukrainians. Our post is very active there, but we've also targeted a lot of our recent aid at bucking up Ukrainian cyber defenses. So we've rolled up our sleeves and we work with them on a daily basis in making Ukraine and its institutions more resilient against those attacks. QUESTION: On Georgia? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Georgia. So from the U.S. perspective, and I think we've been clear on this, that we stand by the Bucharest 2008 declaration affirming that Georgia has a future in NATO. Georgia has made tremendous strides in reform, particularly in the defense sector, is an outsized contributor to international security missions, so our policy position has not changed. And we are happy to see that the presidential elections went off as smoothly as they did. We are concerned about numerous irregularities that we saw in those elections but are very watchful now in how the Georgians implement their new constitution, and I think the early part of next year will be a test for democratic institutions in Georgia. MODERATOR: Guy. QUESTION: Yeah, well I just want to remind you thanks so much, this is really insightful. But I want to remind you that it's on background, so nobody reading this knows who said it. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Thanks for the reminder. QUESTION: Yeah. I mean -- MODERATOR: This is what we typically do at State Department, previews with some of our experts. QUESTION: Oh, I understand. Of course, but -- SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Do you have a question? QUESTION: My question is I want to give you an opportunity to tell us what exactly was achieved here today vis-a-vis Ukraine in a simple statement. Was there is there anything that I mean, yesterday you told us that the goal or we were calling on European allies to show leadership, we want to see European allies take greater responsibility for a security problem that is just a few hundred miles from Germany's border. Was there any movement towards that? And I'm not trying to insinuate that there wasn't. Just here's the shot to give us -- SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Since we're on background, I'll offer an observation that when the United States and particularly this administration is when we get criticized from the media, it's often for not coordinating enough with allies. When we coordinate with allies, we get criticized for coordinating with allies. So as I'm sure you can appreciate, although diplomacy probably works on a little bit different time schedule than some other things, not everything is resolved in a 55-minute meeting. I think the NAC statement a few days ago was crystal-clear. What we do not see NATO doing right now is what NATO did at the onset of the Georgia war sticking its head in the sand, not speaking up. Speaking up counts for something. As the Secretary said earlier today, words matter. And I think post-Kerch incident, the words of the United States are crystal-clear. As you've seen on our Ukraine and on our Russia policy, our words and actions match, and I've given you a long list of the ways in which they match. As I said a minute ago, you haven't heard the last word on this matter, and we want the Russians to absorb the message that they need to release the crews or there will be consequences and the pain will grow over time. As and I think that's been our consistent message to the Russians across the board for various forms of aggressive behavior, and this will be no exception. MODERATOR: Joel, go ahead. QUESTION: A very quick question. MODERATOR: Joel was ahead of you. Go ahead, Joel. QUESTION: You said you want unified action, not just words. So have you found that the are the Turks limiting the range of motion, so to speak, in response to the Kerch Strait incident in light of to the growing relationship between Erdogan and -- SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: The Turks are very helpful on this matter for a couple of reasons. First, there is a large Tatar minority community in Crimea. The Turks have been consistent in their commitments in a NATO context on not recognizing the annexation of Crimea. They've actually been one of the more forceful in raising concerns about human rights violations inside Crimea. But also, as I said a minute ago at the beginning of my remarks, they look at the broader implications of developments in a narrow passageway because they have one that they sit next to and are very cognizant of the precedents that could be set there. So we've been very pleased with the Turkish reaction to this and are stitched up really, really closely with them. MODERATOR: We'll go to the last question, Jessica Donati. QUESTION: (Inaudible) question, just I know you can't specify the details, but can you give us a sense of the timeline that you're looking at, what kind of urgency? Is this days, weeks, or months from action? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: All I can tell you and I know from your perspective it's probably not very satisfying, but I can tell you it is the highest priority that my bureau is working on. And as I said a minute ago, we are closely coordinating with allies. We're stitched up inside USG. And beyond that, I don't want to give you a crystal ball. MODERATOR: Thanks, everybody. QUESTION: Thanks, [Senior State Department Official]. (Break.) SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: I should have said more about Nord Stream 2. I never miss a messaging opportunity on Nord Stream 2. I think you could look, Kerch incident should be a reminder to all of our European allies on why Nord Stream 2 is such a bad idea. And to put an even sharper point on it, I mean, by way of background, I would put it this way: I would say the Kerch incident is a reminder that the less infrastructure you have, the less gas infrastructure you have bypassing Ukraine because of Nord Stream 2, the weaker the deterrent deterrence is to Russian acts of military aggression. So there are practical energy-related reasons we don't want Nord Stream 2 to go forward. There are also security and Ukraine-related reasons that we don't want Nord Stream 2 to go forward, and this is a startling reminder. QUESTION: Did the Germans get that reminder? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: We raise Nord Stream 2 with the Germans on every occasion, and I will say I think that Kerch I mean, when you have a naked act of aggression like that, I think it resonates in German public opinion. And we've seen some indications in our recent conversations with German officials that they've absorbed that message more plainly after Kerch. It's harder for them to just say this is a commercial project. QUESTION: Thank you. MODERATOR: Thanks, guys. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Thanks, guys. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks With NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Before Their Meeting Remarks Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State NATO Headquarters Brussels, Belgium December 4, 2018 SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: Let me just welcome you, Secretary Pompeo. It's great to have you back here in NATO at the NATO headquarters, and many thanks for your strong personal commitment to this alliance. I remember just a few hours after you were appointed as Secretary of State, you came directly to the NATO foreign ministerial, and we are grateful for your leadership. And at the meeting today and tomorrow we will address several issues, which are very important to our shared security. We'll start with a meeting. We'll be meeting with our colleagues from Ukraine and Georgia, addressing the security in the Black Sea and the situation in the Azov Sea. We will discuss transatlantic security, including the INF Treaty. And all of us are extremely concerned about the new Russian missiles. And we call on Russia to urgently ensure full compliance with the INF Treaty in a verifiable and transparent way. Burden sharing is also how we can step up our efforts to fight terrorism, support the training mission of NATO in Iraq and our presence in Afghanistan, are all the issues which we will discuss. So once again, welcome. SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you, General Stoltenberg. It's great to be here. Thanks for hosting. I remember that day too, when I was the Secretary of State for just a few hours, then I was here. But just like that, it's important. These gatherings are important to the world to show our determination. And as I said this morning in some remarks that I gave, this is an indispensable institution for stability in Europe and stability around the world. So I always look forward to coming here, being with you. You do a fantastic job leading this. President Trump said to send his regards, and I'm looking forward to our gathering. SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: Thank you so much. SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Restoring the Role of the Nation-State in the Liberal International Order Remarks Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State German Marshall Fund Brussels, Belgium December 4, 2018 SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you, Ian, for the kind introduction. Good morning to all of you; thank you for joining me here today. It's wonderful to be in this beautiful place, to get a chance to make a set of remarks about the very work that you do, the issues that confront the Marshall Fund and confront our region as well. Before I start today with my formal remarks, it would be I would be enormously remiss if I did not pay a well-deserved tribute to America's 41st president, George Herbert Walker Bush. He was a many of you know him. He was an unyielding champion of freedom around the world first as a fighter pilot in World War II, later as a congressman. He was the ambassador to the United Nations, and then an envoy to China. He then had the same job I had as the director of the CIA I did it longer than he did. He was then the vice president under Ronald Reagan. I got to know him some myself. He was a wonderful brother, a father, a grandfather, and a proud American. Indeed, America is the only country he loved more than Texas. (Laughter.) I actually think that he would be delighted for me to be here today at an institution named after a fellow lover of freedom, George Marshall. And he would have been thrilled to see all of you here, such a large crowd gathered who are dedicated to transatlantic bonds, so many decades after they were first forged. The men who rebuilt Western civilization after World War II, like my predecessor Secretary Marshall, knew that only strong U.S. leadership, in concert with our friends and allies, could unite the sovereign nations all around the globe. So we underwrote new institutions to rebuild Europe and Japan, to stabilize currencies, and to facilitate trade. We all co-founded NATO to guarantee security for ourselves and our allies. We entered into treaties to codify Western values of freedom and human rights. Collectively, we convened multilateral organizations to promote peace and cooperation among states. And we worked hard indeed, tirelessly to preserve Western ideals because, as President Trump made clear in his Warsaw address, each of those are worth preserving. This American leadership allowed us to enjoy the greatest human flourishing in modern history. We won the Cold War. We won the peace. With no small measure of George H. W. Bush's effort, we reunited Germany. This is the type of leadership that President Trump is boldly reasserting. After the Cold War ended, we allowed this liberal order to begin to corrode. It failed us in some places, and sometimes it failed you and the rest of the world. Multilateralism has too often become viewed as an end unto itself. The more treaties we sign, the safer we supposedly are. The more bureaucrats we have, the better the job gets done. Was that ever really true? The central question that we face is that is the question of whether the system as currently configured, as it exists today, and as the world exists today does it work? Does it work for all the people of the world? Today at the United Nations, peacekeeping missions drag on for decades, no closer to peace. The UN's climate-related treaties are viewed by some nations as simply a vehicle to redistribute wealth. Anti-Israel bias has been institutionalized. Regional powers collude to vote the likes of Cuba and Venezuela onto the Human Rights Council. The UN was founded as an organization that welcomed peace-loving nations. I ask: Today, does it continue to serve its mission faithfully? In the Western Hemisphere, has enough been done with the Organization of American States to promote its four pillars of democracy, human rights, security, and economic development in a region that includes the likes of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua? In Africa, does the African Union advance the mutual interest of its nation-state members? For the business community, from which I came, consider this: The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund were chartered to help rebuild war-torn territories and promote private investment and growth. Today, these institutions often counsel countries who have mismanaged their economic affairs to impose austerity measures that inhibit growth and crowd out private sector actors. Here in Brussels, the European Union and its predecessors have delivered a great deal of prosperity to the entire continent. Europe is America's single largest trading partner, and we benefit enormously from your success. But Brexit if nothing else was a political wake-up call. Is the EU ensuring that the interests of countries and their citizens are placed before those of bureaucrats here in Brussels? These are valid questions. This leads to my next point: Bad actors have exploited our lack of leadership for their own gain. This is the poisoned fruit of American retreat. President Trump is determined to reverse that. China's economic development did not lead to an embrace of democracy and regional stability; it led to more political repression and regional provocations. We welcomed China into the liberal order, but never policed its behavior. China has routinely exploited loopholes in the World Trade Organization rules, imposed market restrictions, forced technology transfers, and stolen intellectual property. And it knows that world opinion is powerless to stop its Orwellian human rights violations. Iran didn't join the community of nations after the nuclear deal was inked; it spread its newfound riches to terrorists and to dictators. Tehran holds multiple American hostages, and Bob Levinson has been missing there for 11 years. Iran has blatantly disregarded UN Security Council resolutions, lied to the International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors about its nuclear program, and evaded UN sanctions. Just this past week, Iran test fired a ballistic missile, in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Earlier this year, Tehran used the U.S.-Iran Treaty of Amity to bring baseless claims against the United States before the International Court of Justice most all of this malign activity during the JCPOA. Russia. Russia hasn't embraced Western values of freedom and international cooperation. Rather, it has suppressed opposition voices and invaded the sovereign nations of Georgia and of Ukraine. Moscow has also deployed a military-grade nerve agent on foreign soil, right here in Europe, in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention to which it is a party. And as I'll detail later today, Russia has violated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty for many years. The list goes on. We have to account for the world order of today in order to chart the way forward. It is what America's National Security Strategy deemed "principled realism." I like to think of it as "common sense." Every nation every nation must honestly acknowledge its responsibilities to its citizens and ask if the current international order serves the good of its people as well as it could. And if not, we must ask how we can right it. This is what President Trump is doing. He is returning the United States to its traditional, central leadership role in the world. He sees the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. He knows that nothing can replace the nation-state as the guarantor of democratic freedoms and national interests. He knows, as George H.W. Bush knew, that a safer world has consistently demanded American courage on the world stage. And when we and when we all of us ignore our responsibilities to the institutions we've formed, others will abuse them. Critics in places like Iran and China who really are undermining the international order are saying the Trump administration is the reason this system is breaking down. They claim America is acting unilaterally instead of multilaterally, as if every kind of multilateral action is by definition desirable. Even our European friends sometimes say we're not acting in the world's interest. This is just plain wrong. Our mission is to reassert our sovereignty, reform the liberal international order, and we want our friends to help us and to exert their sovereignty as well. We aspire to make the international order serve our citizens not to control them. America intends to lead now and always. Under President Trump, we are not abandoning international leadership or our friends in the international system. Indeed, quite the contrary. Just look, as one example, at the historic number of countries which have gotten on board our pressure campaign against North Korea. No other nation in the world could have rallied dozens of nations, from every corner of the world, to impose sanctions on the regime in Pyongyang. International bodies must help facilitate cooperation that bolsters the security and values of the free world, or they must be reformed or eliminated. When treaties are broken, the violators must be confronted, and the treaties must be fixed or discarded. Words should mean something. Our administration is thus lawfully exiting or renegotiating outdated or harmful treaties, trade agreements, and other international arrangements that do not serve our sovereign interests, or the interests of our allies. We announced our intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change, absent better terms for the United States. The current pact would've siphoned money from American paychecks and enriched polluters like China. In America, we've found a better solution we think a better solution for the world. We've unleashed our energy companies to innovate and compete, and our carbon emissions have declined dramatically. We changed course from the Iran deal, because of, among other things, Tehran's violent and destabilizing activities, which undermined the spirit of the deal and put the safety of American people and our allies at risk. In its place, we are leading our allies to constrain Iran's revolutionary ambitions and end Iran's campaigns of global terrorism. And we needn't a new bureaucracy to do it. We need to continue to develop a coalition which will achieve that outcome which will keep people in the Middle East, in Europe, and the entire world safe from the threat from Iran. America renegotiated our treaty, NAFTA, to advance the interests of the American worker. President Trump proudly signed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement at the G20 this past weekend in Buenos Aires, and on Friday will submit it to the Congress, a body accountable to the American people. The new agreement also includes renegotiation provisions, because no trade agreement is permanently suited to all times. We have encouraged our G20 partners to reform the WTO, and they took a good first step in Buenos Aires this last week. I spoke earlier about the World Bank and the IMF. The Trump Administration is working to refocus these institutions on policies that promote economic prosperity, pushing to halt lending to nations that can already access global capital markets countries like China and pressing to reduce taxpayer handouts to development banks that are perfectly capable of raising private capital on their own. We're also taking leadership, real action to stop rogue international courts, like the International Criminal Court, from trampling on our sovereignty your sovereignty and all of our freedoms. The ICC's Office of the Prosecutor is trying to open an investigation into U.S. personnel in connection with the war in Afghanistan. We will take all necessary steps to protect our people, those of our NATO allies who fight alongside of us inside of Afghanistan from unjust prosecution. Because we know that if it can happen to our people, it can happen to yours too. It is a worthy question: Does the court continue to serve its original intended purpose? The first two years of the Trump administration demonstrate that President Trump is not undermining these institutions, nor is he abandoning American leadership. Quite the opposite. In the finest traditions of our great democracy, we are rallying the noble nations of the world to build a new liberal order that prevents war and achieves greater prosperity for all. We're supporting institutions that we believe can be improved; institutions that work in American interests and yours in service of our shared values. For example, here in Belgium in 1973, banks from 15 countries formed SWIFT to develop common standards for cross-border payments, and it's now an integral part of our global financial infrastructure. SWIFT recently disconnected sanctioned Iranian banks from its platform because of the unacceptable risk they pose to a system to the system as a whole. This is an excellent example of American leadership working alongside an international institution to act responsibly. Another example: the Proliferation Security Initiative, formed by 11 nations under the Bush administration to stop trafficking in weapons of mass destruction. It has since grown organically to 105 countries and has undoubtedly made the world safer. And I can't forget, standing here, one of the most important international institutions of them all which will continue to thrive with American leadership. My very first trip, within hours of having been sworn in as a secretary of state, I traveled here to visit with our NATO allies. I'll repeat this morning what I said then this is an indispensable institution. President Trump wants everyone to pay their fair share so we can deter our enemies and defend people the people of our countries. To that end, all NATO allies should work to strengthen what is already the greatest military alliance in all of history. Never never has an alliance ever been so powerful or so peaceful, and our historic ties must continue. To that end, I'm pleased to announce that I will host my foreign minister colleagues for a meeting in Washington next April, where we will mark NATO's 70th anniversary. As my remarks come to a close, I want to repeat what George Marshall told the UN General Assembly back near the time of its formation in 1948. He said, quote, "International organizations cannot take the place of national and personal effort or of local and individual imagination; international action cannot replace self-help." End of quote. Sometimes it's not popular to buck the status quo, to call out that which we all see but sometimes refuse to speak about. But frankly, too much is at stake for all of us in this room today not to do so. This is the reality that President Trump so viscerally understands. Just as George Marshall's generation gave life to a new vision for a safe and free world, so we call on you to have the same kind of boldness. Our call is especially urgent especially urgent in light of the threats we face from powerful countries and actors whose ambition is to reshape the international order in its own illiberal image. Let's work together. Let's work together to preserve the free world so that it continues to serve the interests of the people to whom we each are accountable. Let's do so in a way that creates international organizations that are agile, that respect national sovereignty, that deliver on their stated missions, and that create value for the liberal order and for the world. President Trump understands deeply that when America leads, peace and prosperity almost certainly follow. He knows that if America and our allies here in Europe don't lead, others will choose to do so. America will, as it has always done, continue to work with our allies around the world towards the peaceful, liberal order each citizen of the world deserves. Thank you for joining me here today. May the Good Lord bless each and every one of you. Thank you. (Applause.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Parties to Yemen Conflict Begin to Arrive to Peace Talks in Sweden By Margaret Besheer December 04, 2018 Sweden's foreign minister confirmed late Tuesday that the parties to the Yemen conflict have begun to arrive in Sweden for peace talks that are expected to start later this week. "The Houthi delegation has arrived to Sweden, together with Special Envoys from UN, Sweden and Kuwait for planned consultations on Yemen," Margot Wallstrom said in a tweet. "Expect Yemeni Government delegation shortly. Hopefully consultations will take place soon, as an urgent step towards ending the conflict." U.N. Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths has been conducting intensive rounds of shuttle diplomacy to persuade the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed government of Yemeni president Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi to meet for serious negotiations in a bid to wind down the brutal war that has killed tens of thousands, collapsed the economy and left millions on the brink of starvation. "We hope now that the U.N.-led consultations can begin later this week,"Sweden's deputy U.N. Ambassador Carl Skau told reporters in New York. "This is, of course, significant. It would be the first time in more than two years that the parties are meeting," he added. Envoy Griffiths' last attempt to get the parties together in Geneva in September fell apart, when the Houthis skipped the talks. Prior to that, the parties met for weeks of negotiations in Kuwait in 2016 that ultimately broke down. Skau would not confirm the location of the talks, only to say they will be "near" the Swedish capital, Stockholm. But after several false starts, some observers were cautious. "We have no illusions that this process will be easy, but we welcome this necessary and vital first step," U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement. "Peace, prosperity, and security can be on the horizon, and those participating in the consultations have the chance to be part of a new chapter in Yemen's history," she added. On Monday, a U.N. plane carrying about 50 injured Houthis fighters left Sana'a for the Omani capital of Muscat, where the wounded were to receive medical attention. The evacuation was arranged by Griffiths as a confidence-building measure ahead of the talks, and it was agreed to by the Saudi Arabian-led coalition. Saudi Arabia launched an air war against the rebels in March 2015, aimed at restoring Hadi's government. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mueller Recommends Flynn No Jail Time for Substantial Assistance on Probe Sputnik News 05:03 05.12.2018(updated 05:38 05.12.2018) WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The office of US Special Counsel Robert Mueller recommends no prison time for former Trump National Security Adviser Michael Flynn over lying to authorities about ties to Turkey given his substantial assistance in the investigation, court documents revealed. "The United States of America, by and through Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller, III, respectfully submits this memorandum in aid of sentencing defendant Michael T. Flynn," the court document said on Tuesday. "Given the defendant's substantial assistance and other considerations set forth below, a sentence at the low end of the guideline range including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration- is appropriate and warranted." In a redacted addendum to the memorandum, Mueller's office said Flynn provided firsthand information about the content and context of interactions between Trump's transition team and Russian government officials. Flynn also provided details on his communications with then-Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak regarding a vote on a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity and Obama administration sanctions against Russia. The prosecutors said senior members of Trump's transition team publicly repeated false information conveyed to them by Flynn about his communications with Kislyak. Flynn earlier pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI as part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe of Russia's alleged role in the 2016 elections. In particular, Flynn has admitted he had misinformed Trump administration and the federal authorities about his contacts with former Russian Envoy to the United States Sergey Kislyak during the transition period when President Donald Trump assumed power. Flynn also admitted that he misinformed Vice President Mike Pence about the communication with the Russian ambassador. The situation prompted Flynn's resignation. The US intelligence community has issued an affirmative assessment that Moscow attempted to interfere in the November 8 elections and sway the vote in Trump's favor. Russia and Trump have repeatedly denied the allegations of collusion and Moscow has rejected accusations of election meddling. In particular, Moscow has said the allegations are groundless and invented to deflect public opinion from actual instances of US election fraud and corruption as well as other pressing issues. Flynn reportedly remains a key figure in the Russigate investigation into the allegations of the Trump campaign collusion with Moscow during the 2016 US presidential election. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Experts See Risks in Trump's Plan to Meet with North Korea's Kim By Christy Lee December 04, 2018 North Korea experts have cautioned against another summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, citing a lack of progress on denuclearization since the first summit in Singapore. After meeting with the leaders of South Korea and China during the G-20 summit, Trump expressed a willingness to hold a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. On his way home from the weekend gathering in Buenos Aires, Trump said a second summit with Kim will likely take place in January or February and three sites were discussed as potential meeting locations. "We're getting along very well," Trump said. "We have a good relationship with Kim." The White House released a statement during the G-20 summit saying "great progress has been made" on Trump's discussions on North Korea. "It was agreed that great progress has been made with respect to North Korea that President Trump, together with [Chinese] President Xi [Jinping], will strive, along with Chairman Kim Jong Un, to see a nuclear free Korean Peninsula," said the White House. However, former U.S. officials who have dealt with North Korea extensively and analysts on North Korea have questioned the timing of a second summit. They argue that working-level talks between Washington and Pyongyang should come before Trump meets with Kim, emphasizing working-level negotiations are where progress on denuclearization can be made. Robert Gallucci, chief U.S. negotiator during the 1994 North Korean nuclear crisis, said, "What I care about is that there would be real progress." He continued, "And that is going to take [place] in the working-group level discussions about what the North Koreans expect, and what we are prepared to give in order to make progress towards our goal." Christopher Hill, a chief negotiator with North Korea during the George W. Bush administration, doubts Trump's second summit with Kim will yield much in terms of results, similar to the lack of progress made on denuclearization after Trump's first summit with Kim. "I don't see what they are going to even discuss," Hill said. "But I think what [Trump's] just trying to tell the press and others is that we are continuing to make progress, although I think the rest of us do not really see what the progress is. So I wouldn't take too seriously what he says." Hill believes pre-summit agreements on denuclearization made in working-level talks will determine the success of the next Trump-Kim meeting. "The success of a summit is proportional to the amount of work that it's done before the summit," Hill said. "I think there's a lot of skepticism about the process right now." Trump's openness to another meeting with Kim comes amid growing skepticism about North Korea's commitment to denuclearization. North Korea called off planned talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the last minute in early November. The cancellation came after Pyongyang refused to engage with Stephen Biegun, the U.S. point man on North Korea. Some experts believe Pyongyang is only interested in direct talks with Trump. Bruce Klingner, former CIA division chief for the Korea and current senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said Pyongyang sees Trump as "more likely to offer additional concessions, as he did in Singapore." "It would be a mistake to convene a second summit without real progress toward a comprehensive agreement on North Korean denuclearization," Klingner said. Robert Manning, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, also cautioned against holding another summit. "The first summit outcome was so ambiguous that it has not provided any impetus for detailed negotiations or a framework for talks to resolve the whole set of issues," Manning said. During a press briefing last week, Robert Palladino, deputy spokesperson for the State Department said, "Future dialogue will take place and it'll definitely be something that Special Representative Biegun will be leading." While the U.S. remains open to talks with North Korea, it is maintaining that sanctions will stay in place until the North takes steps toward denuclearization. In a statement released shortly after Trump's meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in during the G-20 summit, the White House said the two leaders "agreed on the importance of maintaining vigorous enforcement of existing sanctions" against North Korea. Moon said Tuesday he hopes Kim's visit to South Korea occurs this year, although a specific date is yet to be determined. "Although there is no timeframe set for that, still, it's very meaningful," said Moon from New Zealand about Kim's visit. Ahn So-young of VOA's Korean Service contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Experts Unsure of Outcomes Ahead of Possible Kim Visit to Seoul, Second Summit With Trump By Steve Miller December 04, 2018 Following the Group of 20 (G-20) meeting in Argentina this past weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump said that he not only was looking forward to a possible meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in early 2019, but also supported a trip to Seoul by Kim to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, possibly before the end of the year. Yoon Young-chan, the presidential secretary for public affairs told reporters, "The two leaders agreed that Chairman Kim Jong Un's visit to Seoul would provide additional momentum to their joint efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula." Assistant Professor at Kyongnam University Institute for Far Eastern Studies, Cho Jin-goo adds Kim coming to Seoul would be meaningful, allowing him to speak directly to South Koreans as Moon did in September while in Pyongyang. "In that sense, it could be a milestone," he said. In a White House statement, the administration said that Moon and Trump "agreed on the importance of maintaining vigorous enforcement of existing sanctions to ensure the DPRK understands that denuclearization is the only path to economic prosperity and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula." The DPRK is an abbreviation of the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Moon told reporters after the G-20 that Trump has "very favorable" views toward Kim and that he "likes him," adding the American president "asked me to tell Chairman Kim that he wants to implement the rest of their agreement together and he will fulfill Chairman Kim's wishes." Goals for Seoul It's unclear what objectives will be achieved when Kim makes the trip south from Pyongyang to Seoul, regardless of whether or not it takes place in the waning days of 2018. Cho notes that such a trip, the first by a North Korean leader, will be symbolic. However, "the question remains whether the practical outcome will arise," says Cho, despite Moon pledging to make the visit take place while in Pyongyang during the third inter-Korean summit held in September. Nam Sung-wook, professor of Korean Unification, Diplomacy and Security at Korea University, identified three reasons the Moon administration has pursued Kim coming to Seoul before 2019 arrives. "First of all," he says, the Moon government wants to improve its approval ratings. "Domestic politics have not been favorable because of the sluggish economy." Recently, Moon's Realmeter approval rating has dropped to 48.4 percent, his lowest level since taking office and marked a steady decline over the past two months when his approval rating soared to over 65 percent following the Pyongyang summit in September. Nam says a second reason and potential outcome for the visit would be to "convince people that North Korea has changed" and that North Korea and Kim can keep their word. Nam says it may persuade those still holding onto negative views. Finally, he says, if Moon can hold another meeting before the second Trump - Kim summit, "then inter-Korea relationships can help improve North Korea - United States relationships." Ultimately he says whether or not the meeting takes place is now up to Pyongyang. "From Kim's perspective, he's still doubtful what he can earn from Seoul. Though there is a strong request from Seoul, North Korea will calculate whether this is the best moment to make Kim's visit," says Nam. Prospects for positive outcomes between Trump and Kim While Nam reiterated that both the South Korean and American presidents saw a Seoul summit as a positive move before a second U.S.-North Korea summit in January or February 2019, the leaders also "reaffirmed the principle that there is no easing sanction at the same time." But last month, North Korea said via its official state media it would reconsider building nuclear weapons. "The improvement of relations (with the United States) and sanctions are incompatible," said the official Korean Central News Agency. "Because sanctions and punishment are hurting North Korea economically," Nam expects Pyongyang will attempt to persuade China and Russia to convince the United States to ease sanctions next year. With regard to a second Trump-Kim summit, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence told NBC News in November, the United States would not require Pyongyang to provide a complete list of nuclear weapons and locations, but that the meeting must produce a concrete plan. "North Korea cannot reverse the course of discussions because they've been stated to the international community [their desire] to denuclearize. They cannot nullify their statements," said Cho. He adds that the second summit should produce more specifics than Singapore meeting last June, "and it seems that President Moon directly persuaded Kim to do so." Lee Ju-hyun contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France's 'Art of Insurrection' Perplexes Macron By Jamie Dettmer December 04, 2018 Historian Thomas Carlyle, chronicler of the epoch-shattering French Revolution, thought the French were unrivaled practitioners of the "art of insurrection," characterizing "the French mob among the liveliest phenomena of our world." Mobs in other countries by comparison, he argued, were "dull masses" lacking audacity and inventiveness. French President Emmanuel Macron is now facing the latest iteration of the "French mob" in this case "gilets jaunes," or "yellow vests," named after the fluorescent jackets French motorists are legally obliged to keep in their vehicles. The "inventiveness" of the "yellow vests" has turned violent thanks, some say, to far-left and far-right infiltrators, but seemingly the protesters, according the opinion polls, remain broadly popular in France, a country that historically has a high threshold for robust street protest stretching back to the bread riots of the 17th century. For more than two weeks now the "yellow vests" have disrupted France, bringing the French capital, Paris, to a violent standstill three weekends in a row, paralyzing highways around the country, blockading refineries and fuel depots and gridlocking traffic in major cities from Marseilles in the south to Lille in the north. Saturday's protests left Paris looking like a war zone after the "yellow vests" torched cars, smashed shop windows, looted stores and battled police in the worst spate of violence since the 1968 student uprisings. Police said 133 people were injured and 412 protesters were arrested. They had to use more than 10,000 tear gas and stun grenades to combat rampaging demonstrators. The French leader, on his return from the G-20 summit in Argentina, summoned the cabinet to consider deploying troops and declaring a state of emergency to prevent any repetition, but decided at least for now against the move. The agitation, originally was intended as a one-day event by campaigners, who've been organizing via Facebook and other social media platforms, to protest high fuel prices, hiked to dissuade the French from using their cars for the sake of the environment. Modern bread riots? But the leaderless, grass-roots movement, especially strong among low and middle-income earners in rural and small-town France, known as La France peripherique, has morphed quickly into a furious revolt against the business-oriented centrist Macron and his economic policies in general. "Yellow vests" dub the 40-year-old Macron, "President of the rich" and accuse him of high-handedly neglecting the daily struggles of ordinary French people and not appreciating how living costs have risen fast. As the movement hardens Macron is facing the same question many of his predecessors in the Elysee Palace have had to confront when it comes to civil unrest. Is the protest a temporary expression of political rage that will burn itself out much as bread riots of old did or could it develop into a more serious challenge to the authorities and the presidency? Adding to Macron's dilemma is that this drawn-out protest is not being planned or led by known labor figures or opposition politicians, who can be engaged with by the government for a deal to be negotiated. The "yellow vest" movement is as sprawling and amorphous and non-hierarchical in organization as the Occupy movements in the United States. The eclectic nature of the movement and the mix of grievances protesters are expressing as well as the open disdain they hold for Macron makes it even harder for government officials to comprehend it, let alone develop a strategy to defuse it. Some officials hope that the amorphousness of the movement will end up being its downfall. To act or not to act Part of the risk for Macron is getting the answer wrong about whether this a modern equivalent of a bread riot or something that has got greater staying power, say analysts. Being too light-handed risks allowing the unrest to grow when it could be stamped out by firm action; being too tough when it may be just a flash in the pan could make a bad situation worse and make the riots even more deadly adding to a death toll that stands now at four. The government appears caught in a quandary. Macron has said he'll "never accept violence," but has instructed his prime minister, Edouard Philippe, to meet protest groups and opposition politicians this week in an effort to ease tensions and at very least stop "extremists" from infiltrating street demonstrations. On Sunday, Macron refused to offer any concessions, but on Tuesday the government offered a partial back down announcing a suspension of the new fuel taxes. Whether that will be enough to tamp down the fire remains to be seen. The list of grievances of the Yellow Vests is now a long one and includes Macron's tax cuts for the wealthy and businesses. Many of the protesters want Macron to resign or to dissolve the government and call new elections. Clearly the government is pinning its hope that the fuel tax suspension will take the sting out of the protests. Announcing government ministers said the violence must stop. "It is out of the question that each weekend becomes a meeting or ritual for violence," said interior minister Christophe Castaner. He, though, is likely to face tough questioning Tuesday from a senate committee over how thousands of protesters were able to play cat and mouse with riot police through central Paris for hours on Saturday. The trajectory of French mobs is hard to calculate, as Carlyle observed. "The thing they will do is known to no man; least of all to themselves," he wrote. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address All Issues Pertaining to Serviceability of MiG-29K Sorted Out - Indian Navy Sputnik News 12:53 04.12.2018(updated 12:57 04.12.2018) MiG-29K, being the choice of aircraft for both the aircraft carriers, viz. INS Vikramaditya and an under-construction domestically-produced aircraft carrier, as well as two naval air stations on the East and West coast, is the mainstay of the Indian Navy's air defence fleet. Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba on Monday announced that the issues related to maintenance and availability of spare parts for the MiG-29K fleet have been sorted out. Admiral Lanba also stated that the defence ministry is working on how to resolve payment issues due to the US sanctions. The announcement holds significance as these issues were believed to have been posing major impediments to improving the serviceability of the aircraft. "There is no issue on supplies of spare parts from Russia at the moment The MiG-29K fleet has been performing well now," Admiral Sunil Lanba said on Monday while addressing the press on the eve of Navy Day. According to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, in 2016, serviceability of the MiG-29K was unsatisfactory (37.63%) until 2015. However, recent efforts made by the two countries have improved serviceability to around 70%. Serviceability implies that the aircraft is technically available and is not undergoing a scheduled repair or overhaul at any level. In the initial years of service, the MiG-29K was riddled with problems relating to the airframe, RD MK-33 engine, and fly-by-wire systems. Fly-by-wire (FBW) is a system that replaces the conventional manual flight controls of an aircraft with an electronic interface and allows automatic signals sent by the aircraft computers to perform functions without the pilot's input, as in systems that automatically stabilise the aircraft. The Indian government concluded a contract in January 2004 with the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG for the acquisition of 16 MiG-29K/KUB aircraft and associated equipment at a cost of $740.35 million, which included 13 aircraft for Admiral Gorshkov (i.e., INS Vikramaditya). Thereafter in 2010, an option clause contract for the acquisition of an additional 29 MiG 29K/KUB aircraft was concluded at a cost of $1.46 billion. The Indian Navy had placed a total order for 113 engines along with 45 aircraft (90 installed on aircraft and 23 spare engines) under the main and option clause contract. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran dispatches 58 fleets to Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Tue / 4 December 2018 / 16:26 Tehran (ISNA) "Basic steps are taken in Makran coasts and continuation of the operation leads to reviving Iran's naval power, records and history," Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said, mentioning that Iran has already dispatched 58 Naval fleets to northern Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi pointed to Iranian navy's attempts in fighting against piracy, saying, "We've had fully independent operations in fighting piracy, thousands of kilometers far from our naval borders to achieve security and freedom of navigation and already dispatched 58 Naval fleets to northern Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden". "We've had such a successful performance that the international community couldn't avoid applauding us and International Maritime Organization has sent us numerous letters of appreciation," the navy commander added. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Iran's ballistic missile program in full compliance with UNSC resolution 2231' Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 09:19PM Iran's mission to the United Nations says all ballistic missile related activities of the Islamic Republic are in full conformity with the relevant provisions of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorses the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- the official title assigned to Iran's 2015 nuclear deal. The mission, in a statement released on Tuesday, described the United States as the gross violator of the resolution, emphasizing that "portraying Iran's ballistic missile program as inconsistent with Resolution 2231 or as a regional threat is a deceptive and hostile policy of the US." It further noted that the US unlawfully quit the nuclear agreement, and is in absolute violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The statement came shortly after Security Council met behind closed-doors to discuss alleged Iran's latest missile test, which the United States and its allies said may have been in violation of Resolution 2231. The session ended with no joint statement. "The United States has repeatedly warned the world about Iran's deliberate efforts to destabilize the Middle East and defy international norms," US Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement. She added, "The international community cannot keep turning a blind eye every time Iran blatantly ignores Security Council resolutions." Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said on Sunday that the Islamic Republic is currently one of the world's topmost missile powers despite being subject to severe sanctions during the past 40 years. "Today, Iran is among the world's topmost powers in building missiles, radars, armored vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)," the Iranian defense minister said in an exclusive interview with IRNA, emphasizing that Iran's defense power is meant to send the message of peace and friendship to other nations. The senior spokesman of the Iranian Armed Forces also said on Sunday that the country would continue to test and develop its missiles in line with its deterrence policy despite adversarial positions taken on this issue by US officials. "Missile tests and the overall defensive capability of the Islamic Republic are for defense [purposes] and in line with our country's deterrence [policy]We will continue to both test and develop missiles," Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi said, adding, "This issue is outside the framework of any negotiations and is part of our national security. We will not ask any country's permission in this regard." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran intends to increase missile, ammunition range: Air Force commander Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 04:22PM Iran intends to expand the range of its air-to-air missiles and has carried out very good measures in this regard, commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh says. "One of our most important programs is increasing the range of missiles and ammunition," Nasirzadeh said in an interview with Fars news agency on Tuesday. "We are after standoff missiles and ammunition and see no limitations for ourselves in this field because the Air Force should boost the country's deterrent power along with other [Armed] Forces," he added. The commander emphasized that IRIAF has a "very extensive" plan in the field of long-range and smart ammunition and missiles. He noted that IRIAF also aims to enhance the radar systems of its fighter jets to be able to hit the target sooner and with more precision. Nasirzadeh emphasized that Iran enjoys great missile capabilities and its defense industry is manufacturing missiles which few countries around the world possess. Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said on Sunday that the Islamic Republic is currently one of the world's topmost missile powers despite being subject to severe sanctions during the past 40 years. "Today, Iran is among the world's topmost powers in building missiles, radars, armored vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)," the Iranian defense minister said in an exclusive interview with IRNA, emphasizing that Iran's defense power is meant to send the message of peace and friendship to other nations. The senior spokesman of the Iranian Armed Forces also said on Sunday that the country would continue to test and develop its missiles in line with its deterrence policy despite adversarial positions taken on this issue by US officials. "Missile tests and the overall defensive capability of the Islamic Republic are for defense [purposes] and in line with our country's deterrence [policy]We will continue to both test and develop missiles," Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi said, adding, "This issue is outside the framework of any negotiations and is part of our national security. We will not ask any country's permission in this regard." Over the past years, Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing military equipment and hardware despite sanctions and economic pressures on the country. The Islamic Republic maintains that its military power poses no threat to other countries and is merely attentive to its military doctrine of deterrence. Despite tough and cruel sanctions imposed by the United States against the Islamic Republic, Iran held the 9th Iran Airshow on the southern island of Kish in the Persian Gulf late in November. Many experts believe that holding of the 9th Iran Airshow at a time that the administration of US President Donald Trump has reinstated unilateral sanctions against Iran is a clear sign that the sanctions have failed to have any impact on the Islamic Republic's progress in different fields, nor on its relations with other countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No oil will go through Persian Gulf if US targets Iran's crude exports: Rouhani Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 10:19AM President Hassan Rouhani has reaffirmed that the United States will not be able to stop Iran's oil sales, warning that no crude will find its way out of the Persian Gulf should Washington attempt to target Iranian crude exports. "The US should know [this] that we are selling and will continue to sell our oil and it will not be able to block Iran's oil exports. And it should also know that if it attempts to stop Iran's oil [sales] someday, no oil will be exported from the Persian Gulf," he said during a speech on Tuesday in the city of Shahroud, Semnan Province. Rouhani further noted that Washington had failed in its declared aims of stopping Iran's crude exports, choking its trade with the world, and isolating the country regionally and internationally. "Our great nation proved to be the ultimate victor of this battle on all stages," the president said. Washington has re-imposed its unilateral anti-Iran sanctions, including an oil embargo, after withdrawing from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers in May in defiance of international objections. The US had initially vowed to reduce Iran's oil sales to "zero" under the bans, but it later backed down and granted waivers to almost all of Tehran's major crude buyers. "The US should know that our people will preserve their cultural, economic, and political relations with the countries of the region and the world," he added. "We will expand our relationship with neighbors, Muslim countries, and the world," Rouhani said. The Islamic Republic, he added, is not adversarial towards any of its neighbors. The president further underscored the Iranian nation's "great victories" of the past 40 years in the fight against "the oppressive and tyrannical enemy," referring to the US. He further pointed out a number of defeats the US has suffered in its hostile plots, including staging a coup, undermining the economy through sanctions and breaking away the southern province of Khuzestan from the country. 'US, Israel detest powerful Iran' The US and Israel cannot tolerate the existence of a powerful Iran, he said, adding that the Iranian nation would never bow down to them. Rouhani said the US animosity towards Iran has drawn no backing except from the Tel Aviv regime and a few small states, adding that Washington has even failed to win support for such a policy at the United Nations and the International Court of Justice. "Our nation will not allow a smile to appear on the face of the enemy," he stated. "We will build an Iran, which is more powerful than ever before." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Security Council Discusses New Iran Missile Test By RFE/RL December 04, 2018 The United Nations Security Council has met behind closed-doors to discuss Iran's latest missile test, which the United States and other allies said may have been in violation of a three-year-old council resolution. The December 4 session ended with no joint statement despite a U.S. call for council members to condemn Iran's weekend ballistic missile test, which Washington described as "dangerous and concerning." "The United States has repeatedly warned the world about Iran's deliberate efforts to destabilize the Middle East and defy international norms," U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement. "The international community cannot keep turning a blind eye every time Iran blatantly ignores Security Council resolutions." The Iranian mission to the UN claimed that describing Iran's ballistic missile program as inconsistent with UN resolution 2231, which was passed as part of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and Western powers, or as a regional threat was "a deceptive and hostile policy of the U.S." After the council meeting, French Ambassador Francois Delattre said there was "widely-shared concern" at the council about Iran's missile test and renewed France's call to Iran to halt all activities related to its missile program. U.K. Ambassador Karen Pierce said that the type of missile launched on December 1 went "way beyond legitimate defensive needs" and points to Iran's destabilizing behavior in the region. Tehran has neither denied nor confirmed the missile launch. Iran says its missile program is defensive and not aimed at building an arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles. On December 3, the U.S. special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, urged the European Union to impose new sanctions on Iran, calling the program a "grave and escalating threat." U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo earlier said the ballistic missile was capable of carrying multiple warheads and striking parts of Europe and the entire Middle East. The United States in May said it was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and moving to reimpose economic sanctions on Iran, angering Washington's European allies. With reporting by AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/un-security-council-discusses-new- iran-missile-test/29637595.html Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Deploys Fleet to Gulf of Aden as Rouhani Threatens to Block Hormuz Strait Sputnik News 18:35 04.12.2018(updated 18:36 04.12.2018) Tehran earlier warned Washington against limiting its energy exports, vowing to otherwise close the exit from the Persian Gulf. Considering that a significant part of the world's oil exports goes through the strait at the Gulf's mouth, such a blockade could strongly affect the global energy market. The Iranian Students' News Agency reported, citing Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, that Iran has deployed 58 fleets to the northern Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, situated just outside of the Persian Gulf the source to a major part of the world's oil exports. In an address to the people of Semnan Province on 4 December, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated threats to prevent all oil exports from the Persian Gulf in the event the US curbs Tehran's own exports. "If someday, the United States decides to block Iran's oil [exports], no oil will be exported from the Persian Gulf," Rouhani said. The Iranian president also vowed that ultimately the US won't be able to halt Tehran's oil trade and promised that the country will emerge victorious from the confrontation with Washington. Relations between the US and Iran took a nosedive after US President Trump announced the country would be exiting the Iranian nuclear deal and re-imposing sanctions against Tehran's energy and banking sectors. In return, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iranian officials warned the US against attempting to curb Tehran's oil trade, promising to block the Strait of Hormuz, the only exit from the Persian Gulf one of the key sources of oil exports in the world. In December, the US announced it would be sending an aircraft carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf in the near future after a decades-long absence of the US fleet in the region. The group is expected to maintain a presence in the region for around two months to "provide deterrence" against any potentially hostile Iranian activity in the waters, an unnamed official told The Wall Street Journal. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No Country Will Export Oil From the Gulf, if Iranian Sales Blocked - Rouhani Sputnik News 10:36 04.12.2018(updated 17:21 04.12.2018) President Donald Trump's administration has repeatedly stressed that Washington seeks to cut Iran's oil exports to zero in a bid to curb Tehran's nuclear programme and regional influence. The United States should know that if Iran is prevented from exporting oil then no country will be able to do it from the Gulf, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday in a speech broadcast live on state TV. "The US should know [this] that we are selling and will continue to sell our oil and it will not be able to block Iran's oil exports. And it should also know that if it attempts to stop Iran's oil [sales] someday, no oil will be exported from the Persian Gulf". The Islamic Republic's officials previously threatened to retaliate against US sanctions on its oil exports by closing the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway linking Middle East crude producers to crucial world markets. Most recently, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reaffirmed Washington's commitment to confront Iranian 'threats' by putting maximum pressure on the country. On 5 November, Washington imposed fresh unilateral restrictions on Iran's energy, shipping, and financial industries, with a stated goal of reducing its oil exports to zero. In the wake of the introduction of the new package of sanctions, Rouhani pledged to continue selling oil despite the 'illegal and unjust' restrictions: 'The fact that the Islamic Republic of Iran can sell its oil and will sell its crude even if these countries [buyers] have not been offered waivers. We would have been selling our oil with honour We will break these sanctions with honour, because these sanctions are cruel and are against international law', he was cited by Press TV as saying. The Trump administration decided to grant temporary waivers to eight countries that will allow them to continue importing Iranian oil if they cut their purchases. The sanctions were introduced following President Trump's decision to pull out of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran under which the restrictions had been lifted. The first round of sanctions took effect in August. Other signatories to the deal Russia, China, France, Germany and the UK have reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement and have been struggling to bypass the US restrictions. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK, France, US Concerned Over Iran Missile Test By Margaret Besheer December 04, 2018 Envoys from Britain, France and the United States voiced concern Tuesday at the United Nations following Iran's test-firing of a medium-range ballistic missile last Saturday. "Iran's recent ballistic missile test was dangerous and concerning, but not surprising," U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement. "The United States has repeatedly warned the world about Iran's deliberate efforts to destabilize the Middle East and defy international norms." Haley said the missile test was "provocative" and urged the international community not to keep "turning a blind eye every time Iran blatantly ignores Security Council resolutions." On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Iran of carrying out the launch in violation of U.N. resolutions and called on Tehran to cease such activities. A 2015 U.N. resolution endorsing the Iran nuclear deal "calls on" Tehran not to engage in missile development, but it does not expressly forbid it. State-run news agency IRNA quoted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying the country's missile program is "defensive in nature" and does not violate any U.N. resolution. He did not confirm or deny carrying out the test. Britain and France called for the closed-door discussions Tuesday in the Security Council. "We recognize that Iran has a legitimate role in the region and we recognize that she has legitimate defensive needs," British U.N. Ambassador Karen Pierce told reporters. "But we also believe, and our information is, that the sorts of missiles she test-launched on 1 December go way beyond legitimate defensive needs and, in respect of her overall role in region, we look again to Iran to cease her destabilizing activity and play a constructive role in this very important region." France's U.N. envoy said there was "widely-shared concern" among the 15 council members related to the launch. Francois Delattre said the test firing was "inconsistent" with U.N. resolutions, but he did not go so far as to say it was a violation. Israel, Hezbollah Meanwhile, Israel began a military operation against tunnels it says were built by the Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. There was no immediate reaction from Hezbollah. Operation Northern Shield is taking place on the Israeli side of the joint border. "Israel has no interest in escalation, but we will do whatever it takes to defend our sovereignty and our citizens," Israel's U.N. envoy Danny Danon told reporters. He said Tehran's ballistic missile tests and Hezbollah's tunnels are all connected. "When you see tunnels in Lebanon, it's connected to ballistic missile tests. It's all coming from Iran. Iran is funding all of those terrorist activities," Danon said. "This is another example of Iran's revolutionary foreign policy that is expansionist and destabilizing for the Middle East, when Iranian-backed Hezbollah is digging tunnels into another country beneath their borders," said U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook. "So we condemn this activity and support Israel in its military operations to address these tunnels." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S. Korean President Moon Eager for Visit from N. Korean Leader By VOA News December 04, 2018 South Korean President Moon Jae-in says a potential visit to his country by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would be "very meaningful." President Moon expressed his opinion on the matter Tuesday during a visit with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Wellington. Moon and Kim have held three summits this year, including a visit to Pyongyang by Moon back in September, where Kim promised to reciprocate by visiting Seoul in the near future. Moon told reporters no timetable has been set for such a visit, which would be the first by a North Korean leader to South Korea since the Korean peninsula was divided after World War Two. He said whenever the visit took place, it would "accelerate the denuclearization" of the peninsula, and help improve relations between Pyongyang and the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un signed a vague agreement during their historic summit in Singapore in June that calls on Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons program. But the two sides have been at odds over North Korea's intentions and how soon it would carry through with its promise. North Korea has warned it will consider reviving its nuclear weapons program if Washington fails to lift its crippling economic sanctions against the regime. North Korea is also seeking a peace treaty with the United States and South Korea that will formally end the 1950-53 Korean War. The fighting ended with an armistice, leaving North and South Korea in a technical state of war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Seoul Refutes Reports Alleging Kim's Possible Visit Late December Sputnik News 05:11 05.12.2018 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The South Korean presidential administration refuted on Wednesday reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un might visit Seoul on December 18-20. "The information on the suggestion to hold a visit on December 18-20 is not true. As the president has mentioned, we are open to the visit until the end of the year, and at the beginning of the next year. It depends on the decision of North Korea," the Chunan Ilbo newspaper cited presidential spokesman Yoon Young-chan as saying. During the latest inter-Korean summit in September, Kim announced that he had agreed to visit Seoul "in the near future," while South Korean President Moon Jae-in later said that the visit was expected to take place this year. According to South Korean JTBS broadcaster, the visit might take place on December 18-20. September's summit was the third meeting between Kim and Moon. The two parties signed a military agreement to cease large-scale artillery exercises and military flights near the demilitarized zone at the border between the two Koreas. If Kim's visit to Seoul takes place at any time in the future, it will become first such visit of a North Korean leader to South Korea since the division of the peninsula in 1945. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia plans to conduct over 4,000 drills in 2019 Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 03:45PM The Russian Defense Ministry plans to hold more than 4,000 drills and roughly 8,500 practical combat training events throughout 2019, amid persistent tensions between NATO and Moscow. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made the announcement while addressing a gathering of regional commanders on Tuesday. "Next year is going to be extremely busy. Over 4,000 various types of drills and nearly 8,500 practical combat training events are scheduled. The main focus will be placed on applying expertise in the use of troops in today's armed conflicts and training commanders to effectively address non-standard tasks," the Russian defense minister was quoted by Tass news agency as saying. "The final combat training event next year will be the command staff exercise Tsentr-2019. It is due in September." Russia in September held its biggest war games since the fall of the Soviet Union. The exercise, which also involved the Chinese and Mongolian armies, involved almost 300,000 troops, more than 1,000 military aircraft, two of Russia's naval fleets, and all of its airborne units. Tensions have been running high between the West and Russia, which is concerned about what it says to be an unjustified build-up of NATO on its western flank. NATO says it has beefed up its presence in eastern Europe to deter a potential Russian military action. Russia and NATO have had strained ties since a conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine some four years ago. In June 2017, the US military took part in a training exercise with Baltic allies. The drills included B-1 and B-52 bombers and 50 naval ships. The same month, 25,000 servicemen from 17 countries participated in a NATO training exercise in the Black Sea, which were monitored by members of the Russian military. Russia has long been wary of NATO's expansion eastward. In November last year, Shoigu warned that NATO had been engaged in war games involving nuclear weapons training at Russia's western borders. Elsewhere in his remarks, Shoigu said Russia was mulling measures to boost the army amid Washington's plans to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF). "The measures were considered to reinforce the (armed) forces' combat capacity and means amid the mounting arms race related to the US plans to quit the INF Treaty." "The supreme commander-in-chief was informed about the process of building and developing the armed forces, their capacity to ensure the state's military security and counter a technologically advanced enemy," Shoigu stated. President Vladimir Putin of Russia said last month that Moscow would not leave unanswered Washington's decision to unilaterally withdraw from the INF Treaty. On October 20, US President Donald Trump said Washington would withdraw from the INF, which was signed towards the end of the Cold War in 1987 by then President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The Cold War-era treaty, which rid Europe of land-based nuclear missiles, has come into question against a backdrop of renewed tensions between the West and Russia. European leaders worry any collapse of the INF treaty could lead to a new, destabilizing arms race. Kremlin says US-Russia dialogue not working out Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday he regretted that dialogue between Russia and the United States was not working out. "Dialogue is not working out despite certain plans and certain homework done by both sides." President Putin and Trump were due to have an extended meeting at a G20 Summit in Argentina at the weekend, but Trump called it off in the wake of the capture of three Ukrainian naval vessels and their crews by Russian forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Gives Russia 60 Days To Comply With Nuclear Arms Pact By RFE/RL December 04, 2018 The United States says it will suspend its obligations under a Cold War nuclear arms treaty if Moscow does not return to compliance within two months. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the decision on December 4 after NATO allies meeting in Brussels "strongly" supported U.S. accusations that Russia violated the terms of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between Moscow and Washington. The pact prohibits the United States and Russia from possessing, producing, or deploying ground-launched cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of between 500 and 5,000 kilometers. Amid heightened tensions between Moscow and the West, U.S. President Donald Trump in October vowed to abandon the treaty, saying Russia had been violating it with a new missile system. Russia has said little about its Novator 9M729 cruise missile, also known as the SSC-8, other than to deny that it is in breach of the pact. Accusing Russia of "cheating at its arms control obligations," Pompeo told a news conference in Brussels that Russia has 60 days to return to compliance with the treaty, after which time the United States would suspend its own compliance. "During this 60 days we will still not test or produce or deploy any systems, and we'll see what happens during this 60-day period," he said. "We've talked to the Russians a great deal," the state secretary also said. "We're hopeful they'll change course, but there's been no indication to date that they have any intention of doing so." Pompeo said Russia had developed "multiple battalions" of the SSC-8, adding that its range "makes it a direct menace to Europe." 'Big Setback' In a joint statement issued earlier in the day, the NATO foreign ministers said Russia had "developed and fielded a missile system, the 9M729, which violates the INF Treaty and poses significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security." The ministers from the 29-member alliance called on Moscow to "return urgently to full and verifiable compliance," saying, "It's now up to Russia to preserve the INF Treaty." French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said it was "essential to act in a firm and united way" and that Moscow would bear the responsibility if the 1987 agreement collapsed. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that although Moscow has a last chance to comply, "we must also start to prepare for a world without the treaty," which was the first to abolish a whole category of weapons. "This was really arms control at its best and therefore it's a really a big setback if this treaty now breaks totally down," Stoltenberg said. In Moscow, Vladimir Shamanov, who heads the Defense Committee in Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, said Moscow would not reply to the West's "false accusations." "Russia is not the kind of country one can give ultimatums to. Russia too has questions for the U.S., ones that they have left unanswered," said Shamanov, according to the Interfax news agency. Moscow has alleged that some elements of U.S. missile-defense systems in Europe were in violation of the treaty, which Washington denies. With reporting by AFP, AP, Reuters, and Interfax Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/up-to-russia -to-save-nuclear-arms-pact-nato -says/29637518.html Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia in Full Compliance With INF Treaty, US Side Knows Well About It - Moscow Sputnik News 20:56 04.12.2018(updated 21:39 04.12.2018) Earlier, the US secretary of state urged Russia to return to the negotiating table to discuss the future of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. He added that the US would stop complying with it in 60 days if Moscow wouldn't end its alleged violations of the accord. "Russia is following the provisions of the treaty and the American side knows this well," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said responding to earlier statements by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg regarding the INF treaty. Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated at a press conference in Brussels on December 4 that Russia should not miss its "last chance" to preserve the key arms control agreement between Moscow and Washington. Speaking at the same conference, Pompeo said that the US would suspend its adherence to the INF Treaty in 60 days unless Russia returns to full compliance with the agreement. The US secretary of state also announced that the US would suspend its obligations under the arms treaty for 60 days until Russia "returns to full and verifiable compliance". He also said that the US would not produce, deploy, or test any missile that violates the treaty during this period. Earlier, US President Donald Trump accused Russia of violating the INF treaty by building prohibited missiles and vowed to abandon it in the near future. Moscow denied Washington's accusations, saying it abides by the accord's provisions. Russia has called the US plans to withdraw from the INF dangerous, saying that it could draw "entire regions of the world into an arms race". Previously, Russia has also accused the US of violating the INF treaty by deploying launchers capable of firing prohibited missiles in Europe, which is also prohibited by the INF. The INF Treaty was signed by the Soviet Union and the United States in 1987, and prohibited either country from possessing, producing or testing ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with a range of between 500 and 5,500 km. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Boosting Russian Troops' Capabilities Over US INF Exit Discussed - Minister Sputnik News 12:11 04.12.2018(updated 21:06 04.12.2018) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Measures toward Russian troops' combat capabilities boost over the US plans to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty have been discussed at the recent Sochi meetings, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu stated. "Measures on troops and forces combat multiplication amid arms race boost, triggered by the US plans to withdraw from the INF Treaty, have been discussed," Shoigu said at a teleconference. He also said that officials who were present at the meetings had briefed Putin on the Russian Armed Forces' development and the Armed Forces' capability to ensure the country's security and its ability to counter a technologically developed rival. "It has been noted that the new state arms program until 2027 will enable the country to maintain the required speed of army and navy re-equipment," Shoigu noted. Russian defence procurement has also been discussed at the meetings, along with measures toward building up the stock of technical resources, the minister stated. Shoigu recalled that from November 19 to November 22, Russian President Vladimir Putin had held a series of meetings with the Russian Defence Ministry's leadership, as well as with leaders of other Russian ministries, and with representatives of the country's leading military-industrial companies, in the Russian resort city of Sochi. The minister has voiced the statement amid US President Donald Trump announcement in October that Washington would quit the treaty over Russia's alleged lack of compliance. The Kremlin has rejected the accusations, saying the move was a "big mistake." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's Violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC December 4, 2018 Since 2013, the United States has raised its concerns with Russia regarding Russian development of a ground-launched cruise missile (NATO designator: SSC-8, Russian designator: 9M729) with a range capability between 500 and 5,500 kilometers on repeated occasions. These include more than 30 engagements at all levels of the Russian government. Russia has repeatedly changed its cover story regarding its violating missile. For more than four years, Russia denied the existence of the missile and provided no information about it, despite the U.S. provision to Russia of the location of the tests and the names of the companies involved in the development and production of the missile. Russia only admitted that the missile existed after we publicly announced the missile system's Russian designator but claimed that the missile was incapable of ranges beyond 500 kilometers and, therefore, INF Treaty-compliant. Russia refuses to provide the United States any more information about the missile, its capability, or its testing history to support Russia's contention that the missile is Treaty-compliant. Despite such obfuscation, Russia claims that it wants to preserve the Treaty. The United States has convened five meetings of the parties' technical experts to discuss Russia's INF Treaty violation since 2014. These meetings included two sessions of the Special Verification Commission, the Treaty body responsible for addressing compliance concerns, in November 2016 and December 2017, and three bilateral U.S.-Russia meetings of technical experts in September 2014, April 2015, and June 2018. At each of these meetings, the United States pressed Russia on its violating missile, urged it to come back into compliance, and highlighted the critical nature of our concerns. These actions were met with denials, obfuscation, and falsehoods. In contrast, Russia has initiated zero expert meetings with the United States on this topic during this time period and has not engaged in a substantive manner. The United States has provided detailed information to Russia regarding its violation over the course of these bilateral and multilateral engagements, giving more than enough information for Russia to engage substantively on the issue. This includes the following: Information pertaining to the missile and the launcher, including Russia's internal designator for the mobile launcher chassis and the names of the companies involved in developing and producing the missile and launcher; Information on the violating ground launched cruise missile's (GLCM's) test history, including coordinates of the tests and Russia's attempts to conceal the nature of the program; Information showing that the violating GLCM has a range capability between 500 and 5,500 kilometers; Information showing that the violating GLCM is distinct from the R-500/SSC-7 GLCM or the RS-26 ICBM; and The U.S. assessment that the Russian designator for the system in question is 9M729. If Russia had decided it wanted to return to compliance, it had a clear path forward. There are measures in the Treaty that were used for eliminating systems, which Russia could have adopted to verifiably destroy the SSC-8 and its associated equipment. Russia decided not to do so. It is important to note that, in addition to violating the INF Treaty, Russia is also not complying with its obligations under several other arms control treaties, including the Open Skies Treaty, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty. U.S. Compliance with the INF Treaty The United States is in compliance with its obligations under the INF Treaty, and Allies affirmed this most recently in the NATO Summit declaration in July 2018. In contrast to Russia's refusal to answer substantively key U.S. questions about the SSC-8/9M729, the United States has provided Russia with detailed information explaining why the United States is in compliance with the INF Treaty. The United States has even presented some of this information publicly, including in a separate factsheet on the State Department webpage. U.S. Response to Russia's Violation The United States is declaring that Russia's ongoing violation of the INF Treaty constitutes a material breach of the Treaty. As a consequence of Russia's material breach, the United States will suspend its obligations under the Treaty effective in 60 days from December 4 unless Russia returns to full and verifiable compliance. Russia must return to full and verifiable compliance; Russia's failure to do so will result in the demise of the INF Treaty. We should be clear that Russia has not shown any indications that it seeks to return to compliance. As described in the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review, the United States is committed to arms control efforts that advance U.S., allied, and partner security; are verifiable and enforceable; and include partners that comply in a verifiable manner with their obligations. An arms control treaty that restrains only one side, while the other side violates it, is not effective in making us safer. Rather, it undermines the very idea of arms control as a tool to enhance our collective security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pompeo Warns Russia Has '60 Days' to Comply With Nuclear Missile Treaty By Henry Ridgwell December 04, 2018 The United States has warned Russia that it has 60 days to show that it is complying with the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty, or the U.S. will quit the agreement. Speaking at a NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington's patience had run out. "It makes no sense for the United States to remain in a treaty that constrains our ability to respond to Russia's violations. Russia has reversed the trajectory of diminishing nuclear risk in Europe," Pompeo told reporters. He accused Russia of deploying "multiple battalions of the SSC-8 missiles" land-based, intermediate-range Cruise missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Moscow has denied deploying such weapon systems. The 1987 INF treaty, negotiated by then U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, eliminated all nuclear missiles with a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers, reducing the ability to launch a nuclear strike at short notice. NATO allies have voiced concern over the U.S. threat to withdraw, fearing a new arms race in Europe. However, NATO foreign ministers agreed to formally declare Russia in "material breach" of the treaty in a statement in support of the United States Tuesday. The U.S. secretary of state delivered a pointed message to European allies, says Jonathan Eyal, international director at the Royal United Services Institute in London. "Instead of complaining all the time about the United States walking away from the treaty, the Europeans should spend a bit of time looking at why the United States is withdrawing from the treaty," he said. "No European state has contradicted the American position. That intelligence information indicates a Russian gross violation of that treaty. So I think the American argument would be, 'Let us get together and convey a strict message to Moscow that if it wants the treaty saved, it will have to make a concession and it will have to abide by the treaty,' " Eyal told VOA. Meanwhile in a separate speech in Brussels Tuesday hosted by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, Pompeo dismissed claims that the United States was withdrawing from the international stage under President Donald Trump's "America First" policy. "In the finest traditions of our great democracy, we are rallying the noble nations to build a new liberal order that prevents war and achieves greater prosperity," Pompeo said. He added that President Trump was reshaping the global system based on nation states, not multilateral institutions. "We are acting to preserve, protect, and advance an open, just, transparent and free world of sovereign states," Secretary of State Pompeo told the audience of diplomats and government officials. He took aim at the European Union and said Britain's decision to quit the bloc was evidence that supranational organizations were not working. A spokesperson for the European Commission said Pompeo was "one of those people who come to Brussels and coin an opinion without knowing how our system works." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia to Sell First Batch of Ka-62 Choppers in 2020 - CEO Sputnik News 04:58 05.12.2018 KUALA LUMPUR (Sputnik) - Russian Helicopters company is planning to launch serial production of multipurpose Ka-62 choppers and sell the first four aircraft in 2020, the company CEO, Andrey Boginsky, told Sputnik Wednesday. "Certification tests are now underway. We have tasked ourselves with demonstrating an experimental aircraft at the MAKS [international air show] flight program. We are actively working on preliminary contracts for a series. We plan to produce and sell four choppers in 2020," Boginsky said. The Ka-62 medium multirole helicopter is designed for transporting passengers, offshore works, providing emergency medical care, carrying out search and rescue operations, transportation of cargo, patrolling, and ecological monitoring. The Ka-62 is fitted with two Ardiden 3G engines made by Turbomeca with modular design and dual-channel FADEC system that ensure high reliability, heightened ease of operation, and low fuel use. The helicopter also boasts five-bladed main rotor and enclosed multi-blade anti-torque rotor in the vertical tail fin. In August, Boginsky said that Ka-62 will receive an international certificate in 2020. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Will Develop 'Unique' Weapons if US Exits INF Treaty - Senior Lawmaker Sputnik News 00:49 05.12.2018 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow and Washington must hold talks on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), so that it could be adapted to the current situation and limited only to Europe, Chairman of Russia's upper house Defense and Security Committee Viktor Bondarev told Sputnik on Tuesday. "Current misunderstanding on the INF Treaty could be resolved with the help of fully-fledged negotiations between Russia and the United States. Their result could be the adaptation of the Treaty," Bondarev said. "For example, we could limit the zone of its operation to the European theater, while permitting the deployment of intermediate- and short-range missiles in other regions where there is an objective necessity [to deploy them]," the lawmaker added. However, Russia will have to respond with the development of "unique types of weapons" if the United States withdraws from the INF Treaty, Bondarev stressed. "We consider it necessary to comply with the INF Treaty and advocate for its preservation. This is the official position of the Russian leadership. However, if the United States terminates the treaty, we will have to respond with a set of measures, including accelerating the development and commission of the unique types of weapons," Bondarev said. Washington uses "made-up" arguments when groundlessly accusing Moscow of breaching the treaty, the senior lawmaker noted. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a press conference in Brussels earlier in the day that the United States will suspend its adherence to the INF Treaty in 60 days unless Russia returns to full compliance with the agreement. In October, US President Donald Trump announced his country's intention to withdraw from the INF Treaty over alleged Russian violations of the agreement. The Russian authorities, in turn, have many times stressed that their country strictly complied with the obligations outlined in the treaty. The INF Treaty was signed in 1987 by then leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev and then US President Ronald Reagan. The leaders agreed to destroy all cruise or ground-launched ballistic missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers (310 and 3,400 miles). Meanwhile, the US withdrawal from the INF treaty will undermine stability in Europe, Yuri Shvytkin, the deputy chair of the Russian lower house's defense committee, told Sputnik on Tuesday. "Two months later, stability and tranquility will be undermined. This may result in escalation of tensions on the European continent. The European countries will be victims of the US ill-considered and irresponsible policy on the issue," Shvytkin said. The lawmaker noted that Russia did not want to withdraw from the INF treaty but the US exit from the agreement would not be left without a proper response Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address GOP senators rip Saudi crown prince after CIA chief's briefing Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 08:40AM US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Gina Haspel has briefed Senate leaders on the death of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who several Senators believe was killed at the order of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). Haspel briefed members of the Foreign Relations, Armed Services and Appropriations committees on Tuesday. Following the briefing, two Republican senators said they were more certain than ever that bin Salman was culpable in the killing of Khashoggi. "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," Senator Lindsay Graham told reporters. "He murdered him. ...No question in my mind," retiring Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said of the Saudi crown prince. "I had almost no question before, I have no question whatsoever now." US Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week briefed the whole Senate on US-Saudi relations in the wake of the murder of Khashoggi, who was killed after entering the Saudi consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul on October 2. The senators, however, found the presentation unconvincing and were also upset at the CIA chief's absence. The lawmakers wanted to directly hear from her the CIA's opinion on the Khashoggi death. The CIA has reportedly concluded that bin Salman ordered the killing. US President Donald Trump has so far resisted growing calls from both sides of the isle in Congress for a strong response to Khashoggi's murder, arguing that doing so would endanger deep financial and political ties between the two sides and push Riyadh towards Russia. Trump's reluctance to go after bin Salman became clearer after he undermined the CIA assessment that the prince was indeed aware of the murder, despite Riyadh's denials. But the biggest reason is perhaps the risk that losing Saudi Arabia's services would pose to Israel, Trump has admitted. A top Democratic senator said on Sunday the United States should maintain its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia while he held bin Salman responsible for the murder. Senator Ben Cardin said he had no doubt that the Saudi crown prince, also known as MBS, was involved in the murder of Khashoggi. But the Trump administration has publicly pushed back on those claims. Pompeo told reporters following the Senate briefing that there is no "direct reporting" connecting MBS to the killing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi crown prince snubbed in Algeria, delays Jordan visit amid Khashoggi crisis Iran Press TV Tue Dec 4, 2018 06:44AM Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly postponed a planned visit to Jordan after getting the cold shoulder in Algeria, where President Abdelaziz Bouteflika scrapped a meeting with him, citing flu. Bin Salman, who has been struggling over the past weeks to distance himself from a scandal over the gruesome murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, arrived in Algeria late Sunday for a two-day visit following a stop in Mauritania. The trip is part of a tour of Arab countries that the Saudi crown prince has resumed after attending the G20 summit in Argentina on the weekend. He traveled to the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and Tunisia before the event. Bin Salman's visits have been overshadowed by Khashoggi's assassination inside Riyadh's Istanbul consulate in early October which is believed to have been ordered by the powerful prince as well as the bloody war he has been leading against Yemen since early 2015. On Monday, the Algerian presidency said in a statement that Bouteflika had been unable to receive the visiting Saudi crown prince due to "acute flu." Bin Salman wished the Algerian president a speedy recovery, according to the statement carried by Algeria's official APS news agency. Algeria PM under fire for welcoming MbS Meanwhile, Algeria's largest Islamic party, the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), criticized Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia for welcoming bin Salman, saying, "Those who roll out the red carpet for bin Salman do not care about Algeria." MSP head Abderrazak Makri also accused Algerian politicians of being corrupted by Saudi money. "Our rulers have destroyed the country's economy and then bin Salman drowned them in their financial crisis by reducing oil prices in response to [US President Donald] Trump's orders," he said. "They lost the Algerian dignity and manhood, so they accepted to be bribed by the killer of Yemeni children with his ill-earned dollars through the robbing of the resources of the Arabian Peninsula after the imprisonment and killing of its free citizens," the politician added. Additionally, Louisa Hanoune, head of Algeria's opposition Workers' Party, described bin Salman's trip as a "provocation." Opposition newspaper Liberte further published a cartoon showing a ghost telling the Saudi crown prince, "This is Bouteflika". The anxious prince then responds, "You frightened me. I had thought this was Khashoggi." Jordan visit delayed amid criticisms In another development on Monday, sources told the Al Jazeera media network that bin Salman's visit to Jordan had been postponed by at least two days, without elaborating on the reason behind the delay. The crown prince was initially scheduled to arrive in Amman on Monday. Meanwhile, a broad spectrum of Jordanian activists, political parties and journalists formed a group against the Saudi crown prince's visit to the kingdom. Murad Adaileh, secretary general of the Islamic Work Front, Jordan's largest political party, said that bin Salman's trip comes at a time when "the investigation of the death of Khashoggi is not over, and there are specific accusations that Prince Mohammed is involved in it." "There is also general unhappiness about the Saudi position regarding the case of Palestine, and we reject any Saudi pressure of Jordan in this regard," Adaileh added. Said Thiab, secretary general of the leftist al-Wihda Party, stressed that the group was opposed to Riyadh's policies, championed by bin Salman, including the normalization of ties with Israel. The group, he noted, was also against "what Saudis are doing in terms of massacres in Yemen, the Arab Nato which was established by Saudis, and the search for another enemy as an alternative to Israel with Iran being pictured as the enemy." Khashoggi's killing was an "ugly crime" that pushed Jordanians from all walks of life to oppose bin Salman's visit, he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address German Defence Giant Rheinmetall Continues Sales to Riyadh Despite Ban Reports Sputnik News 16:21 04.12.2018(updated 16:22 04.12.2018) MOSCOW (Sputnik) German arms company Rheinmetall has been selling weapons to Saudi Arabia despite a complete halt in exports ordered by Berlin after the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, ARD reported on Tuesday. According to an investigation, conducted by the Stern magazine together with the ARD broadcaster, Rheinmetall has been shipping arms to Saudi Arabia through subsidiaries in Italy and South Africa. Rheinmetall board member Helmut Merch reportedly admitted in a conference call with bankers in mid-November that these two export channels were "not affected" by the ban. Merch estimated the annual exports at more than 100 million euros ($114 million), while Fabio Sgarzi, the chief of the company's Italian division RWM Italia, said it planned to triple production capacity. Saudi Arabia, media reported, was also seeking to increase the share of its state defence firm SAMI in Rheinmetall's South African joint venture by acquiring the minority stake of another partner. The German government suspended new arms sales in October until the circumstances of the journalist's death at a Saudi consulate were cleared, and put the agreed deliveries on hold weeks later. Khashoggi went missing after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. After weeks of denials, the Saudi chief prosecutor admitted that the US-based Washington Post columnist had been killed inside the diplomatic mission. The Saudi government claims he died as a result of a rogue operation. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Key US Lawmakers: Saudi Crown Prince Was Behind Khashoggi Killing By Ken Bredemeier December 04, 2018 Key U.S. senators said Tuesday there was overwhelming evidence that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was behind the killing of a dissident Saudi journalist inside Riyadh's consulate in Istanbul, rejecting President Donald Trump's claim that the case against him wasn't convincing. "If the crown prince went in front of a jury, he'd be convicted (of murder) in 30 minutes," Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters after hearing Central Intelligence Agency director Gina Haspel describe evidence U.S. investigators had compiled in the killing and dismembering of Jamal Khashoggi on Oct. 2. Corker said "it would be very easy for the president to step out" and say the crown prince "killed a journalist." Instead, Corker said, Trump "says it's OK to do it." Another prominent Republican lawmaker, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said, "There's not a smoking gun, there's a smoking saw," referring to Saudi agents who used saws to cut up the body of the 59-year-old Khashoggi. The journalist lived in the U.S. and wrote opinion articles for The Washington Post that were critical of the crown prince and Riyadh's involvement in the years-long war in Yemen. He had gone to the consulate to get documents he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. Graham called the crown prince "crazy," declaring, "Business as usual (on long-running U.S. aid to Saudi Arabia) has come to an end for me." Graham said he went into the briefing with Haspel "believing it was virtually impossible" for the Khashoggi killing to be carried out without the crown prince's knowledge. He left the briefing with "high confidence" that his assessment is "correct." Haspel's briefing took place after the CIA was excluded last week when Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis spoke with senators about the journalist's killing. They supported Trump's claim of uncertainty in responsibility for the killing. Trump last month voiced continued support for Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter and an ally of the U.S. in containing Iranian aggression in the Middle East. "If we abandon Saudi Arabia, it would be a terrible mistake," Trump said. "We're with Saudi Arabia. We're staying with Saudi Arabia." Trump condemned the Khashoggi killing and said "it could very well be that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event." But Trump equivocated on whether the crown prince's ordered the killing, saying, "Maybe he did and maybe he didn't!" Whatever the case, the U.S. leader said American business deals with Riyadh and U.S.-Saudi military cooperation in confronting Iran outweighed condemnation of the crown prince's links to the Khashoggi killing. Riyadh has indicted 11 operatives in the killing, seeking the death penalty for five of them. The U.S. has sanctioned 17 Saudis for their alleged involvement in the Khashoggi killing, meaning they can't enter the U.S. and any assets they have in the U.S. are frozen. U.S. lawmakers are now debating whether to cut off arms sales to Saudi Arabia, which Trump claims could total $110 billion in the coming years, and whether to end aid to Riyadh for the Yemen conflict. Last month, when Trump expressed his ongoing support for Saudi Arabia, he said he understood that some lawmakers might disagree with his assessment of whether the crown prince was involved in the Khashoggi killing and might want to sanction Riyadh. "I will consider whatever ideas are presented to me," Trump said, "but only if they are consistent with the absolute security and safety of America." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW Zealands new-vehicle market remains on track for a fifth consecutive annual sales record with just one month left to go in 2018, with 150,620 registrations made during the year to date representing a 1.4 per cent uptick. As a result, NZ Motor Industry Association (MIA) chief executive officer David Crawford remained upbeat about the year-to-date sales, despite the slow growth. While growth in the new-vehicle market remains only marginally up on 2017, the outturn year to date is encouraging, he said. The 14,359 vehicles sold in November represented a 1.6 per cent drop over the corresponding, record month in 2017. As such, it was the second-best tally yet for the 11th month of the year. Sales of passenger cars and SUVs slid by 7.3 per cent in November, to 9543 units, while light-commercial vehicles (LCVs) improved their volume, up 11.9 per cent to 4816 units. With a market share of 16.2 per cent, mid-size SUVs were the most popular vehicles last month, followed by pick-up/cab-chassis 4x4s (15.7%) and small SUVs (12.6%). Despite a 4.0 per cent dip in volume, Toyota led from the front in November, claiming a 21.6 per cent market share with 3099 sales. The HiLux ute (741, +19.5%), Corolla small car (739, -9.2%) and RAV4 mid-size SUV (512, -21.0%) claimed second, third and fourth positions respectively on the best-sellers ladder, while the 10th-placed Highlander/Kluger large SUV (273, -38.7%) and 11th-placed HiAce mid-size van (261) were also in the conversation. Strong rental sales contributed towards a significant portion of the HiLux (126 units), Corolla (413), RAV4 (388), Highlander/Kluger (203) and HiAces (83) volumes. The Yaris light car (125) and LandCruiser Prado (80) were also popular among hire-car companies. A declining Ford (1437 units, -7.1%) finished in second position on the back of its Ranger ute (994, +13.7%), which was the best-selling model in the market, helped by 111 rental sales. Similarly, Holden backtracked (1397 units, -6.2%) but held onto third position, with its sixth-placed Colorado ute (427, +26.0%) and 15th-placed Captiva mid-size SUV (198, -3.0%) shouldering the load. An improving Mitsubishi (1114 units, +6.2%) made some noise in fourth position, owing to a strong showing from its fifth-placed Triton ute (487, +37.2%) and the 14th-placed ASX small SUV (247). Fifth-placed Hyundai put in the most impressive effort among the top brands, with its sales up 36.4 per cent, to 921 units. Its Accent light car was the ninth best-selling model with 274 sales, of which 265 came from rental companies. Mazda (910 units, -16.7%) claimed sixth position and recorded the top 10s largest drop in volume, with its CX-5 mid-size SUV (251, -35.8%) responsible for the vast majority of this shrinkage. Seventh-placed Nissan (694 units, +9.6%) was a solid performer, mainly thanks to its Navara ute (286) finishing in seventh position, while Kia (592, +21.1%) and its Sportage mid-size SUV (282, +31.2%) were one step behind in both regards. Ninth-placed Suzuki (509, +4.1%) and 10th-placed Volkswagen (489, +14.3%) rounded out the top-10 brands, with the formers Swift light hatch finishing in 12th position with 258 sales (+31.6%). In the year-to-date sales races, Toyota (29,361 units) and Fords Ranger (9300) comfortably lead their rivals in the brand and model stakes respectively. NZ top 10 makes November 2018 Ranking Brand Sales Share% 1 Toyota 3099 21.6 2 Ford 1437 10.0 3 Holden 1397 9.7 4 Mitsubishi 1114 7.8 5 Hyundai 921 6.4 6 Mazda 910 6.3 7 Nissan 694 4.8 8 Kia 592 4.1 9 Suzuki 509 3.5 10 Volkswagen 489 3.4 The Road to Recovery podcast series Mumbai Ranked Eight Most Expensive City In Asia; Shanghai Tops Business oi-Roshni Agarwal The annual wealth report by Bank Julius Baer & Co.'s that tracks the spending pattern in Asia has announced Shangai in China as the most priciest city in the Asia region on a price-weighted basis. The report states that the city is expensive in relative terms and has surpassed Hong Kong for hiring a lawyer or for buying other products. Kuala Lumpur on the other hand ranks as the least expensive city in Asia as per the report's findings. The report highlighted that Malaysia's capital city is the best when it comes to looking for a place to indulge in cigars, booking a hotel suite or buying a piano. The report which comes out with a Julius Baer Lifestyle Index 2018 compares 22 goods and services across 11 Asian cities, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Mumbai, Taipei, Jakarta, Manila, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Tokyo. The report this year has also rolled out a new index titled His & Hers Index to compare the cost of grooming for wealthy women and men across Asia. In accordance to this Index, while Seoul has emerged as the most expensive for grooming of both men and women, Jakarta is the cheapest for male luxury items whereas Mumbai in India is cheapest for wealthy women. Hong Kong however is the most expensive for buying a residential accommodation or for taking a business class flight. As per the report, these are the top 10 expensive cities across Asia 1. Shanghai 2. Singapore 3. Hong Kong 4. Tokyo 5. Taipei 6. Seoul 7. Bangkok 8. Mumbai 9. Manila 10. Jakarta Goodreturns.in Siemens has acquired COMSA Computer und Software GmbH, a Munich-based company which develops software for electrical systems design and wire harness engineering. Its LDorado suite is the leader in automotive harness design and engineering software in Germany, reflecting deep local expertise and market presence with a well-established product portfolio and strong emphasis on standards. The COMSA team and technology will join the Mentor business, part of Siemens PLM Software, where it will add key harness engineering and design data analytics capabilities to the Siemens product range. Bishop and Associates estimate that in 2017 the worldwide revenue for the cable assembly market was $155 billion with approximately 30% of the market from automotive. According to Cowen Research (Oct.19, 2018), The wiring harness today is the third highest cost component in a car (behind the engine and chassis). Harnesses are built one at a time and can comprise about 50 percent of the cost of labor for the entire car. The wiring harness is also the third heaviest component (behind the chassis and engine). Any technology that reduces this weight directly contributes to fuel economy. Through this acquisition, Siemens plans to extend worldwide the delivery of new technology offerings that address disruption in the automotive harness industry caused by megatrends such as autonomous driving and electric vehicles. Siemens Capital software, part of the portfolio of recently acquired Mentor Graphics, extends from electrical/electronic architecture development through electrical systems design and service into wire harness design and manufacture. The addition of COMSA adds key harness engineering and design data analytics technologies, with strong support for new data standards emerging especially in Europe. BRIDGEPORT A robbery has left a local Toys for Tots program lacking thousands of dollars worth of playthings that were supposed to be donated to needy families roughly a week before those toys were supposed to be delivered. Now theyre hoping a holiday miracle will help refill their stockings. On Saturday, someone broke into a series of storage containers in the parking lot of the Greater Bridgeport Christian Fellowship Church and stole roughly $80,000 worth of toys, said Jerry Martinez, co-director of Toys for Tots in Bridgeport. It was mostly toys for kids age 7 to 14, Martinez said. Remote control cars, skateboards, Barbies, LOL dolls, board games. That stuff took the biggest hit. He said the toys were to be donated to families and organizations in Bridgeport and multiple surrounding towns including Trumbull, Stratford, and Monroe on Dec. 15. Now that the inventory has been gutted, the organization is struggling to get enough toys to donate to the 1,500 families it serves. Martinez said Toys for Tots is still trying to hit its Dec. 15 distribution goal, but it may need to make some adjustments if there arent enough toys in time. On Monday, Martinez said Toys for Tots had already gotten multiple offers of help. Weve got lots of individuals who have reached out to get us donations, he said. More News Toy drives in Connecticut spread holiday joy At least one local business has also extended a helping hand Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport. Wonderland owner and general manager Lisa Fedick said she was heartbroken by the news reports of the Toys for Tots break-on. That church is near the rink, she said. This just isnt right. Fedick said Wonderland has donated $2,000 to Toys for Tots to help replenish the toy reserves. Wonderland is hosting its own toy collection program Dec. 16 a day after Toys for Tots is supposed to distribute its items to the needy. But Fedick said if Wonderland collects a surplus of items, Toy for Tots is welcome to them. Fedick said programs such as these are essential to making the holidays magical for children. I think its so important for kids to feel loved and feel that people are looking out for them, Fedick said. Those interested in donating to Toys for Tots can call 203-726-3614 or 203-726-3610, or visit https://bridgeport-ct.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx. Its been almost nine years since Bill Gates launched his personal blog, Gates Notes, with his musings on topics like health, energy, education and -- perhaps most popular -- books. The Microsoft founder regularly releases a winter roundup of five books he loved reading over the past year, and his 2018 list -- released Monday -- spans everything from a how-to guide on meditation to an in-depth exploration of autonomous weapons. Whether youre in need of a volume to read on the flight home, to use as an escape when extended family members bring up politics or to break your social media scrolling addiction, Gates recommended his top five titles to read and gift this year. Educated by Tara Westover Tara never went to school or visited a doctor until she left home at 17. I never thought Id relate to a story about growing up in a Mormon survivalist household, but shes such a good writer that she got me to reflect on my own life while reading about her extreme childhood. Melinda and I loved this memoir of a young woman whose thirst for learning was so strong that she ended up getting a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. Army of None by Paul Scharre Autonomous weapons arent exactly top of mind for most around the holidays, but this thought-provoking look at AI in warfare is hard to put down. Its an immensely complicated topic, but Scharre offers clear explanations and presents both the pros and cons of machine-driven warfare. His fluency with the subject should come as no surprise: Hes a veteran who helped draft the U.S. governments policy on autonomous weapons. Bad Blood by John Carreyrou A bunch of my friends recommended this one to me. Carreyrou gives you the definitive insiders look at the rise and fall of Theranos. The story is even crazier than I expected, and I found myself unable to put it down once I started. This book has everything: elaborate scams, corporate intrigue, magazine cover stories, ruined family relationships, and the demise of a company once valued at nearly $10 billion. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari Im a big fan of everything Harari has written, and his latest is no exception. While Sapiens and Homo Deus covered the past and future respectively, this one is all about the present. If 2018 has left you overwhelmed by the state of the world, 21 Lessons offers a helpful framework for processing the news and thinking about the challenges we face. The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness by Andy Puddicombe Im sure 25-year-old me would scoff at this one, but Melinda and I have gotten really into meditation lately. The book starts with Puddicombes personal journey from a university student to a Buddhist monk and then becomes an entertaining explainer on how to meditate. If youre thinking about trying mindfulness, this is the perfect introduction. Related: Bill Gates's Top 5 Books to Read and Gift This Year Five Books of 2018 That Every Entrepreneur Should Read Big Ideas on How to Survive the 21st Century Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved WASHINGTON - Special counsel Robert Mueller III on Tuesday recommended that former national security adviser Michael Flynn serve no prison time, citing his "substantial assistance" with several ongoing investigations, according to a new court filing. Flynn was forced out of his post as national security adviser in February 2017 after the White House said he misled administration officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, about his contacts with Sergey Kislyak, Russia's ambassador to the United States at the time. Since then, Flynn has been cooperating with Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 campaign, and his full account of events has been one of the best-kept secrets in Washington. He is one of five Donald Trump aides who have pleaded guilty in the special counsel probe. The special counsel's filing Tuesday is the first time prosecutors have described Flynn's assistance since the former national security adviser's guilty plea last year. But Tuesday's sentencing memo was heavily redacted, continuing to shroud in secrecy the details of what Flynn has told Mueller's team and other prosecutors. The special counsel wrote that Flynn has provided information for several ongoing investigations - participating in 19 interviews with federal prosecutors and turning over documents and communications. The filing indicated that Flynn has provided extensive assistance to Mueller, including about matters that were redacted and hidden from public view. It also indicated that he has cooperated with a separate unidentified criminal investigation, the details of which were completely redacted. Mueller wrote that Flynn had provided "firsthand information about the content and context of interactions between the transition team and Russian government officials," though the details were largely redacted. Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to one felony count of making a false statement, despite a longer list of charges he could have faced. Prosecutors said last year they would likely seek a prison sentence between zero and six months. On Tuesday, the special counsel's office said that based on Flynn's assistance, the government was recommending a sentence on the low end of that range, "including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration." Mueller wrote that Flynn's guilty plea "likely affected the decisions of related firsthand witnesses to be forthcoming with the SCO and cooperate." And the special counsel noted that Flynn's "early cooperation was particularly valuable because he was one of the few people with long-term and firsthand insight regarding events and issues under investigation by the SCO." Flynn's attorney declined to comment. His son Michael Flynn Jr. tweeted "God is good. To those who have supported us throughout this process . . . Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will never forget you." An attorney for President Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment. As part of his investigation, Mueller has been working to determine whether any of Trump's allies coordinated with Russia or sought help for his campaign. Prosecutors have sought to learn whether Trump urged Flynn's outreach to the Russian ambassador to signal that the new White House team would go easy on the Russian government. During the presidential transition, Flynn had several contacts with Kislyak. In early December 2016, he attended a meeting at Trump Tower in New York, during which Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner proposed to the Russian ambassador setting up a secret communications channel with the Kremlin, according to people briefed on intelligence reports. Later in the month, Flynn spoke with Kislyak about U.S. sanctions on Russia and other topics, Flynn admitted in his plea last year. Flynn also told prosecutors that he was in touch with senior Trump transition officials before and after his communications with the ambassador. In his plea agreement, Flynn said he contacted the Russian ambassador on Dec. 22, 2016, about the incoming administration's opposition to a U.N. resolution condemning Israeli settlements as illegal and requested that Russia vote against or delay it. Kislyak called back a day later to say that Russia would not vote against the resolution, court records show. In another conversation, on Dec. 29, Flynn called Kislyak to suggest the incoming president was not a fan of the sanctions imposed by the Obama administration and asked Russia not to escalate the ongoing feud, according to filings. Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a statement Dec. 30 saying Russia would not retaliate against the U.S. sanctions at that time. The following day, the ambassador called Flynn to inform him of Russia's decision to honor Flynn's request, according to the records. Flynn admitted he had lied to FBI agents about his interactions with the ambassador when they interviewed him just four days after the inauguration, but also asserted that others in Trump's transition team knew about his talks with Kislyak, according to court filings. Flynn told prosecutors that a "very senior member of the Presidential Transition Team" had directed him to contact officials from foreign governments, including Russia, about the U.N. resolution on Israel. That official is also not named, but people familiar with the matter have said it refers to Kushner. According to one transition team official, Trump's son-in-law told Flynn that blocking the resolution was a top priority of the president-elect. Flynn also admitted that before speaking with the ambassador on Dec. 29, he called a senior transition official at the Mar-a-Lago resort, where Trump was staying, "to discuss what, if anything, to communicate to the Russian ambassador about the U.S. Sanctions." Flynn learned that transition members did not want Russia to escalate the situation, according to court papers. The senior transition official is not identified in records, but people familiar with the matter identified the official as K.T. McFarland, a onetime Flynn deputy. McFarland, who initially denied to FBI agents ever talking to Flynn about sanctions in the call, subsequently revised her statement and told investigators they may have discussed sanctions, The Washington Post previously reported. Two major questions were left unanswered by Flynn's 2017 guilty plea: whether Trump instructed Flynn to call the ambassador and why Flynn lied about the contacts in the first place. When Flynn pleaded guilty, then-White House lawyer Ty Cobb said the national security adviser's lies had nothing to do with the president. "Nothing about the guilty plea or the charge implicates anyone other than Mr. Flynn," Cobb said. Trump has repeatedly said he did not urge Flynn to call or discuss sanctions with the Russian ambassador. "No," he told reporters in a February 2017 news conference when asked whether he directed the call. "I didn't." Trump said then that he was troubled that Flynn failed to tell Pence about his contacts with the Russian ambassador, but not by the interactions themselves. "It certainly would have been okay with me if he did it. I would have directed him to do it if I thought he wasn't doing it," Trump told reporters. "I didn't direct him, but I would have directed him because that's his job." A native of Rhode Island who grew up in a large family of modest means, Flynn studied to become an Army officer during college and chose early in his military career to specialize in intelligence. Among his mentors was Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who praised Flynn's ability in Afghanistan to bond with his soldiers and get results. He later became director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, but President Barack Obama removed him from that job in October 2014 amid questions about his temperament. He was forced to retire from the Army. On Tuesday, prosecutors said the court should view Flynn's "exemplary" public service, including 33 years in the military and combat service, as a mitigating circumstance that would support a lighter sentence. But they noted that Flynn's history meant he should have had a better understanding of rules of conduct by government officials. "The defendant's record of military and public service distinguish him from every other person who has been charged as part [of] the SCO's investigation," prosecutors wrote. "However, senior government leaders should be held to the highest standards." Flynn's lie to FBI agents on Jan. 24, 2017, about his contacts with the Russian diplomat set in motion one of the biggest tumults of Trump's presidency. It stunned senior Justice Department officials, who felt they had to warn the White House. The aftershocks still shadow Trump's administration. Two days after Flynn spoke to FBI agents, then-acting Attorney General Sally Yates visited the White House to alert White House Counsel Donald McGahn about Flynn's dishonesty. McGahn immediately told Trump, who expressed surprise that the Justice Department was criticizing his choice of advisers just days after he took office. Trump didn't act to correct Flynn's account or remove him until Feb. 9, when The Post revealed Flynn had talked to Kislyak about sanctions and lied about it. Flynn resigned on Feb. 13, just 24 days in his position, the shortest tenure of a national security adviser on record. A few days later, Trump hosted then-FBI Director James Comey for a dinner, where Comey said that Trump stunned him by asking him to show lenience in investigating Flynn. According to Comey's later testimony, Trump told his FBI director that Flynn was a good man and said: "I hope you can let this go." Trump has said he does not recall saying that to Comey. Trump's discussion with Comey became another subject of Mueller's inquiry: examining whether Trump had sought to obstruct the probe of his campaign's contacts with Russia. Mueller will have an opportunity to lay out additional pieces of the evidence he has been gathering later this week. On Friday, prosecutors with the special counsel's office are scheduled to file a letter to the judge who will sentence Michael Cohen, the president's former attorney. The letter will outline additional details of Cohen's cooperation with Mueller's office. Also Friday, Mueller's team will also submit a filing to a judge in Washington describing ways that Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, lied to prosecutors after pleading guilty in September and promising to cooperate. Prosecutors have said that Manafort breached his agreement by continuing to be dishonest in meetings with prosecutors. President Donald Trump came into office committed to withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. It was a flawed deal, to be certain, but it was never clear - and Trump did not care - what would be accomplished by unilaterally exiting the deal. The notion that we could push Iran back to the table to renegotiate a deal that the Europeans still supported was fanciful, especially since Russia and China would continue doing business with Iran. "In Trump's vision, sanctions are a quasi-magical, multi-purpose tool: They would force Iran back to the table to accept an improved nuclear deal, include restrictions on Tehran's ballistic missiles program, and give inspectors unlimited access," write Philip Gordon and Robert Malley. "They would compel Iran to end its support for regional groups hostile to the United States. And they might even lead the Iranian people, facing a collapsing economy, to rise up and sweep aside the Islamic regime." That has always been fantasyland thinking. "Far from incentivizing better Iranian behavior, let alone producing a new Iranian regime, the administration's approach is likely to make that behavior worse," the national security experts continue. "By imposing comprehensive sanctions that will only be lifted if Iran does everything the United States wants, the administration is likely ensuring that Iran will do nothing it wants." The results of the administration's withdrawal from the JCPOA have been predictable: The United States stands isolated from our allies, and Iran shows absolutely no indication that it will revisit the JCPOA. Moreover, in the arena of nonnuclear issues - missile testing, human rights, regional aggression - that we could have addressed while remaining in the JCPOA, we have seen nothing approaching a coherent policy. Michael Makovsky, chief executive of the Jewish Institute of National Security of America (JINSA), writes: "In May, (Secretary of State Mike) Pompeo made twelve demands of Iran that boil down to three noes - no nuclear program, no regional aggression, no domestic oppression - but stated no U.S. objectives. Pompeo offered in August that U.S. policy is 'to change the Iranian regime's behavior,' and in October, speaking to JINSA, for Iran to 'behave like a normal nation.' "Equally vague has been how the U.S. would achieve this goal. In May, Trump planned to 'block' Iran's 'menacing activity across the Middle East,' and Pompeo aimed 'to deter Iranian aggression.' At the United Nations, in September, Trump asked world leaders to 'isolate Iran's regime.' "All these words - 'block,' 'deter,' 'isolate' - accept the status quo of Iranian influence, but resist its further expansion. Obama administration officials used similar language to signal a policy of containment." Even that is perhaps too generous. The decision to pull out of the JCPOA has in fact made progress on the nonnuclear issues more difficult. Without the assistance of allies or clear direction from the president, we drift along. ("The Trump administration has repeatedly - most recently Saturday - condemned Iranian test-firing of ballistic missiles but has done nothing beyond ineffective sanctions to stop them. It has twice retaliated against Iran-backed Assad's use of chemical weapons in Syria, for example, but with little impact on Assad's position.") We have no Syria policy to speak of, which leaves Iran (and Russia) in the driver's seat. We now have the worst of all worlds - hot rhetoric not backed up by action, which conveys fecklessness. "To prevent a nuclear Iran, an aggressive Iran, an oppressive Iran, we need a comprehensive approach to roll Iranian forces and its proxies back to their borders," Makovsky writes. But frankly, we don't even have a plan to contain Iran, let alone reverse its regional gains. To make matters worse, in place of a coherent Iran policy, the president and Pompeo have placed all their eggs in the Saudi basket with the vain hope that the Saudis will act as our surrogate in deterring Iran. A rogue state, a pariah in the West (outside the United States), cannot fill that role. To the contrary, its disastrous role in Yemen has become another Middle East crisis, not a solution to the Iran problem. Ending the Yemen war now has become a greater priority than fueling this proxy war against Iran. We need to return to basics. The first priority must be a campaign to reestablish U.S. credibility and staying power in the Middle East. Trump's on-again-off-again rhetoric on Syria merely encourages Iran. Michael Eisenstadt recommends that we begin by "pushing back on Iranian naval harassment in the Persian Gulf; interdicting Iranian arms shipments to its proxies and partners; supporting action by regional allies against Iranian weapons factories being built in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen; committing to a long-term security-assistance relationship with Iraq that will ensure the security primacy of the (Iraq Security Forces); supporting remaining non-Salafi rebel forces in Syria in order to deny pro-regime forces a clear-cut victory and deter new regime offensives; and using all the instruments of national power to impose political, economic, and military costs on Tehran." The latter should include a robust information campaign to publicize Iran's human rights violations, Tehran's support for regional terrorism and the costs of its support for Syria's Bashar al-Assad. In lieu of grand pronouncements about regime change, the Trump administration and Congress should pursue these incremental steps to check Iranian influence, continue to chip away at the regime's legitimacy, bolster support for groups resisting Iran (e.g. Kurds), and expand sanctions on entities and individuals engaged in human rights violations. In short, "do no (more) harm" is the best we can hope for until a new president with the intellectual capacity, judgment and will to devise a coherent, united front against Iran is elected. The Chinese company vivo is planning to launch the NEX 2 in the following days, and even though we dont have an official confirmation, all signs lead to the date December 11. Thats when we expect to see the dual screen device officially, but as usual in the smartphone business, live photos were leaked ahead of schedule, leaving nothing to the imagination. The user and tech blogger in China ophone8 posted plenty of photos of the vivo NEX 2 in two colors, showing its two sides, and theres even a shot where the back is compared to the vivo NEX S. vivo NEX 2 Although the phones are not powered on, we can see the miniature bezels on the front panel, while the back has a small screen, along with the vivo logo and the triple camera setup. It is in a circular module that we already know from previous teasers that it would have RGB lighting. More vivo NEX 2 photos The vivo NEX 2 will arrive in at least two colors, going one step further than the vivo NEX S that was only available in Black but had neat RGB accents under different lighting. The color of the new phone will be seen mostly on the rim since actual screens occupy both the front and back. The new device will have USB-C on the bottom, while the 3.5 mm audio jack is safe and sound on the top. Meanwhile, the company is already teasing the vivo NEX 2 on Chinese TV and social media, with the video above suggesting were about to see something that should belong to the distant future or that we should believe more in ourselves and to dream bigger or something else. Let us know what you think the video is saying down in the comments. Source (in Chinese) | Via Nokia 8.1 (Nokia X7) Released 2018, December 05 180g, 8mm thickness Android 9.0, up to Android 11, Android One 64GB/128GB storage, microSDXC 0.9% 4,147,874 hits 445 Become a fan 6.18" 1080x2280 pixels 13 MP 2160p 4/6 GB RAM Snapdragon 710 3500 mAh Li-Ion Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more Last week CAD renders of the Sony Xperia XZ4 appeared, suggesting triple camera on the back and extra tall 6.5 screen. It is not going to feature a notch and will instead come with an super tall 21:9 display, made by LG. This bold claim, along with the return of a 3.5 mm audio jack, were now backed by the leakster Ice Universe on his Weibo profile. Even if the specs look fishy, given that no company has brought back the jack so far and a CAD render of a case suggested lack of any audio-only port, they are indeed intriguing given the decent track record of the leakster. The new Xperia XZ4 is going to have a Snapdragon 855 chipset, coupled with 6 GB RAM and either 64 GB or 256 GB of storage. The device is said to come with a fingerprint scanner on the side, while the primary camera of the back will feature a 1/2.3 sensor and OIS. The front panel will feature a single selfie shooter with super wide-angle lens. Other reported specs include a 3,900 mAh battery, and Android Pie out of the box. Sony usually has an event at CES in January, but it's more likely that we'll see the phone go official at the MWC in February. Source (in Chinese) | Via Haiti - Social : People infected with HIV, stigmatized and marginalized Under the aegis of the Association of Haitian Women Infected and Affected by HIV, a conference-debate was organized around the theme "Human Rights and HIV / AIDS". Speaking at this conference Me Renan Hedouville Protector of the Citizen presented a dark picture of the situation of people living with HIV / AIDS (PLWHA) in Haiti "Stigma, discrimination and exclusion at work are frequent cases that infringe the rights of PLHIV. The rights of people affected by the virus such as, non-discrimination, housing, care, social security, assistance and well-being are violated. They are subject to disqualification and they must also endure the hostility of their community and work and has become a threat to workers' rights," emphasizing that there is a great legal vacuum in terms of protection of their rights. Hedouville said, "The right of people living with the AIDS virus is closely linked to human rights, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations Assembly on December 10, 1948. Reiterating its commitment to work for this vulnerable layer of society. Situation in Haiti : In Haiti an estimated 150,000 people live with AIDS in Haiti (UN-AIDS source https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25612-haiti-health-nearly-20-people-die-every-day-of-hiv-aids-in-haiti.html The number of HIV-positive people receiving medical treatment in Haiti has increased from 110,454 in 2016 to 123,619 in November 2018 according to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Integrated Monitoring (MESI) service. The national response to HIV has intensified in recent years in Haiti to keep the trajectory of the epidemic stable at a national prevalence level of 2%, hoping for a reversal of the trend by 2020. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25612-haiti-health-nearly-20-people-die-every-day-of-hiv-aids-in-haiti.html S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : The Dominican Republic refuses to sign the Global Compact for Migration The Dominican Republic became Tuesday afternoon, the 14th country in the world and the first in Latin America, to oppose the signing of the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, announced Flavio Dario Espinal, the Legal Adviser to the Executive, who said that although the covenant has laudable intentions, it could also have harmful consequences for the national territory, if the Dominican Republic signed it on 10 and 11 December in Morocco . Flavio Dario Espinal explained "Although the proposed pact contains several provisions that are well regarded by the Dominican government, as well as by the vast majority of governments around the world, it also contains provisions contrary to the national interest. Although this pact is not binding because it is not an international treaty proper, its adoption would engender commitments vis-a-vis the Dominican State likely to compromise its ability to apply its rules in matters of migration and to effectively implement its migration policies. Likewise, this would impose burdens on the Dominican State, which, given the particular context of our island, could be beyond its capacity. Likewise, this pact would create international commitments that would prevent, or severely limit, the Dominican State from dealing with situations that may occur at our land border due to structural conditions and processes." The other countries that have so far decided not to sign this pact are the United States, Hungary, Austria, Australia, Bulgaria, Israel, Poland, the Czech Republic and Italy. The latter preferred to send the decision to Parliament before making an official decision. The Dominican Republic now joins the United States, Hungary, Australia, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Israel, Switzerland, Slovenia, Denmark, Slovakia, Estonia and Bulgaria who decided not to sign this text. Other countries could join this group like Japan or China among other... Download the Covenant (PDF in French) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Pacte-Mondial-pour-des-Migrations-Sures.pdf Also, in recent days, a large number of soldiers from the Dominican army, the army, the air, the body specialized in border security (CESFRONT) and other security agencies, accompanied by vehicles and drones surveillance and other military equipment were deployed as reinforcements throughout the border area. The objective of these forces according to the Dominican Ministry of Defense is to prevent the illegal entry of Haitians into Dominican territory. SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Calendar of opposition demonstrations Marjory Michel, Schiller Louidor and Me Michel Michel of the Democratic and Popular Movement of the Radical Opposition announced 3 days of demonstrations on Sunday 9th, Monday 10th and Sunday 16th December. Beginning of Clifford's new trial The new case of businessman Clifford Brandt, incarcerated for kidnapping, is underway in Gonaives (Artibonite, North), began on December 4, after a process of implementation of several weeks and several postponement. See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-25918-icihaiti-justice-new-trial-of-clifford-brandt.html Senator Lambert did not reveal anything The Senator Joseph Lambert who had promised https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26175-haiti-news-zapping.html to unveil on Tuesday during the meeting with the National Police Superior Council (CSPN) the name of the parliamentarian who allegedly exfiltrated the powerful gang leader Arnel during the operation carried out last November 3 by the PNH at Village de Dieu https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26038-haiti-security-operation-village-de-dieu-relative-success-of-the-pnh.html did not reveal this name merely implied. Finally, the many statements implying that during the police operations of parliamentarians have helped bandits to escape have not been confirmed by investigations of the PNH so far. Death of George H. W. Bush : Registry of Condolences The United States Embassy in Haiti is moved by the various messages of condolence from our friends to honor President George H. W. Bush. The Embassy will make available to those wishing to pay tribute to the late President and his family, a register of condolences, on 4, 5 and 6 December between 10h00-12h00 and 13h30-15h30. Killing road weekend 8 people died, 145 injured in 27 traffic accidents occurred over the past weekend, across the country, according to a report from the organization "Stop Accident" in partnership with the National Ambulance Center and the Red Cross Haitian. ONA-Diaspora Tuesday Mamatha Irene Ternier, the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad met Me Chesnel Pierre, the Director General of the National Office of Old Age Insurance (ONA) as part of the launch of a new product called: ONA-Diaspora https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26290-haiti-politic-ona-prepares-to-launch-large-projects.html HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2018/12/04 | Source On the latest episode of the SBS TV drama "Hymn of Death", Yoon Sim-deok (Shin Hye-sun) and Kim Woo-jin (Lee Jong-suk) prepared to leave for Tokyo. Advertisement Yoon Sim-duk met Kim Hong-gi (Lee Sang-yeob) and broke off the marriage with him. As if he knew it was coming, Kim Hong-gi said, "A person's mind can't be controlled" and showed understanding. Kim Hong-gi said, "It's already out in the newspapers that we're engaged so I'm worried about you. You're famous and you're a woman". Yoon Sim-deok said, "It's something I have to live with. Thanks for worrying". Kim Hong-gi smiled at her and said, "Do me a favor and tell me to meet someone better than you and be happy". Published on 2018/12/05 | Source Girl group Oh My Girl will tour Japan ahead of the release of their debut album in the country on Jan. 9 next year. Advertisement Tickets for all three concerts in Fukuoka on Jan. 4, Osaka on Jan. 5 and Tokyo on Jan. 6 sold out, so a special concert has been added in Kawasaki on Jan. 8. The fact that the concert tickets were sold out although they have not debuted yet proves their popularity in Japan. The girls signed a deal with Sony Music covering their activities in Japan. Free range cattle wander along Montana Secondary Highway 234, Beaver Creek Highway, Tuesday south of Havre. A trade truce and trade negotiations between the U.S. and China are raising cautious optimism in economists and agricultural producers who say the ag industry has been hurt by the trade tariffs imposed in the last year. The trade truce between the United States and China is being looked at by experts and producers alike with cautious optimism. "There is still quite a bit of uncertainty whether this is going to happen or not, but certainly, at least there is some optimism," said Associate Professor of Economics Anton Bekkerman of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics at Montana State University Bozeman. "At least one side of that conversation is saying that there is going to be some progress, but the timing and the extent of that progress is still very much in question. There really has not been any confirmation from the buyers, China, that this is actually going to happen." Tariffs put in place by President Donald Trump, with more scheduled to start next year, created concerns on the impact on Montana agriculture both in crops and in livestock, including deals in the works for China to import millions in Montana beef. Last week President Trump and his administration met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 Summit in Argentina to discuss the trade disputes between the two countries. The Trump administration announced shortly after the conversation that the U.S. will be delaying additional implementation of tariffs. Bekkerman said that this will not be removing any tariffs but delay increasing U.S.-Chinese tariffs for 90 days. Bear Paw Development Corp. Executive Director Paul Tuss said he thinks the news of the truce will be welcome by agricultural producers. "Time will tell, but anytime when you have something as serious as an international trade war, you always hope that cooler heads will prevail, and taking a couple of steps back from the brink of very serious economic repercussions globally is a good move in the right direction," Tuss said. Clearing up a cloud of uncertainty The tariffs were suppose to increase from 10 percent to 25 percent on more than $200 billion worth of exports Jan. 1, Bekkerman said. He added that in return for delaying the tariff increase, China agreed to import more agricultural goods from the U.S. "That's good news," he said. He said that what he has seen in the agricultural market is a jump in the price of soybeans. This is a sign that the markets are responding positively after many months of high uncertainty, Bekkerman said. Tuss said certainty in the agricultural market is helpful. He added that Montana has some of the most productive agricultural producers in the world, but with a cloud of uncertainty it is difficult to operate efficiently. "Anytime, from an economic perspective, that we can break down barriers to trade it's generally good," Tuss said. He said the tariff war has created uneasiness about the economic growth of the nation's economy as well as the economy of agriculturally based areas. "In general, I think, it is a very positive step that we have reached a point where the tariffs are going to be, if not eliminated, at least smaller than originally announced," Tuss added. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., who is a wheat farmer from west of Big Sandy himself, said this morning that a long-term solution needs to be found. "This trade war is a government-made disaster for our economy and our state's number one industry," Tester said in an email to the Havre Daily News. "China must be held accountable, but there are better ways to do that than taxing American farmers and ranchers. It is time to find a permanent solution that gives Montana producers the certainty they need to maintain a successful operation." Tester has vehemently called for an end to the president's trade war that is hurting the bottom lines of Montana farmers and ranchers, the email said, adding that a trade truce is a step in the right direction, but producers need long-term certainty that tariffs won't cause them to lose access to international markets. U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., also called the truce a good start. "The fact is, no one wins with a trade war and stepping back from a trade war with China is a promising step," Gianforte said in an email to the Havre Daily this morning. "I'll continue urging the administration to wrap up negotiations quickly and announce trade deals that benefit Montana ag producers, manufacturers and consumers." The office of U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., had not by print deadline this morning responded to an email requesting comment sent Tuesday by the Havre Daily. Bekkerman said what is concerning so far about Trump's announcement is that China has not produced any statements so far confirming the details of this deal. "Yes, it is a positive sign, but with a lot of cautious optimism," he said. "We just don't know." Hope rather than certain predictions University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research Director Emeritus Paul Polzin said that, without knowing more specifics, it is difficult to tell what will happen as a result of the trade truce. If part of the agreement with China is that it will revert to importing a substantial portion of the U.S. soybean crops then that will sustain the U.S. soybean market. He added that the prices of soybean will probably not return to the level at the beginning of this year at $10 a bushel, but any increase will help stabilize producers. Even if, instead of importing a quarter of the U.S. crop as it did previously, Polzin said, China agreed to import an eighth of the crop, that would push prices up for soybean as well as reduce soybean stockpiles. He added that if the soybean market begins doing well, a modest spillover to the price of corn and wheat could follow. Bekkerman said if soybean product prices climb and China increases its imports, all agricultural markets are likely to be propped up on those price increases, but to what extent it is really hard to say. It could potentially signal to other Asian countries that if China is open to negotiating maybe they should be optimistic in their own negotiations, he added, including countries like Japan. That would have very positive effects for Montana producers. But what is happening is unknown. "We don't know if there are any agreements about wheats at this point," Polzin said. "Speculating, it will be likely the focus is soybeans," he added. He said a part of the agreement may include China importing pork, the prices of which also have suffered due to counter-tariffs enacted by the European Union on U.S. agricultural products. China increasing imports could offset that, he said. But, he added, nothing is guaranteed. "It's very difficult to predict what will happen in the next few months with China-U.S. relations," Polzin said. "But at least this is a sign that things are not likely to get more difficult with U.S.-China trade relations within the next 60 to 90 days." He added that many observers are hopeful that this represents a shift away from using tariffs like a weapon of commercial trade and a reversion to more "normal" ways of negotiating trade relations. "It's hope rather than surety of a prediction," Polzin said. "Some commentators have referred to this outcome as stepping back from the brink, and maybe that's right," Polzin added. "But stepping back from the brink so that you're not actually on the cliff edge doesn't mean to say that you haven't moved far enough away not to fall over. This is a hundred-foot move away, not a hundred-yard." Effects on Montana producers Kremlin-area farmer Ryan McCormick said he believes it is positive anytime the country can get soybeans into China. He said that even though soybeans are not primarily grown in Montana, "it is positive for all commodities," adding that when one product goes down, it drags other prices down and when one product does well the effects can be felt throughout the market. McCormick said the truce is a positive sign of increasing trade in foreign markets. He added that everyone, in some way, was impacted by the tariffs but only history will tell a clear picture of how the trade war impacted commodities and the country as a whole. Lochiel Edwards of Big Sandy said he thinks the truce will have a minimal effect, 90 days being too short a time period to do anything major to the market. "It is probably too late for soybeans," Edwards said. "... a 90-day window here is too late to help the soybean market." The greatest harm resulting from the tariffs were done to soybean markets, he said, adding that he does think the truce could result in China purchasing some spring wheat. The markets are connected, Edwards said. If soy can't recover, it could result in producers replacing soybeans with corn or wheat. "Everything is connected," Edwards said. He added that some of the grains, spring wheat, sorghum, ethanol and dried distillers' grains, could see some benefits from the truce. But what it means is uncertain, he said. "It would be more helpful if China and the White House told the same story about what this 90-day truce is really about," he said. "It is a positive step, but it doesn't really solve things," he added. Edwards said the truce is good in that something like this has to happen before a real solution to the trade disputes can be found, but that has to be found. "It's a sticky wicket," Edwards said. "China has been a terrible actor." "There is a lot of fixing to be done here, big job," he added What Montana producers should look for Polzin said that, for the moment, without knowing the details of the truce in terms of the future of wheat, which is really important for Montana producers, he is unsure what effect the truce will have for Montana markets, unless one of China's commodities of choice was wheat, in particular high-quality spring wheat. Havre Daily News/Ryan Berry A cow in the middle of a herd south of Havre looks at the camera Tuesday. He said pulse growers in Montana should look toward India. "There is no stepping back at this point with the trade relations with India," he said. If this is a sign across the board to negotiating for more open markets for U.S products, Polzin said, then that will be a plus for pulse producers. "If a similar move was made with India, that would be a positive move and likely facilitate an improvement in pulse crop prices," he said. Bekkerman also said the truce will indirectly help Montana and a key is what happens in India. He said China is a small factor for Montana's markets and producers should keep a watch on India's election next year. "That election will tell us quite a bit on where is India headed," Bekkerman said. Purdue University research shows the antidote can effectively remove acrolein, a neurotoxin produced in the body that is directly correlated with Parkinsons disease. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. A World War II chemical weapon antidote is shown to be effective combating a new enemy: Parkinsons disease. Parkinsons is characterized by the steady and progressive loss of brain cells. Those afflicted show early symptoms of trembling in their hands, arms, legs, jaw and face. It can progress to the point where walking, talking or completing the most basic tasks becomes a daily challenge. Half a million people in the U.S. are currently living with Parkinsons disease, and another 50,000 people are diagnosed with this neurodegenerative disorder every year, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Recent studies in the Purdue laboratory of Riyi Shi (pronounced Ree Shee) reveal a new possible treatment for Parkinsons disease from the chemical warfare antidote. The antidote drug (dimercaprol) is proving to be effective at removing acrolein, a neurotoxin that is produced in the body after nerve cells are damaged and that is directly correlated with Parkinsons disease. In addition, acrolein has been shown to increase pain and trigger a cascade of biochemical events postulated to intensify the severity of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinsons. Our studies show that by removing the toxin (acrolein) from the brain, we are not just reducing the symptoms of Parkinsons disease but also significantly reversing the damage of Parkinsons disease, said Shi, a professor of neuroscience and biomedical engineering in Purdue Universitys Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. This could actually provide a new treatment for Parkinsons patients. When administered systematically in the body, dimercaprol nullifies certain chemical features of acrolein, neutralizing and effectively eliminating it from the brain. With fewer side effects than other acrolein scavengers and a safe, total removal via urinary excretion, Shi is moving the potential treatment forward. A video about the technology is available here. Shis laboratory is already using dimercaprol to remove acrolein in subject models of Parkinsons disease with promising results. So far, these studies have revealed an increased survival rate of brain cells and a significant delay of the diseases progress. More specifically, the subjects have improved mobility and experience less pain. We believe that the drugs classification and method of administration are what make it an attractive therapy option. By systematically injecting the antidote drug directly into the abdominal cavity, it can be absorbed by the bloodstream and then travel to the brain, where the disease is most harmful and where the drug can most benefit the patient, Shi says. A paper was published earlier this year in the Journal of Neurochemistry demonstrating how the chemical warfare antidote drug was shown to remove the neurotoxin in cell cultures, laboratory animals, and other experiments. The paper, authored by doctoral student Ran Tian and Shi, was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Indiana CTSI Collaboration in Biomedical Translational Research Pilot Program. The research has since progressed as a potential treatment to Parkinsons disease. Shis work aligns with Purdues Giant Leaps celebration, celebrating the universitys global advancements in health as part of Purdues 150th anniversary. This is one of the four themes of the yearlong celebrations Ideas Festival, designed to showcase Purdue as an intellectual center solving real-world issues. The technology is patented through the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization, and the innovation is available for licensing. The research dovetails with the goals of a recently formed Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, at Purdues Discovery Park. The institute spans 25 departments and includes around 100 faculty engaged in neuroscience-related research. Another Purdue-affiliated company helping those with Parkinsons is SpeechVive Inc., which helps those patients speak more loudly and communicate more effectively by playing background sounds in a persons ear while they are talking and turns off as soon as the person stops talking. This helps a person to speak louder, slower and more clearly. Future research by Shi may include work to test the drug and in clinical human studies, which is feasible because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration already approved the drug. Writer: Cynthia Sequin, 765-588-3340, casequin@prf.org Source: Riyi Shi, 765-496-3018, riyi@purdue.edu Purdue University A Canadian firm helping to run drug trafficking networks across the world was laundering its dirty money through two Dublin bank accounts. The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) has recovered more than 500,000 belonging to Vincent Ramos, chief executive of Phantom Secure, who sold encrypted devices to drug traffickers. Raided Investigators believe the devices were central to several drug networks and helped with the distribution of at least 450kg of cocaine around the world. Phantom Secure had offices in the Dublin 7 area which were raided earlier this year by members of the CAB. A probe was launched after the CAB received information from the FBI, who were carrying out their own investigation into Canadian national Ramos. Two bank accounts, holding around 530,000, were frozen following a search of the Dublin offices in March. Yesterday, the High Court granted CAB orders to seize the funds, which will now be transferred to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. In a US court in October, Ramos admitted that he and co-conspirators facilitated the distribution of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine to locations in, among other places, the US, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Thailand and Europe. This was done by supplying drug traffickers with Phantom Secure encrypted communications devices "to thwart law enforcement". The CAB said they could be remotely deleted or "wiped". Similar technology was discovered on Estonian hitman Imre Arakas when he was arrested by gardai investigating the conspiracy to murder Hutch associate James 'Mago' Gately. Ramos agreed to an $80m (70.5m) cash forfeiture as well as millions of dollars in assets. He pleaded guilty to racketeering and will be sentenced on December 17, when he could face up to 20 years in jail. He agreed to forfeit the server licences and 150 domains used in the operation of the Phantom Secure network. The encrypted devices were sold for between 1,700 and 2,600. The FBI said "most of Phantom Secure's 10,000 to 20,000 users are leaders of nefarious transnational criminal organisations". Homelessness campaigner Fr Peter McVerry says the issue is now at crisis level Picture: Caroline Quinn Campaigner Fr Peter McVerry has said that while many organisations are working hard to house people experiencing homelessness, "it's a bit like trying to stop a runaway train with no brakes". "The train just keeps going faster and faster," he wrote in the annual report of the Peter McVerry Trust. By the end of last year the number of homeless adults was 865 higher than at the beginning. "Homelessness is now at crisis level," Fr McVerry said. "It is not just a social crisis but a personal crisis for each and every person who becomes homeless." His comments came as Taoi-seach Leo Varadkar described the latest figures for the number of people sleeping rough as "very disappointing" in the Dail. The figures from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) showed there was an increase from 110 to 156 in the count in the spring. Fr McVerry said in the rep-ort: "A worrying development during 2017 was an apparently deliberate attempt by some government and state officials to change the narrative. "They tried to minimise the problem of homelessness by declaring that 'our housing crisis is completely normal' and again 'comparatively, our rates of homelessness are low when we look at our peers, and that is a good thing'. Miserable "Life as a homeless person is intensely miserable. "Not knowing where or if you will have a bed for the night, not knowing who you will be sharing accommodation with, and often having to walk the streets all day long is no life for anyone." The report was launched as the Peter McVerry Trust formally launched 13 new social housing units in Dublin's city centre at Castle Street at a cost of 3.7m. The new units consist of seven two-bedroom apartments and six one-bed apartments, which the trust has reported can be difficult to source in the capital. The units were delivered in partnership with the Housing Agency and Dublin City Council. Peter Doyle, the chief executive of the Peter McVerry Trust, said it was one of a number of new developments the charity will deliver in the next three months. "In the next few months, we will open other new social housing developments in Dublin and other areas," he said. "This means more homes for people who are impacted by homelessness, particularly single people who make up the majority of those in homelessness. "Fortunately, we are seeing the fruits of months and years of hard work to bring forward new housing projects." Meanwhile, Junior Housing Minister Damien English - who officially opened the new units in the city centre - was asked to respond to the comments by Fr McVerry in the trust's annual report. "It's true to say that the number of people who are homeless is very high," Mr English said. "No one is denying that, and that is why we are here today providing more accommodation, providing more homes." The minister said Fr McVerry had correctly highlighted that the problem got worse during 2017. However, he pointed out that a national plan for homelessness was in place. He also addressed Fr McVerry's criticism of the Government's conduct. "We have never tried to change the narrative," Mr English said. He added that he and Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy regularly take part in debates and discussions on homelessness. "We are the ones that provide the figures," he said. The report also revealed that the charity worked with 4,971 people last year, a record number in its 34-year history. The new 40E bus route which started service last Sunday on the section of road that Fingal County Council now want to close between Tyrrellstown and Hollystown preventing the bus from operating and local access along this road. Picture: Gerry Mooney North Dublin residents are at loggerheads with their local authority after it announced plans to close a road that includes the area's only bus services. The introduction of Dublin Bus's 40E stop earlier this week was welcomed by people living in the Hollystown area of Dublin 15. Local residents have been calling for a regular bus service for over 15 years. However, its future is already in doubt following a proposal by Fingal County Council to close the R121 road altogether. Dumpers A council spokesperson told the Herald that its local area plan for 2013 outlined that the road would be created as part of a cul-de-sac next to the new development at Hollywoodrath - making it impossible for buses to use it. However, local councillor Mary McCamley said Fingal didn't have the power to enforce the move as it hadn't yet taken charge of the site. "The council has previously stated that they're going to incorporate the road with Hollywoodrath when it's taken in charge, but this can take well over 10 years," she told the Herald. "I'm afraid that if the council aren't allowed to touch this road it will become a hotspot for illegal dumpers." Cllr McCamley added that the loss of the 40E service would be an insult to the 300 households in Hollystown. "People living here have been calling for a bus route like this for years as there's no other way to get around other than by car," she said. "We had the 40D, but this came past Hollystown very rarely and wasn't much use to anyone as it took far too long to get to your destination. "The new route is fantastic and if the two bus stops in this vicinity are discontinued then it'll be a terrible insult to the people who live here." Hollystown resident Sinead Buttner told the Herald that her community had had enough of a "terrible public transport" service. "Hollystown has had a very poor bus service since it was first developed," she said. "The only way to get around is by car, which myself and my partner have been doing for years. "You can't even walk to your destination as we don't even have proper footpaths. "The Luas stop at Broombridge has been brilliant for us, but even then it's a 20-minute drive to the depot. "When the new route was introduced on Sunday, the residents here were all delighted. Sporadic "It regularly serves Tyrrelstown, Hollystown, Cappagh Road and up to Broombridge. "The 40D was extremely sporadic and went into many different estates on your journey. You'd nearly be quicker walking into town." Ms Buttner added that she was very disappointed by Fingal's proposal. "The closure of this road makes no sense at all," she said. "It's the quickest route to many of the schools in the area, and local shops and amenities. "I hope the council will take on board the concerns and leave the road as it is." A spokesperson for Fingal council said it was carrying out a public consultation process. The plans are on public display until December 28 at Blanchardstown Civic Offices and submissions can be made until January 11. The issue will then come back before local councillors for consideration. Dublin 15 TD Jack Chambers told the Herald he was appealing to all Hollystown residents to make their concerns known. "What's important now is that a full public consultation process is engaged with and that residents are given sufficient notification," he said. "I urge all concerned residents to make their submissions before the deadline on January 11. "It is only through public engagement that they can make a difference," he added. The price of a pint could rise in the event that the UK leaves the European Union in a chaotic fashion. Industry experts have warned that preparations for a no-deal scenario, including the possibility of tariffs on imports and exports, are not sufficient. An Oireachtas committee heard yesterday that alcohol worth 1.6bn leaves the island of Ireland every year. Any imposition of tariffs or disruption to the purchase of ingredients in either the Republic or the North could ultimately hit consumers. Impact The Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) said a no-deal scenario could bring "immediate" tariffs on beer and cider. While pricing will be a matter for each individual company, the reality is that some will not be able to absorb the impact. ABFI director Patricia Callan said businesses are "very exposed" in the context of all- island supply chains. "Most of our glass which we put products into - whether it's beer, cider, wine, spirits - 130 million glass bottles are imported from the UK every year," she said. "Obviously if tariffs were introduced that would bring an extra cost." Ms Callan said companies are "very concerned" about the potential for customs checks or delays. The ABFI urged all parties involved in Brexit to ensure that the Withdrawal Agreement currently on the table is approved. This could have a particular impact on certain products such as Irish whiskey and poitin, which cannot be produced outside of this island under EU rules. The deal currently allows for this special status to continue to apply to the North. Food Drink Ireland also made a presentation to TDs and senators yesterday, when its director Paul Kelly warned about the impact of a no-deal scenario on the wider export market. "Higher trade prices will therefore cause export volumes from the EU to the UK to drop significantly. The disruptive impact of this, combined with further currency turbulence and likely gridlock at ports, must be avoided for the sake of Irish agri-food," he said. Although the reliance on the UK has reduced in recent years, it remains our largest export market. The export exposure of the various sectors within agri-food to the UK includes beef at 51pc, dairy at 24pc and prepared consumer foods at 62pc of exports. Half of all cheese produced here goes to the UK. Overall, 35pc of exports go to the UK, and in value terms this now stands at 4.5bn. "This demonstrates the importance of maintaining our market position in this high- value, high-quality market that has a substantial food deficit," Mr Kelly said. He noted that the Irish exposure to Brexit is far greater in real terms than that of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany or Italy. Contempt "Typically, less than 10pc of their agri-food exports are to the UK. This highlights the unique circumstances faced by Irish agri-food," Mr Kelly said. It comes as the chaos in Britain reached a point where prime minister Theresa May's government was found to be in contempt of parliament. She has refused to release its full legal advice on Brexit. The row overshadowed the start of five days of debate in parliament on Mrs May's Brexit deal ahead of a crucial vote on December 11, when MPs will be asked to approve it. Opposition parties and the DUP, which props up Mrs May's minority government, are furious that it only provided an outline of the legal basis for its Brexit deal after parliament voted to be given the full advice. College students are being used as money mules to launder cash for criminals, gardai have said. Students are being targeted on social media sites, tending to be work-from-home scams where a person would get a couple of hundred euro for transferring a couple of thousand. A three-month Europol operation into money laundering has seen 420 mule accounts discovered by gardai in Ireland, with some 165 victims identified as part of the sting operation European Money Mule Action (EMMA). Operation Gardai say the demographic of people targeted by 'herders' tend to be young, unemployed men, particularly students. Herders are those higher up the criminal food chain who rope people into moving money into different accounts with payments. As part of the three-month EMMA operation, 25 bank accounts have been frozen and 250 bank accounts have been blocked and examined by banks and the garda National Economic Crime Bureau. Over the past three years, gardai say that 14.6m has passed through mule accounts in Ireland alone. Average amounts passing through are between 5,000 and 15,000. Chief Superintendent of the NECB Pat Lordan said that for the 420 accounts discovered there have been 30 people interviewed, but no arrests as of yet. "If you were to come back in six months we will have a lot of arrests in relation to that," he said. "The problem is the investigation, the computer, the phones, the analysis, that takes quite a period of time." He said this is high level and well-organised criminals using students. "The fraud is committed abroad in most of these cases. The money then is transferred to Ireland and it's transferred through a mule account to be cashed out," he added. Parts of the Tri-State could see first snow of the season Washington County, the Eastern Panhandle and Franklin County, Pa., is expected to see its first dusting of snow Saturday night into Sunday morning. Nick Jonas reportedly flew in chefs to prepare the 18-foot wedding cake for his and Priyanka Chopras wedding. The extravagant cake has at least six layers, and the couple cut it with a knife that the internet is saying looks more like a sword. People.com shared several exclusive pictures from Priyanka and Nicks Jodhpur wedding celebrations, one of which showed the cake. According to People, Nick flew in chefs from Kuwait and Dubai to prepare the cake. Filmfare reports that the chefs visited several Indian restaurants to curate the menu, which also included Rajasthani dishes. The cake was cut after the couple exchanged vows at their first wedding ceremony, held in accordance with Christian traditions. They had a second ceremony, in accordance with Hindu traditions, a day later. A three-minute fireworks show took place while they cut the cake, after which they had their first dance, to Roberta Flacks First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Glimpses from the ceremonies have been shared online by People.com. Every girl dreams of being a princess on her wedding day, Priyanka said in the magazines cover story. But I never had a plan about what I wanted it to be. Like her 75-foot veil, the wedding cake, too, has inspired jokes online. One person on Twitter wondered if it was available to rent on Airbnb. One person asked the couple for a slice, because obviously there was some left over. I wonder if I can rent out Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' wedding cake on AirBnB. JK! As if I could afford a night's stay in that house. pic.twitter.com/ywHn58bWZP Hanna "Noble Warrior Hero" Flint (@HannaFlint) December 4, 2018 I get it Nick Jonas + Priyanka Chopra got married. (Ive seen the hundreds of photos.) But I honestly just want to see photos of their wedding cake. Really, where they at? Amina Ahmad (@aminaahmad) December 4, 2018 i know you still got cake left @priyankachopra send me some sis furniturewala (@kalindivdw) December 4, 2018 I aspire to be as half as extra as Priyanka Chopra who had two weddings in one, a 75 foot veil at the Christian wedding, and an 18 foot tall cake made by chefs all over the world (including Dubai)... Im fucking SHOOK mehak (@vivalaziam) December 4, 2018 The couple hosted a reception party in New Delhi on Tuesday, which was attended by PM Narendra Modi and their families. Follow @htshowbiz for more The first trailer for Uri: The Surgical Strike was released on Wednesday. The action-drama is based on the 2016 surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army in retaliation to an alleged terror attack in the Kashmir region of Uri. The film stars Vicky Kaushal, Yami Gautam and Paresh Rawal in lead roles. The trailer begins by setting up the scenario: On 18 September, 2016, 19 unarmed Indian soldiers were martyred at Uri base came, Kashmir, the title reads. Vickys character is introduced with a scene in which he vows to never let his brothers-in-arms down, no matter where he is deployed. Yami Gautam plays an intelligence officer, who is seen interrogating a terror suspect, and like Jessica Chastains Zero Dark Thirty character. That Oscar-winning film, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, told the story of the manhunt for Osama bin Laden and ended with the strikes that killed him. We then see a montage in which Vicky trains his chosen team for the operation, and delivers a rousing speech. Indian Army didnt start this war, but we will bloody hell finish it, he yells. Vicky on Tuesday had shared a new poster for the film, which showed a group of soldiers being parachuted down into enemy territory, presumably, to carry out the strikes. A teaser trailer that introduced audiences to the plot was released previously. In that trailer, Paresh Rawal delivers a voiceover introducing a new India, a country that doesnt remain silent in moments of crisis and takes the fight to the enemy. We caught glimpses of Vickys character, who along with the rest of his regiment was seen honouring the dead. Uri is directed by Aditya Dhar, produced by Ronny Screwvala, and scheduled for a January 11 release. Follow @htshowbiz for more Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh hosted their third wedding reception on December 1, their second in Mumbai. Actor Anil Kapoor also attended the party and posed for the paparazzi with choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan. The Fanney Khan actor recently spoke about the Deepika and Ranveer on the radio chat show No Filter Neha and could not stop gushing about the couple. Talking about the newlyweds, Anil revealed the time when Deepika visited Ranveer on the sets of Dil Dhadakne Do after going through several security hassles to reach the ship. He recalled telling her, Chhodna mat isko, mera ye ladka superb hai (Never leave this guy. My boy is superb). Perfect choice. You cant get a better boy. Dil Dhadakne Do released in 2015 and had starred actors such as Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Farhan Akhtar, Rahul Bose, Shefali Shah and Zarina Wahab. Anil Kapoor with Farah Khan at Deepika and Ranveers Mumbai reception. (IANS) In the second segment of the chat show, Neha asked Anil to give some advice to a few Bollywood couples. On being asked to comment on Deepika and Ranveer, he said, They look great together, I wish them really well. They will make a beautiful and fantastic couple. I am very excited they are together. Lending his advice for the other couples named by Neha, Anil said that his niece Janhvi Kapoor should do another film with Ishaan Khatter and Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt should spend as much time together as possible. He also spoke about his nephew Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora and said, I know him very well. Whatever makes him happy, makes me happy. I dont want to comment on anything as thats personal whatever he does. We all family members have believed in that whatever makes the other person happy, makes us happy. The actor also spoke about his daughter Sonam Kapoor and son-in-law Anand Ahuja. On being asked if he was a better husband then him, Anil repeatedly said that it is definitely Anand who is a much better husband as compared to him. Follow @htshowbiz for more A 28-year-old man was arrested for allegedly mowing down two fruit sellers with his Mercedes Benz car in Dwarka late on Sunday night, police said on Tuesday.One of the victims was killed in the accident while the other is critical, police said. Police officials said the logo and broken pieces of the car, which is owned by the accused identified only by his first name Nakul, had fallen off at the accident spot at Ganapati Chowk in Dwarka Sector 9. Anto Alphonse, deputy commissioner of police (Dwarka), said that Nakul was apprehended late Tuesday night after the local police scanned the details of more than 4,000 cars of similar make in Delhi-NCR. We particularly focused on cars in Dwarka, Janakpuri, Vikaspuri, Gurgaon and neighbouring areas. It turned out to be one belonging to a man named Nakul who lives in Raj Nagar in Palam Colony, said the DCP. It remains to be probed if the man was drunk and under what circumstances the crash occurred, said the DCP. A fiercely contested round of elections spread across Indias northern and central states (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh), south (Telangana), and Northeast (Mizoram) is coming to a close. Campaigning ended on Wednesday evening, with PM Narendra Modi continuing his final offensive against the Congress in Rajasthan and Congress president Rahul Gandhi returning the favour in Telangana, the two states which go to polls on Friday. This round of five elections matters for both the national parties. For one, it is the sheer timing. Coming four months before the national elections, it has been billed as the semi-final. This may not be a completely accurate way of describing it for there has been no necessary alignment between the outcome in some of these states and the outcome in the subsequent national polls. The presence of strong local leaders and local issues also makes it different. But what is true is that in three states MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh there is a direct bipolar contest. The BJPs ability to retain power and the Congress ability to challenge it is on test, as will be the case in 2019. Two, the BJP, after a string of bypoll defeats in parliamentary elections and being pipped at the post by opposition unity in Karnataka, is keen to prove that it remains politically dominant and reverse the perception of a slide. The Congress, which has displayed greater energy and sharp aggression under Rahul Gandhi, wants to prove that it can actually convert this into electoral victories, which is what finally counts in a democracy. A close defeat will not be enough. The campaigning has also revealed that the nature of issues which will dominate the electoral season of 2019. The BJP believes that it has a trump card with welfare schemes, particularly rural housing, toilet construction, gas cylinders, and infrastructure, especially rural roads and power. This is what it focused on through its campaign trail across all states. It has supplemented this with doses of Hindutva in Rajasthan and Telangana, in particular. The Congress believes that the combination of rural distress and the governments perceived failure to create jobs gives it exactly the robust platform it needs to break the Modi appeal with the electorate. Through public display of Hindu religiosity, it has also sought to counter any attempt by the BJP to polarise the electorate. On both sides, this is what we will see over the next four months as campaigning picks up for the Lok Sabha elections. It is curtains for the 2018 poll season, but in it, there are enough hints of what is to come in 2019. The admit card for the online test to recruit probationary officers (PO) in Canara Bank has been released on the official website of the bank. The online examination will be held on December 23. Here is the direct link to download Canara bank PO exam admit card 2018. The admit card will be available for download until December 23. The application process for filling 800 probationary officer (PO) vacancies through admissions to the specially designed One year training course leading to Post Graduate Diploma in Banking and Finance (PGDBF) either through Manipal Global Education Services Pvt Ltd., Bengaluru or NITTE Education International Pvt Ltd., Greater Noida, which are recognised by UGC began on October 23. The number of vacancies is provisional and may vary according to the actual requirement of the bank. Candidates will be selected through a process consisting of online objective test followed by Group Discussion and interview. Successful candidates will go through a nine month course (classroom studies) conducted either at Manipal Global Education Services Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru campus or NITTE Education International Pvt Ltd. Greater Noida campus followed by a three months internship at any of the Canara Bank branches/offices. Canara Bank PO admit card 2018: Here are the steps to download from the official website 1) Visit the official website of Canara bank 2) Click on the link for careers 3) Click on Recruitment of Probationary Officers in JMGS-I on completion of specially designed PGDBF Course [NEW] 4) Click on link for link for downloading call letter 5) Key in your details and login 6) Admit card will displayed on the screen A hydrogen cylinder blast killed a researcher at the Indian Institute of Sciences on Wednesday afternoon. Three others were critically injured in the blast that occurred during an experiment in a laboratory. The incident occurred around 2.30 pm, when the researchers were conducting an experiment at the Laboratory for Hypersonic and Shock Wave Research, a police official said. The researchers belonged to an IISC incubated start-up called Super Wave Technologies. A senior police official, who did not wish to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the press, identified the deceased as Manoj Kumar, 32, who hails from Kollegal in Chamarajanagar district. The three others injured were identified as Karthik Shenoy, Naresh Kumar and Atulya Uday Kumar. They are undergoing treatment at the MS Ramaiah Hospital. According to the hospital, all the injured are critical and require surgical intervention and ICU care. Assistant Commissioner of Police Niranjan Raj Urs told PTI that the Superwave Technologies was having a tie-up with the IISc for carrying out experiments pertaining to its research. Three labourers were burnt alive in a fire triggered by an explosion inside a godown of a foam-manufacturing unit at Uggoke village of Punjabs Barnala district on Tuesday. While two workers were injured, many others had a narrow escape as they managed to come out of the building in time. The reason of the fire could not be ascertained. The factory owners have been booked. Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has sought a detailed report from the Barnala deputy commissioner into the incident and announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh each to the next of the kin of the deceased. Thick, dark fumes were seen coming out from the godown even as firemen from Barnala, Bathinda, Sangrur and Mansa struggled to douse the flames. The mainshed of the godown collapsed in the explosion. Barnala senior superintendent of police Harjeet Singh said: The deceased have been identified on the basis of the gate register that factory maintains. They are Jagjit Singh, 27, of Gill Kothe village, Sadhu Singh, 33, and Sikander Singh, 22, both residents of Cheema village. All victims were reportedly having their meal when the incident occurred. Fire officer Gurjeet Singh said: The firm never applied for a fire safety certificate to us directly or through Punjab Pollution Control Board. Sehna station house officer Shamsher Singh said: We have registered a case against factory owners Varinder Kumar, Jatin Singla, Vijay Bansal and Dimple Dhawan under sections 304 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 285 (negligent conduct) of the Indian Penal Code on complaint of Baldev Singh. Police have not made any arrests so far. One of the firms partners, Jatin Singla, was rushed to the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, in state of shock. The factory, engaged in manufacturing foam sheets, was set up recently. Deputy commissioner Dharam Pal Gupta said, The SDM will prepare a report of the incident and I will forward it to our higher authorities. The CM, meanwhile, has asked the DC to conduct a thorough probe to ascertain the fire cause and suggest remedial measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future. The DC, along with the SSP and the SDM, also visited the site and met the victims families. Christian James Michel, 57, the British businessman accused of bribery in the 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, will remain in CBI custody for 5 days, a Delhi Special Judge ordered on Wednesday on a request by the investigating agency. The court said he can meet his lawyers for an hour, twice every day. The courts decision came after the CBI told the judge that the agency needed to interrogate him to trace the 37 million Euros that he allegedly received for the deal. The CBI had pitched for a 14-day custody, telling the court that it needed to confront the man they believed could help them unravel the money trail. Michel was earlier taken to CBI headquarters following a medical check-up after being brought to India, in a move that many see as a significant win for the Indian government. He reached the CBI headquarters at 1:38am. The extradition coincides with a visit to the UAE by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have filed cases against him. The move is even more significant because Michel is a British national being extradited to India from Dubai. Watch: Delhi Court orders Agusta deal accused Michel to be in CBI custody for 5 days The BJP said the extradition in the case from the UPA era is a diplomatic victory for India and could spell serious trouble for the Congresss first family, referring to Gandhis while at the same time asserting that the development was an unequivocal affirmation of the Narendra Modi governments seriousness in fighting corruption. The extradition was anticipated as Dubais highest court on November 19 approved Indias request to extradite Michel, subject to the move being approved by the UAEs justice minister. Officials said Swarajs presence in Dubai for a meeting of the India-UAE Joint Commission helped push the process. Also read | Why CBI wanted Christian Michel, extradited today from Dubai, in India National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Anil Dhasmana and Indias ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Singh Suri, also played key roles, the officials said. Last month, the Dubai Cassation Court effectively ended the legal challenge to Michels extradition by upholding an appellate courts decision to extradite him though he pleaded not guilty. #WATCH New Delhi: Alleged middleman in #AgustaWestland deal #ChristianMichel brought to India after being extradited from UAE, late night yesterday pic.twitter.com/sgaNIhUQ58 ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 Michel is wanted for commercial fraud, bribery and money laundering in connection with the deal to purchase 12 helicopters for the Indian Air Force from the company then known as AgustaWestland. Michel has refuted the allegations. Read | What is AgustaWestland bribery case? Decoding the Rs 3.6K-cr deal Alleged irregularities in the AgustaWestland deal were repeatedly raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party during its successful 2014 general elections campaign. Michels extradition comes at a time when the Opposition has been targeting the government over a deal for the purchase of Rafale combat aircraft. Christian Michel James will be examined with respect to his involvement in the case and confronted with documents recovered during raids by Swiss Authorities and received by CBI through LRs indicating the bribes paid by Mr Christian Michel James to the Indian authorities for securing the contract for supply of VVIP helicopters from M/s AgustaWestland, CBI said in a statement. Read | Christian Michel, VVIP chopper deal accused, to be produced before CBI court Assam and Mizoram are the most vulnerable to climate change among the Himalayan states, according to a study presented by a team of Indian scientists at the COP 24 climate conference being held in Katowice, Poland. The team studied 12 western and eastern Himalayan states on various parameters crucial for adaptation to climate change such as irrigated area, per capita income (for 2014-15), area under crop insurance, forest cover and the extent of slopes. The data for these parameters has been taken from government records such as the census and annual reports. The team, which has scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc, Bengaluru), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, and IIT , Guwahati, found that Assam and Mizoram ranked highest on the vulnerability index, while Uttarakhand and Sikkim were the lowest relative to other hill states assessed. Assam has higher vulnerability because it has one of the lowest areas under irrigation and lowest forest area per 1,000 rural households among the 12 states. Besides, it has lowest per capita income, lowest area under crop insurance and relatively low participation in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Guarantee Scheme, which provides 100 days of employment (unskilled public work) to at least one adult member of every poor rural household. Mizoram is also highly vulnerable because of the same issues but also because at least 30% of the geographical area is under slope. Jammu and Kashmir has the third highest vulnerability ranking, mainly because it has no area under crop insurance, least road density, low percentage of area under horticulture crops, low livestock to human ratio and low percentage of women in the overall workforce, among other factors. Also read | India should take the lead on climate change Vulnerability to climate change is not about how much high temperature or high rainfall a region is going to experience. It is about the economic, social and environmental resources you have access to. So it will include money, infrastructure and many other factors. For example if there is frequent crop damage, a community would have to depend on the forests nearby which is an environmental resource. Developed countries for example can do it because they have resources. I believe this is a very important study for India which is struggling with climate impacts, said Sanjay Vashist, director, Climate Action Network South Asia, a coalition of civil society organisations working to limit human-induced climate change. Sikkim has the lowest vulnerability because it has the highest per capita income among the states assessed, lowest area under open forests but good coverage of dense forests, large area under orchards and a low population density. NH Ravindranath, professor, Centre for Sustainable Technologies at IISc, made a presentation on these findings at Katowice on Tuesday. The Indian team said this vulnerability ranking will help in prioritising investment in mechanisms to adapt to climate change-in prioritising districts, blocks, communities, forest types and cropping systems and others. The vulnerability ranking will help the government rank most vulnerable states and districts within a state and undertake adaptation on priority. Indian Institute of Science developed the guidelines along with IIT Gauwhati, said NH Rabindranath who presented the report in Katowice. A report on the index was released by union environment minister, Harsh Vardhan. Read | High stakes for India as make or break climate meet begins in Poland Another cow carcass was found in violence-hit Bulandshahr on Wednesday morning but timely intervention by the police prevented the situation getting out of hand, police officials said. The carcass was found in Jahangirabad area, 29 kilometres southwest of Mahaw village where the carcasses of at least 25 cows were recovered on Monday, they added. Mondays recovery had sparked mob violence in which a police inspector and a local youth were killed. Additional director general (ADG) of police, law and order, Anand Kumar said the situation was under control in Bulandshahr. However, police officers were on alert to avert any escalation of tension in the region, he added. According to reports, some passersby informed the police that a cow carcass had been found on Jahagirabad-Daulatpur road near a brick-kiln field and local police rushed to the spot. Additional police force from other police stations were also called as activists of the Bajrang Dal and other Hindu outfits gathered there after coming to know about the recovery of the carcass. The police managed to pacify the activists by immediately registering an FIR in the matter, Kumar said. The carcass was buried in a field nearby. Bulandhshahrs additional superintendent of police, city, Praveen Ranjan Singh said there was no trouble in Jahangirabad and police registered an FIR of cow slaughter against unidentified people in this connection. Four suspects were taken into custody for interrogation, he added. Meanwhile, senior superintendent of police KB Singh directed all 27 police station in-charges of the district to stay alert. Campaigning ends Election Commission-allotted time for campaigning in Telangana and Rajasthan ends. Congress and TDP workers are united against BJP: Rahul Congress and TDP workers are united in fight against BJP. Everybody has seen how even judges spoke out against it. Farmers are uncertain about their future, youth are looking for jobs: Rahul Alliance will win hands down: Rahul Gandhi The Grand Alliance will win Telangana hands down. PM Narendra Modi has destroyed every democratic institution in this country: Rahul Gandhi Rahul Gandhi-Chandrababu Naidu presser Congress president Rahul Gandhi and TDP supremo K Chandrababu Naidu start press conference in Hyderabad. Congress will give you employment: Rahul The Congress will give you employment, the youth, the farmers, the people of Telangana will get their dues. They took the money from you and put it in the corrupt peoples pockets. But we will bring back the money from the corrupt and give it to the people. Narendra Modi divided the country: Rahul After beating PM Modi in Telangana, Rajasthan and other states, we will beat him in the nation. He snatched your money and fed it to the rich. He divided the country. He launched Gabbar Singh Tax (GST - Goods and Services Tax which was launched by BJP government in 2017). He took away the power of India. We will take away the power from Narendra Modi. Telangana will be ruled by you, not by one family: Rahul Gandhi Telangana will not be ruled by one family. It will be ruled by the people, the farmers, the youth, the women. Your shinning power will give birth to a new Telangana. Rahul promises monthly unemployment allowance of Rs 3,000 In Congresss rule, every unemployed youth will get Rs 3,000 every month as an allowance. The Budgets 20 per cent money will go for youths education. There will be more colleges, institutes, better hospitals. People of Telangana call you Khao Commission Rao: Rahul KCR (Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao), the people of Telangana have given you a new name. They call you Khao Commission Rao. Rahul Gandhi addresses public rally in Kodad, Telangana Congress President Rahul Gandhi addresses a public gathering in Kodad, Telangana on the last day of election campaign. PM Modi on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana By 2025, every family in India will have a house, thats my dream and I will achieve it. PM Modi speaks on widow pension scheme Can a daughter who hasnt even been born, be a widow? or a mother? But in naamdars books, she can. When BJP came to power, I looked in the files, I searched and found out that several non-existing widows and their kids were getting funds, from your money. Around Rs 90,000 crore money was spent. Your Rs 90,000 crore was looted, PM Modi on widow pension scheme. PM Modi takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi Naamdar did not even know the name of a very popular farmer and jat leader in Congress, late Kumbharam ji. He called him Kumbhakaran. I challenge naamdar to speak without holding piece of paper: Modi I challenge this naamdar to speak without holding a piece of paper, I challenge him to at least count the names of his own MPs without holding a piece of paper. A person, who cant speak without holding sheets of paper, do you want to vote such a man to power? A lot of people are miffed by my work: Modi My agenda is to make India a corruption free country, and that is why a lot of people are miffed by me. Abuses are hurled at me. You made a chaiwala the prime minister of India: Modi Who chose a common man? Who led a common man to victory, a man from the crowd? You did. You made a chaiwala the prime minister of the country. You led a chaiwala to victory, chose a common man against an empire. Modi speaks on VVIP helicopter case I had mentioned the VVIP helicopter case, I spoke about it, about the letter written by Sonia Gandhi. After BJP came to power, we looked for the files, we dug around. They had hidden it away. But one middleman finally was caught after years of digging and findings. The VVIP chopper case accused will spill secrets of politicians he served. Why are the rules not the same for the family (Gandhis): Modi As a prime minister, did I get any special treatment? Our rules not the same for me? Then why are the rules not same for the family (Gandhis).When I removed the red light from my car, did anyone commit suicide? Because I emerged from this crowd, my brothers and sisters. I am one of you. I was not born with a gold spoon in my mouth: Modi I emerged from the crowd, from poverty. I was not born with a gold spoon in my mouth. If anyone who is responsible for Indias poverty, which followed for decades, then its the oldest political party of the country, the family (Gandhis). Farmers did not get money for their crops for four decades: Modi When farmers went to the market to sell the crops, did they get the money ? This went on for four decades. Was Modi responsible for this? First give the answers why the farmers suffered for four decades, then ask the record of four years. Modi takes a dig at Sonia Gandhi Did Sonia do anything when she was remote control prime minister. You must have read in the papers that SC has taken a decision (herald). During their time, they had closed all the files related to the case. People who are out on bail cannot be handed Rajasthan. He was the home minister (Chidambaram). He thinks he is very smart. Our government made such revelations, that his son was sent to jail. He has to keep begging the court to delay his arrest. How long can he keep doing that. Rajasthan has already chosen BJP as the winner: Modi I know, Rajasthan has already chosen BJP has the winner. Now, our agenda is to conquer every polling booth in the state. PM Modi addresses rally in Sumerpur Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses rally in Sumerpur town of Pali district. I started the campaign from Alwar, and now ending it in Pali, PM Modi says before he starts to chant Bharat mata ki jai and the crowd chants along. Shouldnt be politicised: Amit Shah on Bulandshahr violence It is an unfortunate incident, an SIT has been formed and they are investigating. It shouldnt be politicized, everything will become clear when the SIT files its report. If you go hug Pak official, there will be slogans in India: Amit Shah on Sidhus Pakistan visit Congress should clear the doubt if Sidhu went to Pak on Rahul Gandhis directions. When someone will hug a Pak official, there will be such kinds of slogans in India. If Vijay Mallya has offered to pay money back, then do it: Amit Shah BJP chief was asked about Vijay Mallyas series of tweets on Wednesday where he offered to pay back 100 per cent of the amount to the bank. The minister laughed and said, If he wants to pay back the money, then he can. Cong made crowd chant Sonia Gandhi ki jai: Amit Shah Congress had a lot to say on PM Modis Bharat mata ki jai, but in their rally, they made the crowd chant Sonia Gandhi ki jai, did they not? You disrespect crowd chanting an emotional slogan and they brag about your own? Does the Opposition want to protect him (Christian Michel): Amit Shah No, tell me, is it wrong if we nabbed the middleman? Does the Opposition want to protect him?, Shah asked. When probed further to give his two takes on Christian Michel, the main accused in AgustaWestland bribery case, BJP chief Amit Shah avoided the question. Congress has no discipline: Amit Shah The Congress party has no discipline. They dont even have a PM candidate. Congress tried to play religion card, we managed to inform voters: Amit Shah BJP managed to educate the voters on Congresss misinformation. The Congress tried to play the religion card for votes. Even tried to disrespect the prime minister of India and I think we succeeded in telling the voters the kind of government Congress would bring. People have rejected the caste politics of Congress. I have complete faith that BJP will emerge as the winner. Under PM Modi, BJP won many states: Amit Shah Amit Shah addresses the media in Rajasthan as the last leg of campaign on final day kicks off. Under Prime Minister Modi, BJP won many states,says BJP chief Amit Shah Rahul to address media in Hyderabad Congress leader is scheduled to fly to Hyderabad where he will be addressing the media later in the evening. Congress president Rahul Gandhi to address rally in Telangana As the last leg of Assembly elections 2018 campaigning ends on Wednesday (today), Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will hold a press conference and rally in Telangana. In the election-bound state, the Congress is contesting the polls in an alliance with the Telugu Desam Partys Chandrababu Naidu and CPI. BJP supremo Amit Shah to campaign in Rajasthan Before conducting a roadshow, BJP leader Amit Shah will address the media in Jaipur. The BJP chief will then conduct a roadshow in Ajmer. PM Modi to hold rallies in Rajasthans Sumerpur and Dausa To give Vasundhara Raje government one last push before the last leg of campaigning comes to an end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a rally in Sumerpur town of Pali district. PM Modi will then take the stage in Dausa. Hours before campaigning is to end in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a stinging attack on the Congress leadership, accusing party chief Rahul Gandhi and his family of corruption and crediting his government for catching Christian Michel, the middleman in the VVIP chopper scandal who was brought late last night from Dubai. PM Modi described him the 57-year-old British national who is alleged to have acted as a middleman for someone who had served many politicians. We have brought back the middleman. He used to pay kickbacks... Now he will spill the beans, wait and see who all will be named. PM Modi also referred to barbs hurled at him from Rahul Gandhi who, he said, says that I do not speak on corruption any more. Corruption is a way of life for the Congress, PM Modi said. Delivering a stinging comeback, PM Modi vowed to go after Congress leaders who had escaped scrutiny when the party was in power. For generations corruption has been a way of life for them, so they will not fight it. Only BJP can uproot corruption at the grassroots, the Prime Minister said in Rajasthans Sumerpur. Click here for Assembly elections 2018 LIVE updates Also read | Rajasthan assembly elections 2018: Amit Shah attacks Rahul Gandhi on Navjot Sidhus Kartarpur visit Rajasthan goes to polls on December 7, along with Telangana. The votes will be counted on December 11. Modi said that the Congress rule was steeped in scams. In 2012, on often heard of the coal scam, 2G scam, helicopter scams etc. This government has not faced any such allegations. All they can talk about is my mother and father, my roots, he said Referring to the Supreme Court order on the tax assessment of Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, the Prime Minister said, Yesterday we won in Supreme Court, the court said Indian government has the right to reassess their (Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) income tax returns. Ab dekhta hoon kaise bach ke nikalte ho (Now, lets see how they will get away). Urging the people to vote wisely, PM Modi said, It is because of your support that this chaiwalla has been able to take on the corrupt and put them behind bars use your vote wisely, BJPs victory will be your victory. Click here for full coverage on Assembly elections 2018 Taking on the Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who has been targeting his government over farmers issues in his election speeches, Modi said, Naamdaar sheds crocodile tears for farmers while his relatives grabbed farmers land. They knew that the government of India was bringing huge projects in Barmer, the prices of land were about to rise and the farmers were set to gain from it. So, the relatives of naamdar snatched the land from farmers at throw away prices, he said. The attack was aimed at Congress chief Rahul Gandhis brother-in-law, Robert Vadra, who put out a Facebook blog earlier today to stress that investigations against him were an unceasing political witch-hunt. Read | Naamdars fatwa: Modis counterstrike on Rahul Gandhis Bharat Mata Ki Jai jibe As the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, Christian James Michel, 57, landed in India after being extradited from Dubai, the CBI officer who supervised the probe against him for most parts is fighting a tough legal battle of survival. The government had divested both Asthana and CBI chief Alok Verma of their powers after they levelled charges of corruption and misconduct against each other. Weeks before he was stripped of his charge, Asthana had completed most of the groundwork for the chargesheet that the agency will file in court against Christian Michel in the VVIP chopper deal case. Asthana, the CBI No. 2, had led the probe in the AgustaWestland case for nearly two years. The team of CBI officials that had gone to Dubai to bring Michel back to India was led by CBI joint director A Sai Manohar. Manohar was part of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed under Rakesh Asthana more than two years ago to look after nearly half-a-dozen big ticket cases of corruption - such as the Vijay Mallya scam, AgustaWestland case, Moin Qureshi probe. Anil Sinha was heading the investigating agency at that time. When the FIR was filed against Asthana on charges that he was trying to save a Hyderabad-based businessman from CBI action in the Moin Qureshi case, Manohar too was being treated as a suspect since he was part of the SIT formed under Asthana. Asthana, who was divested of his responsibility on October 23 in a dramatic turn of events past midnight, had supervised the filing of the first chargesheet in the AgustaWestland case in September 2017. Apart from middleman Christian James Michel, the chargesheet had also named former Air Chief SP Tyagi as one of the accused. Officials familiar with the development say the first chargesheet focused on the role of bureaucrats in the deal. The next one will focus on political beneficiaries in the deal. Now, with Christian Michel in their custody, the CBI is looking to fill in gaps in their information on how politicians and the key players in the case were bribed to swing the deal in Agustas favour. At the time his fight with CBI director Alok Verma peaked in October, Asthana was overseeing work on the supplementary chargesheet that the agency will file. Asthana, in the last few months also alleged in his conversations with other officials, that he was being targeted by CBI chief Alok Verma since he was handling politically sensitive cases such as the ones against liquor baron Vijay Mallya and AgustaWestland scam, say officials familiar with the developments at CBI. Also Read: Government cant remove CBI chief midterm, Alok Verma tells court Michel is wanted for commercial fraud, bribery and money laundering in connection with the deal to purchase 12 helicopters for the Indian Air Force from the company then known as AgustaWestland. Michel has refuted the allegations. Christian Michel James will be examined with respect to his involvement in the case and confronted with documents recovered during raids by Swiss Authorities and received by CBI through LRs indicating the bribes paid by Christian Michel James to the Indian authorities for securing the contract for supply of VVIP helicopters from M/s AgustaWestland, CBI said in a statement. The British High Commission Wednesday sought consular access to Christian Michel, a day after the British national was brought to India from the UAE to face allegations of bribery in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, an official said. A spokesperson of the high commission said information has been sought from the Indian authorities urgently on Michels circumstances and that the British government is in contact with his family. Another official of the high commission, who wished not be named, said consular access to Michel has been sought. Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in the UAE. We are in contact with his family and the Emirati authorities regarding his case, and are urgently seeking information from the Indian authorities on his circumstances, the spokesperson said. Michel, 57, was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the United Arab Emirates in connection with the chopper deal case. A court Wednesday sent him to a five-day custody of the CBI, probing the scam. He is one of the three middlemen, being probed by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. Michel has denied the charges. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (approximately Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. The money was nothing but kickbacks paid by the firm to execute the 12 helicopter deal in favour of the firm in the guise of genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country, according to the charge sheet. The ED investigation found that remittances made by Michel through his Dubai-based firm Global Services to a media firm he floated in Delhi, along with two Indians, were made from the funds which he got from AgustaWestland through criminal activity and corruption in the chopper deal, which led to the subsequent generation of proceeds of crime. On January 1, 2014, India scrapped the contract with Italy-based Finmeccanicas British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of paying kickbacks to the tune of Rs 423 crore by it for securing the deal. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath will meet the widow of inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, who was killed in Mondays violence in Bulandshahr district, on Thursday amid an opposition attack on the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Yes, the chief minister will meet slain inspector Subodh Kumar Singhs wife at his 5 Kalidas Marg residence here (in Lucknow) on Thursday morning, said an official spokesperson. Singh was one of the two men killed by a rampaging mob protesting the alleged slaughter of cows in Mahav village of the district. Several leaders of right-wing Hindu groups have been arrested for murder and rioting in connection with the violence. Police said the prime suspect in the Monday mornings violence is a man named Yogesh Raj. Police refused to confirm Rajs political affiliations, but the regional coordinator of the Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Balraj Singh Dungar, said that Raj was the convenor of the Bulandshahr unit of the Dal. Yogesh Raj is yet to be arrested. Singhs wife Rajni Rathore has threatened to commit suicide if those guilty for killing her husband go unpunished. The family has also demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). My husband was a brave man. He used to lead from the front. My husband was killed in a planned manner as part of a conspiracy. If the guilty go unpunished, I will commit suicide by shooting myself at Bulandshahr police lines, she said before the funeral of her husband was performed in his Taregawan village in Etah on Tuesday. Singh was a part of the initial investigation into the lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri in Greater Noida region in 2015 following allegations of cow slaughter. Adityanaths decision to meet Rathore is also being considered significant in the backdrop of reports of simmering unrest among a section of policemen who allegedly sympathised with constable Prashant Chaudhary who was arrested for the killing of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari in Lucknow recently. The chief minister had convened a meeting of senior officers, including chief secretary Anoop Chandra Pandey and director general of police OP Singh, on Tuesday evening to get feedback about the Bulandshahr violence. He had asked the officers to ensure strict action against those involved in cow slaughter. The Bulandshahr incident was part of a larger conspiracy and all those involved in it should be arrested, the chief minister had said without elaborating. Major opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party, Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have targeted Adityanath for the Bulandshahr violence and deteriorating law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. The Bulandshahr incident was a result of wrong policies of the BJP government, BSP chief Mayawati said in a statement on Tuesday. BJP ally Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj party (SBSP) has blamed right-wing groups for the violence. There was a conspiracy to fan communal violence for poll gains, Om Prakash Rajbhar, an SBSP leader and a minister in the state BJP government, said. Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) must try to find out from where cow carcasses, which sparked the violence, came, besides probing other aspects of the crime. State Congress Committee president Raj Babbar said the situation reflected on the deteriorating law and order that the chief minister has been praising outside the state. Amid a political furore over killing of a police inspector and a man in Bulandshahr in a case of mob violence, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday night ordered a thorough probe and directions were issued for strict action against those involved in the alleged cow slaughter, said to be the trigger for the brutal incident, a senior official said. A day after the tragic incident, Adityanath held a meeting in Lucknow with chief secretary, DGP, principal secretary (home) and additional director general of police (intelligence). The chief minister has already faced the flak from the opposition parties for attending a laser show in Gorakhpur when the violence broke out in Bulandshahr on Monday. The Opposition has said that such incidents are part of attempts to incite communal unrest in the society ahead of polls. After the chief ministers meeting, Additional Chief Secretary (Information) Avinish Awasthi said, The UP Chief Minister directed (officials) for a thorough probe in the incident. Instructions were also issued to take stringent action against people involved in cow slaughter. The incident is part of a bigger conspiracy, and hence all those directly or indirectly related to cow slaughter should be arrested in a time-bound manner, he said. It was not clear whether any decision was taken to act against those responsible for killing of Police Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and 20-year-old bystander Sumit Kumar in the mob violence. Adityanath announced Rs 10 lakh financial assistance to the family members of Sumit from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund, Awasthi said. The police inspectors family has alleged a police conspiracy in his death. Awasthi said that since March 19, 2017 all illegal slaughter houses had been closed and instructions were issued to all district magistrates and superintendents of police to ensure that such activities do not take place in any of the districts. The chief secretary and the DGP have been instructed to ensure that this order is followed at all levels. Instructions were also issued that a campaign is run to identify those persons who are vitiating the atmosphere and stringent action is initiated against them, Awasthi said. Rajni Rathore, the wife of slain police inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, threatened to commit suicide at the Bulandshahr police lines, if those guilty of killing her husband went unpunished. Demanding a CBI probe into the incident, she also said she would like to punish the culprits herself once they were caught. Rajni Rathore accompanied the mortal remains of her husband to his paternal village Taregawan in Etah district on Tuesday. She broke down repeatedly as she reached her in-laws house, which she last visited in January when Subodh lost his mother. My husband was a brave man. He used to lead from the front. But he was so shamefully ditched by his colleagues in the police force while he was tackling those protesting against cow slaughter at a village in Bulandshahr district on Monday. His mobile phone and pistol were nowhere to be found. He went down discharging his duty, she said as she sat beside her husbands body before the funeral. Also read | Son of UP cop killed in Bulandshahr violence wants to join police force Bring my husbands killers to me, I will punish them with my hands. I want a CBI probe to reveal the actual facts and reasons behind my husbands death. The extensive probe should also lead to action against the accompanying policemen who left my husband alone, she said. My husband was killed in a planned manner as part of conspiracy. If the guilty go unpunished, I will commit suicide by shooting myself at the Bulandshahr police lines, she said. She said her husband was committed to his job as a policeman and had a golden heart. He always used to help the women in need of justice and specially cared for the poor, she said. Read | Bulandshahr violence: BJP leaders cry conspiracy, draws flak from Opposition The government on Wednesday explained to the Supreme Court why it had to step in to break up the public fight between CBI director Alok Verma and his deputy, Rakesh Asthana and send them on leave. The Centre told the judges that it had acted well within its jurisdiction and didnt have much of a choice. The fight between Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana was becoming critical and matter of public debate, government was watching with amazement as to what the top officers were doing. They were fighting like cats, the governments top law officer Attorney General KC Venugopal told the top court. Only God know where this spite between its top officers may have ended and therefore the Government of India stepped in, the Attorney General said, responding to the Supreme Court wondering if the CBI director could have been immobilised rather than moved out. The government underlined that divesting the CBI director and his No 2 did not amount to their transfer. Alok Verma and his deputy, special director Rakesh Asthana, were divested of their powers on October 23 after an internecine battle between the two officers who accused each other of corruption. Their marching orders came days after the CBI, then controlled by Alok Verma, filed a case against Asthana. After they were moved out, Verma petitioned the Supreme Court against the government order transferring him, insisting that he could have only been removed on the recommendation of a high-powered panel that includes the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha. Alok Vermas tenure as CBI director comes to an end in January. At a previous hearing, the court had also asked what the governments options were if a CBI chief is caught red handed accepting bribe. Noted jurist Fali Nariman, who is representing Alok Verma, had responded that even in such a situation, the committee has to be taken into confidence and only court can decide on the fate of the director. The Supreme Court had earlier fast-tracked a central vigilance commission inquiry against Alok Verma and asked a retired judge to oversee the exercise. The findings of this inquiry are still a secret but the Supreme Court, which reviewed the conclusions, had told the officer in court that there were portions that were not complimentary to him. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in its first charge sheet in the AgustaWestland bribery case, filed in September last year, alleged Chrisitan Michel through his companies - Global Services FZE (Dubai) and Global Trade and Commerce Services (London) -received Euro 42.27 million in the garb of service and consultancy contracts from Finmeccanica in 2010-11. The chargesheet says that when the Agusta deal was being signed, Michel visited India 25 times and stayed in Hotel Ashoka and The Claridges in Delhi, and Windsor Manor in Bengaluru. It also alleged that on April 10, 2008, Michel sent a report from Mumbai to Giuseppe Orsi and other officers of AgustaWestland saying that Augusta had succeeded in flight trials, distancing itself from the competition. But, according to the chargesheet, he warned that if commercial bids of Sikorsky (the competition) were also opened, Agusta would be in trouble since Sikorsky would submit a competitive bid. He further reported that he was consciously and deliberately trying to disqualify the competition at that stage only so that the financial bids of Sikorsky are not opened, says the charge sheet. Also read | What is AgustaWestland bribery case? Decoding the Rs 3,600 cr deal CBI investigators said their probe revealed that Sikorsky was disqualified during trials and its commercial bid submitted to the ministry of defence in February 2007 was not opened. CBIs investigations revealed that Sikorsky had quoted Rs 2,228 crore for the supply of 12 choppers while Agusta quoted Rs 3,966 crore. The agency alleged that Michel hatched a conspiracy with a few others to disqualify Sikorsky during the field trials.It added that Michel, while acting as middleman in the deal, procured confidential documents and secret information from the defence ministry and the Indian Air Force (IAF) and sent these to Agusta executives through one of his associates in Mumbai. The documents included evaluation report of S-92 chopper and the contents of a technical committee report of the IAF prepared in February 2007. He also had information about movement of files of the deal. Read | Agusta deal accused in India after late night extradition. Next, CBI court Advocate Aljo K Joseph, who is the counsel for extradited AgustaWestland chopper case accused Christian Michel, has been expelled from the Congress and removed from his post as Youth Congresss legal department national in-charge. Amrish Ranjan Pandey, IYC, spokesperson, said, Aljo K Joseph appeared in his personal capacity. He didnt consult Youth Congress before appearing in the case. IYC does NOT endorse such actions.IYC has removed Aljo Joseph from IYCs legal department and expelled him from the party with immediate effect. Earlier, Joseph had defended himself for taking up Michels case, saying said that his association with the Congress has nothing to do with his profession after being targeted on social media. Joseph, who was also the national in-charge for Youth Congresss legal department, said, My relation with Congress is separate, my profession is separate. Im an actively practising advocate. I appeared for him (Michel) in my professional capacity. If somebody asks me to appear on behalf of a client, Ive only discharged my duty as a lawyer. It has nothing to do with Congress, he said. His comments came after right wing activists highlighted his Congress links on social media, where he is seen actively taking part in party activities. Joseph was also seen meeting Congress general secretary Deepak Babaria at party headquarters in Delhi in a video put out by ANI on Twitter, soon after he argued the case for Michel in a CBI court. #WATCH: Lawyer of #ChristianMichel, Aljo K Joseph meets Congress General Secretary Deepak Babaria at Congress Headquarters, Delhi. pic.twitter.com/qgCmzTg9ul ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 Christian James Michel, 57, the British businessman accused of bribery in the 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was sent to CBI custody for 5 days by a Delhi court, a day after he was extradited to India from Dubai. Joseph explained that Michels lawyer in Italy had requested him to take up the case through a friend, who had connections in Dubai. So I was just helping in appearing and assisting him in this matter, he told ANI. The ruling BJP had on Tuesday said that the extradition of Michel in the case from the UPA era is a diplomatic victory for India and could spell serious trouble for the Congresss first family, referring to Gandhis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a poll rally, said, The government has brought the middleman involved in a helicopter scam from Dubai. He served politicians and will now disclose secrets. Responding to this, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said BJP and Modi were latching on to Michels extradition for a smear campaign against opposition leaders and accused the government of indulging in a cover up conspiracy to hide its role in helping and promoting the banned company AgustaWestland and its parent company, Finmeccanica. Patidar OBC quota stir leader Hardik Patel on Wednesday put the ball in the court of the opposition Congress to introduce a private members bill seeking reservations in the Gujarat assembly in the wake of the reservation granted to Maratha community in Maharashtra. Leader of opposition, Paresh Dhanani, had declared that the Congress had twice tabled a bill for the same and that it was now up to the BJP government to initiate a discussion on the issue. Firebrand leader Patel, whose outfit Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti had supported the Congress in the last two elections, has been pressuring legislators to clear the bill in the assembly during the next budget session in February-March, just ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This time, he is armed with a valid point. If the BJP in Maharashtra can grant reservations to Marathas through a bill, why cant the same can be done by the same party in Gujarat? And like the Shiv Sena and the NCP supported the bill in Maharashtra, the BJP and Congress too should support each other over a similar bill for Gujarat, Patel said. The Congress had first tabled a private member bill in February 2016 which was rejected. It tabled a similar bill in March 2018 again. Now there should be a discussion on it, in either a special session or the next budget session, said opposition leader Dhanani. Both Dhanani and Patel said Gujarat should follow the example of the Maharashtra bill, which was based on a survey of non-reserved classes conducted by a backward class commission. Both the leaders also maintained that not just the Patidars, but all non-reserved communities should be included in the same. In 2016, a year after the Patidars began agitating for reservations in government jobs and college admissions, the BJP had tried to introduce 10% Economic Backward Class reservation, but the ordinance was scrapped following the HC ruling in that regard. For the first time in over two decades, the agitation left the BJP unsure about unflinching support of influential Patidar community, which comprise 12% of the six million population of Gujarat. Read: Which leader offered water to Hardik Patel during fast? Candidates asked in Gujarat exam With Patel supporting the Congress in crucial subsequent elections (2015 local body polls and 2017 assembly elections), Patidar influential religious organizations and powerful business men distanced themselves from him. With funds and support from within the community dwindling, the agitation has lost the kind of force that had rocked the BJP government at the start in 2015. Still, Hardik Patel has been trying to keep the agitation alive. In August, he sat on indefinite strike demanding not only reservations, but also the release of his close aide, Alpesh Kathiria from custody in a sedition case. But when the BJP showed no signs of caving in to his demands, Hardik ended the fast, his first big show since his release from jail after nine months of imprisonment in January 2017. With a host of Congress leaders paying Patel daily visits, the BJP, on its part, got a chance to prove what it has been saying for long that Patel is really an agent of the Congress. But the Maratha reservations in Maharashtra have now given Patel a new platform to drive his agenda home and keep him relevant in Gujarat politics. And with demand of private member bill from the Congress, just before the 2019 Lok Sabha election he has been trying to hit both the Congress and the BJP with one stone. If the Congress has love for us, it will support our demand. And, if the BJP will not support the Congresss bill, it will make their intention clear, Patel said. Patel in October returned to the Other Backward Caste commission, requesting it to conduct a survey similar to the one in Maharashtra and consider his demand for quota for Patidars. Coming just months ahead of the Lok Sabha election, the move is a crafty one. After leading agitations which were frowned upon because of their violent nature, Hardik Patels latest argument based on the Maratha quotas in Maharashtra, is being seen as legal and legitimate. So how unflinching will the support of the Patidars 12% of Gujarats 60-million-strong population be towards the BJP this time? For the first time since the beginning of the 2015 agitation, thats not a given. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has asked its representatives in Parliament to reach out to beneficiaries of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments flagship health insurance scheme and learn about their experiences with Prime Minister Narendra Modis team in the run-up to the launch of campaign for the 2019 elections, two leaders familiar with the plan said. The idea is to capture testimonials on video from these beneficiaries and use these in the campaign. The BJP has 272 members in the Lok Sabha and 73 in the Rajya Sabha. A similar direction will soon go out to other elected representatives and office-bearers of the party, the two added, asking not to be identified. Modi launched the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in September that aims to cover 100 million poor and vulnerable families in India. This means it will approximately have 500 million beneficiaries. Each household gets coverage up to Rs 5 lakh for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. We have asked BJP parliamentarians to meet beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat and record at least five videos of those who have benefitted from it, one of the two leaders said. These videos will be uploaded on the NaMo App and could be used as campaign material when Modi seeks re-election as prime minister in 2019. The NaMo App is a mobile-based application that takes its name from the first two letters of the Prime Ministers first and second names, and allows users to receive messages and mails from Modi. The Prime Minister has frequently used this platform to interact with set of party workers and others during recent assembly election. The BJP has already started targeting beneficiaries of its state as well as central welfare schemes as evident in its campaign in the ongoing assembly elections. It did so in all three states where it is in power Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh (which have already gone to polls) and Rajasthan (which goes to polls shortly). Results are to be announced on December 11. If BJP lawmakers can achieve the target, the party will end up with a large database of genuine testimonials about the performance of the prime minister, whose four years of rule has seen the BJP attempting an image makeover into a party which looks out for the socially and economically marginalised . We used models in the campaign to build a narrative in 2014. In 2019, we can have real characters whose lives have changed because of Modis welfare programmes, the second leader said. These real characters will mostly be from socially and economically backwardsections. The party has also asked the lawmakers to get feedback on other social security schemes such as rural housing, crop insurance according to a communique to them from HQ. It has also asked for video testimonials of these. Experts are not sure this exercise will swing things in the favour of the BJP. What works in peoples court is not evidence, but sentiment. The sentiment is that Modicase is a non-starter; thus the need to create the evidence, said Sidharth Mishra, president of the Centre for Reforms, Development and Justice. But, dont forget, sentiments override all evidence in peoples court. Gilles Verniers, assistant professor of political science at Ashoka University, feels any exercise would have been more meaningful if its purpose was to consult beneficiaries on ways to improve those schemes. But, the publicity surrounding those events would prevent that from happening, he adds. But the BJP remains hopeful about its exercise with party leaders claiming that several beneficiaries of government schemes have converted into party supporters. According to the BJP, there are 220 million direct beneficiaries of different government schemes, and the Ayushman Bharat net will further increase this number. Beneficiaries are central to BJPs campaign for 2019, and it has taken several exercises at the government level to ensure a seamless delivery of the schemes and maximum enrollment. The party network is then used to connect with these people and seek support. The BJP polled a total of 171.7 million votes in 2014. The thinking in the party HQ is that it goes into 2019 with a number of beneficiaries thats much more than that. Indias heaviest satellite GSAT 11, weighing 5,854 kg, was successfully launched by the European commercial launch provider Arianespace in the early hours of Wednesday from Kourou space centre, French Guiana. GSAT 11 is an advanced communication satellite. It is the largest and heaviest satellite built by ISRO. It will fulfil most needs of providing broadband connectivity to rural and inaccessible gram panchayats under BharatNet project, said ISRO chairman K Sivan. Even with ISROs advanced Bahubali rocket, the GSLV Mk III, India is not capable of launching this heavy satellite. GSLV Mk III can support a liftoff mass of 4 tonnes, which is double the capacity of its predecessor. The satellite is the third of the four satellites that will high-speed broadband connectivity to all parts of India, bridging the rural and urban divide. Two satellites, the GSAT 19 and 29, have already been launched and the fourth GSAT 20 will be launched later next year. Update #4#ISROMissions Here's the video of #Ariane5 VA-246 lift off from Kourou Launch Base early today morning carrying India's #GSAT11 and South Koreas GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellites, as scheduled. Video: @Arianespace pic.twitter.com/h0gjApbHHd ISRO (@isro) December 5, 2018 The satellites together will allow for high-speed voice, data, and video-streaming services over diverse geophysical and climatic conditions. This will further the Union governments Digital India initiative by supporting BharatNet an ambitious optical fibre network connecting 2.5 lakh gram panchayats. The mission life of the satellite will be 15 years. The satellite was launched by Arianspaces heavy Ariane 5 launch vehicle (VA246) along with a Korean weather monitoring satellite. The total weight of both the satellites aboard the launch vehicle is 10,298 kg. GSAT 11 had been schedules for a launch in May this year, but had been recalled by the Indian Space Research Organisation in April to carry out some tests after the space agency failed to establish communication with a satellite from the same series GSAT 6A. ISRO wanted to ensure that there was no possibility of a similar communication loss. Nothing was found on testing the satellite and it was shipped back to Kourou for launch, said an official on condition of anonymity. Residents of this village blamed the Bajrang Dal and other right-wing organisations for violence in the neighbouring Chingrawathi village on Monday over cow slaughter. The trouble started on Monday morning when villagers told former village pradhan Rajkumar that his cows had been slaughtered in his field. Rajkumar, a farmer with 32 bigha land, rushed to his field and reported the matter to Synana police. Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, the station house officer of Syana police station, arrived at the spot and villagers also gathered there. Everything was under control and inspector asked the villagers to bring a tractor-trolley so that remains of slaughtered animals could be taken for disposal, said Premjeet Singh, another former village pradhan. He also asked villagers to lodge a written complaint so that action could be initiated against the suspects, Premjeet Singh said. Villagers were satisfied and agreed to let the matter end there, he said. But, suddenly a mob led by Bajrang Dal activists arrived on the scene and captured the trolley laden with remains, Premjeet Singh alleged. Villagers and police tried to convince them not to escalate tension, but they paid no heed to their request, he added. Premjeet said he tried to take the trolley from their possession but they were so furious that they could have harmed me. POLICE RAID HOUSES, DAMAGE GOODS Police teams raided houses of Rajkumar, Rajpal, Sachin and Ashok in the village on Monday midnight and damaged whatever they found in their homes, including TV, vehicles, fridge and other household goods, their family members alleged. Rajpals wife Ratan said police had taken away his husband Rajpal after raids and they also beaten up his sons wife Gudia, 24, who had been admitted in the Meerut college hospital for treatment. Both Rajpals sons were in the army and posted in Pune and Kargil. Another victim Rajkumars wife Preeti said her husbands only fault was animals were slaughtered in our field and he reported the matter to the police. A senior Nagpur Police officer, heading a special investigation team probing the multi-crore irrigation scam in Maharashtra, was booked on charges of molestation following a complaint by a woman constable, officials said on Wednesday. PR Patil, the superintendent of police of the anti-corruption department of Nagpur region, has been accused of demanding sexual favours by the constable deployed under him. The city police booked the senior police officer after getting a formal complaint from the 28-year-old young police constable, Ravindra Kadam, Nagpurs joint commissioner of police, said. The constable first filed a formal complaint before the state anti-corruption bureaus special committee against sexual harassment of women at workplace, constituted following the Supreme Courts Vishakha judgement. The inquiry was conducted under the supervision of a woman officer based in Mumbai. After Patil was found guilty in the inquiry, the decision was taken to register an offence following the final directions issued by the ACBs state in-charge director general of police Sanjay Barve. The constable said in her complaint that she was being targeted since August last year after Patil took charge of the department. The harassment, she said in her complaint, continued till October 12 this year prompting her to lodge the complaint. According to the complainant, Patil often made highly objectionable comments and suggestive remarks and invited her time and again to his bungalow, rest house and hotels. She claimed the senior officer even tried to defame her and accused her of having an intimate relationship with a police inspector under whom she worked. The survivor has also said Patil had been repeatedly sending her lewd and obscene messages through social media. When she resisted the alleged advances of Patil, he threatened her with dire consequences, including repatriation to her parent unit with Nagpur rural police and began harassing and maligning her character. Dr Bhushan Kumar Upadhyaya, the commissioner of police, said the case will now be probed by additional commissioner of police (Sitabuldi division) under the supervision of zonal deputy commissioner of police Chinmay Pandit. The woman, recruited around two years ago, is based with Nagpur rural district police and was posted at ACB on deputation. Patil could not be reached for comments as his mobile number remained switched off. Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is being investigated for fraud and money-laundering, on Wednesday humbly requested various banks to take back all the money he borrowed to keep his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines afloat as he slammed the Indian media for repeatedly calling him a defaulter. I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ? (sic) Mallya said in a series of tweets. Airlines struggling financially partly becoz of high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $ 140/barrel. Losses mounted and thats where Banks money went.I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them. Please take it. Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 Politicians and Media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU Bank money. All this is false. Why dont I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. Sad, he said. Politicians and Media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU Bank money. All this is false. Why dont I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. Sad. Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 Read | Vijay Mallya cant be declared a fugitive, claims his lawyer in Mumbai court Mallya fled India in March 2016 even as a debt court in Bengaluru was set to act against him for defaulting on loans issued by several banks led by the state-owned State Bank of India. The 62-year-old is fighting an effort to get him extradited to India on charges of fraud and money laundering. He remains on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard last year on fraud and money laundering charges brought by the Indian government to the tune of nearly Rs 9,000 crore. A ruling in his extradition case is expected at Westminster Magistrates Court in London later in December. Also read | In another setback for Vijay Mallya, court rejects plea to stay fugitive proceedings Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi said on Wednesday a united front of all regional parties was the only alternative in the country to fulfil the needs and aspirations of the people. Owaisi, while speaking to the media, refused to buy the theory that by the general elections next year, there would only be two fronts in the country one led by the Congress and the other by Bharatiya Janata Party. MIM does not believe in this bipolar politics. There is a scope for all regional parties, which are growing stronger in their respective states, to come together. You may call it a third front or federal front, but it is the need of the hour, Owaisi said. Owaisi, however, refused to comment what the MIM stand would be in 2019 election, if there were only two fronts. I cannot predict what would happen after elections now, he said. While defending his partys decision to support the Telangana Rashtra Samithi outside the eight constituencies of Hyderabad, Owaisi said the TRS government had done a commendable job to uplift the minorities. He said the government launched various programmes including setting up of minorities welfare residential schools, providing scholarships to Muslim students for their overseas education and marriage incentive to the poor Muslim families. However, Owaisi ruled out the possibility of the MIM joining the TRS government in the event of the latter coming to power for a second term. I dont think such a situation will arise, as I feel the TRS will come to power on its own. Even if there is such a situation, we shall not join the government at all, he categorically said. He also wondered why all national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath attacked the MIM while campaigning in Hyderabad. That fact that they are specifically targeting me personally clearly shows they are scared me and my party. They think their parties would get some votes if they attack me, he said. Reacting to Gandhis comment that MIM was the B team of the BJP, Owaisi said he was neither A team nor B team. I am Team Hyderabad and I will win ultimately, he asserted. While replying to a question, the MIM chief accused the Uttar Pradesh chief minister of being callous and irresponsible in connection with the killing of a police officer by cow vigilantes in that states Bulandshahr district. It is unfortunate that Yogi has deserted the state when it is burning and is doing road shows in Telangana in the assembly elections in which his party hardly has any stakes. I hope the people of UP will teach him a fitting lesson in the next elections, he said. He pointed out that the Sangh forces were not sparing anybody. First it was minorities, then it was the turn of Dalits. Now, even the police have become its victims. The accused people in Bulandshahr incident belonged to Bajrang Dal, which is an offshoot of the RSS to which Yogi and Modi belong, he alleged. Owaisi also found fault with the BJPs leaders for throwing challenges at him and threatening to kill him during the electioneering. Have they gone mad? What kind of talk is this? Instead of threatening me and throwing challenges at me in the elections, it is better they concentrate on issues like overflowing sewerage in their colonies. And if they still think they will get votes by killing me, I am ready to sacrifice my life, he said. He suggested the Election Commission should take serious note of such inflammatory speeches, threatening statements and comments whipping up communal passions and take action accordingly. A lawyer in the Patna High Court was shot dead near his house by unidentified gunmen on Wednesday morning, triggering protests from the legal fraternity. Jitendra Kumar was attacked near his rented accommodation residence in Rajvanshinagar. Police officials who rushed to the spot attributed the murder to a property dispute. The lawyer was about to leave for the high court when motorcycle-borne assailants shot at him and fled. The deceased lived in a rented accommodation at the Magistrate Colony. We have begun the probe. Prima facie, the murder seems to be fallout of property dispute, Shastrinagar SHO, Nihal Bhushan told reporters. The murder, coming soon after the death of a police constable in a shootout with gangsters in the heart of the city on Monday, led to attacks on the Nitish Kumar government from opposition parties as well as an NDA ally over worsening law and order in Bihar. They demanded chief minister Nitish Kumar step down as he has miserably failed to give the people a crime-free atmosphere. Meanwhile, the incident sparked angry protests by high court lawyers, who stopped work in the afternoon and took to the streets to express their concern over the deteriorating law and order. They also sat on a dharna near the Ambedkar square on Bailey Road, partially affecting the smooth flow of traffic for some time. Earlier, the coordination committee of all three associations of the lawyers met Chief Justice, A P Sahi and conveyed their decision to boycott work in protest against the killing. The chief justice also condemned the murder and assured the bar members that he would seek appropriate action from senior police officials in the case. Work at the court remained stalled for the rest of the day. Inspector general of police NH Khan said he has constituted a special investigation team of 10 senior police officers led by superintendent of police, city (central) D Amarkesh to crack the murder case. The deceaseds brother has lodged a case against nine named persons in connection with the murder. We are carrying out raids to nab them, he said, adding that a land dispute is the cause behind the murder. . The Supreme Court on Wednesday called the Amrapali Group a perfect liar and worst kind of cheater as it ordered attachment and sale of its five-star hotel, cinema hall, malls and factories across India for not complying with its directions. A bench of justices Arun Mishra and UU Lalit also ordered attachment of four swanky corporate offices of the embattled reality firm located in Noida and Greater Noida. The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) was directed to auction the properties. In a stern order, the bench also asked the firms directors and their family members to return home-buyers money, if they have it, by December 10. Notices were also issued to the group chairman and managing director Anil Sharma, chief financial officer (CFO) Chandra Wadhwa and statutory auditor Anil Mittal as to why a case for criminal breach of trust should not be lodged against them. The SC, which is hearing a batch of petitions filed by home buyers who are seeking possession of around 42,000 flats booked in Amrapali Group projects, gave its order after advocate ML Lahoty, appearing for the homebuyers, submitted the company had defrauded the investors and should be prosecuted under criminal law. He alleged the company had diverted around Rs 3,000 crore of home-buyers money for other purposes, a charge the company denied. You (Amrapali Group) are a worst kind of cheater in the world. You have cheated the home buyers all along and now you want to sell the facilities created for them. The facility area created for the home buyers is not a charity you have done to them, the bench said after it was told that the real estate firm wants to sell a nursery school, an open space and a nursing home to raise funds. The court gave a days time to the group to hand over raw data files of its business transactions, including the vouchers, receipt and the required authorisation for the 2015-18 period, to court-appointed forensic auditors. The firm faced flak repeatedly for non-compliance of the courts direction because it failed to give details of its business transactions for this period. You are a perfect liar. You are a first degree liar. You have not given specific information what we have asked for in our earlier orders. We are not satisfied with your affidavit and you have only tried to manipulate the things. Despite our nine orders, you have not given specific information about business transactions for period 2015-18, Justice Mishra said. The properties to be attached and auctioned forthwith by DRT include five-star hotel Amrapali Holiday Inn Tech Park at Greater Noida, a FMCG company called Amrapali Biotech and Mums situated in Rajgir and Buxar districts of Bihar, Amrapali Malls in Bihars Gaya and Muzaffarpur and Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly, Hitech City movie hall at UPs Meerut,, Amrapali precast factory at Greater Noida and land in Purnia in Bihar and Bhubneshwar, apart from a villa in Goa. Attachment of luxury cars was also ordered after the court was told they were purchased from the home buyers money. The court, referring to a company affidavit, noted the group had invested Rs 1,100 crore of home-buyers money in purchasing the shares of a sister company and questioned this transaction. Saying the money did not belong to the promoters, it ordered the company to give details of authorization to purchase the shares. When told that there could have been benami (proxy) home buyers, the court directed the forensic auditors to issue notices to such flat owners and put the specific property on sale if they received no response. On November 13, the court had attached companys 100-bed multi-speciality hospital, bank accounts, the building which houses its office, certain firms and a benami villa in Goa. The CFO was asked to deposit Rs 11.69 crore with its registry within three weeks. It also asked statutory auditor Anil Mittal to pay Rs 47 lakh. The realty firm has already been restrained from alienating its companies through which it had transactions. The Congress on Wednesday said the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were latching on to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal who was extradited to India from Dubai, for a smear campaign against opposition leaders. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, in a statement, alleged that facing imminent defeat in state polls, Prime Minister Modi and the BJP government were seeking to weave a web of lies and construct a mesh of deception to hoodwink the people of India in the chopper case. Michel, the alleged middleman in the politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was brought to India late on Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE. Watch | AgustaWestland Case: PM Modi is equally involved in all the scams, says Randeep Surjewala In his rally in Rajasthan on the last day of campaigning before the state elections on Friday, Modi referred to the extradition of Michel saying, The government has brought the middleman involved in a helicopter scam from Dubai. He served politicians and will now disclose secrets. Surjewala accused the Modi government of indulging in a cover-up conspiracy to hide its role in helping and promoting the banned company AgustaWestland and its parent company, Finmeccanica. While the BJP and PM Modi are seeking fake credit without being subjected to investigation by the CBI for their own complicity and connivance, they are latching on to Christian Michel for committing a smear campaign against opposition leaders. The truth qua Christian Michel is already out in the open, he claimed. Surjewala alleged the statement made by Michels advocate Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos after his detention in July had clearly brought out that the Modi government and its agencies were forcing him to sign a false confessional statement naming UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in return for complete exoneration from any charge whatsoever in the case. Even Christian Michels sister had come out and reiterated the coercions of falsely naming opposition leaders as a ticket of exoneration of Christian Michel, he said. He claimed that never before in the history of India has a prime minister been found complicit in gaining false evidence against opposition leaders to seek revenge. Surjewala also said it was time that CBI investigated the prime minister for his alleged role in exonerating AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica instead of weaving a fake story to deflect attention from the imminent defeat in five states. The ruling BJP had said on Tuesday that the extradition in the case from the UPA era is a diplomatic victory for India and could spell serious trouble for the Congresss first family, referring to Gandhis. It also asserted that the development was an unequivocal affirmation of the Modi governments seriousness in fighting corruption. Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought up the extradition of British businessman Christian James Michel, the alleged middleman in the multimillion-dollar AgustaWestland helicopter deal, during one of the last election rallies in Rajasthan on Wednesday to target the Congress party. Michel, 57, arrived in India shortly before midnight on Tuesday after being deported from Dubai, bringing back into focus a Rs 3,600-crore deal for 12 AgustaWestland helicopters that was eventually scrapped after allegations emerged that kickbacks had been paid to ensure the contract went to the Italy-based manufacturer Finmeccanica (now known as the Leonardo group). It was both signed and scrapped by the previous Congress-led UPA government. You must have read in todays newspapers about VVIP helicopter scam of thousands of crores. You would be aware about a letter of madam Sonia Gandhi. When we came to power to find out the files, we kept searching for it and finally found a razdar (one who knows all secrets) who served powerful people, Modi said at an election rally in Rajasthans Sumerpur. Congress president Rahul Gandhi deflected the allegations. I cant answer. The Congress has made its position very clear. The Prime Minister should explain why he gave Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani, he told reporters in Hyderabad when asked about Michels extradition, referring to allegations he has previously made about the Rafale deal and an offset arrangement involving a joint venture between an Ambani company and Rafale-maker Dassault. Congresss chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Modis allegations were part of a smear campaign. While the BJP and PM Modi are seeking fake credit without being subjected to investigation by the CBI for their own complicity and connivance, they are latching on to Christian Michel for committing a smear campaign against opposition leaders. The truth about Christian Michel is already out in the open, he said in a statement, while alleging that Michel was being put under pressure to implicate the UPA chairperson. Michel was brought to New Delhi on a special flight and taken to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters. He was produced before special CBI judge Arvind Kumar on Wednesday afternoon. The British high commission in New Delhi said it was urgently seeking information from Indian authorities on Michels circumstances and UK authorities were in contact with Michels family and the Emirati authorities regarding the case. Michels advocate asked the court in Delhi to send him to judicial custody but the CBI sought 14 days custodial interrogation to confront him with evidence and follow the money trail in the scam. Appearing for CBI, its special public prosecutor (SPP) DP Singh said the investigation found that Michel had entered into as many as 12 contracts through two of his firms with Finmeccanica and AugustaWestland, Westland Helicopters, UK to legitimise the illicit commission he was paid. The amount, EUR 42.27 million, was paid by Westland Group Companies to Michels firms without any work, Singh told the court. Michels custody, Singh said, was required to unearth the conspiracy and identify his accomplices, including Indian Air Force officials, bureaucrats and politicians. There were dispatches by Christian and he has also got information on classified material. There is a chain of money that needs to be unearthed. The judge allowed the agency to interrogate Michel for five days and asked the agency to provide all relevant documents including the charge sheet to the accused. The judge added that Michel would be allowed to meet his lawyers twice a day 10am to 11am and 5pm to 6pm . In India, Michel is being represented by Aljo K Joseph, a Supreme Court lawyer who was a leader of the Youth Congress till Wednesday evening. The party sacked Joseph, saying it did not endorse his decision to represent Michel and that Joseph had acted in a personal capacity. A bail plea was also moved on Michels behalf but the court did not give any specific date for hearing it. Addressing a press conference in poll-bound Rajasthans Jaipur, BJP president Amit Shah accused the Congress of playing negative politics and rejected charges that Michels extradition was a diversionary tactic. Congress has no other issue left. Should we not have nabbed the bichauliya (middleman)? Does the Opposition want to save him? he asked. Modi, during his rally speech, described Michel as a friend of the namdaar, the Hindi word for a dynast that he has often used to target Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia without naming them. He was a middleman of England, who was living in Dubai. He used to serve the friends of namdaar in Dubai. The government has brought him to India. This razdar will reveal the secrets. Dont know where and how far it will go, he said. Michel is one of three middlemen being investigated in the case, in addition to Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. According to the CBI charge sheet, several parameters were tweaked to help AgustaWestland win a contract for 12 helicopters that were primarily meant to transport VVIPs. These parameters included the height of the cabin of the helicopter and the maximum altitude the helicopter could fly to. These tweaks were made after bribes were paid, which came out in an Italian investigation. Three of the contracted 12 helicopters had been delivered to the Indian Air Force before the allegations became public. The allegations stemmed from an Italian investigation, which eventually unravelled. The Supreme Court of Italy, hearing an appeal against the convictions in the AgustaWestland Case, dismissed the case in January this year citing lack of evidence. The acquittals were for Finmeccanica executives Orsi Giuseppe and Spangolini Burno, who had been convicted for corruption and false invoicing. He may have lost his father to mob violence but Shrey Singh said on Tuesday that he would love to grow up and join the police force, thereby emulating the example set by inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, who died in violent clashes in Bulandshahr a day before. Shrey, who is a college student at Noida, questioned the state of law and order in society. It was shocking to hear about the death of my father and I feel that the society should think how many times unruly mobs would take the law in their hands, he said before performing the last rites at Singhs home village of Taregawan in Etah district. Grief hung over the village as people trooped in to pay their respects and family members demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe. Rajni Rathore, Singhs widow, threatened to commit suicide at the Bulandshahr police lines if those guilty of killing her husband went unpunished. My husband was a brave man. He used to lead from the front my husband was killed in a planned manner as part of conspiracy. If the guilty go unpunished, I will commit suicide by shooting myself at the Bulandshahr police lines, she said, as tears rolled down her eyes. District magistrate of Etah, IP Pandey, and senior superintendent of police Ashish Tiwari held closed-door discussions with upset kin of the deceased. Wrapped in the tricolour, Singhs body was brought to Etah Police Lines, where senior officers offered floral tributes. As the procession made its way to Taregawan village, many policemen and local villagers joined to pay their last respects. The government announced Rs 40 lakh for his wife and Rs 10 lakh for his parents. Read | Bajrang Dal man main accused in Bulandshahr cops killing during cow slaughter protests My brother died on duty, saving many lives. He should be accorded the status of a martyr and chief minister should visit our village to condole his death and be with the family in this hour of grief, said Atul Kumar, Singhs elder brother and a retired army man. The CM should have talked to his wife, he added. At the house of the other man who died in Mondays violence, ripples of anger surged through the crowd. Amarjeet Singh, the father of 21-year-old Sumit who was killed in the violence, alleged that a police bullet had killed his son. Amarjeet, a small farmer who owns eight bigha of land, threatened to stage a sit-in protest and observe maun vrat (vow of silence) if the familys demands were not fulfilled. He also complained to local MP Bhola Singh that police and officials deliberately delayed his sons post-mortem. After a tense six-hour discussion, Sumits last rites were performed under tight security. Addition district magistrate (administration) of Bulandshahr, Arvind Mishra, announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the family and said he would forward the demands of the family to the state government. Police also agreed to remove Sumits name from the FIR lodged in connection with Mondays violence. Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday dismissed Union minister Prakash Javadekars claim that the Congress-JDS coalition government led by him in the state would fall any time, asserting that it was as strong as a rock. Kumaraswamy said BJP leaders had been talking about bringing down the government from day one but it would never happen. For the past six months, they (BJP) have been making noise (that the government will fall) but it remained a noise.It did not have any effect on the Karnataka government. Our government is as strong as a rock, he told reporters in Bengaluru. Kumaraswamys remarks came in response to Javadekar expressing his doubts about the longevity of the coalition government in an interview to a private TV news channel. A political explosion is in the offing anytime in Karnataka. This is a government full of paradoxes. The Congress and JD(S) cannot stay together, such is their story, Javadekar, who was Karnataka election incharge for the party during the assembly polls in May, said in the interview. Asked to throw light on the present political development, Javadekar said BJP state chief B S Yeddyurappa alone can offer a reply. His statement came two days after an audio clip containing a purported conversation between an alleged confidant of Monakalmuru BJP MLA B Sriramulu and aDubai based businessman about Congress MLAs deserting the party had emerged. Congress and JD(S) have accused the BJP of attempting to topple the government, but Sriramulu rejected the charge saying he does not have any personal assistant who spoke in Hindi and questioned the authenticity of the audio itself. Adding to the claims, senior state BJP leader and former deputy chief minister R Ashok Wednesday said Yeddyurappa would become chief minister soon as the government lacked stability. Vouching for the governments stability, water resource minister D K Shivakumar said the Congress will never backtrack from its word that its support to JD(S)-led coalition government was for five years. Meanwhile, state congress general secretary Haji Shafiulla and MLC Rizwan Arshad lodged a complaint with the commissioner of police demanding a probe into the alleged attempt to induce Congress MLAs as reflected in the audio clip. BJP political party leaders B S Yeddyurappa, Sriramulu and others (are) inducing the defection of congress MLAs by offering them money and political power. We request you to investigate the matter against those who are trying to induce the MLAs belonging to our party and initiate criminal action against the persons involved in the matter, the complaint said. Advocate Aljo K Joseph, who is the counsel for extradited AgustaWestland chopper case accused Christian Michel, has said that his association with the Congress has nothing to do with his profession after being targeted on social media. Joseph, who is also the national in-charge for Youth Congresss legal department, said, My relation with Congress is separate, my profession is separate. Im an actively practising advocate. I appeared for him (Michel) in my professional capacity. If somebody asks me to appear on behalf of a client, Ive only discharged my duty as a lawyer. It has nothing to do with Congress, he said. His comments came after right wing activists highlighted his Congress links on social media, where he is seen actively taking part in party activities. Joseph was also seen meeting Congress general secretary Deepak Babaria at party headquarters in Delhi in a video put out by ANI on Twitter, soon after he argued the case for Michel in a CBI court. #WATCH: Lawyer of #ChristianMichel, Aljo K Joseph meets Congress General Secretary Deepak Babaria at Congress Headquarters, Delhi. pic.twitter.com/qgCmzTg9ul ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 Christian James Michel, 57, the British businessman accused of bribery in the 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was sent to CBI custody for 5 days by a Delhi court, a day after he was extradited to India from Dubai. Joseph explained that Michels lawyer in Italy had requested him to take up the case through a friend, who had connections in Dubai. So I was just helping in appearing and assisting him in this matter, he told ANI. The ruling BJP had on Tuesday said that the extradition of Michel in the case from the UPA era is a diplomatic victory for India and could spell serious trouble for the Congresss first family, referring to Gandhis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a poll rally, said, The government has brought the middleman involved in a helicopter scam from Dubai. He served politicians and will now disclose secrets. Responding to this, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said BJP and Modi were latching on to Michels extradition for a smear campaign against opposition leaders and accused the government of indulging in a cover up conspiracy to hide its role in helping and promoting the banned company AgustaWestland and its parent company, Finmeccanica. The extradition of Christian James Michel, 57, the British businessman accused of bribery in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal, to India has again turned the spotlight on the now-scrapped Rs 3,727-crore contract for 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopters for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The chopper deal was inked in February 2010 and by the time it was scrapped four years later, three helicopters had already been delivered. The three unused choppers are still parked in the IAFs hangars in New Delhis Palam base, two officials said on condition of anonymity. An IAF spokesperson on Wednesday declined to comment on what the IAF was planning to do with the choppers. The three helicopters were added to the IAF fleet between December 2012 and January 2013, but none of them were ever used for flying dignitaries, the officials said. The IAF currently flies VVIPS like the President, Prime Minister and Vice President in modified Russian-origin Mi-17 helicopters AgustaWestland is a subsidiary of Italian defence group Leonardo, formerly Finmeccanica. India had paid around Rs 1,600 crore to AgustaWestland before payments were frozen, and it has recovered Rs 2,062 crore by encashing bank guarantees. The three impounded helicopters are worth Rs 900 crore. New Delhi barred the parent company, Finmeccanica, from taking part in future Indian military tenders in August 2014, with the order suspending business with the state-owned Italian firm still in force. Indian investigators have alleged that three middlemen Christian Michel, Guido Ralph Haschke, and Carlo Gerosa played a role in swinging the deal in favour of AgustaWestland. Union minister Upendra Kushwaha and expelled Janta Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav are discussing a merger of their parties ahead of next summers parliamentary elections, according to two leaders from Bihar familiar with the development who spoke on condition of anonymity. Kushwaha leads the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), and Yadav is the patron of the Loktantrik Janta Dal, which was formed in July. If a new party is born out of the merger of the two outfits, it will also try for understandings, alliances and possibly mergers with other parties outside the state, said one of the two leaders cited above. Kushwaha, who set a November 30 deadline for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to finalise its seat-sharing formula between the National Democratic Alliance partners in Bihar, did not receive any response from the party, the first leader added. When contacted, an RSLP leader said Kushwaha is expected to make some announcement about his future course of action at his partys convention at Motihari in Bihar on Thursday. Yadav and Kushwaha have discussed a merger. It is in an advanced stage, and a formal announcement could be expected any time after December 6, said the second Bihar leader cited above. Kushwaha has also reached out to Raju Shetty, a farmer-leader from Maharashtra, who confirmed that the RSLP leader discussed an alliance ahead of the 2019 elections . We share good rapport as we were part of the NDA, said Shetty, who leads the Swabhimani Paksha. He left the BJP-led ruling alliance in 2017, accusing it of cheating farmers o on the issue of minimum support price. He [Kushwaha] didnt propose for any kind of merger of the two parties but offered to have an alliance for the coming polls. He is currently not happy in the NDA, Shetty said. The first Bihar leader said some other parties from Uttar Pradesh have also been approached but declined to give more details. Kushwaha, a protege-turned-rival of CM Nitish Kumar, comes from the backward Koeri community, which accounts for roughly 5-6% of Bihars population and has significant presence in 25-30 assembly segments. The RLSP fielded four candidates in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, and won three seats. But questions were raised about Kushwahas appeal among his own community after the RLSP lost 21 out of 23 seats it contested in the 2015 assembly elections. Yadav, too, was in Kumars JD(U), but was expelled from the party last year after he revolted against Nitish Kumars decision to dump Lalus Rashtriya Janata Dal and join hands with BJP. Kushwaha has kept the BJP guessing over whether he will continue in the NDA after indications that he might have to take a cut in his share of seats to accommodate the JD(U) into the alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The RJD, which has held meetings with Kushwaha, indicated that it is ready to contest fewer seats if that allows more space to be created for new partners. Sanjay Kumar, director of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, feel a merger of the parties of Kushwaha and Yadav will have a negative impact on the NDA. In case the new party contests separately and tries to make Bihar battle a three-corner contest, it will certainly take away some votes away from the NDA, given that Kushwaha was part of the NDA in 2014, he said. The BJP has refused to comment over the development. Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was extradited to India from the UAE. Michel, a British national, is wanted in India in connection with alleged irregularities in the purchase of AgustaWestland VVIP choppers. A look back at the specifics of the case. WHAT IS AGUSTAWESTLAND BRIBERY CASE? It is alleged that bribes were paid to middlemen, perhaps even politicians, when India agreed to buy 12 AgustaWestland helicopters built by Italian defence manufacturing giant Finmeccanica (now known as the Leonardo group) at an estimated cost of Rs 3,600 crore. The helicopters were for the Communication Squadron of the Indian Air Force. The purchase, cleared in 2010 by the previous United Progressive Alliance government, envisaged replacing ageing Mi-8 choppers to ferry VVIPs such as the President, vice-president, Prime Minister and the other dignitaries. The Central Bureau of Investigation alleges Michel was paid a bribe totalling Rs 295 crore to swing the deal in favour of Agusta. HOW WAS THE DEAL MANIPULATED? It is alleged that several parameters, for instance, the height of the cabin of the helicopter, the operating ceiling, or the maximum altitude the helicopter could fly to, were tweaked to help AgustaWestland. HOW DID ALLEGATIONS COME TO THE FORE? The allegations came out in an Italian investigation. Three of the contracted 12 helicopters had been delivered to the Indian Air Force before the bribery became public. Then AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini and Guiseppe Orsi, chairman of AgustaWestlands parent company Finmeccanica, were arrested by Italian police in February 2013 on charges of paying bribes to win the deal. The then UPA government cancelled the deal, enchased the bank guarantee and ordered an inquiry. WHAT DID THE CBI INQUIRY REVEAL? CBI alleged the key players who manipulated the specifications for VVIP helicopter deal allegedly were British national Christian Michel, and Carlo Valentino Ferdinando Gerosa (71) and Guido Haschke, from Italy and Switzerland respectively. CBI alleged the requirements were manipulated after a meeting between former air force chief, Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi and the accused. Air Chief Marshal Tyagi, who has denied any wrongdoing, was arrested by CBI. His cousin Julie Tyagi and a Delhi-based lawyer Gautam Khaitan were also arrested for alleged wrongdoing. WHAT DOES CBI HOPE TO GET FROM MICHEL? While Christian Michel has denied any wrongdoing, agencies in India want to know the identity of Indians who received kickbacks in the purchase of the helicopters. It suspects that some politicians and government functionaries could have been involved. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments focusing on gaushalas (cattle shelters) have often been termed pro-Hindutva. When the Congress included construction of gaushalas in its Madhya Pradesh manifesto, the BJP accused the party of double standards on protecting cows. Left-of-centre voices agree with the BJPs charge and see these moves as Congresss efforts to woo the Hindutva constituency. A gaushala in every panchayat, a cow sanctuary in the state, commercial production of gau mutra, building Narmada parikrama and Ram Van Gaman PathThis shows the Congress slide from secularism to soft Hindutva, Yogendra Yadav, president of Swaraj India, wrote in The Print. The debate on soft Hindutva notwithstanding, there seems to actually be large traction for the cow shelter promise on the ground. At least this author found it to be true while travelling across the state of Madhya Pradesh before the elections. A bunch of BJP activists sitting outside the local party office in Surkhi assembly constituency in Sagar district listed the cattle menace as the biggest problem for farmers. Stray cattle destroying crops in villages are not just a cause of economic loss, but also a big source of conflict farm owners blame cattle owners for deliberately letting the animals in the fields in villages, they told this author. The government should build enclosures and cow sanctuaries on an urgent basis, they said. Concerns around stray cattle could be heard and seen across the state. Herds of cattle on highways are a bigger hindrance to fast-moving traffic in the state than potholes. The cattle menace is the biggest problem facing farmers in Madhya Pradesh right now. We are ready to even accept lower farm prices if someone promises a solution to the issue, Kedar Sirohi, a farmer leader from the state, who joined the Congress recently, told HT. Simply speaking, stray cattle have imposed a huge economic cost on farmers in Madhya Pradesh. They either have to guard their fields or build enclosures to prevent the animals from destroying their crops. Both come at an economic cost and neither is a fool-proof solution. But why has this problem suddenly acquired importance? Gau rakshaks, vigilante groups whose members have been attacking people transporting cattle, and a crash in milk prices might have catalysed a systemic crisis in Indias livestock economy which was already in the making. Urbanisation and growing demand for cultivable land due to a rising population have led to a reduction in land designated as pastures in villages. Cattle population grew by 8% between 1992-93 and 2012-13 (the latest available data) in India. But permanent pasture land per animal declined by 15% during this period. This trend is likely to have intensified in the recent period. Meanwhile, incentives to maintain cattle within household premises have only gone down. Traditionally, livestock had a well-defined role in the rural economy. Adult male animals were used for farming and transportation purposes. Female animals were reared for milk production. Expenditure on hired and owned animals accounted for only 3.7% of total cost of wheat production (C2 measure) even in 1996-97. This had come down to just 1.1% by 2015-16. While this change is widely acknowledged, most people do not realise that Indias dairy revolution has also reduced the need to rear milk animals. If you do not have a high yield milk animal, it costs Rs 80-90 to produce a litre of milk. After the recent crash in milk prices, one can buy milk for as low as Rs 25 per litre in the market, Sirohi told HT. Various agitations by milk producers over low prices corroborate the growing distress of milk producers due to falling prices. Another factor which has contributed to the stray cattle problem is the decline in utility of cattle as a liquid asset. Gau rakshaks attacking cattle traders has dealt a big blow to the trade. This has converted cattle from an asset to a liability for the farmer. He must incur the expense associated with maintaining them, but cannot sell it profitably when he needs cash. The implications are not limited to Madhya Pradesh alone. Similar problems have led to a big blow to the cattle trade in the Sonepur animal fair, which used to be Asias biggest livestock fair, HT reported last week. All these factors, along with a tradition-based aversion to beef consumption, have created a huge crisis of plenty in Indias livestock economy. Nothing could be a bigger disservice to the cause of the Indian farmer than dismissing demands for resolution of this crisis as Hindutva politics. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath will meet the widow and family of inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, who was killed in Mondays violence in Bulandshahr district, on Thursday amid an opposition attack on the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Yes, the chief minister will meet slain inspector Subodh Kumar Singhs wife at his 5, Kalidas Marg residence in Lucknow on Thursday morning, said an official spokesperson. Singh was one of the two men killed by a rampaging mob protesting the alleged slaughter of cows in Mahav village of the district. Several leaders of right-wing Hindu groups have been arrested for murder and rioting in connection with the violence. Police said the prime suspect in the Monday mornings violence is a man named Yogesh Raj. Police refused to confirm Rajs political affiliations, but the regional coordinator of the Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Balraj Singh Dungar, said Raj was the convenor of the Bulandshahr unit of the Dal. Raj is yet to be arrested. Singhs wife Rajni Rathore had threatened to commit suicide if those guilty for killing her husband go unpunished. The family has also demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). My husband was a brave man. He used to lead from the front... My husband was killed in a planned manner as part of a conspiracy. If the guilty go unpunished, I will commit suicide by shooting myself at Bulandshahr police lines, she said before the funeral of her husband was performed in his Taregawan village in Etah on Tuesday. Singh was a part of the initial investigation into the lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri in Greater Noida region in 2015 following allegations of cow slaughter. Adityanaths decision to meet Rathore is also being considered significant in the backdrop of reports of simmering unrest among a section of policemen who allegedly sympathised with constable Prashant Chaudhary arrested for the killing of Apple executive Vivek Tiwari in Lucknow recently. The chief minister had convened a meeting of senior officers, including chief secretary Anoop Chandra Pandey and director general of police OP Singh, on Tuesday evening to get feedback about the Bulandshahr violence. He had asked the officers to ensure strict action against those involved in cow slaughter. The Bulandshahr incident was a part of a larger conspiracy and all those involved in it should be arrested, the chief minister had said without elaborating. Major opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party, Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have targeted Adityanath for the Bulandshahr violence and the deteriorating law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. The Bulandshahr incident was a result of wrong policies of the BJP government, BSP chief Mayawati said in a statement on Tuesday. BJP ally Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj party (SBSP) has blamed right-wing groups for the violence. There was a conspiracy to fan communal violence for poll gains, Om Prakash Rajbhar, SBSP leader and a minister in the state BJP government, said. Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) must try to find out from where cow carcasses, which sparked the violence, came, besides probing other aspects of the crime. UP Congress president Raj Babbar said the situation reflected deteriorating law and order, despite the chief minister praising the security situation outside the state. In December and January, politics in Bengal is all set to revolve around Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) rath yatra, styled as Ganatantra Bachao Yatra (Rally to Save Democracy), as all its opponents have lined up programmes to counter what has been dubbed as the most spectacular political programme of the saffron camp in Bengal. In December, three air-conditioned buses decorated with political messages and fitted with hydraulic lifts will start from three corners of the state and travel through all of 294 Assembly segments of the states 42 Lok Sabha seats. During the course of about 40-day campaign, top leaders of the party, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president Amit Shah, union ministers Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari and Smriti Irani and chief ministers Yogi Adityanath and Sarbananda Sonwal will address 42 rallies. The opponents have also readied their ammunition. A group of Dalit, tribal and Muslim organisations under the umbrella banner of Sangbidhan Bachao Samiti (Platform to Save the Constitution), has started a rally that will cover all districts of south Bengal by December 6, when a public meeting will be held in Kolkata on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri mosque. Our Samhati Jatra started from South 24-Parganas district on November 26 and reached Nadia, after covering North 24 Parganas, on November 30. After covering Birbhum, Burdwan, Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, West Midnapore, East Midnapore, Howrah and Hooghly, the tableau will reach Kolkata on the night of January 5. The central theme of our rally is to make people aware of BJPs divisive politics ahead of their rath yatra, said Saradindu Uddipan, state convenor of Sangbidhan Bachao Samiti. The Samiti comprises Bharat Jakat Majhi Mandwa, Majhi Pargana Mahal, Jai Bhim Network (tribal bodies), West Bengal Minority Youth Federation, Jamaat e Islami Hind, a faction of Adivasi Bikash Parishad and some other organisations. These socio-cultural and religious organisations have largely remained politically neutral and work as pressure groups. Two other rallies are being undertaken by two groups composed of Left-leaning activists. One, taken out by Young Bengal, started from Diamond Harbour in South 24-Parganas on November 25 and ended at Dumdum in North 24-Parganas on December 1, after passing through Kolkata. The other, a bicycle rally titled Tomar Danga Tomar Ram, Amar Bukey Kshudiram (You have riots and Ram, I have Kshudiram), started on December 3 (revolutionary Kshudiram Boses birthday) and will culminate in Kolkata on December 6 after passing through the industrial belts in North 24 -Parganas, Hooghly and Howrah districts. Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Congress have both dared the Trinamool Congress government to show its commitment for secularism by stopping BJPs yatra. If she has Lalu Prasad Yadavs courage, she should stop BJPs chariot of hatred. We cant see any intention yet, said CPI(M) state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra, referring to the former Bihar chief ministers instance of stopping Lal Krishna Advani-led rath yatra in 1990. The CPI(M) has lined up a series of events during December and January and counter BJPs propaganda. Its leaders addressed public meetings in Cooch Behar on December 1 and 2 , five days before BJPs first bus is expected to start from the north Bengal town. CPI(M) also held a rally at Sagar in South 24-Parganas district on December 4, five days before BJPs second bus is scheduled to start from there. Another rally will be held at Dubrajpur in Birbhum district on December 10, four days before Amit Shah will flag off the third bus from the temple town of Tarapith. Ruling Trinamool Congress, on the other hand, has decided to organise a rally on the same route through which BJPs raths will pass in each district. She has dubbed these rallies as purification drive. These are no chariots. These are travelling five-star hotels. We will purify every path BJPs raths will pollute, Banerjee announced last week. The Congress, while organising street-corner meetings in different districts, will hold a public gathering in Kolkata on December 12, state Congress chief Somen Mitra said. BJPs Bengal leadership said they are happy to see all activities revolving around their programme. Its good to see we are setting the tone and content of the discourse, remarked BJP state president Dilip Ghosh. Sadhvi Koyal Giri, 38, who was allegedly set ablaze by a local businessman and his associates in Shahjahpur on November 23, succumbed to her injuries at a hospital in Bareilly on Tuesday afternoon. Her kin had lodged an FIR of attempt to murder and molestation against five people but the Shahjahanpur police so far failed to arrest anyone. Sadhvi Koyal Giri, earlier known as Seema Verma, had taken diksha (initiation) from Mahant Divya Giri of Mankameshwar Math of Lucknow in January this year. She also contested assembly elections from Nigohi, Shahjahanpur, as a Peace Party candidate in 2012 and remained on sixth position. Talking over phone, Sadhvis nephew Amit Rajput confirmed that she breathed her last around 12.20 pm on Tuesday. She had suffered over 80% burn injuries after four people allegedly set her ablaze over a property dispute, outside her house in Bahadurganj village under Tilhar police station of Shahjahanpur, he said. Her condition worsened despite continuous efforts by doctors to save her and finally she succumbed to injuries, he added. Rajput said the police were trying shield the accused since the beginning by stating that she (sadhvi) immolated herself in her house and did not initiate any action the culprits. Giris mother Ramlalli had earlier lodged an FIR against Pankaj Gupta, Sushil Babu Gupta, Anurag Gupta, Anil Gupta and their aide Daulat Giri at Tilhar police station on November 24. In the FIR, she mentioned that the accused were troubling the victim for the past two months with the intent to grab a piece of land that she received as gift. The accused are businessmen of Shahjahanpur and own petrol pumps and rice mills. The accused had even lodged a case of fraud against the victim to harass her while their aide Daulat Giri often called her on phone and threatened her, alleged Ramlalli. She said the accused surrounded the victim near her house around 8 pm when she was returning from Lucknow after attending Gomti Arti on November 23. The complainant alleged that they molested her and tore her clothes when she tried to escape from them. The accused also chased the victim and set her ablaze, she alleged. A handwritten letter threatening to blow up the Sankat Mochan temple in Uttar Pradeshs Varanasi was received by its chief priest, police said on Wednesday. The chief priest, Professor Vishwambhar Nath Mishra, said the letter was dropped at his house late on Monday night. He said the sender even mentioned his address as Siwan in Bihar. Pehle bhi jo visfot mandir me huye the wo humne kiye the, aur aagey bhi karenge (We triggered the blasts which occurred in the temple earlier (in 2006) and will set off more in future too), Mishra said, quoting from the letter. He said the letter had two names that of Jamadar Miyan and Ashok Yadav. Mishra filed a complaint at Lanka police station and handed over the letter to officials. He also called on the senior superintendent of police Sureshrao Anand Kulkarni and informed him about the matter late on Tuesday. Kulkarni then called a meeting of senior officials of the crime branch and instructed them to probe the matter. A probe has been ordered into the matter. The crime branch has started the probe to find who sent the letter, he said. Security has also been tightened in the city and police have been asked to keep a strict vigil around the temple in view of the threat. Police said it might be just a mischief by someone to frame the two people named in the letter but that a probe is being carried out keeping all points in view. The temple dedicated to Hindu god Hanuman was the target of a terror attack in 2006. After notifying 16% reservation to the Maratha community as Socially and Educationally Backward Community (SEBC), the state has initiated the process for filling 72,000 vacant posts as per the new caste reservation quota. The government has asked all its departments to give details of all the posts that are vacant and the number of posts that have to be filled under the SEBC quota. On Tuesday, the chief secretary Dinesh Kumar Jain held a meeting with senior officials to discuss the modalities. All the departments have been asked to provide details about posts that need to be filled in accordance with the new caste reservation quota in the state. We are in the process of identifying the number of vacant posts that need to be filled under the SEBC quota in every department. We will start the recruitment drive after that, said Shivajirao Daund, secretary, state general administration department (GAD), present in the meeting. The vacant seats under SEBC quota will be determined based on the posts to be filled under the general category. To get reservation benefits, the Marathas will have to show the caste certificate of the community they belong to, officials said. Marathas needs to present the caste certificate to prove that they belong to that community. For which, they will have to apply with the authority concerned at the district level. Soon, directives will be given to start issuing caste certificates to them, Daund said. The state government had recently passed the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018, that provides 16% reservation to the politically influential Maratha community in government jobs and education. For this, it has formed a separate SEBC category increasing the quota for caste reservation in the state to 68% from the existing 52%. With the move, quota for the general category has come down to 32% from the existing 48%. Though the legislation has to face legal scrutiny as it violated the cap of 50% caste reservation, mandated by the Supreme Court, the state government decided to initiate the process of recruitment that was stalled following the protest by the Marathas. HC to hear plea against reservation In response to PIL filed by Gunratna Sadavarte in the Bombay HC against Maratha reservation, Akhil Maratha Federation, the umbrella body of more than 60 organisations representing Marathas, filed an intervention application in the court. The application was filed on Tuesday by Shashikant Pawar, president of the federation. Chandrakant Patil, revenue minister and head of the cabinet sub-committee appointed for reservation, held a meeting with legal experts. He also consulted advocate general Ashutosh Kunbis and sought opinion on the further steps government needs to take. A public toilet with an ATM, free WiFi, showers, changing room for mothers with infants, a sanitary napkin dispenser and a public seating arrangement? It is all set to become a reality for motorists on the eastern express highway (EEH) towards Sion, on the service road near Ghatkopar. Called Highway Suvidha, the toilet was built at a cost of 48 lakh and has 10 cubicles, with two separate blocks for the differently abled. The inauguration date for the toilet complex is yet to be decided. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to build the better-facilitated toilet at more spots on both the EEH and western express highway (WEH), depending on the availability of land. Vijay Singhal, additional municipal commissioner, said, The idea is to change our perspective towards public toilets in Mumbai. We aim to get more such multi-purpose toilets, with designs that match international standards. We have planned a public toilet with similar features on the same highway, but on the opposite side of the existing toilet. A senior civic official said, The design is suitable for natural ventilation and lighting system, which will save electricity. A water harvesting system will be used for the toilet. A waste segregation and composting center with a capacity of five tonnes has also been proposed. Land availability on WEH is a major issue. However, you may see more such toilets on the EEH provided we get space and permissions from the highway authorities to build them, Singhal said. The Greater Noida authoritys chief executive officer Narendra Bhooshan on Tuesday said the new Metro project that was proposed for connecting Noidas Sector 71 with Greater Noida wests Sector 2 will be completed and made operational by December 31, 2020. This Metro link will have five stations, of which three will be in Greater Noida west and two will be under Noidas jurisdiction. The distance covered by the Metro between Noidas Sector 71 to Greater Noida wests Sector 1 till Kisan Chowk will be around seven kilometres. We have directed the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) to start work on this project immediately, so that the detailed project report (DPR) can be made without any delay. Once the DPR is ready, the work on the project will begin at the earliest. We aim to complete the project by December 2020, Bhooshan said. The DPR will identify the new Metro stations and their exact locations, officials said. The NMRC had assured us that if the project was approved in this board meeting, then we would be able to complete this project by December 2020. The project has been approved in the board meeting, and we have fixed December 31, 2020 as the deadline of completion of this project, Bhooshan said. After the boards approval, the project will have to be approved by the state cabinet. The Metro project had been stalled in 2017 on the ground that the route was not economically viable, considering the low population in the areas located along the proposed route. The 15km Metro project connecting Noidas Sector 71 with Greater Noidas Knowledge Park 5 was then slated to be made operational by March 2021. With Greater Noida west becoming a hub of housing complexes, the authority decided to revisit the project. The NMRC has decided to extend the Aqua Line from Sector 71 towards Greater Noida West area, which has more than four lakh under-construction flats in different housing complexes. We have approved this extension because people have started shifting into complexes. We hope by the time the Metro project is ready, this area will have a huge population, Bhooshan said. As per the funding pattern, the Greater Noida authority will provide 151 crore and the Noida authority will contribute around 80 crore for this project, officials said. The remaining funds will be arranged through loans and contributions from Uttar Pradesh and the government of India, Bhooshan said. Residents, who have shifted into their newly built housing complexes, have welcomed the Metro project extension from Noida to Greater Noida west. We are happy with the approval of the Metro project, because it will provide a reliable public transport facility in this area. We face problems while travelling to Delhi-NCR areas due to the absence of Metro connectivity. As of now, we have to hire taxis to reach Noidas City Center to board the Metro, Vivek Raman, a resident of Gaur City, said. The immediate question raised by Qatar leaving The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is, of course, what to call this? Qatarexit, or even Qatexit, sound wrong. Qatar-ta-for-now has a nice ring to it, even if its a tad unwieldy. Maybe just go with Qatout. While that one is a little aggressive, it at least conveys one of the factors likely behind the move. Saudi Arabia has been gunning for Qatar, launching a blockade last year aimed at bringing the Gulf state to heel on issues such as its relations with Iran. With OPECs de facto leader having pushed Qatar out into the cold already, the diplomatic benefits of membership can hardly seem that compelling in Doha. In purely mathematical terms, Qatars decision to leave makes little difference: It accounts for less than 2% of OPECs crude oil output. The countrys clout in energy markets stems from something outside of OPECs purview, namely Qatars status as the worlds largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. Yet the symbolism of a long-standing, west Asian member leaving is inescapable. OPECs world has changed, and the organisation is ill-equipped to cope. The mere fact that it relies on a clutch of non-members, especially Russia, to make its presence felt tells you a great deal about its difficulties. The fact that OPEC has also relied on the collapse of one of its founding members, Venezuela, to drain barrels from the market also says a great deal. Also telling is the likelihood that OPEC and its partners will soon announce a supply cut of at least 1 million barrels a day to halt the recent slide in prices almost exactly two years after announcing the same thing. The re-emergence of the US as a fast-growing oil producer and exporter is perhaps the single biggest challenge to OPECs authority. The shortened time scales and falling costs of tight-oil development have short-circuited the groups traditional approach of managing oil supply over several years to rebalance the market. The shale boom has also coincided with and encouraged seismic shifts in Americas relationship with the rest of the world, exemplified by the presidency of Donald Trump. Those shifts exist on a continuum between reality and perception, but have changed the calculus for everyone, including OPECs members. Saudi Arabia, for example, felt emboldened by President Trumps embrace to escalate its feud with Qatar last year. Yet the presidents clear antipathy toward rising oil prices and switcheroo on implementing sanctions on Iran has also whiplashed Saudi Arabia and left it in a bind as to how to raise prices without drawing a tweetsorm from Washington, or worse. The prospect of Trump potentially backing anti-OPEC legislation in Congress provides another reason for Qatar to distance itself from the group, given its majority stake in a major LNG terminal in Texas. Expect this weeks OPEC statement to be even more artfully worded than usual. All of this exposes the rot beneath the pomp of those gatherings in Vienna. OPECs divisions in terms of capabilities, wealth, foreign relations, and even political cohesion are wide and widening further. The threat of weakening or even peaking oil-demand growth in coming decades looms over many of these countries, including Saudi Arabia. The latter is now in permanent market-management mode, aided (for now at least) by Russia and trying to balance political and economic imperatives vis-a-vis the other big force in oil, the US. OPECs lesser members have little sway against these three, and the organisations inherent weaknesses make it ill-suited to shaping a more complex and dynamic oil market. Qatars withdrawal doesnt affect that much one way or the other, but its the latest sign of what has changed. Bloomberg Opinion The views expressed are personal Poll strategist and Janta Dal (United) vice president Prashant Kishor hit out at the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), for allegedly attacking his car during a visit to Patna university, saying the RSSs student wing wont be able to get over the fear of losing the varsity elections by pelting stones on his vehicle. Refuting reports of him being hurt in the attack, Kishor took to Twitter and said: ABVP you need to do better than let few hooligans and antisocial elements become your face in Bihar. The possibility of losing the Patna University Students Union election will not get over by attacking my car. Kishors car was attacked on the premises of Patna University on Monday when he had come to meet its vice-chancellor Rash Bihari Prasad Singh. The attack came a day after four leaders of the BJP accused Kishor of trying to influence the December 5 students union elections in the university and said that nobody has till now raised any objection to it. Interestingly, the BJP, which is in alliance with the JD(U) in Bihar, is fighting the coalition partner in the student elections. A police officer said a youth who threw a stone at Kishors car has been detained and was being questioned to ascertain whether he was from the university or outside. It was a personal visit. Some students had some misunderstanding about it, he told ANI. (With ANI inputs) Six boys of Dattawadi area who were administered vaccination against rubella in Agarwal school had to be rushed to the Global hospitals after they complained of nausea and vomiting. Out of these, four were discharged immediately. The vaccination programme is being conducted by central government to provide free vaccination to the children in the age group of one month to 15 years, in various PMC-run municipal schools. According to one of the health department official, who preferred to remain anonymous, The children did not have enough food which they are supposed to consume before taking the vaccine. So, some students complained of feeling nauseous and had bouts of vomiting. We immediately moved them to the nearby hospital as a precautionary measure. PMC health Chief Dr Ramchandra Hankare said there is no reason for panic. It could have been a side effect of the vaccination. However there is no need to panic. I would request parents to send students for rubella vaccine only after ensuring that they have food so as to prevent them from developing nausea. According to Hankare, so far 1.39 lakh students have been administered rubella measles vaccine in the city BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhus Pakistan visit, asking his party to clarify if Sidhu had the approval of the party boss. Shah, who addressed a press conference in Jaipur hours before campaigning is to end in Rajasthan, said Sidhu, on his return from Pakistan, had stated that he had gone there at the behest of his captain Rahul Gandhi. Sidhu has said that Rahul Gandhi is his captain and that he had gone to Pakistan and had hugged Bajwa at his behest. If you hug the Pakistan Armys chief, then such slogans will be raised, Amit Shah said. On his return from Pakistan after the Kartarpur event, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu had referred to Rahul Gandhi as his captain. Both Sidhus hug as well as his reference to Rahul Gandhi as his captain had landed him in a controvery with his detractors within the party, at one point, calling for his resignation. Other than Sidhu, Amit Shah criticised the Congress on a number of issues and called it a party without discipline. Speaking at length, Amit Shah said that the party was misinforming the countrys people and indulging in negative politics, promoting casteism and was playing politics of appeasement. Pointing at the fact that the Congress had not named even a single chief ministerial candidate, he said that all candidates of the Congress were trying to get votes in their constituencies by referring to themselves as the partys chief ministerial candidate. He attacked the Congress party on Rahul Gandhis remark that the PM opens his rallies with Bharat Mata ki jai but works for industrialists such as Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi. Congress had a lot to say on PM Modis Bharat Mata ki jai, but in their rally, they made the crowd chant Sonia Gandhi ki jai, did they not? You disrespect the crowd chanting an emotional slogan and then brag about your own?, he said. Also Read: Rajasthan Assembly Election 2018: Confident people will vote for me again, says BJP Vidhyadhar Nagar candidate Before training his guns at the Congress, Amit Shah spoke about the BJPs campaign in the five states that are undergoing elections. He said that the BJP has campaigned strongly in all 5 states and that it had held more than 200 rallies in the 5 states, and that people have seen the good work done by the BJP. He said that through its rallies, the BJP had managed to educated the voters on the Congresss misinformation and negative politics. He said that the Congress had done nothing but made allegations through the entire election campaign and was fighting the elections on the basis of caste issues and dynasty, while the BJP was contesting the electoins on the basis of state development and upliftment of the people. They even tried to disrespect the prime minister of India and I think we succeeded in telling the voters the kind of government Congress would bring. I have complete faith that BJP will emerge as a winner, he said. For full assembly elections coverage, click here. This township in Rajasthans mineral-rich Barmer district has had two celebrated sons: one a politician, the other a war hero. BJP veteran Jaswant Singh was Indias minister for defence and finance; his cousin, Lt General Hanut Singh, the hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak battle of Basantar in Punjab. Neither of them used the Jasol surname which Jaswants son Manvendra Singh, a member of the outgoing assembly, has started using. Elected from Barmers Sheo in 2013 on the BJP ticket, he has since joined the Congress and is the partys candidate against chief minister Vasundhara Raje at Jhalrapatan in Hadoti region. Jasol is part of the assembly constituency called Pachpadara where Manvendra held the massively attended swabhimaan rally to seek his constituents view on his plans to quit the BJP. In that sense, he has earned the suffix Jasol, as his communitys aspiring political face. The commonly shared view in the states political circles is that he has committed hara-kiri by agreeing to fight Raje on her turf. These perceptions are based on the argument that he has excluded himself from the Barmer equation by moving out of Marwar to the Hadoti region. Read more: Vote share in 2013 The inference makes sense. The journalist-turned-politician won the Barmer seat by a big margin in 2004, defeating Col Sona Ram of the Congress whos now the sitting BJP MP. In 2014, the latter defeated Manvendras father Jaswant Singh, who contested as an Independent and the Congresss Harish Chaudhary in the Lok Sabha elections. Interestingly, it was Chaudhary who wrested the seat from Manvendra in the 2009 polls. He and Sona Ram are contesting the upcoming assembly polls in the district: from Barmer and Baytu respectively where the contest is close. Among the many reasons that caused Manvendra to exit the BJP are Rajes proximity to Sona Ram and her strained ties with Jaswant Singh. Regardless of the outcome in Jhalrapatan, his potential to emerge as the leader of Rajputs in the state, a slot vacant after the late Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, is strong. In that perspective, Manvendras absence from Barmer in these elections could be a blessing in disguise. His cousin Rawal Kishan Singh, a former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer lives in Jasol. But he refused to talk politics, more interested that he is in discussing the work hes doing for water conservation and environment protection in the area. All that Kishan Singh was willing to say was that Barmer, which is home to the HPCLs upcoming oil refinery, needed a visionary leadership at the Centre and in the State. But Rajput elders with whom this writer spoke felt the no-show will help Manvendra in the future. Read more: Win map of 2013 Their reasoning: his chances of retaining the Sheo seat were remote. At the same time, the Jhalrapatan contest has saved him the embarrassment of campaigning against the BJPs Rajput nominees in Sheo, Pokhran and Jaisalmer. The last two seats are in Jaisalmer district but are part of the parliamentary constituencys nine assembly segments. In Sheo and Pokhran, the Congresss Muslim candidates stand a good chance. A teacher who didnt want to be quoted said: Manvendra will be a giant killer if he defeats Raje. If he loses, hed be seen as a brave man who challenged someone his community has come to strongly dislike. The allusion was to the Rajput alienation from the CM on various counts. Of the nine seats in Barmer-Jaisalmer, the Congress is reported to have an edge in Sheo, Guda Mallani and Chauhtan. The contest is too close to call in the remaining, including in Harish Chaudharys Baytu. The Jat versus Jat lineup in Baytu is a replication of Osian in Jodhpur where Divya Maderna is the Congress nominee taking on Bhaira Ram of the BJP. But Chaudhary faces fellow caste-men from not just the BJP. Also in the contest is the Jat-centric Rashtriya Loktantrik Party of Hanuman Beniwal. The BSP has given a Rajput candidate. Till electioneering closed, the poll scene in Baytu was a punters paradise. Amid loud support for Chaudhary at a tea-shop, a local newspaper vendor cautioned: theyre the voluble Jats whose votes will split three-ways. The communities that are silent will decide the outcome. For full coverage on Rajasthan elections, click here. The fiery campaign for the December 7 Rajasthan assembly polls came to an end on Wednesday. The last day of campaigning in the state saw 33 events, including two public meetings by PM Modi in Sumerpur (Pali) and Dausa. BJP national president Amit Shah held a road show in Ajmer, while chief minister Vasundhara Raje held meetings in Kherwara and Bagidora, and a road show in Baran. She did not visit Jhalawar, her home turf. State Congress president Sachin Pilot and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot campaigned largely in their own constituencies. While Pilot addressed several meetings in Tonk district and one in Sawai Madhopur, Gehlot held a meeting in Palis Jaitaran constituency and several others in Jodhpur district. Congress general secretary in charge of Rajasthan Avinash Pande said that Pilot and Gehlot addressed more than 240 public meetings. Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressed more than 30 public meetings, the last on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference in Jaipur on Wednesday to present a wrap of the campaign, Shah said, A total of 222 public meetings of leaders, including central ministers and chief ministers of other states were held and 15 road shows were organised during the campaign. Read more: Vote share of 2013 While the PM addressed 13 public meetings during the two-week campaign period, Raje held 75 public meetings besides a Gaurav Yatra. Shah himself held 38 programmes covering all 33 districts in the state. Caste and religion dominated the issues raised by campaigners from both parties. The PM picked on Congress leader CP Joshis remark that only Brahmins knew about Hinduism and were learned enough to speak about it. Modi also targeted Gandhis criticism of his use of Bharat Mata Ki Jai. On Tuesday, the Congress president said in a rally in Alwar that Modi opens his speeches with the slogan and speaks about nationalism, but alleged that he works for top industrialists. Throughout his campaign, Modi referred to Gandhi as naamdar (dynast) and called himself kaamdar (one who works). Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of BJP-led Uttar Pradesh, also spoke about the caste of Hanuman in one of his rallies. Read more: Win map of 2014 The leaders also spoke about issues including the agrarian crisis, the Rafale deal, unemployment, and achievements of the Vasundhara Raje government and that of the central government. While the Congress has promised to waive farmers loans within 10 days of coming to power, the BJP manifesto promises a Rs 250-crore rural start up fund. Both parties have promised an unemployment allowance. Pilot raised the issue of the past five years of floods, draught, farmer suicides and atrocities on Dalits and Adivasis. The CM criss-crossed the state addressing several meetings a day, while her son Dushyant Singh looked after the campaign in her home turf of Jhalrapatan. Raje faces a challenge from former BJP leader Jaswant Singhs son Manvendra Singh. Rajasthans chief electoral officer Anand Kumar said the campaigning was peaceful with sporadic incidents of statements by leaders that invited police cases. As many as 2,274 candidates including 189 women are in the fray for 199 out of the 200 assembly constituencies in the state. The election in Alwar districts Ramgarh constituency has been postponed due to the death of BSP candidate Laxman Singh. For full coverage on Rajasthan assembly elections, click here The emergence of a new tribal party may play spoiler in the poll calculations of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress in south Rajasthan. The Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) is contesting 11 seats across the state and all four in Dungarpur district in the upcoming December 7 polls. Founded by tribal leader Chhotubhai Vasava in Gujarat in 2017 after he parted ways with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United), the BTP has expanded to neighbouring Rajasthan. It also has a presence in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Political analysts see the debutant party as a spoiler in the adjoining tribal districts of Dungarpur, Banswara and Pratapgarh in south Rajasthan. Adivasis constitute 73% of Dungarpurs 1.4 million population. While the adivasis are divided among the three parties, the non-tribal vote is expected to play a decisive role in the poll outcome in the district. The BTP is popular among the younger generation, especially students. I think that it might play the role of spoiler in some constituencies. The only drawback right now is that BTP has not been in existence for a long time, said Sanjay Lodha, a professor at Mohanlal Sukhadia University in Udaipur. Read more: Vote share of 2013 Velaram Ghogara, head of BTPs Rajasthan unit, said, We will not be the spoilers but winners this time. The tribals are disappointed with all the other parties, which have done nothing for them in the past 70 years. We want to empower the tribals and that is why we decided to contest the elections, he said. In 2013, the BJP had won all four seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes Aspur, Chorasi, Dungarpur and Sagwara in the district, which was till then a Congress bastion. In fact, that year the Congress lost from Dungarpur city for the first time since 1980. They (BTP) have no standing even among the tribals. They have limited impact in this area. We will record a massive victory in all the four seats in Dungarpur, senior Congress leader Tarachand Bhagora said, dismissing the suggestion that the BTP will hurt its chances more than the BJPs. Our vote is intact and BTP will have no impact on us. We will retain all the four seats, BJP functionary Sudarshan Jain said. However, the BJP is facing rebel trouble. The two strong rebel candidates in the fray are sitting legislators Devendra Katara (Dungarpur) and Anita Katara (Sagwara) who were denied the party ticket this time. Read more: Win map of 2013 The BTPs main demands include implementation of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with administration and control of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes, the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition Of Forest Rights) Act, which legally recognises the right of adivasis to protect and manage their lands, besides specific schemes for adivasi students and the revival of adivasi culture. Rajasthan will vote on December 7. The BTPs decision to contest the assembly polls came soon after the Bhil Pradesh Vidyarthi Morcha, the BTPs student wing, swept the elections in all four colleges in Dungarpur in September, defeating both the National Students Union of India (NSUI) of the Congress and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). After the college elections, Ghogara said there were demands from different quarters to contest the assembly polls. So, we approached Chhotubhai. We told him that we should have a separate party that will work for the development of tribals in Rajasthan, he said. But we categorically told Chhotubhai that there was no question of supporting or having an alliance with either the BJP or the Congress. He agreed, Ghogara added. For full coverage on Rajasthan assembly elections, click here. The electoral battle in this textile hub of Marwar is a drapery of localised incumbencies, caste intricacies, joblessness and other daily-life hardships. The outcome could well be a jumbled kaleidoscopic image with no one party colour dominating another. The wave that helped the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sweep the districts six seats in 2013 isnt in evidence. On the ground, the voting publics focus is on constituency-specific choices that are a mix of official nominees, rebels and Independent candidates of whom there seems to be no shortage. There have been revolts in both parties in all the six assembly segments barring Sumerpur: Marwar Junction, Pali, Bali, Jetaran and Sojat. Local residents with whom this writer spoke did not rule out victories for Congress renegades in Pali and Marwar Junction. If that forecast turns out to be true, there could be a three-way split of the seats up for grabs: two each for the BJP, the Congress and the Independents. The victorious rebels are expected to return to the parent party if its in a position to form a government. Cited as an example is Bhemji Bhati whos reported to be doing well on the Pali seat. He spurned the overtures of BJP strongman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat foregoing thereby a sure-shot ministerial berth after winning the seat as an Independent in the1993 polls. The predictions of a fractured outcome in Pali district are based on the perception that the electorate wont be guided by national-level party mascots holding rallies across the region. The battle isnt perceived as Narendra Modi versus Rahul Gandhi; its between party candidates hamstrung by internal rebellions. The issues being local, the voters response will be based on the candidates image and track record. The Congress could have capitalised on the latent anger against Vasundhara Raje by projecting Ashok Gehlot as its chief ministerial face. But that hasnt happened, leaving the field open to intrusions by rebels from influential castes in the divisions 33 seats spread across seven districts: Jodhpur (10), Barmer (7), Sirohi (3), Jaisalmer (2), Pali (6) and Jalore (5). In the good old days, the Congress, now plagued by rebellions, had leaders who could defuse poll-time intra- and inter-caste conflicts through sage mediation. The trinity that served the party well at the time comprised Rajput leader Khet Singh Rathore, Jat chieftain Paras Ram Maderna and Ram Singh, who was held in high esteem by the Bishnois. These communities now are politically balkanised for want of a new leadership. Especially after the demise of Shekhawat, the three-time CM, there arent any leaders left on either side with a pan-Rajasthan appeal. Their descendants are nuclearised, so are their communities, restricting their rich legacies to tiny constituencies. Coming back to the contemporary poll, the popular mood for change made chief minister Vasundhara Raje, an erstwhile Maharani, to go around calling herself a servant of the people (sewadarani) in the hope of deflecting anti-incumbency against her regime. Disaffection over ticket-distribution in the Congress might have afforded the BJP some room to manoeuvre. But the CMs personal appeal stays uninspiring. Over brunch at Jodhpurs Sardar Club, a group of influential, well-connected residents agreed that the fight has gotten closer than it was a fortnight ago. However, they remained inclined to wager on a Congress victory, albeit with a reduced margin. Driving through half-a-dozen seats in Pali and Jodhpur districts, this writer found Gehlots acceptance transcending social identities: Jats, Rajputs, Bishnois, minorities and the scheduled castes and tribes. If he were the CM face, the Congress wouldve struck gold in Jodhpur division, said Thakur Harishchandra Singh of Palis Rohit tehsil. The other drawback he pointed out in the Congresss bid for power was the Rajputs nominal share in ticket distribution: a paltry three in Jodhpur division out of the total of 13 across the state. In contrast, the BJP has given 30-odd seats to regain the support of the landed community alienated by Rajes handling of the anti-Padmavat stir and the encounter killing of Anand Pal, a Ravana Rajput strongman. In terms of numbers, the Rajputs balance out the Jats, the other electorally important social group, but are starting to have greater inter-caste acceptability here. Be that as it may, no community except the Muslims is likely to vote en bloc for any party. The December 7 polling will, in all likelihood, be a blend of democratic revenge, reward and punishment. Click here for complete coverage of Rajasthan Assembly Election 2018 Osmania University is an iconic Hyderabad institution, the hub of the movement for Telangana and a site where generations of students from across the region developed a worldview and learnt professional skills. One evening last weekend, young students were sitting in small groups in the main grounds. With elections due in the state on December 7, politics dominated the conversation. Shiva Kalyan, Vamsee Krishna and Kranti are pursuing Master of Education degrees and hope to get teaching jobs when they graduate. All three are from Jagtiyal district. When asked about the prospects of different forces, Kalyan says, We all actively participated in the struggle for Telangana. We supported the Telangana Rashtra Samithi [TRS] and K Chandrashekhar Rao [colloquially referred to as KCR]. But no more. It has been five years and he has not delivered on his promises. Where are the jobs? His friends concur. They have decided to back the Maha Kootami (grand alliance) of the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India and Telangana Jana Samiti. Kranti says, We dont want the TDP to interfere in our politics. But the Congress is a national party. So we will back the Congress. Indian elections often revolve around leadership. Narendra Modis gambit of turning 2014 into an almost presidential race worked. In the current batch of state elections, it is Shivraj Singh Chouhans popularity or Raman Singhs image which gives the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the hope of retaining power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh even after 15 years; in Rajasthan, it is CM Vasundhara Rajes perceived unpopularity that is the partys biggest challenge. In Telangana, too, the single most important variable is KCR his images dominate Hyderabads streets, his hoardings are on the highways, every political conversation begins with a voters assessment of KCR rule and it is his model of governance that provokes sharp debates. His supporters focus on welfare. His critics focus on nepotism, inaccessibility and alleged corruption. Which of the two narratives will prevail will determine the December 11 outcome. The welfare pitch The support for KCR goes back to his role in creating Telangana Jai Telangana slogans dominate his rallies. He was rewarded for that wit hthe 2014 electoral victory. The support continues because of the nuts and bolts of his expansive politics of welfare. Madupati Mahesh is from Begumpet, a part of the wider Hyderabad region. He says he will vote for KCR and has derived specific benefits. I have three acres of land. Every year, I get ?4,000 per acre per season so I get ?24,000. My mother is old and my father has died. So she gets an allowance of ?1,000 per month. And we get 24 hours of electricity. I dont have a sister. Otherwise we would have got R1 lakh as a part of his Kalyan Laxmi scheme for her wedding. Which government has given so much? It is such schemes that the TRS showcases as achievements. Kalyan Laxmi or Shaadi Mubarak (for Muslim families) entails state support for weddings; Rytha Bandhu provides direct monetary assistance to farmers; there also exist a range of pensions and allowances for single women, the elderly, and the differently abled. Added to this list is the promise only partly fulfilled till now of 2BHK flats to families below the poverty line, and clean water to each household. KCR has combined a range of political and governance strategies with an eye on farmers, the poor, and women. He has relied on direct cash transfers and assistance, and thus targeted individual beneficiaries in the same manner as the central government has sought to do with its schemes on rural housing or toilet construction or gas cylinders and removing intermediaries to cut leakages. He has, through promises of housing, also offered the prospect of tangible asset creation for the needy. But the promise of welfare services also has its pitfalls. Expectations rise. It has its own dynamic of inequity, and failure is visible. So on housing, voters point out that the projects are mostly incomplete or have not started. On financial assistance to farmers, the smaller farmers and the landless are resentful that the bigger farmers corner a huge share of the resources. It also drains state resources and leads to fiscal indiscipline, as the rising debt of the state reveals. The Pragathi Bhavan problem If TRSs strength comes from a unanimously chosen leader and how welfare schemes are so starkly linked with him, its weakness also stems from leadership. Sreelekha, a student from Khammam district pursuing a Master of Commerce degree at Osmania, calls KCR a cheat. The state was created for everyone. But only he and his family have benefited. He has not fulfilled his promises, she says. This is the campaign theme of both Modi and Rahul Gandhi they have repeatedly pointed to the centralisation of all authority with KCR and his family. Mohammad Ghouse, a small shopkeeper in Mahbubnagars Jadcherla constituency says: It is all controlled by him and his family from Pragathi Bhavan. Even local MLAs do not know what is happening. KCR operates out of his residence, Pragathi Bhavan, and not the secretariat. This perception of KCR being autocratic and nepotistic manifests in different ways. At a local mobile shop in Mahbubnagar, Ilyas Ahmad takes out his phone and shows a video he received on WhatsApp of KCR lashing out at a group of Muslim men. They had, at a rally, asked him about his failure to provide 12% reservations to Muslims. Ahmad says, Look at his arrogance. Is this the way to talk to people? We would have voted for him but not now. Narsingh Yadav, a local TRS leader in Hyderabad, rubbishes these charges while waiting for KCR at a massive party rally in the city. The CM has worked and benefits are clearly visible to the people. He does not need to be everywhere his work has to be visible. Responding to charges that job creation hasnt happened or many schemes lie unimplemented, Yadav said, But it has only been four a half years. Congress and TDP have ruled for decades. We need more time. A senior Hyderabad journalist, who did not wish to be named, points to the increasing similarities between KCR and Jayalalithaas rule. They both were in complete control of their parties. The campaign revolved only around them. They relied on welfare to reach the poor. They were rather inaccessible when in power, operating from a private residence, turning only to close confidantes. Jayalalithaa confronted corruption allegations and KCR battles a perception of tremendous wealth accumulation while he has been in power. There grows a disconnect between the CM and MLAs, between the CM and the people, and between the MLAs and the people, the journalist said. The TRS has repeated its candidates in this election. They suffer from local anti-incumbency. And they now have a strong challenger, in terms of the arithmetic of vote share, in the form of candidates representing the alliance. Thus, TRS has a tough battle and many expect it to lose a considerable number of seats. But to offset this local challenge, they have a trump card in KCR. The vote in Telangana is a referendum on the KCR model of governance. Will his past record in the struggle for Telangana, his vast party apparatus and resources, and his wide-ranging welfare schemes be enough? Or will the perceived distance from the electorate, the centralisation of power in his family, the erosion of local leadership and the promises that lie unfulfilled cost him support? That is the big question for voters on December 7. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said there would be no role for him to play in Telangana if the Maha Kootami (grand alliance) wins the assembly elections, hours after TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) warned against Andhra rulers seeking to gain control over the state again. The TRS is making a false propaganda. I wont rule Telangana. Only Telangana leaders will do it, Naidu told the media in Hyderabad in the presence of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and leaders of the alliance parties as they wound up a high decibel campaign for the assembly elections scheduled to be held on Friday. Earlier KCR had cautioned people to be wary of Andhra rulers, who are seeking to gain control over Telangana once again. We have achieved separate statehood for Telangana and liberated it from Andhra rulers after a prolonged fight for over a decade. Should we hand over our precious Telangana back to the Andhra party? KCR asked. Rahul alleged that Rao had supported several anti-people decisions of Modi government including demonetisation and GST because it would give scope for massive corruption. We shall strive to realise the dreams of thousands of youth who had fought to bring statehood to Telangana, he said. Read more: Vote share in 2014 Answering a question, Rahul expressed confidence that the Maha Kootami would win the Telangana elections hands down. There is perfect coordination among all the alliance partners and in future, too, they would work together. KCRs body language shows he is insecure and is on the losing side, he said. Rahul Gandhi said his party would consider farmers as the biggest assets of the country unlike Prime Minister Narendra Modi who treated them as big liabilities. We have announced waiver of crop loans of farmers only because agriculture sector is the biggest asset for the nation. When Modi could waive bank loans worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore of just 15 people, we can as well bear the burden of waiving the crop loans of a few crore farmers, he said. He said the Congress-led grand alliance, if voted to power in Telangana, would also focus on bringing in new technologies in the agriculture sector, providing a wide marketing network for the agricultural produce and extend training for their skill development. Read more: Win map in 2014 In the morning, Rahul and Naidu jointly addressed an election rally at Kodad and appealed to the voters to bring Maha Kootami to power with a thumping majority. Gandhi said that in the last four years, KCR and his family concentrated only on looting the public money in the name of redesigning the irrigation projects. While farmers suicides continue to take place in big numbers, KCR filled the coffers of rich contractors and that of his own family, he alleged. While the people who had dreamt of a golden Telangana suffered, the income of KCRs family went up by 400%. Thats why people have given new name to KCR Khao Commission Rao, said Gandhi. For full coverage of Telangana assembly elections, click here A French police team arrived in Kochi in the early hours of Wednesday to question an alleged Islamic State-returned terror operative Subhani Haja Moideen as part of investigation into 2015 Paris terror attack. During interrogation Moideen, lodged in Viyyur central jail, told the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that he had interacted with some ultras who masterminded Paris attack like Abdel Hamid Abaaoud during his brief stay in Syria and Iraq, said sources with the NIA. The NIA had later alerted the French investigation team. An NIA court in Kochi later granted permission to the French team to quiz Moideen, a resident of Thodupuzha in Idukki district. The NIA had facilitated the French team as per the mutual legal assistance treaty signed by both countries. Moideen, an accused in Kanakamala terror plot in Kannur that intended to target many leaders of south India, had told the NIA that he had fought for IS in Iraq and Syria in 2015. Reached Iraq via Turkey he told investigators that he was trained at an IS camp in Raqqa (a city in war-torn Syria) before being inducted into a terror module. He told interrogators that he fought for an IS regiment called Omer Kathi Caliph commanded by Abu Sulaimani Al Francisse. During his six-month stay in Iraq in 2015 (April to September) he told interrogators that some of the masterminds of attacks in Europe like Abdel Hamid Abaaoud, Abdeslam and Mohamad Usman visited his commander Al Francisse and he had interacted with some of them. A Belgian-Moroccan Abaaoud was considered mastermind behind Nov 2015 Paris attack and was later killed in an encounter and two others are reported to be in jail in France. Also read | 2015 Paris attacks: Woman sues Twitter, Facebook, Google for growth of IS In the attack in Paris on Nov 13 night a team of gunmen and suicide bombers hit a concert hall, a stadium, a restaurant and two others places in copycat attacks killing 130 people and maiming hundreds of others. According to NIA sources Moideen, belonging to a middle-class family, worked in his family cloth shop in Thodupuzha after dropped out from his college. When he turned to alcohol in big way his family forced him to marry. To wean him from alcohol his wife later advised him to take up religious studies and he turned a small-time religious scholar. He told interrogators that later he was attracted to teachings of Anwar al Awalaki, one of the mentors of Al Qaeda and started chatting with others through Telegram app. Radicalised, he told NIA, he flew to Istanbul in Turkey in April 2015 and a few days later he was taken to Syrian border by his handlers. He said later he was shifted to Raqqa and given arms training. After three weeks of intense training, he said, he was sent to Mosul (Iraq) and enrolled in a team led by a French-speaking leader. During one of the attacks he saw one his aides burned alive before his eyes and he fled battle scene but was captured by other IS militants. He said later he was produced before a judge and jailed for a month. He was freed from jail after he promised his handlers he was ready for another round of training. He said after two-week training he was sent back on the promises he will continue his activities back home in India. Once reached in Istanbul in September 2015 he lodged a police complaint saying his travel documents were stolen during a religious trip in Turkey. Later the Indian embassy arranged him an emergency visa. Quietly returned to his native place he told his relatives he was on a religious trip. He was arrested a year later in 2016 when the NIA was investigating the Kanakamala IS module case_ the module was busted on Oct 2, 2016 when NIA sleuths raided a hideout and arrested six persons who were planning to target prominent persons including judges, RSS/BJP leaders, synagogue in Kochi and Islamic reformers. During interrogation he reportedly said he came across more than 100-IS sympathizers/fighters hailing from India adding most came through middle-east and Turkey. Read | Paris attacks suspect Abdeslam sentenced to 20 years over Brussels shootout US lawmakers on Tuesday heard the CIAs assessment about Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salmans role in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi first hand from the agencys director, who confirmed and affirmed what they have long suspected. Theres not a smoking gun theres a smoking saw, Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator and an ally of US president Donald Trump, said to reporters after an intelligence hearing by Gina Haspel in US Congress. You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organised by people under the command of MBS (as the prince is known) and that he was intricately involved in the demise of Mr Khashoggi, Graham said. The reference to the saw was the bone-saw the killers had used to dismember Khashoggis body. If he (bin Salman) was in front of a jury he would be convicted in 30 minutes, said Bob Corker, another Republican senator but a Trump critic. Senators had wanted a briefing from Haspel about the CIAs assessment that bin-Salman was behind the killing but the Trump administration had sent instead secretaries of state and defence Mike Pompeo and James Mattis to bring them. Both officials took the position that there was not enough evidence to tie the killing to the crown prince. Unconvinced by them and incensed by the administrations refusal to send the CIA director to the hearing, Republicans and Democrats had joined hands to vote to bring to a legislative measure halting US support to the Saudi-led ruling forces in Yemen fighting Iranian-backed Houthis. Lawmakers were divided, however, on what to do next. Some senators want to pass the Yemen resolution. But others, such as Graham, favour a broader measure that ceases arms sales to Saudi Arabia and slaps sanctions against all those responsible, including the crown prince. The CIA had concluded the killing was ordered by the crown prince based on audio recordings, communication intercepts and a general understanding of politics in the kingdom under him. Going against his own intelligence agency, and not for the first time, Trump has all but given a clean chit to the prince citing lack of clinching evidence, Saudi investments, touting a figure of around $400 billion and strategic help in combatting Iranian influence in the region. The United States had, separately, sanctioned 17 Saudi officials it accused of involvement in the killing, and one of them had been a close adviser to the prince. A Saudi prosecutor charged 11 government officials in October for alleged involvement, some whom could face the death penalty if found guilty. Riyadh has strenuously denied the crown prince had anything to do with the journalists killing and has blamed it on a rogue operation. Khashoggi was a strident critic of the princes policies and had lived in the US in self-imposed exile since 2017. He was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, where he had gone to collect some papers in connection with his upcoming marriage to a Turkish woman. Undeterred by three Brexit-related defeats in the House of Commons on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Theresa May insisted the current controversial withdrawal agreement is the right one that will usher the UK into a bright future. May was greeted on Wednesday morning with headlines such as: The day May lost control (The Daily Telegraph), May suffers worst defeats by PM in Commons in 40 years (The Times), Britain on a knife-edge: 63 minutes of Mayhem (Daily Mirror). The three defeats relate to the government being forced to publish legal advice to the cabinet that it had withheld, the House voting that the minister had committed contempt of parliament by not publishing the advice, and the passing of an opposition-sponsored amendment that seeks larger role for parliament on the planning of Brexit. The first day of the debate on the withdrawal agreement continued late into the night on Tuesday, and resumed on Wednesday afternoon. The House of Lords began its three-day debate. Voting is scheduled on Tuesday. The government suffering three defeats in the House on Tuesday virtually confirms the expected result of the vote on December 11, since many ruling MPs and allies joined hands with the opposition. May losing the vote next Tuesday is likely to push the UK into more uncertainty. The attorney-generals legal advice now published reveals the possibility that the UK could be tied to EU rule indefinitely due to the arrangement for Northern Ireland envisaged in the withdrawal agreement, a possibility most MPs apprehended. Keir Starmer, Labours shadow Brexit secretary, said: Having reviewed the attorney generals legal advice, its obvious why this needed to be placed in the public domain. All week we have heard from government ministers that releasing this information could harm the national interest. Nothing of the sort. All this advice reveals is the central weaknesses in the governments deal. It is unthinkable that the government tried to keep this information from parliament and indeed the public before next weeks vote, Starmer said. The husband of a 34-year-old Indian-origin pharmacist found dead in her home in Middlesborough, northern England, earlier this year has been found guilty of her murder on Tuesday. Mitesh Patel, 37, had denied killing his wife Jessica, whose body was found at their home in May. His murder trial at Teesside Crown Court opened last month and on Tuesday a jury found him guilty of strangling his wife to death with a supermarket plastic bag so he could start a new life with his boyfriend whom he met on the gay dating app Grindr. Justice James Goss told the jury a life sentence was mandatory and he would determine Patels minimum term behind bars during a sentencing hearing on Wednesday. The court was told how the accused had planned to claim a GBP 2-million life insurance payout and move to Australia with lover Dr Amit Patel, described as his soulmate. The jury heard the cheating husband met other men on Grindr and had made internet searches dating back years, including I need to kill my wife, insulin overdose, plot to kill my wife, do I need a co-conspirator?, hiring hitman UK and how much methadone will kill you?. In July 2015, he told his Sydney-based lover Amit: Her days are marked. Mitesh Patel had insisted he was innocent and claimed he had returned home to find the couples house burgled and his wifes wrists bound with duct tape. But prosecutors presented evidence to the jury to show it was Patel himself who had tied her up after injecting her with insulin and strangling and suffocating her with a Tesco supermarket bag. Jessica Patels family made a statement at the end of the trial, saying they were devastated by her death. The statement said She had simple dreams, all she ever wanted was to fall in love, have a family of her own and live happily ever after. The man we welcomed into our family, who promised to look after and protect her, betrayed her in every sense of the word, cheating her of her dreams, robbing her of her life and robbing us of her. The court heard that Mitesh Patel regularly chatted to men on Grindr under the pseudonym Prince, using the gay dating app daily in front of employees at the pharmacy he ran with his wife. The jury was told that his gay double life became the pharmacys worst kept secret. At the start of the trial, Justice Goss had said that it was agreed that the accused had been unfaithful to his wife with men, having used the dating app Grindr. He had therefore ruled out any jury member who had used the same dating app or visited the Patels pharmacy in Linthorpe since 2011 to be included for the trial to ensure impartiality. On Tuesday, the jury of six men and six women took three hours of deliberation to give their guilty verdict. Jessica Patel was found at her home on The Avenue in Linthorpe suburb of Middlesborough with serious injuries and pronounced dead at the scene. The victim, also known as Jess, ran the local chemists shop on Roman Road in Middlesborough with her husband, whom she met while studying at university in Manchester. The couples home is close to their pharmacy, which they ran for around three years. Both the home and work premises were the focus of intense police searches in the days after the murder on May 14. The Theresa May government is urgently seeking information from India on the circumstances related to the extradition of Christian Michel, who was deported from Dubai to India on Tuesday. Michel, who is a British national, was arrested in Dubai and flown to New Delhi after a UAE court cleared his extradition to face charges of alleged financial irregularities in the controversial sale of AgustaWestland helicopters. He is wanted for commercial fraud, bribery and money laundering in connection with the deal to purchase 12 helicopters for the Indian Air Force from the company then known as AgustaWestland. Michel has refuted the allegations. Asked if the Foreign and Commonwealth Office had opposed his extradition to India, a spokesperson told HT: Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in the UAE. We are in contact with his family and the Emirati authorities regarding his case, and are urgently seeking information from the Indian authorities on his circumstances, the spokesperson said. Prominent Indian-origin lawyer Shamila Batohi has been appointed to head South Africas prosecuting authority, the first woman to head the agency facing criticism for its handling of the investigations against former president Jacob Zuma over corruption charges. Batohi will start her new role as the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) in February 2019. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Batohi, during a nationally-televised address at the government headquarters, the Union Buildings, on Tuesday. During his maiden address, Ramaphosa gave the commitment that government would urgently attend to the leadership crisis at the NPA to ensure the institution is and able to perform its mandate without any outside interference. Eleven months later, the prosecuting body now has a new head. Batohi, who shot to fame as the evidence leader during the King Commission that probed the Hansie Cronje match-fixing saga of 2000, was selected from a shortlist of 11 candidates who were interviewed for the high-profile position. She will replace the previous prosecutor, Shaun Abrahams who has been accused by the opposition and rights groups of shielding former president Jacob Zuma from corruption charges during his nine years in office. Batohi also comes in at a time when the organisation has been criticised for its handling of the state capture investigation, having recently provisionally withdrawn the Gupta-linked Estina dairy project case. Batohi is stepping into a position that has proved to be so poisoned by politics that none of its appointees has come even close to surviving the full ten-year term, local media reports said. She started her public service as a junior prosecutor in the Chatsworth magistrates court in 1986 and steadily rose through the ranks to become the Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu Natal. She was seconded to the Investigation Task Unit established by President Nelson Mandela in 1995 and later served as the first regional head of the Directorate of Special Operations based in KwaZulu-Natal. Batohi has worked for the past nine years as a legal adviser to the prosecutor in the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Congratulating Batohi on her appointment, Ramaphosa highlighted that he was addressing the state of dysfunctionality and deficiencies in the NDPP that had been identified by the Constitutional Court. Her predecessors in the era of Jacob Zumas Presidency all had controversy-laden tenures. The high-profile cases that Batohi will inherit include 16 charges of corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering instituted against former president Zuma. The President, and by proxy the people (of South Africa) have bestowed a lot of confidence in me, Batohi said, adding the least I can do is reciprocate that confidence. My only obligation is to serve the country with humility and dedication to the best of my ability. Each one of us, no matter where we are, must be ready to sacrifice the necessary, to fight the good fight. Our country needs us, Batohi said. Police arrested dozens of suspected mobsters in Europe and South America on Wednesday in a huge international swoop targeting Italys notorious Ndrangheta mafia clan, officials said. More than 80 people, including high-ranking members of the powerful organised crime syndicate, accused of drug trafficking and money laundering, were arrested in coordinated raids in six countries, EU justice agency Eurojust said. The unprecedented crackdown on the group based in Calabria, southern Italy, came just a day after Italian police arrested the new boss of the separate Sicilian mafia. Hundreds of police took part in Wednesdays operation, seizing four tonnes of cocaine, 120 kilos of ecstasy and two million euros (dollars) in cash across Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Suriname. Today, we send a clear message to organised crime groups across Europe, Filippo Spiezia, vice-president of the EUs judicial agency Eurojust, told reporters in The Hague. They are not the only ones able to operate across borders; so are Europes judiciary and law enforcement communities. He said the unprecedented and extraordinary result, the fruit of a two-year operation, targeted dangerous members of the Ndrangheta family deeply involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. Italian restaurants The Ndrangheta which derives its meaning from the Greek word for heroism is made up of numerous village and family-based clans in Calabria, the rural, mountainous and under-developed toe of Italys boot. Despite intense police attention and frequent arrests, the organisation has continued to extend its reach. It has surpassed Sicilys Cosa Nostra and the Naples-based Camorra in influence thanks to control of the cocaine trade and is the sole mafia organisation to operate on all continents, according to anti-mafia prosecutors. Officials hailed Wednesdays operation dubbed Operation Pollina as a serious blow to the group. In total, 41 people were arrested in Italy, 21 in Germany, 14 in Belgium, five in the Netherlands and two in Luxembourg, with operations still underway, Eurojust said. Italian police said the sweep targeted the Ndrangheta and its projections across South America. Italian anti-mafia prosecutor Federico Cafiero De Raho said the operations would affect the Ndranghetas drug trafficking operations around the world, including Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil. But he warned that it was just a first step, saying the arrests were nothing for the Ndrangheta, there are thousands of people who should be arrested and billions that should be seized. In Germany, Wednesdays operation focused on restaurants, offices and apartments, mainly in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria region. Dutch prosecutors said the investigation began after they noticed money laundering at two Italian restaurants in the southern Netherlands that showed criminal links with Germany and Calabria, home of the Ndrangheta. Using an often family-based network spread out around Europe, drugs would come into the Dutch port of Rotterdam and the Belgian port of Antwerp before being moved around the continent. Prosecutor Fred Westerbeke said they had also probed ice cream parlours, adding that together with restaurants the suspicion is that the mafia organisation is laundering money through these establishments and they are used as a cover for their criminal organisations. He also confirmed that there had been raids in Suriname, a small South American country that was once a Dutch colony. Dutch NOS television said the Ndrangheta were mainly active in the Netherlands in drug smuggling through the countrys huge flower export market. Decisive hit The Belgian operations were concentrated on the Limburg area, home to many people of Italian descent who moved there after World War II to work in coal mines, Belgian prosecutors said. The European police agency Europol said it was a decisive hit against one of the most powerful Italian criminal networks in the world. European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, who is Italian, sent congratulations to the police forces involved, adding: Europe fights Ndrangheta criminal groups. On Tuesday, Italian police arrested new Cosa Nostra boss Settimino Mineo and dozens of other suspects in Sicily in a major swoop. Jeweller Mineo, 80, was detained with at least 45 others just before he was due to be appointed official heir to notorious mafia boss Toto Riina, who died in prison last year. The special counsel investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election has recommended that Michael T Flynn, the former National Security Adviser, be given no prison time, for his crime of lying to FBI agents, because of his cooperation and help he has provided in connection with several investigations. Given the defendants substantial assistance and other considerations, prosecutors for Special Counsel Robert Mueller III wrote in a court filing Tuesday, a sentence at the low end of the guideline rangeincluding a sentence that does not impose a term of incarcerationis appropriate and warranted. In a heavily redacted addendum to the filing, the prosecutors listed his assistance in several ongoing cases, including a criminal investigation of which the details were not provided. And in the special counsels investigation of any links or coordination between the Russian government and individuals in the campaign of President Donald Trump. In all, Flynn has sat for 19 interviews with various government agencies. In seeking no prison term for the former NSA, the prosecutors also said his early cooperation was particularly valuable because he was one of few people who had long-term and firsthand information of the events under investigation and his decision to cooperate may have influenced the decisions of other firsthand witnesses to cooperate as well. Six guilty pleas, including Flynns, have been obtained so far by the special counsels office, which has also indicted 25 Russian nationals. The special counsels office went on cite Flynns military service of 33 years to say it was both a mitigating and aggravating factor in his sentencing. His military career, it said, distinguished him from all others charged in this case so far but senior government leaders should be held to the highest standards. Flynn is a former three-star general of US military, who was fired as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency by President Barack Obama over personnel issues. He began advising candidate Trump in early 2016 and his appointment as NSA was among the first personnel announcements by the president-elect. Flynn was forced to resign in February, just after 24 days in office as in office, after it came to light that he had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his interactions with the Russian ambassador and related communications. He pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to FBI agents about those Russian contacts, a crime that is punishable with 5 years in jail. He has since been cooperating with the special counsels office which has described it as substantial. In court filings, Muellers prosecutors have focussed on Flynns interactions with the Russian ambassador as a member of President Trumps transition team. On December 22, he had sought Russias help to block a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements, going against the Obama administrations decision to let it pass. The Russians refused, and the resolution passed. On December 29, Flynn had discussed with Ambassador Kislyak sanctions imposed by President Obama on Russia, and had urged that Moscow neednt escalate tensions by retaliating. The incoming administration would roll them back, he had assured them. And President Vladimir Putin had announced shortly after Russia would not be retaliating. In both instances, Flynn has said senior members of the Trump transition team were in the loop and knew about his interactions and had, in fact, approved of them. Flynn was also present at a meeting that the ambassador had with Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and a crucial member of the campaign and transition team, at Trump Tower in early December the same year. The Tuesday filing did not live up to the excitement that preceded it in anticipation of new information, as many of the details were redacted and remained hidden from public view. But there are several more coming. On Friday, for instance, Muellers prosecutors are expected to explain why they are rescinding a plea agreement with Paul Manafort, a one-time chair of the Trump campaign. He is said to have lied in breach of the agreement. Also on Friday, prosecutors are expected to file a letter in connection with the sentencing of Michael Cohen, President Trumps longtime lawyer and fixer who has now turned against his boss. The paper could detail the extent of Cohens participation and information that he has shared with investigators under a plea deal. Insisting that he is not a defaulter, liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Wednesday repeated his claim that he is ready to repay 100 per cent of the money owed to Indian banks, but wondered why his offer made since 2016 has been refused. Mallya is facing extradition from the United Kingdom to India to face charges of financial irregularities running into thousands of crores. Judgement in the high-profile case is due in the Westminster magistrates court on Monday. He tweeted: I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY? Watch: Mallya offers to repay banks, Kingfisher Airlines ex-employees dissatisfied Mallyas tweets on the issue are a reprise of his June 26 media statement, in which he said he was tired of relentless pursuit, and that his efforts to settle the loans were either ignored or misunderstood. He has reportedly submitted a settlement offer in the Karnataka high court. Reiterating his main defence that the inability to repay the loans earlier was a result of genuine business failure of his Kingfisher Airlines, rather than dishonesty, he posted: Airlines struggling financially partly becoz of high ATF (aviation turbine fuel) prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $140/barrel. Losses mounted and thats where Banks money went. I have offered to repay 100% of the Principal amount to them. Please take it. For three decades running Indias largest alcoholic beverage group, we contributed thousands of crores to the State exchequers. Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the States. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay Banks so no loss. Please take it, he said in the series of tweets. Mallya went on: Politicians and media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU Bank money. All this is false. Why dont I get far treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka high Court. Sad. The embattled tycoon, who has often declared to London-based journalists his willingness to settle with the banks, claimed in his June 26 statement that he had become the poster boy of bank default and a lightning rod of public anger. Mallya fled India in March 2016 even as a debt court in Bengaluru was set to act against him for defaulting on loans issued by several banks led by the state-owned State Bank of India. The 62-year-old is fighting an effort to get him extradited to India on charges of fraud and money laundering. Besides the extradition case, Mallya is also facing recovery action against his assets in the UK brought by 13 Indian banks and another mortgage recovery action by the UBS bank against his house in central London. Mitesh Patel, a Yorkshire-based pharmacist who murdered his wife Jessica Patel in a premeditated attack so he could start a new life with his boyfriend in Australia, has been jailed for a minimum of 30 years. The Cleveland police said Patel, 37, strangled Jessica, 34, with a plastic bag after planning her murder so he could use her frozen embryos to have a family with his lover in Sydney. The Teesside Crown Court was told she was aware for six years that her husband was in love with another man and was having casual sex with men he met on a dating app. Detective chief inspector Matt Murphy-King said: Jessica Patel was a wonderful daughter, sister and friend, loved and respected by many, who tragically had her life cut short by the man who should have been there to love, cherish and protect her. During the course of the murder investigation, significant evidence emerged which proved Mitesh Patel had researched and planned Jesss death for a number of years, which culminated in Jesss murder on 14th May this year. In an effort to disguise his crime and seek to fool the murder investigation team into believing that Jess had been murdered whilst Mitesh was out walking, Mitesh went to the extreme of staging the murder scene making it appear as though Jess had been murdered during a burglary, something which the investigation categorically proved to be a lie - one of the many lies which Mitesh spun to conceal his guilt and devious lifestyle, he said. When the 30-year sentence was pronounced in court, Patel showed no emotion as Justice James Goss told him: You are a selfish man, business driven, wanting a very successful life and wishing to retire at 40. You were also wanting to commit to a life with another man on your own terms and you well knew that insurance policies would realise 2 million on Jessicas death, he said, adding that a 30-year minimum term was reserved for only cases where the seriousness of the offence is particularly severe. The jury was told how Patel subdued his wife with an insulin injection before strangling her at their home in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough. The pharmacist had carried out online research about strangulation and the effects of insulin. After the murder, Patel ransacked the couples home in an attempt to make it appear that intruders had murdered Jessica on May 14 this year. His deception was uncovered after police examined the iPhone health app, which tracks the users steps throughout the day, on his and his wifes phones. Prosecutors said Patels motivation had always been to escape his strict Hindu upbringing and flee to Australia to be with his lover and start a new family. Days after United States president Donald Trump sought Pakistan prime minister Imran Khans help in the Afghan peace process, a top American commander has told lawmakers that Islamabads policy seems to be unchanged and it continues to use the Taliban as a hedge against India. Pakistan is an essential element in long-term stability in Afghanistan, Marine Corps Lt Gen Kenneth McKenzie Jr told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday during his confirmation hearing for commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Pakistan could play a key role in facilitating talks between the Taliban and government of Afghanistan, he said, adding, I would welcome that development. At this time, however, Pakistan does not appear to be using the full extent of its influence to encourage the Taliban to come to the table. We continue to see the Taliban being utilised as a hedge against India rather than as part of a stable, reconciled Afghanistan, McKenzie told the lawmakers during his confirmation hearing. His answers to the Senate Armed Services Committee in response to a set of written questions come a day after it became public that Trump has written a letter to Imran Khan, seeking his help in the Afghan peace process. President Trump sent a letter to Prime Minister Khan, requesting Pakistans full support to the US-led Afghan peace process and Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzads upcoming trip to the region, a spokesperson of the National Security Council, White House, told PTI. In the letter, the President recognises that Pakistan has the ability to deny the Taliban sanctuary on its territory, the spokesperson said. The letter also makes it clear that Pakistans assistance with the Afghan peace process is fundamental to building an enduring US-Pakistan partnership, the spokesperson said. McKenzie told lawmakers that he did not see much of a change in Pakistans behaviour towards Afghanistan or its stand against terrorist groups. Despite Pakistans positive rhetoric in support of the South Asia Strategy, violent extremist organisations (VEOs) operate along its border with Afghanistan, he said. While Pakistan has conducted some operations against VEOs in the country, they must continue to expand these operations and remain aggressively engaged, McKenzie said. Taking concrete steps that deny VEO safe havens in Pakistan, as well as VEO freedom of movement from Pakistan to Afghanistan, remains an important ask that Pakistan needs to fulfil. Pakistan must leverage their influence over the Taliban leadership to help compel them to come to the table for reconciliation negotiations, he added. McKenzie said the US CENTCOM would continue to support the State Department as it works towards a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Afghanistan which includes ensuring that Islamabads equities are acknowledged in any future agreement. Pakistans action or inaction, as it relates to stability in Afghanistan, has often led to USs frustration, he said, adding that stability in the South Asia region remains the most important mutual strategic interest for both the US and Pakistan. We must continue to engage with the Pakistani leadership to realise how we can achieve this mutual interest, McKenzie said. Federal authorities announced a raft of conspiracy and tax fraud charges Tuesday against four men in the first U.S. prosecution related to the so-called Panama Papers. The 11-count indictment unsealed in Manhattan stems from what prosecutors described as an intercontinental money laundering scheme involving a global law firm based in Panama. Two Germans, one American and a Panamanian attorney were charged with conspiracy and other counts. The Panama Papers include a collection of 11 million secret financial documents that illustrated how some of the worlds richest people hide their money. The records were first leaked to the Suddeutsche Zeitung, a major German newspaper, and were shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which began publishing collaborative reports with news organizations in 2016. The repercussions of the leaks were far-ranging, prompting the resignation of the prime minister of Iceland and bringing scrutiny to the leaders of Argentina and Ukraine, Chinese politicians and Russian President Vladimir Putin, among others. Federal prosecutors say the law firm Mossack Fonseca conspired to circumvent U.S. laws to maintain the wealth of its clients and conceal tax dollars owed to the IRS. They say the scheme dates to 2000 and involved sham foundations and shell companies in Panama, Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands. Prosecutors said the names of the firms clients generally did not appear on incorporation paperwork even though they had complete access to the assets and the accounts. U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said the defendants shuffled millions of dollars through off-shore accounts and had a playbook to repatriate un-taxed money into the U.S. banking system. Now their international tax scheme is over, Berman said in a statement, and these defendants face years in prison for their crimes. The law firm had relatively few American clients. The data leak included copies of about 200 American passports, and some 3,500 shareholders in the offshore companies listed addresses in the U.S. a small fraction of the more than 250,000 companies Mossack Fonseca set up for clients in four decades of business. Charged in the indictment were Ramses Owens, 50, a Panamanian attorney who worked for Mossack Fonseca; Dirk Brauer, 54, a German investment manager; Harald Joachim Von Der Goltz, 81, of Germany; and Richard Gaffey, an accountant from Medfield, Massachusetts. Authorities said Owens remained at large Tuesday; the other defendants have been taken into custody. An attorney for Von Der Goltz, Jeffrey Neiman, called the indictment a desperate attempt to salvage an American case out of the Panama Papers. He said his client will be vindicated at trial. Messages sent to an attorney for Gaffey were not immediately returned Tuesday evening. It was not immediately clear whether the other defendants had attorneys. Owens and Brauer are accused of establishing and managing opaque offshore trusts and undeclared bank accounts on behalf of American taxpayer clients of Mossack Fonseca, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York said in announcing the charges. Both men set up the accounts in countries with strict bank secrecy laws, prosecutors said, making it difficult for the United States to obtain relevant bank records relating to the accounts. They also allegedly told their American clients how to recover their funds without revealing the existence of the accounts, including by using debit cards and fictitious sales. Von Der Goltz, a former U.S. resident, is accused of evading taxes in part by concealing his ownership of certain shell companies and bank accounts from the IRS. Gaffey and Owens are accused of falsely claiming that Von Der Goltzs elderly mother was the sole beneficiary of the accounts because she lived in Guatemala and therefore was not a U.S. taxpayer. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday opened the door to more lengthy talks with China to resolve the damaging trade dispute beyond the announced 90-day timeline. While Trump has promised big results from the negotiations, he also threatened more tariffs if the sides cannot reach an agreement, which would add to the economic pain already inflicted on American consumers and companies. Dubbing himself Tariff Man, Trump said on Twitter he would not hesitate to make China pay for the privilege of selling in the US market. Trump repeated his frequent claim that the United States was bringing in billions of dollars in tariffs on foreign goods to MAKE AMERICA RICH AGAIN. But it is US consumers and businesses who pay for tariffs in the form of higher costs and prices. The change in tone and the increased confusion over what was achieved at the meeting contributed to a sharp decline in the US stock market, which plunged on Tuesday, driven lower by trade worries and fears for future US economic growth. Analysts at Schwab said in a commentary the market was concerned that uncertainty appears to be resurfacing on whether a permanent deal can be reached. In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Trump held out the possibility the talks could extend beyond March 1. The clock started ticking on December 1, when Trump met in Buenos Aires with Chinas leader Xi Jinping and agreed to work towards an agreement to roll back the exchange of tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade. The negotiations with China have already started. Unless extended, they will end 90 days from the date of our wonderful and very warm dinner with President Xi in Argentina, Trump tweeted. Appearing at a Wall Street Journal event on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said markets were in a wait-and-see mode. The market is trying to figure out, is there going to be a real deal at the end of 90 days or not, Mnuchin said. - I am Tariff Man - After the Saturday meeting, the United States agreed to hold off on Trumps plan to raise the tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 percent beginning January 1, leaving them at the current 10 percent rate. In return, Washington said China would purchase very substantial amounts of US agricultural, energy, industrial and other products. Trump also said China would reduce and remove tariffs of 40 percent on cars, though Beijing has yet to confirm the move. While US officials said the agreement would include specific timelines and policy reforms, the comments from Trump and others have not provided much clarity on the outcome of Saturdays highly-anticipated meeting. And the tone of Trumps latest tweets show an apparent shift from 24 hours earlier, when he was unreservedly triumphant, saying relations with China had taken a BIG leap forward. On Tuesday, he said US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer would lead the talks to see whether or not a REAL deal with China is actually possible. And while Trump said he would happily sign a fair deal that addresses US concerns, he added a warning to remember, I am a Tariff Man. When people or countries come in to raid the great wealth of our Nation, I want them to pay for the privilege of doing so, Trump tweeted. American farmers have been hit hard by Chinas retaliation on US farm goods, especially soybean exports, which have plummeted due to a 25 percent tariff imposed by Beijing. Trump said China is supposed to start buying Agricultural product and more immediately. But there remains no timetable or agenda for the formal talks, and the uncertainty has dampened enthusiasm on US stock markets which retreated on Tuesday after an initial bout of optimism led to modest gains on Monday. hs-dg/ft Peace talks between Yemeni government representatives and a rebel delegation will begin on Thursday in Sweden, the UN announced. The (UN special envoy) would like to announce the restart of the intra-Yemeni political process in Sweden on 6 December 2018, UN envoy Martin Griffiths office tweeted. A 12-member government delegation, led by Yemeni Foreign Minister Khaled al-Yamani, arrived in Stockholm Wednesday evening, one day after a rebel delegation flew in from Sanaa -- accompanied by the UN envoy. The talks mark the first meeting between Yemens Saudi-backed government and Huthi rebels, linked to Iran, since 2016, when 106 days of negotiations yielded no breakthrough in a war that has pushed 14 million people to the brink of famine. The Sweden meeting follows two major confidence-boosting gestures between the warring parties -- a prisoner swap deal and the evacuation of 50 wounded insurgents from the rebel-held capital for treatment in neutral Oman. Nearly 10,000 people have been killed since Saudi Arabia and its allies joined the governments fight against the Huthis, according to the World Health Organization, triggering what the UN calls the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Rights groups estimate the toll could be up to five times as high. Now Open 5 December 2018 AC Hotels by Marriott (ACHotels.Marriott.com), Marriott International's (www.Marriott.com) European-inspired lifestyle brand, today announced the opening of AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront marking the debut of the brand in Middle East and Africa. Owned and developed by the Amdec Group, the hotel demonstrates the sophisticated and timeless European design that is true to the AC Hotel brand, interpreted for its Cape Town location. Conveniently located just minutes away from the buzzing Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the hotel is just a 25-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport within the city's thriving central business district. With 188 spacious and stylish yet efficiently designed rooms that boast unparalleled views of the imposing Table Mountain, Lion's Head and Signal Hill, AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront introduces a "new way to hotel" to the dynamic city of Cape Town. The hotel houses the signature AC Lounge, a creative hotspot by day and social hub by night that serves local craft and as well as expertly made signature beverages. Guests can savor the brand's Spanish roots with delectable tapas from fresh and locally sourced ingredients at the AC Kitchen or have a quick bite at the AC Market, offering convenient grab and go. Other features include the AC Library, a quiet space lined with interesting and ever-evolving reading material tucked away from the buzz as well as a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment. Located within walking distance from the Cape Town International Convention Centre, it also features four flexible meeting rooms and a boardroom with a total of 250 sqm of event space, boasting natural light and stunning Harbour views. AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront is a significant addition to Marriott International's fast-growing portfolio in South Africa. Protea Hotels by Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Autograph Collection, Westin and Sheraton are some of the other brands that are currently present in the country today. Groundbreaking 5 December 2018 Radisson Blu, the upper upscale hotel brand from Radisson Hotel Group, brings its fourth United States location to Anaheim, Calif. BPM Real Estate Group and Radisson Hotel Group broke ground on the planned four-star, luxury resort hotel on November 30, with plans to open in mid-2020. Prominently located near the Anaheim Resort district on Interstate 5, Radisson Blu Anaheim will be within walking distance to Disneyland resort's east entrance and the soon to be open Star Wars Theme Park, along with many renowned Anaheim event venues. The hotel will support the growth of the Disney experience and complement Anaheim's leadership in the tourism industry. The 12-story hotel will boast incredible views of Disneyland and other Anaheim attractions. Each of the 326 rooms will feature world-class architecture and offer a variety of configurations, including several generous-sized suites and rooms with bunk beds to accommodate large families. For added convenience, there will be a 353-stall garage offering guests plenty of onsite parking. The top level of the hotel will have a beautiful outdoor rooftop restaurant, bar and social pool with panoramic views of Anaheim and evening Disneyland fireworks. The ground floor will be rich with amenities such as a full-service restaurant and lounge, which will be adjacent to a more family-focused pool area including children activities, cabanas and much more. A coffee shop, fitness center, gift shop, and two boardrooms are additional planned amenities for guests to enjoy. The development of this hotel will have an economic impact and create hundreds of jobs in the Anaheim area. The hotel will also have sustainable features including reduced water usage, heightened energy efficiency, electric car charging stations and drought resistant native plants with drip irrigation systems. The project will meet California Energy Code Title 24 requirements and is targeted for LEED Silver with the U.S. Green Building Council. Press Release 5 December 2018 Asia and South America report highest outbound growth - Tour holidays are making a comeback - Outlook for 2019 remains positive - ITB Berlin publishes the latest findings of the World Travel Monitor exclusively in January 2019 Advertisements 2018 has been a strong year for the tourism industry, which has registered uninterrupted growth in international trips around the world. In the first eight months of 2018 international outbound trips grew by six per cent worldwide, with Asia and South America recording the highest increases. According to the findings of the first trend analysis of the World Travel Monitor by IPK International, the outlook for 2019 also remains positive. Strong year for Asia and South America Asians are as keen to travel as ever. Following below-average growth in 2017, this year Asia is on a strong recovery path with an increase of eight per cent. One contributing factor was the upswing in China, with notably more foreign trips than the previous year. Likewise another growth driver is Latin America with an increase of eight per cent. This can be mainly attributed to Mexico, which has recovered from last year's negative growth rates. According to the World Travel Monitor, between January and August 2018 trips by Europeans increased by five per cent, while North Americans went on four per cent more international trips. Also in terms of destinations, Asia had the strongest growth and recorded a plus in visitors of eight per cent. Europe follows with eight per cent more guests, while the Americas had an eight per cent increase. Looking at destination countries shows that the recent boom in trips to Spain has subsided somewhat in 2018 so far. At the same time, destinations, which have lately been shunned by visitors, are coming back. Turkey is the best example. With a remarkable 30 per cent increase in visitors compared to the same time last year, it is celebrating a strong comeback. Holidays biggest growth driver Holiday trips continue to be the main reason for traveling abroad - with a further increase of seven per cent. Visits to friends and relatives (VFR) grew by five per cent year-on-year. Business trips with a plus of three per cent increased below average. Traditional business trips actually declined in 2018 so far, whereas MICE travel, which accounts for the majority of business trips, increased by five per cent. City trips are losing momentum - revival of Tour holidays Looking at the different types of holiday shows a slight shift in recent trends. City trips, one of the main growth drivers in recent years, still continue on an upward trend, however tailed off slightly during the first eight months of 2018. "This may be due partly to overtourism, which has lately received a lot of media attention and may possibly have kept visitors away from large cities", said Rolf Freitag, CEO of IPK International. "Sun & beach holidays are profiting from that and have overtaken city breaks in terms of growth, something we have not seen in a while. And tour holidays are making a recovery. After declining steadily in the past they have now grown by four per cent." According to IPK International, the influence of terror threats has settled at a lower level. 38 per cent of international travelers claim that the recent instability and terror warnings will have an effect on their travel plans, compared to 41 per cent at the same time last year. This however is mainly leading to shift in destinations to those that are perceived as safe, rather than avoiding traveling altogether. Destinations regarded as being particularly safe include Switzerland, the Scandinavian countries, Canada and Australia. At the same time, other destinations such as Egypt and Tunisia, previously deemed unsafe, have been able to improve their negative image. Positive outlook for 2019 The forecast for travel in 2019 remains positive: IPK International expects international trips to increase by around six per cent. The highest forecasts are for North and South America, with an expected increase of eight per cent. Asia is expected to grow by six per cent, followed by Europe with five per cent. These forecasts are based on the World Travel Confidence Index published by IPK International, which is compiled annually based on the views of the survey participants about their travel intentions for the coming 12 months. Further conclusive results showing 2018 travel trends will be published in subsequent trend telegrams. Rolf Freitag, CEO of IPK International, will present the findings of the World Travel Monitor for 2018 at the ITB Future Day of the ITB Berlin Convention along with forecasts for 2019. The World Travel Monitor is based on the results of 500,000 representative interviews in over 60 travel markets around the world. It has been published for more than 20 years and is recognised as the most widescale continuous survey of global travel trends. 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 Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into an agreement with A&B Group for the Nam Nghi Phu Quoc Island to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand by early 2019. Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into an agreement with A&B Group for the Nam Nghi Phu Quoc Island to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand by early 2019. This will be the first hotel in Southeast Asia under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. Nestled within a secluded oasis featuring pristine beaches and the rich biodiversity of Phu Quoc, the 114-room hotel made for travelers looking to fulfill a sense of discovery will grow Hyatt's resort presence in Vietnam. "We are pleased to introduce The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand to Southeast Asia with Nam Nghi Phu Quoc Island, a destination resort where guests will be able to create one-of-a-kind memories and stories amid awe-inspiring, natural surroundings," said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "We are grateful to celebrate the continued relationship with A&B Group and excited to expand Hyatt's resort offerings in Vietnam together following our collaboration on the Hyatt Regency Nha Trang, which is expected to open in 2019." The resort will be located in Phu Quoc, the largest island in Vietnam circled by pristine white sand beaches spreading across 93 miles (150 kilometers) of coastline. Half the island is within the confines of national park and UNESCO World Heritage-designated, Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest biosphere reserves in Southeast Asia. The reserve features rich marine life, tropical jungles, wetlands and waterfalls. "The refreshed Nam Nghi Phu Quoc Island will provide local and international guests with exceptional experiences set amid a pristine ecosystem and private sanctuary," said Ha Van An, chairman, A&B Group. "We are delighted to work with Hyatt and are confident that its international hospitality expertise will enable us to elevate the guest experience at our resort." Nam Nghi Phu Quoc Island will feature 51 villas and 63 guestrooms, four dining outlets, meeting spaces, a swimming pool, kids club, and spa and fitness center. With an exceptional location and a picturesque view of the turquoise waters, the resort will be an ideal place for destination weddings and vacation getaways for couples and families. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource Pan Pacific Hotels Group signed its first PARKROYAL Serviced Suites in Bangkok, Thailand with Phachara Suites Co. Ltd today. PARKROYAL Suites Bangkok will be opening in Q2 2019 and will be the Group's first property in the market. Pan Pacific Hotels Group signed its first PARKROYAL Serviced Suites in Bangkok, Thailand with Phachara Suites Co. Ltd today. PARKROYAL Suites Bangkok will be opening in Q2 2019 and will be the Group's first property in the market. PARKROYAL Suites Bangkok will join Pan Pacific Hotels Group's portfolio of serviced suites in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ningbo and soon to open in Jakarta and Johor, strengthening the Group's footprint and offerings in this accommodation category. Pan Pacific Hotels Group was recently named Top 5 Serviced Residences in the region by the readers of DestinAsian, a leading consumer travel publication. The 194-unit PARKROYAL Suites Bangkok is located at Sukhumvit Soi 6, a prime location off Sukhumvit Road, the main artery of Bangkok running through its tourist, commercial and residential areas. The nearest station, Nana BTS skytrain station, is a 3 to 5-minute walk from the property, which is also within walking distance to some of the city's newest shopping malls, including Central Embassy and Terminal 21 (both 1 km away). Sharing the same Sukhumvit Line as Siam BTS the largest and busiest station on the BTS, Nana BTS station is a 6-minute train ride to the retail heart of Bangkok. This is where one can find the widest selection of fashionable shops and restaurants in upscale malls such as Siam Paragon, Central World, EmQuartier and Emporium all easily accessible by elevated walkways from Siam BTS. PARKROYAL Suites Bangkok will be a conversion from the current Phachara Suites and will undergo a thorough refurbishment to meet the brand standards and offerings that PARKROYAL guests are familiar with. When it reopens, the property will offer 194 thoughtfully-designed and spacious suites, featuring Executive Studios (50 square metres) and Two-Bedroom Executive units (130 square metres), which are popular with both solo and family travellers. With an all-day dining restaurant, meeting facilities, fitness facilities including a beautiful swimming pool, PARKROYAL Suites Bangkok is more than a serviced apartment or hotel. True to PARKROYAL's service philosophy, every guest will be received warmly as an individual, even in a city which receives more visitors than any other city in the world. Guests are welcome to stay longer, whether for business or leisure, and truly enjoy the convenience and comfort of a home as all apartments equipped with a kitchenette, washer and dryer. Thanin and Nuanswat Laohapiengsak, Principals, Phachara Suites Co Ltd, said, "We're delighted to own the first PARKROYAL-branded property in Bangkok. We love the energy of the brand, which resonates with this city of a thousand smiles. The PARKROYAL brand is about warm and passionate people who genuinely care for others, and to us, this is key to helping our guests feel a sense of belonging. The rebranding to PARKROYAL will breathe new life into the property, and we're excited to see PARKROYAL Suites Bangkok grow into one of the most people-centric places to stay in Bangkok." Mr Lothar Nessmann, Chief Executive Officer, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, said, "PARKROYAL is rapidly growing in Southeast Asia besides Singapore, we operate properties in capital cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Ho Chi Minh, along with planned openings in Jakarta. We are excited to see the popularity of our brand, which is all about our people and the real connections they forge with our guests. It's great to return to this city, where we once operated a hugely-successful Pan Pacific serviced suites product, and look forward to creating more joyful experiences for travellers to Bangkok." Scheduled for opening in 2019, the 205-unit Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Puteri Harbour will cater to the needs of short- and extended-stay professionals and expatriates working in the Iskandar region of Johor, Malaysia. The property is a 10-minute drive from Singapore via Tuas Second Link, with major attractions and developments, including the Ascendas Nusajaya Tech Park, Pinewood Studios, and Legoland in the vicinity. Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Jakarta, comprising 181 units, will open in 2020 in Indonesia 1, the tallest twin tower in the country. It is located along Jalan Thamrin, which runs through the city's central business district. By 2022, PARKROYAL Hotel Jakarta and PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta will open as part of a new mixed-use development in Thamrin Nine, a prestigious address in central Jakarta. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource While it is important to analyse the impact of historical strategies and data, looking ahead is equally important. ARMA founder Melissa Kalan explores what smart revenue managers should keep in mind when planning 2019. While it is important to analyse the impact of historical strategies and data, looking ahead is equally important. ARMA founder Melissa Kalan explores what smart revenue managers should keep in mind when planning 2019. 1.Whats your revenue optimisation plan? Business may slow down a little as staff go on holidays during the festive seasons, however, revenue optimisation continues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take time to ensure there is adequate coverage and outline key critical functions that must take place while your revenue strategy team may be on leave. 2.Channel costs and optimisation Lets make 2019 your year to really get on top of all your distribution channels costs, including loyalty programmes and direct booking channels. Understand your costs, economies of scale and improve knowledge on the type of customer each channel can and does attract. When, where and volume booked is absolutely critical information to ensure you are optimising the right mix of channels at the right time for your business. 3. Clean up your backyard There is a lot of focus on costs, which is important; however, there is also a lot of work to be done in our own backyard from a revenue-leakage perspective, resulting in easy money walking out your door. The 2019 challenge will be to tighten up high yield spill, low yield spill, dilution and inventory spoilage, all of which cost many businesses millions of dollars in lost revenue each year. Also important will be to ensure that everything about your direct channels are the most favourable experience and at the very least offer perceived value for the customer. 4. Operational efficiencies Legacy structures, legacy mind-sets and legacy software solutions must go! Review operational efficiencies and communication, test book your own property, have a colleague stay and critique the in-house customer experience, ensure every revenue generating asset in your property and the staff that manage these have a revenue management mindset and work together. 5. Leverage the customer journey Analyse the customer journey at all touch points and remember potential business will want to interact with you in different ways. Map out customer journeys and have offerings to entice them to book. Look at your property through fresh eyes, identify under-utilised assets and create a market that drives profit from them, this includes testing revenue management principles on food and beverage outlets and conferencing spaces (if you havent leveraged this already). 6. Educate Invest in your people and this will lead to improved profits. The business discipline of revenue management demands highly skilled business analysts with exceptional skills in revenue management and distribution knowledge but they should also be experienced in data analysis, digital marketing, consumer psychology, critical thinking and innovation. They must also possess exceptional communication skills to influence decisions by educating key stakeholders on their concepts and ideas. Appropriate education is key to develop and hone these skills as well as improving enablement and engagement. 7. Find your revenue rock star Your organisation has a diverse talent pool mix; employees from across the business should be encouraged to contribute revenue generating ideas. The 2019 challenge is to put a call out to your staff for these ideas and at the same time identify the next revenue generating rock star in your property. 8. Psychological strategies This really needs to move forward in leaps and bounds in 2019 for many properties. Increase your knowledge on pricing and consumer psychology and incorporate as many strategies as you can into your pricing structures, marketing campaigns, website copy and voice reservation scripts. It is time to shake things up with fresh eyes on all areas of your business including terms and conditions and policies. 9. Improve forecast accuracy and review scores Forecasting and pricing are two critical functions of revenue management and requires the ability to determine demand projections at various price points at various times in the market across various distribution channels. Demand is also critically impacted by online reputation data, which in turn impacts forecast projections and price positioning. Forecast accuracy is a key performance indicator for revenue managers and assists in controlling operational costs, effectively determines displacement and calculates the value proposition of business across all channels at any given point in time. 10. Add layers to your data story If you currently focus primarily on your own propertys internal KPIs and results to determine future strategy direction, then consider expanding your data sets to include market share benchmarking data and market share growth, competitive value assessment data and customer insight data by origin, booking source, total spend, lead time, length of stay, booking volume, booking placement and channel cost, you may find your initial strategy takes a whole new direction. To conclude An effective revenue management strategy requires time, and this has always been a huge challenge for organisations. Revenue management is not a set-and-forget process it is a constant work in progress. While technology has made the revenue management process more guided, there are still large sources of untapped revenue for most operators. The key to revenue management success in 2019 and beyond is to embrace the challenge, invest in talent, and give it the time and attention it requires. Melissa Kalan is the founder of Australian Revenue Management Association, a provider of accredited revenue management training (via Torrens University Australia) and online courses via the ARMA Yield Academy. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource Chief Keef might be keeping a low profile these days, but his baby mama drama, unfortunately, bleeds into his public life every once in a while. One of the mother's of his children, Erica Early, has demanded the judge send Sosa to prison for allegedly failing to pay child support to her. According to The Blast, Early filed court document in her paternity case against Chief Keef in November, demanding the judge put the rapper behind bars for allegedly failing to pay child support payments. She didn't reveal how much Keef owes her, but she claims that he hasn't been fulfilling his parental duties. The 43-year-old mother Keef's child sued him for paternity and child support after their daughter, Kimora Cozart, was born. The judge later ordered the Chicago rapper to pay $2,500 a month in child support. A warrant was issued for Chief Keef's arrest in 2014 after he failed to pay child support then. The bond was set at $10K, but he later paid off the amount owed. Early has demanded that the judge put Chief Keef in jail for failing to pay child support, again. A date for the hearing has been set to December 14th which is when the judge will decide on whether Chief Keef gets sent to prison or not. Keef has yet to respond to Early's claims. As reported, Lil Pump was being detained by Danish authorities in Copenhagen for holding an illegal substance which turned out to be marijuana. We've since learned that after spending a day in detainment, Lil Pump has been set free, on the condition he paid a fine costing somewhere between $700-800 American. The night of his arrest (which led to the cancelation of his show) Pump decided to privy his fans to the situation. As you can see (below) the ever-so-contrarian Pump even flipped local police the bird on his way to containment cell - nothing out of character you might say. Promoters in Copenhagen will have to cut their losses on the projected Lil Pump gig because his release is conditional: he is obliged him leave the country without a moment's hesitation. But that's but a minor setback to Pump in his Napoleonic conquest of Europe, as he will soon depart for Oslo where he plays this time tomorrow, where "weed" is no longer a criminal offense - but the farther you cut into the heartland... Pump will be in Miami for the holidays after completing the Euro leg, only to pop back in the new year with a tour of duty in Australia. Its impossible to talk about Tekashis success without mentioning the dark undercurrents of his real life. His career presents a ethical minefield, while also standing as an emblematic hip-hop story of 2018. The x-rated equivalent of Rainbow Brite, he was one of several controversial artists to help cement the mainstream viability of SoundCloud rap. His appeal and popularity largely came down to his social media extracurriculars, which consisted of sensationalistic, nonmusical content that was catalogued daily for his legion of more than 15 million Instagram followers. For Tekashi, image was everything; rapping was an afterthought. Though the also raps moniker is by no means a novel concept, Tekashi mastered it. He was the king of a visual world in which talent is no longer a requirement for entry. I didnt really want to be a rapper or whatever, he told Adam22 of the No Jumper podcast. I just thought of making music because everybody was like: You look mad cool. The movement would have been relatively harmless had it not been for Tekashis unquenchable thirst for viral clout. He had the presentation: rainbow-colored hair and grill to match; face tattoos; and the number 69, with its sexual connotation, emblazoned across his body more than 200 times. But he needed an avenue to sustain, and more importantly legitimize, his relevancy. This desire led him to a set of Brooklyn-based Bloods known as the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, who in turn latched onto the impressionable Daniel Hernandez and never let go. He struck a deal with Kifano Jordan, A.K.A. Shotti, to be his manager; how he linked with Shotti, who was busy avoiding an outstanding warrant in New Jersey for narcotics trafficking while Tekashi scratched and clawed his way to internet fame in 2016, remains unclear. A hit record changes everything, and for Tekashi, GUMMO was his breakout moment. Minimalistic and bloodthirsty, the single was an instant smash that offered very real signifiers of New York: Bed Stuy brownstones, trash bags full of weed, cop cars, red bandannas, and gang signs. The credibility that Tekashi so desperately needed was paying off, and the rap opera commenced in full force. His relationship with the gang was mutually beneficial: he was their cash cow and with the exception of a few rumbles here and there, they kept him safe. Within a year of forming the partnership, Tekashi and his crew began charging a fee of $100,000 per show, only for everything to come crashing down in a flood of federal charges. https://www.instagram.com/p/BnE3dvlgsPp The rapid rise and fall of Tekashi 6ix9ine is best exemplified by DUMMY BOY, his newest full-length musical offering that was delayed, leaked, and rushed to release. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the rather disturbingly accurate portrait used as the albums cover art tells the entire tale: a cartoon version of the grinning malcontent, with his trousers dropped down to his knees, stands in a puddle of his own multi-colored waste.The album was supposed to be Tekashis commercial and artistic breakthrough where he finally served up a big-budget arena rap spread. Instead, the death rattle of a project is a featherweight and amateurish attempt at such a spectacle, awash with laughably ill-conceived ideas. Disjointed, formulaic, and worst of all an outright snooze fest, its a failed pop crossover attempt on which Tekashi seems more interested in molding himself to the sounds of the moment than pushing forward the provocative, loud, dumb fun that got him famous in the first place. The opening track STOOPID is explosively catchy with a diabolical charm. Bobby Shmurda, whos currently serving a seven-year prison sentence, delivers a short but thrilling verse, recorded over the phone, that interpolates his 2014 hit Hot N***a. From there, things begin to take a turn for the worse. TIC TOC is a cheap attempt to try to replicate Lil Babys success on his acoustic-driven tracks, while the heavily-auto tuned FEEFA is characterized by the kind of played-out guitar lick meant to cue the listener into the fact that its a self-serious trap ballad. KIKA, which is smothered with Caribbean-flavored spice and quasi-steel drums, seems to have been recorded in recent weeks. Tekashi uses his tiresome, hyper-aggressive grunts and screamo flow to try to clear his name and distance himself from his past. The stale running joke throughout the album of Tekashi getting cut off before he is allowed to scream his signature battle cry, TREYWAY!, is meant as a humorous through line, but comes off as more of a pitiful facade than anything else. The rest of the album is par for the course, employing the old pray and spray tactic in the hopes that any number of expedient contemporary sounds will stick. The polished latin pop on BEBE and MALA, situated back-to-back and featuring blase performances from Anuel AA, is watery and virtually identical. KANGA cannibalizes lyrics from Aulos Reloaded, a song Tekashi put together with French artist Vladimir Cauchemar, and unwaveringly bites Kelis Milkshake and A$AP Rockys F**kin Problems (its worth noting that Tekashi sounds like hes doing a horrid impression of Fat Man Scoop). Kanye West and Nicki Minaj appear twice on the album, as if Tekashi is trying to show the world that he belongs in the same conversation as two mainstream higher-ups who, funny enough, deliver some of the most ridiculously underwhelming performances of the project. All in all, it seems as if theyre babysitting the red-in-the-face rapper in hopes of piggybacking off his hot streak. Kanye jokes about getting cancelled and pegged as being about as black as Macklemore, while Nicki shamelessly capitalizes on the now three-times platinum FEFE. Perhaps the most startling and telling aspect of DUMMY BOY is the way that it relies on its guests. The blueprint within is completely and utterly contradictory to Tekashis come-up off of solo hits like GUMMO and KOODA. He has always been a singles artist, with a penchant for crafting earworm songs. His singles up to this point were head-turning cultural moments that relied on his discernible sense of pacing and rhythm. His style was one of reckless abandon: he was wholly uninterested in the basic tenets of rhyme structure or complexity. And thats fine for some, but when paired with his limitless arrogance and single-minded goal to become a fixture on the Billboard charts, it becomes a severe hindrance. From a marketing standpoint, Tekashi's artistic choices on the album are genius, as is his ability to leverage publicity into support from industry mainstays. The occasionally tasty production from the likes of Murda Beatz, Scott Storch, and Boi-1da is one of the album's few saving graces. However, its the overall quality of the final product where he falls woefully short. Tekashi feels like a visitor on his own album: he gets outperformed by features who half-heartedly lend their names and stoop to his level in order to squeeze into the mediocrity of his rainbow-colored realm. Nowhere is this more apparent than on DUMMY, a remix of TrifeDrews Stuck in Dubai where Tekashi only pops up on the last 30 seconds of the song. To make matters worse, the vast majority of his brief appearances are rendered inauthentic by his clumsy lyrics and lack of vocal range. He would have been better off staying in his comfort zone, although it seems doubtful that even that would have saved this random collection of singles that feature the supposed headlining act. His sound has been so thoroughly boiled down to the most boring bits imaginable that it brings an entirely new meaning to the hackneyed notion of oversimplifying in order to reach a wider audience. Dark, nasty, callous, and at times humorous, DUMMY BOY is a hit and mostly miss, braindead black hole of an album that by in large should have been left on the cutting room floor. https://www.instagram.com/p/BnB5sCuAl1p Whether people are listening to DUMMY BOY out of morbid curiosity or because they find Tekashi compelling is unimportant. The fact still stands: the album is all over the streaming charts, like every other piece of music that Tekashi has released to date. It probably would have done even bigger numbers if he were around to promote it. Instead, Tekashi now faces 32 years to life in prison after getting snatched up by the FBI and plastered with racketeering and firearms charges among others for his proximity to gang-related activities. Prior to his demise, the imperiled rapper lived as if he was the one running the show. He spent the year outsmarting everyone, reveling in his reputation as a bully and publicly provoking his rivals, actions that were amplified by social media. But by the end of his run, he had broken cardinal rules that live at the deadly intersection of the industry and the streets. He agitated powerful people with his test my gangster attitude and lived up to his perception as a loose cannon and liability. Its true that numbers dont lie, but they do leave room for error in the margins, and overlooked miscalculations were Tekashis undoing. His move to clean up his public image and pursue safer money came when it was far too late. Realized or not, he became the victim of his own enterprise. Everyone gladly soaked up his stardom and dumped him the minute his fame was no longer advantageous. Not that its much worth pondering at this point given his impending trial in September 2019, but it begs the question: was the tireless search for fame worth it? In hindsight, perhaps this was the inevitable end to Tekashi 6ix9ines story all along, one that will presumably collect dust as a window into a extraordinarily bizarre period in hip-hop lore. On the other hand, maybe Mr. 10 for 10 on the Billboard truly was on the cusp of superstardom. With his career now indefinitely on hold, theres no way of knowing what might have been. Travis Scott collaborated with Jordan Brand on a handful of Air Jordan 4s this year, including exclusive olive and purple colorways, as well as the Houston Oilers-inspired pair that released back in June. La Flame will further his partnership with Jordan Brand in 2019, as he tries his hand on some other iconic silhouettes including an all-new olive Air Jordan 6. https://www.instagram.com/p/BrA6Zo2AxG5 As noted by sneaker source @PY_Rates, the rumored Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 comes in an "Olive, Black, Sail & University Red" colorway, similar to one of his aforementioned Air Jordan 4 collabs. Additionally, it is believed that the upcoming 6s will be available in sizes for the whole fam. On top of that, Travis has recently been spotted in an Air Jordan 1 collab that will reportedly launch next Spring as well. It remains to be seen if the olive and purple Air Jordan 4s will ever release, but 2019 is already shaping up to be a big year for "Cactus Jack" Air Jordans, with or without the AJ4s. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo-GBGBF2ma https://www.instagram.com/p/BpzkUfWl3T9 Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Lisbon on Tuesday with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) meets with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in Lisbon, Portugal on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua] They agreed to take the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next year as a new historical starting point, to promote the friendly cooperation to score more progress and open up a new chapter in the development of China-Portugal relations. Xi said the two countries enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges, adding that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 39 years ago, China and Portugal have always witnessed win-win cooperation with mutual understanding, respect and trust. The bilateral ties stood the test of changes in the international landscape and have been developing in a healthy and stable way. Noting an ancient Chinese saying "A partnership forged with the right approach defies geographical distance; it is thicker than glue and stronger than metal and stone," Xi said China and Portugal are such kind of good friends and partners who are getting along with each other. Xi said that the Chinese side appreciates Portugal's adherence to the one-China policy, and will continue to work with Portugal to share mutual understanding and support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns. Xi called on the two sides to advance high-level exchanges, strengthen exchanges between the two governments, legislative bodies, political parties, local areas and non-governmental bodies, and deepen political mutual trust, in efforts to cement political foundation for friendship. The two sides should take the opportunity of signing a memorandum of understanding on the cooperation over the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to comprehensively forge ahead cooperation within the framework of the BRI and facilitate connectivity, said Xi. The Chinese president also expected the two countries to expand pragmatic cooperation, enlarge and strengthen existing projects, enhance bilateral trade and create more cooperation aspects for further growth. The two sides should strengthen cultural exchanges, accelerate the preparation for the Chinese cultural center in Lisbon, and deepen exchanges in education, broadcasting, film and television, he said. The two sides should strengthen multilateral coordination, cement communication and collaboration on major international and regional issues, and jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, said Xi. Noting that China and the European Union (EU) are comprehensive strategic partners, Xi said that China firmly supports the integration process in Europe and hoped that Portugal continues to play an active role within the EU to ensure the development of China-EU ties to be on a correct direction. Rebelo de Sousa expressed a warm welcome to his Chinese counterpart, saying the fact that Portugal and China share mutual understanding and a long history of exchanges offers a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations. As next year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, Portugal is looking forward to deepening exchanges and cooperation with China in such areas as economy, trade, finance, and culture, said Rebelo de Sousa, adding that more China's investments are welcome in Portugal. The Portuguese president said that Portugal supports the BRI and is willing to become the hub in Europe of the overland and the maritime silk roads. Portugal and China have similar positions on many international issues, as both countries support multilateralism while opposing unilateralism, and support free trade while opposing protectionism, said Rebelo de Sousa, expecting the two countries to push forward coordination in multilateral organizations. Portugal supports closer Europe-China ties, and will make efforts to press ahead cooperation between Portuguese-speaking countries and China, said the Portuguese president. The two leaders met with the press after the talks. Before the talks, Rebelo de Sousa hosted a grand ceremony for President Xi. Xi also laid a wreath at the tomb of famous Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes inside the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon. On Tuesday evening, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan, together with the Portuguese president, also visited a cultural relics exhibition of "The Forbidden City and the Maritime Silk Road," which was temporarily showcased in a Portuguese museum. Vic Mensa switched up his style for his last release, "Dark Things." The single mixed emo, goth, pop, and hip-hop, and the creepy music video that accompanied it only pushed the sinister vibe further. Fans of the Chicago rapper were divided upon its release. Rap fans grow to feel like they own the artists they love, and when those artists try to experiment or grow, some fans feel like they've been betrayed. With all the internet rumblings of Mensa crossing over, there was no better time for him to stop by Sway In The Morning to remind the world he still has bars for days. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Sway throws on the "Grammy Family" instrumental by Kanye West, which immediately brings back fond memories. The beat exists somewhere between emotions of triumph and melancholy, and Mensa redirects that same energy into his bars. "And I know these niggas fake/they 'gon hate anyway/fuck 'em 'til they menstruate/ spit like Lil Wayne mixed with a bit of Jay/ but I'm no protege," raps Mensa with ferocity. "I'm the goat today/ rapping like a Cobra snake," he continues before Sway interrupts to hype him up. Most of the time rappers "freestyle" on the radio, they're dropping writtens. Here, it appears that Vic grabs some bars he has in his head but then switches to flowing off the top as he starts to feel himself more. The Public Utility Commission could raise electricity bills by $4 billion in the coming weeks if members acquiesce to demands from generators who insist power in Texas is too cheap. Electric companies, led by Exelon and Calpine, want the three commissioners appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to change how the Electric Reliability Council of Texas determines prices on the wholesale market. Generators say that if the commissioners do not shift the so-called Operating Demand Response Curve to guarantee higher revenues, they will not build new power plants. This is the second time they have asked for a change that would put $4 billion more a year in their pockets. After seven years of very depressed energy prices, prices have to go up. They do! Bill Berg, vice president wholesale market development for Exelon, told the commissioners in October. And they have to go up in a material way to support the investment that I think we need. On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas electric grid did just fine without coal-fired power plants Lobbyists for power customers, though, asked the commissioners to reject the demand and allow the competitive market to work. When electricity demand threatened to overwhelm supply during peak hours last summer, ERCOTs prices rose and encouraged more generation. Consumers also reduced demand. ERCOT, which manages the grid for 90 percent of Texans, did not suffer any blackouts from insufficient generation. We are not afraid of high prices when we think they are justified, Katie Coleman, representing Texas Industrial Energy Consumers, told commissioners. We think the market performed well this summer. We think you can expect that level of performance to continue because that is what our market is designed to do. The ongoing debate over price between generators and consumers is as old as the electricity business. The commissions fundamental duty is to balance consumers desire for low prices with their expectation of 100 percent reliability. Little is more difficult, though, than predicting the future and designing efficient markets that will encourage independent companies to invest. In a regulated system, the state decides when a community needs a new power plant, determines how much it should cost to build and operate, calculates an acceptable profit and authorizes a utility to construct it. Companies dont make huge profits, but they are guaranteed. In Texas, the PUC oversees a competitive market and cannot order a generator to build a plant. But commissioners can tell ERCOT to tweak its highly complicated system of price curves, adders and administrative measures that determine how much customers pay depending on supply and demand. ERCOT is the only electricity market that pays generators only when they produce electricity for the grid. ERCOT does not pay companies to maintain excess capacity, and as a result, Texas has some of the lowest wholesale prices in the country. Generators, though, dont make as much money as they would like. Texas generators own a lot of uneconomical power plants from the regulated days that they would rather not shut down. Which leads us to Octobers hearing on the Operating Reserve Demand Curve. Exelon, Calpine and First Solar representatives told the commissioners they need to move fast because current prices are not high enough to encourage companies to build more plants. But many question that assertion. The independent company hired by the PUC to make sure no one cheats the market does not see a problem. On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston company helps H-E-B keep the lights on Among those opposing PUC intervention is the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation, an advocate for free markets. The low electricity prices that Texas is still experiencing are the best evidence that Texas has an adequate supply of electricity, the foundation said. Texas can ensure sufficient generation of electricity for years to come and improve reliability by letting competitors compete and reducing intervention in the market. There is no requirement for PUC members to make a decision when they discuss electricity prices at this Fridays meeting or when they meet again on Dec. 20. But the rules around price curves are so loose, the commission could tell ERCOT to raise prices with little warning. The Legislature should not have granted three political appointees the power to impose $4 billion in additional costs on Texans without publishing a formal proposal and public hearings. Even a small price hike can have a dramatic effect on a business or the poor. Texas needs a more transparent system for raising prices. Consumers who want their voices heard should contact the commission at customer@puc.texas.gov, as well as their state lawmakers. Do not let a handful of lobbyists and bureaucrats in Austin make these decisions without your input. Chris Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and policy. chris.tomlinson@chron.com twitter.com/cltomlinson Natural gas prices have climbed by more than 50 percent over the past two months, meaning higher heating and electricity costs as winter arrives while helping some energy companies in Houston offset profits lost during the recent plunge in crude oil prices. Natural gas prices have hit their highest sustained levels in four years as stockpiles have dwindled and demand has grown. Whatever savings consumers are realizing from lower gasoline prices to fill their vehicles at the pump are likely to be offset somewhat by higher utility bills; analysts estimate that household utility bills could rise 5-to-10 percent this winter, and possibly higher if an extended cold snap takes hold. Its going to hurt no doubt about it, said Mike Bradley, managing director at the energy investment firm Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. Were clearly coming into winter very, very low on inventories. Natural gas price have slumped in recent years with the flood of supplies coming from U.S. shale plays, falling below $2.60 per million Btus earlier this year. Since the end of the summer, however, prices have climbed rapidly, peaking at $4.70 per million Btus during the Thanksgiving holiday. Natural gas settled Tuesday at $4.46 in commodity markets. Its the first sustained stretch above $4 since November 2014. Despite record production, demand for natural gas has grown more quickly on several fronts. The power industry is consuming more natural gas than ever as it shifts from dirtier fuels, particularly coal. The petrochemical industry is also consuming more natural gas and natural gas liquids, which are feedstocks for plastics and other products. In addition, record volumes of natural gas are getting piped to Mexico while a burgeoning liquefied natural gas export industry along the Gulf Coast is shipping more gas out of the country to foreign markets. The result: U.S. natural gas inventories are almost 20 percent below their five-year average, the U.S. Energy Department said Thursday. CenterPoint Energy, the Houston areas regulated natural gas utility, said consumers wouldnt see an increase in its natural gas charges until February, when the companys next cost adjustment. The cost shift is based a regulatory schedule that allows utilities to periodically update the cost of gas to reflect how much CenterPoint is paying to purchase the resource. Until then, CenterPoint will transport gas that largely was purchased and stored during the summer when prices were lower, said CenterPoint spokeswoman Alicia Dixon. The climb in natural gas prices, however, could help many of Houstons energy companies, whose profits are getting hit by a 30-percent drop in crude oil, which has plunged into the low $50s from more than $75 a barrel in early October. Many companies operating in the Permian Basin in West Texas are producing surplus natural gas alongside crude. Some such as Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell and BP are targeting more natural gas as they diversify into cleaner energy, even though their focal point in the Permian remains crude oil. Despite the recent jump, natural gas remains far below the prices of a decade ago, when the shale drilling revolution was just getting underway and natural gas at times traded at more than $10 per million Btus, more than double todays elevated prices. Analysts expect that the higher prices are temporary, likely to return to $3 per million Btus by spring. Demand is expected to continue to rise as cleaner, cheaper natural gas becomes the fuel of choice for power generation, replacing coal. For the first time ever for a full calendar year, natural gas accounts for more than a third of the nations energy generation, according to the Energy Department. Still, output is expected to outpace demand in months and years ahead as companies continue to produce natural gas in record volumes. As new pipelines from West Texas come online even more natural gas will surge onto the market in 2019 and 2020, quickly filling storage tanks, analysts said. Were going to go from under-stored to oversupplied probably by the summer, Bradley said. jordan.blum@chron.com twitter.com/jdblum23 Four days before Hurricane Harvey flooded Karen Heredias home near I-10 and Barker Cypress Road, she had the day off. If she had known her house would flood, she could have evacuated her pets, elevated her possessions and parked her cars out of harms way. Instead, she went to the grocery store to pick up hurricane supplies, feeling well-prepared until it was too late. She had to be rescued by the Cajun Navy, along with her husband, two neighbors, three dogs, a cat and a chameleon. It was crazy and scary, she said. And all that would have been avoided had we had warning. An artificial intelligence startup now says it can provide that warning. The company, One Concern, has announced that it can predict whether your block will flood and if so, by how much five days in advance of an incoming storm. Founded by Stanford University graduates, the startup has launched a flood forecasting product called Flood Concern meant to give leaders hyperlocal predictions of where flooding will occur, allowing them to swiftly prepare and respond. High on its roster of potential clients is the Houston area, which lost over a hundred lives and suffered billions in damage last year during Hurricane Harvey. The startup has begun approaching city officials and leaders in Houstons private sector about bringing the technology to the region. Theyre interested in multiple use cases, all the way from planning to responding, One Concern CEO Ahmed Wani said of the discussions. Texas A&M University has already partnered with One Concern in anticipation of the potential benefits for the region. The use of artificial intelligence is potentially a game changer, said Tony Knap, associate director of A&Ms Superfund Research Center. Its a different way of looking at things. Artificial intelligence allows computers to look for patterns from past events to predict what will happen in the future. Predictions become more accurate as the system collects more data the Superfund Research Center is contributing data about hazardous chemicals so that a flood analysis can also understand potential health concerns. The aim is to get the prediction correct, Knap said. And artificial intelligence is something that we dont use and they do. So if that can inform the model its good for Houston. Others hedged their responses, depending on how well the software actually works. I think these things will work out really well if they could prove that any of these tools would truly be something that would help us manage an event, said Rick Flanagan, who oversees Houstons disaster planning, response and recovery as the citys emergency coordinator. But when were working with Mother Nature, its a truly strange phenomenon. Wani understands the importance of good information during a disaster. When he was a graduate student at Stanford University in 2014, he visited home in Kashmir when a devastating flood struck the region. He remembers spending a week stranded with his family inside their home. On the fifth day, the homes started collapsing, and we saw dead bodies floating in the water, Wani said. He realized that personnel in helicopters overhead had no idea where the need was most pressing. Why do we get overwhelmed when theres a disaster? Why do systems break? he asked, before answering himself: Theyre using sparse data to make those assessments, and thats why theyre flawed. On his return to Stanford, he began using artificial intelligence to predict where aid would be needed. One Concern models a citys landscape, from the buildings to the water tables, then trawls public and private records to build a more complete picture. City permits give clues about when a building was last updated, and satellite and drone imagery allow the software to learn what conditions led to flooding in the past. The National Weather Service provides information including how waterlogged the ground may already be, and the United States Geological Survey provides information about how high and fast rivers are flowing. The software combines that information with data from social media, area demographics, key infrastructural assets and other sources, then uses machine learning to look for patterns. Past flooding patterns are used to predict future flooding. One Concern used flooding from Hurricane Harvey to validate whether the model worked. The price to license the product is based on the number of people living in the territory it is used for, meaning that it would likely cost millions of dollars for Houston to use the service. Wani said One Concern hoped to find both public and private partners in order to distribute the costs. Were called One Concern because our one concern is saving lives, he said. We dont want pricing to be the barrier. Los Angeles, San Francisco and Cupertino already use One Concerns services for earthquake prediction at a similar rate, according to the company. One Concern isnt the only company using artificial intelligence to predict disaster. Google recently rolled out a flood prediction pilot in India, with the more modest goal of predicting flooding one day in advance (that information is then shared through cell phone notifications and Google Search). A detailed flood analysis would not only allow city leaders to make more informed decisions during a disaster. It would also help a city recover from one storm and prepare for the next. The Houston Housing and Community Development Department recently completed a study of which homes flooded in order to determine where recovery funds will be best spent. Artificial intelligence could do the same, and it has the ability to absorb new data as the built landscape of Houston changes. Thankfully, a disaster on the scale of what Wani experienced in Kashmir has yet to hit Los Angeles, San Francisco or Cupertino while theyve employed One Concern. But that also means that the companys usefulness has yet to be proven in real time. Eric Berger, a meteorologist whose forecasts on the Space City Weather website drew 1 million page views a day during Hurricane Harvey, said he could imagine artificial intelligence providing realistic worst-case scenarios for incoming storm systems. But he is skeptical of One Concerns claim that it can predict flooding on a block-by-block basis. To illustrate his point, he described a storm he was tracking that Tuesday afternoon that would hit Southeast Texas Friday night. Most of the region would likely see 2 to 4 inches of rain, but certain pockets could receive up to 8 and those pockets would have a chance of flooding. But where would they be? Three days before this heavy rainfall event, we can say this area is ripe for rain, Berger said. We could say that Harris County is at a greater risk than Galveston County. But to specify it even on a city-by-city basis is not possible. Theres not the underlying meteorological data to support it. rebecca.schuetz@chron.com twitter.com/raschuetz WASHINGTON A bipartisan group of senior senators said Tuesday that a classified briefing by the CIA director had only solidified their belief that Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, ordered the killing of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi. Crown Prince Mohammed is a wrecking ball, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told reporters after an hourlong briefing by the CIA director, Gina Haspel. I think hes complicit in the murder of Mr. Khashoggi to the highest level possible. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., the Appropriations Committee chairman, echoed that all evidence points to that, that all this leads back to the crown prince. This is conduct that none of us in America would approve of in any way, Shelby said. The clear and unusually biting assessment put Republican senators at odds with the White House, which has steadfastly refused to cast blame on Saudi Arabias leadership for the grisly death of Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and Washington Post columnist. His killing prompted international outrage over the kingdoms heavy-handed tactics and renewed attention to the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Senators were eager to hear directly from Haspel about what officials have described as the CIAs conclusion that Crown Prince Mohammed had ordered Khashoggis killing. The intelligence agency is also believed to have evidence that the crown prince communicated repeatedly with an aide who commanded the team that assassinated Khashoggi, around the time of the journalists death Oct. 2. Yet lawmakers remained divided over what steps to take next, after a stinging vote last week to consider a measure cutting off U.S. military aid to Saudi Arabias bombing campaign. Other punishments being considered included sanctions against Crown Prince Mohammed and others involved in Khashoggis killing even as it remained unclear how that would work against the de facto Saudi leader and whether it would upend the broader relationship between the United States and the kingdom. Somebody should be punished, but the question is: How do you separate the Saudi crown prince from the nation itself?' Shelby said. Tuesdays briefing offered a stark contrast to one given a week ago to the entire Senate by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. Senators emerged from that session largely unpersuaded, and irritated, by the Trump administrations case for the Saudi-led war in Yemen; they had griped that Haspel was not there to provide a fuller understanding of Khashoggis death. Although there also was grumbling Tuesday that more senators had not been allowed to attend the closed-door session with Haspel, those who did praised the CIA for its forthrightness. Graham had initially threatened to withhold support for legislative priorities until he was briefed by Haspel. He said Tuesday that it was clear Pompeo and Mattis were being good soldiers for the White House when they briefed senators last week. But he also called their assessments misleading and alluded to Mattis insistence that U.S. officials had seen no smoking gun to indicate Crown Prince Mohammed was to blame in Khashoggis killing. There is not a smoking gun. Theres a smoking saw, Graham said. You have to be willfully blind not to see it, he said. He was referring to a bone saw that Turkish officials have said was used to dismember Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. President Donald Trump has maintained his support for Saudi Arabia and, specifically, Crown Prince Mohammed. In an extraordinary statement last month that appeared calculated to end debate on the killing, Trump said it was possible that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event maybe he did and maybe he didnt! We may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi, Trump added in the Nov. 20 statement. In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. White House officials said Tuesday that they planned to dispatch Pompeo and Mattis but most likely not Haspel to brief all House members next week. It was not clear if the two men would merely repeat their request for continuing the war effort in Yemen or if they would discuss Khashoggi. Senators did not say exactly what Haspel said during the classified session that convinced them of Crown Prince Mohammeds guilt. The briefing was offered only to the top Republicans and Democrats on the Armed Services, Foreign Relations, Appropriations and Intelligence committees, as well as to other Senate leaders. But after the discussion, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said there was no question in my mind that the crown prince had ordered the killing. The royal family looks to what the president says, and so do people in the region, he said. Referring to Crown Prince Mohammed by his initials, Corker added, It would appear to them, based on whats been said, that someone like MBS can murder people and have immunity. Thats the reason its important to address this differently than the way its been addressed. Democrats also said they were unconvinced by the White Houses defense of the crown prince. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, said the briefing reinforced the need for a strong response to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, said it had only hardened his position that Saudi Arabia must face a real set of consequences both for Khashoggis death and the bloodshed in Yemen. Since 2015, when neighboring Saudi Arabia launched a bombing campaign against a Houthi uprising in Yemen, an estimated 85,000 children are believed to have died of hunger. Fourteen million people half of Yemens population could soon be threatened with starvation if the war continues. Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of launching rockets at its cities, including at Riyadh, the capital. The Pentagon has said that U.S. military assistance to the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen is limited to aircraft refueling, logistics and general intelligence sharing. In a rebuke last week that largely amounted to a symbolic step, the Senate voted 63-37 to begin debating a measure to limit presidential war powers in Yemen. (The resolution would not, however, end U.S. operations in Yemen against al-Qaida, which is targeted in a separate bombing campaign.) The measure could be put to a final vote this week. But even if it wins Senate approval, there is little chance that House lawmakers will consider it this year. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said he was aware of no new information to emerge Tuesday that would to dissuade him from demanding an end to U.S. military support to the Saudi assault in Yemen. The idea that many Republicans have that the administration was going to pull a rabbit out of the hat does not seem to be happening, Murphy said. So, I am not sure that there are a lot of votes moving. Menendez and Graham have called for even broader penalties against Saudi Arabia, including suspending weapons sales and cementing a ban on U.S. refueling of Saudi coalition aircraft in Yemen. Additionally, their plan would impose economic sanctions against people who are found responsible for Khashoggis death, have blocked humanitarian relief in Yemen or have supported the Houthi rebels. But privately, some Republicans on Capitol Hill who believe that Crown Prince Mohammed ordered the killing have said that they support the administrations decision not to impose significant consequences on Saudi Arabia, a key Middle East ally. They argue that the kingdoms support is needed to confront threats from Iran. This article originally appeared in The New York Times State Reps. Carol Alvarado and Ana Hernandez swatted at each others legislative records Tuesday evening during the only debate in the special election to fill the Texas Senate seat vacated by Sylvia Garcia. Hernandez suggested Alvarado compromised her values to win chairmanships and Alvarado pushed back that she was proud to gain leadership appointments under a moderate Republican speaker. Otherwise, Hernandez, Alvarado and Mia Mundy, a Democrat also seeking the seat, laid out staunchly progressive platforms, calling for the state to kick in more funds for public education and registering agreement on each immigration issue raised, including unanimous opposition to a border wall and Texas anti-sanctuary cities law. Martha Fierro, a precinct chair for the Harris County Republican Party who is also running, declined to attend the debate, which was hosted by KTRK-TV ABC 13 and Univison 45 at the University of Houston-Downtown. The back-and-forth dialogue kicked off about 40 minutes into the event, when Hernandez was asked about the Houston Chronicle Editorial Boards statement that she hasnt gained the sort of leadership positions that Alvarado boasts. Hernandez, first elected to the House in 2005, noted that she has served in the lower chamber under Republican leadership. With the GOP in control, she said she has not received chairmanships like Alvarado has because doing so compromises the values that youve been elected to represent. To have to compromise and negotiate to be in a leadership position, I will not do that, she said. I will represent the best interests of my constituents. Alvarado, given time to respond, said she and Hernandez have pretty much the same voting records, but indicated she believes its possible to be progressive while working with Republicans. When you have to get 76 votes to pass something, you have to work across the aisle, said Alvarado, who chairs the Urban Affairs Committee and was first elected to the House in 2008. And Im proud of the trust and the confidence that a moderate Republican like (Speaker) Joe Straus placed in me not to chair one committee, but two committees. She went on to invoke the chairmanships of Democratic state Reps. Senfronia Thompson and Garnet Coleman. So I would say by mentioning the words compromise your values, Ive never done that, she said. I dont forget where I come from. I live in my community, I actually live in this district. Hernandez, who said after the debate that she does in fact live in Senate District 6, shot back, saying, This moderate Republican speaker that has appointed her (as) chair, its the same one that pushed SB 4 a reference to the law that requires local law enforcement to abide by federal officials requests to detain people believed to have entered the country illegally. You tell me if thats moderate, Hernandez said, adding, and Im glad that you mentioned Senfronia Thompson and Garnet Coleman, because I am proud to have their endorsement for my candidacy for Senate District 6. In her closing statement, Alvarado appeared to make a veiled reference to the dialogue. I also realize that promises dont equate to much if you dont have the results to back them up, she said. Mundy, a first-time candidate and consultant at a Houston recruiting firm, urged the audience not to let her lack of experience fool them. She said her campaign was about putting people first, and promised to work with Republicans while staying true to Democratic principles, saying she is the type of person who surrounds myself with different thinkers. Pitching her candidacy, Alvarado, who previously served on Houston City Council, drew on her work supporting air quality monitoring requirements and advocating for areas related to womens reproductive health. She once drew attention for holding a sonogram on the House floor during a debate over legislation that would require doctors to conduct the procedure on women before performing abortions. She played up her her roots in the district, too, mentioning her education at Houston ISD. Hernandez, who was born in Mexico and brought to the United States by her parents, on Tuesday emphasized her backstory, as she has done on the campaign trail. Immigration received a heavy focus in Tuesdays debate, providing Hernandez with ample opportunities to speak about her experience as an undocumented immigrant. There are many families that come here just like mine, looking for a better opportunity for their children, she said. I think that we need to fight these policies, as I have in the Texas Legislature, not just defying SB 4 on the House floor, but continuing that fight in the court, Hernandez said. Senate District 6, which voted strongly for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and has previously elected Democrats by wide margins, covers parts of Houstons East End, South Houston, Pasadena and Baytown. Its population is about three-quarters Hispanic, according to Census data. On Monday, Alvarado and Hernandez reported having $172,000 and $147,000 in campaign funds, respectively, heading into the home stretch, with Alvarado vastly outspending Hernandez and the rest of the field. Mundy had not raised or spent any money, her report indicated, while Fierro had about $4,000 cash on hand. Early voting began Nov. 26 and continues through Friday, ahead of a Dec. 11 Election Day. More than 7,700 people have already cast ballots, with about two-thirds of the vote coming by mail. The election will go to a runoff between the top two candidates if nobody receives more than 50 percent of the vote. jasper.scherer@chron.com twitter.com/jaspscherer Funeral services for President George H.W. Bush will complicate travel in Houston starting Wednesday morning, as a wide security perimeter will require numerous street closings. Houston police, under guidance from the Secret Service, will close the following streets from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 1 p.m. Thursday: Riverway between Sage and South Post Oak Sage between Tangle and Woodway Woodway between Chimney Rock and North Post Oak Traffic on Woodway between Chimney Rock and Loop 610 also will be severely limited, officials said. Traffic and transit in the area will be affected, officials said. Drivers and riders should plan for extra travel time. Bush will lie in repose at St. Martins Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday. Anyone is welcome. Mourners, however, have a host of restrictions. No photography, large bags or weapons will be allowed. Everyone must be bused to the church and may not drive or walk to St. Martins. You have to go to Second Baptist, stressed Houston Assistant Police Chief Matt Slinkard. People must check in at Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway, where they will be screened and then can board a Metropolitan Transit Authority bus for St. Martins. Buses will beigng loading at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday and leave Second Baptist starting at 5:15 p.m. The last bus will depart 5:30 a.m. Thursday. The funeral on Thursday is invitation only. There's a critical need to invest in a research & development (R&D) industry that could create a pipeline of jobs for science graduates in Africa. Professor Kelly Chibale. Photo: Je'nine May Many science graduates in Africa are unemployed and the situation is getting worse. For some time now, this has fuelled the brain drain to Europe, the UK or North America, says Professor Kelly Chibale, founder and director of the Drug Discovery and Development Centre, H3D, at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Chibale has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for 2018 by the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) and honoured by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) with the 2018 Commemorative Fund Lecture. The SACI award is made to a person whose scientific contribution in the field of chemistry or chemical technology is adjudged to be of outstanding merit, while the ASTMH Commemorative Fund Lecture is by invitation only to a highly accomplished researcher from the tropics. African model that works Continuing to emphasise postgraduate and postdoctoral training without coupling it to the creation of career opportunities will merely serve to worsen unemployment and make science even more unattractive as a career option. It will further worsen the brain drain.This would ultimately undermine sustainable scientific independence for Africa.Chibale has called for more investment from African governments, the private sector, donors and other partners.Theres a big opportunity for interaction between the R&D value chain and the manufacturing value chain. Jobs can be created through R&D at different stages of the value chain, Chibale says.For example, in the preclinical discovery phase of the value chain, there are opportunities for companies to be set up locally to offer supply of chemical intermediates, analytical services, contract research and manufacturing services. When a preclinical drug development candidate is identified, there are additional opportunities for companies to be set up to scale up on the large-scale manufacture of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for human clinical trials.He says H3D had proved that science creates jobs, but that it needs sustained commitment and investment for this to be replicated across the continent.The centre is Africas first drug discovery and development centre, has grown from a staff of five in 2011 to over 60. It works mainly in the fields of tuberculosis and malaria and already has a potential drug for malaria in human trials. The drug has the potential to kill the malaria parasite at multiple stages.H3D is involved in two initiatives to help boost drug discovery and development research and innovation in Africa. One of them is a local pilot project with Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in the Eastern Cape, aimed at boosting the sustainable training of African scientists within the context of the H3D Transformation Grow Our Own Timber (GOOT) programme targeting Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs).The aim of this drug discovery training programme is to build drug discovery capacity at HDIs. The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has provided the initial funding for the WSU project and is a partner with H3D in this programme.H3D is also involved, as the focal point, in the Grand Challenges Africa drug discovery programme to support new drug discovery projects in Africa. H3D, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) are working together to support new projects by offering grants as well as extensive support to projects involved in drug discovery and development, particularly in malaria and tuberculosis.In H3D, we have an African-led model that works. It is a tremendous opportunity now to expand this footprint and replicate this model across Africa. Fund entrepreneur research centres like H3D to create more jobs and fund them not just to survive, but to succeed. We need a critical mass of people to sustain this industry into the future, said Chibale.We have the ability to build an African, innovative R&D pharmaceutical industry that not only delivers clinical candidates, but also high level jobs to science graduates, future project leaders and a critical mass of skilled scientists. Locomotive 4141 can pull 1 million pounds across most of America with ease, but its biggest job will be a 70-mile trip Thursday from Spring to College Station to take President George H.W. Bush to his last stop. Bush, who died Friday, will be interred on the grounds of his presidential library in College Station on Thursday following services in Washington and Houston. It is the historic trip he will take to his final resting place that is generating a lot public attention as a last-chance opportunity to honor Bush in a very Bush way. A train is special, and special to this president, said David Jones, CEO of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation. The train, moving about 30 mph, will pass through Pinehurst, Magnolia and Navasota, with each expecting to draw large crowds. The procession will be capped by a special locomotive. The 4141 engine is unlike any other in the Union Pacific fleet because it is decked out in shades of blue rather than the companys famous armor yellow color scheme. The 4141 mimics the colors of Bushs Air Force One, with a dark blue nose over a baby blue belly, capped across most of the midsection by white. Just below the operators is the seal of Bushs presidential library. Safety First Crowds are expected to gather in many places along the funeral train route, with officials sounding the alarm for safety. Heres some tips to keep in mind when near the tracks for the procession, or anytime. Only cross railroad tracks at designated crossings. Designated crossings are marked by a sign, lights or a gate. Look both ways before crossing railroad tracks. Remember, trains can come from either direction at any time. Keep a safe distance between you and the tracks when a train approaches. Trains are three feet wider than the rails. Avoid distractions, including loud music, texting or talking on cellphones. Look up and listen for train horns. Source: Union Pacific Railroad The engines call numbers are a nod to Bush, the nations 41st president. At its debut for a 2005 event at the presidential library, Bush climbed into the cab with UP officials to learn the inner workings of the behemoth that would bear his name. His endless curiosity, something observers said informed him as chief executive, soon took over. Can I take this for drive? retired UP car and locomotive engineering director Mike Iden recalled Bush saying. Can I run it? His name, after all, was on the side. So, train operators allowed him to take the reins for a couple miles after a light training session. Of course, our engineer was directly behind him, Iden said. Bush had a lifelong connection to railroads in some form, making a funeral train a fitting part of his procession. He was not a train fanatic, collecting trinkets and studying timetables, but trains and the train industry was woven into Bushs American experience. His father was business partners with Union Pacific executives. A northerner by birth, Bush no doubt crisscrossed New England by passenger train as a youth. He got on a train when he went into military service. Then he settled in Houston, a city that for decades marked itself as a transportation hub where 17 railroads meet the sea. A train figures prominently in the citys seal. When he hit the campaign trail in the Southeast and Midwest in his unsuccessful 1992 re-election bid, Bush who by this time had plenty of frequent flier miles aboard Air Force One chose to strike out by train, in a repainted CSX engine with the presidential seal and Spirit of America splashed across the side. This train trip is fantastic, Bush was quoted at the time. You get outside of that Beltway, you take your case to genuine Americans. Along his journey from son of a senator to president, Bush also befriended industry officials like his father. So, it was no surprise to some when, as officials debated how to shuttle dignitaries from Houston to College Station for the Bush Library groundbreaking in 1994, the president told someone to call his friend, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Drew Lewis, then-chairman of UP, and ask for a train. Within two minutes, Drew Lewis was on the phone, said Jones, who oversees the Bush legacy via the library. Within an hour, they had train cars lined up. A heavy task A heavy task By Monday, Bushs final train idled at Union Pacifics Westfield yard, which typically handles the shuffling of new automobiles to and from trains. Security was tighter than usual as officials made final preparations. Engine 4141 sat at the head of the line, ready to go. Every now and then, regulation of the trains air pressure for braking and mechanics of the 4,300 horsepower engine fired a hiss into the air, followed by a deep rumble. The train, which operated cargo routes throughout UPs 23-state region, has been in storage since 2012, awaiting its special trip. Along with another engine, the Bush locomotive will pull 11 railcars, mostly dining or lounge cars where family and friends will ride to College Station. Two of the cars, the City of Portland and City of San Francisco, feature domes, giving riders a 360-degree view of the scene from the rails. Black drapes will adorn the American flag baggage car that will carry Bushs remains. Officials said the loading doors will be opened for the trip, which is expected to take about two and a half hours. It allows people to be a part of it much easier and be a part of the actual procession, said Genevieve Keeney, president of the National Museum of Funeral History, located in Houston. It is a way, I believe, to allow his legacy and the people who supported him and loved him as a president and as a person to be a part of it on a bigger scale. Bush will be the first president since Dwight D. Eisenhower to have a funeral train. The practice was far more common in an era when presidents traveled by train and ship. Prior to 1944, presidents traveled only by train. Air Force One did not become a common term until Eisenhowers presidency. Trains were their Air Force One, Keeney said. The term POTUS shorthand for President of the United States comes from the call sign for President Benjamin Harrisons train in 1891. The most famous use of a funeral train is President Abraham Lincoln. A modified railcar meant for his travels never carried Lincoln alive, finished shortly before his assassination. The railcar instead carried Lincolns body back to Illinois, with the route lined for miles by mourners. A Houston Police officer takes a photo of the Union Pacific 4141 George Bush 41 Locomotive as it is prepared for service on Dec. 3. UP 4141 will pull Union Pacific's passenger rail cars and the bagage car The Council Bluffs, which will carry former President George H.W. Bush's remains to College Station for burial. less A Houston Police officer takes a photo of the Union Pacific 4141 George Bush 41 Locomotive as it is prepared for service on Dec. 3. UP 4141 will pull Union Pacific's passenger rail cars and the bagage car The ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Last ride a fitting end for Bush funeral procession 1 / 14 Back to Gallery Historic procession When Franklin Roosevelt died in Warm Springs, Ga., where he often vacationed, his body was returned to the Capitol by train. Again, people lined the tracks in small towns to show their respects. Historic procession A similar outpouring is expected as Bush makes his way through tiny Texas towns, many like Navasota, that owe their existence to the railroad. The train offers a chance for people to pay their respects, though police will cordon off some areas along the tracks for security purposes. Trains were something that appealed to Bush because of the big idea, Jones said. He appreciated that industry had the initiative to expand across the continent and bolster business. In the quarter century since the end of his presidency, Bush has taken on an image as statesman exemplar, cut of the same mold of men who campaigned by train in a different era. It will be a very historic day, Jones said. To have him in these final moments to arrive by train to the gravesite is very special. It also comes with a bittersweet realization of a trip not taken. In the past few years, Bush became interested in plans for high speed rail in Texas. It started as something he would speak about with friends, including a young woman from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, who went to work on the private project. Then Bushs friend Drayton McLane took a bigger role in the company. Bush would call and ask for updates on the progress. At one point, he told the young woman working for the company to reserve a seat. I want you tell them I want to be on that first train, Jones said Bush told the woman a few years ago. She politely explained to Bush, then around 91, that the trains were not planned to run until 2023. He looked at her and said, So whats your point? dug.begley@chron.com twitter.com/DugBegley The legislative quest to reform gun laws in Texas includes 19 bills lawmakers will consider next year, including a red-flag law to temporarily remove guns from people deemed dangerous by a judge, a measure to close the gun-show loophole on background checks, and a bill to allow constitutional carry. At least one of the bills, the red-flag law, already appears to be a non-starter, more than a month before the Legislature starts. Two El Paso Democrats, Rep. Joe Moody and Sen. Jose Rodriguez, introduced companion red-flag bills for the legislative session, an attempt to reprise bills that failed two years ago. But Gov. Greg Abbott, who launched the debate for such a law after the Santa Fe High School shooting last spring that killed 10 people, has said he wont support a red-flag bill, and neither will Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who controls the Senate. Related: Full coverage of Santa Fe school shooting, and its aftermath Under Rodriguezs bill, a red flag would include evidence of substance abuse, the recent acquisition of firearms, ammunition or other deadly weapons, or making threats. But gun rights advocates said that something as simple as a threat leaves potential for a red-flag gun law to be abused. Rodriguez said his bill would provide plenty of due process for gun owners, and the legislation would make false reporting criminal offense. Joe (Moody) and I are both longtime lawyers and we're not interested in just willy-nilly taking people's guns away. We're more interested in just some sensible legislation, Rodriguez said. But passing the law could prove difficult after lawmakers expressed strong opposition to the policy, which is in place in 13 states, after several school safety hearings this summer. In June, the Texas Republican Party said it opposed red-flag gun laws when it approved its party platform. And after hours of public testimony in the Texas Capitol, Patrick and Abbott dashed the hopes of gun control advocates. Related: Senate lawmakers back Patrick, uninterested in more red flag gun restrictions Alice Tripp, legislative director and lobbyist for the Texas State Rifle Association, said she thinks sweeping gun control legislation is unlikely. Every session (gun control advocates) certainly capitalize on anything that has happened, Tripp said. We expect that law-abiding gun owners be protected and not give up rights. I've been doing this for 20 years and regardless of what party is in power or what terrible thing has happened, nobody's going to give up rights and possessions because of criminal activity. Rodriguez said it could take many sessions to pass a red-flag bill without the support from higher office holders, but by re-filing, he hopes to spark conversations and awareness around the gun control measure. On a bipartisan basis, I think the attention that we've had to recent shootings spurs public anger that at the Congress level, theyre not doing anything about common-sense gun violence prevention, and the same thing applies here in the state, Rodriguez said. I think it's just the culture here in the state, the gun culture, and it's going to take a little more time in my view. I'm optimistic that eventually well be able to do it. Lawmakers also will consider legislation to close the gun show loophole, which allows purchasers to avoid a criminal background check at Texas gun shows. Federal law only requires federally licensed dealers to run background checks. Six states have plugged the gap by requiring unlicensed dealers to do the same, and three states require background checks on all handgun sales made at gun shows, according to the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. A bill introduced by Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City, would make it a misdemeanor to sell a firearm at a gun show without running an instant criminal background check. Similar versions of the bill failed in the 2013, 2015 and 2017 legislative sessions. I went to a gun show not long ago to have the experience and yeah, it's pretty easy, you just walk up (and purchase a gun), said Gyl Switzer, executive director of Texas Gun Sense. The data shows two things, one that (these gun show laws) saves lives and two, they does a better job of saving lives when they're funded appropriately and the process is regularized and checked periodically. A constitutional carry bill will make its way back to the Legislature for the third time. The bill, filed by Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, would allow gun owners to openly carry their firearms without getting a License to Carry permit. Texans have long been able to carry both rifles and shotguns without a permit, except in places which specifically prohibit them. Sticklands bill would treat handguns the same way. In both the 2015 and 2017 sessions, Sticklands bill was assigned to a committee but never made it the the House floor. In those sessions, the bill was overshadowed by other gun-control issues, but it will likely draw heated debate when it is reintroduced next year. And the ability to make plastic guns with a 3-D printer also will draw attention. A bill by Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinberg, would require someone who makes their own gun to apply to the Department of Public Safety for a unique serial number or identifying mark to be placed on the firearm. The gunmaker also would have to pass a background check. This doesn't seek to infringe on someone's Second Amendment right, Canales said. It doesn't seek to tell you you can't (make your own gun), it's saying if you're going to do it, it needs to fall more in line with the actual process that we have now for purchasing weapons and identifying weapons. His bill is specifically meant to address 3-D printed guns, an issue that attracted national attention this year after Cody Wilson of Austin-based Defense Distributed began selling plans for a 3-D printed gun online despite a court order. Wilson stepped down from the company in September after his arrest on sexual assault charges, but the company has said it remains committed to distributing the blueprints. The printed guns have no serial number and are undetectable by some metal detectors. Canales bill would also require DPS to install a metal strip into printed firearms. Theres still much unknown about 3-D guns to me, as there is the rest of the Legislature, Canales said. And as this technology continues to permeate society, it's important that the people and policymakers are well versed in the subject of it and as laws and regulations are made, theyre done so thoughtfully, meaningfully and with respect to the Second Amendment. President George H.W. Bush called on us to be a kinder, gentler nation. Sadly, we are far from that ideal. Our politics has never been that kind and gentle, to be sure, even in Bushs day. Still, it has been unseemly to watch how some on both the right and the left have pounced on Bushs passing as an opportunity to get in a dig at the current occupant of the Oval Office. Bush is not even buried yet, and already he is being used as a political cudgel. No one would be more appalled by this than Bush himself. During the 1992 campaign, he faced personal attacks that he no doubt considered unfair. Yet, on his last day as president, Bush left a note for the man who defeated him that read, You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success now is our countrys success. I am rooting hard for you. It is a sentiment that the 41st president would surely have applied not just to his immediate successor but also to all those who succeeded him as president. Today, many are praising Bush for this gesture, but too few seek to imitate it. As the nation mourns the death of former President George H.W. Bush, his 1989-to-1993 term is being recalled as a turning point in the history of the modern Republican Party. Bushs decision in 1990 to violate his 1988 campaign pledge of no new taxes infuriated the GOP base and sowed a lasting grass-roots distrust of the party establishment that fueled Newt Gingrichs rise to power in the House and culminated, arguably, in Donald Trumps 2016 insurrection. Yet Bush may have lived just long enough to witness the moment at which tax cuts have finally reached the point of diminishing political returns for Republicans. Bushs reelection campaign crashed in 1992 after he decided to increase federal levies, but the careers of several dozen GOP members of Congress just ended in the November midterm elections, after they voted to slash taxes. The voters verdict may reflect a sea change in public priorities with implications for the nations long-term fiscal predicament, which was badly exacerbated by the 10-year, $1.5 trillion revenue reduction approved by a Republican-controlled Congress and signed by President Donald Trump in December 2017. Supply-side economics - roughly speaking, the idea that cuts to tax rates pay for themselves in increased long-term growth - became Republican orthodoxy in the late 1970s and early 1980s, partly because there was a superficial plausibility to it and partly because it suited the Sun Belt business interests that had attached themselves to Ronald Reagans 1980 presidential campaign. Despite his move to Texas and the oil business, Bush remained at heart a Northeastern Republican, a Wall Streeters son who supported favorable tax treatment of capital gains but could never quite understand how cutting taxes would lead to more revenue. Voodoo economics, he called it, before joining the Reagan administration as vice president and getting with the program. To reassure skeptical Reaganites, he pledged in accepting the partys 1988 presidential nomination that he would tell Democrats Read my lips if they dared ask him for higher taxes to offset the deficits Reagans tax cuts and defense spending had run up. In office, though, he could not suppress his instincts, reaching a budget-balancing deal with a Democratic Congress that involved tax increases. The backlash from the right taught Bush and his family an enduring lesson, which his son George W. Bush applied as president after 2001, cutting taxes massively even though the country was waging expensive wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Unlike his dad, he got reelected. Though most benefits of income-tax rate cuts in a progressive system naturally go to the rich, many in the middle class either supported or acquiesced in them because they felt their taxes were too high as well. Between 1962 and the beginning of the 21st century, the share of the public describing their federal income taxes as too high hovered consistently in the range of 60 percent in the Gallup Poll. Many Democrats described their federal tax burden as excessive, too. But after the George W. Bush tax cuts, which were mostly retained for middle- and upper-middle-income taxpayers under President Barack Obama, public opinion shifted. For the past 15 years, the too high percentage in Gallups polling has never exceeded 52 in any year. And in April 2018, only 45 percent embraced that complaint; they were outnumbered by the 48 percent who conceded that their taxes are about right. In short, theres no wide hunger for lower federal taxes. Small wonder that majorities of the public consistently disapproved of the Trump tax bill, and that it made little or no favorable impact for Republicans at the ballot box in November. To some extent, the GOP is a victim of its own past tax-cutting success: There just isnt that much more relief to grant. The federal government took in 17 percent of gross domestic product in 2017, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, 2.7 percentage points less than it did in 2000. Some 44 percent of U.S. households do not owe any federal income tax, according to the Tax Policy Center. The main source of dissatisfaction with the tax system now appears to be the publics view that it favors the rich; only 24 percent say upper-income people are paying their fair share, according to the April 2017 Gallup survey. At present, the GOP may have no way out of this predicament. Trumps last-minute promise of more tax cuts just before the election achieved nothing, and there is no chance to fulfill the Republicans other promise - to make the 2017 laws individual cuts, set to expire in 2025, permanent. In 1990, it was indeed political suicide for George H.W. Bush to support a tax increase. The situation for Trump and his fellow Republicans now may be even worse: Promising to cut taxes for everyone no longer helps them politically, while promising to raise taxes, on the rich, may help the Democrats in 2020. Lane is a Post editorial writer specializing in economic and fiscal policy, and a weekly columnist. We live in an age where venerable, almost revered, institutions has been exposed to have feet of clay. Deutsche Bank, which has been around since 1870 and operates in 58 countries, is the latest to reveal a shady underbelly. Photo: The Street On November 29, 170 police officers and tax investigators raided Deutsche Bank's head office and other locations in Frankfurt. The ambush was part of a money laundering probe whereby the German bank is suspected of helping clients to set up offshore companies in tax havens. Investigators are also looking at whether Deutsche Bank failed to report suspicious transactions. This is the latest, and most high-profile, bad news in connection with the once mighty German bank. On the Deutsche Borse on December 4, its shares were changing hands for around 8.Its a long way from 2007 when, at the height of the banking bubble, Deutsche Bank shares reached a high of 92.05. Back then, writing in March 2007 for the 2006 annual report, Deutsche Bank CEO Josef Ackermann noted, 2006 was a year of great success and achievement for Deutsche Bank and several powerful and fundamental trends are shaping our operating environment. The share price peaked two months later and has since fallen by over 90%.Heroes of bull markets tend to become the villains of bear markets. When social mood is trending positively, as reflected by rising stock prices, the icons of the day are put on a pedestal thanks to the general feeling of euphoria. When social mood trends negatively, as reflected by declining stock prices, those icons are subsequently blamed for the downturn. They are vilified, investigated, put on trial and, in some cases, jailed.The bank has now become a by-word for inept management. In 2007, nobody saw anything but blue sky. In 2018, nobody sees anything but probable bankruptcy. iciHaiti - Economy : 2nd Edition of the Fair Oser entreprendre Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th at the Mariott Hotel and at the NH El Rancho, will be held the 2nd edition of the annual entrepreneurship forum "Oser Entreprendre 2018", whose mission is to support the development of startups, remind the organizers of Forum gathered in "KOLEG", a community service institution dedicated to economic and social development. "This second edition will be open to the general public, political decision-makers, artisans, artists and project leaders from Haiti and elsewhere," says Angelore Raymond, Coordinator of "Oser Entreprendre". This Forum will give the floor to about 30 experts on entrepreneurship, including 24 local and 6 international specified Herwil Gaspard Executive Director of KOLEG. According to the organizers, this Forum aims through training sessions, exhibitions and conference-debates in the form of workshops to stimulate economic growth through entrepreneurship; promote entrepreneurial diversity; Bridging the gap between entrepreneurs at various levels create a workspace between the different Haitian and foreign entrepreneurs and support some companies that wish to build their capacities. IH/ iciHaiti This week, we go behind the selfie with Dillon Warren, founder and financial director at above-the-line and below-the-line creative agency, The Brand Cartel. Warren captions this: The work never stops at the Brand Cartel. 1. Where do you live, work and play? 2. Whats your claim to fame? 3. Describe your career so far. 4. Tell us a few of your favourite things. 5. What do you love about your industry? Marketing is one of the most technical and scientific business processes, in my opinion. Getting it wrong can be devastating, but getting it right can be oh-so-rewarding. 6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists. 7. What are the tools of your trade? 8. Who is getting it right in your industry? 9. List a few pain points the industry can improve on. The one mistake brands do make is misunderstanding who their customers are, or what they want. Making one of these mistakes means that the basis of their marketing strategy is misdirected, at a fundamental level. 10. What are you working on right now? 11. Tell us some of the buzzwords floating around in your industry at the moment, and some of the catchphrases you utter yourself. 12. Where and when do you have your best ideas? 13. Whats your secret talent/party trick? 14. Are you a technophobe or a technophile? 15. What would we find if we scrolled through your phone? 16. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry? I work and live in Brand Cartels office, on the roof of Bryanston Shopping Centre. In my free time, I play with the dogs, which also live in our office.I can lick my elbow. Other than that, Im a pretty good cook.Starting Brand Cartel at the age of 23 with no experience in agency life was either very brave or very dumb Im still not sure which.The first three to four years were extremely tough, not only from a financial perspective but from stress and mental health perspectives, too.My partners and I toughed it out and in time built an incredible team around us. Since then, we have been growing from strength to strength.A good joke, trustworthy people, and a glass of wine at the end of the day.Being an agency allows us to consult and learn from multiple wins and losses simultaneously, across multiple industries and platforms.This means that every single day is a new challenge. Its not for the faint hearted, but for easily bored, adrenaline junkies its absolutely thrilling.Im a bit of a Jack of all trades, so its hard to pin one activity down.Its usually a jumble of brainstorms, client problem-solving meetings, tracking the performance of campaigns, developing strategies and playing with our resident Boston terrier and pug.I studied business management, law and economics but eight years down the line, I would say its actually people skills, mixed with search engine optimisation, digital advertising platforms and website user experience and my trusty MacBook.Its a tough question because the industry is so broad, and many brands are winning in different ways.I would say King Price is doing a great job from a humour angle, Virgin Active Red from a positioning perspective and FNB from a customer experience perspective.Often agencies would rather appease the client by running with a flawed campaign than to risk damaging the relationship by telling the client that they are wrong.Personally, were launching a number of websites and the ensuing go-to-market strategies.From a Brand Cartel perspective, with December already underway, we are currently battening down the hatches and getting ready for the retail season.Trackability, cost-per-conversion, user behaviour analysis.Our values have become our catch phrases, e.g.: Wag your tail; check it (dont wreck it); put your name to it; keep it real etc.Either while working out or in the shower, its 50/50.I have a great card trick, after a few tequilas I have also been known to do the worm.100% Technophile!Photos of my fur-child Baxter in every imaginable setting/pose/outfit, other than that ideas for designs from the web.You need to be passionate about being creative and want to make it a full-time career, its not a part-time kind of career.Simple as that. Visit the Brand Cartel website for more, and follow Warren and Brand Cartel on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.*Interviewed by Leigh Andrews. Union leaders and young activists from seven African countries joined forces to discuss the challenges facing journalists in the digital age at a workshop in Namibia. The five-day workshop held in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert- Stiftung (FES) in Windhoek focused on union strategies for improving communication and recruitment in the digital economy. 18 young journalists and union leaders from The Gambia, Ghana, Botswana, Republic of South Africa, Angola, Uganda and Kenya pledged to strengthen their commitment to winning more young members to the unions, particularly among those working in digital media. Central to the workshop was developing skills on improving union communication strategies to help unions deliver positive messages about the benefits of unions to younger journalists. IFJ Deputy General Secretary, Jeremy Dear who opened the meeting urged unions to seize the opportunities to help shape the newsrooms of the future. He said that the media industry is going through a revolutionary technological change which is having an impact on jobs, working conditions, quality, professional ethics and truth, patterns of media ownership and on every aspect of the production and distribution chain of news. He emphasised that while this technological change has caused a massive loss of journalists jobs, most especially in traditional media, the number of journalists working on digital media has soared. But he warned that many of the jobs were precarious, with no contracts, few benefits and are often poorly paid. He said: If we want to remain relevant we need not to resist the future but to shape it and help young workers come together to improve their working conditions. The lead trainer at the workshop, Dr Ibrahima Sane, noted that "the process of change in society is through communication" and hence, all unions and organisations need a strategic communication plan to reach out their audiences. Dr Sane, who was assisted by Lelanie Basson, took the participants through a series of theoretical and practical sessions focusing on communication for behavioural change, steps in developing a communication strategy, implementing the communication plan, tips on social marketing, message development, research, documentation, monitoring and evaluation of the communications plan. Ismail Sheikh Khalifa is a veteran radio journalist, working as a freelancer. He is also a media rights activist, Chairman of Human Rights Journalists (HRJ) Ngo and a university lecturer. His vehicle exploded at around 4:00 pm local time in Mogadishus Waberi district. According to NUSOJ, an improvised explosive device was attached to his car. So far, there has been no claim of responsibility for the attack. The journalist survived the explosion but was immediately taken to Erdogan Hospital in Mogadishu. Medical staff reported to NUSOJ that Khalifas health is now stable but that he had serious blood loss and serious wounds isolated to the abdomen and the back. Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ General Secretary said: We are very disturbed by this senseless attack on the life of Ismail Sheikh Khalifa, and he has our full solidarity. Somali authorities must investigate this cruel attack and ensure all those responsible are swiftly brought to justice". Anthony Bellanger, IFJ General Secretary declared: We are deeply shocked by this violent attack. Full light must be shed on this aggression including a full investigation by the police. There is no place for impunity. The government must ensure that the perpetrators will be brought to justice and do its utmost to secure journalists safety in Somalia. Imperial Valley News Center Vice President Pence at Ceremony Preceding the Lying in State of the Honorable President George Herbert Walker Bush Washington, DC - United States Capitol Rotunda: Vice President Pence at Ceremony Preceding the Lying in State of the Honorable President George Herbert Walker Bush THE VICE PRESIDENT: Speaker Ryan, Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Leader Pelosi, members of Congress, distinguished guests, but most of all to President George W. Bush, Governor Jeb Bush, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and the entire Bush family. It is deeply humbling to stand before you today at the beginning of a week in our nations capital when we will commemorate and celebrate the lifetime of service and leadership of the 41st President of the United States, President George Herbert Walker Bush. The Bible tells us to mourn with those who mourn, and grieve with those who grieve. And today, on behalf of the First Family, and my family, and the American people, we offer our deepest sympathies and respects to your family. And we thank you for sharing this special man with our nation and the world. Today, President Bush becomes the 32nd American to lie in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda. Soon, Americans from every corner of the country and every walk of life will make their way to this Rotunda to pay the respects of a grateful nation. On the death of Abner, it is written that King David said, Do you not realize that a commander and a great man has fallen in Israel this day? George Herbert Walker Bush was such a man. While he was known as the quiet man, it was not for lack of nerve or daring. For in all of his 94 years, President Bush never lost his love of adventure and he never failed to answer the call to serve his country. Born into a tradition of public service, George Herbert Walker Bush began his own life of service when he was still in high school. After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, he wanted to do his part, so he enlisted in the United States Navy on his 18th birthday. On receiving his wings, he became the nations youngest naval aviator, and was sent to the South Pacific where his story almost ended. September 1944, on a bombing raid over Chichijima, his aircraft was hit, his engine caught fire, but he still managed to hit his target before bailing out and being rescued by American forces after some four hours at sea. All told, he flew 58 combat missions, and for his bravery under fire, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. Which would have been enough honor for any American life, but George Herbert Walker Bush was just getting started. After he came home, he staked his claim to a booming post-war America by making a name for himself in the oil business. For four years, he walked these halls as a congressman from Houston. President Nixon took notice of the young Texan and asked him to be our ambassador to the United Nations. He led our Party during a tumultuous time for the presidency. And after earning the respect of another President, he did the work of a diplomat as the first United States envoy to China, and led the CIA. And then, for eight years, George Herbert Walker Bush served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States. Im told, as he was preparing to become Vice President, he once joked about the job, saying that there was, quote, nothing substantive to do at all. (Laughter.) But as history records, during those years he set the standard as a sound counselor and loyal advisor to an outsider who came to Washington, D.C. to shake things up, to cut taxes, rebuild the military. And together, they did just that. And then, in 1988, he made history again when George Herbert Walker Bush was elected in a landslide as the 41st President of the United States of America, becoming the first sitting Vice President to win the presidency in more than 150 years of our history. He served during an uncertain time in the world, made momentous by his leadership. President Bush oversaw the fall of the Soviet Union, the crumbling of the Berlin Wall, and under his leadership, America won the Cold War. He took our nation to war to repel aggression in the Persian Gulf and, through his leadership as Commander-in-Chief and the brilliance of our armed forces, the United States won a decisive victory. When President George Herbert Walker Bush left office, he left America and the world more peaceful, prosperous, and secure. President Bush was a great leader who made a great difference in the life of this nation. But he was also just a good man who was devoted to his wife, his family, and his friends. I was lucky enough to meet him in 1988 when he was Vice President and I was a 29-year-old just getting started in politics. Then, as always, I was struck by his approachability. There was a kindness about the man that was evident to everyone who ever met him. All his years in public service were characterized by kindness, modesty, and patriotism. He was so modest in fact, that he never wrote an autobiography. But he did leave a record of his life and in the thousands of letters that he wrote. Im told that he started writing letters to his parents when he was 18 years old, and over time his circle of correspondence grew to include family, friends, advisers, staff, business associates, former Presidents, and just about anyone who would take the trouble to write him. After a lifetime of writing letters, my son got one just not too long ago. As I told two of his sons this weekend, when our son made his first tailhook landing as a Marine aviator on the U.S.S. George Herbert Walker Bush, I took the liberty of writing that ships namesake to ask for a small favor. I didnt write to him as a Vice President to a former President, I just wrote as a proud dad of a Marine aviator to a former Navy pilot. I asked him to sign a picture of the flight deck that I could give to my son. Now, we were told by the staff that the President had long since ended the practice of signing autographs, and we understood that. But little to my surprise, just in time for my sons winging, there came not only a signed photograph, but, of course, a letter, hand-signed as well August 2018. In that letter, President Bush wrote to my son, in his words, Congratulations on receiving your wings of gold. I know how proud you and your family are at this moment. And then in words that assured us that the letter came directly from him, he wrote, quote, Though we have not met, I share the pride your father has for you during this momentous occasion. And I wish you many CAVU days ahead. All the best, G Bush. I would come to learn that that acronym, CAVU for short, is a term Navy pilots have used since World War II. It stands for Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited. President Bush described CAVU, in his words, as the kind of weather we Navy pilots wanted when we were to fly off our carrier in the Pacific. And he once wrote a letter to his children saying that CAVU, in his words, describes my own life as it has been over the years, as it is right now. Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited. You know, that may well describe the essence of this man. And it may well have been his vision. The vision he had for his life, for his children, his childrens children, and his country: no barriers, no boundaries, no limits. So we mourn with those who mourn and grieve with those who grieve, but we do not grieve like those who have no hope for President George Herbert Walker Bush had that hope. His faith sustained him throughout his life of service. And we pray that faith will be a source of comfort for all those who mourn the loss of this good man and great American. President George Herbert Walker Bush loved his family and he served his country. His example will always inspire and his lifetime of service will be enshrined in the hearts of the American people forever. May God bless the memory of the George Herbert Walker Bush. May God comfort his family and friends. And may God continue to bless the United States of America. Imperial Valley News Center President Donald J. Trump is Working to Ensure All Americans Have Access to STEM Education Washington, DC - "My Administration will do everything possible to provide our children, especially kids in underserved areas, with access to high-quality education in science, technology, engineering, and math." ~ President Donald J. Trump IMPROVING STEM EDUCATION: President Donald J. Trump is releasing a plan to strengthen education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Presidents plan seeks to ensure that all Americans have access to quality STEM education and safeguard Americas place as the global leader in STEM innovation and employment. The Administrations goals include building a strong foundation of STEM literacy, increasing diversity in STEM careers, and preparing the STEM workforce of the future. The plan lays out key pathways to achieve these goals, including: Developing and enriching strategic STEM partnerships Engaging students where disciplines converge Advancing computational thinking as a critical skill for Americas future workforce REALIZING A SHARED VISION: The plan advances the shared goal of educators and the Administration to improve STEM education and employment opportunities. The plan was developed by the National Science and Technology Council Committee on STEM Education and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The Administration engaged extensively with the education community in developing this plan, listening to their concerns and experiences. This effort included hosting a State-Federal STEM Education Summit that brought together STEM education specialists from all 50 States. EXPANDING STEM OPPORTUNITIES: This plan continues President Trumps commitment to expand STEM education and employment opportunities for all Americans. Imperial Valley News Center America Will Win the Global Competition for STEM Talent Washington, DC - In the span of a generation, advances in science and technology have transformed the world. Seventy-five years after the first transistor was demonstrated, we carry smart phones that contain billions of transistors and are more powerful than a 1980s supercomputer. Sixty-five years after the structure of DNA was discovered, we can have our personal DNA analyzed for less than $100. Today, more than ever before, the United States economic prosperity and national security rests upon its capacity for continued scientific and technological innovation. That capacity depends on our ability to ensuring that all Americans have lifelong access to high-quality education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Trump Administration recognizes the importance of securing our place as the worlds innovation leader for generations to come. Today, the Administration is releasing a plan to help secure that future through STEM education: Charting a Course for Success: Americas Strategy for STEM Education. Having a well-prepared and diverse STEM workforce will assure that tomorrows scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs happen here in America, and continue to make our economy and defense capabilities the envy of the world. At the same time, STEM skills are increasingly important for all career paths and for all people to succeed throughout their lives. Americans can draw on their STEM knowledge when comparing mortgage options for buying a home, securing a home wi-fi network, going to the doctor, serving as a jury, and any of the other daily tasks that require knowledge of the science and technology that underpins our lives. In general, a STEM-literate person is better equipped to handle technological change and to participate in civil society. In this time of rapid technological innovation, the United States finds itself in a global competition for STEM talent. Organizations from across the entire STEM ecosystem have been working to improve STEM education and training, with many examples of success upon which to build. Although Americans basic STEM skills have modestly improved over the past two decades, there is still much room for improvement as Americas adversaries work hard trying to surpass us. This strategic plan recognizes that STEM education is not a uniform experience aimed exclusively at earning an advanced degree. Learners of all ages travel different educational paths that begin as early as preschool, and cross between traditional classrooms, the workplace, and informal experiences. As technology continues to transform the world of work, work-based learning programs like apprenticeships and internships aimed at upskilling and reskilling will play an increasingly important role in STEM education and workforce development. Under this plan, Federal agencies that support STEM education and training will promote all pathways of learning and work closely with the broader community to build a strong American foundation in STEM. The Plan also recognizes that the greatest benefits of a strong STEM foundation cannot be fully realized until all members of society have access to STEM education and there is much broader participation by those historically underserved and underrepresented in STEM fields and employment. A diverse talent pool of Americans with STEM skills can become the worlds most capable STEM workforce. Tomorrows workers are todays learners, and yet not enough collaboration occurs between the world of education and world of work. The Administrations plan calls for more interaction between educational institutions and employersincluding programs that give students and teachers exposure to authentic, real-world STEM challengesto help align educational paths with job opportunities. Recognizing that most education policy, funding, and curriculum standards are set at the State, local, and tribal levels, this Plan was developed with substantial input from learners and parents; teachers and school administrators; State, local, and tribal government officials; and private sector leaders. It echoes their voices, their concerns, and their experiences in developing STEM education and training programs that are tailored to the unique needs of their communities. Beyond coordinating Federal activities and investments, the Plan is intended to serve as a guide for the broader community to align efforts across the Nation. Improving STEM education is a national imperative. Americas Strategy for STEM Education charts a course for success, and the Federal Government stands ready to join with the national education community. Together, we will ensure that all Americans have lifelong access to high-quality STEM education and the United States is the global leader in STEM literacy, innovation, and employment. Imperial Valley News Center Third Distribution of Funds Recovered Through Asset Forfeiture to Compensate Victims of Bernard Madoff Washington, DC - The Department of Justice announced that on November 29, the Madoff Victim Fund (MVF) began its third distribution of $695.4 million in funds forfeited to the U.S. Government in connection with the Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC (BLMIS) fraud scheme, bringing the total distributed to nearly $2 billion. These funds will be sent to over 27,000 victims across the globe, bringing their total recovery to 56.65 percent. This distribution represents the third in a series of payments that will eventually return over $4 billion to victims as compensation for losses they suffered from the collapse of the BLMIS. The MVF has received over 65,000 petitions from victims in 136 countries. Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman for the Southern District of New York made the announcement. Bernie Madoffs scheme devastated retirement and pension funds, charitable organizations, and thousands of individual investors spread across 49 States, the District of Columbia, and 121 other countries, said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. The payments announced today could not have happened without the prosecutors relentless pursuit of proceeds of Madoffs fraud through civil forfeitureand, as a result of their efforts and those of the Criminal Divisions Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, victims who would not have seen a dime in other compensation programs will now recover more than half of their losses. Bernie Madoff committed historys largest Ponzi scheme, said U.S. Attorney Berman. This Office prosecuted Madoff and others who helped perpetrate his fraud, and we assisted in recovering billions of dollars in proceeds from the fraud. Todays payment of more than $690 million is this Offices third installment in a series of distributions that represent our ongoing commitment to find relief for victims of Madoffs heinous crimes. While todays distribution of funds is indeed significant in scope, we understand no amount of money could ever restore the damage done by Madoff as a result of his selfish behavior and unforgivable financial crimes, said FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney, Jr. To all of his many victims and their families, we realize this gesture may not provide the consolation necessary to remove the pain and suffering you have been brought to bear, but we are hopeful it provides some sense of relief, and we remain committed to achieve justice for all victims of inexcusable financial crimes. For decades, Bernard L. Madoff used his position as Chairman of BLMIS, the investment advisory business he founded in 1960, to steal billions from his clients. On March 12, 2009, Madoff pleaded guilty to 11 federal felonies, admitting that he had turned his wealth management business into the worlds largest Ponzi scheme, benefitting himself, his family and select members of his inner circle. On June 29, 2009, U.S. District Judge Denny Chin sentenced Madoff to 150 years in prison for running the largest fraudulent scheme in history. Of the approximately $4.05 billion that will be made available to victims, approximately $2.2 billion was collected as part of the historic civil forfeiture recovery from the estate of deceased Madoff investor Jeffry Picower. An additional $1.7 billion was collected as part of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. and civilly forfeited in a parallel action. The remaining funds were collected through a civil forfeiture action against investor Carl Shapiro and his family, and from civil and criminal forfeiture actions against Bernard L. Madoff, Peter B. Madoff and their co-conspirators. The MVFs payouts would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Divisions Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, and the FBI in the prosecution of these crimes and the recovery of assets supporting the forfeiture in this case. The MVF is overseen by Richard Breeden, former Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in his capacity as Special Master appointed by the Department of Justice to assist in connection with the victim remission proceedings. More information about MVF and its compensation to victims of BLMIS is available on the MVF website at www.madoffvictimfund.com, such as eligibility criteria, process updates, and frequently asked questions. Imperial Valley News Center Pharmacist Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Role in $3.4 Million Compounding Pharmacy Scheme Miami, Florida - A pharmacist licensed by the State of Florida was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for her participation in a scheme involving the payment of approximately $3.4 million in fraudulent claims by TRICARE, Medicare, and private insurance programs for compounded creams that were medically unnecessary, procured through illegal kickbacks, and otherwise not eligible for reimbursement. Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBIs Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector Generals (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office and Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)s Southeast Field Office made the announcement. Marjorie Robinson, 61, of Wilton Manors, Florida, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore of the Southern District of Florida. Chief Judge Moore also ordered Robinson to pay $3.4 million in restitution, jointly and severally with her co-conspirators, and to forfeit the same amount. Robinson pleaded guilty in September 2018 to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. According to admissions made as part of her plea agreement, from approximately 2013 to 2016, Robinson was a one-third owner of A.S.C. Pharmacy, Inc. (ASC), a now-defunct compounding pharmacy in Miami where Robinson worked as the pharmacist-in-charge. Under Robinsons ownership and direction, ASC designed and manufactured compounded creams by selecting certain ingredients not based on individualized patient need, but rather to maximize financial reimbursement to ASC from government and private insurance programs. To carry out the fraudulent scheme, Robinson agreed with her co-conspirators to pay kickbacks to doctors and patient recruiters in exchange for prescriptions for ASCs medically unnecessary compounded creams and to waive patient co-payments. As a result of fraudulent claims submitted in connection with the scheme, TRICARE, Medicare and private insurance programs paid ASC approximately $3.4 million. Robinson was charged along with co-defendants Laszlo Teleszky, M.D., 68, of New Port Richey, Florida; Sheila Arucri, 57, of Davie, Florida; and Todd Schreier, 34, of Russell, Kentucky. Teleszky, Arcuri and Schreier each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Teleszky and Arucri were sentenced on Nov. 27 to serve 16 months and 12 months and one day in prison, respectively. Schreier is awaiting sentencing. Ascanio Serna Jr. and Ascanio Serna Sr., both additional co-owners of ASC, were charged separately in this case. Ascanio Serna Jr. pleaded guilty in August 2017 and was sentenced to serve 64 months in prison. Ascanio Serna Sr. pleaded guilty in August 2018 and was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison. The FBI, HHS-OIG, and DCIS investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force under the supervision of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida. Trial Attorney David Snider of the Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. The Criminal Divisions Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers. Imperial Valley News Center Identity Documents Trafficker Arraigned on Identification Fraud and Conspiracy Charges Washington, DC - A seller of identity documents was arraigned Thursday, after being extradited from El Salvador, on a superseding indictment charging one count of conspiracy to possess and transfer identity documents, one count of conspiracy to commit human smuggling for financial gain, and 40 counts of aggravated identity theft, in relation to a scheme to traffic the identities of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and corresponding identity documents. Judge Bruce McGiverin ordered the defendant detained. The detention hearing and arraignment are scheduled for December 11. Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rosa E. Rodriguez-Velez of the District of Puerto Rico, Acting Director Ronald D. Vitiello of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Chief Postal Inspector Guy J. Cottrell of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement. Jose Armando Pavon Salazar (Pavon), 36, a citizen of Honduras, was arrested in El Salvador in January 2018 on an Interpol Red Notice and extradited to the United States on Nov. 28, to face identify fraud charges in the District of Puerto Rico. Pavon had been a fugitive since March 22, 2012, when a federal grand jury sitting in the District of Puerto Rico returned a 50-count superseding indictment charging Pavon and 52 other defendants with offenses involving a massive identity fraud scheme. The superseding indictment alleges that between April 2009 and January 2012, Pavon and his co-conspirators operated an extensive black market identity fraud scheme. The superseding indictment alleges that conspirators located in the Savarona area of Caguas, Puerto Rico, (Savarona suppliers) obtained Puerto Rican identities and corresponding identity documents. Conspirators, such as Pavon, in various locations throughout the United States (identity brokers) solicited customers. The identity brokers allegedly sold social security cards and corresponding Puerto Rico birth certificates for prices ranging from $700 to $2,500 per set. The indictment alleges that identity brokers, including Pavon, ordered the identity documents from Savarona suppliers, on behalf of the customers, by making coded telephone calls, including using terms such as shirts, uniforms or clothes, to refer to identity documents. Specifically, the brokers asked for skirts for female customers and pants for male customers in various sizes, which referred to the ages of the identities sought by the customers. According to the superseding indictment, the Savarona suppliers generally requested that customers initial payments be sent by the identity brokers through a money transfer service to persons whose names were provided by the Savarona suppliers. Savarona suppliers allegedly retrieved the payments from the money transfer service and then sent the identity documents to the brokers using express, priority or regular U.S. mail. The superseding indictment alleges that various conspirators sent or received money and mail parcels. The conspirators frequently confirmed sender names and addresses, money transfer control numbers and trafficked identities via text messaging. According to the superseding indictment, once the identity brokers received the identity documents, they delivered the documents to the customers and obtained second payments. The brokers generally kept the second payments for themselves as profit. Some identity brokers allegedly assumed a Puerto Rican identity themselves, and used that identity in connection with the trafficking operation. As alleged in the superseding indictment, the customers generally obtained the identity documents to assume the identity of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and to obtain additional identification documents, such as legitimate state drivers licenses. Some customers allegedly obtained the documents to commit financial fraud and attempted to obtain a U.S. passport. To date, dozens of persons have been convicted in connection with the scheme. Trial Attorney Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Divisions Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorneys Office of the District of Puerto Rico is providing assistance in this matter. The Criminal Divisions Office of International Affairs handled the extradition in this matter The charges in the superseding indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. St. Louis Police Officers Indicted for Civil Rights Violations and Obstruction of Justice St. Louis, Missouri - A federal grand jury in St. Louis indicted four St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) Police Officers for their conduct in connection with the arrest and assault of a fellow SLMPD police officer who was working undercover in downtown St. Louis during last years protests following the acquittal of a former SLMPD officer of a first-degree murder charge brought by the State of Missouri relating to the shooting death of a civilian. The indictment charges Officers Dustin Boone, 35, Bailey Colletta, 25, Randy Hays, 31, and Christopher Myers, 27, with various felony charges, including deprivation of constitutional rights, conspiracy to obstruct justice, destruction of evidence, and obstruction of justice. Law enforcement officers have an important duty to protect the members of the communities they serve and to enforce the law, said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute matters involving allegations of federal criminal civil rights violations. These are serious charges and the vigorous enforcement of civil rights is essential to maintaining public trust in law enforcement, said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen. The SLMPD recognized the importance of this investigation and its leadership has cooperated at every turn. I continue to have great confidence in the brave and honorable men and women of the SLMPD, Chief John Hayden, and Public Safety Director Judge Jimmie Edwards. I wish to commend SLMPD leadership for its cooperation and the support of this investigation. Law enforcement and the public have a common interest in identifying and holding accountable those who dishonor the badge, said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. To that end, I am encouraging people to contact the FBI if you are a witness in this case. According to the indictment, in the days and weeks that followed the acquittal, which occurred on Sept. 15, 2017, there were protests throughout the City of St. Louis. In anticipation of protests, SLMPD activated its protest-response unit, the Civil Disobedience Team (CDT), detailing more than 200 SLMPD officers to CDT. SLMPD officers assigned to CDT were tasked with controlling the crowd as needed and arresting those individuals for whom there was probable cause to believe that they had committed crimes. Defendants Boone, Colletta, Hays, and Myers were all assigned to CDT and were working in their capacity as SLMPD officers during the protests. The listed victim in the indictment, L.H., a 22-year veteran SLMPD officer, was also working during the protests, but was doing so in an undercover capacity in order to record and document criminal activity so that other SLMPD officers could lawfully arrest individuals who were committing crimes. Count One of the indictment charges defendants Boone, Hays, and Myers with willfully violating L.H.s constitutional rights when they used unreasonable force on L.H., actions that resulted in bodily injury to L.H. and included the use of a dangerous weapon: shod feet and a riot baton. The indictment specifically alleges that Boone, Hays, and Myers threw L.H. to the ground and then kicked and struck L.H. while he was compliant and not posing a physical threat to anyone. Count Two also charges defendants Boone, Hays, and Myers with conspiracy to obstruct justice for conspiring and agreeing to engage in misleading conduct toward witnesses to prevent information about their criminal conduct from reaching federal authorities. Count Three of the indictment also charges defendant Myers with destruction of evidence for knowingly destroying and mutilating L.Hs cellular phone with the intent to impede, obstruct, and influence the investigation into the arrest and assault of L.H. Count Four charges defendant Colletta with corruptly attempting to obstruct, influence, and impede federal grand jury proceedings by engaging in a series of misleading assertions and false statements when she testified before the grand jury. Count One carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Counts Two, Three, and Four each carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison. All four counts carry a maximum fine of $250,000. An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reginald Harris of the U.S. Attorneys Office, Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold, and Trial Attorney Emily Savner of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section. Secretary of State Pompeo's Meeting With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday in Brussels. The Secretary emphasized the United States' commitment to Israel's security and absolute right to self-defense and to fighting anti-Israeli bias at the United Nations. The Secretary reiterated U.S. support for warming ties and increased dialogue between Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East and Africa, including Oman and Chad. Secretary Pompeo noted the strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance and our multifaceted cooperation. He reiterated Americas resolve in confronting the totality of the Iranian regimes threats through maximum pressure. In 2011, Nicolas China attended a friend's wedding in Chicago and came across a product that would change his life: a photo booth. China (pronounced "Kina") had seen plenty of photo booths before, but the construction project manager had never seen an open-air booth quite like this one. "It wasn't a booth. It was more like a kiosk," says China, who watched as guests took hundreds of photos over the course of four hours. "People were just going nuts for it." Having studied photography in college, China thought the quality of the pictures could be better, but he was still mesmerized by how this unconventional photo booth was stealing the show at the wedding. Upon returning home to Baltimore, he went online and searched for photo booth businesses in his home city. When he didn't find any results, he saw an opportunity. Within two weeks, China had enlisted the help of his brother-in-law, who brought along another friend, to pool together $2,500 and build a photo booth prototype using some DSLR cameras and Mac mini computers. They tested their product at a birthday party, charging by the hour, and in January2012, the trio officially incorporated their photo booth company, Pixilated. They began renting out their machine at weddings, bar mitzvahs, and other events. Pixilated started as a side hustle, but as word-of-mouth spread, the founders built a second photo booth, then four more, and then another four. They began booking corporate events, and by August 2012, China had quit his day job to focus on Pixilated full-time. Co-founder Patrick Rife did the same about eight months later. (The duo bought out China's brother-in-law in 2015.) Today, Pixilated rents its machines in three- to five-hour packages for events around Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The company has six full-time employees and between 20 and 25 event staffers. Last year, Pixilated raised a $500,000 seed round from Mavin Ventures, a Baltimore-based growth equity firm. The company used the funds to build out PixiCloud, a proprietary cloud-based software that it licenses to other firms. With the software, Pixilated gives clients access to the photo booth images and other user data. The company recently raised an additional $60,000 via an equity crowdfunding campaign, and China says they may raise more money in 2019. Beyond selfie machines Invented in the early 1900s, photo booths have become a staple at gatherings from weddings and office parties to concerts and sporting events. There are more than 5.4 million Instagram posts tagged with the hashtag #photobooth today, up from four million in March 2017. The broader photography industry, which includes both companies and individuals offering photography or videography services, is expected to grow revenue to $11.3 billion by 2023 from $10.6 billion in 2018, according to market research firm IBISWorld. As the photo booth industry has evolved, so too has Pixilated. The company recently introduced the "PixiTAB," a portable photo booth customers can rent starting at $199 per day. You choose a theme, which includes different photo overlays and filters, set it up at the event, and ship it back when you're done. All photos are accessible online. Pixilated's photo booths aren't just selfie machines. They also provide a marketing service for clients, as many of the individuals who pose for photos enter their email address or social media handles to obtain digital copies of their images. Pixilated clients can also put their logos on the digital images, essentially turning them into free advertisements when they're posted on social media. "People think that photo booths are what photo booths were five years ago," says China. "They don't realize [that] it's not just a photo booth. It's a full-on marketing tool." Pixilated's software allows businesses to keep track of which events their customers attend, and better personalize their marketing campaigns. For example, if someone uses a Pixilated photo booth at a music venue during a concert, the venue can tailor its email marketing strategy to that person's musical preferences. During the past 12 months, Pixilated has signed up accounts for recurring business with Lyft, the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, Heineken, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Enterprise clients now account for around 80 percent of its customer base, according to China. This year, Pixilated has also worked on a one-off event basis with Google, Netflix, MLB's Washington Nationals, Tito's Vodka, and CNN. China declined to share revenue figures, but said that Pixilated was profitable before the Mavin Ventures investment. Last year, the business reinvested all of its profits in software development. China expects the company to be profitable again in 2018. Though Pixilated launched with a single, modest photo booth, China says his business is all grown up. 2018 isnt about pitting e-commerce against brick-and-mortar stores. Katherine Cullen, director of industry and consumer insights at NRF, explains, Its no longer about online versus in-store experiences. People are shopping both ways. Getty Images Holiday promotions are in full swing, and 2018 is shaping up to be a year for spending. The National Retail Federation predicts this year's holiday sales could increase as much as 4.8 percent, translating to a total of $720.9 billion. The average annual increase of the past five years has been 3.9 percent. Liz Dunn, the founder and CEO of Pro4ma, claims that this year is "not going to just be a tale of Amazon domination, but I think many of the sort of incumbent retailers are well-positioned for a strong holiday--and across categories. Electronics, apparel, toys, all seem to be shaping up quite strong." Additional good news: 2018 isn't about pitting e-commerce against brick-and-mortar stores. Katherine Cullen, director of industry and consumer insights at NRF, explains, "It's no longer about online versus in-store experiences. People are shopping both ways." While the 2018 holiday sales forecast offers cause for optimism, one shouldn't be too quick to forget the competition. According to a recent Radicati study, in 2018 roughly 124.5 billion business emails are sent and received daily. As for consumer emails, those come to about 111.1 billion emails sent and received every day. How can you ensure your holiday messaging leaps out from a crowded inbox or newsfeed? The following are suggestions, inspired from real examples of brand success. Express gratitude Thanking your consumer is a simple, surprisingly overlooked gesture. Consumers and brands are not always on the same page, especially when it comes to the idea of brand loyalty and, as a result, gratitude. According to Kitewheel, 73 percent of consumers believe that loyalty programs are designed so brands can best demonstrate their loyalty to customers. Sixty-six percent of marketers, however, believe the inverse. Surveyed marketers are convinced that loyalty programs are designed so consumers can demonstrate their loyalty to brands. In Harvard Business Review, Mark Bonchek contemplates, "What would the world look like if brands were loyal to their customers? Credit card companies would waive late fees for customers who were on vacation when the payment was due. Retailers would reward shoppers who don't spend a lot, but are active on social media as brand advocates." Bonchek says loyalty "is about emotion first, behavior second." Companies quantify brand loyalty in terms of sales, but customer emotion cannot be contained by a simple number. Because of this, Bonchek says brands should "go for gratitude and loyalty will follow." This is the ideal time to think about customer relations beyond transactions. Look to examples of gratitude-based marketing done right. Hint: It lies in being genuine. Authentic brands are trusted brands. Stay loyal to the brand When holiday messaging is consistent with company values, people take note. This is the fourth year REI has participated in #OptOutside, an event of their own creation. In 2015, REI announced that all of its retail stores would be closed on Black Friday, giving 12,000 employees a paid day off to spend outside. Optoutside.rei.com helps consumers decide how to spend their own #OptOutside by spotlighting various hikes, several of which REI contributed proceeds to. REI's president and CEO, Jerry Stritzke, wrote, "As a member-owned co-op, our definition of success goes beyond money. We believe that a life lived outdoors is a life well lived, and we aspire to be stewards of our great outdoors." After REI first introduced the concept of #OptOutside in 2015, the brand's social media impression increased by a whopping 7,000 percent. More than 1.4 billion individuals spent their Black Fridays outdoors. REI also received the Cannes Lions Titanium Grand Prix for #OptOutside. The idea to opt out of Black Friday sales is undoubtedly daring. But more so than that, it's loyal to the REI brand. What are some innovative ways your company can be true to the brand this holiday season? Be of value Help your customer out. Customized messaging is exceptionally useful to consumers. This is not the time for generic mass messages. Use your collected data to develop personalized recommendations for your customers. Review their unique consumer journeys. Consumers admire these special touches, especially during this time of year. Consumers want to feel like their brand pays attention to their individual needs and wants. Personalization is the key to truly connecting with consumers. The J Paul Getty Museum has been ordered to return a 2,000-year-old Greek statue to Italy, in the latest development in a long legal fight over the artwork. Victorious Youth, a nearly life-sized bronze dating from 300 to 100 BC, is one of the highlights of the Getty collection. An Italian court in Pesaro had ordered it returned in 2010, at the height of Italy's campaign to recover antiquities looted from its territory and sold to museums and private collectors around the globe. The museum, located in Los Angeles, had appealed the ruling. Italy's Court of Cassation rejected the appeal outright earlier this week, according to the ANSA news agency. The Getty Museum has now vowed to assert its right to keep the statue, also known as the Getty Bronze, which was pulled from the sea by fishermen in 1964. It is attributed to the Greek sculptor Lysippos, of the fourth century BC. The museum bought it for $4m in 1977 after a series of previous purchases. It has argued that Italy doesn't have a legitimate claim to the artwork. The court has not offered any written explanation of the grounds for its decision, which is inconsistent with its holding 50 years ago that there was no evidence of Italian ownership, Gettys vice-president of communications Lisa Lapin told The Guardian in a statement. Lapin added that the bronze "has never been part of Italy's cultural heritage" and that its "accidental discovery" by Italian citizens doesn't change that assessment. Italian officials, however, have said the statue was smuggled out of Italy illegally. They remain determined to recover the artwork. It was a very, very long process," Lorenzo d'Ascia, a lawyer who represents the Italian government, told The New York Times, "but we now hope that we will be able to have it in Italy as soon as possible." AP contributed to this report. Few writers are as closely associated with the festive season as Charles Dickens. His novella A Christmas Carol, which first went on sale on 19 December 1843, remains Britains favourite secular Christmas story, dusted down and revisited every year without fail. Stephen Tompkinson playing miserly moneylender Ebeneezer Scrooge at The Old Vic this year is only the latest interpretation of a character who has provided the basis for every contrite naysayer since, from George Bailey in Its a Wonderful Life (1946) to Dr Seusss Grinch. Alastair Sims wonderful portrayal of 1951 remains the Scrooge to beat. Recommended Armando Iannucci casts Dev Patel as David Copperfield Dickens was motivated to write his ghost story by a deeply felt outrage at the hardships of the urban poor he saw every day on the streets of Victorian London and the unfeeling avarice of the arch-capitalists of his age. The author had known poverty himself as a child after his father John was incarcerated in the Marshalsea Prison in Southwark for debt, forcing the young Charles into hard labour at a boot-blacking workhouse. In the winter of 1843, Dickens had visited Clerkenwells Field Lane Ragged School, a recently founded charitable institute for urchins. The deprivations of the pupils he encountered there only stirred his indignation. Resolved to address his concerns in fiction, Dickens returned to an idea he had first touched upon in The Pickwick Papers (1836): the sinner reformed by supernatural intervention. In that novel, Mr Wardle tells the story of Gabriel Grub, a church sexton visited by goblins, who show him his past and future and inspire a more charitable attitude. Gabriel and the Goblin from The Pickwick Papers (Hablot Knight Browne/Public Domain) The Berkshire MP John Elwes and Jemmy Wood, owner of the Gloucester Old Bank two men known as notorious spendthrifts have both been citied as possible inspirations for Scrooge, whose name was taken by Dickens from a gravestone spotted in Edinburgh and whose philosophy serves as a satire on flint-hearted Malthusian economics. The tale of Scrooges conversion from penny-pinching humbug to zealous altruist provided a cheering moral, but also set in stone our popular conception of the Victorian Christmas, a time of candlelight and plum pudding, undoubtedly two central reasons for its enduring popularity. But Charles Dickens is not just for Christmas. While many will know A Christmas Carol intimately, the sheer length of many of his other works too often proves a deterrent. Charles Dickens (Getty) Many readers will plump for The Old Curiosity Shop (1841) or Hard Times (1854) for their comparative brevity but, in truth, neither represents Dickens at his best. As Oscar Wilde so savagely observed: One must have a heart of stone to read the death of Little Nell without laughing. Heres our selection of Dickens's 10 finest novels, any one of which would provide ideal reading in the long dark nights to come. 10. A Tale of Two Cities (1859) Dickenss foray into the French Revolution, inspired by a reading of Thomas Carlyles history of the Terror, is atypical of his output and certainly imperfect but a rollicking ride nonetheless. The tale of Dr Alexandre Manette, freed from the Bastille after 18 years and newly arrived in England, where he is reunited with his daughter, Lucie. She marries the exiled French aristocrat Charles Darnay, who is drawn back to his homeland as the Reign of Terror erupts, the revolutionaries driven on by shopkeeper Ernest Defarge and his fearsome, vengeful wife Therese. Only Sydney Carton, an alcoholic English lawyer also in love with Lucie, can help Darnay, a man he closely resembles. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, Dickens begins, offering one of the most famous opening lines in literary history. Incredibly, he manages to surpass it at the close, with Cartons desperately moving words as he awaits the guillotine: It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest I go to than I have ever known. 9. Martin Chuzzlewit (1844) The authors earliest novels followed the picaresque format of his 18th-century forebears, notably Henry Fielding and Tobias Smollett, with Chuzzlewit recounting its title characters being disinherited by his wealthy grandfather and forced to work as an apprentice for the comically self-serving architect Seth Pecksniff, a villain keen to wangle the Chuzzlewits out of their fortune. Chuzzlewit is best known for its second act, in which Martin sets out for America only to find the New World populated by fraudsters and the town of Eden to be a malaria-ridden swamp in dire need of draining. A ripe piece of satire drawn from the authors own experiences of the United States, which he had visited on a reading tour in 1842, Chuzzlewit leaves one chomping at the bit to imagine what the writer might have made of Donald Trump. Pecksniff is a joy but, among the supporting cast, the gin-totting midwife Sarah Gamp is not to be missed, a particularly magnificent feat of comic characterisation. 8. Barnaby Rudge (1841) Like A Tale of Two Cities, Barnaby Rudge is a historical novel set half a century earlier, this time dealing with the Gordon Riots of 1780, a populist anti-Catholic uprising inspired by Lord George Gordons inflammatory rhetoric against the Popist infiltration of Britain. Their cause has uncomfortable echoes of the far-right Islamophobia of today. Dickens uses the appalling conduct of the rioters as a means of attacking mob violence and, particularly, the hijacking of political causes for crude personal gain. The hangman Ned Dennis, who loves his work, is a deeply chilling figure. 7. Nicholas Nickleby (1839) Nickleby contains some of Dickens very best character work. The vile Wackford Squeers, proprietor of Dotheboys Hall in Yorkshire, is a more pantomime assault on wayward educators than Gradgrind in Hard Times but all the funnier for that. The everyday evil of Ralph Nickleby though (another miser) is no laughing matter. Cedric Hardwicke as Ralph Nickleby in Ealings 1947 film of the novel (Moviestore Collection/Rex/Shutterstock) His fall at the hands of Newman Noggs, a man he has effectively enslaved by obligation, can only be read with a rousing cheer in a book that contains nothing close to a dull moment. Nicholass spell as a repertory actor with Vincent Crummles theatre troupe and the tragic fate of Smike are equally stellar. 6. The Pickwick Papers (1837) Commenced as a serial when the writer was just 24 and employed as a parliamentary correspondent, Dickenss first novel strongly reveals his early debt to Fielding and Smollett and is also perhaps his most consistently funny book. The tale of clubman Samuel Pickwick, who sets out like Don Quixote in pursuit of adventure in the naive company of messrs Winkle, Snodgrass and Tupman, planning to report back on their exploits to an enraptured audience of fellow Pickwickians. Pickwicks arrest and imprisonment in the Fleet for breach of promise after a misunderstanding with his landlady is hilarious, as is the clipped bluster of Alfred Jingle, the snoring of Joe and the wit and wisdom of Sam Weller, one of the great English everymen. Conviviality at Bob Sawyers in The Pickwick Papers (Getty) The Papers also marked the commencement of Dickens fruitful partnership with Hablot Knight Browne (Phiz), who took over as illustrator after the suicide of Robert Seymour. Only George Cruikshank would match Phiz in lifting the authors unique creations off the page. 5. Little Dorrit (1857) Lawyer Arthur Clennam, returned to London from China, befriends angelic seamstress Amy Dorrit and is shocked to find her supporting her father William Dorrit, imprisoned in the Marshalsea for debt (as Dickens own parent had been) for more than 20 years. Known as the Father of the Marshalsea, Dorrit is respected by his fellow inmates and too vain to acknowledge his daughters efforts on behalf of the family. Arthur sets out to help, pulling on the thread and unravelling Dorrits financial affairs to the betterment of all, only for Clennam himself to be hit by calamity and end up taking his place. Fresh from lambasting the judicial system in Bleak House, Dickens here went after the machinery of government through his portrayal of the Circumlocution Office, staffed entirely by a dynasty of Barnacles positively thriving on the business of chaos. As in A Christmas Carol, poverty and the social structures in place to keep the downtrodden low are again his true target. 4. Oliver Twist (1839) Perhaps the best known of the authors stories outside of A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist casts its orphan hero among the thieves of London: Bill Sikes, Fagin and the Artful Dodger. Dickens used his own unhappy adolescence in the workhouse to sketch in Olivers childhood under Mr Bumble and his experience as a journalist to report the plight of street children, forced into pickpocketing and worse by desperate necessity. Oliver asks for more gruel to the horror of his peers. Illustration by George Cruikshank (Hulton Archive/Getty) Sikess murder of Nancy is one of the most terrifying passages in literature and elevates the whole undertaking. 3. Bleak House (1853) Dickens had begun his attack on the in-built absurdities of the bureaucratic behemoth that is the British legal system with Dodson and Fogg in Pickwick and revisited his contention that the law is an ass here to extraordinary effect. The seemingly never-ending case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce at its centre rumbles on indefinitely, gradually chewing up the disputed inheritance in question until no one can remember its origins and there are no spoils left for the victor in any event: Innumerable children have been born into the cause; innumerable young people have married into it; innumerable old people have died out of it. Lady Dedlock and Jo. Illustration by Harry Furniss from 1910 (Design Pics Inc/Rex/Shutterstock) The kindly Chancery lawyer John Jarndyce meanwhile finds himself legal guardian to Esther Summerson unknowingly the daughter of Lady Dedlock, whose past drives the mystery - and to Richard Carstone and Ada Clare, the wards of court who fall in love and hope the case will be resolved in their favour. Harold Skimpole a sponging associate of Jarndyce who disingenuously insists on his state of childlike innocence to wheedle his way out of adult responsibility and the ludicrous dancing master Turveydrop appear among another unforgettable supporting cast. 2. David Copperfield (1850) This masterly bildungsroman charts the life and adventures of the eponymous hero, dispatched to live in an upturned boat on Yarmouth beach after his unworldly mother marries the cruel Edward Murdstone. After boarding school and an unhappy stint in London, David is befriended in Dover by his monomaniacal aunt Betsy Trotwood before encountering the tippling lawyer Mr Wickfield and his dreadful umble assistant Uriah Heep, the latter slyly seeking to usurp the former. Betrayed by his schoolmate Steerforth, David rises to prominence as a novelist, has his heart broken by tragedy and ultimately finds lasting happiness. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Once more drawing on aspects of his own past, Dickens is on supreme form here. In the person of Wilkins Micawber, he offers another quietly devastating portrait of his own hapless father, perennially in debt and unfailingly optimistic of a brighter tomorrow. WC Fieldss portrayal in the 1935 MGM film is unmatched. Armando Iannucci is nevertheless currently working on a new adaptation of Copperfield starring Dev Patel. 1. Great Expectations (1861) Dickens achieved perfection with this gothic masterpiece about the ascent of a blacksmiths apprentice from the Kent Marshes to the status of affluent London gentleman after he is bequeathed a fortune by a mysterious benefactor. Pip erroneously assumes his patron to be Miss Haversham, an eccentric brewery heiress who has vowed revenge against all mankind after being jilted on her wedding day, but the truth is far more shocking. Martita Hunt as Miss Havisham in the 1946 film version of Great Expectations (Rex) Abel Magwitch, Pumblechook, Estella, Herbert Pocket, Jaggers the lawyer, Wemmick and the Aged P, Bentley Drummle and the heartbreaking Joe Gargery all life is here. Haversham, sat alone in her mansion wearing white, a three-tiered cake mouldering at her side, utterly consumed by hatred, would be worth the price of admission alone. You cant do better than David Leans version of 1946 with John Mills, Martita Hunt, Jean Simmons and Alec Guinness. Just a few days after being treated to a brand new Captain Marvel trailer, the world appears to be on the cusp of receiving its first look at Avengers 4. One week after fans were left disappointed when a theory suggesting it would be unveiled last week was disproved, reports have now confirmed the first look at the Infinity War follow-up will drop later this week, reported lt a few days after planned due to the memorial for George HW Bush who died last week. The Grammy Award nominations announcement has also been pushed back so as not to coincide with the service. Considering the film is due to be released April 2019, many have been speculating that a trailer would be released before Christmas. So when the films directors, the Russo brothers, attended a fan screening hosted by Collider last Wednesday, theorists deemed the event the perfect occasion for it to drop. Instead of unveiling the trailer, however, they shut down any questions about the fourth film by using an air-horn whenever it was mentioned. Having initially been reported that the trailer would arrive on Wednesday, the word is that the Avengers 4 trailer will arrive on Friday. Avengers: Infinity War was released earlier this year, and saw Thanos (Josh Brolin) wreak destruction on Marvel superheroes, including Iron Man, Spider-Man and Black Panther. Thanks to a tie-in book, two further characters were confirmed to have survived the characters destructive finger-snap leading to a huge theory surrounding the character of Dr Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) and his importance in the forthcoming film. Disney and Marvel have kept incredibly silent about the sequel, but small details have emerged thanks to tie-in toys, chatty actors and the occasional leak, which we have collated here. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 Show all 34 1 /34 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 1. Captain America: Civil War Release date: 6 May 2016. Iron Man and Captain America are set to face off in this superhero blockbuster that will feature nearly all the Avengers but wont be an Avengers film. It will also mark the first time Spider-Man will feature in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Sony having made a deal with Marvel Studios. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 2. X-Men: Apocalypse Release date: 27 May 2016. Following the success of Days of Future Past, Apocalypse will follow the young X-Men team as the battle against Oscar Isaacs titular villain as he gathers his four horsemen; Magneto (Fassbender), Angel (Hardy), Storm (Shipp), and Psylocke (Munn). Expect carnage and no Wolverine. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 3. Suicide Squad Release date: 5 August 2016. The first supervillain film, Suicide Squad is also based in the DCEU (DC Extended Universe, where Batman and Superman live) and will introduce the world to Margot Robbies Harley Quinn and Jared Letos Joker. One of the more exciting upcoming DC films thats for sure. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 4. Doctor Strange Release date: 4 November 2016. Benedict Cumberbatch will debut in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe, where Captain America and Iron Man live) as the Sorcerer Supreme. The film already has an incredible cast, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachael McAdams and Tilda Swinton. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 5. Untitled Lego Batman film Release date: 20 February 2017. Kicking off 2017 is the Lego version of Batman, who will lead his own spin-off, having already featured in the amazing Lego Movie. Will Arnett voices the titular character, while Zach Garfianakis - from the Hangover - will voice The Joker. But will he better than Leto? 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 6. Untitled Wolverine film Release date: 3 March 2017. Having not starred in X-Men: Apocalypse, Wolverine will return to the big screen in a solo film which was recently made R-Rated following the success of Deadpool. It is expected to be Hugh Jackmans last outing as the titular character. Fox 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 7. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Release date: 5 May 2017. Chris Pratt and the crew are returning to space in the sequel to the surprisingly successful Guardians of the Galaxy. According to director James Gunn, the film will not feature Thanos, even though he will to play a major role in phase MCU Phase 3. Cast includes newcomers Kurt Russell and Pom Klementieff, as well as, rumour has it, Sylvester Stallone. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 8. Wonder Woman Release date: 23 June 2017. Gal Gadot is returning to the DCEU in her very own film, marking the first female-led superhero film on this list. Chris Pine is on board to play Wonder Womans love interest. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 9. Untitled Spider-Man reboot Release date: 7 July 2017. Yes, it is another Spider-Man reboot, having previously been redone with Andrew Garfield as the lead. However, this time it is part of the MCU, with Tom Holland as the titular character, and a heavily rumoured cameo by Iron Man could be in the pipeline. We can dream. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 10. Untitled Fox film Release date: 6 October 2017. In a strange announcement, Fox decided to withhold the release of Gambit until a future, as-yet unannounced date, which could be here, or this could be a completely separate project. Many suspect Deadpool 2 could nicely fit here, Fox capitalising on the success of the first film. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 11. Thor: Ragnarok Release date: 3 November 2017. Chris Hemsworth will be returning as the Norse God in his third solo MCU film. Flight of the Conchords Taika Waititi is on board to direct, and promises a fun adventure that will likely lead into Marvels next project, Infinity War. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 12. Justice League Part One Release date: 17 November 2017. Hot on the heals of Thor comes Justice League Part One, the first DCEU team-up flick which will see Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg work together to fight bad guys. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 13: Untitled Fox film Release date: 12 January 2018. Kicking off 2018 will likely be the second Deadpool film, but then again, this could very well be another X-Men team-up. Theres also talk of an X-Force film, with Deadpool and other mutants teaming up to fight evil. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 14. Black Panther Release date: 16 February 2018. The first non-white male-led superhero film in the MCU comes in the form of Black Panther, with Chadwick Boseman reprising the titular role, having also starred as the Panther in Civil War. Creeds Ryan Coogler is on to direct what could be a very exciting film. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 15. The Flash Release date: 16 March 2018. The Flash will be the first DCEU film since Justice League, and sees Ezra Miller take the lead. Phil Lord and Chris Miller were supposed to pen the film before Disney snapped them up for the Han Solo-film, leaving Seth Grahame-Smith to take charge. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 16. Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 Release date: 4 May 2018. And so, we finally get to the point of all these Infinity Stones! Thanos will be the big bad, with the Avengers needing to team up to defeat their biggest foe yet. It has previously been described as the end of the Avengers as we know it. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 17. Ant-Man and The Wasp Release date: 6 July 2018. Peyton Reed will be back to direct this surprise sequel to one of the better received MCU films. While the name is ridiculous, at least Marvel are finally having a leading female superhero. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 18. Untitled Fox film Release date: 13 July 2018. Again, not much word on this one except it is thought to be X-Men spin-off New Mutants, something Josh Boone has been hit up to write. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 19. Animated Spider-Man Film Release date: 20 July 2018. Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and Amy Pascal - the team behind the live-action Spider-Man films - are producing this unrelated animated adaptation of the hero. Because you can never have too much Spider-Man, right? 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 20. Aquaman Release date: 27 July 2018. Another Justice League spin-off, Jason Momoa plays the leading man. Furious 7s James Wan is on to direct, but little else is known about the film. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 21. Captain Marvel Release date: 8 March 2019. Weve hit 2019, and the first confirmed superhero film will be the first proper female-led MCU film. No-one is confirmed to be in the titular role of Carol Danvers just yet. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 22. Shazam Release date: 5 April 2019. Dwayne Johnson stars as the villain in this DCEU film which will be somewhat separate to the other DC films. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 23. Avengers: Infinity War Part 2. Release date: 3 May 2019. The conclusion to the long drawn MCU saga. Expect a big finish with at least a few planets being destroyed. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 24. Justice League Part Two Release date: 14 June 2019. Soon after the Infinity War story reaches its conclusion, so will the Justice Leagues. Not much is known, except Darkseid will likely be the villain for at least one of the parts. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 25. Inhumans Release date: 12 July 2019. The concept of Inhumans (or Marvels mutants) has already been introduced in TV, through Marvels Agents of Shield, yet the film is expected to introduce the Royal Family who have yet to be seen in the show. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 26. Cyborg Release date: 3 April 2020. Having debuted in Justice League Part One three years previously, Cyborg will finally be making his own outing, with Ray Fisher as the titular character. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 27. Untitled MCU film Release date: 1 May 2020. The first of three untitled Marvel films. There are a couple of contenders, the first is a likely sequel to Spider-Man with Sony, or a third Guardians of the Galaxy film, thus finishing the trilogy. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 28. Green Lantern Corps. Release date: 19 June 2020. Before you start to worry, this has nothing to do with the Ryan Reynolds-starring flick that hit cinemas a little while ago. Instead, this will be another DCEU film that will likely spin-off from Justice League after the Green Lantern Corps cameo in one of the parts. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 29. Untitled MCU film Release date: 10 July 2020. As well as Spider-Man or Guardians of the Galaxy sequels, a Doctor Strange or Black Panther one could fit in nicely here. Or perhaps Black Widow may finally get the solo-film she deserves. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 30. Untitled MCU film Release date: 6 November 2020. Some speculators also think a Blade film could fit in here, marking over 20 years since the first Blade. But many believe the character may be better suited to a Netflix series, as with Daredevil and Jessica Jones. Theres also talk of a Runaways film reaching cinemas at some stage. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 31. Untitled Ben Affleck Batman film Release date: TBA. Now were onto the TBA release dates, the first of which is a Batman solo film, written and directed by Ben Affleck. When this is due, no one is quite sure but expect it sooner rather than later if Batman v Superman is a success. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 32. Suicide Squad 2 Release date: TBA (rumoured 2017). A sequel to Suicide Squad is expected to come in 2017 according to recent reports, but nothing has been confirmed. If the first is successful, it should come as no surprise for Warner Bros to rearrange their schedule to fit in this surefire hit. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 33. Venom Release date: TBA. This is an odd one, as it has been confirmed Sony are wanting to release a Venom film completely unrelated to the upcoming Spider-Man reboot. Venom, as you may know, is a Spider-Man villain, intrinsically linked to Spider-Man, so it seems odd they would release a film unrelated to the rebooted project and not linked to the MCU. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 Anything else? Well, now you mention it, theres also that sequel to Fantastic Four that has seemingly been dropped by Fox. Plus, theres the Gambit film which has been put on hold (but will likely fill an untitled Fox slot so we havent added it extra). Then again, it could be shoehorned in somehow Marvel Next up from the Marvel Cinematic Universe is Captain Marvel which will see Brie Larson become the studios first female to spearhead a film solo. Itll be released on 8 March, and you can see its latest Skrull-filled trailer here. Avengers 4 will be released in the UK on 26 April. The cast of British classic Four Weddings and a Funeral are reuniting for a follow-up short film, set 25 years after the original. Hugh Grant, Andie McDowell and Kristin Scott Thomas are set to appear in the sequel which is being filmed by original director Mike Newell for Red Nose Day. John Hannah, Rowan Atkinson and Anna Chancellor will also return. Written by Richard Curtis, it'll be titled One Red Nose Day and a Wedding. The project, which was announced on Twitter by producer and Curtis's wife Emma Freud, will be similar in vein to the 2017 short film Red Nose Day Actually which served as a continuation of 2003 festive favourite Love, Actually. Freud wrote: SO... for @RedNoseDay UK/USA we're making a short film with the original cast of Four Weddings And A Funeral. It picks up 25 years after the 1st movie, is called One Red Nose Day And A Wedding, filming next week." The news follows the announcement that McDowell will appear in a Hulu series based on the hit 1994 romantic comedy, starring Game of Thrones's Nathalie Emmanuel, and co-written by Mindy Kaling. The series will follow four American friends Maya (Emmanuel), Craig (Smith), Ainsley (Rittenhouse) and Duffy (Reynolds) who reunite for a London wedding. However, something disastrous happens at the alter and their lives are thrown into turmoil, with a year of relationships and heartbreak following. The 65 best movie insults of all time Show all 65 1 /65 The 65 best movie insults of all time The 65 best movie insults of all time Avengers Assemble (2012) "This is my bargain, you mewling quim." Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) "Hey, where'd you get those clothes, the toilet store?" DreamWorks Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) "How could you sleep with Fat Bastard? No, I mean, literally, how could you do it? He's so fat, the sheer mechanics of it are mind-boggling." New Line Cinema The 65 best movie insults of all time Bad Moms (2016) "Well, you look like a bag of d***s" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Bad Santa (2003) Youre an emotional f***ing cripple. Your soul is dogs***. Every single f***ing thing about you is ugly. REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Blade: Trinity (2004) "You c*ck-juggling thunderc***!" New Line Cinema The 65 best movie insults of all time The Breakfast Club (1985) "Does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe?" Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) "If staying here means working within 10 yards of you, frankly, I'd rather have a job wiping Saddam Hussein's arse." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Bull Durham (1988) "From what I hear, you couldn't hit water if you fell out of a f***ing boat." Orion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Burn After Reading (2008) "I have a drinking problem? F*** you, Peck. Compared to you we all have a drinking problem." Macall Polay The 65 best movie insults of all time The Campaign (2012) "You know what the difference between your momma and a washing machine is? When I dump a load in a machine, the machine doesn't follow me around for three weeks." Warner Bros Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Casino (1995) "You horse manure smelling motherf***er, you." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time The Cat in the Hat (2003) "Do you know how hard it is telling people were related?" DreamWorks Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Closer (2004) "Go f*** yourself, you WRITER!" Columbia Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Clueless (1995) "Youre a virgin and you cant drive." Paramount Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Con Air (1997) "You're somewhere between a cockroach and that white stuff that accumulates at the corner of your mouth when you're really thirsty." Buena Vista Pictures Distribution The 65 best movie insults of all time The Death of Stalin (2017) "You smell like rendered horse, you burning a**hole." eOne Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Donnie Darko (2001) "You can go suck a f***." Pandora Cinema The 65 best movie insults of all time Duck Soup (1933) "He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you he really is an idiot." Paramount Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Easy A (2010) "Don't you think it's a little strange that your boyfriend is 22-years-old and still in high school?" Screen Gems The 65 best movie insults of all time Erin Brockovich (2000) "That's all you got, lady - two wrong feet and f***ing ugly shoes." Columbia Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Escape Plan (2013) "You hit like a vegetarian" The 65 best movie insults of all time The Favourite (2018) "You look like a badger." Fox Searchlight Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time A Fish Called Wanda (1988) "To call you stupid would be an insult to stupid people." The 65 best movie insults of all time Full Metal Jacket (1987) "You climb like old people f***, Private Pile." ColumbiaCannonWarner The 65 best movie insults of all time Gangs of New York (2002) I dont give a tuppeny f*** about your moral conundrum, you meat-headed s*** sack. Miramax Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) "You're in more dire need of a blowjob than any white man in history" Buena Vista Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time The Hangover (2009) "You are literally too stupid to insult." Warner Bros. Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time His Girl Friday (1940) "Listen, you insignificant, square-toed, pimple-headed spy!" Columbia Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Home Alone (1990) "You're what the French call: 'les incompetents'." DON SMETZER/20TH CENTURY FOX/The Kobal Collection/WireImage.com The 65 best movie insults of all time In Bruges (2008) "YOU'RE AN INANIMATE F***ING OBJECT!" Universal Studios/Focus Features The 65 best movie insults of all time In the Loop (2009) "Allow me to pop a jaunty little bonnet on your purview and ram it up your a*** with a lubricated horse c***." IFC Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) "I should have had you wear double condoms. Well, we shouldn't have done it in the first place, but if you ever do it again, which as a favour to women everywhere, you should not, but if you do, you should be wearing condom on condom, and then wrap it in electrical tape. You should just walk around always inside a great big condom because you are s***!" CBS Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) Perry: "Look up 'idiot' in the dictionary. You know what you'll find?" : "Look up 'idiot' in the dictionary. You know what you'll find?" Harry: "A picture of me?" Perry: "No! The definition of the word idiot, which you f***ing are." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Knocked Up "Your face looks like Robin Williams' knuckles. The 65 best movie insults of all time The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) "Were you always this stupid or did you take lessons?" The 65 best movie insults of all time The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942) "My great aunt Jennifer ate a whole box of candy every day of her life. She lived to be 102 and when she'd been dead three days, she looked better than you do now." Warner Bros. The 65 best movie insults of all time Matilda (1996) "Your mummy is a TWIT." TriStar Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time The Mist (2007) Ill tell you what. The day I need a friend like you, Ill just have myself a little squat and s*** one out. REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) "Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries." EMI Films The 65 best movie insults of all time National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) If any of you are looking for any last-minute gift ideas for me, I have one. I'd like Frank Shirley, my boss, right here tonight. I want to tell him what a cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, d***less, hopeless, heartless, fat-ass, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey s*** he is." The 65 best movie insults of all time Parenthood (1989) "I wouldn't live with you if the world were flooded with piss and you lived in a tree." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Phantom Thread (2018) "Are you a special agent sent here to ruin my evening and possibly my entire life?" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Point Break (1991) "You're a real blue flame special, aren't you, son? Young, dumb and full of cum. What I don't know is how you got assigned here. Guess we must just have ourselves an asshole shortage, huh?" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time The Princess Bride (1987) "I'll explain and I'll use small words so that you'll be sure to understand, you warthog faced buffoon." Vestron Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Roxanne (1987) "Is that your nose or did a bus park on your face?" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Say Anything (1989) "I got a question: if you guys know so much about women, how come you're here on a Saturday night completely alone drinking beers with no women anywhere?" The 65 best movie insults of all time Scarface (1983) "Even if I were blind, desperate, starved and begging for it on a desert island, you'd be the last thing I'd ever f***." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time School of Rock (2004) "You're tacky and I hate you" The 65 best movie insults of all time Sexy Beast (2000) "You're the f***ing problem you f***ing Dr White honkin' jam-rag f***ing spunk-bubble!" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time She's All That (1999) "To everyone here who matters, you're spam. You're vapour. A waste of perfectly good yearbook space." Miramax Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Short Circuit (1986) "Hey laser-lips, your mother was a snowblower." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Shrek (2000) "You dense, irritating, miniature beast of a burden." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time The Silence of the Lambs (1991) You know what you look like to me, with your good bag and your cheap shoes? You look like a rube. A well scrubbed, hustling rube with a little taste. Good nutrition has given you some length of bone, but youre not more than one generation from poor white trash, are you, Agent Starling?" Orion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) "Why, you stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder." 20th Century Fox The 65 best movie insults of all time Step Brothers (2008) "You're not a doctor. You're a big fat curly headed f***." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time There Will Be Blood (2007) "You're just the afterbirth, Eli, slithered out on your mother's filth. They should have put you in glass jar on a mantelpiece." Paramount Vantage/Miramax Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Three Amigos (1986) "You dirt-eating piece of slime. You scum-sucking pig. You son of a motherless goat." Orion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Toy Story (1995) "You are a sad strange little man, and you have my pity." Buena Vista Pictures Distribution The 65 best movie insults of all time Wayne's World (1992) "Benjamin is nobody's friend. If Benjamin were an ice cream flavour, he'd be pralines and d***." Paramount Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Whiplash (2014) "You are a worthless, friendless, piece of shit whose mommy left daddy when she figured out he wasn't Eugene O'Neill, and who is now weeping and slobbering all over my drum set like a f***ing nine-year old girl." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time The Witches of Eastwick (1987) "In the short time we've been together, you have demonstrated every loathsome characteristic of the male personality and even discovered a few new ones. You are physically repulsive, intellectually retarded, you're morally reprehensible, vulgar, insensitive, selfish, stupid, you have no taste, a lousy sense of humour and you smell. You're not even interesting enough to make me sick." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Withnail & I (1987) "Monty, you terrible c***." HandMade Films The 65 best movie insults of all time The Wizard of Oz (1939) "You clinking, clanking, clattering collection of caliginous junk!" Loew's, Inc. The 65 best movie insults of all time The Women (1939) "You wanna see a bad facelift? Helen Danvers, two o'clock. She looks like she's re-entering the Earth's atmosphere." REX MacDowell is to play the mother of Reynoldss character Duffy in a nod to the original. The event has also launched a competition in which winners will receive a walk-on part in the film as well as breakfast with the cast. To enter, visit givergy.com. Kevin Hart has been announced as the host of the 2019 Academy Awards. The comedian described the stint as an opportunity of a lifetime while confirming the news in an Instagram post on Tuesday (4 December). I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time... To be able to join the legendary list of host that have graced this stage is unbelievable, Hart wrote. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now." He ensured he will make the ceremony "a special one". Recommended Everything we know so far about the 2019 Oscars Hart, whose credits include Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, expressed interest in becoming Oscars host in an interview last year and had been rumoured to take over from Jimmy Kimmel who has led proceedings for the past two year's running. Kimmel, who was hosting the ceremony during the infamous snafu which saw the wrong Best Picture winner announced, congratulated his successor on Twitter, adding that the Academy had made "an excellent choice". Hart previously described hosting the Oscars as "...something I would definitely do just to say I did it in my career. It would be great to say I had that moment. Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Show all 23 1 /23 Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Citizen Kane (1941) Long revered as one of the greatest films ever made, Orson Welles' debut a film following newspaper tycoon Charles Foster Kane was just another nominee back in the day, losing out to How Green Was My Valley. RKO Radio Pictures Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture The Searchers (1956) The Searchers may be considered John Ford's greatest film, but it was not treated as such back in the 1950s. In fact, the western starring John Wayne failed to earn a single nomination. Around the World in 80 Days turned out to be more the Academy's cup of tea. RKO Radio Pictures Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Vertigo (1958) Not only did Alfred Hitchcock never win an Oscar (save for his memorial award in 1968), but neither did any of his films one of which is Vertigo, a classic that won Sight & Sound's once-a-decade greatest films of all time poll in 2012. If it had been nominated, it would have faced stiff competition in the form of eventual winner All About Eve. Paramount Pictures Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture The Graduate (1967) One of the films that kickstarted the New Hollywood Cinema era, The Graduate may have won director Mike Nichols an Oscar, but it ultimately lost out to Norman Jewison's In the Heat of the Night. United Artists Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) Stanley Kubrick's sci-fi classic remains one of the most influential pieces of cinema there is. The Academy didn't agree. The Academy nominated Kubrick for Best Director and awarded the visual effects in favour of considering 2001 for Best Picture (it didn't even get nominated). That year's winner was Oliver!, the musical by Carol Reed. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Taxi Driver (1976) Despite Taxi Driver's failure to win the main award, its nomination in four categories showed the Academy had good intentions. That All the President's Men and Network also lost out to eventual winner Rocky shows that, ultimately, it never really stood a chance. Columbia Pictures Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Apocalypse Now (1979) Francis Ford Coppola's ambitious Vietnam War epic Apocalypse Now received a grand total of eight nominations, but only went home with two prizes (for cinematography and sound) losing out to drama Kramer vs. Kramer. United Artists Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Raging Bull (1980) Of all the Oscar blows dealt to Martin Scorsese over the decades, none landed harder than Raging Bull losing out to Robert Redford's weepie Ordinary People, an oversight many consider one of the Academy's most egregious. United Artists Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Blade Runner (1982) Another sci-fi classic overlooked by the Oscars was Blade Runner, which didn't even get nominated in the Best Picture category (Gandhi ended up winning). Ridley Scott's The Martian went on to receive seven nominations in 2017 evidence, perhaps, of the Academy taking responsibility for its past errors. United Artists Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Do the Right Thing (1989) Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing failing to win Best Picture at the 1990 Oscars is one thing losing out to Driving Miss Daisy is another thing altogether. Universal Pictures Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Goodfellas (1990) Having awarded both The Godfather Part I and The Godfather Part II Best Picture in 1972 and 1974 respectively, the Academy seemed destined to appreciate Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas. But no Kevin Costner's directorial debut Dances with Wolves was the most appealing choice for voters. 2012 Getty Images Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Pulp Fiction (1994) New talent on the block Quentin Tarantino's second feature Pulp Fiction won him the coveted Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1994 a success he failed to match back on home turf. While he won an Original Screenplay Oscar, his film was beaten by Forrest Gump... Miramax Films Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture The Shawshank Redemption (1994) ...and it wasn't the only one. Frank Darabont's adaptation of Stephen King's prison-set novella The Shawshank Redemption also fell victim to Robert Zemeckis' Oscar-friendly Forrest Gump. We don't see that film sitting atop the IMDb top 250 though, do we? Getty Images Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Heat (1995) If Heat was released today, there's no way it wouldn't be a Best Picture frontrunner. That it was completely ignored in favour of Braveheart is a huge travesty. Warner Bros Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Fargo (1996) You may think it was remiss of the Academy to shun Fargo, but it did come pretty close to winning, its chances bolstered somewhat by seven nominations and two wins (Actress for Frances McDormand and Original Screenplay for the Coen Brothers). It lost out to The English Patient. Gramercy Pictures Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Saving Private Ryan (1998) Having won Best Director five years previous for Schindler's List, Steven Spielberg was strongly expected to take home the top prizes for his Second World War epic. Cue Shakespeare In Love upsetting everybody. Paramount Pictures Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture The Social Network (2010) David Fincher's Facebook drama got shunned in favour of British patriotism in an Oscar two-horse race for the ages that ultimately saw The King's Speech crowned winner. Columbia Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) Lynne Ramsay has directed two films that would have been deserving of Best Picture: You Were Never Really Here and this, We Need to Talk About Kevin. It's easy to see why Hollywood was temporarily more charmed by The Artist, but it's clear which film will stand the test of time. Oscilloscope Laboratories Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) It's almost unthinkable to recall that the Coen brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis only scored two Oscar nominations in the cinematography and sound mixing categories, respectively. In the ensuing years, the film has been hailed as one of the greatest of the 2010s, meaning that its no-show at the Oscars will go down as one of the Academy's biggest omissions. Still, it would have had a hard time winning over 12 Years a Slave. CBS Films Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Boyhood (2014) For the 2015 Oscars race, you were either team Birdman or team Boyhood. Richard Linklater's labour of love, shot intermittently over 12 years, ultimately failed to win. Universal Pictures Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture American Honey (2016) If there's any justice, Andrea Arnold will one day become an Oscar winner, but in a perfect world, she would have already won for American Honey, a drama deserving of Best Picture if there ever was one. Universal Pictures Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Get Out (2017) Horror rarely gets recognised at the Oscars, but Get Out is the closest the genre had come in years. Jordan Peele may have taken home the Best Original Screenplay award, but the stars aligned for Guillermo del Toro's fantasy The Shape of Water instead. Universal Pictures Oscars: 21 great films that never won Best Picture Roma (2018) Roma was strongly expected to become the first ever foreign language film to win Best Picture. It had everything going for it, including a standout festival run and universal acclaim. But then Green Book snatched its trophy away in a late stage awards season twist that still seems too ridiculous to be true. Netflix Most recently, Hart co-starred alongside Tiffany Haddish in Night School, one of the year's most bankable comedies. Previous Oscar hosts include Bob Hope, Billy Crystal and Ellen DeGeneres. Robert De Niro has been called out for working with a small number of female directors throughout his five-decade career. The actor was speaking at the Marrakech Film Festival when he was asked by French actor-turned-filmmaker Maiwenn why there was a lack of projects directed by women in his filmography. I dont know, De Niro replied. I dont have a problem working with a woman. If its a good script Id do it. De Niro is best known for his collaborations with male filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese, Brian De Palma and David O Russell. Since his first feature film credit in 1968, he has worked with just four women directors, one of which (Shark Tale's Vicky Jenson) was co-directing alongside two men. The other three include Penny Marshall (Awakenings, 1990), Agnes Varda (One Hundred and One Nights, 1995), and Nancy Meyers (The Intern, 2015). In 2019, the actor will star in three male-directed films: The War With Grandpa from Tim Hill, The Hangover director Todd Phillips comic book film Joker and The Irishman which mark his ninth time working with Scorsese. The actor confirmed that the Netflix-produced film will receive a theatrical release after much speculation. I love the big screen and I think certain movies have to be shown on a big screen, especially our movie," he said. "In the beginning, were talking about big venues where it should play. What happens after that I dont know. The contradiction is that the money were fortunate to get from Netflix has been very good, so hopefully theyll be some kind of a compromise. The 65 best movie insults of all time Show all 65 1 /65 The 65 best movie insults of all time The 65 best movie insults of all time Avengers Assemble (2012) "This is my bargain, you mewling quim." Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) "Hey, where'd you get those clothes, the toilet store?" DreamWorks Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) "How could you sleep with Fat Bastard? No, I mean, literally, how could you do it? He's so fat, the sheer mechanics of it are mind-boggling." New Line Cinema The 65 best movie insults of all time Bad Moms (2016) "Well, you look like a bag of d***s" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Bad Santa (2003) Youre an emotional f***ing cripple. Your soul is dogs***. Every single f***ing thing about you is ugly. REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Blade: Trinity (2004) "You c*ck-juggling thunderc***!" New Line Cinema The 65 best movie insults of all time The Breakfast Club (1985) "Does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe?" Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) "If staying here means working within 10 yards of you, frankly, I'd rather have a job wiping Saddam Hussein's arse." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Bull Durham (1988) "From what I hear, you couldn't hit water if you fell out of a f***ing boat." Orion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Burn After Reading (2008) "I have a drinking problem? F*** you, Peck. Compared to you we all have a drinking problem." Macall Polay The 65 best movie insults of all time The Campaign (2012) "You know what the difference between your momma and a washing machine is? When I dump a load in a machine, the machine doesn't follow me around for three weeks." Warner Bros Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Casino (1995) "You horse manure smelling motherf***er, you." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time The Cat in the Hat (2003) "Do you know how hard it is telling people were related?" DreamWorks Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Closer (2004) "Go f*** yourself, you WRITER!" Columbia Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Clueless (1995) "Youre a virgin and you cant drive." Paramount Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Con Air (1997) "You're somewhere between a cockroach and that white stuff that accumulates at the corner of your mouth when you're really thirsty." Buena Vista Pictures Distribution The 65 best movie insults of all time The Death of Stalin (2017) "You smell like rendered horse, you burning a**hole." eOne Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Donnie Darko (2001) "You can go suck a f***." Pandora Cinema The 65 best movie insults of all time Duck Soup (1933) "He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you he really is an idiot." Paramount Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Easy A (2010) "Don't you think it's a little strange that your boyfriend is 22-years-old and still in high school?" Screen Gems The 65 best movie insults of all time Erin Brockovich (2000) "That's all you got, lady - two wrong feet and f***ing ugly shoes." Columbia Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Escape Plan (2013) "You hit like a vegetarian" The 65 best movie insults of all time The Favourite (2018) "You look like a badger." Fox Searchlight Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time A Fish Called Wanda (1988) "To call you stupid would be an insult to stupid people." The 65 best movie insults of all time Full Metal Jacket (1987) "You climb like old people f***, Private Pile." ColumbiaCannonWarner The 65 best movie insults of all time Gangs of New York (2002) I dont give a tuppeny f*** about your moral conundrum, you meat-headed s*** sack. Miramax Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) "You're in more dire need of a blowjob than any white man in history" Buena Vista Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time The Hangover (2009) "You are literally too stupid to insult." Warner Bros. Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time His Girl Friday (1940) "Listen, you insignificant, square-toed, pimple-headed spy!" Columbia Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Home Alone (1990) "You're what the French call: 'les incompetents'." DON SMETZER/20TH CENTURY FOX/The Kobal Collection/WireImage.com The 65 best movie insults of all time In Bruges (2008) "YOU'RE AN INANIMATE F***ING OBJECT!" Universal Studios/Focus Features The 65 best movie insults of all time In the Loop (2009) "Allow me to pop a jaunty little bonnet on your purview and ram it up your a*** with a lubricated horse c***." IFC Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) "I should have had you wear double condoms. Well, we shouldn't have done it in the first place, but if you ever do it again, which as a favour to women everywhere, you should not, but if you do, you should be wearing condom on condom, and then wrap it in electrical tape. You should just walk around always inside a great big condom because you are s***!" CBS Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) Perry: "Look up 'idiot' in the dictionary. You know what you'll find?" : "Look up 'idiot' in the dictionary. You know what you'll find?" Harry: "A picture of me?" Perry: "No! The definition of the word idiot, which you f***ing are." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Knocked Up "Your face looks like Robin Williams' knuckles. The 65 best movie insults of all time The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) "Were you always this stupid or did you take lessons?" The 65 best movie insults of all time The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942) "My great aunt Jennifer ate a whole box of candy every day of her life. She lived to be 102 and when she'd been dead three days, she looked better than you do now." Warner Bros. The 65 best movie insults of all time Matilda (1996) "Your mummy is a TWIT." TriStar Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time The Mist (2007) Ill tell you what. The day I need a friend like you, Ill just have myself a little squat and s*** one out. REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) "Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries." EMI Films The 65 best movie insults of all time National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) If any of you are looking for any last-minute gift ideas for me, I have one. I'd like Frank Shirley, my boss, right here tonight. I want to tell him what a cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, d***less, hopeless, heartless, fat-ass, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey s*** he is." The 65 best movie insults of all time Parenthood (1989) "I wouldn't live with you if the world were flooded with piss and you lived in a tree." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Phantom Thread (2018) "Are you a special agent sent here to ruin my evening and possibly my entire life?" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Point Break (1991) "You're a real blue flame special, aren't you, son? Young, dumb and full of cum. What I don't know is how you got assigned here. Guess we must just have ourselves an asshole shortage, huh?" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time The Princess Bride (1987) "I'll explain and I'll use small words so that you'll be sure to understand, you warthog faced buffoon." Vestron Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Roxanne (1987) "Is that your nose or did a bus park on your face?" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Say Anything (1989) "I got a question: if you guys know so much about women, how come you're here on a Saturday night completely alone drinking beers with no women anywhere?" The 65 best movie insults of all time Scarface (1983) "Even if I were blind, desperate, starved and begging for it on a desert island, you'd be the last thing I'd ever f***." Universal Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time School of Rock (2004) "You're tacky and I hate you" The 65 best movie insults of all time Sexy Beast (2000) "You're the f***ing problem you f***ing Dr White honkin' jam-rag f***ing spunk-bubble!" REX The 65 best movie insults of all time She's All That (1999) "To everyone here who matters, you're spam. You're vapour. A waste of perfectly good yearbook space." Miramax Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Short Circuit (1986) "Hey laser-lips, your mother was a snowblower." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Shrek (2000) "You dense, irritating, miniature beast of a burden." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time The Silence of the Lambs (1991) You know what you look like to me, with your good bag and your cheap shoes? You look like a rube. A well scrubbed, hustling rube with a little taste. Good nutrition has given you some length of bone, but youre not more than one generation from poor white trash, are you, Agent Starling?" Orion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) "Why, you stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder." 20th Century Fox The 65 best movie insults of all time Step Brothers (2008) "You're not a doctor. You're a big fat curly headed f***." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time There Will Be Blood (2007) "You're just the afterbirth, Eli, slithered out on your mother's filth. They should have put you in glass jar on a mantelpiece." Paramount Vantage/Miramax Films The 65 best movie insults of all time Three Amigos (1986) "You dirt-eating piece of slime. You scum-sucking pig. You son of a motherless goat." Orion Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Toy Story (1995) "You are a sad strange little man, and you have my pity." Buena Vista Pictures Distribution The 65 best movie insults of all time Wayne's World (1992) "Benjamin is nobody's friend. If Benjamin were an ice cream flavour, he'd be pralines and d***." Paramount Pictures The 65 best movie insults of all time Whiplash (2014) "You are a worthless, friendless, piece of shit whose mommy left daddy when she figured out he wasn't Eugene O'Neill, and who is now weeping and slobbering all over my drum set like a f***ing nine-year old girl." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time The Witches of Eastwick (1987) "In the short time we've been together, you have demonstrated every loathsome characteristic of the male personality and even discovered a few new ones. You are physically repulsive, intellectually retarded, you're morally reprehensible, vulgar, insensitive, selfish, stupid, you have no taste, a lousy sense of humour and you smell. You're not even interesting enough to make me sick." REX The 65 best movie insults of all time Withnail & I (1987) "Monty, you terrible c***." HandMade Films The 65 best movie insults of all time The Wizard of Oz (1939) "You clinking, clanking, clattering collection of caliginous junk!" Loew's, Inc. The 65 best movie insults of all time The Women (1939) "You wanna see a bad facelift? Helen Danvers, two o'clock. She looks like she's re-entering the Earth's atmosphere." REX Speaking about his collaboration with the streaming service, Scorsese said: People such as Netflix are taking risks. The Irishman is a risky film. No one else wanted to fund the pic for five to seven years. And of course, were all getting older. Netflix took the risk. According to reports, The Irishmans budget ended up soaring because of the CGI required to make the 74-year-old De Niro look like a 30-year-old for the scenes set in 1959. Global carbon pollution is on track to reach unprecedented levels in 2018, smashing hopes that the world had reached peak emissions. Growing energy demands combined with an unwillingness by many nations to let go of coal and oil are expected to result in a 2 per cent boost for emissions. Released at the major COP24 summit in Poland, the news marks the end of a year in which climate change has made itself felt, driving heatwaves, droughts and wildfires across the planet. Recommended Nations must cut five times more emissions to stop disastrous warming It comes after a UN report warned that as emissions continue to creep upwards, nations must increase their commitments to tackling global warming by five times to avoid its worst effects. CO2 pollution shot up in 2017 after a three-year decline that led many to speculate the world had hit peak carbon. With the data suggesting this trend has continued into 2018, experts have redoubled their desperate warnings to phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible to avoid climate disaster. Nation-by-nation breakdown of changing CO2 emissions (Global Carbon Project) With this years growth in emissions, it looks like the peak is not yet in sight, said Professor Corinne Le Quere, from the University of East Anglia, who led the analysis. To limit global warming to the Paris agreement goal of 1.5C, CO2 emissions would need to decline by 50 per cent by 2030 and reach net zero by around 2050. We are a long way from this and much more needs to be done because if countries stick to the commitments they have already made, we are on track to see 3C of global warming. The new analysis by the Global Carbon Project is published in the journals Nature, Earth System Science Data and Environmental Research Letters. Some experts warned there was a sense of complacency among world leaders, as even the most progressive nations such as the UK cling on to fracking and gas plants while professing to pursue a green agenda. Global Carbon Project 2018 findings Overall the main growth in CO2 emissions came from increased overall energy demands Chinese emissions make up over a quarter of the global total, and these grew by 4.7 per cent Indias emissions grew by 6.3 per cent, with coal, oil and gas all seeing significant increases US emissions grew by 2.5 per cent after several years of decline Even the EU, which intends to go climate neutral by 2050, saw an increase of 0.7 per cent Fossil fuels made up 90 per cent of all emissions from human sources, and these emissions reached 37.1 billion tons An additional 5 billion tons came from other human sources such as deforestation Though coal exploitation has dropped since its peak in 2013, use of the high-polluting fuel has begun to creep back up again, contributing to a considerable chunk of emissions. COP24 host nation Poland has drawn much criticism for refusing to give up coal, while US president Donald Trump has made his enthusiasm for it well known. Oil use also increased in 2018 due to an increase in journeys taken by cars, lorries and planes. Though the team concluded that the major driver behind the uptick was economic growth across the world, the authors emphasised that economic growth and emissions cuts are not mutually exclusive. Theres no question about that, said Professor Le Quere. 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 Over the past decades, 19 nations from the UK to the US have cut their CO2 emissions while growing their economies. Despite rapid growth in low-carbon technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the team said not nearly enough is being done. The worlds future under climate change hangs in the balance at the talks in the Polish coal mining city of Katowice, as leaders decide on how to implemented the Paris climate agreement. Theres way too much complacency in the air at these talks, said Harjeet Singh, global lead on climate change for ActionAid International. Were heading for big rises in global temperatures that will lead us to the complete and irreversible extinction of coral reefs and up to 150 million more premature deaths. That is the reality ahead. Recommended Climate talks begin after Attenborough warns of civilisation collapse Professor Kevin Anderson, a climate change scientist at the University of Manchester, said the new results were not surprising given the lack of ambition on display from self-proclaimed climate progressive countries. If the UK, a self-proclaimed climate progressive country, celebrates the exploitation of a new North Sea oil reserve [Clair Ridge], whilst simultaneously exploring for shale gas and expanding Heathrow, is it any surprise global emissions are rising? he asked. Professor Dave Reay, carbon management expert at the University of Edinburgh, said the new findings were more brutal than ever and must add to the wealth of existing evidence to galvanise action among policymakers. World leaders and their negotiators will say we are doing our best. So far their best has not been enough. For all our sakes they must now do what is required, he said. Encompassing swathes of Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya, the Omo-Turkana Basin is one of the oldest landscapes in the world that is known to have been inhabited by Homo sapiens and is now one of the worlds most extraordinary examples of ethnic diversity. In the lower Omo Valley alone, a varied history of cross-cultural encounters has played out to produce eight distinct ethnic groups, speaking many languages from Afro-Asiatic to Nilo-Saharan. In a cattle camp on the bank of the ancient Omo river a Mursi elder implored me to tell our story so that others might know us before we are all dead in the desert. Where the river ends in Lake Turkana, this sentiment was echoed by local fishermen: You will find our bones in the desert. The story of the Omo-Turkana Basin is now that of the Ethiopian state exploiting its periphery in the name of development, trampling on the human rights of its citizens in the process. The dam and the damned Over the past decade, the Ethiopian government has pushed ahead with a huge hydroelectric dam on the Omo, known as Gibe III. Without any meaningful consultation with the communities affected, the state has also appropriated grazing lands and freshwater, threatening their vital resources and local heritage. All of this has happened despite the area gaining the status of a Unesco world heritage site in 1980. As Richard Leakey, the Kenyan palaeoanthropologist, conservationist and politician put it, these happenings are profoundly disturbing. The completion of Gibe III, Africas tallest dam to date, has eliminated the annual flood and radically reduced the Omos flow, which produces 90 per cent of Lake Turkanas freshwater input. In doing so, it has reduced sediments and nutrients critical for traditional agriculture, riverside pastures and fish habitat. From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic Show all 11 1 /11 From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic Horst Luz, Sudan, 1965 A ghostly Nuba glee club bathes in ashes to ward off evil spirits before singing at a sanda festival National Geographic Society From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic Gervas Huxley, Kenya, 1940s Kenyans trudging along a road battle clouds of ying locusts. Spawned in the vast deserts to the north, periodic irruptions of locusts brought millions of insects descending upon everything in sight, devouring crops, destroying grasslands and forests, even covering roads so thickly that cars skidded out of control National Geographic Society From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic Chris Johns, South Africa, 1995 A walking stick on one shoulder, a hunting bow slung over the other, a Bushman watches relatives stride across the dunes near the boundary of Kalahari Gemsbok National Park Minden Pictures From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic Mark Deeble and Victoria Stone, Kenya, 2001 As graceful under water as the sh it swims among, a hippo courses through Kenyas marvelous Mzima Springs, an Edenic oasis in the midst of Tsavo National Park. Tiny sh, the photographers were the rst to discover, each specialised in cleaning various parts of the river horses anatomy National Geographic Creative From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic Michael K. Nichols, Ethiopia, 2002 Lounging beneath ancient heath trees, gelada baboon bachelors gang up until the day when they will turn against each other in the competition for females National Geographic Creative From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic Hans Hildenbrand, Egypt, circa 1925 Men lead donkeys past the Tombs of the Caliphs, mosque-like mausoleums erected outside Cairo to house the mortal remains of Egypts medieval sultans, the foreign dynasty of the Circassian Mamluks. No towering pyramids for them! National Geographic Society From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic Bruce Dale, Kenya, 1968 A Kenyan farmer and his cow climb a hill near Kisii on land that he might well own, since after independence in 1963 the new government had bought some of the choicest parcels and resold them to native smallholders National Geographic Creative From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic David Doubilet, Egypt, 1981 A young goatherd pipes a tune in the wastes of the Sinai Desert. Wild and rugged, this no mans land occupied by Israel at this time as a result of the 1967 Six-Day War had been claimed by Egypt for thousands of years, but was really home only to wandering Beduoin tribes National Geographic Creative From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic Dick Durrance III, South Africa, 1970 In a sign of hope for a better future, a Zulu worker gives a thumbs-up sign in the railroad station at Umlazi, a township in the Kwa Zulu Bantustan. During the Apartheid era, hundreds of thousands of workers commuted each day from segregated townships to jobs as menials and laborers in white-only South Africa Minden Pictures From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic Michael K. Nichols, Chad, 2006 Chads Zakouma National Park is a refuge for the Sahels last remaining elephant herd. But Zakouma is tiny, not even 1,200 square miles, and every year as the dry season relaxes its grip, some 3,500 elephants leave the park to nd better forage." Minden Pictures From Cairo to Cape Town: In and out of Africa with National Geographic National Geographic: Around the World in 125 Years Africa National Geographic: Around the World in 125 Years Africa Joe Yogerst, Reuel Golden Hardcover, 26.9 x 37.4 cm, 312 pages More than 30 per cent of the lake inflow will be diverted for commercial irrigation projects. The result could be a fall in lake level comparable to that of central Asias Aral Sea, which has shrunk by more than two-thirds since the 1960s because of irrigation abstractions and which has been called the worlds worst environmental disaster. To make way for the commercial plantations planned for the Omo Valley, tens of thousands of hectares of land will be expropriated and thousands of local people displaced. Development at any cost The need to see development as more than a simple matter of an increase in GDP is well established. In his seminal work Development as Freedom, the Nobel prize-winning economist, Amartya Sen, demonstrated that sustainable development must be based on universal access to social and economic necessities as well as political and civil rights. The many communities in the Omo-Turkana Basin have suffered a systematic curtailment of their most basic and essential rights. The former lake bed of the Aral Sea (Timothy Clack) (T Clack) International agreements which the Ethiopian government signed up to, such as the 1993 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural rights require it to protect and promote the rights of minority cultures and ensure the right of everyone to take part in cultural life. Since 1948, Ethiopia has also been signed up to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Article II provides against the destruction of a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. Raphael Lemkin, who coined the word genocide, famously defined the specific need to protect against the disintegration of the political and social institutions of culture, national feelings, religion, and the economic existence of national groups. It is difficult not to conclude that what we are seeing in the Omo is the wholesale disregard of these commitments by the Ethiopian government. Its development policies are not only transforming landscape and heritage but destroying complex systems of sustainable living that have endured for millennia. The huge injustice of all this is that the ecological costs will be borne by local communities while the profits will be enjoyed by central and international corporations. Meanwhile, centuries of collective wisdom relating to livestock diversification, flood dependant cultivation and customary obligations and mechanisms of livestock exchange will be made redundant. This is not to deny that development in the sense defined by Sen is a laudable and necessary enterprise. But we must also recognise that large-scale infrastructure projects are likely to have far-reaching consequences for the lifestyles and cultural identities of those they displace. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Projects that set out to increase economic growth without regard for social justice and individual rights are not worthy of the name development. Development must benefit locals and for this to happen their voices must not only be heard but also given a central and determining role in any discussions about the future of their lands and livelihoods. Both cradle and crucible of our species, the Omo-Turkana Basin is unique and precious. Its heritage and history, as well as responsibility for its future, are shared by us all. Timothy Clack is lecturer in archaeology and anthropology at the University of Oxford. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com) After launching a campaign to educate women about breast cancer, cosmetics company Avon discovered that a worrying number of women don't know the early signs of breast cancer. It revealed that less than half 42 per cent were confident that they knew what changes to look for in their breasts while a quarter of women thought that a lump was the only sign. The findings are from a survey of 19,000 women who, when asked to identify 10 common symptoms of breast cancer, just two per cent could. Recommended Brave mum shares photo of dimple to raise awareness of breast cancer Although 73 per cent of participants said they regularly check their breasts, 60 per cent admitted they would be hesitant to seek medical advice out of embarrassment or fear. In addition, the majority of women surveyed were unaware that their lifestyle choices could put them at greater risk. Almost two thirds didnt know that regular exercise could help protect against cancer, while 63 per cent were unaware that alcohol is linked to a higher risk of the disease. Early detection is crucial to fighting breast cancer, yet our survey found that women don't know their risks or what signs to look for, said Sheri McCoy, chief executive of Avon. Breast cancer survivor gets double-mastectomy tattoos Show all 6 1 /6 Breast cancer survivor gets double-mastectomy tattoos Breast cancer survivor gets double-mastectomy tattoos Art helped Ms Black to cope with her treatment. She is pictured here with an Alice in Wonderland 'Drinke Me' bottle painted on her head, symbolising the drugs she took but didn't understand. Lillyan Ling Breast cancer survivor gets double-mastectomy tattoos Nikki as she waits to be tattooed Breast cancer survivor gets double-mastectomy tattoos Comedian Nikki Black before being tattooed Breast cancer survivor gets double-mastectomy tattoos Nikki being tattooed at The Gilded Lily Design Breast cancer survivor gets double-mastectomy tattoos Ms Black mid-way through her tattoo Breast cancer survivor gets double-mastectomy tattoos Nikki Black after being tattooed We want to change this lack of knowledge by using the power of our global network of women - six million Avon representatives and more than 26,000 associates - and our breast cancer partners, to educate women. Dr Paul Goss, chairman of the Avon Foundation scientific advisory board and Director of breast cancer research at Massachusetts General Hospital, added, "These figures show just how much work still has to be done in raising awareness of breast cancer, particularly its signs, risks and how to act on concerns about it." So, what are the signs and symptoms that you should be looking for? Women are advised to check their breasts each month - aside from a lump, other signs of breast cancer include a change in breast size or shape, a rash or skin sores, nipple discharge, skin indentation, constant pain or a change in skin texture. Similarly, swelling around the armpit or collarbone could be an indicator, as can a growing vein or inverted nipple. If you notice any symptoms of breast cancer, the NHS advises that you see your GP as soon as possible. After examination, your GP will then refer you to a specialist breast cancer clinic if they feel your symptoms need further assessment. You can find more information on how to check your breasts for cancer symptoms here. Last month, Ruth Buffalo became the first Native American Democratic woman to be elected to serve in North Dakotas state legislature. Her swearing in ceremony took place earlier this week in Bismarck, the capital city of North Dakota. Buffalo marked the momentous occasion by wearing traditional Native American dress, in tribute to her ancestry. Recommended Judge allows North Dakota to stop some Native Americans voting She felt that it was particularly important that she wear the traditional attire while being sworn in, considering the magnitude of the political event. Its part of my identity and who I am, she told HuffPost. It was to honour my ancestors, those that have gone before me, and the future generation. Buffalo has three masters degrees in management, business administration and public health to her name, as reported by Native News Online. She defeated the former state representative, Randy Boehning, who'd previously supported the North Dakota voter ID law, which requires all residents to provide identification with a street address when voting. It's been argued that this law makes it harder for some Native Americans to vote, as many who live on Native American reservations don't have street addresses. The eagle feathers that featured on the traditional Native American dress that Buffalo wore to the swearing in ceremony are particularly symbolic of her political achievement. "Eagle feathers in our culture are very significant," she says. "Oftentimes they're gifted to people when they've accomplished a great achievement." Photographer Lea Black captured a powerful image of Buffalo at the oath ceremony, in which she's smiling with a triumphant fist raised. Speaking to The Independent, Black reveals what it was like to be in attendance at the event. Recommended Who was the trailblazing Native American aviation engineer Mary G Ross "It was an absolutely breathtaking moment to witness history in the making," she says. "Time stood still. It shifted my perspective as a photographer, the photo went viral on social media, a first for me and any of the work I have ever produced. "The whole world got to see the moment I witnessed through my lens, and that is a true honour!" Last month, politician Debra Haaland became one of the first of two Native American women to be elected to Congress, alongside Sharice Davids. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Prior to her election, Haaland spoke to The Independent about the importance of having representation for Native Americans in government. "We have never had a Native woman in Congress," she said. "It is a voice which would add positive things to the conversation about the future of our country. "There is still a majority of men in Congress. We need more women. We need more women of colour." Facebook offered companies, including Netflix and Airbnb, access to data about users friends that it did not make available to other apps, according to documents released by parliament. The 223 pages released yesterday were internal communications from 2012 to 2015 between company leaders, including chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, shedding light on allegations that Facebook has engaged in anti-competitive behaviour. The documents show that Facebook tracked growth of competitors and denied them access to key data. Zuckerberg agreed to senior executive Justin Osofskys request in 2013 to stop giving friends list access to Vine on the day that social media rival Twitter launched the video-sharing service. Weve prepared reactive PR, Mr Osofsky wrote, to which Mr Zuckerberg replied: Yup, go for it. The documents also raised questions about Facebooks transparency. An exchange from 2015 shows Facebook leaders discussing how to begin collecting call logs from Android users smartphones without subjecting them to scary permissions screens. In a summary of the 250-page cache, which includes internal emails involving Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg and other members of staff, Damian Collins MP, chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, highlighted a number of key issues. Recommended Sandberg asked staff to probe Soros after his attack on tech companies He claimed the documents show Facebook chose to whitelist selected companies, allowing them to maintain full access to the data of a users Facebook friends even after the company announced changes in 2015 to end such access. Mr Collins suggested the cache also showed Facebook regularly discussed the value of data on the platform, and said: The idea of linking access to friends data to the financial value of the developers relationship with Facebook is a recurring feature of the documents. He added that the files also showed Facebook knew an update to its Android mobile app that would allow it to collect user call logs would be controversial and to mitigate any bad PR Facebook planned to make it as hard as possible for users to know that this was one of the underlying features of the upgrade of their app. 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. The summary also accused Facebook of using analytics app Onavo to conduct global surveys of the usage of mobile apps by customers, and apparently without their knowledge. The summary said the site used this data to assess how often people use these apps and then to decide on which companies to acquire and which to treat as a threat. The internal workings of Facebook were revealed after parliament released the internal documents from the controversial company. The files show a range of discussions from inside Facebook, including suggestions that it could one day charge developers for access to its data about users. Theres a big question on where we get the revenue from, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in one email. Do we make it easy for devs to use our payments/ad network but not require them? Do we require them? Do we just charge a rev share directly and let devs who use them get a credit against what they owe us? Its not at all clear to me here that we have a model that will actually make us the revenue we want at scale. The documents were released as the company is hit by a range of scandals about how Facebook uses the vast array of personal data it collects about its users. Recommended Facebook users logged out as site stops working properly The documents were released by parliaments media committee, which is running an investigation into those scandals and Facebook more generally, and are files seized from a now-defunct swimsuit photo searching app as part of that investigation. They show that Facebook deeply considered the issues that would go on to produce a range of scandals, including the Cambridge Analytica affair. The committee received the documents from app developer Six4Three, which had acquired the files dating from 2013-2014, as part of a US lawsuit against the social media giant. The app developer is suing Facebook over a change to the social networks privacy policies in 2015 that led Six4Three to shut down its app, Pikinis, which let users find photos of their friends in bathing suits by searching their friends list. US senator Richard Blumenthal described the documents as part of mounting evidence that Facebook acted chaotically, recklessly and lawlessly by granting access to private consumer data for financial gain. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Facebook responded quickly, saying the release was misleading. The documents Six4Three gathered for their baseless case are only part of the story and are presented in a way that is very misleading without additional context, the statement said. We stand by the platform changes we made in 2015 to stop a person from sharing their friends data with developers. Like any business, we had many internal conversations about the various ways we could build a sustainable business model for our platform. But the facts are clear: weve never sold peoples data. The firm said it would relax one out of date policy that restricted competitors use of its data. Previously, Mark level signoff would have been required for an exemption to the policy, according to one document, referring to Mr Zuckerberg. Additional reporting by agencies If youve ever dreamed of joining the United States Army, it would be worth increasing your gym visits now - as the armed forces new fitness test is pretty tough. Previously, having the strength it takes to enlist in the army meant being able to do at least the minimum - push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, and a five-mile run. Now, however, joining the military branch will require significantly more strength and endurance - once the new Army Combat Fitness Test is ready. Recommended Women allowed to apply for all frontline roles in British military The test, according to the Army Times, could be implemented as soon as October, and according to the new website: will better connect fitness with combat readiness for all soldiers. In addition to improving readiness, the goals of the new test are to transform the armys fitness culture, reduce preventable injuries, and enhance mental toughness and stamina of the soldiers, according to the site, which outlines the requirements and offers tips and videos for training. Once the Army Combat Fitness Test is in place, this is what soldiers will be physically required to do: Dead-lift between 120 and 420 pounds, at least three times. According to the army, this ability represents movements required to safely and effectively lift heavy loads from the ground, jump, bound and tolerate landing - all skills that are useful in combat. Throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward and overhead for distance. The requirement for this event stems from the ability to use quick, explosive movements to manoeuvre equipment. Complete as many hand-release push-ups as possible in two minutes. In addition to testing endurance, this ability represents repetitive and sustained pushing used in combat tasks. Do five, 50-metre shuttles involving sprinting, dragging, lateral, carry and sprint with a 40-pound kettlebell and a 90-pound sled. This is a test of strength, endurance, and anaerobic capacity, according to the army. As many leg tucks as you can do in two minutes while on a climbing bar. This portion of the test assess strength of grip, arm, shoulder and trunk muscles. Run two miles for time with the aim to be under 12 minutes and 45 seconds. According to the army, the run measures aerobic endurance - a requirement for ground movements and operations. Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Show all 20 1 /20 Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner of the Professional Op Herrick Portfolio category An air insertion operation mounted by British soldiers and Afghan police, re-establishing government control in an area of Helmand province, Afghanistan Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Best Overall Professional Army PR Image Former Garrison Sergeant Major, The Household Division and London District, WO1 William Mott OBE MVO inspecting Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards. The photo is titled 'How can you forget to shave?' Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner of the Professional Portrait category Sergeant John S Kabia from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) at a camp in Kono, Sierra Leone during the Ebola outbreak Paul Shaw ABIPP Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner of the Amateur Portrait category Cpl Dave Johns holding a photograph of his eldest son who in turn is holding a picture of his younger brother. The photo is titled 'Me and my boys' Pte Rebecca Brown Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Best Overall Professional Op Herrick Image Private John Mitchell resting after patrolling through the night in the Upper Sangin Valley, Afghanistan. The photo is titled 'Black Watch' Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner of the Professional Op Herrick Portfolio category Cpl Carl Hines of the Royal Artillery providing covering fire while members of 4 Brigade Reconnaissance Force cross open ground in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner of the Professional Op Herrick Portfolio category Soldiers serving with 16 Air Assault Brigade seated on a Royal Air Force C17 for the final leg of their journey to Afghanistan Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner of the Professional Op Herrick Portfolio category Members of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment resting in a secure compound while on patrol around Char Coucha village near Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner of the Professional Op Herrick Portfolio category The US Army's 502nd Regiment supplying fire support for 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron, Royal Engineers during Operation HAMKARI in Afghanistan Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner Britain's soldiers at work. The photo is titled 'Mortar at Night' Cpl James McAllister Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner of the Professional Sport category The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery has left the noise and confines of London for equestrian and military training in the rural West Country. Enjoying the best of the Indian Summer in Cornwall, twelve horses and riders from Centre Section left their temporary stables in RAF St Mawgan just after dawn this morning to take to the surf on Watergate Bay Beach. The photo is titled 'Surf's Up' Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner Soldiers at work. The photo is titled 'Sitrep' LCpl Paul-Rui Penu Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner in the Professional Portfolio category, 2nd Place One of the ceremonial horses involved in the parade and a Grenadier Guard in the stables before the Colonels Review. Photo is titled 'Ceremonial Selfie' Cpl Jamie Peters Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner Sergeant Richard McKinnon a Royal Logistic Corp Bomb disposal expert checks the fuse on the World War II era SC 250kg German Bomb. The photo is titled 'Bombs Away' Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner This is taken on a Civilian Aircraft, taking Troops from Aldergrove Airfield in Northern Ireland on their first leg of the long trip to southern Afghanistan at the beginning of op Herrick 10. The photo is titled 'Here I go again' Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Runner Up in Best Professional Op Herrick Portfolio category Ranger Pete Mawhinney returns fire, with his General Purpose Machine Gun, after Taliban attempt to ambush his patrol Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner in the Professional Op Herrick Portfolio, 2nd Place Corporal Calum Cooper Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland talks to local children while he carries out searches on compounds. Photo is titled 'Kids' Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner in the Professional Soldiering category British Army Short Term Training Team (STTT) deliver training to the Ukrainian military Corporal Tom Evans Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Best Overall Professional Op Herrick Image, Highly Commended Boy soldier, Fusilier John Bryant. an 18 year old soldier from A Company, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland. In the muddy compound where he lives the 18 year old soldiers patrol on the front line in Helmand Province Afghanistan. The photo is titled 'Boy Soldier' Sgt Rupert Frere Army Photographic Competition 2015 winners Winner in the Professional Op Herrick Portfolio category, 2nd Place The photo is titled 'Re Supply' Sgt Rupert Frere To pass, one will need a 60-point minimum on the new test - which will be age-and-gender neutral. The improved fitness test coincides with the release of a report by The Citadel in collaboration with the US Army Public Health Centre and the American Heart Association that shows low fitness of US Army recruits poses a threat to military readiness and national security. According to the report, recruits from 10 southern states were significantly less fit - and consequently more likely to encounter injury. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The new fitness test will be tested in October by unit type but will likely be army-wide by October 2020. Angelina Jolie has spoken about the importance of having open conversations about sexual violence, explaining why its essential that the topic is discussed among women and men. In 2012, the actor and activist created the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) with former UK foreign secretary William Hague in an effort to support survivors of sexual violence and ensure that justice is exercised against the perpetrators. In a recent interview with Marie Claire, Jolie highlighted the stigma that still surrounds those who have been affected by sexual violence and the progress that needs to be made in the near future to combat the issue. Recommended To end sexual violence in war zones we need to document it Sexual violence in conflict is still a taboo subject, she says. Female and male survivors, and children born of this rape, are often treated as if they are the ones who have done something wrong. They are rejected, stigmatised, while their attackers go unpunished. Thats what has to change, and breaking the taboo is part of that. India protests against sexual violence Show all 20 1 /20 India protests against sexual violence India protests against sexual violence April 2015 School girls wear black bands on their faces during a protest rally against the rape case of a 16-year-old girl at Dhupguri town in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal Reuters India protests against sexual violence March 2015 Students of Convent of Jesus and Mary School participate in a protest against the alleged gang rape of a nun in her 70s AP India protests against sexual violence March 2015 Official figures for the number of women raped in India are often disputed by Women's Rights experts who claim the numbers are far higher SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP/Getty Images India protests against sexual violence March 2015 Women protest after the horrific rape and murder of Jyoti Singh in India BBC India protests against sexual violence June 2014 Women in India protest against rape and other attacks on women and girls in the country AP India protests against sexual violence June 2014 Indian activists from the Social Unity Center of India (SUCI) shout slogans against the state government in protest against the gang rape and murder of two girls in the district of Badaun in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and recent rapes in the eastern state of West Bengal, in Kolkata AFP/Getty India protests against sexual violence June 2014 Supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were protesting against the rape and hanging of two girls Reuters India protests against sexual violence May 2014 Members of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union shout slogans during a protest against a gang rape of two teenage girls in Katra village, outside the Uttar Pradesh state house, in New Delhi. A top government official said the northern Uttar Pradesh state has sacked two police officers who failed to respond to a complaint by the father of the two teenage girls who went missing and were later found gang raped and killed. The placard at right reads, "Punish the culprits of gang-rape and murder of two Dalit girls" AP Photo/Manish Swarup India protests against sexual violence January 2014 Student protesters outside a Suri hospital where a rape victim is being treated Andrew Buncombe India protests against sexual violence January 2014 West Bengal Women's Forum activists walk a protest rally against a rape case in Calcutta, eastern India. A young girl was gang-raped on October 25 and afterwards repeatedly threatened by the accused, following which the disturbed girl set herself on fire December 23. She was admitted to the hospital with 40 percent burns and finally succumbed to her burn injuries on 31 December EPA India protests against sexual violence August 2013 Republican Party of India supporters protest in Mumbai against the rape of a female photographer Reuters India protests against sexual violence May 2013 Indian demonstrators shout slogans at the police during a protest calling for better safety for women AFP/Getty Images India protests against sexual violence April 2013 An Indian woman holds a poster as she protests with others against how Indian authorities handle sex crimes near the Parliament in New Delhi, after a second suspect was arrested in the rape of a 5-year-old girl. Child rights activists say the rape of the girl is just the latest case in which Indian police failed to take urgent action on a report of a missing child. Three days after the attack, the girl was found alone in locked room in the same New Delhi building where her family lives AP India protests against sexual violence March 2013 Indians protests against all-too-common gang-rapes in their country Getty Images India protests against sexual violence January 2013 Indian students of various organisations hold placards as they shout slogans during a demonstration in Hyderabad Getty Images India protests against sexual violence January 2013 A protester chants slogans as she braces herself against the spray fired from police water canons during a protest against the Indian government's reaction to recent rape incidents in India, in front of India Gate on December 23, 2012 in New Delhi Getty Images India protests against sexual violence January 2013 Indian children paint messages during a gathering to mourn the death of the 23-year old rape victim. Her statement was used in the trial AP India protests against sexual violence January 2013 Indians hold a candlelight vigil in Delhi in memory of a gang-rape victim. Five men have been charged with murder AP India protests against sexual violence December 2012 Indian protesters are escorted by police as they demonstrate against the brutal gang-rape of a woman AP India protests against sexual violence December 2012 Indian protesters destroy a police van during a violent demonstration near the India Gate against a gang rape and brutal beating of a 23-year-old student on a bus AP Earlier this year, it was announced that the Nobel peace prize had been awarded to Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege, two campaigners against sexual violence in war. The decision was commended on a global scale for stressing the prevalence of sexual violence that many people experience in wartime. During her interview, Jolie also speaks about why conversations about sexual violence shouldnt solely be reserved for girls and women, as its an issue that everyone should be aware of regardless of gender. I dont just speak to my daughters. I speak to them with their brothers, she says. That is maybe the first most important distinction. This is not just a problem for women, and the solution is working with women and men. And girls and boys. She explains how men who are committing acts of sexual violence need to be reminded by other men of what it really is to be a man and what a healthy relationship with a woman entails. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In November, the PSVI held a film festival in London where films addressing the subject of sexual violence were shown. During the two-day event, which took place at the British Film Institute, screenings were held for 38 films and documentaries that shared the inspiring stories of survivors. If youve been following celeb world this week, youve probably noticed that former Little Mix singer, Jesy Nelson, has been accused of something called blackfishing. The term was coined by journalist Wanna Thompson in 2018 and is used to describe someone accused of pretending to be black on social media by using makeup, hair products and in some cases, surgery to drastically change their appearance. Nelson, 30, was accused of blackfishing after she released her debut single Boyz with Nicki Minaj earlier this week. In the music video, Nelson is seen as being heavily tanned and her hair styled with wigs and braids. The singer later took to Instagram to comment on the claims, and credited her tan to a recent holiday in Antigua. She added: I personally want to say that my intention was never, ever to offend people of colour with this video and my song because like I said, growing up as a young girl, this is the music that I listened to. These are the videos that I watched and thought were the best. For me personally, 90s/2000 hip hop, R&B music was the best era of music. I just wanted to celebrate that. I just wanted to celebrate that era of music because it is what I love. Nelson isnt the first celebrity to be accused of blackfishing. Rita Ora was accused of the term last year when she styled her hair with box braids and Kim Kardashian was accused of using makeup to dramatically darken her skin in 2017. Blackfishing as a phrase first gained traction in November 2018 when a Twitter thread calling on people to post all of the white girls cosplaying as black women on Instagram went viral, garnering more than 23,000 retweets and thousands of responses criticising influencers for doing this. Contributors to the thread posted a stream of before and after photos which show clear discrepancies in certain Instagram users skin tones. Those engaging in blackfishing have often been seen to cherry pick aesthetics that they see as being stereotypically associated with black women and capitalising on these to land lucrative sponsorship deals that women of colour may not otherwise have access to. Some influencers have been accused by Twitter users of manipulating their photographs or undergoing plastic surgery to change the appearance of their features so they appear to have fuller lips and curvier figures. Critics of the trend describe it as a form of cultural appropriation, whereby elements of a minority culture are adopted by those in a more dominant culture without crediting the origin, leaving members of the minority culture feeling oppressed and marginalised. Speaking to The Independent, writer Stephanie Yeboah describes blackfishing as a type of blackface, the deeply offensive practice whereby white people darken their skin tone with makeup as a form of fancy dress. What we are seeing especially on social media is another way of white women co-opting, profiting and benefiting from appropriating another race, and brands are encouraging this, she says. A lot of these women receive endorsements from beauty and fashion brands based on the black aesthetic but unfortunately when it comes to using real black women for campaigns, we are often sidelined and forgotten about. Wanna Thompson, the freelance writer who started the viral Twitter thread, has explained why blackfishing is so troubling, describing white women who do this as dipping their foot into the pond without fully getting themselves wet. Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Womans Hour in 2018, Thompson added that adopting the hairstyles, clothing and slang that is traditionally associated with black women is just enough to hang on to racial ambiguity without fully dealing with the consequences of blackness. Thompson added that this becomes even more problematic when you consider the number of black influencers who are overlooked all the time by brands. When you see that people who benefit from white privilege that are able to get both sides of the coin, its very troubling, she concluded. Blackfishing might be a relatively new term, but the act of people pretending to be a different race was highlighted in 2015 when it emerged that the activist Rachel Dolezal, who claimed self-identification with the black experience and described herself as transracial, was in fact white. Something strange happened to me the other week. I was heading to work on 20 November, listening, as I sometimes do, to the Today programme. It was all going swimmingly. Then, Peter Lilley came on and was a tad misleading about the consequences of a post-Brexit UK trading with the EU on WTO terms. Recommended Brexit will be a slow economic puncture So far, so absolutely normal. Its not the first time Ive been irritated by something Ive heard on the radio, and Im pretty sure it wont be the last. So I tweeted my irritation and forgot about it. Until, that is, I got a call asking if Id go on the BBCs PM programme that day to discuss my reservations about what Lord Lilley had said. The response, all too characteristically, Im afraid, was an attempt to play the man not the ball. On PM a few days later, Lord Lilleys response was that the Professor is not a professor of trade or economics hes a Remain campaigner effectively. Well, he deserves points for being half-right Im a mere political scientist but should be penalised for evading the substance. And so to the point at issue in the original tweet. Lord Lilley claimed that we trade with America and many other countries on WTO terms. But we dont. Our trade with the US is currently regulated by over 100 sectoral agreements that go well beyond WTO provisions. Of course, there are some non-WTO member states (such as Azerbaijan and Serbia) with which the UK enjoys pretty good trading relations as well. But - and its a big but - these states have signed agreements with the EU covering largely the same areas as WTO arrangements. Without these, our trade with them would be on worse terms even than those laid down by the WTO. What the WTO does is lay down a baseline for trade between member states. However, no member trades on WTO terms alone. All 164 of them have negotiated better access to at least one market through some kind of bilateral agreement in addition to their WTO relationship. This is because the WTO does not ensure the removal of all barriers to trade. Lord Lilley seems to give the impression he doesnt understand this. Later in his interview, he claimed that, because the European Union has signed up to the WTO sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement (relating to measures intended to protect humans, animals and plants from diseases, pests or contaminants), it would not be able to impose border checks. In actual fact, the only non-EU countries that export to the EU without the need for checks at veterinary border inspection posts are Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. How have they managed this? Simple. By harmonising their SPS regimes with that of the EU. Meaning if the EU changes its rules, they must do likewise. The simple reason why goods from one part of the UK can be freely traded in another is because the transaction takes place within the UKs own internal market. Similarly, transactions within the EUs single market are not normally checked because they are assumed to comply with EU rules that all member states have accepted. WTO rules provide only a pale imitation of this system. The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement is intended, as its name implies, to make trade easier, but has taken only small steps in that direction. So, its provisions on streamlining processes at borders merely require that states do their best, rather than insisting on compliance. And of course, all this applies to trade in goods. Yet more than 80 per cent of UK economic output, and 45 per cent of our exports, come from services such as finance, law, catering and telecommunications. And yes, the WTO does have provisions that cover services. However, they are even less developed than those for goods. Because the main barriers to trade in services are domestic laws (on qualifications, the right to set up a business and so on), they are hard to remove because doing so generates often fractious political arguments. Given this, for all the fact that it is incomplete, the EUs internal market for services is remarkably well developed. Take one simple comparison. Under WTO rules, members are free to discriminate against foreign services and prevent them from accessing their market (they are not free to do the same for goods). In the EU, by contrast, equal treatment is the norm, and there is a wide-ranging system of mutual recognition of qualifications allowing service provides with qualifications earned in one member state to offer those services in another. Im not generally all that bothered about the arguments I get into, even the one with Lord Lilley. But I am bothered about this debate because it matters. Myths about the World trade Organisation loom large in the debate about Brexit. It is only by claiming that trading on WTO terms would be fine that Brexiters manage to be so relaxed about the UK leaving the EU without a deal. But, as parliament begins perhaps its most important peace-time deliberation, the least our MPs and the public deserve are some facts to base their choices on. To this end - and Id welcome Lord Lilleys comments on it - we have produced a short report outlining what trading on WTO terms would really mean. I commend it to all those who are interested in informed debate. Anand Menon is director The UK in a Changing Europe and professor or European politics and foreign affairs Kings College London Deliveroo riders have lost the latest round of their legal battle to win collective bargaining rights. The High Court upheld a ruling by the Central Arbitration Committee last year, that a collective bargaining unit could not be formed by riders from the takeaway delivery service, because they were not workers or employees. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which represented the Deliveroo riders, said it will appeal the High Courts decision. IWGB general secretary Dr Jason Moyer-Lee said: Todays judgement is a terrible one, not just in terms of what it means for low paid Deliveroo riders, but also in terms of understanding the European Convention on Human Rights. Deliveroo riders should be entitled to basic worker rights, as well as to the ability to be represented by trade unions to negotiate pay and terms and conditions. The IWGB will appeal this decision and continue to fight for these rights until we are victorious. Dan Warne, UK managing director of Deliveroo, said the company was pleased with the ruling. In addition to emphatically confirming this under UK national law, the court also carefully examined the question under European law, and concluded riders are self-employed, he said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events This a victory for riders who have consistently told us the flexibility to choose when and where they work, which comes with self-employment, is their number one reason for riding with Deliveroo. We will continue to seek to offer riders more security and make the case that government should end the trade off in Britain between flexibility and security. Activity in the UK services sector, the dominant part of the economy, in November slumped to its lowest level since the wake of the 2016 EU referendum, with firms blaming Brexit uncertainty. The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell to 50.4 in the month, down from 52.2 in October and well below the expectations of City of London analysts. The reading was above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction, but Chris Williamson of IHS Markit which compiles the survey said that was only because firms were working through back orders. Unless demand revives, a slide into economic decline at the turn of the year is a distinct possibility, he said. Clarity in relation to Brexit arrangements is, therefore, urgently needed to help ensure the current stalling of growth does not translate into a downturn. IHS Markit reported some firms said heightened Brexit uncertainty had led to delays with their clients business investment decisions. Lowest since Brexit referendum Combined with the latest readings from manufacturing and construction surveys, the services PMI suggests the rate of the UKs GDP growth is slipping to just 0.1 per cent in the final quarter of 2018. Unless there is a particularly strong bounce back in December, GDP growth of 1.3 per cent seems likely over 2018 as a whole, the weakest since the financial crisis, said Ruth Gregory, of Capital Economics. The sectors covered by the services PMI include transport, information, communication, finance, insurance, real estate and business services but exclude retail. Services account for 80 per cent of the UK economy. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The most recent official data show the sectors growth slowing to 0.4 per cent in the quarter to September, down from 0.7 per cent in July. In a further piece of bad economic news, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported on Wednesday that new private vehicle registrations were down 6.4 per cent in November compared with the same month in 2017, a rate worse than the trend seen so far this year. Consumers are holding back from big-ticket purchases while the economic outlook remains so uncertain, said Samuel Tombs, of private equity investor Pantheon. The president of Alibabas online streaming platform, Youku, has been arrested in China over allegations that he accepted improper payments. Yang Weidong was arrested by police on 3 December, Alibaba said in an SEC filing. The group said it is cooperating fully with the investigation. Mr Yang has been replaced in his role at Youku by Fan Luyuan. In its statement to the SEC, Alibaba said: Alibaba Group is committed to the highest standards of business conduct in our relationships with each of our stakeholders, including our customers, business partners and shareholders. We require all employees to conduct our business in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and in accordance with the Alibaba group code of business conduct. We do not tolerate any form of unethical or unlawful conduct. The shake-up at Youku comes as Alibaba deals with the departure of founder Jack Ma, who retired as executive chairman earlier this year. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events At the time, Mr Ma said: Theres a lot of things I can learn from Bill Gates. I can never be as rich, but one thing I can do better is to retire earlier. I think some day, and soon, Ill go back to teaching. This is something I think I can do much better than being CEO of Alibaba. Greenlands ice sheets are melting faster than at any time in the last 400 years, researchers have warned. A new study has found the Greenland melt is pushing up sea levels worldwide and is caused by global warming. The lead scientist on the paper, Dr Luke Trusel, said: Melting of the Greenland ice sheet has gone into overdrive. As a result, Greenland melt is adding to sea level more than any time during the last three-and-a-half centuries, if not thousands of years. And increasing melt began around the same time as we started altering the atmosphere in the mid-1800s. Dr Trusels co-author, Dr Sarah Das, said that from a historical perspective todays melt rates are off the charts. Compared to the start of the industrial era, 50 per cent more ice sheet meltwater is running off Greenland and into the Arctic Ocean today, she said. There has been a 30 per cent increase since the 20th century alone. Rather than increasing steadily as the climate warms, Greenland will melt increasingly more and more for every degree of warming, Dr Trusel said. The melting and sea level rise weve observed already will be dwarfed by what may be expected in the future as the climate continues to warm. Sir David Attenborough at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Katowice: Climate change 'our greatest threat' The Greenland ice sheet is a mile-thick layer of frozen water which melts back into liquid on the surface of the sheet during warm summer days. Meltwater then either runs off the sheet into the ocean, pushing up sea levels worldwide, or it refreezes, forming layers of densely packed ice over time. The scientists running the study used a drill longer than a traffic light pole to extract ice cores from the ice sheet itself, to examine what kind of melting took place as far back as the 17th century. This method provides much deeper historical evidence for how much melting is caused by climate change than the normal satellite images, which only date back to the 1970s. 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 Matt Osman, a graduate student who also worked on the study, said: We have had a sense that theres been a great deal of melting in recent decades, but we previously had no basis for comparison with melt rates going further back in time. By sampling ice, we were able to extend the satellite data by a factor of ten and get a clearer picture of just how extremely unusual melting has been in recent decades compared to the past. And the results show that even small amounts of additional warming could cause a huge spike in ice sheet melting. Dr Das said this underlined how sensitive the Arctic ice was to climate change. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Sea levels have gone up an average of 10 to 20cm over the past century, but this has rapidly sped up in the last 20 years. Even small increases can cause devastation in coastal countries and communities, through habitat erosion, flooding and more powerful storm surges. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has predicted the oceans worldwide could rise as much as 98cm by the end of the century, which would be high enough to swamp major cities across the world including Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai, Osaka, Hong Kong and Miami. If the most pessimistic outcomes arise and the entire Greenland ice sheet melts, the sea would rise by a huge 700cm, enough to entirely submerge London. Scientists might have solved the mystery of dark matter and dark energy, one of the most mysterious and troubling parts of the entire universe. And the solution might have been entirely simple all along: astrophysicists had just forgotten to add a simple minus sign. Dark matter is perhaps the biggest question in astrophysics. Our current model suggests that there is vast amounts of energy and matter 95 per cent of the universe which must exist but is simply missing and which we cannot see. 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 We know about the two phenomena because of the effects they have on other matter that we can see. But we know nothing about them directly, including what they might be physically made up of. An Oxford University scientist has suggested a new theory that would bring them together, solving a question that has haunted astronomers and astrophysicists for decades. Dr Farnes suggests that both dark energy and dark matter are a fluid that possess "negative mass". That means in effect that it would be the inversion of normal mass: if you pushed it, it would be propelled towards you. The implications of such a breakthrough suggestion are huge, offering a solution to what that vast amount of missing stuff might be. "We now think that both dark matter and dark energy can be unified into a fluid which possesses a type of 'negative gravity', repelling all other material around them," said Dr Farnes. "Although this matter is peculiar to us, it suggests that our cosmos is symmetrical in both positive and negative qualities." Negative matter has been proposed before, since it would mean that the material would become less dense as the universe expands. That would contradict real observations, which shows that dark energy does not thin out over time. However, Dr Farnes theory suggests that new dark energy is being created all the time. Since more and more negative energy is constantly bursting into existence, such a fluid would not dilute even as the universe expanded. That proposed fluid appears to work exactly as dark energy does. "The outcome seems rather beautiful: dark energy and dark matter can be unified into a single substance, with both effects being simply explainable as positive mass matter surfing on a sea of negative masses," he said. Researchers now hope the theory can be tested using the huge Square Kilometre Array, which is being built now and when finished will be the biggest telescope in the world. But if true it could fix LambdaCDM, our current picture of the universe, explaining what exactly the dark matter and energy that has been so problematic for our physics is made up of. "There are still many theoretical issues and computational simulations to work through, and LambdaCDM has a nearly 30 year head start, but I'm looking forward to seeing whether this new extended version of LambdaCDM can accurately match other observational evidence of our cosmology," he said. "If real, it would suggest that the missing 95% of the cosmos had an aesthetic solution: we had forgotten to include a simple minus sign." A new species of dinosaur has been discovered after a supremely rare fragment of jawbone fossilised in glittering opal was found among a bucket of rejected shards from an opal mine in Australia. The fossil is from a dog-sized reptile, which lived in the Cretaceous Period, about 100 million years ago and is part of a group of plant-eating dinosaurs called ornithopods. Discovered near Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, this group had beaks with serrated teeth, walked on two legs and were particularly abundant on the ancient floodplains which covered the region at the time. It has been named Weewarrasaurus pobeni in recognition of the fossils location, at Wee Warra opal field and in reference to Mike Poben, the Adelaide-based Opal buyer who spotted the jaw bone and donated it for research. I was sorting some rough opal when, astonishingly, I saw two fan-like ridges protruding from the dirt around one oddly-shaped piece, he said. Time froze. If these were teeth, then this was an opalised jawbone fragment. Lightning Ridge is believed to be the only place in the world where all fossils found exist because they have been preserved in opal a multi-coloured iridescent precious stone. Australias opal deposits account for over 95 per cent of the worlds supply, and Lightning Ridge is the main source of black opal. As a result, the area is home to numerous mines. The fossil discoveries are almost exclusively a result of the mining process, which unfortunately results in the breakage and/or disassociation of remains and the loss of detailed stratigraphic information, notes a research paper about the find, published in the journal Peer J. Photographs show wide serrated teeth emerging from a dazzling blue-green jawbone. Palaeontologist Dr Phil Bell from the University of New England in nearby Armidale, who led the research, said: I remember Mike showing me the specimen and my jaw dropped. I had to try hard to contain my excitement, it was so beautiful. Dinosaurs in the Wild Show all 18 1 /18 Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Tyrannosaurus fighting an Ankylosaurus. These pictures come from Dinosaurs in the Wild, a Dinosaur safari in London Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild A Mosasaur Prognathodon Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Timebase 67 and a Quetzalcoatlus Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Pair of Quetzalcoatlus Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Avisaurs riding a bull Triceratops Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild A Herbivorous Thescelosaurus Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild A female Alamosaurus Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Chronotex X90 with an Alamosaurus Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Tyrannosaurus and geyser Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Drinking Ankylosaurus Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Triceratops with a Chronotex X90 Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild A Tyrannosaurus Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild Dinosaurs in the Wild He added that he regarded Lightning Ridge as a world-class fossil resource because it has preserved a number of unique Cretaceous fauna. If these fossils were in surface rock, like those found in China and Mongolia, it would be an absolute treasure-trove, he said. Unfortunately, the fossil remnants we see are almost always part of mining spoil, because they sit in rock strata that is lies up to 30 metres underground. The mining process breaks the fossils into fragments but on the other hand, we would never get to see even those fragments if it wasnt for mining. Opal buyer Mike Poben found the specimen in a bucket and recognised what were fossilised teeth (Robert A. Smith/University of New England) Jenni Brammall, palaeontologist, gemmologist and manager of the Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge, described the jawbone as a supremely rare and unlikely discovery. She said: "This incredible little object is both the 100 million-year-old jaw of a new dinosaur species and a precious gemstone." The Weewarrasaurus jaw is now part of the Australian Opal Centre collection, the world's most diverse public collection of opalised fossils. A tiny, wireless, battery-free sensor can recognise solar radiation and could even stop people dying from skin cancer, according to the scientists who created it. The small monitoring device is just the size of a fingernail but allows the people using it to track doses of ultraviolet radiation when they are outside. Over-exposure to UV can increase the risk of a variety of skin cancers, which cost more than $8bn (6.3bn) a year in the US alone. Experts fear that the occurrence could reach epidemic proportions and that monitoring them could be a useful way of avoiding further harm. But being exposed to UV light can also be helpful, meaning that it is important to be sure just how much people are around. At the moment, UV monitoring devices tend to have issues such as limited battery life, leading them to see little use in the technology industry and among people. Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary But the new research, done by scientists at Northwestern Medicine and Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering offers a new way of getting around those issues. It involves special use of physics that could be applied to create versions of the monitors that would be much cheaper and easier to make while getting around the longstanding issues with such technology. It can even monitor three different wavelengths of light, allowing for researchers to separate the different kinds of exposure. It can measure white light exposure that can be useful for people with seasonal affective disorder, for instance. The device is so long-lasting and resilient that it should be able to last forever, the researchers said, after trying and failing to destroy it. "From the standpoint of the user, it couldn't be easier to use it's always on yet never needs to be recharged," said John Rogers, who led the research group. "It weighs as much as a raindrop, has a diameter smaller than that of an M&M and the thickness of a credit card. You can mount it on your hat or glue it to your sunglasses or watch." A woman wearing a "Merry Xmas" t-shirt is wanted for questioning in connection with the theft of Christmas presents worth more than 100 from a 14-year-old girl. Police have released an image of the woman they believe may have important information about the incident. The girl, who had bought the gifts for her family, was in a McDonalds in Stockport at about 3.35pm on 24 November. When leaving the restaurant, she forgot to take the bag containing the presents. When she returned, she realised they had been stolen. Constable Carl Johnson, of Greater Manchester Polices Stockport division, said: This young girl had spent more than 100 of her money on presents for her family. When relaxing with friends afterwards, some opportunist thief has seen fit to steal the gifts that she had thoughtfully selected. Were appealing for anyone who knows the person pictured, or has any information on this crime, to contact police immediately. Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5902 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Additional reporting by PA A pharmacist has been jailed for life for strangling his wife with a Tesco bag so he could pocket 2m in life insurance and run away with his lover. Mitesh Patel, 37, will spend a minimum of 30 years in prison for the murder of Jessica Patel, 34, at their home in Middlesbrough. He had plotted to kill her for years and hoped to start a new life with in Australia with his secret boyfriend. Patel injected hs wife with insulin to subdue her before strangling and choking her with a Tesco bag for life in May. He bound her body with tape and staged a break-in at their house to make it appear she had been killed by an intruder. Sentencing Patel at Teeside Crown Court on Wednesday, judge James Goss told him: You have no remorse for your actions. Any pity you have is for yourself. The Patels ran a successful pharmacy together but the couples marriage was unhappy, with the husband repeatedly seeking sex with men he met on the Grindr dating app. He was also secretly in a relationship with his soulmate Amit Patel, a doctor who had emigrated to Sydney. A trial heard Mitesh Patel had made internet searches dating back years for terms including I need to kill my wife, insulin overdose, plot to kill my wife, do I need a co-conspirator?, hiring hitman UK and how much methadone will kill you? Ms Patels family said she had been betrayed in every sense of the word by her husband. Pharmacist Mitesh Patel, 37, was jailed for life for murdering his wife (PA) In a statement read in court before Patel was sentenced, the victims younger sister Divya said on behalf of her siblings and close cousins: The one thing we hope and prayed for above anything else was that in her final moments she did not suffer. The cruel reality is that she did in fact suffer, she knew exactly who her killer was, and he mercilessly ignored her attempts to fight for her own life as he ended it. We can only imagine the fear and panic she must have felt knowing herself this was it. Thinking of that moment makes our hearts so heavy. Addressing her brother-in-law in the dock, she added: We do not just pray, we know, she will be free from you for ever. As will she rest in heaven, you will rot in hell. In a statement released through Cleveland Police, Ms Patels father and grandmother told the court: The man we welcomed into our family, who promised to look after and protect her, betrayed her in every sense of the word, cheating her of her dreams, robbing her of her life and robbing us of her. No one in this world has the right to take someone elses life. Mr Justice Ross said Ms Patel had clearly loved her husband and was a dutiful wife during their nine years of marriage. He told Patel: She wanted nothing more than to have children and live a normal family life. The difficulty is that you had no sexual attraction to her; you were attracted to men. Ms Patel was to some extent aware of her husbands sexuality, the judge said. She was lonely, often upset and controlled by you, he added. The evidence of witnesses as to your behaviour towards Jessica and the vast amount of data of your messaging conversations reveals you were needy and callous, using her whilst indulging your own desires and whims. The court heard Patel had once told his lover he had married his wife as a cover for his sexuality. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Despite his repeated infidelity and love for Dr Patel, the killer desperately tried to persuade his wife to have a baby using IVF. When she voiced her doubts about going through with the process amid concerns about his cheating, her husband texted her: Ok then Im telling you this then we are parting ways. She eventually went through three cycles of the fertility treatment, and the last was successful, resulting in three embryos which now lie frozen in a Darlington clinic. Mr Justice Goss said Patel, who was business-driven and wanted to retire at 40, murdered his wife in the expectation of gain as a result of her death. Due to various life insurance policies, he stood to receive 2m if his wife died. But the judge said Patel had made a series of fundamental errors in his attempt to get away with murder. He failed to hide his houses CCTV hard drive and left the duct tape he used to bind his wifes body at their pharmacy. A teenager died after being stabbed 15 times by a gang in order to settle the score in a postcode rivalry, a court has heard. Five men and a 16-year-old boy deny murdering Tavis Spencer-Aitkens, 17, who was attacked just yards from his family home in Ipswich in June this year. Oliver Glasgow QC, prosecuting, told Ipswich Crown Court the teenager had been murdered by rivals seeking revenge following an incident in the town centre hours earlier. Mr Glasgow said that on the day in question Tavis was with a group of friends who called themselves Neno or The Three, after the IP3 postcode. The court heard the teenagers attackers came from the J-Block gang, named after the Jubilee Park area of Ipswich, and that both groups had rapped about each other in YouTube videos. During the town centre confrontation, jurors were told two members of J-Block hid in a Lush cosmetics shop after they were spotted by two members of Neno. A plain-clothed police officer intervened before violence could break out, but as the J-Block members had run and hidden it was seen as a victory for Neno, Mr Glasgow said. He said J-Block members went to the rival area seeking revenge for the loss of respect and, tragically for Tavis Spencer-Aitkens, he was the rival that they came across. That group, which comprised these defendants, were people with whom Tavis and his friends had a heated rivalry, Mr Glasgow told the court. That group had travelled to the area where Tavis lived, seeking revenge for what they perceived to be a loss of respect. That loss of respect had been caused when two of their friends had had a row with two of Taviss friends earlier that day, and the defendants settled the score by smashing a bottle over Taviss head and stabbing him 15 times. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events On Wednesday Mr Glasgow, opening the prosecution case, said five of the defendants armed themselves and chased down their target, while a sixth defendant, Leon Glasgow, 42, of no fixed address, was their driver. He said Leon Glasgow knew precisely what he was getting himself into and that without his help the attack could never have happened. The remaining defendants are 23-year-old Aristote Yenge, of no fixed address, Callum Plaats, 23, of Ipswich, Adebayo Amusa, 20, of Barking, east London, Isaac Calver, 19, of Ipswich, and a 16-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons. The trial continues. Additional reporting by PA A High Court judge has said a former soldier whose fairytale marriage to a prince broke down has been unfairly treated by some sections of the press over the couples divorce proceedings. Mr Justice MacDonald raised concerns in a written ruling on a dispute over money between Prince Louis of Luxembourg and Princess Tessy of Luxembourg following the collapse of their 10-year marriage. The judge analysed evidence at a private family court trial in London in October. He said Prince Louis and Princess Tessy, who are both in their early 30s, could be named in media coverage of the case, but placed limits on what can be reported. The fact that the wife chose in these circumstances to pursue financial remedies, as is her right in accordance with the law, does not act to equate her with those people who cynically form relationships with partners in order to obtain money or status, said Mr Justice MacDonald. Although a legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression, and whilst the point does not fall formally for me to determine, on the detailed evidence that has been available to me, I take the view that the manner in which the wife has been traduced in some sections of the press by the use of that malign characterisation is both unfair and unwarranted. Prince Louis is the third son of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, while Princess Tessy is a former soldier who now lives in London. Mr Justice MacDonald heard the couple began a relationship in 2004, married in 2006 and had two children. Princess Tessy, who was born Tessy Antony, was not of royal descent but had been recognised as a member of the royal family and granted her title by royal decree, the judge was told. When married, they had lived in the United States and London. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Their marriage broke down during the summer of 2016 and another judge granted a divorce decree - a decree nisi - in February 2017. Mr Justice MacDonald added: In his statement for this final hearing, the husband states that: We married young and much has been expected from the applicant in her role as princess. She undertook that role with grace and represented my family well, for which I am grateful to her. At its heart, this is simply a sad case about a young couple who determined to marry for love despite the considerable challenges posed by the way in which history, tradition and chance had conspired to define their respective social status and to shape attitudes towards their marriage. It is a case about a couple who thereafter, for a time, were happy together, before the fairytale soured. Additional reporting by PA Philip Hammond has warned that the upheaval after a no-deal Brexit will match that from the 1980s when entire communities were gutted as Britains economy transformed. The chancellor also said the Treasurys ability to undertake a fiscal stimulus pumping taxpayers money into the economy to prop it up would be severely limited due to the nations existing debts. He warned there could be a decade of adjustment as industries tried to cope with no deal, something he branded a terrible outcome for the UK economy. His intervention came on another torrid day for the prime minister as she tried to convince MPs to back her plans. Speaking at the Treasury Select Committee, Mr Hammond was asked about the impact of no deal, replying that it would mean a prolonged period of adjustment. He went on: I suspect it would be rather like the adjustment after 1980, when over a period of time, perhaps nearly a decade, our economy made a significant adjustment away from certain patterns of industrial and commercial activity to a different set of commercial and industrial activities. The implementation of a new approach to monetary and competition policy in the 1980s, led by Margaret Thatcher, accompanied a decade of de-industrialisation and structural unemployment that devastated many communities but transformed the British economy. Mr Hammond was also asked about what the Treasurys response would be to the economic fallout of a no-deal Brexit, with him confirming that there would be a fiscal stimulus, a move to spend government money to create economic activity, similar to that undertaken by Gordon Brown in 2008. A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Show all 65 1 /65 A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A Peoples Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at Londons march for the future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA But he went on to warn that there was only so much the government could do due to existing debt, and that ultimately business would have to change their models, leading to major upheaval. He said: It will fall to fiscal policy to carry much of the short-term burden, but over the medium term bear in mind that our debt to GDP ratio is already unsatisfactorily high, so our fiscal capacity is limited over the medium to longer term, the UK economy will have to adjust to the new reality. Many industries which depend on trade with the European Union will either have to significantly lower their costs to overcome frictional costs of being in a no-deal trading arrangements, or will have to look for other markets or capital, and labour will have to shift, probably more likely, into other areas of activity. It follows twin analyses from the Treasury and from the Bank of England last week suggesting a no-deal Brexit would lead to economic chaos. Almost three quarters of students back a fresh referendum on Brexit, a new survey has found. The poll by the National Union of Students (NUS) found that 71 per cent said the public should be given a Final Say on the Brexit deal, while just 19 per cent disagreed. Those who wanted a fresh vote were significantly more likely to be women and full-time students, while opponents of a second public poll were more likely to be men and part-time students. Despite students overwhelmingly backing another referendum, the survey also found that they were fed up with the ongoing debate about Brexit. 52 per cent said senior politicians were talking too much about Britain's withdrawal from the EU by far the highest ranking for any issue. The second highest was immigration, which 36 per cent of students thought was receiving too much attention. Recommended The Conservative case for a Final Say referendum grows stronger The survey suggests a growing number of students are joining calls for a fresh referendum as opposition to Theresa May's Brexit deal mounts. A similar poll 18 months ago found 63 per cent of students backed another public vote - 8 per cent lower than now. The NUS officially backed calls for a Peoples Vote at its annual conference in March, pledging to "campaign for a second referendum on the deal negotiated on Brexit. Commenting on the latest polling, Shakira Martin, president of the NUS, told The Independent: I am proud to say that the National Union of Students was the first national organisation to come out in support of a People's Vote back in March this year. Since then, students and young people have been leading the way in calling for a People's Vote. This polling shows that the National Union of Students and students' unions are totally in tune with their students - they know this Brexit is bad for them and want a People's Vote". 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 Pressure for the public to be allowed to decide the terms of Brexit has grown amid doubts over Ms Mays ability to get her deal through Parliament. With as many as 100 Conservative MPs threatening to join with the opposition parties in voting against the deal, the prime minister faces the prospect of a crushing defeat when the Commons votes on the proposed agreement on 11 December. Ms May has refused to be drawn on what would happen in such a scenario, insisting her focus is on winning the "meaningful vote. But unless the government brings forward a new proposal or Parliament intervenes, Britain is on course to crash out to the EU next March without a deal. Supporters of a fresh referendum say going back to the public it is the only way to break the deadlock in Parliament. The Independents petition in favour of a Final Say vote has been signed by more than 1 million people. Theresa Mays hopes of getting her Brexit deal through parliament have been dealt a further blow as legal advice given to ministers confirmed the UK could be kept in a customs union with the EU indefinitely. The expert opinion provided by Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, said the country could end up trapped in protracted and repeating rounds of negotiations. The proposed customs backstop would see new checks on goods travelling between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, Mr Cox said, with the region treating the rest of the UK as a third country. The full legal advice was published after the House of Commons demanded its release and found ministers in contempt of parliament when they refused. Tory Brexiteers and the DUP immediately claimed the advice showed why Ms Mays Brexit deal should be rejected, while Labour said it highlighted the central weaknesses in the prime ministers plan. The six-page document drawn up by Mr Cox was released a day after the Commons found that ministers were in contempt by trying to keep it secret. Last month, MPs had voted to order ministers to release the document. In the guidance, Mr Cox said the UK would not have the right to leave the customs backstop unilaterally, meaning it could endure indefinitely until an alternative arrangement is agreed. The proposed withdrawal agreement does not provide for a mechanism that is likely to enable the UK lawfully to exit the UK-wide customs union without a subsequent agreement, he said. He added: This remains the case even if parties are still negotiating many years later and even if the parties believe that talks have clearly broken down and there is no prospect of a future relationship agreement. Under the proposed backstop, for regulatory purposes, GB is essentially treated as a third country by NI for goods passing from GB into NI, he said. The attorney general also suggested that the EU could seek to ditch the UK-wide customs union element of the backstop and keep only Northern Ireland under EU tariffs and regulations. That is likely to be seized upon by the DUP, which is opposed to the proposed deal on the grounds that it could see Northern Ireland treated differently to the rest of the UK. 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 If talks about the future EU-UK relationship break down, Mr Cox said, the EU could submit a request that the GB elements of the customs union should fall away, leaving only NI in the EU customs territory. This would almost certainly be vetoed by the UK and would have to go to arbitration. Mr Cox warned: In the absence of a right of termination, there is a legal risk that the United Kingdom might become subject to protracted and repeating rounds of negotiations. Commenting on the advice, Sir Keir Starmer, Labours shadow Brexit secretary, said: Having reviewed the attorney generals legal advice, its obvious why this needed to be placed in the public domain. All week we have heard from government ministers that releasing this information could harm the national interest. Nothing of the sort. He added: All this advice reveals is the central weaknesses in the governments deal. It is unthinkable that the government tried to keep this information from parliament and indeed the public before next weeks vote. Sir Keir Starmer says bringing contempt motion over government's legal advice on Brexit wasn't done 'lightly' DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds said the publication of the advice was devastating. He told Sky News: We were saying all along that this was the case about an Irish Sea border for customs and single market [regulatory checks]. The attorney general of the United Kingdom has now confirmed that. I think its pretty devastating for the prime minister in the sense shes been trying to deny that. He added: Its a completely devastating document as far as the prime ministers plans are concerned. The prime minister has taken her government down a road which doesnt satisfy us and doesnt satisfy most of our party. Commons leader Andrea Leadsom has refused to say that Theresa May will still be prime minister next week, saying: I dont do predictions. Asked if Ms May would still be the right person to lead the country if her Brexit deal is thrown out by MPs, Ms Leadsom replied: She certainly is at the moment. The admission of the prime ministers frailty came as the Commons leader revealed the Brexit legal advice would be published at 11.30am today, after the government was found to be in contempt of parliament. Recommended Final Say vote closer after key developments in London and Brussels Ms Leadsom also denied MPs had grabbed the power to block a no-deal Brexit, after a momentous day at Westminster of multiple government defeats. One saw 26 Tory rebels, led by former attorney general Dominic Grieve, pass a motion that means parliament can help direct what happens next if Ms May's deal is rejected. It has been widely interpreted as MPs gaining the ability to stop the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal, but Ms Leadsom said: I cant see that they do. Instead, she argued as have leading Brexiteers outside the cabinet that the defeat, because it was a motion and not legislation, is not binding on the government. The issue is that the government is committed to leaving the European Union in line with the referendum, Ms Leadsom told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Unless the government was to do something different to change tack, or indeed to pass this deal, then we will be leaving the EU on 29 March next year without a deal. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Show all 13 1 /13 Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Esther McVey Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the cabinet at 10 Downing Street in London. - Britain's Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet over draft Brexit deal AFP/Getty Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Dominic Raab British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab give a press conference at the end of the final round of talks in Brexit negotiations at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium EPA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Rehman Chrishti Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Rehman Chrishti tendered his resignation letter this afternoon PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Anne-Marie Trevelyan Parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Education Anne-Marie Trevelyan resigned stating that she cannot support the deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Sam Gyimah Universities minister Sam Gyimah resigned on November 30, claiming the government's decision to pull out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system as a deciding factor PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Shailesh Vara Shailesh Vara who has quit as Minister of State for Northern Ireland, saying he cannot support Theresa May's Brexit agreement, which he said "leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation" PA Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Suella Braverman Brexit minister Suella Braverman has resigned, stating It is not what the British people, or my constituents, voted for in 2016. Cabinet ministers resign over Brexit deal Ranil Jayawardena Parliamentary private secretary to the ministry of justice Ranil Jayawardena resigned as he could not back the deal "in good conscience" The comments will anger MPs who believe they have won the right to shape events, because no government can act in defiance of parliament and continue. Ms Leadsoms reluctance to back the prime minister reflects the belief of many Tories that she will is too personally associated with the deal to survive a crushing defeat next Tuesday. Rival camps in the cabinet are expected to start manoeuvring immediately, some pushing for a Norway-plus option to keep the UK in the EU single market and customs union. Ms May has ruled that out, arguing it would involve keeping free movement of EU citizens and fail to deliver the referendum result. Ms Leadsom also said she was staying in government to make absolutely sure that Britain does not end up in the backstop to prevent the return of a hard Irish border.. "I am a very strong arch Brexiteer, I genuinely believe that we have a bright future ahead of us when we leave the EU, she said. And so, all the way through, I've had conflicting thoughts and I've had to consider whether I can live with things. But, at the end of the day, this deal is the best combination that we're going to get and so I just urge colleagues to look at it carefully to give it a real chance. Liam Fox says it will be entirely possible for MPs to halt Brexit, as he urged Conservative MPs to rally behind Theresa Mays deal. The Commons could ambush and amend several bills that the government needs to pass to make our exit from European Union effective, the trade secretary told MPs. Dr Fox pointed to the trade bill currently stalled in parliament which was needed to allow the UK to take its separate place at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), after Brexit. Asked if the UK could end up with no Brexit at all, he replied: It would entirely be possible for amendments to a number of pieces of legislation, we believe, to achieve that effect. Dr Fox told the international trade committee it was correct the motion passed on Tuesday night giving MPs a say over what happens if the prime ministers deal is rejected was not binding. But he added: There are a number of pieces of legislation that we need to pass to be able to make our exit from the European Union effective. The Trade Bill was needed to roll over deals with other countries enjoyed through EU membership and to sign up to the WTOs general procurement agreement (GPA), in order to buy goods and services. Certainly, it wouldnt be possible to have the UK membership of the GPA without the legislation of the trade bill going through, Dr Fox admitted. 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 Other leading Brexiteers have vowed to defeat Ms Mays deal next Tuesday, despite the warnings that doing so could lead to no Brexit at all. But Dr Fox warned of an attempt to steal Brexit from the British people, which I think would be a democratic affront. The motion, passed with the support of 26 rebel Tories, indicated that the Commons had no intention of allowing no deal to happen. Urging Tory MPs not to risk the prise of leaving the EU, he said: After last nights vote, the chances are that we will end up not having Brexit. Catherine McKinnell, a Labour supporter of the Peoples Vote campaign, criticised Dr Fox for saying that stepping back from the brink would be parliament stealing Brexit. Liam Fox is running scared of the people and their verdict on this fudge of a Brexit deal. A Peoples Vote is about stopping a terrible deal being forced on all of us, she said. The trade secretary refused to say what the governments plan B was, given the near certainty of a heavy defeat on the withdrawal agreement next week. The government's plan is to get this vote through the House of Commons, he replied. Describing the Irish border backstop as a calculated risk to be taken, Dr Fox admitted that alignment with Northern Ireland to avoid regulatory checks would hit hopes of new trade deals. The application of regulatory alignment would not make it possible to introduce any of those elements in trade agreements....services may be applicable, but not goods. While the New Yorker in the White House is famous for decisively shouting Youre fired!, the New Yorker in Gracie Mansion has repeatedly had issues with letting people go. Most recently, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasios administration botched the firing of Office of Emergency Management Chairman Joseph Esposito. On Friday, following the citys failure to properly respond to a November snow storm which left city streets completely gridlocked, one of de Blasios deputy mayors, Laura Anglin, asked Esposito to resign. However, Esposito declined and de Blasio was not around to bring the hammer down, leaving Esposito and the office in a state of limbo until de Blasio finally offered his decision Monday night. Esposito will stay in his role until a replacement is found. At least, that is how reporters originally described the series of events. New reporting from The New York Times on Tuesday further complicates matters. The newspaper said de Blasio had a plan for weeks to replace Esposito that had nothing to do with the snowstorm. Anglin prematurely apprised Esposito of that plan. This led to the ensuing confusion, with Esposito reacting poorly and de Blasio not available to immediately remedy the situation. This is hardly the first time the mayor has demonstrated an inefficient or haphazard managerial quality, especially when it comes to handing out pink slips. Baruch College political science professor Doug Muzzio said its attributable to de Blasios overall decision-making style, which he said tends to be personal. There seems to be very tight decision making, so he doesnt get outside advice, or advice that he respects, and acts on his own gut, Muzzio said. And oftentimes, the gut isnt good enough. Although President Donald Trump seems to enjoy firing people, Muzzio drew a comparison between the president, who is also known for running a chaotic administration, and de Blasio. Both, you know, value loyalty, Muzzio said. Both seem to not have either the right advisors or (dont) listen to them. Here are de Blasios greatest (mis)firings: Joseph Ponte William Alatriste/ New York City Council Despite significant bad press and a tenure plagued by scandal, de Blasio stood by his former Department of Correction Commissioner Joseph Ponte. The mayor appointed Ponte in 2014 in order to turn around the violence-plagued Rikers Island. But Ponte stirred up controversy almost immediately by promoting the scandal-ridden William Clemons, a senior corrections officer who had years earlier falsified violence data. Clemons resigned just six months after his promotion. Later in Pontes stint as DOC commissioner, the city Department of Investigations released multiple reports detailing mismanagement and misuse of city property. One report found that Ponte regularly used his city vehicle to take personal trips out of state, and that he spent a total of 90 days outside of the city while problems at Rikers intensified. Another accused the DOCs head of internal affairs, Gregory Kuczinski, of spying on the DOI, resulting in Kuczynski's firing. Through all of this, de Blasio defended Ponte, assuring the public of his confidence in the DOC commissioner even as lawmakers called for Ponte to step down. Shortly after the second DOI report in May 2017, however, Ponte resigned. Shola Olatoye William Alatriste/New York City Council Much like Ponte, former New York City Housing Authority Chairwoman Shola Olatoyes tenure with her agency was plagued with scandals, but de Blasio stood by her nonetheless. Under her leadership, from 2014 to 2018, NYCHA failed to perform federally mandated lead paint tests at city-owned apartments, and falsified the documentation saying that the agency had, among other widespread mismanagement failures that led to hundreds of thousands of residents without heat. Later, Olatoye lied under oath to the New York City Council, telling them that inspectors who had performed their duties were certified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, when in fact they had not been. The same day the Department of Investigation revealed Olatoyes lie, de Blasio not only defended his appointee, but praised the work she had done to improve NYCHA. Despite mounting calls for Olatoye to resign, de Blasio took no action. Instead, a series of other high-ranking NYCHA officials stepped down in the wake of the lead paint scandal, including her No. 2, Michael Kelly. But still, Olatoye remained in her post with the mayors blessing. Olatoye did resign eventually, months after news of the lead scandal broke, though she denied that had anything to with her decision. On the day Olatoye announced she would step down, de Blasio still came to her defense, continuing his claim that ousted staffers were to blame for the agencys scandal. Mark Peters William Alatriste/New York City Council In the case of former Department of Investigation Commissioner Mark Peters, de Blasio actually took definitive action when he decided to fire him in a way that state Attorney General-elect Letitia James found to be Trump-like. James, the New York City public advocate, said Peters firing would be like if Trump were to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller. De Blasio strongly rejected that comparison, citing a whistleblower report that concluded Peters had abused his powers and gone outside the boundaries of his office. However, he and Peters had been feuding for months, indicating that personal feelings may have played a role in this decision as well. Although Peters was de Blasios 2013 campaign treasurer, he aggressively investigated the mayors administration, resulting in a series of embarrassing and damning reports, including Pontes misuse of city cars and NYCHAs lead paint inspection failures. Shortly before his firing, Peters had also planned to investigate whether City Hall had interfered with a long-stalled Department of Education inquiry into yeshivas. Although most agreed that Peters had overstepped his authority, many decried de Blasios decision to fire him in November, after close to five years, a highly unusual step for a mayor. After all, the DOI commissioner may be appointed by the mayor, but acts independently of the administration he or she is meant to oversee. Close Theresa May accused of 'inadvertently misleading' parliament in PMQs clash Theresa May has been accused of "inadvertently misleading" parliament over Brexit in an angry prime minister's questions clash, as the government was forced to publish the full legal advice on her deal. Her administration became the first in modern political history to be found in contempt of parliament over its refusal to hand over the advice on a bruising day in the Commons, where Ms May suffered three significant defeats. SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said the advice had to "dragged out" of ministers and claimed Ms May had been misleading MPs, before he was rebuked by the Speaker. Meanwhile, home secretary Sajid Javid acknowledged the deal is not "perfect in every sense" as he opened the second day of debates, which will culminate in a Commons showdown next week. To follow events as they happened, see our live coverage below More voters than ever before think the decision to leave the EU was a mistake, a new poll has found. Just 38 per cent of people believe the UK was right to vote for Brexit, while almost half (49 per cent) think it was the wrong decision. The gap is the widest recorded by YouGov since the referendum, while the number believing Brexit was a mistake is at its highest level and those thinking it was right at its lowest. It comes after Theresa May's government suffered a humiliating three Commons defeats in one day, with MPs finding the government guilty of contempt of Parliament and then voting to give themselves the power to seize control of Brexit if Ms May's deal is rejected. The prime minister's proposed deal is expected to be voted down by MPs when they vote on it next Tuesday. In a further blow to the prime minister, the YouGov survey found that a significant majority of voters believe she has not handled Brexit well. 68 per cent of people said the government was negotiating Britain's EU withdrawal badly, compared to just 19 per cent who thought it was doing a good job. 45 per cent said they were opposed to Ms May's deal while only 27 per cent support it. A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Show all 65 1 /65 A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A Peoples Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at Londons march for the future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA The latest poll confirms previous surveys that have shown a clear reduction in public support Brexit, boosting calls for the public to be given a fresh referendum. Despite major Tory divisions over Brexit, the party remains ahead of Labour in the polls. The YouGov survey for The Times placed the Conservatives on 40 per cent and Labour on 38 per cent. 35 per cent of voters said Ms May was the best choice for prime minister, compared to 24 per cent for Labour's Jeremy Corbyn and 37 per cent opting for neither. The last 24 hours will have huge implications for Brexit, with major news from the House of Commons and the European Court of Justice that will shape what happens to Britain in the coming months. Heres a rundown of everything that happened, and what it means for Brexit and the vote next week on Theresa Mays deal. What happened at the European Court of Justice? (REUTERS) (Reuters) At the European Court of Justice, the courts advocate general said Britain has the power to unilaterally revoke Article 50 that is cancel Brexit if it wants to. Whether the UK had this power or not has been disputed, and campaigners had asked judges to rule. This isnt a final legal ruling by the court, but judges usually endorse what the advocate general suggests. We should find out if this recommendation is confirmed within the coming weeks, with 17 December one date that is being talked about in Brussels. If it is confirmed, an accidental no-deal Brexit is effectively taken off the table the government would be able to stop it in all circumstances if it wanted to. This is significant because the governments main argument to remainer MPs to get them to support Theresa Mays deal has been that if they dont, a disastrous no-deal Brexit could happen without anyone wanting it to. In one respect, the decision makes it harder for Mays deal to pass, because she won't be able to scare them into backing it. Meanwhile, in Westminster (AFP/Getty Images) (AFP/Getty) As the news from the Luxembourg court broke in the morning , MPs were settling in for a big day in Westminster. By the time they went home for the night, the Government had been defeated in three votes a record bad day for Theresa Mays minority administration. One of these votes was about whether the Government was in contempt of parliament for refusing to release its legal advice about its Brexit deal. MPs decided that ministers were indeed in contempt effectively forcing the government to release the legal advice. This is significant because the advice is expected to provide more ammunition for opponents of the deal, especially Brexiteers. The Grieve amendment Tory MP Dominic Grieve (AFP/Getty Images) (AFP) But another vote lost by the government will likely have even bigger implications. MPs including 26 Tory rebels voted to give parliament more power if Theresa Mays deal is voted down. If the deal is voted down next Tuesday the Government has 21 days to come back to Parliament and lay its plan for what happens next. But under the successful amendment tabled by Tory Remainer Dominic Grieve, the Commons will also be able to vote on what it wants the Government to do. Though that vote wouldnt technically be binding, it would be politically incredible for the Government to ignore it. Taken together with the likely ECJ ruling that the UK has the power to stop Brexit if it wants, MPs would be expected to take no-deal off the table. They might also call for a so-called plan B a call for Theresa May to go back to Brussels and negotiate a different deal. Whether that would be successful is another matter. So what are the implications for Brexit? Theresa May faces a crunch vote next week (Parliament Live) The overall effect of the events of Tuesday 4 December are to make a no-deal Brexit significantly less likely. Nobody thinks there is a majority of MPs in favour of a no-deal, and they will now control the Governments response to its deal being defeated. If the ECJ decides that the UK does have the unilateral power to revoke Brexit, then no-deal is effectively off the table. But even if it doesnt its unlikely member states would stand in the way and push Britain off the cliff. In one sense, the deal is also less likely to pass because of what happened: Remainers were being encouraged to vote for it on the basis that a no-deal might happen. But in a strange way, the deal might win more support if Brexiteers decide that the defeat of the deal might mean Brexit not happening at all, they could swing behind it. A large number have already publicly said they will vote against it, however so whether that will be enough remains to be seen. Is that everything that happened? Nigel Farage (EPA) No, thats just the main thread. Plenty more happened that would have been big news on any other day. Nigel Farage also announced he was leaving Ukip the party he has long been synonymous with because of its increasing closeness to far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The BBC dropped out of plans to host a debate on Brexit between Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May after the three sides couldnt agree on a format. The Pound fell to an 18-month low after the Government lost the contempt vote, but then rebounded. Meanwhile, former Bank of England governor Mervyn King wrote an article in which he likened Theresa Mays Brexit deal to the appeasement of the Nazis. All in a days work! What are the alternatives to May's deal? Now that it appears the PMs strategy is dead, other possibilities have started to arise... A second referendum: There will at some stage be a big push for a new referendum. The Independent has campaigned for the public to have a Final Say, with more than one million people signing its petition. The People's Vote campaign has galvanised the support of politicians, celebrities and millions of others across the country. The new referendum would, however, have to be secured through a vote in the House of Commons and it appears that there is no majority for it at this time. Lots of Conservatives are opposed. Labour appears to be moving towards possibly backing one, but the party is split and Mr Corbyn is said to be against the idea. Even if Labour does back it, there are likely to be up to 20 of the partys MPs who still vote against it, because their constituents so heavily backed leaving the EU that it would risk them being ousted at the next election. Time could change this situation. As other possible outcomes are whittled away and the prospect of an economically damaging no-deal Brexit looms, more MPs may feel compelled to back a new referendum. The question of timing will be critical. Some backers feel the issue should be pushed to a commons vote, as an amendment to the meaningful vote, fearing that waiting will mean other outcomes take hold and become more likely. Others say if the vote is brought to the commons too soon, without enough support, and it falls then supporters will lose their only chance of making it happen. There is also not a consensus on what the question should be in a new vote in or out, Mays deal or no deal, no deal or Remain. Some suggest a three-way vote on May's deal, no-deal and Remain, with the option receiving the fewest votes being knocked out and votes redistributed, as in the alternative vote electoral system. Even if a proposal for a new referendum is passed, there is every chance Leave could win again, of course. Plan B (Norway): There are those including some in cabinet who believe that once the deal is ditched the best plan would be for the UK to enter a Norway-style arrangement with the EU. This would either be temporary until a wider trade agreement can be arranged or a permanent solution. It would mean leaving the EU, but staying in the single market. A Norway-plus route could also see the UK remaining in the customs union. But this is likely to enrage half of the Tory party in parliament, and probably all of the more Brexitish membership, as a less than full break from Brussels. It also does not end free movement, risking a backlash from Leave voters for whom immigration was the key issue in 2016. An extension to the Article 50 period: The EU has indicated that the 29 March Brexit day could be postponed, but only if there is a set course of action to postpone it for. In other words they could delay it for a new referendum or an election. It is not clear if they would do it for a late renegotiation. No deal: This is the default. After a defeat for Mays deal and if government and MPs do, or are able to do, nothing else, then on 29 March Britain will fall out of the EU with no deal in place. Many MPs are looking for ways to stop that from happening. Brexit campaign group Leave.EU has become embroiled in a row over allegations of antisemitism in its promotional materials. Conservative MP Maria Caulfield has contacted her lawyer over the deeply offensive campaign poster, which features a shadowy image of billionaire financier George Soros, and quotes her as saying the powerful elite mocks the rest of us". Ms Caulfield, a vocal Brexiteer, said Leave.EU did not have her permission to use the quotes or her image, which she said was deeply offensive", especially as her family is Jewish. However Leave.EU has refused to take down the image and denounced claims of antisemitism as an attempt by pro-EU critics to silence them. The row stems from a tweet posted by Ms Caulfield, following a dramatic day in parliament, where MPs inflicted three defeats on the government over Brexit. The Lewes MP said: Coming from a non political background I naively thought being a MP was about making a difference to peoples lives. Today I saw the reality. Not sure there is even democracy in this country anymore. The powerful elite seem to know best and openly mock the rest of us. Leave.EU - a campaign group backed by former Ukip leader Nigel Farage and funded by Arron Banks - superimposed her words onto an image with Mr Soros face in the background, despite the fact her comments do not refer explicitly to him. It said: 17.4m people voted leave the European Union. More than two years later we're still in the EU and there's a concerted effort to thwart the will of the people. If Brexit is not delivered, we can no longer pretend we're living in a democracy Mr Soros attracted the ire of Brexiteers when he donated some 400,000 to pro-EU organisation Best for Britain earlier this year through his Open Society Foundation. Foreign affairs committee chairman Tom Tughendhat tweeted: There is no way Maria Caulfield would endorse this. There is no one more decent or caring in parliament and this image suggesting her support for antisemitic views is a disgraceful slur. Ms Caulfield said she had asked for it to be removed and she completely denounced the tweet, adding: Especially as my family are Jewish, [it] could not be more hurtful. However Leave.EUs Andy Wigmore told The Independent that the post would not be taken down. 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" He said: She said those words and its a well known fact Soros is funding the anti-Brexit, Remain and second referendum campaign - this has nothing to do with being Jewish, which is just a complete load of rubbish and utterly absurd that Remain supporters trot out antisemitism to deflect from the fact about what he is doing. Being Jewish has nothing to do with Soros' activities." It comes after the National Crime Agency launched a probe into suspicions of criminal offences committed by Mr Banks and Leave.EU during the Brexit referendum. Mr Banks said the allegations were "ludicrous". Leave.EU has already been fined 70,000 by the Electoral Commission over spending irregularities during the referendum. It is very likely that the UK voted for Brexit because of illegal overspending by the Vote Leave campaign, according to an Oxford professors evidence to the High Court. An exhaustive analysis of the campaigns digital strategy concludes it reached tens of millions of people in its last crucial days, after its spending limit had been breached enough to change the outcome. The evidence will be put to the High Court on Friday, in a landmark case that is poised to rule within weeks whether the referendum result should be declared void because the law was broken. Professor Philip Howard, director of the Oxford Internet Institute, at the university, said: My professional opinion is that it is very likely that the excessive spending by Vote Leave altered the result of the referendum. A swing of just 634,751 people would have been enough to secure victory for Remain. Given the scale of the online advertising achieved with the excess spending, combined with conservative estimates on voter modelling, I estimate that Vote Leave converted the voting intentions of over 800,000 voters in the final days of the campaign as a result of the overspend. The conclusion came as Theresa May scrambled to find a concession she could give to rebel Tories to persuade them to back her deal, as she appeared to be veering towards a heavy defeat in next Tuesdays landmark vote. Professor Howards report is based on separate research which found that 20-30 per cent of people decided how to vote within a week of polling day, with half of these doing so on election day itself. If, as he has concluded, Vote Leaves Facebook adverts reached tens of millions of people after they should have stopped, they influenced huge numbers of voting decisions. Now the campaigners will ask the High Court for permission to use the report as evidence, when a potentially explosive legal challenge gets underway on Friday. The Independent revealed last month that lawyers expect the judges will fast-track the case to a full hearing because of the prime ministers refusal to act on the growing evidence of illegality in the 2016 referendum campaign. 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 Lawyers describe that failure as absolutely extraordinary given the National Crime Agencys (NCA) separate investigation into suspicions of multiple criminal offences committed by Arron Banks and the Leave.EU campaign. The case is expected to move to a full hearing and a ruling within weeks of opening, with the clock ticking on the UKs departure from the EU next March. The government is set to deploy Sir James Eadie QC the barrister who led the unsuccessful battle for the government to trigger Article 50 without parliaments consent in a sign of the cases importance. Professor Howard based his study on material disclosed by Facebook to the Commons committee which investigated Vote Leaves overspending, as well accounts written by campaign insiders. It points out that the Remain campaign was forced to stop its digital advertising on the last day of the June 2016 campaign because it had reached its spending limit. In contrast, Vote Leave carried on, despite busting its limit two days before the vote and was later found by the Electoral Commission to have broken the law. Earlier this year, Vote Leave whistleblower Christopher Wylie also alleged the cheating won the support of enough voters, through precisely targeted online advertising, to sway the referendum result. Fridays case has been brought by a group of British expats in other EU countries, called UK in EU Challenge, which argues lawbreaking during the campaign means the result cannot be considered the will of the people. The professor was asked to provide an experts report which Croft Solicitors, acting on behalf of the claimants, will seek to use as evidence in its case for a substantive hearing. Carole-Anne Richards, one of the claimants, said the public had the right to expect the referendum to have been carried out lawfully, free from corrupt and illegal practices, adding: This is clearly not the case here. We are very grateful to Professor Howard for his work in looking at Vote Leave Facebook advertising overspend and correlating that with voter behaviour. The group will argue that Brexit must be declared void and the notification of Article 50 quashed, because various criminal offences may have been committed. It had been expected that any ruling would await the conclusions of the NCA probe, but it is now thought it will be fast-tracked with less than four months until Brexit day. Mr Banks could be given a two-year prison sentence if he is found to have knowingly concealed that an Isle of Man company was the source of up to 8m for Leave.EU which would have been outlawed as a foreign donation. Croft Solicitors wrote to the prime minister on 6 November asking her to reconsider her refusal to take any action over the lawbreaking exposed during the campaign and the announcement of the NCA investigation. Downing Street declined to respond to The Independents request for a response about why there has been no wider investigation into alleged illegality. A judge reportedly allowed an immigrant who was in court on drugs charges to leave through the back door to avoid immigration enforcement officers who had arrived to arrest him. Shelley Joseph, a judge in the suburbs of Boston, is reportedly being investigated by a federal grand jury over claims she helped the man Jose Medina-Perez escape arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) staff. The incident is said to have happened in April, when Mr Medina-Perez was appearing before Judge Josephs court after being arrested on drug charges. Mr Medina-Perez was ordered to reappear before the court on the drugs charges in May, and then allowed to leave. The Boston Globe said the Dominican defendant had already been deported from the United States twice before. In the audio recording of the courtroom, Judge Joseph can be heard saying ICE is going to get him and Im not going to allow them to come in here before telling a clerk to turn off the recording. There is then a 58-second gap before the recording begins again. The newspaper quotes two anonymous sources who claim Mr Medina-Perez was then released from custody and let out of the back door of the courthouse. He scaled a fence and ran away as ICE agents, who had arrived at the Newton District Court to detain him, chased after him, according to the newspaper. Judge Joseph declined to comment when contacted by US media but now the governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker, has called for her to stand down from cases while the issue is investigated. Mr Baker, who appointed Judge Joseph last year, said the allegations against her were very troubling. Shepard Smith on immigration: 'There is no invasion. No one is coming to get you. There is nothing at all to worry about.' Look, judges are not supposed to be in the business of obstructing justice, he told the Boston Globe. I dont believe she should be hearing criminal cases until that federal case is resolved. Massachusetts court rules state judges and staff should neither assist nor obstruct ICE agents. The case has highlighted a growing divide over how liberal-leaning Americans should respond to the Trump administrations increasingly tough immigration policies. Some cities and states have passed laws forbidding police or officials from helping federal immigration authorities enforce the law, declaring themselves sanctuary cities. Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Show all 8 1 /8 Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Mishawaka, Indiana AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Washington DC AFP/Getty Images Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy New York Mayor Bill De Blasio speaks in Tornillo, Texas alongside the many other US mayors who have called for detained immigrant children to be reunited with their families AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Albuquerque Mayor Tim Kelle leaves a teddy bear as a gift for detained immigrant children in Tornillo, Texas AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti leave sandals as gifts for detained immigrant children in Tornillo, Texas AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy San Diego, California EPA Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy US embassy, Mexico City AFP/Getty Images Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy San Diego, California EPA The Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defence Lawyers has announced its backing for Judge Joseph. In a statement, the organisation said ICE had long disrupted the proper administration of justice in our state courts, and has undermined the rights of defendants and victims of crime. The states attorney general, Maura Healey, should file a lawsuit to bar ICE agents from making arrests outside state courthouses, it added. But a spokesman for ICE, John Mohan, said sending agents to arrest people at court was necessary, because local agencies refused to cooperate. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events ICE officers take their responsibility for enforcement of this nations immigration laws very seriously, and are committed to ensuring public safety, he said. Others in Massachusetts accused Judge Joseph of undermining the rule of law. One Republican county sheriff, Thomas Hodgson, said her actions were completely outrageous. I dont know how you can send a message to the public that youre there to protect people from criminals, and then undermine law enforcement by letting them out the door, he said. Mr Medina-Perez was arrested by ICE agents later in April, then released on bond by an immigration judge. ICE said he has been deported twice before and his real name is Oscar Manuel Peguero. A substitute teacher has been reportedly been sacked from a New Jersey school after telling a class of young children Father Christmas does not exist. Parents said first grade children at Cedar Hill Elementary School in Montville had to be consoled after the incident, which was sparked when one pupil asserted Santa Claus was real. The childs statement is thought to have prompted an outburst from the teacher in question, who then reportedly went on to debunk several other myths including the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. Myra Sansone-Aboyoun, a mother of one child in the class, said she had to comfort her six-year-old daughter after she told her what had happened at school that day. I was heartbroken, she told News 12 New Jersey. You know, my daughter is the hugest believer in the whole Christmas spirit - Santa, giving. Another parent with a child in the class, Lisa Simek, wrote on Facebook the teacher had completely unleashed on pupils. She told them Santa isnt real and parents just buy presents and put them under their tree. She told them reindeer cant fly and elves are not real, she said. She did not even stop there: the tooth fairy is not real because mom or dad just sneak into your room in the middle of the night and put money under your pillow, same goes for the Easter bunny. A grown woman tried to crush our six-year-olds spirit, along with the spirits of the other 22 kids in [Cedar Hills] first grade class. Michael J Raj, the principal at Cedar Hill Elementary, later apologised for the teachers behaviour in a letter sent to parents. As a father of four myself, I am truly aware of the sensitive nature of this announcement, he said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events If the conversation comes up at home over the next few days you can take appropriate steps to maintain the childhood innocence of the holiday season. Montville schools superintendent Rene Rovtar later said the substitute teacher, who has not been named, was no longer working in the district. A student had written that Santa is real. She felt compelled, somehow, to tell a student that Santa is not real, she told NJ.com. It's obviously something we're deeply concerned about in terms of her judgment. When Peter Brown turned himself in to his local Florida sheriffs office earlier this year, he had no idea he was about to experience a weeks-long nightmare that would lose him his job and nearly see him deported to a country he had been to for all of one day in his life. Instead of returning home and to his job at Key Wests Fogartys restaurant with a court date for a probation violation after he tested positive for marijuana in April, Mr Brown a US citizen was informed by deputies that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had flagged him as an illegal alien from Jamaica. The agency wanted to deport him, and had asked through an immigration detainer that he be kept in custody until federal authorities could arrest him. Mr Browns experience illustrates the dangers posed by cooperation between federal and local law enforcement, which has been championed by the White House as part of President Donald Trumps opposition to sanctuary cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Its one of those things that will never leave your memory. Its just, theres a feeling you get in the pit of your stomach at that moment when youre not being believed, and youre about to be sent to a country that youre not from, Mr Brown, who had previously been detained by ICEs predecessor in the 1990s under similar mistaken identity circumstances, told The Independent. It totally just negates everything youve been raised on in this country believing in the rights that we have. During his three weeks in police, and then ICE, custody, Mr Brown repeatedly offered to provide proof of his American citizenship while deputies had the proof they needed in their own records, including an all-caps form entry that Mr Brown was born in PHILADELPHIA and his Florida drivers licence, which can only be obtained by American citizens and people living in the US legally. While Mr Brown wrote repeated letters to the sheriff, he said he was mocked by deputies. At one point, he said, officers sang the theme song for The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, which references being born and raised in West Philadelphia. An emailed statement from Monroe County Sheriff Richard Ramsay noted that Mr Brown had originally been arrested on separate matters unrelated to ICE, that the agency had informed his office Mr Brown had been confirmed via a fingerprint match, and claimed he was legally obligated to honour immigration detention requests. Local law enforcement throughout this country has been caught in the middle of a political argument regarding immigration, Mr Ramsay said. Although I cant respond as much as I would like on this case given the pending litigation, I always strive for transparency with the public, which all of us here at the Sheriffs office serve. This does happen pretty often, shockingly, Sarah Rich, an attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Centre (SPLC), which is representing Mr Brown alongside the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in a lawsuit against Monroe County Sheriff Richard Ramsay, said. In fact, it happened to Mr Brown once before in his life. People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Show all 16 1 /16 People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Chicago, Illinois, February 16, 2017. Theopolis Waters/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Washington, DC, U.S., February 16, 2017. Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. The crowd, which grew to well over a thousand participants, marched from the Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capital. Across the country hundreds of restaurants and eateries are closing for the day to protest President Trump's immigration policies and to highlight the contributions of immigrants to U.S. business and life. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants AUSTIN, TX - FEBRUARY 16: Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Chicago, Illinois, February 16, 2017. Theopolis Waters/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Demonstrators march during the "Day Without Immigrants" protest in Chicago, Illinois, February 16, 2017. Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. The crowd, which grew to well over a thousand participants, marched from the Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capital. Across the country hundreds of restaurants and eateries are closing for the day to protest President Trump's immigration policies and to highlight the contributions of immigrants to U.S. business and life. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. The crowd, which grew to well over a thousand participants marched from the Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capital. Across the country hundreds of restaurants and eateries are closing for the day to protest President Trump's immigration policies and to highlight the contributions of immigrants to U.S. business and life. Drew Anthony Smith/Getty People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants High school student Kathia Suarez holds up a sign as she protests with others outside the Grayson County courthouse in downtown Sherman, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. LM Otero/AP People strike across America for A Day Without Immigrants High school senior Vicky Sosa holds a sign outside the Grayson County courthouse in downtown Sherman, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017. In an action called "A Day Without Immigrants," immigrants across the country are expected to stay home from school, work and close businesses to show how critical they are to the U.S. economy and way of life. LM Otero/AP Mr Browns detention was enforced as a part of an ICE pilot programme launched in February, and gives $50 to local sheriff and police forces for each immigrant detention request. Such requests have been used frequently since the start of the Obama administration, according to data compiled by Syracuse University, and immigration lawyers have suggested that the $50 payments take legal responsibility for the detention off of local law enforcement officials. As a result of those immigration detainer requests, as they are known, hundreds of American citizens have been illegally kept in police custody at the request of US immigration agents. One study from Syracuse University, for example, found that ICE placed detainers on 834 US citizens over a single four year period. During that same period, the agency placed another 20,281 immigration detainees on legal permanent residents of the US with no criminal records, and were therefore not subject to deportation, according to the study. The constitutionality of the detainers has been called into question by several courts, which have found that the tools violate the fourth amendment of the US constitution, which says that probable cause is required for search, seizure and arrest. And, in emails obtained by SPLC between Florida sheriffs prior to the rollout of the pilot programme earlier this year, even those law enforcement officials expressed concerns about the constitutionality of detainers. Multiple emails to ICE requesting comment were not returned. This case, and Peters story, shows why local law enforcement should not be getting into the business of arresting people for ICE, Spencer Amdur, an attorney with the ACLU working on Mr Browns case said. Local police should be focusing on protecting their own communities, not doing immigration enforcement, which theyre not trained to do. Its just going to expose them to these situations where theyre violating peoples rights and facing legal liability. Weeks after his original arrest in Key West, Mr Brown was loaded by ICE into a bus with other detainees and driven hours north to the Krome Detention Centre in Miami, where he and those others sat for hours waiting to be processed and were denied requests to go to the toilet. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Once there, Mr Brown said he renewed his efforts to convince officers that he was an American, and was met with mixed reactions from agents. One agent angrily slammed a file the size of a phonebook they claimed was his immigration file down and demanded that he admit, in writing, that he was in the country illegally, while others started to realise that a mistake had been made. At any given moment he feared he might be deported to Jamaica a country he had been to just once, for a few hours on a cruise, and feared going to again as a gay man due to the violent treatment of homosexuals there. I said, Theres no way you have a phonebook-thick folder of information on me because Im not an immigrant, he recalled telling the angry officer. Finally, 22 days after his initial arrest, Mr Brown convinced ICE agents to take a look at his birth certificate, which he got his roommate back in Key West to email. After taking the immigration papers they had given him back, Mr Brown was left alone in Miami, with no arrangements to get back. He had been uprooted, nearly deported, and dropped hours away from home. I panicked. I tried to persevere. I went through a lot, he said of his final hours in detention when he thought he would be boarded onto a plane and taken to a foreign land by his own country. There was a point where, I dont know, I was fearing the worst. Beto O'Rourke is one of the leading Democratic contenders for the 2020 presidential election following his narrow defeat in the midterms, according to a new poll. The Texas congressman was ranked fourth favourite by voters behind the more established figures of Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. It puts him ahead of other potential candidates such as New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and senators Kamala Harris, Chris Booker and Elizabeth Warren. Mr ORourke, 46, has refused to rule himself out for a bid after earning national recognition for his campaign against Republican senator Ted Cruz. In the wake of his loss by just three per cent, bookmakers made him second favourite for the Democratic nomination behind Ms Harris. Now a Harvard CAPS/Harris online poll of around 450 Democratic and independent voters appears to confirm his high profile. Twenty-five per cent of voters said they would be most likely to vote for Mr Biden, with 15 per cent for Mr Sanders, 13 per cent for Ms Clinton, nine per cent for Mr ORourke and the others in low single figures. However, 62 percent of voters said they did not believe Ms Clinton would run in 2020, four years after she lost to Donald Trump, who has confirmed he will run for re-election. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events When the former secretary of state is excluded from the poll, Mr Biden receives 28 per cent, with 21 per cent for Mr Sanders and seven per cent for Mr ORourke in third place. Between 15 and 18 percent of voters said they were undecided on their preferred candidate. The world in 2020: A glimpse into the future Show all 5 1 /5 The world in 2020: A glimpse into the future The world in 2020: A glimpse into the future 286072.bin The world in 2020: A glimpse into the future 286073.bin The world in 2020: A glimpse into the future 286074.bin The world in 2020: A glimpse into the future 286075.bin The world in 2020: A glimpse into the future 286076.bin Beto is the kind of fresh face who could shake up the Democratic race, said Mark Penn, co-director of Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll. He starts off by blowing past some well-known names. Biden loses support upon his entry. The same poll, which was carried out for The Hill politics website, shows that 44 per cent of Republican and independent voters back Mr Trump, followed by six per cent for both Ohio governor John Kasich and Utah senator-elect Mitt Romney, who lost to Barack Obama in 2012. Donald Trump tweeted about oil prices as mourners gathered in Washington for George HW Bushs funeral. The US president said he hoped the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which is meeting on Thursday, would be keeping oil flows as is, not restricted. He added: The World does not want to see, or need, higher oil prices! The Twitter post came as dignitaries began to arrive at Washingtons National Cathedral for former president Mr Bushs funeral on Wednesday afternoon. In an earlier tweet, Mr Trump said he was looking forward to being with the Bush family at the service, scheduled to begin at 11am local time (4pm GMT.) He added: This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed! Minutes earlier, he had tweeted about about his hopes for an end to a trade war with China, writing that Beijing was sending very strong positive signals. He added: Not to sound naive or anything, but I believe President Xi meant every word of what he said at our long and hopefully historic meeting. Mr Bush is said to have ensured Mr Trump would be invited to his funeral, reportedly saying before his death he did not want to stiff a sitting president despite tensions between him and the Bush family. Mr Trump met the late presidents son, George W Bush, on the eve of his fathers funeral. The American leader travelled 230 metres to the meeting at the Blair House presidential guest house in limousine with a motorcade. Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters Nearly 3,000 people, including every living US president and many other world leaders, were scheduled to attend the funeral. The service was preceded by three days of mourning during which Mr Bushs body lay in state at the Capitol Rotunda. His funeral procession will pass the White House and the US Naval Observatory, two landmarks in the former presidents life and career. The worlds biggest palm oil producing nations, Indonesia and Malaysia, have both reportedly attempted to persuade the British government to take action after supermarket chain Iceland announced it was cutting palm oil from its own brand products. The two countries produce 90 per cent of the global supply of the oil, which is used in swathes of food and cosmetic products, and is both countries main agricultural export. Europe is the second largest market for palm oil, after India, but consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the potentially devastating environmental impact of palm oil production. In April, Iceland said it was removing palm oil from its own-brand products. The company, which is also phasing out the use of plastics, cited concerns about environmental degradation and deforestation, which is destroying the habitats of many critically endangered species, such as the orangutan. A freedom of information request by Unearthed Greenpeaces investigative journalism unit revealed, six days after Icelands announcement, British diplomats had written to colleagues in Indonesia and Malaysia about how to handle the nations apparent concern over the supermarkets move. One email read: The Indonesians and Malaysians need to recognise that these developments are being driven by (legitimate) concerns about the environmental impact of palm oil production, which they have not adequately addressed. It is not for us to argue the case for palm oil. Emails exchanged between officials at the Foreign Office, the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the Department for International Development (DfID) at around the same time, suggest diplomats had been urged by the Malaysian and Indonesian governments to intervene with Iceland over its opposition to palm oil. [The Malaysians and Indonesians] need to recognise that Iceland is a private company; HMG [the UK government] has not encouraged them [Iceland] to take this decision, but neither would it be appropriate for us to attempt to dissuade or criticise them, wrote one Foreign Office official. Iceland has since made further headlines, after releasing an advertisement in collaboration with Greenpeace that featured a cartoon orangutan mourning the loss of his rainforest home, and which was voiced by the actress Emma Thompson. The ad was banned after it was deemed to have breached political impartiality rules. The ban intensified attention around the issue, though, sparking debate over advertising standards and the impact of palm oil, and providing Iceland with significant publicity the ad has been watched more than 30 million times online, Greenpeace said. Vast tracts of rainforest have been cleared across Indonesia to make way for palm plantations (Getty) Malaysian officials took the unusual step of celebrating the UK regulator Clearcasts decision to uphold the ban. Teresa Kok, Malaysias primary industries minister, said: We will not be cowed or stand by idly when nasty advertisements by Iceland mislead people in markets that are crucial to us. We will fight back with facts from scientifically researched data. Another FOI request by Greenpeace this year revealed some of the other methods by which the Malaysian government had attempted to maintain its European export markets. In May, British diplomats warned the UK government backing a proposed EU ban on imports of palm oil could put a lucrative arms deal between BAE systems and the Malaysian government at risk. Recommended Government warned palm oil ban risks losing lucrative weapons deals British officials said supporting the ban could prompt Kuala Lumpur to rule out a multimillion pound deal to replace its fleet of fighter jets with British built Typhoon aircraft. Over the last 15 years, demand for palm oil has soared and the product is found in a huge range of foods and toiletries. It is now thought to be present in around half of all supermarket products, leading the industry to launch attempts to certify it is sustainable. But Richard Walker, Icelands managing director, said the supermarket had decided to remove palm oil because there was none available on the mass market that could be verified as sustainable. 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 This year, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature published a report which suggested palm oil certified sustainable is only slightly less damaging to rainforests than that from uncertified production. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Support free-thinking journalism and subscribe to Independent Minds Since 2002, more than 150,000 orangutans are thought to have been wiped out as a direct consequence of the palm oil industry. A spokesperson for Iceland told The Independent: We are in correspondence with the Indonesian government regarding this matter, and want to ensure all concerns are listened to. We have always understood that the issue of palm oil is a complicated one. We have never called for an outright boycott of palm oil. We are not anti-palm oil, we are anti-deforestation. A Home Office spokesperson told The Independent: We share the publics concerns about the environmental impact of palm oil and are committed to helping companies to implement zero-deforestation supply chains. The UK will continue to work with foreign governments, and industry, to support the sustainable production of palm oil. A British woman travelling in New Zealand is being sought by authorities after disappearing from a hostel almost a week ago. Grace Millane, from Wickford in Essex, had been in regular contact with family at home through the messaging app WhatsApp after she flew to Auckland a fortnight ago. However, concerns about her whereabouts were raised when she failed to respond to greetings from relations sent on her 22nd birthday on Sunday. One of her brothers, Michael, said the family had discovered she had not returned to the Base Backpacker hostel in central Auckland where she had been staying for several days. Grace has been missing for five days, he wrote on Facebook. She has not returned to her hostel room in Auckland New Zealand and family members have had no contact since Saturday 1st December. The Embassy have been contacted. Please share and contact if you have any information regarding her whereabouts. Ms Millanes other brother, Declan, also appealed to social media users to share information in a bid to locate his sister. We havent heard from my sister since Saturday is currently travelling in New Zealand and was last seen in Auckland, he wrote. A missing persons report had been filed with police on Wednesday, local media said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events British High Commission Wellington consular manager Tony McLeod said the commission had been made aware of Ms Millanes disappearance. We are working with the family in the UK and New Zealand Police in relation to reports of a missing British national in New Zealand, he told the New Zealand Herald. We are unable to make further comment while police are investigating the matter. A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: We are in contact with New Zealand police and providing consular support after a British woman was reported missing in Auckland. Migrants in Italy, including trafficking victims and children, are being expelled from shelters in the run-up to Christmas under a new law brought in by the countrys far-right government. The Salvini decree named after interior minister Matteo Salvini scraps humanitarian protection status for asylum seekers and introduces new rules on who can be housed in council-run migrant reception centres. The new laws are part of the populist governments push to reduce the numbers of refugees and migrants in Italy with other policies including ordering the seizure of boats that rescue migrants, and restrictions on the opening hours of ethnic shops. Italian media reports that some migrants given the now scrapped humanitarian protection status are being expelled from centres across the country as the law starts to take affect. About a quarter of those who sought asylum in Italy in 2017 were given the designation, roughly 20,000 people, with more than 100,000 people thought to hold it in total. It gives the right to remain in Italy, and was usually bestowed on those who do not qualify for refugee status but who were judged by the Italian authorities to not be safe in their home country. Reports of expulsions from centres started last week. The Ansa news agency reports that 24 migrants staying at a centre in the southeastern municipality Isola di Capo Rizzuto who had humanitarian protection status were made to leave on Friday. About 200 others are expected to be expelled from that centre over the coming week. Those expelled were said to include a young couple with a five-month-old daughter. Charities the Red Cross and Caritas have arranged for accommodation to be provided for about 20 days for some as a stop-gap, but the groups future is uncertain with most having moved to a makeshift tent camp where about 100 migrants are living in precarious conditions. Under the system, new asylum seekers will be excluded from these council-operated local receptions centres, known as Sprar, which focus on integrating them into the community with language and job training. There is expected to be an expansion of the use of larger, centralised detention centres, which lack the focus on integration that the Sprar have. The government says the law is not retroactive and should not affect those with an existing humanitarian protection status. However, there have been numerous reports of expulsions of those already in the Sprar centres apparently those who were given humanitarian status just before the law changed caught up in slow bureaucracy. Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily. Mr Salvini said the changes would lead to more rights for the true refugees and less waste for those who are refugees is not. He has also said the new law means the party is over for the migrants he claims are sitting in hotels watching TV at public expense. The UN high commissioners office has warned in a report that the law will certainly lead to violations of international law. The abolition of humanitarian protection status, the exclusion of asylum seekers from access to reception centres focusing on social inclusion, and the extended duration of detention in return centres and hotspots fundamentally undermine international human rights principles, and will certainly lead to violations of international human rights law, the UN office said in a statement. More than two months after the brutal killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the hands of Saudi operatives linked to de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, international pressure on the oil-rich kingdom continues to mount. The furore poses a threat to both the leadership in Riyadh as well as to White House plans for the Middle East. Yesterday, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for an international investigation into the killing, bucking Saudi Arabias insistence that it will handle the case on its own soil. Far-right political terrorism is on the rise in western Europe and north America, a report on global terror has cautioned. Right-wing groups and individuals killed 66 people between 2013 and 2017, with 17 deaths and 47 of those attacks occurring last year, according to the 2018 Global Terrorism Index. There has been a real and significant increase in far-right terrorist activity, particularly in the last two years, Tom Morgan, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Economics and Peace, which produced the report, told The Independent. The UK suffered 12 far-right terror attacks last year, including the attack outside Finsbury Park mosque, where 47-year-old Darren Osborne drove a van into Muslim worshippers, killing one person and injured at least nine others. Sweden saw six attacks and Greece and France had two each. The majority of those attacks were carried out by lone actors with far-right, white nationalist or anti-Muslim beliefs, the report concluded. Finsbury Park terror attack: One year on The kind of social conditions which help produce this kind of activity dont seem like theyre going away anytime soon, Mr Morgan said, citing a volatile political climate and economic instability as examples of conditions which could lead to far-right activity. The general political climate across western Europe and north America is particularly volatile, he added, giving the example of the violent gilets jaunes protests in Paris. The kind of environment that can lead to terrorist activity is volatile and prevalent. It comes after statistics revealed the number of far-right terrorists imprisoned in Britain has more than tripled in a year, rising from nine to 29 in custody by the end of March. However, the yearly report found global deaths from terrorism had decreased by 27 per cent, with the largest falls occurring in Iraq and Syria as Isis continues to lose territory, manpower and resources. The decline of the group contributed to a 56 per cent reduction in deaths in Iraq between 2016 and 2017, though it remains the worlds deadliest terror group. The increase in counterterrorist activity and spending, as well as security measures like having more bollards and increased military and police presence has had an impact, particularly on terrorist groups ability to plan more complicated attacks, Mr Morgan said. Isiss scorched earth tactics damaged northern Iraq Show all 6 1 /6 Isiss scorched earth tactics damaged northern Iraq Isiss scorched earth tactics damaged northern Iraq Oil spills in Qayyarah, northern Iraq Wim Zwijnenburg/PAX Isiss scorched earth tactics damaged northern Iraq Plumes of black smoke from burning oil wells hung over Qayyarah for several months Wim Zwijnenburg/PAX Isiss scorched earth tactics damaged northern Iraq The burning of oil wells and oil spills have caused long term damage to the environment in Iraq Wim Zwijnenburg/PAX Isiss scorched earth tactics damaged northern Iraq Experts still do not know the extent of the damage from Isis's burning of oil wells and polluting of rivers Wim Zwijnenburg/PAX Isiss scorched earth tactics damaged northern Iraq Soil and water pollution is high in northern Iraq and impacting agriculture Wim Zwijnenburg/PAX Isiss scorched earth tactics damaged northern Iraq There are fears if environmental damage is not taken seriously agriculture in northern Iraq could be destroyed Wim Zwijnenburg/PAX But as the group continues to lose territory and sources of revenue, it has actively redirected its resources away from the Middle East and into north Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and southeast Asia, the report said. With the fall of [Isis] in Syria and Iraq there are any number of thousands of foreign fighters that will either be looking to return to Europe or be redirected elsewhere, Mr Morgan added. It is certainly a concern. As [Isis] breaks up, they have to go somewhere. Isis decline was also reflected in the level of terror activity in Europe, where the number of deaths fell by 75 per cent (from 827 in 2016 to 204 in 2017). Preliminary data for 2018 suggests the trend is likely to continue, with less than 10 deaths recorded in western Europe up to October. The falling lethality of terror attacks in western Europe indicates that [Isis] ability to plan and coordinate larger scale terrorist attacks has reduced, the report concluded, and that increased counterterrorism measures are working, at least in the short term. Along with the fall in deaths from terrorism, the economic impact of terrorism was also reduced by 42 per cent to $52bn (40.8bn), the report said. Number of white people arrested for terror offences outstrip any other single ethnic group, new figures show But terrorism remains a global phenomenon, the report warned, with 67 countries recording at least one death in 2017 and 98 countries recording at least one attack. Five countries (Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Somalia) recorded more than 1,000 deaths, while 19 countries saw more than 100. The largest increases were recorded in Somalia and Egypt. Al-Shabaab conducted the single largest terror attack in 2017 in Somalia when it detonated a truck bomb outside a hotel, killing 587. Meanwhile Egypt experienced the second largest attack, when an Isis-affiliated group attacked the al-Rawda mosque and slayed 311 people in the deadliest attack in Egyptian history. Myanmar and The Philippines saw a record number of deaths from terrorism, with 166 deaths and 50 deaths respectively in 2017. Isis fighters in Afghanistan are communicating with UK terror cells, defence secretary Gavin Williamson says The report also looks into the reasons why people might become radicalised and join terror groups, citing research suggesting people in western Europe with a criminal background might be especially susceptible to alignment with extremist beliefs, radicalisation, and possible recruitment. If you look at the data that does exist on people arrested for terrorism offences, the substantial number had a criminal background, Mr Morgan said. For [Isis], they attract people with a certain level of experience and knowledge with weapons and finding illicit funding. He added It attracts people because it allows them to have a redemption narrative without necessarily having to change their behaviour. They can redirect their criminal activity towards a greater end. The silent Grundig wireless sets, empty wine bottles and tired musical instruments made for diverting lunch decor in Ghibabo. Young men and women at a neighbouring table chat, taking in the eccentricity of this restaurant and pizzeria in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea. Ethiopian people, says one diner, pointing at a nearby group. Tourists. After a protracted independence war and 20 years of unresolved border conflict, a peace agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia was signed in July. Ethiopian Amharic voices are still a novelty in Asmara. Recommended On the trail of the Ark of the Covenant in Ethiopia Eritrea lies in the Horn of Africa, bordering Sudan, Djibouti and Ethiopia (cutting off that countrys port access), and its 1,000km Red Sea coast faces strife-ridden Yemen. Asmara recently acquired Unesco status, in large part for its legacy of Italian modernist architecture. Mussolini envisioned Asmara at the heart of Italys new African Empire; an aspiration never achieved. With its broad, tree-lined Harnet Avenue, downtown Asmara is a city with lungs. Beyond the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Rosina Caffes glass-panelled doors open onto busy marble-top tables. Cappuccino, macchiato and gelato are served by uniformed waitresses. Avocado juice is available perhaps a nod to Asmaras burgeoning hipster scene? But this is no overpriced expatriate bolthole. Customers are Eritreans, mostly older men. Save for the absence of wifi it could be southern Europe. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Asmara (Nick Redmayne) Across the road its possible that Cinema Imperos Art Deco facade makes more of a statement now than it did in 1937. Though the list of showings mainly Korean martial arts movies says something too. Reflecting on lengthy conflict, Asmarinos have had their fill of real fighting. Elsewhere, faded pastel streets reference Africa and Italy in unhurried homage to daily life. Dont worry, there are no thieves in Asmara, remarks a cafe manager when I carelessly abandoned my shoulder bag. The Art Deco Cinema Impero in Asmara (Nick Redmayne) Eritreas second city, descending from Eritreas cool central plateau, is Keren. Its 90km north west of Asmara, but seems further. I arrived in the warm evening air and a power cut had cast downtown into darkness. Generators clatter into life: business as usual. Keren shares much with Sudan to the north, most obviously long white galabias and generous turbans. The tea is delicious, and the staple brown beans of a good ful medames is a siren call to those whove spent time in the region. Europhile Asmarinos consider Keren another country. That said, citizens cherry-pick cultural influences, maintaining a fondness for beer particularly cheaper brews now pouring in from Ethiopia. Livestock market in Keren (Nick Redmayne) Monday mornings livestock market is why most tourists travel to Keren: a shadeless, sandy expanse of goats, sheep, donkeys, cattle and camels, overseen by young boys waving sticks and squinting old men, stretches up a hillside. A commotion erupts as horned bulls fight in earnest, until a yelling youth wearing a galabia launches himself fearlessly into the fray, striking each beast smartly with his stick. Elsewhere, camels are aloof and disdainful, though one male bull camel held in check against a wall angrily blows out a pink, fleshy air sack, and undoubtedly has murder in mind. Budget camels start at 15,000 nakfa, or around USD$1,000. I choose a seat in the shade, buying a glass of aromatic tea and some roasted peanuts. The crumbling former Governors Palace in Massawa (Nick Redmayne) The other city on the circuit is Massawa, Eritreas Red Sea port. Dropping from the 2,500m-high central plateau, initial rain showers belie the change in climate. More than 100km away, airy and cool, Asmara is soon a distant dream as Massawas humidity stupefies. A week earlier the city languished in 46C heat. Despite being the countrys main port, Massawa is no hive of activity. The former Governors Palace, a one-time residence of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, lies in ruin, a reminder of past conflict. Not far away, the carcass of a Soviet Antonov cargo aircraft serves a similar purpose. A former Soviet Antonov plane in Massawa (Nick Redmayne) Beach life is 10 minutes from town at Gurgusum, where clear water and long stretches of sand draw weekend crowds. Mid-week, the modest Gurgusum Beach Hotel is almost deserted. In a newer part of town, the Northern Red Sea Museum catalogues the regions flora and fauna in pickling jars and with skeletons. Other exhibits record history, ethnography and bloody campaigns of the liberation war. The beach at Gurgusum (Nick Redmayne) Massawas old town remains beautiful. Along dusty streets, buildings constructed from coral stone reflect Ottoman, Egyptian and Italian occupations. However, many are empty and crumbling through war damage and neglect. The shattered shell of the once opulent Banca d'Italia says it all. Here and there, cafes and bars trade discreetly, while industry appears to be limited to bicycle repair shops spilling into the streets. Visiting Eritrea is a reflective experience, a country whose independence was paid for in blood, and whose development has been built on dreams and determination. Low crime, almost non-existent corruption and a powerful sense of nationhood are pitted against Byzantine bureaucracy, institutional paranoia and a hated system of indefinite National Service. However, peace has catalysed change. Whether this translates into political liberalisation is a question Eritreans now dare to ask. Travel essentials Getting there Ethiopian Airlines flies to Asmara from Heathrow and Manchester from 11 December, via Addis Ababa, from 750pp. Staying there Undiscovered Destinations offers a nine-day Eritrea Discovery small group tour from 2,745pp; excludes flights. Tourists travelling on UK passports require a visa which costs 50 and must be applied for in person, and by appointment, at the Embassy of the State of Eritrea at 96 White Lion St, London N1 9PF. Every so often, Jack Sheldon from Jacks Flight Club selects a flight deal from the UK for Independent readers that you cant afford to miss. This week: return flights to Barbados from 345 return. During the short winter days, a cheap flight to the Caribbean is the stuff daydreams are made of. Weve found some excellent deals with Virgin Atlantic, flying non-stop to Barbados in high season to make it a reality. Weekly departures from both London and Manchester to Bridgetown are currently available, with cocktails onboard to get the holiday started. How to book Google Flights makes it easy to find the dates on this one. Just enter your departure airport and destination (Bridgetown, Barbados), then filter the airlines to just show Virgin Atlantic. This will update the calendar and clearly show the cheapest dates to fly, which will be highlighted in green. Once youve chosen your dates from those available, either proceed to book the itinerary directly on Virgin Atlantics website, or go to Skyscanner, re-enter your itinerary to see which travel agent is offering the flight at the best price, and book with the agent of your choice. Depart from London Gatwick (LGW) Manchester (MAN) To Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI) 345 return When to fly Between January October for departures from London, excluding peak summer. Manchester departures end in March. When to book These fares should last for two or three more days. Pro tip: Transatlantic flights rarely include a checked bag, but you can add this later with the airline either online or by phone. Its also worth checking multiple online travel agents when you book the flight, as some offer checked baggage at a lower cost than Virgin Atlantic charge. Tourists in Strasbourg are being advised to exercise caution after a lone gunman killed two people and injured at least 12 at the French citys Christmas market on Tuesday night. He remains unaccounted for. Updated Foreign Office (FCO) advice for France reads: A large police and gendarmerie operation (with military reinforcements) remains underway in the city of Strasbourg and surrounding areas. You should exercise caution and follow the advice of the French authorities at all times. French authorities are treating the shooting as a terrorist act. The FCO updated its advice for a range of European countries a week ago, warning tourists visiting Christmas markets to remain vigilant. It advised: There is a general threat from terrorism. There may be increased security in place over the Christmas and New Year period, including at Christmas markets and other major events that might attract large crowds. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. This guidance was issued for countries including France, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Italy. Travel consumer campaigner Frank Brehany told The Independent that being prepared is key to staying safe. The incident at Strasbourg Christmas market is another indication that such attacks have moved on from blunt vehicle atrocity to something more covert, he said. Regardless of any level of security measures installed, they cannot prevent a lone wolf or plan for an individuals intentions. As holidaymakers it is important to familiarise yourself with a countrys particular security protocols. In the case of France, holidaymakers should at the very least equip themselves with the SAIP app, which provides valuable real-time security information on your location coupled with any FCO travel advice. Brehany said we should expect to see extra security measures, such as visible security deterrents and increased police presence, escalated throughout Europe. I am currently in Prague and have seen visible security apparatus along with police patrols throughout the public spaces, he said. Despite this presence, it is clear that many thousands of people continue to enjoy the Christmas markets in this city. He added: Reports from Strasbourg will understandably increase the fear factor among holidaymakers to any Christmas market. It is important that holidaymakers research and prepare, by understanding the security issues surrounding their destination and, above all, follow all public notices and directions given by authorities. The latest attack comes as France faces violent protests centred around a new petrol tax increase, which saw thousands take to the streets on 1 December. Firefighters put out nearly 250 blazes that destroyed 112 cars, while more than 130 people were wounded and more than 400 arrested nationwide. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Protests against fuel prices continue across France, leading to blocked roads and motorways in some areas, says the FCO. You should avoid where possible and follow the advice of the authorities. With regards to terrorism, it adds: Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in France. Due to ongoing threats to France by Islamist terrorist groups, and recent French military intervention against Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), the French government has warned the public to be especially vigilant and has reinforced its security measures. Security at Christmas markets has been stepped up since 2016 when, on 19 December, a truck was deliberately driven into a market in Berlin, Germany. The terror attack left 12 people dead and 56 injured. British model Rhian Sugden prompted criticism after posting a selfie from the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin on Instagram accompanied by the caption ET phone home. After considerable backlash online from followers who thought the photo was bad taste, Sugden removed the caption, leaving the hashtags #sightseeing #museum and #Berlin. However, the lingerie model defended the post online, writing: Ive got no time for this moaning generation. Im on holiday. Sightseeing and took a pic. Under no circumstances is this disrespectful. Recommended Playboy model causes outrage by posing naked on sacred mountain The picture shows Sugden pouting and wearing a chunky grey scarf draped around her head with the memorial, which consists of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid, in the background. She responded to one critique of the caption by writing: Maybe dont look into things so much. Its a selfie and I look like ET. Imagine having such little respect for the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust that you think this is appropriate, commented one critic. What an embarrassment of a human. Another labelled her a narcissist for posting silly pouting/duck faces at a Holocaust Memorial. Sugden defended herself further on Twitter: This is insane! I posted a pic of me sightseeing in Berlin took a pic at a memorial and made a comment that I look like ET the abuse I got is mental, she wrote. Had lots of messages, mainly from Jewish people, who have gone out of their way to let me know that they are in no way offended by my selfie in Berlin. The original post had the caption ET phone home (Instagram/Rhian Sugden) If I did offend anyone it wasnt my intention. I think for people to rip me to pieces like they have you are the ones that should be ashamed of yourselves. I meant no harm of malice. Glad most of you can see that. Its not the first time tourists have caused outrage with controversial photos. In 2016 Israeli artist Shahak Shapira highlighted the disparity between visitors grinning selfies and the reason behind the Holocaust Memorial in a project called Yolocaust. He photoshopped peoples pictures of themselves smiling, jumping and even doing handstands while visiting onto piles of dead bodies in concentration camps, or with stick thin prisoners in the background. The Yolocaust project highlighted the gap between visitors behaviour and what the memorial represents (Shahak Shapira) About 10,000 people visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe every day. Many of them take goofy pictures, jump, skate or bike on the 2,711 concrete slabs of the 19,000 m large structure, Shapira wrote. The exact meaning and role of the Holocaust Memorial are controversial. To many, the grey stelae symbolise gravestones for the six million Jews that were murdered and buried in mass graves, or the grey ash to which they were burned to in the death camps. In 2009, easyJet came under fire for using the site as the backdrop for a fashion shoot in its inflight magazine. Every issue was pulled after numerous complaints from passengers and Jewish organisations across Europe. The Northern Lights could be seen in the UK tonight, experts have said. The phenomenon could be visible as far south as the north of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say there is a 45 per cent chance of G1-class geomagnetic storms on 5 December, when a coronal mass ejection (CME) is expected to hit Earths magnetic field. CMEs are very good at producing auroras, according to spaceweather.com, so even a glancing blow could light up the Arctic Circle and beyond. Predicting the Northern Lights is difficult, however all of the signs are looking good for tonight with forecasters tracking a solar wind heading towards earth that is likely to cause some spectacular Northern Lights, says Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel. Recommended A complete guide to the Northern Lights Not only is this great news for those travelling to the Arctic region, but the stronger the solar storm, the further south they are visible, so it is well worth those in Scotland and northern England keeping an eye on the skies tonight as well. Ian Ridpath from the Royal Astronomical Society, who leads northern lights trips to Norway, agrees that sightings could be possible. We may just get winged tonight by a CME, which is a cloud of atomic particles from the sun, although its not coming straight at us so might miss, he tells The Independent. But if it does hit us then there could be sightings of the aurora borealis in Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland tonight and tomorrow. Dr Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society, says that spotting the lights is always uncertain, even if theres a major solar event, but that its worth a look as the odds are slightly higher than normal. Get away from light pollution and from cities if you want the best chance of seeing them, he says. Go somewhere with a dark sky and unobstructed horizon. Massey recommends signing up for alerts with aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk, which tracks the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in the UK. The lights could appear as simply a faint glow on the northern horizon or if it is a good display there might be horizontal bands and arcs, or even vertical rays, says Ridpath. They probably wont appear very colourful to the eye, but a time exposure with digital camera should show them as green and red. However, local weather conditions could prove a fly in the ointment. The lights occur 60 miles up and higher, so clouds will completely obscure the view, he says. How are northern lights are created? Theres also a second chance to spot them at the end of the week, according to Ridpath. We will be within a stream of atomic particles flowing out through a coronal hole on the sun, he says. A coronal hole is a different thing from a CME, but they too cause gusts in the so-called solar wind of particles and cause aurorae. In both cases the atomic particles are funnelled down the Earths magnetic field into a ring around the poles its the particles hitting the upper atmosphere that cause the gas in the atmosphere to glow, producing the aurora, says Ridpath. Almost three months after a strike by Ryanairs German pilots and cabin crew that grounded 150 planes, the airline has signed an agreement with the German pilot union over wages and benefits. The agreement paves the way for an end to the strikes that have disrupted passengers this year. The four-year deal, with union VC, covers all Ryanair pilots based in Germany and includes pay, pension and working hours. The agreement will be fleshed out by the end of February, according to VC, and a "works council" will be established by the end of March. No further walkouts by German pilots will happen before then, said union VC. Martin Locher, president of VC, thanked members and Ryanair for coming to an agreement. The agreement with VC follows a similar agreement with the German union Verdi. In November, Ryanair inked a collective labour agreement with the union, which will cover all Ryanair's cabin crew based in Germany. The budget airline has been beleaguered by strikes this year. On 12 September, a one-day walkout called by German pilots and cabin crew affected around 150 out of 400 flights; then on 28 September, a co-ordinated walkout by a number of unions in Europe caused 250 flights to be cancelled, affecting around 40,000 passengers. Separately, Ryanair announced today that passenger numbers grew 11 per cent to 10.4 million in November, with a load factor (a measure of how full each plane is) of 96 per cent. Q Have you been to Kiev in Ukraine? Is it safe to travel there now? And do travellers need a language, in which case should it be Russian or Ukrainian? Liam B A I have visited the Ukrainian capital several times and find it a beautiful, interesting and friendly city. Visiting Kiev should be safe, but since the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, and the continuing uprising in the east of Ukraine, the Foreign Office has warned against travel to other parts of the nation. The current dispute over the seizure by Russia of three Ukrainian navy vessels in the Sea of Azov has increased tension. In Jeremy Corbyns early PMQs days, he had a quite extraordinary talent of seeing an open goal before him and striking the ball spectacularly wide. Eventually he would come to develop this skill further, and not merely miss but rush towards the ball, pivot through 180 degrees and fire it the full length of the pitch and into his own net. So let it never be said that when history came calling, Jeremy Corbyn did not stand and deliver. For it was on this Wednesday lunchtime, still well short of 24 hours after Theresa May lost three votes in 63 minutes, one of which found her government in contempt of parliament, that the Labour leader delivered his masterpiece. It was not so much an open goal, or even an own goal, but rather a shot blasted with such force towards his own net that it achieved light speed, circumnavigated the earth, struck him in the face and killed him stone dead. Just to state again: Theresa May failed in her attempts to keep her own legal advice quiet, which we now know to be devastating to her Brexit deal. Her own attorney general was found in contempt of parliament in seeking to prevent its publication. Her own confidence and supply partners in government voted against her to ensure it happened. Parliament has voted to take back control of her Brexit deal, and in so doing, all but end it. By this time next week, all probabilities indicate Theresa May might find herself defenestrated from No 10, with not a single, solitary achievement to show for her time spent there. This is the sort of thing that might compel an opposition leader to, for example, put out a statement last Sunday night saying he would relish a head-to-head debate with Theresa May about her botched Brexit deal. And here he was, in one of the worlds grandest debating chambers, the TV cameras rolling, the Brexit deal at its most botched point, and what he in fact relished was a debate on absolutely anything else. None of it was mentioned. Not a whisper. For those among us becoming increasingly unsure about whether the last two-and-a-half years have or have not been a particularly vivid dream into which they have awoken and are yet to wake again, Jeremy Corbyn is doing no one any favours. Instead we went on a typically pedestrian stroll around the problems of universal credit, the UN report into poverty in Britain all of which matter, but they will matter as much next week as they do this. As we know, the purpose of Prime Ministers Questions for Jeremy Corbyn is to shout some viral speeches for his social media following, but quite why whoever is directing those decided against even a fleeting reference to the collapse of the government at a time of national crisis is right up there with those mystifying moments of the Brexit saga. Leaders of the opposition get six questions at Prime Ministers Questions. It is probably coincidental that that is the same number of bullets as a chamber in a revolver, but it lent the occasion a certain Pulp Fiction feel, as each one flew directly past Theresa Mays head from point blank range, leaving her entirely unscathed at this moment of maximum exposure. At one point, she laughed. Laughing at poverty is not a good look, but that will be a long way down the list of problems that will keep her awake at night. At another point, she actually quoted the there is no money left letter, the one that David Cameron took round the country in the 2015 election campaign, rolling up his sleeves and whipping up entirely confected outrage everywhere he went. These are serious times, and soon, the country is going to be looking for a new prime minister. If Corbyn wants to sort out poverty, sort out universal credit, he will have to sort out Brexit to get there. Even he is becoming aware that his position is becoming ridiculous. Arguably it is to his credit that some variation on the words jobs-first Brexit/ single market deal/ exact same benefits of the customs union did not pass his lips. He knows they are laughable. But he knows it might still be him thats laughing last. Prime Minister Theresa May speaks in the House of Commons at the start of a five-day debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement. Photo: PA Wire Britain could be kept "indefinitely" in a customs union with the European Union if UK Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit deal is backed, according to details of the government's full legal advice on the deal published on Wednesday. The advice said that Britain risks becoming stuck in "protracted and repeating rounds" of negotiations to leave the European Union if it enters a so-called backstop arrangement. "Despite statements in the Protocol that it is not intended to be permanent and the clear intention of the parties that it should be replaced by alternative, permanent arrangements, in international law the Protocol would endure indefinitely until a superseding agreement took its place," the advice said. The Protocol refers to the so-called Irish backstop agreement in May's withdrawal deal she has agreed with the EU to prevent the return of border controls between Northern Ireland and Ireland. The government was forced to publish its legal advice on its Brexit deal by parliament on Tuesday after being found in contempt for refusing to do so. Many opposition parties members say they want to see the advice to better inform themselves before voting on Prime Minister Theresa May's deal with the EU on December 11. Following the report being published, Theresa May said she has not concealed the facts on the Brexit deal from parliament. May was tackled by the leader of the Scottish National Party at Westminster, Ian Blackford, to explain why Northern Ireland would have a deal to remain in the EU's single market under the so-called backstop and Scotland would not. "We have not concealed the facts on the Brexit deal from members of this house," she told parliament. Read More The advice on how to exit the backstop agreement to prevent the return of a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland is under scrutiny, particularly by May's nominal allies in Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). "I believe that the deal we have negotiated is a good deal. I recognise that concerns have been raised, particularly around the backstop and that is an issue, ... I am continuing to listen to colleagues on that and considering the way forward," Mrs May told parliament. British interior minister Sajid Javid said the government was listening and continuing to explore ways to make the so-called backstop arrangement in the Brexit deal more acceptable to the DUP. The DUP has shown its deep anger over the backstop arrangement to prevent the return of a hard border between the British province and EU member Ireland, arguing that it would essentially split the province from the rest of the mainland. "I think again .. it's right that we look and continue to explore whether there are other arrangements as well that can lead to more permanent and more easily acceptable outcome," he told parliament. Meanwhile, the European Union is continuing with contingency planning in order to manage Britain's withdrawal from the bloc in the event the British parliament next week rejects a Brexit deal, a senior EU official said on Wednesday. "We need to see what's the outcome of discussion in UK parliament," European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis told reporters. "We are preparing for the deal. We have agreed on the deal with the government. We are making sure that it can be implemented -- and in parallel we have done some contingency planning also." The deputy leader of the DUP described the government's full legal advice on Brexit as devastating. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) are unhappy with the EU divorce deal's so-called backstop provision which will align Northern Ireland more closely with the European Union than the rest of the United Kingdom if no other way can be found to avoid a hard border with the Republic of Ireland. "Devastating," Nigel Dodds said on Twitter after the advice was published. "The legal advice just published proves NI (Northern Ireland) would be in full EU Customs Union while GB (Great Britain) is not." More to follow... The first of five days of debate on Theresa May's Brexit deal took place on Tuesday, as the Prime Minister battled to save her plan. She is aiming to win support from MPs ahead of a crucial vote on December 11. Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa May is congratulated by Ministers and Conservative MPs in the House of Commons after speaking at the start of a five-day debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement. Photo: PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Theresa May is congratulated by Ministers and Conservative MPs in the House of Commons after speaking at the start of a five-day debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement. Photo: PA Wire Here are the key points you need to know from day one of the debates. Day of defeats Before the debate could even get going, Mrs May suffered a series of bruising Commons defeats which saw her authority take a pounding. UK ministers had to agree to publish the "final and full" legal advice on the withdrawal agreement as the UK government was found to be in contempt of parliament for not already doing so. Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa May speaks in the House of Commons at the start of a five-day debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement. Photo: PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Theresa May speaks in the House of Commons at the start of a five-day debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement. Photo: PA Wire And in another blow to the British PM, MPs succeeded in calls for the Commons to have a direct say in what happens if her deal is rejected next Tuesday. The votes delayed the start of the five-day debate by several hours. It's about compromise, says the PM Opening the debate on the Brexit deal, Mrs May said MPs needed to accept that compromise was necessary to "bring the country together". Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa May speaks in the House of Commons at the start of a five-day debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement. Photo: PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Theresa May speaks in the House of Commons at the start of a five-day debate on the European Union Withdrawal Agreement. Photo: PA Wire She said the "only solution that will endure" was one that addressed the concerns of both sides of the debate. The British PM warned that the country would be plunged into "uncertainty and risk" if her deal was rejected, adding: "Don't imagine that if we vote this down another deal is going to miraculously appear." She also appeared to soften her approach to parliament as she pledged to give MPs a "greater and more formal role" in the UK's forthcoming negotiations with the EU over future trade. Mrs May said she wanted to launch a "national mission" to forge the "strongest possible future relationship" with the EU. Jeremy Corbyn hits back The UK Labour leader said Mrs May's deal had put the country "over a barrel", and described it as a "terrible failure of negotiation by this Government". Mr Corbyn said the PM had achieved something "extraordinary" with her Brexit deal: "Across this House it has achieved something - it has united both Conservative Remainers and Conservative Leavers and members of every opposition party in an extraordinary coalition against the deal." He added: "It is crystal clear that the Prime Minister's claim that this plan means we take control over our laws, money and borders is utterly far-fetched." Mr Corbyn said Britain's trading relationship with Europe was still to be negotiated and it would take years to do that, adding the call for a transition period was a "bridge to nowhere". He added: "After two years of negotiations all the Government has really agreed to is a very vague wish list." Divisions in the Tory party Divisions among the Tory benches were laid bare for all to see in the Commons as former UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson urged colleagues to reject Mrs May's Brexit deal and claimed Brussels "think they've got us beat". He was heckled by fellow Tory MPs as he outlined ideas which included renegotiating with the EU and removing the Irish border backstop. The Brexiteer told MPs he did not believe there was a single MP "who sincerely believes this deal we have before us is a good deal". He said: "The Government's heart has not appeared to be in this deal and I think listening to those who are sent out to defend it and to explain it, they know it is a democratic disaster." Tory MP Sir Roger Gale demanded Mr Johnson reveal what his "big idea" was, while Father of the House Ken Clarke, a Tory former chancellor, suggested there was not a "faintest chance" of Mr Johnson's bid for a renegotiation being taken seriously. Regret from the DUP The DUP's Westminster leader Nigel Dodds accused the UK government of going back on its word during talks with the party over the Brexit deal and attacked the Northern Ireland backstop proposal. Speaking about previous guarantees over the whole of the UK leaving the customs union, he said: "Quite frankly a lot of people in Northern Ireland feel that the Government, the Prime Minister, the pledges that were made have not been honoured. "We're sad about this, I deeply regret it. I admire the Prime Minister, her stamina, her resilience, the work that she's doing - but on this I think she has misjudged the mood of the country and the mood of the House." Frankenstein's monster? The first day of debates came to an end shortly after British Labour former minister David Lammy roused MPs with a late-night speech. He said: "Theresa May's deal has emerged as a Frankenstein's monster - an ugly beast that no-one voted for or wanted... The deal does not take back control, it gives it away." What will happen on day two? MPs are expected to resume the debate in the early afternoon on Wednesday. Ministers are also expected to set out how the highly sensitive legal advice provided to the Cabinet by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox on the withdrawal deal will be made public. Christmas wish: Mrs May leaves No 10 on her way to parliament Photo: PA The likelihood of a no-deal Brexit has been reduced after a day which saw Prime Minister Theresa May humiliated repeatedly in parliament. Amid political upheaval, the UK government lost three votes in an hour and was judged to be in "contempt" of parliament. There is now a growing acceptance in Dublin that Mrs May will not be able to secure enough support for her Brexit deal in the House of Commons next Tuesday. But sources were privately taking some comfort from a decision by MPs to vote in favour of a motion yesterday which will give them a greater say in whatever 'Plan B' is put forward. The proposal from Conservative MP Dominic Grieve opens the door for MPs to back alternatives to Mrs May's plan, including a Norway-style Brexit or a second referendum. Experts noted "no deal" was the one option which definitely cannot win a majority. It comes as the formal advice from a European Court of Justice advocate general - not binding but usually heeded by the court - suggested the UK can unilaterally revoke the Article 50 divorce notice. A five-day debate on the Withdrawal Agreement was commenced by Mrs May last night. She attempted to convince her own party members and Labour the Irish backstop is a necessary element of the deal. "The backstop is not a trick to trap us in the EU," she said. "It actually gives us some important benefits of access to the EU's market without many of the obligations and that is something the EU will not want to let happen, let alone persist, for a long time." Mrs May said she wants to deliver a Brexit that respects the 2016 vote, stating: "This argument has gone on long enough. It is corrosive to our politics and life depends on compromise." If MPs do not back her deal, Mrs May said, they could open the door either to Britain falling out of the EU without measures to soften the transition, or to the possibility Brexit does not happen. She argued the deal was not perfect but was the best one possible. "I don't say that this deal is perfect. It was never going to be. That's the nature of a negotiation," Mrs May said. "We will not bring our country together if we seek a relationship that gives everything to one side of the argument and nothing to the other. We should not let the search for the perfect Brexit prevent a good Brexit that delivers for the British people." However, powerful Tory backbencher Graham Brady hinted he and other MPs may need "reassurance" over ending the Northern Irish backstop before they can back Mrs May's deal. Speaking in last night's Commons debate, Mr Brady said "there has to be a way to leave" the backstop mechanism without the EU's approval. He said: "Over the next seven days can I urge the Brexit Secretary and the Prime Minister in the strongest possible terms to redouble their efforts to find a way to give real reassurance that we the United Kingdom in future could leave the Northern Irish backstop in the event that we have had to join it." Following the vote on contempt, Commons leader Andrea Leadsom confirmed a U-turn over the legal advice offered to the cabinet by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox. The motion tabled by Labour, the SNP, other opposition parties and the DUP argued ministers were in contempt due to their failure to fully publish advice. The motion was approved by 311 votes to 293. It also ordered the "immediate publication" of the legal advice. In the Dail, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the deal provides a basis by which the UK and EU can avoid a hard Brexit, "which would see the UK crash out of the EU with all the severe consequences that would imply". "Rejection pushes us all towards a no-deal Brexit, from which nobody would benefit." Mr Varadkar continued: "Preparation and planning is ongoing across the all departments to deal with and plan for a range of Brexit scenarios, including a no-deal scenario." Mr Varadkar said in a "disorderly scenario" the implementation of all planned arrangements would not be possible by March 29. "Therefore, we are also focusing on possible temporary solutions which could be rapidly implemented until more long-term arrangements could be put in place." He said all departments and agencies are engaging in "preparedness and contingency planning". Greencore is ready to stockpile ingredients in the UK and change recipes in the event of a hard Brexit that could hit supply lines, according to UK managing director Peter Hayden. Group CEO Patrick Coveney has also told the Irish Independent that the world's biggest sandwich-maker might initiate some supply line changes before Christmas as uncertainty prevails about whether UK Prime Minister Theresa May will be able to get her Brexit plan past Parliament next week. Greencore has contracts with a number of major supermarket chains such as Marks & Spencer, and with other customers in the UK. It imports about 20pc of the raw materials it uses to make its products there. Those materials come from both the EU and further afield, said Mr Coveney, and include packaging items as well as ingredients such as lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber. "The focus area for us will be about securing the relatively small portion of the ingredients that we use that we get from outside the UK, in a no-deal scenario," said Mr Coveney, who is the brother of Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney. "We see the biggest risk area being fresh produce," said Mr Coveney. "A lot of the contingency planning processes ... are to manage our way through potential challenges around the availability of fresh produce." Greencore, whose primary geographic focus is now the UK after selling its US arm this year, makes about 1.5bn sandwiches and food-to-go items like salads every year. Mr Coveney said Greencore has a "very measured timetable" in terms of when it will make decisions regarding the implementation of alternative supply lines. "There will be some areas, frankly, where we choose to make some decisions to reduce risk this side of Christmas, but in others we'll make them closer to the time," he said. There have been dire predictions about the impact of a hard Brexit on the UK's economy. Mr Coveney said Greencore would be "resilient" in the face of an economic downturn, having endured such scenarios in the past. "We are concerned, but what we've tried to separate is the Greencore-specific impact from the overall economic impact," he said. "Based on history, these products are pretty resilient to economic circumstances." More than 2bn was wiped off Irish shares yesterday, with the Iseq index hit hard by a double whammy of global jitters over trade, and continuing fears of a hard Brexit. The index lost 2.5pc, with a host of big names including CRH and Smurfit Kappa losing ground. Bigger companies carry more weight on the index - so a bad day for CRH is enough to have a substantial effect on the Iseq's value. Markets had rallied worldwide a day earlier, after news that the US and China had agreed a 90-day ceasefire in their trade dispute, with no new tariffs to be introduced in that period. US President Donald Trump tweeted afterwards that China had agreed to "reduce and remove" tariffs on cars imported from the US. But yesterday his economic adviser Larry Kudlow said in a television interview that the White House doesn't yet have a deal with China to reduce tariffs on US-made cars. Officials in Beijing declined to comment on the tweet and have not confirmed such an agreement. Alan Breen, senior stockbroker at Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland, told the Irish Independent investors had been looking to shed risk yesterday, with Government bonds - seen as safer assets - in demand. He said that despite a strong performance by markets on Monday, many of the big Irish names had failed to advance as part of that. "I'd say there's still a negative perception on Ireland against the backdrop of Brexit ... there's no major reason to take on the Irish story per se against this backdrop." Additional reporting Bloomberg The price of a pint could rise in the event that the UK leaves the European Union in a chaotic fashion. Industry experts have warned that preparations for a no-deal scenario, including the possibility of tariffs on imports/exports, are not sufficient. An Oireachtas committee heard yesterday that alcohol worth 1.6bn leaves the island of Ireland every year. Any imposition of tariffs or disruption to the purchase of ingredients in either the Republic or Northern Ireland could ultimately hit consumers. The Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) said a no-deal scenario could bring "immediate" tariffs on beer and cider. While pricing will be a matter for each individual company, the reality is that some will not be able to absorb the impact. Patricia Callan, director of ABFI, said businesses are "very exposed" in the context of all-island supply chains. "Most of our glass which we put products into, whether it's beer, cider, wine, spirits, 130 million glass bottles are imported from the UK every year. Obviously if tariffs were introduced that would bring an extra cost," she said. Ms Callan said companies are "very concerned" about the potential for customs checks or delays. The ABFI urged all parties to ensure that the Withdrawal Agreement currently on the table is approved. This could have a particular impact on certain products such as Irish whiskey and poitin, which cannot be produced outside of this island under EU rules. The deal currently allows for this special status to continue to apply to the North. Food Drink Ireland also made a presentation to TDs and senators yesterday, in which its director Paul Kelly warned about the impact of a no-deal scenario on the wider export market. "Higher trade prices will therefore cause export volumes from the EU to the UK to drop significantly. "The disruptive impact of this, combined with further currency turbulence and likely gridlock at ports must be avoided for the sake of Irish agri-food," he said. Although the reliance on the UK has reduced in recent years, it remains our largest export market. The export exposure of the various sectors within agri-food to the UK includes beef at 51pc, dairy at 24pc and prepared consumer foods at 62pc of exports. Half of all cheese produced here goes to the UK. "This demonstrates the importance of maintaining our market position in this high-value, high-quality market that has a substantial food deficit," Mr Kelly said. He noted that the Irish exposure to Brexit is far greater in real terms than that of countries like France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany or Italy. "Typically, less than 10pc of their agri-food exports are to the UK. This highlights the unique circumstances faced by Irish agri-food and the need for exceptional mitigation measures," he said. Farmers have hit out at comments by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar saying he is trying to reduce red meat in his diet for environmental and health reasons. Stock photo Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed , has welcomed the progress made on live exports during the Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Egypt. A renewal of live trade with Egypt moved a step closer today as the issues around existing health certificates for Irish exports were discussed at a meeting in Cairo between Minister of State Pat Breen and Deputy Minister for Agriculture Dr Mona Mehrez. The Egyptian Ministry is willing to consider amending existing health certificates and putting a new certificate for breeding stock in place. Further to preparatory work by DAFM, Bord Bia and Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI), the Egyptian authorities have indicated an interest in re-establishing live imports from Ireland, as well as cooperation in other areas. It comes as a revision of the veterinary certificate for the shipping of live cattle to Algeria could open the way for increased exports of Irish stock to the North African state. The current requirement for a 30-day quarantine period for Irish cattle prior to shipping is seriously restricting exports to Algeria, industry sources told the Farming Independent. With the veterinary certificate under review by Irish and Algerian authorities, exporters are hopeful of some movement on the current restrictions. It is understood that Algerian buyers are in the market for breeding heifers and heavy bulls, with French exporters supplying much of the stock. However, with a serious reduction in continental cattle supplies forecast in 2019 as a result of this year's increased slaughter figures, there is real potential for a significant lift in Irish exports. A revision of the veterinary certificate would allow both the shipping of heavy cattle for slaughter, as well as forward stores for further feeding. The live trade to North Africa has been seriously disrupted by political uncertainty in Egypt and the ongoing civil war in Libya. However, cattle exports to Libya are set to resume in the coming weeks, with a shipload of 400-460kg bulls due to depart from Cork. Meanwhile, ICMSA livestock chair Des Morrison told the association's AGM last week that a contract for the export of 8,000 breeding heifers to Kazakhstan was lost recently due to stronger Australian supports for exports. Crisis Mr Morrison said increased live exports offered "the simplest solution" to the current crisis in the Irish beef sector. He said opening up new outlets for live cattle would add 100 to weanling prices. Staying with sucklers, David Quinn of Carnew Mart in Wicklow said the flight of farmers from the enterprise was continuing in the south-east. Mr Quinn said he had recently handled the sale of eight to 10 suckler herds in the south Wicklow and north Wexford areas, with four going under the hammer in one week. Three of these herds were large operations, he added. The number of in-calf suckler cows sold through Carnew Mart was well up this year, Mr Quinn said, with around 30pc being bought for slaughter. Jim Bushe of New Ross Mart said efforts to save the suckler herd in the south-east were "too late". He said "men are walking away from suckling" and the additional supports announced in the Budget were not going to persuade them to stay. "As a man said to me in the mart, 'what good is 40 to keep a suckler cow for the year, sure a packet of cigarettes is nearly 15'," Mr Bushe added. 'Farmers have complained that excessive charges are being levied by the factories on farmers for clipping dirty sheep'. File photo The Department of Agriculture has refused to be drawn into the controversy around the charges being imposed for the clipping of what factories deem to be dirty sheep. Farmers have complained that excessive charges are being levied by the factories on farmers for clipping dirty sheep, with up to 2/animal being deducted from sale prices in some cases. In addition, farmers maintain that clipping charges are imposed on additional animals in loads where dirty sheep are identified. One farmer told the Farming Independent that clipping costs were levied on 13 animals supplied to a sheep factory, although he insisted that just four were dirty. Questioned about the charges being applied by the factories, the Department stated that "any fees or charges collected by an FBO (Food Business Operator) are a commercial matter between the supplier (farmer) and the food processor." The Department also confirmed that factories are allowed under the Clean Livestock Policy (CLP) to move sheep from the lairage of slaughter plants for the purposes of clipping. "In relation to achieving the objectives of the CLP, there is a provision whereby an FBO at DAFM-approved slaughter plants are permitted to move sheep to a location other than the lairage to enable them to be cleaned sufficiently to allow them to be slaughtered. This provision may be applied to any of those sheep entering the slaughter house premises where it is deemed necessary for the protection of public health and food safety," the Department stated. Slaughter "Clean livestock and the need for an effective policy are basic requirements in order to comply with current EU and national food safety regulations," the Department added. "Sheep producers supplying animals for slaughter for human consumption are food producers and therefore have responsibilities for food safety. Dirty animals pose a significant risk factor in the contamination of carcasses during the production process," it stated. Both the ICSA and IFA have slated what they describe as a "severe interpretation" of CLP rules at some slaughter plants. Inquiry: The Central Banks Director General Derville Rowland said any findings of closet indexing will lead to supervisory action. Photo: Colin O'Riordan The Central Bank has begun an analysis to find out whether investors are being ripped off by investment firms claiming to actively manage portfolios that in reality are set up to track the markets. The Central Bank's Director General Derville Rowland said it has begun analysis on potential closet indexing of UCITS funds. Undertakings for the collective investment of transferable securities (UCITS) are mutual funds that pool investor capital to invest on the markets. Closet indexing, or index hugging, refers to the practice of fund managers claiming to manage investment portfolios actively when in reality the fund tracks a benchmark. Derville Rowland said the Central Bank wants to ensure investors are not misled or misinformed. "We are keen to ensure investors are not misled or misinformed about their investments in Irish domiciled funds. That includes the issue of 'closet indexing'." The Central Bank has begun analysis on 2,000-plus Irish domiciled UCITS funds that report to be actively managed. Analysis will be conducted on over 2,000 Irish domiciled UCITS that report to be actively managed. If indications of 'closet indexing' are found it will be followed with supervisory action, she said. Assessing the implementation of Central Bank requirements for fund managers known as 'CP86' is also a focus for 2019, she said. "The objective of CP86 is to improve the governance of fund management companies with a view to enhancing effectiveness and improving investor protection outcomes. "It is a key priority for the Central Bank to ensure that investors are not disadvantaged by funds operating in a manner that is not consistent with the way in which they have presented their objectives, policies and charges in the fund documentation." Pictured is Ray Dempsey, General Manager, Jameson Distillery Bow St with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Dublin Central TD Paschal Donohoe in the 'Maturation House' during the official opening of the 'Jameson Distillery Bow St. Photo Chris Bellew/ Fennell Photography. The 11m refurbishment of Jameson Bow St. has resonated with guests on the global stage as it has just been named the world's leading distillery tour. Sharing the finalist list with well-known brands including Macallan, Hennessy, Jack Daniels and Jose Cuervo, the Dublin-based experience was given the accolade at the World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony in Lisbon at the weekend. The old Jameson distillery re-opened its doors in March 2017 after several months of significant renovation, in addition to a shake-up of the different tour options on offer. The distillery first opened in 1780. It reached its peak during the 1870s and 1880s when it employed more than 300 people and produced one million gallons of whiskey each year. Three tours now on offer at the new site tailor to the desires of those who walk through the distillery doors; The Bow St Experience, The Whiskey Makers and The Whiskey Shakers. The latest win follows the announcement of Jameson Distillery Bow Street as 'Europe's Leading Distillery Tour 2018' at the European Travel Awards last July. Greg Hughes, Managing Director Jameson Brand Homes and Education at Irish Distillers said: "We are proud that an experience in the heart of Smithfield that champions all that is great about Ireland and Irish whiskey has been commended on the world stage. "This award is a fantastic recognition for the amazing team at Bow St. who provide each and every person that visits us with an unforgettable experience." THOUSANDS of Ryanair passengers will find out next week if they are entitled to compensation following a series of strikes. The Commission for Aviation Regulation said it will issue a decision to 37 passengers who made claims for compensation as a result of industrial action by pilots. Its decision will be watched closely by Irish passengers whose flights were cancelled after the UK aviation authority revealed it is taking action to force the airline to pay compensation to customers. The Civil Aviation Authority has found that the strikes were not exempt from EU rules and has begun enforcement action against the airline. It said the strikes were not extraordinary circumstances, which would exclude the airline from having to pay compensation. Ryanair had to cancel hundreds of flights during the busy summer season in Ireland and across Europe due to strikes by pilots and cabin crew. Some 170,000 customers were hit by the industrial action across Europe, and around 17,500 of these were booked on flights between Ireland and the UK. It suffered the effects of industrial action after recognising unions for the first time last year. Ryanair has been adamant that it is not liable to pay compensation, which can be sought even if the strike-afflicted get a refund or were accommodated on an alternative flight. The Irish Commission for Aviation Regulation said it asked the budget airline to outline its reasons for non-payment. Over recent months we have engaged with Ryanair and sought clarification on the issue, said the commission in a statement. We have now reached the end of this process. We will issue a decision to Ryanair and the affected passengers next week. As this is a legal process it would be inappropriate to comment further until that decision has been outlined in full to the affected parties. It said there were a number of court decisions elsewhere on the issue that it has noted. On Friday, a meeting of European Regulatory Authorities will take place that will give all regulators an opportunity to share their information and insight, it said. As we knew the timing of this meeting we decided that the final stage of our deliberative process would be to lay out our thoughts in conjunction with our counterparts and then outline a final decision, it said. We believe this is the fairest and most robust course of action to take in the interest of passengers and to ensure that all decisions are fully informed. Ryanair said courts in Germany, Spain and Italy have already ruled that strikes are an extraordinary circumstance and EU261 compensation does not apply. We expect the UK CAA and courts will follow this precedent, it said. A new pop-up has opened up at Dundrum Town Centre; but it doesn't look much like your average temporary store, and its business ambition is a lot more complex than simply selling produce. Located in the Pembroke District (beside Five Guys), BLOSS is the brainchild of two Irish designers - and their accountant - who have joined forces to create a commercial platform for both established and emerging brands here. Products from a curated group of 42 designers are now housed under the one roof, until early January, as Bloss (from the Irish word 'blas' which means taste) looks to build their profiles and brand awareness. Paul Haycock got involved as he saw how clothes designer Emma Manley [Manley] and jewellery artist Jenny Huston [Edge Only]- who met while working at Dublin's Guinness Enterprise Centre - were struggling with their finances. Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Jenny and Emma Jenny and Emma / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp "Their hard work and talent was not getting the same level of support as some other female entrepreneurs. But with the correct level of support, both financial and non-financial, Irish designers and creatives can stamp their mark on a world stage," he said. While building a profitable business is still the main goal, the ethos of Jenny and Emma and other Bloss designers in their commitment to producing sustainable and high quality products. It was one of the reasons the two co-founders were drawn to each other. "In the GEC, we were doing something completely different to each other, but we had the same work ethic, the same of every designer as there's a massive lack of a support system here," Emma told Independent.ie. "While it's seen as the sexy industry to work in, we're trying to be artists but we're also trying to run a business and bring our products to market. We're creatives to the core but our unique selling point (USP) is that we also understand the importance of a business." Read More Emma said that their accountant - Paul - was a little more devastated at the end of every business year, as herself and Jenny kept getting rejected for grants, supports, even business loans. According to Jenny, so many great designers have disappeared from the industry as they've had to give up "because they're broke". "We're not a tech startup; it's hard to explain to a bank or a government agency about the designer market unless they understand the way that fashion works," she said. "You have to pay so far ahead, there's that constant churn and cashflow dimension. How can I tell the bank official that there will be a four to six month delay in sales and that 60pc of my jewellery is sold at Christmas?" When the three business partners were offered a unit at Dundrum in October, a matter of weeks before Christmas, they thought it was too good to be true, but they were willing to get the year-long business plan up off the ground. Filling the large unit with 30 designers initially wasn't a huge task; they knew many through their own network and designers were open to taking a chance on the store, not least because it was based in the prime location of Dundrum. "Positioning is everything when it comes to luxury products. Driving online sales is very difficult as buying quality is a very tactile thing, you need to experience the product first hand," she said, stating that Ireland needed a facility here for offering luxury brands, similar to London and New York-based Wolf and Badger. "It doesn't look like a pop-up store, we rented a proper display with hardwood and oak shelving. We believed all that investment was worth it as we wanted it to look like a department store, making sure we have a fresh window every few weeks." Both designers intend for Bloss to be recognised internationally, for Irish design to be hung next to esteemed contemporaries from all around the globe. "It's going to break our heart to close the doors [in January] but it's not just an Irish dream," said Emma, "this is an international dream". An artists impression of the ambitious 850m Apple data centre that had been planned for Athenry, Co Galway The Supreme Court will sit in Galway next March to hear an appeal over whether An Bord Pleanala breached its legal obligations in how it approved the first phase of Apples planned 850m data centre in Athenry. While Apple is not proceeding with the project, the courts decision is likely to affect the Boards consideration of similar data centre developments. Sinead Fitzpatrick, who lives close to the planned development, and Allan Daly, of Athenry, are appealing the High Court's dismissal of their challenge concerning how the Board dealt with the companys proposal. The appeal is opposed by the Board and the State but Apple is not involved. On Wednesday, the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Frank Clarke, on behalf of the five judge Supreme Court, issued a judgment setting out the precise issues to be addressed in the appeal. That judgment arose because the Board had complained the appellants were seeking to put forward grounds which, the Board contended, were inconsistent with, or different from, the grounds they pursued in the High Court. The Chief Justice said the court, as well as deciding the scope of the appeal, had also decided it was not necessary, at this stage, to make a preliminary reference of questions to the Court of Justice of the EU for determination. The court may be persuaded, when the full appeal is being heard, that there remains a question which truly is an issue of European law which requires to be referred, he said. It remains open to the parties to suggest, during the full hearing, that a reference is required, he stressed. He also informed the sides the appeal would be heard on March 6 in Galway as part of the Supreme Court programme of sittings outside Dublin. There is a link between this appeal and Galway, he observed. The case arose after Apple got planning permission from the Board on August 11th 2016 for a development of one data hall and associated grid connection at Athenry. In today's judgment, the Chief Justice said the central thrust of the appellants' case relates to the extent to which the Board is obliged to assess the environmental impact of the balance of the Apple "masterplan" for eight data halls as part of the Board's obligation to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). He did not see any prejudice would be caused to the Board if the court explored the precise extent of the obligations on the Board to consider the potential impacts of the remainder of the masterplan. The appellants are entitled to argue the Board is obliged to carry out a full EIA on the entire masterplan, "subject only to the limits of practicality", he ruled. They were also entitled, as a "fall-back position", to suggest the Board was obliged to assess environmental impacts in a manner that falls short of the appellants primary case but which exceeds the EIA actually carried out by the Board. Once the court decides the Board's precise obligations, it can consider whether the assessment actually conducted by the Board fell short of those obligations, he ruled. The appellants must now formulate their grounds of appeal in line with the court's rulings as to scope, he said. The Government's National Broadband Plan programme director has dismissed recent criticism of the rural rollout scheme as "nonsense". Fergal Mulligan, one of the figures at the helm of the process for several years, made the remarks on Twitter. "A lot of theoretical nonsense," he wrote. "These guys have no understanding of the telecoms market which is very complex as you know and we have just dropped nearly 20 million getting the best advice possible from people that do understand telecoms." Mr Mulligan, who was unable to be contacted for further comment, was referring to a critical report on the scheme in 'The Sunday Business Post'. A spokesman for the Department of Communications confirmed that the tweets came from Mr Mulligan, who also described the current bid as the only realistic option for rolling out state-backed rural broadband to over one million people. "A decision on the only game in town will hopefully be made in the next couple of weeks," he tweeted. The Government says fees associated with the broadband plan have cost 22m. "This includes the cost of corporate finance and economic advice, technical support and network design, the cost of legal advice, environmental advice and process auditor costs," said a spokesperson. "These services were procured by way of competitive tender. In addition, the Department has staff and other administrative costs, along with travel and expenses costs for the independent Steering Group members and event costs related to the NBP." Europe's efforts to tax large tech companies were kept on life-support yesterday as France and Germany proposed a final-hour compromise that scales back the broad plan initially envisioned by Paris. Ireland, along with other countries including Sweden, opposes the tax plan and even the watered down proposals will face resistance. The updated proposal is to tax the European advertising revenue of digital companies at 3pc. That's watered down from an initial plan to set a levy on all digital revenues of large multinationals. The new plan would generate about half the revenue previously planned and mainly hit Google and Facebook, which dominate the online ad market, according to an official with knowledge of the matter. Both companies are among Ireland's biggest employers and pay significant corporation taxes here, though the bills are a tiny fraction of the massive revenues booked here. "Like any European compromise, some will be disappointed. They'll say it's not enough and I can understand them," France's finance minister Bruno Le Maire said. The tax plan requires unanimous support to come into force as EU-wide legislation. The Irish position is that any major changes to international taxation should be agreed through the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) level - where the US and other big non-EU countries are also represented. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is understood to have reiterated that position at yesterday's meeting in Brussels. "The Minister continues to have strong principled concerns about this policy direction as previously outlined. As other countries mentioned, the right and safest way to deal with this is through the OECD to find consensus on global matters. Ireland will engage constructively over the coming weeks and months," a spokesman said. Finance ministers from reluctant countries didn't give their backing to the narrowed Franco-German plan at the meeting, but said they wouldn't stand in the way of further talks. "I promise to be constructive and I'm ready to look at the proposal, but I still have serious concerns with it," said Finnish Finance Minister Petteri Orpo. A draft of the new proposal will be presented by the European Commission within weeks and put to a vote of member states in 2019. Additional reporting Bloomberg Framework: Ryanair, led by CEO Michael OLeary, has agreed a deal that will boost German pilots pay and conditions. Photo: PA Ryanair has signed a framework agreement with German pilot union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), with a final detailed deal expected to be reached by the end of February. In December last year, the German union called what was Ryanair's first-ever strike. Industrial action by pilots and cabin crew in other countries followed. Germany is the last of Ryanair's biggest markets where the carrier did not already have an agreement in place. Ryanair said that the framework agreement covers a four-year term that includes pay, pension and pilot allowances, while a separate agreement covers benefits including seniority, annual leave and base transfer systems. German labour law will also apply to all of the carrier's pilots based in Germany. VC said that a total of four collective labour agreements will be signed with Ryanair by March, in addition to terms and conditions that are to be defined collectively by the end of February. The union said that base pay will be restructured and formerly "very large" variable pay will be reduced, which will lead, it said, to a "significant increase in base pay". Co-pilots will receive 100pc more guaranteed base pay. Captains will receive approximately 33pc more, said VC. The union added that because applicable tax law will in future be German rather than Irish, "pilots will be subject to a substantial increase in pay starting April 1". "By agreeing to these cornerstones, a re-entry into constructive negotiations has been enabled, after their failure last summer," said Martin Locher, the president of VC. An agreement has also been reached to establish what VC said was a "works council" for Ryanair employees, which will introduce "co-determination" at Ryanair for the first time. Ryanair said yesterday that it carried 10.4 million passengers in November, which was 11pc higher year-on-year. The figure includes 300,000 flyers with Laudamotion, the Austrian carrier in which Ryanair has a 75pc stake. Dame Joan Collins has said she had a transgender moment as a teenager (Ian West/PA) Dame Joan Collins has said she had a potential transgender moment in her teens where she experimented with wearing her fathers clothes. The Hollywood actress, known for starring in the US TV series Dynasty, swapped her mothers girdles, suspender belts and slips for her fathers corduroy slacks and loose shirt in what she called a tomboy stage. Writing in her column for the Spectator magazine, Dame Joan said she had changed her mind months later after joining the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) and discovering the joys of boys. Expand Close Dame Joan Collins has said she went through a potential transgender moment when she became a tomboy as a teenager (Isabel Infantes/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dame Joan Collins has said she went through a potential transgender moment when she became a tomboy as a teenager (Isabel Infantes/PA) She said: Watching a popular dance show on TV alongside a young female person [is that OK?], I referred to a woman [can I say that?] who was performing rather badly as the girl in the pink dress. You cant say that, the teenager squeaked indignantly. Its sexist and incorrect. What should I say? I asked. The individual in the pink dress, she replied. We cant assume how she identifies. Dame Joan, 85, was born in London and has starred in films such as The Girl In The Red Velvet Swing and Rally Round The Flag, Boys!. Expand Close Dame Joan said she reverted after attending Rada (Matt Crossick/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dame Joan said she reverted after attending Rada (Matt Crossick/PA) She continued: This reminded me of my own potential transgender moment. At 15 I decided I did not like the idea of becoming a woman and started on a tomboy stage. I eschewed my mothers girdles, suspender belts and slips, and adopted my fathers corduroy slacks and loose shirts. I also took to accompanying him to Arsenal games, where I would wave my ratchet furiously. Luckily this all stopped a few months later when I was accepted at Rada and discovered the joy of boys [wait, can I say that?]. Kevin Hart has been confirmed as the host for the 91st Academy Awards. The US comedian and actor revealed the news on his Instagram page, telling fans it is the opportunity of a lifetime. Hart takes over from talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, who fronted the last two Oscars ceremonies. Writing on Instagram, Hart said: For years I have been asked if I would ever host the Oscars and my answer was always the same I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when its supposed to. I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time To be able to join the legendary list of host (sic) that have graced that stage is unbelievable. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. I want to thank my family/friends/fans for supporting me & riding with me all this time I will be sure to make this years Oscars a special one. I appreciate @TheAcademy for the opportunity. Now its time to rise to the occasion. The Academys official Twitter account posted a tweet saying: Welcome to the family, @KevinHart4Real. Video of the Day Harts unveiling comes just hours after influential trade magazine The Hollywood Reporter called the hosts job, the worst job in town, after previous appointments experienced difficulties on the night. Kimmel was the MC when the best picture gong was wrongly handed to La La Land over Moonlight, though was not responsible for that mistake. "I'm so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the #Oscars." - @KevinHart4real So are we. pic.twitter.com/DzZaKpdnYW The Academy (@TheAcademy) December 5, 2018 In August, the Academy recommended the creation of a new award, dubbed the popular Oscar, that would recognise outstanding achievement in popular film. The plan was aborted a month later following much criticism. Previous Oscar hosts include Billy Crystal, Bob Hope and Seth MacFarlane. The Oscars will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday February 24. THRESHOLD received 73,526 calls last year, and a third were from tenants faced with losing their homes. At the launch of its annual report today, its chairperson Aideen Hayden said that the body was concerned at the rise in the number of people contacting them in relation to tenancy terminations, with an 18pc increase over the previous years figures. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy who attended the launch of the report today, pledged that new legislation on the way that will shore up protections for tenants, and give more powers to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). "These include provisions to ensure the RTB can inspect rental properties and make sure that landlords are compliant with the rental caps in rent pressure zones. "Regulations are also being introduced to regulate short term letting, which will also work to ease pressure on the rental market for workers and families, Mr Murphy stated. "I think its very important that as we build new homes that we also bring in stronger protections for renters as well. We have a new rent bill coming up, I will be bringing it to Cabinet next week. That is going to do a number of very important things to protect renters. "The first thing its going to do is, its going to make it an offence to be in breach of the rent caps that we brought in some time ago. It is also going to give the RTB independent powers to examine and enforce any breeches of those rent caps which I think is necessary. "Another thing its going to do is, its going to give a longer notice of termination period to someone, so when a lease comes to an end, they will effectively now double the time they used to have after they have gone six months living in that accommodation to find a new place to live, which gives greater security then for tenants in that situation. "We are also going to have rent transparency as well, so people can see what a fair rent is, and they can see if their rights are being breached. The annual report stated that queries about rent reviews and rent increases accounted for 18pc of queries to Threshold last year; 12pc of calls related to people seeking accommodation; standards and repairs amounted to seven per cent and deposit retention accounted for another seven per cent. Threshold represented 90 clients at RTB hearings. "The private rented sector is the leading source of homelessness in Ireland, through evictions, both legal and illegal. Keeping people in their homes and protecting tenants rights must be a priority for the Government, Ms Hayden stated. "We continue to call on the Government to introduce the key changes necessary to ensure tenants rights are protected, she said. Threshold had urged that these measures would include a transparent dwelling specific rent register, which would allow tenants in rent pressure zones to compare prices. Threshold chief executive John-Mark McCafferty said: The Tenancy Protection Service, which was extended nationwide in 2017, remains our key service. Since 2014, more than 3,000 tenancies have been protected through securing enhanced rent supplement payments. A woman who fell down the exit stairs of a Ryanair plane at Dublin Airport three years ago has lost a 60,000 damages claim for personal injuries against the airline - and has been ordered to pay the company's legal costs. Judge Jacqueline Linnane said Sabrina Melloni had been carrying two pieces of hand luggage and her handbag as she disembarked from a Boeing 737 and had not availed of the handrails on either side of the steps. Barrister Andrew Walker, counsel for Ryanair, had told the Circuit Civil Court that Ms Melloni, a 51-year-old multilingual customer care co-ordinator of Beechfield House, Oulton Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3, had been leaving a London to Dublin flight at 11.30am on New Year's Eve 2015 when she slipped and fell. Mr Walker said she had brought the claim under Article 17 of the Montreal Convention on the basis that the stairs, which had been lowered from the body of the aircraft, had been wet and slippery and had caused her fall. Judge Linnane, handing down a reserved judgment, said a full defence had been delivered by Ryanair and Mr Walker had specifically pleaded that the claim or incident did not come within the provisions of Article 17 and Ms Melloni was precluded from maintaining any cause of action against Ryanair. The judge said it had not been disputed Ms Melloni had fallen and been injured but Ryanair had denied the stairs had been wet. Ms Melloni had fallen on her face and had suffered a bump to her forehead and soft tissue injuries that had cleared up after some months. Mr Walker had told the court that Article 17 of the Convention provided: "The carrier is liable for damage sustained in case of death or bodily injury of a passenger upon condition only that the accident which caused the death or injury took place on board the aircraft or in the course of any of the operations of embarking or disembarking." Judge Linnane said the Montreal Convention had been transposed into Irish Law through the Air Navigation and Transport (International Convention) Act of 2004 and provided an exclusive cause of action and sole remedy against the carrier and restricted a claimant to proceedings against the carrier. Ms Melloni had been with her daughter (9) and they were disembarking after up to 70 other passengers had disembarked ahead of them without incident while using the same stairs. Judge Linnane said Ms Melloni was in front of her daughter and had been carrying both her own piece of hand luggage and that of her daughter, along with her handbag, and had not been using the handrails when she had fallen, landing on the tarmac. Judge Linnane said Ms Melloni's evidence was that it was raining and she had not been afforded assistance as she disembarked but had not asked either of the two cabin crew for help. On behalf of Ryanair, a senior supervisor had stated it was not raining and the steps were dry. The judge said weather records for December 31, 2015 showed there had been no rain recorded in Dublin until 4pm that afternoon, more than four hours after Ms Melloni had fallen. She found her fall was not an "accident" within the meaning of Article 17. The court concluded that Article 17 contemplated, by the term accident, "a distinct event, not being any part of the usual, normal and expected operation of the aircraft". A case study of single parent Aisling Byrne, who is in her 3rd year in IADT, is also attached with an accompanying photo. For more information or to speak with Aisling, please dont hesitate to contact me. Dublin City Council has set a target for the capital to become a Unesco Learning City. The initiative is being spearheaded by universities and other third-level colleges in the city, with the focus on tackling educational disadvantage and encouraging lifelong learning to underpin social and economic development. The annual Feeder School tables published by the Irish Independent this week show that despite high college entry rates in the vast majority of schools, the most disadvantaged communities are still lagging well behind. As well as promoting social inclusion, other features of a Learning City, as defined by Unesco, include learning for and in the workplace and the use of modern learning technologies. The over-arching aim is to establish sustainable intergenerational learning communities. Dublin Lord Mayor Nial Ring launched the initiative to coincide with the awarding of 40 1916 Leaders and Learners bursaries to those who face social and financial barriers to third-level education. The scheme now falls under the remit of the Learning City initiative. One of the recipients of last year's bursaries, Aisling Byrne (40), is a third-year student of English, media and cultural studies at the Institute of Art and Design, Dun Laoghaire (IADT). As a single parent, she said the biggest obstacle to returning to education after years working in the home was financial, and she worried about having the money for petrol to get herself to and from Dun Laoghaire daily. Single parents are one of the groups under-represented in higher education. When Ms Byrne saw the bursaries, which support students through their undergraduate studies, advertised in IADT, she applied. She said being awarded one "has significantly eased my financial struggles and enabled me to purchase a laptop". With assistance from IADT staff and lecturers, Ms Byrne has been able to make schedule changes, allowing her to attend lectures and get work done while accommodating daughter Teagan's schedule. "Most importantly, I was able to enrol my daughter in more after-school activities than previous years, meaning I am able to stay in college later in the afternoons than before," she said. As well as IADT, the other colleges participating in the Learning City project are University College Dublin (UCD), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Marino Institute of Education (MIE) and the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). It is funded by the Higher Education Authority's Programme for Access to Higher Education. :: Due to an error in production, there was a misrepresentation of the student intake data for Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) in Feeder School tables published yesterday. The tables have been updated online to take account of the correct figures. In a separate update, the number of students in Ulster University attributed to Maccartan's College, Monaghan, now reads five, rather than zero. Doctors and hospitals have yet to receive guidelines on how women having abortions will be cared for. The clinical guidelines are needed to advise and direct GPs and hospital doctors on key areas of care including prevention of complications. The non-provision of the guidelines emerged last night as the report stage of the Bill to Regulate Termination of Pregnancy resumed. It was also revealed that a meeting of GPs to train them in delivering abortions had to be moved to a secret location in Limerick after threats were made by anti-abortion protesters. There are reservations among many GPs and maternity hospital doctors about the rush to have abortion services in place by January. Dr Maitiu O Tuathail, of the National Association of General Practitioners, last night appealed to the Government to have sense - and warned that if proper supports are not in place, the lessons of the CervicalCheck scandal will not have been learned. "There is a need for some cool heads here to stop this being railroaded through," said Dr O Tuathail, who is pro-choice. However, retired obstetrician Dr Peter Boylan, who has been appointed to oversee the preparations, said he believes if the legislation is passed before the Christmas recess, the service should start in January. "There is no reason why it should not start," he said. He added that it was understandable that there is anxiety among doctors who will deliver abortions because it is a new service but that "will settle down". Asked about the clinical guidelines, which doctors insist are essential to direct them on safe care, he said: "They are close to finalisation." GPs will be provided with access to private ultrasound scans if needed, he said. Asked about the impact of abortions on maternity hospitals and regular gynaecological waiting lists, he said most early terminations that are surgical can be done under a local anaesthetic on an outpatient basis. "The actual numbers interfering with waiting lists are likely to be small and, if there is an imposition, things like the National Treatment Purchase Fund could be used for women who are on the waiting list," he added. Questioned on how hospitals will cope with rostering staff who have a conscientious objection, he said that no register of people who opt out will be needed. Hospitals Instead, he said, it would be a matter for individual hospitals to work out their rosters. "There is a huge amount of work going on in the background. It is all about the women and not about the doctors," he said. Meanwhile during last night's Dail debate proposed changes to the law - which would have compelled doctors to record extensive information about women who have an abortion - were defeated. The proposal, tabled by pro-life TDs, called for information to be recorded such as the woman's age, marital status, ethnicity and in-depth detail of any previous pregnancies. It sparked a heated debate with those who moved the amendment rejecting suggestions it was "vindictive". A new wonder drug, which Vicky Phelan believes saved her life, may be freely available to everyone with cervical cancer by the weekend. This is according to Labour health spokesperson Alan Kelly who spoke to members of the media this afternoon outside Leinster House. Joined by cervical cancer patients Vicky Phelan, Aine Morgan, and Tracey Brennan, Mr Kelly said a deal to make Pembrolizumab freely available can be done immediately. Were here to say that we need equity of access to pembro, which has had such a dramatic impact on Vickis health and life, he said. "The women affected by cervical cancer need the Government to step up and ensure they have access to this drug. I believe this could be done immediately and be sorted by the weekend... But we really need to keep the pressure on to ensure it happens. Mr Kelly added that he has the backing of Health Minister Simon Harris. To be fair to Minister Harris, I believe hes trying to ensure that the HSE, the NCPE and Professor Michael Barry will do a deal and Im hopeful it will be done very soon. The best Christmas present that these ladies can get is that pembro is going to be available for them from here on in, he said. Ms Phelan, who has access to pembro, credits the drug to shrinking her tumours by 50pc. Her campaigning ensured that all the other 221 women impacted by the CervicalCheck "debacle" have now been granted access to the wonder drug. However, the Government is still withholding it from others who have the illness. Treatment with Pembro costs 8,500 every three weeks for those who foot the bill privately. Co Galway musician Aine Morgan, who was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer two years ago, is one of the women not entitled to take part in the clinical trial as she isnt considered a suitable candidate. We shouldnt have to put ourselves out there and fundraise for this drug. We need the government to push this now because we dont have the luxury of time on our sides, she said. A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the that the Health Minister met with the HSE last week and is looking to address the matter further. "The Minister met with the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health on Friday to discuss the expansion of Pembro," a spokesperson told Independent.ie. "Minister Harris has listened to the concerns raised over the past number of weeks and is seeking to address the matter. "The Minister for Health has now asked the Medicines Management Programme to ask what measures can be put in place to expand access to Pembro to all clinically suitable women with cervical cancer. "This will be coupled with the move to HPV testing next year and the HPV vaccine for boys next year is part of a joined up effort to eradicate cervical cancer. "The Minister expects to hear progress very shortly and will provide updates accordingly." Police block the access on December 5, 2018 at the main entrance of the private Leonard-de-Vinci university in Courbevoie, northwest of Paris, where a 66-year-old teacher was repeatedly stabbed to death. Photo: PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images AN IRISHMAN working as a lecturer at a private university in Paris has been stabbed and killed by a former student. French police say that the man was stabbed a number of times outside the Pole Universitaire Leonard-de-Vinci, in the Hauts-de-Seine on Wednesday. Expand Close Police block the access at the main entrance of the private Leonard-de-Vinci university in Courbevoie, northwest of Paris, where a 66-year-old teacher was repeatedly stabbed to death. Photo: PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police block the access at the main entrance of the private Leonard-de-Vinci university in Courbevoie, northwest of Paris, where a 66-year-old teacher was repeatedly stabbed to death. Photo: PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images He has been named locally as 66-year-old John Dowling. The French news service Le Monde said the police also confirmed that they had detained the suspected killer of the academic who was close to retirement after 20 years teaching service. "The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance," a spokesman confirmed. The suspect who was detained has been described as a 37-year-old former student at Leonardo da Vinci University, which is situated in the district of La Defence in the suburbs of the French capital. The student is understood to have been born in Pakistan. Expand Close Forensic police at the main entrance of the private Leonard-de-Vinci university in Courbevoie, northwest of Paris, where a 66-year-old teacher was repeatedly stabbed to death. Photo: PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Forensic police at the main entrance of the private Leonard-de-Vinci university in Courbevoie, northwest of Paris, where a 66-year-old teacher was repeatedly stabbed to death. Photo: PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images Sebastien Tran, a director at the university, said he believed the student was "dissatisfied" at his exclusion from the university in 2017, but added that he had not been seen as a particular threat. "We are very surprised and upset," Mr Tran added. The university director general, Pascal Brouaye, spoke to reporters after the incident. "Its an incident which has stricken our entire community. This is a language teacher who gave 20 years service here and who was well liked by everyone," Mr Brouaye said. A former student of Mr Dowlings here in Dublin has described him as an "enthusiastic and captivating" teacher and "difficult to forget". While on a three week English course in Dublin last summer, Italian student Carmen Colantuono was taught by Mr Dowling. "Last summer I had the lucky chance to know John as my English teacher in Emerald Cultural Institute," she said. "He was such a great storyteller, whose amount of funny or bizarre anecdotes about every aspect of life was so huge and impressive." Mr Dowling had previously taught at the Emerald Cultural Institute in Dublin where colleagues paid tribute to him. It is with deep sadness that we have learnt of the death of our beloved friend and colleague John Dowling. We will all miss him more than words can say, a Facebook post read. Another user commented that they were sad to hear the news and that Mr Dowling was a gentleman. The director general confirmed that the un-named victim was of Irish nationality, aged 66, and close to retirement. After the incident happened on Wednesday, all classes were suspended for the day, and counselling services were made available to staff and students. The French minister responsible for third level education, Frederique Vidal, expressed her "deep regret and enormous indignation" at news of the killing. She added her hope that the incident will be fully investigated and all details made public. A motive for the killing remains unknown. Police are attending the scene of a suspected shooting in West Belfast Glen Road close to St Mary's Grammar School, West Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire An armed police officer guards the cordon at the scene of a suspected shooting in West Belfast Glen Road close to St Mary's Grammar School, West Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Police have condemned the killing of a man outside a school in west Belfast as a "disgraceful murder". The name of the victim, who is aged in his forties, has not yet been made public. Expand Close Police are attending the scene of a suspected shooting in West Belfast Glen Road close to St Mary's Grammar School, West Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police are attending the scene of a suspected shooting in West Belfast Glen Road close to St Mary's Grammar School, West Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire He had been sitting in his parked car when he was attacked as terrified schoolchildren looked on. On Tuesday night, family members comforted each other at the police cordon around the scene of the incident outside St Mary's Grammar School on the Glen Road. Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts said children could have been killed during what he termed "an absolutely disgraceful and reckless act". "This man is believed to be in his forties and was sitting in his car when he was approached by a lone gunman who shot him several times, including at least once in the head," he said. Expand Close Forensic officers attending the scene of a suspected shooting in West Belfast Glen Road close to St Mary's Grammar School, West Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Forensic officers attending the scene of a suspected shooting in West Belfast Glen Road close to St Mary's Grammar School, West Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire "This is an absolutely disgraceful and reckless act for which there can be no justification whatsoever, the act was carried out in the immediate vicinity of three schools where there were large numbers of pupils at the time and it is entirely possible that we could have had a seriously injured or dead child or children as a result of this terrible act." Mr Roberts said it was too early to comment on motive, but added police have not ruled out the possibility of dissident republican involvement. He made an appeal for information about the incident, including a description of the suspected gunman as having worn a high-visibility jacket with the word security on the back, who fled the scene on foot. "The gunman is also believed to be aged in his forties," he added. Earlier on Tuesday, St Mary's Grammar School said it will be closed on Wednesday but said counselling and support services will be made available to pupils. "The thoughts and prayers of the principal and all the staff are with our pupil and his family at this very sad time," the school's statement said. "Ensuring that all pupils got home safely was our absolute focus following this tragic incident. "The school will be closed on Wednesday 5th December 2018 due to the on-going investigation. "The school will be providing pupils with counselling and support services." West Belfast MP Paul Maskey said: "It is deeply concerning that this killing was carried out in full view of hundreds of kids who were leaving school at the time. "People are very shocked by this, they thought these days were well past us, especially on a road like this with a number of schools, which is usually filled with fun and joy and the noise of children walking up and down, but that was ruined today with gunfire." SDLP Belfast City councillor Tim Attwood described the incident as reckless. "It is absolutely sickening that a gun was fired in the vicinity of both a primary and secondary school in west Belfast today. "A number of pupils witnessed this fatality and are understandably very disturbed and frightened after this reckless act occurred nearby the school gates. "There is absolutely no place for this in 2018; this madness belongs in the past and we cannot allow it to once again become our normality." Images from a video filmed on a mobile phone show the armed garda sergeant during the incident in Co Longford A garda sergeant involved in a confrontation in which a man was shot in the leg is under armed protection after receiving online threats. A number of threats have appeared online, apparently giving details of the officer's rural home as well as comments such as "go get him". Armed gardai were deployed to the sergeant's home on Monday night, just hours after the shooting incident, as the threats were deemed to be "very significant". "The situation is deemed so serious that armed gardai were deployed to his family home on Monday night and this policing plan is ongoing," the source said last night. The shooting took place shortly before 6pm on Monday at a property in the Co Longford townland of Bolie, which is between Edgeworthstown and Granard. The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) is investigating the incident, while the scene of the shooting, in which a 28-year-old man received minor injuries to his leg, remained sealed off yesterday. The injured man has been named locally as Co Longford man Ned 'Blondie' Stokes. During the course of the incident, it is understood the garda sergeant discharged his firearm in the direction of an aggressive "guard dog" that he felt was about to attack him. It is understood the dog was killed, and Mr Stokes was injured during the same incident. It emerged last night that investigators couldn't find the dog's body, and there were some claims on social media that the animal had not been shot. It is understood that the armed garda sergeant arrived at the scene after a member of the public called Granard garda station claiming that he was unable to get his van back after it had been repaired by associates of Mr Stokes. The caller had driven to Co Longford from the Newmarket area of Co Cork to retrieve the vehicle, but when he arrived in Bolie a confrontation broke out and gardai were called to the scene. When gardai arrived at the scene, the confrontation became more heated and a woman "pulled a slash hook" on the van's owner. The weapon was retrieved but shortly afterwards the garda sergeant discharged his firearm, apparently killing the dog and injuring Mr Stokes. Some of the confrontation was filmed on a mobile phone and this footage has been widely circulated on social media. It is understood Mr Stokes is recovering well from the injuries he sustained on Monday evening. Gardai are also investigating the incident and it is understood that Assistant Commissioner Orla McPartlin travelled to Granard garda station yesterday to meet with senior officers there to be briefed on what happened the previous night. Sources say gardai are investigating if any criminal offence took place during the confrontation. There have been no arrests so far in the case. 'This is not the end of the world. The sky is not falling in' - Dr Mike Ryan on South Africa Covid-19 variant A Canadian company helping to run drug trafficking networks across four continents was laundering its dirty money through two Dublin bank accounts. The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) has recovered more than 500,000 from Vincent Ramos, chief executive of Phantom Secure, who sold encrypted devices to drug traffickers. Investigators believe they were central to several drug networks and helped with the distributing of at least 450kg of cocaine around the world. Phantom Secure had offices based in the Dublin 7 area which were raided in March. Two bank accounts holding around 530,000 were also frozen and will be transferred to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. In a US court in October, Ramos admitted he and his co-conspirators facilitated the distribution of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine around the world by supplying traffickers with encrypted devices "to thwart law enforcement" by remotely deleting or "wiping" them. Meanwhile, college students are being used as money mules to launder cash for criminals, gardai have said. Students are being targeted on social media sites, tending to be work-from-home scams where a person would get a couple of hundred euro for transferring a couple of thousand euro. A three-month Europol operation into money laundering has seen 420 mule accounts discovered by gardai, with 165 victims identified as part of the sting operation European Money Mule Action (EMMA) 4. The people targeted tended to be young, unemployed men, particularly students. Garda Chief Superintendent Pat Lordan said high level and well-organised criminals were using students. Bus stop: The new 40E bus route on the section of road that Fingal County Council now wants to close between Tyrrellstown and Hollystown. Photo: Gerry Mooney North Dublin residents are at loggerheads with their local authority after it announced plans to close a road that includes the area's only bus services. The introduction of Dublin Bus's 40E stop earlier this week was welcomed by people living in the Hollystown area of Dublin 15. Local residents have been calling for a regular bus service for over 15 years. However, its future is already in doubt following a proposal by Fingal County Council to close the R121 road altogether. Dumpers A council spokesperson told the Herald that its local area plan for 2013 outlined that the road would be created as part of a cul-de-sac next to the new development at Hollywoodrath - making it impossible for buses to use it. However, local councillor Mary McCamley said Fingal didn't have the power to enforce the move as it hadn't yet taken charge of the site. "The council has previously stated that they're going to incorporate the road with Hollywoodrath when it's taken in charge, but this can take well over 10 years," she told the Herald. "I'm afraid that if the council aren't allowed to touch this road it will become a hotspot for illegal dumpers." Cllr McCamley added that the loss of the 40E service would be an insult to the 300 households in Hollystown. "People living here have been calling for a bus route like this for years as there's no other way to get around other than by car," she said. "We had the 40D, but this came past Hollystown very rarely and wasn't much use to anyone as it took far too long to get to your destination. "The new route is fantastic and if the two bus stops in this vicinity are discontinued then it'll be a terrible insult to the people who live here." Hollystown resident Sinead Buttner told the Herald that her community had had enough of a "terrible public transport" service. "Hollystown has had a very poor bus service since it was first developed," she said. "The only way to get around is by car, which myself and my partner have been doing for years. "You can't even walk to your destination as we don't even have proper footpaths. "The Luas stop at Broombridge has been brilliant for us, but even then it's a 20-minute drive to the depot. "When the new route was introduced on Sunday, the residents here were all delighted. Sporadic "It regularly serves Tyrrelstown, Hollystown, Cappagh Road and up to Broombridge. "The 40D was extremely sporadic and went into many different estates on your journey. You'd nearly be quicker walking into town." Ms Buttner added that she was very disappointed by Fingal's proposal. "The closure of this road makes no sense at all," she said. "It's the quickest route to many of the schools in the area, and local shops and amenities. "I hope the council will take on board the concerns and leave the road as it is." A spokesperson for Fingal council said it was carrying out a public consultation process. The plans are on public display until December 28 at Blanchardstown Civic Offices and submissions can be made until January 11. The issue will then come back before local councillors for consideration. Dublin 15 TD Jack Chambers told the Herald he was appealing to all Hollystown residents to make their concerns known. "What's important now is that a full public consultation process is engaged with and that residents are given sufficient notification," he said. "I urge all concerned residents to make their submissions before the deadline on January 11. "It is only through public engagement that they can make a difference," he added. A young German student was brutally raped as she walked home after a night out. The attack happened in the Christchurch area of Dublin's south inner city at around 3.30am on Sunday. The victim, who is said to be "extremely traumatised" by her ordeal, is in her 20s. She has since returned back to her native country, where she is being comforted by family and friends, according to sources. The young woman has told gardai that she was attacked in a lane off Winetavern Street after earlier socialising at a pub in the north city. It is understood that she was assaulted as she walked home by a "random stranger" who gardai believe to have been an Irish national. After she was raped, the disorientated woman made her way to the Civic Offices at Wood Quay. It was from here that she made a panicked 999 call and gardai arrived at the scene to assist her. The case is being investigated by gardai based at Kevin Street garda station. There has been no arrest so far and no description of the attacker has been released by investigating officers. It is understood that they are sifting through hours of CCTV footage as part of their detailed investigation. "The allegation of rape is being treated as completely credible and a full investigation is now under way," a source said. It is understood the young woman was seen by staff at the Dublin Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in the Rotunda Hospital and she has given gardai a full statement. There have been a number of instances of foreign students being raped and sexually assaulted in Dublin in recent times. Last month, Eoin Berkley (25) from Finglas was jailed for 14 years for repeatedly raping a teenage Spanish student over a 21-hour period in the Ringsend area in July of last year. In February, Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib (39) was jailed for 10 years for raping a 27-year-old foreign student in the hall of her Carlow home after following her from a bus they had shared from Dublin. He also sexually assaulted her during the journey. Bus stop: The new 40E bus route on the section of road that Fingal County Council now wants to close between Tyrrellstown and Hollystown. Photo: Gerry Mooney Rural north Dublin residents are at loggerheads with their local authority after it proposed to close a road that includes its only bus services. The introduction of Dublin Bus's 40E stop earlier this week was welcomed by people living in the Hollystown area of Dublin 15. However, its future is now in doubt following a proposal by Fingal County Council to close the R121 road altogether. A spokesperson for the council told the Irish Independent that its Local Area Plan for 2013 outlined the road will be created as part of a cul-de-sac adjacent to the new development at Hollywoodrath. It says the area will be primarily used to cater for pedestrians, cyclists and buses. However, local councillor Mary McCamley said Fingal didn't have the power to enforce this initiative as the site hadn't been taken in charge yet. "The council has previously stated they're going to incorporate the road with Hollywoodrath when it's taken in charge, but this could take well over 10 years. I'm afraid if the council aren't allowed to touch this road it will become a hotspot for illegal dumpers," she said. Hollystown resident Sinead Buttner said her community has had enough of a "terrible public transport" service. "The only way to get around is by car, which myself and my partner have been doing for years," she said. "You can't even walk as we don't even have proper footpaths." A spokesperson for Fingal Council said it was currently undertaking a public consultation process in relation to this matter. The plans are on public display until December 28 and submissions can be made until January 11. Parents of Deirdre Jacob, Michael and Bernadette at the Missing Persons Day in in The Kings Inns. Photo: Kyran O'Brien Birds are released by relatives at the Missing Persons Day in in The Kings Inns. Photo: Kyran O'Brien Families gather at the event held for Missing Persons Day in The Kings Inns. Photo: Kyran O'Brien Forensic scientists are working to identify the remains of 18 people, a ceremony marking National Missing Person's Day has heard. Families of missing people joined Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in Dublin today to remember their loved ones and tell personal stories of heartache and perseverance. A number of relatives spoke at the sixth annual commemoration, including Gerard Keenan whose sister Imelda disappeared without trace in Waterford 25 years ago next month. Mr Keenan said: "These 25 years have been a very dark time for this family, for 25 Christmases. Expand Close Helen Maughan mother of Willie Maughan who is missing at the Missing Persons Day in in The Kings Inns. Photo: Kyran O'Brien / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Helen Maughan mother of Willie Maughan who is missing at the Missing Persons Day in in The Kings Inns. Photo: Kyran O'Brien "It has taken its toll on the family, of course, we have buried three people in the last nine years. They went to their graves with broken hearts." He said there are people in Waterford with vital information about Imelda's disappearance and begged them to come forward to ease the family's pain. Despite the passage of time, Mr Keenan has never given up hope. "I will keep campaigning for as long as I have breath in my body. "There's always light at the end of the tunnel. I'll never give up." The families heard stories of hope from Alan Dowley whose father Brendan, missing from Kilkenny for 33 years, was positively identified as being buried in Wales. In September he was laid to rest close to his childhood home. Expand Close Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan TD speaking at the Missing Persons Day in in The Kings Inns. Photo: Kyran O'Brien / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan TD speaking at the Missing Persons Day in in The Kings Inns. Photo: Kyran O'Brien Clare Shine spoke of how her son, Paul Shine Dixon, was finally brought home to be buried in Dublin this year after he disappeared in France nine years ago. She said while she was sad that her son would never be found alive, she was happy that he had finally been found. "The physical feeling of well-being on hearing the news (his remains had been found) that flowed through me is difficult to explain," she said. Meanwhile Dr Dorothy Ramsbottom of Forensic Science Ireland appealed for families who have not already given DNA samples to do so. She said there are currently 18 unidentified remains in their database. "We're doing everything possible scientifically to locate your loved ones," she said. The family of a convicted paedophile who no longer lives with them has made a desperate plea to vigilantes to stop attacking their home. Abdur Rashid was released last week after being sentenced to a year and a half in prison for molesting a six-year-old girl while he was a teacher in a Dublin mosque. His family have been subjected to repeated threats and attacks from angered residents, despite the 50-year-old no longer living in the Dublin 7 home. On Monday afternoon, the family of seven were left terrified after a childrens bicycle was thrown through their front window. This was the last straw for Sany Atiq (23) who decided to contact 98FMs Dublin Talks to send a direct message to the vigilantes We told our dad to leave for good. He no longer lives with us so stop terrorising our family. Ms Atiq said that many of her neighbours believe that a group of men live in the house, including her sex offender father. However, only three children currently live in the premises an 11-month-old baby, a three-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl. Sanys mother and 21-year-old brother are the only other occupants of the home. Were constantly terrified of our house being burnt to the ground, said Ms Atiq. Once the sun goes down people start kicking our door and shouting rapist from outside. Were spending every minute of the day petrified because we just dont know what theyre capable of. The children were inside the sitting room when the bike came through the window. It was pure chaos, the kids were running around screaming and my mother genuinely thought we were going to die. The family, originally from Bangladesh, have been living in their city centre home for six years and all have Irish citizenships. Ms Atiq believes that their only option now is to move. No one is safe here. The guards have told them that theyre examining CCTV footage of the attack and will take the matter seriously, but I honestly dont think it will stop these people. We dont have contact with Abdul anymore and he knows full well to stay away from us. People are telling us to go back to our own country, but we all grew up in Ireland and speak with Dublin accents. Ive been advised to contact the council with the hopes they can find us a replacement home. I pray that they can do something for us because I fear for our lives. A garda spokesperson said they are investigating an incident of criminal damage which occurred on December 3 at the property. A window was smashed in the incident and investigations are ongoing. Calls for the abortion legislation to be pushed through the Oireachtas before Christmas saw the Dail descend into chaos with TDs warned this is not Ballymagash. A shouting match erupted after Independent TD Mattie McGrath urged Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to withdraw his disgusting remarks in which he accused the Rural Independents grouping of filibustering the legislation. Amid angry shouting the Ceann Comhairle intervened warning TDs this is not Ballymagash, referring to a satirical RTE show aired in the 1980s. Mr Varadkar said he hopes seven and a half hours of debate scheduled for debate today will be enough to pass the legislation. Earlier, it emerged that a doctor would be compelled to provide extensive information to a woman prior to an abortion including the probable characteristics of the foetus and alternatives to termination - or face a case for damages, under proposed changes to the legislation. A new amendment to the law proposed by a group of pro-life TDs also requires the HSE to publish information on available services for pregnant women and children, as well as detail of the support obligation of the father of a child who is born. The proposed amendment states that no termination - unless there is an immediate risk to life - would be carried out without voluntary and informed consent. That consent must be sought by providing substantial information including the method of abortion, the risks associated with the proposed method and with carrying the pregnancy to term. A doctor would also be obliged to offer information on alternatives to termination. Under the changes information on the probable gestational age of the foetus at the time of termination and the probable anatomical and physiological characteristics of the foetus at the time the abortion is to be performed would also need to be conveyed to the woman. There is also a clause which mandates that if a termination was to be performed at 20 weeks or more doctors must provide information on foetal pain to the pregnant woman. Failure to obtain informed consent would leave the door open for civil action for damages by the woman concerned for breach of duty and disciplinary action. The HSE would also be required to include the following statement in online and print information laid out in the amendment: There are many public and private agencies willing and able to help you to carry your child to term, and to assist you and your child after your child is born, whether you choose to keep your child or to place her or him for adoption. The law requires that your health care professional give you the opportunity to call agencies like these before you undergo a termination of pregnancy. Debate on the proposed legislation will continue in the Dail today amid mounting fears that the legislation will not clear the Houses of the Oireachtas in time to allow services begin in January. Health Minister Simon Harris has repeatedly expressed confidence that the legislation will get through the Dail and the Seanad in time. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar accused the Rural Independent grouping in the Dail of filibustering the law, which was roundly rejected by TDs in the group. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe's long-term spending plans "lack credibility" and "look unrealistic", the head of the country's budgetary watchdog will warn today. Amid new figures showing bumper corporation tax receipts for November, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) will caution that the economy is "close to its potential". IFAC chairman Seamus Coffey will say today that central forecasts suggest growth will "move beyond potential from 2019 onwards, with overheating emerging in later years". He will add that while efforts to stabilise the public finances since the crisis have proved successful, "improvements on the budgetary front have stalled since 2015". Warning of the dangers ahead, Mr Coffey will tell the Oireachtas Budget Oversight Committee that recent revenue growth has been supported by "short-term cyclical developments and a possibly transient surge in corporation tax receipts". Exchequer returns released last night showed the corporation tax take in November was 470m ahead of target. Department of Finance figures show overall taxation receipts last month were 938m higher than in the same month last year. November is the month when most businesses pay their tax, making it a key point for budget arithmetic. Mr Donohoe has decided to use a chunk of the additional income to fund an overrun, especially at the Department of Health. Shortly before announcing Budget 2019, the Government decided to increase spending for this year by 1.1bn beyond what was envisaged just four months earlier. Mr Coffey will say that while some variation from targets is inevitable, they should be funded through sustainable tax increases or reallocating of existing monies. "The council assesses that the within-year spending increases this year are not consistent with prudent budgetary management," he will say. "The repeated failures to prevent unplanned spending increases have resulted in long-lasting increases in spending which are difficult to reverse. These failures represent a repeat of the policy mistakes of the past." Mr Coffey will also warn that predicting the economy's performance in the years ahead will be very difficult. Firstly, he cautioned that "overheating pressures could build up if a faster-than-expected pick-up in housing construction materialises". "On the other hand, Brexit could be more costly than assumed." Mr Coffey's statement, seen by the Irish Independent, says there are also "risks posed by the concentration of Ireland's exporting sector in a handful of specialised areas, the global rise in protectionism, and possible future changes in the international tax environment". Mr Donohoe has defended his budgetary policies saying he has acknowledged some of the increase in corporate tax receipts this year is due to one-off factors. "For next year, my department has taken account of this and has projected a decline in corporation tax receipts for 2019; expenditure plans have been set on this basis," he said. The increase in corporation tax paid this year is due in part to one-off changes in global tax practice that mean around 700m of extra tax will be paid. A traumatised boy ran back into school screaming immediately after his father was shot in front of hundreds of other pupils in west Belfast yesterday. Jim Donegan had been waiting in his car outside the gates of St Mary's Grammar School on the Glen Road when a lone gunman approached his vehicle and opened fire shortly after 3pm. The victim, known as JD and aged in his 40s, was killed after being shot multiple times. His young son who was at the scene is believed to be around 13 years old. Witnesses described seeing him run back into the school immediately after hearing multiple gunshots ring out. "He'd only just left and then there were about six bangs," one eyewitness said. "The next thing he ran back up the lane screaming - he was terrified." It is understood the perpetrator came from the direction of the Caffrey estate which is where he returned after carrying out the shooting in front of children from at least three nearby schools. Police have appealed for a man in his 40s wearing a high-visibility vest with the word 'security' written on the back, or anyone who saw him, to contact them. One woman who passed the scene within moments of the shooting described the frantic efforts of teachers to shield children from the horrific sight by placing coats over the windscreen of the car. "But the kids would have seen everything through the driver's window which was completely shattered," she said. "There are two bus stops right beside where it happened and large numbers of children were gathered there at the time." It is understood that at least six buses pick children up at the location of the shooting. It is also a drop-off point for children coming from schools further away. However, pupils from the Christian Brothers' School directly opposite St Mary's were spared from seeing the scene. Vice principal Damien Coyle said "potentially hundreds" of other schoolchildren were not as fortunate. "It was a difficult task, but we managed to get our kids down the road away from this," he said. Principal Bronagh Farrimond said staff implemented the school's health and safety strategy immediately and notified parents by text message. "Most of our pupils heard the noise [of gunshots] but thank God none of them saw it," she added. The school building remained open to assist pupils and parents caught up in the terrifying incident before it was forced to close at around 5pm when a police cordon was extended. Many pupils from St Teresa's Primary School were making their way towards the Glen Road at the time of the shooting. Staff and volunteers from St Teresa's Youth Centre rushed to the scene to bring stranded and terrified children away from the chaos. Senior youth worker Michelle Donnelly helped comfort dozens of traumatised children who witnessed the "carnage" and were left stranded as a result. "Many of them were just distraught and their parents couldn't get near the school," she said. "We offered them a safe space and acted as a collection point. One child who has autism just couldn't cope at all - they literally couldn't speak because they were so upset." Fr Brendan Hickland from St Teresa's parish said the "appalling" murder has shocked the entire community. St Mary's said it will be closed today. "The thoughts and prayers of the principal and all the staff are with our pupil and his family at this very sad time," the school's statement said. "Ensuring that all pupils got home safely was our absolute focus following this tragic incident. "The school will be closed on Wednesday, December 5 due to the ongoing investigation. "The school will be providing pupils with counselling and support services." Keith McCaughery from Holy Trinity Youth Centre expressed concern over the increasing number of gangs operating in west Belfast. He said the "ripple effect" of the murder could have a devastating impact on hundreds of local children, adding: "Where is their peace dividend?" Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey condemned the "disgraceful and horrific attack". Speaking at the scene last night, the west Belfast politician said parents of "very young" children who saw the shooting have been left disgusted. "It is very, very wrong and an indictment of our society," he said. "We thought these days were long gone and whoever did this should be absolutely ashamed of themselves." West Belfast MLA Gerry Carroll also condemned the attack and said it is extremely worrying that somebody "sees fit to pull a gun and open fire in the middle of the day". Alliance Party deputy leader Dr Stephen Farry condemned the "disgusting and depraved" killing which was "made all the more heinous" because of where it happened. SDLP councillor Tim Attwood also attended the "sickening" scene and said such "madness" belongs in the past. And Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said "nobody has the right" to "act as judge, jury and executioner" on our streets. Last night police refused to rule out the possibility that dissident republicans were responsible. Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts also warned that a child could have been killed or injured as a result of the "terrible" act for which there can be "no justification". Tributes have been paid to a Northern Ireland man who died after a "freak accident" in Dublin. The funeral of Ronan Rafferty (41) from Coleraine was held yesterday at St Malachy's Church in Co Derry. SDLP councillor Stephanie Quigley said Mr Rafferty's unexpected death had shocked the local community. "I'm told there had been a storm in Dublin and he was on a pier when the accident took place but it's unclear exactly how it happened," she said. "It was a huge shock. He had been very well, happy-go-lucky and a very gentle, kind and tender-hearted man. "This was a freak accident and came completely out of the blue." Mr Rafferty was the son of Michael and Patricia and the brother of Angela, Fidelma, Michael, Niall, Aidan, Ciara and the late James. "The funeral service was one of the biggest I've ever seen in the parish," Ms Quigley said. "He was deeply loved, had a great sense of humour and obviously his parents are heartbroken. Both of them are in shock, but he was so well thought of and there were people of all ages at the service. "We heard how full of life he was, enjoying surfing and snowboarding and living to the full. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family." A number of homeless families are looking forward to the festive season in their new homes after the Peter McVerry Trust formally launched 13 new social housing units in Dublins city centre. The new units consist of seven two-bedroom apartments and six one-bed apartments, which the trust has reported can be difficult to source in the capital. The units at Castle Street, which cost 3.7m, were delivered in partnership with the Housing Agency and Dublin City Council. Peter Doyle, the chief executive of the Peter McVerry Trust, said it was one of a number of new developments the charity will deliver in the next three months. In the next few months, we will open other new social housing developments in Dublin and other areas, he said. This means more homes for people who are impacted by homelessness, particularly single people who make up the majority of those in homelessness. Fortunately, we are seeing the fruits of months and years of hard work to bring forward new housing projects. Jade Ashton is looking forward to buying a Christmas tree for her children this weekend as she prepared to move into one of the new Dublin city centre social housing units. I was so happy when I saw it I started crying with happiness, said the mum of Kendall (5) and Alfie (2). Jade (25) took her children to see their apartment on Monday night. They were very happy after it, she said. She also told how it means everything to be in a new home for Christmas. I know how happy theyre going to be seeing the Christmas tree, she said, adding that she could not get one while they were in emergency accommodation. Youd have to put it on the floor in the middle of your room. Kendall is delighted, she said. I could tell that they felt at home when they got here. Originally from Dolphins Barn, Jade has spent the past two-and-a-half years in emergency accommodation, one year in a hotel and then a B&B. Its horrible, she said about living in such a confined space. Even things like storing Christmas presents was difficult in a small space last year. There was nowhere for them to play. It was really hard, Jade said. Expand Close Homelessness campaigner Fr Peter McVerry says the issue is now at crisis level Picture: Caroline Quinn / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Homelessness campaigner Fr Peter McVerry says the issue is now at crisis level Picture: Caroline Quinn However, the family is now looking forward to the festive season. Another mother who received the keys to her apartment yesterday was Joanne Tobin (24), who also has two children. I was homeless for over two years, living in a hotel. It was really hard, especially with a new baby. It was just horrible, she said. Joanne, who has a seven-month-old boy and a four-year-old girl, added: I just wanted my own space. When she found out she had been allocated one of the apartments, she was thrilled. I cant explain the feeling when I got this. It was just magic, she said. Fr Peter McVerry has said that while many organisations are working hard to house people experiencing homelessness, its a bit like trying to stop a runaway train with no brakes. The train just keeps going faster and faster, he wrote in the annual report of the Peter McVerry Trust. By the end of last year the number of homeless adults was 865 higher than at the beginning. Homelessness is now at crisis level, Fr McVerry said. It is not just a social crisis but a personal crisis for each and every person who becomes homeless. His comments came as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described the latest figures for the number of people sleeping rough as very disappointing in the Dail. The figures from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) showed there was an increase from 110 to 156 in the count in the spring. Fr McVerry said in the report: A worrying development during 2017 was an apparently deliberate attempt by some government and state officials to change the narrative. They tried to minimise the problem of homelessness by declaring that our housing crisis is completely normal and again comparatively, our rates of homelessness are low when we look at our peers, and that is a good thing. Life as a homeless person is intensely miserable. Not knowing where or if you will have a bed for the night, not knowing who you will be sharing accommodation with, and often having to walk the streets all day long is no life for anyone. The report was launched as the Peter McVerry Trust formally launched 13 new social housing units in Dublins city centre at Castle Street at a cost of 3.7m. Meanwhile, Junior Housing Minister Damien English who officially opened the new units in the city centre was asked to respond to the comments by Fr McVerry in the trusts annual report. Its true to say that the number of people who are homeless is very high, Mr English said. No one is denying that, and that is why we are here today providing more accommodation, providing more homes. The minister said Fr McVerry had correctly highlighted that the problem got worse during 2017. However, he pointed out that a national plan for homelessness was in place. He also addressed Fr McVerrys criticism of the Governments conduct. We have never tried to change the narrative, Mr English said. He added that he and Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy regularly take part in debates and discussions on homelessness. We are the ones that provide the figures, he said. The report also revealed that the charity worked with 4,971 people last year, a record number in its 34-year history. I have a confession: I recently became so enraged by some trivial domestic matter that I kicked a huge dent in the kitchen bin. Yes, it was in front of the children. No, I can't remember what provoked such displeasure. I can't even recall if my husband was the cause, though the poor bin won't forget in a hurry. Every time I notice it, I wonder whether I have traumatised my kids. It can't have been healthy for them to see me - their usually calm and controlled mother - unleash an explosion of rage. Except, thankfully, it turns out it can be. New research has suggested that it's better to express negative emotions around our children in a healthy way than to bottle them up - and this includes allowing them to see 'healthy conflict'. "Children pick up on suppression, but it's something a lot of parents think is a good thing to do," says Sara Waters, assistant professor in the Department of Human Development on the Washington State University Vancouver campus. "Kids are good at picking up subtle cues from emotions. If they feel something negative has happened, and the parents are acting normal and not addressing it, that's confusing for them. Those are two conflicting messages being sent." It's not quite carte blanche to let rip at your partner any time they do something mildly annoying, but it does mean we needn't stay entirely buttoned-up either. So what is an acceptable way to clash with your partner in front of the children - and what isn't? The best course of action, says Waters, is to let them see a healthy conflict, from start to resolution. "That helps children learn to regulate their own emotions," she explains. "They see that problems can be resolved. "It's best to let the kids know you feel angry and tell them what you're going to do about it to make the situation better." The resolution she has in mind does not, I daresay, involve kicking a bin. So what can you do when the red mist descends? Faced with rising levels of rage, experts advise blaming the situation, not the person. That's harder than it sounds, because there's nothing more satisfying than taking out your ire on an individual (or inanimate object). But, says clinical psychologist Linda Blair, doing so can suggest to children that there's something inherently "not good" in the person at the receiving end. "If parents are fighting [they should not] say 'you're stupid, you don't get my point, you don't understand'. It [should be] 'this is a sensitive issue and we're going to have to find a way to work together to get through this'," she explains. Blair also counsels against saying something is 'impossible', 'stupid' or 'too hard'. "Instead, say 'this is a real challenge', or 'boy, is this going to make us think hard'. That way you suggest the possibility of resolution." Language is also crucial when expressing anger - and neither parent wants to be responsible for turning the air blue. But, let's be honest, a bit of light swearing around (rather than at) your children is unlikely to leave them scarred. In his 2016 book What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves, Benjamin K Bergen, a professor of cognitive science at the University of California, writes that, "Children's minds are resilient to profanity." That said, you should probably avoid dropping the F-bomb, as we all know how readily our children pick up on and copy what we say. Not something you want to have to explain away at the next parents' evening. Blair advocates doing whatever it takes to turn the temperature down - short of kicking the bin. "When we're emotional, we don't think creatively," she says. She advises parents to set an example by saying, "Let's sit down and have a cup of tea, or do some breathing, or have a walk around the block. If you can be rational you will arrive at a better resolution." And if you're still in the middle of an unresolved row? It will enable you to come back and offer up something more conciliatory and constructive. "You may say, 'we still disagree, we've got a problem. We need to find a way through'." Of course, there is one easy way through this minefield. Sorry might seem the hardest word, but it's a vital one. Something along the lines of "I owe you an apology, that was not good behaviour," should suffice, says Blair. So if you've hurled out a stream of invective at your partner, a meaningful apology in front of your children should help put a lid on the whole thing. If it will still shut after you've kicked it, that is. ( The Daily Telegraph) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] US president Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but he has no apparent substitute for containing Iran's aggression. Here in the US, we are isolated from our European allies. Trump says he wants to pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement, but Nafta 2.0 is not ratified (nor is it likely to be), and in any event it isn't dramatically different from the original. We're out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership but not out of a trade war with China (although tariffs are not rising quite yet). Trump met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, declared the nuclear threat gone, and wants to meet again. North Korea, however, has not shown it is prepared to denuclearise. Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris Accord; the other world leaders are meeting in Poland to discuss steps forward without the United States. Meanwhile, the climate change problem becomes more urgent with each passing year, according to the administration's own report. Our European and North American allies scorn and distrust Trump, revile his pullout from international agreements and his erratic trade threats, and rightly see him as unable to lead the West in an existential battle against illiberal regimes. Russia remains in Ukraine and now is making a play for control of the Sea of Azov. Iran and Russia dominate Syria. The war in Afghanistan drags on without clear purpose. Let's be blunt: The only significant foreign policy "achievements" Trump can claim are eviscerating the US's reputation as a reliable ally that defends human rights and giving autocrats the impression they can get away with murder (and dismemberment and more) without paying any significant price. This is an administration that can claim not a single substantial foreign policy achievement. We are arguably less influential and more isolated than we were when Trump took office. This is what comes from nationalistic know-nothingism, from deploring the very institutions and relationships that have kept the US from world war and spread prosperity since the end of the World War II. It's what flows from a foreign policy that amounts to a series of discrete gestures to please his base (move the embassy to Jerusalem, get out of the JCPOA and Paris accord) but lacks an answer to the question that follows each of these moves: What next? Trump doesn't know or care. A vision of American leadership? A road map to combat threats from illiberal regimes? Please. All Trump has ever wanted is a red carpet and praise. And even the latter is in short supply these days outside Saudi Arabia and Israel. ( Washington Post) A senior legal adviser at the EU Court of Justice has said the UK could unilaterally back out of the Brexit process if it wished. It is the job of the lawyer, called an advocate general, to identify key issues in a case and suggest a verdict. In eight out of 10 cases the judges' final ruling upholds the advocate's opinion. That leaves a 20pc chance that the verdict could go with the view of the European Commission and Council of Ministers that reversing the EU-UK divorce process requires unanimous approval of the other 27 member states. We expect the EU judges' final verdict within weeks. But the clock continues to tick with March 29 next year the final date for Brexit to become a reality. Yet the court lawyer's preliminary opinion has emboldened Remain supporters in the UK. It gave sterling a very brief boost amid hopes a no-deal crash-out Brexit is less likely. And it has again stoked up calls for a rerun of the June 2016 Brexit referendum which saw UK voters opt to quit the EU by 52pc to 48pc. Ireland would adore a reversal of the Brexit process. But it remains a long-shot and there are many obstacles in the path of such an outcome. First off, Prime Minister Theresa May has promptly ruled out any reversal of the EU-UK divorce process and is continuing her uphill battle to win UK MPs' approval for her much-criticised Brexit deal, signed off at a special European summit on November 25. Mrs May's days in Downing Street may one way or another be numbered and observers agree there could be at least four outcomes to follow the expected rejection of her Brexit deal. It is clear that any new prime minister, be they from the Conservative Party or Labour, would not dare pull out of Brexit without some kind of new vote. Opinion polls suggest such a referendum rerun might well deliver a vote in favour of the UK staying in the EU by about 60pc to 40pc. But there are many grounds to believe another referendum would still be hugely divisive and rather inconclusive. It is hard to see a second referendum, without a thumping Remain majority, resolving this issue which has convulsed the British for at least 20 years. The UK's Electoral Commission has already signalled that it wants six months' notice to have proper registration of the various referendum canvass groups and full supervision of their funding. So, we are looking at next June at the earliest for such a referendum. That would be three months after the scheduled Brexit deadline. That raises the question of an extension. This would require a specific request from London and unanimous approval of the remaining 27 member states. Such an EU extension approval cannot be taken for granted either. When the draft Brexit deal was cleared on November 25, there was a sense from all the EU leaders that the UK passed the point of no return. As the date for Brexit looms closer, there is widespread speculation about how it will affect Ireland's fortunes. Even far away in Australia, there is regular reporting about the challenges and choices for Ireland. But whatever happens next, there is one big reason to be optimistic about Ireland's prospects as Europe emerges from this turbulent moment. Ireland is a dynamic, progressive, rightfully proud and vibrant nation. The world looks admiringly to Ireland for what it has achieved and what it represents. As a country, Ireland embodies hope. Economically, Ireland has over the last several decades built a highly productive workforce that is a key pillar of its impressive economic growth. This skilled workforce spurred the transformation that produced the Celtic Tiger era of rapid growth in the 1990s and 2000s and is driving the current Celtic Phoenix phenomenon. What propels these achievements is education. Ireland's world-class knowledge economy is attracting investment and creating jobs in high-tech, life sciences, financial services and other innovative industries that can only thrive with an educated workforce. The same essential ingredient is central to the dramatic economic success of countries like Singapore, South Korea and China. Leaders in developing countries around the world want to see that kind of progress for their people. They know that an educated population can drive national economic prosperity, better health and environmental outcomes, social advances and political stability. But even when developing countries invest significantly from their own limited resources, they need help from others to create positive change in their education systems at a scale that truly transforms society. That's why it's so encouraging to hear the Irish Government's recent commitments to substantially raise its overseas aid contributions to help developing countries overcome the economic, education, health and environmental challenges they face. Earlier this year in Dakar, Senegal, Ciaran Cannon, Ireland's Minister for the Diaspora and International Development, told world leaders at the Financing Conference of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) that Ireland would double its pledge to GPE to 25m between now and 2020. GPE is the only international partnership and fund that supports children's learning in poor countries by making lasting, breakthrough improvements in their countries' education systems. Mr Cannon's announcement drew enthusiastic applause because it was a historic moment for Ireland and for the developing world: Ireland was declaring its intent to play a leadership role in global development generally and education specifically. With its contribution to GPE, Ireland is strengthening our efforts of working directly with our developing country partners - in Africa, South Asia and across the Indo-Pacific - to help them ensure that children in classrooms are getting a quality education and all the benefits that flow from it. Developing country leaders also know that if their girls and young women are given real opportunities to stay in school and complete their education, their communities will be stronger, their families healthier, and their countries will enjoy a better future. This means the barriers that keep girls out of school - such as early marriage, child labour, gender bias, threats of sexual violence, inadequate sanitary facilities and the lack of female teachers who give them confidence and support - must be addressed. GPE works actively with developing countries to get girls in school and learning. For example, Afghanistan has worked with GPE's support to train and recruit more female teachers. Most of GPE's activities are in countries deeply affected by human conflict, poverty and natural disasters. We support countries like Chad, one of the world's poorest nations, to deliver quality education not only to its own children but to the hundreds of thousands of refugees who sought protection in Chad over the last few years, fleeing terrorism and civil war at home. We support countries such as Kenya to incorporate innovative technologies that strengthen education data collection and planning, encourage stronger teacher performance and track the progress of students throughout their schooling. GPE supports countries with national priorities - as in Cambodia - that give many more children, especially the most disadvantaged, the opportunity of early childhood learning programmes, which have been proven to boost students' performance in school and as they enter the workforce - contributing to stronger economies and more prosperous societies. These and many other interventions are already helping some of the poorest countries to strengthen their human capital in order to follow Ireland's leading example and become the next 'tiger'. This week, GPE's board is meeting in Dublin. We are here to continue our work and to say "thank you" to the Irish people and their Government for its commitment to the hope we share for a better future through quality education for all. Julia Gillard, the former prime minister of Australia, is the chair of the Global Partnership for Education's board of directors, which is meeting this week in Dublin. Seann Walsh (L) and Rebecca Humphries attend a special screening of The Donmar Warehouse production of "The Vote" at the Ham Yard Hotel, generously supported by Chapel Down, on May 7, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images for Donmar Warehouse) Seann Walsh was accused of gaslighting his girlfriend into believing there was nothing going on between him and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Katya Jones Seann Walsh doesn't think he did anything "that wrong" when he kissed Katya Jones. The comedian caused a stir when he was caught locking lips with his 'Strictly Come Dancing' partner Katya Jones - who is married to fellow professional Neil Jones - in October but he claimed his relationship with then-girlfriend Rebecca Humphries was "coming towards the end" anyway. During a set at London's Comedy Store on Monday, he said: "F***ing hell. I only agreed to do it ['Strictly'] to get out of watching it. For f***'s sake. I will tell you this and we will stop talking about it. But look, I don't really need to explain myself but I will anyway. "I was coming towards the end of my relationship, I was getting on with this girl. You spend a lot of time with your dance partner on the show and we went for a drink and one thing led to the other. Most of you have seen the result. Expand Close Seann Walsh with his dance partner Katya Jones. Photo credit: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Seann Walsh with his dance partner Katya Jones. Photo credit: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire "I actually started to think to myself, 'Hang on, have I actually done anything that wrong?'" Seann previously apologised for his "mistake". He said: "I made a mistake, which I'm very sorry for - sorry for the hurt that I've caused. "You never think about the extent of the damage that you're going to do, in a moment of, you know the mistake that you've made. "I'm not perfect, far from it. Our relationship wasn't perfect. That doesn't mean I wanted it to end the way it finally did, and I'm very sorry for that. I feel it's also important for me to say that the people that know me the most, that love me, they know that I am not the person I'm being portrayed as. I'm still sorry for what I did, but it's very important for me to get that out there." His apology was issued days after Rebecca broke her silence on the matter and claimed the comic had branded her a "psycho" for suggesting "something inappropriate was going on" between him and Katya. Expand Close Seann Walsh (L) and Rebecca Humphries attend a special screening of The Donmar Warehouse production of "The Vote" at the Ham Yard Hotel, generously supported by Chapel Down, on May 7, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images for Donmar Warehouse) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Seann Walsh (L) and Rebecca Humphries attend a special screening of The Donmar Warehouse production of "The Vote" at the Ham Yard Hotel, generously supported by Chapel Down, on May 7, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images for Donmar Warehouse) Video of the Day She wrote: "Those pictures were taken on October 3rd. It was my birthday. I was alone at home when Sean texted at 10pm saying the two of them were going for one innocent drink. We spoke and I told him, not for the first time, that his actions over the past three weeks had led me to believe something inappropriate was going on. He aggressively, and repeatedly called me a psycho / nuts / mental. As he has done countless times throughout our relationship when I've questioned his inappropriate, hurtful behaviour. (sic)" Priyanka Chopras wedding to US pop star Nick Jonas was a big event, but its size relatively pales in comparison to the 75ft (23m) long veil worn by the bride. The Bollywood actress handmade outfit was designed by Ralph Lauren and is complete with a dress set with crystals, beads and paillettes, which took a total of 1,826 hours to complete according to Hello magazine. But it was the veil, carried with help from five people following her, which stole the show. The remarkable ensemble is only one of four wedding gowns Lauren has designed, the other three being for his close family members. The 79-year-old also created the outfits for the groomsmen, flower girls, parents and ring bearers, yet its Chopras veil everyone is talking about. Some marvelled at how the veil came into being. Priyanka: I think want a veil. Nick: ok how long? Priyanka: *walks away* Nick: wait...where are you going? *10 mins later his phone rings* Nick: where did you g- Priyanka: That long. Meryl Streetz (@ablackmccreary) December 4, 2018 Others were reminded of a game from school. Video of the Day Still cant believe Priyanka Chopras veil pic.twitter.com/CpmrP33Cc7 Arden Phillips (@pardenmoi) December 5, 2018 And some hoped their life could take influence from the clothing item. May your bank balance in 2019 be as extra as Priyanka's veil aleya (@aleyakassam) December 4, 2018 The veil is reminiscent of the one worn by Chopras close friend Meghan Markle at her royal wedding to Prince Harry in May, though at 16.4 feet (five metres) the new Duchess of Sussexs veil was almost five times shorter. As a size comparison, Chopras veil is just shorter than the length of an average adult blue whale. The couple held two glamorous ceremonies for their marriage at a palace over the weekend, to reflect their different backgrounds. On Friday, Chopra and Jonas held a traditional Mehendi ceremony, a pre-wedding ritual where they both received henna tattoos. A day later they were married in a Western ceremony on the lawn of the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, where the veil made its appearance, before exchanging vows again during a Hindu wedding on Sunday. The former president put his hand on his fathers flag-draped casket (AP/Patrick Semansky) The family of George HW Bush made a surprise visit to Washington DCs Capitol Rotunda where mourners have been paying their respects to the late president. The Bushes including his son, the former president George W Bush shook hands with visitors and tourists who had lined up to honour the family patriarch, who died aged 94 on Friday. George W and Laura Bush entered first and the former president put his hand on the flag-draped casket holding the remains of his father. Their twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara, followed, while Jeb Bush and his wife joined along with about a dozen other members of the Bush family. They mingled for about 10 minutes and at one point George W Bush held up a baby. Soldiers, citizens in wheelchairs and long lines of others on foot wound through the hushed Rotunda on Tuesday to view the casket and remember a president whose legacy included World War military service and a landmark law affirming the rights of the disabled. Expand Close Mr Bush held a baby after viewing the casket (AP/Patrick Semansky) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Bush held a baby after viewing the casket (AP/Patrick Semansky) Mr Bushs service dog Sully was brought to the rotunda too his main service these last months since Barbara Bushs death in April being to rest his head on her husbands lap something US service dogs are trained to do. The CIA also honoured Mr Bush, the only spy chief to become president, as three agency directors past and present joined the public in the viewing. Expand Close Former first lady Laura Bush greeted visitors (AP/Patrick Semansky) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Former first lady Laura Bush greeted visitors (AP/Patrick Semansky) In the midst of the period of mourning, first lady Melania Trump gave Laura Bush, one of her predecessors, a tour of holiday decorations at the White House. Mrs Bushs Instagram account described it as a sweet visit during this sombre week. The Trumps also visited members of the Bush family at the Blair House presidential guesthouse, where they are staying. Expand Close Sully, Mr Bushs service dog, visited the Rotunda (AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sully, Mr Bushs service dog, visited the Rotunda (AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta) The former president and former first lady greeted the current officeholders outside before everyone went in for the private, 20-minute visit. Although Mr Trump will attend Mr Bushs national funeral service on Wednesday, he is not among the eulogists announced by the Mr Bush family, which includes George W Bush. Expand Close Mr Bush died aged 94 on Friday (PA file) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Bush died aged 94 on Friday (PA file) After services in Washington, Mr Bushs remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose at St Martins Episcopal Church before burial on Thursday at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. His final resting place will be alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years who died in April, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukemia in 1953 aged three. Mr Trump has ordered the federal government to be closed on Wednesday for a national day of mourning, while flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days. Mr Bushs death reduces membership in the ex-presidents club to four: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama. U.S. President Donald Trump reaches over to shake hands with former President Barack Obama as he takes his seat in the first row along with former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton at the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand with former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former first lady Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter in the front row at the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush arrives carried by a military honor guard during a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS A military honor guard places the casket at the alter during the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst The flag-draped casket of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush is carried by military pallbearers past U.S. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former first lady Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter as it arrives at his state funeral at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Former US President George W Bush and members of the Bush family watch as a joint service honor guard carries the casket of former US President George H.W. Bush out of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 05 December 2018. Shawn Thew/Pool via REUTERS Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush watch as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard to a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool) Former president George W. Bush watches as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard into a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. Alex Brandon/Pool via REUTERS A joint service honor guard loads the casket of former US President George H.W. Bush into the waiting hearse on the East Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 05 December 2018. Shawn Thew/Pool via REUTERS A military honor guard bears the casket of the late former President George H.W. Bush to a waiting hearse as it departs the U.S. Capitol enroute to the National Cathedral for funeral services, Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Theiler A military honor guard carries the remains of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush upon arrival at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Jim Young Former first lady Laura Bush and former U.S. President George W. Bush ride to the U.S. Capitol to join the funeral procession for former U.S. President George H. W. Bush in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts The casket of former US President George H.W. Bush sits in the hearse on the East Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 05 December 2018. Shawn Thew/Pool via REUTERS The casket of former US President George H.W. Bush sits in the hearse on the East Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 05 December 2018. Shawn Thew/Pool via REUTERS Pigeons fly past the U.S. Capitol before the departure of the funeral procession carrying the body for former U.S. President George H. W. Bush in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts Washington is bidding its final farewell to George HW Bush in a service of prayer and praise that is drawing together world envoys, Americans of high office and a guy from Maine who used to fix things in Mr Bushs house on the water. A viewing for the 41st president at the hushed Capitol Rotunda closed on Wednesday morning, and his coffin was carried to Washington National Cathedral for a state funeral. Expand Close The hearse carrying the flag-draped coffin (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The hearse carrying the flag-draped coffin (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) The ceremony caps three days of remembrance by dignitaries and ordinary citizens as they honour the Republican president who oversaw the post-Cold War transition and led a successful Gulf War, only to lose a re-election in a generational shift to Democrat Bill Clinton in 1992. The four living ex-presidents Jimmy Carter, Mr Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama are due at the service, and Bush Jnr will eulogise his father. President Donald Trump will attend but is not scheduled to speak. Also attending: one king (Jordan), one queen (Jordan), two princes (Britain, Bahrain), Germanys chancellor and Polands president, among representatives of more than a dozen countries. Also expected in the invitation-only crowd is Mike Lovejoy, an electrician and fix-it man who has worked at Mr Bushs Maine summer estate since 1990 and says he was shocked and heartened to be asked to come. On Tuesday, soldiers, citizens in wheelchairs and long lines of others on foot wound through the Capitol Rotunda to view Mr Bushs coffin and honour a president whose legacy included Second World War military service and a landmark law affirming the rights of the disabled. Former senator Bob Dole, a compatriot in war, peace and political struggle, steadied himself out of his wheelchair and saluted his old friend and one-time rival. Expand Close Bob Dole pays his last respects (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bob Dole pays his last respects (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) After the national funeral service at the cathedral, Mr Bushs remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose at St Martins Episcopal Church before burial on Thursday at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. His final resting place will be alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years who died in April, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukaemia in 1953 at the age of three. Mr Trump ordered the federal government closed on Wednesday for a national day of mourning. Flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days. Expand Close Sully the dog (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sully the dog (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Mr Bushs service dog Sully was taken to the coffin viewing his main service in the months since Mrs Bushs death in April being to rest his head on her husbands lap. Firefighters in the area where an explosion occurred at a petrol station in Borgo Quinzio, near Rieti, Italy (Emiliano Grillotti/ANSA via AP) An explosion at a petrol station in Italy has killed two people and injured several others, according to reports. The incident occurred as a fuel tanker was offloading fuel at the service station, Rieti police chief Antonio Mannoni told the ANSA news agency. Expand Close Smoke billows in the area where an explosion occurred at a petrol station in Borgo Quinzio, near Rieti, Italy (Emiliano Grillotti/ANSA via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Smoke billows in the area where an explosion occurred at a petrol station in Borgo Quinzio, near Rieti, Italy (Emiliano Grillotti/ANSA via AP) Fire crews were responding to an initial blaze when a huge explosion rattled the area. The blast occurred along the Salaria state road, one of the main roads north of Rome. A gay pharmacist who mercilessly strangled his wife so he could start a new life in Australia with his boyfriend and a 2 (2.24m) million life insurance payout will serve at least 30 years of a life sentence behind bars. Mitesh Patel, 37, had plotted to kill his wife Jessica for years and throttled her with his hands after choking her with a bag and subduing her with insulin. She fought for her life during the attack at the marital home in Middlesbrough before her husband staged a robbery, ransacking the property to make it look like an intruder had killed her. Mr Justice Goss sentenced Patel to life and passed a minimum term of 30 years, saying: "You have no remorse for your actions. Expand Close Pharmacist Mitesh Patel. Photo: Cleveland Police/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pharmacist Mitesh Patel. Photo: Cleveland Police/PA Wire "Any pity you have is for yourself." Patel made a series of fundamental errors in his plan to kill his wife, including a botched attempt to hide his house's CCTV hard drive and leaving the duct tape he used to bind her body at their pharmacy. The judge told Patel: "As the police investigation progressed, the full extent of your attitude and behaviour towards Jessica over the nine years of your marriage was revealed. "She clearly loved you and was a dutiful wife. "She wanted nothing more than to have children and live a normal family life. "The difficulty is that you had no sexual attraction to her; you were attracted to men." Expand Close Cleveland Police handout CCTV image dated 14/5/2018 of Mitesh Patel leaving home. Photo: Cleveland Police/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Cleveland Police handout CCTV image dated 14/5/2018 of Mitesh Patel leaving home. Photo: Cleveland Police/PA Wire Mrs Patel was to some extent aware of her husband's sexuality, the judge said. "She was lonely, often upset and controlled by you," he told Patel. "With hindsight, it is apparent this was for your own selfish reasons and not with any intention of making her happy." The judge told Patel he was "needy and callous" and used his wife while "indulging your own desires and whims". Patel, who was "business-driven" and wanted to retire at 40, committed murder "in the expectation of gain as a result of her death", the judge said. Addressing Mrs Patel's family, he said: "I would like to end this case by expressing the condolences of the court on the very sad loss of someone who was very clearly a kind and decent person." Expand Close Relatives of murder victim Jessica Patel wearing Justice for Jess jumpers outside Teesside Crown Court where her husband Mitesh was jailed for life. Photo: Tom Wilkinson/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Relatives of murder victim Jessica Patel wearing Justice for Jess jumpers outside Teesside Crown Court where her husband Mitesh was jailed for life. Photo: Tom Wilkinson/PA Wire He had earlier heard victim statements from Mrs Patel's grandmother, father and siblings. The victim's younger sister Divya Patel said: "The one thing we hope and prayed for above anything else was that in her final moments she did not suffer. "The cruel reality is that she did in fact suffer, she knew exactly who her killer was, and he mercilessly ignored her attempts to fight for her own life as he ended it. "We can only imagine the fear and panic she must have felt knowing herself this was it. Thinking of that moment makes our hearts so heavy." Ms Patel also addressed her brother-in-law in the dock, saying: "We do not just pray, we know, she will be free from you for ever. As will she rest in heaven, you will rot in hell." She added: "Only Mitesh himself can truly answer why he did this. Everything he has done has been purely for selfish reasons. "He could've divorced her, taken everything he wanted - he did not need to take her life, he had no right to take this evil, cruel and malicious step." Her father Jayantilal Patel's statement said he recalled seeing a film where a character's son was murdered. Mr Patel said: "I still remember him saying, there is nothing more heavy than carrying your own child's coffin. "It is very true, I have felt that weight." The couple, from West Yorkshire, owned and ran a successful pharmacy, but their marriage was unhappy. He was regularly unfaithful with men he met on the Grindr dating app and he once told his secret lover Dr Amit Patel that he married Jessica because she was in love with him and it would be a good cover for his true sexuality. Mrs Patel underwent three courses of IVF and the last cycle resulted in three embryos being created, but she was murdered before they could be implanted. Patel's original alibi that he had gone for a walk the night he killed her was proved to be false, and the prosecution portrayed him as a serial liar and fantasist. The judge praised Cleveland Police's use of data from the defendant's health app on his iPhone to show his movements around the murder scene. Freddie Scappaticci is alleged to be the informer 'Stakeknife' A man widely named as the British Army's notorious IRA agent Stakeknife has avoided prison after admitting two counts of possessing extreme pornography. Freddie Scappaticci, 72, appeared briefly before Westminster magistrates in central London to admit the charges, which related to at least 329 images, including those involving animals. Chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot sentenced Scappaticci to three months in custody, suspended for 12 months. The magistrate said: "You have not been before the court for 50 years - and that's good character in my book. "I can see you are not a well man at all - you have very serious health issues - and that you live a lonely life." Scappaticci has always strongly denied claims that he is Stakeknife, a high-ranking military mole who reputedly led the republican organisation's "nutting squad", an internal security unit which interrogated and murdered suspected spies during the Northern Ireland conflict. He was arrested by police in January about offences including murder and abduction but was released on bail. Westminster Magistrates' Court heard Scappaticci told police he was not sexually interested in animals, and preferred women with big breasts. He told them he was "not doing anyone any real harm" and said he had depression. The court heard he used his laptop to search for areas of interests, including "cars, the British Army, maps, combat, football, politics", but that he also searched for pornography. He conducted a number of searches on a total of 13 different days between November 2015 and January 2018. Scappaticci was ordered to pay a 100 victim surcharge and 85 costs. He was convicted after material was seized as part of Operation Kenova, the wide-ranging investigation which was launched in June 2016 to investigate allegations of serious criminal activity during The Troubles. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, who leads the investigation for Operation Kenova, said: "This result is an indication that wherever criminal behaviour is identified during my investigation, evidence will be presented for the purposes of prosecution. "Operation Kenova continues to recover evidence in relation to our core terms of reference and as and when it is appropriate to speak further, I will do so. "I would encourage anyone who might be able to assist with this important inquiry to please contact my team via the details on the Kenova website, or by calling Crimestoppers." Italian police struck a blow against the Sicilian mafia yesterday after arresting its alleged boss and more than 40 other suspects. Settimo Mineo (80) is believed to have succeeded the former head of Cosa Nostra, Toto 'The Beast' Riina, who ordered dozens of murders during a bloody reign of terror but died last year. Mineo was arrested in a dawn raid in Palermo along with 45 alleged mafia members, who face charges of aggravated extortion, arson, mafia association and illegal possession of weapons. Mineo, who ran a family jewellery business, was allegedly behind an attempt to rebuild the 'cupola' or ruling commission of Cosa Nostra in order to streamline its command structure and strengthen its position. The cupola held a secret meeting in Palermo in May, the first gathering of mob families for 25 years, at which it reportedly decided to formally anoint Mineo as the head of Cosa Nostra. His election marked a shift of power away from Corleone, the hilltop town that was Cosa Nostra's main base for years and was made famous by 'The Godfather' novels and films. Police obtained information about the meeting by wire-tapping the phones of participants, including Francesco Colletti, an alleged senior member of the organised crime network. It was "a beautiful meeting, very serious, with country people, old people", he told his driver during one intercepted conversation. At the end of discussions, "we all got up and kissed". Mineo, allegedly a member of Cosa Nostra all his adult life, was arrested in 1984 in a case pursued by anti-mafia magistrate Giovanni Falcone, who was murdered by the mob in a car bombing in 1992. Mineo served five years in prison but was rearrested in 2006 and served another 11 years behind bars. "The arrests... represent one of the biggest blows inflicted on the mafia by the state. Mineo had been elected 'heir' of Toto Riina after his death," Luigi Di Maio, deputy prime minister, wrote on Instagram. "There is no more room for this type of scum in Italy." Notably absent from the list of arrests was the notorious Matteo Messina Denaro, a mafia boss who has been on the run since 1993. The 56-year-old, a former hitman, had also been considered a potential new head of Cosa Nostra after the death of Riina. Known in Sicilian dialect as "U Cortu" or Shorty because of his diminutive stature, he conducted a reign of terror in Sicily for nearly 20 years until his arrest in 1993. But he ultimately contributed to the weakening of Cosa Nostra by provoking the state with the murders of Mr Falcone and another high-profile investigator, after which Italian police and investigators poured resources into arresting mobsters and confiscating their assets. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Authorities are conducting co-ordinated raids in Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands in a crackdown on the Italian mafia. German federal police said there had been multiple arrests in the early morning raids on premises linked to the ndrangheta, a southern Italy-based organised crime group. In Germany the focus was on the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which borders the Netherlands and Belgium, and Bavaria to the south. Expand Close Authorities conducted coordinated raids in Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Authorities conducted coordinated raids in Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands (AP) Police said the operation is being coordinated by Eurojust, a European unit established to fight cross-border organised crime. A news conference has been scheduled for later in the day in The Hague. Concessions made by French President Emmanuel Macrons government in a bid to stop huge anti-government demonstrations seemed to have failed to convince protesters, with trade unions and farmers threatening to join the fray. A day after prime minister Edouard Philippe announced a suspension of planned fuel tax hikes that sparked protests, the burgeoning yellow vest protest movement showed no sign of slowing down. Students opposed to a university application system remained mobilised, trucking unions called for a rolling strike and Frances largest farm union threatened to launch protests next week. Expand Close Students protest at Tobiac university in Paris (Christophe Ena/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Students protest at Tobiac university in Paris (Christophe Ena/AP) Trade unions have not played a role in the co-ordination of the improvised movement so far but are now trying to take advantage of growing anger among the public. A joint statement from the CGT and FO trucking unions protesting over a cut to overtime rates called for action from Sunday night and asked for an urgent meeting with transport minister Elisabeth Borne. Although most of the fuel depots blocked by protesters have been cleared, fuel shortages continued to hit several parts of France on Wednesday, with hundreds of petrol stations affected. Wearing their signature yellow vests, demonstrators were back at toll booths on Wednesday to express their demands, ranging from income and pension rises to the dissolution of the national assembly. Meanwhile, high school students union FIDL called for a massive and general mobilisation on Thursday and urged education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer to step down. Expand Close Emmanuel Macron (Gustavo Garello/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Emmanuel Macron (Gustavo Garello/AP) Put on the back foot, Mr Philippes government opened the door for more concessions as spokesman Benjamin Griveaux did not exclude bringing back a wealth tax that was slashed soon after Mr Macron came to power in May 2017. His popularity has slumped to new lows since the first yellow vest demonstrations took place on November 17. The former investment banker, who was elected after campaigning for deep pro-business economic reforms, is accused of being the president for the rich and of being estranged from the working classes. A joint service honor guard loads the casket of former US President George H.W. Bush into the waiting hearse on the East Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 05 December 2018. Shawn Thew/Pool via REUTERS A military honor guard bears the casket of the late former President George H.W. Bush to a waiting hearse as it departs the U.S. Capitol enroute to the National Cathedral for funeral services, Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Theiler A military honor guard carries the remains of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush upon arrival at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Jim Young The casket of former US President George H.W. Bush sits in the hearse on the East Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 05 December 2018. Shawn Thew/Pool via REUTERS Pigeons fly past the U.S. Capitol before the departure of the funeral procession carrying the body for former U.S. President George H. W. Bush in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts The casket of former US President George H.W. Bush sits in the hearse on the East Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 05 December 2018. Shawn Thew/Pool via REUTERS Former U.S. President George W. Bush pauses with former first lady Laura Bush as the funeral procession carrying the remains of his father, former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, arrives at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Jim Young George HW Bush has been celebrated with praise and loving humour as America bade farewell to the country's 41st president and the last to fight for the US in wartime. Three former presidents looked on at Washington National Cathedral as a fourth - George W Bush - eulogised his father. "To us," the son said of the father, "his was the brightest of a thousand points of light." George W Bush broke down briefly at the end of his eulogy while invoking the daughter his parents lost when she was three and his mother Barbara, who died in April. Expand Close Pigeons fly past the U.S. Capitol before the departure of the funeral procession carrying the body for former U.S. President George H. W. Bush in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pigeons fly past the U.S. Capitol before the departure of the funeral procession carrying the body for former U.S. President George H. W. Bush in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts He took comfort in knowing "Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom's hand again". For all the sombre tributes to the late president's public service and strength of character, laughter filled the cathedral time after time. Mr Bush's eulogists - son included - noted his tendency to tangle his words and show his goofy side. He was "the last great soldier-statesman", historian Jon Meacham said in his eulogy, "our shield" in dangerous times. Expand Close A military honor guard carries the remains of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush upon arrival at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Jim Young / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A military honor guard carries the remains of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush upon arrival at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Jim Young But he also said that Mr Bush, campaigning in a crowd in a department store, once shook hands with a mannequin. Rather than flushing in embarrassment, he simply cracked: "Never know. Gotta ask." After the service, the hearse and a long procession of cars headed for Joint Base Andrews and the flight to Texas - but first down to the National Mall to pass by the Second World War Memorial. The congregation, filled with foreign leaders and diplomats, Americans of high office and others touched by Mr Bush's life, rose for the arrival of the coffin, accompanied by clergy of faiths from around the world. Expand Close A joint service honor guard loads the casket of former US President George H.W. Bush into the waiting hearse on the East Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 05 December 2018. Shawn Thew/Pool via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A joint service honor guard loads the casket of former US President George H.W. Bush into the waiting hearse on the East Front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 05 December 2018. Shawn Thew/Pool via REUTERS In their row together, President Donald Trump and former presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton stood with their spouses and all placed their hands over their hearts. Mr Meacham also praised Mr Bush's call to volunteerism - his "1,000 points of light" - placing it alongside Abraham Lincoln's call to honour "the better angels of our nature" in the American rhetorical canon. Mr Trump had mocked "1,000 points of light" last summer at a rally, saying: "What the hell is that? Has anyone ever figured that one out? And it was put out by a Republican, wasn't it?" The national funeral service capped three days of remembrance in Washington before Mr Bush's remains return to Texas on Wednesday for burial on Thursday. He died on Friday at the age of 94. Mr Bush will lie in repose at St Martin's Episcopal Church before burial at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. His final resting place will be alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukaemia in 1953. On Wednesday morning, a military band played Hail To The Chief as Mr Bush's coffin was carried down the steps of the US Capitol, where he had laid in state. Family members looked on as servicemen fired off a cannon salute. His hearse was then driven in a motorcade to the cathedral ceremony, slowing in front of the White House. Mr Bush's route was lined with people much of the way, in winter hats and taking photos. Waiting for his arrival inside, Mr Trump shook hands with Mr Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, who greeted him by saying "Good morning." Mr Trump did not shake hands with Bill and Hillary Clinton, who looked straight ahead. Mr Clinton and Mrs Obama smiled and chatted as music played, while Mr Carter was seated silently next to Mrs Clinton in the cavernous cathedral. Mr Trump tweeted on Wednesday that the day marked "a celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life". The president and his wife took their seats after the others, briefly greeting the Obamas seated next to them. On Tuesday soldiers, citizens in wheelchairs and long lines of others on foot wound through the Capitol Rotunda to view Mr Bush's coffin and honour a president whose legacy included World War military service and a landmark law affirming the rights of the disabled. Former senator Bob Dole, a compatriot in war, peace and political struggle, steadied himself out of his wheelchair and saluted his old friend and one-time rival. Mr Trump ordered the federal government closed on Wednesday for a national day of mourning, while flags on public buildings are flying at half-mast for 30 days. As at notable moments in his life, Mr Bush brought together Republicans and Democrats in his death, and not only the VIPs. Members of the public who never voted for him waited in the same long lines as the rest, attesting that Mr Bush possessed the dignity and grace that deserved to be remembered by their presence on a cold overcast day in the capital. "I'm just here to pay my respects," said Jane Hernandez, a retired physician in the heavily Democratic city and suburbs. "I wasn't the biggest fan of his presidency, but all in all he was a good, sincere guy doing a really hard job as best he could." Mr Bush's service dog Sully was taken to the viewing as well - his main service in the last few months since Barbara Bush's death in April has been to rest his head on her husband's lap, which service dogs are trained to do. Inside the Capitol, Sully, the two-year-old Labrador retriever assigned to Mr Bush, sat by the coffin in the company of people who came to commemorate Mr Bush's signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the 1990 law that, among its many provisions, required businesses that prohibit pets to give access to service dogs. "After Mrs Bush's death, general companionship was a big part of Sully's job," John Miller, president and chief executive of America's VetDogs, said. "One of the things that I think was important to the president was the rest command, where Sully would rest his head on the president's lap." Mr Trump's relationship with the Bush family has been tense. The current president mocked the elder Bush for his "thousand points of light" call to volunteerism, challenged his son's legacy as president and trounced "low-energy" Jeb Bush in the Republican presidential primaries en route to office. The late President Bush called Mr Trump a "blowhard". Those insults have been set aside, but the list of funeral service speakers marked the first time since Lyndon Johnson's death in 1973 that a sitting president was not chosen to eulogise a late president. Mr Clinton did so for Richard Nixon, and George W Bush eulogised Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford. An Indian court has ruled that officials may hold a British man while they investigate him for alleged bribery over a cancelled 670 million dollar (525 million) helicopter deal between India and an Italian defence company. Judge Arvind Kumar allowed Christian James Michel to briefly meet his lawyer, who failed to have him released on bail while the charges are investigated. Michel was extradited to India from Dubai on Tuesday to face charges of channelling bribes to Indian contacts. Expand Close Christian James Michel was extradited to India from Dubai (Altaf Qadri/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Christian James Michel was extradited to India from Dubai (Altaf Qadri/AP) Indian investigators said in court documents that Michel transferred the money from a British subsidiary of Finmeccanica, which has since been renamed Leonardo SpA. In 2014, India received three of 12 AW101 helicopters it had ordered to fly senior officials but halted the deal after the bribery allegations surfaced. The Central Bureau of Investigation said Michel was a frequent visitor to India when the deal was being negotiated and was operating as a middle man for defence procurements through a wide network of sources cultivated in the Indian Air Force and Ministry of Defence at different levels, including retired and serving officials. Expand Close Christian James Michel returns from a Central Bureau of Investigation hearing in New Delhi (Altaf Qadri/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Christian James Michel returns from a Central Bureau of Investigation hearing in New Delhi (Altaf Qadri/AP) Indian investigators want Michel to reveal the names of Indian politicians involved in the alleged scheme. The opposition Congress party was ruling the country at the time. With national elections due in March-April, prime minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist party is expected to try to embarrass the Congress party, its main rival, if Michel names some of its leaders as beneficiaries in the helicopter deal. India is upgrading its military and has become the worlds biggest arms and defence equipment buyer in recent years. Arms deals have often been marred by allegations that foreign companies paid huge kickbacks to Indian officials. The last visitors pay respects to the late president, George H.W. Bush (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The life and public service of the 41st president of the US have been celebrated with praise and humour at Washington National Cathedral as three former presidents looked on and a fourth George W Bush prepared to eulogise his father. The congregation, populated with foreign leaders and diplomats, Americans of high office, and others touched by Bush Snrs life, rose for the arrival of the coffin, accompanied by clergy of faiths from around the world. Expand Close The coffin is carried into the National Cathedral (Andrew Harnik/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The coffin is carried into the National Cathedral (Andrew Harnik/AP) George W Bush said he told his father just before he died that he had been a wonderful dad and that he loved him. Delivering a eulogy at the funeral on Wednesday, Bush Jnr said his fathers last words on earth were, I love you too'. The younger Bush choked up at the end of his eulogy before regaining his composure. He patted his fathers flag-draped coffin twice as he went back to his seat in the cathedral, and former first lady Laura Bush wiped her eyes with a tissue as her husband sat next to her. Expand Close George W Bush (Alex Brandon/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp George W Bush (Alex Brandon/AP) In their row together, President Donald Trump and predecessors Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton stood with their spouses and all placed their hands over their hearts. Mr Bush the last president to fight in the Second World War was the last great-soldier statesman, historian Jon Meacham said in his eulogy. On a light note, he added that Mr Bush, campaigning in a crowd in a department store, once shook hands with a mannequin. Rather than flushing in embarrassment, he simply cracked: You never know. The national funeral service caps three days of remembrance in Washington before Mr Bushs remains return to Texas for his burial on Thursday. A military band played Hail To The Chief as the coffin was carried down the US Capitol steps in a solemn procession, with members of the Bush family watching and a cannon salute. Expand Close The coffin is carried down the steps of the US Capitol (Sarah Silbiger/New York Times/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The coffin is carried down the steps of the US Capitol (Sarah Silbiger/New York Times/AP) The hearse was driven in a motorcade to the cathedral, slowing in front of the White House. The route was lined with people much of the way, bundled in winter hats and taking photos. A colour guard stood at attention as the hearse arrived, and military pallbearers carried the coffin up the steps to the cathedral. Waiting for his arrival inside, Mr Trump shook hands with Mr Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, who greeted him by saying Good morning. Mr Trump did not shake hands with Bill and Hillary Clinton, who looked straight ahead. Expand Close Hillary Clinton greets Barack Obama (Andrew Harnik/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hillary Clinton greets Barack Obama (Andrew Harnik/AP) Mr Clinton and Mrs Obama smiled and chatted as music played; Mr Carter was seated silently next to Mrs Clinton in the cavernous cathedral; Mr Obama cracked up laughing at someones quip; vice president Mike Pence shook Mr Carters hand. Also expected in the invitation-only crowd was Mike Lovejoy, an electrician and fix-it man who has worked at Mr Bushs Maine summer estate since 1990 and said he was shocked and heartened to be asked to come. On Tuesday, soldiers, citizens in wheelchairs and long lines of others on foot wound through the Capitol Rotunda to view the coffin and honour a president whose legacy included wartime military service and a landmark law affirming the rights of the disabled. Expand Close Bob Dole pays his last respects (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bob Dole pays his last respects (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Former senator Bob Dole, a compatriot in war, peace and political struggle, steadied himself out of his wheelchair and saluted his old friend and one-time rival. After the national funeral service, Mr Bushs remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose at St Martins Episcopal Church before burial at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. His final resting place will be alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years who died in April, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukaemia in 1953 at the age of three. Mr Trump ordered the federal government closed on Wednesday for a national day of mourning. Flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days. Expand Close Sully the dog (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sully the dog (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Mr Bushs service dog Sully was taken to the viewing too his main service in recent months since Mrs Bushs death in April being to rest his head on her husbands lap. Meghan Markle has held private talks with Michelle Obama after watching her speak on female empowerment, royal protocol and the challenges facing black women in the public eye. The Duchess, whose public work is expected to focus heavily on advocacy for women, watched Mrs Obama speak at the South Bank Centre in London on Monday night, joining an audience of 2,700 people to hear the former First Ladys advice about life. Expand Close Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits the University of Chichester's Engineering and Technology Park on October 3, 2018 in / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits the University of Chichester's Engineering and Technology Park on October 3, 2018 in Afterwards, the pair met privately backstage for a convivial conversation: the first time they have spoken directly despite their shared professional interests. The Duchess, who attended the event with staff rather than her husband the Duke, was spotted by members of the public during the evening, and is understood to have enjoyed a warm personal discussion with Mrs Obama afterwards. The meeting is likely to have been particularly appreciated by the Duchess, who has faced a difficult few weeks in the public eye fuelled by news that the Sussexes are moving away from their in-laws at Kensington Palace. The pair share a common interest in womens empowerment, with their husbands already firm friends after working together to promote the Invictus Games. The Duchess will announce her next projects for her work in the Royal Family, as well as her first charity patronages, in the new year. Last week, Mrs Obama offered advice to the Duchess in a magazine interview, recommending that she take some time and dont be in a hurry to do anything. At the live event at the South Bank, publicising her autobiography, Mrs Obama spoke on topics from the Queens alleged dismissal of royal protocol as rubbish to her disdain for fashion designers who treat their staff badly. On being a black woman in the public eye, she said: "People will literally take our voices, they will take the things from us that they like, the size of our hips, our style, our swag, it becomes co-opted but then we are demonised. "We are angry, we are too loud, we are too everything and I experienced that, just campaigning, just speaking truth to power, how dare I have a voice and use it? "My advice to young women in that you have to start by getting those demons out of your head, the questions I ask myself 'am I good enough?' that haunts us, because the messages that are sent from the time we are little is maybe you are not, don't reach too high, don't talk too loud. "This is true for women, this is true for working-class people but it is profound for women of colour in a way that I don't think most people understand." Speaking to schoolgirls, the former First Lady also preached on the importance of women sticking together, saying: Start practising for the sisterhood. We as women dont have the luxury of tearing each other down. There are enough people out there ready to tear us down. Theres no room for mean girls. In an on-stage interview, Mrs Obama may inadvertently offered words of comfort to the Duchess who has faced criticism for breaching protocol with some of her fashion choices since joining the Royal Family. The American speaker said of her visit to the Queen in 2016, where she was ushered into a waiting car with Her Majesty and Prince Philip: I had all this protocol buzzing in my head ...and she [the Queen] says 'Oh it's all rubbish, just get in'. Mrs Obama also offered words of wisdom to newlyweds, admitting: "When I talk to young people just starting to get married, I say: there are going to be huge chunks of time where you want to push him out the window. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] A wounded woman lies on a bed as she is evacuated, following an earthquake in Sarpol-e Zahab county in Kermanshah, Iran November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Tasnim News Agency A damaged building is seen following an earthquake in Sarpol-e Zahab county in Kermanshah, Iran November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Tasnim News Agency Residents look at a damaged building following an earthquake in the town of Darbandikhan, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed A man gestures inside a damaged building following an earthquake in Sarpol-e Zahab county in Kermanshah, Iran November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Tasnim News Agency Residents gather near a damaged building following an earthquake in the town of Darbandikhan, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed A man rides a motorcycle past a damaged building following an earthquake in the town of Darbandikhan, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed People walk past a damaged building following an earthquake in the town of Darbandikhan, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed Goods lie on the ground in a market shop following an earthquake in the town of Darbandikhan, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed A man looks at a damaged building following an earthquake in the town of Darbandikhan, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed A wounded man lies on a bed at a temporary outside hospital, following an earthquake at the town of Darbandikhan, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed A crack is seen on a road after an earthquake at the Darbandikhan Dam, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed In this photo provided by Tasnim News Agency, people carry their belongings in Sarpol-e-Zahab, western Iran, Monday, Nov. 13, 2017. (Farzad Menati/Tasnim News Agency via AP) A crack is seen on a road after an earthquake at the Darbandikhan Dam, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed In this photo provided by Tasnim News Agency, relatives weep over the bodies of earthquake victims, in Sarpol-e-Zahab, in western Iran, Monday, Nov. 13, 2017. (Farzad Menati/Tasnim News Agency via AP) In this photo provided by Tasnim News Agency, relatives weep over the body of an earthquake victim, in Sarpol-e-Zahab, western Iran, Monday, Nov. 13, 2017. (Farzad Menati/Tasnim News Agency via AP) Rocks are seen on the road after an earthquake near the Darbandikhan Dam, close the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed People sit on the rubble of a destroyed house after an earthquake in the city of Darbandikhan, northern Iraq, Monday, Nov. 13, 2017.(AP Photo/Felipe Dana) Rocks are seen on the road after an earthquake near the Darbandikhan Dam, close the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed A man reacts following an earthquake in Sarpol-e Zahab county in Kermanshah, Iran November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Tasnim News Agency More than 300 people were killed in Iran when a magnitude 7.3 earthquake jolted the country on Sunday, state media said, and rescuers were searching for dozens trapped under rubble in the mountainous area. At least six have died in Iraq as well. State television said more than 336 people were killed in Iran and at least 3,950 were injured. Local officials said the death toll would rise as search and rescue teams reached remote areas of Iran. The earthquake was felt in several western provinces of Iran, but the hardest hit province was Kermanshah, which announced three days of mourning. More than 236 of the victims were in Sarpol-e Zahab county in Kermanshah province, about 15 km (10 miles) from the Iraq border. Iranian state television said the quake had caused heavy damage in some villages where houses were made of earthen bricks. Rescuers were labouring to find survivors trapped under collapsed buildings. The quake also triggered landslides that hindered rescue efforts, officials told state television. At least 14 provinces in Iran had been affected, Iranian media reported. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei offered his condolences on Monday, urging all government agencies to do all they could to help those affected. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake measured magnitude 7.3. An Iraqi meteorology official put its magnitude at 6.5 with the epicentre in Penjwin in Sulaimaniyah province in the Kurdistan region, close to the main border crossing with Iran. Kurdish health officials said at least six people were killed in Iraq and at least 68 injured. Iraq's health and local officials said the worst-hit area was Darbandikham district, near the border with Iran, where at least 10 houses had collapsed and the district's only hospital was severely damaged. Expand Close People sit on the rubble of a destroyed house after an earthquake in the city of Darbandikhan, northern Iraq, Monday, Nov. 13, 2017.(AP Photo/Felipe Dana) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People sit on the rubble of a destroyed house after an earthquake in the city of Darbandikhan, northern Iraq, Monday, Nov. 13, 2017.(AP Photo/Felipe Dana) The quake was felt as far south as Baghdad, where many residents rushed from their houses and tall buildings when tremors shook the Iraqi capital. "I was sitting with my kids having dinner and suddenly the building was just dancing in the air," said Majida Ameer, who ran out of her building in the capital's Salihiya district with her three children. Expand Close In this photo provided by Tasnim News Agency, relatives weep over the body of an earthquake victim, in Sarpol-e-Zahab, western Iran, Monday, Nov. 13, 2017. (Farzad Menati/Tasnim News Agency via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp In this photo provided by Tasnim News Agency, relatives weep over the body of an earthquake victim, in Sarpol-e-Zahab, western Iran, Monday, Nov. 13, 2017. (Farzad Menati/Tasnim News Agency via AP) "I thought at first that it was a huge bomb. But then I heard everyone around me screaming: 'Earthquake!'" Similar scenes unfolded in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, and across other cities in northern Iraq, close to the quake's epicentre. Expand Close A crack is seen on a road after an earthquake at the Darbandikhan Dam, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A crack is seen on a road after an earthquake at the Darbandikhan Dam, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed Electricity was cut off in several Iranian and Iraqi cities, and fears of aftershocks sent thousands of people in both countries out onto the streets and parks in cold weather. The Iranian seismological centre registered around 118 aftershocks and said more were expected. The head of Iranian Red Crescent said more than 70,000 people were in need of emergency shelter. Expand Close A man rides a motorcycle past a damaged building following an earthquake in the town of Darbandikhan, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man rides a motorcycle past a damaged building following an earthquake in the town of Darbandikhan, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed Hojjat Gharibian was one of hundreds of homeless Iranian survivors, who was huddled against the cold with his family in Qasr-e Shirin. "My two children were sleeping when the house started to collapse because of the quake. I took them and ran to the street. We spent hours in the street until aid workers moved us into a school building," Gharibian told Reuters by telephone. Iran's police, the elite Revolutionary Guards and its affiliated Basij militia forces were dispatched to the quake-hit areas overnight, state TV reported. Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said some roads were blocked and authorities were worried about casualties in remote villages. An Iranian oil official said pipelines and refineries in the area remained intact. Iran sits astride major fault lines and is prone to frequent tremors. A magnitude 6.6 quake on Dec. 26, 2003, devastated the historic city of Bam, 1,000 km southeast of Tehran, killing about 31,000 people. On the Iraqi side, the most extensive damage was in the town of Darbandikhan, 75 km east of the city of Sulaimaniyah in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region. More than 30 people were injured in the town, according to Kurdish Health Minister Rekawt Hama Rasheed. "The situation there is very critical," Rasheed told Reuters. The district's main hospital was severely damaged and had no power, Rasheed said, so the injured were taken to Sulaimaniyah for treatment. Homes and buildings had extensive structural damage, he said. In Halabja, local officials said a 12-year-old boy died of an electric shock from a falling electric cable. Iraq's meteorology centre advised people to stay away from buildings and not to use elevators in case of aftershocks. Residents of Turkey's southeastern city of Diyarbakir also reported feeling a strong tremor, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties there. Turkish Red Crescent Chairman Kerem Kinik told broadcaster NTV that Red Crescent teams in Erbil were preparing to go to the site of the earthquake and that Turkeys national disaster management agency, AFAD, and National Medical Rescue Teams were also preparing to head into Iraq. AFAD's chairman said the organisation was waiting for a reply to its offer for help. In a tweet, Kinik said the Turkish Red Crescent was gathering 3,000 tents and heaters, 10,000 beds and blankets and moving them towards the Iraqi border. "We are coordinating with Iranian and Iraqi Red Crescent groups. We are also getting prepared to make deliveries from our northern Iraq Erbil depot," he said. Israeli media said the quake was felt in many parts of Israel as well. In a statement, Israeli Intelligence Minister Israel Katz said, "My condolences to the people of Iran and Iraq over the loss of human life caused by the earthquake." Iran refuses to recognise Israel. Donald Trump's former national security adviser provided so much information to a probe into alleged Russian collusion that prosecutors say he should not be jailed, according to court papers. Michael Flynn's cooperation with special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation was described as "substantial" in a legal submission that provides the first details of the former aide's assistance in the probe. The papers, which said he participated in 19 interviews with prosecutors, were filed two weeks ahead of Flynn's sentencing for lying to the FBI about conversations with the Russian ambassador on Mr Trump's behalf. Though prosecutors withheld specific details of Flynn's cooperation because of ongoing investigations, their filing nonetheless underscores the breadth of how much information Mr Mueller has obtained from people close to Mr Trump. The president has been increasingly venting his anger at the probe - and those who cooperate with it. Earlier this week, Mr Trump lashed out at his former legal fixer, Michael Cohen, saying he is making up "stories" to get a reduced prison sentence after his latest guilty plea to lying to Congress. Mr Trump also praised longtime confidante Roger Stone for saying he would "never testify against Trump," adding in a tweet: "Nice to know some people still have 'guts!'" It is unclear if Mr Trump will now turn his fury on Flynn, a retired US Army lieutenant general who Mr Trump grew close to during the 2016 campaign and tried to protect by asking former FBI Director James Comey to let the investigation go. That episode is among those under scrutiny by Mr Mueller as he probes whether Mr Trump attempted to obstruct the Russia investigation. Federal sentencing guidelines recommend between zero and six months in prison for Flynn, leaving open the possibility of probation. Flynn's case has been a contrast to those of other Trump associates, who have aggressively criticised and tried to undermine the Russia probe. Most notably, Mr Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, aggressively fought the investigation and is now facing the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence after his cooperation agreement recently fell apart over allegations that he had lied to investigators. Mr Stone has also waged a public campaign against Mr Mueller. But Flynn has largely remained out of the public eye, appearing only a handful of times in media interviews or campaign events, and he has strictly avoided criticising the Mr Mueller probe despite widespread encouragement from his supporters to go on the offensive. He has instead spent considerable time with his family and worked to position himself for a post-conviction career. Flynn's false statements stemmed from a January 24 2017 interview with the FBI about his and others' interactions with Sergey Kislyak, Russia's then-ambassador to the US. It took place as the Obama administration was levying sanctions on the Kremlin in response to election interference. As part of his plea deal, Flynn said members of Mr Trump's inner circle, including his son-in-law and White House aide Jared Kushner, were involved in - and at times directing - his actions in the weeks before Mr Trump took office. According to court papers, in mid-December 2016, Mr Kushner directed Flynn to reach out to several countries, including Russia, about a UN Security Council resolution regarding Israeli settlements. During those conversations with Kislyak, Flynn asked Russia to delay or vote against the resolution, a request the Kremlin ultimately rejected. Flynn also admitted that later in December 2016 he asked Mr Kislyak not to retaliate in response to the Obama administration sanctions, something he initially told FBI agents he did not do. Flynn made the request after discussing it with deputy national security adviser KT McFarland, who was at Mr Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, and being told that Mr Trump's transition team did not want Russia to escalate the situation. Flynn was forced to resign his post on February 13 2017 after news reports revealed that Obama administration officials had warned Mr Trump's White House about Flynn's false statements. The White House has said Flynn misled officials- including Vice President Mike Pence - about the content of his conversations. Flynn also admitted to making false statements about unregistered foreign agent work he performed for the benefit of the Turkish government. Flynn was under investigation by the Justice Department for the work when he became national security adviser. A top US Republican Party campaign committee has confirmed it fell victim to a cyber attack during the 2018 election campaign. The attack on the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the campaign arm for Republicans in the House of Representatives, left the email accounts of high-ranking members compromised for several months before the hack was detected. The FBI was informed days later and launched an investigation into the source of the cyber attack, the NRCC said. The email accounts of four "senior staffers" were breached and involved "multiple intrusions over a few months" before the attack was discovered in April, an official connected to the investigation said. The attack, first reported by the website Politico, was deemed so sensitive that senior Republicans, including the House Speaker Paul Ryan, were not told of the breach until reporters began inquiring about it on Monday. The committee took on the services of prominent Washington legal firms as well as the public strategy firm Mercury to handle the incident. A spokesman for the committee confirmed the hack yesterday. "The NRCC can confirm that it was the victim of a cyber intrusion by an unknown entity," the spokesman said. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Senior Republican senators have turned on Donald Trump over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. They say a "smoking saw" in the case points to Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman being behind the killing. The senators delivered their verdict - which contradicts the president's claim that no conclusive proof has been given - after a private briefing on the evidence from Gina Haspel, the CIA director. It increased the prospect of financial consequences for the kingdom, such as the cutting off of US military aid for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Mr Khashoggi, a 'Washington Post' journalist and fierce critic of the crown prince, was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. Lindsey Graham, a senator who once opposed Mr Trump but has now become a close ally of his, said: "There's not a smoking gun - there's a smoking saw." That was a reference to the bone saw said to have been used to dismember Mr Khashoggi's body. Mr Graham added: "You have to be wilfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organised by people under the command of MBS [the crown prince]. "I think he is complicit in the murder of Mr Khashoggi to the highest level possible. I cannot support arm sales to Saudi Arabia as long as he's in charge." The senator added that the crown prince was a "wrecking ball" and the US should come down on the kingdom like a "ton of bricks". Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, said: "I have zero question in my mind that the crown prince directed the murder... In front of a jury he would be convicted in 30 minutes." Asked if he meant convicted of a murder charge, Mr Corker said: "Yes." Last week, senators voted to move ahead with a resolution that could cut US assistance for the military campaign in Yemen. Mr Trump has been more neutral over who was responsible for Mr Khashoggi's death. Two weeks ago, the president said: "It could very well be that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event - maybe he did and maybe he didn't!" Saudi Arabia has denied the crown prince was involved in the murder and has blamed Ahmed al-Asiri, the former deputy intelligence chief. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Lying in state: Donald Trump and wife Melania in front of the flag-draped casket of former president George HW Bush in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington. AP Photo/Patrick Semansky Donald Trump will attend the funeral of former US president George H W Bush today, capping days of public praise for the Bush family and ending a feud that has simmered at the heart of the Republican Party for years. Mr Trump is expected to sit in a row of the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, alongside former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter for the service. The US president has clashed in the past with Mr Bush, America's 41st president who died aged 94 on Friday, and his son George W Bush, the 43rd president, who did not vote for Mr Trump in the 2016 election. Mr Trump once mocked Mr Bush Snr's well-known "thousand points of light" phrase, used to describe the positive impact volunteers have on the country, asking "what the hell is that?", and was fiercely critical of both the former president's sons. Mr Trump repeatedly criticised Mr Bush Jnr's policies, not least his Middle Eastern military intervention, and defeated Jeb Bush, his brother, in the 2016 race for the Republican presidential nomination, dubbing him "low-energy Jeb". But since Mr Bush Snr's death, Mr Trump has issued glowing praise for his legacy. Expand Close Ex-president George W Bush and other family members watch as the casket is carried by a joint services military honour guard to lie in state. Photo: REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ex-president George W Bush and other family members watch as the casket is carried by a joint services military honour guard to lie in state. Photo: REUTERS On Saturday, Mr Trump cancelled a press conference at the G20 summit in Argentina out of respect after the news broke and called Mr Bush Snr a "truly wonderful man" whose "accomplishments were great from beginning to end". On Monday, Mr Trump made an unexpected visit to the US Congress, where Mr Bush was lying in state, standing before the casket with Melania Trump, his wife, and solemnly saluting. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Police have arrested about 90 suspected mafia members in a series of co-ordinated raids in four European countries. The arrests in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium came as part of an investigation codenamed Pollino which was launched in 2016 against the 'ndrangheta criminal group on allegations of cocaine trafficking, money laundering, bribery and violence. The operation was co-ordinated by Eurojust, the European agency that fights cross-border organised crime. Dutch chief public prosecutor Fred Westerbeke said dozens of raids also netted about 2 million euros (1.7 million) in criminal proceeds as well as drugs including ecstasy and cocaine. Trade unions and farmers have pledged to join nationwide protests against President Emmanuel Macron, as concessions by the government failed to stem the momentum of the most violent demonstrations France has seen in decades. The yellow vest protests began over a plan to raise fuel taxes, but by the time prime minister Edouard Philippe bowed to three weeks of violence and suspended the plan on Tuesday, the protesters were demanding much more. Students set fires outside high schools to protest against a new university application system, small business owners blocked roads in a campaign against high taxes, and pensioners marched to protest over the presidents perceived elitism. Expand Close Demonstrators at toll gates on a motorway in Biarritz (Bob Edme/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Demonstrators at toll gates on a motorway in Biarritz (Bob Edme/AP) On Wednesday, Frances largest farming union said it will launch protests next week, after trucking unions called for a rolling strike. Trade unions have not so far played a role in the improvised movement, but are now trying to capitalise on the growing public anger. A joint statement from the CGT and FO trucking unions called for action beginning on Sunday night to protest over a cut in overtime rates, and asked for an urgent meeting with the transport minister. Farmers union FNSEA said it would fight to help farmers earn a better income, though it said it would not officially be joining forces with the yellow vests, as the protesters have come to be called after the high-visibility vests French motorists are required to keep in their cars, and which they don for demonstrations. Expand Close French riot police outside Paris (Michel Euler/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp French riot police outside Paris (Michel Euler/AP) French police have cleared most of the fuel depots that protesters had blocked, but fuel shortages continued to hit several parts of France on Wednesday, with hundreds of fuel stations affected. Demonstrators were also blocking toll booths, letting drivers pass without paying, to press demands that ranged from income and pension rises to the dissolution of the National Assembly, Frances parliament. At Tolbiac University in central Paris, students took over a school building and classes were cancelled. Expand Close Students gather at the closed Tobiac university in Paris (Christophe Ena/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Students gather at the closed Tobiac university in Paris (Christophe Ena/AP) High school students union FIDL called for a massive and general mobilisation on Thursday and urged the education minister to step down. One student was injured during protests in front of a high school in Saint-Jean-de-Braye in north-central France. BFM said he was shot in the head with a rubber bullet, although authorities did not immediately confirm that. Julien Guiller, head of communication at the regional school administration, said the student was expected to survive. The government was clearly on the back foot. A day after announcing a six-month suspension of the fuel tax rises, it opened the door for more concessions as spokesman Benjamin Griveaux did not rule out bringing back a wealth tax that was slashed soon after Mr Macron came to power in May 2017. Expand Close Emmanuel Macron (Gustavo Garello/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Emmanuel Macron (Gustavo Garello/AP) If something isnt working, were not dumb well change it, Mr Griveaux told RTL radio, though he said the issue is not on the table for now. Mr Macrons popularity has slumped to new lows since the first demonstrations took place on November 17. The former investment banker, who campaigned for deep pro-business economic reforms, is accused of being the president for the rich and of being estranged from the working classes. Since returning from the G20 summit in Argentina over the weekend, his actions have done little to change that perception. He has refrained from speaking publicly about the protests, and has largely remained in his palace residence. On Tuesday night, he was booed and jeered as he travelled to a regional government headquarters that was torched by protesters last weekend. An activist among those leading the protests said he fears more deaths if Saturdays demonstration goes ahead, and called for Mr Macron to speak out and bring calm. If not there will be chaos, Christophe Chalencon said. Mr Chalencon, a 52-year-old blacksmith from Vaucluse in southern France, said the public needs Mr Macron to admit he made a mistake, with simple words that touch the guts and heart of the French. Japanese drugs firm Takeda has won shareholder approval for its 46bn takeover of Shire (David Davies/PA) Japanese drugs firm Takeda has won shareholder approval for its 46 billion acquisition of Shire, paving the way for the deal to create one of the biggest pharmaceutical firms in the world. Takeda said it won support from at least 88% of its shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting in Osaka on Wednesday. Shire investors also overwhelmingly gave the deal the thumbs up, with 99.8% of investors voting in favour, which means the deal is now expected to complete on January 8. Christophe Weber, Takedas president and chief executive, said: With shareholder approval secured, we are looking forward to closing the acquisition in the coming weeks to create a more competitive, agile, highly profitable, and therefore more resilient company, poised to deliver highly innovative medicines and transformative care to patients around the world. Shares in Shire, which have soared since the deal was announced, rose another 3% on news of the shareholder approval. Takeda reached a deal in May to buy Irish rival Shire for 49.01 a share. But there had been concerns the company is taking on too much debt to finance the deal and speculation had mounted ahead of the vote that some investors may vote down the deal. Takeda expects the cash flow generated from the acquisition will help reduce the companys debt following completion. The company intends to reduce its debt to two times adjusted earnings within three to five years. Takeda previously said it would divest Shires pipeline compound SHP647, which is currently in Phase III clinical trials, to allay concerns over a future potential overlap between the companies inflammatory bowel disease products. The takeover has already secured clearance from regulators in the US, Japan, China and Brazil. Ted Bakers under-fire management has received the backing of a top 10 investor amid a harassment scandal involving the retailers chief executive. The major shareholder, which declined to be named, told the Press Association that it remains supportive of the management team. Ted Baker is a well-established global brand, the investor said. The share price does not reflect the value of that or the investment that management has put into it. We remain supportive of the management team and will continue to monitor any new information. Shares fell to a five-year low this week after a petition emerged over the weekend calling on the fashion brand to end harassment, and accusing its founder Ray Kelvin of enforcing a hugging culture. Ted Baker denied that hugging was insisted upon. An external investigation is to probe the claims, while a committee of non-executive directors has been appointed to oversee the firms response. The companys stock recovered slightly on Wednesday after two successive days of decline, boosted by an endorsement from broker Liberum. While recent news flow is unhelpful, we believe the impact on the groups brand strength and longer-term growth prospects is likely to be minimal, analysts said. Trading conditions have been subdued, but Teds positioning as a global lifestyle brand leaves it far better placed than most. But HSBC cut its rating on the stock, citing uncertainty over leadership and limited visibility as to when this will be resolved. Shares in the company were 2.7% higher at 1,450p on Wednesday lunchtime. Googles self-driving car spin-off is finally ready to try to profit from its nearly decade-old technology. Waymo is introducing a small-scale ride-hailing service in the Phoenix area that will include a human behind the wheel in case the robotic vehicles malfunction. The service marks a significant milestone for Waymo, a company that began as a secretive project within Google in 2009. Since then, its cars have robotically logged more than 10 million miles on public roads in 25 cities in California, Arizona, Washington, Michigan and Georgia while getting into only a few accidents mostly minor. The company is initially operating the new service cautiously, underscoring the challenges still facing its autonomous vehicles as they navigate around vehicles with human drivers that do not always follow the same rules as robots. The service, dubbed Waymo One, at first will only be available to a couple of hundred riders, all of whom had already been participating in a free pilot programme that began in April 2017. It will be confined to a roughly 100-square-mile area in and around Phoenix, including the neighbouring cities of Chandler, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert. Although Waymo has been driving passengers without humans behind the wheel in its free pilot programme, it decided to be less daring with the new commercial service. Self-driving technology is new to many, so were proceeding carefully with the comfort and convenience of our riders in mind, Waymo chief executive John Krafcik wrote a blog post heralding the new service. The ride-hailing service is launching in the same area where a car using robotic technology from Uber hit and killed a pedestrian crossing a darkened street in Tempe, Arizona, seven months ago. That collision attracted worldwide attention that cast a pall over the self-driving car industry as more people began to publicly question the safety of the vehicles. The Uber robotic car had a human safety driver behind the wheel, but that was not enough to prevent the accident in March. The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe continues to oppose plans by the Coquille Tribe to open a new casino in Oregon. According to Cow Creek, approval of the Class II facility would be unprecedented. "Every tribe would be looking at the very edge of the envelope and pushing it," CEO Michael Rondeau told Willamette Week. "You'd see casinos up and down I-5." The Coquilles see things differently. The Cedars at Bear Creek would be located within the tribe's service area, as it was defined by an act of Congress signed into law by the late former president George H.W. Bush "The tribe has the legal right to pursue economic development in our five-county service areaand that's what we're doing," Judy Duffy-Metcalf, CEO of the Coquille Economic Development Council, told Willamette Week. But the tribe can't do much for now because the Bureau of Indian Affairs has yet to advance the project. An environmental impact statement has yet to be published -- almost four years after the process began during the Obama administration. The Willamette Week suggests that a decision could come any day but there is nothing that requires the BIA to take action. The website that was hosting documents for the environmental impact statement is in fact no longer active The new facility would be located in the city of Medford. The Cow Creek Band operates the Seven Feathers Casino Resort , a more lucrative Class III facility, in Canyonville, about an hour away. According to data released in 2016 , Seven Feathers would take a 13.2 percent hit in revenues once the Coquille facility opens. Generally, land placed in trust after 1988 can't be used for gaming. The Coquilles, however, are seeking an exception in Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that applies to tribes that were restored to federal recognition. The tribe was restored to federal recognition through the Coquille Restoration Act in 1989. The law requires the BIA to place up to 1,000 acres in trust in the tribe's service area. Read More on the Story Federal Register Notice: Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Coquille Indian Tribe Fee-to-Trust and Casino Project, City of Medford, Jackson County, Oregon (January 15, 2015) Join the Conversation Related Stories From childhood, we have been hearing fairy tales, in which the prince charming arrives at the right time to sweep the princess off her feet and turn her miserable life into a perfect dream. Thats how we have all imagined our wedding day to be like, right? Its the best day of her life, some say, a beginning of a new happy phase. You plan it, love it and live every bit of it. The would-be-bride and the groom-to-be are high on happiness on their D-day, we have all seen. Reuters Also Read: To Shower Blessings Upon The Newlyweds, PM Modi Arrives At Priyanka-Nick's Delhi Reception Thats exactly how our desi girl Priyanka Chopra is feeling at the moment. Everyone including celebrities, friends and family members are pouring out their good wishes to the lovebirds, including PM Modi who blessed the couple. And Priyanka says she is the happiest at the moment. A heartfelt thank you to our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for gracing us with your presence. Touched by your kind words and blessings. @nickjonas pic.twitter.com/ktGguBra0N PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) December 5, 2018 Also Read: PM Modi Gifted PC-Nick The Exact Same Thing He Gave Virat-Anushka - Two Beautiful Red Roses! On a scale of 1 to 10 in happiness, Im on 12, she told IANS at her wedding reception party at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi yesterday. And forever starts now, she wrote posting her wedding pictures. The party isnt over yet. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are yet to throw another wedding reception in Mumbai for their friends from the B-Town. The duo is yet to announce the date. Also Read: 75-Foot Veil & 18-Foot Cake! Priyanka-Nicks Wedding Pictures Cause A Meme Storm On Internet Just imagine being a woman and getting raped by a man who after years was hailed as the most Sanskari man of Bollywood. It gives me chills to just think of what Vinta Nanda went through. For 19 years, she hid this dark secret because the society was apparently not ready to listen to her story. After years, now that she has brought her story to the public attention, she is somewhere still bearing the burnt. Some time ago, the writer-producer has revealed how the onus is back on her, as the cops want her to undergo a medical test 20 years after the incident took place. Read More: After Filing Rape Case Against Alok Nath, Vinta Nanda Says Onus Is On Her To Prove Her Story Now, according to a report on Mid-day, Alok Nath AKA Babuji is missing. He is untraceable, says a source at Oshiwara police station. Summons were issued to him last week, according to the report, but he was not at home. We don't know where he is, added the source. He is reportedly out of town for some important work, Alok Naths counsel Ashok Saraogi told the publication. Vinta Nanda filed a case against Alok Nath on October 19. Following which, Alok Nath was booked under Indian Penal Code's Section 376 (rape). When anyone says Tagore, we're instantly reminded of Rabindranath Tagore. Only a few Not many of us are aware of the lesser known Tagore. wikipedia We all know how the leaders of our country put up a great fight against the British rule. While the whole nation was united to oust the British from the country, there was this one artist who was also doing his bit to eliminate British influence from India. Only, he did it through his paintings. He was Abanindranath Tagore, the nephew of Rabindranath Tagore. Born in the Jorasanko town of Bengal, Abanindranath was introduced to art early in his life. As Tagore family has had a history of literature and culture, Abindranath Tagore was one of the most prominent artists our nation was blessed with. A supporter of Swadeshi values, he created the Indian Society Of Oriental Art and later went on to establish the 'Bengal School of Art'. wikipedia His background is enough to tell you about his exceptional work that led to the emergence of modern Indian painting. He was trained by the famous European artists, O. Ghilardi and Charles Palmer and learned all the possible nuances of art from these legends. Soon after, Abanindranath came under the influence of Mughal art. His idea of modernizing Mughal and Rajput paintings eventually gave rise to modern Indian painting. However, this idea did not come up overnight. When he enrolled himself in Calcutta School of Art in the year 1890 he began to realise the English dominance over the art sphere in India. A firm believer in the traditional Indian techniques, he was deeply bothered by it. Old Indian Photos Like a true artist that he was, along with his brother Gaganendranath Tagore, he came up with the 'Indian Society of Oriental Art'. He incorporated the Indian style in the paintings and brought which a revolutionary change in the teachings. He didn't even shy away from rejecting the "materialistic" art of the west. Truly a multifaceted man, many of his works represented India and gained immense popularity. Here are some of the paintings that are loved by art connoisseurs. The Victory of Buddha Cultural India Bharat Mata Cultural India The Passing of Shah Jahan Cultural India He created history when his work was eventually accepted and promoted as a national Indian style within British art institutions under the epithet of Indian Society of Oriental Art. One of his finest achievement, however, was the Arabian Nights series which was painted in 1930. In these paintings, he used the Arabian Nights stories as a trope for looking at colonial Calcutta and picturing its emergent cosmopolitanism. Art News & Views Google Arts & Culture Beautiful, isnt it? Well now that you know another Tagore so well, go through his finest paintings thatll guarantee you a new perspective. Almost 30 policemen looking for people named in the Bulandshahr mob violence in which a police officer Subodh Kumar died, barged in the home and allegedly thrashed their wives, sisters and vandalised property. Most of the accused were not found at home when the police raided their place. PTI "I received a call early in the morning from my neighbours. They said policemen had beaten up my daughter-in-law and had destroyed everything in my house. I rushed back to find her left hand almost fractured and her left leg seriously bruised. We had to shift her to Meerut in a hurry. They were looking for my son," said Ratan Kaur, mother of Jitendra Malik. Malik, 24, has been inducted into Indian army and was posted in Srinagar, his mother said. He is resident of Mahaw village in Bulandshahr and has been named in FIR with charges of murder and attempt to murder. "They broke the TV, washing machine, smashed window panes, destroyed the fridge and pulled down everything in the kitchen," added Kaur. News18 visited the house to find it completely vandalised. The violent clash between the police and villagers over the alleged case of cow slaughtering resulted in the death of SHO Subodh Kumar Singh and a youngster. The post-mortem report of the officer revealed he was shot in the head and the FIR by Bulandshahr police named 28 and included 60 unidentified people. Eight of the accused belong to VHP, Bajrang Dal and BJP youth wing. Photo: AP The story of roughing up and vandalising continued in every house that the police visited. "It was at around 1 am when I heard loud banging on our door. It was just me and my younger son in the house as my husband, Rajkumar, has been missing ever since the flare-up happened. I opened the door to find several policemen," said Geeta Chaudhary. Chaudhary has suffered injuries on her ankle and arms and she alleged that police hit her sticks. "They interrogated me about my husband's whereabouts when I told them I didn't know they hit me and left," said Geeta. A court in Delhi has sent Christian Michel, the alleged British middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case, to five-day CBI custody. Michel's advocate asked the court to send him to judicial custody, but the CBI sought his custodial interrogation. Also Read: AugustaWestland Accused Air Force Chief Tyagi Was Codenamed 'Gorgeous Girl' By European Middlemen! PTI CBI told the court it wants to confront Michel with evidence and also unearth the money trail in the scam. The court has allowed Michel's advocate to meet for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening while in custody. The advocate also moved a bail plea on behalf of Michel. However, the court kept the plea pending till the next hearing. Michel was brought to India late on Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE in connection with the case. He landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on a Gulfstream jet at 10.35 pm on Tuesday night after which he was arrested by the CBI in connection with the case. PTI Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. Both agencies have notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. Michel has denied all the charges. PTI The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of approximately Rs 2,666 crore to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euro. The six Australian youth have changed the lives of children living in slums near Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru as they have managed to brighten their lives with solar lamps. Six years back, the children in this slum would face a tough time studying in the flickering light of kerosene lamp at night while watching the CFC and LED bulbs in nearby highrises. The families of these children would find it difficult to afford kerosene for the study of their children, but thanks to the Australian group of youth, they all now study under solar lamps. The endeavour has been, in fact, expanded over the years, covering 6,600 families in various slums of Bengaluru. Three of our friends were moved by the plight of these children during their stay in India. They thought of doing something for them and subsequently started distributing solar lamps in slum areas. Three other compatriots joined us and together we formed a social enterprise, Pollinate Energy, says Alexie Seller, one of the six Australians who are spreading cheer in they citys slums. Jamie Chivers, Monique Alfris, Ben Merven, Katerina Kimmorley and Emma Colenbrander are Sellers fellow travellers in this endeavour. This group provides the environment-friendly and safe household products at minimal prices to migrant workers living in the slums including solar fans, water filter, mobile phone charges mosquito nets and clean cooking stoves. Most of these people are financially insecure and cannot afford costly CFL and LED bulbs or other solar products. We make sure they are not burdened by the cost and their children dont suffer for want of safe lighting facilities, says Seller. reuters Top Australian university such as University of Technology, Sydney, University of Melbourne and University of Queensland have extended a helping hand to this group and they help this group in every possible way. Never in my dreams had I imagined our homes would be lit up some day. My husband is disabled and runs a small shop from our house selling sweets and biscuits. Earlier, we would close the shop early evening. But ever since we got the solar products, we keep the shop open till late evening. This has helped us earn more and enabled us to fund our childrens education, says Shwetha, a migrant worker from Raichur, who has been staying in the city for over a decade. Yesterday, when SpaceX Block 5 Falcon 9 rocket lifted off the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the co-founder and CEO of Exseed Space, Kris Nair tweeted, "WE ARE IN SPACE". The tweet was important because it was about Indias first private satellite Exseed SAT1 taken to orbit by Falcon 9. The satellite is expected to be a boon for ham radio operators in the country as ISRO's microsatellite HAMSAT had ceased to exist almost four years ago. Kris Nair, linkedin/Rocket Falcon 9 AFP representational image Nair who hails from Neyyanttinkara in Kerala had founded Exseed Space along with Ashhar Farhan last year. "We are ecstatic and humbled to share that last night, Exseed Space became the first Indian private company to have a satellite in space," Nair said in an email interview. Typically it takes years and millions of dollars to put together one satellite. We have now demonstrated that it is possible to build reliable commercial-grade spacecraft in a matter of months without spending a lot of money," Nair said in an email interview. Nair, however, didnt divulge about the money spent on the mission but said that it was way below what their peer companies have spent on similar missions. Asked what changes private satellites could bring, Nair said they wanted to democratize the sector. "We're here to bring space closer. To make its benefits available to every government, every business and every human on the planet. We are now aiming to make space flight simple, reliable and accessible to businesses and organisations of all sizes and help create a world-class space ecosystem in India. The small step is done, it is time for the giant leap now," he said. We are ecstatic and humbled to share that last night, we have became the first Indian private company to have a satellite in space. This is the result of a lot of hard work and ingenuity despite having very little resources to back us. https://t.co/MWGlb9wor6 Kris Nair (@krisnair) December 4, 2018 Nair, the 36-year-old scientist had joined the India Military Academy (IMA) after graduating in applied physics but had to drop out after he met with an accident. He had started his first company Navigator Media Intelligence in 1999 at a young age of 17. "We would like to thank ISRO, Antrix Corporation, Dept of Space, Spaceflight, SpaceX, our subsystem vendors and partners who helped our fledgeling team actualise our dream," he said. American adventurer and a Christian missionary John Allen Chau went to the Andaman and Nicobar islands, made persistent efforts to establish contacts with the Sentinelese tribe; a primal tribe that has been known to resist contact with the outside world since the first time British stepped on their island and got killed. Since his death much has been written, read and talked about the tribes of Andamans, the man who got killed and the hostility of Sentinelese. Many names have come to the fore during this time. However, among these people the name of an Indian anthropologist who was known for her elaborate thesis and impeccable research skills has popped up- Dr. Madhumala Chattopadhyay, the first woman to ever visit the Sentinelese and more so establish a friendly contact with them. She now works at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Photo: Dr. Madhumala Chattopadhyay in her office at Ministry of social justice and empowerment, R.K Puram What is important to note here is that she spent six years in the Andaman islands (from 1989 to 1996) and has met all the six tribes including Jarawas, Onge, Sentinelese, Nicobarese, Great Andaman and Shompens. Dr Madhumala was the best PhD thesis awardee at Calcutta University, author of the book- Tribes of Car Nicobar along with 20 research papers and a fierce expeditioner in her time. We met Dr Madhumala at her office where she supervises and refines the vast body of her research work on human nature and primitive tribes. Here are five main points from her research on Sentinelese: Women Are Known To Control Violence Even Among Tribes Like Sentinelese Dr Madhumala had to face a lot of hurdles from the Anthropological Survey Of India and even the Andaman administration to allow her to visit the North Sentinel island. Photo: Madhumala Chattopadhyay/ Chattopadhyay offering coconuts to the Sentinelese; 1st friendly encounter with them She approached the island on the morning of January 04, 1991 along with other crew members and organised a gift-dropping exercise, where they passed coconuts to tribal men through water. This activity continued for four hours until a boy took an aim at one of the crew members. A Sentinelese woman was also standing beside that boy. Upon seeing the woman Dr Madhumala called out, Kayeerie Esera, Naryali Jaba Jaba. This means Mother, come here. Have more and more coconuts. She had met the Onge and Car Nicobarese women before this and it was there in her mind that women controlled violence within the tribes. When the anthropologist conversed with the Sentinelese woman in her language, she diverted the arrow thereby, preventing a killing. Photo: Madhumala Chattopadhyay "They are like us only. It all depends on how we are approaching them." Dr Madhumala informed that in her research tenure, no tribal man had ever misbehaved with her. She had not only been received warmly but Jarawa women had even gifted her ornaments like a hair band, arm amulets made of bark and leaves. She was even part of the second contact expedition, which took place on February 21, 1991. ALSO READ: This Is How People In Andaman & Nicobar Islands Live With Horrible 2G Network & Irregular Wi-Fi Jarawas And Sentinelese Population Didnt Decline After 2004 Tsunami According to Dr Madhumala, there are different opinions on the population of these tribes after the 2004 Tsunami and that it didnt decrease during the disaster because they are animists, they worship nature. They pray to the sky, sun, sea. Even among Onges I have seen when it is full moon night, they sing all night. When a high tide is coming or it is raining, they say dont go out. They know how to survive all these things. For them nature is their religion. Photo: Madhumala Chattopadhyay/Chattopadhyay with Jarawa women and children only a few metres away As An Anthropologist I Believe They Should Be Left Alone Dr Madhumala said that once she went to visit the Onge tribe for collecting their blood and preservation of genes, upon seeing other members who were accompanying her, the Onges hid behind trees and further went into interiors of the jungle. You cant force them. You have to first build rapport with them. Being an anthropologist by profession, I can say this that when they are not allowing or showing by gesture that dont come then we should follow that. The Government of India had decided to abandon any further expedition to the Sentinel Island, because it believed that frequent contact might harm the small community. "Frequent contact was not needed and only if there is any natural calamity or epidemic that they should be contacted." Photo: Madhumala Chattopadhyay with Jarawas Sentinelese Were Exploited By British And Japanese Dr Madhumala, who had stayed under a roof with Jarawa women and their children informed that the British and Japanese had exploited and killed this tribal population. In 1880, the British were the first ones to venture into Sentinelese territory when they captured an elderly couple and four children. It was said that the couple had died in captivity which irked the Sentinelese. She even spoke about an interesting rumour that is popular among Sentinelese. Since the sea route from North Sentinel island acts as a channel to countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, it is even said that once a ship had stopped by the island where they saw a male Sentinelese standing. He was captured by the ship men and was taken to their country as a slave. Therefore, only people in this profession such as anthropologists, research scholars or government officials should be allowed to visit them because tourists have no idea about their behaviour. Photo: Madhumala Chattopadhyay with Sentinelese in January, 1991 John Allen Chau Should Have Proceeded Gradually, He Should Have Listened To Them Dr Madhumala emphasised that the only religion tribals follow is animism which is the worship of sun, moon, sea and sky. They are not accustomed to see all these things like Christianity. Their behaviour is also unpredictable and childlike; whatever they like, they like. So, first you establish contact with them only then you can talk to them. What will they do with religion? They are very close to nature and thats the only religion they understand. On retrieval of Johns body: Who will go to take his body? Perhaps, no it is not possible to retrieve his body because Sentinelese wouldnt allow. John Allen wanted to reach this place but he didnt listen to them. Photo: More of Madhumala with Jarawas When they are preventing, one should not force. They are intelligent people, we think we are studying them but they are studying us. If you go to any new population, it takes time to build rapport. They need shelter for security purpose, food for survival and clothes. However, they have no concept of wearing clothes. Religion and all will come later. They know where to go in any natural calamity. They have their own food resources the researcher further added. "Even the old people in these tribes dont believe in religion and after the death of any person- say a hunter-gatherer they prepare a model of that person and keep it. Then they offer food items and sometimes light candles in front of it." On being asked if she missed all that adventure, Yes, those adventures I liked but just to study them and to know how can we make it better. I had no plans of staying there for a long time, she replied, adding that despite being the number one student in all her endeavours, she was always prevented by her seniors and had to face a lot of hurdles. Majority of the society is still patriarchal. If young women show their enthusiasm then they are prevented." Talking about T.N Pandit who was had also approached the Sentinelese, Dr Madhumala said professional jealousy was so high that despite Pandit being her fathers age, he and other officers had forgotten everything. Her name wasnt even given for the commendation certificate, but she believes that women who are determined to make a name for themselves in a particular field will always find a way, just like she did through her in-depth study. Our brave soldiers work day and night so that the borders of India remain secure and citizens live freely without any external threat. What they want in return is just financial security for their families. But it seems that the government pays no heed to their legitimate needs. Once again, the government has ignored their long-standing demand for higher Military Service Pay (MSP) for around one lakh personnel, including Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO's), military sources said. According to reports, the Army is anguished over the decision by the Finance Ministry, and will seek its review. Representational Image Around one lakh service personnel including 87,646 JCOs and 25,434 personnel from the Navy and the Indian Air Force will be affected by the decision. The MSP was introduced as recognition of their difficult circumstances of their job. "The proposal for higher MSP for JCOs and equivalent rank of the Navy and IAF has been rejected by the Finance Ministry," said told PTI. At present, the MSP has two categories -- one for officers and another for JCOs and jawans. After Los Angeles and other US cities, Madrid has now put a complete ban on electric scooters from operating within the city premises. Madrid authorities have given a 72-hours time frame to all the e-scooter companies for the execution of this. Post the three day warning period, the council would remove any scooters belonging to any company by itself. The move follows a global protest against the use of electric scooters on the streets, deeming them as a public nuisance with no set guidelines to follow. The order was also triggered by a recent mishap wherein a 90-year-old pedestrian was fatally injured in a collision with an electric scooter within a pedestrian reserved zone in Madrid. That was not the sole incident of its kind though. As per reports, electric scooters have been involved in 22 accidents since this summer, including 8 incidents where pedestrians were hit. Reuters Three main e-scooter companies operate on Madrids streets - Lime, Wind and VOI. As per the rules in place, electric scooters are restricted to operate only in bicycle lanes and single-lane streets with a speed limit of 30 kmph. The council claims that the apps by the companies do not abide by the set rules. They were given a deadline and told that to continue they had to fulfil a series of conditions, including avoiding agglomerations and that the start and end of rides must take place in permitted areas, Ines Sabanes said, Madrid city environment and mobility coordinator. The three companies have been operating in Madrid since any of the rules were put in place. Since then, the council had directed the companies to monitor the use of these electric scooters and restrict it to only appropriate areas. People ride Lime-S electric scooters in Madrid (Reuters) The ban might be temporary though, considering the council is also evaluating licensing applications from other such companies. Sabanes said that Lime, Wind and VOI are welcome to apply again but only after they make the necessary adjustments to their apps. Meanwhile, the council is poised to come up with more such regulations, one of which might be to restrict the top speed to 25 kmph. Recently, a Cambridge based firm has announced its upcoming e-scooter that would eliminate several of these drawbacks associated with e-scooters, through self diagnosis and repair. Read all about it here. All conspiracy theories aside, there's now a NASA scientific paper that suggests that aliens might have already visited Earth -- without us knowing, because we are looking for all the wrong signs of alien life. This questions the very fundamental nature of what we claim to know about life in the universe. Representative image ALSO READ: After 10 Years Of Amazing Planet Hunting, NASA's Kepler Space Telescope Is Permanently Retired In a detailed research paper, a computer scientist at NASA Ames Research Centre, Professor Silvano P Colombano has suggested that aliens may vastly differ than what humans expect them to be. For example, Prof Colombano suggests that alien life may not be carbon-based, which would allow them to remain undetected by humans so far -- even on our very own earth. Writing in his scientific paper from March 2018 which just became public, NASA researcher Colombano says "I simply want to point out the fact that the intelligence we might find and that might choose to find us (if it hasnt already) might not be at all produced by carbon-based organisms like us." People dressed as aliens ALSO READ: 10 Alien Encounter Stories That Will Give Sleepless Nights For this super intelligence alien life form, interstellar travel will just be a hop, skip and jump. If you stretch that thought, it could very well mean that non-carbon based aliens might be here on Earth right now. But how will you find it? How will you identify it? No one knows what a non-carbon life form looks like, so here we go again doing more guess work. US President Donald Trump seems to be in an anger fit with the recent events, judging from his tweet that came as a reply to General Motors announcement made last week. For those unaware, the American auto giant (GM) has decided to shut down five of its production facilities in North America and consequently fire up to 15,000 workers. It has also announced the discontinuation of some of its cars. Bummer. But what appeared next on Trumps Twitter account was clearly an indication that this was only the beginning. The POTUS tweeted: We are now looking at cutting all @GM subsidies, including.for electric cars among other things, which mostly expressed his disappointment on the move. Surely enough, it hasnt been much more than a week and the White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow has come up with the official response to the situation. As per his statement on Monday, the Trump administration now wants to end subsidies for electric cars and other items, including renewable energy sources by as soon as 2020-21. Makes sense. Maybe something had to be done about GMs harsh move and to prevent anything like this from happening in the future. What does not make sense though, is the fact that GM might not even care about this. Why? In very simple terms, the company has almost reached its subsidy threshold for electric cars anyway. Larry Kudlow (Reuters) What is the Subsidy? The subsidy for electric vehicles is in the form of federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax credit that ranges from $2,500 to $7,500 for every new EV purchased in the U.S. The size of the tax credit depends on the size of the vehicle and its battery capacity. How GM is unaffected? The said tax credit has a threshold of 2,00,000 qualified EVs sold in the United States by each manufacturer. Post this mark, the credit begins to phase out for that manufacturer. Speaking of today, GM is very close to reaching this mark, and as per reports, may pass it within this year. Tesla is the only company that has already reached the count. So essentially, the tax credit was as it is void (or soon going to be) for both of these companies. Doing away with the EV subsidies altogether will hence not affect either one of these anymore. Chevy Volt, now discontinued by General Motors (Reuters) So who will be affected? Firstly, the environment. For obvious reasons. Moving on, other companies in pursuit of electric vehicles in the US will be the ones majorly affected by the move. It simply means that they will fail to take advantage of a deal that was going on but will be put to end shortly. Had it been continued, Tesla and GM would have a noticeable disadvantage over others, who would have received the subsidy. In addition to this, the tax credits given to utilities for producing wind power and installing solar power equipment will also be phased out slowly. US President Donald Trump (Reuters) What next? As of now, Donald Trump doesnt control the house anymore, so the phasing out of the electric vehicle tax credit is not in his hands. Most likely, the Democrats will disagree with the move when they take control of the US house in January. Though this certainly falls in line with the US Presidents extensive lobbying for fossil fuels. Trump was never really keen for renewable energy resources and has been vocal about it time and again. Back in June last year, Trump also announced that the US will cease all participation in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The reason for this, as cited by him, was that the Paris Accord will undermine US economy, a belief he still latches on to for any shift from fossil fuels. Autonomous technology has found widespread use over the years, and now, for the first time ever in human history, has made its way to the seas. The worlds first feat has been achieved by Falco, a ferry which has been converted into a self-driving vessel, thanks to technology from Rolls-Royce and Finferries. During its demonstration run on Monday, the 53.8 metre double-ended self-driving car ferry reportedly sailed from the island of Pargas to Nagu. The ship had no problems navigating itself through the rough waters of Turku Archipelago, despite windy conditions. The vessel is equipped with twin azimuth thrusters from Rolls-Royce. Representatives from Finferries and Rolls-Royce were onboard the vessel during this demonstration run. Among these, Rolls-Royce's VP of innovation, engineering and technology, Oskar Levander, was aboard, who hailed the event as, one of the shipping industry's most historic days in an interaction. Even Mikael Makinen, Rolls-Royce, President Commercial Marine said This is a very proud moment for all of us and marks our most significant milestone so far." Falco (Petra Ristola / Yle) As per Levander, the autonomous technologies under test would find widespread adoption in the future, as it enhances the safety and economic feasibility of the ferry business. Human errors account for most of the accidents in the shipping industry. The concerned companies aim to eliminate this possibility using automated navigation systems coupled with better sensors, new night-vision cameras and different radar systems. Levander claims that the ship is able to detect all the objects in the water and is constantly learning to identify more and more types of boats and ships. It wasnt able to identify one entity in the water though. During its test run, Falco missed a swimming elk, as mentioned by Finferries' captain Tuumas Mikkola. Interestingly, Captain Mikkola was sitting in his office, 30 kms away in Turku, while maneuvering the ship. There was a master controller aboard the ferry too, Matti Poyli, just in case things went out of hand. But Mikkola was easily able to take care of things through live feeds from the ferrys cameras and sensors. Falco's virtual control room in Turku. (Niclas Lundqvist / Yle) Captain Mikkola mentions how the biggest difference in controlling the ferry remotely, as opposed to being on it, was not having a sensory feedback. To recall, Rolls-Royce and Intel had recently announced a partnership to develop intelligent shipping systems for a safer and more efficient commercial shipping. While that is still in works, Rolls-Royce seems to be well dedicated to the cause and might just come up with the first commercial system, of course, only after overcoming the associated legal hurdles. Following weeks of protests around the country the French Government has suspended planned fuel tax hikes. Rioters ran amok across central Paris, torching cars and buildings, looting shops, smashing windows and clashing with police in the worst unrest in more than a decade, The nationwide protests against fuel taxes and living costs, known as the yellow vest movement after fluorescent jackets kept in all vehicles in France, forced authorities to take a step back. Reuters The popular rebellion erupted out of nowhere on Nov. 17 and has spread quickly via social media, with protesters blocking roads across France and impeding access to shopping malls, factories and some fuel depots. Over the past three weeks the movement has evolved into a wider, broad brush anti-Macron uprising, with many criticising the president for pursuing policies they say favour the rich and do nothing to help the poor. Despite having no leader and sometimes unclear goals, the movement has drawn people of all ages and backgrounds and tapped into a growing malaise over Macrons leadership. Well they got what they wanted. Reuters On December 3, SpaceX launched Indias first privately built satellite ExceedSAT 1 along with 63 other satellites from 17 countries. The launch of the satellite was postponed for 10 days due to weather and technical reasons. It was finally launched at 12:10 AM on Tuesday from Vandenberg air force base in California. 43 minutes after the launch, Falcon 9 placed ExceedSAT 1 into the polar orbit. Falcon 9 launches 64 payloads to orbit for the Spaceflight SSO-A: SmallSat Express mission, marking SpaceXs 19th launch in 2018. pic.twitter.com/oeX98v1t2N SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 4, 2018 Made up of aluminium alloy, the mini-satellite weighs just one kg and is double the size of a Rubiks cube (10 cm*10 cm*10 cm). The satellite is a made by a Mumbai-based startup called Exceed Space, looks to serve the amateur radio community. The cost of the satellite is 2 crore and took 18 months to be built with a lifespan of five years. Exceed Space CEO Kris Nair told TOI that the satellite would provide a big boost to private radio operators and help in coordinating messages among them and help the country in time of disaster. Explaining the reason for not launching it from Indian soil, Nair said Exceed Space decided to fly the satellite from the US as Space X had a slot available. The availability of a slot with Isro proved very difficult because the PSLV is a very popular rocket with lots of customers, he said. SpaceX Nair said there were between 200 and 300 companies supplying components to Isro. These organisations played a major role in our space programme. We want to go a step further and set up a full-fledged space company dealing in satellites. The focus will be on offering space-based solutions in various sectors like agriculture, he said. Wearing a T-shirt and jeans, the young CEO said the decision to make the satellite was taken last year just after the company was founded in May 2017. The Falcon 9 rocket also carried cremated remains of 100 people mostly military veterans and aerospace enthusiasts to space. The Falcon 9 also broke a record - it managed to deliver 64 satellites into orbit breaking the US record. It seems its a crime to show skin, this ABC Radio National presenter was kicked out of Australias Parliament for showing too much skin. Journalist Patricia Karvelas was asked to leave the press gallery during Question Time at the Parliament because apparently, she was showing too much skin, reported ABC news. Meanwhile, in solidarity with the journalist, social media users in Australia are sharing selfies with bare arms. Karvelas who was wearing a short-sleeved pantsuit at the time she went to parliament, posted a picture of her outfit on Monday. I have just been kicked out of #QT because you can allegedly see too much skin. His insane #Auspol pic.twitter.com/51KipESXlG PatriciaKarvelas (@PatsKarvelas) December 3, 2018 Karvelas while speaking to ABC also said that an attendant came up to her and said that her clothes showed too much shoulder and that she needed to cover up more. Interestingly, the Parliament of Australia website says that the standard of dress is an individual judgement and the standards should involve good trousers, a jacket, collar and tie for men and a similar standard of formality for women. "It's a pretty professional pantsuit, to be honest - I quite like it. But she said that wasn't appropriate and I had to leave so I actually was marched out of Question Time," said Karvelas. Since then, a lot of women have come out in support of the journalist and shared pictures of their bare arms. 1. 2. Try this on for size then! pic.twitter.com/RTAYus3WfE colsi (@thecolsi) December 3, 2018 3. 4. 5. 6. Kicked out for showing your arms? Um. Hello? Julie Bishop anyone. pic.twitter.com/gIOQzbZDCm Stace Jarman (@stacejarman) December 3, 2018 Open-minded or not, society has made a lot of rules for women. From sitting postures to how to talk in front of men, there are way too many rules that make no sense, and its high time it stopped. Living with roommates can be fun, but there are a tonne of other not-so-pleasant things that come along with it. The worst is people touching your food. Of course, it's ok to share, but there can be times when things go out of hand and it's especially tricky for people who are possessive about their food. YouTube Things took a turn for the worst when this Taiwanese woman found her yoghurt cup empty. The woman who was sharing a space with five other women lost her cool and took things to the next level. When no one stepped up to admit, the unnamed woman lodged a police complaint. ALSO READ: This Brave Dog Took A Bullet To Save His Owner From Robbers & The Story Will Move You! In this scenario, you would think that the police would dismiss the complaint. However, they actually took the case forward and conducted an expensive DNA test to nab the yoghurt thief! According to reports, each DNA test costs NT$3,000 (around Rs 6,000) and it all comes out of taxpayers' money. One local, Mr Liu, told the Apple Daily newspaper: "It is a waste of society's resources. If I was a police officer, I would have just bought her a bottle to reimburse her." ALSO READ: Brave Jewellery Shop Employees Use Kirpans To Chase Away Robbers Carrying Guns & Sledgehammer People were left enraged after the police took forward such a frivolous case when there were bigger things to solve. Tower of Silence For Parsi Funerals Can Be Built in Texas Protesters marched along the United States-Mexico border during a rally to show solidarity with the migrant caravan on Nov. 25. The overall number of undocumented immigrants has declined, even as the number of unauthorized Indians has risen to unprecedented highs. Statistically, one out of every six Indian Americans is undocumented, with an overall population of three million. (Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images) Undocumented molecular biologist Syed Ahmed Jamal seen here with his three children. One of the Jamals' attorneys, Indian American Rekha Sharma-Crawford, said the long delay before the next hearing is caused by recent changes in immigration law that led to a backlog in cases such as Jamal's. (Jamal family photo) Switch the Market flag Open the menu and switch the Market flag for targeted data from your country of choice. for targeted data from your country of choice. LOWER MAKEFIELD >> A Thanksgiving Eve fire caused extensive damage to a single family home on Innis Drive Wednesday afternoon in the townships Estates at Pebble Creek development. The alarm bell sounded around 3:19 p.m. dispatching the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company to the scene. When Yardley-Makefield Chief 0 Glenn Chamberlain arrived, fire was visible across the roofline and a plume of... Ian Stewart, partner at global law firm Clyde & Co, predicted that the program may be the nudge that insurance brokers need to start innovating in the digital space. In practical terms (and if implemented), this means that businesses with an innovative insurance broking product or platform would be able to apply to enter the Fintech Regulatory Sandbox within a much shorter timeframe and can develop their proposal with a clear understanding of the likely regulatory arrangements that would apply to them during the trial, wrote Stewart in the firms blog. The inclusion of insurance broking as one of the recognised categories also flags the fact that the Singapore regulator is increasingly confident in its assessment of the risks and opportunities attaching to digital innovation in the broking space. As a result, we expect that 2019 will see the emergence of new insurance brokers, having graduated from the Fintech Regulatory Sandbox on an expedited path, and challenging the existing incumbent players with new and innovative business solutions. The last insurance broker to graduate from the Fintech Regulatory Sandbox was PolicyPal in mid-2017. PolicyPal utilises an application that relies on artificial intelligence to simplify and digitise insurance. David Akers, who has been AMPs acting group executive of advice while Regan has been on extended leave, will work with Wade to transition responsibilities and will return to the advice leadership team. Blair Vernon will continue as managing director of New Zealand. Wade has significant experience in financial services in Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. He was most recently the head of developed and emerging Asia for Credit Suisse Private Banking. He has been with Credit Suisse for 12 years, holding other roles such as chief of staff for Asia Pacific and head of private banking for Australia. Wade is a talented leader and strategic thinker, who will bring valued experience and relationships to AMPs advice business, De Ferrari said. The financial advice industry in Australia is in the process of renewal, and AMP and Alex will play a prominent role in driving this change. De Ferrari also thanked Regan for his commitment to our advisers, customers and employees over his long service at AMP and Akers for taking on the role of acting group executive, advice, this Which insurer is leading the way when it comes to turnaround times on claims? Which insurer is setting the standard for the overall level of service it offers its broker partners on a daily basis? And which insurer has risen to the top of the pack to be crowned Insurer of the Year for 2018? For the sixth consecutive year, Insurance Business turned to brokers to find out which insurers they feel are delivering the best bang for their buck. As always, IB received a strong response from our readers, who were eager to provide a wealth of feedback on their experiences with Australias major general insurers. Their scores and comments have been collected and packaged together for this 2018 Brokers on Insurers special report. As in previous years, IB asked brokers to rate insurers across 11 categories and to identify which individual aspects of their dealings with insurers have been most crucial in influencing their ultimate impression of that company. So, how did insurers fare in 2018? Who has improved on their 2017 performance, and which insurers have fallen behind? Read on and find out. Tim Garratt Editor, Insurance Business METHODOLOGY Using our online newsletter and Twitter, Insurance Business invited brokers to rate the performance of several insurers that operate in Australia: AIG, Allianz, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Calibre, CGU, Chubb, QBE, Vero, XL Catlin and Zurich. More than 400 survey participants rated these insurers on a scale from 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good) over 11 categories: claims turnaround times new business enquiry turnaround times overall service level premium stability online platforms BDM support training and development product range product innovation commission structure brand recognition Brokers also rated the importance of each of these categories on the same scale. An average was then generated for each insurer in each category, and an overall average was calculated based on each insurers performance across all 11 categories. Brokers were also asked a number of questions about how insurers had performed in the most important areas. In addition, they provided feedback on their best and worst experiences with insurers during the past year. WHAT BROKERS WANT Insurance Business asked brokers which factors are most and least important to them in their dealings with insurers. Brokers tend to name the same top four factors in precisely the same order each year and that was the case once again in 2018. Unsurprisingly, respondents named turnaround times on claims as what matters most to them in dealing with insurers. When a client suffers a loss or damage, its their expectation that the claim process will be as painless and stress-free as possible. And of course, a broker acting on behalf of an insured wants to deal with insurers they know will provide precisely that kind of customer experience. In second place, brokers once again named overall service level. In todays world, time-poor brokers need to be able to interact with insurance company staff members who can confidently, efficiently and empathetically address their and their insureds questions and concerns. And in a world where technology continues to ramp up the pace of change, brokers now have access to best-in-class customer experiences that they expect to see replicated across the board, including in their dealings with insurers. When asked about the best thing an insurer had done for their business or a client within the last 12 months, one broker said, [They] offered to have a claims consultant sit in my office and help out with progress updates, making live decisions on claims, answering questions, lodging claims on our behalf. Another broker praised an insurer that paid a claim quickly to the client without any unnecessary delays, while a third was impressed by an insurer that [took] the time to understand my clients and assess the risks correctly. Finishing third on the list yet again was turnaround times on new business enquiries, while premium stability rounded out the top four. When premium increases are on the horizon, brokers want to know why so they can prepare their clients for whats ahead. One survey respondent raved about an insurer that communicated clearly over the phone the reasons for a large premium increase and offered to review the policy to reduce the premium where possible. Online platforms moved from sixth to fifth place in terms of importance this year. As technology continues to enhance customer experiences across industries, and with more paper processes moving online, its hardly a surprising move. Brokers increasingly expect insurers to deliver seamless, intuitive online platforms that make vital information exchanges easy. At the other end of the spectrum, the two factors that usually find themselves at the bottom of the list commission structure and the insurers brand recognition occupied those last two spaces again this year. WINNING MORE BROKER BUSINESS Brokers who participated in the 2018 survey were asked how an insurer can win more of their business in 2018. They responded with a plethora of varied and constructive responses. Be innovative, one broker advised. Work with the broker on innovative underwriting solutions to risks [and] flip the thinking of philosophy from end customer back up the chain through broker and insurer. Another broker suggested an insurer could win more of their business by simplifying and shortening their proposal forms, by using online systems and by providing the brokers with more plain English materials for both advertising and policy wordings. Several brokers were in favour of increased use of online systems. The electronic quoting systems definitely make all the difference, one said. When we are time-poor, we cannot afford referrals and requests for more information. The easier it is to quote and bind electronically, the more business the insurer will win. However, other brokers stressed that technological upgrades must be balanced with face-to-face interaction. One broker said insurers need to accept the fact that technology is changing the way business is run and transacted, but to look for a balance with personal service and relationship modelling. Another advised insurers to continue to focus on personal service. I like to know that my query is being attended to. If I cant have a response within 24 hours, give me an update. Understand my expectations [and] listen. The timeliness of communications between brokers and insurers was an issue raised by several survey respondents. I understand that you might not be able to write everything; let me know straight away dont wait weeks to say no, one broker said. Another responded: Insurers need to be proactive with responding to claims, regardless of the decision to accept or decline. Delays with claims affect the insurers and our credibility. Some brokers intimated that they would be more inclined to work with an insurer if they had the opportunity to see more of their people. Come and visit us in our o ce and ask what you can do for us, and then follow through, one broker advised. Another suggested a stronger relationship would help. Be more involved in our business, the broker said. Learn how we work and give us the opportunity to write new business instead of declining all risks presented. And another emphasised the importance of teamwork. Believe and trust in your brokers, just as we believe and trust in you and your product, the broker said. Working alone is futile teamwork is key. Of course, in a market that is now showing signs of hardening, brokers also made a number of comments about premiums. One is looking for insurers to provide quick, prompt and fair premiums for risks and service from intelligent operatives. Meanwhile, another broker opined that insurers need to be realistic on premiums. Rather than trying to push higher premiums, they should be working with us to add value to our client relationship." Welcome to the 2017 Insurance Business Elite Brokers list. This year marks the fifth occasion on which Insurance Business has set out to find insurance brokers across the country at the top of their game fine examples of the enormous value the sector provides to the wider community. This year, weve decided to change our approach slightly. In previous years, weve published a full ranking list of the top brokers who entered. But this year, in our efforts to place more emphasis on the fact that being named an elite broker is significant recognition on its own, we have decided not to publish any final rankings and instead shine an equal share of the spotlight on each of the top entrants who qualified for our Elite Brokers list. You can find the names and faces of those brokers on the pages that follow. It remains our privilege to be able to acknowledge some of the high achievers in broking in Australia. Wed like to offer a sincere thank you to everyone who applied to be a part of the Elite Brokers 2017 report, and we look forward to bringing it all back again in 2018. METHODOLOGY The Insurance Business ranking system is an objective means of ranking the best performing insurance brokers in the country not just those with the biggest portfolios or the largest clients. Each broker was required to supply their own details to Insurance Business to be eligible, along with details of a contact who could verify those figures. There were eight criteria, covering: Number of policies written Total revenue Revenue per policy Number of clients New clients New client revenue Client retention Each broker was ranked in each of these measurements and the sum of all of their rankings was calculated to determine those who would receive recognition. While no rankings have been published this year, this methodology was used to determine the brokers included in this report. As fraud becomes a bigger issue in Ontario, so does the number of people in support of efforts to stamp it out. The study discovered that 86% of Ontarians are in support of government and law enforcement agencies investing more resources to investigate and prosecute fraudulent claims up from 78% in 2017. Dishonest claimants and service providers continue to cheat consumers. We are seeing a troubling and egregious form of fraud that includes the fraudulent sale and issuing of auto policies, said Aviva Canada president and CEO Colm Holmes. We need to do better for honest drivers. Thats why Aviva is fighting fraud. Honest drivers pay higher premiums because of criminal fraud. They know it. We know it. And the time has come to fight back. Other key findings of the report include: 86% of Ontarians feel that more needs to be done to combat fraud. 82% feel the increase in their auto insurance premium is due to three factors fraudulent vehicle repairs, rise in vehicle theft cases, and personal injury claims. 73% agree that cracking down on fraud would reduce their current auto insurance premium. 74% support a new set of provincial insurance fraud offences. 70% feel that insurance companies need to invest more resources to combat fraud. 60% support an online fraud intelligence database that consumers can access 72% would use it look up an auto body shop following a car collision 58% would use it to look up a healthcare practitioner for treatment of injuries following a car collision 59% believe that insurance companies should be mandated to invest in an insurance fraud management model and a clear set of penalties and fines for those convicted of fraud. 53% feel that government, insurance companies, other organizations fighting fraud, and police all need to take responsibility for warning consumers about insurance fraud schemes. 77% feel that insurance companies that have uncovered fraud schemes should make the information available to the public in real time. Related stories: Industry responds to Ontario's auto insurance shakeup Aviva investigation leads to conviction for fraudster A Chicago doctor has been convicted of healthcare fraud for billing insurance companies $3.5 million for operations he never performed. Dr. Paul Madison, 65, was found guilty of six counts of healthcare fraud, three counts of lying about the delivery of medical treatment and two counts of aggravated identity theft, according to a report by NBC 5 Chicago. Madison was an anesthesiologist and pain-management specialist for Watertower SurgiCenter, a Chicago medical center he owned. According to prosecutors, between 2005 and 2009, he ordered his staff to bill insurers for surgical procedures that were never actually performed. Carpenter controlled a series of companies that developed the Charter Oak Trust, an employee-welfare benefit plan and trust. The primary purpose of the trust was to secure life insurance policies on elderly people policies that would be held by Carpenters companies as investments or resold in the life-settlement market, according to the Daily Voice. According to US Attorney John Durham, agents for the trust typically promised to provide the insureds with free life insurance for two years, and, at the end of that period, sell the policies on the life-settlement market. In most cases, agents promised the insureds that they would receive a portion of the proceeds of any sales, the Daily Voice reported. Prosecutors said that Carpenter, conspiring with insurance agents, sent insurance providers several insurance applications that contained false information. Based on that false information, the Charter Oak Trust procured 84 life insurance policies on the lives of 76 different people. The policies had a total benefit of more than $459 million, according to the Daily Voice. Another Carpenter-controlled company received more than $12 million in commissions from insurance providers, who would not have paid those commissions had they known about the phony nature of the insurance applications, prosecutors said. Carpenter has a prior conviction in Massachusetts for mail and wire fraud, the Daily Voice reported. Theyve gotten to the point where theyre at the end of the seams and they really are filled at that building, Rolling Meadows city manager Barry Krumstok told Daily Herald. The office will be constructed on a 352,000-square-foot parcel, located next to a parking garage on the campus. The development will cost an estimated $45.6 million, and it would include state-of-the-art conference areas, huddle rooms, phone rooms and workstations. With the new office building, Gallagher hopes to create 700 full-time jobs over the next five to seven years. Although Gallagher considered expanding its other locations particularly in Houston, where it has 460 employees company officials noted that business assistance provided by Cook County and the state of Illinois is a major component in the brokerages decision to stay in Rolling Meadows. In an estimate Gallagher submitted to Cook County, it would cost $763 million to build and staff the new building and pay property taxes versus the $656 million for leasing, labor and taxes the company would have paid in Houston. It was this difference that led the commercial insurance brokerage to apply for a Cook County Class 7B tax incentive, allowing the property to be assessed lower than the standard 25% for several years. When given final approvals, construction on the site is projected to begin in 2019 and be complete by late 2021. Related stories: Gallagher acquires broker equity stake in Southeast Asia Gallagher acquires Buckman-Mitchell In the past few years, a red-hot mergers and acquisitions (M&A) environment has emerged. Weve seen American International Group, Inc. (AIG) snap up mega-brokerage Glatfelter Insurance Group (Glatfelter), as well as Marsh & McLennan Companies agreeing to purchase Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group (JLT). Theyre two big-ticket deals that stole the headlines, but consolidation activity has been happening throughout all insurance marketplaces. Two factors driving consolidation are the evolution of insurtech and heightened pressure to refresh distribution models. Again, these factors weave in together. For example, a brokerage might consider acquiring an insurtech firm so that it can utilize and own the insurtechs bespoke distribution model. Chris Leisz, president of the programs division at Risk Placement Services, Inc. (RPS), a division of brokerage giant Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., told Insurance Business hes looking at the industry trends of consolidation, insurtech and the distribution evolution as exciting opportunities. The fundamentals of program administration business are agility and the ability to respond quickly to changes in the marketplace or changes in buying habits, he said. Consolidation is impacting the program administration marketplace in the same way that its impacting brokers and carriers. Where the program administration market has an advantage is that we have a dedicated focus to niche parts of the property and casualty (P&C) industry, and deep underwriting expertise to back that up. As part of Gallagher, RPS has a well-developed distribution platform with access to over 25,000 agents. The unit administers more than 20 unique programs from eight independent offices around the US. Despite being considered a large program administrator, RPS is always looking towards innovation, improvement and growth, according to Leisz. Automation and technology will continue to grow in prevalence, not just in the P&C market as a whole, but also for program administrators and brokers and so on, he commented. For us, the question is: how can we continue to support our deep underwriting expertise and unique distribution capabilities with strong data and strong technology? Moving forwards, were going to have to continue to look to partner with or consolidate insurtech firms that are bringing change to the network. I have confidence in the value that program administrators bring to the insurance industry. Oftentimes, people ask: Why would you partner with an insurtech? Youre going to empower them to disrupt you. Program administrators focus on difficult-to-place business. Our differentiation is our distribution platform alongside our deep understanding of a niche focus area. Thats not easy to disrupt. Rather, developing strong partnerships with committed carriers and innovators could bring about some really exciting changes to the insurance value chain. For this year, 230 applicants signed up for the program, and were later whittled down to 22 finalists. Ultimately, 10 companies were selected to take part in this years start-up support program, with representation from several different countries Australia, Canada, South Africa, Switzerland and the US. We have built strong foundations over the last 18 months and were on the way to transforming the City of Hartford into the insurtech capital of the US, Startupbootcamp InsurTech CEO Sabine VanderLinden told Hartford Courant. Aside from inviting insurtechs, the city is also host to major insurer developments. According to PwCs November report, several insurance companies operating in the area have pushed for significant initiatives such as Travelers new digital tool for injured workers, Voyas expansion of its retirement plan administration business, and Hartford Steam Boilers new innovation lab. In addition, multinational Indian IT and consulting company Infosys is opening its business in Hartford this week, with plans for labs dedicated to underwriting and claims fraud, Hartford Courant reported. Last month, the National League of Cities (NLC) and Schmidt Futures called Hartford the countrys premier destination for insurance technology. Both have also named the city in the City Innovation Ecosystems program, which recognizes 50 cities that have made significant commitments to local entrepreneurship, STEM education or innovation. NLC noted that through 2019, the city will be paying closer attention to its insurance-related developments these include the number of tech start-ups, amount of engagement and support from corporations and number of tech events being held in Hartford. Related stories: Competition heats up among insurtechs Evolution in insurtech continues, backed by funding from industry giants The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has awarded a contract to begin a self-driving shuttle service in Providence. The agency said Monday that May Mobility in Ann Arbor, Mich., will operate the states first autonomous transit pilot service, to launch this spring. The state will pay $800,000 for the first year. The shuttles will run between downtown Providence and Olneyville via the Woonasquatucket River corridor. Theres currently no public transit along the full route. The company will test the electric shuttles in the Quonset Business Park this winter. Each vehicle holds six people, including an attendant wholl have the ability to fully control the shuttle at any time to ensure safety. The service will be free for a year. The contract includes options to extend the service for two more years. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The family of a slain University of Virginia student has refiled a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend, who was convicted of killing her. The Daily Progress reports Yeardley Loves family filed the lawsuit against former Virginia lacrosse player George Huguely V on Nov. 27. It seeks compensation for assault and battery, as well as punitive damages. Loves mother, Sharon Love, filed the original suit after Huguely was convicted in 2012 of second-degree murder in the 2010 death. It was dropped in June after an appeals court upheld a decision that Chartis Property Casualty Co., doesnt have to pay a $6 million insurance policy to Huguely, thus decreasing possible damages available to Sharon Love. Huguely is serving a 23-year sentence in prison. The report didnt include comment from his lawyers. Information from: The Daily Progress Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Education Virginia Universities Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota-based CHS Inc. has lowered five years of profits by nearly $158 million as the global grain, energy and food company recovers after a freight trader falsified records. The farmer-owned cooperative, which also provides farm and ranch insurance in partnership with Nationwide, announced its 2018 fiscal year results on Dec. 3, and revised its finances for the first three quarters and for the four years before that. The Star Tribune says CHS recently learned that a freight trader at the co-op misstated the value and quantity of contracts, making the company more profitable than it was. Chief Executive Jay Debertin says the company does not plan to pursue legal action against the employee who was terminated. But, CHS has made several personnel changes since the fraud was uncovered two months ago. The companys corrected earnings are $776 million for fiscal 2018 with revenue of $32.7 billion, up 2 percent. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Fraud Profit Loss Agribusiness Minnesota QQA federal judge who has been asked to sign off on the U.S. governments decision to approve CVS Health Corp.s acquisition of insurer Aetna Inc. said Tuesday he was less convinced than the government that the companies had struck a deal that ensured the merger was legal under antitrust law. Judge Richard Leon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia had complained last week in a hearing that the two sides had treated him as a rubber stamp for the agreement. CVS closed the $69 billion transaction last week and began the integration process. At this stage, I am less convinced of the sufficiency of the governments negotiated remedy than the government is, he wrote in the order issued on Tuesday. The Justice Department approved the merger of CVS, a pharmacy chain and benefits manager, and Aetna on condition that the health insurer sell its Medicare Part D drug plan business to WellCare Health Plans Inc. That sale was completed last month. Also in the order, Leon asked the government and the companies to file a brief by Dec. 14 to show why their integration should not be halted while he considers whether or not to approve the consent decree reached in October. Most consent agreements that the antitrust agencies strike with companies to resolve competitive concerns are approved by federal courts with little fuss under the 1974 Tunney Act, which requires courts to ensure the agreements are in the public interest. Companies generally do not wait for final court approval before closing their transactions. (Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Bernadette Baum) Topics Mergers Legislation American International Group (AIG) has appointed Mark D. Lyons to the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), succeeding Sid Sankaran, who will remain at AIG in an advisory capacity through the year-end reporting process for fiscal year 2018. Lyons will serve on the AIG Executive Leadership team and will report directly to Brian Duperreault, president and CEO of AIG. Lyons will remain chief actuary, General Insurance, until a successor is named. Lyons joined AIG in 2018 from Arch Capital Group, where he served as executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer since 2012. He joined Arch in 2002 and served in various capacities within Arch Insurance U.S. operations, eventually rising to chairman and CEO of Arch Worldwide Insurance Group. Prior to joining Arch, Lyons held various positions at Zurich U.S., Berkshire Hathaway and AIG. Sankaran was a partner in the finance and risk practice at Oliver Wyman, the management consulting arm of March & McLennan Cos., before coming to AIG in 2010. He served first as the companys chief risk officer and then as chief financial officer. CEO Duperreault thanked Sankaran for his significant contributions over the years. Topics AIG Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has appointed Daniel Vetter as head of Excess & Surplus North America, a newly-created role. Vetter will be responsible for the strategy and growth of the companys E&S Property and Casualty business, as well as for establishing a Financial & Professional lines team within the unit. Based in New York, Vetter will oversee dedicated sales and underwriting teams across the region. Ivan Gonzalez, CEO North America, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, noted that the firm created its standalone E&S unit less than a year ago and Vetter will not only help grow that but also build a Financial & Professional Lines offering. Vetter brings more 20 years of insurance experience to this role. Since joining Swiss Re in 2000, he has held various underwriting leadership positions, both with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and its predecessor organizations. Most recently, Vetter was head of Casualty, where he was instrumental in steering the global portfolio leading the build-out of Corporate Solutions Primary insurance capabilities. Topics Excess Surplus Swiss Re Dean & Draper Insurance Agency LP has acquired Painter Reichman & Co., a Houston-based agency specializing in personal and commercial insurance. Painter Reichman & Co was founded in 1906 and was purchased by J.T. Curson in 1935. Since then, it has remained family-owned until its acquisition on Dec. 1, 2018, by Dean & Draper, which is also headquartered in Houston. Don Curson joined Painter Reichman & Co in 1976 as the third generation in the Curson family to make a career in the insurance industry. Curson said the decision to join Dean & Draper was prompted by the companys reputation, stability, and customer-focused approach, values that Dean & Draper share with that of Painter Reichman & Co. Dean & Draper Insurance is a full-service insurance agency that has offered commercial and personal insurance, as well as employee benefits for over 38 years. Source: Dean & Draper Insurance Agency Topics Mergers Fewer than 600 of an estimated 150,000 Texas patients with uncontrollable epileptic seizures have been prescribed a low-THC oil derived from cannabis under the states restrictive medical marijuana program. Roughly 45 doctors have signed up to prescribe cannabidiol, or CBD, almost a year after the first marijuana plants were legally harvested in Texas, the San Antonio Express-News reported. The states therapeutic marijuana program under the Texas Compassionate Use Act grants only patients with intractable epilepsy access to cannabidiol with low THC, the compound that gives pot its high. The law took effect in 2015, but the rollout has been slow. Just three companies in central Texas have been licensed to distribute the drug. One doesnt seem to have opened yet and another has reported financial losses because of a small client base. State lawmakers are pushing proposals that would loosen THC restrictions and give more patients access, including people with cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder and other serious medical conditions. Some advocates are looking to modify the programs language because many doctors are reluctant to enroll due to the requirement that they would have to prescribe the drug instead of recommend it. Recommendations are used in other states to sidestep federal laws, which still classify marijuana as illegal. The Texas House has been receptive to expanding medical cannabis use, but the state Senate and Gov. Greg Abbott have expressed resistance to such changes. This is not a liberal or conservative issue, this is a medical issue, said Democratic state Sen. Jose Menendez, who filed a bill to expand the program to cover 20 other conditions and allow higher THC levels. Why do we as a Legislature get to think we know better than the doctors? Why are we limiting this and keeping people that have glaucoma, MS, cancer, from having access? Several marijuana-related proposals are on the docket for the upcoming legislative session, which begins in January. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Texas Cannabis The page has finally turned on the tumultuous 2018 hurricane season, but for the agents who live and work in the Florida Panhandle the story isnt over personally or professionally. We all still feel like were in hurricane mode all the time. When internet and phones are still down, theres a tarp on your roof, tent cities in our town, and you drive home with big mounds of debris on either side of the road in your neighborhood, it sure doesnt feel like hurricane season is over, said Trey Hutt, president of Hutt Insurance Agency. Hurricane Michael devastated the area when it hit on Oct. 10 at near Category 5 strength. It was the largest storm to hit the region on record, bringing widespread destruction. Nearly two months later, residents are still picking up the pieces and insurance agents are right beside them helping, preparing meals for displaced residents, assuring customers that carriers will take care of them, and acting as a resource for whatever they need. There are personal stresses on everyone and we are doing a lot to manage those stresses and panic. I think my job over the past [several] weeks has been 80 percent psychology and 20 percent insurance because a lot of it has just been calming people down and reassuring them, said Hutt, who has two agency locations in the Florida Panhandle, one in Panama City and one in Lynn Haven. Insurance agency owner Karen Kirkland, who owns Kirkland Insurance Agency in Lynn Haven, expressed relief that hurricane season is officially over, though she said she didnt even realize it at first because she has been so busy helping customers. This will give us time to focus on the claims on hand and focus completely on them, she said. Agents in the area say the last couple months have been the most challenging in their careers, but they also learned some valuable lessons to carry forward into future hurricane seasons. The impact of this season has taken a toll. Hurricane Michael casts a shadow over everything around here, and pictures cant get that across well, Hutt added. I really didnt expect the drastic impact I expected what we normally see after a hurricane. This was so much greater than we expected. The magnitude was so much greater and severe. One particular challenge agents said they didnt anticipate was being unable to communicate following the storm. Power was out for at least seven to 10 days, if not longer in some areas, and cell service and internet from the Verizon Wireless, the main provider in the area, were down for a long period as well. That made assisting customers even more challenging. Hutt said living in Florida means you prepare every year for hurricane season, but the preparations he had in place fell apart when his generator gas line broke, leaving him without power for just over a week and forcing them to resort to taking claims by hand. In addition, his internet and cell service through Verizon was out for 10 days. Hutts Lynn Haven office was also badly damaged by the hurricane and it remains closed. He and his family rode out the storm at that location because the office building is concrete and they thought it was the safest place to be. However, the force of the wind was so powerful it took the roof right off the building. We were as prepared as you can be, but we were not prepared for the severity and intensity of the storm, said Hutt. Hutt is not alone in feeling he was not totally prepared for a storm like Michael. If it had been a lesser storm I would say yes, but since it was a Cat 4 or maybe stronger I dont know if anybody speaking honestly is prepared for a storm of this magnitude, said Anthony DuBose, president of Coastal Community Insurance Agency in Panama City Beach, Fla., and current chairman of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA). With no power or internet, Dubose drove two hours to Alabama to use an internet hotspot. He said FAIA also provided burner phones and supplies to help them in the days after Michael. With their help we got on our feet and talked to carriers and clients. We had to deal with things you dont think about before the storm, he said. Duboses agency of 11 employees has about 6,000 policyholders, about 1,500 of whom are experiencing claims from Michael. The losses range from small to substantial, and for the majority of clients it was a wind event and not a flood event. Several of his employees also suffered losses. We were battling issues in our personal lives and trying to take care of customers, he said. Karen Kirkland wanted to check on her clients the Saturday after the hurricane but she was low on gasoline for her car. So she rode her bike into nearby neighborhoods to make sure her insureds were alright. Once it became clear there would not be power or internet for awhile, she relocated to stay with family in South Carolina for three weeks following the storm where she helped more than 500 of her customers nearly half of her total policyholders who had claims. I knew I would be able to work at that location and it would be a long time until I could operate here, she said. Taking my phone and computer to an offsite location [before the storm] was probably the smartest thing I could have done. I worked 14-hour days for three weeks only slowing down some on the weekends because the calls slowed down. Internet service at her office only came back on Nov. 21, so until then she processed payments at a friends house nearby. She said keeping up with claims and not having internet in her office for so long has taken a toll on her ability to recruit new business she has gone from issuing 60 quotes a month to just 5 since Michael. Hutt said he saw about 2,200 claims from his 6,000 policyholders. The majority of the claims were tree damage to buildings, There were also some heavy commercial claims from concrete buildings that were blown through or cinder block walls completely blown down. I didnt think that was possible. The physics were both impressive and frightening, he said. Taveras Horne, co-owner of a Brightway franchise in Mariana, The Ephriam & Horne Agency, said the Brightway headquarters in Jacksonville was able to take all of his calls while the phone and internet were down for about a week. But it was still frustrating not to have a decent form of communication. I dont take the small things for granted anymore, he said. Horne said the majority of his more than 1,000 policyholders had some sort of property damage. Carrier Response Despite some criticism from state officials who have said some carriers are not handling claims expeditiously, the agents say carriers have been very responsive and efficient at handling customer claims. The ones that have really stood out are those who have communicated with customers and have the resources to respond quickly, said Dubose. When you are dealing with peoples homes and businesses and they are displaced, the main thing is to assure them you will get them back where they were before the storm occurred, he said. Horne said the response from carriers has been pretty good, but there have also been some complaints. Its a mixed bag. Some people are satisfied with the claims process and some arent. The volume of claims is so large that the response isnt meeting everyones expectations, he said. Overall from my viewpoint, carriers have responded pretty well but there is always room for improvement. Hutt said his agency has filled in the gap for policyholders whose carriers arent meeting their expectations. Being able to make direct contact with carriers has been a real advantage. The most important thing after a catastrophe like this is you have to move outside of normal networks. Its important we get access to those with the ability to address problems directly, he said. When I get the phone number of a [carrier] senior VP and [they] can directly respond to that bit of information and solve it, its invaluable to us as agents and prevents carriers from having major problems down the road. Kirkland said carriers have separated themselves by how quickly they provide supplemental payments and close claims. She said knowing carrier reps has been helpful because she can reach out to people and get answers for her customers. She has learned her work is appreciated. I didnt know how important this was to my customers until I got back [to my office], she said. Ive had a number of customers thank me for the emails and contact I have given them since the storm. Everyone needs a local agent, and everyone needs to know who their agent is because of circumstances like this. Lessons Learned The agents say they have learned valuable lessons, including what they will do differently going forward. I would like to do a better job of making sure that we sit down with clients, not just on an annual basis, but have numerous interactions with customers throughout the year, Horne said. We want all of our customers to understand all the details of their policies so there arent any surprises. Kirkland said every year she sends out an annual review invitation for her clients to go over their policy but not everyone responds. She expects this year all her customers will come in and review their coverages. She also thinks Hurricane Michael was a growth experience for agents, too. Every agent that has gone through this will be a much better agent for having gone through it hands down no comparison, she said. Hutt said going forward he we will have a more extensive plan and back up plan to handle situations that could arise after a catastrophic event, such as a long-term loss of communication. I will be doing a rewrite of our Cat plan after this to include a deeper contingency bench; instead of just having a Plan A and Plan B, we will have a Plan A, B, C, D, E, he said. We are going to plan a lot better for infrastructure failure. Horne said he was touched by all the help from people in the industry who are located outside of the area, including those who donated money and supplies, so he could aid people suffering after the storm. He was able to set up his 500-gallon smoker in the parking lot of a local bank and served 500 hot meals to people who needed it, as well as provided essential supplies like toilet paper and water, thanks to their donations. The experience has made him want to get more involved in charitable efforts going forward. It was tremendous and very heartwarming just neighbor helping neighbor for several weeks, he said. What those partners did really touched my heart. Though they say the last few months have been some of the most trying in their careers, the agents say this period has also been the most rewarding. Professionally, it has been extremely rewarding it sounds very bizarre, but we dont get the opportunity to serve like this in this business very often, Hutt said. I cant tell you how many customers have showed appreciation to get some assistance and guidance, just having an ear and someone to talk to, Horne said. They felt helpless for days or a week or two after the storm and they didnt know where to start, they just saw devastation for miles. Dubose said before the hurricane hit, he wondered if he was making a difference being in the insurance business and if it was the right career for him. Now, he says he has no doubt about that. This has provided clarity for me, he said. I fully understand now that an agent provides an invaluable service in times like this. Unequivocally, we are valuable, and I am very pleased to be an insurance agent. Topics Carriers Catastrophe Natural Disasters Agencies Florida Claims Hurricane South Carolina JenCap Holdings LLC (JCH), a specialty insurance business, will acquire privately-held Risk Innovations LLC, a specialty wholesale insurance broker based in Atlanta, Georgia. Financial terms were not disclosed. Risk Innovations was founded in 2002 and has been led by Bruce Peddle since then. John F. Jennings, president and CEO of JCH, said the wholesale broker, which has focused on workers compensation since its inception, was a strategic target for JenCap. Pedlle noted utilizing established JenCap divisions, carriers and agency partners, will allow Risk Innovations to further expand its programs, markets and capabilities nationwide. JenCap Holdings (JCH) was formed in March 2016 by global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group and JCH management to consolidate specialty insurance distribution businesses, including managing general agents, program managers and transactional wholesale brokers. The acquisition of Risk Innovations is the eighth transaction by JCH since its founding. Marsh, Berry & Company, Inc. served as financial advisors to Risk Innovations. JenCap Holdings is a national specialty insurance distribution platform that includes program management businesses, managing general agencies, specialty program underwriters and transactional wholesale brokers and is headquartered in New York. Risk Innovations is a specialty wholesale insurance broker based in Atlanta, Georgia with another office located in Kansas City, Mo. Topics Mergers Agencies Excess Surplus InsurTech Attorneys say a Southern California school district has agreed to pay $6.2 million to settle a lawsuit over a worker who allegedly molested three elementary school students. The Riverside Press-Enterprise says the agreement was announced this week by attorneys for three girls from Liberty Elementary School in Riverside. The girls allegedly were molested when they were 9 and 10 years old. The suit claimed that the Riverside Unified School District ignored or covered up sex abuse allegations against Fernando Figueroa, a technology aide. The Press-Enterprise reported a district spokesman and attorney didnt immediately comment on the settlement. Figueroa has been criminally charged with sexually abusing 11 youngsters and could face life in prison if convicted. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits California Education Farmers Insurance expects $2.1 billion in claims from the California wildfires in November. The Los Angeles, Calif.-based carrier said it has so far received more than 9,000 claims combined for the Camp Fire in Northern California and the Woolsey Fire in Southern California. The Camp Fire is estimated to have burned roughly 153,000 acres, resulting in 88 deaths and the destruction of 8,793 structures, including 13,696 single-family homems, 276 apartment buildings, and 528 commercial buildings. The Woolsey Fire burned 96,949 acres, and destroyed 1,500 structures. Industry data provider CoreLogic last week said total losses from the wildfires in Northern and Southern California could reach from $15 billion to $19 billion, while losses alone from the Camp Fire, the most destructive and deadliest wildfire in the states history, are estimated to be between $11 billion and $13 billion. Losses from the fires will likely be concentrated among insurers with high exposures in the fire areas, including State Farm, Farmers, CSAA, Auto Club, Liberty Mutual and Allstate, according to information from SNL Financial and Moodys. Farmers spokesman Luis Sahagun said the company is well-positioned to weather the losses from the fires. Farmers Insurance has received more than 9,000 claims from the Camp and Woolsey wildfires to date at an estimated gross cost of $2.1 billion in total for both events, and a net result after reinsurance and tax of $159 million, Sahagun said. Figures on losses may be coming in from the Camp Fire for some time. Nancy Kincaid, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Insurance, said CalFire just last week cleared insurers to begin entering areas burned by the Camp Fire. Our detectives started escorting insurers to the properties Thursday afternoon, she said. Any estimates already released by insurers were made possible by their use of drones to survey damages, she added. Kincaid said the CDI is still working to compile losses being tallied by insurers and plans to release that information to the public in the near future. State Farm has already reportedly paid $77.2 million in homeowners claims from the Camp Fire in Northern California. Additionally, we have paid approximately $6.7 million in auto claims from the Camp Fire, said Michal Brower, a spokesman for State Farm. State Farm has paid roughly $25 million in homeowner claims from the Woolsey Fire and Hill Fires in Southern California, according to Bower. Liberty Mutual said this week it is currently estimating insured losses of roughly $300 million related to the California Wildfires. Chubb Ltd. has issued estimates this week of 4th quarter catastrophe losses of $225 million from the California wildfires. Chubbs loss estimates include commercial property, personal property, casualty and reinsurance losses. According to A.M. Best, most operating entities of Chubb have current Financial Strength Ratings of A++ (Superior). It looks like least one insurer wont survive the Camp Fire. California regulators moved on Friday to take over an insurance company that cant pay out all its claims. Merced Property & Casualty Company was pushed to insolvency by the fire that sparked Nov. 8 and nearly destroyed Paradise and surrounding towns, California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said. The volume of claims associated with the catastrophic Camp Fire has overwhelmed the small insurer to the point of insolvency, according to Jones. We are moving aggressively to take the necessary legal action to take control of the company and to trigger the state law enabling the California Insurance Guarantee Association to immediately begin the process of evaluating losses and paying claims, Jones said in a statement. Jones and the California Department of Insurance on Friday filed an expedited request for an order enabling the takeover of the company with the Merced County Superior Court. The California Insurance Departments Conservation and Liquidation Office, established by law to handle the liquidation of failing insurance companies, is managing the transfer of the companys claims handling to CIGA. The order was granted on Monday, according to Kincaid, the CDI spokeswoman. She said files from the insurer are in the process of being moved to the liquidation office. The company only had 200 policies in all of Butte County, however Merced Property & Casualty is a small insurer, listing only $23 million in liabilities, records show. This event was a catastrophe, it overwhelmed the company and it left them unable to meet their obligations and thats why the commissioner had to take this step, Kincaid said. Related: Topics Carriers California Catastrophe Natural Disasters Claims Profit Loss Wildfire Agribusiness Provider Name of cookie Purpose Type Duration Google Analytics _ga Used to distinguish users. Persistent 2 Years Google Analytics _gid Used to distinguish users. Persistent 24 Hours Google Analytics gat Used to throttle request rate. 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The Advisor Insights is a forum-based service and any information and materials you submit in connection with your profile and/or any questions you pose to any one of the advisors via the AI Service may be displayed in publicly viewable forums. Advisor Insights for Advisors Participation in the AI Service as an advisor involves a vetting and approval process. Acceptance into the AI Service is at Investopedias sole discretion and may be based on such factors as licenses/registrations, designations, assets under management, SEC/FINRA or IIROC disclosures, applicable state/provincial/territorial regulator information, federal/state/provincial/territorial agencies in connection with tax and/or accounting licensing boards and/or agencies, and other considerations deemed relevant by Investopedia in its sole discretion. 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Specifically, For financial advisors, your answers must not (i) recommend or promote specific securities, funds, or other investments, (ii) advertise or promote your specific qualifications, experience, or past performance, or (iii) directly solicit Investopedia users as clients. Your participation in the AI Service is specifically to allow you to provide answers to questions posed through the AI Service. Investopedia does not answer AI Service questions itself, nor does it provide tax, investment, financial, tax, accounting, or legal services. Investopedia is under no obligation to review, edit or verify the usefulness, reliability, completeness or accuracy of any answers you publish through the AI Service, and Investopedia expressly disclaims any and all liability in connection with your answers or other submissions through the AI Service, for which you shall be solely liable. 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The maturity of the platform market is a reflection of the scaling requirements needed for IoT solutions in the Enterprise. The emphasis on platforms for specific functions continues from managing development and corporate interfaces between OPs and IT, to Life Cycle Management, Carl Ford, CEO, Crossfire Media, executive director of content, IoT Evolution. We have brought back the Battle of the Platforms to highlight the progress and the achievements of leaders in the IoT market today. The Battle of the Platforms will provide participants the opportunity to demonstrate their platform live to a panel of judges, as well as an audience full of technology end-users and buyers. Judging will be based on the submission of a completed entry form plus the live demonstration. All winners will be announced at IoT Evolution at the awards cocktail reception. Questions about the Battle of the Platforms competition, or on how to apply to present, should be directed to Dave Rodriguez at 203.852.6800 ext. 146 or Maureen Gambino 203-852-6800 x 109. View keynotes, speakers, special events, exhibitors and the entire IoT Evolution Expo conference program here. Sign up for IoT Evolutions newsletter to receive updates on the event and industry news. IoT Evolution expo is also supported by diamond sponsor, Cradlepoint, gold sponsors, Azul Systems, SIMCom, silver sponsors, aizoOn, Breadware, Dimonoff, Pulse Electronics, Synnex Corporation Underground Refuse Systems, startup sponsors IoT Marketing and Choice Business Connection. Registration for IoT Evolution Expo is now open. For more information, contact Scott Kargman. For media registration, contact Jessica Seabrook. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages should contact Dave Rodriguez at 203.852.6800 ext. 146 or Maureen Gambino 203-852-6800 x 109. For the latest IoT Evolution Expo news, updates and information, follow the event on Twitter at @IoTEvolution. About TMC Through education, industry news, live events and social influence, global buyers rely on TMC's content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. As a result, leading technology vendors turn to TMC for unparalleled branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities. Our in-person and online events deliver unmatched visibility and sales prospects for all participants. Through our custom lead generation programs, we provide clients with an ongoing stream of leads that turn into sales opportunities and build databases. Additionally, we bolster brand reputations with the millions of impressions from display advertising on our news sites and newsletters. Making TMC a 360-degree marketing solution, we offer comprehensive event and road show management services and custom content creation with expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, @tmcnet . About Crossfire Media Crossfire Media is an integrated marketing company with a core focus on future trends in technology. We service communities of interest with conferences, tradeshows, webinars and newsletters. Crossfire Media has a partnership with Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC) to produce events and websites related to disruptive technologies. Crossfire Media is a division of Crossfire Consulting, a full service Information Technology company based in New York. Media and Analyst Contact: Jessica Seabrook Marketing Director 203.852.6800 ext.170 [email protected] Edited by Ken Briodagh Ryanair is ramping up a new subsidiary with weaker labour rights to better compete in eastern Europe, infuriating staff and unions by bypassing concessions granted during a year of industrial strife. However, a key element of the plan, forcing staff to move to self-employment contracts, is being probed by Polish authorities and a law to allow contractors to join unions, and potentially push for concessions granted in western Europe, is due to enter force there in January. Ryanair has seen almost a third wiped off its share value in 12 months since strike threats led it to recognise unions for the first time. Investors fear better staff conditions could undermine its business model, among other issues. While hailing progress in securing deals on improved conditions with unions in Europe, management is planning the rapid expansion of Polish-registered Ryanair Sun, where staff are self-employed contractors, a model Ryanair has largely phased out at its main airline under union pressure. The model denies staff normal employment rights such as paid sick leave and effectively blocks union representation, staff and union representatives said. On the one hand, Ryanair is busy reaching out to the unions to show a new socially responsible face, said Philip von Schoppenthau, secretary general of pilot group the European Cockpit Association. But at the same time they are busy working in the opposite direction building up a potentially union- free, by design union-free, company, Ryanair Sun. Ryanair counters that many staff are happy with contractor status, which they say gives them higher pay. It says the contracts are standard in Polish airlines and that the units rapid expansion, from five to 20 planes next year, would not be possible if conditions were not competitive. Its not necessarily the best model for union membership growth, so I would expect the unions to say negative things ...but look, its the way the Polish market works, chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs said. Ryanair Sun is currently only operating in Poland, Ryanairs largest market in eastern Europe, and Ryanair declined to say whether it planned to expand the unit to other markets. However, chief executive Michael OLeary said in July he planned to expand Ryanair Sun and Austrian unit Laudamotion as quickly as theyre able to grow. In October he told investors the two units would drive much of the airlines growth. With more than 200 planes on order over five years, Ryanair has the capacity to build both units into mid-sized European airlines with tens of millions of passengers a year each. While Laudamotion has signed a collective agreement with its unions, HSBC Bank described Ryanairs new multi-unit structure as an attempt to counter the pressures of unionisation. Goodbody said Ryanair Sun gave Ryanair the chance to create an ultra-low cost business. Mr OLeary made the decision to recognise unions under the threat of a mass Christmas strike last year, after months of cancellations and an extremely tight global market for pilots. With several union deals done and small airline failures increasing pilot supply, the airline is under less pressure now. Ryanair has singled out central and eastern Europe as a key market for growth, split between essentially just two airlines Ryanair and union-free, Hungary-based Wizz, Mr Jacobs said. Ryanair says its staff costs were on par with Wizz before the staffing crisis, at 5 per customer flown, but have since increased to 6. While Ryanair Sun will help Ryanair compete with Wizz in eastern Europe, Wizz is likely to face pressure from unions as it moves into Western Europe, Mr Jacobs said. Non-unionisation also means Ryanair Sun avoids collective labour agreements that can put restrictions on transfers to other bases. Moving planes and crew quickly between airports helps give Ryanair the lowest airport costs in Europe accounting for up to two-thirds of their cost advantage over some rivals. Unions say Ryanair is using the unit to pressure staff in negotiations in other countries. When Irish pilots threatened to strike earlier this year, Ryanair announced it was cutting capacity in Ireland and offered staff jobs at Ryanair Sun. Reuters Women with cervical cancer must be given equal access to life-changing drug treatment immediately to extend their lives. That is the call from Labour TD Alan Kelly who is pleading with Health Minister Simon Harris to grant a number of women access to costly treatment as time is not on their side. Mr Kelly was joined by cancer patients in Leinster House as TDs were briefed on how the drug Pembro was proven to make a difference to their treatment. Patient and campaigner Vicky Phelan has described how Pembro has improved her life, is better and easier than chemotherapy and should be given to women with cervical cancer that it can help. Ms Phelan and over 200 other women have been granted access to the costly drug after being caught up in the cervical cancer misdiagnosis scandal. However, other women to whom Pembro has not been made freely available are now appealing to the government to open up access to it. Treatment with Pembro costs about 8,500 every three weeks. Ms Phelan said there was potentially less than another 100 women like her who needed the drug. Fellow patients Aine Morgan from Galway and Tracey Brennan from Roscommon explained how their lives could potentially be extended with access to Pembro, which they cannot get. Ms Morgan was told in 2015 she had just two years to live. Pembro would now give her more time. Luckily enough, I've passed the three-year mark," she said. "There is nothing out there and to be honest with you, I think I am too young to die. There are other women like myself out there. Ms Brennan said cervical cancer patients were dealing with enough on a daily basis and needed the government to push through a deal now for access to Pembro. Mr Kelly said that pre-testing showed Pembro benefited certain women and had already been sanctioned in the United States. From a drug view, this was a last chance for some patients, he said. The government has said Pembro has not been EU approved but it has asked health chiefs to look at a possible scheme for equal access to the drug. We need equity of access to the Pembro drug which has had such a dramatic impact on Vicky's health and her life. We need this for all women. Women who across the country who need this drug haven't really the time for this to go on for very long, added Mr Kelly. Get the negotiations out of the way, get the same scheme that is in place for Vicky and ensure that Aine and Tracey and other women affected will get access to this drug immediately. This is a life-changing drug, this extends women's lives, it changes their lives. It was unacceptable that women affected needed to go around fundraising for the drug, Mr Kelly said. It is understood that the government has asked the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, which tests medicines, to look at extending access to Pembro. Former Fair City actor, Clelia Murphy, will glide back onto the television screen in the New Year to take part in Dancing with the Stars. After 22 years, Clelia made a shock departure from the popular soap last November fleeing from Carrigstown with her on-screen husbands life savings. Clelia is the sixth star to be confirmed as one of the contestants on RTEs Dancing with the Stars hoping to claim the coveted glitter ball. Im still in a bit of shock that I said yes! Its unlike anything Ive ever done before and thats exactly why it makes it so beautifully terrifying and thrilling all at the same time, she said. Im sorry now that I didnt stick with dance classes as a child. Im normally dressed from head to toe in black and Im finding myself in a glorious rainbow sea of glitter and sequins and Spanx (underwear). Im so far out of my comfort zone but I kind of love it. Clelia will join Mairead Ronan, Eilish OCarroll, Darren Kennedy, Fred Cooke and Holly Carpenter on series three of the show. Jennifer Zamparelli and Nicky Byrne will present the new series which airs on RTE for 12 weeks from Sunday, January 6. Holly, a former Miss Ireland; and Fred, a stand-up comedian and actor; were announced as the 4th and 5th stars to strut their stuff on the dance floor yesterday. A total of 11 celebrities will pair up with their professional dancing partners, step out of their comfort zones, and onto the dance floor. Holly said she wrongly thought modelling would be an asset. When you are modelling you are walking with one foot in front of the other but when you are dancing you walk with your toes pointed outwards. So I will have to learn how to walk again. Nevertheless, Holly is excited to be one of the contestants she watched the last two series religiously with her mother. This is going to be physically and mentally challenging and Im slightly terrified but, overall, Im really looking forward to it. Fred said he is happy to be taking part in the hit show. When it comes to dancing, Im full of passion but I dont have the technique. Ill do my best to try and get both right on this incredible show. The two-hour show will be broadcast from Sunday, January 6 until March 24 next year. None of the contestants will be eliminated during the first two weeks; but each week thereafter one celebrity and their dancing partner will be told to leave the floor. Each pairing will have a different dancing genre to master every week from the paso doble to the waltz. Judges Brian Redmond, Loraine Barry and Julian Benson, together with viewers, will decide their fate. The series is produced by ShinAwiL for RTE. The governments construction pipeline forecasts 600 billion of infrastructure investment over the next decade, and encourages offsite construction methods. In the 2018 National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline and Call for Evidence on Offsite Construction, published last week, billions were announced for investments in roads, hospitals and schools, alongside proposals to use modern technologies to build infrastructure in the most effective way. The investment includes schemes announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond in his recent Budget, such as the 28 billion national roads fund, flagship projects like East West Rail, upgrading the M6 to a smart motorway, and Hornsea Project One the largest offshore wind farm in the world. To ensure maximum efficiency in building these projects, ministers are encouraging greater use of modern approaches such as offsite construction, and they have called for peoples views on how to encourage greater use of these cutting-edge techniques. The report says that, despite significant contributions to the UK economy, the construction sectors productivity is weak compared to other sectors like manufacturing. It argues that applying modern manufacturing approaches to building projects can boost productivity and reduce waste by as much as 90%. For example, a school that typically takes a year to build could be completed in just over four months. This manufacturing technique has already been used in several projects, including the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme. Parts of these bridges were made in a factory, meaning they were built more efficiently than if traditional methods of construction had been used. The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Robert Jenrick said: As the pace of technological change accelerates, we are stepping up our commitment to digital infrastructure, use of data to drive greater productivity and embrace new methods of construction. With 600 billion of investment over the next decade, including the largest ever investment in our strategic road network, we are taking the long term action required to raise productivity and ensure the economy is fit for the future. Highways England is the government-owned company charged with operating, maintaining and improving England's motorways and major A roads. Its Chief Executive Jim OSullivan said: In recent years we have encouraged more computer-led design, automation, and pre-assembly across all of our construction activities. As well as driving productivity and efficiency, it improves worker safety and reduces delays and frustration for road users passing through our works. We will adopt ever increasing levels of automation and off-site construction on road improvement schemes and smart motorways in our next five year road investment programme. A woman in Cork city was put in fear on Tuesday evening when her ex-partner smashed windows in her home and posted a penknife through the letterbox. Anthony Foley, 26, of Carrigaline, Co Cork, yesterday applied to be released on bail after being charged with breaching the safety order by putting the young woman in fear on Tuesday. Garda Gearoid Whelton said the gardai were opposed to bail as the young woman was in fear Foley would return and behave in a similar manner. Remanding Foley in custody until Wednesday next, Judge Olann Kelleher said: I have no hesitation in refusing bail. He threw a penknife in the letterbox. I accept the evidence of Ms Harrington." Garda Whelton testified at Cork District Court today: He was intoxicated last night. He was disorientated. He was taken to a hospital. Michelle Harrington cried in the witness box and said she was afraid of Foley and also afraid he would leave his home in Carrigaline and come back to her house in Cork. I was at home at 7 p.m. and I heard a kick at the door. My whole window was put in the window of the door was put in. "He came up from Carrigaline. He wanted me to get back with him. "I told him I did not love him anymore and he blew in my windows of the front door and of the house. When I told him I did not love him anymore he started kicking and kicking and kicking and he wouldnt stop," she stated. "He is coming up from his hometown and causing trouble with my neighbours. "He knows I am through enough. I tried to do my best for that boy," adding she was afraid of him. Foley from 20 The Maples, Bridgemount, Carrigaline told solicitor Eddie Burke he had Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and was taking valium for anxiety and panic attacks and was also on sleeping pills. He said he knew that he should not be drinking alcohol with his medication. Foley, 26, said it was all a result of mixing medication and drink and It is not me. He said he had too much going on and he could not cope. Asked if he would stay away from Ms Harrington if granted bail he said, Yes, 100 billion per cent. Business Minister Heather Humphreys has rejected Opposition demands to publish a 235-page report into the Sean FitzPatrick trial collapse, saying I would be breaking the law if it was released. Ms Humphreys defended the decision not to publish the report after Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy demanded its release and Independents4Change TD Mick Wallace called for a full independent inquiry. The 235-page report comes with 3,000 pages of appendices into the flawed Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) investigation into Mr FitzPatrick which led to his trial collapsing on May 23 last year. The report has detailed key reasons for the trials collapse and issues in the ODCEs work on the FitzPatrick-Anglo Irish Bank case between 2008 and 2012. However, despite the importance of the document, Attorney General Seamus Woulfe advised the Government not to publish it as releasing the information may breach the Companies Act and inform people about the ODCEs highly sensitive operations. While the Government published a 30-page account by the trials judge, John Aylmer, to give the public an understanding of events, the refusal to publish the longer report has led to an Opposition backlash. However, speaking in the Dail, Ms Humphreys rejected the transparency demands, saying if she was to go against the Attorney Generals advice she would be breaking the law. I am not hiding behind this [advice] but can I say if I do that [publish the full report] I will break the law. And that is fact, she said. Ms Humphreys was responding to Mr Wallace, who said the account published doesnt give the answers were looking for. Calling for a full and independent inquiry, he said the reason not to publish doesnt stack up and accused the Government of hiding behind the Attorney Generals advice. Ms Murphy similarly called for the full reports release, saying: I simply dont buy the line that this important report cant be published in full due to legal considerations. There is an overwhelming case for the minister to publish the entire 235-page report with sensitive material redacted. A fundraising drive has been launched to safeguard a woodland walk in a popular coastal retreat in West Cork. A community-based group, Castlefreke Our Woods Our Walks, raised almost 8,000 within a week of launching its drive to aid the provision of new walkways in Castlefreke Woods close to Rathbarry village. A|djacent to the Long Strand at Ownahincha and off the main N71 Clonakilty-Rosscarbery road, the woodland circuit is mainly a gentle 6km walk and suitable for families. The local campaign group had been set up amid fears, earlier this year, that a local landowner had been involved in talks with state forestry body Coillte to secure the 65-acre site. The landowner Stephen Evans Freke, who is restoring the once-magnificent Castle Freke, had not engaged with locals. But he strongly indicated what while he had been in a three-way negotiation with Cork Council and Coilte in relation to the woods, he never had any intention of limiting public access to walkways. Mr Evans Freke had also emphasised he wanted to replant the woods so it would become a model in terms of sustaining and preserving an area of natural beauty. In the meantime, Cork County Council has earmarked a grant under the Community Involvement Scheme to provide footpaths in the woodland area. However, locals are obliged under the scheme to done 15% of the total cost of 105,000. 2,325 IN JUST 24 HOURS! The #CASTLEFREKE FOOTPATHS APPEAL has seen a magnificent 30% of the total figure contributed in just 24 hours. To make a contribution, please go to GoFundMe at https://t.co/v2YNzCHd09 @jimdalytd @coilltenews @C103Cork @SouthernStarIRL @KeoghJackie pic.twitter.com/FMWvEqN3zu Castlefreke Our Woods Our Walks (@CastlefrekeOWOW) November 28, 2018 Castlefreke Our Woods Our Walks (COWOW) which campaigns to keep the woods in public ownership undertook to raise half of the community contribution, while Rathbarry Tidy Towns committed to raising the other half. Dominic Carroll, chairperson of COWOW, said the group was "overwhelmed" by the response of its members and supporters to its GoFundMe online appeal and also collected an equal amount in cash donations. Expressing gratitude, he said: The response has been fantastic and shows the power of a community pulling together. Under the scheme, the local authority will build a footpath along the Avenue (L8025) in Castlefreke Woods and another footpath adjacent to Long Strand (R598). The second footpath will connect with the Coillte footpath leading to Kilkeran Lake, thereby creating a continuous path around Castlefreke Woods, Long Strand and Kilkeran Lake. The new footpaths along the Avenue and Long Strand will be an enormous improvement to this superb public recreation area and, as importantly, will enhance the safety of walkers," Mr Carroll said. A Co Waterford community, fighting against a proposed wind farm, has sent protest letters and a video message to a German energy company behind the project. Almost 100 letters were posted to individual directors of Innogy SE which through its subsidiary, Innogy Renewables Ireland Ltd, plans to construct 25 wind turbines, 150m tall, on 3,500 acres between Dungarvan and Youghal. The proposed site at Lyrenecarriga transcends the Cork-Waterford border and is Coillte-owned and privately owned. Innogy SE is Germanys leading energy company, worth an estimated 45bn and with a payroll of 40,000 spread over 16 European countries alone. Objectors claim the project will negatively affect nearly 300 houses and say its construction also threatens to infiltrate streams feeding into Youghals water supply. In June last, Waterford County councillors voted 28-1 to outlaw wind farm development in the area through a variation of the county development plan, but its CEO Michael Walsh denied the request. Meanwhile, the promoters are seeking strategic infrastructure designation from Bord Pleanala which would enable it to bypass county council planners. Chairman of the Blackwater Wind Aware community group Paddy Massey said the letter protest arose from the utter lack of communication and the attitude of Innogy Renewables. He said the letters illustrate the level of anguish and uncertainty among the community alongside its absolute commitment to stand firm against the development. Mr Massey said residents had been asked to think carefully and write from the heart. Many expressed health concerns, citing evidence from neighbouring parishes like Aglish and Ballyduff where flicker and noise from turbines were blamed for sleep deprivation, depression, tinnitus and other health problems. Others wrote of landowners being asked to sign contracts without being fully informed of the scale of the development. One couple, who wrote, feared property devaluation would deny them a mortgage for their planned house. A local filmmaker compiled a short film in which many locals also expressed views. Meanwhile, the group said it is awaiting a response from the German-based parent company. Homeless families with young children living in hotels are going to be thrown out on the streets this Christmas unless the Government finally brings in legislation that has been waiting on a shelf for more than a year. Labour housing spokesperson Jan OSullivan also accused ministers of having no sense of urgency in addressing the housing crisis. She was speaking after a Dublin city councillor said some homeless families should be charged up to 50 to stay in a hotel when seeking emergency accommodation. Ms OSullivan said there is an attempt to blame homeless people for the crisis. Highlighting a December 2017 Labour bill to make it mandatory to prioritise the needs of children in homeless families, she said while the law change was accepted, the bill enacting it has been lying on a shelf for more than a year, risking families being thrown out on the streets without help this Christmas. Families are under huge pressure this time of year we have nearly 4,000 children homeless, over 10,000 people, said Ms OSullivan. I was talking to a woman last week who told me she was in a hotel in Limerick with two schoolgoing children, who have been told they have to get out of their hotel because the hotel is required for Christmas. While we passed a referendum on the rights of the child it simply hasnt been implemented when it comes to children who are homeless. This bill will oblige the local authority to ensure families with young children have somewhere to go [if they are evicted or asked to leave emergency accommodation]. At the moment, families are being sent to garda stations or are walking around streets, because there is no priority. Ms OSullivan criticised Independent Dublin councillor Ruairi McGinley, who told RTEs Today with Sean ORourke programme he wants to see some homeless families charged up to 50 for staying in hotels or B&Bs. Labelling the comments as entirely kite-flying, Ms OSullivan said: If you are homeless in a hotel you havent got anywhere to wash your clothes, you have to buy food you cant prepare for yourself, so there are extra costs imposed on those already at-risk families. I honestly think this [Mr McGinleys comments] is just an attempt to put some sort of blame on people who are homeless rather than ensuring something is done about it. Video footage has emerged online of an incident under investigation by the Garda watchdog, during which a man was shot in the leg. It follows confirmation that the Garda Ombudsman is investigating an incident in Longford which took place on Monday evening. The footage, recorded by a woman at the scene, shows a struggle at the door of a vehicle involving two men, one of whom is brandishing a pistol. This man is grabbed by the tie, and he orders the man to release him before shooting downwards towards his assailant. The woman is then heard screaming before the video ends. An Garda Siochana has said it cannot comment on the matter due to the investigation but said that the shooting occurred when gardai attended an incident in Granard, Co Longford, as part of an ongoing incident. During the course of this incident an official Garda firearm was discharged. As this incident has been referred to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission, An Garda Siochana are not in a position to comment further, said the Garda Press Office. GSOC said it sent investigators to the scene. GSOC received a referral (under section 102 of the Garda Siochana Act, 2005) from gardai in Granard about an incident in which an official garda firearm was discharged, said a spokesperson. We understand a male received an injury. Ireland has taken less than half of the refugees from war zones it has committed to accept, official figures show. The Government has refused to take any of its allocation from Italy after the authorities there turned down requests for gardai to conduct security assessments of refugees on Italian soil. These interviews and assessments are aimed at screening anyone for extremist or terrorist links from being accepted and allowed into the country. The Oireachtas Justice Committee also heard that 184 asylum seekers are housed in emergency accommodation provided by business people who block book hotel rooms a practice which the chairman and other members raised serious concerns about. Speaking at the committee, Minister of State at the Department of Justice David Stanton said that under European Union Council decisions in 2015 Ireland committed to accepting 2,622 persons into the state. These include 1,089 people from refugee camps in Greece, 623 from Italy and 910 described as unallocated. To date, 1,022 persons have been safely been relocated to Ireland from Greece, Mr Stanton told the Oireachtas Justice Committee. He said that Ireland has also been operating a separate programme for resettlement, under which 925 have been resettled, typically from camps in Lebanon. He said the people have come from Syria, Eritrea and Iraq. Mr Stanton said Ireland was unable to keep commitments to relocate asylum seekers from Italy. This was because no agreement could be reached on security arrangements to be undertaken by Ireland on Italian soil. He said this meant that 4.14 million of European Commission monies under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund was unspent and was seeking the committee's approval to opt-in to an EU protocol that would ensure the money would not be lost. He said gardai had conducted similar security assessments in Greece and Lebanon and said they had worked very well. He said the purpose was to ensure that if someone is there that shouldn't come here and that the Government didn't want to allow someone in and something happen. Committee chair Caoimghin O Caolain said he was deeply concerned at the practice of business people block booking hotels to provide accommodation for asylum seekers, saying these people were seeking business opportunity and that their motivation was questionable. He knew of one such hotel where almost 80 people were accommodated. The chair also said that if any issues arise that the business person is the go to person. Minister Stanton said the Government's big concern was that, where Direct Provision centres were full, people were not sleeping on the street and that emergency accommodation was used on a B&B basis in those situations and that 184 people were so housed on December 2. Two mothers contacted gardai because they were shocked to see a man allegedly slapping his three-year-old daughter at a supermarket. The first woman, a mother of five, told Cork District Court she saw the man stretch out his arm behind his back and repeatedly swiped his arm into the car, slapping something where a child was sitting in the car seat. She heard the man, who cannot be identified, say three times to the child: Have you enough now? Another woman, a mother of seven, said she witnessed something in the supermarket a short time before this. I heard a commotion, the child screaming, very high-pitched, she said. I saw her in the trolley trying to get out. She was very distressed. I was tempted to go over. I did not interfere. The screaming continued. We all know the difficult days you can have but you have to pacify them. She was trying to get her legs out. He was forcing her in. I was worried about the little child. I thought he [the father] was not well. We all have bad days. Judge Olann Kelleher asked: Did you see him assault the child? The witness replied: I did, I saw him force her legs. The child was very distressed. Her pitch went higher and she did not want to be there. On the last point, the defendant remarked: Maybe not. The witness addressed the defendant, who was cross-examining her as he represented himself, and said: You made no attempt to console her. The 46-year-old defendant said: You dont have to concern yourself about my kid. The woman who alleged that she saw him making a slapping movement when standing at the side of his car noted the registration number and contacted gardai. When an officer asked him of his response to the allegations that he assaulted his daughter he replied: Bullshit. Type that down please. In Cork District Court yesterday, he said: I am never aggressive with my kid. If I want my kid to do something I tell her. [And if she wont do it] I say now you are not getting a toy but I dont hit her. The defendants wife cried and said the whole experience had been terribly upsetting for the family. She was not present in the supermarket on the day and said she did not think the two witnesses were racially motivated but felt they might be prejudiced against her husband, seeing him as a foreigner. Judge Olann Kelleher said he would find the facts proven but stop short of proceeding to convict the defendant as he had no previous convictions. The judge directed a probation report and put the matter back until January 25, 2019. Gardai and forensic experts are working on collecting DNA samples from the families of missing people here to help put names to unidentified remains. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan hosted a ceremony to commemorate missing people at Kings Inns, Dublin today, to mark the sixth annual national Missing Persons Day, and told those in attendance that there will always be a commitment to keep searching for the truth as to what happened their loved ones. The ceremony was also addressed by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Dr Dorothy Ramsbottom from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). It was third such commemoration to include a facility to collect DNA samples from close family members of missing people. Mr Flanagan said the FSIs successes in other missing person cases provide tangible hope for many other families. I know most of you here will be very aware of the wonderful successes achieved this year in matching family DNA stored on the FSIs DNA database with unidentified remains. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the FSI and An Garda Siochana, he said. Mr Flanagan also praised a new partnership between the gardai and Facebook, which has seen Child Rescue Ireland (CRI) Alerts included on the social network users newsfeeds. The CRI Alert partnership with Facebook is a wonderful example of using social media in a positive way for the good of society and, in particular, for the protection of vulnerable children. The importance of this partnership became swiftly evident with the launch of the first CRI alert on Facebook account holders news feed just last week. Thankfully, the outcome was a positive one and I commend all involved, Mr Flanagan said. The Justice Minister also noted how it was the first such ceremony for the new Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, and said how his own first attendance at the event last year made a lasting impression. It has stayed with me over the past 12 months, Mr Flanagan said. I was struck by the sincere and direct expressions of love and loss from the families who spoke at last years ceremony. In a world where, all too often, the cleverly-crafted soundbite seems to rule, the brave, heartfelt communication from the family speakers was incredibly poignant and powerful." "Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, I have no doubt that your first Missing Persons Day ceremony will be as memorable as each of ours was, Mr Flanagan added. An inspector who recommended An Bord Pleanala turn down planning permission for a plastics factory in West Cork had believed not enough information had been provided to prove public health would be safeguarded. Despite strong opposition in the immediate Skibbereen area and the region, generally, the appeals' board had upheld Cork County Councils approval for Daly Products Ltd to build a 4,800 sq/m thermoplastics treatment facility on rezoned former IDA land on the town's Baltimore road. The report, by the board's inspector Hugh Morrison, was published on An Bord Pleanalas website yesterday. The board, it showed, ruled against the inspector's recommendation. A total of 39 residents had, in January last, appealed Cork County Councils planning permission and had formed a campaign group called Save Our Skibbereen (SOS). Mr Morrisons report, meanwhile, concluded the plastics factory cannot, in his opinion, be described as light industrial use and planning permission should not be granted. The site was rezoned from green belt to business use in 2015, reportedly to accommodate the factory application. The inspectors report states the absence of information, provided by the company, on potential pollutants is highly unsatisfactory. It noted: Absence of specific information on potential air pollutants and a relevant assessment of the same precludes the applicant from demonstrating that public health would be safeguarded. Cork County Council environment directorate yesterday said it would be responsible for monitoring air emissions and wastewater from the factory, but did not provide specific details.The environment directorate of the council will undertake an assessment of what monitoring, inspection and/or licensing regime is required after a final planning decision is made, a council spokesperson said. Meanwhile, SOS chairman Brendan McCarthy said An Bord Pleanalas response to their inspectors report was sickening and left many unanswered questions. We are extremely disappointed and sickened that the inspector, who went through all of the files, visited the site and compiled a detailed report, recommended permission be refused and that the board over-ruled his recommendation, he said. The campaign group hope to seek a judicial review of the planning boards decision. Bord Pleanala said it was satisfied the proposed development would be compatible with the zoning objective for the site and the existing pattern of development in the area. The board attached 19 conditions to the planning approval, including the installation of appropriate water pollution protection infrastructure to protect the River Ilen and nearby Roaringwater Bay, a special area of conservation, from plastic pollution. School teacher retirements have jumped by nearly one-fifth this year, according to figures reported to TDs by Education Minister Joe McHugh. Explaining part of the extra 182m he is seeking for his departments 2018 budget, the minister said 2,311 people will have retired from schools and institutes of technology by the end of the year. This is almost three times the numbers for whom funding was allocated to cover the cost of lump-sum retirement payments and ongoing pension costs of newly retired education staff. The significant difference reflects a consistent gap in recent years between the annual allocation and the Department of Educations actual superannuation costs, which have been the subject of ongoing discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The associated 147m budget increase for which Mr McHugh sought the approval of the Oireachtas Select Education Committee is double the amount his predecessor, Richard Bruton, had to get last year. The minister said yesterday that an extra 147m set aside for such payments in 2019 should avoid the need for another supplementary budget request at the end of next year. However, while the difference in budgetary allocations may be accounted for by actuarial calculations, the ministers figures show that actual retirements have increased by over 17%. Last December, Mr Bruton gave the same committee figures of 1,773 school staff and 195 institute of technology staff retiring during 2017. This years rise includes an 18% jump in teachers and others who have retired from primary and second-level schools, up to 2,092. This requires a 130m supplementary budget estimate, as the ongoing calculation problems meant the department only had an allocation to cover costs associated with 773 retirements in the schools sector. Labour education spokeswoman and former education minister Jan OSullivan said she fully understands the difficulties with predicting retirements. However, she asked whether any measures could be taken in the context of teacher shortages, particularly the difficulties faced by second-level schools finding teachers for many subjects. Are there any efforts made to hold on to those teachers, or to try and encourage them not to retire? she said. I know you probably cant force them, but certainly theres an issue now in relation to not having enough qualified teachers in certain subjects. The number of pensioner numbers in the education sector has increased from 42,500 in 2014 to a projected figure of close to 49,000 next year. However, despite the high number leaving the teaching profession, Mr McHugh told the committee that there were 1,342 retired teachers working in schools in the past school year. Thats obviously highlighting the nature and the scale of the demand and the pressures that are on the system, he said. He referred to the teacher supply working group, chaired by the secretary general of his department Sean O Foghlu, and said it is working on a number of measures. Met Eireann has issued a status yellow wind warning for 10 counties on the west of Ireland. The warning is valid for all of Connacht, Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Kerry and Limerick. Issued today, Met Eireann says that there will be mean wind speeds between 55-65km/h with gusts of 90-110km/h. The forecaster says that the winds will be strongest near the coast and that the speeds "may be exceeded for a short period later on Thursday night". The warning is in place from 10pm Thursday until Friday at 9am. - Digital Desk | BY Ricki Green | By Doris Li (left), general manager, Bastion China Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese festival that is celebrated each year at the turn of the traditional lunar calendar. Chinese New Year typically falls between 21 January and 20 February, and celebrations will last 15 days. The key dates for 2019 are just around the corner, with New Years Eve on 4th February, New Years Day on 5th February and the Lantern Festival on 19th February. Chinese New Year (CNY) is marked by visits to family and friends, special meals, fireworks, and gift giving, making it a great way to showcase your China credentials to your clients or consumers. CNY celebrations usually begin on Chinese New Years Eve as the New Years Eve dinner is the most important dinner for the Chinese, reuniting family members who live away from home. Chinese social media networks, Weibo and WeChat, often become flooded with commentary by the younger generations. There are 1.2 million people with Chinese ancestry living in Australia and over 180,000 Chinese students studying here. And theres the 1.4 million Chinese tourists who will visit our shores in 2018 according to Tourism Australia and spend an average of $8,000 AUD compared to an average of $5,000 by international visitors. So what can Australian marketers do to take advantage of CNY? When talking about your CNY plan, a common mistake businesses make is that they only look at the first three days of CNY. There are different periods that businesses need to consider for their campaign. It should start from November/December, when the international students have finished their exams and are planning to go back to China for the semester break and CNY. This is the time students are looking for products to purchase and take back to China. The good thing for most brands is that its usually the time for Christmas and holiday season sales, so they dont necessarily need to create new campaigns for the Chinese students, but they need to choose the right channels to reach students and add a CNY gifting angle to the communications. The CNY period is the peak period for Chinese tourists to travel to Australia thus a good opportunity to reach inbound tourists. Shopping is a big part for Chinese tourists and they usually do their research before departure, so it is always beneficial to pre-target them when theyre still in China planning theyre holiday (which of course requires a big marketing budget). Alternative solutions for a smaller budget including securing some presence at the airport, make an impression on store windows, or communicate to Australia based Chinese who could spread the word to their friends and families that are visiting during this period. We suggest brands run their CNY sales and offers for two weeks, instead of just three days. Chinese usually take two weeks to travel to Australia and they usually leave shopping to the last couple of days as no one would like to carry too many products around. This was the advice we gave to UGG this year and according to the client, sales during their CNY campaign increased by 50%. Cybercriminals have used college students to funnel millions of euros through hundreds of Irish bank accounts in the last three years. Many of the students were acting complicitly, allowing their bank accounts be used to launder the cash in exchange for a few hundred euro. Gardai have identified 420 Irish bank accounts, through which 14.6m was laundered as part of the three-month European Money Mule Action (EMMA) operation. Many of these accounts belonged to students. The crimes involved 165 victims, with gardai carrying out 30 interviews, freezing 25 of these bank accounts and seizing 300,000 in cash and four cars. Several people have been charged as a result of the three-month investigation at the direction of the Director of Public Prosecutions. For the Irish situations in the months of October, November and December, we have identified 420 mule accounts within this jurisdiction, said Garda Detective Chief Superintendent Pat Lordan. Those mule accounts were being used to transfer money for criminal networks mostly outside of the jurisdiction into this jurisdiction. This is the first time Ireland has taken part in the EU-wide sting operation, which has been running for four years. Det Chief Supt Lordan said our anti-money laundering legislation has made it harder for criminals to open accounts here so they are turning to cash-strapped students to launder money for them. Students are approached either in a bar or online, by criminals known as herders. Weve identified five herders, these are people who gather up people who work as money mules, said Det Chief Supt Lordan. They go into the college bar, they get on the social networks, they get on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram. They offer money for jam, but they forget to tell you one thing you could end up with a criminal conviction if you do this. Its not as easy as taking 200 from one of these people to allow 10,000 to go through your account you could actually go to jail for that. We have charged a number of people, weve got directions from the DPPs office in relation to this. The penalty for money laundering includes up to 14 years in prison and gardai are urging parents to be vigilant about their childrens financial behaviour. Although the 420 accounts were only identified in the last three months, gardai estimate that millions of euro has passed through them over the last three years. The money that we can see that has been lost as a result of the transactions that we have seen is approximately 14.6m in a two- to three-year period, and thats only the accounts that we have looked at in those three months, said Det Chief Supt Lordan. Of the 165 victims affected by the laundering, they could have fallen prey to an array of cyber crimes such as CEO or invoice redirection fraud. This is where a financial officer in a company receives an email, which appears to be from their CEO, asking them to pay an invoice or an amount of money to a bank account. The bank accounts of the money mules, such as those belonging to Irish college students, are then used to split up this large sum into smaller amounts of between 5,000 and 15,000. Money mules are individuals who allow their own bank accounts to be used by criminals to launder the proceeds of economic crimes. A lot of this would relate to online fraud, such as invoice redirection fraud, phishing, romance fraud, said Detective Superintendent Gerard Walsh of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau. All of those crimes, in order for them to be successful, they have to be able to transfer the money into their possession and they used whats known as money mules. While the majority of the Irish bank account holders are complicit in the laundering, some also did so unwittingly, by replying to those well-known ads where you can earn cash from home. The 1916 Easter Rising and the threat of conscription into the British army during the First World War were the main reasons for the emergence of Sinn Fein as a major force in Irish nationalist politics, a new study shows. Research conducted at Queens University Belfast has found that electoral reforms introduced in 1918 throughout the United Kingdom did not cause Sinn Feins electoral victory later that year. In early 1918, the right to vote was extended to all men over 21 and women over 30 who were property owners. As a result, Ireland saw its electorate grow from under 700,000 to over 1.9m. The general election in December that year saw Sinn Fein win 73 out of 105 seats in Ireland, while the previously dominant party of Irish nationalism, the Irish Parliamentary Party, was decimated, and returned just six of the 67 seats they held prior to the election. The study reveals that there is little evidence to suggest that these new voters can explain the Sinn Fein victory. Although the rising had failed militarily, the perceived severity of the British reaction in its aftermath bred discontent among many sections of the population and helped turn public opinion towards sympathy for the rebels, says a report on the study. Despite the fact that Sinn Fein had very little to do with the Rising directly, they capitalised on the shift in public opinion that occurred in its aftermath. Attempts by British authorities to extend conscription to Ireland also boosted Sinn Feins profile and further undermined the IPPs position as the preeminent force in Irish nationalist politics, say researchers. The research team was led by Alan De Bromhead and Alan Fernihough from the Centre for Economic History at Queens Management School in collaboration with Enda Hargaden, professor of economics from the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee. The study was supported by the British Academy. The research re-evaluates an old argument in Irish political history that the changes in voting rights in 1918 drove the Sinn Fein election victory, said Dr De Bromhead. Our results suggest this was not entirely the case. Our research suggests that we must look to alternative explanations for the rise of Sinn Fein between 1916 and 1918, such as the legacy of the Easter Rising and the conscription crisis of 1918. Sinn Feins electoral success was more likely driven by a change of heart on behalf of the Irish electorate, rather than a change in its composition. Researchers found the attempt to introduce conscription in Ireland was, not unexpectedly, very unpopular. The various disparate strings of Irish nationalism were united in opposition, with the IPP even going as far as withdrawing from parliament in protest, says the study. Despite this demonstration, the conscription issue reinforced the link between the IPP and the war effort while Sinn Fein claimed the role of the most vociferous opponent of conscription, declaring that the conscription bill was tantamount to a declaration of war on Ireland. The researchers acknowledge that it is impossible to uncover for sure how individuals voted. However, their research suggests that new voters did not by themselves determine the outcome of the election. Pro-life TDs seeking strict recordings of abortions in Ireland have been accused of coming from the school of the Deep South in the US and of mirroring apartheid in South Africa. A number of Independent TDs sought last night to amend the abortion legislation going through the Dail so that women would have to reveal their marital status and ethnicity when seeking a termination. Labour TD Joan Burton criticised the move and in a passionate speech said the proposed amendments did not reflect a modern Ireland. She questioned why the TDs wanted to record a womans marital status and ethnicity. It was needlessly offensive, declared the Labour TD, and the language and suggested changes were more in keeping with apartheid in South Africa as opposed to modern Ireland. The proposals were from the school of the Deep South in the US, she said, where politicians have rowed back against access to abortion. TDs Peter Fitzpatrick, Carol Nolan, and Mattie McGrath defended their proposals. Ms Nolan said records of the mother and pregnancy were needed to give the death of unborn child statistical significance. Mr Fitzpatrick said such details were recorded for other health procedures. However, Health Minister Simon Harris said he would not be changing the current proposals for limited records. The methods could be reviewed in three years, he told the Dail. Minimal data would be collected by the HSE, he said, and some information published. Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy said the proposal to jail doctors if they did not collect certain data was an attempt to apply pressure and was about making women feel guilty and ashamed. Sinn Fein TD Jonathan OBrien declared the proposals to record ethnicity racist Meanwhile, the National Womens Council of Ireland (NWCI) has urged TDs to pass the new abortion law through the Dail, despite fears that the existing bill does not go far enough. In a letter addressed to all TDs, NWCI director Orla OConnor acknowledged there were legitimate fears that the existing bill does not decriminalise abortion or introduce buffer zones to prevent intimidation at facilities where abortions will take place. However, Ms OConnor said the onus is on politicians to temporarily put these issues to one side and push the bill through the Dail this week to ensure the January 1 abortion services deadline can be met. The NWCI acknowledges the hard work that you are undertaking in passing legislation to give effect to the landslide Yes vote to repeal the Eighth Amendment last May, read Ms OConnors letter: As things stand, women and girls continue to travel to access healthcare, or take abortion pills without medical supervision. While recognising this legislation does not do everything we have advocated for, such as decriminalise abortion and allow for safety zones to protect women from protestors, we urge you to ensure that women centred legislation is ready to progress to the Seanad this week. There is an enormous public mandate to ensure that abortion care services are available to all women and girls who need them from January 1, 2019. A number of TDs have backed the NWCI call. Debate on the legislation will continue in the Dail today. Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one this Christmas, or even something to fill your own stocking? Esther N McCarthy rounds up some seasonal ideas to suit everyone. For the style kings and queens Give the gift of salon quality hair this party season with the newest release from LanaiBLO their Limited Edition Electric Candy hairdryer (99) which is available here.. Staying on perfect tresses, the InStyler GLOSSIE (89.99) is a good bet, the ceramic styling brush promises shiny, straight and smooth styles that last. It looks like a brush and straightener in one. Handy. Available here. Not forgetting the men this Christmas, Darren Kennedy has just launched his range of mens products. Were talking Purifying Peat Face Scrub, Hydrating Beard Oil, Anti-Fatigue Eye Gel, Daily Moisturiser with SPF20 protection and Matte Hair Clay with active Baicapil ingredient, proven to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. All available from Dunnes Stores and selected pharmacies nationwide, and at under 15 each, you can treat the man in your life to the whole shebang this Christmas. The only problem is youll be competing for mirror time. Available here. For the weekend breaker There are so many amazing hotels in Ireland, a weekend break away is a lovely gift. An Original Irish Hotel gift card is a nice way of letting the receiver decide where to go. There is a collection of 60 distinctive, individually-run hotels set in beautiful locations around the country from the Wild Atlantic Way, to Irelands Ancient East, the Causeway Coast, Dublin and the Lakelands. This Christmas, Ballynahinch Castle, Brooks Hotel, Dunraven Arms Hotel, Galgorm Resort & Spa, Manor House Country Hotel, Parknasilla Resort & Spa and Slieve Russell Hotel are offering a range of festive packages. Find out more at 01 295 8900 or visit the website. Just make sure its understood you are their plus one. Organising a getaway for New Years Eve is a lovely gift too. Harveys Point in Donegal. Harveys Point in Donegal will be celebrating it in style as 2019 is the propertys 30th birthday. Lots of enticing packages there, including winter woodland walks and wine appreciation classes. Find out more at here. For the fashionistas Who wouldnt want to upwrap an on trend animal print fur coat on Christmas morning? This beauty is called the Fluffy Leo and its by NA-KD (87) from Zalando. Get the tween queen in your life this very cute pink sweatshirt, dont worry about it going out of fashion, unicorns have now officially become our style overlords, theres no end in sight for our obsession with the one-horned wonders. This is from River Islands girls collection, 19. Visit the website here. Lets not forget the little ones, from your own progeny to godchildren or nieces and nephews, you cant go wrong with perfect bedwear. Cork company Babyboo.ie have launched the SnuggleBoo sleeping suit, its 2.5 tog so warm enough to pop on without blankets or any extra covers. Youd know its two mums running the company, right? Vicki and Michelle have made sure theyre practical and pretty. The sleepsuit comes with detachable sleeves and is made from super soft organic cotton. It also includes poppers so you can change their nappy without stripping them off. The SnuggleBoo is 45 and available from the BabyBoo website For the gadget lover If you want to buy for the person who has everything, look no further than the smart new Nespresso Barista. It will change the way they make coffee, and youll benefit too. This device can prepare anything from iced coffee to elaborate lattes to barista-quality hot chocolate. With an integrated touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity, techies will love it too. And the clincher? Its dishwasher safe. Nespresso Barista is available at Nespresso boutiques and online at here priced at 195. We know Zippos do lighters but theyve also got some nifty gadgets in their back pockets. The Zippo hand warmer is refillable, comes in a range of colours with a warmth that lasts six-12 hours. They also have a variety of accessories including backpacks, wallets and even a satchel, might be handy if youre trying to purchase for that hard-to-buy-for man in your life. Find out more on the website, the high polish chrome hand warmer is 28.50 (plus 8.35 shipping). For the beauty lovers You know who they are. They love a great bundle of goodies and theyre not afraid to let you know. The Green Angel Pure and Organic Body Soft gift set is one that should be top of your list. Its Irish, its stuffed full of gorgeous ingredients like seaweed, vitamin E and lavender, plus the price is 39.95, with 45 worth of products. Available from the Kilkenny Shop, Avoca, Shaws, Meadows & Byrne and leading pharmacies and lifestyle shops nationwide. Find out more on the website. A well-chosen fragrance will get you on the nice list for sure. Tiffany & Cos 2018 stand-out perfume is Intense. Created by perfumer Daniela Andrier of Givaudan, this artisanal Eau de Parfum Intense will earn you major brownie points. Its available from Brown Thomas and Debenhams, 30ml is 69. See Brown Thomas and Tiffany&Co. Boots are always good for solid present options. Behold the Joules On The Moooove Bag. It's 65 and has everything the man in your life will need to feel refreshed on his travels. We like the cool navy bag too. Popular skincare brand philosophy has arrived to the newly revamped Arnotts Beauty Hall. The award-winning American brand aims to inspire beauty beyond skincare with products like this Raspberry sorbet 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath, 19 from Arnotts. Raspberry sorbet shampoo For the sporty spice in your life Go green for 2019 with an electric bike. This is the unisex Raleigh Motus low step bike, perfect for taking on lifes varied journeys, without breaking a sweat. Raleigh Motus low step bike, perfect for taking on lifes journeys, 1,950 This model is ideal for city riding, surfaced roads or cycle paths, with reliable, long-lasting electric components from Bosch, and most importantly, the 300WH battery will let you ride for up to 125km on a single charge. Available for 1,950 from The Bike Shed, Dennehys Cross, Cork. Check out their website here. Got a yoga-lover in the house? Theyll be saying Namaste if you gift them this beautiful collection of yoga sequencing cards to make it easier for you to practise yoga at home, device-free. A set of yoga cards Yogaru, a yoga lifestyle website, has launched 108 Asana cards, designed and illustrated by yoga teacher Ruth Delahunty. They are 32 and available to purchase at here[/url and The Marvel Room Brown Thomas Dublin. See Brown Thomas. And finally, for the person you just dont know what to buy Why, a bottle of booze, of course. Slane Distillery Christmas Market will run every weekend until Sunday, December 23. Slane Triple Casked Irish Whiskey. The recently-opened whiskey distillery located on the historic grounds of Slane Castle in the Boyne Valley, has been converted into a picturesque Christmas village this month. As well as craft and gift stalls and food offers you can fill 50up a bottle of the Triple Casked Irish Whiskey. Visit the website here. The general election of 1918 provided Sinn Fein with a democratic endorsement both to establish Dail Eireann and proclaim a republic, writes Ryle Dwyer. The general election of 1918 had possibly the most profound impact on Irish politics of any general election. For decades Irish politics had been driven largely by nationalist constitutional policies, but these were suddenly discarded in 1918. The first indication of the election was on November 14, 1918, three days after the Armistice was signed, ending the first world war. Prime Minister Lloyd George told the House of Commons that he was asking the king to dissolve parliament on November 25 and call a general election for December 14. Irish politics had been undergoing revolutionary influences in the previous couple of years. In the wake of the Easter Rebellion, the Irish nationalist population was disillusioned by the 16 executions. The last of those was Roger Casement, who had courageously returned to Ireland from Germany in a futile attempt to stop the Rising. Public disenchantment found expression in four Sinn Fein by-election victories in 1917 Count Plunkett won in North Roscommon, Joe McGuinness in Longford South, Eamon de Valera in East Clare, and W T Cosgrave in Kilkenny City. After the Sinn Fein party united under the leadership of de Valera in October 1917, the party suffered a series of reversals, losing the next five Irish by-elections, before the British made the political blunder of trying to introduce military conscription in Ireland. On April 9, 1918 Lloyd George introduced a bill designed to extend the maximum age for conscription of men in Britain from 41 to 51 years of age. The bill contained a clause stipulating that the government may by Order in Council extend this Act to Ireland. The prime minister said it was unreasonable that married men with families should be conscripted in Britain while all men in Ireland were exempt. Consequently, he told the House of Commons that the Government shall, by Order in Council, put the Act immediately into operation in Ireland. The bill was rushed through Parliament in little over a week. The Irish Nationalist Party walked out in protest, which was tantamount to an endorsement of the policy of abstention already adopted by Sinn Feins four members of parliament. As new legislation would be applicable to all men under 51 years, including clergy and religious brothers, the Catholic Church reacted indignantly here. The hierarchy effectively sanctified an anti-conscription campaign by directing the clergy to announce details at every public Mass of the time and place of a local public meeting at which people would formally take an anti-conscription pledge the following Sunday. This pledge, which was secretly drafted for the bishops by de Valera, read: Denying the right of the British Government to enforce compulsory service in this country, we pledge ourselves solemnly to one another to resist conscription by the most effective means at our disposal. The campaign was further bolstered when labour representatives staged a one-day national strike two days later, bringing the country to a virtual standstill. Massive public demonstrations were held at which the anti-conscription pledge was administered. In the face of such united opposition, conscription would likely have required more men to enforce it than would be conscripted. Consequently, that Order in Council was never introduced for Ireland. While the Nationalist Party backed the campaign, Sinn Fein got the bulk of the political credit, after the British rounded up more than 80 of the Sinn Fein leaders and deported them to Britain. The British said Sinn Fein was involved in some kind of plot with the Germans. No evidence of this was ever produced, yet all were imprisoned without ever being charged with anything, much less brought before a court. It was a gross perversion of justice. Sinn Feins star had seemed to be on the wane in early 1918, but the conscription controversy reversed the partys fate. At the height of the crisis in April, Patrick McCartan won a North Kings County (Offaly) by-election for Sinn Fein, and the party founder, Arthur Griffith, went on to win the next by-election in East Cavan on June 20, 1918. When the world war ended on November 11, 1918, it might have seemed that Sinn Fein would be in poor shape to contest a general election with so many of its leaders in jail. As the Armistice was being signed, Sinn Fein was holding an enthusiastic general election convention at the Mansion House, Dublin. Inside, Sean T OKelly moved a resolution calling for the restoration of Irelands independence and the immediate release of all political prisoners. He then went on to call for the political eradication of the Nationalist Party, because it would not support the demand for an Irish Republic. There was only one thing for them, and that was a complete wiping out in every constituency in Ireland, OKelly said. Nothing less could satisfy Sinn Fein. Before parliament dissolved on November 25, James Dillon, the leader of the Irish Nationalist Party, echoed the call for the release the Sinn Fein prisoners. They were arrested in connection with the alleged German plot which everybody now looks upon as a pure invention, Dillon told the House of Commons. He clearly saw ominous prospects for his own party, as many of the prisoners were being selected to run for Sinn Fein in the general election. The arrest of these men and their detention in gaol has contributed enormously to the troubles in Ireland, Dillon added. It has undoubtedly very seriously injured our election prospects. The national newspapers were mostly alarmed by the election prospects. The one predictable outcome of the General Election, The Irish Times proclaimed in an editorial next day, is the triumph of Sinn Fein in most of the Nationalist constituencies. Of course, this was not a prospect that The Irish Times welcomed, as it had always been seen as a Unionist newspaper. The Cork Examiner and The Freemans Journal both seemed to conclude that the Unionists would be the big winners. In its editorial that day, The Cork Examiner feared Sinn Fein could undermine the Irish people with its abstentionist policy because it would result in their Parliamentary disfranchisement. This would set Sir Edward Carson up as the spokesman of the Irish nation. The same day The Freemans Journal blamed Sinn Fein for playing into the hands of the Unionists and Lloyd George in a way that will enable him utterly to defeat the cause of National Self-Government. The election would decide whether Ireland has the intelligence to penetrate the hot air rhetoric of Sinn Fein or endure the consequences of as great a mistake that ever disgraced the history of a nation. The Irish Independent, on the other hand, was blisteringly critical of the Nationalist Party that day. The poor old tottering Irish Party do not know what exactly they want, the newspaper declared its editorial. No independent Nationalist will be sorry if at last the Irish people rid themselves of the Party which, by blundering and stupidity, lost every opportunity presented to them and earned contempt not only for themselves but for the country. While those Sinn Fein candidates who were in jail were unable to speak for themselves, they received enthusiastic support from local priests on the election platforms, in view of the close connection between the party and the Catholic Church during the conscription campaign. Most people believed it was as a result of the conscription campaign that they were in jail. To a degree, therefore, their campaigns were virtually sanctified. The first major development of the campaign was the close of nominations on December 4 when 25 Sinn Fein candidates were immediately elected, as no one had been nominated to oppose them. More than 40 MPs decided not to stand for re-election. They obviously saw the writing on the wall. The great features of the General Election in Ireland are the keen fight in Ulster in which every seat is being contested and the Partys collapse in Munster, the Irish Independent noted. It was almost a walkover for Sinn Fein in Munster, where the party won 17 seats uncontested. The winners included such notables as Padraic OKeeffe, Terence MacSwiney, David Kent, Michael Collins, and Diarmuid Lynch in Cork, Austin Stack, Fionan Lynch, and Piaras Beaslai in Kerry, along with Con Collins in Limerick. Only seven of the provinces 24 seats were contested. Two of those were in Cork City, two in County Tipperary, two more in Waterford, and the other contest was in County Limerick. The ensuing campaign was a lacklustre affair outside of Ulster, because nearly all the contests in the rest of the island were between Sinn Fein and the Nationalist Party, and most of the Sinn Fein contestants were either in jail, or on the run. John Dillons campaigning in East Mayo commanded considerable attention, because he was being opposed there by the absent de Valera, who was in Lincoln Jail. I want not only to win this election that I am perfectly certain of but to win by a decisive and overwhelming majority, Dillon declared in Ballaghaderreen at the start of the campaign. The result of this election will have a very exceptional effect on public opinion throughout the world, and particularly in America. Some 6,000 people gathered for Dillons rally in Castletown, Co Mayo, on December 11. Nationalists claimed the enthusiasm of the meeting was indicative of their overwhelming strength in the constituency, despite the contrary claims of Sinn Fein. The Catholic Church in Ulster pleaded with the Nationalist Party and Sinn Fein to divide some of the constituencies in Ulster between them, especially eight constituencies in which the Catholic nationalist population formed a majority. But the Unionists would likely win the seats, if the Sinn Fein and the Nationalist Party competed against each other. Cardinal Michael Logue and seven northern bishops appealed to the Lord Mayor of Dublin to get the two parties to divide up the constituencies between them. The Lord Mayor got Eoin MacNeill and John Dillon to meet at the Mansion House, and they agreed that each party would contest just four of those constituencies, but they could not agree on which constituencies would be assigned to each, so Cardinal Logue suggested a division. By the time the two party headquarters had agreed to this proposal, all of the candidates had already been formally nominated, and it was too late to remove their names from the ballots. The two parties agreed, however, that they would support the candidates designated by the cardinals division of the constituencies. They called on their supporters to honour this agreement. The Nationalist party won its four constituencies, but Sinn Fein won only three, because the arrangement broke down in East Down, where the Nationalist candidate polled 4,321 votes, ahead of the 3,876 for Sinn Feins man, whom he was supposed to support. The seat went to the Unionists candidate with 6,997, even though his vote was 1,200 votes less than the combined total of the other two. Unionists won 22 of Ulsters 37 seats, with Sinn Fein taking 10, and the Nationalist Party the other 5. Afterwards the verdicts on the election appeared, as if the whole thing had been a foregone conclusion in the rest of the country, but that was not how many of the editorial writers saw it at the time. The Irish people, on the one hand, are invited to support a practical policy of Dominion Self-Government, which is the countrys one chance of national salvation, and on the other, they are asked to seek a mirage Republic, The Cork Examiner declared in its election-day editorial. Today they will be called upon to make their choice in the polling booths, and to say whether they prefer a policy of rainbow-chasing, or one which offers practical tangible advantages in the present and will ultimately secure for them the liberty that they so earnestly desire! There was no doubt Sinn Fein was the big winner outside of Ulster, taking 62 of the 64 seats in the other three provinces. That included all thirteen seats in Connaught, where de Valera trounced James Dillon in the constituency that Dillon had represented for 33 years. de Valera won by almost two-to-one, with 8,975 votes to Dillons 4,513. Sinn Fein won 26 of the 27 seats in Leinster, losing only in Rathmines, Dublin, to Sir Maurice Dockrell, the Unionist candidate. William Redmond of the Nationalist Party retained his late father John Redmonds old seat in Waterford City, but Sinn Fein won the other 23 seats in Munster. Sinn Feins winners included Madame Markievicz, who comfortably won her contest in Dublin, thus becoming the first woman ever elected to the British Parliament. She was actually the only woman elected in that general election in which women first got the vote. In overwhelmingly replacing the Nationalist Party with revolutionary republicans, it was the most significant general election in 20th century Ireland, because it provided Sinn Fein with a democratic endorsement both to establish Dail Eireann and proclaim a republic. Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have agreed to a ceasefire in their increasingly painful trade war, yet their governments differing depictions of the deal show just how far apart they really are, writes Jeffrey Kucik of University of Arizona. While the Trump administration emphasised trade issues such as a 90-day moratorium on raising tariffs and Xis concession to buy very substantial amounts of U.S. goods, China focused on diplomacy, regional issues and an agreement to try to quickly resolve their differences. Thats because for China, Trumps trade war has never been only or even mainly about trade. As a political scientist following the escalating tensions, I believe that the statements coming out of the G-20 meeting reveal that a wide gap still separates Xi and Trump, both in terms of what matters most to them and their approach to getting it. Territory trumps trade One of Chinas major concerns is U.S. interference in areas it considers internal matters. A major flashpoint is Taiwan. Earlier this year, for example, Trump approved a US$330 million arms deal with Taiwan, following up on a previous deal of $1.3 billion. These sales irk China because they directly conflict with Beijings long-standing policy that there is only one Chinese government, and Taiwan is merely a breakaway province that will inevitably be reunited with the mainland. Another sticking point is the South China Sea, where the Chinese government has been increasingly aggressive in asserting territorial claims at odds with its neighbors. In the past, the U.S. has acted as a counterweight to Chinas claims, Now inconsistency in Trumps stance has added to tensions in the region. Both of these issues have implications for the trade war. China is willing to absorb economic losses in exchange for standing firm on issues vital to the national interest. Thats precisely why Chinas statement highlighted Trumps apparent commitment to continue respecting the so-called one China policy something not mentioned by the Americans. As it so often does, trade takes a back seat to territory. Taking the high road Chinas statement also placed greater emphasis on economic cooperation and restoring diplomatic relations, the kind of high-minded talk that for decades has been more typical of American presidents. Specifically, China highlighted that the two leaders plan to visit each others countries at some point and that both sides would work toward scrapping all tariffs to reach a mutually beneficial, win-win agreement. Contrast that with the U.S. statement, which focused more narrowly on the truces benefits for its side. Its another stark demonstration of the contrast between the two leaders on the global stage. Trump has been focused on putting America first and urging other countries to also pursue economic nationalism. Meanwhile, Xi has cultivated an outward-looking posture that aims for cooperation and compromise, embracing the virtues of economic cooperation, free trade and global leadership. Ultimately, a meaningful, lasting deal is unlikely in the 90-day window. Quite apart from trade deficits or jobs, the trade war has grown to represent a deeper geopolitical rivalry. If Trump wants a win from this battle, hell need to understand that Xi wont give in easily. And Chinas leader will likely expect compromise on complex territorial issues like Taiwan or the South China Sea before the ceasefire will begin to look like a full-fledged peace accord. With the two leaders approach to the world looking increasingly different, its likely that the G-20 truce will merely have paused the trade war not stopped it. This article was written by Jeffrey Kucik of University of Arizona and was originally published on The Conversation Read the original article here. A letter written by Albert Einstein in which he doubts the existence of God has been auctioned for $2.9m (2.6m) in New York. The letter, dated 1954, was written in German to philosopher Eric Gutkind and in it, Einstein said that he did not believe in God. | BY Ricki Green | Top agency strategists and planners alongside senior executives from brands including Uber, McDonalds and Mars Petcare are among the judges for the WARC Awards 2019, a global search for next-generation marketing effectiveness. Representing Australia on the Effective Innovation jury is Deloitte Digital principal and chief creative officer Matt Lawson. The WARC Awards, an international case-study competition in search of the smartest campaigns that best use emerging marketing disciplines will be judged by a team of 54, split into four categories each with its own jury chair. The four categories and their juries are: Effective Content Strategy, rewarding branded content strategies that can demonstrate a business outcome: Namita Mediratta Global CMI Director, Content Centre of Excellence, Unilever jury chair Cecile Angrand Global Brand Director, Whiskas (Mars Petcare) Navonil Chatterjee Joint President & Chief Strategy Officer, Rediffusion India Alex Drozdovsky Cross-Disciplinary Strategist Ryan Foley Head of Content Marketing, We Are ROAST David Frymann Strategy Partner, Frontier Tara Marsh Global Head of Content, Wunderman Haruna McWilliams Senior Vice President, Strategy, APAC, Essence Thas Naseemuddeen Partner, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director, Omelet Brent Nelsen Chief Strategy Officer, Leo Burnett North America David Proudlock Head of Strategy, CPB London Iuren Ramiro Planning Manager, Santa Clara Lars Samuelsen Chief Strategy Officer & Head of Digital, Grey Nordic Eleanor Thornton-Firkin Head of Content and Creative Development, Ipsos Connect Fleur Willemijn van Beinum Global Content Director, JDE Effective Social Strategy, a search for the most effective campaigns that link social strategy to business success: Christine Xu Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, McDonalds China jury chair Thomas Gregorski Global Vice President Digital Strategy & Customer Engagement, Epsilon Catherine Heath Founder and Global Chief Strategy Officer, Once Upon a Time Brands Jakub Hodbod Strategy Director, Ogilvy New York Andre van Loon Research & Insight Director, We Are Social London Hans Lopez-Vito Chief Operating Officer, Greater China, BBDO Callum McCahon Strategy Director, Born Social Jai Kotecha Managing Partner & Global WPP Lead, Ogilvy Kim Hoeu Head of Paid Social, APAC, Essence Martin Smith Strategy Director, Twelve Alex Steer Chief Product Officer, Wavemaker Mike Teasdale Founder and Planning Director, Harvest Digital Effective Use of Brand Purpose is for marketing initiatives that have successfully embraced a brand purpose and achieved commercial success as well as a benefit for a wider community. Fernando Machado Global CMO, Burger King jury chair Jane Asscher CEO and Founding Partner, 23red Damian Bazadona President and Founder, Situation John Clark Planning Director, Coley Porter Bell Nazia du Bois Founder, Ricebowl Strategy Matthias Eylers Strategy Director 7 Partner, +KNAUSS Katya Farrin Brocks Marketing and Communications Strategist Carol Garbutt Client Director, OxfordSM James Hidden Managing Director, Ogilvy & Mather Chicago Dan Izbicki Founder, Ethos Vijay Raj Vice President, CMI, Unilever Asia, Research Innovation Ric Navarro Director, Marketing and Communications, Norman Disney & Young Leslie Pascaud Executive VP Purpose Branding and Innovation, Kantar Added Value Andrew Wilson Executive Director, Purpose at Edelman Effective Innovation recognises innovative thinking that has transformed a business or disrupted category conventions to deliver tangible results: Dan Burdett Chief Marketing Innovation Officer EMEA, eBay jury chair Federica Bowman Managing Director, Digital, FirmDecisions Victoria Buchanan Executive Creative Director, Tribal Worldwide London Ben Callis Global Creative Director, Imagination Jem Fawcus Group CEO & Owner, Firefish Sanjay Gupta Head of Marketing, Uber India David Heaney Global Content Lead, Baileys (Diageo) Matt Lawson Principal Chief Creative Officer, Deloitte Digital APAC Hannah Mirza Manager, Apple Justin Reilly Entrepreneur, Innovator, Strategist and Thought Leader Darren Savage Chief Strategy Officer, Tribal Worldwide London Jon Sharpe CEO Europe, VMLY&R Lorenzo Wood Chief Innovation Officer, Publicis.Sapient Says Lucy Aitken, managing editor, case studies, WARC: We have a remarkable line-up of top international talent, from both agencies and brands alike, in pursuit of case studies that best showcase innovative marketing techniques that deliver business results for clients. Organised by WARC, the global authority on advertising and media effectiveness, the WARC Awards are free to enter and are open to submissions from any country and communications discipline. There is a $40,000 prize fund for the top winning papers, spread across the four categories. Asia Officials Say Boat Carrying Rohingya Muslims Lands in Indonesia A stranded boat that was used by Rohingya Muslims is seen on the shore of Thande Village outside Yangon, Myanmar, on Nov.16. / Reuters BANDA ACEH, Indonesia Indonesian authorities said a boat carrying 20 men believed to be Rohingya Muslims landed on the northeastern shore of Indonesias Sumatra island on Tuesday. It is the latest in a series of boat departures from Myanmar and Bangladesh, from where Rohingya Muslims have attempted to flee to Malaysia in recent weeks, raising fears of a fresh wave of such dangerous voyages after a 2015 crackdown on people smugglers. The disaster mitigation agency in East Aceh said men they described as Rohingya refugees landed in the town of Kuala Idi and were being given food and water. Immigration authorities told Reuters they were on their way to the region to question the group. The chief of a fishing community in the area said the group was bound for Malaysia and it was unclear why it had landed in Indonesia. Their boat is still working and they have fuel, so we dont know why they entered our area, said Razali, who goes by one name, in Kuala Idi on the eastern coast of Aceh where the boat landed. The men were mostly in their 20s, he said. It was not immediately clear if the boat had originated in Myanmar or Bangladesh. Thousands of Rohingya landed in Indonesia and Malaysia in 2015 after they were left stranded in the Andaman Sea in the wake of a crackdown on people smugglers. Authorities in Myanmar seized a boat carrying 93 people fleeing from Rohingya camps in Rakhine State last month, one of several boats attempting the journey to Malaysia. Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants from the Indian subcontinent and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine State since violence swept the area in 2012. More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh last year fleeing an army crackdown in the north of Rakhine State, according to UN agencies. The latest departures come as Myanmar prepares to take some of the refugees back after agreeing with Bangladesh to start repatriations on Nov. 15, despite widespread opposition from Rohingya, who say they will not return without guarantees of basic rights, including citizenship and freedom of movement. Asia Tourism and Marine Parks Threaten Thailand's 'People of the Sea' Tourists wait for their boat at Maiton Island in Phuket, Thailand, on March 18, 2016. / Reuters RAWAI BEACH, Thailand When Sutem Lakkaos grandmother and father died, they were buried much as their ancestors had been: on the beach, close to their beloved boats so they could listen to the waves and watch over the Chao Lay community of fisherfolk in their afterlife. But when his time comes, Sutem will be laid to rest in a cemetery where all he will hear is the roar of traffic on Phuket, Thailands largest island and a key tourism destination. The land in which Sutems ancestors were buried now heaves with daytrippers taking selfies, while the Urak Lawoi community of the Chao Lay are confined to a small patch of Phukets Rawai beach that is also claimed by developers and individuals. Our way of life of the olden days is gone when we could fish anywhere, and we had a connection to the land because of our ancestors burial site and spiritual shrines, said Sutem. We do not have that connection any more, he said standing on the sandy beach of Koh He, a small island off Phukets southern coast, where his ancestors were once buried. The Chao Lay, or people of the sea, have lived on the shores of Thailand and Myanmar for generations, fishing and foraging. Some, like the Moken, are nomadic, spending weeks on the sea and free-diving to spear fish. Others, like the Urak Lawoi on Rawai beach in Phuket, have a more settled life while fishing in the Andaman Sea with their traps of rattan and wire. They grabbed the worlds attention in 2004 when they escaped the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami by fleeing to higher ground when they saw the waters recede. But the community may be facing its greatest threat yet as marine conservation efforts limit their traditional fishing grounds, and a tourism boom pits them against developers keen on the patch of land that their boats, homes and shrines sit on. Shared by many At the heart of the struggles of the Chao Lay also known as Sea Gypsies is not just their right to the sea and land, but also a more fundamental question of legality and identity, said Narumon Arunotai at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. Their culture and traditions are not protected by the Constitution, and they do not have title deeds and permits, so it is difficult for them to assert their claim, she said. But they were there long before the tourists and the conservationists. If managed well, indigenous rights can go well with conservation and tourism, she said. Across the world, indigenous people are fighting for the recognition of their rights to land, forest and water. While they own more than half the worlds land under customary rights, they have secure legal rights to only 10 percent, according to Washington DC-based advocacy group Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI). From Peru to Indonesia, laws aimed at conserving forests are leading to the evictions of indigenous people. The Chao Lays right to the sea is even more tenuous as they often lack permits and licenses for fishing, and get arrested or fined for straying into newly established marine protected areas or island parks that authorities say are key to conservation. The Chao Lay in Phuket, which lies about 700 km southwest of Bangkok, face more than two dozen cases related to encroachment of land and trespass of national parks. Two families on Rawai beach lost their cases and have to leave the homes in which they had lived for about 40 years. Four cases were found in favor of the Chao Lay on the basis of DNA evidence culled from old bones, as well as pictures of a 1959 visit to Rawai by the revered late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. In a separate case, dozens of Chao Lay were injured in 2016 in clashes on Rawai beach protesting a developer who had a land title and a permit to build holiday villas, which villagers said would cut access to their boats and shrines. Government officials ordered an investigation and a halt to construction, according to a report by advocacy group Human Rights Watch (HRW), which said the Chao Lay had suffered decades of poverty, marginalization and discrimination. They generally do not assert ownership rights because they believe that land and water should not be owned or controlled by one person, but rather shared by many, said Brad Adams at HRW. Yet they themselves face eviction from their ancestral land, he said. A 2010 Cabinet resolution to respect the traditions of Thailands Karen indigenous people and the Chao Lay, and to allow them access to national parks, has not been effectively implemented, campaigners say. A draft law to establish special social and cultural zones for indigenous groups could resolve conflicts over land and sea with shared rights, said Thanyaporn Chankrajang, an assistant professor at Chulalongkorn University. The small-scale, seasonal fishing that the Chao Lay practice is not harmful to marine life or the environment, she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Shared rights in marine national parks can be easily implemented, monitored and evaluated, and help protect the environment, as well as their income. Changed lives At the small village in Rawai, the open drains and modest tin-and-wood homes of the Urak Lawoi stand in sharp contrast to Phukets plush hotels. Their wooden boats and old-fashioned fishing traps which can be as big as a small car are an anomaly amidst the speedboats carrying tourists for snorkeling and parasailing. Faced with restricted areas and a dwindling catch because of pollution and overfishing by commercial fleets, more Chao Lay are seeking jobs on land in construction and in hotels, said Ri Fongsaithan, an Urak Lawoi community elder. Our lives have changed. We have to go farther and dive deeper to catch fish, and that is affecting our health, he said. Tourism is booming, but we are excluded. And we are worried that we will lose the cases and be removed from here. A spokesman at the governors office in Phuket said the authorities had allocated a site on a nearby island for the Urak Lawoi to move to, but that they were not willing to relocate. The site is far from the beach and their shrines, said Niran Yangpan, an assistant to the village leader. We have already adapted to many changes and challenges, and we are willing to adapt further and respect the law, he said. But they must also respect our right to the land and to the sea. It is all we have. Burma State Counselor Urges Teachers to Fill Remote Posts State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at a seminar on the development of the basic education sector in Naypyitaw on Dec. 4, 2018. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy NAYPYITAWState Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has urged teachers to take up teaching posts in remote, inaccessible areas of the country. Speaking at a seminar on the development of the basic education sector in Myanmars administrative capital on Tuesday, the State Counselor said teaching in remote areas is an opportunity to effectively perform ones duty to the state. [I want teachers] to equip themselves with a sense of duty to perform the duty of an educator in remote, inaccessible and less-developed places rather than other parts of the country, said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. It is more valuable to teach in such areas, she added. However, the majority of teachers are reluctant to go to remote areas, according to the director-general of the department of basic education, U Ko Lay Win. Teachers assigned to remote areas are allowed to transfer to other places after serving one year there, so most of the teachers try to get transferred after one year. The positions are left vacant and we have to find new teachers again to replace them, he said. The government pays double the standard salary to civil servants who are assigned to remote areas. The offer, however, is not enticing enough for teachers due to a number of reasonsthey often face traveling very long distances, a scarcity of food and concerns over their safety among others. It is mainly about safety, especially for female teachers. They feel like it is unsafe to live in a particular society, said U Sai Myo Khaing Tun of Myanmar Teachers Federation. As a short-term solution, the education ministry appoints locals as volunteers to fill vacant positions. After undergoing relevant training and volunteering with daily wages for a couple of years, locals are appointed as permanent teachers. It is not easily accessible. There was a danger of snake and torrents. The house I had to live in was not adequately covered. There was also the risk of harassment as I am a woman, said a teacher named Daw Nandar Lin who worked as a primary teacher in a mountain-side village. Meanwhile, some in the education community have suggested lowering the matriculation examination marks needed for admission to education colleges that train and turn out teachers. I heard that some who got over 400 marks [out of 600 marks in the matriculation exam] were not chosen for the education college. I think around 350 marks should be enough for people in remote areas to be able to join the college, said Daw Nandar Lin. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also urged the officials of the education ministry to try to understand the difficulties facing education staff in carrying out their duties in remote regions. Only when we know their feelings, well know how to support them. Only when there are social guarantees for teachers will their students be able to learn peacefully, she said. According to the education ministry, there are 9.7 million students in the basic education sector nationwide for whom there are less than 400,000 teachers. News Ethnic Zomi Group Rebuked for Giving 'Hero Award' to Military Chief Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing (right) accepts the Chin Hero Award from the Zomi Organization of Tedim Township in Naypyitaw on Tuesday. / Zomi Organization of Tedim Township MANDALAY The Zomi Student and Youth Organization (ZSYO) is criticizing a local Zomi group in Chin State for bestowing the Chin Hero Award on the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar military on Tuesday. The Zomi Organization of Tedim Township handed the award over to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw. It is such a shame for Chin people to award and praise as a hero the person who is most responsible for human rights abuses in ethnic regions. It is unacceptable. Moreover, everyone knows the commander-in-chief is wanted by the ICC [International Criminal Court]. The act of the Zomi Organization of Tedim Township is intolerable, ZSYO head Ko Kim Tuang told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday. Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing is in fact not wanted the by ICC, though several rights groups have urged the UN Security Council to refer him and other senior Myanmar military leaders to the court for their roles in a crackdown on Rohingya communities in northern Rakhine State last year that the UN itself has described as ethnic cleansing. The military has also been waging a civil war against a number of ethnic armed groups across the country for the past several decades and is regularly accused of torturing and killing suspected members. In reality the Hero Award is for people who risk their lives to protect the people and the region against enemies who threaten peace and stabilities, not for people who threaten their own people, Ko Kim Tuang said. We will do everything to denounce the act of that organization and declare that the Hero Award awarded to Snr. Gen. Min Aung Haling does not represent all the Chin people, he added. The Zomi Organization of Tedim Township said the general deserves the honor because he is the most powerful person in Myanmar responsible for the countrys security and stability. He is taking responsibility for the security of the country. That is why we decided to award him with the Hero Award, said U Kap Kim Pao, the groups general secretary. The award comes with a framed certificate and a traditional Tedim sword. The group said it also took the opportunity to give the general an early Christmas and New Year prayer and blessing. We have been criticized and heard a lot of disagreement. Everyone has the right to disagree, U Kap Kim Pao said. Because we were able to meet with him [the general] for the very first time, we honored him with this award. If we get the chance to meet with President U Win Myint and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, we will honor them with the award too. The Zomi Organization of Tedim Township said the meeting helped improve relations between the military and Chin people, who include the Zomi, and that Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing promised to visit Chin State and help develop the region. News Information Ministers Allegations of Bias Draw Ire of Media Groups Information Minister U Pe Myint attends Parliament in Naypyitaw in 2016. / The Irrawaddy YANGONJournalists and media advocacy organizations on Wednesday condemned Information Minister U Pe Myint over a speech in which he championed the role of government-owned media, questioned the very possibility of editorial independence at private news outlets, and made other statements the groups said were unacceptably at odds with their ethical standards and the goals of the very forum at which his comments were delivered. Addressing the 7th Media Development Forum in Naypyitaw, the minister delivered a speech titled Building Effective Partnerships in Myanmars Media Development. In response to his comments, 16 organizations participating in the forum including the Myanmar Journalist Network, PEN Myanmar, the Center for Myanmar Media Development, Article 19 and Free Expression Myanmar issued a statement. Addressing the role of government media and the changes it has undergone, U Pe Myint, who once edited a private journal, told the audience that government-owned media will still have a lively role to play as a bridge between the government and the public. In the statement the media organizations pointed out that the ministers comments ignored the medias customary role in a democracy as a fourth pillar ensuring the transparency of the other three pillars (the legislature, executive and judiciary). News provided by government-owned media, they said, is propaganda that fails to legitimately criticize government wrongdoings. At the forum, U Pe Myint said some people have criticized the lack of media freedom in Myanmar. He said such people should provide concrete examples. He cited a report by Germanys Deutsche Welle that accused Freedom House and Reporters Without Borders of bias in the way they collect the information they use to compile their Freedom of the Press report and Press Freedom Index, respectively. According to Deutsche Welle, the minister said, Freedom House is funded by the United States government but lacks transparency in that it fails to reveal how it calculates its scores for its press freedom report. He also said Reporters Without Borders receives funding from the French government and claimed this meant the organization reflected Paris views. The statement accused the minister of turning a blind eye to the fact that the press freedom indexes are the result of systematic research by international organizations that support press freedom. The statement added that if the minister accepted the reality that press freedom was declining in Myanmar, all sides could tackle the problem together. In his speech, the minister cast doubt on the very notion of editorial independence, asking how an editor of a news organization can remain independent from the views of its publisher, or be immune to the power of advertisers who support it financially. He also questioned who determines editorial policyeditors or journalists? He said discussions of freedom of expression and press freedom always centered on journalists need for freedom from government restrictions. Instead, he asserted, journalists should try freeing themselves from the influence of the people who control them financially. Addressing these claims, the statement urged the minister to direct his concern toward the existence of government-owned media that use state funds to publish propaganda on behalf of the government and military. At the end of his speech, the minister repeated a recent comment made during an interview with a Myanmar Press Council member and a reporter from state-owned media. The Press Council member said journalists should remember to love their country when doing their jobs. The comment was widely criticized by journalists. U Pe Myint said that while journalists have a responsibility to provide the public with accurate information, they should not forget their duty to protect and love their country. The media groups responded in the statement that the ministers speech was completely at odds with media ethics and press freedom, and therefore in complete opposition to the objectives of the Media Development Forum. Editors and journalism experts echoed the media associations condemnation of the ministers comments. U Aung Zaw, founding editor-in-chief of The Irrawaddy, said the information ministers comments on Wednesday sent a shocking message to independent media in Myanmar, and were especially troubling coming from a government led by the National League for Democracy. He wondered if U Pe Myint had become the successor to U Kyaw Hsan, a former general and information minister under the military regime. We had been faintly hoping that U Pe Myint would gradually dismantle the state-run media along with the Ministry of Information. Today is a sad day for independent media in Myanmar under the NLD government, U Aung Zaw said. Democratic Voice of Burmas Yangon bureau chief, U Toe Zaw Lat, said thatfollowing in the footsteps of his predecessors in the previous government and military regimethe information minister seemed very defensive about the role of the state media and his ministry. To keep democracy alive, we surely need an independent media, he said. U Thiha Saw, a journalism trainer at Myanmar National Management College, said the ministers comments seemed hostile toward the media. He seems to be questioning the existence of an independent media, while being oblivious to their present struggles. Women Activists Call for Clear Minimum Marriage Age in Draft Child Rights Law An awareness-raising campaign about the need to eliminate sexual violence against children is held in Mandalay in February 2018. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy YANGONWomens rights advocates have raised concerns over the absence of a clearly defined minimum age of marriage in the proposed Child Rights Law currently before Parliament. The draft bill submitted by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement states that the minimum age at which boys and girls can marry shall be defined by both existing laws and customary laws. (Customary law refers to the traditional laws observed by the countrys various religions and ethnicities.) A provision of the draft adds that in order for the marriage to be legally registered, those being married must be at least 18 years of age. The Lower Houses Bill Committee last week suggested removing the second part regarding the minimum age being 18. Lower House lawmaker U Kyaw Soe Linn, who is also a secretary of the Bill Committee, said in Parliament that stating a marriageable age in the Child Rights Law would create inconsistencies with the countrys various customary laws. He cited the Myanmar Buddhist Womens Special Marriage Law, the Christian Marriage Act and other ethnic groups traditions relating to marriage, which prescribe different age minimums for marriage. The Lower House voted in favor of the committees suggestion on Nov. 28. Lawyer and Legal Clinic Myanmar director Ma Hla Hla Yee voiced concern that the omission of a clearly stated minimum legal age for marriage from the proposed Child Rights Law would encourage child marriage. It is the same as allowing boys and girls to marry before they are ready under the Child Rights Law, the lawyer said. She said that as the proposed Child Rights Law is a special law on children, it will have an influence on the interpretation of other laws. For that reason, the omission of a stated marriageable age could allow some people who commit offenses against children to escape prosecution under the Penal Codes Article 375, she said. Article 375 defines the minimum age at which an individual can legally consent to sex with an adult as 16. Whether consensual or not, any adult who engages in sex with a minor below this age is guilt of rape under the law. Prominent womens rights advocate Ma May Sabe Phyu, who is also a director of the Gender Equality Network, said removing the legal age for marriage and legally permitting children to marry under different customs and traditions would be in violation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), an international treaty that Myanmar signed in 1997. As a signatory to the CEDAW, the government is obliged to enact laws that protect women and girls from being subject to harmful traditions and practices, Ma May Sabe Phyu said. The proposed Child Rights Law would do the exact opposite, she added. Drafted by the ministry, the proposed Child Rights Law is a revision of the outdated 1993 Child Law. It would extend childhood status to the age of 18 in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which the country signed in 1991, and provide improved protections for child rights and care. [Opponents of a defined age of marriage] would argue that we are seizing on one single issue in an otherwise perfect law. But that single issue is too important to ignore, Ma May Sabe Phyu said. Legislation passed under a democratic government should comply with international conventions ratified by the country, she said. During the Parliament session on Nov. 28, Lower House lawmaker Ma Aye Mya Mya Myo proposed a motion objecting to any omission of a minimum legal age for marriage in the legislation. She pointed to the joint general recommendation made by the CEDAW and UN CRC committees in 2014. The committees called on the government to prevent and eliminate harmful practices frequently justified by invoking social or religious customs and values often embedded in patriarchal cultures and traditions. I would remind [lawmakers] that this is a special law for child rights, Ma Aye Mya Mya Myo said. Child marriage has many effects on girls health, including underage pregnancy and maternal mortality, she added. Her motion was defeated, however. A total of 320 lawmakers in the male-dominated Parliament rejected it, versus 33 lawmakers who supported it. The bill will be submitted to the Upper House for further discussion. Lawyer Ma Hla Hla Yee called for the establishment of a minimum legal age for marriage in the Child Rights Law to prevent early and forced marriage being justified as protected traditional customs. It is really important that a minimum legal age for marriage be restored when the legislation is debated in the Upper House, she said. In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome! | BY Ricki Green | A satire about the trials of a junior editor in a toxic media agency is making waves online, with more than 12k YouTube views registered since the pilot episode launched last Monday. Watch the 30-second promo here. For A Good Cause was created by emerging writer and director Tony Walsh (The Bus Knight, Sodium Squad) with funding from Screen Queenslands shorts program. It is set in a media agency that creates progressive content and political advertising, and follows new editor Ollie (Julian Curtis) whose moral compass slowly erodes at the hands of a dysfunctional team that regularly betray their values. The first episode White Balance features a hilarious jibe at tokenism, as the hapless Ollie is ordered to fix the diversity problem in a government ad for the opposition party. It is inspired by Labors notorious 2017 ad-fail, when Bill Shorten urged the public to Employ Australians First in front of an overwhelmingly white cast. The series highlights sham morality and hypocrisy in politics and media, and is an ode to overworked, underpaid young people in creative industries. It is somewhat based on Walshs own experiences freelancing for Australian agencies that specialised in progressive social change content. Says Walsh: From nightmare clients to crazy bosses, to unmeetable deadlines and unreasonable expectations, this series is written for a generation of young people who just cant get a break. The series features some of Australias best emerging actors and comedians, including Julian Curtis (The Britishes, East West 101), Thoman Larkin (Homecoming Queens, Rush), Becky Lucas (Comedy Up Late, Drunk History), Sam Cotton (The Family Law, Reef Doctors), Shuang Hu (Ronny Chengs International Student, The Family Law), and Sophia Emberson-Bain (Aquaman, San Andreas). The pilot is produced by Genevieve Larin and Mary Duong, under emerging Brisbane production company Stranger Films. The team intend to take the series to market in 2019 and are seeking expressions of interest from the industry to fund their first season. Follow For A Good Cause @youtube.com/c/ForAGoodCauseSeries @facebook.com/foragoodcauseseries @instagram.com/foragoodcause_series | BY Ricki Green | Want to know who the worlds top creative companies are? Little Black Books new League Table of Creativity is a transparent ranking of the worlds creative companies, covering creative and media agencies through to production companies and post production houses. The table is powered by the results of The Immortal Awards. A points system has been applied to every Immortal Awards entry, scored by a jury of industry icons who debated the results of the first-ever Immortal Awards in New York in November. Australian production company Revolver/Will ORourke led the Aussies in the chart, coming in at #16, whilst FINCH was ranked #26. ARC EDIT ranked in at #33 making them the 4th highest placed edit house globally and CHE Proximity was ranked #37, which makes it the 9th most creative agency globally. To view the full, filterable League Table, click here. To view the Australian rankings, click here. To view the Asia Pacific rankings, click here. Following the results of the inaugural Immortal Awards, selected standings from the League Table include: BBDO is the top-ranking creative agency network AMV BBDO is the top-ranking creative agency MJZ is the top-ranking production company The Mill is the top-ranking post-production network Furthering LBBs mission to celebrate creativity, the League Table can be filtered to show the top-ranking companies in different countries, regions, fields and networks. Says founder and CEO of Little Black Book, Matt Cooper: We created the Immortal Awards and the League Table of Creativity because there was no single place in the world where you can find out who the best companies are be that globally, regionally, or within specific disciplines. We wanted to share the knowledge we have on the thousands of companies we work with daily. More importantly, the League Table is judged by the best in the industry. These results have been decided by professionals who are immersed in the work every day. We didnt want to create another list fuelled by irrelevant or outside opinions and the results are a genuine reflection of who is creating the best, most unforgettable work in the world, right now. The League Table shows how many points each company has earned, and from how many entries, demonstrating not just the total number of points won but the quality of those points. Points will be added to the table following each Immortal Awards cycle, meaning all Little Black Book members can track their ranking and amass points year-on-year. The Immortal Awards is the free to enter award for all Little Black Book members. Automation technology vendor ABB and Helsinki City Transport have successfully carried out a trial guiding an ice-class ferry through a test area near Helsinki harbour. In a statement, ABB said the passenger ferry Suomenlinna II was remotely piloted, and claimed this proved that human oversight of marine vessels was possible from anywhere. The ferry was retrofitted with ABB's new dynamic positioning system ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control and steered from a control centre in Helsinki. The trial was carried out when the vessel was not in regular use, away from shore with no passengers aboard, in an area free of other vessels. Even though it now has the new dynamic positioning system, Suomenlinna II will continue to be run using conventional onboard controls. Research and development will continue with the ferry and her crew. The ferry voyages from Helsinki to Suomenlinna fortress, the UNESCO World Heritage site on a nearby island. For the remote piloting trial, the ferry left Helsinkis market square, Kauppatori, and Captain Heinonen wirelessly operated it through a pre-selected area of Helsinki harbour. After the trial, Captain Heinonen said: The progress we have made with the remote trial has been remarkable. I believe we are on the right track to exploring further possibilities of this technology as we move forward. We are excited about the potential impact of this test on the future of the maritime industry, said Peter Terwiesch, president of ABBs Industrial Automation division. Advanced automation solutions from ABB are making the previously impossible possible for a wide range of sectors, including shipping, which is actively searching for technologies that can rapidly deliver more efficiency and better safety. Autonomous does not mean unmanned. As vessels become more electric, digital and connected than ever before, ABB is able to equip seafarers with existing solutions that augment their skillsets," said Juha Koskela, managing director at ABBs Marine & Ports unit. "In this way, we are enhancing the overall safety of marine operations." Global hyper-scale cloud provider OVH has formed a partnership with Asia Pacific telecom operator MyRepublic to offer the telcos gamer customers access to OVHs dedicated servers at exclusive rates. Under the deal, from today OVH says gamers can enjoy an improved gaming experience with ultra-low latency connections, the latest hardware and high-performance infrastructure. As part of its ongoing growth strategy, OVH says it continues to expand its range of solutions in Asia-Pacific by forging strategic partnerships with industry leading pure players. Currently, OVH boasts what it says is strong credentials in the gaming market, offering tailor-made servers including an in-house Anti-DDoS protection solution. Lionel Legros, OVH APAC director said, We want to build partnerships with pure players to offer the best deals in the industry. Collaborating with MyRepublic is a fantastic opportunity because we share similar values when it comes to innovation and disruptive offers. We are excited to bring this top of the range offering to the market for a better gaming experience! Focused on maximising the online experience, MyRepublics fibre broadband plans offer high-speed Internet connections for gamers. With over 80,000 customers in Australia alone, MyRepublic is the first purpose-built national broadband network Internet service provider in Asia-Pacific. Its network is optimised to deliver high performance to end users. Together, OVH and MyRepublic will offer gamers plans that are optimised for reduced latency, even during peak periods, OVH said. Evan Pope, group product manager Gamer, said, MyRepublic is always on the lookout for partnerships that help our subscribers realise the full potential of our super-fast, uncapped Internet service. OVH's cloud-based server solutions are a perfect match to MyRepublic's Gamer network, and we are very excited to work with OVH to help improve connectivity for Australian gamers. OVH says that since establishing its operations in Asia-Pacific, it has been continuously investing in and developing its Asia-Pacific network, and recently carried out a series of technical upgrades so users can enjoy reduced latency and better efficiency of online solutions to, or from, Australia and South-East Asia locations. Under the deal, MyRepublic (NBN Gamer plans) customers can benefit from an exclusive discount on their first order on the range of OVH Dedicated Servers designed for gaming powered by an Intel i7 processor, up to 64GB of RAM and ultra-fast NVMe disks. OVH and MyRepublic say they have also optimised peering links and put in place direct interconnection of their networks via OVH APAC-based data centres (Sydney and Singapore). The chief financial officer of Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei Technologies has been arrested in Vancouver and is facing extradition to the US over alleged violation of US trade sanctions against Iran. The Globe and Mail reported that the arrest of Wanzhou Meng was at the request of American authorities. Meng is the deputy chairperson of Huawei's board and the daughter of the company's founder, Ren Zhengfei. News of the US Justice Department probe into whether Huawei has violated sanctions on Iran was reported by The Wall Street Journal in April. At that time, it was reported that there was no indication how far along the probe had progressed, nor what specific charges were being investigated. A Canadian Justice Department spokesman Ian McLeod was quoted in the report as saying: "Wanzhou Meng was arrested in Vancouver on 1 December. She is sought for extradition by the United States, and a bail hearing has been set for Friday. As there is a publication ban in effect, we cannot provide any further detail at this time. The ban was sought by Ms Meng." The report quoted an unnamed source as saying the US was alleging that Meng tried to evade the US trade embargo against Iran. Earlier this year, the US Department of Commerce slapped a seven-year ban on another big Chinese telco equipment maker, ZTE, claiming that the company had made false statements during talks in 2016 over a charge of shipping telco equipment to Iran and North Korea. ZTE shut down its main business activities in the US on 9 May. But following the intervention of US President Donald Trump, a deal was worked out for ZTE to return to business by paying a fine of US$1 billion, changing its management team and depositing US$400 million in an escrow account against possible future transgressions. iTWire has contacted Huawei for comment. Digital transformation is the number one priority for Australias business leaders as the market looks to the New Year, according to a newly published survey which also found that the dual challenges of innovation and disruption take second place. According to the survey of 220 C-suite executives by research group KPMG Acuity, concerns over dealing with regulation and Australias political paralysis place third and fourth. The need to make their businesses truly customer and citizen-centric came fifth in the list of business challenges, closely followed by concerns over cost competitiveness. Gary Wingrove, chief executive of KPMG Australia, said; Although respondents were asked to name their top five issues, broader recurring themes were revealed which cut across specific concerns, industries and size of business. Most marked was a shift in focus on the customer as top of mind, compared to last year. Organisations know they have to genuinely put the customer first heading into 2019. This is no longer an aspirational value, but a hard reality that needs to be baked into any organisation's culture and planning.Trust is undoubtedly the other key permeating issue this year. No longer some woolly discussion point, trust has burned its way into the consciousness of senior leaders and is increasingly being recognised as the license to operate, said KPMG chairman Alison Kitchen. As a result, organisations are asking themselves fundamental questions about their purpose, their culture, and how they present themselves to the world, Kitchen observes. The top issues in the survey were: 1. Digital transformation Ian Hancock, KPMG national managing partner, Management Consulting, said: Just about every CEO has digital transformation at top of mind but it can mean different things. In 2018, the term digital transformation means so many things there is a very real risk that this lack of clarity is causing confusion, leading to diverse agendas and ultimately missed opportunities. Digital transformation includes investments in digital technologies, but also spans the modification of an organisations functions, its ways of working, its back office technologies, and occasionally forging a completely new business model. True transformation should also include culture often the poor cousin behind the more visible technology investment. But as Hancock explained, the key to any digital transformation worth its salt is connection: Connect to customers and employees with compelling value propositions, opportunities and interactions. Connect and empower employees to deliver on the customer promise. Connect your front, middle and back offices to execute the customer growth agenda. Connect channel and business partners to jointly deliver on commitments to customers. Stay connected to market dynamics and digital signals. CEOs often tell us they struggle to cope with the pace of technological change but the vast majority also see it as their major opportunity. They know they are being measured on their ability to deliver against a transformation agenda. As organisations head into 2019, opportunities for digital transformation abound, Hancock said. 2. Innovation and disruption James Mabbott, head of KPMG Innovate, said: The fear of disruption, on its most elemental level, is straightforward: the constant worry that your competition will use new tech and methods to do what you are not. But as we look toward 2019, we see the dilemma is actually more immediate, more tangible, and more complex. One reason for this is the current global marketplace has made it abundantly clear that the network effects of the innovation race tend toward winner-takes-all. There are spectacularly outsized growth opportunities for the lucky few and the potential to get left in the dust for everyone else. This raises the stakes enormously. In 2019 a response cannot be as simple as rushing headlong into big new innovative tech and organisational practice. Thats because the population has developed a general sense of scepticism about whether the benefits of innovation and disruption are really for them, or rather for a small elite who can generate an outsize payoff. So any business leader looking to prosecute an aggressive innovation agenda will likely be met by stakeholders wary about what this actually means for them, including employees. Companies need to grapple not only with the substantial changes themselves but, crucially, how they are communicated." 3. Regulation Regulation took third place in KPMGs survey. This covered both the sector-specific regulations facing the financial services industry and the broader challenges of harmonising business regulation; cutting red tape; and concerns over the capacity/capability of Australias regulators. Astrid Raetze, partner, KPMG Law, said: Respondents in the financial services industry are anxious about the prospect of a post-Royal Commission regulatory overload, given what has been identified at the Hayne Commission during 2018. The Commission has already suggested the newly-introduced Banking Executive Accountability Regime (BEAR) could be extended and has flagged potential new regulation around mortgages, credit cards, and insurance contracts. But the expected regulation avalanche goes well beyond the Royal Commission, and banks. "ASIC will be given greater enforcement powers as well as riding orders to move away from its existing preference for negotiated outcomes over civil proceedings. More prescriptive ASX guidelines will also come into play, including a key change to a companys obligation to act ethically and responsibly to instead instill the desired culture in the organisation. It is important to take a positive stance towards regulation. Regulation can be a spur to business improvement, and an opportunity for differentiation in the eyes of customers and the market. Outside financial services, there are wider concerns among business leaders that regulation is already voluminous and complex. Raetze said: While we dont wish to see needlessly bureaucratic demands on business, there is a danger of seeing new regulation as purely negative. Reporting can be a strong discipline to get things done, so we would urge businesses not to take their eyes off the ball and get into a defensive mindset if additional regulations are introduced in their sectors, or generally in 2019. 4. Political paralysis Fourth on the list of issues worrying business leaders was the ongoing political log jam at Canberra. There was uncertainty over the prospect of significant reforms or necessary changes, and a lack of belief that Australias major parties can work cohesively on national agenda items. Grant Wardell-Johnson, KPMG partner, Geopolitics and Tax, said: Business leaders are concerned with growing political polarisation and the difficulty of gaining support for complex reforms. This is perceived to hang over many other issues we face and have a long term detriment for Australia. In a world where we should be less ideological and more evidence and scientifically based in our public policy processes, the opposite seems to be occurring. This leads to less bipartisanship. Now more than ever we need full, frank and fearless advice from senior public servants. As an example, many CEOs referred to energy policy as an indicia of political paralysis. The problem was a trilemma price, stability, environment but political discourse could not deal with the three issues and it drifted to one of the three depending on the political perspective. As a country we have to overcome this problem and start relying on evidence-based policy. 5. Customer centricity Customer care not only came fifth on the list, but was the issue that permeated almost every other answer. It came up in responses ranging from regulation where it needs to be seen through a lens of driving a closer connection of trust with customers to big data, where the real issue, said respondents, was ensuring every sector in the business has a plan to collect and deploy its data to create real value for customers. Paul Howes, KPMG partner-in-charge, Customer, Brand & Marketing Advisory, said: In most sectors, the customer has traditionally occupied a pretty weak bargaining position weak on knowledge, access to information, and on options. As a result, most organisations have not considered them first-order priorities. When companies have devised their forward-looking business plans they have often drawn them up in isolation from considerations about the impact on customers. This is all changing organisations know they have to genuinely put customer first. Many will view a huge part of this as digital transformation but digital is an enabler, not an outcome, and there is a trap of falling into a tech-first approach. Successful outcomes put the customer at the centre and respond to a human need. Customers talk about outcomes, not necessarily service delivery models. They want the right mix of face-to-face human interaction and automation. And its not easy. We undertook an in-depth study of close to 2,000 Australian customers as part of the 2018 KPMG Acuity Customer Needs survey. The top line result we got was both very clear and very unhelpful: customers want to pay less. This applies across sectors. So satisfying your new boss, the customer, is much more than asking them what they want and giving it to them. The companies that truly get it are those who understand there is no silver bullet. These companies understand they need to have engaged, helpful people delivering outstanding service. That these people need to be working in alignment with a great digital experience. And that it is this combination that drives loyalty, advocacy, and commercial performance. 6. Cost competitiveness Issues raised by respondents were varied and extensive the rising costs to employers of energy, raw materials, taxes and government charges and interestingly, labour costs, including wages despite the fact that many workers are aggrieved their pay has remained stagnant for years now. Award and penalty rates are a live issue at the smaller end of business scale. Brendan Rynne, KPMG chief economist, said: Productivity growth has been a long-running challenge in Australia, with limited signs of it improving. KPMG Economics analysis has shown we suffer from poor labour cost competitiveness, particularly in the manufacturing sector, where labour costs typically represent between 40%-60% of the cost base. Compensation costs in Australia have been growing faster than the value achieved for the output. While the recent experience of wage stagnation in Australia has meant that labour costs have relatively decreased, this low wage growth phenomenon appears to be occurring across many jurisdictions which means our global competitiveness may not have necessarily increased compared with other countries who have also experienced soft labour market returns. At the higher end of the scale, tax costs and tax rates are also a problem. While corporate rates are falling in some countries (though not all), in Australia this has seemingly been kicked into the political long grass. This clearly acts as another cost burden to Australian businesses, he said. Other responses The rest of the top concerns rated in their top five by at least 5% of respondents were: 7. Public Trust 8. Cyber security and data privacy 9. Big data 10. Infrastructure and liveable cities 11. Energy 12. Government efficiencies 13. Climate change 14. Health, aged care and disability 15. Education and changing nature of work 16. Fiscal sustainability. To access KPMGs Keeping Us Up At Night report click here. There are few things in life which are predictable. Among them are the reaction of the Australian Labor Party to national security legislation. Initially, the party says it needs to examine the legislation carefully and is unable to say anything until it has done so. Then it starts getting a few hurry-up calls from the government and appears to bite back. But that is deceptive. The party ends up making some meaningless changes else would the government accept it? that benefit no-one and passes the law. Its response to the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018 has been no different. After five days of hearings before a parliamentary panel, Labor acted as though it would not give in unless what it wanted was done. But finally, itand agreed to vote for the bill, afraid that it would be seen as being weak on national security. Or maybe senior Labor officials, like Mark Dreyfus, the shadow attorney-general, were reminded of what happened to the late Gough Whitlam in 1975, and realised that the Americans want this law in place. After that it was a no-contest. Dreyfus has been going on and on about a definition for the term "systemic weakness". He was told by tech-savvy people like the chairman of encryption technology firm Senetas, Francis Galbally that it was not possible to define the term. Galbally told the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security last Friday that it was not possible to have knowledge of what a systemic weakness was until it manifested itself. But did Dreyfus listen? No, he insisted that a definition would have to be one of the additions to the text of the bill when he was negotiating with the government to cut a deal. What good will it do? Well, it will satisfy Dreyfus, that's all. Another change that Dreyfus said he had negotiated was that the new powers in the bill would only cover serious offences. Plus the communications minister of the day would also act as an overseer in the case of technical capability notices, where the attorney-general can insist that a company provide assistance to a law enforcement agency which wants to break encryption. There are three ways listed in the bill by which law enforcement can get industry to aid in breaking encryption. A technical assistance request allows for voluntary help by a company and its staff will be given civil immunity from prosecution. An interception agency can then issue a technical assistance notice to make a communications provider offer assistance. Finally, a technical capability notice can be issued by the attorney-general at the request of an interception agency. This will force a company to help law enforcement, by building functionality. What about the question of trust that Galbally and others raised during the five days of PJCIS hearings? It looks like Dreyfus forgot about that. Seldom has any bill, national security or otherwise, seen the level of objections and criticism that this bill has. It attracted 343 public submissions before it made its way to the PJCIS. Then there about 100 submissions made to the panel, some of them the same as were made earlier. The Department of Home Affairs did not put up about 500 other submissions. Plus there were thousands of one-liners, simply saying the bill should be dropped. But both Labor and the government know much better than all these people what is best for the country, the economy, and all those serious things which you and I are not supposed to think about. Until yesterday, I thought the silliest thing I had seen a Labor politician do, was Mark Latham signing a big cardboard pledge during the 2004 election campaign to indicate that he would always keep the budget in surplus. But Dreyfus has now topped that by a country mile. Meanwhile, down at Senetas, they must be trying to figure out where they will move their manufacturing of the $1 billion-plus worth of product they sell to other countries. Researchers at Western Australias Curtin University are on science teams for three major current space missions, which coincide with the launch of the universitys new Space Science and Technology Centre, claimed as the largest planetary research group in the Southern Hemisphere. The missions include the European Space Agencys (ESA) BepiColumbo voyage to circle and study Mercury launched in October, NASAs InSight mission landed on Mars last week, and the OSIRIS-REx probe just arrived at asteroid Bennu, with the goal of returning a sample to Earth. Curtin University says its involvement in all three current missions reflects its world-class research in the field. SSTC director and John Curtin Distinguished Professor Phil Bland, from Curtins School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, said the formal launch of the research centre was special because it combines bluesky science with engineering and industry engagement on a global scale. In the last month alone, our centres researchers have been busy delivering the science behind missions that involve the launch of two spacecraft that will perform an orbital dance around Mercury, the landing of a robot on Mars and the manoeuvring of a spacecraft close enough to a moving asteroid in order to collect vital information, Professor Bland said. Our group represents the largest planetary research endeavour of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, to help unlock many more of the Solar Systems greatest mysteries by driving scientific, technological and commercial innovation, and hopefully inspiring the next generation of space and planetary scientists, and engineers. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft tasked with recovering samples from the asteroid arrived at Bennu this week, where it will remain until 2021 to collect up to 2kg of samples before returning to Earth and landing in the US in 2023. The mission, which launched in 2016, aims to return samples of the asteroid that will provide invaluable insights into the early formation of the Solar System. Professor Bland is a member of the science team that will be studying the asteroid, and will be involved the analysis of the returned samples. The Mars InSight mission recently achieved a major milestone when it successfully landed on the Red Planet on 26 November with the aim of investigating the Mars quakes created by meteor impacts. Curtin University planetary scientist Dr Katarina Miljkovic is the only Australian researcher involved in the mission and will analyse data collected by the robotic lander in order to study the crust and interior of Mars, including detecting seismic activity or marsquakes. Within SSTC, Dr Miljkovic is part of the NASA SEIS science team, where she will model and study the interaction of meteor impacts with the Martian surface, through the tremors they produce. The BepiColombo mission, which is a joint effort between the ESA and Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, launched in late October and is expected to arrive at Mercury in 2025. Global IT services company, HCL Technologies has opened a new delivery centre in Adelaide following the signing last year of a six-year contract with agribusiness Elders. The new delivery centre and office opening in Adelaide joins HCLs network of Global Delivery Centres around the world, and as part of the contract with Elders HCL will build an intelligent sourcing model to support organisations with their digital transformation. South Australia Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, David Ridgway, inaugurated the new centre. HCL says it will work with Elders to achieve the companys vision of an agile IT environment that supports future business growth and delivers quality service to clients across Australia and internationally. Initially, HCL says it will help create 50 jobs in the Australian region, to add to the 1600-plus professionals currently employed by the company in the region. The establishment of HCL in Adelaide offers a significant opportunity for the local agribusiness sector to enhance their service offering to clients, both nationally and internationally, through innovative technology solutions, said Ridgway. With South Australias strong credentials in defence and health industries as well as our emerging space and autonomous vehicle sectors, there will be many opportunities for high-calibre ICT solution companies, like HCL, in Adelaide. HCL says its engagement with local business was crucial to the smooth settlement into South Australia and the partnership provided a perfect leverage for HCL to finally call South Australia home. Our growing relationship with Elders over the past two years has brought us to Adelaide with the opening of our new office here," said Michael Horton, senior vice-president, Australia, HCL Technologies. "The opening of this office reiterates the strategic importance of South Australia in HCL growth strategy and restates our commitment to the region at large. "We are excited to explore other areas of growth in the region as well to build more future partnerships. We look forward to continue our engagement with the government and commitment towards strengthening the local ecosystem, . The South Australian Government, through its inbound and outbound business mission program, has been engaging with HCL to invest in South Australia by demonstrating the states strong credentials in various sectors and opportunities. Wrike founder and chief executive Andrew Filev said the company had achieved 697% growth in the APAC region over three years, and had selected Melbourne for its regional office because it is "an amazing city" that provides "access to talent". That observation was picked up by Invest Victoria acting executive director Daniel Bisignano, who pointed out that Victoria is the third biggest "education city" in the world, and provides 40% of Australia's ICT graduates. The State Government is committed to the technology and start-up ecosystem, and has already attracted Zendesk, Slack, Square, Alibaba and others to Melbourne, he said. Philip Dalidakis, the former Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, suggested that with so many tech companies choosing Melbourne for their regional headquarters, they can't all be wrong. "We're competing with the world", so the government will continue to invest in attracting companies operating in this sector, he said. Photo: YBF Ventures Dalidakis was re-elected to Parliament in the recent state election, but lost his place in Cabinet in the subsequent shuffle. The Innovation and Trade portfolio has gone to Martin Pakula, along with Jobs, Tourism, Sport, Major Events, and Racing, while Adam Somyurek becomes Minister for Local Government and Minister for Small Business. | BY Ricki Green | The Haus agencies, Illuminate and Banter, have joined forces to support one of Australias leading life insurance specialists, TAL, in kicking off a national series of pop-up clinics providing free professional skin checks at some of Australias most iconic beaches across the summer. The activation launched at Bondi Beach for the first weekend of summer, marking the third year of the initiative including an initial pilot program. Says Antony Wilson, general manager, brand, TAL: TAL is always looking for new ways to protect this Australian life, and helping Australians understand and embrace skin safety is one of them. Last year, TAL SpotChecker provided 1,330 people with professional skin checks across Australia and more than half of those had never had a skin check before. Early detection can literally save a life, so this year were calling on the 1 in 3 Australians who have had a skin check in the last year to encourage two friends to do the same. Born out of TALs annual internal Innovation Challenge, which seeks to promote innovation thinking across the business, TAL SpotChecker is a part of TALs broader health focus aimed at empowering all Australians to take a proactive approach to their health and wellbeing. Says Paul Den, partner and co-founder, Banter: So often brands want to be meaningful but end up simply just talking about it rather than taking action. Its refreshing to partner with TAL to provide genuine utility to the nation where we can make a difference by spreading the message around the importance of prevention and protection. Says Brannon Valmadre, general manager, Illuminate: Were passionate about helping TAL tackle one of the most important topics in Australian life. The alarming stats show that more awareness and education is needed to drive action, and were proud to be supporting TAL in achieving that through an integrated PR and social content campaign across the summer. Following the Bondi Beach launch, TAL SpotChecker will now head to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast (8-9 December 2018), and then across to Cottesloe Beach in Perth (12-13 January 2019), followed by Harold and Cynthia Anderson Reserve in Adelaide (19-20 January 2019) and St Kilda Beach in Melbourne (26-27 January 2019). Visit www.tal.com.au/tal-spotchecker to find out more about how to embrace skin safety or reserve a place at one of the TAL SpotChecker pop-ups. There will also be limited places available for walk-in appointments. Banter and Illuminate are part of The Haus a group of five independent, marketing and communications agencies representing distinct marketing verticals. The Haus uses the deep expertise of a central services hub to accelerate and support growth of its agency group and their clients. Agencies within The Haus are Hausmann, Health Haus, Banter, Illuminate and GROUND. The Haus is also home to HSPR, Australias first industry-led Registered Training Organisation. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Campus Organizations and Dogs Help Relieve Final Exam Stress Dec. 5, 2018 Students can pet dogs, enjoy a hot beverage and unwind during Barks and Beverages Redux, hosted by First Dog Calvin on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at the President's House. This is one of several stress relief events held in conjunction with final exams. BLOOMINGTON, Ill. The looming approach of final exam week doesnt have to include anxiety and sleepless nights. Several Illinois Wesleyan University organizations with assistance from some friendly canines are working to reduce stress across campus as students embark on final exams, which begin Tuesday, Dec. 11. Some of the many final exam stress relief events include: On Friday, Dec. 7, Illinois Wesleyans chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Campus will be stationed in the Memorial Centers DugOut during lunchtime to distribute goodie bags filled with small stress-relief gifts and tips for finals week. Students are encouraged to return to the DugOut at 8 p.m. that evening for De-stress in December, sponsored by the Campus Activities Board (CAB). Students can gear up for the holidays by grabbing a drink from the hot chocolate bar and participating in a cookie decorating contest while listening to festive music. During Reading Day the day before finals begin on Monday, Dec. 10, IWUs Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS) invites students to take a break from studying and visit their Stress Free Zone in the Hansen Student Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CCS will hold fun giveaways, hand out resources for managing stress, and invite students to meet dogs from Wishbone Canine Rescue. Later in the evening, President Eric Jensen and other administrators will show their support for students by serving breakfast food at the annual Late Night Breakfast in the Bertholf Commons from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. The menu will include scrambled eggs, French toast, potatoes, bacon and sausage with a host of pastries and donuts. There will also be door prizes and giveaways. All students, whether on the meal plan or not, are invited to enjoy this late-night treat. More free comfort food during finals week will be available at the PB&J Extravaganza on Tuesday, Dec. 11 and Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. each evening. Students can create their own sandwiches, grab some fresh fruit and enjoy warm beverages as members of the Student Affairs team offer support and well wishes. As part of the Come Home Safe campaign, students can also pick up a winter car safety packet with information about winterizing a vehicle and safe winter driving tips, along with a complimentary ice scraper. As students enter the home stretch of finals week, Barks and Beverages Redux will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Presidents House (1201 Park St.), where First Dog Calvin and his canine friend Vinnie will welcome students for hot beverages and a chance to unwind. For more information on finals week programs, visit the Campus Events Calendar. By Rachel McCarthy 21 Plunkett 21 Awarded Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant Dec. 5, 2018 Maeve Plunkett '21 explains her project on land use in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the spring of 2018 Course Cluster Open House. BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Illinois Wesleyan University German and international studies double major Maeve Plunkett 21 (Glenview, Illinois) has been awarded a $1,000 Study Abroad Grant from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines to support her semester study in Rabat, Morocco. Plunkett is one of 25 students nationwide to receive the award. The grants are designed to support undergraduate students, including 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. The Phi Kappa Phi scholarship grant reflects the importance of studying abroad to gain new perspectives, Plunkett said. I'm studying development with my international studies major, and the opportunity to study in a developing country could not be matched in a classroom. The selection process for a study abroad grant is based on the applicant's 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. Plunkett will spend the Spring 2019 semester as part of an SIT Study Abroad program, titled Migration and Transnational Identity, where she will learn about Morocco's rich history of migration, participate in an internship and learn the native language. It will definitely be a challenging experience as I currently know about three phrases in Arabic, but I'm really looking forward to meeting obstacles as they come and finding creative ways to get by, Plunkett said. She said the program focuses on experiential field-based learning, which will allow her to engage with people in the country and directly observe what is happening there. She will also live with a host family, which will allow for further immersion in the culture. I'm really excited to push myself out of my normal context here in Illinois and witness firsthand how people live in another part of the world, Plunkett said. Established in 2001, the Study Abroad Grant Program has awarded more than $800,000 to undergraduate students. The grants are part of the Society's 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. By Vi Kakares 20 | BY Ricki Green | World-renowned student competitionYoung Ones 2019 is officially open for entries, and has announced that this years Young Ones Brief competition features not one, not two but five amazing creative briefs for students to explore, with more on the way. The deadline for entries is Friday, March 1. With briefs from international brands such as Avery Dennison, Brooks and Budweiser, upstart cosmetics company Il Makiage, and even a socially conscious brief for The New York Times in partnership with Droga5, students are bound to find one that piques their interest and inspires students to do their best creative work. Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 9:19AM Universite de Montreal, in collaboration with the Fonds de recherche du Quebec, unveils the Montreal Declaration for Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence. This set of ethical guidelines for the development of artificial intelligence is the culmination of more than a year of work, research and consultations with citizens, experts, public policymakers and industry stakeholders, civil society organizations, and professional orders. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a major form of scientific and technological progress that can generate considerable social benefits. The development of AI, however, poses ethical challenges and social risks. It is incumbent on the various public and private stakeholders and policymakers, at the local, national and international levels, to ensure that the development and deployment of AI are compatible with the protection and fulfilment of fundamental human capacities and goals. Universite de Montreal has been at the heart of many scientific breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, and I am pleased that a vast network of researchers and leaders from the scientific, legal, economic and political spheres has now coalesced around the social and ethical challenges related to AI, said Universite de Montreal rector Guy Breton. I invite everyone with an interest in the subject to read the text of the Declaration and to sign it, so that their voice can be heard. In addition to supporting the development of scientific expertise in artificial intelligence, it became important for the Fonds de recherches du Quebec to take into account the ethical and societal aspects of progress in this field of research. With that in mind, I salute the work that led to the launch of the Montreal Declaration for Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence, developed in collaboration with civil society. The new International Observatory on the Societal Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies, announced yesterday, will most certainly be based on the principles contained in the Declaration adds Remi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Quebec. Dr. Yoshua Bengio, a member of the Montreal Responsible AI Declaration Steering Committee, added: As a scientist, I feel a great responsibility to see to it that the outcomes of my research and of developments across the AI spectrum are used for the benefit of as many people as possible. By integrating social responsibility principles at the outset of technological development in university and industry laboratories, we can have a truly positive and concrete impact. That is the distinguishing feature of this Declaration: it incorporates the concerns of all stakeholders in the field and rallies all of civil society around sound principles. Details here. Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 5:24AM Qualcomm just opened its annual Technology Summit and one of the big announcements on the first day is its next-generation mobile platform, the Snapdragon 855. Its the companys first major 5G platform. Technically, the X50 modem works with the Snapdragon 845 and 835, this new processor will most likely power the upcoming 5G-ready smartphones. The chip also packs in Qualcomms fourth generation AI Engine, which promises up to three times better AI performance than previous chips. This means we could see improvements when it comes to smart assistants, biometric security, image processing, and object recognition. The Snapdragon 855 also comes with Qualcomms Computer Vision ISP, which is supposed to be a boon for computational photography and video capture capabilities. Aside from the AI improvements, Qualcomms 3D Sonic Sensor is coming to the Snapdragon 855. Instead of using optical or capacitive technology, the sonic sensor will make use of ultrasound waves to get fingerprint details. Its designed to work through multiple layers, including glass, for more discrete implementations. Source: Android Authority Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 12:04PM This is as embarrassing as it is dissapointing. Samsung has apparently allowed a photo taken by photographer using a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera as a portrait mode photo purportedly taken by a Galaxy A8 smartphone. The discovery was made by Dundja Dudjic, a Serbian photographer, when her stock photo (which was a self-portrait of the photographer) was purchased and licensed for commercial use. Doing a reverse image search, Dudjic found it was Samsung Malaysia that used her image on their website. Samsung is pretending it was shot on Samsung smartphone and promoting a DSLR-like 'portrait mode'. This is not only shameful and dishonest, it brings a lot of skepticism on images used in smartphone-related ad and marketing materials. After Samsung got busted for image fakery, a disclosure has quietly appeared on the page under the photos stating the images are simulated. Wednesday morning more testimony was set to start in the Michael Colucci murder trial in Ber Both the prosecution and defense have rested in the Michael Colucci murder trial. LONDON and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mkango Resources Ltd. (AIM / TSXV: MKA) (the "Company" or "Mkango"), the rare earths exploration and development company focused on Malawi, has been informed that Derek Linfield, chairman of the Company, has purchased warrants over 3,333,333 common shares without par value in the share capital of the Company. Mr Linfield acquired the warrants, which have an exercise price of 6.6 pence per warrant, at a price of 2.4 pence per warrant (implying a value of 9p on the underlying share). Derek Linfield has purchased these warrants from Mr. Christopher Williams who has, at the same time, sold the balance of his holding of 3,971,970 warrants to existing common share holders in the Company also at a price of 2.4 pence per warrant. Following the transaction, Christopher Williams will not have any beneficial interest in the common shares of the Company or hold any warrants in the Company. About Mkango Resources Limited Mkango's primary business is exploration for rare earth elements and associated minerals in the Republic of Malawi, a country whose hospitable people have earned it a reputation as the warm heart of Africa. The Company holds interests in three exclusive prospecting licenses in Malawi: the Phalombe licence, the Thambani licence and the Chimimbe Hill licence. For more information, please visit www.mkango.ca. Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure Certain information contained in this announcement may have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of that term under applicable securities laws) with respect to Mkango, its business and the Project. Generally, forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or is expected, scheduled, estimates intends, anticipates, believes, or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results can, may, could, would, should, might or will, occur or be achieved, or the negative connotations thereof. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the global market for products using the rare earth metals the Company is exploring for, completion of the feasibility study and of the transactions contemplated in the agreement with Talaxis, as well as the use of proceeds from the investments into the Company by Talaxis and the timing of such expenditures. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause actual performance and results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, without limiting the foregoing, market demand for the metals and associated downstream products for which Mkango is exploring, researching and developing, the positive results of a feasibility study on the Project, delays in obtaining financing or governmental or stock exchange approvals. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. For further information on Mkango, please contact: Mkango Resources Limited William Dawes Alexander Lemon Chief Executive Officer President UK: +44 207 3722 744 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Canada: +1 403 444 5979 www.mkango.ca @MkangoResources Blytheweigh Financial Public Relations Tim Blythe, Camilla Horsfall, Julia Tilley UK: +44 207 138 3204 SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker Jeff Keating, Caroline Rowe UK: +44 20 3470 0470 Alternative Resource Capital Joint Broker Alex Wood, Rob Collins UK: +44 20 7186 9004; +44 20 7186 9001 The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any equity or other securities of the Company in the United States. The securities of the Company will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) and may not be offered or sold within the United States to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. NOTIFICATION AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF TRANSACTIONS BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERSONS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THEM Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2018) - International Battery Metals Ltd. (CSE: IBAT) ("IBAT" or the "Company"), in conjunction with its South American partner, Sorcia Metals Corp, is pleased to announce the successful live demonstration of IBAT's lithium extraction technology to Chilean and Argentinean stake holders. The demonstration was conducted at the labs of IBAT's engineering partner, Impact Technology Development in Devens, Massachusetts and live-streamed to South American partners. The results of the test demonstrated greater than 90% extraction of lithium from a generic brine that is typical of commercial South American resources. The lithium chloride ("LiCl") produced during the demonstration showed greater than 90% rejection of all brine impurities, including sodium, magnesium, and potassium. The test also demonstrated that the post extraction composition of the source brine was essentially unchanged, except for the removal of the lithium. In the IBAT process trace impurities are removed from the intermediate solution and the lithium is concentrated to 40% LiCl. No chemicals are utilized in this process and greater than 95% of the process water is recycled. IBAT's water recovery system will be particularly useful in desert areas such as South American Salars, and areas where potable ground water is in short supply. Unlike conventional processes that are employed in Chile and Argentina, IBAT's process does not evaporate water from the brine. Instead, it extracts the lithium from the brine which is returned to the resource. This feature helps to maintain the resource water balance and help protects salar ecosystems. IBAT's CEO, Dr. John L Burba, said, "We are very pleased with the response received from key stake holders in Argentina and Chile. We and our partner, Sorcia Metals have a wonderful opportunity in South America. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship. Our goal is to build and operate a highly efficient and environmentally supportive lithium ventures in South America." Based on an Engineering Report received from Impact Engineering (see November 6, 2018 news release), IBAT is on track to placing its first extraction system in operation next year. This system is expected to provide enough capacity to produce commercial quantities of high purity 40% LiCl and provide environmental advantages compared to existing technologies, particularly in South America where the aquifers are being depleted over time. Greg Mehos, Ph.D., P.E., an independent Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, approved and verified that the scientific and technical information contained in the release is accurate. About IBAT IBAT is an advanced disruptive technology company focused on lithium brine extraction. The company is in the process of creating and applying intellectual property related to lithium extraction from brines. IBAT's unique extraction process is environmentally friendly, low cost, and has the potential to produce high-quality, commercial grade lithium at a much faster rate than the current industry standards. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Dr. John Burba" President, CEO, and Director Phone: (778) 939-4228 Forward-looking statements This news release of International Battery Metals Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (the "company") includes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of regulation and legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report and the company's other filings with the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) available at the CSE's Internet site (www.thecse.com). HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: TOUQUOY GOLD DEPOSIT FIFTEEN MILE STREAM GOLD DEPOSIT COCHRANE HILL GOLD DEPOSIT 16m @ 1.65g/t Au from 33m 15m @ 1.50g/t Au from 101m 1m @ 30.2g/t Au from 173m 9m @ 1.64g/t Au from 27m 9m @ 2.91g/t Au from 220m 21m @ 1.65g/t Au from 247m 5m @ 5.19g/t Au from 41m 22m @ 0.95g/t Au from 159m 4m @ 10.38g/t Au from 159m 15m @ 1.57g/t Au from 43m 26m @ 1.41g/t Au from 154m 8m @ 2.39g/t Au from 204m 6m @ 6.25g/t Au from 43m 28m @ 1.06g/t Au from 174m 6m @ 7.96g/t Au from 138m VANCOUVER, Dec. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Atlantic Gold Corporation (TSX-V: AGB) ("Atlantic" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update of initial results of resource delineation drilling programs at the Touquoy, Fifteen Mile Stream and Cochrane Hill Gold Deposits and progress of exploration of the Phase 4 Corridor Regional Program. Touquoy Drill Plan Resource Extension, Touquoy Gold Deposit Diamond drilling at the Touquoy Gold Deposit was undertaken during October and November, mainly focused on two areas to the south of the current pit outside the current resource model where information is sparse due to a previous lack of access for drilling. To the southwest of the pit, there was a large area of historic tailings, which have since been encapsulated in engineered cells within the existing tailings management facility, making this area available for drilling. To the southeast of the pit, removal of a drumlin (a mound of glacial till) in a clay pit has provided access to an area previously not drilled. In both these areas the target was the argillite geological package on the south-dipping limb of the anticlinal fold that hosts the ore zone at Touquoy, with the aim of extending known mineralization. Results to date are in line with expectations, showing continuity of grade in disseminated mineralization within the argillites, with isolated high grades in centimeter-wide veins within the surrounding greywackes. Significant drill results are included in Table 1. Further assays are pending. Several additional infill holes have been drilled to the north of the current pit, targeting argillites in the north limb of the Touquoy anticline, with the objective of increasing data density for resource estimation. Assays are still pending from these holes. Results from this program will be incorporated into an update of the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, planned for Q1 2019, and a follow-up drill program will be initiated if warranted. Table 1 Significant Drill Results (Gold Assay (g/t Au) * Sample Length (m) 3.0g/t Au * m) RESOURCE EXTENSION, TOUQUOY GOLD DEPOSIT December 3, 2018 Hole ID Easting Northing Dip Az. Depth (m) Significant Intervals (0.5g/t Au up to 3m internal dilution) From (m) To (m) Width (m) Grade (g/t Au) MR-18-001 21651 9993 -55 324 122 3 15 12 1.20 39 42 3 1.82 87 95 8 1.12 MR-18-002 21652 9965 -60 324 140 24 25 1 14.85 36 44 8 0.93 83 87 4 1.47 MR-18-003 21646 9940 -60 324 140 104 109 5 1.93 MR-18-005 21676 9926 -45 324 142 2.45 7 4.55 0.87 65 69 4 2.82 85 89 4 3.31 97 107 10 1.87 MR-18-006 21676 9926 -60 324 140 2.36 10 7.64 2.30 MR-18-007 21679 9993 -60 324 110 33 49 16 1.65 MR-18-008 21723 9921 -45 324 130 24 27 3 1.34 76 77 1 3.28 103 112 9 1.11 MR-18-009 21723 9921 -60 324 122 23 26 3 1.84 MR-18-010 21750 9925 -45 324 121 75 77 2 1.61 106 114 8 0.53 MR-18-011 21750 9925 -60 324 110 64 65 1 6.40 MR-18-012 21779 9952 -55 324 122 43 44 1 3.70 94 99 5 0.81 MR-18-013 21800 10002 -55 324 101 4 6 2 2.74 15 22 7 1.56 27 36 9 1.64 41 46 5 5.19 MR-18-014 21800 9975 -55 324 101 35 36 1 5.90 43 58 15 1.57 MR-18-015 21874 10009 -55 324 101 82 85 3 1.15 MR-18-017 21974 9998 -60 324 152 11 13 2 2.15 22 23 1 4.58 43 49 6 6.25 44 45 1 35.70 98 105 7 4.30 MR-18-020 21569 9977 -55 324 161 60 61 1 16.35 MR-18-021 21576 9942 -55 324 140 116 117 1 17.95 MR-18-022 21575 9915 -55 324 140 20 22 2 3.78 MR-18-024 22100 10028 -45 324 80 16 19 3 8.90 18 19 1 25.60 24 29 5 1.01 52 58 6 2.68 MR-18-026 22100 10083 -45 324 82 8 9 1 3.69 29 32 3 1.66 68 69 1 3.72 MR-18-027 22125 10052 -45 324 82 42 43 1 5.53 70 73 3 1.83 78 79 1 3.32 MR-18-028 22125 10083 -45 324 82 6 11 5 1.21 15 18 3 1.18 MR-18-032 22175 10062 -45 324 82 29 34 5 1.00 MR-18-035 21550 10050 -55 144 140 6 14 8 1.62 20 32 12 1.14 Notes: All assay results are Fire Assays of 50g charge from 1kg pulverized sub-sample split from ~2mm crushed parent of sawn half 1m NQ core ! Mineralization to the end of hole. Table includes all assay results which are deemed significant, with [Sample Length (m) * Gold Assay (g/t Au) 3.0g/t Au*m] True width of the mineralization varies according to the dip of the host stratigraphy and declination of the relevant drill hole. For intersections quoted above, true width averages approximately 80% of the down-hole width The accompanying drill plan can be viewed here: Click Here Resource Extension, Fifteen Mile Stream & Cochrane Hill Gold Deposits The Phase 3 Resource Expansion Drill Programs at Fifteen Mile Stream and Cochrane Hill Gold Deposits completed between September 2017 and February 2018 successfully identified additional gold mineralization immediately peripheral to previously defined mineral resources at both locations. Compilation and analysis of the results of these programs determined that in the Egerton-MacLean Zone at Fifteen Mile Stream and at Cochrane Hill there remained potential to extend the known mineralization. Thus the current extension drill program, which comprises approximately 11,000 - 13,000 metres of diamond drilling at Fifteen Mile Stream and 14,000 16,000m of drilling at Cochrane Hill, is designed to achieve that goal. Egerton-MacLean Zone, Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Deposit The Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Deposit is located approximately 57km northeast of the central processing facility at the Moose River Consolidated Gold Mine and is readily accessible by highway. Fifteen Mile Stream's current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources stand at 10.59 million tonnes at 1.33 g/t Au for 452,000 oz at a 0.35g/t Au cut-off grade. Inferred Mineral Resources amount to 6.64 million tonnes at 1.12 g/t Au for 240,000 oz at a 0.35g/t Au cut-off grade (see Company announcement dated January 29, 2018)1. The Phase 3 Resource Expansion diamond drilling program at Fifteen Mile Stream was completed at the end of February with a total of 221 holes and 24,325m drilled. Results of this program were announced in earlier news releases (see Company announcement dated March 15, 2018). At Fifteen Mile Stream, mineralization comprises disseminated gold within argillites and greywackes of the Moose River Formation, as well as coarse gold within bedding-parallel quartz veins. Gold mineralization is concentrated in three zones: Egerton-MacLean, Hudson, and Plenty (see location plan). The Hudson and Egerton-MacLean Zones lie within the hinge and northern limb of the Fifteen Mile Stream Anticline. Secondary folding and fault repetition have led to a larger zone of mineralization in the Egerton-MacLean Zone than in the Hudson Zone. The Plenty Zone is a tabular body within the overturned southern limb of the Fifteen Mile Stream Anticline. The anticline that hosts the Egerton-MacLean Zone plunges gently to the east, with the northern limb dipping moderately at 70 to the north, and the southern limb overturned and dipping steeply northwards. All drill holes are drilled to the south. Phase 3 drilling reported earlier this year indicated that mineralization was open both down dip to the north and down plunge to the east. Recent drilling has further defined disseminated mineralization in the eastern Egerton-MacLean Zone in the core of the anticline (e.g. 1.41g/t over 26 m in FMS-18-391 on section 13600E) and on the northern limb of the anticline in the central and western Egerton-MacLean Zone (e.g, 0.70g/t Au over 9 m in FMS-18-400 on section 13400E). High-grade, vein-hosted gold continues to be intercepted in deeper strata along the anticline hinge zone (e.g., 19.71 g/t Au over 3m in FMS-18-392 on section 13425E). Drilling is nearing completion. Significant drill results received to date are included in Table 2. Table 2 Significant Drill Results (Gold Assay (g/t Au) * Sample Length (m) 3.0g/t Au * m) RESOURCE EXTENSION, FIFTEEN MILE STREAM GOLD DEPOSIT December 3, 2018 Hole ID Easting Northing Dip Az. Depth (m) Significant Intervals (0.5g/t Au up to 3m internal dilution) From (m) To (m) Width (m) Grade (g/t Au) FMS-18-371 13700 10200 -60 180 122 88 100 12 0.56 FMS-18-372 13700 10200 -70 180 140 101 116 15 1.50 FMS-18-373 13700 10207 -78 180 155 117 125 8 0.85 130 131 1 3.29 FMS-18-374 13700 10180 -60 180 110 77 85 8 1.72 FMS-18-375 13700 10160 -60 180 101 51 52 1 3.34 58 71 13 0.54 FMS-18-377 13675 10220 -70 180 152 106 107 1 3.13 112 126 14 1.00 FMS-18-378 13675 10220 -90 180 191 144 155 11 1.05 161 162 1 3.27 FMS-18-379 13650 10220 -90 180 191 149 162 13 1.12 183 186 3 1.44 FMS-18-380 13650 10220 -80 180 164 124 129 5 0.77 FMS-18-381 13475 10280 -60 180 242 150 161 11 0.61 189 197 8 1.13 FMS-18-382 13475 10295 -70 180 255 170 184 14 0.98 220 229 9 2.91 FMS-18-383 13500 10300 -58 180 210 159 181 22 0.95 193 198 5 0.92 FMS-18-384 13650 10220 -70 180 150 112 116 4 0.84 126 137 11 1.19 FMS-18-385 13500 10300 -50 180 170 158 159 1 6.85 165 170 5 0.96! FMS-18-386 13500 10320 -65 180 251 182 193 11 0.76 FMS-18-387 13522 10342 -68 180 260 164 165 1 5.87 169 170 1 13.20 FMS-18-388 13522 10342 -62 180 260 158 161 3 1.24 195 200 5 0.60 210 218 8 1.01 244 245 1 7.15 FMS-18-389 13600 10220 -90 180 221 173 198 25 0.92 FMS-18-390 13450 10280 -65 180 242 162 170 8 0.61 192 193 1 108.50 205 212 7 9.16 209 210 1 21.40 211 212 1 25.50 FMS-18-391 13600 10220 -80 180 194 125 130 5 0.68 154 180 26 1.41 184 190 6 2.28 FMS-18-392 13425 10272 -58 180 221 128 137 9 0.65 141 147 6 0.72 179 182 3 19.71 181 182 1 57.50 FMS-18-393 13600 10220 -70 180 134 95 102 7 0.61 FMS-18-394 13625 10220 -90 180 221 146 152 6 0.57 174 202 28 1.06 215 217 2 1.72 FMS-18-395 13425 10272 -68 180 221 76 77 1 35.50 127 128 1 3.54 148 157 9 0.61 FMS-18-396 13625 10220 -80 180 221 113 123 10 0.77 139 140 1 3.76 FMS-18-397 13375 10225 -55 180 221 86 105 19 0.63 FMS-18-400 13400 10270 -71 180 200 147 156 9 0.70 176 177 1 27.60 184 185 1 4.43 FMS-18-401 13350 10210 -60 180 200 87 92 5 0.61 FMS-18-402 13325 10210 -65 180 140 132 133 1 3.37 FMS-18-405 13700 10140 -60 180 86 47 53 6 0.72 FMS-18-406 13700 10207 -88 180 161 133 153 20 0.94 FMS-18-407 13300 9980 -45 180 62 23 29 6 0.52 Notes: All assay results are Fire Assays of 50g charge from 1kg pulverized sub-sample split from ~2mm crushed parent of sawn half 1m NQ core ! Mineralization to the end of hole. Table includes all assay results which are deemed significant, with [Sample Length (m) * Gold Assay (g/t Au) 3.0g/t Au*m] True width of the mineralization varies according to the dip of the host stratigraphy and declination of the relevant drill hole. For intersections quoted above, true width averages approximately 70-100% of the down-hole width. The accompanying drill plan and cross sections can be viewed here: Click Here 1The Mineral Resource estimate for the Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Deposits is quoted at a cut-off grade of 0.35g/t. It has an effective date of July 20, 2017 and was prepared as part of a technical report in accordance with NI 43-101 by Mr. Neil Schofield, a principal of FSSI (Australia) Pty Ltd, released on March 15, 2018 on SEDAR. Cochrane Hill Gold Deposit The Cochrane Hill Gold Deposit is located approximately 80km northeast of the central processing facility at the Moose River Consolidated Gold Mine and is readily accessible by highway. Cochrane Hill's current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources stand at 10.66 million tonnes at 1.16 g/t Au for 398,000 oz. at 0.35g/t cut-off grade. Inferred Mineral Resources amount to 1.63 million tonnes at 1.32 g/t Au for 69,000 oz. at 0.35g/t cut-off grade (see Company announcement January 29, 2018)2. The Phase 3 Resource Expansion drilling program at Cochrane Hill was completed in January 2018, with 44 holes for 6,900m having been drilled. The Cochrane Hill deposit is a fairly predictable and continuous tabular body dipping about 70o to the north with an average true width of approximately 20-25m. Drill holes were drilled on 25m x 20m centres to test for resource extensions of this body eastwards and at depth to the northeast. Results of this program were announced in earlier news releases (See Company announcements dated March 15, 2018 and April 4, 2018). Particularly notable from the results received from the Phase 3 drill program is a robust zone of mineralization over at least a 300m strike length (at approximately 3050E to 3350E) below the previous pit design and about 180m vertically below surface. Mineralized intervals within this zone have a combined down-hole width per drill hole averaging 30m (true width of about 22m) and a weighted average grade of 2.75g/t Au. This zone is also open at depth and to the east and has the potential to add high value ounces to further expand the current in-pit resource. The current drilling program, designed to test this target, is on-going with a limited number of assay results being returned to date; however, mineralization typical of Cochrane Hill has been observed in most drill holes. Significant drill results received to date are included in Table 3. Table 3 Significant Drill Results (Gold Assay (g/t Au) * Sample Length (m) 3.0g/t Au * m) RESOURCE EXTENSION, COCHRANE HILL GOLD DEPOSIT December 3, 2018 Hole ID Easting Northing Dip Az. Depth (m) Significant Intervals (0.5g/t Au up to 3m internal dilution) From (m) To (m) Width (m) Grade (g/t Au) CH-18-269 2975 3200 -65 180 230 173 174 1 30.2 211 216 5 1.08 220 226 6 0.58 CH-18-270 2975 3220 -63 180 272 226 228 2 4.6 247 268 21 1.65 CH-18-271 3000 3160 -70 180 221 159 163 4 10.38 159 160 1 36.5 172 180 8 0.71 204 212 8 2.39 CH-18-277 3025 3128 -66.5 180 170 138 144 6 7.96 141 142 1 44.50 Notes: All assay results are Fire Assays of 50g charge from 1kg pulverized sub-sample split from ~2mm crushed parent of sawn half 1m NQ core ! Mineralization to the end of hole. Table includes all assay results which are deemed significant, with [Sample Length (m) * Gold Assay (g/t Au) 3.0g/t Au*m] True width of the mineralization varies according to the dip of the host stratigraphy and declination of the relevant drill hole. For intersections quoted above, true width averages approximately 80-85% of the down-hole width. The accompanying drill plan and cross sections can be viewed here: Click Here 2 The Mineral Resource estimate for the Cochrane Hill Gold Deposit is quoted at a cut-off grade of 0.35g/t. It has an effective date of July 20, 2017 and was prepared as part of a technical report in accordance with NI 43-101 by Mr. Neil Schofield, a principal of FSSI (Australia) Pty Ltd, released on March 15, 2018 on SEDAR. Update: Corridor Regional Program Atlantic's mineral properties within the Moose River Corridor, totalling approximately 171km2, are underlain by units of the Meguma Supergroup which are the preferred host to the style of mineralization being mined by the Company at the Touquoy Gold Deposit. These units also host the Beaver Dam, Fifteen Mile Stream and Cochrane Hill gold deposits, which are currently incorporated in the Phase 2 Life of Mine Expansion Pre-Feasibility Study announced in a news release dated January 29, 2018. The "Phase 4 Corridor Regional Program" was initiated in 2018 to evaluate the under-explored and geologically prospective 45km trend which extends northeast from its Touquoy Gold Deposit at the company's Moose River Consolidated Gold Mine ("MRC"), to the Beaver Dam Gold Deposit and through to the Fifteen Mile Stream gold deposits in the northeast. This trend is underlain by the Moose River Formation, a geological unit composed of a sequence of folded argillites and greywacke which host the gold mineralization at the Touquoy, Beaver Dam and Fifteen Mile Stream deposits. The Phase 4 Corridor Regional Program will comprise a total of up to 100,000 metres of diamond drilling distributed throughout the Touquoy-Beaver Dam-Fifteen Mile Stream Corridor. 149 Deposit Prioritized as part of the Corridor Regional Program based on favourable interpreted geological and geophysical information and historical anomalous drill hole results, the 149 Deposit was discovered by traverses of widely-spaced diamond drilling. Encouraging initial results were followed-up and shallow mineralization was intersected over a strike length of 350m. (See News Release dated June 28, 2018). Additional infill drilling completed identified two zones of gold mineralization: a shallow, generally higher grade "axial" zone in the core of a tight anticlinal fold and a thicker, but lower grade, "limb" zone on the over-turned limb of the anticline. The zone of mineralization was extended to over 475m in strike and is still open to the east. (See News Release dated September 19, 2018). Deeper drilling required to extend the higher grade "axial" zone and additional shallow drilling required to follow the "limb" zone closer to surface has commenced. No assay results have been received to date; however, visual mineralization (carbonate alteration, pyrrhotite banding, quartz veining and specs of visible gold) consistent with previously reported significant mineralization has been intersected in targeted zones. Drilling will be completed before year-end and results will be incorporated in a mineral resource estimate in early 2019. Aeromagnetic interpretation also indicates potential for similar geological settings to occur further to the east and additional reconnaissance-spaced drilling has commenced to test these zones. Elsewhere, drilling continues within the Corridor Regional Program. Although no significant assay results have been returned from drilling completed to date, several geochemically anomalous trends associated with defined anticlinal fold structures have been delineated which will require further follow-up drilling in 2019. The systematic drilling of the entire 50+km strike length of the Corridor will continue in 2019. Technical Disclosure All assays reported are 50g charge fire assays of 1kg pulverized sub-sample split from -2mm crushed parent of sawn half 1m NQ core, with 1-in-10 duplicate assays of the same pulp. Certified standards prepared by a third-party laboratory and blind blanks are routinely inserted. Sample preparation and assaying is conducted at the Sudbury and Vancouver laboratories of ALS Canada Ltd, an entity having no other relationship with the Company. ALS employ a standard routine of duplicate and check assays and reference standards. Standards, blind blanks and duplicate assay results are within an acceptable range of tolerance. Core recovery is estimated for each metre and averages 96%. Douglas A Currie, P. Geo., General Manager-Exploration and Dr Sally Goodman, P. Geo., Chief Geoscientist, both Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), have reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. Further updates will be provided in due course and as new information comes to hand. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Steven Dean Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 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. About Atlantic: Atlantic is a well-financed, growth-oriented gold development group with a long term strategy to build a mid-tier gold production company focused on manageable, executable projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions. Atlantic is focused on growing gold production in Nova Scotia beginning with its MRC phase one open pit gold mine which declared commercial production in March 2018, and its phase two Life of Mine Expansion which will ramp up gold production to + 200,000 ounces per year at industry lowest decile cash and all-in-sustaining-costs (as stated in the Company's news releases dated January 19, 2018 and January 29, 2018). Atlantic is committed to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility and continually invests in people and technology to manage risks, maximize outcomes and returns to all stakeholders. Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this press release, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding discussions of future plans, guidance, projections, objectives, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, the activities contemplated in this news release and the timing and receipt of requisite regulatory, and shareholder approvals in respect thereof. Forward looking information, including future oriented financial information (such as guidance) provide investors an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to proposed exploration and development programs, grade and tonnage of material and resource estimates. These forward looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results may vary. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary include without limitation, the timing and receipt of certain approvals, changes in commodity and power prices, changes in interest and currency exchange rates, risks inherent in exploration estimates and results, timing and success, inaccurate geological and metallurgical assumptions (including with respect to the size, grade and recoverability of mineral reserves and resources), changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors, unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications, cost escalation, unavailability of materials, equipment and third party contractors, delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), political risk, social unrest, and changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets. In making the forward-looking statements in this press release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the assumptions that: (1) market fundamentals will result in sustained gold demand and prices; (2) the receipt of any necessary approvals and consents in connection with the development of any properties; (3) the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development, construction and continued operation of any mineral properties; and (4) sustained commodity prices such that any properties put into operation remain economically viable. Information concerning mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates also may be considered forward-looking statements, as such information constitutes a prediction of what mineralization might be found to be present if and when a project is actually developed. Certain of the risks and assumptions are described in more detail in the Company's audited financial statements and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2017 and for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. The actual results or performance by the Company could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements relating to those matters. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company. Except as required by law, the Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2018 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX-V: SKE, OTCQX: SKREF) (''Skeena'' or the ''Company'') is pleased to announce additional Au-Ag drill results for eight holes from the recently completed Phase I surface drilling program at the Eskay Creek Project (''Eskay Creek'') located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. The multifaceted Phase I program was performed in the 21A, 21C and 22 Zones. Assays reported in this release are from the 21C Zone; assays from the remaining 21A and 22 Zones will be released when available. Reference images are presented at the end of this release as well as on the Company's website. Eskay Creek 21 C Zone Phase I Drilling - Current Highlights 3.00 g/t Au, 233 g/t Ag (6.10 g/t AuEq) over 10.84 m (SK-18-026) 4.02 g/t Au, 83 g/t Ag (5.12 g/t AuEq) over 11.25 m (SK-18-027) 9.86 g/t Au, 92 g/t Ag (11.10 g/t AuEq) over 14.34 m (SK-18-029) 7.36 g/t Au, 1,189 g/t Ag (23.22 g/t AuEq) over 14.55 m (SK-18-031) 6.39 g/t Au, 157 g/t Ag (8.48 g/t AuEq) over 27.50 m (SK-18-031) 4.23 g/t Au, 314 g/t Ag (8.42 g/t AuEq) over 14.50 m (SK-18-032) Gold Equivalent (AuEq) calculated via the formula: Au (g/t) + [Ag (g/t) / 75]. Reported core lengths represent 80-100% of true widths and are supported by well-defined mineralization geometries derived from historical drilling. Grade capping of individual assays has not been applied to the Au and Ag assays informing the length weighted AuEq composites. Processing recoveries have not been applied to the AuEq calculation and are disclosed at 100%. Samples below detection limit were nulled to a value of zero. 21C Zone Phase I Drilling - Discussion The 2018 Phase I program in the 21C Zone was principally directed at collecting new material for an upcoming metallurgical optimization study. Historical drilling in this zone is tightly-spaced and sufficient for reporting dominantly indicated resources (see Resource Estimate for Eskay Creek reported September 17 2018). Reported core lengths represent 80-100% of true widths and are supported by well-defined mineralization geometries derived in conjunction with historical drilling intercepts. A total of eight drillholes were fanned from a single collar location and totaled 2,012.6 m. Modelled mineralization and geology were predictably intersected and demonstrated excellent reconciliation of historically drilled grades and widths. The 21C Zone displays two styles of mineralization, which is consistent with the other mineralized zones that comprise the Eskay Creek deposits. High-grade mineralization with an epithermal signature is spatially associated with clastic mudstones that occur at the contact between the hangingwall basalts and footwall rhyolites. Syngenetic, feeder-style mineralization is present in strongly-altered rhyolites below the contact mudstones. Samples collected from this program will be utilized to generate spatially distributed master composites that will inform the metallurgical optimization studies in H1 2019. About Eskay Creek In December 2017, Skeena secured an option to acquire 100% interest in the Eskay Creek property. Discovered in the Golden Triangle in 1988, the former Eskay Creek mine produced approximately 3.3 million ounces of gold and 160 million ounces of silver at average grades of 45 g/t gold and 2,224 g/t silver. Eskay Creek was once the world's highest-grade gold mine and fifth-largest silver mine by volume. A precious and base metal-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit, Eskay-style mineralization has been the focus of considerable exploration activity in the Golden Triangle dating back to 1932. Exploration programs in 1988 led to the discovery of the 21A and 21B zones, followed by underground development of the 21B zone starting in 1990 with the official opening of the Eskay Creek mine in 1994. Over the 14-year life of the mine, approximately 2.2 million tonnes of ore were mined with cut-off grades ranging from 12 to 15 g/t AuEq for mill ore and 30 g/t AuEq for direct shipping smelter ore. Eskay is endowed with excellent infrastructure including all-weather road access and proximity to the new 287-kilovolt Northwest Transmission Line. The Property consists of 8 mineral leases, 2 surface leases and several unpatented mining claims totaling 6,151 hectares. About Skeena Skeena Resources Limited is a junior Canadian mining exploration company focused on developing prospective precious and base metal properties in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company's primary activities are the exploration and development of the past-producing Snip mine and the recently optioned Eskay Creek mine, both acquired from Barrick. In addition, the Company has completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the GJ copper-gold porphyry project. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited, Walter Coles Jr. President & CEO Qualified Persons Exploration activities at the Eskay Creek Project are administered on site by the Company's Exploration Managers, Colin Russell, P.Geo. and Adrian Newton, P.Geo. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Paul Geddes, P.Geo. Vice President Exploration and Resource Development, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on its exploration projects. Quality Assurance Quality Control Once received from the drill and processed, all drill core samples are sawn in half, labelled and bagged. The remaining drill core is subsequently securely stored on site. Numbered security tags are applied to lab shipments for chain of custody requirements. The Company inserts quality control (QC) samples at regular intervals in the sample stream, including blanks and reference materials with all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. The QAQC program was designed and approved by Lynda Bloom, P.Geo. of Analytical Solutions Ltd., and is overseen by the Company's Qualified Person, Paul Geddes, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration and Resource Development. Drill core samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry's analytical facility in North Vancouver, British Columbia for preparation and analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is crushed and 1kg is pulverized. Analysis for gold is by 50g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption (AAS) finish with a lower limit of 0.01 ppm and upper limit of 100 ppm. Samples with gold assays greater than 100ppm are re-analyzed using a 50g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish. Analysis for silver is by 50g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish with a lower limit of 5ppm and upper limit of 10,000ppm. Samples with silver assays greater than 10,000ppm are re-analyzed using a gravimetric silver concentrate method. A selected number of samples are also analyzed using a 48 multi-elemental geochemical package by a 4-acid digestion, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and also for mercury using an aqua regia digest with Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish. Samples with sulfur reporting greater than 10% from the multi-element analysis are re-analyzed for total sulfur by Leco furnace and infrared spectroscopy. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute ''forward looking information'' and ''forward looking statements'' within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as ''anticipates'', ''believes,'' ''targets,'' ''estimates,'' ''plans,'' ''expects,'' ''may',' ''will,'' ''could'' or ''would''. Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Table 1: Eskay Creek Project Phase I 21C Zone length weighted drill hole gold and silver composites: HOLE-ID FROM (M) TO (M) CORE LENGTH (M) AU (G/T) AG (G/T) AUEQ (G/T) SK-18-025 178.00 184.00 6.00 4.17 163 6.33 INCLUDING 178.00 179.50 1.50 6.77 362 11.60 AND 182.70 184.00 1.30 6.31 192 8.87 SK-18-026 171.00 181.84 10.84 3.00 233 6.10 INCLUDING 180.50 181.84 1.34 8.74 696 18.02 SK-18-027 161.00 162.00 1.00 25.40 117 26.96 SK-18-027 173.75 185.00 11.25 4.02 83 5.12 INCLUDING 175.00 175.70 0.70 29.80 778 40.17 SK-18-028 137.50 139.00 1.50 7.58 7 7.67 SK-18-028 194.45 195.80 1.35 4.66 49 5.31 SK-18-028 262.00 263.50 1.50 5.04 5 5.11 SK-18-029 166.00 167.00 1.00 5.02 137 6.85 SK-18-029 177.00 178.25 1.25 3.50 64 4.35 SK-18-029 251.16 265.50 14.34 9.86 92 11.10 INCLUDING 252.50 253.67 1.17 17.85 - 17.85 AND 254.63 255.20 0.57 46.30 1,765 69.83 AND 260.00 261.00 1.00 11.40 56 12.15 AND 262.50 264.00 1.50 12.80 12 12.96 AND 264.00 265.50 1.50 12.25 34 12.70 SK-18-030 209.50 211.00 1.50 5.99 73 6.96 SK-18-030 226.00 227.50 1.50 7.52 8 7.63 SK-18-030 257.50 259.00 1.50 7.10 - 7.10 SK-18-031 166.95 181.50 14.55 7.36 1,189 23.22 INCLUDING 166.95 175.00 8.05 11.84 2,140 40.37 INCLUDING 166.95 167.70 0.75 10.10 124 11.75 AND 167.70 168.70 1.00 5.11 1,435 24.24 AND 168.70 169.20 0.50 60.30 3,460 106.43 AND 169.20 170.00 0.80 24.00 5,570 98.27 AND 170.00 171.50 1.50 4.02 1,365 22.22 AND 171.50 172.86 1.36 7.58 2,710 43.71 AND 172.86 173.82 0.96 16.70 1,420 35.63 AND 173.82 175.00 1.18 0.75 2,050 28.08 SK-18-031 192.00 219.50 27.50 6.39 157 8.48 INCLUDING 195.00 196.50 1.50 13.85 56 14.60 AND 196.50 198.00 1.50 11.95 265 15.48 AND 210.00 211.00 1.00 49.50 1,010 62.97 AND 211.90 212.70 0.80 2.18 1,005 15.58 AND 214.50 215.00 0.50 3.64 1,270 20.57 SK-18-032 162.50 177.00 14.50 4.23 314 8.42 INCLUDING 162.50 165.60 3.10 16.03 708 25.46 INCLUDING 163.00 163.55 0.55 23.50 435 29.30 AND 163.55 164.10 0.55 38.90 1,480 58.63 AND 164.10 164.60 0.50 8.01 1,910 33.48 AND 164.60 165.10 0.50 16.20 231 19.28 SK-18-032 172.60 177.00 4.40 1.92 536 9.06 INCLUDING 175.00 176.00 1.00 2.71 1,030 16.44 AND 176.00 176.50 0.50 3.23 1,170 18.83 SK-18-032 223.50 226.84 3.34 3.73 228 6.77 INCLUDING 224.70 225.20 0.50 12.60 1,270 29.53 Gold Equivalent (AuEq) calculated via the formula: Au (g/t) + [Ag (g/t) / 75]. Reported core lengths represent 80-100% of true widths and are supported by well-defined mineralization geometries derived from historical drilling. Length weighted AuEq composites were constrained by geological considerations. Grade capping of individual assays has not been applied to the Au and Ag assays informing the length weighted AuEq composites. Processing recoveries have not been applied to the AuEq calculation and are disclosed at 100%. Samples below detection limit were nulled to a value of zero. Table 2: Mine grid Phase I drill hole locations and orientations: A former general who fought with Bosnian Muslim forces during the countrys 1990s conflict was arrested in Sarajevo on Wednesday on charges of committing war crimes against Serb civilians, a prosecutor said. Ramiz Drekovic, 62, is the third general from Bosnian Muslims (Bosniak) troops to be accused of war crimes in the past three years by local authorities. Originally from Serbia, Drekovic was a captain in the Yugoslav Peoples Army (JNA) before Yugoslavia unravelled in 1991 through a series of conflicts that left 130,000 people dead, mostly in the Bosnian war. He later became one of the most senior generals in the Bosnian army. According to Bosnias war crimes prosecutor, Drekovic ordered an artillery bombardment on the mostly Serb town of Kalinovik in the southeast on several occasions in 1995. During these bombings a 15-year-old child was killed and several children and adults were injured, in addition to extensive destruction of property, the prosecutors office said in a statement. Drekovic retired shortly after the end of the war in 1995 and became an advisor to Bosnian Muslim politicians. His arrest comes as Sarajevo puts a growing number of Bosnian Muslims on trial for their role in the war that saw the countrys Muslim, Serb and Croat communities clash. Two other former Bosnian generals are currently facing trial. Last week a high-profile Bosnian Muslim military commander, Naser Oric, was acquitted in a re-trial for charges he killed Serb prisoners during the start of the war. Countries signed up to the International Criminal Court renewed their backing Wednesday for the embattled global legal body, targeted by the Trump administration, but urged the ICC to speed up its work. The European Union strongly supports the International Criminal Court and its work as an independent and impartial judicial institution, said Heidemaria Guerer at the annual meeting of the courts 123 member states in The Hague. We believed that in a time that the rules-based international order is facing increased pressure, the strengthening of the international criminal justice system is an imperative, she said, speaking on behalf of the continental bloc. Other countries including those in Africa where the ICC is active, such as Nigeria and Uganda, also pledged continued support. This year the ICC is celebrating 20 years since its founding mandate, the Rome Statute, was agreed upon by states in Rome in 1998 to prosecute the worlds worst crimes. But the court has since come under attack by some African states, who have accused it of being biaised, and more recently by US President Donald Trump and White House National Security Advisor John Bolton. Trump in September accused the ICC of lacking any legitimacy, saying it violated all principles of justice and that it had no authority. In the same month, Bolton threatened to arrest ICC judges and officials if they moved against Israel and the United States neither of whom are members of the ICC but who are under scrutiny by the courts prosecutors. ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has launched a preliminary probe of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in war-ravaged Afghanistan including by US service members. Her office is also conducting an initial investigation into similar alleged crimes committed in Israel and the Palestinian territories in the wake of the Gaza war. Without referring to any specific country, Britains delegate Andrew Murdoch said Wednesday the court has many critics Some of their criticism is strident and in our judgement misplaced. But as a member state that supported the ICC we also speak plainly about the concerns we have, he said. Murdoch urged the court to speed up its work including its investigations and trials. After 20 years and 1.5 billion euros spent, we have only three core crime convictions, by the ICC, Murdoch told delegates. The ICC has secured convictions in three cases for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Mali and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. MEDFORD, OR-- The Camp Fire in Paradise, California is impacting the Black Bear Diner in Medford, the one in Grants Pass and well the the other 100 plus Black Bear Diners across the country. Ellen Moore the owner of the Medford and Grants Pass Black Bear Diner says "The impact of the fire in the Northern California is close to the hearts of the black bear family because because we have a black bear in Paradise, California." Ellen says everyone that works at the restaurants are family. So it was an easy decision to donate 10% of their profits tomorrow to help the employees of the Paradise restaurant. Moore says "The employees lost their homes, their vehicles and place of employment." This fundraiser is happening at all the restaurants, but this especially hits close to home for Ellen. Moore says "It could happen to anybody." Ellen shared this photo with me. All that's left of the restaurant in Paradise is the welcome sign. Behind it the restaurant is left in pieces. Moore says "We just want to do this to support everybody especially the employees." Ellen talked to Stan Morket about the fundraiser going on tomorrow. It turns out stan's daughter is volunteering in Paradise, California right now. Stan Morkert says "And she's helping sort through the ruble and that yesterday." Even though he was eating at the restaurant today he says they are going to come tomorrow. Stan Morkert says "Yes yes yes, appreciate what they are doing." By MICHAEL HILL , Associated Press ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Should hateful tweets keep you from getting a gun? That's a question many have asked after suspects in several horrific mass shootings were found only later to have left social media hints of violence that went unheeded for years. Now a New York lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require police to scrutinize the social media and online searches of handgun license applicants, and disqualify those who publish violent or hate-filled posts. "We certainly want to make sure we're putting weapons in the hands of the right people and keeping them out of the hands of the wrong people," said state Sen. Kevin Parker, a Brooklyn Democrat who added he was inspired to act after the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting suspect left social media rants that Jews were "children of Satan." Free-speech watchdogs and even some gun-control advocates have already raised concerns about the bill, which would require handgun applicants to turn over login information to allow investigators to look at three years' worth of Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram posts. Google, Yahoo and Bing searches over the previous year also would be checked. Licenses could be denied if investigators uncover threats of violence or terrorism or the use of racial or ethnic slurs. Parker's bill comes as people are increasingly wary about their online lives being tracked. But social postings are commonly checked by everyone from human resource workers to police officers. A survey of more than 550 police departments several years ago by the International Association of Chiefs of Police found more than half use social media for listening or monitoring and three-quarters of them use it for intelligence. While the prospects of Parker's bill passing are uncertain, he has already succeeded at one of his goals of creating "fodder for discussion," including pushback. Tom King, president of New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, the state's NRA affiliate, said the bill would be the beginning of "the slippery slope of taking away your First Amendment" free speech rights. At the American Tactical Systems gun range, a short drive from New York's Capitol, gun owners called the proposal unnecessary and intrusive. "I don't think the government should have access to anybody's history, especially for pistol permits," Steve Wohlleber, who works at the range. "And the state police have enough to worry about besides checking everyone's social media." David Pucino, a staff attorney at the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, said that while he shared the legislator's goals, he thought there were better alternatives, such as another bill that would create a court order of protection to bar people considered dangerous from possessing or buying guns. Civil rights attorney Norman Siegel said he believes bill language directing police to consider "commonly known profane slurs or biased language" is too broad to pass constitutional muster. "A person could be prejudiced," Siegel said. "That doesn't mean he's not entitled to his Second Amendment right." On a practical level, the measure would mean more work for police in New York who already check the criminal and mental health histories of handgun license applicants. Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple, whose department processes a few hundred applications every year, said "it's definitely going to bog things down a bit" in a licensing process that already can take from 120 days to a year to complete. Parker countered that states have the authority to limit hand gun use for public safety. "If you're afraid of your personal privacy," he said. "Don't apply for a handgun license." VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) - The trial of a woman accused of injuring a friend when she pushed her off a bridge in southwestern Washington has been postponed until February. A 10-second video clip of the Aug. 7 incident, captured by a cell phone, went viral online, drawing national attention to the case. The Columbian reports the trial's delay, approved Monday morning, will allow more time for attorneys for Taylor Smith to negotiate with prosecutors over the case. Smith, 18, is accused of pushing Jordan Holgerson, 16, off the bridge at Moulton Falls Regional Park after the girl planned to voluntarily jump off but hesitated. Smith has entered a not-guilty plea to the charge of reckless endangerment, a gross misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of up to a year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. EUGENE, Ore. -- The University of Oregon is looking to make improvements to Matthew Knight Arena. The project will be funded through private philanthropy and will consist of two main components. Upgrading the graphics and visual experience in several areas of the arena is the first component. Officials said the idea is to improve the day-to-day student-athlete experience. They said this includes practice courts, the weight room, the training room and other areas. The second component will involve building a three-floor office building connected to the practice courts. It will be an office space for coaches and other staff to make them more accessible to student-athletes. Some University of Oregon are excited about the improvements. Student athletes do bring a lot to our community, Adam Brewer said. As its made UO what it is today. Our campus is based off of football players, Nike, track, our big communities and thats a part of why we need to help our sports teams as much as we do. Other students had mixed feelings about the plans. I think that although the athletes do, do well, and deserve to have better facilities, Bridgette Tmur said. The money could go towards improving the dorms and theyre a little run down in certain halls. Officials said a construction firm owned by Phil Knight will be doing the work. They said its too early in the process to tell how much the improvements will cost, but the university hopes to start work this month. Aldi has increased its presence in Kilkenny with the opening of its latest Project Fresh store in Graignamanagh. A total of 20 new jobs have been created at the new store. The opening saw a welcome boost for Graignamanagh Abbey Hall, with Aldi donating 5,000 to help support this important local amenity for the benefit of the community at large. Abbey Hall Committee members joined in the opening day celebrations, where they were presented with their cheque in store. On hand to officially open the new store was Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Peter Chap Cleere, who together with Aldis Graignamanagh Store Manager David Rossiter, welcomed customers who had queued from early to see inside the new store. Featuring Aldis exciting award-winning Project Fresh layout and design, the new store boasts a large shop floor spanning 1,140m, 93 free car parking spaces, wide aisles and hi-spec fixtures and fittings. Bringing great quality, fresh Irish products and fantastic value to customers, the new Graignamanagh store is Aldis fourth store in Kilkenny. Aldi now has a total of 136 stores in Ireland. Aldis Kilkenny stores are deeply involved with their local communities, donating surplus food daily to local charitable organisations as part of Aldis partnership with FoodCloud. Aldis Kilkenny stores have donated more than 29,000 meals to charity through FoodCloud, saving charities over 40,000. Aldis opening day donation to Graignamanagh Abbey Hall further underscores the companys support for the local community. The new store is part of Aldis 160 million investment in its Irish store network. Aldi has committed 100 million to constructing and opening 20 new stores by the end of 2019, while Project Fresh sees Aldi invest a further 60 million in revamping the layout and design of all its 136 stores nationwide. Speaking at the store opening, David Rossiter, store manager said: The opening of Aldi Graignamanagh is great news for local shoppers as we have the best grocery prices in Ireland. Our Swap and Save campaign launched in May and the goal of this campaign is to remind shoppers about the saving that can be generated by swapping their weekly shop to Aldi, he said. The spacious awardwinning Project Fresh design of our new store makes for an easy and enjoyable shop. Officially opening the new store, Cllr Peter Chap Cleere, Mayor of Kilkenny, said: There has been considerable interest and excitement in our area over the last couple of months regarding Aldis new store opening. The overwhelming majority of people I have spoken to are in favour of this and are absolutely delighted, its a major boost for the area. It will be a huge help to those who have to travel out of town to do their shopping, meaning that more money will stay in Graignamanagh, with shoppers in turn picking up extras in the town centre. This is very much a win-win situation for Graignamanagh, as Aldi has made significant contributions to the access area around Well Lane, including new public lighting, tarmac and railings which will be a huge and welcome addition to the town. I would like to wish Aldi the very best of luck with their new store, he said. Two students from Loreto Secondary School Kilkenny were last week honoured at the Galway Science and Technology Exhibition. Transition year students Emer Tobin and Katherine Morrow were proud winners in the Secondary School category of the ReelLife Science awards for their short film about Rosalind Franklin. >bd< Rosalind was an English chemist who was instrumental in the discovery of the structure of DNA. The awards ceremony took place in the National University of Ireland, Galway, and was presented by Professor Abhay Pandit, Director of the CURAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices. To win the prize, the girls trumped tough competition from over 1,250 science enthusiasts from the 80 schools around Ireland that entered the competition. The winning videos were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, including aeronautical engineer and astronaut-candidate Norah Patten, BT Young Scientist and Technologist of the Year 2018, Simon Meehan and comedian and famous comedian/ TV presenter Dara O Briain. The television personality behind the smash-hit show Dara O Briains Science Club said I was delighted to be a guest judge in this year's competition and see how much enthusiasm, knowledge and energy is pouring out of Science classes across the country!" Emer and Katherines video, entitled Rosalind Franklin: A Lesser Known Science Heroine was praised by O Briain as A really good topic, beautifully presented while Simon Meehan was delighted that Dr Franklins work was brought to light in this manner and given a chance to be publicly recognised. The girls video, which is just over three minutes long, is now available to view on Youtube or at www.reellifescience.com. Workers discuss a project at a rock-drilling tools factory in Pyongyang in this photo taken in April. More North Koreans, especially Pyongyang's upper class, are seeking work abroad despite sanctions on the North. / Korea Times file By Yi Whan-woo More North Koreans, including Pyongyang's upper class, are seeking jobs outside the country amid prolonged international sanctions on the North, according to sources. The move is expected to stir controversy because the sanctions prohibit the export of North Korean labor. Against this backdrop, North Koreans are even willing to take menial jobs in China and Russia that are not detectable by the United Nations and the West. "The people are looking to enhance their careers by becoming cooks, waiters, tailors or construction workers abroad," a source told Radio Free Asia (RFA) recently. "They think they will be able to make more money overseas." The screening process is strict because authorities only send those who are loyal to the regime. "People who want to go abroad for work have to go through a very strict selection process, so the authorities mainly choose residents of Pyongyang, because their backgrounds have already been verified," the source said. It said many living in Pyongyang are loyal to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Among them are members of the ruling Workers' Party, the country's main youth league and housewives. The source said younger generations are especially interested in finding jobs abroad. "Factories under the jurisdiction of the External Construction Bureau are the most popular, because factory workers are a big priority abroad," it said, adding the hopeful workers are even willing to pay bribes. The preferred jobs are cooks, waiters and tailors because they get paid $150 a month, which is much more than other overseas jobs. "Even though the Kim regime takes its cut, they will still be making more money than ordinary people, so everyone wants to do it," the source said. Another source said the people are interested in working abroad because learning a foreign language is becoming a trend. "The Pyongyang citizens are taking classes at Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies and the library or even taking private lesions," the source said. In December 2017, the U.N. Security Council approved sanctions aimed at depriving the Kim Jong-un regime of $500 million a year from the wages of an estimated 93,000 North Koreans working overseas. The measures are to prevent the flow of foreign cash into the North for its nuclear program. The sanctions also call for a freeze on new work permits and require host countries to send North Korean workers back by the end of 2019. More North Koreans are still seeking jobs abroad as relations with China are warming, a third source said. "There are more and more brokers appearing to help place people, in exchange for a fee, so the authorities are trying to find ways to regulate illegal activities like this," the source said. "However, the whole operation is dependent on bribes pocketed by officials, so there's no way that we can expect the government to do anything about it." A progressive group recently held a news conference at the National Assembly with mockups of President Moon Jae-in and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un. They called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on the North for its nuclear and missile programs to enable Kim's visit to Seoul. Yonhap By Oh Young-jin By all indications, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un will likely visit Seoul before the end of this year. He promised this during President Moon Jae-in's visit to Pyongyang in September. The media has been speculating on the dates but they have so far been denied. Moon, on his way to New Zealand aboard Air Force One during his recent overseas tour, revealed U.S. President Donald Trump had cleared Kim's visit before the second Kim-Trump summit. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is all smiles during a recent visit to a shoe factory. Yonhap There is no reason to block Kim's visit to the South. It is better to welcome him, because there is a chance the trip will help ease inter-Korean tensions, push the two countries further along a reconciliation path and disarm Kim of his nuclear weapons and missiles. But the visit should be made within the framework of our democratic system. For example, anti-Kim Jong-un demonstrations should be allowed, as long as they don't violate the law related to assembly and expression. That means protesters should not resort to violence or break away from designated areas. The same non-violence rules should apply to those who support Kim's visit. For violators on both sides, penalties should be fairly and strongly imposed. Immigrant workers protest for their rights as laborers at Bosingak Pavilion in Jongno, Seoul, in 2018 file photo. The image above is unrelated to the article. / Korea Times photo by Ryu Hyo-jin By Kim Jae-heun Thirty Vietnamese students studying at Gyeongsang National University (GNU) in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, have left the school over the last year, GNU authorities said, Wednesday. According to GNU, 300 Vietnamese students signed up for its Korean language program, but 10 percent of them have become no-shows over the period of a year. Given that national universities have stricter rules than private schools regarding admitting foreign students, the case is unprecedented. "Some of our Vietnamese students for the language course have stopped attending the school but they did not leave as a group. We have lost contact with them and we still haven't received any calls from them yet," a school official said. The GNU said it cannot confirm whether the students left to work illegally but it admitted that such a scenario is highly likely as similar cases have occurred in other local universities, too. "I know other universities are restricting visa sponsorship due to cases where students leave to seek illegal employment. We will strengthen our entry standards this year to strictly control foreign students applying for language institutes," a GNU official said. Last month, the Ministry of Education conducted an investigation into foreign students disappearing from large university language institutes. Its results have yet to be announced. "Many Vietnamese students registered in Korea in 2017 and we have been strictly monitoring the foreign students here since then," the GNU official said. The university said instead of the language institute, its Office of International and External Cooperation will now be in charge of the foreign students to prevent more of them from leaving to work illegally. It also plans to conduct counseling for students twice a semester and keep an eye on those who they suspect will disappear during vacation periods. It will also provide extra scholarships to give financial aid to students while they are studying in Korea. Foreign students will now have to undergo preventative education programs at school and the Immigration Office detailing what is considered illegal employment. The Immigration Office is investigating the Vietnamese students' whereabouts, together with the education ministry. By Lee Min-hyung North Korea remains one of the most "urgent" threats to the United States despite the regime's ongoing peace gestures, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said. "In terms of urgency, North Korea is the problem," Mattis said Saturday during a security conference in California. "We have got to address that issue. That is why the United Nations has Security Council resolutions that are unanimous." Global society raises a common need to impose sanctions on the North, and this is unusual for most countries, especially the U.S., China, Russia and France, to stand on the same footing on the issue, according to him. Mattis also urged North Korea to generate more clear outcomes in its ongoing pledge for denuclearization. "The bottom line is, if they want out from underneath the U.N. Security Council resolution, they are going to have to make progress (in denuclearization)," he said. The remark came at a time when the U.S. and the North engage in a political tug-of-war over their bilateral dialogue on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Following the first-ever leadership meeting between the two countries in June, no specific progress has been made. At that time, expectations were that U.S. President Donald Trump would continue engaging in active dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after the historic summit in Singapore. But both sides failed to narrow their differences on the timeline for the North's denuclearization. The North has taken a series of steps by dismantling nuclear and missile facilities following the summit, but the U.S. has called on the North to make more progress and engage more actively in dialogue. During the security conference, the Reagan National Defense Forum in California, Mattis also said Russia is most threatening in terms of the use of force. jetcityimage/iStock(ARGOS, Ind.) -- A teenage boy died after a packed school bus headed to a Christmas musical crashed in Indiana on Wednesday morning, according to state police. There were 38 children and three chaperones on the bus when it collided with a straight truck around 9 a.m., the Indiana State Police said. The bus did not have seat belts, which are not required by law, state police spokesman Ted Bohner told ABC News. The accident was on U.S. 31 near Argos, which is located about 30 miles south of South Bend. A teenage boy in the back of the bus was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Another student, a 14-year-old, was airlifted to a hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening, police said. The crash unfolded after the bus driver lawfully stopped at a railroad crossing, police said. As she started to accelerate, the bus was hit from behind by a Freightliner straight truck, which was towing a trailer, police said. The other students were taken to Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth to be evaluated and reunited with their families, police said. The group was headed to a Christmas musical in Warsaw, Indiana, according to police. Weather isn't believed to be a factor, police added. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. (CNN) The president of the gay dating app Grindr has faced a backlash for appearing to suggest that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Scott Chen, who has been president of the app since August, posted on Facebook that he would boycott the Chinese tech company HTC after reports it had backed U.S. groups opposed to same-sex marriage. But he drew criticism for his comments made earlier in the post. "Some people think marriage is a holy matrimony between a man and a woman. And I think so too. But that's your own business," he wrote, after sharing a story about HTC on his personal Facebook page. Chen's remarks -- originally written in Chinese and later translated to English -- were picked up and published Thursday by Into, a digital magazine owned by Grindr. Zach Stafford, editor-in-chief of Into, wrote on Twitter Thursday that the publication had learned the "current president of Grindr believes that same-sex marriage is a 'holy matrimony' between men and women." Chen responded angrily to the article published by Into, saying he had not been contacted for a comment, and branded it "unbalanced and misleading." Chen acknowledged that "different people have their different feelings about their marriages," but added that he had been a longtime campaigner for equal rights. "I am a huge advocate for LGBTQ+ rights since I was young. I support gay marriage and I am proud that I can work for Grindr," he wrote in the comments section under the Into article. "The reason I said marriage is a holy matrimony between a man and a woman is based on my own personal experience," he said. "I am a straight man married to a woman I love and I have two beautiful daughters I love from the marriage." In his original Facebook post, since removed, Chen urged groups which oppose same-sex marriage to donate instead to people "suffering from poverty, hunger, war or natural disasters." CNN has approached Grindr and Chen for comment. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Grindr president defends same-sex marriage comments amid backlash." New Delhi, December 5: A Delhi court Wednesday sentenced former coal secretary H C Gupta to 3-year imprisonment in a coal block allocation scam case that happened during the previous UPA regime at the Centre. Two other bureaucrats -- K S Kropha and K C Samria -- were also awarded 3-year jail term. Special Judge Bharat Prasar sentenced other convicted persons Vikas Patni, MD of Vikash Metals and Power Limited, and its authorised signatory Anand Mallick to a 4-year jail term. A fine of Rs 1 lakh was imposed on the company. The CBI had sought a maximum of 7-year imprisonment for the five convicted persons and imposition of a heavy fine on the private firm. The offences for which they had been convicted entail a minimum punishment of one year in jail, going up to a maximum of seven years. Coal Scam: Order on Quantum of Punishment to Ex Secretary HC Gupta, 5 Others on December 5. The court had on November 30 convicted Gupta, former joint secretary in Ministry of Coal Kropha and the then director (CA-I) in the ministry Samria. It had also convicted the firm, Patni and Mallick. The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the allocation of Moira and Madhujore (North and South) coal blocks in West Bengal to VMPL. In September 2012, the CBI had registered an FIR in the case. In a major setback to armed forces, the Narendra Modi-led government rejected a long pending demand for higher Military Service Pay (MSP) including Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), reported PTI. Around one lakh service personnel including 87,646 JCOs and 25,434 personnel from the Navy and the Indian Air Force will be affected by the decision. Upping its demand for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday announced a 'Dharma Sabha' in the temple town of Pandharpur on December 24. The Dharma Sabha (religious convention) is intended to push its ruling NDA ally, Bharatiya Janata Party, to immediately declare the date for the construction of the Ram temple. Christian James Michel, a British middleman wanted by Indian investigative agencies in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, was extradited to India. Yesterday night, Michel was taken to the Dubai International Airport to extradite him to India. Some big developments that are expected to happen today are: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch India's heaviest communication satellite with high throughput GSAT-11 into orbit by the Ariane-5 rocket of Arianespace from French Guiana on Wednesday. The GSAT-11 will be initially placed in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and will subsequently be raised to geostationary orbit by firing the satellite's onboard motor. 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. Ayodhya, December 05: The 16th century-old Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992, by Hindu Karsewaks in Ayodhya. The VHP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held a rally at the site involving 150,000 volunteers on the same day. After the rally turned violent, the Karsewaks breached the security and brought the mosque down. The demolition resulted in creating tensions between the Hindus and the Muslims. More than 1,000 people were killed in the riots triggered after the demolition. Around 60 people were held responsible for the demolition. Centre Raking Up Babri Masjid Issue an Election Gimmick: Congress. Meanwhile, On the 26th anniversary of the Babri Masjid Demolition, The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) would observe Shaurya Diwas in Ayodhya. On this day, the VHP and various other Hindu organisations will organise a number of religious programmes. Hawan will also be organised in the city. Tributes will also be paid to the innocent karsewaks who faced bullets and lost their lives, reported Times Now quoting VHP spokesperson in Ayodhya, Sharad Sharma as saying. The organisation is planning to hold another Dharma Sabha later in Delhi on December 9. The VHP workers will also organise Dharma Sansad in Prayagraj on January 31 and February 1 to support the cause of construction of the temple. More than 5,000 seers are likely to visit the event. Similarly, pushing for the demand for Ram Temple, The Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday announced a ''Dharma Sabha'' in the temple town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra on December 24. Thackeray told reporters, Through the Dharma Sabha, we want to wake up the Narendra Modi government from its Kumbhakaran-like slumber and take up the Ram temple construction immediately. As the Lok Sabha elections of 2019 are drawing closer, various pro-Hindu organisations are putting pressure on the government to build Ram Temple at the disputed site. The ideological parent of the BJP, the Rashtriya Swamsewak Sangh (RSS) is pressing for the demand of bringing an ordinance to construct the temple. Meanwhile, demanded the exact date for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Thackeray visited Ayodhya along with his 3,000 followers in November this year, to pressurise the BJP-led government. The VHP also organised a Dharma Sabha on November 25 in in the city. However, Muslim organisations will observe 'Yaum-e-Gham' on December 6. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court adjourned the Ayodhya case till January 2019 and said it would then decide on the date of hearing on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute matter. The top Court on October 29 was to hear a batch of pleas challenging the Allahabad High Court's 2010 verdict by which the disputed land in Ayodhya was divided into three parts. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 05, 2018 05:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is in the news witnessing a 30 per cent increase in the placements for 2018-19. It is time for the final year students running through nervous and happiness at a time. However, it could not last very long as IIT Madras was caught in a raging controversy after the campus hostel staff published details about finding used condoms inside a students room on the public notice board. The students took to Twitter claiming that it was a violation of their privacy and dignity. SNDT Hostel Warden in Mumbai Forces Female Student to Strip, Students Protest. According to The New Indian Express, the staff conducted a vigilance check at Brahmaputra mens hostel. During the surprise visit, the authorities came across several banned items like iron boxes, egg boiler, electric kettle, water cooler, mini fridge, water heater rod, etc. In one of the rooms, they found 20 cigarette butts, matchboxes and used condoms in the dustbin. And the irony is instead of appreciating the student to indulge in safe sex; the hostel office chose to shame him publicly for possessing the condoms. In the campus hostel notice board, the name of the student, details of items found in his room was mentioned. 'Stop Talking to Boys', Odisha University Tells Girls of Rohini Hostel. Students expressed their anger over lack of their privacy on social media. @iitmadras What do you guys want? India is 2nd most populous country and if a student is using condoms then its worrying you.. the thing that should worry you is those who don't use it.. don't you think?? pic.twitter.com/M4Ej5p4R5C Aditya VARDHANN (@AVardhann) December 4, 2018 If anything the guy should be applauded for safe sex practices, not punished! News though Inshorts #IITMadras pic.twitter.com/8sYkcm49yi Shailen (@shailen) December 4, 2018 @iitmadras hostel admin should support safe sex than chastising the student for using condom. If the students are above 18, they have right to have safe consensual sex. Hostel admins need to get in touch with modern times. Shounak Deshpande (@8Shounak8) December 4, 2018 IIT Madras Hostel staff did not just end the matter here. They went ahead and imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000 for those who will own condoms. After the incident created abuzz in the campus, many female students came forward with their stories and disclosed ill-behaviour portrayed by the hostel staff. One of the students was quoted in the same report as saying, A vigilance security officer asked if the room and bed was comfortable enough when I was at a boy's hostel during their visit. The Dean Students office has disproved all the allegations put forward by the students and reported to inquire further if at all that happened. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 05, 2018 12:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Jammu, December 5: An Army jawan was critically injured after Pakistan violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. According to a tweet by ANI, the ceasefire violation was reported from Uri sector in Baramulla district. Reports inform that the injured jawan has been admitted to hospital. Earlier this week, two army personnel were martyred and two others were injured in a mine blast along the LoC in Palanwala area in Akhnoor sector. Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistani Troops Broke Ceasefire at LoC, Two Indian Soldiers Injured. In November, an Army soldier was killed and another was injured in ceasefire violation by the Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, the Pakistan Army resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire violation in Krishna Ghati Sector (Mendhar), resulting in the death of a soldier and injuring another. Jammu and Kashmir: Indian, Pakistani Armies Exchange Heavy Fire at Line of Control in Poonch District. J&K: One army jawan injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in #Uri sector of Baramulla. He has been admitted to hospital. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/cHSj9eRMGk ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 In a separate incident, three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Valley. While a Pakistani terrorist was shot dead by security forces in Akhnoor sector near International Border (IB), two other terrorists were gunned down when they tried to infiltrate in Keren sector of Kupwara district. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 05, 2018 02:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). For the first time in medical history, a doctor will perform a complicated stenting surgery sitting 30 km away from the hospital. The cardiologist Dr Tejas Patel is set to perform the worlds first telestenting cardiac surgery today on December 5, 2018. While the actual surgery will happen at Apex Heart Institute, the doctor himself will be seated 30 km away at Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Dr Patel will operate the computer that will control the robots performing the surgery. According to a report by News18, the surgery will also be overseen by state cabinet ministers Vijay Rupani and Nitin Patel. Stenting is the process through which a tiny tube made of metal mesh is inserted into the passageway of a blocked artery to keep it open. Through the robotic telesurgery, Dr Patel will use a console to control a robot who will carry out the surgery at a distance. The Padmashri Award-winning Dr Patel was in the news in January 2018, for having carried out a robotic angioplasty. He is credited to have introduced vascular robotic technology in India. Apex is the only other place apart from the US where the technology is available. The doctor will be using Corpath GRX CorPath, a second generation robotic-assisted system. This is the only robotic system in the world, which is capable of coronary angioplasty. What is a 'Silent' Stroke? Know Its Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Preventive Measures. Robotic surgeries are considered more accurate than the manual ones for a simple reason human hands have some limitations that robotic hands dont. According to Dr Patel, the human hand can work only with 10mm precision, while a robotic hand has 1mm precision. With the right amount of human intervention, robots can perform the surgery more precisely than surgeons can, ensuring minimum damage to the organ itself. Indian Stents Are As Good As the Best Ones in the World, Says New Study. Fifty-seven surgeries were conducted, and only six surgeons had to intervene directly. So far, all the robotic surgeries were performed by Dr Patel in the vicinity of the hospital. For the first time, he will be seated 30 km away and carry out the operation. The operation was slated to have started at 3 PM today. In an interview with IANS back in January, Dr Patel told reporters that the new technology would make Indian a frontrunner in robotic surgery, with almost zero failure in angioplasty and stenting. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 05, 2018 04:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). The Israeli Army has launched operation northern shield to destroy tunnels dug up by Lebanons armed group Hezbollah from Lebanon to Israel. The operation was announced by the Israeli military on Twitter on Tuesday. In a tweet, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the Lebanese government is responsible for the build-up of the tunnels, saying they are endangering Lebanese citizens. BREAKING: We have just launched Operation Northern Shield to expose and neutralize cross-border attack tunnels dug by Hezbollah from #Lebanon to #Israel. #NorthernShield pic.twitter.com/HKgnbhn23I Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 4, 2018 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country would continue to take action to ensure the "security of Israel". "Whoever tries to attack the State of Israel will pay a heavy price," Netanyahu said in a statement. "We will continue with additional actions - open and covert - in order to ensure the security of Israel." Israels Haaretz newspaper reported the Israeli military had information since 2006 that Hezbollah was trying to construct a network of tunnels from Lebanon into Israel. Since then, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has spoken of a plan to take over parts of the Galilee, in northern Israel, in a future conflict. Lebanese online news portal Tayyar reported that the Israeli army was excavating areas opposite the Lebanese villages on the southern border. 80+ft underground 6ft wide 6ft tall 130ft into Israeli territory This Hezbollah attack tunnel extends from under a home in southern Lebanon, 600+ feet through solid rock and into Israel. Identified. Exposed.#NorthernShield pic.twitter.com/gTB6x5FLSS Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 4, 2018 The construction of the tunnels is a violation of UN Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War, explained Israels Defence Forces Spokesperson Ronen Manelis in an interview to Army Radio on Tuesday. "The fact that Hezbollah has tunnels crossing the border into Israeli territory is proof of a flagrant violation of Israeli sovreignty," Manelis said. "We see this as a very serious situation that hurts Lebanon and the citizens of Lebanon, and we hold the Lebanese government accountable. We have indisputable proof that the Lebanese government is not in control of their border. Iranian money is behind these tunnels." (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 05, 2018 06:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). - The internet has exploded with reactions after one Amina Mohammed was arrested by the operatives of the DSS for breaching Aso Rock security - The suspect, who got her way into the Presidential Villa by parading herself as Rashida Bello, wife of Kogi governor - The public relations officer of the DSS, Peter Afunanya, said the suspect had an unauthorised access to the premises The case of Amina Mohammed, aka Justina Oluoha and Amina Villa, who allegedly paraded herself as Rashida Bello, wife of Kogi governor and used the disguise to breach the security of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, has brewed a lot of reactions among Facebook subscribers. Speaking on the development, the public relations officer of the Department of State Services ( DSS) Peter Afunanya, revealed that the suspect had an unauthorised access to the Presidential Villa and used the office of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, to engage in fraudulent acts. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Afunanya disclosed this while addressing newsmen on the arrest on Monday, December 3, in Abuja. He alleged that the suspect used several names and identities to defraud unsuspecting persons before she was discovered. In reaction to the development, a number of social media users have aired their mixed opinions and views on Facebook. One Facebook user, Chimfwembe Kamanga, said that dubious activities are rife in the country by scammers and fraudsters. Another Facebook subscriber, Itoro Orok, lamented that such fraudulent and dubious tendencies bring the image of the country into disrepute especially in international circles. Konoba S. Fofana, on his Facebook page, agrees with Orok, describing the incident as shameful both for the country and for women. Moreover, Anthony Ndukwe said that if the suspect can actually break into the Presidential Villa as reported, then anything is possible. Another Facebook user from Nigeria, Nzubechukwu Abumchukwu Ezeiru, wailed over the issue that has widely tarnished the image of the country. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Frank Kingsley Uzoma believes that the development proves that there are more fraudulent persons in the country, with direct reference to politicians. Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Afunanya said: She used the false identity to evade protocol and scrutiny, thus gaining unauthorised access into the villa and particularly the residence of Mrs Buhari. She took advantage of the fact that personalities as First Ladies, ministers and certain categories of officials are not taken through rigorous protocol and security checks at the villa posts." NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. Top 5 the Richest People of Nigeria: The Luxury of Corruption | Legit TV Source: Legit The Police in Nigeria is a huge organization that is meant to provide security to approximately 190,000 million citizens, govern the interests of countrymen and law. What are the main functions of the Nigerian Police Force? What is the role of this big organization in controlling crime in the 21st century? Let us briefly describe what police officers are doing to protect modern society. Photo: campusbiz.com.ng Source: UGC Nigeria Police Force Before we look at the functions of Nigerian Police in modern society, let us quickly glance into the past to understand better what police is. The police itself began as a regulating body back in Greece. It was supposed to improve life in the Greek cities, but only during the Roman Empire this administration was improved and turned into a real system that was used as a model for British and also Nigeria police force (since Nigeria was invaded by Britain back in 1851 and got its full independence from the British rule only in 1960). Still, the first group of officers whose main duty was to maintain order and law in the territory of Nigeria was organized in the eastern regions of our country, and this happened even before the invasion of British forces into Lagos. The first officers began their work sometimes in 1820. According to nigerianfinder.com, the highest rank back then was called commissioner general colonel KK. The nationalization of the organization occurred in the 1960s when Nigeria got its independence and became a republic. The changes followed, and the Nigeria Police Force kept developing with improvements following all the modifications. The constitution of 1999 describes the powers and functions of the current Nigeria Police Force. READ ALSO: Who is the current Inspector General of Police in Nigeria? Photo: guardian.ng Source: UGC Top functions of the Police in modern society The modern Nigeria Police Force has several hundred thousand of members who work in each of the 36 states and are grouped by regions (there are twelve zones) and seven administrative structures. Inspector General of Police is currently Ibrahim Kpotun Idris. He took this position in 2016 when the President of Nigeria appointed him. What are the functions of the Nigerian Police Force? Nigeria police logo; photo: newsinafrica.co Source: UGC 1. Crime prevention The role of police in controlling crime cannot be underestimated. It is extremely important for Nigeria police to keep an eye on the crime situation in their district of responsibility. 2. Protection of lives This is one of the top functions of the Nigerian police force. The life of every citizen of Nigeria is priceless, and thus it has to be protected at all levels. Police officers have to guide their districts and do everything to prevent crimes that can potentially cause human death. READ ALSO: Nigerian police uniform history: from green-grey to black-black Photo: assets.irinnews.org Source: UGC 3. Property protection Since nowadays many people have expensive houses, furniture, jewelry, gadgets, and other costly goods, one of the top functions of the Police in modern society is to protect all types of property from thieves and bad people. Everyone deserves to live a safe life and keep all his or her belongings. 4. Order preservation This is also one of the main functions of the Police in modern society since law and order are what has to be respected and followed in every community. Nigeria Police has to preserve order in the district they are responsible for, and only when everyone in the community starts to value law there will be peace and most crime will be prevented beforehand. 5. Offenders arrest How is it possible to control crime? Police officers know the answer, and their another function is to arrest those people who are offenders, thieves and anyone who commits illegal acts in public or privately. Officers can only arrest such people but are not allowed to badly punish them (kick, bang up, etc.). 6. Crime detection Nigeria Police has to detect crime and not just do its best to prevent it. Crime detection is an important duty and task of every officer in every state across the country. Each crime has to be investigated, related offenders have to be arrested and sent to jail. READ ALSO: 5 most dangerous armed robbers in Nigeria history Photo: dailypost.ng Source: UGC 7. Military duties Every representative of the Police Force in Nigeria also has to perform all the functions described in the special official document called The Police Act. This Act lists all the main functions of the organization, military duties and all powers that are given to the policemen. 8. Prosecutions Another function that has to be mentioned on our list is prosecutions that are to be conducted by police officers before the court of law. Such duty is listed in The Act and has to be performed by policemen in Nigeria. 9. Person identification It is also the function of the Nigeria Police to identify those citizens who are in lawful custody. This means the officers have to take pictures of such people, write down their measurements, record their fingerprints etc. Such procedures have to be done on a regular basis. 10. Search through belongings It is also the function of the Police to search through the persons belongings if the person seems suspicious. The officer has the right to see the documents, any possession or thing carried if he or she believes that the person might have stolen it or got in any illegal way. What are the functions of the Nigerian Police Force? Nigerian police officers get the power from the constitution mainly to protect the property of citizens, the life of each person, prevent crime, and enforce the law. These are the main functions of the Police in modern Nigerian society. Since Nigeria Police Force has been existing for nearly 2 centuries and has many interesting facts to share with each countryman, it is curious to learn more about the important role of police in controlling crime and helping each Nigerian to feel protected and secured everyday of his or her life. READ ALSO: Who was the first inspector general of police in Nigeria? Source: Legit Nigeria - Yemi Osinbajo has expressed shock over rumour that President Buhari is a cloned version - He said that the fear of Buhari was making some detractors lose their senses - Osinbajo also disclosed that the present government is earning 60% less than the previous government Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday, December 4, in Abuja wondered how a certain Jubril from Sudan would be presiding over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting as rumoured by certain persons. The misconception of Jubril, a purported body-double of President Muhammadu Buhari, has been rife in both conventional and social media lately. Buhari himself cleared the air and debunked the claims that he was cloned while fielding questions in Poland on Sunday. Osinbajo expressed this shock in his address at a National Consultative Forum organised by the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups (NCBSG) in collaboration with Council for New Nigeria Initiative. READ ALSO: Catholic Church disowns Mbaka, bars priests from endorsing politicians He said that the fear of Buhari was making some detractors lose their senses. According to the vice president, the present government is earning 60% less than the previous government, yet in the past three years it has spent N2.7 trillion on infrastructure. He said that the Buhari-led administration had done much because it was not stealing money; was doing major roads in 36 states including Lagos-Kano railway, Warri, Aladja, Mambilla, Port Hacourt, Maiduguri among others. Osinbajo said that the government was feeding over 9.2 million children every day; giving 2 million petty traders a better deal in life with Tradermoni and had employed 500,000 graduates under the NPower programme. We are giving about 300,000 of the poorest Nigerians N5000 a month. How? Because Buhari is the gate keeper he has stopped grand corruption. So despite the fact that we are earning 60 per cent less we are doing five times more. This is why there is a gang up by the discredited elite against him. They prayed for him to die he didnt die, when he came back hale and hearty by the grace of the Almighty God, they mourned while Nigerians rejoiced. The fear of Buhari makes these people desperate, even crazy. So now they say he is Jibrin from Sudan. If you cant discredit him say he doesnt exist; they were all alive and well when Pastor Adeboye went to London and prayed for him the day before he returned to Nigeria. How will one Jibril sit in Federal Executive Council and conduct meetings, consult with his ministers, speak to me daily? Their strategy is simple, if you tell a lie often enough some will believe you. Buhari is not only alive and well. He will by Gods grace live long and well after his second term in office, he said. He commended the members of National Committee on Buhari Support Groups, saying that they were the vanguard of the battle for the soul of Nigeria. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app On his part, Senator Ahmed Tinubu, national leader of the All progressives Congress (APC) expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in the 2019 presidential election. He gave the support groups a recipe for effective campaign. Tinubu said that the opposition would talk about herdsmen and farmers clash, adding that it also occurred during the previous government. But they have low way of thinking; they have low capacity to convert tragedy to a situation of opportunity and economic prosperity; we have the capacity in this country to do irrigation; utilise our water resources; to create green pastures and ranches. We will convert that mystery; that tragedy to opportunity to our people; we have higher institutions which have conducted various studies on ranching; we can only change the way of life of some people. The herders will have greener pastures, okay; lets build schools; lets build ranches and ask the animals to be in one position and create opportunities for farmers to provide animal feeds; even animal dung will become manure and will create a bigger economy. We can create slaughter labs and abattoirs; we can hygienically transfer those feed in a cold storagetransportation; that is equally business. We can easily take those animal skins to make shoes, handbags, belts, and turn our locality to China and export. We are not going to cry; feel sorry for ourselves; relinquish our responsibility because we are thinkers and doers; we will convert it to prosperity. Believe me and believe Buhari, he said. The APC national leaders told the groups that the opposition would ask them what the Buhari government had achieved. He said that their response should be that the administration had diversified the economy; more farmers were making money and Nigeria was no longer importing rice. Tinubu said that the groups should also talk about the achievements in rail transportation. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a digital portal for advocacy and for showcasing the achievements of the Buhari-led government. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Johnson Agbonayinma, a member of the House of Representatives raised allegation allegation that some members were collating signatures in an attempt to impeach vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Te lawmaker representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency, Edo State raised this allegation on Tuesday, December 4 in Abuja. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Top 3 Nigerian Political Divorces: Breakups That Affect Everyone | Legit TV Source: Legit What do you know about Nigeria bordering countries? How many are they? We will tell you about the neighboring countries of Nigeria. If you still do not know about them. Bordering countries of Nigeria The Federal Republic of Nigeria is located in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea coast. This is the most populated state on the continent and one of its most powerful economies. The state borders in the west with Benin (border length is 773 km), in the north - with Niger (1497 km), in the north-east - with Chad (87 km), in the east - with Cameroon (1690 km). The area of Nigeria is 923,768 sq. km. Abuja is the capital of the country. 853 kilometers is exactly the total length of the Nigerian coastline. On the map, you can also see that the coast of the country is thickly indented with deep bays, lagoons, and numerous channels. Ships can pass from the border with Benin and up to the border with Cameroon, without leaving the World Ocean. The most significant ports in Nigeria are Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Bonnie. The country's two largest rivers (the Niger and its left tributary, the Benue) divide Nigeria into two parts: the southern (lowland) and the northern (plateau). The highest point - Mount Chappal-Waddi (2419 meters) - is located near the border with Cameroon. Let's take a closer look at the Nigeria neighbouring countries. Source of photo en.wikipedia.org Source: Depositphotos READ ALSO: Cleanest city in Africa - Top 10 Benin Once it was a powerful empire, known as the Kingdom of Dahomey. And nowadays you can find a large number of ruins left over from the once magnificent palaces and temples. One of the smallest countries in western Africa is located between the equator and the tropics of the north. The territory of Benin is 112,622 sq. km. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean wash the south of the country. Benin borders with the state of Togo in the west; there is also the border with Burkina Faso and Niger in the north, and it borders with Nigeria in the east. According to the variety of relief, the country can be divided into 5 zones. The coastal zone is located in the south of the country. There is a plateau behind it. Hilly terrain characterizes the northwestern part of Benin. Fertile plains are typical of the northeast, and there is a hill covered with forests in the north. The highest point of the country is Mount Mont Sokbaro (658 m). The official capital of Benin is Porto Novo, but the government and representative offices of foreign countries are located in the city of Cotonou. Photo from lib.utexas.edu Source: Depositphotos Niger Niger belongs regionally to West Africa, although geographically the country is located in the center of the northern part of the continent. The name of the country comes from the Niger River, which means flowing water in Tuareg. If you look at the map of the state, its outlines may resemble a potato with a small appendix in the south-west. Niamey is the capital of the country and located in this appendix. Here is concentrated the most of the country's population. The area of Niger is 1.27 million sq. km. The population is about 16 million people. Niger is a presidential-parliamentary republic, which gained its independence in 1960. Earlier the territory was a colony of France. The state does not have access to the oceans. It borders with seven other African countries such as Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Chad, Benin, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The Republic of Niger is predominantly flat. The mountain range of Air (which is up to a height of 1900 meters) is only in the extreme north-west of the country. The typical landscape of Niger is a sparsely populated desert with rare vegetation. The country's two largest rivers are the Niger and the Komadugu Yobe. There is Lake Chad in the south-eastern part of the land. Photo from mapsof.net Source: Depositphotos Chad The country of Chad is one of the poorest countries on the African continent. It is located in the northern part of Central Africa. The name comes from Lake Chad, which translated from the Kanuri language as large water space. Chad borders with Libya in the north. It borders with Sudan in the east. Chad also has the border with the Central African Republic in the south. Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger are bordering countries in the west. There is no outlet to the sea. The northern regions of the country are occupied by the desert and semi-desert areas of the Sahara; the southern areas include savannas. The Waddai massif lies in the south-east of Chad, and there is the Kane plain in the north-west. Lake Chad is located on the western border of the country. It is unsuitable for shipping since its depth is no more than 510 m. The lake dries out regularly, changing its size and shape. Its area is 1.3 million sq. km, which places Chad to the number of the largest countries on the African continent. Picture from en.wikipedia.org Source: Depositphotos READ ALSO: Dirtiest city in Africa - Top 10 Cameroon Cameroon is a Central African state. It is located only 200 kilometers from the equator. The name of the country comes from the Portuguese and means "river of shrimps." The Atlantic ocean washes Cameroon from the south-west side. The state has a border with Nigeria in the north-west. It borders with Chad in the northeast and north. Cameroon borders with the Central African Republic in the east. Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Kongo are bordering states in the south. The Cameroonian mountains and plateaus occupy most of the country, and only a small proportion of the flat is terrain. The world-famous volcano, which has a name consonant with the name of the country, is located on the Atlantic coast of the country and rises 4100 meters above the ground. Extinct volcanoes, the remainder of which are the lava covers of nearby lands, are located in the central part of Cameroon. Source of photo: wereld-kaart.com Source: Depositphotos Now you know more about the neighboring states of Nigeria. Our country is very friendly to its neighbors, which helps to develop not only diplomatic relations but also economic ones. REDA ALSO: List of African countries and their current presidents Source: Legit.ng - The US senators have reportedly expressed conviction that Saudi crown prince ordered the murder of Khashoggi - The senators indicted the crown prince after meeting with CIA director - They were not, however, allowed to disclose the details of the meeting The US senators have allegedly expressed certainty that the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, ordered the murder of Washington Post columnist, Jamal Khashoggi. The Guardian UK reports that the lawmakers came to the conclusion after emerging from a classified briefing by CIA director, Gina Haspel. If the crown prince went in front of a jury he would be convicted in thirty minutes, Bob Corker, the Republican chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, reportedly told journalists immediately after the Haspel meeting. READ ALSO: Breaking: Catholic Church disowns Mbaka, bars priests from endorsing politicians Legit.ng gathers that leading senators from both parties attended the briefing from Haspel, who flew to Turkey to hear tapes of the killing which happened on October 2 from Turkish intelligence intercepts. The senators were reportedly not allowed to disclose details of what they were told, but their reaction reinforced reports that the CIA had accumulated substantial evidence that the crown prince was behind the murder. The Trump administration has said that there is no direct evidence of the princes culpability, with the defence secretary James Mattis, insisting there was no smoking gun. After Tuesdays Haspel briefing, Republican senator Lindsey Graham said: Theres not a smoking gun, theres a smoking saw. Turkish investigators allege Khashoggi was tortured before he was murdered by Saudi officials in the countrys consulate in Istanbul. The hit squad reportedly brought a bone saw with them to dismember him. The Senate is reportedly due to vote in the coming days on a measure that would cut off US military support for Saudi military operations in Yemen. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that President Trump vowed not to listen to the audio evidence revealing the gruesome murder of Khashoggi. He said he had been briefed about the highly indicting CIA investigation comprising audio evidence but would not to listen to the audio because "it's a suffering tape, it's a terrible tape." The CIA claimed Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, ordered the assassination of journalist Khashoggi in Istanbul last month. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Street Gist: Will Nigeria be a better place with Trump as president? | Legit TV Source: Legit - Former APC chieftain, Timi Frank, says Deji Adeyanju's arrest is an attempt to silence activists who are against Buhari's government - Adeyanju, convener of Concerned Nigerians, was recently arrested for leading a protest tagged Police Are Not Politicians, Save Our Democracy - Frank has called on Nigerians to speak against the arrest of the activist Former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has described as shameful, the re-arrest of a popular human rights activist, Prince Deji Adeyanju. Frank, however, fingered the federal government and the army as major actors on whose order the police acted, plotting to silence Adeyanju for his involvement in Shi'a protest. Adeyanju, was rearrested by the police on Monday, December 4 after he was earlier released. READ ALSO: 4 APC governors plotting to dump party for AA before 2019 - Group alleges Reacting in a statement sent to Legit.ng on Tuesday, December 4, Frank condemned what he described as victimisation of the human rights crusader, even as he called on Nigerians, Civil Society Organisations and other human rights crusaders to speak up against the arrest. Part of the statement read: Someone should remind the Buhari administration that this is not military regime. We are now in democracy thus protest, criticism of government officials and policies, freedom of speech are ingredients of democracy. These tyrannical actions will soon end. Nigerians will soon enjoy their total freedom under a government that understands democracy because freedom is an irrepressible spirit that cannot be crushed by the ruthless dictator. Where's Adolf Hitler today? What of Gaddafi of Libya? Posterity is the best judge. Are we going to be cowed into keeping quiet when things go wrong? Just like good health and life is important, so is freedom. We need to be free in our country, I say no to this intimidation. 2019 should put a stop to this flagrant disobedience to the rule of law. Comrade Frank, therefore reminded Nigerians not to tolerate the APC government beyond 2019, adding that, the current events in the country has clearly shown that this government is anti-citizens. PAY ATTENTION: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Police spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood, had in a statement on Wednesday, November 28, confirmed that Adeyanju, Daniel Abobama and Boma Williams were arrested in Abuja on allegations of criminal defamation and breach of public peace, inciting public disturbance, derogatory conduct, among others. Moshood claimed that the arrest of the three citizens did not violate either the Nigerian Constitution or the police establishment powers. 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 - A global humanitarian appeal of $25 billion to provide support to no less than 93 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Nigeria and other countries has been launched - United Nations (UN) launched the appeal to provide aid in 2019 - It was noted that in 2018, nearly three-quarters of people receiving assistance are in countries that have been affected by humanitarian crises for seven years or more UN has launched a global humanitarian appeal of $25 billion to provide support to no less than 93 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Nigeria and other countries in 2019. Speaking at the launch of a major annual analysis of global humanitarian needs in Geneva, Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock said that 132 million people would need assistance next year. He said conflict had pushed tens of millions of people into a situation where they were in urgent need of help, adding the appeal for funds could top $25 billion to support life-saving aid projects in over 40 countries next year. Of that number, the UN and its partner organisations aim to support 93.6 million, noting while conflict was the main cause, climate-related risks such as drought and tropical storms were also significant contributors to the number of people in crisis. READ ALSO: Breaking: Catholic Church disowns Mbaka, bars priests from endorsing politicians Lowcock said: Something like one person in 70 around the world is caught up in crisis and urgently needs humanitarian help or protection. We have a larger number of people displaced, mostly by conflict than we have seen in the world before, nearly 70 million. The UNs Global Humanitarian Appeal for 2019 amounts to $21.9 billion; it is expected to increase to $25 billion, once Syrias financial needs have been calculated. As of mid-November, donors have provided a record $13.9 billion in funding, which is about 10 per cent more than at the same time last year, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA). The country with the biggest problem in 2019 is going to be Yemen, he said, before insisting that the UNs coordinated response plans helped the humanitarian community to deliver, more and better to millions of people. Beyond Yemen, needs will remain exceptionally high in Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Sudan, Lowcock said. Every month in 2018, humanitarians have reached eight million Yemenis with food assistance and 5.4 million Syrians with supplies, medical assistance and protection, Lowcock explained. This is happening even as threats to the safety of aid workers are on the rise, the UN relief chief noted. Peoples insecurity has also worsened significantly in Afghanistan because of drought, political instability and an influx of returning refugees, according to the Global Humanitarian Overview 2019, Republic (CAR). In another finding, the OCHA report showed that the average UN humanitarian response now lasted more than nine years; in 2014, the norm was 5.2 years. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app In 2018, moreover, nearly three-quarters of people receiving assistance are in countries that have been affected by humanitarian crises for seven years or more. In other finding, the OCHA report also highlighted that food insecurity had increased in recent years after a long period in which it had improved. An increasing number of crises had also translated into gender inequality, the report noted, with girls in conflict settings more than 2.5 times more likely than boys to be out of school. Recall that Legit.ng had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, December 3, delivered a statement at the @UN Climate Change Conference #COP24 in Katowice, Poland. Legit.ng had also reported that President Muhammadu Buhari departed Abuja on Saturday, December 1, for Katowice, Poland, to attend the 24th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP24) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) between December 2 and 4. 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 - The chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, has been directed to join his colleague, Tukur Buratai in the northeast - Abubakar was directed to remain in the Boko Haram region until the security situation in the area improves - The directive on the relocation of the Air Chief was given by the minister of defence, Mansur Dan-Ali The federal government has directed the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, to join the Chief of Army Staff in the northeast to coordinate the Nigerian Air Force operations. Colonel Tukur Gusau, the public relations officer to the minister of defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said in a statement that the decision was taken on Tuesday at a meeting of the Air Council presided over by the minister. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the federal government on Monday, December 3, had directed the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, to remain in northeast until security situation in the region improves. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Gusau said the air chief was also directed to reorganise air operations in support of operations Lafiya Dole in the North East and Sharanda Daji in Zamfara. The Air Council also approved promotion of well deserved senior Air Force officers to their next higher ranks, he said. Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the minister of defence, directed Buratai to remain in the northeast until security situation in the region improves. The public relations officer of the minister, Colonel Tukur Gusau, said in a statement on Monday, December 3, that Dan-Ali gave the directive when he met with the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs in his office. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! The minister also directed the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, to relocate his Tactical Headquarters from Sokoto to Zamfara, to oversee the conduct of Operation Sharan Daji. 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 - PDP has said it is ignorant to say governors from the southeast shunned the party's rally in Sokoto on Monday - According to to party, the rumour was only a figment of the imagination of those peddling it - The party said its rally would take place region by region where all PDP governors will make appearances The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential organisation has dismissed media reports that governors elected on the platform of the party from the southeast geo-political zone shunned the partys zonal rally held in Sokoto on Monday, December 3. The PDP presidential campaign organisation gave the dismissal in a statement issued by its director, media and publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Tuesday, December 4, in Abuja. The party has three out of the five governors in the region: Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). Ologbondiyan said that the report that the governors from the southeast were absent because they have no support for the aspiration of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was only a figment of the imagination of those peddling the rumour. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda He said that such insinuation smacked of ignorance and mischief on the part of those peddling it. Ologbondiyan said that the Sokoto presidential zonal rally was for the northwest geo-political zone and would be replicated in the remaining five geopolitical zones of the country. There is no sense in the insinuation since, going by the campaign time-table, the Presidential Candidate will visit all the zones, where all the governors elected on the platform of the party from those zones will be present. Abubakars next port of call will be Ilorin, the Kwara state capital on Wednesday where the party will hold the north central Presidential Zonal rally which will have in attendance state governors leaders, members and supporters of the party in the zone. This is the same arrangement that we have for all the geo-political zones of the country. The so-called shunning of the Sokoto rally by PDP governors of southeast extraction was only a figment of the imagination of those peddling the wicked rumour. READ ALSO: Presidential aspirant gives PDP 48 hours to drop Atiku, calls for fresh primaries Ologbondiyan said he wondered why some people had decided to peddle falsehood about the PDP and its flag bearer, just to score cheap political points. He said such negative reports about the PDP and Atiku were being sponsored by those who have become jittery at the rising profile of its presidential candidate. But we are undaunted because Nigerians are very discerning. In the fullness of time, the lies and those behind them will be exposed, he said. The PDP began its presidential campaign with a rally for northwest in Sokoto on Monday, December 4. Legit.ng previously reported that former president, Goodluck Jonathan, and other top members of the PDP joined thousands of supporters on Monday, December 3, in Sokoto for the launch of the northwest zonal campaign of the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar. Abubakar was earlier scheduled to arrive Sokoto for the rally at noon, but arrived the city at 2pm and proceeded to the Kangiwa square along with other stalwarts of the party. Those who came in company of the candidate are officials of the party from the seven states in the northwest comprising Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. We are honestly tired of Buhari and Atiku | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Asiwaju Bola Tinubu reportedly rejects an appeal to head the national campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari - Tinubu, a former governor, allegedly says he wants to concentrate his efforts on the south west - The national leader accuses Bukola Saraki of selling the APC's mandate to the PDP for a pot of porridge The national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has reportedly declined an offer to lead the national campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 presidential elections across the states. It was learnt that the former governor declared total support for the president and his re-election bid, but said he wanted to focus his attention on the south west. Daily Independent reports that Tinubu already has Lagos and Osun and was working 'to consolidate his stronghold in Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Oyo states'. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The report quoted a source as saying: Tinubu has politely rejected the request to lead President Muhammadu Buharis campaign for the 2019 elections. Rather, he has chosen to focus his attention more on the south west. We dont really know the reason for this but we have feelers that he seems unsure of what the fate of APC may be in the presidential elections and as such wants to secure his base in the south west first. I also heard that he wants to concentrate his efforts on assisting his candidates. In Ogun, Governor Amosun has withdrawn support for Dapo Abiodun, who is Tinubus loyalist. He will also be actively involved in trying to retain Lagos for APC especially given the fact that Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the partys candidate is contesting against a Jimi Agbaje, who is an experienced politician. Tunde Rahman, Tinubus media aide reportedly promised to get back with a response when he was contacted. The response did not come. Meanwhile, Tinubu attacked the president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, saying the former governor sold the mandate of the APC for a pot of porridge. Daily Trust reports that Tinubu said this at an event in Abuja organized by the National Consultative Forum (NCF). PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates Saraki used our mandate to give lifeline to the opposition. Leadership is about character. He left PDP, joined us, got elected and sold our mandate for a pot of porridge. God is honest, Saraki is not. They said we should not talk about the past. We must look at what you have done before. We have to look at the Halliburton issue. Why do they leave Nigeria? $16billion on NEPA for darknessWhen they see that we are kicking them out, they rush to privatise the company, what I call personalisation of the wealth of Nigerians, he said. Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Atiku Abubakar said on Thursday, November 29, that he is convinced beyond any doubt that he would defeat President Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates in 2019. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Between Buharis Next Level And Atikulate - Nigerians React| Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Aisha Buhari urges women to help return her husband to office as president of Nigeria in 2019 - Aisha says it is because the women participated in 2015 that made the current administration initiate the social investment programmes for them - The wife of the president pleads with the women in Nigeria to spread what she calls the good news about the government Aisha, the wife of the president, on Tuesday, December 4, urged women in Nigerian to help ensure the return of Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration during the 2019 election. The Nation reports that Aisha appealed to the women when she attended the national women leadership summit organised by a political group, Project 4+4 for Buhari and Osinbajo 2019, at the National Women Development Center, Abuja. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The report quoted a statement by Aishas director of information, Suleiman Haruna, as saying the wife of the president observed that during the last election, women participated fully in the voting process and ensured that the APC was elected. She said this was the reason the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari initiated the social investment programmes targeted at the women and their children in order to engage them and reduce the level of poverty among them. Asking them to spread what she called the good news of the accomplishments of the current administration, Aisha noted that women have been at the receiving end of the struggles of men. Calling for a one-minute silence in honor of all soldiers that lost their lives in the process of securing the country, she urged the government to release their entitlements. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates The national coordinator of Project 4+4, Comrade Garba Musa Bello, revealed that the purpose of the summit was to bring together women from 774 local government areas and chart for them a strategy for the campaign period. Legit.ng earlier reported that the director general of the Atiku Shall Lead Nigeria 2019, Patrick Agida, recently said the group would amass 90 percent of Cross River votes to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agida disclosed this on Sunday, December 2, in Calabar, explaining further that this would be achieved through the acknowledged sterling performance of the state governor, Ben Ayide. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Leadership of Nigeria is not meant for our forefathers| Legit TV Source: Legit - Atiku Abubakar's campaign train is headed to the north central and the south west after a successful event in Sokoto - Kola Ologbondiyan and Tunde Ashaolu confirm that Atiku will campaign in Kwara and Ibadan - While the north central campaign holds on Wednesday, December 5, that of the south west will hold on Thursday, December 6 After a successful outing in Sokoto, Atiku Abubakar, Nigerias former vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is headed to the north central with his campaign team. The Punch reports that the campaign in the north central would hold on Wednesday, December 5, in Ilorin, Kwara state. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The report says the south west rally would hold in Ibadan, Oyo state on Thursday, December 6, after the north central rally. It was also reported that the director of media and publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Kola Ologbondiyan; and the spokesperson for the party in Kwara state, Tunde Ashaolu, confirmed the plan. The Ilorin rally will hold at the Metropolitan Square, according to Ashaolu. A statement credited to him also welcomed the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, to Kwara state for the inauguration of the federal governments social investment programmes, TraderMoni. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates The party notes that the scheme was launched in 2015 and in the past three years, the vice president did not visit any state for TraderMoni, but few months to the general election, he has been going round markets in different states of the country to distribute money to traders and artisans, he said. Legit.ng earlier reported that Aisha, the wife of the president, on Tuesday, December 4, pleaded with women in Nigerian to help ensure the return of Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration during the 2019 election. The Nation reports that Aisha appealed to the women when she attended the national women leadership summit organised by a political group, Project 4+4 for Buhari and Osinbajo 2019, at the National Women Development Center, Abuja. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Is President Buhari Really Doing Badly As Nigeria's Leader? - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV Source: Legit Newspaper - Aisha Buhari claimed there are two powerful people frustrating Buhari's effort to govern Nigeria - The first lady, however, did not mention the names of these two powerful people - She said she must say the truth even if some people are not comfortable with her saying it Aisha Buhari, the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wedneday, December 4, allegedly lamented that two powerful personalities are frustrating the president's effort to perform and grow the nation beyond how he met it. Mrs Buhari said that she was disappointed in men who rather than fight these two men, will go to them in the night begging for favour. READ ALSO: PDP denies reports that southeast governors shunned Sokoto rally Vanguard reports that the president's wife, who reportedly said this while speaking at a conference organised by Project 4+4 in Abuja, did not mention the names of these powerful people. She said: I have realized that Senator Babafemi Ojodu, Special Adviser, political, to the President, and Dr. Hajo Sani, and wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Osinbajo, are not comfortable with my saying this and want me to confine myself to my prepared speech but we must say the truth. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Aisha, on Tuesday, December 4, urged women in Nigerian to help ensure the return of Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration during the 2019 election. The president's wife appealed to the women when she attended the national women leadership summit organised by a political group, Project 4+4 for Buhari and Osinbajo 2019, at the National Women Development Center, Abuja. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Leadership of Nigeria is not meant for our forefathers| Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Prince Kasim Afegbua calls Asiwaju Tinubu of the APC incoherent for attacking Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the APC - Afegbua, a PDP presidential campaign spokesperson, says Tinubu does not have a moral standing to attack Atiku judging from his antecedents - He says Tinubu worshipped Alhaji Atiku when the former vice president was in APC Prince Kasim Afegbua, one of the spokespersons for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign council, has described Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as an incoherent leader. Afegbua, a former commissioner under the administration of Adams Oshiomhole in Edo state, said this in reaction to a statement credited to Tinubu describing Atiku as unfit to govern Nigeria. We are not surprised that Senator Tinubu has suddenly found his cracked voice to run commentary against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda For those who parade limited knowledge of history with faint memory, it is our duty to remind them where they are coming from. When Alhaji Atiku was in APC, Senator Tinubu worshipped him like a semi-god. He was always at his beck and calls. Simply because he moved to PDP, hes suddenly turning history upside down like a typical revisionist. His mouth-watering commendations about Atiku when the latter was in APC are well documented in history, except he wants Nigerians to conclude that he was under a mental spell or brain wave when he was uttering those commendations and positive testimonials, else we cant take his present comment serious, he said as reported by This Day. According to Afegbua, Tinubu lacks the moral authority to accuse anyone of inconsistency, being a political traveller since 1999 in his inordinate ambition to assume control of politics. He has migrated from AD to AC to ACN and now APC. How can such an individual derive the morality to pick the specks in anothers eyes, when his own history is laden with crass inconsistencies? Now that APC has fully realised its manifest failures and foibles, crippled governance and leadership, with ridiculous incompetence and incapacity to deliver on its electoral promises, the likes of Tinubu will deliberately want to distract attention from the critical issues plaguing us today as a country. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates A government that has been dithering on all critical sectors, with monumental failures cannot suddenly hoodwink the masses by making Atiku Abubakar the subject matter of its political discourse. Afegbua described the story of Tinubu as an open sore that is irredeemably contrived in several incongruities, hypocrisies, inconsistencies, and double standards. Legit.ng earlier reported that Tinubu attacked Atiku Abubakar saying his PDP has left the country ruined for 16 years. They are not qualified to lead this country. They left schools in dilapidation, left hospitals without care; they dont deserve to come back, Tinubu had said. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. 'Nigeria Needs a Leader That is Not Bigger Than the Country' - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV Source: Legit - Popular media personality, Toke Makinwa, and her ex-husband, Maje Ayida, recently appeared in court for a defamation trial - Maje reportedly sued Toke for defamation of character due to the messy details she revealed about him in her tell all memoir, On Becoming, which was released in 2016 - A Nigerian man who reportedly happened to be at the court during the proceedings took to social media to share what happened Talented media personality, Toke Makinwa, has no doubt had a troublesome relationship life. She got married to fitness trainer, Maje Ayida, in January 2014, but their union ended in 2015 due to several infidelity allegations. Toke revealed some private information about her life and her former marriage in her tell all memoir, On Becoming, which was released in 2016, and her ex, Maje, was not painted in the best light. According to her book, Maje had infected Toke with infections due to his escapades with various women. This led to the estranged husband suing Toke for the sum of N100 million over the defamation of his character. A Twitter user, Harold (@haroldwrites), seemed to have been present at the court during the proceedings and he took to his handle to share details. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Nigeria Harold revealed in his tweet that Toke and Maje were well prepared for the lawsuit seeing as they both hired senior advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to be their lawyers. He further explained that things got heated in the court room as both lawyers started having a go at each other. Calm was eventually restored after they were summoned to the chambers. What was most interesting was the questions Maje was asked and his responses. He denied having a live-in lover but he admitted to being a womaniser. He also admitted to having several girlfriends and even travelling abroad with one of them. However, the fitness trainer denied infecting Toke as he claimed he has no medical record of an infection. When asked by the court if he used contraceptives during his amorous relationships, he revealed that he used them sometimes. See the post below: READ ALSO: Personal letter from the Editor-in-Chief of Legit.ng (formerly NAIJ.com) This looks like the case of love that turned sour. Legit.ng earlier shared reasons why Maje took legal action against Toke. Some of the reasons include the claims that he gave her infections as well as defaming him. HELLO! NAIJ.com (naija.ng) upgrades to Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better. What if your spouse cheats on you just two days to your wedding? | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Shehu Sani mocks Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Nasir El-Rufai for attacking Atiku, presidential candidate of PDP - Sani says if Atiku's campaign truly rented the crowd in Sokoto recently from Niger, they too should go rent from Sudan - The senator also replies Tinubu saying Nigeria has, indeed, left Egypt but has ended on the shores of Yemen The senator representing Kaduna Central district at the National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has come hard on Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for attacking Atiku Abubakar. Tinubu is the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) while El-Rufai is the governor of Kaduna state. Sani was, until recently, a member of the APC. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Tinubu had reportedly said at an event organised in honour of Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the APC, that Nigeria has left Egypt and cannot afford to return to its pre-2015 days when it was governed by the PDP. He also took a swipe at Atiku saying the former vice president does not have the capability to govern Nigeria. Also, El-Rufai had claimed that the 2019 election would be between honesty and evil. He further alleged that most people in the crowd that was witnessed at the campaign rally of Atiku in Sokoto recently were rented from Niger. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates In reaction, Sani said if it was true that Atiku rented his crowd from Niger because of proximity, You can rent yours from Sudan because of affinity. He further replied Tinubu thus: Nigerians left Egypt in search of peace and salvation, drifted in the storm and the turbulence of the Red Sea, eventually crossed and ended up in the shores and the snafu of Yemen. Yemen has been facing years of civil war with international organisations raising alarm that it currently faces one of the world's most challenging humanitarian crises. Prince Kasim Afegbua, one of the spokespersons for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign council, had earlier described Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as an incoherent leader. Afegbua, a former commissioner under the administration of Adams Oshiomhole in Edo state, said this in reaction to a statement credited to Tinubu describing Atiku as unfit to govern Nigeria. We are not surprised that Senator Tinubu has suddenly found his cracked voice to run commentary against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar," he said. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Does Sowore really have what it takes to lead Nigeria in 2019? | Legit TV Source: Legit - The Nigerian Army accuses a former spokesperson of the APC, Timi Frank, of carrying out a smear campaign against the chief of army staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai - The military says Franks allegations are either borne out of willful intent to cause trouble or of a malicious intent to malign the person of the chief of army staff - The army dissociates itself from the current predicament of Deji Adeyanju at the hands of the Nigerian Police Force The Nigerian Army (NA) has dismissed a statement credited to a former spokesperson of the APC, Timi Frank, where he reportedly alleged that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the chief of army staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, were responsible for Deji Adeyanjus re-arrest by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). The army in a statement on Tuesday, December 4, described Franks statement as a smear campaign directed at the military and Buratai. READ ALSO: Presidential aspirant gives PDP 48 hours to drop Atiku, calls for fresh primaries It said the allegations were either borne out of willful intent to cause trouble or of a malicious intent to malign the person of the chief of army staff. The army noted that the police have the right and powers to take up such responsibilities of fighting cyber related offences and issues relating to inciting disturbances in the country. It said: Having noted the foregoing, it would suffice to add that the NA is not ignorant of all the recent false information concerning NA Operations been peddled by @adeyanjudeji on twitter as well as abusive and libelous outbursts of the same handle on the person of the COAS. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda To this end, the Nigerian Army is already in consultation with its advocates for appropriate legal actions to be taken in accordance to the rule of law. Furthermore, the NA wishes to dissociate itself from the current self-induced predicament of Deji Adeyanju in the hands of the NPF, which is being sensationalized by his promoters. Such sponsors of Deji Adeyanju are advised to keep the NA and its leadership out of their self-seeking, cheap popularity on social media." Legit.ng had reported that a former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, described as shameful, the re-arrest of a popular human rights activist, Prince Deji Adeyanju. Frank, however, fingered the federal government and the army as major actors on whose order the police acted, plotting to silence Adeyanju for his involvement in Shi'a protest. The politician condemned what he described as victimisation of the human rights crusader, even as he called on Nigerians, Civil Society Organisations and other human rights crusaders to speak up against the arrest. 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.ng - The re-election bid of President Buhari has reportedly caused crisis among members of Northern Elders Forum - Some members were reportedly in support of Buhari, while the forum's convener insists the group is yet to pick a candidate to support Ahead of 2019 presidential election, there is allegedly crises brewing among members of Northern Elders Forum, over the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari. Leadership reports that trouble started after a faction of the forum led by its deputy convener for northwest, Sani Zangon Daura (Danmasanin Daura); deputy convener for northeast, Major General Paul Tarfa; and director of Logistics, Captain Bashir Sodangi endorsed the president for 2019, despite the forums convener, Prof Ango Abdullahi, earlier saying the northern elders were still assessing the presidential candidates and are yet to decide on who to support. READ ALSO: PDP denies reports that southeast governors shunned Sokoto rally Abdullahi, peeved by the other factions open support for the president, told Leadership on telephone on Wednesday night that Daura, Tarfa and Sodangi cannot speak for the forum, noting that there was never a time the forum endorsed Buhari for 2019. Daura, Tarfa and Sodangi in a co-signed statement, dismissed a statement earlier issued by Abdullahi suggesting that the forum was searching for Buharis replacement in the north. Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that some northern elders have condemned the recent call for the sack of the service chiefs by the pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app The elders warned that there are some political enemies who have infiltrated the midst of the pan Yoruba socio-cultural group. According to the leadership of the Northern Elders, Professionals and Stakeholders Forum (NEPSF), there is no doubt that these soldiers died for citizens to live. 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 - Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church Worldwide has declared that Nigeria and every other African country shall be delivered from oppression - The cleric says every occult power that holds sway on the continent of Africa shall be messed up in 2018 - Bishop Oyedepo says authority shall be domiciled in the church, adding that it does not matter if anyone is angry The Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, on Tuesday, December 4, said Nigeria and every other African country shall be delivered from economic hardship and every oppression bedevilling them. Punch reports that the declaration was made when the cleric delivered his message at the Faith Tabernacle during the opening session of the 20th Shiloh. Legit.ng gathers that Bishop Oyedepo said bad politicians and bad policies would be stopped by the church after being given authority by God. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The cleric said: Africa shall be delivered: Nigeria shall be delivered! Every occult power that holds sway on the continent of Africa shall be messed up this year! Authority shall be domiciled in the church in last day and if anybody is angry, it does not matter. Let all political gladiators hear this if the church says no, you are going nowhere. The time comes when the church says, you die, and you die; run mad and you will run mad. He said people in every sector would be taught by the church on how best to do things to achieve the desired goals. Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that following a satire written by a columnist, Professor Olatunji Dare, about President Muhammadu Buhari's clone identified as Jubril from Sudan, Bishop Oyedepo said Nigeria may be up for sale. In the satirical piece, Dare stated that President Buhari had died in the United Kingdom while undergoing medical treatment, and that the entrenched cabal had procured his clone in Sudan to preside over the affairs of Nigeria. He said the representatives of the Jubril family showed up in Aso Rock and demanded a power-sharing arrangement at the federal level in perpetuity, plus 50% of Nigeria's oil revenue for ten years in the first instance. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The cleric obviously was unaware that the piece was a satire and had reacted thus: "So far, to my knowledge, no official statement has refuted this claim, which simply implies Nigeria may truly be up for sale." NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better What does Nigeria need right now? (Nigerian Street Interview) | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Ogun indigenes in the United Kingdom declare their support for Adewale Omoniyi, the candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) - The indigenes argue that out of all the candidates for the governorship election in the state, Omoniyi has the most well-thought out plan - They say they are currently making plans to mobilise the people of the state to vote for Omoniyi Indigenes of Ogun in the diaspora have agreed to endorse the candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Adewale Omoniyi, as their choice for the governorship seat of the state in 2019. Legit.ng reports that Omoniyi received the endorsement in the United Kingdom at a period the two major parties in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are facing serious crises ahead of the election. The group argued that Omoniyi possessed resourcefulness, has a robust manifesto, integrity and passion to serve the state. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Hosted by the Coterie Group in conjunction with the black community in Manchester, United Kingdom, the endorsement was attended by some chieftains of the ANRP, Omoniyis campaign organisation said. Hakeem Eribo, the president of Lancashire group, and the organising secretary, Kayode Opaniyi, the body decided on Omoniyi after a diligence assessment of all the candidates and parties in Ogun state. Asking the residents of the state to ensure Omoniyi became the governor, they said they are working and mobilising to see him victorious. The Omoluabi pedigree of Adewale Omoniyi stands him out from the lot because he is a man of integrity and substance. He is a tested and trusted hand. That is why the whole of Manchester is supporting him and his aspiration. We believe he will become the next governor of Ogun State and we are mobilising our people at home and some of us will be going to Nigeria to vote for him and the ANRP next year, the organisers said. Omoniyi, who commended the diasporans, promised to make Ogun state one to be envied as he plans to run a data-based government that will positively impact on education, health, agriculture and the people. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates My government will fight poverty head on and the burden of dependence on you from your family at home (Nigeria) will be reduced. We are going to bring our ingenuity to bear and create 250,000 jobs within the first 100 days in office and support 100,000 elderly with a monthly stipend. The people are going to be first in all our programmes, he said. Legit.ng earlier reported that Gboyega Isiaka, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun state, revealed that Olusegun Obasanjo regards him as his beloved son and adds that he has the backing of the former president ahead of the election. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Isiaka, one of the frontline candidates in the state, said: Well, he is the father of all, he is not on our political platform but then I was presented to him the other time and he did say that this is my beloved son in whom Im well pleased and that goes a long way so that is it." NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Leadership of Nigeria is not meant for our forefathers| Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - The US envoy to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, on Tuesday, December 4, asked to the federal government to ensure that the 2019 polls are credible - Symington said that the whole world is watching to see how the elections will play out and what the results will be - He also said that conduct of the polls will be the true test of the federal government's integrity The United States (US) ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has urged the federal government to do its utmost to ensure free and fair elections in 2019, adding that the international community expects nothing less than credible polls. Symington said this in Abuja on Tuesday, December 4, at the Peace and Security Network (PSN) third confab series titled Securitization of the Election Process and the Prevention of Violence, Vanguard reports. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda He remarked that the elections constitute a matter of top priority, adding that the world was watching with keen interest to see how Nigerians will conduct the polls and what the results will be. In his statement, the US envoy said: Its the hope of the world that Nigerian election will be credible transparent, fair and also the hope of the world that every nigerian is engaged. There is no election in the world that would have election in February that is more important to the world than Nigeria, the reason for that is the potential population bomb or explosion, in fact the population of this part of the word is already exploded, that bomb has already gone off. The question is how to harness the energy and opportunity of this extraordinary youthful population for the good of k its people all its neighbours and the whole world, and there is one thing that would make the difference and that will be the ties that bind people of Nigeria, ties of friendship of trust. "Not of hate but of love, not of desperation but of purpose, not having hate speech, or hateful acts, but acts of love and kindness. During the course of a nation, the moment that those ties are often tested, are around election itself, so, the challenge us not just for the security forces and the government to plan, to resolve to share and to communicate and its not just for the citizens to do that too, both of those have to work together. I think if that network focuses in this way, the chances of elections next year, will be peaceful and productive. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Adeolu Adewumi, the national coordinator of PSN, on his part stated that the confab series could not be more apt towards ensuring a violence free polls. He, however, regretted the unresolved crises across states in the country with potentials to fuel election violence while calling stakeholders to close ranks and work for the success of the elections. However, the country director of Mercy Corps Nigeria, Darius Radcliffe, urged all security forces to remain apolitical during the electoral process. He also pledged his support and commitment, saying: Adewumi said: We at Mercy Corps will commit to ensuring a peaceful election. We have a strong collaboration with government, security forces, LGAs, and religious leaders. Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had 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. Legit.ng gathered 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 updated to serve you better. The Next President of Nigeria. Who Will Win the 2019 Elections? | Legit TV Source: Legit Nigeria - APC has lost another of its member ahead of the 2019 election - Olawale Oluwo, a commissioner in Lagos, sent his resignation letter to the state APC chairman - He cited the irregularities that characterised the party's controversial primaries as his reason for leaving In a developing news, the commissioner for energy and mineral resources in Lagos state, Olawale Oluwo, on Wednesday, December 5, announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a resignation letter dated Wednesday, December 3, and addressed to the APC chairman in Lagos state, Oluwo claimed that the party's primary election held in October was characterised by voter disenfranchisement, undue influence, violence, and intimidation to members among other activities that violate the electoral law. Oluwo said the party lacks integrity and blamed his decision to decamp on the outcome of the controversial primary election, Channels TV reports. The commissioner is one out of many members of the ruling party who have resigned and called the party out over the October 2018 controversial primaries. READ ALSO: 2019: Northern elderns disagree over Buhari's re-election Below is a copy of Oluwo's resignation letter: Olawale Oluwo's resignation letter Source: UGC Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Ondo APC Solidarity Group alleged that four All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, a minister and a former senior official of the party are set to decamp to Action Alliance (AA) before the 2019 general elections. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app The convener of the group, Comrade Gbenga Bojuwomi and national secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Sikiru, who addressed the press conference, named Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as the leader of the party chieftains preparing to dump the party. Others named by the group are Governors Kayode Fayemi, Rochas Okorocha, Ibikunle Amosun of Ekiti, Imo and Ogun state respectively. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have updated to serve you better. Is President Buhari Really Doing Badly As Nigeria's Leader? - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Governor Mohammed Jibrilla announces the defection of an ex-deputy governor, Muhammadu Tahir, at an event in Yola, the Adamawa state capital - Jibrilla says Tahir decided to join the APC because of the alleged injustice meted out to him by his former party - The governor says the defection of Tahir would help the chances of the APC during the coming elections A former deputy governor of Adamawa state, Muhammadu Tahir, who reportedly used to be a strong supporter and loyalist of Atiku Abubakar has defected from the PDP to the APC. Tahirs defection was announced by Governor Mohammed Jibrilla on Tuesday, December 5, at an event in Yola, the Adamawa state capital, Channels TV reports. READ ALSO: 2 powerful people frustrating Buhari's effort in Nigeria - Aisha He explained that the ex-deputy governor decided to join the ruling party due to the alleged injustice meted out to him in the PDP. The governor said the defection of Tahir would help the chances of the APC during the coming elections. Jibrilla noted that considering the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari in the last three years, there was no alternative to the APC. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential organisation has dismissed media reports that governors elected on the platform of the party from the southeast geo-political zone shunned the partys zonal rally held in Sokoto on Monday, December 3. The PDP presidential campaign organisation gave the dismissal in a statement issued by its director, media and publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Tuesday, December 4, in Abuja. Ologbondiyan said that the report that the governors from the southeast were absent because they have no support for the aspiration of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was only a figment of the imagination of those peddling the rumour. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. We are honestly tired of Buhari and Atiku | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - An assistant superintendent of police has been hospitalized after he inhaled smoke while attempting to put out fire that gutted Omosede Igbinedion's residence - Igbinedion is a lawmaker representing Ovia constituency in the House of Representatives - The lawmaker was said to have gone for campaigns later arrived when the incident occurred Fire on Wednesday, December 5, gutted the palatial residence of the lawmaker representing Ovia constituency in the House of Representatives, Omosede Igbinedion. The Nation reports that an assistant superintendent of police serving under the Aideyan division has been hospitalized after he inhaled smoke while attempting to put out the fire. Legit.ng gathered that the policeman had climbed a ladder to use fire extinguishers to stop the fire from spreading but the thick smoke coming from the building prevented him. Fire razes Edo Reps member's home in Benin. Photo credit: The Nation Source: Depositphotos READ ALSO: Ambode's commissioner dumps APC The fire service men later put out the fire. Chief Igbinedion and his wife, Lady Sherry, were at the scene and looked worried. Barrister Omosede who was said to have gone for campaigns later arrived. Some of her staff in the house said the fire started from her bedroom which was locked. It was the timely intervention of the Edo Fire Service that stopped the fire from spreading. The building was reportedly given to Omosede as a wedding gift from her father, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the Wuse 2 office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was gutted by fire on Monday night, November 19. EFCC spokesman Tony Orilade confirmed the incident, adding that men of the Federal Fire Service Wuse Zonal office had successfully subdued the inferno that almost razed down the Wuse 2 Zonal office of the commission. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! The EFCC in a statement said: The fire fighters led by the Sector Commander, Melone Onyekachi, arrived the Wuse 2 office of the Commission when the Service was alerted of the fire by the Incident Duty Officer of the Commission, Kayode Oyetunde at 1910 hours.'' Nigeria News 2018: BUSTED Police Arrest One-Chance Tricycle Thieves, Human Traffickers | Legit TV: Source: Legit.ng - Over 200 NGOs came together to protest against the alleged USA visa requested by PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar - The protesters are asking the US embassy not to grant Atiku's alleged visa request - They accused the PDP presidential candidate of laundering money The embassy of the United States of America in Abuja, was on Wednesday, December 5, stormed by members of over 200 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) under the auspices of Forum of Non Government Organisations (FONGON). The protesters were protesting the entry visa allegedly granted to former vice-president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar. READ ALSO: Breaking: Ambode's commissioner dumps APC The group accused Atiku of laundering money, and urged the US government not to grant him visa to the USA. In an earlier report by Legit.ng, the federal government told the US to be cautious in granting visa to the PDP presidential candidate in order not to create the impression of endorsing him for the 2019 election. The minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, gave the government's position at an interactive session with media executives in Abuja on Thursday, November 29. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Mohammed said that the government was aware of the move by the former vice president to lobby the US to lift the visa ban imposed on him. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. We are honestly tired of Buhari and Atiku | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - The EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu, says the anti-graft agency will comply with the court order to produce Deziani Allison-Madueke for alleged fraud - He said he needed less than 72 hours to produce Deziani, but faced a challenge as she is not currently in the country - Magu insisted that if the ex minister was here in Nigeria, he will get her immediately and take her before the court The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says the commission will comply with the court order to produce former petroleum resources minister, Deziani Allison-Madueke, for alleged fraud. Ibrahim Magu, the EFCC acting chairman, made this known in an interactive session with newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, December 5, NAN reports. Legit.ng notes that Justice Valentine Ashi of a Federal Capital Territory high court, sitting in Apo, Abuja, on Tuesday, December 4, ordered the EFCC to apprehend and arrest Allison-Madueke within 72 hours. Others to also arrest the former minister are the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of States Security Service (DSS) and all other security agencies. READ ALSO: Minimum wage: Send Tripartite Agreement to NASS - Reps urge Buhari Magu said: I need less than 72 hours; we are going to comply with the court order. It is in our character to comply with court orders. There is no time ever that we refuse to comply with court order. If we dont comply with court orders, it means we have reasons to appeal against the courts decision. I need less than 72 hours to produce Deziani. How can I get her if she is being protected by forces outside this country? This is my predicament otherwise if it is 72 hours, if she is here, I will just get her." On the challenges hindering the commission from extraditing Allison-Maduekwe for over three years, the chairman said that other law enforcement agencies outside the country were on the matter. She is in the UK and we are making preparations for the process of getting her. We have already gone to court. That was our request for establishing that and compelling the court to declare that we issue a warrant of arrest against her. If she is here in Nigeria, I will get her immediately and take her before the court. Our problem is that she is in that country, Magu said. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Recall that Legit.ng previously reported that the acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, said that the anti-graft agency had asked the United Kingdom to extradite former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and other Nigerians who have allegedly looted the countrys commonwealth but are hiding in the UK. Magu said the commission had secured a number of temporary and permanent forfeiture of property and various sums of money unlawfully acquired by persons of questionable character. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service! The Luxury of Corruption - on Legit TV: Source: Legit.ng - The minister of education has disclosed that Nigeria has about 60 million illiterate youths and adults - Females account for nearly 60 percent of this figure, Malam Adamu Adamu disclosed - Adamu said concerted efforts are required in order to accelerate the processes for combating illiteracy among children, youths and adults - He, however, gave the assurance that preparations are underway by the federal government to launch a National Mass Literacy Campaign Malam Adamu Adamu, minister of education, on Wednesday, December 5, in Kano, said that Nigeria has about 60 million illiterate youths and adults. Adamu, who was represented by Prinzo James, deputy director, basic and secondary education, Ministry of Education, said this at the 2018 International Literacy Day Celebration, NAN reports. Legit.ng gathers that he said out of this figure, females accounted for nearly 60 percent of the population, while a total of 11 million children were out of school. According to him, the increasing low level of literacy skills achieved by the millions of learners who completed some formal school education, made the situation more complicated. READ ALSO: EFCC will comply with court order on Diezani - Magu Adamu said the present state of affairs called for urgent attention as the country strives to ensure the attainment of SDGs by 2030. With these unwholesome statistics in our hands, it becomes evident that concerted efforts are required in order to accelerate the processes for combating illiteracy among children, youths and adults. Therefore, every effort aimed at bringing together multiple stakeholders should be committed to advancing literacy and lifelong learning, and will receive support of the Ministry of Education. The Ministerial Strategic Plan for the education sector has considered the importance of youth and adult literacy and gave the sector a prime position in the document. I would like to assure you that preparations are underway by the federal government to launch a National Mass Literacy Campaign with a view to addressing the high rate of youth and adult illiteracy in the country," he said. The minister said that the theme of the 2018 Literacy Day, Literacy and Skills Development, was apt, as the global trend was on skill development for youths and adults. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app He said literacy must be taken beyond the cognitive domain to the critical level that imbues the citizen with thinking skills and functional literacy. Recall that Legit.ng previously reported that the minister of education, Adamu Adamu, described the rate of illiteracy in Nigeria as alarming. According to him, out of the about 170 million Nigerians, between 65 and 75 million people were illiterate in the country. He made the remark through a representative when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi state in Birnin Kebbi. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service! Adetutu Alabi story: I gave up on education because I was bullied - on Legit TV: Source: Legit.ng - Imo state governor, Okorocha, has once again taken a swipe at Adams Oshiomhole - He said Oshiomhole as a victim of his own actions - According to him, APC will lost the Imo state governorship election to his son-in-law who recently defected to the Action Alliance Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo has lambasted the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, describing him as a political liability who is on a mission to destroy the ruling party. Okorochas comments were in response to a statement credited to Oshiomhole that the Imo governor and his Ogun state counterpart, Ibikule Amosun, are political liabilities who only have one vote, each, Punch reports. READ ALSO: Nigeria has about 60 million illiterates - Minister Legit.ng gathers that the governor, speaking through his commissioner for information, Patrick Nzeh, described Oshiomhole as a victim of his own actions. He said since the emergence of Oshiomhole as the national chairman of the APC, the party had lost no fewer than ten million supporters. Okorocha contended that the APC governorship candidate in Imo state would be defeated by his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, who recently defected to the Action Alliance (AA). PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Recall that Legit.ng previously reported that Adams Oshiomhole, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that going by the fame of the ruling party in Imo and Ogun, victory is sure in the states in the 2019 elections, despite the alleged anti-party activities of their governors. He described Rochas Okorocha and Ibikunle Amosun as poor students of their own history who had forgotten they lost elections before winning on the platform of the APC. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service! APC is the worst party in Nigeria, i regret being a member - on Legit TV: Source: Legit Newspaper - A coalition of youth groups have said that the recent rally of the PDP is the latest form of MMM in Nigeria - The youths said the rally is a scam for which Arewa youths will never fall for as they are now wiser - According to the youths, the rally which had the entire PDP loyalists from all over Nigeria, left a 10,000 capacity stadium still empty A group of youths under the auspices of Arewa Proactive Youth Coalition has dismissed the flag-off presidential campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by its flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar, in Sokoto as the latest form of MMM in town. The coalition said the PDP presidential campaign is a scam for which Arewa youths will never fall for as they are now wiser. Speaking on the party's campaign which took place on Monday, December 3, the president of coalition, Inuwa Bako, said the PDP has proven it can never repent of being fraudulent by passing off its rally for the northwest as a success. Bako said the opposition had claimed its rally was a success even when attendees did not fill up a 10,000 capacity stadium that hosted the activity. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda He urged Nigerians to be wary of PDPs ability to transparently manage public resources when it cannot be sincere with the number of people that took part at its rally. The northwest rally which had the entire PDP loyalists from all over Nigeria left a 10,000 capacity stadium still empty and the mouthpieces of the party were still bereft of shame to lie that the number of people that attended the rally portends victory for Atiku (Abubabakar). "This is nothing but MMM whereby people were made to believe what did not exist, anyone that allow themselves to be taken in by such scam are in for disappointing surprises. The PDP may be playing the ostrich but the reality is that many people that should have attended the rally are aware that they will not hear anything new but that they will be plied with insult and abuses against the ruling party since the PDP and his candidate are incapable of issue based campaign. "The people of the northwest and other Nigerians are eager to attend rallies that are better organized, where they will be able to here fact based pitches from candidate and not gatherings where actors and charlatans would be hopping on soap boxes, Bako added. READ ALSO: 2 powerful people frustrating Buhari's effort to govern Nigeria - Aisha reportedly laments He also revealed that many youths in the zone deliberately shunned the PDP rally because they had concluded that waiting for an event that has President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would be more rewarding since he would be able to speak on how he would expand on his current success. Bako said: We have done the simple mathematics, which people that cannot gauge the number of people that attended their rally in a 10,000 capacity venue are incapable of. If a single tenure of four years can bring the government closer to citizens more than 16 years of PDP has done then it follows that the wasted era of PDP must never be repeated, which includes not wasting time to attend the partys paid to attend rally." PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that some members of the Grassroots Mobilisation for Buhari on Monday, December 3, announced their defection to the PDP from the APC in support of the opposition's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The support group members while announcing their defection said, the APC-led administration had failed on the promises made to Nigerians before the 2015 general elections. The national coordinator for the Grassroots Mobilisation for Buhari, Yusuf Ardo, said the group had toured Nigeria and campaigned for the emergence of the APC in the 2015 general elections. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Between Buharis Next Level And Atikulate - Nigerians React| Legit TV Source: Legit Daughter to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Kiki, has taken to pointing an accusing finger at an entrepreneur for stealing her ideas. Although the lady did not disclose who this person is, she particularly pointed the torch to what the person did. Even more, she advised other business people like her. Kiki Osinbajo who is a beauty entrepreneur was not happy, in the least, with this person who she claimed stole her ideas and plans and made use of them without permission. From what the beautiful, young lady wrote, it was evident that this particular person had come in pretense of partnering with her on a project. In the process, it appeared the individual stole her 'next move'. Following this sad experience, Kiki took to her Instagram page to vent out her thoughts with regards to this matter. She said: "Why steal peoples plans/ideas You know yourself Let me not go down this road!" READ ALSO: VPs daughter Kiki Osinbajo looks stunning in new photos Even more, the beauty and fashion expert advised other entrepreneurs like her to beware of those who come to them pretending to want to collaborate. According to the lady, some of these so called collaborators are only out to steal from other business-minded folks. See her post below: Yemi Osinbajo's daughter Kiki accuses unknown entrepreneur of stealing her idea Source: Kikiosinbajo/Instagram Source: Instagram Yemi Osinbajo's daughter Kiki accuses unknown entrepreneur of stealing her idea Source: Kikiosinbajo/Instagram Source: Instagram PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Nigeria Kiki, in talking about her 'idea stealer', warned such person not to try to aggravate the situation by being defensive or doing any such thing that will cause the matter to be fully blown. Yemi Osinbajo's daughter Kiki accuses unknown entrepreneur of stealing her idea Source: Kikiosinbajo/Instagram Source: Instagram PAY ATTENTION: Love, relationship, marriage on Africa Love Aid Yemi Osinbajo's daughter Kiki accuses unknown entrepreneur of stealing her idea Source: Kikiosinbajo/Instagram Source: Instagram READ ALSO: Personal letter from the Editor-in-Chief of Legit.ng (former NAIJ.com) This is coming after the beautiful lady went all out to explain how she has always managed to deal with negative comments. She talked about how some of her fans had taken to criticising one of the dresses she wore. But due to her perfect composure, she was able to manage the situation. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Nigeria Latest News: Why Yemi Osinbajo Terminated The Appointment Of Lawal Daura| Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng When the team behind South Whitehall Townships popular Grille 3501 announced it was opening a new Southside Bethlehem restaurant perched on the top floor of the Gateway at Greenway Park, they promised year-round terrace dining and killer views. But that plan has been in jeopardy since the city ordered a halt to construction of the all-weather balcony that drew Zest co-owner John Trapani to the space in the sixth floor of the building at 306 S. New St. When the South Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission approved developer Dennis Benners $25 million six-story project, it was conditional: the top floor was supposed to be recessed 12-feet along West Third Street and have a thin projecting roof to diminish its street-level visibility. Yet, when Zests contractor applied for city building permits to create the restaurant space, no one in the citys building and planning department flagged the terrace design. So building permits were issued and Zest was moving full throttle on a $2.5 million interior fit-out of the space, including a roof on the terrace and sliding glass doors that can be flung all the way open in good weather. The owners hoped to open in mid-January. The new dining spot is even in contention to appear on a new Food Network Show Opening Night, Trapani said. Tuesday night Trapani found himself before Bethlehem City Council pleading that council override the historic boards recommendation that it deny a certificate of appropriateness, normally a precursor to building permits being issued in a historic district. I will pretty much be ruined if it doesnt happen," Trapani said frankly. Council members were irritated and let it be known that they did not appreciate being backed into a corner. They were left with the option of overriding the advisory historic board since the city screwed up and construction was already well underway or telling the restaurant to undo its existing work. Plans call for enclosing a large section of the sixth-floor terrace, which fronts on West Third Street, by installing an accordion-style folding metal and glass wall system measuring about 47-feet wide by 12-feet deep. Somewhere along the lines somebody dropped the ball, Councilman Adam Waldron said. It puts us in a difficult position when construction is already a good clip along. Where do we go now? Ultimately, council voted 6-2 to override the historic commissions denial of the certificate of appropriateness with Councilwoman Olga Negron and Dr. Paige Van Wirt voting to uphold the decision. Council then voted along the same lines to issue a certificate, making continued construction possible. The mixed-use building at the foot of the Fahy Bridge has long been a controversial project due to its sheer height and size and the adjacent city parking deck that it relies on for parking. The building sits within the South Bethlehem Historic Conservation District. Negron clearly felt the situation was laughable and emphasized shed long opposed the ugly Benner building, which she feels destroyed the character of the historic Southside. She suggested sending the issue back to the historic commission to sort it out, noting plenty of Main Street restaurants have seasonal patios. She questioned whats the point of having historic commissions if theyre regularly ignored. We have rules and most of us have to abide by every single one because we dont have big money in our pockets to get through it, Negron said. This is so wrong. Waldron noted council voting against the historic board and commissions, which are both advisory, is rare. Tuesday night council sided with the commission on eight certificates of appropriateness, approving seven and denying one, he noted. Director of Community and Economic Development Alicia Miller Karner admitted that her department dropped the ball, allowing the historic conditions to fall through the cracks. The permit application was for the interior build-out of the restaurant, not something that typically has a historic condition attached. The error was missed by several people, she said. There is a significant responsibility on us when we issue a permit inadvertently, Karner said, adding the city always works closely with the savvy local development community, ... I really feel a sense of responsibility in this instance. It was highly unusual. The city ordered construction of an all-weather outdoor patio at Zest bar + grille be halted. Van Wirt was not ready to lay the blame on the city. Benner knew that his project was approved with a 12-foot setback on the sixth floor and when the lease was negotiated the square feet of the restaurant, including the terrace, shouldve been determined, she said. The views offered by the outdoor dining space were a major selling point for Trapani when he signed the lease about a year ago, he said. Benners marketing staff negotiated the lease, not him, Benner said, and at that time the restaurant was not designed. It was very clear the HCC did not want this to protrude out to the edge, Waldron said. They wanted that setback on the sixth floor. Benner said he suspected the setback was intended to make the building appear smaller, but the Fahy Bridge is the only vantage point where it is clearly six-stories. Some on council countered that assertion. I think the building owner has a role to oversee the fit out of the restaurant, Van Wirt said. And I will be supporting the (historic commission) tonight. Councilman Bryan Callahan said prior to seeing the terrace he was concerned, but in person he believes the change is minimal. The city did err in issuing the permit, he said. Trapani echoed that there was no ill-intent on his part. We just want to build our restaurant with that enclosure so we can open it, he said. Grille 3501 first opened in 2001 and quickly became a fixture for high-end eats in the Allentown area with a New American menu. The restaurant, which expanded in 2014 with a new loft area, is owned by Trapani, and the kitchen is led by chef and co-owner John Pukanecz. With Tuesday nights approval, Zests mid-January opening is still on target. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A popular Bethlehem Township pharmacy has shut its doors, telling patrons to go to CVS down the street to fill prescriptions. Youngs Pharmacy, a family-owned, independent business in existence since 1976 at 3708 Freemansburg Ave., closed Tuesday. It was open for business Monday. Its reasoning is unclear with multiple phone calls and messages not returned from owner Jeanette Young. Employee Karen Kozul Figueroa, whos worked at Youngs since December 1993, posted on Facebook hearts were broken over the decision. From management down to every employee, it was my escape from the issues in my everyday life ..., she said, noting she loved every minute of her employment and called colleagues and the customers her "family. ... I hope and pray that I can find another place of employment like the family I had to leave, she added. A sign on the building Tuesday stated, This pharmacy has closed. You may visit any CVS pharmacy location to fill your next prescription. A recording on the pharmacys voicemail stated the same. Lights were on inside the business Tuesday afternoon with what appeared to be workers moving merchandise around. One by one patrons pulled into the parking lot, went to try to open the locked door and peered at the sign in disbelief. You want to support small businesses, said Nancy Murphy of Bethlehem Township, a Youngs patron since 2004. Chris Bauder a Bethlehem Township resident whos patronized the business for three decades, said it was the place where the employees knew patrons by name and customers could run in and out for something quick. The pharmacy also sold toys, gift items, home decor, snacks and candy. Ill miss it. I hope they reopen, Bauder said. Its sort of sad. Bill Fahs, also from Bethlehem Township, said hell miss the employees most. I liked the people, he said, noting hes been a customer since he built his house 44 years ago. There was no announcement on Youngs Pharmacys Facebook page with a link to a blog about cholesterol being the most recent post Tuesday afternoon. Another sign hung on an inside door of the pharmacy, wishing patrons well in 2019. From all of us at Youngs Pharmacy, blessings for a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year. Thank you for your continued patronage, it said. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. (CNN) Samsung's latest bendable screen technology has been stolen and sold to two Chinese companies, according to prosecutors in South Korea. The Suwon District Prosecutor's Office charged 11 people on Thursday with stealing tech secrets from Samsung (SSNLF), the office said in a statement. The prosecutors allege that a Samsung supplier leaked blueprints of Samsung's "flexible OLED edge panel 3D lamination" to a company that it had set up. That company then sold the tech secrets to the Chinese firms for nearly $14 million, according to the prosecutors. They did not name the people or companies involved in the theft. Samsung Display, a subsidiary of the South Korean conglomerate, said in a statement Friday that it was "surprised and appalled at the results of the investigation by prosecutors." The findings come at a time of intensifying competition for new tech among rivals. Prosecutors said Samsung invested six years and some 150 billion won ($130 million) to develop the bendable screen. As demand for high-end smartphones begins to wane in key markets, companies have been searching for the next big thing to convince consumers to upgrade their devices. Samsung's bendable screen had been hyped as a potential game changer. The company teased the tech at a conference earlier this month, showing images of a new folding smartphone. Samsung is the world's largest smartphone maker, accounting for about 20% of global market share last quarter, according to research firm Canalys. Investigators have not been able to track down and question two Chinese individuals believed to be involved in the case, and have asked Interpol to help find and detain them. Of the 11 people indicted, three have been detained. A trial date has not yet been set. This story was first published on CNN.com "Samsung's folding screen tech has been stolen and sold to China" A young bear was struck by a vehicle about 8 p.m. Tuesday in the 200 block of Route 94 in Blairstown Township, police report. The approximately 70-pound male suffered a severe cut to its upper rear legs, police Chief Scott Johnsen said Wednesday. The driver didnt stop, Johnsen said. County-based Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections Division of Fish and Wildlife responded to care for the bear, police said. It was taken by the Division of Fish and Wildlife, police said. The bears current condition wasnt immediately available. Blairstown police, the Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife tend to a bear that was hit by a vehicle the night of Dec. 4, 2018. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com Police caution drivers to take care while behind the wheel this week. Firearm deer and bear seasons are underway, the DEP said on its website. The animals are moving around with hunters in the woods, police said. We cannot express our gratitude (enough) for Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary and the Division of Fish and Wildlife for helping this young bear, police said on Facebook. Both organizations are amazing people that help our wildlife every day and year round. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Questions still remain around the viability of the National Broadband Plan says Laois Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley. The Sinn Fein spokesperson for Communications, Deputy Stanley said the Government should have a Plan B for the broadband procurement process. We cannot forget 542,000 households and businesses, over 1 million people, across the State are waiting 6 years for high-speed broadband. Government commitment to these people to connect them by 2020 is dead. These people need what is a basic service and as quick as possible," he said. He said that the Government has become trapped between two big businesses. What is very clear from the report last week and number of meetings, is the informality and the close relationship Government has to big business. What is also clear from the meetings is that they came from panic. Government has tied itself to a single venture capitalists bidder, and utterly trapped between two private companies. The only bidder on one side, and Eir on the other side owning all the infrastructure," he said. The whole process has had many flaws. All major telecoms companies have left this procurement. Government hived off 300,000 of the most commercial households from the NBP and handed them to Eir. This was detrimental to the Plan. Government are in this situation because they are wedded to the privatised models, as Fianna Fail was before them. There is a growing belief that Public Private Partnership does not deliver value for money. If this procurement process fails, does this Government has a Plan B," Dep Stanley said. There are 12,674 rural homes and businesses in Laois waiting to connect to broadband under the National Broadband Plan. The Ben and Jake Connolly Trust in Mountmellick, Laois has requested continued prayers for Ben, who is in Portlaoise hospital for the past few days battling illness. Ben, 9, has a rare life limiting illness that causes brain seizures, loss of muscle control and brain damage. Sadly his little brother Jake died of the same condition, Allan Herndon Dudley Syndrome. Ben frequently becomes ill, and last week in late November he was again taken into Portlaoise hospital. The Trust is asking the public for their prayers and positive thoughts for Ben. They gave an update on his condition on Monday December 3. "Please continue to keep Ben in your thoughts. He is still very unwell in hospital, on a lot of oxygen and sedation. He has an underlying virus causing increased dystonic attacks. Portlaoise hospital in conjunction with Temple Street have increased his dystonia medication, this will hopefully settle some of attacks down so he can have less sedation and be weaned off the oxygen. Thank you all so much for your shares and well wishes , everything little thing people do means so much and makes a difference to brave Ben". On Tuesday, a video was posted showing a sedated Ben and asking for continued prayers. The trust has also begun a campaign to ask US chat show host Ellen DeGeneres to help Ben. They ask that the following message be copied and pasted into the application form: "Ben is a 9 year old boy living in Ireland, he was born with a rare life limiting disease, he is physically and mentally disabled, unable to sit unaided or support his own head, he cannot talk, will never walk, he is tube fed and has seizures. We lost his 2 1/2 year old brother Jake to the same rare syndrome, Ben needs a house to suit his medical needs before he runs out of time. There is a house being built in his name 3/4s way finished but we need help to get it over the finish line. Ben currently is in an old house unsuitable to his needs there is no room for a hoist so he is bed bound and stuck with bed baths. Please help Ben be happy before he re-meets his brother Jake in heaven". Click on the link to add your request for Ben here. The Ben and Jake Connolly Trust is a volunteer group raising money to build a purpose built house for Ben to live out his last years in comfort. The family home in the town has no room for a hoist or a wet room, so Ben is currently bed bound and gets bed baths. It is hoped to have the new house fully ready for Ben next Spring. After Ben's lifetime, it will be offered as a home to others with similar health needs. The next fundraiser for the Ben & Jake Connolly Trust is a Santa Dash on Sunday morning December 16 in Mountmellick. Participants are asked to dress in their Santa costumes and take part in the fun run/walk, setting off from the MDA centre at 10.30am, registration opens at 9.45 am. 10 per adult or 15 per family. The proceeds will be shared jointly with the Bone Marrow for Leukaemia Trust. The Polish national whose body has been found in Laois is believed to have walked more than 5 kms before getting lost and suffering a non-violent death in forestry between Portlaoise and Mountmellick. It is also understood that the day leading up to the man's death was chaotic and included a court appearance, a short spell in prison followed and self-discharge from hospital against the medical device doctors and nurses. Rafal Filipowicz was last in Portlaoise on March 16 this year. While DNA analysis will have to be carried out Gardai are satisfied the human remains found in woodland at Straboe are those of the man who was aged 30 and who had been living in Carlow. He had been living in Ireland for a number of years. He was last seen on Monday morning March 16 leaving the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Despite numerous Garda appeals for information, no further details came to light about his whereabouts until his remains were discovered in forestry by workers on Tuesday, December 5. It is understood he discharged himself from the hospital against medical advice on the day he went missing. Staff were extremely concerned about his physical and psychological well being during his stay in the hospital and did as much as possible to prevent him from leaving. It is also understood that he had been admitted to hospital in the custody of the Irish Prison Service having spent a short period in prison after a court appearance earlier that day. He was discharged from custody while in hospital after a bail bond was posted. While an investigation is ongoing, Gardai do not believe there is evidence that the deceased suffered a violent death. They are working on the basis that he began walking when he left the hospital and got lost. Mobile phone records appear to show he walked more than 5 kms before getting lost deep in a densely forested area. Garda investigations since his disappearance have revealed evidence of ongoing health and lifestyle issues associated with alcohol. DNA tests are expected to be carried out to confirm his identity after his family arrive in Ireland. Two Gardai stationed at Portlaoise Garda Station who are from Poland played a key role liaising with the man's family at home and his acquaintances in Ireland. A traffic announcement for the benefit of the businesses and residents and traffic around Kildare town has been made from the running club, to inform the public that from 10am on Saturday morning, December 8 there will be up to 1000 runners coming through the town and around by the Bucket and Tully/Maddenstown Road for a fun run. Kildare Town Running and Triathlon Club launched their 12kms of Christmas club fundraiser at TP Waters last month. Guest of honour at the launch was endurance athlete and SBHI Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland Patron Shane Finn, who will also take part in the clubs TP Waters 12ks of Christmas Run. The run will take place in Kildare town on December 8 next and participants can run for either 6 km or 12 km. It is the annual fundraiser for our club, said PRO Noel Hickey. We have also nominated SBHI for this years charity donation from the run. TP Waters sponsored our medals this year. We had around 600 runners last year and this year we are hoping for 1,000. SEE ALSO: Kildare town running club launch 12 kms of Christmas Archaeologists working on a site at Mullamast, south of Kilcullen discovered the remains of a medieval village and found significant evidence that it was a centre of horse breeding there, making it the oldest known stud farm in the county. The excavation of the area was conducted in advance of the construction of the M9 motorway. And tomorrow afternoon, December 6, in the Tanyard in Ballitore Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kildare County Council will come together to launch a book of the findings of the archaeologists. The book is called Colonising a Royal Landscape the History and Archaeology of a Medieval Village at Mullamast, and will be launched by Guy St. John Williams, author and horse racing historian. The excavations covered 2.3 hectares, which is estimated to be only 10% of the overall area of the village. It is the largest excavation at a deserted medieval village site to date in Ireland. With approximately 90% of the village remaining relatively undiscovered under the sod either side of the motorway, it is undoubtedly a subject for future archaeological study. The archaeological excavations took place throughout most of 2007. The village is described as a lost Anglo-Norman village at Mullamast, close to Ballitore village. Knowledge of the village did not come as a total surprise, as it has been documented in historical sources, but its precise location was not known. The scene at Mullamast, from the air Earlier geophysical surveys and archaeological test excavations had identified the potential village location, before the main excavation to place. The distinguishing feature of the settlement was the unusually high proportion of horse remains, especially smaller horses corresponding in stature to a hobby, which is a small, agile horse, prized and bred for raiding and scouting in times of war, and the specialist light cavalry called hobelars, who rode them. They were bred, trained and exported from Ireland for use in military campaigns abroad, for example, to serve in Edward firsts campaign against the Scots. The village of Mullamast may well be the first stud farm in the long history of horse breeding in Kildare and a place where the villagers specialised in horses bred for warfare. The village was an Anglo-Norman establishment, possibly founded by Walter de Ridlesford, a grandson-in-law of King Henry 1. Its location may have been deliberately chosen, as it lies in the shadow of the ridge of Mullamast, capped by the Royal fort of Maistiu. Examples of other Anglo-Norman villages established at significant existing settlements include Oughterard, Old Kilcullen and Moone. A pillar stone from Mullamast is now housed in the National Museum of Ireland and bears very fine sixth-century decoration. A pillar stone from Mullamast, now housed in the National Museum of Ireland and bears very fine sixth-century decoration. Grooves and polishing on the surface of the stone towards its top probably derive from sharpening and burnishing swords at inauguration ceremonies and other ceremonial events at the Royal fort. This stone was chosen by the Royal Irish Academy in 2013 as one of the 100 objects that shaped Ireland. The excavation revealed boundary ditches, roadways, a possible village green, a number of house plots and a pond, which may have been used for fish. The boundary ditches along the edges of roadways and around house plots were substantial and provided necessary drainage channels. Evidence of actual buildings was less clear, as the buildings were probably constructed on pads, as opposed to wall footings and foundation trenches. Cattle, sheep and pigs were reared and slaughtered for their meat, but also supplied milk, bone tools, wool fleeces and hides. Animals were also traded at fairs in nearby settlements. Bones of other animals and birds from the excavations included dog, cat, deer, pinemartin, fowl, pheasant, crow, goose, mallard, grouse and squirrel. Evidence for the harvesting and processing of cereal crops, like oats, barley, wheat and rye, shows that that arable farming was also a very important aspect of village life and sustenance. A long-cross silver penny of King Edward 1 was minted in Canterbury between 1294 and 1299. And a most unusual find was a fourth-century AD Roman coin, possibly of Constantine the Great, which was found in the foundations of a building, perhaps inserted there for good luck by a returning pilgrim. Remains of pottery found at the site Some Anglo-Norman settlements survive as towns into the present Kildare landscape, like Athy, Castledermot, Celbridge, Clane, Kildare, Leixlip and Naas. Others had a different fate, becoming deserted or lost in the landscape, like Ardree, Ardscull, Cloncurry, Kilkea, Old Kilcullen and Oughterard. Mullamast flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries. Like other similar settlements, its decline probably resulted from a combination of factors, rather than a single catastrophic event, such as factors like climate deterioration, geography, the Bruce Invasion in 1315, the Black Death and a resurgence of the native Irish. 11th century Roman coins found at Mullamast An added, possibly significant reason, for the decline of Mullamast was the declining in popularity and market for the hobby horse and its mounted light cavalry hobelars in favour of mounted longbowmen. The exact locations of the documented church and castle are still unknown to us in the present day. Rumours that a Naas hotel is to be used to provide accommodation for asylum seekers coming into Ireland have been rejected out of hand. The popular Maudlins House Hotel, on the Dublin side of the town, is open for normal business owner Dominic Fagan told the Leader. He stressed it was absolutely not true that the hotel is to be used for any other purpose and said there are some very peculiar people out there. He added he has heard the story but said it is operating as a hotel and is fully open for business. We are taking Christmas party bookings, Mr. Fagan stated The hotel is a restored 200 year old country house, which opened for business in 2006 and among its notable features is an attractive ivy-clad exterior. It boasts some 25 rooms, including an executive suite which, according to the hotel website, is available for 172 per night; although this is the most expensive room quoted. Asylum seekers are people seeking protection as refugees, who are waiting for the authorities to decide on the merits of applications. They are legally entitled to stay in Ireland until their application for protection is decided. They are not allowed to work and are provided with food, board and 21.60 a week per person. A number of people seeking asylum are accommodated at the Eyre Powell venue in Newbridge. SEE ALSO Plans for Sallins Road Safety March to highlight traffic dangers SEE ALSO Traffic movement changes on M7 near Naas from tomorrow morning Drumshanbo Food Hub are planning to create more jobs and increase the number of food businesses to the town through expansion and development following their grant of 953,640. The business plans to expand the food space by over 9,000 square foot and is looking to include other sites around Drumshanbo in the expansion. The hub is projecting 137 jobs by 2020, but at least 50 new jobs is expected to be created in the next 18 months. Manager of the Food Hub Fergal McPartland told the paper we are very excited to be awarded this funding. He explained the hub has been working at full capacity in the last few years and has had to turn down opportunities and businesses looking to relocate to the successful centre. The Food Hub say with expanded food grade facilities they will attract more businesses and they have already been approached by businesses in Northern Ireland who are interested in relocating. The Manager said they hope to benefit from the uncertainty over Brexit and will work with Northern Ireland producers to bring their companies south of the border. The company are also developing food distribution solutions for small family run businesses to share transport for national sales as well as programmes to help successful businesses to export their goods. The Food Hub will not only benefit Drumshanbo and Leitrim but the entire North West, Mr McPartland said part of their programme is to help attract food businesses to the region. There are 80 people currently employed at the Food Hub and Mr McPartland said their existing businesses are eager to expand. The long term goal is to develop a range of food producers and work with tourism to help attract people to the region, Drumshanbo and Leitrim will be a Food Destination. This 953,640 funding is exactly what they applied for and it is provided by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, through Enterprise Ireland and is a key action to support the Regional Action Plan for Jobs and the Action Plan for Rural Development. Mr McPartland explained the Food Hub went for the funding last year but were unsuccessful. Companies must make their presentations within 12 minutes in front of a Dragons Den table of judges. They made the necessary tweaks and are ecstatic to hear the news they were successful. He thanked Chairperson Enda McGloin, Orla Casey Momentum Marketing, Leitrim County Council and Joe Lowe from Leitrim Enterprise for their hard work on the plans. Deputy Tony McLoughlin welcomed the news saying "it is a testament to the strong applications that were submitted by the local committees involved. As a Government we need to continually challenge ourselves on how to create jobs outside of the main cities. Thats exactly what this fund does. It will directly support innovative projects in our regions and, in doing so, help to create rural jobs. The jobs recovery is finally spreading into the regions with over 1200 new jobs announced in Sligo this year. In the last twelve months, four out five jobs created were outside Dublin and the live register figures in all of our regions are heading in the right direction. The Shed Distillery at The Food Hub broke ground on their new 1.5m visitor centre this week also. Also read: Work starts on new Shed Distillery Visitor Centre THE METROPOLITAN Mayor of Limerick has launched a unique campaign to register and map every defibrillator across the city and county, in a bid to save lives in emergency scenarios. Cllr Daniel Butler has teamed up with Community First Responders (CFR) in rolling out Irelands first ever public mapping system for automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and is calling on the public to register their defibrillators via the CFR website. A lot of people come to me about defibrillators and they want one for the community. And there are actually a lot of defibrillators out there but we dont know where they are, so I came up with an idea of rolling out a mapping system. Its about making sure we know where the AEDs are and that we can actually save lives, he told The Leader this week. As well as CFR, Cllr Butler has approached Limerick City and County Council and Healthy Limerick about the idea. He said CFR was already starting a process to map defibrillators. #Limerick please help me to get every defibrillator registered on an online mapping system with @CFRIreland Ease of access is vital as there is only an 8-10 minute window of survival for those who suffer cardiac arrest. Register your local defib here: https://t.co/8AW7ZUegiH pic.twitter.com/oy6AsVOe2s Mayor Daniel Butler (@DanielButlerFG) December 3, 2018 The National Ambulance Service already has a similar GPS system, but Cllr Butler said that its registration system is far more complex. He said that the NAS will benefit from this new initiative. We want people to put it up online, whether they are private, whether they are in a club or in a school or a public one, wherever they are, we want to get a mapping system out there so they become a resource for the community because thats really what they should be about. We also want to get people thinking about, okay, if one is locked away in an office somewhere, its not in much use. It has to be in public display, and we also want people to check them annually in terms of the battery. Because if they are not in use, they will obviously have a limited lifespan in the unit. Cllr Butler explained that a new AED can cost between 1500 and 2,500 with an additional 500 on storage costs. To register your defibrillator, visit http://crf.ie/aed-register-form. Cllr Butler has called on Tanaiste Simon Coveney and Minister for Health Simon Harris for their support via Twitter. GARDAI in Limerick are appealing for witnesses to a robbery incident which happened near the city centre at the weekend. A 8.40pm last Friday November 30 - a young man who was walking alone at Old Windmill Road was confronted by two males who asked him for a light. The youth, who is aged in his late teens, was then forcefully grabbed and knocked to the ground by the culprits who took his mobile phone. Thankfully the young man wasnt injured but he was very shaken, said Sergeant Ber Leetch. Gardai at Henry Street are investigating the incident and are asking anybody who might have been in the area between 8.30pm and 9pm on Friday to make contact with them. They are particularly anxious to speak with anyone who may have seen two males acting suspiciously before or after the incident took place. In a separate incident, a mobile phone and headphones were robbed from a young man as he was walking home in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The victim, who is aged in his early 20s, was walking at Catherine Place when he was confronted by a lone male at around 1.30am. Gardai at Roxboro Road are investigating. 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 DEATH of an elderly man who disturbed burglars at his home was precipitated by the stress caused by the invasion, the Limerick Coroners Court has found this Wednesday. John ODonoghue, 62, of Toomaline, Doon, died after collapsing in his yard after he and his sister discovered that someone had broken into their home on August 27, 2015. Cousins Michael Casey, 34, of Clonlong halting site, and David Casey, 23, of Carragh Park, Coolock, Dublin 17, both received six-and-a-quarter prison sentence for the burglary following a determination by the Court of Appeal in April this year. Gda William Collins, of Cappamore garda station, said that he received a phone call at around 1.30pm of suspicious activity by a black Renault Laguna in the Doon area. He later attended Mr ODonoghues home where he found his body lying on the side of the house and was unresponsive. First aid, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and a defibrillator were administered, the inquest was told. With the help of local witnesses, Gda Collins later encountered the two convicted burglars who were panting and out of breath and were very wet. The two men were later arrested and detained at Henry Street garda station. Gda Elaine ODonovan, of Bruff garda station, called the ambulance after administering a defibrillator at the scene. Gda James Ryan, of Bruff garda station, stated that John ODonoghue was pronounced dead at 6.15pm by Dr Patrick ODwyer. John ODonoghues sister, Christina, said that she and her brother arrived at their home at around 2.30pm after travelling to Tipperary Town that day. They both noticed a black car near the home. She said they knew that somebody was in the house when they noticed their gate was open. She said that John went to get a shovel from the shed, and that he wasnt sure if they were going to rush him. After John collapsed, she rang an ambulance, and a man who looked suspicious in the black car was furiously beeping and had his hazard lights on. Johns friend Patrick Sweeney, of Liscaugh, Doon, recalled how his wife received a phone from Christina to inform them that John had collapsed on the ground after the fatal burglary. Mr Sweeney later identified the body to gardai at the scene. Eircom technician William Reale who contacted gardai after seeing two men running fairly lively in the area. I knew these fellas were up to no good by their actions, he said. State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy, who carried out a post-mortem examination on August 28, 2015, said John had collapsed and died outside his home with gravel-type injuries to his face and left-arm. He also suffered abrasions to his knee. However, she said the most significant finding was that Mr ODonoghue had an enlarged heart and significant coronary artery disease and that he had increased risk of sudden collapse and death. She said the cause of death was left ventricular hypertrophy and coronary artery stenosis. The inquest heard that the stress of the incident would have caused an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Coroner John McNamara told the jury that there was quite a clear association between the burglary and John ODonoghues death and that it is hard not to entangle the two of them. Following a three-minute deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of natural causes precipitated by the stress over the discovery of the intruders. Offering his condolences to the family, Mr McNamara said: He didnt deserve to die in this fashion on this particular day in such tragic circumstances. He commended the gardai for their efforts in arresting and detaining the individuals. MORE THAN 1,000 patients were treated on a trolley at University Hospital Limerick for the second month in a row, according to new figures published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. The monthly figures show that a total of 1,071 patients were treated on an emergency department trolley or an extra trolley or bed in the wards at UHL in November. It was the most overcrowded hospital in the country for the 18th month in a row, the INMO stated. It was also the worst ever November for overcrowding at UHL. Cork University Hospital had the second highest figure with 932 patients on trolleys. TD Jan OSullivan said that UHL is way out of proportion to the rest of the country when it comes to overcrowding, and that Limerick must be given top priority. While new beds are promised, they wont be ready until well into 2019. In the meantime we need extra staff, all beds to be opened, extended hours for the minor injuries clinics in the other Mid-West hospitals and more home care packages so that people can be discharged home where possible, she said this week. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan said the overcrowding crisis has been continuously escalating. As with the housing crisis, the government think that their policies are working for the health service but they are completely failing and that failure is having a devastating impact on peoples lives. To deflect from their ineptitude and mismanagement of the health service they have tried to blame hardworking nurses and doctors for the crisis, but the buck stops at the Minister for Health, he said. The UL Hospitals Group said it truly regrets that patients have to face long waits in the emergency department. A JUDGE in Limerick has said members of the public must be protected from those who engage in random acts of violence on public streets. Judge Tom ODonnell made his comments as he jailed a serial offender who threatened a number of young men with a stanley knife with the aim of getting cash for the bus home. Brendan Sherlock, aged 26, of Lahinch Road, Ennis pleaded guilty to multiple charges relating to a series of offences which happened over a short period on the evening of October 25, 2017. Detective Garda Dermot Cummins told Limerick Circuit Court the defendant approached the victims, all aged in their early 20s, at Arthurs Quay bus stop, Sarsfield Street and OConnell Street. In each case, he sidled up them before subtly producing the knife and demanding small amounts of cash saying it was for the bus back to Ennis. The detective said the defendant, who has a number of distinctive tattoos made a threatening gesture with the knife to another man who intervened during one of the attempted robberies. Judge Tom ODonnell was told Sherlock was arrested and the knife recovered after gardai stopped and boarded an Ennis-bound bus a short time after they were alerted to one of the incidents. Barrister Brian McInerney said his client, who comes from a large family, was intoxicated at the time and immediately expressed remorse following his arrest. He said the father-of-two, who has more than 100 previous convictions, did not physically harm any of the victims and co-operated fully with gardai during interview. Judge ODonnell said such incidents are all too common on the streets of Limerick and that the public must be protected. He imposed a four and-a-half year prison sentence, suspending the final 12 months. A LIMERICK-based builder has agreed to pay more than 50,000 in interest and penalties relating to the under-declaration of VAT and Income Tax, it has been revealed. According to the latest List of Tax Defaulters, which was published by the Revenue Commissioners this Tuesday, Michael OBrien, who has an address at 56 Monaleen Park, Castletroy agreed to pay a total of 111,418. The settlement includes the payment of 60,980 in tax as well as interest (38,110.00) and penalties (12,328.00). Details of a number of settlements under section 1086 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 have also been included in the List of Tax Defaulters. All of the settlements were agreed with Revenue between July 1, 2018 and September 30 2018. Joseph Keogh a plant hire operator with an address at The Olde Orchard, Killoughteen, Newcastle West agreed to a total settlement of 45,936.08 relating to the under-declaration of VAT and Income Tax and the non-declaration of PAYE/PRSI/USC. His settlement consists of tax (21,490.51), interest (15,849.3) and penalties (8,596.20). First Choice Financial Services DAC, which has a registered address at Riverpoint, Lower Mallow Street, Limerick reached a settlement totalling 69,578 relating to the under-declaration of PAYE/PRSI/USC. The settlement agreed by the financial services provider includes interest of 12,686 and penalties of 13,129. Details of Revenue prosecutions finalised before the courts between July and September have also been published. Six of the nine Limerick cases related to the failure to lodge income tax returns. Two related to the illegal sale of cigarettes while one case related to the used of marked mineral oil (green diesel) by a Limerick-based haulage company. According to Revenue, fines were imposed by the presiding judge in each case. Fox News published a startling article Monday (Dec. 3) with the headline "NASA scientist says Earth may have been visited by aliens." Unsurprisingly, that news rocketed around the web, with similar articles soon turning up in the New York Post, Russia Today and The Daily Wire. (Fox appears to have been the first major U.S. news source to run with the story.) These articles are based on a document on NASA's website by Silvano Colombano, a researcher at NASA's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. It really does argue that scientists should at least take seriously the notion that aliens may have visited planet Earth. But Colombano told Live Science that the coverage on Fox News and elsewhere misrepresented what he was trying to say when he wrote it. "It is not accurately represented," he said. "My perspective was simply that reports of unidentified aerial phenomena should be the object of serious study, even if the chance of identification of some alien technology is very small." [13 Ways to Hunt Intelligent Aliens] There's some nuance here. Colombano really does believe, as Fox News wrote, that aliens "may" have visited planet Earth. As in, it's theoretically possible that this has happened, not entirely impossible, and worth looking for evidence that it has. But that's not the same as expecting to actually find any such evidence, or believing that there's a good chance aliens are scuttling around under our noses an impression you might get if you read Fox News's article. Though Colombano's name and email address appear right on top of the document, he said Fox News did not contact him before publishing their story. (Live Science has reached out to Fox News to confirm this, but has not yet heard back.) Fox described the document as a "new research paper" a term usually used to describe formal articles intended for publication in research journals and making conclusions based on evidence and the scientific method. But that's not what this document is. "The context was a presentation delivered last spring at a meeting of the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute," he said. SETI is an organization devoted to the hunt for alien life, mostly by scanning radio signals from space for evidence of biological origin. "The meeting was to get feedback from scientists as to future directions for the Institute's research program," Colombano said. The document accompanied a talk he gave in which he suggested that perhaps the notion of aliens visiting Earth isn't quite as ridiculous as most scientists believe, and that SETI might devote some resources to systematically hunting through UFO reports and other data for evidence that this has happened to hunt for a faint, unlikely signal in a lot of messy noise. In other words, it was a speculative piece of writing intended to persuade other scientists to spend their resources on a long-shot project not an argument about whether or not aliens have actually visited Earth. Colombano's position is that it's possible, but not necessarily likely. Originally published on Live Science. This X-ray photoelectron spectrometer uses the principles of X-ray spectroscopy to measure the elemental composition of materials. X-ray spectroscopy is a technique that detects and measures photons, or particles of light, that have wavelengths in the X-ray portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. It's used to help scientists understand the chemical and elemental properties of an object. There are several different X-ray spectroscopy methods that are used in many disciplines of science and technology, including archaeology, astronomy and engineering. These methods can be used independently or together to create a more complete picture of the material or object being analyzed. History Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen, a German physicist, was awarded the first Nobel Prize in physics in 1901 for his discovery of X-rays in 1895. His new technology was quickly put to use by other scientists and physicians, according to the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Charles Barkla, a British physicist, conducted research between 1906 and 1908 that led to his discovery that X-rays could be characteristic of individual substances. His work also earned him a Nobel Prize in physics, but not until in 1917. The use of X-ray spectroscopy actually began a bit earlier, in 1912, starting with a father-and-son team of British physicists, William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg. They used spectroscopy to study how X-ray radiation interacted with atoms within crystals. Their technique, called X-ray crystallography, was made the standard in the field by the following year and they won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1915. In the early 1900s, William Henry Bragg (here) and his son, William Lawrence Bragg, were the first use X-ray spectroscopy to study how X-ray radiation interacted with atoms within crystals. (Image credit: SSPL/Getty Images) How X-ray spectroscopy works When an atom is unstable or is bombarded with high-energy particles, its electrons transition from one energy level to another. As the electrons adjust, the element absorbs and releases high-energy X-ray photons in a way that's characteristic of atoms that make up that particular chemical element. X-ray spectroscopy measures those changes in energy, which allows scientists to identify elements and understand how the atoms within various materials interact. There are two main X-ray spectroscopy techniques: wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDXS) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). WDXS measures the X-rays of a single wavelength that are diffracted by a crystal. EDXS measures the X-ray radiation emitted by electrons stimulated by a high-energy source of charged particles. In both techniques, how the radiation is dispersed indicates the atomic structure of the material and therefore, the elements within the object being analyzed. X-rays are high-frequency waves on the electromagnetic spectrum. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Multiple applications Today, X-ray spectroscopy is used in many areas of science and technology, including archaeology, astronomy, engineering and health. Anthropologists and archaeologists are able to discover hidden information about the ancient artifacts and remains they find by analyzing them with X-ray spectroscopy. For example, Lee Sharpe, associate professor of chemistry at Grinnell College in Iowa, and his colleagues, used a method called X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy to identify the origin of obsidian arrowheads made by prehistoric people in the North American Southwest. The team published its results in October 2018 in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. X-ray spectroscopy also helps astrophysicists learn more about how objects in space work. For example, researchers from Washington University in St. Louis plan to observe X-rays that come from cosmic objects, such as black holes, to learn more about their characteristics. The team, led by Henric Krawczynski, an experimental and theoretical astrophysicist, plans to launch a type of X-ray spectrometer called an X-ray polarimeter. Beginning in December 2018, the instrument will be suspended in Earth's atmosphere by a long-duration, helium-filled balloon. Yury Gogotsi, a chemist and materials engineer at Drexel University in Pennsylvania, creates spray-on antennas and water-desalination membranes with materials analyzed by X-ray spectroscopy. The invisible spray-on antennas are only a few dozen nanometers thick but are able to transmit and direct radio waves. A technique called X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) helps ensure that the composition of the incredibly thin material is correct and helps determine the conductivity. High metallic conductivity is required for good performance of antennas, so we have to closely monitor the material, Gogotsi said. Gogotsi and his colleagues also use X-ray spectroscopy to analyze the surface chemistry of complex membranes that desalinate water by filtering out specific ions, such as sodium. The use of X-ray spectroscopy can also be found in several areas of medical research and practice, such as in modern CT scan machines. Collecting X-ray absorption spectra during CT scans (via photon counting or spectral CT scanner) can provide more detailed information and contrast about what is going on inside the body, with lower radiation doses from the X-rays and less or no need for using contrast materials (dyes), according to Phuong-Anh T. Duong, director of CT at Emory University Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences in Georgia. Further reading: If you want to know the entire backstory about Alex Jones and frogs, look elsewhere. Something about the government "putting chemicals in the water that TURN THE FRIGGIN' FROGS GAY!," as Jones once screamed while pounding a fist into his desk in the Infowars studio - a few years before he and his fake news network were banned by Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Apple this summer. But probably no backstory can fully explain why Jones dressed up as a frog in a tutu on Halloween and begged in baby talk: "Infowars is sowwy! Please let us back on Twitter!" It worked, kind of. The clip spread virally this weekend on the same platforms from which Jones has been exiled. But it was shared mainly by people who despised him and who enjoyed watching him grovel for his Twitter account like Gollum in the throes of ring withdrawal. Is Twitter addiction real, as opposed to just a joke people make about President Donald Trump? Some researchers and therapists think so. And if so, Twitter withdrawal is a possibility. Still, we don't claim to know what goes on in the minds of prolific tweeters whose public streams of consciousness are suddenly cut off - which happened to many conservative social media stars this year, as tech giants tightened their behavior policies. We certainly don't suggest their discomfort is comparable to a drug addict's withdrawal pains. But judging from the public scenes some of them have made, it doesn't look pleasant. On Thursday, the right-wing journalist Laura Loomer put on a yellow Star of David badge - the same style "Nazis made the Jews wear during the Holocaust," she explained through a bullhorn as she handcuffed herself to the front door of Twitter's office in New York. Loomer proceeded to complain to passersby, live-stream viewers and eventually responding police officers that Twitter had suspended her account earlier in the week. She felt the ban was part of a repression campaign against conservatives, though a Twitter representative said that Loomer had repeatedly violated its rules, and the company has denied taking users' politics into account when it punished bad actors. She propped a blown-up printout of an offending tweet against the door and vowed not to unchain herself until the "human rights violation that is being perpetuated and aided by these dictators ... in Silicon Valley" had ended. When no dictators immediately emerged to repent, a police officer asked Loomer if she wanted help un-cuffing herself. "I want my Twitter!" Loomer said. "Do you want us to cut you from the door?" the officer asked again. "I wish I could say something, but Twitter and Facebook won't let me speak," Loomer said. About an hour later, she let police cut off her handcuffs and went home. Like Jones' frog cosplay, footage of protest was widely mocked on social media, treated alternately as slapstick comedy or a tone-deaf belittlement of Holocaust victims. Loomer called it a victory nonetheless. "It turned out great, probably better than I ever hoped for," she told an interviewer. "Because I ended up trending." Gavin McInnes described his Twitter habit as a literal addiction after he and the far-right Proud Boys organization he created were deemed a "violent extremist group" and banned from the platform in August. "I'm actually kind of glad; I was addicted to it," McInnes said. "My brain was starting to think in a Twitter mentality. My toothpaste would fall sideways and I'd go: 'Looks like my toothpaste is drunk! Oh, that's a tweet.' " He made this observation during an hour-long video retrospective about his final 20 tweets. Loomer and McInnes have both said they may sue Twitter. If so, they'll be taking advice offered to Milo Yiannopolous in 2016, when the conservative writer went to the White House to complain about losing a special blue check mark on his Twitter profile, which used to confer a sort of elite status on the platform. "My verification check was taken away for making jokes about the wrong group of people," Yiannopolous said in the press briefing room. "I'm not exactly sure what sort of government policy decision could have an influence on that," White House press secretary Josh Earnest replied. "If there are citizens who feel their constitutional rights are being violated in some way, they have the opportunity to address that in a court of law." Yiannopolous was banned from Twitter entirely a few months later, as part of a crackdown on racist abuse against "Ghostbusters" actor Leslie Jones. Like Loomer, he has threatened to sue the company. James Woods was relatively restrained when he and his 26,000 tweets were suspended from the site in September. The Oscar-nominated actor turned polemicist threatened no lawsuit and staged no protest. He compared his punishment to a simple murder, rather than the Holocaust. "If you want to kill my free speech, man up and slit my throat with a knife, don't smother me with a pillow," Woods told the Associated Press. He had shared a hoax meme that encouraged men to increase women's voting power by sitting out the midterm election, which Twitter considered a potential threat to democracy. Seeing himself as another victim of Silicon Valley's conservative purge, Woods refused to delete the post on principle and remained suspended for more than two weeks, his tweet rate crashing from sometimes dozens per day to zero. Reached by phone this week, Woods recalled the ban as a time of serenity. "I literally felt so relieved that I had an excuse never to be on Twitter again," he said. He found himself with a sudden abundance of free time, no longer writing "libtard" tweets in the morning or insulting the mothers of critics in his reply threads in the evening. He watched the ultra-partisan Supreme Court confirmation battle over Brett M. Kavanaugh and told his girlfriend: "It's a good thing I'm not on Twitter. I'd either be dead or in jail." Woods said he was sitting in his house one day in early October, learning to play guitar with online videos, when friends informed him that his account had been reactivated. "I literally said, 'Oh, Jesus,' " he recalled. Still, Woods denies that he ever had a Twitter problem. He says he's getting bored with tweeting, has already slowed down and will probably give it up completely "very soon." Anytime now. He'll quit any time he wants. Woods hung up the phone and tweeted again 20 minutes later. This past year has been an excellent one for any devotee, no matter how languid, of the British 1890s. In this period aesthetes and decadents such as Oscar Wilde, Count Stanislaus Eric Stenbock and Enoch Soames celebrated art for art's sake, while flaunting their outrageous personalities and flouting the bourgeois establishment. Delicate young men produced slim volumes of ethereal verse or prose, then gave them titles like "Discords," "Wreckage" or "Negations." This was the era of that notorious quarterly, the Yellow Book, and of the grotesque Pierrots and courtesans depicted in its pages by Aubrey Beardsley. It was, in many ways, the first colorful flowering of modern gay culture. While the 1890s produced strange personalities galore, none was stranger than Frederick William Rolfe, who adopted the pen name Baron Corvo for his astonishing 1904 novel "Hadrian VII," in which a Grub Street hack is elected pope. Rolfe himself was inordinately abrasive, paranoid and spiteful, as one learns from A.J.A. Symons' pioneering 1934 biography, "The Quest for Corvo," newly reissued by Tartarus Press in a handsome illustrated edition, superbly introduced by Mark Valentine. In its pages, we are treated not only to Rolfe's scandal-ridden life - which culminated in sordid frolics with Venetian gondoliers - but also to Symons' interviews with eccentric collectors and aging priests as he seeks information about his fractious but fascinating subject. The resulting double portrait, elegantly written, suffused with antiquarian charm and seductively readable, ranks as a minor masterpiece. But, really, aren't minor masterpieces the best kind? Appropriately, New York's Grolier Club is hosting - until Jan. 5 - "A.J.A. Symons: A Bibliomane, His Books and His Clubs," an exhibition drawing on the Symons collection of Simon C.W. Hewett. For bibliophiles, it's worth a trip to Manhattan. Early in 2018, Harvard University Press brought out "The Annotated Prison Writings of Oscar Wilde," edited by Nicholas Frankel (who previously annotated the original version of Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray"). Sentenced to two years of hard labor for gross indecency with young men, the often despondent Wilde still managed to write his last important works: "The Ballad of Reading Gaol," remembered for its haunting line, "Yet each man kills the thing he loves," and "De Profundis," his 1897 novella-length letter to Lord Alfred Douglas (the poet who originated the phrase "the love that dare not speak its name"). In it Wilde, a.k.a. Prisoner C33, looks back on his relationship with Douglas and the disgrace that followed when their homosexual bacchanals - provocatively likened to "feasting with panthers" - were made public and the older writer's life utterly ruined. Wilde's fellow Irishman, W.B. Yeats, spent much of the 1890s in London, eventually memorializing his friends in the Rhymers' Club as "the tragic generation." Of these, Ernest Dowson, who died at 32, may be the best known today, If only for the cri de coeur "I have been faithful to thee, Cynara! in my fashion," while Yeats himself most deeply admired Lionel Johnson. A superb capsule account of that poet's life, titled "Ritualistic Adorabilities," forms the introduction to Nina Antonia's "Incurable: The Haunted Writings of Lionel Johnson, the Decadent Era's Dark Angel" (Strange Attractor Press). Johnson was diminutive, cherubic in appearance, exceptionally learned in the classics, the sometime lover of Lord Alfred Douglas (till Wilde came along), and always thirsty for whiskey or "the green devil," absinthe. He died at 35 from a series of strokes brought on by alcoholism. "Go from me: I am one of those who fall." What can one say about the decadent's decadent, Count Stanislaus Eric Stenbock? At last his poetry and prose - never easy to find - is readily available in "Of Kings and Things," edited by David Tibet (Strange Attractor Press). Stenbock was an Estonian aristocrat, educated at Oxford, homosexual yet devoutly Catholic, and a seriously addicted opium-eater. His work comprises the morbid and romantic stories collected as "Studies of Death," a dark fairy tale of blue flowers and E.T.A. Hoffmann-esque transformations called "The Other Side" and three volumes of melancholy verse: (BEGIN ITAL)Eyes! That I dared not look to,(END ITAL) (BEGIN ITAL)Lips! That I dared not touch-(END ITAL) (BEGIN ITAL)Would you pray for me a little,(END ITAL) (BEGIN ITAL)Who prayed for you so much?(END ITAL) Stenbock's most anthologized prose work, "The Story of a Vampire," is less a tale of terror than an oblique description of a homosexual or Uranian (the period's preferred term) Liebestod: To survive, the tormented Count Vardalek must kill the thing he loves, the faunlike boy Gabriel. Just before his own death at 35, Stenbock was said to travel with a child-size wooden doll which he treated as if it were human and referred to lovingly as his son and heir. Readers of a scholarly turn should definitely seek out James Machin's "Weird Fiction in Britain, 1880-1939" (Palgrave Macmillan), which reinserts horror texts into the fin-de-siecle canon, then follows their insidious tendrils all the way to the American pulp magazine Weird Tales. Arthur Machen's novella "The Great God Pan," suffused with transgressive sexuality, and the stories in M.P. Shiel's "Shapes in the Fire," composed in a feverish, overwrought prose, clearly revel in what the poet Swinburne once memorably described as "the raptures and roses of vice." In the spectacular "Pamela Colman Smith: The Untold Story" (U.S. Games Systems) four scholars - Stuart R. Kaplan, Mary K. Greer, Elizabeth Foley O'Connor and Melinda Boyd Parsons - celebrate the career of a major book artist and costume designer. Still, Smith will be forever revered for the hermetic images that she and 1890s occultist A.E. Waite devised for the modern Rider-Waite Tarot deck. T.S. Eliot's fortunetelling Madame Sosostris apparently used Smith's "wicked pack of cards" and so deserves the admonitory last word: "I do not find the Hanged Man. Fear death by water." WASHINGTON - Ted Danson modestly likes to pretend he's just some actor who uses his fame to call attention to issues - namely, the plight of the globe's oceans. But get the guy talking about, say, fishery management or habitat destruction, and it's clear he knows his stuff - and, hello, he's been working on it for decades and is now the vice chair of the board of advocacy organization Oceana. The "Good Place" actor was in Washington this week for a board meeting at the group's airy Connecticut Avenue offices, but before he got down to business, we sat down with him to talk about his evolution as an activist, his #goals marriage to actress Mary Steenburgen, and his super-morbid yet strangely helpful life philosophy. Q: You founded your first oceans campaign in 1987, which means you've been an activist on this issue for more than 30 years. Has your approach changed in those decades? A: I need to say "co-founded" along with my friend Robert Sulnick, who is an environmental lawyer. We came together fighting Occidental Petroleum in the Santa Monica Bay - they wanted to slap 60 oil wells in there - and that went on for about 12 years until we merged with Oceana. So it went from a celebrity boutique organization where I was kind of a chief fundraiser into this incredibly sophisticated, worldwide - the biggest in the world - organization dealing just with oceans. Q: What about for you personally? A: Typical of people who become new converts to an issue, (at first) you think "Oh, this is very satisfying to throw a brick!" and then you learn actually the issue is way more complicated and nuanced than that, and then you learn to not throw bricks and you learn to work with the people who don't agree with you to find some sort of compromise that makes a difference. Q: So many people are reminiscing about former President George H.W. Bush. Do you have a story? A: I do, but it's an embarrassing one to tell. In my brick-throwing phase, I was so stupid. I mean, it really makes me kind of queasy. I was invited to the White House, and I, in my righteous brick-throwing stage, said no. Because I disagreed so much with what was going on environmentally, or so I thought. It turns out, he was an environmentalist. I've grown since then. Q: Would you meet with President Donald Trump or his administration? A: Well, you can't give up. But clearly now with this administration it's a defensive, rear-guard kind of action. You're trying to protect all these amazing environmental acts that have been put into place over the years - mostly by Republican administrations - that are now being attacked in the name of "all regulations are bad." Like the Endangered Species Act - this not warm and fuzzy tree-hugging. It's about making sure that your natural resources survive so you can keep making money and create jobs. It's so stupid. So short-term stupid. Q: Are you a proselytizer on environmental issues? Like are you the guy in the grocery aisle talking about them? A: No, I have this amazing organization that I get to be part of. I don't want to make films about it. I'm happy to talk about it, but I'm the guy who can say, "Thank you for watching 'Cheers,' and now I'd love for you to meet this marine biologist who has something important to say." I've always used my celebrity to do that. Q: You and your wife are close friends of the Clintons. What was (2016) election night and the aftermath like for you? A: It's difficult to put distance and spin on my emotions. We were there that night and it was a slow-motion - from my perspective - car wreck. It was beyond belief. I will put spin on it: It is what it is, and here we are. A lot of what I believe in is not what this administration believes in. That being said, a lot of people woke up, and that's good. A lot of people, a generation where I thought, "Hey, where are you guys?" are here now. Q: You've been married for 23 years, which your wife joked in a recent Instagram post is like 714 years by Hollywood standards. What's your secret? A: It's part divine, and it's part that I'm married to Mary Steenburgen. It's part that Mary's impeccable about the truth and not letting things go unsaid. We laugh nonstop. There's nothing that makes us happier than to make each other laugh. But you've got to sprinkle some of the divine in there, because we both met each other when we thought we were incapable of being in a relationship without messing it up, and we mysteriously, magically found each other. Q: OK, but that's not exactly replicable. Give me something actionable! A: Find someone who is playing the same game. Find somebody who wants to grow and look at themselves and take responsibility for themselves. If you don't find somebody who's willing to do the same thing, it's going to be bumpy. Q: So do climate-change deniers go to the Bad Place? A: (Laughs) No, but their houses get swamped. So here's my philosophical saying that saves me, and Mary thinks this is the dumbest thing I could say: "And then you die." It's not like you're going to save the planet and then you get the immortality card. This is a huge challenge for all of us. So go for it - who cares? Just do the best you can. That's what you're here to do: Bump up to the big challenges and see how you do. Q: And then you die. Wow. A: If there was a chance that if you succeeded you might live forever, then it would be horrifying, right? Too much pressure! But if you know you're going to die, then you just go for it. WASHINGTON - When it was completed in 1855, the Smithsonian Institution's Castle represented the grand ambitions of a revolutionary education organization. With its library, lecture halls, laboratories and exhibition spaces, the James Renwick-designed building on the southern side of the National Mall welcomed both ordinary Americans and educated researchers. For the rest of the 19th century, the red sandstone Castle - known as such for its ornate stonework and towers - was not only the Smithsonian's first building, but also a physical representation of the broad range of its activities: hands-on learning, museum conservation, art and science exhibits and educational seminars. "It's the original building, and it's what most people think of when they think of the Smithsonian," says Albert Horvath, the Smithsonian's undersecretary for finance and administration. The Castle was a jewel in its heyday, but it has been falling into disrepair for years and is now mainly an office building, providing space for about 200 employees. A leaky roof and porous exterior have led to widespread water damage. Last year, there was an electrical fire; the year before that, stones fell off its exterior. And this fall, an outbreak of mold - not the first - forced the evacuation of more than 30 employees. Preservationists blame the museum's leaders, saying they long have neglected the National Historic Landmark. Smithsonian documents show that the Castle's restoration has been considered for almost 20 years. "They are not museum people, they are university people and they don't care about keeping the buildings up," says James M. Goode, former curator of the Castle and author of six books on Washington architecture. "The Castle is the icon of the institution. It should be the primary focus, and it is falling apart." Its long-delayed renovation represents the ongoing tension within the world's largest museum system to balance preservation with modernization, says Elsa Santoyo, an independent consultant who has worked with the Smithsonian on many renovations. "They keep documenting, but somehow when it comes to allocating the resources, (the Castle) keeps getting back-burnered," she says. "The groundwork is there. They need to address it and stop thinking about it." Smithsonian officials say they recognize the building's physical and symbolic importance and have kept up with repairs as best they can considering their limited budget and maintenance backlog. The institution has 13 million square feet to maintain, and its leaders, forced to prioritize, put visitor needs first, renovating such popular attractions as the National Museum of Natural History's soon-to-reopen Fossil Hall, the National Portrait Gallery's presidential portraits and just about the entire National Museum of American History. --- The Castle's main floor has a cafe, shop, restrooms and a few exhibit cases. In 2017, it attracted about 1 million visitors (down from 1.8 million in 2001), a fraction of institution's 30 million total visits that year. Before spending hundreds of millions of dollars on this symbol of its past, museum officials must determine its place in the Smithsonian's future. "We want to return it to more public use," Horvath says, citing other organizations that have adapted historic buildings into ceremonial spaces. "It's an opportunity to do a better job of talking about the stuff we do (outside Washington), about activities that don't have a public face - to activate it more, tell the story of the Smithsonian, its history." A 2002 master plan called for the Castle to "announce the brilliance of the entire Institution" by connecting "visitors, guests and staff." The document declared that a full restoration should be "a high priority ... given the poor condition of the exterior envelope." In 2014, a more elaborate master plan by the Bjarke Ingles Group was unveiled, envisioning an update for the Castle and the 17 acres surrounding it. The Smithsonian has spent four years and more than $5.5 million developing that project, which is still many years from groundbreaking. Meanwhile, the institution has focused on dozens of other projects at its 19 museums, research centers and zoo. Since the 2002 plan, the Smithsonian has built two museums - the National Museum of the American Indian opened in 2005 and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016 - and launched major renovations across its huge campus. With the exception of a $55 million renovation of the mostly dormant Arts and Industries Building, the National Historic Landmark next to the Castle, the diverse projects share the goal of appealing to visitors and increasing their numbers. The Smithsonian spent about $750 million building the American Indian and African-American museums, and a similar amount was spent renovating most of its other buildings, including the National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History, three of its most-visited branches. The latest priority is the renovation of the Smithsonian's most-visited attraction, the 42-year-old National Air and Space Museum, which welcomed about 7 million visitors last year. Congress has awarded about $248 million of the $700 million for that seven-year project to replace the museum's mechanical systems and stone exterior, while Smithsonian officials have pledged to raise $250 million in private donations to update the exhibition galleries. The cost and extent of the work at Air and Space has grown as the project has taken shape, but the commitment to repair the museum hasn't wavered. "That's why it attracted capital dollars ahead of (the Castle)," Horvath says. --- Meanwhile, at the Castle, stopgap repairs are almost nonstop, employees say. Permanent "swing space" has been set aside to house displaced workers as different sections are fixed. The employees displaced by this fall's mold outbreak are in rented space near L'Enfant Plaza, and it's uncertain whether they will return. Derek Ross, deputy director of the Smithsonian's construction division, says many of the problems are common in old buildings that weren't designed as office space. The especially wet summer and fall overwhelmed the antiquated air conditioning systems, he says, and overall ventilation is hampered by partitioned interiors. Ross says the institution has been relentless in addressing the long-standing problems. Windows and air conditioning units have been replaced, he says, and next year, repairs to the exterior stonework will be completed. The plan, Ross says, is to buy time to "give the Castle more longevity" until a full renovation can begin. Critics and preservationists wonder whether that time will ever arrive. They are tired of excuses and just want the institution - which has preservation as a core value - to commit to fixing its crown jewel. "This is a seminal building in the history of America," says Richard Guy Wilson, an architectural historian at the University of Virginia. "It was built right there on the Mall, in one of the most public spaces of this country, and it helped to show from an architectural point of view the diversity of who we are, and what we have been and how we see ourselves." To witness its decline, he adds, "is so distressing. It's one of the most valuable things in their entire collection." The smoke. The passion. The fire. The meats. The people. Thats the focus of the recent book, Texas BBQ, Small Town to Downtown (University of Texas Press, $39.95) by photographer Wyatt McSpadden with contributions from celebrated Austin pitmaster Aaron Frankin and Texas Monthly BBQ editor Daniel Vaughn. Its a follow-up to McSpaddens 2009 book Texas BBQ. An Amarillo native, McSpadden started taking photos for a living in 1976, and in 1997, he was hired to shoot pictures of Kreuz Market in Lockhart for a Texas Monthly piece written by the late John Morthland. McSpadden has been the principle barbecue photographer for the magazine ever since, and his travels have taken him to every nook and cranny in Texas looking for the next great thing in barbecue. In the book you will find plenty of stunning food pictures, but the emphasis is on portraits of some of the finest pitmasters throughout the state, with shots of them doing what they do best. It celebrates the commitment required for good barbecue the long nights and early mornings required of the craft. Theres the photo of Dylan Taylor, a cook at Truth Barbecue in Brenham, catching a few winks on the floor of the restaurant in a sleeping bag. Theres that shot of pitmaster Michael Wyont in tiny Whitney (pop. 2,090), keeping an eye on his smoker in the cover of darkness all to his lonesome. In an interview with Texas Monthly, McSpadden said he always liked to photograph his subjects during the early morning hours. Theres always something going on in the dark, McSpadden said. Its a really good time of day to be there, because there are no customers. Its the peak cooking time. While the shots from the small town joints might be the most charming, the book also showcases the rise of the urban barbecue scene in cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston and yep San Antonio. Two Bros. BBQ Market and 2M Smokehouse get included. This is a true coffee table book that will make you hungry and ready to take a road trip with every turn of the page. Chuck Blount is a food writer and columnist covering all things grilled and smoked in the San Antonio area. Find his Chuck's Food Shack columns on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com, or read his other coverage on our free site, mySA.com. | cblount@express-news.net | Twitter: @chuck_blount | Instagram: @bbqdiver On this date in ... 1918: A member of the Times Union staff received a letter from a British newspaperman in which he lavished praise on the Albany Base Hospital established there during the war, and specifically the hospital's head, Dr. Erastus Corning of Albany, who had just been made a lieutenant colonel. The letter writer said that the hospital continued to grow and by mid-November had 2,500 wounded soldiers in its care. Because of its good work, quality of its modern equipment and overall need, it was believed that the Albany Base Hospital would be the last U.S. war hospital to leave England. 1968: Preliminary work was under way to renovate Sing Sing Prison on the banks of the Hudson River at Ossining. Paul D. McGinnis, commissioner of the State Department of Corrections, said a planned superhighway along the Hudson would take a large portion of the gray-walled institution. The 143-year-old prison housed 1,300 prisoners, all of whom would be affected in some way by the changes to the prison. Construction of the highway was not scheduled to begin until spring 1971 but the state architect's office had been assigned the job of figuring out a way to consolidate portions of the prison. 1993: Check that $20 bill closely before putting it in your pocket or handing it over at a register, because more phonies were turning up in the Capital Region. Counterfeits like those found recently in Schenectady and Glenville turned up this week in Colonie, and police and merchants were on the lookout for even more. While in some ways accurate reproductions, the counterfeits were probably photocopies on paper unlike real bills, authorities said. They also lacked normal identifying features and could be tested if held near a light or compared with a real bill. 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/. Kathie Ziobrowski of Averill Park: An October morning shot during a trip to the Grand Canyon after a snowfall the day before, and an elk in Grand Canyon National Park along side the road. Tom Surprenant, Cohoes: A majestic eagle sits high in a tree at Matton Shipyard in Cohoes overlooking the Hudson River in November. A Laredo woman has been arrested for allegedly causing a skull fracture to a 6-month-old boy. On Monday, Janeth Velez, 29, was served with an arrest warrant that charged her with injury to a child. She was released on bond later that same day, according to custody records. READ ALSO: LPD: Woman accused of prostitution, marijuana possession after sting on San Bernardo Ave Laredo police said the case dates back to Sept. 13, when officers responded to the 1500 block of North Arkansas Avenue for an injury to a child report. A Child Protective Services worker called police regarding a child who was airlifted to a Corpus Christi hospital with a skull fracture. RELATED: LPD: Mother burned son's hand on stove after she accused him of stealing $100 Detectives with the special investigations unit said they gathered enough probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant for Velez. No details further details on the allegations were available Tuesday. The National Weather Service is showing the possibility of freezing rain in the forecast this weekend. Apparently, that shouldnt be a problem for Midlands drivers. Not only was Midland No. 7 in the nation on the list of best drivers overall, but city is ranked as the eighth safest for driving in the rain and snow, according to Allstates Best Drivers Report for 2018. RELATED: The craziest things to happen on Texas' highways The report shows Midland ranked behind only Brownsville (No. 1) and Laredo (No. 7) when it came to driving in the elements. Rankings were determined by looking at the average number of years between claims and the relative number of claims compared to the national average. Rankings of other Texas cities, when driving in the elements were considered are: McAllen (No. 10), Amarillo (No. 20), Corpus Christi (No. 26), El Paso (No. 52), Lubbock (No. 54), Killeen (No. 56), Pasadena (No. 81), Waco (No. 82), McKinney (No. 134), Fort Worth (No. 138), San Antonio (No. 140), Frisco (No. 146), Denton (No. 154), Austin (No. 158), Houston (No. 156), Plano (No. 162), Mesquite (No. 166), Irving (No. 174), Dallas (No. 178) and Garland (No. 179). The National Weather Service is calling for a 70 percent chance of Friday night. The low Friday night/Saturday morning is expected to fall to 32. The NWS also expects the chance of freezing rain to continue through 9 a.m. Saturday. The chance of rain Saturday is 60 percent. The lows Saturday and Sunday night will fall into the upper 20s, according to the National Weather Service. The emotional state funeral of former president George H.W. Bush on Wednesday was marked by tributes, laughter and celebrations of the 41st president. There were a few moments from both the pulpit and the pews that stood out. Here they are: 1. George W. Bush's eulogy The former president gave an emotional (and historic) eulogy of the former president, breaking down only once at the end. "The best father a son or daughter could have," Bush said. "And in our grief, let us smile, knowing that dad is hugging Robin and holding mom's hand again." 2. The tribute to Bush's military service The passing of former president Bush, the last U.S. president to serve in combat, follows a decades-long trend of declining numbers of veterans serving as president and in Congress, something presidential historian Jon Meacham noted on Wednesday. "George Herbert Walker Bush was American's last great soldier-statesman, a 20th century Founding Father," Meacham said. 3. The subtle calls for bipartisanship and civility Arizona Sen. John McCain's state funeral was notable in part for the overt rebukes of President Donald Trump, with calls for bipartisanship and civility. With Trump in attendance on Wednesday, those calls for bipartisanship and civility continued, albeit subdued. "His life code, as he said, was: Tell the truth, don't blame people, be strong, do your best, try hard, forgive, stay the course," Meacham said. "And that was and is the most American of creeds." "In victory, he shared credit. When he lost, he shouldered the blame," the younger former president Bush said. "He accepted that failure is a part of living a full life, but taught us never to be defined by failure." ALSO: George W. Bush's grief for his dad, George H.W. Bush, is both intimate and historic "He never hated anyone," former Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyo., said. "He knew what his mother and my mother always knew: Hatred corrodes the container it's carried in." While the tributes this week to Bush have highlighted his character and kindness, the news cycle under Trump often returns to whether remarks by public officials are coded anti-Trump sentiments. 4. Simpson goes over his allotted time (barely) The former senator opened on a lighter note on Wednesday, after telling The Washington Post's Karen Tumulty he had cried while writing Bush's eulogy. "Relax, George told me I only had 10 minutes," Simpson said. "He was very direct about it; it wasn't even funny." Simpson barely missed the mark: His eulogy ran just over 11 minutes. 5. George W. Bush, Michelle Obama and the mints, part II When the former president handed the former first lady a cough drop at McCain's funeral, it instantly became a viral bipartisan moment in an age of increasing partisan tensions. "He's my partner in crime at every major thing where all the 'formers' gather," Obama told NBC News in October. Apparently the Bush-Obama candy relationship is still going strong: He handed the her a mint or candy on Wednesday. 6. President Donald Trump's entrance Trump was not invited to McCain's funeral, in part due to their difficult relationship. So it was notable when Trump, who only months prior had mocked Bush's "thousand points of light" volunteer effort, was invited by the Bushes to Wednesday's ceremony. Trump has reciprocated this week, paying respects to Bush on Twitter, in person at the Capitol and through other gestures. ALSO: All the presidents at the Bush funeral service together recited this core prayer. Except one But also notable was the response Trump received from those seated in his pew: After Trump shook the hands of both Obamas, neither the Clintons nor the Carters appeared to make eye contact with the president (first lady Melania Trump got a nod from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton). During his first campaign for the Senate in Texas, George H.W. Bush opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the landmark law banning many forms of racial discrimination. But four years later, as a member of the House, he voted for watershed legislation making it illegal to refuse to sell or rent housing on the basis of race. When he ran for president two decades after that, Bush and his allies made an African-American man convicted of murder and rape a central focus of his campaign's effort to portray his opponent as weak on crime - stoking a controversy that re-emerged in the racially charged atmosphere of this year's midterm elections. The nation's 41st president, who died Friday at 94, had a complicated relationship with race during his long political career, which spanned the turbulent years of the civil rights movement, the war on drugs, a crackdown on violent crime and a contentious Supreme Court confirmation. The son of a moderate Rockefeller Republican from New England, Bush entered the political arena in the South at a time when the GOP was deploying divisive tactics to appeal to white voters, and he embodied the dueling forces in the Republican Party's decadeslong struggle to appeal to a diversifying country. President Donald Trump's overt attempts to capitalize on racial divisions have shifted the balance of power further away from voices preaching moderation and tolerance in today's GOP. Bush's legacy highlights other pivotal moments in the party's fraught history on race. "He was someone that we disagreed with quite a bit on important issues to the communities we serve," said Hilary Shelton, director of the Washington Bureau of the NAACP. "But also someone where we were able to come to the White House and discuss many of those issues and concerns and get some things done as well." Bush's father, Prescott Bush, was a moderate Republican senator from Connecticut who championed desegregation of schools and expanding civil rights. As a student at Yale University, George H.W. Bush started a chapter of the United Negro College Fund and helped to raise money for the scholarship program benefiting African-American students. He cut his teeth in politics in Texas during the 1960s, through involvement in the local Republican Party and then an attempt to unseat Democratic Sen. Ralph Yarborough in 1964. In the campaign, Bush opposed the Civil Rights Act signed by President Lyndon Johnson, keeping in step with the GOP standard-bearer in that year's presidential election, Sen. Barry Goldwater of Arizona. "The new civil rights act was passed to protect 14 percent of the people. I'm also worried about the other 86 percent," Bush said after the measure become law. Johnson defeated Goldwater in a landslide that year. Bush lost to Yarborough. After Goldwater's wipeout, moderate Republicans were looking to move the party in a different direction and Bush started to fashion himself as a new kind of Republican, according to Jefferson Morley, a former Washington Post reporter who wrote a 1992 essay in the New York Review of Books tracing Bush's attitudes on race over time. "He was just trying to straddle a lot of the time," said Morley, whose essay was titled "Bush and the Blacks: An Unknown Story." Summing up Bush's strategy on race throughout his career, Morley said: "Opportunistic is the word." By 1968, Bush was a member of the House and he faced another decision on far-reaching civil rights legislation. He voted in favor of the Fair Housing Act that prevented discrimination in home sales and rentals. The bill was signed into law just days after the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for ending housing discrimination. Race would become an issue for Bush again in 1988, when he ran for president. He was Ronald Reagan's vice president in an era of heightened fears about violent crime. In his campaign against Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, Bush emphasized a prison furlough program that Willie Horton, a convicted murderer, used to leave prison. About a year later while he was out, Horton, who is African-American, raped a woman in Maryland and attacked her romantic partner. A political organization aligned with Bush ran an ad that stands to this day as one of the most controversial in the history of modern politics. The narrator says Dukakis "allowed first-degree murderers to have weekend passes from prison." The spot goes on to show a black-and-white photo of Horton and provides details about his crimes. "Weekend prison passes: Dukakis on crime," the narrator concludes. Critics have said the ad was a clear attempt at race baiting. "That was a deeply concerning and offensive campaign," said Shelton. Bush campaign manager Lee Atwater - who once said, "By the time we're finished, they're going to wonder whether Willie Horton is Dukakis' running mate" - apologized for this tactic from his deathbed. Mary Matalin, who served as one of Bush's top political strategists, said the ad was not about race and noted that the campaign itself did not air the commercial. "In decades of politics, I never met anyone, including Democrats, who had as many genuine African-American friends as George and Barbara Bush," Matalin wrote in an email. "Real friends with real history together. From all walks of life and never a political thing." During Bush's presidency, his nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court was another source of racial tension. In 1991, Bush selected Thomas to fill the seat of retiring Justice Thurgood Marshall, an iconic civil rights leader and the first African-American to serve on the high court. Thomas, who is also African-American, faced criticism from civil rights organizations. In a lengthy statement explaining its opposition to Thomas, the NAACP cited his opposition to affirmative action, among other factors. On other issues, Bush received plaudits for his record on race. "I found him to be an extraordinary man that preached love and values and principle and standards," said William Harvey, the president of Hampton University. Harvey sat on a presidential advisory board that Bush created with an executive order to serve historically black colleges and universities. Harvey praised the strides in funding for those schools during Bush's presidency. In 1990, Bush vetoed a civil rights bill. Advocates of the measure argued it would help combat employment discrimination. The White House contended it would have incentivized "hiring and promotion quotas." The following year, Bush signed a scaled-back version of the legislation. The concept of auctioning celebrity experiences for charity is not new -- we know that walking the red carpet with Bradley Cooper or getting on stage with Beyonce can raise thousands of dollars for nonprofits. That's why, early on at Charitybuzz, our entire business was focused on celebrities. It made sense -- of course, that formula works well. But, how many charities actually have those celebrity relationships? Related: 8 Hugely Successful People Who Didn't Graduate College Central to our mission is to continuously identify more ways to help more organizations -- so we weren't going to settle. We embrace an entrepreneurial state of mind ourselves, working every single day for new ways to use the technology and platform we were building. That passion led to the discovery of a new breed of celebrity: successful entrepreneurs. So, what is it that makes entrepreneurs so valuable? They're in demand. Look no further than Twitter: Richard Branson has 12.4 million followers. Mark Cuban has 7.8 million. Legendary media mogul Oprah has a whopping 41.8 million followers. People want to hear what entrepreneurs have to say. Everyone wants to be the next Bill Gates. An up-and-coming tech innovator would give anything for a one-on-one meeting with Jeff Bezos. (Or $3.3 million for lunch with Warren Buffett if we're getting specific). Business experiences sell better than any other category on our site. Related: Why Entrepreneurs Are the Athletes of the 21st Century They give us hope. Entrepreneurs have a certain allure that sets them apart. Don't we all want to hear about Richard Branson's attempts at selling Christmas trees and parrots before he came into success? Or Steve Wozniak's college expulsion for sending prank messages through the school's computer system, before he joined forces with Steve Jobs? Paul Mitchell and Patron tequila co-founder John Paul DeJoria was homeless more than once before bringing his entrepreneurial vision to life. George Soros survived the Nazi occupation of Hungary before escaping to London and eventually finding success through banking. The rags-to-riches stories of tenacity humanize these business luminaries and remind us that we all have to start somewhere. They offer a wealth of relevant knowledge. Entrepreneurs are inherently valuable. They have unique experience and skills that are exceptionally beneficial to those earlier on in their enterprising journeys. Getting just 20 minutes with someone like Lori Greiner can open more doors and be more helpful to an aspiring entrepreneur than a full semester in business school in some cases. People gravitate toward success, and the entrepreneurs we're talking about epitomize the type of upward mobility and achievement that is so attractive to those following in their footsteps. Related: How 5 Entrepreneurs With Household Names Turned Failing Businesses Into Successes They're philanthropic. Like many Hollywood celebrities, entrepreneurs are grateful for their success and have a desire to give back. A new report shows that entrepreneurs give 50 percent more annually to charity compared to others, and are far more likely to volunteer. Sixty-four percent of entrepreneurs surveyed by HSBC believe they have a duty to make positive social and economic impact on society. This philanthropic inclination helps raise business leaders' profiles through media coverage, charity events and other positive associations. Even if entrepreneurs' charitable motivations are purely to do good, they must admit the "cause halo" doesn't hurt. Entrepreneurs are special -- from the renowned idols who've become celebrities in their own right, to the up-and-comers troubleshooting their own way to success. Thinking of entrepreneurs as celebrities opens up new opportunities to leverage their unique value. Related: How This Haitian Designer Ascended the Ranks of the Fashion World to Win Its Most Prestigious Award How Magic Johnson and Hulk Hogan's Agent Fell So Far 3 Energy-Draining Habits That Undermine Your Health and Waste Your Money Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Midland residents with an idea on how to change the future of their community now have the chance to present it. A Neighborhood Design Workshop is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1310 Ashman St. Light refreshments will be provided to those in attendance. The event is free and open to residents of all ages. It is hosted by Midland's Planning and Community Development Department and the Midtown Neighborhood Association. "It's an opportunity for the neighborhood to talk about what its goals are, what residents feel their assets are in their neighborhood and connecting the neighborhoods with each other, downtown and center city," said Nicole Wilson, community development planner with the City of Midland. "It's really about connecting neighborhoods and their residents." The workshop will be hosted open house-style, Wilson said, with maps identifying what the city has classified as key assets for Midland such as Central Park Elementary or the Greater Midland Community Center. Members of the two groups will also cover findings from the 2018 Midland Housing Analysis and use community input to expand upon what the city found in order to make "meaningful adjustments for the neighborhoods," Wilson said. During the workshop residents will be asked to share their feedback regarding neighborhood assets, current and anticipated needs for the Midtown area, ask questions and talk with their neighbors or staff with the City of Midland's Planning and Community Development department about the future of their neighborhoods. Topics for discussion are slated to include: neighborhood assets, housing, neighborhood connectivity, walking and biking and updates on city planning and community development initiatives. Those unable to attend can send feedback to the City Planning and Community Development Department via email cityhall@midland-mi.org, via phone at 989-837-3374, or by mail by addressing input to 333 W. Ellsworth St. Teachers at a network of charter schools in Chicago went on strike Tuesday, a first for American charters and a sign they are facing issues similar to the traditional public schools they compete with. More than 500 teachers and other staff members at 15 charter schools operated by the nonprofit Acero Schools walked out of the classroom after not reaching a new contract. Issues in dispute include pay; class size, now set at 32 students; and the length of the school day and school year. The educators are represented by the Chicago Teachers Union, which has organized about 25 percent of charter schools in the city. Nationally, about 11 percent of charters operate under collective bargaining agreements, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Charter schools are publicly funded but privately run, and they have drawn support from school-choice advocates such as Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, but also some Democrats. Nationally, nearly 7,000 charter schools serve about 3 million students. For some backers, charters were seen as an alternative to traditional schools, free to innovate without the restrictions of union contracts and other district rules. That may no longer be the case, said Robert Bruno, a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's School of Labor and Employment Relations. "The charter school movement is here to stay, but they're no longer going to serve as this escape hatch for big-city mayors and school boards or investors or people who are critical of the public schools," he said. "It isn't going to be a low-wage workspace. It isn't going to be a place where teachers don't have a voice." The Chicago strike follows other efforts by teachers to improve their pay and working conditions, with walkouts this year in West Virginia, Oklahoma and other conservative states. In California, teachers at the state's largest virtual charter school, the for-profit California Virtual Academies, won a landmark union contract only after threatening to strike. A pact securing a pay raise and due-process rights was won from the school's operator, education giant K12, after years of organizing and negotiations. This year, a battle between unionized teachers and administrators at a charter school in Washington broke into public view. Teachers at Chavez Prep Middle - the first D.C. charter school to unionize - argued that the school was spending millions of dollars on consultants while cutting core classroom positions. In Chicago, the parties spent much of Tuesday negotiating. "We will be on the picket line until they come back with an offer that respects our students and the people who educate them," said Jesse Sharkey, president of the Chicago Teachers Union. Richard Rodriguez, CEO of Acero Schools, said the company has tried to reach a fair agreement maintaining policies that produce strong educational outcomes. "We are very disappointed that union leaders have put their anti-charter political agenda ahead of the interests of our students," he said. Among the issues is whether to maintain a longer school day and school year - the sort of policy that charter schools tout to families. The union calls that an imposition on staffers, who it says work 20 percent more than employees in the traditional school system. Other issues include pay for teachers and paraprofessionals, and whether the contract should codify the schools' policy of protecting undocumented immigrants. The sides also are at odds over class size. The union said no teacher should be expected to manage a class of 32 students. The school network said there is no space in the buildings for additional classes, so smaller classes would mean fewer students served. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, was in Chicago alongside striking workers. She said the walkout shows that charters are "no longer in their infancy." "They're in adolescence and, they like other public schools, if they want to be successful, they need to recruit and retain a stable teaching force," she said. - - - The Washington Post's Valerie Strauss contributed to this report. The single most effective weapon in the fight against climate change is the tax code - imposing costs on those who emit greenhouse gases, economists say. But as French President Emmanuel Macron learned over the past three weeks, implementing such taxes can be politically explosive. On Tuesday, France delayed for six months a plan to raise already steep taxes on diesel fuel by 24 cents a gallon and gasoline by about 12 cents a gallon. Macron argued that the taxes were needed to curb climate change by weaning motorists off petroleum products, but violent demonstrations in the streets of Paris and other French cities forced him to backtrack - at least for now. "No tax is worth putting in danger the unity of the nation," said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, who was trotted out to announce the concession. It was a setback for the French president, who has been trying to carry the torch of climate action in the wake of the Paris accords of December 2015. "When we talk about the actions of the nation in response to the challenges of climate change, we have to say that we have done little," he said last week. Macron is hardly alone in his frustration. Leaders in the United States, Canada, Australia and elsewhere have found their carbon pricing efforts running into fierce opposition. But the French reversal was particularly disheartening for climate-policy experts, because it came just as delegates from around the world were gathering in Katowice, Poland, for a major conference designed to advance climate measures. "Like everywhere else, the question in France is how to find a way of combining ecology and equality," said Bruno Cautres, a researcher at the Paris Institute of Political Studies. "Citizens mostly see punitive public policies when it comes to the environment: taxes, more taxes and more taxes after that. No one has the solution, and we can only see the disaster that's just occurred in France on this question." "Higher taxes on energy have always been a hard sell, politically," said Gregory Mankiw, an economics professor at Harvard University and advocate of carbon taxes. "The members of the American Economic Association are convinced of their virtue. But the median citizen is not." In the United States - where energy-related taxes are among the lowest in the developed world - politicians, their constituents and their donors have repeatedly made that clear. President Bill Clinton proposed a tax on the heat content of fuels as part of his first budget in 1993. Known as the BTU tax, for British thermal unit, it would have raised $70 billion over five years while increasing gasoline prices no more than 7.5 cents a gallon. But Clinton was forced to retreat in the face of a rebellion in his own party. "I'm not going to vote for a BTU tax in committee or on the floor, ever, anywhere. Period. Exclamation point," said then-Sen. David Boren, D-Okla. The state of Washington has also tried - and failed twice - to win support for a carbon tax or carbon "fee." In 2016, the state's voters rejected a ballot initiative that would have balanced a carbon tax with other tax cuts. In 2018, a wider coalition sought backing for an initiative that would have poured fee revenue into clean energy projects, job retraining and early retirement plans for affected workers. The fee would have started at $15 a ton and gone up $2 a ton for 10 years. It, too, failed. To be sure, some climate-conscious countries have adopted carbon taxes, including Chile, Spain, Ukraine, Ireland and nations in Scandinavia. Others have adopted cap-and-trade programs that effectively put prices on carbon emissions. Only around 12 percent of global emissions are covered by pricing programs such as taxes on the carbon content of fossil fuels or permit trading programs that put a price on emissions, according to the International Monetary Fund. Policy experts say that to some extent the prospects of carbon taxes may depend on what happens to the money raised. Using the revenue for deficit reduction, as was planned in France, is a no-no. "Even in the best of times, carbon taxes must be carefully crafted to avoid political pitfalls," said Paul Bledsoe, a former Senate Finance Committee staffer and Clinton White House climate adviser. "In particular, much of the revenue raised must be recycled back to middle-income workers. Macron's approach put the money toward deficit reduction, stoking already simmering class grievances." Last year, a group of economists and policy experts - including former treasury secretaries James Baker III and Lawrence Summers and former secretary of state George Shultz - advocated a tax-and-dividend approach. It would feature a carbon tax of $40 a ton, affecting coal, oil and natural gas. The revenue would be used to pay dividends to households. Progressive tax rates would mean more money for lower- and middle-income earners. "Because the revenue is rebated equally to everyone, most people will get more back than they pay in carbon taxes," said Mankiw, who is part of the group. "So if people understood the plan, and believed it would be carried out as written, it should be politically popular." So far the group, called the Climate Leadership Council, has not been able to generate much support from members of Congress. But Canada is about to offer a test case. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled a "backstop" carbon tax of $20 a ton, to take effect in January, for the four Canadian provinces that do not already have one. Trudeau was elected partly on a promise of this sort of measure, but it's costing him more political capital than expected. Conservative premiers oppose the plan, which looks set to become an election issue. Trudeau's policy, however, is designed to withstand criticism. About 90 percent of the revenue from the backstop tax will be paid back to Canadians in the form of annual "climate action incentive" payments. Because of the progressive tax rates, about 70 percent of Canadians will get back more than they paid. If they choose to be more energy efficient, they could save even more money. The first checks will arrive shortly before Canadian elections. Climate policy doesn't only suffer from lack of enthusiasm. It also arouses the ire of right-wing populist movements. Many of the people most angry at Macron's tax come from right-wing rural areas. The German right-wing opposition party Alternative for Germany has called climate change a hoax. And in Brazil, a new populist president had indicated he will develop, not preserve, the Amazon forests that pull CO2 out of the air and pump out oxygen. President Donald Trump, who has said he does not believe climate science, also took to Twitter to say Macron's setback showed Trump was right to spurn the Paris climate agreement. "I am glad that my friend @EmmanuelMacron and the protestors in Paris have agreed with the conclusion I reached two years ago. The Paris Agreement is fatally flawed because it raises the price of energy for responsible countries while whitewashing some of the worst polluters in the world," he wrote. "American taxpayers - and American workers - shouldn't pay to clean up others countries' pollution." Fuel taxes, however, generate revenue that stays inside home countries without going to pay for others' pollution. And the Paris agreement placed much greater responsibilities on developing countries than ever before. A member of Trump's beachhead transition team at the Energy Department also took to Twitter to celebrate the collapse of Macron's fuel tax plan. "It's easy for politicians like #Macron to lecture us about #ClimateChange because the elites don't notice the economic hit. Working class people do. Working class French people are ANGRY about unnecessarily higher fuel taxes that are only a #virtuesignal," wrote Thomas Pyle, president of the Institute for Energy Research - a group funded in the past by Koch Industries, the American Petroleum Institute and Exxon Mobil. Jason Bordoff, director of the Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy, said the celebration "would be reading too much into what's happening in France." That's because Macron was already seen as favoring the rich over the working class, he said. Nicolas Hulot, a popular climate change activist and Macron's former environment minister, made national headlines in August when he resigned from Macron's cabinet during a live radio broadcast. His reason: that the French government was more word than deed when it came to fighting climate change. On the heels of the French government's abrupt reversal on fuel taxes Tuesday, Hulot praised what he couched as a necessary political maneuver, albeit one that was not good for the environment. "I welcome a necessary, inescapable, courageous and common sense decision in the current context, which saddens everyone," he said, speaking on France's RTL radio. But, he added, there would probably be consequences from the popular uprisings against the diesel taxes, which the government has now suspended for six months. "All that is not good news for the climate," he said. The key, said Hulot, is not to impose action on climate change in a technocratic way, in a way that ordinary people do not understand. "The ecological challenge shouldn't be against the French," he said. "We need every Frenchwoman and Frenchman. On that, there is obviously a huge amount of misperceptions and misunderstandings." --- McAuley reported from Paris. UPPER THUMB Supporters of Sanilac County 4-H program have an opportunity to double their personal support for 4-H by helping to Make the Match for Sanilac County 4-H. Now through Dec. 31, donations made to the Sanilac County 4-H Endowment Fund will receive a 1:1 match from the Michigan 4-H Foundation to increase the endowment for 4-H programs in Sanilac County. In addition, the Sanilac County 4-H Council will also be matching up to $15,000 of funds donated to the Sanilac County 4-H Endowment Fund through the end of this year. Sanilac County 4-H has a goal of raising $30,000 locally. The Sanilac Countys 4-H Endowment fund was jumpstarted with an initial contribution by the Wayne and Faye Adam family. The Sanilac County 4-H Endowment, when doubled by the match, will provide supplemental support to compliment the historical funding partnership between federal, state and county government, Michigan State University, and gifts from private supporters. The 4-H Endowment will provide annual support for current 4-H program delivery, for future 4-H program enhancements and other areas of greatest need that would serve to advance delivery of 4-H in Sanilac County. The Make the Match for Sanilac County campaign is made possible by grants from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, and gifts made by individual leadership donors to the Michigan 4-H Foundation. The goal is to raise $1 million in endowment for county 4-H programs in Michigan that will in turn be doubled by the match from these leadership contributors. For information on how you can help Make the Match for Sanilac County 4-H, visit the campaign website at www.mi4hfdtn.org/countymatch or call the Sanilac County MSU Extension office at 810-648-2515. WASHINGTON - Former President George W. Bush was eulogizing his father with a perfect mix of serious and funny, remembering his bravery in combat and his dislike of broccoli, his patriotism and his lousy dancing. Then a burst of raw emotion rose up, and a grieving son nearly doubled over as he recalled "the blessings of knowing and loving you, a great and noble man, the best father a son or daughter could have." Former president George H.W. Bush was remembered Wednesday as a steadfast leader in tumultuous times and a decent and humble husband, father and friend during a soaring and deeply personal state funeral at Washington National Cathedral. "When George Bush was president of the United States of America, every single head of government in the world knew that they were dealing with a gentleman," said former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, addressing President Donald Trump, the four other living ex-presidents and 3,000 guests on a rare day of magisterial ceremony in the nation's capital. George W. Bush's tribute was the emotional high point, and the cathedral filled with sustained applause as he passed his father's flag-wrapped casket, resting on a bier that once held the remains of Abraham Lincoln, returned to his seat and wiped away tears. The themes he highlighted - of service over self, cooperation over partisanship, family and country over political tribe - also suffused the tributes from the late president's friends, who addressed a crowd of U.S. and world leaders all struggling through an era of crippling political partisanship. Former senator Alan Simpson recalled Bush's 1990 decision to raise taxes after his famous presidential campaign slogan, "Read my lips: No new taxes," a move that contributed to his bitter defeat in 1992 and ushered in the rise of a more revolutionary Republican Party. "He often said, 'When the really tough choices come, it's the country, not me. It's not about Democrats or Republicans, it's for our country that I fought for,' " Simpson said. "He was a man of such great humility. Those who travel the high road of humility in Washington, District of Columbia, are not bothered by heavy traffic." The crowd loved that one. "You would have wanted him on your side," Simpson said. "He never hated anyone. He knew what his mother and my mother always knew: Hatred corrodes the container it's carried in. The most decent and honorable man I ever met was my friend George Bush." Bush's death last week at age 94 coincides with the end of the fiscally conservative and socially moderate Republican Party that his family had come to embody. The "kinder, gentler" party Bush promised has now been subsumed by Trump's party of nationalist anger and anti-establishment disruption. But on Wednesday, in Washington's grand stone cathedral, the day belonged to tradition and bipartisanship - to the establishment. The Bushes, like the Kennedys on the left, are U.S. political aristocracy, families whose names connote tradition, public service and a recognized set of values - which are now largely under fire. The day was American high ceremony in all its finery, with flags snapping in the cold wind, crisp military uniforms and flowing religious garments, cannon fire and soaring choirs, a 21-gun salute, tolling church bells and motorcades. The cathedral's rows of wooden seats suddenly became the setting for portraits capturing a rare moment in U.S. history. In the front row: Trump and former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, along with their wives. In the second row, Vice President Mike Pence and his predecessors Dan Quayle, Richard Cheney, Joseph Biden, accompanied by their wives, and Al Gore. Trump and the Bush family had agreed to an informal truce in the feud that has dominated their relations, at least for this week, to allow the family and the nation to mourn the passing of the 41st president without toxic partisanship. But the tension was still blindingly obvious. When Trump and first lady Melania Trump entered the church, they exchanged brief handshakes with the Obamas, who were seated next to them, as dictated by protocol. Melania Trump shook hands with Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton gave her a smile. But the president made no effort to greet the Clintons. Bill Clinton looked in Trump's direction briefly, as if willing to shake hands. But Hillary Clinton stared straight ahead and never glanced at the man who defeated her for the White House. Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas, the court's most conservative member, appointed by George H.W. Bush, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the court's liberal lion, sat side by side. Ivanka Trump sat next to Chelsea Clinton. Dozens of congressional leaders from both parties sat close by members of the Trump administration. Establishment figures facing their own populist revolts came from around the world to salute Bush. Prince Charles of Britain paid his respects, while his government at home was debating its nasty Brexit divorce from Europe. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was there, too, representing a solidly centrist German establishment that has also been buffeted by furious nationalism. Other guests seemed lifted from the pages of Bush's resume: representatives from Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, all deeply affected by the 1991 Gulf War, were there. So was King Abdullah II of Jordan, a staunch U.S. ally whose father, King Hussein, while a longtime CIA asset, was publicly skeptical of Bush's coalition efforts against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Former Polish president Lech Walesa joined the mourners, as both a Bush contemporary in power and a symbol of the post-Soviet order that Bush helped nurture during his presidency from 1988 to 1992. Wednesday's readings began with the younger generation of the Bush family as three granddaughters, Lauren Bush Lauren, Ashley Walker Bush and Jenna Bush Hager, delivered gospel readings from the ornate stone pulpit. Historian and Bush biographer Jon Meacham, who also gave a eulogy at Barbara Bush's funeral in April, lightened the mood when he recalled the former president's difficulties with the English language, including his observation before the 1988 election that "it's no exaggeration to say that the undecideds could go one way or the other." He also noted that an eager candidate Bush once accidentally shook the hand of a department store mannequin in New Hampshire. When he realized his mistake, Meacham said, he exclaimed: "Never know. Gotta ask." Bush had the perfect establishment resume: son of a U.S. senator, Phillips Academy, U.S. Navy fighter pilot, Yale University, ambassador to the United Nations, envoy to China, U.S. congressman, CIA director, vice president and president of the United States. He was as elite as an ascot, but his struggles with spoken English boosted the career of Saturday Night Live comic and Bush impersonator Dana Carvey - who later became a friend of Bush. Meacham said Carvey joked that Bush's speaking voice was "Mr. Rogers trying to be John Wayne." But Meacham said that while Bush's tongue might have "run amok," "his heart was steadfast." "Abraham Lincoln's 'better angels of our nature' and George H.W. Bush's 'thousand points of light' are companion verses in America's national hymn," Meacham said. "For Lincoln and Bush both called on us to choose the right over the convenient, to hope rather than to fear, to heed not our worst impulses but our best instincts." Bush flew 58 combat missions in World War II and sky-dived to celebrate his 75th, 80th, 85th and 90th birthdays. Yet he lived longer than any other president: 94 years and just over five months. Jimmy Carter is second at 94 years and two months. Addressing the crowd, Meacham described an incident when Bush, the last U.S. president to serve in World War II, was piloting a fighter jet that crashed into the Pacific in 1944, killing his two crewmen. "Why him? Why was he spared?" Meacham said. "The workings of providence are mysterious, but this much is clear: The George Herbert Walker Bush who survived that fiery fall into the waters of the Pacific three quarters of a century ago made our lives, and the lives of nations, freer, better, warmer and nobler. "That was his mission. That was his heartbeat," Meacham said. "And if we listen closely enough, we can hear that heartbeat even now, for it's the heartbeat of a lion - a lion who not only led us, but who loved us. "That's why him. That's why he was spared." - - - The Washington Post's John Wagner, Felicia Sonmez and Patricia Sullivan contributed to this report. --- Video Embed Code Video: Memorable moments from George H.W. Bush's D.C. funeral. Dignitaries, politicians and family gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on Dec. 5, to say goodbye to former president George H.W. Bush. Embed: --- Video Embed Code Video: During his eulogy on Dec. 5, historian Jon Meacham shared how former president George H.W. Bush's plane crash during WWII shaped the rest of his life.(The Washington Post) Embed code: Video: As former president George W. Bush arrived Dec. 5 at his father's memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral, he appeared to hand former first lady Michelle Obama a mint, which he also did at the September funeral for the late senator John McCain.(The Washington Post) Embed code: Video: Former president George W. Bush became emotional during his eulogy for his father, former president George H.W. Bush, on Dec. 5.(The Washington Post) Embed code: Video: Dignitaries, politicians and family gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on Dec. 5, to say goodbye to former president George H.W. Bush.(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) Embed code: Angela Alsobrooks, the first woman elected Prince George's county executive, thanked her mother among others during an inaugural address on Monday. "She made me proud to be a woman, a servant and a fighter," Alsobrooks said. She'd been the county's youngest and first female state's attorney, making clear early on her zero tolerance for domestic violence. Alsobrooks personally consoled abused women and their children, sought to reduce the stigma of reporting the crimes and enlisted the county's faith-based community in dispute resolution and counseling. Men in that position have certainly shown concern for such crimes, but none had brought anywhere near the relentless passion shown by Alsobrooks. This year, domestic homicides are down 20 percent in Prince George's, evidence of what the newly elected county executive called "the power of our collective strength." A proud woman, humble servant and tenacious fighter. Thank you, Mom. Muriel E. Bowser, the first woman elected to consecutive terms as mayor of Washington, has also paid a lot of attention to a group made up mostly of mothers and children in distress: the homeless. As a D.C. Council member, Bowser had been particularly upset by the disappearance of 8-year-old Relisha Rudd, who is believed to have been kidnapped from a dilapidated homeless shelter in 2014. Bowser was elected mayor the following year, having vowed to close that shelter and open new homes for homeless families throughout the city. Even though her plan to open new shelters was mired in controversy and opposition from some in the community, the first of seven new buildings for the homeless opened in September. She also adopted an infant and made the announcement in an official statement - "So today, I am proud to announce that I am a mom!" - joining the ranks of working mothers. It's not one thing that makes female politicians different from their male counterparts, but it's clear that many bring something uniquely different to the job. The way many talk, act and unabashedly express their commitment to homeland and people. And it just might add up to what all kinds of studies have been pointing to for years: Women are better at governing than men. Compassion, empathy, civility, cooperation and compromise - a Pew poll in September found that women value those qualities more than men do. More women advocate for creating a safe and respectful workplace, being honest and ethical, standing up for what you believe, valuing people from different backgrounds. Women excel in characteristics that matter most. According to a study by Amy Steigerwalt and Jeffrey Lazarus, political science professors at Georgia State University, women have a harder time getting elected than men, but when they do get elected, they do a better job serving their constituents and keeping their jobs. Among the obstacles that are unique to women: media coverage. "It is still true that the stories published about female candidates overwhelmingly focus on soft news aspects of the race, such as women's appearance or their family lives, as opposed to their policy positions," said the study, which was published in the World Economic Forum in March. "Simply adding information about a female candidate's clothes to a news story - such as discussing Nancy Pelosi's heels or Elizabeth Warren's glasses - has been found to decrease the likelihood of voters casting a ballot in their favor." The Pew poll found other hurdles. "More Americans see traits like ambition, decisiveness and assertiveness as helpful for men . . . while more say that physical attractiveness helps women than say it helps men." There's more, so much that you have to wonder how a woman could win any election. Kathy Tran, the first Asian-American woman to win a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, explained during her campaign why she had decided to run for office. She said she was pregnant at the time and realized that her baby was due in January 2017 - on the same day Donald Trump would be inaugurated president. "I realized I needed to step up and fight for my children's future," Tran said. Tran's parents had emigrated from Vietnam. They loved the United States and the opportunities that it provided. She wanted her children - all children - to enjoy those same opportunities. She was also an advocate of equal pay for women, affordable health care and housing, public safety and education. Those issues benefit all families. But frequently it is women who are pushing hardest for change in those arenas. Tran had declared during her campaign: "I will oppose any attempt by politicians to interfere in a woman's right to make decisions about her own body." Other female candidates made the same vow. And it paid off. Of the 140 Virginia General Assembly seats up for election, women took 38. At her swearing-in earlier this year, Tran nursed her 1-year-old baby. Standing up for what she believes. Yet roughly "three-quarters of adults (74 percent) say that being assertive mostly helps a man's chances of getting elected to high political office; half of all adults say it helps women," the Pew poll found. "In fact, one-quarter (23 percent) say that being assertive mostly hurts women in politics, compared with just 5 percent who say this about men. "Only one trait is seen, on balance, as being more harmful than helpful to both men and women: showing emotions. Still, more say this hurts women seeking leadership positions than it does men." But women have found an antidote, according to the Georgia State professors. "First, women spend more time and effort communicating with their constituents than men," they wrote. "Second, women deliver more government spending to their districts than male representatives do." There are many among the new crop of women elected officials who are capable of doing just that. --- Video Embed Code Video: More women were elected in this year's election than any point in U.S. history. But how close is Congress to parity?(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) Embed code: BAD AXE McLaren Thumb Region is in the process of installing a new piece of equipment that will be the first of its kind in the Thumb. The McLaren Thumb Region Foundation was approached a month ago about donating funds toward a 3D mammography and stereotactic breast biopsy machine, said Donald Clark, chairman of the foundation. This money that was generated locally, through local donations, is being spent here, Clark said. This is still a community hospital. The foundation made a $205,000 donation toward the purchase $30,000 of which was raised by the McLaren Thumb Region Auxiliary through fundraisers. One of those fundraisers was a fashion show the auxiliary hosted in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, said Sally Brade, president of the auxiliary. With the new equipment, McLaren will now be able to provide more state-of-the art-imaging, as well as being able to do procedures that will be able to identify an issue on the higher resolution machine. The 3D mammography, and the accompanying stereotactic breast biopsy machine, enhances the level of care we can provide to women in this community, explained Dr. Norman Chapin, chief medical officer of the hospital. Previously, patients would have to leave the Thumb for this type of technology which can cause an inconvenience. The two nearest locations, currently, are Saginaw and Port Huron. Overall, our mission is to provide as much high-quality care as we can, Chapin said. This is just another example of technology were bringing to the hospital to help us do that. The 3D mammogram will lower the patients radiation dose, exam time, and compression time, explained Deb House, manager of diagnostic imaging and cardiopulmonary. The equipment has proven to detect 20 to 65 percent more invasive breast cancers compared to the 2D imaging. Thats a huge advantage when you detect it earlier, we can treat it sooner and better, House said, adding theres an average of 41 percent increase in the detection of breast cancer. Its good for males too. Breast cancer is not specific to females, she added. Another positive benefit to the 3D mammogram equipment is it will reduce the call backs. If someone were to have a mammogram and we see something today on a 2D system, House said. You see something and want to get better images of it. It doesnt necessarily mean theres anything wrong, but we would have to call you back to have more imaging done. The new system has the fastest compression time possible, which is 3.7 seconds. The 2D system the hospital currently has is about 10 seconds. Appointments for mammogram exams will start Thursday, Dec. 13. McLaren Thumb Region is located at 1100 S. Van Dyke Road in Bad Axe. MAGALIA, Calif. - What mattered most to Iva Shettlesworth, as she drove up the burned hill to the house where she had lived for the past decade, was her mother's wedding ring. At the end of Chatham Court, she and her fiance picked through the ash on a chilly morning. And there, where her room had been, were the remains of the metal box that held her mother's jewelry. The ring was partly melted, but recognizable as the one her mother wore before she died five years ago. "We've waited darn near a month to get back up here and find this," Shettlesworth said. "The rest is a mess. But we found what we wanted." Just beyond the edge of Paradise, the city next door that burned from end to end, the first people who fled their homes in this community three weeks ago are being allowed to return and rummage through what remains of where they lived. The fire burned more than 10,000 buildings in north central California, most of them homes here in the Sierra foothills, before firefighters finally corralled it last week. At least 88 people were killed when the blaze blew through the town of Paradise and the community of Magalia, about a quarter the size of its neighbor. The cause is unknown. Compounding the loss for the thousands of evacuees has been the purgatory of waiting to return. Search and rescue workers, utility companies and other cleanup operations have been trying to make these ruined communities safe for even the briefest of surveys - arduous, grim work that is still underway. Paradise will not be open to the public for some time, the city is still a maze of closed roads and ruin, with workers in cranes trimming trees and fixing power lines. But here in Magalia, the sanctioned return began Monday, and it has been halting. Many traveled from family homes hours away to get in as soon as the town opened. For some it is a search for keepsakes, for others a form of therapy to put an image to the imagined destruction. For most everyone, it is simply sad. - -- "We'd seen in a video that the house was gone, but we're back to see what mementos of the house we still have," said Aliza Wieger, 19, who with her boyfriend Tommy Goucher, toured the ruins of the home she grew up in off Norwich Road. It was a triple-wide trailer, as many of the homes here were. The house next door survived, and so did the one behind it. Nothing remained of the Wiegers' place, and Aliza wept quietly as she walked through the site with the home's charred street number in her hands. Goucher held two rocks in his hands - one painted with flowers, the other with a coiled snake. Wieger's grandfather had painted them, and they were on a small list of things that she wanted to make sure she recovered if possible. "This is the only salvageable stuff - rocks," Goucher said. The two do not plan to rebuild here. The chaotic evacuation is a memory that angers Goucher, who said he only learned about the approaching blaze from a community Facebook page. Only those who signed up for cellphone alerts received them. "There was no plan up here," he said. "People were driving into each other [as they evacuated]. It was crazy. We're going to start again somewhere else." The newly elected state legislature convened in Sacramento for the first time this week, and proposals to strengthen fire protection and examine the liability of Pacific Gas & Electric and other big utility companies are priorities. So is getting the warning system right. "We can't leave this to the local communities any more," said state Sen. Bill Dodd, a Democrat whose district includes Napa and some of the other wine country areas that burned a year ago. "We'll work with them, but there has to be a framework that works for all of California. In every single incident, the warning system has been inadequate." Many who returned to Magalia were the adult children of parents who cannot yet make the trip, either because of distance or health. This, like Paradise, was a place for retirement, and the fire has scattered families across the state. In a mask to protect against the risks of toxic fumes from the debris, Michael, who declined to give his last name, looked over his father's home. He snapped photos with his iPhone to email them later to his family. His first car - a 1988 Porsche 944S - sat burned out in what had been the garage. Michael, 27, was storing it there when the fire came. He said he did not know if his father would rebuild the home, but he hoped seeing it would settle his mind about the blaze and its aftermath. "I can't stop thinking about it, even after all this time," Michael said. "But now I've seen it, so I hope that helps." - -- For Jerry Ginter, the return to his home of 12 years was a chance to find his knives. Ginter was a meat cutter until his retirement and, although he knew the fire had gutted his double-wide, he hoped his set of expensive knives had survived. He'd found part of his coin collection and his optimism was rising as he bent over in what had been the small kitchen. "Look what it did to this," Ginter shouted to Mimi, his ex-wife who was helping him with the search. The blade had melted into a U shape. He couldn't find the boning knives, and his cleaver was a charred ruin. "Now that upsets me," he said. "Hey, there's the red colander," Mimi yelled to him. "If you can get it, we won't have to buy a new one." The steel colander had survived the most destructive fire in California history - no way to explain that. Not far away stood the base of a 1950s-era barber chair that Ginter and Mimi had picked out. The seat itself had burned up. "We like old things, and we like to buy the best," said Ginter, 75. "Unfortunately, we are certainly paying for that now." Ginter is living with his daughter in Lancaster, a five-hour drive south. He is also insured, and in muddy jeans and gloves, he smiled at the debris in front of him. "We'll recover, that's the thing," he said. "This is a small inconvenience or maybe a big inconvenience. But we'll recover." New Hampshire's longtime secretary of state, Bill Gardner, D, narrowly won his bid for a 22nd term on Wednesday, fending off a challenge amid a wave of anger among state legislators over his participation in President Donald Trump's controversial voter fraud commission. At a joint session of the New Hampshire state Senate and House of Representatives, Gardner won 209 votes to Colin Van Ostern's 205, with one lawmaker casting a "scatter" vote for neither candidate. Gardner's win came in the second round of voting; the first round ended in a dramatic standoff, with Gardner taking 208 votes to Van Ostern's 207 - both shy of the majority-plus-one needed for victory. The win means Gardner, 70, will continue serving in the job he has held since 1976. Gardner was greeted with a standing ovation from lawmakers after his win, according to Casey McDermott of New Hampshire Public Radio. "Our state's elections are so unique and so special, and that's why the country pays attention when we're on the national stage. . . . I'd like to ask all of you, particularly the new ones, I'm just down the hall, come in, I welcome any ideas - even modern ideas," Gardner said, NHPR reported. New Hampshire is one of three states where the secretary of state is elected by the legislature. Gardner prompted an outcry among Democrats last year when, as a member of Trump's now-disbanded commission, he gave what some critics viewed as a weak response to accusations that voter fraud may have been committed in the state in 2016. "People are saying . . . there's no fraud, and the others are saying there's a lot of fraud," Gardner said at the time in response to accusations made by the panel's vice chairman, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, regarding college students' use of out-of-state ID cards to vote. "And there might be no fraud; there might be a lot of fraud. But there's no proof!" The panel ultimately found no evidence of voter fraud and was disbanded in January amid mounting legal challenges. But Gardner defended his participation as recently as last month. "I know some may never forgive me for having done that, but it was better that New Hampshire be represented than not," he told reporters. "It's better to be at the table than on the menu." Van Ostern seized on Gardner's participation in the panel, as well as his support for GOP-authored legislation tightening voter registration requirements, in launching his bid against the incumbent. Five former governors - Democrat John Lynch and Republicans Stephen Merrill, Craig Benson, John Sununu and Judd Gregg - took the unusual step of penning a letter last month backing Gardner and hailing his perspective as "one steeped in historical understanding, not partisan allegiance." "As the state's top elections official, the Secretary of State is charged with safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process," they said in the letter. "We have each witnessed Bill Gardner, regardless of the makeup of New Hampshire government, execute these duties with absolute independence and incorruptible motive." The letter prompted a response from Van Ostern, who noted that the secretary of state election was up to the 424 members of the state legislature, rather than governors "from decades past." "Sec Gardner's 42 yrs deserve praise but his actions & judgement in this decade are not what they once were," Van Ostern said in a tweet. "Time for accountable SoS who protects rights & liberties." Gardner is known nationally as the defender of New Hampshire's status as first-in-the-nation primary state. --- The Washingotn Post's John Wagner and David Weigel contributed to this report. Morgan County Jacksonville Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Billie J. Havens, 42, homeless, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 12:36 a.m. Tuesday on a possession of drug paraphernalia charge. Alexis C. Dean, 25, of Sparta was booked into the Morgan County jail at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended. Reagan C. Stewart, 42, of 203 Franklin St. was booked into Morgan County jail at 2:33 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of domestic battery. Adam L. Gideon, 30, of 594 S. Prospect, Waverly, was booked into Morgan County jail at 4:25 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of possession of methamphetamine. Scott County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Chad W. Combs, 39, of Winchester was arrested Friday on charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia. Compiled by Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree Lobbyists representing the Saudi government reserved blocks of rooms at President Donald Trump's D.C. hotel within a month of Trump's election in 2016 - paying for an estimated 500 nights at the luxury hotel in just three months, according to organizers of the trips and documents obtained by The Washington Post. At the time, these lobbyists were reserving large numbers of D.C.-area hotel rooms as part of an unorthodox campaign that offered U.S. military veterans a free trip to Washington - then sent them to Capitol Hill to lobby against a law the Saudis opposed, according to veterans and organizers. At first, Saudi lobbyists put the veterans up in Northern Virginia. Then, in December 2016, they switched most of their business to the Trump International Hotel in downtown Washington. In all, the lobbyists spent more $270,000 to house six groups of visiting veterans at the Trump hotel, which Trump still owns. Those bookings have fueled a pair of federal lawsuits saying Trump violated the Constitution by taking improper payments from foreign governments. During this period, records show, the average nightly rate at the hotel was $768. The lobbyists who ran the trips say they chose Trump's hotel strictly because it offered a discount from that rate and had rooms available, not to curry favor with Trump. "Absolutely not. It had nothing to do with that. Not one bit," said Michael Gibson, a Maryland-based political operative who helped organize the trips. Some of the veterans who stayed at Trump's hotel say they were kept in the dark about the Saudis' role in the trips. Now, they wonder whether they were used twice over: not just to deliver someone else's message to Congress but also to deliver business to the Trump Organization. "It made all the sense in the world, when we found out that the Saudis had paid for it," said Henry Garcia, a Navy veteran from San Antonio who went on three trips. He said the organizers never said anything about Saudi Arabia when they invited him. He believed the trips were organized by other veterans, but that puzzled him, because this group spent money like no veterans group he'd ever worked with. There were private hotel rooms, open bars, free dinners. Then, Garcia said, one of the organizers who had been drinking minibar champagne mentioned a Saudi prince. "I said, 'Oh, we were just used to give Trump money,' " Garcia said. The Washington firm Qorvis/MSLGroup, which has long represented the Saudi government in the United States, paid the organizers of the "veterans fly-in" trips, according to lobbying disclosure forms. The firm declined to comment. The Saudi Embassy did not respond to questions for this story. Trump hotel executives, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss their clients, said they were unaware at the time that Saudi Arabia was ultimately footing the bill and declined to comment on the rates they offer to guests. The existence of the Saudi-funded stays at Trump's hotel were reported by several news outlets last year. But reviews of emails, agendas and disclosure forms from Saudi lobbyists and interviews this fall with two dozen veterans provide far more detail about the extent of the trips and the organizers' interactions with veterans than have previously been reported. That reporting showed a total of six trips, during which the groups grew larger after the initial visit and the stays increased over time. The Post estimated that the Saudi government paid for more than 500 nights in Trump hotel rooms, based on planning documents and agendas given to the veterans and conversations with organizers. These transactions have become ammunition for plaintiffs in two lawsuits alleging that Trump violated the Constitution's foreign emoluments clause by taking payments from foreign governments. On Tuesday, the attorneys general in Maryland and the District subpoenaed 13 Trump business entities and 18 competing businesses, largely in search of records of foreign spending at the hotel. Earlier this year, the Trump Organization donated about $151,000 to the U.S. Treasury, saying that was its amount of profits from foreign governments, without explaining how it arrived at that number. The Justice Department, defending Trump in the lawsuits, says the Constitution doesn't bar routine business transactions. Next year, the transactions will also face scrutiny from the House's new Democratic majority. Democrats have said they want to understand Trump's business connections with the Saudi government in the aftermath of the killing of Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Turkey. "Foreign countries understand that they can curry favor with the president by patronizing his businesses," said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who will lead the House Intelligence Committee next year. "It presents a real problem, in that it may work." The White House declined to comment. When these trips began, in late 2016, the Saudi government was on a losing streak in Washington. In late September, Congress had overridden a veto from President Barack Obama and passed a law the Saudis vehemently opposed: the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, called "JASTA." The new law, backed by the families of Sept. 11 victims, opened the door to costly litigation alleging that the Saudi government bore some blame. Of the 19 hijackers involved in the attacks, 15 were Saudi citizens. In response, the Saudis tried something new. To battle one of America's most revered groups - the Sept. 11 families - they recruited allies from another. They went looking for veterans. "Welcome Home Brother!" wrote Jason Johns, an Army veteran and Wisconsin lobbyist, to several veterans in December 2016, according to identical emails two veterans shared with The Post. Johns invited the veterans, whom he did not know personally, on a trip to "storm the Hill" to lobby against the law. "Lodging at the Trump International Hotel, all expense paid," Johns wrote in the emails. Johns' email signature said he was with "N.M.L.B. Veterans Advocacy Group," which is Johns' law firm in Madison, Wis. According to filings with the Justice Department, Johns was actually making the overtures on behalf of theSaudi government. The Saudis' longtime lobbyist, Qorvis, was paying Gibson, who in turn was paying Johns. The first trip Johns organized, in mid-November 2016, was small and short: about 22 veterans, staying two nights at the Westin in Crystal City, Virginia - on the other side of the Potomac River, separated from Capitol Hill by 4 miles and one big traffic jam. Gibson - who helped organized the trips - said another fly-in was held at the Westin later the same month. Then, on Dec. 2, 2016, Gibson said he was told by Qorvis to organize another visit on very short notice - with the attendees to arrive in just a few days. Gibson said the Westin was booked. So were many other hotels he tried. "I just out of the blue decided, 'Why not call the Trump hotel?' " he said. "I said I was representing a client, a group of veterans. . . . Did they offer any discounts for veterans? And they said yes, they did have availability." They also offered a lower rate, he said. After that trip, Gibson said, Qorvis asked him to schedule more trips for 2017. They didn't tell him to go back to the Trump hotel. But the first trip had gone well. So he did. In all, there were five more trips in January and February, according to documents and interviews. The number of attendees rose to 50 on one trip in late January, and the trips extended to three nights, according to agendas sent to veterans. That also was the clients' call. Gibson said he never told any Trump hotel staff that the Saudis were paying: "I did all this on my corporate credit card for my client, who was Qorvis, and said I was bringing a group of veterans to work on legislation." Veterans who attended these trips said a few things surprised them. One was how good their group seemed to be at spending money. "We've done hundreds of veterans events, and we've stayed in Holiday Inns and eaten Ritz Crackers and lemonade. And we're staying in this hotel that costs $500 a night," said Dan Cord, a Marine veteran. "I'd never seen anything like this. They were like, 'That's what's so cool! Drink on us.' " Each trip included one, and sometimes two, dinners in a Trump hotel banquet room. There was usually an open bar in the room, veterans said, and it was always supposed to end at a certain hour - but often, they said, Johns would theatrically declare an extension. "He'd be like, 'You know what, just put it on for another hour!' " said Scott Bartels, an Army veteran from Wisconsin who went on three trips. Another surprise, veterans said, was how bad their group seemed to be at lobbying. Veterans said they were told that the new law might cause other countries to retaliate, and might lead to U.S. veterans being prosecuted overseas for what their units had done in war. They were given a few fact sheets - including one with small print at the bottom, reading "This is distributed by Qorvis MSLGROUP on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia." But they said they weren't given detailed briefings about how the law ought to be amended, or policy briefings to leave behind for legislators to study. The timing also was odd. They returned five times in January and February, when the issue was largely dormant and Washington was distracted by a new president's inauguration. They were sent, again and again, for dead-end meetings with legislators who had made up their minds. "The fourth time I saw Grassley's guy, he was like, 'Hey, what (else) is going on?' We didn't even talk about the bill," said Robert Suesakul, an Army veteran from Iowa, about his fourth visit to the office of Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa. It had been clear after the first trip that Grassley wasn't interested in amending the bill. "It didn't make sense hitting these guys a fourth time." Another problem: In some cases, congressional staffers confronted them because they knew who was funding these trips. Even if the veterans did not. "We'd walk in there, and they'd go, 'Are you the veterans that are getting bribed?' " Suesakul said. In a phone interview, Johns said it was disappointing to hear veterans say they were "duped" and that he'd always made clear, at the opening night's dinner, that the Saudi government was paying. He said the veterans in attendance were all told that if they didn't like it they could go home. "I said, 'Look, I'm a fellow vet, and I am working with a PR firm here, and Saudi Arabia funded' " the trip, Johns said. But another organizer, Army veteran Dustin Tinsley, didn't remember Johns telling everyone about the Saudi involvement. He did say he felt veterans should have done their own research or asked. "When I was asked directly, 'Is Saudi Arabia paying for this?' I would say yes, and out of (all of them) not a single one of them said, 'I don't want to be a part of this,' " Tinsley said. Several veterans disputed Johns' account, saying they were not told of the source of the funding - or that the news had only slipped out later, after repeated questioning or strong drink. "One of the guys had a little too much to drink," said Gary Ard, a Navy veteran from Texas, describing an encounter with one of Johns's aides after the aide had been drinking at the Trump hotel. "He kind of raises up his hands, and he says, 'Thank you, Saudi prince!' " Ard quit going after two trips. He said he felt guilty, for having unwittingly gathered political intelligence for a foreign power. "We're taking that heart-to-heart conversation (with legislators), writing it down, and giving it to a group of people whom I don't know," Ard said. "And my fear in that is we're going to create a pool of insight to what congressmen, what senators can be approached, and what their mindset are. And that's completely wrong." The last trip to the Trump hotel was in mid-February 2017, after the first news reports outed Johns as a Saudi contractor. Johns himself said he wasn't sure how much the trips had cost: The bills for the hotel rooms didn't go to him, and he never saw how much the rooms cost. In a filing with the Justice Department - required of U.S. firms working as agents for foreign powers - Qorvis said it had spent $190,000 on lodging at the Trump hotel, and another $82,000 on catering and parking. The figure for lodging works out to about $360 per person per night, which is far below the Trump hotel's average rate for the same period. In financial records accidentally released last year by the General Services Administration, which owns the building, the Trump Organization said it received an average nightly rate for January and February of $768.67 - a price inflated by high demand around the inauguration. Since February 2017, Saudi customers have boosted the bottom line at two other Trump hotels. In Chicago, the Trump hotel's internal statistics showed a sharp uptick in customers from Saudi Arabia after Trump took office. In New York this year, the general manager of Trump's hotel at Central Park said a single stay by some Saudi customers - who were traveling with Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman - was so lucrative, it helped the hotel turn a profit for the quarter. On this weeks episode of Segue, the premier radio show that discusses the lives and work of the people at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and beyond, SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD, interviews Robert Daiber, EdD, Regional Superintendent of Schools for Madison County. This episode will air at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9, on WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound or siue.edu/wsie. A career educator, Daiber received his doctorate of education from SIUE, and bachelors and masters degrees in education from Eastern Illinois University. Prior to serving as regional superintendent of schools, he worked for 28 years in the Triad School District, where he served in various capacities, including as a teacher, and a career and technical director. He assumed the duties as regional superintendent in 2007. Aside from being regional superintendent, Daiber serves on the Madison County Workforce Investment Board, Madison County Youth Council, and the Southwestern Leadership Council, where he served as chair of the education committee. He also is on the Greater St. Louis Boy Scouts Council. His goal as regional superintendent is to help all schools to excel for the good of students. You started your career teaching at Triad High School. What subjects did you teach and how did you get into that particular part of education? Pembrook asks. I taught manufacturing-related subjects and initially taught welding technology, Daiber says. I was proud of the fact that I had one of the first dual-credit arrangements with Southwestern Illinois College. I was also very involved with developing general technology education subjects. I would help young people learn about modern means of communication, transportation, production and energy, which we see as our main career areas expanding today. At the end of my career as a teacher, I was very interested in engineering and technology. I received one of the first state grants to implement the contemporary Project Lead the Way. That initiative helped bring about what we now know as STEM education into the classroom for young people to realize that relationship between science, technology, engineering and math. That captures a good picture of my 28 years where I had a great time teaching. It was a hard decision leaving the classroom, but I knew I could make a greater impact on education. I find it interesting that things seem to appear in cycles, Pembrook recalls. When I was in high school, I remember the emphasis on vocational opportunities, whether it was auto mechanics, woodworking, those type of activities, and for a while, the emphasis moved away from those activities. Now, I am hearing about a need for those activities again as we look at manufacturing workforce needs. I have a sense that youre on the forefront of that, and how high school and college can help students prepare for the workforce. Definitely! Daiber mentions. I was fortunate enough to be in a school that valued comprehensive vocational training. Some schools saw those programs as costly and maybe did not see those programs as able to prepare those students for college. I believe our schools have awakened and realized that they were not preparing students not only just for college, but also for the technical workforce. With a vision to educate the next generation about STEM careers, The Southwestern Leadership Council and local business leaders took the lead to develop the Manufacture Your Future, Craft Your Future program. The program has presented STEM education and employment opportunities to over 12,000 public school students around the Metro East. Tell me a little bit about your background as it relates to teaching, Pembrook inquires. Did you have relatives involved in the education field? Yes, I had two great aunts who were teachers, but from their lifestyles alone, I thought teachers made a lot of money! Daiber laughs. My older sister was also a teacher. I always noticed one thing about teachers it was that they always seemed connected to what was new to kids and always seemed to understand the kids dialect. I never planned on being a teacher. I made my decision when I was at Eastern Illinois University as a junior and got involved in a curriculum project that dealt with developing technology as a subject matter. I really got it and got excited about what we were doing. As Illinois is going through a teacher shortage, what would you advise young people, who might be unsure if they were to become a teacher, why should they pursue a career as an educator? Pembrook asks. A career in education has so many intrinsic benefits, Daiber says. When you see yourself helping a young person make decisions and be successful in life, there is not another career where you see that happening and where you see the impact that you have on people. Students determine who are good teachers by the relationships they want to maintain over a period of time. That is the most rewarding thing I always share with people about being a teacher. Also, to be a good teacher, you have to be a people person, and you have to be able to entertain a lot of questions and have a sense of understanding. If you are that type of person, being a teacher is a great career path. Listen to Pembrook and Daibers entire conversation at 9 a.m. this Sunday on WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound or siue.edu/wsie. Washington Breaking with President Donald Trump, senators leaving a briefing with CIA Director Gina Haspel on Tuesday said they are even more convinced that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said he believes that if the crown prince were put on trial, a jury would find him guilty in "about 30 minutes." Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who demanded the briefing with Haspel, said there is "zero chance" the crown prince wasn't involved in Khashoggi's death. "There's not a smoking gun. There's a smoking saw," Graham said, referring to reports from the Turkish government that said Saudi agents used a bone saw to dismember Khashoggi after he was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Graham said "you have to be willfully blind" not to conclude that this was orchestrated and organized by people under the crown prince's command. Trump has equivocated over who is to blame for the killing, frustrating senators who are now looking for ways to punish the longtime Middle East ally. The Senate overwhelmingly voted last week to move forward on a resolution curtailing U.S. backing for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. It's unclear whether or how that resolution will move forward. The vote last week allowed the Senate to debate the measure, which could happen as soon as next week, but senators are still in negotiations on whether to amend it and what it should say. Haspel met with a small group of senators, including leadership and the chairmen and top Democrats on the key national security committees, after senators in both parties complained that she didn't attend an all-Senate briefing with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis last week. Pompeo and Mattis tried to dissuade senators from punishing Saudi Arabia with the resolution, saying U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict is central to the Trump administration's broader goal of containing Iranian influence in the Middle East. Human rights groups say the war is wreaking havoc on the country and subjecting civilians to indiscriminate bombing. The two men also echoed Trump's reluctance to blame the crown prince. Pompeo said there was "no direct reporting" connecting the crown prince to the murder, and Mattis said there was "no smoking gun" making the connection. After that briefing, Graham threatened to withhold his vote on key legislation until he heard from Haspel. "I'm not going to blow past this," he said. That afternoon, senators frustrated with the briefing and the lack of response to Khashoggi's killing overwhelmingly voted to move forward with consideration of the Yemen resolution, 63-37. Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin said the briefing with Haspel "clearly went into an evaluation of the intelligence" and was much more informative than the session with Mattis and Pompeo. "I went in believing the crown prince was directly responsible or at least complicit in this and my feelings were strengthened by the information we were given," Durbin said. Durbin joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer in calling for a full Senate briefing from Haspel. "Every senator should hear what I heard this afternoon," Durbin said. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a critic of Saudi Arabia, said that excluding some lawmakers is "the very definition of the deep state" and that he suspected that the Trump administration is attempting to get some lawmakers to switch their votes on the resolution by giving them information. Khashoggi was killed two months ago. The journalist, who had lived for a time in the U.S. and wrote for The Washington Post, had been critical of the Saudi regime. He was killed in what U.S. officials have described as an elaborate plot as he visited the consulate for marriage paperwork. U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that the crown prince must have at least known of the plot, but Trump has been reluctant to pin the blame. "It could very well be that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event," Trump said in a lengthy statement Nov. 20. "Maybe he did and maybe he didn't!" The president has touted Saudi arms deals worth billions of dollars to the U.S. and recently thanked Saudi Arabia for plunging oil prices. (CNN) -- US President Donald Trump says China has agreed to cut tariffs on cars it imports from the United States. Trump made the announcement in a tweet late Sunday in the United States, saying Beijing will "reduce and remove" the tariffs, which currently stand at 40%. He didn't specify when the change would happen or what the new tariff level would be. CNN wasn't immediately able to reach the Chinese government for comment Monday. Trump's tweet comes after he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on Saturday to hold off on further tariffs in the trade war between the two countries for the time being. But the Chinese government has made no mention of cutting car tariffs as a result of the meeting between Trump and Xi in Buenos Aires. Just five months ago, China reduced tariffs on foreign car imports from 25% to 15%. But days later, it imposed new additional tariffs of 25% on American-made passenger vehicles as the trade war between the two counties escalated. This story was first published on CNN.com. "Trump says China will cut tariffs on American cars" On the eve of the OPEC meeting, the senior U.S. official overseeing sanctions on Iran made a rare foray into the group's home turf, for a discreet Viennese breakfast with the cartel's most powerful member. Brian Hook, the U.S. special representative for Iran, met one-on-one with Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih on Wednesday morning in the Austrian capital, said a person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named because the talks were private. "We categorically deny such a meeting took place," a Saudi Oil Ministry spokesperson said. The encounter, first reported by Reuters, was just one of many meetings for the kingdom's top oil official. He haggled with counterparts from Russia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates over the size of potential output cuts. Yet it illustrates the extent to which the White House's Iran policy has inserted the U.S. into the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' decision-making process. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have been discussing the availability of oil on the global market -- sometimes privately, sometimes via Twitter -- ever since President Donald Trump announced in May that he wanted to choke Iran's oil exports to a trickle to pressure it to reopen nuclear negotiations. In June, the Saudis opened the oil taps to offset losses from its Gulf rival, raising output by more than 1 million barrels a day since then to a record 11.02 million last month. Then in November the U.S. unexpectedly granted sanctions waivers to many of Iran's biggest customers, contributing to the biggest monthly crude-price slump in a decade as fears of a shortage turned into predictions of a glut. "We had to grant oil waivers to ensure that we did not increase the price of oil," Hook told reporters on Monday on a flight to Brussels. "In 2019 we expect a much better-supplied oil market, and that will put us in a better position to accelerate the path to zero" Iranian oil exports, he said. The extent to which the market is well supplied next year will depend in large part on whether talks between OPEC and its allies, in which Al-Falih will play a decisive role, result in an agreement to cut production, perhaps as much as 1 million barrels a day. Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh decried the Trump administration's "interventionist" approach. "If Mr. Hook has come to Vienna to apply for U.S. membership in OPEC, and this is the reason why he meets OPEC members, this request shall be reviewed," Zanganeh said, according to the ministry's official news service, Shana. "OPEC is an independent organization and is not part of the U.S. Department of Energy to take orders from Washington." A federal appeals court has overturned a bank fraud conviction of a former Mexican officials wife, whose case was the first and only one to go to trial in a string of money laundering investigations in South Texas. Silvia Beatriz Perez Ceballos, whose husband was the finance minister for the state of Tabasco from 2007 through 2012, was acquitted at her federal trial in Corpus Christi of laundering nearly $2 million, but was convicted for allegedly making false statements about the money she moved in a series of bank transfers. Perez had already been sentenced to 10 months in prison, but appealed to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. RELATED: Wife of former Mexican official sentenced in Texas to 10 months in prison for fraud In a ruling last week, a three-judge appellate panel found insufficient evidence to sustain her conviction of bank fraud. At her trial in Corpus Christi, federal prosecutors showed that Perez and her husband, Jose Manuel Saiz Pineda, used a complicated network of trusts and companies to purchase real estate and luxury cars across the U.S., including in the Houston area. One state contractor testified that he had given Saiz gifts, including more than $500,000 in 2008, but denied they were bribes. In order to convict Perez of money laundering, prosecutors needed to prove that bribery happened in Mexico, that she was involved in financial transactions designed to hide the moneys criminal origins and that she knew the money was dirty. Jurors found that prosecutors hadnt met their burden of proof on the money laundering charge, but did find her guilty of fraud for causing the altering of bank records. The appeals panel, however, found that Chase Bank didnt lose any money. And the appeals court also found that a conviction on the bank fraud count depended in part on the money laundering charge, of which she was acquitted. READ ALSO: Former finance secretary of Tabasco state in Mexico indicted in Corpus Christi In the end, the judges said there was insufficient evidence to show Chase was defrauded. The $1.9 million that Perez Ceballos transferred to and through Chase Bank was her money, which she had authority to withdraw freely, the opinion states. The Express-News left a phone message with her lawyer and an email message with the U.S. Attorneys Office in Houston, but did not receive a response. Saiz, meanwhile, is in jail in Mexico, where he faces corruption charges, and has yet to answer to money laundering and bank fraud charges in the U.S. Guillermo Contreras covers federal court and immigration news in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | gcontreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland A student at Texas State University was sexually assaulted by a "non-student acquaintance" in a university residence complex on Saturday, according to the university's police department. In a tweet, the police department confirmed they are investigating the incident. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriff's Office, compiled by reporter Jordyn Hermani. Sunday, Dec. 2 11:15 a.m. - A 49-year-old man from Saginaw was stopped for a license plate violation. During the stop it was also discovered he had a suspended license for unpaid tickets and a traffic warrant out of Saginaw. He was arrested and brought to the Midland County Jail. 4:03 p.m. - An unknown subject lost several round bales of straw on South Meridian Road near Kent Road. A local farmer used a tractor to push the bales of straw off the roadway. 4:59 p.m. - An argument between a 60-year-old woman and her 32-year-old daughter in law erupted when the daughter-in-law arrived at the 60-year-old's workplace and began yelling at her over a family dispute. 7:33 p.m. - Deputies responded to a Greendale Township residence for report of a possible breaking and entering. An 18-year-old man believed someone had broken into his home and was in the house. There was no sign of forced entry. The noise inside was determined to be from cats within the house. 8:11 p.m. - A 36-year-old Midland woman was bitten by an unknown dog while out for a walk. The report was forwarded to Animal Control. 11:43 p.m. - Deputies arrested a 39-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man out of a Sanford home following an anonymous tip that the two had warrants for their arrest. The woman was taken to Midland County Jail for her FTP Contempt of Court Bench Warrant. The man was arrested and turned over to the Chippewa Tribal Police Department for his contempt of court warrant. 11:55 p.m. - Deputies arrived at a Larkin Township residence for a possible domestic assault. Upon investigation it was determined the incident was between a father and his 17-year-old daughter and fell within the authority of parental discipline. Saturday, Dec. 1 1:57 a.m. - Deputies checked an area in Larkin Township in reference to unknown subjects riding dirt bikes at a late hour on private property. 8:20 a.m. - The Midland County Sheriff's Office is investigating a phone message left for the Midland Police Department by a 32-year-old Midland man. The report will be forwarded to the Public Affairs Office for review. 11:15 a.m. - A 26-year-old Ingersoll Township woman was assaulted by her 63-year-old father at their residence. A report was forwarded to the Public Affairs Office for review. 12:20 p.m. - A mailbox at a Greendale Township residence was struck by a vehicle. The 42-year-old owner of the mailbox reported the damage was roughly $30 and he believed the damage was done sometime on Nov. 30. 2:02 p.m. - A 62-year-old Lee Township woman and a 74-year-old man reported giving out their Social Security numbers to unknown callers. They were provided ID theft check sheets. 3:22 p.m. - A 34-year-old contractor believed someone was living in a foreclosed property in Lee Township. A 36-year-old former resident is a possible suspect. No one was there when deputies responded. 7:56 p.m. - Deputies arrived at a Warren Township residence which appeared to be abandoned. Someone had called Coleman Police Department earlier saying the front door had been left standing open for the last week. The door was secured. 9:43 p.m. - An animal abuse/neglect complaint was lodged in Midland Township. Deputies found five dogs in a 16-by-16 foot kennel outside. The kennel had a tarp blocking the wind and a roof. Officers reported that there was plenty of food and water and animals appeared to be healthy. No issues were found. 11:10 p.m. - A 55-year-old Bay City man was cited for disobeying a police officer and going around a road block. The road was closed for a roll over accident. The man was cited and released at the scene. Friday, Nov. 30 12:13 a.m. - An 83-year-old Houghton Lake man was following EMS through Midland County to Mid-Michigan Medical Center's emergency room as they transported his 73-year-old live in girlfriend. When the man stopped following them, EMS contacted Gladwin County dispatch. It is believed the male was confused and suffered from dementia. A Gladwin County deputy found the man and took him to his girlfriend in the ER. 12:13 a.m. - A deputy was dispatched to a single vehicle crash in Mount Haley Township. The vehicle was in a ditch with no one around. There was no damage and it was not a road hazard. 3:38 a.m. - A 24-year-old Mount Pleasant man was arrested on five warrants out of Isabella County following a traffic stop in Greendale Township. He was turned over to Central Michigan University police without incident. 5:01 a.m. - A single vehicle property damage accident in Homer Township occurred. There was no damage. 6:30 a.m. - A 24-year-old Bay City woman was transported from the Macomb County Jail to the Mid-Michigan Medical Center for medical observation. The woman was later transported back to Macomb County Jail without incident. 8:51 a.m. - An at fault driver was cited for Failure to Stop in Assured Distance at the scene of a crash. The injured driver refused medical treatment at the scene for slight pain in the neck area. 8:52 a.m. - A deputy was dispatched to the area of West Pine River Road near South Meridian Road to issue a deer permit. 8:53 a.m. - Deputy was sent to a Mills Township address to speak with a 10-year-old Mills boy who was refusing to go to school. The issue had been resolved by the time the deputy arrived. 9:31 a.m. - A deputy was dispatched to a Jerome Township residence in reference to an alarm. The deputy checked the residence and found that it was secure. 10:01 a.m. - A car-versus-deer property damage accident was reported in Greendale Township. 10:52 a.m. - A private property damage accident was reported in Ingersoll Township. 1:21 p.m. - A private property property damage accident was reported in Lincoln Township. 3:07 p.m. - A deputy was dispatched to a business in Jerome Township reference a breaking and entering. About $700 worth of appliances were stolen. There are no suspects at this time. 3:30 p.m. - A deputy was dispatched to the LEC reference a car-deer crash that occurred in Homer Township. 5:21 p.m. - A deputy was dispatched to a residence in Greendale Township in reference to a 911 hang up call. The deputy discovered a 3-year-old girl and a 4-year-old girl playing with the phone and they called 911 and hung up. The 27-year-old father was notified. 6:05 p.m. - A deputy was dispatched to the ER for a 2-year-old boy from Hope Township who had potentially accidentally overdosed on his 32-year-old father's medication. The boy was not in distress and doctors advised he would be OK. The deputy did not find any negligence or criminal activity. 6:28 p.m. - A deputy was dispatched to an area in Jerome Township for a wood plank in the road. It was removed. 9:25 p.m. - A 51-year-old Larkin Township man reported ongoing issues with speeding and loud vehicles driving by his residence. The deputy sent out a request for extra patrol. 10:01 p.m. - A 33-year-old woman was assaulted by her 37-year-old boyfriend at their Lee Township residence. The woman had minor injuries. The man was arrested. He was transported to the Midland County Jail and was lodged without incident. 10:13 p.m. - Deputies and Child Protective Services responded to a Lee Township residence to establish a safety plan and for a possible referral for criminal sexual content allegations involving a 4-year-old girl and her 29-year-old father. The mother and father of the child agreed to have the children stay with their 49-year-old neighbor/grandmother until the matter is resolved. Investigation is still ongoing by CPS. In June 1948, after the College World Series and graduation day at Yale, young George H.W. Bush packed up his cranberry-red Studebaker (a graduation gift from his father) and headed the cars distinctive nose in a southwesterly direction. The little car got him to Odessa and to a shotgun duplex, where two prostitutes lived on the other side of the wall. Kind of humble, Bush called it. While the young war hero from Connecticut scrambled to gain a foothold in the West Texas oil patch, the rented dwelling would be home for himself and his wife Barbara and their little boy George. The young New England patricians had come to a strange new world. First, it was flat, perfectly flat, like no land they had ever seen, Richard Ben Cramer wrote in his classic What It Takes: The Way to the White House. No brooks, streams, rivers. No native trees no trees. It was bright, and hot like theyd never felt heat, and gritty everywhere with dust. That little Studebaker a restored version of the car is on permanent display at the Bush Library in College Station was the Bushes chariot to a new life. It carried them to an adventure, an opportunity to create lives for themselves far away from received wisdom, hoary tradition and family expectations. Texas first Odessa-Midland, and then Houston offered a young family that opportunity. It was in the tradition of an opportunity held out slightly more than a century earlier to Stephen F. Austins Old Three Hundred and to newcomers eager to start afresh in a swampy, sultry settlement beside a mosquito-ridden bayou. It was the same sort of opportunity that lured to the Lone Star State countless young war veterans eager, like the Bushes, to begin building homes, families and careers. The place was open, unformed and rich with promise. When I wanted to learn the ways of the world, I didnt go to the Kennedy School, Bush told delegates to the 1988 Texas state GOP convention. I came to Texas, in 1948. Flash forward nearly 45 years beyond the Bushes West Texas adventure. They wont come back to Houston, people were saying as George and Barbara Bush prepared to vacate the White House after years of living in Washington. Theyll go back East. But they didnt go back East. Houston was home. They not only came home, but they made themselves an integral part of this community. They continued serving, as they had their whole lives. The Houston Literacy Foundation bears Barbaras name. George was an invaluable resource for a city expanding its economic horizon toward China. And they were always a common sight behind home plate at Astros games. Now they are both gone, but as exemplars for their fellow Houstonians and their fellow Texans, George and Barbara Bush still serve. The nation will discuss and debate the Bush presidency. Books will explore its achievements and its failures. Thats not only right and proper, but useful in a nation that presumes to govern itself. Just as useful are Bush memorials in our midst. A great international airport, a statue near the Arts District, a dynamic literacy program perhaps a little red Studebaker, circa 1947 are reminders that we too have opportunities to serve, wherever we happen to be, whatever our status in life. Our fellow Texan, the good and decent man we lost a few days ago, has shown us the way. Last week, Longford District Court Judge Seamus Hughes distributed the takings of the courts poor box among local charities and voluntary organisations. The lucky recipients will be notified in the coming days of the 2018 Court Poor Box grants. Meanwhile, the money in the system comes from contributions paid by people who have been prosecuted for possession of small amounts of illicit drugs such as cannabis. ALSO READ: Longford judge calls for protection of court poor box The majority of these prosecutions arise from Garda operations carried out during two music festivals held in Co Westmeath, a district court spokesperson added. A drugs conviction for possession could be a bar to obtaining a travel visa to such places as USA or Australia. Provided Judge Seamus Hughes is satisfied there are no previous criminal convictions, in the main, he gives an option to those prosecuted to make a contribution to the Court Poor Box and avoid a conviction. Meanwhile, as a result of the success of such Garda operations, the amount available each year for distribution in Co Longford and Co Westmeath has continued to increase. Over 1.5m has been distributed locally from the court poor box since Judge Seamus Hughes was appointed presiding Judge in the District. The 2018 Co Longford recipients from Longford District Court Poor Box includes Longford Womens Link (LWL) 15,000; LEAP C/O Foroige Longford, 15,000; Longford Tidy Towns, 10,000; Attic Youth Cafe, 3,000; Society of St Vincent De Paul, 2,000; St Christophers Services Ltd, 1,000; Annaly Park Residents Association, 1,000; Edgeworthstown District Development Association Ltd, 1,000; Longford Town Suburbs, 3,000; Killoe Newtownforbes Community Project, 1,000; Ballymahon Tidy Towns, 1,000; Co Longford Social Services (Meals on Wheels), 1,000; Killashee Tidy Towns Committee, 1,000; Scouting Ireland 1st 3rd 5th Longford, 1,500. Local News, Crime, Business & Finance, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: December 05 2018 Anthony Nyame, CEO of General Capital Corporation, Stole Over $3.5 Million from Victims Including a Bronx Church and Villanova University. New York, NY - December 5, 2018 - Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood today announced the sentencing of Anthony Nyame, 59, of the Bronx, for stealing over $3.5 million from multiple victims in financial fraud schemes. In one scheme, Nyame stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims, including the First Ghana Seventh Day Adventist Church in the Bronx, by inducing them into believing that his Wall Street-based company, General Capital Corporation, had the ability to secure millions of dollars in loans. In a different scheme, Nyame stole over $2.5 million from Villanova University through a cyber-attack. Today in New York County Supreme Court, Anthony Nyame was sentenced to 3 1/3 to 10 years in state prison. Its unconscionable to defraud unsuspecting New Yorkers and organizations including churches and universities, said Attorney General Underwood. Todays sentencing serves as a reminder that those who abuse the system will be held accountable for their fraudulent conduct. Nyames cyber theft involved stealing $2.7 million dollars from Villanova University, using a spoofed email to Villanova Universitys payment department. The email caused an electronic wire payment of approximately $2.7 million, destined for a vendor of the University, to be redirected to Nyames bank account. Once Nyame received the wire, he transferred almost $200,000 out of the country before the bank could freeze the remaining balance. Nyame also convinced many of his unwitting victims into believing that his company, General Capital Corporation, could arrange for tens of millions of dollars in loans provided they pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to collateralize those loans. In one case, Nyame allegedly promised to obtain a $30 million loan for First Ghana Seventh Day Adventist Church in the Bronx, which was seeking to build a multi-family dwelling on its property. Instead of using the deposits to secure the promised loans, Nyame diverted money from the church and other investors for his own personal use including $71,000 in cash withdrawals and transfers to his personal bank account, $47,000 to pay for his Wall Street apartment, and an additional $26,000 for assorted personal items. Nyame also transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to multiple companies and people around the world. On September 13, 2017, Nyame pleaded guilty in New York County Supreme Court to two counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony. On September 27, 2017, Nyame pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the First Degree, a Class B felony. As part of his plea agreement, Nyame was given one year to make restitution or otherwise be subject to a sentencing range from 2 1/3 to 7 years to 3 1/3 to 10 years in prison. With no restitution paid, Nyame was sentenced today to 3 1/3 to 10 years in state prison. The Attorney General thanks Special Agent Thomas Brodowski of the United States Treasury, Office of the Inspector General, for his assistance in this investigation. The case was handled by Special Advisor to the Criminal Division Gary T. Fishman, with the assistance of Legal Analyst Jacques Courbe. The Division of Criminal Justice is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Margaret Garnett. Nature & Weather, Local News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: December 05 2018 AG Underwood Leads Coalition that Includes NY, NJ, and NYC. New York, NY - December 5, 2018 - Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood, leading a coalition that also includes New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the City of New York, Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood, leading a coalition that also includes New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the City of New York, has moved to intervene in a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to force the Agency to cut pollution that blows in from upwind states and, in large part, is responsible for unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone aka smog. According to the American Lung Associations 2018 State of the Air Report, 9.4 million New Yorkers almost 50% of the states population are breathing unhealthy air due to smog. Attorney General Underwood and the coalition is seeking to join consolidated lawsuits brought by Maryland, Delaware, and public health and environmental organizations. These lawsuits challenge EPAs refusal in the form of a denial of petitions made by Delaware and Maryland under the federal Clean Air Act to require pollution sources in upwind states to reduce their emissions of smog-forming pollution. Since these same pollution sources contribute to unhealthy smog levels in New York, and because New York has a similar Clean Air Act petition currently pending before the Agency, EPAs denial of the states petition has direct implications for the health and safety of millions of New Yorkers. The Trump Administration has flouted even their most basic legal obligations to protect public health and our environment, Attorney General Underwood said. The health of an alarming 9.4 million New Yorkers one in two of our residents is jeopardized by smog pollution. Yet, the Trump EPA continues to ignore the Clean Air Act and refuses to require reductions in the pollution largely responsible for this serious health risk pollution that blows into New York from upwind states. My office is committed to protecting New Yorkers legal right to clean, healthy air by forcing the Trump Administration to follow the law. New York has some of the strictest air quality regulations in the country, and the pollutants that cause smog such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are rigorously controlled within the state. In fact, New York has among the lowest emissions of NOx and VOCs in the country. Despite these extensive efforts, however, a number of areas in New York have struggled for years to meet the federal health standard for smog; for example, according to the American Lung Associations 2018 report, the New York City metropolitan area is the tenth most smog-polluted area in the nation. The EPA has concluded that there are a number of dangerous health impacts associated with elevated levels of smog, including lung tissue damage and aggravation of existing conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, and emphysema. Exposure to smog is also linked to premature death. Some groups including children, the elderly, and those with existing lung diseases like asthma are at especially heightened risk from smog pollution. To address the unfair burden that states such as New York face in reducing unhealthy smog levels where the pollution is beyond its control, section 126 of the Clean Air Act specifically allows downwind states to petition EPA for a finding that upwind sources are emitting air pollution in violation of the Acts Good Neighbor provision. That provision requires the EPA to step in and adopt plans to reduce interstate smog pollution when the actions of upwind states are not sufficient to ensure that federal smog health standards can be met and sustained in downwind states like New York. EPAs obligation under the Act to adopt such plans known as Federal Implementation Plans or FIPs reflects the Agencys unique position and authority, as a federal agency, to ensure that the individual efforts of multiple upwind states will be sufficient, in aggregate, to solve regional air pollution problems, such as smog. Attorney General Underwood has been active in seeking to force EPA to live up to its legal obligations under the Clean Air Act to address the smog pollution that blows into the state from upwind states. In June, Attorney General Underwood won a lawsuit against the EPA , forcing the Agency to comply with the Clean Air Acts Good Neighbor requirements to adopt FIPs to reduce smog pollution from several upwind states. Additionally, New York, leading a coalition of nine states, petitioned EPA to expand the Ozone Transport Region, the group of states established under the federal Clean Air Act that must act in concert to reduce smog pollution within the region. The Trump EPA denied that petition in 2017, stating ironically that the Agency preferred to use other provisions of the Clean Air Act such as the Good Neighbor provision and petitions under section 126 to address the interstate transport of smog pollution. New York is leading an eight-state coalition in challenging EPAs denial in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. New York also petitioned the Trump EPA in March of this year to take action under section 126 of the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions of smog-forming pollution from sources in upwind states. While this petition is currently pending before the Agency, its future is uncertain if EPA were to apply the same flawed legal standards and factual findings applied in denying the Delaware and Maryland petitions. The consolidated lawsuit in which Attorney General Underwood and the coalition is seeking to intervene is also before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Local News, Press Releases, Politics By Chris Boyle Published: December 05 2018 Alleged victim claims incident took place in 2017 in Albany hotel room; Lupinacci denies incident took place, vows to fight charges. Huntington, NY - December 5, 2018 - Town of Town of Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci was named as the defendant in a lawsuit filed in Suffolk County Supreme Court on Tuesday by an ex-aide that accused him of allegedly attempting to sexually assault him in 2017, charges that Lupinacci has vigorously denied. Brian Finnegan, 26, alleges that Lupinacci at the time still a Republican Assemblyman who had been elected to serve as Huntington Supervisor molested him while the two shared a hotel room in Albany, New York. Finnegan, a political aide at the time, claims that he accompanied Lupinacci upstate to assist the then-Assemblyman in clearing out his office as he prepared to leave his post to take up his new position in Huntington. Finnegan, who says that Lupinacci, 39, insisted that the two share a room at the Renaissance Hotel due to budgetary constraints, claims that once the two had gone to bed, Finnegan was awoken at 2:30 a.m. by Lupinacci, who had knelt next to his bed, pulled down his boxer shorts, and began touching him, according to the lawsuit. Lupinacci allegedly attempt to touch Finnegan a second time about ten minutes later; it was at this time that Finnegan said that he became upset due to the unwanted physical contact and exited the room. At a press conference held Tuesday afternoon in Huntington, Finnegan described the events that he claimed took place between him and Lupinacci in the Albany hotel room on the evening in question. In December of 2017, Huntington Town Supervisor, my then-boss in the New York State Assembly, sexually assaulted me, he said. This predator was able to take advantage of me and perform forcible, non-consensual, and unwanted sexual acts on me in the middle of the night while I was sleeping. Finnegan also asserted that he had been verbally abused by Lupinacci for years, but that the alleged attack was the last straw; he resigned his post afterwards and even went so far as to turn down a job as an Executive Assistant and Senior Advisor to Lupinacci in his capacity as Huntington Town Supervisor, a position that he said that he had previously wanted very much. At the drop of a hat, all of my hard work was meaningless, all because I was the target of a sexual predator, Finnegan said. Arthur Aidala, Finnegan's attorney, noted that his client refrained from pressing criminal charges against Lupinacci and attempted to work the matter out privately beforehand. We were hoping this wouldn't come to this. It's no secret, we're not running from this, he said. We tried to work this out with him, with his attorneys. We tried to have him come to the table and say that hes sorry, that hes suffering from something and needs to get help. Finnegan is seeking back pay and unspecified damages on charges including assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and more. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: December 05 2018 The funds were raised through sales at the organizations lobster booth during the 35th annual Oyster Festival in October. Oyster Bay, NY - December 5, 2018 - Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan ( Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan ( Woodbury ) applauded the Oyster Bay Baymens Association for donating $2,500 to a family whose young daughter is grappling with an undiagnosed chronic illness. The funds were raised through sales at the organizations lobster booth during the 35th annual Oyster Festival in October. This $2,500 contribution is in addition to more than $35,000 raised for Sheri and Ken Corey, whose 2-year old daughter Brooke is still suffering from an undiagnosed illness, through a Monday, Oct. 29 fundraiser Legislator Lafazan hosted at the Oyster Bay Brewing Company. Legislator Lafazan became involved after hearing the story of the Mill Neck youngster, who has gone from being an active toddler to chronically ill in the span of just a few months. She has undergone a battery of blood tests, MRIs, X-rays and bone biopsies to pinpoint a diagnosis. SPRINGFIELD -- David Ortega is 21 years old and about three years removed from Chicopee Comprehensive High School and its welding vocational program. On Tuesday he was programming a $350,000 robot at Advance Welding in Springfield as it worked on a part for the Navy. Manufacturers -- particularly high tech manufacturers making parts for demanding applications in aerospace, defense, firearms, medical devices and the like -- would love to have more workers like Ortega. But they can't find them. It's why they met Tuesday at Advance Welding on Brookdale Drive with state Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, in the latest of a series of meetings he's held at area companies. Ortega, who has worked at Advance for about two years, said he felt prepared for his job coming out of Chicopee Comp. "They definitely exposed me to a lot of things I need to know," said Ortega, who lives in Springfield. "But there is so much to learn. The tolerances we work with has made me be a lot cleaner on my welds." Christopher Kielb, president of Advance Welding, said he has a dozen employees now and would be up to 14 people if he could find qualified candidates. He pays $15 to $17 an hour to start, and wages can reach almost $30 an hour. Advance makes parts for aircraft, spacecraft, defense and airport security screening equipment, as well as firearms made by Smith & Wesson. Steve Grande, owner of Meridian Industrial in Holyoke, said training is key. "You are not going to be able to find people on the street," Grande said. His company sent that Navy part to Advance to get it welded. Military applications and the space program are his biggest customers. Mel O'Leary is president and CEO of Meredith-Springfield, a Ludlow company that makes blow-molded plastic parts, bottles and drinkware. He said he had to pull advertising because he can't fulfill the orders he has. "I can't find enough workers to keep the machines running," he said. "I can't find semiskilled workers. I can't find skilled industrial mechanics and industrial electricians." Kielb said what manufacturers want from the state is more funding for vocational education programs. He said they also need help getting the word out to parents and children in elementary school and up that there are careers in manufacturing in Western Massachusetts and that vocational programs are a great option. Vocational programs also have to be open to adults, the unemployed, underemployed and returning vets Grande said the state needs to support training programs for workers who are already in the workforce. He said companies like his want to get as many workers up to date on the latest technology as they can, and then cross-train those workers on every aspect of their business so everyone -- employer and employee -- has flexibility. Lesser said the mismatch between unemployed people and the skills that are in demand is one of the most frustrating problems he encounters. There is help on the way in funding for life sciences vocational education, he said. Also, lawmakers and the Baker administration are working out the details for a new apprenticeship tax credit program. Educators at the event included the Lower Pioneer Valley Career and Technical Education Center in West Springfield and Patricia Crosby, executive director of the of the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board. Chayanne is coming to Mohegan Sun. The Latin pop star will play Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT on May 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets for the show are on sale beginning Friday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets and locations including ticketmaster.com and by phone at (800) 745-3000. The show is part of Chayanne's "Desde El Alma" tour. The Puerto Rican star, who once auditioned for the boy band Menudo, has sold 15 million albums worldwide. SPRINGFIELD - A catastrophic event at the Italian Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts last January shut down the facility for most of this year because of the extensive damage incurred. The center, located at 56 Margaret St. in the city's South End neighborhood, is preparing to open its doors again for holiday events. The cultural center still finds itself in serious financial arrears and has set up a GoFundMe online fundraising effort to help recoup the costs of repairs. Stephanie Spolzino, president of the center, says the damage resulted from water pipes that burst on the second floor. "(It) caused close to $200,000 worth of damage to our building," said Spolzino in an email. Shortly after the pipes burst and while the building was being repaired, it was burglarized because the alarm system was compromised due to water damage to the electrical system, she added. The problem has been compounded by a loss of revenue. Dinners, lectures, movies and classes, normally held at the center, are all sources of income for the organization, and those could not be held since January. "We were committed to moving forward and restoring (the center) to its full, vibrant use for our .... 400 members," Spolzino said. Insurance, however, she noted, did not cover the entire loss. The The GoFundMe page the organization set up has, to date, yielded only about $22,000, far short of the $100,000 needed. Among the upcoming holiday events is an Italian bingo and potluck luncheon on Dec. 16 that is open to the public. The event begins at noon, and participants are asked to bring a dish to share. The center will provide the entree of eggplant parmigiana. Those with last names beginning with letters A through M are asked to bring side dishes, while others are asked to bring desserts. Those who choose not to bring a food dish are requested to make a $10 donation at the door. The Italian Cultural Center was established in 1985. According to Spolzino, the non-profit organization's mission is to promote Italian culture, traditions, heritage and language, and to foster appreciation and respect for the rich contributions that Italians have made to the community and the world. In particular, the center offers adult language classes, cooking classes, a lecture series, dinners, movie nights, bingo, and cultural trips throughout New England and New York. For more information about the Italian Cultural Center and the upcoming events there, visit the website, iccwm.org. Each week The Republican will put together a slideshow of select clips and comics from the archive from the past 100 years. This week's selection of clips, headlines and comics from the past 100 years. This week we feature clips from 1923, 1933 and 1943. From the December 7, 1943 edition of The Springfield Daily Republican Ninety-five years ago, this week, President Calvin Coolidge gave approval for the Navy Department's expedition to the North Pole by air. Plans for the exploration were still be drafted, but the thought was to use Navy aircraft fit with skis, or the navy dirigible Shenandoah. From the December 4, 1923 edition of The Springfield Union Twenty years later, students from Agawam High School put on a show for troops stationed at the Eastern States exposition grounds. About forty-five students participated in the show, impersonating motion picture and Broadway stars. From the December 7, 1943 edition of The Springfield Daily Republican On the same day, it was announced the West Springfield resident Stuart Young had finished training with the army air corps in Columbus, Mississippi and earned his silver pilot's wings. He was to return home for a ten day furlough before reporting for a new assignment. From the December 7, 1943 edition of The Springfield Daily Republican And back in 1923, John McIntyre and George Quinn were both killed when McIntyre's automobile overturned on Boston Road in Springfield. Both were living at the Oaks Hotel at the time. Police reported that the vehicle must have been traveling at a high rate of speed as it had rolled over three times within a distance of 150 feet. From the December 4, 1923 edition of The Springfield Union The pages of The Republican and its predecessors can be found online through the Newsbank Historic archive. The Historic Archive includes editions from 1824 to 1989. Pages and clips can be printed or downloaded in pdf format. There's no doubt food can keep memories alive. How many smell the aroma of bread baking and harken back to childhood days when mom baked every Saturday morning or smell the aroma of tomato sauce simmering and think about long-ago Sunday dinners? Many of Lauren Scibelli Mullin's food memories come from her family's famous restaurant, Ciro's, which served customers from the mid-1960s through the 1990s in Springfield's South End neighborhood. Owned by her grandparents, Al and Rose M. Scibelli, it was located on 870 Main St. After Ciro's closed, within a few years her grandparents and father died, and Mullin decided to record recipes while they were still fresh in her mind. "I knew that there were many patrons who would love to have some authentic recipes from Ciro's," she says. Those recipes led her to write a book, "Memories of Ciro's." It is a nostalgic book that includes personal stories, memories and changes that had taken place throughout the years within the restaurant and the economy. The book also includes a section with many coveted recipes from Ciro's and family favorites. "I also have included many family recipes, and, although most Italian-Americans have heard of a lot of these recipes, everyone makes them a little different and has their own little 'secrets' which end up making them unique," Mullin says. "I felt the need to write this book not only for myself but for all the people who loved my family - and Ciro's - and to keep the memories alive as best as I could." A native of Springfield who grew up in the Hungry Hill neighborhood, she currently lives with her husband in Worcester, his hometown. She graduated from Cathedral High School in Springfield in 1984 and from Elms College in Chicopee in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in biology. She completed a certified histologist program at Hartford Hospital School of Allied Health and graduated in 1990 and worked as a certified histologist. She has many fond memories of Ciro's especially meeting celebrities who went to Ciro's before (and often after) their performances at either the Springfield Civic Center or Storrowtown Theater in West Springfield. "My fondest memories, despite the fact that I was still a young girl, were the after-hour spreads of food my Nonie (grandmother) put out for the great pianist, Liberace, and his entourage," Mullin says. "My Nonie and he actually became quite good friends over the years, and every time they sat together in the restaurant, they would compare their latest pieces of jewelry and have many laughs together!" Although she did not work at the restaurant, Mullin often could be found in the kitchen, learning and observing things on a typical busy night. "My Nonie by this time was no longer working behind the stoves but would often sit in her spot making something that she or one of the family members had a 'taste for,'" she recalls. Mullin was there every day after school at nearby Mount Carmel School and on weekends for family time and dinner and to catch up with her father, who ran the lounge. "I would often be there on Tuesdays, when Ciro's was closed with my dad (Frank C. Scibelli, whom everyone called Frankie) in the back kitchen cooking with him," she adds. Although she has numerous favorite recipes, two come right to mind: the very popular Shrimp a la Ciro (a cold chopped shrimp with various chopped vegetables, tossed in oil and lemon); and her father's chicken, peas and potatoes. "The shrimp dish was a very popular dish, and many people asked for it on a regular basis," said Mullin, who remembers her Nonie chopping all the ingredients and teaching her how to make it. "We would make it and have it for our own family occasions and holidays as well, and we all loved it very much." The chicken with peas and potatoes recipe in is in her book but was not on the regular menu at Ciro's. "He would make a huge sheet pan of this in the banquet room kitchen. Ciro's had two, the main kitchen then what we called the 'back kitchen' which was where my dad did most of his cooking for the family," she said. "I remember walking into Ciro's on a Tuesday (we were closed on Tuesdays) and just smelling the aromas as I approached the kitchen where I can still see him standing at the stove, taking it out of the oven. My whole family enjoyed this dish very much also." Ciro's didn't make a lot of desserts from scratch, "only because the wonderful La Fiorentina bakery was (and still is) right across the street from where Ciro's was on Main Street, so if there was a special occasion or someone's birthday, we would get cake or pastry (and) cookies from them," Mullin says. One thing that Ciro's always had was "brick ice cream," which was a vanilla, chocolate, strawberry slice and spumoni, which was cherry with almond, chocolate and pistachio. "We always had fresh fruit of some sort, and my Nonie loved to make zabaglione, an Italian custard." Zabaglione and recipes from one of her cousins and Polish grandmother are included in the dessert section of the book. Mullin is half Polish, and she is working on another cookbook that will have a section that will include Polish recipes from her Polish grandmother. As for "Memories of Ciro's," it has 172 pages and was published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. The paperback books cost $20, and Mullin recommends them as holiday gifts. For a signed copy, phone or text Mullin at 508-864-5807 or email her at laumu2233@yahoo.com. MGM Resorts International announced a seven-figure investment this week in the education of employees' families. The company will donate $1 million to the MGM Resorts Scholarship Program for Children of Employees. The donation will allow for the re-establishment of the program, which will offer scholarships up to $2,500 to children of full-time MGM employees starting in 2019. "Applications will be selected based on a number of criteria, primary among them financial need and high school academic performance," the company said in a statement. The scholarship will be available to selected students for up to four years, dependent on enrollment and good academic standing. Children of MGM executives are excluded from the program. "Our MGM Resorts Scholarship Program for Children of Employees represents another expression of our commitment to the success of our employees and their families," said Jim Murren, Chairman & CEO of MGM Resorts. "When we assist the college education or vocational training of our employees' children, as provided by this program, we invest in development of the workforces of our communities, their stability and growth." MGM Springfield opened the doors to its $960 million resort casino in August. SpotAngels, a new community-driven parking app, launches in Boston this week with an ambitious goal: help drivers avoid parking tickets and find parking spots with ease. Also nicknamed "Waze for Parking," SpotAngels works similarly to the traffic app Waze in that it partially depends on feedback from its users. Just as Waze operates better when the community participates and enters real-time traffic information, SpotAngels functions better when there is a wide network of users. According to TechCrunch, once a person downloads the app, they can provide instant parking "intel" to the SpotAngels app. Through a person's car Bluetooth connection or motion sensors and geolocation on the person's phone, the app can determine when the user's vehicle has left a spot. The SpotAngels app also displays pricing information and time restrictions on street parking and garages. A reported "predicted availability" feature is in the works in San Francisco, which will use historical parking data to make estimations on when certain spots may be available. The app is not the first to try and tackle Boston's problem with parking. In addition to mapped, open-source parking information provided by the city, tools like "Parkopedia," app "Parknav," and parking-reservation app "SpotHero" all also aim to help drivers identify and secure cheap, accessible parking. Increased traffic congestion aside, parking in Boston is no easy task. The city restricts most meters to a two-hour time limit, forcing drivers to leave or move their car to a different city block. Experts have estimated the average cost to rent a parking spot in Boston will cost $300 or more, while the property value of some spots matches that of homes. The cost of parking tickets also dramatically increased over the summer in Boston. Unpaid meters now net a $40 fine, while overnight street-cleaning violations result in a $90 fine, unless the car is simply towed away instead. The Boston launch of SpotAngel this week, as first reported by Boston.com, follows a round of $2.3 million in funding from investors, including Google Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen. SpotAngels is now available in 20 cities across the country. A California radio station has joined the list of media outlets refusing to play the holiday standard "Baby, It's Cold Outside" because of complaints during the #MeToo era. Penned by "Guys and Dolls" writer Frank Loesser in 1944, the lyrics describe a woman trying extricate herself from a date and saying "no, no, no," while a man insists she stay as he pours her more alcohol, and warns about the weather outside. Critics of the song say the lyrics promote date rape. Sample lyrics: The neighbors might think (Baby it's bad out there) Say what's in this drink? (No cabs to be had out there) I wish I knew how (Your eyes are like starlight now) To break this spell (I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell) (Why thank you) I ought to say no, no, no sir (Mind if move in closer?) KOIT-FM near San Francisco joined radio stations in Cleveland and elsewhere in dropping the song from its Christmas playlist. "I made the decision, it's off for now," Brian Figula, program manager at KOIT radio told CBS News, adding that he is considering leaving the ultimate decision up to the people. A Denver station, which pulled the song, returned it to the airwaves after listener complaints. "We value the opinion of all our listeners and appreciate the feedback we received," said Jim Lawson, program director at Denver's KOSI-FM, in a media release. "Respondents voted 95 percent in favor of us keeping the song. While we are sensitive to those who may be upset by some of the lyrics, the majority of our listeners have expressed their interpretation of the song to be non-offensive." The song has found its defenders on social media. Baby Its Cold Outside is a song. Its art. It is supposed to be interpreted differently by different people. And Im a bleeding heart liberal musician but this argument is stupid. Democrats Get $hit Done (@SwayToTheLeft) December 5, 2018 When they go after Baby Its Cold Outside, you know #MeToo has gone mad - https://t.co/xdzlZHgscU D Cessor (@IMDORA2) December 5, 2018 The founder of Black Guns Matter, an organization dedicated to teaching inner-city residents about guns laws, has scheduled four informational sessions next week in Boston and Worcester to discuss issues related to gun ownership, the police and the law. The group's founder, Maj Toure of Philadelphia, is scheduled to lead four panels, two in Boston and one each in Worcester and Swansea, between Monday and Dec. 16. Toure is in the middle of a nationwide tour that has stops planned in each state to promote the Black Guns Matter view that people in the cities are less knowledgeable about the Second Amendment than people in the suburbs and urban areas. "I don't think there's a black gun culture or white gun culture. I think there's an informed gun culture and an ignorant gun culture," he said. The group is not affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement, which protests police violence against African-Americans and other people of color. Black Guns Matter seeks to provide to people the information about federal and state gun laws, and about gun safety that they will need to become legal and responsible gun owners. In a 2016 interview with The Republican, Toure said many people in prison for gun convictions are not necessarily violent felons but people with guns who did not understand the steps needed to become a legal gun owner. "Tens of millions of people have been left out of that conversation," he said at the time. "You can't make an informed decision about whether you want to carry a gun or not if you don't have the information." The sessions are: PITTSFIELD - A Bronx, New York, man was arraigned Wednesday in Central District Court in connection with the shooting death of a 30-year-old city man near Spring and Willow streets early last month. Lance Burke, 40, denied a single count of murder. He stands accused of fatally shooting 30-year-old David Green Jr. on Nov. 3. Judge Mark Pasquariello ordered Burke to be held without right to bail at the Berkshire County House of Correction, according to a press release by Berkshire District Attorney Paul J. Caccaviello. Burke was arrested on Nov. 20 in Bronx, New York, on an outstanding warrant. He was arrested by members of the Pittsfield Police Department Detective Bureau and Anti-Crime Unit with assistance by members of the New York Police Department and FBI agents. Burke was charged in New York as a fugitive from justice and agreed to voluntarily return to Massachusetts. Burke is slated to return to court on Jan. 4 for a pretrial hearing. The investigation is ongoing and anyone who may have information about the shooting is asked to contact the Pittsfield Police Department Detective Bureau at 413-443-9705. Information can be provided anonymously via the Detective Bureau, the Drug Tips hotline at 413-448-9708 or by texting PITTIP and your message to 847411 (TIP411). SPRINGFIELD -- Former Springfield resident Bruce Stebbins, now a member of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, said he has fond memories and great respect for his one-time boss, the late President George H.W. Bush. Stebbins, a former city councilor and City Hall administrator here, is among many around the nation with fond personal and professional memories of the 41st president, who died Friday at 94. Stebbins was a campaign worker and a White House official under Bush. "He was just a very gracious, warm individual, very friendly, very approachable, always had a great sense of humor and wit," Stebbins said. "We obviously lost a war hero and a dedicated public servant." Stebbins served as associate director of political affairs in the White House under Bush, beginning in 1989 until Jan. 16, 1991. He remembers the final day because it was his sister's birthday and the day that U.S. forces began military operations in the Gulf War during Desert Storm. Previously, Stebbins was a campaign worker for Bush from June 1987 to the New Hampshire primary in February 1988, ahead of Bush becoming president. Bush served one term as president from 1989 to 1993, and was vice-president for eight years under Ronald Reagan. As a candidate, Bush was "extremely personable," Stebbins said. "Being a dedicated family man, he really made the staff and volunteers working around him as part of the family as well," Stebbins said. "He sent thank you notes to just about everyone he met. He was really good at working a room and saying hello to everyone." When Stebbins joined the White House staff, he was involved in coordinating Bush's political activity, as well as being a liaison to Bush supporters and Republican Party leaders, Stebbins said. "You really did get a sense that he cared a lot for the people who had the privilege of working for him," Stebbins said. "He is someone I definitely looked up to and respected. Through the privilege of working for him, I had the opportunity to create a number of lifetime friendships." Stebbins said it was "kind of fun to watch people react" when Bush and his wife Barbara would come into a video store near their summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine, to rent a movie. After leaving the White House, Stebbins said he did some campaign work for Bush in the unsuccessful re-election campaign, and has kept in touch with some family members over the years. Stebbins now lives in Holliston, and has served as a full-time member of the gaming commission since appointed by former Gov. Deval Patrick in 2012. He was a two-term member of the Springfield City Council, and served as the business development administrator for the city prior to his appointment to the Gaming Commission. EASTHAMPTON -- Parents who send their children to a daycare center in an industrial park turned out Tuesday to oppose a nearby marijuana facility planned by the Herbology Group. The group hopes to build a 28,000 square-foot facility at the former Cook Builders Supply on Rt. 10, and needs a special permit from the Planning Board to create the cultivation and retail dispensary at 195 Northampton Street. Around a dozen people spoke at the public hearing, many of whom said the facility should not be allowed because of its proximity to All About Children at 15 Industrial Parkway. The back portion of the fenced dispensary property would nearly abut the industrial park parcel that hosts All About Children. The properties would be separated by a delivery access road that serves the Easthampton post office. "We don't want potentially toxic substances near our children," said one parent. Another said that if a two-year-old child is exposed to marijuana smoke one time, that it's one time too many. Others expressed fears about stoned driving and public consumption, and said a marijuana business could cause the daycare center -- which serves around 65 children and employs 15 people -- to go out of business. "I'm not against the marijuana industry," said one woman. "I'm against this location." However, the city's zoning bylaw allows cannabis in the highway business and industrial areas. The bylaw, hammered out over seven months, requires no buffer zone around daycare centers, local officials reiterated. The ordinance instead requires a 350 foot buffer around schools. The Planning Board and City Council incorporated many hours of public input in crafting its medical and adult use cannabis zoning, said acting Planning Board chairman James Zarvis. "Tonight's process is about this applicant. We are no longer discussing zoning," Zarvis said. "If we say 'you can't be there because of NIMBY,' we get sued," he added. "We have to follow the rules." Several city officials concurred that the horse has left the barn when it comes to deciding where cannabis businesses should be located. "At this point, the only question is, does this business meet the Planning Board rules and regulations," said Planning Board member Christopher Cockshaw. City Councilor Peg Conniff said that a "we don't want it here" message is concerning if a facility is allowed under the zoning. City Councilor Owen Zaret said that cannabis "is a legal 21-plus industry," that he does not support any effort to "stigmatize or marginalize" it. He reminded the crowd that he has introduced a bylaw to impose local fines for the public consumption and display of cannabis. City Councilor Salem Derby, who led the drive to write the local cannabis rules, noted that All About Children is located in an industrial park, where uses more objectionable than a dispensary could be built. "You could build a factory there with noxious fumes," he said. Derby said another daycare center on Pleasant Street is across the street from a bar and next to a liquor store, and that he's heard no complaints about that. Some of the parents said that cannabis and liquor are different, and that they do in fact expect problems. One man said that while getting his oil changed in nearby Northampton, he observed people waiting in line to buy cannabis at NETA, the dispensary which recently opened to recreational sales. "You could smell marijuana everywhere," he said. "People are standing in line using vape pens." Attorney Phil Silverman of the Vicente-Sederberg law group, representing the Herbology Group, said that if onsite public consumption is tolerated, it's bad for the entire industry. He said he would touch base with the Northampton medical and adult use dispensary to discern the facts and discuss the issues. "I plan to speak with NETA about that," he said. He said that Herbology Group would have zero tolerance for on-site consumption. He said that in his work in other states, it has not been an issue. "My firm is a national firm," he said. "We're not seeing the problems that you're describing." Tony Capachietti, a consultant to the Herbology Group, described site plan modifications. Signage would dissuade customers from cutting through Industrial Parkway; a video camera on a flagpole would provide broad surveillance; and landscaping would define boundaries. He said a "crash gate" at the back access road would allow only emergency vehicles, and that the dispensary property would be surrounded by a fence. Kate Crowther, also a consultant to the group, said the dispensary would monitor its perimeter, identify any customer that breaks the rules, notify police if necessary, and ban such a customer from returning. "Such a person could lose their medical marijuana card," she said. City Councilor James "J.P." Kwiecinski, a local realtor, raised a new issue. He said he believes that the Herbology Group's driveway would cross an easement owned by the U.S. Postal Service, and accused the Herbology Group of submitting a site plan that does not accurately convey that information. "On the federal level, marijuana is a Class I controlled substance," said Kwiecinksi. He said that postal regulations and federal law specifically prohibit possession of drugs at a post office, and said that anyone buying marijuana and leaving via the driveway could be breaking federal law. He also averred that the Planning Board is bound to uphold all laws, whether they are local, state, or federal. Silverman brushed off those concerns, but agreed to provide the board with a written statement on the federal land matter. After the meeting, Silverman said that the relationship between state and federal cannabis law remains in flux, with many contradictions. "If you drove on Interstate 91 after leaving a dispensary, you could say the same thing," he said. The Planning Board did not reach a decision about the Herbology Group special permit application. The group will be back Jan. 8 for a continuance of the public hearing. City Planner Jeffrey Bagg said that he expects to see a complete site plan, an opening day contingency plan, specifications about security cameras, and a legal opinion about the federal property issue. "That could be a huge problem if it's not resolved," said Planning Board member Chester Secklecki. Silverman said that concerns about traffic should lessen as more dispensaries open across the state. Currently, there are only two adult use dispensaries east of the Mississippi -- both in Massachusetts. "Over the next decade, you will see 200 to 300 dispensaries across the state," he said. Herbology Group CEO Jane Hawman was present at Tuesday's hearing but did not speak. Not every parent who spoke was against the dispensary. Josh Mintzer said he has lived in Easthampton for 15 years, and welcomes the industry. "We really need the money," he said, while noting that Easthampton voters recently approved construction of a new $109 million elementary and middle school. Mintzer said if Herbology Group were trying to open a bar, that they would have no problem. "People are treating it like they're trying to sell plutonium," he said. HOLYOKE -- Nelson R. Roman formally announced his planned exit from the City Council during Tuesday's regular session. Roman will vacate his seat Dec. 31, which will allow Ward 2 residents to vie for the spot. Roman also submitted his resignation as executive director of Nueva Esperanza, a Holyoke nonprofit. Nelson, who served three years on the council, accepted a position with a Chicago nonprofit where he will work on homelessness issues affecting teens and the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community. Nelson would not name the nonprofit during a recent interview with The Republican. City Council President Todd McGee said the council holds the right to select the next councilor. A simple majority vote is needed. He emphasized only Ward 2 residents can apply. The council will advertise for the open seat in the coming days, with a vote expected Jan. 8. The council's usual meeting time falls on New Year's Day. Interested candidates can speak during the council's public comment period, which will act as an interview. The vote will occur, followed by the swearing-in and the new councilor taking their seat. Jennifer Chateauneuf was the last councilor to resign. The council initiated a similar process in 2016 to fill that vacancy. Speaking to the full council Tuesday, Roman thanked his past and current colleagues for their support over the years. Former City Council President Kevin Jourdain and former Mayor Elaine Pluta attended the meeting. Roman presented gifts to Jourdain, Pluta and Ward 4 Councilor Jossie Valentin. He said he considered all, including Ward 3 Councilor David K. Bartley, as mentors. Roman's speech covered numerous topics, including his commitment to social justice causes, combating gentrification and improving employment and economic opportunities for Ward 2 residents. Roman said he would not openly endorse candidates to be his successor. SPRINGFIELD - A Hampden Superior Court judge on Tuesday agreed with a defense lawyer who said $50,000 cash bail was too high for a 42-year-old Springfield woman accused of stabbing her ex-boyfriend in the neck and chest. But Judge Daniel M. Wrenn didn't lower the bail to $3,000 as requested by defense lawyer Timothy Farris for Christina Bullard. Instead he set it at $10,000. Farris said Bullard has no prior convictions and could live with her mother if she is able to post bail. He said he doesn't think the victim or the witnesses will cooperate with the prosecution. "I doubt very seriously they are," Farris said. The bail hearing was done via video conference between Bullard at the Western Massachusetts Regional Women's Correctional Center in Chicopee and Wrenn's courtroom. Bullard has denied charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, armed assault with intent to murder, resisting arrest and assault and battery on a police officer. Farris acknowledged the latter two charges can proceed but he doesn't think the prosecution can prove the first two charges. Assistant District Attorney Ingrid Frau said police responded to a 911 call Sept. 3 about 6 p.m. They found a man on the tree belt on Eastern Avenue bleeding from the left side of the neck and the chest. He told police his ex-girlfriend stabbed him, Frau said. At the time, paramedics were not sure he would survive, she said. Police found Bullard lying on her bed. She didn't want police to handcuff her, Frau said, but police would not agree to that request. Bullard shoved one officer, swatted at the hand - which was holding a service pistol - of an officer and kicked another officer, Frau said. The victim had bleeding in the cavity around his heart. He also needed speech therapy because he was having trouble swallowing, she said. Frau had asked that the bail be kept at $50,000, or that the judge set it no lower than $25,000 if he was going to reduce it. Wrenn said if Bullard posts bail, she must be under home confinement at her mother's house and be monitored by a GPS device. HAMPDEN -La Cucina di Hampden House restaurant is continuing what has become an annual tradition to offer customers a great deal: a chance to give back to the community in exchange for a delicious meal. For years, the Italian restaurant has been offering a free pasta dinner to patrons who donate toys to the Toy for Joy campaign, a collaborative effort by the Salvation Army, The Republican and MassLive to bring Christmas gifts to families in need in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Now in its 96th year, the campaign's goal is to raise $150,000 by Christmas Eve. As of today, $11,933 has been received in donations, leaving $138,067 to be raised by Dec. 24. La Cucina has been holding its dinner for over a decade, said general manager Sonia Tereso. "We love doing it every year," she said. This year's event is set for Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. The dinner attracts much enthusiasm among the Hampden and Wilbraham community. The restaurant regularly gets between 100 to 300 toys for donation over the course of several hours, said Tereso. "We love to give back to the community," said Tereso, explaining that Toy for Joy is just one of many local charities and events that the restaurant regularly supports. "We thoroughly believe in giving back and we try to do that as much as we can. The simple fact of looking in the room after and seeing all of the toys just makes it so well worth it." All are welcome to attend the dinner. "We encourage anyone to come on down," she said. "You can bring multiple gifts, or even drop them off early if you're not going to be around during the actual event." Donated toys should be new and still in their original packaging. The toys can be for any age group, from infant to early teenage years. They will be added to the toys and books purchased by the Salvation Army. "We are thankful to businesses like La Cucina di Hampden House which step forward to assist Toy for Joy year after year," said Cynthia G. Simison, assistant to the publisher and managing editor of The Republican. "These toys will add to those already purchased. Toy for Joy truly needs financial support to cover the costs already incurred this year. Last year's shortfall of more than $40,000 dealt the program a severe blow." Toy for Joy is also partnering this year 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. 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. 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. You can also donate online here. 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: 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 -- District 2 Town Councilor Lynn Griesemer was unanimously elected by her peers as president of the council during the 13-person body's first meeting Monday night. Griesemer's appointment, which is in effect for one year, means she will chair the meetings and make appointments to subcommittees during that time. When Griesemer took the gavel, she said it would be best to act in the interest of all residents in town, and avoid what she labeled "tribal" political behavior. "The temptation to go tribal" is there, she said, but "for me, our aspirations should be bigger." Greisemer then criticized what she said was political tribalism in Washington -- though at no point did she utter President Donald Trump's name. She did say: "He wants to vanquish his opponent again and again." Greisemer also said in that context: "I remain deeply agitated" about the political milieu at the "national level." Then it was on to the council appointing a vice president, a process that took five ballots before Mandi Jo Hanneke was elected by a 7-6 vote, with Greisemer's ballot putting Hanneke over the top. Greisemer abstained from the previous four ballots. During that time, six councilors voted in favor of Sarah Swartz for vice president. Those supporting Swartz said they did so in part because she promised to strictly abide by language in the charter that says the vice president's only duty is to fill in should the president be unavailable to undertake those duties. Councilor Andrew Steinberg voted for Hanneke. He weighed in on the role of the vice president, saying it would be up to the "president and vice president" to determine "exactly what that role would be." Shalini Bahl-Milne voted for Hanneke, alluding to the fact that Hanneke received the most votes of all the winning candidates in the Nov. 6 election. Also voting for Hanneke was Evan Ross, who nominated her, as well as George Ryan and Stephen Schreiber. Those voting for Swartz were Alisa Brewer, Patricia DeAngelis, Darcy Dumont, Dorothy Pam and Cathy Schoen. Amherst Town Clerk Margaret Nartowicz was elected as the clerk of the council by a unanimous vote. Her main job will be to keep the meeting minutes. Town Manager Paul Bockelman told the council that there was no requirement in the charter that the body appoint the town clerk to the position. He also said councilors could do so if that was their preference. During the meeting, councilors, and members of the public that spoke talked about the need to heal divisions in the community. Amherst voters will next elect a council in 2021. After that, the terms of office for councilors will be two years. The charter that voters adopted earlier this year calls for future council elections to be held in odd-numbered years, thus the initial three-year term. The new charter abolished the representative Town Meeting and Select Board form of government, which had been in place since the 1930s. The Springfield Police Department announced Wednesday that it has raided a major Western Massachusetts drug trafficking operation, seizing over 2 kilograms of heroin, 490 grams of cocaine, 40,000 bags of packaged heroin and $48,000 in cash The raid stemmed from a two month investigation of an alleged "stash house" for a Holyoke-based drug ring at 1251 Bay Street in Springfield, police said. Drug traffickers allegedly kept narcotics and money at the Springfield house, with high level dealers using the house to pick up drugs for distribution, authorities said. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno praised the Springfield Police Department for taking "poison" off of the city's streets and urged judges to impose lengthy sentences for the suspects' alleged crimes. "I want to thank the leadership of Commissioner Barbieri, D.A. Gulluni, Captain [Brian] Keenan and all of our brave and dedicated 'men and women in blue' for their continued efforts to rid our streets of these 'poison individuals' and their 'poison products' and weapons. Hopefully, all this hard work does not go for want - due to some of our judges in our court system," Sarno said in a statement. Police estimated that the seized drugs are worth between $600,000 and $700,000. Officers also seized four illegal firearms, police said. Among the seized drugs were packages of narcotics labeled "Playboy" and "SpongeBob." The investigation has led to four arrests: Springfield residents Hector Rodriguez, 42, and Luis Acevedo, 43, and Holyoke residents Emmanuel Hernandez, 30, and Nellys Garcia, 32. Acevedo, Rodriguez and Hernandez are all charged with trafficking more than 200 grams of heroin and cocaine, eight counts of illegal firearm possession, possession of ammunition without an FID card, larceny of a firearm and improper storage of a firearm. Garcia is charged with trafficking between 18 and 36 grabs of heroin and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. Springfield Police Lt. Lawrence Murphy credited Det. Robert Patruno with leading the stash house investigation, and said the broader investigation into the Holyoke-based drug ring continues. "This significant seizure not only puts a stop to this distribution ring, but also shows that our Narcotics Unit continues to get deadly drugs off the street, while arresting the right people," Police Commissioner John Barbieri said in a statement. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker reiterated his call for a judge to step aside while an investigation looks into whether she helped an undocumented immigrant escape from federal officials. Asked about the governor's comments, a court spokeswoman said the judge's status remains unchanged. After the Boston Sunday Globe reported a federal grand jury is reviewing whether Judge Shelley Joseph unlawfully helped Jose Medina-Perez evade immigration authorities in April at Newton District Court, the governor said Joseph shouldn't be handling criminal cases during the investigation. "I think it's critical that the federal government which is currently involved in an investigation move quickly and complete that investigation," Baker, who nominated Joseph to the bench last year, told reporters Tuesday. "Based on the facts as they were presented, it does appear there was a deliberate attempt there to obstruct the work of a federal law enforcement official in court," he said. "And I think it would be best for everybody if the judge stood down and did not preside over criminal cases until the federal investigation's completed." Baker continued, "As I said yesterday, given the circumstances and the facts as they've been presented so far, obviously pending the results of the federal investigation, I think it would be best if she stepped down for criminal cases." The Globe reported that Joseph told a prosecutor and Medina-Perez's lawer that "ICE is going to get him," referring to Medina-Perez. The Globe pointed to a courtroom recording that was shut off at one point at the judge's direction. A court spokeswoman said Joseph's assignment hasn't changed. "The Trial Court previously reviewed the information regarding the tape recording of the court proceeding and addressed it with Judge Joseph," Jennifer Donahue, the court spokeswoman, said in an email. "As it is a personnel matter, the court cannot comment further." The Globe reported that there are two rules that may have been broken: Court sessions are recorded, with some exceptions, and court officials can't help or hinder federal agents. Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, discussed the incident during a Tuesday appearance on WGBH's "Boston Public Radio. "We don't have any evidence that that's what actually happened," she said when asked whether the judge conspired to let Medina-Perez escape. "Because in fact it was turned off, the microphone was turned off. So I don't know what happened." But there is a "very, very serious issue that ICE and federal immigration officials are interfering with the right of people to access the system of justice in this country," she added. "And it would be really scary if we started then going after and trying to commandeer state court judges or other state officials to collaborate with ICE." Under the Tenth Amendment of the US Constitution, state officials can't be forced to do the work of ICE agents, Rose said. Federal immigration arrests at courthouses and the potential for deportation are causing immigrants to hesitate in reporting crimes and avoid going to court, the ACLU said in a report released earlier this year. SPRINGFIELD- Based on their achievements while participating in the Princeton Model Congress in Washington D.C. in November, students from SABIS International School in Springfield were honored Wednesday at a special luncheon. The local students were among 700 from 36 school around the nation deemed qualified to attend and participate in the annual forum and exercise in how the federal government works. SABIS Springfield students won eight awards in the competition, achieving a third-place victory in the overall competition. It is notable that the first place finisher was The Dalton School, where annual tuition is $48,450. Second place went to New York City's Trinity School where the annual tuition is $52,795. In addition to the school's overall achievements, SABIS senior Jada Ficarra ran successfully for president of the Princeton Model Congress. Ficarra has worked hard for four years to make this dream a reality, according to organizers. The SABIS students crafted and created model legislation on issues ranging from bullying, senior citizen care and grants to addressing racial bias concerns. Dean Berry, Springfield SABIS Department Chair of History, has advised and worked with the students and was also present at the luncheon and ceremony at the school. To see video of Ficarra delivering her speech seeking the presidency, click the window below. SPRINGFIELD -- Mayor Domenic J. Sarno on Wednesday vetoed as expected a city ordinance that seeks to resurrect a five-member citizen police commission. The mayor defended the current system of a single commissioner to oversee all operations including discipline. "It is not a time to rehash the same political squabbles that occurred more than 100 years ago and is not in the City's best interest to step back in time to return to a system that was, in the not so distant past, called 'dysfunctional' by experts in police administration," Sarno said in his veto statement. The 13-member council approved the five-member commission on Monday by an 11-1 vote. It will need at least nine votes -- a two-thirds majority -- to override the mayoral veto. The override could be considered by the council on Dec. 17. Under the ordinance, the commission would oversee hiring, firing, promotions and disciplinary action. Those duties, along with day-to-day oversight, are now handled by Police Commissioner John Barbieri. The five-member commission was eliminated by the state-imposed Finance Control Board in 2005, and the city changed from a police chief tied to civil service to a police commissioner appointed by the mayor to run the department. Sarno said that going back to a police commission "would reinstate a weaker model, where a Civil Service Chief of Police is insulated from accountability, and is unable to enforce mandates down the chain of command with the same strong authority that a single Police Commissioner is able to do." There has been criticism from many councilors and residents regarding police misconduct cases and disciplinary action taken by Barbieri. Councilors have said that with the creation of the police commission, Barbieri would still remain as the top police administrator. Sarno defended the current system of having a citizen advisory board to provide recommendations to Barbieri. Barbieri is in the final year of a five-year contract, but the contract can be extended by the mayor and is under negotiation. Sarno also vetoed the police commission in 2016, which resulted in a council override. Sarno never appointed members to the commission, and it was not slated to take effect until Barbieri's contract expired May 31, 2019. Sarno said the ordinance proposed "dates back more than 100 years ago." "My position has been well defined -- keep it professional, not political, and keep it legally sound," Sarno said. "The modern day model of a professional police commissioner administering and directing the department is the trend across the country, and has worked well here." The council changed the ordinance this time, eliminating a requirement that mayoral appointments to the commission be confirmed by the council. The lead sponsor, Councilor Timothy Ryan, said that change, keeping the mayor's appointment powers but eliminating council confirmation, was intended to not conflict with the city charter. In another key change, the ordinance is slated to "take effect upon passage" rather than wait until Barbieri's contract ends, which could be years when renewed by Sarno. Councilor Kenneth Shea cast the sole "no" vote, and Councilor Tracye Whitfield abstained. Sarno had recently stated he planned to veto the ordinance, and councilors were expecting the action. In his veto message, Sarno said the commission as proposed would usurp the mayor's Plan A (strong mayor government) powers under the city charter as amended and adopted in 1962. Councilors have said the Police Commission existed before and after the charter change without legal challenge. Councilor Michael Fenton at Monday's meeting suggested that the council invite Sarno and Barbieri to a subcommittee meeting to discuss the commission issue and concerns about an unrelated "welcoming community" ordinance regarding immigrants. Board of Police Commissioners Veto Press Release by The Republican/MassLive.com on Scribd There are 27 marijuana business applicants who have reached the second step of the City of Boston's licensing process. But only one is an equity applicant, a status given to marijuana businesses run by people involved in communities that were disproportionately affected by marijuana enforcement. As the first marijuana stores are opening in Massachusetts, the city of Boston is still grappling with its licensing process. One priority for city officials is ensuring that the city's minority residents are not left out and are able to tap into the lucrative industry -- even if that slows down the industry's growth. "We need a policy to help us correct the harms and right the wrongs that have been inflicted by mass incarceration," said Boston City Councilor Kim Janey, chairwoman of the Committee on Small Business and Consumer Affairs. Janey said the city saw in its issuing of liquor licenses that people of color were often locked out of the industry, as wealthier companies were able to obtain licenses. "We have a chance to get the cannabis industry right from the beginning," Janey said. The Boston City Council's Committee on Small Business and Consumer Affairs held a hearing Tuesday focused on equity in the marijuana industry in Boston. The hearing was proposed by councilors Timothy McCarthy and Congresswoman-elect Ayanna Pressley. Pressley said she learned from liquor licensing that, "It is damn hard to build equity into an existing industry." "Here we have an opportunity to be proactive and deliberate and inclusive and intentional and set the blueprint, be an example for the nation how to codify and implement equity in this industry," Pressley said. "No one has gotten this right." Nationally, in states that legalized marijuana, less than 2 percent of shops are owned by people of color, Pressley said. So far, the trends appear similar in Massachusetts. Of 192 license applications under review by the Cannabis Control Commission as of Nov. 20, only five businesses are minority-owned. Another 13 identify as owned by someone who meets two or more criteria for a disadvantaged business, which includes businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ people, or people with a disability. Marijuana agents -- employees who work at marijuana businesses -- must register with the Cannabis Control Commission. Among 1,306 agents who have applied for approval so far, 73 percent are white, according to the commission. Only 6 percent are Hispanic, and 4 percent are black. Although the Cannabis Control Commission gave priority status to some "economic empowerment" applicants, which refers to people from communities that were disproportionately affected by marijuana enforcement, many of those applicants have struggled to get their businesses going. In Boston, Mayor Marty Walsh opposed legalization, and the industry has been slow to roll out. The city has signed host agreements with just two recreational marijuana businesses: Green Line Boston, which wants to grow marijuana and manufacture products, and Ascend Mass, which wants to open a retail store. But those companies have not yet submitted completed applications to the state. The two proposed Boston businesses that have submitted state applications -- retailer JOF Enterprise and research and retail facility Leah -- have not yet signed host agreements with the city. John Barros, Boston's chief of economic development, said the city is trying to figure out how to make sure the industry "leaves a legacy of equity, inclusion and opportunity," acknowledging the damage marijuana had on communities but also its potential to create jobs and wealth."This is a journey that needs to be deliberate, intentional and should not be hurried because some people remember the mayor was no (on legalization)," Barros said. Barros said he thinks the difficulty facing minority businesses is less about Boston's application process, but more about difficulties businesses face before applying. Existing city programs to help small businesses with things like technical assistance and loans are not available to marijuana businesses because the programs are federally funded and marijuana remains federally illegal. "There's interest, and there's local interest, but the ramp up to get there is fraught with banks not trying to lend to these type of businesses, not having a lot of technical assistance out there," Barros said. Barros said he has been helping local applicants form partnerships with larger, national marijuana companies that have the money and knowledge to open businesses. Alexis Tkachuk, director of emerging industries for the city of Boston, said city officials have also been urging large marijuana companies that want to operate in Boston to help smaller, diverse businesses. Sira Naturals selected a Boston-based business run by a minority husband and wife, along with a Holyoke business, for an incubator program aimed at helping marijuana microbusinesses. MadMen underwrote a marijuana job fair in Boston and provided legal assistance there to help residents seal marijuana-related criminal records. Some possibilities Boston could consider to boost minority businesses include tying the number of total businesses that open to the number of equity businesses that open, offering loans and grants, providing technical assistance, helping with zoning variances, adding a residency requirement and giving some kind of preference to equity applicants. The cities of Cambridge and Somerville have already established social equity programs to help minority-owned businesses through the licensing process. Boston could potentially craft its own version of a program. City Councilor Andrea Campbell expressed frustration that Boston is just now having these conversations. She noted that city officials have known since 2016 that the marijuana industry was coming. "I feel like we're just behind the ball," Campbell said. Correction: Campbell's quote was previously misattributed to a different councilor. Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick will not run for president in 2020, according to a new report. Patrick called supporters this week informing them of his decision, Politico reports, citing sources close to the former governor. He was encouraged to seek the office by members of former President Barack Obama's circle. Obama himself reportedly encouraged Patrick to run. He expressed reluctance earlier this year about a presidential run in 2020. "It's hard to see how you even get noticed in such a big, broad field without being shrill, sensational or a celebrity -- and I'm none of those things and I'm never going to be any of those things," Patrick told David Axelrod, a former Obama adviser, on The Axe Files with David Axelrod. Patrick grew up in Chicago, moving to the East Coast when he received a scholarship to the prestigious Milton Academy in Massachusetts. He went on to attend Harvard College for undergraduate studies and Harvard Law School. He was elected governor in 2006, the first African American to lead Massachusetts. He served two terms in the office. He has served as managing director for Bain Capital since leaving the governor's office. Other Massachusetts politicians remain as potential Democratic contenders, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Secretary of State John Kerry. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will attend the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush. Baker's office said the governor will be traveling to Washington on Wednesday morning for the funeral. He will return in the evening. Baker and Bush are both Republicans. In a statement issued Saturday, Baker called Bush "a devoted public servant who served our country for decades in vast capacities." "We will not only remember his incredible legacy as a war hero and our 41st President, but celebrate his humble, kind and ambitious spirit that will be sorely missed," Baker said. In addition to the Bush family, President Donald Trump, former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter and many world leaders are expected to attend the state funeral of the 41st president. The federal government will be closed Wednesday to honor Bush. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at the National Cathedral. Attorneys for the Goldwater Institute filed a petition on Wednesday asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up its challenge of a Massachusetts campaign finance law that bans political contributions from businesses but allows contributions from unions. "The Supreme Court in recent years has emphasized that the government cannot use its laws to favor some voices or some groups in politics over others," said Jacob Huebert, lead attorney on the case for the Goldwater Institute, a conservative Arizona-based think tank. The Goldwater Institute is representing two business owners with ties to the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance who are plaintiffs in the case: Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance founder Rick Green and board member Mike Kane. The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance has been trying to change the so-called "union loophole" since 2013, when unions played a major role in deciding the Boston mayor's race. Under current state law, unions and trade associations can contribute up to $15,000 to a candidate, even though individuals can contribute only up to $1,000 and businesses cannot contribute. (Businesses are allowed to make independent expenditures supporting or opposing a candidate.) The ban on political contributions, established in 1907, is meant to prevent corruption. The law has typically helped Democrats, since unions in Massachusetts are a powerful political force that tend to align with the Democratic Party. A Superior Court judge, and then the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in September, upheld Massachusetts' ban on corporate contributions. SJC Chief Justice Ralph Gants said lawmakers have a right to ban business contributions as an anti-corruption measure, and they can treat businesses differently from other entities, like unions and trade associations. But Justice Scott Kafker, in a concurring opinion, noted that there are gaps in the U.S. Supreme Court case law. Kafker wrote that it remains unclear how the U.S. Supreme Court will reconcile older cases that allow different treatment of unions and businesses with the 2010 Citizens United decision, which rejects that distinction with regards to independent expenditures. Huebert plans to argue that the Massachusetts law is unconstitutional under the rights to free speech and equal protection. "We're asking the Supreme Court to clarify the law and make clear government can't use campaign finance rules to play favorites among groups in the political process," Huebert said. Kane, who owns Self Storage Inc. in Ashland, said small businesses should have as much of a right to make political contributions as unions. "I just want to be treated equally to others," Kane said. The state will have a chance to file a response before the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether to accept the case. Separately, the Office of Campaign and Political Finance plans to hold a hearing Thursday related to issues with the campaign finance rules raised by the SJC ruling. The hearing will address at what point a nonprofit or union that makes a political donation is considered a "political committee" that must disclose its donors and comply with various registration requirements and donation limits. Human service workers in Massachusetts are overwhelmingly female, minority and poor, according to a report released Wednesday by the Providers' Council, a trade association that represents the human service industry. The median wage for a worker in the human services field is $27,376, compared to $40,557 for all other Massachusetts industries. One in eight human service workers earn below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $31,170 for a family of three. "We've got to do better if we're going to be able to fill positions," said Michael Weekes, president and CEO of the Providers' Council. "Many of our providers have vacancies because they aren't able to compete financially and for the best and brightest to fill these positions." The human services field is growing in Massachusetts as the population ages. Today, human service workers fill around 180,000 jobs, around 5 percent of the state workforce. They staff inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse facilities; child care centers; vocational rehabilitation centers; individual and family services; and emergency food and housing services. The new report sheds light on who these workers are. According to the report, 80 percent of human service workers are women. That figure is higher in certain jobs - for example, 93 percent of child care workers are women. Human service workers are more likely to be black and Latino than workers in other fields, with 12.3 percent of the human service workforce identifying as black and 13.5 percent as Latino, compared to 6.2 and 9 percent, respectively, among all Massachusetts workers. Nearly 19 percent of human service workers are foreign-born. More than 7 percent of human service workers have a disability, compared to 4.6 percent of workers overall. The report notes the low wages paid to human service workers. The median household income for a household with a human service worker is $83,000, while the median household income overall in Massachusetts is around $104,000. "Despite having similar levels of educational attainment, human services workers are more likely to live below 150 percent of the poverty level, have lower median wages, and lower household incomes than workers in other industries," the report finds. The report states that particularly when students take on loans, entering the human services field may not be financially sustainable. Most human service organizations receive their money from taxpayers, through contracts with state government. The Providers' Council, which advocates for better pay and working conditions for human service workers, is likely to use the report to push to raise reimbursement rates for human service work. The report was published in partnership with the UMass Donahue Institute and UMass Dartmouth. It was released at an event Wednesday that featured a panel discussion with a Donahue Institute researcher, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta, state Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, and leaders of the North Suffolk Mental Health Association and AIDS Project Worcester. Lesser said before the event that human service workers face an "astronomical" burden as the population ages and their health needs become more complex. "Because the workforce has historically been female and people of color, that's unfortunately often meant their needs have not been given the attention they deserve," Lesser said. Lesser said government needs to pay more and professionalize the industry. He noted that retaining good workers who can care for patients at home results in fewer people entering the hospital and saves money in health care. Lesser said he will work to pass a bill this session to create a student loan forgiveness program for human service workers. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Scenario Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients or API, in short, are growing in an increscent manner due to the unmatched effects of active chemicals in the drugs and the portions that work on treating the condition. The bridging of foreign manufacturers and local distributors has led to extensive progress in the market over the past few years. The launch of innovative and improved APIs in the market will boost the markets progress to a great extent in the forthcoming period. Moreover, the constantly growing demand for biotech API has stimulated the firms to present better and new products to address the unmet requirements of the market. GET FREE SAMPLE REPORT @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1385 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Growth and Analysis The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) market globally is expected to expand with a CAGR of 4.93 percent during the forecast period while earning revenues past the USD 215 billion mark by the year 2023. The outlook for growth in the economy is likely to perceive a sweeping rise in the API industry owing to the growing occurrence of chronic disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and other infectious diseases which will lead to the launch of numerous innovative drugs. The rising cases of chronic diseases are also one of the foremost reasons for hospitalization with a huge number of patients with these conditions who may need re-admission in hospitals owing to an infection that can cause other chronic diseases. The expiration of patents of branded drugs has created a serious impression on drug manufacturers, as the companies can incur tremendous losses after expiration. Hence, the producers favor generic drugs over the branded ones. The generics are also expected to be the most rapidly growing type due to patent expirations of many blockbuster drugs. However, the rapidly increasing scope for high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients over the last decade has shifted the focus to the new biologics gold rush of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. As a result of this, the chemical API market for western contract manufacturers, on the whole, has undergone a sharp decline till 2015. Many custom manufacturing organizations (CMOs) have shifted their emphasis to rescheduling plants or manufacturing of higher-value biologics. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Segmental Analysis The segmental analysis of the market is based on the segments of the manufacturing process, API formulation, and application, type of synthesis, molecule, and region. The market segmentation by type of synthesis consists of biotech and synthetic segments. The synthetic segment in 2017 was worth USD 132,690.7 Mn. The manufacturing process based segmentation of the market comprises of contract manufacturing and captive manufacturing. The captive manufacturing segment presently has the significant market share and is expected to remain extremely lucrative throughout the assessment period. The API formulation segments the market into innovative API and generic API. The generic API segment presently held the leading market share in 2017. The segmentation based on molecule has been segmented into small molecule and large molecule. The small molecule segment is expected to maintain its top position till the end of 2023. The application based segmentation of the market has been segmented into oncology, cardiovascular disease, orthopedic disorders, neurological disorders, respiratory, urology, gastrointestinal disorders and others. The oncology segment is anticipated to develop with an incremental CAGR during the forecast period. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Regional Analysis The market for APIs has been segmented into Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC), and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). The Americas region presently controls the significant market portion, and the trend will probably carry on in the foreseeable future. This factor is majorly related to the robust value sustained by the small molecule segment in both Canada and the U.S. Additionally the pharmaceutical industry is among one of the major and most exceptional ventures in the US nations. The pharmaceutical organizations in the USA have developed quickly in comparison with other countries. The European and Asia Pacific region are also anticipated to continue growth in the revenue pockets for the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) market during the forecast period. Europe accounts for the second largest market for active pharmaceutical ingredients which is followed by the Asia Pacific region. While the APAC region, the markets course is mostly directed by factors such as the amplified level of expense on equipment and infrastructure, expanding initiatives which are motivating investment in APIs from drug makers to increase the capacity to produce APIs. OBTAIN COMPLETE 80 PAGES PREMIUM RESEARCH REPORT DETAILS ENABLED WITH RESPECTIVE 40+ TABLES AND FIGURES @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market-1385 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Competitive Analysis The players and key trends have created a positive tone for development. The competitors in the market are also leveraging their competitive benefits to secure their development in the market. The market progress by competitors also encompasses strong risk management strategies which are positively motivating the expansion of the market. Bayer AG, Eli Lilly and Company, Pfizer Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Abbott Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline Plc (GSK), Novartis AG, Merck & Co., Inc., and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Major Points form TOC for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Research Report Forecast to 2023 Chapter 1. Report Prologue Chapter 2. Market Introduction Chapter 3. Research Methodology Chapter 4. Market Dynamics Chapter 5. Market Factor Analysis Chapter 6. Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market, By Type Chapter 7. Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market, By Treatment Chapter 8 Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market, By End User Chapter 9. Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market, By Region Chapter 10 Company Landscape Chapter 11 Company Profiles Chapter 12 MRFR Conclusion Chapter 13 Appendix About Us: Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Acumen Research and Consulting has announced the addition of the report to their offering. The Algae DHA Market Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018 2025 Industry Report 2018 is an in depth study analyzing the current state of the Algae DHA Market Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018 2025. It provides brief overview of the market focusing on definitions, market segmentation, end-use applications and industry chain analysis. The study on Algae DHA Market Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018 2025 provides analysis of China market covering the industry trends, recent developments in the market and competitive landscape. Competitive analysis includes competitive information of leading players in China market, their company profiles, product portfolio, capacity, production, and company financials. In addition, report also provides upstream raw material analysis and downstream demand analysis along with the key development trends and sales channel analysis. Research study on Algae DHA Market Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018 2025 also discusses the opportunity areas for investors. Download Sample Report Copy From Here @ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/request-sample/902 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. Report Coverage: Market Global Algae DHA Market Analysis Period 2013 2025 Base Year 2017 Forecast Data 2018 2025 Market Stratification Type, Application, Geography Regional Scope North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India, and Others Report Coverage Market Trends, Drivers, Restraints, Competitive Analysis, Player Profiling, Regulation Analysis Market Players Algae DHA market include Goerlich Pharma GmbH, Source Omega LLC, Nordic Naturals, Deva Nutrition LLC Vegan Vitamins, ECPlaza Network Inc., Hubei Ruiren Biotechnology co., Ltd, Polaris EN, Novotech Nutraceuticals, Inc., Qualitas-Health, Corbion Biotech, Inc., and DSM Nutritional Products among others Our expert team will assist and customize the report so that it best fit your exact requirement, Click Here@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/request-customization/902 The major market segments of global Algae DHA Market Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018 2025 market are as below: Market By Type DHA Powder DHA Oil Market By Application Infant Formula Nutritional Supplements Food & Beverage Others Market By Geography North America Europe China Japan Southeast Asia India Others Table Of Contents: Chapter 1. Algae DHA Market Overview 1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Algae DHA 1.2 Algae DHA Segment by Types 1.2.1 Global Algae DHA Production (K MT) and Growth Rate (%) Comparison by Types (2013-2025) 1.2.2 Global Algae DHA Production Market Share (%) by Types in 2017 1.2.3 DHA powder 1.2.4 DHA oil 1.3 Global Algae DHA Segment by Applications 1.3.1 Global Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) Comparison by Applications (2013-2025) 1.3.2 Infant Formula 1.3.3 Nutritional Supplements 1.3.4 Food & Beverage 1.3.5 Others 1.4 Global Algae DHA Market by Regions (2013-2025) 1.4.1 Global Algae DHA Market Size and Growth Rate (%) Comparison by Regions (2013-2025) 1.4.2 North America Algae DHA Status and Prospect (2013-2025) 1.4.3 China Algae DHA Status and Prospect (2013-2025) 1.4.4 Europe Algae DHA Status and Prospect (2013-2025) 1.4.5 Japan Algae DHA Status and Prospect (2013-2025) 1.4.6 Southeast Asia Algae DHA Status and Prospect (2013-2025) 1.4.7 IndiaAlgae DHA Status and Prospect (2013-2025) 1.5 Global Algae DHA Market Size (2013-2025) 1.5.1 Global Algae DHA Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2013-2025) 1.5.2 Global Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT) Status and Outlook (2013-2025) Chapter 2. Global Algae DHA Market Competition by Manufacturers 2.1 Global Algae DHA Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018) 2.1.1 Global Algae DHA Capacity (K MT) and Share (%) by Manufacturers (2013-2018) 2.1.2 Global Algae DHA Production (K MT) and Share (%) by Manufacturers (2013-2018) 2.2 Global Algae DHA Revenue (Million USD) and Share (%) by Manufacturers (2013-2018) 2.3 Global Algae DHA Average Price (USD/MT) by Manufacturers (2013-2018) 2.4 Manufacturers Algae DHA Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types 2.5 Algae DHA Market Competitive Situation and Trends 2.5.1 Algae DHA Market Concentration Rate 2.5.2 Algae DHA Market Share (%) of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers Chapter 3. Global Algae DHA Production by Regions (2013-2018) 3.1 Global Algae DHA Capacity(K MT) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2013-2018) 3.2 Global Algae DHA Production (K MT) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2013-2018) 3.3 Global Algae DHA Revenue and Market Share (%) by Regions (2013-2018) 3.4 Global Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/MT) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 3.5 North America Algae DHA Production (2013-2018) 3.5.1 North America Algae DHA Production (K MT) and Growth Rate (%) (2013-2018) 3.5.2 North America Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/MT) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 3.6 Europe Algae DHA Production (2013-2018) 3.6.1 Europe Algae DHA Production (K MT) and Growth Rate (%) (2013-2018) 3.6.2 Europe Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/MT) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 3.7 China Algae DHA Production (2013-2018) 3.7.1 China Algae DHA Production (K MT) and Growth Rate (%) (2013-2018) 3.7.2 China Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/MT) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 3.8 Japan Algae DHA Production (2013-2018) 3.8.1 Japan Algae DHA Production (K MT) and Growth Rate (%) (2013-2018) 3.8.2 Japan Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/MT) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 3.9 Southeast AsiaAlgae DHA Production (2013-2018) 3.9.1 Southeast AsiaAlgae DHA Production (K MT) and Growth Rate (%) (2013-2018) 3.9.2 Southeast AsiaAlgae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/MT) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 3.10 India Algae DHA Production (2013-2018) 3.10.1 IndiaAlgae DHA Production (K MT) and Growth Rate (%) (2013-2018) 3.10.2 IndiaAlgae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/MT) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) Chapter 4. Global Algae DHA Consumption(K MT)by Regions (2013-2018) 4.1 Global Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) by Regions (2013-2018) 4.2 North America Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) (2013-2018) 4.3 Europe Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) (2013-2018) 4.4 China Algae DHA Consumption(K MT) (2013-2018) 4.5 Japan Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) (2013-2018) 4.6 Southeast Asia Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) (2013-2018) 4.7 India Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) (2013-2018) 4.8 Rest of the World Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) (2013-2018) Chapter 5. Global Algae DHA Production, Revenue, Price Trend by Types 5.1 Global Algae DHA Production (K MT) and Market Share (%) by Types (2013-2018) 5.2 Global Algae DHA Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Types (2013-2018) 5.3 Global Algae DHA Price (USD/MT) by Type (2013-2018) 5.4 Global Algae DHA Production Growth (%) by Type (2013-2018) Chapter 6. Global Algae DHA Market Analysis by Applications 6.1 Global Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2013-2018) 6.2 Global Algae DHA Consumption Growth Rate by Applications (2013-2018) Chapter 7. Global Algae DHA Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis 7.1 DSM 7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.1.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.1.3 DSM Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/KG) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview 7.2 Lonza 7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.2.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.2.3 Lonza Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/KG) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview 7.3 Cellana 7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.3.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.3.3 Cellana Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/KG) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview 7.4 JC Biotech 7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.4.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.4.3 JC Biotech Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Capacity Utilization Rate (%) (2013-2018) 7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview 7.5 FEMICO Algae DHA 7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.5.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.5.3 FEMICO Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Capacity Utilization Rate (%) (2013-2018) 7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview 7.6 Runke 7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.6.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.6.3 RUNKE Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Capacity Utilization Rate (%) (2013-2018) 7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview 7.7 Bioco 7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.7.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.7.3 Main Business/Business Overview 7.8 CABIO 7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.8.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.8.3 CABIO Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/KG) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview 7.9 Fuxing 7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.9.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.9.3 Fuxing Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/KG) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview 7.10 Huison 7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.10.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.10.3 Main Business/Business Overview 7.11 Kingdomway 7.11.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.11.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.11.3 Kingdomway Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/KG) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 7.11.4 Main Business/Business Overview 7.12 Yuexiang 7.12.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.12.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.12.3 Main Business/Business Overview 7.13 Keyuan 7.13.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors 7.13.2 Algae DHA Product Category, Application and Specification 7.13.3 Keyuan Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/KG) and Gross Margin (%) (2013-2018) 7.13.4 Main Business/Business Overview Chapter 8. Algae DHA Manufacturing Cost Analysis 8.1 Algae DHAKey Raw Materials Analysis 8.1.1 Key Raw Materials 8.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials 8.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials 8.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials 8.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure 8.2.1 Raw Materials 8.2.2 Labor Cost 8.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses 8.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Algae DHA Chapter 9. Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers 9.1 Algae DHA Industrial Chain Analysis 9.2 Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing 9.3 Raw Materials Sources of Algae DHA Major Players in 2017 9.4 Downstream Buyers Chapter 10. Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders 10.1 Marketing Channel 10.1.1 Direct Marketing 10.1.2 Indirect Marketing 10.1.3 Marketing Channel Development Trend 10.2 Market Positioning 10.2.1 Pricing Strategy 10.2.2 Brand Strategy 10.2.3 Target Client 10.3 Distributors/Traders List Chapter 11. Market Effect Factors Analysis 11.1 Technology Progress/Risk 11.1.1 Substitutes Threat 11.1.2 Technology Progress in Related Industry 11.2 Consumer Needs/Customer Preference Change 11.3 Economic/Political Environmental Change Chapter 12. Global Algae DHA Market Forecast (2018-2025) 12.1 Global Algae DHA Capacity, Production, Revenue Forecast (2018-2025) 12.1.1 Global Algae DHA Capacity, Production (K MT) and Growth Rate (%) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.1.2 Global Algae DHA Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (%) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.1.3 Global Algae DHA Price and Trend Forecast (2018-2025) 12.2 Global Algae DHA Production (K MT) Forecast by Regions (2018-2025) 12.2.1 North America Algae DHA Production (K MT) and Revenue (Million USD) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.2.2 Europe Algae DHA Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.2.3 China Algae DHA Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.2.4 Japan Algae DHA Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.2.5 Southeast Asia Algae DHA Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.2.6 India Algae DHA Production (K MT), Revenue (Million USD) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.3 Global Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) Forecast by Regions (2018-2025) 12.3.1 North America Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.3.2 Europe Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.3.3 China Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.3.4 Japan Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.3.5 Southeast Asia Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.3.6 India Algae DHA Consumption (K MT) Forecast (2018-2025) 12.4 Global Algae DHA Production, Revenue and Price Forecast by Type (2018-2025) 12.5 Global Algae DHA Consumption Forecast by Application (2018-2025) Chapter 13. Research Findings and Conclusion Chapter 14. Methodology and Data Source 14.1 Methodology/Research Approach 14.1.1 Research Programs/Design 14.1.2 Market Size Estimation 14.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation 14.2 Data Source 14.2.1 Secondary Sources 14.2.2 Primary Sources Ask Query Here: frank@acumenresearchandconsulting.com or sales@acumenresearchandconsulting.com Inquiry Before Buying@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/inquiry-before-buying/902 To Purchase this Premium Report@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/buy-now/0/902 About Us: Acumen Research and Consulting (ARC) is a global provider of market intelligence and consulting services to information technology, investment, telecommunication, manufacturing, and consumer technology markets. ARC helps investment communities, IT professionals, and business executives to make fact based decisions on technology purchases and develop firm growth strategies to sustain market competition. With the team size of 100+ Analysts and collective industry experience of more than 200 years, Acumen Research and Consulting assures to deliver a combination of industry knowledge along with global and country level expertise. Cancer Biomarker Market Scenario As per the report that has been published by Market Research Future (MRFR), the global cancer biomarkers market is anticipated to expand remarkably at a noteworthy CAGR of 15.8% during the forecast period of 2017-2023. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death across the globe. The early stage cancer is diagnosed with the help of biomarkers that are molecules, proteins, or processes indicating the presence of cancerous cells and biological state of tumors in the body. Market Drivers and Restraints: Rise in prevalence of cancer and extensive research in biomarkers by various research institutes are some of the major factors driving the growth of the global cancer biomarkers market. Extensive application of cancer biomarkers for diagnosis and identification of early-stage cancer, risk assessment, prognosis and treatment predictions, monitoring treatment response and others are fueling the growth of the global cancer biomarkers market. Request Sample Report at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5378 The increasing use of biomarkers in cancer research for development of effective new drugs and increasing application of cancer biomarkers in the area of surrogate endpoints are positively impacting the growth of the global cancer biomarkers market. Proliferation in government initiatives and funding for development of novel cancer diagnostic techniques is acting as one of the major drivers for the expansion of the global cancer biomarkers market. Increasing adoption of advanced technology for research and development of highly effective drugs and accurate diagnosis of cancer are anticipated to fuel the growth of the global cancer biomarkers market. However, high cost of development and validation of biomarkers, reluctance in adoption of advanced technology and low detection rate are likely to act as restraints on the growth of the global cancer biomarkers market. Cancer Biomarker Market Segmentation: The global cancer biomarkers market is segmented on the basis of types, application and end-users. Based on type, the cancer biomarkers market is segmented into protein biomarkers, genetic biomarkers and others. Based on application, the cancer biomarkers market is segmented into diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic. The diagnostic segmented is sub-segmented into imaging and non-imaging. Based on end-users, the cancer biomarkers market is segmented into pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, diagnostic tool companies, healthcare it/big data companies, clinical laboratories. Cancer Biomarker Market Competitive Analysis: The players in the global cancer biomarkers market are increasing the research and development funding for introducing new biomarkers that would help in accurate diagnosis and development of new drugs for treating cancer. The recent discoveries and developments are strengthening the competition among the players and simultaneously fueling the growth of the global cancer biomarkers market. In July 2018, researchers from University of Delhi and National Institute for Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida (India), have identified two proteins, survivin and STAT3, as potential biomarkers for gastric cancer progression. Browse Complete 85 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with 30+ Respective Tables and Figures at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/cancer-biomarker-market-5378 Prominent Players: Bristol-Myers Squibb GlaxoSmithKline Abbott Laboratories Hoffmann-La Roche AG Becton Dickinson PerkinElmer and more. Cancer Biomarker Market Regional Analysis: The global cancer biomarker market consists of four major regions: the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. America holds the largest market share in the cancer biomarker market owing to increasing prevalence of cancers in the U.S. and Canada. Growing prevalence of malignancies coupled with increasing focus on development of targeted therapies is a major factor affirming positive growth of this market. North America dominated the regional segment followed closely by Europe. High adoption of innovative technology, presence of key pharmaceutical companies, established R&D infrastructure pertaining to the development of novel diagnostic products and increased demand for specific & early diagnostics are the major factors for aforementioned dominance. In Europe, Germany, the U.K, and France are the largest contributors to the market owing to the availability of funds for research, and extensive research and development activities in oncology. In Asia Pacific, India, and China are the fastest developing regions in the market owing to an overall demand for early diagnostic and treatment services, and increasing expenditure on primary care services across Asia Pacific. However, the Asia Pacific region owing to increasing prevalence of cancer, beneficial environment for clinical trials, and increasing government funding for supporting drug development programs is anticipated to witness lucrative CAGR over the forecast period. Moreover, growing focus of pharmaceutical companies over this region coupled with rising awareness for biomarker-based diagnosis is one of the high impact-rendering drivers for growth. Cancer Biomarker Market Research Report- Global Forecast till 2023: 1 Report Prologue 2 Market Introduction 3 Research Methodology 4 Market Dynamics 5 Market Impact Analysis 6 Asia Pacific Aesthetics Market, By Procedure TOC CONTINUED Check Discount at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/5378 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 Companion Diagnostics Market Highlights Companion Diagnostics is the as a bio-analytical method designed for the assessment of the patient to check whether patient responds to a specific medical treatment or not. Companion diagnostics are used to determine which patients are benefited from a certain type of medication or which therapies are best suited for the patients with certain medical conditions. The Global Companion Diagnostics Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.4% during forecasted period 2017-2023. Companion diagnostics involves tests and devices or tools which provide information about the safe and effective use of the specific therapeutic product. It not only provides information about the efficacy of the drugs but also the side effects that are associated with the drug. To control the rising cost of the drug discovery and development for the deadly and chronic diseases, the need for companion diagnostics is increasing; and with the increasing demand for the companion diagnostic tools and techniques, the global market for the companion diagnostics is growing. Request Sample copy at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3077 Among all the regions in the world, the U.S. has been the first choice for a suitable deployment of companion diagnostic solutions due to the availability of established healthcare system and technological advancement. Moreover, a number of CDx initiatives, research & development programs, product launch and diagnostic tools have emerged and lot many are still in the pipeline. The U.S. has gained significant pharmaceutical developments along with FDA approvals; patents and licensing that enable it to position itself in the global companion diagnostic market. Companion Diagnostics Market Segmentation: The global companion diagnostics market has been segmented on the basis of technology which comprises of Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), In-situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. On the basis of application, market is segmented into cancer, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, CNS diseases, and others On the basis of end user, market is segmented into pharmaceutical & biotech companies, clinical laboratories, CRO, and other. Key Vendors: Abbott Agilent Technologies ARUP Laboratories Myriad Genetics QIAGEN N.V. And others. Browse Complete 107 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with 126 Respective Tables and Figures at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/companion-diagnostic-market-3077 Companion Diagnostics Market Regional Outlook Geographically, the regional market is segmented into America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. The North America includes the U.S., and Canada; and presently, they together dominate the global companion diagnostic market. Further, South America comprises of countries such as Brazil, Peru, Columbia, and Panama among others, and they all contribute a very small share in the global companion diagnostic market. Europe, accounts for the second largest, in the global companion diagnostics market. The European region includes both Western and Eastern European countries which are involved in development of companion diagnostics. The major countries in the Western Europe are Germany, France, UK, Italy, and Spain. These companion diagnostic solutions are increasing the efficiency of the healthcare workforce and systems driven by the increasing adoption of precise diagnostic tools, electronic healthcare records and drugs prescribed particularly for a disease. Asia-Pacific region is estimated to be the fastest growing market due to continuous developments in developing countries like India and China. Major TOC of Companion Diagnostic Market Research Report- Global Forecast to 2023: 1 Report Prologue 2 Market Introduction 3 Research Methodology 4 Market Dynamics 5 Market Factor Analysis 6 Global Companion Diagnostics Market, By Technology 7 Global Companion Diagnostics Market, By Application 8 Global Companion Diagnostics Market, By End User 9 Global Companion Diagnostics Market, By Region 10 Competitive Landscape 11 Company Profile 12 List of Tables 13 List of Figures Check Discount at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/3077 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 Market Research Future has just added another market concentrate to its broad research portfolio, titled . The report offers shrewd bits of knowledge and utilizations careful examination of market components to measure advertise size and advancement. Market Scenario The global healthcare IT market is presumed to expand at 15% CAGR during the forecast period (2018-2023) owing to the growing need to curtail healthcare costs, asserts Market Research Future (MRFR). Healthcare information technology or Healthcare IT is a vast field that applies IT to create, design, use, and maintain the data systems in healthcare. It enables the exchange of health-related information electronically among different organizations. Wireless technologies available in the market are WLAN, ZigBee technology, Bluetooth, WWAN, WMAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and others. Potential and Pitfalls With the growing need to curtail healthcare costs and manage regulatory compliance through healthcare IT solutions, the global healthcare IT market is considered to expand at a rapid pace. Also, high return on investment for healthcare IT solution and government support for healthcare IT solutions are further anticipated to stimulate the global market. Moreover, the ever-increasing population and urbanization are fueling the demand for automated procedures, thereby driving the global market. A steady rise in prominence of big data analytics in the digital healthcare sector is considered to fuel the market growth in the coming years. With the growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, blood pressure, and kidney disorders, the global market for healthcare IT is likely to flourish. On the flip side, reluctance among the medical professionals to adopt advanced IT tools related to healthcare and high cost of deployment are some of the major factors considered to impede the market growth in the coming years. Get Sample Copy of @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5950 Competitive Dashboard The major players operating the global market are Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. (U.S.), McKesson Corporation (U.S.), Kronos Incorporated (U.S.), Oracle Corporation (U.S.), United Healthcare Group (U.S.), Cerner Corporation (U.S.), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (The Netherlands), Wolters Kluwer (Netherland), CSI Healthcare IT (U.S.), Infor Inc. (U.S.), Anthelio Healthcare Solutions Inc. (U.S.), GE Healthcare (UK), Dell Technologies (U.S.), Spok Inc. (U.S.), Epic Systems Corporation (U.S.), McKesson Corporation (U.S.), CTS (U.S.), athenahealth Inc. (U.S.), Orion Health (New Zealand), IBM (U.S.), Syntel Inc. (U.S.), Lexmark Healthcare (U.S.), Conifer Health Solutions (U.S.), 3M Health Information Systems (U.S.), and others. Global Healthcare IT Market: Segmental Analysis The healthcare IT market has been segmented on the basis of component, products and services, end-users, and region. By mode of products and services, the global healthcare IT market has been segmented into healthcare payer solutions, healthcare provider solutions, HCIT outsourcing services, and others. On the basis of component, the healthcare IT market has been segmented into software, services, and hardware. By mode of end-user, the global healthcare IT market has been segmented into healthcare payers, healthcare providers, third-party administrators, research centers, and government institutions. Among all the regions, hospitals are considered to form the largest end-user segment of the global healthcare IT market. The growth is due to the high demand for various healthcare IT solutions among hospitals to manage the increasing load of patient information generated in the hospitals. Also, the growing need to improve the healthcare quality while improving operational efficiencies within the organizations is likely to fuel the segment growth. Regional Insights Geographically, the healthcare IT market span across regions namely, Europe, America, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. Among all the regions, America is considered to hold the largest share in the market and is presumed to maintain its dominance in the coming years. The growth is attributed to the presence of high-quality healthcare systems along with modern medical technology in this region. Europe registers the second position in the global market as healthcare providers in this region are extensively adopting social media technologies. The Asia Pacific region is considered to register the fastest growth due to the accelerated economic growth of the countries. Also, the growing need to control the soaring healthcare costs are responsible for the emerging trends toward the digitization of patient records. Industry Updates November 01, 2018: National Health Service Scotland has recently signed a new agreement with Microsoft in order to deploy Office 365 and migrate all systems to Windows 10 E5. This effort has been made to mitigate any potential threats and boost cyber resilience. TABLE OF CONTENT Chapter 1. Report Prologue Chapter 2. Market Introduction Chapter 3. Research Methodology Chapter 4. Market Dynamics Chapter 5. Market Factor Analysis Chapter 6. Global Healthcare IT Market, By Product & Services Chapter 7. Global Healthcare IT Market, By Component Chapter 8. Global Healthcare IT Market, By End-User Chapter 9 Global Healthcare IT Market, By Region Chapter 10 Company Landscape Chapter 11 Company Profiles Chapter 12. MRFR Conclusion Chapter 13 Appendix Continued! Browse Full Reports @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/healthcare-it-market-5950 About US: Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com The Global Nurse Call System Market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. It is estimated that the global nurse call system market is expected to register a CAGR ~ 9.5 % during the forecast period from 2018 to 2023. Nurse call systems are aimed at alerting the nurses in case of medical emergency situations or when patients need care. These systems are also used to track a patient particularly in assisted living or old age centers or are used to give a signal of a probable situation in case of ambulatory services. Nurse call systems are intended to alert the nurses in case of medical emergency or need for care. These systems are also used to track a patient or to give an indication of an untoward incidence. The increasing geriatric population, technological advancements in the nurse call systems and growing need for better-integrated hospital platforms are expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Additionally, preference for mobile devices among people is likely to boost the market growth. On the other hand, high costs of implementation and lack of skilled professionals who can coordinate IT and healthcare both may hinder the growth of the market during the forecast period. To Get Exclusive Sample Report visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5631 The Global Nurse Call System Market is currently dominated by many market players. The key players in the market are engaging themselves in new product launches and strategic collaborations to strengthen its market position. For instance, in July 2017, Austco Communication Systems Pty Ltd. launched Pulse Mobile, which is a nurse call alarm management component for smartphones. The Global Nurse Call System Market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. It is estimated that the global nurse call system market is expected to register a CAGR ~ 9.5 % during the forecast period from 2018 to 2023. Key Players Global Nurse Call System Market Market Research Future (MRFR) recognizes the following companies as the key players in Nurse Call System Market: There are plenty of large and small market players which operate in this market all over the globe. Some of the key players in the global nurse call system market are Austco Communication Systems Pty Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., Hill-Rom Services Inc., Ascom, Johnson Controls., CSINC, AMETEK, Inc., STANLEY Healthcare, West-Com Nurse Call System, Inc, Azure Healthcare, Cornell Communications, Jeron Electronic Systems Inc., Vigil Health Solutions Inc., BEC Integrated Solutions, LLC, and Systems Technologies. Segments Global Nurse Call System Market The global nurse call system market has been segmented into type, technology, applications, and end-users. The market, on the basis of type, has been segmented into nurse call buttons, nurse call integrated communication systems, nurse call mobile systems, nurse call intercoms, and others. The market, by technology, has been segmented into wired systems and wireless systems. Wired systems are anticipated to account for the largest market share by technology, owing to its low cost and its fast speed of transmission. Wireless systems are expected to be the fastest growing due to their high level of system integration, better patient mobility and changing trends in the field of communication technology. The market, by applications, has been segmented into a medical emergency, alarms, workflow management, and others. The market, by end users, has been segmented into hospitals & nursing homes, assisted living centers, ambulatory care centers, and others. Regional Analysis Global Nurse Call System Market The market in the Americas is expected to dominate the global nurse call system market during the forecast period owing to the speedy adoption of new technologies and the presence of many large hospitals. According to an article published by the American Hospital Association in 2018, the US has a total of 5,534 registered hospitals. The European market is expected to be the second-largest due to the well-developed healthcare infrastructure and rising geriatric population in the region. Moreover, the market in Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing during the assessment period owing to rising expenditure on the improvement of healthcare infrastructure and a growing aging population which is increasing the patient population. The market in the Middle East & Africa is likely to account for the smallest share of the global nurse call system market. The market growth in this region can be attributed to the improving healthcare infrastructure. To Browse Complete Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/nurse-call-system-market-5631 Some Brief Table of Contents of Report Chapter 1. Report Prologue Chapter 2. Market Introduction 2.1 Definition 2.2 Scope Of The Study 2.2.1 Research Objective 2.2.2 Assumptions 2.2.3 Limitations Chapter 3. Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Primary Research 3.3 Secondary Research 3.4 Market Size Estimation Chapter 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Drivers 4.2 Restrains 4.3 Opportunities 4.4 Challenges 4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators 4.6 Technology Trends & Assessment Chapter 5. Market Factor Analysis 5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis 5.1.1 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers TOC Continued List of Tables Table 1 Global Nurse Call System Market Synopsis, 20182023 Table 2 Global Nurse Call System Market Estimates And Forecast, 20182023 (USD Million) Table 3 Global Nurse Call System Market, By Region, 20182023 (USD Million) Table 4 Global Nurse Call System Market, By Type, 20182023 (USD Million) Table 5 Global Nurse Call System Market, By Technology, 20182023(USD Million) Continued List of Figures Figure 1 Research Process Figure 2 Segmentation For Global Nurse Call System Market Figure 3 Segmentation Market Dynamics For Global Nurse Call System Market Figure 4 Global Nurse Call System Market Share, By Type, 2017 Figure 5 Global Nurse Call System Market Share, By Technology, 2017 Continued Do You Have Specific Requirement? Ask To Our Experts https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/5631 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Latest Industry Updates October 31, 2018: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently announced that they have approved the marketing of 23andMes reports on pharmacogenetics. The genetic-testing company claims are designed to assess whether the genetics will affect an individuals ability to metabolize certain drugs which include antidepressants. Nov 2017: Myriad Genetics, Inc., announced positive results from a double-blind, multi-center, randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of the GeneSight Psychotropic test (GeneSight) on psychiatric treatment response in 1,200 patients with major depressive disorder. GeneSight is one of the leading pharmacogenomics test to help guide medication selection for mental health disorders. The Global Pharmacogenomics Market is presumed to register 5.8% CAGR during the forecast period (2017-2023) owing to the rising prevalence of several infectious and non-infectious diseases, asserts Market Research Future (MRFR). Pharmacogenomics refers to the study of inherited variations in the human genes that affect an individuals reaction to a specific drug. Various genetic tests are performed in pharmacogenomics to determine targeted drug therapies and treatment procedures to be adopted in order to reduce side effects and improve the results. Get PDF Sample Copy of Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1177 Drivers and Constraints Impacting the Market With the growing prevalence of various infectious and non-infectious diseases, growing demand for personalized drugs, increasing usage in drug discovery process, and increasing awareness about the benefits of pharmacogenomics are stimulating the market during the assessment period. Pharmacogenomics offers effective treatment therapeutics which is both reliable and safe. Thus, increasing awareness about its benefits is anticipated to augment the market growth in the coming years. Also, innovation and rapid advancements of new healthcare technologies such as High Throughput Screening (HTS), next-generation sequencing, and Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) are further influencing the market growth. On the flip side, lack of consistency in pharmacogenomics and lack of awareness are some of the key factors considered to impede the market growth in the coming years. Global Pharmacogenomics Market Competitive Analysis Pharmacogenomics in recent years has used a new generation of technology approaches that has led to a revolution in the understanding of disease susceptibility and pathophysiology, providing enormous potential for novel therapeutic strategies. However, with companies aiming to capture a considerable share of the market segment as early as possible, they are competing and experimenting with various advantage points. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be captured by ensuring ongoing process improvements and financial flexibility to invest in the best strategies. The noteworthy players operating the global market are Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel), Assurex Health Inc. (U.S.), Future Science Group (U.S.), Pathway Genomics (U.S.), Myriad Genetics Inc. (U.S.), GeneDx. (U.S.), GeneTech (U.S.), 23andMe Inc. (U.S.), and others. Regional Analysis of Pharmacogenomics Market Geographically, the pharmacogenomics market span across regions namely, Europe, America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. The American region is considered to dominate the global pharmacogenomics market and is estimated to maintain its dominance during the assessment period. The growth is attributed to the presence of developed countries such as Canada and the U.S. along with a well-developed healthcare sector. Also, growing number of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases have stimulated the growth of the market in this region. The European region is considered to be the second largest market owing to the availability of funds for research and development activities. Moreover, the presence of huge patient population is influencing the market positively. With the presence of developed countries such as France and Germany, the market is likely to flourish during the review period. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region owing to the continuously developing economies such as China and India and presence of huge patient population. Meanwhile, the Middle East and Africa hold the least share owing to the presence of poor economy, strict government policies, and low per capita healthcare expenditure in this region. Global Pharmacogenomics Market: Segmental Analysis The global pharmacogenomics market has been segmented on the basis of application, technology, end-user, and region. By mode of technology, the global pharmacogenomics market has been segmented into sequencing, microarray, polymerase chain reaction, and others. Among these, the sequencing segment has been sub-segmented into pyrosequencing, Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing, and others. By mode of application, the global pharmacogenomics market has been segmented into cardiology, oncology, neurological disorders, and others. Among these, the oncology segment has been sub-segmented into lung cancer, breast cancer, and others. By mode of end-users, the global pharmacogenomics market has been segmented into research organizations, hospitals, academic institute, and others. Get Complete Access of Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/pharmacogenomics-market-1177 Some Brief Table of Content Chapter 1. Report Prologue Chapter 2. Market Introduction 2.1 Definition 2.2 Scope Of The Study 2.2.1 Research Objective 2.2.2 Assumptions 2.2.3 Limitations Chapter 3. Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Primary Research 3.3 Secondary Research 3.4 Market Size Estimation Chapter 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Drivers TOC Continued LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Pharmacogenomics Industry Synopsis, 2017 2023 Table 2 Global Pharmacogenomics Market Estimates And Forecast, 2017 2023, (USD Million) Table 3 Global Pharmacogenomics Market By Region, 2017 2023, (USD Million) Table 4 Global Pharmacogenomics Market By Technology, 2017 2023, (USD Million) Table 5 Global Pharmacogenomics Market By Application, 2017 2023, (USD Million) Table 6 Global Pharmacogenomics Market By End Users, 2017 2023, (USD Million) Continued LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Research Process Figure 2 Segmentation For Global Pharmacogenomics Market Figure 3 Segmentation Market Dynamics For Global Pharmacogenomics Market Figure 4 Global Pharmacogenomics Market Share, By Technology 2016 Figure 5 Global Pharmacogenomics Market Share, By Application 2016 Figure 6 Global Pharmacogenomics Market Share, By End Users, 2016 Continued.. Get Exclusive Discount on Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/1177 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Erwan Rambourg, an analyst at HSBC who follows Apple, today issued a brutal view of the tech giant, sending the stock downward and putting wrinkles in the company's marketing future. Apples iconic hardware unit growth is broadly over for now, he writes. Revenues are only supported by higher selling prices and by the development of services. Flat unit growth has hit Apples share price and incidentally its key suppliers. What has made the success of Apple, a concentrated portfolio of highly desirable (and pricey) products is now facing the reality of market saturation. With that, HSBC downgraded Apple to hold from buy and chopped its 12-month price $5 per share, to $200. Apple, which started the trading day at $184.82, was trading at $177.78 at about 2 pm. Tuesday, but its a down day overall on Wall Street. advertisement advertisement Apple has been exhibiting some un-Apple-ish behavior recently. Parts of its marketing staff are now re-assigned to specifically push iPhone sales, reports the website ZeroHedge.com. It is now pushing trade-ins of old models for new ones and some obvious discount deals on the new iPhone XR. Rambourg says Apples path to better times again is to concentrate on its high-margin service businesses: the App Store, Apple Care, Apple Pay, iTunes and cloud services. We see no unit growth for the iPhone, Rambourg told Bloomberg News today. And while he said Apple still has a certain glow for some consumers in the U.S., U.K., Australia and Japan, he thinks aggressive Chinese smartphone competitors in huge emerging markets like China and India will be tough to beat. Part of Apples challenge there is the affordability issue. While Apple may sell well to high-income earners in emerging markets, there just arent as many of them to woo. Three weeks ago, Guggenheim Securities also lowered its expectations for Apple, taking it from a buy recommendation to neutral. And on Monday, audio chip supplier Cirrus Logic, which gets most of its revenue from Apple, trimmed its forecast, citing weakness in the market. Apple, like other smartphone makers, is also feeling the effects of a mature market for many of its devices. Theres evidence theres a certain saturation in certain markets, Rambourg said, as the smartphone market moves from recruitment to the replacement cycle. And he said, the incremental innovations in newer iterations of Apple phones dont seem to be as eye-popping as in the past. by Alex Weprin , December 5, 2018 Hulu has signed a deal with the Sony Pictures Television-owned anime distributor Funimation, adding thousands of hours of content to the streaming services library. The deal gives Hulu the right to dozens of new series every year, starting in 2019, with subtitled day and date releases tied to the episodes debuting in Japan. It also includes access to Funimations anime library, more than 10,000 hours of programming, both subtitled and dubbed. Shows in the deal include My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan and Tokyo Ghoul. Hulu and Funimation have been partners for a number of years, though previous deals only covered a portion of the Funimation library. Funimation ended another agreement it had with WarnerMedia-owned CrunchyRoll in October. advertisement advertisement Terms of the deal between Funimation and Hulu were not disclosed. Anime has become a key genre for Hulu, which also has U.S. streaming rights to popular shows like Naruto Shippuden and Sailor Moon. The company says it is committed to expanding and curating its library of anime content. Anime is a genre table to drive niche streaming services, however ownership or long-term deals are clear necessities, as the CrunchyRoll deal cancellation illustrates. Funimation has a niche streaming offering of its own with the same anime programming, but by selling its programming to Hulu, it can hedge against its own inventory, giving anime lovers a more mainstream option to view its content. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, December 5, 2018 The Federal Communications Commission's plan for text messaging could allow carriers to censor political speech, engage in price-gouging and violate consumers' privacy, watchdogs warn in a new letter to the agency. The letter comes in response to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's recent proposal to classify text-messaging as an information service. If approved, text-messaging services won't be subject to the same common carrier rules as telephone calls -- including rules that prohibit blocking, as well as rules requiring carriers to protect people's privacy and engage in fair billing practices. We fear that permitting carriers to block messages without any oversight will result in censoring time-critical speech, hamper efforts to organize political engagement and severely restrict the ability of civil rights organizations, religious organizations, and other non-commercial organizations to use texting platforms to their full capability, Public Knowledge, the Open Technology Institute, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and more than a dozen other groups write. advertisement advertisement The groups note that carriers have prohibited groups from using short-codes for controversial messages since at least 2007, when Verizon Wireless prevented the abortion rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America to send SMS alerts to people who had requested them. (After an article about the issue appeared in The New York Times, Verizon changed its position.) NARAL Pro-Choice isn't unique, the groups write. Organizations such as Catholic Relief Services have had their texting programs threatened with blocking for experimenting with new donation programs, the letter states. Immigration rights activists have been unable to reach important constituencies because certain carriers would not honor their short codes. Public Knowledge and the other groups add that classifying text messaging as an information service, and not a Title II telecommunications service could end a host of consumer protections -- including the agency's truth-in-billing standards, prohibitions on price gouging and rules requiring telephone carriers to keep customers' information confidential. For his part, Pai contends that classifying text messages as a largely unregulated information service will enable carriers to combat robotexts. Not surprisingly, the industry group CTIA, which represents wireless companies, supports Pai. That group says passage of Pai's proposal will preserve the wireless industrys ability to protect consumers from unwanted spam messages (Robotexts) in todays competitive messaging environment. But the consumer groups say the FCC can prohibit carriers from blocking texts based on content, while still allowing the carries to block spammy robotexts. While we all support the goal of reducing spam and robocalls, the Commission has repeatedly made clear in the past that Title II classification does not prevent carriers from using technological means to block unwanted texts or robocalls, the groups write. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, December 5, 2018 Conspiracy theorist and pizzagate promoter David Seaman has sued Google for banning him from YouTube. Google and YouTube are censoring videos, including those published by David, not based on any objective finding of inappropriate material, but on Google and YouTubes purely subjective perception of what they deem politically correct and incorrect, he alleges in a complaint filed this week in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The complaint alleges that between 2014 and 2017, Seaman posted hundreds of videos dealing with pedophilia, human trafficking and 'Pizzagate.' (Like some other right-wing conspiracy theorists, Seaman promoted the false theory that Hillary Clinton was running a fictitious child sex ring from a Washington, D.C. pizza shop.) advertisement advertisement He says Google banned him and deleted his videos in February of 2018 over alleged violations of the company's terms of service. Before the ban, he had amassed nearly 162,000 YouTube subscribers, and earned $116,000 a year from the company, his complaint states. Google induced and incentivized YouTube users to create and publish content by monetizing channels and by promising to share the huge and unprecedented profits received from advertisements embedded in videos, he alleges. Seaman also alleges that he never violated YouTube's policies and community guidelines. YouTube did not ban David Seaman because David engaged in hateful, harassing, bullying or abusive behavior, his complaint alleges. Davids account was terminated in February 2018 because Google and YouTube did not like his speech. He claims include allegations that Google has violated the First Amendment and the Virginia constitution, and that Google defamed him by accusing him of violating the terms of service or community guidelines. This case raises the issue whether Google and YouTube can create an online public square, and then, once that public forum becomes ubiquitous, arbitrarily and discriminatorily ban users from the platform due to Google and YouTubes disagreement with a speakers viewpoint, political beliefs, and perceived political affiliations. Google, like other tech companies, has faced prior lawsuits for allegedly censoring people by banning them or deleting their material. So far, judges have sided with the tech companies and ruled that the First Amendment only prohibits the government -- and not private businesses -- from censoring speech. Among other examples, Facebook defeated a lawsuit brought by the nonprofit advocacy organization Sikhs for Justice, which alleged in a 2015 lawsuit that Facebook violated anti-discrimination laws by blocking the organization's page in India. Google also recently prevailed in a lawsuit brought by Prager University, which alleged the tech company discriminated against conservative clips on YouTube. PORTLAND, Ore. Dec. 4, 2018 Brandeis University Scott Weiner Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts April 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A new study is focused on understanding how the relationship between patients and where they live affects patients' likelihood of an opioid overdose, with the goal of identifying the most at-risk patients. HealthInsight, a nonprofit health care improvement organization, is working with researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital,and McLean Hospital. The five-year study (2018 through 2023) is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.Every 19 minutes, one American dies from an opioid overdose. While a great deal of attention has been focused on reducing these deaths in the past decade, with numerous interventions and training programs being created to address risky prescribing, there are still critical gaps in knowledge regarding factors that can predict overdose risk. Previous studies have identified some patient factors associated with higher risk of overdose, but little research has examined how these interact with household and community risk factors to affect overdose likelihood.To shed more light on this gap, this study aims to first create an innovative combined dataset known as the Oregon Comprehensive Opioid Risk Registry (CORR). This dataset, which is an amalgam of several unique public health datasets, will allow researchers to better understand how a patient's overdose risk is modulated by household- and community-level prescription availability.Researchers hope the results of the study will inform clinical practice on how to identify patients at the highest risk of overdose and modify prescription decisions based on the characteristics of those patients and where they live."We are excited to learn new information about the opioid overdose epidemic, which we hope will eventually be used to improve the health of Oregonians and all Americans," says, M.D., MPH, the study's principal investigator.Dr. Weiner is an assistant professor atand an emergency physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital in. Dr. Weiner and researchers at HealthInsight have collaborated on a previous study funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts to optimize prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) user interfaces and understand how these important databases influence physicians' decision making.About HealthInsight HealthInsight is a regional health improvement collaborative that oversees affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporations in Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Utah, and End Stage Renal Disease Networks across the western United States. HealthInsight holds contracts and grants in key areas of health care improvement, including leading quality improvement activities for the Medicare program as the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) for the four-state region. HealthInsight has experience assisting front-line providers and engaging health care stakeholders to improve health care and outcomes. Its programs focus on transparency and public reporting; effective use of health information technology; engaging patients and communities to improve their health; and redesigning how care is paid for and delivered.In, HealthInsight and Qualis Health announced a formal merger, combining the two organizations and their operations across the U.S. Both Qualis Health and HealthInsight have been engaged in health care quality consulting and providing quality improvement services for more than 40 years.SOURCE HealthInsight Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) President Rodrigo Duterte is set to appoint retiring military chief General Carlito Galvez Jr to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Presidential spokesperson Sal Panelo on Wednesday said the plan was announced during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. "The President announced his intention to appoint General Carlito Galvez, Jr. to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process," he said in a statement. It is still unclear which post the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) outgoing chief will take as there are several vacancies. Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza resigned in November, taking full responsibility for the corruption in OPAPP. Duterte has also also fired OPAPP Undersecretary Ronald Flores and Assistant Secretary Yesther Donn Baccay. Related: Duterte: I regret accepting Dureza's resignation Galvez, who reaches his mandatory retirement on December 12, recently revealed he intends to join OPAPP after his retirement on December 12. NEW BRITAIN State utility regulators Tuesday tentatively rejected the proposed $1.1 billion acquisition of Clinton-based Connecticut Water Service by a California-based company. The tentative rejection of SJW Groups proposed acquisition of Connecticut Water came in the form a 33-page draft ruling in which commissioners with the states Public Utilities Regulatory Authority expressed concern about how the deal would affect local ratepayers. Shareholders of Connecticut Water approved the deal in a special meeting in mid-November. Based on its review of the record, questions remain regarding the general financial and managerial suitability of the proposed combined company based on the proposed corporate structure, the resulting financial risks to the combined company, and the failure of the applicants to consider and protect the public interest in entering into the proposed transaction, the draft ruling says in part. The Applicants have not met their burden of proving that the proposed change of control is in the public interest or that it serves the statutory mandate to maintain local control. The regulatory agency will accept written exceptions and comments on its draft ruling until 4 p.m. Thursday and will hear oral arguments at 2 p.m. Monday at its New Britain headquarters. A final decision in the case will be released at 10 a.m. Dec. 12. SJW Group and Connecticut Water officials issued a joint written statement. Connecticut Water will provide any comments or related materials in response to the proposed decision to PURA in accordance with the schedule in the proceeding, the statement reads in part. SJW Group and Connecticut Water are confident that the combined company will have the financial strength and managerial suitability to provide safe, adequate and reliable service and that the combination is in the public interest. SJW Group and Connecticut Water have committed to protect customers in Connecticut and Maine and provide additional benefits through the combination. The draft ruling, as part of its findings of fact section, raises numerous concerns that PURA officials have with the deal as it is currently structured, including: A lack of Connecticut-based representation on SJW Groups board of directors, which regulators said gives up any local control. SJW Groups failure to show how it would protect Connecticut Water ratepayers from potential rate increases to fund acquisitions of other utilities going forward. The potential for SJW Group not making adequate levels of capital improvements to Connecticut Waters infrastructure going forward. SJW Groups lack of permanent financing to pay for the deal. The California-based company has arranged with JP Morgan to provide interim financing for the deal in the form of a bridge loan. PURA officials also raised concerns regarding the timing of the acquisition and Eric Thornburgs participation in negotiations on both sides of the transaction. Thornburg was Connecticut Waters chairman, president and chief executive officer until early October of last year, when he resigned and became president and chief executive officer of SJW Group the following month. The proposed deal was announced on March 15, 2018. PURA officials said Connecticut Water and SJW Group engaged in negotiations beginning December 2016 and into the first months of 2017. Those negotiations fell through, according to testimony given to regulators, but were revisited later in 2017. There is no evidence in the record that adequately explains this sudden change of events, PURAs ruling says in part. The regulatory agency has redacted several paragraphs in that portion of its findings, so it is not clear what explanation was given to them. Connecticut Water Service is a holding company that is the corporate parent for Connecticut Water Co., The Maine Water Co., The Avon Water Co. and The Heritage Village Water Co. These subsidiaries provide water service to more than 450,000 people in Connecticut and Maine, and wastewater service to more than 10,000 people in Connecticut. The utility serves customers in Beacon Falls, Bethany, Clinton, Deep River, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, Old Saybrook and Westbrook in the New Haven area. SJW serves more than one million customers in Texas and California. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com PORTLAND - Tonights scheduled meeting of the Board of Selectmen has been cancelled. The cancellation is due to the National Day of Mourning which was declared by President Trump to mark the death of former President George H. W. Bush. The meetings cancellation was announced in an email from First Selectwoman Susan S. Bransfield. The federal government is closed today and there will be no regular mail service. Mr. Bush, who served as the nations 41st president from 1988-92, died Friday at age 94. His state funeral was held Wednesday morning at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington. Mr. Bush will be buried Thursday at the Bush Presidential Library on the grounds of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Mr. Bush will be interred alongside his wife Barbara, who died in April, and their daughter Robin, who died of leukemia at age 3 in 1953. This article by Jeff Schogol originally appeared on Task & Purpose, a digital news and culture publication dedicated to military and veterans issues. The border mission with no name will continue past Christmas and through the end of January, the Pentagon announced on Tuesday. "The Secretary of Defense has approved an extension of the ongoing Department of Defense support to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) response to migrant caravan arrivals," Pentagon spokesman Army Lt. Col. Jamie Davis said in an email. "DoD support to DHS is authorized until Jan. 31, 2109." Roughly 5,400 active-duty U.S. troops are currently assisting civil authorities on the southwestern border, but it was unclear on Tuesday how many would remain there during the holidays. The Army three-star general in charge of the border mission told Politico earlier this month that he did not expect active-duty troops to be deployed beyond Dec. 15, but Defense Secretary Mattis subsequently said not all of the troops might be home for Christmas. "Some of those troops certainly will be because we can anticipate based on how many miles of wire the engineers have to place when we think they'll be done," Mattis told reporters on Nov. 21. "But some troops may not be, or some new troops may be assigned to new missions. This is a dynamic situation." Launched in late October, the border mission came in response to thousands of Central American asylum seekers, mostly women and children, who were headed toward the United States via Mexico. President Trump has often claimed without providing evidence that the caravan of migrants includes hundreds of known criminals. The Defense Department has estimated that the mission will cost $72 million by Dec. 15. "I am confident that number will go up," Mattis told reporters at the Nov. 21 press event. "Now I'm on the record, I hope you all heard me." More articles from Task & Purpose: Taliban Number Around 60,000, General Says CENTCOM Nominee Admits Afghan Military Would Collapse If US Left The Key To Bridging The Civil-Military Divide, According To Mattis China's Sub Force Is Growing More Powerful. This Is What the US Navy Needs to Do to Stay Ahead The Marine Corps has punished two aviators who flew their aircraft deliberately to draw a giant penis in the skies over California's Salton Sea. The Oct. 23 incident resulted in the West Coast Marine Corps training squadron launching an investigation into the flight pattern of a T-34C aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101. "Two Marine Corps aviators were administratively disciplined following the completion of an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding an Oct. 23 irregular flight pattern that resulted in an obscene image," said Maj. Josef Patterson, a spokesman for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Patterson did not reveal details of the disciplinary action taken against the Marines. "The aviators retained their wings and will continue service to their country as valued members of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing," he said. The flight pattern was originally spotted about 120 miles outside San Diego by @AircraftSpots, which monitors military air movements on Twitter. Somebody needs to have a word with the crew of US Navy T-34C 160937 SHUTR91 out of MCAS Miramar pic.twitter.com/WgrgkKzRln Aircraft Spots (@AircraftSpots) October 23, 2018 Drawing phallic images seem to be a pattern in military aviation. Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Goossen was fired as commander of the 69th Bomb Squadron on Nov. 27 because penis drawings were discovered on moving map software displayed on the nuclear-capable B-52's Combat Network Communication Technology. 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 compact disc montage that was played at the end of the deployment. An investigation was launched after the CD was turned into Air Force officials. And in December 2017, the Navy punished two of its aviators for a similar stunt near Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington. The details of their punishment were not released, but the two were allowed to keep their aviator status. The aviators were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130 and flew an EA-18G Growler aircraft to draw an image of male genitalia in the sky. Witnesses captured the image on cellphone cameras and posted it on social media. -- Military.com's Gina Harkins, Oriana Pawlyk and Hope Hodge Seck contributed to this report. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com WASHINGTON -- The military might have to pick up the slack if a spat over President Donald Trump's demands for border wall funding forces a partial government shutdown later this month. With the military funded into late 2019, the Defense Department might have to fill in the gaps for agencies that aren't, such as the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the Transportation Security Administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Defense Department, along with 75 percent of the government, saw its fiscal year 2019 budget approved earlier this year. But the remaining agencies are still awaiting approval for their spending plans. "If DHS had to scale back its activities on the border, DoD might have to step up its activities," said Mark Cancian, a senior adviser with the Washington think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies. For example, "if for some reason TSA had to reduce its operation ... you could imagine the military being ordered to support or conduct security at airports." A possible, partial shutdown slated for Friday could be delayed as a result of Washington ceremonies to honor former President George H.W. Bush. Trump has said he would approve a plan to push the funding deadline to Dec. 21 as a result of a series of memorials honoring Bush, who died Friday. Moreso, House lawmakers introduced the two-week measure Monday, and the legislation was poised to win approval this week. However, Trump did not let up Tuesday on his demands for $5 billion in funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall. "Get it done!" Trump tweeted Tuesday morning, in addition to dubious claims that the wall would pay for itself or blaming massive U.S. financial losses on illegal immigration. This isn't the first time that Trump has threatened a shutdown over massive funding for a border wall, but it's been to no avail in past efforts. As a result, Cancian and other experts suggest the odds are low for a partial shutdown because both parties fear backlash from the public with such a move. "He threatens it every year," Cancian said of Trump's shutdown threats. So, "odds seem to be relatively low." Other pundits are also betting against such a move, agreeing the political price remains too high. And a previous appropriations measure already included $1.6 billion in border security funding that has yet to be spent, some Trump critics have said. "We are dealing with Donald Trump, who is emotional and changeable in his intentions and actions. ... I would say it's less than likely, but certainly possible," said Ben Friedman, a fellow for Defense Priorities, a right-leaning Washington think tank. "It sure seems like a political loser for the president." Impact on the military Molly Reynolds, a governance studies fellow at the Brookings Institution, a liberal-leaning Washington think tank, also sees a small chance for a partial shutdown. "I continue to think that a shutdown is relatively unlikely. I expect them to reach some sort of deal," Reynolds said. But "if there is a partial shutdown, the military will be largely unaffected." Andrew Sherbo, a University of Denver finance professor who has tracked government and defense budget issues, agreed, if there is a shutdown, it could have no impact on the military. "I do recall an earlier shutdown where DoD had the appropriation bill passed, and other government agencies did not, and it was business as usual for DoD," he said. Friedman said if there is an impact on the military, it will depend on how long the shutdown lasts. The longer it is, the more likelihood it could affect service members who might be assigned to fill gaps in other departments. Cancian suggested one scenario could be the Defense Department taking on functions for Homeland Security, with service members expanding their authorities in their deployment along the U.S.-Mexico border. "I think the three big areas would be border patrol, ICE and TSA," he said. "If for some reason they could not operate, or could not fully operate, the military may be ordered in as a stop gap." This could include functions involving temporary detention and riot control efforts. "DoD might have to step in and implement some of those authorities that [Defense Secretary Jim] Mattis was given but not yet exercised," Cancian said. For TSA, the military could have to revisit duties that they provided following the 9/11 attacks, such as airport security. It's also possible that these agencies will have enough miscellaneous funding to get through a short shutdown, thus not requiring additional military support, Cancian noted. For example, frequent flyer programs such as TSA PreCheck give that agency additional funds that could be used during a shutdown. "TSA may have enough money to get through a few days," he said. "The rules here are very complicated because if an agency has an independent source of money, it can use that money to keep operating for at least a limited period of time." Smaller share of government faces shutdown threat In September, a fiscal year 2019 spending package of more than $850 billion to fund defense, labor, health and human services and other related agencies was passed into law. That same month, a smaller appropriations measure funding veterans affairs, military construction and other efforts was also approved. The Defense Department "is OK as the [fiscal year] 2019 DoD appropriations bill ... became public law" when Trump signed the legislation Sept. 28, 2018, said Sherbo. "Five of the 12 annual [fiscal year] 2019 appropriation bills are public law as of today," including the departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Energy, Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. The larger defense measure, H.R. 6157, also included temporary appropriations funding, known as a continuing resolution, for the remaining agencies still lacking funding for the 2019 fiscal year, which started Oct. 1. The continuing resolution funded agencies until Dec. 7. Now, in addition to Homeland Security, the departments of Justice, State, Commerce, Agriculture and Financial Services are among the agencies at risk of closure, said Sherbo, a former Pentagon official. "Seven [fiscal year] 2019 bills are not OK and face shutdown," he said. And "the Homeland Security appropriation includes the $5 billion for the border wall, which is at the heart of the potential shutdown." Now, political leaders are on the hook to pass a spending measure to fund these agencies to avert the partial, government shutdown. Following the death of the Bush on Friday, Trump said the next day that he would consider a two-week delay to the shutdown. The funding fight is poised to play out closer to the Christmas holiday. "If they [Congress] come to me ... to talk about an extension because of President Bush's passing, I would absolutely consider it and probably give it," Trump said Saturday aboard Air Force One. GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airman Emma Prosser, the last of her class to be receiving her job and duty badges stepped up, her commanding officer pinned her job specific badge on with a word of congratulations. Tears glisten in her eyes as she takes a side step, maintaining her bearing and refusing to let them fall, as Airman 1st Class Erin Prosser, her twin sister, pins on her duty badge, designating her a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force. Airman Emma Prosser graduated the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy on Dec. 3, 2018. Her twin sister, Airman 1st Class Erin Prosser, who also graduated in March, was present to congratulate and be one of the first to welcome her sister to the career field. "It was just really awesome to have her here and able to see me graduate," said Emma happily. "I was afraid I was going to cry during the ceremony." Although twins, Erin Prosser soared ahead, and was the first to join the Air Force in 2017. "I had a hard time when my father, who was the reason for me joining, passed away when I was in basic," said Erin. "But I was able to get through it and I used him as my inspiration and motivation to get through the fire academy." Emma Prosser, close on her sister's tail, joined the Air Force in 2018, and also chose to become a firefighter. "Through the difficult times I was always able to remember my father," said Emma. "I used that to help me get through, knowing that he was always there with me. I would think about him watching over me, and that gave me strength." Staff Sergeant Kimberly Haynes-Lopez, one of Erin's instructors, reminisced about the day she realized that both sisters had attended the fire academy. "It didn't really click until after Erin had graduated and I saw Emma sitting at a desk," said Haynes-Lopez. "Even though they aren't identical I could see the resemblance, noticed the same last name and put the two together." According to Master Sgt. Nicholas Schnoes, 312th Training Squadron instructor, the Prossers are the first set of sisters and twins to both attend and graduate from the academy. Haynes-Lopez was present for the graduation and took time to ask her former student, Erin, how life was now that she was no longer in training. "It was eye opening to be able to watch the differences in personality between the two," said Haynes-Lopez. "Erin Prosser was my student but I was able to see some of the training that Emma was participating in, and even though they look like sisters and are twins, they each are very different." Erin spoke about how sometimes it could be intimidating to be a female in a job that can be so demanding and male dominant. "It was interesting to look around and you see a lot of guys, and a lot less girls," said Erin. "But, I had some really good instructors who reminded me that I could to it." Emma spoke about the dynamic in her own class. "Even though my class was mostly guys I never felt like they treated me any different," said Emma. "They knew that I would pull my own weight and that I was going to do everything needed to complete the training, just like them, and they supported me throughout all of it." Emma is looking forward to starting her career out of tech school and applying all she has learned while at the academy. "It is almost unreal," said Emma. "There is just so much emotion at being done with classes and being ready to move to my first duty station." Though both Airmen had different highs and lows throughout training they are both proud of all they have accomplished and hope to come back to become instructors for the fire academy. "I would love to come back once I have completed all the training I need to," said Erin. "I want to be an instructor here and help younger Airmen like myself." U.S. senators voiced concern Tuesday that the Pentagon's new defense strategy, which emphasizes Russia and China, could hurt the U.S. counterterrorism mission in Afghanistan. During a confirmation hearing for the next commanders of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, Senate Armed Services Committee members seemed particularly concerned about a recent report from the National Defense Strategy Commission that questioned whether the Defense Department is placing too much of a priority on near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China -- a focus that likely would take resources from the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. The U.S. military has focused on Iraq and Afghanistan for the past 17 years, while Russia and China "have been focused on acquiring capabilities to overcome America's technological edge and operational reach," said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan. The NDS "goes on to suggest that Congress needs to invest in new capabilities and operational concepts, and that leads to my concern about Afghanistan, where we are still spending $45 billion a year." "Given the focus of the new National Defense Strategy, my question to you is ... how would you adjust the requested requirements for Afghanistan given the strategy's focus on great power competition?" he asked. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, who has been nominated for the rank of general and to assume leadership of U.S. Central Command, told lawmakers that reaching a political settlement will "allow us to remove elements of our presence there now." "The key thing, though, that we need to bear in mind as we look at the future in Afghanistan is our long-term interest in preventing attacks being generated against the homeland, so we have to provide for that in any potential future settlement," McKenzie said. Peters said, "As long as I have been in Congress, I have been hearing about the need for a political settlement. ... This isn't a new strategy." He also wanted to know "how far are the Afghan Security Forces from having the capability to secure their country, without the presence of 15,000 United States soldiers and Marines and airmen." McKenzie warned against pulling U.S. troops out of Afghanistan too quickly. "They are not there yet. If we left ... right now, I do not believe they would be able to successfully defend their country," he said. "I think that one of the things that would actually be the most damaging to them would be if we put a timeline on it and said, 'We are going out at a certain point in time.' " Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Arizona, questioned the new defense strategy that calls for prioritizing modernization to deter Russia and China. "That means that instead of putting our first available dollars into readiness to support worn-out troops and equipment that has been used in the Middle East, for example, we are going to have to put the first dollars into long, expensive research and development and acquisition projects to take advantage of a lot of new technology. ... This has to do with hypersonics and directed energy and space," he said. "We are going to have to have more sea and air transport because the new strategy calls for having to move things around in the event of a conflict. We don't have everything we need in every theater against every potential enemy." Kyl asked McKenzie if he understands the risks Central Command faces under the new defense strategy. McKenzie said he is intimately familiar with the new National Defense Strategy. "I recognize that in my [area of operations], if confirmed, that there would be increased risk, that we are going to have to be prepared to shift forces, but I think ... that we have to examine all problems globally, and we have a thought process in mind that would allow us to rapidly shift forces across the globe to respond," he said. Army Lt. Gen. Richard Clarke, who has been nominated for general and to assume command of SOCOM, added that the NDS "does go to the readiness of the force, and it does go to the technologies that are required to be able to deter our enemies, and I think that is a balance that we have to look at." Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, said testimony on the NDSC report has questioned whether the U.S. is at a point in the Middle East where it can risk that there won't be "a potential terrorist attack" on America so it can divert more resources "in order to address the major power conflict that we are facing." She asked Clarke to discuss how SOCOM should balance the two challenges. "We still have to maintain the counter-terrorism pressure on those that are ... inspired and want to attack in our homeland, so we have to keep that pressure up," Clarke said. "But at the same time, Special Operations Command is uniquely qualified with its experienced operators, with the maturity of the force and with the relationships that we have established around the globe with many of our partners ... we can counter some of [Russia and China's] malign activities." -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com UPDATE: CHESANING, MI Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel said that three females were shot on Tuesday, Dec. 4, and one of those shot was suspected of shooting the other two. Police were dispatched to the village of Chesaning shortly before 9 p.m. for a call of shots fired. Two victims suffering from gunshot wounds were found outside a home in the 800 block of Front Street near Showboat Park, according to Federspiel. Detectives were able to grab both victims and transport them out of the area to nearby ambulances, Federspiel said. Another female barricaded herself inside the home, but deputies were able to negotiate with her to come out. She suffered gunshot wounds as well, Federspiel said. All three were transported to area hospitals. At least one person had critical injuries, Federspiel said. A nearby neighbor who said he never saw an incident of such occur so close to his home. Federspiel did not say what the relationship of the females were or release a motive for the shootings. The incident remains under investigation. LANSING, MI A bill putting additional requirements around the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission established in the recent constitutional amendment on redistricting undermines the will of Michigan voters, bill opponents say. This bill, Senate Bill 1254, is a direct attack on the will of the voters, said Nancy Wang, president of Voters Not Politicians, the group that worked to pass Proposal 2. The Senate Government Operations Committee passed it along partisan lines. Proposal 2, which some Republicans opposed, takes redistricting away from the legislature and puts it in the hands of an independent commission comprised of Republicans, Democrats and Independents. It enshrined that idea in the constitution. It passed 61 to 39 percent in the November election. Senate Bill 1254, sponsored by Sen. Phil Pavlov, R-St. Clair Shores, puts new conditions around the commission the proposal created and those who staff it. It prescribes criteria that would be used to determine which parties potential commission members and staff members are affiliated with and prohibits an individual who was affiliated with apolitical party from providing services like legal and accounting services to the commission. It doesnt directly change Proposal 2, which since its in the constitution, the legislature would need a three-fourths vote to amend. Instead, it nibbles around the edges. Pavlov said the bill implements, and does not change, Proposal 2. They voted for the concept and its there and all were trying to do is put some precautions to match up with the intent of fairness that was stressed throughout the process, Pavlov said. The biggest change is around how a potential commissioner would be determined to be affiliated with a political party. Under the bill, an individual would be considered affiliated with a party if he or she acted to further the objectives of that party, or if within the last six years the individual contributed in some way to one or more political parties. A citizen purporting to be an independent would need to swear under oath that they were not a member of a political party. It was an amendment from Meekhof that extended limitations to staff, making sure that somebody who donated to a political party within the last six years would not be able to staff the commission, McCann said. We truly want these to be independent people who have taken a step back from the political circus, said Meekhof spokeswoman Amber McCann. But for Sen. Morris Hood III, D-Detroit, the bill represented changes. You're changing what 61 percent of the people said that they wanted, Hood told Pavlov, who respectfully disagreed. Wang said the bill was unconstitutional, because the language of the constitutional amendment specifies that it is self-executing, meaning no enabling legislation is needed or allowed. Terri Wilkerson, of Livingston County, testified against the bill. After the meeting she said she doesnt normally attend legislative hearings, but she started showing up last week. It was important because I feel like theres so much going on in this lame-duck session that undermines the voters will, Wilkerson said. I mean clearly with such a majority of people voting for Proposal 2, it crosses all party lines. And I think it's really important that if we want to have a respectable process, we should respect what the voters are saying, she said. She volunteered for Proposal 2 but spoke as an individual and said it was one of a range of issues including environmental changes that shes worried about in the lame-duck session. It feels like so much of whats going on here is like angry tenants whove been evicted trying to trash the place on their way out, she said. The committee approved the bill, sending it to the full Senate for consideration. It would need to pass the full Senate, pass the full House and be signed by Gov. Rick Snyder to become law. Note: This story has been updated with additional comments. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is recommending no prison time for Michael Flynn, Donald Trumps former national security adviser, who earlier pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations he had with the Russian ambassador on Trumps behalf, according to the Associated Press. A court filing on Tuesday detailed Flynns substantial cooperation in Muellers Russia investigation, saying Flynn was interviewed 19 times by prosecutors. Flynn told investigators Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and others in the presidents inner circle were directing Flynns actions in the time before Trump took office, according to the AP. Flynn is set to be sentenced for his crime in two weeks. Federal sentencing guidelines call for zero to six months behind bars. Flynn, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, became part of Trumps inner circle during the 2016 presidential campaign. When Flynns actions with Russia came under scrutiny, Trump asked former FBI Director James Comey to drop the investigation. Flynns crime is tied to his Jan. 24, 2017, interview with the FBI about his dealings with Sergey Kislyak, Russias then-ambassador to the U.S., the AP said. At the time of those dealings, the Obama administration was bringing sanctions against Russia because of that countrys interference in the U.S. election. Flynn resigned in February 2017. LANSING, MI Legislation passed by the Senate Republicans during lame duck session would slash the number of protected wetlands in Michigan, increase allowable radioactivity of waste accepted at Michigan landfills and curb the states ability to use the most current toxicology science when regulating pollution cleanups. Senate bills 1211, 1196 and 1244 passed committee and the Senate floor on Dec. 4, during a contentious session briefly interrupted by a partial evacuation of the capitol and nearby buildings when a backpack left in a corner mailbox drew a visit from the bomb squad. Each bill advanced from the Senate Natural Resources Committee chaired by term-limited Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, a frequent critic of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality regulations who sponsored the waste disposal and wetlands proposals. Ari Adler, spokesperson for Gov. Rick Snyder, said the governor has not taken a position on either bill and would review legislation if or when it reaches his desk. Environmental and public health advocates voiced opposition to each bill during Caspersons committee hearing Tuesday. One exchange over wetlands between Casperson and Tony Spokojny, an attorney and chairman of the West Bloomfield Township Environmental Commission, got testy. Spokojny argued that ignorance of the law is not a defense in response to Caspersons assertion that an elderly couple were attacked by DEQ field staff and threatened with a $6,000 fine after filling in a small wetland on their property. Its the individuals responsibility to know the law. I dont know how you can say its not, said Spokojny. No. How does the individual fight the government? Caspeson asked. Are you kidding me? They petition. They ask. They show their act was unintentional, Spokojny replied. Youre living in the wrong world, here, said Casperson. Youre throwing away the baby with the bathwater, Spokojny shot back. I read that you were protecting an 82 year-old-couple. Youre going to be destroying land values of people that live around wetlands that seek the protection of those wetlands not only for their property, not only for their lakes, not only for their streams but for the well-being of the environment. Caspersons bill, SB 2111, would redefine what wetlands fall under the regulatory authority of the DEQ by, among other things, requiring a direct physical connection to either the Great Lakes or an inland lake or stream. An earlier version of the bill that stripped protections from wetlands larger than 10 acres was scaled back Tuesday to remove protections from wetlands larger than five acres. Critics say that still amounts to loss of protection for thousands of wetland acres, which would be open to filling and development. The DEQ says the bill jeopardizes the states delegated authority to approve or deny wetland development permits on behalf of the federal government. The DEQ expressed reservations to the initial draft, but says it wont take a position until the House gets into the bill. The wetlands bill passed the Senate on a 23-14 vote and heads to the state House of Representatives. Republican Sens. Margaret OBrien of Portage, Tory Rocca of Sterling Heights and Dale Zorn of Ida joined 11 Democrats in voting against the bill. Senators also approved a Casperson bill, SB 1196, that would allow Michigan landfills to apply to accept more technologically enhanced, naturally occurring radioactive material, or TENORM waste, generated by oil and gas fracking wells. Senate Republicans also passed SB 1244, introduced by Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, that would force the DEQ to use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) database of toxicity values when deciding how much cleanup a toxic site requires. The measure is backed by business groups like the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, but the esoteric pollution cleanup issue has generated substantial concern from opponents who say it would lock the DEQ into using scientific studies that may be outdated. James Clift, policy director at the Michigan Environmental Council, said requiring the DEQ use the IRIS database when setting cleanup standards under Part 201 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act may force the DEQ to rely on old science. If you default to IRIS, you would have chemicals they dont recognize are carcinogens, but other federal agencies do, said Clift. Because the IRIS database doesnt have values for certain emerging contaminants like PFAS, critics worry the bill would nullify new state-specific PFAS standards set by DEQ in January, leaving nothing in place until the DEQ promulgated new rules an already lengthy process made more complex by new governor-appointed review panels with the power to veto proposed DEQ rules. Supporters contend a long-delayed update to the states pollution cleanup criteria must get across the finish line and industry groups wants the legislature to get that accomplished because they cant move past sticking points with DEQ related to use of science. We tend to get stuck in this part of the rules process, said Stamas. Troy Cumings, a Warner Norcross & Judd attorney in Lansing who helped draft the bill, and Jason Geer from the Michigan Chamber, testified in support. Geer said past efforts by industry to re-write the rules around cleanup criteria has slowed work at contaminated properties because the process didnt lend itself to people making the necessary investments to actually clean up the sites. The point of the bills is really to take whats been talked about the past 8 years and put it into law because we havent got the rule package through yet, said Cumings, who lobbies for Wolverine World Wide, a company which is being sued by DEQ over PFAS pollution. The Part 201 bill also passed the Senate on a 23-14 vote and heads to the state House of Representatives. Republican Sens. Patrick Colbeck of Canton, Tory Rocca of Sterling Heights and Tanya Schuitmaker of Paw Paw joined 11 Democrats in voting against the bill. Aaron Keatly, chief deputy director at DEQ, declined to comment on the legislation. Marijuana becomes legal Thursday, Dec. 6, in Michigan for adults 21 and over. Getting it will still be difficult -- unless you know someone. That's because retail sales of recreational marijuana won't start for at least a year, as the state has to come up with rules and a licensing program for businesses. Licensed medical marijuana businesses are only allowed to sell their medical products to card-carrying patients. People are on their own, said Matt Abel, a cannabis lawyer and founding partner at Cannabis Counsel in Detroit who was one of the authors of the law. So how does one obtain marijuana Thursday? Gifts. Gifting marijuana The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act -- the law that Proposal 1 became once voters approved it -- allows individuals to gift up to 2.5 ounces of the smokeable marijuana flower and to gift up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates to others, said Matt Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington DC. Thats a considerable amount of marijuana -- enough flower to roll 70 gram-sized joints, according to the Michigan State Police. Gifts of marijuana in Michigan Thursday will be of product that was illegal to possess or grow the day before. Legally speaking, gifts are something provided without remuneration or the expectation of reciprocity or payment, Abel said. However, questions remain over whether medical patients can gift marijuana to non-patients, or if caregivers can gift marijuana to people who arent their patients, Abel said, noting the answers to some of those questions could either be decided through an advisory from the state attorney general or through future court cases. The state Attorney Generals office is not providing a legal interpretation of the law to the media, and any advice given by the Attorney Generals office to another state agency is protected by attorney-client privilege, said Andrea Bitely, spokeswoman for outgoing Attorney General Bill Schuette. I would suggest that people start growing their plants as soon as possible, Abel said. Seeds of change? But that begs another question: where does one obtain or buy seeds, legally? The new recreational marijuana law does not provide a mechanism to purchase seeds. Technically, fertile seeds are considered to be "marijuana" in Michigan, said David Harns, spokesman for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. In the medical marijuana system, fertile seeds can be sold by licensed medical growers to licensed medical provisioning centers, who in turn can sell them to card-carrying patients or caregivers, Harns said. That does not mean medical provisioning centers can sell fertile seeds to anyone. There are online seed banks -- but if the business is not based in Michigan, any purchase and shipment of marijuana seeds over state lines would be breaking federal law, Abel said. This is going to be slow in the roll out, Abel said. There are some people who thought all our problems were going to be over tomorrow. Its not the end, its the end of the beginning. Patients to pay lower taxes Patients should keep their medical marijuana cards, Abel said. That's because retail sales of recreational marijuana won't start until after December 2019, when the state starts offering licenses to recreational businesses. Also, retail taxes will be lower on medical marijuana. Medical marijuana isnt subject to the 10 percent excise tax that will be applied to recreational marijuana. A three percent excise tax on medical products will be phased out on or about March 9, 2019, under a provision in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act. -- Amy Biolchini is the marijuana beat reporter for MLive. Contact her with questions, tips or comments at abiolch1@mlive.com. Read more from MLive about recreational marijuana. ANN ARBOR, MI The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has filed a court motion to dismiss a criminal case involving the campaign literature of a recent state Senate candidate. The ACLU is contrasting Anuja Rajendras campaign speech with that of President Donald Trump. It is beyond ironic that the president of the United States regularly tells bold-faced lies with impunity, yet this first-time candidate was charged with a crime for allegedly making an isolated misleading statement during her unsuccessful bid to represent Washtenaw County, said Michael Steinberg, ACLU of Michigan legal director. Rajendra, an Ann Arbor businesswoman who lost a four-way Democratic primary race in August, was arraigned on criminal charges Tuesday, Nov. 13, in Ann Arbors 15th District Court. The Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office alleges Rajendra falsely represented herself as the incumbent senator in her campaign literature on two occasions in July. A hearing in the case is now set for January and the ACLU is defending Rajendra. In a 48-page court filing on Dec. 4, the ACLU argued the Michigan law under which Rajendra is being charged is unconstitutional. The ACLUs position is that the First Amendment protects even allegedly misleading speech and does not allow for a law that empowers the state to police campaign speech and target statements in campaign literature for criminal prosecution. Ms. Rajendra never intended to suggest that she was an incumbent, Steinberg said. To the contrary, her entire campaign revolved around the theme that she was the fresh voice and political outsider who could change the toxic political environment in Lansing. One of her campaign mailers stated, "As a mom of four and as your State Senator, I want my kids and all kids in Michigan to have the same opportunity for quality education and success." Another stated, "As your State Senator, I'm steadfast in my commitment to ...." She then listed her support for increasing K-12 school funding and other education matters. Those two specific statements are listed in court records as the reasons why Rajendra is now facing two counts of false incumbency designation, each a misdemeanor violation of state election law punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 in fines. County Prosecutor Brian Mackies office is not commenting on the case at this time. The ACLU argues the Supreme Court has made clear the solution to misleading campaign speech is truthful speech, not imprisonment. Giving government officials the discretion to put candidates speech on trial could lead to prosecutions based on political favoritism, Steinberg said. We truly hope the prosecutor will do the right thing and dismiss the charges against Ms. Rajendra. What young person is going to consider running for political office when a misunderstanding about the meaning of a statement made in the heat of a campaign could lead to a criminal conviction and jail? State Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, won the Senate seat for the Ann Arbor area that Rajendra was seeking. The court case against Rajendra is now scheduled for a hearing before Judge Elizabeth Hines at 9 a.m. Jan. 10. ANN ARBOR, MI - A hazing investigation that led to sanctions against a University of Michigan fraternity last month involved a peculiar, potentially dangerous initiation activity: A "40-yard dash" run atop the backs of pledges. Details of the January incident were revealed in text messages and emails turned over to authorities by an anonymous tipster, and obtained by The Ann Arbor News through a Freedom of Information Act request. The messages between members of Alpha Sigma Phi included expressions of surprise and regret after a student suffered an apparent injury that may have been serious. They ranged from one member describing it as a "freak accident," to another asking "How is seriously injuring these kids a good idea for bringing them together(?)" police records show. While the incident resulted in no criminal charges, Alpha Sigma Phi was removed from the university and UM's Interfraternity Council for a minimum of five calendar years on Nov. 7, after an investigation discovered members took part in forced alcohol consumption and violent physical hazing. One fraternity member described the apparent injury as being "within the boundaries of hell week." "We had people run our backs during our hell week," the member said in a group message. "That doesn't mean it's a tradition or a (good) idea, but it means (it's) become normalized by us." Copies of the text messages and emails discussing the incident were received in a large envelope by UM's Office of Greek Life and turned over to Ann Arbor police in March. "It's a freak accident because compared to the other s*** we do that's relatively benign, it was (sic) confluence of circumstances that make it a 'freak' accident," another member texted. "Everything about pledging is a liability, after all," he added. The case was closed by Ann Arbor police because the apparent victim was uncooperative and his parents told police their son was not injured. Ann Arbor Police Department Lt. Aimee Metzer said investigators couldn't verify the allegations that a pledge was hazed or injured during a fraternity event. Messages between group members specifically referenced a member running on the backs of new members on five separate occasions. "I know it hasn't been off limits in the past but maybe now is the perfect time to stop (sic) the over the top physical stuff we do," one member's message said. "Like (it's) not completely out of the realm of possibilities (sic) previously healthy kid could get hurt by someone running across his back or slamming him (into a) wall." UM Interim Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life Nicole Banks confirmed the incident led to the sanctions against Alpha Sigma Phi. The messages revealed in the investigation included cryptic descriptions of how pledges are treated in the initiation process, and speculation about the extent of the injury in the "40-yard-dash" incident. "Emphasize secrecy a lot with our new friends," one email suggested. The same email went on to warn members not to "kick the chair" during dinners, because "s***'s getting too physical," and that "flashlights in the eye are also not great," with no additional context offered. "...don't coddle these kids," one message said. "The point is for kids to be at the breaking (sic) to where he has to lean on his pledge brothers, not an initiated brother or his big." Another message appears to quote the victim of the "40-yard dash" injury, apparently to his shoulder. "He thinks (it's) fully separated," it reads. "We ran thru the normal exercises and I was getting shooting (sic) places I was ok previously & I can't complete the throwing motion anymore." Alpha Sigma Phi was one of six UM fraternities to disaffiliate from the university in September, opting to operate as the independent Ann Arbor Interfraternity Council. Alpha Sigma Phi International Senior Director of Prevention and Accountability Danny Miller said the fraternity voluntarily removed itself from the IFC over the summer, before any hearing occurred involving allegations against the chapter. UM contends it was investigating the complaint against the fraternity while the chapter was an active member of the IFC, meaning its disaffiliation didn't absolve it of accountability. The UM chapter and its more than 150 members remain recognized and in good standing by its international organization, Miller said. An investigation with on-site staff determined that "some members" were violating the fraternity's health and safety policy. Members involved in policy violations were either suspended or expelled and removed from the chapter facility, Miller said. "Anytime we receive an allegation of hazing or violations of our Health and Safety Policy, we complete an investigation. As a result of our investigation, we concluded that a very small percentage of our members violated our Code of Conduct and/or Health and Safety Policy," Miller said. Following the investigation, some fraternity officers were removed from their positions and the chapter now has a shortened new member education program of 72 hours, Miller said. The fraternity chapter also hired a live-in house director and an adviser was present at all new member activities this fall. ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP, MI - Exposure to printer ink fumes at Domino's Farms sent 19 people to emergency rooms Tuesday evening, officials said. The Washtenaw County Hazardous Materials Team cleaned up a substance found spilled atop a package that was delivered to the office park Tuesday morning, Dec. 4, Ann Arbor Township Fire Chief Mark Nicholai said. The substance was later determined to be printer ink, Nicholai said. Exposure to fumes from the ink led to numerous complaints of headaches and other minor ailments, Nicholai said. There were no apparent life-threatening injuries. Four patients were transported from the scene to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and 15 went to the University of Michigan hospital, according to Matt Rose of Huron Valley Ambulance. Four additional patients sought treatment on their own, Rose said. ANN ARBOR, MI - Despite 23 calls to police about loud noise and partying at a fraternity house on Baldwin Avenue over the past year, Alpha Sigma Phi received just two noise citations. City officials suspected that might have been the result of partiers being a step ahead of police. Police reports obtained by The Ann Arbor News reveal the residence was the subject of "chronic noise complaints," but that officers rarely observed loud partying upon arrival. The city attorney believed residents used a police scanner to track dispatch calls and turn down music prior to the arrival of police. "Do not voice complaints to this address over the radio contact," several dispatch logs said. One of those complaints came on Nov. 8, a day after the University of Michigan announced sanctions against Alpha Sigma Phi after an investigation discovered members took part in forced alcohol consumption and violent physical hazing. The fraternity was cited Nov. 7 for a noise violation after Ann Arbor police officers observed loud music and shouting taking place during a party at the fraternity's 920 Baldwin Ave. residence. The fraternity continues to operate independent of the university's Interfraternity Council, from which it was banned for five calendar years. In addition to the noise complaints, a Freedom of Information Act request revealed a police report that showed discussion of a possible hazing incident involving "running a 40-yard dash" over the backs members that resulted in one member suffering an apparent injury in January 2018. The case ultimately was closed by AAPD, because the alleged victim was uncooperative with the investigation and his parents advised police their son was not injured. UM Interim Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life Nicole Banks, however, confirmed the incident police investigated led to the sanctions against Alpha Sigma Phi. Alpha Sigma Phi International Senior Director of Prevention and Accountability Danny Miller said an investigation with on-site staff determined that "some members" were violating the fraternity's health and safety policy. Members involved in policy violations were either suspended or expelled and removed from the chapter facility. BAY CITY, MI -- Nearly a half-century after a teen girl disappeared in Bay City's South End, only for her skeleton to be found a year later, police confirmed Wednesday they had made an arrest in the cold case. However, the suspect was later released and has not been charged with a crime, police said. "It's a complicated case; it goes back 45 years," Michigan State Police Special 1st Lt. David Kaiser said on Dec. 5, referring to the homicide of Jan Marie Rohrer, 13 when last seen alive in 1973. Kaiser added investigators received some new information a few months ago but he would not elaborate. "We're working with the Bay County Prosecutor's Office to review the evidence and see if we can move the case forward," Kaiser said. Bay County Prosecutor Nancy E. Borushko declined to comment on the matter, citing its status as an open investigation Logs from the Saginaw County Jail indicate Michigan State Police troopers on April 19 arrested a 62-year-old man living in Michigan on a charge of open murder. Contacted by MLive the next day, Kaiser said the arrest was related to a cold case but did not go into additional details. The man was released pending further investigation. As of Dec. 5, he has not been arraigned on any charges related to Jan's killing in either Bay or Saginaw County courts. On Wednesday, Kaiser again declined to clarify if that arrest relates to the Rohrer case, though jail logs indicate no other suspects have been lodged related to the killing. Records indicate the man would have been 17 when Jan disappeared. MLive is not naming the man who was arrested as he has not been arraigned in court on any criminal charges. Lt. Caleb Rowell with the Bay City Department of Public Safety said his agency has not received any new information regarding the case. The blonde-haired Jan was last seen alive the morning of Nov. 26, 1973, just four days after Thanksgiving. Wearing a blue parka, a beige turtleneck sweater, and blue jeans, she left her home at 1309 Fremont Ave., headed to MacGregor Intermediate School, located three blocks away at 1012 Fremont Ave. When Jan didn't come home from school that afternoon, her mother, Rita Rohrer, reported her as missing. School staff said Jan had not come to school that day. Police initially treated the case as a runaway teen, one of the girl's two older brothers, Thomas K. Rohrer, told MLive in 2012. After nearly a year of silence and uncertainty, the mystery of Jan's disappearance came to a sudden end. Hunters found the girl's skeleton in a ditch on the north end of the Crow Island Game Area in Zilwaukee Township on Nov. 7, 1974. She had been shot, then bludgeoned, according to police. Though police developed various potential suspects over the decades, no one has ever been charged with a crime related to Jan's death. Police previously reopened the case in January 2002 due to new evidence coming to light, but the reinvigorated investigation soon fizzled. Rita Rohrer died in 1991. Jan's father, William A. Rohrer, had died two years before she disappeared. Marking the 39th anniversary of Jan's disappearance, MLive in 2012 launched a series on her case. Click here to read stories in that series. FLINT, MI -- Diners are opting to eat outside and chill out in heated igloos popping up at businesses across Mid-Michigan. Tap and Table in Flint and Harless and Hugh Coffee in Bay City recently introduced outdoor seating for customers who want to dine outdoors and enjoy the wintry scenery. The igloos, formally called bio domes, are accessible through a zipper door. Some offer cozy seating with throw blankets and sunken chairs. The dome is heated by a space heater and weighted down with sand bags to trap the heat inside. Table and Tap, 555 S. Saginaw St., has three igloos that provide seating for four adults in each. The domes are decorated with lights that accent the snow. Heated igloo at Table and Tap in downtown Flint. These igloos are so popular that they're booked for the rest of December at Table and Tap. General manager Becca Kunz said customers have to make a reservation with a $25 non-refundable deposit if they want a chance to experience the cool, outdoor dining. She said when customers get their bill the deposit will be deducted. Seating for the domes are available at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Harless and Hugh Coffee in Bay City, 1003 Washington Ave., has one igloo with seating that could accommodate eight people. Throw blankets and rugs are stocked inside. Owner Lyndsay Edmonds said the igloo is an addition that will help the business utilize its patio space, but it's also a centerpiece for their upcoming winter solstice party. The event takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21. Entry to the party is $15, which includes two drinks and live music. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, Edmonds said. General manager Becca Kunz said people come into the shop just to sit in the igloo, which doesn't require a reservation. "It's been so good," Kunz said. "People come in specifically for it and kids are really excited about it. Sitting in there while it's snowing is really cool." To book a reservation to sit in a cool igloo at Table and Tap, visit . LANSING, MI -- State regulators are allowing 48 more anchor supports on the Line 5 oil and gas pipeline crossing the Straits of Mackinac. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced the permitting approval in a press release Tuesday, Dec. 4. The 48 anchors will minimize the potential for any unsupported spans of pipeline greater than 75 feet, according to the release. The anchors clamp the 65-year-old twin pipeline to the lake bed. Once installed, the number of anchors across the twin pipelines will total 195, according to Enbridge Energy spokesperson Ryan Duffy. Enbridge, the Canadian company which owns Line 5, has applied for an additional three more. Duffy said use of anchor supports are part of larger work to keep Line 5 in "top condition." "In the 15 years we have been using them as part of our safe operations; support anchors have enhanced safety on Line 5," Duffy said in a statement. Some environmental groups have criticized the anchor additions in the past because of their connection to gaps in the pipeline's protective coating. A previous visual inspection of the pipeline revealed either calcareous deposits or bare metal on 42 of 48 anchor locations inspected. Enbridge's 1953 easement with the State of Michigan requires anchor supports on any gaps in the lake-bed span greater than 75 feet. Groups have filed challenges against the additions, claiming the recurrent addition of anchors to Line 5 warrants more scrutiny than is given, as it constitutes a new design that is beyond the scope of the 1953 agreement in which Michigan agreed to have the twin pipelines laid along the lake bottom. The latest permit requires documentation of coating conditions after the anchor are installed, according to the DEQ release. The announcement comes as Gov. Rick Snyder attempts to finalize a deal that would decommission Line 5 and house a new one in a utility tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. Line 5 would be decommissioned only after the tunnel is completed, which is expected to happen sometime between 2025 and 2028, according to previous estimates from the state. The tunnel would cost Enbridge somewhere between $350 million and $500 million. Plans for the tunnel, announced Oct. 3 by the Snyder administration, hit a snag this week after strong opposition resulted in scrapped plans for the Mackinac Bridge Authority to take ownership of the tunnel. Lawmakers are currently crafting legislation that would create an entity similar to the authority but tasked with the specific mission of overseeing and owning a utility tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac. Officials from the governor's office previously stated the creation of a tunnel authority won't affect the ability of the Snyder administration to finalize the tunnel deal before the end of his term. Snyder has expressed he wants to seal the deal before Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer takes over on Jan. 1. During her campaign, Whitmer criticized the tunnel plan and said she wanted to shut down Line 5. The Line 5 pipeline, built in 1953, runs 645 miles from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Canada, and transports up to 540,000 barrels of light crude oil and natural gas liquids per day. Calls to shutdown the pipeline were renewed earlier this year, when an anchor struck it on April 1. The line was damaged with three dents and an abrasion but has since been patched up with composite sleeves. WHITE PIGEON, MI -- A survivor of a house fire that killed a pregnant woman and a 7-year-old boy told investigators the house was having "electrical issues" prior to the fire. Residents of the home, in the 100 block of West Chicago Road, were using extension cords to bypass the problem, fire officials were told. The fire, at 3:11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, killed a 36-year-old pregnant woman and a 7-year-old boy who were trapped on the second-floor and could not escape. Nine other people made it out of the home, including a child rescued through a window, and seven were taken to a hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. White Pigeon Fire Chief Troy Andrews, in a news release issued later Tuesday, said fire investigators talked to occupants of the home to try to determine a potential cause. One person said they woke up to find a couch on fire. Another person told authorities they saw flames coming from behind a different couch in the same room. "The occupant also stated they had been having electrical issues and he had run extension cords," according to the release. Firefighters said that when they arrived at the scene, they found heavy fire coming out of multiple windows. They tried several times to enter the house and reach the second floor, but fire prevented their efforts. Authorities said six of the seven people taken to the hospital were released later Tuesday. The other person was being evaluated for medical conditions not related to the fire. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- When Grand Rapids businessman and philanthropist Peter Secchia attends former President George H.W. Bush's funeral on Wednesday, he'll pay tribute to an "honorable" man who was a strong leader and a "kind and gentle" friend." "He thought things through, he handled them with elegance and class, and that's what he was known for," said Secchia, 81, who was appointed U.S. ambassador to Italy by Bush. The former president's invitation-only funeral service is being held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C. Secchia says he and his wife are attending the 11 a.m. ceremony, which is being broadcast on C-SPAN and other networks. Secchia, who served as chair of the Kent County Republican Party and Vice Chairmen of the Republican National Committee, says he first met Bush in the late 1970s. "He came out here and did some events when I was party chairmen in 1977," he said. "I hosted him and got to know him and work with him. Then I put on some events for him, and then after a while we became good friends." Bush, a World War II veteran who served as Ronald Reagan's vice president before being elected the nation's 41st president in 1988, died Friday at age 94. He's been remembered by people across the political spectrum as a decent man with a strong commitment to public service. Prior to his time in the oval office, he represented the Houston-area in Congress, was the U.S. envoy to China, and served as the CIA director under President Gerald R. Ford. Once Bush was elected, Secchia was offered a position in Washington working for the president. But Secchia, who worked for Bush's presidential campaign, turned down the offer. He says he "had been around a long enough time working in politics to know that Washington was not a place" he wanted to be. An intriguing offer came later, Secchia said, when the Bush administration asked whether he would consider becoming a U.S. ambassador. "I sort of laughed, because my image was not to be an ambassador," he said. Secchia said he would consider the offer "only if it was for Italy, because my grandfather emigrated from Italy in 1907." The offer proved too good to pass up, and Secchia spent the next several years in Italy. He said the "fall of the Soviet Union happened about three months after we got there," and "Bush put me in charge of removing the nuclear weapons from Europe and Turkey where we had them all stored." Despite all Bush's accomplishments, he remained a humble, "regular guy." "He was a guy who laughed at a good joke," he said. "He was a person who was kind to all of his friends." GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The 29-year-old man accused of dismembering a woman's body in a Grand Rapids apartment unit was formally charged Wednesday. Jared James Chance was arraigned Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 5 in Grand Rapids District Court on charges of mutilation of a dead body, a 10-year felony, and concealing the death of an individual, a five-year felony. As a four-time habitual offender, he faces up to life in prison. The felony complaint alleges Chance mutilated, defaced, removed or carried away a portion of a dead body on Nov. 30 in his apartment unit at 922 Franklin Street. It wasn't until two days later, Dec. 2, that officers responded to the multi-unit house on reports of a suspicious situation involving possible foul play. Police officials said they found "partial remains of what appear(ed) to be a female" in the building. As of Wednesday, neither Chance nor anyone else has been charged with the woman's death. Grand Rapids District Judge David Buter ordered Chance remain jailed on a $750,000 bond. If bonded out, he's required to wear a GPS tether. A Grand Rapids police detective described the gruesome scene at the residence while swearing out the warrants in court Tuesday. He said officers found "several areas of blood" in Chance's apartment unit in the home and body parts just outside of a stairway to his unit. The detective additionally told the court that officers found "articles that could have been used to dismember a human body." Chance was present when police searched the home Sunday. The detective said "he did not report the existence of the body in the basement of his residence." The woman's body has not yet been identified. In a news release, police said the remains "do not allow us to identify the victim with traditional methods" and that they're resorting to other means to identify her. The detective did not name the deceased woman in court, and police have not openly speculated on her identity. The detective did reference a woman that Chance was with Nov. 30, describing her as an "acquaintance" and that she is missing. In a media briefing, Grand Rapids police Sgt. Dan Adams said police have spoken with the family of Ashley Regina-Marie Young, a missing 32-year-old woman. Young, who hails from Kalamazoo County's Oshtemo Township, was last seen Nov. 29 as she traveled to Grand Rapids, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office. Chance has at least three prior felonies, according the Michigan Department of Corrections website. He was convicted of resisting and obstructing police in 2011 and two counts of possessing a controlled substance in 2016. KENT COUNTY, MI - Rescuers are responding to a head-on crash in Sparta Township that has seriously injured at least three people. The crash happened around 7 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, on 12 Mile Road NE at Fruit Ridge Avenue. Firefighters reported that one of the occupants is unresponsive and pinned inside a vehicle. At least three people suffered serious injuries. Sparta firefighters have called for assistance from neighboring fire departments. Many crashes have been reported in West Michigan, particularly in northern Kent County, after overnight snow left roads icy and slush-covered. The vehicles in the head-on crash sustained significant damage. Firefighters freed two injured occupants but continue to work to free the unresponsive occupant. Police have shut down the intersection. In Courtland Township, rescuers are responding to a multi-vehicle crash at 13 Mile Road and Stout Avenue. A child was reportedly injured. Another vehicle rolled over on Algoma Avenue NE at Fonger Street. In Ottawa County's Jamestown Township, a woman reported she was injured and pinned in her vehicle on 48th Avenue south of I-196. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Kent County officials want residents to weigh in on what goals and priorities the county takes up in its next five-year strategic plan. Residents can provide feedback in person at one of three community forums scheduled this month, or they can participate in an online survey. Officials will use the feedback to help craft the county's next five-year strategic plan, which is expected to be adopted in early 2019. The current strategic plan consists of six "vision statements" adopted by the Kent County Board of Commissioners in 2013. Those current six ideals are stable revenues, efficient use of resources, safe community, citizen participation, proactive and innovate government and high quality of life. The survey, found on this web page, asks residents to rate how well the county is achieving these and rank their importance. Among the other questions, the survey asks what residents would like to be true of the county in five years that isn't now. Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt urged residents to provide input, saying it helps identify what the "broad needs" are in the county and what residents are thinking. "Community engagement is absolutely integral to the success of Kent County," Britt said. "It is important for us to hear the thoughts and ideas from our communities as we renew our strategic plan and effectively plan for the future." The strategic plan process began in spring 2018 with data collection and analysis of the county's changing demographics, said Kent County spokesperson Lori Latham. Then, elected officials, county department heads and community stakeholders, such as non-profits, businesses and healthcare providers, were asked for input. The county has contracted with Public Sector Consultants, a public policy research firm in Lansing, to host the community forums and provide additional work in the process. The first community forum is Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Kent County Health Department, 700 Fuller Ave. NE in Grand Rapids. The second is Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Rockford Freshman Center, 4500 Kroes St. NE in Rockford. The third and final forum is Thursday, Dec. 13, at the East Kentwood Freshman Campus, 6170 Valley Lane Drive SE in Kentwood. All meetings run from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required, and only 100 people will able to attend each forum due to space constraints. GRANT PARK, IL - At least 35 fire departments rallied to fight a large fire at an Illinois egg production facility owned by a Michigan company. According to the Grant Park Fire District, the fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday at Mussman's Back Acres in Grant Park 40 miles south of Chicago near the Illinois-Indiana state line, eventually killing about 50,000 hens. The facility is owned by Konos Inc., of Martin north of Kalamazoo. "The first priority at all of our farms is the welfare and safety of our employees and the health of our hens," said Rob Knecht, vice president of operations at Konos, owner of Mussman's Back Acres. "We are thankful for the work of all the fire departments that helped yesterday." Firefighters spent more than 10 hours battling the blaze, which spread to two of the several hundred feet-long metal farm buildings. Those buildings are a total loss, according to the company. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, there was little to no damage to the three remaining barns and all the 275,000 to 300,000 hens in those barns are safe, Grant Park fire officials said. No injuries were reported. Konos does not anticipate supply interruptions to any of its customers. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal. MEMPHIS - A man who posted video of himself peeing on a Kellogg's cereal conveyor belt in Tennessee has pleaded guilty. Gregory Stanton, 49, of Memphis, pleaded guilty to one-count of tampering with consumer products, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced on Tuesday. The video, uploaded to the dark web in 2016, depicts Stanton urinating on a conveyor belt at the Battle Creek-based company's manufacturing plant in Memphis in 2014. A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Stanton on Sept. 11. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also investigated the matter. Stanton pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla on Nov. 30. "American citizens and consumers rely upon food manufacturers engaged in interstate commerce to provide them with safe and consistent products," Dunavant said in a statement. "Unfortunately, this defendant betrayed that trust by tampering with and tainting food products." Stanton is set to be sentenced on Feb. 28, 2019. He faces up to three years imprisonment; three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine. "Maintaining the safety and wholesomeness of the U.S. food supply is a critical priority for the FDA, and the agency will work with food producers to identify steps that can be taken to remediate incidents that may implicate food safety," said Robert M. Hiser, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations' Miami Field Office. "Today's announcement should serve as a clear reminder that the FDA will not tolerate illicit tampering activity in our nation's food supply." Kellogg's said in a statement to WMC-TV in Memphis that it is "pleased that the responsible individual was brought to justice." Celeste LeMieux, of Conklin, has been crowned the 2019 Michigan Apple Queen. Lauren Freeland, of Kent City, is first runner-up. LeMieux is the daughter of David and Ann LeMieux, and is a student at Lake Superior State University. She is the daughter of a third-generation apple grower. The Michigan apple industry has crowned a queen every year since 1952. "The Michigan Apple Queen has the great responsibility of serving as an ambassador for the Michigan Apple industry," said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. "Before the competition, the candidates undergo a rigorous interview and essay-writing process. Celeste will be very busy in 2019 representing the industry at various parades, schools, festivals, grocery store events and more." LeMieux will spend the next year attending events and festivals across Michigan as the face of the Michigan apple industry. She will also travel to schools throughout Michigan teaching students about apples. Freeland is the daughter of Kirk and Billie Freeland, and is a student at Kent City High School. She is the niece of apple growers. The 2019 queen was crowned on Dec. 4 at the 16th annual Michigan Apple Committee grower luncheon. The competition awards an apple representative based on poise, beauty, apple knowledge and public speaking ability. Queen contestants must be between 17 and 23 years of age and have a link to the Michigan apple industry. The Michigan Apple Committee sponsors the annual event. The queen and first runner-up each receive scholarships from the Michigan Apple Committee and the Michigan State Horticultural Society. The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) The military and police are standing by their position that a former lawmaker and a sitting representative are "active members" of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA) amid threats of possible charges before the Office of the Ombudsman. Former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Satur Ocampo and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro have been tagged as communist rebels a charge that has prompted them and their allies in the militant Makabayan bloc in Congress to consider filing charges. "[Armed Forces chief] General [Carlito] Galvez cannot be cowed by a case that party-list congressmen contemplate filing against him. He says that he has been incarcerated for years fighting for what he believes in. All this timethat spans nearly four decadeshe has been putting his life and limb on the line, as well that of his men, protecting the people and the State in the name of our constitutional mandate," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said. Galvez was detained in 1989 for his involvement in the failed coup against then President Cory Aquino. He was granted amnesty in 1996. "The chief of staff [of the] AFP will not succumb to propaganda and lies of the enemies of the state who belong to front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines. He will not cower in fear for these terrorists organizations that have exploited and killed Lumads and their children and even fellow members of the New People's Army on mere suspicion that they are government assets," he added. The AFP also noted how Ocampo acted like an NPA spokesperson when he said in a TV interview that the CPP's armed wing does not recruit minors. "Which is, of course another lie, as evidence and testimonies abound refuting that particular claim. But then again, it only goes to show and reveals that Mr. Ocampo is one of them," Arevalo said. In an interview with CNN Philippines' The Source on Wednesday, Director General Oscar Albayalde, PNP chief, backed the military's position that Ocampo and Castro are communist rebels. "Probably it's true that they are really active members of the CPP," Albayalde told CNN Philippines' The Source on Wednesday. Ocampo and Castro have decried the allegation, saying it would endanger them. But Albayalde said their lives are only in danger because they are supposedly supportive of communist rebels. "They support the CPP-NPA. So if putting their lives in danger, it's because we are going against the rebels, remember - and they're supporting the rebels," he said. However, Albayalde clarified that being a member of the CPP is not a crime. "But when you now support the rebellion, you bear arms or go against the government, that's another thing," he said. Arevalo said Ocampo and Castro should not worry about their "red tagging," but should be afraid of the kidnapping and trafficking charges filed against them for allegedly holding minors and transporting 14 children from Talaingod, Davao del Norte to an unknown location. The 18 accused posted bail on Saturday totalling 1.44 million. They deny the charges, saying they were on a humanitarian mission and decried these as "political persecution." Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Castro and Ocampo are not members of the CPP-NPA, but are supportive of their activities in the Davao del Norte town. Lorenzana said they were probably transporting the children to be used for propaganda for the NPA's 50th anniversary on December 26. Ocampo was one of the founders of the National Democratic Front (NDF), the CPP political arm. He later chaired the NDF peace panel in talks with the government. The Department of Justice previously sought to tag Ocampo as a terrorist under the Human Security Act, but this bid was junked by a Manila court which ruled that he is not a party to the case. This was in line with Duterte's proclamation of the CPP-NPA as a terror group following the termination of peace talks with the rebels, who have been waging the longest communist insurgency in Asia. Jet Airways Jet Airways on December 5 announced 65 new weekly services on national and international routes, effective December. The airline will also offer discounts up to 30 percent on its tickets booked from December 5 to 11. The initiatives to attract customers come even as the airline is in talks with at least three suitors to raise money. Facing liquidity crunch, the airline has deferred paying salaries to its pilots. Sources added that founder Naresh Goyal is in advanced talks with Etihad Airways to raise money. The Gulf airline already owns 24 percent stake in its Indian peer. In the past couple of months, Jet has reviewed its network. Earlier this week, reports said that the airline has cancelled 40 flights a week on seven Gulf routes. These flights originated from tier two Indian cities. The strategy now is to focus on connectivity from its hubs in Mumbai and Delhi. All the 65 new flights now connect fliers from these two metros. Focusing on our strategy of concentrating capacity, enhancing frequencies and improving density and hub connectivity via Mumbai and Delhi, Jet Airways has introduced additional frequencies to popular destinations," said Raj Sivakumar, Senior Vice-President Worldwide Sales & Distribution, Jet Airways. The new flights connect to destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok and Kathmandu. Orix Corporation is likely to exercise its right of first refusal if bids to acquire the renewable energy business of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) falls below the threshold price of Rs 2,300 crore, sources told The Economic Times. The Japanese financial services group is IL&FS second-largest shareholder and has interests in leasing, life insurance, real estate and corporate lending. It had acquired 49 percent stake for Rs 2,300 crore in 2016. A right of first refusal is incorporated in M&A deals and allows the existing shareholder the option to first buy the assets before they are sold to a third party. If Orix chooses to enforce this contractual right, it would not sell its stake at a valuation below Rs 2,300 crore and could trigger the right of first refusal to buy out the asset Cash-strapped IL&FS is selling its clean power assets portfolio, either together or separately, to pare its Rs 91,000 crore debt. It has an installed wind energy capacity of 875 MW and had reported an operating profit of around Rs 600 crore in FY18. However, lack of fresh capacity addition, relatively low plant load factor and rising receivables from state transmission companies could weigh on valuations, the report said. Various state-owned entities, as well as financial investors, have been approached for the acquisition of the assets, the paper had reported last week. Some of these suitors may choose to opt out given uncertainties surrounding the sector and falling valuations, sources said, adding that private equity investors and pension funds looking at a foothold in the Indian renewables space may place bids. Representative image More than a month after the formalin scare forced the Goa government to stop buying fish from other states, a traders' body on Wednesday claimed that they will start importing fish from Thursday. However, the administration is yet to take a call on allowing import of fish though it had indicated that fish from neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra might be allowed to help small-time fishermen. "Wholesale traders are in possession of a requisite permission from the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and will carry fish in insulated trucks from tomorrow," said Ibrahim Maulana, president, Margao Wholesale Fish Market Association (MWFMA), a body of fish importers. The Goa Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) banned import of fish from other states on October 29 amid a growing concern over the alleged presence of formalin, a preservative that is believed to be carcinogenic. The FDA had directed the traders to secure a permission from the concerned authorities. "We have applied for the trade licence from the concerned authorities by providing all the required documents. We also have got a permission from the FSSAI. We will transport fish in insulated vehicles," Maulana told PTI. The wholesale traders in Goa would resume their business from Thursday, he said. When contacted, Goa Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane Wednesday said the state government is firm on its stand that the traders will have to comply with the guidelines. "There will be no compromise on the safety standards for fish. I have asked State Health Secretary to submit me a detailed report by reviewing the existing situation," he said. When asked whether the traders would be allowed to import fish, Rane said he would be able to brief media only after going through the report of the Secretary. The minister Tuesday said the government was thinking of relaxing the ban on fish coming from Karnataka and Maharashtra that are located within the 60-km periphery of the Goa border, to help small-time fishermen who use canoes. The issue of alleged use of formalin in fish was raised aggressively by the Congress in the monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly. The import was initially banned for 15 days by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in July-August this year, which was lifted subsequently. However, the ban was reimposed last month by Rane amid a hue and cry generated by the opposition parties on the formalin issue. Q20. Sir Chhotu Ram was the originator of the concept of compensating the farmer for at least the expenses incurred by him on farming. The concept has now evolved into 'Minimum Support Price'. What was his most famous creation? The government has procured pulses and oilseeds worth Rs 44,142 crore at minimum support prices from farmers in the four years to 2018-19, the agriculture ministry said. It had undertaken various interventions to boost the production of pulses and oilseeds during the last four and a half years to achieve self-sufficiency in the country, a release from the ministry said. India reported production of 25.23 million tonnes (MT) of pulses during FY 2017-18 against 14.66 MT in FY 2009-10, an increase of 72.10 per cent, it added. Similarly, production of oilseeds increased from 24.88 MT to 31.3 MT during corresponding period, registering an increase of 25.80 per cent. "Further, the government's decision to create buffer stock of pulses has also led to the increase of pulses production in the country," the statement said. It added that the steps to "raise Minimum Support Price to 1.5 times of cost of production undertaken this year" will further encourage the farmers to grow more pulses and oilseeds. "It is notable that during five years from 2009-10 to 2013-14, only a quantity of 7.28 lakh MT of pulses and oilseeds valuing Rs 3,117.38 crore was procured at MSP whereas during the period from 2014-15 to 2018-19, a quantity of 93.97 lakh MT of pulses and oilseeds valuing Rs 44,142.50 crore were procured at MSP by government," it added. Procurement of 78.84 Lakh MT amounting to Rs 35,800 crore alone has been contributed by the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, it added. The government of Panama awarded on December 4 a Chinese consortium a $1.4 billion contract to build a bridge over the Panama Canal, a day after a visit by President Xi Jinping. That tour was part of China's efforts to extend its political and economic influence in Latin America. "Panama is moving ahead in its relations with China and without a doubt this project that begins its construction today is part of that message and trust between the two countries," Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said. The order will allow a consortium called Panama Cuarto Puente, composed of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and its unit China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), to design and build a bridge over the Panama Canal. The group outbid companies from Spain, Italy, South Korea and China. It will be one of the largest construction projects in Panamanian history. During his visit Xi and Varela signed a score of infrastructure, tourism and development cooperation agreements as Panama became the first Latin American country to partner with Beijing's giant multi-billion dollar "Belt and Road" development initiative. Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertiliser | Promoter entities Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation, Twinshield Consultants and South India Travels to sell 1,05,72,513 equity shares of the company via offer for sale on November 3-4. (Image: Reuters) The government is prepared to fulfil the complete fertiliser demand of farmers during the ongoing rabi season, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers D V Sadananda Gowda said on Wednesday. The Indian crop season is classified into two main periods -- kharif (JulyOctober) and rabi (October-March).a, who assumed the additional charge of the ministry mid-last month following the demise of his ministerial colleague Ananth Kumar, was briefing reporters about the availability of fertiliser stock for the rabi season. "...there is sufficient field stock of fertilisers available in all the states, which is adequate to address any emergent issue," he said. Speaking on the supply, he said the ministry is in day-to-day coordination with the Indian Railways for movement of fertilisers across the country. "Last kharif season, the railways cooperated to a considerable extent. We have got 250 more rakes to supply. There is no dearth in supply of fertilisers. We will try to supply to states nearly 50 percent of stock in advance, so that there is no problem for farmers," the minister said. For rabi season, the minister said, the requirement of urea is estimated at 155.84 lakh tonne. The entire quantity required for the current rabi season, especially during peak consumption months of December 2018 and January 2019, is expected to be met by domestic production of about 129 LMT and the remaining through imports. "We have planned how much urea we have to import to match the requirement here with indigenous production in our country. We have already planned to import 25 lakh metric tonnes," he said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde claimed that no human rights complaints have ever been filed in relation to the implementation of martial law in Mindanao. "We haven't heard a single case of a human rights violation in Mindanao since the implementation of martial law. These are all allegations," Albayalde told CNN Philippines' The Source on Wednesday. However, at least two complaints have been lodged with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) over alleged human rights abuses while martial law is in effect. Leftist human rights group Karapatan filed a complaint in December 2017 over the killing of seven T'Boli and Dulangan Manobo allegedly perpetrated by elements of the 27th and 33rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Brgy. Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. The CHR regional office in Region XII held two soldiers liable for the killings, Karapatan said. "The findings of the CHR regional office affirms the testimonies of indigenous peoples and peasants in Mindanao and elsewhere - that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its troops are murderers and they are the ones causing terror and massive insecurity in the rural areas. With the martial law declaration in Mindanao, the AFP and State forces are on a rampage of killings, illegal arrests and other violations," Karapatan deputy secretary general Roneo Clamor said. The same human rights group also filed in March a complaint with the CHR over the alleged abduction, illegal detention and torture of two farmers and small-scale miners who were tagged as thieves and members of the New People's Army. Farmers Janry Mensis and "Jerry" and miners were supposedly kept in an unmoving ambulance in the camp of the 71st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army for eight days and was only fed for four days. They were allegedly thrown in a pit where soldiers tried to burn them alive. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz and Cecilia Jimenez-Damary, two UN-appointed experts, have earlier warned that the extension of martial law could further deteriorate the human rights situation in Mindanao. But Albayalde said, "No case was ever filed. These are all allegations. They're not even substantiated." Despite allegations of human rights abuses under martial law, AFP chief of staff Carlito Galvez, Jr. and Albayalde have recommended its extension to President Rodrigo Duterte, partly due to clamor from residents and local officials in Mindanao. "Because of martial law, we have seen a drastic improvement in the peace and order situation in Mindanao," Albayalde said. The top cop said the crime volume in Mindanao has dropped to 28,353 or 32.8 percent, while index crimes have gone down by 42.2 percent due to martial law, which has been in effect since May 2017. He also claimed that tourists still visit Mindanao even if it is under martial law. He added that if martial law would no longer be extended, police and military forces would move away from Mindanao. If it pushes through, this would be the third time martial law is extended in Mindanao. Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she would recommend that the House passes its extension, while the majority leaders of both chambers have expressed support for it. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also said he would follow the recommendation of security forces to extend martial law in the southern Philippines. Opposition lawmakers have decried the plan to extend martial law anew, with Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon calling it "unconstitutional." Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution states that the President may declare martial law "in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it." "I may sound like a broken record but for the nth time, I would repeat: there is no actual rebellion. Rebellion no longer persists in Mindanao," Drilon said Tuesday in a statement. Duterte first placed Mindanao under martial law after the Marawi siege broke out in May 2017. Congress first extended martial law to last until December 31, 2017 in July of the same year. The legislature once again extended it to last until the end of 2018 in December 13, 2017. This is the second-longest period of martial law in the Philippines, only next to the martial rule of the late strongman President Ferdinand Marcos which lasted for nine years. CNN Philippines Correspondent Xianne Arcangel contributed to this report. 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. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi addressed an election campaign public gathering at Habeeb Fatima Nagar X Road under Rahmath Nagar division, Jubliee Hills Assembly Constituency. (Image Facebook/@Asaduddinowaisi) AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi Wednesday ruled out his party joining the TRS government in the event of it returning to power for second term in office. The Hyderabad Lok Sabha member said the TRS would form a government on its own. "No, we will not join the government. I am pretty much sure that the people of Telangana will bless KCR (as caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is referred to by many) again. He will form the government. We will not join the government", he said. In any case, there would not be any need for AIMIM to join the government as TRS would get a majority on its own, Owaisi said at a "meet-the-press" programme organised at Hyderabad Press Club. Responding to questions, he claimed that both BJP President Amit Shah and Congress President Rahul Gandhi want to "stop" his party in the December seven Assembly elections to the 119-member Assembly. "Rahul Gandhi and Amit Shah are working together against AIMIM", Owaisi alleged. AIMIM, which won seven seats in the 2014 Assembly elections, has fielded eight candidates this time. Owaisi said his party would not only retain the seven seats but also win in Rajendranagar constituency. TRS like the BJP is going it alone in the Assembly polls. Whereas, the Congress and TDP are part of the 'People's Front' which also comprises the CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS). PTI file photo dated October 1990 shows Babri Masjid in Ayodhya The VHP would observe Shaurya Diwas on December 6, the anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition, and also gear up for programmes lined up on the occasion of Gita Jayanti on December 18 to garner support for the construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. With the 2019 Lok Sabha elections round the corner, all eyes seem to be on the temple town as December 6 marks the 26th anniversary of the demolition. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) along with some akharas will be celebrating the day as 'Shaurya Diwas' and are likely to hold programmes to mark the day. VHP spokesperson in Ayodhya, Sharad Sharma, said, "Shaurya Diwas will be traditionally celebrated. In Ayodhya, the VHP and various Hindu organisations are likely to organise a number of religious programmes, including a hawan, so that a grand temple of Lord Ram is built." Sharma also said that special prayers for Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning) were likely to be held so that the people, especially politicians do not "hinder the construction of a Ram temple". "Sarva baadha mukti hawans (hawans seeking to get rid of all obstructions) too will be held. Tributes will also be paid to the innocent karsewaks who faced bullets and lost their lives," he said and compared the karsewaks to Jatayu, the vulture who tried to rescue Sita from demon king Ravan in the epic Ramayana. The VHP office bearer said another Dharam Sabha was scheduled to be held in Delhi on December 9 in which over five lakh people were likely to turn up. "On January 31 and February 1, 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 specially invited for this," he said. The Dharam Sansad would deliberate on various issues, including the Ram temple, cow, river Ganga, and social harmony, he said. "Through the Dharam Sabha (held on November 25), we were able to send a message that the Hindu society wants a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya," Sharma said, adding the road map of the next course of action will be finalised during Kumbh in Prayagraj next year. When asked, Mahant Ramdas of Nirmohi Akhara said, "We will celebrate the day as Shaurya Diwas, as it was on this day that Ram Janmabhoomi was liberated from a Mughal structure." He said nearly 500 prominent ashrams of the temple town would be lit with ghee lamps and illuminated with electronic lights to celebrate the day. Ramdas said the day would be celebrated like Diwali and hawans would be held at Karsewakpuram. Secretary (organisation) of VHP's Awadh praant (region) Bholendra said pledge-taking programmes would be held on Gita Jayanti on December 18 and would continue for a week. "The VHP would hold pledge-taking programmes at various places in the country. The pledge will be taken for construction of a grand Ram temple. This will begin on Gita Jayanti and continue for almost a week. Apart from this we are holding Dharam Sabhas on a smaller scale across various parts of the country," he said. On the 25th anniversary of the mosque's demolition last year, heavy security was deployed in the twin towns of Faizabad and Ayodhya, as the VHP and the Bajrang Dal observed 'Shaurya Diwas' (Day of Valour), while Muslim organisations observed 'Yaum-e-Gham' (Day of sorrow). No 1, Alibaba | Market Cap: $ 536.86 billion | CEO: Daniel Zhang | Location: China | Industry: Retailing. (Image: Reuters) Alibaba Group Holding Ltd said on December 5 it has signed an agreement with the Belgium government to launch an e-commerce trade hub, which will include investments in logistics infrastructure. The project is part of Alibaba's Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP), and Belgium is the first European country to join the project following similar agreements in Malaysia and Rwanda. Alibaba's logistics arm, Cainiao, will lease a 220,000 square meter logistics port at Belgium's Liege airport as part of the deal and invest an initial 75 million euros ($85 million) in the project set to begin operations in 2021, it said. "We strongly believe that under the eWTP, we will open up the huge potential for European businesses to reap the benefits of global cross-border trade, especially into the China market," Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang said in a statement. Alibaba's eWTP is designed to help countries reduce trade barriers for e-commerce trade, including lowering or eliminating tariffs and speeding up customs clearance. The company has previously said the project is designed to "compliment" the World Trade Organization (WTO). Alibaba is expanding the project to Europe amid wider trade tensions, which have forced the firm to back down from efforts to tap U.S. sellers. Recently, Alibaba Chairman Jack Ma said previous plans to create a million jobs in the United States had been put on ice due to trade tensions, according to Chinese state media. Tata Motors Managing Director Guenter Butschek expressed strong displeasure at the claimed change of stance by the government on incentivising hybrid vehicles. The 58 year-old chief executive said incentivising hybrid cars will upset investments lined up by private companies who have designed business plans as per governments guidance of going fully electric as a long term policy. On the sidelines of unveiling the Harrier SUV, Butschek was reacting to a media report that stated the governments intent to restore the withdrawn incentives on hybrid cars. Speaking to Moneycontrol, Butschek said, I dont get it anymore, I really dont. Why do we consistently go from left to right instead of aligning everything towards electrification. The MOVE summit was about electrification. Except representatives of one part of the world who has brought back the hybrid story for consideration, everyone was talking about electric vehicles. This is like taking two steps forward and three steps backwards. I am speechless. Last year, the government decided to put hybrid cars (cars that are powered by a mix of battery and fossil fuel) under the highest tax bracket under the Goods & Services Tax (GST) regime. Thus, tax on hybrid vehicles jumped to 43 percent from 20-30 percent. Electric cars are the least taxed segment attracting only 12 percent GST. This was followed by protests from certain manufacturers such as Toyota Motor Corporation and Maruti Suzuki parent Suzuki Motor Corporation that have specialised in hybrid technology. This even stretched to the extent that these companies met the Indian ambassador in Japan to voice their discontent last year. Japanese car companies are believed to have lobbied hard over the past several months with the government for reincentivising hybrids, a move which has irked other manufacturers such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra who are focusing only on electric vehicles. After joining forces, Toyota and Suzuki are laying a strong focus on hybrids as part of their future product portfolio Heads of several companies, however, agree that India will need the bridge of hybrids for its move to fully electric mobility in the long run. Hybrid vehicles will educate the customer on battery power and its consumption pattern. But if the government decides to put electric and hybrid vehicles in the same tax bracket the market will see a much slower development of the EV ecosystem such as charging stations and factories manufacturing lithium-ion batteries. I do hope this is not more than an intent and that the subject is open for discussions otherwise we are going to bring a huge degree of confusion to the larger industry, including the private sector which is finalising investments. There are so many companies ready to set-up charging stations and even battery manufacturing factories. Now, suddenly with hybrids there is no need for those investments, Butschek added. Tata Motors is also developing hybrid powertrains but as a stopgap solution before moving to fully electric in later years. The company has developed electric versions of the Tiago, Tigor, Zest and Bolt and is supplying the Tigor electric to a government company. So far there is no change in policy of the government, but it is a discussion at the Department of Heavy Industries (DHI). I do not support this statement of intent. The government does not have an unlimited budget to support sustainable mobility. So prodding something that is anyway required in order to meet CAFE norms (hybrid) in 2022 is a must because as diesel share declines you need to compensate for higher CO2 which comes with a petrol engine. At no point in the past has the industry ever enjoyed a subsidy from the government for something that is already technologically required. It is not ethical to ask the government to actually subsidise your technological needs, Butschek stated. Federal authorities announced a raft of conspiracy and tax fraud charges on December 4 against four men in the first U.S. prosecution related to the so-called Panama Papers. The 11-count indictment unsealed in Manhattan stems from what prosecutors described as an "intercontinental money laundering scheme" involving a global law firm based in Panama. Two Germans, one American and a Panamanian attorney were charged with conspiracy and other counts. The Panama Papers include a collection of 11 million secret financial documents that illustrated how some of the world's richest people hide their money. The records were first leaked to the Suddeutsche Zeitung, a major German newspaper, and were shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which began publishing collaborative reports with news organizations in 2016. The repercussions of the leaks were far-ranging, prompting the resignation of the prime minister of Iceland and bringing scrutiny to the leaders of Argentina and Ukraine, Chinese politicians and Russian President Vladimir Putin, among others. Federal prosecutors say the law firm Mossack Fonseca conspired to circumvent U.S. laws to maintain the wealth of its clients and conceal tax dollars owed to the IRS. They say the scheme dates to 2000 and involved sham foundations and shell companies in Panama, Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands. Prosecutors said the names of the firm's clients generally did not appear on incorporation paperwork even though they had "complete access to" the assets and the accounts. U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said the defendants "shuffled millions of dollars through off-shore accounts" and had "a playbook to repatriate un-taxed money into the U.S. banking system." "Now their international tax scheme is over," Berman said in a statement, "and these defendants face years in prison for their crimes." The law firm had relatively few American clients. The data leak included copies of about 200 American passports, and some 3,500 shareholders in the offshore companies listed addresses in the U.S.- a small fraction of the more than 250,000 companies Mossack Fonseca set up for clients in four decades of business. Charged in the indictment were Ramses Owens, 50, a Panamanian attorney who worked for Mossack Fonseca; Dirk Brauer, 54, a German investment manager; Harald Joachim Von Der Goltz, 81, of Germany; and Richard Gaffey, an accountant from Medfield, Massachusetts. Authorities said Owens remained at large on December 4; the other defendants have been taken into custody. An attorney for Von Der Goltz, Jeffrey Neiman, called the indictment "a desperate attempt to salvage an American case out of the Panama Papers." He said his "client will be vindicated at trial." Messages sent to an attorney for Gaffey were not immediately returned on December 4 evening. It was not immediately clear whether the other defendants had attorneys. Owens and Brauer are accused of establishing and managing "opaque offshore trusts and undeclared bank accounts" on behalf of American taxpayer clients of Mossack Fonseca, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York said in announcing the charges. Both men set up the accounts in countries with strict bank secrecy laws, prosecutors said, making it difficult for the United States to obtain relevant bank records relating to the accounts. They also allegedly told their American clients how to recover their funds without revealing the existence of the accounts, including by using debit cards and "fictitious sales." Von Der Goltz, a former U.S. resident, is accused of evading taxes in part by concealing his ownership of certain shell companies and bank accounts from the IRS. Gaffey and Owens are accused of falsely claiming that Von Der Goltz's elderly mother was the sole beneficiary of the accounts because she lived in Guatemala and therefore was not a U.S. taxpayer. Foxconn, the world's biggest electronics contract manufacturer and a key Apple Inc supplier, is considering setting up a factory in Vietnam to mitigate any impact of an ongoing trade war between the United States and China, Vietnamese state media reported. The move would be one of the first significant steps by a major company with large manufacturing facilities in China to secure an additional production base outside the country because of trade tensions between the world's top two economies. The report also comes as several executives of other corporations interviewed by Reuters singled out Vietnam and Thailand as preferred destinations should they need to shelter operations from the trade war. "Foxconn Group and the Hanoi People's Committee are working together to open an iPhone manufacturing facility in Vietnam to negate the impacts of the U.S.-China trade war," the Vietnam Investment Review reported on Monday. The newspaper cited Vu Tien Loc, head of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as raising the matter with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at a meeting on Nov. 22. "We are discussing the possibility of this with Foxconn," Loc told Reuters, without elaborating. Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung declined to comment. Taiwan's Foxconn, formally Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, said it would not comment on current or potential customers or any of their products. The iPhone assembler said earlier this year that the Sino-U.S. trade spat was the biggest challenge it is facing, and its high-level managers were making plans to counter the impact. In trade talks on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed not to introduce any tariffs for 90 days as negotiations continue. Mike Pompeo US President Donald Trump's top diplomat promised on Tuesday a new democratic world order in which Washington will strengthen or jettison international agreements as it sees fit to stop "bad actors" such as Russia, China and Iran from gaining. In a twist on Trump's "America First" policy, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Trump was not abandoning its global leadership but instead reshaping the post-World War Two system on the basis of sovereign states, not multilateral institutions. "In the finest traditions of our great democracy, we are rallying the noble nations to build a new liberal order that prevents war and achieves greater prosperity," Pompeo told diplomats and officials in a foreign policy speech. "We are acting to preserve, protect, and advance an open, just, transparent and free world of sovereign states," Pompeo said, adding that China's ability to benefit from the current U.S.-led system of trade and other agreements was an example of "the poisoned fruit of American retreat." Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Pompeo's statements "did not accord with the spirit" of the meeting just days earlier between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Argentina. "I don't know for what purpose someone would applaud then and now say something like this," Geng said, referring to media reports that applause broke out after Xi and Trump agreed to a trade war ceasefire at their meeting in Argentina. Geng said that while the United States "flies the flag of America First, and wields the baton of protectionism and unilateralism", China was an important contributor to multilateralism, the international rules-based order and global economic development. Pompeo, a former Army officer who is regarded as a Trump loyalist with hawkish world views, said Trump was also pushing both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to stop funding countries such as China, saying they already had access to financial markets to raise capital. Pompeo's address, which was met with polite applause, rejected concerns among many traditional U.S. allies that Trump is undermining the West by withdrawing from climate, free-trade and arms control accords. Pompeo said such criticism was "plain wrong." Pompeo said Trump was reforming the liberal order, not destroying it. He cited Britain's decision to quit the European Union as a sign supranational organisations were not working. He also took aim at "bureaucrats" responsible for upholding multilateralism "as an end in itself" and cast doubt on the EU's commitment to its citizens. That drew a rare rebuke from the European Commission, the bloc's executive. Asked to reply to the Secretary of State's remarks, its chief spokesman offered an explanation of how the EU executive is subject to control by citizens via the directly elected European Parliament and by the governments of the member states. "So for those people who come to Brussels and coin an opinion without knowing how our system works, that's how our system works. And that's our reply," Margaritis Schinas said. NUCLEAR TREATY WITHDRAWAL Pompeo's speech marks the latest attempt by a Trump official to place the president's decisions into a coherent policy plan, after visits to Brussels by his vice president and other senior U.S. officials. European leaders are troubled by Trump's rhetoric and say that his decision to pull out of the Paris climate change accord and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal undermine European priorities. Alluding to Trump's policies in a speech on Monday in Cambridge, Massachusetts, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini warned of "the rule of the jungle" replacing the rule of law. Pompeo said the United States was acting correctly. "Our administration is ... lawfully exiting or renegotiating outdated or harmful treaties, trade agreements, and other international arrangements that don't serve our sovereign interests, or the interest of our allies," he said. Under pressure from Washington, the U.S.-led NATO alliance is expected later on Tuesday to declare Russia in formal breach of a nuclear arms control treaty, paving the way for Trump to withdraw from the Cold War-era agreement. NATO's European allies have pressed Trump not to follow through with his threat to quit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Moscow, signed in 1987, but instead to work to bring Russia into compliance with the pact. However, diplomats said they were now trying to limit the fallout of the decision by staggering the expected U.S. withdrawal into next year and first formally accusing Russia of breaking the INF agreement, which rid Europe of land-based nuclear missiles. Russia denies violation of the pact. The aerial view of Marina beach after a tsunami triggered by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean hit the area in the southern Indian city of Madras December 26, 2004. At least 390 have been killed after a tsunami hit India's southern coast on Sunday, a federal cabinet minister and officials said. REUTERS/Babu AH/CN - RP5DRIAGJMAA A shallow and powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the Pacific islands of New Caledonia Wednesday, US seismologists said, triggering a tsunami warning for the area. "Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters" the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said, "hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 1000 kilometres of the earthquake epicentre." New Zealand authorities issued a similar warning after the quake, which struck just 10 kilometres beneath the surface. USGS originally gave the magnitude of the quake as 7.6 before revising it downwards slightly. United Nations also extended the Diwali greeting on the occasion. A happy and safe Diwali to all those who are celebrating!, tweeted the UN. Conflict has pushed tens of millions of people into a situation where they are in urgent need of help, the UN relief chief has said, in an appeal for funds that could top USD 25 billion to support life-saving aid projects in over 40 countries next year. Speaking at the launch of a major annual analysis of global humanitarian needs, Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock said that a total of 132 million people will need assistance next year. Of that number, the UN and its partner organisations aim to support 93.6 million. While conflict is the main cause, climate-related risks such as drought and tropical storms are also significant contributors to the number of people in crisis. "Something like one person in 70 around the world is caught up in crisis and urgently needs humanitarian help or protection," Lowcock said. "We have a larger number of people displaced, mostly by conflict than we have seen in the world before, nearly 70 million." The UN's Global Humanitarian Appeal for 2019 amounts to USD 21.9 billion; it is expected to increase to USD 25 billion, once Syria's financial needs have been calculated. As of mid-November, donors have provided a record USD 13.9 billion in funding, which is about 10 per cent more than at the same time last year, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The conflict in Yemen is one of the main reasons why next year's funding appeal is so high, amid ongoing violence between Government forces and Houthi opposition, that has left at least eight million people close to famine. Highlighting the near-economic collapse of Yemen's economy which will require long-term financial support from the international community if it is to recover, Lowcock warned that next year, three-quarters of the country's population 24 million people - are likely to need help. "The country with the biggest problem in 2019 is going to be Yemen," he said, before insisting that the UN's coordinated response plans help the humanitarian community "to deliver, more and better" to millions of people. In total the UN is seeking USD 4 billion for its Yemen appeal, Lowcock said, adding that "there's going to need to be billions of dollars" additional support for the Government of Yemen from the international community, because oil revenues are down 85 per cent. "Unless they get help the problems associated with plummeting currency are going to happen again," the UN official said, while also stressing the need to tackle the root causes of conflicts everywhere. Beyond Yemen, needs will remain "exceptionally high" in Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Sudan, Lowcock said. Every month in 2018, humanitarians have reached eight million Yemenis with food assistance and 5.4 million Syrians with supplies, medical assistance and protection, Lowcock said. "This is happening even as threats to the safety of aid workers are on the rise," he noted. People's insecurity has also worsened significantly in Afghanistan because of drought, political instability and an influx of returning refugees, according to the Global Humanitarian Overview 2019, as well as in Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR), owing to an upsurge of conflict and violence. Turning to the high human cost caused by climate hazards, the UN official noted that there is an 80 per cent chance in 2019 of an El Nino event, which is linked to extreme weather events. While the impact is not expected to be as widespread as in 2016, it is still likely to be a significant event and affect some 25 countries with drought, tropical cyclones and floods including South Africa, Malawi and Madagascar, Lowcock warned. In another finding, the OCHA report shows that the average UN humanitarian response now lasts more than nine years; in 2014, the norm was 5.2 years. This year, moreover, nearly three-quarters of people receiving assistance are in countries that have been affected by humanitarian crises for seven years or more. Donald Trump and Xi Jinping Top American lawmakers hailed the positive development between the US and China in trade following talks between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Argentina during which the Communist nation agreed to help reduce the trade imbalance. The leaders of the world's largest trading partners struck a temporary truce on Saturday in Buenos Aires, with Trump agreeing to maintain the 10 per cent tariffs on USD 200 billion worth of Chinese goods, and to defer his original January 1 deadline for raising them further. In exchange, China agreed it would be willing to purchase a "very substantial" amount of agriculture, energy and other goods from the United States to help reduce the trade imbalance. China now has 90 days to work with the US to strike a deal on an array of issues, including: the large trade imbalance between the two countries, intellectual property concerns and forced technology transfers China has agreed to buy a large amount of agricultural products from US. "Maintaining and creating new market access is vital to Iowa farmers. I hear from many Iowans about the importance of standing up to China's unfair trade practices, and making progress on rebalancing the trade imbalance between our two countries," said Senator Joni Ernest from Iowa. "While we are still waiting for more specifics, new purchases of agricultural products will help Iowa farmers and manufacturers," he said. Observing that far too many Americans are dying from heroin that has been laced with Chinese fentanyl, Senator Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania applauded Trump for securing an initial commitment from China to crack down on the production of all fentanyl-like drugs. "Congress should strengthen the administration's hand in this effort by passing my bipartisan Blocking Deadly Fentanyl Imports Act, which punishes countries that fail to implement and enforce internal controls on fentanyl production," he said. In an interview to Fox News, Senator Rob Portman described the decisions between US and China on trade as a positive development. "I think we had a very positive week in trade, let's be honest. We weren't sure what was going to happen with the meeting at the G20 between President Trump and President Xi. It turned out to have set up a process," he said. This has now become clear that the Chinese are willing to make some concessions early in terms of buying more of US product. Over the longer haul they're willing to talk about the other issues that have to be talked about, which is more of the structural changes in their relationship and specifically on intellectual property, he said. However, Democratic Senator Ed Markey was critical of Trump as he alleged that his policies are putting China first. "We just sent 1 million barrels of US crude oil to China. Rather than helping US small businesses and our consumers, this policy helps Chinese corporations and Big Oil and worsens climate change. Trump's policies are putting China first, America last," Markey said. "Deferring the significant tariff hike that was set to take effect on January 1 will prevent further harm on our economies and our workers," said US Chamber president and CEO Thomas J Donohue Donohue, at the 11th meeting of the US-China CEO and Former Senior Officials' Dialogue. "And it will give our leaders the opportunity to reengage on the key challenges in our relationship. It is imperative that we now come together, seize this moment, and capitalise on the positive exchange between our presidents. Our challenge is to make sure that this is not just a fleeting moment, but instead an inflection point and one that puts us on the path to enduring progress," he said. Along with de-escalation, the two countries must meaningfully address the long-simmering tensions that led to the trade war in the first place. "Subsidies, market access restrictions, forced technology transfer and IP rights violations, and restrictions on digital trade are straining the global trading system and imposing significant costs on the United States and other economies. The United States wants to see permanent solutions that address these problems," Donohue said. According to the CPI Somalia ranked as the most corrupt country with instability and restricted press freedom as factors hindering transparency (Image: Reuters) The United States has renewed a "permanent diplomatic presence" in Somalia, the State Department said, nearly 30 years after the US embassy was closed as a civil war raged in the Horn of Africa country. Somalia has been trying to recover from the conflict that engulfed the country in 1991, when clan warlords overthrew a dictator and then turned on each other. "This historic event reflects Somalia's progress in recent years and is another step forward in formalizing US diplomatic engagement in Mogadishu," the State Department said in a statement late on December 4. Somalia has in recent years faced an insurgency by the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militant group, as well as famine and maritime piracy. While parts of the country are plagued by militant violence, a degree of stability in the capital, Mogadishu, has drawn investment from Somalis at home and abroad. In September, the World Bank approved $80 million in grants to Somalia to fund public finance reforms, the first disbursement to the country in 30 years. The United States carries out periodic air strikes in Somalia in support of the UN-backed government and its fight against al-Shabaab. The militant group withdrew from Mogadishu in 2011, but it retains a strong presence in areas outside the capital. "Our return demonstrates the United States' commitment to further advance stability, democracy, and economic development that are in the interest of both nations," the State Department said. There is growing evidence that people who stay up late have an increased risk of poor health as they are more likely to have erratic eating patterns and consume unhealthy foods. According to a new review of studies, sleeping habits could have a very real impact on ones health, by increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and type-2 diabetes. The study, published in... On Monday, 4th December, even as the Serious Frauds Investigation Office (SFIO) was asking for a freeze on the assets of top officials of IL&FS (Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services), I received copies of a set of letters written by a whistleblower with explosive information. He had written to every person or entity who could have acted in time to reduce the damage caused by the finance groups fraudulent dealings. But they did nothing. 2 May 2017: The whistleblower, who signs as Mahesh Inamdar, wrote a three-page letter to the board of directors of IL&FS with specific names of employees, problem accounts and amounts involved (details later). I understand that the board was persuaded not to discuss the letter because this was under a pseudonym. I further learn that one board member asked for the letter to be discussed a whole year later, at the July 2018 board meeting, when Ravi Parthasarathy, founder and former chairman, resigned on health grounds. 21 July 2017: The same person, Mahesh Inamdar, wrote to Urjit Patel, governor Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and all the major shareholderschairman of State Bank of India (SBI), VK Sharma of Life Insurance Corporation, Deepak Parekh of HDFC, Sanjeev Doshi of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Orix. This letter was captioned: IL&FS/IFIN: Rs1 lakh crore of PSU bank exposure at serious risk. It makes the point that this is his third letter and it is largely a plea to the RBI governor to investigate 4 years of mismanagement, fatal financial engineering to declare dividend/show divestment & serious corruption by entire top management. It specifically names Ravi Parthasarathy, Hari Shankaran, Ramesh Bawa, Arun Saha and K Ramchand. He pleads with the directors to initiate emergency repair work, by providing specific amounts, names and deals where money was extended to dubious entities or was written off. Some of the entities/industrialists mentioned in the letter are well-known friends and cronies of the cabal that controlled IL&FS. Again, it points to the massive realty exposure undertaken by the group which has absolutely nothing to do with public infrastructure. Nothing happened. Remember how RBI had claimed that its investigation report had flagged issues with IL&FS two years ago? Well, these letters allege corruption, and worse, with specific details. Will SFIO find out if the RBI governor had even forwarded these letters to the inspection and supervision departments? 21 July 2017: The whistleblower also wrote to independent directors of IL&FS Financial Services (IFIN). Specifically, the letters went to Surinder S Kohil (former chairman of Punjab National Bank), Subhalakshmi Panse (former chairman of Allahabad Bank) and Uday Ved, taxation head of KPMG LLP. Titled, Serious corruption/corporate governance issues, he wrote that the purpose of the letter was to draw their attention to the extremely serious situation which threaten IFIN survival even over the next 12 months, mainly due to serious corruption at IFIN. RBI role is very critical as real stakeholders are banks (public money) with exposure at serious risk. Nothing happened. This letter mainly highlighted massive loans, of over Rs4,000 crore, extended to dubious or politically-connected realty companies. It named specific individuals, companies and amounts. This letter was also copied to the RBI governor and major institutional investors of IL&FS. 31 July 2017: This time, the whistleblower, calling himself Sanjay Gurukripa, writes to Sunil Mehta, managing director (MD) of Punjab National Bank (PNB) which is already reeling from the Nirav Modi scam. It is marked Extremely Confidential and Urgent and is all about Vadraj Cement Ltd (formerly ABG Cement) which figures prominently in all the letters. It highlights Serious fraud by promoters (abuse of Strategic Debt Restructuring scheme) on the consortium of banks including PNB as lead banker and other public sector banks (PSBs)Dena Bank, Union Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Central Bank of India, Bank of India, Oriental Bank of Commerce and Corporation Bank. This letter deserves a separate column; it was marked to the chief vigilance commissioner, along with branch heads and MDs of the consortium of banks named above. 12 May 2018: Despite the lack of action and response to this huge effort to get the attention of every authority responsible for regulation and supervision of the financial system, the whistleblower writes one more letter (as Sanjay Gurukripa), with more details, to Urjit Patel, RBI governor. This was before Ravi Parthasarathy stepped down as chairman and is marked Extremely confidential and urgent. It not only provides an update of affairs at IL&FS, calling it a serious scam; but has this warning underlined: At (the) present speed of deterioration, IL&FS would collapse in next 12-18 months. This letter highlights how credit ratings are manipulated; how the top five members of Mr Parthasarathys cabal who are running their own fiefdoms (absolutely corrupt/massively incompetent) had all got their tenures extended, although they were over 65 years old. Interestingly, this letter is copied to the heads of CARE Rating, India Ratings and Research, Deloitte and Orix. These letters have brought out the following facts. First, a cabal of five people (founder Ravi Parthasarathy and his cronies Hari Shankaran vice chairman, Ramesh Bawa, K Ramchand and Arun Saha) were running this giant finance and infrastructure conglomerate like a personal fief, along with four or five other persons in their inner circle. It points to how rating agencies had ignored specific bad loans and massive exposure to realty, as well as huge ever-greening of loans to the following: ABG Shipyard/SIMEC (this is serious because these companies were into defence deals), SKIL Infrastructure (Rs1,000 crore each), Sivasankaran group (new exposure, despite previous losses to the group), Unitech, Parsvanath Developers, Era Housing, HDIL Ltd of the Wadhwan group, the politically-connected Kohinoor group, Ind Bharat Energy, Varun Shipping and KVK Infrastructure. Most of these are under bankruptcy proceedings. The whistleblower alleges that manipulation of ratings was the key to ensure ever-greening of loans to these entities and to give them fresh funding. Another scary revelation is that nobody is aware of the extent of contingent liabilities of IL&FS through comfort letters and DSRA (debt service reserve account) support issued for borrowings by group companies which will soon convert to actual liability." He also alleges that foreign offices of the group are a big question mark and (are) being used for moving illegal money overseas. All this and more is beginning to spill out into the public domain. Other letters have details of many specific loans, adjustments and accounts that need to be handled separately after some verification. Some of it is already in the SFIO report, which is also in the public domain. I have asked three former independent directors of IL&FS, the holding company, for their response. They were RC Bhargava, Jairthirth Rao and Reena Kamat. Only Mr Bhargava responded, I have reproduced his response at the end of this column. Earlier, on 2 October 2015, Umesh Baveja, the founder of RAHI Aviation, who has victimised by IL&FS had written a detailed letter to the Dr Raghuram Rajan exposing the groups incestuous dealings to collect multiple fees and charges (all of which are now part of the SFIO report). He too did not bother to act on the letter, although Mr Baveja was his former batchmate. So RBIs failure to act predates Dr Urjit Patels tenure. This shocking saga shows that not one of the checks and balances, instituted in the form of endless red tape and check-box disclosures meant for directors, actually works in real life. These routine compliances are only a way to help regulators cover their own tracks and evade responsibility. The letters expose the regulator, bankers, investors and rating agencies as being complicit in the scam by refusing to heed warnings and take cognisance of very specific facts and details provided by the whistleblower. Unless SFIOs investigation also questions, as Sherlock Holmes would say, the dog that didnt bark, we, as a country, will only lurch from one financial scandal to another, with the losses being paid by the people, through the exchequer. The standing committee of parliament, which comprises our elected representatives, is apparently looking into the IL&FS scandal. So far, parliamentarians have shown no inclination to go beyond the bureaucratic process of seeking in-camera depositions of those who are either directly responsible for the scandal or have failed to act. This has never yielded any result in the past few decades. The series of financial scandals under the United Progressive Alliance, and the recent ones under the National Democratic Alliance, not to mention the embarrassing dirt spewing out of the Central Bureau of Investigation, shows that we, as a people, need to demand better accountability and a better way of dealing with financial scams and corruption. The buck must stop at the regulators who fail to act and the investigations must begin by questioning them, rather than allowing them to turn investigators! Moneylife requested Mr Bhargava and other independent directors for feedback on whether the board ever took cognisance of the whistleblowers letter and why no action was ever initiated. The conversation below tells its own story. Prof Dr M Sridhar Acharayalu, who retired as Central Information Commissioner on 20 November 2018, wrote an open letter to Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India. In this letter, Prof Acharyulu has raised serious questions on how the government itself had filed almost 1,700 writ petitions against orders passed by information commissioners under Right to Information (RTI) Act. Surprisingly, in many of these petitions, the public authorities like the government itself and regulators like Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have impleaded information commissioner/s for acting under the RTI Act. He says, There are several great judgments of Honble Supreme Court, the saviour of rights of the people by correcting the Government, saying that if a tribunal gives an order; its legality can be challenged but that tribunal should not be made a party. I do not know why this constitutional point is missing by the luminaries in Government of India while making CIC a respondent in these slapped writs? Here is the letter written by Prof Acharyulu to the President To The Honourable President of India Rashtrapathi Bhavan, New Delhi Dated: 4th December 2018 Your Excellency, Pranams Its a high privilege that I have been appointed by your esteemed office as Central Information Commissioner in November 2013, and I do remember that I have been administered an oath of office (not accompanied by oath of secrecy) to deliver information justice without fear or favour. Its my duty to inform your Excellency that I have completed five year term with satisfaction on 21st November 2018, and convey my thanks wholeheartedly. Your Excellency might be aware of the landmark event that the people of India have drafted the best piece of legislation since we became Republic the Right to Information Act, 2005 constituting an institution called Central Information Commission with required independence and autonomy. It is supposed to act as Information Tribunal to adjudicate second appeals without fear or favour. But I would like to bring it to your Excellencys notice that Information Commissioners are feeling legally being intimidated from discharging their legal duties. There are around 1700 writ petitions filed, most of them, surprisingly and sadly by the Government Institutions like Govt of India and RBI etc, impleading the Information Commission/er for acting under RTI Act. I agree that the constitutional courts do have authority of judicial review of the orders of the CIC. But can the Government routinely make the CIC a respondent number one in every such writ petition? Latest instance is: two writ petitions were filed by RBI making the CIC as Respondent Number One, for ordering RBI to implement orders of Supreme Court confirming orders of CIC for disclosure of wilful defaulters of Banks, etc in 11 second appeals in 2011, just to protect the names of those rich men and bodies, who duped India and Indians to the tune of lakhs of crores of Rupees. Interestingly RBI chose to challenge the order of CIC in Bombay High Court questioning the CIC making it again Respondent Number One, for asking them to give details of foreign donations received by the local NGOs. For the RBI these are issues of national security! I would like to state that in hundreds of these writ petitions filed by Government bodies the CIC is made Respondent Number One. Thus the message is loud and clear- Hello, CIC if you give orders for disclosure of information or files held by Government, you will be made a party to a writ petition, take care. I would like to bring to your Excellencys kind notice that there is a trend world over of filing a SLAPP suit, a legal action undertaken or threatened to make the target stop any public activities in opposition to the interests of the person or organization bringing the suit. The acronym stands for Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation, also seen as Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. It is a type of frivolous lawsuit, not undertaken to be won, necessarily, but to intimidate the target into ceasing activities such as speaking out against an organization or petitioning the government to protect the public from its practices. Here the target is the CIC and the citizens. Unfortunately the Government bodies are SLAPPing writ petitions right, left and centre against the Respondent No. 1 CIC and Respondent No. 2 the Citizen who were asking for information as empowered by RTI Act. Government Offices want their rights to be protected from the Information Commission created by the Union of India as per the will of Parliament of India. Your Excellency, I cannot imagine, (but suffer) a mental and physical state of Central Information Commissioner intimidated by hundreds of writ petitions, that too, filed by the public authorities, just because of ordering disclosure of information buried under sarkari files, as per RTI Act. Let me give an example to your Excellencys kind consideration. In one case, I have ordered disclosure of degree related information of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, who claimed that he obtained BA from Delhi University and MA from Gujarat University in his official website and Election Affidavits. In those cases, I was personally made respondent by Gujarat University and the Additional Solicitor General travelled all the way from Delhi to Ahmadabad, not to defend me, but to fight my order. Interestingly I received three notices for that single order- firstly as M Sridhar Acharyulu individually, secondly as M Sridhar Acharyulu as Information Commissioner and thirdly Central Information Commission asking the PMO to provide reference numbers of his degree to the Delhi University so that later can search for details. The Union of India, in which CIC is a part, challenges order of CIC saying that educational qualifications of a public servant as his private information and its disclosure will cause unwarranted invasion of his privacy. I was happy that the Gujarat University has complied with my order and gave details of PMs PG details. But, I was surprised when the same Gujarat University, turned around and filed a writ petition seeking stay against my order, and further surprised to know that the Gujarat High Court in its wisdom has granted the stay on my order. My only question is, when I, as CIC, was part of Union of India, and when Union of India itself fights my order, who will defend me? If I am respondent number one, two and three, how do I defend in three capacities? Is it not legal intimidation against functioning of a statutory body created to enforce constitutional right to information, which is proclaimed to be part of fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of our Constitution? It appears to me as writing on wall- Mr Commissioner, Dont order for disclosure of information: You will be slapped with case thrice for one order . I may be pardoned for asking - Is it not abuse of right to privacy by a top public office? Is this question unconstitutional? There are several great judgments of Honourable Supreme Court, the saviour of rights of the people by correcting the Government, saying that if a tribunal gives an order; its legality can be challenged but that tribunal should not be made a party. I do not know why this constitutional point is missing by the luminaries in Government of India while making CIC a respondent in these slapped writs. As a Student of Law I never imagined a situation where District Court is made a party in an appeal before High Court and High Court/Judge is made respondent in an appeal before Supreme Court. Fortunately, the Supreme Court is final judicial authority, if not; we might have seen the names of Supreme Court/Judges as respondents in cases slapped by Government! This unconstitutional practice resulted in an unprecedented situation like Union of India vs Union of India , i.e., Union of India representing a particular department vs Union of India, representing CIC. Besides intimidating the CIC as above, the Government of India is now contemplating to dilute the standard, status and independence of CIC by bringing an Amendment to RTI Bill 2018; if this is passed, CIC will be under constant pressure from Government of India to protect its secrecy and also threats from GoI not to order for disclosure its information. I pray Your Excellency, please save the Right to Information of the people from SLAPP and independence of CIC from these swarming threat (writ) petitions by Governmental bodies for acting as per law and illegal amendments to RTI. Thanks a lot your Excellency, for time in reading this request. Jai Hind Yours sincerely M Sridhar Acharyulu (Central Information Commissioner from 22nd November 2013 to 21st November 2018) The ministry of corporate affairs (MCA), in its submission before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), has revealed details of its finding on several instances of misreporting of income, dubious transactions, conflict of interest, ever-greening of loans and rampant personal enrichment of key employees, including Ravi Parthasarathy, Hari Sankaran, and Arun Kumar Saha, besides others. The MCA, quoting interim report from the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) says, "IL&FS and its main subsidiaries had the same set of persons as controlling officials who have been at the helm of the affairs for a long period. As part of the governance structure, the board of directors of all key IL&FS group companies had constituted committee of directors (CoD), which was empowered to take decisions pertaining to the operations of that respective entity. The CoD of important subsidiaries comprised of managing directors (MDs), joint MDs, and executive directors (EDs) of IL&FS to deal with all on-going operational matters, including credits and investments." "....the set of officials of the holding company, were the decision makers and 'the controlling will and mind' for most of the other group companies, especially at the direct subsidiary level or companies having substantial operations, and the IL&FS Employee Welfare Trust. These other group companies practically acted as departments of their respective holding companies, rather than functioning as separate legal/ business entities. The interest of the holding companies were held supreme, many a times at the cost of their subsidiaries, joint ventures or associates," the report from SFIO says. In the interim report, the SFIO had stated,"...it is evident that IL&FS procured funds from the market through short-term instruments and invested in its group companies by way of giving long-term loans and advances, which was prejudicial to the interest of IL&FS, in terms of financial solvency. During these distressed times, IL&FS and its key subsidiaries such as IL&FS Financial Services Ltd (IFIN) and IL&FS Transportation Network Ltd (ITNL) were contained to raise short-term market funding through commercial papers or inter corporate deposits based on its bogus and fictitious but good credit rating and these short-term loans were passed to its project special purpose vehicles (SPVs) or group companies, for helping them service their debt obligations, management fully aware, thereby hid and avoided possible defaults resulting into increasing indebtedness on a standalone basis." "This is virtually an act of fraud causing indebtness of IL&FS to over Rs91,000 crore. This indebtness is deliberate, wilful, fraudulent act of directors who were the mind controlling the affairs of IL&FS with intention to defraud creditors, who too had failed in their due diligence. An increasing level of indebtness of IL&FS, year after year, was sufficient red flat for the creditors to prevent further loans and advances. Such discriminator acts of lenders have provided long rope to the directors in control of affairs to put IL&FS in coma," the report added. Since the submission by MCA is widely available with the media and is widely circulated, we are putting it out in public interest. Reabilitarea si eficientizarea energetica a Gradinitei cu Program Prelungit Motanul Incaltat Unitatea Administrativ Teritoriala Municipiul Galati a semnat cu Ministerul Dezvoltarii, Lucrarilor Publice si Administratiei, in calitate de Autoritate ... Autoritatile din capitala Coreei de Sud au lansat un proiect pilot pentru a testa roboti in miniatura drept instrumente pedagogice in gradinite, avand drept scop pregatirea generatiei urmatoare pentru un viitor high-tech, a anuntat guvernul de la Seu ... NATO va incepe luni cel mai mare exercitiu anual al sau de aparare cibernetica, denumit ''Cyber Coalition 21'', care va testa capacitatile aliatilor de a combate atacurile cibernetice, relateaza agentia EFE. ''Trebuie sa continuam sa ne consolidam ap ... Fueled by China tariff concerns and a flattening yield curve, the major U.S. stock-market indexes tumbled by more than 3% on Tuesday. Bank stocks in particular took a drubbing, as investors worried that a flattening yield curve would ding lending margins. Giants like Citigroup (C), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), and Bank of America (BAC) lost more than 4% each. Transparency is how we protect the integrity of our work and keep empowering investors to achieve their goals and dreams. And we have unwavering standards for how we keep that integrity intact, from our research and data to our policies on content and your personal data. Wed like to share more about how we work and what drives our day-to-day business. "Clayton's partnership equips our team with innovative tools and technologies, superior leadership training and purchasing power that allows us to continue to grow Mungo with a focus on stability, team members and customers," Mungo Homes CEO Steven Mungo said. "It creates the highest level of opportunity for our company as a whole while allowing us to retain our culture and corporate identity." "Mungo Homes is a natural fit for our distinguished group of homebuilders," Clayton Home Building Group President Keith Holdbrooks said. "Their pillars of success stem from a longevity in the home building industry that is over 60 years old and began when Steven's father, Michael Mungo, founded the company. The family-like culture is a direct correlation to Mungo's deep focus on team member and customer experience. Mungo's tenure in the industry is paramount, and we look forward to coupling this with the talents of our other builders to pursue innovation in housing together." Clayton Properties Group is a division of Clayton Home Building Group and a Berkshire Hathaway company. A New Jersey mortgage modification professional has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after his fraudulent home mortgage refinancing scheme victimized 110 people, several of whom lost their homes, the US Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced. Daniel Sheehan was also ordered to forfeit $493,075 in criminal proceeds after pleading guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, interstate transportation of stolen property, and smuggling narcotics into a federal prison. He was also sentenced to a term of three years supervised release. Between September 2012 and February 2015, Sheehan told clients that he could help them modify their mortgages. Despite collecting a fee between $700 and $1,500 from each victim, Sheehan often failed to submit the refinance applications. Oil closed higher after doubts over possible supply curbs from OPEC and its allies sent futures on a roller-coaster ride during the session. In an interview Tuesday, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih walked back recent calls for 1 million barrels of cuts to daily output by OPEC and other major exporters. The comments came just days after an agreement between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to smooth the way for a production accord when OPEC gathers in Vienna later this week. "It's premature to say what will happen" in Vienna, Al-Falih said in an interview at a United Nations climate-change conference in Poland. "We need to get together and listen to our colleagues, hear about their views on supply and demand and their projections of their own countries' production." PREVIOUSLY: Oil jumps most since June on Saudi-Russia pact, trade war truce The note of caution combined with news that the Saudis had slashed the price they charge to Asian customers to dent traders' optimism. Crude prices initially rose as much as 3 percent in London and New York on Tuesday but gave back almost all of the gain after Al-Falih's interview. "It's not a good price signal," said Bob Yawger, director of futures at Mizuho Securities USA in New York. "Either demand is bad or all the talk about cutting production is just lip service." West Texas Intermediate for January delivery added 30 cents, or 0.6 percent, to settle at $53.25 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, after rising to $54.55 earlier in the session. Total volume traded was about 16 percent above the 100-day average. AT THE PUMP: Gasoline prices plunge to lowest level of the year Brent for February settlement gained 39 cents to $62.08 on London's ICE Futures Europe exchange. It was at an $8.62 premium to WTI crude for the same month. Brent produced a so-called "death cross" on Tuesday, a bearish technical signal when its 50-day moving average falls beneath its 200-day average. Al-Falih's statements could be "more a message towards his Russian colleagues than to the market," said Hans van Cleef, senior energy economist at ABN Amro Bank NV. "For every barrel they don't have to cut, someone else will have to, and they'll make more money on it. It's part of the whole negotiation process. It's quite uncertain still what the outcome will be." Other OPEC members are still pushing for curbs. United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei reiterated that an output reduction is required. Iraq's oil ministry said the nation is seeking balance in the market. 2018 Bloomberg L.P. Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram AUSTIN -- State Sen. Seliger (R-Amarillo) on Tuesday filed Senate Bill 213, which allows for the continued use of individual graduation committees. SB 213 gives students who fail one or two state-mandated exams, but otherwise meet all other graduation requirements, a path to high school graduation. As the author of SB 149 from the 84th legislative session, which originally created individual graduation committees, I strongly believe it is past time for the sunset date on this important legislation to be removed. We have years worth of data that show schools continue to use this provision judiciously, and each year students who would have otherwise not received a high school diploma are given the opportunity to be successful members of society, said Seliger. A 15-year-old Odessa High School student was arrested Tuesday after threatening to shoot up the school, according to a press release from Ector County ISD. OHS office staff received a voicemail Tuesday morning from someone claiming they were going to shoot up the school today. We dont see you. We dont hear you. We dont believe you. Thats the message Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is sending with her proposed new rule regarding Title IX, the civil rights law that governs schools sexual harassment policies. The rule will give new rights to the accused, reduce liability for schools, and tighten the definition of sexual harassment. This policy would continue her rollback of evidence-based Title IX practices instituted by the Obama administration that defined unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature to include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Those offenses are all too familiar to college women. They know that the scope of sexual harassment and abuse includes a wide range of actions that the new rules would willfully ignore. The Trump administration has made it clear that when it comes to accusations of sexual harassment and assault, their default response is dismissal. The Brett Kavanaugh hearings made that crystal clear. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford was vilified, mocked and discredited. Now, Secretary DeVos would make this response to credible accusations of sexual harassment the template for national education policy. If theres one thing that weve learned from Kavanaugh, Weinstein, the #MeToo movement and the almost daily revelations that go unpunished, it is that survivors need to be heard, believed and supported. But Betsy DeVos has a different point of view. The new rules would define sexual harassment as unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex that is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it denies a person access to the schools education program or activity. Who will set those standards? Will women be told by some committee of administrators that they should just get over themselves and go to class? Whats more, the rules would require schools to respond only to complaints that happen on campus. It is estimated that 87 percent of college students now live off campus; therefore a vast majority of victims of harassment and assault could have very little protection. And then theres a new provision to allow schools to punish punish! complainants and witnesses if the school thinks they reported abuse in bad faith. This is not well-defined, nor is it easy to determine. Under this approach, schools might decide to retaliate against those who report. Under current rules, students can report their sexual assault to anyone, including faculty and advisers, and a school is required to investigate when it knows or reasonably should know about a possible sexual assault. DeVos proposed rule would shred this policy and force students to report to campus officials not of their choosing. So instead of approaching a trusted teacher or administrator with the most horrific, traumatic and difficult to discuss account of sexual assault, a student might be forced to talk to a campus police or an administrator shed never met before. And survivors will be required to sign a formal document about the assault for the school to begin an investigation. The result? Fewer survivors may report, as they will not feel comfortable confiding in strangers, nor will they want to commit to a formal, highly restrictive procedure for pursuing justice. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 63 percent of all sexual assaults are not reported to the police and more than 90 percent of campus sexual assaults are not reported. Betsy DeVos blame the victim new rules would perpetuate this imbalance even more and if she and her top officials are to be believed, thats just the way they want it. The head of the Education Departments Office for Civil Rights, Candice Jackson, has said that investigative processes are not fairly balanced between the accusing victim and the accused student. Rather, the accusations 90 percent of them fall into the category of we were both drunk, we broke up, and six months later I found myself under a Title IX investigation because she just decided that our last sleeping together was not quite right, Jackson said, according to the New York Times. Like Donald Trump, Secretary DeVos would rather listen to donors, think tanks and political extremists who want government to institutionalize their callous disregard for women. There is no legitimate rationale for the Department of Education to dismantle Title IXs protections and its fair and balanced process for all students. Betsy DeVos new rules should go into the shredder not into law. Toni Van Pelt is the president of the National Organization for Women. You have made us proud; but ... Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) Chief Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal is the next military chief. CNN Philippines obtained a copy of Madrigal's appointment paper signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday. Defense Chief Delfin Lorenzana said Duterte will make the official announcement. "I have to see signed designation of Gen. Madrigal before I can be sure. But he (Madrigal) is the front runner," he told reporters. Madrigal is taking over as Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff when General Carlito Galvez Jr. reaches his mandatory retirement on December 12. The change of command rites is initially scheduled on December 11. Prior to his appointment at Davao-based Eastmincom in November 2017, he held key positions in the Philippine Army. He was the former commander of the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan De Oro. He was assistant division commander, and later acting division commander of the 10th Infantry Division in Compostela Valley before becoming the chief of staff of the Philippine Army. A 17-year-old female who was accidentally shot in the foot originally told police that she was shot by an unknown suspect during a drive-by shooting, officials said. But now it appears the firearm was stolen during a home burglary that occurred two hours before the incident. Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said constables are seeking charges on the female for unlawful carrying of a weapon and burglary of a habitation. A male who was also present has been booked into Harris County Juvenile Detention Center and is charged with tampering with evidence and burglary of a habitation. The female who is a Humble High School student, according to a district spokesperson is in critical condition, Herman said. The shooting happened Tuesday in the 4000 block of Wintergreen Drive and Woodland Hills Drive, not far from Whispering Pines Elementary School in Atascocita. Police said they were originally told the accidental shooting happened after her 17-year-old male friend came into possession of an AK-47. The male reportedly told the 17-year-old girl to put the AK-47 alongside her pants. While doing so, the gun went off and shot her in the foot. But witnesses later told investigators that the female was carrying the firearm in her pants when she accidentally fired it and shot herself in the right foot. Herman said the male suspect originally said he retrieved the weapon from his home to show it off to his friends. Constable Deputies recovered the AK-47 and discovered that it was stolen from a residence in the 3900 block of Atascocita Road earlier that day. The female and the juvenile were identified as the suspects in the burglary. Investigators say the male tried to conceal the weapon in a nearby storm drain. The female was transported to a local hospital and is in critical condition, according to Herman. SOUTHEAST HOUSTON: Woman found shot to death on street in Edgebrook Humble ISD officials said since school was letting out for the day around the time for the shooting nearby schools was not put on lockdown. "We have him detained, (and) we have recovered the weapon," Herman said. "It's all under investigation. We're in the process of getting written statements and putting everything together and then we'll be presenting it to the (Harris County) District Attorney's Office." kaila.contreras@chron.com William Luther, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Update at 10 a.m.: Water service has been restored to both NEISD schools affected by the main break. Two Northeast ISD schools were left without water Wednesday after a main break on the far North Side. 3 1 of 3 Google maps Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Houston Transtar Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Fire crews rescued a man trapped in a manhole Wednesday afternoon. The call came in around 3 p.m. near Arthur Storey Park and the West Sam Houston Parkway, near the Beechnut exit. Eleven fire units were dispatched to the scene. One of the last photographs taken of Carla Stefaniak in Costa Rica shows the 36-year-old Florida woman wearing a white spa robe and dark sunglasses, her hair loose and slightly wavy. Sitting on an open balcony surrounded by a lush rain forest, she holds up a mug of coffee. It could be an advertisement for a relaxing tropical vacation - except that on Nov. 28, the day that Stefaniak was supposed to fly back to the United States, she never showed up at the airport. Early Wednesday morning, she was confirmed dead. "Words cannot express the devastation within her family and friends," said the announcement on "Finding Carla," a Facebook page where relatives have shared updates since her disappearance. The trip to Costa Rica was intended to be a weeklong celebration of Stefaniak's birthday. She and her sister in-law, April Burton, had spent five days surfing, riding motorcycles, soaking in hot springs and buying fresh fruit at roadside stands. But Burton had needed to leave a day early, and Stefaniak had spent her last night in Costa Rica alone. RELATED: Father identifies body of Florida woman slain in Costa Rica Burton told CBS News that Stefaniak had dropped her off at the airport on Nov. 27, then returned their rental car and taken an Uber to a gated villa that she had found on Airbnb. At around 8 p.m. that night, Burton got a text message from her sister-in-law, she said. "It's pretty sketchy here," Stefaniak had written, saying that it was raining heavily and the power had gone out. It was the last time that her family would hear from her. Costa Rican authorities announced on Tuesday that police dogs had discovered a body buried 200 feet toward the back of the property where Stefaniak had been staying, in a hilly and wooded suburb of San Jose. The slain woman, whose body had been partially covered with plastic bags, appeared to have died of a blunt force wound to the head. Walter Espinoza, director of Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department, told reporters that police had also found stains resembling blood inside Stefaniak's rental, and had arrested a security guard at the property who had given contradictory statements about her disappearance. The man, Bismarck Espinosa Martinez, 32, had been staying in the apartment next door to hers. Late Tuesday night, Stefaniak's father was allowed to enter the morgue and view the body, the announcement posted to the "Finding Carla" Facebook page said. He confirmed that it was his daughter. A native of Venezuela who immigrated to the United States in 2000, Stefaniak spent 12 years living in Tampa before moving to the Miami area, where she worked at an insurance agency, according to the Miami Herald. She loved to travel, enthusiastically documenting trips to Cuba, Mexico, Iceland and Switzerland on Instagram. Her last post, tagged from Quepos, Costa Rica, on Nov. 25, showed her sprawled next to an aquamarine-colored infinity pool. "I'm going to miss this place," she wrote. READ MORE: Travel warnings issued in Mexican states as holiday season gets underway When Stefaniak failed to respond to text messages or post on social media on Nov. 28 - her birthday - her friends and family started to worry. "Carla is the person that wakes up and opens her eyes and looks at her phone and literally looks at Instagram and WhatsApp," Laura Jaime, her close friend and former roommate, said in an interview the Tampa Bay Times. Jaime had planned to pick up Stefaniak after her flight and take her out for a birthday dinner, she told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. But even before she got to the airport, something seemed off - why hadn't she heard from her friend all day? Her worst fears were confirmed when a gate agent told her that Stefaniak hadn't boarded the plane. Panicked, she contacted Stefaniak's relatives in Tampa. They, too, had heard nothing. The following day, Stefaniak's family launched an all-out search, blanketing social media with missing person fliers, as her brother flew to San Jose to meet with investigators. Immediately, something didn't add up: Stefaniak's family contacted the owner of the Airbnb property where she had been staying and were told that a security guard had seen her leaving in an Uber at around 5 a.m. But her flight was scheduled for 1 p.m., and she was only 20 or 30 minutes from the airport. "None of us really believe this 5 a.m. story because it really doesn't make sense," Burton told WTVT in a Sunday interview. Using her work computer, Stefaniak's friends were able to log into her Uber account, Jaime told the Tampa Bay Times. There were no records of her taking a car to the airport on the morning of Nov. 28. Confronted with the inconsistency, the guard changed his story: Stefaniak had taken a taxi, not an Uber, he claimed. Far from providing a resolution, getting confirmation of Stefaniak's death now raises questions for her family, who had previously held on to hope that she was still alive and had speculated that she might have been kidnapped. "In the following days, we will release critical digital leads of the investigation, continue asking questions about the involvement of others in Carla's murder," said the statement posted to Facebook. --- Video Embed Code Video: Bismark Espinosa Martinez was detained Dec. 4 in connection with the death of Carla Stefaniak, who went missing during a trip to Costa Rica.(Drea Cornejo/The Washington Post) Embed code: A supervisor at the San Antonio River Authority resigned, short of being fired, after he threw a large pipe at an employee last month, disfiguring the mans nose, according to records. Alfred Rakowitz, who worked at SARA for nine years, was found to have violated the workplace violence policy on Nov. 6. Two other SARA employees Clarence Kiolbassa and John Gomez were later fired, according to Steven Schauer, SARAs director of government and public affairs. Officials declined to tell KSAT, which first reported Rakowitzs resignation, the reason the two were fired, except that it was not because of the pipe-throwing incident. Kiolbassa was assistant maintenance supervisor and Gomez was the utilities manager, the station reported. READ ALSO: Grand jury indicts San Antonio oil and gas businessman Alfaro According to agency records, Rakowitz was standing on a second-floor loft at SARAs East Side facility. In trying to get the employees attention, he made some noise by banging the pipe, then yelled profanities. The employee walked toward Rakowitz and told him to address him by his name. Thats when Rakowitz threw the PVC pipe at the employee, striking him on the bridge of his nose. The employee went to a hospital and later told Bexar County sheriffs deputies that Rakowitz had dislocated his nose, causing permanent disfigurement, according to the deputies report. Rakowitz admitted that he was angry but said he did not intend to harm the employee. He said he was urging the other employees, who seemed to be ignoring him, to get to work and that he had screwed up. I was in the process of tossing the extension tube, Rakowitz wrote later. I said Here, but he did not see it coming. The injured employee told Bruce Knott, SARAs director of human resources, that Rakowitz had hit him once before and that he thought he was being treated unfairly compared with his co-workers. READ ALSO: Appeals court overturns fraud conviction of Mexican official's wife in money laundering case General Manager Suzanne Scott at first considered suspending Rakowitz without pay and requiring him to complete an anger management program. She later decided that termination was more appropriate, records show. His annual pay was $50,658. Knott planned to fire Rakowitz on Nov. 12 but Rakowitz came in early and turned in a resignation letter, according to the records. Rakowitz is named as a suspect in the Bexar County sheriffs report about the incident. He has not been arrested or charged. The injured employee told a sheriffs deputy that he wants criminal charges filed against Rakowitz. A Bexar County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman said that the case is still being investigated and will be sent to the Bexar County District Attorneys Office within the month. Another employee who witnessed the incident corroborated the injured man's story. Go to Express-News.com to read what he said. Emilie Eaton is a criminal justice reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeaton Guests of the San Antonio Zoo and surrounding areas, like Brackenridge Park and Alamo Stadium, will have more places to park by next summer. In May 2017, voters approved the largest city municipal bond, which allotted for a $10 million parking garage to serve the zoo and Brackenridge Park. Construction on the Tuleta Drive facility, which will accommodate 600 vehicles, broke ground this month and is slated for a summer 2019 completion, according to an update provided by the zoo this week. A video of the River Walk Christmas lights has visitors swooning and locals renewing their declarations of love for the city. Posted to Facebook by Most Beautiful Cities of the World about a week ago, the minute-long video has reached 1.5 million views and thousands of shares and comments. It appears to have been taken by someone riding a river barge and is set to a piano rendition of "Carol of the Bells." A 23-year-old man was arrested by San Antonio police Tuesday after he allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl who lived at the same apartment complex. Demond Carter was brought into custody on a $75,000 bond for aggravated sexual assault, court records show. RELATED: BCSO: Registered sex offender started raping girl at 5, impregnated her at 12 On Sept. 19, police were called to the Ingram Ranch Apartments to investigate the sexual assault call. The girl told police she was introduced to Carter through another person and the two began communicating over Snapchat, according to Carter's affidavit. Carter invited the girl to the apartment to smoke marijuana, according to the affidavit. When she got there, he began tickling her and tried to kiss her. The girl allegedly told him to stop, but Carter pinned her down to the bed before he sexually assaulted her, she told police. She kept telling him to stop, she told police, but Carter would try kissing her every time she spoke. The girl left the apartment immediately after the alleged assault and told a friend what happened. She was taken to the hospital for a sexual assault exam. The girl positively identified Carter in a photo lineup, and police arrested him shortly after. Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA A Chinese man, arrested for pointing a firearm at his aggrieved former employees was yesterday freed by Harare magistrate Learnmore Mapiye after he was found not guilty. Mapiye set Xu Lei free after he managed to prove that all the five counts against him were not true. Magistrate Mapiya said there was no evidence leading Xu Lei to the offence adding that it was hard to try and find a nexus between him and the offence as the facts were a bit far fetched with no proof. This was after state prosecutor, Delight Mauto failed to prove that indeed on July 27, Farai Kondo, Simon Chikwanda and Tatenda Jenami had a labor dispute with Xu Lei prompting them to approach the National Council for the commercial sectors of Zimbabwe for recourse. It is the states case that following a labor dispute, on July 31, the three proceeded to Xu Leis workplace to serve him with letters from the National Employment Council for the commercial sectors of Zimbabwe. Upon their arrival they advised the receptionist of their intentions and this did not sit well with Xu Lei who drew his pistol and ordered the trio to vacate his premises with their papers. The trio did not take hid of his call until he threatened to kill them while pointing his firearm at them, afterwards a report was made leading to the arrest of Xu Lei. 263Chat Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News As Clive warned yesterday, Dont trust U.K. based reporting of events. I heard so much provable rubbish today, itd fill a book. Well try to be relatively sparing, since the big events that will provide more information come next week: the Withdrawal Act vote (the margin of loss will be critical), the presumed motion of no confidence, and what the EU Council says about Brexit at its December 13-14 meeting. The UK morning papers are awash with reports of Mays defeats. For one stop shopping, see Humiliation on a historic scale: what the papers say about first day of Brexit debate Guardian. Recall that this was the same story line after Salzburg and May is still standing. However, consider: The vote against the Government on the contempt proceedings showed that the Government still commands a lot of loyalty. The tally was 311 to 293. Stand4Brexit had 51 signers the last I checked. Although I didnt review a roll call, the total suggests that defections by ERG types were minimal, despite the fact their organ, BrexitCentral, has been working overtime to foment opposition to Mays deal. Update: confirmation from todays BrexitCentral newsletter: The motion was passed by 311 votes to 293 as [Tory MPs] Bone and Hollobone again voted with the Opposition and a clutch of Conservative eurosceptics abstained, creating that majority of 18. In other words, the expected vote against the Withdrawal Act bill next week may not be by as large a margin as the press and punditocracy anticipates. The motion by Dominic Grieve that is being widely reported as giving Parliament a say on what May does next in the event of her deal being voted down has no legal force. Some of the more florid misrepresentations say is that the Grieve motion enables Parliament to prevent a no-deal Brexit. Help me. While this gambit does show that Parliament is trying to flex its muscles, the legislature is still a long way from being able to do much. From Clive: No. Parliament wont take control of Brexit. The amendment passed gives Parliament the ability to proffer non legally binding guidance. The U.K. government is, apparently, according to the commentary by an expert I listened to earlier, expected to follow this because of it being the express wish indicated by Parliament. International reporting is much more accurate, albeit still needing careful parsing by the reader. From https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-vote-factbox/factbox-britains-big-brexit-vote-what-happens-in-parliament-idUKKBN1O31UY While any successful amendments would not bind the government to comply with them, they would be politically hard to ignore, and could dictate Mays next steps. As Lambert would say, could is doing an awful lot of work in that sentence. Given that Parliament will be hopelessly split about what gets a majority vote or else some cross-party cakeist stitch-up is arranged that ends up wanting some pony or other (like EEA/EFTA membership) this has all the rigidity of a ripe mango. And he added later: Yes, the amendment was to House Standing Order procedures. It allows a non-neutral vote on the motion. This means that the motion can have a guidance or, more likely, various competing guidance attached. The only change (in law) was to the parliamentary procedures and then only for this motion. A motion isnt legislation. Youll (or rather, the UK government)ll need legislation to alter legislation (such as the 2018 EU (Withdrawal) Bill with its nuisance hard-coded date) or legislation to Do Something (like rescind A50). As vlade says, itll all depend on how much May and the government actually pay attention to anything that gets voted up. While all the media are getting very excited, it is legally meaningless. Put it another way, its pretty bad when you folks like Stand4Brexit are more accurate than the BBC: Despite what the screaming headlines would have you believe, the Grieve amendment IS NOT legally binding. No.10 are spinning that it's a disaster for Brexit in order to push that its Mays deal or a 2nd ref! Theres still 0% chance of a 2nd ref.#StandUp4Brexit #DitchTheDeal pic.twitter.com/yhoksgk7oZ #StandUp4Brexit (@StandUp4Brexit) December 4, 2018 And for those whod prefer another source: Dominic Grieves amendment is non binding. Its been confirmed from lots of sources, even from man himself! This motion does not affect primary legislation which is EU Withdrawal bill. That says if there is no WA then we leave without Deal in Mar 19! Sigh. #Brexit @PeterWard09 https://t.co/zgwKg5Jxdr UxbEconomist07 (@UxbEconomist07) December 5, 2018 As vlade points out, this ploy may still have political impact; the tweet above confirms that by pointing to how May is trying to use it to serve her ends. The press and pols continue to overreact to the opinion of the ECJ advocate that the UK can unilaterally withdraw from Article 50. As indicated, the idea of revoking the Article 50 notice has been a weird political taboo topic until this ruling. There have also been far too many comments of the sort that May said the only choice was between her deal and no deal. As we have been saying for weeks, following Mays remarks immediately after she completed the draft Withdrawal agreement, May had a rare bout of truthfulness. She said the options were her deal, no deal, or no Brexit. And shes repeated that formula since then. So as much as I am not a May fan, it is false to say she claimed the UK could not back out of Brexit. May may survive next week. Even though her bill will be shellacked, the margin of loss on the contempt vote is a reminder that the Tories will be loath to oppose her if there isnt a viable leader in the wings. And the reason May is still standing is that there hasnt been one since she became PM. The Tories do not want Corbyn in, and the DUP does not want to sacrifice its temporary power player role. So the DUP and Tories will vote against May only if they are pretty certain they can quickly install a new PM and avoid a general election. Cakeism is very much alive. From a new story in The Times, Brexit: Leavers want renegotiation on backstop: Cabinet Brexiteers are set to press Theresa May to return to Brussels next week to try to negotiate a unilateral exit mechanism from the Northern Ireland insurance policy, something that has already been rebuffed by the EU. Some, including Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, have been telling friends that they are likely to ask Mrs May to attempt once again to negotiate such an exit mechanism, using the scale of the expected parliamentary defeat as a mandate to reopen talks. I imagine there are times when Michel Barnier would like to abandon his profession mien, grab his current UK interlocutor by the lapels, and tell him, What about no dont you understand? The problem is that Article 50 appears to obligate the EU to sit down with the UK again, even if the EU has no intention of giving any ground: In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union. That agreement shall be negotiated in accordance with Article 218(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It shall be concluded on behalf of the Union by the Council, acting by a qualified majority, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament. One can argue that since the agreement has not been cinched, the Union shall negotiate bit means EU has to sit down to talks even if it has nothing new to say. So the MPs who fantasize that they can cut a better deal may take false hope if the EU agrees to meet yet again. Polls show marked opposition to second referendum and extending Brexit. It should come as no surprise that mass voting preferences are also exhibiting signs of cakeism. On the one hand, a new Times/You Gov polls shows the highest proportion ever agreeing that it was the wrong vote to leave, versus the right vote by 49% to 38%. But another poll shows that voters are also opposed to any of the touted paths to get out of Brexit, naming a second referendum and/or an extension. This poll also shows less decisive support for the idea of staying in the EU: New polling on #Brexit. British adults Oppose May's deal by 42-26 Oppose No Deal by 41-34 Oppose remaining in EU by 45-44 Oppose 2nd referendum by 50-40 Oppose extending date when UK leaves EU by 46-34 Support renegotiating with EU if May deal fails by 45-25 ComRes Dec 4 pic.twitter.com/Qx3qHd2rXT Matthew Goodwin (@GoodwinMJ) December 4, 2018 At best, this means that many regard the vote as a mistake, but they are also of the the people have spoken school of thought. As much as well see more theatrics in the coming days, like the publication of the Governments legal advice at 11:30 AM today, the big scenes are scheduled for next week. Stay tuned. Nature has manufactured the perfect machines. Only the fastest, toughest, and most cunning creatures have endured. We examine how animals have evolved and how we can benefit from their evolution. Sundays from 8:30pm AEDT. NATO Foreign Ministers concluded two days of meetings in Brussels on Wednesday (5 December 2018), focused on issues including the INF Treaty, the Sea of Azov, the Western Balkans, Afghanistan, and the Alliance's new training mission in Iraq. At the conclusion of the meeting, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted that Foreign Ministers will next meet in Washington in April 2019, marking 70 years since the Alliance's founding. He added that Allied leaders will also meet later next year. On Tuesday, NATO Foreign Ministers agreed that Russia has developed and fielded a new ground-launched cruise missile system the SSC-8, or 9M729 which violates the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Allies expressed firm commitment to preserving effective international arms control, and agreed to keep the fielding of the Russian missiles under close review. Secretary General Stoltenberg said: "Russia now has a last chance to come back into compliance with the INF Treaty, but we must also start to prepare for a world without the Treaty." Foreign Ministers also met with their colleagues from Georgia and Ukraine. They stressed the Alliance's strong political and practical support for both countries, especially in the face of continuing aggressive actions from Russia. They expressed particular concern about Russia's actions near the Sea of Azov, and called on Moscow to release the Ukrainian sailors and ships seized in late November. Allies agreed to keep working to prepare Georgia for NATO membership, and welcomed the country's significant progress on reforms. They also recognized Ukraine's aspirations to join the Alliance, and encouraged Kyiv to continue on the path of reform. Later on Tuesday, ministers met to address NATO's response to challenges from the Middle East and North Africa. They welcomed that NATO's new training mission in Iraq has now begun work. The mission will help local forces stabilize the country, and tackle terrorism at its root. On Wednesday, Allies discussed the situation in the Western Balkans, including Skopje's progress towards NATO membership. Foreign Ministers also agreed to continue supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina. Should the country choose to take the step, NATO is now ready to accept Sarajevos first Annual National Programme: a cooperation tool covering political, economic and defence reform. Ministers also discussed the situation in Kosovo. Following the meeting, the Secretary General expressed concerns about plans to transform the Kosovo Security Force into an army, calling the step "ill-timed" and a complicating factor in the EU-mediated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. The ministerial concluded with a meeting of all nations contributing to NATO's Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Nations reaffirmed their commitment to Afghanistan's long-term security and stability, and to an Afghan-led and owned peace process. Following the meeting, Secretary General Stoltenberg called on the Taliban to lay down arms and come to the negotiating table. He further called on the Afghan authorities to address shortcomings in their election process ahead of next year's presidential vote. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced on Wednesday (5 December 2018) that he has appointed Sir Nicholas Kay of the United Kingdom as the next NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan. Mr. Stoltenberg made the announcement following a meeting of Foreign Ministers on the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission. The Secretary General said: I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Sir Nicholas Kay as NATO's next Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan. He will take up his appointment in March 2019. Sir Nicholas knows Afghanistan well, having served for more than a year as the United Kingdom's ambassador in Kabul. I congratulate him on his appointment, and wish him every success as NATO continues to support Afghanistan on its path toward greater security and lasting peace. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Senior Civilian Representative, Ambassador Cornelius Zimmermann, for his excellent service. His active engagement with the Afghan government and civil society was a crucial part of NATO's efforts in Afghanistan, and I greatly value his counsel. UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: Sir Nicholas Kay will bring a wealth of experience on the political developments in Afghanistan in his new role as NATOs Senior Civilian Representative and I would like to thank him for his tireless work as the British Ambassador to Afghanistan. Despite the violence, we have seen tentative steps towards a peace process beginning to emerge and the UK, along with our international partners, stands firmly with the Afghan government to support their efforts to build peace. Sir Nicholas Kay is currently serving as UK Ambassador to Afghanistan. He brings an extensive experience on Afghanistan and the South Asia region, having also worked as UK Regional Coordinator for Southern Afghanistan in Helmand in 20062007 and as Head of the Pakistan and Afghanistan Section in the South Asian Department of the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office in 19951997. Sir Nicholas Kay will replace Ambassador Cornelius Zimmermann of Germany, who has been in the post since March 2017. The Senior Civilian Representative carries forward the Alliance's political-military objectives in Afghanistan, representing the political leadership of the Alliance in Kabul officially and publicly. The role involves liaising with the Afghan Government, civil society, representatives of the international community, and neighbouring countries. Working closely with the Resolute Support Mission, the Senior Civilian Representative provides a direct channel of communication with NATO Headquarters in Brussels. (Natural News) Now we come to the end game for humanity. This is it, folks: They have a plan to collapse global food production, kill off over 90% of the human race, devastate natural ecosystems and pollute the Earths atmosphere and its all being sold to you under the banner of environmentalism. The scheme is called global dimming, and its a dangerous geoengineering plot to spray billions of tons of smog into the atmosphere so that pollution levels would block sunlight and halt global warming. This is literally what the mad environmental scientists are now proposing the very same people who have, for years, claimed that chemtrails are a conspiracy theory and dont exist. Now, all of a sudden, they want to chemtrail the entire planet in order to save us all from global warming. Stratospheric aerosol injection now the new name for chemtrails / geoengineering The global dimming scheme is, of course, based on spraying chemtrails into the upper atmosphere using thousands of high-altitude flights that release pollution to dim the sun. The very idea of chemtrails has, until now, been mocked by the media and the science establishment, who have for years claimed the very idea of chemtrails is a lunatic conspiracy theory. So theyve changed the name to stratospheric aerosol injection, and they now have a science paper that outlines all the costs involved. We lay out a future solar geoengineering deployment scenario of halving the increase in anthropogenic radiative forcing, writes Wake Smith and Gernot Wagner in their paper, Stratospheric aerosol injection tactics and costs in the first 15 years of deployment. Published in Environmental Research Letters, you can view the full text of the study at this link. Geoengineering is another term that many people use synonymously with chemtrails. And now its a strategy being openly advocated by scientists to halt so-called climate change, a fake science hoax that has been perpetrated on the world by power-hungry globalists who want humanity to surrender to global rule in the name of saving the planet. The study cites the specific aircraft that would be needed to achieve chemtrails pollution. [P]urpose-built high-altitude tanker with substantial payload capabilities would be deployed to spray sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. The paper proposes 4000 flights a year, costing $2.25 billion per year, continuing over 15 years to make sure the atmosphere is significantly polluted to dim the sun and achieve the terraforming goals of globalists (see more details, below). In the conclusion of their abstract, the study authors explain the program would require, thousands of flights annually by airliner-sized aircraft operating from an international array of bases, making it almost impossible to keep secret. Of course, this very program has already begun, and secrecy isnt necessary when you have the entire media and science establishment condemning any belief in chemtrails as a form of mental illness. So just remember: As they pollute the skies and dim the sun, if you point out that theyre polluting the skies and dimming the sun, youre a conspiracy theorist. And theres no such thing as chemtrails, you see. Nope, its stratospheric aerosol injection now, which sounds almost sciency. Thats how this program is already being perpetrated right under our noses, right now, even while the media runs a global cover-up to dismiss such ideas as bizarre theories. The global controllers hope you never read the science papers, of course, because there, geoengineering is routinely cited and even advocated as the solution to climate change. Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) explained and yeah, its just another name for chemtrails Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) would require lofting hundreds of thousands to millions of tons of material each year to altitudes up to ~20 km, explain study authors. They also ask, Could it be done in secret? The study offers heavy discussion on the design and costs of aircraft that could deliver the planned pollution to the upper atmosphere: IPCC (2018) states that there is high agreement that aircrafts after some modifications could inject millions of tons of SO2 in the lower stratosphere (~20 km). The overall goal of the geoengineering program is to inject 5 million tons of SO2 (sulfur dioxide, otherwise known as smog) into the atmosphere. Achieving that goal, assumes a rational actor seeking to implement a scientifically sensible SAI program, write the study authors, somehow claiming it is rational to disperse mass pollution across the atmosphere of your own planet. The same authors also claim this program must be conducted, purely out of humanitarian and environmental considerations. Shocking realization: This is terraforming planet Earth to collapse the global food supply and kill off humans In considering the sheer lunacy of the Stratospheric Aerosol Injection plan, I feel compelled to state that these climate change / global warming scientists are dangerously insane sociopaths and they must be stopped before they murder us all. These lunatics, if given enough government funding, will literally murder our planet and destroy human civilization. Such is the cost of the decades of false propaganda in our public schools that has brainwashed children into believing climate change is real and must be halted. The schemes now being proposed to halt this non-existent problem will, themselves, bring about the global destruction that children are being warned about with global warming. This global pollution / terraforming program, if allowed to continue, could unleash the following devastating consequences, especially if deployed at a time when the sun is in its own dimming cycle that would accelerate global cooling. #1) Global collapse of food crops The reduction in solar radiation caused by geoengineering, combined with the natural cycle of global cooling from sun cycles, could produce a sharp reduction in food crop production across the globe. This would result in increased food prices and reduced food supplies, adding to vectors for civil unrest and climate refugees invading First World nations to escape starvation. #2) Global rise in cancer from vitamin D deficiency Reduction in solar radiation reaching the surface of the planet would exacerbate vitamin D deficiencies that already strongly contribute to cancer fatalities around the world. Sunlight is currently the primary source of vitamin D for billions of world citizens. Dimming the sun would be a death sentence for millions each year who would suffer the dire consequences of chronic vitamin D deficiencies. #3) Global drop in IQs due to increased air pollution Increases in air pollution have been scientifically found to lower childrens IQs. In addition, air pollution is scientifically documented to damage DNA in the womb, increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia and increase the risk of bone loss in humans. #4) Massive loss of habitat and ecosystems due to decreased sunlight and colder temperatures Entire ecosystems such as rainforests could be devastated by a pollution-initiated drop in solar radiation. Marine ecosystems also rely heavily on solar radiation to power the photosynthesis of ocean plants such as seaweeds, grasses and algae, which serve as a pillar food source for the entire marine food web. Dimming the sun would have devastating consequences for all ecosystems on the planet, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life, habitat and eco-diversity. #5) Huge increase in global acid rain that will devastate forests and food crops The mass injection of SO2 into the atmosphere will result in SO2 being dispersed into lower levels of the atmosphere over time. There, mixed with rain storms, it will create sulfurous acid, otherwise known as acid rain. This acid rain will devastate forests and food crops and result in the acidification of crop soils, destabilizing soil microbes and leading the widespread crop losses. #6) Decreased plant production of oxygen thats necessary for humans, primates and mammals to survive Nearly all plants depend on solar radiation for photosynthesis, which uses CO2 as a fuel and produces oxygen (O2) as a byproduct. Reducing solar radiation through chemtrails pollution would reduce the production of oxygen by plants, resulting in a global fall in atmospheric oxygen levels, ultimately leading to the mass asphyxiation of humans, primates and mammals if allowed to continue. Even the EPA (see source below) admits that SO2 interferes with human respiration and makes it difficult for people to breathe. Even the EPA recognizes sulfur dioxide as a dangerous pollutant that makes it difficult for humans to breathe Note carefully that the geoengineering efforts being advocated to dim the sun are based on sulfur dioxide, a known pollutant. Short-term exposures to SO2 can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult, warns the EPA. [G]aseous SOx can harm trees and plants by damaging foliage and decreasing growth SO2 and other sulfur oxides can contribute to acid rain which can harm sensitive ecosystems, the EPA writes. In other words, it isnt even debated whether sulfur dioxide is a pollutant. Its smog (or technically, it reacts to create smog), and the very idea that mass polluting the atmosphere with SO2 would somehow save the planet is rooted in nothing less than advanced psychosis or some other dangerous form of mental illness. That such schemes are marketed under the banner of science just shows how twisted the institution of science has now become. Why would any rational institution seek to mass pollute our entire planet and destroy food crops, forests, mammals, primates and humans? The answer is even more shocking than the proposal itself, it turns out. Keep reading, as one possible explanation for all this continues below It wasnt long ago that scientists warned about global cooling and the coming Ice Age It was only a generation ago that young scientists were being warned that Earth was entering a global cooling crisis that would bring about a whole new ice age. This was the climate panic of the 1970s and early 1980s. Todays older scientists remember the warnings quite well. We were all told that if we didnt find a way to warm the planet, we would all perish as Earth was turned into a ball of ice. Beginning in the 1990s, the scientists flipped the script, reversing their warning and suddenly claiming the problem was too much heat. We were all going to die from global warming if we didnt change something, we were told. A decade or so later, when it was revealed that government science scammers were faking all the warming data, they changed the scam to climate change, since they couldnt scientifically support either warming or cooling. Heres the cover of TIME Magazine from 1977, which warns, How To Survive The Coming Ice Age, then urges readers to get on board to save the planet, saying, 51 Things You Can Do to Make a Difference. Today, were told the most absurd, insane things by these scientists who insist that the climate never changed at all before the year 1920, with the rise of the combustion engine and human activity. And now were constantly terrorized by the fake news media into thinking that if we dont pollute the Earths atmosphere with smog, we will all somehow die from the rise of carbon dioxide, the No. 1 most important greening nutrient for plants, forests and food crops. So now theyve decided they have to poison the atmosphere to fight climate change, and theyve got about a billion gullible world citizens convinced that this is somehow an amazing idea. What they would really unleash, of course, is absolutely catastrophic to all life on our world. Remember: They want to disperse billions of tons of sulfur dioxide (smog) into the atmosphere through massive government-funded chemtrailing of the planet. The question now emerges: Is the destruction of humanity deliberate? If so, who would hatch such a nefarious plan? Geoengineering is a planet-wide weapon system being deployed to eliminate human life on Earth while terraforming the planet for some other purpose Heres the cosmic inconvenient truth that Al Gore doesnt want you to consider. What we are really witnessing here is the planned terraforming of planet Earth for some other purpose. And by other, I mean other than human. If you wanted humans to thrive on planet Earth, you would not unleash mass pollution, acid rain, food crop failures, oxygen depletion and global dimming. You would, instead, try to reduce pollution, support plant life, enhance food crop production and protect global ecosystems from pollution. Thats the normal, rational thing that any human being would naturally want to pursue. Yet we are subjected to these nefarious geoengineering schemes that directly contradict every principle of sustainable life on Earth. And its all described as a way to save the planet, even as it would destroy global life support for humans. I cant help but be reminded of the outstanding film Oblivion, starring Tom Cruise. In the film, the Cruise character thinks hes protecting human civilization, but hes actually (unknowingly) working for extraterrestrials who are stealing Earths resources and exterminating humans. The film is one of the best science fiction films of all time, and its story sounds eerily similar to what may be happening right now with so-called geoengineering. Who (or what) would want to alter the atmosphere, decimate oxygen levels, destroy the food supply and collapse human civilization? The answer should be obvious: Something that is in competition with humans and sees no further use for humanity. Human life on Earth appears to be in the process of being cleansed in a cosmic ethnic cleansing scheme that will produce an altered, low-oxygen atmosphere that might prove advantageous to a life form which isnt already part of Earths existing ecosystem. The reduction in solar radiation reaching Earths surface would make the planet more hospital to a life form that originated from a planet located farther from its home sun than Earth is from our own sun. It raises the obvious, if bizarre-sounding, question: Are Earths globalists preparing the planet for a post-human era? And is that plan disguised as a climate change emergency course of action so that the sheeple can be told the mass pollution of the skies is a bold plan to save humanity rather than exterminate it? What if climate change is actually a cosmic false flag hoax that was designed from the very start to convince Earthlings to support their own extermination? Given the now-planned destruction of Earths atmosphere in the name of climate change, we must now consider such possibilities, no matter how bizarre they first seem. Why are all the globalists suddenly talking about escaping to Mars and terraforming Mars into a habitat where humans can survive? Why are globalists now so desperate the alter Earths atmosphere and make the planet inhospitable to humans? Why such a recent focus on the Arctic seed vault to preserve the seeds of life in preparation for a global cataclysm? Why are so many globalist insiders building underground bunkers and living in them? I dont have the answers to all these questions, but I do know that the fairy tale stories were being told about climate change and how we must save the planet by polluting the skies are rooted in complete quack science fiction and brainwashing propaganda. On the other hand, if humans are stupid enough to destroy their own planet in the name of saving the planet, perhaps theyre simply not qualified to participate in an intelligence universe after all. Natural selection, after all, is likely playing out on a cosmic scale, and Earth appears to be flunking the cosmic IQ test that wonders, Hey, is that civilization stupid enough to commit suicide based on a fairy tale hoax? So far, it appears the answer for Earth and humans is a resounding Yes! This entire topic, by the way, will be featured in this Sundays broadcast of Counterthink, airing at 6pm cental at InfoWars.com, with the full episode also appearing at Counterthink.com a few days later. Dont miss it. (Natural News) The hordes of innocent women and children that have been bombarding Americas southern border in recent weeks as part of the infamous migrant caravan have reportedly been trashing the place to such a degree that the streets of Tijuana, near the San Ysidro Port of Entry, have become a biohazard wasteland. Bottles of urine, mountains of trash and wet clothes, and human feces are among the wretched filth thats been carelessly left behind following multiple waves of Central American invaders trying to get into the United States as asylum seekers. Numerous reports contain video footage showing streets and sidewalks littered with every type of trash and bodily fluid imaginable a foretaste of what these refugees would do the streets of the U.S., were they allowed entry into the country as they and mindless celebrities like Alyssa Milano are demanding. Tons of trash and clothes left behind by #caravan #migrants at the #TijuanaBorder shelter this morning, tweeted Fox News journalist Kyle Rothenberg, along with incredible video footage of these horrors along a main thoroughfare. #Mexico police moved most of them about 15 miles away from the border yesterday to a different camp, Rothenberg added. In another video clip, also shared by Rothenberg, a pair of male migrants is seen dragging a tarp full of wet clothes and garbage across a street while yelling, Move! Move! in Spanish, only to dump the mass of waste onto an even larger mountain of waste in the middle of the street. The liberal Democrat Socialists advocating open borders should happily volunteer to clean up the mess they made in Tijuana, tweeted one individual in response to the shocking footage. They want to support them, not us. Vast majority of Mexicans living in Mexico are opposed to these migrant caravans Speaking of liberal Democrat Socialists, dont forget that their collective narrative throughout this entire saga has, of course, been one of white versus brown the big, bad orange man in the White House is only opposed to the migrant caravan because hes a racist, they claim. But a recent poll by the Mexican newspaper El Universal suggests otherwise. As it turns out, the Mexican people themselves also dont like being invaded by brown people from south of their border so are they racist, too? As many as 73 percent of the Mexican population reportedly holds negative views towards the migrants a percentage thats probably even higher now that the fallout from the migrant occupation in Tijuana is coming into full view. Try as they might to make the whole thing about race, those in the mainstream media who are attempting to portray a narrative that President Donald Trump is somehow a racist for opposing this attempted illegal invasion dont have a leg to stand on once the facts are brought to light. The truth is that nobody wants these illegal invaders in their countries, regardless of race or skin color. This is especially true now that its been revealed that many of the filthy migrants are also infected with deadly diseases like HIV and AIDS. According to officials, as much as 60 percent of the caravan was infected with some type of respiratory infection, while others were carrying around lice, tuberculosis, and the aforementioned autoimmune conditions. In fact, over 270 individuals along the caravan route have criminal histories, including known gang membership, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also reported about the migrant caravan. Those include a number of violent criminals examples include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, sexual assault on a child, and assault on a female. For more related news, check out NationalDefense.news. Sources for this article include: DailyWire.com Twitter.com Twitter.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Editors note: A. Moffit is our resident gender fluid progressive, and in todays post, zhe expresses anger at the fact that so many of the militarys modern weapons are shaped like giant penises. Missiles and rockets should all be shaped like giant vaginas in order to promote equality, zhe states. Yes, Moffit seems increasingly insane, and we dont endorse the ideas described here. We present this so you can stay informed about trends among progressives. Read and weep (warning EXPLICIT content) In todays military, if you want to bomb something or kill somebody, you have to fly in something shaped like a penis and sit in the cock pit (how humiliating for women), or shoot at something or someone with a penis-shaped missile or penis-shaped bullets. Why? Because the men who start all wars must remind everyone at every moment that death and destruction usurped by the military originates from tiny heads, and I dont mean the ones on sitting on their shoulders. Even if you choose to explore the final frontier (space), youll have to succumb to more phallic-shaped machinery, because women simply arent allowed to be running the show with any machine, weapon, or vehicle that could possibly symbolize they have control. Either create vagina-shaped jets, guns, tanks, missiles, and rockets, or design something gender neutral, or well give you a war you wont believe The U.S. Phallus Military is in full swing and has been for decades. Its a huge cock fight, a sword fight, on ego-fed terrain, and its all about who has the biggest missile. Well, millions of non-sword-bearing Americans are sick of it, and somethings got to give. Its time for Air Force and Navy pilots to climb into a jets vagina-cavity instead of a cockpit for the next Super Bowl flyover. The vagina should be represented in all weapon systems, across the board. Why not have gender-fluid missiles that change shape in mid-flight? Even tanks should be painted with LGBT rainbow colors so the enemy can see whats really coming, and that would avoid most violent conflicts by just flashing all those colors, just like a peacock. Plus, we need drag soldiers who can cross dress during battle, because fighting in high heels sends a powerful message about equality. Step to that! Its time for a bullets-and-bras mandate. How easy would it be to strap your AK to your bra? Now thats intimidation with which no enemy wants full-contact engagement. Top that off with a tampons-and-tanks commission all tanks should have tampon dispensing machines, because some men who command tanks happen to have vaginas. Jeff Bezos huge penis-rocket to take Earths dirty industry into space and put humans on the moon by 2020 Its disgusting what these rich white business moguls are doing to our country, and now they want to do it in space too. Mr. Elitist Jeff Bezos has created a rocket that literally resembles a penis (most likely his own) in an effort to shoot his ego into space. His goal? Move all the filthy, dirty industry off Earth, and move anyone who trusts him with their life to the moon, where theres no air so that your rape screams can never be heard. No more buying penis-shaped bottles of water on Earth, because theres plenty of water on the moon. Bezos says, Were so lucky to have the moon. Its so conveniently located. We know that there are volatiles trapped in the dark craters of the moon that are perpetually shaded. So he wants to shoot his penis-rocket into dark craters where the volatiles are trapped? Sure Jeff. Sounds very manly. Soon, Bezos will test his phallus rocket and capsule called the Shepard. Anyone with a few billion bucks lying around the house can buy a ticket to explore some volatile dark craters inside his penis-rocket. Remember, we simply MUST change the shape of weapons, rockets, submarines, and bullets in the name of equal rights, or these rich testosterone-heads will continue to abuse their power in this phallus republic. Its time to demand gender equality on the battlefield or strip all funding from the Pentagon. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com USAreally.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) When POTUS Donald Trump said during his 2016 campaign that, if elected, he would withdraw the United States from the terrible Paris Climate Accords deal to which his predecessor, Barack Obama, had committed the United States. There were some grumblings at the time, particularly among the Left-wing establishment media and cable news commentariat, but since nobody in official Washington believed that Candidate Trump had a chance in Hades of winning the White House, not much else was said. But then Trump did win and suddenly the America Leftist media and its chattering class all of whom believe in human-caused climate change as a religion really began to fret: Was the new president serious? Would he dare to leave an agreement foisted upon him by the globalist elite of whom he could never become a member? Who does he think he is, anyway? Sure enough, POTUS announced in June 2017, just six months after taking office, that America would withdraw from the agreement. Whether or not you agreed with his decision, you need only look at the massive protests occurring in Paris to fully understand why POTUS made the right choice. Whats that, you say? The protests in Paris have nothing at all to do with the climate accords that were signed there in April 2016. Oh yes, they do. In fact, the current protests have everything to do with the Paris Accords but the dishonest American media isnt reporting on them in that way. The U.S. press has said that the protests are in response to large fuel tax increases, and that is true insofar as it goes. French President Emmanuel Macrons government imposed the taxes more than three weeks ago on gasoline and diesel fuel. But what the American press is not telling readers is that the fuel taxes are really carbon taxes called for in the Paris Accords in order to force drivers to use less fuel even if they cant use less fuel because they are already using only what they need to make a living. (Related: Climate change hoax starting to crumble as scientists admit doom projections were totally wrong.) Wealth redistribution scheme As Reuters (not an American newswire service) noted: Macron introduced new carbon taxes to urge motorists to change behavior and protect the environment. As part of the agreement, U.S. consumers would have also been subjected to the very same so-called carbon taxes of the sort the Macron government foisted upon French citizens, though after massive protests the French leader has now suspended them. That means every industry that relies on fossil fuels would have had to raise prices in order to account for the increased costs of doing business under the pact. Gas and diesel prices would definitely have gone up, making it even more difficult for the poorest of Americans to make ends meet. And perhaps U.S. cities, like Paris, would now be ablaze as well. Not only does this deal subject our citizens to harsh economic restrictions, it fails to live up to our environmental ideals, the president said when he announced the U.S. was withdrawing from the agreement at the White House last year. As someone who cares deeply about the environment, which I do, I cannot in good conscience support a deal that punishes the United States which is what it does - the worlds leader in environmental protection, while imposing no meaningful obligations on the worlds leading polluters, he added. The Paris Climate Accords were little more than another globalist scheme to redistribute wealth from rich nations to poor countries who, by the way, were not going to be required to contribute one thin dime in carbon taxes. But youll not read a word of this in the disgustingly dishonest American establishment media. The Left-wing media is more propaganda than news, as you can see by visiting Propaganda.news. Sources include: WashingtonPost.com WhiteHouse.gov Reuters.com TheNationalSentinel.com (Natural News) Manuka honey, which is produced in New Zealand and some parts of Australia, has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its many health benefits. However, it has already been used as folkloric medicine prior to its rise to fame. For those who still arent familiar with this product, it might seem unnecessary to buy this variety when you can get some perfectly good honey at a cheaper cost; but this variant is worth every cent because it contains high levels of the natural antibacterial compound called methylglyoxal. Although most honey has methylglyoxal, it is often found at extremely low levels that are practically negligible when compared to what is present in manuka honey. Bees are able to produce this variant by specifically pollinating the manuka plant, which is rich in methylglyoxal. This compound is responsible for the more potent antibacterial properties observed in manuka honey. The discovery of methylglyoxal was so groundbreaking that researchers immediately came up with a standardized system called Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) to grade the potency of each batch. If manuka honey has a UMF rating of 10+ and higher then it can provide you with the most benefits. Manuka honey has transcended being folkloric medicine and it is now being recommended by scientists and healthcare professionals for the following purposes: Wound healing A study published in the International Journal of Biomaterials revealed that applying manuka honey along with other preparation materials on your wounds can speed up the healing process by stimulating skin cells to regenerate faster. A study published in the International Journal of Biomaterials revealed that applying manuka honey along with other preparation materials on your wounds can speed up the healing process by stimulating skin cells to regenerate faster. Fighting infection The use of antibiotics has led to the development of drug-resistant bacteria so researchers are now turning to natural products to solve this problem. Manuka honey has shown great potential in slowing and reducing infections caused by common bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and E. coli. According to a study by researchers from Australia and New Zealand, the antibacterial properties of manuka honey exceeds those of the three other variants that they tested. The use of antibiotics has led to the development of drug-resistant bacteria so researchers are now turning to natural products to solve this problem. Manuka honey has shown great potential in slowing and reducing infections caused by common bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and E. coli. According to a study by researchers from Australia and New Zealand, the antibacterial properties of manuka honey exceeds those of the three other variants that they tested. Sore throat remedy A teaspoon of honey in your tea will soothe your sore throat. However, if you upgrade to using manuka honey, it wont just relieve the pain, it will even fight off the bacteria causing your sore throat. A teaspoon of honey in your tea will soothe your sore throat. However, if you upgrade to using manuka honey, it wont just relieve the pain, it will even fight off the bacteria causing your sore throat. Skincare treatment Manuka honey is now commonly added to skincare products on the market since it is very moisturizing. Moreover, it increases the production of collagen and kills bacteria that can cause skin damage. These properties are extremely beneficial to those who have eczema and sunburns. (Related: Why you should treat Eczema with Manuka honey cream.) Manuka honey grading systems Manuka honey is often graded based on their quality. However, not all manufacturers use the same grading system so it can get a bit confusing at first. To make sure that you are getting your moneys worth, you have to understand what these scores stand for and to help you, here are some of the commonly used grading systems for manuka honey. Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) The Unique Manuka Factor is based on the amount of methylglyoxal and dihydroxyacetone present. These two contribute to the non-peroxide activity of manuka honey, which corresponds to its antibiotic strength relative to the common antiseptic phenol. Ratings often range from 5+ to 20+ but there are rare instances wherein manuka honey has a UMF above 30+. (UMF) The Unique Manuka Factor is based on the amount of methylglyoxal and dihydroxyacetone present. These two contribute to the non-peroxide activity of manuka honey, which corresponds to its antibiotic strength relative to the common antiseptic phenol. Ratings often range from 5+ to 20+ but there are rare instances wherein manuka honey has a UMF above 30+. MGO This is the most straightforward way of rating manuka honey since it just states the methylglyoxal content, which should be enough to give you an idea of its antibacterial strength since this is the active component that contributes to this property. MGO scores can range from 30+ to over 800+, with the score corresponding to the milligrams of MGO found in each kilogram of manuka honey. This is the most straightforward way of rating manuka honey since it just states the methylglyoxal content, which should be enough to give you an idea of its antibacterial strength since this is the active component that contributes to this property. MGO scores can range from 30+ to over 800+, with the score corresponding to the milligrams of MGO found in each kilogram of manuka honey. KFactor Unlike the other two, KFactor does not measure antibacterial strength, it only measures the purity of manuka honey. By purity, it refers to the amount of pollen present. There are only three possible grades for KFactor. These are KFactor 12, 16, and 22, which correspond to 65, 75, and 90 percent pollen respectively. For more articles about manuka honey, visit Superfoods.news. Sources include: OrganicSpaMagazine.com ManukaMeBetter.com (Natural News) Traces of atrazine, a popular weedkiller, have been detected in 94 percent of water supplies studied by the USDA, making it a more common contaminate than any other pesticide. And for an estimated 7.6 million Americans, atrazine contaminates tap water supplies in amounts that potentially threaten human health. Now, new research has shown that atrazine is causing an uptick in birth defects. Dr. Paul Winchester, medical director of the Neonatal and Intensive Care Unit at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis, recently led a study investigating why there is a higher incidence of birth defects in Indiana, compared to other states. And what Winchester found was that high concentrations of atrazine in the public water supply are to blame. Atrazine linked to birth defects The study, which was funded by the Gerber Foundation, was published by the journal PLOS One in 2017. As Eco Watch reports, Dr. Winchester launched his investigation into atrazine and birth defects after he noticed a markedly higher number of birth defects when he relocated from Denver, CO to Indiana. I was used to the number of birth defects I should see in a community hospital, and I saw many more in Indiana, he reportedly commented. Past research has linked atrazine to an array of problems, including cancer and fertility issues. In the study, Dr. Winchester and his team found the levels of atrazine contamination in public water is at its highest during the months of May and June, when farmers are spraying down their crops with the herbicide. This finding also coincides with data the team gathered on birth defect incidence. We plotted water concentrations and birth defects, and they fit like a hat, Winchester noted. More alarmingly, the team also discovered that atrazine is capable of producing epigenetic changes to DNA. Epigenetics is a new area of science which suggests that human DNA is not immutable, and can be changed by environmental factors, like pesticides. These epigenetic alterations can be acquired by infants during pregnancy, according to Winchester. Exposure to toxins becomes genetic Once an epigenetic change is acquired, it becomes an inheritable trait that can be passed on to future generations. While it would seem that future generations would suffer fewer effects from exposure, Winchesters team discovered this wasnt the case. In their study of animal models, the first generation of rats whose mother was exposed to atrazine weighed less than the control group. In the second generation, lower weights were again observed and the rats also had cases of testicular disease and breast cancer. The third generation was even worse off. We waited until the third generation, where no direct exposure (to atrazine) occurred, to ask if these epigenetic effects could be inherited, because there is no mechanism, no exposure, no toxicity that could explain a change in disease rates in the third generation. We found that 50 percent of offspring had multiple diseases, emotional and physical problems, hyperactivity, abnormal sperm, and premature puberty, the study author states. Atrazine has been banned by the European Union due to its persistent contamination of ground water. Many studies have indicated that atrazine is toxic and highly damaging to whatever organisms it comes into contact with. The finding that this common pesticide can cause multi-generational damage and disease shows that even science has its limitations. Even prescription medications could be causing unintended consequences well beyond imagination, simply through epigenetic changes. To that end, the effects a lifetime of exposure to pesticides, chemical fertilizers, plasticizers and other toxins will have on future generations should be a bit more concerning, both to the public and the federal agencies charged with protecting public health and the environment. Weve been experimented on for the last 70 years, and theres not one study on multigenerational effects, Winchester states. Learn more about atrazine and other dangerous chemicals at Pesticides.news. Sources for this article include EcoWatch.com EWG.org PANNA.org (Natural News) Part of the 1993 ruling by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that first approved the use of biosludge on American food crops contends that this treated toilet waste product is of exceptional quality, and is thus completely safe. But if this is true, then why are many areas where biosludge is being spread becoming littered with used condoms, tampons, and other disgusting objects that have to be collected by guys in Hazmat suits? A behind-the-scenes interview that was conducted with Texas resident Craig Monk as part of the new Biosludged project be sure to watch this eye-opening film for free at Biosludged.com reveals how biosludge, at least in some cases, appears to be untreated raw sewage thats collected from peoples toilets feminine hygiene products and all and dumped all over cropland throughout the United States. Monk explained during the interview how a home he and his wife built near Midlothian, south of Dallas-Fort Worth, ended up being positioned right next to several biosludge fields that wreaked of powerful sewage odor. And what he and his neighbors were finding in the toxic residue completely debunks the EPA notion that biosludge is clean and safe. They found used feminine hygiene products in bales of the hay produced by some of these guys, Monk states. And they found used prophylactics out in the field and toilet paper. One lady that purchased bales of hay from one of the 1,000-acre properties found used feminine hygiene products in that bale of hay, and I have those pictures. In another instance, they found used prophylactics, and Ive heard that from other counties even, and toilet paper. Be sure to watch the full interview with Craig Monk at Brighteon.com below: Biosludge is so toxic that cleanup crews have to wear full-body suits Monk recalls seeing guys in white suits having to come out and pick up the waste that is, when it wasnt washing up on to his property during periods of heavy rainfall. He also recalls huge fish kill-offs in affected areas, further showing whats hiding inside safe biosludge. The sewage sludge that was being broadcasted at the time, and according to the president on the board of the Trinity River Authority, was Class A exceptional quality, and it was perfectly safe,' Monk explains. Class A is processed to have less pathogens and a lesser amount of heavy metals. But it doesnt address all the chemicals that are in sewage sludge, which amounts to everything used in commerce over 80,000 chemicals. EPA requires all industry to dump chemicals into sewer systems Interestingly enough, the EPA doesnt test for very many pathogens or metals, and even when it finds them, nothing is typically done about it. In the end, nobody can say for sure just how polluted biosludge really is, other than to guess. Nobody can answer the question: What degree of hazard, what concentrations of chemicals, are in biosolids? Monk points out. As for local regulatory bodies, Monk says they, too, are negligent and dont bother to look for contaminants in biosludge. Rather than be proactive, these bodies are reactive, he says, and do very little to address the loads of chemicals and other poisons that, believe it or not, the EPA actually requires industry to dump in our sewer systems. The process of dumping municipal sewage sludge came about when cities were not able to dump in the oceans anymore, so they came up with this process, Monk explains. It had to be cheap because dumping in the ocean was cheap, and so they worked, I think, backwards to approve it so that it could be dumped on farms and forests and land. Sewage sludge, or biosolids, whatever you want to call it, was never designed to be put out on top of land. It was designed to be put in a landfill, a lined landfill, because of the contaminants, chemicals, and pathogens that are in it. Be sure to watch the full interview at Brighteon.com. To learn more about biosludge, be sure to also check out Biosludge.news and BrighteonFilms.com. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com Biosludged.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Monsantos biggest secret is coming out, as the fate of their infamous herbicide hangs in the balance. For the first time ever, a judge allowed the release of incriminating documents that prove Monsanto colluded with federal regulators and scientists to promote glyphosate for financial gain. The eye-opening Poison Papers are being made public by the law firm Baum Hedlund. The project includes more than 100,000 documents detailing how the chemical industry knowingly worked with government regulators to conceal the toxicity of chemical products for forty years. The Poison Papers lead journalist, Peter von Stackelberg, says the papers lay out a 40-year history of deceit and collusion involving the chemical industry and the regulatory agencies that were supposed to be protecting human health and the environment. In the latest release of documents, it is clear that Monsanto deceived the public with their controversial, best-selling herbicide. Almost all the science backing glyphosate turns outs to be fraudulent. All claims of glyphosate safety were myths. Monsanto deceptively worked with federal regulators and laboratories to make glyphosate appear safe, all for financial gain. Most frightening, the federal agencies that were supposed to protect the public went along with Monsanto instead and promoted toxic products under the guise of federal oversight. The Poison Papers reveal that Monsanto retracted studies at their own discretion if the study showed any form of glyphosate toxicity. Monsanto agents were caught ghostwriting articles deceptively promoting glyphosate. The chemicals that accompany glyphosate in Roundup make it even more toxic than glyphosate alone. Furthermore, Monsanto misled European and Canadian regulators. Dead test animals were substituted for live ones and the substitutions were omitted from lab reports. Successful lab reports were copied and pasted to approve other products. Managers even forged signatures to falsify safety reports for chemicals. Monsanto secretly sells dioxin, used in Lysol for decades The Freedom of Information requests revealed other startling facts. For twenty-three years, Monsanto sold carcinogenic dioxin under the chemical name santophen. Dioxin was ousted as a toxic contaminant in the now banned Agent Orange. Remarkably, the makers of Lysol bought it up and used it as an ingredient in their disinfectant sprays for over two decades. Monsantos analytical chemist, Fred Hileman admitted that consumers were exposed to three parts per billion dioxin and that Lysol packaging included no such warning. Monsanto chief medical officer also admitted that the scientific literature was obstructed to misrepresent the health effects that dioxins had on workers and consumers. The U.S. Forest Service sprayed dioxin and toxic 2,4-D from Agent Orange even after scientific literature proved that the chemicals cause miscarriage, mammalian deformities, and childhood diarrhea and headaches. It turns out, the EPAs registration of 2,4-D was based on fraudulent data. Prominent laboratory helped Monsanto fake safety data on several pesticides Industrial Bio-Test (IBT) Laboratories helped Monsanto fake safety data on several products. According to the U.S. FDA, IBT labs falsified 99 percent of long term studies for glyphosate and other chemicals, hiding their connection to cancer, birth defects, and reproductive damage. IBT laboratory studies helped the chemical industry achieve 483 fraudulent pesticide registrations. In one case, Monsanto sought a clean IBT study for their bactericide TCC by sending Monsanto toxicologist Dr. Paul Wright to IBT labs to come up with evidence that would convince the FDA to allow greater levels of TCC in deodorants and soaps. The maneuver allowed Monsanto to increase TCC levels in body care products, even though the FDA had evidence that TCC caused testicular atrophy in laboratory rats. It wasnt until 2017 that the FDA announced that Monsanto must remove TCC from all consumer products. The FDA ultimately blamed IBT labs for the most massive scientific fraud ever committed in the United States, and perhaps the world for falsifying data to push for hundreds of registration approvals. Even though the companys president and top executives were indicted in 1981, the collusion and fake science continued elsewhere. As the Poison Papers reveal, its this kind of deception that has helped Monsanto convince regulators that glyphosate, 2,4-D, and atrazine are safe. These herbicides, all fraudulently promoted by IBT labs and Monsanto scientiststs, are promoted under false pretenses to this day. Now the evidence is out that the science is being used for financial gain, that federal regulatory agencies are being used as pawns, and Monsanto is a corrupt, criminal cabal committing crimes with great repercussions for all mankind. Sources include: MauiIndependent.org PoisonPapers.org Monsanto.News A high-flying lost teddy bear caused the National Weather Service to launch an investigation of sorts to reunite a Southern California kid with his stuffed animal. NWS Los Angeles said in a tweet Tuesday afternoon that a user asked for help in "tracking down an important missing teddy bear." A user just asked for help tracking down an important missing teddy bear that floated away in a cluster of balloons Sun morning in Westchester. Based on the winds, it likely landed somewhere in Orange or San Diego Counties. Have you seen him? Spread the word! #FindHerbertBear pic.twitter.com/6RifXlGeVd NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) December 4, 2018 The organization said the bear floated away in a cluster of balloons Sunday morning in Westchester, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. The stuffed animal is a small black bear with a brown snout and paws. Due to the winds, the flying stuffed animal could have landed anywhere in San Diego or Orange County, NWS Los Angeles said. [NATL] Unbelievable Animal Stories: Dog Befriends Abandoned Baby Giraffe NWS Los Angeles coined the phrase #FindHerbertBear to encourage users to spread the word and find the beloved bear. Message NBC 7 San Diego on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram if you have any information. Users can also message NWS Los Angeles on Twitter. About $250,000 is going to 10 Bay Area organizations benefiting children thanks to the Holiday Heroes charity event Tuesday. AT&T Park was packed with about 1,000 people in support of the Wender Weis Foundation for Children where former Giants player Hunter Pence and his wife Lexi were honored. One of the charities benefiting from the event was the Pences favorite, No Kid Hungry, which keeps school children fed. "When you go and see the kids and you hear from the teachers how much it improves their behavior and their focus and their performance theres plenty of reward," said Pense. Other children programs benefiting were the Warriors Community Foundation and the East Palo Alto Boys and Girls Club. "Without our supporters in the Giants community and the fans here in San Francisco I mean ... we are super lucky," said Lexi. On the morning of Nov. 8, Jim Sherbournes evacuation order didnt come from authorities. As the flames of the so-called Camp Fire, which became California's deadliest, raced toward Sherbournes house in Concow, it was his 2-year-old German shepherd, Jake, who woke him up in time to escape. But after days of breathing the smoky air in Butte County, Jake had to be rushed to a veterinarian in Concord. Sherbourne lost his home and came close to losing his beloved dog, too. But the two were reunited Tuesday. "He woke me up. I thought it was a bear," Sherbourne recalled. "He looked at me kind of dumbfounded, and the glow, I'd just seen the glow behind me." Sherbourne grabbed four urns that held the ashes of his other dogs and took off with Jake and two older German shepherds. "All my tools, my tractor, everything is gone," he said. "It doesnt matter. These guys matter." Sherbourne then had to give up his dogs for a brief time to a shelter in Oroville. His vet said Jake was too big to be indoors, so he was left outside for days at a time. The toxic air and pneumonia nearly killed him. Since the Camp Fire broke out, Jake has lost 40 pounds. His vet says if Jake had not received medical care, he would have died. "He was on many, many days of oxygen therapy," said Micki McCabe of the Sage Veterinary Center in Concord. That intensive care isnt cheap. Sage Veterinary Center agreed to cap the bill at $11,000. Now Sherbourne is figuring out how hes going to come up with the cash to pay that bill. Thats where the nonprofit Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue stepped in. They created a GoFundMe campaign for Jakes vet bill, and in just over three days, donations topped $12,000. "If we can help, we can always try to help," said Susan Hsu of the rescue center. The attorneys general of the District of Columbia and Maryland plan to file subpoenas Tuesday seeking records from the Trump Organization, the Internal Revenue Service and dozens of other entities as part of a lawsuit accusing Donald Trump of profiting off the presidency. The flurry of subpoenas came a day after U.S. District Court Judge Peter J. Messitte approved a brisk schedule for discovery in the case alleging that foreign and domestic government spending at Trump's Washington, D.C., hotel amounts to gifts to the president in violation of the Constitution's emoluments clause. The subpoenas target 37 entities, including 13 Trump-linked entities and the federal agency that oversees the lease for Trump's Washington hotel. Subpoenas were also being sent to the Department of Defense, General Services Administration, Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture and the IRS, which have spent taxpayer dollars at the hotel or have information on Trump's finances relevant to the case. Other Trump entities that officials plan to subpoena include those related to his Washington hotel and its management. Eighteen entities such as restaurants and hotels that compete with the Trump hotel are also being subpoenaed. The Maryland attorney general's office confirmed the targets of the subpoenas to The Associated Press as they were being prepared Tuesday. The subpoenas focus on answering three questions: which foreign domestic governments are paying the Trump International Hotel in Washington, where that money is going and how Trump's hotel is affecting the hospitality industry in the District of Columbia and Maryland. To help answer those questions, the subpoenas are asking for records of payments to Trump from state government and federal agencies that patronized the hotel. They're also seeking information proving that hotel revenues are going to the president through his affiliated entities, including The Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust. Most of the records are being requested back to Jan. 1, 2015. The Justice Department declined to comment. Neither the Trump Organization, Trump's personal attorney on the case, William S. Consovoy, nor the White House immediately responded to a request for comment Tuesday. Trump's Justice Department lawyers have previously argued that earnings from such business activity as hotels stays don't qualify as emoluments. And in court papers last week challenging the judge's decision to move the case forward, Justice lawyers objected to any discovery on a sitting president in order to avoid a "constitutional confrontation." They also argued that any discovery would "be a distraction to the President's performance of his constitutional duties." Trump's Justice Department lawyers filed a notice to the court Friday indicating it plans to challenge the Maryland judge's decision to allow the case to move forward in a Richmond, Virginia, court. The president's notice that he may seek a writ of mandamus to have the appeal heard by a higher court is considered an "extraordinary remedy" that's hard to prove and partly rests on showing Messitte's decisions to be clearly wrong. Because Trump was also the first president in modern history to not release his tax returns, any responsive records would likely provide the first clear picture of the finances of Trump's business empire as well as his Washington, D.C., hotel. There is no indication yet that Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine, both Democrats, would push for the president's tax returns, at least in this initial round of legal discovery, given the sensitive nature of such a request and likely additional delays it would cause. But tax returns for some of Trump's business entities, including the state and federal tax returns for the Trump Organization, are also being requested. There is a separate federal lawsuit involving the General Services Administration, which oversees the lease for the hotel with the Trump Organization. Democratic lawmakers last year sued demanding disclosures of records to determine how Trump was approved by the General Services Administration to maintain the lease of the Trump International Hotel in Washington after he became president. The hotel is housed in the historic Old Post Office, which is owned by the federal government, and its lease has a clause barring any "elected official of the government of the United States" from deriving "any benefit." Trump and his daughter Ivanka, a senior White House adviser, both retained their stakes in the property. The plaintiffs' prior preservation subpoena filing requested documents that concern "marketing to foreign or domestic governments, including members of the diplomatic community" for 23 Trump-linked entities, be saved. Other noted categories for preservation include documents that would identify guests of the hotel and those who have rented event space, details on all finances and "operating leases, permits, licenses, tax payments or credits to or from foreign or domestic governments." Maine also received a subpoena, likely because its governor, Republican Paul LePage, stayed at Trump's hotel in Washington when he had official business to conduct, including discussions with the president. Representatives for LePage's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On one of those trips last year, Trump and LePage appeared together at a news conference at which Trump signed an executive order to review orders of the prior administration that established national monuments within the National Park Service. President Barack Obama had established a park and national monument in Maine over LePage's objections in 2016. If there are no delays, legal discovery would conclude in early August. What to Know William Thoresen was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly broke into a building, carjacked a taxi and jumped into the Fort Point Channel. Officers rescued the suspect after a frantic witness reported that they saw some jump from a bridge. Thoresen, 29, faces multiple charges that include carjacking, assault and battery and breaking and entering. A 29-year-old man was recovered from the Fort Point Channel Wednesday morning after he allegedly carjacked a taxi and broke into a building in Boston. William Thoresen, of Shirley, was rescued from the water shortly after 2:45 a.m. after he jumped into the channel, according to the Boston Police Department. Boston police officers were conducting a traffic stop around 2:45 a.m. near the area of 294 Congress Street when a frantic person approached them to report someone had jumped off the Fort Point Bridge. Authorities responded to the area and requested additional units as they searched for a person in the water. A short time later, officials rescued Shirley resident William Thoresen from the channel. He was taken to an ambulance for treatment after he was recovered. As their investigation developed, officers learned Thoresen allegedly stole a taxi in front of South Station before he jumped into the channel. The taxi driver told authorities the suspect forced him out of the vehicle and struck him with the opened door of the cab Thoresen reversed. The suspect allegedly struck another taxi in front of him and drove the stolen vehicle to the bridge, where he exited the cab and jumped off the bridge. Officials say their investigation determined that Thoresen allegedly broke into a building located at 201 South Street. He then fled on foot, according to Boston police. Thoresen was charged with carjacking, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, two counts of willful and malicious destruction of property and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident causing personal injury. The suspect remains guarded at a hospital and will appear at Boston Municipal Court for an arraignment at a later date. It is unclear if he has an attorney. A woman who claims hidden-camera footage of her in a hotel shower was posted on a dozen pornographic web sites by someone who tried to extort her filed a $100 million lawsuit. The Chicago resident, identified only as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, alleges the nude video was taken at a downtown Albany Hampton Inn and Suites in July 2015 while she was taking the New York bar exam. The lawsuit filed Friday names the hotel's owners and the Hilton chain as defendants. The woman found out about the secret taping this September when an anonymous emailer sent her a link to the video, which was posted on a pornographic website with her full name. The emailer said "I'm a perv" and at first demanded more private images from her, but eventually demanded $2,000 up front and $1,000 a month for a year, according to the lawsuit. The woman did not give into the demands as more postings were made to popular porn sites. She monitors sites to seek the video's removal when she sees it. Links to the video also were emailed to friends and associates of the woman from an account made to look like they were from her. The bogus emails said it was for a friend's art project and asked recipients to "let me know what you think and leave a like!" A separate email to her seeking bitcoin payments said "you want me to stop. Right?" according to the lawsuit. "It was just absolutely traumatizing because these are people I went to law school with," the woman told Good Morning America, which first reported the lawsuit. "They're friends, they're co-workers. And they were sent a link to what looks like an email I sent." A hotel spokesman told the Associated Press in an email they were shocked by the lawsuit's allegations. While no recording devices were uncovered during a recent renovation, he said they will continue to work with authorities to discover the perpetrator. A Hilton spokesperson said in an email that they will support the hotel's independent ownership and management as they investigate and cooperate with any law enforcement investigations. 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 Bridgeport community banded together to replace 800 donated toys stolen from a local church last week. Thieves stole $8,000-worth of donated toys meant for Toys for Tots, which were being housed at the Greater Bridgeport Christian Fellowship Church. The City of Bridgeport and other groups announced they would step up to help replace what was taken, and collected donations during the Downton Christmas Tree Lighting Monday. We are going to make every effort to ensure no child is left without a toy, said Mayor Joseph Ganim in a statement. We want to turn around this heartbreaking situation into a Christmas miracle to demonstrate the resilience and compassion of the Bridgeport community. News 12 Connecticut reports that by Wednesday, donations that poured in from the community replaced the value of the stolen toys. Those who donated included the law firm Miller, Rosnick, D'Amico, August & Butler and Wonderland of Ice. The goal is to distribute the toys to local families so that 6,000 children have gifts on Christmas morning. The theft remains under investigation and Bridgeport police have identified a person of interest in the case. Parents are fighting to stop the closure of the Haddam Elementary School next year. Thats despite little indication district leaders plan to reverse a decision made months ago to shutter it. On Tuesday parents headed to a school board meeting to voice their concerns, even though this issue wasnt really on the agenda. Martha Gilmore was among the crowd that packed a meeting of the Regional School District #17 Board of Education. She is concerned how the shutdown would affect her son who is in second grader there. They would have longer bus rides. Im worried mostly about the crowding in the school, about the class size, said Gilmore. Neighbors wonder what will happen to the school since its right in the middle of the Higganum area of town. Laurie Rubino fears another use for it wont be found. There are so many empty buildings sitting there already and this one that will be forced on us is quite unfair, said Rubino. Some feel that their concerns are being brushed aside, and they think that board members rushed the vote to close the school about nine months ago, without fully thinking it through. I think theres a little bit of misinformation out there about that very thing, said Joanne Nesti, Regional School District #17 Board of Education Chair. Nesti defends the decision, which took place after more than a year of consideration. She says there were good reasons for it, including declining enrollment and that consolidation could save $1 million a year. As we go forward, there will be more savings resulting from the fact that we are now four buildings instead of five, said Nesti. The board has said it plans to work with the town to find other uses for this building. Supporters of keeping the school open say they will press on, though they realize saving the school wont be easy. A 16-year-old Coventry High School student was injured when a newspaper delivery driver backed into her as the teen was getting out of a parents vehicle at the school Wednesday morning, according to police and school officials. The incident happened around 7:18 a.m., at the beginning of the school day and an ambulance took the teen to Connecticut Childrens Medical Center. The initial reports were that the teen had serious injuries, but police said later that the student's injuries were less serious than officials initially believed. Supt. David Petrone, of Coventry Public Schools, said the newspaper delivery person who struck the student was bringing newspapers for the library. Investigators said the driver was backing out in the wrong direction when he hit the girl. "She exited the car and went around to the back and at that time another vehicle had backed up and she kind of got crushed between the two vehicles," explained Coventry Police Detective Jeffrey Spadjinske. Petrones letter to the school community said counseling support is available to any student who might require it. Town officials said while they can't recall an incident like this before, they will be re-examining the traffic pattern. "Anytime something like this happens, there will be an investigation and all the facts will be gathered. If theres changes that need to be made, those will be reviewed and recommended," explained the town Emergency Management Director James McLoughlin. Coventry police are investigating and they are asking any witnesses to call them at 860-742-7331. The holiday season is the busiest time of year for unemployment claims, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor. So normally when were handling about 25, 2600 claims a week, it usually triples during this time of year. And a lot of that is attributed to seasonal employment. There are educational institutions, bus drivers that are shut down for the holiday, said Gregg Kallajian, program and services coordinator with the Department of Labor. The department has extra staff on hand, but Kallajian said a claim that would usually take two days to process could take upwards of five days to process during this time of year. All new claims must be filed through the Department of Labors online system. You will need the Connecticut Employer Registration Number from the employer you are leaving, as well as an active email address and a savings or checking account to set up direct deposit or a debit card. The Department of Labor no longer issues paper checks. If you dont have a computer or need help with your claim, you can visit one of the states five American Job Centers. The job centers also offer help for job seekers including free workshops and job fairs. Kallajian said existing weekly claims will continue to be processed normally. The Department of Labor is also reminding filers they must actively seek work as a condition of receiving unemployment insurance. In the state of Connecticut, we look at three efforts per week. And we recommend that they log those efforts on a log sheet that we have through our website, Kallajian said. What we ask them to do is write down what their efforts are, the name of the employer, when they looked for work, who they contacted. Kallajian said the department randomly chooses 18 cases per week for audit. New Hampshire officials are under fire for denying a 10-foot-tall menorah to be displayed next to a tree decorated annually at a local park. Town Administrator Todd Selig said the local Chabad Jewish organization in Durham asked for the menorah to be put next to the tree, but town officials said no, citing vandalism concerns. Selig said the area town officials were not "comfortable" leaving the menorah on display for the eight nights of Hanukkah. The Durham Human Rights Commission is now deciding the next steps to take. Selig said the commissions perspective was that it should really be all or none. The tree in Durham is decorated each year to celebrate the winter season. And while the Human Right Commission argues the tradition is associated with the Christian faith and Christmas celebrations, a member of the town council told the Union Leader the tree lighting is not a religious symbol but a ritual to "bring light into darkness." "The fact that the city allows for some to publicly express their culture is a good thing, and we hope that continues," Rabbi Berel Slavaticki of the University of New Hampshire and Seacoast Chabad Jewish Center said in a statement. "To stop people from openly expressing their particular faith seems un-American and would be a terrible loss for our town and our country." Slavaticki said the center is committed to working with the town administration "to create a path forward that will allow everyone to enjoy their constitutionally guaranteed rights." "Not allowing a menorah for fear of anti-Semitism only emboldens and enables those who hate," he said. "After all, thats exactly what theyd want to see; our menorah not allowed." Governor-Elect Ned Lamont announced who will likely be the most trusted and consequential members of his administration. Lamont named Ryan Drajewicz as his chief of staff and Melissa McCaw as secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. They mark the first two appointments of the Lamont administration, a search he said was national but eventually brought him back to the local products. Weve had hundreds of resumes come in, Lamont said. People who have served in government before and we need those people here. McCaw most recently served as chief financial officer for the City of Hartford, and she will have a much larger role running OPM, the agency that handles budget matters for the governors administration. This will mark her second tour with the agency. She worked at OPM when she finished her studies at Wesleyan University. McCaw says her recent experience dealing with budget issues in Hartford on everything from spending to labor contracts will serve her well in the Lamont administration. I look forward to leading this process, to completing the budget in the coming months and to ultimately achieving the governor-elects vision for a budget and a policy plan that is balanced and addresses Connecticuts fiscal crisis, she said. She will be in charge of a budget writing process that will have address a nearly $2 billion deficit in the next fiscal year, even as the state is currently projecting a modest surplus of $250 million. I like the fact that Melissa has been on the front lines. Shes battle hardened, Lamont said during the press conference making the introduction at the State Capitol. Shes been through some really tough times and we have some tough times here in Connecticut when it comes to making the decisions we need going forward. I think shell be the perfect choice to get us through this. Lamont tapped Ryan Drajewicz as his chief of staff, the person who works alongside the governor, managing Lamonts priorities on a day-to-day basis, and the overall operations of the governors office. Drajewicz is a Connecticut native, born in Middletown, he worked for ten years under U.S. Senator Chris Dodd. For the past several years, Drajewicz has worked as an executive for Bridgewater Associates, the worlds largest hedge fund, which is based in Westport. His private sector experience could lead to him being one of the main voices for the administration when speaking directly with major employers. This will be an office of the governor with a new energy, an entrepreneurial spirit and creativity, Drajewicz said. This is a new chapter for Connecticut and we are going to do things differently. The man in charge of Fort Worths Panther Island project says he now regrets comments he made to NBC 5 Investigates. In an earlier interview, which aired this week, J.D. Granger suggested Panther Island will get more federal funding now that his mother, U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, is the top Republican on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. He also said initially that his mother would retire once funding is secured. Kay Granger is the longtime champion of the Panther Island work, north of downtown Fort Worth, billed as both a flood protection measure and as an economic development endeavor. J.D. Granger is head of the Trinity River Vision Authority, which is overseeing the project. In the earlier interview, hours after his mother had moved up in the Appropriations Committee, Granger told NBC 5 Investigates: Today is a great day ...this is the day we have been looking for right now He suggested his mother would now be able to deliver the millions of federal tax dollars still needed to complete the project. But in a statement he issued Tuesday to NBC 5 Investigates, Granger said, While the congresswomans recent appointment ...is great news for Fort Worth, it does not guarantee remaining federal funds needed to complete the project. Granger also said in the earlier interview that once he and his mother feel comfortable that Panther Island is fully funded, we both get to retire. But in his statement tonight, he said, Regretfully, I misspoke about his mother planning to retire after funding is accomplished. That sentiment was backed up by a spokeswoman in Washington, who in a statement said, The congresswoman looks forward to completing this project and continuing to serve the people of Fort Worth in Congress. The statement added: She is not retiring. What to Know Police responded to a shooting call at 1800 Bickers Street in West Dallas Tuesday night. Police said one person died and another was hurt. They are investigating what led up to the shooting, but said it could be "accidental." A family member said the victim is a 17-year-old male. Dallas police announced Thursday they arrested a man accused of shooting a teenager in the face earlier this week. Police said 26-year-old Eugene Webb turned himself into authorities on Wednesday morning and admitted to shooting the teen. The shooting occurred Tuesday in the 1800 block of Bickers Street in West Dallas. Family members told NBC 5's partners at Telemundo 39 that a 17-year-old male was shot in the face and died at the scene. A Dallas police spokesman said Tuesday night they were investigating if the shooting could have been "accidental." They also said another person was injured by pellets from the same weapon used to shoot the teenager, but was expected to survive. Webb was booked into the Dallas County Jail and charged with manslaughter, a second degree felony. This is a developing story, check back for updates. Thousands of people waved and cheered Thursday as funeral train No. 4141 -- named for the 41st president -- carried President George H.W. Bush from Houston to his final resting place on the grounds of his presidential library in College Station. Bush, who shaped history as America's 41st president and patriarch of a family that occupied the White House for a dozen years, arrived at Texas A&M University at about 4 p.m. Thursday. Shortly before 5:30 p.m., university officials said the graveside service had ended and the president had been buried. Shortly after the caravan arrived at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum Thursday, wave after wave of F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets flew overhead, taking part in the largest 21-aircraft missing man formation ever flown in the United States -- an honor bestowed on the former president who was among the youngest naval aviators in history. The former president flew 58 combat missions in World War II, one of which ended up with him crashing in the Pacific Ocean before being rescued. After the flyover, Bush was carried to a secluded cemetery on library grounds where the family took part in a private graveside ceremony. Bush was then interred alongside his wife of 73 years, Barbara Pierce Bush, and their daughter, Robin, who died at the age of 3 from leukemia. Thursday marked the last day of a four-day tribute to the late President George H.W. Bush. It started with a funeral service at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston and ends at his presidential library at Texas A&M. [[502107031,C]] The morning began Thursday at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, where the night before thousands of people waited to pay their respects to the 41st president remembered as having the "courage of a peacemaker." Thursday's service began with "America the Beautiful" and a robust rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." It attracted local sports stars including Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and featured eulogies from Bush's grandson, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush and James Baker, his former secretary of state and a close friend for decades. Baker remembered his longtime friend as having "had the courage of a warrior but the greater courage of a peacemaker" and began the eulogy Thursday with an apology. Using the nickname "Jefe," which is Spanish for "boss," Baker said he was going to brag about Bush, even though the former president hated boasting. [NATL] George H. W. Bush Mourned by Nation He Led Baker called Bush the "best one-term president" in the nation's history. He also praised Bush's grace after the fall of the Berlin Wall, saying that Bush understood that humility toward a fallen adversary "is the very best path." George P. Bush the only member of the Bush dynasty still in public office told NBC 5 earlier this week he'd be speaking from the heart about his grandfather and that he and Bush's 16 other grandchildren grew up in awe of the man they knew as "gampy." He told mourners Thursday that the former president would challenge his grandkids to games like "the first to sleep award." George P. Bush, one of President George H.W. Bush's 17 grandchildren, delivered a moving tribute during his funeral in Houston, Dec. 6, 2018. George P. Bush sits down with Meredith Land to talk about his grandfather and the legacy he leaves behind. He reminisced about "growing up in awe" of his grandfather, whose "typical spread included BBQ, tacos, or pork rinds with hot sauce of course with a healthy dose of Blue Bell ice cream." Hymns being sung were chosen and loved by the former president, said the church's pastor, Rev. Russell J. Levenson Jr. Performing were some of Bush's favorite country music stars, including the Oak Ridge Boys doing "Amazing Grace" and Reba McEntire offering "The Lord's Prayer," as three days of official ceremonies in Washington gave way to more personal touches for the former president in Texas. Four Camden police officers were honored Friday after they pulled two men from the burning wreckage of a car crash on Interstate 676. After the funeral, Bush's casket was driven north to Spring where it was placed onboard a specially-outfitted Union Pacific train powered by Locomotive 4141, an engine repainted to resemble Air Force One and named in his honor after he took a spin at the controls in 2005. He joked then that if the train had been around during his presidency he might have "left Air Force One behind," and traveled the country by rail. Thursday marks the final farewell to former President George H.W. Bush in Texas. His body will be transported from Spring in Harris County to his final resting place at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station. Thousands of people lined the train tracks between Spring and College Station Thursday to pay tribute to Bush. As Locomotive 4141 powered past, many waved flags, whelped and cheered. Others had placed coins on the tracks to be flattened into keepsakes. Doug Allen, of Cypress, left eight coins on the tracks before the train passed through the small town of Pinehurst. It left the coins flattened and slightly discolored. The funeral train will slow down through the towns of Old Town Spring, Magnolia, Tomball and Navasota. The train has 11 cars, with the president in the sixth. His American flag-draped coffin will be visible to all those along the route. The trip by rail was a personal request of the late president; he'll be the first president to be transported on a funeral train since President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1969. Small Texas towns are expecting thousands of people to watch President George H.W. Bush make his final journey. Bush Remembered During State Funeral in Nation's Capital In the service at Washington National Cathedral, three former presidents and President Donald Trump looked on as George W. Bush eulogized his father as "the brightest of a thousand points of light." The cathedral service was a tribute to a president, a patriarch and a faded political era that prized military service and public responsibility. It was laced with indirect comparisons to Trump but was not consumed by them, as speakers focused on Bush's public life and character with plenty of cracks about his goofy side, too. "He was a man of such great humility," said Alan Simpson, former Republican senator from Wyoming. Those who travel "the high road of humility in Washington, D.C.," he added pointedly, "are not bothered by heavy traffic." Trump sat with his wife, a trio of ex-presidents and their wives, several of them sharp critics of his presidency and one of them, Hillary Clinton, his 2016 Democratic foe. Apart from courteous nods and some handshakes, there was little interaction between Trump and the others. Thousands file past the flag-draped casket of President George H.W. Bush. George W. Bush broke down briefly at the end of his eulogy while invoking the daughter his parents lost in 1953 and his mother, who died in April. He took comfort in knowing "Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom's hand again." It was a family that occupied the White House for a dozen years the 41st president defeated after one term, the 43rd serving two. Jeb Bush stepped up to try to extend that run but fell short when Trump won the 2016 Republican primaries. The elder Bush was "the last great-soldier statesman," historian Jon Meacham said in his eulogy, "our shield" in dangerous times. But he also said that Bush, campaigning in a crowd in a department store, once shook hands with a mannequin. Rather than flushing in embarrassment, he simply cracked, "Never know. Gotta ask." Meacham recounted how comedian Dana Carvey once said the key to doing an impersonation of Bush was "Mister Rogers trying to be John Wayne." None of those words would be a surprise to Bush. Meacham read his eulogy to him, said Bush spokesman Jim McGrath, and Bush responded to it with the crack: "That's a lot about me, Jon." The congregation at the cathedral, filled with foreign leaders and diplomats, Americans of high office and others touched by Bush's life, rose for the arrival of the casket, accompanied by clergy of faiths from around the world. In their row together, Trump and former Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton stood with their spouses and all placed their hands over their hearts. Simpson regaled the congregation with stories from his years as Bush's friend in Washington. More seriously, he recalled that when he went through a rough patch in the political game, Bush conspicuously stood by him against the advice of aides. "You would have wanted him on your side," he said. Simpson said Bush "loved a good joke the richer the better. And he threw his head back and gave that great laugh, but he never, ever could remember a punchline. And I mean never." George W. Bush turned the humor back on the acerbic ex-senator, saying of the late president: "He placed great value on a good joke, so he chose Simpson to speak." Students at George H.W Bush Elementary school in Addison having been learning about their namesake this week. Meacham praised Bush's call to volunteerism his "1,000 points of light" placing it alongside Abraham Lincoln's call to honor "the better angels of our nature" in the American rhetorical canon. Meacham called those lines "companion verses in America's national hymn." Trump had mocked "1,000 points of light" last summer at a rally, saying "What the hell is that? Has anyone ever figured that one out? And it was put out by a Republican, wasn't it?" Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney praised Bush as a strong world leader who helped oversee the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union and helped bring about the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, signed into law by his successor, Clinton. With Trump, a bitter NAFTA critic, seated in the front row, Mulroney hailed the "largest and richest free trade area in the history of the world." The three countries have agreed on a revised trade agreement pushed by Trump. Before landing at Ellington Field JRB outside of Houston Wednesday afternoon, Air Force One -- dubbed Special Air Mission 41 while supporting the Bush funeral services in Texas and D.C. -- performed a low-altitude flyby, at an altitude of about 2,000 feet, over Bush's Presidential Library in College Station. On Wednesday morning, a military band played "Hail to the Chief" as Bush's casket was carried down the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where he had lain in state. Family members looked on as servicemen fired off a cannon salute. His hearse was then driven in a motorcade to the cathedral ceremony, slowing in front of the White House. Bush's route was lined with people much of the way, bundled in winter hats and taking photos. Waiting for his arrival inside, Trump shook hands with Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, who greeted him by saying "Good morning." Trump did not shake hands with Bill and Hillary Clinton, who looked straight ahead. Bill Clinton and Mrs. Obama smiled and chatted as music played. Carter was seated silently next to Hillary Clinton in the cavernous cathedral. Obama cracked up laughing at someone's quip. Vice President Mike Pence shook Carter's hand. The aircraft at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth will take part in the largest ever missing man formation flyover to honor former President George H.W. Bush when his casket arrives by train in College Station Thursday, officials at NASJRB said. Trump tweeted Wednesday that the day marked "a celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life." Trump and his wife took their seats after the others, briefly greeting the Obamas seated next to them. Bush's death makes Carter, also 94 but more than 100 days younger, the oldest living ex-president. Following the cathedral service, the hearse and a long motorcade drove to the National Mall to pass by the World War II Memorial, a nod to the late president's service as a World War II Navy pilot, then transferred his remains at Joint Base Andrews for the flight home with members of his family. Trump ordered the federal government closed Wednesday for a national day of mourning. Flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days. In the early hours Wednesday morning, people continued to wait in line to pay respects to former President George H.W. Bush at the nation's capitol. Associated Press writers Laurie Kellman, Ashraf Khalil, Darlene Superville, Juan A. Lozano and David J. Phillip contributed to this report. A man was killed and two other people were injured Tuesday in a multi-vehicle crash on the northbound Ventura (101) Freeway in the Sherman Oaks area. The crash occurred about 10:45 a.m. at Sepulveda Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The man, about 40 years old, died at the scene. His name was withheld pending notification of his relatives. Two other people were taken to a hospital in fair condition, the LAFD reported. Four northbound lanes were blocked while an investigation was conducted, the California Highway Patrol reported. A man is dead after a hit-and-run crash on a violent Orange County freeway Tuesday night, but a bystander proved to be key in finding the suspected runaway driver, according to police. The suspected driver in the fatal hit-and-run crash in Costa Mesa took off after the collision, but it didn't take long for police to track him down and arrest him, thanks to the quick thinking of an alert bystander in a perfect example of the ubiquitous saying, "see something, say something." A man was playing in the park with his daughter when he noticed the driver of a Honda Accord park his car across the street and start acting strangely and looking at the extensive damage to his car. The father decided to call the police. California Highway Patrol officers say that the alert citizen noticed the banged up vehicle at an intersection located less than half a block from the Costa Mesa Police Department, so it didn't take long for officers to respond and arrest the driver. The father that called in the tip had no idea that a fatal hit-and-run crash had occurred less than a mile away, near the Del Mar exit on the 55 Freeway. Police said the crash is under investigation. California lawmakers announced a proposal on Tuesday to make community colleges completely free. It was just last year that California lawmakers passed the law that allowed the first year of study at community colleges to be free for new and full-time students. Now they seek to do the same with the second year. The AB2 proposal was introduced by legislators in Sacramento this morning. We started two years of free community college because we know thats the promise we want to give to our students, said Democratic lawmaker Miguel Santiago, co-author of the proposal. According to legislators, AB2 will benefit any full-time student, from any college across the state, but it will especially help those going through economic hardships. The measure is supported by the president of community colleges and many officials. The proposal will be analyzed and discussed in March 2019. A cooling tower at Disneyland was the likely source for all 22 cases in a Legionnaires' disease outbreak last year near the theme park, an Orange County health official has testified. Most of those who fell ill visited the park in the fall of 2017. Disneyland has denied it was the source, pointing to three infected people who had been in Anaheim but not at Disneyland. One of them died. Dr. Matthew Zahn, medical director for epidemiology at the Orange County Health Care Agency, told an appeals board judge at the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those three people were in nursing homes in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Times reported. He said health workers visited the nursing homes and determined there were no likely sources of the Legionella bacteria there. Tests around the time of the outbreak showed high levels of Legionella bacteria in two of Disneyland's cooling towers, which likely spread contaminated droplets to people in the park, Zahn said. The medical director said he concluded the three nursing home patients were probably sickened by Disneyland as well, because water infected with Legionella bacteria "can spread two to four miles." Zahn pointed out that cooling towers -- part of an air-conditioning system that releases mist -- are the most common source of Legionnaires' outbreaks. Disneyland cooling tower #4 had very high levels of Legionella bacteria when people began to fall sick, Zahn said. Once it was sanitized, Legionnaires' infections appeared to cease, he added. "Most likely those cases were related to a common exposure,'' Zahn said. "Cooling tower #4 was the most likely source of exposure." The health agency has never formally identified a cause of the outbreak. Upon questioning by Disneyland's lawyers, Zahn said he could not be 100 percent certain that Disneyland was the source of all of the cases without additional testing. Earlier this year, Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown said in a statement: "We strongly object to Cal-OSHA's allegation that our cooling towers caused any illness, since the source of the outbreak has never been scientifically determined." In March, Cal-OSHA cited and fined Disneyland $33,000 for failing to properly clean cooling equipment linked to the outbreak and other related violations. The agency investigates only hazards that endanger workers, so its findings focus on how three Disneyland employees were infected and does not address the 19 non-employees sickened. Disneyland is appealing the citation at a two-day hearing in West Covina that began Tuesday. Christopher Merrill, the Cal-OSHA administrative law judge, will rule within 60 days. Thousands of emails were stolen from aides to the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 2018 midterm campaign, a major breach exposing vulnerabilities that have kept cybersecurity experts on edge since the 2016 presidential race. The email accounts were compromised during a series of intrusions that had been spread over several months and discovered in April, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. At least four different party aides had their emails surveilled by hackers, said the person, who was not authorized to discuss the details publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The committee said an "unknown entity" was behind the hack but provided few other details. A cybersecurity firm and the FBI have been investigating the matter, the committee said. The FBI declined to comment. Politically motivated cyberespionage is commonplace across the world, but Americans have become particularly alert to the possibility of digital interference since Russia's meddling in the 2016 election. The theft of Democrats' emails is still fresh in the minds of many political operatives and lawmakers, who have stepped up defensive measures but still struggle to protect themselves. Foreign spies routinely try to hack into politicians' emails to gain insight, ferret out weaknesses and win a diplomatic edge. But hackers often launch sweeping spear-phishing campaigns to gain access to a variety accounts with no political motivation. With no immediate suspects and few technical details, it's unclear what the significance of this latest incursion is. In August, the Democratic National Committee thought it had thwarted an attempt to break into its massive voter database but the effort turned out to be unauthorized test that mimicked what an attack would look like. CrowdStrike, a California-based cybersecurity company, said Tuesday the NRCC asked the company in April to "perform an investigation related to unauthorized access" to the committee's emails. Before that, the company had been helping the committee protect its internal corporate network, which wasn't compromised. "The cybersecurity of the committee's data is paramount, and upon learning of the intrusion, the NRCC immediately launched an internal investigation and notified the FBI, which is now investigating the matter," the committee said in a statement. The hack was first reported by Politico. Earlier this year, NRCC Chairman Steve Stivers said the committee which raises money to support Republican candidates for the House hired multiple cybersecurity staffers to work with its candidates and promised to do more. "We're starting to advise campaigns, but we're not ready to roll the whole thing out. We're working on it," Stivers said in March. "We're working on the technology-based stuff to try and make sure that we know what's out there which is hard, too and then we try to defend against it the best we can." During the 2016 presidential campaign, Russian state-aligned hackers organized the leak of more than 150,000 emails stolen from more than a dozen Democrats. The FBI later said that the Russians had targeted more than 300 people affiliated with the Hillary Clinton campaign and other Democratic institutions over the course of the presidential contest. Special counsel Robert Mueller is now investigating the whether people close to Donald Trump's presidential campaign had advance knowledge of WikiLeaks' plans. U.S. officials have expressed concern about foreign interference in U.S. elections. This weekend, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused Russia of trying to "muck around" in the November midterm elections. Mattis did not offer specifics and would not elaborate. In October, the Justice Department unsealed criminal charges detailing a yearslong effort by a Russian troll farm to "sow division and discord in the U.S. political system" by creating thousands of false social media profiles and email accounts that appeared to be from people inside the United States. The complaint provided a clear picture that there is still a hidden but powerful Russian social media effort aimed at spreading distrust for American political candidates and causing divisions on social issues such as immigration and gun control. The campaign season saw several examples of digital mischief, although none with the impact of the 2016 hacks. In August, Microsoft alerted the public to attempts by government-backed Russian hackers to target U.S. conservatives' email by creating fake websites that appeared to belong to a pair of think tanks, the Hudson Institute and International Republican Institute. It also confirmed an attempt similarly attributed to Russian hackers to infiltrate the Senate computer network of Sen. Claire McCaskill, the Missouri Democrat who lost a re-election bid in November. Google later confirmed in September that the personal Gmail accounts of multiple senators and staffers had recently been targeted by foreign hackers, though it did not specify the cyberspies' nationality nor the party affiliations of the targets. Associated Press writers Eric Tucker, Colleen Long and Raphael Satter contributed to this report. The incoming Democratic governor of Wisconsin said Wednesday that he plans to make a personal appeal to his defeated rival, Gov. Scott Walker, to veto far-reaching GOP legislation that would strip the new administration of some powers. If that doesn't work, he might sue. Wisconsin Republicans pushed through protests, internal disagreement and Democratic opposition to pass the bills after an all-night session. The measures would shift power to the GOP-controlled Legislature and weaken the authority of the office Republicans will lose in January. "The will of the people has officially been ignored by the Legislature," Gov. Tony Evers said, adding that the lawmakers' actions "take us back to Nov. 6," before the election was finalized. "Wisconsin should be embarrassed by this," Evers said. He said he will talk to Walker as soon as the bills reach his desk and that if he cannot persuade the governor to veto the proposals, he will consider lawsuits and any other option "to make sure that this legislation does not get into practice." The early morning votes were the height of a rare lame-duck legislative session. Walker has signaled his support for the bills. He has six days to sign the package after it's delivered to his office. The session unfolded a month after Republicans were battered in the midterm election. They lost all statewide races amid strong Democratic turnout. But they retained legislative majorities thanks to what Democrats say are gerrymandered districts that tilt the map. A Walker spokeswoman said the governor, who was in Washington for former President George H.W. Bush's funeral, would not have any public comment Wednesday. The new legislation tries to protect some of the GOP's achievements in recent years, including a work requirement for some people receiving state health care and the state's role in a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Affordable Care Act. The bills could also make it harder for Evers to renegotiate a $3 billion subsidy for a Foxconn electronics manufacturing facility, a deal spearheaded by Walker. In neighboring Michigan, Republicans who control the Legislature voted to advance a measure that strips campaign-finance oversight power from the next secretary of state, a Democrat. They also moved to give lawmakers authority to stand up for GOP-backed laws if they think the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general are not adequately defending the state's interests. The Wisconsin legislation passed in a session marked by stops and starts as GOP leaders tried to muster enough votes in the Senate. That chamber ultimately approved the package 17-16, with just one Republican voting against it, around sunrise. The Assembly approved it on a 56-27 vote about two hours later, with a single Republican defecting. In one concession, Republicans backed away from giving the Legislature the power to sidestep the attorney general and appoint their own attorney when state laws are challenged in court. "This is a heck of a way to run a railroad," Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling said as the Senate debate resumed at 5 a.m. after a seven-hour impasse. "This is embarrassing we're even here." Walker is in his final five weeks as governor. Faced with a Democratic governor for the first time in eight years, Republicans came up with a package of lame-duck bills to preserve their priorities and make it harder for Evers to enact his. "You're here because you don't want to give up power," Democratic Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz said as debate concluded in that chamber. "You're sore losers. Does anybody think this is the right way to do business? If you vote for this, shame on you. You will go down in history as a disgrace." Assembly Speaker Robin Vos countered that the bills would ensure a balance of power between the Legislature and the executive branch. "We have allowed far too much authority to flow to the executive," Vos said. "To you, this is all about politics. To me, it's about the institution." Vos last month cited the desire to protect key Republican achievements from being undone by Evers. Among them: a massive $3 billion subsidy to bring Foxconn, a key Apple Inc. supplier, to Wisconsin, along with thousands of jobs. Evers has said he would like to renegotiate the deal. The legislation passed Wednesday would shield the state jobs agency from his control and allow the board to choose its leader until September, likely at least delaying Evers' ability to maneuver on the Foxconn subsidy. The changes would also weaken the governor's ability to put in place rules that enact laws. And they would limit early voting to no more than two weeks before an election, a restriction similar to what a federal judge ruled was unconstitutional. The attorney general's office could also be weakened by a proposal to require a legislative committee, rather than the attorney general, to sign off on withdrawing from federal lawsuits. That would stop Evers and Democratic Attorney General-elect Josh Kaul from fulfilling promises to withdraw Wisconsin from a multi-state lawsuit seeking repeal of the Affordable Care Act. They made opposition to that lawsuit a central part of both of their campaigns. Judges could block the proposals if they become law by issuing temporary injunctions. Democrats would likely need a permanent injunction to stop the changes for good, but Republicans would almost certainly pursue appeals all the way to the state Supreme Court, which is controlled by conservative justices. The Legislature passed another measure to enact Medicaid work requirement rules that Walker recently won a federal waiver to establish. That bill would also give the Legislature oversight over the governor seeking future waivers for health care, a change Democrats said would handcuff the new administration. Rep. Todd Novak of Dodgeville, the only Republican in the Assembly to vote against the bills, said he did so after hearing from "an overwhelming number of voters" in his district who opposed the legislation. "It is my job," Novak said, "to cast my vote in the interest of those whom I represent." CORRECTION (Dec. 7, 2018, 12:15 p.m. ET): A previous version of this story reported erroneously that Gov. Scott Walker would have 10 days from the date the bills reach his desk to sign or veto them. Walker would have six days to act. What to Know Its Wednesday, December 5th and NBC 6 has the top six stories you need to know for the day. Its Wednesday, December 5th and NBC 6 has the top six stories you need to know for the day. Weather wise, cooler temperatures and less humidity are in the forecast for the day with highs in the mid-70s and lows tonight into the 50s. No. 1 - A body found partially buried in Costa Rica is confirmed to be Carla Stefaniak, the South Florida woman who was reported missing a week ago. Costa Rican officials arrested a security guard for the property where she was staying in connection with the killing. No. 2 - A school counselor is waking up in jail, accused of posing as a girl on Snapchat to get nude pictures from a young boy. 18-year-old Joseph Garcia worked as a YMCA after-school counselor in Miami and now faces a long list of charges including extortion. No. 3 - President Donald Trumps former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn provided so much information to the special counsels investigation that Robert Mueller says he shouldnt serve any prison time. In all, Flynn participated in over 19 interviews with investigators. No. 4 - Funeral services for former President George H.W. Bush will take place Wednesday at the National Cathedral. The funeral is part of a nationwide day of mourning. No. 5 - General admission for Art Basel and Art Miami begin today at 11 am. More than 200 international galleries of modern and contemporary art will be featured through the weekend. No. 6 - NBC 6's annual Caravan of Joy toy drive is here. From now until December 14th, you can donate a new, unwrapped toy at Dade County Federal Credit Union branches, participating Simon Malls and at the Wow Center. What to Know Carla Stefaniak of Hallandale Beach went to Costa Rica to celebrate her 36th birthday but never boarded her Nov. 28 return flight A security guard at a Costa Rica Airbnb rental villa was arrested in the death of a Florida woman who was remembered by friends as an avid world traveler and "happy soul," authorities said Wednesday. Carla Stefaniak of Hallandale Beach, Florida, went to the Central American country to celebrate her 36th birthday but never boarded her Nov. 28 return flight after messaging friends that it was "pretty sketchy" at her resort. That prompted her family to raise the alarm with Costa Rican authorities. Officials later found a partially buried body in woods near the Villa le Mas complex and identified it using fingerprints, the country's Judicial Investigation Department said. Stefaniak's family members also traveled to there to help with identification. Security guard Bismark Espinosa Martinez, 32, was arrested in the slaying after he contradicted himself in statements to police, the department said Wednesday. Investigators said blood was found in his nearby apartment. "What happened to Carla is just unimaginable," friend Bugra Demirel of Tallahassee said in a telephone interview. He said Carla was a "happy soul" who made everyone laugh and had a large social media presence. Espinosa Martinez, a Nicaraguan immigrant, was working as a security guard at the complex despite lacking the proper documents to be in Costa Rica, department officials said at a news conference in San Jose. He is believed to have lived in Costa Rica since June. Airbnb removed Villa le Mas a compound with seven vacation apartments from its site and said Wednesday that it had reached out to family members to offer condolences. Villa Le Mas's attorney, Federico Jenkins, said the owners are cooperating with the authorities in the investigation. Stefaniak, who was an insurance agent, loved to travel and post photos on Instagram. Her trips included visits to Iceland, Switzerland and Mexico, all documented on social media. For her birthday, she and her sister-in-law decided to visit Costa Rica for a short trip. As with her other journeys, Stefaniak posted photos on her Instagram. On Nov. 23, she posted a photo of her looking at the ocean that said, "Future resident of Costa Rica." Two days later, her last Instagram picture featured her in a turquoise bathing suit, lying near a pool with tropical plants in the background. "I'm going to miss the place," she wrote. On Nov. 27 her birthday Stefaniak's sister-in-law returned home; the two women had booked different return flights on different days. Stefaniak reserved an Airbnb about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the airport in San Jose for her final night in the country. Language wasn't an issue; Stefaniak was born in Venezuela, then moved to Tampa in 2000 with her family and finally settled in South Florida. After her sister-in-law left, an Uber driver took her on a tour of San Jose, then dropped her off at the Airbnb around 5 p.m. on Nov. 27. Demirel said she texted a friend that it was "raining crazy" and the power was out. She added that it was "pretty sketchy here" and included a picture of the Airbnb. "Everything she did she always shared with friends and that's when we knew definitely something was up as soon as we lost contact with her," Demirel said. After Stefaniak failed to board her Nov. 28 flight to Florida, the family discovered a troubling detail: she had checked in for her flight on the 26th. The family alerted Costa Rican authorities and launched a social media campaign to find her. Then came a break: the hotel guard said he'd last seen Stefaniak at 5 a.m. on Nov. 28 and helped her put her bags into a taxi. But then he changed his story, according to Costa Rican media, and authorities scrutinized the details more. The family wondered why she would have taken a car to the airport at 5 a.m. when her flight was in the afternoon. On Tuesday, a body was found half-buried and covered in plastic in a wooded area about 1,000 feet from the hotel. It was Stefaniak. An autopsy revealed that Stefaniak suffered a blunt force wound to the head and cuts on the neck and arms. On Wednesday, her family worked to bring her body home so they could make funeral arrangements. "It's too much for us," her father, Carlos Stefaniak, told ABC Action News in Tampa from Costa Rica. He showed a photo of his four children Carla and her sister, and their two brothers. "That's my team. They are incomplete." Demirel wondered if the culprit planned to harm Stefaniak from the moment she booked the reservation because her profile photo shows she's "beautiful" and she noted in her reservation that she was traveling alone. Airbnb encourages users to post their photos as an "important way for hosts and guests to learn about each other." "I want people to know these things happen," he said. "Girls traveling alone make decisions to stay at places. We want them to be aware of their surroundings. But it is hard to have fun and have your guard up at the same time." What to Know Florida Atlantic University police arrested 20-year-old Rafael Decomas last week, saying he posted on Twitter that he was angry. A South Florida university student is facing charges that he threatened to kill a professor for scheduling a final exam at 7 a.m. Florida Atlantic University police arrested 20-year-old Rafael Decomas last week, saying he posted on Twitter that he was angry about the early morning test. Police said Decomas wrote "this is my message to premeditated murder." Police said Decomas admitted writing the post, but told officers it was out of frustration and he never intended to hurt anyone. Decomas is charged with sending a written threat to kill or injure. He has been released on bail. Florida Atlantic is 16 miles from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where a gunman killed 17 in February. A South Florida doctor who was allegedly seen by a bar customer drugging a woman's drink has been arrested, police said. Mircea Morariu, 50, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of poisoning food or water, according to Palm Beach County jail records. Boca Raton Police officials said Morariu was at Ouzo Bay on Sept. 10 when a customer saw him pour a powder-like substance into a woman's drink while she was in the bathroom, WPTV reported. When the woman returned, she consumed the drink, police said. The customer and restaurant managers called police and set the drink aside to keep it as evidence. Officers arrived and found a clear plastic bag with white powder residue in the trash in the restaurant bathroom, police said. Tests showed the bag contained Zolpidem and Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax and Ambien, police said. The woman, who told officers she has known Morariu for almost 20 years and was meeting him for drinks, was taken to the hospital where police said she was slightly incoherent. Morariu denied pouring anything into the drink. He was arrested after toxicology reports on the powder came back, police said. He was booked into jail Tuesday, and attorney information wasn't available. Morariu is a neurologist with the Florida Neurological Center in Delray Beach, WPTV reported. A new study ranked Fort Lauderdale as the second most dangerous city in the United States, but a recent announcement by the citys police department says otherwise. Fort Lauderdale landed in the 181st spot on WalletHubs list of the 182 "Safest Cities in America" list for 2018. One day after the study was released, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department proudly announced that crime in the city decreased 14.5 percent during the first half of the year. The department cited the increased proactive patrols, traffic enforcement, traditional policing methods, and the implementation of new technology as key contributors in the citys reduction of crime. "I give this credit to the men and women of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for their tireless commitment to making Fort Lauderdale safer," Chief Rick Maglione said in a statement. Overall, crime in Broward County dropped 12.8 percent in 2018, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department says it is dedicated to continue the downward trend of crime in the city. Miami was ranked at 131 on the list and Hialeah came in at 75, while Pembroke Pines landed in the 29th spot. St. Louis, Missouri was ranked as the least safest city in the country, and Columbia, Maryland was named the safest. The study compared more than 150 of the most populated cities in the country across three key areas including home and community safety, natural-disaster risk, and financial risk. Special counsel Robert Mueller's sentencing documents give more information about how former national security advisor Michael Flynn covered up his ties with the Turkish government while he worked for Donald Trump's presidential campaign and transition, NBC News reported. The documents, filed Tuesday, say that part of Flynn's work for the Turkish government involved its efforts to have a cleric removed from Pennsylvania, where he lives. The plea agreement with Flynn that Mueller announced last year didn't get into such detail. Turkey has demanded the United States hand over the cleric, Fethullah Gulen, since a failed coup in July 2016. Flynn started working for the nation about a month later but did not register that work with the U.S. government until after Trump fired him in February 2017. Tuesday's filing didn't get into other interactions Flynn may have had with Turkey on which NBC News has reported. What to Know After a long-delayed modernization launched on the 7 line, it got glitchy the moment it went into service, the NYC Transit president admits "The fact we have delays at the moment are indicative there are bugs in the software," Andy Byford said Tuesday But Byford said he's still confident that given the resources, he can make the entire transit system state of the art within 10 years If you're a 7 train rider who's been caught in an especially bad string of delays lately, you're not alone. Tens of thousands of people have been stuck along the 7 line in the past 10 days, after a long-delayed modernization of the subway line launched -- and got glitchy the moment it went into service, according to Transit President Andy Byford. "The fact we have delays at the moment are indicative there are bugs in the software," Byford told city lawmakers Tuesday. "I have the contractor on speed dial." He said he's still confident that given the resources, he can make the entire transit system state of the art within 10 years. "What's really needed isn't maintaining status quo," said Byford." It's pushing on and modernizing this system." City lawmakers responded skeptically, especially with a request for billions of dollars from the state still in limbo, and a likely fare hike arriving this spring. "We are gonna increase fares on the backs of New Yorkers," said Queens councilman Donovan Richards. Byford said "that is a matter for the MTA board, and will only be taken when fare hearings have concluded." What to Know More than 50 people reported feeling sick after bear spray was accidentally released at an Amazon facility in NJ Two dozen people were taken to hospitals; one of them had to be intubated and was sent to the intensive care unit in critical condition The primary complaint was difficulty breathing; Amazon says in a statement its employees' safety is "our top priority" More than 50 employees at a sprawling Amazon fulfillment center in New Jersey were sickened, two dozen of them hospitalized, Wednesday after a robot punctured a can of bear repellent, causing it to discharge, authorities say. A total of 24 workers were sent to five hospitals; the primary complaint was difficulty breathing, officials said. Other complaints included a burning sensation in the eyes and throat. Robert Wood Johnson Hospital confirmed it was treating nine patients, one of whom had to be intubated and went to the ICU. The other patients were walk-ins; the severity of their issues wasn't immediately clear, a spokesperson said. The first dispatch call to 50 New Canton Way came in around 8:29 a.m. "Patrol you have an assignment ... for strange odor and sick person," was heard on emergency radio. A Robbinsville town spokesman initially said an aerosol can fell off a shelf on the warehouse's third floor, prompting an evacuation of one wing of the facility. Robbinsville police, however, later said an automated machine punctured a 9-ounce can of bear repellent, which contains a highly-concentrated active ingredient known as capsaicin that can produce a burning sensation. First responders conducted triage outside, and more than a half-dozen ambulances were said to have been dispatched to the center. The 1.3-million-square-foot facility employs more than 3,000 people. Amazon released a statement confirming a "damaged aerosol can" released strong fumes in a contained area of the fulfillment center. "The safety of our employees is our top priority, and as such, all employees in that area have been relocated to safe place and employees experiencing symptoms are being treated onsite," the statement said. By 10:30 a.m. or so, the scene had cleared and employees had returned to work. No odors were present shortly after 1 p.m., police said. The West Windsor Health Department planned to return to the center Wednesday evening or Thursday morning to conduct an inspection as a precaution. The mega-retailer sells multiple brands of bear repellent, essentially a form of pepper spray, on its site in can sizes as big as 10 ounces. It wasn't clear which brand caused the issue Wednesday. At least one of the cans has a big red DANGER warning on the outside indicating exposure could cause temporary eye irritation and other issues. In a statement Wednesday evening, Amazon said that all of the sick employees were "expected to be released from the hospital within the next 24 hours." "The safety of our employees is always our top priority and a full investigation is already underway," the company said. "We'd like to thank all of the first responders who helped with today's incident." What to Know A neighbor who reported the Colts Neck mansion fire last month made a grisly discovery when he reached the property, according to a 911 call The neighbor told the 911 dispatcher that smoke was coming out of the house located behind his property and saw a person laying down The dispatcher told him to see if the person needed assistance, when the neighbor reached the property he found "a corpse," he says in call One of the neighbors who reported the Colts Neck mansion fire last month made a grisly discovery when he reached the property, according to a 911 call. The neighbor told the 911 dispatcher that smoke was coming out of the house located behind his property. I see the smoke from behind neighbors behind me, he is heard telling the dispatcher. There is smoke coming out and I see a person laying down. The dispatcher told him to see if the person laying down needed assistance. It was at that point that the neighbor apparently made his way to the property and came across the grisly discovery a body outside of the mansion. Authorities would subsequently report that Keith Caneiro was found shot to death outside the home, while his wife and children were found inside the residence. Oh, my God, theres blood here, the neighbor is heard saying in the 911 call. Its a corpse. Somebody is dead. The dispatcher advised him to leave the property and get to a safe location. In another 911 call, another neighbor, this time across the street, also reported seeing heaving smoke coming from the mansion. Colts Neck is a well-to-do community about 50 miles south of New York City and is home to horse farms. Typical homes in the town of 10,000 are valued at about $750,000. Bruce Springsteen owns an estate there, and his son is a former member of the fire department. Former "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart and his wife operate an animal sanctuary there; Queen Latifah sold her mansion there in 2015. Authorities say Paul Caneiro shot his brother, Keith, shot and stabbed his sister-in-law, Jennifer, and stabbed the children before dawn Nov. 20, then set the mansion on fire and returned home in Ocean Township to set fire to his own home as his wife and two adult daughters slept upstairs. They all escaped. After his arrest in that fire the next day, his lawyers said his family believed he had rescued them. They were not in court Nov. 30, lawyer Robert Honecker said, because their testimony wasn't needed when Caneiro waived a detention hearing. A judge ordered him to remain at the Monmouth County jail at least until a hearing in late January. The Caneiro brothers had started a computer consulting business in Brooklyn that had grown to have 26 employees by 2001, with clients including Citibank. They had renamed it Square One, and moved to the quieter New Jersey suburbs. They married and started families - with each brother standing up for the other at their weddings - and added a pest control company along the way. Paul Caneiro was lately a frequent presence at their small offices in Asbury Park, where Square One now had just a few employees, while Keith Caneiro more often worked from home. Prosecutors haven't elaborated on the alleged financial motives behind the crimes. They said Paul Caneiro set the fire at his own home to destroy evidence and to make it appear someone was targeting his extended family. He was at the police station being interviewed about that fire when the smoldering fire erupted at his brother's house just after noon, hours after investigators think it was set, and the bodies were discovered. What to Know An NJ school district has apologized for a substitute teacher who told first-grade kids that Santa Claus wasn't real Montville Schools Superintendent Rene Rovtar said the issue is a personnel matter Administrators haven't released the teacher's name, but said the teacher would not returning to the school School officials say a substitute teacher who told first-grade students in New Jersey that Santa Claus isn't real will not be returning to the school. NJ.com reports Montville Schools Superintendent Rene Rovtar confirmed Tuesday the teacher will no longer work in the district after the incident at Cedar Hill School. Rovtar declined further comment, saying the issue is a personnel matter. Officials say the teacher debunked other holiday characters Thursday, including the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Elf on a Shelf. Rovtar previously said she was disheartened by the incident and that "childhood wonder associated with all holidays and traditions" is special to her. The substitute teacher's identity has not been released. Police say a Pennsylvania man released from jail immediately stole a car from its parking lot. Westmoreland County Prison officials said that moments after 36-year-old Thomas Lee Williams was released Tuesday evening, he attacked a woman in the parking lot, stole her car, and drove away with her 1-year-old grandson in the back seat. The Tribune-Review reports Williams crashed about 15 minutes later and ran into the woods, where he was apprehended. Both the boy and his grandmother were taken to hospitals to be checked out. Police say the Philadelphia man was back in custody Wednesday on $250,000 bail. He has been charged with kidnapping, robbery of a vehicle, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment, according to court records. Williams pleaded guilty in January 2017 to dealing drugs and was ordered released Tuesday. No lawyer who could speak for Williams is listed in online court documents. President Donald Trump's former national security adviser provided so much information to the special counsel's Russia investigation that prosecutors say he shouldn't do any prison time, according to a court filing Tuesday that describes Michael Flynn's cooperation as "substantial." The filing by special counsel Robert Mueller provides the first details of Flynn's assistance in the Russia investigation, including that he participated in 19 interviews with prosecutors and cooperated extensively in a separate and undisclosed criminal probe. But the filing's lengthy redactions also underscore how much Mueller has yet to reveal. It was filed two weeks ahead of Flynn's sentencing and just over a year after he became one of five Trump associates to plead guilty in the Russia probe, in his case admitting to lying to the FBI about conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. Though prosecutors withheld specific details of Flynn's cooperation because of ongoing investigations, their filing nonetheless illustrates the breadth of information Mueller has obtained from people close to Trump as the president increasingly vents his anger at the probe and those who cooperate with it. This week, Trump accused his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, of making up "stories" to get a reduced prison sentence after pleading guilty to lying to Congress and also praised longtime confidant Roger Stone for saying he wouldn't testify against Trump. It's unclear if Trump will now turn his fury on Flynn, whom Trump bonded with during the 2016 campaign. Trump has repeatedly lamented how Flynn's life has been destroyed by the special counsel's probe. At one point, he tried to protect Flynn by asking former FBI Director James Comey to drop an investigation into his alleged false statements, according to a memo Comey wrote after the February 2017 encounter. That episode, which Trump has denied, is being scrutinized by Mueller as he probes whether the president attempted to obstruct the Russia investigation. Federal sentencing guidelines recommend between zero and six months in prison, and Mueller's office said Flynn's cooperation merits no prison time. Prosecutors said Flynn's early cooperation was "particularly valuable" because he was "one of the few people with long-term and firsthand insight" into the events under investigation. They noted his cooperation likely inspired other crucial witnesses to cooperate. Mueller's team credited Flynn with serving 33 years in the U.S. Army, including five years in combat. But prosecutors also said the long military and government service that sets him apart from all other defendants in the investigation made his deception more troublesome. "The defendant's extensive government service should have made him particularly aware of the harm caused by providing false information to the government, as well as the rules governing work performed on behalf of a foreign government," they wrote. Flynn's case has stood apart from those of other Trump associates, who have aggressively criticized the investigation, sought to undermine it and, in some cases, been accused of lying even after agreeing to cooperate. Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, is accused of repeatedly lying to investigators since his guilty plea. Another Trump campaign aide, George Papadopoulos, is serving a 14-day prison sentence and, though he pleaded guilty to the same crime as Flynn, was denied probation because prosecutors said his cooperation was lacking. But Flynn has largely remained out of the public eye, appearing only sporadically in media interviews or campaign events, and avoided criticizing the Mueller probe despite widespread encouragement from his supporters to go on the offensive. He has instead spent considerable time with his family and worked to position himself for a post-conviction career. Another highly anticipated filing is expected Friday from Mueller's office, detailing the lies that prosecutors say Manafort told them after his guilty plea. In Tuesday's filing, prosecutors emphasized that the conduct Flynn lied about cuts to the core of the investigation into any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. Flynn's false statements stemmed from a Jan. 24, 2017, interview with the FBI about his interactions with Sergey Kislyak, Russia's then-ambassador to the U.S., as the Obama administration was levying sanctions on the Kremlin in response to election interference. Mueller's office blamed Flynn for other senior Trump transition officials making misleading public statements about his contacts with Russia, an assertion that matches the White House's explanation of Flynn's firing. "Several senior members of the transition team publicly repeated false information conveyed to them by the defendant about communications between him and the Russian ambassador regarding the sanctions," the filing said. As part of his plea deal, Flynn said members of Trump's inner circle, including his son-in-law and White House aide Jared Kushner, were involved in and at times directing his actions in the weeks before Trump took office. According to court papers, in mid-December 2016, Kushner directed Flynn to reach out to several countries, including Russia, about a U.N. Security Council resolution regarding Israeli settlements. During those conversations with Kislyak, Flynn asked Russia to delay or vote against the resolution, a request the Kremlin ultimately rejected. Flynn also admitted that later in December 2016 he asked Kislyak not to retaliate in response to the Obama administration sanctions, something he initially told FBI agents he didn't do. Flynn made the request after discussing it with deputy national security adviser K.T. McFarland, who was at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, and being told that Trump's transition team did not want Russia to escalate the situation. Flynn was forced to resign his post on Feb. 13, 2017, after news reports revealed that Obama administration officials had warned the Trump White House about Flynn's false statements. The White House has said Flynn misled officials including Vice President Mike Pence about the content of his conversations. Flynn also admitted to making false statements about unregistered foreign agent work he performed for the benefit of the Turkish government, a matter Mueller's team cited in Tuesday's filing. Flynn was under investigation by the Justice Department for the work when he became national security adviser. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) Davao City police have filed child abuse raps against two lawmakers for leading a protest participated in by children. The chief of the Women and Children's Protection Desk of the Davao City police said ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio and Anakpawis party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao committed child abuse for "influencing minors to be angry and to resent the present government" during an October 23 protest. "They were leading the group, including the children with them, prompting them to listen to what their leaders and speakers were talking and saying," Senior Inspector Lilibeth Liza Remolar said in a November 8 complaint. Remolar said police were unable to approach the minors as "many persons surrounding them were somewhat aggressive and did not allow them to go far from their group." The two are accused of violating Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and Presidential Decree (PD) 603. Under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, those who commit any other acts of child abuse, cruelty or exploitation or are responsible for other conditions prejudicial to the child's development would be jailed for six years and one day. The provision of PD 603 guarantees children's "right to protection against exploitation, improper influences, hazards, and other conditions or circumstances prejudicial to his physical, mental, emotional, social and moral development." The complaint comes about a month after Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte called on Congress to expel the Makabayan bloc after the Davao chapter of ACT Teachers party-list said teachers do not get allowances from the local government. Casilao said the charges are "baseless" and "was clearly intended to harass and malign our persons." "Last time I checked, speaking in peaceful demonstration is still guaranteed in our constitution. The filing of trumped up charges against the Makabayan lawmakers is part of the grand scheme of this government to silence opposition, critics and dissent," he said in a statement. Harassment? Gabriela party-list Reps. Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago are the only members of the Makabayan bloc who are not facing charges under the Duterte administration. Last week, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro and former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Satur Ocampo were slapped with trafficking and kidnapping charges for allegedly transporting minors and transporting 14 children from Talaingod, Davao del Norte to a unknown location without the knowledge of their parents. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police have since accused them of being "active members" and supporters of communist rebels. The Makabayan bloc is eyeing charges against the AFP for its "red tagging" of Ocampo and Castro, saying it endangers their lives. In January, a policeman who said he was injured by protesters during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Manila in November 2017 sued Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate direct assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority and violation of the Public Assembly Act of 1985. "Makabayan lawmakers will not be cowed by such desperate action of the powers-that-be aimed to stop us from protecting human rights and continuing the fight for genuine social reforms," Casilao said. The seven-member militant bloc of Congress was previously aligned with President Rodrigo Duterte in the early days of his term, but bolted out of the supermajority in the lower house after being disappointed with his policies. Duterte was warm with the Left, having offered them posts in his Cabinet and having restarted the peace talks with local communist rebels, who have been waging Asia's longest communist insurgency. However, relations with the Left gradually soured with the termination of peace talks and the removal of the National Democratic Front-nominated Cabinet members. The Left also disagreed with Duterte's policies, which they have repeatedly dubbed as "anti-people" and "anti-poor." In the case of Ocampo and Castro, Duterte said the police were correct in arresting them and 16 others, who, he said, transported children to "eventually us[e] them in their armed struggle." What to Know A head-on crash left five students critically injured near The College of New Jersey in Ewing early Sunday morning One of the injured was a designated driver who was shuttling students between an off-campus party all night, his father says In a statement on Tuesday, TCNJ President Kathryn A. Foster said the designated driver succumbed to his injuries A 20-year-old student who was in critical condition after a horrific crash near The College of New Jersey campus in Ewing on Sunday has died, the president of the school said. Michael Sot, of Clark, New Jersey, was acting as a designated driver for other students the night of the crash, his father previously told News 4. In a statement on Tuesday, TCNJ President Kathryn A. Foster confirmed that Sot succumbed to his injuries. This news is heartbreaking, Foster said. Michael was an outstanding student, and a trusted and caring friend with a bright future ahead of him. The TCNJ community is keeping his family, friends and loved ones in its thoughts during this tremendously difficult time, she added. Sot was one eight people including four other students injured in the head-on crash on Pennington Road, which is about a mile from the campus. Injuries suffered in the crash included broken bones, a ruptured bladder and a brain injury. It wasnt immediately clear what injuries Sot sustained. Police said a car driven by David Lamar V, 22, crossed into an oncoming lane and collided with the car Sot was driving, NJ.com reported. The outlet reported that Lamar was impaired at the time of the crash. Lamar is expected to be charged with vehicular homicide, the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday. Sots father told News 4 that Sot was shuttling students up and down Pennington Road to an off-campus party that night, never touching a drink and always wearing a seatbelt. The college this week will focus on helping our campus community process this devastating loss and providing appropriate resources to those who need assistance, Foster said. What to Know A man died after being shot by a police officer inside a stranger's home in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia Wednesday morning. Police said the man darted into a woman's home after some type of altercation on the street. The man allegedly pulled a knife when confronted by a responding officer, police said. An argument on a residential street in Philadelphia's Port Richmond section led to a fatal officer-involved shooting when a suspect took out a knife after darting into the house of a woman. The shooting happened around 8:45 a.m. Wednesday on the 3500 block of Belgrade Street. The male suspect -- who had run into the home as the woman was leaving to drop off her 4-year-old granddaughter at school -- allegedly took out a knife after an officer followed him inside, which prompted the shooting, according to police. "As my wife and my granddaughter were coming out, he pulled the door and ran in the house," said Tom Fitzmaurice, who was at work when the shooting occurred. The officer was initially responding to a call of a fight on the street, Philadelphia Police Department Capt. Sekou Kinebrew said. When he arrived, he found multiple people confronting the man, Kinebrew said. During the "commotion," multiple people started pointing to the suspect, saying, "That's him. That's him, officer," the captain said. That's when a woman in a nearby home opened her door because she was getting ready to drop off a little girl at school. The suspect darted into the house and the officer followed him after confirming with the woman that the suspect did not live there. The officer had taken out a stun gun and asked the suspect to show his hands, which he initially refused to do, Kinebrew said. When he finally complied, Kinebrew said the man pulled out a knife, which prompted the officer to take out his gun. The officer continued to issue commands, but the suspect "approached the officer aggressively," which prompted him to shoot the man once in the chest, Kinebrew said. Other officers arrived and rushed the suspect to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police have not released the name of the suspect. It remains unclear exactly what he was accused of doing during the initial fight on the street. The officer who fired the deadly round is described as a 16-year veteran of the force. This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates. What to Know No charges will be filed against Philadelphia Police officer Richard Nicoletti in connection to the fatal shooting of Jeffrey Dennis. Attorney General Josh Shapiro made the announcement Tuesday. The incident occurred in Tacony on Aug. 20. The Attorney General's Office also released surveillance video of the incident in order to "promote transparency." No charges will be filed against a police officer who shot and killed a man in Philadelphia's Tacony neighborhood over the summer. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Tuesday that officer Richard Nicoletti will not be charged in the fatal shooting of Jeffrey Dennis, 36. My Office conducted a thorough four-month review of this case, interviewing witnesses, examining video footage, and analyzing all available evidence," Shapiro said. "We applied the facts to Pennsylvania law, and accordingly, no criminal charges against Richard Nicoletti will be filed by my Office." On Aug. 20, Nicoletti, a 29-year veteran assigned to the Philadelphia Police Department's Narcotics Field Unit, along with five other officers were conducting an undercover investigation on the 7100 block of Cottage Street. The officers were preparing to execute a search warrant at the home and were conducting surveillance when they spotted a 2010 Toyota Camry driven by Dennis. Investigators say they identified the vehicle as being involved with prior drug activity at the home they were preparing to search. Surveillance video shows Nicoletti and the other officers using their unmarked police vehicles to box the Toyota Camry in. The officers then left their vehicles and approached the Camry. Police say Dennis failed to listen to their commands to shut the engine off and began striking the police vehicles. One of the officers then shattered the driver's side window and Dennis continued to try and escape, investigators said. Police say one of the officers was struck by Dennis' vehicle. Nicoletti, who was near the driver's door of the Camry, then fired three shots, striking Dennis in the head and left arm. A medic arrived at the scene and Dennis was pronounced dead. Three of the responding officers suffered minor injuries during the incident. Philadelphia Police Department policy directives state, "Police officers shall not discharge their firearms AT a vehicle unless a person in the vehicle is immediately threatening the officer or another person with deadly force by means other than the vehicle (e.g., officers or civilians are being fired upon by the occupants of the vehicle)." The policy directive goes on to say that officers shall not remain in the path of a vehicle, and that being in the path of a vehicle is not justification for discharging a weapon. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross told NBC10 in August that it was a volatile situation. Quite candidly we have some concerns about the shooting too, some of the tactics that were used, Ross said. Were looking very, very closely. Ross met with Dennis' family and answered their questions. They called for Nicoletti to be removed from the police force and to be charged with premeditated murder. Nicoletti was placed on administrative leave. The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police called for due process for the officers involved. "Its unfortunate that city leaders and others are prematurely second-guessing the tactics of police officers during a volatile and chaotic situation that lead to the death of an alleged drug suspect," FOP Lodge 5 President John McNesby said in a written statement following the shooting. "...We ask everyone to hold judgment until all the facts are known and a complete investigation has been undertaken." Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner recused himself and his office from investigating. A spokesman for Krasner confirmed he was Dennis' criminal defense attorney a few years ago when he was facing drug charges. Shapiro then accepted the referral and his office handled the investigation. Violations of police procedure do not always rise to the level of criminal charges," Shapiro wrote. "Whether Philadelphia Police Department procedure was followed during this incident was not in the scope of our investigation, and will be addressed by Commissioner Ross and the Department. Shapiro said he met with Dennis' family multiple times during the investigation and that he informed them Tuesday of the decision to not file charges. "Mr. Dennis death leaves a family in mourning and children missing their father, and I am deeply saddened by that loss," Shapiro wrote. Shapiro said his office released the surveillance video of the incident in order to "promote transparency." "I know the outcome of this case is frustrating to some, and I understand the very real mistrust that exists between our communities and law enforcement," Shapiro said. "I swore an oath to assess the findings of every investigation and apply them to the law, which is what the Office of Attorney General has done in this case and does in every case. A Secret Santa made the holiday season a little brighter for hundreds of shoppers near Philadelphia after paying off nearly $30,000 worth of layaways at a Walmart. Andy Rumford, of Kennett Square, told The Daily Local he was shocked when he went to make a payment at the East Marlborough location and found out someone had picked up the tab. A Walmart official told the newspaper that the person who paid off the accounts wants to remain anonymous. Rumford owed about $150 on his items and went to pick them up on Saturday. The cashier told him someone came in and wrote a $29,000 check to pay off all the items on layaway in the whole store. For Rumford, it was a reminder that there are good people in the world, the Daily Local reports. "Something like this makes you want to reach out and do good for others." Prosecutors on Tuesday filed a sentencing memorandum in the case of former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty last year to lying to the FBI regarding conversations about sanctions with the Russian ambassador. The court filing provides the first details of Flynn's cooperation with special counsel Robert Mueller's team. The deadline comes ahead of Flynn's Dec. 18 sentencing and more than a year after he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about reaching out to Russian government officials on Trump's behalf. Read the special counsel's memorandum in full below. The Coronado Police Department confirmed the identity of a man found dead in bushes along Silver Strand Boulevard last week. Police say pedestrians found the body of 47-year-old Adrian Zepeda on the evening of Nov. 26. Michelle Albanez, an employee of a 7-Eleven in Imperial Beach, told NBC 7 Zepeda was a regular customer who she described as a "great father and role model to his children." Police said Zepeda was the victim of a suspicious death. Albanez was shocked when she learned the news. "The poor guy," she said. "I feel bad for him, I feel bad for his family, and I wanted to at least contribute something, even though it wasn't a lot, but every little bit does help." A man who identified himself as Zepeda's step-son set up a Go-Fund-Me page for Zepeda's children. CPD Captain Laszlo Waczek said pedestrians noticed something strange in the bushes at around 3:30 p.m. Police had concerns that the man's death wasn't natural and determined his death was suspicious soon after. According to Waczek, Medical Examiner's office staff noticed there was trauma to the man's chest. Officials did not specify details of the trauma. Some of the victim's clothes were found scattered around the area, Chief Waczek said. San Diego County Sheriff's Department homicide investigators assisted the CPD in the death investigation. No other information was available. Please refresh this page for updates on this story. Details may change as more information becomes available. A young woman who spent weeks traveling with a caravan of Central American migrants while pregnant gave birth in San Diego after illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border to request asylum. Maryuri was more than seven months pregnant when she left Honduras on Oct. 17 with her husband, Miguel, and their 3-year-old son. The family trekked across the countries of Guatemala and Mexico, traveling north by foot and by bus until they reached Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. "He was born here in San Diego," Maryuri said holding her 8-day-old son -- a United States citizen by birth -- in an interview with NBC 7's sister station, Telemundo 20. The already-difficult journey to get to the United States was made even more complicated for the family because of Maryuri's pregnancy. "Thank God she did her part, but there were times we stayed until the last [of the caravan]," Miguel said. After spending some time in a Tijuana shelter, the couple said they did not feel safe, surrounded by some Mexicans who were hostile towards their presence, and decided to cross the border illegally. According to the Customs and Border Protection officials, on Monday, Nov. 26, agents assigned to patrol the Imperial Beach coast spotted the pregnant woman attempting to cross. It was about 8 p.m. when the couple asked for asylum from the United States and was taken into custody, they told NBC 7's sister station, Telemundo 20. Maryuri said she did not know the next day she would give birth to her second son in a San Diego hospital. "The day I came across I felt a little pain, but I thought it will be because of my nerves," Maryuri said. The next morning, the pain increased she was taken to a hospital in San Diego, according to CBP. The baby was born on Nov. 27, 2018. The mother and son spent several more days at the hospital, where she said at times, "I felt like a criminal." Maryuri said CBP agents closed all the windows and stood guard in the doorway at all times. When hospital officials brought her and the infant food or clothes, agents checked all of it, according to Maryuri. Miguel was allowed to visit his wife and newborn child on the third day of their stay and when Maryuri was released from the hospital, she was sent back to a detention center to finish her asylum claim. The family on Saturday was released into the United States until their asylum claim can be seen by a judge. They have been staying with an American woman who volunteered to house refugees. The two were put in touch by Enrique Morales, the leader of the Border Angels Foundation, a San Diego non-profit focused on migrant rights. Maryuri credits him with giving them strength to continue fighting for asylum within the United States. "I asked him and he asked God to give us encouragement to move on." Her second reason -- a better life for her newborn son. San Diego Gas & Electric has filed a request with the California Public Utilities Commission to end the practice of high-usage charges after thousands of customers received high electric bills over the summer. Cate Helm of Chula Vista told NBC 7 that an average monthly bill was between $60 and $90. In the middle of last summer, her monthly bill was $455. "I thought, Maybe there was a mistake," Helm said to us in October. "Then once I called the company and they explained that everything was correct, I was pretty much outraged." More than 105,000 customers were impacted by the high-usage charge, SDG&E officials said. Customers who used more than 400 percent of their baseline allowance were charged for high-usage under a mandate by the state of California. When the so-called super-user surcharge was instituted, the CPUC said it would affect fewer than 10 percent of utility customers. The idea was to penalize customers who are trying using much more electricity than what is necessary and avoid energy waste. NBC 7 reached out to the CPUC media team to get reaction to the motion but did not receive a response. An SUV and a military vehicle collided on Interstate 15 Wednesday morning and one person had to be freed from the SUV by firefighters. The North County Fire Protection District tweeted a photo from the scene of the accident, which happened just before 6:30 a.m. on northbound I-15 at Rainbow Valley Boulevard. In the photo, it appears a mid-sized SUV collided with the rear end of a military vehicle. The front end of the SUV was mangled in the crash. Fire officials said there were four patients -- all from the SUV -- one of whom had to be extricated from the vehicle. North County Fire Protection District public information officer John Choi said one person suffered a serious injury but is expected to survive. The other three people inside the SUV suffered minor injuries. All four people were taken to Palomar Medical Center. Choi said he wasn't sure how many people were inside the military vehicle but did say nobody in that vehicle was hurt. The North County Fire Protection District said 14 firefighters and CHP officers worked the scene of the collision. Motorists were advised to take an alternate route. Details of how the crash transpired have not yet been released. No other cars were involved in the collision. What to Know Carla Stefaniak had been missing for more than a week after traveling to Costa Rica with her sister-in-law The family and friends of a South Florida woman who went missing while on a Costa Rica vacation have confirmed a body found by authorities is that of 36-year-old Carla Stefaniak as police announced an arrest has been made in the case. A Facebook group titled Finding Carla announced the news, saying Carla's father Carlos Caceido identified the body late Tuesday night. "Words cannot express the devastation within her family and friends. We want the world to know that we will never forget Carla," the post read in part. "We will never forget the joy she brought into our lives, how much she made us laugh. We will always be with her and we know she will always be with us." Walter Espinoza, head of the country's Judicial Investigation Department, said a body was found Monday near the Airbnb where Stefaniak had been staying. Officials said they are awaiting fingerprint comparisons to 100 percent confirm the identity. The cause of death is head trauma, Espinoza said. Espinoza said 32-year-old Bismark Espinosa Martinez, a security guard for the property, has been arrested in the killing. Martinez, who was in the room next to where Stefaniak was staying, gave contradictory statements to police when he was questioned, Espinoza said. Earlier Tuesday, Espinoza said they found what appears to be blood in the Airbnb apartment rented by Stefaniak, and that prompted a search that led them to the body discovered outside. Carlos Caceido, Stefaniak's father, told Costa Rican news outlets judicial authorities prevented him from seeing the body when they arrived. A source told NBC 6 Tuesday night the US Embassy took the family to visit the morgue for a second time. Stefaniak had been missing for more than a week after traveling to Costa Rica to celebrate her 36th birthday with her sister-in-law April Antonieta. A Gofundme account says Stefaniak was last heard from around 8 p.m. on Nov. 27. She didn't show up for her 1 p.m. flight home on Nov. 28. Espinoza said the missing persons report led them to search the apartment in the San Antonio de Escazu neighborhood, where they found "biological fluids ... that are compatible with blood." That led them to search the area around the department, where they found the body, which was covered with plastic bags. "The case continues to be under investigation," Espinoza said, and officials have sealed off the apartment to protect any evidence. The Tampa Bay Times reports Stefaniak's last message to her family said: "It's pretty sketchy here," that the power was out and it was pouring rain. A plan to build the biggest solar farm on the east coast in Spotsylvania is getting a strong pushback from some residents. The facility would be located on three sites in Western Spotsylvania. Both opponents and supporters are gearing up for important planning commission meeting Wednesday night. Michael O'Bier has lived in his rural Spotsylvania county home for 33 years. His property is nestled in the woods, but trees end at his property line. The adjacent land has been clear-cut in anticipation of the proposed solar facility. "It's terrible. You cut off all the trees and you have nothing but bare land," O'Bier said. A company called S-Power wants to build a massive solar energy center on 6,000 acres, much of which is presently owned by a lumber company. More than half of the land would be covered with solar panels. "This would be the fifth largest solar plant in the United States. The other 4 are in the desert southwest. All 10 of (the largest of) these are nowhere near a residential area," said Kevin McCarthy, a vocal opponent of the project. McCarthy, O'Bier and others have joined forces to form Concerned Citizens of Spotsylvania County. Sporting red shirts at public meetings and stickers on their jackets saying "Protect Spotsylvania," the group has spent 10 months studying the potential impact. Opponents are worried about a heat island effect, erosion that could damage already fragile streams, property values dropping and eyesores. Other residents like Dave Wilson welcome the new neighbor. He thinks thousands of solar panels will be an improvement over the lumber company that operated next door. "For us, it's just a blessing because we can finally get some peace and quiet out here," Wilson said. Charlie Payne, the attorney working with S-power to try to win county approval, says the company promises to block out any view of the panels with berms and new vegetation. He also says the solar plant would benefit Spotsylvania by elevating its status. "This is the future, and look who our partners are at the table. It's Microsoft. It's Apple There's some real opportunity for this area and for Spotsylvania County and I'm looking forward to making it happen," Payne said. The planning commission is reviewing the project and it will go in front of the board of supervisors sometime in March. Authorities say a Virginia man found with two guns in a North Carolina high school had a handwritten note that appears to be a hit list. News outlets report that 29-year-old Steve Spence of Norfolk, Virginia, is charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, a weapons charge and other offenses. He's being held on $2 million bail. Virginia Beach police say Spence assaulted his girlfriend before driving her car to North Carolina. Greensboro police say Spence entered the Smith High School cafeteria Monday and was questioned by employees, who called for a lockdown. Spence waved a gun in the cafeteria while ordering people to bring him two of his intended victims, NBC affiliate WXII 12 reported, citing court documents. He ran when confronted, but was caught. According to warrants, Spence said he went to the school "to kill two different people" and the note mentions the school, includes the word "kill" and two first names. Police said Spence had written directions of his intentions to kill a total of five people, WXII 12 reported. Spence appeared in court Tuesday afternoon via video conferencing, the report said. The judge ordered a mental health evaluation and appointed a public defender to his case. Spence's bond remains at $2 million bond but could face extradition back to Virginia. Washington, D.C. will say goodbye to George H.W. Bush on Wednesday, which has been designated a National Day of Mourning.Here's what's open and what's closed on Dec. 5, 2018, as America remembers the 41st president. Transportation Metro will operate on a regular schedule. Many roads may be closed throughout the day, especially during the procession. NBC Washington details all the road closures here. Federal Offices Federal employees will be excused and federal offices will be closed unless it's necessary for national security or essential public business. The House of Representatives will not meet until after Thursday in respect for George H.W. Bush, and the Supreme Court will be closed. State Offices The Washington, D.C., and Virginia governments will remain open. State offices in Maryland will close. Post Offices and Mail The United States Postal Service will not deliver mail, and post offices will remain closed. Schools Washington, D.C., schools will remain open. Most schools in Maryland and Virginia will remain open; check with your school district for details. Courts The D.C. Superior Court will limit operations. Jurors should not report for duty. Defendants' court dates will be rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 10. Find more information on the D.C. Courts website. Maryland courts will be closed. Normal hours will resume Thursday, Dec. 6. Find more information here. Virginia courts have not detailed any closures. Stock Market The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will close on Wednesday. Allegations of flagrant absentee ballot fraud in a North Carolina district have thrown the Election Day results of one of the nation's last unresolved midterm congressional races into question. Unofficial ballot totals showed Republican Mark Harris ahead of Democrat Dan McCready by 905 votes in the 9th Congressional District. But the state elections board refused to certify the results last week in view of "claims of numerous irregularities and concerted fraudulent activities" involving mail-in ballots in the district. The elections board has subpoenaed documents from the Harris campaign, a campaign attorney confirmed Tuesday. Investigators seem to be concentrating on activities linked to a longtime political operative from Bladen County, where allegations about mail-in absentee ballots also surfaced two years ago during a tight election for governor. In affidavits offered by the state Democratic Party, voters described a woman coming to their homes to collect their absentee ballots, whether or not they had been completed properly. State law bars this kind of "harvesting" of absentee ballots, which must be submitted by mail or in person by the voter or a close family member. If the allegations are accurate, "this is the biggest absentee fraud in a generation or two in North Carolina," said Gerry Cohen, an election law expert and former longtime legislative staff attorney. "North Carolina has a long history of this kind of thing, particularly in rural areas." Concerns about voter harvesting worried state election officials so much that they sent a letter to every Bladen County address where a voter requested a mail-in ballot asking the voter to call them if someone else tried to take the ballot or fill it out. "Elections officials will never come to your house to pick up your absentee ballot or tell you how to vote," the letter warned. The portion of Bladen County in the 9th District was the only place in the district's eight counties where Harris won a majority of the mail-in ballots, according to unofficial election data. Bladen and Robeson County where officials also have requested information had the highest percentages of unreturned mail-in absentee ballots in the state, according to Catawba College political scientist Michael Bitzer. The total number of unreturned ballots for Bladen and Robeson in the 9th exceeded the current margin. The district attorney in Raleigh announced this week that she's been investigating potential Bladen County "voting irregularities" since last January. The investigation that began with claims from 2016 has now spread to this year's primary and general elections, Wake County DA Lorrin Freeman said in an interview. Freeman said she was investigating in part because of comments made by McCrae Dowless of Bladen County during a State Board of Elections hearing in December 2016. Dowless worked as a contractor for Harris' chief strategist in the campaign, Harris campaign lawyer John Branch confirmed Tuesday. Dowless, who served prison time in 1995 for felony fraud and was convicted of felony perjury in 1992, has worked on get-out-the-vote efforts for various local and legislative candidates through the years. Dowless put his name on an elections protest, backed at the time by the campaign of then-GOP Gov. Pat McCrory, that alleged a "massive scheme" by a local political group to run an "absentee ballot mill" to improperly submit votes for a write-in candidate for a position Dowless was seeking. But the board peppered Dowless with questions about his own absentee ballot activities. Dowless acknowledged he hired people in 2016 to urge voters to turn in absentee ballot request forms, which is legal. In sworn testimony, Dowless said he never handled or filled out the actual ballots. The board dismissed Dowless' protest but sent all of its evidence to local and federal prosecutors. Visited by a reporter Tuesday at his Bladenboro home, Dowless declined to comment. He said the voice on the speaker phone in his hand was that of an attorney advising he decline to describe his election activities. Documents released late Tuesday by the elections board as part of its investigation show Dowless appears to have been the top collector of Bladen County absentee ballot requests this fall. A copy of the Bladen election board's log book shows Dowless turned in well over 500 applications. The elections board has said it will hold a hearing on the allegations on or before Dec. 21. Board members can call for a new election if they find enough problems that could have altered the outcome or cast doubts on the election's fairness. An election would take place well after the new session of Congress convenes Jan. 3, likely creating a temporary vacancy. Republican leaders say Harris, a Southern Baptist minister, should be certified the winner, saying no evidence has been made public that show he didn't get the most lawful votes. "The campaign was not aware of any illegal conduct in connection with the 9th District race," Branch said in a statement. Although Democrats won enough House seats nationally to take back the chamber come January, the 9th is gaining attention in part because a Republican has held the seat continuously since 1963. Democrats had hoped McCready, an Iraq War veteran, would end the streak, especially after Harris edged U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger in the May GOP primary. Incoming Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland said Tuesday that a "very substantial question" about fraud exists and hopes state officials "get to the bottom" of the controversy. Hoyer said Harris is "not eligible for being sworn into the House" at this point. The United States warned Russia Tuesday it has 60 days to start complying with a landmark missile treaty or Washington could abandon the pact, creating doubts about nuclear security in Europe. At NATO talks in Brussels, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Russia of "cheating at its arms control obligations" under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Pompeo warned that if Russia did not comply with the treaty's terms within 60 days, Washington could activate a six-month notice period for leaving the 1987 pact. "Russia must return to full and verifiable compliance; Russia's failure to do so will result in the demise of the INF Treaty," Pompeo told reporters. "Our nations have a choice. We either bury our head in the sand or we take common sense action in response to Russia's flagrant disregard for the expressed terms of the INF Treaty," he said. The U.S. has shared intelligence evidence with its NATO allies that Russia's new SSC-8 ground-fired cruise missile could give Moscow the ability to launch a nuclear strike in Europe with little or no notice. The bilateral treaty between Washington and Moscow banned all land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers (310-3,410 miles). Russia says the range of the new system does not exceed 500 kilometers. Pompeo said Washington "would welcome a Russian change of heart" but that he has seen no indication that Moscow is likely to comply. U.S. allies in NATO said Tuesday they "strongly support the finding of the United States that Russia is in material breach of its obligations." They called on Russia "to return urgently to full and verifiable compliance." While Pompeo did not announce the end of the pact, its demise seems all but certain. "I regret that we now most likely will see the end of the INF Treaty," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said, adding that "no arms control agreement will work if it is only respected by one party." Stoltenberg said the 29 NATO allies will "collectively develop responses" should the treaty be abandoned, but he declined to say what they might be. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, said he does not see the Russians returning to compliance under current conditions. "They are not going to change course on the basis of a U.S. threat to withdraw," Kimball said. He said the U.S. needs to redouble diplomatic efforts with Russia to find a way to resolve the noncompliance issues, but he doubts this will happen. In Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that "Russia strictly complies with the provisions of the treaty, and the American side is aware of that." Russia's actions in Ukraine also came under the spotlight at Tuesday's NATO meeting. Stoltenberg accused Russia of using the Crimean Peninsula as a platform to take control of waters off eastern Ukraine, as allies struggled to find ways to dissuade Moscow from destabilizing the former Soviet republic. Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014, sparking NATO's biggest military buildup in Eastern Europe since the Cold War. On Nov. 25, Russian border guards fired on three Ukrainian navy vessels near Crimea, where Russia's Black Sea fleet is based. The vessels and the crews were captured. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin appealed for NATO support in the confrontation with Russia over the Black Sea and the adjacent Sea of Azov, a key commercial waterway for the country. "Four years ago, Russia illegally annexed Crimea. Now Russia is attempting to use Crimea to expand its influence and control of the Sea of Azov," Stoltenberg said. But as to what more NATO would do beyond its existing sea patrols and air policing, he said: "There is already a lot of NATO in the Black Sea." NATO allies have helped modernize Ukraine's armed forces and boosted their presence in the Black Sea over the last year, with more ships deployed in the region and more air policing. Three NATO allies on the Black Sea Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey are also taking individual measures. NATO nations, individually and through the European Union, have also imposed economic and other sanctions on Russia since it annexed Crimea, but there is little appetite among the allies to broaden those measures. Klimkin welcomed the political support he received in Brussels, but said: "We shouldn't just stay on the level of declarations, however strong declarations are." "We need to create a coordinated response to the actions of Russia," Klimkin said, adding that he raised "a set of practical steps with a number of proposals" at the meeting as to how NATO, Ukraine and Georgia might do that together. He also suggested a possible ban on Russian ships entering other countries' ports if Moscow continues to block the Sea of Azov and said he would raise the idea with European Union ministers next week. Ukrainian authorities said Tuesday that shipping traffic has resumed on the Sea, but a senior U.S. State Department official said that at NATO "no one would see that as a satisfactory move or the end of the matter." Robert Burns and Matthew Bodner contributed to this report. Former Massachusetts State Sen. Brian Joyce died of acute pentobarbital intoxication, an overdose of a drug used to treat insomnia, according to the state medical examiner's office. The Bristol County District Attorney's Office said in a statement Tuesday night that they have received the autopsy report, adding that Joyce's manner of death is undetermined. According to the DA's Office, in addition to elevated levels of pentobarbital, the postmortem toxicology for Joyce also showed a slightly elevated level of Citralopram and further revealed hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The District Attorney's Office says it is reviewing the autopsy report and all other attendant circumstances to determine whether further investigation is warranted. Joyce, 56, was found dead in his home in September. The Bristol County District Attorney's Office said Joyce's wife found him dead in their home in Westport. No foul play was suspected. He was awaiting trial on federal corruption charges at the time of his death. He was arrested in December of 2017 and charged with using his office for personal profit by accepting up to $1 million in bribes and kickbacks and hiding the money in a shell company and disguising it as "legal fees." He faced up to 20 years in prison and up to $2 million in fines if convicted. He was accused of participating in a number of complex schemes dating back to 2010 that netted him hundreds of thousands of dollars, and concealing the payments by using his law office as a "money laundering conduit." Joyce, who had served as assistant majority leader, said shortly after the investigation was announced that he would not seek re-election. He had represented his district since 1998. Prosecutors accused Joyce of running his public office as a "criminal enterprise." They said he lied to the state's ethics commission and used the panel as a "cloak of legitimacy for his corrupt schemes." In one case, prosecutors alleged Joyce used his position to exert influence on behalf of a New York-based energy brokerage business and formed a shell company to collect secret kickbacks from the firm. In another scheme, prosecutors say Joyce pressured a local planning board to approve a waiver sought by a developer, who gave Joyce a Jeep from one of the developer's car dealerships. The indictment also accused Joyce of taking legislative action to aid a coffee franchise whose owner was paying him tens of thousands of dollars for "purported legal fees" and providing him with hundreds of pounds of free coffee. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker will join U.S. presidents and other world leaders Wednesday to honor former President George H.W. Bushs legacy at his funeral. Baker will depart to Washington D.C. Wednesday morning and return to the Bay State that same evening, state officials said in a statement. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will serve as acting governor while Baker attends the funeral. Bush, the 41st president of the U.S., died Friday at the age of 94. He will be buried alongside his late wife, Barbara Bush, and Robin Bush, the couples daughter who died at age 3 after a battle with leukemia. The Wednesday funeral caps three days of nationwide remembrance and mourning. A Massachusetts man charged with fatally shooting another man and then participating in a conspiracy with seven others to cover up the killing and burn the victim's body has been held without bail. Nerkin Omar Morales, of Northampton, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Hampshire Superior Court to multiple charges including murder in the death of 44-year-old Daniel Cruz. Prosecutors say the 22-year-old Morales shot Cruz three times during an argument at a Northampton apartment complex in March. They say Morales and the others then plotted to conceal the shooting by cleaning up blood, hiding the gun, disposing of the victim's clothing, and then waiting until dark to take Cruz's body to Hatfield where it was set on fire. Morales' lawyer reserved the right to seek bail at a later date. In our homage to the iconic David Letterman Top Ten List from his former Late Show, Silver Peak continues to count down the Top Ten Reasons to Think Outside the Router. Click for the #7, #8, #9 and #10 reasons to replace traditional branch routers with a business-driven SD-WAN platform. The #6 reason its time to retire conventional routers at the branch: It takes too long to bring new sites online! For most enterprises, growth is a key, albeit obvious objective. Growth can be achieved organically as the business expands its offerings, enters new markets or moves into new regions. It can also be realized through mergers and acquisitions of other companies. Deploying a business-driven SD-WAN can accelerate enterprise growth in both scenarios. The key is to bring new sites and employees online as quickly as possible to generate incremental revenue. In both cases, this means connecting users to the rest of the organization across the WAN as well as to cloud applications. Why it takes too long to bring up new sites The incumbent WAN model based on private MPLS connections and conventional branch routers presents several barriers to accelerating time-to-market for new sites. Two of them are: The ordering and provisioning of a new MPLS circuit Installing and configuring a conventional router at the new branch While the time to provision an MPLS circuit varies by service provider and by geography, it can typically take 60 to 120 days from the time the order is placed. In contrast, broadband internet connections can be procured in just a few days in most places in the world, and a 4G/LTE service can often be activated even more quickly, assuming coverage in the region. A business-driven SD-WAN can securely and reliably use any form of WAN connectivity including broadband and 4G/LTE, enabling enterprises to bring new sites online in a matter of days instead of weeks or months. How a business-driven SD-WAN platform can accelerate deployments Now lets look at the WAN edge infrastructure. The conventional model based on routers typically required an IT expert to travel to each site, install each router and configure each one manually, often via a complex and cumbersome CLI. This is inefficient, expensive and time-consuming. An SD-WAN platform that leverages centralized orchestration and zero-touch provisioning eliminates the requirement to send specialized IT resources onsite and streamlines connecting a new site to the corporate WAN. The devil is in the details, however. Its critical to ensure that even the most advanced network functions can be configured and administered centrally; some SD-WAN solutions in the market still rely on a CLI to configure anything but the most basic capabilities. Service King is a US nationwide chain of auto body collision repair shops. They are continuing to expand their business by acquiring individually owned local or regional auto body shops. Key to their business model is centralization of claims processing, parts ordering and other corporate functions. Therefore, it is imperative to connect newly acquired shops to the corporate WAN as soon as possible. To meet this challenge, Service King selected the Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect SD-WAN edge platform. Since most individually owned auto body shops dont have MPLS connections, but usually DO have internet connections, Service King is now able to connect a new location in days instead of months. Service King is a clear example that demonstrates how a business-first networking model that conforms to the needs of the business, in contrast to the old device-centric model where the business has to fit within the constraints of the network, can be a business accelerant. The EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform reliably and securely connects users to applications over any form of transport including broadband and 4G/LTE services. With EdgeConnect, companies are finally liberated from the compromises of todays router-centric and basic SD-WAN approaches and can now transform the network into a business accelerant, rather than a constraint. If it takes too long to bring a new branch office online, its time to move beyond conventional routers and deploy a Silver Peak SD-WAN solution. Learn why the time is now to think outside the router. Four zip codes in Fairfield County have been classified as some of the nation's most expensive, in a new report by PropertyShark. 06878 in Riverside, 06870 in Old Greenwich, 06830 in Greenwich, and 06807 in Cos Cob, have made it onto PropertyShark's 2018 list of the 100 most expensive zip codes in the country. This is an improvement from the previous year's report, which listed only 06878 and 06830 as the most expensive zip codes in Connecticut. To determine the ranking, PropertyShark looked at residential transactions throughout 2018, including condos, co-ops, and single and double family homes. With the number of ties in the list, the initial number of 100 is expanded to 117. Connecticut's most expensive zip code, and highest-ranking zip code on the list at number 49, was 06878 in Riverside, which boasted a sizable median sale price of $1.86 million in 2018. This was a 20 percent increase in median sale price from last year, when Riverside placed at 78 on the list. Lower Fairfield County, known as Connecticut's "Gold Coast," was the only county in Connecticut to make it on the list. In fact, in a separate 2018 report from PropertyShark of the most expensive zip codes in the Connecticut, 31 out of the top 50 were found in Fairfield County, with the top 10 spots solely devoted to towns on the "Gold Coast." According to Kathi Mettler, an accounting professor from Fairfield University, the lucrative value of Fairfield County lies in its proximity to New York, which in itself had 19 zip codes on the list of the 100 most expensive zip codes in the country. "That lower Fairfield county area has seen a growth with the proximity to New York, as well as, a number of New York-based companies relocating to the Stamford area," said Mettler. However, just as new opportunities are coming from New York City to Fairfield County, Mettler acknowledges that the Connecticut economy is hurting as many businesses like GE and Aetna are leaving their headquarters in Connecticut. This has resulted in an overall decline in property values across Connecticut. "I believe this will be reflected in an abundance of properties on the market, thus reducing property values. This is exacerbated by the capping of the state and local income and property taxes deduction to $10,000 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017," said Mettler. "In light of [TCJA and SALT], living in a high tax state with no federal income tax deduction may be a factor in moving into Connecticut or leaving Connecticut." ANSOINA Running on parallel tracks with the court system, the state is pursing action against the city of Ansonia over what it says is a failure to sufficiently fund the local school system. The state Board of Education, at its meeting Wednesday, is expected to consider conducting a hearing, or inquiry into a failure to implement an educational interest of the state. If the board agrees to that recommendation of the states legal counsel, the hearing would have to be held by Jan. 18. At the same time, city and school officials are waiting on a ruling from state Superior Court Judge Barry K. Stevens, who last month heard oral arguments on the matter from both parties. Ansonia city officials say they were within their rights to remove a $600,000 appropriation from the school systems 2017-18 budget. The additional funding came when there was uncertainty over a state budget that did not pass until months into the fiscal year. Local school officials claim the city reduction not only put the school system at peril, but was in violation of a state law that prohibits municipalities from reducing their school budget from one year to the next. On Monday, Mayor David Cassetti acknowledged the state report that recommends an inquiry. It is clear that the recommendation on fiscal year 2018-19 is based on (Commissioner of Education Dianna Wentzells) interpretation of a state law that recently passed, Cassetti said. That law allows municipalities to amend their budgets if they receive more than $100,000 in unanticipated state aid in that years state budget. The legal interpretation of the new state law is the subject of litigation currently pending in Connecticut Superior Court and therefore cannot be resolved by the Commissioner or the State Board of Education, Cassetti added. Cassetti said the courts decision would take precedence. During their investigation, state Department of Education officials concluded there is reasonable cause to believe the city was failing to meet is the minimum budget requirement in the current fiscal year based on actions it took in 2017-18 to reduce its district appropriation by $600,000. There is reasonable cause to believe that the city lacked proper legal authority to make this mid-year reduction, wrote Laura L. Anastasio, the state boards chief legal counsel. However, the report goes on to say there is not reasonable cause to conclude the minimum budget requirement was violated in the 2017-18 school year. The group concluded that the MBR was met in 2017-18 with a school budget of $31.26 million, but that the city was not authorized by law to turn around and reduce the $31.86 million budget it appropriated to the school district after the fact. As such, the city should be paying the district $31.86 million in the current school year, the state concluded an amount that includes the $600,000 and a $3,537 state grant toward students displaced by Hurricane Maria. The complaint was investigated by Kathy Demsey, the chief financial officer for the state education department, along with several audit and financial officials. They met with Ansonia city and school officials. If a state inquiry is called, a subcommittee of state board members would likely serve as the hearing panel. The final decision might not come until the boards March 6, 2019 meeting. Judge Stevens, meanwhile, has up to 120 days from the Nov. 13, 2017 hearing, to make a judgment in the matter. He gave no indication how soon that decision would come. Children and adolescents who survive assault, including by firearm, have increased long-term mortality compared to those who survive unintentional, nonviolent trauma. That is the primary finding of a study reported in the Proceedings of the 2018 AEM Consensus Conference: Aligning the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Research Agenda to Reduce Health Outcome Gaps, to be published in the December 2018 issue of Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM), a journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM). The lead author of the study is Ashkon Shaahinfar, MD, MPH, attending physician and emergency ultrasound director, Division of Emergency Medicine, at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland The findings of the study are discussed with Dr. Shaahinfar in the featured podcast of AEM Early Access, a collaboration between Brown University Emergency Medicine and the editors of AEM. The study, by Shaahinfar, et al., highlights the disparities that black adolescent males and the socioeconomically disadvantaged face with regard to community violence and premature mortality. In light of the findings, the authors maintain that the need for prospective studies and the implementation of evidence-based programs and policies is urgent. Commenting on the study are 2018 AEM Consensus Conference co-chairs Kurt Denninghoff, MD, distinguished professor and associate head for research at the University of Arizona Department of Emergency Medicine and Paul Ishimine, MD, director of pediatric emergency medicine at UCSD/Rady Children's Hospital. "This study identifies socioeconomic characteristics of childhood victims of violence that are associated with disparities in the rates of premature mortality. In particular, the authors demonstrate the association between violent events early in life with an increased long-term risk of homicide. This represents a valuable opportunity for injury prevention research." The 2019 SAEM Consensus Conference: Wellness for the Future: Cultural and Systems-based Challenges and Solutions, will take place at the Mirage, Las Vegas on May 14, 2019, in conjunction with SAEM19, the annual meeting of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. Fasting before getting your blood drawn for cholesterol tests is common practice, but new research from Michigan State University shows it is a contributing factor of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, in patients who take diabetes medications. The study, published in the International Journal of Endocrinology, shows that people with diabetes are more likely to experience FEEHD - fasting-evoked en route hypoglycemia in diabetes - than they would if they hadn't fasted. The "en route" comes from patients who have an episode while driving to a lab for blood work. Saleh Aldasouqi, an endocrinologist in the College of Human Medicine, explained that eating before a lab test does not alter the results of the pivotal components of the cholesterol test as previously thought. In fact, fasting for these tests can incite hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. "Hypoglycemia is an overlooked problem that we see from time-to-time in patients with diabetes who show up for lab tests after skipping breakfast," Aldasouqi said. "Patients continue taking their diabetes medication but don't eat anything, resulting in low blood sugar levels that cause them to have a hypoglycemic event while driving to or from the lab, putting themselves and others at risk. Our new motto is 'Feed not FEEHD', to remind patients of this danger and get them to eat." Hypoglycemia happens when blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg/dl and can cause faintness, confusion and even a loss of consciousness. Severe hypoglycemia can cause acute harm to the patient or others, especially if it causes falls or motor vehicle accidents. Aldasouqi said that routine fasting is based off guidelines from the 1970s and newer studies show it may not be necessary anymore. Canada and Europe have already changed their guidelines and no longer require fasting for lipid tests, the most commonly ordered fasting labs. Similar U.S. guidelines have not yet become mainstream. In view of the risk of FEEHD, Aldasouqi hopes for diabetes organizations to take a lead in disseminating these emerging changes on lipid testing. The study showed proper education about fasting and diabetes also is lacking. Only 35 percent of patients surveyed indicated having received any FEEHD prevention instructions from their doctor prior to their lab visit. "We encourage patients who receive orders for a lab test to ask their doctor if fasting is really necessary, and if so, how they should handle their diabetes medications during the fasting period to account for the changes in their blood sugar levels," Aldasouqi said. "FEEHD is overlooked in clinical practice, and we aim to bring this problem to light and further educate doctors and patients about the consequences of fasting while on diabetes medications." The study involved 525 patients with diabetes and was conducted at two endocrinology practices in Michigan. Patients completed a two-page survey and were excluded if data was missing or they reported no fasting labs in the previous 12 months. Aldasouqi plans to conduct a larger, population-based study to determine the prevalence of FEEHD in the general population. insights from industry Dr. Karolina Szczesna Product Manager and Technical Support Proteintech An interview with Dr. Karolina Szczesna from Proteintech at SfN 2018 , discussing the tell-tale signs of a good antibody and how Proteintech are working to improve experimental results for scientists. Please can you introduce yourself and the role you carry out at Proteintech? I am a technical scientist and product manager at Proteintech. My role involves helping our customers optimize their research results and address any concerns through technical support by sharing our experimental tips and engaging scientists via our blog channel. I also write articles on upcoming techniques and novel applications of our products. molekuul_be | Shutterstock I also run technical masterclasses for young scientists, along with training webinars. Our next masterclass is on January 29, 2019, at the University of Newcastle, where well be teaching students to master western blotting and immunofluorescence, including tips on how to optimize your protocols and overcome common experimental obstacles. What makes an antibody good or bad? How can a scientist tell if a seller is trustworthy or not? When generating an antibody, you can either immunize with a whole protein or a small synthetic peptide fragment that you are interested in detecting. At Proteintech, we take a whole protein approach to the antibodies we offer as this provides several benefits for the researcher. Ninety-five percent of Proteintech antibodies are raised against whole proteins, letting the immune system choose the best epitopes for generating antibodies. This approach provides superior antibody binding to the native target protein at multiple epitopes compared to peptide immunogens, and secondly, the specificity and sensitivity of the assay are improved. The final advantage is that the antibody can be used in more applications. For example, many assays can be used to study a single antigen, but each assay may require a slightly different antibody depending on the epitope. Some regions of the protein may be better for one application than another, so the availability of the whole protein yields antibodies that can work for multiple applications. This is more likely to occur with a whole protein approach compared to a single fragment. Since the immune system can generate antibodies against any region of the whole protein, there is also a high chance of reactivity across species due to conservation. To summarize, the three main advantages of whole-protein antibodies are: wider applicability, higher binding sensitivity and affinity, superior recognition of native, intact proteins. Another sign of reliability is whether the company selling the antibody is a manufacturer and distributor, or just a distributor (re-seller). This is important because if you have an issue or query about an antibody, you need to be able to obtain RAW validation data. If that data has not been collected in-house, it will take longer for the company to collate it, which can potentially delay your experiments. Proteintech a direct manufacturer (Credit: Proteintech) At Proteintech, all of our data is freely available online and our antibodies have been cited in hundreds of publications. When an obscure application is queried, we can provide the validation data to support or refute the experiment and do so within 24 hours. We are proud to show realistic data that hasnt been cleaned up to look perfect but will give you an idea of how the western blot, for example, will look time and time again. I think thats a particularly good sign of trustworthiness. Why is reproducibility important and how do Proteintech ensure this for each of their antibodies? Every scientist wants to get the same results every time when working with the same antibody. As I mentioned, we are the only manufacturer, so we can provide instant support for scientists who are troubleshooting their methods. Another sign of quality is the purification method used. We use affinity chromatography, which makes use of the binding strength of a protein for its ligand. Another popular method is protein A/G purification, which uses the recombinant fusion protein A/G from E. coli. Protein A/G purification will yield all IgGs in the serum, not just the desired antibodies. Affinity chromatography selects for just the ones with the highest affinity toward the target. We also validate our antibodies through knockout and knockdown (KO/KD) studies. Proteintech was the first company to implement siRNA knockdown validation experiments, the gold standard for testing antibody specificity. The validation process involves using small interfering RNA to knock down gene expression in an antibody product assessing whether the signal subsides with the expression of the target gene. This is critical for ensuring consistent and reliable results and is far superior to validation using positive controls only. In 2016 we were awarded the CiteAb prize for the 'most exciting antibody validation initiative'. The following year, Proteintech was the company with the largest percentage increase in citations based on data gathered between January 2017 and December 2017 (Highly commended antibody supplier' in CiteAb 2018 awards). We also compare all of our antibodies lot-to-lot, which helps us to detect changes in performance between batches. If a new lot fails to perform either as well as or better than the previous one, it is unsellable, and we begin production on another lot. Is it possible to use the same antibody for multiple applications? How are Proteintech working to improve this? As scientists, we would love to have one antibody for all applications, but unfortunately, this is a challenge. Simply put, the biochemistry of each assay is markedly different. For example, in Westerns, the protein is denatured, but in immunohistochemistry (IHC), the protein is in native form in its cellular context. However, one thing we are trying to do as a company is to provide antibody specific protocols, that a scientist can find easily on our website. This might mean a slightly longer incubation time, an antigen retrieval step (in the case of IHC or IF), or a different blocking step, etc. You recently purchased Humanzyme, a company that produces recombinant human proteins. Why did you feel this was a necessary step for Proteintech and what advantages do recombinant proteins provide? For over 15 years, we have been trying to create the best antibodies by bucking the trend of using peptides and instead using whole-protein immunogens. Humanzyme has been making the best proteins by forgoing bacteria and hamsters and using human cells (HEK293) to make human proteins with native glycosylation, multimerization, and processing. You could say that we go together like an antibody and a protein! For human applications and research, a human cell expression system is ideal. I find this fascinating: Humanzyme products can be used to study native post-translational modification and protein folding in regenerative medicine. Recombinant proteins provide many advantages over proteins derived from other organisms. The first major benefit is potency; recombinant cells produce proteins with a higher potency than E. coli-derived proteins, for example. In addition, recombinant human proteins are glycosylated by protein chaperones, which are only available in eukaryotic cells. Insect and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells cannot do this, and the result is a product that is less representative of the native protein and doesnt work with many assays. Comparison of proteins produced using different expression systems. Colored circles denote level of similarity to human proteins. (Credit: Proteintech) What does the future look like for Proteintech? For the next few years, well be focusing on expanding our recombinant human protein products while also looking into new applications for our current products. We recently launched a product line called CoraLite, which is a series of fluorescent-dye conjugated antibodies that can be used in immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. CoraLite allows scientists to produce beautiful IF images from direct labeling. Coralite fluorescent-dye conjugated Proteintech antibodies (Credit: Proteintech) Our hope is for Humanzyme to grow very quickly, especially when the products are approved for use in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) labs, which should be happening the next year. This will open the door for Proteintech to start working with more pharmaceutical and biomedical companies. Overall, the future looks bright! Where can readers find more information? For more information, please visit the Proteintech website. About Dr. Karolina Szczesna Dr. Karolina Szczesna is an experienced product and project manager with more than 7 years experience in coordinating multiple international projects, including project plans and management, testing novel screening methods, launching new products, and developing relationships between researchers and commercial partners. Her scientific focus is related mostly to the Central Nervous System and Oncological Disease Models (e.g., cancer stem cells, cancer epigenetics, and studies related to rare neurodevelopment diseases). Karolinas scientific achievements are reflected in more than 10 PubMed Publications. At Proteintech she is a multilingual Product Manager and Technical Support Specialist, being responsible for the coordination of international collaborations and market branding worldwide, including speaking about science novelty and technology at top European universities. About Proteintech Proteintech is an antibody and human protein manufacturer selling directly to scientists and only selling its own products in order to maintain the highest level of quality control, leading to superior reproducibility and lot consistency. With over 2/3 of the human genome completed, we have a catalog of over 12,000 antibodies against 12,000 targets covering a wide spectrum of research areas. We have been cited in tens of thousands of publications and provide in-house validation of our antibodies in WB, IHC, IF, FC, IP, and CHIP, in addition to performing siRNA knockdown validation of our antibodies. Additionally, we provide human cell-expressed proteins that have authentic glycosylation and folding, yielding higher activity and stability over proteins from other hosts. In an effort to prevent some of the world's most lethal diseases, an international research team spanning five continents and led by Montana State University will study bats in Australia, Bangladesh, Madagascar and Ghana. Raina Plowright, assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in MSU's College of Agriculture and College of Letters and Science, is leading a project to unravel the complex causes of bat-borne viruses that have recently made the jump to humans, causing concern among global health officials. The research team -- which includes more than 20 scientists from Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Cambridge, UCLA, Penn State, Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Montana, Griffith University in Australia and five other universities and institutions -- is supported by a $10 million cooperative agreement with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, an independent agency of the U.S. Defense Department that funds ambitious and potentially groundbreaking projects. "This research brings together one of the biggest teams in the world working on emerging bat pathogens," Plowright said, adding that the project will study how the viruses are transmitted at the cellular level as well as on the scale of whole landscapes. "Ultimately, what we're trying to do is find new solutions that can prevent people from getting sick." Collectively called henipaviruses, the bat-borne pathogens were first identified in 1994 after an Australian outbreak of Hendra virus killed a dozen horses and their owner. Outbreaks of a related virus, called Nipah, have since resulted in hundreds of deaths in Malaysia, Bangladesh and India. What most worries health experts, according to Plowright, is the potential for henipaviruses to cause future pandemics if human-to-human transmissions increase or new henipaviruses emerge that are more transmissible among humans. The diseases are highly lethal -- up to three-quarters of infected individuals die -- and there is no cure or vaccine for human infections. According to Peter Hudson, Willaman Professor of Biology at Penn State University and the project's co-principal investigator, insights into how and why henipaviruses jump to humans could also help prevent outbreaks of other bat-borne diseases such as SARS and Ebola, which killed about 11,000 people in West Africa from 2014 to 2016. Even as health workers struggle to treat Ebola victims and contain human-to-human transmission, scientists haven't fully understood the human-bat interactions at the root cause of the problem, he said. "I think we're on the edge of finding out," Hudson said. Plowright's prior research indicates that ecological changes such as deforestation may play a significant role in causing henipavirus outbreaks. For instance, her team found that incidents of Hendra virus in Australia are linked to bats flocking to urban and agricultural areas in response to loss of food sources in native forests, where the flying mammals play an important role in pollination. Those periods of nutritional stress are thought to suppress the bats' immune systems and cause the animals to excrete viruses in urine and other body fluids. When horses eat contaminated grass beneath the trees where the bats feed, they become infected and pass the disease to humans. Similarly, Nipah virus in Bangladesh is transmitted to humans when bats feed on date-palm sap that is harvested and sold for human consumption. "Henipaviruses are also found in bats across Africa and Asia, and we don't know how many are spilling over into other animals and people in places with poor surveillance," Plowright said. Samples taken from the bats at the study locations will be sent to Rocky Mountain Labs, the National Institutes of Health facility in Hamilton, Montana, that is specially equipped to study emerging pathogens. Researchers there will inventory the viruses, document their genetic makeup and use controlled cell culture experiments to assess their ability to infect humans. The team will analyze the bat samples for proteins that indicate the ability of the bat immune system to respond to viruses as well as environmental stress, potentially providing insights into how the diseases spread to humans. Meanwhile, field observations and satellite imagery will be used to track environmental variables such as changes in land-use. The changes will be studied for links to the bats' having closer contact with humans and to the animals' immune response as a result of nutritional stress, according to Plowright. By putting together all of those pieces, Plowright said, the research team will develop mathematical models that predict outbreaks based on the presence of henipaviruses and environmental conditions that stress bat populations. That would give health officials information that could help them prepare for, or even prevent, future outbreaks, she said. According to Plowright, one solution to these deadly diseases may be simpler than once thought: protecting bat habitat or even restoring native food sources such as flowering trees in areas away from people. "We think we might be able to solve this problem by solving the root cause," she said. A new study has confirmed the effectiveness of Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) screening in reducing prostate cancer mortality. The retrospective cohort study of over 400,000 men, as published in Elseviers Urology journal, set out to re-examine the value of PSA screening, to determine the optimal screening interval and the appropriate age groups to be screened. The data indicates that yearly PSA screening was the interval of choice, reducing prostate cancer deaths by 64% for men aged 55-75 years and all-cause mortality by 24%. No benefits were associated with screening for men under 55 years. Whilst these findings are significant, and echo current public sentiment around prostate cancer screening, there are a number of discussion points worthy of further consideration. The first is the proposed response to a concern raised by previous data the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) which was that screening resulted in an increased number of clinically insignificant prostate cancers. The unnecessary treatment of these led to the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend against PSA screening in 2012. This latest study therefore recommends active surveillance to prevent over-treatment, suggesting that 36% of patients with a new diagnosis are candidates for active surveillance, 30% of whom will ultimately have treatment for progression. In addition, the study raises a discussion around what happens after an elevated PSA is identified. Should all men be biopsied or just some, stating What is important to find is cancer worth treating, which first and foremost depends on an assessment of the patient. These discussion points indicate that the pathway for prostate biopsy should be considered in equal part to PSA screening in risk stratifying patients to reduce unnecessary treatment of indolent disease and identify the optimal treatment option for patients with aggressive disease. Multiparametric MRi followed, where appropriate, by a systematic biopsy of the entire gland, through latest innovation such as the PrecisionPoint transperineal biopsy system, provides a more accurate assessment of incidents of cancer, which allows consultants and patients alike to consider the full range of available and appropriate treatment options. In males in the UK, prostate cancer is the most common cancer. Whilst incidence rates are increasing, 40% of cases in England and Northern Ireland and 60% of cases in Scotland are diagnosed at a late stage. The importance of annual PSA screening for men over 55 years can therefore not be underestimated. However, of equal significance in reducing prostate cancer mortality is the prostate biopsy. Without a commensurate focus on ensuring that patients with elevated PSA are appropriately risk stratified of which systematic biopsy is a fundamental component we will fail to realize the optimal patient treatment pathway. Source: https://www.bxt-accelyon.com/ A team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the Texas Heart Institute and Texas Children's Hospital has developed a powerful new approach to understand the formation of new neurons in the mammalian adult brain. Published in the journal Cell Reports, this work opens exciting new pathways that can be further developed to repair malfunctioning brain circuits. "The mammalian brain is a complex tissue composed of diverse cell types. However, despite rapid advances in the field of neuroscience, only a limited number of cell types in the brain are known and well-characterized," said lead author Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel, associate professor of molecular and human genetics and neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine and investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital. "Identifying all cellular subtypes is crucial to unraveling how brain circuits function and will yield insights into brain activity under diseased and injured conditions." In this study, Arenkiel and his colleagues described an innovative approach that identified novel cellular targets and genetic pathways involved in the wiring of adult-born neurons into existing brain circuits. Researchers now know that the brain is not just composed of four or five cell types performing generic roles. Most circuits consist of unique subtypes of cells, many of which currently are uncharacterized, explained Arenkiel. For instance there are possibly thousands of functional subtypes within a particular class of neurons. "Therefore, the first task to begin understanding brain circuits is to identify all the cellular players," said Arenkiel, who also is a McNair scholar at Baylor College of Medicine. "This would allow us to genetically probe them to reveal their biological functions, a necessary knowledge to fix these circuits when something goes wrong." In most adult mammals, only two regions of the brain, the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb (OB), have been shown to integrate new neurons into existing brain circuits. Arenkiel joined forces with co-corresponding author Dr. James Martin, professor and Vivian L. Smith Chair in Regenerative Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and director of the Cardiomyocyte Renewal Laboratory at Texas Heart Institute. The team applied a relatively new technology, single cell RNA sequencing, to identify novel cellular subtypes in the OB. To perform single cell RNA sequencing, Burak Tepe, a graduate student in the Arenkiel lab and one of the primary authors of this paper, and colleagues prepared a single-cell suspension by disassociating brain tissue using enzymes. This mixture was sorted in a microfluidic chamber in which every cell was co-encapsulated in microparticles (beads) with unique barcodes that kept track of the cellular origin of each mRNA transcript. Using this profiling strategy, they painstakingly generated a library of mRNA transcripts for 50,000 cells in the OB. This information revealed that the OB comprises approximately 30 different cell types that included 18 different types of neurons, as well as many other non-neuronal cells such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, vascular and immune cells. Additionally, the team uncovered genes and/or pathways that are chronologically turned "on" or "off" in these lineages during brain development. This study leverages the combined power of single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of adult-born neurons with bioinformatics to compare how gene expression profiles from different neuronal lineages progress over time. This powerful method has allowed the researchers to recreate a putative developmental trajectory ("pseudo-timeline") of all the neuronal lineages in the OB - from migrating neural progenitors to fully functioning mature neurons - along with detailed information of when and where specific genes or genetic networks are turned 'on' or 'off.' Consistent with this, the researchers found specific subtypes of neurons were differentially enriched or depleted in response to distinct sensory cues. "In addition to identifying key players and providing crucial mechanistic insights into adult neurogenesis in OB, we think this study has a broader impact because other researchers can now use this approach to identify and tease out the function of new neuronal circuits in other parts of the adult mammalian brain," Arenkiel said. Study in mice first to suggest pollution's dangers can be passed on A parent's exposure to dirty air before conception might spell heart trouble for the next generation, a new animal study suggests. Wondering about the possible health risks for children of people routinely exposed to highly polluted air, including soldiers and residents of some of the world's largest cities, researchers from The Ohio State University studied the effects of dirty air on mice. And they found an abundance of evidence of harm to the offspring of parents that routinely breathed dirty air prior to mating. "We found that these offspring had a variety of heart problems during the prime of their lives and the effects were so robust that it was somewhat shocking," said study senior author Loren Wold, director of biomedical research at Ohio State's College of Nursing. Heart function was impaired. Inflammatory markers linked to increased heart disease risk were high. They had markers of oxidative stress, a condition in which levels of beneficial antioxidants are low. Calcium regulatory proteins, which are critical to the function of the beating heart, were altered. And these mice were young and otherwise healthy - comparable to 20-year-old humans. The first-of-its-kind study appears online today in the Journal of the American Heart Association. "This suggests that heart problems related to pollution exposure could start even before conception, and if that's true it has implications worldwide," said Wold, a professor of nursing and medicine at Ohio State. Wold and his team also uncovered evidence of gene-related differences that might explain the cardiovascular changes they saw. They examined epigenetic regulators, which play an important role in the expression of genes - meaning that they have influence over predisposition to health problems, including cardiovascular disease. "I looked at important epigenetic regulators in the offspring, and some were activated, which could explain the differences we saw. The next step will be a more-detailed analysis," said study lead author Vineeta Tanwar, a research scientist at Ohio State. To conduct the study, researchers concentrated air from Columbus, Ohio, until the level of harmful particulate matter - particles suspended in the air - reached a level on par with large cities such as Los Angeles and Beijing. The research focused on the presence of PM2.5, particles that are small enough to pass from the lungs into the bloodstream. The test mice breathed this air for about 30 hours a week. "They were, on average, exposed to less particulate matter than what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set for daily air quality standards," Tanwar said. Then, the mice were kept in normal air during mating and the researchers compared their offspring to the offspring of mice that were not exposed to the polluted air. "The first thing we did was to do a basic echocardiograph and we could see profound heart dysfunction in the offspring of particulate-matter-exposed mice," Tanwar said. "Then, we began to look at single cells and at typical markers of heart disease and found a lot more evidence that preconception pollution could harm the offspring." The study focused only on male offspring because the research team wanted to narrow its focus on this first experiment. Going forward, they plan to compare male and female offspring, try to determine which parent's exposure might matter more to offspring, evaluate heart health later in the lifespan of the mice and explore potential changes in the eggs and sperm of mice exposed to dirty air. "A key question here is how are changes in the sperm and eggs passing on the information to the offspring to cause this heart dysfunction?" Wold said. Though more animal research is needed, this study also opens the door to exploring the role of air pollution on the health of future generations, he said. For instance, it might make sense to begin by working with adults with high levels of exposure to particulate matter, such as residents of New Delhi and Beijing, Wold said. "We already know that humans have dramatic cardiovascular effects from exposure to dirty air, high blood pressure in particular. And we know that babies can be harmed by pollution both before and after birth," Wold said. "Understanding whether the damage may begin even before conception is critical." Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have found evidence that the epigenetics-based evolution that occurs in complex multicellular species (eukaryotes) is also at play in a species of archaea, which are microscopic, single-celled organisms. Kateryna Kon | Shutterstock The discovery could improve scientists ability to explore and answer questions about epigenetic processes in humans. Through epigenetics, Sophie Payne, Paul Blum and colleagues demonstrated that archaea species can evolve extreme resistance to acids. Epigenetics is the evolutionary process where traits arise through the inheritance of cellular proteins that mediate access to DNA, rather than through the inheritance of genetic changes in DNA (mutations). The surprise is that it's in these relatively primitive organisms, which we know to be ancient. We've been thinking about this as something (evolutionarily) new. But epigenetics is not a newcomer to the planet. Paul Blum, Co-author The researchers found evidence that the phenomenon occurred in a sulfur-eating species called Sulfolobus solfataricus that thrives in boiling, acidic springs found in Yellowstone National Park. For the study, the researchers exposed the organisms to increasing levels of acidity over a number of years. This resulted in the evolution of three strains that showed a 178-times greater resistance to the acid than their ancestors. One of the strains had evolved the resistance without any genetic changes arising in the DNA, while in the other two strains, mutations had arisen in genes that are not involved in acid resistance. Next, the team disrupted the proteins that are thought to control the expression of genes that are relevant to acid resistance but left the DNA untouched. As reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, this resulted in a sudden disappearance of the resistance in successive generations. "We predicted that they'd be mutated, and we'd follow the mutations, and that would teach us what caused the extreme acid resistance. But that's not what we found," says Blum. Epigenetics is essential to key physiological processes such as cell differentiation and the development of cancer, but the complexity of eukaryotes makes it difficult to study in humans. The simplicity of archaea, together with their similarities with eukaryotes, should enable scientists to explore epigenetics and answer questions much more quickly and cheaply than has previously been possible: Over the past decade, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become a central part of everyday life. Despite their massive popularity, however, controversy abounds regarding their impact on mental health and wellbeing. A new research study by the University of Amsterdam (UvA) has now found a correlation between the passive use of social media and depression symptoms like loneliness and fatigue. The findings were recently published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. Tracking wellbeing with an app For many of us it is a daily habit. Whenever we have a moment to spare, we find ourselves reaching for our smartphones and aimlessly scrolling through social media feeds reading updates or looking at pictures. This behaviour, called passive social media use (PSMU), is often used to relieve boredom and can swallow up large chunks of personal time. While seemingly innocent, PSMU isn't without controversy - experimental research shows that it can decrease affective wellbeing, a sense of belonging and life satisfaction. To investigate the link between social media use and depression symptoms, an international research team led by the UvA recruited 125 students and measured their wellbeing and passive social media use seven times daily for 14 days. A special app on their phones prompted participants at fixed times to complete a 12-item depression questionnaire. Their responses were analysed with a novel statistical technique, which was developed/implemented by researchers affiliated with the UvA's Psychosystems Group (Dr Laura Bringmann and Dr Sacha Epskamp). The analysis focused on three timeframes - short-term (within the same two hours), medium-term (prediction from one prompt to next) and longer-term (across the entire 14 days). Negative feelings and social media Although the results showed that engaging in PSMU did not predict depression symptoms, they did reveal a noticeable relation between negative wellbeing and increased social media use. 'Feelings of fatigue and loneliness at a given prompt predicted PSMU at the next prompt, indicating that certain depression symptoms might lead individuals to scroll through social media feeds', says George Aalbers, a UvA Research Master's graduate in Psychology and lead author of the study. 'We also found that passive social media use at a given prompt co-occurred with a loss of interest, concentration problems, fatigue and loneliness at the same prompt. However, we don't know whether PSMU causes these symptoms or vice versa. This is a topic for future research.' Most importantly, Aalbers adds, the study shows that the link between social media and psychological well-being is more complicated than 'social media make people depressed'. 'Instead, specific social media behaviour seems associated with specific depression symptoms, and more research is required to find out how these social media use and mental health influence each other.' The researchers believe the next important step is to replicate the findings in a clinical setting. 'Our study used a student sample, in which average levels of depression symptoms, loneliness and stress were fairly low. As previous research suggests that social media's adverse effects could be stronger in depressed than in non-depressed individuals, a clinical sample might show a more pronounced link between PSMU and depression symptoms.' The interactions that take place between the species of microbes living in the gastrointestinal system often have large and unpredicted effects on health, according to new work from a team led by Carnegie's Will Ludington. Their findings are published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The gut microbiome is an ecosystem of hundreds to thousands of microbial species living within the human body. The sheer diversity within the human gut presents a challenge to cataloging and understanding the effect these communities have on our health. Biologists are particularly interested in determining whether or not the microbiome as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In other words, to what extent do individual species influence our health and physiology, and to what degree are these impacts determined by interactions between the species present in our microbiomes? Ludington and his team--including molecular biologists Alison Gould, Vivian Zhang, and Benjamin Obadia of University of California Berkeley; physicists Eric Jones and Jean Carlson of University of California Santa Barbara; and mathematicians Lisa Lamberti, Nikolaos Korasidis, and Niko Beerenwinkel of ETH Zurich and Alex Gavryushkin of University of Otago--used the naturally simple microbiome of fruit flies to comprehensively reveal the gut ecosystem. The team found that the interactions between species in the gut microbiome impact fly health and even longevity. "The classic way we think about bacterial species is in a black-and-white context as agents of disease--either you have it, or you don't," Ludington said. "Our work shows that isn't the case for the microbiome. The effects of a particular species depend on the context of which other species are also present." It has long been known from fruit fly studies that populations of gut bacteria can affect their host's development, fertility, and longevity. In 1927, Helen Steinfeld of UC Berkeley found that by simply removing the gut bacteria from her laboratory's fruit flies, she could extend their lifespans by 14 percent. Ludington's team repeated the experiment and found a similar 23 percent lifespan extension when they removed their flies' particular microbiomes. But it was unclear to them how much of this influence was due to the individual species that were present and how much was due to their overall microbial ecology. Ludington and his team built off Steinfeld's work to dissect the fruit fly gut microbiome and better understand how these microorganisms shape the lives of their insect hosts. They developed a system for mapping all the possible interactions between the five species of bacteria found in the fly gut in order to see how they affected an insect's development, production of offspring, and lifespan, which combine to determine its fitness. The analysis of the interactions required developing new mathematical approaches, which are based on the geometry of a five-dimensional cube, where each species is a new dimension. The team found that the interactions that take place between the microbial populations are as important to the fly's physiology as which individual species are present. In terms of the 23 percent change in lifespan, individual species can account for only one quarter of the effect, while interactions account for the rest. These interactions are highly influential to some, but not all, of the factors that determine a fly's likelihood of passing its genetic material on to a new generation. "As we examined the total of what we call a fly's fitness--it's chances of surviving and creating offspring--we found that there was a tradeoff between having a short lifespan with lots of offspring, versus having a long lifespan with few offspring," Ludington explained. "This tradeoff was mediated by microbiome interactions. That means that if we want to understand how the microbiome impacts our health, we need to develop a predictive understanding of how combinations of bacteria affect the host, not just the individual species." Additionally, the measurement and analysis tools developed for this research project demonstrate that the fruit fly is a good model for understanding more complex microbiome interactions in humans and other animals, which will be important for future work. It wasn't just a short time ago that almost everyone felt that only gangsters got tattoos done. Even though the art has gained huge popularity across the world, there are many who feel getting inked would affect their chances of getting the dream job, the much-needed promotion, the right match and also that anybody artistic could become a tattoo artist. News18.com spoke to tattoo artist from India, Sri Lanka and Nepal to bust some ridiculously false ideas about tattoos and tattooing. Watch our video to ensure you don't fall for these myths about tattoos. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Witness the birth of the Amazons in Wonder Woman Historia preview by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Phil Jimenez Wonder Woman's Amazon society gets an expanded history in the DC Black Label series Sorry! This content is not available in your region Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday denied allegations that they ordered to close down schools of indigenous peoples (IP) in the Davao region. "DepEd Region XI reports further that the tribal leaders of an IP community in Talaingod, Davao del Norte held a press conference morning of December 3 and stated that the closure of a Salugpongan learning center was a community decision supported by a resolution issued by the IP community council," its statement read. DepEd added it holds dialogue with IP communities as it believes in partnership with its stakeholders. "The Department continuously recognizes and supports the valuable contribution of non-government and community-led institutions in helping improve access to culture-based basic education," it added. It added there are 73 private learning institutions distributed in the region, with most of the learning centers found in Davao del Norte. "Salugpongan Ta' Tanu Igkanon Community Learning Center, Inc. is one of the three groups of private learning institutions operating in the region that have been granted with permit to operate in 2014," DepEd said. The department's statement comes after former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro, and 16 others were arrested for alleged kidnapping and failure to return 14 minors on November 29. Ocampo and his party denied the charges, saying that they were merely "rescuing" students from the Salugpongan schools, which incumbent Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate claimed were "padlocked" by the military. Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde said the Lumad school was reportedly "exploiting" IPs by teaching their students how to conduct rallies and to recite a different national anthem. New Delhi : All the blazing guns fall silent as the electioneering for the 200-member Rajasthan Legislative Assembly polls, scheduled to be held on December 7, came to an end on Wednesday. For the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah led the election campaign along with Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Modi alone addressed at least 13 public rallies, the party held 15 roadshows and as many as 222 major public meetings across the state. For the Congress, its chief Rahul Gandhi led from the front and dominated the partys election campaign for the December 7 elections. As far as state leaders are concerned, Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot jointly steered the Grand Old Partys election campaign. While the Congress party is looking to make inroads into the power corridors of Rajasthan by using the massive anti-incumbency factor against Chief Minister Raje, the BJP is hoping to break the jinx of the state voting the incumbent out with its tried and tested Modi magic. The BJP also parachuted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to give their campaign a saffron tinge. Yogi, as expected, sparked a row by terming Lord Hanuman a Dalit. Also Read | Uneasiness in NDA! 11 parties left PM Narendra Modi since 2014 Lok Sabha elections However, the speeches were just to grab the eyeballs and fetch peoples attention as much as possible. What matters the most are the promises made by the parties and whether they are reliable enough to be trusted? Although the Congress in its manifesto focused more on farmers and jobs, it also gave space to cows, a move many believe show the partys shift towards soft Hindutva. On the other hand, the BJP tried to fill in the gaps left in its five-year rule by announcing unemployment allowance to eligible youth above the age of 21 years. The rapidly growing unemployment rate was one of the biggest issues on which the Raje government had to face embarrassment. So, before you go out to exercise your franchise, let's have a look at the election manifestos of the BJP and the Congress. BJP Manifesto: Named as 'Gaurav Sankalp', the manifesto of the ruling BJP promised to create over 50 lakh employment opportunities (not to be confused with jobs) in the self-employed and private sector. The ruling party promised that it will try to build an artificial Inland Port by bringing the waters of the Arabian Sea to Gujarat to Sanchor and Jalore. Key takeaways: A four-lane highway "Rajasthan Mala" that will connect all the districts will be constructed in the next five years. Up to Rs 5,000 per month will be given as unemployment allowance to eligible youth above the age of 21 years. Around 30 thousand government jobs per years will be provided to eligible people over the next five years. All Gram Panchayat headquarters will be connected to 108 emergency ambulance service. Also Read | In Rajasthan, BJP faces wrath of Rajput communitys anger over Anandpal fake encounter Congress Manifesto: Hoping to wrest power from the BJP, the Congress partys manifesto for the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly elections promised jobs to youth, free education to women, right to health, among others. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also promised to waive farmers loan within 10 days of coming to power. Key takeaways: New Delhi: With Assembly elections in Rajasthan just two days away the political temperature is soaring high across the poll-bound state. Addressing a series of public meeting on the last day of campaigning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a swipe at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, terming the grand old party the "architect of corruption". The prime minister was referring to a series of contentious facts which came to light in the form of AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam and the National Herald case over the last couple of days. "During the UPA's rule, AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power at the Centre, the investigation was conducted into the matter. One person (Christian Michel) from Dubai has been found involved in the case. Now 'Rajdaar' will reveal all secrets. We don't know how far this issue will go," Modi said during his speech at Sumerpur in Rajasthan's Pali district. Hitting out at the Congress chief and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi for their alleged involvement in the National Herald case, Modi further said, " We won in the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The top court said that the Central government has the right to reassess the income tax returns of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi". Read | PM Modi hits out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' jibe Replying to Gandhi's jibe at his family background, the prime minister said, "No one had ever though that a 'chaiwala' will bring down a party that ruld for four generations in the country. I have taken them to the court and they had to seek bail in the cases related to their acts of corruption". Accusing the Congress of doing 'very little' for the poor, he further said, "I was not born with a silver spoon. I have seen poverty. After coming to power, KI believe that there is no reason for India to be poor after so many years of independence". "Only one family is the reason for our poverty. They were only interested in power. How the Congress, which created so many divisions in the society in the last 70 years, can work for the people?" Modi asked further. "First they sould give the account of these 70 years. Only then they should ask for the account of our 4.5 years," Modi added. Read | PM Modi in Telangana: Congress, TRS 'two sides of same coin', state may witness post-poll alliance Showing confidence over the BJP's victory in Rajasthan, he claimed, "Wherever I travelled and met the people in the state, I have felt that they have decided to elect our party once again. People of Rajasthan have decided. Now our work is to win every polling booth. I don't want to win just Rajasthan. i want to win every polling booth". The counting of votes will be taken up on December 11 in Rajasthan and four other states - Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana. While polling in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Madhya Pradesh took place in November, the single phase Assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7. New Delhi: Continuing his attack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth over his "Nizam" barb at him, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday he is the number one citizen of India, and not a tenant. Owaisi was responding to Adityanaths recent remark at rally in poll-bound Telangana where the AIMIM president will have run away from Hyderabad if the BJP wins the assembly elections, which will be held on December 7. "If the BJP forms government in Telangana, I can tell you that Owaisi will have to run away just like Nizam was compelled to run away from Hyderabad. The BJP will give security to all but will not allow those who spread anarchy", Adityanath had said while addressing an election rally in Tandur town of Vikarabad district. Hit the UP chief minister back, Owaisi said Adityanath is campaigning in Telangana at a time when there was a tension in Bulandshahr in the northern state. Also Read | Karimnagar to be renamed Karipuram if BJP wins Telangana Elections "I am number one citizen of India, an equal citizen and I am not a tenant. I am a partner here," Owaisi told a 'Meet the Press' programme organised by Press Club of Hyderabad adding that unlike Yogi, he is an Indian "by choice". "We (Indian Muslims) rejected Jinnah's (two-nation) theory. We accepted India and we always accept that India is our homeland. You cannot treat us as second-class citizens. BJP's ideology is to treat Muslims as unequal citizens," Owaisi claimed. Addressing a poll rally in Hyderabad, he had earlier alleged that Adityanath was speaking the language of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP and that he was ignorant about history. "The law and order machinery is breaking. Good luck to him. I hope that the people of Uttar Pradesh will realise that what a callous, reckless and irresponsible chief minister they have got," he said. Also Read | Bulandshahr violence: Main accused claims he wasn't present at spot Hoping that Uttar Pradesh Police would also realise that the chief minister was not there to grieve with the families when one of their officers was shot dead, Owaisi said, "Adityanath is doing "election tourism". On Monday, a police inspector, identified as Subodh Kumar Singh and a youth, Sumit Kumar, were killed as a mob protesting alleged illegal cow slaughter went on a rampage torching a police post and clashing with the police in Uttar Pradeshs Bulandshahr. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Debt-laden private airlines Jet Airways is in talks with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways on a rescue plan, as reported by Reuters. Executives from Etihad and Jet Airways met some of the latters bankers in Mumbai in the recent past to discuss ways to address its cash flow issues and evaluate the carrier's future business plan, the sources said as quoted by the news agency. However, no deal has been finalised yet. Etihad had come to Jets rescue in 2013 as well by buying 24 per cent stakes in the carrier. The Naresh Goyal-founded airlines is in a severe cash crunch and owes money to vendors and lessors. It has also not been able to pay salaries to its pilots, senior executives resulting in the cancellation of flights. To reign in the crunch, Jet has cancelled flights on non-profitable routes and has also decided to do away with complimentary meals for economy class passengers travelling on domestic routes under two more fare categories. Following three consecutive quarterly losses, the full-service carrier has simplified its sub-fleet, reduced sales, distribution and maintenance cost. Read More | Fuel prices remain steady, check December 5 prices here Though India is one of the worlds fastest-growing airlines markets, Jet Airways has constantly faced the brunt of the falling rupee, rising jet fuel prices, intense price wars by low-cost carriers. However, according to sources, Etihad might be wary of the rescue deal this time around as it has lost money in other airline ventures such as Alitalia and Air Berlin. According to CNBC-TV18, Naresh Goyal has assured pilots that there will be no delays in the payment of salaries from April 1, 2019 onwards. The airline is aiming to achieve cost savings of over Rs 2,000 crore over the next two years through strategic initiatives, chief executive officer Vinay Dube had said after the second quarter earnings. Also Read | Jet Airways removes free meals from two more economy class fares Jet Airways has already realised cost savings of over Rs 500 crore during the first half of the fiscal owing to these cost-rationalisation measures, Dube had said. Jet and Etihad did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment, Reuters said. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The national capital on Wednesday woke up to a 'poor' air quality. In the Anand Vihar area, the Air Quality Index (AQI) PM 2.5 was at 308 (very poor category) and PM 10 at 258 (poor category), according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). At the Major Dhyan Chand National area, PM 2.5 was at 202 (poor category) and PM 10 at 180 (poor category). AQI at Siri Fort Delhi was recorded hazardous, PM 2.5 was at 193 (poor category) while PM 10 at 334 (very poor category). ALSO READ | Delhi government launches common mobility card for buses, metro trains On Monday, six areas --- Ashok Vihar, Anand Vihar, Burari, Mundaka, Nehru Nagar and Wazirpur --- recorded severe air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The National Green Tribunal (NGT) slapped a cost of Rs 25 crore on the Delhi government for failing to curb pollution in the city. The money is to be deposited with the CPCB and will be utilised by the agency exclusively for anti-pollution measures. Ghaziabad recorded severe pollution level at 404, while Faridabad and Noida recorded "very poor" air quality, according to the CPCB data. In Gurugram, the air quality was "poor", it said. Earlier, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation collected Rs 3.5 lakh as penalties from seven construction companies for "violation" of air pollution control norms. Each company has been slapped with a fine of Rs 50,000, the SDMC said in a statement. "SDMC has taken massive action during first three days of December against seven construction companies involved in generating air pollution and deteriorating pollution level in the city. Each company has been fined with an amount of Rs 50,000 resulting in the recovery of Rs 3.5 lakh," the statement said. ALSO READ | Delhi court frames charges against Dhinakaran in bribery case Delhi is reeling under the menace of air pollution for the past couple of years. The region faced a major air quality crisis last year when severe pollution level forced the shutdown of schools and colleges. In 2016, the government tried to explore the possibility of cloud seeding for artificial rain but the plan never worked out. AQI categories: New Delhi: With the release of the teaser of Saaho, Prabhass fans not only in India but also in Japan have been sending out the message of their desire to meet the actor. In view of it, the actor has promised to meet them. The actors fans from Japan has started reaching out to Prabhas and his team, saying that they really are keen on meeting the actor. A source says, Prabhass recent movies have done well in Japan. Also, it has been noticed that tourists from Japan keep visiting his house in Hyderabad. Prabhas and his team will arrange a meet and greet for his Japanese fans before the trailer launch of Saaho. Also Read | Sara Ali Khan reveals secrets about her mother Amrita Singhs bindass life The Pan-Indian success of Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is evidence that Prabhas is the next big thing in Indian cinema. Prabhas has already been a huge star in the South and with Bahubali, his graph of popularity soared to new highs. The actor who dedicated 5 years to the shoot of Baahubali was showered with multiple offers during the shoot of the film, however, Prabhas chose to focus only on the magnum opus, a release said. Enjoying tremendous fanbase across the nation, Prabhas is one of the most loved actors of India with a vast fan following on social media. Also Read | Uri trailer released: Bollywood films based on Indian Army The actor will be next seen in the big-budget film Saaho alongside Shraddha Kapoor and he is currently shooting in Italy shooting for his next movie under the direction of Jil fame Radha Krishna Kumar. The working title of the movie is Amour co-starring Pooja Hegde. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Kriti Sanon, apart from acting, loves reading books. Knowing her as an avid reader, the actress has been gifted with books by many. But lately the actress has been unable to lay her hands on a book, mainly because of her tight schedule. The actress has been juggling with multiple projects in hand, including Ashutosh Gowariker's Panipat. Considering the many films in her kitty, the year 2018, perhaps, may be the busiest year for Kriti. Read | Rajinikanth-starrer '2.0' eyeing a big-56,000-screen release in China An avid reader, the actress has a wide collection of books. She often picks up books when out for shopping. The actress even shops for books from the airport while traveling and adds to her collection, sources close to the actress said. Recently, director of her debut film, Sabbir Khan had gifted her a book called 'Love Story'. She also had posted in social media thanking him for the lovely gesture. Also, Warda Nadiadwala, wife of Sajid Nadiadwala who's the producer of her next film Housefull 4, gifted her books, a release said. Read | Deepika Padukone is first Indian woman in top 5 of Forbes Celebs 100 However, Kriti has been battling for time to read owing to her multiple shooting projects. Kriti is done shooting Arjun Patiala, Housefull 4, Luka Chuppi. The actress is currently shooting her next film 'Panipat' which is a period drama for which she's taking Marathi classes. Her busy schedule spilling over in the new year, 2019 will again keep her busy with promotions and four releases back-to-back. Read | Priyanka's 75-feet wedding veil gives rise to splitting Twitter memes Panipat is a historical period drama film. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the film is based on the third Battle of Panipat. Apart from Kriti, the film also stars Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Padmini Kolhapure. The music is produced by Ajay-Atul. A part of the Ashutosh Gawarikar Productions, the film is scheduled for December 6, 2019 release. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The trailer of much-awaited Uri The Surgical Strike starring Vicky Kaushal was released on December 5. The lead actor on Tuesday shared a post on his Instagram handle and shared the day for releasing the trailer of the film. On a post shared on Tuesday he wrote, A tribute to our brave Indian Armed Forces and to a new India. Uri trailer out tomorrow at 10 am. The trailer is receiving exceptional response from the audience and has already garnered more than 50,000 views on YouTube in just one hour of its release. The two-and-half-minute trailer begins with a scene where it features how 19 unarmed Indian soldiers were martyred at the Uri Base Camp in Kashmir in the early hours of September 18, 2016. The attack was also called as the deadliest attack in two decades. The trailer also features veteran actor Paresh Rawal, who is playing the role of National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval. Also Read | Koffee With Karan 6: Ajay Devgn may win an Audi for THIS answer He advises that it is time to teach Pakistan a lesson and make them taste their own medicine. He suggests that Indian Army should operate surgical strike. Vicky Kaushal could be seen leading the team od select Indian soldiers to operate surgical strike on Pakistan soil. The 30-year old actor posted the trailer and wrote, "Watch the story behind the surgical strike unfold. #URItrailer out on 5th December. @yamigautam @SirPareshRawal @AdityaDharFilms @RonnieScrewvala @RSVPMovies. Helmed by Aditya Dhar, Uri The Surgical Strike features Vicky Kaushal, Yami Gautam and Paresh Rawal in significant roles. The movie is scheduled to release on January 19, 2019. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Ride Along star Kevin Hart is all set to host the 91st Academy Awards ceremony to be held in Los Angeles, California. The comedian-actor took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce that he has been selected to host the Oscars next year. This will be Harts first attempt at emceeing the annual awards night. For years I have been asked if I would ever host the Oscars and my answer was always the same... I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when its suppose to. I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time... To be able to join the legendary list of hosts that have graced that stage is unbelievable, Hart wrote alongside a picture of a golden Oscar statuette. I will be sure to make this Oscars a special one. Also Read | Uri The Surgical Strike trailer: Vicky Kaushal is all set to take revenge against Pakistan The Academy confirmed the news on Twitter: Welcome to the family, @kevinhart4real. The 39-year old actor thanked the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) for the opportunity. The popular show presenter Jimmy Kimmel, hosted the last two Academy Awards Kimmel also gave a shout-out to the comedian and tweeted, Congratulations amigo - @TheAcademy made an excellent choice. You are going to kill it. Hart has previously hosted several award ceremonies including the BET Awards in 2011 and the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. The Oscar 2019 ceremony is scheduled to be held on February 24. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest Entertainment News, Hollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate Bogibeel bridge in Assam on December 25, reported news agency ANI on Wednesday. Bogibeel bridge is a combined road and rail bridge over the Brahmaputra between Dhemaji district and Dibrugarh district. Read More | What is AgustaWestland VVIP choppers scam? 10-point explainer Know more about the Bogibeel bridge: At 4.94 km, it is India's longest rail-road bridge. It will connect the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The PM will inaugurate the bridge on December 25, which is marked as Good Governance Day. Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda laid the foundation stone for the bridge in January 1997. Work started only in April 2002 when former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee inaugurated the construction. The first freight train ran on it on December 3. Bogibeel is part of infrastructure projects planned by India to improve logistics along the border in Arunachal Pradesh. At 4.94 km, it is India's longest rail-road bridge. It will connect the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The PM will inaugurate the bridge on December 25, which is marked as Good Governance Day. Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda laid the foundation stone for the bridge in January 1997 Work started only in April 2002 when former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee inaugurated the construction. The first freight train ran on it on December 3. Bogibeel is part of infrastructure projects planned by India to improve logistics along the border in Arunachal Pradesh. (With agency inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed attachment of Amrapali Builder's five star hotel, corporate office and other properties. The top court also directed the Debt Recovery Tribunal to sell the properties of the embattled real estate firm. A bench of Justices comprising Arun Mishra, UU Lalit and DY Chandrachud have been dealing with a batch of petitions filed by home buyers who are seeking possession of around 42,000 flats, booked in projects of Amrapali Group. The company is responsible for diversion of home-buyers' money. Earlier on November 13, in a massive crackdown on Amrapali Group for "wilful disobedience" of its orders, the top court had attached the company's 100-bed multi-speciality hospital, bank accounts, the building which houses its office, certain firms and a "benami" Villa in Goa. Read | More than 4,000 criminal cases pending against MPs, MLAs: Supreme Court Post that, the Supreme Court asked the realty firm to reveal the details of all its properties in the name of directors, their family members, relatives, Chief Financial Officers and statutory auditors in India and abroad by December 3. The court gave one last opportunity to Amrapali Group and its directors and promoters to comply with each and every direction passed by the court since May last year. Read | 'Verma, Asthana were fighting like cats': Centre to top court on sending two CBI officers on leave The Amrapali Group has been also restrained from alienating its companies through which it had transactions and ordered attachment of such firms. The top court has also ordered the firm not to create any third party rights for 86 luxury cars and SUVs purchased from the company's funds. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A researcher was killed and three others were injured in a suspected hydrogen cylinder explosion in a laboratory at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Manoj Kumar, 32, and the three injured are Karthik Shenoy, Naresh Kumar and Athulya Uday Kumar. According to sources, the researcher with a start-up company died during a shock wave at their laboratory at Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Three others, who were injured have been taken to a private hospital. Though the nature of explosion and its cause were yet to be established, it was suspected that the incident occurred due to a blast in a cylinder containing some gas, the police said. "Forensic experts would ascertain the actual cause of the accident but it seems like a cylinder blast," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Niranjan Raj Urs told news agency PTI The sources said the explosion occurred around 2.20 pm at the research laboratory of Aerospace Departments Laboratory for Hypersonic and Shockwave. Four people from a start-up company, being incubated at IISc, were at the laboratory at the time of incident. Atulya, Karthik and Naresh Kumar were severely injured and rushed to Ramaiah hospital where they are reported to be in a critical state. Watch | BREAKING VIDEO: Explosion at IISc Bangalore, researcher killed Super-Wave Technology Private Limited (SWTPL) is an Indian Institute of Science initiative, promoted and managed by its Directors Prof KPJ Reddy and Prof G Jagadeesh, both professors of Department of Aerospace Engineering, IISc Bengaluru. The company is engaged in research in the area of shockwaves and its applications in various fields and has several patents to its credit, according to its official website. IISc Bangalore is ranked in top 100 of the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings table for engineering and technology subjects. In the recently released subject rankings, IIT Bombay found its place in the band of 151-175 for the same category. "This is to inform that we have received three patients from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore on 5th December, 2018 with complaint of accidental blast around 2.15 pm," Ramaiah Memorial Hospital said in its statement. The hospital added, "All the patients are critical and require surgical intervention and ICU care." Here is the hospital's full statement: The Indian Institute of Science was established in 1909 by a visionary partnership of industrialist Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Maharaja of Mysore and the government of India, according to its official website. Since its inception, the institute has laid a balanced emphasis on the pursuit of basic knowledge in science and engineering, as well as on the application of its research findings for industrial and social benefit. In the words of its founder, JN Tata, the objectives of the institute are "to provide for advanced instruction and to conduct original investigations in all branches of knowledge as are likely to promote the material and industrial welfare of India." (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : The wife of murdered Uttar Pradesh police inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, Rajni Rathore, has threatened to commit suicide if people responsible for his husbands killing were not punished. The grieving wife the cop alleged a pre-planned conspiracy and demanded a CBI probe into the case and action against the policemen who left her husband alone when he was attacked by cow vigilantes. "My husband was a brave man. He used to lead from the front. But he was so shamefully ditched by his colleagues in the police force while he was tackling those protesting against cow slaughter at a village in Bulandshahr district on Monday. His mobile phone and pistol were nowhere to be found. He went down discharging his duty," Rajini said while gazing at her husbands body covered in a cotton cloth. Subodh Kumar Singh, the SHO of Shyana police station in western Uttar Pradeshs Bulandhshahr district, was fatally shot at a point-blank range above his left eye by a mob protesting against the alleged cow slaughter in the area. His wife Rajini accompanied his mortal remains to his ancestral village Taregawan in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh. Also Read | Bulandshahr violence: Yogi Adityanath holds meeting with top officials over law and order situation My husband was killed in a planned manner as part of a conspiracy. If the guilty go unpunished, I will commit suicide by shooting myself. I want a CBI probe to reveal the actual facts and reasons behind my husbands death," Rajini said. She also demanded action against the policemen accompanying his husband during the incident but fled the scene when protesters attacked. On Saturday, Subodh Kumar Singh had received reports of stone pelting in the area. When he reached the spot, a stone hit him on his head and he fell unconscious. Later, when the policemen accompanying him were taking him to the hospital, their jeep came under the attack. The policemen fled the scene, leaving behind Subodh alone, who was fatally shot at a point-blank range above his left eye. He died on the spot. Also Read | Bulandshahr violence: My father wanted us to be secular citizens, says son of murdered UP cop Meanwhile, the police have constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the incident of violence and the role of policemen who left Subodh alone at the spot. So far, four accused have been arrested. However, the key accused behind the violence, Yogesh Raj, was still absconding, UP police ADG (law and order), Anand Kumar said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Even as Yogesh Raj, the main accused in the Bulandshahr violence, is yet to be arrested two days after the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday night ordered strict action against cow slaughter, unlawful trade in cattle and illegal slaughterhouses. On Monday, a mob of some 400 people, including right-wing activists, violently rampaged through the Chingrawathi village apparently after cow carcasses were found strewn in a jungle nearby. The police have so far only arrested four people in connection with the violence that left inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, the station house officer of Siana, and 20-year-old Sumit Kumar dead. Subodh Kumar Singh's familiy members have demanded proper investigation into the matter. Yogesh on Wednesday issued a video message, saying he was not present at the spot. In the video, which is going viral, Yogesh chants 'Jai Shree Ram' as introduces himself as the Bulandshahr district convenor of the Bajrang Dal. According to Yogesh, he is innocent and the police are portraying him as if he is a history-sheeter." The right-wing group asked him to surrender before police but said it believed he was innocent. Also Read | Bulandshahr violence: Main accused Yogesh Raj releases video, claims he wasn't present at spot Adityanath said the district magistrate and other senior police officials of a district will be held personally responsible for any lapse. His instructions were conveyed by Chief Secretary Anup Pandey to magistrates and superintendents of police of all 75 districts through a video link, an official release said. Since Monday, the Opposition, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, severely criticised Adityanath over the law and order situation in the state. have slammed the law and order situation in the state. Hoping that the Uttar Pradesh Police would also realise that the chief minister was not there to grieve with the families when one of their officers was shot dead, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said on Wednesday. Also Read | Karimnagar to be renamed Karipuram if BJP wins Telangana Elections: Yogi Adityanath Adityanath will meet the slain inspector's family on Thursday, officials said. He directed district magistrates and senior officials to send weekly reports and ordered divisional commissioners and zonal IGs/DIGs to review implementation of his instructions issued on Wednesday night. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : British citizen Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP choppers scam case, is being questioned at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters in Delhi. Michel was extradited to India from Dubai on Tuesday night and brought to the national capital in a special aircraft. Later in the day, he will be produced before the Patiala House Court. The investigators claim that it was Michel who brokered the VVIP choppers deal with the Indian Air Force. He had allegedly paid a bribe to officials and politicians to help AgustaWestland - the British arm of Italian firm Finmeccanica - get the contract from the Indian government to purchase 12 AW101 helicopters. Here are the Highlights on AgustaWestland VVIP choppers scam: 04:55 pm: Michel is being taken back to the CBI HQ. 04:54 pm: Christian Michel moves bail application to the court. But for now, court keeps it pending for the next hearing. 04:41 pm: Here is what the CBI court said during the proceedings: - Court permits Michel's lawyer to meet him two times in day - In morning 10 am to 11 am and one hour in evening - CBI gets five-day custody of 'middleman' Christian Michel - Custody is needed as we have to know where the money spent, have to find out whole money trial - There is a chain form Augusta westand , 37 mililian euro came into Michel account ..Where this money went, asks CBI - The court says, "Have to confront with document, have got into about classified material". - Court asks Michel whether he had supplied copy of chargesheet to accused 04:38 pm: CBI seeks 14 days police custody of Christian Michel. 04:29 pm: Christian Michel produced before special CBI judge Arvind kumar 03:42 pm: Security beefed up: Security forces have been deployed outside the Patiala House Court complex, where Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, would be produced shortly. 01:00 pm: VISUALS: Alleged middleman in Agusta Westland deal Christian Michel brought to India late night yesterday after being extradited from UAE. New Delhi: Alleged middleman in #AgustaWestland deal #ChristianMichel brought to India late night yesterday after being extradited from UAE. pic.twitter.com/jQCsUdL0Gv ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 12:15 pm: BREAKING NEWS: AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal middleman Christian Michel will be produced before the Patiala House Court in Delhi shortly. 12:00 pm: What ED chargesheet says about the role of Christian Michel: ED said that their investigation has found that Michel received around Rs 225 crore from AgustaWestland. The money was nothing but kickbacks paid by the firm to execute the 12 VVIP helicopters deal in favour of the company in 'guise of' genuine transactions for performing multiple work tasks in the country. 11:50 am: What CBI says in its chargesheet about the role of Christian Michel: In its chargesheet, the CBI alleged that Christian Michel visited India 25 times and stayed in Hotel Ashoka and Claridges in Delhi and ITC Windsor in Bengaluru when the deal was being signed. While acting as the middleman in the deal, the CBI chargesheet said, Michel procured confidential documents and secret information from the defence ministry and the Indian Air Force and shared it with AgustaWestland executives through one of his associates in Mumbai. 11:30 am: BJP President Amit Shah on Christian Michel's extradition: Opposition has no other issue, what is wrong if we nabbed the middleman? Does the opposition want to save him? BJP President Amit Shah in Jaipur: Opposition has no other issue, what is wrong if we nabbed the middleman? Does the opposition want to save him? #ChristianMichel #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/kq2n3qT0Qi ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 11:10 am: What is AgustaWestland VVIP choppers scam?: In February 2010, the then Congress-led UPA government had signed a contract with AgustaWestland - the British arm of Italian firm Finmeccanica to buy 12 AW101 helicopters to ferry VVIPs, including the President of India, the Prime Minister and other important persons. Controversies surrounded the deal after reports that Finmeccanica paid a huge amount of money to several officials and politicians to win the VVIP choppers deal with the Indian Air Force. It was also alleged that some of the technical specifications of the helicopters...... CLICK HERE TO READ MORE 10:55 am: Christian Michel will be produced before special judge Arvind Kumar in Patiala House Court soon. 10:30 am: Questioning of alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal, Christian Michel continues at CBI HQ, he will be produced in Delhi's Patiala House Court later today. Sources: Questioning of alleged middleman in the #AgustaWestland helicopter deal, #ChristianMichel continues at CBI HQ, he will be produced in Delhi's Patiala House Court later today (file pic) pic.twitter.com/Uw0KuE1NDC ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 10:00 am: Christian Michel, alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper deal, who was extradited to India from Dubai, was brought to CBI headquarter late on Tuesday night. #WATCH: Christian Michel, alleged middleman in AgustaWestland chopper deal, brought to Delhi after being extradited from UAE pic.twitter.com/33e23YkNm9 ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2018 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally at Sumerpur in poll-bound Rajasthan on Wednesday, which is the last day of campaigning in the state before it goes to polls on Friday.A He expressed confidence that people of Rajasthan are clearly in favour of the BJP in Rajasthan and have decided to form BJP government once more in theA state. He also gave mantra to BJP workers - 'mera polling booth, sabse mazboot'.A A Attacking the Congress of spreading venom of casteism and created urban-rural divide, he said, the Congress has lost theA election are now contemplating who to hold responsible for theA defeat. Referring to Supreme Courtas verdicts regarding the reopening of Income Tax returns of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Pm Modi said that Supreme Court also supported government's stands.A Here are the Highlights from PM Modi's Rajasthan rally: 01.13 pm: The Prime Minister's address in Sumerpur concludes. He will address another rally at Dausa soon. 01.03 pm:A They knew that the govt of India was bringing huge projects in Barmer, the prices of land were about to rise and the farmers were set to gain from it. So, the relatives of 'naamdar' snatched the land from farmers at throw away prices: PM 01.03 pm:A Congress President does not even know the names of his own party leaders. He did not even know the name of a very popular farmer and jat leader in Congress, late Kumbharam ji. He called him 'Kumbhakaran'. You can imagine what such people will do when in power: PM Modi PM Narendra Modi: Congress President does not even know the names of his own party leaders. He did not even know the name of a very popular farmer and jat leader in Congress, late Kumbharam ji. He called him 'Kumbhakaran'. You can imagine what such people will do when in power pic.twitter.com/Bp52VwSoag a ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 12.56 pm:A aNaamdaar's relatives have taken away lands from farmers for free... They were colluding with Ashok Gehlot,a PM Modi says. 12.54 pm:A Modi did not bring him back... Modi did not tackle Congress' corruption... All this is the power of your vote... Your vote helped a chaiwala bring these corrupt to justice: PM Modi 12.53 pm: Govt brought middleman involved in helicopter scam from Dubai, he served politicians and will now disclose secrets: PM 12.52 pm:A Yesterday we won in Supreme Court, the court said Indian Govt has the right to reasses their(Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) income tax returns. Ab dekhta hoon kaise bach ke nikalte ho: PM #WATCH PM Modi in Sumerpur: Yesterday we won in Supreme Court, the court said Indian Govt has the right to reasses their(Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) income tax returns. Ab dekhta hoon kaise bach ke nikalte ho #RajasthanElections pic.twitter.com/PwmgVJh0GM a ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2018 12.51 pm:A No one thought that aA chaiwaalaA would bring down a party that ruled for four generations. I have taken them to court and they have had to seek bail on cases related to corruption: PM Modi 12.50 pm: Can Rajasthan be given to people who are out on bail? 12.45 pm:A Rahul Gandhi says that PM Modi has stopped talking about corruption. But we have taken enough and more steps to tackle corruption: PM 12.43 pm:A I was not born with a silver spoon. I have seen poverty. After coming to power, I believe that there is no reason for India to be poor after so many years. Only one family is the reason for poverty. They were only interested in power: PMA I wasnat born with a gold spoon. Iave seen hard times in my life. Iam one of you people: PM @narendramodi #aaaaaa_aaaY_aaaaa_aa pic.twitter.com/9ZOWkexAoc a BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) December 5, 2018 12.42 pm:A Rahul Gandhi says that PM Modi has stopped talking about corruption. But we have taken enough and more steps to tackle corruption, the prime minister has said while addressing a rally in Sumerpur. #12.42 pm:A Congress is trying to find any possible logic so the responsibility of defeat does not lie on naamdar's shoulders: PM Modi #12.41pm: 'Congress which created so many divisions in society in the last 70 years, how can they work in the interest of the people?' asked PM Congress which created so many divisions in society in the last 70 years, how can they work in the interest of the people?: PM @narendramodi #aaaaaa_aaaY_aaaaa_aa pic.twitter.com/LnWdtq4BAD a BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) December 5, 2018 #12.40 pm: TheA Congress has been asking what is ModiasA jaatiA (caste). It was Congress that has been poisoning this country on topics such asA jaatiA since Independence: PM Modi #12.31 pm:A I am confident that the people of Rajasthan have decided to elect the BJP. Wherever I travelled and met people, I have seen that they have decided to elect the BJP once again. People of Rajasthan have decided. Now, our work is to win every polling booth. I donat want to win just Rajasthan, I want to win every polling booth, says PM Modi in a rally in Sumerpur. I don't just have to win Rajasthan, I have to win every polling booth in Rajasthan: PM @narendramodi #aaaaaa_aaaY_aaaaa_aa pic.twitter.com/k0W64xByv4 a BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) December 5, 2018 #12.23 pm:A The last event of our campaign happened here in Pali in 2013. This time too, an event on the last day is happening here. We can feel the breeze of Pali immediately in Gujarat: PM Modi #12.17 pm:A Sumerpur is with @BJP4Rajasthan. Here is my speech at the rally. https://t.co/olUC3H10UW a Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2018 (With agency inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Fuel prices remained steady on Wednesday with petrol retailing at Rs 71.72 per litre and diesel at Rs 66.39 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel were being sold at Rs 77.29 per litre and 69.48 per litre, respectively. In Chennai, petrol was retailing at Rs 74.41 per litre and diesel Rs 70.09 per litre. In Kolkata, petrol was sold at Rs 73.75 per litre and diesel at Rs 68.12 per litre. While price of petrol in Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad was Rs 71.28 per litre, Rs 70.73 and Rs 71, respectively. Diesel was sold for Rs 65.44 a litre in Noida, Rs 65.47 per litre in Gurugram and Rs 65.73 per litre in Faridabad. With last week's 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. The fall in prices of international crude oil resulted in prices of fuel being slashed. 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. Read More | Agusta Westland Scam: 'Middleman' Christian Michel extradited, lands in Delhi 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 | Russia launches Soyuz, the first manned mission, to ISS 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 campaigning for the Rajasthan Assembly elections will end on Wednesday ahead of polling across 199 of 200 constituencies on Friday. While the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eyeing yet another term, the Opposition Congress is confident of making a comeback this time around. In the last phase of campaigning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address two rallies in Sumerpur and Dausa on Wednesday, and BJP president Amit Shah will hold a roadshow in Ajmer and address several public meetings. On Tuesday, PM Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressed public meetings in the poll-bound state. Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot are scheduled to address rallies at different places on Wednesday. Congress leaders Mukul Vasnik, Harish Rawat, Selja and Raj Babbar will also campaign for the party in the state. Read More | Assam: Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate Bogibeel bridge on December 25, Click here to know more in 7 points Campaigning in poll-bound Telangana will also end on Wednesday evening and the state will go to polls on Friday. Counting of votes will be done on December 11. Rahul Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and a number of senior BJP leaders will campaign in the state. Also Read | What is AgustaWestland VVIP choppers scam? 10-point explainer Rahul Gandhi will address a public meeting at Kodad where TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu will also join after campaigning for Praja Kutami candidates at Ashwaraopet and Sattupally. Yogi Adityanad will campaign in Karimnagar, Mudhol, and Bhupalpally for the BJP candidates and Shivraj Chouhan will take part in road shows at several places in the last leg of the campaigning. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Narendra Modi-wave in 2014 had not only marginalised the parties like Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Mulayam Singh Yadav's Samajwadi Party (SP), Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United (JDU) and Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) but also propelled the electoral fortunes of some of its allies. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) registered their best ever performances in 2014. But it seems a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. After Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Chandrababu Naidu's decision to quit the Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in March this year, there has been an alarming discomfort among the BJP allies. In Bihar, Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) is on the verge of breaking its ranks with the NDA. Kushwaha is demanding a respectable share of Lok Sabha seats for his party. In Assam also, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) is at the loggerheads with the BJP over the issue of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. The party has been threatening to pull out of the alliance because of the ruling party's bid to pass the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who migrated to India till December 31, 2014. This is not the first time the BJP allies have expressed their anguish over the treatment meted out to them. Since 2014, at least 11 parties have left the NDA or distanced themselves from the BJP. These 11 parties are TDP, Shiv Sena, Jana Sena Party, MDMK, PMK, DMDK, Haryana Janhit Congress, Swabhimani Paksha, NPF, JRS and GJM. 1. Telugu Desam Party (TDP): Chandrababu Naidu's TDP had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in alliance with the BJP. The party was able to put up a good show due to Modi wave and mishandling of the state bifurcation issue by the then incumbent Congress government. The NDA together won 17/25 Lok Sabha and 106/175 Assembly seats in 2014. There was a very close contest between Naidu's TDP and Jaganmohan Reddy's YSRCP in 2014 and it was assumed that the last minute alliance with the BJP worked well for Naidu. The alliance also got 2/17 Lok Sabha and 20/119 Assembly seats in Telangana in 2014. Naidu decided to break the alliance over the denial of special status for Andhra Pradesh. The party has taken a big decision to join hands with the Congress party in Telangana for the upcoming Assembly elections and it is likely that Naidu will replicate the same formula in Andhra Pradesh too. 2. Shiv Sena: Uddhav Thackeray's party was the BJP's biggest and oldest ally. Both the parties shared a common ground on Hindutva and other issues over the years but Uddhav's recent Ayodhya visit has created a lot of animosity between both the allies. The relationship between the two parties has turned bitter soon after the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The party also adopted a political resolution and said it will contest all elections in the future on its own. In 2014, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance along with other parties won 42 of 48 seats in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena was able to win 18 Lok Sabha seats that time, its best ever performance. Earlier, the party's best performance was in 1996 when it was able to win 15 seats. However, both parties parted ways four years ago and contested the Maharashtra Assembly elections separately in which the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 122 seats and formed the government. The Shiv Sena with its 63 MLAs also decided to join the Devendra Fadnavis-led government and its ministers are still continuing with the central as well as the state governments. According to reports, the Shiv Sena is demanding a 50-50 seat-sharing arrangement for 288 seats of Maharashtra Assembly. 3. Jana Sena Party: Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena Party had supported the TDP-BJP alliance in the 2014 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections but now has taken a decision to contest the upcoming polls on its own. In 2014, Kalyan had addressed rallies with Narendra Modi and Chandrababu Naidu but the actor-turned-politician these days is busy in projecting himself as an alternative to Naidu and Jaganmohan Reddy in Andhra Pradesh. Kalyan has also accused the BJP of practising vendetta politics by conducting IT raids against him. 4. MDMK: Vaiko's Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) was the first party to quit the Narendra Modi-led NDA just after the Lok Sabha elections in 2014. The party had contested on 7 seats including Virudhunagar, Theni, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Erode, Sriperumbudur and Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu but lost all the seats. Vaiko himself lost in Virudhunagar. The party decided to quit the NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu alleging that the BJP government at the Centre was acting against Tamils and betrayed the people of the state. Vaiko was one of the architects of the People's Welfare Front (PWF) with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Left parties in 2016 and also got the support of Vijayakanth's DMDK and GK Vasan's TMC but the front was not able to secure even a single seat. The MDMK had recently decided to join forces with MK Stalin's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and also indicated that it has no issues with the Congress party. 5. PMK: The S Ramadoss-led Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) is another Tamil Nadu party which has distanced itself from the BJP. The PMK was with the BJP in 2014 Lok Sabha elections and contested 8 seats including Dharmapuri, Arakkonam, Arani, Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuturai and Chidambaram. Apart from Ramadoss' son Anbumani Ramadoss from Dharmapuri, all other candidates of the party lost the elections. Ramadoss wanted his son Anbumani to be inducted in the Modi Cabinet but the BJP didn't entertain his demands. The party had decided to fight the 2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls alone when the BJP decided not to project Anbumani as the alliance's chief ministerial candidate and since then it is not in good terms with the BJP. The party also attacked the 'saffron party' after BJP Tamil Nadu chief Tamilisai Soundararajan reportedly made remarks against the PMK leadership at a public meeting in Singaperumalkoil. The cadres of the two parties clashed outside the BJP office in Chennai. The PMK cadre took out a procession against the national party, carrying the party's flags and shouting slogans against the BJP. 6. DMDK: The Vijayakanth-led Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) had forged an alliance with the BJP in Tamil Nadu just before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and contested on 14 parliamentary seats. However, the party lost all seats including Chennai North, Chennai Central, Salem, Tiruppur, Karur and Madurai to the AIADMK candidates. The DMDK left the NDA in 2016 to contest the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls in alliance with the newly formed People's Welfare Front (PWF). It contested on 104 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu but was unable to open its account. Vijayakanth recently ruled out the possibility of any alliance with the BJP. The BJP has also hinted that it is likely to support Rajinikanth in the upcoming polls. 7. Haryana Janhit Congress: In Haryana, former chief minister Bhajan Lal's son Kuldeep Bishnoi had fought the 2014 Lok Sabha elections under the NDA umbrella. His party Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC), however, didn't manage to win even a single seat. Bishnoi himself lost the elections from Hissar. Later that year, the BJP decided to contest the Assembly elections in Haryana on its own and grabbed the power for the first time. Bishnoi's party was able to get only 2 seats in the 90-member strong Haryana Assembly. Bishnoi merged his party with Congress in 2016. The HJC was founded by Bishnoi's father Bhajan Lal in 2007. 8. Swabhimani Paksha: Farmer leader Raju Shetti's Swabhimani Paksha quit the NDA over the Modi government's "apathy towards farmers". Shetti contested the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections along with the BJP in 2014. Shetty won the Hatkhanagale Lok Sabha seat in 2014. He decided to remain with the NDA for 2014 Maharashtra Assembly elections and didn't join the Shiv Sena. He left the NDA alleging Modi government's "anti-farmer policies" for his exit. He is now in talks with all the anti-BJP forces and likely to join them before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2019. 9. NPF: The Nagaland People's Front (NPF) was BJP's oldest ally in any northeastern state since 2003. However, the national party decided to dump Chief Minister TR Zeliang to ally with former chief minister Neiphiu Rio's Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in 2018 Nagaland Assembly elections. The NPF lost its majority in the elections and was reduced to 26 seats. The NDPP won 18 seats in an alliance with the BJP. The BJP registered its highest tally of 12 seats in the Nagaland Assembly elections and is now a part of the Rio-led government in the state. The national party has its first deputy chief minister in the state. 10. JRS: Kerala tribal leader and Janadhipathya Rashtriya Sabha (JRS) chief CK Janu has quit the NDA recently. She decided to leave the alliance as many of the promises made to her and her party were apparently not fulfilled. She had been the face of several tribal agitations in the state. 11. GJM: The Benoy Tamang faction of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) also pulled out of the NDA in March this year. However, the Bimal Gurung faction of the GJM is still with the BJP. The GJM supported the BJP in 2009 and 2014 Lok Sabha elections in the north Bengal region. BJP candidates Jaswant Singh and SS Ahluwalia were successful from Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency. The BJP, however, is able to retain some of its partners till now. The party's alliances with the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab, Lok Janshakti Party and Rashtriya Lok Samata Party in Bihar, Apna Dal in Uttar Pradesh, RPI-A in Maharashtra, AINRC in Puducherry, NPP in Meghalaya are still intact. The party has lost Mehbooba Mufti's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir and Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha in Bihar. These parties were not in an alliance with the BJP in 2014. The BJP has also gained some new allies since 2014. Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) in Bihar, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) in Assam, SDF in Sikkim, IPFT in Tripura, Vijay Sardesai's Goa Forward Party (GFP) in Goa, Sajad Lone's JKPC in Jammu and Kashmir, BDJS in Kerala, OP Rajbhar's SBSP in Uttar Pradesh and Narayan Rane's Maharashtra Swabhimaan Paksh are some of them. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Russian Soyuz spacecraft has landed one astronaut each from the US and Canada and a cosmonaut from Russia, on the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft was launched on Monday from cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Soyuz has Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, NASA astronaut Anne McClain and the Canadian Space Agency's David Saint-Jacques on board. Saint-Jacques and McClain were on board for the first time, while Kononenko has already logged 533 days in space and this trip will be his fourth mission. ALSO READ | Russian space agency set to launch first manned mission McClain, Saint-Jacques and Konenenko docked to the space station's Poisk module at 12.33 p.m. after a four-orbit, six-hour journey, and opened the hatch between the two spacecraft at 2.37 p.m., and are adjusting to life, NASA said in a statement on Tuesday. Minutes after take-off, Roscosmos said the capsule was in orbit. NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine meanwhile thanked the US and Russian teams "for their dedication to making this launch a success". The three crew members will also conduct experiments in forest observation, robotic refuelling and satellite deployment. On Monday, the cosmonauts on board brushed aside any possible safety concerns, saying the risk was just part of the job. "We are psychologically and technically prepared for blast-off and any situation which, God forbid, may occur on board." "We feel very ready for it," NASA astronaut McClain said. Canadas Saint-Jacques, 48, described the Soyuz spacecraft as incredibly safe. ALSO READ | InSight spacecrafts quake sensor has landed at slight angle: NASA The new arrivals to the ISS will join the European Space Agency's Alexander Gerst, NASA's Serena Aunon-Chancellor and Russia's Sergey Prokopyev, who have been in orbit since June but are due to fly back to Earth on December 20. The first failed mission raised concerns about Moscows Soviet-designed spacecraft, however, Russias Rocosmos space agency has confirmed that the previous aborted mission was caused by a faulty sensor. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: After a highly classified briefing by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director Gina Haspel, US senators were on Tuesday certain that Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman was involved in Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggis killing. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker said that if the crown prince were to appear before a jury, he would be convicted in 30 minutes, according to news reports. Republican senator Lindsey Graham said that there is zero chance that MBS (a popular name for the Saudi crown prince). Though the senators were not allowed to disclose the details of the briefing but going by their reactions, it could be made out that the CIA had incriminating evidence to prove that the Crown Prince was behind the killing of the Saudi journalist. Read More | Amid rift with United States, Iran threatens to cut off Gulf oil Jamal Khashoggi was highly critical of the Saudi crown prince and had labelled him a beast and pac-man adding that more victims he eats, the more he wants, as reported by news agency ANI. As many as 400 WhatsApp messages were exchanged between Khashoggi and Canada-based activist and fellow Saudi exile Omar Abdulaziz. A number of messages were believed to be intercepted by Saudi officials this year in August, prompting Khashoggi to write God help us. He was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul two months later on October 2. Also Read | Kashmir issue: This is what Atal Bihari Vajpayee told Imran Khan On Sunday, Abdulaziz filed a lawsuit in a Tel Aviv court wherein he said that he was friends with Khashoggi and worked with him on a project meant to rein in pro-monarchy Saudi trolls. The lawsuit said Abdulaziz received and clicked on a link sent to his phone in June 2018 that he argues exposed his mobile communications to Saudi authorities. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Julia and her three young children are struggling to get back on their feet after a cancer diagnosis rocked their family this year. Her 10-year-old child has been diagnosed with cancer and just finished a round of treatment. But the situation left Julia unable to work for the past two months while her child underwent a series of surgeries and treatments at a medical facility more than three hours away, forcing her other children to stay with extended family during that time. The whole family is finally back together and Julia is searching for a part-time job to help pay for her childs ongoing medical expenses. A gift of $1,500 would help Julia catch up on her mortgage and car payments. The News-Times partners each holiday season with United Way of Western Connecticut to help raise money for families like Julias through the The Giving Fund. The organization administers the fund free of charge, so 100 percent of donations go directly to those who need it. Donations are collected for each case until it is fully funded. Since the partnership started, more than $500,000 has been raised for families in need. Any donations received above the amount needed will benefit other, underfunded cases. Donations can be given at https://www.uwwesternct.org/thegivingfund. Checks can also be mailed to The Giving Fund, P.O. Box 1001, Danbury, CT 06813. This weeks six cases: Case #113: Although Cami and her two children arrived in a shelter several months ago, her young daughters continue to make it to school every day. As a result of their hardships, the girls are working through a delayed speech pattern with their school and Cami has seen great improvements over the past several months. The family is ready to transition out of the shelter, but they are struggling to afford a security deposit. A gift of $1,500 would help this young family find a home of their own. Case #114: is Julias case. Case #115: Longtime teacher Annie was diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer this year and has since undergone chemotherapy and surgery. Annie, who is in her 60s, had to leave her job due to the side effects of the treatment despite the financial hardship she knew it would mean. Even though the chemotherapy has ended, she is still healing from the other illnesses that arose from the treatment. A gift of $1,200 would help Annie pay for her quarterly real estate taxes while she continues to recover. Case #116: Pamela and her 12-year-old daughter have been able to find a safe, affordable place to live after years of mental and physical abuse from Pamelas ex-husband. But Pamelas daughter lost several teeth due to the violence and is in need of expensive dental work to repair her smile. She is very self conscious about her appearance, especially at an impressionable age, but the dentistry is more than they can afford. A gift of $1,500 would help cover the cost to begin the dental repair and give Pamelas daughter her self-esteem back. Case #117: April and her young daughter find themselves living in a shelter after they became unable to make ends meet to afford a home of their own. April has always held several part-time jobs and was recently able to secure full-time work that allows her to keep one of her part-time jobs. But April is not able to receive state assistance, so nearly all of her earnings are spent simply paying for her and her daughters living expenses, let alone savings to return to their own home. A gift of $1,500 would provide April with a security deposit to put toward an apartment. Case #118: Lisa is a dedicated church volunteer, but at 60 years old she is facing significant health problems. Her adult son lives with her, but he is disabled and unable to contribute financially to their household. That has left Lisa unable to pay for heating oil, often foregoing food in order to have enough heat to survive. She gave her only heavy winter coat to her son. A gift of $1,500 would pay for heating oil and get a new coat, hat and gloves for Lisa. The Community Culinary School of Northwestern CT is selling assortments of cookies and hors doeuvres for the holidays. One-pound cookie trays cost $12 and the 24-piece hors doeuvres assortments are $30 each. All proceeds from this sale benefit the school directly. DANBURY Uncertain about how a company will provide health care in the area, Sharon residents on Tuesday night spoke out against a proposal to merge two hospital networks in western Connecticut and the Hudson Valley. Under the merger, a new company would oversee the Danbury-based Western Connecticut Health Network and Hudson Valley-based Health Quest Systems, creating a $2.4 billion medical system to serve 1.5 million people in New York and western Connecticut. Under the proposal, Danbury, Norwalk and New Milford hospitals would join forces with Health Quests four hospitals, including Sharon Hospital, which it acquired last year. Its other hospitals are in Poughkeepsie, Carmel and Rhinebeck, N.Y. But residents on Tuesday said Health Quest has already reneged on its word, not even a year into its three-year agreement when it announced Sharon Hospital was closing its maternity unit and then giving conflicting explanations about what would happen. Residents said this created mistrust in Health Quest and they asked the state to hold off on approving the merger until Health Quest reveals how they will continue to provide services. Health Quest Services President Robert Friedberg said the hospital always intended to offer maternity services. But challenges arose when Sharon OB announced it was leaving the network, causing Health Quest to hire other obstetricians who have already left because they werent able to deliver a lot of babies. Our commitment is to provide services as long as we have obstetricians, he said. Tuesdays hearing is part of Connecticuts approval process for the plan, which needs to be approved by New York and the Federal Trade Commission. The presidents of both networks said the plan allows for better access to care, offers more choices, as well as creates more programs to better serve the communities needs. They said a larger network allows them to better recruit physicians and become more efficient. The merger would create a network of about 2,600 physicians and 12,000 employees. Both organizations are financially strong and deeply rooted in the community, said John Murphy, president of the Western Connecticut Health Network in Danbury. Murphy said creating the larger network allows them to make the needed investments in technology and people in the changing health care field. The two presidents stressed the similarities in the two networks vision. We both can develop and strengthen our commitment to medical education, Murphy said. Health Quest is working with Marist College in Poughkeepsie to develop a school of medicine to train physicians. The first class is expected to start in 2022. Western Connecticut State University in Danbury already has a program with the University of Vermont School of Medicine. Some of the residents asked those medical students work in Sharon Hospital so they can experience a rural community. Providing care for a rural community was the biggest concern raised by the public. You hear about the good things of efficiencies, but in rural areas we know by nature that health care is more expensive, said Rep.-elect Maria Horn, who will represent Sharon and the rest of the state House 64th district when the new Legislature is sworn in in January. We worry about services being rolled into larger hospitals. Murphy said they use iPads to work with doctors at different hospitals to create care plans in the field and at New Milford Hospital, and a similar approach could be done for Sharon Hospital. He stressed the need for community involvement at all of the hospitals. Each hospital will have a local board of directors to report to the board that oversees the overall network to ensure the ciommunities needs are being met. We believe in the moral sense that the communities own the hospitals, Murphy said. Its terribly important to have open channels of communication. Sharon residents said Health Quest wasnt working with the community, to the point that the Fund for Community Health and Health Quest are going to court because the fund hasnt gotten any of the information or interaction it needs. They applauded Murphys response and praised the Western Connecticut Health Networks approach to the rolling out programs using community needs assessments. On Oct. 27, 2015, outdoor recreation specialty retailer REI sent a letter to its 5.5 million co-op members. It would be closing its stores on Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. The company would also give all of its 12,000 employees a paid holiday so they could get outside and enjoy nature, something at the heart of the REI message. Later, as the national shop til you drop fiesta grew closer, the company released a television ad about the shutdown featuring the Twitter hashtag #OptOutside. They launched a website, optoutside.rei.com, where users could find trail suggestions and other outdoor recreation ideas. It was a doubling down on their brands -- both their consumer brand and their employer brand. Did the risk pay off? On the consumer brand side, it appears the answer is a resounding, You bet your hiking boots! Apart from garnering REI enormous press coverage, the Black Friday closure boosted the companys online sales on Black Friday by 26 percent. More than 1,408,000 people joined the campaign on the companys social media channels. More important, the decision was a full-throated shout of authenticity backing up the co-ops stated brand and values -- bold and trust-building support of REIs promise to both its customers and employees. Related: The Ultimate Guide To Keep Momentum Up In Your Company Jumping on the brandwagon. Todays businesses operate in an economy where brand is everything. A brand represents a set of promises made to the consumer. Companies are constantly working to build, enhance and defend their brands. But when the world began this decades-long love affair with the brand, we forgot that the brands promise affects employees, too. Your brand promise or employer brand contract consists of everything your culture, marketing, reputation, media coverage and the behavior of your people does to create expectations in your employees. What makes this contract tricky to manage is that it can, and will, affect employee expectations before employees even become employees. Before employees have their first interview, your brand has already made certain promises about culture, reputation in the community, working expectations and company values. These promises may or may not be explicit, meaning they dont have to be written down and presented to candidates before they apply for the job. However, they have already formed an idea, gathered through your website, word of mouth, recommendations from other employees, social media, community involvement and even their own experience with your products or services. This brand contract makes certain promises about what the company will offer employees. Your ability to recruit talent is either enhanced or damaged by your brand. Employers in all industries are reporting being ghosted by potential hires that no-show for interviews or their first day on the job. What is the word out there about your company? Does it attract talent, or run off any potential recruit before they even click on the job link? Your employer brand also plays a key role in whether employees will choose to engage in their roles once they climb aboard. Related: Here's How to Stay One Big Step Ahead of Your Changing Talent Pool Your brand is in trouble. The problem is, some blame their ineffective recruiting and high employee turnover on the economy or other factors, rather than taking a good look at how the employer brand may be hurting or helping. So, how do you know when your employer brand is in trouble? The five signs below are sure indicators that your brand is suffering. Recruiting difficulties. Sure, were operating in a time when there are more job openings than employees to fill them. But similar to a consumer brand, potential buyers -- employees in the case of the employer brand -- will flock to those with an appealing brand. When it starts being more and more difficult to recruit talent, even taking into account a difficult recruiting environment, your brand may not be attractive. If you are seeing a slowdown in the number of applicants for open positions, if job ghosting is a problem, if your quality of new-hires seems lower, or if your level of employee-employer fit seems to be declining, your employer brand may be in trouble. Decreased engagement. Every organization should be conducting periodic engagement surveys of its people, both formally and informally. If you do, and you see marked negative changes in engagement indicators from one survey to the next, thats a red flag that you may have issues with your brand contract. True, it may also be a harbinger of other problems, but lower engagement scores should get you looking critically at what your brand is saying to employees. Research in the Customer Experience (CX) world parallels what we find in the Employee Experience (EX) world -- both promoters and detractors spread the word. In the first half of 2018, employee engagement firm DecisionWise analyzed the survey results from more than 200 firms asked to evaluate the statement, I would recommend this company to others as a great place to work. The results showed that for every six promoters (those responding strongly agree or agree) there was an average of one detractor (those responding with a strongly disagree). That's a 6:1 ratio, meaning that, on average, for every six ambassadors you have employed in your company, there is one employee doing what he or she can to tear your brand apart. Increased employee focus on pay, benefits and perks. Its been proven time and again. When employees feel part of a larger purpose and believe that their employer shares their values, they care less about compensation, perks and other hygiene factors. Thats not to say those things arent important. They are. But if concern for those factors rises -- if you see an increasing number of employees asking about raises or grousing that a competitor has a better benefits package, for example -- that might be a sign that your brand is no longer communicating a purpose or set of values that resonates with them. They look to other factors (more pay, increased perks, etc.) to justify their employment. When that happens, you need to revisit your employer brand. Cynicism. Cynicism is cancer to any organization. It starts small, spreads quickly, and can be deadly. Employees are cynical when they become convinced that the organization cannot be trusted to keep its promises, including the promises made in the brand contract. They doubt the future. For instance, youll hear them complaining that a new management initiative is more of the same. Thats an indicator of a brand contract emergency and needs to be addressed ASAP. Fear of change. A consistent, strong brand and culture give employees a sense of safety that keeps them feeling confident, even when the organization is changing. Fear of change and risk hampers innovation and creativity. If your people are exhibiting a greater fear of change, or if innovation appears to be stalled, you have a problem with your employer brand. Related: How to Build Your Employer Brand With Social Media REI gets it. Your consumer brand can make or break your organization. So can your employer brand. The employer brand sets expectations around the employee experience. So, ask yourself the question, What is my employer brand, and is it enhancing or detracting from our success? Related: 5 Signs Your Employer Brand Is in Trouble Five Things to Keep in Mind Before Launching a Fashion Brand From Scratch How U.K. Startups Can Improve Britain's Image After Brexit by Empowering Their Own Brands Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved BEIRUT - Among the presidents, prime ministers, kings and princes who have traveled to Moscow over the past year to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin are some of the United States' closest allies, who once might have been expected to devote their travel time to Washington. There's a new power rising in the Middle East, and it needs to be wooed. Three decades after the Soviet Union collapsed and the United States emerged as the undisputed superpower in the Middle East, a resurgent Russia is back. Under the personal direction of Putin, Russia is stepping into the vacuum left by the disengagement of the Obama administration and the unpredictability of the Trump one to challenge the United States' dominant role in the region. Russian oilmen, arms dealers and financiers have been fanning out across the region, striking billions of dollars' worth of deals, reviving old relationships and forging new ones from Libya to the Persian Gulf. At the center of it all is Putin, whose strongman image resonates with the region's authoritarian rulers at a time when doubts are growing about Washington's commitment to the Middle East. Russia's 2015 military intervention in Syria has given Putin perhaps the single biggest boost, burnishing his credentials as a decisive and effective leader who delivers what he set out to achieve: the survival of President Bashar Assad. It also positioned Putin at the nexus of the Middle East's overlapping conflicts, leveraging Russia's influence far beyond Syria's borders to include all the countries with a stake in the outcome of the war - foes such as Israel and Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey. As a result, he is frequently been on the phone with U.S. allies such as Turkey and Israel - nearly three dozen times with the leaders of those two countries just in the past year. Apart from Syria, Russia has shown little inclination to wade into most of the region's myriad conflicts, such as the Yemen war, the Arab-Israeli peace process and the dispute between Qatar and its neighbors. But Putin has welcomed anyone who wants to visit, making Moscow a must-stop destination for leaders with a problem to solve. "Putin is effectively working as the psychoanalyst of the region," said Malik Dahlan, a Saudi who is a professor of international law and public policy at Queen Mary University of London. "The Russians are happy to hear all sides, and anyone who wants to speak, they're happy to listen." The U.S.-allied leaders who have traveled to Moscow this year include Saudi Arabia's King Salman, who gave President Donald Trump a lavish welcome in Riyadh last year but then chose Moscow over Washington for his first and so far only official overseas visit - the first visit ever by a Saudi monarch to Russia. The emir of Qatar unexpectedly flew to Moscow to meet with Putin on the eve of his visit to Washington in April, earning a rebuke from the Trump administration. The crown prince of Abu Dhabi, a close U.S. ally, declined an invitation to Washington this spring, diplomats say. But he traveled to Moscow in June, his seventh trip in five years, signing a "strategic partnership" agreement with Putin. Most recently, Egyptian President Abdel-Fatah el-Sissi in October made his fourth visit to Moscow - compared with one to Washington - and also signed a strategic-partnership agreement with Putin in the Russian resort town of Sochi, marking a significant shift of a U.S. ally toward Russia. The meetings are providing Putin with new levers of influence just when the United States is drawing down forces in the Middle East, in part to counter Russian and Chinese expansion elsewhere. His hearty greeting at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman illustrated the personal rapport Putin is establishing with regional leaders. Those visits are also translating at times into substantive policy. An agreement between Russia and Saudi Arabia to cut oil production, resulting from King Salman's Moscow visit last year, has given Russia new weight in world energy markets. The joint announcement Monday that the two countries would further cut production reflects an emerging partnership that has the potential to rival the clout of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. When not hosting visitors, Putin is often on the telephone, usually sorting out problems relating to Syria but, in the process, cultivating close relationships with some of the United States' dearest friends. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Trump a "true friend" of Israel, has spoken 11 times on the phone with Putin over the past year and only three times with Trump, according to a tally of the calls reported on Putin and Netanyahu's websites. Netanyahu has visited Moscow four times in the past year. He's visited Washington twice since Trump became president. It's unclear whether their rapport will survive building tensions between Israel and Iran in Syria and also Lebanon, where the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia has expanded its influence. They have spoken only once since the downing of a Russian plane in Syria in September, which Moscow blamed on Israel. But phone calls between Putin and Netanyahu at the time played a part in tamping down the worst of the animosity, diplomats say. Turkey, a longtime U.S. ally and NATO partner with a centuries-old history of rivalry with Russia, has been drifting deeper into Moscow's orbit of influence as their cooperation in Syria expands and relations with the United States have become strained. According to a count of their interactions, Turkey's President Recep Tayyep Erdogan in the past year has spoken 20 times on the phone with Putin and seven times with Trump. Erdogan's decision to purchase Russia's advanced S-400 missile system, which Moscow says will be delivered next year, offers one example of how their burgeoning relationship could challenge the cohesion of NATO. Russia has also been warming up to Lebanon and Iraq, both U.S. allies and recipients of U.S. military aid. In Iraq, Moscow has completed arms deals with the government, invested in a strategically significant oil pipeline linking the Iraqi region of Kurdistan to Turkey and opened an intelligence-sharing center with the Iraqi military in Baghdad, signaling its return to a country lost as an ally after the United States toppled Saddam Hussein. Lebanon came under intense U.S. pressure earlier this year to rebuff a $1 billion arms deal offered by Russia that would have ended a decades-old U.S. and Western monopoly on supplying aid to the Lebanese army, according to a Lebanese government official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the subject. Late last month, however, Prime Minister Saad Hariri accepted a donation of "millions of Kalashnikov bullets" from Russia, which will be given to the internal security forces, his office said. Putin recognizes that many of the Middle East's problems cannot easily be solved, Russian officials say. Becoming too deeply entangled in the region's disputes might expose the limits of Russian capabilities, which they acknowledge lag far behind those of the United States. "The Russians understand their limits very well. I don't think Russia wants to replace America everywhere, and it would be very costly," said Yury Barmin of the Russian International Affairs Council. He sees much that is ad hoc and opportunistic in Russia's pursuit of influence. To the extent that Russia has a military strategy for the region, he said, it is focused on the Mediterranean. Russia has secured long-term basing rights for its forces in Syria, including an expanded naval base at Tartus, giving Russia its strongest presence ever in the Mediterranean. Moscow has also been extending its reach into Egypt, a U.S. ally since the 1970s. After the Obama administration suspended some arms sales to Egypt in 2014 over human rights abuses, Russia stepped in to sell fighter jets and attack helicopters. That has been followed by a deal giving Russia the right to use Egyptian military bases and a commitment to hold regular joint military exercises. In neighboring Libya, another former Soviet ally, Russian military officials have established a close relationship with the Libyan warlord Khalifa Hifter while signing oil deals with the U.N.-backed Libyan government, potentially positioning Moscow to play a role in any future peace settlement among Libya's warring parties. "Very generally, the Mediterranean has been of strategic importance to Russia for a long time," Barmin said. "Russia sees that region as a crucial area for hard power, for countering NATO." Elsewhere, Russia's role has largely focused on business deals, which serve the dual purpose of compensating for the impact of U.S. and European sanctions on Russia and cementing its role as a regional influencer, said Carole Nakhle, an energy expert at Britain's Surrey University. Russian companies have signed billions of dollars worth of deals in oil and gas ventures in markets as diverse as Saudi Arabia, the region's mega-producer of oil, and Iraqi Kurdistan, one of the newest and smallest oil producers. Russia's state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom has contracts to build nuclear reactors in five Middle Eastern countries, giving Moscow a long-term foothold in their infrastructure and transportation networks. This is not a return to the era of the Cold War, in which Moscow and Washington competed for the loyalties of regional powers and Middle Eastern countries had to choose sides, analysts say. Even with Russia's extended commitment in Syria, its presence in the region is "nowhere near as robust" as it was during the Cold War, when Russia maintained thousands of troops in Egypt as well as Syria, said Bruce Riedel of the Brookings Institution. The United States maintains about 45,000 troops in the Middle East, according to the Heritage Foundation, mostly on bases in Persian Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. A total of about 60,000 Russian troops have served in Syria at some point in the past three years, according to figures published by the Defense Ministry. Though that is a higher number than what Russia had previously acknowledged, the troops serve rotations and the total number at any given time is thought to be far smaller. Russia has boasted of a surge in regional sales of its weapons, newly tried and tested on the Syrian battlefield. But this increase is part the overall growth in the region's purchases of arms, and the United States is also seeing a big increase in exports to the Middle East, said Ben Moores, who tracks Russian weapons sales for the IHS Markit defense consultancy. Russia has nearly doubled its weapons exports to the region over the past five years, with $24 billion worth of orders due to be fulfilled over the next decade, Moores said. By comparison, U.S. sales have increased by almost as much, and U.S. companies have booked more than $81 billion in deliveries due over the equivalent period. In an October address to a forum of regional leaders in Bahrain, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis sought to dispel the notion that United States was disengaging from the region and that Russia could step in to replace it. "I make clear Russia's presence in the region cannot replace the long-standing, enduring and transparent U.S. commitment to the Middle East," he said, adding later, "We are going to continue to stay committed here, and in no way are we walking away from this." Yet even as the United States maintains a vast economic, military and technological advantage over Russia, increasingly it is Russia that is seen as the go-to power for a region consumed by crises and unsure of Washington's reliability, said Riad Kahwaji, who heads the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis. "Russia has managed to create the perception in the Middle East that it is more powerful, more capable and more relevant than the United States," he said. "It's not how much power you have. It's how you use it. The United States has all these troops and bases, and Russia has a fraction of that. But Russia uses its power more effectively." - - - The Washington Post's Natasha Abukammova in Moscow and Ruth Eglash in Jerusalem contributed to this report. WASHINGTON - Lawmakers pressed the Trump administration Tuesday over its continued involvement in Yemen's civil war, as widespread civilian suffering and staunch White House support for Saudi Arabia's campaign there fuel opposition on Capitol Hill. Senators' skeptical questioning of high-level nominees provides new indications of how the administration's defense of Saudi Arabia, despite the punishing Yemen conflict and the kingdom's role in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has become a defining issue for bipartisan critics of President Donald Trump's foreign policy. Since 2015, the United States has provided military support, including intelligence sharing, logistics help and, until last month, refueling of combat aircraft, to Saudi Arabia and other nations battling Iranian-linked Houthi rebels in Yemen. The war has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of Yemenis unable to access adequate food and medical care. Critics warn that continued U.S. aid to the Saudi-led coalition will perpetuate the war and possibly allow millions more to slip into deprivation. Marine Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, Trump's nominee to lead U.S. Central Command, argued the opposite view, telling members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that U.S. involvement advances the goal of a peace deal between the Houthis and the internationally backed Yemeni government. "I believe our ability to participate and drive those discussions require that we remain in contact with both [the United Arab Emirates] and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he said. The UAE is also conducting operations against Houthi positions in Yemen. McKenzie spoke less than a week after the Senate voted to advance legislation that would force the military to end its role in the Houthi conflict. While opposition has been growing quietly for months, critics have been galvanized by the Trump administraiton's backing of Saudi leaders after the gruesome murder and dismemberment of Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributing columnist who was a prominent critic of the royal family. That legislation is expected to be taken up again next week. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., voiced exasperation at what he characterized as a "credibility issue" rooted in the administration's depiction of its role in the war. "We have had military leaders look at the Senate and say that we are not involved in hostilities to support either side in the Yemeni civil war," Kaine said. "One of the reasons that we're having this debate . . . is we don't like being told - and we're proxies for the American public - we don't like being told we're not involved in hostilities, when bombs that are falling are made in the United States and when U.S. jets are involved in refueling Saudi bombing runs into Yemen," he said. "We're insulted by that. . . . We don't find that to be believable." Pentagon lawyers have long asserted that the U.S. role in Yemen does not meet the legal threshold for involvement in hostilities. Lawmakers had a second opportunity to air their views hours later when Christopher Henzel, nominated to become the next U.S. ambassador to Yemen, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Henzel now serves as the charge d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Questions about Yemen dominated a hearing to confirm a spate of diplomatic nominees. The testimonies occurred as the warring parties prepare to attend U.N.-brokered peace discussions in Sweden which, if successful, would be a milestone in an otherwise bleak outlook for Yemen. Henzel, like McKenzie, defended U.S. support for the coalition, which he said had taken steps to reduce civilian casualties caused by air operations targeting the Houthis. Critics argue that little action has been taken and even less meaningful progress has been made. American involvement, the nominees said, remains important at setting conditions conducive to a parallel campaign against Islamist extremists who have sought to target the West, an operation that has been a priority for the Pentagon. McKenzie said al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) had been 'significantly degraded' in counterterrorism operations over the past year. The testimony provided further indication that the Trump administration shares Persian Gulf nations' view that Yemen has become a key theater for Iran's attempt to expand its influence across the Middle East. "The war in Yemen has complicated our ongoing counterterrorism efforts and has facilitated Iran's ambitions, further threatening regional stability," Henzel said in his prepared testimony. Last week U.S. officials unveiled new weaponry they said shows Iran's support to the Houthis, who have fired missiles into Saudi Arabia and attacked Gulf ships at sea. The hearings took place as CIA Director Gina Haspel made a separate appearance to brief key senators on U.S. intelligence related to Khashoggi's death. While the kingdom has identified a group of men it says were responsible for murdering Khashoggi, a growing group of lawmakers contends the administration needs to do more to determine what hand Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may have had. Saudi authorities have said it was a rogue operation. McKenzie, who testified alongside Lt. Gen. Richard Clarke, who has been nominated to lead U.S. Special Operations Command, also characterized the war in Afghanistan as a "largely stalemated" despite 17 years of U.S. and allied involvement. He voiced confidence that conditions were aligning in favor of peace talks with the Taliban but warned that Afghan forces were unlikely to be able to defend the country successfully if foreign forces departed precipitously. Clarke, for his part, said that he would work to adapt America's Special Operations force to meet the Pentagon's new mandate to compete more effectively with Russia and China, while also maintaining their nearly 20-year focus on extremist groups. --- The Washington Post's Karoun Demirjian and Shane Harris contributed to this report. DEPOSIT, N.Y. -- A drug bust in Binghamton yielded a kilogram of fentanyl -- enough to kill as many as 500,000 people, according to Johnson City police. In addition to fentanyl, officers found 1 kilogram of heroin, 2 kilograms of methamphetamines and approximately $2,400 in cash, police said. Marlon Graham, 36, and Johannah DeGraw, 30, were arrested at 62 1/2 Wheeler St. in the Village of Deposit, which straddles Broome and Delaware counties. Deposit is approximately 35 minutes from Binghamton. Police estimated the 500,000 lethal doses by dividing the kilogram by a typically lethal dose. The Drug Enforcement Administration estimates a 2 milligram dose is lethal for most people. Here are the estimated street values for the drugs, according to the Broome County Sheriff's Office: 1 kilogram of fentanyl: $1,000,000 1 kilogram of heroin: $100,000-$250,000 2 kilograms of meth: $181,000-$217,000 "We see by the seizures that we take off the street, we're not going to arrest our way out of this," said Johnson City Police Chief Brent Dodge. DeGraw and Graham have been arrested together previously, police said. The investigation lasted at least two months. Police said they are working with the FBI and the United States Attorney's Office in the area to determine whether the case will be tried federally. A child was also found in the home during the bust. The child is now in the maternal grandmother's care, police said. The arrests were made by the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force, which includes law enforcement agencies from the county. What will the moon be used for and how big could moon bases be? The main things that I can see as near-term uses for the moon are 1. Source of water for space operations that is many times cheaper than bringing water from the Earth. Lunar mining for water and ISRU for lunar cement. Fuel for satellites and other beyond earth orbit operations. 2. Moon as a destination for Antarctic scale science operations 3. Dark side of the moon for 100 meter or even kilometer size grand space observatories. Telescopes in a vacuum and can be made giant in one-sixth gravity and using lunar cement for structure. 4. Part of a network of facilities for expanding space operations 5. Significant Moon tourism when the cost drops toward $200,000 to $1,000,000 per person. Moon tourism cost could drop a lot when there is the SpaceX Super Heavy Starship. Other things to reduce costs are the lunar fuel and Momentus style tugs to move from low earth orbit to high earth orbit or to go to the moon. Lunar cyclers would also reduce cost while increasing the safety of going to moon. Cyclers could be large space stations with the mass for radiation protection and rotation for gravity. They would be cruise ships going to the moon and destinations of their own. In total there could be justification and activity Lunar Mined Water for Space Operations A 189-page study by Philip Metzger has identified a near-term annual demand of 450 metric tons of lunar-derived propellant. 2,450 metric tons of processed lunar water could generate $2.4 billion of revenue annually. The study was funded by United Launch Alliance so they do not mention SpaceX. Antarctic Scale Science for the Eighth Continent I just wrote an article for Universe Today and talked about the need to build gas stations on the moon and to have McMurdo Antarctic station scale outposts on the moon. McMurdo Station has the highest population of any Antarctic base. Antarctica and the moon are somewhat similar in size and both have tough conditions. They are mostly barren. There are dozens of permanent and summertime bases sprinkled around the Antarctic. McMurdo has up 1,000 people in it in the summer and about 200 people year round. It had a 1.8 megawatt reactor for ten years many years ago. It was a bad reactor design and had a lot of operational issues. They now mostly use diesel. The moon can have water produced from large amounts of lunar ice. This can be converted into fuel. It can be hydrogen and oxygen fuel or it can be the 80% weight of oxygen to go with methane brought from earth. There are areas where relatively small patches of lunar area have enough ice for 320 kilowatts of electricity to power mining operations for 1640 tons of fuel. McMurdo has a $300 million plan to update its facilities. It normally operates with about $70 million per year in operating budget. This operating budget may not include some of the transportation, supplies and logistical support from the Navy or governmental or quasi-governmental authority. There are a couple of dozen nations with bases or sharing bases in Antarctica. Total multinational Antarctic operations is in the range of $500 million per year now. Antartica was cutting edge continental frontier in the first half of the 20th century. The moon will be the eighth continent of science for 2020-2070. NASA does have a $21 billion budget. Global Moon science could be $2-8 billion per year. Moon Telescope There has been small UV-sensitive telescope on the Moon since 2013. China landed it as part of the Change 3 lander. There were studies of lunar telescopes using spinning disk of liquid with a reflective surface, lining the interior of one of the millions of bowl-shaped craters on the Moon. Such an instrument would extend for kilometers, making a gigantic eye to look at the universe. Liquid mirror telescopes already have been constructed on Earth. Lunar soil could be made into lunar cement and be used as the support structure for a large telescope. A crater could be smoothed into a telescope-shaped area to make a telescope. The lower gravity of the moon could allow a larger structure to be made. It is better to have a telescope in vacuum than with atmosphere and the moon has no atmosphere. They would be cross between a space telescope floating in space and Earth based telescope. GREENWICH As President George H.W. Bush lies in state in Washington, D.C., his legacy and ties to Greenwich will be commemorated in classrooms, exhibits and the pews of his former church. The Greenwich Historical Society has mounted an exhibit devoted to the 41st president, who spent his formative years in Greenwich, and where he met his future wife at the Round Hill Country Club. A collection of Bush memorabilia, including photos, news stories and event programs, are on display through Friday at the historical societys museum gallery at 47 Strickland Road, Cos Cob. The special Bush exhibit is free and open to the public, while admission will still be charged for the other historical society exhibits. Greenwich Country Day School, where the president attended school and went to class by limousine, is also remembering its most famous alumnus with an assembly at 8 a.m. Wednesday in which Bushs life and legacy will be discussed. At GCDS, we also look back to the time when as a young student he showed so much promise, the school administration said in a statement. When GCDS Headmaster Adam Rohdie met with Bush at his home in Kennebunkport, Maine, in 2009, the former president told him about the importance of community service and giving back. At GCDS, we believe that everything we do is in an effort to build character, and when talking with parents, I often think back to that conversation and President George H.W. Bushs words about the importance of learning strong values at an early age, Rohdie said. Today we honor his commitment to leadership through service and his optimistic determination to make the world a better place for the next generation. At Christ Church in Greenwich, where Bush and his family were congregants, the former president will be mentioned in the service and honored this Sunday, the church administration said. Greenwich High School will observe a moment of silence Wednesday, a national day of mourning, in the former presidents memory. Educators and students will be remembering Bushs place in history and what he stood for in classroom discussions, according to to Michael Antonaccio, the communications specialist for Greenwich Public Schools. At the Greenwich Public Library, a row of books on Bush and his life are available for review in the lobby of the main branch. The books include a compilation of Bushs letters, a recent biography by Jon Meacham and a family memoir about George and Barbara Bush by his grandchildren. Meacham will speak at the former presidents funeral service Wednesday in Washington. He also spoke at Barbara Bushs funeral in April. Bush died Friday at the age of 94. His wife predeceased him about eight months before at the age of 92. The former president because acquainted with public service at an early age, as his father, Prescott Bush, served as moderator of the Representative Town Meeting in Greenwich. The family resided at a 1903 Victorian house at 15 Grove Lane with a wraparound porch. Bush wrote of his childhood years and his parents: They were our biggest boosters, always there when we needed them. They believed in an old-fashioned way of bringing up a family generous measures of both love and discipline. Bush stood out at a young age. One day, Bush will become a leader, his fifth-grade teacher wrote. At a Christmas dance at the Round Hill Club, he met a 16-year-old boarding-school student from Rye, N.Y., the former Barbara Pierce. The two married while Bush was serving in the U.S. Navy. Bush was a regular visitor to his old hometown. When he was vice president in 1986, when he flew in for a rally at Greenwich High School. He attended the funeral for his brother, Prescott Bush Jr., at Christ Church in 2010. The state funeral will be held Wednesday in Washington, and Bush will be interred in Texas on Thursday. NEW YORK Pat Comunale didnt mince words Wednesday when he finally got his chance to address the man convicted of killing his son. This coward is no Rocky, Comunale said in the Manhattan courtroom, referencing a recorded jailhouse conversation the defendant had about beating the charges like Rocky. He is a punk who went from jail to the penthouse and back to jail, where he belongs, all because hes stupid. James Rackover one of two men accused of killing 26-year-old Joey Comunale in 2016 was sentenced Wednesday to more than 28 years to life in prison. Judge James Burke issued the maximum sentence to Rackover, 27, who was found guilty last month of killing Comunale, a popular Westhill High School graduate. Rackover was also found guilty of concealment of a human corpse and hindering prosecution. Burke sentenced Rackover to 25 years for the murder and 3 2/3 years for the lesser charges. He will be eligible for parole in 2047. Rob Caliendo, one of Rackovers attorneys, said his client will appeal the sentence. Pat Comunale called his sons murder monstrous and living proof of pure evil. Joey was everything to us, he said before the sentencing. We wake up every day with the horror of what happened to him theres no more holidays, no more birthdays, just days that go by. Lawrence Dilione, who has also been charged with murder, will go on trial next. A third man, Max Gemma, was also in the apartment when Comunale was killed, according to police. Gemma was charged with hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence. He is expected to go to trial last. Comunale had just met Dilione outside a New York nightclub and accompanied him and five others to Rackovers apartment on Nov. 13, 2016. While inside the apartment, Dilione and Rackover allegedly beat, stabbed and attempted to dismember Comunale, then threw his body out of a 30-foot-high window. Police said they then drove 60 miles to Oceanport, N.J., where they buried the body in a shallow grave. In brief comments to Burke, Assistant District Attorney Antoinette Carter said Rackover, an ex-con from Florida, was afforded a comfortable life because of his relationship with his surrogate father, Jeffrey Rackover, who helped him get a job, a home in a posh Sutton Place apartment, as well as a Mercedes-Benz. Jeffrey Rackover, known as the jeweler to the stars, boasts famous clients including Melania Trump, Oprah and Jennifer Lopez. Carter said the defendant took the Rackover name as a way to conceal their true relationship. In a lawsuit filed against Jeffrey Rackover, the Comunale family argued that father and son were actually lovers. He lived a life of unmerited privilege, Carter said of James Rackover. Maurice Sercarz, Rackovers lead attorney, argued his client was an immature victim of abuse. He said Rackover left Florida partly because of an abusive household. Sercarz said his clients parents were teenagers when they had him and his father was bipolar. Sercarz said Rackovers father beat his children regularly and abused his wife. Sercarz said Rackover was the main caregiver for the family. During his time in Florida, Rackover was arrested several times and violated probation more than once, including when he left for New York. When my client left Florida, he did it to put behind him the hardship he suffered, Sercarz said. My client has spent his entire adult life seeking the equivalent of a family. Carter said the brutal and barbaric murder of Comunale could not be blamed on Rackovers negligent biological father. Moving to New York simply became an opportunity to commit more serious crimes, Carter said, adding that Rackover had discussed plans to burglarize homes and rob friends. She claimed he stole thousands from his surrogate father. Burke said the evidence spoke volumes, even though there was no understandable reason for the crime. He argued the murder was precisely the rare case in which maximum consecutive sentences was warranted. ignacio.laguarda@hearstmediact.com NEW HAVEN Dave Cicarella, president of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, won re-election to his fifth consecutive term Tuesday by a preliminary margin of 19 votes. It was only the third time Cicarella had faced a challenge for the position; this year he had to contend with two: his longtime Vice President Tom Burns and former New Haven Teacher of the Year Cameo Thorne. After the ballots were counted at the NHFT Union Hall on Chapel Street by election firm MK Elections, Cicarella rose to the top with a preliminary total of 391 votes to Burns 372 and Thornes 122. I like to think were in good shape. Ive been here for 12 years, Cicarella said afterward about the state of the union. With a new superintendent, theres a lot of work to be done. Cicarella said he plans on continuing to lead the union in the same collaboration-focused way he says he has collaboration is not the absence of conflict, he said but he has taken on criticisms from his opponents. Cameos folks brought very different ideas to the table, he said, especially around how union leadership communicates to the public. Cicarella said he believes accessibility and communication are two of his strongest traits, but he said he understands some of the critiques about how the union gets its mission across to the public. He said Burns made mention in his campaign of how leadership needs to be tougher, and although Cicarella insisted that he is tougher behind the scenes than it may appear, he understands there may be a need to draw more lines. The people made their voice clear. My voice will be silent, Burns said after the votes were preliminarily tallied. I have no reason to have anything to do with union stuff at all. Both Cicarella and Thorne, as well as new Vice President Pat DeLucia, a special education teacher, expressed sympathy for Burns. Cicarella said its going to be strange without Burns in union leadership and compared him to a brother. DeLucia, who ran on Burns slate, said he knew leading the union had been Burns dream. Hell be around; hell be a voice for sure, he said. Well still count on his wisdom and knowledge. From the moment she announced her candidacy, Thorne took issue with what she said is a lack of transparency with the election process, which she believes favors incumbents. The membership is not engaged, she said, and she pointed to how only about 400 of the approximately 1,800 members in the union voted in the election three years ago as proof. In a democracy, everybody needs to know when, where, what and who, she said. Because of campaigning rules, as well as the unions decision not to allow candidates the opportunity to post biographies on the union website, she believed crucial information about the election was not getting out. She said she sent fliers out to homes, which starts to become prohibitive in cost. Reached by phone after the votes were tallied, Thorne said she would continue working to make leadership elections more transparent, but she was really thrilled to see a 100 percent increase in votes. She said the union needs members who are awake, and she believes the campaign played a role in engaging members to have a say in their union. Although Cicarella won his race, both DeLucia and secretary candidate Jennifer Chisholm, who ran on Burns slate, won their races. DeLucia said, since he entered union leadership nearly two decades ago, he believes the union is less fractious. However, the longtime leadership of former Mayor John DeStefano Jr. and former Superintendent of Schools Reginald Mayo is no longer in place, and the union is still working on new relationships with Mayor Toni Harp and Superintendent of Schools Carol Birks. Hopefully we can stem (layoffs and school closings) this year, DeLucia said. We could be a little more prepared this time. In 2018, while facing a budget deficit, the school district closed one high school and two alternative schools, shuttered several buildings used for early childhood and administrative offices and initially laid off about two dozen educators. Cicarella said the current number of laid-off educators who have not found employment since August, either back in the district or in another school district, is six. All weve dealt with is the budget, Cicarella said. When we get it behind us, we can focus on other stuff. As NHFT president, Cicarella most famously collaborated with administration on a new teacher evaluation system under a school reform initiative, which drew the attention of New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, who called it The New Haven Model. Cicarella was honored by the Obama White House in 2012 as a School Turnaround Champion of Change. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com NEW HAVEN Renovation of the former Duncan Hotel, which dominated the news for months last year, is back before zoning officials as the owners pursue a liquor license and a reduction in parking. The former hotel at 1151 Chapel St. was purchased for $8 million by AJ Capital Partners in 2017. Graduate Hotels, a division of AJ Capital Partners, is overseeing the conversion to a 72-room boutique hotel that will offer new amenities. Its business plan is to build hotels in college towns and it has six of them across the country. The citys zoning official has informed the hotel owners they need a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals as part of the application to the state Liquor Commission for a liquor permit. The hotel, since 1942, has had a restaurant on its lower level. Most recently it was the Thai Taste restaurant before it was sold to AJ Capital Partners; prior to that, the Old Heidelberg restaurant took up the first floor starting in 1958. Located on Chapel Street between Park and York streets, it is adjacent to The Study Hotel, another boutique hotel that holds a hotel liquor permit. There also are numerous restaurants on Chapel, all of which hold liquor permits. Separately, in New Haven, all its major hotels have hotel liquor permits, which allow them to serve alcohol in several locations, such as the lobby, hotel guest rooms, a hotel restaurant and a rooftop bar. The replacement for the Duncan will also have a restaurant on the lower level, for which it will need a full-service bar. On the first floor, there will be a lobby and a number of common spaces, as well as a coffee bar that will serve wine and beer. The application for a special exception to the zoning rules for the liquor permit, said brunch may be served on the weekend, while there will be areas on the first floor at which alcohol will be served. On special occasions, a bottle of wine also may be placed in a guest room. The hours of operation in those areas where liquor may be served range from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. From six to 12 workers will be connected to the serving of alcohol. On the parking issue, attorney Caroline Kone said the hotel and its restaurant have never provided on-site parking as the site is almost completely covered by the hotel, athough there will be one handicapped parking space. The hotel will provide 9 bicycle parking spots. Kone pointed out that a hotel liquor license is consistent with the neighboring land uses, which are part of the tourist section of downtown. Granting a special exception to the Duncan for this purpose is consistent with the manner that other hotels have been treated and does not place the Duncan at a competitive disadvantage with such hotels, Kone wrote in her submission to the BZA. On traffic, she said she is not aware of any traffic problems with the hotel over the decades of not having off-street parking. She said the Duncan also plans to have valet parking for the hotel guests as well as for the restaurant guests. She said the serving of liquor at the hotel in a building constructed of brick and brownstone should not cause noise or other annoyances to neighbors, particularly because the restaurant is in the lower level of the hotel and any residences would be above the first floor of (surrounding) buildings. The project needs a second special exception on the issue of parking. The zoning rules require one off-street parking space for every four seats in an establishment that serves liquor. Because the hotel will have 236 seats, it technically needs 59 parking spaces. Kone argues that the availability of public parking, its proximity to public transit and the significant levels of pedestrian access mitigates that need for parking spaces, while valet parking also provides a solution. The hotel had problems last year when the owners were being pressured to sign a neutrality agreement on unionization of the workers. In the end it was able to get a building permit for renovations before any zoning changes were made over the loss of single-occupancy rooms that had been offered at the 123-year-old Duncan before it was sold. That discussion morphed into a larger consideration of more affordable housing in New Haven, which is currently under study. mary.oleary@hearstmediact.com; 203-641-2577 HARTFORD Eversource Energy has reached a new four-year labor agreement with two union locals representing its natural gas workers in Connecticut, company officials said Tuesday. Members of Locals 420 and 457 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have already ratified the new contract, according to Eversource officials. There are 280 unionized workers from two IBEW locals who will be covered by the contract, Mitch Gross, a company spokesman, said Tuesday. Negotiators with the company reached a tentative agreement on Nov. 21, according to Gross. The union members ratified the agreement on Nov. 30, he said, the same day that the previous contract was scheduled to expire. Chris Hall, Eversources vice president of Employee & Labor Relations said the new contract recognizes our employees dedication and skill in providing safe and reliable gas service to our customers everyday no matter what the emergency is or what the conditions are. This contract ... provides stability for these employees and their families, while customers continue benefiting from this top-tier team of natural gas technicians working to ensure they have safe and reliable gas service every day, Hall said in a written statement. Joseph Malcarne, business manager of IBEW Local 420, said the new contract new contract shows these hard-working sisters and brothers that they are valued and needed. The contract allows, at a minimum, 20 new safe, good paying jobs for the people in Connecticut, in the next two years, Malcarne said. Customers can feel confident in the gas system they rely on thanks in part to our committed members who will continue working on it every day. The new contracts other key provisions include: Increasing employee safety-related training allowances. Annual wage increases of 3.25 percent for the first year and 3.00 percent per year for the remaining three years of the four-year contract. Creating afternoon and evening shifts to support 24-hour coverage in the utilitys meter services department Adjusting overtime premium enhancements to improve employee productivity. The union locals represent more than 1,500 Eversource workers in a variety of job types, including gas technicians, electric line workers, technicians and mechanics, working throughout the companys territory in Connecticut. The company provides natural gas to 232,000 customers in 73 communities. In addition to its natural gas customers, Eversource delivers electricity to 1.2 million customers in 149 Connecticut communities and supplies water to approximately 197,000 customers in 51 communities across the state. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com New Haven has set a goal to become a City that Codes, by doubling the annual number of new professional level software talent trained here by 2022. It is one of 50 cities across the country chosen to participate in a new program - the City Innovation Ecosystem Program - offered through the National League of Cities. The program is available to municipalities that have made specific commitments to local entrepreneurship, STEM education and innovation. Michael Harris, special assistant to Mayor Toni Harp, said the effort will have three pillars. To reach the largest number of candidates, it plans to recruit participants - currently detached from the tech sector - by exposing them to new technologies and skills in the schools, libraries and city buildings. It will also enhance skills through informal clubs, event series and university partnerships to build software proficiency. Professional-level training will be offered at the Holberton Schools satelite location at District New Haven, a co-working innovation center. Scott Andes, program director for the Innovation Ecosystem program, said in accepting cities, they look for leadership that will forge cross-sector partnerships. New Haven had one of our most compelling proposals with collaboration from partners across the city and I look forward to working with them, Andes said, in a release. New Haven was chosen along with Hartford and the Thames River consortium to participate in the program. Glendowlyn Thames, executive director of CTNext, said national attention to New Havens inclusive approach to tech development should attract students and foundation help around the country.CTNext is a quasi-public subsidiary of Connecticut Innovations. NEW HAVEN Many residents dont start thinking about snow until December, but the citys emergency operations team has been hard at work since summer preparing a winter storm plan. The city is responsible for clearing 818 streets and roads, many of them narrow and/or dead-ends. New equipment and communications systems will help get the job done and keep residents informed. Altogether, New Haven is ready to treat, plow and otherwise maintain 221 miles of roadway, each with the potential for treacherous winter driving, Mayor Toni N. Harp said at a Wednesday news conference. With all this in mind, my administration is making strides to safeguard the people of New Haven throughout punishing winter storms and, to the best extent possible, preserve the normal flow of city operations under these circumstances. The Department of Public Works will be rolling out 10 trucks with on-board wet systems to help pretreat streets and minimize ice buildup during storms, something Public Works Director Jeff Pescosolido said they see on narrow streets where snow gets packed down. Vehicles will be using an organic brine to de-ice streets with a secret ingredient beet juice. As an additive to salt, beet juice allows the brine to prevent water from freezing at much lower temperatures. Additionally, the city is implementing a new parking ban plan using three distinct zones A for the downtown area, B for posted snow emergency routes and C for all residential areas. Rick Fontana, director of emergency operations, said residents spoke up about emergency texts being too long and non-English speakers not getting the information at all, but the zone system will help communicate where parking bans are active with zone symbols. More News West Haven residents reminded of rules for storm parking, snow removal Parking will be prohibited on both sides of the street in zones A and B, while in zone C, residential areas, parking will not be allowed on the odd-numbered side of the street. This will be the standard going forward, Fontana said. There wont be changes to signage this year, but Fontana said the new snow route map will be on the city website by the end of the day Thursday. Lastly, to help residents who rely on street parking, 14 school lots have been designated for parking in a snow emergency. Signs showing where the parking area begins and ends in the school lots will be posted starting immediately, or orange cones may designate the area, Fontana said. In the downtown, residents can use parking garages, he said. Through the summer and fall weve been planning, strengthening our plan, Fontana said. Weather is unpredictable, but if we implement our strategies, well do the best job possible. Transportation, Traffic and Parking Director Doug Hausladen said the best way to stay informed during a snow emergency is to stay in touch with the city through the alert system and SeeClickFix. Residents can register for alerts on the citys website and call 946-SNOW when emergency blue lights are flashing at certain traffic signals. mdignan@hearstmediact.com The state plans to use new federal funding to gain a better understanding of microplastic pollution in Long Island Sound and reopen a migratory fishway that has not been used by blueback herring in 300 years. Other projects include using seaweed to remove pollution from Greenwich Harbor, studying water quality in the Norwalk and Stamford Harbors and preventing stormwater pollution in New Haven from entering the the Sound. Over the years, important projects have been funded that promoted habitat restoration of coastal wetland areas as well as watershed management projects and opening many miles riverine habitat for migratory fish to spawn, said Rob Klee, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Klee noted the $2 million allocation the states portion of $2.6 million dedicated to Sound improvements will fund 20 projects in Connecticut and four along the Connecticut River watershed. We have also witnessed the impacts of climate change, with additional projects funded to assist with improving resiliency and sustainability of our coastal and watershed habitats, Klee noted. We are pleased that over $300,000 is being awarded to support resiliency and living shorelines restoration, Klee said. The grants will help treat 1.9 million gallons of water, collect 37,000 pounds of floating trash, open six miles of river and restore 18 acres of coastal habitat for fish and wildlife, the federal Environmental Protection Agency said in announcing the awards. Plastic pollution The study of microplastic pollution in waters off Greenwich, Stamford, Darien and West Haven is one of the larger projects funded by the grant money. The study will use nearly $200,000 in federal and matching funds. The University of Connecticut will investigate the impact of microplastics on water, sediment and oysters. The project will also seek to educate the public about the pollution and develop management recommendations. microplastics are small, barely visible pieces of plastic that pollute the environment. They can come from many sources, including washing clothes, and often flow into large bodies of water from rivers. Experts believe that as many as 51 trillion microplastic particles 500 times more than stars in the galaxy litter the seas and threaten marine wildlife by interfering with their internal systems. I know all of us share great excitement with, and are energized by, the depth and breadth of community commitment evidenced by these projects, said EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez. The states Congressional delegation praised the overall allocation, saying its another step in protecting the Sound. These federal dollars will help local organizations and municipalities make important improvements to benefit the Sounds resiliency and unique ecosystem, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn, and the other members of the delegation said in a joint statement. With climate change becoming an increasing threat to Connecticuts shoreline this funding, along with continued community efforts and advocacy, is needed now more than ever, the delegation said. Migratory corridor Another project will install a fishway at Pages Millpond Dam on the Farm River in North Branford. The Connecticut Fund for the Environment and Save the Sound will use $249,947 in federal money and $250,000 in matching funds to construct the fishway and open access to 5.3 miles of river and 4.2 miles of lake for alewife, blueback herring and the American eel. The project will mark the first time in 300 years that access has been restored to the migratory corridor that runs into Long Island Sound, the EPA said. The Nature Discovery Center will use about $140,000 to study water quality in the Norwalk and Saugatuck Harbors and various rivers and brooks, including the Pequonnock and Saugatuck Rivers. The SoundWaters Bioextraction Seaweed Farm will install a seaweed bed in the Greenwich and Stamford Harbors to bioextract pollution from the seawater. Seaweed naturally absorbs nitrogen and uses it as food. The Western portion of the Sound suffers from excessive, life-choking nitrogen, the byproduct of insufficient wastewater treatment systems and more stagnant water. bcummings@ctpost.com NEW HAVEN Defendant Daniel Streits DNA was found on the knife used to fatally stab Keith Wylie, a forensics expert testified Tuesday in Streits trial for first-degree manslaughter. Tests done on swabs from the handle of the knife and its sheath showed that both Streits and Wylies DNA were included in the mixture of material there, according to Melanie Russell, a DNA analyst in the state forensic lab. Streit, 34, of Chapel Street, is accused of stabbing Wylie, 51, of Stanley Street, on Oct. 7, 2017, in front of the APT Foundation, 495 Congress Ave. In the opening day of the trial last Friday, a New Haven police officer testified Streit told him as he was being detained that he had stabbed a man because he was messing with my girl. The officer also quoted Streit saying he took the knife from the man after he came at me. Russell testified she also tested a pair of purple latex gloves reportedly dropped at or near the scene of the crime. She said both Streit and Wylie were eliminated as being contributors to the DNA on the gloves. In earlier testimony Tuesday, New Haven Police Detective Omaida Nieves said the knife was found in the street close to where the stabbing occurred. She described it as a black Smith & Wesson. When she looked at the knifes blade, Nieves said, she saw what appeared to be blood on it. She sent swabs of the knife to the state lab to verify this. Nieves said she processed the knife for fingerprints but found none. Under questioning by Assistant States Attorney Karen Roberg, Nieves said Wylies car was impounded. Witnesses have said Wylie drove up to the APT Foundation and parked his car nearby before the stabbing. Three methadone bottles were found in Wylies car with the names of three other individuals on the prescription labels, according to Nieves. The APT Foundation has a methadone clinic. Nieves told Assistant Public Defender Jeffrey LaPierre that two cell phones also were recovered from Wylies car. According to police testimony last Friday, the stabbing occurred at about 10:30 a.m. in front of multiple witnesses. Soon afterward Streit and a woman were spotted walking hurriedly on a side street near Congress Avenue. They were detained by officer Edrick Agosto because, Agosto recalled, Streit appeared to have blood on his face. Agosto said Streit obeyed his order to stop and be handcuffed. Agosto testified Streit then told him: He was messing with my girl; he came at me. I took the knife from him and I stabbed him. LaPierre is expected to use a self-defense claim for part of his strategy as the rest of the trial unfolds. randall.beach@hearstmediact.com Contributed WEST HAVEN University of New Haven police Sgt. Luis Dos Santos was honored by the United States Attorneys Office recently for his community policing initiatives, according to Chief of Police Tracy L. Mooney. Mooney nominated Dos Santos for his leadership and his excellence in community outreach, she said in a news release. WILTON Less than a year after being granted accelerated rehabilitation in the killing of two young black bears, a local man might find himself standing before a judge again. Antonio Lio, 30, of Indian Rock Place, is now facing marijuana possession charges after, police said, he ran a red light Nov. 27. Lio was heading north on Danbury Road around 4:30 p.m. when police stopped him. Police said they detected an odor of marijuana while speaking with Lio, which led to a search of the vehicle. Police said they found more than a half-ounce of marijuana, a glass Mason jar with marijuana-like residue and a metal grinder. Lio was issued a misdemeanor summons for possession of a greater than a half-ounce of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia with greater than a half-ounce of marijuana, and failure to obey a traffic signal. In September 2017, Lio and Daniel Moran of Norwalk were accused of hunting two young black bears and keeping parts of their bodies as trophies. Lio was initially charged with fourth-degree illegal hunting and two counts of illegally taking a bear, while Moran pleaded guilty to conspiracy to illegally taking a bear. In January, Lio entered a court diversionary program that would remove expunge those charges should he complete 40 hours of community service and not be arrested again until Jan. 8, 2020. He was also required to surrender his hunting license for two years. Lio is to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on Dec. 10. The judge overseeing the case will then determine if the misdemeanor summons violates the terms of his accelerated rehabilitation. Thinking about jumping into the frigid ocean to start off the year right? Well, Atlantic City might have made that decision easier. There will be a bonfire on the beach to keep the plungers warm during its 28th annual New Years Day Polar Bear Plunge. For those brave souls who took the plunge last year, a bonfire would have been a blessing. New Years Day 2018 was the coldest ever recorded in New Jersey. The frigid temps forced the cancellation of two plunges and postponed the third. Only Atlantic City and Asbury Park continued on with the annual tradition. Last year approximately 100 fearless souls gathered on the snow-covered Atlantic City beach to raise money for various charities. Air temperature at plunge time was 17 degrees, but with 17 mph winds it felt like 1 degree. This year the Atlantic City Boys & Girls Club will be the beneficiary. The plunge will take place at noon near the Resorts Casino Hotel in front of the Landshark Bar and Grill. The bar will also host pre- and post-parties. According to a press release, 100.7 WZXL Morning Show duo, JoJo & Scotty, will broadcast live and emcee the event, while mixing live music and giving away prizes for best costume," first in," last out along with creative ways to celebrate 2019. To preregister for the plunge visit AtlanticCityPolarBearPlunge.com. Tim Hawk may be reached at thawk@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Instagram @photog_hawk and Twitter @photogthawk. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. A Pagans Motorcycle Club member was sentenced to life plus 30 years in prison on charges he plotted the murder of popular radio host April Kauffman in order to protect a pill-dealing scheme he had setup with her husband. Ferdinand Augello, 62, was found guilty on Oct. 2 of murder, murder conspiracy, racketeering and drug charges after only a few hours of jury deliberations. At his sentencing Wednesday morning before Judge Bernard DeLury, Augello, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, launched into a lengthy speech denying his role in Mrs. Kauffmans death and blamed Joseph Mulholland, a witness who testified in the case. He denied that he led a drug trafficking ring and said he was the fall guy for the crime, and that prosecutors had greatly overstated his capacity for criminal behavior. I am no John Gotti, he said. Augello was one of eight charged with involvement in the drug ring that relied on oxycodone prescriptions from James Kauffman, Aprils husband and an endocrinologist who practiced in Linwood. James Kauffman appears in court on Jan. 18, 2018 to face charges of first-degree murder and racketeering in connection with the May 10, 2012 homicide of his wife, April Kauffman. Augellos statement, which repeated those points several times, followed an emotional victim impact statement from Kim Pack, April Kauffmans daughter, who spoke of more than six years of pain and constantly reliving the frantic call from James Kauffman on May 10, 2012 telling her over and over, moms dead. What most do not realize is the darkness James Kauffman brought to our lives," she said of the doctor. "He was evil, manipulative, abusive, abrasive and narcissistic. For the first time since the jury returned the verdict, I feel alive, Pack said. Over the years I felt like Ive been dead myself. She spoke highly of her mother April, who had Kim at 17, as a dedicated veterans advocate who was trying to start a program to help vets with PTSD before her death. She regrets that no one came forward to stop the crime before it happened. The defendants made a choice to stay quiet, Pack said. One phone call, and none of this would be happening. But despite all shes been through, for her own sake, she has to forgive those responsible and enjoy the rest of her life, she said. Forgive those who trespass against us, she said. April Kauffman's daughter, Kim Pack, spoke of the impact her mother's death has had on her. (Craig Matthews /The Press of Atlantic City, pool photo)Craig Matthews / Staff Photograp Her voice shook more with emotion as she neared the end of the statement. Judge DeLury appeared to wipe a tear from his eye too. At trial, the jury heard witnesses -- including some of those charged, who flipped against Augello -- describe appointments with the doctor that were mostly a cover to get scripts for oxycodone pills that they would later use, give to Augello, or sell themselves, if they paid Augello a fee. But the business was in danger after April Kauffman threatened to spill details of the pill ring and the fact that Kauffman was not actually a Vietnam War veteran. Thats when the doctor started asking around for people to kill her, including Augello, who in turn made the offer to several Pagans, prosecutors have said. Ultimately, Francis Mulholland was driven to the Kauffman home on Woodstock Drive in Linwood early on May 10, 2012, Assistant Prosecutor Seth Levy argued. The doors were open and someone gave him a gun, with which he shot April Kauffman twice in her bedroom. Mulholland later died of a drug overdose in 2013 at 46. Augello also placed the blame on him during his speech. The pill ring continued for five years after April Kauffmans death. But in June 2017, James Kauffman was arrested after a standoff with police, which attempted to serve a warrant for a weapons charge. Augello started talking about having Kauffman killed in jail, becoming suspicious of him after seeing a letter from Kauffmans attorney urging the investigation of Augello and Mulholland, prosecutors said. Kauffman was later transferred to the Hudson County Jail after authorities became aware of threats on his life; he later hanged himself in his cell when his cellmate was in court for the day. Mary Linehan, who defended Augello with attorney Omar Aguilar, had called it a too-big-to-fail prosecution in her opening statement, critiquing the money spent on travel and lodging for witnesses. She later called for a mistrial on the ninth day of the trial, saying documents found in a former Pagans home contained her name and created a conflict. She also had accused the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office of withholding evidence in the case, and reiterated those claims after three staffers wrote in a letter about it. Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner has repeatedly denied that claim. Linehan did not answer a call requesting comment Wednesday afternoon. Tyner said at a press conference after the sentencing that he will allow the powers that be to examine the situation. He also said claims made in Augellos speech - among them that Andrew Glick, the star witness, was buying drugs with his payments from the office - are the ramblings of a man who is going away for 55 years - referring to the time before parole eligibility, when Augello would be 117. It was his last opportunity to address the public...he was willing to blame everyone except for himself, Tyner said. Judge Bernard DeLury later denied all requests for a new trial including the one based on the letter from staffers. On Wednesday, Linehan said she could not get the attorney for the three staffers to certify the letter. Court records show the hearings for most of the remaining co-defendants are now scheduled for Feb. 7 in DeLurys courtroom. 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 Mark Lyczak stabbed his ex-girlfriend and her stepsister to death nearly a year ago, so he should not be able to inherit the cash in her retirement account, according to a federal lawsuit. The estate of Colleen Brownell, who was 48 when she died, filed suit in U.S. District Court in Camden Tuesday to try to have Lyczaks name wiped as primary beneficiary on her 401K account with PHH Corporation, where she worked for over 20 years. Lyczak remains in a Camden County jail cell awaiting his murder trial and has not made a claim on the money, the suit says. Still, the civil complaint asks for an injunction to prevent any payout. According to authorities and police records, Lyczak ignored a restraining order on Dec. 30, 2017 and found his ex, Brownell, at the home of her stepsister, Alysia McCloskey, 41, in Collingswood. He stabbed the two women to death in the home and on the porch, as their neighbors screamed in horror and called 911, according to police documents. When police arrived, they allegedly found him sitting on a third woman he had stabbed, whom the lawsuit described as his girlfriend. She survived. Mark Lyczak, accused of murdering two women and injuring a third, talks with his lawyer, Meg Butler, center, in Superior Court in Camden Jan. 5, 2018. (Rebecca Everett | For NJ.com) The lawsuit tells a story of long-term domestic abuse from Lyczak; the same story that Brownells friends and numerous police records have also told. They dated for over 20 years, the suit said, but he abused her, including choking her, swinging a hammer at her, pushing her, holding her against her will and threatening her. She got a restraining order against him in July, after they broke up. The lawsuit asks federal Judge Jerome B. Simandle to issue an injunction on the disbursement of the fund, declare Lyczak an invalid beneficiary" and order that the primary beneficiary be changed to the estate of Brownell. The suit says the 401K plan is set up under the laws of Maryland, and the state has a Slayer Statute that prevents a person from inheriting property from someone they killed. Lyczak faces as much as two consecutive life terms for the two murders and as much as 20 years for the third stabbing, Assistant Camden County Prosecutor Peter Gallagher said at a hearing in March. Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A grand opening ceremony for the $160 million headquarters of the American Water Company was held Tuesday morning on Camdens waterfront. The company has 14 million customers in 46 states and bills itself as the nations largest publicly-traded water and wastewater utility. Its national headquarters has been in Voorhees for the past 30 years. CEO Susan Story said George Norcross III, the South Jersey political power broker and healthcare executive, helped talk her into relocated to the Camden waterfront. He said wouldnt it be great to be part of the revitalization of the waterfront, where people walk by it and see it every day and not just be on a corporate campus? Story said. And were here. Thank you, George. Norcross was part of a group of whos who of public officials who attended a ceremony Tuesday morning in the lobby under the atrium of the airy, five-story, glass-enclosed building. Others included state Senate President Steve Sweeney, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, D-NJ, Camden Mayor Frank Moran, Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, former Gov. Jim Florio and others. The company laid out a list of reasons why $164 million in state tax credits was worth it. American Waters subsidiary, New Jersey American Water, has been a part of Camden for more than 125 years, providing water service in Cramer Hill, a statement said. In addition, the company has operated and maintained the water and sewer systems for the rest of Camden since 2016. More than $13 million of construction work for the building was committed to local Camden businesses, and more than 70 residents worked on the construction of the headquarters. The vendor selected for the headquarters is based in Camden, and we also commissioned a local artist to create artwork for the headquarters. Since 2011, weve invested more than $5 million into Camden. Story also announced a $200,000 donation for science, technology, engineering and math education in city public schools. This is proof positive of working collectively and the incentives that were offered literally brought promise to the city of Camden, Moran said. This creates opportunity and more importantly the partnership youll hear about with the local schools for the STEM program is promising. American Water is part of more than $1 billion of development on the Camden Waterfront and nearly $3 billion in the downtown area. Much of the growth has been fueled with tax abatements to lure corporate investments and is led in the downtown area by Rutgers University Camden and Cooper Health System, of which Norcross is the CEO. Earlier this year, Moran and other local leaders criticized Kris Singh, CEO of Holtec, a company that specializes in manufacturing parts for nuclear reactors. Singhs company was granted $260 million in tax abatements to relocate to the Camden waterfront. He caused an uproar when he said many local residents dont show up to work...cant stand getting up in the morning...didnt see their parents do it... and some get into drugs. Moran said he was outraged after the comments and demanded and received an apology from Singh and a pledge to work with local leaders to find qualified employees. American Waters local affiliate, New Jersey American Water, was also under the gun earlier this year when a national advocacy group tried to obtain information about service shutoffs in the city. Food & Water Watch sued the city when it couldnt obtain the information from New Jersey American, which operates the citys water system. The group said water shutoffs in urban environments pose personal and public safety hazards. The information was eventually released and the suit was dropped. American Waters grand opening Tuesday seemed to emphasize its public service and showcased its gleaming new building and its desire to be a stellar public citizen. The new headquarters was built on the site of former piers for the Campbell Soup Company, which has called Camden Home for 150 years. The vista formed by the five-story building frames the Philadelphia skyline in the background. The 220,000-square-foot building has environmentally-friendly features including: A water reuse system; low-flow toilets, sinks and showers that reduce water usage; LED lighting and solar window shades that maximize the use of natural light; and high-efficiency glass windows that reduce interior heat impact. About 600 employees will work at the new facility. Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips The city of Orange was served with two additional subpoenas last week as part of an ongoing federal probe into alleged misuse of government funds that has hung over the small town for more than two years. Members of the Orange City Council confirmed to NJ Advance Media that the city clerk emailed them last Thursday informing them of two federal subpoenas. The council members could not comment on the specifics but said they were related to the continuing investigation. A source with knowledge of the probe said one of the subpoenas named a city contractor and another requested information related to a contract that was the subject of a prior subpoena. The source was not authorized to speak about the investigation. All I can say is that this has been an ongoing investigation for two years now," Council President Kerry Coley said. And hopefully these will be the last subpoenas that they drop off and they get all the records and everything that they need to conclude the investigation so we can move on from this because this is just another dark cloud thats hovering above the city of Orange. The FBI raided City Hall last January, executing a search warrant seeking evidence of alleged theft and accepting corrupt payments, theft of federal government funds, wire fraud, extortion, money laundering, conspiracy to commit the crimes, and aiding and abetting the alleged crimes. The Orange Library was also searched by the FBI twice in 2016. Two other subpoenas have been served this year, the council confirmed. The target of those subpoenas is not known. Orange has still not turned over records in response to an NJ Advance Media public records request in September for all federal subpoenas. But in prior search and seizure warrants served by the FBI, at least three city employees have been named in the investigation, including newly-elected Essex County Freeholder Tyshammie Cooper, who also works as the mayors chief of staff, and Willis Edwards III. Both have denied any wrongdoing. Edwards was appointed by Mayor Dwayne Warren as deputy business administrator, although that appointment was ruled illegal by two courts and mandated to pay back the salary he earned. Edwards has appealed. Keith Royster, a spokesman for the mayor, said Warren has instructed his administration to continue cooperating with authorities during the course of this inquiry. This is the process, let the process play out and see where it falls, Councilwoman Donna Williams said. Williams said the subpoenas were marked with a return date of Nov. 29 but since they were served late, the city will have more time to respond. Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. LOS ANGELES Philip Bosco, the Tony Award-winning actor and Jersey City native known for his roles in films Working Girl and The Savages, has died. He was 88. The actors daughter, Celia Bosco, said her father died Monday night at his home in Haworth, in Bergen County. She says her father had complications with dementia, which is commonly caused by Alzheimers disease. Bosco was a Broadway veteran who won a Tony Award in 1989 for best actor for his role as the head of an opera company in the comedy Lend Me a Tenor. He received nominations for his performances in The Rape of the Belt, ''Heartbreak House," ''You Never Can Tell" and Moon Over Buffalo. He was also been honored with a number of Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards, an Obie Award for lifetime achievement and induction in the Theatre Hall of Fame in 1998. Bosco starred in a 2004 production of Twelve Angry Men and also had an extensive television and film career. Before acting, Bosco worked in a carnival as a trailer truck driver. And before the odd jobs, Bosco grew up in the Jersey City Heights. He attended St. Johns elementary school and later St. Peters Prep. In a 2006 interview with The Jersey Journal prior to giving the commencement speech for St. Peters University, Bosco talked about his upbringing. It was the best childhood I could envision," he said. I had the best time growing up in the Heights, which was one of the best neighborhoods. I knew people in blocks of each other and had friends all over. My wife and I go back there all the time. With the exception of going to school in Washington, I have always lived in New Jersey. I may have worked in New York but I have always loved New Jersey, and thats where my permanent address will be. It was at St. Peters Prep, under the guidance of retired actor James Marr, that Bosco developed his lifelong love of the theater. With the encouragement of Marr, Bosco attended The Catholic University of America and joined its renowned drama department. Bosco is a member of the inaugural Saint Peters Prep Hall of Fame class in 2006. He returned to the school in 2010 to see the student production of The Merchant of Venice, which he performed at the school in 1947, said Jim Horan the schools vice president for planning and principal giving. Afterwards Bosco spent hours talking with the drama students, Horan said, Philip Bosco is one of the people that make the Prep Class of 1948 one of the greatest classes in the history of St. Peters Prep, Horan, said, noting that the schools two largest donors are both members of that class. As a person and as a professional, Phil represented the very best qualities of our Jesuit education, and weve always been very proud to count him among our alumni. Jersey Journal Managing Editor Ron Zeitlinger contributed to this report. More weekend PATH station closures are on the way. This time, the service changes will last nearly two years. The Port Authority announced that its World Trade Center PATH station will close on weekends, starting in January 2019 and continuing through December 2020. The closures are necessary to replace equipment and rebuild tunnels that were severely damaged in Hurricane Sandy more than six years ago. Beginning Jan. 5, the station in lower Manhattan will close at 12:01 a.m. on Saturdays and will reopen the following Monday at 5 a.m. after each weekend of work. The station will remain open on holiday weekends. Repairs will include replacing train tracks and communications infrastructure in the tunnels below the Hudson River. At the World Trade Center station, which is housed in the state-of-the-art Oculus transportation hub, officials say corrosive salt water ruined much of the underground electrical and mechanical systems. While the work is carried out, service to World Trade Center will end at Exchange Place in Jersey City. From there, riders will be offered free ferry service at the nearby Harborside Ferry Landing in Jersey City. Ferry service will run to and from the Brookfield Place Ferry Terminal each Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. PATH service on the Journal Square-33rd Street line via Hoboken will follow a regular weekend schedule, with additional service provided during the overnight hours when the ferry is not in operation. We understand the loss of the WTC PATH station on weekends will cause hardship and inconvenience for many of our customers, but these repairs are vitally important to our continuing effort to overcome the worst storm weve experienced here in our lifetimes, PATH General Manager/Director Michael Marino said in a statement. The weekend closure of the World Trade Center station is the latest in a series of weekend service changes PATH has undergone in recent years. The systems 33rd Street line was shut down on weekends from mid-July to October while crews continued to install and test Positive Train Control, a federally-mandated safety system. In 2016, weekend service on the 33rd Street line was suspended from September to December for the initial installation of PTC. Jersey City's zoning board is under fire for approving plans for a six-story, 60-unit residential building in the Heights on a night that the city was at a standstill because of a snowstorm. The board's unanimous decision came on Nov. 15, when conditions on streets in North Jersey were so bad it took hours for motorists to crawl miles. One city worker said she spent more than six hours on a bus making the six-mile drive from City Hall to the Country Village section. Residents opposed to the project told The Jersey Journal the public's right to speak out on the plans was curtailed because of how difficult it was to get to City Hall that night. The building is slated for the former location of a farmers market at 3437 Kennedy Blvd., in a district zoned for one- and two-family homes. Robert Boudreau, of South Street, said he was one of about 15 neighbors who made it to the meeting, but "without a doubt" many more would have appeared if the roads had been better. Boudreau got to City Hall after taking the light rail from Hoboken. "That place would have been rocking if it had been a better day," he said. In addition to citywide gridlock, City Hall was partially covered in police caution tape that night because of fallen tree branches. The developers, John and Maryann LLC, were seeking variances for use, height, parking aisle width and curb cut width. The board's approval could be memorialized by the board as early as Thursday, its next regular meeting. Zoning board members were told they could not adjourn the meeting absent a state of emergency or City Hall closing, according to one source with knowledge of the behind-the-scenes discussions. Ronald H. Shaljian, the developers' lawyer, said they will continue to work with the community to respond to their concerns. "Since we brought our professionals in from as far as south Jersey, we proceeded as scheduled," he told The Jersey Journal. Councilman Michael Yun, who represents the area, said he supports the project but does not support the zoning board's decision to hold the meeting despite the conditions outside. "That's not fair to the people," Yun said. Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. Following the grisly deaths of a family in Colts Next last month, lawmakers in a mostly rural swath of northwest New Jersey are calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty in the state. The gruesome murder of the Caneiro family is proof that we must reinstate the death penalty," state Sen. Steven Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Harold Wirths, all Republicans from District 24, said in a statement. Paul Caneiro, 51, is accused of killing his brother, Keith, 50, Keiths wife, Jennifer, 45, and the couples two young children, 8-year-old Sophia and 11-year-old Jesse. Caneiro, of Ocean Township, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder. His attorneys have maintained he is innocent and that he loved his family dearly. Calling this the most brutal case in his career, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said last week that he would approve this as a capital punishment case, if it was an option in New Jersey. Caneiro faces 30 years to life in prison on each count of murder, along with additional prison time on weapons offenses and aggravated arson charges. In 1982, state Sen. John F. Russo, a Democrat from Ocean County, wrote the statute that reinstated the death penalty in New Jersey. Russo was motivated by the death of his 77-year-old father, who was fatally shot during a robbery attempt in Asbury Park on New Years Eve in 1970. In December 2007, the state Legislature voted to make New Jersey the first state to abolish the death penalty in 42 years. The state Assembly voted 44-36 to pass the bill, and Gov. Jon Corzine signed it into law days later. Oroho, Wirths and Space, who together represent parts of Sussex, Warren and Morris counties, made an attempt in 2016 to get legislation passed to reinstate the death penalty to no avail. Their current bills have yet to receive a committee hearing. District 24 is among the most conservative parts of New Jersey. Space said the most effective deterrent out there is the death penalty. Cases in federal court, however, can still be tried with the death penalty. In 2015, the Justice Department authorized former U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman to seek the death penalty against Farad Roland, a leader of a violent sub-set of the Bloods street gang in Newark. Roland, 33, admitted in January to having a role in five shooting deaths and accepted a plea deal that will have him behind bars for 45 years. The Colts Neck murderer deserves nothing less than the death penalty, Oroho said in the statement. We can no longer ignore the public calls for action in gruesome cases like these. NEW YORK (AP) A man will spend up to life in prison for the beating and stabbing death of a party guest at his luxury Manhattan apartment. James Rackover was sentenced to about 29 years to life on Wednesday for the 2016 murder of Stamford, Connecticut resident Joseph Comunale. There remains no truly understandable reason that Joey Comunale is dead today, Justice James Burke said before imposing the sentence. Its not clear what triggered the deadly violence. Authorities say partygoers were drinking and snorting cocaine. Comunale's body was shoved out of a window and stuffed in a car trunk. It was taken to Oceanport, New Jersey, where it was torched and buried in a makeshift grave. The Daily News says his father, Patsy Comunale, called Rackover a "coward" who "has no place in a free society." New York authorities say Comunale was stabbed 15 times at Rackovers luxury East 59th Street apartment following a party also attended by Lawrence Dilione, 28, of Jersey City and Max Gemma, 30, of Oceanport. Both men face charges in the death. A neighbor who called police to report a fire at a sprawling house in Colts Neck last month made a grisly discovery when he reached the property: Keith Caneiro, who lived there with his family, lying dead on the front lawn. Oh, my God, theres blood here, the neighbor told a 911 dispatcher. Its a corpse. Somebody is dead here. The dispatcher advised the neighbor to leave the property, according to the 911 call, a recording of which was obtained Tuesday through an Open Public Records Act. Last week, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said Paul Caneiro, 51, of Ocean Township, shot his brother, Keith, 50, multiple times outside the house before going into the Willow Brook Road home in the early morning hours of Nov. 20. There, authorities said, Paul Caneiro killed Keiths wife, Jennifer, 45, before stabbing to death the couples two young children, 11-year-old Jesse and 8-year-old Sophia. Paul Caneiro then lit a fire in the basement, which slowly churned through the million-dollar mansion until it was reported around 12:30 p.m., authorities said. Paul Caneiro is charged with four counts of first-degree murder. His attorneys have maintained he is innocent, and that he would never hurt his family. The neighbor, Boris Volshteyn, did not want to speak to a reporter Tuesday. He told the Associated Press last week that when he found his friend lying face down out front, his first thought was to try CPR. When the kids were not in school, and Jennifer was not answering, it all became a grim picture, Volshteyn told The Associated Press. "To the very last minute, all the neighbors were hoping that the kids were spared. "It's a little bit hard to come home and drive past the house. It's a reminder of what happened," Volshteyn added. "And for a lot of the kids, too, it's hard to understand." Two weeks later, the Caneiro home remains boarded up and a chain-link fence protects the driveway. Two police cars were parked in the driveway Tuesday morning. The Caneiro family was laid to rest on Sunday, and the surviving family members issued a statement to reporters that said, in part, the family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support. The passing of these four beautiful people was tragic, sudden and incomprehensible and like you we are heartbroken, the statement said. May we all take comfort in the wonderful memories and incredible moments of joy they gave to all of us. - NJ Advance Media reporter Joe Atmonavage contributed to this report. Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A Union County woman who says she was brutally assaulted, falsely arrested and maliciously prosecuted for calling 911 to report that she didnt feel safe alone with the trooper during a traffic stop in Bridgewater in 2016 has filed a federal lawsuit against the New Jersey State Police. According to a federal civil lawsuit filed in New Jerseys district court, Krya Harrison said her false arrest and malicious prosecution was a coverup for what really happened during the traffic stop on I-287. She said she was yelled at, dragged from her car to the police cruiser and her head slammed into the concrete. Troopers and State Police officials were served last week with the suit, which outlined 14 allegations. including unreasonable and excessive force used by troopers and racial discrimination. Harrison describes herself in the lawsuit as an African-American woman living in Union County, State Police Superintendent Joseph Fuentes, troopers Rafael R. Castro, Nicholas R. Decesare, Jonathan Lopuski, Dana A. Wilcomes, Jeffrey Almeida, and other unnamed troopers are defendants in the lawsuit. A State Police spokesman declined to comment on current litigation. A timeline of events spread out over two years is included in the suit, and explains how Harrison was indicted twice for calling 911 without a purpose. A judge dismissed the criminal indictment against Harrison the first time once Harrisons attorney noted in a motion the state failed to present the troopers the MVR and 911 calls to the jury. However, state indicted her again. This time, a jury acquitted her in September of the same charge involving the 911 call. However, they did find her guilty of a single disorderly person charge and fined her $1,000. Back in November 2016, Trooper Castro pulled Harrison over as she was driving south on I-287. Castro told her he pulled her over because she passed him on the right shoulder and because he didnt like the way she was wearing her seatbelt, according to the lawsuit. During the stop, Harrison called 911 to request a sergeant come to the scene because, she said, she was alarmed by Castros demeanor and his failure to stop other cars that had also passed his car on the right. Audio recordings from the 911 call revealed Harrison did request a sergeant, and Castro can be heard telling her that she did not need to call his sergeant. On Castros mobile video recorder, Harrison can be heard saying Im scared, Im extremely scared, and Im calling for help because Im scared. Harrison said she got out her license, registration and insurance card but Castro would not take them and then said he was arresting her for not providing those same documents. Next, the woman said the trooper dragged her from her car, dropped her to the ground and slammed her head into the concrete, stuck his knee in her back, handcuffed her and dragged her across the ground to his patrol cruiser. Harrison was sitting in the back of the patrol car crying when Castro yanked her arm, told her to shut the fu-- up" and pushed her head to the floor, according to the lawsuit. During the violent encounter, Harrison can be heard on the radio transmission screaming asking for help, saying she was dizzy and could not breathe. Next, other state troopers including Decesare, Lopuski, Wilcomes and Almeida arrived on the scene. Initially, Castro said Harrison refused treatment but troopers did take her to the local hospital where she was examined for a head injury then she was released back into state police custody. After processing and fingerprinting, Trooper Wilcomes dropped Harrison off at the Bridgewater Mall, and, according to the suit, handed her her license, registration and insurance card along with more than 13 summons issued by Castro, including tickets for failure to possess a drivers license or registration, maintenance of lamps, failure to wear equipment/seatbelt, improper passing and failure to keep right. Two days later, Harrison went back to the doctor with neck and upper body pain, and was diagnosed with thoracic spine fracture, left shoulder sprain/strain and neck sprain/strain, according to the lawsuit. I'm a Cold War kid. I remember hiding under the cafeteria tables at St. Teresa's School in Summit during air raid drills. Someday the Russians were going to bomb us. We had to be prepared. Even then, I was pretty sure the Formica table tops weren't going to hold up too well under nuclear obliteration, but that was life in the early 1960s. In the black-and-white TV world of John Glenn flying in space and President Kennedy lying in state, there was always a backdrop curtain of the Red Menace. I'm also a Cold War veteran. In the mid-1970s, I was in the Navy, where we learned the Soviet Union had more nuclear subs and more long-range bombers than we had. We also learned they outspent us on naval operations by 50 percent. I also remember one instructor delivering this punchline: "Of course, none of their (expletive) works." Still, in the aftermath of the domino-effect policy of Vietnam, I wasn't convinced the Russians weren't in my immediate future. I was a Navy Corpsman; we got dropped with the Marines. Around that time, George H.W. Bush was head of the CIA and his teams analyzed the military strengths of the Soviet Union. Later he was criticized by some for approving a report that overestimated their capabilities to heighten defense spending. But basically, in the Reagan years, we began to outspend a country that was having difficulty feeding its people. And controlling them. Protests and revolts in the balkanized states of the Soviet Union, coupled with the growing Red, White & Blue menace, brought the No.2 Superpower to its knees. It dissolved in 1991. George Bush, as CIA director and later vice president under Reagan was one of the architects of the wall tear-down. No question about it. If someone told me in 1963 or 1975 or even 1991, that the standing U.S. president when the Soviet Union fell wouldn't be re-elected to a second term, I would have told them they were crazy. But that's what happened. James Carville, Bill Clinton's campaign manager, came up with the slogan, "the economy, stupid," and just like that, the American people turned their back not only on George Bush, but in my view, but the country-first, self-sacrifice values of the WWII generation. "The economy, stupid," to me spoke of the short-sightedness and me-first mentality of my generation. In the weeks before the election, I saw President Bush in Madison. I brought my oldest son, who was 9 at the time. I felt sorry for the president. By then, he had been ridiculed by the press for not knowing what a barcode scanner was during a campaign stop at a supermarket -- as if the Secret Service let him do his own grocery shopping. He even was ridiculed for his "1,000 points of light" dream of a "kinder, gentler nation." He deserved better. Instead he was portrayed as being out of touch by the Baby Boom press that wanted a Baby Boom president. Or perhaps it was payback for the horribly negative Willie Horton ads from the 1988 race against Michael Dukakis, which seemed out of character for Bush to me. I guess they didn't remember hiding under desks in grammar school or remember hearing stories about the horrors of WWII from their fathers. George Bush had his own. On a bombing run over Japanese military installations at Chichijima on the Bonin Islands, his plane was hit and on fire. He pressed forward, hit his target, then bailed out over the Pacific. Duty first. Country and cause first. That became passe for politicians when George Bush left office. He was the last U.S. President with combat experience. He was the last of the WWII generation. He was the last President before the strident, vitriol of political partisanship took hold. Through eight years of Clinton, eight years of George W. Bush, eight years of Barack Obama, and now two years of Donald Trump, that's 26 years of our Congress primarily concerned with trying to wreck each other's presidencies. George Bush, in turn, became friends with Clinton after George W. asked them to work on tsunami relief. The friendship continued and the elder Bush spoke at the dedication of the Clinton presidential library. Hopefully that will be a lesson for our surviving presidents. George Bush will be buried tomorrow. A storied era of American history will be buried with him. I hope new historians treat him kindly. Read more Mark Di Ionno Mark Di Ionno may be reached at mdiionno@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarkDiIonno. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The new bail system that kicked in 23 months ago, lest anyone forget, had its critics. In particular, the powerful bail bond industry spent years spewing forecasts of civic mayhem, arousing fear that revolving doors in our jails would trigger a crime spike that will surely turn New Jersey into a giant Detroit. The pathological attempt to inflame half-wits hardly matters now. We can affirm that because we have pooled the wisdom of advocates, voters, a Republican governor and Democratic lawmakers, and transformed our state into a model of justice reform for the entire nation. All you have to do is consult the numbers, which you may have heard on WNYC last week: Since cash bail was almost entirely eliminated in January 2017, New Jersey's crime rates have plummeted across the board. State Police statistics show that compared to 2016 data (January to September), homicides are down 32 percent in the same period for 2018. Rape (down 13), robbery (down 37), assault (down 18) and burglary (down 30) have also plunged. Overall, violent crime is down more than 30 percent. Not exactly Armageddon. That doesn't mean that the new bail system is directly responsible for crime reduction, but for it to happen at the same time courts have all but stopped setting cash bail - cutting our pretrial jail population drastically -- speaks to the overarching success of reform. Remember, we got here because New Jerseyans said it was time to stop criminalizing poverty. In 2014, voters approved an amendment that gave judges the power to detain anyone without bail if they pose a threat or flight risk; before the amendment, almost everyone with money could be released on bail. Then the Legislature passed a bill, signed by Gov. Christie, to abolish cash bail for most nonviolent defendants and create a system that would monitor them. It has worked brilliantly, because judges still can use their discretion to overrule a risk assessment based on a computer algorithm. The drug kingpins, in other words, can't buy their freedom. The rest, meanwhile, can get on with their lives without regard to the size of their wallets. "These stats show that mass incarceration is a self-defeating strategy. It destroys lives, tears apart communities - mostly communities of color - doesn't reduce crime, and costs taxpayers millions," says Roseanne Scotti of Drug Policy Alliance, who initiated the reform effort in 2012. "At the same time, New Jersey has reduced its pretrial jail population by almost 40 percent over the last two years." Just 13 months ago, the Pretrial Justice Institute gave our state its only 'A' grade, referring to New Jersey as "phenomenal" in its official summary. PJI's CEO, Cherise Fanno Burdeen, now says the latest stats "demonstrate it's possible to safely repair longstanding inequities and restore fairness to our pretrial justice system. New Jersey should be proud that its lawmakers rose above baseless, fear-inducing rhetoric about pretrial reform in order to set an example for the country." Collectively, PJI gave the country a D, with 17 states earning F's due to high rates of unnecessary pretrial detention. Many of those states now visit us to see how we do it. They probably recognize the folly of giving indigent defendants three bad choices: Stay in jail for months, which may lead to horrendous collateral consequences, such as the loss of a job, home or family; take on crippling debt to pay a bail bondsman a non-refundable sum; or plead guilty just to get home sooner. And they recognize that the divergence of justice for the rich and poor is as stark today as it was in 1964, when Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy called the bail system "a vehicle for systemic injustice." But not in New Jersey. Not anymore. And this will inspire other states to follow our example. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos posted a P300,000 bail after the anti-graft court allowed her to avail of legal remedies in the wake of her graft conviction. The bail was posted Wednesday. The 89-year-old and former first lady was not required to show up. Her lawyer also filed another notice that she will appeal her conviction for seven counts of graft before the Supreme Court. She also asked the Sandiganbayan fifth division to forward her records to the high court for further proceedings. The Sandiganbayan granted Marcos temporary freedom due to her age and health condition. It said the ruling was based on a 2015 Supreme Court decision, which granted bail to Juan Ponce Enrile for humanitarian reasons. Enrile, who was 91 years old when the bail was granted, is facing plunder charges. On November 9, the Sandiganbayan 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. When she finally appeared in court on November 16, Marcos explained she did not know about the scheduled court sentencing. She also said she felt sick that day. State prosecutors opposed Marcos' 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. 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 Leslie Moonves, the former chairman and chief executive of CBS, repeatedly lied to investigators about his behavior, according to a draft report by outside lawyers hired by CBSs board to look into sexual misconduct allegations against him. The 21,666-word draft, dated Nov. 27, is filled with new details about the conduct of Mr. Moonves and others at the company. The lawyers spoke to Mr. Moonves four times during the investigation. A final version of the report is expected to be presented to CBSs board next week. Here are four new revelations in the report, which was reviewed by The New York Times. 1. Investigators heard that a CBS employee was on call to perform oral sex The outside lawyers were told by multiple people that CBS had an employee who was on call to perform oral sex on Mr. Moonves. According to the draft report: A number of employees were aware of this and believed that the woman was protected from discipline or termination as a result of it. The indictment, unsealed in the Southern District of New York, focuses on three advisers: Ramses Owens, a Panamanian lawyer at Mossack Fonseca; Dirk Brauer, a German investment adviser for Mossfon Asset Management, an asset management affiliated with the law firm; and Richard Gaffey, an American accountant in Boston. According to the indictment, the men helped United States taxpayers evade taxes by using undisclosed foreign accounts and shell companies in places like the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong and Panama. They also instructed them on how to repatriate those offshore funds to the United States while concealing them from the I.R.S. Among the clients who participated in the scheme, prosecutors said, was Harald Joachim von der Goltz, an 81-year-old German citizen who lived in the United States and began a business relationship with Mossack Fonseca in the 1980s. According to federal prosecutors, he avoided taxes by claiming that accounts he failed to report to the I.R.S. were owned by his 102-year-old mother. The Panama Papers millions of confidential documents from the Mossack Fonseca law firm were first revealed in April 2016 through a collaboration between the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung and the nonprofit International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. The documents shed light on the often illicit methods used by the wealthy and powerful to launder money, hide income and evade taxes through the use of offshore bank accounts and shell companies in island havens. The law firm shut down in March. The original leak revealed the transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars to accounts connected to a cellist and close friend of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, as well as a British Virgin Islands company used by Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson of Iceland, which led to his resignation. Earlier this year, Pakistans former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison after the Panama Papers revealed undeclared property owned by his family overseas. Mr. Gaffey, an accountant at Elder, Gaffey & Paine in Marlborough, Mass., was arrested in Boston on Tuesday. Neither he nor his lawyers responded to requests for comment Tuesday evening. The violent protests of the yellow vests in France have inevitably prompted comparisons with insurrections past, most notably the unrest of 1968 that effectively shut down the French government, and the tribulations of presidents from Charles de Gaulle through Francois Hollande who have fallen victim to street uprisings. There are similarities, partly expressed in the stereotype that the French favor change in the abstract but abhor it in practice. But it is the differences with the past that pose the major challenge as President Emmanuel Macron tries to find a way to defuse the anger without abandoning his needed reforms. One difference is Mr. Macron himself, who was not yet 40 when he was elected 18 months ago to a five-year presidential term. His own victory and the host of deputies he brought into the National Assembly were the product of a popular discontent with all established parties of right and left. But the reforms he began and especially the replacement of a wealth tax with a less onerous tax on the real estate of the rich and his attempts to project a grand image, especially on the world stage, only deepened that malaise and earned him the sobriquet of president of the rich. A relatively mild hike in fuel taxes, intended to lower Frances carbon emissions, proved to be the last straw for a broad group of people in the provinces and suburbs who believe that government ministers, bureaucrats, trade unions and especially the political class in a wealthy, complacent Paris are deaf to their economic struggles. Cars are indispensable in their lives, and a fuel tax increase intended to reduce vehicle use was an insufferable insult. Mr. Macron, without much political experience or an established party behind him, failed to see the anger rising, and when it erupted, seemed to have few responses other than retreat. FRONT PAGE An article on Monday about riots in France misidentified a Paris street that suffered damage during the protests. It is Boulevard Haussmann, not Avenue Haussmann. NATIONAL An article on Tuesday about President George Bushs correspondences misstated the year that Mr. Bushs plane was shot down over the Pacific. It was 1944, not 1943. An earlier version also misstated the office for which Geraldine Ferraro was the Democratic nominee in 1984. She was running for vice president, not president. An earlier version also incorrectly identified the recipient of a 1982 letter from President George Bush. He wrote the actress Katharine Hepburn, not Audrey. An article on Tuesday about a trip by Paul Manafort to discuss the release of Julian Assange referred incorrectly to an investigation of Mr. Assange. While he was pursued by Swedish prosecutors over a rape accusation, he was never charged with the crime. ARTS An article on Tuesday about the jukebox show Summer: The Donna Summer Musical misstated which actresses received Tony Award nominations for their roles in the show. Ariana DeBose and LaChanze were nominated for Tony Awards, not Storm Lever and LaChanze. The article also misstated a date involving The Cher Show. The show opened on Monday; it did not start previews then. A new study by Microsoft researchers casts a light on the actual use of high-speed internet across the country, and the picture it presents is very different from the F.C.C. numbers. Their analysis, presented at a Microsoft event on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., suggests that the speedy access is much more limited than the F.C.C. data shows. Over all, Microsoft concluded that 162.8 million people do not use the internet at broadband speeds, while the F.C.C. says broadband is not available to 24.7 million Americans. The discrepancy is particularly stark in rural areas. In Ferry County, for example, Microsoft estimates that only 2 percent of people use broadband service, versus the 100 percent the federal government says have access to the service. Fast internet service is crucial to the modern economy, and closing the digital divide is seen as a step toward shrinking the persistent gaps in economic opportunity, educational achievement and health outcomes in America. In some areas with spotty or no service, children do their homework in Wi-Fi-equipped buses or fast-food restaurants, small businesses drive to internet hot spots to send sales pitches and medical records are transported by hand on thumb-drive memory sticks. Accurate measurements on the reach of broadband matter because the governments statistics are used to guide policy and channel federal funding for underserved areas. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa On a wintry day, Michael R. Bloomberg stood in black tassel loafers in melting snow while he inspected solar panels on a rooftop, then said he would make climate change the issue of the 2020 presidential race. Mr. Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor who is mulling a run for president, was blunt about his determination to combat the impact of human activity on the environment, and he made clear once again his willingness to take on the coal industry. Ive been very active in closing coal-fired power plants, Mr. Bloomberg boasted when asked whether a candidate whose top concern is climate change could appeal to voters in the regions like eastern Ohio who helped put President Trump in the White House. While praising Iowas corn-based ethanol as an intermediary fuel needed in the short run, Mr. Bloomberg said it was well past time to cut coal entirely from the energy picture. WASHINGTON [Follow live news updates on the death of Colin Powell.] Jonathan Bush had just left a lunch and was about to head over to the Capitol to visit his brothers coffin. By evening, he planned to stop by a reception for the extended Bush circle. Everywhere he went, he was reuniting with many of the old gang. More than a quarter-century after the original Bush administration left Washington and nearly a decade after the departure of the second, the men and women who once ran the nation and, by extension, the world were back. On the eve of the state funeral for President George Bush, they caught up, shared stories and honored those no longer around. Everybodys a mixture of sad and joyful because were celebrating a great life, said Jonathan Bush, the younger brother of the 41st president and uncle of the 43rd. Its kind of fun to see old friends and old campaign associates. Its a great reunion, thats really what it is. Everybodys happy, nobodys weeping. They had such fun with him, its like having fun with him for the last time. After his defeat in the 1992 election, former President George Bush concluded that he lost his bid for a second term because he just wasnt a good enough communicator and blamed the news media for the perception that he was out of touch with the average American. Certain claims are again abounding as the country prepares to bury Mr. Bush after his death on Friday. Heres a look at some of them. Was he really amazed by a grocery store scanner? A visit Mr. Bush made to the National Grocers Association convention in Florida during the 1992 campaign cemented the impression that he was detached from middle-class life. That February, The New York Times reported that he was amazed by a grocery store scanner. After he left office, Mr. Bush called the Times article an ugly and inaccurate smear. Snopes, the debunking website, rated that characterization of him as false in a 2001 article. Heres what The Times reported in 1992: He signed his name on an electronic pad used to detect check forgeries. If some guy came in and spelled George Bush differently, could you catch it? the president asked. Yes, he was told, and he shook his head in wonder. Then he grabbed a quart of milk, a light bulb and a bag of candy and ran them over an electronic scanner. The look of wonder flickered across his face again as he saw the item and price registered on the cash register screen. This is for checking out? asked Mr. Bush. I just took a tour through the exhibits here, he told the grocers later. Amazed by some of the technology. The episode elicited derision in editorials: The Boston Globe cited it as an example of Mr. Bushs 12 years vacation from the real world, referring to his eight years as vice president and four as commander in chief. A column in Newsday described Mr. Bush as dumbfounded and still out of touch. And The Washington Post wrote Mr. Bush a quick pocket guide to other modern technologies like cable TV and microwaves. I think it is a time when we remember the presidency itself, the whole institution of the presidency as something that binds us, she said. These moments allow you to feel the history of the country and the belonging. We belong to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and the forefathers, that is part of who we are. This president is part of that family line. Like Reagan and Ford, the presidents before them and those still to come, Mr. Bush took steps as president that infuriated some Americans, ended badly and cost lives and money. But he also served with dignity and distinction in the military and various public posts, tried to stir Americans to greater civic involvement and enacted economic policies that paid off while posing a distinct threat to his own political fortunes. Whether people agree with every policy that President Bush undertook, you always knew that he did what he thought was in the countrys interest even when it was politically disadvantageous to him, such as the budget agreement with the Democrats, said Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, referring to the 1990 agreement that broke his no new taxes pledge. Right or wrong on the policy, that was a very brave action to take, and it probably cost him the election. My hope is that as we take this pause to honor this great man, that we think about how he governed, the respect and dignity that he showed to adversaries and to friends alike, said Ms. Collins, who paid a final visit to Mr. Bush at his home in Kennebunkport, Me., in September. George Bush represented an era where you could disagree with someone but still respect and even like the person, where a search for a common ground was applauded, not denigrated. She is hardly alone in hoping that the focus on Mr. Bushs humanity and willingness to compromise spurs some introspection in Washington in a time of intense and volatile political warfare. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who as the senior Democrat on the Rules Committee is involved with coordinating memorial events, said the funeral could be Mr. Bushs final gift to government as a remembrance of the virtues of compromise when Congress is trying to resolve multiple year-end legislative conflicts after a contentious midterm election. He makes everyone step back and remember why we are really here, said Ms. Klobuchar, who added that events such as the funeral enable us to step back as a country and remember those who have done extraordinary things like George H.W. Bush. If we dont do things like this, we have lost our sense of democracy. But recent experience does not give much occasion for optimism that any sense of unity and common ground will be long lasting. Widespread anger in Georgia over a voting system that Democrats believed to be rigged against them was not enough to prevent a Republican candidate from winning a runoff on Tuesday for secretary of state, the chief overseer of the states elections. Brad Raffensperger, an engineer from the Atlanta suburbs and a member of the State House, defeated John Barrow, a Democrat who supported overhauling the election system that some in his party said had helped Republicans steal the closely fought Georgia governors race last month. The Associated Press declared Mr. Raffensperger the winner at about 10:20 p.m. Eastern Time. Uncertified tallies at 11 p.m. showed Mr. Raffensperger with about 53 percent of the vote in the runoff, compared with 47 percent for Mr. Barrow. [Check out live results in the Georgia runoff.] Mr. Raffensperger, 63, largely supported the status quo in Georgias election system, and said during the campaign that he was running for secretary of state to make sure that only American citizens are voting in our elections. The letter was dated Monday, the same day that Mr. Trump praised Mr. Stone on Twitter for having the guts to stand up to Mr. Mueller. Mr. Stones lawyer said that the letter was sent before Mr. Trumps tweet. A grand jury in Washington has been investigating whether Mr. Stone had any advance knowledge of how WikiLeaks planned to use documents stolen from Democratic computers by Russian agents during the 2016 presidential campaign. Prosecutors said Mr. Flynns more than 33 years of military service he was a three-star Army general before being fired as the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014 should be taken into account when Judge Emmet G. Sullivan of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia sentences him on Dec. 18. But they also noted he should have known better than to lie to the F.B.I. Senior government leaders should be held to the highest standards, they wrote. Close observers of Mr. Muellers investigation had hoped his team might provide revealing details about possible cooperation between Trump associates and Russia, but in typical fashion, the special counsels office kept its cards closely held. Though the lack of details suggested that Mr. Muellers investigation remains active, one of the presidents personal lawyers, Rudolph W. Giuliani, seized on it to underscore that Mr. Mueller had yet to prove any Trump associates conspired with Russias campaign of disruption. This is what we get for $30 million and two years of an investigation and no evidence of collusion, and we get a process charge? he said, referring to Mr. Flynns plea of lying to the F.B.I. and rounding up the estimated costs of the special counsel inquiry. Mr. Flynn, who gained notoriety after he left the military for his view of Islamic terrorism as an existential threat to the United States, began advising the Trump campaign in early 2016. About a week after his surprise election victory, Mr. Trump named Mr. Flynn as his future national security adviser. During the presidential transition, Mr. Flynn discussed with Mr. Kislyak a coming United Nations Security Council vote on whether to condemn Israels building of settlements. At the time, the Obama administration was preparing to allow a Security Council vote on the matter. WASHINGTON The State of Maryland and the District of Columbia began issuing subpoenas on Tuesday for records related to President Trumps hotel in Washington, seeking evidence of conflicts of interest that violate the Constitutions anti-corruption provision. Their demands for a vast array of documents, including tax records related to the presidents business, are certain to run headlong into a legal challenge by the administration. The Justice Department is expected to contest rulings by a federal judge who allowed the litigation to go forward, and the case appears bound for the Supreme Court. The governments of Maryland and the District of Columbia are claiming that Mr. Trump is violating the emoluments clauses of the Constitution by accepting payments from foreign leaders or state officials who patronize the Trump International Hotel, which is on Pennsylvania Avenue just blocks from the White House. They are seeking documents from about a dozen entities connected to Mr. Trumps business, including the trust in which he placed assets when he became president, as well as from numerous other entities. But before any documents are produced, the Justice Department is expected to ask a federal appeals court and, if necessary, the Supreme Court, to intervene in the case. Justice Department lawyers contend that Judge Peter J. Messitte of United States District Court in Greenbelt, Md., has wrongly interpreted the meaning of the emoluments clauses, construing the bans against corruption far too broadly. WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Jim Mattis extended the deployment of active-duty troops on the southwestern border into January, Defense Department officials said Tuesday. The militarys border mission was slated to end Dec. 15, but the White House and the Department of Homeland Security had requested to continue using the troops as an additional bulwark against migrants from Central America entering the United States. The requests came after Border Patrol agents fired tear gas at migrants trying to illegally enter the United States from Tijuana, Mexico. The extended deployment would include aviation, medical, engineering and military police support, a Defense Department official said on Tuesday. That includes military planes to transport Border Patrol staff and setting up additional concertina wire. WASHINGTON Around Labor Day in 1998, the historian Michael Beschloss took his friend, Jon Meacham, then a Newsweek writer, to Kennebunkport, Me., where Mr. Beschloss interviewed George Bush, the former president, at the family compound. After their conversation, Mr. Bush took both visitors on one of the hair-rising rides he loved to take on his speedboat. That was the beginning of an unusually close relationship between Mr. Bush and Mr. Meacham, who went on to be a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, historian and, eventually, Mr. Bushs biographer. In 2006, the former president granted Mr. Meacham access to his extensive diaries, both audio and written, and as their connection grew, the project evolved into Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush, a No. 1 New York Times best seller in 2015. Another measure of that deeply personal connection unusual for most historians and their subjects will be on display Wednesday when Mr. Meacham delivers a eulogy for Mr. Bush at his funeral at Washington National Cathedral, one of four men the former president chose to perform that duty. Initially, members of the Bush family were skeptical of Mr. Meacham, in part because of lingering ill will toward Newsweek magazine, which in 1987, before Mr. Meacham worked there, ran a cover story on Mr. Bush with the headline Fighting the Wimp Factor. It did not help that he was a frequent commentator on MSNBC. But he eventually won them over. A man walked into Lopez Tires in Salt Lake City, Utah, last week, announced his intention to kill Mexicans and then beat the shops owner and his teenage son with a metal pole so severely that the younger man was sent to the hospital in critical condition, the authorities said. A suspect was quickly caught, but under Utah law he cannot be charged with a hate crime. The attack on Jose Lopez and his son Luis has drawn new attention to the hate crimes law on the books in Utah, which has long frustrated law enforcement officials because it can be applied only to misdemeanors, not felony crimes like murder or serious assault, rendering it largely ineffective. The statute that we have is such an untenable and unworkable statute that we have not had a successful prosecution of a hate crime for the last 20 years at the state level, said Sim Gill, the district attorney for Salt Lake County. It is worthless. It is not worth the paper it is written on. A man walked into the Lopez familys business on Nov. 27 and said he wanted to kill Mexican guys, said Mr. Lopez, who suffered a laceration to his arm in the attack. A felon who escaped from a South Carolina prison early Tuesday morning and barged into a womans home was fatally shot by the homeowner in what the local sheriff described as a shining example of why people should own guns and know how to use them. The episode began around 2:35 a.m. on Tuesday when a pair of Pickens County Prison inmates hatched what Sheriff Rick Clark said was a premeditated plan to escape. While the authorities said they were still investigating exactly how the inmates got out of the prison, in the northwest corner of the state, Sheriff Clark said the inmates assaulted two detention officers in the process. By Tuesday night, the officers were sore and a little bruised, but resting at home with injuries that were not life threatening, the sheriff said. Deputies responded, and one of the escapees, Timothy Dill, was taken into custody a short distance from the prison, in Pickens, S.C., Sheriff Clark said at a news conference on Tuesday. Mr. Dill, 32, now faces new charges including assault, escape and kidnapping. In the meantime, the other fleeing inmate, Bruce W. McLaughlin Jr., 30, had kicked in the door of a nearby home and armed himself with a metal tool used for sharpening knives that he found in the kitchen, the sheriff said. The homeowner was there alone and Mr. McLaughlin approached her bedroom door, leaving her with no way to escape, the sheriff said. War and Peace in Liberia Through Jan. 13. Bronx Documentary Center, 364 East 151st Street, Bronx; 718-993-3512; bronxdoc.org. The second civil war in Liberia , from 1999 to 2003, turned Africas oldest independent nation into a charnel house where drugged child soldiers killed and raped members of their own communities, and where both rebel and government forces fired on unarmed civilians. Our visual memories of this appalling conflict come largely from two war photographers, Tim Hetherington of Britain and Chris Hondros of the United States, who were on either side of the front lines in 2003. Dozens of their photographs which helped provoke international pressure to end the conflict are on view at the Bronx Documentary Center. Hetherington, who was embedded with the rebels, shot stately photographs in square format. One young soldier sits before an amaranth wall, ring-clad fingers resting on his hair; by his elbow is a grenade, perched as naturally as an apple on a teachers desk. Though he photographed soldiers, civilians and peacekeepers, Hetherington pictured the wars effects more indirectly through a blasted bathroom wall or the crumbling facade of the Bank of Liberia. Hondros, whose prints are rectangular, favored longer sightlines and sharper diagonals. On a bridge outside the capital Monrovia, he captured a soldier, topless, his rocket launcher slung behind him as he jumps for joy. A child wearing a necktie and tank top, seemingly no older than 10, struggles to support the weight of his rifle. In 2011, while documenting Libyas revolution, Hetherington and Hondros were killed during a mortar attack by soldiers loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi. Hetherington was 40, Hondros was 41. This intense show is a memorial for men who believed, and perhaps proved in Liberia, that a few precise images could influence the international community. Yet it also feels like a eulogy for the last moment before digital circulation narrowed the impact of even the most urgent imagery and before Syrias civil war, among the most photographed and filmed conflicts in human history, disabused us of the pretension that images will make us act. JASON FARAGO George Bush was not exactly known for having a rock n roll side. But as part of his inaugural festivities in 1989, the 41st president had an unusual photo-op at a concert, hamming it up on a prop guitar while soul-music stars like Sam Moore, Carla Thomas and Percy Sledge smiled around him. Right next to the new president was Lee Atwater, his campaign manager, who was criticized then and is best remembered now for racially inflammatory tactics like the notorious Willie Horton TV spot, which featured the mug shot of Horton, an African-American prisoner who raped a white woman while out on a weekend furlough. News photographs of Bushs air-guitar moment have been widely disseminated, particularly since Bushs death on Friday. But video of the moment itself has been largely unseen until now. The leadership team of the New York local of the musicians union the unions largest local in the nation was voted out of office on Tuesday in a stunning upset, amid concerns over the underfunded musicians pension plan and broader changes facing music, the original gig economy. It was the first contested election in nine years at Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians, and it could cause national ripples. Adam Krauthamer was elected president with 67 percent of the vote, beating Tino Gagliardi, who has held the post for nine years and played a key behind-the-scenes role in the citys musical life. The insurgency began with musicians concerned about their pensions. The American Federation of Musicians and Employers Pension Fund, a multiemployer plan representing thousands of musicians around the country, has grown so underfunded that it may decide to reduce benefits in the future. The crisis has led to renewed activism by musicians. Some have sued the plans trustees, claiming mismanagement, which the trustees have denied. Others, including Mr. Krauthamer, formed a group called Musicians for Pension Security. 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. Cohens Gamble Stephen Colbert wants to know why Michael Cohen, President Trumps former lawyer, is such an open book all of a sudden. Cohen has owned up to a number of serious crimes in his testimony to Robert Mueller, the special counsel despite never having received a guarantee that hed get clemency when he is sentenced. Its a move that has left some analysts scratching their heads. This is a tale of patriarchal double standards and sexual disgrace but the humiliation turned out to be his, not hers. In Bringing Down the Colonel, the journalist Patricia Miller has unearthed the case of Madeline Pollard, who brought a lawsuit against Col. W.C.P. Breckinridge, a five-term House representative from Kentucky, for breach of promise to marry. Miller began working on her book more than a decade ago, long before the revelations and reckonings of #MeToo, but what she found is a story from the 19th century that rumbles and resonates in our own. When Pollard filed her suit in 1893, the United States was reeling from a financial crisis that would signal the end of the Gilded Age and the beginning of the Progressive Era. The scandal offered a welcome diversion when the country was hankering for one. A demoralized public wanted to hear about something other than cascading bankruptcies and grinding unemployment. The scandal amounted to something more than a distraction. It both embodied and repudiated a set of sexual attitudes that was starting, however slowly, to change. Breach of promise lawsuits werent uncommon at the time; Miller describes them as a Victorian-era legal convention that recognized marriage as a womans primary vocation. A woman could recover damages for a broken engagement that left her with neither her virginity nor a wedding band to show for it. One means is those sons. I found myself reading for the reappearances of Gregory Bellow, Adam Bellow and Daniel Bellow, who are richly realized as characters and emerge as thoughtful commenters on their fathers life. The sons humiliations climax with the oldest, Gregorys, tumultuous speech at a luncheon after Bellow accepted the Nobel Prize. He announced, generously, that he finally realized his father loved him after all, but his fathers way of loving was to work so hard and single-mindedly. Bellow, rather than embrace his firstborn, walked in front of the crowd to his middle son, Adam, shook his hand, and said: Thanks, kid, for not saying anything. And off he went, in a stretch limo, entourage at his side. Equally vibrant are the characterizations of the adult women who intersected with Bellow. Two of his five wives, Alexandra Tulcea and Janis Freedman, sat for wide-ranging interviews and come through admirably. So do many women Bellow dated in the 1960s and 1970s. The celebrated writer kept romances alive in different cities, two or three at any given time with students and faculty divorcees at the University of Chicago, assistants at The New Yorker, even his housecleaner. Half a century later, women like Maggie Staats and Arlette Landes are affectionate but frank in remembering the half-liberated 60s milieu, and make the otherwise dreary train of affairs surprisingly captivating. The same incidents come to us through different eyes, immediately and in retrospect. From Bellows archives, Leader might quote a letter in which Bellow described the frenetic writing of Mosbys Memoirs while on vacation in Oaxaca in 1969: I was in a state of all but intolerable excitement, or was, as the young now say, turned on. A young and charming friend typed the manuscript for me. But then he can give us the benefit of that friends memories, too: As Staats describes it, Mosbys Memoirs is about the humor that can be derived from screwing someone over, and the consequences of doing so. (Leader adds: When asked what Bellows attitude was to such behavior, she replied mixed.) This is a social or crowd biography of a quietly provocative kind. It is brilliantly calibrated to explore Bellows own central theme as a novelist: the conflict between solitary genius and the constraints of community. The latter, Bellow ambivalently portrayed in his novels as the potato love of the family, the humanity bath of the streets, and the rough-edged, criminal temptations of the 20th-century city. Image The vein that successfully keeps one focused on Bellow, and enchanted, is the novelists excerpted prose. It knocks you back on your heels. Not just in the novels and stories, but in letters to every sort of addressee, from intimates, to fans, to politicians, Bellows prose is electric. Sri Lankas long struggle to patch invisible wounds. Nine years after the end of the island nations 26-year civil war, which killed more than 100,000 civilians, its still reckoning with the trauma and heartache. The government estimates that about 10 percent of Sri Lankas roughly 22 million people suffer from some sort of mental disorder, with nearly 800,000 suffering from depression. Studies in the northeast, where much of the fighting was concentrated, found as many as 30 percent of children suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder around the end of the war. For many, the trauma has been refreshed by the latest political crisis. Mahinda Rajapaksa, a former president who led a brutal offensive against the rebel Tamil Tigers, is back at the center of power, his face looming from posters on the street. Our reporter followed a government psychiatrist, pictured above, who travels to villages around the country to help people piece their lives back together. _____ National reaction: The funeral offers an opportunity for a divided country to pause and reflect, our chief Washington correspondent writes. Voices: Mr. Bush has been lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda, and we spoke to some of those who went to pay their respects. All decisions he made may not have been favored by all Americans, one said, but it was in the best interest of the country. Closer look: Mr. Bush and his son George W. Bush, who will deliver the main eulogy today, shared an unbreakable bond despite a lifetime of tensions. The details: Mr. Trump has designated today a national day of mourning. The stock markets will be closed, and the Postal Service wont make regular deliveries. A representative of a mysterious Chinese oil company was convicted Wednesday on charges that he tried to bribe government leaders in Africa in a case that put foreign officials on the stand to discuss deals, some of which were hatched in the hallways at the United Nations. The federal trial of Patrick Ho put a spotlight on the methods that a once fast-growing oil company, CEFC China, used to expand its reach from Asia to Africa, Europe and the United States. Mr. Ho, a former government official in Hong Kong who ran a research organization funded by CEFC, was convicted just a little over a year after federal agents arrested him when he was getting off a plane at Kennedy International Airport. A jury of nine women and three men in Lower Manhattan deliberated for less than a day after a seven-day trial in which Mr. Hos lawyers did not call a single witness. Mr. Ho, 69, who has been held in federal custody since his arrest in November 2017, showed little emotion when the verdict was read. As he had throughout the trial, he wore a traditional purple Chinese tunic in court. He was charged with five counts of conspiracy and attempted bribery under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and three counts of money laundering involving two separate schemes involving officials in Chad and Uganda. The jury convicted him on seven of the counts on a day when the courthouse was largely closed for business to mark the funeral of former President George Bush. Other oil-producing countries are too small or hamstrung by political constraints to control the conversation. Over the last two years, the Saudis, the worlds largest exporters, and Russia, which has been producing about 12 percent of world output, have called the shots. A high-five between President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Group of 20 summit meeting in Argentina last week was a sign of how closely their interests are aligned. We call it OPEC, but it is a whole different system now, said Bhushan Bahree, an OPEC analyst at IHS Markit, a research firm. The managing committee is just two countries. Last summer, for instance, Saudi Arabia and Russia opened up the taps in response to complaints about rising prices from the United States and other producers leading to price declines and now-present worries about oversupply. The move brought complaints from other members, notably Iran, that the Saudis run OPEC for their own benefit. What is likely to happen? Most analysts say that the oil producers have little choice but to announce a substantial cut in production of at least one million barrels a day, or around 1 percent of world oil supplies. Otherwise, prices could slide into the $40-a-barrel range or lower, squeezing the oil-dependent economies of member countries. The purpose of cuts is to reduce supplies, to bolster prices and to change market psychology. They need to cut because otherwise there will be a massive oversupply next year, said Ann-Louise Hittle, an analyst at Wood Mackenzie, a market research firm. What does Qatars announcement that it will leave OPEC mean? Qatar, like Iran, appears to be fed up with Saudi Arabias dominance of OPEC. The minister of state for energy affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, explained the decision on Monday by saying that the oil business was controlled by an organization managed by a country, apparently referring to the Saudis. Qatar will leave next year. And what was so different about your vacuums? I saw the problem, and I saw a possible solution, which was the huge cyclones outside cement plants and timber yards that collect dust all day long. So I started building various versions of that technology. As it happens, it didnt work. I had to spend four or five years coming up with different types of cyclonic separation devices in order to make it work. It took a lot of empirical work. I had to build the prototypes, one or two a day, which sounds tedious, but actually it was fascinating. Im still doing it today. It always is a wonderful adventure of excitement and disappointment. Almost everything you do is a failure, until you get the one success that works. How did you pay for all that research and development before you had a product to sell? I was borrowing it all from the bank. Going deeper and deeper into debt. By the time I launched the vacuum cleaner, I was two million pounds in debt. I think the bank got in a bit deeper than they intended to, but I had an interesting bank manager. I asked him why he lent me the money, and he said, I went home to my wife and said, What do you think about vacuum bags and vacuum cleaners? And she said, Dreadful, dreadful. Once you gained traction in the U.K., how did you expand into the United States? A junior buyer at Best Buy took our vacuum cleaner home and used it for three weeks and came back to her boss and said, This actually is a really good vacuum. It doesnt make a mess. And he said, All right, lets give it a go in 50 shops. It sold well, and then everybody else wanted it. It was just one brave junior buyer, convincing her manager. When we met earlier in the year, you told me something about Japan. We do a lot of our product launches in Tokyo. Theyre technology nuts. They love artifacts. In this P.C. world, we like to not say anything interesting about people that are different from us. But the Japanese were, when I went there, very, very different. They told me I have a nose like the Eiffel Tower. The girls want to spend their whole teenage years to get their noses more like Western noses. I think racial differences are fun. And theyre sometimes funny and theyre a source of amusement between us. But of course, thats not a very P.C. thing to say. Whenever we went there, we thought you had to learn to behave like a Japanese person, you know, bowing. What I quickly learned is thats not what they wanted from us at all. They wanted our eccentricity and difference. So, I carried on being an Englishman. What are you working on now? Ive been working on an electric car. We bought an old World War II airfield, so weve got a place to do it. Tesla proved that people want electric cars, though I dont think governments have realized it yet. People are trying to ignore pollution and the damage that pollution does. Apart from that, the electric car is a much nicer and easier car to own. You dont have to go to gas stations, which arent very nice. They say there were a variety of factors at play, including the magazines commitment to cultural coverage and its refusal to engage in traffic-driving clickbait. But it also had to do with its often critical coverage of Mr. Trump and other Republicans, as well as the Never Trump stance of the magazines co-founder William Kristol as he made the rounds on cable television at times raising hackles at the home office. Pro-Trump coverage is to conservative media what anti-Trump coverage is to liberal media a great driver of internet traffic and ratings. The Standard team told potential investors that while it suffered some print subscription losses down 7,000, or nearly 10 percent, since Mr. Trumps election, Politico reported its online subscriptions were up and it had more than doubled its online traffic. Clarity would not comment beyond its initial statement. Mr. Kristol started the magazine in 1995 with Fred Barnes and John Podhoretz, with financing from Rupert Murdoch, who sold to Mr. Anschutz, the owner of Clarity Media, in 2009. The Weekly Standard came to define the neocon stance of the Bush era. Its role in making the case for the Iraq war placed it in a camp that had little in common with the views of the more isolationist Mr. Trump, who positioned himself during the 2016 campaign as an anti-interventionist opposed to the Iraq war. Despite its independent stance, the magazine has been supportive of Mr. Trumps Supreme Court picks and tax proposals. But its most popular story this week was one by Mr. Hayes, How Trumps Lies About Russia Were Exposed. And on election night, Representative Steve King of Iowa barred a Standard reporter from his victory reception because of its report that he had referred to immigrants as dirt during his campaign. On Wednesday, I caught up with Mr. Kristol, who is now an editor at large, handing the day-to-day operation over to Mr. Hayes a couple of years ago. Want climate news in your inbox? Sign up here for Climate Fwd:, our email newsletter. Greenhouse gas emissions worldwide are growing at an accelerating pace this year, researchers said Wednesday, putting the world on track to face some of the most severe consequences of global warming sooner than expected. Scientists described the quickening rate of carbon dioxide emissions in stark terms, comparing it to a speeding freight train and laying part of the blame on an unexpected surge in the appetite for oil as people around the world not only buy more cars but also drive them farther than in the past more than offsetting any gains from the spread of electric vehicles. Weve seen oil use go up five years in a row, said Rob Jackson, a professor of earth system science at Stanford and an author of one of two studies published Wednesday. Thats really surprising. Worldwide, carbon emissions are expected to increase by 2.7 percent in 2018, according to the new research, which was published by the Global Carbon Project, a group of 100 scientists from more than 50 academic and research institutions and one of the few organizations to comprehensively examine global emissions numbers. Emissions rose 1.6 percent last year, the researchers said, ending a three-year plateau. PLAILLY, France Dressed in a white lab coat with blue piping and sporting a trimmed goatee, Nicolas Guignaud stood in front of an industrial gas hob. He took a plastic bottle of green liquid, squirted some of its contents into an aluminum pot of boiling water and began stirring the concoction with a hard white plastic spatula. Taking a thick teardrop-shaped piece of clear resin about three inches long, Mr. Guignaud a tinting technician with Maison Desrues, which manufactures high-end buttons, jewelry and accessories dropped it carefully into the pot. After a few minutes of constant stirring, he used a colander to retrieve the resin, now a dull green. He dipped it in room-temperature water, put it back in the boiling liquid, added some yellow tint and repeated the same procedure all over again before pulling out the now deep-emerald piece of resin and setting it on a side table to dry. The more colors I put in, the more intense the color comes out, said Mr. Guignaud, who joined Desrues nine years ago after three years of technical tinting training. I just feel how much I need to add for the color I want. It is intuitive, not scientific. FLORENCE, Italy On one fine day in early fall, Filippo Ricci, creative director of the luxury company started by and named for his father, Stefano, proudly opened the heavy iron gates to an old silk mill in the center of Florence. Visitors crossed a stone courtyard shaded with orange and banana trees, strawberry and wild grape vines, their bounty waiting to be turned into jam by the mills workers. Its like taking a step into the past, Mr. Ricci said as he moved past a door painted red, the signature of Florences age-old silk guild, to enter a large loft-like space built of rustic wood and brick. For hundreds of years weavers have been at work here in the Antico Setificio Fiorentino, creating the sumptuous fabrics for which the city is known. Its like a little undiscovered jewel, Mr. Ricci said, but open to the public by appointment. The lab was rebooted five years ago, with an eye toward innovation, said Hebe Verstappen, the labs director, who came from the textile industry and manages a staff of 20. We started to think again about what the lab is for, she said. Its not only for visitors or production, but for pushing the boundaries of techniques, discovering new processes and teaching the next generation. Some designers are invited to the lab to work on commissions from the museum or the lab itself, financed through national arts funds. Others, including students, can pay a daily rate to use the lab for research or to create prototypes or finished products. The roster of industry heavyweights who have designed work here includes Viktor & Rolf, Studio Formafantasma, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Studio Job and Scholten & Baijings. (In a newly opened sample studio, visitors can see, and even touch, preliminary models that those designers and dozens of others have made.) I think the lab really makes a difference for textiles in the Netherlands and is why were so well known for them, said Carole Baijings, who credits museum commissions with drawing international attention to the studio that she and her partner, Stefan Scholten, operate in Amsterdam. The lab, she said, has had a hand in everything from the duos trademark bold colors to their first foray into florals for an exhibition at the museum earlier this year. And it is where they make upholstery design samples for Scholten & Baijingss collaboration with the large New York-based textile brand Maharam. (The lab also played a role in the exhibition Scholten & Baijings: Lessons from the Studio, which runs through Nov. 28 at the Cooper Hewitt museum in New York.) In December 2011, a therapist asked our daughters, who were suffering from debilitating separation anxiety, to draw a picture of how they thought their dad was injured. We had always spared them specifics in hopes of protecting them. Now we learned they had filled in their own dramatic and disturbing details. I nearly broke down as my sweet little girls colored scenes of violence, blood and gore. It was no wonder they brimmed with stress. But our oldest son felt the impact the most. When he reached his teenage years, I leaned on him to watch his three younger siblings, so I could leave the house for errands. I quickly realized the responsibility was too much for him to handle. Our son grew hypersensitive to Chucks moods, desperately trying to keep the younger kids quiet so they didnt trigger their father. If Chuck became agitated, our son would do his best to distract his siblings or move them to another part of the house. Even if my husband had a good day, our son couldnt shake the anxiety that the mood in the house might swing at any moment. The kids couldnt simply leave the house; Chuck occasionally struggles with the simplest daily tasks, such as remembering to eat and preparing his food. My son was terrified his dad would get lost or hurt himself while he was on caregiver duty. I watched as secondary post-traumatic stress overtook our son. He began to display many of the same symptoms as Chuck, becoming irritable, sullen and quick to anger. He was chronically late to school because panic attacks would keep him locked in the bathroom. Like his father, he complained of headaches and fatigue and wanted to stay in bed all day. When I told him he had to go to school, he resented it. He didnt understand why he was being forced to power through things. At 12 years old, our son reached a dangerous phase. Id find him sitting quietly with the chilling thousand-yard stare that I recognized from my husband. He began to see how close he could get to committing suicide without actually doing it. He stood near balconies and ledges, looking over the edge in a trance. I remember grabbing him by the shoulders once, pleading with him to let go of the responsibility he felt to help me care for his dad. I begged him to have fun and enjoy all the good times and mischief that come with being a teenager. But he couldnt shake the chronic nervousness and dread. The afternoon that I listened outside my sons bedroom door, I waited to hear any signs of the anger hed just shown, but there was only silence. I forced my way in and found him semiconscious on the floor a dog leash that he had wrapped around his neck was still hanging from the top bunk. The feeling of suffocating and knowing that he was about to die saved his life. He had the strength to break free from the noose, but collapsed afterward. Some people are surprised that Chucks injuries would cause such problems for our family, particularly because his wounds arent as apparent as severe burns or lost limbs. At parties, friends will casually say, He seems fine to me, not knowing that the exhaustion of socializing will keep him in bed for the next two days. Loved ones get angry when we arrive late for dinner, calling us inconsiderate rather than understanding how hard it is to get a family of six out the door when your husband constantly battles dizzy spells and struggles to keep track of time. Teachers are quick to label our kids outbursts at school as poor behavior, not knowing how nervous they were that their dad had to go to the neurologist again to figure out why he was losing consciousness during conversations. In many ways, Chucks injuries are even harder on our children than on him. Our kids dont understand why their mom and dad dont have a typical husband-wife relationship. They become frustrated when family outings are canceled at the last minute, or when their dad misses another event. And because they cant see their fathers injuries, the details of what happened to him are supplied by their imaginations. Saoirse, you had been attached to this film since you were 18. If it had been made then, how different would your performance have been? RONAN Very different. This sounds very actor-y and cheesy to say, but I did go through a bit of a transformation while I was making this. Mary was such a woman in power and so comfortable in that role, and it really helped me because I had Lady Bird just about to come out and things were shifting for me. There were a few tough choices I had to make professionally at that time picking jobs and scheduling and I owned them in a way I never would have done before. I think it was because I was playing a woman who made tough decisions, even when they werent going to make everyone happy. And thats always torn me up, because Im such a people-pleaser! ROBBIE Im the same. I say yes to everything half because I dont want to let anyone down, and the other half because I have the biggest FOMO I dont want to miss out on anything. A few years ago, someone told me theres a lot of power in saying no. The world keeps spinning if you dont do something, and its kind of narcissistic to think that things wont happen without your involvement. They absolutely will! Get over yourself. RONAN The best piece of advice I got on this was from John Crowley, who directed Brooklyn. He said, Dont ever do something because you should do it, only do it because you want to do it. ROBBIE Hey, you said that while we were rehearsing, and I wrote it on my script! Its the best thing Ive ever heard, and the same goes for scenes, too. Its not interesting to watch a character do something they should do. Its interesting to watch them do something they want to do. Sean Rayford/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- The incoming Democratic House Majority Leader said Tuesday that it is possible that his party could refuse to seat a North Carolina Republican who won a closely contested congressional race, as state officials investigate allegations of election fraud that continue to cloud the result. If there is what appears to be a very substantial question on the integrity of the election, clearly we would oppose Mr. Harris being seated until that is resolved, Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, said of Republican Mark Harris, who was the apparent winner in North Carolinas 9th Congressional District over Democrat Dan McCready last month. This is a very substantial question. It ought to be resolved before we seat any member, Hoyer said. I would hope that the North Carolina officials get to the bottom of this controversy. The House, under the U.S. Constitution, has the express authority to be the judge of the elections and returns of its own Members." Under federal law the Committee on House Administration has the authority to independently investigate the election and submit recommendations for how to resolve the situation, which includes the power to call for a new election. Hoyer said he would speak with California Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren, who was tapped last week to chair the panel in the new majority, to discuss the controversy. If the House determines it necessary, a new election would occur with party primaries and a general election. The North Carolina Board of Elections also has the power to call for a new election if it determines that the irregularities or improprieties occurred to such an extent that they taint the result of the entire election and cast doubt on its fairness. The comments come after the stunning move last Tuesday by the bipartisan state Board of Elections, which voted unanimously to delay certification of Harris 905-vote vote victory over McCready in the 9th Congressional District. Then on Friday the board held another meeting where they voted 7-2 to again delay certification of the result and also agreed to hold a public, evidentiary hearing in light of claims of numerous irregularities and concerted fraudulent activities related to absentee by-mail ballots, and other matters to assure that the election is determined without taint of fraud or corruption and without irregularities that may have changed the result of an election. At the heart of the controversy are abnormalities surrounding mail-in absentee ballots, which can be requested by any registered North Carolina voter. According to multiple news reports and several sworn affidavits, a staffer for Harris campaign organized a system through which he and various staffers would visit houses in rural Bladen County, North Carolina, ask voters to request absentee ballots and then return later to collect those ballots with the promise of mailing them in. Under North Carolina state law, only a voter, a voter's near relatives or a voters legal guardian is allowed to drop off an absentee ballot. One voter, 27-year old Datesha Montgomery of Elizabethtown claims in a sworn affidavit that in early October, a woman came by and asked for my absentee ballot. She states that [the woman] was collecting peoples ballots in the area. She had just come from another ladies house. I filled out two names on the ballot, Hakeem Brown for Sheriff and Vice Rozier for board of education. She stated the others were not important. I gave her the ballot and she said she would finish it herself. I signed the ballot and she left. It was not sealed up at any time," Montgomery said in the affidavit. Affidavits from Montgomery and five other North Carolina voters were submitted to the state Board of Elections by John Wallace, a lawyer for the North Carolina Democratic Party. Multiple interviews conducted by ABC News affiliate WSOC-TV political reporter Joe Bruno suggest that multiple people were working under Dowless direction collecting absentee ballots. According to an analysis by Dr. Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College, absentee ballots made up a much larger share of the vote in Bladen County, which is where Harris won those votes by a significantly higher margin than any other county in the district. Additionally, Bladen was the only county where Harris won the absentee vote, with McCready taking it in every other county in the district. "In Bladen County, 61 percent of the accepted absentee by mail ballots went Republican -- the only county to do so; meaning that along with the almost 20 percent of loyal registered Republicans who voted that method, Harris would have also received almost all the registered unaffiliated voters and/or some Democratic registered voters to make it to 61 percent of the vote, Bitzer wrote. McCready conceded the race to Harris the day after the election, and has yet to officially retract that concession. In a statement posted to Twitter on Nov. 30, McCready praised the boards decision to hold a public hearing, writing: Todays decision takes a strong step towards ensuring that the people of the Ninth District have the answers they deserve and any bad actors are held accountable. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. My statement on todays ruling. pic.twitter.com/9en4SWZvAh Dan McCready for NC (@McCreadyForNC) December 1, 2018 North Carolina Republicans are claiming this is nothing more than a Democratic attempt to steal an already decided election.WSOCs Bruno obtained a transcript of a call the state GOP Chairman Dallas Woodhouse made to donors last night, in which he said, this is just a test to see if they can steal North Carolina from Donald Trump in 2020.National Republicans and President Donald Trump have thus far remained silent on the situation and the National Republican Congressional Committee did not respond to a request for comment from ABC News.Illinois Rep. Cheri Bustos, the new Chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, released a statement today saying the party is providing legal support and is watching the situation closely.A Democratic official confirmed to ABC News that the DCCC has legal staff on the ground in North Carolina, is cooperating with the campaign and is attempting to collect affidavits from anyone who came in contact with Harris campaign staffer Leslie McCrae Dowless. The Democratic official said there are more than a handful of staffers in the state and that the group is prepared for any pending legal battles.Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) Transport regulators have ordered the cancellation of all franchises of a bus company due to multiple reported crashes and accidents. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) cancelled 11 franchises comprising the entire fleet of Dimple Star Bus Company. The company is notorious for road crashes that led to multiple deaths in the past seven years. The latest incident was in March 2018 where 19 people died and 21 others were injured when a Dimple Star bus fell off a cliff in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. "We are cancelling the franchise of the entire fleet of Dimple Star because of repetitive recklessness in their transport service. One death is already one too many," LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra said Wednesday. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said incidents of deaths due to negligence will not be tolerated. "Hindi katanggap-tanggap ang mawalan ng isang buhay dahil lamang sa kapabayaan ng isang PUV. Ang ating prayoridad ay ang kapakanan at kaginhawaan ng ating mga kababayan, at ang hindi sumunod sa alintuntuning ito ay paparusahan natin," Tugade said. [Translation: It is not acceptable to lose one life because of the PUV's recklessness. Our priority is the safety and comfort of our people and those who do not follow the rules will be punished.] According to LTFRB's records, the company has been involved in eight road crashes from 2011 to 2018, that killed more than 25 people and injured 134 others. On the same month of the fatal Occidental Mindoro crash, the LTFRB ordered the preventive suspension of 118 units of the Dimple Star fleet due to non-compliance with safety regulations. READ: LTFRB preventively suspends Dimple Star's entire 118-unit fleet Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista also shut down the company's terminal in Cubao in March because they lacked the proper business permits. READ: QC gov't shuts down Dimple Star terminal in Cubao Other administration officials also disputed that the pace had slowed at City Hall, pointing to the many programs that have continued from his first term, including one to build and preserve 300,000 units of affordable housing, the Vision Zero initiative to prevent traffic deaths and the creation, albeit delayed, of new homeless shelters. Officials said that the mayor had made a decision with this years budget to continue spending on signature programs that he started in his first term, in particular early childhood education, rather than commit future spending to new, big-ticket items. His proposal, known as 3-K, to expand free schooling for 3-year-olds will require a large amount of financing as the number of children covered increases; the mayor did not want to put in place new programs that might take money away from that, especially given uncertainties about the economy and federal and state financing of the city budget. Still, the lack of big new ideas has been widely remarked upon by politicians and local leaders, and some, including the City Council speaker, Corey Johnson, have filled the void. When the mayor initially balked at funding subsidized MetroCards, Mr. Johnson pushed ahead, essentially forcing Mr. de Blasio to agree to the fair fares program for needy New Yorkers. The Council also led the way this year with a first-in-the-nation plan to cap the number of for-hire vehicles like Uber and Lyft. In the era of term limits, you have to work at continuing to be relevant on the issues facing the city, said Scott M. Stringer, the city comptroller, noting that Mr. de Blasio cannot run for a third term. As time goes on, people begin to look past your administration. Mr. Stringer, who, like Mr. de Blasio, is a Democrat, said that the mayor has little time to articulate a vision if he wants to carry it out before he leaves office. By early next year, he said, were going to need to hear what the last leg of the journey is going to be about. He has to have a laser-beam focus and an agenda for us to get behind. Pat Comunale stood at the podium before a packed courtroom across from James Rackover, the man convicted last month in the brutal murder of his son. He dabbed his eyes with a tissue and choked out his words. We wake up everyday with the horror of what happened to him, he said. There are no more holidays, no more birthdays, just days that go by. Mr. Comunale recounted his son Josephs final moments: He was beaten and stabbed to death after a night of partying in Manhattan. His body was pushed from the fourth floor window of an East Side apartment building. Later it was burned and buried in a shallow grave on the Jersey Shore. For that, Mr. Comunale told a judge in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, Mr. Rackover deserved the maximum sentence permitted under the law. Justice James Burke agreed. He sentenced Mr. Rackover, 27, on Wednesday to a minimum of 28 and 2/3 years in prison and a maximum of life for the murder of Mr. Comunale and related charges. [What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.] As the list of states that have legalized marijuana continues to grow, New York could have a new reason to embrace cannabis: It could help save the subway. Some state and city leaders have started to discuss the idea of making recreational marijuana legal and using the revenue to pay for badly-needed and expensive subway upgrades. The proposal could face improved odds in Albany now that Democrats have taken full control of the State Legislature for the first time in a decade. The biggest issue we hear about as elected officials is the state of the subway system, Corey Johnson, the City Council speaker, said in an interview. To be able to tie these things together is something that could be highly impactful and potentially transformative. The idea is still very much theoretical, but it has some prominent supporters and is being considered by a high-profile panel tasked with coming up with ways to pay for a subway overhaul. Any push to legalize marijuana in New York would have to be approved by state lawmakers and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Let the drama ensue. As The Times's Corey Kilgannon reports, the Strands owner, who also owns the building, said the restrictions that come with landmark status will be expensive, and jeopardize her already fragile book business. (Really, is there any other kind of book business?) At a Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing yesterday, Strand supporters spoke out. Hank ONeal, a photographer and writer who lives next door to the Strand, called it a cultural and historical resource of immeasurable importance that needs protection in an increasingly difficult retail environment. Best of The Times Data weapons for tenants: Coders are building apps to help city renters dig up dirt on bad landlords. Apollo Theater: The storied Harlem institution will create spaces to incubate works by up-and-coming artists. Ralphs coffee: The Ralph Lauren shop on Madison Avenue will have a pop-up coffee shop. Bleecker Street revival: A once-luxe stretch of the West Village that was recently pocked with empty storefronts is sprucing up again. What were reading Election trips: The company that supplied voting machines that failed en masse on Election Day bought flights, hotels and fancy dinners for the head of the citys Board of Elections. [NY1] Not funny: A writer for Saturday Night Live had his stand-up comedy set cut short at Columbia University by students who found his jokes offensive. [Columbia Spectator] Sorry, Santa bros: The Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North and New Jersey Transit are banning alcohol this weekend in anticipation of the red-suited scourge known as SantaCon. [Gothamist] Andrei Bitov, a Russian writer whose work, whether elaborate travelogue or intricate novel, was full of insights into his countrys history and literature, died on Monday in Moscow. He was 81. The Russian chapter of the writers group PEN International, which he helped found, announced his death on its website. Mikhail Epstein, Mr. Bitovs friend and the Samuel Candler Dobbs professor of cultural theory and Russian literature at Emory University, said the cause was heart disease. Bitov is justly considered a founder of Russian postmodernism, a vast and still influential movement, Professor Epstein said by email, especially in his masterpiece novel Pushkin House, which explores the complex relationship between the author and his hero. Bitov, he added, introduced into Russian literature the most subtle nuances of self-reflective existence, and the multiplicity of narrative frames and points of view. In this respect he can be compared only with Vladimir Nabokov. Charles Harrison, an industrial designer who rethought hundreds of ordinary items, including a plastic trash bin on wheels, a see-through measuring cup and the 3-D View-Master, which were then snapped up by the nations burgeoning postwar middle class, died on Nov. 29 in Santa Clarita, Calif. He was 87. The cause was a bacterial infection, said his son, Charles Harrison III. Mr. Harrison was a designer, not an inventor; his mission was to refashion consumer products so they could be mass-produced, pleasing to the eye and conducive to easier living. He was part of a golden age of industrial design, a time after World War II when newly prosperous families were eager to acquire the products they saw advertised on their boxy television sets. With goods flooding the marketplace, design became crucial to manufacturers competing for attention and sales. By the time he retired in 1993, Mr. Harrison, who was African-American, had broken through racial barriers and risen to become the chief product designer for Sears, Roebuck & Company. When he was hired at Sears headquarters in Chicago in 1961, he was the first black executive there. Sy Kattelson, a photographer and member of the influential Photo League, who captured workaday New York in pictures of nuance and intimacy for half a century, died on Nov. 24 at a care facility in Rhinebeck, N.Y. He was 95. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Raina Kattelson. Mr. Kattelson joined the League in 1947. A leftist documentary and artistic photography group based in New York, the League championed a new aesthetic and helped shape a generation of young photographers. He was not as well known as members like Paul Strand, Sid Grossman, Berenice Abbott and Lisette Model, but he set himself apart with photographs that tended to be less political, often showing New Yorkers in unguarded moments as they rode subways, walked the avenues, wheeled perambulators and otherwise went about their urban business. Most people doing that type of work were doing poverty-stricken people, like on the Lower East Side, Mr. Kattelson told The New York Times in 2017. I started to think, What about people like me, who were not in poverty? So I tried to show people what they were living like. When we dropped her off at the airport after several days, Grandma started to weep. She knew shed behaved poorly, not just to me, but with numerous other little barbs aimed at my mom, dad and sister. Something cracked between us all that day; it was clear, even to me, that she was no longer welcome in our house, that she wouldnt visit us again, and that my dad was unlikely to take us to the South Bronx to see her. Over the next 20 years, I began to come out to the world: first to my parents at age 16, then my select friends in my early 20s, and finally, at 28, on the cover of my local L.G.B.T. magazine. Grandma never found out. We had short phone conversations on holidays and birthdays. I just want you to know how much I love you and think about you all the time, shed say before handing the phone back to my aunt. As I grew older, my face started looking more and more like Grandmas: the same crease of our cheeks when we smiled, the same way we clenched our teeth when we were barely smiling, a cheeky gleam in our eyes that dared people to guess what we were really thinking. My mom pointed it out over dinner. She looks just like Olimpia! shed say, and my dad could barely look at me in that moment, pained to see the face of the woman who never gave him the love and support he needed. But the smaller details, the sort of things you feel but cant see, were what really got me. I love love! shopping at the mall; so did she. My aunt told me about how Grandma would ask her to open the front door because she needed the air, sitting on a chair in the open doorway. Likewise, I found myself needing the air when I was stressed, sitting on a kitchen chair looking onto my patio. We shared unusual eating habits: Id hold a cookie in my lips and devour it, hands free; thats how Grandma ate buttery Pepperidge Farm Milanos and Chessmen. Even with this, I knew our commonalities were a double-edged sword: She was someone who was intolerant of other peoples decisions; when I was born, she insisted on calling me Joanna instead of Joanne. My mom, still lying in a hospital bed, had to duke it out with her about my true name. Even from the start, Grandma wanted it her way. I know how it feels; will I someday be as ornery as her? This article is part of the Opinion Today newsletter. You can sign up here to receive the newsletter each weekday. One of the cliches of modern journalism is the faux-gotcha story about Republicans and fiscal conservatism. Such stories contrast the Republican Partys reputation for caring about the budget with some action like the Trump tax cut that adds to the deficit . The problem is, journalists have now been writing these gotchas for almost 40 years, because Republicans have not been fiscal conservatives for a very long time. Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush both caused the deficit to rise. More recent Republican leaders like Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell have also been profligate with taxpayer dollars. They pass huge tax cuts, mostly for the rich, and dont particularly care about the effect on the federal budget. But there is still one major modern Republican who deserves the label of fiscal conservative: George H.W. Bush. The mid-1960s were the heyday of punch-card-powered mainframe computers. In the two decades since their invention, digital machines had proved capable of processing a dizzying amount of information. Much of this data was personal, from medical information to military records to the type of cereal families bought at the supermarket, and there were no legal limits on what kind of data could be collected or by whom. The targeted marketing business until then had been largely left alone by regulators because it was so inexact. The computer age, however, transformed consumer targeting into a far more powerful science. Worries about data privacy erupted in the spring of 1964 with the publication of The Naked Society, by Vance Packard, a journalist best known for his unsparing critique of modern advertising. The Naked Society made a comparable assessment of the marketing schemes of big corporations, noting their immense and profitable traffic in personal data about American consumers. But he trained most of his attention on the entity that was then the largest user of mainframe computing power: the United States government. Unnerving amounts of personal information now could be sucked into bureaucratic databases, Packard observed. There are banks of giant memory machines that conceivably could recall in a few seconds every pertinent action including failures, embarrassments or possibly incriminating acts from the lifetime of each citizen, he wrote. Packard hit a nerve. Congress convened a Special Subcommittee on the Invasion of Privacy and started hearings into the governments databank proposal in July 1966. The leading privacy crusader in the House, New Jerseys Neil Gallagher, was a Johnson ally who believed that the databank had some merit but that the plan didnt do enough to protect personal information. On the Senate side, North Carolinas Sam Ervin was a critic of the presidents expansive domestic agenda and saw the databank as yet another sign of executive overreach. The computer never forgets, Ervin warned. Sources at the Hudson Institute said that Kleptocracy Initiative would continue, but did not comment on the Blavatnik gift. (Disclosure: I am a visiting fellow at Hudson, but it is an honorary position, and I have neither received money from the institute nor performed work for it.) Mr. Blavatniks glory at Hudson largely lasted just one night. But he did succeed in attaching his name to Harvard for generations to come. On Nov. 8, Harvard Medical School announced that the Blavatnik Family Foundation had pledged $200 million to the institution, creating the Blavatnik Institute and Blavatnik Harvard Life Lab. This follows on a $50 million gift by the foundation to the university in 2013. (Asked for comment, a Harvard spokeswoman said in a statement: Harvard Medical School is deeply grateful for the generous and transformational commitment from the Blavatnik Family Foundation that will support discovery at HMS propelling the schools mission to transform human health. She also referred me to someone who handles media relations for the foundation.) As a Harvard alumna, I find this appalling. Mr. Blavatnik who, with a net worth of over $20 billion, is the richest man in Britain and the 29th-richest in America cut his teeth in the brutal aluminum wars in 1990s Russia alongside Oleg Deripaska and Roman Abramovich, who has estimated that every three days someone in the business was murdered. Together, they acquired an empire of recently privatized metals and energy companies, often for outrageously low prices. Those deals, and others, involved a series of transactions with individuals with checkered pasts, deep Kremlin ties and a reputation for corruption. Though Mr. Blavatnik is not under American sanctions himself, many of his associates are, including Mr. Deripaska. The aluminum giant Rusal, where he is a major shareholder, is facing direct sanctions due to go into effect soon; Rosneft, an energy company owned by the Russian government where he also made millions, expects the ax to fall shortly. To the Editor: Re The Hypocrisy of Hanukkah (Sunday Review, Dec. 2): Michael David Lukass essay concerns the hypocrisy of observing a holiday that, if modern scholarship is to be trusted, pitted Jew against Jew in deadly violence fomented by fundamentalist crazies. If this is true, then why ever would we continue to retell this horror, nay, to celebrate it? I assume that Mr. Lukas and his family also celebrate Thanksgiving, Valentines Day and Halloween. All these observances have their roots in violence and fundamentalism. Being human, over time we reimagine and ennoble historic events. If purists drop the observance of all holidays that have a murky history, then all they may be left with is birthday cake. Yet, as Mr. Lukas also reminds us, whatever its real roots, Hanukkah celebrates the possibility of light in dark times, and the importance of even small miracles. It also underscores the destiny and vision of a people who have spent more than three millenniums reminding the world to leave the corners of our fields untouched for the poor and the stranger to glean. And Hanukkah is here as well for this: to fight (yes, fight if need be) in order to live where we can celebrate it, or Christmas, or both, or neither. Thats why I light the candles, sing the songs, eat the potato latkes (and ours arent greasy) and then help my neighbor down the street decorate the Christmas tree. Mr. Flynns assistance must give pause to the president, who has complained that flipping to testify against others should be illegal and has denigrated the work of law enforcement agencies. Just this week Mr. Trump praised Mr. Stone for having the guts not to cooperate with the Mueller investigation. The president has said little about Mr. Flynn since he left his employ. The words substantial assistance are a legal term of art and carry significant weight in sentencing decisions. Mr. Flynn, who resigned as national security adviser in February 2017 after serving only 24 days in the job, sat for 19 interviews with Mr. Muellers prosecutors, assisting in several investigations, including the special counsels inquiry. (The details of those investigations are not provided in the sentencing memorandum.) For Mr. Flynn, this means that it is now appropriate and warranted, in the special counsels view, that he receive a light sentence perhaps no jail time at all. Since Mr. Mueller began obtaining indictments and convictions for a constellation of figures associated with Mr. Trumps presidential campaign as well as Russian actors trying to influence it this is the first time that the special counsels office has offered glowing praise for one of its targets and credited the value of cooperating early and often. Mr. Flynn should take comfort in that, but thats not to say his misdeeds were minor. As lawyers for Mr. Muellers office noted in their sentencing submission, Mr. Flynns crime was serious. On several occasions during a fateful interview at the White House just days into the new administration, the former national security adviser lied to F.B.I. agents about his contacts during the transition with the former Russian ambassador. Mr. Flynn and the ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, discussed ways to undercut Obama administration policy in the Middle East and toward Russia. We do not yet know whether Mr. Flynn, a former Army lieutenant general and director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, did this on his own initiative or on orders from Mr. Trump or someone close to him. After that fiasco, Mr. Flynn found himself in further legal jeopardy when he hid from the Justice Department the true extent of his lobbying work for Turkey, for which he acted as a foreign agent during the campaign and in support of which he wrote an op-ed published on Election Day 2016. That Mr. Mueller didnt charge Mr. Flynn for this violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act was part of the sentencing deal and a reason Mr. Flynn may have felt compelled to tell the special counsel everything he knows. There can be no progress without political struggle, but for it to succeed, people must be empowered. They need to have a stake in society and in their communities. They have to be cherished, and their humanity has to be respected and defended. They have rights and entitlements that must be upheld and promoted. Society needs to be citizen-centered, shaped around these rights. The reality, of course, is that progressive change in society rarely comes of its own accord. It has to be engineered, negotiated for. Violence often breeds when people believe that they have been left with no alternative. And this belief can become more entrenched as states use extrajudicial and violent means to defend their interests. Annual worldwide military spending is estimated to be over $1.7 trillion today, whereas the United Nations and its related agencies spend around $30 billion annually. Conflict is fueled by poverty, economic exploitation and the desire to control water rights, oil reserves and other natural resources. Britain had fought dozens of counterinsurgency wars before it sent its soldiers to Irish streets in 1969. It had a well-established policy that saw the law, according to Brigadier Frank Kitson, as just another weapon in the governments arsenal little more than a propaganda cover for the disposal of unwanted members of the public. Irish republicans and others succeeded in shifting from conflict to peace by building an alternative to armed struggle with the Good Friday Agreement. It provides for certain rights for Northern Ireland, including the right to a referendum on whether to remain a part of Britain or to end that relationship and establish a united Ireland. The agreement emerged slowly as a result of hard work, with parties and governments eventually being prepared to take risks, and with the support of the international community. It is still very much unfinished business. In the conflict between the Spanish state and the Basque independence campaigners a similar process, closely modeled on Irelands, has succeeded in ending armed conflict, even though the Spanish government has not fully engaged so far. Sinn Fein leaders have often traveled to other conflict zones, including Afghanistan and Colombia, advocating the primacy of dialogue, negotiations and peace processes. KIEV, Ukraine In 2014, for the first time in seven decades, a state sought to redraw Europes map by way of military aggression. Russias theft of Ukraines Crimean peninsula commanded condemnation and economic sanctions from around the world. But as the news coverage moved on, Moscow was left to design a new assault: a 12-mile bridge between Russias mainland and Crimea. The Ukrainian people will not watch as Russia continues its creeping annexation of our country. Four years ago, in the aftermath of our revolution, Ukraine alone was not able to withstand a Russian military adventure. But today our resolve is strong, and we are prepared to stand up to Russia. This is why I have enacted limited martial law in Ukrainian territory near the Russian border, so that we are able to mobilize and protect our security should Russia dare to intensify its aggression. But we also need the support of the international community in the form of further sanctions against Moscow for its latest assault. Russias attack in the Kerch Strait and the Black Sea on Nov. 25 was not an isolated incident. Since 2014, Russia has regularly violated international rules of navigation and treaties in both those waters and the Sea of Azov. It has stolen our energy supplies and fisheries, harmed Ukrainian livelihoods, and blocked traffic and trade to our ports. To share a personal experience, in the aftermath of the Egyptian revolution, I set up a temporary studio at a local arts organization near Tahrir Square in Cairo. I shot a series of portraits of grieving elderly Egyptian men and women as they described tragedies, such as the loss of their children, that they experienced during the revolution. I had hoped to capture the human cost behind such euphoric revolutions, which often hit impoverished communities the hardest. Soon after this photographic series, Our House Is on Fire, was exhibited at the Rauschenberg Foundations gallery space in New York, a nonprofit organization who had originally commissioned the project, a critic published a piece accusing me of framing Egyptians sorrows for commercial galleries in Chelsea to invoke pity and ultimately profit, clearly oblivious to the fact that proceeds from online sales went to charity organizations of my choosing in Egypt. After reading the criticism of Our House is on Fire, I was taken aback, wondering whether the critics interpretation and accusations may have been correct. Was I guilty of manipulating peoples emotions to make art? Or was he wrong by grossly misrepresenting the truth and bending a narrative that fit his own anti-art world and political agenda? But then again, whenever there has been human loss, conflict or tragedy, there has also been art. There are also vastly different value systems that judge the validity and appropriateness of such art, which often at its purest intent is meant to make sense out of shambles, to distill essence out of chaos. Take, for example, the world-renowned Chinese dissident artist, Ai Weiwei, whose feature-length film, Human Flow, documented the devastating global refugee crisis. While on the surface it is highly commendable for a well-to-do, established artist to place himself at the heart of such human and political catastrophes, I could not help but wonder about his intention and the nature and impact of his work. Was Ai exploiting a human tragedy to bring attention to himself and to profit? Or was his work helping raise awareness about the refugee crisis? Who is his audience and how could art make any difference in a world flooded with news and images of this unfolding misery? Even simple things, such as buying a ticket for a plane, train or concert, have become arduous and frustrating chores in an era of targeted, opaque pricing. Instead of a common reality and a set of rules that apply to everyone, we have frustration, dysfunction and a waste of precious time and energy. And automation is not alone in chipping away at modern society. The few platforms that effectively own the digital communication sphere today operate without serious checks and balances, or even basic competition in an open market. Their algorithms are proprietary and unknown. There are few alternatives, if any, for consumers. The result is an endless cycle of broken news and quarter-truths, stretched and repurposed ad nauseam, because in the age of artificial stupidity, truth is traded for popularity and reach. The norms of reality TV have found a foothold in the digital age. The point is not that there is no reality the point is that its every fact for itself, competing against all others, while social media multiply alternative versions of it. If you dont like the reality you are facing, there is always another one, custom-made for your preferences. This is our real, existing digital world: nothing more than hourly waves of feverish and toxic agitation, played out over stale mainstream channels that discourage innovation and experimentation, drown in excruciating advertisements and drain peoples attention and souls. For months, Mr. McConnell had assured reformers that, if a bill emerged with the support of at least 60 members, he would bring it up for a vote. But no sooner had Mr. Trump finished praising the First Step Act than Mr. McConnell began weaseling out of his pledge, clucking about all the pressing business the Senate faced and how there most likely wouldnt be time to tackle this issue after all. By now, theres little point in criticizing Mr. McConnell for jamming things up. Obstructionism is what defines him and is, in fact, among the achievements in which he has professed the greatest pride. More particularly, criminal justice reform is not a core concern of the Republican base. And with hard-liners such as Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas loudly trashing the bill, allowing a vote could lead to an awkward moment or two for Mr. McConnells conference. This the majority leader cannot abide, no matter how worthy the cause or how broad its support. Now is when Mr. Trumps much ballyhooed salesmanship skills could really come in handy. If we get to it this year, itll be largely because of White House pressure, Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, a member of the Republican leadership, told CNN last week . The president isnt exactly shy about using his bully pulpit, and he has shown himself happy to pillory lawmakers, Mr. McConnell among them, when displeased with Congresss lack of progress. But confronted with Mr. McConnells neglect of criminal justice reform, Mr. Trump has remained uncharacteristically passive. He has reportedly phoned the Senate leader to ask him to take up the bill. But those involved with the reform push say theyve seen little sign that Mr. Trump is exerting himself or willing to burn any political capital on this issue. The president has been unable even to rouse himself for a Twitter tirade, issuing only a single, cheery tweet on the topic in the weeks since his endorsement. Times Insider delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how news, features and opinion come together at The New York Times. It started, as so many things now do, with a tweet. I was in the Times newsroom mindlessly scrolling through Twitter when I spotted a headline, one of those News of the Weird police blotter items. I clicked. An 89-year-old Indiana man who grows lilies pleaded guilty Tuesday in Detroit to serving as a drug mule to distribute more than 1,400 pounds of cocaine. Ding ding ding! I sat upright in my chair. Now thats a sentence. I felt like a 19th-century miner emerging from a cave with a fleck of gold in my dirt-caked hand. I emailed my brother, who is also a writer and thus spends a good chunk of his day scrolling through Twitter. I would read a magazine story about this guy, I wrote. Eat2explore is another. It was created by Rowena Scherer, 50, who had an aha moment after taking a family cooking class while traveling in Thailand. I realized my kids couldnt even dice or chop vegetables, and I knew it was because I do everything for them, said Ms. Scherer, who used to work in finance. She suspected that if her children were more involved in the preparation of different dishes, they would be more likely to try them as well. As a child in Malaysia, Ms. Scherer said, she and her family would cook lunch together each Sunday, letting her also practice what she learned in home economics class. Because I had a familiarity in the kitchen and good knife skills, I had a lot of independence as a teenager. Cooking is a life skill, and we are not longer preparing our own kids in this way. Her company sells country-themed boxes (Brazil, Ethiopia, Lebanon). They cost about $20 to $25 and include nonperishable sauces and spices, three recipes that are local to the country, as well as maps and cards that explain why certain flavors and dishes are important to the particular culture. The meals are meant to be cooked by children with help from a parent. If you make something with your own hands, you are much more likely to try it and over time you will develop your palate, Ms. Scherer said. In Brooklyn, two longtime food writers and editors who have long preached the importance of passing cooking skills to children are now putting their money where their mouths are. Michael R. Bloomberg stood on the red carpet Monday night, smiling his tight smile and rebuffing questions about whether he planned to run for president. His hearing also seemed to fail when asked if he would wed his longtime partner, Diana Taylor. I didnt hear that question, he said, all three times it was asked. That was understandable. After all, he was at Lincoln Center to discuss Paris to Pittsburgh, a new documentary about climate change financed by his nonprofit foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies. Its critical people understand that something is changing in this world, not for the better, Mr. Bloomberg said. And unless we do something, its not going to turn out well. As far as Bogota neighborhoods go, Quinta Camacho is small about six square blocks. But a wave of new establishments in recent years has made this quiet pocket in the sprawling and hectic metropolis worth exploring. The centrally located enclave is known for its brick, Tudor-style houses built in the 1940s and 50s. While the exteriors of these charming structures with shingled roofs have been protected from alterations by the city, their interiors are being transformed into restaurants, bars, boutiques and even a stylish hotel. Travelers often overlook the tiny area, but they shouldnt. As you walk around, it feels like a buzzy, European village different from anything else youll find in Colombias capital. 1. Casa Legado This bright, year-old boutique property feels more like home than a hotel. Its seven rooms are individually decorated based on personalities of the family members of its owner, local interior designer Helena Davila; take the Luisa, a cheery room with tropical print wallpaper named for her young niece. The hotels cozy living room has puzzles and games, breakfast is served at a communal farmhouse-style table, and the kitchen fridge is stocked with snacks and drinks that guests can take as they please. Carrera 8, 69-60; casalegadobogota.com Deval Patrick, the former two-term Democratic governor of Massachusetts, said Thursday morning that he would not be a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020, blaming the cruelty of our elections process and how it could affect his loved ones. A statement by Mr. Patrick, posted to his Facebook page at 7 a.m., confirmed reports from associates earlier this week that he had decided against mounting a presidential campaign after discussing it for months with advisers and his wife, Diane Patrick, and other family members, while traveling around the country to support Democratic candidates in the midterm elections. [Update: Deval Patrick is considering White House bid.] Ive been overwhelmed by advice and encouragement from people from all over the country, known and unknown. Humbled, in fact. But knowing that the cruelty of our elections process would ultimately splash back on people whom Diane and I love, but who hadnt signed up for the journey, was more than I could ask, Mr. Patrick said in the statement. He did not specify who he was referring to. WASHINGTON On Sept. 16, 1991, Angela Merkel, then a young protege of Chancellor Helmut Kohl of Germany, watched in the Oval Office as her boss and President George Bush wrestled with the sudden collapse of the Soviet Union. Without an influx of emergency aid, Germans feared that refugees could pour across the border, threatening the stability of their newly reunified country. Ms. Merkel shared that memory with President Trump at a summit meeting in Buenos Aires the morning after Mr. Bushs death. Later, she told reporters, Helmut Kohl could rely on this friend of the Germans in the White House. If not for Mr. Bushs sure-footed handling of those historic events, Ms. Merkel added, she would hardly be standing here. With Mr. Bushs death, a generation of Cold War leaders has passed from the stage. Of the major figures of that era, only Mikhail S. Gorbachev, the Soviet Unions last leader, is still alive. But at 87, he is too ill to attend Mr. Bushs funeral. Mr. Kohl died last year; even his protege Ms. Merkel, who will go to the funeral, is now in the sunset of a political career that made her Germanys first female chancellor. Ms. Merkels reminiscences about Mr. Bush were all the more poignant, given that she was about to sit down with Mr. Trump, who grew up during the Cold War but has gleefully tried to dismantle the European and global institutions that Mr. Bush and his Cold War-vintage colleagues built. As to Mr. Giulianis argument that the second period no space instance in his original tweet didnt create a similar link, thats because Helsinki.Either, so far, is not a working domain. Many Twitter users couldnt resist noting that Mr. Giuliani, who spent 16 years as a security consultant, was originally brought into the Trump administration as a cybersecurity adviser. (He certainly has more digital know-how than Japans cybersecurity chief, who recently admitted that he doesnt use computers.) Its not uncommon for political figures to display a lack of understanding regarding the machinery of the internet. Ted Stevens, a former senator from Alaska, was roundly mocked in 2006 when he described the internet as a series of tubes. [Sign up for the Morning Briefing newsletter for a look at what you need to know to begin your day.] Nor is it the first time politicians have run into issues related to domain names. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, for example, doesnt own the www.TedCruz.com domain, which led to the site displaying a pro-Hillary Clinton message shortly after he dropped out of the presidential race in 2016. Mr. Velazquez said hed had little time to carry out his mischief last week. He saw Mr. Giulianis tweet at 6:20 p.m. and had to act in an improv show at 7 p.m. He was at another improv show on Tuesday when he saw Mr. Giulianis follow-up. He said he was bewildered. He could have deleted it and everyone would have forgotten about it, my tweet would have stopped going viral, he said. Instead he tweeted about it and created a conspiracy theory against Twitter. In other words, if China doubled the amount of goods it bought from the United States starting next year, it would take nearly a decade to reach the $1.2 trillion goal. Scott Kennedy, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that purchases of that magnitude would take years to accomplish and that it is difficult for two countries to commit to such a long-term agreement given constantly changing market dynamics and technology. It sounds nice because theres a T in it, Mr. Kennedy said, referring to the word trillion. Even if China agreed to double its goods purchases, the question remains: What could it buy? Mr. Trump suggested two commodities on Wednesday that could fit the bill: liquefied natural gas and soybeans. In both cases, China has effectively halted what had been large purchases of American exports, in the midst of the trade war. The United States exported 1.7 million metric tons of soybeans to China over the course of a single week in November last year, data from the Agriculture Department shows. This year, the number of exports during that same week fell to zero. Simply returning to previous levels would be a significant win for American farmers but it would not come close to $1.2 trillion. In the 2017 fiscal year, before trade tensions flared, the United States exported about $22 billion in agricultural products to China. For the 2018 fiscal year, that fell to about $16 billion. For the 2019 fiscal year, it is projected to fall further, to $9 billion. That is a $13 billion gap from the pre-trade war levels, which, if filled with Chinese purchases, would take 92 years to add up to $1.2 trillion. Likewise, China stopped importing any American liquefied natural gas in September, after buying 10 million cubic feet of the gas in September 2017. At this years prices, that was a loss of about $47 million though overall liquefied natural gas exports continue to trend up for the United States, as countries outside of China increase their demand. This week, a 9-year-old boy threw the first legal snowball in Severance, Colo. It was the culmination of a campaign the boy, Dane Best, had led to repeal a nearly century-old ban on snowball throwing in Severance, a town of about 6,000 people about 50 miles north of Denver. There was no snow on the ground outside Town Hall on Monday night. But after the Town Boards trustees were swayed by Danes presentation, members of the town staff presented a snowball preserved in a freezer to Dane. Then, before a scrum of television cameras and reporters, he leaned back and hurled the snowball into the air. At the mayors office on Tuesday morning, Dane fielded calls from news outlets from around the world with his mother, Brooke Best. He had been up late the night before taping an appearance for Good Morning America and had also been featured in local newspapers and USA Today as well as on National Public Radio and several television networks. MADISON, Wis. When Wisconsin Republicans pushed through a sweeping set of bills Wednesday to limit the power of the states newly elected Democrats, it was another hardball maneuver by a man who has played a key role in driving the state sharply to the right. In the days after the Republican governors stunning loss last month the end of eight years of one-party control of the states government Robin Vos, the Republican speaker of the Assembly, was defiant. We are going to stand like bedrock to guarantee that Wisconsin does not go back, Mr. Vos told local reporters after the midterms. Mr. Vos became the first official to publicly suggest that Republicans consider reining in the authority of the incoming Democratic governor, Tony Evers. If there are areas where we could look and say, Geez have we made mistakes where we granted too much power to the executive, he told reporters, Id be open to taking a look to say what can we do to change that to try to rebalance it. HAVANA Cuba will offer its citizens full internet access for mobile phones beginning this week, becoming one of the last nations to enable such service. Cubans can begin contracting 3G service for the first time on Thursday, Mayra Arevich, the president of the state-run telecommunications company, Etecsa, announced on national television on Tuesday night. Until now, Cubans have had access only to state-run email accounts on their phones. The Cuban government has been building a 3G network in cities across the island, and some tourists, Cuban government officials and foreign businesspeople have had access to it for several years. The communist-governed island has one of the worlds lowest rates of internet use, but that has been expanding rapidly since Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro restored full diplomatic relations between their two countries in 2014. John F. Sopko, the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, said the case began with information from an unidentified whistle-blower four years ago. Weve been following this for a long time, he said. In all, the inspector generals agency has won convictions of 132 people, mostly contractors in Afghanistan, as of October. Mr. Sopko asserted that corruption among American contractors has undercut efforts to fight the serious corruption problems in the country already. We just poured so much money into the country we contributed to the corruption problem, we were like throwing fuel on the fire, Mr. Sopko said. Other officials at his agency credited a 2013 article in The Wall Street Journal with prompting the investigation. The article detailed Anhams efforts to circumvent Iranian sanctions and save on costs by shipping through Iran, and it was based on internal emails from Anham. At the time, the Pakistan border was closed and the alternative of shipping through Central Asian countries was much more costly. According to a statement from the Department of Justice, Mr. Farouki and his co-defendants saved money on their supply contracts by shipping through Iran and then denied having done so to the Department of Defense after they became aware The Journal was about to publish its article, which also appeared based on information from a company insider. The company maintained a subcontractor was responsible, unknown to Anhams senior managers, according to the governments indictment. The indictment also says that while Mr. Farouki was the companys chief executive officer, it pretended to build warehouses required by its $8 billion prime subsistence vendor contract, photographed the buildings under construction to show to the government, then disassembled them. Mr. Farouki was close to the Clintons and was a major contributor to the Clinton Foundation and other Democratic causes. He was also the chairman of the board of the American University of Afghanistan, which is funded by the United States government, until Nov. 26, according to a spokesman for the university, who suggested Mr. Faroukis resignation had nothing to do with the Nov. 29 indictment. Im sorry for my son Luigi, who they are trying to attack, he says, insisting his son knew nothing of his misdeeds and praising his honesty, transparency and courage. He demands that critics leave my family alone but argues that he had no choice but to hire workers off the books. He signs off by apologizing, again, to his son and saying, As a father, I can only encourage him to go ahead, not because he is my son, but because I believe he is doing good for this country, against everyone and everything. For years, everyone included relatives of the younger Di Maios political enemies. Before Five Star came to power, its main target was Matteo Renzi of the Democratic Party, a former prime minister. Mr. Di Maio and the partys army of online supporters seized on investigations into his fathers alleged influence-peddling as an example of the corrupt politics they promised to replace. But Italian judges in October shelved a case against Mr. Renzis father, Tiziano, and fined Il Fatto Quotidiano, an Italian newspaper supportive of the Five Star Movement, for defaming him. Im convinced that the sins of the father should not be visited upon the sons, Mr. Renzi wrote on Facebook after the program about Mr. Di Maios father aired. This is something I have always said, unlike Di Maio, who understands it only now. He went on to lament Five Stars campaign of hate against his father, who, he wrote, has become reluctant to leave the house and worries about what his grandchildren hear about him. Mr. Renzis father recently wrote on Facebook that if he had done what Mr. Di Maios father had, Five Star would already have launched an appeal on social networks for the return of the death penalty. MOSCOW President Vladimir V. Putin warned on Wednesday that Russia will respond in kind if the United States decides to develop new intermediate-range nuclear missiles. The chief of staff of Russias military, Gen. Valery V. Gerasimov, echoed those remarks, saying that any European countries where the United States stationed intermediate-range missiles, such as Poland or Romania, would be the first targets in the event of a conflict. The United States has long accused Russia of developing such missiles in violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which limits ground-based intermediate-range missiles. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States would within 60 days start the formal process of abandoning the treaty unless Russia re-established compliance with its terms. In televised remarks, Mr. Putin took the familiar tack of complaining that the West was unfairly singling out Russia for what he called a reckless decision. The discovery this summer was announced this week in a statement by MOLA Headland, the firm that led digs on the site of an infrastructure project costing 4.2 billion pounds, or more than $5.3 billion. Image The skeleton was found wearing a pair of thigh-high leather boots. Credit... Mola Headland Infrastructure/EPA, via Shutterstock By studying the boots, weve been able to gain a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of a man who lived as many as 500 years ago, Beth Richardson, a specialist with MOLA Headland, said in the statement. The boots would have been useful for treading knee-deep in the sticky mud of the Thames. They were not fancy, lacking heels or buckles, Ms. Richardson told The Guardian. We never find high boots like this they are always shoes or ankle boots, she said. High boots are just not very common throughout medieval times. The man is believed to have been at least 35 years old when he died, but his bones revealed that he probably led a painful life because of stiffness in his joints caused by osteoarthritis, experts said. His teeth show deep grooves caused by a repetitive action, possibly because of passing a material like rope between his teeth, as fishermen often did. PARIS Too little, too late: That was the reaction of the so-called Yellow Vest protesters to the French governments sudden retreat this week on a gas tax increase. The Yellow Vests, who have thrown France into turmoil with violent protests in recent weeks, say they want more, and they want it sooner rather than later lower taxes, higher salaries, freedom from gnawing financial fear, and a better life. Those deeper demands, the governments inability to keep up, and fierce resentment of prosperous and successful cities run like an electrified wire connecting populist uprisings in the West, including in Britain, Italy, the United States and, to a lesser extent, Central Europe. What ties these uprisings together, beyond the demands, is a rejection of existing parties, unions and government institutions that are seen as incapable of channeling the depth of their grievances or of offering a bulwark against economic insecurity. But what makes Frances revolt different is that it has not followed the usual populist playbook. It is not tethered to a political party, let alone to a right-wing one. It is not focusing on race or migration, and those issues do not appear on the Yellow Vests list of complaints. It is not led by a single fire-breathing leader. Nationalism is not on the agenda. Can play help refugee children heal from trauma? Thats the belief behind a new partnership formed by the Lego Foundation, Sesame Workshop and organizations working with Syrian and Rohingya refugees. In its first major humanitarian project, announced on Wednesday, the foundation will provide $100 million over five years to the makers of Sesame Street to deepen their work with the International Rescue Committee in the countries around Syria, and also to partner with the Bangladeshi relief organization BRAC. The aim is to create play-based learning programs for children up to age 6 in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Bangladesh. The programs will teach basics like the alphabet and numbers, but will also emphasize social and emotional development to counter the effects of stress and suffering. They will be offered both to displaced children and to some of their potential friends in host communities. Officials at the organizations involved said that helping childrens brains develop during their first years when they are absorbing information like sponges is crucial to helping them become healthy and successful later in life, and that play is an excellent way to do it. We know from child development research that the best way for children to learn is through exploring their world and play, said Sarah Smith, the senior director for education at the International Rescue Committee. More people around the world about 68.5 million have migrated across borders or been forcibly displaced than ever before, and more than half of them are children, according to the United Nations. That statistic along with the growing length of time that many of those people spend in limbo, unable to return home or settle legally in another country is prompting donors and aid groups to think about longer-term assistance. JERUSALEM No sooner had the Israeli military excavators begun to drill into the rocky ground than the suspicions burst forth. They were not directed so much at Hezbollah, Israels archenemy to the north: Few Israelis were completely surprised at their governments assertion that the group had dug tunnels under the Lebanese border. Residents there have complained of strange sounds at night for years. Instead, the distrust was directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, who recently assumed the additional role of defense minister, and who is facing increasing legal woes. The military operation to expose and destroy what his government described as tunnels into Israeli territory began two days after the Israeli police recommended that Mr. Netanyahu be indicted on bribery, fraud and other charges the third corruption case against him and potentially the most damaging. At the same time, Mr. Netanyahu is trying to preserve his fragile coalition amid accusations that he has not been tough enough in handling the simmering conflict with Gaza to the south. He and his political opponents are now in an election year. ISTANBUL Istanbuls top prosecutor on Wednesday filed arrest warrants for two senior Saudi officials who are close to the Saudi crown prince, accusing them of masterminding the killing of the dissident Jamal Khashoggi, according to a senior Turkish official familiar with the investigation and state-run media. The two Saudis, Maj. Gen. Ahmad al-Assiri and Saud el-Qahtani, are both close aides of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the kingdom and designated heir to the throne, and Western and Turkish officials have said that Mr. Khashoggis killing could not have been conducted without the crown princes knowledge and approval. Mr. Khashoggi, a Saudi citizen who lived in the United States and wrote opinion columns for The Washington Post, was killed and his body dismembered inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. The killing has prompted international outrage over the kingdoms tactics, and the top United Nations human rights official repeated her call for an international investigation on Wednesday. The Turkish official, speaking on condition of anonymity according to the protocol of his office, said the arrest warrants were filed after Turkey concluded that the Saudis would not take any formal action against the men. LONDON Fifteen-hour interrogations. Harmful cocktails of medicines. Offers of freedom in exchange for his theft of British government documents. In his first public comments since being released last week from seven months of detention in the United Arab Emirates, Matthew Hedges, a British academic, described the extended psychological torture he says he endured at the hands of his interrogators. Mr. Hedges, 31, was sentenced last month to life in prison after being convicted of spying for the British government during a research trip, part of his doctoral studies on the effects of the Arab Spring on Emirati diplomacy and security. He was pardoned by the Emirati government last week and returned to Britain after British officials lobbied for his release. Locked up alone in a windowless cell with fluorescent lights that gave him migraines, Mr. Hedges was repeatedly accused by his captors of working for MI6, Britains foreign intelligence service and questioned about his sources for information that was freely available online, he said. And because Mr. Bush, who eventually had a service dog of his own, signed the Americans With Disabilities Act, she said she was able to walk into the Capitol and stand before a great man. He gave me my life back as a veteran, Ms. Atkinson said, her eyes filling with tears. I served under him, and he returned that over and over again. ERITREA DISPATCH A Reclusive Nation Cracks Open Its Doors Eritreas 20-year war with neighboring Ethiopia is finally over. A journalist with roots in both nations visited to see if Eritrea can turn away from years of isolation. Produced by Jon Huang and Meg Felling Police in the Taiwanese city of Taipei were accused of wasting taxpayers money on solving stupid cases, after local media revealed that they recently conducted DNA tests worth hundreds of dollars to find out who drank a students $2 yogurt bottle. Sharing a fridge with roommates in college usually means accepting that, from time to time, some of your treats will mysteriously disappear. Its like a tradition, but for one Taiwanese woman sharing a house with five other women studying at the Chinese Culture University in Taipei, it was a serious crime that had to be solved at any cost. Last month, the unnamed woman came home to find one of her yogurt bottles empty in the garbage bin. None of her housemates had asked her permission to drink the yogurt, so she fished the empty bottle from the trash, convened an emergency house meeting and asked the other five women which one of them had stolen her yogurt. When none of them owned up to the crime, the infuriated woman took the empty yogurt bottle to the police and demanded that they carry out an official investigation and bring the criminal to justice. In most other places around the world, police officers would have almost certainly told the woman that this was not a matter for the police, and maybe even scolded her for wasting their time. But police in Taipei are apparently committed to solving any crime, no matter how innocent. They accepted the case and started pouring serious financial resources into the investigation. After hearing the womans story, the police had her five roommates brought in for questioning. They all denied drinking her yogurt, and since they couldnt find any fingerprints on the bottle, because of the condensation, they decided to conduct forensic DNA tests on the five suspects as well as the woman who had made the allegations in order to find out which one of them was lying. According to TVBS News, Taipei police spent a total of NT$18,000 ($585) on forensic investigation kits, reagents and centrifuges for 6 DNA tests in order to find the thief of a $2 yogurt bottle. Its unclear if they actually managed to find the culprit, but one thing police definitely managed to do was attract unwanted attention to themselves and the way they use public resources. The story went viral and people reacted angrily online, accusing police of wasting their budget on stupid cases instead of solving real crimes. Even sources in the police, who preferred to remain anonymous, compared this case with using a cannon to shoot birds it is not really in line with the principle of proportionality. Some people commented that it would have been cheaper for police to simply by the woman a bottle of yogurt when she first came in, or that it would have been simpler for her to just move out of the house if she couldnt handle the loss of a yogurt bottle. The annual Feeder School tables, published by the Irish Independent, have revealed which Offaly schools are sending the most pupils on to third level education. According to the figures, College entry rates are at a historic high with two in three post-primary schools now sending at least 70% of their pupils to third-level. In Offaly, Killina Presentation Secondary School has the highest rate with 90%, 62 out of 69 students who sat the Leaving Cert in 2018, going on to third level. Athlone IT (13) and Maynooth University (8) were the most popular destinations for students from Killina. St Mary's Secondary School in Edenderry was second on the list of Offaly schools with 89%, 120 out of 135 going on to third level education. Maynooth was by far the most popular destination with 37 students from St Mary's going on to study there. Banagher College sent 89% of their Leaving Cert class, 57 students in total, to third level this year. Of those 18 went Athlone IT while 11 went to Galway-Mayo IT. Another Offaly school sending in the high 80s on to third level was the Sacred Heart Secondary School in Tullamore. A total of 88%, 78 students out of a class of 89 went on to third level. The greatest number (11) went to DCU with 10 going to Galway-Mayo IT. Maynooth, NUIG and UCD also featured prominently on the list for the Sacred Heart School. The two two other secondary schools in Tullamore, Tullamore College and Colaiste Choilm sent 79% and 81% of their students respectively on to third level with Birr Community School sending 80%, 102 students in total, on to third level. Just under three quarters of students from Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa in Clara, 70% of students from Gallen CS and two thirds of students from Oaklands CC went on to third level. The figures for Colaiste Naomh Cormac were incomplete in the table but did show that 10 students from a small class went on to third level. To see a full breakdown of the figures from Offaly, click here to view them on the Irish Independent website. US Citizen Peter Sean Brown Nearly Deported To Jamaica By ICE For Marijuana Probation Violation Elijah C. Watson Elijah Watson serves as Okayplayer's News & Culture Editor. When Peter Sean Brown was born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey. A U.S. citizen was nearly deported to Jamaica after turning himself in for a violation probation back in April. Peter Sean Brown, who was born in Philadelphia but currently resides in Key West, Florida, said that he was locked up for weeks while law enforcement tried to send him to Jamaica. Brown had violated his probation after testing positive for marijuana and was incarcerated on request by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the Miami Herald. In the report, Brown said that he told every jail employee that he was a U.S. citizen but none of them believed him, with one guard talking to him in a Jamaican accent while another sung The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song to him. He was finally released three weeks later after a friend sent ICE a copy of Browns birth certificate. Since the incident, Brown has filed a lawsuit against Richard Ramsey, Monroe Countys sheriff, through the American Civil Liberties Union. The lawsuit accuses Ramsey of unlawfully arresting and detaining a U.S. citizen, in violation of the Fourth Amendment and the right to be free from false imprisonment, as Florida law guarantees. Nobody should have to endure what he endured, the complaint reads. He was kept in jail away from his family, friends, and work solely to facilitate his illegal deportation from the United States. The Sheriffs Office ignored his pleas for weeks, mocked him, and led him to believe that he would soon find himself in a Jamaican prison. He suffered severe anxiety, fear, and trauma in the process. The complaint also states that Brown has never lived and knows no one in Jamaica. Source: Miami Herald Camden, N.Y. A Camden woman is in custody after police say she stabbed her husband multiple times during a domestic dispute. Katherine H. Lavandowski, 65, was charged with second-degree assault, a class D felony, after police say she stabbed her husband at their Camden residence. Deputies arrived at the residence on Dec. 3 around 8 p.m., where they located the 75-year-old male victim with multiple stab wounds in the living room area. He was treated at the scene and transported to University Hospital in Syracuse for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening. Lavandrowski was transported to the Oneida County Jail where she is currently being held pending arraignment. The couple has been married for 42 years. Sherrill, N.Y. Sherrill resident and Rome native Andrea Maranville will represent Central New York on the national stage as she competes on the Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition. The six-episode show premieres Thursday, Dec. 6, on ABC from 9-11 p.m., but Maranville traveled to London, England over the summer to record the program. It was an unbelievably surreal and overwhelmingly exciting experience, said Maranville. The amateur baker began her baking journey about 10 years ago, and over the years it just sort of evolved into a passion for baking, Maranville said. Its something I love to do. People love to eat what I make and it makes me really happy to share my love of food with people. This is the second time shes applied for the show, she said, and she made it into the Top 10 contestants. They filmed in London during August with judges Paul Hollywood and Sherry Yard. Emma Baby Spice Bunton will host the show. To have them judge my food was mind boggling, said the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School graduate. It was just amazing. I made great friends with the contestants. It was just an unbelievable experience. Its something Ill never forget. Maranville was born in Rome and graduated from VVS. Her family moved away from the area for about 13 years, but her husband recently accepted a job at Madison-Oneida BOCES, so they moved back to the area around 4 years ago. I consider this home, Maranville said. To represent the smallest city in New York and this area makes me very proud. 23 lakh not included in Assams NRC are Hindu Bengalis, says Mamata Banerjee India oi-Madhuri Adnal Kolkata, Dec 5: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday, accusing it of being anti-Muslim as well as anti-Hindu. While speaking in Purba Medinipur on Wednesday, Mamata said,"In Assam, names of 40 lakh people were removed from voter lists, out of them 23 lakhs are Hindu Bengalis. People who are lying in the name of Hindu should know and keep this in mind." [Only 3.5 lakh of 40 lakh excluded in Assam list applied again: Sources] Mamata was referring to the National Register of Citizens in Assam. She said the BJP was against both Hindus and Muslims. The BJP is "killing the minorities, driving away Hindus and torturing Christians", she alleged. "Why do you (BJP) not show respect to teachers and women? Why do you kill people? Why do you create differences, leading to violence and vandalism in the country?" she further asked. [Mamata Banerjee attacks BJP, Cong, Left but separates Bengal Congress with national leadership] Banerjee has been extremely vocal about her displeasure with the NRC and has alleged discrimination in the draft in Assam, saying only Biharis and Bengalis' names have been removed from the list. Early last month, speaking at Hindi Mahotsav and Samman Samaroh, she had asserted that such a thing neither happened or will happen in West Bengal. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 23:53 [IST] AgustaWestland: After saying witness may have died, ED cites a little birdie to say he is alive AgustaWestland: How Fix it guy Michel managed the Indian media at Rs 330 crore India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Dec 5: The alleged fix it guy in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, James Christian Michel has finally been extradited to India. He was brought down to India after losing an appeal in a Dubai court where he had challenged the extradition request by India. Michel was alleged paid a sum of Rs 330 crore by AgustaWestland to manage various aspects which also included managing the media in India. Michel's main job was to give feedback on the media activities relating to the deal to AgustaWestland. His meetings with some media persons are under our scanner. AgustaWestland: Middleman Christian Michel extradited to India, lands in Delhi Michel was a middleman hired by AgustaWestland. His main job was to keep an eye on the media in India and report the narrative regarding the deal to AgustaWestland. He is an important player in this case, a CBI official tells OneIndia. We have some evidence on him which includes the reports he sent out and also the meetings he held with some people in the media, officials also add. An amount of Rs 330 crore was paid to him for managing various services. He received these amounts in part payments at United Kingdom, the British Virgin Islands and also Tunisia. In addition to his links with the media, the CBI has also found that he had several assets (benami) in India. A bungalow in Delhi and a luxury car is what the CBI has found and officials say that he had purchased this in a benami name. Christian Michel's extradition could spell 'serious' trouble for Congress brass: BJP While his meetings with several persons are under the scanner, the CBI has learnt that it was through his company Global Services FZE all his activities were managed. Through this company he managed to keep an eye on the media reports where this deal was concerned. If there was any negative press on the deal, Michel was meant to fix it, the CBI officials also say. AgustaWestland: Michels contacts in 2007 govt ensured competition was disqualified in trial stage India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Dec 5: The big news is that James Christian Michel has been extradited to India. This would provide a significant boost to the investigation agencies probing the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case. Dubbed as the historic consultant of AgustaWestland, Michel is alleged to gone out of his way to ensure that this deal worked. He moved his contacts in the then UPA government to ensure that the competition to AgustaWestland was disqualified early. AgustaWestland: How 'Fix it guy' Michel managed the Indian media at Rs 330 crore As per the investigation files, he made over a 100 visits to India and his aim was to deliberately trying to disqualify the competition. He visited India at least 100 times since 1993, during which he built contacts within the government. Sources tell OneIndia that he had built such strong links with the government that is alleged to have confidential defence files in his possession. He also had documents relating to the Cabinet Committee on Security. The biggest challenge for Michel was to ensure that a competitor did not bag this deal. AgustaWestland was facing stiff competition from M/S Sikorsky. The problem for Michel was that Sikorsky was quoting a much lower price and almost bagged the deal. "Under guidance' of Doval, Michel extradited to India says CBI Michel made an early visit to India and tried to deliberately disqualify the competition. The investigations that were conducted further in this regard showed that Sikorsky was disqualified in the trial stage itself. The un-opened commercial bid that was submitted in February 2007 was returned by the Defence Ministry back then. CBI officials say that it was Michel who moved his contacts to ensure that the financial bids of Sikorsky were not opened. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 11:07 [IST] Bypoll: EC notice to Assam minister for 'give and take' remark Urmi Boruah reminds us that Sky is not the limit BJP-ruled states slashes petrol, diesel rates further: New price to come into effect from today Manipur attack: Mortal remains of Assam Rifles personnel to head to their homes Assam Panchayat elections: 65 per cent turnout recorded India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Guwahati, Dec 5: Assam recorded more than 65 per cent turnout in the panchayat elections held in 16 districts that went to polls in the first phase on Wednesday. Chief Electoral Officer of Assam H N Bora told reporters that the percentage was expected to rise by another 10 per cent by the time of the final data accumulation. He added that in a few districts, like Lakhimpur, there could be re-polling. The first phase of the elections will decide the fate of over 43,515 contestants for 15,899 various posts in rural bodies. The ruling BJP, the Asom Gana Parishad, the Congress, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), and All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) are in a tight battle. Polling has begun at 7 am and continue till 3 pm in the districts of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dibrugrah, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Majuli, Golaghat, Nagaon, Biswanath, Sonitpur, Darrang, Morigaon, Kamrup Metro and Kamrup, which together comprise 27 election districts, Assam State Election Commission (ASEC) sources told PTI. 9 NDFB(S) cadres arrested in Arunachal Pradesh Among the contestants, 796 are in fray for 251 zila parishad (district panchayat) member seats, 3,799 for 1,304 anchalik panchayat (intermediate panchayat) member seats, 4,155 for 1,304 gaon panchayat (village panchayat) president posts and 34,765 for 13,040 gaon panchayat member seats, the sources said. Ruling allies--BJP and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)-- are fighting local bodies polls in the state separately and the campaigning witnessed high-octane war of words between them. Assam Police's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' post to curtail fake news is winning the internet AGP, which has publically opposed the Citizenship Bill, 2016, used Citizenship Bill as one of their main campaign issue in the three-tier panchayat elections in the state. The counting of votes will take place on December 12. Altogether 442 candidates have already been declared winners uncontested in the election districts going to polls Wednesday, they said, adding, 250 of them are from the BJP, 106 from the Congress, 15 from the AGP, three from the AIUDF, three from the BPF, besides 65 independents. Over one lakh security personnel have been deployed for the smooth conduct of the elections during the first phase, with 1,56,255 civil servants also engaged in the poll process, the ASEC sources said. (WIth PTI inputs) Babri Mosque demolition anniversary today: Tight security in Ayodhya India oi-PTI Ayodhya, Dec 5: Hundreds of security personnel dotted the roads and bylanes while vehicles and rest-houses were being thoroughly checked in this holy city ahead of the 26th anniversary of Babri mosque demolition on Thursday, with authorities keeping a tight vigil especially in the wake of saffron outfits raising the pitch over the sensitive Ram temple issue. [On Babri anniversary al-Qaeda calls for war against Hindus] The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal are preparing to mark the day as 'Shaurya Diwas' (day of bravery) and 'Vijay Diwas' (day of victory) and have asked the people to light earthen lamps as on Diwali, while the Muslim outfits have said they will observe 'Yaum E Gham' (day of sorrow) and 'Yaum E Syah' (black day). Though it has almost become customary for the two sides to come out with such announcements, the events in the run up to the anniversary, especially the 'Dharam Sabha' (religious conclave) organised by the VHP on November 25 on the Ram temple issue, have prompted authorities to further shore up security in the city. Over 2,500 police personnel, besides Rapid Action Force and paramilitary CRPF, have been deployed as part of multi-layered security in Ayodhya including in and around the disputed site and several parts of Hanumangarhi area of the city, officials said. "We have heavy security deployment in the twin towns of Faizabad-Ayodhya. [VHP to put more pressure on govt to decide Ram Temple issue after Dec 9 rally] The civil police along with CRPF and RAF have been deployed on roads and sensitive localities," Superintendent of Police, Faizabad (city) Anil Singh said. "Checking of vehicles, hotels and dharmshala (rest houses) in Ayodhya is being conducted. We have made all necessary security arrangements and have allowed only programme which are held by both the communities every year," he said. However, despite the visible security presence, it was business as usual in the temple town as pilgrims moved in and around the Hanumangarhi area and most of the eateries and shops were open. "Ayodhya was peaceful during the recently held Dharam Sabha and is absolutely peaceful now," the Mayor of Ayodhya, Rishikesh Upadhyay, said. "Adequate security personnel have been deployed to ensure that no untoward incident takes place. Around 20-25 companies of police and Provisional Armed Constabulary (PAC) are permanently stationed at (Ram Janmabhoomi/Babri Mosque) the site and its vicinity," he said. The VHP spokesperson in Ayodhya, Sharad Sharma, said Hindu organisations are likely "to organise a number of religious programmes so that a grand temple of Lord Ram is built". "Special prayers for Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning) are to be held so that the people, especially politicians do not hinder the construction of a Ram temple, besides hawans seeking to get rid of all obstructions. "Tributes will also be paid to the innocent karsewaks who faced bullets and lost their lives," he said. Mahant Ramdas of Nirmohi Akhara said "the day would be celebrated like Diwali and hawans would be held at Karsewakpuram". Meanwhile, state president of Indian Union Muslim League said, "We will observe this day as Black Day. Even the Supreme Court has termed the demolition of Babri Masjid as a matter of national shame". The Babri Masjid Action Committee has called on the people to observe the day peacefully and hold special prayers for early resolution of the dispute. Afaq Ahmad Khan, Chairman of BMAC, said, "We are waiting for the last 26 years for justice". He expressed the hope that the mosque will be rebuilt at the site. The BMAC said it will send memoranda to the Prime Minister and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister requesting them to ensure status quo at Ayodhya demolition site as per Supreme Court orders. "The anniversary should be observed peacefully like in previous years and all memoranda addressed to the PM and the CM should be be handed over to the district magistrate concerned requesting them to maintain status quo at the demolition site as per SC orders," BMAC convener Zafaryab Jilani said. "Those trying to vitiate atmosphere and giving inflammatory speeches should be strictly dealt with. Security of all the residents of Ayodhya, especially Muslims, should be ensured and necessary action should be taken in this regard," he said. Prayers should also be held for peace and harmony in the country, he said, adding that sit-ins could be held on the day but attention should be paid to ensure peace and amity. The Babri mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992 by 'karsevaks' who had converged as part of a movement by the BJP and Hindu outfits for Ram temple at the disputed site. The Ramjanmbhoomi/Babri masjid title suit is pending in the apex court, which will decide the schedule of hearing in January. As many as 14 appeals have been filed in the apex court against a high court judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77 acre land be partitioned equally among three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. After the Supreme Court refused an early hearing, Hindu outfits have demanded that the government bring in an ordinance to facilitate construction of Ram temple at the site. Did Mysuru MP Pratap Simha met with accident? Here's what BJP leader says Bengaluru: Cylinder explodes at laboratory in IISc, 1 dead India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Bengaluru, Dec 5: Suspected hydrogen cylinder explodes at a laboratory in IISc, Bengaluru leading to the death of one and injuring three. According to reports, the deceased has been identified as Manoj Kumar (32) and the three injured are Karthik, Naresh Kumar, and Adulya. "One scientist has died, three others critically injured following a suspected hydrogen cylinder explosion at Aerospace lab at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru," Sadashivanagar police told news agency ANI. According to IISc authorities, a cylinder exploded in the Aerospace Department's Laboratory for Hypersonic and Shockwave at around 2.10pm. Four people from Superwave Technologies, a start-up being incubated at IISc, were at the laboratory when the incident occurred. Induction of Congress MLAs into BJP is death of Parrikar's legacy, says outgoing Goa deputy CM Bombay HC directs Goa govt to file affidavit on Manohar Parrikar' s health India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Panaji, Dec 5: The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Tuesday directed state Chief Secretary to respond to a petition demanding the health status of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar be made public. The petition was filed by former Goa Forward member Trajano D'Mello. In his petition, Trajano told the court that "it's been reported Manohar Parrikar is suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer", and that he fears the administrative decisions are not the chief minister's alone anymore, reported by Indian Express. Rape case against Tarun Tejpal: SC adjourns matter for three weeks Trajano has asked for a panel of experts to review the health status and release a bulletin regularly as the "chief ministry's post has to inspire confidence". The Congress has been demanding a "full-time" chief minister for the state in place of Parrikar. Last week, hundreds of people, including some Congress leaders, had marched to Parrikar's residence, demanding his resignation and a "full-time" chief minister. Goa: Manohar Parrikar wanted to resign, BJP didn't let him, says minister Parrikar (62), is currently recuperating at his private residence in Dona Paula, since his discharge from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, on October 14. He is meeting MLA and officials at his private residence. (With PTI inputs) For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 11:15 [IST] Can Imran Khan be trusted?: Here is what Army veterans have to say India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, Dec 5: Imran Khan has been making strong statements for betterment of India-Pakistan ties ever since he took the office of PM. Even last week during the Kartarpur Corridor event, Khan dwelled on peaceful coexistence, but put the onus on India to make a start. Khan said if India takes one step then Pakistan would take two. Imran Khan may genuinely want to better ties with India, but then again it all depends on the Pakistani military and the strong anti-India stand that it has maintained over the years. Whether there will be any change in the stand with a new democratic regime at helm is something that only time will tell. 'Bleeding India with a thousand cuts' is the line which the Pakistani military establishment has been vehemently following for decades and there doesn't seem any significant change in that. No matter how strong the democratic government is in Pakistan, when it comes to relations with India, it is the military which calls the shots. So, is Imran Khan bold enough to dictate terms to the military? Can he wrest control from Rawalpindi and take foreign policy matters, especially the things pertaining to India, in his own hands? Well, he may not be able to do it even if he wants to. We spoke to defence and strategy matters expert Colonel Jaibans Singh and he said that Khan may enjoy some degree of freedom to tinker with the economic policies of the country, but his scope in terms of altering the foreign policy remains limited. "Imran Khan is a good man. He is austere, he is a nationalist, he wants good for his country, but there is nothing much that he can do. It is the army which rules the roost over there. It is not just about him, anybody who comes to the politics in Pakistan has got limited powers to guide the fate of the country. He will always have to keep the interest of the army in mind, especially when it comes to foreign policy and too when it concerns India," Col. Singh told OneIndia. [On Kashmir, here is what Vajpayee had told Imran Khan] The Army Veteran also explained why the political dispensation in Pakistan is so dependent on the army to handle certain issues which fall purely in the domain of civil administration. A weak police system and not having a strong paramilitary military force leaves the political administration crippled even to deal with something such as Islamic extremism. "On whom will he come down hard and how will he do it. They do not have huge paramilitary forces (like the CRPF or the BSF here). They do not have a strong police there, everything has to be done by the army and the rangers. So, if one fine day he says come on we will crack down on the militants, he will have to ask the army. Then if the army wants to, they will do it, if not then they will not do it. What can he do?" the Army Veteran added. Col. Singh opined that Nawaz Sharif was keener than Khan to go against the army and improve ties with India. "Imran Khan is much weaker than him," he said. Another veteran commander, Lieutenant General Satish Dua, felt that Imran Khan's enthusiasm to better ties is fine, but the fact remains that "the army is in the pre-eminent position there". Engaging with the democratic regime is good and if Khan genuinely wants engagement then there is nothing wrong in giving it a try. "It will obiviously be underwritten by the military, there is no doubt," Lieutenant General Dua told OneIndia. Lieutenant General Dua, who served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), said it is better to move forward in small steps rather than straightaway jumping to bigger issues. [Sidhu will win if he contests election in Pakistan: Imran Khan] "Kartarpur has been a good thing, similar engagements which remove mistrust would be good. Engagement that carries the process forward and sets a table to even disagree is what we should be looking at initially. It is a great thing to be able to sit down and disagree, rather than fight over it. To that extent it is better to keep engaging, take small baby steps and then of course bigger things can follow," he added. He emphasised that if Khan's regime is forthcoming then no there is nothing wrong in giving a try. At the same time, political rhetorics like "If India takes one step then we will take two" can be done away with and the focus should be on real efforts. Christian Michels extradition to India to have political implications too! India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Dec 5: The government has been trying from long to bring such outlaws to try them as per Indian law who were beyond the reach of India legal system. British businessman Christian James Michel was wanted in Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal case. On the request of the Indian government and following a court orders, he has been extradited from United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India. But besides every other thing, this development will have its political implications as well as India is very soon going for national general elections. AgustaWestland: How 'Fix it guy' Michel managed the Indian media at Rs 330 crore Michel was detained in UAE at the request of the Indian government as he was wanted for allegedly receiving bribes in exchange for a 2007 contract for the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters. These special helicopters were for the use of the President, Prime Minister, former prime ministers and many other top leaders of the country. Two more middlemen being probed in the case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) included Carlo Gerosa and Guido Haschke. The first chargesheet in the AgustaWestland scam filed in September last year by the CBI alleged that Michel through his companies - Global Services FZE (Dubai) and Global Trade and Commerce Services (London) - managed to get Euro 42.27 million for service and consultancy contracts in the year 2010-11. Moreover, when the deal was being signed, Michel visited India 25 times and stayed in Hotel Ashoka and Claridges in Delhi and Windsor in Bengaluru. The CBI accused that the British businessman had received at least Rs 235 crore for the chopper contract. He sent a report from Mumbai to Giuseppe Orsi and other officers of AgustaWestland mentioning that Augusta had succeeded in flight trials distancing itself from the competition on April 10, 2008. But, he warned that if commercial bids of Sikorsky (the competitor) were opened, then Agusta would be in trouble since Sikorsky would submit bids in Dollars. "He reported that he was consciously and deliberately trying to disqualify the competition at that stage only so that the financial bids of Sikorsky are not opened," says the CBI chargesheet. A historic consultant to AgustaWestland: Why James Michel's extradition is a big deal CBI investigation exposed that Sikorsky was disqualified during trials and its unopened commercial bid submitted to the ministry of defence in February 2007 was returned. As per the charge sheet, it was found that Sikorsky had quoted bid at Rs 2,228 crore for supply of 12 choppers whereas Agusta quoted Rs 3,966 crore. Michel procured confidential documents and secret information from the defence ministry and the Indian Air Force that he had sent to Agusta executives through one of his associates in Mumbai. The documents sent by him included evaluation report of S-92 chopper and the contents of a technical committee report of the IAF prepared in February 2007. He also had information about movement of files of the deal in the ministry of defence and details of cabinet committee on security deliberations. "Under guidance' of Doval, Michel extradited to India says CBI The CBI had filed a chargesheet against former Indian Air Force chief SP Tyagi and eight others - Tyagi's cousin Sanjeev alias Julie, Infotech legal adviser Gautam Khaitan, former Air Force vice-chief JS Gujral, former AgustaWestland chief executive officer Bruno Spagnolini, former Finmeccanica chairman Giuseppe Orsi and alleged middlemen Carlo Gerosa, Guido Haschke and Christian Michel - in the case in September last year. Three companies - Finmeccanica, its UK-based subsidiary AgustaWestland, and Mohali-based IDS Infotech - were also charged. On January 1, 2014, India canceled the contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for the VVIP choppers. Execution of Nirbhayas convicts will be 'real tribute' to her: DCP whose team probed the case Coal scam case: Former Coal Secretary sentenced to 3-yr imprisonment India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P New Delhi , Dec 5: Delhi's Patiala House Court on Wednesday sentenced three people including former Coal Secretary HC Gupta to 3 years imprisonment in Vikas Metal power Ltd coal block allocation case. Also, two private persons have been sentenced to 4 years imprisonment. The court had on November 30 convicted Gupta, former joint secretary in Ministry of Coal K S Kropha and the then director (CA-I) in the ministry KC Samria. The court also convicted the firm, Vikash Metals and Power Limited, its managing director Vikash Patni and its authorised signatory Anand Mallick. The CBI had registered an FIR in the case in September 2012. The Special court in Delhi held all of them guilty of criminal conspiracy and under other sections of Prevention of Corruption Act. Coalgate: What is the scam all about Gupta, was Coal Secretary for two years during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime before he retired in 2008. He is facing trial in seven other cases of the coal scam. In June 2017, Gupta was awarded jail term for irregularities in the allocation of Madhya Pradesh based Thesgora-B/Rudrapuri coal block to KSSPL. Then in December 2017, a special CBI court held the former coal secretary guilty in a coal allocation and mining scam from Jharkhand. Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda was also convicted in the case. The IAS officers' association in 2016 came in support of Gupta after he broke down in the Court saying he did not have the capacity to hire a lawyer to contest his case. The association then offered to pay his lawyers' fees, said reports. Cong govt had investigated against AgustaWestland company, recovered money: Randeep Surjewala India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Dec 5: After the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, Christian Michel, was extradited from Dubai, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday took a jibe at BJP and said that Modi ji is equally involved in all the scams. [Christian Michel's extradition to India to have political implications too!] ''"Since morning Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is indulged in talking about baseless, fake and irrelevant things. He is equally involved in all the scams. His new name should be 'Daamdaar' as he's the 'sajhedaar' in all these scams at equal level,'' he said as reported by ANI. ''Congress government had investigated against AgustaWestland company, blacklisted it and recovered money from the company. When Modi Ji came, he protected, benefited and lifted the blacklist off the company.'' [AgustaWestland: Michel's contacts in 2007 govt ensured competition was disqualified in trial stage] Christian Michel, the alleged middleman who has been chargesheeted in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, was Wednesday produced before a Delhi court which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. He will again be produced in the court on December 10. Michel, who is a citizen of United Kingdom, was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE in connection with the case. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 20:02 [IST] AgustaWestland: After saying witness may have died, ED cites a little birdie to say he is alive A historic consultant to AgustaWestland: Why James Michels extradition is a big deal India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Dec 5: He has been described as a historic consultant for AgustaWestland. The extradition of James Christian Michel is indeed a boost to the investigation agencies probing the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam. Christian Michel James is described as a historical consultant of AgustaWestland/Westland Helicopters, UK with technical operational knowledge of the aircraft, the military bases and the pilots. Christian Michel James worked with Westland Helicopters Limited (WHL), UK since the 1980s. Even before Michel, his father had also been a consultant of AgustaWestland, UK for the Indian Territory. AgustaWestland: Middleman Christian Michel extradited to India, lands in Delhi Christian Michel James was a frequent visitor to India and was operating as a middleman for defence procurements through a wide network of sources cultivated in the IAF and MoD at different levels including retired and serving IAF Officials. He was tracking the movements of the procurement process files and was sending periodical reports/despatches on the developments to the accused persons connected with AgustaWestland. In this process, he shared the information collected from IAF and MoD with his associate(s), who used to transmit the despatches through fax to the other counterparts sitting abroad in Italy and Switzerland. AgustaWestland: How 'Fix it guy' Michel managed the Indian media at Rs 330 crore In the aforesaid manner, he was updating/informing the management of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland namely Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini and others about his efforts in India for securing supply contract of VVIP Helicopters. Involvement of Christian Michel James in the purchase of VVIP helicopter by Government of India had surfaced in the year 2012 as middlemen for swinging the deal in favour of M/s AgustaWestland and making illegal payment of commission/kickbacks to the Indian Authorities. "Under guidance' of Doval, Michel extradited to India says CBI Initially, the investigation conducted by Italian Authorities indicted him for offences of international bribery/corruption. CBI took up the investigation and wanted him for investigation. However, he escaped from India and has been deliberately evading his presence from the investigating agency and also the due process of law in India. In AgustaWestland case, the BJP gets a weapon to hit at Opposition political parties India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Dec 5: Delhi's Patiala House Court has sent British businessman Christian James Michel to five-day's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody but this is its legal implication of it but it has more political implication with general elections round the corner. But more importantly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will now have AgustaWestland deal to answer Rafale that had made the party defenseless. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been targeting the National Democratic Alliance government and prime minister Narendra Modi on the issue of Rafale from Parliament to state elections. He has in no uncertain terms called the Prime Minister a chor (thief) in the matter by accusing him of benefiting his industrialist friends. But now with the British businessman in the CBI custody everyday something of the other will come in public domain and that would really be difficult for the Congress defend. Sonia, Political, AP and Fam: Here is what James Michel will help CBI decode Political analysts say that the BJP will definitely use this opportunity for its benefits and the issue will be kept alive till the 2019 general elections. Similarly the government is also trying hard to bring Vijay Malya back to India which too is likely very soon. So all the issues raised by the Congress president could be taken up aggressively by the BJP. The BJP leaders are gleefully smiling over the extradition of Christian Michel as this will give them some space to breath at least on corruption charges on BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already commented on the issue when he said at an election rally in Rajasthan, "You must have seen how we caught the middleman in the VVIP chopper scam and have brought him from Dubai to Delhi. Let us see what skeletons come out of the closet of the Congress." The AgustaWestland case involves the deal to purchase 12 luxury helicopters for use by the President, Prime Minister, former prime ministers and other VIPs, when the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance government was in power. The deal was scrapped in 2014 amid allegations that AgustaWestland, whose parent company Finmeccanica faced charges of bribery in Italy, had paid kickbacks in India. The Enforcement Directorate has accused Michel of receiving 30 million Euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland as kickbacks. Michel is one of the three alleged middlemen being examined in the case, along with Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. AgustaWestland: Michel's contacts in 2007 govt ensured competition was disqualified in trial stage The CBI said Michel's extradition took place "under the guidance" of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. He was accompanied by a team of CBI, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and Foreign Ministry officials. It is the first successful extradition since India initiated similar proceedings against economic offenders like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 18:22 [IST] This 'London patient' becomes second person to be cured of AIDS virus after transplant World AIDS Vaccine Day: What is AIDS, how does it spread and why is it dreaded? World AIDS Vaccine Day 2021: Why dont we have a cure even after 37 years? Karnataka: Villagers drain 36-acre lake after HIV-positive woman ends life India oi-Madhuri Adnal Dharwad, Dec 5: Residents of Morab have drained the 36-acre lake after an HIV-positive woman allegedly committed suicide by jumping into it. [Bengaluru rains: Bellandur lake resembles a giant pool of foam yet again] Her body, found floating in the lake on November 29, was bloated and half-eaten by fish. Villagers refused to drink water from the water body, believing that it was contaminated with HIV. The lake is a source of water for about 15 thousand people in Navalagunda taluk's Moraba village. When the villagers came to know that the woman who had allegedly committed suicide in the lake was infected with HIV, they informed the officials that they would not draw the water from the lake. [Bengaluru: Thousands of dead fish, snails surface in Madiwala Lake, locals blame pollution] HIV is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse, infected blood and from an infected mother to the baby in her womb or through breastfeeding, but the villagers' alarm at the discovery a week ago drove the demand for the lake to be drained. Even after a lot of persuasions, the villagers have refused to buy the arguments of the officials who visited them. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 20:36 [IST] Let's see how Sonia, Rahul escape in income tax case, says Modi India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Sumerpur, Dec 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi boasted the extradition of James Christian Michel, the middleman in AgustaWestland chopper scam, during an election in Rajasthan's Pali on Wednesday. PM Modi said, " I spoke to you about the Chopper Scam. I told you about the letters and documents related to Sonia Gandhi. Now we have caught hold of one individual." People have rejected Congress' 'dynastic' and 'appeasement' politics: Amit Shah Repeating his 'chaiwala' rhetoric, Modi said no one thought that a 'Chai Waala' would bring down four generation strong party. "I have taken them to court and they have had to make bail on cases related to corruption. Yesterday we won in Supreme Court, the court said Indian Govt has the right to re-assess their (Sonia and Rahul Gandhi) income tax returns. Ab dekhta hoon kaise bach ke nikalte ho (I will see how will they escape). In another rally in Sumerpur, PM Modi said that the Congress party has already accepted the defeat. He said, " They have already started making excuses, they are trying to find any possible logic so the responsibility of defeat does not lie on naamdar's shoulders." PM Modi once again picked up Rahul Gandhi's goof up to attack him in his election speech. He said, "Congress President does not even know the names of his own party leaders. He did not even know the name of a very popular farmer and jat leader in Congress, late Kumbharam ji. He called him 'Kumbhakaran'. You can imagine what such people will do when in power." Rajasthan elections: Hindus who fled Pakistan and took shelter in state remain overlooked He went on say that Congress which created so many divisions in society in the last 70 years, how can they work in the interest of the people? First, give an account of these 70 years, then ask about 4.5 years from us. PM while speaking on Robert Vadra's role in land acquisition case in Rajasthan, said. " They knew that the govt of India was bringing huge projects in Barmer, the prices of land were about to rise and the farmers were set to gain from it. So, the relatives of 'naamdar' snatched the land from farmers at throwaway prices." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Wednesday maintained that "pork" barrel or discretionary funds are inserted in the proposed 2019 national budget. During the plenary debates on the 3.757 trillion national appropriation, Lacson said congressmen realigned items in the budget amounting to 56.7 billion to their respective districts. House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. earlier admitted that congressmen received 60 million each for their districts. Lacson, however, said some congressmen even got more. He identified a congressman who supposedly received 1.9 billion worth of projects, while a congresswoman got 2.4 billion, of which 500 million went to farm-to-market roads. "Five hundred million pesos in farm to market roads alone in one district. Malulunod sila doon (They will get overwhelmed there), Mr. President," he said. Lacson did not identify the congresswoman, but he said some of the farm-to-market road projects are located in Lubao and Porac, Pampanga. Both municipalities are part of Pampanga's second district represented by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Citing the Supreme Court's (SC) ruling on Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or more commonly known as the pork barrel, Lacson said lawmakers committed grave abuse of discretion when they realigned items without consulting them with agencies first. The SC in 2013 declared PDAF as unconstitutional. "'Pag hindi ka nag-consult sa agencies, pano mo malalaman, diba discretionary 'yun? Bigla mo nalang nilagay sa proyekto?" he said. (Translation: If you did not consult it with the agencies, how will you know? Isn't it discretionary? Did you just suddenly place it in project?) Lacson added that distributing 60 million worth of projects to each lawmaker equally also violated the ruling, which states that funds should be used to make the unequal, equal. "Hindi naman pare-pareho ang pangangailangan ng distrito. Bakit mo bibigyan ng pare-parehong 60 million. So my question is, isn't that pork?" he said. (Translation: Districts have different needs. Why would you give them P60 million each. So my question is, isn't that pork?) The senator also claimed that some congressmen intervened in the implementation of the 3 billion "Tulong Dunong Program," which is another prohibited act under the PDAF ruling. He said post-enactment intervention is prohibited under the PDAF ruling. The program gives tertiary students financial assistance to pay for their tuition and other school fees, educational expenses and cost of living allowance. "They are the ones determining who are the beneficiaries. As a matter of fact, some legislators are even distributing the checks themselves... Is that pork or not? Is that pork or not, Mr. President?" he said. Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Loren Legarda responded in jest, "I think it's lechon." Legarda defended the proposed budget, saying "Congress has the power to the purse, so may karapatan sila maglipat, magtanggal, magdagdag ayon sa tingin nila karapat dapat (it has the right to transfer, remove or add depending on what they believe is appropriate)." To solve the issue, senators agreed to realign the 3 billion fund for "Tulong Dunong Program" to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. Senators agreed that lawmakers may still endorse scholars to the program, but subject to the requirements and vetting of the Commission on Higher Education. Mamata Banerjee attacks BJP, Cong, Left but separates Bengal Congress with national leadership India oi-Shubham Ghosh Kolkata, Dec 5: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attacked the BJP as usual from a rally in Nandigram in East Midnapore district of the state on Wednedsay, December 6. However, she did something different this time while targeting the saffron party and political observers found an interesting angle into it. During her speech, the Trinamool Congress supremo lashed out at the BJP over issues like Bulandshahr clashes and the death of a police officer besides lynching and Hindutva. She has done the same earlier as well and after a point of time, has invariably equated the BJP with the Left and Congress claiming she has been fighting it against a combined unholy alliance between the three Opposition parties. TMC plans to build 10 Sun temples in Bengal's Hindi heartland Asansol On Wednesday, she did the same again but with a little difference. She mentioned the name of the Congress but only that of the state and not the central leadership. This is significant, according to the political observers, for she deliberately did it to give a message to the high command that she has no issues with the top leadership. Banerjee though requires the Congress a little in the state where she is the most powerful force at the moment, she certainly needs the Congress and vice-versa when it comes to the national scene. The anti-BJP parties are burning a lot of midnight oil of late to put in place an alliance ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections as was seen during the recent visits by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to different states, including Bengal, to take the regional satraps into confidence. He has also exhibited his friendship with the Congress by joining hands with its president Rahul Gandhi. Banerjee has these calculations in mind and she hence differentiated the state Congress from the national Congress while attacking her opponents from the rally in Nandigram. Everyone will be the face of Opposition, says Mamata Banerjee after meeting Naidu The state chapter of the Congress has always been opposed to Banerjee. The central leadership even changed Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a vocal anti-Banerjee leader, in the recent past to ensure that the path to reconciliation ahead of the general elections is not too difficult. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 17:58 [IST] Paramhansdas sent to jail in his bid to self immolate; Vedanti says consensus reached upon India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Dec 5: If western Uttar Pradesh is disturbed over the clash between villagers and the police clash then central Uttar Pradesh is tense about Ram Temple issue however temple's impact is all across the country. In one such development, Mahant Paramhansdas has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police who had threatened to self immolate if construction of Ram Temple is not started soon. He wanted to do it on the day the disputed structure in Ayodhya was demolished that is on December 6 but he was arrested by the police earlier as he tried to do it before the announced date. Mahant was arrested from his ashram after he had prepared the pyre for himself. The police visited the place and found that wood logs and kerosene were kept there. He was chanting mantra before the pyre but he was arrested by the police and every other thing brought for the self immolation was recovered from there. He was produced before the court which sent him to judicial custody for 14 days. VHP to put more pressure on govt to decide Ram Temple issue after Dec 9 rally The saint came into prominence for the demand of construction of Ram temple when he had started fast unto death in Ayodhya but he was arrested then also and hospitalized after his health deteriorated. He was sent to Lucknow for treatment. His fast was ended by chief minister Yogi Adityanath. He was supported by many other saints like Praveen Togadia and some others. Meanwhile, former BJP MP and VHP leader Ram Vilas Vedanti said that construction of Ram temple will be done with consensus. He said that planning and road map for the construction of Ram temple has been prepared and consensus has been reached upon. It will be signed on December 7. It is being said that as long as the matter is in the court making law in Parliament is not possible. However, the executive president of VHP does not agree with this as ordinance to acquire land and many other such issues laws were made when the matter was in the court. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 13:02 [IST] Sohrabuddin Shaikh encounter: IPS officer destroyed leave records says CBI India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Mumbai, Dec 5: A police officer facing trial for allegedly shooting Sohrabuddin Shaikh said through his counsel that investigations are not conducted on the basis of surmises, conjectures, presumptions and assumptions. According to the Central Bureau of Investigation, Abdul Rehman, a police officer from Rajasthan was the officer who fired at Shaikh and later filed a complaint based on which the FIR was registered. Rehman, through his counsel denied the allegations and the same was submitted to the Special CBI court which is hearing the final arguments in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh and Tulsiram Prajapati encounter cases. As final arguments in Sohrabuddin Shaikh begin, a glance at what the case is all about Rehman it may be recalled had last week given a statement to the court that he had not filed any FIR. I was pressurised by many persons to say that the FIR was genuine. Meanwhile the personal assistant and gunman of discharged IPS officer Rajkumar Pandian said that a person who can't even move without the permission of his senior has been made an accused. On the other hand, counsel for Ashish Pandya, who was accused by the CBI for shooting Prajapati said that it was an act of self defence. He said that Prajapati had attacked twice after which he was fired at. Pandya received a firearm injury on his left arm. There were three bullet wounds on Prajapati's body and it is still not established if it was the bullet fired by Pandya that had killed him, the police officers counsel also said. Pandya's counsel also argued that it has not been established if the injury on his client was self-inflicted. Sohrabuddin case, a result of rivalry and politics, accused tell court The CBI however contended that former Gujarat ATS chief, D G Vanzara had asked IPS officer Vipul Aggarwal to summon Pandya, who was on leave to carry out the Prajapati encounter. The leave record was destroyed by Aggarwal, the CBI also said. Pandya however said that there was no evidence of any meeting to show that the accused was part of a conspiracy to kill Prajapati. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 7:18 [IST] Sonia, Political, AP and Fam: Here is what James Michel will help CBI decode India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Dec 6: " Dear Peter, since Mrs Gandhi is the driving force behind VIP will no longer fly in the MI-18. Mrs Gandhi and her closest advisers are the people who the British ambassador should target. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh obviously main figure, then there is secretary Ahmad Patel." This was a letter allegedly written by extradited middleman, James Christian Michel to Peter Hulet, then India region sales and liaison head of AgustaWestland. This letter was part of the judgment delivered by an Italian court in 2016. The 225 page judgment reveals references to Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Oscar Fernandes and Ahmed Patel. The letter in question was seized from the home of middleman Guido Haschke. This is the letter that has been cited to argue that the top UPA leadership helped AgustaWestland swing the deal in its favour. AgustaWestland: Michel's contacts in 2007 govt ensured competition was disqualified in trial stage Michel, the alleged middleman who was extradited from Dubai to India will hold the key to unravel the mystery behind this letter. He would help the CBI understand whether they had got in touch with the above mentioned leaders to help swing the deal in their favour. The other interesting aspect about this case are the handwritten notes on how the total kickbacks were divided between political leaders, Air Force Officials and bureaucrats. The other mystery is a coded line that suggests that kickbacks were paid for 'Political,' 'AP' and 'Fam.' This speaks about a total kickback of 16 million Euros that was paid. Further the note also says that bureaucrats in the government be allowed 8.4 million Euros and for the Air Force officials 6 million Euros be given. Christian Michel's extradition to India to have political implications too! The other time that the name of Sonia Gandhi had cropped up was when Michel's lawyer raked it up. He said that when Michel was in Dubai, his client was being forced to sign a false confessional statement in which he was asked to name Sonia Gandhi. The CBI officers however denied this stating that they never questioned Michel, when he was in Dubai. With Michel back in India, he would help the CBI decode these handwritten notes. He would also help the CBI understand better who are the leaders that he was in touch to allegedly swing the deal in favour of AgustaWestland. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 14:43 [IST] Swami Vivekananda statue: Admin, students' union should concede space for each other India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P New Delhi, Dec 5: The funding for the statue of Swami Vivekananda has become the latest flashpoint between JNU student union, faculty and the administration. In fact, The Executive Council had given the approval for it last year in July, following which a committee was formed. The statue will be towards the right side of the administration block, opposite the statue of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. But the recent announcement by the JNU's registrar Pramod Kumar has contained the dissent briefly. When the student union asked about the source of funding for the statue, the Registrar told PTI news agency that a former student of Jawaharlal Nehru University is "voluntarily managing" the expenses involved in the installation of a Swami Vivekananda statue in the campus in New Delhi. However, the identity of the JNU alumnus has not been disclosed. The union asked when the varsity does not have money for library funds and for disbursal of the Merit-cum-Mean Scholarship to students and on the other hand, it is busy in constructing statues. The students have alleged that the administration has slashed funds for the library from Rs 8 crores to Rs 1.7 crores. Swapan Dasgupta, Rajiv Malhotra appointed as JNU honorary professors The necessity of the statue on the campus will remain a moot point for a long time until both groups concede space for each other's ideological belief. Dr. Anshuman Behera is an Assistant Professor at NIAS, "There is a commonality between the JNU administration believed to be backed by the BJP and the student wing. Everybody thinks that they are the real version of JNU. The whole idea of JNU is much more than that. If there can be Jawaharlal statue, there can be Vivekananda statue as well. If there can be a poster on Marx, there can be a poster on Vivekananda also. Both the forces are not engaging in a debate due to their rigidity." "The idea that multiple perspectives can co-exist is negated by both administration and student union as well. The plurality of JNU campus is the prime victim, " Dr. Behera. While justifying the proposed statue, the Registrar said that JNU will be celebrating the 'singular contribution of Swami Vivekananda to India's intellectual and philosophical heritage' by installing a statue of this great son of India. But the 'celebration of heritage' needs treasure of books and literature on the premier educational institution, not a tall and larger than life statue. More than statue, deliberation and discussion attract thinking minds on educational campus. Swamy Vivekananda himself despised too much faith in personality rather he preached love for 'Guru'. In The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda (Volume 7), Vivekananda says, " The real Guru is the one through whom we have our spiritual descent. He is the channel through which the spiritual current flows to us, the link which joins us to the whole spiritual world. Too much faith in personality has a tendency to produce weakness and idolatry, but intense love for the Guru makes rapid growth possible, he connects us with the internal Guru. Adore your Guru if there be real truth in him; that Guru-bhakti (devotion to the teacher) will quickly lead you to the highest." AgustaWestland: After saying witness may have died, ED cites a little birdie to say he is alive With Michel in India, a fully paid junket to Italy comes back under the scanner India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Dec 5: When the investigations into the AgustaWestland scam peaked in 2016, several names tumbled out. They included, politicians, bureaucrats, Air Force officials and journalists. Now with the extradition of alleged middleman, James Christian Michel to India from Dubai, several of these aspects would be looked into by the CBI. Several journalists alleged to have received kickbacks continue to be under the scanner of the CBI. Sonia, Political, AP and Fam: Here is what James Michel will help CBI decode There are a few journalists on our radar, a CBI official had told OneIndia. A team was in fact taken on a junket to Italy by Finmeccanica the firm which produces the AgustaWestland chopper. It was a fully paid trip. Further some journalists may have received kickbacks to change the narrative and also hand over information to Michel on what story would be playing out on the deal, the officials felt. The CBI official said that they will question some of these journalists as part of the investigation. There was a group of journalists who were taken to Italy in 2013 on a junket. This was arranged by Michel, the CBI also says. AgustaWestland: Michel's contacts in 2007 govt ensured competition was disqualified in trial stage Further there were some who had passed on information on the type of story that would run on the deal and we are looking to question them to find out about their intent. The journalists who were in touch with Michel will help unearth more information relating to the case. Michel was paid a sum of Rs 330 crore by AgustaWestland to manage the media The CBI had got a red corner notice issued against Michel. We are planning on seeking his extradition, the CBI says. Michel was a middleman hired by AgustaWestland. His main job was to keep an eye on the media in India and report the narrative regarding the deal to AgustaWestland. James Michel's extradition spooks Mallya, offers "to pay 100% back" We have some evidence on him which includes the reports he sent out and also the meetings he held with some people in the media, officials also add. An amount of Rs 330 crore was paid to him for managing various services. He received these amounts in part payments at United Kingdom, the British Virgin Islands and also Tunisia. In addition to his links with the media, the CBI has also found that he had several assets (benami) in India. A bungalow in Delhi and a luxury car is what the CBI has found and officials say that he had purchased this in a benami name. We are on the trail to find out more such assets in India, the CBI officer also informed. Christian Michel's extradition to India to have political implications too! While his meetings with several persons are under the scanner, the CBI has learnt that it was through his company Global Services FZE all his activities were managed. Through this company he managed to keep an eye on the media reports where this deal was concerned. If there was any negative press on the deal, Michel was meant to fix it, the CBI officials also say. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 17:46 [IST] Uttar Pradesh opinion poll: Who will win next elections? ABP-CVoter survey results are here UP CM warns Owaisi: Followers of 'abba jaan', don't try to inflame passions over CAA Yogi holds meeting on Bulandshahr violence, mum on cop's death India oi-Vikas SV Lucknow, Dec 5: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with the top officials in the state government to discuss the violence in Bulandshahr over cow slaughter which led to the killing of a police officer. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister directed the police to take strict action against those involved in the alleged cow slaughter, a senior police official who attended the meeting said,a s per reports. A News 18 report says that Yogi took stock of the law and order situation, but did not speak on cop's death. Cop killed in Bulandshahr violence was IO in Akhlaq lynching case A clash between the police and villagers of Mahaw on Monday took an ugly turn after a mob turned violent in an alleged case of illegal slaughtering of cattle. The violence resulted in the death of station house officer (SHO) Subodh Kumar Singh, 47, and a youngster. Neither the chief minister nor the officials present at the meeting said a word about the murder of police inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, who was shot in the head as he was trying to pacify the mob, a News 18 report said. Some of the accused who have been arrested by the police are said to be linked to VHP and Bajrang Dal. The political slugfest over the incident has already bgun with the opposition parties squarely blaming the ruling BJP for violence. BJP MLA gives different spins to killing of Inspector at Bulandshahr Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday blamed the "irresponsible and wrong" policies of the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for the mob violence in Bulandshahr Of the 28 individuals named in the FIR prepared by Bulandshahr Police, eight belonged to Right-wing organisations such as the Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and BJP Yuva Morcha, said reports. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 10:01 [IST] Yogi orders strict action against cow slaughter, says DMs, SPs personally responsible for lapse India pti-PTI Lucknow, Dec 5: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday night ordered strict action against cow slaughter, unlawful trade in cattle and illegal slaughterhouses, two days after two people were killed in mob violence in Bulandshahr. His instructions were conveyed by Chief Secretary Anup Pandey to magistrates and superintendents of police of all 75 districts through a video link, an official release said. [Bulandshahr main accused Yogesh Raj releases video, claims innocence] Adityanath said the district magistrate and other senior police officials of a district will be held personally responsible for any lapse. On Monday, a mob of some 400 people, including right-wing activists, violently rampaged through the Chingrawathi village apparently after cow carcasses were found strewn in a jungle nearby. The police has arrested four people in connection with the violence. A Bajrang Dal leader, who the police suspect is the main accused in the case, has been absconding since the incident. In a video surfaced online on Wednesday, Bajrang Dal's Bulandshahr convenor Yogesh Raj claimed innocence and the right-wing group also asked him to surrender before police but said it believed he was innocent. Adityanath has been severely criticised by opposition leaders over the state of law and order following Monday's violence in which a police inspector, who had initially probed the 2015 lynching of Akhlaq in Dadri, and a young man died. Akhlaq was lynched on suspicion that beef was being consumed in his home. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee have slammed the law and order situation in the state. [Late-night raids, cops on rampage, its chaos in Bulandshahr] Gandhi wondered if police was being treated in such a manner in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's rule, then how terrorised the common man would be feeling. Banerjee slammed Adityanth's administration, alleging the state police is carrying out "fake encounters after fake encounters". The Uttar Pradesh chief minister, who on Wednesday returned to campaign in Telangana, has also been criticised for attending a laser show in Gorakhpur the day violence happened in Bulandshahr. Adityanath will meet the slain inspector's family on Thursday, officials said. He directed district magistrates and senior officials to send weekly reports and ordered divisional commissioners and zonal IGs/DIGs to review implementation of his instructions issued on Wednesday night. He said media reports on any cow slaughter should be taken seriously and an inquiry should be ordered promptly. Nearly 90 people have been made accused in the BUlandshahr violence case and 27 of them have been named. PTI Brexit chaos continues as Theresa May faces serious blows in House of Commons International oi-Shubham Ghosh London, Dec 5:UK Prime Minister Theresa May faced one of the biggest lows of her political career on Tuesday, December 4, when she faced a number of Brexit defeats in the House of Commons while trying to convince the sceptical MPs about her Brexit deal. Ministers have reportedly agreed to publish the May government's full legal advice on the deal after the parliamentarians found them in contempt of parliament. The MPs also backed calls for the Commons to have the right of direct say if the PM's deal is rejected on December 11. G20 Summit: Not Modi, Trump or Xi but this leader has the most special visit to Argentina May addressed the Commons on Tuesday marking the beginning of a five-day debate on her proposed agreement on the UK's exit from the European Union (EU) and its future relations with the union. The agreement though has been endorsed by the EU, it also has to be backed by the UK Parliament if it has to come into force. The MPs will have to decide whether to endorse it or reject it next Tuesday. May felt the divisions caused by Brexit had become "corrosive" to UK politics and the people believed the issue had continued to be far too long and must be settled. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 9:27 [IST] Where is Peng Shuai? Missing Chinese tennis star safe, will appear in public soon: editor of Global Times China: Elderly couple loses way to home in smog; keeps roaming around for 9 hours International oi-Shubham Ghosh Nanjing, Dec 5: China's growing pollution is something that has already made world headlines. It not only causes health hazards but also leaves a lesser negative impact of disallowing people to find their own home! Yes, that's right. In Nanjing, the capital of eastern China's Jiangsu province, the air quality was so bad that an elderly couple who resides in the city got lost on the streets amid dense smog and believe it or not, took nine hours to locate their own home. According to a report in Shanghaiist, the couple left their residence to buy vegetables around 9 am on a weekday in the last week of November and soon lost their way. They kept on looking for their own house as it was too difficult to differentiate one building from another in the hazy conditions. After wandering around till 6 pm in the evening, they found a pedestrian who called the police to help them out. NGT imposes Rs 25 cr fine on Delhi govt for failing to curb pollution The police then managed to contact the couple's daughter who then took her aged parents home, said the report. Getting lost on the streets in heavy fog is not something new in China and it shows how serious the pollution problem is. Heavy fog and smog engulfed eastern China in the last week of November causing massive disruptions in transportation services and authorities asked people to stay indoors as much as possible. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 9:17 [IST] James Michels extradition spooks Mallya, offers to pay 100% back International oi-Vikas SV London, Dec 5: Barely hours after AgustaWestland chopper scam middleman James Christian Michel was extradited to India from Dubai, fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, who owes around Rs 9,000 crores to the Indian banks and has escaped to London, offered 100% payback. Mallya, in fact, asked why his payback offer is being refused. The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss, who has been on bail on an extradition warrant since his arrest in April last year, further tweeted that his case must not be seen in the same light as Christian Michel's. Held in UK, Mallya can't be declared a fugitive says his lawyer "I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY?" Mallya tweeted. I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ? Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 The alleged fix it guy in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, James Christian Michel has finally been extradited to India. He was brought down to India on Tuesday night after losing an appeal in a Dubai court where he had challenged the extradition request by India. Initially, the investigation conducted by Italian Authorities indicted him for offences of international bribery/corruption. CBI took up the investigation and wanted him for investigation. However, he escaped from India and has been deliberately evading his presence from the investigating agency and also the due process of law in India. A historic consultant to AgustaWestland: Why James Michel's extradition is a big deal Mallya has been living in Britain since March 2016. The extradition case has entered final stages with Westminster Magistrates' Court in London likely to pronounce a verdict in December this year. The extradition trial, which opened at the London court on December 4 last year, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against the embattled liquor tycoon, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 10:51 [IST] Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) The President again lashed out at Catholic bishops and called them useless for criticizing his administration. "Itong mga obispo ninyo, patayin ninyo. Walang silbi yang mga g***ng yan. All they do is criticize," President Rodrigo Duterte said in a speech at an event in Malacanang on Wednesday. [Translation: Your bishops, kill them. These b******s serve no purpose. All they do is criticize.] In a later speech during the awarding of the country's top overseas Filipino workers (OFW), Duterte said the Catholic Church was the most hypocritical institution, and that majority of priests are gay. "Most of the priests there are homosexuals. Almost 90 percent of you. So, do not postulate on me morality," he said. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) opted to keep mum on President Rodrigo Duterte's remarks. "We do not want to add fuel to the fire. Our comments may just exacerbate the matter," Fr. Jerome Seciliano, Executive Secretary of the CBCP Permanent Committee on Public Affairs said in a statement Thursday. In April 29, Cagayan priest Fr. Mark Ventura was killed while he was preparing for Sunday mass. Another priest, Fr. Richmond Nilo was shot dead in June in Nueva Ecija. Police have said the killings were isolated. It was not the first time Duterte lobbed strong words against the church. In June, he drew flak for calling God "stupid." Malacanang defended the President's comment, saying it stemmed from his experience of being molested by a priest when he was young. However, the President has since clarified that he never claimed not to believe in God, only that his God had a lot of common sense. CNN Philippines senior correspondent Ina Andolong contributed to this report. Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more Prague Gaming Summit 2019 Reveals Panel and Topics Published December 5, 2018 by Mike P Get the very latest news on the panel of iGaming experts who will attend the Prague Gaming Summit 2019 in March. The Prague Gaming Summit 2019 will be the third time that the event has been hosted in the Czech Republics capital city. This is where delegates will travel in order to spend 12 March 2019 at Vienna House Andels Prague discussing an array of topics relating to the iGaming industry. European Gaming Media and Events is the organiser behind the event, and has just revealed details on what the summit will cover and who the panel will comprise of. At a glance, it has emerged that the panel will feature an array of service providers, iGaming operators, legal experts, and affiliate marketers. Focus on Affiliate-Operator Relationship The overarching focus of the summit shall be the relationships between affiliates and operators. Fundamentally, the summit speaks of how the relationship can often be strained at times, but seeks to ask the question of how relations can be kept as smooth as possible. As for the panel itself, this will be led by legal expert Tal Itzhak Ron. Meanwhile, the additional contributors shall take the form of Assaf Stieglitz from Odds1x2 Holdings, Amir Mikay from TrafficLightMedia, Yoav Dotan from Affiliate Cruise and Genesis Global, and Stephanie Attias of Tal Ron, Drihem & Co. Further Points of Discussion After addressing the affiliate-operator relationship, the panel will then delve into a wealth of other discussion topics. For starters, the tightening of compliance standards in the UK and Malta are presenting fresh challenges. Meanwhile, there are changing regulatory requirements in other marketplaces, namely the US. The panel will also address the changing nature of how accounts can be opened and whether or not this will impact player acquisition. Blockchain and cryptocurrency will also be discussed, but will focus on the Malta jurisdiction. Affiliate contracts with iGaming operators will also be addressed, as will opportunities for mergers and acquisitions in the marketplace. Opalesque Industry Update - Litigation funder Validity Finance has added two industry veterans and experienced trial lawyers to its team: David Kerstein and Julia (Hamilton) Gewolb. Mr. Kerstein joins as Chief Risk Officer and Ms. Gewolb as Director of Underwriting. The pair reunite with Validity founder & CEO Ralph Sutton in New York. All three had previously worked together at Bentham IMF, where Mr. Sutton was formerly Chief Investment Officer for five years. Both also bring strong litigation backgrounds - Mr. Kerstein spent 14 years trying cases at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher; Ms. Gewolb previously practiced at Boies, Schiller & Flexner after clerking for a federal judge. Mr. Kerstein and Ms. Gewolb will have a direct hand in helping source, vet and oversee capital commitments at Validity, which provides claimants and law firms with funding as well as strategic advice in resolving complex legal disputes. They join Validity's other investment managers, Justin Barker and Laina Miller, who oversee Validity's Chicago and Houston offices. Validity, which launched in June with $250 million in committed capital, has quickly ramped up investments in single cases and portfolios handled by some of the country's leading law firms. The firm is funding a variety of business disputes, including cases involving breached contracts, insurance claims, trade secrets and other intellectual property assets. Validity also has just relocated its growing New York office to 1270 Ave of the Americas, in the heart of Rockefeller Center. "I'm thrilled to be putting the band back together at Validity," said Mr. Sutton, who had recruited Mr. Kerstein and Ms. Gewolb for Bentham four years ago. "Dave and Julia are gifted litigators and trial strategists who have become superb litigation finance professionals," he added. "Their arrival significantly enhances our ability to expand Validity's network of law firm and client relationships, increase our focus on transparent, fair client-first funding, and of course, assess cases for investment. In their new strategic roles, Dave and Julia will work closely to assess and balance our investment risk as it continues to grow and diversify." Mr. Sutton noted that the increase in capital in the commercial litigation finance industry has led to acceptance by larger law firms. Over time, law firms will help introduce funding to their corporate law departments, who will seek to transfer risk from their litigation expense budgets using litigation finance tools, including defense funding. "Big Law has discovered litigation finance, and like a good idea whose time has come, its widespread use is inevitable." The Validity CEO added that these arrivals mark a new inflection point in the litigation finance space: "We're seeing more lateral movement among senior professionals as the business matures," Mr. Sutton said. "The playing field has broadened considerably in the past four-five years, with new entrants and sources of capital coming to market- another reason we're especially pleased to have Dave and Julia on our team. They have worked together extensively on some of the largest investments at Bentham, and will help us enormously in making our mark in a competitive sector." Mr. Kerstein said, "Julia and I are excited to join Ralph at this early stage of Validity's life. Ralph is a true pioneer of dispute funding in the U.S., and he's been an active innovator in creating new funding products for clients. We've also had enormous fun working together in the past, and are looking forward to more in the future." As a senior investment manager and counsel at Bentham, Mr. Kerstein sourced and analyzed potential litigation investments. Prior to joining Bentham in 2014, he was a trial counsel with Gibson, Dunn, handling complex commercial disputes, with a focus on bankruptcy, M&A disputes and international arbitration. Mr. Kerstein has won large recoveries for plaintiffs and also scored major defense wins. He earned both his J.D. and B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. As legal counsel at Bentham, Ms. Gewolb analyzed new cases, assisted with strategic communications and helped establish due diligence criteria and methods for potential investments. She was previously a senior associate at Boies Schiller, focusing on complex commercial litigation. Ms. Gewolb holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude, and was managing editor of the New York University Law Review. She received her B.S.F.S. cum laude from Georgetown University. Ms. Gewolb also served as law clerk for Judge Gladys Kessler of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Industry Trends: Smart Stadium Solution Market By Key Vendors: Cisco, IBM, Infosys, Intel 2018-2025 QyResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/year-end-offer https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1945883&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-smart-stadium-solution-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report Smart Stadium Solution to its huge collection of research reports.New stadiums are being built with smart technology in mind from the start while many existing venues are incorporating it to keep up with fan expectations, streamline operations, and level the playing field with their innovative counterparts.In 2017, the global Smart Stadium Solution market size was xx million US$ and it is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of xx% during 2018-2025.This report focuses on the global Smart Stadium Solution status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. The study objectives are to present the Smart Stadium Solution development in United States, Europe and China.Year End Offer Get 15% off on All Reports:The key players covered in this studyCiscoIBMInfosysHUAWEIIntelTech MahindraNECJohnson ControlsVIX TechnologyCenturylinkHoneywellUcopiaVolteoHPEMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaCentral & South AmericaFor more info, get sample report for FREE here:The study objectives of this report are:To analyze global Smart Stadium Solution status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players.To present the Smart Stadium Solution development in United States, Europe and China.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their development plan and strategies.To define, describe and forecast the market by product type, market and key regions.Table of Contents1 Report Overview1.1 Study Scope1.2 Key Market Segments1.3 Players Covered1.4 Market Analysis by Type1.4.1 Global Smart Stadium Solution Market Size Growth Rate by Type (2013-2025)1.4.2 Smart Health1.4.3 Smart Referee1.4.4 Smart Security1.4.5 Smart Coaching1.4.6 Smart Video1.4.7 Others1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Smart Stadium Solution Market Share by Application (2013-2025)1.5.2 Venue Control1.5.3 Event Management1.5.4 Others1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years ConsideredBrowse Complete Research Report at:2 Global Growth Trends2.1 Smart Stadium Solution Market Size2.2 Smart Stadium Solution Growth Trends by Regions2.2.1 Smart Stadium Solution Market Size by Regions (2013-2025)2.2.2 Smart Stadium Solution Market Share by Regions (2013-2018)2.3 Industry Trends2.3.1 Market Top Trends2.3.2 Market Drivers2.3.3 Market Opportunities3 Market Share by Key Players3.1 Smart Stadium Solution Market Size by Manufacturers3.1.1 Global Smart Stadium Solution Revenue by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.1.2 Global Smart Stadium Solution Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.1.3 Global Smart Stadium Solution Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)3.2 Smart Stadium Solution Key Players Head office and Area Served3.3 Key Players Smart Stadium Solution Product/Solution/Service3.4 Date of Enter into Smart Stadium Solution Market3.5 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion Plans4 Breakdown Data by Type and Application4.1 Global Smart Stadium Solution Market Size by Type (2013-2018)4.2 Global Smart Stadium Solution Market Size by Application (2013-2018)...List of Tables and FiguresTable Smart Stadium Solution Key Market SegmentsTable Key Players Smart Stadium Solution CoveredTable Global Smart Stadium Solution Market Size Growth Rate by Type 2013-2025 (Million US$)Figure Global Smart Stadium Solution Market Size Market Share by Type 2013-2025Figure Smart Health FiguresTable Key Players of Smart HealthFigure Smart Referee FiguresTable Key Players of Smart RefereeFigure Smart Security FiguresTable Key Players of Smart SecurityFigure Smart Coaching FiguresTable Key Players of Smart CoachingFigure Smart Video FiguresTable Key Players of Smart VideoFigure Others FiguresTable Key Players of OthersTable Global Smart Stadium Solution Market Size Growth by Application 2013-2025 (Million US$)Figure Venue Control Case StudiesFigure Event Management Case Studies...About Us: QYResearchReports delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Toilet Seat Sanitizers Market Research Report Global Forecast 2018-25 Estimated with Top Key Players like: Cleenol, D Germs, Safe4U, Pee Safe, CleanSmart, Sitsef Toilet Seat Sanitizers https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/24712 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/24712 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/24712 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/24712 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/buy/toilet-seat-sanitizers-market www.upmarketresearch.com UpMarketResearch published an exclusive report on Toilet Seat Sanitizers market delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. The report contains 122 pages which highly exhibits on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability. This report focuses on the Toilet Seat Sanitizers market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type, segments and application.Get Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This Report @Toilet Seat Sanitizers Market research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Toilet Seat Sanitizers global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2018 - 2025.The scope of the report extends from market scenarios to comparative pricing between major players, cost and profit of the specified market regions. The numerical data is backed up by statistical tools such as SWOT analysis, BCG matrix, SCOT analysis, PESTLE analysis and so on. The statistics are represented in graphical format for a clear understanding on facts and figures.For more information on this report, please visit:The following manufacturers are covered in this report: Cleenol D Germs Safe4U Pee Safe CleanSmart Sitsef Lysol Tuzech Prowomen Greenerways Organic Holy Seat Saraya Kimberly-Clark RunBugz Duprex Rubbermaid CWS CUNGSR Vectair SafeseatToilet Seat Sanitizers Production by Region North America Asia-Pacific Europe Central & South America Middle East & AfricaGet Best Discount On This Report @Global Toilet Seat Sanitizers Market: Product Segment Analysis Spray Type Drop TypeToilet Seat Sanitizers Breakdown Data by Application Household Hotels Public Restrooms Malls OthersGet Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This Report @The report categorizes the market into segments by companies, end-use, type and potential regions. As an enterprise owner or a market entrant, the report offers you a comprehensive analysis beneficial for you to take a positive traction as and when needed. It offers a complete study of analytics necessary to decide on trending segments and potential market areas to operate.The scope of the report extends from market scenarios to comparative pricing between major players, cost and profit of the specified market regions. The numerical data is backed up by statistical tools such as SWOT analysis, BCG matrix, SCOT analysis, PESTLE analysis and so on. The statistics are represented in graphical format for a clear understanding on facts and figures.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Toilet Seat Sanitizers are as follows: History Year: 2013-2017 Base Year: 2017 Estimated Year: 2018 Forecast Year 2018 to 2025To buy this report please visit:Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Toilet Seat Sanitizers Industry Analysis and Forecast 2018-2025 and its commercial landscape Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by your competitors and leading organizations To understand the future outlook and prospects for Toilet Seat Sanitizers market analysis and forecast 2018-2025.Customization of the Report:UpMarketResearch provides free customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.About UpMarketResearch:UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: Alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States Water Softener Market 2018-2024 Growth & Regional Revenue By Global Players EcoWater Systems LLC, Culligan International, Kinetico Incorporated, Pentair, Morton Salt, Whirlpool Corporation, 3M Water Softener Market https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2887 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2887 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/water-softener-market www.gminsights.com According to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. Water Softener Market size is set to surpass USD 10 billion by 2024. Intensifying demand for soft water owing to growing industrialization and urbanization may expand water softener market growth by 2024.Growing penetration of multinational brands along with its features including high effectiveness in decreasing formation of scale in boilers, pipes and tanks are likely to further propel product demand. This equipment improves product lifespan of water using appliances by removing salts and minerals, which can damage product quality. Growing customer spending on water treatment equipment supported by increasing contamination issues will propel product demand.Request for a sample copy of this report @Global salt free water softener market is anticipated to exceed USD 2 billion in projected timeline owing to its extensive consumption in the U.S. There is no electrical valve required in salt-free softener as system operates as a conditioner and do not captures anything, thus eliminating need to purge minerals. Soft water from this system results in less soap consumption and brighter laundry, which is anticipated to stimulate product demand.Global water softener market size of 120,000 grain from office building application is poised to observe gains of over by 4% 2024. Increase in consumer health consciousness has led to rise in demand for healthy and safe drinking water which is likely spur product demand.- Water Softener Market, By Product Salt Based Salt Free- Water Softener Industry, By Application Residentialo Single Familyo Multi Family Commercialo Office Buildingso Hotel/Restaurantso Laundrieso Hospital & Healthcareo Others Industrialo Food Processing unito Textileo Chemicalo Oil & Gaso Refinerieso OthersMake an inquiry for purchasing this report @Water softener in home decreases greenhouse gases, reduce chlorine content and removes odor with good efficiency is likely to augment product demand. Water appliances use less energy and last longer by using softener reduces carbon footprint and preserving resources for a longer span of time, thereby driving market size.This equipment is partially banned in 34 states worldwide due its contamination in ground water, manufacturer needs to take legal help from national Water Quality Association to litigate against local laws, which is likely to hamper industry profitability and addon additional compliance cost, thereby affecting water softener market price trends.UK salt-based water softener market size in 900,000 grain from hotel/restaurants is likely to surpass USD 3 million due to its usage in removing lime scale on toilets, tile and faucets. It eliminates scale causing minerals in water, subsequently resulting in cleaner fittings and tiles, which may propel product demand.Browse Complete Report Summary @China water softener demand in 1200,000 grain from laundries units is projected to witness gains of up to 7%. Fabric quality is adversely affected along with high amount of detergent is required when hard water is used thus, softener is needed for both cleaning and washing applications. Softening equipment is used in this industry to maintain quality, easy cleaning of fabrics and also reduces the amount of detergent required, which may boost market growth.Global water softener market share is competitive and moderately consolidated with key industry precipitants includes, Culligan International Company, General Electric Company, Pentair, Whirlpool, Honeywell International and 3M. Increasing consumption of soft water has encouraged sellers to invest intensely in R&D for the product. Companies are spending more on product design, increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb: Virtual Data Rooms Market to 2018 - 2026: iDeals Solutions Group S.A.; IntraLinks Holdings, Inc.; Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.; Ansarada Pty Limited; Brainloop AG; Firmex Inc.; Box, Inc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1877924 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-market-study-on-virtual-data-rooms-growing-demand-for-efficient-data-repository-expected-to-fuel-revenue-growth-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1877924 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketsizeinfo.blogspot.in/ Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Market Study on Virtual Data Rooms: Growing Demand for Efficient Data Repository Expected to Fuel Revenue Growth" to its huge collection of research reports.Report SynopsisPersistence Market Research offers an 8-year forecast for the virtual data rooms market between 2018 and 2026. In terms of value, the virtual data rooms market is expected to register a CAGR of 12.2% during the forecast period. This virtual data rooms study demonstrates the market dynamics and trends globally across regions such as North America, Latin America, Europe, China, Japan, South East Asia & others of APAC, and Middle East & Africa, which influence the current nature and future status of the virtual data rooms market over the forecast period.Report DescriptionThis research report provides a detailed analysis of the virtual data rooms market and offers insights on various factors. The market study provides a comprehensive assessment of stakeholder strategies and imperatives for succeeding in the business. The report segregates the virtual data rooms market based on component, deployment, enterprise type, and end users across different regions worldwide.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Key players are introducing technologically advanced virtual data room solutions for centralized and secured data storage. Regions, such as SEA & Others of APAC, are witnessing a rapid change in their economies as well as a shift from rural to urban areas. These changes are creating huge demand for the deployment of virtual data rooms in numerous industry sectors, such as BFSI, law firms, real-estate companies, healthcare & life science, mining & energy, management consultants, ITES, and others, which is expected to lead to an increase in the usage of virtual data rooms due to increasing applications and several benefits.The report starts with an overview of the global virtual data rooms market in terms of value. In addition, this section includes the analysis of key trends, drivers, and restraints that are influencing the virtual data rooms market. The impact analysis of key growth drivers and restraints are included in this report to provide clients crystal clear decision-making insights.The global virtual data rooms market is categorized on the basis of component, enterprise type, deployment, end users, and region.On the basis of components, virtual data rooms market is segmented into software and services. The software segment is expected to hold a considerably high percentage of the virtual data room market throughout the forecast period. On the basis of enterprise type, the virtual data rooms market is segmented into large enterprises and small & medium enterprise. The large enterprise segment is expected to dominate the virtual data rooms market throughout the forecast period. However, the small & medium enterprises segment is expected to exhibit a high CAGR owing to the increasing adoption of secure storing and sharing platforms by small & medium companies.The next section highlights a detailed analysis of virtual data rooms across various countries in the region. It provides a market outlook for 20182026, and sets the forecast within the context of the virtual data rooms market, including latest technological developments as well as service offerings in the market. This study discusses key trends within the countries contributing to the growth of the virtual data rooms market, as well as analyzes degrees at which drivers are influencing the virtual data rooms market in each region. Key regions and countries assessed in this report include North America (U.S. & Canada), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, & the Rest of Latin America), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Russia, & the Rest of Europe), China, Japan, SEA & Others of APAC (India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Oceania, and the rest of SEA & other APAC), and MEA (North Africa, South Africa, GCC, Turkey, & Rest of MEA).This virtual data rooms market report evaluates the present scenario and the growth prospects of the virtual data rooms market across various regions globally for the period 20182026. We have considered 2017 as the base year and provided data for the remaining 12 months. The forecast presented here assesses the total revenue by value across the virtual data rooms market. To offer an accurate forecast, we started by sizing the current market, which forms the basis of how the virtual data rooms market will develop in the future. Given the characteristics of the virtual data rooms market, we triangulated the outcome of different enterprise types and end-user analysis based on technology trends.Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @In addition, it is imperative to note that in an ever-fluctuating global economy, we not only conduct forecasts in terms of CAGR, but also analyze on the basis of key parameters, such as year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth, to understand the predictability of the virtual data rooms market and to identify the right opportunities across the market.In the final section of the report, we include a competitive landscape to provide clients a dashboard view based on categories of providers in the value chain, their presence in the virtual data rooms portfolio, and key differentiators. This section is primarily designed to provide clients an objective and detailed comparative assessment of key providers specific to a market segment in the virtual data rooms value chain as well as the potential players for the same. Report audiences can gain segment-specific vendor insights to identify and evaluate key competitors based on in-depth assessment of capabilities and success in the marketplace. Detailed profiles of providers are also included in the scope of the report to evaluate their long-term and short-term strategies, key offerings, and recent developments in the virtual data rooms market. Key competitors in the virtual data rooms market are iDeals Solutions Group S.A.; Intralinks Holdings, Inc.; Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.; Ansarada Pty Limited.; Brainloop AG; Firmex Inc.; Box, Inc.; Merrill Corporation; CapLinked, Inc.; and BMC Group, Inc.Key Segments CoveredComponentSoftwareServicesEnterprise TypeLarge EnterprisesSMEsDeploymentCloudOn-PremiseEnd UserBFSILaw FirmsReal-Estate CompaniesHealthcare and Life ScienceMining and EnergyManagement ConsultantsITESOthersKey Regions CoveredNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaEuropeGermanyU.K.FranceItalyMake An Enquiry @SpainRussiaRest of EuropeSEA and Other Asia PacificIndiaIndonesiaPhilippinesThailandMalaysiaOceaniaRest of SEA and Other APACChinaJapanMiddle East & AfricaNorth AfricaSouth AfricaGCCTurkeyRest of Middle East & AfricaAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on @ Global Confectionery Packaging Market to 2027| Amcor, Smurfit Kappa Group, Sealed Air, Bemis Company, Crown Holdings, Berry Global, Huhtamaki Oyj, Mondi Group, DS Smith https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1834738 https://www.researchmoz.us/confectionery-packaging-market-global-industry-analysis-2012-2016-and-opportunity-assessment-2017-2027-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1834738 https://marketinfo247.wordpress.com/ Albany, NY, 5th December : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Confectionery Packaging Market: Global Industry Analysis 2012-2016 and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027" globally.A great market potential in emerging economies provides huge growth opportunity for confectionery packaging manufacturersEmerging markets such as India, China, and Africa etc. provide a huge growth potential for confectionery products. Africa is expected to showcase second fastest growth rate in terms of consumption for confectionery packaging after Asia-Pacific. This region is also witnessing an inflow of foreign investment in manufacturing of confectionery products.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @South Africa is expected to exhibit progress in terms of income levels, further supporting the strong economic prospects of the African region.Multinational as well as domestic players are anticipated to enter the markets through various entry strategies that include exports, sales agents and manufacturing. Multinational players as well as domestic players are setting up manufacturing operations in emerging markets and are characterized by shifting away from premiumisation of confectionery products. Domestic manufacturers and multinational players of APEJ and MEA regions are on the other hand targeting cash strapped consumers in such regions as a part of their strategy who seek value added products. This is due to the fact that untapped market segments in the emerging economies represent a huge target market opportunity for chocolate, sugar and gum confectionery products.Further, the APEJ and MEA regions have a huge young population with the average age below 20 years. Young median age and a growing middle class in such regions are expected to fuel the demand for end use products that are packed in stickpacks and boxes.E-commerce is likely to boost the global confectionery packaging marketAs the internet continues on its trajectory of dominating the lives of the consumers, the growth of e-commerce is reaching new heights. Chocolate is the most preferred confectionery product in online sales. A growing consumer preference for dark chocolates is surging the demand for e-commerce confectionery packaging market. Hence, many chocolate manufacturers are opting for various initiatives to launch new products and flavours. For instance, Mondelez has teamed up with Amazon to create a virtual chocolate and sweets store on Amazons online marketplace.The shipping logistics market is growing consequently on the backdrop of a tremendous growth in the e-commerce industry, wherein consumers are ensured the delivery of the products in prime condition. Increasing penetration of modern trade and e-commerce has resulted in more number of consumers availing online retail services. This is attributed to the convenience associated with monetary transactions, product shipment and delivery. These factors, in turn, are expected to boost the growth of the global confectionery packaging market.As per the data given by Future Market Insights, the plastic segment in the material type category was estimated to be valued at nearly US$ 5,200 Mn in 2017 and is likely to touch a valuation of nearly US$ 7,050 Mn in 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.1% during the assessment period 2017-2027. The paper and paperboard segment in the material type category was estimated to be valued at nearly US$ 2,150 Mn in 2017 and is likely to touch a valuation of nearly US$ 3,500 Mn in 2027, displaying a CAGR of 5.1% during the period of assessment.View Complete TOC with tables & Figures @Table Of Content1. Executive Summary1.1. Market Overview1.2. Market Analysis1.3. FMI Analysis and Recommendations1.4. Wheel of Opportunity2. Market Introduction2.1. Market Definition2.2. Market Taxonomy3. Market Viewpoint3.1. Opportunity Analysis3.2. Porters Five Forces Analysis for Confectionery Packaging Market3.3. Co-Relation Analysis for Confectionery Packaging Market3.4. Parent/Associated Market Overview3.4.1. Packaging Market Outlook3.4.2. Confectionery Packaging Market Outlook3.4.3. Industrial Packaging Outlook3.5. Confectionery Packaging Market Research MethodologyMake An Enquiry @4. Global Confectionery Packaging Market Analysis4.1. Market Volume Projection4.2. Market Size and Y-o-Y Growth4.3. Absolute $ OpportunityResearchMoz 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.Mr. Nachiket Ghumare,ResearchMoz,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States,Tel: +1-518-621-2074,USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948,Email: sales@researchmoz.us,Follow me on : Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Explore Future Growth 2018-2022 | Asia-Pacific Top Players - Estee Lauder, ESSE ORGANIC SKINCARE, L'OREAL, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Unilever, AOBiome, Aurelia Skincare, BeBe & Bella Probiotic Cosmetic Products https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/sample/131789 https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/discount/131789 https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/quiry/131789 https://www.coherentwire.com Worldwide Market Reports has announced the addition of the Asia-Pacific Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Size Status and Forecast 2022, The report classifies the Asia-Pacific Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market in a precise manner to offer detailed insights about the aspects responsible for augmenting as well as restraining market growth.This report studies the Asia-Pacific Probiotic Cosmetic Products market, analyzes and researches the Probiotic Cosmetic Products development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in Asia-Pacific market, likeEstee Lauder, ESSE ORGANIC SKINCARE, L'OREAL, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Unilever, AOBiome, Aurelia Skincare, BeBe & Bella, The Clorox Company, EMINENCE ORGANIC SKIN CARE, NUDE brands, Onesta Hair Care, Rodial, TULA Life, THE BODY DERequest a Sample Copy:Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanIndiaSoutheast AsiaAustraliaMarket segment by Type, Product, Probiotic Cosmetic Products can be split intoMoisturizerCleanerOtherMarket segment by Application, Probiotic Cosmetic Products can be split intoAcneAppearance Of WrinklesWhiteningOtherGet Additional Discount:Table of ContentsAsia-Pacific Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Report 20171 Probiotic Cosmetic Products Overview2 Asia-Pacific Probiotic Cosmetic Products Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application3 China Probiotic Cosmetic Products (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 Japan Probiotic Cosmetic Products (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 South Korea Probiotic Cosmetic Products (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Taiwan Probiotic Cosmetic Products (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 India Probiotic Cosmetic Products (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 Southeast Asia Probiotic Cosmetic Products (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Australia Probiotic Cosmetic Products (Volume, Value and Sales Price)10 Asia-Pacific Probiotic Cosmetic Products Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data11 Probiotic Cosmetic Products Manufacturing Cost Analysis11.1 Probiotic Cosmetic Products Key Raw Materials Analysis11.1.1 Key Raw Materials11.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials11.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials11.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials11.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure11.2.1 Raw Materials11.2.2 Labor Cost11.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses11.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Probiotic Cosmetic Products12 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers13 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders14 Market Effect Factors Analysis15 Asia-Pacific Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Forecast (2017-2022)16 Research Findings and ConclusionElse place an Inquire before Purchase Asia-Pacific Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022:About Us:Worldwide Market Reports is your one-stop repository of detailed and in-depth market research reports compiled by an extensive list of publishers from across the globe. We offer reports across virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. The in-depth market analysis by some of the most vastly experienced analysts provide our diverse range of clients from across all industries with vital decision making insights to plan and align their market strategies in line with current market trends. Worldwide Market Researchs well-researched inputs that encompass domains ranging from IT to healthcare enable our prized clients to capitalize upon key growth opportunities and shield against credible threats prevalent in the market in the current scenario and those expected in the near future.Mr. ShahWorldwide Market ReportsTel: +1 415 871 0703Email: sales@worldwidemarketreports.comVisit our news Website: Lithium-ion Battery Market Estimated to grow with a Healthy CAGR during Forecast period 2018-2025 https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/20 https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/industry-reports/lithium-ion-battery-market https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/researchreport/purchase/20 The global lithium-ion battery market size is estimated to be valued over USD 100 billion by 2025. This growth is majorly attributed to rising demand for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage solutions globally. Easy availability, high energy density, low-discharge rates and long life cycle are some of the key features which makes lithium-ion batteries preferable over its counterparts and expected to foster the global market revenue.Request a sample of lithium-ion battery market 2018 @Increasing investments in energy efficient technologies such as the renewable sector is one of the key factor driving the market growth. For instance, in Netherlands, the Energy Investment Allowance (EIA) scheme encourages such investments by offering the investors benefits such as tax deductions on the invested amount. On an average the EIA, commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, offers a 13.5% tax advantage. Shift towards renewable energy sources reduces the need to import electricity and optimizes energy demand and supply. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), battery storage in stationary applications is expected to grow at least 17-fold by 2030. Increasing stationary energy storage applications along with spurring demand for electric vehicles (EVs), especially among developing countries such as China, is expected to fuel the lithium-ion battery installations in the coming years.In 2017, consumer electronics accounted for more than 40% of the global lithium-ion battery revenue market share. As per a recent survey, global consumer electronics user penetration is 26.4% in 2018 and is projected to rise to 34.1% by 2022. The consumer electronics market is continuously evolving owing to constant technological advancements by the players across the globe. Additionally, manufacturers are reinventing and introducing innovations in these categories to enhance sales and drive higher margins. This has led to the improved sales of mature products such as LCDs, TVs and laptops on the back of rising digital consumers, thus, acting as a key factor driving the growth of consumer electronics segment.Access the full report with Table of Content and List of Figures @Key segments of the global lithium-ion battery marketType Overview, 2015-2025 (MWh, USD Million)Lithium Cobalt Oxide BatteryLithium-Iron Phosphate BatteryLithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide BatteryLithium-Manganese Oxide BatteryLithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide BatteryLithium-Titanate BatteryApplication Overview, 2015-2025 (MWh, USD Million)AutomotiveGrid Energy StorageConsumer ElectronicsOthersRegional Overview, 2015-2025 (MWh, USD Million)North AmericaUSEuropeFranceUnited KingdomGermanyAsia PacificIndiaJapanChinaSouth KoreaCentral & South AmericaBrazilMiddle East & AfricaSaudi ArabiaThe report has analyzed several players in the market, some of which includeLG Chem Ltd.BYD Company Ltd.Johnson ControlsTesla Inc.GS Yuasa CorporationToshiba CorporationOthersNorth America is projected to be the second largest market for lithium-ion batteries over the forecast period. Increasing investments by key players towards the research & development of electric vehicles (EVs) is set to surge the overall product demand in the coming years. Strict regulatory standards for CO2 emissions, favorable government policies for adoption of electric vehicles such as tax rebate, financial incentives, lowers the up-front costs of plug-in electric vehicles in this region. Thus, the aforementioned factors are responsible for the growth of the North American lithium-ion battery market. However, Asia Pacific is expected to grow with a rapid CAGR majorly due to widespread expansion of residential and commercial projects majorly in Southeast Asian economies such as India, China, etc.Purchase a single user copy of lithium-ion batteries industry report @The global lithium-ion battery market is highly fragmented owing to the presence of several players. Typically, majority of the players cater to their local market with strategy of rapid expansion overseas. Companies such as LG Chem, Samsung SDI, and Johnsons Controls have a broader presence within the global market.Adroit Market Research is an India-based business analytics and consulting company incorporated in 2018. Our target audience is a wide range of corporations, manufacturing companies, product/technology development institutions and industry associations that require understanding of a markets size, key trends, participants and future outlook of an industry. We intend to become our clients knowledge partner and provide them with valuable market insights to help create opportunities that increase their revenues. We follow a code Explore, Learn and Transform. At our core, we are curious people who love to identify and understand industry patterns, create an insightful study around our findings and churn out money-making roadmaps.Ryan JohnsonAccount Manager - Global3131 McKinney Ave Ste 600Dallas, TX 75204Email ID: sales@adroitmarketresearch.comPhone No.:+1 (214) 884-6068 Ovulation Test Market 2023 Overview To The Future Opportunities Over The Globe | by Fertility Focus Limited, Geratherm Medical AG, Accuquik, NecLife and Piramal Healthcare, etc Ovulation Test Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1341 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/ovulation-test-market-1341 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/1341 The market research report on the Global Ovulation Test Market provides a comprehensive study of Market. Starting from industry chain analysis to cost structure analysis, the report analyzes multiple aspects, including the Demand and end-user segments of the Ovulation Test Market.Globally, Ovulation Test market consists of four regions Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa. North America is the largest market. The North American market for Ovulation Test is expected to grow at a CAGR 2.20% which is expected to reach at US$ 900 million from US$ 550 million in 2016 by the end of the forecasted period. Awareness regarding planned pregnancy favor the growth of this market. Europe is the second-largest market for Ovulation Test which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.24%. Whereas Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market for Ovulation Test market. India is expected to be the emerging and fastest growing market. India is expected to be the largest market due to increase population of the country. The market shows steady growth in Middle East and Africa.Get Sample PDF Illustration @Key Players for Global Ovulation Test MarketSome of the key players in this market are: Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH (Switzerland), Church & Dwight Co. Inc. (U.S.), Prestige Brands Holdings Inc. (U.S.), HiLin Life Products Inc. (U.S.) and Fairhaven Health LLC (U.S.)Other players in this market are: Fertility Focus Limited (U.K.), Geratherm Medical AG (Germany), Accuquik (California), NecLife (India) and Piramal Healthcare (India)Ovulation Test Market - OverviewThe Global Ovulation Test Market is growing with the steady pace. The Global Ovulation Test Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~4.5% during the forecast period 2017-2023. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The global ovulation test market is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period growing rapidly due to rising technology driven ovulation monitors. The market is forecasted to demonstrate a spectacular growth by 2023, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2017 2023).The market is expected grow with the same trends during the forecast period. The major drivers will be technological advancement for reliable and accurate results from ovulation test kits has spurred the growth the market. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in eight women has trouble conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy, due to age, health issues or other factors. For that, companies are introducing advanced kits which will help them to monitor their pregnancy and ovulations. For instance, apps like Glow and Apple's own Reproductive Health kit in iOS make it easier to record, visualize and aggregate large amounts of data related to the reproductive health of the patients. Moreover, pregnancy management and women and child health gaining importance throughout the world favor the growth of this market. Increase in first pregnancy, complications during pregnancy and demand of reliable technology for pregnancy test kits.Global Ovulation Test Market - Competitive AnalysisThe market for Ovulation Test is characterised by the presence of several well-established and small players, the global market of ovulation test appears to be getting competitive in this region due to increasing first time pregnancy age and gynaecological disorders. Global players are increasingly expanding their footprint in the emerging nations, especially in terms of features such as type, product portfolios, and pricing. The market is witnessing intensified competition which is expected to increase with time during the forecast period. Well established players are entering into new product launches in order to gain competitive edge in this market and to maintain their market position.Companies like in April 2016, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. has launched a First Response Pregnancy PRO Digital Pregnancy Test + App Access. It is the first and only Bluetooth enabled pregnancy test stick which will be available nationwide. This will help the company add-on a product to their portfolio and help to increase the customer base.Moreover, Prestige Brands Holdings Inc., in December 2016, has announced to acquire C.B Fleet Company which manufactures products for feminine care to reach in global market. Furthermore, Swiss Precision Diagnostics a market leader across the globe with wide range of women health brands out of which Accu clear provides a range of products for pregnancy and ovulation test. It has been granted three patents by the U.S. in advanced clear blue ovulation test helping it to maintain its leading position in the market.This particular market is focussing on product launches and acquisitions as a key strategy, thereby presenting a potential opportunities for the growth of the market.Browse Complete Report @Regional Analysis of Ovulation Test Market:Some 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 ContinuedDo You Have Specific Requirement? Ask To Our Experts@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 Global Hair Removal Market - In-Depth Analysis with Booming Trends Supporting Growth and Forecast 2018-2022 || Industry Key Players Solta Medical Inc., Cynosure Inc., Lynton Lasers Ltd., Fotona d.d., & Strata Skin Sciences Inc. MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/3815 https://www.mrrse.com/hair-removal-market https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/3815 https://www.mrrse.com/ A new report titled Global Hair Removal Market - In-Depth Analysis with Booming Trends Supporting Growth and Forecast 2018-2022 has been included in the enormous research repository of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) that compiles various facets of the Hair Removal market at a global level portraying a holistic analysis of the marketplace along with intelligence on key participants. The report covers an unbiased analysis on various market aspects, emphasizing major trends giving direction to the market, key opportunities paving new growth avenues, key drivers pushing the markets growth and challenges and restraints hindering the market for Hair Removal across the globe.The global hair removal market is experiencing a high-paced expansion in its size and valuation, thanks to the increasing beauty consciousness among consumers across the world. The augmenting need to maintain a good and groomed physical appearance is the main factor behind the growth of this market. Over the forthcoming years, the rising popularity of the at-home hair removal techniques among the younger generation is likely to boost the demand for hair removal solutions remarkably, worldwide.The worldwide market for hair removal is expected to reach US$880.2 mn by 2017. Further, the opportunity in this market is anticipated to witness an upswing at a CAGR of 9.0% between 2018 and 2022 and gain a value of US$1.35 bn by the end of 2022. The significant rise in the demand for hair removal creams, shaving razors, epilators, and wax and wax strips are also expected to stimulate the momentum of this market in the years to come.To Get Sample Copy of Report, Click here @The hair removal market is gaining significant momentum across the world, thanks to the increasing interest of people across the world into personal grooming. The rising beauty consciousness among consumers, globally, has fueled the demand for a number of hair removal products, such as hair removal creams, shaving razors, epilators, and wax and wax strips, reflecting positively on this market. In addition to this, the increasing popularity of the at-home hair removal techniques is projected to boost the market for hair removal solutions across the world, remarkably, in the near future.This research study offers a decisive overview of the worldwide market for hair removal by analyzing this market thoroughly on the basis of its past performance and current status. The future market potential has also been evaluated in details to provide the readers with future projections and forecasts. The overview section also includes a qualitative assessment of the overall market, emphasizing the influencing factors and various market dynamics, such as the driving forces, challenges, market trends, opportunities, and limitations, coupled with the assessment of potential customers. In addition to this, an analysis of the markets attractiveness, coupled with the key strategies adopted by the leading players, have been examined thoroughly in this report to explain the intensity of the competition within the market.Browse Complete Report with TOC @This research report consists of an exhaustive executive summary and a market snapshot that provide all the important information about various segments and sub-segments studied within the scope of this research. This section also offers significant information and data regarding the global hair removal market with respect to the leading segments based on the key products available in this market, their end users, and the markets geographical distribution. The performance of these market segments has been assessed at length on the basis of their utility, efficiency, and sales. Based on the product, the market has been bifurcated into laser based devices, energy based devices, and intense pulse light (IPL) devices. Based on the end user, the market has been classified into beauty clinics and dermatology clinics.In terms of the region, the market has been segmented into six regions: North America (Canada and the U.S.), Latin America (Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil), the Middle East and Africa (Israel, South Africa, Turkey, and GCC countries), Asia Pacific excluding Japan (India, South Korea, China, Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore), Europe (the U.K., Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and Nordic countries), and Japan. The market revenue for all the segments have been provided here in terms of US$ Mn for the period from 2017 to 2022, together with the cumulative average growth rate (CAGR %) between 2018 and 2022.In conclusion, the market study offers a thorough review of the key players in the global hair removal market on the basis of a number of attributes, such as the overview of the enterprise, with respect to an assessment of its financial status, brand recognition, and the business. The product portfolio, recent developments, and business strategies have also been discussed in this research report. The leading players profiled in this research study are Solta Medical Inc., Cynosure Inc., Lynton Lasers Ltd., Fotona d.d., Strata Skin Sciences Inc., Syneron Medical Ltd., Alma Lasers Ltd., Venus Concept Canada Corp., Lumenis Ltd., Lutronic Corp., Sciton Inc., and Cutera Inc.Enquire about this Report @About Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite: Autism Disorder and Treatment Market Foremost Players - Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Company, Allergan, Merck & CO, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Consern Pharma Private Limited, Novartis AG, Johnson & Johnson Services, etc Autism Disorder and Treatment Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1605 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/autism-disorder-and-treatment-market-1605 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/1605 Market Research Future Has A Cooked Research Report on Global Autism Disorder and Treatment Market. The Global Autism Disorder and Treatment Market is growing at a rate of 4.37% and is expected show a similar trend during the forecast period.Autism Disorder and Treatment Market OverviewAutism Disorder and Treatment Market is anticipated to expand with a CAGR of 4.37% over the forecast period. Increasing mutations of genetic and environmental influences are fuelling the detection of autism cases. Market reports associated with the healthcare sector made accessible by Market Research Future along with published reports on other sectors have been lately put out along with a report on this industry.Factors responsible for market growth are enlargement of diagnostic criteria, improved diagnostic tools, and better awareness and improved reporting. Environmental and genetic factors are also increasingly attributed with the rise of the cases globally. The markets growth is expected to be buoyed by the likely approvals of many off-label treatments in the upcoming years.Request Sample Report atTop vendors:Eli Lilly and CompanyPfizer Inc.AllerganTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.Merck & CO Inc.Novartis AGIntra-Cellular Therapies Inc.And few others.Industry Updates:Aug 2018 Epidiolex which has been approved by The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency for the first time. It is a compound that is derived from marijuana to treat certain types of epilepsy which may spell good news for autism research.The amendment in the classification of marijuana compounds to Schedule 1 drugs would ease the path for researchers investigating whether marijuana can alleviate autism traits.Competitive Analysis:The core success factors and competitors inclinations are progressively inclined to the strategies being used by market companies. The external factors are determining the markets course which is dependent on the practices and the strategic roadmaps that are used by the market players. The pioneering innovations in products and services are the chief factor contributing to the market's success and influencing the trends that have gained importance in the market. The availability of a proficient labor force along with resources is increasing the overall market development. The market is relatively well defined in terms of its volume and value.Browse Complete 108 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Respective Tables and Figures atDetailed Regional Analysis:The autism disorder & treatment market consists of regions such as Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, with Americas controlling the major market share trailed by the European region. In the Americas, the North American region is responsible for the major market due to the growing detection of autism cases in this region. Besides, the approval and likely introduction of the atypical anti-psychotic such as Namenda and Latuda is anticipated to generate amplified sales in the U.S. post-approval. The Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest rising market while the Middle East & Africa are displaying stable growth during the forecast period.Segmental Analysis:The market segmentation of the autism disorder and treatment is carried out on the basis of type, drugs and treatment type. The treatment type segmentation basis of the market is segmented into hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ABA (applied behavioral analysis), oxytocin therapy, chelation therapy, and others. On the basis of drug, the autism disorder and treatment market is segmented into anti-psychotic stimulants, anti-convulsant and SSRIs. The anti-psychotics segment is additionally segmented into Risperidone and Abilify (Aripiprazole). On the basis of type, the autism disorder and treatment market is segmented into Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, and others.Major TOC of Autism Disorder and Treatment Market Research Report - Forecast to 2023:1 Report Prologue2 Market Introduction3 Research Methodology4 Market Dynamics5 Market Factor Analysis6 Global Autism Disorder & Treatment Market, By Type7 Global Autism Disorder & Treatment Market, By Treatment Type8 Global Autism Disorder & Treatment Market, By DrugsTOC CONTINUED.Ask Any Question atAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Sleeping Bruxism Treatment Market to See Worldwide Growth by 2023: Leading Companies are S4S Dental Laboratory, Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA, Carestream Dental, etc Sleeping Bruxism Treatment Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5422 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/sleeping-bruxism-treatment-market-5422 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/5422 The latest report by Market Research Future (MRFR) affirms that the Global Sleeping Bruxism Treatment Market is set to accrue USD 638.22 million at 6.7% CAGR during the forecast period (20182023). This growth can be put down to growing prevalence of dental diseases and consequently growing dental procedures coupled with growing funding and healthcare insurance coverage across the globe. Moreover, changing lifestyle, elevating demand for affordable healthcare delivery systems, rapid health insurance penetration, mergers and acquisitions to reach untapped markets, and government initiatives trigger the global market growth. Also, aging population and stressful lives led by a large population have an influence on the market.However, restraining factor such as expensive treatment may hinder the market growth to some level. On the flip side, several types of research and tests are being conducted to enhance treatment for sleep bruxism. Various methods such as drug therapy, behavioral therapy, custom dental and mouth guards are being developed to find out the most effective treatment procedure for sleeping bruxism. These researches help upgrade the treatment procedures, thus leading to market growth.One of the most popular trends creating waves in sleeping bruxism treatment market is treating patient with behavior therapy. It involves the patient practicing proper jaw and mouth positions. The patient can also rest the tongue up with teeth apart and closed lips, which will counteract grinding.To Get Sample Report visitKey Players for Global Sleeping Bruxism Treatment MarketMarket Research Future (MRFR) recognizes the following companies as the key players in Sleeping Bruxism Treatment Market: There are plenty of large and small market players which operate in this market all over the globe.The key players competing in the market are S4S Dental Laboratory, Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA, Carestream Dental, Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Randmark and Dental Products LLC.Segments for Global Sleeping Bruxism Treatment MarketMRFRs report states that the sleeping bruxism treatment market is segmented on the basis of type, diagnosis, treatment type, cause, patient type, and end-user.By type, the market is segmented into primary bruxism and secondary bruxism. The secondary bruxism segment accounted for the largest market share in 2017. Increasing sleep disorders, growing consumption of medicines which lead to dental side effects, and changing lifestyle due to stress can fuel the growth of the secondary bruxism segment.By treatment, the market is segmented on the basis of dental approaches and medication. The dental approaches segment is divided into mouth guard and NTI-tss device. The medication segment is sub-segmented on the basis of muscle relaxants, Botox injections, and anti-anxiety drugs.By cause, the global sleeping bruxism treatment market is segmented on the basis of obstructive sleep apnea, sleep paralysis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), malocclusion, and others. Among these, the obstructive sleep apnea segment is estimated to be worth USD 233.20 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period.Pediatric and adult are two major segments under patient type. The pediatric segment held the largest market share in 2017. Prevalence of hyperactivity among children, growing anger issues, increasing pain from earache and teething, and even growing stress has fueled the growth of pediatric segment.The end-users in the global sleeping bruxism treatment market are hospitals, dental clinics, and others. The end-users in the market are growing rapidly and will continue to grow at the same pace throughout the forecast period. The number of dental clinics has increased owing to growing awareness among patients regarding bruxism, government funding, and increasing number of dentists opening up standalone clinics.Regional Analysis for Global Sleeping Bruxism Treatment MarketThe Americas market accounted for 39.1% share in 2017 in the sleeping bruxism treatment market. Factors such as rising stress and anxiety among the population have led to this market growth. Rising government funding and growing healthcare insurance coverage also contribute to the markets expansion in the region.Europe is the second largest market owing to growing cases of sleeping bruxism. High economy, growing dental awareness, growing number of dental clinics and healthcare infrastructure aid in market growth in the region. A large number of people also suffer from sleep disorders, snoring and irregular breathing which gives rise to sleeping bruxism, driving the market progress in the area.On the other hand, Asia Pacific will observe steady growth due to rapid adoption of sophisticated healthcare technology, rapid economic growth, massive population size, and rise in investments in the healthcare sector. The pediatric population is growing tremendously which also shapes the market size positively. Furthermore, elevating awareness in terms of sleep bruxism and rapidly growing dental industry in countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea can spur overall market demand.The Middle East & Africa market will experience sluggish growth as there is less exposure to the healthcare services along with lack of awareness about sleeping bruxism.To Browse Complete Report @Some 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 ContinuedList of TableTABLE 1 GLOBAL SLEEPING BRUXISM TREATMENT MARKET, BY TYPE 2015-2023 (USD MILLION) 37TABLE 2 GLOBAL SLEEPING BRUXISM TREATMENT MARKET FOR PRIMARY BRUXISM 2015-2023 (USD MILLION) 38TABLE 3 GLOBAL SLEEPING BRUXISM TREATMENT MARKET FOR SECONDARY BRUXISM 2015-2023 (USD MILLION) 39TABLE 4 GLOBAL SLEEPING BRUXISM TREATMENT MARKET, BY TREATMENT TYPE 2015-2023 (USD MILLION) 43TABLE 5 GLOBAL SLEEPING BRUXISM TREATMENT MARKET FOR DENTAL APPROACHES 2015-2023 (USD MILLION) 44ContinuedList of FigureFIGURE 1 MARKET STRUCTURE 19FIGURE 2 RESEARCH PROCESS 21FIGURE 3 DROC ANALYSIS OF THE GLOBAL SLEEPING BRUXISM TREATMENT MARKET 25FIGURE 4 DRIVERS IMPACT ANALYSIS: GLOBAL SLEEPING BRUXISM TREATMENT MARKET 27FIGURE 5 RESTRAINTS IMPACT ANALYSIS: GLOBAL SLEEPING BRUXISM TREATMENT MARKET 28ContinuedDo You Have Specific Requirement? Ask To Our ExpertsAbout 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 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides Market 2023 Global Key Player: Croda International plc., Oleon NV, Ecogreen Oleochemicals, Peter Cremer North America, IOI Oleo GmbH, KLK Oleo, Oxiteno, BERG + SCHMIDT GmbH & CO. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5684 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/caprylic-capric-triglycerides-market-5684 Market Oveview:The caprylic triglycerides are widely used as dietary supplements, infant nutrition, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic & personal care, sports drink, and others. Food and beverage segment is dominating the global market. Whereas, the cosmetic & personal care segment is anticipated to witness the highest growth during the forecast period 2017-2023. The growing consciousness about health benefits along with the increasing demand for fat burning alternatives is contributing to the growth of the segment.The global caprylic triglycerides market is spanned across five regions of the world namely, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific holds the largest share of the global market and is projected to grow at a rapid rate. The growing personal care and pharmaceuticals demand in the region is positively affecting the market growth. Moreover, the growing cases of malnutrition in the region are further expected to surge the growth in the region. According to the report published by the United Nations in 2017, over 190 million people in India are undernourished. The North American market is expected to grow at a steady CAGR owing to the growing demand for caprylic triglycerides in food & beverage and cosmetics sectors. Growing cases of lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes are anticipated to propel the market demand further. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the obesity rate in the U.S grew to over 35% in 2017.Get Sample Copy@Global Caprylic Triglycerides Market share, by regionSegmentationThe global caprylic/capric triglycerides market is segmented into application and region. On the basis of the application, the global caprylic/capric triglycerides market is further segmented into dietary supplements, cosmetic & personal care, pharmaceuticals, sports drinks, infant nutrition, food & beverage and others. On the basis of the region, the global caprylic/capric triglycerides market is segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa.Key Players Croda International plc. Oleon NV Ecogreen Oleochemicals Peter Cremer North America IOI Oleo GmbH KLK Oleo Oxiteno BERG + SCHMIDT GmbH & CO.Intended Audience Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides market manufacturers Traders and Distributors of Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides market Production process industries Potential investorsGeographical AnalysisThe report covers brief analysis of the major geographic regions namely Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.For More Enquired@About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questionsContact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Cell Culture Media Market Future Patterns - Business Diagram, Late Improvements, Organization Profile 2023 Cell Culture Media Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4462 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/cell-culture-media-market-4462 Market Research Future has added a report titled Cell Culture Media Market Research report 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.Overview:Technological progress across healthcare departments are now ensuring a holistic growth for the same. However, it primarily banks on various developments in treatments. Cell culture media in one such area that is giving the healthcare department an unprecedented boost by assisting it in developing vaccines and with quite a few new outbreaks in the recent past, this department has become all the more essential. Various biotechnological firms are incorporating cell culture as a division to study the intricate details of cells and tissues of different plants and animals in a conducive atmosphere. The vision is to derive the desired result for various treatments. The market is getting backed sufficiently by governments and private investors which are charting a future course for the market during the forecast period (2017-2023). It has been assured a substantial growth to a valuation of USD 1290.1 million during this time as reported by Market Research Future (MRFR) in its well-studied analysis.Get Sample Copy @Biotechnological firms are going to play a pivotal role in the success of this market, and that is quite evident from India Brand Equity Foundations declaration where the biotechnology industry in India was valued at USD 11 billion in 2016. This immense amount signals at its potential to trigger a substantial growth in regional cell culture media market and consequently, the global one.On the flip side, its setup process incurs high cost which only a few companies can bear. The resultant product comes at a high price which again pushes the market on the backfoot. But India and China are the saving grace. With reasonably less workforce cost and establishment cost, they can deflate the total amount almost by 33% which in turn, is a lucrative offer for the global players.Vendor LandscapeStrategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions are having control over this competitive market. This is exemplified by Corning Incorporateds agreement with BioCision. Some of the key players in the cell culture media market include HiMedia Laboratories (India), Thermo Fisher Scientific (U.S.), BD Biosciences (U.S.), Lonza (Switzerland), Corning Incorporated (U.S.), Merck KGaA (Germany), and GE Healthcare (U.S.).Cell Culture Media Market Segmental AnalysisThe global cell culture media market can be segmented by type, application, and end-user.Based on type, the market can be segmented into lysogeny broth, chemically defined media, protein-free media, serum-free media, classical media, and custom media. Among these, lysogeny broth is the chief market maker with almost 22.5% of the global share. However, chemically defined media can achieve the fastest CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period.Application-wise segmentation includes drug discovery and drug development, toxicity testing, cancer research, genetic engineering, tissue engineering & biochemistry, and stem cell research. With 23.8% of the entire market share, drug discovery and drug development segment is doing remarkably well. Meanwhile, the prevalence of cancer across nations is assisting cancer research to gain considerable ground.By end-users, the market comprises biotechnology & pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, academic institutes, and pathology labs. Biotechnology & pharmaceutical companies are leading the way by accounting for USD 386.5 million in 2016. However, research laboratories segment is also picking up speed boosted by government and private funding.Regional OutlookConsidering regional expansion, the global market can be segmented into the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), and the Middle East and Africa (MEA).Owing to a superior infrastructure and a huge patient pool, the Americas have turned into the biggest market for cell culture media. Prevalence of chronic diseases is boosting the market significantly. Europe comes next with similar kind of features to control the regional market. Government initiatives in the region are also commendable. However, the APAC region is surprisingly doing well. The eyes of many global players are on this region as plunging infrastructural cost in the zone can increase the profit margin.Table of Contents:1 Report Prologue2 Market Introduction3 Research Methodology4 Market Dynamics5 Market Factor Analysis6 Global Cell Culture Media Market, by Type7 Global Cell Culture Media Market By Applications8 Global Cell Culture Media Market, by End User9 Global Cell Culture Media Market, by Region10 Company Profiles11 Conclusion12 List of Tables$13 List of FiguresAccess Report @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 Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems Market 2018-2028 | Zimmer Biomet, Innomed, Inc., Shukla Medical, TECRES S.P.A, Orthofix Holdings, Inc. https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/12757 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/toc/12757 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Latest Research Report Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems Market - Global Industry Trend Analysis 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 - 2028 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"The primary factor driving the growth of orthopedic cement extraction systems market are increasing prevalence of osteoporosis and bone related disorders. Moreover, rising incidences of trauma cases and road accidents will propel the growth of orthopedic cement extraction systems market over the forecast period. Additionally, proliferation of orthopedic surgery in outpatient facility may also lead to robust growth of orthopedic cement extraction systems market over the next decade. Also the emphasis of leading manufacturer to develop and launch more innovative orthopedic cement extraction system in the market is also responsible for significant growth of the orthopedic cement extraction systems market. On other hand, the high cost of Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems and unfavorable reimbursement scenario is expected to deter the growth of Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market. Also the lack of medical professional in under developing economies may lead to sluggish growth of Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market over the forecast period.Get Sample Copy of this report @The global Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market is classified on the basis of application, end user and region.Based on product type, Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market is segmented into following:Screw extractors Trephines Universal Extractors Hex Drivers Screw Drivers OthersBased on end user, Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market is segmented into following:Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Centers Specialty Clinics Academic and Research InstitutesThe global Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market is expected to show significant growth over the forecast period due rising burden of bone diseases. According to International Osteoporosis Foundation, there are over 200 million people suffering from osteoporosis. It has been also estimated that 30% of post-menopausal women have osteoporosis in U.S. and Europe. World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that at least 40% of women and 15-30% of men will sustain one or more fragility fractures in their lifetime which leads to the high traction for Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market. By product type, screw extractor is expected to gain maximum market share in term of value. Among all end user, the hospital segment is expected to dominate the Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market in term of value which is then followed by ambulatory surgical centers.On the basis of geography, Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market is classified into six key region viz. North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding China, China, Middle East and Africa. North America is expected to dominate the global Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market due increasing prevalence of osteoporosis. After North America Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market is then followed by Europe due to high healthcare infrastructure in this region. APEC and China is expected to show the faster growth for global Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market owing to rising incidence of trauma cases in this region. Latin America and Middle East and Africa is expected to show delayed growth for Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems market due to lack of healthcare infrastructure and limited number of medical professionals.Some of the key players found across the value chain of Orthopedic Cement Extraction Systems are Zimmer Biomet, Innomed, Inc., Shukla Medical, TECRES S.P.A, Orthofix Holdings, Inc., MEDIN, Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Ortho Max Manufacturing Company Pvt. Ltd. and others.Request For TOC Report @The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Regional analysis for Market includesReport Highlights:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsHistorical Actual Market Size, 2013 - 2017Market Size & Forecast 2018 to 2026Supply & Demand Value ChainMarket Current Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedTechnologyValue ChainMarket Drivers and RestraintsNorth AmericaLatin AmericaEuropeAsia Pacific excluding ChinaChinaThe Middle East & AfricaShifting Industry dynamicsIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected industry sizeRecent industry trendsKey Competition landscapeStrategies of key players and product offeringsPotential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective towards market performanceAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Growth opportunities 2017-2025 : ATS Group, Compo GMBH & Co. KG, Greenfeed Agro Sdn. Bhd, and Haifa Chemicals ltd https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1583 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=1583 https://www.tmrresearch.com/controlled-release-fertilizers-market.html Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: SnapshotThe growing population in contrast with the decreasing arable land is one of the reasons behind the steadily increasing demand for controlled release fertilizers. Rapid urbanization has reduced the area of land available for agriculture and this has created a pressure to make use of good quality fertilizers so as to increase land productivity. Shortage of food crops and adverse climatic conditions are shifting the focus towards sustainable agriculture and this will fuel the growth of the global controlled release fertilizers market. Need for fertilizers so as to improve crop yield is aiding the growth of the market.Controlled release fertilizers provide better performance as compared to conventional fertilizers as they extend the nutrient intake time, and this is expected to help the market to grow in the years to come. Reduced labor cost and low risk of use are some other factors boosting their demand. Government initiatives are also expected to play a key role in the development of these fertilizers and drive the growth of controlled release fertilizers.Request Sample Copy of the Report @On the other hand, there are a few factors which are holding back the growth of the market to its fullest potential. These include, high price of controlled release fertilizers as compared to conventional ones and lack of awareness about this fertilizer in developing and under-developed countries. Many farmers are unaware of the potential benefits of controlled release fertilizers. This is also a factor restricting the growth of the market. However, with advancements in technology, the price of controlled release fertilizers may decrease and this will help fuel their demand.Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: OverviewControlled-release fertilizers are fertilizers that are capable of releasing nutrients in the soil in a controlled manner over an extended time frame. This technique, as compared to the fast-release technique of several conventional fertilizer varieties, is made possible with the help of encapsulating nutrient granules in polymeric coatings. Studies have demonstrated that controlled release of nutrients is more effective in providing nutrients to crops as compared to the fast-release technique as the availability of nutrients coincides with crops nutrient requirement enhancing the efficiency of crop nutrition, improving crop quality, and increasing yield.Request TOC of the Report @Controlled-release fertilizers are also known to exert lesser impact on the environment as compared to fast-release fertilizers as they are not washed through or off farmlands, diminishing the possibility of chemicals in fertilizers leaching into water bodies or causing pollution. Earlier used mostly for nursery container crops, the rising awareness about these benefits of controlled-release fertilizers has extended their usage to conventional farming these days.Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: Key TrendsThe vast rise in global population and urban settlements and the resultant reduction in arable land are leading to a scenario wherein the demand for food products is rising and agricultural yield is failing to sustain these demands. Attempts to solve these issues are leading to an increased focus on sustainable agriculture practices, driving the demand for fertilizers with enhanced efficiency, such as controlled-release ones. In the next few years as well, the mounting demand for food products and limited arable lands will be key to the overall development of the global controlled-release fertilizers.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: Market PotentialMergers, acquisitions, and expansion of knowledge base to be able to develop innovative products are some of the key strategies adopted by players operating in the global controlled-release fertilizers. Recently, ICL Innovation, a subsidiary of ICL (Israel Chemicals Ltd.), has recently entered into a multi-year research and development collaboration with Evogene Ltd., a company operating in the field of research and development related to crop production improvement. The collaboration will work towards the discovery of novel crop enhancers for the enhancement of nutrient uptake efficiency of selected crops.Under the collaboration, Evogene will work towards utilizing its computational discovery platform for identifying the potential of some compounds to improve the efficiency of nutrient use by crops. Successful candidates identified from the research activities could be used in ICLs future products.Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: Regional AnalysisFrom a geographical perspective, the global market for controlled-release fertilizers is dominated by the Asia Pacific market. The region single-handedly accounts for over half of the overall revenue generated by the global market and is both a high-production as well as high-consumption region. Rising government support for improvement of the agriculture industry in most agro-based economies and high population base in the region play a key role in encouraging the adoption of a variety of fertilizers that are capable of boosting food production. In the Asia Pacific controlled-fertilizer market, China accounts for a dominant share, in terms of production as well as consumption.The region features the presence of some of the worlds leading controlled-fertilizer manufacturers and low manufacturing costs owing to cheap labor and sustained supply of raw materials are bringing in more companies in the region. In the next few years, Asia Pacific is expected to retain its dominant position in the global controlled-release fertilizers market.Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: Competitive DynamicsThe market features a largely fragmented vendor landscape with a large number of companies operating in emerging economies such as India, Malaysia, and China. Cheap labor and steady availability of raw materials allow companies operating in such areas to economically expand their production capacities and supply products in the domestic markets with high-growth potential at low costs.Some of the leading companies operating in the global controlled release fertilizers market are Shandong Shikefeng Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Chisso Corporation, ICL, Kingenta Ecological Engineering Group Co., Ltd., Ekompany, Agrium, AgroBridge, ATS Group, Compo GMBH & Co. KG, Greenfeed Agro Sdn. Bhd, and Haifa Chemicals ltd.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com Network Traffic Analysis Solutions Market - Application, Deployment Mode, Industry Vertical - Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=29177 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/network-traffic-analysis-solutions-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global network traffic analysis solutions market is expected to reach a valuation of US$4,985.2 mn by the end of 2025. During the forecast years of 2017 and 2025, the global market is expected to surge at a remarkable CAGR of 16.1%. Out of all the industrial verticals, the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector is expected to do well in the coming years.The need for better security and swift transactions is expected to propel this segment. In terms of geography, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the global market as emerging economies will create multitude of opportunities for the uptake of network traffic analysis solutions. This regional market is estimated to rise at a CAGR of about 18% during the forecast years.Obtain Brochure For Latest Technology Advancements @Network traffic analysis solutions plays an important role in gaining insights about availability of bandwidth and its distribution. This allows end users to identify threats, which can be thwarted using denial of service (DoS) and zero-day attacks to ensure smoother operations. This in turn leads to prioritizing of traffic and eliminating the chances of overload.Deployment of network traffic analysis also helps in improving performance by highlighting congestion sources, network congestion points, and optimization of packet routes. Better performance in turn leads to a reduced or an optimized operational cost and effective management of resources. In light of all of these reasons, various industrial verticals across the globe are making investments in network traffic analysis solutions.Obtain Report Details @About UsTransparency Market Research is a next-generation market intelligence provider, offering fact-based solutions to business leaders, consultants, and strategy professionals.Our reports are single-point solutions for businesses to grow, evolve, and mature. Our real-time data collection methods along with ability to track more than one million high growth niche products are aligned with your aims. The detailed and proprietary statistical models used by our analysts offer insights for making right decision in the shortest span of time. For organizations that require specific but comprehensive information we offer customized solutions through adhoc reports. These requests are delivered with the perfect combination of right sense of fact-oriented problem solving methodologies and leveraging existing data repositories.Contact UsState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesUSA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Pharmerging Market Key Players : Abbott Laboratories, Koninklijke Philips N.V., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Merck & Co., Inc. Pharmerging Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-toc-and-sample/2814 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com The emerging pharmaceutical markets which probably have absolute spending growth constitute the global pharmerging market.The rising prevalence of non-transmissible illnesses, aging population, increasing life expectancy, surging government expenditure on health care, and constant research & development are some of the key factors that drive the growth of this market. However, IP protection issues and socio-political issues in cross geography transactions and stringent price control lead to value erosion and restrain the market growth. But growth opportunities in emerging markets and a positive outlook towards the adoption of targeted therapies will fuel the market growth in future.Major players profiled in this report include Abbott Laboratories, Koninklijke Philips N.V., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis AG, Johnson & Johnson, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., AstraZeneca plc, GlaxoSmithKline plc., LUPIN, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.Get Sample PDF Brochure :The global pharmerging market is divided on the basis of product, economy, indications, distribution channel, and region. By product it is divided into pharmaceuticals (branded prescription drugs, generic drugs {branded generics and unbranded generics}, and OTC drugs) and healthcare (medical devices & diagnostic instruments, and others {IT and record management}). On the basis of economic growth levels, the market is segmented into - tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3.Based on indication the market is segmented into lifestyle diseases, cancers & autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and others. On the basis of distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacies, e-commerce, and drug stores. Geographically the market has been analyzed across North America (the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and rest of LAMEA).Key Benefits The study provides an in-depth analysis of the market with current trends and future estimations to elucidate imminent investment pockets. It offers a quantitative analysis from 2016 to 2023, which is expected to enable stakeholders to capitalize on prevailing market opportunities. Exhaustive analysis of the global pharmerging market by type helps understand the types of pharmerging companies that are currently being used along with the variants that would gain prominence in future. Comprehensive analysis of all geographical regions has been provided, which helps determine prevailing opportunities. Key players have been profiled and their strategies thoroughly analyzed, which helps understand the competitive outlook of the global market.Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions. AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.David C5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free: +1-800-792-5285UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1855550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb: Telecom Order Management Market Worth US$4.05 bn by 2025 | Global Industry Crucial Players - Comarch SA, Fujitsu Ltd., Neustar Inc., Pegasystems Inc., Oracle Corp, Ericsson AB, Amdocs Corp., Cerillion Plc, IBM Corp., ChikPea Inc. MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/4548 https://www.mrrse.com/telecom-order-management-market https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/4548 https://www.mrrse.com/ A fresh report has been added to the wide database of Market Research Report Search Engine (MRRSE). The research study is titled Telecom Order Management Market Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2017 2025which encloses important data about the production, consumption, revenue and market share, merged with information related to the market scope and product overview. The report anticipates that the sector for Telecom Order Management Market would rise at a positive CAGR during the period 2017-2025.Request Free Sample on Telecom Order Management Market Research Report @In 2016, the global telecom order management market was worth US$1.91 bn. Expanding at a healthy CAGR of 8.80% between 2017 and 2025, the opportunity in this market is likely to reach US$4.05 bn by the end of 2025. The constant advancements in next-generation telecom order management solutions will support the market considerably in the near future.Thanks to the increasing trend of digitization, the global market for telecom order management is witnessing a remarkably high growth. The rising number of connected devices across the world, coupled with a surge in order management complexities, is fueling the demand for effective telecom order management solutions, reflecting greatly on the markets growth. However, the hesitation among enterprises in taking up new technologies may limit the demand for these solutions in the years to come.On-premise Segment to Continue LeadingMajorly, the global market for telecom order management is analyzed on the basis of the type of the deployment, component, and the geography. Based on the deployment type, the market is segmented into on-premise deployment and cloud-based deployment. Among the two, the on premise segment is holding the leading position at present. However, various telecom service providers, especially the small and medium enterprises, are looking for cloud-based deployment, owing to the rising number of connected devices.Based on the component, the market is divided into solution and services. Currently, the solution segment is dominating and analysts expect it remain on the top with a share of nearly 68% by the end of 2025. However, the service segment is likely to register the growth at a higher pace than the solution segment in the near future.Browse Detail on Telecom Order Management Market Research Report with TOC @Increasing Demand for Customer Retention to Aid North America in Retaining DominanceIn terms of the geography, the global market for telecom order management is segmented into North America, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, South America, and Europe. Among these, North America has been leading the global market since the last couple of years, thanks to the increasing demand for customer retention, shrinking revenues and extremely competitive space. Researchers expect this regional market to continue its leading streak, acquiring a share of nearly 38% in the global market by the end of 2025.The growth of the North America market for telecom order management is attributed to increasing awareness regarding the benefits that telecom order management solutions offer, such as the aid in timely order fulfillment required for early revenue realization and the improvement in end user satisfaction. Among other regional markets, Asia Pacific is expected to report a significantly high-paced growth at a CAGR of 9.40% between 2017 and 2025. The rapid digitization and the increasing cloud penetration across the region are expected to be the main factors behind the growth of Asia Pacific telecom order management market.Some of the leading players in the global market for telecom order management are Ericsson AB, Amdocs Corp., Cerillion Plc, IBM Corp., ChikPea Inc., Comarch SA, Fujitsu Ltd., Neustar Inc., Pegasystems Inc., and Oracle Corp. The market demonstrates a competitive business landscape and the scenario is expected to remain so over the next few years.Enquire about This Report @About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207(United States) Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite: Cameroon Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband Market Growth, Analysis, Challenges and Industry Key Players Matrix Telecoms, Ringo, Nextell Cameroon, YooMee | 2018-2023 WiseGuyReports.com added Cameroon - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses report to its database. https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/96861-cameroon-telecoms-mobile-and-broadband-statistics-and-analyses https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/96861-cameroon-telecoms-mobile-and-broadband-statistics-and-analyses www.wiseguyreports.com WiseGuyReports.com Cameroon - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses report has been added to its Research Database.Scope of the Report:Cameroon - TelecomsCameroon set for further competition in m-money services. The ICT sector in Cameroon contributes only about 3.5% of GDP, which is low for the region. The sector requires considerable development for the country to make better use of the digital economy. The Commonwealth has been active in supporting e-commerce, and about 95% of all electronic transactions are carried through the m-money services operated by MTN Cameroon and Orange Cameroon.The government has also been supportive, having launched its Cameroon Digital 2020 program, aimed at improving connectivity nationally. A large number of small ICT projects form part of the overall program. By September 2018 the country is expected to be connected to the SAIL submarine cable, providing a direct link to Brazil and with onward connectivity to other countries in the Americas. The cable will substantially improve international bandwidth and lead to further reductions in access prices for consumers.Cameroon was for many years one of the few countries in Africa with only two competing mobile operators. After some delays, Nextell Cameroon (majority-owned by Viettel) launched a third network in late 2014, including the countrys first 3G mobile service. The operator has grown rapidly, signing up more than 4.2 million subscribers by the end of 2017. LTE services have also developed strongly, with Orange Cameroon securing revised concessions to its existing 3G licence to enable it to launch LTE services and so compete more effectively with MTN.Request a Sample Report @These developments were the catalyst for a fast-developing mobile broadband sector. The investment programs among operators over the next few years will considerably boost mobile broadband services in rural areas of the country, many of which are underserved by fixed-line infrastructure.Further development is quickening in mobile banking and commerce, with Nextell expected to launch its own m-money service by late 2018.Key developments:Cable laying for the SAIL cable system to Brazil gets underway; telecom revenue falls 0.5% in 2016, year-on-year; Orange Cameroon launches LTE services using revised licence concession; Nextell Cameroon to launch m-money service by late 2018; Vodafone Cameroon closes operations after losing licence; MNOs fined for SIM card registration failures; YooMe Mobile launches LTE offers as an MVNO; Camtel handed newly built fibre loops in Douala and Yaounde; MTN launches mobile health platform; further delays in MNP launch; national fibre rollout continues with new funding; report update includes regulators market report for 2016, telcos operating data to Q4 2017, Telecom Maturity Index tables, charts and analyses, recent market developments, recent market developments.Companies mentioned in this report:MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroon, Camtel, Cameroon Mobile Telecommunications (CMT), Pastel, CamNet, MTN Network Solutions, Matrix Telecoms, Ringo, Nextell Cameroon (Viettel), YooMee.For Detailed Reading Please visit @Major Key Points in Table of Content:1. Executive summary2. Key statistics3. Country overview4. Telecommunications market4.1 Market analysis5. Regional African Market Comparison5.1 Mobile and mobile broadband5.2 Fixed and mobile broadband5.3 TMI vs GDP6. Regulatory environment6.1 Regulatory authority6.2 Licensing6.3 Market liberalisation6.4 Interconnection6.5 International gateways6.6 Universal Access Fund (UAF)6.7 Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)7. Fixed network operators7.1 Cameroon Telecommunication (Camtel)7.1.1 Privatisation7.2 Pastel8. Telecommunications infrastructure8.1 Overview of the national telecom network8.1.1 National fibre backbone8.1.2 Central African Backbone (CAB)8.1.3 Internet Exchange Points (IXPs)8.1.4 Cloud services8.2 International infrastructure8.2.1 Submarine cables8.2.2 VSAT9. Fixed-line broadband market9.1 Introduction and statistical overview9.2 Market analysis9.2.1 Public access locations9.3 Broadband statistics9.3.1 ISP market9.4 Fixed-line broadband technologies9.4.1 Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) networks9.4.2 Other fixed broadband services10. Mobile market10.1 Market analysis10.2 Mobile statistics10.3 Mobile data10.4 Mobile broadband10.4.1 Forecasts mobile subscribers 2019; 2021; 202310.5 Regulatory issuesContinuous...Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK) Multi-Cloud Management Market Growth & Key Business Strategies by Leading Industry Players - Accenture, BMC Software, CenturyLink, Citrix, Cisco Systems, Inc., Cloudyn, Jamcracker, Inc. MCM https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/4541 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/4541 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/multi-cloud-management-market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com The multi-cloud management market is in its growth phase, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.4% during the forecast period. Growth in need to avoid vendor lock-in among cloud users, increase n Internet penetration in Asia-Pacific, rise in need of policy compliance from regulatory bodies for data sovereignty, and uncertainty about single cloud deployments drive the growth in the global multi-cloud management market.Download Free PDF Brochure@According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, Multi-Cloud Management Market by Component, Deployment Model, Application, and Industry Vertical: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023, the global multi-cloud management market was valued at $1,198.4 million in 2016, and is projected to reach $6,816.5 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 28.4% from 2017 to 2023. The services segment is anticipated to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period.North America generated the highest revenue in the global multi-cloud management market in 2016 due to its technological advancements and developed infrastructure, regulatory compliances associated with multi-cloud deployments, and emerging cloud brokerage services. The Asia-Pacific multi-cloud management market is expected to grow at the highest rate, followed by LAMEA, which is expected to second highest CAGR during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific has unexplored market potential as the region is developing and has high rate of Internet penetration.The hybrid cloud deployment business segment contributed the highest share in 2016. This segment accounted for $450.3 million in 2016, and is projected to grow at the CAGR of 29.1% during the forecast period. The multi-cloud management market for public cloud segment is projected to grow at the second highest rate of 28.8%.Inquire more about this report@Infrastructure and resource management segment generated maximum share of revenue in 2016 and is expected to dominate the market throughput the forecast period at the CAGR of 27.1%. Among industry verticals, public sector is expected to witness highest CAGR of 32.1% during the forecast period, followed by retail.Major Market Players Included in This Report:AccentureBMC SoftwareCenturyLinkCitrixCisco Systems, Inc.CloudynJamcracker, Inc.IBM CorporationRightScale, Inc.VMWareThe report features a competitive scenario of the global multi-cloud management industry and provides a comprehensive analysis of key growth strategies adopted by major players. The key players profiled in the study are BMC Software, VMWare, IBM, Accenture, CenturyLink, Cisco, Rightscale, Cloudyn, Jamcracker, and Citrix. These players have adopted competitive strategies, such as geographical expansions, mergers & acquisitions, new product launches, and partnerships & collaborations, to augment the growth of the multi-cloud management market.The software segment accounted for the highest share of the global multi-cloud management industry by component in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 27.8% from 2017 to 2023. The IT & telecom multi-cloud management market by industry vertical generated the highest revenue share in 2016, and is projected to grow at a rate of 22.4%. The North America multi-cloud management market generated the highest share, valued at $722.4 million, in terms of revenue in 2016. The multi-cloud management market in public sector is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period.Access Full Summary at :About Us:Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions. AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Contact:David 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: Sexy Costumes Market 2018- Rubie's, Lucky Toys Factory, California Costumes, Roma Costume, Spirit Halloween, Jinhua Heyli Costume, Costumes 'N' Parties Pte Ltd Sexy Costumes http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/2394793 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/2394793 http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-sexy-costumes-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 Sexy Costumes refer to the apperal and accessories which make people more sexy.In 2017, the global Sexy Costumes market size was xx million US$ and is forecast to xx million US in 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx% from 2018. The objectives of this study are to define, segment, and project the size of the Sexy Costumes market based on company, product type, application and key regions.Request a Sample of this Report@This report studies the global market size of Sexy Costumes in key regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa, focuses on the consumption of Sexy Costumes in these regions.This research report categorizes the global Sexy Costumes market by players/brands, region, type and application. This report also studies the global market status, competition landscape, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.The various contributors involved in the value chain of Sexy Costumes include manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, intermediaries, and customers.The key manufacturers in the Sexy Costumes include Rubie's Lucky Toys Factory California Costumes Roma Costume Spirit Halloween Jinhua Heyli Costume Costumes 'N' Parties Pte LtdMarket Size Split by Type Plush Costumes Inflatables Costumes Costume Shoes Masks & AccessoriesMarket Size Split by Application Men's Costumes Women's CostumesMarket size split by Region North America United States Canada Mexico Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Australia Indonesia Singapore Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Europe Germany France UK Italy Spain Russia Central & South America Brazil Rest of Central & South America Middle East & Africa GCC Countries Turkey Egypt South AfricaTo make an enquiry on report@Some Point from Table of Content:Chapter One: Study Coverage1.1 Sexy Costumes Product1.2 Key Market Segments1.3 Key Manufacturers Covered1.4 Market by Type1.4.1 Global Sexy Costumes Market Size Growth Rate by Type1.4.2 Plush Costumes1.4.3 Inflatables Costumes1.4.4 Costume Shoes1.4.5 Masks & Accessories1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Sexy Costumes Market Size Growth Rate by Application1.5.2 Men's Costumes1.5.3 Women's Costumes1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years ConsideredChapter Two: Executive Summary2.1 Global Sexy Costumes Market Size2.1.1 Global Sexy Costumes Revenue 2016-20252.1.2 Global Sexy Costumes Sales 2016-20252.2 Sexy Costumes Growth Rate by Regions2.2.1 Global Sexy Costumes Sales by Regions2.2.2 Global Sexy Costumes Revenue by RegionsBrowse full report@About 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 clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com Precision Farming Market Business Growth Statistics and Key Players Insights: Agribotix LLC, Dickey-John Corporation, Farmers Edge Inc, BouMatic LLC, AgSmarts Inc Precision Farming Market https://www.crystalmarketresearch.com/report-sample/IC071065 https://www.crystalmarketresearch.com/send-an-enquiry/IC071065 https://www.crystalmarketresearch.com/check-discount/IC071065 The Precision Farming report is an exclusive elaborated study of the given industry with an aim towards the global market trend. The report focuses to deliver a synopsis of global Precision Farming Market with in-depth market segmentation by several market players, suppliers and distributors of Precision Farming. The global market of this industry is anticipated to experience lucrative growth during the forecast period. The report delivers prime statistics on the market status of the market manufacturers who are existent leaders and provides key opportunities and trends in the market.The Precision Farming Market was worth USD 3.08 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach approximately USD 9.49 billion by 2023, while registering itself at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.32% during the forecast period.Crystal Market Research render to you profound details in respect to leading participants, regions, application and type of the Global Precision Farming Market which is estimated to encounter substantial growth over the forecast period.The Global Precision Farming Market 2018 to 2023 renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the Precision Farming Industry on a global level that primarily aims the core regions which comprises of continents like North America, Europe, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia and other regions (Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa).Get your Sample Report Copy @The leading players in the market are:- Agribotix LLC Dickey-John Corporation Farmers Edge Inc BouMatic LLC AgSmarts Inc GEA Group AgSense LLC AGCO Delaval Corporation CropX Inc CropMetrics LLC John Deere.The Precision Farming Market is Segmented as following - By Component HardwareAutomated Steering SystemDronesUAVs & CameraMobile DeviceGlobal Positioning System (GPS)Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Software ServicesConsulting & TrainingMaintenance & UpdatesManaged Services, Integration By TechnologyHigh Precision Positioning SystemGeomappingRemote SensingIntegrated Electronic CommunicationVariable Rate Technology (VRT) By ApplicationWeather MonitoringYield MonitoringField MonitoringIrrigation ManagementWaste ManagementFinancial ManagementTo Get info on this Report, Do Enquiry Here @Reason to Buy:- Save and reduce time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the growth, size, leading players and segments in the global Precision Farming market- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the Precision Farming market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies.- Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.- Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it.- Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation and industry verticals.Some of the key questions answered by the report are:What was the Precision Farming market size in 2014 and forecast from 2015 to 2023?What will be the industry Precision Farming market growth from 2015 to 2023?What are the major drivers, restraints, opportunities, challenges, and industry trends and their impact on the market forecast?What are the major segments leading the market growth and why?Which are the leading players in the Precision Farming market and what are the major strategies adopted by them to sustain the market competition?To avail discount on this Report @About Crystal Market Research:-Crystal Market Research helps various companies irrespective of big or small in growth financing, strategy to enter the market, market research, mergers and acquisitions, strategic consulting and capital investment. Our expertise and knowledge in materials, products and manufacturing industries have assisted our client base to make the appropriate equation for measurable lucrative results. Crystal Market Researchs regional and global market intelligence coverage comprises of industry segments such as chemicals and materials, pharmaceutical, food and beverages, technology and media, and consumer goods, amongst many others.Contact Us:Toll Free: +1-888-213-4282Email: sales@crystalmarketresearch.com304 South Jones Blvd, Suite 1896,Las Vegas NV 89107,United States. Global Two-wheeler Lighting Market Expected to Deliver Dynamic Progression through 2017-2022 | Key Players - Hyundai Mobis, Valeo, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Koito Manufacturing, Stanley Electric, etc. https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=143 https://www.factmr.com/report/143/two-wheeler-lighting-market https://www.factmr.com/checkout/143/S https://www.factmr.com/ https://factmrblog.com/ In order to study the numerous upcoming trends and patterns prevailing in the Global Deodorants Market, Fact.MR has included the latest Forecast report on Global Two-wheeler Lighting Market to its vast database. The delivered study offers significant figures about the leading regions and applications which are functioning in the Global Two-wheeler Lighting Market Upcoming Trends by 2022, along with their market production, consumption, revenue, upcoming industry trends and forecasted market share details. Further, the accomplished market research report also anticipates that the concerned market would grow at a constructive CAGR until 2022.Request 100 Page Sample Report from Here -Tightening regulatory norms targeting vehicle safety and accident prevention will continue to play a pivotal role in sustaining the demand for quality two wheeler lighting at a global level. The evolving pressure of meeting real-time regulations is expected to compel two wheeler and two wheeler lighting manufacturers to constantly invest in R&D of innovative two wheeler lighting technologies. This is likely to provide the two wheeler lighting market a major push through the foreseeable future. In addition to mitigating for the aesthetic and functional demands by two wheeler owners, participants in the two wheeler lighting market are increasingly focusing on designing affordable and energy efficient two wheeler lighting systems.Auxiliary Two Wheeler Lighting Another Revenue Generation Channel in Two Wheeler Lighting MarketGrowing demand for auxiliary two wheeler lighting that supplements and complements the headlight is foreseen to elevate the outlook of two wheeler lighting market in the near future. Long distance/off-road terrain/adventurous bike riders need to fill in the gaps left by OEMs in case of headlight, which further raises the demand for auxiliary two wheeler lighting, i.e. the backup illumination source.Escalating DRL Popularity Points to Improving Scenario for LED in Two Wheeler Lighting MarketVisibly rapid transitioning of DRLs (daytime running lights) from halogen to LED in terms of source highlights the potential of LED to witness robust growth in the near future. However, despite the two wheeler lighting market holds healthy prospects for LED, halogen still lead the mainstream selection of two wheeler lighting. Over the next few years, LED is expected to account for over one-fourth share of the total two wheeler lighting market value. With steady DRL adoption by two wheeler owners pushing LED scenario, it will further strengthen with an exclusive application of LED in sequential turn lighting.To View Full Global Market Research Report Click Here -A leading energy efficient solutions provider based in India, Rohm Semiconductor, is looking forward to introduce the integrated lamp control mechanism for LED two wheeler lighting systems, with an objective to achieve enhanced efficiency and safety without compromising on superior aesthetics of LED two wheeler lighting systems. While the company is proposing this solution for Indian two wheeler lighting market presently, it is likely that Rohms integrated lamp control technology will traverse the two wheeler lighting markets in other regions and at a global level. The company is currently focusing on comprehending specific requirements of Tier 1 companies, India-based OEMs, and their value chains.Competition Tracking: Global Two Wheeler Lighting MarketOsram GmbH, Hella KGaA Hueck & Co, and General Electric are a few of the prominent leaders competing in the global two wheeler lighting market space. Among these, Osram GmbH considers India as one of the top performing markets in the automotive lighting sector and over the next couple of years, the company expects over 60% of the revenue share coming from India alone. Osram (India) recently announced the launch of a brand new range of automotive lighting solutions, i.e. Rallye a cost competitive lighting range that includes around 12 halogen lamp variants for four wheelers, two wheelers, and commercial vehicles. In addition to strategize this effort to consolidate the companys position in the industry, Osram also looks forward to augment investment in the automotive replacement market. The company has a strong distribution network across India and the production of new lighting range has been planned in China and Germany, besides India. Osram is also expected to adopt online sales channel in the near future.Varroc Group, the Tier 1 player in the global automotive components sector, is strengthening the footprint in exterior automotive lighting space through expansion of Varroc Lighting Systems in Japan. The company specializes in cutting edge, cost competitive exterior four and two wheeler lighting supply, and is currently focusing on leveraging the high quality, low cost manufacturing footprint in Japan, by partnering with Japanese OEMs. Moreover, the company's recently launched surface-LED technology is presumed to hold the promise of enhancing design and efficiency of four and two wheeler headlamps. The report on global market for two wheeler lighting market also profiles a number of other prominent companies operating in the competitive landscape of the global two wheeler lighting market - Hyundai Mobis, Valeo, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Koito Manufacturing, Stanley Electric, Magnetti Marelli, and Ichikoh Industries Ltd.Buy Useful Figures about Global Market Report from Here -About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400, Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Blog: Complete Study Report on Global Finance Software Market 2018-2025: Top Key Players - Intuit, Sage, SAP, Oracle (NetSuite), Microsoft, Infor, Epicor https://www.reportconsultant.com/request_sample.php?id=2986 https://www.reportconsultant.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=2986 https://www.reportconsultant.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=2986 www.reportconsultant.com The Global Finance Software Market Analysis 2012-2017 and the Report 2018-2025 presented by the Report Consultant incorporate a concise analysis of logical data and thorough proposals. The industrial aspects are thoroughly described on both the global and regional scale. The Finance Software market has been fast growing over the past few years and now has the potential to make progress in the coming years in the coming years from 2018 to 2025.Global Finance Software Market Research Report is based on an in-depth analysis of all key factors that represent the current scenario of the market and is expected to impact demand in the near future. The report provides a bird's-eye view of the past and present trends as well as the factors that are expected to drive or hamper market growth prospects for the trade finance software.Increased demand for the aforementioned markets in well-established and emerging regions, as well as the latest technological advances and penetration of end-use industries, are leading the growth of the Finance Software market. This report provides data from multiple sources through primary and secondary surveys, manufacturing trends, and other essentials related to products and services.Top Key Players Included in This Report: Intuit, Sage, SAP, Oracle (NetSuite), Microsoft, Infor, Epicor, Workday, Unit4, Xero, Yonyou, Kingdee, Acclivity, FreshBooks, Intacct, Assit cornerstone, Aplicor, Red wing, Tally Solutions Pvt. Ltd.Ask for Sample copy:Geographically, this report is equipped with detail study of all the major geographic regions around the globe. The regions which are considered for the study are, North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India. Production, consumption, market share, revenue in terms of USD, market growth of Global Finance Software market in these particular regions is mentioned in detail for the forecast period of 2018 to 2025.The study throws light on the Global Finance Software market mainly focusing on the growth factors and even the restraining factors. The restraining factors are also provided with the best solutions which also prove to be a counteract to the drawback and help increase the market demand. Applications, types, technology and many other segmentation are studied to give a depth of knowledge for the further market investment. Key driving forces for Global Finance Software market is explained to help give an idea for detailed analysis of this market.Get Discount on this Report:Leading market players and manufacturers are studied to help give a brief idea about them in the report. The challenges faced by them and the reasons they are on that position is explained to help make a well-informed decision. Competitive landscape of Global Finance Software market is given presenting detailed insights into the company profiles, developments, merges, acquisitions, economic status and best SWOT analysis.Reasons for Buying this Report:This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics.It provides forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth.It provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the Finance Software market is predicted to grow.It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future.It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors.It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of Finance Software market segments.Get more information:Table of ContentsChapter 1 Global Finance Software Market OverviewChapter 2 Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Finance Software Market ForecastAbout Us:Report Consultant, The Global Ruler in Analytic, Research and Advisory which will encourage you to renovate your business and reshape your approach. With us you can take courageous decision for your business. Using variety of methods and experienced skills we provide you the appropriate analysis figures.You will have a great experience of innovative solutions and outcomes with our Reports. Our Business is spreading all over the world with our Market Research reports and Digital Transformation skills. Thus, we provide greater value for clients by presenting advanced opportunities in the Global Market.Contact us:Rebecca Parker(Report Consultant)Akasaka biz tower,5-3-1 akasaka minato-ku,Tokyo, JapanContact No- +81-368444299sales@reportconsultant.com Carbon Nanotubes Market Potential and Niche Segments, Geographical regions and Trends 2020 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-78 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-78 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are nano-sized tubes made up of carbon atoms. Their properties depend on how carbon atoms are aligned to each other in a sheet. It is gaining prominence in various industry verticals primarily due to its varied applications as well as its durability. It is 100X times stronger and 6 X times lighter when compared to steel. Research is underway to explore its market potential in the auto mobile and electronics industries. It is a multi-billion dollar investment in technology when compared to other synthesized nanomaterial.Owing to its attractive features, it is penetrating various end use markets. The growing demand for nanotechnology is set to cater to the growing demands of energy, healthcare, environment, aerospace and electronics sector. Analysis of the growing market of carbon nanotubes (CNT), there has been a tremendous rise in CNT patents over the last 5 years.In the healthcare domain, it plays an important role in body implants, medical devices, and dental filling materials.Request Sample Report @Researchers have developed sensors using carbon nanotubes, which can be injected into the blood to know the concentration level of nitric oxide. It has potential in assessing critical illnesseslike oral cancer. In oil and energy sectors, it can play an important role in cleaning of oil spills. Besides the oil sector, it finds its usefulness in water purification plants. Compared to other alternatives, it is a cost-effective and reliable platform.Globally, North America and Europe are the biggest markets for the companies operating in nanotechnology. Together, they account for almost 70% of market share. Though the market for North America is seeing a declining phase after the recent economic downturn, it is expected to bounce back with potential investment in various business sectors. With a market share of 25%, APAC is third biggest and fastest growing regional market for carbon nanotubes primarily due to the inflow of FDI in energy and healthcare sectors as well as the growing demand for specialised materials. Growing industrialisation in China and India are the other major driving factors for carbon nanotubes.Electronics and transportation are the key market segments which will see a massive investment in the APAC region. China, being the global leader in electronics market, will witness a massive investment in carbon nanotubes in the future. India, on the other hand,is the market hub for automation industries. It contributes almost 22% of Indias manufacturing sector. With 100% FDI inflow in the automation sector in India, the market seems promising for enterprises operating their business in carbon nanotubes. Chinas electronics industry has witnessed a massive double digit growth since 2001. Though Chinese nanotube markets pace has been reduced by the 21stcentury economic downturn, it soon regained its growth momentum by 2009. With carbon nanotubes, it is expected that China will soon repeat its double digit growth in the next few years. Besides the transportation and electronics segments, APAC is set to witness a CAGR growth of 49.2% (2014-2018) in the field of nanotechnology for energy sectors. The aged population in India and China is the other key factor that is driving the healthcare market in the APAC region. Carbon nanotubes with its cost effective and reliable solutions is set to penetrate the healthcare market in APAC in the coming years.Request to View TOC @Nanocyl S.A, Arkema S.A. (France), CNano Technology Ltd. (USA), Bayer MaterialScience AG, Showa Denko K.K. and Hyperion Catalysis International Inc. (U.S.) are some of the leading companies in the carbon nanotube market. With rising popularity of carbon nanotube technology, global market will witness many new emerging players in this sector.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: On-site Preventive Care Market Analysis (2017 - 2027) | Premise Health, OnSite Care, Inc., PrevMED, RepuCare, Healthcare Solutions Centers, LLC https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5518 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-5518 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/on-site-preventive-care-market https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ Future Market Insights has published a new report titled On-site Preventive Care Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017-2027). The report states that the standards set in the workplace for the safety of workers and the need to adhere to workplace norms have triggered the demand for on-site preventive care. Moreover, the increasing incidences of workplace illness has also made it an obligation for employers to follow employee safety codes and adopt on-site preventive care. As a result, the global on-site preventive care market is expected to witness a CAGR of 7.1% from 2017 to 2027. The market was worth around US$ 16,135 Mn in 2017 and is likely to touch a valuation of US$ 32,063 Mn approximately by the end of 2027.Request to View a Sample Copy of This Report @On-site clinics enable employees to receive the required essential care at the time of emergency without having to leave the workplace. The clinicians in these clinics also aid employees in searching for a primary care physician who they can consult with on a regular basis. As a Future Market Insights analyst quotes, Changes in lifestyle among the working class have incessantly impelled employers to establish certain behavioural standards within the workplace. This is one of the core factors responsible for the growing adoption of on-site preventive care in several organisations across the globe.Burgeoning Penetration of Workplace Wellness Programmes to Bode Well for the MarketIn the recent past, workplace wellness programmes have earned the merit of being one of the most adopted healthcare services in the world. It has been further expected that its adoption will increase in the coming years owing to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. This act is expected to promote an increase in the employee-based coverage of workplace wellness and also promote these programmes through several provisions. Moreover, the growing incidences of chronic diseases among the working population have also become a matter of concern and this has compelled employers across the globe to adopt as well as promote workplace wellness programmes.Furthermore, employers who have adopted on-site preventive care services have reported enhanced performance ranging from heightened morale and cost savings to productivity. The death of time, access, and cost along with misunderstanding of the benefits of prescribed wellness programmes result in the underutilisation of primary care services. As a result, employees flood emergency rooms, missing out on critical preventive care measures and also leave chronic conditions go unmanaged. In this regard, on-site clinics provide employees with the necessary support without having to leave their work and plus the clinicians also work together with the patients in a cohesive environment to address their various health related issues.Request to Browse Report Customization @North America and Western Europe to Compete Neck and NeckIn 2017, North America held a share of 37.0% in the global on-site preventive care market closely trailed by Western Europe. The dominance of North America can be attributed to the several policies implemented by the U.S. government pertaining to employee safety and the adoption of certain employee codes of safety. The U.S. is also an extremely mature market owing to the high adoption of workplace wellness programmes.Companies to Innovate Services in the Global MarketIn order to stay ahead of the competition, several companies operating in the global market are focussing on innovating their existing services and integrating new services. Some of the leading companies in the market are Premise Health, OnSite Care, Inc., PrevMED, RepuCare, Healthcare Solutions Centers, LLC, McCormack & Kale Motiva Health & Chiropractic, Inc., Marino Wellness, Kinema Fitness, and TotalWellness.PAGE REPORT:About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Contact UsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: Plywood Market: Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/plywood-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=2100 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=2100 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Plywood is a wood panel prepared from thin sheets of wood veneer. Plywood is one of the most widely used wood products. It is inexpensive, flexible, re-usable and workable. Plywood is used as a substitute for plain wood due to its resistance to cracking, splitting, shrinkage and twisting. Plywood generally offers higher degree of strength than plain wood. On the basis of applications plywood is classified as softwood plywood, hardwood plywood, tropical plywood and decorative plywood among others.Read Report OverviewThe market for plywood was mainly driven by increasing demand from housing market. The demand has increased owing to growing significance of plywood in the buildings & construction industry and its advantages over conventional metal, wood, and plastic. In addition, plywood is also used in marine applications for building decks. Structural panel market is likely to be the major opportunity for the plywood market. The major restraint for the market would be higher cost of plywood as compared to OSB (Oriented Starboard) which offers similar features to that of plywood. .Get PDF BrochureIn terms of demand, North America was the leading region for plywood market. The demand has been substantial from housing market. North America was followed by Europe, where the demand is huge from housing and construction market. The demand for plywood is mainly from the U.K. and Germany. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market for plywood. The demand is this region is driven by Japan, India and China owing to construction activities in this region. The Rest of the World is expected to exhibit lower demand for plywood in upcoming years owing to higher prices compared to OSB.Some of the key manufacturers in the plywood market are Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd., Boise Cascade LLC, Atlantic Plywood Corporation, Eksons Corp. Bhd, Century Plyboard (India) Ltd., Greenply Industries Ltd., Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Uniply Industries Ltd. and Weyerhaeuser Company among others.Request For Table Of ContentThis research report analyzes this market depending on its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis ofMarket growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for upcoming yearsAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - CanadaEmail: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: ePharmacy Market is Projected to Grow at 17.70% CAGR between 2015 and 2023 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/epharmacies-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=397 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=397 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global ePharmacy market is consolidated in nature with a few players operating in it, holding a huge share of the market, quotes a new study that has been published by Transparency Market Research. The key players in the market are focusing on several development strategies so as to increase their market penetration and further maintain their share and position throughout the forecast period.View Report -Technological advancements, expansion of the product portfolio, and innovations are the key strategies that are being adopted by the players to witness high growth in the coming few years. Some of the leading players operating in the ePharmacy market worldwide are MediSave, eDrugstore.MD, The SANICARE Group, Rowlands Pharmacy, CanDrugstore.com, CVS Caremark, Domzdrowia.pl SA, CanadaDrugs.com, drugstore.com Inc., and Walgreen Co. Moreover, the rising mergers and acquisitions and strategic collaborations are expected to offer lucrative opportunities for the leading players in the coming few years.As per the research report, the global ePharmacy market stood at US$ 29.35 Bn in 2014 and it is expected to reach a value of US$128.02 bn the end of the year 2023. The market is predicted to exhibit a strong 17.70% CAGR between 2015 and 2023.Request to View Sample of Report -Among the major regional segments, North America has been holding a huge share of the global ePharmacy market and as per the study, this segment is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The high inclination of people towards new technology and the presence of several leading players are estimated to boost the market growth in the near future. Europe, which is expected to hold the second largest position is further expected to observe a healthy growth, thanks to the preferential shift of consumers towards online medicine purchasing and the rising penetration of high-speed internet. The rise in the disposable income and the increasing popularity of the e-commerce industry are projected to augment the growth of the ePharmacy market across Asia Pacific in the near future.Request to View Brochure of Report -The rising prevalence of several diseases has resulted in a high and constant demand for several drugs and other healthcare products are considered as the major factors supporting the growth of the global ePharmacy market. The rising geriatric population and the rising trend of home healthcare are further expected to boost the demand in the coming few years. The benefits offered by ePharmacy such as access to the information on the prescribed data, easy availability of drugs, and comparatively lower prices, which are further expected to augment the market growth throughout the forecast period.On the flip side, the presence of a high number of rogue pharmacies is considered as a major challenge, which is likely to curtail the growth of the global ePharmacy market in the next few years. Moreover, the rising unregulated sales of several habit-forming drugs that are made available without a prescription, especially in developing regions that majorly lack modus operandi and further followed by online pharmacies are predicted to result in loss of confidence among people. These factors are estimated to hamper the market growth in the next few years. Nonetheless, the strict rules and regulations imposed by governments and the increasing ethical practices are expected to augment market growth in the next few years.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: New Report on Waterproof Membrane Market Insights, Forecast 2022 | Global Key Companies - Soprema Group, DOW Chemical, GAF Materials Corp, Carlisle Companies Waterproof Membrane Market https://www.businessindustryreports.com/sample-request/120603 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/buy-now/120603/single https://www.businessindustryreports.com/check-discount/120603 BusinessIndustryReports have new report on Global Waterproof Membrane Market 2018-2022. The report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends. The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.This Report covers the Major Players data, including: shipment, revenue, gross profit, interview record, business distribution etc., these data help the consumer know about the competitors better. This report also covers all the regions and countries of the world, which shows a regional development status, including market size.Get Sample Copy of this Report @Waterproofing membranes are used in a host of applications including roofing, walls, building decks, basements, balconies, bridge decks, foundation, parking areas, water tank linings, and tunnels. Increasing consumer awareness regarding the benefits of waterproofing and new materials such as geo membranes is expected to augment the demand over the next eight years.Increased mining activities in various regions coupled with cost-effectiveness & low manufacturing cost are likely to increase utilization of the product over the coming years. Technological innovations aimed at the development of new materials for waterproofing by companies such as Pidilite Industries, Eastman Chemical Company, and Sika AG are expected to remain critical success factors for market growth over the forecast period. In 2012, Pidilite launched a new eco-friendly Low Energy Consumption (LEC) material, which is an innovative insulation cum waterproofing solution.Regionally, Asia Pacific will account for a substantial share in the global market. The rising urban population is providing a significant push to the construction and wastewater management industry, which in turn is triggering the demand for waterproofing membrane in the region. Emerging countries such as India and China will be at the forefront of the growth of the region.Key Players:1 Firestone Building Products Company LLC.2 Soprema Group3 DOW Chemical Company4 GAF Materials Corporation5 Carlisle Companies Inc.6 Johns Manville7 Renolit Se and more......Purchase this report online with 125 Pages, List of Tables & Figures and in-depth Table of Contents on Global Waterproof Membrane Market Outlook 2018-2022 @The report covers the Segments and sub-segments of the Global Waterproof Membrane Market by:Regions:1 North America Country (United States, Canada)2 South America3 Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea)4 Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy)5 Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC)Product Types:1 Modified Bitumen2 PVC3 EPDM4 TPO5 HDPEIndustry Segmentation:1 Waste & Water Management2 Construction3 Tunnels & Landfills4 Bridges & HighwaysGrab Your Report at an Impressive Discount @Key questions answered in the report include1 What are the key factors driving the Waterproof Membrane market?2 What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global Waterproof Membrane market?3 What are the challenges to Waterproof Membrane market growth?4 Who are the key vendors in the global Waterproof Membrane market?5 What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Waterproof Membrane market?6 What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global Waterproof Membrane market?Table of Content:1 Waterproof Membrane Product Definition2 Global Waterproof Membrane Manufacturer Share and Market Overview3 Manufacturer Waterproof Membrane Business Introduction4 Global Waterproof Membrane Market Segmentation (Region Level)5 Global Waterproof Membrane Market Segmentation (Product Type Level)6 Global Waterproof Membrane Market Segmentation (Industry Level)7 Global Waterproof Membrane Market Segmentation (Channel Level)8 Waterproof Membrane Market Forecast 2018-20229 Waterproof Membrane Segmentation Product Type10 Waterproof Membrane Segmentation Industry11 Waterproof Membrane Cost of Production Analysis12 ConclusionAbout us:BusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940 Respiratory Inhaler Devices Market Opportunity By 2025 | Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Cipla Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-493 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-493 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/respiratory-inhaler-devices-market https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the global respiratory inhaler devices market in its upcoming outlook titled, Respiratory Inhaler Devices Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2015 2025. In terms of value, the global respiratory inhaler devices market is projected to register a healthy CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period due to various factors. This FMI report offers vital and detailed insights regarding these factors.The respiratory inhaler devices market is segmented on the basis of product type, disease indications, technology and region. Based on the product segmentation, the overall market has been categorised into metered dose inhaler (MDI), dry powder inhaler (DPI) and nebuliser.To know key findings Request Sample Report @:Nebulisers are further sub-segmented into ultrasonic nebuliser, mesh nebuliser and compressed air nebuliser. The metered dose inhaler segment is estimated to account for maximum share in the global respiratory inhaler devices market by 2015 end, and expected to register a CAGR of 4.5% in terms of value during the forecast period 2015-2025. Currently, metered dose inhaler is a major contributor to market growth in Europe, North America and parts of Asia Pacific. Demand for nebulisers is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.8% through 2025.Increase in prevalence of asthma, COPD and other respiratory disorders, especially among paediatric and the geriatric population, is a major factor driving growth of the global respiratory inhaler devices market. Other driving factors include strategic alliances among key players in the market, manufacturers focusing on enhancing market share, and expansion of the healthcare sector in developing countries due to growing investments by major players. Further, surge in demand for respiratory inhaler devices in all acute and moderate asthma and COPD conditions owing to increasing health awareness and growing disposable income is projected to result in increased spending on respiratory inhaler devices. This in turn is expected to bolster respiratory inhaler devices market growth during the forecast period.Request for Report customization @:Lack of effective drugs for certain respiratory disorders, concerns about side-effects and complications, lack of skilled pulmonologists and healthcare professionals, lack of awareness among patients, and high prices of inhaler devices are the key factors hampering growth of this market.Currently, combined therapies offer more associated benefits, such as reliablility, increased efficacy, and favourable reimbursement policies. Owing to these factors, patients with complex respiratory disorders are more inclined towards adopting such therapies.However, the cost associated with combination therapies is higher as compared to conventional therapies for patients with complex respiratory disorders. The global respiratory inhaler devices market is expected to be driven by the increased usage of newly introduced triple combination therapy for COPD patients in the coming years.This report assesses trends driving each segment and offers analysis and insights about the potential of respiratory inhaler devices market in specific regions. North America is estimated to dominate the respiratory inhaler devices market with maximum market share by end of 2015. North America and Western Europe are collectively expected to account for over 64.1% of the total respiratory inhaler devices market share in terms of value by end of 2015. Asia Pacific excluding Japan is estimated to witness highest CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period, followed by North America, due to increasing prevalence of asthma and COPD among children and the geriatric population.Some key companies covered in this report include AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Cipla Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V., PARI Medical Holding ,Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd., OMRON Healthcare Europe B.V. and Merck & Co., Inc.Get access to full summary @:Their primary focus is towards enhancing their product portfolio through research and development, introduction of innovative and cost-effective drugs and medical devices in order to gain market share and to strengthen their respective position in the global market.About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Contact UsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: Medical Waste Management Market to Reach Over US$ 22 Billion By 2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/medical-waste-management-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=2268 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=2268 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global medical waste management market is projected to reach USD 22.3 Bn by 2025 with the cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5.1% from 2017 to 2025, according to a new report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR) Medical Waste Management Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025. The report suggests that rise in the generation of medical waste and stringent environmental and medical regulations across the regions are the factors expected to boost the market growth. North America will continue to be at the forefront of global demand, with the market in the region growing at above 4% through 2025 owing to highly stringent regulations governing disposal of medical waste especially sharps and infectious & pathological waste. Growing economy, initiatives by NGOs, and increasing awareness about the health risks associated with the improper management of medical waste are dominating factors expected to drive the market in Asia Pacific region in coming the coming years. Thus, the Asia Pacific medical waste management market is expected to witness significantly high growth rate during the period of 2017 to 2025.View Report -The report offers detailed segmentation of global medical waste Management market based on nature of waste, waste type, and waste generator type, and service type. The non-hazardous medical waste segment is poised to account for leading share owing to high quantity of non-hazardous medical waste generated and similarly stringent regulations as that of hazardous waste for the disposal of it. According to WHO, 85% of the medical waste generated is non-hazardous in nature, however, it is not allowed to dispose in municipal landfills without prior treatment as there are still chances of mixing and contamination of non-hazardous waste with the hazardous waste at the site of waste generation. The hazardous medical waste is anticipated to grow at highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to increase in the number of surgical procedures resulting in the generation of waste sharps, rise in the aging population demanding various treatments, and increase in the research and development activities in pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields.In terms of waste generator types, the market is divided into large quantity medical waste generators and mid and small quantity medical waste generators. The large quantity medical waste generators dominates the global market owing to highest waste generated by this segment which includes hospitals and pharmaceutical & biotechnological companies. The mid and small quantity medical waste generators which includes clinics and physicians offices, retail pharmacies, ambulatory surgical centers and long term care centers, laboratories, academic and research institutes, blood banks, and others (veterinary, mortuary and autopsy centers, home healthcare, military & government, nursing homes, tattoo parlor) are expected to witness highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to increasing number of procedures performed in these centers.Among the service type, the off-site medical waste management segment is expected to dominate the global medical waste management market owing to attractive packages offered by the leading service providers, increasing preference given to the off-site medical waste management owing to the high cost of on-site waste disposal which includes the cost of establishing medical waste disposal equipments, land cost, labor cost, and training cost; risk of non-compliance to the regulatory standards of medical waste disposal, and possible environmental hazards that may affect to the nearby population with the released toxic gases from the incinerators. Thus, the off-site medical waste management segment is expected to witness higher growth rate during the period of 2017 to 2025.Request to View Sample of Report -In terms of value, North America is likely to continue its dominance in the global medical waste management market throughout the forecast period, owing to the stringent regulations for the medical waste management, highest awareness among the population regarding the safety and risk concerns related to the possible bio-hazards, and rise in per capita healthcare spending in the region. The Europe is the second dominating region in the global medical waste management market owing to presence of large number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer among the population, and stringent regulations for the protection of environment.Asia pacific is considered as an emerging market for medical waste management owing to initiatives by NGOs for the proper medical waste management, government enforcement, and growing economies to afford the waste management services. Moreover, rise in the medical waste generated per bed in the growing economies of the region such as China, Japan, India, and Australia are expected to lift the market up in the region. For instance, in richer countries like Japan, Australia and New Zealand, around 2.5 kg to 3.0 kg medical waste is produced per bed/day while countries like India, China, Pakistan, Singapore and Malaysia produce 1.0 kg to 2.0 kg per bed/day. However, low level of awareness regarding the risks associated with improper medical waste disposal; economic barrier in major countries, and lack of strict policies & guidelines are some major challenges needed to be dealt in the region.Request to View Brochure of Report -Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to witness rapid growth in the global medical waste management market owing to rise in the generation of medical waste due to the factors such as increasing incidence and prevalence of various infectious and lifestyle diseases, increasing urbanization, changing lifestyles, and growing healthcare awareness. According to the website of the Encyclopedia of Earth, Latin America produces on an average 3 kg of medical waste per bed/day and Middle East produces in a range of 1 kg to 1.5 kg per bed/day. Several key players are aiming towards increasing their market penetration in these high growth potential regions which is likely to contribute towards the growth of global medical waste management market in Latin America and Middle East & Africa.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Digital Health Market Expected to Behold a CAGR of 13.40% through 2017 - 2023 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/digital-health-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=12473 www.transparencymarketresearch.com The market for digital health is gaining remarkable momentum across the world, thanks to the surge in the prevalence of diabetes and various other chronic diseases. With the increasing number of government initiatives and the rising uptake of information technology in the area of medical and healthcare, the market is anticipated to witness significant growth over the next few years. In 2016, the global digital health market was at US$179.6 bn. According to Transparency Market Research (TMR), the opportunity in this market is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 13.40% between 2017 and 2025 and increase to US$536.6 bn by the end of 2025. The technological advancement in the medical and healthcare infrastructure is also projected to support this market over the next few years.Strong Demand for Healthcare Information SystemsView Report-The global market for digital health is assessed on the basis of the product, component, end user, and the geography. Based on the product, the market is classified into wearable devices and healthcare information systems. Among the two, healthcare information systems leads the global market due to the significant rise in the adoption of technological advanced products, such as telehealth, EHR/EMR, and population health management. Further, the healthcare information segment is bifurcated into clinical solutions and non-clinical solutions. Clinical decision support system (CDSS), EHR/EMR, computerized physician order entry (CPOE), telehealth, mHealth, and population health management are the key segments of clinical solutions. Of these, the market for mHealth is anticipated to propel at a significantly high growth rate on account of the rising penetration of smartphones across the world and the augmenting levels of awareness regarding health and fitness among people across the world.Based on the component, the market is categorized into software, hardware, and services. The demand for digital health services is higher than other digital health components and is expected to remain high over the forthcoming years. Based on the end user, the market has been categorized into B2B and B2C. The B2B segment has emerged as the key contributor to this market over the last few years. Providers, employers, payers, and pharmaceutical companies are the main components of the B2B segment, whereas, the B2C segment includes patients and caregivers.North America to Demonstrate Strong Rise in Digital Health MarketIn terms of the geography, the global digital health market has been segmented into six regions: Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, the Middle East, and Africa. North America, among these, has been dominating the global market. Various factors, such as the prescience of a large pool of players and increasing collaboration between them are instrumental behind the significant growth of this regional market. With the high demand from Germany and the U.K., the Europe market for digital health is expected to continue on the leading position over the next few years. Going forward, Asia Pacific is likely to offer lucrative opportunities for the growth of the global market for digital health in the near future.Request A Sample-Agfa-Gevaert N.V., Cerner Corp., Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., McKesson Corp., Philips Healthcare, GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Epic Systems Corp., Truven Health Analytics, Qualcomm Inc., and Cisco Systems Inc. are some of the key participants in the global digital health market.About us:Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Drugs of Abuse Testing Market: Consumables Provide for the Major Chunk of Overall Demand https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/drugs-abuse-testing-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1746 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=1746 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com An up to date business intelligence study by Transparency Market Research (TMR) has detected that while the drugs of abuse testing market continues to gain strong demands in North America and Europe, the competitive landscape remains fairly consolidated among a handful of players. This leadership position of some of the prominent companies in the global drugs of abuse testing market, such as F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Siemens Healthineers, Abbott Laboratories, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, and Danaher Corporation (Beckman Coulter, Inc.) is a reflection of their strong presence in the developed countries.View Report -In addition to that, these players have been the pioneers of some of the latest testing instruments, and are expected to maintain their stronghold in the near future too. For instance, Thermo Fisher Scientific has several featured products such as CEDIA Oral Fluid Drugs of Abuse Assays, DRI Cocaine Drugs of Abuse Assays, and DRI Ethyl Alcohol Drugs of Abuse Assays. Each of these products are designed to integrate with existing operations of an organization. On the other hand, the Drager DrugTest System (Drager Safety) from the namesake company is a lateral-flow immunoassay for the detection of drugs of abuse in oral fluid, such as saliva.The analysts of this TMR report have evaluated that the global drugs of abuse testing market was worth approximately US$4,443.9 mn in 2017 and by the end of 2025, future opportunities are expected to translate into a revenue of US$6,781.6 mn. During the forecast period of 2017 to 2025, the demand in the global drugs of abuse testing market is projected to increment at a CAGR of 5.4%.Request to View Sample of Report -Based on product type, the TMR report segments the drugs of abuse testing market into analyzers, rapid testing devices, and consumables. The analyzers segment is further sub-segmented into immunoassay analyzers, chromatographic devices, and breath analyzers, whereas rapid testing devices have been bifurcated into urine testing and oral fluid testing. Consumables are divided into fluid collection devices and others. Based on sample type, the market has been categorized into breath, saliva, blood, urine, and hair and sweat. Testing type bifurcation of the market has been done into paint management testing, criminal justice testing, and workplace screening. The report also evaluates the potential of demand that can be expected from the end users in hospitals, diagnostics laboratories, on-the-spot testing, and forensic laboratories. Geographically, North America and Europe have been identified as the two most profitable regions.According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, more than 115 US citizens die as a result of opioid overdose every day. The country has been taking vigorous efforts to curtail this growing concern and consequently, the demand for equipment and instruments that can test the presence of drugs of abuse is increasing. Similar adoption is also being noticed in some of the European regions including the U.K., France, and Germany. Governments in these countries are also encouraging the corporate sectors to provide for work place drug tests in order to hold the escalating percentage of drug addicts. The mushrooming of diagnostic laboratories, improving healthcare infrastructure in several emerging economies, and prevalent demand for prohibited drugs are some of the other factors augmenting the demand in the global drugs of abuse testing market.Request to View Brochure of Report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Saudi Arabia pharmaceutical market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.0% over the forecast period (20162026) https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gc-1733 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gc-1733 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/saudi-arabia-pharmaceutical-market https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ The significant rise in lifestyle-related diseases and the developments in healthcare infrastructure are expected to influence the demand for pharmaceuticals in Saudi Arabia. In 2016, the Saudi Arabia pharmaceutical market is anticipated to procure value worth US$ 5,209.5 Mn at a y-o-y growth of 6.0 % over 2015. The mounting demand for branded drug products will continue to incite the growth of the Saudi Arabian pharmaceutical market in 2016.To know key findings Request Sample Report @:The demand for pharmaceuticals in Saudi Arabia is expected to register substantial growth owing to the increasing penetration of health insurance companies and the rising incidence rate of non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, the exceptional rise in the per capita income of Saudi Arabia is also expected to foster the demand for branded pharmaceutical drugs. Another key factor driving the growth of the pharmaceutical market in Saudi Arabia is the countrys strategic move to allow 100% FDI in the pharmaceuticals sector. Although, the shortage of profound indigenous research capacity in the pharmaceutical industry and the delayed registration of drug and medicine patents is expected to limit the expansion of the market in 2016 and beyond.Based on the product type, the pharmaceutical market in Saudi Arabia is expected to witness an upsurge in the prescription-type branded drug products. In terms of market value, the branded drugs are estimated to reach US$ 2,760.8 Mn by 2016-end. The demand for generic drugs is projected to secure steady growth, attributing to the insisting promotion of generic drug adoption by healthcare insurance providers.Request for Report customization @:On the basis of the diseases, the pharmaceutical drugs used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases will continue exhibiting robust growth in 2016. The demand for cardiovascular medications will continue to surge due to the prominence of circulatory disorders in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the rising prevalence of disorders related to body sugar levels is expected to make diabetes a rapidly growing disease-based sub-segment in the Saudi Arabia pharmaceutical market.The pharmaceutical market in Saudi Arabia is also segmented on the basis of distribution channel, where retail pharmacies will continue to account for 80% market share compared to hospital pharmacies. The westernised modernisation of retail pharmacies in Saudi Arabia has led to the availability of a wide range drugs and medicinal products, thereby attaining a considerable growth in the retail pharmacy sub-segment in 2016 and further.The rising resource potential in Saudi Arabia is projected to positively reform the production environment for pharmaceutical manufacturers. In order to expand the markets size, structuring alliances with well-established native companies is predicted to be a key strategy for global pharmaceutical leaders. The key players in the Saudi Arabia pharmaceutical market include Novartis AG, SPIMACO, Pfizer Inc., and Glaxosmithkline plc., Jamjoom Pharma, and Tabuk Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Co. among others.Get access to full summary @:Long-term Outlook: The Saudi Arabia pharmaceutical market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.0% over the forecast period 2016-2026. In terms of market value, the pharmaceutical market in Saudi Arabia is estimated to be worth US$ 12,281.4 Mn by the end of forecast period.About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Contact UsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: Radar Systems Market Notable industry players include Indra, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Thales, Rockwell Collins, Saab, Honeywell, General Dynamics, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Finmeccanica Radar Systems Industry, Global Radar Systems Market, Radar Systems Market Size, Radar Systems Industry Growth https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1223208 https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1223208 https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-radar-systems-market-2018-by-manufacturers-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2023/?utm_source=OPR-SANTOSH https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog/ Market Study Report: The Report entitled 2018-2023 Global Radar Systems Market Report explores the essential factors of the Radar Systems market considering such as industry situations, market demands, market players adopted business strategies and their growth scenario. The Global Radar Systems market has been separated by this report based on the key players profiles, Type, Application and Regions.Request a sample of this premium report atRadar systems are used for detecting and tracking physical objects using radio waves to determine the range, angle, and velocity of objects. Radars are used in various applications in the civil, commercial, and military domain, which includes detecting ships, aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, weather information, and terrain.This report focuses on the Radar Systems in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Based on technology, the pulsed radar segment is expected to lead the market in 2018. This growth can be attributed to the increased usage of pulse radars for efficient and accurate object detection and estimation of its range.Based on application, the commercial radar segment is expected to lead the market in 2018. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for radars across various industries, including automotive and oil & gas.The worldwide market for Radar Systems is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly xx% over the next five years, will reach xx million US$ in 2023, from xx million US$ in 2017, according to a new Market Research study Report.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Radar Systems Market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, types and applications.Radar Systems Market Segment by Top Manufacturers Including: Indra Lockheed Martin Raytheon Thales Rockwell Collins Saab Honeywell General Dynamics BAE Systems Northrop Grumman FinmeccanicaRadar Systems Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, covers: Pulsed Radar Continuous Wave (CW) RadarMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Commercial DefenseRequest a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Radar Systems market.Chapter 1, to describe Radar Systems Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Radar Systems, with sales, revenue, and price of Radar Systems, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Radar Systems, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Radar Systems market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Radar Systems sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceFor more information on this report, Please visit at:About Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email:sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog: Beverage Refrigeration Market 2024 Growth & Regional Revenue By Top Players GE, Haier, Electrolux, Whirlpool Corporation, Dover Corporation. North America Beverage Refrigeration Market https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2111 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2111 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/beverage-refrigeration-market https://www.gminsights.com/ North America Beverage Refrigeration Market is anticipated to surpass USD 1 billion by 2024. This can be credited to escalating consumption of refreshment drinks and technological improvements in refrigeration systems. In addition, government encouraging utilization of energy-efficient and eco-friendly technologies in refrigerators.Beverage Refrigeration Market to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2024. Escalating demand for refrigerators to store and serve drinks for social gathering and private events, is a key factor driving beverage refrigeration market growth. Ongoing technological advances to reduce the overall cooling time and consumer demand for distinctive features such as bottom freezer drawer and powerful filtered water will boost beverage refrigeration market.Request for a sample copy of this report @Manufacturers are anticipated to invest in new product development to comply with new energy standards implemented by the regulatory bodies. Further, increasing penetration of refrigerators that employ specific features such as modifiable shelves to accommodate bottles and cans will boost product sales.Increasing consumer preference for packaged drinks which are convenient to consume at home will support the product demand. According to recent statistics, the global consumption of packaged drinks was estimated more than 1.05 trillion liters in 2016 and Chinese consumption amounted to about 178.6 billion liters.Beverage Refrigeration Market, By Producto Under counter beverage refrigerator Gliding door Swing Dooro Countertop beverage refrigerator Gliding door Swing dooro Storage beverage refrigeratoro Milk coolersMake an Inquiry for purchasing this Report @Under counter beverage refrigerator was valued at over USD 1 billion in 2016. Product offering such as stainless-steel body or custom panel-ready fronts are stimulating the demand. In addition, better shelving and temperature control will support segment penetration over the forecast period.Rising demand to preserve milk in dairy shops will propel coolers demand over the projected timeframe. Diary companies are upgrading their existing capacities, and setting up cold storages along with the processing plant. This will generate the overall revenue over the forecast period.Asia Pacific market holds over 20% of overall industry share in 2016. According to industry estimates, the region is anticipated to account for more than two-thirds of the global beverages consumption by 2020. The region accounts for 60% of the world population and increasing consumption will provide lucrative opportunities for manufacturers.Browse Report Summery @Global Beverage Refrigeration Market is fragmented in nature. Key industry players are Electrolux, Daikin Industries, Avanti, Dover Corporation, KingsBottle, Whirlpool Corporation, Edgestar, Haier, Ford and General Electrics. Other Industry participants are Koolatron, Coca-Cola, Danfoss, Gamko, Liebherr, Marvel, Kegco, Danby, Johnson Controls, U-line, HABCO, Allavino, Kenmore, Marvel, United Technologies Corporation and Illinois Tool Works.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone:1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb: Aluminium Collars Market- Latest Innovations, Drivers and Industry Key Events 2018-2028 https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1486 https://www.factmr.com/report/1486/aluminium-collars-market www.factmr.com/ www.linkedin.com/company/factmr/ Aluminium collars are used for a variety of purposes, which mainly includes industrial applications. Aluminium collars have long been used as shaft collars, and are found to be highly effective when they are used on shaft made up of a softer material than the set screw. Furthermore, aluminium collars are also widely used in the personal care & cosmetics industry, especially in perfumery. Personal care and cosmetics products are more likely to sell when they stand out among the other products, and aluminium collars achieve that by imparting a glossy appearance to the perfume product. Manufacturers of Aluminium collars are focused on products which are aimed at increasing the chances of impulse buying. Therefore, glossy Aluminium collars are likely to witness growth in demand during the forecast period. One of the key factors expected to boost the demand for Aluminium collars during the forecast period is their customizability. Prospective buyers can be provided with bespoke Aluminium collars of desired diameter and design. The outlook for the growth of the global Aluminium collars market is expected to be largely positive during the forecast period.The global personal care & cosmetics industry has undergone significant changes during the forecast period. This is attributed to an increased importance given to personal grooming. Aluminium collars are designed to make an impact on shelf. Glossy Aluminium collars are highly preferred by luxury perfume brands, to achieve that.An increase in demand for perfumes and similar personal grooming products is also expected to be one of the significantly contributing factors to the growth of the global Aluminium collars market. Perfumes are also considered an apt gifting option, and has been that way for decades. As a result, the likelihood of a change in preference during the forecast period is low. Celebrity endorsements for luxury perfumes is expected to be the most preferred marketing strategy by perfume brands, which is expected to play a pivotal role in the future growth of the forecast period. Manufacturers of Aluminium collars are expected to lay more emphasis on product differentiation in terms of colour and texture.Get Experts' Insights For FREE:The North America Aluminium collars market is expected to maintain its leading position during the forecast period. This is attributed to the high demand for luxury perfumes in the region, which largely influences growth in sales of Aluminium collars. Luxury perfumes are expected to retain their popularity both among males and females during the forecast period, thereby creating lucrative opportunities for the growth of the global Aluminium collars market. A significant share of the demand generated for Aluminium collars is expected to be from the growing economies in the Asia Pacific region. This can be attributed to the changing lifestyle of consumers in the region, which is anticipated to generate more demand for personal grooming products. The MEA Aluminium collars market is expected to experience sluggish growth during the forecast period, due to high market penetration and preference for luxury perfumes. The Europe Aluminium collars market is expected to contribute significantly to the value of the market. However, the growth of the Aluminium collars market in Europe is expected to be sluggish during the forecast period.Examples of some of the key players operating in the global Aluminium Collars market are: Shi Chia Lin Industry Co., Ltd., Preface Deux etc.Report Overview atAbout FactMRFactMR 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 UsFactMR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Follow Us on Linkedin: New Research Report on Health Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market| Prominent Players: Kognito, eGain Corporation, Nuance Communications, Next IT Health Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/1823 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/1823 Global Health Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market was over USD 180 million in 2016, with expectations to witness more than 31% CAGR from 2017 to 2024. Rising smartphone users worldwide coupled with increasing use of health apps and growing popularity of internet of things is set to drive health intelligent virtual assistant market growth. Mobile healthcare technology has gained immense popularity among populations all over the globe. The increased adoption of heath apps demonstrates the shift in trend in patient care; wherein service over mobile devices is being preferred over visiting the physicians.Request for a sample of this research report @Speech recognition grabbed over 60% of health intelligent virtual assistant market share in 2015, with expectations to witness more than 32% CAGR over the forecast years. Speech recognition technology is becoming increasing popular due to rising penetration of smartphones. Enhanced speech recognition application in EHR allows physicians to be more productive and efficient.Growing need to reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of care will fuel health intelligent virtual assistant market growth. Promising improvements in healthcare infrastructure, patient experience will restructure the healthcare delivery over the coming years. To reduce the medical errors and improve the quality of healthcare has been the first preference of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).Company profiled in this report based on Business overview, Financial data, Product landscape, Strategic outlook & SWOT analysis: Welltok, Inc. True Image Interactive Kognito CodeBaby is now iDAvatars (IDA) MedRespond CSS International Corporation Microsoft Nuance Communications eGain Corporation Next ITPayers should will manifest a robust growth to surpass USD 600 million by 2024. Payers are modernizing the infrastructure, protecting and securing the patients data and improving the interoperability. Payers strive to deliver quality, efficiency, and patient satisfaction in service by using intelligent virtual assistant. Providers held the largest industry revenue share with its value slated to reach USD 820 million by 2024. The use of intelligent virtual assistant devices in the hospitals is driven by improved physician efficiency and patient care.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @U.S. health intelligent virtual assistant market accounted for the largest regional industry share in 2016. Wide spread adoption of healthcare IT, technologies for effective healthcare system and increasing smartphone users in the U.S. will stimulate industry growth. UK held considerable regional health intelligent virtual assistant market share in 2016 owing to adoption of advanced healthcare technologies. Rising penetration of the internet of things coupled with increasing regulation act related to communication and data should drive business growth in coming years.Health Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market by Technology Speech recognition Text-to-Speech Voice recognitionHealth Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market by End User Payer ProviderGlobal Market Insights Inc. is a global market research and management consulting company catering to leading corporations, non-profit organizations, universities and government institutions. Our main goal is to assist and partner organizations to make lasting strategic improvements and realize growth targets. Our industry research reports are designed to provide granular quantitative information, combined with key industry insights, aimed at assisting sustainable organizational development.Global Market Insights, Inc.4 North Main StreetSelbyville, Delaware 19975 USAPhone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email:sales@gminsights.com CYBER SECURITY INSURANCES MARKET 2026 KEY PLAYERS XL GROUP LTD., AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC., ZURICH INSURANCE CO. LTD, AON PLC AND MORE CYBER SECURITY INSURANCES MARKET https://bit.ly/2SGnESR https://www.blueweaveconsulting.com/cyber-security-insurance-market/ https://www.blueweaveconsulting.com According to a new market report published by BlueWeave Consulting, the global Cyber Security Insurance Market was valued at US$ 3,329.0 Mn in 2016 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 25.3% from 2018 to 2026, reaching US$ 32,543.6 Mn by the end of the forecast period. According to the report, North America was the largest contributor in terms of revenue to the cyber security insurance market in 2016.Growth In Cyber Insurance MarketCyber insurance helps protect businesses against losses resulting from cyber-attacks or data breaches. Cyber insurance coverage can include data loss and restoration, extortion, legal fees, and more. Cyber security insurance increases and improves cyber security with the benefits of good security, and internalizing of the costs of poor security. There are many benefits that coincide with investing in insurance.The growth of the US cyber insurance market is due to the introduction of legislation in most states to take appropriate security measures to protect against cyber risks and report serious breaches to national authorities. This led to an increase in demand for cyber insurance products covering personal data breach. The U.S. is the largest market for the cyber security insurance market. The U.S. economy loses US$57 billion-US$109 billion per year due to malicious cyber activity, according to White House Council of Economic Advisers.Request for Sample of this Report@Cyber challenges in Asia Pacific region, such as low cyber security investments and long dwell times, can be attributed to the complex geopolitical tensions, exposed critical infrastructure, and the severe shortage of cyber security talents in the region. Brazil is undergoing a digital revolution with few parallels in the developing world. The rate of digital penetration and social media adoption has risen exponentially over the past decade. Over 50% of Brazilians are active Internet users, & Brazilian financial institutions were early adopters of online services. Cyber security and online fraud are major concerns, with annual losses reaching billions of dollars.Scope of the ReportThe global market for cyber security insurance is segmented on the basis of service type, enterprise size, industry vertical and geography. On the basis of service type, the market is segmented into risk management, integrity, forefront portfolio, third party liability, and others.On the basis of enterprise size, the global cyber security insurance market is bisected into small & medium enterprises and large enterprise. On the basis of industry vertical, the market is divided into banking and financial services, telecom and IT, government, healthcare, education, manufacturing, travel and hospitality and others. Financial services, energy and utilities, and telecommunications are among the most investigated industries in APAC, highlighting the need for higher awareness levels, stronger mitigation measures, and improved cyber security postures.Geographically, the global cyber security insurance market is bifurcated into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The North America holds the largest market share of cyber security insurance market in 2017.Asia Pacific is the most promising markets for cyber security insurance market and are slated to offer players a host of opportunities in the coming years. In Indian market, the high demand for cyber insurance policies is due to telecom revolution. Moreover, increase digitization of the economy further boosts the demand. Latin America is experiencing significantly more data breaches and with that, increased sales of cyber insurance. Norton Security has reported cybercrime cost Brazil roughly US$8 billion and Mexico US$3 billion in 2015. Cyber security insurance coverage is still in its at beginning stage in Latin America.Competitive DynamicsMajor industry players in cyber security insurance market are adopting different strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations for technologies and new product development. For instance, In June 2017, Zurich Brasila, subsidiary of Zurich Insurance Group, has launched insurance coverage for cyber-related risks, amid the fast-growing use of internet among companies and individuals. The company will offers protection in nations more exposed to cyber-attacks, such as the US, the UK and China, will now offer this product in Brazil due to increasing demand. For instance, in June 2014, the UK Government launched a joint initiative with some major British insurers to increase the level of IT security in UK companies called the Cyber Essentials Scheme, it is based on certificates and will ensure that certified organizations have a certain amount of security measures in place. Cyber Essentials has been developed in close consultation with the insurance industry and is backed by AIG, Marsh, Swiss Re, the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) and the International Underwriting Association (IUA). The global cyber security insurance market includes key players such as XL Group Ltd., American International Group Inc., Zurich Insurance Co. Ltd, AON PLC, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, Munich Re Group, Chubb, HSB, BCS financial corporation, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., Markel Corp, Travelers group, Hiscox, Beazely Insurance group and others.Market SegmentationBy Service TypeBy Enterprise SizeBy Industry VerticalBy Region:North AmericaEuropeAsia Pacific (APAC)LATAMMEABrowse full Research Report@Contact Us:info@blueweaveconsulting.comPhone Number: 18666586826About BlueWeave Consulting & Research Pvt Ltd. (BWC)BlueWeave Consulting provides a full scope of business intelligence solution for solving your toughest challenges. BWC is an emerging global expert & pioneer in the market research and provision of exclusive market INTEL. We optimize your decision making by equipping your industry with an accurate & better market research according to your industry demands through our professionally designed qualitative & quantitative research methods. Our trendy & efficient sample collection methods, integrated data solutions as well as methodologies certainly make us a better partner that you can rely on. With collective experience in the varied fields of retail, market research and reporting, we provide the business insight and business practices that would give the required impetus for your companys growth.GD-69, Sector G, East Kolkata Twp, Electric Bikes Market by Top Manufacturers Trek Bicycle Corporation, Accell Group, Fuji-ta Bicycle Co., Ltd, Derby Cycle, Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Jiangsu xinri e-vehicle Co. Ltd. Electric Bikes Market https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2662059?utm_source=Anil&utm_medium=OPR https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/request-for-discount/2662059?utm_source=Anil&utm_medium=OPR https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/2662059?utm_source=Anil&utm_medium=OPR The global electric bikes market size was valued at $16.34 billion in 2017, and is expected to reach $23.83 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 4.9% from 2018 to 2025.Electric bikes are bicycles with an integrated electric motor drive mechanism and battery, which produces power for causing or assisting propulsion. Various kinds of globally available e-bikes range from electric bikes with a small motor to assist the pedal-power of the rider to more powerful e-bikes that produce power to completely drive the bike using throttle.Get Sample Copy of this Report @Electric bikes are a flexible, versatile, eco-friendly, and trendy mode of transport. Consumers look up to them as an ideal substitute for scooters, smart cars, and public transport. Consumers are benefited because they better tackle traffic congestion owing to the smaller size of e-bikes, attain higher speeds with lesser effort, and gain from the advantages of peddling. These factors have led to growing popularity of electric bikes across the globe.Leveraging the throttle on demand drive mode, users reach the destination effortlessly. Electric scooters and motorcycles have been competing with conventional scooters and motorcycles running on fossil fuels. The advantages offered by electric scooters and motorcycles are lower operating costs and eco-friendly nature.The different types of drive mechanisms of e-bikes are hub motor, mid drive, and others. The hub motor is the most common drive mechanism in which either of the wheel is replaced with one having a hub motor connected by a wire to a battery or motor controller. Majority of e-bike companies use batteries, such as Lead-acid, Lithium-ion (Li-ion), Nickel-metal hydride (NiMh), and others. The lead acid battery is the leading type used in electric bikes, owing to its low cost and ease of recycling. However, popularity of Li-ion batteries has been growing at the highest rate because of their higher capacity with lesser size and weight.The global electric bikes market growth is driven by government support and stern rules in favor of electric bikes coupled with growing consumer inclination toward use of e-bikes as an eco-friendly and efficient solution for commute and increasing fuel costs. Moreover, rising interest in cycling as a fitness and recreational activity further augments the growth of the market. However, high costs of e-bikes and ban on use of e-bikes in major cities in China are anticipated to restrict the market growth.The global electric bikes industry is segmented on the basis of product type, drive mechanism, battery type, and region. On the basis of product type, the market is segmented into pedelecs, throttle on demand, and scooter & motorcycle. By drive mechanism, the market is segmented into hub motor, mid drive, and others. Battery-wise, the market is classified into Lead-acid, Lithium-ion (Li-ion), Nickel-metal hydride (NiMh), and others. By region, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.The major players operating in the global electric bikes market focus on key market strategies, such as mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. They have been also focusing on strengthening their market reach to maintain their goodwill in the ever-competitive market. Some of the key players in the market include Trek Bicycle Corporation, Accell Group, Fuji-ta Bicycle Co., Ltd, Derby Cycle, Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Jiangsu xinri e-vehicle Co. Ltd.Get a discount on this research report @Other key players operating in the market include Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (GenZe), Bionx International Corporation, Prodecotech, LLC, and Tianjin Golden Wheel Group Co., Ltd.KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS The study provides an in-depth analysis of the market, with current trends and future estimations to elucidate the investment pockets. A comprehensive analysis of factors that drive and restrict the growth of the market is provided. The report provides a quantitative analysis to help the stakeholders to capitalize on prevailing market opportunities. An extensive analysis of different segments facilitates to understand various products of the market. The key players are profiled, and their strategies are analyzed thoroughly, which predict the competitive outlook of the market.KEY MARKET SEGMENTSBy product type Pedelecs Throttle on demand Scooter & motorcycleBy drive mechanism Hub motor Mid drive OthersBy battery type Lead acid Lithium ion Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) OthersCHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1.1. Report Description1.2. Key benefits for stakeholders1.3. Key market segments1.4. Research methodology1.4.1. Primary research1.4.2. Secondary research1.4.3. Analyst tools and modelsCHAPTER 2: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2.1. Snapshot2.2. Key finding of the study2.3. CXO perspectiveCHAPTER 3: MARKET OVERVIEW3.1. Market definition and scope3.2. Key findings3.2.1. Top investment pocket3.3. Top winning strategies3.4. Porter's five forces analysis3.4.1. Bargaining power of suppliers3.4.2. Bargaining power of buyer3.4.3. Threat of new entrants3.4.4. Threat of substitutes3.4.5. Intensity of competitive rivalry3.5. Top player positioning, 20173.6. Market dynamics3.6.1. Drivers3.6.1.1. Government support and strict rules in favor of electric bikes3.6.1.2. Growing consumer inclination towards use of e bikes as an eco-friendly and efficient solution for commute3.6.1.3. Increasing fuel costs3.6.1.4. Growing interest in cycling as a fitness and recreational activity3.6.2. Restraints3.6.2.1. High cost of e bikes3.6.2.2. Ban on use of e bikes in major cities in China3.6.3. Opportunities3.6.3.1. Improving bicycling infrastructure and battery technologyEnquiry before Buy @About Us:Industry executives tend to keep a tab on their business competitors. This keeps them updated on strategic business activities and investment trends. Company profiles are crucial to participating players of interconnected verticals.Contact Us:5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, #205, Portland,OR 97220 United StatesCall answer Direct: +1-971-202-1575Call answer Toll Free: +1-800-910-6452Email help@bigmarketresearch.com Fragrances Market: Up-to-Date Analysis of Industry Trends and Technological Improvements http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=317 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/fragrances-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com https://factsntrends.com/ As mentioned earlier, fragrances have achieved much importance among personal care and grooming products. As might be expected, the women's fragrances segment dominates the overall market and as a result, a majority of the innovations and product differentiations are targeted at this segment. However, even though fragrances for the fairer sex have long since captured the market, perfumes and fragrances for men have, of late, grabbed the attention of industry players. This has had a transformational impact on the global market and has set the pace for rapid expansion in the coming years.Download Free Research Brochure PDF@Fragrances, once regarded as frivolous and non-essential commodities, have seamlessly transformed themselves into essential day-to-day products that form a significant part of personal grooming. Fragrances are today a vital and mainstream element of the cosmetics industry and have gained much attention from consumers across the globe.Fragrances are a way of expressing personal style and individuality, thereby making it a consumer-driven industry. The fragrances market is also dictated by fickle and ever-changing fashion trends. This means that manufacturers in the industry are on a constant lookout for exciting, unique, and new fragrances to attract different consumer segments worldwide.Another factor that governs the fragrances market is the trend of celebrity-inspired perfumes. These include fragrances endorsed by leading personalities in various walks of life as well as signature scents used by celebrities as a self-promotion campaign. Fragrances such as these garner much hype among certain sections of the consumer base. This trend has been observed across regions such as North America, Europe, and some countries in the Asia-Pacific region. However, market analysts state that this fad was met with negative response in the United Arab Emirates owing to vast diversity in population. People living in the UAE may or may not associate with celebrities from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Spain, and Italy, which leaves the fragrances market relatively unchanged when it comes to celebrity-inspired scents.Premium brands account for a major share of the fragrances market in UAE owing to exceptional per capita incomes. In other parts of the world, this segment has gained demand in recent years thanks to rising disposable incomes and improving economies. Chanel, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton are some of the premium companies that have established themselves in the fragrances market.Browse Full Report@Companies mentioned in the research reportThe leading players in the global fragrances market include Waitrose, Savers Health & Beauty, The L'Oreal Group, Clarins Group, Superdrug Stores PLC, Co-Operative Food/Somerfield, The Estee Lauder Companies Inc., LLOYD Shoes GmbH, Sainsbury's, Boots UK Limited, MAC Cosmetics, Tesco PLC, The Body Shop International PLC, Givaudan, Vantage, Morrisons, and Asda Stores Ltd.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website:Blog: Shared Services Market 2025 | SAP, Oracle, Accenture, TCS, IBM, Hackett Group, Infosys, Symantec, Cognizant, https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upsample/120124730/Shared-Services-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/TOC/120124730/Shared-Services-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upcomming/120124730/Shared-Services-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com Market Overview:Shared services are dedicated unit including processes, people, and technologies that focuses on defined business functions. It is structured as a centralized point of service and delivery location. Supported by IT and IT services, these functions cater to the requirement for diverse business units within the enterprise. Shared services may involve copious IT processes and business functions and may come from various physical locations. Global Shared ServicesMarket is expected to grow in the forecasted period, in 2018 market size of the Shared Services was XX million and in 2025 is expected to reach at XX million with growing CAGR of XX%.Market Dynamics:The market is expected to see considerable growth over the coming years due to as enterprises around the world increasingly focus on reducing the overall cost incurred on production and improving the quality of the services delivered. Ingenious implementation of SSCs at operation stages results in better operational efficiency and cost reduction, along with enhanced productivity. Deploying an SSC framework, therefore, helps companies focus on improving their core operations. Poised to witness growth at an impressive rate in the next few years, the clinical and pharmaceutical end-use segments account for a substantial share of the global shared services market. The rapidly increasing demand for cost-effective treatment modalities and redesigning the traditional pharmaceutical R&D model is anticipated to boost demand from the global shared services market.Request For Report Sample:Key Players:The Shared Services market consists global and regional players includingSAP, Oracle, Accenture, TCS, IBM, Hackett Group, Infosys, Symantec, Cognizant, and Atos among others. The vendors are competing to secure contracts from governments for shared services where the demand is growing exponentially. The vendors mainly compete based on factors such as the quality of service offerings, new technologies, pricing, and new service offerings. The market is highly fragmented due to the presence of several international and regional players.Market Segmentation:The Shared Services market is bifurcated on the basis of application and region. Shared Services Module by region segmented into North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. In 2017, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate due to the presence of a large number of institutions and universities in the region facilitates access to a skilled labour force with multilingual skills, which is quite similar to the culture prevalent in Western Europe.Request For TOC:Market segmented on the basis of application:- Finance & Accounting (F&A)- Human Resource (HR)- Supply Chain Management (SCM)- Information Technology (IT)- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)Market segmented on the basis of region:- North America US Canada Mexico- Europe UK Germany France Rest of Europe- Asia-Pacific China Japan India Australia Rest of Asia-Pacific- Latin America Brazil Rest of Latin America- Middle East and Africa (MEA) South Africa Saudi Arabia Rest of MEAReport Analysis:About UsResearch Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalised in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trendsContact Us:Research Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website:Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com Gift Boxes Market 2025 | ,Qingdao Hongrui Industry Co. Ltd, Bayley's Boxes, Shanghai Xianrong Packing Co., Ltd., Varanna Industries, Shenzhen Fuxiang Gifts & Packaging Co. Ltd https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upsample/120124742/Gift-Boxes-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/TOC/120124742/Gift-Boxes-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upcomming/120124742/Gift-Boxes-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com Market Overview:Gift boxes are majorly used for packaging products such as personal care products, jewellery, toys, electronic gadgets, sculpture, cosmetic products, and goods. Gift boxes mainly manufactured by paperboard, plastic, tin, and aluminium. Global Gift BoxesMarket was valued USD XX million in in 2018, the market is expected to grow with the CAGR of XX % in the forecasted period and to reach USD XX million by 2025.Market Dynamics:The major driving factor for the increasing use of gift boxes is the growth in e-commerce industry, the increase in e-commerce market plays a major role in the growth of the gift box packaging industries because they use gift boxes for the purpose of packaging the goods to provide the safe delivery of the product. Gift boxes are no longer used only for the purpose of protecting the product from the damage, but it has some special quality such as durability, reusability and attractive look. Due to some better characteristic as compared to alternatives, gift box market is gaining popularity throughout the global market.Request For Report Sample:Key Players:The Gift boxesmarket consists global and regional players includingValtenna Industria Cartotecnia,Qingdao Hongrui Industry Co. Ltd, Bayley's Boxes, Shanghai Xianrong Packing Co., Ltd., Varanna Industries, Shenzhen Fuxiang Gifts & Packaging Co. Ltd,Om Express Print Pack Private Limited, and other.Market Segmentation:The Gift boxesmarket is bifurcated on the basis of end use, product type, material type, printing technology and region. On the basis of end use, the Gift boxes machinemarket is classified into frozen desserts, food and beverages, bakery & confectionary, consumer goods, alcoholic drinks, electronic devices, cosmetic and personal care and others. Further, based on product type the market is fragmented into Slide sleeve boxes and Telescopic boxes. Moreover, on the basis of material type the gift boxes market is bifurcated into plastics, paper and others.Gift boxesmarket by region segmented into North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa.Request For TOC:Market segmented on the basis of printing technology:- Lithography- Flexography- Electrophotography Technology- Dry toner- Liquid toner- Inkjet Photography Technology- OthersMarket segmented on the basis of end use:- Consumer goods- Food and beverages- Bakery & Confectionary- Alcoholic Drinks- Frozen Desserts- Electronic devices- Cosmetic and personal care- OthersMarket segmented on the basis of material type:- Plastics- Paper- OthersMarket segmented on the basis of product type:- Slide sleeve boxes- Telescopic boxesMarket segmented on the basis of region:- North America US Canada Mexico- Europe UK Germany France Rest of Europe- Asia-Pacific China Japan India Australia Rest of Asia-Pacific- Latin America Brazil Rest of Latin America- Middle East and Africa (MEA) South Africa Saudi Arabia Rest of MEAReport Analysis:About UsResearch Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalised in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trendsContact Us:Research Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website:Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com Maltodextrin Market Size by Global Industry Analysis 2018 and Forecast to 2023 by Revenue, Type, Application, Growth and Top Key Companies: Grain Processing Corp, Roquette, Cargill Inc, Matsutani, ADM Maltodextrin https://www.reporthive.com/enquiry.php?id=1569792&req_type=smpl http://www.reporthive.com Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide that is always used as a food additive. It is produced from various starches, such as corn, rice, potato, wheat, mandioc etc, by partial hydrolysis with the value of DE below 20%. And it is usually found as a white hygroscopic spray-dried powder.The Maltodextrin Report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth insights, understanding market evolution by tracking historical developments, and analyzing the present scenario and future projections based on optimistic and likely scenarios. Each research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market,The technical barriers of Maltodextrin are relatively low, which leads to a relatively low market concentrated rate. Leading Manufactures in this market include Grain Processing Corp, Roquette, Cargill Inc., Matsutani, ADM, Ingredion, Tate & Lyle, Avebe, Zhucheng Dongxiao, Zhucheng Xingmao, Mengzhou Jinyumi, Qinhuangdao Lihuang, Shijiazhuang Huachen, Henan Feitian, Jinze and etc.Download sample copy of this report:The Maltodextrin Market reports also offer important insights which help the industry experts, product managers, CEOs, and business executives to draft their policies on various parameters including expansion, acquisition, and new product launch as well as analyzing and understanding the market trendsThe key players covered in this report: Grain Processing Corp Roquette Cargill Inc. Matsutani ADM Ingredion Tate & Lyle Agrana Group Avebe Nowamyl SSSFI-AAA Kraft Chemical WGC Xiwang OthersReasons for Buying this Report:This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsSegmentation by product type: MD 10: Dextrose Equivalent (DE) 10 MD 15: 10< Dextrose Equivalent (DE) 15 MD 20: 15< Dextrose Equivalent (DE)About Report Hive ResearchReport Hive Research delivers strategic market research reports, statistical survey, industry analysis & forecast data on products & services, markets and companies. Our clientele ranges mix of global Business Leaders, Government Organizations, SMEs, Individual & Start-ups, Management Consulting Firms, and Universities etc. Our library of 600,000+ market reports covers industries like Chemical, Healthcare, IT, Telecom, Semiconductor, etc. in the USA, Europe Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific. We help in business decision-making on aspects such as market entry strategies, market sizing, market share analysis, sales & revenue, technology trends, competitive analysis, product portfolio & application analysis etc.500, North Michigan Avenue,Suite 6014Chicago, IL - 60611United StatesContact UsMike RossMarketing Managersales@reporthive.comPhone Number: +1-312 604 708 Melanoma Therapeutic Global Market exceeded $4 billion in 2017 and will going to surpass $10 billion by 2023 with Leading Key Companies: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Novartis International AG Melanoma Therapeutic Global Market https://www.optimainsights.org/sample-request/19-melanoma-treatment-market-outlook-to-2022 https://www.optimainsights.org/reports/19-melanoma-treatment-market-outlook-to-2022 https://www.optimainsights.org/checkout?report_id=19 https://www.optimainsights.org/reports/5-head-neck-cancer-treatment-market-outlook-to-2022 https://www.optimainsights.org/reports/8-lung-cancer-treatment-market-outlook-to-2022 https://www.optimainsights.org/reports/21-breast-cancer-treatment-market-outlook-to-2022 https://www.optimainsights.org/reports/15-ovarian-cancer-treatment-market-outlook-to-2022 https://www.optimainsights.org/reports/7-liver-cancer-treatment-market-outlook-to-2022 www.optimainsights.org Market Overview:Optimainsights.org adds New Latest Report on Melanoma Therapeutics Market 2018 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2023, Focusing on Key in-line Products, Market Share Distribution, Competitive Dynamics, Regulatory Outlook, Pipeline Development, Growth Catalysts & Challenges, Leading Market & R&D Trends, Partnership & Deals Analyses, and Global Sales forecast of in-line and pipeline products, Fast Growing Private Companies, Management Perspectives, Commentaries, Market Outlook & Summary Conclusions reports to its database.The Global Melanoma Therapeutic Market exceeded $4 billion in 2017 and is expected to surpass $10 billion by 2023.Get a Sample Report PDF Here @Melanoma is a skin cancer type that involves an abnormal and uncontrollable growth of the skin cells, often developed in areas exposed to unusual higher levels of UV light or HPV infections. With an exception of melanoma, most skin cancers are not life threatening and can be effectively treated through surgery or through a therapeutic regimen that includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted agents alone or in combination.Globally, the incidence of melanoma is gradually increasing mainly due to depleting ozone level coupled with a gradual increase in UV radiation entering the Earths surface. According to the World Health Organization, a 10% ozone depletion is likely to result in an additional 300,000 non-melanoma and 4,500 melanoma cases. Approximately, 287,723 people are expected to develop melanoma by the end of 2018, with Europe and North America representing over 50.1% and 24.8% of the new cases respectively. Such high proportions of incident cases highlight increased need for melanoma drugs in these regions over the forecast period.Major market drivers include rapidly growing incidence of melanoma, environmental changes, raising awareness, increase in number of FDA fast track approvals, and increasing adoption of novel therapeutics and combination therapies are anticipated to present future growth opportunities for this market. Conversely, high cost associated with combination treatment, stringent regulations, delayed regulatory approvals and limited reimbursement, treatment side-effects are likely to restrict the market growth during the review period.By region, North America dominates the global melanoma therapeutics market. Furthermore, Asia-pacific is expected to witness highest growth rate followed by Europe during the forecast period. In Asia-pacific, China (7, 379new melanoma cases, 2018), India (3,048new melanoma cases, 2018) and Japan (1,818new melanoma cases, 2018) are expected to be the fastest-growing melanoma therapeutics markets.A high commercial demand of well-tolerated novel therapies along with a booming patient base in North America and Europe, has created a lucrative opportunity for drug developers in the melanoma therapeutics market. Immunotherapies with checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF/MEK drug classes are continuing to gain a strong foothold in the melanoma therapeutics market with a number of recent approvals such as avelumab (Bavencio), ipilimumab (Yervoy), pembrolizumab (Keytruda), nivolumab (Opdivo), dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and binimetinib (Mektovi). Several promising immunotherapies and combination therapies are set to reach the market with the next five years. During the forecast period, an increase in uptake of novel treatments is expected mainly due to their improved survival benefits, treatment outcomes, and minimal side effects.Early Diners Are Offered Free Customization- Up to 20%Get More Information on Melanoma Therapeutic Market Research Report Forecast to 2023 @Table of ContentChapter 1 Methodology and Scope Research Methodology Market Segmentation Research Scope & Assumptions Market DefinitionsChapter 2: Disease Backdrop & Patient PotentialExecutive Summary2.1 Melanoma2.2 Etiology2.3 Pathophysiology2.4 Disease Burden and Economic Impact2.5 Healthcare Expenditure (U.S., Top 5 EU and Japan)2.6 Current Prevalence, Incidence, Risk & Co-Morbidities (U.S., Top 5 EU and Japan)2.7 Forecast Prevalence, Incidence, Risk & Co-Morbidities (U.S., Top 5 EU and Japan)Chapter 3: Commercial InsightsExecutive Summary3.1 Market Overview3.2 Current MarketSize3.4 Current Treatment Algorithm3.5 Future Treatment Paradigm3.6 Sales Analysis by Drug Classes3.7 Leading Branded Drugs Dynamics3.8 Patent Expiry analyses3.9 Recent Large Generics/Biosimilar Drug Launches & Competition3.10 Unmet Need Analyses3.11 Generics Drug Pipeline3.12 Branded Drugs Exposed to Generic Competition for 2017-2022E3.13 Market Drivers3.14 Market Challenges3.15 Pricing & Reimbursement Trends3.16 Payor Insights3.17 Key Milestones & Events CalendarChapter 4: Regional Market BreakdownExecutive Summary4.1 Melanoma Market in the U.S4.1.1 Leading Drugs4.1.2 Pricing & Market Access4.1.3 New Products in Development4.1.4 Market Players (Local & Global)4.1.5 Regulation4.1.6 Opportunities and Challenges4.2 Melanoma Market in Japan4.1.1 Leading Drugs4.1.2 Pricing & Market Access4.1.3 New Products in Development4.1.4 Market Players (Local & Global)4.1.5 Regulation4.1.6 Opportunities and Challenges4.3 Melanoma Market in Germany4.1.1 Leading Drugs4.1.2 Pricing & Market Access4.1.3 New Products in Development4.1.4 Market Players (Local & Global)4.1.5 Regulation4.1.6 Opportunities and Challenges4.4 Melanoma Market in France4.1.1 Leading Drugs4.1.2 Pricing & Market Access4.1.3 New Products in Development4.1.4 Market Players (Local & Global)4.1.5 Regulation4.1.6 Opportunities and Challenges4.5 Melanoma Market in Italy4.1.1 Leading Drugs4.1.2 Pricing & Market Access4.1.3 New Products in Development4.1.4 Market Players (Local & Global)4.1.5 Regulation4.1.6 Opportunities and Challenges4.6 Melanoma Market in U.K.4.1.1 Leading Drugs4.1.2 Pricing & Market Access4.1.3 New Products in Development4.1.4 Market Players (Local & Global)4.1.5 Regulation4.1.6 Opportunities and Challenges4.6 Melanoma Market in Spain4.1.1 Leading Drugs4.1.2 Pricing & Market Access4.1.3 New Products in Development4.1.4 Market Players (Local & Global)4.1.5 Regulation4.1.6 Opportunities and ChallengesChapter 5: Competitive DynamicsExecutive Summary5.1 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company5.1.1 Company background5.1.2 Sales focus by drug class5.1.3 Current Product Portfolio Major Products5.1.4 New Product Launches5.1.5 Sales by Region5.1.6 Current Market Strategy5.1.7 R&D Pipeline Analyses5.1.8 Growth Catalyst5.1.9 Growth Restraints5.1.10 SWOT Analysis Framework5.1.11 Company Outlook5.1 Novartis International AG5.2.1 Company Background5.2.2 Sales Focus by Drug Class5.2.3 Current Product Portfolio Major Products5.2.4 New Product Launches5.2.5 Sales by Region5.2.6 Key Pipeline Assets5.2.7 Growth Catalysts5.2.8 Growth Restraints5.2.9 SWOT Analysis Framework5.2.10 Company OutlookChapter 6: Pipeline ReviewExecutive Summary6.1 Key R&D Trends6.2 Pipeline by Stage of Development6.3 Clinical Profiles of Key pipeline Drugs6.4 Late-Stage Potential Game Changers6.5 Pipeline ForecastChapter 7: Regulatory EnvironmentExecutive Summary7.1 Current Regulatory Environment7.2 Regulatory OutlookChapter 8: Market Outlook8.1 Future Market Opportunities8.2 CXOs Perspectives8.3 Key Emerging companies to watch, the regulatory status & strategy8.4 New Technologies8.5 New Market Entrants8.6 Expert Analyses & Commentaries8.7 Summary ConclusionsContinuedAsk for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports.Purchase this Report Here @RELATED REPORT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTEDGlobal Head & Neck Cancer Treatment Market Outlook to 2023Market Overview, Key in-line Products, Market Share Distribution, Competitive Dynamics, Regulatory Outlook, Pipeline Development, Growth Catalysts & Challenges, Leading Market & R&D Trends, Partnership & Deals Analyses, Global Sales forecast of in-line and pipeline products, Fast Growing Private Companies, Management Perspectives, Commentaries, Market Outlook & Summary ConclusionsGlobal Lung Cancer Treatment Market Outlook to 2023The global lung cancer drugs market was valued at $3.1bn in 2017 and is forecast to grow at a healthy 31.1% CAGR between 2017 and 2023, resulting in 2023 global sales of $20.2bn driven by targeted therapies & strong market uptake of a range of Immuno-Oncology (IO) treatments.Global Breast Cancer Treatment Market Outlook to 2023Global Ovarian Cancer Treatment Market Outlook to 2023Global Liver Cancer Treatment Market Outlook to 2023About Optima Insights:Optima Insights is an innovative research and insights driven enterprise committed to offer actionable intelligence to the global life science and healthcare market players. We believe that meaningful insights and improved strategic content holds the key to improved ROI for our clients. We strike an innovative engagement model with our clients to Co-Create Intelligence that would address very specific issues facing them within their functional areasto develop targeted research solutions at compelling price point. We continuously support clients through the entire journey map to enable them take better business decisions towards attaining market leadership.Contact:Chucks GDir-Global Sales & BDMobile: +1 4242554365chucksg@optimainsights.org Global Service Desk Tools Market Growth and Analysis by Samanage, Freshservice, ManageEngine ServiceDesk, JIRA Service Desk, Zendesk, Track-It, BMC Remedy 9, Cherwell IT Service Management Service Desk Tools https://www.researchreportsinc.com/sample-request?id=240379 https://www.researchreportsinc.com/check-discount?id=240379 https://researchreportsinc.com/checkout/?add-to-cart=240379&&attribute_pa_choose-license=single-user&&quantity=1 Service desk software solutions are computer programs that make the service desk function more efficient and effective. A service desk a call center, contact center, or help desk is a single point of contact for all users IT requests and requirements.Download Sample Report of Service Desk Tools Market @Leaders Of The Industry: - Samanage, Freshservice, ManageEngine ServiceDesk, JIRA Service Desk, Zendesk, Track-It!, BMC Remedy 9, Cherwell IT Service Management, Agiloft, Re:Desk, ServiceNow, GoToAssist, Spiceworks, EasyVista, Wolken, Helprace and so on.This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares and growth opportunities of Service Desk Tools market by product type, application, key companies and key regions.To calculate the market size, we considers value generated from the sales of the following segments:Segmentation by product type: Cloud based On Premise Segmentation by application: Healthcare IT support Education OthersWe can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions: Americas United States Canada Mexico Brazil APAC China Japan Korea Southeast Asia India Australia Europe Germany France UK Italy Russia Spain Middle East & Africa Egypt South Africa Israel Turkey GCC CountriesGrab Guaranteed Discount:In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, the challenges and the risks faced by key players and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.Research objectives To study and analyze the global Service Desk Tools market size by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2023. To understand the structure of Service Desk Tools market by identifying its various subsegments. Focuses on the key global Service Desk Tools players, to define, describe and analyze the value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years. To analyze the Service Desk Tools with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market. To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks). To project the size of Service Desk Tools submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries). To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches and acquisitions in the market. To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.We Also Can Offer Customized Report To Fulfill Special Requirements Of Our Clients.Purchase this Premium Report (Flat 20% off Apply Coupon Code DISC20):-Table of Contents2018-2023 Global Service Desk Tools Consumption Market Report1 Scope of the Report1.1 Market Introduction1.2 Research Objectives1.3 Years Considered1.4 Market Research Methodology1.5 Economic Indicators1.6 Currency Considered2 Executive The Service Desk Tools Market 2018 research by Service Desk Tools. It offers a feasibility analysis for investment and returns supported with data on development trend analysis across important regions of the world.2.1 World Market Overview2.1.1 Global Service Desk Tools Consumption 2013-20232.1.2 Service Desk Tools Consumption CAGR by Region2.2 Service Desk Tools Segment by Type2.2.1 Electrical Polisher2.2.2 Pneumatic Polisher2.3 Service Desk Tools Consumption by Type2.3.1 Global Service Desk Tools Consumption Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Service Desk Tools Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3.3 Global Service Desk Tools Sale Price by Type (2013-2018)2.4 Service Desk Tools Segment by Application2.4.1 Automotive Repair Shop2.4.2 Automotive Care Shop2.4.3 Others2.5 Service Desk Tools Consumption by Application2.5.1 Global Service Desk Tools Consumption Market Share by Application (2013-2018)2.5.2 Global Service Desk Tools Value and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)2.5.3 Global Service Desk Tools Sale Price by Application (2013-2018)3 Global Service Desk Tools by Players3.1 Global Service Desk Tools Sales Market Share by Players3.1.1 Global Service Desk Tools Sales by Players (2016-2018)3.1.2 Global Service Desk Tools Sales Market Share by Players (2016-2018)3.2 Global Service Desk Tools Revenue Market Share by Players3.2.1 Global Service Desk Tools Revenue by Players (2016-2018)3.2.2 Global Service Desk Tools Revenue Market Share by Players (2016-2018)3.3 Global Service Desk Tools Sale Price by Players3.4 Global Service Desk Tools Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types by Players3.4.1 Global Service Desk Tools Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales Area by Players3.4.2 Players Service Desk Tools Products Offered3.5 Market Concentration Rate Analysis3.5.1 Competition Landscape Analysis3.5.2 Concentration Ratio (CR3, CR5 and CR10) (2016-2018)3.6 New Products and Potential Entrants3.7 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion4 Service Desk Tools by Regions4.1 Service Desk Tools by Regions4.1.1 Global Service Desk Tools Consumption by Regions4.1.2 Global Service Desk Tools Value by Regions4.2 Americas Service Desk Tools Consumption Growth4.3 APAC Service Desk Tools Consumption Growth4.4 Europe Service Desk Tools Consumption Growth4.5 Middle East & Africa Service Desk Tools Consumption Growth5 Americas5.1 Americas Service Desk Tools Consumption by Countries5.1.1 Americas Service Desk Tools Consumption by Countries (2013-2018)5.1.2 Americas Service Desk Tools Value by Countries (2013-2018)5.2 Americas Service Desk Tools Consumption by Type5.3 Americas Service Desk Tools Consumption by Application5.4 United States5.5 Canada5.6 Mexico5.7 Key Economic Indicators of Few Americas CountriesAbout Us:Research Reports Inc. is one of the leading destinations for market research reports across all industries, companies, and technologies. Our repository features an exhaustive list of market research reports from thousands of publishers worldwideWith our expertise and research offerings, we ensure we deliver on all your requirements, whether youre looking for industry analysis or market trends or anything else, first time and every time!Email us sales@researchreportsinc.comCall: US / Canada Toll Free: +18554192424, UK : +4403308087757 The "Progress in Freedom" Society, Germany, sharply criticises the claims of the UN climate conference COP24, which will be held until 14 December 2018 in Katowice/Poland. Breaking News The "Progress in Freedom" Society, Germany, organized a two-day conference on 30 November and 1 December 2018 in Frankfurt/Main. In lectures given, the lack of a scientific basis for alleged connection between anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions and climate change was thoroughly discussed. Among Stampy the Wizard and the Lost Wand is Out Now Grafton Underwood, UK, Release: December 5, 2018 For immediate release Stampy the Wizard and the Lost Wand is a new interactive storybook App from Red Chain Games and Hairy Kow Design. Featuring a charming rhyming story, with colourful interactive images made from Plasticine and including jigsaws and secrets, its a must for anyone wanting to entertain children and get them interested in EUGENE Oregons Jalen Jelks is headed to the Senior Bowl. The Ducks defensive end accepted an invitation to the premier college all-star game, played Jan. 26 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. A first-team All-Pac-12 selection, Jelks leads Pac-12 defensive linemen with 54 tackles with 7.5 for loss including 3.5 sacks and forced a fumble in 11 games this season. The Phoenix native is the second Oregon player to accept an invite to an all-star game this year tight end Kano Dillon accepted an invite tot he East-West Shrine Game and is the 36th Oregon player to play in the Senior Bowl, which hosted Royce Freeman, Tyrell Crosby and Tanner Carew last year. A leading advocacy group has asked Oregon to halt a key component of its massive effort to move people into less restrictive housing for people with mental illness, citing serious concerns about peoples safety. Disability Rights Oregon highlighted problems with a state contract with Kepro, a company hired to review medical needs of people with mental illness. Neither Kepro nor the state has tracked outcomes to ensure people remain healthy after moving out of locked or other specialized facilities for people with mental illness. Are they dead? Are they homeless? Or are they living more fulfilling lives? an attorney with the organization, Sarah Radcliffe, wrote Monday in a five-page letter to Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority. Read The Oregonian/OregonLives investigation On Tuesday, the Oregon Health Authority said it had suspended a controversial provision in the Kepro contract that advocates and providers said incentivized the company to move people out of facilities without concern for their well-being. Another leading advocate for people with mental illness, Chris Bouneff, said its time for the health authority to drop the contract altogether and start over. If it does anything short of that, its disingenuous, said Bouneff, executive director of the Oregon chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It has clearly been done poorly from the day the contract was signed to today. The Oregonian/OregonLive reported last month that the Kepro contract and its implementation have been riddled with problems, from paperwork that violates federal law to concrete cases of serious harm to people who had to leave a facility after the company determined they no longer qualified. The newsroom found three people seriously injured following move-outs prompted by Kepros denials of Medicaid eligibility. One person was hospitalized repeatedly after having to leave a locked facility. Another tried to get to a neighbors door and got bitten in the face by a dog and repeatedly threatened staff and other residents. Another was airlifted to a hospital after not taking his medications and drinking bleach, his family said. Radcliffe began examining the program this summer, following complaints from guardians and healthcare providers that people with mental illness could be put in danger. Oregon hired Pennsylvania-based Kepro to help the state achieve certain mental health reform targets agreed to with the U.S. Department of Justice. The health authority said in a statement that it shared Disability Rights Oregons concerns. People with mental illness should receive effective, medically appropriate treatment, close to their families and friends and in their own communities, the agencys chief of staff said in a statement. Were continuing to review the program, account for patients who left treatment and put in place strong systems to track outcomes. The $27 million contract with Kepro is flawed, Radcliffe said, because it offers the company bonuses for moving people out of secure residential facilities and the Oregon State Hospital, but doesnt offer any incentives to ensure those people do well in lower levels of care. An unbalanced financial incentive to reduce the level of care could induce KEPRO to discharge individuals hastily or inappropriately, Radcliffe wrote. The health authority now says it has halted the performance payments. It sent a letter dated Nov. 16 to Kepro's chief executive saying the company had interpreted the contract's incentive provisions differently than the state agency had. The health authority has told Disability Rights Oregon that as of September 2018, more than two years into the contract, the state had paid Kepro $429,000 in performance pay for moving people out of the Oregon State Hospital and locked residential facilities. Kepros Chief Operating Officer, Meghan Harris, said in an email that removing the incentive is the right and appropriate course, and that the incentive has no impact on the companys clinical decisions. Radcliffe said in her letter that the state still doesnt know how people have been affected by the program. More than two months after Disability Rights Oregon asked the health authority how many people were arrested, hospitalized, or sent out into the streets following a Kepro denial, the agency said it had no responsive documentation. In recent weeks, the agency told Radcliffe that five people died, five became homeless, one was jailed, and 11 went to the Oregon State Hospital after moving out of a facility. But the agency couldnt say how many of those people moved out because of a Kepro denial as opposed to any other reason. Radcliffe also faulted the agency for not developing the necessary housing for people to move to once theyre discharged. Because there are so few beds available in lower levels of care, some of those people became homeless or were moved into motels, she wrote. Radcliffe also said that in its drive to move people out of facilities, Kepro failed to implement the vision of person-centered planning, a time-intensive process that helps identify exactly where a person should live based on their needs and desires. In an interview, Radcliffe said her organization is generally in favor of people with disabilities or mental illness living as independently as possible, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Initially, she said, the states effort to move people out seemed like a good thing. The agency has had numerous concerns of its own. The agency put a key program employee on paid leave in August and launched a human resources investigation. That employee, Chad Scott, is claiming the agency is retaliating against him for repeatedly raising concerns with leadership about problems with the program. In a Dec. 28, 2017 email to Allen, Scott spelled out some of the same concerns about insufficient housing for people who leave a facility that Radcliffe raised in her letter from Dec. 3, 2018. Radcliffe said in her letter that the state must prioritize building housing that allows people with mental illness to live independently and get the support they need. Gov. Kate Browns proposed budget for the upcoming biennium would develop 500 such housing units through sales of state-backed bonds. Brown has also proposed to devote $4.5 million towards rental assistance and supportive services and to spend $7.6 million to increase capacity in community mental health programs. Have a tip about the Oregon Health Authority or Kepro? Get in touch. -- Fedor Zarkhin fzarkhin@oregonian.com desk: 503-294-7674|cell: 971-373-2905|@fedorzarkhin To call anonymously, first dial *67 Encrypted email: yunt10234@protonmail.com A $3.3 million lawsuit filed on behalf of a now-11-year-old girl claims the Oregon Department of Human Services ignored reports that her father had urges to molest her starting when she was a baby. After the girls parents split up, the lawsuit claims the department took no or insufficient action to prevent the girls father from gaining partial custody of the girl -- and the girls father repeatedly sexually abused her during his time alone with her, according to the suit. The states failure to heed warnings is as bad as it can get, said David Paul, the girls Portland attorney. The Department of Human Services failed to stop the father from having contact with the girl even though the girls mother had reported to the department and McMinnville police in 2009 that he told her about his infatuation with their daughter, then 1 year old, according to the suit. The mother also told the department and police that her toddler-aged daughter walked up to the father and started kissing his genitals, according to the lawsuit and Paul. When the father allowed the girl to continue, the mother had to yell at her to stop, the suit said. In another instance, the mother said the girl pointed to her vaginal area and said ouch and Daddy bite. The lawsuit lists the Department of Human Services as a defendant, but also the city of McMinnville for allegedly failing to investigate the girls father for any crimes. Robert Oakes, a Human Services spokesman, said while he cant comment on pending litigation, the department "is committed to protecting children in Oregon. The city attorneys office for McMinnville and a police spokeswoman didnt return requests for comment Tuesday. The lawsuit says the Department of Human Services and police received other reports that the girl was being abused by her father. In 2011, a recent girlfriend of the fathers reported to McMinnville police that hed said he molested his daughter, then 3, and that he had child pornography on his computer. The girlfriend gave the laptop to police but it sat untouched for six years until the girl turned 9 and told her mother and doctor that her father had recently been molesting her, the suit states. The report from the girl prompted a child-abuse assessment center in Salem to interview her in early 2017. That led Salem police to acquire the laptop from McMinnville police and search through it. Salem police found 1,307 images of child pornography on it, according to the suit. The father was convicted this year of possessing child pornography and sexually abusing his daughter. He is serving a 10-year prison sentence. The Oregonian/OregonLive isnt naming the mother or father to protect the girls identity. Paul said he has yet to acquire state documents that might explain why the Department of Human Services allegedly failed to heed a long list of warning signs that the girl was in danger. Paul said he also hasnt learned why McMinnville police didnt search the fathers laptop and instead kept it in storage. Tigard attorney Travis Mayor is representing the girl along with Paul. The lawsuit was filed Friday in Multnomah County Circuit Court. -- Aimee Green agreen@oregonian.com o_aimee A Portland State University student found injured and unconscious last spring near a remote stretch of railroad tracks in Northern California says he did not attempt suicide from a moving train, challenging the repeated claims of Amtrak officials. I would never, ever try to kill myself, Aaron Salazar said in a Facebook video published last week. The video is the first time the 22-year-old economics student has spoken publicly since the May 15 incident left him in a weekslong coma with severe injuries to his brain stem. Authorities found Salazar along the railroad tracks about 4 miles east of Truckee, in an area police describe as remote and with no vehicle or pedestrian access points. What happened to Salazar remains a mystery. Possible explanations have caused clashes between his family and the passenger rail company, and have attracted the interest of elected Oregon officials. Investigators say they believe Salazar threw himself from a passenger car as he traveled by train from Colorado to Oregon, according to Amtrak officials. Amtrak Police Chief Neil Trugman last spring said the company's in-house force contacted 300 people as part of the investigation, including passengers who had interacted with Salazar. He shared with them a number of life concerns and challenges he was having, Trugmam said during a news conference in late May. "There is nothing to suggest that he was involuntarily removed from the train. There is nothing to suggest criminal intent in this investigation. Salazars family, which has criticized Amtraks investigation since it launched, insists they have repeatedly received vague or misleading information. They have also suggested Salazar might have been brutally attacked for being gay and Latino. Congressional leaders in Oregon and Hawaii, where Salazar grew up, have called for a thorough and public investigation. "Aaron is a person of color who also identifies as gay, and his injuries suggest that this incident may have been a hate crime against him, members of Oregons congressional delegation wrote to Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson in May. The letter was signed by Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio, Kurt Schrader, Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici. Salazars grandfather in Hawaii, Michael Mathieu, said the FBI stepped into the investigation in September, the Honolulu Civil Beat reported. In addition to his brain injuries, Salazar suffered a broken pelvis and burns to the inside of his thighs. After six months of hospital care he recently relocated his familys new home in Colorado. Salazar receives physical and speech therapy three times a week at Craig Hospital, which specializes in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, his family told the Civil Beat. They said he has limited mobility and cannot walk on his own. In a statement this week, Amtrak said: We are glad Aaron is improving and look forward to talking with him and any other witnesses as part of the investigation. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632 In August, Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian dropped a bombshell on his fellow Democratic leaders, accusing them of allowing a culture of sexual harassment at the Oregon Capitol. The complaint came during the summers #MeToo movement and questioned how political and administrative leaders in the Oregon Legislature handled complaints about Republican Sen. Jeff Kruse by his colleagues and his student interns. The complaint, which has resulted in an investigation, was unexpected and unprecedented. It struck many as political grandstanding Avakians attempt to create a legacy in his final months in office. It was also needed. The complaints of Kruses inappropriate comments and unwanted touching were disturbing in how common and well-known they were. And he wasnt the only one. Other names and allegations arose during the Kruse coverage, and Avakian wrote in a recent court filings that as many as 15 other victims may be willing to come forward with their own stories of harassment. But it was especially disheartening to hear Sen. Sara Gelser (D-Corvallis) last week, as she shared her experiences with a panel tasked with reviewing the Oregon Legislatures sexual harassment policies. Gelser, whose complaints led to Kruses eventual resignation, told the panel that a year later, nothing in Salem has changed. If I had to go back in time, I probably wouldnt [file a formal complaint] again, Gelser told the panel on Friday, according to a report by OPBs Lauren Dake. And thats a real problem. Shes right. When Labor Commissioner-elect Val Hoyle takes over the office in January, she should publicly voice her support of the investigation and continue pushing for answers about how allegations have been handled in this unique workplace where elected bosses can only be fired by voters. Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek have shown theyre committed to making the Legislature a safer workplace. They were quick to establish the Oregon Law Commissions review of sexual harassment policies. The panel has already produced promising recommendations, such as creating an independent office to lead up investigations and training, strengthening policies to address retaliation and establishing a process for interns to seek help and guidance if they are harassed. But Courtney and Kotek should stop blocking the bureaus investigation. The leaders originally promised transparency, yet have refused to hand over records or provide testimony. They argue that theyre trying to protect victims privacy. On Friday, they won a temporary stay that delayed a Dec. 5 deadline to hand over records. But this court battle sends the wrong message to employees. Labor bureau officials say they also will aim to protect victims who prefer to remain anonymous. They have a protective order in place to bar the release of any records collected through subpoenas. And while lawyers representing the Legislature have claimed BOLI released victims names without permission, Kruses former interns say thats not the case. Adrianna Martin-Wyatt told OPB that she is appalled that the Legislature is dragging their feet so much and fighting so strongly against changing the culture at the Capitol. After seeing that they were not complying with the BOLI investigation and not being transparent like they promised, I decided to come forward publicly because I believe we have an opportunity to change the culture at the Capitol. The culture must be changed. To do that, lawmakers must work toward a safer and more welcoming workplace by carefully reviewing and improving policies. Thats what they do best. They should leave the important examination of how state employees have been treated and how employers responded to the labor department investigators. Thats what they do best. -- Laura Gunderson for The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board A Jefferson County circuit judge on Tuesday acquitted two county jail deputies and a jail corporal of charges in connection with the 2017 death of an inmate. Judge Daina Vitolins said she found Deputy Michael Durkan, Deputy Cory Skidgel and Cpl. Anthony Hansen not guilty of criminally negligent homicide because there wasnt enough evidence to show 59-year-old James E. Wippel's death was caused by the corrections officers not calling for immediate medical care while he was in distress in April 2017. No one was able to testify to that critical piece of evidence: When was it too late for medical treatment to save Mr. Wippel and did that happen while Mr. Wippel was in the care of Ms. Skidgel, Mr. Durkan and Mr. Hansen? said Vitolins, according to courtroom video from KTVZ. So I find you not guilty. The judge also said the county jail corrections officers failure to get medical care for Wippel was a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would have done in this situation, according to the television station. Jefferson County Sheriff Jim Adkins said later Tuesday that Durkan, Skidgel and Hansen have told him theyre ready to return to work, that Wippels death was traumatic for them and that the legal proceedings that followed have been difficult for them, their families, the sheriffs office and community. Adkins said he was pleased with the verdict and relieved to have this situation behind us. I give God the glory for this victory. Now we can start the healing process, Adkins told The Oregonian/OregonLive in an email. I believe my office and jail will be much more prepared and better off because of the process we just went through. I thank all of my staff and deputies for their professionalism and patience over the last 19 months. The bench trial for Durkan, Skidgel and Hansen began last week. All three have been on leave since April 5, when they were indicted. Wippel died while in custody at the jail in Madras on April 26, 2017, two days after his arrest on suspicion of heroin and methamphetamine possession. According to court records, the state medical examiners office determined Wippel died from bleeding from a stomach ulcer. According to court documents, Wippel was arrested by Warm Springs police at the Indian Head Casino. He was taken to the jail in Warm Springs, then transferred later that morning to the Jefferson County Jail. During assessments for medical conditions at both jails, Wippel disclosed he had arthritis and no other ailments. He saw jail head nurse Shawn Winsor the next morning, said he didnt have an appetite for breakfast and was detoxing from heroin use, court records show. The nurse later saw him vomit in his cell and later prescribed him high-blood pressure medication to help with the side effects of heroin withdrawal. Winsor gave Wippel one dose that afternoon and a second before her shift ended that night, court documents said. In the hours until she returned to work at 8 a.m., Wippel had been vomiting blood, groaning and complaining of not feeling well. Durkan, Skidgel and Hansen were on duty at the time. Court records show Wippel was moved from a detox cell to another cell in the booking area and was brought breakfast around 5 a.m., but he received no medical attention. The new cell allowed him to be watched more closely. The nurse noted seeing vomit and blood on Wippels cell wall when she returned to work at the jail that morning. An ambulance was called after Winsor told the undersheriff about Wippels condition. Paramedics took a while to arrive, court records show, and as they were en route, Wippel was given his regular clothes and changed into them by himself and had to sign paperwork and nearly fell down in the process, court documents said. When paramedics arrived, they ignored Winsors orders to take him to a hospital immediately, according to court records. He died while on a gurney being led to the ambulance in the jails sally port. The case was prosecuted by Clackamas County deputy district attorneys. Its typical for an agency to ask for an outside review to avoid a conflict of interest. In June, a Bend-based gastroenterologist who participated in the grand jury hearings in the case wrote Clackamas County Senior Deputy District Attorney John Wentworth that after reviewing materials from the investigation, he believes Wippels condition was life-threatening but treatable had he been taken to a hospital much sooner. The doctor noted Wippels visible symptoms included vomiting and defecating blood for at least eight hours before he died. A reasonable person without medical training would be expected to recognize these signs and [they] were clear enough for another inmate to summon help for Mr. Wippel hours before he died, said a letter written by Dr. Richard Bochner. Had these signs of serious illness been acted upon and proper care delivered in a timely manner, his death would have likely been averted. Bochner wrote that he thought paramedics acted appropriately when they got there and likely did nothing to contribute to Wippels death because he was already bleeding to death internally by the time they arrived. They were summoned too late to save him, the letter said. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 |@EvertonBailey If Oregon economists predictions hold, taxpayers will receive up to $724 million worth of kicker rebates when they file their income taxes in 2020. But momentum is building to end the only-in-Oregon approach of issuing such rebates in order to build reserves for schools. Right now, the median Oregonian with roughly $36,000 a year in adjusted gross income can expect a tax credit of about $175 in 2020, according to the most recent state revenue forecast in November. But its possible voters will decide to instead send the money to a rainy day fund for schools that the state could tap during economic downturns. Business leaders who gathered in Portland on Monday said polling showed more than 60 percent of respondents would support such a change. Jeremy Rogers, vice president of the Oregon Business Council, told attendees at the Oregon Leadership Summit that lawmakers could refer the question to voters in the May 2019 election, if they act quickly. It was the latest sign that the idea is gaining momentum, six years after voters approved ending the kicker rebate on corporate taxes. Republican candidate for governor Knute Buehler, a lawmaker and orthopedic surgeon from Bend, expressed support for ending the personal income tax kicker in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board in October. I would be willing to support, and have said so in the past, diversion of the kicker into a rainy-day fund until its built up adequately: about 20 percent of the general fund budget or $4 billion, that could be drawn upon to smooth out that revenue cycle, Buehler said. In the same interview, Brown didnt say whether she supported ending the kicker. Instead, she noted the state was on track to end the current budget with a rainy day fund that would cover just 9 percent of the general fund budget. Is it adequate? Its ok, Brown said. Its unclear whether the governor has taken a position on kicker changes since then. Her communications director, Chris Pair, did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. Under Oregon's Constitution, the unique kicker tax rebate is triggered when tax revenues for a two-year budget cycle come in more than 2 percent above economists' forecast from the start of the cycle. Buehler was not the first Republican to discuss changes to the kicker this year. In June, Sen. Tim Knopp, also from Bend, said he expected fellow lawmakers would consider trimming or scrapping it as they look to raise tax revenue next year. As a state representative, Knopp referred a measure to voters that enshrined the kicker in Oregons Constitution. One question heading into the legislative session is how high a priority it will be for Democrats to change the kicker, as they aim to pass major climate change legislation and raise billions in fees and taxes to fund Medicaid and education. Sen. Mark Hass, D-Beaverton, is chair of the Oregon Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue. On Tuesday, he expressed support for the idea of ending the kicker. I would love to redirect it to the rainy-day fund, Hass said on Tuesday, noting that Oregons dependence on income taxes exposes the state to wild fluctuations in revenue. The next best thing to a major structural reform is to have a strong rainy-day fund to cushion the inevitable downturns we have. Its poor public policy to begin with. Hass did say that redirecting the kicker to an education savings fund is a lower priority for him compared with getting a major tax increase through the Legislature. Brown has challenged lawmakers to raise $2 billion worth of taxes in the 2019 session, roughly the same amount House Speaker Tina Kotek unsuccessfully pushed for lawmakers to raise in 2017. Hillary Borrud hborrud@oregonian.com 503-294-4034; @hborrud Portland is on a path to withdraw from the FBIs anti-terrorism task force for a second time after Commissioner-Elect Jo Ann Hardesty is sworn into office early next year. Hardesty has said forcing Portlands removal from the Joint Terrorism Task Force is among her Day One priorities. She likely has allies in that pursuit: Commissioners Amanda Fritz and Chloe Eudaly, both of whom told The Oregonian they lean toward pulling the city from the law enforcement pact. Commissioner Dan Saltzman, whom Hardesty is replacing, on Tuesday bemoaned that Portland is all but certain to withdraw. Its almost a fait accompli, Saltzman said. Membership in the task force affords Portland police officers and other select officials access to federal agencies information about potential terrorist activities in the Portland area. The task force in 2002 famously caught the Portland Seven, a group of locals who attempted to join an al Qaeda cell. Portland leaders have vacillated on whether to stay a member of the law enforcement cooperative ever since the city joined in 1997. The FBI operates joint terrorism task forces out of field offices in more than 100 cities. Portland drew national attention when it cut ties in 2005, rejoined partly in 2011 and rejoined fully in 2015. Hardesty, a long-time activist for police reform and social causes, has stressed her concerns with the task force lie with complaints that its members have used it as a pretense to surveil Muslims or deport immigrants. Hardesty said in a statement Tuesday that she intends to have the city withdraw given the fear of community members, especially recent immigrants and refugees, who feel targeted by federal agents. At the end of the day we must listen to those most impacted by policy, the statement said. Time and time again our leadership has been called to protect our fellow community members and remove ourselves from this agreement. Their request is unwavering and now is the time to listen and act. Fritz said FBI agents have assured city leaders that they arent doing anything improper. But the agency is not transparent about its work, Fritz said, leading her to say it is right for the city council to discuss if Portland should remain in the task force. I would need to be convinced of reasons to stay in, Fritz told The Oregonian. Eudaly said she is concerned that the task force is used to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement make deportations actions that she said would violate the spirit of Portlands sanctuary status policy. I lean toward withdrawing, Eudaly said. Mayor Ted Wheeler said last year that he is satisfied with Portlands involvement in the task force. Whether his position has changed is unclear; his office did not return a request for comment Tuesday. Commissioner Nick Fish said in a statement that Portland should continue its membership in the task force despite worries about its activities, which he said he shares. I believe Portland is safer when we exchange information with our federal law enforcement partners, the statement said. And I also believe we must enter into that relationship with our eyes wide open. Fish said he has been privy to confidential briefings showing Portland is vulnerable to domestic and international terrorism. Local police access to information about potential threats is of critical importance, he said. The FBIs special agent in charge for Oregon, Renn Cannon, made the case to the media Tuesday for why Portland should remain in. He said a more inclusive task force would be better equipped to keep Portlanders safe. Though Saltzman believes Portlands withdrawal from the pact is all but certain, the retiring commissioner said Eudaly, Fritz and Hardesty should think about the consequences of ending the agreement. Saltzman, who noted that he is Jewish, said Portlands religious minorities and abortion providers still face threats of terrorism. It'd be nice to know the city council has our backs, he said. -- Gordon R. Friedman GFriedman@Oregonian.com Mirador, a Portland startup that seeks to streamline loan applications for small businesses, said Wednesday it has been sold to a Wisconsin company called CUNA Mutual Group. Founded in 2014, Mirador had raised closed to $10 million in venture backing - most recently in a $7.2 million round three years ago. In an online posting announcing Wednesday's deal, chief executive Trevor Dryer said Mirador will retain its brand following the sale and its Portland headquarters. Mirador's sale is the latest in a series of deals for young Silicon Forest companies. Others sold this year include Jama Software, Exterro and Cozy, which sold just last month for $68 million. Mirador did not disclose terms of its sale. -- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday said there was no pressure from the chamber's leadership to hasten passage of the proposed federal constitution. Arroyo said there were plenary debates on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 15 before it was passed on second reading on Tuesday through viva voce or voice voting. "It's part of the democratic process. There was a debate, it was voted on," she said. Related: House passes draft federal charter on 2nd reading The Speaker said she only proposed a step in the process. "You know that I did not participate in the debate because I have always said that my only contribution there is the mechanism for setting up the federal states," she said. Arroyo said other lawmakers should answer for themselves regarding other provisions which they included in the draft charter, such as the removal of term limits for lawmakers. Arroyo expects RBH 15 to be passed on third and final reading on December 10. Her draft hogged headlines over a number of reasons, including the removal of term limits of lawmakers and the absence of an anti-political dynasty provision. It earlier removed the Vice President in the succession line during the transition to a federal government, but was later restored after much public criticism. In response, Vice President Leni Robredo hit the House for focusing on politics instead of fixing the impact of the government's economic policies on the poor. Meanwhile, senators said there is no more time to tackle charter change among them because of deliberations for the 2019 budget, which they target to pass before the year ends. "Chances of the federal draft charter making it in the Senate at this point is very doubtful. They should have submitted it to us earlier so that we may have time to take up any other controversial measure," Senate President Tito Sotto said. Senator Chiz Escudero added the proposal lacks support in the Senate, even as they do not see its necessity. Federalism was a campaign promise of President Rodrigo Duterte. After he called on the swift passage of charter change in his State of the Nation Address, a resolution was filed in the House of Representatives that supported a separate vote from the Senate on matter under a proposed convening of a Constituent Assembly. Senators had opposed the move. Some opposition senators even said charter change is "good as dead," as they said Arroyo might use it to remain in power, a claim the House Speaker denied. Today, BuzzFeed revealed how an intentional change to Facebooks algorithm helped amplify the groups who are known for being massive outlets (and targets) of disinformation, and are also aiding the worst riots in France in decades: In January this year, Anger Groups (Groupes Colere) started to appear across French Facebook. The first group was titled Are you fed up? This is now! (anger + dept) and it was started by a Portuguese bricklayer named Leandro Antonio Nogueira, who was living in the southwest departement or administrative territory of Dordogne. Nogueiras group called for members to peacefully protest local authorities by blocking roads. Nogueira then quickly helped set up Anger Groups in other departements across France. These immediately gave lower-middle-class and working-class people in small towns a chance to complain about local issues. Nogueiras first group, which is private, currently has around 90,000 members. These pages werent exploding in popularity by coincidence. The same month that Nogueira set up his first group, Mark Zuckerberg announced an algorithm change to Facebooks News Feed that would prioritize news that is trustworthy, informative, and local. The updates were meant to combat sensationalism, misinformation, and political polarization by emphasizing local networks over publisher pages. This paragraph explains exactly how the sausage gets made inside the Facebook algorithm: So, in less than two weeks, what you end up with is this: A Change.org petition with fewer than 1,500 subscribers gets talked about on a local radio station. The radio appearance is written up by a local news site. The article is shared to a local Facebook page. Thanks to an algorithm change that is now emphasizing local discussion, the article dominates the conversation in a small town. Two men from the same suburb then turn the petition into a Facebook event. A duplicate petition goes viral within the local Facebook groups. Then a daily newspaper writes up the original petition. This second article about the petition also goes viral. So does the original petition. And then the rest of French media follows. This isnt all Facebooks fault. Quantifying credibility accurately may not even be mathematically possible, and I think its clear that we are all living in a highly-digitized world that we really do not understand. All that said, Facebook has a dangerous product and they know it. Facebook was the main tool used by the brutal regime in Myanmar to carry out a genocide of the Rohingya people. Sri Lanka also experienced an array of Facebook-fueled anti-Muslim violence, and the Facebook property WhatsApp helped spread misinformation that lead to lynchings in Brazil and India. Not to mention, Facebook was the source of a powerful disinformation campaign here, as an immense amount of American dark money and Kremlin-fueled disinformation helped elect Donald Trump as president. When you compare the good that Facebook has done (provided people with digital communities) to the bad (was the preferred propaganda tool for a genocide), its pretty clear that the world would be better off if Facebook just disappeared. Their problem is and always has been a feckless leadership who apologizes for their unending array of screw-ups without actually fixing the underlying issues. Their PR goal forever and ever has been to run out the clock on todays scandal so they can go back to selling everyones personal information to the highest bidder. Whats happening in France is vastly complex and has to do with issues of class and national identity. What began as a protest against rising fuel taxes has morphed into a full-on rebuke of Emmanuel Macron and his agenda. Over 130,000 protestors showed up over the weekend, and polls show that 73% of the French support the yellow jackets. There is a ton of natural anger that has nothing to do with Facebook and everything to do with Macrons neoliberal policies, as the uproar over one member of Macrons party not even knowing what the French minimum wage was symbolized. Macrons fuel tax was instituted as a way to address climate change, but it was not accompanied with anything else to offset its short-term harmful impacts and address the massive unemployment and stagnant wages that make so many French lives unnecessarily desperate. French youth unemployment is 21%. For comparisons sake, American youth unemployment is 8.3%. One protestor framed the issue to Le Monde as the elites are talking about the end of the world while were talking about the end of the month. The entire Western world pivoted hard to extreme capitalism over the last half-century, and we are all struggling with the same issues now: too few have too much and too many have too little. This is the natural anger underlying the activity on Facebook, and it is something the company must understand if they are to stop this cycle of violence that they continually find themselves a part of. Facebook isnt the problemour governments and economies arebut Facebook is sticking a megaphone in front of voices it doesnt fully understand nor vet. That it consistently leads to violence is not whats shockingwhats shocking is that Facebook seems to be surprised by this same scenario playing out again and again and again. Any social network incentivized towards hyperbole and sensationalism is going to have these problems, and in many ways, Facebook is just going down a similar path as cable news, as this is the economic model thats been established for all of news. The difference is that Facebook can reach more corners of the globe than CNN can, and it has a harder time tamping down on misinformation. Facebook wants to effectively be the internet in some areas of the world, but they dont want the responsibility that comes with that kind of power, and this is why so many people think so little of the social media titan. Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling. In a surprising turn of events, the GOP is actually turning on Trump over his (lack of a) position on Jamal Khashoggis killing. Trump and his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, have tried to assert that there is no way of knowing whether or not Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) played a role in the journalists brutal murder, but his party members have dissented following a classified Tuesday briefing from CIA Director Gina Haspel. According to Republican senators Bob Corker, Lindsey Graham and Rand Paul, of all people, the evidence tying the Saudi Crown Prince to the journalists killing is undeniable. Graham went into explicit detail when confronted by reporters. He said youd have to be willfully blind to ignore the evidence and that there is zero chance that MBS is innocent in the matter. Graham, whos proven to be a staunch Trump supporter as of late, goes as far to say that he and his party members were purposefully mislead by Mike Pompeo and Jim Mattis, who had previously said there was no smoking gun. Graham said that may be true, but there is certainly a smoking bonesaw, alluding to the murder weapon suspected to have killed Khashoggi. He goes on, saying that his views on Saudi Arabia have totally changed, and that new votes will follow. Graham wants to designate Mohammed bin Salman as complicit in the journalists murder, stop arms sales to the country and now even opposes the Saudi war on Yemen. The latter is a hushed, but vicious issue making its way through congress. Thanks to some post-9/11 politics, the president can start a war whenever he wants without anyones approval (despite the constitution stating that congress has war powers), but Graham and 12 other Republicans are actually advancing a bill that threatens that legislation for the first time ever. If this trend continues, that power would revert back to congress, hopefully bringing an end to one of Americas most brutal wars. The move would punish both the president and the Crown Prince for their roles in killing or covering up the journalists murder. Watch Grahams full response to the briefing below. .@LindseyGrahamSC on Khashoggi: 0 chance that this happened in such an organized fashion without Crown Prince [being involved]...I have great respect for Pompeo & Mattis [but] If they were in a Dem administration, I would be all over them for being in the pocket of Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/mFZagAnkMd Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 4, 2018 Sen. Bob Corkers comments were an equally scathing rebuke of Trump. He made a statement that MBS would be convicted in 30 minutes, if he went in front of jury and, again, pointed out that the difference between the CIA briefing and the Pompeo/Mattis briefing was like the difference between darkness and sunshine, per WaPo. Sen. Rand Paul, meanwhile, went to Twitter to voice his opinion, smashing the caps lock to say ENOUGH! in regards to Saudi Arabias behavior. Whatever was revealed in that CIA briefing had to be irrefutable for so much of Trumps senate supporters to lash out like this. They bomb civilians in Yemen. They have political dissidents in jail. They are completely reckless in the Middle East. Now is the time to stand up and say: ENOUGH! Saudi Arabias behavior is unacceptable, and the United States wont stand for it. Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 4, 2018 Its not just important that the GOP is stepping into the light on this Saudi government-ordered killing. Obviously thats a huge sign of progress, but an even more important takeaway is the fact that these senators say they feel purposefully mislead by a Republican administration, and have made a vote against its interests. Graham is quick to defend Pompeo and Mattis, calling them good soldiers in his statement, but he throws Trump under the bus. Graham asserts pretty blatantly that Trump himself is tied up in the killing to some extent. Regardless, his party members are sick of it, and a showdown between Trump and these senators seems inevitable. Well this is a surprising development. Per Politico: The House GOP campaign arm suffered a major hack during the 2018 election, exposing thousands of sensitive emails to an outside intruder, according to three senior party officials. The email accounts of four senior aides at the National Republican Congressional Committee were surveilled for several months, the party officials said. The intrusion was detected in April by an NRCC vendor, who alerted the committee and its cybersecurity contractor. An internal investigation was initiated and the FBI was alerted to the attack, said the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss the incident. Heres how close the NRCC played this to the vest: Speaker Paul Ryan, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Majority Whip Steve Scalise did not find out about this until Politico reporters reached out to the NRCC for this report. Since 2016, we have been talking nonstop about the Kremlins hacking of the DNC, and the entire time, a handful of folks in the GOPs financial arm knew they had been victims of someones hacks too (the report does not say who was behind it, but party officials believe it was a foreign agent due to the nature of the attack). However, the hack of the NRCC is dramatically different from the DNC and DCCCs in one key detail: None of the information accessed during the hack thousands of emails from senior NRCC aides has appeared in public, party officials said. And they said there were no attempts to threaten the NRCC or its leadership during the campaign with exposure of the information. So the NRCC detected the hack in April: https://t.co/76f1RcoWF8 And then backed out of a deal with the DCCC not to use hacked materials in September: https://t.co/zslZfuyoJH Why wouldnt you agree to the deal, knowing you had already been hacked? Kevin Robillard (@Robillard) December 4, 2018 We dont know if this was Russia, but Occams Razor leads us to them. We know of one foreign agent who was hacking the highest levels of one half of Americas politics in 2016, and its not too big of a jump to suggest that they would hack the other half too (former US Army aviator and national security blogger Crispin Burke said that this approach described by Politico was similar to that of the Russian Foreign Intelligence service in 2016). So lets assume this was the Kremlin for a minute. Why Would Russia Release DNC E-Mails But Not the NRCCs? Blackmail (or more specifically, Kompromat, but the Louise Menschs of the world overused and destroyed that incredibly legitimate term that is a focus of longstanding Kremlin policy). The Kremlins allegiance in American politics is to chaos, not Trump. Plus, Putin personally feared that Hillary Clinton would try to remove him from power, and Trump is a uniquely destructive force in American politics, so their support for Trump is simply a consequential alignment of their interests (including longstanding business relationships with Team Trump). However, if Trump were to adopt Hillarys foreign policy, Putin would sour on him immediately. Thats what the e-mails would be for. Theyre effectively insurance. Last week revealed that Team Trump was almost surely in contact with the transparency organization-turned-Kremlin disinformation outlet, Wikileaks (key Mueller witness Jerome Corsi practically said so on MSNBC), and Michael Cohen testified under oath that Trump was pursuing a Moscow Trump Tower as recently as 2016 (Trump tweeted TRUMP TOWER-MOSCOW is next at one of Putins favored oligarchs in November 2013). Last year, Don Jr. released screenshots showing his minimal responses to the litany of Wikileaks solicitations in his Twitter direct messages (he did share a link they asked him to, however). In October 2016, longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone tweeted Wednesday Hillary Clinton is done #Wikileaks. An e-mail speaking about a backhannel between the RNC and the Kremlin through the NRA exists from a U.S. Person in one of Robert Muellers indictments of a Kremlin agent. I think its safe to assume that there was some kind of communication between Kremlin-aligned forces in 2016 and Team Trump. What Im getting at is if this was Russia, I would bet good money that someone in Trumps orbit knew about the NRCC hacks even if Paul Ryan didnt. Jerome Corsi and Roger Stone are likely candidates to have this knowledge given that both admitted they were in communication with Wikileaks and Julian Assange. By releasing damaging DNC e-mails on the eve of the DNC convention while holding on to potentially scandalous NRCC e-mails, the Kremlin can maintain an additional amount of leverage over Team Trump during the election, and give themselves another option to sow chaos if the situation pivots away from their interests. Not only are they being allies by hurting the GOPs opponent, but they could emerge into a threat given what they stole from the Republican Party. Thats leverage. This likely isnt that complicated (unless it was a different state actor than the obvious, then this is almost surely a brand new development in the 2016 election drama). If the Kremlin did hack the NRCC too, it was to gain even more influence over a sympathetic presidential campaign whose chairman worked for one of Putins most trusted oligarchs over the last decade, in addition to gaining leverage over the entire 2016 election in general. Being part of some big 4D chess move is far less likely than the simple sentiment of we could use these someday. Hillary was a unique threat in Putins mind, and the Steele dossier (which many of the revelations about business deals were proven to be pointed in the right direction after last weeks guilty plea by Michael Cohen) painted a picture of a Kremlin increasingly desperate to defeat the Democratic presidential candidate as it became clear that Trump had a real shot to win. Threatening the GOP while boosting Trump is a confusing strategy (although, it wouldnt be the Kremlins first time doing something haphazard and foolish). The biggest thing that Putin fears is a coup or a revolution, and he thought that Hillary would help to facilitate at least one (he probably isnt wrong, she did say she would try to establish a no-fly zone in Syria, which means shooting down Russian jets if they dont agree to it). If Putin did order a hacking of Americas other political party too, it was out of his perceived self-defense. Our chaos is to the Kremlins benefit, and our political paralysis allows Russia to further encroach upon its main focus: Europe. Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling. On Sunday Patently Apple posted a report titled "While the G20 US-China Meeting ends with a 90 Day Halt to new Tariffs." The news was fairly positive. But big business can't rely on big maybe's from governments when the stakes are this high and so we reported yesterday that Foxconn could possibly set up a plant in Vietnam if tensions rise again after the 90 day tariff freeze ends. Now Foxconn's CEO is turning much more pessimistic and believes the trade war could last longer than most think. A new report by Chicago Business reports that the U.S.-China trade war may drag on for up to a decade, according to Foxconn Technology Group Chairman Terry Gou who spoke to business leaders at a summit in Xiamen, China yesterday. Gou added that economic and technological competition between the U.S. and China will lead to a shift from globalization toward polarization. Further, Gou noted that the U.S. sees China as a strategic rival and will build barriers to prevent it from acquiring key technologies and components, forcing China to change the way it produces and develops technology. The global supply chain will have to restructure to be stronger and more flexible. Big scale wont be the only winning formula any more." As a Taiwanese Tycoon, Gou is better connected than most in understanding the fundamentals at play in this trade war. Today the Nikkei Asian Review (NAR) posted a very dark though realistic report about China's determination to steal U.S. technology at any cost. In late November there were indictments of Chinese chipmaker Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit and Taiwan's United Microelectronics Corp. handed down for stealing an estimated $8.75 billion worth of intellectual property from U.S.-based Micron Technology's Taiwan operations marked the opening of a new front in the trade war. The Justice Department is not alone in targeting Fujian Jinhua, which has also been blacklisted from purchasing vital components from American companies by the U.S. Commerce Department. The multipronged effort underscored the main complaint that the Trump administration has with China on trade: cyberespionage and intellectual property theft. FBI Director Christopher Wray issued a statement in November that pulled no punches: "No country presents a broader, more severe threat to our ideas, our innovation, and our economic security than China." The Micron/UMC case is important because it strikes at the heart of the Chinese government's efforts to steal IP and trade secrets in key industries. China has made leapfrogging U.S., South Korean, Taiwanese and Japanese semiconductor companies a national priority. former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said at a press conference announcing the indictments against Fujian Jinhua and UMC stated that China was bent on stealing its way up the ladder of economic development and doing so at American expense. This behavior is illegal. It is wrong. It is a threat to our national security. And it must stop." On Monday Patently Apple reported on a Samsung partner stealing and selling display technology to the Chinese. So it's not just the U.S. that China is stealing from. At the end of the day, most want to believe that there's a US-China trade deal breakthrough in the making for 2019. Though Gou's dark pessimism can't be dismissed out of hand. He knows the dark side of doing business with China and his expertise is telling us, this isn't going to be a short term battle, it's a long term war over economic supremacy and China believes there's no stopping it. The U.S. currently disagrees. With Apple's forecast for the holiday quarter being cautious and their announcement that they would no longer be reporting hardware data, Apple's competitor Huawei has decided to go on the offensive aggressively promoting his company as seeing strong growth for 2019 with great new products to stimulate consumer excitement including a folding phone and 5G. In addition there's a new rumor out today of an advanced 3D camera from Huawei soon to be revealed. The Nikkei Asian Review (NAR) reports that "Huawei Technologies is expecting the global mobile market to be 'stable' in 2019, in stark contrast to growing pessimism from rivals over the outlook for sales next year. In the second quarter of this year, Huawei overtook Apple to become the world's second-largest smartphone maker after Samsung with roughly 16% of shipments. The South Korean group meanwhile, saw its share drop by almost a quarter to about 21%." For Q3 2018, Counterpoint's Global smartphone chart shown below has Huawei with 14% and Apple with 12% market share. The report further noted that "Apple decided earlier this year not to disclose iPhone shipments from this quarter, reinforcing suspicions about sluggish iPhone sales. Huawei is hoping that its planned 5G-compatible foldable phone will help to boost smartphone sales. Jim Xu, vice president of Huawei's consumer unit told NAR that "We will introduce details of the new foldable smartphone in the first quarter of 2019," which is likely going to be at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February -- to score maximum publicity." Samsung may also play up it's coming foldable smartphone due late in Q2 2018 (at minimum) which we covered back in early November in a report titled "Samsung reveals that their new Infinity Flex Display for Foldable Smartphones will go into Mass Production in 2019." Xu went on to tell the NAR that "The next generation of mobile technology, 5G -- which features faster data transfers -- would be a new driving force for growth in this industry after 2020, (when Apple is due to launch a 5G iPhone), even though the company is likely to unveil a 5G ready phone in 2019. Xu added that Huawei's smartphone was being designed with 5G in mind. Users will be able to enjoy a big screen in a foldable smartphone. It is very important for 5G services, which will offer high-speed communication. He pointed to gaming as an example and said a big screen and quick response would offer new experiences. Xu admitted that Huawei would have to crack the U.S. market if it was to continue expanding. This could be difficult, given Washington's claim that its communications business is a national security risk. Nevertheless, Xu said Huawei had not given up on expanding its smartphone business in the U.S. "If conditions permit, we are sure to do this," he said. For more on this read the full NAR report here. Huawei may Surprise the market with a 3D Smartphone Camera Bloomberg is reporting today that their sources reveal that "Huawei Technologies Co. is planning to unveil a new phone with a camera capable of taking three-dimensional pictures. "The phone, code-named Princeton internally, will be announced this month and go on sale within a few weeks, according to one of the people who requested anonymity discussing private plans. The technology uses sensors developed by Sony Corp. that can accurately measure distances by bouncing light off surfaces, another person said. The new feature simply dubbed '3D Camera' at Huawei comes at a critical juncture for the smartphone industry, which is facing cooling global demand as consumers find fewer reasons to upgrade to new phones. Huawei is aiming to boost sales and win market share from competitors such as Apple Inc. by offering users the ability to generate 3-D models of themselves and the environment in real-time and share it with others. Yusuke Toyoda, a sensors analyst at Fuji Chimera Research Inc. in Tokyo told Bloomberg that 'This is technology that has never been seen before and, at the extreme, has the potential to change how we view the world.' Besides generating pictures that can be viewed from numerous angles, Huaweis new camera can create 3-D models of people and objects that can be used by augmented-reality apps, according to one of the people. The new camera will also let developers control apps and games in new ways, such as hand gestures, the person said, who added that some of the details may change as developers work with the technology. Huawei will probably feature the camera in more than one phone model, including some slated for later in 2019." For more on this, read the full Bloomberg report here. Back in August 2015 Patently Apple posted a patent application report titled "Apple Invents Advanced Parallax Depth Rendering for Next-Gen 3D Photo/Video Apps and Beyond." Between that patent-pending invention, working with partner Sony and their ongoing work with their 3D depth camera team led by PrimeSense engineers in Israel, it's pretty clear that when this technology is right for market consumption, Apple will deliver it. Qualcomm opened its Snapdragon Technology Summit as a cheerleader, evangelizing the 5G wireless technology thats rolling out worldwide from chipmakers, carriers, and smartphone makers. Qualcomms first 5G-ready smartphone processor will be the Snapdragon 855. Qualcomm executives provided a state of 5G updatepart technical summary, part hype. AT&T and Verizon also joined Qualcomm on stage to provide updates on their own 5G rollouts, as well as to promote the new standard. Though Qualcomms Snapdragon chips are built into phones, part of the 5G transition is simply convincing users that 5G is real, that its here, and that its needed. Here is the final message: Its that the entire industry is moving at the same pace for 2019 launches. It is not just about upgrading a mature market, but moving to new business models, said Cristiano Amon, executive vice president of Qualcomm Technologies and president of Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT), the companys chipset business, AT&T and Verizon provided live 5G networks for use in the hotel hosting the Snapdragon Technology Summit, and Amon held up a first reference handset with a 5G chip inside it. Its proof, Amon said, that 5G is right around the corner. Mark Hachman / IDG This is the Qualcomm 5G NR reference device. Though the screen isnt powered on, it was streaming video to a large Samsung TV out of frame. What this means: Theres a considerable dose of hype around 5G, and part of that is to simply get users interested. Why does a consumer need 5G? Is it for faster speeds? Executives gave one example: downloading all episodes of a streaming video series as you walk on a plane. But there are questions about how broadly and how quickly 5G infrastructure will roll out, too. One big question: How much will all of this cost? Unfortunately, neither the carriers nor Samsung would say. 5G: How we got here In July, the 3GPP body overseeing the standard published Release 15, described as necessary to enable the final sprint toward 5G commercialization. This is known as 5G NR. (Release 16, described as 5G phase 2, will enable such next-gen functionality as 5G LANs, satellite connectivity, and vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity. That spec is scheduled to be published at the end of 2019.) One of the challenges of 5G, though, is simply defining it. So-called 5G technology is really two different pieces: narrow frequency bands in the sub-6GHz range, and the so-called millimeter wave spectrum. While the sub-6GHz portion of 5G offers speeds comparable to todays 4G LTE, its the millimeter wave portions of the spectrum that can push throughput to the multi-gigabit levelbut the signal strength falls off quickly over distances. All of the major U.S. wireless carriers have announced 5G plans; in the case of Verizon, the company launched the first 5G broadband network in four cities in October. AT&T has also announced its own 5G rollout plans, including major metropolitan areas in all parts of the country. Qualcomm invited both companies up on stage as partners in its 5G rollout. The U.S. carriers plan to support both sub-6GHz as well as millimeter-wave technology, Amon said. In October 2018, Amon said, the first 5G NR over-the-air call was placed on a mobile device. Mark Hachman / IDG According to Qualcomm, 5G is being quickly rolled out around the globe. One important message is that this transition is different than the transition between 3G and 4G, Amon added. This will be much bigger. AT&T, Verizon, Samsung talk 5G rollout Nicki Palmer, chief network engineering officer for Verizon, reminded users that its 5G home rollout was designed specifically for high-speed home broadband. As a result, Verizon has a first-mover advantage. 5G absolutely promises to change the way we live, play, work and learn, she said. Verizon showed off mobile demos of how well its 5G technology network works, with gigabit speeds at about 3,000 feet away from the originating point. Mobile support will come in early 2019 with the Samsung 5G phone, as well as a Motorola Z3 that will include a 5G module, Palmer said. (Its not clear whether those modules are in fact 5G NR compatible, however, according to analysts at the Qualcomm event.) A separate recorded demonstration of its fixed 5G home network indicated that it could transfer about 883Mbps of throughput. Mark Hachman / IDG Verizon and Samsung teamed up to produce this battery-powered, wireless 5G access point using Verizons network. Unfortunately, neither company would disclose details. Kevin Petersen, senior vice president of wireless marketing at AT&T, said that the company believes the first 5G technologies will be focused on businesses: video broadcasting in a box, for example, where a camera operator would shoot and upload the video they captured almost instantaneously. 5G makes those things youre doing today better, Petersen said. For 2019, AT&T pledged to have it own 5G smartphone, without disclosing what it would be, or whether it would support sub-6GHz technology or millimeter wave. The one segment of the market that was sparsely represented at the event was smartphone makers, to explain their plans for 5G. Verizon and Samsung let the cat out of the bag Monday with their announcement of a 5G phone, which will ship during 2019. But it will face numerous hurdles, not the least of which may be battery life. Justin Denison, senior vice president of Samsung, appeared on stage to reiterate the phone announcement, but offered no other real details. Mark Hachman / IDG Though Motorola executives didnt appear, the company showed off a Motorlola Z3, which will include an add-on MotoMod that supports 5G. In the second half of 2019, all of the flagship customers that Qualcomm serves will be clearly moving toward 5G, Amon said. One analyst said 5G is going to be a necessity: If you are a smartphone company and dont have 5G in 2019, you will lose unit market share, said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights. Qualcomm announces the Snapdragon 855 Now that the specification has been written, chipmakers are jockeying for position in the 5G space. The same development process has more frequently played out in the Wi-Fi market, where router and modem makers have developed pre-standard chips, only to tweak them when the final standard was published. This same process allowed Qualcomm to announce its discrete X50 5G modem in 2016, well before 3GPP published its final standard. That chip has now been respun, and is Release 15 compliant, Qualcomm executives said. Mark Hachman / IDG Alex Katouzian, senior vice president and general manager of mobile at Qualcomm, announces the Snapdragon 855. Two of Qualcomms biggest rivals, Intel and Samsung, are also developing 5G technology. Intel recently said it has pulled in the release of its first 5G modem, the XMM 8160, by a full six months. But the chip is still expected to ship at the end of 2019, leaving 5G phones using it (such as a next-generation Apple iPhone) very much in doubt. Samsung has also built its own modem, the Exynos Modem 5100, which it claims was the first to be compatible with the 3GPP Release 15 specs, and which will almost certainly be used within its own phones. An upcoming front in the 5G wireless chip battle will be how each manages to integrate 5G into their existing controllers. For Qualcomm, that has the potential to affect the future phones of its existing customers, which include Google, OnePlus, and the U.S. version of Samsungs Galaxy phones. Qualcomms flagship mobile chip is the Snapdragon line, and the new version the company announced Tuesday is the Snapdragon 855. Qualcomm said Tuesday that the Snapdragon 855, will support multi-gigabit 5G technology. (Though the Snapdragon is an integrated chip with a modem, DSP, GPU, and CPU, it does not natively support 5G. A 5G phone would also need to include the discrete X50 modem chip, Qualcomm executives confirmed.) Qualcomm is claiming that it will be the first commercial mobile platform to support 5G, executives said. While Qualcomm plans to offer a more in-depth look at the Snapdragon 855 on Wednesday, the company confirmed some basic features: AI will again play a role within the Snapdragon 855, with a fourth-gen AI engine that delivers what the company calls three times the AI performance of the previous Snapdragon 845. Twice the performance of a competing 7nm SOC. A dedicated computer-vision Image Signal Processor (ISP) has been included for computational photography and video capture, to recognize what the camera is seeing and take better photos. Qualcomm developed a 3D Sonic Sensor, an in-display ultrasonic sensor for authenticating smartphone users via their fingerprints, and through smudges on the glass. It will also read fingerprints through moisture. And finally, something called Snapdragon Elite Gaming, designed to bring next-gen gaming experiences to mobile users. Note: Because Qualcomm would provide certain information only via an in-person briefing in Hawaii, with no alternative venue in the continental United States or by virtual means, we accepted the companys offer to pay for my flight and hotel in order to get the story. So how fast is 5G, anyway? About as fast as a premium-tier cable modem, according to a live test performed by Qualcomm, Motorola, and Verizon on Tuesday. All three companies showed off the technology at the Snapdragon Technology Summit in Maui, demoing a prototype 5G device on a prototype 5G network. (The entire first day of the summit was devoted to 5G.) According to the test, the modem transferred a gigabytes worth of data in 17 seconds. Thats 0.0588 GBps, or about 470 Mbps. Thats pretty damn fast. Want to see it for yourself? Watch the demo below. Unfortunately, you have to take this demo with a fairly large grain of salt. And you have to ask some important questions: Who owns the network? What device are you using for downloads? How far is that device from the network antenna? Is there network congestion? All of these factors will affect wireless speeds. While the International Telecommunications Union draft spec calls for 5G to deliver a whopping 20Gbps download speed, such bandwidth will be shared with thousands to millions of devices, all connecting and disconnecting, and that affects performance. Sharp-eyed viewers will notice that the 1GB file in the demo downloaded in 34 seconds in a subsequent test, as the image at the top of this article indicates. Interestingly, thats much more in line with what network provider Ericsson told The Verge was the actual speed of the backhaul networkabout 140 Mbps. It seems that the company used some compression hanky-panky to game the results, though the network was functional. In fact, once we were able to find a second Moto Z3 and run a speed test on it, we recorded far lower throughput, as the photo below shows. Verizon executives manning the demo booth told us they were showing off the technology merely to prove that it works. Mark Hachman / IDG Whoops! Thats a far lower throughput than what the other Verizon/Motorola demonstration revealed. The network in the demo used back-end equipment from Ericsson, and tapped into Verizons network, which we can assume was tuned for the experience. But the phone itself was interesting: a Moto Z3 with a dedicated 5G MotoMod that snapped into the back of the handset. Mark Hachman / IDG The Motorola Z3, and its 5G MotoMod. While we criticized the 5G MotoMod as gimmicky, its the underlying technology that made this 5G experience work. And, yes, its kind of crazyinside the MotoMod (not the phone!) theres a Snapdragon 855, Qualcomms dedicated X50 modem chip, and a 2,000 milliamp-hour battery. It contains 10 separate antennas inside, and is optimized for the high-speed millimeter wave portion of the 5G spec. Executives said they didnt plan to update the MotoMod with sub-6GHz technology, as that portion of the spectrum is designed for slower speeds and a broader coverage area. The 5G MotoMod will all ship in early 2019, though Motorola isnt saying exactly when or for how much. Carolina Milanesi, a consumer technology analyst for Creative Strategies, thinks that worrying about 5Gs actual speed is a red herring. Instead, she said, 5G will do for the phone what the home gateway did for the homeconnect all of your devices, as well as provide a speed bump. But consumers arent thinking of it that way yet, she said. They dont have an existing frame of reference. We now know that 5G will roll out slowly, though handset manufacturers and Verizon are trying to buck the trend and push it out faster. So will you get crazy-fast 58.8 Mbps downloads when 5G finally arrives? Probably notthough youll hopefully get a sizable speed boost nonetheless. Updated on Dec. 10 to indicate the confusion about the network speeds. Note: Because Qualcomm would provide certain information only via an in-person briefing in Hawaii, with no alternative venue in the continental United States or by virtual means, we accepted the companys offer to pay for my flight and hotel in order to get this story and others from the Snapdragon Technology Summit. This story was updated at 8:37 PM Hawaii time to clarify a few details. Prohibition originated, according to www.history.com, in the early 1800s when religious revivalism swept the United States. Massachusetts passed a temperance law in 1838 that banned the sale of spirits in less than 15-gallon qualities. The law was repealed two years later. Then Maine passed a prohibition law in 1846 and other states followed. Temperance societies became common. An Anti-Saloon League was formed in 1893. President Woodrow Wilson instituted a temporary prohibition during World War I to save grain for food. In 1917, Congress submitted the 18th Amendment, which banned the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors. It was ratified in 1919 and went into effect a year later. But, prohibition was difficult to enforce. Bootlegging, speakeasies and the production of moonshine and bathtub gin flourished. Support for prohibition began to fade. During the Great Depression, legalizing the liquor industry had appeal because it could create jobs and revenue. Franklin D. Roosevelt ran for president on a platform that called for the end of Prohibition. He beat incumbent President Herbert Hoover. The 21st amendment to the Constitution repealed the 18th. It was ratified by 36 states and received the votes it needed in December 1933. The public viewing for late former President George H.W. Bush at the Capitol Rotunda has drawn to a close. A funeral service at Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday will cap three days of remembrance by dignitaries and ordinary citizens as they honor Bush, who died in Houston last week at age 94. The Republican president oversaw the post-Cold War transition and led a successful Gulf War, only to lose re-election in a generational shift to Democrat Bill Clinton in 1992. His funeral will bring together world envoys, the four remaining ex-presidents and President Donald Trump. Bushs remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose before burial Thursday at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. She thought she was heading to a paradise vacation in Costa Rica, a safe place to ring in her 36th birthday. Instead, Carla Stefaniak vanished last week, never making it back home alive. Authorities in Costa Rica said Tuesday they found what appears to be the body of the missing Hallandale Beach woman. Her body, covered in plastic bags, was discovered Monday about 300 yards from the Airbnb where she stayed. Authorities have detained a 32-year-old security guard named Bismark Espinosa Martinez in connection with her death, said Walter Espinoza, director general of Costa Ricas Judicial Investigation Department. Officials zeroed in on him late Monday after noting several contradictions in his story about Stefaniaks disappearance, Espinoza said. NEW: Photos shared by Costa Rican authorities show the suspect in the murder of Carla Stefaniak in custody. Hes been identified as 32 year-old Bismark Espinosa Martinez of Nicaragua. He was a security guard at the building where Carla was staying. pic.twitter.com/ZUljl0ARZP Frank Guzman (@fguzmanon7) December 4, 2018 Martinez left his homeland in Nicaragua in June to work as a security guard in Costa Rica. He lived in the same Airbnb where Stefaniak was staying. He was in Apartment No. 7. Stefaniak was in Apartment No. 8. Espinoza shared no details on what police uncovered, other than to say they have reviewed surveillance footage and interviewed anyone they could find who had contact with Stefaniak. He did reveal that Stefaniak appeared to have had many injuries, including a blow to the head. Investigators performed an autopsy Tuesday, and plan to work with the FBI to match fingerprints to formally confirm the body belongs to Stefaniak. This is a complex, difficult case, and were doing all that we can within our ability to solve the case, Espinoza said at a news conference. Its very important for the country and its very important for the victims family and for our society in general. Stefaniak chose to travel to Costa Rica because its been portrayed as a paradise where nothing bad happens, according to her best friend. JUST IN: Spokesman for family of missing Florida woman Carla Stefaniak tells me the family has left the morgue and hasn't identified a body found in Costa Rica. More details soon, they hope. @WFLA. pic.twitter.com/igyF45UNMl Ryan Hughes (@WFLARyan) December 4, 2018 But on Monday, a body was found in a wooded area near the Airbnb property where Stefaniak was staying in Escazu, San Jose. And Tuesday morning, her family was at the morgue to help identify the body. The body was badly decomposed, making it difficult to identify. Carlos Caicedo, Carlas father, had his blood drawn Tuesday to help determine whether the body belonged to his daughter. I have hope that the body found is not my daughters, he told reporters before his worst fear was confirmed. Before the news broke, Stefaniaks family and friends held out hope she was still alive. We are really really hoping it (is not her), said Hallandale Beach resident Laura Jaime, Stefaniaks best friend and former roommate. We have faith. Stefaniak, who moved to Hallandale Beach three years ago, was last heard from on Nov. 27 five days after landing in Costa Rica. She was scheduled to fly home at 1 p.m. the next day, on her birthday. She checked in for her flight but never boarded the plane. Costa Rica is portrayed as paradise thats safe for Americans, Jaime said. Nothing happens there. Thats why she picked Costa Rica, ironically. Stefaniak arrived in Costa Rica on Nov. 22 with her sister-in-law, April Antonieta Burton. Her companion flew home to Tampa a day early to get a better deal on the airfare, Jaime said. Jaime headed to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Nov. 28 to pick up the birthday girl and take her out for a celebratory dinner. I just had a weird feeling even before I got to the airport, Jaime said. Carla is always on the phone. I started sending her birthday messages and no one had heard from her at all. Thats very unlike her. When Jaime got to the airport around 5 p.m., she went inside to wait for her friend. I saw everyone arrive, she said. They all took their bags and left. And she was not there. I stayed at the airport and talked to all the agents. One finally told me she was not on the plane. I freaked out. Jaime called Stefaniaks family, then the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. Another friend emailed the owner of the Airbnb. He asked a guard at the property and the guard said he saw her leaving in an Uber at 5:10 a.m., Jaime said. We checked her email and she did not take an Uber at 5:10 a.m. Then they changed the story that it was a taxi at 5:30 a.m. In her final text message to family, Stefaniak said it was raining, the power had gone out and the place seemed pretty sketchy. That same night, she was Facetiming with a friend in New York when the call dropped about 9 p.m. He tried to Facetime her twice and he couldnt get through, Jaime said. He thought the phone died or the reception was bad. Before the call dropped she said to him, Im thirsty. Im going to ask the guard to buy me some water. By Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel (TNS) A major operator of energy infrastructure in Pennsylvania is planning a $500 million project to increase the amount of Marcellus Shale natural gas that can be transported from wells in the northern and western parts of the state. The increased capacity will supply enough natural gas to meet the daily needs of approximately 2.5 million homes, The Williams Cos. says. Commitments from producers Seneca Resources Co., Cabot Oil & Gas and UGI Utilities will enable it to expand its Transco pipeline daily capacity by 582,400 dekatherms (a dekatherm is equivalent to about 1,000 cubic feet), it says. The company cites a growing demand for natural gas along the Atlantic seaboard. The Leidy South Project is in the pre-filing stage with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission during which public comment is sought. Williams has scheduled open houses from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Co. in Hughesville, and from 6 to 8 p.m. the following day at the Chapman Twp. Volunteer Fire Co. in North Bend. Dates and locations for open houses in Schuylkill and Luzerne counties have not been set, the company says. The timetable calls for Williams next summer to submit to FERC an application to begin construction in early 2021. The project limits environmental impacts by maximizing the use of existing infrastructure, Williams says. The Leidy South Project includes: Replacement of 6.09 miles of Transco's existing 24-inch pipe with a 36-inch line and install a 2.46-mile, 32-inch loop, both in northwestern Clinton County. Installation of a 42-inch, 3.55-mile loop in Lycoming County near the Columbia County line. Updates to a compressor station in Columbia County and one in western Schuylkill County, both on the Central Penn South line. Updates to a compressor station in Wyoming and one in Luzerne County on the Central Penn North line. A loop is new pipe connected to and placed adjacent to an existing pipeline in the same easement. Pennsylvania is the second largest gas-producing state behind Texas, averaging 15 billion cubic feet a day, Williams noted. While record volumes of natural gas are being produced, consumer access to it is limited by insufficient pipeline infrastructure, it says. Williams operates more than 3,600 miles of transmission and gathering pipelines in Pennsylvania. A Dauphin County man pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges that he stole and tortured his ex-lovers dog, causing injuries so severe the animal died. Christopher Roberts, 19, of Elizabethville, entered an open plea to the burglary, theft and animal cruelty counts, meaning he has no sentencing deal, Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Gettle said. County President Judge Richard A. Lewis is to impose Roberts punishment next month. Swatara Township police said Roberts broke into his exs Rupp Road home in August and stole the 9-year-old Boston terrier-Jack Russell mix. He then sliced and stabbed the dog with a knife, they said. The animal died even though officers rushed it to a veterinary hospital. Investigators said Roberts told them he stole the dog because of a failed relationship with one of its owners. Harrisburg City Council President Wanda Williams told a team of federal employees shes going to be watching them as construction contracts for the long-awaited U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania are finalized. Mascaro Construction Company LP, of Pittsburgh, the projects general contractor, reported that 70 percent of construction contracts have been awarded for the new 243,000 square-foot courthouse. Its not clear, however, who received them. And Williams says she wants to be sure local businesses, and local workers, get some of those contracts and the jobs theyll create. Every time we have construction here, we are utilizing people from 150 miles away, Williams said. You can take it back to the federal government, I know we are at the local level, but we are concerned about how it affects our residents here. She added, we want jobs. Gary Zimmerman, representing the federal General Services Administration, apologized to Williams Tuesday at the councils work session. He said he didnt mean to offend Williams when he explained the GSA used a 150-mile radius to find available contractors. Williams responded, I personally would like to see it within 2 miles. She said shes going to make sure the GSA doesnt discriminate. Zimmerman told council members that 30 percent of the project still needs to be awarded, and contractors who win bids can hire locally. Hundreds of jobs will be created during construction of the courthouse. Although the $192.7 million project is being overseen by the federal government, Williams said she expects recently hired contractors to use local minority and women-owned businesses. A meet-and-greet is going to be held 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6 at Harrisburg Area Community College in room 206 for subcontractors who are interested in bidding on the remaining contracts. Councilman Westburn Majors asked why he had just heard of the scheduled meet and greet. He supported Williams concerns. He said he would also like to attain the citys goal of 25 percent participation by minority- and women-owned businesses. The 223-foot tall building to be located at Sixth and Reily streets is in the design phase, Zimmerman noted. Its unknown what will happen to the existing federal courthouse on Third Street, which does not meet the federal governments security and expansion requirements. The new courthouse will have eight courtrooms, and 11 chambers, according to the GSA website. Tenants are the Pennsylvania 3rd Circuit U.S. Courts, U.S. Courts, U.S. Marshal Service, U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Trustees. The remaining money needed to pay for construction of the courthouse was appropriated by Congress in March. A man died Tuesday night, following a crash into a utility pole along Route 30, according to Manheim Township police. Police were called to the crash on the exit ramp from Route 30 east onto New Holland Avenue around 5:10 p.m. which closed the ramp for more than three hours, police said. A vehicle driven by a Lancaster man not identified by police was traveling on the ramp, sideswiped a stopped vehicle and hit a utility pole, police said. The driver was found unconscious and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. There were no other injuries in the crash. Investigators later determined the crash was likely caused by a medical condition, police said. Around the same time Tuesday night, another crash closed a westbound lane at the same exit, for about an hour, PennDOT reported. No injury information was provided about that crash. TYRONE -- From the very moment a school bus driver found a seven-year-old boy horribly and fatally injured at a bus stop along a lonely stretch of rural road in Huntingdon County, Pa., the story would keep changing. Its now more than a month since the Nov. 1 tragedy, and the story may be changing still. Trooper Joseph Dunsmore said police are awaiting the results of a battery of forensic tests that could help them reconstruct precisely how second-grader Nicholas Woomer was run over and crushed by a delivery truck as it backed up in the boys grandparents driveway. That is still a current investigation, Dunsmore said. Forensics and other avenues being looked at. Until then, questions in the tight-knit community surrounding Tyrone will linger. But the first reaction on that fateful and fatal morning was shock, even panic. Soon after the school bus driver on his morning pick-up rounds along Huntingdon Furnace Road made the gruesome discovery, state police initially reported the 7 a.m. incident as a fatal hit-and-run. The implications in a small town where virtually everyone knows one another were profoundly unsettling: Some cold-hearted driver in this warm-hearted community had fled the scene after running down a second-grader as he waited for the bus in the driveway of his maternal grandparents house, where he lived. But who would leave a seven-year-old for dead in the morning dark? The news -- and the rumors soon swept Tyrone that Thursday, Nov. 1, according to borough manager Ardean Latchford. Social media lit up with debate over hurried drivers flouting the flashing lights of school buses this time to deadly effect. Some wondered why the young boys parents or grandparents would let him go to the bus stop all alone. But the stop was the driveway entrance at the home where he lived. Nicholas could be seen at all times from the windows of his grandparents house, just a few dozen feet away. It was getting to the point where, honestly, people were going a little crazy over it, I thought, Latchford said. Then, the story changed. WATCH: The scene where Nicholas Woomer was hit and killed. Later the same day, state police announced Woomer had been struck by a slow-moving vehicle. The theory of a hit-and-run driver was off the table. The sudden change in the investigation was driven by the gruesome scene that state police and first-responders from the Warriors Mark Franklin Volunteer Fire Department encountered at that driveway bus stop. According to Warriors Mark Franklin Assistant Fire Chief Jim McConnell, the left side of the boys body had been badly crushed, but his head and face were all but untouched by injury. This, along with other evidence at the scene (and also what wasnt there such as any evidence of an impact) indicated Woomer had been run over by a slow-moving, likely heavy vehicle -- not struck at speed, Trooper Dunsmore confirmed. By the end of the day, the final piece to the horrible puzzle was falling into place or so it seemed. State police announced they were interviewing a delivery truck driver who had made a stop at the residence where Woomer had been killed that morning. The box truck driver had delivered electrical equipment to the boys grandfather, Ross Lauder, who ran his electricians business from the home. The driver, who has not been publicly identified nor charged with any crime, reportedly called police on his own accord after hearing of the incident and realizing hed been there with his truck around the same time. State police would not confirm this detail, citing the ongoing investigation. But police did announce what the truck driver told them: Namely, that the driver must have accidentally run over the boy while backing up to deliver the electrical parts at the Lauder residence. The driver told police he never saw the child, who likely would have been standing in the driveway near the road in the dark of a November morning. In announcing this development in the case the next morning, Trooper David McGarvey told the media at the time, Thats what we believe. But believing and proving are two different things. A couple days later, the Huntingdon County coroner pronounced Woomers cause of death as massive blunt-force trauma and declared the manner of death accidental. The case appeared to be all but over. Now it was time for the tight-knit community of Tyrone, population 5,000 or so, to turn to the solemn business of mourning a fine familys enormous loss as they prepared to bury a child. Nicholas Woomer, 7, enjoyed riding his bicycle, playing with his Legos and taking care of animals especially Dixie, his dog. The small towns support system displayed its full strength and big heart. It really touched everybody, said Rose Black, director of the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the school board. Everybody just came together, she said. Even people who didnt know the family reached out. Prepared food poured in to family members and relatives. A GoFundMe account for Nicholas funeral blew past its $25,000 goal within a day or two. And the line to visit the boys closed, child-sized casket and console the family snaked out the door of the Church of the Good Shepherd for six solid hours. Nicholas was eulogized as a popular and friendly student in Mrs. Sharbaughs second-grade class at Tyrone Area Elementary and a talented outfielder with Warriors Mark Youth Little League. Above all, Nicholas was simply a handsome, loveable son, grandson and friend who enjoyed riding his bicycle, playing with his Legos and taking care of animals especially Dixie, his dog. A month later, and the loss still lingers. This being a small town, it hits home. It becomes a bit more personal. You think about it, said shop owner and school board member Brian Bressler. It hit me hard. He was one of ours. Mostly, the grieving has gone on behind closed doors. The family has asked for privacy, and everyone from the school district superintendent to the town barber turned down a reporters requests for interviews on how the tragedy has affected the community. But beyond the hurt and sorrow, questions still linger about the actual details of what occurred that fatal, fateful morning. State police and other first responders spent much of the day at the scene, painstakingly documenting the aftermath, meticulously collecting evidence and trying to reconstruct the second-by-second details of what transpired. Yet, state police have not issued a final report, and the investigation remains open. The forensics tests still pending likely include evidence collected from the truck, the boys body and the scene. However, Dunsmore would not elaborate on any of this. Dunsmore indicated the forensic results could inform the final reconstruction of the accident. The report will attempt to show where the boy was standing and what part of the truck struck him first, then rolled over him to fatal effect. Perhaps it will answer other questions, such as: Why didnt the boy move out of the way if the truck was as slow-moving as state police have said? Was the truck equipped with a back-up beeper that could have alerted the child and was it in operation that morning? And how could the truck driver not have known hed hit something? Assistant fire chief McConnell is among those still pondering these and other details. Something dont sound right, said McConnell, who wasnt at the scene that morning but has fully debriefed the volunteers who were. Ive been on enough of calls, and its like something is missing, he added. Most of your trucks that deliver have a beeper on them, McConnell said. A seven-year-old boy, I cant understand how he would stand on the side of the road and a truck would back up over him. I cant understand a seven-year-old not getting out of the way. I dont know. Of course, any answers, should they come, likely will be little comfort to the family. A PennLive reporter knocked on the Lauders door, but the woman who answered -- Nicholas grandmother Debra Lauder -- said Im not talking to you guys, then gently closed the door. Most in the community continue to give the family plenty of space, jealously guarding their privacy. Indeed, some seem content to leave well enough alone. Families spend a lot of time searching for answers when these things happen, said former Tyrone mayor William Fink. But there are no answers. It was a terrible, terrible, terrible accident. All you can provide is comfort. The family has to work through these tough times. Everyone should leave them to work through it. And Fink said the small town he knows will see to it. It is a community that protects its own, he said. And thats what its going to do. Its a slow-paced, laid-back way of life. But we take care of our own. But Tyrone borough manager Latchford insisted the human need to get to the truth is a powerful force, driving nearly every decision he makes in government. Right now, theres a lack of information, he said of the Woomer case. In observance of the National Day of Mourning to honor and remember former President George H.W. Bush, Gov. Tom Wolf is dismissing non-essential state government employees under his jurisdiction four hours early on Wednesday. Employees will be paid for those missed work hours, said Dan Egan, a spokesman for the governors Office of Administration. The state Treasury as well as auditor general and attorney generals offices will release their employees four hours early as well. The courts will be open and as of Tuesday evening, so will state legislative offices, according to spokespeople for those legislative branches. Gov. Tom Wolf plans to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the memorial service for the 41st president, his spokesman J.J. Abbott said. Egan offered this advice to those planning to do business at a state office on Wednesday, "We would advise constituents to call any office or other agency facility to confirm they are open before traveling there. A man suspected in multiple robberies in the Harrisburg region was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on Tuesday. Andrzej Baran, 41, who has lived in Harrisburg and York, was identified as the suspect in strong-armed convenience store robberies in Lower Paxton and Swatara townships in Dauphin County and Lemoyne in Cumberland County, the Marshals Service said. Baran was under the supervision of the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole for a prior robbery conviction. On Tuesday, law enforcement agencies got arrest warrants for Baran related to the robberies and parole violations and U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force was called in to assist in the arrest. Around 3 p.m., members of the task force saw Baran walking in the 1600 block of Market Street in Harrisburg and arrested him without incident. Baran was transported to the Dauphin County Booking Center for arraignment. "We place a high priority on fugitive cases in which the use or threat of violence against innocent victims occurs, said U.S. Marshal Pane in a release. We will continue to work with our partners in the law enforcement community to ensure our communities throughout Pennsylvania are more secure. The task force included members from the Swatara Township Police Department, Lower Paxton Township Police Department, Harrisburg Bureau of Police, Dauphin County Adult Probation Office, the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, and others. A Warwick High School student died of suicide last weekend, according to Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni. The coroner did not provide specific details about how the student died, but he said the death was ruled a suicide because of how the body was found and because of physical findings at the scene. Diamantoni would not release any identifying information about the student, including name, sex or age. On Saturday, Warwick School District officials posted to the district website explaining that a student suffered a medical emergency during a rehearsal at the high school that morning. The next day, officials updated the post. The Sunday update explained that the student had died. This is an incredibly difficult time for our community. We grieve for the loss of a young life, and our thoughts remain with the family, friends, students, staff and community members impacted by this event, officials said. Two Warwick students died in a crash in front of the school in October. On Tuesday, district spokeswoman Jackie Yanchocik said counseling has been made available to students at the school and that the services will be available for as long as theyre needed. Therapy dogs also have been made available, she said. A National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available for free and confidential support for people in distress at 1-800-273-8255. Health official: 'We have seen an increase in the number of pediatric patients hospitalized' It's been a disheartening week in the UK when it comes to bike theft, with Hans Rey's garage being broken into three times now and Orange Bikes along with Stif Mountain bikes also suffering thefts. Hans has posted the video below to his YouTube channel.More on the bikes that have gone missing from Hans' garage can be found in our previous news post Orange Bikes have had 11 of their P7 hardtails stolen from the Greater Manchester/Merseyside area.Stif Mountain Bikes shop in Harrogate also had 13 high-end trail bikes stolen. Check out their post for more information on the individual bikes.Many of these bikes are rare so there is hope that they will turn up and the thieves will be caught before more are stolen. If you have any information on any of the above thefts, please contact the authorities. 447 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Joseph Ax (Reuters) Protesters chanting Shame! disrupted a tree-lighting ceremony and a legislative session at the Wisconsin state capitol on Tuesday as Republican lawmakers moved toward a vote on bills to weaken the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general. Wisconsins lame-duck Republican-majority legislature called a rare post-election session this week to consider the proposals before Governor-elect Tony Evers takes office in January and can exercise his veto power. Democrats say the moves undercut the results of Nov. 6 elections, when their party broke years of total Republican control of state government in Wisconsin. A similar effort is underway in Michigan, where the Republican-controlled legislature is weighing new laws that would hamstring incoming Democrats. Dozens of protesters disrupted a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony presided over by Republican Governor Scott Walker, drowning out a high school choir and prompting Walker to tweet, I can handle the shouts but leave the kids alone. Soon after the state Senate took the floor in the afternoon, President Roger Roth ordered the gallery cleared of onlookers after catcalls from the public, drawing yells from Democratic lawmakers and jeers from protesters. Roth later allowed people to return after admonishing them to remain silent. The proposals being considered would give the state legislature, which will remain in Republican hands, the power to intervene in litigation involving the state, a role normally reserved for the attorney general, and curtail the governors ability to issue rules that codify state laws. The bills would also allow legislators, rather than the attorney general, to decide whether to withdraw the state from lawsuits. That measure is aimed at preventing Evers and the incoming attorney general, Josh Kaul, from following through on campaign promises to end Wisconsins challenge to the federal Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare. In Michigan, Republicans want to end the secretary of states oversight of campaign finance laws and sidestep the attorney general in litigation. Wisconsin Democrats have railed against the proposals, which were expected to be voted on late on Tuesday. The Democratic leader in the Senate, Jennifer Shilling, accused Republicans of stealing power from Evers, who has threatened legal action. Republicans say the moves are aimed at keeping a proper balance between the legislative and executive branches. The efforts are reminiscent of lame-duck maneuvers that North Carolina Republicans took in 2016 to strip the incoming Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, of the power to appoint a majority of members to a state election-oversight board. A court later blocked the move as unconstitutional. This year, Republicans in North Carolina are rushing to pass a new voter identification law before they lose their veto-proof majority in January. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone and Sonya Hepinstall) 636 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Over 400 former DOJ alumni oppose Trumps appointee Matthew Whitaker to replace the unjustly ousted Jeff Sessions, because Whitaker has not been vetted. We, the undersigned, are proud alumni of the United States Department of Justice. We have served under Senate-confirmed Attorneys General who come from both political parties, the statement begins. The Attorney General is responsible for ensuring that we are a nation of laws and that every citizen and every government official including the President himself is equally subject to those laws. Because of the profound responsibilities the position entails and the independence it requires, it can only be filled by someone who has been subjected to the strictest scrutiny under the process required by the Constitution, they write. Mr. Whitaker has not been confirmed by the Senate, his qualifications to be the nations chief law enforcement officer have not been publicly reviewed, and he has not been fully vetted for any potential conflicts of interest. While we know that there are thousands of dedicated public servants now at the Department who will do their utmost to protect its mission and reputation, it falls to all of us to ensure that the Departments role in maintaining the rule of law is not undermined or tainted. We therefore call on the President to follow the Constitutional process by nominating an Attorney General, and replacing Mr. Whitaker as Acting Attorney General with the Senate-confirmed official who is next in the line of succession by operation of federal law. We likewise call on the Senate to insist that its Constitutional prerogative to provide advice and consent be respected. If you are a former DOJ employee and would like to add your name below, click here. This list will be updated twice daily with new signatories. After ignoring several subpoenas, the way you would if you were fit to be the top Attorney General of the country, The FTC, which won a preliminary injunction against the company accused of fraud upon which Whitaker sat on the board, subpoenaed Whitaker on Oct. 6 but again got no response. Perhaps Whitaker was at Tobins house working out for several months. Later that month, one FTC lawyer emailed colleagues to say: Youre not going to believe this. Matt Whitaker is now chief of staff to the Attorney General of the United States. Yes, indeed. You are not going to believe this. Thats pretty much the phrase of the Trump presidency. Aside from the obvious issue that Trump fired Sessions to protect himself from the Russia probe, Whitaker has not been vetted by the Senate, as is the process. While hacks will come up with any excuse to justify this, there is no actual justification and indeed the motive is sinister. Why do we vet Attorney Generals? Oh, things like the fraud allegations against an invention promotion company where he was an advisor, to which he was slow to respond to government investigators probing it. And theres always the old Should the president be able to stab his own country in the back by conspiring with a hostile foreign power? a question no law abiding and respecting applicant would shrug off as Whitaker has. We require at the minimum that our AG is first and foremost loyal to the United States of America. Sorry not sorry. Follow Sarah on Facebook and Twitter. 2.9k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard In a sign that Trump world is in a total panic, Sean Hannity claimed that Robert Mueller disrespected the troops with his sentencing of Mike Flynn. Hannity said: 33 years of service, 5 years in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and this is the treatment? This is the thanks this country gives him? This is how we treat people? What kind of justice system is this? His house, nearly faced bankruptcy, literally and his world crashes before him and his entire family. And I would bet any amount of money that the only reason he signed this deal was well, its the same old system. Well, we might have to go after your son worked with you and then we are going to invoke the Logan Act which nobody invokes to go after him. So he could have made, instead of serving his country in the private sector a lot more money. But now he has to sell his house, literally fall on the sword for his family. And dont forget, we know that they got through what a lot of this information, through what? We knew he was the victim of illegal surveillance, illegal unmasking. Illegal leaking of raw intelligence. What about the people involved in those crimes? His rights were violated at every level. Now this is a disgrace and this is what weve been telling you is a glaring example of a two-tiered justice system in America. Video via Media Matters: Robert Mueller is a war hero who has a sterling career of non-partisan public service. Real disrespect for the troops is keeping them away from their families over the holidays for a bogus mission on the border as Trump is doing. When Republicans start whining about disrespect to the troops, it is a sure sign that they are losing and freaking out. Sean Hannity is Trumps propaganda minister, so the character attack on Mueller is expected, but a quick read between the lines reveals that the White House is terrified. Mueller is closing in. A real patriot is coming to get the man who sold out democracy by conspiring with Russia to win a presidential election. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 1.3k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Now that the California Republican Party is dead, Democrats in the Golden State have decided to declare war on President Donald Trump. After their massive state-wide victories in the November 6 midterm elections Democrats returned to the state capitol in Sacramento with both a strong mandate and a clear mission: to fight everything President Donald Trump does or tries to do. Of course it is disgust with Trump that motivated and inspired the great Democratic victories this year. His enduring toxicity is what helped unprecedented Democratic Party gains in both the state legislature and in Congress. There are no Republicans in state-wide elected offices, the legislature now has a super-majority of Democrats, and out of 53 congressional seats only seven are held by Republicans. One thing that is very apparent after two years of Donald Trumps presidency is that his policies are anathema to California Democrats. So they are now ready to challenge the Trump administration in everything, from their policies to their rhetoric. Their goal is to make California successful and prove that what they are doing is the opposite of what has been going on in Washington under Republican rule. At a press conference denouncing Trumps attacks on immigrants, Assemblyman Rob Bonta said: Trump has poured more gasoline on the fire. This is wrong. It is fueled by racism, and it constitutes an attack on Californias health and well-being. The California Legislature has introduced bills that will counter Trumps immigration policies and also his environmental policies. They will continue their attempts to obtain copies of Trumps tax returns. They will consider progressive new healthcare proposals. All of this will give Governor-elect Gavin Newsom a great chance to further his goals of making California the worlds leading alternative to Trumpism. Already Democratic legislators are fighting the Trump administrations proposal to bar immigrants who use public services from obtaining legal status. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon expressed his concerns when he addressed the legislative body where his party now has a three-quarters majority: My worst fears have not yet materialized, believe it or not, but the federal reality has been quite bad enough. In his speech, Rendon set forth his policy goals and assured his audience that animosity towards the Trump administration is as strong as ever. He lambasted Trump for heaping blame on California, a state that is suffering its worst fire disaster ever and for sending troops to lonely border outposts to do nothing but posture. Newsom is also against National Guard deployment at the border, but he is more cautious in his attacks on Trump since he needs the president to approve disaster relief for fire-ravaged areas. Were living in an environment, tweet by tweet, day by day, where issues raise themselves to the fore. That makes it challenging for us to cooperate at all levels, all of the time, Newsom said. One particularly important issue to California could lead to major fights with Trump: extending health insurance coverage to more of Californias undocumented immigrants. Since federal action on single-payer healthcare is unlikely both immigrant and healthcare advocacy groups are focusing on achieving universal health coverage by looking to unauthorized immigrants. Thats a dramatically different direction than where the Trump administration is seeking to go, said Anthony Wright, executive director of the health advocacy organization Health Access. He called the bill part of Californias effort to not just protect our progress but to take steps despite the federal government. Trump has said that Newsom wants to open the border and distribute free healthcare. By passing the new healthcare legislation California and Newsom can send the president a very strong message. They are going to do what they want in California, regardless of what Trump says or does. Newsoms positions will find support in the legislature. The federal rhetoric we hear and the hate-mongering that seems to come out of parts of our nations capital arent reflective of the values that I know are true here in California, said Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula, sponsor of the health legislation. This bill provides hope for many people in my community that all people matter that their lives matter as well. California insiders say that these are just a few of the bills that will be passed challenging Trump and his policies. As we enter a new era and a new year, one thing is clear: California has declared war on Donald Trump, and they are probably going to win. 738 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, the leader of the House Freedom Caucus, often looks at things differently from most people. And last night was no exception. After reading special counsel Robert Muellers sentencing report on former national security advisor Michael Flynn, Meadows reached a conclusion that was shared by almost no other intelligent person. The sentencing report, he said, was good news for President Trump because there is no mention of collusion. The conservative Meadows, known to be a big Trump supporter, was a guest of Sean Hannity on Fox News late Tuesday night. He said: I have looked at this report and, yes, everybody is going to focus on what has been redacted. But lets look at what is not in there. There is no suggestion that Michael Flynn had anything to do with collusion. He was with the transition team. He was part of the campaign. And, yet, there is no mention of collusion. Then he continued with his pipe dream, saying: I think its good news for President Trump tonight that this is what has come down to. Even though they said he substantially cooperated, I think he substantially cooperated to say that there was no collusion and we can look at it with that in mind. Meadows unique perspective came just a few hours after Mueller released the sentencing report recommending that Flynn not be imprisoned. Mueller cited Flynns substantial assistance in the special counsel investigations into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian officials, and other crimes. Under federal sentencing guidelines for the crime to which he pleaded guilty, Flynn could legally be sentenced to no time or up to six months in prison, and also be ordered to pay a $9,500 fine. Before getting involved with the Trump campaign, Flynn was a retired three-star general who had also served in the Obama administration in senior U.S. Army positions. Hannity, a strong supporter of the president, and one of his closest advisers, said that Muellers treatment of Flynn was a sad and pathetic moment. He said that Mueller disrespected all U.S. troops with his sentencing of Flynn. This is how Americas gonna treat a military hero? Hannity asked before interviewing Meadows. This is a sad and pathetic moment for not only the special counsel, but for the country. Despite what Hannity and Meadows say, Muellers report was a disaster for President Trump, and probably for many others close to him. Flynn has told Mueller everything he knows, and showed that he truly is a patriot and a good American. Flynn also has helped Mueller with his investigations which will probably soon lead to even more indictments, guilty pleas, and criminal convictions. Just because the unredacted portions of the sentencing memo dont mention the word collusion doesnt mean that Mueller wont be able to prove that there was such collusion (also known as conspiracy against the United States.) Sean Hannity and Mark Meadows are living in a dream world, and Robert Mueller is about to burst their bubble and bring them and Donald Trump back to reality. 1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky blasted what he called the deep state on Tuesday after he heard from news reporters about a meeting a small number of other senators had with a representative of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Senator Paul was extremely upset that he and most other senators were excluded from a briefing with CIA Director Gina Haspel. The topic of the briefing was for Haspel to share confidential intelligence information that her agency has concerning the disappearance and murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The killing of Khashoggi an exiled citizen of Saudi Arabia who was working as a writer for the Washington Post created an international incident. The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) was accused of ordering Khashoggis assassination, but has denied it. The CIA said they obtained information from Turkey about the incident after Haspel traveled to Istanbul two weeks ago to meet with Turkish intelligence authorities. Khashoggis murder took place within the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, and Turkey said they had proof of what happened and that MBS was involved in the murder. Haspels meeting to share CIA information was limited to a select group of lawmakers, the leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Foreign Relations Committee and Intelligence Committee. Many senators including Republicans have been very upset that the Trump administration has kept them in the dark and withheld the information they have learned about the Khashoggi affair. President Trump has also been heavily criticized personally for denying that MBS was involved and saying he didnt believe the CIAs intelligence assessment. Haspel didnt attend an administration briefing for all senators last week on Khashoggis killing. After many senators complained, yesterdays meeting was scheduled to make up for her absence at the earlier meeting. Haspel was also sent to Capitol Hill to attempt to influence a Senate vote on whether to pull U.S. support for Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. Many members of Congress of both parties have been very critical of the Saudis and of Trump for continuing to back a civil war that has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Yemenis and left millions more on the brink of starvation. Paul said that it was undemocratic to exclude most U.S. Senators from the meeting with the head of the CIA. He maintained that Haspel should have testified before all senators. There are eight people in Congress who get briefings on intelligence, Paul said. That is not democracy. That is not democratic representation nor is it democratic oversight. Paul seemed especially unhappy that he heard about the Haspel briefing from the media and not through official senate communication channels. By blaming his exclusion from the meeting on the deep state Rand Paul has shown that he is as much a conspiracy theorist as he is a U.S. Senator. In August he traveled to Russia, and when he returned home he demanded that President Trump lift sanctions on Russian lawmakers so that they can travel to the United States. Paul is often seen as a maverick, but in reality he is desperate for attention. Rand Paul is not a player in Washington, and he is not really relevant. His latest episode of whining will not help him to win friends and influence people, it just helps to make him look ridiculous. Maria Butina is a Russian spy who has been accused of all kinds of nasty things. She is currently sitting in a federal prison awaiting trial. And as she does so, more information keeps surfacing concerning her illicit relationships with Republican operatives and office holders. Butina has been closely linked to the National Rifle Association and to various leading GOP politicians, including Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. And Butinas boyfriend, GOP operative Paul Erickson, has been told he may face similar charges of acting as an agent illegally involved in espionage against the United States. According to The Daily Beast, they have reviewed a target letter sent by federal law enforcement authorities to Ericksons lawyer. The letter said the federal officials are planning to charge him with the crimes of operating as an agent of a foreign government, and for conspiracy against the United States. The letter was to Erickson was just made public but it was actually sent to him in September. If he is ultimately charged with a crime, according to the Daily Beast he would be the first American charged under the applicable law, Statute 951. This little-known law makes it a crime for Americans to serve as agents of any foreign government. A source told The Daily Beast that federal law enforcement officers have spoken to people who know Erickson well, and some of them have met with the FBI and given them formal statements. The source said that Ericksons contacts were asked about the GOP operatives business dealings and his reputation in conservative political circles. In a separate case, the U.S. attorneys office in South Dakota is investigating Erickson for fraud. Several of his former business partners have filed complaints with law enforcement saying that he defrauded them. South Dakota public records show Butina and Erickson established a company in 2016 together called Bridges LLC that lists its address at Ericksons home and cites Butina as an authorized person for the company. Erickson has also been interviewed by the staff of the Senate Intelligence Committee. That panel is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. Ericksons lawyer told the committee staff that his client would plead the Fifth Amendment if they try to force him to testify. Butina has been in the news a lot in recent months. In September we reported: Accused Russian agent Maria Butina arranged a meeting between the National Rifle Association and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and shopped access to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Although Butinas case seems to have been forgotten it is potentially very important. She may be able to prove an illegal espionage connection from Putin and the Russian government to the NRA and subsequently directly to leading members of the Republican Party, including President Donald Trump. 629 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Outside of going to the funeral for former president George H.W. Bush, Trump has spent his day of mourning ranting about a China deal that doesnt actually exist. Trump tweeted: China officially echoed President Donald Trumps optimism over bilateral trade talks. Chinese officials have begun preparing to restart imports of U.S. Soybeans & Liquified Natural Gas, the first sign confirming the claims of President Donald Trump and the White House that Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 5, 2018 ..China had agreed to start immediately buying U.S. products. @business Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 5, 2018 One of the very exciting things to come out of my meeting with President Xi of China is his promise to me to criminalize the sale of deadly Fentanyl coming into the United States. It will now be considered a controlled substance. This could be a game changer on what is. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 5, 2018 Very strong signals being sent by China once they returned home from their long trip, including stops, from Argentina. Not to sound naive or anything, but I believe President Xi meant every word of what he said at our long and hopefully historic meeting. ALL subjects discussed! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 5, 2018 Trump did manage to squeeze in one tweet about George H.W. Bush, but he also tweeted about OPEC. The China Deal Doesnt Actually Exist There is only one problem with Trumps China deal. The deal doesnt exist. As The New York Times reported, no one knows what Trump is talking about: Even White House officials who were in the meeting with Mr. Xi were not sure what Mr. Trump meant. Peter Navarro, one of Mr. Trumps top trade advisers, said on NPR that the subject came up, but he could offer no details. Larry Kudlow, the director of the National Economic Council, acknowledged to reporters in a briefing that he was uncertain what Mr. Trump was referring to but said he hoped all the tariffs will eventually reach zero. We dont have a specific agreement on that, he said. Vanity Fair went beyond the reporting in The Times and called Trumps talk a scam. The deal doesnt exist, but Trump would rather rant about an imaginary accomplishment than show respect and pay proper tribute to George H.W. Bush. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 545 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard The Donald Trump administration wants to charge poor immigrants a fee to apply for asylum protection in the United States, sources close to the administration told Buzzfeed News. NEW: The Trump administration is considering charging immigrants a fee to apply for asylum protections in the US, according to sources close to the administration. NEW: The Trump administration is considering charging immigrants a fee to apply for asylum protections in the US, according to sources close to the administration https://t.co/Jjv0GpmpT1 BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) December 4, 2018 The ridiculous and cruel proposal appears in a draft regulation which has not been approved and finalized. The new rule would charge asylum applicants, if they are already residing in the United States, a fee of $50 for the privilege of applying for asylum protections. Right now there is no fee charged for immigrants to submit what is called an affirmative asylum application. The proposed new fee would not apply to those who claim a fear of persecution at ports of entry, or to those who apply for the protections while in deportation proceedings. However, there would be no waiver of the asylum application fee for people who cant afford to pay the $50. This brought some strong criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) who tweeted: If someone is fleeing torture, violence, or persecution and seeking refuge in the United States, it should make no difference whether or not they have $50 for an application fee. If someone is fleeing torture, violence, or persecution and seeking refuge in the United States, it should make no difference whether or not they have $50 for an application fee. https://t.co/Loc0uN4N2d ACLU (@ACLU) December 5, 2018 Over 300,000 asylum cases are currently being considered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency in charge of the asylum process. Last year alone more than 100,000 people applied for asylum protections through the agency. The Trump administration has said that it believes the asylum process is often abused, and changes must be made. Advocates for immigrants, however, say that the proposed changes are illegal and inhumane. Changes such as restricting who qualifies for asylum and a ban on anyone who crossed the border without authorization from receiving asylum, are also being considered by Trump and his advisers. It is highly unusual for countries to charge a fee for asylum applications. Ur Jaddou, a former chief counsel at USCIS and current director of the advocacy organization DHS Watch, said: People will say, $50? Whats $50? but thats not the point. Seeking asylum is not something people are doing voluntarily. It flies in the face of what asylum and refugee requests are. These are people fleeing something and looking for protection from us for us to turn around and say thats nice, wed like to help but youd have to pay a fee seems contrary to the point. The proposals to charge money to apply for asylum has outraged many immigration attorneys. Juan Camilo Mendez Guzman, an immigration attorney with Pangea Legal Services, said: The reason we dont charge for asylum applications is intuitive. Even if it keeps one person from being able to apply, is that what we are about? We are going to put a dollar amount on not getting sent back to a place of persecution? Its crazy. Sarah Pierce, an analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, said that the proposal is just one more way for the Trump administration to attempt to harm asylum applicants: It is true that bad actors have taken advantage of our backlogged asylum system, and that it is important to address the weaknesses that allow that to happen, but taking steps that punish legitimate asylum-seekers is not the way to go. By Joseph Ax and Brendan OBrien (Reuters) The Republican-controlled Wisconsin legislature passed a bill to weaken the powers of the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general, voting around dawn on Wednesday after debates that lasted through the night. Both the state Senate and Assembly passed the bill, and current Republican Governor Scott Walker has indicated he will sign it. His successor, Democrat Tony Evers, has said he may mount a legal challenge. Wisconsins lame-duck Republican-majority legislature called a rare post-election session this week to pass the proposals. If they waited until Governor-elect Evers takes office in January, he would have a chance to veto the bill. After an all-night session, lawmakers reconvened just before 5 a.m. Democrats blasted the Republican majority for trying to grab power after they lost the governorship in elections on Nov. 6, ending years of complete Republican control of government in the state. Republicans are very sore losers, said Senator Fred Risser, a Democrat. Youre trying to undo what the voters have done. Republicans said Democrats were distorting their intent, which they said was to fix an imbalance of power favoring the executive over the legislature. Democrats say Republicans did not complain of an imbalance when they controlled both branches. A similar effort is underway in Michigan, where the Republican-controlled legislature is weighing new laws to hamstring incoming Democrats. In Wisconsin, the Senate voted 17-16 to pass the central piece of the legislation shortly before dawn, with only one Republican voting against it, according to results posted on the state legislatures website. No Democratic senators supported the bill. The Assembly passed the bill 56-27 a short time later, according to Wisconsin media outlets. The law would allow legislators, rather than the attorney general, to decide whether to withdraw the state from lawsuits. That measure is aimed at preventing Evers and the incoming attorney general, Josh Kaul, from following through on campaign promises to end Wisconsins challenge to the federal Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare. In North Carolina, Republicans took similar lame-duck maneuvers in 2016 to strip the incoming Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, of the power to appoint a majority of members to a state election-oversight board. A court later blocked the move as unconstitutional. This year, Republicans in North Carolina are rushing to pass a new voter identification law before they lose their veto-proof majority in January. (Reporting by Joseph Ax in New York and Brendan OBrien in Milwaukee; Additional reporting by Rich McKay and Jonathan Allen; Editing by Scott Malone, Frances Kerry and David Gregorio) The Polish CEP market is one of the fastest-growing markets in Central and Eastern Europe. All the big players are in situ as well as Amazon. The Last Mile Experts team has prepared a report on the Polish CEP market for you to download free ') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> The Polish courier, express and parcel (CEP) market is growing fast, fueled largely by e-commerce players such as Allegro. ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> Despite many similarities with other European CEP markets, the Polish market differs remarkably for a variety of reasons. Theres very little market data available because, unlike regions such as the Baltics, the regulator doesnt offer precise information. Poland will become increasingly important because of its location and the fact that almost all the big CEP players are in situ. Moreover, Amazon has positioned a significant number of its fulfilment centers in this territory, which may be a sign of things to come. Theres a huge opportunity for growth for those who know and understand the market. Last Mile Experts Polish partner, Professor Arkadiusz Kawa, is one of the foremost authorities on this topic and has prepared an exclusive market briefing that you can download free. A comprehensive market report will be available in 2019. Click here to download the market briefing. Bios: Marek Rozycki is managing partner at Last Mile Experts, specializing in CEP and e-commerce last-mile advisory. Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. Kalyn Oyer is a Charleston native who covers arts & entertainment and food & bev for The Post and Courier. She's a music festival & concert photographer and used to write about music for the Charleston City Paper, among other publications. You are the owner of this article. COLUMBIA The leader of the South Carolina House pledged Tuesday to push for legislation next year that overhauls the way the state funds public schools, saying children's futures demand immediate action. "It's time to face reality in education," Speaker Jay Lucas told his colleagues from the podium after they re-elected the Hartsville Republican to one of the state's most powerful positions. "Without significant reforms, our students won't have a future," he said. "It's time to change the educational model in South Carolina, and I look forward to working with each of you to do that this legislative session." His comments follow The Post and Courier's "Minimally Adequate" series, which lays out how gaping disparities, widespread segregation and a history of low expectations have helped make South Carolinas public school system one of the nations worst. The series also detailed how these shortcomings have left thousands of students unprepared for college or work after high school, posing a threat to the state's prosperity while it is in the midst of an economic rebirth. In the series' wake, lawmakers vowed to tackle education reform in the coming session, with talk of boosting teacher pay, retooling South Carolinas antiquated school funding formulas and giving more money to poor districts to repair rundown buildings. Gov. Henry McMaster's office also indicated that he intends to make education a high priority in his State of the State address and executive budget. The state Supreme Court ordered the Legislature in 2014 to fix the education system to give poor, rural students a chance at success. But lots of meetings and debate over what to do failed to lead to any significant changes before the high court with two new judges dismissed the case last year. Lucas, first elected speaker in 2014, said the time for reform is now. "This body must take immediate action to increase the number of citizens who are ready to fill the jobs that todays and tomorrow's economy demands," he said. The entire House responded with a standing ovation. Legislators are in Columbia to reorganize ahead of the legislative session that kicks off Jan. 8. House Ways and Means Chairman Brian White, R-Anderson, has said he hopes legislation advances to the House floor before February. His budget-writing committee is crafting a proposal using a recently released analysis of the state's education funding that White requested last year from state economists. That legislation will focus on "getting more money to the classroom and reforming the way dollars flow," House Majority Leader Gary Simrill, R-Rock Hill, said last week. The current system involves a maze of funding formulas dating to 1977. In its education series, The Post and Courier revealed that the state currently shortchanges the minimum funding required through its oldest formula by roughly $500 million. What's more, the system has grown so complex many lawmakers don't understand how it works. Whether reform means more money remains unclear. "More money per student does not necessarily equate to a better education," Simrill said. "Spending the money wisely is key." Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, who temporarily led the House on Tuesday before Lucas was re-elected, said she's hopeful Lucas' pledge translates to real results. "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one," said Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg and the chamber's longest-serving member at nearly 27 years. "Let's not study the issue anymore. It's been studied to death. Now is the time for an investment in our children's future." Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. This design for the Medal of Honor Museum proposed for Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant has generated so much controversy that officials with the foundation behind the project are considering other locations around the country. Assistant Columbia bureau chief Adcox returned to The Post and Courier in October 2017 after 12 years covering the Statehouse for The Associated Press. She previously covered education for The P&C. She has also worked for The AP in Albany, N.Y., and for The Herald in Rock Hill. This is a story about our 42-day cruise from Athens to Hong Kong. Normally, one writes about the places weve seen and the sites we visited on a trip such as this. However, this writing is about our transition from the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Aden in a time of massive unrest in this area. The transit begins with entering the Suez Canal at Port Said, Egypt. The canal itself is only 120 miles long, although it is much wider than the Panama Canal. There are no locks. You enter the Gulf of Suez as you exit the Suez Canal. Egypt borders both sides of the Gulf of Suez as well as the Suez Canal. The Gulf of Suez is 195 miles long, and as you exit the Gulf of Suez you enter the Red Sea. The Red Sea is 1,400 miles long and joins the Gulf of Aden at its southern end through a narrow strait named Bab-el-Mandeb. The Red Sea is bordered on the west side first by Egypt, then by Sudan, then by Eritrea and finally by a very small country, Djibouti. Its east side is bordered first by Saudi Arabia and then by Yemen. The Bab-el-Mandeb strait lies between Djibouti on the west and Yemen to the east. It is only 11.5 miles wide and 30 miles long. Somalia lies just to the west of its southern end, where it empties into the Gulf of Aden. The Gulf of Aden runs along the entire south coast of Yemen and after that the south coast of Oman. It flows into the Arabian Sea after Oman. Holy Land The modern-day history of conflict within this region begins with the creation of Israel. Israel was created in 1948 and has been the object of an unrelenting, intense hatred from the entire Arab world in the 70 years since its creation. The reasons for this are obvious. It is a non-Muslim nation in a region dominated by Islam, a religion in this region that is itself dominated by terrorist minorities that encourage and promote the elimination of non-Muslims by any means necessary (including genocide if they could manage to pull it off). It is a free, democratic nation in a region populated exclusively by ruthless, bloodthirsty dictators who wield absolute power over their citizens. (The gruesome Khashoggi murder by the Saudi government is just the most recent example.) Finally, it is the most prosperous and educated nation in a region suffering from widespread poverty and illiteracy. So the religious leaders, the ruling class (often one and the same) and their poverty-stricken, ignorant (and malleable) subjects all have a common, vested interest in removing Israel from the face of the earth. Egypt is unique among Israels Arab neighbors in that it alone controls the sea route from Asia, Australia and eastern Africa to Israel. This is because it controls the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba, the Strait of Tiran. The Suez Canal, which Egypt also controls, gets all the publicity but that canal has a very limited impact on Israel, since Israel has ports on the Mediterranean Sea. Hostilities of the 50s Egypt elected a dictator, Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1956. Nasser was openly hostile to Israel and much of the western world. He nationalized the Suez Canal within one month and (more importantly to Israel) closed the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba at the same time. This caused a short war that became known as the Suez crisis. The final result was that Egypt got to keep the Suez Canal but the Gulf of Aqaba was reopened to all shipping. Nasser was defeated in the Suez crisis war, but kept the pressure up. He built up the largest and most lethal Air Force in the Arab world in the next few years, and again closed the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba in 1967. Israel, with a far smaller military, attacked immediately. Israel destroyed the Egyptian Air Force on the ground, at the same time defeating both Syria and Jordan, which had foolishly joined Egypt in the war against Israel. It was a humiliating defeat for the Arab world. This was the famous Six Day War. Israel drove Egypt out of the Sinai Peninsula and would occupy it (formerly Egyptian territory) for the next six years. The Sinai Peninsula borders the entire east side of both the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Suez, so its loss to Israel was a huge blow to Egypt. The Suez Canal suffered enormous damage in this short war, and was closed from 1967 to 1975. However, the Gulf of Aqaba was once again opened to Israeli shipping. Nasser died in 1970 and was succeeded by Anwar Sadat. Under Sadat, in 1973 Egypt (along with Syria) again attacked Israel. This was the third attack in 17 years. This war is known as the Yom Kippur war and took place for most of October 1973. The objective was to reclaim the territory in the Sinai Peninsula that had been lost to Israel in the Six Day War. The Arab world was again humiliated by Israel; it defeated Egypt and Syria within a month. The Camp David Accords were convened by Jimmy Carter and Israel gave back the western part of the Sinai Peninsula in return for a permanent treaty with Egypt. That treaty remains in effect today, and Egypt again controls both sides of the Suez Canal and both sides of the Gulf of Suez. But Israel has permanent rights to ship through the Gulf of Aqaba as well as the Suez Canal. Tangible tension There is a lot of unrest in this area, and one can both see and feel it. We went through the Suez Canal in the dark, so there was very little to see from the canal itself. However, it opens into the Gulf of Suez and we transitioned that during the day. The terrain is featureless on the east (Sinai Peninsula) side and incapable of supporting any kind of plant or animal life. There is no water. It is simply ugly desert miles and miles of it. There is abandoned war material everywhere. Abandoned parts of tanks, artillery, trucks and whatever else was employed in the Yom Kippur war litter both shores, but more so on the east (Sinai Peninsula) side. Egypt has never bothered to clean it up. Also dominating the scene are Egyptian military outposts on both shores, but many more on the eastern shore. There were dozens of them along the route; they seemed to be placed every five miles or so. Each outpost was manned by 10-20 soldiers. Most of them were just standing around smoking and conversing, but there were always at least two armed sentries standing watch in a small guard tower. When I looked at them through my binoculars, it was quite disconcerting to see them looking back at me though their binoculars. I was armed with a camera; they had AK 47s. Not a good match! I never figured out why they were posted there. Either it was to monitor ships going by or to guard against any possible future reinvasion of the Sinai Peninsula by Israel. Probably both. We docked and spent a full day at Sharm El-Sheikh, a large Egyptian resort city at the south end of the Gulf of Suez, located at the junction of the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea. This is a popular resort area, and there were guns and police, military and private security everywhere. You had to pass through security just to get into a restaurant. One could feel the tension in the air. Not an uplifting experience. Dark passage We entered the Red Sea, stopped at Safaga, Egypt for one day and departed the evening of Oct. 16. A memo from the captain awaited us when we returned to our cabin. It stated that enhanced security precautions would be taken from the evening of Oct. 18 through the morning of Oct. 23 as we went through what is determined to be a High Risk Area. This area begins in the southern end of the Red Sea where the sea narrows as we approach the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. This strait is 30 miles long; we were less than six miles from the coast of Yemen at one point. This High Risk Area continues off the southern coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden clear up to Muscat, Oman, our stop on the morning of Oct. 23. The enhanced security precautions required everyone to keep their balcony lights off at all times and keep the cabin curtains closed during the night hours. All outside deck areas and outside dining areas were still open, but not lit. Inside public areas were lit, but curtains were pulled on all the windows. We ran through the strait in the middle of the night, at high speed, and with a dark ship. We turned east into the Gulf of Aden, and into the area that is the prime hunting ground for the Somali pirates. There is a special section here named the International Recommended Transit Corridor which is 490 nautical miles long and 20 nautical miles wide. This corridor is patrolled around the clock on the water and in the air. Ships go through in convoys. We were in such a convoy and were accompanied by an Indian warship. I saw other ships in the convoy but did not see the warship. We were also told that we were provided air protection from the Indian Air Force, although I did not see any airplanes either. Our ship ran through this corridor in under 30 hours, which gave us an average speed around 16-17 knots. The speed was set by the convoy requirements, since different convoys go through at different speeds (freighters go much slower than cruise ships.) We were in this corridor for one night. In addition to the regular lights-out requirements, all outside areas were closed to the passengers. They were not only dark; we were prevented from going out into any outside areas that night. After that, we reverted to the regular enhanced safety precautions for the next two nights, until we docked on the morning of Oct. 23 at Muscat, Oman. I do not think we were ever in any real danger, but in this part of the world one never knows. It is the ugliest, most unstable part of the world we have ever been in, and we are glad to be past it. You may find an evil twin out there not your own but one that still can do great harm. That nasty double often awaits you at your airport, ready to attack when you least expect it. Thats just one of the findings in a report that assesses the vulnerability of airport Wi-Fi, done not to bust the airports chops, but to make airports and travelers aware of the problems they could encounter. Airports, said Dror Liwer, chief security officer for Coronet, a cybersecurity company, are a fertile field because theres a concentration of "high-value assets," which include business travelers who may unwittingly open themselves up to an attack, he said. Thats where the evil twin comes in. Lets say youre sitting in an airport lounge or maybe right outside the lounge. You see a Wi-Fi network that says, "FreeAirportWiFi." Great, you think. Most airports do have free Wi-Fi. They may make you watch a couple of commercials (or you may pay a bit to skip those), but otherwise, the connectivity is there for you. "I always say that in the balance between convenience and security, convenience always wins," Liwer said. And you lose. Because if you take the bait and log in, that evil twin posing as the airport Wi-Fi then has access to your closely held secrets. In some cases, Liwer said, the person creating this trap may be sitting next to you, which means the signal is strong and attractive. It takes only some inexpensive equipment and know-how for a thief to succeed, and presto, youre in the cybersecurity soup. "Most attackers are trying to get your credentials, and if they have those, they have the keys to the kingdom," Liwer said. "If I know your password, I own your life." Security tips Here are ways to keep your data safe, with help from Liwer; Vyas Sekar, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellons College of Engineering; Jake Lehmann, managing director of Friedman CyZen, a cybersecurity consulting service; and Michael Tanenbaum, executive vice president North America cyber practice for Chubb Ltd.: Remember, criminals are lazy. If they werent, theyd be going to a real job every day. So part of the solution is to make things difficult. If they are lazy, the more difficult you make things, the quicker theyll move on to the next potential victim. Create a strong password.Um, duh. Who doesnt know that? But is it practical to figure out something unique for each place you do business? No, its not. Thats why you may want to create the most difficult passwords you can and pay for a service that will store them for you. Check personal computing publications for recommendations. Make sure the website begins with "https"and displays a little "lock" symbol to the left of the URL, especially if you are doing a financial transaction. Check for misspellings or bad grammar on the website,always a clue that a site isnt legit. Because, really, is your bank going to misspell stuff? (If it is, get a new bank.) Use your own hot spot.Many smartphones offer a "personal hot spot" service, which youll probably find under "settings." Use that instead of the free Wi-Fi; also make sure you follow steps one and two above. Make sure your devices are current.When Microsoft releases updates (often on Tuesdays) or your phone has a software update, they often are patching weaknesses. Consider a VPN,or virtual private network. This is like an online bodyguard who stands between you and bad guys or gals and keeps them at bay by wearing the cyber equivalent of false glasses, a nose and mustache, disguising your true information and identity. Many people use a VPN to connect to their office computers; sometimes people use them to conceal their real location. I have used different flavors, and although they usually slow me down, life is a series of trade-offs and this is one of them. Back up your device,whether its a phone or a laptop. Malware can infiltrate your system and take it down faster than you can say, "Gracious, this is not good." (Im pretty sure I said that the last time a warning flashed on my computer screen and I clicked the link that would save me. It didnt save me. It took down my system. Fortunately, I did have a backup that was fairly current. I didnt recover everything, but I also didnt lose everything.) You cannot eliminate risk. A criminal is an expert at finding weak spots and letting in himself or herself. But you need not throw open the door wide either. About the only person we should let into our private space is the present-toting guy in a red suit who hangs out with arctic animals. Cybercriminals give you gifts too, but theyre the kind that keep on giving and not in a good way. Governor-elect Lou Leon Guerrero is headed to Washington, D.C. next week to meet President Donald Trump. Trump extended invitations to all 17 newly elected state and territorial governors to come to the White House and meet with him. "I am appreciative to President Trump for the invitation, Leon Guerrero said in a news release. I am ready to work with the Trump Administration and I am hopeful they are willing to work with Guam to resolve these shared priorities." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. She noted that there are pressing federal-territorial issues that she wants to raise with Trump. The White House meeting will take place on Thursday, Dec. 13. It will include a round-table discussion with Trump, and separate meetings with senior members of the Trump Administration. 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 LIMERICK A $2.3 million expansion of St. Teresa of Calcutta church and school took a vital step forward Wednesday morning. Thats when the Limerick Township Industrial Development Authority agreed to guarantee a $10 million borrowing by the parish for the construction of a three-story building on the Swamp Pike campus. The first floor of the building will house four classrooms for the Catholic schools junior high school students, now housed in two modular classrooms on the site, according to the Rev. Paul Brandt. The second and third floor of the building, called a ministry center, will hold meeting space and offices, said Brandt. The approval by the authority, which also held its re-organizational meeting Wednesday morning, essentially guarantees a bank loan and would only affect the public entity should the church default on its payments. Brandt explained that the majority of the loan will re-finance a previous 2008 loan from Santander Bank for a new one through Univest Bank. Brandt and Limerick Township Manager Dan Kerr both said the ministry center has always been part of the plan for the campus, the development of which has already been approved by the township when the original church and school were built. This is the final phase of our campus plan, said Brandt. Currently, the school at St. Teresa educates 275 students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. The additional four junior high classrooms in the ministry center will provide capacity for as many as 350 students, said Brandt. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring, he said. When it comes to the two main ways to support charity either giving money or donating ones time Pennsylvania residents have largely gone the route of volunteering directly, according to a new report. In fact, the trend of volunteerism is so strong in Pennsylvania, according to financial analysis firm WalletHub, that the state is the 11th most-charitable of all U.S. states despite being only 41st in share of income donated. WalletHub collected data from many different categories from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and Gallup to compile its report, 2018s Most Charitable States. Not everyone is equally selfless, WalletHubs Adam McCann wrote. In the spirit of inspiring altruism, WalletHub determined the most charitable of the 50 states by comparing them across 18 key indicators of charitable behavior. Our data set ranges from volunteer rate to share of income donated to share of sheltered homeless. The top state in WalletHubs rankings was Minnesota, while coming in 50th was Nevada. Pennsylvania was part of a pattern of Northeast states generally doing well, as neighbors New York (third overall), Maryland (fourth) and Ohio (13th) were in the same general vicinity. Further down were New Jersey (18th), Delaware (24th) and West Virginia (35th). There were a number of subcategories where Pennsylvania scored highly, including: * 10th in volunteer retention rate. * 11th in share of residents who do favors for their neighbors. * 11th in amount of money that people would lend their neighbors in need. * 10th in share of population fundraising or selling items to raise money. * 12th in share of population donating time, at 44 percent. * 15th in share of sheltered homeless, at 87.3 percent. While the share of income donated measure was in the bottom 10 in the nation at 1.08 percent, that was somewhat offset by Pennsylvanias 16th place ranking in volunteer rate, at 29.7 percent. WalletHub reached out to Jennifer Siebenthaler, associate dean for undergraduate affairs at the University of Kentuckys Gatton College of Business and Economics, to talk about the changing trends in charitable giving. According to Siebenthaler, traditionally effective fundraising tactics might not be working as well as they used to. Younger donors give in different ways, in response to different calls to action, and with different expectations than generations of the past, she said. Charities are cognizant of the changes in the newer generations of donors, but many are currently reliant on generations that respond to the traditional support letter and calls for monthly giving. Siebenthaler warned, though, that as charities try out new tactics to try to attract a new generation of donors, its important not to alienate the baby boomers who still provide the majority of charitable giving. In my contrarian Notes on the Cohen plea, I made these points among others: Thanks to the work of Rep. Devin Nunes and his Republican colleagues on the House Intelligence Committee, we know of actual collusion by a presidential campaign with organs of Russian intelligence. I refer to the Clinton campaigns work with the friends of Vladimir Putin via the Perkins Coie, Glenn Simpson/Fusion GPS and Christopher Steele. Its on the face of the Steele Dossier. If one seeks false statements to Congress that bear on Russian interference and campaign collusion, look no further than Glenn Simpsons testimony to the congressional intelligence committees. John and I wrote about Simpsons testimony in several posts that can be accessed here. Republican counsel questioning Simpson focused mostly on Simpsons simultaneous work with the BakerHostetler law firm on behalf of the Russian company Prevezon in support of its defense of the money laundering/asset forfeiture case brought by the Untied States (in the case underlying the Magnitsky Act). Recall that Simpsons work with BakerHostetler brought him into contact with Russian attorney Natalia Veselnitskaya immediately before and after she held the infamous meeting with Donald Trump, Jr. et al. at Trump Tower. In part Simpsons job was to provide research undermining the credibility of Bill Browder, the proponent of the Magnitsky Act in the United States and similar laws elsewhere. Incidentally, Trumps Jr.s meeting all by itself belies the collusion hysteria in the case of the Trump campaign. It is almost unbelievable that at the time Simpson was working on behalf of the Clinton campaign he was also working with the BakerHostetler law firm on behalf of the Russian oligarch Denis Katsyv and Prevezon Holdings in support of their defense in the asset forfeiture/money laundering case brought by the United States. Simpsons work required him to dog Bill Browder, the well-known proponent of the Magnitsky Act. Indeed, as I understand it, Magnitsky originally uncovered the facts underlying the governments case against Prevezon. In the interview counsel asked Simpson the obvious question whether he understood his work on the Prevezon case principally to have benefited the Russian government. Suffice it to say that Simpsons labored answer did not enhance his credibility as a witness. Simpson also claimed not to know anything about Veselnitskayas meeting with Trump Jr. A serious prosecutor investigating Russian interference might make something of it all. A serious prosecutor might also make something of the incredible governmental wrongdoing at the heart of the investigation that gave rise to the Mueller probe. It is the biggest political scandal in our history and Trump is a victim of it, not a perpetrator Now comes Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley to make the following points in a December 3 letter to the slimy Senator Blumenthal on the ostensible subject of Donald Trump, Jr. (embedded below), as summarized by Chuck Ross in the Daily Caller (and do read the whole thing): Senator Grassley is accusing Fusion GPS founder Glenn Simpson of giving extremely misleading if not outright false testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2017. Grassley said in a letter Monday that he hopes the Justice Department is treating Simpsons testimony in the same manner as that of Michael Cohen, the former Trump lawyer who pleaded guilty on Nov. 29 to lying to Congress. Grassley claims that Simpson may have lied when he denied that he was working for a client to investigate President Donald Trump after the election. Now what? Probably nothing. I do not pretend to know. The truth of the matter nevertheless has its own continuing claim on our attention. 2018-12-03 CEG to Blumentha by on Scribd The Special Counsel has filed a sentencing memo and addendum in advance of the sentencing of Michael Flynn on the false statements charge to which he pleaded guilty way back when. I have embedded the 13-page document that is available only in heavily redacted form below. The Special Counsel recommends no incarceration for Flynn. He commends Flynn for his cooperation. His cooperation is ongoing. At page 1 the addendum cites Flynns assistance in the Special Counsels investigation of coordination between the Trump campaign officials and the Russian government, but the substance of Flynns cooperation is redacted. Flynn sat for 19 interviews with prosecutors in addition to providing documents. Details of a separate criminal investigation in which he has assisted prosecutors were redacted. The Special Counsel asserts that Flynns early cooperation was particularly valuable because he was one of the few people with long-term and firsthand insight regarding events and issues under investigation by Muellers team. News stories help refresh and put the sentencing document in context. You may want to have a look at the Examiners Not done yet? Mueller hails former Trump adviser Flynns help with several ongoing investigations,' Politicos Mueller: Flynn gave substantial assistance to probe, deserves little to no prison and the New York Timess Flynn Was a Key Cooperator and Deserves Little Prison Time, Mueller Team Says. For good close readings of the sentencing document I recommend Gregg Jarrett, Muller strikes out (FOX News) and Byron York (Washington Examiner), From fishy beginning, Mueller case against Michael Flynn nears end with no jail recommendation. York captures the continuing mysteries that inhere in this story. The Special Counsel s Sentencing Memo for Former by Scott Johnson on Scribd The Washington Post reports that Beto ORourke, who is weighing whether to mount a 2020 presidential bid, met recently with Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. The meeting reportedly took place on November 16. According to the Post, some former Obama aides have encouraged ORourke to run for president. They see him as capable of the kind of campaign that caught fire in the 2008 presidential election. Some Republicans are, or pretend to be, dismissive of ORourke as a credible challenger to President Trump. They cite his recent defeat at the hands of Ted Cruz in the Texas Senate race. But ORourke ran a strong race against Cruz, losing by less than 3 points in strongly Republican state. Its true that ORourke was buoyed by an enormous influx of money. But its also true that he likely would be similarly buoyed if he runs for president. Losing elections shouldnt be viewed as a deal breaker for aspiring presidential candidates. Richard Nixon had lost back-to-back races (for president in 1960 and for governor of California in 1962) when he was elected president in 1968. George H.W. Bush was a two time loser in Texas, when that state was dominated by Democrats. Bill Clinton lost two races in Arkansas (for the U.S. House in 1974 and for governor in 1980). Barack Obama suffered defeat in the Democratic primary when he ran for the U.S. House in 2000. Critics also note that ORourke was arrested twice in the 1990s, for trespass and DWI. In the case of the DWI, a witness told police that ORourke tried to flee the scene after his car careened across the center median into oncoming lanes. The arrests have been public knowledge for years. They didnt prevent Betos election to the U.S. House. The part about fleeing the scene apparently was first publicly revealed during this years Senate race. He was still able to mount a strong challenge to Sen. Cruz. I think ORourke is near the top of the list of the strongest Democratic presidential prospects. His strength, it seems to me, is that he can serve up the Partys leftist medicine in a fresh, attractive white package This gives him the edge over Kamala Harris and Cory Booker (both black) as well as Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders (both old and unattractive) not to mention Hillary Clinton and John Kerry. My view is reinforced by the fact that ORourke reportedly is being swamped by calls from Democratic operatives eager to work for him, while other campaigns-in-the-making are eyeing his moves closely for any signs of his intentions. This means that those with most incentive to figure out who is a hot presidential prospect have identified ORourke as such. Their assessment may prove to be incorrect, but right now it should be taken seriously. UPDATE: In the next-to-last paragraph of this post, I assumed that ORourkes race helps make him a stronger candidate than Harris and Booker. I think it does in terms of the general election and maybe the Democratic primaries too. Its true, of course, that America elected Barack Obama president. Some say Obamas status as an African-American actually enhanced his candidacy. This might be true. If so, I think it was because of the novelty. The opportunity, as some saw it, to elect our first black president may have more than offset the votes Obama undoubtedly lost due to his race. This time, the novelty factor wont be in play. I should add that ORourke has other advantages over Harris and Booker. Hes more charismatic than the former and less off-the-wall than the latter. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the acquittal of former Pampanga 2nd District Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo in his P27-million tax evasion case. In an extended resolution dated September 12, 2018, the high court said it junked the government's appeal assailing the Court of Tax Appeals' (CTA) decision to clear Arroyo "for its procedural defects and substantive deficiencies." "The CTA in Division, noting that the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) did not discover the sources of Arroyo's vaunted income, fully disclosed the various reasons why the State's theory of the charges could not prosper, and how the chosen audit procedure known as the net worth method did not suffice to prove his criminal liability under the informations," the resolution read. Arroyo, son of current House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was accused by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for allegedly misdeclaring and evading 27.3 million worth of taxes for the years 2004, 2006, and 2007. But the CTA on March 21, 2018 cleared the former Congressman of the tax case, saying that state failed to "prove his (Arroyo's) guilt beyond reasonable doubt." The Philippine government, through the Office of the Solicitor General, then filed a petition for certiorari an appeal asking the Supreme Court to review a decision of a lower court assailing CTA's earlier decision on the tax case. SC, however, said CTA "did not act capriciously or whimsically in absolving" Arroyo of the said charges. "As its 69-page decision reveals, the CTA in Division assiduously sifted the evidence and analyzed the records; it explained the merits of the charges upon reviewing the elements of the offenses charged and determining whether or not the evidence adduced by the Prosecution established such elements," the resolution noted. Arroyo, meanwhile, is eyeing a comeback at the House of Representatives as he had filed a certificate of candidacy for Pampanga 2nd District Representative for the 2019 midterm polls. Should he win the seat, he will be taking the post vacated by his mother who is now the House speaker. PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-05 13:41:35 Press Information Research Report Insights 42 Joseph Street Research Report Insights (RRI Port carling P0B 1J0 Muskoka, Ontario1 Phone - +1-631-721-4201 Website: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/ Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com BISHU 6317214201 6317214201 email http://www.. # 646 Words 42 Joseph StreetResearch Report Insights (RRIPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com63172142016317214201http://www.. researchreportinsights.com The worldwide market for broadcast equipment is considered to be driven by different aspects, for example, the changeover from simple to advanced broadcasting, expanding concentration on generation automation, developing acknowledgment of HD globally and increasing figure of digital stations. In addition, the content prerequisite at numerous places, expanding utilization of broadcasting equipment in worship places, sports, corporate conferences, and news production is additionally fuelling the expansion of broadcasting equipment at some level.One of the main aspect adding to the market expansion is the expanding the requirement for HD programming and better approaches to disperse the content, for example, mobile TV and internet protocol television (IPTV) is rapidly deploying and developing. Besides, the market for broadcasting equipment has additionally been seeing the growing preference of the individuals in the direction of multi-screen services in addition to rising D2C offers by multi-channel networks and OTT services in emerged economies. Government regulations are enforced with respect to digitalization is likewise anticipated to fuel the market.Request For Report Sample: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upsample/120124761/Broadcasting-Equipment-Market Moreover, with the immense expansion in several tablets and smartphones, the development prospects of video services have expanded extensively recently. This is because of the way that recently, there is a growing habit amid the consumer for watching a movie, sports, and shows through their cell phones without trading off about the nature of the services.Although irregularity in content circulation, higher cost of broadcasting equipment, for example, audio-video mixers, cables and cameras, the vast capital cost is required while putting in the new broadcast facility along with the absence of standardized ways in content circulation are a few of the aspects that are limiting this market. Moreover, rivalry among the sellers in the worldwide market has expanded remarkably. This is because of the fall in cost and new entrants in the market that is further impeding the expansion.There is a global preference in the direction of the software-based solutions that are high on speed also could be IP connected so that updating might be probable with little hardware replacement. North America and Europe are considered to be the most lucrative market owing to the adoption of advanced technology as well as more of the organizations involvement in R&D programs to maintain peace with the competition. APAC in the approaching years holds new prospects owing to developing economies, growing awareness amid individuals regarding internet browsing as well as higher utilization of electronic items, for instance, tablets, smartphones, and television.Request For TOC: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/TOC/120124761/Broadcasting-Equipment-Market In April 2014, ARRIS declared it acquiring of Mississauga, Ontario-based SeaWell Networks one year after its noteworthy acquirement of Motorola Mobility's Home division. SeaWell's ABR (adaptive bit rate) streaming technologies in addition to the ability of its network & cloud business were integrated into ARRISs. This collective portfolio of ad insertion solutions, multiscreen and IP video enabled the advertising services and next-gen TV. These solutions helped to enhance IP video by reaching new levels of personalization and interactivity. They are moreover streamlining video distribution all over several devices, whilst minimizing the complexity and cost of manifold IP streaming programs for multiple device types.The prominent market players leading the overall market are ARRIS Enterprise Inc., Alcatel-Lucent SA, Cisco Systems Inc., Brightcove Inc., Harmonic Inc., Ericsson A.B., SeaChange International Inc., Microsoft Corp. along with ZTE Corp. A few other market players operating in the overall market are Anevia, Alticast Solutions, Azuki Systems Inc., Ateme, Elemental Technologies, Edgeware AB, Imagine Communications, Envivio Inc., Seawell Networks Inc., Minerva Networks, UTStarcom Inc., Thomson Video Networks and Verimatrix Inc. These market players are contributing to research and development activities integrate compression techniques and new technologies in their systems in addition to develop novel products to boost their market share in the worldwide broadcast equipment market.Report Analysis: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upcomming/120124761/Broadcasting-Equipment-Market PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-05 12:55:53 Press Information TikTokTop 551 Cheshire Road, Califonia 06515 Sandy Johnson Sandy Johnson 203-397-0849 email https://tiktoktop.com/ # 449 Words 551 Cheshire Road, Califonia 06515Sandy Johnson203-397-0849 5 December - TikTok provides great services for those who are wondering to boost their accounts on diverse social media platforms. If you are ready to forget about invisibility and start a popular period of your life, then the TikTok services will be the most suitable. The many offerings of this company can make your profile brighten with likes and subscribers. If you felt interested in these services, do not hesitate to see what else of intriguing the TikTok team cam offer you.The website of TikTok is a great chance for those who dont know what the company is ready to deliver. With the many detailed info presented there online, people can easily be more confident in their knowledge about how to boost a post or a music or an account. Do not wait to see the rubrics about and contact, to be sure what the company represents. As well, you are more than welcome to see the packages and the prices about the available offerings from the XX company. You can simply leave a message to the TikTok representative. Then you will be able to receive a message from the part of TikTok.Why should you consider the TikTok services? First of all, TikTok is the utmost cheap and efficient service for those who would like to gain more likes. The manual and totally effective offerings for popularity lovers are quite affordable. Compared to the XX World Wide Web competitors, it can be said that the the company is surely one of the leaders, and provides worthwhile service. Having a professional team of marketing specialists, the TikTok company is the sole that could advise you exactly what you seek for. Yet another thing to mention, TikTok has already tried their efforts on other clients, and you can see how satisfied they remained. Last but not least, with the help of TikTok, you will not even notice how your track post will gather audience, no matter what kind of posting you made and how popular you were a time ago. The natural boosting will surely last for a huge period of time. Dont wait to see how TikTok can aid you.About TikTok:TikTok is an online boosting company, providing qualitative and trusted services in the field of boosting accounts. For those who are ready for new margins, there is a totally cool chance for you here, to make use of the most effective services of TikTok. Dont forget to subscribe to the news of TikTok, and you will definitely have a fantastic discovering.Contact:Company: TikTokTopContact Name: Sandy JohnsonAddress: 551 Cheshire Road, Califonia 06515E-mail: info@ tiktoktop.com Phone: 203-397-0849Website: https://tiktoktop.com/ PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-05 17:46:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 614 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2018 / In its recent years, FidLo International has made enviable progress and differentiated itself in a crowded market, cementing this success with its recognition as Financial Broker of the Year. This award is presented to financial institutions which deliver outstanding results with regard to profitability, customer care, compliance, and platform features, among other criteria. This UK-based company has expanded quickly to become a top-of-the-line contracts for difference (CFDs) broker, establishing large positions all over Europe and Asia before recently storming the Latin American market with huge success.FidLo International attributes its achievements to the emphasis it places on a custom-built service. Given today's highly globalized and technological world, the company has made it a priority to keep close to its customers, aiming for effective communication and identifying clearly the needs of each of them. Its services exist to help every investor maximize returns with the lowest possible risk, which means that people like novice stock market participants can expect all the support and attention they need to start their investment journey successfully and grow their wealth. With trust and security set as cornerstones of its strategy, FidLo International approaches each customer with the premise that objectives and purposes are as diverse as people around the globe. It treats each of them as an exclusive client and makes certain that every portfolio is special and custom-made, reflecting not only the investment objectives and needs of the person but also their individuality.Since many of FidLo International's customers invest in shares, the company is taking the opportunity to comment on the year-end phenomenon that has come to be known as a Santa Claus rally. The term refers to the stock market gains typically observed in the final week of December and the first days of January. According to the 2017 edition of the Stock Trader's Almanac, ''Since 1969, the Santa Claus rally has yielded positive returns in 34 of the past 45 holiday seasons - the last five trading days of the year and the first two trading days after New Year's. The average cumulative return over these days is 1.4%, and returns are positive in each of the seven days of the rally, on average.'' While belief in this year-end uptick is not universal, the majority of analysts and fund managers agree that plenty of evidence exists to support the theory. Nicholas Colas, co-founder of DataTrek Research, is of the opinion that 2018 will not witness a Santa rally because the strong seasonal trends will be countered by negative investor sentiment. However, the optimists are overwhelmingly in the majority, among them being John Stoltzfus, chief investment strategist and managing director of Oppenheimer Asset Management. Speaking on CNBC's Fast Money program, he said, ''I think we could probably get 7 percent out of it,'' going on to suggest that consumer discretionary and technology stocks could provide the main boost.Incorporated in the UK, FidLo International has committed itself to helping clients build strong, diverse portfolios and maximize their investment returns while accounting for individual goals and risk tolerance. Employing sophisticated technological solutions and a team of market experts, the investment broker offers opportunities for trading in various financial instruments, including stocks and contracts for difference (CFDs). The company operates as a regulated entity in the UK, Cyprus, and the British Virgin Island.FidLo - The next step in your investment: https://www.fintrd.com FidLo International on the Implications of S&P 500 Changes for FAANGs: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fidlo-international-implications-p-500-214500044.html FidLo International Highlights Latin America's Ascent in Global Derivatives Market: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fidlo-international-highlights-latin-americas-164000973.html Contact Information:FidLo InternationalLeadenhall Building122 Leadenhall StreetLondon, England, UKSOURCE: FidLo International PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-05 07:30:01 Visit stand 30 at the 5th Digital Pathology and AI Congress, London to learn how Inspirata is igniting digital pathology with new software features and functions in release v2.0.8. London, United Kingdom, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- London, United Kingdom, December 5, 2018/Globe Newswire Cancer informatics and digital pathology workflow solution provider Inspirata Europe, Ltd. today revealed it has entered into a partnership agreement with Hamamatsu Photonics affording shared customers with the ability to view native Hamamatsu .ndpi images within Inspiratas Dynamyx digital pathology software. Inspirata and Hamamatsu will also be showcasing the many benefits this technical partnership will bring to clinical laboratories as part of both providers scheduled participation in Digital Pathology & AI Congress, London. By bringing on new leading scanner partners and enhancing the viewer capabilities, Dynamyx is positioning itself as the nucleus of a digital pathology ecosystem, says Inspirata Founder Dr. Mark Lloyd. We are thrilled to be seamlessly integrated with the high quality Whole Slide Images produced by the diverse line of Hamamatsu scanners, as it gives our joint clients an exemplary user experience while protecting any previous investment in scanners and allowing for the growth of new instruments. The Hamamatsu integration is included as part of release v2.0.8, comes just three months after Inspiratas last major update and further exemplifies the partnership philosophy which underpins their mission and vision. We are bringing scanners, image analysis algorithms and AP-LIS/ LIMS vendors together to create a comprehensive digital workflow which empowers pathologists to work more efficiently and effectively, says General Manager of Inspirata Europe, Ltd. Tim Wing. With the Royal College of Pathologists 2018 Histopathology Workforce Surveyi surfacing just three percent of histopathology departments in the UK possess sufficient staff to meet demand, equipping those covering the shortfall to work smarter is imperative. The pathology and laboratory community are desperately appealing for providers to work closer together for the betterment of patients and this partnership speaks to what can be achieved when they do. Hamamatsu Photonics is delighted to collaborate with Inspirata and is excited that our renowned range of WSI scanners will form a key part of such an integrated digital pathology workflow solution, explains Hamamatsu Photonics Europe Nanozoomer Product Manager Emmanuel Pirson. We expect this partnership to contribute to an accelerated uptake of integrated digital pathology solutions within the European clinical market. Likewise, this collaboration represents just one of a number of steps our Company is taking to increase awareness and acceptance of digital pathology. With orders placed for a single Nanozoomer S60 and two Nanozoomer S360, one of the early beneficiaries of the Inspirata and Hamamatsu partnership will be Path Links in Lincoln. Representing one of the largest clinical pathology networks in the UK, Path Links serves a population of approximately one million and processes four and a half million specimens each year. When undertaking a transformation as significant as migrating from analogue to digital pathology, it is essential to have the freedom as an institution to select the blend of providers which most appropriately match your requirements, says Mick Chomyn, Path Links General Manager. Having spent the last few months really putting them through their paces, we are confident that the Hamamatsu scanners represent an excellent fit and will serve to complement our existing scanner investments. Located at stand 30 at Digital Pathology & AI Congress, event attendees will be able to participate in interactive demonstrations of the Dynamyx digital pathology workflow software and explore for themselves how real-time collaboration, case-sharing, workflow algorithms and AI-based image analysis APIs functionality could be utilized to assist their laboratory reduce turnaround times. In addition, Inspirata and Hamamatsu will be participating in a joint Congress workshop in which they will spotlight their new integration on December 7th 1.45-2.30. Registration for this workshopii is now open and can be accessed via the link here. The pressures on pathology departments are increasing. Inspiratas advanced workflow-centric tools and open architecture are critical enablers of digital adoption as a way to alleviate these challenges. About Hamamatsu Photonics Hamamatsu has a decade of real world experience in delivering sophisticated whole slide imaging (WSI) solutions across the globe. Hamamatsus NanoZoomer whole slide scanner series quickly transform entire histology and cytology glass slides into diagnostic-quality digital images for duplication, annotation, storage, retrieval, and image sharing. Our intuitive viewer software and patented navigation map technique enable users to scan slides in a variety of modes and share images across networks. Applications include routine and computer-aided diagnosis in laboratories, research, education, and telepathology. About Inspirata Europe Ltd. Inspirata Europe Ltd. provides oncology diagnostics workflow solutions that span digital pathology; diagnostic and predictive assays; and precision medicine. It also offers cancer informatics workflows that, in combination with its Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms structures unstructured case files and clinician notes to provide key insights for oncology-specific clinical and operational activities as well as cancer reporting. Inspiratas flagship solution is its Cancer Information Data Trust (CIDT) that generates a longitudinal view of oncology patientsfrom diagnosis, through treatments and therapies, to outcomes. The CIDT has extensive applications in clinical decision support, research, education, drug discovery and clinical trials enrollment. Its use will extend to physicians, patients, researchers, pharma and others. For more information, please visit www.inspirata.com or contact info@inspirata.com. i Royal College of Pathologists Histopathology Workforce Survey link here ii The workshop is only open to those registered to attend Digital Pathology & AI Congress. Attachments PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-05 02:36:01 Maana Opens London Office to Address European Demand Linda Madden lmadden@piercom.com (713) 627-2223 Maana, the pioneer of digital knowledge technology, announced the expansion of its international operations with the opening of its London office. Marking the companys fifth location since its beginnings in 2013, the UK headquarters is located at One Canada Square, an iconic building residing in Canary Wharf a rich cultural district housing several Fortune Global 500 listed corporations. This expansion highlights the markets response to Maanas solution, the Knowledge Platform, which enables industrial organizations to accelerate decision making across the enterprise, gaining operational efficiencies and resulting in considerable CAPEX and OPEX improvements. We are excited to be working with the industrys top leaders - the catalysts for change - who are breaking the barriers of data and organizational silos so that their enterprises can realize the benefits of a fully digitalized infrastructure, said Maana Founder and CEO, Babur Ozden. From our new London office, we will support our growing customer base in Europe and have access to top talent to grow our organization. The London operations augment Maanas existing presence in Palo Alto, California; Bellevue, Washington; Houston, Texas and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and is home to Maanas team of experts who have implemented groundbreaking business applications and solutions for companies like IBM, Cisco, Romonet and Elsevier. London is a critical hub for the global energy sector and a large segment of our international industrial clients, said Kieran OByrne, a Principal Customer Solutions Analyst who previously worked for IBM driving the adoption of IBM Watson technologies. Im happy to join Maanas accomplished team of London-based data scientists and customer solutions team members. This marquee location will only further our recruitment activities and will help our customers digital transformation journeys. About Maana: Maana is an award-winning digital knowledge platform provider focused on creating CAPEX and OPEX gains for industrial companies. Its unique Computational Knowledge Graph de-silos knowledge from data sources and tacit expertise, to improve decision making across the enterprise. Maanas investors include Intel Capital, GE Ventures, Chevron Technology Ventures, Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures, Shell Technology Ventures, Accenture Ventures, and China International Capital Corporation. Maana is privately held with offices in Palo Alto, California; Bellevue, Washington; Houston, Texas, London, UK; and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Visit us at https://www.maana.io View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181204006 Maana, the pioneer of digital knowledge technology, opens #London office to address European demand. #digitaltransformation #digitalization PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-05 21:23:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 322 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 As a privately held adjuster, Noble Public Adjusting Group advocates for insurance policyholders throughout the entire claims process to help negotiate a fair and appropriate payout.PANAMA CITY, FL / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2018 / Given the recent devastating effects of Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle region, Noble Public Adjusting Group is advocating on behalf of local residents who have been denied proper insurance coverage.In the event of a natural disaster, individuals rely heavily on insurance providers to help cover the cost of damages. However, despite the rights of the policyholder, carriers are working to either deny or minimize the total payable amount.They argue that if a policyholder has consistently paid their premiums, there is no reason why an insurance carrier should disregard the terms of their initial agreement.Recent studies suggest that on average a public insurance adjuster can increase claim payouts by approximately 747%. With a multitude of trained professionals, Noble Public Adjusting Group offers a comprehensive service to help ensure fair compensation. Continuously motivated to help others, the firm maintains strong communal ties and works diligently to dispense proper payment for a claim. For more information regarding their services visit http://www.noblepagroup.com About Noble Public Adjusting GroupThe Noble Public Adjusting Group is a state licensed and regulated adjuster that represents the rights of the policyholder with respect to insurance claims. With a clients best interest in mind, they offer a wide range of services including property inspection and consultation, insurance appraisals, as well as commercial and residential claim representation. They state that individuals should have confidence in their insurance policy while constantly aware of their next step. With an extensive referral base, Noble Public Adjusting Group remains an industry leader in settling difficult claims and takes pride in their unwavering ability to help those who have been denied basic coverage.For more information, please contact:Bo Williamson1(800)-705-0570bo@ noblepagroup.com SOURCE: Noble Public Adjusting Group PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-05 13:02:01 Pricoa Capital Group provides Yorkshire Water with 100 million private placement financing MEDIA: Claire Currie +1 973-802-4040 claire.currie@pgim.com Pricoa Capital Group has provided 100 million in private placement financing to Yorkshire Water, provider of essential water and wastewater services to residents and businesses in the Yorkshire and Humber region. Pricoa Capital Group is the private capital arm of PGIM, the US$1 trillion global investment management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005 Yorkshire Water sought to bring a new lender into its capital structure through a bilateral process and was introduced to Pricoa Capital Group by the debt finance specialist firm IDCM Limited. We welcomed the opportunity to partner with Pricoa Capital Group, an established investor in the UK water sector, to secure competitive financing that fits well with Yorkshire Waters long-term requirements, said Liz Barber, director of finance, regulation and markets, Yorkshire Water. The transaction, arranged in a dual tranche of 16- and 20-year fixed-rate senior notes, will fund Yorkshire Waters ongoing business activities and diversify its investor base. Investing in the UK water sector is an important component of our infrastructure financing business. We are pleased to provide Yorkshire Water with this private placement as they continue to supply efficient and sustainable water services to their millions of customers, said Christina Kim, vice president, infrastructure investing, Pricoa Capital Group. About Pricoa Capital Group Pricoa Capital Group has been a leading provider of private placements, mezzanine debt and equity to companies for more than 75 years. Managing a portfolio of more than US$81 billion as of 30 September 2018, Pricoa offers senior debt, junior capital, leveraged leases, project financing, credit tenant leases as well as asset financing to companies, worldwide. The global regional office network has locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Frankfurt, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City*, Milan, Minneapolis, Newark, New York, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney**. For more information, please visit pricoa.com. * Operates through PGIM Real Estate Mexico S.C. ** Operates through PGIM (Australia) Pty Ltd. About PGIM and Prudential Financial, Inc. With 15 consecutive years of positive third-party institutional net flows, PGIM, the global asset management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), ranks among the top 10 largest asset managers in the world with more than US$1 trillion in assets under management as of 30 September 2018. PGIMs businesses offer a range of investment solutions for retail and institutional investors around the world across a broad range of asset classes, including fundamental equity, quantitative equity, public fixed income, private fixed income, real estate and commercial mortgages. Its businesses have offices in 15 countries across five continents. For more information, please visit pgim.com. Prudential Financial, Inc. of the United States is not affiliated with Prudential plc, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom. Prudentials additional businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities and retirement-related services. For more information about Prudential, please visit news.prudential.com. *As ranked in Investment & Pensions Europe Top 400 Asset Managers list, June 2018; based on PFI total worldwide assets under management as of 31 December 2017. Connect with us on LinkedIn Join the conversation and follow [..] View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005 Pricoa Capital Group has provided 100 million in private placement financing to Yorkshire Water. PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-05 19:27:49 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 722 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NAPERVILLE, IL / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2018 / Chicago Website Design SEO Company, based in Naperville, IL, has announced with pride that they are top rated in the SEO niche. This can be gleaned from the reviews provided for the SEO company where they have been found to receive mostly five star reviews on Yelp and other sites.Jack Lombardi from Chicago Website Design SEO Company says, "Your search for the best SEO company in Chicago ends here. Having succeeded where the competition didn't, we hope you agree our SEO services prove to be the more effective. Our past clients have spoken and we feel that it is the result of having strived to be the best. Our SEO agency is here to ensure your website is optimized to rank high on Google, but our goal is top position." In one of the said reviews, Rudy B gave the company five stars and said, "Jack and his staff have been great from the beginning. Results I was told to expect were right on track. I highly recommend using Chicago Website Design SEO Company for all of your SEO needs. I love their approach taken to maximize results. Jack took the time to explain things to me as I didn't have the best knowledge of how things worked. Great company and great honest/fair people to work with!"In another one of the SEO company reviews, Irwin M also gave the company a five star rating and said, "My website had lots of issues. My search engine optimization was horrible due to an outdated theme, lots of bad links that I didn't know how to eliminate and other issues that Jack was able to solve for me. He used a modern theme, rebuilt my site from the ground up, gave it a modern look and worked..."Among the various services offered by the SEO company is Google My Business (GMB) optimization. GMB is a service from Google that provides a platform that can be used for marketing, advertising and promoting websites. GMB results appear beside the results of a regular Google search. The advantage is that it allows the search results for a business to appear with more and better information, including the physical location of the business as shown on Google Maps.Google My Business SEO has the goal of making the business' website rank better in the GMB search results. What this means is that with GMB SEO, the business' listing will appear on the top of the first page of the search results. This would mean more visitors, which leads to more customers for the business. The service is offered for free by Google but optimizing the listing requires dedication of time and some expertise, which can be provided by Chicago Website Design SEO Company.Chicago Website Design SEO Company also provides online reputation management services. Jack points out that maintaining a good online reputation is essential because the business might be dealing with important clients anytime. There are certain events where a good online reputation is most important. Those times include when closing an important business deal, starting a new business, working with customers who prefer to read reviews first, comparison shopping, building a partnership in business, connecting with colleagues, networking, talking to the press, and looking for new clients. The SEO company can manage a business' online reputation to make sure that people who are considering the business will not be discouraged from dealing with the business.Another important service provided by Chicago Website Design SEO Company is the generation of leads. The company has the capability to build lead generation systems, such as lead funnels, website design, email sequence writing, content writing, search engine optimization, pay per click setup and management, and reputation building. The processes involved in lead generation include finding the appropriate keywords, building or redesigning a website, optimization of a website, building or managing online reputation, and off-page SEO efforts for the right keywords.Those who need more information on local business SEO services can visit the company website or contact them by phone.For more information about Chicago Website Design SEO Company, contact the company here:CONTACT:Chicago Website Design SEO CompanyJack Lombardi(630) 839-9099info@ Chicgowebsitedesignseocompany.com 1001 E Ogden AveSte 201ANaperville, IL 60563SOURCE: Chicago Website Design SEO Company PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-05 14:26:56 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 481 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 After winning the hearts of countless users, Snupit impresses judges and voters as wellPIETERMARITZBURG, KWAZULU-NATAL / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2018 / On Thursday, October 11, 2018, the MTN App of the Year awards were held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Snupit participated in this highly competitive event and were runners up in the Best Enterprise Solution category.To learn more about Snupit and the services that the company offers, please visit https://www.snupit.co.za/ There were approximately 700 entrants who participated across 12 categories. Snupit was shortlisted in the Best Enterprise Solution Category, Best Women In Stem Category and Best South African Solution Category. Submissions were reviewed by Business App of the Year experts who chose the top five apps in each category. Of these 60 shortlisted apps, users were asked to vote to select an app for the People's Choice Award.Avinash Samlall, Snupit's CEO and Co-Founder remarked, "South Africa's most innovative app companies took part in these prestigious awards, making this a significant achievement for Snupit. We're thrilled to make it this far and will go higher next time." The competition took place during September. After being shortlisted for three categories, Snupit was invited to a higher round of judging on Tuesday, September 25. The company was asked to present the Snupit app to the judges for 10 minutes, followed by a short Q&A.The MTN App of the Year Awards are considered a champion of app development in South Africa. They celebrate local talent and innovative thinking that drive disruption. Since their inception six years ago, they have evolved as a leading app development competition in the country. In addition to amazing prizes, entrants enjoy excellent media exposure and publicity. More so, of course, for finalists and winners.Mr. Samlall added, "It was a privilege and an honour to be among such high calibre of entrants. We've worked so hard on Snupit and are really proud of how it has grown. We know how we're really connected with the masses and now we're also happy to be recognized on such an amazing platform. We're looking forward to participating next year and going all the way." The MTN App of the Year Awards had their inaugural event in 2012, the same year Snupit was launched.About Snupit:Founded in 2012, Snupit makes it easier for millions of customers to use technology to find and hire trusted small businesses across the country. Snupit is one of the largest local services companies in South Africa, offering over 600 categories ranging from handymen, to wedding caterers to maths tutors. The service was created by Snupit's founder after he couldn't find a particular service online after searching for several days. Today, Snupit has 2 million monthly users and has 350,000 local professionals and businesses listed. For more information, visit https://www.snupit.co.za/ Contact InformationEmail: press@ snupit.co.za Contact: Avinash SamlallPhone: 086 000 4500SOURCE: Snupit Wood Vinegar Market PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-05 07:11:25 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com Sonali Analyst +1 03479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/wood-vinegar-market # 734 Words Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.comAnalyst+1 03479183531 Wood vinegar is a natural substance extracted from wood also known as pyroligneous acid, mokusaku or liquid smoke. Wood vinegar is a biodegradable and non-toxic material used in animal feeds and agriculture, and consider as a good choice for organic farming. Wood vinegar aids in stimulating plant & fruit growth, reduce odor, enriches soil fertility, prevents pests, weeds, roots from rotting and enhance seeds for germination. Moreover, wood vinegar strengthens the photosynthesis, expands the content of chlorophyll of the plants, and improves the crop resistance. Wood vinegar is produced through the process of carbonization, which takes place when the wood is heated in an airless container. Wood vinegar is used as a source for acetic acids. Acetic acids account for 6-7% of overall ingredients and 70% of natural matter. In addition, vinegar is comprised of 80-90% of water along with more than 200 organic compounds. Also, when bio-oils produced at a moderate temperate with the relatively high heating rate, it turned into wood vinegar. Wood vinegar has a strong germicidal effect owing to the presence of germicidal ingredients such as phenol & methanol, and high acidity property.Request Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2968 Wood Vinegar Market:Drivers and RestraintsWood vinegar market is witnessing maximum growth owing to increasing use of bio-fertilizers and pesticides among food manufacturers, improve flavor, firmness, color, better crop yield, enhance soil fertility, expanding government initiatives for the use of bio-based ingredient & pigments in food, and a substitute to agrochemicals. Moreover, expanding application of wood vinegar among various industries, low manufacturing cost, potential for waste management, and upsurge in the food industry are some of the others factors that can boost the demand for wood vinegar over the forecast period. However, limited manufacturers for the production of wood vinegar and stringent regime policies & regulations may hamper the growth of wood vinegar market in the near future.Wood Vinegar Market:SegmentationThe Wood vinegar market has been classified on the basis of pyrolysis method, and application.Based on pyrolysis method, the wood vinegar market is segmented into the following:Fast PyrolysisSlow PyrolysisBased on application, the wood vinegar market is segmented into the following:Animal FeedAgricultureConsumer ProductsMedicinalWood Vinegar Market:OverviewWood vinegar market revenue is expected to grow at a rapid growth rate, over the forecast period. The market is anticipated to perform well in the near future, owing to the fact that it has a empyreumatic taste , odor, grow healthy soil microbes, better resistance to pests, has an acidifying pH adjuster, and enhance the nutrition level & quality of the produced crops. Moreover, acceptance of wood vinegar as an essential farming raw material, and used as a pesticide are some of the other factors that can accelerate the market revenue growth of wood vinegar during the forecast period. Based on pyrolysis method, slow pyrolysis is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. This is attributed to aid the fuel production, power generation from various biomasses, pre-conditioning unit for gasifiers, and improve the quality of wood vinegar based products. Based on application, agriculture segment dominates the global wood vinegar market during the forecast period. This is attributed to its several advantages in the agriculture sector such as improve seeds incubation, stimulate root growth, soil enrichment and control the harmful effect of weed on crop growth.Request For Table Of Content @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2968 Wood Vinegar Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on the geographic region, wood vinegar market is divided into seven key regions: North America, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Western Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the wood vinegar marketfollowed by Europe This is attributed to the high consumption of convenience and processed food, high awareness about food safety, high demand for bio-based agriculture fertilizers and extensively use of wood vinegar in Japan and other regions. Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa hold huge potential and show substantial growth in terms of increasing use of organic fertilizer, substitute to synthetic chemicals for small-scale farmers, and the presence of local players in these regions are some of the factors which strengthens the growthof wood vinegar market throughout the forecast period.Wood Vinegar Market:Key Players Some players of wood vinegar market are Nettenergy B.V., Canada Renewable Bioenergy Corp., Wood Vinegar Australia, Ace (Singapore) Pte Ltd., Byron Biochar, Nakashima Trading Co.Ltd.and Nettenergy B.V. PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-05 15:00:02 High-growth open source software company will use funding to further expand in US, Europe and Asia First outside funding after being profitable since inception Enterprise customers include more than 200 leading blue-chip banks, mobile operators, insurers and software companies BERLIN and SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Camunda, creators of popular open source workflow automation software, has today announced a 25 million Series A financing from Highland Europe, marking the first time the company has taken outside investment. Camunda will use the new funds to accelerate global awareness of its solutions, drive continued product development and expand its organization in the United States, Europe and Asia. With annual recurring revenue (ARR) more than doubling over the past 12 months, Camundas growth has been fueled by global demand from both digital-native businesses and companies undergoing digital transformation. The Camunda stack provides an integrated platform for software developers and business stakeholders, covering all phases of workflow automation: from process design and execution, to continuous process improvement. The stack includes a robust toolkit for modeling and executing business processes, coupled with powerful visual interfaces for monitoring and troubleshooting active processes and analyzing large volumes of process data. Today, instead of buying monolithic business systems off the shelf, modern organizations are composing their own bespoke technology stack that reflects their individual business model. Digital transformation means that companies need to automate core business processes which are not rigidly baked into one system, but span multiple microservices and are constantly evolving in a collaborative effort with software developers, as well as business stakeholders. To achieve this, a new generation of workflow automation infrastructure is needed, with Camundas solutions helping companies successfully navigate business process automation initiatives. Camunda users come from various industries, including financial services, telecommunications and insurance, as well as software companies seeking to embed Camundas workflow technology. More than 200 enterprise customers such as AXA Insurance, Intuit, T-Mobile, Universal Music Group and Zalando rely on Camundas software to automate core business processes such as eCommerce order executions, stock transaction and insurance claim settlements. At the heart of Camundas offering is the open source Workflow Engine which is built with developers top-of-mind, providing seamless integration points with an organizations broader infrastructure. Camunda will continue to innovate on its product stack, with a specific focus on supporting modern use cases such as microservices orchestration, and high-scale scenarios for processing massive volumes of transactions with low latency. We are very excited to be working with Highland Europe, who share our long-term vision and cultural values, said Jakob Freund, co-founder and CEO of Camunda. Raising additional capital gives us the financial liberty to accelerate our growth and drive expansion, without having to compromise on product innovation. As digital transformation becomes a core focus for businesses across all industries, workflow automation has emerged as one of the fastest growing software categories globally. Weve followed Camunda closely for several years and have been incredibly impressed by its product focus, capital efficiency and big ambition. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Camunda team on their next phase of expansion, Sam Brooks, Partner at Highland Europe, said. About Camunda Camunda is a software company reinventing workflow automation. Hundreds of companies including 24 Hour Fitness, Goldman Sachs, Lufthansa Technik and Zalando trust Camunda to automate core business processes to the highest possible extent, allowing their business to scale and revenue to grow without proportionally increasing operating costs. With its open source-based workflow automation and decision platform, Camunda provides detailed visibility into business operations across distributed systems, boosts system resilience and enables enterprises to overcome big workflow challenges resulting from digital transformation. One of the fastest growing companies in EMEA as ranked by Deloitte, Camunda is based in Berlin with offices in San Francisco and Denver, USA. To learn more visit: https://camunda.com/ About Highland Europe: Highland Europe invests in exceptional growth-stage software and internet companies. Active in Europe since 2003 as Highland Capital Partners and formally launched in 2012, Highland Europe has raised over 1 billion and has invested in companies such as Adjust, Bitmovin, ContentSquare, Featurespace, GetYourGuide, Huel, Malwarebytes, MatchesFashion, NewVoiceMedia, Nexthink, Smartly.io and WeTransfer. Highlands collective history of investments across the US, Europe and China includes 46 IPOs and 19 billion-dollar plus companies. To learn more, visit: www.highlandeurope.com . Media Contact: Jessica Jaffe, Sift Communications, Jessica.Jaffe@siftpr.com For images of Camundas founders and offices, please click here: https://we.tl/t-NvRuooveXN The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, has pledged the full support of AMCON to its partners in their bid to recover the corporations portfolio. A statement by AMCON spokesperson, Jude Nwauzor, on Wednesday said the AMCON boss made the submission at a programme organised by the corporation and its partners in Lagos. Mr Kuru said the corporation would strengthen its Asset Management Partners (AMPs) to ensure recovery of 20 per cent or N740 billion of the total Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs) of AMCON portfolio of N3.7 trillion that are out there in the hands of obligors. AMPs are firms AMCON engaged in 2016 to complement its recovery efforts as part of its renewed strategy to resolve some 6,000 accounts within its portfolio of accounts. While declaring the 2-day event open, the AMCON boss said the corporation placed equal importance on the ability of the partners to recover the outsourced accounts because their efforts count towards the achievement of AMCONs core mandate. Mr Kuru who was represented at the event by Aliyu Kalgo, the Group Head of Enforcements at AMCON, also urged the APMs to discharge their assignments within the defined rules of engagement as stipulated by the AMCON Act and as seasoned professionals. He said, It is a well-known fact that AMCON has a unique and limited mandate; therefore, AMCON must maximize every opportunity to state its cases with the highest quality of representation, which was why we came up with the AMP programme that has been of tremendous development in our efforts to recover debts owed the country by a few individuals who have over the years remained recalcitrant. We are very grateful for all the AMPs who work with us towards achieving our recovery mandate. We are mindful of the enormous responsibility placed on your in this regard. On the plans of AMCON to ensure that AMPs experience hitch-free recovery processes, the MD argued that when recovered, the debts would go a long way in boosting the economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will continue to emphasise the need for more diligence even as we continue to partner with you, he said. In the future, we will enlist AMPs who have made significant recoveries as part of the facilitators for similar events so that they will share some insights and critical success factors with us as well as their colleagues. If the recovery process was easy and straightforward we would not have engaged you in the first instance. We, therefore, recognise the fact that it is a challenging assignment and that is why we selected you. We promise to be with you all through the hardship and together we shall succeed. Also addressing the participants, Chuka Agbu, a lawyer, urged the AMPs to explore and apply the special powers as provided by the AMCON Act in their pursuit of these recalcitrant debtors of the corporation. He further advised the AMPs to leverage the major provisions of the AMCON Act such as bankruptcy, receivership, asset tracing amongst others in their quest to track down the obligors and eventually compel them to repay their obligations. There was a mild drama on Wednesday as actor, Adeniyi Johnson, took to Instagram to plead with his ex-wife, Toyin Abraham, to sign their divorce papers. In a series of post on his Instagram page, the actor revealed that Toyin has been stalling their divorce for the past three years and he is fed up with it. The actor begged her to sign the divorce documents and let him go. Their union, which was contracted on July 3, 2013, crashed like a pack of badly stacked cards in August, 2015. It was Toyin who announced that she had filed for a divorce on grounds of infidelity. Shortly after, she became an item almost immediately with embattled filmmaker, Seun Egbegbe. The couple have been embroiled in a messy infidelity scandal ever since. Things became heated when Adeniyi found love in the arms of another actress, Seyi Edun, who was a close friend of his ex-wife. Although they are both rumoured to be a couple, they have been unable to make it public because Adeniyis marriage has not been properly dissolved in a law court. Adeniyis post read, We were supposed to sign divorce documents by November 1st, u didnt come, the case was postponed to January 10th only for your manager SAM to call me that you want to discontinue the case in Shagamu and restart in Ibadanwhy madam? Till date I did no interviews except for the one on rubbin mind and yet took all faults and bear the names you call mewhy not let me go after three yearswhy shift case to start all over again. (sic) When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Toyins manager, Samuel Olatunji, he said his client would react in due time. Adeniyi, on the other hand, is yet to respond to text messages sent him. Leading U.S. senators said on Tuesday they were more certain than ever that Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, was culpable in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. They took the stand after receiving a CIA briefing on the matter. The views that I had before have only solidified, said Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Mr Menendez has called for a strong U.S. reaction to Mr Khashoggis death and backs legislation to end all U.S. support for the Saudi coalition waging war in Yemen. He spoke to reporters as he left a closed-door briefing for some Senate committee leaders and Senate leaders by CIA Director Gina Haspel. Bob Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, shook his head no, when asked if he thought Mr Haspels briefing had changed any minds. You have to be wilfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organised by people under the command of MbS, Republican Senator, Lindsey Graham told reporters. He said this also after the briefing, referring to the crown prince by his initials. Mr Khashoggi, a U.S. resident who wrote for the Washington Post, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. (Reuters/NAN) The UN is relaunching talks on the long-standing dispute over Western Sahara on Wednesday, six years after the last talks between the feuding parties ended without results. Western Sahara is largely controlled by Morocco but also claimed by the Polisario Front movement, which seeks to hold an independence referendum. Morocco has pushed instead for a form of autonomy for the region under its sovereignty. The two-day UN talks in Geneva are brokered by former German President, Horst Koehler, who serves as the UN envoy for Western Sahara. Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and Kathri Addouh, a member of Polisarios National Secretariat, are expected to discuss the next steps in the political process, rather than enter into negotiations, according to a UN spokesman. The conflict has had repercussions in the wider region, and the foreign ministers of neighbouring Algeria and Mauritania are also attending the talks. Algeria backs the Polisario Front, a stance which has soured relations with Morocco. The dispute over Western Sahara began in 1975, when the region was invaded by neighbouring Morocco and Mauritania after the withdrawal of colonial power Spain. Mauritania later withdrew and recognised Polisarios self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The SADR also won recognition from a number of mostly African countries. Polisario fighters, largely based in Algeria, where much of the territorys population took refuge, fought a guerrilla war until 1991, when they entered a UN peace process. (dpa/NAN) The sheer number of child marriages and female genital mutilation (FGM) across African communities is reaching alarming levels, participants at a United Nations women conference in Lagos have said. The conference which opened in Lagos, Tuesday, is aimed as mobilising action and engaging traditional rulers in Africa towards ending child marriage and female genital mutilation on the continent. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, the Africa Union goodwill ambassador for early child marriage (ECM), while presenting a multi-country analytical study of legislation, policies, interventions and cultural practices on child marriage, said the figures do not look good for Africa. 125 million of more than 700 million women alive today and married as a child live in Africa, she said. That is 17 per cent of the total world figure and the majority of them are in sub-Saharan Africa. Regionally, 11.6 per cent and 42.8 per cent of girls are married by the age of 15 and 18 respectively. According to the UN ambassador, on a national average, Niger has 76 per cent of girls married by 18, Chad 72 per cent, the Central Africa Republic 68 per cent, Burkina Faso 52 per cent, and Nigeria 44 per cent. She, however, noted that although Nigeria is ranked at the bottom, in terms of actual number of girls, the country has more incidences of child marriage than the others. Jumai Mohammed, who represented the Minister for Women Affairs, Aisha Abubakar, said child marriage was very common in Kano State. Child marriage is prevalent in the north with an estimated 65 percent of girls below 18 already married. Although there are no reliable data, about 50 million will be married if there are no interventions. On the implication of such early marriages, Mrs Mohammed said 65 per cent of obstetrics fistula occurs in girls below 18 largely due to early childbirth. Delivering the keynote address, Haliru Yahaya, the Emir of Shongai, said leaders who fail to do anything against FGM and child marriage are also perpetrators. We have been called protectors, if we are so called and these things happen under us then we are perpetrators, he said. I know we (traditional rulers) get ignored from time to time and I can say that we have procured more stability for this country than any government. Involving traditional rulers in goals like these is key to achieving them. A classical example of this is when a few years ago, Nigeria became a pariah state due to polio but when traditional rulers were consulted on its eradication, we gave orders and two years after, polio came down by 90 percent. Mr Yahaya said a way to tackle early marriage is to ensure girls are compulsorily kept in school till they finish their secondary education. I am a medical doctor and if you see a girl with VVF (vesicovaginal fistula), you will be staunchly against child marriage. A girl with VVF has no future, although there are surgical operations to correct it but they are quite complicated because of the size of the area and then after the surgery, everything fails again. Earlier, Edward Kallon, the UN resident humanitarian coordinator, said if nothing is done to accelerate progress, the number of child brides in sub-Saharan Africa would double by 2050, and sub-Saharan Africa would overtake South Asia to become the region with the largest number of child brides in the world. The sheer scale of these numbers is shocking, he said. But when we simply talk about numbers, we are doing a disservice to what they actually mean. Each number represents a young girl who has the fundamental rights to make decisions that affect her life but who has been prevented from exercising that right. Every single of those individual girls matters. He expressed confidence that the gathering of traditional and cultural leaders on the subject would help to get a new global spotlight and re-energize the movement to end child and forced marriage and FGM. Strong leadership and commitment of traditional and religious leaders are critical to winning the fight against child marriage and FGM, he said. Nigerias Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has reiterated the federal governments commitment to investing in Family Planning (FP) services, identifying it as a critical tool for the country to reap demographic dividend. The demographic dividend is the economic growth that results from a decreased ratio of dependents to the working age population. By reducing the dependency ratio, people will live longer, be more productive, have an incentive to save for their retirement, and increase their investments. Speaking at the fifth family planning conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Osinbajo said for Nigeria to transform from a nation of promise and potential to one of the most productive economies in the world, it needs to invest in family planning. He described family planning as a smart, cost effective and lifesaving tool the country needs to invest in, for economic and social development. This implies that women have the choice to determine the number of children they want and when they want to have them. This will in turn, re-position Nigeria to reap demographic dividend. The family planning conference is a biannual conference where the government, private and international partners working in the sector gather together to deliberate on successes achieved and ways to improving family planning services. The theme of this years conference is Family Planning Investment, Innovation and Inclusiveness. Mr Osinbajo, who was represented by the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, said the theme of the conference is very apt because the country needs to increase its family planning services across board. Currently, Nigeria is on the verge of having a population explosion as the United Nations predicted that the country will have one of the largest population in the world by 2050. This will spell doom for the county if the GDP growth rate also continues to remain below its population growth. With these predictions, the county is expected to anticipate a gloomy economic condition and strain on its infrastructure in coming years. Nigeria was, only recently, rated as the country with the highest poverty growth in the world. In order to forestall these predictions, the vice president said it has become evident that the government needs to invest in a nationwide family planning programme. This will eliminate the unmet need for modern contraception, put a check on the current high fertility rate and help achieve efficient population management. Mr Osinbajo said Nigerians demographic dividend roadmap has identified investing in family planning as a smart, cost effective and lifesaving move for country like Nigeria, which has a very young and rapidly growing population. keep in mind that an estimated 63 per cent of the total population is below 25 years of age; with a significant segment of this population being sexually active and needing education and guidance to wisely navigate the issues of sexuality, choice and contraception, he said. While lamenting the low availability of family planning services in the country, Mr Osinbajo said the government is committed to funding it, with a view to increasing the accessibility of its services as it is already factored into the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017-2020) of the Buhari administration. Population management must move to the front-burner in policy making and in resource allocation and the success of our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017-2020) and subsequent development plans and strategies are very much contingent upon our ability to focus and prioritise even in the face of competing demands, he said. Also speaking at the event, the chairman, Senate committee on health, Lanre Tejuosho, said investing in family planning is a major contribution towards the future of the country. Mr Tejuosho, in his remark, said the Senate is interested in the progress in the health sector which was why the sector was allocated the one per cent consolidation revenue funds this year. He however, made an appeal to the executive and minister of finance to make sure that there is an appropriate release of the funds approved for the sector. We have played our parts and are praying that the executive play their part adequately by releasing the amount approved for the health sector. This has become very necessary because we have about 11 million children stunted in this country and this is not adequate. If we allow our families to grow and cannot cater for the ones on ground, I believe dooms day is very close. The green dot is the most important banner in the room and I am looking forward to the day we will see that green dot all over Nigeria, he said. The green dot indicates primary health care centre where family planning services are been rendered in the country. Currently only about 12,000 PHCs in Nigeria out of about 36,000 PHCs in the country, offer family planning services. In a similar vein, the chairman of the event, Ejike Oji, said the aim of the conference is take stock of how far Nigeria has been keeping to its words to make sure Nigerian has access to right based family planning services. Mr Oji said access to family planning services is a right and the only way to make sure women, girls and men exercise their right to make those critical decisions based on their choices, in an atmosphere free of coercion. He said Nigeria is at a cross road where it must harness the burgeoning youthful population it has by providing the adequate health care, appropriate and relevant education and creating an enabling environment for job creation, or do nothing and face demographic doom. Mr Oji said though the government is investing $4 million yearly to the family planning basket funds to procure its consumables, more needs to be done at the sub national levels. He explained that the reason for the investment is evident because in 12 years, Nigeria added 58 million people to her population. This is three times the population of Rwanda. Our maternal mortality is still very high at 576/100,000 live births. As we continue to increase our population in this alarming rate we will be increasing the number of poor people in our country with resources not increasing accordingly, he added. The information minister, Lai Mohammed, has decried the level of malnutrition among children across Nigeria especially in the North-east. Mr Mohammed, who spoke at a media dialogue on child malnutrition in Yola, Adamawa State, on Wednesday, said child malnutrition is a large burden to any country across the world. The media dialogue, organised by United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), is sponsored by the Department for International Development (DFID). The minister said there is need for continued investment in child nutrition to safeguard the nations future. Represented by the Head of Child Rights Information Bureau of the information ministry, Olumide Osanyinpeju, the minister said that to address the challenges faced by malnutrition in Nigeria, there is need for the creation of awareness and understanding of the challenges of resource allocation for food and nutrition security. It is imperative to combat malnutrition because it can cause death in young children particularly those under five years of age, Mr Mohammed said. He stated that there should be concerted effort to fight malnutrition in totality from Nigeria in order to ensure the attainment of desired results. Mr Mohammed said addressing nutrition challenges is one of the ways through which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be achieved. He said investment in nutrition will help reduce the negative trend of malnutrition for healthy life of children across Nigeria. Malnutrition is a large burden to a country, and tackling malnutrition entails empowering and educating people. Improved nutrition is the key to improved national and human development and this can be done by educating the populace and creating a positive approach towards nutrition, he said. He called for proper definition of strategic objectives of improving food security at the national level, community and household levels. In his speech, the communication officer, UNICEF, Sam Kaalu, said the major objective of the workshop is to sensitise the media and Nigeria at large on the current situation of child malnutrition in the conflict affected area. Mr Kaalu said government at all level need to work more with development partners to invest to end cases of child malnutrition for the future. In his presentation, a nutrition consultant, Bamidele Omotola, said the insurgency in the northeast is the main driver of malnutrition in that area. He said the insurgency has resulted in high food insecurity, increasing spread of endemic disease, loss of livelihoods amongst others. He noted that more partner-support will be needed to end malnutrition in the country, as the government cannot do it alone. Nigeria needs to improve the access of its youth to family planning services so as to avert a population explosion by 2050. This was the consensus on Wednesday at the on-going 2018 National Family Planning Conference holding in Abuja. The conference, the fifth of its kind in the country, is usually a biannual programme where government officials working in the family planning (FP) sector and developmental partners get together to discuss progress in the advancement of FP in Nigeria. The theme for this is Family planning Investment, Innovation and Inclusiveness. At the pre-conference meeting, the youth had urged the government to engage them more in the advocacy of FP services. Speaking on the communique from the pre-youth conference, the secretary, Youth Subcommittee, Lilian Anyanwu, said though the conference was attended by young people from across the country, more of them are needed in the campaign for it to achieve the desired result. Ms Anyawu said as part of the pre-conference, the youth team rolled out a social media campaign designed to run for 90 days, delivering a specific message on the sexual and reproductive health and right of young people. We have some messages that are focused on educating young people on access to sexual and reproductive health information and services. Some messages were targeted at decision-makers, to increase social consciousness on the policy needs for an enabling environment for youth access, she said. Ms Anyanwu advised the government to establish youth-friendly information and services centres around the country, especially in places of learning, where the youth can learn more about the services and have easy access to the products. She also advised young people to seek information on FP and pregnancy prevention from workers who have expertise and knowledge of the services, instead of depending on peers who may misinform them. Adolescents and youth aged 10 to 36 years constitute over 47 per cent of Nigerias population. This is regarded as the most fertile group in the country who needs access to modern contraception products. Over 100 women die daily from pregnancy-related causes in Nigeria and one out of every three deaths in girls aged between 15 and 19 years is pregnancy-related. Unfortunately, most of the people in this group cannot access FP services due to lack of knowledge, fear of stigmatisation by the society and health workers, as well as religious and cultural intolerance of the use of contraceptives In his remarks, the President of the Association of Reproductive Health, Oladipo Ladipo, urged the government to improve its spending on FP in Nigeria, saying this is necessary for economic growth, demographic dividend and empowerment. Mr Ladipo said without commitment, the progress will be stalled because donor funds are shrinking. Though the government spends about $4 million yearly to support FP activities, he said the ideal is to allocate $1 per woman for FP in their budget. If we want to achieve our collective goals, we should have plans and a blueprint on how to operate. This is the time to ask ourselves how do we invest, innovate and execute the plans to achieve it, he said. The country representative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Nigeria, Paul Bassinga, in his goodwill remark said the theme of the conference was very appropriate at a time funding from international partners are beginning to dry up. Mr Bassinga who was represented by one of the project officers at the foundation, Rodio Diallio, said Nigeria needs to invest and take pride in its people for it to achieve full potential. This, he said, can be achieved through investment in human capital, agricultural and primary health care services, which would provide quality healthcare to people especially those living in the rural areas where quality health services are mostly required. Mr Bassinga said investing in PHCs and quality health care will transcend to quality vaccination, tackling of malnutrition and providing family planning services to people who need them at quality time. Investing in FP is one of the smartest investments Nigeria has to make. This investment will allow more girls to stay in school and increase economic strength, and fewer women would die during child bearing, he said. Mr Bassinga said FP is the right of women and girls. They need to have the rights to determine when they want to have children and how many children they intend to have. We need to work together to remove barriers in accessing FP and the stigma attached to using FP, especially among adolescents. He said Nigeria has lots of adolescents but most of them are difficult to reach and those within reach do not have access to the products. The federal government has directed the Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, to join the Chief of Army Staff in the North-east to coordinate the Nigerian Air Force operations. Tukur Gusau, the spokesperson to the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said in a statement that the decision was taken on Tuesday at a meeting of the Air Council, presided over by the minister. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the federal government on Monday had directed the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, to remain in North-east until security situation in the region improves. Mr Gusau said the air chief was also directed to reorganise air operations in support of operations Lafiya Dole in the North East and Sharanda Daji in Zamfara. The Air Council also approved promotion of well-deserved senior Air Force officers to their next higher ranks, he said. (NAN) Details of the revenues from stamp duties estimated at N20 trillion still remain opaque as the federal agencies involved in the collection have refused to provide information, despite the Freedom of Information (FOI) request filed by The ICIR. The FOI requests were sent on July 31 on behalf of LeaksNG to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) PLC. Information requested for include a report of stamp duty remittances by Deposit Money Banks and other financial institutions, the current status of the Stamp Duty Central Account domiciled in the CBN, stamp duty revenue remitted to the CBN by NIBSS between 2016 and 2017, amount of revenue collected by NIPOST between 2010 and 2016 and so on. Two months after the requests were dispatched, on September 26, letters of reminder were again sent to the various offices to draw their attention to the enquiry. Nevertheless, till the time of this report, none of the institutions has fulfilled its legal obligations by providing the information asked for. While NIPOST and NIBSS have not bothered to respond at all, others gave one excuse or the other for their inability to oblige. Different Reasons, Same Conclusion Of all the five agencies that received enquiries from the ICIR, three responded, but sidestepped the responsibility to disclose information. The OSGF, in its reply dated August 9, 2018, said it had referred the FOI application to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which according to it is better positioned to provide answers. After a careful review of the application, wrote J.O. Obule, Acting Legal Adviser to the Secretary, the Office is of the view that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has a greater interest and is the custodian of the information sought and therefore would be in a better position to provide same. Please be informed that your application has been referred to the FIRS accordingly and you are advised to deal with it directly, he added. FIRS would later shift responsibility to Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST. In a letter dated November 5 and signed by Ike Odume, its Director of Legal Services, the FIRS wrote: The Legal Service Department of the FIRS received a letter from the International Centre for Investigative Reporting dated 26th September 2018 requesting for details for Stamp Duties recovered from NIPOST. We regret to inform you that FIRS does not collect Stamp Duties from NIPOST. Therefore we ask that the above request be directed to NIPOST. NIPOST is yet to respond to similar enquiries sent to them. Finally, the Central Bank of Nigeria replied to The ICIRs request on November 6 and, in the letter signed by R.J. Monguno of the Corporate Secretariat, it said it cannot provide the information sought as the matter is the subject of a suit before the Supreme Court of Nigeria and is therefore subjudice. The court action referenced in this letter is yet unclear. Secrecy, Allegations Of Fraud Mar Nigerias Potential Gold-mine The status of unremitted revenue from stamp duties said to have run into several trillions of naira over the years, has been shrouded in secrecy. In November 2017, the Senate kick-started a probe into the allegation that stamp duties revenue which accumulated over a period of five years and is valued at over N20 trillion has not been paid into the federation account. Following a motion raised by John Enoh, the senator representing Cross River Central district, the Senate had instructed committees on finance and banking, insurance and other financial institutions to investigate the scandal and report back to it within a period of eight weeks. Senator John Enoh [Photo: The Order Paper] The Senate is worried that the provision for stamp duty in the revenue framework of the nations annual budget for 2015, 2016 and 2017 has been N8.7 billion, N66 billion and 16.9 billion respectively despite the above reports; apprised of the anti-stamp duties collection stance of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr Enoh said. It is currently being accused of systemic diversion of huge revenue flows from stamp duties collection on the electronic transfer receipt on online bank transactions, and the necessity to demand notice on all unremitted stamp duties. The Senate is convinced of the duties and responsibilities of the National Assembly to ensure the harnessing of all sources of revenue to the government of the federation, and to curb all forms of wastefulness, corruption and diversion of funds belonging to the federation. The School of Banking Honours (SBH) is the consultancy agent authorised in October 2017 by the federal government, alongside the International Investment Law and Arbitration, to recover stamp duty revenue that has not been remitted. It raised alarm in March that the NIBSS has been uncooperative so far in SBHs efforts to recover unremitted stamp duty revenue of about $53.3 billion (N19.4 trillion) borne out of inter-bank electronic transactions. According to Tola Adekoya, SBHs Project Consultant and Chief Executive Officer, N7.719 trillion was due in 2015 as accumulated yet unremitted revenue to the federal and state governments of Nigeria. In total, he said, the funds are about N20 trillion, out of which not up to one per cent has been remitted appropriately. He also said the presidency, through the office of the secretary to the government, has ordered the CBN to cooperate with SBH in implementing its mandate. However, NIBSS has refused on multiple occasions to grant access to data of relevant inter-bank transactions that passed through its central switch. We served the demand notice because NIBSS is the agent of banks that handles their transactions, Mr Adekoya said. Banks dont have any power over NIBSS, once they ascertain a liability, they debit the banks immediately and that is why NIBSS is going to be a strategic partner in recovering the unremitted stamp duty revenue. It was indicated in the first paragraph of the letter sent to CBN and NIBSS that we should commence with NIBSS and that is what we are doing. We are following due process. According to its website, the NIBSS, was incorporated in 1993 and is owned by all licenced banks including the CBN. It manages inter-bank payments so as to remove bottlenecks characteristic of fund transfers and operates the Nigeria Automated Clearing System (NACS). The NIBSS board, is composed of the Deputy Governor (Operations) of the Central Bank of Nigeria as the Chairman, representatives of Banks as Directors, Executive Directors and the Managing Director/CEO, who heads Executive Management group of the organisation. The House of Representatives Committee on Telecommunications, in October 2017, summoned Kemi Adeosun, the then finance minister; Godwin Emefiele, governor of the CBN, and Adebisi Adegbuyi, post-master general of NIPOST, to provide explanations on why billions generated from stamp duty charges were kept in commercial banks and the CBN. Adebisi Adegbuyi, Postmaster general of NIPOST The committees resolution was triggered by the revelations by Zhigun Usman, who is NIPOSTs Director of Finance and Investment, who said the sum of N13.4 billion had been deposited to the CBN by commercial banks. Mr Usman had, however, added that the figure is suspect as the banks remittances oddly increased geometrically after NIPOST announced plans to audit the accounts. FIRS, NIPOST: Fight For Relevance The controversy as to who is responsible for what and the fate of revenue generated so far has been on for years. In February 2016, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) had to wade in to strike an agreement between the competing forces on access to a revenue account estimated to attract over N2.5 trillion annually. Moreover, in which authority the control of stamp duty funds resides has also been a contentious matter, especially between the FIRS and NIPOST. While FIRS has claimed stamp duties collection as part of its statutory functions, NIPOST appears to disagree. Federal Inland Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is Nigerias tax collection agency Ike Odume, FIRSs Director Legal Services, described a controversial bill to amend provisions of the Stamp Duties Act as an attempt to usurp its duties. According to him, the Act as it exists is a tax legislation which has nothing to do with NIPOST. The postmaster-general of the federation, however, said, in his submission, that the amendment is crucial because the law has become old-fashioned and that NIPOST is only requesting for permission to sell stamps, either manually or electronically. We are seeking the amendment of the Act to include the sale of a postage stamp. We are not collecting the tax. It is in the interest of Nigeria to draw a line between duty and stamp. We want to sell our stamps, Mr Adegbuyi said. Between December 2016 and January 2017, NIPOST put out adverts for forensic auditors to peruse bank records in an attempt to confirm the compliance level of banks when it comes to remittances. But, as gathered by Punch, the postal service had to ditch its plan after the CBN said it could use its supervisory powers to achieve similar results. NIBSS Denies Responsibility Samuel Oluyemi, NIBSS Deputy General Manager of Corporate Services, in an interview with TheCable said, despite claims to the contrary by the SBH, the NIBSS is not attempting to prevent the federal government from realising the full potentials of the Stamp Duties Act. He explained this is because the company is neither in possession of any revenue accruing from stamp duties nor is aware of how much been collected under the scheme. NISS jurisdiction does not cover anything having to do with stamps or cheques, he added. He also revealed that there is no mechanism presently in place to track how much each bank is collecting and that banks charge the duty at their own discretion as not even all of them make the necessary deductions. He recommended that the enabling act for the collection of stamp duty is reviewed to specify what should be collected. Governors Forum Angle When contacted by The ICIR, Abulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, who is the media and public affairs head at the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) Secretariat, insisted the forum cannot comment on the subject at the moment because the case is subjudice. He declined to shed light on what the litigation is about or who the parties are. There is post office interest, there is governors interest, so we are not talking about it until the case is adjudicated on, he explained. He was also asked whether a report has been submitted by the three-man committee established by the NGF, in April, and headed by Ibikunle Amosun, governor of Ogun state, which was mandated to investigate the allegations of non-remittance. No, they have not, he replied. Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun [Photo: The Guardian Nigeria] As a matter of fact, there has not been any meeting regarding that up till now. The governor has been very busy, and we have not had it on the agenda for the last four, five meetings. The committee had been given one week to submit its findings to the forum. NGFs concern regarding the unexplained non-remittance of the bulk of the duty arises as a result of the percentage guaranteed to flow to the thirty-six states. With the current sharing formula, while the federal government takes the lions share of 52.68 per cent from the federation account, the state governments collectively get 26.72 per cent and the countrys 774 local governments get 20.6 per cent. Adebisi Adegbuyi, Postmaster-General of NIPOST, did not answer calls from The ICIR and has not responded to texts asking, among other questions, if the postal office still intends conducting an independent audit of bank records. The police on Tuesday admitted that last weeks deadly confrontation between a police anti-rustling team and armed bandits in Zamfara State left 16 officers killed and 20 missing, contradicting its earlier account of one personnel loss in the shootout. But the late Tuesday statement said the 20 missing officers have been rescued, and operation to dislodge the bandits terrorising the North-western state has intensified. The latest announcement contradicted a November 30 police statement that officers on anti-rustling patrol on November 29 killed 104 bandits following an ambush on their convoy in Birnin Mogaji, Zurmi Local Government Area, at about 4:00 p.m. The statement said the police lost one personnel and recovered hundreds of cows and sheep and returned them to their owners. But multiple top police insiders informed PREMIUM TIMES shortly after the polices announcement that far more personnel were lost in the encounter, estimating them at dozens and expressing serious concerns about official suppression of critical details from the Nigerian public. On November 2, police sources again told this newspaper that over 50 officers were killed in the attack, amidst raging concerns over evacuation of their remains. PREMIUM TIMES reporting on the heavy losses elicited a mournful reaction from Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Nigerias main opposition. Mr Abubakar said the losses were too many, and called for a seven-day national mourning for both the departed police officers and their military counterparts killed by Boko Haram on November 18. After going days without speaking on the fate of the dozens of police officers as reported by PREMIUM TIMES, the police on Tuesday night finally succumbed to public pressure, including threats from family members who told PREMIUM TIMES they were not able to reach their loved ones deployed in Zamfara since the ambush. Sixteen police personnel were found dead after the rescue operations carried out by the police Joint Intervention Force, the police said in a statement from Zamfara State Command. The operation also resulted in the successful rescue of 20 police officers. Inspector-General Ibrahim Idris had directed befitting burials for the gallant officers and prompt processing and payments of the life assurance benefits and other entitlements to their families, the statement added. The supreme price they paid for the security and safety of the country will not be in vain. Habila Joshak, police head of operations, told PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday morning all officers who were drafted in the November 29 operation had been accounted for. We now have all our men, including the 17 that were killed and the 20 that went missing but now found and rescued, Mr Joshak said by telephone. Mr Joshak, a deputy inspector-general who was promptly deployed to take charge of polices operations in Zamfara on November 29, said the police were reluctant to provide details of the multiple deaths days after PREMIUM TIMES reports because the leadership was working on establishing all critical aspects. A police chief had told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday that the Force Headquarters was scrambling to understand the full extent of the ambush. PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately corroborate Mr Joshaks claim that no officers involved in the ambush are yet to be found. Ramping up offensive Zurmi Local Government Area, populated by farmers and herders, lies about 105 kilometres northwest of Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. Its communities, including Birnin Mogaji, have become a regular target of bandits looking to rob farmers and herders of their economic benefits. Asides targeting herders for their livestock and farmers for their produce, the bandits have been blamed for a string of kidnap-for-ransom activities which are on the rise in the area. It was in Zurmi LGA that twin sisters were abducted on their wedding day last month. The sisters were later set free after about N15 million was paid to their captives, in a high-profile case that beamed a social media spotlight on the bandits exploits in Zamfara. Mr Habila, whom Mr Idris had asked to continue overseeing police anti-rustling offensive in Zamfara indefinitely, said officers have resumed offensive to drive out remaining bandits in the troubled state. We have resumed our operations now to rout out the bandits, the police chief said. We are moving from community to community asking residents to identify faces that know and the strangers amongst them would be isolated. Our intelligence has revealed that the bandits are planted in communities, and we are more emboldened now to contain their deadly rampage across the state. Mr Joshak said he could not immediately provide the number of local government areas where police have anti-rustling presence, but said they were being pursued from anywhere their activities are reported because the bandits cannot be stronger than the federal might. Mr Idris ordered a fresh deployment of 1,000 combat police officers to Zamfara on November 9, as the worsening threats of the bandits raised fears of a security collapse in the state. Mr Joshak said more officers are being integrated in the operation to regain control of the state from bandits, which also involves the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force. As of August 2018, an estimated 3,000 people have been killed and thousands of homes destroyed in the attacks in recent years, according to the state government. Thousands fleeing the crisis have been settling in neighbouring states, triggering humanitarian emergency. The Nigerian Air Force has carried out regular aerial bombardments of the bandits positions throughout 2018, a response that has helped impose normalcy in many troubled parts of the state. The seeming helplessness of security agencies at containing the armed bandits prompted the state governor, Abdulaziz Yari, to publicly threaten resignation as the chief security officer of the state, largely because he has no control over security agencies. Former Gov. Abdulazizi-Yari of Zamfara State. Nigerian governors carry the appendage of a chief security officer, but the Constitution gives absolute control of security agencies, including the military and police, to the president, from whom all security chiefs take direct orders. As part of efforts to curb security lapses in Zamfara State, the police urged residents to dial the following control room numbers to report potential cattle-rustlers and other suspected bandits: 08037025670, 08033210966, 08033312261, 08123829666, 09053872244, 07082351758 and 08091914752. One staff was killed and six others kidnapped in an attack near the Osun State College of Technology, OSCOTEH, Esa-Oke, on Tuesday. Two students were also kidnapped by the gunmen who carried out the attack. The slain victim was identified as a registry staff, Olaniyi Emmanuel Temitope. However, as at Wednesday morning, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the two kidnapped students escaped and are in police custody. According to the institutions Public Relation Officer, Adewale Oyekanmi, the kidnapped staff are; Olaleye Olalekan, Adeyeoluwa Bankole, Jesuola Ajibola , Adenreti Chukwu and Rachael Onyinocha Akinboboye. There was an attack on Esa- Oke Road this evening after close of work, the list of Staff Members of Osun State College of Technology still being held in the bush by the kidnappers are; Mr Olaleye Olalekan Bus.Admin department, Engr. Adeyeoluwa Bankole , HOD civil engineering, Dr Jesuola Ajibola Director ventures, Adenreti Chukwu secretary to civil engineering department, Rachael Onyinocha Akinboboye, OSCOTECH Microfinance Bank and Olaniyi Emmanuel Temitope registry staff(died on the spot), he said in a statement to journalists. Mr Oyekanmi explained that the gunmen blocked Esa-Oke Road (a road leading to the college campus), stopped several vehicles including the victims vehicles and abducted them. Also, the Students Union President of the institution, Adekunle Adeleke, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES said the two students who escaped from their abductors disclosed that their kidnappers were Fulani herdsmen. As at 4:30 p.m. yesterday, they launched the attack. Out of the eight people abducted, two have returned and six are still in the bush, he said. Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the state police, Folashade Odoro, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES confirmed the release of the two students. She said efforts are on to free the other victims. Well release a statement very soon. But be rest assured that we are on it, she said on Wednesday. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, this would be the second incident in the year that gunmen would kidnap people while on transit in the state. In June, a Methodist priest and two elders of the church were kidnapped on Iwo-Osogbo Road, while returning to Osogbo from Ile-Ogbo after a church meeting. The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has suspended its over two months old strike. COEASU national president, Nuhu Ogirima, disclosed this while briefing journalists after its expanded National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Wednesday. Mr Ogirima said the suspension follows reassurances from government to meet some of the workers key demands and implementation of agreements. The union had embarked on strike on October 9 over non-implementation of agreements especially NEEDS assessment report. Mr Ogirima said the union will reconvene in January to reassess governments commitment and will not hesitate to stay away from work again if it reneges on the agreement. He said government has accepted that there is decay in colleges of education and agreed to implement the NEEDS assessment report Government through the Minister of Education has met with otherstate governors over poor and non payment of salaries in states colleges. Government has agreed to release a white paper tagged, dual mode to implement partially, for some colleges to (be able to) award degrees, he said. He said the government has also promised to reinstate its sacked members in Ogun State Colleges of Education. Although COEASU has suspended its strike, the nations tertiary education is still locked down as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) struggles with inconclusive meetings with the government while its strike persists. The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has also threatened to embark on a strike next week. Two months after the controversial gubernatorial primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Olawale Oluwo, has resigned from the ruling party. In his resignation letter dated December 3 to the state APC chairman and obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Oluwo, who is a confidant of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, stated he decided to resign as he could no longer shoulder the heavy moral burden the contentious primary election placed on him. Mr Ambode was comprehensively defeated in the primary after he lost the blessing of the political godfather of the state, Bola Tinubu, who publicly chided him for not being a good party man. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was endorsed by Mr Tinubu, won the primary with 970,851 votes to Mr Ambodes 72,901 votes. The governor who originally rejected the result of the primary later conceded defeat and promised to campaign for the emergence of Mr Sanwo-Olu as governor. He has since appeared in several public events with Mr Sanwo-Olu. But with Mr Oluwos resignation, it seems while everything appears calm on the surface, the embers of the primary are still smouldering underneath. I have found it rather difficult to come to terms or rationalise the partys conduct of the October 2018 primary elections, which were largely characterised by massive voter disenfranchisement, intimidation, violence, undue influence and non-compliance with all known principles of democracy, he wrote. In the particular case of the gubernatorial primary, which was conducted using the open ballot option in violation of the guidelines of the APC that specified the open-secret ballot option, it is clear to me that the core principles of merit, competence, justice and fairness have been sacrificed by the APC on the altar of political expediency, added Mr Oluwo, who is a kinsman of the incumbent governor. He said the primary election has rubbished the reputation of the state as the epitome of free and fair democratic practice. I have struggled for weeks to understand the rationale for the apparent desperation and the brigandage brazenly displayed by the party apparatchik in the various elections. I had never thought such vicious attack could be unleashed on the progress that the state has made in its steady democratic journey, he said. My Oluwo also suggested that the states legislature is being used by unnamed forces within the party to throw spanners into the work of the executive. Former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state [Photo credit: Instagram akinwunmiambode] The indifference of the APC to the continued use of an arm of government by a powerful group within the party to intimidate critical institutions or democracy in the state, undermines the doctrine of separation of powers, creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and impairs governments ability to implement policies and programmes that will benefit the majority of the people. This is in conflict with my strongly held belief that group interest, no matter how powerful, must be subordinated to the interest of the majority, the ex-banker stated. Joining the PDP A source close to Mr Oluwo, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak with the media, told PREMIUM TIMES that the outgoing commissioner has decided to join the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and will be working to deliver his hometown, Epe, to the party. He is joining PDP and he is not doing it in some kind of underhand way. He is coming out in the open, I think either tomorrow or Friday, the source said. We are going to be at Jimis [Jimi Agbaje, the PDP governorship candidate] campaign office where he will be formally welcomed to the PDP by PDP party leaders in Lagos and of course, Jimi Agbaje himself, the source added. The source, however, added that Mr Ambode has nothing to do with the resignation of Mr Oluwo from the party. Olawale Oluwos resignation letter This is the same governor that gave a concession speech and said that was no problem anymore. Everything is okay. And everything just went quiet. Uneasy Calm Our source added that there are a lot of people who feel as strongly as Mr Oluwo over the manner the primaries in the state were conducted but they are not bold enough to speak about it openly. You know the truth, Nicholas. It is just like what Lucky Dube said: Everybody is crying for peace, but nobody is talking about justice. Right now, we have a sort of uneasy calm in Lagos and everybody thinks everything is okay; not about the economy but about the political atmosphere especially within the APC. So, he is just coming out boldly to say: I will not be a party to this. As we speak, you think the governor is going to achieve anything between now and the time he is going to take his exit? He is just there doing nothing. So, he just feels that he cannot be part of the bandwagon, so he has to leave now. Our source said the discontent within the party is quite widespread, adding that there are other commissioners in Mr Ambodes cabinet who are not happy with the way the primary was conducted but are not bold enough to leave the party. Our source said at some aspirants for other positions in the party who feel aggrieved are still in the party but will not be campaigning for the APC because of the way they were treated during the primaries. Influential politician When asked if Mr Oluwo was influential enough to be of any good to the PDP during the election, our source he is a very influential politician. Jide Sanwo-Olu He is not new to politics. He started way back in 2007. He contested as deputy governor alongside Tokunbo Afikuyomi under the platform of ANPP [All Nigerian peoples Party]. Now, even before then he contested House of Reps in Epe. He won the PDP ticket, but the party took the ticket and gave it to someone else. In protest, he resigned and joined the ANPP. Tokunbo Afikuyomi invited him to be his deputy and they contested the election. He is the only commissioner from Epe. We personally posted Jimi Agbaje posters in Epe. Lets not deceive ourselves, I personally think nobody will vote for APC in Epe. Last night we deliberately took Jimi Agbajes posters and posted them everywhere in Epe. The governor came in and has turned Epe to London. You think they will now vote for any other person? He (Mr Ambode) is sitting in the APC because he cant leave. Are you saying he is happy sitting there? No! Epe produced a governor, at least compensate them with something. Senate, they dont have. House of Reps, they dont have. Deputy governor, they dont have. Meanwhile, you are claiming its their turn and you have already pushed their son out for no reason, the source added. Samuel Ogundipe is a general assignment reporter at PREMIUM TIMES. At various times, he has covered the Presidency, National Assembly and Defence. T witter : @SamuelOgundipe EDITORS NOTE: THIS STORY HAS BEEN PULLED AFTER CHANNELS TV SAID THE VIDEO UPON WHICH THE REPORT WAS BASED HAD AN EDITING ERROR. I Agree Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy The Lagos State Police, Zone 2 Command, on Tuesday said it arrested a cemetery attendant and four others for being in possession of a human skull. Lawal Shehu, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Lagos and Ogun states, told journalists that the suspects were arrested with dried human jaw and dried human scalp on Monday. On December 3, 2018, at about 20:30 hours, information received by Zone 2 Command that one Jimoh Adeola, m of Muslim Cemetery, of Oke Yadi, Abeokuta was in possession of human parts, Mr Shehu said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes the official as saying that the suspect has been dealing in such for a very long time. Detectives of the Zonal Intervention Squad were detailed to investigate and five suspects were arrested while exhibits were also recovered, he said. Mr Shehu said operatives from Police Zone 2 Command also on Monday, arrested three suspected highway robbers operating in the Ota area of Ogun. He said on interrogation, the three suspects confessed to having snatched five vehicles, out of which three have been recovered and released to their owners. According to the AIG, the remaining two stolen vehicles have been sold across the border, in neighbouring Benin Republic. The three recovered vehicles were a Toyota Venza, Honda Crosstour and Toyota Highlander. In the same vein, the AIG said that operatives from Zone 2 police command also recovered a DAF truck registration number KTG165YG and arrested two suspects of the stolen vehicle along LagosIbadan Expressway. He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the gang. He said that all the suspects would be charged to court once investigation was concluded. (NAN) The Senate has reconsidered and passed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill which was initially sent to the clerk of the national assembly for onward transmission to the president, Muhammadu Buhari. The Senate leader, Ahmed Lawan, explained that after critical examination of the bill, the Directorate of Legal Services of the National Assembly observed some fundamental issues which required fresh legislative action on some clauses in the bill. The clauses affected are: 2(3), 4(1)(2)(3), 5((1)(2)(3), 6(1)(2)(3), 7, 8, 9(1)(2)(3)(4), 10(2)(b), 19(1)(2)(4), 25(1)(2)(5), 26, 27(4), 40(1)(a), and 94(1). Others are 96(5)(7), 100(1)(2)(3), 105(4)(5)(7)(8), 165(1), 167(1) and Second Schedule (4). He urged the Senate to rescind its decision on the affected clauses of the bill as passed and recommit same to the committee of the whole for reconsideration and passage without amendment, in accordance with Order 1(b) and 53(6) of Senate Standing Order. The lawmaker also stated that a technical committee of the Senate, House of Representatives and Directorate of Legal Services met and worked on the clauses. The senate then resolved into the committee of the whole, reconsidered and passed the bill. The deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, thereafter, directed the clerk to take note and reflect the amendments accordingly. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, was passed by the National Assembly in December 2017. Among other provisions, it establishes the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal. The bill also seeks to eliminate monopolies at all levels of the Nigerian market, prohibit abuse of dominant market position and penalise restrictive trade and business practices. It further provides for the removal or elimination of hazardous goods and services from the market and their replacement with safer and more appropriate alternatives. It also intends to reduce the risks and injuries which may occur from consumption of certain consumer items and services. An Upper Customary Court sitting in Kaduna, on Wednesday, ordered that a 25-year-old domestic help, Isiaka Usman, who police accused of stealing a gold necklace valued at N300,000 be remanded in prison. The police charged Mr Usman with theft. The judge, Ibrahim Emmanuel, gave the order after the prosecution counsel, Chidi Leo, made an oral application, praying the court to remand Mr Usman because the investigation in the matter was still on-going. Mr Emmanuel adjourned further hearing in the case until December 21. Earlier, Mr Leo told the court that the defendant committed the offence on November 22 at 2 p.m. at Ali Akilu Area of Kaduna State. Mr Leo said the defendant, an employee of one Mohammed Sani of Ali Akilu Road in Kaduna, stole the gold necklace valued at N300,000. He said the defendant on November 22, entered into the complainants bedroom and removed a gold necklace from his wardrobe. The prosecution said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 390 and 427 of the Kaduna State Penal Code, Laws 2017. The defendant had pleaded not guilty to the offence. (NAN) A bill to repeal the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 1986 and to re-enact Federal Colleges of Education, 2018, was read for the second time on Wednesday. Barau Jibrin, the senator who led the debate of the bill, moved that the bill be amended to accommodate new provisions one of which is to allow Federal Colleges of Education award first degrees, like universities. Although, Colleges of Education currently award Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), Mr Jibrin said the issuance of the new degree would only be on the approval of regulatory agencies governing the institutions. He also proposed a period of five years for Provost of the Colleges as against the previous four years which is similar to that of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities. Bursars and Registrars of Colleges have also been provided a single tenure of five years. The bill further seeks the provision of two Deputy Provosts one Provost for Academic and another for Administration. It also seeks to increase promotional materials, trainings, benefits and welfare for lecturers in Colleges of Education, to the packages allotted to university professors. The lawmaker explained that these amendments seek to stop the dichotomy between the federal colleges and universities. Another bill passed for second reading is a bill to repeal the National Commission for Colleges of Education Act (No.3) of 1989 and to establish the National Commission for Teacher Education and other related matters. The bill according to the sponsor, Mr Jibrin, will make the executive secretary of the National Commission for College of Education have a tenure of five years which will be renewable as contained in similar position in the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC). He said the commissions age of retirement, welfare packages and other entitlements will be the same as that of NUC. The Senate also read for the second time, a bill to provide for the establishment of the School of Mines and Geological Studies, Guyuk, Adamawa State. The bill was initiated according to the sponsor of the bill, Ahmad Abubakar, following the shortage of skills and manpower faced in the mining sector. The challenge is more serious in northern states because only one state has such establishment located in Jos, Plateau State. It would provide courses for training, conduct research, work with stakeholders in the sector and it would create 3 million jobs by 2020, he said. Supporting this bill, a senator, Bala NaAllah, stated that the cost implication to establish the bill is what Nigeria loses per week hence the need to establish the institution, while Barnabas Gemade canvassed for the establishment of a similar institution for the North-west. The named bills were passed for second reading and referred to the Senate committee on tertiary institutions and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), to report back in four weeks. The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, on Wednesday in Kano said Nigeria has about 60 million illiterate youth and adults. With an estimated population of 180 million Nigerians, this roughly translates to about one in three Nigerians. Mr Adamu, who was represented by Prinzo James, Deputy Director, Basic and Secondary Education, Ministry of Education, said this at the 2018 International Literacy Day celebration. He said out of this figure, females accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the population, with 11 million children out of school. According to him, the increasing low level of literacy skills achieved by the millions of learners who completed some formal school education made the situation more complicated. Mr Adamu said the present state of affairs called for urgent attention as the country strives to ensure the attainment of SDGs by 2030. With these unwholesome statistics in our hands, it becomes evident that concerted efforts are required in order to accelerate the processes for combating illiteracy among children, youths and adults, he said. Therefore, every effort aimed at bringing together multiple stakeholders should be committed to advancing literacy and lifelong learning, and will receive the support of the ministry of education. He said the ministerial strategic plan for education sector has considered the importance of youth and adult literacy and given the sector a prime position in the document. I would like to assure you that preparations are underway by the federal government to launch a national mass literacy campaign with a view to addressing the high rate of youth and adult illiteracy in the country, he said. The minister said that the theme of the 2018 Literacy Day Literacy and Skills Development was apt, as the global trend was on skill development for youths and adults. He said literacy must be taken beyond the cognitive domain to the critical level that imbues the citizen with thinking skills and functional literacy. The UNESCO representative, Stephen Onyekwelu, said UNESCO was impressed with the passion the Kano State Government has shown in the area of literacy and non-formal education. Mr Onyekwelu said the new international skills acquisition centre which has 22 different skills, was a practical example of literacy and skills acquisition. He urged various states to take a cue from what the Kano State government did in the area of skills development. Mr Onyekwelu said the challenge of literacy was not only in Nigeria but a global problem. He called for stakeholders support in the fight against illiteracy. Garba Abari, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), said literacy could do much more in Nigeria than any other message anyone could preach. Represented by Metto Edekobi, Director, State Operations, he said that to counter insurgency, literacy must strive and ignorance must die. Mr Abari said NOA was available to support programmes aimed at increasing literacy. He advocated the introduction of civic education in literacy centres, and called for support for the government. The International Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8 every year as declared by UNESCO. This year marks the 52nd anniversary of Literacy Day. (NAN) A witness, Booyemi Oyeneyin, in the trial of a 48-year-old female lawyer, Udeme Otike-Odibi, charged with stabbing her husband (Symphorosa) to death, says he suspects the wounds on the defendant were self-inflicted. Ms Udeme, was on June 13, arraigned by Lagos State Government on two counts of murder and misconduct with regard to a corpse, in an Igbosere High Court in Lagos. She pleaded not guilty and was remanded at Kirikiri prison. At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Mr Oyeneyin of Safeway Hospital at Sangotedo, Ajah, said that the defendant was brought to his hospital at 7.30 a.m. on May 3 by some men who claimed to be her neighbours. Mr Oyeneyin, the seventh witness in the trial, was led in evidence by the prosecutor, Titilayo Shitta-Bey, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution. On examining the defendant, I saw that she had six stab wounds on her abdomen, one on her thigh and a cut on her right finger. Her respiration was normal and the wounds were not deep but superficial. A test was conducted to check her blood level and to see if there was any internal bleeding, also an abdominal scan was carried out and the results were okay, there was no injury to her internal organs. She was stable, I was curious that she sustained such injuries without any injury to the internal organs. My suspicion was that the wounds might have been self-inflicted. During cross-examination by the defence counsel, Oluseye Bamijoko, the doctor said that he was not a forensic expert to determine a self-inflicted wound. Another witness, Shokunle Soyemi, an anatomical pathologist, said he conducted an autopsy on the late Symphorosa Otike-Odibi. Mr Soyemi said during the external examination of the body, there was wound on the abdomen, an incised injury at the left finger, an injury at the groin area and a sutured injury on his manhood. He said after external examination, the body was opened up and there was a lot of blood at the abdominal cavity. We saw a destruction of the mesentery vessel (organs that holds the intestines). After all the examination, it was discovered that the man lost 3.5 litres of blood from the injuries, death was ascribed to the destruction of the mesentery vessel and massive loss of blood, Mr Soyemi said. During cross-examination, the pathologist said embalming could not destroy evidence. Another witness, Joy Akpan, narrated how she got to the crime scene. She narrated what she saw and the exhibits recovered at the crime scene. After listening to the witnesses, the judge, Adedayo Akintoye, adjourned the case until January 23, 2019. The prosecutor had during arraignment told the court that Mrs Udeme committed the offences on May 3, at Diamond Estate, Sangotedo, Lekki, Lagos. He said that Mrs Udeme stabbed her husband and mutilated his corpse by cutting his genitals. The offences contravened Sections 165 (b) and 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Section 165 (b) provides five years imprisonment while Section 223 is punishable by death. (NAN) In a bid to bolster his faith, Enoch Adeboye had once fasted intensely and prayed for God to grant his request. When God did, he said, it came in the form of questions: Do you believe there is God? Do you believe Jesus is the son of God? Do you believe Jesus died and rose from the dead? Do you believe Jesus is coming back? After answering all the questions in the affirmative, the cleric said God told him to put his faith to work. He narrated this experience on the second day of the ongoing Holy Ghost Congress of the church at its Redemption Camp, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The pastor said he once had little faith and some of his early miracles surprised him. According to a testimony he shares often; when a child he had healed spoke for the first time, he nearly jumped out of the window. He had said: Those who want to experience a harvest of miracles are those who are ready to put their faith to work. It is faith that brings about miracles. There was a time in my ministerial life when I had little faith. But God honoured my faith. A woman brought her child, who had never spoken since the day she was born, to me. I, therefore, decided to pray for the child. As I said, In Jesus name to end the prayer, the child answered Amen! I nearly jumped out of the window because I had never seen that kind of miracle before. Preaching on the second day of the Congress, which was devoted to healing, he encouraged the congregation to exercise their faith once they are sure they are connected to God, the source of power. The theme of his message was The Branch, from the statement of Jesus Christ that He is the Vine and we are the branch. He explained that Jesus is a combination of divinity and humanity. Just as we are the branches of Jesus (the Vine), there is the humanity and the Divinity aspect of our lives. But even at that, we must understand that we (the branches) cannot do anything without the Vine. Even Jesus, while on earth, looked to His Father before taking actions; and so, we can do everything the Vine can do, but by the power of the Vine (Jesus). That he said was the basis of the text that I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. The cleric explained that The One who is in the Vine, is the One who is in the branches. The moment Jesus comes into your life, the same power that rose Jesus from the dead will begin to work in you. With that, he challenged the congregation to begin to exercise their faith by healing the sick. He, however, cautioned that the only criterion to perform miracles with the Vine is if we are connected as a branch. At that point, he made an altar call, which was responded to by many people, and closed the day with congregational prayers on healing. Other clerics who preached included J.T. Kalejaiye and Okey Onuzo. The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has declared that it would begin an indefinite strike from December 12. The polytechnic lecturers will join their university colleagues who have been on strike for a month. In a phone interview with PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday morning, the National President of ASUP, Usman Dutse, said the federal government had failed to meet the demands of the polytechnic lecturers. Prior to this impending strike, the union had on October 2 issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government before it extended it to November. But even then, it did not commence the strike. But Mr Dutse said the proposed strike would be total and indefinite. This further emphasises the resolution of the 93rd National Executive Council meeting reached at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos last week, he said. Government has failed to implement and fulfil agreements it reached with the union as contained in the memorandum of understanding signed, he said. ASUP went on strike in November 2017; but when the federal government reached an agreement to implement the recommendations of the 2014 NEEDS assessment, the strike was suspended 15 days after. The agreement particularly highlighted the need for increased funding of polytechnics. Mr Dutse also said the roles of state government and the National Assembly is not encouraging when it comes to funding the education sector. The issue of the funding of the institutions has always been a major concern. After the government conducted the NEEDS assessment in 2014, it promised to implement it. Years after, there is no designed roadmap to implement that, he said. He said the bill meant to review the act on the establishment of polytechnics in the country was yet to be passed by the National Assembly. He said the union was hoping that the strike would also help fast-track its passage. The institutions are not funded. The states are even worse because state governments just establish schools without actually funding those schools. So, no infrastructure is in place, he added. The ASUP president also alleged that some state governments were owing salaries for up to 14 months just as institutions victimise union leaders who voice out against what he termed injustice. We have states that are owing about 14 month salaries. Some owe eight months. Benue, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Kogi are owing up to as long as 14 months, he said. An Appeal Court in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has nullified the N4 billion fine a Kwara State High Court awarded against Sahara Reporters and its founder, Omoyele Sowore, in a case of alleged defamation of character filed against them by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki. The high court awarded the fine in June 2017. According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the Court of Appeal in Kwara State presided by two judges, Ibrahim Salauwa and Chidi Uwa, faulted the controversial high court ruling and nullified it in its entirety. The appellate court ruled that parties in the matter should return to the lower court for a proper hearing of the issues contained in Mr Sarakis suit. The appeal courts decision followed a request by lawyers from Falana and Falanas Chambers challenging the lower courts decision. Mr Saraki had in 2015 filed the libel suit in Kwara State over news and opinion publications by Sahara Reporters on his then trial for alleged false asset declaration. Mr Saraki alleged that the platform and its founder, Mr Sowore, defamed his character. He demanded N1 billion as compensation for damages against his person and also asked the court to prevent Sahara Reporters from making further publications against him. Adeyinka Oyinloye, who presided over the case at the lower court, ordered the bank accounts of Sahara Reporters domiciled with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) to be frozen, while all funds held in a string of accounts associated with the defendants were seized. Mr Oyinloye also said Sahara Reporters and Mr Sowore must pay 10 per cent (N400 million) interest on the N4 billion monthly until both the principal fine and accrued interests are cleared. Following the June 2017 order, Mr Sarakis lawyers obtained a directive to freeze the accounts of Sahara Reporters Media Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, despite the fact that the foundation was not included in the charge against the media house. The subsequent directive, also called garnishee order, was obtained in July 2017, on the basis that Sahara Reporters was owing Mr Sarakis legal team. A garnishee order is a directive given where it has been established that there is a debtor and creditor. The order is usually requested to compel compliance for the payment of a debt by a debtor through an action against a third party, usually linked with the debtor. After the court ordered Sahara Reporters to pay a fine of N4 billion, Mr Saraki requested and obtained the garnishee order. The lower court gave the judgement without hearing from the defendants who alleged Mr Sarakis lawyers fraudulently prevented them from getting court documents before the date of the June 2017 judgement. Mr Sowore later told PREMIUM TIMES that while his lawyers were trying to get copies of the judgement, Mr Sarakis lawyers obtained the garnishee order. Legal analysts and notable Nigerians had then widely condemned the failure of the court to ensure a fair hearing for both parties. The Senate has approved promissory notes and bond issuances of N102.2 billion to Delta and Taraba States as refunds for projects executed on behalf of the federal government. While N67.9 billion was approved for Delta State, N34.3 billion was approved for Taraba State. The Senate also approved N43.5 billion as payment for contractors liabilities. The contractors are Setraco Nigeria Limited (N37.4 billion); Bouygues Nigeria Limited (N4.6 billion); Simidia S&I International Company Limited (N346 million); Hamdala Homes &Agencies Limited (N210.6 million) and Lejmej Nigeria Limited N960 million. The approval was a sequel to the adoption of the interim report of the ad-hoc committee set to consider the Promissory Note Programme and a Bond Issuance to Settle Inherited Local Debts and Contractual Obligations on the refund to state governments for projects executed on behalf of the federal government. A promissory note is a debt instrument which one party promises in writing to pay a determinate sum of money to the other, either at a fixed or determinable future time, under specific terms. President Muhammadu Buhari had in March written to the National Assembly, seeking its approval for the issuance of promissory notes to offset inherited local debts. The Senate eventually resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to look into the programme and advise the Senate appropriately. Presenting the report, the chairman of the committee, Francis Alimekhena, noted that the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) scheme an incentive of the federal government, aimed at supporting active exporters in expanding their businesses, also helps in the diversification of the Nigerian economy. He explained that beneficiaries of the scheme have not been paid since 2007 up to the compilation period in 2016/2017 a backlog which he said affected the liquidity strength of most of the companies. This he said, has resulted in difficulty of loan repayment and meeting of employees obligations. Mr Alimekhena said most of the federal highways were in a state of disrepair before the state intervention adding that inspections were carried out by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing on all roads completed by the states to ascertain the quality of work done. In his remark, Shehu Sani said the report brings an end to the long period of wait and the stagnation the companies have faced especially in terms of meeting their daily obligations, especially to their workers. Also approved by the lawmakers, is the sum of N193 billion to clear outstanding claims of 269 verified companies (who are beneficiaries of the EEG. See full list of the companies below: Nigerias Inspector-general of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has advised that the Senate confirmation should be expunged from the process of appointing an Inspector-General of Police. Mr Idris, in his address at a public hearing on a bill for an act to repeal the Police Act, proposed the part of senate confirmation should be removed in the bill under consideration. The bill, in clause 7, recommends that interested applicants for the role of IGP shall apply through the Nigerian Police Council, which will nominate three from the pool of application and forward same to the president. From the three, the bill proposes that the president shall appoint Inspector-General of Police from the recommended applicants, subject to senate approval. This is a move away from what presently obtains, where the president appoints whoever he or she deems fit and forward such name for senate confirmation. Mr Idris, however, does not subscribe to the senate confirmation of such appointments. Asides senate confirmation, Mr Idris also wants the application procedure removed. The provision of the bill, captured in section 7, which deals with the appointment of the Inspector General of Police, has generated debate as to its appropriateness High on the debate is the application of procedure of police officers intending to become the Inspector General of Police. It is the position of the police that application procedures, as provided, is not necessary and should be discarded. The issue of tenure of office of five years for the Inspector General of Police as indicated in the bill is very appropriate and should be maintained. Tenure of the office of Inspector of the General of Police like other security agencies such as EFCC, ICPC and even the Police Service Commission will stabilise the office of the Inspector General of Police and enable him to set out strategic operation plans for the Nigerian police force. The appointment of the Inspector General of Police by the president on the advice of the police council, without the senate confirmation, is the desire of the police and should be made to be in the bill. Mr Idris has had a long-standing feud with the eight Senate. For three consecutive times this year, he snubbed the Senates invitation. The senate, in reaction to his snub, had in May declared him an enemy of democracy. Earlier, the chairman of the senate committee on police affairs, Tijjani Kaura, said the bill is important to equip the police to face new challenges and crime trends. It goes without saying that crimes have grown from crude rustic practice that we used to know in those days, to a sophisticated and highly yielding business to its criminals and perpetrators, with new crimes springing up at an alarming rate. It is thus clear that if the police are to effectively discharge its duties and responsibilities to meet with international best practices, as it is obtained in other parts of the world, then the police must be provided with sufficient welfare package, training and re-training, machineries to effectively discharge the constitutional responsibilities. In consideration of the foregoing, the current initiative of repealing and enacting the police act is commencing, to ensure the placement of an enabling law by the national assembly and to make an enduring and sustainable legislative support for the Nigeria Police Force, he said. The federal government has begun moves to dialogue with oil marketers over debts owed them, to avert a fuel crisis in the forthcoming festive season. The moves came amid reports that some of the marketers have dissociated themselves from last Sundays ultimatum for the payment of the outstanding fuel subsidy debt. Executive Secretary, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA), Olufemi Adewole, told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Wednesday the Debt Management Office (DMO) has invited aggrieved marketers and depot owners to a crucial meeting on the matter. Mr Adewole said the meeting scheduled for Thursday in the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja will discuss the concerns raised by the marketers in their ultimatum letter issued last Sunday. The letter purportedly written by DAPPMA, along with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Products Importers (IPPIs), gave government seven days within which to pay over N800bn outstanding fuel subsidy debts in cash or risk the withdrawal of services. Some of the oil marketers groups said to have joined in issuing the ultimatum, however, disowned the letter on Wednesday. With the deadline of the ultimatum barely four days away, Supervising Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday government was proposing to offer over N340 billion in promissory notes to the marketers in a few days time. But, the marketers said promissory notes would not help solve their immediate challenge of settling their workers salaries and sundry obligations. Close followers of the debt dispute said on Wednesday the meeting on Thursday would provide the relevant government representatives a forum to dialogue with the marketers on possible ways to resolve the problem. Regardless, Mr Adewole said DAPPMA was not perturbed about reports IPMAN and MOMAN were disowning the Sunday ultimatum to the federal government. It is their decision, the DAPPMA scribe told PREMIUM TIMES on telephone. It means they are not being owed by government. We (DAPPMA) are the people being owed. If they chose to disown the ultimatum, there is no problem. We did not mention in our letter that we are working with any other group to realise our demands. If they say they were not part of the demand, and at the end of the day, government pays us, and do not pay them, it is okay by us. The National Secretary of IPMAN, Danladi Pasali, in a statement to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday dismissed the ultimatum as an attempt by some groups of oil importers to disrupt the relative peace in the downstream oil sector of the country over the subsidy debts. This is nothing, but intimidation and an attempt to frustrate the effort by government to ensure Nigerians have a hitch-free yuletide celebration, Mr Pasali said. He described as unfortunate a situation where some groups were more concerned of their personal interest above national interest. Although he said it was good for the marketers to demand their rights, he said the decision to ground the petroleum sector at this festive period was an act of sabotage. He said already the DMO was addressing the marketers concerns by issuing promissory notes approved by the Executive Council of the Federation (FEC) under the Promissory Note and Bond Issuance programme. The promissory notes programme was established in July 2017 to help government settle inherited local debts and contractual obligations due to various categories of creditors, including oil marketers. He appealed to the marketers to change their tactics by seeking other alternatives to push their demands, and avoid blackmail and sabotage. He said IPMAN members were aware of governments efforts to settle the outstanding subsidy debts as a way of ensuring hitch-free yuletide season. On Tuesday, MOMAN, whose members consist of the six major oil marketing firms in the country, including Mobil, Conoil, OVH Energy, Forte Oil, MRS Oil and Total Nigeria Plc, also distanced its members from the ultimatum to government on the issue. The Executive Secretary of the group, Clement Isong, who also spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on the issue, denied his members were party to the ultimatum. MOMAN has never been part of the marketers groups that issued the ultimatum to the federal government. Issuing of ultimatum for a strike is not part of MOMANs mode of operation. MOMAN, which is quoted in the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and has some foreign membership, cannot be part of any action that can jeopardize the Nigerian economy, Mr Isong said. Mr Isong, who said MOMAN was still interested in collecting over N130.7bn government was owing its members, said they would prefer a more persuasive strategy to get their money than the threat. The Kwara State Police Command and the authorities of the University of Ilorin have confirmed the death of Adigun Olawale, a final year student who reportedly committed suicide after failing his final year project. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the 27- year old student of the Faculty of Agriculture, who was found dead on Thursday, failed his final year project last session and was made to repeat the class. According to New Telegraph, the deceased had a grade of Second Class Upper Division. However, with the failed project, his grade dropped to Second Class Lower Division. He died after allegedly drinking a pesticide, Sniper. It was gathered that in a social media note left behind, the deceased indicated that he had been accused of copy and paste, a reference to plagiarism. Also, it was reported that going by records from his social media interactions, the deceased had communicated his intention to end his life to a female friend who, however, pleaded with him to have a rethink and face the challenge like other men in life. He had uploaded a picture of the Sniper on his WhatsApp page at about 5.14 p.m., some two hours after he had lamented online about his situation to his friend. When contacted, the spokesperson of the institution, Kunle Akogun, told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday that the incident is true. It is an unfortunate incident and we condole with the family of the boy. However, when quizzed if the school has ascertained that the deceased failed his final year project, which led to a grade setback, Mr Akogun noted that he was not aware. He then advised students against suicide. There is no reason whatsoever, for a man to kill himself. Students should be hopeful in whatsoever circumstance they find themselves, he said. Meanwhile, the state police public relations officer, Ajayi Okasanmi said although investigation is still ongoing, it was gathered that the student committed suicide as a result of poor performance in his studies. The deed has been done and so far, we have suspected that it is suicide. We are still on it, he noted. It should be recalled that another final year student of the school, Alade Babatunde, was recently expelled for alleged examination malpractice and he has made an appeal to the management of the institution for a review of the decision. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the student, who was caught with a blackberry phone in an examination hall, was not allowed to exercise his rights to fair hearing as against the provisions of the students handbook. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has denied an allegation that he attacked the Ilorin Emirate in a recent speech. According to The Nation Newspaper, a group of traditional leaders alleged Mr Muhammed attacked the emirate after the victory of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara State by-election held on November 17. In a statement he signed and made available to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, the minister denied the allegation, saying his statement was mischievously twisted. My attention has been drawn to a press conference addressed by the Ilorin Emirate Magaji/Alangua Forum in Ilorin on Tuesday, 4 December 2018, during which I was alleged to have said that the Berlin Wall of the Ilorin Emirate had been broken by the outcome of the 17 November 2018 by-election in the Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara State. According to Mr Muhammed, those who made the allegation referred to a news item published in The Nation newspaper of November 19 with the caption Kwara Berlin Wall Broken, Says Lai Mohammed. He said it is true that he mentioned the Berlin Wall in his speech at the victory rally in his country home in Oro on November 18, but added that it was in reference to the stranglehold of the Saraki political dynasty on Kwara politics. Not once did I mention the Ilorin Emirate during that speech, and I challenge anyone who has any evidence to the contrary to release such. It is instructive that the news item that was referenced by those who made the allegation never mentioned Ilorin Emirate or made any reference to the traditional institution. It is safe to conclude, therefore, that those who tried to inject the Ilorin Emirate into the whole issue acted out of shameful desperation. This is not a surprise, considering that they are yet to recover from the devastating defeat that they suffered in the by-election. For the record, I hold the Ilorin Emirate, and indeed all our nations traditional institutions, in very high esteem, and will never do anything to bring them to disrepute. No candidate for any political office in Kwara State will downplay the importance of the Ilorin Emirate, which is a father to all. Those who are grappling at straws, having realized that their hegemonic hold on Kwara State is coming to an end, are the instigators of this lie from hell that the Berlin Wall of the Emirates has been broken, Mr Muhammed stated. The minister said the traditional chiefs who echoed the fake news concocted by the fading political warlords of Kwara should be wary of doing anyones hatchet jobs. He said they should not allow themselves to be used to denigrate the referred Ilorin Emirate, which should be absolutely non-partisan. The traditional chiefs must realise that it is only by standing up for truth and justice that they can most effectively play their role of maintaining the ever solid wall of peace, unity, progress and stability in the Emirate. The defeat suffered by the tormentors of Kwara on 17 November, is a sign of what they should expect in the forthcoming general elections in the state. No amount of lies or other acts of desperation will save them from imminent defeat. Power flows from the people, and it is clear that the people of Kwara have totally rejected those who have appropriated the states commonwealth to themselves to the detriment of the long-suffering people of Kwara State, Mr Mohammed stated. The outcome of the election, which had APC candidate, Raheem Olawuyi, declared the winner, led to controversy between the APC and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Leaders of the PDP in the state, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, alleged that the process of the election was skewed against their party. Mr Saraki and Mr Ahmed recently defected from the ruling APC to the PDP about four years after they defected from the PDP ahead of the 2015 general elections. Political commentators had said the election was a test of the two major political parties strength in Kwara ahead of the 2019 elections. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a contract for the construction of a national freight office in Jibia, Katsina state. The approval was granted Wednesday during the meeting of the council which held inside the council chamber of State House Presidential Villa Abuja, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Briefing State House correspondents, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Ameachi, said the contract was awarded at a cost of N551.8 million and implementation is to last for 36 weeks. You know that the national freight office is usually located at border posts. So, this one is at the border post between Katsina and Niger Republic, he said. Mr Amaechi also said from next year, the Nigerian government will encourage businesses to use rail instead of trucks to transport good between Lagos and Ibadan. He said the measure is aimed at reducing pressure on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The government is currently reconstructing the road and is also constructing a standard gauge rail line between the two states. We believe that by next year, we will begin to encourage those who transport by trucks between Lagos and Ibadan to use the rail. We believe that before the end of June, that will happen. We will start running from January but, we may not be able to carry enough cargo, we will be able to do that by June or July, he explained. Ekereobong Akpan, the Akwa Ibom Head of Service (HOS), on Wednesday, said there was no illegal deduction from the salaries of civil servants in the state to fund governments events. Mrs Akpan made this known at a news conference in Uyo in reaction to an alleged deduction of N1,300 from the salary of each worker in the state to fund government events. There is no iota of truth in the claim that the Akwa Ibom government deducted some amount of money from the salaries of workers in the state. The government is not only paying complete salaries of workers but also paying on time, she said. She cautioned politicians in the state to desist from making baseless and misleading assertions that can attract the wrath of God upon them. The HOS described the allegation as a desperate ploy by the opposition to taint the image of the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel. Mrs Akpan said it was impossible for any amount of money to be deducted from the salary of civil servants without the knowledge and agreement of labour unions. You dont take one naira from workers without the labour union agreeing. They would have been here in protest if such stories were true. Governor Emmanuel is a problem solver who is not moved by cheap political propaganda but focused on the welfare of civil servants. I want our politicians to know that for every careless word they utter, they will give account, as it is recorded in the Holy Bible, Mrs Akpan said. Mrs Akpan said that the 7.5 per cent contributory pension deductions earlier made from workers salaries would be refunded by Friday. She said the deductions took place between February 2005 and December 2013, adding that the governor had promised to refund the money to the affected workers. As you can see, I am sorting out the list by myself because we are going to pay the 7.5 per cent contributory pension money. When the money was deducted, His Excellency was not there; this is something he inherited, but now, he has taken the load because of his commitment to the welfare of workers. We all remember that His Excellency cleared 10 years arrears of pensions and gratuities shortly on assumption and if the recession didnt hit like it did, he would have paid everything, she said. She also said adequate provisions had been made for the newly recruited 3,000 teachers in the state to receive salaries this month. You remember those newly employed 3000 teachers. We have finished processing their data and they will be paid all their outstanding salaries and allowances shortly, she said. Akamba Awah, the chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, also said there were no formal reductions of N1, 300 from salaries of civil servants in the state. Labour is not ready to be dragged into unnecessary political blackmail by political jobbers in the state. (NAN) The people of Orin Odo-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area have been told to seek redress in court over an alleged imposition of a monarch on them by the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose. The deputy governor, Bisi Egbeyemi, gave the advice on Tuesday in Ado Ekiti, after members of the community, led by its Regent, Oluwakemi Ogundana-Ajifase, called on the state government not to recognise Adebisi Ogunjobi as the traditional ruler of the community They accused Mr Fayose of unilaterally imposing Mr Ogunjobi as the Olorin without traditional rites performed on him and without following due process. They also requested that the state government stop Mr Ogunjobi from parading himself as the Olorin, for peace to reign. Ms Ogundana-Ajisafe said the manner in which the former governor imposed his preferred candidate on the community was bizarre, unconventional and strange to tradition, noting that the kingmakers and other stakeholders were not carried along. She alleged that Mr Fayose ordered that the two candidates contesting for the royal stool be blindfolded and also ordered chiefs to line up behind their choice as king. The regent said the former governor allegedly used soldiers and other security agents to harass chiefs and community leaders in a bid to impose his preferred candidate as monarch. She told the deputy governor that the official Ford car used by her father and immediate past Olorin of Orin Odo, William Ajisafe, was taken away from her at gunpoint by agents of the former governor. She also explained that she duly sought Mr Fayoses permission before travelling to the United States in 2015 after succeeding her father, after which the community was invaded on the alleged order of former governor, with many of the chiefs arrested. Fayose wanted to use my fathers staff of office to install his preferred person as the Olorin but it is the name of my father that is inscribed on the staff of office, she said. No traditional rite was performed on Ogunjobi by those charged with the responsibility, hence he cannot claim to be the Olorin. We want the state government to help us to stop him from parading himself as the Olorin because there is a process to be fulfilled before somebody can become a king and we want peace in our town. But the deputy governor urged the aggrieved people of Orin Odo to give peace a chance and advised them to go to court to challenge the process that threw up Mr Ogunjobi as monarch. I am a lawyer of almost forty years in practice. The best thing you can do is to go to court because I dont want to deceive you on the matter on ground, said Mr Egbeyemi. My office cannot depose any Oba, the only place you can go to resolve the matter is the court of law. Responding to the allegation, Lere Olayinka, the media aide to Mr Fayose, told PREMIUM TIMES that the former governor was not a kingmaker and whoever emerged as the Oba of Orin Odo-Ekiti had no economic or political value to him. He described the allegation of imposition of the monarch against Mr Fayose as false, saying the local government councils were in charge of coordinating such events. He, however, admitted that when there were issues and the people could not agree on a choice of a traditional ruler, Mr Fayose would sometimes call the candidates openly and ask the kingmakers to queue behind the one they chose. I have witnessed some situations, about four times, when there are issues, the governor called the kingmakers and ask them to queue behind the candidate of their choice, and that is done openly, before the cameras, Mr Olayinka said. He added that the action of Mr Fayose then, was to ensure there were no controversies over who was supported by the kingmakers or not. He wondered why the Orin community had waited for Mr Fayose to leave office before raising the allegations of imposition of a monarch. Members of the Nigerian Bar Association in Ekiti State have issued a one week boycott of the courts in the state, in protest of the kidnap and killing of their colleague, Adeola Adebayo. Mr Adebayo, who was kidnapped on November 17, was found dead on December 1, after his abductors had collected a ransom from his family members. The lawyers began a protest on Monday, with a petition to the Ekiti State, the SSS and the Police, demanding the deployment of security personnel to arrest the culprits. Mr Adebayo was the secretary of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikole-Ekiti branch. The notice of the boycott, dated December 3, 2018, was signed by the secretary of the Joint Committee of Ekiti Bar, Temidayo Akeredolu, and addressed to the chief registrar, Ekiti State Judiciary. The notice, which has as title, Re: Kidnap and Eventual Killing of Adeola Adebayo Esq, Notice of Boycott of all Courts in Ekiti State, stated that the boycott was sanctioned by the joint committee. It also noted that the protest held on Monday was to request the immediate arrest and prosecution of the bloodthirsty harbingers of death who kidnapped and killed Adeola Adebayo. This is to further drive home our request as stated above and to also demand that government should take responsibility for the security of lives and property, the notice highlighted. The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has urged Nigerian senators to reduce their salaries and allowances as it is too much. While speaking at a public hearing on a bill for an act to repeal the Police Act, Mr Akiolu also said the Nigerian Army has killed the efficiency of the police. It is the Nigerian Army who actually killed the efficiency of the police, he said without giving further explanation on how. Obviously reacting to a revelation by a senator some months ago that he and his colleagues receive N13.5 million as running cost monthly, Oba Akiolu urged Nigerian senators to reduce their salaries. The senate and the sponsor of this bill (referring to Senator Ibn NaAllah) I was once a commissioner of police in your state and you are a police somebody, God will be with you. But tell your other members, go and reduce your salary, its too much. Speaking further, the king identified problems facing the Nigeria Police to include poor remuneration and pension, lack of training, government interference in affairs and poor conduct of junior officers. He advised the Nigerian government to task multinational companies to take police welfare as their Corporate Social Responsibility. When I was on course in 2000, in my paper, I did recommend that apart from the normal allocations, part of the profit of the multinationals should be set aside for the police. The problem of the police is the junior police officers themselves. They have to change their orientation and the way they behave to the public. Majority of them. Two, the political class. The government will always want to put their stooges as inspector general. Mr Akiolu threw his support to a call that appointment of the IG should be done by the president, without Senate confirmation. When I joined the force as a cadet inspector in the 1970s, I prayed to almighty Allah that I do not pray to become an Inspector-General of Police because I will not take any post that anyone will come and dictate to me. The IG made mention of something about the Senate confirmation or somethingI am in support of that. In addition, the police service commission can go back and think of four retired inspector-generals (who) can sit down with the members of the PSC to recommend who will be the IG. Four out of the six kidnapped staff of the Osun College of Technology, Esa-Oke, kidnapped on Tuesday by unknown gunmen have regained their freedom. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command in Osun, Folashade Odoro, disclosed this on Wednesday to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported the escape of two students of the college from their abductors. Mr Odoro, however, declined to give further details relating to thei freedom of the four workers but said police operatives were still working towards the release of the remaining four. Gunmen on Tuesday,kidnapped two students and six staff of the college. One staff who tried to escape from the kidnappers was killed by the gunmen. The institutions Public Relations Officer, Adewale Oyekanmi, said on Wednesday that the staff were attacked and kidnapped around 4:30 p.m., while leaving the college premises after the close of work on Tuesday. Mr Oyekanmi said the gunmen blocked Esa-Oke Road which leads to the college campus, stopped the vehicles of staff and abducted them. One of the staff was shot and killed when he did not stop and was trying to escape (from) the gunmen in his car. So far, the gunmen have not made contact with the family of the kidnapped persons or with the school management. The police, DSS and men of the OPC are helping in combing the bushes to see if they can rescue the kidnapped staff, he told NAN. About 182 graduates will receive First Class degrees at the 43rd convocation of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, out of 13,492 graduating students. The chairman of the ceremonial committee, Oluseye Bolaji, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Ile-Ife. Mr Bolaji, a professor, said that the convocation would involve graduates of the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 academic sessions. He added that the event would hold between December 11 and 14. Mr Bolaji added that the convocation lecture entitled, University Education in Nigeria: Revisiting the Ife Dream, would be delivered by a retired professor of History and Second Republic senator, Banji Akintoye. The committee chairman also said exhibition of research activities carried out in the faculties and units of the university would be unveiled as part of the activities during the convocation. (NAN) For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. BEAUMONT, Texas, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 2,000 refinery and chemical workers and their families in Southeast Texas will be awarded another $140 million for asbestos exposure thanks to an arbitration award and settlement of a nearly 30-year-old legal case. The award, from a three-judge arbitration panel, comes in addition to a previously agreed-upon $38 million settlement in the case, Cimino v. Raymark Industries, which began in 1990. Altogether, a bankruptcy trust will pay $178 million to resolve the claims of the workers and their families. The panel's decision brings an end to one of the longest-running civil litigations in history. The 2,288 plaintiffs were originally diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma, between 1985 and 1987. When the cases were tried as a class action in 1990, the plaintiffs prevailed and the court entered judgments totaling more than $1.3 billion. But after 10 years of motions, transfers and appeals, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals found against the plaintiffs, reversed the judgments and sent the cases back to the trial court. The remaining defendant, Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC), subsequently filed for bankruptcy and the Cimino plaintiffs were forced to wait another 16 years before having the opportunity to file bankruptcy claims and litigate their right to compensation from the PCC Asbestos Trust. Between 1989-1990, the Cimino litigation involved: 2,354 depositions 1,400 independent medical exams 133 days of trial 271 expert witnesses 292 fact witnesses 6,176 exhibits 373 court orders 58 lawyers Ultimately, the case produced four published opinions. "While we are proud of successfully resolving this historic litigation, it is devastating to think that PCC's unwillingness to treat our clients fairly means less than 3 percent of the original asbestos plaintiffs are alive today to receive this compensation," said Bryan Blevins of Beaumont-based Provost Umphrey, L.L.P., who represented the firm's clients in the case. "But what matters is they and their families are going to receive it, finally. That says something about their desire to see that justice was done." Representing the plaintiffs with Mr. Blevins were Glen Morgan of Reaud, Morgan & Quinn L.L.P. and Joseph Rice of Motley Rice, LLC. Arguing before the arbitration panel were Mr. Blevins, Mr. Rice and New York University Law Professor Arthur Miller. For almost 50 years, Provost Umphrey's mission has remained to seek justice for those most in need those who have suffered harm or loss due to the wrongful conduct of others. Our attorneys fight for our clients nationwide with offices in Beaumont and Houston, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee. We continue to be one of the most successful trial law firms in the nation by remaining Hard-Working Lawyers for Hard-Working People. To learn more, visit http://www.provostumphrey.com. Media Contact: Mark Annick 800-559-4534 [email protected] SOURCE Provost Umphrey, L.L.P. Related Links https://www.provostumphrey.com MEXICO CITY, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Atento S.A. (NYSE: ATTO), the leading provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing services (CRM/BPO) in Latin America, and one of the top five providers worldwide, today opened two new customer relationship centers in the city of Mexico to deliver customer experience solutions and support the digital transformation of companies in the country. With these two new centers, Atento reaffirms its leadership position in Mexico and remains at the forefront of the digital innovation in the customer relationship management and business process outsourcing sectors in the country. The launch of the centers included an investment of approximately 82 million Mexican pesos and the creation of more than 2,000 jobs. For Alejandro Reynal, Atento's Chief Executive Officer, "With the opening of these two new customer relationship centers in Mexico City, our company strengthens its leading position in the Mexican market and reinforces its commitment to digital innovation in our sector. These facilities will offer our clients a wide range of services and solutions leveraging Atento's omni-channel platform and digital capabilities. " Mr. Reynal added that "In the digital and highly competitive environment in which companies develop their activity, Atento offers a differential customer experience adapted to the digital consumer and that generates competitive advantages." For Rodrigo Llaguno, Managing Director of Atento Mexico, "The new customer relationship centers of Centro Historico and Azafran further expand our ability to offer differentiated and innovative solutions to companies in Mexico. We combine a leading omnichannel platform with new digital capabilities and the best human talent to contribute to the success of companies in any segment of activity, also in the digital era. " Llaguno highlighted the importance of combining human talent and state-of-the-art technology to support companies in their digital transformation, especially in client related processes, "The integration of both elements is the key to success" he added. To help companies address the challenge of digital transformation, Atento has a portfolio of solutions that combine state-of-the-art technology, artificial intelligence and human talent to deliver the full potential of digital throughout the customer lifecycle. These solutions leverage the company omnichannel platform combining traditional and digital channels to offer a personalized customer experience adapted to the needs of each client. Some of these solutions will be delivered from the new centers in Mexico City to sectors such as insurance, automotive, banking, retail, financial services, telecommunications, health and beauty. Atento's new customer relationship centers in Mexico City have more than 1,800 workstations and more than 2,000 specialized agents. The new facilities are located in Historic Center (Doctor Valenzuela number 18, in the Colony Doctors) and Azafran (Azafran 18, in the Granjass Mexico). Both facilities encompass meeting and training rooms, offices, cafeterias and other multipurpose spaces. Atento has more than 20,000 employees in Mexico, 16 customer relationship centers and 10,500 workstations. In addition to traditional services, such as sales, customer service or back office, Atento offers a wide range of digital customer experience solutions in Mexico, backed by an omnichannel platform and data analysis capabilities. Its main clients in the country are leading companies in the airline, insurance, automotive, banking, consumer, financial services, retail, health and beauty, as well as telecommunications. About Atento Digital Atento Digital is the company's digital business unit providing customized digital solutions for the new reality presented by the digital consumer and for the challenges companies face when seeking customer satisfaction in the digital world. Atento Digital provides tools for digital marketing, front- and back-office customer relationship management process automation and a solid omni-channel platform for greater efficiency and improved results in acquiring, managing and retaining customers. It also offers solutions for advancing digital transformation processes while fully leveraging existing systems. Atento Digital's proposal incorporates the use of cognitive technology based on Keepcon's semantic engine and comprises a wide a range of solutions including 100% online sales, digital customer service, digital technical support, or digital debt collection. Atento's Digital proposal also includes consultancy services, and the use of analytics and automation tools to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of customer-related processes. About Atento Atento is the largest provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing (CRM BPO) services in Latin America, and among the top five providers worldwide, based on revenues. Atento is also a leading provider of nearshoring CRM/BPO services to companies that carry out their activities in the United States. Since 1999, the company has developed its business model in 13 countries where it employs 150,000 people. Atento has over 400 clients to whom it offers a wide range of CRM/BPO services through multiple channels. Atento's clients are mostly leading multinational corporations in sectors such as telecommunications, banking and financial services, health, retail and public administrations, among others. Atentos shares trade under the symbol ATTO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In 2016, Atento was named one of the Worlds 25 Best Multinational Workplaces by Great Place to Work for a fourth consecutive year. For more information visit www.atento.com Media relations Maite Cordero + 34 91 740 74 47 [email protected] Investor relations Shay Chor +55 11 3293 5926 [email protected] Felipe Joaquim Martins de Souza + 55 11 3779-8053 [email protected] SOURCE Atento S.A. Related Links http://www.atento.com NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- INTRODUCTION In the recent past, cell and gene therapies have emerged as promising treatment options for a myriad of complex clinical conditions, including cancers and inherited disorders. Currently, more than 25 such advanced therapy medicinal products are available in the market; examples of recently approved therapies include Alofisel (2018), LUXTURNA (2017), YESCARTA (2017), Kymriah (2017) and INVOSSA (2017). In addition, over 500 cell and gene therapy candidates are being investigated in different stages of clinical development, across various geographies. In fact, in the past five years alone, more than 1,000 clinical trials that are currently active were initiated to evaluate the potential of these therapies across multiple therapeutic indications. Due to several development challenges, such as fragile nature of cells being used, safety and efficacy issues, laborious procedures for conducting clinical studies, complex regulatory framework and exorbitant costs, it is difficult for the companies with limited expertise and finances to successfully develop these therapies in-house. The aforementioned challenges have led several players to outsource a significant part of their clinical stage research to capable contract research organizations (CROs), which claim to offer cost-efficient solutions as well as intellectual and operational expertise. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05644018 In fact, various therapy developers have partnered with CROs to seek their support in advancing product candidates towards approval. Moreover, contract service providers have formed alliances to enhance their capabilities and provide an integrated suite of services. It is also worth highlighting that the industry has witnessed some consolidation in the last five years as smaller players have been acquired in an effort to widen the parent company's geographical reach. Furthermore, service providers have invested in developing / adopting advanced tools, technologies and platforms in order to provide robust and evidence based clinical data for approval. Given these technological advancements, the cost and time-related advantages of outsourcing research and the expanding pipeline of cell and gene therapy candidates, the demand for CROs is projected to grow in the foreseen future. SCOPE OF THE REPORT The 'Cell and Gene Therapy CROs Market, 2018-2030' report features a comprehensive study on the current landscape of contract research service providers in the cell and gene therapy sector. The study presents an in-depth analysis, highlighting the capabilities of stakeholders engaged in this domain, across different regions of the globe. Amongst various elements, the report includes: An assessment of the current market landscape, featuring a comprehensive list of more than 70 active CROs and a detailed analysis based on a number of parameters, such as the company size, location of their headquarters, year of establishment, type of therapy (cell therapy (stem cells, T cells, dendritic cells, NK cells and tumor cells) and gene therapy), scale of operations (scale and preclinical) and types of services offered including [A] clinical services (clinical trial management, clinical trial monitoring, data management and project management, clinical safety and quality studies, regulatory services, consultancy services and IT / informatics services) and [B] preclinical services (bioanalytical services, toxicology studies, in vivo studies, preclinical safety and quality studies and support services). A comprehensive discussion on the various outsourcing business models adopted in this field, along with a list of key considerations that need to be taken into account by therapy developers while selecting a CRO partner. Elaborate profiles of prominent players that offer contract research services for cell and gene therapies; each profile provides an overview of the company, its financial status (if available), information on its service(s) portfolio and a detailed future outlook. A comprehensive benchmark analysis, highlighting the key focus areas of small, mid- and large companies, comparing their existing capabilities within and beyond their respective peer groups, and providing a means for stakeholders to identify ways to gain a competitive edge in the industry. A comprehensive clinical trial analysis of ongoing studies related to the cell and gene therapy candidates in order to estimate the total number of product candidates under clinical evaluation. It provides detailed information related to clinical trials based on various parameters, such as geography, current status of trials, type of cell therapies (stem cells, T cells, dendritic cells, NK cells and tumor cells), key therapeutic area(s), disease indication(s) and number of patients enrolled. A detailed analysis of the recent collaborations (since 2013) focused on the contract services signed for cell and gene therapies based on various parameters, such as the year of establishment, type of agreement, type of services for which the companies partnered, type of cell and gene therapy and geographical location. A discussion on affiliated trends, key drivers and challenges, under a comprehensive SWOT framework, featuring a Harvey ball analysis, highlighting the relative impact of each SWOT parameter on the overall cell and gene therapy CRO market. One of the key objectives of this report is to evaluate the current opportunity and the future potential of the cell and gene therapy CROs market over the coming decade. We have provided an informed estimate of the likely evolution of the market in the short to mid-term and long term, for the period 2018-2030. In addition, we have provided the likely distribution of the market based on [A] type of therapy (cell therapy and gene therapy) [B] scale of operation (clinical and preclinical), [C] type of therapeutic areas (oncology and non-oncology) and [D] geographical region regions (covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world). To account for the uncertainties associated with the growth of cell and gene therapy CRO market and to add robustness to our model, we have provided three forecast scenarios, portraying the conservative, base and optimistic tracks of the market's evolution. All actual figures have been sourced and analyzed from publicly available information forums and inputs from primary research. Financial figures mentioned in this report are in USD, unless otherwise specified. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The research, analysis and insights presented in this report are backed by a deep understanding of key insights gathered from both secondary and primary sources. For all our projects, we conduct interviews with experts in the area (academia, industry, medical practice and other associations) to solicit their opinions on emerging trends in the market. This is primarily useful for us to draw out our own opinion on how the market will evolve across different regions and technology segments. Where possible, the available data has been checked for accuracy from multiple sources of information. The secondary sources of information include Annual reports Investor presentations SEC filings Industry databases News releases from company websites Government policy documents Industry analysts' views While the focus has been on forecasting the market till 2030, the report also provides our independent view on various technological and non-commercial trends emerging in the industry. This opinion is solely based on our knowledge, research and understanding of the relevant market gathered from various secondary and primary sources of information. CHAPTER OUTLINES Chapter 2 provides an executive summary of the insights captured in our research. It offers a high-level view of current scenario of cell and gene therapy CRO services market and its likely evolution in the mid-long term. Chapter 3 provides a general introduction to CROs, featuring insights on the historical evolution of such organizations, and legacy and contemporary trends in outsourcing activity. It also includes details on the various types of services offered by different CROs. Further, the chapter highlights the several advantages and risks associated in partnering with contract service providers, and also describes the role of CROs in the development of ATMPs. Chapter 4 provides a detailed discussion on the business models that are commonly adopted by the biopharmaceutical industry for outsourcing. In addition, the chapter includes information on various factors that drive sponsors towards outsourcing and key parameters that sponsors must consider while choosing CROs at each phase of drug development process. Chapter 5 provides a comprehensive view on the global landscape of cell and gene therapy CROs. It includes information related to over 70 CROs that claim to offer services for cell and gene therapies. It features an in-depth analysis of the players based on geographical location, company size, year of establishment, scale of operation, and range of services offered by clinical and preclinical CROs. Chapter 6 features detailed profiles of key CROs offering cell and gene therapy related services, across different geographies. Each company profile includes a brief overview of the company, financial details / information (if available), information on service portfolios and a comprehensive future outlook. Chapter 7 presents a benchmark analysis of the various players engaged in this domain. It highlights the capabilities of the companies in terms of their expertise across various services related to the development of cell and gene therapies. The analysis allows companies to compare their existing capabilities within and beyond their peer groups and identify opportunities to become more competitive in the industry. Chapter 8 features a comprehensive clinical trial analysis of ongoing clinical studies for the evaluation of various cell and gene therapy product candidates. The analysis provides details related to cell and gene therapy clinical studies investigated across various geographies, based on the number of trials registered, start year of the clinical trial, current trial status, current phase of development, key therapeutic area (including indication-wise distribution), type of cell therapeutic (stem cells, T cells, dendritic cells, NK cells and tumor cells) and number of enrolled patients. Chapter 9 provides an elaborate discussion and analysis of the various partnerships / collaborations that have been inked among the different players in the market. It includes a brief description on various types of partnerships models (such as outsourcing agreements, licensing agreements, service alliances, mergers and acquisitions) that have been employed by stakeholders in this domain since 2013. In addition, this chapter features details insights on mergers and acquisition in this domain. Chapter 10 features a comprehensive market forecast analysis, highlighting the likely growth of cell and gene therapy contract research service market till the year 2030. We have provided inputs on the likely distribution of the opportunity by type of therapy (cell therapy and gene therapy), scale of operations (clinical and preclinical), type of therapeutic area (oncology and non-oncology) and across different regions (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world). Chapter 11 provides a detailed analysis capturing the key parameters and trends that are likely to influence the future of cell and gene therapies research services, under a SWOT framework. Chapter 12 summarizes the entire report. It presents a list of key takeaways and offers our independent opinion on the current market scenario. Further, it captures the evolutionary trends that are likely to determine the future of this segment of the industry. Chapter 13 is a collection of interview transcripts of the discussions that were held key stakeholders in the industry. We have presented details of interviews held with Xian-Bao Zhan (Professor of Medicine and Director, Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital) and Enkhtsetseg Purev (Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado). Chapter 14 is an appendix, which provides tabulated data and numbers for all the figures included in the report. Chapter 15 is an appendix, which provides the list of companies and organizations mentioned in the report. EXAMPLE HIGHLIGHTS 1. With more than 70 CROs offering services for the development and clinical stage operations of cell and gene therapies, the outsourcing market landscape is fragmented, featuring a mix of small-sized (less than 50 employees, 34%), mid-sized (51-500 employees, 41%), large (501-5,000 employees, 12%) and very large sized (more than 5,000 employees, 13%) companies. Examples of very large companies include (in alphabetical order, no selection criteria) CMIC Group, Covance, ICON, Medpace, PPD and Syneos Health. 2. More than half of the CROs claim to provide clinical stage support only. Examples of companies offering clinical services include (in alphabetical order, no selection criteria) BioniX, CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting, FGK Clinical Research, JSB Solutions, Linical Accelovance, PRC Clinical and Symbion Research International. Around one-third of the total number of CROs provide both clinical and preclinical stage services; examples of such companies include (in alphabetical order, no selection criteria) Boston Biomedical Associates, Creative BioLabs, FARMACORE BIOTECHNOLOGY, GenoSafe, IQVIA and Quality Assistance. 3. Popular clinical development services offered by contract service providers include clinical trial management (46%), safety and quality studies (36%), clinical trial monitoring (24%) and clinical project management (20%). In terms of preclinical stage services, 51% currently provide safety and quality studies, 41% presently offer ADME studies and in vivo studies, respectively and 30% currently provide toxicology studies. 4. More than 1,000 ongoing clinical studies of cell therapies (including stem cell therapies, T-cell therapies, dendritic cell therapies, NK cell therapies and tumor cell therapies) were registered across different geographies in the last five years. Amongst many others, oncological disorders (57%) emerged as the most researched therapeutic area by therapy developers in this domain. 5. Several collaborations have been inked amongst various stakeholders in this domain during the period 2013-2018. Most of these partnerships were outsourcing agreements (41%), signed between CROs and sponsor companies to advance the development of various therapies. Service alliances (8%) were another important type of partnerships, representing deals signed between different CROs to expand their service portfolio. It is important to highlight that over 15 mergers and acquisitions have taken in the last five years. Examples of companies that were recently acquired are SNBL USA's preclinical business by Altasciences (September 2018), Ascendance Biotechnology by BioIVT (March 2018) and MPI Research by Charles River Laboratories (February 2018). 6. Driven by the rapidly evolving pipeline and increasing adoption of novel tools and technologies, we expect the cell and gene therapy services market to grow at an annualized rate of ~9% between 2018 and 2030. It is important to highlight that North America (primarily US) and Europe currently capture the largest share (in terms of revenues) in cell and gene therapy CRO market. This is followed by Asia Pacific and rest of the world, which currently capture about 25-30% of the overall market share. This trend is unlikely to change significantly in the future. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05644018 About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com MIAMI, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading fraud prevention and management firm, ClearSale, is excited to announce that it has been named a Rising Star in the Fraud Prevention Software category for the Fall 2018 Customer Success Report published by FeaturedCustomers. The Customer Success Report is based on the curation of authenticated case studies, testimonials, and reviews from across the web, telling a complete story of vendors in the Fraud Prevention Software space through real customer experiences. Scores are determined by multiple factors, including number of reviews, customer success content, social media presence, and vendor momentum based on traffic and search trends. Several dozens of software on the FeaturedCustomers platform were evaluated for inclusion, but only 13 companies met the criteria to receive acknowledgement. Highly rated by customers, ClearSale was recognized for consistently publishing high quality customer success content and curating positive customer reviews from third-party sites. ClearSale received an overall score of 84/100, earning it the Rising Star award in the category. "We are thrilled to receive this honor from FeaturedCustomers," said Rafael Lourenco, EVP of ClearSale. "The recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team to providing leading edge solutions for fraud prevention, while never sacrificing the customer experience. Our 99% retention rate shows that our clients agree." The full report with ClearSale's profile is available for download: https://www.featuredcustomers.com/vendor/clearsale About ClearSale: ClearSale helps e-retailers increase sales and eliminate chargebacks before they happen. Its solution protects a merchant's business by sorting orders and giving an accurate determination of fraud risk, then manually reviews every suspect transaction, providing the highest approval rates industry-wide and virtually eliminating false positives. Founded in 2001 by two-time Olympic athlete Pedro Chiamulera, ClearSale has offices in Brazil, US, and Mexico. More information at http://clear.sale or follow on Twitter @ClearSaleUS. About FeaturedCustomers: FeaturedCustomers, the world's only customer reference platform for B2B business software & services, helps potential B2B buyers research and discover business software & services through vendor-validated customer reference content such as testimonials, success stories, case studies, and customer videos. The platform helps influence purchasing decisions of thousands of B2B buyers in the final stages of the buying cycle from Fortune 500 companies to SMB's. For more information, visit their website. SOURCE ClearSale Related Links https://www.clear.sale DALLAS, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Craig Keeland, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist has just released his second book, Vision To Victory, through CIS Publishing. Vision To Victory is an uplifting and highly motivational book encouraging personal growth for a triumphant future. Vision To Victory is available for a free download on his website, CraigKeeland.com. Keeland is also the author of Developing the Champion Within You, written to inspire personal excellence. Author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. The author grew up attending church on a regular basis. But his life was profoundly changed in 2005, when he visited Lakewood Church in Houston, and heard the teaching of Pastor Joel Osteen. His spirit was stirred. This was the first time he remembers truly feeling the presence of the Lord. This spiritual awakening led him to write his first book, and to this day he attends Lakewood Church in Houston and is very close to the Osteen family. Craig was born in Dallas, and his grandparents, whom he stayed with quite a bit, were a large part of his upbringing. His parents had moved to Orange, Texas to a small, white wooden rental home with a single bedroom and bathroom. The home had few amenities, and nothing to cool the air but a 'swamp cooler'. Their car, a used Chevrolet, also had no air-conditioning. There were not a lot of creature comforts for a young family. But by the time Craig turned five, they had saved enough to move into a home that had two bedrooms and air-conditioning. They were able to purchase another used car and that too, had air conditioning. They even went out to eat at a restaurant for the very first time as a family. Life was getting more enjoyable. Craig's life as an entrepreneur began at the tender age of six. Keeland went door to door introducing himself to the neighbors and selling tickets to 'Hamburger Night' at the church he and his family attended. This early experience built up his confidence and began to shape his character. The summer Craig turned seven, he began mowing his grandparents' yard with a push lawn mower. With the money he earned, he decided to buy a self-propelled lawn mower. That following year, he expanded his mowing service by asking folks in the neighborhood if he could mow their yards as well. Thus, his first business began in earnest. He quickly became the 'go-to' kid in the neighborhood as he was dependable, hard-working and would not quit until the homeowner was pleased. When he turned 13, Craig retired his mower and began working for a local bank keeping their office supply room organized. He was responsible, ambitious and eager to please. By the age of 16, he had worked his way up to teller and then into the collections department where his compassion and gracious demeanor gained him a high level of respect among his customers and superiors, alike. Craig was a hard worker and saved every penny he made. He understood the value of a dollar because he knew how hard it was to earn one. At 16, he paid cash for his first car. Even at that young age, Craig recognized a good deal when he saw one. The car was an older model, but it was a good value and he knew it. The following year he sold it for $2000 more than he had paid and was then able to afford his teenage dream car, a used Pontiac Trans Am. The moral to the story: Know what you want, save your money and you will eventually achieve your goal. Craig's father, grandfather, and great-grandfather served proudly in the US military. Craig, too, felt the calling and wanted to share in his family's legacy of serving America. But just months before he graduated high school, the Vietnam war ended. Craig's plan to become a Marine also came to an end. The military was not taking on any new enlistments. Therefore, Craig focused on a college career although he did not have the most distinguished record in school. He had failed the first grade once and almost twice. He was dyslexic, but that was not a recognized diagnosis at that time. He struggled each year just to pass. He ultimately graduated 6th from the bottom of his high school class of 361 people but this did not dissuade him from pursuing a college degree. In fact, he set a very ambitious goal to receive a business degree from a college in three years instead of four. His career began at a local junior college and he was then accepted by the University of North Texas as a full-time student. He was then fortunate enough to be offered a partial scholarship to SMU and graduated with a business degree in three years. Mission accomplished. After graduation from SMU, Craig was accepted by the Wharton School of Finance, at The University of Pennsylvania, an ivy league school. This was quite an achievement for a young man who graduated close to last in his high school class. His goal was to complete his M.B.A. in one year even though it was a two-year program. He attended classes year-round, but failed his very last course in his last semester. He didn't have the money to stay the following semester to complete that one course. So, he worked hard, earned the money and came back two years later, when he completed the course and achieved his MBA. While it was not his preferred timing, the powerful lessons of determination and resiliency have been themes in his life ever since. As he was finishing his M.B.A., he went to work for a very successful entrepreneur. Keeland became his right-hand-man and due to a very fortuitous and unique set of circumstances, Craig had a very successful year, financially. Keeland was now 25, with a comfortable sum of money in the bank. It was then that Keeland decided to focus on his own nutrition. He astutely observed that people with lifelong healthy eating habits, looked and felt younger. He found the top nutritional food formulators in the country and put a team together to create a nutritional product made in a pharmaceutical lab. His original plan was to create something for himself. In a twist of fate, Keeland accidentally ordered 5000 bottles of the formulation. He didn't realize he had done this until his delivery arrived. His assistant asked where he wanted to store the delivery and he was quite surprised to see the stacks of boxes, when he was expecting only a few bottles. They had to store the 5000 in an empty office in his building. His assistant and others in the building began asking if they could try the product. It became a hit with everyone in the building and his nutritional company was born. Keeland's entrepreneurial spirit was elated. 'Living younger, longer' became his mission and he coined the term 'Youngevity'. Keeland was the first to use pharmaceutical standards for a nutritional product. This propelled Keeland to the forefront of the nutritional world, and his company brought credibility to formulating nutritional foods. His newly formed company, Heritage Corporation of America, made a profit in the first year, an unheard-of achievement at the time. Three years later, an avid fan of the product knocked on the door and told Keeland she wanted to buy the company. He agreed to sell and again, made a nice profit. His entrepreneurial spirit was soaring. On the lookout for a smart deal, he invested in a bank that was on the verge of failing. His instincts told him he could turn things around in 5 years and put the bank back in excellent standing. He saw the opportunity and seized it. Then in 1987, the 4th year of the turnaround, the three major sectors of the Texas economy collapsed oil, commercial real estate, and banking. The state went into an economic depression. 12 of the 13 largest banks in Texas failed. 45 percent of all independent banks failed. Keeland advised the board of directors that the bank would not survive. He decided to leave and 18 months later the bank shut their doors. Overnight, Craig went from having a robust, positive net worth to a large, negative net worth. Being a man of integrity, he immediately went to lenders and signed deficiency loans. He refused to declare bankruptcy and walk away from his debts. Within 7 years he had re-paid every single one of his loans. Through it all, Craig kept his positive outlook and cheerful spirit. He was unflappable and knew his attitude could be of great encouragement to others. After the bank collapse, Keeland returned to his passion, nutrition. With a very modest sum, he started a small company which grew rapidly over time. This was when Craig began taking notice of the habits of people in their 60s. He observed some of them looked 80, some looked their age, and a few looked 20 years younger. His goal was that when he was 60, he wanted to look like he was in his 40s, too. He wanted to find the secret. It was then that Craig read a very influential article in National Geographic by Dr. Alexander Leaf. It was a study suggesting the people of the Vilcabamba Valley had a greater longevity than other groups. His curiosity peaked, Craig traveled to the Vilcabamba Valley Rainforest, high in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, South America to learn about the people and their lifestyle. Craig was deeply touched by the vibrant, loving and appreciative children he met there. They inspired him to co-found the Andes Children Foundation. The ACF proudly supports 13 schools in the Vilcabamba Valley of Ecuador. Their mission: To help improve childrens' lives through education, by providing much-needed resources, learning materials, and teaching tools. The foundation exists to this day and is one of the proudest achievements of Craig's life. Over the years, Craig started, led and grew five very profitable nutritional companies selling health and wellness products all over the globe. He was in the nutrition business until the sale of his last company in 2017. Craig has been a servant leader throughout his life. In this next phase, he looks forward to giving back to his country he so longed to serve after high school. Life has brought him full circle. His future is dedicated to serving America and his President with all the positivity and passion he has brought to every area of his life. For more information about Craig, visit CraigKeeland.com. Vision To Victory is available for a free download on his website, CraigKeeland.com. CIS Publishing Company, founded in 1991 by Terry Minke, is a self-publishing consulting company and publisher specializing in "first-time" author manuscripts for worldwide distribution of Diverse Christian Subjects, American Cultural Literature, as well as Wellness and Nutritional Books. Having published a total of 45 books to date, the company is currently based in Rural Retreat, Virginia. Visit CISPublishing.com to learn more. 31,000 FT is the agency of record for Craig Keeland. 31,000 FT is a full-service creative advertising agency, serving national, regional and local clients, based in Addison, Texas. Capabilities include brand strategy, social strategy, advertising, video content and web design. Visit 31000FT.net to learn more. For inquiries about this news release, please contact Kristina Blake at 31,000 FT: [email protected] Related Files CISPublishing_PressRelease_CK_V1a[1].docx SOURCE Craig Keeland Related Links http://craigkeeland.com LONDON, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cross-laminated Timber Market (Type - Adhesive bonded Cross laminated Timber, Mechanically Fastened Cross laminated Timber; Application - Residential Buildings, Educational Institutes, Government and Public Buildings, Industrial and Commercial Spaces) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2018 - 2026 Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5392636 Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is also known as X-lam or massive timber.It is a prefabricated engineered wood panel made of three to four layers of solid-sawn lumber or composite lumber. Composite lumber is well-laminated through the gluing of longitudinal and transverse layers of timber by using structural adhesives to form a solid, rectangle-shaped, straight, and plane timber.Cross-laminated timber was first developed and used in Germany and Austria in the 1990s. During the 2000s, it was much widely used in Europe.Cross-laminated timber has several applications in walls, roofs, and ceilings. The thickness of the product can be changed as per the requirement of the application. It is an eco-friendly product, which is used as a sustainable material in single-storied and multi-storied buildings. Based on type, the global cross-laminated timber market has been segmented into adhesive-bonded cross-laminated timber and mechanically fastened cross-laminated timber.Both segments are anticipated to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period. However, the adhesive-bonded cross-laminated timber segment is likely to expand faster, led by superior structural properties of adhesive-bonded cross-laminated timber.Compared to mechanically fastened cross-laminated timber, adhesive-bonded cross-laminated timber is used on a larger scale during construction. Cross-laminated timber panels consist of several layers of lumber boards stacked crosswise and glued together.The assembly process usually takes 1560 minutes, depending on the adhesives used. Adhesive is used to assemble cross-laminated timber panels. Very few manufacturers of cross-laminated timber use the process of mechanical fastening. Manufacturers use aluminum nails or wooden dowels to connect wood layers vertically. In terms of application, the global cross-laminated timber market can be segmented into residential buildings, educational institutes, government/public buildings, and industrial & commercial spaces.Residential buildings is a prominent segment of the cross-laminated timber market. In residential buildings, cross-laminated timber is used in walls, roofs, and ceilings.Flooring and walls made from cross-laminated timber can be assembled before reaching the project site. This prefabrication helps in decreasing the construction time and cost.Cross-laminated timber is less commonly used in the construction of industrial and commercial spaces. They require adherence to strict building codes of strength. In order to achieve that, the number of cross-laminated timber panels used increases and the cost of construction rises significantly. Based on region, the global cross-laminated timber market can be classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.Europe is estimated to be a prominent region of the cross-laminated timber market. The region is a significant producer as well as consumer of cross-laminated timber.Most of the global cross-laminated timber production is concentrated in Europe. Cross-laminated timber was first introduced in Europe and is thus extensively used in the region.North America is another significant consumer of cross-laminated timber. Consumption of cross-laminated timber is anticipated to rise significantly over the next few years. Asia Pacific is another key region of the cross-laminated timber market. Most of the demand in the region comes from Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. The report analyzes and forecasts the cross-laminated timber market at the global and regional levels.The market has been forecast in terms of volume (cubic meters) and revenue (US$ Mn) from 2018 to 2026. The study includes drivers and restraints of the global cross-laminated timber market.It also covers the expected impact of these drivers and restraints on the demand for cross-laminated timber during the forecast period. The report also highlights growth opportunities for the cross-laminated timber market at the global and regional levels. The report comprises a detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the global cross-laminated timber market.The Porter's five forces model for the cross-laminated timber market has also been included to help understand the competition landscape. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein segments have been benchmarked by type and application based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness. The study provides a decisive view of the global cross-laminated timber market by segmenting it in terms of type, application, and region.These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Regional segmentation includes current and future demand for cross-laminated timber in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The report also covers segmentation based on individual type and application of the market in all regions. The study includes profiles of major companies operating in the global cross-laminated timber market.Key players profiled in the report are Stora Enso, Mayr-Melnhof Holz Holding AG, Binderholz Bausysteme GmbH, KLH Massivholz GmbH, HASSLACHER Holding GmbH, Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation, Nordic Structures, Ed. Zublin AG, Eugen Decker Holzindustrie KG, Sterling Lumber Company, Inc., and W. u. J. Derix GmbH & Co. Market players have been profiled in terms of company overview, business strategies, and recent developments. The report provides the estimated market size of the global cross-laminated timber market for 2017 and forecast for the next nine years.The size of the global cross-laminated timber market has been provided in terms of volume and revenue. Market numbers have been estimated based on type, application, and region. The market size and forecast for each type, application, and end-user industry segment has been provided for the global and regional markets. Global Cross-laminated Timber Market, by Type Adhesive-bonded Cross-laminated Timber Mechanically Fastened Cross-laminated Timber Global Cross-laminated Timber Market, by Application Residential Buildings Educational Institutes Government/Public Buildings Industrial & Commercial Spaces Global Cross-laminated Timber Market, by Region North America U.S. Canada Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Europe Germany Austria Switzerland U.K France Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific Japan New Zealand Australia Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa GCC South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Key Takeaways The report provides extensive analysis of market trends from 2017 to 2026 in order to identify opportunities and market developments It provides analysis of various types of cross-laminated timber and applications where cross-laminated timber is used It identifies key factors responsible for driving cross-laminated timber market to build a roadmap for upcoming opportunities for the cross-laminated timber market at the global, regional, and country levels The report offers comprehensive analysis with respect to investments and regulatory scenario that would subsequently impact the outlook and forecast for the global cross-laminated timber market between 2018 and 2026 The report provides a detailed competition landscape of key players operating in the market to understand competition level Porters' five forces analysis has been provided to highlight the power of buyers and suppliers in the market Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5392636 About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +1 (718) 213 4904 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Drone Delivery Canada 'DDC or the Company' (TSX.V:FLT OTC:TAKOF), is pleased to announce that it has executed a commercial agreement with the Moose Cree First Nation to deploy DDC's drone delivery technology platform with the Moose Cree First Nation communities. The Company is currently permitted to commercially operate its drone delivery platform within the Moosonee and Moose Factory communities with its Compliant Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) which permits DDC to conduct drone operations in all Canadian provinces and territories. DDC, with its Compliant SFOC in hand, will deploy its drone delivery platform to service the communities of Moose Factory and Moosonee, two northern towns located in Ontario approximately 19 kilometres south of James Bay. Utilizing DDC's compliant Sparrow aircraft, capable of a 5 kg payload, goods to be commercially transported between the communities will include, letters, general parcels, medical supplies, and other general necessities. Financial terms of the agreement are $2.5 Million of revenue for year one with the potential to expand services in following years. As previously anticipated, it is expected that revenues will begin to be received late in Q2, 2019 once Federal funding is received by the Moose Cree First Nations. "We are on track with the roll out of our commercial operations in Q2 of 2019", commented Tony Di Benedetto, CEO of Drone Delivery Canada. "This agreement is representative of the large 'Remote Communities' market that we see penetrating over the next 3 to 5 years. The Remote Communities market is only one segment of the overall total addressable market in Canada. In addition to Canada, DDC is working with other customers around the globe to licence our FLYTE software and drone delivery technology." In Canada, there are approximately one thousand remote communities, and, almost all face similar infrastructure and logistics challenges that contribute to a high cost of living. DDC looks to provide a cost effective and highly efficient logistic solution to these communities to improve lives and to create jobs in Canada's north all while reducing costs. "We have worked closely with DDC for nearly two years and see the many benefits of DDC's Drone Delivery Technology to our community as well as many others like us. Where infrastructure is weak, or at times non-existent or accessible, DDC's drone delivery platfrom is a valuable solution to connect remote communities and provide fast and efficient deliveries that were once not possible," commented Stan Kapashesit, Director of Economic Development Moose Cree First Nation. The Company is currently focused on strengthening its management team amongst all levels with a focus on enlisting the smartest minds to assist in driving commercial operations. For more information, please visit www.dronedeliverycanada.com About Drone Delivery Canada Drone Delivery Canada is a drone technology company focused on the design, development and implementation of its proprietary logistics software platform, using drones. The Company's platform will be used as Software as a Service (SaaS) for government and corporate organizations. Drone Delivery Canada Corp. is a publicly listed company trading on the TSX V Exchange under the symbol FLT, on the U.S. OTC Q B market under the symbol TAKOF and on the Frankfurt exchange in Germany under the symbol A2AMGZ. 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. SOURCE Drone Delivery Canada Related Links http://www.dronedeliverycanada.com MIAMI, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- eMerge Americas, the premier technology event connecting Latin America to the rest of the world, announced today new partnerships with Florida International University (FIU), the University of Miami (UM), Miami-Dade College (MDC) and Broward College. For the first time, all four higher-ed institutions will converge at the Miami Beach Convention Center for the eMerge Americas annual event on April 29-30, 2019. "Talent development and retention is critical to the growth and sustainability of the Miami tech ecosystem," said Felice Gorordo, eMerge Americas CEO. "As important ecosystem partners, we are honored to build on our long-standing partnerships with FIU, UM, MDCand now, Broward Collegeto help develop a pipeline of homegrown talent and opportunities." FIU and Cyxtera Technologies will be hosting their inaugural on-site cybersecurity augmentation training program at eMerge Americas. Drawing from experience in fund-formation, eMerge Americas and its partners will also assist FIU in launching and structuring an early stage, pre-seed venture fund. "At FIU we are committed to life-long learning," said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. "We look forward to joining forces with other anchor institutions in South Florida and help eMerge participants gain important skills to get and create 21st century jobs." Earlier this year, MDC opened the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, a hyper-realistic training platform aimed at detecting, stopping, and remediating cyberattacks in real-time. MDC's Cybersecurity Center will provide training to students, public and private sector organizations, as well as cybersecurity professionals. "In partnering with eMerge Americas, MDC seeks to continue expanding our South Florida tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem, and prepare our students to compete in tomorrow's workforce today," said Eduardo J. Padron, the President of Miami Dade College. eMerge Americas has also partnered with UM on the Latin American (LatAm) Roadshow to engage innovative university startups as part of the Hemispheric University Consortium, a platform for collaboration in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. "Through the Hemispheric Consortium launched at eMerge Americas, the University of Miami is partnering with the leading universities across the region and helping foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the Americas," said Dr. Julio Frenk, University of Miami President. Together, eMerge Americas and UM are hosting pitch competitions as a cornerstone of the LatAm Roadshow at the Universidad de los Andes (Colombia), Technologico de Monterrey (Mexico), Universidad de las Americas (Mexico) and the Universidade de Sao Paulo (Brazil). The top two winners from each university will be fast-tracked into the eMerge Americas Global Startup Showcase in April. For the first time, Broward College will have a presence at the upcoming eMerge Americas 2019 event showcasing their cutting-edge and entrepreneurially focused program both on the exhibit floor and on stage. "We are consistently looking for new and innovative ways to help students embrace an entrepreneurial mindset," said Gregory Adam Haile, Broward College President. "This collaboration with eMerge Americas, a leader in technology and innovation, will provide a platform for our entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and make business connections." The eMerge Americas 2019 lineup, featuring all four higher-ed institutions, sets the stage for another successful year of innovative collaboration and thought-leadership with game-changers in the Miami tech community. Advanced registration for eMerge Americas 2019 is now open at emergeamericas.com. About eMerge Americas eMerge Americas is the premier technology event connecting Latin America to the rest of the world held annually at the Miami Beach Convention Center. By connecting global industry leaders and investors with America's top business executives, technology decision-makers, and entrepreneurs, eMerge Americas is transforming Miami into the tech hub of the Americas. In 2018, eMerge Americas attracted more than 15,000 attendees from 400 participating companies and more than 40 countries. eMerge Americas serves as a catalyst in order to propel innovation and investment in South Florida and Latin America. The eMerge Americas founding partners include: Medina Capital, A Rod Corporation, Greenberg Traurig, Knight Foundation, Miami-Dade County, and the Miami Herald. For more information about eMerge Americas, please visit: emergeamericas.com. SOURCE eMerge Americas Related Links http://emergeamericas.com TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - As previously disclosed, the CRA is conducting an audit of Franco-Nevada Corporation's 2012-2015 taxation years. Franco-Nevada has now received a proposal letter from the Canada Revenue Agency in relation to royalty income earned by Franco-Nevada's Mexican subsidiary during the 2013 taxation year. The audit is ongoing and there can be no assurance that CRA will not raise further challenges with respect to Franco-Nevada or its Mexican or other foreign subsidiaries. For the 2013 taxation year, Franco-Nevada's Mexican subsidiary paid Mxn154.3 million Pesos (US$12.1 million) in cash taxes, at a 30% tax rate, to the Mexican tax authorities on income earned in Mexico. The CRA is proposing to tax a majority of such income as though it were earned in Canada. Assuming the CRA is successful in its challenge, Franco-Nevada estimates on a preliminary basis that it would be subject to federal and provincial tax of approximately Cdn$12.8 million (US$9.7 million) plus any applicable penalties and interest but before any relief under the Canada-Mexico tax treaty. The tax treaty between Canada and Mexico is intended to avoid double taxation. Management strongly believes that the Company has paid all applicable taxes in compliance with Canadian and Mexican tax laws. Franco-Nevada intends to vigorously defend its position and seek relief under the tax treaty. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward looking information" and "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, respectively, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance, management's expectations regarding Franco-Nevada's growth, results of operations, estimated future revenues, carrying value of assets, future dividends and requirements for additional capital, mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, production estimates, production costs and revenue, future demand for and prices of commodities, expected mining sequences, business prospects and opportunities, audits being conducted by the CRA and available remedies, and the remedies relating to and consequences of the ruling of the Supreme Court of Panama in relation to the Cobre Panama project. Such forward looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Franco-Nevada to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any forward looking statement, including, without limitation: fluctuations in the prices of the primary commodities that drive royalty and stream revenue (gold, platinum group metals, copper, nickel, uranium, silver, iron-ore and oil and gas); fluctuations in the value of the Canadian and Australian dollar, Mexican Peso and any other currency in which revenue is generated, relative to the U.S. dollar; changes in national and local government legislation, including permitting and licensing regimes and taxation policies and the enforcement thereof; regulatory, political or economic developments in any of the countries where properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest are located or through which they are held; risks related to the operators of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest, including changes in the ownership and control of such operators; influence of macroeconomic developments; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by Franco-Nevada; reduced access to debt and equity capital; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; whether or not Franco-Nevada is determined to have "passive foreign investment company" ("PFIC") status as defined in Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; potential changes in Canadian tax treatment of offshore streams; excessive cost escalation as well as development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; actual mineral content may differ from the reserves and resources contained in technical reports; rate and timing of production differences from resource estimates, other technical reports and mine plans; risks and hazards associated with the business of development and mining on any of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest, including, but not limited to unusual or unexpected geological and metallurgical conditions, slope failures or cave-ins, flooding and other natural disasters, terrorism, civil unrest or an outbreak of contagious disease; and the integration of acquired assets. The forward looking statements contained in this press release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: the ongoing operation of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest by the owners or operators of such properties in a manner consistent with past practice; the accuracy of public statements and disclosures made by the owners or operators of such underlying properties; no material adverse change in the market price of the commodities that underlie the asset portfolio; Franco-Nevada's ongoing income and assets relating to determination of its PFIC status; no material changes to existing tax treatment; the expected application of tax laws and regulations by taxation authorities; the expected assessment and outcome of any audit by any taxation authority; no adverse development in respect of any significant property in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; the accuracy of publicly disclosed expectations for the development of underlying properties that are not yet in production; integration of acquired assets; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. However, there can be no assurance that forward looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Investors are cautioned that forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Franco-Nevada cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward looking statements and investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. For additional information with respect to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, please refer to the "Risk Factors" section of Franco-Nevada's most recent Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on www.sedar.com and Franco-Nevada's most recent Annual Report filed on Form 40-F filed with the SEC on www.sec.gov. The forward looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only and Franco-Nevada does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. SOURCE Franco-Nevada Corporation Related Links www.franco-nevada.com ZUG, Switzerland, December 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium cardiac and vascular imaging rises to a new standard as Hitachi Medical Systems Europe introduces the next level of intelligent Vector Flow Mapping (iVFM) at EuroEcho Imaging 2018 in Milan, Italy, December 5, 2018. Increasing in popularity, the third generation of non-invasive intracardiac blood flow visualization technology provides unique information about the intraventricular vortex and its energetic efficiency, including Kinetic Energy Loss, Relative pressure or Wall Shear Stress display and analysis. Built on the premium 2D/4D/4G CMUT LISENDO 880LE ultrasound system, as a part of the HDAnalyticsTM, a unique and accurate CV analysis package for confident cardiac hemodynamic assessments, the new iVFM features faster data processing through automation for a simplified workflow. The embedded iVFM is now available for both intracardiac and vascular flow structures. Prof.Jose Luis Zamorano, Professor of Medicine, Head of Cardiology at the University Hospital Ramon y Cajal, Madrid: "VFM offer a better insight into cardiac physiology and is a new way of analyzing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy responders. VFM is easy to analyze and makes creates a better understanding of cardiac diseases". Mr. Jean-Luc Budillon, President and COO of Hitachi Medical Systems Europe: "Since their inception, today's ultrasound systems have progressed to become essential medical devices for all levels of cardiovascular care. The LISENDO 880LE is Hitachi's new premium 2D/4D/4G CMUT diagnostic ultrasound solution for cardiologists that redefines the vision of cardiac ultrasound by providing exceptional clinical performance coupled with state-of-the-art features and analytics". Hitachi released the world's first diagnostic ultrasound system in 1960 and the world's first Colour Doppler ultrasound system in 1984. Continuing this history of innovation, Hitachi introduced Vector Flow Mapping (VFM) analysis using ultrasound in 2006. Hitachi stands out as a company dedicated to providing unique solutions to echocardiography's clinical challenges. The LISENDO 880LE maintains Hitachi's tradition of providing exceptionally innovative ultrasound for cardiovascular care. Today, Hitachi is able to presents a full range of innovative cardiovascular imaging systems, all of them designed to be a true one-system solution for adult, fetal, paediatric and congenital heart patients. With this milestone, Hitachi raises the bar not only in image quality but also in premium technologies, putting cardiologists to the next level in CV ultrasound imaging. - Cross reference: Pictures available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com) - About Hitachi Medical Systems Europe Hitachi Healthcare in Europe is represented by Hitachi Medical Systems Europe Holding AG, Zug, Switzerland. The company is a first choice supplier of open and powerful high-field MRI systems, multi-slice CT systems as well as medical ultrasound, endoscopic and optical topography systems (NIRS. Ultrasound expertise encompasses clinical applications such as cardiology, radiology, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, gastroenterology, urology and surgery. Hitachi Medical Systems Europe offers a complete range of solutions to address a wide range of medical challenges. For more information about Hitachi Medical Systems Europe Holding AG. For more information, please visit http://www.hitachi-medical-systems.eu 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, please visit http://www.hitachi.com Contact: Romea Wallnoefer Hitachi Medical Systems Europe Holding AG +41-41-748-63-33 [email protected] SOURCE Hitachi Medical Systems Europe Holding AG YARDLEY, Pa., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Stark & Stark announced it has obtained a $2.75 million settlement for Anthony Dos Santos, a construction worker who was critically injured at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, Pa. The accident resulted in the loss of the plaintiff's leg. The accident at the amusement park, which occurred on April 23, 2014, involved the transport of a large steel column on a forklift. Mr. Dos Santos, age 23 at the time, was holding a tagline used to control the movement of the suspended column and walking in front of and alongside the forklift. When the forklift stopped suddenly, he was pulled in front of the forklift's wheel due to the subsequent movement of the steel beam. The forklift ran over Mr. Dos Santos' foot, crushing it. Tyler Tomlinson, Joseph Cullen, Jr., and Ian Abovitz, who are shareholders with Stark & Stark, represented Mr. Dos Santos in the case. The attorneys are members of Stark & Stark's Accident & Personal Injury group and headquartered at the firm's Yardley, Pa., office. The legal team secured a settlement of $2.75 million for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical bills for the gravely injured worker. "We are proud to help this hardworking individual receive just compensation for the considerable pain and loss he has sufferedand continues to endure," said Mr. Tomlinson, the lead attorney on the case. "There was a much safer way to transport columns through the park, one that would not have presented hazards. Unfortunately, there also was not a supervisor on-site, as required by the contract, and the crew was understaffed." Following the accident, the victim had a surgical procedure but, unfortunately, postoperative examinations showed progressive necrosis of the foot and toes. He underwent an amputation of his right leg below the knee, followed by a surgical revision to the amputated limb for the purpose of improving the prosthetic fitting. After returning home, Mr. Dos Santos had several more infections and had to undergo additional procedures, in addition to suffering from severe phantom limb pain. The accident also took an emotional toll, with a psychologist diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder with depressed mood, and somatic symptoms, including pain. Now 28 years old and married with children, Mr. Dos Santos has been unable to return to work and continues to experience phantom limb pain and chronic back pain. Mr. Tomlinson concluded, "Stark & Stark maintains an unwavering dedication to representing the rights of workers such as Mr. Dos Santos, whose lives are tragically impacted by injuries on construction and job sites." About Stark & Stark: Since 1933, Stark & Stark has developed innovative legal solutions to meet our clients' needs. More than 100 attorneys, 30 practice areas, and a philosophy of putting the law to work for our clients is the basis from which we build and maintain our practice. Stark & Stark offers a full range of legal services for businesses and individuals. After more than 80 years, our attorneys continue to deliver practical, efficient solutions to clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and throughout the United States. The firm serves clients in Philadelphia and surrounding counties, and can be reached at 267-907-9600. Our attorneys are supported by a staff in excess of 200, all of whom are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to each client. Visit www.stark-stark.com for more information. SOURCE Stark & Stark Related Links http://www.stark-stark.com TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC) today announced it is committing $1 million to the Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative to support the establishment of a regional centre of training and learning in Rwanda. The regional hub of practice, research and advocacy will serve as a meeting place for countries to exchange and learn how to prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers. The $1 million donation builds on Intact's initial investment of $300,000 in the Dallaire Initiative, which began in 2015. These new funds will help the Dallaire Initiative establish a permanent presence in Africa. According to the UN Secretary-General's 2018 Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict seven national armies and 56 armed groups operating in 14 countries recruit and use children as soldiers. "The Dallaire Initiative is a pioneer in the work of preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers and a permanent presence in Rwanda will strengthen their effectiveness," said Charles Brindamour, Chief Executive Officer of Intact Financial Corporation. "I spent time in Rwanda this spring with the Dallaire Initiative and saw first hand, the importance of their work. While the problem of using children in wars is far from resolved, the General's team is moving the needle and making progress." "This level of support makes Intact the Dallaire Initiative's first $1 million corporate donor," said Dr. Shelly Whitman, the Dallaire Initiative's Executive Director. "These funds will be critical in enhancing our training in East and Central Africa, where some of the gravest violations against children are taking place." The donation will also go towards funding a fellowship for the Executive Director to continue advocating for children's rights on the international peace and security agenda. An event marking the first anniversary of the Vancouver Principles, is being hosted tonight by the Permanent Missions of Canada and Rwanda to the United Nations in collaboration with the Dallaire Initiative. Hosted by Canadian Ambassador Marc-Andre Blanchard, special guests include LGen (ret'd) Romeo Dallaire, Executive Director of the Dallaire Initiative Dr. Shelly Whitman, global advocates for children and Dallaire Initiative Advisors Michel Chikwanine and Ishmael Beah as well as Intact Financial Corporation CEO Charles Brindamour. At the event, the Dallaire Initiative will announce the establishment of a regional centre of training and learning in Rwanda, the first African country to endorse the Vancouver Principles. To date, 69 UN member countries have endorsed the Principles, a watershed initiative that was jointly launched by the Government of Canada and the Dallaire Initiative. About Intact Financial Corporation Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC) is the largest provider of property and casualty (P&C) insurance in Canada and a leading provider of specialty insurance in North America, with close to $10 billion in total annual premiums. The Company has approximately 14,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than five million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada and the U.S. In Canada, Intact distributes insurance under the Intact Insurance brand through a wide network of brokers, including its wholly-owned subsidiary BrokerLink, and directly to consumers through belairdirect. In the U.S., OneBeacon Insurance Group, a wholly owned subsidiary, provides specialty insurance products through independent agencies, brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies. About the Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative The Dallaire Initiative, based at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, is recognized as the only organization in the world taking a prevention-oriented, security sector focused approach to the crime against humanity that is child soldiery. Founded by retired lieutenant-general and celebrated humanitarian Romeo Dallaire, the Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative is a leader committed to ending the use and recruitment of child soldiers worldwide, through ground-breaking research, advocacy, and security-sector training. SOURCE Intact Financial Corporation Related Links http://www.intactcf.com VENICE, Fla., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Timeshare cancellation Attorney Susan Budowski is providing another consumer protection warning to timeshare owners. FAKE Timeshare Cancellation Company Awards and Accolades. Some even use Google's logo with 5 stars that when you click on it or goes either nowhere or to their own contact page, it does not to Google to validate a 5-star rating. For a free no obligation consultation by Leading Timeshare Attorney Susan Budowski go to www.susanbudowski.com Timeshare cancellation companies portraying themselves as legal firms, when in fact they are not licensed law firms. They are DIY (Do It Yourself) form letter writing companies that have nothing to do with the legal profession. For a free no obligation consultation by Leading Timeshare Attorney Susan Budowski go to www.susanbudowski.com Attorney Budowski warns timeshare owners who need for whatever reason to get out of their timeshare ownership to beware of cancellation companies that are NOT law firms soliciting services to get out of their timeshares. Budowski warns that some of these companies are engaging in UPL, which is the Unlicensed Practice of Law, while others are misleading consumers into thinking they are legal firms by the designs, images and wording on their websites. Budowski says, "they intentionally use imagery that mimics a legal firm; images like the scales of justice, law books on shelves, a Judge's gavel, among others. Then they refer to the matters as lawyers do by calling them cases and boast outrageous claims in numbers of clients, monies saved, you name it, to create an illusion of confidence that they are dealing with some type of successful legal firm, which they are not." These companies engage clients under the premise they have the legal knowledge to assess their timeshare matter and the means by which to bring a resolution, when in fact they are a DIY (Do It Yourself) letter-writing company. Attorney Budowski goes on to say, "they prohibit their timeshare clients from telling the developers that they even hired them, and the timeshare owner must send letters out themselves, and certainly not on the company's letterhead." What this does is inundate the timeshare developers with meritless form letters which groups a timeshare owner, who actually may actually have a legitimate complaint alongside all the others with little, if any, consideration. Several large developers are in active litigation suing these cancellation companies for a variety of claims. They even give themselves "faux" industry awards, that of course go nowhere when you click on them for validation. Attorney Budowski wants to convey the following red flags to look out for and advises owners to stay away from: Companies paying for attorney specific keywords in search engines, like timeshare attorney, timeshare lawyer, how to legally cancel your timeshare "Your matter will never reach the legal department because they are not a licensed law firm." Any company that contacts you directly, unsolicited telemarketers, email or mail. "Their pitch is to tell you they understand you are having an issue with your timeshare, as if their call is to help you; they have your ownership information already, which was most likely acquired nefariously, to appear as if they are legitimate, when in fact they are not." Companies that try to set an appointment to meet with you in person. "This is a HUGE RED FLAG. Never allow someone to come into your home to talk to you about your timeshare or go meet them anywhere; one of two things will happen - you will get scammed or you will pay 3 to 4 times what you would pay a law firm and more than likely get nothing for the money you just spent. A licensed attorney is not going to set up an appointment at your home, hotel, restaurant, or coffee shop to discuss your timeshare matter." Travel Clubs who tell you they can get you out of your timeshare. "By signing up with them, of course, for many thousands of dollars, telling you how much better off you will be simply not true in nearly all cases." For a true and accurate assessment about your timeshare matter, schedule a free no obligation consultation on Attorney Budowski's website or call 888.265.7900. About Attorney Budowski: Susan Budowski is the leading timeshare attorney in the United States. Operating out of Florida, considered the timeshare capital of the world, Attorney Budowski has helped thousands of timeshare owners since converting her law practice to exclusively handle timeshare matters in 2010. Ms. Budowski has been selected for AVVO's Client's Choice Award 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013, and she was honored with the Guardian ad Litem Award of Excellence 2016 by the Orange County Bar Association. She was admitted to the Florida Bar May of 2004 and was added to the Roles of the Law Society of England and Wales in August 2012 as an English Solicitor, allowing her to practice law in nearly 40 countries. Attorney Budowski is also the Chairman & CEO of Hope City United, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit corporation to bring awareness and the eradication of human and sex trafficking. Ms. Budowski previously worked at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Langley Virginia where she received multiple Exceptional Performance Awards from high-ranking members of the CIA, including former CIA Director Robert Gates, who also served as Secretary of Defense for both President Bush and President Obama. For more information visit any of Attorney Budowski's websites: www.susanbudowski.com www.susanbudowski.law www.mytimeshareattorney.com www.mytimeshareattorney.lawyer Media Contact: Michael E. Budowski THE LAW OFFICES OF SUSAN M. BUDOWSKI, LLC 871 Venetia Bay Blvd, Suite 202 Venice, Florida 34285 888.265.7900 407.545.7386 Fax [email protected] www.susanbudowski.com SOURCE THE LAW OFFICES OF SUSAN M. BUDOWSKI, LLC Related Links http://www.susanbudowski.com WALTHAM, Mass., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 36 month analysis of ropeginterferon alfa-2b (Ropeg) phase III clinical data in Polycythemia Vera (PV) demonstrates superiority across three key aspects of disease control, including complete hematological response (CHR), disease burden, and molecular response A long-term development partner of Ropeg, AOP Orphan's submission for marketing authorization of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in the EU is in the final stage of European Medicines Agency (EMA) regulatory review PharmaEssentia is continuing to discuss with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the best path forward to make ropeginterferon alfa-2b available to PV patients in the US PharmaEssentia is planning to initiate a global clinical development program of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) Ropeginterferon alfa-2b maintains efficacy and safety profile in PV Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a novel, single isomer long-acting pegylated interferon in clinical development for treatment of patients with PV. At the 2018 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Prof. Heinz Gisslinger from the Medical University of Vienna, Austria presented the 36 month update of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in patients with PV (http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/579). PharmaEssentia CEO, Kochung Lin, PhD, stated: "We are very pleased to see that ropeginterferon maintains strong efficacy and good tolerability at 36 months. We truly believe that ropeginterferon is a next-generation and better interferon. We wanted to design a molecule that has a longer half-life and better tolerability, so it can be used at a higher dose and maximize its therapeutic potential. I believe we were successful in our design. The median maintenance dose in the PROUD-PV/CONTINUATION-PV trial is 450mcg. Now we are working very hard to make it available to patients with PV in the US and outside the US." After 36 months of treatment, maintenance of higher responder rates (full analysis set) was shown in the ropeginterferon alfa-2b arm compared to hydroxyurea/best available therapy (HU/BAT) for CHR (70.5% vs. 51.4%; p=0.0122) and for CHR plus symptom improvement (52.6% vs. 37.8%; p=0.0437). In contrast to HU/BAT, response rates were steadily increasing in the ropeginterferon arm throughout 24 months of treatment and remained constant after 36 months. Strongly significant molecular response in the JAK2 mutant allele reduction and the ability to reduce the non-JAK2 mutant clone burden suggest potential disease modification capability. Importantly, molecular response strongly correlated with CHR, emphasizing the clinical relevance of mutant JAK2 allele burden reduction. Safety profile was similar to previous reports and no new safety signals emerged. Rate of adverse events (89.8% vs 90.6%) and treatment-related adverse events (74.8% vs 78.7%) were comparable between ropeginterferon alfa-2b and HU/BAT arms. No new safety signals appeared in the third year of treatment. EMA submission of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in PV in final stage of review PharmaEssentia out-licensed the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize ropeginterferon alfa-2b to AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG (AOP Orphan) in PV, other MPNs, and CML for European, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and Middle Eastern markets. AOP Orphan is the sponsor of PROUD-PV/CONTINUATION-PV clinical program and its submission for marketing authorization of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in the EU is in the final stage of European Medicines Agency (EMA) regulatory review. Discussions with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) PharmaEssentia is in on-going discussions with the FDA on the best path forward to make ropeginterferon alfa-2b available to patients in the US. Craig Zimmerman, PhD, the Head of US Operations, said: "We have had fruitful discussions with the FDA on the best path forward in bringing the ropeginterferon to PV patients in the US. We have strong collaboration and support of the MPN community and medical experts, so we understand the large unmet need that exists in this patient population. We are doing everything we can to successfully bring this product to market." Expansion of ropeginterferon alfa-2b clinical program in MPNs During ASH 2018, several clinical trial updates were presented on the use of interferons and interferon combinations in PV, ET, pre-fibrotic myelofibrosis (MF), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). These trials indicate potential interferon utility across multiple indications. PharmaEssentia will hold preliminary discussion with the FDA in December 2018 on the feasibility of pivotal, phase III global clinical study in HU resistant/intolerant ET patients. Additionally, because ropeginterferon alfa-2b can be dosed at much higher doses, the company can now investigate its potential effect in certain promising solid tumor indications. About Ropeginterferon alfa-2b Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a novel, long-acting, predominately (>98%) single isomer mono-pegylated proline interferon (ATC L03AB15) with improved pharmacokinetic properties and demonstrated tolerability and convenience. It is administered once every 2 weeks, or once every 4 weeks during long-term maintenance, and is expected to be the first interferon approved for PV worldwide. Ropeginterferon alfa-2b was discovered and is manufactured by PharmaEssentia in a Taichung plant, which was cGMP certified by EMA in January 2018. Ropeginterferon alfa-2b has Orphan Drug designation in the European Union, Switzerland, and the United States of America. About Polycythemia Vera Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a cancer originating from a disease-initiating stem cell in the bone marrow resulting in a chronic increase of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition may result in cardiovascular complications such as thrombosis and embolism, as well as transformation to secondary myelofibrosis or leukemia. While the molecular mechanism underlying PV is still subject of intense research, current results point to a set of acquired mutations, the most important being a mutant form of JAK2. About PharmaEssentia PharmaEssentia Corporation (Taipei Exchange: 6446) is a global biopharmaceutical company delivering efficacious, safe and cost-effective therapeutic products for the treatment of human diseases while aiming to bring long lasting value to stakeholders. PharmaEssentia was founded in 2003 by a group of Taiwanese-American executives and high-ranking scientists from leading U.S. biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in order to develop treatments for myeloproliferative neoplasms, hepatitis and other diseases. The company is committed to the improvement of health and quality of life for patients suffering from these diseases. The Company's world-class cGMP biologics facility in Taichung was certified by the EMA in January 2018 and by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) in December 2017. The Taichung plant is also designed and operated to be compliant with all US FDA requirements. Contact PharmaEssentia Corporation 13F, No.3, YuanQu St., NanKang Dist.,Taipei 115, Taiwan Shan Chi Ku, Director of Business Development and Investor Relations e-mail: [email protected] Telephone: +886-2-2655-7688 #7836 SOURCE PharmaEssentia MILWAUKEE, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Promentis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders, announced that Senior Vice President of R&D, Dr. Chad Beyer, will present nonclinical data and initial clinical findings of SXC-2023, the company's first-in-class activator of System x c -, at the 57th annual American College of Neuropsychopharmacology meeting in Hollywood, Florida. This poster presentation, entitled "SXC-2023: Characterization of a Novel Activator of the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter and Potential Therapeutic for CNS Disorders" is scheduled for Wednesday, December 12th. About Promentis Pharmaceuticals Promentis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders. Promentis' drug development efforts are focused on a unique approach to addressing glutamatergic imbalance and oxidative stress. The Company's first indication is trichotillomania, a highly prevalent disorder for which there is no approved therapy, and for which there are no other known treatments in development. Promentis is led by Klaus Veitinger, M.D., Ph.D. (CEO, Chairman of the Board for Promentis and OrbiMed Venture Partner). The team also includes Tom Beck, M.D. (Chief Medical Officer and Board Member for Promentis and F-Prime Capital Executive Partner), Daniel Lawton (President and Board Member) and Chad Beyer, Ph.D. (Senior VP R&D). About Trichotillomania and Other Obsessive-Compulsive and Addictive Disorders Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, as defined by DSM-5, represents a broad category of neuropsychiatric disease, including OCD, excoriation (skin-picking) disorder and trichotillomania. Trichotillomania is a disabling and underrecognized condition characterized by recurrent hair pulling despite repeated attempts to stop the behavior, leading to noticeable hair loss. Trichotillomania is associated with a range of psychosocial problems, including low self-esteem, social anxiety, avoidance of intimacy, occupational impairment and an overall decrease in quality of life. In addition, a significant number of trichotillomania patients ingest their hair after pulling, which can lead to life-threatening gastrointestinal blockages requiring surgery. Alterations in glutamate signaling within brain regions implicated in urge control and executive function have been proposed to contribute to the underlying pathology of trichotillomania, as well as other obsessive-compulsive disorders, addictive disorders and other CNS conditions. No medications are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of trichotillomania, nor are there any other known treatments in development. For more information regarding trichotillomania, see: https://promentispharma.com/technology/trichotillomania. For further information, please contact: Promentis Pharmaceuticals Chad E. Beyer, PhD (e) [email protected] Media Contact: Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc. Janine McCargo (t) 646-604-5150 (e) [email protected] SOURCE Promentis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Related Links http://www.promentispharma.com LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Regulated Solutions Group (RSG), the first event marketing, sales and distribution compliance platform dedicated to the global cannabis and hemp industries, today announced a strategic partnership with PRHBTD, the leading cannabis lifestyle media and brand platform, and Hoban Law Group (HLG), the premier cannabusiness law firm. The three organizations are working together to help cannabis consumers discover new brands through compliant mainstream experiences. The partnership is focused on the challenge of reaching and educating consumers about cannabis brands, and the team has identified music festivals as an ideal platform to do so. Music is a key companion experience with cannabis and a passion point of the cannabis target consumer. The festival experience is an opportunity to educate, entertain and create cultural relevance for brands. While excitement and interest in the category is high, these consumers need a trusted guide to help them discover new brands and Regulated Solutions Group's experience delivering compliant consumer activations at festivals makes them the ideal partner for cannabis brands hoping to create a relationship with consumers. "As the United States moves towards legalized cannabis, we are seeing huge shifts in the regulatory landscape and in customer demand," said Peter Goldstein, Co-founder, Regulated Solutions Group. "Partnering with PRHBTD and Hoban Law Group ideally positions us to smooth the way for cannabis brands looking to navigate complex compliance requirements when trying to market their brands to consumers. RSG expertise in event design and execution at festivals for brands in other regulated categories (spirits and tobacco), combined with the cannabis expertise of our partners, provides a robust and compliant offering to cannabis brands unlike any industry." Kieve Huffman, COO at PRHBTD, adds, "Regulated Solutions Group provides a compliant path to include cannabis at the world's biggest music festivals so it's a natural extension for us to partner with them to help consumers discover new brands at their favorite events." "The social integration of cannabis-whether that be hemp-derived products or THC products-is moving very rapidly," said Hoban Law Group President and CEO Bob Hoban. "Festivals, concerts, outdoor events, and gatherings will feature these items, brands, and products more frequently than ever. In doing so, it is essential that the venue management employ the expertise of true industry veterans, like Regulated Solutions and its team. Failure to do so can lead to disastrous consequences for the event, and for the cannabis industry as a whole." About Regulated Solutions Group Regulated Solutions Group is the first event marketing, sales and distribution compliance platform dedicated to the global cannabis and hemp industries. The Company provides a suite of services for its cannabis and hemp brand partners to legally activate at festivals, music venues, events and retail locations while leading all functions of event development, production and execution. Regulated Solutions has built strategic partnerships with some of the largest festival promoters and concert venues in the country to deliver compliant activations. The Regulated Solutions team has significant experience in the sales, distribution and marketing of regulated consumer packaged goods for some of the industry's largest global companies in spirits, beer and tobacco. For more information on Regulated Solutions Group, go to www.regulatedsolutions.com . About PRHBTD PRHBTD creates, builds and markets cannabis brands to global audiences. Our mission is to lead cannabis from the black market to the supermarket. The company has built a first of its kind cannabis ecosystem that includes brand creation and product development complemented by an original content studio. Additionally, PRHBTD created the first and largest multi-platform video distribution network in the cannabis industry reaching an available audience of 100+ million people. PRHBTD is recognized as the exclusive global cannabis partner of Advertising Week, All Def Media, Post Media and Entrepreneur Magazine. The company is venture backed with $12 Million in funding and has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto and Vancouver. Learn more at www.prohbtd.com and www.prohbtdmedia.com. About Hoban Law Group Founded in 2008, Hoban Law Group is the leading national law firm specializing in cannabis law and policy. Headquartered in Denver, the firm offers expert legal and business law counsel across the United States. SOURCE Regulated Solutions Group Related Links http://www.regulatedsolutions.com TOKYO, Dec. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the global leader in CRM, today announced that Salesforce Ventures, the company's global corporate investment group, has launched the Japan Trailblazer Fund, a new $100 million fund to empower Japanese startups in the Salesforce ecosystem. With this new fund, Salesforce Ventures strengthens its position as one of the leading foreign corporate venture capital investors in Japan and deepens its commitment to creating the world's largest ecosystem of enterprise cloud companies to fuel customer success. IDC forecasts that Japan's public cloud services market will more than double between 2018 and 2022, surpassing $13 billion in 20221. Salesforce recognizes this incredible opportunity, and with the Japan Trailblazer Fund will provide additional funding and support to Japanese startups delivering unique capabilities to Salesforce customers. Salesforce Ventures has supported the Japanese startup community since 2011, investing in 40 innovative companies, including: BizReach : Japan's premier online career networking service, transforming the Japanese business community in allowing career-driven executives to freely share and directly connect with talent-seeking employers and recruiters. : premier online career networking service, transforming the Japanese business community in allowing career-driven executives to freely share and directly connect with talent-seeking employers and recruiters. freee : An automated online accounting software that syncs with your bank accounts and automatically categorizes entries to create financial reports. freee is offered to SMBs operating under the Japanese taxation system. : An automated online accounting software that syncs with your bank accounts and automatically categorizes entries to create financial reports. freee is offered to SMBs operating under the Japanese taxation system. Sansan : The market leader in cloud-based business card management and sharing service for organizations in Japan . : The market leader in cloud-based business card management and sharing service for organizations in . TeamSpirit : A leader in Japanese time tracking and web expense that offers a truly cloud-based attendance management system and just went public in August 2018 . : A leader in Japanese time tracking and web expense that offers a truly cloud-based attendance management system and just went public in . Terrasky: A leading public, Japanese Salesforce System Integrator (SI) offering consulting, implementation and support. Comments on the News: "With the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Japan is recognized as an excellent place to start and build globally competitive technology companies," said Shinichi Koide, Chairman and CEO of Salesforce Japan. "The new Japan Trailblazer Fund from Salesforce Ventures will provide valuable support to technology entrepreneurs throughout their start-and-scale journey. I look forward to future successes as they make progress toward next generation cloud economy." "There is incredible innovation happening in Japan today, and the Japan Trailblazer Fund represents our continued commitment to Japanese startup growth and customer success," said John Somorjai, EVP of Corporate Development and Salesforce Ventures at Salesforce. "With this new fund, we are excited to further support innovative Japanese entrepreneurs and empower the next generation of enterprise cloud companies that will benefit our customers." "Salesforce Ventures is an incredibly strong partner to Japanese startups," said Koji Ogishima, CEO of TeamSpirit Inc. "The investment and the unique access we get to the Salesforce ecosystem has enabled us to expand our business faster and maintain that rapid pace of growth." Driving Customer Success and Innovation with World Tour Tokyo The unveiling of the Japan Trailblazer Fund fund kicks off Salesforce World Tour Tokyo , taking place today at Tokyo Big Sight. The Salesforce World Tour is a global roadshow where Trailblazers share how they are using the Customer Success Platform to create connected customer experiences, learn new skills, innovate at their companies and shape the future. World Tour Tokyo will feature a keynote from Salesforce Co-Founder & CTO Parker Harris, specialized breakout sessions for every role and industry and live demos of cutting-edge cloud-based technologies. Additional Information: Join Salesforce, alongside thousands of customer Trailblazers, at World Tour Tokyo today: https://www.salesforce.com/jp/events/worldtour/ja/overview/ To learn more about Salesforce Ventures, please visit: www.salesforce.com/ventures Like Salesforce on Facebook http://facebook.com/salesforce Follow @salesforce and @SalesforceVC on Twitter About Salesforce Salesforce, the global CRM leader, empowers companies to connect with their customers in a whole new way. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com . Any unreleased services or features referenced in this or other press releases or public statements are not currently available and may not be delivered on time or at all. Customers who purchase Salesforce applications should make their purchase decisions based upon features that are currently available. Salesforce has headquarters in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and Asia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CRM." For more information please visit https://www.salesforce.com , or call 1-800-NO-SOFTWARE. About Salesforce Ventures Salesforce Ventures the company's corporate investment group invests in the next generation of enterprise technology that extends the power of the Salesforce Customer Success Platform. Portfolio companies receive funding, access to the world's largest cloud ecosystem and guidance from Salesforce's innovators and executives. With Salesforce Ventures, portfolio companies can also leverage Salesforce's expertise in corporate philanthropy by joining Pledge 1% to make giving back part of their business model. Salesforce Ventures has invested in more than 280 enterprise cloud startups in 18 countries since 2009. For more information, please visit https://www.salesforce.com/jp/company/ventures/. 1 Source: IDC, Worldwide Semiannual Public Cloud Services Tracker, 15 Nov 2018. SOURCE Salesforce Related Links https://www.salesforce.com SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Shippo today announced the launch of two new carriers in its shipping web app, AxleHire and CDL. The new carrier capabilities are aimed at small and mid-sized businesses. By partnering with innovative shipping technologies like Shippo, these carriers can make their services widely available and help businesses meet increasing consumer demands for same day, next-day and two-day delivery. A recent Shippo survey found that while 15 percent of consumers online expect same day and next-day delivery, just one percent of small and mid-sized online businesses offer it. Shipping costs and opaque processes are working against consumer expectations of "fast and free" shipping. With these new carrier additions, Shippo will support business with more fast, transparent and reliable shipping options. AxleHire , a last-mile logistics startup, supports deliveries for companies such as HelloFresh, Freshly, and Tyson. Launched in 2015, the company began operating in San Francisco and Los Angeles and now serves businesses in Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. CDL is a family-owned company established in 1955. Headquartered in New York City, CDL operates out of seven distribution centers with central sorting hubs located in Brooklyn, New York, and Carlstadt, New Jersey. The company started as a trucking and messenger service serving the Tri-State area and is now a leading regional carrier in the Northeast and Mid Atlantic. "At Shippo, we're always seeking new ways to give our customers more flexibility if they are looking to expand, change, and improve their shipping operations," said Simon Kreuz, president and co-founder at Shippo. "The solutions offered through the Shippo platform can have a direct impact on cost-savings, customer experience, and speed. With the addition of AxleHire and CDL, we are excited to offer even more targeted services to businesses so they can meet the increasing demand for expedited last mile delivery." Businesses interested in learning more about adding these carriers to support their order shipments can inquire through links here: Axlehire CDL About Shippo Founded in 2013, Shippo provides a leading web app for shipping designed for growing small and medium-sized online retailers; and connects seamlessly to e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, and warehouses. The company helps more than 35,000 business get real-time shipping rates, print labels, automate international paperwork, track packages, facilitate returns and more. Shippo's multi-carrier platform provides access to 50+ carriers and helps businesses navigate the complexities of shipping so that they can achieve their highest potential. To learn more, visit goshippo.com SOURCE Shippo Related Links http://www.goshippo.com BILLUND, Denmark, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the LEGO Foundation announced that it is awarding a $100 million grant to Sesame Workshop to ensure that young children affected by the Rohingya and Syrian crises have opportunities to learn through play and develop the skills needed for the future. Working in partnership with BRAC, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and New York University's Global TIES for Children, Sesame Workshop will reach children affected by crises in Bangladesh and the Syrian response region with early childhood and play-based learning opportunities. The $100 million grant from the LEGO Foundation will benefit some of the world's most vulnerable children and call attention to the critical importance of learning through play to set them on a path of healthy growth and development. The LEGO Foundation is the first to step up and meet the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation's call for the bold philanthropy needed to transform the way the humanitarian system serves children affected by crisis in early childhood. The scale of the global refugee crisis is staggeringtoday, 68.5 million people are displaced worldwide. Among them are 25 million refugees, half of whom are children. As refugees experience displacement for an average of 10 years, millions of children are spending a significant part of their childhoods without access to adequate early childhood development opportunities. Adverse experiences like displacement can affect young children's developing brains, with lasting effects on health and wellbeing. Engaging in play-based activities with responsive caregivers can help mitigate the detrimental, long term effects of displacement and trauma, ultimately giving children affected by conflict the skills they need to thrive into adulthood and rebuild their communities. "This partnership marks the first step of the LEGO Foundation's commitment to work within the humanitarian field to support children's holistic development that incorporates learning through play. We hope to inspire other funders, humanitarian actors, world leaders and governments to act and urgently prioritise support for play-based early childhood development for children in humanitarian crisesa vastly overlooked but vital component in the progress of humanitarian aid. We hope that young children impacted by these crises will have opportunities to benefit from learning through play and also develop the skills needed for them to thrive in the future," says Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, Chairman of the LEGO Foundation Board and 4th generation owner of the LEGO Group. Less than 3% of the global humanitarian aid budget is currently dedicated to education with only a small fraction benefitting young children, despite clear evidence that early childhood interventions have immediate and long-term benefits for both children and their communities. The LEGO Foundation is committed to making a difference for children affected by conflict and displacement, to ensure a better tomorrow for all future generations. "Research shows that not only is play vital for children's psychological, emotional and cognitive health and development, but it also hones the resilience they need to overcome adversity and build their futures. Early adverse experiences negatively affect the development of brain architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior and health. By providing play-based learning to children in crisis, we can help mitigate the detrimental, long term effects of displacement and trauma, ultimately giving a generation of refugee children a path forward," says John Goodwin, CEO of the LEGO Foundation. Sesame Workshop will use the $100 million grant to implement quality, play-based early childhood interventions, working in partnership with BRAC and IRC. This includes the following areas: Direct Services: Partnering with BRAC, the new program will scale up BRAC's network of Humanitarian Play Labs to address the developmental needs of children ages 0 to 6 from Rohingya refugee and Bangladeshi host populations. BRAC's Play Lab model is designed to give pre-school children age relevant and culturally appropriate play materials, a play-based curriculum, and safe spaces for guided play that ensures their holistic development. New Sesame videos, storybooks, games, puzzles, and more featuring the beloved Muppets of Sesame Street will be created to foster engagement between children and their caregivers, nurture developmental needs, and build resilience for children ages 0 to 6. The new program will also deepen the play-based learning aspects of the existing Sesame Workshop-IRC program that serves children and families affected by the Syrian conflict, including support for caregivers to better engage in playful learning with their children. Partnering with BRAC, the new program will scale up BRAC's network of Humanitarian Play Labs to address the developmental needs of children ages 0 to 6 from Rohingya refugee and Bangladeshi host populations. BRAC's Play Lab model is designed to give pre-school children age relevant and culturally appropriate play materials, a play-based curriculum, and safe spaces for guided play that ensures their holistic development. New Sesame videos, storybooks, games, puzzles, and more featuring the beloved Muppets of Sesame Street will be created to foster engagement between children and their caregivers, nurture developmental needs, and build resilience for children ages 0 to 6. The new program will also deepen the play-based learning aspects of the existing Sesame Workshop-IRC program that serves children and families affected by the Syrian conflict, including support for caregivers to better engage in playful learning with their children. Mass Media: Harnessing the power of the Sesame Street Muppets, Sesame Workshop will create videos focused on play to be shared through family-friendly mobile and pop-up viewings in refugee and host communities. Global Sesame content will also be usedincluding video content from Sisimpur, the Bangladeshi version of Sesame Street, and from a new TV series in production in the Syrian response regionto meet the unique needs of refugee and host community children. Much of the new content will use animated and nonverbal formats, so that it can be used to address the needs of displaced children no matter where they live or what language they speak. "With the LEGO Foundation's extraordinary award, Sesame Workshop and our partners have an unprecedented opportunity to reach and teach some of the world's most vulnerable children by harnessing the power of learning through play," said Jeffrey D. Dunn, President & CEO of Sesame Workshop. "The global refugee crisis is the humanitarian issue of our time, and we are deeply humbled by the trust the LEGO Foundation has placed in us to uplift the lives of children affected by conflict. Together with our partners at BRAC, the IRC, and NYU, we can forge a legacy for children worldwide affected by displacement, today and for generations to come." NYU's Global TIES for Children has been selected as the independent evaluation partner for the program and will implement an evidence-based research and evaluation program, which will deepen understanding around play-based early childhood interventions in humanitarian contexts. Sesame Workshop will receive the $100 million grant over a 5-year period, with funds released as established milestones are met. About the LEGO Foundation The LEGO Foundation aims to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow; a mission that it shares with the LEGO Group. The LEGO Foundation is dedicated to building a future where learning through play empowers children to become creative, engaged, lifelong learners. Its work is about re-defining play and re-imagining learning. In collaboration with thought leaders, influencers, educators and parents the LEGO Foundation aims to equip, inspire and activate champions for play. Learn more on www.LEGOfoundation.com . Press Contact: [email protected] +1 212-691-2800 SOURCE The LEGO Foundation Related Links https://www.legofoundation.com/en WATERTOWN, Mass., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Liaison International, the leading provider of higher education admissions management and enrollment marketing solutions, announced today that The University of Texas at Arlington College of Engineering has added its 14 master's and 9 doctoral programs to EngineeringCAS, Liaison's Centralized Application Service (CAS) for graduate engineering programs. Previously processing applications through ApplyTexas, the UTA's College of Engineering has now joined over 7,000 programs on 800 campuses that have partnered with Liaison to streamline admissions for all stakeholders. "As the most comprehensive College of Engineering in the thriving North Texas region, we seek bold solutions with global impact to address society's most pressing needs," said Erick Jones, Ph.D., the College's associate dean for graduate studies. "As we align our student recruitment and enrollment efforts with our vision of life-enhancing discovery, innovative instruction and caring community engagement, we are rethinking how we engage graduate engineering candidates. We want to attract the brightest minds to join us in tackling challenging issues, so we are happy to partner with EngineeringCAS to make researching and applying to our graduate programs a better experience for students. We're looking forward to making it easy to apply to UTA by removing potential barriers for applicants." EngineeringCAS draws on the experience Liaison has gained through developing customized application services with over 30 professional associations. Now that UTA is a member, applicants to their College of Engineering can look forward to a user-friendly application and a convenient single portal to discover all available programs of potential interest. The University's admissions professionals will benefit from an expanded global applicant pool that facilitates meeting their enrollment numbers. Liaison's processing team will take on what were previously burdensome administrative tasks, creating more time for admissions professionals to focus on holistic application review. "One benefit our institutional members receive is being part of a community wherein they can share and implement new ideas and initiatives," said Norman L. Fortenberry, executive director of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Liaison's lead institutional association partner for EngineeringCAS. "We have been able to introduce several leading engineering colleges to EngineeringCAS and demonstrate how it can help them manage student recruitment. Liaison has created an effective tool that will be beneficial to many of our members." Liaison's Founder and CEO George Haddad added: "As our long-standing CAS products and services prove, EngineeringCAS will bring together all stakeholders schools, applicants and engineering professionals to facilitate collective innovation and the sharing of best practices. We strive to help build a strong, holistic pipeline of best-fit applicants who have diverse backgrounds and skills, and we are excited to have a leading university like UTA join us for this important work." To learn more about how EngineeringCAS helps institutions like UTA align student recruitment and enrollment strategies with their modern, global visions, visit engineeringcas.org. About The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing Carnegie Research-1 "highest research activity" powerhouse committed to life-enhancing discovery, innovative instruction and caring community engagement. An educational leader in the heart of the thriving North Texas region, UTA nurtures minds within an environment that values excellence, ingenuity and diversity. To learn more, visit uta.edu. About the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Founded in 1893, ASEE is a global society of individual, institutional and corporate members. ASEE seeks to be the pre-eminent authority on the education of engineering professionals by advancing innovation, excellence and access at all levels of education. To learn more, visit asee.org. About Liaison International Over the last two decades, Liaison has helped over 7,000 programs on more than 800 campuses more effectively manage admissions through its Centralized Application Service (CAS) technology and complementary processing and support services. Partnering with over 30 professional associations, the company has developed discipline-wide services for a range of fields, including most of the health professions, as well as engineering (EngineeringCAS), graduate management education (BusinessCAS), graduate education (GradCAS), social work (SocialWorkCAS), psychology (PSYCAS) and architecture (ArchCAS). To learn more, visit liaisonedu.com. SOURCE Liaison International Related Links http://www.liaisonedu.com NEW YORK, Dec. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AJC has appointed Tomas Kraus as the global Jewish advocacy organization's representative in Prague. The Czech Republic is one of seven countries in the region that AJC Central Europe, based in Warsaw, engages. The other six are Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia. "We are thrilled to have Tomas Kraus officially represent AJC in the Czech Republic, a key country that has long been a special friend of Israel and the Jewish people," said Agnieszka Markiewicz, director of the Shapiro Silverberg AJC Central Europe Office. "His many years of experience as a longtime and admired leader in the Czech Jewish community, and interactions with senior government officials, will enhance our organization's work, especially given current challenges." AJC, a strong advocate for the transatlantic partnership, has maintained a long friendship with the Czech Republic that included full support for Czech admission to NATO and integration into the European Union. The Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic was the first in Europe to sign an association agreement with AJC. Kraus has regularly welcomed AJC delegations to Prague and participated in the annual AJC Global Forum in Washington, D.C. "To represent AJC in the Czech Republic is for me not only prestigious, but also natural and meaningful," said Kraus. "The American Jewish Committee always has been a role model for us. I have been cooperating with AJC since the mid-1990s, when the Czech Jewish community started from scratch to rebuild its whole infrastructure," following the Velvet Revolution. "AJC leaders have become for us not only valuable professional partners, but also true friends." Kraus, a music producer and lawyer, has dedicated most of his career to the Jewish community. He was instrumental as director of the Federation of Jewish Communities in negotiating the return of Jewish property and compensation of Holocaust survivors. One of the major successes was the return of the Jewish Museum in Prague in 1994. He has also been cited by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, a native of Czechoslovakia, as a friend and adviser. To mark this year's 100th anniversary of the independence of Czechoslovakia, AJC published an essay in English and Czech entitled "A Jewish Ode to the Czech Republic: An Essay in Honor of the Czech Centenary." SOURCE American Jewish Committee LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- VCA Animal Hospitals announced today that pet owners can now receive their pets' healthcare reminders and book appointments through Amazon Alexa, making VCA the first in the animal hospital industry to introduce voice command to manage pets' healthcare. Once pet owners enable the VCA Animal Hospitals skill after linking it to their online VCA account, they then can simply open the skill by saying: "Alexa, open VCA" "Alexa, ask VCA when my pet is due for vaccines" or "Alexa, ask VCA to book an appointment for my pet" According to eMarketer, smart speakers are the fastest growing consumer technology since the smartphone, and a recent study by Adobe forecasts that nearly half of U.S. households will own a smart speaker by the end of 2018. With smart speaker ownership growing and the general public becoming more comfortable using these devices in their everyday lives, the VCA Animal Hospitals skill aims to offer convenient and accessible ways to manage pet healthcare. "As a leader in the pet healthcare industry, we've made it our mission to provide pet owners with the best possible experience through continued innovation and digital transformation," said Brendan Lynch, VP of Digital Strategy for VCA Animal Hospitals. "For us, that means making every interaction between pet owners and our animal hospitals as convenient and easy as possible." The VCA Animal Hospitals skill is added to an already impressive digital transformation and pet owner experience effort that has been underway for years. Currently, VCA has more than 3,000 iPads in its animal hospitals which include proprietary mobile apps for checking in pets, two-way text messaging with pet owners, and giving medical staff on-the-go access to their patients' medical records. VCA also launched the myVCA pet owner app earlier this year which offers: Personalized and easy-to-follow pet care advice and tips based on a pet's species and age 24/7 live chat capabilities with an on-call veterinarian to answer immediate pet health and wellness questions Access to healthcare reminders and medical records The ability to book a pet's appointment in less than a minute "The ultimate goal of introducing these newer tech-forward offerings like the VCA Animal Hospitals skill is to create a more seamless customer experience when it comes to pet healthcare, and to make sure we have healthier pet patients," said Aaron Frazier, VP of Client Experience for VCA Animal Hospitals. "Whether it's at your local VCA Animal Hospital or through Alexa, we want to be part of every pet's healthcare journey while helping pet owners along the way." The VCA Animal Hospitals skill should not be used if a pet is in a life-threatening or emergency medical situation. In those instances, pet owners should seek immediate medical assistance for their pet. For more information about VCA Animal Hospitals, or to find your nearest location, visit VCAhospitals.com. About VCA Animal Hospitals VCA Animal Hospitals operates more than 850 small animal veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. The hospitals are staffed by more than 4,700 fully qualified, dedicated and compassionate veterinarians to give pets the very best in medical care, of which over 525 are board-certified specialists who are experts in areas such as Oncology, Cardiology, Emergency & Critical Care, and Surgery for animals. VCA Animal Hospitals provides a full range of general practice services to keep pets well and specialized treatments when pets are ill. For more information, visit VCAhospitals.com or follow on Twitter @vcapethealth and facebook.com/VCAAnimalHospitals/. About VCA VCA is a leading provider of pet health care services in the country delivered through more than 850 small animal veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada, a preeminent nationwide clinical laboratory system that services all 50 states and Canada (Antech Diagnostics), the leading animal diagnostic imaging company in the market (Sound), and Camp Bow Wow (CBW), the nation's Premier Doggy Day and Overnight Camp franchise, an Inc. 5000 company. SOURCE VCA Animal Hospitals Related Links https://vcahospitals.com/ NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vitiello Communications Group (VTLO) today announced that, as part of its recently expanded corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, VTLO Cares, the company has set a volunteer goal of 150 hours for the next two years. "VTLO's Employee Volunteering program is inspired by the company's GRIT values of Growth, Respect, Integrity and Teamwork and supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals," said VTLO Chief Operating Officer Nadine Green. VTLO team members may volunteer at any nonprofit they choose in support of this goal, which focuses on Employee Volunteering. Each year on Giving Tuesday, the team member with the highest number of hours will be named the VTLO Volunteer of the Year. In recognition of the honor, VTLO will make a monetary donation to a nonprofit organization of the Volunteer's choice. Additionally, the company has made a commitment to donate to World Vision for every hour volunteered by VTLO team members, up to 150 hours. By supporting this goal through their volunteer efforts, VTLO team members will help provide clean water access for 30 people in Rwanda under World Vision's water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) initiative by VTLO's 30th anniversary in 2020. "We are excited to offer VTLO team members the opportunity to contribute towards the company's CSR goals through their own volunteer efforts. We want to increase our ongoing commitment to the communities in which we work and to continue to be a force for good as we approach our 30th year in business," said VTLO Chief Executive Officer Jill Vitiello. About Vitiello Communications Group Vitiello Communications Group (VTLO) is a global leader in business communications working with executives to engage people and inspire them to achieve great outcomes. The company's client roster spans a range of highly regulated industries, including life sciences and financial services. VTLO is a certified woman-owned business by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the State of New Jersey. For more information, visit the VTLO website. CONTACT: Hilarina Casie Chitty 732.238.6622 ext. 512 [email protected] SOURCE Vitiello Communications Group Related Links http://www.vtlo.com SEATTLE, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) has approved code changes that will allow for the structural use of mass timber in buildings as tall as 18 stories. This makes Washington the first state in the nation to allow tall mass timber buildings into its building code, without pursuing an alternate method. Mass timber is a category of large-scale, prefabricated engineered wood products, the best-known of which is Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). CLT panels are comprised of multiple layers of lumber, each stacked perpendicularly and bonded with a structural adhesive. The result is a beautiful, lightweight, but durable building material, with favorable fire, seismic and thermal performance. CLT and other mass timber building systems have been used in European architecture for over twenty years and may also be utilized for rapid modular construction. Washington's code changes will update the IBC 2015 to incorporate all of the International Code Council's Tall Wood Building Code proposals voted on in Richmond, VA in October, 2018. It will permit three new types of mass timber building construction Type IV A, B, C allowing for the structural use of mass timber at 18, 12, and 9 stories. The action comes after more than two years of comprehensive research and testing, including full-scale fire tests, completed by the International Code Council Ad Hoc Committee on Tall Wood Buildings. Currently, the building code limits mass timber's structural use to a maximum of 6 stories. A diverse group of a dozen-plus organizations has worked to advance the code changes in Washington State, including regional sustainability organization Forterra, a non-profit that's led a statewide coalition to catalyze a market for Cross Laminated Timber, and the American Institute of Architects Washington Council, the architects' voice on state policy issues and the official applicant of the code changes. "These code changes will allow for greater use of mass timber here in Washington, and position our state as a leader in the nation," said Michelle Connor, President and CEO of Forterra. "As mass timber becomes more widely utilized, it has great potential to support employment in rural areas, improve forest health on public lands in need of restoration, and enable new and affordable approaches to building for fast-growing urban populations." "The changes approved by the SBCC will provide an increased opportunity to use Washington-based wood products in building projects across the state," says Jeffrey Hamlett, Executive Director of AIA Washington Council. "We applaud the SBCC for passing these amendments and look forward to enjoying the creative challenges and benefiting from the aesthetic and carbon-related advantages of designing taller buildings made with wood." SBCC approval follows passage of state legislation (ESB 5450) earlier this year that required the Council to adopt new rules for the use of mass timber products for residential and commercial building construction. Senator Marko Liias, sponsor of the legislation, pushed for these changes to assist in the development of mass timber manufacturing, construction and design industries within the state. "We face challenges throughout Washington on multiple fronts, including addressing forest health, protecting our environment, and increasing employment in rural communities," said Sen. Marko Liias (D-Lynnwood). "Using a people-first approach, Washington can become a leader on mass timber to solve these problems. That's why we are taking steps to make this a reality through our work in the State Legislature and now with the approval of mass timber code changes at the State Building Code Council." Several mass-timber projects below 6 stories have been completed in Washington in recent years, including a set of pilot CLT classrooms funded by the State of Washington. Now, with approval of these code changes, taller wood projects like Brock Commons at the University of British Columbia can move forward. An 18-story wood-hybrid building, Brock Commons was completed in less than 70 days after the prefabricated components arrived on site four months faster than an average project of this size. Joe Mayo, of the architectural firm Mahlum Architects, said, "There has been considerable and growing excitement around mass timber for years, especially due to its aesthetic and technical performance traits. However, like any new building system, it has taken time for the building code to catch-up and recognize the potential of mass timber. This code change does just that for Washington State and finally allows mass timber buildings to realize their potential, grow up and revolutionize the way we design and build." Susan Jones, of the architectural firm atelierjones said, "I am so proud of my state of Washington. As a third-generation Washingtonian, who grew up amongst its forests, I am deeply optimistic about the impact these code changes will have on our forests' health and long-term sustainability. As an architect, sitting on the ICC Tall Wood Building Ad Hoc Committee for the last two years, I am thrilled to have helped write these codes for our nation, and for our beautiful State of Washington, to allow our owners, developers, and design teams to have choices to embrace this highly innovative, renewable lower-carbon construction." Jason Callahan, of the Washington Forest Protection Association, said, "We are excited about any action that leads to incentives for wood and wood products. Support for wood products helps Washington move closer to its climate goals, while also providing other ecosystem benefits." Washington's code changes are scheduled to go into effect at the conclusion of the next Washington State Legislative Session, which is scheduled for April 28, 2019. The Pacific Northwest is leading the way on mass timber, with Oregon also recently approving tall mass timber buildings through a Statewide Alternate Method to be incorporated through their normal code cycle in late 2019. ABOUT FORTERRA Dedicated to regional sustainability in all its dimensions environmental, social, and economic Forterra secures places across Washington's landscape that are keystones of a positive future. In addition to championing policies that marry sustainability and economic development, we also organize large-scale restoration and stewardship efforts, often involving volunteers. And, over our nearly 30-year history we have also have completed more than 450 separate land transactions that have protected upward of 275,000 acres worth greater than $500 million from remote wildlands, to working farms and forests, to urban property for parks, the arts, community purposes, and affordable housing. SOURCE Washington Forest Protection Association; Forterra Related Links http://www.forestsandfish.com SEATTLE, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- WatchGuard Technologies, a leader in advanced network security solutions, today announced version 12.3 of its Fireware operating system for its Firebox Unified Security Platform appliances. Key to this update are added dynamic path selection capabilities that allow organizations to optimize WAN resources across complex, distributed networks while securing branch locations with a UTM platform focused on defense in depth. SD-WAN implementations are zero-touch, made easy with RapidDeploy, WatchGuard's centralized deployment solution. Businesses and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can utilize this new SD-WAN functionality to seamlessly upgrade site-based security, improve network efficiency, reduce Internet service costs and unify critical network and security management processes within a single platform. According to IDC, the SD-WAN market will grow at more than a 40 percent compound annual growth rate until it hits $4.5B in 2022. As bandwidth requirements and Internet costs continue to grow, businesses naturally want to manage budgets by reducing their reliance on the most expensive connection types. At the same time, organizations need to elevate employee productivity and efficiency with fast, direct access to Cloud applications, and with network performance that supports high quality VoIP and video utilization. As a result, businesses are turning to hybrid-WAN architectures and SD-WAN technology to help measure and send traffic throughout numerous WAN connections, allowing for the continued optimization of cost and performance, especially across distributed enterprises. WatchGuard recognizes the need to not only protect branch locations from threats, but to allow organizations to optimize WAN resources with SD-WAN functionality. Capabilities like multi-WAN and policy-based routing, RapidDeploy, and traffic management by application have been available in Firebox appliances for years. With RapidDeploy, organizations can select policies and configurations upfront, so that operationalizing a new SD-WAN deployment at scale is as easy as powering on and connecting each Firebox to the Internet. Now, every active Firebox appliance running Fireware 12.3 can also utilize dynamic path selection to measure the performance of each WAN connection and select the best path for each traffic type based on those pre-configured policies. "WatchGuard already offers the industry's most comprehensive suite of layered security services, delivered through an intuitive, unified platform for easy deployment and management. With Fireware 12.3, we're now taking the complexity out of SD-WAN implementations too, and bringing even more value to our partners and customers," said Brendan Patterson, vice president of product management at WatchGuard. "As businesses look to leverage SD-WAN technology to reduce OPEX and support better user experiences on the network, and as the threat actors continue to leverage advanced cyber attacks, these new capabilities offer the best of both worlds by driving down the cost and complexity of SD-WAN deployments, while protecting branch sites with industry-leading security." "Companies of all sizes are increasingly demanding SD-WAN services as a way to reduce costs and improve network performance, so we couldn't be more excited about WatchGuard's new SD-WAN capabilities," said Kevin Willette, CEO of Verus Corporation. "One of WatchGuard's greatest strengths is its ability to simplify complex technology offerings and deliver them in way that's easy for us to deploy, manage and scale on behalf of our customers. By combining SD-WAN functionality with its suite of comprehensive security services and continuing to enable rapid, zero-touch deployments WatchGuard is again helping us build our business by addressing more of our customers' needs, without adding cost or complexity." Along with SD-WAN capabilities, Fireware version 12.3 also includes: A new Professional Services Automation (PSA) integration with Tigerpaw that allows MSPs to better manage their business with actionable data and intelligence. New geo-location policy actions, which can enable less restrictive rules for policies such as DNS and Mail. Faster recovery of systems with auto-restore of back-ups from USB connected storage, giving organizations more comprehensive options to restore systems in the event of a failure. IPv6 Single Sign On updates, which allow companies to see user names rather than IP addresses in their WatchGuard Dimension reports. To learn more about WatchGuard's new SD-WAN capabilities and the latest feature updates in Fireware 12.3, please visit: https://www.watchguard.com/wgrd-resource-center/sdwan-just-turn-it-on About WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. is a global leader in network security, secure Wi-Fi, multi-factor authentication, and network intelligence. The company's award-winning products and services are trusted around the world by nearly 10,000 security resellers and service providers to protect more than 80,000 customers. The company's mission is to make enterprise-grade security accessible to companies of all types and sizes through simplicity, making WatchGuard an ideal solution for distributed enterprises and SMBs. WatchGuard is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. To learn more, visit WatchGuard.com. For additional information, promotions and updates, follow WatchGuard on Twitter, @WatchGuard on Facebook, or on the LinkedIn Company page. Also, visit our InfoSec blog, Secplicity, for real-time information about the latest threats and how to cope with them at www.secplicity.org. Subscribe to The 443 Security Simplified podcast at Secplicity.org, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Media Contacts: Chris Warfield WatchGuard Technologies 206.876.8380 [email protected] Anthony Cogswell Voxus PR 253.444.5980 [email protected] SOURCE WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. Related Links http://www.watchguard.com ST. LOUIS, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Winston Calvert of St. Louis, Missouri has been named a Rising Star in Legislative and Government Affairs in Missouri by SuperLawyers Magazine. Rising Stars is an exclusive list, recognizing only 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the country. To be eligible for the Rising Stars list, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice 10 years or less. Winston Calvert is an attorney and communications consultant in St. Louis, MO. Winston Calvert is a communications consultant and attorney in St. Louis, MO. Super Lawyers Magazine is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a multiphase process, which results in a credible listing of exceptional attorneys. This year marks the second straight year that Winston Calvert has been selected as a Rising Star in Government Affairs. He has previously been named the Law Firm Leader of the Year by Missouri Lawyers' Weekly in recognition of his tenure as City Counselor of the City of St. Louis. ABOUT WINSTON CALVERT Winston Calvert is a government affairs and strategic communications consultant at Calvert Strategies LLC (http://www.calvertstrategies.com) in St. Louis, Missouri. Calvert has represented clients in many of the most prominent public policy challenges and high-profile disputes in the St. Louis region over the past several years. His past legal, government affairs, and communications clients range from injured individuals to high-profile community leaders and elected officials, and from small churches to publicly traded companies. He started his own practice in 2015, after serving a term as City Counselor of the City of St. Louis. Calvert Strategies handles government affairs, strategic communications, crisis management, and media relations for a wide variety of clients. For more information on Calvert Strategies, go to http://www.calvertstrategies.com. ABOUT SUPER LAWYERS Super Lawyers Magazine is published nationwide and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. For more information about Super Lawyers, go to SuperLawyers.com. Contact: Winston Calvert, [email protected], 314-750-4305 SOURCE Calvert Strategies LLC Related Links http://www.calvertstrategies.com LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Aliant Finland, the Aliant member firm in Helsinki has reported an increase in inquiries by European companies concerned about the impact of Brexit on business operations. The dynamic Helsinki law firm formerly known as Kauttu & Co. merged with Aliant earlier this year. Aliant is an international law firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The firm specializes in cross-border transactions, serving clients from its offices in fourteen countries. Aliant Finland, led by Tuomo Kauttu (LL.M), an industry leader known for successfully representing multi-national businesses in cross-border transactions, has seen a significant rise in inquiries regarding a Brexit backlash. In May 2019, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union in a move that will affect foreign companies engaged in business with the UK. This will have a significant impact on many long-term contracts, trade tariffs, free movement of goods and services, talent pool and more. Kauttu says, "We are receiving many inquiries about this change and we tell them the truth. They will most likely be affected depending on how intergrated their business is with the UK. Fortunately, preparation will greatly minimize any negative impact brought on by Brexit." Aliant Finland offers a range of legal services to local and international businesses including Commercial Transactions and International Trade, Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Law & Corporate Governance. Mr. Kauttu has over 20 years of legal experience in international corporate transactions. He specializes in cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law and technology commerce. Kauttu says, "We represent companies who conduct business across the EU and are currently working with our clients to ensure that they are not impacted by Brexit." About Aliant Finland Aliant Finland is part of an international law firm Aliant. We assist domestic companies with local and overseas matters, while also helping foreign companies to do business and invest in Finland and the Nordic region. Our attorneys in Finland and abroad assist clients with high-quality professional service that is flexible, responsive and technically excellent. To learn more about Aliant Finland, please visit https://aliantlaw.fi/. About Aliant Aliant is an international law practice that combines cross-border transactional and litigation expertise with the knowledge of local law and with local connections, to provide clients the best legal advice possible. We offer a range of legal services including: taxation, trade law, complex M&A, estate planning and asset protection, litigation, arbitration and judgement enforcement and prosecution, immigration, intellectual property, real property, and other corporate transactions. To learn more about Aliant, please visit www.aliantlaw.com. Media Contact: For inquiries, please contact Natasha Zammiello, Marketing Director at [email protected] or +1 818-933-3838 SOURCE Aliant, LLP Related Links http://www.aliantlaw.com (CNN) France is to suspend a planned fuel price hike after "yellow vest" protests erupted into violence over the weekend, prompting calls for calm and government talks. According to CNN affiliate BFMTV, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe will announce a moratorium Tuesday on fuel price hikes, which had been scheduled to come into effect on January 1. The rising cost of gasoline and diesel fuel sparked protests which have since evolved into broader demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron's government, exposing tensions between the metropolitan elite and rural poor. The protests take their name from the high-visibility "yellow vests" or "gilets jaunes" that drivers are required to keep in their vehicles for safety reasons. Macron had requested political leaders meet the protest organizers this week. However on Monday two protest leaders, Benjamin Cauchy and Jacqueline Moreau, pulled out of a meeting with Prime Minister Philippe planned for Tuesday, according to the movement's spokesman Maxime Nicole. Philippe canceled a trip to the COP24 climate conference in Poland to address the issue, which had threatened to flare again this coming weekend. The government is likely hoping the suspension of the fuel hikes will take some heat out of the protests, which brought an estimated 36,000 people onto the streets of France on Saturday. Around 400 people were arrested after a violent minority turned on police, throwing projectiles and vandalizing statues. The city's famed Arc de Triomphe was scrawled with slogans in support of the yellow vest movement and others criticizing Macron as the President "of the rich." Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz said that among the protesters were people from across the country who had descended upon Paris with the express intent of causing trouble. He added that authorities would crack down hardest on those who had joined the street demonstrations explicitly carry out violent acts. "There are varied profiles but there are definitely profiles of people who have come from the provinces all over France, obviously to carry out acts of violence, and it is to these people that the criminal response I will say will be the strongest." The cost of diesel has surged 16% this year from an average 1.24 euros ($1.41) per liter to 1.48 euros ($1.69), even hitting 1.53 euros in October, according to UFIP, France's oil industry federation. This story was first published on CNN.com. "Paris protests: France to suspend fuel price hike amid 'yellow vest' campaign" Series D financing was led by Sequoia with Lead Edge joining as a major investor at an $850M valuation SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Amplitude, the leading product intelligence company, announced today that it has raised $80 million in Series D funding led by Sequoia Capital. Lead Edge joined the round as a major investor, and existing investors Benchmark Capital, IVP and Battery Ventures also participated. Sequoia partner Pat Grady has also joined Amplitude's Board of Directors. Amplitude's product intelligence platform enables companies to use insights from customer behavior data in digital properties to drive growth in business outcomes like revenue. Product and growth teams use Amplitude to understand their user experience, ship features and campaigns that have impact, and effectively run their digital product portfolios. Amplitude now serves more than 26,000 customers, including Microsoft, Under Armour, Intuit, Twitter, Bonobos and Peloton. The company will use this new funding to further scale its operations globally and build new solutions to help digital product leaders achieve systematic business growth. "When we spoke to Amplitude's Fortune 100 customers, it was clear that Amplitude is becoming to product what Adobe is to marketing and Salesforce is to sales: the platform those teams can't live without," said Pat Grady, partner at Sequoia and Amplitude board member. "Every business is becoming a digital business, and digital businesses must deliver delightful experiences for customers. Amplitude is the perfect partner to provide product teams with the platform and processes required to build great products and deliver those delightful experiences." Modern digital teams rely on product intelligence to create a democratic understanding of the drivers of their core metrics across the company. With close to 6 trillion behavioral records in its proprietary database, Amplitude's growing product intelligence platform further improves customer engagement, acquisition efficiency, and retention. "Today, every company's future is tied to their digital products. Products with great customer experience are driving growth in the economy," said Spenser Skates, CEO of Amplitude. "These products have become the most critical revenue centers for businesses pursuing digital transformation and yet leaders underinvest in them. At Amplitude, we work with CEOs, product executives and growth leaders to help them run and scale digital businesses with democratic access to product intelligence across their organization." "Amplitude is a transformative company that helps its clients create the best possible product experiences for end users. We believe Amplitude's addressable market is endless, especially today, when so many companies are focused on product-led growth. It is no wonder to us that many of the world's best product companies are Amplitude customers, and we'd expect it is only a matter of time until many more follow suit. We couldn't be prouder to partner with such a special company," said Mitchell Green, the Founding Partner of Lead Edge Capital. Amplitude has assembled an experienced global executive team to capture this opportunity across the world. It's been a banner 12 months for Amplitude as a company: Opened offices in New York , Seattle , Austin , London , Paris , and Singapore to serve increasing demand from product and digital marketing leaders globally , , , , , and to serve increasing demand from product and digital marketing leaders globally Signed new global customers including Samsung, Thomson Reuters, Le Monde, Movile, GS Home Shopping, Ola Cabs, Volaris, Iceland Air, Criteo and Qazkom Bank Now employs 230 people, doubling headcount over the last year Analyzed close to 6 trillion user behavior actions across 30,000 applications From our Customers "Amplitude has revolutionized how Intuit QuickBooks approaches and utilizes product data. Every team can now explore their results and what drives success in real time. This helps us in our mission of giving customers the best experience," said Sam Nordstrom, Global Product Manager at Intuit. "At HotelTonight, we've learned that the difference between growth and stagnation comes down to how fast your team can experiment, analyze results, share learnings, and ship code. Amplitude's product intelligence platform has helped us maintain our critical speed advantage as we scale," said Madhu Prabaker, Director of Product at HotelTonight. About Amplitude Amplitude provides digital product intelligence that helps companies ship great customer experiences for systematic business growth. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices in New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Seattle, Austin, and Singapore, Amplitude is the cross-platform intelligence solution of choice for modern product and growth teams. Amplitude serves over 26,000 customers including Microsoft, Under Armour, Intuit, Twitter, Bonobos, and Peloton. Connect with Amplitude: Read the Blog: https://amplitude.com/blog Engage on Twitter: @amplitude_HQ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplitude-analytics Media Contact Leah Kahn [email protected] +1.707.217.8034 SOURCE Amplitude Related Links https://www.amplitude.com LIMA, Peru, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Atento S.A. (NYSE: ATTO), the leading provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing services (CRM/BPO) in Latin America, and one of the top five providers worldwide, was ranked number 1 in the over 1,000 employees category within the ranking of best companies to work for in Peru created by Great Place to Work. This is the leading benchmark with regard to work environment. This is the eighth consecutive year that Atento Peru has been part of this ranking, and it is also the only company in its sector to appear on the list. This recognition reflects the commitment and actions carried out by Atento to support the wellbeing of its employees, to whom it offers a place to work and develop that prioritizes respect, diversity, sense of belonging, and camaraderie supported by people-focused practices and programs. Normand Barahona, Managing Director of Atento Peru, stated that they are proud to be part of this ranking and thanked everyone at the company. "We are very happy to be the best company to work for in Peru. It is a recognition to our Human Resources programs and our commitment to having the best and most motivated team of professionals to offer the best customer experience on the market. We are committed to deliver the best practices for the professional development and motivation of our workers and we consider each of them to be a key part of the company's success and the service that we offer our clients," said Barahona. Atento has a large number of local and global programs focused on employee training, development, and motivation. In Peru it has more than 15,000 employees and four offices: Callao, Trujillo, Jesus Maria, and Ate; the Ate office is Atento's largest in the country. About the Great Place to Work Institute Great Place to Work is the world's leading authority in workplace cultures that promote trust and high performance. Using its own assessment tools, consultancy services and certification programs such as the Best Workplaces lists, and workplace reviews, Great Place to Work provides the benchmarks, framework and experience needed to create, maintain and recognize extraordinary workplace cultures. About Atento Atento is the largest provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing (CRM BPO) services in Latin America, and among the top five providers worldwide, based on revenues. Atento is also a leading provider of nearshoring CRM/BPO services to companies that carry out their activities in the United States. Since 1999, the company has developed its business model in 13 countries where it employs 150,000 people. Atento has over 400 clients to whom it offers a wide range of CRM/BPO services through multiple channels. Atento's clients are mostly leading multinational corporations in sectors such as telecommunications, banking and financial services, health, retail and public administrations, among others. Atentos shares trade under the symbol ATTO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In 2016, Atento was named one of the Worlds 25 Best Multinational Workplaces by Great Place to Work for a fourth consecutive year. For more information visit www.atento.com Media relations Maite Cordero + 34 91 740 74 47 [email protected] Investor relations Shay Chor +55 11 3293 5926 [email protected] Felipe Joaquim Martins de Souza + 55 11 3779-8053 [email protected] SOURCE Atento S.A. Related Links http://www.atento.com MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A staggering 51% of employees in the United States are searching for new jobs (Gallup, 2016). The modern workforce is ever-changing, and culture and engagement are key drivers in keeping and retaining top performers. Does an employer know how satisfied and engaged their employees truly are at any given time? If so, what do they do about it? Benovate, a nationally recognized health technology startup, recently released their Living Growth Assessment to help organizations zero in on what factors are impacting their employee satisfaction and performance through real-time data. The new Benovate Living Growth Assessment adapts to employee concerns to improve engagement. Combined with Benovate's patented wellness engagement platform and Living Health Risk Assessment, organizations are now able to gain unique insights across both health and employee satisfaction. By utilizing Benovate, employees are able to answer questions, connect health trackers and integrate biometric data, all of which inform what content and programming an employee will see. Every employee gets their own unique program, based on their needs and interests. Work has an enormous impact on an employee's health, from stress and burnout to environment and resources. Overall, health also affects an employee's ability to engage in their work. Bringing work insights into Benovate's existing wellness platform deepens the impact of the program because of the ability to guide an employee through both synonymously, as well as enhancing the wealth of easy-to-access aggregate data to the employer within their Admin Dashboard. The first step in changing workplace engagement is understanding what leads to indifference. Burnout and culture are high-level indicators, but diving deeper into key measurements such as work expectations, growth opportunities, and work environment help get to the root cause of disengagement, help predict turnover rate, and indicate related health risks. These factors are continuously changing, so checking in with employees on a regular basis allows for real-time feedback and intervention before an employee becomes complacent or leaves an organization, or before a catastrophic health event occurs. "At Benovate, we believe that consistent and regular micro-assessments are key to making each individual employee experience as beneficial and impactful as possible," notes Katherine Rowe, Lead Content Specialist at Benovate. Data collection is only one piece of the puzzle. Understanding what is happening within a workforce is only as valuable as the action that is taken from that data. Benovate's Living Growth Assessment is embedded with weekly pulse questions to support answers to longer-term work questions. Combining this with answers about health, relationships and finances give Benovate the ability to fine tune programming, and target content activities that are truly going to make an impact on an employee's health and work engagement. Content adapts to each individual based on their immediate needs for improving their lifestyle for better health and work engagement. Organizations can use real-time aggregate data to make cultural changes in specific areas most impacting their workforce. Combining intrinsic change with organizational and management support lends itself to a higher rate of successful engagement. Businesses in the top quartile for engagement see a 21% higher profitability and 41% lower absenteeism (Gallup, 2016), not to mention a healthier workforce. Benovate is leading the way by embedding employee satisfaction within a wellness technology. This innovative solution opens the doors to new employee insights that can change the way organizations look at employee engagement, and helps guide them in what they should do about it. Information and solutions for health and employee satisfaction no longer need to be siloed, making it easier for employees to participate and make changes in their everyday lives that will impact their own health and their organization's culture simultaneously. Benovate is based in Minneapolis, MN, working with clients nationally on their employee health engagement needs. The workplace wellness program is administered through a digital, interactive platform, enabling organizations to reduce workplace stress, boost morale, increase productivity and alter workplace culture for the better, changing the way employees think about health. When employees learn to make healthy choices on a regular basis, they are empowered to accomplish more. Summary Americans are rarely engaged in their work, and more than half are looking for new employment (Gallup, 2016). Benovate embeds real-time employee satisfaction insights into to their health engagement platform, bringing a new, rarely integrated solution to market. Growth opportunities, pay/benefits, management, and company culture are among the top reasons for employee turnover. The new Benovate Living Growth Assessment adapts to employee concerns to improve engagement. Media Contact: Michael M. Birdman, President & CEO Phone: 877-236-6828 Media Email: [email protected] Related Images employee-engagement-workplace.png Employee Engagement + Workplace Wellbeing The new Benovate Living Growth Assessment adapts to employee concerns to improve engagement. benovate-living-growth-assessment.png Benovate Living Growth Assessment The Living Growth Assessment expands on Benovate's wellness engagement platform to support a healthy workplace culture. Related Links Learn more about the Benovate Living Growth Assessment SOURCE Benovate BitcoinIRA.com's original managed service and all-new Self-Trader use best-in-class storage and security, including multi-signature "cold storage" digital wallets. BitcoinIRA.com also has a top-level BSA/AML compliance program, two-factor authentication and a $1 million Consumer Protection insurance policy. "This is a game changer. No other company currently offers this," said BitcoinIRA.com's Co-founder and COO Chris Kline. "We are continuing to provide innovative, trusted and fully-compliant solutions in the retirement space that offer consumers truly unique opportunities to capitalize on digital asset investments. Our Self-Trader exemplifies our mission and cements us as the leading cryptocurrency IRA platform." In addition to BitcoinIRA.com's Self-Trader, the company has launched a full website redesign to BitcoinIRA.com which includes a faster and easier application process, a trading simulator, improved real-time cryptocurrency price charts, a knowledge center, order history reporting and much more. The company now allows consumers to trade 8 leading cryptocurrencies, including recently announced Zcash and Stellar Lumens. It also offers Digital Gold and a non-retirement option that helps consumers purchase, trade and store cryptocurrency in a cash account. Consumers can use the 24/7 Self-Trader, brand new website and faster online application process through its website at https://bitcoinira.com . About BitcoinIRA.com BitcoinIRA.com is the world's largest and most secure cryptocurrency IRA platform that allows customers to purchase Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies for their retirement accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The company offers full-service and self-service options which include setting up a qualified cryptocurrency account, rolling over funds from an existing IRA custodian, executing a live trade on a leading exchange and then moving funds into an industry-leading multi-signature digital wallet. Since 2017, BitcoinIRA.com has processed over $300 million in investments, gained more than 3,000 customers, and received more than 600 customer reviews. The company has been featured extensively in the media, with coverage in Forbes magazine, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, among other publications. BitcoinIRA.com is a fintech service provider and as such is not a financial adviser, cryptocurrency, exchange, custodian, wallet provider, initial coin offering (ICO), or money transmitter. BitcoinIRA.com is privately funded and based in Los Angeles. CONTACT: Mike Schrobo, [email protected] SOURCE Bitcoin IRA Related Links https://www.bitcoinira.com Fabrizio Perrone, co-founder and CEO said of the investment: "Buzzoole remains at the forefront of the evolving influencer marketing ecosystem. Now much more than a buzz term, influencer marketing is predicted to become a $10 billion industry by 2020 , likewise Buzzoole has moved beyond its successful start-up credentials and is on the cusp of a new and promising chapter. "Going forward, Buzzoole wants to continue in its commitment to developing technology that meets marketer demands and affords them a single technology platform capable of managing their influencer marketing from end-to-end. We will also continue to answer to the industry's biggest challenges and drive it forward through impactful measurement solutions and enhanced transparency, while proving ourselves to be the strategic partner of choice for brands and creators globally," says Perrone. As the leading influencer marketing platform and service in Europe, Buzzoole has distinguished itself as an industry powerhouse developing advanced tools GAIA and True Reach to address the biggest marketplace concerns -- sourcing talent, fraud and transparent metrics. GAIA is designed with sophisticated AI technology to make for optimal matches between brand and creator. This leads to highly successful campaign performance in terms of brand lift and revenue. Meanwhile, thanks to its exclusive collaboration with acclaimed global measurement company Nielsen , its proprietary True Reach metric allows influencer marketing campaigns the ability to stand shoulder to shoulder with more traditional media buys. Today dedicated Research & Development reflects more than 35% of Buzzoole's global team and funding will allow the company to sustain its investment in advanced technology and product R&D. The company has seen significant international traction in 2018 and plans to accelerate growth in key markets abroad, specifically in the U.S and UK. It will continue to invest in both business development and global expansion, while consolidating its established leadership position in Italy. It has already been working towards these goals and has seen particularly strong return in 2018, during which the business has doubled. "Influencer Marketing has evolved to a $1.6 billion industry on Instagram alone. By continuing to innovate and develop advanced tools to address the industry's three prominent concerns - brand and creator matching, fraud and advanced metrics, we believe Buzzoole has a tremendous opportunity globally," said Claudio Berretti, General Manager at Tamburi Investment Partners. "We're proud to continue supporting this innovative, smart and grounded company as it further establishes itself as the influencer marketing platform of choice." "The exponential growth of Influencer Marketing is one of the most significant evolutions in modern advertising strategy that we have witnessed in recent years and brands have begun to dedicate a bigger and bigger share of their marketing budget towards it," added Amedeo Giurazza, CEO of Vertis. "In Buzzoole we found the best possible solution to this growing need which, combined with the expertise shown by its management team and the strength of its proprietary platform, convinced us to invest in the company." Buzzoole supports a network of more than 270,000 creators with its technology platform and serves in the region of 850 international companies including top global brands Rakuten, Ralph Lauren, Starbucks, Pandora, Unilever and P&G. The company also works with award winning agencies like Mindshare, Havas, GroupM, Omnicom, IPG and Publicis Group, and has been recognised by Unilever Foundry, Accenture, Facebook Start, Intel and UK Trade & Investment. Buzzoole is also a Representative Vendor in the 2018 edition of the Market Guide for Influencer Marketing Solutions by Gartner and Forrester's New Tech: Influencer Marketing Solutions. The company's funds will also fuel Buzzoole's hiring initiatives as it plans to grow its headcount by a third in the next year. In the last year, Buzzoole has grown to close to 70 employees in London, Milan, Rome, Naples, opening its New York office this past summer. It is active in 176 countries worldwide. -End- About Buzzoole: Buzzoole is a marketing services company that automates, manages and measures investments with influencers. Its end-to-end platform uses cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence technology to simplify every stage of the creator marketing process. Buzzoole serves in the region of 850 international brands and boasts a community of more than 270,000 creators from all over the world. Founded in 2013 the company has a growing presence in a number of locations globally, including Italy, the U.S. and UK. www.buzzoole.com Related Links: Follow Buzzoole on LinkedIN Follow @Buzzoole on Twitter Follow @Buzzoole on Instagram For more information, please contact: Noel Bussey, Senior Account Director at Velvet PR Office: +44 (0)208 996 1804 Mobile: +44 (0)7713 491 107 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.velvetpr.biz Roberto Pizzato, Head of Content at Buzzoole Mobile: +44 (0)7465977728 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Buzzoole Related Links http://www.buzzoole.com Camp Southern Ground, located 30 miles south of Atlanta, stretches across more than 400 acres and serves children ages 7-17, from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races and religions, with activities to challenge, educate and inspire campers. As an inclusive camp, Camp Southern Ground brings together typically developing children, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), learning and attention issues, social or emotional challenges, and those with family members serving in the military. During summer, Camp Southern Ground hosts campers for week-long residential camps. In the non-summer months, the state of the art facilities are utilized in conjunction with industry leading organizations to support veterans and their families transitioning back to civilian life. Camp President and CEO, Mike Dobbs, thanked donors and communicated 2018 was a special year as it transitioned from talking about visions and plans to deliver programs and results for both children and veterans alike for the first time. Dobbs also announced the launch of a $76 million capital campaign in which it has already raised $43 million during its friends and family phase. Brown appeared on stage with Camp Director Scott Hicok and thanked the crowd for their years of support. Brown highlighted that this year's event was a true milestone for Camp Southern Ground as the campus opened its first week-long overnight camps in June 2018, thanks to the funds An Evening To Remember has raised over the years. "This event is always special because we get to share the success of Camp Southern Ground with our Atlanta community. This isn't my camp, this is everyone's camp and each year the guests that join us, whether they've supported from the start or this is their first evening with us, leave at the end of the night knowing they're helping to create a lasting legacy," said Brown. This year's benefit was hosted by The Home Depot co-founder and owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Arthur M. Blank and his wife Angie. The evening was attended and supported by presenters such as Wendy Lee Barton, Cara Isdell Lee and Zak Lee, The Novak Foundation, The Freeman Foundation, SunTrust Bank and Mercedes Benz. Sponsors and guests of the night also included The Menear Foundation, Laurice and Douglas Haynes, Emeril Lagasse Foundation and Serling, Rooks, Hunter, McKoy, Worob & Averill, LLP. Live auction donations were made possible by the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, CAA, Guy Fieri and many other generous supporters. Celebrity guest chef, Food Network star and American Restaurateur Guy Fieri, collaborated with Zac Brown Band Executive Chef Rusty Hamlin, Camp Southern Ground Chef Collins Woods and Atlanta-based Proof of the Pudding on the evening's three-course meal. Robin Meade, CNN journalist and Anchor of HLN's "Morning Express," served as emcee and in a special surprise took to the stage with Zac Brown Band to perform her rendition of The Doobie Brothers' Long Train Runnin'. Guests helped create Zac Brown Band's set list for the evening which included hits like Chicken Fried and Free. The band also performed their new single "Someone I Used to Know" for the first time live since debuting it on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November. ABOUT CAMP SOUTHERN GROUND Mission-driven, Camp Southern Ground offers children and veterans a world-class campus in a beautiful natural setting, with groundbreaking programs that inspire individuals to magnify their gifts, enhance their perspectives of self, empower them to overcome limitations, and spread love to impact their world. With state-of-the-art buildings and outdoor spaces, Camp Southern Ground is a one-of-a-kind place of learning and growth designed with children and veterans of diverse abilities and skill sets in mind, and will become a timeless institution that is the cornerstone of education, research and innovation. Camp Southern Ground is registered non-profit, 501(c)(3). For more information on Camp Southern Ground please contact Alyssa Goodman at [email protected] or 586.567.0136 or visit CampSouthernGround.org. ABOUT ZAC BROWN BAND Zac Brown Band is a multiplatinum, Grammy Award-Winning Southern Rock group lead by frontman Zac Brown. Throughout their career, Zac Brown Band has had five consecutive albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and four consecutive albums debut at #1 on Billboard's Country Albums chart. To date, the group has sold more than 30 million singles and 9 million albums. They have achieved 15 #1 radio singles and are the second act to top both the Country and Active Rock formats. Since their debut, Zac Brown Band has developed a reputation with critics and fans alike as one of the most dynamic live performers, marked by strong musicianship that defies genre boundaries. The band is represented by CAA and public relations firm JONESWORKS. Additional information can be found at http://www.zacbrownband.com/. SOURCE Camp Southern Ground The global alliance brings a fresh approach to answering the age-old need for uninterrupted access to trusted IT expertise and solutions critical for effective local operations. TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Centreon Software Systems Ltd. , a trusted provider of enterprise monitoring solutions for converging and hybrid IT infrastructures, and TeamWork Management Inc. , a major player in consulting and technology, announced today the expansion of their partnership to North America to provide a cohesive approach to serving common customer needs more effectively and efficiently. "The Centreon-TeamWork partnership has proven its value in Europe. TeamWork, a long-time Centreon EMS user became a Centreon-certified partner over a year ago, as it integrated the solution for the monitoring and support of their SAP business solutions clients," commented Romain Le Merlus, Co-Founder and CEO of Centreon North America. To date, TeamWork boasts 12 certified Centreon EMS consultants, serving both internal and external customers. TeamWork is a global strategic partner for enterprise digital transformations, offering a full continuum of services, from consulting to SAP business solutions, to data analytics and technology platforms. With over 650 employees and offices in Canada, in both east and west coasts of the USA, Asia and Europe, the company is committed to providing 24/7 technical and functional outsourcing support services and a proximity experience to clients. "Our partnership with Centreon reinforces our value proposition in the North American infrastructure sector. This partnership allows us to complete our portfolio of innovative solutions for our customers who will seek to simplify and better integrate the management of their information system. Through this collaboration, our SAP business solutions clients get real-time visibility to monitor the infrastructure that backs SAP performance for front-end users," explained Philippe Huguet, CEO, USA and VP Sales North America at TeamWork. Just three months ago, Centreon expanded its operations into North America with on-the-ground technical expertise and customer support for enterprise digital strategies. The company also announced its channel partner strategy. "Businesses expect their vendors to be as integrated as they want to be internally, both from a human and system perspective. So we are pleased to mark this partnership milestone with TeamWork to better serve our customers on this side of the Atlantic," added Romain Le Merlus, Co-Founder and CEO of Centreon North America. Centreon recently launched a new version of Centreon EMS, its flagship solution that allows for more agile, decentralized monitoring capabilities, taking collaboration to a whole new level for consulting partners and their clients. About Centreon Centreon is a trusted software provider for enterprise IT monitoring of converging and hybrid infrastructure across a wide range of public and private sectors. Centreon's flagship solution delivers unified views and streamlined, interoperable monitoring for business-aware IT operations management, eliminating costly downtime and boosting performance analysis. Centreon partners with resellers, enterprise system integrators and SMB service providers, offering on-the-ground technical support and training certification. Founded in 2005, Centreon is a growing reference with head offices in Paris, France, and Toronto, Canada. For more information, visit www.centreon.com . About TeamWork TeamWork is an independent international group, founded in 1999 in Geneva by its CEO Mr. Philippe Rey-Gorrez. A strategic partner in digital transformation, TeamWork is involved in four core businesses: Business Consulting, SAP Business Solutions, Technology Platforms and Data Analytics. Recognized by its clients for its expertise and experience, TeamWork accompanies both major international accounts and SMEs. With more than 600 employees and 14 international locations (Switzerland, France, Vietnam, Singapore, China, India, Canada, the United States), TeamWork stands out with its ability to guarantee 24/7 technical and functional outsourcing support services (in English and French) and geographical proximity to its customers. The competence, the taste for the challenge, the human values and the talent of its teams allow TeamWork to achieve linear growth and strong customer loyalty. For more information, visit www.teamwork.net. SOURCE Centreon Software Systems Ltd. Luckily for us, some of the corn grown on Illinois farms gets distilled into local spirits. "A few years back, my father and I decided to take a portion of the corn we sustainably grow here and turn it into high-end spirits. Our business is called Whiskey Acres, and it's a true seed-to-spirit distillery," said Jamie Walter of DeKalb, Illinois. For Illinois in particular, high corn yields come in part from the nutrient-rich soils. "This may come as news to many Chicagoans, but Illinois is blessed with some of the best soil and water on earth, which is great at growing corn for great-tasting whiskey," said Walter. "We don't take that for granted." Walter isn't the only one taking advantage of the demand for local goods and great-tasting whiskey. You can find distilleries making spirits from Illinois-grown corn all over the state. Whiskey Acres in DeKalb is a "seed to spirit" farm where they grow and distill their corn into bourbon, rye whiskey and corn vodka. is a "seed to spirit" farm where they grow and distill their corn into bourbon, rye whiskey and corn vodka. Stumpy's Spirits Distillery in Columbia turns corn into vodka and a variety of flavored whiskeys. turns corn into vodka and a variety of flavored whiskeys. Fox River Distilling Company in Geneva distills a variety of products, including a 100 percent corn whiskey. distills a variety of products, including a 100 percent corn whiskey. Grand River Spirits in Carbondale uses locally grown corn to create a variety of "Red Eye Moonshine" flavors. No matter what part of the state you're from, find a distillery near you and celebrate the holidays with an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour made from Illinois corn. Cheers to good spirits! The Illinois Corn Marketing Board was established in 1982 to manage the voluntary checkoff investment that corn farmers in the state agreed to implement that year. The farmers that make up ICMB are elected by their peers to serve unpaid, three year terms. These ICMB farmer leaders are tasked with developing and maintaining markets for corn which is Illinois' highest valued agricultural commodity. Find out more about ICMB at http://www.ilcorn.org and the family farmers who contribute to the checkoff at http://www.watchusgrow.org. SOURCE Illinois Corn Marketing Board Related Links http://www.ilcorn.org DUBLIN, Dec 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Chinese Passenger Vehicle OEMs' Global Expansion Strategies, Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. China's automotive industry aims to achieve robust future growth. The government is expected to support the sales environment and strengthen PV production activity through further Belt and Road Initiative collaboration. OEMs are likely to improve their market shares in the long term. The export sale of passenger vehicles (PVs) grew by 34.0% - from 477,000 units in 2016 to 639,000 units in 2017. The market is forecast to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2017 to 2025. Export unit shipment is expected to expand from 639,000 units in 2017 to 1,259,100 units in 2025. SAIC, Chery, JAC, Dongfeng, Great Wall, and Chang'an are the top 6 market leaders. In 2017, they accounted for a 67.3% share. Toward 2025, SAIC and Chery are likely to strengthen their market dominance. They have extended their export market coverage from Asia to North America and Europe. In 2017, Asia contributed the largest PV export opportunity for Chinese OEMs, at a 53.7% share. West Asia and South Asia generated leading shares of 62.9% and 32.3%, respectively. The lack of automotive production capability and the high price sensitivity due to the regions' unfavorable gross domestic product (GDP) index accelerate PV export demand from China. SUV is the most favorable vehicle segment among Chinese PV OEMs in the export countries. Its fashionable outlook and high cost-performance ratio enhance its market attractiveness. Electric vehicle (EV)-related developments will accelerate Chinese PV sales in the long term. EVs will be the key product for Chinese PV OEMs to expand their market shares in North America and Europe. The JVs between Great Wall and BMW and JAC and Volkswagen will raise long-term export market attractiveness, particularly in terms of EVs in the export regions. Research Scope The aim of this study is to research the export strategies of key Chinese PV OEMs and to analyze the evolution of the Chinese PV export market and its changing competitive landscape. The study also discusses Chinese PV OEM global dynamics, PV OEM comparative analysis, overview of success factors, forecasts and trends, and growth opportunities. It closes with conclusions and a future outlook. Key Features To provide a tactical overview of the export strategies of Chinese PV OEMs and analyze the impact on export sales To offer in-depth export forecasts for select Chinese PV OEMs for 2017 and 2025 To assess the opportunities for Chinese OEMs looking at overseas markets To provide a brief understanding of the changes in the competitive landscape and the implications of these changes in the short and the medium terms To outline the international dealership strategies of Chinese PV OEMs and offer an overview of the chief regions for export activities To determine the key success factors of Chinese PV OEMs in export markets Key Issues Addressed What are the key factors that have helped Chinese PV OEMs, including SAIC, Chery, JAC, Dongfeng, Great Wall, and Chang'an, become market leaders? What are their major export strategies? Which PV segment do OEMs target in the export market? How important is the export PV business for Chinese OEMs? How do OEMs intend to evolve to meet overseas customer preference? How is the competitive landscape changing? What are the implications of these changes for the OEMs that play an active role in this space? What are the key success factors for OEMs? How will this market evolve in future? Key Topics Covered: 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Key Findings Market Engineering Measurement PV Sales and Export Outlook PV Export Business Overview Snapshot of International Operations Top 10 Overseas Footprints of Chinese OEMs Key Findings and Future Outlook 2. RESEARCH SCOPE, OBJECTIVE, BACKGROUND, AND METHODOLOGY Research Scope Research Aims and Objectives Key Questions this Study will Answer Research Background Research Methodology 3. CHINESE PV OEMS - GLOBAL DYNAMICS Chinese PV Export Market - Key Influencing Trends Belt and Road Initiative Snapshot of International Operations Top 10 Overseas Footprints of Chinese OEMs SWOT Analysis 4. CHINESE PV OEMS - COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS SWOT Analysis of Key PV OEMs Export Volume Forecast of Key OEMs Development of Strong Global Partnerships Key Export PV Models Key Export PV Specifications Price Positioning Strategies of Key Export PV Models 5. CHINESE PV OEMS - OVERVIEW OF SUCCESS FACTORS Top Growth Strategies of Key OEMs Strategies to Accelerate Exports Expansion Collaboration Approaches Key OEM Expansion Activities in 2017 6. FORECASTS AND TRENDS Market Engineering Measurements Market Forecast Forecast Scenario Assumptions to 2025 Chinese PV Export Market Breakdown by Region Chinese PV Export Market Breakdown by OEM 7. GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES AND COMPANIES TO ACTION Growth Opportunity - PV Export Market in China Strategic Imperatives for Success and Growth 8. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE OUTLOOK Key Conclusions Key Findings and Future Outlook The Last Word - 3 Big Predictions Legal Disclaimer 9. APPENDIX Companies Mentioned Chang'an Chery Dongfeng Great Wall JAC SAIC BMW Volkswagen For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9shbnv/chinese_passenger?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 LONDON, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CloudMargin, creator of the world's first and only collateral and margin management solution native to the cloud, last night won the award for Best Technology Product Collateral Management at the FOW International Awards 2018. Presented at a gala dinner following the FOW Derivatives World London: The Debates conference, the awards celebrate the achievements of the top-performing global derivatives firms that have provided exceptional service and/or innovation to their clients and the industry this year. The award is CloudMargin's third win in the category in the past four years. Luke Jeffs, Managing Editor, Global Investor Group, said: "CloudMargin has come a long way in just a few years. As margin requirements have changed fundamentally, CloudMargin has established itself as a valued partner for banks, brokers, asset managers and other financial institutions." CloudMargin CEO Steve Husk said: "We take great pride in this FOW award, which recognises the tremendous strides we've made in the past year on broadening our client base to even the largest financial institutions, further strengthening our platform, user interface and experience, substantially growing our revenues, and attracting major new investors. This could not have been achieved without the hard work of our truly talented team and the support of our terrific clients and partners." In addition to more than a dozen innovation and technology awards CloudMargin had won since 2015 the FOW award is the third global award and fifth honour bestowed on the company in just this quarter. The others were: Collateral Management and Optimisation Product of the Year , Risk Markets Technology Awards 2019 , Risk Markets Technology Awards 2019 Collateral Platform of the Year , Custody Risk Global Awards 2018 , Custody Risk Global Awards 2018 RegTech 100 List for 2019, identifying the "world's most innovative technology solutions providers that address the challenges of dealing with regulatory issues within financial services" List for 2019, identifying the "world's most innovative technology solutions providers that address the challenges of dealing with regulatory issues within financial services" CB Insights' 2018 Fintech 250 List, identifying the fastest growing fintech startups, representing a "prestigious group of emerging private companies working on groundbreaking financial technology" The FOW International Awards are judged by a panel of independent experts drawn from across the market in a range of disciplines. Created in April 2017, the Global Investor Group incorporates the Global Investor, FOW and ISF brands and offers news, data and in-depth analysis across derivatives, securities finance, custody and fund services and asset management. About CloudMargin Headquartered in London, CloudMargin created the world's first cloud-based collateral management workflow tool, which has earned more than 15 industry awards and honours since 2015 for innovation and best-in-class technology. The firm's Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model is helping many of the leading financial institutions globally including brokerage firms, banks, asset management firms, insurance companies and exchanges meet time-critical regulatory deadlines and reduce costs associated with collateral requirements that are growing dramatically. CloudMargin bypasses many of the shortfalls of legacy, on-premise software, enabling clients to experience rapid implementation and access to robust and secure collateral management workflow software. For more information, visit www.cloudmargin.com. SOURCE CloudMargin Related Links https://cloudmargin.com DETROIT, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ComForCare Health Care Holdings, LLC, a premier provider of home care, is rolling out private-duty nursing across the franchise system. The announcement was made at the company's annual franchise conference, held recently in Dallas. The move is part of ComForCare's strategic plan to add programs across the health care continuum to serve older adults in a more holistic way and is the latest in a series of developments that will allow for a more continual transition of care without disrupting the client's lifestyle at home. Currently thirteen percent of ComForCare's offices offer private-duty nursing, and those services are being met with rapidly increasing demand in those markets and across the system. Now, with a formal program in place, ComForCare's goal over the next three to five years is to have every office obtain the infrastructure and accreditation to offer home care and private-duty nursing to its clients. "Private-duty nursing is the future of our business. We are aligning home care with the processes and standards of certified home health agencies to elevate the level of care we can provide our clients and broaden the reach and impact of much-needed services," said Steve Greenbaum, CEO of ComForCare and At Your Side Home Care. "Our goal remains to provide our clients with high quality care and to help them live their best life possible. This is one of those bold initiatives that will not only improve that experience and those services, but will also allow our franchise locations to serve a wider client population across U.S. and Canada in the months and years ahead." Over the past year, ComForCare's headquarters has aggressively staffed and invested in the tools to support this program. Emily Wiechmann, RN, BSN and clinical program manager for ComForCare, joined the organization in May to overhaul the private-duty nursing program in-place and make it scalable for the entire franchise system. The expectation with this program is that existing franchise locations will advance their services to include this while future franchise prospects will adopt this expanded business model from day one. "Private-duty nursing requires highly complex, hourly care for patients with very acute needs to ensure they are safe in their own home," said Wiechmann. "The goal is for every office to be able to accept clients across the entire age spectrum and have the skills to take on cases that require a higher level of care due to physical restrictions, illnesses or chronic medical conditions." For more information about ComForCare, visit www.comforcare.com. About ComForCare ComForCare is a premier provider of home care services with nearly 200 independently owned and operated locations in the U.S. and Canada helping older adults live independently in their own homes. ComForCare is committed to helping people live their best life possible and offers special programs for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Founded in 1996, ComForCare was acquired by private equity firm The Riverside Company in 2017 and now is part of a multi-brand franchise parent company, which has plans for continued expansion of service brands across the continuum of care for aging adults. ComForCare operates as At Your Side Home Care in Houston. For more information, visit www.comforcare.com. SOURCE ComForCare Related Links http://www.comforcare.com WILMINGTON, N.C., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- nCino, the worldwide leader in cloud banking, today announced that Esquire Bank has gone live on the nCino Bank Operating System. The Jericho, New York-based financial institution adopted nCino's digital banking platform to automate and optimize its commercial banking processes in order to enhance the experience of both the bank's customers and employees. "At Esquire Bank, meeting and exceeding business customers' expectations requires transparency," stated Andrew C. Sagliocca, President & CEO of Esquire Bank. "With the nCino platform, our sales relationship managers, senior lending underwriters and lending operations all have visibility into the underwriting process with a touch of a button. This transparency gives customers more insight into our lending process, reduces frustrating redundancies and boosts efficiency for our bank and our commercial customers. By adopting nCino and building a unique technology stack tailored for the legal community, we are transforming Esquire into a leading fintech and commercial lender in the litigation market." Esquire Bank vetted several technology solutions to support its growth initiatives, ultimately selecting nCino as the best solution to help drive customer centricity, digitize business processes and leverage data to power decision making. nCino's scalable and flexible platform, which is built on the Salesforce platform, is helping fuel Esquire's growth initiatives for the long-term through a unique combination of centralizing essential loan origination capabilities with customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise onboarding and account opening, business process management and instant reporting. "With nCino, Esquire Bank employees are working more collaboratively and have greater visibility across their portfolios as well as the entire client relationship," said Paul Clarkson, Senior Vice President of Community and Regional Financial Institutions at nCino. "We're proud to be working with Esquire and look forward to providing them with continuous innovation and product enhancements that will further evolve and enrich their customer relationships and make a real difference in the lives of their employees." About nCino nCino is the worldwide leader in cloud banking. With its Bank Operating System, built on the Salesforce platform, financial institutions can deliver the speed and digital experience that customers expect, backed by the quality and transparency that bankers need. Follow @nCino or visit www.ncino.com. About Esquire Bank Esquire Bank, National Association, is a full-service commercial bank dedicated to serving the financial needs of the legal industry and small businesses nationally, as well as commercial and retail customers in the New York metropolitan area. The bank offers tailored products and solutions to the legal community and their clients as well as dynamic and flexible merchant services solutions to small business owners. For more information, visit www.esquirebank.com. SOURCE nCino Related Links http://www.ncino.com BOSTON and HEMEL HEMPSTED, England, December 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- - EUSA to Open New US Headquarters in Boston, MA - - Significant US Expansion to Complete EUSA's Transatlantic Commercial Platform - EUSA Pharma (EUSA), a global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on oncology and rare disease, today announced the appointment of Jeffrey S. Hackman as President of its United States' operations. Mr Hackman will lead a major expansion of the company's US organization, as EUSA completes its transatlantic commercial infrastructure. As part of its growth plans in the United States, EUSA is establishing a new headquarters in Boston, MA, and rapidly growing its sales, marketing, market access and medical teams. In the coming weeks, the company intends to launch a new sales force targeting key oncology and rare disease centers across the country, supported by a full medical and commercial team. Jeffrey S. Hackman brings to EUSA 30 years' commercial pharmaceutical experience, including extensive expertise gained in the oncology field. He has a strong track record of building and leading commercial organizations and delivering business growth. He joins EUSA from rare disease company Novelion Therapeutics, where he was acting CEO. Prior to this he was Senior VP and Head of US Internal Medicine / Oncology at Shire Inc., following a period leading the company's US oncology franchise. Previously, he was responsible for establishing the North American oncology commercial division for Baxalta, following several years leading US commercial operations for Sigma Tau. He also held senior roles in a number of other pharmaceutical companies. Lee Morley, EUSA Pharma's Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are delighted to welcome Jeff to EUSA to lead our expansion in the United States and complete our strategic transatlantic commercial platform. EUSA is well established as a successful oncology and rare disease business in Europe, and we have the same ambition for our company in the United States. In the coming weeks, we plan to launch our significantly expanded commercial team, providing a platform to grow our in-house products and attract additional products from third parties." Jeffrey S. Hackman, EUSA Pharma's President, United States, said, "I am thrilled to join EUSA at this exciting time for the company. Since its establishment in 2015, the company has made tremendous progress and I look forward to playing a key role in its rapid growth in the US. EUSA is gaining an enviable reputation in the oncology and rare disease markets, and I am excited at the prospect of building a successful US organization as part of the company's global ambitions." About EUSA Pharma Founded in March 2015, EUSA Pharma is a world-class biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology and rare disease. The company has commercial operations in the United States and Europe, and a wider distribution network in approximately 40 countries around the world. EUSA Pharma is led by an experienced management team with a strong record of building successful pharmaceutical companies, and is supported by significant funding raised from leading life science investor EW Healthcare Partners. For more information please visit http://www.eusapharma.com. Contacts Lee Morley Chief Executive EUSA Pharma Tel: +44-(0)330-5001140 Rob Budge RJB Communications Tel: +44-(0)1865-760969 Mobile: +44-(0)7710-741241 SOURCE EUSA Pharma BELLEVUE, Wash., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Expedia.com analyzed thousands of data points this year to identify the top trends in travel for 2018, and the results show that American travelers are increasingly interested in unique and novel experiences. Highlights from the report include the rise of secondary destinations like Chiang Mai, the Azores and Cartagena, and non-traditional lodging options such as tentalows and houseboats. In the activities and attractions space, observation decks and architectural landmarks saw the biggest growth, with cooking classes and other culinary experiences close behind. "In this day and age, it's possible to have the exact type of experience and trip you want, whether it's visiting a breathtaking island off Portugal, or staying on a family farm where you can gather your own fresh eggs in the morning," says John Morrey, SVP Brand Expedia. "Being able to meet the needs of every kind of traveler is our driving force at Expedia, and why we strive to make it easy and affordable to find the perfect accommodation for any trip and bundle it with flights or car for even more savings." Read on for more highlights from Expedia's 2018 Year in Review, including trends across destinations, air travel, lodging and activities. 2018: The Year of the Secondary City Expedia crunched flight data from 20181 to determine the destinations seeing the most year-over-year growth, and it was clear that U.S. travelers are venturing beyond the primary tourist stops to seek out the culturally-rich offerings of secondary cities. Here are some of the most noteworthy trending destinations for 2018, all of which saw double- or triple-digit growth from last year: Portugal : Azores It's no secret that Portugal had a major moment in 2018, seeing big boosts in tourism throughout the year. But it wasn't just Lisbon and Porto attracting crowds the Azores also wooed tourists with its dramatic landscapes and world-class diving and hiking. It's no secret that had a major moment in 2018, seeing big boosts in tourism throughout the year. But it wasn't just and attracting crowds the Azores also wooed tourists with its dramatic landscapes and world-class diving and hiking. Thailand : Chiang Mai Chiang Mai , Bangkok's more laid-back and spiritual sibling, is home to hundreds of Buddhist temples, incredible street food and historic festivals. Visit in November to launch a fire lantern during Loi Krathong, or in April to see the city come alive for Songkran. , more laid-back and spiritual sibling, is home to hundreds of Buddhist temples, incredible street food and historic festivals. Visit in November to launch a fire lantern during Loi Krathong, or in April to see the city come alive for Songkran. United Kingdom : Inverness and Belfast London remains one of the top global destinations in the world, but flight data proves travelers are venturing farther into the UK to Northern Ireland and Scotland . remains one of the top global destinations in the world, but flight data proves travelers are venturing farther into the UK to and . Malta : Valletta For those craving a beautiful Mediterranean getaway without the high prices of the French Riviera or crowds of the Italian coast, Malta could be just the ticket. Its capital city of Valletta , an UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by water and features carefully restored and preserved monuments dating back to the late Renaissance. For those craving a beautiful Mediterranean getaway without the high prices of the French Riviera or crowds of the Italian coast, could be just the ticket. Its capital city of , an UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by water and features carefully restored and preserved monuments dating back to the late Renaissance. Alaska : Kenai and Kodiak The Emerald Isle of Kodiak , with its immense National Wildlife Refuge, and Kenai's legendary salmon fishing are proof that there's more to Alaska than just Anchorage and Juneau . For visitors looking to experience the best of Alaska , many of the highly-rated cruises will stop at three or four port towns. The Emerald Isle of , with its immense National Wildlife Refuge, and legendary salmon fishing are proof that there's more to than just and . For visitors looking to experience the best of , many of the highly-rated cruises will stop at three or four port towns. Australia : Brisbane and Perth U.S. travelers embarking on the 14+ hour journey to Australia are clearly seeing more than just Sydney's iconic Opera House. Queensland's capital, Brisbane , and Western Australia's Perth both appear on the trending destination list this year. U.S. travelers embarking on the 14+ hour journey to are clearly seeing more than just iconic Opera House. capital, , and both appear on the trending destination list this year. Ecuador : Cuenca Ecuador's capital, Quito , and the Galapagos Islands are both popular tourist destinations, but this year Cuenca saw increased demand. Perhaps word is getting out that its historic city center, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and array of street markets are just as worthy of a visit. capital, , and the Galapagos Islands are both popular tourist destinations, but this year Cuenca saw increased demand. Perhaps word is getting out that its historic city center, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and array of street markets are just as worthy of a visit. Croatia : Zagreb Zagreb may be Croatia's capital but from a western tourism perspective it's been playing second fiddle to coastal Dubrovnik for a few years now. But U.S. travelers are starting to take notice of Zagreb's urban appeal, lighter crowds and affordable prices. may be capital but from a western tourism perspective it's been playing second fiddle to coastal Dubrovnik for a few years now. But U.S. travelers are starting to take notice of urban appeal, lighter crowds and affordable prices. Colombia : Cartagena Quite different in terms of climate and personality than the capital city of Bogota, Cartagena is rich in colonial charm. Quite different in terms of climate and personality than the capital city of Bogota, Cartagena is rich in colonial charm. Spain : Seville For those looking to experience real Spanish culture, Seville will not disappoint. Less touristy than popular Barcelona , locals would tell you Seville is where to find authentic flamenco and tapas. Check out the full list of Expedia's Top Trending Cities on the Viewfinder blog. Alternative accommodations are on the rise While traditional resorts and hotels continue to be a favorite for U.S. travelers, Expedia.com data shows a growing interest in alternative lodging options. Here are some of the fastest-growing accommodation types for 20182: Tentalows (cross between a tent and a bungalow) up 135 percent year-over-year Chalets up 85 percent year-over-year Villas up more than 45 percent year-over-year Agritourism properties up more than 40 percent year-over-year Houseboats up more than 35 percent year-over-year Top trending activities include observation decks and culinary experiences Activities and experiences are increasingly popular as travelers look to personalize and customize their vacations. These are the fastest-growing activity categories in 2018 for the U.S.: Fastest-growing category: Attractions. Observation decks and architectural landmarks are leading the pack, with the Eiffel Tower, Rome's Colosseum, the 360 Chicago Observation Deck and the High Roller Observation Wheel in Las Vegas among the top trending attractions. Runner-up: Tours & Sightseeing. Walking and hop-on-hop-off bus tours remain popular among travelers visiting big cities. Third place: Shopping & Culinary Experiences round out the top categories, as travelers look to get the most out of their destinations and sample local flavors. It's never been easier to browse and book activities on the fly with Expedia's mobile app, which lets travelers sort and filter things to do by proximity, popularity and activity type. Busiest & least busy days to fly Flight data confirms that traveling ahead of the holidays is bound to be hectic. However, the least busy travel days of the year also fall around the holidays: the day after Christmas, Christmas Day and New Year's Day drew the fewest airport crowds. These are the busiest air travel days of the year3: Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day Friday before Christmas Day Friday before Labor Day Want to see more trends? Be sure to head over to Expedia's Viewfinder blog for the rest of the results from the 2018 Year in Review, including the most popular last-minute getaways and where to find the best views, spa, pools and service. About Expedia Expedia.com is one of the world's largest full service travel sites, helping millions of travelers per month easily plan and book travel. Expedia.com (https://www.expedia.com/, 1-800-EXPEDIA) aims to provide the latest technology and the widest selection of top vacation destinations, affordable airfare, hotel deals, car rentals, destination weddings, cruise deals and in-destination activities, attractions, services and travel apps. 2018 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. Expedia and the Airplane logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CST# 2029030-50. Visit our web site https://www.expedia.com/ or use our mobile app to book cheap flights and hotels. 1Based on air travel demand on Expedia.com from January 1, 2018 November 1, 2018 compared to the same timeframe in 2017 2Based on demand on Expedia.com from January 1, 2018 September 30, 2018 compared to the same timeframe in 2017 3Based on air travel demand on Expedia.com from October 31, 2017 November 1, 2018 SOURCE Expedia.com Related Links http://www.expedia.com CA2 was already known to specialize in social memory, the ability to remember encounters with others. Surprisingly, today's findings reveal that a single brain region can control both higher-order cognition, like social memory, and an innate, instinctual behavior like social aggression. And because CA2 dysfunction has been implicated in psychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, these results provide further support that altered CA2 function may contribute to abnormal social behaviors associated with such illnesses. This research was published today in Nature. "Humans and mice are social creatures. We both engage in learned and innate social interactions that sometimes foster cooperation, and other times drive competition for mates, food and dominance. How the brain mediates these conflicting impulses has been a puzzling question," said Steven A. Siegelbaum, PhD, the Gerald D. Fischbach, MD Professor and Chair of Neuroscience at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, principal investigator at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute and the paper's senior author. "Today's study in mice shows us that diminutive CA2, which is made up of just a few thousand cells, acts as a nexus of social behaviors, allowing memory to influence the decision to engage in social aggression," he continued. Although a great deal is known about the other regions of the hippocampus, the small size of CA2, coupled with its inaccessible location sandwiched between larger, neighboring areas, make it challenging to study. But in 2014, the Siegelbaum lab developed a genetic approach for turning CA2 on or off and discovered that this region is essential for social memory. As a first step to determine whether CA2 may regulate other social behaviors, the researchers examined the brain regions that receive information from CA2. They found that CA2 sends a strong connection to the lateral septum, a brain region that had been known for some time to play an important role in limiting aggression. Indeed, both classic and more recent studies have shown that brain lesions to the lateral septum in several species, including humans, promote a hyper-aggressive state. "CA2's close ties to the lateral septum made us wonder whether it also played a role in this type of aggression," said Felix Leroy, PhD, an associate research scientist in the Siegelbaum lab and the paper's first author. To find out, the researchers temporarily turned off CA2 in a mouse living alone in its home cage. They then introduced an intruder into the cage and observed the resulting behavior. When CA2 was switched off, there was a marked decrease in the tendency of the residents to attack, compared to what would normally occur. This difference strongly suggested that CA2 normally acts to drive aggressive behavior, in addition to regulating social memory. But why would a brain region that controls memory also be used to regulate aggression? One clue comes from the fact that male mice develop a social hierarchy when housed together; a dominant alpha male sits atop this hierarchy, followed by a succession of increasingly submissive males. When a new mouse is introduced into a colony, there are bouts of fights between the stranger and the other mice until the social hierarchy is re-established. "It appears that, at the beginning of a social interaction such as when the resident mouse meets an intruder the animal's CA2 forms a social memory, a sort of social ID tag, of the other mouse," Dr. Leroy continued. "Further along in the interaction between the two mice, a signal generated in CA2 is sent to the lateral septum, which facilitates aggressive behavior." A hormone called vasopressin may also be at work, says the research team. When released in the brain, vasopressin regulates a number of social behaviors, so the team asked whether vasopressin might help determine whether a mouse decides to attack. "We found that the ability of CA2 cells to efficiently activate the lateral septum is greatly enhanced when vasopressin is released in the lateral septum," said Dr. Siegelbaum. "Previous research had revealed a link between vasopressin and aggression, and CA2 appears to lie at the center of this effect." As vasopressin levels are altered in people with schizophrenia and autism, the researchers hope to further explore whether and how such disorders are tied to CA2 dysfunction. In 2016, Dr. Siegelbaum and fellow Zuckerman Institute Principal Investigator Joseph Gogos, MD, PhD, found that mice carrying a human mutation linked to schizophrenia have a dysfunctional CA2. This provided striking evidence that social memory deficits, a key feature of schizophrenia, may have their origins in CA2. "People with schizophrenia exhibit a wide range of behavioral alterations, including impaired social memory and altered levels of aggression," said Dr. Siegelbaum. "Might this result from a loss or change in CA2 activity? And could these deficits be alleviated by artificially boosting CA2 activity? That is something that our research, and that of others, hopes to reveal." This paper is titled "A hippocampal CA2 to lateral septal circuit disinhibits social aggression." Additional contributors include Jung Park, Arun Asok, PhD, David H. Brann, Torcato Meira, Lara Boyle, Eric W. Buss, PhD, and Eric R. Kandel, MD. This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01 MH104602-01, R01-MH106629), the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The authors report no financial or other conflicts of interest. Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute brings together an extraordinary group of world-class scientists and scholars to pursue the most urgent and exciting challenge of our time: understanding the brain and mind. A deeper understanding of the brain promises to transform human health and society. From effective treatments for disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression and autism to advances in fields as fundamental as computer science, economics, law, the arts and social policy, the potential for humanity is staggering. To learn more, visit: zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu. Contact: Anne Holden, [email protected], 212.853.0171 SOURCE Columbia University's Zuckerman Institute Related Links https://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu Increased spending in cancer-related research and development by various governments and private and commercial organizations combined with investments in anti-cancer drugs are the two key factors anticipated to heighten the generic oncology drugs demand, through 2019, as indicated in a recent market analysis of generic oncology drugs, by Persistence Market Research (PMR). Expanding at a robust annual rate of over 6.1 percent, the global revenue through sales of generic oncology drugs will surpass US$ 23 Billion in 2021. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661339/Persistence_Market_Research.jpg ) "PMR estimates that notable product pipeline for generic oncology drugs is expected to drive lucrative business opportunities. Moreover, with industry's pipeline reaching a historic level of late-stage development, in 2017, almost 90% of the therapies being targeted treatments and clinical success rates going up to almost 73 percent, the market for generic oncology drugs is anticipated to grow, further expanding the pipeline cancer treatment", explained a senior research analyst. Request Sample Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/25480 Small Molecule Generic Oncology Drugs Hold Big Opportunities in 2019 Expanding at a rather high CAGR of nearly 6.7 percent, small molecule generic oncology drugs, combing the efficacies of chemotherapy and immunotherapies could boost the ongoing cancer treatment modalities. Although, there has been a significant development in immunotherapy alone, small molecules are expected to exceed the efficacies of large molecules and dominate the cancer treatment landscape as medical exerts continually validate the positive outcomes by combing traditional cancer treatment with new immunotherapies, thereby providing increased benefits to cancer patients. Although PMR analysis indicates a relatively lesser market share compared to market molecules, as a modality, small molecules are likely to benefit from their cross-membrane ability, reaching greater intracellular targets. Moreover, with a half-life of less than 24 hours, small molecules generic oncology drugs are more likely to achieve greater efficacy after a more convenient oral administration, thereby allowing researchers and clinicians to balance the side effect of combination trials through intermittent cancer treatment dosing. Generic Oncology Drugs Market Research Report Overview @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/generic-oncology-drugs-market.asp "Research also indicates that more than a quarter of immune-oncology clinical trial use small as combination partners for checkpoint inhibitors, positioning itself as a unique compound class for superior immune-oncology treatments", explains the analyst. Potential Revenue Pockets in Emerging Economies The generic oncology drugs landscape expanding at a robust annual growth rate of approximately 7.5 percent, APECJ along with is anticipated to present significant revenue generating avenues for drug manufacturing companies. Increased research and development on biological and targeted drug therapies, early expiration of patents, and increasing focus on personalized treatment medication are some major factors contributing towards future avenues for generic oncology cancer drugs market in APECJ. In Japan, on the other hand, stringent regulations involving drug discovery and development process could put a spanner in generic oncology drugs market growth. Download and View Report TOC, Figures and Tables @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/25480 "Increasing awareness and growing demand for early cancer diagnosis is expected to translate into homegrown generic oncology drugs, thereby presenting revenue generating opportunities for local drug manufacturers. Favorable reimbursement schemes for critical drugs and significant funding for drug manufacturing infrastructure by government and private organizations of emerging economies are some key factors supplementing to the sales of generic oncology drugs. In addition, contract manufacturing initiatives for biopharmaceuticals and small molecules could broaden the future scope of generic oncology drugs", the senior analyst further explains. Product Pipeline Expansion to Remain the Core Forward Strategy PMR, in its in-depth analysis of the generic oncology drugs market, presents an assessment of the competitive landscape, dominated by key companies including Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Celgene Corp., Mylan N.V., Merck & Co., Inc, NATCO Pharma Limited, and Aurobindo Pharma. Key insights in this segment, includes: Novartic AG, has applied channel integration strategies such as e-commerce along with the mobile app to drive sales at retail locations. Moreover, the company recently gave global rights of AKT inhibitors afuresertib and uprosertib - to the Shanghai -based company Laekna. In addition, Novartis AG received CE mark for gene-modifying therapy for blood cancer Kymriah. -based company Laekna. In addition, Novartis AG received CE mark for gene-modifying therapy for blood cancer Kymriah. Pfizer Inc., on the other hand, is focused on 39 therapies in R&D pipeline for oncology and bio similar to strengthen the core areas of the product portfolio. In 2017, Pfizer's Glasdegib in patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia received U.S FDA priority review. In the same year, company's XTANDI (enzalutamide) too received FDA approval. However, that is not all. PMR, in its report on the generic oncology drugs market elaborates on the critical developments, likely to shape the future landscape along with pipeline strategies being implemented by top companies to solidify their stakes in the global generic oncology drugs market. Email us at [email protected] for more information on the competition in global generic oncology drugs market. 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 : 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 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 Website: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Email: [email protected] SOURCE Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd. DARTMOUTH, Nova Scotia, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- GeoSpectrum Technologies (GTI) announces that it has received funding from the Government of Canada under the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security Program (IDEaS), to commence the initial development of a Passive Autonomous Acoustic Surveillance System (PAASS). Paul Yeatman, President of GeoSpectrum, commented: "We're very excited to be one of the initial recipients of funding under the IDEaS program. This program is an ideal mechanism to allow industry and academia to help the Department of National Defence meet defence and security challenges by introducing unique, cutting-edge solutions." This project will demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing a networked array of persistent autonomous platforms for the layered surveillance and tracking of underwater objects including submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). PAASS will also be capable of detecting surface vessels, making it a useful tool for counter narcotic and illegal trafficking operations. PAASS will be reconfigurable utilizing a common sonar processor, and combinations of long and medium endurance unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), UUVs, ice moorings, and open water moorings to suit the location and mission. This project will leverage technologies under development by GTI for Artic maritime surveillance and undersea communications that are part of the All Domain Situational Awareness (ADSA) program. Ongoing work to develop on-board sonar processing for autonomous platforms will also be leveraged. Mr. Yeatman added: "For the persistent maritime surveillance challenge, autonomous systems with embedded intelligent signal processing are key to providing adequate, cost-effective surveillance coverage in Canada's vast maritime areas, and we believe PAASS can be used as the framework to meet this challenge." About GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc. GeoSpectrum is a Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada based supplier of marine acoustic hardware and systems. Its range of offerings include sonars and sonar upgrades (towed and hull mounted), acoustic communication, submarine targets, moored surveillance solutions, Very Low Frequency (VLF) systems and more. The company supplies its products to the defence, oil and gas, surveillance, and environmental sectors. GeoSpectrum is a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. www.geospectrum.ca About IDEaS Announced on April 9th, 2018, the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program will foster creativity and ingenuity in Canada by bringing together networks of experts, providing support and opportunities to innovators, and by facilitating the integration and adoption of new capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces and public safety and security communities. Innovators can put forward their best solutions to solve defence and security challenges through competitive processes, and advance their development and implementation by putting them directly into the hands of the CAF and public safety community for testing. For more information, please contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Business Development, +1-902-404-3818, [email protected] SOURCE GeoSpectrum Technologies (GTI) Related Links http://www.geospectrum.ca/ MILL VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Glassdoor, one of the world's largest job and recruiting sites, has announced the winners of its 11th annual Employees' Choice Awards, honoring the Best Places to Work in 2019 across North America and parts of Europe. Unlike other workplace awards, the Glassdoor Employees' Choice Awards are based on the input of employees who voluntarily provide anonymous feedback, by completing a company review about their job, work environment and employer over the past year. This year, the Glassdoor Employees' Choice Awards feature six distinct categories, honoring the Best Places to Work across the U.S. , Canada , UK , France and Germany . In the U.S., Glassdoor has revealed the 100 Best Places to Work (honoring employers with 1,000 or more employees) and 50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work For (honoring employers with fewer than 1,000 employees). Winners are ranked based on their overall rating achieved during the past year. (Ratings based on a 5-point scale: 1.0=very dissatisfied, 3.0=OK, 5.0=very satisfied; Actual calculations extend beyond the thousandth decimal place): The top ten Best Places to Work in 2019 are: 1. Bain & Company (4.6 rating) 2. Zoom Video Communications (4.5) 3. In-N-Out Burger (4.5) 4. Procore Technologies (4.5) 5. Boston Consulting Group (4.5) 6. LinkedIn (4.5) 7. Facebook (4.5) 8. Google (4.4) 9. lululemon (4.4) 10. Southwest Airlines (4.4) The top five Best Small & Medium Companies to Work For in 2019 are: 1. Heap (4.9) 2. Horizon Innovations (4.9) 3. Silverline (4.9) 4. Marketing 360 (4.9) 5. Digital Prospectors (4.9) "In today's tight labor market, job seekers are in the driver's seat when it comes to deciding where to work and they want to know the inner workings of a company before accepting a new job. To help people find the best jobs and the best companies, the Glassdoor Employees' Choice Awards recognize employers at the top of their game," said Dr. Andrew Chamberlain, Glassdoor Chief Economist. "For employers, we know that a satisfied and engaged workforce helps drive financial performance . Glassdoor Best Places to Work winners are strategically investing in company culture, career growth opportunities and more, which also serves as a major recruiting advantage." Glassdoor's 100 Best Places to Work in 2019 list features winning employers hiring across a range of industries, including technology, health care, retail, consulting, food services, travel and tourism, real estate, finance and more. Bain & Company ranks No. 1 for the fourth time ( 2019 , 2017 , 2014 , 2012 ), the only employer to take the top spot four times since the Best Places to Work award debuted in 2009. Bain & Company, Google (No. 8, 4.4) and Apple (No. 71, 4.3) are the only three employers to make the list every year. Thirty-one employers are new to the U.S. large list this year, including Compass (No. 32, 4.4), Omni Hotels (No. 72, 4.3), Phoenix Children's Hospital (No. 83, 4.2) and HP (No. 87, 4.2). Sixteen employers are rejoining the list this year, including Goldman Sachs (No. 75, 4.3; Last recognized in 2012), Costco Wholesale (No. 79, 4.2; Last recognized in 2017) and Chevron (No. 94, 4.2; Last recognized in 2016). Among the 50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work For in 2019, 33 employers are new, including Heap (No. 1, 4.9), Bombas (No. 24, 4.8) and 23andMe (No. 26, 4.8). SAP is the only employer this year to appear on five lists (U.S. large, Canada, UK, France and Germany). When employees submit reviews about their employer on Glassdoor, they are asked to share their opinion on some of the best reasons to work for their employer (pros), any downsides (cons) and are encouraged to provide advice to management. In addition, employees are asked to rate how satisfied they are with their employer overall, rate their CEO as well as rate key workplace attributes like career opportunities, compensation & benefits, work/life balance, senior management and culture & values. Employees are also asked whether they would recommend their employer to a friend and whether they believe their employer's six-month business outlook is positive, negative or if they have no opinion. Among the more than 830,000 employers reviewed on Glassdoor, the average company rating is 3.4. Employees' Choice Award winners for the 2019 Best Places to Work and Best Small & Medium Companies to Work For are determined using Glassdoor's proprietary awards algorithm, and each employer's rating determined based on the quantity, quality and consistency of Glassdoor-approved company reviews submitted by U.S.-based employees between October 23, 2017 and October 21, 2018. During the year-long eligibility period, employers considered for the large list must have received at least 75 ratings and employers considered for the small & medium list must have received at least 30 ratings, respectively, for each of the eight workplace attributes (overall company rating, career opportunities, compensation & benefits, work/life balance, senior management, culture & values, recommend to a friend and six-month business outlook) taken into account as part of the awards algorithm. For reporting simplicity, ratings are displayed to the nearest tenth, though calculations extend beyond the thousandth decimal place to determine final rank order. Complete awards methodology can be found and downloaded here: https://www.glassdoor.com/Award/index.htm SEE THE 2019 WINNERS: All winning employers across this year's six categories can be found by visiting: 100 Best Places to Work U.S . 50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work For U.S. 25 Best Places to Work Canada 50 Best Places to Work UK 25 Best Places to Work France 25 Best Places to Work Germany VIDEO + INTERVIEWS + EMPLOYEE COMMENTARY: Glassdoor is offering a video and editorial content, featuring interviews with CEOs, VPs and employees at winning employers. See links below to download and embed the video, and source/use quotes and commentary on the Glassdoor Blog , featuring several winning employers, including: VIDEO: What Makes a Best Place to Work ; Announcement Video for BPTW 2019 EDITORIAL: Bain Worldwide Managing Partner on being a BPTW (#1 on U.S. Large list) EDITORIAL: Heap CEO on being a BPTW (#1 on U.S. SMB list) EDITORIAL: Microsoft Canada President on being a BPTW (#1 on Canada list) EDITORIAL: 25 Best Jobs at the Best Places to Work EDITORIAL: How the Best Companies Interview Top Candidates Workplace/office photos and employee commentary about winning employers are also available upon request. Please email: [email protected] . BEST PLACES TO WORK EVENT: LIVE FROM NEW YORK Find out how Glassdoor's Best Places to Work build amazing cultures and recruit top talent. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 in New York City. Register for the free livestream today . About Glassdoor Glassdoor combines all the latest jobs with millions of reviews and insights to make it easy for people to find a job that is uniquely right for them. As a result, Glassdoor helps employers hire truly informed candidates at scale through effective recruiting solutions like job advertising and employer branding products. Launched in 2008, Glassdoor now has reviews and insights for over 830,000 companies located in more than 190 countries. For more information, visit glassdoor.com. "Glassdoor" and logo are proprietary trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. SOURCE Glassdoor Related Links http://www.glassdoor.com NEW YORK, Dec. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising Adoption of Electric Vehicles and Increasing Popularity of Renewable Energy Integration Drives BMS Demand Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05642166 Battery management systems (BMS) are critical to ensure the safe and reliable operation of batteries, especially in advanced applications.The BMS market mirrors the growth of the battery market, and it is expected to grow steadily throughout the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (xEVs), rising popularity of battery energy storage (BES) solutions, and extensive use of advanced battery technology in other applications. BMS for automotive application is a high-growth application and a major market driver. Additionally, the increasing focus on stationary BES for renewable integration and grid stabilization, along with the utilization in telecommunication backup applications, will sustain the growth of the market. North America generates most of the global BMS demand as it hosts major EV manufacturers and BES projects. The Asia-Pacific market, meanwhile, is expanding rapidly due to the boom of the battery and EV markets in China as well as the commissioning of large BES projects throughout the region. The BMS market comprises battery manufacturers as well as automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that make BMS in-house for their battery packs, and dedicated BMS OEMs that make off-the-shelf solutions. The in-house battery manufacturers hold the majority of market shares. Lithium-ion is expected to remain the dominant battery chemistry in the BMS space due to its increasing use in advanced battery applications as well as its inherently dynamic nature.Advanced BMS with wireless systems, user-friendly features, and lower complexity will experience greater demand in advanced battery applications. Similarly, dedicated BMS OEMs that are able to manufacture configurable BMS solutions are set to find greater market success.BMS manufacturers must invest in R&D to ensure the compatibility of their products with increasingly complex application systems and emerging battery chemistries. Furthermore, they need to work towards developing systems compatible with emerging chemistries, such as solid state batteries, to gain an early-mover advantage. BMS manufacturers also need to ensure that their products meet emerging industry standards in order to stay relevant in the BMS market. Meanwhile, battery manufacturers and automotive OEMs that outsource their BMS solutions are attempting to enter the BMS industry chain through M&A with dedicated BMS manufacturers. This allows the battery manufacturers and automotive OEMs to utilize BMS manufacturers' existing technological expertise and market presence, thus eliminating the need for extensive R&D to develop proprietary BMS solutions. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05642166 About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Grand Rounds, a new kind of healthcare company headquartered in San Francisco, today announced it has been honored with a Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award, recognizing the company as one of the Best Places to Work in 2019 in the small- and medium-sized business (SMB) category. Grand Rounds creates products and delivers services that connect and guide people to the best possible healthcare available to them. Since being named a Best Place to Work by Glassdoor in 2016, Grand Rounds has expanded its care centers in Reno, Nevada and Lewiston, Maine, and grown its workforce by 154%. The Employees' Choice Awards program, now in its 11th year, is based solely on the input of employees, who elect to provide feedback on their jobs, work environments and companies on Glassdoor. "I have the privilege of working alongside individuals who have an unwavering commitment to our mission, members and each other," said Owen Tripp, CEO and co-founder of Grand Rounds. "We've had a tremendous year, serving more members and customers than ever before, expanding our footprint and rolling out new products. All the while our team continues to stay focused on delivering an unparalleled healthcare experience for our members. I couldn't be more proud to be on this journey to raise the standard of healthcare, surrounded by the best team in the business." Grand Rounds' employees rated the company 4.8 out of 5 on Glassdoor, 92 percent would recommend the company to a friend and 97 percent approve of Grand Rounds CEO Owen Tripp. Grand Rounds was also named the 2018 Fastest Growing Company by Rock Health and was 1 of only 5 healthcare companies on the Forbes Cloud 100 list this year. The complete list of the Glassdoor Best Places to Work in 2019 in the SMB category can be found here. About Grand Rounds Grand Rounds is a new kind of healthcare company. Founded in 2011, the company is on a mission to raise the standard of healthcare for everyone, everywhere. The Grand Rounds team goes above and beyond to connect and guide people to the highest quality healthcare available for themselves and their loved ones. Grand Rounds creates products and services that give people the best possible healthcare experience. Named a 2019 Best Place to Work by Glassdoor and Rock Health's 2018 Fastest Growing Company, Grand Rounds works with inspiring employers and doctors to empower them to be the change agents we need to make our shared vision a reality. For more information, please visit www.grandrounds.com. Media Contact: Robin Suchan Director of Corporate Marketing [email protected] 415-792-5322 SOURCE Grand Rounds Related Links https://www.grandrounds.com ATLANTA, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, October 8, the Law Firm 500 Award Committee announced the list of 2018 Honorees ranking Hall Benefits Law Number two on its Third Annual Law Firm 500 Honorees List with 1556% growth. The annually published list recognizes law firms that have achieved significant growth in revenues. Honorees were verified by the outside certified accounting firm, Fiske & Company. David Hall with the Firm's Law Firm 500 Award David Hall with legal legend Erin Brockovich The award honorees are a beacon of light for the legal industry, demonstrating innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to client service. "We believe the rapid growth we've experienced is due to the outstanding service we provide our clients. When businesses encounter the relationship-driven, experienced counsel and proactive compliance management we bring to the table, they refer others and bring us more work of their own. Aristotle said it best, 'Excellence is not an act but a habit.'" -Firm Manager, David Hall The 2018 Law Firm 500 Award Honorees list showcases the top two-hundred and fifty fastest growing law firms in the United States. Each ranking also includes the percentage of growth over three years. The six top-ranking firms in 2018 all grew by a staggering quadruple digits - no small feat for any business. The Law Firm 500 Conference & Awards Gala was held October 18-20, 2018 at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa. The Award Ceremony began with a powerful Keynote Presentation by legal legend, media personality, and New York Times Best-Selling Author Erin Brockovich. Brockovich is the force behind the largest direct-action lawsuit in US history - $333 Million. Her talk focused on the Power of ONE how one person can truly make a difference. The full list of 2018 Law Firm 500 Award Honorees can be found at https://lawfirm500.com/2018-award-honorees/. About Hall Benefits Law HBL is an ERISA and employee benefits law firm comprised of attorneys who are passionate about proactive counsel to business clients and are dedicated to our mission: to provide comprehensive, personalized, and practical ERISA and benefits legal solutions that exceed client expectations. At HBL, we believe that strategically-designed, legally-compliant benefit plans are the cornerstone of long-term business stability and growth. HBL offers employers from across the country comprehensive legal guidance on benefits in mergers and acquisitions, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), executive compensation, health and welfare benefits, healthcare reform, and retirement plans. We counsel a wide spectrum of clients including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, health insurance brokers, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, just to name a few. For more information about Hall Benefits Law please visit: www.hallbenefitslaw.com Media Contact: David Hall, Firm Manager (678) 439-6236 [email protected] SOURCE Hall Benefits Law Related Links http://www.hallbenefitslaw.com The new, fully furnished home is the crown jewel in a prize package valued at more than $2.3 million the largest giveaway in HGTV history. Constructed with the finest materials, reclaimed historical resources, and timber frame architecture characteristic to the area, the home was conceived by Timber Forge Design, built by Malmquist Construction, and designed by Brian Patrick Flynn. The sneak peek at this striking, lodge-style retreat is now available at HGTV.com/HGTVDreamHome. "Imagine a place where the mountains meet the sky, where nature wild and untamed greets you at your doorstep, where every season brings a new adventure. That place is Montana, an amazing backdrop for HGTV Dream Home 2019," said Alison Victoria, host of the HGTV Dream Home 2019 Special, airing on New Year's Day. "We can't wait to show fans what this location and this home have to offer an escape from the ordinary into a life worth dreaming about." The approximately 3,650-square-foot house is situated on the edge of Glacier National Park with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and Whitefish Lake in Montana's renowned Flathead Valley. Designed to cater to both an active lifestyle and big doses of fireside relaxing and entertaining, HGTV Dream Home 2019 can best be described as "mountain modern." Packed with custom touches and local craftsmanship, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath retreat boasts a great room with floor-to-ceiling accordion windows that open to an expansive outdoor living area. An upper deck and lower patio provide dining and lounging areas, grill, fireplace, and Scandinavian hot tub, all near a private entry to the Big Mountain ski slopes. Back inside, other notable features include a large mudroom essential for Montana living, a cozy pet nook, bunk room, and a "lodge" for hanging out with friends. The official entry period for the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2019 will run from Friday, December 28, 2018 through Monday, February 18, 2019. Eligible viewers can visit HGTV.com for full details and the official rules. Viewers can catch the DIY Behind the Build: HGTV Dream Home 2019 special chronicling the home's build process, which premieres Saturday, December 29 at 11 p.m. ET on DIY Network, as well as the HGTV Dream Home 2019 Special, which airs Tuesday, January 1 at 8 p.m. ET on HGTV. Sponsors of HGTV Dream Home 2019 include Honda, Lumber Liquidators, Quicken Loans, Wayfair, Belgard, Cabinets To Go, Delta Faucet, CESAR Canine Cuisine, Peloton Interactive, Inc., Trex, The Sherwin-Williams Company, SimpliSafe Home Security, Sleep Number, and Cabot. To learn more about the giveaway, visit HGTV.com/HGTVDreamHome. ABOUT HGTV HGTV delivers the superstar experts, fascinating families, compelling renovations and stunning transformations that make all things home fun. America's favorite way to get entertaining, relatable and inspirational home and lifestyle content, HGTV offers: a top 10 cable network that is distributed to more than 90 million U.S. households; a website, HGTV.com, that attracts an average of 9.7 million people each month; a social footprint of 16.8 million; HGTV Magazine, a monthly publication that reaches more than one million readers and exclusive collections of home-oriented products through the HGTV HOME consumer products line. Viewers can become fans of HGTV and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. HGTV is owned by Discovery, Inc., a global leader in real life entertainment spanning 220 countries and territories, whose portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. SOURCE Discovery, Inc. LONDON, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (IGT) (NYSE: IGT) announced that Donald R. Sweitzer will be retiring on Dec. 31 after 20 years of leadership in IGT's government affairs and business development. As Chairman of IGT Global Solutions Corporation, Don has been an accomplished ambassador to IGT's current and prospective global customers and government officials, and instrumental in its development, growth, and industry leadership. "Don's expertise building and nurturing relationships with state and commercial partners around the world, along with his insights into complex geopolitical situations, have been important to IGT's continued expansion and leading market position," said IGT CEO Marco Sala. "I will always be grateful for his integrity, insight, and leadership. His achievements with IGT will continue to resonate far into the future." "I am grateful to Marco Sala and the entire IGT family, our customers, and business partners for the extraordinary opportunities and meaningful relationships we have built together throughout the last 20 years," said Don. "I can honestly say I have enjoyed coming to work every single day during my time here, and I love the people in this company. It's now a good time in the business to retire on a positive note, with a spectacular future ahead for IGT." Prior to his role as Chairman of IGT Global Solutions Corporation, Don was Senior Vice President of Global Business Development and Public Affairs. In this role, he identified and developed new business opportunities and supported the expansion of the Company's products and services in existing jurisdictions. He also continuously enhanced the Company's communications and services to its worldwide government and commercial clients. Before joining the Company in 1998, Don served in prominent senior roles in federal and state politics. He was political director of the Democratic National Committee during the first term of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. He was also a trusted advisor to elected representatives, including Senators Edward M. Kennedy, D-Massachusetts and Howard M. Metzenbaum, D-Ohio. Don first became involved with politics when he was elected to public office, formerly serving as deputy town supervisor and councilman in East Greenbush, New York. In addition, he has held roles on the boards of non-governmental organizations including current Co-Chair and past Chairman of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems and current board member of the Providence Performing Arts Center. Don is also a member of the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame. About IGT IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We enable players to experience their favorite games across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Digital and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has more than 12,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the "Company") and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, dividends, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "could," "would," "should," "shall," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "guidance," "intend," "may," "will," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project" or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the factors and risks described in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2017 and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.IGT.com . Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business. Nothing in this news release is intended, or is to be construed, as a profit forecast or to be interpreted to mean that financial performance of the Company for the current or any future financial years will necessarily match or exceed the historical published financial performance of the Company, as applicable. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Contact: Robert K. Vincent, Corporate Communications, (401) 392-7452 James Hurley, Investor Relations, (401) 392-7190 Simone Cantagallo, (+39) 06 51899030; for Italian media inquiries SOURCE IGT Related Links https://www.igt.com SUZHOU, China, Dec. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class China-based biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes high quality drugs, announced today that its IND application for IBI101, a recombinant fully human anti-OX40 monoclonal antibody (mAb) drug candidate, has been approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and plans to initiate the US phase I clinical trial based on results from the China phase I study in patients with advanced solid tumors. IBI101 is the third molecule from Innovent approved for clinical trials by FDA. The company also has received FDA IND approvals for IBI308 (Sintilimab, an anti-PD-1 antibody) in January, 2018 and IBI188 (an anti-CD47 antibody) in September, 2018 respectively. Innovent is the first Chinese biopharmaceutical company to receive clinical trial approval from FDA for an anti-OX40 monoclonal antibody. "Innovent was built according to international R&D and production standards and has been exploring the latest cutting-edge research in the area of biopharmaceutical development. The FDA IND approval of anti-OX40 monoclonal antibody once again demonstrates Innovent's research and development capability. We hope that through our efforts, we can make more breakthroughs in the field of innovative biopharmaceuticals and benefit patients around the world," said Michael Yu, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. About IBI101 IBI101 is a recombinant fully human anti-OX40 (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4) monoclonal antibody. IBI101 was developed by Innovent and has independent intellectual property rights. Pre-clinical data confirm that IBI101 can significantly enhance the activation of effector T cells and mediate the clearance of regulatory T cells, thus inhibiting the growth of tumor cells. Compared with other published antibodies with same target, IBI101 has a stronger ability to activate T cells and generate anti-tumor effects. Agonistic OX40 candidates will be used in combination with other immunomodulation agents, including anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (IBI308) and other drugs in Innovent's R&D pipeline, to meet more unmet medical needs of cancer patients. At present, no monoclonal antibody targeting OX-40 has been approved for marketing worldwide. About IBI188 IBI188 is an anti-CD47 IgG4 monoclonal antibody developed by Innovent and has independent intellectual property rights. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments show that IBI188 can bind to the CD47 antigen on the surface of tumor cells, block the CD47-SIRP signaling pathway, inhibit the "Don't Eat Me" signal, and promote the phagocytosis of tumor cells by macrophages, thereby exerting an anti-tumor effect. Innovent will launch several clinical trials to assess its safety and efficacy for multiple tumor types, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and ovarian cancer. About IBI308 (Sintilimab) Sintilimab (IBI308) is a fully human anti-PD-1 antibody. It binds to the PD-1 receptor on T cells, blocking the PD-1 ligand from interacting with PD-1 to help restore T-cell response and immune response, thus destroying the tumor cells. Sintilimab is jointly developed by Innovent and Eli Lilly and Company in China. National Medical Products Administration (NMPA, successor to CFDA) accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) submitted by Innovent for sintilimab on April 16, 2018, and granted it priority review status on April 23, 2018. The indication for the first new drug application is relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma. About Innovent Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action", Innovent's mission is to develop and commercialize high quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Since its establishment from 2011, Innovent has developed a fully-integrated platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities, and a pipeline of innovative and commercially promising monoclonal antibodies and other biologics in the fields of oncology, ophthalmology, autoimmune and metabolic diseases. Innovent has built up a pipeline of 17 antibody drug candidates, with four core products in late-stage clinical development in China and two that have New Drug Applications (NDA) accepted by the NMPA including one with priority review status. Innovent has a highly talented international team, including many expert returnees with experience in innovative biopharmaceutical drug discovery, development, production and commercialization. The company has also entered into various key strategic alliances with Eli Lilly and Company, Adimab, and other biopharmaceutical companies. Innovent wishes to work with all relevant parties helping the advancement of China's biopharmaceutical industry, so as to improve drug availability to people and address their aspiration for a healthy, happy life. For inquiries, please contact: [email protected] +86 512-6956 6088 SOURCE Innovent Biologics, Inc. PITTSBURGH, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted a screen door that would match the decor of my kitchen," said an inventor from Sacramento, Calif. "This inspired me to develop a screen that could beautify the home." She developed the DECORATIVE SCREENS to make the home attractive and beautiful while allowing a fresh breeze to enter. This invention would offer an alternative to boring screen doors/sliding doors screens that could be produced in a variety of designs to match the existing decor. The original design was submitted to the Sacramento office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 17-SOG-202, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com. SOURCE InventHelp Related Links http://www.inventhelp.com MILWAUKEE, Dec. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ademi & O'Reilly, LLP announces an investigation of Aphria Inc. (NYSE: APHA) for possible violations of securities laws. If you lost money on your Aphria investment, you are encouraged to contact us at: http://ademilaw.com/case/aphria or call Guri Ademi toll-free at 866-264-3995. There is no cost to you. The investigation focuses on whether Aphria violated securities laws by failing to tell investors that Aphria was making inflated investments in insider owned assets. According to a report from Quintessential Capital Management and research firm Hindenburg Research, Aphria's recent C$280 million ($212.3 million) Latin America acquisitions "raise major red flags," as the transactions appear to be largely worthless. For example, the C$145 million acquisition in Jamaica was of an abandoned building that was sold off by the bank earlier this year, and although a C$50 million purchase of an Argentinian company was represented to have revenues of $11 million in 2017, an employee of the Argentinian company said 2017 revenue was only $430,000. If you lost money on your Aphria investment and want additional information, please contact Guri Ademi either at [email protected] or toll-free: 866-264-3995, or http://ademilaw.com/case/aphria. Ademi & O'Reilly, LLP specializes in protecting investor rights throughout the country. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contacts Ademi & O'Reilly, LLP Guri Ademi Toll Free: (866) 264-3995 Fax: (414) 482-8001 SOURCE Ademi & O'Reilly, LLP Related Links http://www.ademilaw.com LONDON, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Itiviti, the leading global provider of multi-asset trading technology and financial infrastructure, received an award at the 2018 FOW (Futures & Options World) International Awards, presented last night during a prize event in London. The FOW Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts, and celebrate the best innovations in the derivatives industry in a range of categories. Itiviti was recognized as "Best New Technology Product Trading and Execution" for its Systematic Internaliser solution, which allows a broker acting as a Systematic Internaliser (SI) to comply with MiFID II regulations covering quote management, pre-trade transparency, reporting and Best Execution. In addition to addressing these compliance requirements, Itiviti Systematic Internaliser helps firms meet their business objectives, enabling them to address compliance confidently and efficiently while maintaining a focus on innovation and growth. "The technology categories were particularly competitive this year, with the Trading and Execution category among the most contested awards," said Luke Jeffs, Managing Editor, Global Investor Group. "The Itiviti Systematic Internaliser product ultimately prevailed because it draws on various components of the Itiviti portfolio to tackle a new requirement namely navigating the post-MiFID II landscape comprising many new SI liquidity pools." The FOW International Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts drawn from across the market in a range of disciplines. To ensure the integrity of the awards process, the FOW team or Global Investor Group has no influence on the judge's decisions. "It's very rewarding to receive such prestigious recognition for the concerted efforts by our team, who worked so hard developing our Systematic Internaliser solution and prepare it for a timely launch," said Richard Bentley, Chief Product Officer, Itiviti. "It is significant that the FOW Awards jury appreciates that MiFID II not only calls for regulatory solutions targeting compliance issues, but also new business-enabling trading technology. We devised Itiviti Systematic Internaliser to enable clients to capitalize on opportunities presented by the expanded scope of the SI regime and the new market landscape resulting from regulatory change. Itiviti Systematic Internaliser permits different trading models and enforces MiFID II compliance while allowing users to focus on their core business. Existing SIs and firms entering the SI space can leverage this technology to improve workflows, increase automation, and ultimately create more business value for themselves and their customers. For further information, please contact: Richard Bentley Chief Product Officer Itiviti Tel. +44-20-7743-7223 Email: [email protected] Christine Blinke Chief Marketing Officer Itiviti Tel. +46-739-01-0201 Email: [email protected] About Itiviti Itiviti is a market-leading global provider of multi-asset trading technology and financial infrastructure solutions for buy-side and sell-side market participants, including NYFIX, one of the industry's largest FIX-based trading communities. Serving around 2,000 clients worldwide, we provide consistent, reliable access to the most up-to-date and innovative order routing, connectivity and trading solutions available. Top-tier trading firms, banks, brokers, exchanges and institutional investors rely on our technology, solutions and expertise to streamline their daily operations, connect to their desired markets, and trade when and where they want. All while being able to comply with global regulation. With global offices in 18 locations covering all major financial centres, the merger of Itiviti and ULLINK in March 2018 created a full-service technology and infrastructure provider, covering all asset classes, geographies and regulatory landscapes. For more information, please visit www.itiviti.com or www.ullink.com . Itiviti is owned by Nordic Capital. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/itiviti-group-ab/r/itiviti-recognized-at-fow-international-awards,c2691600 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/13830/2691600/957915.pdf Press release in PDF format SOURCE Itiviti Group AB Related Links http://www.itiviti.com SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- James A. Lassart is recognized by Continental Who's Who as Top Attorney 2018 in the field of Law Enforcement in recognition of his role as an Attorney and Shareholder of Murphy, Pearson, Bradley and Feeney. A law enforcement defense organization servicing the Bay area, Murphy, Pearson, Bradley and Feeney has been established since 1978. Committed to providing eminent legal services at the fraction of the cost, the litigation legal malpractice specializes in employment litigation, fraud, defense of actions involving the Civil Rights Act, white collar cases and regulatory defense. Attributing their success to their high level of communication with their clients, the law firm is dedicated to handling their client's cases with integrity and dexterity. Having gathered over forty years of experience in the field of Law Enforcement under his belt, James A. Lassart is a retired Brigadier General in the United States Army Reserve. Serving twelve years as an Assistant District Attorney in San Francisco where he tried complex homicide cases, Lassart served five years with the United States Attorney's Office prosecuting organized crime. Throughout the course of his career, Lassart attained expertise within the areas of areas of Law Enforcement Defense Cases and White Collar Defense cases. Coordinator of the Northwest Region of The President's Organized Supervising operations in the Northwestern United States and Hawaii, Lassart has also served in multiple capacities as an Instructor at Hastings College of the Law Trial and Advocacy Clinic in San Francisco and a lecturer and panelist for the California Continuing Education of the Bar. Early in his career, Lassart attained his Juris Doctor degree at the University of San Francisco. In his previous years, Lassart attained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Santa Clara University. In an effort to further advance his professional development, Lassart is an esteemed member of several organizations including the American Bar Association, American Board of Trial Advocates, Associate of Certified Fraud Examiners, Bar Association of San Francisco, US Department of Justice, American Bar Foundation, University of San Francisco Alumni Association, The District of Columbia Bar Association and New York Bar Association. A prominent scholar, Lassart co-authored a chapter of the CEB book on Criminal Law Procedure and Practice. In recognition of his professional achievements, Lassart was the recipient of the Peer-Review Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected as a Northern California Super Lawyer every year from 2005-2017. For more information, please visit http://mpbf.com Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com WEST CHESTER, Pa., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Jane Leslie Dalton is recognized by Continental Who's Who for her High Standards of Ethics in the field of Law in recognition of her role as Of Counsel of Duane Morris LLP. With over 800 attorneys in offices stationed across the nation, Duane Morris LLP was established in 1904 as Duane, Morris, Heckscher & Roberts. Devoted to offering their clients quality legal services, the firm is adept in handling matters with regards to aviation, banking, education, health law, intellectual property, wealth planning, private equity, private investments and more. With over forty years of experience in the field of Law, Jane Leslie Dalton is revered for her outstanding contributions to the industry. Having established herself as a well-regarded professional within the field, throughout her career, Dalton has attained extensive experience within the areas of ethics and public speaking and in defending highly controversial and highly publicized legal battles. Early in her career, Dalton attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School where she received her Juris Doctor degree in 1971. In her previous years, Dalton attended Smith College where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. In an effort to further enhance her professional development, Dalton is an elite member of several prominent organizations including serving as Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Insurance and Trust Fund. She also served as Co-Chair, of the PBA's Commission on Women in the Profession and as President of the Metropolitan Bar Caucus of the National Conference of Bar Presidents. And, Dalton is a former Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. An illustrious scholar, Dalton has contributed to several published works including "Speak up: Finding Your Authentic Voice," in the Philadelphia Bar Association Women in the Profession Newsletter, July 1, 2011; "If I Knew Then What I Know Now," Women's Advocate Newsletter, Fall 2009, and she is the co-author of , "When 'Will' Won't Do In Employment Agreements," Law 360. In recognition of her professional accolades, Dalton was the recipient of the 2012 Sandra Day O'Connor Award given by the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Replansky Award in 2011, and was given the AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Recognized by Philadelphia Magazine as one of Pennsylvania's Super Lawyers for ten years, Dalton was one of the 2005 recipients of the Women of Distinction Award-NAWBO. Dalton dedicates this recognition to her husband, Tom Holly, "Thank you for your love and support", and her mentors Henry Reath and David Sykes. For more information, please visit https://www.duanemorris.com/ Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com LONDON and DENVER, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Janus Henderson Investors (NYSE: JHG, ASX: JHG) announced today the appointment of Michael C. Ho, Ph.D., as Global Head of Multi-Asset and Alternatives, effective 14 January 2019. Michael will be responsible for and oversee the firm's Asset Allocation, Multi-Strategy and Alternatives teams worldwide. He will be a member of the Executive Committee at Janus Henderson Investors and based in London. "Following a thorough review of high-calibre candidates, we believe Michael has the right investment and research expertise, as well as management experience, to continue building our growing Multi-Asset and Alternatives Team into a globally cohesive, client-focused investment business," said Enrique Chang, Janus Henderson Global Chief Investment Officer. Michael has extensive industry experience. He was most recently the Chief Investment Officer of Investment Solutions at UBS Asset Management in London. From 2012 to 2017, Michael was Chief Investment Officer for Alternatives, Global Macro and Active Emerging Market Equities, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at State Street Global Advisors. Prior to State Street, Michael spent 10 years during two different time periods at Mellon Capital Management managing various investment teams, and was Chief Investment Officer for the firm. Michael's academic credentials include a Ph.D. and a M.S. degree in Management Science and Engineering with a focus on Finance from Stanford University, in addition to a B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering from University of California-Los Angeles. Michael has more than 25 years of financial industry experience. The Multi-Asset and Alternatives Team at Janus Henderson is a focus for the firm as we continue to build and further strengthen these capabilities. Michael, as Global Head of Multi-Asset and Alternatives, will have the following direct reports: Ash Alankar, Head of Global Asset Allocation Investments; David Elms, Head of Diversified Alternatives; Paul O'Connor, Head of Multi-Asset UK. The growing investment teams who make up the firm's Multi-Asset and Alternative capabilities include more than 35 investment professional and research team members. Press Enquiries North America Taylor Smith, +1 303-336-5031, [email protected] Dex McLuskey, +1 303-336-7843, [email protected] EMEA Lucy Ausden, +44 (0) 20 7818 2074, [email protected] Natasha Moore, +44 (0) 20 7818 3521, [email protected] Investor Enquiries John Groneman, +44 (0) 20 7818 2106, [email protected] Notes to editors About Janus Henderson Janus Henderson Group is a leading global active asset manager dedicated to helping investors achieve long-term financial goals through a broad range of investment solutions, including equities, fixed income, quantitative equities, multi-asset and alternative asset class strategies. As at 30 September 2018, JHG had approximately US$378 billion in AUM, more than 2,000 employees, and offices in 28 cities worldwide. Headquartered in London, the company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). SOURCE Janus Henderson Investors Related Links http://www.janushenderson.com BOSTON, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Jenzabar, a leading technology innovator in higher education serving the new student, today announced the expansion of its leadership team with the appointments of David Kaupp as Vice President of Marketing and Pete Tyrrell as Chief Revenue Officer. "I am pleased to welcome David and Pete to our senior management team who will both be instrumental in helping us modernize institutions so they can adapt for the future of education," said Ling Chai Maginn, President and CEO of Jenzabar. "David and Pete each bring decades of relevant experience and are proven leaders in their respective domains. David has deep experience in implementing creative digital marketing programs that accelerate brand awareness. Pete is an expert at growing high-performance sales teams and will provide tremendous leadership and strategic sales insights." David has nearly 30 years of experience leading many marketing departments and branding initiatives for start-ups, private, and public companies that resulted in measurable growth and success. Before Jenzabar, David owned an advertising agency that staffed marketing and technology teams designed to increase market share in both domestic and international B2B/B2C markets. He has also held marketing executive positions at award-winning companies such as Xeros and Converge. "Jenzabar has a strong position in a market rife with opportunity as higher education undertakes the necessary digital transformation to support the needs of the new student," said Kaupp. "Jenzabar helps campuses provide a more personalized, seamless student experience that makes it easier for the new student to be successful and reach their highest potential." Pete is an accomplished sales executive who is known for outstanding leadership as well as improving sales methodologies and building teams that exceed goals. Most recently as the Chief Revenue Officer at SmartBear, he increased growth rates, significantly improved sales productivity, and reduced turnover. Pete has a proven track record of creating operational excellence and driving growth. He has led sales teams at Digital Guardian, 170 Systems, Inc., ArrowPoint Communications, and Parametric Technology Corporation. "I am very excited to join Jenzabar and contribute to its growth," said Tyrrell. "With Jenzabar, higher education institutions are able to drive agility, responsiveness and efficiency into their operations to become more competitive and profitable." About Jenzabar Created out of a passion for education and a vision for technology, Jenzabar offers disruptive, innovative software solutions and services that empower students' success and helps higher education institutions meet the demands of the modern student. Over 1,350 higher educational campuses harness Jenzabar solutions for improved performance across campus and a more personalized and connected experience for the student. For further information, please visit www.jenzabar.com or on twitter @Jenzabar or LinkedIn. SOURCE Jenzabar Related Links http://www.jenzabar.com CHICAGO, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Keller Lenkner LLC today announced that a class action has been commenced on behalf of all purchasers of securities of CURO Group Holdings Corp. ("CURO" or the "Company") (NYSE: CURO) from July 31, 2018 through and including October 24, 2018 (the "Class Period"). The action was filed in the District of Kansas and is captioned Yellowdog Partners, LP v. CURO Group Holdings Corp., et al., No. 2:18-cv-02662. The complaint alleges that CURO and certain senior executives Defendants Donald F. Gayhardt, William Baker and Roger Deanviolated the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by issuing false and misleading statements, including ongoing financial guidance, relating to CURO's efforts to transition its Canadian inventory of products from "Single-Pay Loans" to "Open-End Loans." In this regard, throughout the Class Period, Defendants materially misrepresented to investors the deleterious effect that the up-front loan loss provisioning in connection with the transition was having on the Company's financial performance and 2018 full-year Company guidance. The truth was revealed after the market closed on October 24, 2018, when the Company announced disappointing financial results for the third quarter of 2018 and substantially reduced its guidance for full-year fiscal 2018. Upon revelation of the true facts, CURO stock lost $7.69 per share, falling from $22.87 on October 24, 2018, the last day of the Class Period, to $15.18 on October 25, 2018. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff for the class, you must file a motion with the Court no later than February 4, 2019, which is the first business day on which the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas is open that is 60 days after the publication date of December 5, 2018. Any member of the proposed class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice. The plaintiff is represented by Keller Lenkner. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact plaintiff's counsel, Ashley Keller of Keller Lenkner, at (312) 741-5220 or by email at [email protected]. Keller Lenkner pursues high-stakes litigation for plaintiffs across a variety of claims and practice areas. Its lawyers are uniquely situated at the intersection of law and finance, with experience that includes litigating in federal and state courts throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.kellerlenkner.com. SOURCE Keller Lenkner LLC Related Links http://www.kellerlenkner.com The pieces explore how creditor, consumer and government behaviors are in a constant state of flux, attempting to maintain stability in the marketplace. Each article investigates a unique behavior and highlights what courses of action can be enacted, through public and private policies, to mitigate risk for the collections industry. "We are proud to have aligned with Kaulkin Ginsberg on this important research into the state of credit card delinquencies and the charge-off markets," said Jason Horsley, director, collections market strategy, LexisNexis Risk Solutions. "For collections practitioners, keeping up to date on national trends is incredibly important, particularly as consumer financial profiles and behaviors evolve. Increased consumer credit-card debt has forced creditors to re-evaluate their portfolios, making this information and analysis valuable for the industry." "Understanding historical trends enhances our ability to anticipate changes in the future, allowing executives of ARM firms and related companies to more effectively manage their operations and be better prepared for economic and market occurrences," said Mike Ginsberg, president & CEO of Kaulkin Ginsberg Company. "Our strategic advisory and research team presents these trends and accompanying analyses in collaboration with LexisNexis Risk Solutions to help ARM industry participants better capitalize on various creditor, consumer or regulatory changes. We're thankful for the efforts of Jason and the rest of LexisNexis Risk Solutions team to help us construct these articles and provide them to the industry." Collections professionals and other people interested in the topics can read the articles on Kaulkin Ginsberg Company's distinctive, member-only information service KG Prime , designed exclusively for the leaders of ARM firms, and on the LexisNexis Risk Solutions website. About LexisNexis Risk Solutions LexisNexis Risk Solutions harnesses the power of data and advanced analytics to provide insights that help businesses and governmental entities reduce risk and improve decisions to benefit people around the globe. We provide data and technology solutions for a wide range of industries including insurance, financial services, healthcare and government. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we have offices throughout the world and are part of RELX Group (LSE: REL /NYSE: RELX ), a global provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries. For more information, please visit www.risk.lexisnexis.com , and www.relx.com . About Kaulkin Ginsberg Company Since 1991, Kaulkin Ginsberg Company has provided critical strategic advice to the accounts receivable management industry. Our client-centric approach covers almost every stage of a company's life cycle and enables us to maintain longstanding relationships as trusted advisors. We provide mergers and acquisition advisory, strategic consulting, valuation and financial solutions, market intelligence and analysis, as well as litigation support and expert witness. Visit www.kaulkin.com for more information. Media Contact Jean Creech Avent Director, Public Relations LexisNexis Risk Solutions [email protected] +1-770-862-7978 SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions Related Links http://www.lexisnexis.com/risk SOLANA BEACH, Calif., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- LunaDNA LLC announced today that its securities offering has been qualified and its platform is now open to U.S. residents. LunaDNA is the first community-owned health and DNA data platform to offer ownership shares for contributing personal health information. The Final Offering Circular for the offering is available at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website here. U.S. residents can sign up at LunaDNA.com to contribute data and obtain shares. Founded by the Public Benefit Corporation LunaPBC, Inc., LunaDNA's platform is rooted in putting individuals at the center of health research, with unique features for data privacy, voluntary inclusion, transparency, and sharing in the value created from use of their data. The monetary value of LunaDNA share ownership will be expressed through dividends consistent with an individual's ownership percentage. Holders of shares can increase their holdings over time by contributing more data, and intrinsic value in the database is created as research advances and medical discoveries are accelerated. This people-first model is designed to address previous industry research challenges such as data silos limitation, data usage non-transparency, and value imbalance. LunaDNA has created a global community for data sharing where community is the core tenet. Members control their inclusion in the database by always having the option to remove consent and delete their data from the platform. "Nothing is more personal than our health and DNA data. LunaDNA, in a precedent-setting move, is enabling individuals to own shares in the company that monetizes their data. This new data paradigm enables a community to control their continued inclusion, learn about studies undertaken with the database, celebrate discoveries, and participate in the financial rewards that come from commercial partnerships," said Bob Kain, CEO and co-founder, LunaPBC. Researchers from nonprofits, for-profits, disease organizations, and research communities will be able to query the LunaDNA platform for research studies. Members' de-identified and aggregated health data provided in response to those queries will help power research at the scope and scale needed for medical breakthroughs. While maintaining anonymity and only with consent, LunaDNA members may further opt-in to receive communications from researchers interested in including them in a research study or trial. "Medical breakthroughs and improving quality of life depend on comprehensive, continuous, real-world health data organized to support medical discovery. People are the best curators of their health data, and we need them as partners in research," said Dawn Barry, president and co-founder, LunaPBC. "This model brings together social responsibility with technology for real-world, frictionless, passive information capture. We can imagine research as a continuous relationship versus a moment in time transaction." Beginning today, you can receive shares for contributing eligible data types, including DNA data files from services such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage, on the LunaDNA platform. About LunaDNA LunaDNA is the first health and DNA data platform owned by its community of personal health information donors. LunaDNA empowers individuals to share their health data for medical research and the greater good of the community. As community owners in the LunaDNA platform, holders of shares participate in the value created from health discovers and medical breakthroughs. LunaDNA was created by the privately-owned Public Benefit Corporation LunaPBC, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Solana Beach, California. The LunaPBC team, investors, and advisors are renowned in the patient-advocacy, health, and science fields, including several former chief executives of Illumina, industry academics, and financial executives. LunaDNA does not provide genetic testing services, as it focuses on aggregating health information that individuals already own to accelerate health research. LunaDNA does not endorse any specific genetic testing company. Forward Looking Statements The matters contained in the discussion above may be considered to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations or anticipations of LunaDNA and LunaPBC and members of LunaPBC's management team. Factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the following: LunaDNA's ability to attract and retain members; breaches of network security or the misappropriation or misuse of personal and health data; dependence on LunaPBC for funding; market demand for analysis of genomic information and LunaDNA's ability to recruit researchers to query the database; the need to comply with complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations; dependence on third parties to generate data contributed by members; competition; dependence on LunaPBC as manager of LunaDNA, including dependence of key personnel of LunaPBC; the ability of LunaPBC to unilaterally change LunaDNA's operating agreement and management services agreement; potential for disruption from network outages; failure to maintain the integrity of systems and infrastructure; liabilities as a result of privacy regulations; failure by LunaPBC to adequately protect intellectual property rights or allegations of infringement of intellectual property rights; the general non-transferability of shares and the lack of a trading market for the shares; uncertainty in the ability of LunaDNA to earn sufficient revenue, after expenses, to have sufficient funds to pay dividends to holders of shares; the discretion of LunaPBC as to the declaration of dividends on the shares; lack of voting rights and other typical shareholder rights; potential adverse effects of LunaPBC's conflicts of interest; and the limited recourse of LunaDNA share holders against LunaPBC for its actions as manager. These and additional factors to be considered are set forth under "Risk Factors" in LunaDNA's Final Offering Circular and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. LunaDNA undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results or expectations, except as otherwise required by law. For more information visit www.lunadna.com and view the Final Offering Circular here. Contact: Saramaya Penacho BAM Communications 208-610-3375 [email protected] SOURCE LunaDNA Related Links http://www.lunadna.com VANCOUVER, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Pacton Gold Inc. (TSXV: PAC, OTC: PACXF, FSE: 2NKN) (the "Company" or "Pacton") is pleased to provide a brief corporate update on the Company's Pilbara Gold strategy and plans going forward into 2019. Throughout 2018, Pacton strived to build a premium land package of the most promising gold prospects throughout the Pilbara basin of NW Australia. The Pacton team believes the Company's strategy has been highly successful to date on securing the most economical and accessible gold deposits in the region. This was a primary objective of our team in our effort to meet the expectations of major stakeholders and for all of Pacton's investors. This objective continues to be a key part of the Pacton strategy going forward into 2019. As a result of the Company's success in implementing its strategy over the past year, Pacton is now ready to commence the next phase of its corporate growth plan. Pacton is determined to become a premier player in the exploration, discovery and production of Pilbara gold from all prospective and licensed tenements. This requires Pacton to grow its team and attain further expertise in the areas of jurisdictional regulations, native issues and existing infrastructural opportunities. Pacton is pleased to announce that Johnathon Campbell has been appointed Field Logistics Manager of the Company. Mr. Campbell has worked in the mining industry for over 18 years for some of Australia's leading miners. He has held roles with companies such as BHP, Newmont and Anglo Ashanti and is most well-known for his discovery and pegging of leases that started what is now known as the Pilbara gold rush. Pacton is confident that Mr. Campbell will bring his local expertise to the team, further enhancing the Company's effectiveness in meeting its commitments to shareholders and its strategic goals throughout the Pilbara. "Securing the services of Johnathan will enhance Pacton's ability to execute its future exploration programs in the Pilbara. Johnathan's considerable experience in the mining industry and his understanding of native title issues in the Pilbara will benefit Pacton significantly. The Board of Pacton welcomes Johnathon to Pacton's management team and looks forward to further developments with his participation as a leader in an official capacity. He has been integral in putting the Pilbara gold story on the map and his knowledge of the Pilbara region will resonate positively with the members of the Pacton team," stated Alec Pismiris, Interim President and CEO. About Pacton Gold Pacton Gold is a well-financed Canadian explorer with key strategic partners focused on the exploration and development of high grade conglomerate and orogenic gold properties located in the district-scale Pilbara gold rush in Western Australia. On Behalf of the Board of Pacton Gold Inc. Alec Pismiris Interim President & CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange, the Toronto Stock Exchange nor their Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Pacton Gold Inc. OTTAWA, Ontario, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Research Council of Canada's Flight Research Laboratory in Ottawa, Ontario recently completed its fourth microgravity flight campaign with Project PoSSUM, a non-profit citizen-science astronautics research organization with members from 37 countries. Such parabolic flights provide an opportunity to test in a weightless environment simulating that of space. This campaign boasted eight individual research experiments with eleven involved organizations over a span of four flights throughout the second week of October. Among these were Final Frontier Design, testing an affordable alternative to current intra-vehicular activity (IVA) spacesuits, and the Canadian Space Agency's Bio-Monitoring garment system which was launched last Monday to the International Space Station with the Canadian Astronaut David Saint-Jacques. The Project PoSSUM test team involved 18 scientist-astronaut candidates originating from eight different countries. These candidates supporting eight microgravity experiments including studies in fluid mechanics, planetary sciences, and life support systems with the National Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Space Agency. These tests also marked the fourth time that Project PoSSUM has tested Final Frontier Design space suits in microgravity. Project PoSSUM Scientist-Astronaut Candidate Dr. Shawna Pandya demonstrates mobility within the Final Frontier Design IVA space suit prior to microgravity flight testing with the National Research Council of Canada. Dr. Pandya was one of four PoSSUM test subjects that evlauated these space suits and also bio-monitoring systems recently launched to the International Space Station with CSA astronaut David Saint-Jacques. Project PoSSUM, an acronym for 'Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere', invited undergrads, grads, professors, professionals from industry, and also the Canadian Space Agency to take part in crafting experiments for the campaign. This approach led to a gamut of topics being studied: from fluid mechanics, to planetary sciences, to life support systems, which are hoped to lead to novel discoveries and applications for space and earth. Additionally, the ability to test performance within a pressurized space suit in microgravity demonstrates a unique capability that Project PoSSUM has matured since it began conducting such citizen-science research in 2015. The Canadian Space Agency and the National Research Council have shown great interest in space suit testing, which can often be limited by the inaccessibility to specialized space hardware. These flights mark the fourth successful campaign in which Final Frontier Design space suits have been evaluated in microgravity by Project PoSSUM researchers. Each of the four flights supported two test subjects, one wearing a space suit and one without, who performed specific tasks while monitoring and supporting experiments during flight. Experiments included the testing of IVA space suits, evaluation of Bio-monitoring garment systems, solid body rotation experiments, fluid cell experiments observing equilibrium states, a vacuum chamber containing to asteroid-like material to test new techniques and methods of anchoring and gripping to an asteroid's surface, an augmented reality headset testing disorientation in weightlessness, a food behavior experiment, and wave propagation studies through simulated dust of planetary bodies. The Canadian Space Agency has been assessing the invasiveness and comfort of the Bio-Monitoring garment system sensors to minimize disruptions to astronaut workload and the PoSSUM tests marked the first time that wireless bio-sensing patches have been tested in microgravity. The sensors registered the stresses by monitoring characteristics such as pulse and blood pressure, breathing rate, and blood oxygen saturation levels. PoSSUM is a non-profit research and education organization that conducts upper-atmospheric and space technology research while educating its members to conduct research on future missions on-board commercial spacecraft. This April, the PoSSUM team will be evaluating similar space suits in analog post-landing environments and also conducting initial tests of an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suit. The next PoSSUM scientist-astronaut candidate class will be held at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida from 23-30 March 2019. Interested individuals should apply online at www.projectpossum.org. Media Contact: Jason Reimuller 1(720)352-3227 [email protected] SOURCE Project PoSSUM, Inc. Related Links https://www.projectpossum.org Clinical-regulatory pathway defined following recent meetings with regulatory authorities Pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial design finalized to support regulatory submissions in the U.S. and Europe Provides potential for faster route to regulatory approval with Alstrom syndrome Opens an efficient route to market for PBI-4050 and potential to monetize Prometic's second PRV LAVAL, QC, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Prometic Life Sciences Inc. (TSX: PLI) (OTCQX: PFSCF) ("Prometic" or the "Corporation") today confirmed its decision to formally pursue Alstrom syndrome (AS) as a clinical indication for PBI-4050 following positive feedback from its recent meetings with regulatory authorities. These meetings have provided Prometic with clear clinical and regulatory guidance, enabling the finalization of the design of a pivotal placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trial, including agreement on multiple endpoints including liver and cardiac fibrosis. "We are very excited that Alstrom syndrome could be the first approved clinical indication for our lead anti-fibrotic drug candidate, PBI-4050," commented John Moran, M.D., Prometic's Chief Medical Officer. "Our ongoing U.K. Phase 2 trial continues to generate encouraging safety and clinical activity data with patients averaging more than one year of drug exposure. We are confident in PBI-4050's ability to reproduce similar positive clinical activity on specific key fibrotic clinical endpoints in the pivotal placebo-controlled Phase 3 study." The protocol for the Phase 3 clinical trial will be designed to meet expectations from both the U.S and EU regulatory agencies. The Corporation expects to start dosing AS subjects in the second quarter of 2019. The trial will enroll approximately 40 AS subjects in several countries to be randomized into 3 study arms, one receiving placebo and two receiving PBI-4050 (800 mg and 1200 mg) for 36 weeks. The placebo subjects would then be crossed over to one of the PBI-4050 arms for an additional 16 weeks of treatment. The endpoints will include liver steatosis measured by magnetic resonance imaging Fat Fraction assessment (MRI-PDFF), liver fibrosis measured by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and cardiac fibrosis measured by MRI. Commenting on the cost of the trial, Pierre Laurin, Prometic's President and Chief Executive Officer noted, "This will be a relatively small and quick trial, which can be undertaken within our financial means, and more importantly within the guidance on R&D spend given during our Q3 earnings call". He added, "Alstrom Syndrome remains a very efficient route for us to potentially bring PBI-4050 quickly to approval, opening up both interesting commercial opportunities and the potential to monetize another PRV." The FDA has granted a Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to PBI-4050 for the treatment of AS, thus making it potentially eligible to receive a priority review voucher (PRV) upon regulatory approval. In addition to the Rare Pediatric Disease Designation, PBI-4050 has also been granted Orphan Drug Designation by both the FDA and the EMA for the treatment of AS and of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as well as PIM (Promising Innovative Medicine) designation by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the treatment of IPF and AS. More about Alstrom syndrome: Alstrom syndrome is a rare inherited autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by the onset of obesity in childhood or adolescence, Type 2 diabetes, often with severe insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension and severe multi-organ fibrosis involving the liver, kidney and heart. Alstrom syndrome is also characterized by a progressive loss of vision and hearing, a form of heart disease that weakens the heart muscle (dilated cardiomyopathy), and short stature. This disorder can also cause serious or life-threatening medical problems involving the liver, kidneys, bladder, and lungs. The clinical manifestations of Alstrom syndrome vary in severity, and not all affected individuals have all of the features associated with the disorder. More about PBI-4050 PBI-4050 is an orally active lead drug candidate with excellent safety and efficacy profiles demonstrated in a large number of animal models of fibrosis affecting different organs, including the lung, liver, heart, kidney, and pancreas. The effects of PBI-4050 demonstrated in animal models have been replicated in Phase 2 studies in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), in metabolic syndrome with type 2 diabetes and in Alstrom syndrome. PBI-4050's IND has already been cleared by the FDA for IPF pivotal placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trial. About Prometic Life Sciences Inc. Prometic (www.prometic.com) is a publicly traded (TSX symbol: PLI) (OTCQX symbol: PFSCF) biopharmaceutical corporation with two drug discovery platforms focusing on unmet medical needs. The first platform (small molecule therapeutics) stems from the discovery of two receptors which we believe are at the core of how the body heals: namely, promoting tissue regeneration and scar resolution as opposed to fibrosis. One of the lead drug candidates emerging from this platform, PBI-4050, is expected to enter pivotal phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The second drug discovery and development platform (plasma-derived therapeutics) leverages Prometic's experience in bioseparation technologies used to isolate and purify biopharmaceuticals from human plasma. The Corporation's primary goal with respect to this second platform is to address unmet medical needs with therapeutic proteins not currently commercially available, such as Ryplazim (plasminogen). We are also leveraging this platform's higher recovery yield potential to advance established plasma-derived therapeutics such as Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG). Furthermore, the Corporation is continuing to secure its plasma supply through the execution of third party contracts and expansion of its own collection activities for its plasma processing needs. The Corporation also provides access to its proprietary bioseparation technologies to enable pharmaceutical companies in their production of non-competing biopharmaceuticals. Recognized as a bioseparations expert, the Corporation derives revenue from this activity through sales of affinity chromatography media which contributes to offset the costs of its own R&D investments. We are headquartered in Laval, Quebec (Canada) and have R&D facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom ("UK") and the United States ("USA"), manufacturing facilities in Canada and the Isle of Man and corporate and business development activities in Canada, the USA, and Europe. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements about Prometic's objectives, strategies and businesses that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are "forward-looking" because they are based on our current expectations about the markets we operate in and on various estimates and assumptions. Actual events or results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements if known or unknown risks affect our business, or if our estimates or assumptions turn out to be inaccurate. Such risks and assumptions include, but are not limited to, Prometic's ability to develop, manufacture, and successfully commercialize value-added pharmaceutical products, the availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the ability of Prometic to take advantage of business opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes in economic conditions. You will find a more detailed assessment of the risks that could cause actual events or results to materially differ from our current expectations in Prometic's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2017 under the heading "Risk and Uncertainties related to Prometic's business". As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement even if new information becomes available, as a result of future events or for any other reason, unless required by applicable securities laws and regulations. All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless indicated otherwise. SOURCE ProMetic Life Sciences Inc. Related Links http://www.prometic.com RelayRIDE SM works to solve this problem via proprietary technology that automatically assigns sedan transportation referrals through the rideshare platform Lyft, if the injured worker is in a Lyft coverage area. RelayRIDE SM features real-time monitoring with automated alerts thereby proactively enabling One Call to mitigate potential service disruptions such as appointment 'no shows' by contacting the injured worker while dispatching another driver. Since its inception, One Call has been refining RelayRIDESM to address the problem of missed appointments. These constant process and system improvements have been met with great success for clients using the program: 50 percent reduction in overall injured worker no shows for sedan transportation assignments* 80 percent reduction in injured worker no show rates for rides fulfilled by RelayRIDE SM . In the last five months, RelayRIDE SM injured worker no shows have averaged less than one percent . In the last five months, RelayRIDE injured worker no shows have averaged less than one percent A portion of One Call customers now have 70 percent or more of their sedan assignments fulfilled through RelayRIDE SM , significantly reducing the number of missed appointments , significantly reducing the number of missed appointments More than 350,000 rides have been completed with an average user approval rate of 4.9 out of 5 stars "Missed appointments attributed to lack of transportation cost the U.S. healthcare system $150 billion annually[1]," said Linda Colsen, national product leader for transport and translate at One Call. "It's always been a big problem without a great solution, until now. The results are clear: RelayRIDESM is disrupting workers' compensation an industry that has relied upon a traditional transportation model to get injured workers to appointments by providing a more effective and efficient option." Historically, payers' only option was to coordinate transportation through a traditional transportation provider, typically charging minimum mileage fees, rush fees and wait time charges. RelayRIDESM eliminates these fees, providing significant savings to customers. For injured workers with more critical needs such as access to a wheelchair, stretcher, or life support RelayRIDESM is not the answer at this time, but for many, it's a very viable solution. "We could be on the cusp of something really big," said Colsen. "While workers' compensation represents a small part of the overarching healthcare industry, this technology-powered service is paving the way in healthcare transportation. It's saving the workers' compensation industry millions of dollars, and we're excited to see how it will impact other healthcare sectors in the future." *This is a blended number since not all rides are fulfilled through RelayRIDESM About One Call Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, One Call is the nation's leading provider of specialized healthcare solutions for the workers' compensation industry. One Call arranges convenient, efficient and cost-effective healthcare for injured workers so they can get back to work and life faster. From diagnostics and medical equipment to home healthcare, physical therapy and transportation, One Call offers a complete suite of innovative products and services with a focus on injured workers' needs across the continuum of care. For more information and the latest news, visit us at onecallcm.com, LinkedIn (One Call) and Twitter (@onecallcm). Media Contacts: Lisa Noakes One Call, Sr. Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Relations [email protected] [1] Wallace, Richard. "Access to Health Care and Nonemergency Medical Transportation: Two Missing Links". Article. Transportation Research Board. Web. DOI: 10.3141/1924-10 SOURCE One Call Related Links http://www.onecallcm.com Tong Daochi, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Sanya Municipal Committee, said during the opening ceremony that Sanya has greatly benefited from cooperation with cities along the Lancang-Mekong River which involved the planning and implementation of new flight routes, tourism, cultural exchanges and bilateral trade in recent years. Sanya plans to discuss prospects and opportunities that will further deepen the cooperation with the cities via the forum with the aim of creating a platform for exchanges in culture, education, agriculture and tourism, he added. Thailand's consul general in Guangzhou, Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng, who had attended two earlier editions of the event, said the forum is a constructive meeting resulting in enhanced cooperation between cities and countries along the Lancang-Mekong River. This year's event is especially important and timely, given the speed of the economic development and wider opening-up policies in both China and countries along the Lancang-Mekong River, as well as China's implementation of the One Belt, One Road initiative and Thailand's plans for the Eastern Economic Corridor and Thailand 4.0, all of which are certain to enhance the benefits that the countries will receive from the tourism cooperation, he added. Soudaphone Khomthavong, Deputy Director of the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Luang Prabang Province in Laos, said the forum has opened up great opportunities for cities along the Lancang-Mekong River and helped them enhance their strengths in the tourism sector. Luang Prabang has established partnerships involving tourism resources with China, in addition to Laos' favorable policies targeting Chinese tourists such as visa upon arrival. She said additional policies benefiting Chinese tourists will be released with the upcoming China- Laos Tourism Year in 2019. The two-day event consisted of a round-table meeting, a Lancang-Mekong cities collaborative exhibition, and a series of breakout sessions on collaboration across the tourism sector. During the round-table meeting, the Lancang-Mekong tourist cities drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on strengthening cooperation as it relates to tourism in seven key areas including establishing a mutual tourism communication mechanism; opening new air routes; opening new cruise routes; and engaging in additional collaborative projects. The first Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Leaders' Meeting was held in Sanya in March 2016, followed by the first Sanya Forum of Lancang-Mekong River Tourist Cities Cooperation which was held in Sanya later the same year to finalize the discussions initiated during the LMC, highlighting the cities' willingness to promote tourism cooperation. SOURCE Sanya Tourism Development Commission LONDON and RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, December 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Datix and Health Matrix chosen as partners to deliver patient safety software and programs to the Saudi Patient Safety Center and all healthcare sectors nationwide. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched an ambitious project with Datix - the world's leading patient safety software company - and Health Matrix - a renowned healthcare IT company serving the Middle East that could transform the patient safety movement worldwide. The project, called "SAWTAK", will include the installation of Datix software nationwide, firmly establishing the Saudi Patient Safety Center (SPSC) as one of the leading proponents of the global patient safety movement. The announcement was made today jointly by SPSC, Datix and Health Matrix. "This partnership will push the boundaries of patient safety and quality management," said Dr. Abdulelah Alhawsawi, Director General of the SPSC. "SAWTAK will not only help us uncover issues and implement solutions, but also give us a memory - across the entire Kingdom - of what works and why. With this initiative, we will have a complete quality improvement loop, which will enable us to accelerate patient safety nationwide." SAWTAK is the Arabic word for "your voice" and makes reference to the public engagement aspect of the project in which patients, family members, and other stakeholders will be empowered to participate in various patient safety project initiatives. SAWTAK will also serve as the foundation of Saudi Arabia's National Patient Safety Learning System, which includes benchmarking, evaluation, learning, and implementation components. "This agreement demonstrates the commitment of SPSC and Ministry of Health in being a worldwide leader in improving patient safety," said Abdul Rahman Qasim, the CEO of Health Matrix. "Nowhere will you find such a focused and intensive effort to use technology and data to reduce adverse healthcare events." SAWTAK is the culmination of a journey that began in 2016 with the launch of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and National Transformation Program. Vision 2030 comprises 96 strategic objectives that will be achieved through several initiatives co-developed and executed by different governmental entities alongside private and non-profit organizations. The National Transformation Program, which involves 24 government agencies and includes an emphasis on becoming a global leader in the areas of healthcare quality and safety, was then launched in order to build the capacity and capabilities required to achieve Vision 2030. While SAWTAK's roots can be traced to 2016, the formation of the program took a big step forward on March 9, 2018 when Datix, Health Matrix, and the SPSC signed a framework agreement covering the terms and conditions for the delivery of a nationwide patient safety software to the Saudi Ministry of Health and other healthcare sectors. SAWTAK is scheduled to take seven years to complete; the first phase is expected to last nine months, with a software go-live anticipated in Jun 2019. "This is a watershed moment for the patient safety movement globally," said Seyed Mortazavi, CEO of Datix. "Soon, every healthcare provider in Saudi Arabia will have access to the same patient safety software technology. This will give Saudi Arabia the ability to analyze, understand, and eventually eliminate adverse patient safety events across the entire Kingdom. This milestone was the result of the hard work of many organizations, including the SPSC, MOH and Health Matrix, and we congratulate each of them for their leadership in this effort." "With this partnership, Saudi Arabia's National Transformation Program takes another step forward and helps solidify the Kingdom's position as the first country to implement such sweeping and groundbreaking patient safety initiatives nationally," said His Excellency Dr. Tawfig Al Rabiah, the Minister of Health for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. About SPSC For safer healthcare for all, the Saudi Patient Safety Center (SPSC) was launched as a government initiative in 2017 under the Vision of the Kingdom 2030 and is being implemented through the National Transformation Program, the first of its kind in the region. SPSC seeks to eliminate preventable harm to the healthcare system by empowering patients to understand their rights and supporting healthcare professionals by building their capacity as well as by developing partnership with all stakeholders involved in national policy development, guidelines based on scientific evidence, and program implementation. The Center cooperates with governmental and non-governmental organizations to implement and strengthen strategies, training and standards to improve patient safety and quality of care. The Center's main priority areas are Patient Empowerment, Medication safety, Infection prevention and control, Patient Safety Programs, Quality and Risk Management and Patient Safety Training and Education. About Datix Datix is the leading provider of patient safety software, risk management software, and incident reporting software for the healthcare sector. Its most-recent product, Datix Cloud IQ, enables healthcare organizations to generate and implement strategies to enhance the delivery of efficient, targeted, and effective care. More than 110 million people are protected by Datix software, which has been widely adopted by both public and private healthcare organizations around the world. Recently, Datix merged with RL Solutions; the combined companies now possess the largest repository of patient safety data in the world, making it possible to develop statistically relevant benchmarks for patient safety and risk management. Datix's global headquarters are in London, with U.S. headquarters in Chicago. About Health Matrix Health Matrix is a specialized healthcare IT company serving healthcare providers and regulators in the Middle East region, with operating offices in Saudi Arabia. Since its founding in 2009, the company has focused on advancing patient safety to prevent harm and continuously improve patient outcomes and experience. With a focus on creating safer organizations that provide safer outcomes, Health Matrix has successfully transformed healthcare organizations into high-reliability organizations by spreading improvements across health systems. SOURCE Datix MEXICAN MINES EXPANSION PLANS INCLUDING 20% AT BOLIVAR AND 100% AT CUSI ARE UNAFFECTED AND STILL ON TRACK FOR COMPLETION IN Q1 2019 TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX: SMT) (BVL: SMT) (NYSE AMERICAN: SMTS) ("Sierra Metals" or "the Company") reports that the Company's subsidiary in Peru (Sociedad Minera Corona, S.A.) has received a response from SENACE (National Environmental Certification Service) whom are the evaluator for natural resources and production projects in Peru with respect to its recent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study for the expansion of the tailings deposition facility at the Yauricocha mine. Although the authorities did not approve the EIA study at this time, the Company has 15 business days to provide a re-evaluation to the authorities to initiate a review process. As it stands today, this will result in a delay in the Company receiving an approved EIA study, which would enable the Company to proceed with a construction permit for the next three phases of the tailings damn extension, and for the final submission of the ITS document, which upon approval, would allow the Company to expand mine output 20% to 3,600 tones per day. Sierra Metals firmly believes that all of the required documentation was submitted, demonstrating complete fulfillment of all the requirements for the EIA study approval. The Company will now proceed to present a new proof of response to these requirements. Management are optimistic that this decision will be reviewed in a different, and positive context as the Company's legal team pursues the review process. This delay, in management view, may not significantly impact the future production plans at the Yauricocha mine operations. The impact of this delay on a consolidated Company level, considering all of our production expansion plans at our Mexican and Peruvian operations, could represent up to a seven percent temporary shortfall in Sierra Metals total daily ore production compared to projections that would not include an EIA permit delay. Igor Gonzales, President and CEO of Sierra Metals commented, "While we are disappointed, we do not believe this decision was made with all the facts. This decision was preliminary and not based upon or including all the information submitted. Key members of the management team are going to meet with authorities to provide and demonstrate full compliance with the requirements. Management believes that once all the correct information is reviewed, we will receive a positive response from authorities." He continued, "the expansion plans in Mexico to 3,600 TPD at Bolivar and to 1,200 TPD at Cusi are not affected by this decision and they are still on track, and on budget to be completed in Q1 2019. The Company is committed to strict compliance with regulatory permits in Peru and Mexico in the development and organic growth of all its operating mines. We are confident that the current permit delay in Peru will be resolved as we are in compliance with the permit requirements." About Sierra Metals Sierra Metals Inc. is Canadian based growing polymetallic mining company with production from its Yauricocha Mine in Peru, and its Bolivar and Cusi Mines in Mexico. The Company is focused on increasing production volume and growing mineral resources. Sierra Metals has recently had several new key discoveries and still has many more exciting brownfield exploration opportunities at all three Mines in Peru and Mexico that are within close proximity to the existing mines. Additionally, the Company also has large land packages at all three mines with several prospective regional targets providing longer-term exploration upside and mineral resource growth potential. The Company's Common Shares trade on the Bolsa de Valores de Lima and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SMT" and on the NYSE American Exchange under the symbol "SMTS". Continue to Follow, Like and Watch our progress: Web: www.sierrametals.com | Twitter: sierrametals | Facebook: SierraMetalsInc | LinkedIn: Sierra Metals Inc Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian and U.S. securities laws related to the Company (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's operations, including anticipated developments in the Company's operations in future periods, the Company's planned exploration activities, the adequacy of the Company's financial resources, and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be considered to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if and when the properties are developed or further developed. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof, or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the mining industry including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological formations, floods, labour disruptions, explosions, cave-ins, weather conditions and criminal activity; commodity price fluctuations; higher operating and/or capital costs; lack of available infrastructure; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks associated with the estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits and the inability to replace reserves; fluctuations in the price of commodities used in the Company's operations; risks related to foreign operations; changes in laws or policies, foreign taxation, delays or the inability to obtain necessary governmental permits; risks relating to outstanding borrowings; issues regarding title to the Company's properties; risks related to environmental regulation; litigation risks; risks related to uninsured hazards; the impact of competition; volatility in the price of the Company's securities; global financial risks; inability to attract or retain qualified employees; potential conflicts of interest; risks related to a controlling group of shareholders; dependence on third parties; differences in U.S. and Canadian reporting of mineral reserves and resources; potential dilutive transactions; foreign currency risks; risks related to business cycles; liquidity risks; reliance on internal control systems; credit risks, including risks related to the Company's compliance with covenants with respect to its BCP Facility; uncertainty of production and cost estimates for the Yauricocha Mine, the Bolivar Mine and the Cusi Mine; and other risks identified in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which filings are available at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking information. Forward looking information includes statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and the Company's actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. The Company's statements containing forward-looking information are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Note Regarding Reserve and Resource Estimates All reserve and resource estimates reported by the Company were calculated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The differences between these standards are discussed in our SEC filings. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. SOURCE Sierra Metals Inc. Related Links www.sierrametals.com LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) invites customers and employees to donate to the company's Gas Assistance Fund, which helps income-qualified customers pay their natural gas bill with a one-time grant of up to $100 per household. Contributions to the fund will be matched by SoCalGas. The Gas Assistance Fund helps veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and families in need pay their natural gas bills. It is administered by United Way of Greater Los Angeles, which partners with nearly 90 nonprofit organizations throughout SoCalGas' service territory to manage and distribute the grants. "We are continually amazed at the generosity of our customers and employees, who donate to help others," said Sharon Tomkins, vice president of customer solutions and strategy at SoCalGas. "SoCalGas is grateful to everyone who has supported the Gas Assistance Fund over the last 35 years." "SoCalGas is an important partner in ending poverty in Los Angeles County," said Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. "For a family struggling with financial hardship, this one-time gas assistance grant could be the difference in keeping them warm during the cold winter months," she added. Contributions may be made online or by mailing a check to: Gas Assistance Fund, File 56826, United Way Inc., P.O. Box 746826, Los Angeles, CA 90074-6826. Donations are tax-deductible and accepted year-round. Grant applications may be filled out at a participating United Way of Greater Los Angeles partner agency between Feb. 12th and May 31st (or until the fund is depleted). For additional information, including a list of partner agencies and income guidelines, click here. Last year, SoCalGas' Gas Assistance Fund benefitted nearly 2,600 households in Central and Southern California and received $238,000 in donations. Since 1983, SoCalGas, the company's customers, and its employees have contributed nearly $19 million to the Gas Assistance Fund, helping more than 226,000 individuals and families. In addition to the Gas Assistance Fund, SoCalGas offers other programs and services that can help customers manage their home energy costs. Click here to learn more. About SoCalGas Headquartered in Los Angeles, SoCalGas is the largest natural gas distribution utility in the United States. SoCalGas delivers affordable, reliable, clean and increasingly renewable natural gas service to 21.8 million customers across 24,000 square miles of Central and Southern California, where more than 90 percent of residents use natural gas for heating, hot water, cooking, drying clothes or other uses. Natural gas delivered through the company's pipelines also plays a key role in providing electricity to Californiansabout 60 percent of electric power generated in the state comes from gas-fired power plants. SoCalGas is committed to investing in its natural gas system infrastructure, while keeping bills affordable for our customers. From 2013 through 2017, the company spent nearly $6 billion to upgrade and modernize its natural gas system to enhance safety and reliability. The company is also committed to being a leader in the region's clean energy future, and is working to accelerate the use of renewable natural gas from dairy farms, landfills and wastewater treatment plants and the development of renewable energy storage technologies. SoCalGas is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), an energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information visit socalgas.com/newsroom or connect with SoCalGas on Twitter (@SoCalGas), Instagram (@SoCalGas) and Facebook. About United Way Greater Los Angeles United Way of Greater Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization fighting to end poverty by preparing students for high school graduation, college, and the workforce, housing our homeless neighbors, and guiding hard-working families towards economic mobility. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. For more information, visit UnitedWayLA.org and EveryoneInLA.com. SOURCE Southern California Gas Company Related Links http://www.socalgas.com LONDON, December 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The St Kitts and Nevis government recently announced that the number of applications submitted in 2018 under their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme was higher than over the previous four years. The Caribbean twin-island officials attribute the record success to a number of factors, including the newest CBI channel - the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) - introduced in March, 2018. The SGF is often quoted as the easiest, fastest, most straightforward and most affordable route to St Kitts and Nevis citizenship. Furthermore, applicants get to invest in their future country and are eligible to benefit from all socio-economic developments on the islands. Under the SGF, St Kitts and Nevis citizenship hopefuls can make a secure one-time contribution directly to a Government-held bank account without the use of intermediaries. The Government can then ascertain without further delays whether the full contribution has been made and, consequently, if the applicant can qualify for citizenship. The processing is through, with strict due diligence checks in place, yet remains speedy, thanks to the fact that the SGF channel does not require any additional contracts, agreements or other transactions that the applicant must endorse or perform beforehand. "There is more to the SGF than speed, simplicity, and safety," believes Micha-Rose Emmett, CEO of citizenship and residency by investment legal firm CS Global Partners. She further clarifies that "the SGF was created for the purpose of supporting economic growth in St Kitts and Nevis in ways that are sustainable and that, just like the programme itself, will stand the test of time. SGF applicants therefore know that they are investing in their adoptive country, and that they are doing so in a way that will ensure prosperity for their children, and their children's children." St Kitts and Nevis offers the world's first ever citizenship by investment programme, starting with US$150,000 for a single applicant and increasing with the number of family members who are included as a spouse or dependants. With time and experience on its side, the twin-island nation seeks to offer the investor immigration industry's "Platinum Standard" - which they believe is also reflected in the SGF option for CBI, in terms of process, quality, benefits and larger impact. Importantly, the approved uses of SGF funds are written into regulation and align themselves closely with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations on September 25, 2015. They include funding school construction and education-related initiatives, mitigating the effects of climate change, supporting economic growth and local enterprises, building infrastructure that supports the nation's ports of entry, developing medical facilities, supporting tourism development, and promoting and protecting local heritage. The SGF citizenship by investment option thus aims to make St Kitts and Nevis and all its citizens active global participants, ensuring that both the national and international communities see a sustainable, long-term improvement in the standard of living and quality of life. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE CS Global Partners MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sue Durfee is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Real Estate in recognition of her role as Realtor at RE/MAX Results. Dedicated to providing quality real estate services, the team at RE/MAX Results utilizes the latest marketing strategies in the business to better assist their clients' needs. Understanding the sensitive nature of their clients buying and selling needs, the team at RE/MAX assist their clients every step of the way ensuring that they receive the optimal service they deserve. As the largest real estate franchise in the world, RE/MAX has become a frontrunner in the real estate industry, surpassing others in sales for the past 30 years. With over fifteen years of experience in the real estate industry, Sue Durfee is commended for her outstanding contributions to the industry. Throughout her illustrious career, Ms. Durfee has attained extensive experience in the areas of residential real estate. Passionate about home ownership and assisting first-time home buyers, Ms. Durfee believes that her prior experience and training at Nordstrom taught her to have exceptional customer service skills. Ms. Durfee sells condos, homes, and townhouses throughout the Twin Cities of St Paul and Minneapolis and the metro area. To further enhance her professional development, Ms. Durfee is an esteemed member of several prominent organizations including the Aspiring Women's Independent Network, The Minnesota 100 Club, The Chamber of Commerce etc. Charitable to various organizations, Ms. Durfee is an avid supporter of the Children's Miracle Network, AEON, the Results Foundation and several others. In recognition of her many professional achievements, Ms. Durfee was named "Best Real Estate Professional for 2017 and 2018" by Minnesota Monthly Magazine, "Super Agent" by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and MN Business Monthly for the past 6 years, and inducted into the REMAX Hall of Fame. For more information, please visit https://www.suedurfee.com Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com DENVER, Dec. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Summit Energy Services and Schneider Energy Consulting, providers of oilfield drilling & completion supervision in the Rockies, have announced a definitive merger agreement. This merger was formed to enhance our clients' experience while strengthening our geographic footprint. As a combined organization we have the ability to provide support with every aspect of the planning, permitting and execution process of oil & gas development. Our staff of petroleum and facilities engineers can plan and permit a project, while our experienced field personnel can supervise all activities in a well's life, including drilling, frac, wireline and drill out. This new firm also has the ability to supervise water disposal, gas storage fields, as well as workover and P&A operations. Our goal is to assist our customers through the entire life-cycle of their wells, from permitting to plugging. The merger of Summit Energy Services and Schneider Energy Consulting is scheduled to close on January 1st, 2019 and will operate under the name Schneider Summit Services. Jeff Schneider, President of Schneider Energy Consulting will continue to play a key role on the management team for years to come, with Sam Bradley VP of Operations. "I am very excited about the future of Schneider Summit Services. The Summit team brings forth experienced engineers, permitting staff and completions supervision, while the Schneider team provides highly experienced drilling & completions consultants," said Jeff Schneider. "We feel strongly that joining forces with the Schneider family will allow us to realize our strategic goals while providing our clients with an ability to provide true cradle-to-grave services. The combination will also provide our 54 staff members with a larger client base by which to add value," said Ben Pittsley, CEO. "In the coming days and weeks we will work together to meet with each one of our clients, staff and vendors as stakeholder retention through this process is crucial to our success." Benjamin Pittsley CEO 603.219.5011 [email protected] www.S-Companies.com Land - Geology - Engineering - Accounting - Finance - Drilling - Completion - Drill Out - Flowback - Workover - P&A SOURCE Summit Energy Services Related Links http://www.S-Companies.com MEMPHIS, Tenn., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TruGreen, the nation's leading lawn care company, is hosting hiring events in 62 locations nationwide on Wednesday, December 5 in the Florida, Atlanta, and South Texas markets. The company is looking to fill 500 positions overall ahead of the busy spring season. WHO: Applicants 19 years of age and above. WHAT: TruGreen is accepting applications for general lawn and sales specialists. WHEN: Wednesday, December 5, 2018, from 9:00am to 5:00pm (local standard time) WHERE: At select TruGreen branch locations in Florida, Atlanta, and South Texas. A full list of locations is available on the TruGreen website. Click here for more information. Recently ranked one of the top ten "Happiest Companies in America for 2018" by Career Bliss, TruGreen is committed to maintaining a work culture that fosters the highest standards of integrity, respect and professionalism. Watch our TruStories to see the inspiring ways TruGreen puts people first. TruGreen is committed to Diversity and Inclusion, serving as an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer of Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. For more details, click here. Interested applicants who are unable to attend a hiring event in their area are encouraged to apply online now at https://jobs.trugreen.com. About TruGreen Memphis, Tennessee-based TruGreen is the nation's largest lawn care company, serving more than 2.3 million residential and commercial customers across the United States with lawn, tree and shrub care. TruGreen believes more life should be lived outside and is committed to providing a beautiful lawn to serve as the foundation for outside experiences and lifelong memories. As the leader in the professional lawn care industry, TruGreen helps define responsible lawn care practices, conducts industry-leading education and training for our people, pioneers new application technologies and educates our customers on proper mowing and wise-use watering techniques. Today, there are approximately 260 TruGreen lawn care branches in the United States and Canada, plus about 35 franchise locations. Go to http://www.TruGreen.com or http://www.facebook.com/TruGreen for more information about TruGreen. SOURCE TruGreen Related Links https://www.trugreen.com SUGAR LAND, Texas, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) (Knoxville, Tennessee) exited its fiscal year 2018 at the end of September, and by all accounts it was a successful one. The government-owned company posted net income of $1.1 billion in the year, compared with $683 million for fiscal year 2017. Industrial Info is tracking $6.7 billion in active TVA projects. As the company moves into the future, it is updating many of its facilities and changing fuel sources, shifting away from coal-fired power. To read the complete article, see the most recent edition of Industrial Info's NavigatIIR online newsletter. Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, six offices in North America and 12 international offices, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities. To contact an office in your area, visit the www.industrialinfo.com "Contact Us" page. Brian Ford (713) 980-9393 SOURCE Industrial Info Resources, Inc. Related Links http://www.industrialinfo.com CLEVELAND, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- US demand for industrial clays is forecast to rise less than 1.0% annually in volume terms through 2022, according to Industrial Clays: United States, a report recently released by Freedonia Focus Reports. Rising construction activity and building products manufacturing will drive advances, particularly for common clay. Expanding output of paints and coatings will stimulate sales of kaolin and other clays used as fillers, extenders, and binders. However, continued adoption of alternative materials for filler and extender applications, such as calcium carbonate, will limit gains. More information about the report is available at: https://www.freedoniafocusreports.com/Industrial-Clays-United-States-FF65039/ In the leading building products market, suppliers are expected to benefit from rising levels of building construction activity and the resulting gains in building products output. The pace of demand growth for industrial clays in building products will nevertheless underperform real US building products shipments over the forecast period. Clay will continue to maintain a strong foothold as a necessary input for products such as brick and cement, but builders will continue a long-term trend of specifying non-clay products over clay. These and other key insights are featured in Industrial Clays: United States. This report forecasts to 2022 US industrial clays demand and production in metric tons. Total demand is segmented by product in terms of: common clay kaolin bentonite fuller's earth ball clay fire clay Total demand is also segmented by application as follows: building products fillers, extenders, and binders absorbents ceramics refractories and other applications such as drilling mud, foundry sand bond, and iron ore pelletizing To illustrate historical trends, total demand, total production, the various demand segments, and trade are provided in annual series from 2007 to 2017. This report excludes clay used for such purposes as construction fill, landfill caps, and landscaping that is mined by companies that do not operate mills or plants. About Freedonia Focus Reports Each month, The Freedonia Group a division of MarketResearch.com publishes over 20 new or updated Freedonia Focus Reports, providing fresh, unbiased analysis on a wide variety of markets and industries. Published in 20-30 pages, Focus Report coverage ranges from raw materials to finished manufactured goods and related services such as freight and construction. Additional Materials & Chemicals reports can be purchased at Freedonia Focus Reports or MarketResearch.com. Analysis is intended to guide the busy reader through pertinent topics in rapid succession, including: total historical market size and industry output segmentation by products and markets identification of market drivers, constraints, and key indicators segment-by-segment outlook in five-year forecasts a survey of the supply base suggested resources for further study Press Contact: Corinne Gangloff +1 440.684.9600 [email protected] SOURCE The Freedonia Group Related Links https://www.freedoniafocusreports.com/ NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vestwell , a digital retirement platform, today announced a strategic relationship with BNY Mellon , the largest custodian in the world and global leader in investment management and investment services. Together, the firms will now offer 401(k), 403(b), and employer-sponsored IRA plans to BNY Mellon clients, accessible via Vestwell's turnkey digital interface. Through the collaboration, Vestwell will be tightly embedded in an open-architecture construct and offered to BNY Mellon clients nationwide. Jointly, the platform will allow companies to bring modern solutions to state sponsored retirement programs as well as advisor-led 401(k), 403(b) and IRA programs. "We couldn't be more excited about working with one of the most respected financial institutions in the world to power state-led IRA savings programs as well as larger company sponsored retirement programs," said Aaron Schumm, founder and CEO of Vestwell. "With BNY Mellon's industry leadership and Vestwell's digital solution, we're working to ensure that all employees have practical investment vehicles in place." BNY Mellon's wholly-owned entities which include BNY Mellon Custody, Pershing brokerage services, Lockwood asset management, and Sumday will be able to utilize Vestwell's flexible and intuitive platform. This integrated offering will provide advisors a more comprehensive viewpoint into their plan sponsor companies and their employees' retirement accounts. "This collaboration with Vestwell cements our commitment to reshaping retirement account solutions for advisors, trust officers, companies, and employees alike" said Doug Magnolia, Managing Director, BNY Mellon Asset Servicing, "We're proud to deploy such a powerful, tech-driven offering that will impact businesses nationwide and, more importantly, help set their employees up for success." For more information on the partnership please visit www.vestwell.com/news . About Vestwell Holdings, Inc. Vestwell is a digital platform that makes it easier to offer and administer 401(k) plans. Vestwell removes traditional friction points through a seamless plan design, automated onboarding, streamlined administration, and flexible investment strategies, all at competitive pricing. By acting as a single point of contact, Vestwell has modernized the retirement offering while keeping the plan sponsor's and plan participant's best interests in mind. Learn more at Vestwell.com and on Twitter @Vestwell . About BNY Mellon BNY Mellon is a global investments company dedicated to helping its clients manage and service their financial assets throughout the investment lifecycle. Whether providing financial services for institutions, corporations or individual investors, BNY Mellon delivers informed investment management and investment services in 35 countries. As of September 30, 2018, BNY Mellon had $34.5 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration, and $1.8 trillion in assets under management. BNY Mellon can act as a single point of contact for clients looking to create, trade, hold, manage, service, distribute or restructure investments. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com . Follow us on Twitter @BNYMellon or visit our newsroom at www.bnymellon.com/newsroom for the latest company news. SOURCE Vestwell Holdings, Inc. Related Links http://Vestwell.com 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 Investing in World's Most Secure and Profitable Stocks in NordFX These days, more and more people start figuring out that gaining high profits doesn't require working hard 8 hours a day. Often times, a wise investment decision made at the right moment make lead to stunning profits worth months and even years of work. Also, it's common knowledge that investments need diversification. Seasoned investors say, "Never put all eggs in one basket". The importance of this statement can hardly be overestimated. Those who have been investing in various financial assets for quite a while can recollect a number of cases when investors dared violate this principle, invested all of their money in a risky asset and eventually lost almost all of their investments. With that being said, the help their clients avoid repearing this mistake, some brokers start offering investment portfolios. In particular, NordFX reports that a couple of weeks ago, the broker introduced a new option - investing in major stocks. The new product is designed to improve the profitability of portfolio investment. In particular, NordFX offers you to invest in 3 funds - Pro-Industry Fund, Pro-Tech Fund, and Pro-Expert Fund. These funds include the stocks with the best upward potential and strongest performance to date. Investing with NordFX NordFX representative specify that the mentioned funds can boast a number of advantages over similar products offered by some other brokers out there. One of the key advantages is a relatively low entry point. This means that even potential investors with small amounts of money can start investing in stocks and enjoy the benefits of professional portfolio investment and asset management. At the expense of a transparent mechanism and flexible money management, clients stay in control of the situation, including all of the financial transactions made within the scope of their account. As a client, you can deposit and withdraw funds anytime. Each the funds has its own specific features. Investing in Pro-Industry Fund starts at $1000. This fund promises a pretty high ROI - up to 27% a year. The investment period is 6-12 months.The fund includes the stocks of such major brands as Boeing, Coca-Cola, Motorola, Nike, and many others. Investing in Pro-Tech Fund starts at $3000. This fund promises a stunning ROI - up to 40,9% a year. The investment period is 3-12 months.The fund includes the stocks of such major tech brands as Microsoft, Apple, Alibaba, Intel, and some others. Investing in Pro-Expert Fund starts at $5000. This fund promises an even bigger ROI - up to 57% a year. The investment period is 3-12 months.The fund includes the stocks of major brands form various industries - Google, PayPal, Facebook, MasterCard, Amazon etc. However, you can go beyond those funds. Upon your request, NordFX experts can come up with an individual portfolio. For more information, please contact the NordFX's support team on the company's official website. You are free to discuss this article here: forum for traders and investors Crypto Traders Expect Growth, NordFX The balance of powers in the Forex market depends on a number of factors. Getting familiar with an unbiased forecast helps market players figure out what to do next and what to expect in the market. Such information hits an the most probable market scenarios that may manifest themselves in the near future, which in its turn may give them a decent opportunity to increase the potential profit. Roman Boutko, an expert from NordFX has released another forecast for the current trading week. For starters, he offers to take a look at the previous trading week to evaluate how precise it eventually turned out to be. When creating this consensus forecast, they expert analysed the forecasts made by a number of experts, who make use of different analytical methods and techniques. This is what the current consensus forecast looks like: Studying the EUR/USD chart shows that the price created a pennant in November, with a tendency to consolidate around 1.1315-1.1350. While prediting the next price move of EUR/USD, 60% of the experts, and more than 90% of the technical indicators (H4 and D1) taken into account during the process of making the consensus forecast, assume that the most probable scenario is another round of strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against the Euro, with testing this year's low at 1.1215. . The nearest market trends will probably be determined by the G20 summit as well as the Fed chairman's speeches on Wednesday and Friday. On top of that, the end of the week is the time when the U.S. Department of Labor is expected to release another report on the American labor market. According to numerous forecasts, the so-called Non-Farm Payrolls may drop some 15-20% against the previous stats. If that's the case, the American national currency may weaken a bit. It should also be noted that when widening the scope of the forecast from weekly to monthly one, 605 of the experts are bullish on the currency pair. In particular, they expect a recovery up to the 1.1400-1.1500 area. As for GBP/USD, the currency pair is currently close to the area of local lows of 1.2670-1.2695. The graphical analysis of the H4 chart (which is supported by 90% of trending indicators and oscillators) predicts a move down below the area, with a chance of entering the 1.2600-1.2620 area. Still, having considered a number of major factors, unlike the indicators, the experts are not in a hurry to make specific predictions. Only 55% of them are clearly bearish on the currency pair. The others are sure that the currency pair won't be able to break below the mentioned lows and will head for 1.2900 instead. Also, the experts aren't clear about the near-term prospects fo the Japanese Yen. The experts are divided 50/50 on the direction in which USDJPY is expected to move over the trading week. Apparently, they are waiting for the results of the G20 summit, which set a lot of controversial expectations When it comes to cryptocurrencies, making specific predictions is even more difficult given the fact that the true value fo digital currencies is next to impossible to figure out. Indeed, they are purely digital, which is why they don't actually have any intrinsic value, thus making those forecast differ from each other quite a lot. Mining costs are not something that international experts have been focused on in this case. Still, 60% of the experts expect Bitcoin to continue its way down to 3000 dollars per coin. 30% belive the world's first cryptocurrency will manage to stay in the range between 4000 and 4500 dollars per coin. The remaining 10% are convinced that the current market situation is nothing but big players' attempt to manipulate the market and force the crowd into selling them the coin at a discount. You are free to discuss this article here: forum for traders and investors Brexit Talks Have Entered Final Stage The so-called Brexit talks are reported to have entered the final stage. The thing is, Brussels approved the draft of the Brexit agreement the other day. So, now it seems that the long-lasting process of discussing the terms and conditions of the UK quitting the EU is almost over. So, the leaders of 27 EU states are supposed to approve this agreement for it to take effect. If to belive the recent summit of EU finance ministers, there should be no problems in approving this agreement. As for the UK government in general, and the UK Prime Minister in particular, the situation inside the UK is probably going to be a much bigger challenge. For now, Theresa May promises to personally complete the process. However, there is another document that needs to be agreed. At this point, the parties are still discussing the details. They say, Spain sill has some claims to the UK. In particular, this is all about Gibraltar, which is a disputed territory for the UK and Spain . They are expected to sign a standalone agreement on Gibraltar. Whether Gibraltar will quit or stay, this will be treated as a concession by one of the parties, international experts say. You are free to discuss this article here: forum for traders and investors Got a question? Ask it here FxPro Names 3 Cornerstones of Profitable Forex Trading Most beginner traders out there are sure that to be successful in trading financial markets, it's sufficient to know how to read indicators, support/resistance levels, trading volume, to apply technical analysis, and so much more. The experts representing FxPro, the world's leading forex broker, think that this is something bigger. In particular, they are convinced that profitable trading results from proper education, with a comprehensive knowledge base, including the knowledge about the financial markets themselves. Masterforex-V's editorial staff decided to dive deeper into the matter and figure out what actually stands behind those words. Read more U.S. Dollar Still Drives Forex and Cryptocurrencies As you probably know, the market value of major currencies is the result of a huge number of several factors influencing the situation at the same time. Currency exchange rates affect numerous processes. Making use of an unbiased forecast helps traders and investors take advantage of the current situation to gain from their major activities the max profit possible. However, sometimes they may have a hard time coming up with such predictions. Read more FortFS Announces Welcome Bonus 75 USD FortFS has announced another promo. This time, it's called Welcome Bonus 75 USD. The brokers has always been known for offering various bonuses and promos on a regular basis. Basically, this bonus can help traders to give it a try and put the broker's products and services into practice without investing a penny. If you are interested and want find out more information the bonus, please rid this short introductory article. Read more Future U.S. Sanctions Against Russia Dropped Russian Ruble Russian journalists managed to get familiar with the draft of forthcoming anti-Russian sanctions. Shortly after the draft was published, the Russian Ruble started losing its value against the U.S. Dollar. The exchange rate dropped all the way down to the 24-month low, Market Leader reports. Russian stocks and bonds also followed the Ruble. Experts say that this the downtrend is how the market responded to the news. Read more Moscow, Dec 5 : Russia fully adheres to the provisions of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which the US knows well, Russian Foreign Ministry has said in response to the latest statements by the US and its allies that urged Moscow to return to full compliance with the agreement. "Russia strictly abides by the provisions of the INF Treaty, and the American side knows this," the ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday, commenting on the statements by officials of the US and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on the matter, Xinhua reported. Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a press conference in Brussels that the US would suspend its obligations under the INF Treaty in 60 days unless Russia returns to full compliance with the agreement. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg later urged Moscow to take the "last chance" to preserve the key arms control agreement by demonstrating its compliance as requested by Washington. The foreign ministers of NATO member countries said on Tuesday in a statement that they supported the US finding that Russia is in "material breach" of its obligations under the INF Treaty and called on Russia to return urgently to full and verifiable compliance. In October, US President Donald Trump said Washington would pull out of the INF Treaty on account of Russia's alleged breach of the agreement, which Moscow repeatedly denied. Echoing Zakharova's remarks, Vladimir Shamanov, head of the Defense Committee of Russia's State Duma lower house of parliament, refuted the "groundless" accusations by the US and the NATO. "Russia is not the kind of country one can give ultimatums. Russia, too, has questions for the US, ones that they have left unanswered. Hence, we are not going to reply to their false accusations," Interfax news agency quoted Shamanov as saying. Russian officials warned that Moscow would take retaliatory measures if Washington withdraws from the INF Treaty. "We will answer in a reciprocal way: if the US leaves the INF Treaty and deploys medium-range and short-range missiles in Europe, Russia will increase the number of such missiles in the European part of its territory," Vladimir Dzhabarov, deputy head of the international affairs committee of Russia's upper house, was cited by Sputnik news agency as saying. It is also possible for Russia to deploy intermediate-range missiles, and primarily cruise missiles, in Latin American countries like Cuba, once the INF Treaty is terminated, according to Leonid Ivashov, former head of the Russian Defence Ministry's main department for international military cooperation. The INF Treaty was signed in 1987 between the Soviet Union and the US on the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles. The deal marked the first-ever pact reached by Washington and Moscow on nuclear disarmament and a major step forward in restricting arms race. Moscow and Washington have been accusing each other of violating the agreement in recent years amid increasing tension between the two countries. Washington, Dec 5 : US senators say they are more certain than ever after a private CIA briefing that the Saudi crown prince had a role in the murder of a journalist. In a blistering attack, Senator Lindsey Graham said he had "high confidence" Mohammed bin Salman was complicit in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, BBC reported. The South Carolina Republican described the Saudi royal as "a wrecking ball", "crazy" and "dangerous". The Saudis have charged 11 people but deny the crown prince was involved. Members of the Senate's Committee on Foreign Relations did not mince words after the briefing by CIA Director Gina Haspel on Tuesday. "There is not a smoking gun - there is a smoking saw," Graham said, referring to Khashoggi's alleged dismemberment in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. The senator said he could not support Saudi Arabia's involvement in the war in Yemen or arms sales to the Saudi government as long as the crown prince remained in power. Senator Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, echoed those views. He said the US must "send a clear and unequivocal message that such actions are not acceptable in the world's stage". Another senator, Bob Corker, told reporters, using the crown prince's initials: "I have zero question on my mind that the crown prince MBS ordered the killing." The Tennessee Republican added: "If he was in front of a jury, he would be convicted in 30 minutes. Guilty." Corker suggested that US President Donald Trump had condoned the murder of a journalist by refusing to condemn the Saudi crown prince. Fellow Republican Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama said: "Now the question is, how do you separate the Saudi crown prince and his group from the nation?" The Senate is planning to vote on a proposal to end US military support to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, after members of both parties advanced the resolution last week. Senator Chris Murphy, who was not privy to Tuesday's briefing, criticised the Trump administration. "Not everything needs to be secret," the Connecticut Democrat tweeted. "If our government knows that Saudi leaders were involved in the murder of a US resident, why shouldn't the public know this?" The CIA has concluded Mohammed bin Salman "probably ordered" the killing of Khashoggi. The spy agency has evidence he exchanged messages with Saud al-Qahtani, who allegedly oversaw the Saudi reporter's murder. The CIA director -- who has reportedly heard an audio recording of the murder -- did not attend a recent congressional briefing by cabinet members, dismaying lawmakers. The White House denied having a hand in Ms Haspel's conspicuous absence, and the CIA said no one had told Haspel not to attend. At last week's hearing, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis told senators there was no direct evidence of the crown prince's involvement in Khashoggi's death. Trump has said the CIA findings on the crown prince were not conclusive. On November 20, he said: "It could very well be that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event - maybe he did and maybe he didn't." Washington, Dec 5 : CIA chief Gina Haspel must brief the full Senate on the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, several senators have said after a classified briefing was held a day ago. In her Tuesday's briefing to a selected few lawmakers, the CIA Director gave a classified briefing on the killing carried out on October 2 which prompted the senators' calling for a full Senate brief, Xinhua news agency reported. "Every Senator should hear what I heard this afternoon," Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois said on his official website, "CIA Director Haspel must brief the full Senate immediately." Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer also said that Haspel should meet with the full Senate. "CIA Director Haspel should brief the full Senate without delay," Schumer, a New York Democrat, said in his statement later in the day. Senator Rand Paul, who was excluded from the Tuesday's briefing, said that the small group briefing was an example of the "deep state". "Why shouldn't every senator know what is going on?" the Kentucky Republican said on his Twitter, "This is just ridiculous!" House Representatives will receive an intelligence briefing from the administration next week on the Khashoggi case, but it's unclear whether the CIA chief will attend, according to media reports. Khashoggi has been missing since he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 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 US Treasury imposed sanctions on 17 individuals over their alleged roles in the killing of Khashoggi in mid-November, following the US State Department's decision in late October to revoke 21 Saudi suspects' visas. The US 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. Canberra, Dec 5 : Australian police have arrested the husband of a Sydney woman whose disappearance in 1982 has become the subject of a popular crime podcast. Chris Dawson, 70, is to be charged with murdering Lynette Dawson, New South Wales (NSW) authorities said. He was arrested in Queensland and would be brought to New South Wales. Dawson has denied killing his wife, with whom he has two children. He has said that she abandoned the family for a religious group, the BBC reported. A search of the family's former home in Sydney earlier in 2018 failed to turn up new evidence. However, police on Wednesday said the arrest followed three years of renewed investigations. "We are confident with the case," Superintendent Scott Cook told reporters. "We won't give up on trying to identify the whereabouts of Lynette Dawson, but, from our perspective, it is not crucial to finalising the matter." Two separate inquests have recommended for murder charges to be laid against a "known person". However, prosecutors have previously said there was insufficient evidence to lay charges. No trace of Lynette Dawson has ever been found. An inquest in 2003 found that Chris Dawson, a former high school teacher and rugby league star, had engaged in sexual relationships with teenage students during his marriage. One 16-year-old girl moved in to the family home within days of his wife's disappearance. The pair later married, but have since separated. A podcast "The Teacher's Pet" brought global attention to the case in 2018. Since May, more than 27 million people have listened to the podcast, which is produced by The Australian newspaper. It has highlighted the bungled handling of the Dawson case by police in the early years after her disappearance, prompting an apology so many years later from the state's police commissioner. Chennai, Dec 5 : India's heaviest and next generation communication satellite with high throughput GSAT-11 was put into orbit by Ariane-5 rocket of Arianespace from French Guiana on Wednesday, the Indian space agency and Arianespace said. Weighing about 5,854 kg, GSAT-11 is the heaviest satellite built by ISRO. GSAT-11 is the fore-runner in the series of advanced communication satellites with multi-spot beam antenna coverage over Indian mainland and Islands, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. "GSAT-11 will boost the broadband connectivity to rural and inaccessible Gram Panchayats in the country coming under the Bharat Net Project, which is part of Digital India Programme," ISRO Chairman K. Sivan was quoted as saying in a statement issued on Wednesday. The Bharat Net Project aims to enhance the public welfare schemes like e-banking, e-health, e-governance among others. He said GSAT-11 will act as a forerunner to all future high throughput communication satellites. "Today's successful mission has boosted the confidence of the entire team," Sivan added. According to ISRO, 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 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. 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 VSAT terminals and for enterprise network and consumer broadband applications. After the GSAT-11 was launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), ISRO's Master Control Facility at Hassan took over the satellite's control to raise the orbit to a circular Geostationary Orbit, ISRO said. It was a dual launch for Arianespace as its heavy lift Ariane 5 rocket also put into orbit Korea's GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellite. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to two very special partners since the beginning of their space ambitions: ISRO and KARI (Korea Aerospace Research Institute," said Arianespace CEO Stephane Israel in post-launch comments from the Kourou Spaceport. Israel noted that GSAT-11 was the 22nd ISRO satellite orbited by Arianespace and Ariane-series launchers, tracing the relationship back to India's APPLE small experimental communications spacecraft, which had a liftoff mass of 670-kg. and was lofted in 1981 by an Ariane 1 version. During its 33 minutes mission, the Ariane 5 rocket deployed first the GSAT-11. For Arianespace this was its 10th mission in 2018. Arianespace has one more mission scheduled before year-end, using the Soyuz medium-lift member of its launcher family to orbit the CSO-1 spacecraft for France's DGA (Direction generale de l'armement) defence procurement agency and the French CNES space agency, the space agency said. In April, 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. 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 March 29. ISRO suspected the failure of the power systems 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 March 29, 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 March 30 morning. The second orbit raising operation of GSAT-6A satellite was also successful as its motors was fired for about 53 minutes on March 31. After that, the communication link got snapped. Katowice, Dec 5 : Europeans are more concerned about climate change than people in the US and China, a survey has said. Climate change doubters or deniers are more likely to be found in the US, a first-of-its-kind citizens' climate survey by the European Investment Bank (EIB) said on Tuesday. The survey was in partnership with the global public opinion company YouGov to find out how 25,000 citizens in the European Union, the US and China feel about the climate change. The EIB presented the findings of the first two parts of its survey on the sidelines of the ongoing UN climate negotiations, known as COP24, which saw world leaders and decision-makers getting to work on mitigating climate change in this Polish city. The survey says a large majority of Europeans well aware of the climate change issue but 20 per cent still not feeling concerned despite the recent special report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that finds that warming could reach 1.5 degrees as soon as 2030, with devastating impacts. A total of 14 per cent of Americans are sceptical about the reality of climate change versus seven per cent of the Europeans. Citizens with lower income more worried by the negative economic impact of climate actions than high-income ones in Europe, except in Poland. EIB Vice President responsible for climate action and environment Jonathan Taylor said: "The EIB climate survey sends an important signal to delegates at COP24 in Katowice, that citizens are increasingly aware of the challenges posed by climate change." "This is key to the international climate debate, because citizens already are making a difference through their individual actions. It is now up to businesses, citizens, governments at all levels and public institutions to use this momentum and work together. The EIB stands ready to play its part." Regarding the public's perception of the impact of climate action on job creation and economic growth, the survey found that EU citizens are more pessimistic than their Chinese and US counterparts. The Europeans express greater concern about the financial impact of climate change. Fifty-five per cent of Europeans consider that the financial impact of climate change will affect them personally, as compared to 40 per cent of Chinese and 45 per cent of US respondents. According to the survey, Americans are also the most optimistic regarding the economic benefits of measures to combat climate change. Twenty-six per cent believe the effect of climate action can be positive on the economy in contrast to only 21 per cent of Europeans and 11 per cent of Chinese. Against this backdrop, the EIB is committed to serve as one of the largest sources of finance worldwide to fight climate change. It has invested over 130 billion euros globally, supporting the delivery of over 600 billion euro in climate action investment since 2011 -- roughly the equivalent of the Polish GDP. "Finance is a key factor in the global fight against climate change and its negative impacts," EIB Head of Environment, Climate and Social Policy Monica Scatasta said. Washington, Dec 5 : US President Donald Trump has met his predecessor George W. Bush in front of the White House on the eve of the state funeral in memory of the latter's father, also former President George H.W. Bush. Trump and First Lady Melania met for about 20 minutes with the 43rd president and his wife, Laura, at the Blair House, a historic home across the street from the White House that traditionally houses the American president's guests. None of them made statements to the press about the meeting, but Trump had tweeted on his official account that he would meet "with the wonderful Bush family" before the funeral. Upon arriving at Blair House, the cameras picked up a handshake between Trump and Bush, both smiling, and the kiss Laura Bush gave Melania on the cheek, Efe news reported. The current first lady greeted former President Bush with two kisses on the cheek, and then the four entered the building. In the morning, Melania invited Laura Bush and her family to visit the White House to observe the Christmas decorations at the presidential residence. The US president has avoided any controversy after the death of George W. Bush's father on November 30, even though over the past two years he has repeatedly criticized the two former presidents. Trump will attend the former president's state funeral in Washington's National Cathedral on Wednesday, which is expected to be attended by the four living former US Presidents: Democrats Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter; and the Republican George W. Bush, who will deliver the eulogy. After the funeral, the coffin of the former president will be transferred to Texas again, to receive a final farewell from his family on Thursday. The remains of George H.W. Bush will rest together with "the love of his life", as he always defined his wife Barbara Bush, in the Bush Library located in College Station, Texas, some 160 kilometres from Houston. New Delhi, Dec 5 : Babies have delicate skin, which is sensitive to humidity and changes in the weather. Cold weather affects the skin even further by causing rashes, redness and itching. Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own. However, in some situations, the skin condition can become chronic and difficult to manage. Atopic dermatitis, also called atopic eczema, is one such skin condition that affects one in five children globally. Atopic dermatitis is long-lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically. Often, it appears in infants in the first year of birth and progresses till five years of age and, at times, even beyond. It leads to inflamed and itchy skin, resulting in patches of red and dry skin. The condition may worsen during colder months. Often, as the child enters teenage, the skin condition persists, affecting daily activities. This leads to a lack of self-confidence, thus impacting the child's overall personality development. Atopic dermatitis can lead to skin infections, as the dry, inflamed skin results in cracks, causing microbes and irritants to enter the skin. Dryness, itching, cracks, and redness are the common symptoms of atopic dermatitis, which can occur anywhere on the body. A child whose family member has a history of asthma or allergies is more likely to develop atopic dermatitis. There is a 40-50 per cent probability of a child developing atopic dermatitis if one of her parents also suffered from the condition. This figure rises to 50-80 per cent when both the parents suffered from the skin condition. Dr. Rajesh Kumawat, Head-Medical Services & Clinical Development, The Himalaya Drug Company, shares a few tips to combat atopic dermatitis in babies: Avoid harsh soaps: Use baby washes containing herbal actives, specially formulated for baby's delicate skin. Natural ingredients like Indian aloe (aloe vera), almond oil, milk, and olive oil work together to nourish and maintain the moisture balance of baby's skin. Avoid hot baths, long showers: Maintain the right water temperature for the baby's bath. Water should be lukewarm, as hot water can make the skin dry. Baby should be bathed for not more than 10 to 15 minutes. Lightly pat the skin with a towel to remove excess water, and avoid drying the skin completely. Keep fingernails short: Keep your child's fingernails short and cover itchy areas with a cloth or dressing to prevent scratching that can cause skin irritation and infection. Moisturise the skin: Immediately apply a gentle and hydrating lotion or cream to moisturise baby's skin immediately after a bath. A good moisturising agent usually consists of natural ingredients such as coconut, kokum, rice, and aloe vera, among others. Moisturising helps hydrate the skin and relieve skin irritation. Put comfortable dresses: Loose cotton clothing helps keep the baby comfortable, whereas woollen and synthetic fibres may keep baby too warm and worsen the skin condition. Avoid covering the baby in thick blankets/clothes that can cause irritation to sensitive skin. Avoid harsh chemical products: Choose products that are free from mineral oils, parabens, fragrances and artificial colours. Natural ingredients like kokum and aloe vera are known for their hydrating and moisturising properties. Rice bran extract provides necessary skin components called ceramides, which are essential for maintaining skin barrier function and retaining skin moisture. Coconut has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and soothe the skin. Understanding the needs of baby's skin is essential for healthy development, both physical and mental. Any ailment of the skin can affect baby's overall well-being. Kochi, Dec 5 : A team of French police officers along with one of their envoy has arrived here possibly to question a National Investigation Agency (NIA) undertrial, a Kerala intelligence official said on Wednesday. The team has come to interrogate Subahani Haja Moideen, Kerala intelligence chief T.K. Vinod Kumar told IANS. "Moideen is understood to have been laterally involved with the accused in the Paris attack" that left 130 dead. "May be the French team is here to get more details," said Kumar. According to sources the team arrived here late on Tuesday and has left for Thrissur jail, where Moideen is housed. "The Kerala Police have no involvement in this, as this case is being handled here by the NIA. The November 2015 Paris attack was a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that took place at a few places which left 130 dead and over 400 injured. According to the NIA, Moideen is believed to have been trained in Syria along with Salah Abdeslam, one of the prime accused arrested in the Paris attack. Moideen, 33, hails from Thodupuzha near here and was residing in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, when he was arrested by the NIA in 2016 for joining and supporting the activities of the Islamic State terror group. He had taken part in the jihad and had undergone arms training under the IS. According to the NIA, Moideen was taken to Mosul in Iraq, where he underwent detailed course in Shariya followed by combat training. On completion of combat training, including training in automated weapons, he was sent to the war zone in Mosul for security duties in the IS-held territory, which he performed for almost two-weeks. New Delhi, Dec 5 : Absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in a Rs 9,000 crore bank loan default case, on Wednesday offered to pay back "100 per cent of the principal amount" as speculations over his extradition were raised after AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel was brought here for interrogation. His move came a day after the British national and middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal was extradited to India from Dubai and handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) late on Tuesday. Lashing out at the quick media narrative about his extradition to India, Mallya said: "I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. "The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100 per cent back. I humbly request the banks and government to take it. If payback refused, Why?" he said. Late in 2017, India filed extradition proceedings against him which he has contested and pending the final verdict in the case, he is currently on bail in London. The court is set to pronounce its verdict on December 10. "Airlines struggling financially partly because of high ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) prices. Kingfisher was a fab(ulous) airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $140/barrel. Losses mounted and that's where banks money went. "I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," Mallya tweeted. Kingfisher began defaulting on loans beginning 2009-10. Hitting out at the political parties and media for accusing him of running away with the money, the head of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines said that all of the accusation was false. "Politicians and media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU (public sector undertaking) banks' money. "All this is false. Why don't I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. Sad," he said. On September 12, during the hearing of his case in London's Westminster Magistrates' Court, Mallya told reporters that he left India after meeting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in 2016, which the minister called "factually false". "I had a scheduled meeting in Geneva. I met the Finance Minister before I left... repeated my offer to settle with the banks. That is the truth." Mallya had said he had also told Jaitley that he was leaving for London. Mallya, who left India on March 2, 2016, also claimed that he had made a comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. The liquor barron also pointed out that for three decades by running India's largest alcoholic beverage group, he contributed thousands of crores to the state exchequers. "Kingfisher Airlines also contributed handsomely to the states. Sad loss of the finest Airline but still I offer to pay banks so no loss. Please take it," he said in another tweet. Mallya is wanted for committing alleged bank frauds of Rs 9,000 crore, and is currently holed up in the UK, fighting several cases. On June 22, the Enforcement Directorate had moved the Special PMLA Court to declare Mallya a 'fugitive economic offender' and confiscate all his properties, estimated at more Rs 12,000 crore, making it the first such case of its kind under the new FEOA (Fugitive Economic Offender Act) law. New Delhi : As the Indian economy evolves, value-creation opportunities in real estate will exist as much in capturing the consumption-growth upside as in pursuing strategies of specialisation. The last decade has seen significant investments in real estate and real estate-related infrastructure, as investors braced for growth and development. The next phase of growth will be driven as much by value-added real estate strategies as by capital market innovation in real estate financing. Mapping real estate by larger secular trends would give us fascinating insights into the real pockets of demand. Some of the broad secular trends we see are rising income profiles, a gradually larger pool of senior citizens with life expectancy increasing, increased retail consumption (both online and offline) and increasingly high consumption of data, among others. Not only have these trends created the need for specialised real estate, but also the need for greater partnerships between service providers and real estate investors. Real estate strategies will have to go on to add value through a broad array of services through partnerships and astute asset selection. For example, warehouse real estate space has received significant investments over the past few years. The question is: How will the market evolve as demand further picks up? The key to warehouse businesses is twofold. Firstly, scale up from being purely real estate providers to "solutions providers". Such warehouse businesses should have the capacity and know-how to cater to an increasingly large and fragmented user-base with technology, real estate and supply-chain expertise to help support the business ecosystem. While this trend has started already, the future holds greater promise and investment returns, if done well. Secondly, for warehouse businesses and platforms, it is essential to keep building on the spoke and hub model. Large-scale warehouses, linked to dispersed smaller warehouses, catering to increasingly quicker delivery times is how it is going to be in the future. Another sector where the real estate partner can provide both real estate expertise and relatively inexpensive access to capital to the service provider will be healthcare. Assets such as hospitals and high-end laboratories need access to significant real estate. Usually, either the hospital acquires the real estate or rents it. There is potential going forward for institutional platforms to purchase land to be leased to hospitals. The key to the strategy mentioned above versus piecemeal renting of hospital land is the ability of the platform to source capital at a significantly lower cost versus what the hospital chain can do. The healthcare real estate focused platform may able to do so for a variety of reasons such as having access to a pool of investors with a lower cost of balance sheets and better credit ratings. Both the factors will provide a lower cost of capital. Additionally, for platform investors, a diversified pool of real estate assets does lower the risk profile through diversification, which in turn reduces the cost of capital for healthcare real estate asset. Such innovative real estate strategies will be vital to fuel the next phase of growth for real estate-heavy sectors such as healthcare. The ability of healthcare providers to focus on healthcare services and have a less demanding debt-burden will be a significant value creator in the ecosystem. Real estate-focused investors, funds and, eventually, healthcare Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) will provide a liquid capital base with which to scale business. Ultimately, investor-access to platforms that allow for some degree of secondary market liquidity will further help reduce the cost of capital for businesses. A combination of innovation in real estate and the "capital structure" that drives the real estate will be significant business drivers. The previous strategy or some modified version of it will apply to many of the new sunrise sectors. A sector such as datacentres is also a component of a differentiated real estate strategy, whereby a combination of technological capacity combined with real estate acumen will drive the data centre real estate play. In an economy such as India with a structural demand, value creation opportunities abound. A word of caution: A thorough analysis of demand-supply dynamics will be critical for long-term success. Given the very nature of real estate, both macro and local factors have a significant influence on investment returns. Past experience suggests that when local factors are ignored, investment returns can be adversely affected even with positive macro fundamentals. (Taponeel Mukherjee heads Development Tracks, an infrastructure advisory firm. Views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at taponeel.mukherjee@development-tracks.com or @Taponeel on Twitter) New Delhi, Dec 5 : Former "Castle" star Stana Katic, who played an agent in the James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace", says there are many exciting opportunities in the spy/espionage film genre for actresses. While actor Daniel Craig's successor as the suave fictional British spy James Bond is yet to be decided, like others, Katic is also excited about finding out who will replace him. "The film series is so engrained in all of us because of the work of the Broccoli family (producers of the series). I trust them to do best for the next installment. I know for sure that I'll be one of those sitting in the audience looking forward to watching it. "That said, there are many exciting opportunities in the spy/espionage film genre for actresses and those films are being helmed by actresses themselves," Katic told IANS in an exclusive interview. She also heaped praise on actress Jessica Chastain, who has produced the spy thriller "355". "She is formidable and I know I am going to watch that film too," she said. Katic's upcoming World War II drama will further prove that the genre is not just a men's zone. "We wrapped that film in June. It's in the stage of editing. The film centres on a story of three real women who were spies during World War II. It focuses on their efforts to free Nazi-run France," she shared. "In this film, I play a British spy mistress. The creator of the James Bond series had said that in the real world of spies, Vera Atkins was the boss. Since we started telling that tale, we learned about these extraordinary women who just stood out as epic heroes from World War II. I have come to admire them very much," she added. Katic has carved a niche for herself in the action genre. She has featured in series like "24", "The Shield", "The Unit" and "Castle". "Absentia" has brought her back to the genre. "I come from a big family with loads of brothers. So, in some way all of those years playing Indiana Jones and X-Men in our family furniture store, primed me for some sort of an action future. It's fun to explore those kind of stories," said the "Pit Fighter" actress. So, is a superhero feature film on her to-do list? "I absolutely would love to play a superhero in a feature film, but in many ways I feel that the character that I am playing right now... Emily Byrne (in 'Absentia') is a type of a superheroine. So, some of those wishes have been already fulfilled," said the actress, who had voiced Talia al Ghul in the "Batman: Arkham City" video game. "The world that we have set up in 'Absentia' is so extreme and so much larger than life. It feels in so many ways like a graphic novel. Almost like the story of Odysseus is being told except that in this case, Odysseus is a woman. So, while I would love to play a superheroine in a feature... I do feel like I am getting a bit of that adrenaline rush just by telling the story that we are in 'Absentia'," she explained. "Absentia" revolves around Emily Byrne, who was earlier declared dead. The first season showed how the FBI agent tried to reclaim her family, identity and innocence while finding herself the prime suspect in a string of murders. She is currently shooting for its second season in Bulgaria. "The world of 'Absentia' in the second season opens up further. Many of the questions that were left... in season one will send Emily and some of the other actors across the globe in search of answers. We end our story in a lawless part of the world where anything and everything can happen. So, it's been a very exciting season for us to film as actors," she said. During the telephonic interview, she also talked about her visit to an orphanage in Bulgaria. "A part of the crew and some of the actors and I found out about this local foster home project (SOS Children's Village) in the area. We decided to go and make a visit and showcase what we do in filmmaking. It was really wonderful. "Everyone's goal was to give these children an option on what's possible in their own future. Just to show what filmmaking is about and all of the various elements that come into play from make-up artiste to hairstylist to stunt choreography and so on... so much more than just the acting and camera work," she said. As for her films, "The Possession of Hannah Grace" just released. "I'd never done a horror film before. It was intriguing to me. I am a very sensitive viewer, so I find that genre disturbing to watch... which seems kind of silly given the fact that I played a role in something like that. "Ultimately, I don't know if I ever laughed on set as much as I did while making this film. It was an incredibly satisfying experience which sits in complete contrast to what the actual story is. It was quite an experience for me," she said. (Natalia Ningthoujam can be contacted at natalia.n@ians.in) Los Angeles, Dec 5 : Actress Sarah Hyland is taking a break from social media following the tragic death of her 14-year-old cousin Trevor Canaday. The "Modern Family" star has announced that her decision to temporarily step away from using any of her social media accounts was a result of the "horrible negative ignorant words" that Internet trolls commented in relation to Canaday, who was killed last week in Omaha, Nebraska, in an alleged drunk driving accident. "You guys finally did it. Your horrible negative ignorant words have broken me. Happy?" she wrote on Twitter, reports people.com. "Staying offline for a while. I have a special announcement and video releasing on Wednesday I believe. So. There's that," Hyland, 28, concluded. On her Instagram Story, she posted the emoji of a hand showing the peace sign. She called for those with "negative thoughts or opinions about the tragedy that happened to my family, to keep them to themselves. You don't know all the details. And how dare you attack when a beautiful life has been lost." Over the weekend, the actress announced on social media that Canaday "was killed by a drunk driver". She said her uncle, who was also in the car, "is still in the hospital in need of more surgeries." According to police documents obtained by People, the driver Jeffrey Eggeling had a blood alcohol concentration of .103, while the legal limit for driving under the influence is .08. Rome, Dec 5 : Italian lower house of Parliament's Defence Committee members met two marines, Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, who are accused of killing two fishermen off southern India in 2012. "The two informal meetings (on Tuesday) represented an opportunity to show the Defence Committee's interest in an unwavering solidarity over the incident," said a statement from Parliament. A court in the Hague was in October due to begin considering the long-running case which strained bilateral ties and prompted Italy to seek international arbitration in 2015. The fatal shooting in February 2012 of the two unarmed fisherman by Latorre and Girone off Kerala as they guarded an Italian oil tanker sparked a diplomatic incident between Italy and India. Italy alleges the incident took place in international waters during a UN backed anti-piracy mission. Girone and Latorre, who have not been charged over the killings, claim they thought the unarmed fishermen were pirates. Both marines were allowed to return to Italy after the Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in August 2015 ruled India had no jurisdiction in the case and referred it to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The marines have been allowed to stay in Italy pending the Hague court ruling. Kochi, Dec 5 : A team of French police officers has arrived here possibly to question an Indian prisoner who has been linked to the 2015 Paris terror attack that left 130 people dead, a Kerala intelligence official said on Wednesday. The team will question Subahani Haja Moideen, 33, the official told IANS. "Moideen is understood to have been laterally involved with the accused in the Paris attack." According to informed sources, the team arrived here late on Tuesday to meet Moideen in the Thrissur jail. A series of coordinated terrorist attacks took place in Paris in 2015 leaving 130 people dead and over 400 injured. According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Moideen is believed to have been trained in Syria along with Salah Abdeslam, one of the prime accused arrested for the Paris mayhem. Moideen hails from Thodupuzha near here and was living in Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu when he was arrested by the NIA in 2016 for joining and supporting the Islamic State terror group. He had reportedly undergone arms training with the IS and later went to Mosul in Iraq. Jaipur, Dec 5 : Accusing the Congress party of playing negative politics, BJP President Amit Shah on Wednesday rejected charges that extradition of AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel was a diversionary tactic and asked if the opposition wanted to save him. Addressing a press conference here, Shah said the Congress was left with no real issue and was hence making such allegations. He asked if it was wrong to extradite the middleman who was a prime accused in the infamous AgustaWestland chopper scam. "Congress has no other issue left. Should we not have nabbed the 'bichauliya' (middleman)? Does the opposition want to save him?" he asked. Michel, the British national and middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, was extradited to India from Dubai and handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) late on Tuesday. Shah also expressed confidence that the BJP would form the government in Rajasthan with complete majority. "I am sure we will form government in Rajasthan with full majority with Vasundhara (Raje) ji as the Chief Minister. People in the state have rejected caste and dynasty politics of Congress," he said. Patna, Dec 5 : A lawyer with the Patna High Court was shot dead by motorcycle-borne criminals in the Bihar capital on Wednesday, police said. Jitendar Kumar was shot in Rajeev Nagar locality, killing him instantly. Washington, Dec 5 : Pakistan continues to use the Taliban as a hedge against India rather than utilizing it as part of a stable, reconciled Afghanistan, a top American commander has said days after US President Donald Trump sought assistance from Islamabad in the Afghan peace process. The remarks were made by US Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie at the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing for commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). "Pakistan is an essential element in long term stability in Afghanistan. It could play a key role in facilitating talks between the Taliban and government of Afghanistan. At this time, however, Pakistan does not appear to be using the full extent of its influence to encourage the Taliban to come to the table," McKenzie Jr told the members of the committee. "We continue to see the Taliban being utilized as a hedge against India rather than as part of a stable, reconciled Afghanistan." McKenzie said Islamabad's policy towards its neighbour Afghanistan and its stance against the terror groups in the region seemed to be unchanged. "Despite Pakistan's positive rhetoric in support of the South Asia Strategy, violent extremist organizations (VEOs) operate along its border with Afghanistan. While Pakistan has conducted some operations against VEOs in Pakistan, they must continue to expand these operations and remain aggressively engaged," he said. According to the top official, Pakistan's action or inaction as it related to stability in Afghanistan "often led to frustration between our governments and militaries". "Stability in the South Asia region remains the most important mutual strategic interest for both the US and Pakistan, and I think we must continue to engage with Pakistani leadership to realize how we can achieve this mutual interest." McKenzie urged Islamabad to take concrete steps that deny VEO safe havens in the country and prevent their movement from Pakistan to Afghanistan. "Pakistan must leverage their influence over Taliban leadership to help compel them to come to the table for reconciliation negotiations. He said the US CENTCOM will continue to support the Department of State as it works towards a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Afghanistan which included ensuring that Islamabad's equities are acknowledged in any future agreement. McKenzie added that the US CENTCOM will keep backing Trump's South Asia Strategy and remained committed to holding Pakistan accountable for the commitments they had made to support US efforts in finding a negotiated settlement to the Afghanistan conflict. Canberra, Dec 5 : Students and activists staged a sit-in at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday to demand action from the government on climate change. Hundreds of students held the protest to urge the government to halt plans for a proposed thermal coal mining venture by multinational Adani, Efe news reported. Wednesday's rally followed a nationwide strike held last Friday when thousands of pupils walked out of class to demand emergency action on climate change. "When our future is under attack, what do we do? Stand up fight back!" the protesters chanted. The students travelled from across Australia to confront Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who last week criticized the students for planning to walk out of class to protest their government's perceived inaction on the matter. The students were unable to meet Morrison as they had not scheduled a meeting beforehand, the local media reported. "Climate change is a very real and serious issue which demands the attention of governments at all levels, and it has the attention of this government," Morrison said during Question Time in Parliament last week. "But I'll tell you what we're also committed to: kids should go to school. (...) We do not support our schools being turned into Parliaments. What we want is more learning in schools, and less activism in schools," the Prime Minister said. In February 2017, Morrison, while Treasurer, famously took a lump of coal into Parliament, telling Parliament members they shouldn't be scared of it. Australia has pledged to reduce total emissions to 26-28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, but a recent UN report said there had been no improvement in the country's climate policy since 2017. The document said the latest projections published by the government indicated that emissions would remain high rather than being reduced in line with the 2030 targets. Kuala Lumpur, Dec 5 : The Malaysian police on Wednesday filed fresh charges against fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, a key figure in a corruption scandal involving state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) that led to the fall of the previous government. Low, 37, was charged in absentia along with four other high officials or employees of the state investment fund. Low and the four other defendants are still on the run, Efe news reported. The group faces 13 charges for laundering over 4.2 billion ringgit ($1.17 billion) of 1MDB's losses, according to a statement released by the police, which issued an international arrest warrant for the five suspects. Low was charged with five counts over the transfer of $1.03 billion to a Swiss bank between 2009 and 2011, as well as with two others for receiving $126 million in a Singapore-based bank account, the statement said. The Malaysian police filed additional charges against Low in November for conspiring to launder money along with two Goldman Sachs employees. Low is wanted by the American, Malaysian and Singaporean police in connection with cases involving several 1MDB transactions. The US Department of Justice estimated that some $4.5 billion was diverted from 1MDB, out of which some $1 billion could have been used to pay for works of art, properties, jewellery and yachts, among other products. Low, whose passport was revoked, was hiding in China or Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, according to reports. He protested his innocence in a statement published on a website maintained by his lawyers, after charges were filed against him in the US. Low had close ties with former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who created and led 1MDB as a state investment fund after becoming the Finance Minister. The 1MDB corruption scandal was uncovered in 2015 by the Wall Street Journal and the Sarawak Report portal, which brought to light diversion of the 2.6 billion ringgit ($627 million) to Najib's private accounts. Najib, who was in power from 2009 to 2018, denied the accusation and said the money was a donation from a Saudi prince. The scandal cost him the general elections in May, which were won by Mahathir Mohamad, his former mentor. Najib now faces 38 charges in court, while his wife, Rosmah Mansor, faces 17. New Delhi, Dec 5 : Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has urged people to come forward and help victims of severe cyclonic storm Gaja. Superstar-politician Kamal Haasan thanked him for being the "thread which stitches our country together." About a dozen districts of Tamil Nadu were severely affected by the cyclonic storm, which took place on the intervening night of November 15-16. Kamal Haasan, who has visited the cyclone-ravaged areas of the state, shared the video of Big B pitching in for the cyclone Gaja survivors, and thanked him for the gesture. "On the 15th of November 2018, the Gaja cyclone struck the coastal and delta districts of Tamil Nadu, leaving behind a huge trail of destruction in various districts of Tamil Nadu and union territory of Puducherry," Amitabh said in the video. He added: "The estimated number of people who have been rendered homeless is approximately 3.7 lakh and about 3.4 lakh homes have been destroyed. Between 60-80 per cent of concoct trees in the region have fallen, crippling the livelihood of farmers who contribute a quarter of India's major share of coconut production. "Lakhs of people have moved to relief camps, massive damage has been recorded...This is just an estimation....The damage is beyond imagination. The state and central government has extended help but support from volunteers, social organisations and socially conscious individuals would go a long way in helping affected people." Big B feels "the spirit of one nation" is cardinal to the prosperity and unity of India. "Many of us are unaware of the extent of damage caused by cyclone and suffering of the people. This is the time to bring out the spirit of brotherhood. Come forward to help our own." Kamal thanked Big B. "You have clearly explained the devastation the Gaja Cyclone has wreaked in Thamizh Nadu. It is always people like you who have been the thread which stitches our country together in spite of all its diversity," he posted on his social media. Patna, Dec 5 : A lawyer with the Patna High Court was shot dead by motorcycle-borne criminals here on Wednesday, prompting the Chief Justice of the court A.P. Sahi to tell police to file a report by this evening. Jitendar Kumar was shot in Rajeev Nagar locality, killing him instantly, the police said. Lawyers from the court met Sahi and demanded a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the case . In the afternoon, the lawyers protested by blocking roads and kept away from work. New Delhi, Dec 5 : Congress President Rahul Gandhis brother-in-law Robert Vadra on Wednesday termed the fresh Enforcement Directorate summons issued to him in a land scam case in Rajasthan as a relentless "political witch-hunt". "The political witch-hunt carries on unceasingly with government departments clearly operating on an agenda to besmirch my dignity and reputation," Vadra's statement said, claiming that he was being asked for the same set of documents, which has already been furnished before. "It is indeed strange that I was asked for the very same documents once again even though they had already been furnished over the last few years. "In fact it is even stranger that I was sent another summons within 24 hours without the agency even perusing the latest set of 600 documents supplied to them. "My lawyer has been compelled to appear in Jaipur once more today (Wednesday)(no surprise that this is just two days before the polling in Rajasthan). "The authorities know perfectly well that there is no case to proceed against me," he said. Vadra claimed the summons were aimed at distracting the public and said: "This is nothing but a politically motivated, malicious and baseless prosecution." The summons were issued in connection with an ongoing probe into the 2012 alleged scam in the purchase of land in Kolayat area of Bikaner. According to the ED, Vadra-owned Skylight Hospitality had purchased 69.55 hectares of land for Rs 72 lakh and then sold it to Allegeny Finlease for Rs 5.15 crore, earning a profit of Rs 4.43 crore. The agency registered a criminal case under the Money Laundering Act in 2015, taking cognizance of a case filed by the Rajasthan Police following forgery allegations. Washington, Dec 5 : US special counsel Robert Mueller has told a federal court that President Donald Trump's former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn gave "substantial assistance" to the Russia investigation and should not get jail time. In a court filing released late Tuesday, Mueller said it would be "appropriate" for the judge to impose a sentence for Flynn that does not include prison time, the US media reported. Federal sentencing guidelines called for Flynn to be sentenced to between zero and six months in prison and face up to a $9,500 fine. According to the filing, Flynn sat for 19 interviews with the special counsel and other Justice Department offices, and his early cooperation gave prosecutors a road map for their Russia investigation. It may have helped encourage others to cooperate, it stated. Mueller's office said Flynn assisted it "on a range of issues, including interactions between individuals in the presidential transition team and Russia." The rest of the sentence-long description of how Flynn helped in the Russian interference investigation was redacted, CNN said in a report. The details explaining how Flynn helped Mueller's investigation will increase pressure on Trump, who has repeatedly called the Mueller probe as a "witch hunt". Last week, Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about his work on the proposed Trump Tower Moscow during the 2016 campaign and prosecutors accused former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort of violating his cooperation agreement by lying to the special counsel. Last December, Flynn pleaded guilty to one count of lying to federal investigators in January 2017 about his contacts with the Russian Ambassador to the US and agreed to cooperate with Mueller's investigation. The filing also rehashed his misstatements to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, including a second series of lies he told to the Justice Department regarding his contacts and work for the Turkish government. Flynn had a brief stint as National Security Adviser and was forced to resign on February 13, 2017, following revelations that he discussed sanctions with then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and that the Justice Department had warned the White House that he was vulnerable to blackmail by Russia. Months after his resignation, Flynn agreed to cooperate with Mueller's investigation. Hyderabad, Dec 5 : Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday refused to be drawn into a debate on the extradition of AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should explain why he "gave" Rs 30,000 crore to an industrialist in the Rafale fighter jets deal. "I can't answer. The Congress has made its position very clear. The Prime Minister should explain why he gave Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani," he told reporters here. Gandhi was asked about the Prime Minister referring to the extradition of Michel, said to be a middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, in an election meeting in Rajasthan where he attacked the Congress and Sonia Gandhi on the issue. New Delhi, Dec 5 : With an aim to deliver food via drones in India, online ordering app Zomato on Wednesday announced it has acquired a Lucknow-based startup TechEagle Innovations that works exclusively on drones, for an undisclosed sum. TechEagle will help Zomato create a hub-to-hub delivery network powered by hybrid multi-rotor drones, the company said in a statement. "We are currently at the early stage of aerial innovations and are taking baby steps towards building a tomorrow wherein users can expect a drone to deliver the food they ordered online," said Deepinder Goyal, Founder and CEO, Zomato. TechEagle was founded in 2015 by IIT-Kanpur alumnus Vikram Singh Meena. "Our first 'delivery job' currently is to design multi-rotor drones that can pick up a payload under 5 kg and set up drone delivery circuits for reducing the last mile delivery leg," added Goyal. Zomato has over 75,000 restaurant partners offering food delivery services across over 100 cities in India. It acquired Runnr last year and currently has over 1.5 lakh delivery partners as part of its last mile delivery fleet. "We are excited to be a part of the team and together build something which will certainly play a significant role in the future of primary and secondary logistics in the food supply chain in India," added Meena. The acquisition came after Zomato announced earlier this week that Durga Raghunath, currently Chief Executive Indian Express Digital Media Services, will be joining the company as Senior Vice President-Growth, effective December 21. Maymana (Afghanistan), Dec 5 : Eight militants including a Taliban key commander were killed in an operation by Afghan security forces in the country's Faryab province on Wednesday, officials said. "Acting upon intelligence report, the security forces targeted a Taliban hideout in Qurghan district, killing eight rebels including Taliban key commander Qari Hamidullah and his deputy Mistary Mahmoud on the spot," Army spokesman Abdul Hadi Jamal told Xinhua news agency. He said 12 others, including 10 militants and two security personnel were injured. The operation began late on Tuesday night in Andkhoi and Qurghan districts and will continue until the area was cleared of the insurgents, the official said. Taliban militants were yet to comment on the strike. Mumbai, Dec 5 : Shefali Shah and Neeraj Kabi-starrer "Once Again", an unusual love story, will have a limited theatrical release in metro cities on December 8. The movie, written and directed by Kanwal Sethi, was released via Netflix earlier. Sethi said in a statement: "'Once Again' is a lyrical ode to the fundamental and basic human emotions including love. Besides focusing on aspects such as loneliness in the urban cities, it depicts a story that resonates with everyone. "This has reflected through the responses received by the film so far. I am extremely happy about the film's release through Vkaao and positive that theatrical audiences will also identify and relate with the film." The release through Vkaao, a joint venture of PVR and Book-My-Show for movies on demand, will begin with a special screening here on December 8 in PVR Juhu, followed by a question-and-answer session with the cast. The film tells a mature love story of Tara, a widowed mother who runs a small restaurant and one of her customers, a popular film actor Amar to whom she delivers his daily meals. Tara has never seen him - except on the big screen. The film also features Rasika Dugal, Bhagwan Tiwari, Bidita Bag and Priyanshu Painyuli. Shefali is delighted with the theatrical release of the film. She said: "The film has many nuances which are so delicate that they're meant to be seen on a big screen to soak in all the flavours. So, go watch 'Once Again' on the big screen." The Indo-German film is produced by Sanjay Gulati and Neufilm in collaboration with ZDF/ARTE. Gulati is confident the movie will garner a positive response with its theatrical release. Moscow, Dec 5 : Russia opposes the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) and it will respond "in an appropriate manner" if Washington goes ahead with the pullout, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday. His comments came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced at a NATO meeting on Tuesday that Washington will suspend its obligations under the 1987 INF Treaty in 60 days, citing Russian "cheating", TASS news agency reported. The NATO Foreign Ministers had also urged Russia to urgently return to full and verifiable compliance with the INF Treaty, pointing out that it is now up to Moscow to preserve the deal. The US shared intelligence evidence with its NATO allies that it said showed that Russia's new SSC-8 ground-fired cruise missile could give Moscow an ability to launch a nuclear strike in Europe with little or no notice. The INF Treaty was signed between the Soviet Union and the US on December 8, 1987 in Washington and took effect on June 1, 1988. The treaty eliminated operational and non-operational medium-range (1,000-5,500 km) and shorter-range (500-1,000 km) ground-launched missiles. Putin said that the US Congress, prior to Washington's announcement about withdrawing from the INF Treaty, allocated funds for the research and development to build relevant missiles. "Hence, the decision was made long ago but quietly, they thought that we wouldn't notice that but this is already stipulated in the Pentagon budget, namely the development of these missiles, but they only publicly announced that they were withdrawing from (the INF Treaty) afterwards. "Then (they) started looking for someone to blame and the simplest and traditional thing for the West to say is that 'Russia is guilty'. But that's not true, we oppose breaking this treaty, but if it happens, we will respond accordingly," said the Russian leader. US President Donald Trump publicly announced plans to pull out of the INF Treaty on October 20 and October 22, the report said. New Delhi, Dec 5 : The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) on Wednesday said it will be formulating guidelines for children's hostels which are not registered under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The guidelines will cover institutions housing children at the request of parents who are unable to take care of them and their education. According to the Ministry, the new guidelines will prescribe the minimum standards of care that should be provided to children. In view of the directions of the apex court, the Ministry is drafting the guidelines which will be applicable to any institution not falling under the categories mentioned in the JJ Act, the Ministry said in a statement. "Children staying at hostels, including those attached to schools, are as vulnerable as children at any other facility like child-care institutions (CCIs) and day-care centres. Therefore, we decided to formulate a set of guidelines to ensure adequate safety, minimum standard of living conditions and periodic inspections at hostels," said Union WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi. She further noted that the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has been directed to draft the guidelines in consultation with stakeholders concerned and plan these guidelines notified under the Juvenile Justice Act or the JJ Rules. To ensure safety and well-being of children even at school hostels, the WCD Ministry will be sharing the guidelines with the Ministry of Human Resource Development for dissemination among schools providing boarding facility. The Ministry had notified all states and Union Territories to undertake inspection of all CCIs and related facilities and to ensure their registration. As per Section 41 of the JJ Act 2015, registration of all CCIs, whether funded by government or not, is mandatory. The penalty for non-registration is prescribed under Section 42 of the Act. The Minister added that registration under the JJ Act is also mandatory for all CCIs running in the form of hostels. Ew Delhi, Dec 5 : Delhi's Indian Accent is the number one restaurant in India, according to travel site TripAdvisor. The winners of TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice awards were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for restaurants around the world, gathered over a 12-month period, says a company release. "Dining in each of these restaurants is an experience in itself with dishes that are not only a visual delight but also full of exquisite flavours," Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor India, said in a statement. Indian Accent, New Delhi was honoured with the award for its exquisite take on dishes and fine dining experience. It has won the number one Traveller's Choice Restaurant in India for the fifth time. Manish Mehrotra, Corporate Chef, Indian Accent Restaurants, said: "We are humbled to have won this award for the fifth consecutive year. A big shout out to our diners who have supported us always and, of course, the amazing team that we have both in the kitchen and at service in the restaurant." The second position went to Mosaic - Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, followed by Dakshin - Hyderabad, Spice Kitchen - Pune, Maharashtra and K3 - New Delhi. France's Au Crocodile is number one fine dining restaurant in the world and China's TRB Hutong is number one in Asia. New Delhi, Dec 5 : British national Christian Michel James, the middleman wanted in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, was on Wednesday remanded to five days CBI custody by a Delhi court, which rejected the agency's plea for 14 days custody. Special Judge Arvind Kumar allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to quiz the middleman till December 10. "The CBI is seeking police remand of 14 days for thorough interrogation and in order to unearth the deep rooted conspiracy and the role of the other accused persons and to confront the accused with the documents. "Keeping in view the facts and circumstances, submissions made by the parties, I deem it fit to grant five days police remand of the accused," Judge Kumar said. In its remand application, the CBI told the court that an amount of 42.27 million euros was paid by the Westland Group of Companies to the firms of Michel as "kickbacks/bribe without undertaking any work against the receipt of such amount". The agency through its lawyer said that custodial interrogation of Christian Michel was needed "to unearth the deep rooted conspiracy and to identify his accomplices including the IAF officials, bureaucrats and politicians who influenced the decisions" which made AgustaWestland eligible to participate in the bidding process and "ultimately bag it". Special Public Prosecutor D.P. Singh told the court that James had got classified material and the agency needed to interrogate him to knowA who were the officers involved in supplying these classified documents to him. The prosecutor also told the court that they have recovered two handwritten notes related to bribe money - including one written by James himself in which he mentions about his 5 per cent commission to fix the deal. The prosecutor informed the court that James had entered into as many as 12 contracts with AugustaWestland through two of his firms -- Global Trade and Commerce Ltd, London, and Global Services FZE, Dubai UAE -- with Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland and Westland Helicopters UK to legitimize the illicit commission on the procurement of VVIP Helicopters by the Indian Defence Ministry. "We need to confront him with the evidence. We have to find the money trail and the people involved," the prosecutor said. Michel's counsel Aljo K. Joseph vehemently opposed the remand application saying there was no need for police custody and that none of the documents had been produced in any international court. Michel was present at the court after he was extradited to India on Tuesday night from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A CBI team escorted him to India in a special plane. Michel's counsel Joseph and Vishnu Sankar moved bail application assuring that he will follow every condition imposed by the court if released on bail. The defence counsel told the court that the probe agency had already seized the documents related to the case and investigation was almost complete in the case. Brasilia/New Delhi, Dec 5 : The world's first baby born using a womb transplanted from a dead woman is a breakthrough in the field of obstetrics and a great advantage for women combating infertility, say Indian doctors. According to a case study published in The Lancet on Wednesday, a healthy baby girl was born in 2017, following the uterus transplant from a 45-year-old brain dead woman. The womb transplant, lasting over 10 hours, took place in Sao Paolo in Brazil in September 2016. The baby was born in December 2017. The uterus was removed from the donor and transplanted into the recipient in a surgery that also involved connecting the donor uterus and recipient's veins and arteries, ligament and vaginal canals. "It is a breakthrough in the field of obstetrics as well as a great advantage for women who lost their uterus for some reason or don't have from birth. This would increase the availability of the uterus as living donors are always in scarcity," Ranjana Sharma, Senior Consultant, (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, told IANS. In a majority of such cases, the uterus does not survive after transplant in the recipient due to infections or rejection by the body's immune system. But in the case of a uterus transplant from a cadaver, the potential danger for infections is more, says Kamini A. Rao, Medical Director, Milann-The Fertility Centre, Bengaluru. "One will never be able to find whether the dead woman has had any infections in the uterus, nor in the vaginal canals and whether it is treatable or not," Rao told IANS. "This is not in the case of a kidney or liver transplant, clearly because the vagina is an exposed area and since you are unable to identify what kind of organisms were growing, there is a potential danger for rejection," Rao added. Still, the advantage is that the surgery takes place only for a person. It is a very good thing compared to a live donor, she noted. "When a transplant is dome from a live donor, there is a greater responsibility towards both the donor and recipient, but in a dead body the doctors can be a bit relaxed," Sharma said. Importantly, in the Lancet case study, the uterus had an interval of eight hours before getting connected to the living body. "Up till now it was not known that uterus can survive more than four hours out of a living body, however, the present case shows that the uterus is a quite strong an organ," Sharma said. "Just as cornea, kidney, liver, heart, the pancreas, I am hopeful that the uterus will also be added in the gamut of organs taken out so that many more people will be benefited," Rao noted. Moreover, the doctors said that while a transplanted kidney or liver stays for life, it is not the case with the uterus. "This is only to give birth to a child. Once the baby reaches maturity, the uterus is taken out along with the baby. It is because we don't know the long-term effects of having a foreign uterus in the body. So far the uterus have not been left after taking out the baby. It is then discarded, like any hysterectomy," Sharma said. Besides women who lost uterus or do not have from birth, this kind of transplant could also some day open doors for people who are transgender, Sharma suggested. "However sometimes you may only have an absent uterus like in this case. But for transgender, you will also have to take the donor eggs, like a surrogate gestation," Rao pointed out. (Rachel V. Thomas can be contacted at rachel.t@ians.in) Islamabad, Dec 5 : Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday met US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad here and reaffirmed Islamabad's "abiding interest" in achieving lasting peace in war-torn Afghanistan. Khalilzad told Khan that "the US leadership looked forward to working with Pakistan in furthering the shared goal of peace through a political settlement in Afghanistan", Dawn online reported citing a statement by the Prime Minister's Office. During the meeting, Khan emphasised the importance of boosting regular bilateral engagement in priority areas especially trade, investment, education, health and social sector development, the statement said. Khalilzad is on his third visit to Pakistan since he took charge of the office dealing with peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan in September. He accompanied US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Islamabad just a day after his appointment and later visited the country again in October. Khalilzad had met Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday and had reiterated US President Donald Trump's desire to seek Islamabad's cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan. According to Geo News, Qureshi assured the US side of Pakistan's steadfast support for a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan. Khalilzad also held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua. The special envoy will travel to Afghanistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar during his 18-day tour till to December 20. Khalilzad will also meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other stakeholders to coordinate closely on efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with the Afghan government. Mumbai, Dec 5 : The Mumbai Congress has urged Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao to order a judicial probe into the working of Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) for its alleged nexus with power distributors. In a letter to Rao, city Congress President Sanjay Nirupam said the MERC and Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd (AEML) are "colluding to hoodwink and loot the people of Mumbai". "Instead of regulating and creating a healthy competition in the power sector in the state, and protecting consumers' interests, the MERC is promoting the interests of the power distribution companies. Recently, MERC has allowed AEML to increase power tariffs in Mumbai suburbs, causing a huge financial burden on the ordinary consumers," said Nirupam. The letter came in the wake of a series of protests held by the Congress last week to condemn what they termed steep hikes in power rates imposed by the AEML in the past few months. Nirupam pointed out that justifying the 50-100 per cent hikes, the AEML claimed it was due to increase in power consumption by the consumer, "which later turned out to be a lie". "Yesterday (Tuesday), the MERC has sent a notice to AEML that it had permitted only a 'marginal hike', exposing the power distributor's lie," Nirupam added. He urged the Governor to instruct the MERC to send a notice immediately to AEML ordering it to reduce tariffs and refund the exorbitant amounts billed to the consumers for September, October and November. The AEML took over the Mumbai suburban power distribution network from Reliance Energy in August, and in September, the MERC permitted a tariff hike. The AEML claimed that the previous owners had applied for a tariff revision in December 2017 which was cleared by the MERC, but now the regulator has sent a notice to the distritbutor (AEML) seeking a reply withing 24 hours. Istanbul, Dec 5 : The office of Istanbul's prosecutor on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for two Saudi officials for their alleged links to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom's consulate in Turkey. The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) reported that the two officials were Saud al-Qahtani and General Ahmed al-Asiri who are said to be close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The arrest warrant said these two senior officials were among those responsible for planning the murder, according to TRT. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and a critic of the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince, was killed inside the consulate after he went there on October to collect documents in order to marry his Turkish fiancAe. The Turkish semi-public agency Anadolu reported that the prosecutor's office had requested for the arrest warrant for Qahtani and Asiri and a court in Istanbul confirmed it. Both Qahtani, one of the advisors to the Saudi Crown Prince, and Asiri, Deputy Director of the Saudi secret services, were dismissed from their positions in October over the scandal caused by Khashoggi's murder. The US administration imposed sanctions on Qahtani in November, accusing him of being part of the planning and execution of the operation that led to the killing of Khashoggi. Asiri, however, was not on the list of 17 people sanctioned by Washington. A team of 15 Saudi agents, allegedly sent by Qahtani, assassinated Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Later, Riyadh acknowledged the homicide but didn't clarify what happened to the corpse. The Turkish prosecutor's office claimed to have evidence that Khashoggi was suffocated and his body was butchered. But it has yet to find a clue for allowing investigators to locate the remains. Jakarta, Dec 5 : Dozens of protesters on Wednesday staged a demonstration outside the Myanmar Embassy in Jakarta, protesting against the inhuman treatment of Rohingya Muslims in that country and demanding its government to take action. The demonstrators shouted slogans and carried placards reading "We stand with Rohingya" to express solidarity with members of the minority community in Myanmar, Efe news reported. The protests were held a day after a boat with 20 Rohingya refugees reached the coast of Indonesia's Aceh province after it was found adrift at sea. It was the third boat of Rohingya refugees to arrive in Aceh this year after two boats, with 76 and five refugees respectively, were rescued in April. Aceh has traditionally provided asylum to Rohingyas, with the region having received over 2,000 refugees in 2015, many of whom lived for more than a year in a refugee camp in Langsa. Over 730,000 Rohingyas, who are not recognized as citizens by Myanmar, have sought refuge in Bangladesh since August 2017, following a military campaign against the minority community in western Rakhine state. As the monsoon season ends, Rohingyas usually make a treacherous voyage through the Andaman Sea on their way to Thailand and Malaysia. In 2015, the Thai authorities launched a crackdown against human smuggling after mass graves were found in jungle camps near the Malaysia border. Bangladesh and Myanmar had earlier reached a deal to start repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees to Rakhine on a voluntary basis from November 15. But the repatriation process was cancelled due to the refusal of refugees to go back, citing lack of guarantees regarding their security and citizenship. Shillong, Dec 5 : The demand for creation of Garoland, to be carved out of Garo areas in western part of Meghalaya, reverberated in this mountainous state capital of Meghalaya on Wednesday. The Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC), a conglomeration of several Garo organisations, including the Garo National Council (GNC), a regional political party, held a rally near the Secretariat demanding a Garoland state. Several Garo leaders, including former Chairman of the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army, Champion Sangma, who now leads the A'chik Holistic Awakening Movement, participated in the peaceful rally. "We have been fighting for Garoland for a very long time. Our statehood demand is on the linguistic lines of the States Reorganisation Act, 1965, and the Government must concede our demand," GSMC chairman Nikman C.H. Marak said. "If the government can give Telangana for Telugu-speaking people of that state, why can't it create Garoland for Garos? We (Garos) will not sit idle and will continue to strive forward till the government creates a separate Garoland," Marak added. The GSHMC said that the ruling National People's Party in Meghalaya had made Garoland an agenda in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. Meanwhile, former GNLA chairman Champion R. Sangma voiced confidence that the demand for a separate Garo land will become a reality. "The late P.A. Sangma fought his last election on this very issue and unfortunately he left us. But fortunately now we have his son, Conrad K. Sangma, as the Chief Minister of the state. I believe he will fulfill the demand for a separate Garoland. It will also depend on the wisdom of Parliament," Champion said.. On March 18, 2014, the Meghalaya Assembly rejected a resolution for the creation of a separate "Garoland" state in Garo Hills in the western part of the state. Meghalaya became an autonomous state in 1971 and a full-fledged state in 1972. Katowice (Poland), Dec 5 : The 15-year-old Swedish climate activist, who went on school strike at the parliament to ask politicians to act against climate change, on Wednesday asked world leaders to step up action to really make a difference. "You are never too small to make a difference," student Greta Thunberg said at the Global Climate Action event, which is part of the ongoing UN climate negotiations, known as COP24, which saw world leaders and decision-makers getting to work on mitigating climate change in this Polish city. "I thought that something has to be done... and I guess it had to be me," the climate activist said about the day she went on strike from school to take climate action. "Everyone can do their part in fighting climate change. All over the world children and adults take climate action. But we have to step up action to really make a difference," Thunberg said. Earlier, Thunberg in her speech to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: "For 25 years, countless people have stood in front of the UN climate conferences, asking our nation's leaders to stop the emissions. "But, clearly, this has not worked since the emissions just continue to rise," she said, "so I will not ask them anything". "Instead, I will ask the media to start treating the crisis as a crisis. Instead, I will ask the people around the world to realize that our political leaders have failed us," she said. "Rich countries like Sweden need to start reducing emissions by at least 15 per cent every year to reach the two degree warming target," she added. Thunberg began a climate protest by striking from school in Sweden in August. Now students around the world have joined her. The school strikes have spread across the world, including Australia, Britain and the US. Colombo, Dec 5 : Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said on Wednesday that the political crisis in the island country will be resolved in seven days. The assurance came after the new government appointed by the President has been temporarily suspended by a Sri Lankan court. A Court of Appeal on Monday issued an interim order to prevent former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa and his party members from acting as Prime Minister and the government till the case is heard on December 12. "The current political crisis will be resolved in one week. It will be completely resolved. This is an effort I will make for the public, for you, for our motherland. I extend the hand of peace to all politicians and political parties," Sirisena said in a statement. Sri Lanka has been embroiled in a political turmoil since Sirisena surprisingly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe late in October and appointed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place. Sirisena added that crucial decisions would be taken in the coming days for the benefit of all Sri Lankans. The President also defended himself by saying that he was not to blame for the current political impasse. "This political situation was created by Ranil Wickremesinghe, by his actions, and by his policies but we will work to resolve it. We will save this country," the President said. Patna, Dec 5 : Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) chief and Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday said he will announce his decision on continuing with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Thursday in Motihari -- district headquarters of East Champaran. After a closed-door discussion with party leaders at the RLSP's two-day "Chintan Shivir" on December 4 and 5 at Valmikinagar (in West Champaran district), Kushwaha told the media the party leaders and workers have authorised him to take a final decision on whether to continue with the NDA or walk out of the alliance. "I will again sit with the party leaders on Wednesday night to discuss this issue before I announce the party's decision on Thursday in Motihari," he said. According to a senior RLSP leader, almost all party leaders and workers have spoken against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United (JD-U) and the Bihar unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi, and suggested pulling out of the NDA. Kushwaha said the national leadership of the BJP and the BJP leadership in Bihar are different. "In Bihar, it has become a B team of Nitish Kumar's JD-U," he said. Last week Kushwaha had said he will not take any decision alone and that the decision in this regard will be taken after discussions with the party leaders. Earlier, the member of Parliament from Karakat constituency gave an ultimatum to the BJP to come up by November 30 with a "respectable" seat-sharing arrangement in the state for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. But Modi left for Argentina for the G20 Summit, without inviting Kushwaha for any kind of talks. Earlier, BJP national President Amit Shah had also not given time to Kushwaha to thrash out issues between the two parties. Last month, Kushwaha had said that the RLSP has decided to reject the seat-sharing arrangement worked out by the BJP, though he did not divulge the number seats offered to his party. Bengaluru, Dec 5 : A research scholar died and three others were injured in a hydrogen cylinder blast at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) here on Wednesday, police said. Research scholar Manoj Kumar (23) succumbed to severe burns after a hydrogen cylinder exploded in the Institute's aerospace department laboratory during an experiment, Additional Commissioner of Police B.K. Singh told reporters here. Three of the victim's injured colleagues were rushed to a private hospital. "The incident occurred late in the afternoon in the department lab when the team was conducting an experiment in hypersonic shock waves," said Singh. Police have registered a case against the state-run institute to ascertain the cause of the blast. "We will investigate the case after interrogating the department's faculty and those involved in the experiment to find out how the blast occurred," added Singh. An Institute spokesperson said an internal inquiry would be carried out to find what caused the cylinder to explode. The Hague, Dec 5 : In a major international campaign against the Italian mafia clan 'Ndrangheta, a total of 90 arrests were made on Wednesday, European judicial cooperation authority Eurojust announced here. Supported by a coordination centre at Eurojust, judicial and law enforcement authorities from the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and Belgium executed the arrests and seizures against 'Ndrangheta, an organized crime group based in Calabria, Italy, for cocaine trafficking, money laundering, bribery and violence. The action, code named "Pollino", was the result of an intensive joint investigation coordinated at European level, Xinhua news agency reported. A total of 200 million euros ($227 million) of criminal money, as well as 140 kg of ecstasy pills and more than 3,000 kg of cocaine were seized. "This shows that international crime can be tackled well if we work well together," said Eurojust Vice-President Filippo Spiezia. Wil van Gemert, Deputy Director of Europol, said: "This shows the importance of international cooperation and I am convinced this operation will lead to new investigations." The operation took place one day after Settimo Mineo, the alleged head or "godfather" of the Sicilian Mafia, Cosa Nostra, was arrested with 46 other people in the Palermo region of Italy, according to the Italian police and anti-Mafia prosecutors in Palermo. Earlier this year, 170 people in Italy and Germany were arrested in an anti-Mafia swoop. "This is just a small step," said Federico Cafiero De Raho, the Italian National Anti-mafia and Anti-terrorism Prosecutor during the press conference. "These arrests are nothing for 'Ndrangheta. There should be over 1,000 arrests and billions of euros should be seized. The wealth and richness of this organization is enormous." Chandigarh, Dec 5 : In the backdrop of sugarcane farmers in the state protesting for the past several days, the Punjab government on Wednesday announced that it will pay Rs 25 per quintal extra to the farmers. "Ending the stalemate over the issue, the Captain Amarinder Singh government has decided to pay Rs 25 per quintal directly to the sugarcane farmers, and also announced immediate release of Rs 65 crore towards the interest on loans taken by private sugar mill owners to clear pending dues of farmers," a spokesperson for the Chief Minister said here. The Chief Minister has also directed the private sugar mills to immediately start sugarcane crushing operations, which have already been delayed by over a fortnight. "The Chief Minister has announced that the state government would pay Rs 25 per quintal on sugarcane to the farmers directly out of the State Assured Price (SAP) of Rs 310 per quintal, while the remaining Rs 285 per quintal would be paid to them by the private sugar mills," the spokesperson said. The decision was taken by the Chief Minister at a meeting with the owners of the private sugar mills here on Wednesday. The spokesperson said that the Chief Minister also directed the Financial Commissioner - Development to ensure smooth commencement of crushing, along with meticulous implementation of the settlement reached between the owners of the sugar mills and the state government. "In line with the commitment made by the state government in 2015 to bear the interest on the loan of Rs 200 crore taken by the private sugar mills to clear the payment of farmers for the 2015-16 crushing season, the Chief Minister also announced that the state government would immediately release the accumulated interest, amounting to nearly Rs 65 crore, directly to the farmers to partly clear dues of Rs 192 crore pending with the private mill owners," the spokesperson added. The private mill owners assured the Chief Minister that the balance amount due to the farmers for the crushing season 2017-18 would be paid by them directly at the earliest. Istanbul, Dec 5 : US actor and filmmaker Sean Penn and his crew were seen in front of the Saudi consulate here on Wednesday, reportedly making a documentary on the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the mission. Turkish private NTV broadcaster said the actor was trying to gather detailed information to make the documentary about the murder of supporter-turned-critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, a case that has sparked an international outcry. The two-time Oscar winner came to the consulate with a crew of around 10 and shot in front of the consulate as well as the residence of the Saudi consul, who left Turkey after the journalist's killing on October 2. Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post, went missing after entering the consulate for collecting documents in order to marry his Turkish fiancAe Hatice Cengiz. After initially saying the journalist had left the consulate alive, weeks later the Saudi administration admitted he was killed there and blamed a "rogue" team. Penn was expected to meet Cengiz in the city, according to the broadcaster. The Sabah daily reported that the actor will also visit Ankara to meet Turkish officials. According to the Istanbul prosecutor, Khashoggi was strangled to death after he entered the Saudi consulate and his body was then dismembered and destroyed. The Turkish police and crime scene investigators were still trying to locate the remaining parts of his body across Istanbul and the neighbouring Yalova province. Guwahati, Dec 5 : The Opposition Congress in Assam has lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, Assam alleging violation of model code of conduct by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Citing some news reports, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) General Secretary Ranjan Bora said the PMO has violated the model code of conduct by announcing that Bogibeel bridge over Brahmaputra river will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25 this year. "Some of the news channels in Assam telecast around 11 a.m today (Wednesday) that the PMO has announced inauguration of the Bogibeel bridge by the Prime Minister. This is a violation when polling in the first phase of panchayat polls was going on in the state," said Ranjan Bora. This kind of announcement will certainly influence a section of voters as the Bogibeel bridge is an emotional issue in Assam, he said. "We hope that your office will take necessary action against the PMO," he said in his complaint to the CEO, Assam. Reacting to this, CEO Harendra Nath Bora admitted that he has received a letter in this regard and added that necessary steps will be taken which deem fit as per the law. New Delhi, Dec 5 : Online travel portal MakeMyTrip on Wednesday denied reports that claimed that hotel bookings on its platform as well as on Goibibo have been banned, stressing that "it is business as usual". A viral message on social media claimed that MakeMyTrip and Goibibo have been banned. According to MakeMyTrip CEO, all bookings on its platforms were being honoured. "There is misinformation being spread in social media about hotel bookings on MakeMyTrip and Goibibo not being honoured. This information being spread is completely baseless," Rajesh Magow, MakeMyTrip Co-founder and CEO, said in a statement. "We continue to operate our business as usual, with approximately one lakh room nights booked just yesterday on our platforms," he added. Magow's reaction came in the backdrop of some hotel partners in Ahmedabad expressing concerns on their commercial terms with MakeMyTrip and Goibibo. "We have about 55,000 domestic hotels and 500,000 international hotels as our partners and we are proud and privileged to have this wide network of hotels to serve all accommodation needs of our customers," said the CEO. "We are honouring all bookings on our platform across cities, making sure there is no hassle for any single customer who books on MakeMyTrip and Goibibo," Magow added. According to Prashanth Aroor, MD and CEO, Intellistay Hotels, they remain fully available to book via MakeMyTrip and Goibibo. "We continue to work closely with them during this period of market confusion to ensure that all bookings were honoured at all our hotels and consumers are not inconvenienced in anyway," he said. New Delhi, Dec 5 : Several "students" took out a rally calling for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Wednesday on the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), inviting disapproval and concerns about safety from the student union, which blamed the security agencies for allowing the participants to "vitiate" the campus environment. A video showed about 50 students carrying out a rally on the campus in the morning on bikes and other vehicles. From a truck, which also was a part of the rally, loud songs were shown being played in praise of Lord Ram. A banner was stuck with its hood advertising the upcoming 'Dharma Sabha' on December 9. The JNU Students Union, comprising members from Leftist student groups, has objected, calling it a "security breach" and accusing the administration of providing "political patronage" to the rightwing student groups. "It has come to our notice that in the morning between 9 a.m.-10 a.m, a group of outsiders in trucks, cars and motorcycles illegally entered the JNU campus forcing themselves through Saraswatipuram gate breaching the security. "We were told by the security personnel that there was no prior permission for such a rally organised by the outsiders on the campus. THe rallyists with saffron flags were vitiating the campus environment with communal slogans and were creating an atmosphere of fear and violence.... it is clear the administration is showing its political patronage to a particular political party and its actions," the union said. Whether the rally participants were JNU students could not be ascertained. Nor could it be known whether they took permission to carry out the procession on the campus. University officials could not be contacted despite several attempts. Saurabh Sharma, member of RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, told IANS that taking out the rally was a democratic right of students. "If students want to take out 'Ram Sankalp Yatra' peacefully, then it's their democratic right," he said. New Delhi, Dec 5 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday alleged that the BJP has always been deleting "unfavourable" voters' names from the electoral list in order to win the elections and that they are doing it again with an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "To delete those people's names from the electoral list who do not support the BJP is the party's tried and tested strategy. Using this strategy, they have been winning the elections in Gujarat and now, they are doing the same in Delhi," AAP's East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency in-charge Atishi told the media here. The AAP government has been actively raising this issue ever since they found that about 30 lakh names of voters -- particularly those of Baniya, Muslim and Purvanchali community -- were axed from the electoral list, allegedly on the direction of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). She added: "The BJP, which has always been victimising the Muslims, has categorised the Baniyas and Purvanchalis as the second Muslim community in Delhi." Atishi went on to slam Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his approach towards the voters' deletion matter and said that it is "Modi ji's responsibility to fight for the fundamental right of the 30 lakh voters of Delhi". "Are Baniyas and Purvanchalis not a part of this country? Do they not deserve their right to vote?" she said. Giving data on the number of deleted voters from each community, she said that in Jangpura in south Delhi alone names of 27,443 voters have been deleted from the list. "Of this, 5,300 are Baniyas, 4,900 Muslims and 8,500 are Purvanchalis." In Okhla, she said, 46,700 voters have been removed -- 30,000 Muslims, 11,000 Purvanchalis and 5,700 Baniyas. The AAP had downloaded the deleted voters' list from the Election Commission's website a few days back, following which they analysed the whole list and found the discrepancy. New Delhi, Dec 5 : A three-day global "LED Expo 2018" gets underway on Thursday at Greater Noida, organisers Messe Frankfurt said on Wednesday. At the curtain raiser to announce the 19th edition of the event, Noida Authority Chairman and Chief Executive Alok Tandon said the city Noida authorities are making progress in replacing all 74,000 traditional lights in the jurisdiction with smart light-emitting diode (LED) streetlights. Over 300 companies are slated to take part in LED Expo 2018 including from leading overseas manufacturers like China, Finland, Japan, Hong Kong, Italy, Korea, Turkey and Taiwan, a statement said. "The government is committed to promote LED lighting technologies, with Noida itself making a headway for replacing all 74,000 traditional lights with LED streetlights which are energy-saving, cost-efficient, environmental-friendly and can help us save various other costs," he said. Union Electronics Secretary Ajay Sawhney said manufacturing of LED products in the country increased from Rs 2,172 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 9,630 crore in 2017-18 showing an over four-fold rise in the total production. New Delhi, Dec 5 : The Delhi Police has arrested a dreaded gangster involved in over 25 criminal cases in Delhi and adjoining states, an officer said on Wednesday. The police said the accused, identified as Jitender, was arrested on Tuesday night when he was waiting for some one near Dhaula Kaun Metro Station in south Delhi. "A resident of Najafgarh in Delhi, Jitender is a member of slain Rajesh Bharti's gang. Jitender was previously involved in more than 25 heinous criminal cases which included murder, attempt to murder, extortion, carjacking, robbery and kidnapping in Delhi and Haryana," Deputy Commissioner of Police P.S Kushwah said, adding that the accused was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head. "The special Cell team got a tip-off that Jitender, along with his accomplice, would come to meet his contact near Daula Kaun Metro Station. So, a trap was laid. Police teams intercepted Jitender's SUV when it was spotted near the Metro station at 9 p.m," Kushwah said. "Sensing danger, Jitender whipped out his country-made pistol in a bid to flee but police personnel overpowered him. However, his two accomplices managed to escape in the SUV," the DCP added. The abandoned SUV was later found in a desolated spot in Mahipalpur, he said, adding that a hunt is on to nab his accomplices. Hyderabad, Dec 5 : AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath showed his callousness by campaigning in Telangana instead of consoling the family of the police officer shot dead by 'gau-rakshaks' in his state. "This shows his callousness and complete disregard to what is happening in his state," said the Hyderabad MP. Yogi was in Telangana on Wednesday on the second leg of campaigning for Bharatiya Janata Party candidates in the Assembly elections. "I hope people of Uttar Pradesh will realize what a callous, reckless and irresponsible CM they have got. I also hope UP police will also realize that when one of their officers is shot dead, the CM is not there to grieve with his family, but doing election tourism in Telangana," Owaisi told reporters. Police Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh was shot dead during the violence by a mob in Bulandshahr after the discovery of alleged cow carcasses on Monday. When asked about statement of a top UP police officer that there was a conspiracy behind the killing, Owaisi said it was a conspiracy hatched and supported by Yogi. "The conspiracy was hatched and supported by him. Let him say this because the accused were from Bajrang Dal, which is a sister organization of RSS and Yogi is part of Sangh Pariwar. Prime Minister Modi is also part of Sangh Pariwar. Your sister organization has killed a man in uniform. Will you stop your sister organization," he asked. Owaisi said this monster was creation of Sangh Pariwar. "This Frankenstein is out of their control. Muslims and Dalits were targetted and now people in uniform are being targeted," he said. The MP wondered if BJP government in UP would live up to its Constitutional duty to protect the right to life which is the fundamental right. Latest updates on Howdy Modi Houston New Delhi, Dec 5 : In the country's first solar-wind hybrid auction conducted by the state-run Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has yielded the lowest highly competitive tariff of less than Rs 2.70 per unit, the government said on Wednesday. Addressing the 54th SKOCH Summit here, Union New and Renewable Energy Secretary Anand Kumar said the government has also embarked on the development of non-conventional renewable energy sources, while the first round of auctions for floating solar projects had also successfully discovered tariffs as low as Rs 3.22 per unit. "The first bidding for hybrid solar-cum-wind projects has been successfully held and a tariff of Rs 2.67 per unit has emerged as the lowest one," he said. Kumar also said that having made a global commitment that, 40 per cent of India's electric capacity would come from non-fossil fuels by 2030, the country is well on course to install 175 gigawat (GW) of renewable capacity by 2022. "We have already installed 73.35 GW, projects worth 21.5 GW are under various stages of implementation and projects amounting to another 25 GW are under various stages of bidding," he added. New Delhi, Dec 5 : Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked him to hold a press conference. Gandhi, who on the day campaigned in Telangana for the December 7 Assembly polls, shared pictures of his press conference in Hyderabad on Twitter and said it was fun to have questions thrown at you. "Dear Mr Modi, now that campaigning is over, hope you can spare some time for your part-time job as PM," said Gandhi about Modi who has been going around campaigning for the ongoing Assembly polls in five states. Gandhi also reminded Modi that it has been "2,654 days since you became PM. Still no press conference". "Some pics from our Hyderabad press conference today (Wednesday). Try one some day, it's fun having questions thrown at you," added Gandhi. Ras Al-naqoura, Dec 6 : The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon will on Thursday send a fact-finding mission to Israel after its military launched an operation to destroy alleged cross-border tunnels built by Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah, UNIFIL said on Wednesday. The despatch of a "technical team" to Israel was agreed at a meeting chaired by UNIFIL chief Stefano Del Col at its headquarters in Ras Al-Naqoura with senior officers from the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces, a statement said. The meeting "included discussions of IDF activities south of the Blue Line to look for suspected tunnels" and "provided a forum to present and discuss issues related to the ongoing IDF activities to ensure that the overall calm prevails in the weeks ahead," the statement added. "It was also agreed that UNIFIL would send a technical team to Israel on December 6 to ascertain the facts," said the statement. "The regular Tripartite meeting" had been scheduled before the IDF launched its operation at its northern border overnight on Monday, said the statement. At the meeting, Del Col stressed the "importance of ensuring that UNIFIL has full access to all locations along the Blue Line", while also appealing for the support of the parties in reducing the "high level of rhetoric". Del Col also called "the parties to refrain from any unilateral action that could negatively affect the situation." "In 2019, UNIFIL will continue to support all efforts to defuse tensions through dialogue and pursue all opportunities for confidence-building," he said. "All sides should be aware of the potential for a relatively minor incident to rapidly escalate into something more serious with unintended consequences," he added. The parties to Wednesday's meeting reaffirmed their commitment to United Nations Resolution 1701 (which aimed to end the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war) as well as to continued stability along the Blue Line, UNIFIL said. UNIFIL currently has around 10,500 peacekeepers in Lebanon (including 1,188 Italian troops) who carry out some 14,500 day and night-time operational activities each month, south of the Litani river. The Italian-led mission also has more than 800 civilian staff and is complemented by a six-vessel Maritime Task Force, UNIFIL said. A Gold Coast family has spent more than $15 million on three rural properties sold by the State Government that were earmarked for the abandoned Glendowner Dam project at Beaudesert. The auction last Friday saw the properties sold for a combined $15.8 million. Ray White Rural reportedly sold the three properties to an undisclosed Gold Coast family who bought them to create one landholding. Ray White Rural Queensland agent Peter Douglas said there were 45 registered bidders. Throughout the campaign we had buyers come from interstate but today all three sold to one Gold Coast based family who have bought them to turn into a farm, he told The Courier Mail. A 556 hectare holding sold for $11.5 million in an auction with 14 registered bidders while a multi-titled 146.6 hectare parcel sold for $3.1 million and a 75 hectare lot went for $1.2 million. Close to the Gold Coast, the properties are about 60 kilometres from Southport and 70 kilometres from Brisbane. Ray White Gerringong agent Neil Campbell says he has never seen anything like Ocean Pines, a 40 hectare Gerringong estate, in all his years of real estate. "Ive been selling rural property for 30 years and this is the only one I can truly say is unique," he said. "Its the most spectacular beautiful property youve ever seen. Theres not another property like it." The property, which was a dairy farm held by the Weir family for many generations, is being offered by fashion pioneer and Inghams Chicken heir Robby Ingham and wife Sarah. They paid $7 million for the coastal acreage in 2012 and envisaged a retreat from their coastal Sydney base, but struggled to get approval from the local council for a number of years. Ingram admits to fatique, and the fact that his family came across a great nearby riverfront holding during the long wait. After finally securing approval for a 10 bedroom luxury retreat designed by architect Nick Tobias, the Inghams are now selling the Gerringong retreat, with record $10 million hopes. The 3,000 square metre home is estimated to cost around $5 million to build with Tobias envisaging grass on the rooftop of the doughnut shaped house. Campbell is marketing the property as coming "with 360 degree views of 60 kilometres of coastline to the north and south and rural and mountain vistas". The coastal strip has already become renown for its imaginative residential retreats. Last year, Headland House was built on a 38 hectare plot that traded vacant for $4.7 million in 2014. It was bought by Judith Neilson, daughter of art patron Judith Neilson and billionaire Kerr Neilson, and her husband Jeffrey Simpson. They commissioned Sydney-based studio Atelier Andy Carson to design the striking home that sits on a hilltop where a ridge connects the Illawarra escarpment to the sea. From its elevated position, it looks down towards Werri Beach and Geering Bay. The four bedroom main house was built in an L-shape around a central courtyard with swimming pool. There's a two bedroom guest house on the parcel. Gerrigong's price record hasn't been challenged since 2015 when Pebble Cove Farm, the 38 hectare oceanfront estate of tourism businesswoman Kerry Moran, sold for $7.3 million to management company executives Andrew Tatrai and Leni Ison. This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian. Sydney and Melbourne should prepare for a big drop in housing value, according to Finder.com.au. Finder asked experts and economists to weigh in on ANZ Bank forecasting a 15-20% fall from peak house prices in Sydney and Melbourne. The majority of experts surveyed (15/21, or 71%) said they agreed with ANZs assessment. Graham Cooke, Insights Manager at Finder.com.au, said that economists predictions of drops in the property market have become more dramatic. ANZs suggested 15% drop would see $145,500 and $118,500 wiped off the average house price in Sydney and Melbourne respectively," said Cooke. A 20% drop would see nearly $200,000 disappear from the equity of Sydney homeowners, Cooke said. Interestingly, economists were evenly split as to whether the housing downturn would result in more or fewer renovation projects. There is however solid agreement that therell be fewer new homes built in 2019, Cooke said. The Finder Survey showed that two-thirds of experts (14/21, or 66%) expect less construction, with 38% of experts predicting therell be at least a 10% drop in construction of new homes in 2019. Leading McGrath estate agent Peter Starr has resigned from McGrath. He is serving out his notice, with Raine & Horne Double Bay whispered as his next agency. He was the top seller in its Edgecliff headquarters. It marks a return to Raine & Horne for Starr, who rejoined McGrath around 2007. Starr was the highest selling agent in Sydney's east for McGrath for the past three years. Starr has over 27 years experience in the real estate industry. His clients have include the late showbiz impresario Harry M Miller, Olympian Murray Rose and RM Williams boss Ken Cowley. He was one of the McGrath agents involved in the recently concluded, long running State Government Millers Point terrace house sales campaign. He commenced in commercial leasing and moved into residential in 1992, including time at Laing & Simmons Double Bay, then starting his own business in 1996 with the purchase of Martin & Punch at Edgecliff. In 2002 with McGrath wanting to grow their rent roll business, he sold the Martin & Punch business to work at McGrath which was readying for its then anticipated 2002 ASX float. From early 2006, for around 18 months, he worked at Raine & Horne Double Bay during its Pallier/Goldman/Maskin incarnation. He then returned to McGrath. McGraths domination in the recent annual Real Estate Business Top 100 Agents ranking with 27 of the Top 100 agents in Australia included Starr in 12th place. McGrath's overall top selling agent was Matt Steinwede with $271 million in sales on the NSW Central Coast. Starr notched up $223 million in sales followed by Peter Chauncy on the lower North Shore with $207 million in sales, although not all McGrath agents participate in the REB top 100 listing. With its recruits falling short, the McGrath Eastern Suburbs sales team has required the direct listing assistance of their founder, John McGrath over recent times as it struggles to secure prestige listings. John McGrath has also recently turned his hand to selling prestige offerings. Sydney-based land developer, Clearstate, having completed their first major capital raising. They are now set to deliver 1,700 new homes to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Clearstate kicked off in 2011 and was placed third in the Australian Financial Reviews 2017 Fast Starters list. Kandis Investments Ltd, an affiliate entity of US-based global investment firm, Avenue Capital Group, has agreed to finance Clearstate with a facility of up to A$50 million. Clearstate Managing Director, Dean Willemsen (pictured above), said the facility will help Clearstate embark on a new era of expansion. Currently Clearstate's development pipeline is approaching 600 lots. The capital raising was facilitated by EY Australia, who secured the partnership with Avenue Capital Group, based in New York. Clearstate has developed land projects in Sydneys North West and South West growth corridors, as well as Melbourne. The companys latest project, Rouse Hill, is located on Tallawong Rd, Rouse Hill, NSW with house and land packages starting from $777,000. Clearstate has completely sold 8 other developments ranging in size from 9-59 lots. They currently have one other one other development with lot's still available for purchase, Candlebark at Box Hill. Home and land packages at Candlebark start from $688,000. Reducing the proposed cap on security deposits would make securing a tenancy harder for many, say the two largest landlord associations. David Smith, Policy Director for the Residential Landlords Association, had this to say: If this is true, landlords will feel badly let down by a Government which says it wants to support good landlords. The Government had accepted that a cap of six weeks was the minimum many landlords required. This is needed to address the problem of tenants who fail to pay the last month's rent and leave a property damaged. Ministers claim that they want to cut the cost of renting yet this is another measure the Government is taking that will further cut the number of landlords and properties available as demand continues to rise, so actually driving up rents up. Richard Lambert, Chief Executive Officer of the National Landlords Association said: A six-week cap is the lowest landlords find acceptable. Does the Government really not realise that if landlords don't think the deposit covers the risk of damage or unpaid rent, they will be even more cautious about who they let to? All this will do is make it harder for tenants with poor credit ratings or who want to have a pet to find a suitable home. This is clearly a political move aimed at the renters' vote. It is not a policy for business. James Davis, Founder of online letting agent, Upad, said: The industry may well respond negatively to this afternoons announcement and suggest that landlords will simply increase rents to compensate for what they lose in deposits, but this is somewhat short-sighted as in all reality, its not going to change things that much. Upad is not alone in having introduced deposit free rental listings and this innovative approach to an insurance-based alternative to the traditional deposit system works positively for all concerned. For tenants, whom todays announcement is aimed to benefit, it offers far greater financial flexibility, whilst a landlord will find that a property listed as being deposit free will appeal to a far greater pool of potential tenants and, therefore, let quicker than those where a tenant needs to find the funds, often before their previous deposit has been returned. On face value, todays government announcement is another way to curtail the freedom and power of UK landlords. However, those who are prepared to take an innovative approach to letting their properties will soon discover that there are solutions out there that hand power back to them and allow them to manage these changes. Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Program Options While we strongly recommend that clients consult with a trained health professional, we recognize that people often turn first to social media on their phones or connected devices. Sunshine Coast Health Centre, one of the top Centres in Canada for drug rehab and alcohol treatment, is proud to announce three key social media successes for Winter, 2018. Increasingly, the first efforts by clients and loved ones to discover the best drug rehab or alcohol treatment options for them occur on social media sites such as Facebook or on Internet review sites such as Google reviews. For this reason, the Centre is pleased to announce three successes across social media platforms. While we strongly recommend that clients consult with a trained health professional, we recognize that people often turn first to social media on their phones or connected devices, explained Casey Jordan, Chief Marketing Officer. Accordingly, we are excited to announce three successes across a range of social media platforms. The first key area of success is the vibrancy of the the Centre's Facebook page, which now tops 21,000 "likes" on Facebook and enjoys over 49 reviews. Second, the Calgary location now enjoys eight reviews on Google and includes new questions using the Google Q&A feature. It can be viewed at https://goo.gl/FEvkoB. Third, the Centre has just announced a new, explanatory video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/wL2hrPA2GT0, which is part of a YouTube-based outreach strategy. (It should also be noted that the Centre operates an outreach website at http://www.canadadrugrehab.ca/ aimed at helping people find government and nonprofit resources across Canada). THE ADVANTAGES OF A NEW INTERNET ERA VIS-A-VIS DRUG REHABILITATION AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT Here is background on this release. Canada is in the midst of one of the worst drug epidemics in its history, specifically the opioid addiction crisis. Addiction - to drugs, to alcohol, to other substances - is a scourge not only upon society but upon the persons caught in the throes of addiction and their families. Fortunately, Canadian society is responding with both governmental and private drug rehab and alcohol treatment programs. Second, the rise of social media in particular and the Internet in general, is making it easier than ever for persons to take that first, often hesitant step, towards finding an addiction treatment program that might meet their unique needs and issues. Perhaps it is a Google search for "Calgary drug rehab Centres" or "Calgary alcohol treatment programs" that lands them on the Centre's Calgary information page at https://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca/calgary-alcohol-treatment/. Or perhaps it is a Facebook post that they see in their news feed, or investigate on the Centre's Facebook Page. Or still a third option, perhaps they read the reviews from others on Google or Yelp about drug rehabilitation and alcohol treatment programs that have worked for them. Finally, the fact that a website inquiry can lead to a confidential phone assessment means that, even without leaving the privacy of their home, they can take the first, often tentative step, towards finding treatment. By announcing three successes across social media, Sunshine Coast is helping to boost awareness that the current era is not, entirely, one of despair when it comes to addiction. ABOUT SUNSHINE COAST HEALTH CENTRE Sunshine Coast Health Centre is a 47-bed drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility exclusively designed for men, officially opened on the 15th of March 2004. The Centre has a philosophy of care that goes beyond just addiction to include personal transformation based on three key therapeutic principles: interpersonal relatedness, self definition (autonomy & competence), and intrinsic motivation. The Centre offers both drug rehabilitation and alcohol treatment near Vancouver, BC, but serving patients across Canada, particularly British Columbia and Alberta and cities such as Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer. Sunshine Coast Health Centre uses a form of drug rehabilitation based on the research of Viktor Frankl and methodology of Paul T.P. Wong, namely 'Meaning Centered Therapy'. Website. http://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca Says Slone Partners President Tara Kochis-Stach, Eric is an exceptional commercial marketer and business developer with an award-winning track record, great energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Together, there is great upside and potential. Slone Partners, North Americas leading executive search firm for life sciences and diagnostics companies, announces the placement of Eric Blair at Argonaut Manufacturing Services as Chief Commercial Officer. Now responsible for the development and execution of the companys commercial activities, alliances, and growth opportunities, Mr. Blair will be based at Argonauts headquarters in Carlsbad, California and report to CEO Wayne Woodard. Argonaut Manufacturing Services is a contract manufacturing organization (CMO) dedicated to serving highly innovative companies in the biopharmaceutical and molecular diagnostics industries. Argonaut is a full service, cost effective partner, providing complete solutions in the areas of formulation, filling and finishing, and final kitting. With cGMP and ISO 13485:2016 certification, Argonaut builds quality into each step, every time. Mr. Blairs hiring follows Argonaut Manufacturing Services recent acquisition of LyoGen, a provider of lyophilized products in unique, proprietary formats, including unit dose LyoDose beads, microbeads, deposition, and bulk products delivered in vials and powder formats. With the acquisition of LyoGen, Argonaut expands its reagent lyophilization capabilities from process development through production scale deployment. Argonaut is backed by Telegraph Hill Partners. Prior to joining Argonaut, Eric Blair created a proven track record of leadership and success at Thermo Fisher Scientific, the worlds leading science services company with $20 billion in annual revenues and 70,000 employees. During his 15-year tenure, Mr. Blair held the titles of Associate Director of Marketing, Global Strategic Corporate Accounts Leader, North American Sales Manager, Team Leader of Corporate Operations Management, and Gene Expression/Genotyping Business Development. Most recently, Mr. Blair worked at Metabolon Inc., the worlds leading health technology company advancing metabolomics for precision medicine clients, as Vice President of Global Academic Sales. Mr. Blair achieved his MBA at Regis University, Denver CO, and his BA in Biology at University of California, Santa Barbara CA. Says Slone Partners President Tara Kochis-Stach, Argonaut is poised to do great things in biotech, and world-class leadership will prove vitally important to drive global growth. Eric is an exceptional commercial marketer and business developer with an award-winning track record, great energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Together, there is great upside and potential. ABOUT SLONE PARTNERS Slone Partners delivers the leaders who build amazing scientific healthcare organizations - People Are Our Science. Since 2000, Slone Partners specializes in delivering world-class C-suite leadership, executive, and upper management talent to the most promising and established life sciences, diagnostics, precision medicine, CRO, and laboratory services companies. With coast-to-coast presence in the most active healthcare industry hubs of Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin, Research Triangle Park NC, and Washington DC, Slone Partners uniquely and precisely provides an array of executive search and advisory services to innovative scientific healthcare companies. To learn more about Slone Partners value proposition and processes, visit slonepartners.com or call 888.784.3422. ABOUT ARGONAUT MANUFACTURING SERVICES Argonaut is an independent contract development and manufacturing organization dedicated to providing manufacturing and supply chain solutions for life science, medical technology, drug development, and molecular diagnostic companies. With 11 state-of-the-art manufacturing cleanroom suites located within their 31,000 square foot facility, Argonaut provides flexible solutions for diverse outsourcing needs. For more information, visit http://www.argonautms.com. Even before New Years Day, 2018 was set up to be an interesting year for nonprofits..." Founded in 1987, Alexander Haas, Inc. celebrated its 31-year anniversary with a banner year in 2018. Named after founder and legendary fundraiser, Mrs. Leonard Be Haas, the firm continues to build partnerships with nonprofits that are transforming lives across the country, despite the ups and downs 2018 has brought to the industry. Even before New Years Day, 2018 was set up to be an interesting year for nonprofits with the implementation of some significant tax law changes including the increase in the standard deduction and anticipated gift bundling that may result, says David H. King, President and CEO of Alexander Haas. The team of industry-leading experts at Alexander Haas. remained steady-handed as they planned and executed campaigns with goals over $2.5 billion this year. Clients of the firm span the gamut of sub-sectors including colleges and universities, independent schools, churches, human and animal welfare organizations, museums and performing arts organizations. In 2018, the firm partnered with over 70 organizations in 21 states providing campaign planning and execution, annual fund enhancements, major gift program development, staff mentoring and training and helped organizations establish development offices for the first time. Alexander Haas also conducted over 263 campaign strategy study interviews with philanthropists to evaluate their potential support for client projects. Suffice it to say that we have kept busy, says King, as have our clients. Here is looking forward to another robust year of philanthropy in 2019! About Alexander Haas, Inc. Alexander Haas was founded in 1987 in Atlanta, Georgia and works with nonprofit organizations of all sizes and shapes including colleges and universities, independent schools, churches, human and animal welfare organizations, museums and performing arts organizations. The has provided fundraising counsel and conducted successful campaigns for nearly 1,000 organizations of virtually every type, from across the country, with goals ranging from $1 million to more than $1 billion. Services include counsel on: capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, campaign strategy studies, development assessments, annual funds, leadership annual giving, major gifts and planned giving. More about the firm is available at http://fundraisingcounsel.com or connect with us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alexander.Haas.inc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alexander-haas Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexanderHaas When the Wolf Comes Knocking: an engrossing story introducing a tight-knit family trying to cope with insidious existential threats on several fronts. When the Wolf Comes Knocking is the creation of published author Kenneth S. Pratt, a married father of five and grandfather of six living on the Oregon coast with Cathy, his wife of twenty-one years. On New Years Eve, Greg Slater saved the life of his ex-girlfriend, Tina, from her troubled husband, Rene Dibari, but not before tragedy strikes. Sentenced to life in prison, Rene vows to get his revenge if he ever is free again. Fifteen years later, Greg is now married to Tina and raising a family of their own in the same small town where all three of them grew up together. The Slater home has always been a strong, peaceful and happy one, but recently a crack has been revealed in its foundation. When Rene escapes from prison, that foundation is rocked to its core. Some wolves attack when the prey is at its weakest; some wolves come fiercely, and some wolves knock softly. When the Wolf Comes Knocking can the Slater familys faith hold the foundation of their lives together, or will the three types of wolves tear them apart one by one? Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Kenneth S. Pratts new book is a page-turning dramatic story of love, revenge, and faith set in a close-knit Oregon town. View a synopsis of When the Wolf Comes Knocking on YouTube. Readers can purchase When the Wolf Comes Knocking at traditional brick and mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about When the Wolf Comes Knocking, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. In 2018, we saw businesses continue the migration of their application workloads to the cloud, resulting in new security needs that arise when considering the new normal of a hybrid model that combines on-premise and cloud infrastructures. The top 2019 data security trends were released today by Axiomatics, the leader in externalized, fine-grained dynamic authorization. This years trends highlight the challenges of protecting access to the increasing volume of sensitive data created and stored by businesses today. In 2018, we saw businesses continue the migration of their application workloads to the cloud, resulting in new security needs that arise when considering the new normal of a hybrid model that combines on-premise and cloud infrastructures, said Gerry Gebel, vice president of business development at Axiomatics. Developing now are the models and tools businesses need to protect sensitive digital assets at the micro level to ensure their reputation remains intact, satisfy compliance mandates, improve the customer experience, gain a competitive edge and protect valuable information. Axiomatics compiled the 2019 trends based on a culmination of a year-long examination of the data security landscape. The trends expected to expand and grow in 2019 include: Data Services Move to the Cloud Businesses are embarking on more artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning data projects, as the mass migration of data, applications, workflows and other business elements to the cloud continues. Cloud platforms like AWS and Microsoft Azure offer easier, affordable and more flexible data storage systems compared to traditional storage solutions like on-premise relational databases. It seems like a new data service (call it big data, data lake, etc.) emerges on a regular basis, offering new features or capabilities. Its a priority to augment the basic security capabilities of the cloud platform and cloud data service providers. Transitioning to DevSecOps Businesses that develop software are using modern DevOps techniques to achieve faster time-to-market and continuously deliver new features at a rapid pace. Security professionals are using the best practices of the DevOps methodology to take an agile approach to security. By incorporating security into DevOps and transitioning to DevSecOps, companies can automate security processes, determine their internal best practices and securely bring new application services to production faster. Increasingly, we are seeing scenarios where legacy identity and security components are not compatible with this new DevSecOps model - security solutions must be adaptable or they will become an impediment to business outcomes, rather than being supportive of business initiatives. Microservices and API Security The trend toward utilizing microservices, service meshes and APIs continues apace. These new applications are frequently the channel for accessing sensitive or regulated data. In scenarios where fine-grained access is a must, we expect a growing number of enterprises to adopt a more comprehensive approach to access control by combining OAuth and Attribute Based Access Control models. We are seeing a growing number of cases where authorization as a microservice is a real business advantage, whether deployed independently or as a sidecar alongside your apps microservice. This trend will expose many benefits, such as proper management and governance of access scopes, cleaner APIs that are not polluted with security logic and more agile development cycles when offloading security to an infrastructure service. The Domino Effect of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Compliance The GDPR frenzy didnt end in May 2018 when the regulation went into effect. Instead, there is uncertainty over how GDPR will be enforced as well as new regulations on the horizon in other parts of the globe. The newly signed United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA) agreement (NAFTA 2.0), when ratified, will restrict data localization, enabling data to flow freely across borders, resulting in new data privacy concerns. In addition, Canada is introducing new data protection laws with GDPRs standards in mind and California passed the Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (AB375). These regulatory requirements drive organizations to implement new security controls that can protect consumer and citizens privacy through a context-sensitive and risk-based access control model across the enterprise. Enhancing Digital Business The push toward digital transformation to create new digital experiences and modernize legacy development approaches to better serve customers is still a priority. As more industries see disruptive entrants, the speed of the development process must keep pace. Businesses are now busy trying to utilize, monetize and secure their digital data assets to serve their customers better. Filling the IT Skills Gap The IT skills gap is very real across the entire enterprise architecture. Whether it is data management tools or Identity and Access Management (IAM) tools, it is critical for IT leadership to invest in the training required to ensure employees understand how to leverage a variety of modern technologies to gain a competitive advantage. IAM tools are one good example. Leveraging disparate IAM tools requires different sets of skill and expertise for each tool. Users need training to master all of these tools to ensure data isnt accessed by unauthorized users. Organizations like IDPRo are addressing this need head-on, to help lead the way for the next generation of digital identity professionals on a global basis. Controlling Access to IoT Data IoT is responsible for driving the biggest quantity of data into data lakes for businesses to analyze and leverage for analytics. With so much data at stake, companies must control who can and cannot access that data. To help protect the data that IoT devices are generating, businesses require finer-grained access control to protect data lakes as IoT data flows in. As more data is generated through IoT devices and moved to the cloud, it becomes increasingly important to share that data securely across an enterprise to generate analytical insights, said Pablo Giambiagi, vice president of strategic research at Axiomatics. As a result, businesses are in search of modern tools and approaches to stave off unauthorized access to data and mitigate their chances of a data breach in 2019. For more information about Axiomatics, please visit https://www.axiomatics.com. About Axiomatics Axiomatics is the leading provider of fine-grained access control. Axiomatics' solutions are utilized by government agencies and Global Fortune 1000 companies around the world to enable digital transformation: share and safeguard sensitive information, meet compliance requirements and minimize data fraud. Axiomatics provides Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC) for applications, databases, Big Data, APIs and microservices. To learn more, please visit http://www.axiomatics.com or @axiomatics. Although each meeting has been in a different location, there has been one common theme: Learn From the Best. By bringing together the best international instructors, researchers, clinicians and speakers, we have been able to consistently provide the highest quality of education. Join the BFE in celebrating its 20th Meeting in Cardiff, Wales. The BFE meeting is an interdisciplinary biofeedback conference to nurture communication and education between specialists from different disciplines. Experts from neurofeedback, biofeedback, psychology, medicine, physical therapy, education and other disciplines come together to share and learn. The meeting offers a broad range of basic and applied psychophysiology and biofeedback workshops along with in-depth presentations (lectures, symposia, paper sessions, and posters) during the scientific program. The workshops are instructed by internationally recognized clinicians, educators and researchers who will demonstrate their latest clinical/educational biofeedback training approaches. Workshop Program The workshop program includes three BCIA (Biofeedback Certification International Alliance) Certification workshops: Neurofeedback 5-day workshop Drs. Lynda and Michael Thompson Biofeedback 5-day workshop Dr. Donald Moss, Dr. Fred Shaffer, Dr. Erik Peper Heart Rate Variability 2-day workshop Dr. Danielle Matto Additional workshops feature a host of international presenters including: Dr. Inna Khazan, Dr. Richard Harvey, Dr. Erik Peper (USA); Dr. Vietta Sue Wilson, Dr. Paul G. Swingle (Canada); Dr. Antonio Martins-Mourao (England); Dr. Luciana Lorenzon, Dr. Tullio Scrimali (Italy); Santiago Brand, BA, BCN, BCB (Columbia); Prof. Daniel Hamiel, Dr. Yuval Oded, Yossi Ehrenreich MA (Israel); Pedro Teixeiro, PT (Portugal); Claudia Hacad, PT (Brazil). More workshops will be announced shortly. Asked about reaching this milestone, BFE Advisory Board President, Dr. Erik Peper, replied, It is hard to believe that the Biofeedback Federation of Europe will celebrate its 20th Meeting, April 8-13, 2019. Although each meeting has been in a different location, there has been one common theme: Learn From the Best. By bringing together the best international instructors, researchers, clinicians and speakers, we have been able to consistently provide the highest quality of education. The workshops and scientific meeting have provided so many opportunities to meet and learn from each other. I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to explore new approaches and learn from the many informal discussions over coffee, lunch and dinner. Meeting Dates & Location Date: April 8-13, 2019 Location: Cardiff, Wales Venue: Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa Register: meeting.bfe.org Call for Submissions Submissions are still being accepted for poster presentations. The deadlines for submissions is December 30, 2018. To download a submission form, please visit the BFE Meeting Website. About the Biofeedback Federation of Europe The Biofeedback Federation CIC is a community interest company based in the UK dedicated to increasing awareness about the benefits of biofeedback and providing education, training and certification to professionals. It is entirely supported by revenues generated in its online shop, through sponsorships and donations. For more information, visit the BFE Online Shop. Contact: Carol Meyers Acting General Manager generalmanager@bfe.org We chose Sudrania Fund Services for their in-depth knowledge and understanding of buy-side fund operationsand ability to deliver a modern technology solution recognizing the need for handling more data and integratemore processes. said Shalin Madan, CIO of Bodhi Tree. Bodhi Tree Asset Management (Bodhi Tree) today announces that it has purchased a minority stake in Sudrania Fund Services (Sudrania) as part of its strategy to create a scalable front to back-office multi-asset class solution for RIAs, Family Office, and Endowment model investors, all backed by cloud technology. Bodhi Tree offers quantitative tactical asset allocation strategies via Fund and SMA structures to institutional and HNWI investors. Bodhi Tree is seeding technology-focused companies to create a diverse menu of front to back- office solutions for sophisticated investors. We chose Sudrania Fund Services for their in-depth knowledge and understanding of buy-side fund operations and ability to deliver a modern technology solution recognizing the need for handling more data and integrate more processes. Sudranias approach of using technology as a tool to effectively provide a hand holding and white glove service to its clients is very refreshing, said Shalin Madan, CIO of Bodhi Tree. Sudrania is excited to have Bodhi Tree as an investor, said Nilesh Sudrania, Founder & CEO of Sudrania Fund Services. Bodhi Tree understands the importance of technology in the investment management business from front to back-office, especially in the ever-increasing demand for transparency and performance by the investors, and consequently asset managers. Bodhi Trees contribution in helping with the strategic direction of our business is of immense value. Sudrania has developed a comprehensive software, Seamless Solution, for buy-side investment managers, which removes the redundant data and processes plaguing current solutions. With a single database solution for portfolio analytics, fund accounting & NAV calculations, and investor allocations & fee calculations, Seamless is one of the most efficient solutions in todays marketplace. Seamless is offered via cloud deployment with auto- scaling features for a cost-efficient, streamlined and seamless operational workflow. The founding team and executives of Sudrania each have 15+ years of experience in the fund administration and back-office services for investment managers. Sudrania offers an extensive suite of services specifically designed to allow investment managers to outsource their back-office operations and fund administration to tap the best of the technology and talent. Sudranias fund services operations are SOC 1 audited/certified. Seamless is SOC 2 audited/certified. For more information about Seamless Solution, visit https://www.sudrania.com/seamless About Sudrania Sudrania was founded in 2016 in Chicago, IL and developed Seamless Solution, which has redefined the back-office operations and reporting for investment managers and provides a new technology alternative to legacy solutions for buy-side managers. Sudranias offices are located at 633 Rogers St, Suite 106, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Sudranias website is http://www.sudrania.com. About Bodhi Tree Bodhi Tree Asset Management is a Miami based Registered Investment Adviser that uses data, technology, and evidence-based approaches for global investing. The firm has been founded on the tenets of deep research and intellectual honesty. The firm offers investment management services to HNWIs, Family Offices, Pension/Endowment Funds via fund and SMA structures. For more information about Bodhi Trees investment strategies, please visit btam.co. Bodhi Trees offices are located at 40 SW 13th Street PH-1, Miami, FL 33130. Cash For Houses Maryland People often find it difficult to sell their homes fast for one or another reason. Many times, a homeowner has to incur heavy renovation expenses to make it livable as well as attractive for buyers. However, in Maryland, a leading real estate expert has come up with a strategy, allowing homeowners to quickly sell their homes without spending on repairs or renovation. Larry has started this Cash for Houses program with an objective to help property owners in the area to get the best value for their homes, as fast as possible. Speaking about this strategy, Larry stated, Once I wanted to sell my house immediately, and I found it was really difficult. Finally, I started the Cash for House Maryland Company to assure the best prices and sell houses without a delay for the most homeowners in the area. With years of experience in the local real estate market, Larry is well aware of the tricky process of closing a real estate deal. According to him, his strategy could be the best option for someone who wants to sell his/her house with little delay and without spending time and money on repairs. With a great understanding of the local economy, Larry and his team are capable of brokering the best deal for a homeowner who closes a deal through them. According to Larry, his cash for house strategy is a simple program that expedites the process of selling house. Under this strategy, there is no need of loan approvals, which often delay the process. Thus, it saves homeowners from going through a bunch of unnecessary paperwork. Moreover, the knowledge of the market prices allows them to close the deals in a rather speedy manner. They can handle all types of property related transactions in a time saving manner to save both buyers and sellers from several types of hassles and frustrations. One can learn more about the cash for the house Maryland strategy and how it can benefit them by visiting the website https://cash-for-houses-maryland.construction-expert.com. About Cash For Houses Maryland Cash For Houses Maryland is 100% dedicated solution to get a property sold as quickly and easily as possible while still getting the most money. The amount of commission realtors charge along with the necessity for the properties that go up on the MLS needing to be in comparable condition to other homes listed, makes selling houses difficult when it comes to major repairs and other defects. Cash for Houses Maryland purchases houses as-is basis and ensures the best prices for the clients. For Media Inquiries Contact Person: Larry Telephone: 253-218-6750 Email: Larry(at)construction-expert(dot)com Sell My House We are excited to partner with ChrysCapital as we enter our next phase of growth. said Nitin Thakor, President and CEO of GeBBS Healthcare Solutions. We chose to partner with ChrysCapital because they bring with them a strong track record of building best-in-class businesses GeBBS Healthcare Solutions, a leading national provider of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) solutions for the healthcare industry, announced today that ChrysCapital, a marquee Indian private equity fund with a global technology services footprint, has acquired a majority stake in the company. Founded in 2005, GeBBS Healthcare Solutions is one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry. Their cost containment solutions leverage the latest technology and help clients increase profitability and scalability. GeBBS will continue to be led by Mr. Nitin Thakor and Mr. Milind Godbole who, together with the existing management team, have been instrumental in driving the companys growth. We are excited to partner with ChrysCapital as we enter our next phase of growth. said Nitin Thakor, President and CEO of GeBBS Healthcare Solutions. We chose to partner with ChrysCapital because they bring with them a strong track record of building best-in-class businesses. Their deep domain expertise and strong network of relationships will complement our capabilities and drive additional value to our customers. We now have the resources to accelerate our growth and strategic objectives. ChrysCapital has a long tradition of successful partnerships with entrepreneurs, supporting their growth and expansion in a collaborative manner. We are excited to partner with Nitin, Milind and the existing management team to build the worlds leading healthcare business services company. With access to decades of experience with IT and BPO companies, ChrysCapital is confident that its investment in GeBBS will help differentiate the company and significantly accelerate its growth trajectory. We look forward to participating in GeBBS continued success." said Sanjay Kukreja, Partner at ChrysCapital. Houlihan Lokey acted as exclusive financial advisor to GeBBS Healthcare Solutions. Mundkur Law Partners and Clark Hill acted as legal advisors to GeBBS Healthcare Solutions. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati acted as advisors to ChrysCapital. About GeBBS GeBBS Healthcare Solutions is a leading technology-enabled provider of revenue cycle management (RCM) solutions. GeBBS innovative technology, combined with its over 6,000-strong global workforce, helps clients improve financial performance, compliance, and patient satisfaction. GeBBS solutions include Health Information Management (HIM), Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), Patient Access and Risk Adjustment Solutions. Headquartered in the Los Angeles, CA area, GeBBS has won numerous accolades, including being ranked in Modern Healthcares Top 15 Largest RCM Firms, Black Book Market Researchs Top 3 RCM Outsourcing Services for Health Systems, and Inc. 5000s fastest growing private companies in the U.S. For more information, please visit http://www.gebbs.com. About ChrysCapital Founded in 1999, ChrysCapital is one of the largest and most successful India-focused private equity firms with over $3 billion in AUM across 7 funds. Since inception the firm has made over 80 investments and has delivered over 65 exits across a number of sectors including in Business Services, Financial Services, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare and Consumer. ChrysCapitals investors include global endowments, sovereign funds, family offices, foundations and fund of funds. The firms current and past investments include HCL Technologies, L&T Infotech, LiquidHub, Infogain, Mankind Pharma, Hero FinCorp and National Stock Exchange of India. To learn more about ChrysCapital, please visit http://www.chryscapital.com Global Carbon Tax = Road to Ruin the climate conversation has been skewed by more than $600 million a year in ClimateWorks funding, over a decade, to environmental groups worldwide...to push a climate catastrophe theme, coal phase-out, global cap and trade system and put $12 trillion in renewables on the grid. Past News Releases RSS Huffington Post reported Dec. 4, 2018, that a letter from a trio of Canadian scientists, also signed by activist David Suzuki, is warning the federal government that climate change will be like a slow-moving international war claiming there is no time for a transitional economy from fossil fuels claims disputed by Friends of Science who call for more climate equality and climate diversity in the scope of review of natural factors affecting climate, like solar activity. Numerous scientists and economists say there is no justification for extreme policies or climate hysteria, as outlined in a Heritage Foundation report of April 22, 2016. One of the signatories to the Canadian letter in the HuffPost report, Dr. David Schindler, was co-author of influential negative papers on the Canadian oil sands, the research for which was funded by Tides Foundation. Researcher Vivian Krause found that foreign foundations have been running The Tar Sands Campaign against Canada for over a decade, one of the primary funders being Tides, as reported by Counterpunch on Oct. 16, 2013, and in the National Post Oct. 3, 2016. Tides is associated with funding by and through the ClimateWorks Foundation and partners, as revealed in the ClimateWorks-Podesta Wikileaks documents and by Matthew Nisbets (2018) research on "Strategic Philanthropy." LINK: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wcc.524 These documents show that the climate conversation has been skewed by more than $600 million a year in ClimateWorks funding, over a decade, to environmental groups worldwide. The ClimateWorks' commercial objective was to push a climate catastrophe theme, coal phase-out, global cap and trade system and put $12 trillion in their vested interest renewables on the grid. Funding local environmental groups made proposals appear grassroots. "Global carbon tax is a road to ruin" is the current theme of Friends of Science new billboard campaign, outlined in a blog post of Nov. 27, 2018, along with another billboard image of a large solar flare versus the earth: "Climate - Change Your Mind. Is it you? Is it really CO2?". Friends of Science Society says the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is also advocating for a "no fossil fuels" policy. This would result in crimes against humanity, as outlined in Friends of Science Open Letter to the IPCC of Nov. 28, 2018. In fact, Prof. Michael J. Kelly of Cambridge has asserted, as early as 2010, that rapid decarbonization - prompt phase-out of oil, coal and natural gas would result in mass deaths. LINK: rbkc.gov.uk/pdf/Prof%20Mike%20Kelly%20-%20FENand%20ER.pdf Friends of Science Society says it is time to look at the undue influences of these strategic philanthropists that have commercial interests in swaying climate and energy policies in Canada and world-wide, and give equal voices to climate scientists who are sidelined as deniers. David Suzuki and Dr. Schindler have referred to Friends of Science as fossil-fuel funded deniers in various publications, in an apparent attempt to delegitimize open, civil debate on science. (Reported Feb. 27, 2018 in The Georgia Straight and Edmonton Journal, Dec. 6, 2015) Ironically, according to a Power Corporation 2017 CDP report, Power has been funding the David Suzuki Foundation since 2007 and will do so until 2020. Power is an investor in the French oil and gas company, Total SA Friends of Science Society calls for climate equality and a fulsome debate with a focus on climate diversity of views and disciplines, as at the Porto Conference of September 2018. Current computer climate models (simulations) would require computing time that is the age of the universe squared, to just come up with a fairly accurate 10-year forecast, as noted by Prof. Christopher Essex. Catastrophic climate claims are based on flawed and inadequate climate simulations. About Friends of Science Society is an independent group of earth, atmospheric and solar scientists, engineers, and citizens who are celebrating its 16th year of offering climate science insights. After a thorough review of a broad spectrum of literature on climate change, Friends of Science Society has concluded that the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2). Friends of Science Society P.O. Box 23167, Mission P.O. Calgary, Alberta Canada T2S 3B1 Toll-free Telephone: 1-888-789-9597 Web: friendsofscience.org E-mail: contact(at)friendsofscience(dot)org Web: climatechange101.ca Converge Technology Solutions Converge will look to enhance its hybrid IT solutions including identity-based enterprise Blockchain, cognitive, cybersecurity, resiliency managed services and multi-cloud solutions to customers across North America. Converge Technology Solutions, Corp. (Converge or the Company) announced today that it has acquired Lighthouse Computer Services, Inc. (Lighthouse), a Northeast based partner focused on analytics, hybrid cloud, infrastructure, and security. Lighthouse brings highly skilled teams of experienced technology experts, business consultants, and industry thought leaders to Converges fast growing platform. Lighthouse President Greg Berard will continue in his role along with the existing Lighthouse management team. Working with Greg, Converge will look to enhance its hybrid IT solutions including identity-based enterprise Blockchain, cognitive, cybersecurity, resiliency managed services, and multi-cloud solutions to customers across North America. Our team at Lighthouse helps organizations solve IT challenges by applying innovative cloud, cognitive, and cybersecurity technologies. As trusted advisors, we enable our clients to exceed their goals and objectives to ensure long-term success, said Greg Berard. We look forward to working with our peers at Converge to impact more organizations while bringing enhanced cloud platform capabilities to our existing clients. Lighthouse stays on the forefront of innovation, guiding customers through digital transformations with a focus on building secure cognitive applications in hybrid cloud environments. Whether working an on- premise or in a public, private, or hybrid cloud environment, Lighthouse brings the skills and expertise to properly architect secure, effective solutions. We are ecstatic that Lighthouse is joining the Converge family of companies, said Shaun Maine, CEO of Converge. As a top partner in the IBM ecosystem and one of the 12 companies in Red Hats top Application Partner Program, Lighthouse adds another dimension to our Hybrid IT solutions. This is especially relevant in light of IBMs announcement of its intention to purchase RedHat. As we move forward, Lighthouse will play a significant role in Converge's strategy of becoming a major Hybrid IT solutions provider in the New York marketplace." Lighthouse marks the sixth acquisition completed by Converge since October 2017. Converges family of companies also includes Corus Group, LLC; Northern Micro, Inc.; Becker-Carroll; Key Information Systems, Inc.; BlueChipTek, Inc.; and Essex Technology Group, Inc. About Converge Converge Technology Solutions Corp. combines innovation accelerators and foundational infrastructure solutions to deliver best-of-breed solutions and services to customers. The company is building a platform of regionally-focused Hybrid IT solutions providers to enhance their ability to provide multi-cloud solutions, blockchain, resiliency, and managed services, enabling Converge to address the business and IT issues that public and private-sector organizations face today. For more information, visit http://www.convergetp.com. About Lighthouse Lighthouse is an award winning, IT firm with deep experience and a proven track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in the areas of analytics, hybrid cloud, infrastructure, and security. Since 1995, they have been helping their clients solve their IT challenges, providing on-site support, fostering long- term relationships, and gaining deep knowledge of their clients environments to help them ensure long- term success. For more information, visit http://www.lighthousecs.com. Notice to Reader: Forward-Looking Statements 1. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation regarding Converge and its business. 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. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Converge assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors should they change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The people of Counsel Financial are passionate about helping the contingent-fee law firms. I couldnt be more excited at the opportunity to assist plaintiffs attorneys in supporting and growing their practices. Counsel Financial is pleased to announce the addition of Libby Vish, Esq. to its business development team. Ms. Vish brings with her a strong background in the mass tort and single event legal services industry. In her most recent role, she served as Vice President of Client Development at a legal administration services provider, working closely with plaintiffs attorneys providing settlement advisory and consulting services to mass tort law firms nationwide. She has also held positions as Director of Mass Tort Compliance and Medicaid and Medicare Set Subject Matter Expert. In addition, she has extensive experience in third party liability healthcare lien resolution, claims administration, Qualified Settlement Funds, fund administration and a multitude of other legal services. Counsel Financial is rounding out a banner year, with the portfolio at its highest point in company history and a record number of deals executed. As Vice President of Business Development at Counsel Financial, Ms. Vish will build and maintain strong client relationships and take part in the numerous trade show and networking events the company attends annually. She will work one-on-one with plaintiffs attorneys to create custom-tailored, flexible solutions to meet the unique needs of each firm the company services. Of the opportunity, Libby states, The people of Counsel Financial are passionate about helping the contingent-fee law firms. I couldnt be more excited at the opportunity to assist plaintiffs attorneys in supporting and growing their practices. Ms. Vish completed her B.S. in marketing and B.A. in political science at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and earned her J.D. from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Early in her career, she worked for Justice Martin Johnstone (ret.) of the Kentucky Supreme Court and the late Justice McAnulty, of the Kentucky Court of Appeals. She is an active member of the Kentucky and North Carolina Bar Associations. Counsel Financial has provided working capital exclusively to the plaintiffs bar for over 18 years. The company continues to adjust its financial products to fit the changing legal landscape and build upon its experienced team of attorneys and professionals in order to best serve its clients. About Counsel Financial Counsel Financial is the largest provider of working capital lines of credit to plaintiffs attorneys in the industry, having loaned over $1.5 billion exclusively to plaintiffs attorneys in its 15-year history. Counsel Financial sets the standard for innovation and flexibility in its loan offerings, structuring terms that are conducive to the unique demands of contingency-fee practices. Leveraging 200+ years of internal legal experience, Counsel Financial has financed the growth of firms in every area of plaintiffs litigation, including personal injury, mass torts, class action and labor and employment. The company is exclusively endorsed by multiple national and state trial organizations, including the American Association for Justice and The National Trial Lawyers. Dillon Allen(Lt), Brad Chaykoski(Ctr), Jamie Overaitis(Rt) "The promotions of Jamie and Dillon are the result of our training and development initiatives designed to foster a team of best-in-class leaders. Custom Air Products and Services, Inc, has announced two internal promotions within their Mechanical Field Services Division. Jamie Overaitis promoted to Project Manager, and also, Dillon Allen promoted to General Superintendent, both will be reporting to Brad Chaykoski, General Manager of the division. Commenting on these promotions, Taylor Norris, CAPS Chief Executive Officer, said, We are very pleased to announce the promotions of Jamie and Dillon, both of whom have already made strong contributions to the company during their tenures. The promotions of Jamie and Dillon are the result of our training and development initiatives designed to foster a team of best-in-class leaders. Overaitis joined the company in 2006 and was previously General Superintendent of CAPS Mechanical Field Services Division. In addition, to leading teams that delivered consistent operational excellence, Overaitis, will now lead from a project initiative of leveraging team strengths and oversight of industrial and commercial projects, nationwide. Allen joined CAPS in 2008 and was previously a Field Supervisor of the MFS Division. Allen has been instrumental in his tenure at CAPS of improving safety, reliability, and high team performance in the field. Central to Allens new role of General Superintendent will be to convey consistent project principles and work collaboratively with the team, senior personnel, key project partners and stakeholders. I congratulate Jamie and Dillon on a well-earned promotion, said Brad Chaykoski, MFS General Manager. Through their leadership, there have been significant improvements in our companys operations, tools, and infrastructure, and I am confident they will both continue to be an integral part of our companys long-term success. "Jamie and Dillon have earned these promotions," said John Boger, CAPS President. "Their strong leadership skills and commitment to safety, operational reliability, and customer service have helped make CAPS the top performing HVAC company on many of the measures most important to our customers. About Custom Air Products & Services Custom Air Products & Services, Inc. is a full-service HVAC company that specializes in the design, construction, installation, modification, and servicing of industrial and commercial air conditioning equipment. CAPS employees are committed to providing exceptional custom design and quality workmanship at competitive prices. Custom Air Products & Services currently occupies five (6) modern facilities, totaling 350,000 square feet in size. These buildings include administrative and engineering offices, training facilities, a filter warehouse, and service shops for fabrication, manufacturing, and modifications. CAPS services are provided to customers throughout the United States and Mexico while their manufactured products have been delivered to sites around the world. Currently, CAPS has equipment operating on six (6) continents and in 52 countries. For more information, contact Custom Air Products at 713.460.9009 or visit them on the web at http://www.customairproducts.com. If youd like more information about this topic, please call Susan Archer at 713.460.9009 or email her at susan.archer@customairproducts.com. Dave Wood has been providing accounting, tax and consulting services in the San Diego area for over 40 years, specializing in business and individual tax. Wood will integrate his practice into the Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP office at 7676 Hazard Center Drive in San Diego. My clients interests are at the heart of every decision I make. I will continue to deliver the value and innovation my clients expect. To that end, Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP is a recognized leader in the field and it is with great pleasure that I join their team, said Wood. Hanne LeLoup, Partner in Charge of Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP in San Diego, describes Woods joining the firm as a, "natural transition, as we have had Dave as a subtenant for many years and have enjoyed a friendly relationship of assisting and referring clients when we or he was a better fit for the situation. We share a commitment to quality service and practice specialties serving small and medium-sized companies." LeLoup commented, Dave Wood and Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP share a client-centered approach where the clients goals and expectations drive the delivery of our services. Prior to joining Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP, Mr. Wood maintained a practice focused on clients in construction, real estate, manufacturing and service industries. A graduate of San Diego State University, he has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. About Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP has a reputation of providing quality service for almost 100 years. Its success is due to a proactive client service philosophy that provides continuous personal service to each client in the areas of management advisory, technology consulting services, auditing, accounting and taxation. The firm uses the H&B Proven Collaborative Approach, which results in More Choices * Better Answers * Fewer Surprises. Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP originated in Glendale, California in 1922 and has grown to four offices including San Diego, El Centro and Watsonville with 30 partners and a professional staff of over 130 individuals. The San Diego office is located at 7676 Hazard Center Drive, Suite 1150, San Diego, CA, 92108. For more information about Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP visit their website at http://www.hbllp.com. DiabetesSisters is pleased to announce the addition of Shelby Kinnaird of Richmond, VA to the Board of Directors as the Part of DiabetesSisters (PODS) Meetup Liaison, an ex officio member. Ms. Kinnaird will join the Board of Directors on January 1, 2019. Since 2010, PODS Meetups offer monthly support to women living with any type of diabetes or prediabetes, providing a nonjudgmental place to discuss the successes and challenges of living with diabetes. Led by women living with diabetes, the groups offer true peer support focused on women and diabetes. The PODS Meetup Program reaches more than 1,300 women annually in person and online. Women age 18 and over, living with any type of diabetes or prediabetes, are invited to attend PODS Meetups. Ms. Kinnaird has been involved with DiabetesSisters since late 2016, starting and leading two active PODS Meetups in West End and Chesterfield. Both PODS Meetups have members who live with type 1, type 2, or LADA. According to Shelby, "DiabetesSisters is the best peer support organization I have found. I am thrilled to be a PODS leader and honored beyond words to have the opportunity to represent the community to the Board of Directors." Ms. Kinnairds nomination was unanimously approved in November by current directors Deb Greenwood, Rita Kalyani, Diana Karczmarczyk (Past Chair), Frank Lavernia, Vicki Norris (Secretary), Donna Rice (Chair), and David Dink Warren (Treasurer). In the Liaison role Ms. Kinnaird has the opportunity to share her perspective, the perspectives of the fifty other PODS Leaders, and her own experience as a woman who has lived with type 2 diabetes for 19 years. We happily welcome Shelby to the Board of Directors, said Donna Rice, Board of Directors Chair. The perspective of our PODS Meetup leaders allows our Board to further understand the needs of women living with diabetes so that we may better serve our members. In addition to volunteering as a leader of two PODS Meetup peer support groups, Ms. Kinnaird has authored many guest blog posts for diabetessisters.org. Ms. Kinnaird is the voice behind the Diabetic Foodie blog (blog) that she created several years ago. She authored one book entitled The Pocket Carbohydrate Counter Guide for Diabetes, and is working on a second book to be published in 2019. She attended the 2017 and 2018 Calls to Congress sponsored by the American Diabetes Association, participates on the ADAs Virginia Advocacy and Community Outreach committees, and was a featured speaker at the 2018 American Association of Diabetes Educators Annual Meeting. Her previous careers include software engineering, project management, strategic planning, and web design. Shelby has made a major impact on DiabetesSisters in her leadership of two active PODS Meetups and in her guest blog posts at diabetessisters.org. Her passion for improving the lives of women living with diabetes is inspirational, and her perspectives will add to the expertise of our Board, says Anna Norton, DiabetesSisters CEO. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, DiabetesSisters is the only organization nationwide focusing exclusively on women living with diabetes. Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of women living with and at risk of diabetes and to advocate on their behalf. DiabetesSisters has a 20,000+ member peer network that unites women with diabetes for the purpose of support, education and advocacy. Signature programs include monthly peer support meetings (PODS Meetups); the Minority Initiative Program; online blogs, forums, and expert resources; and conferences throughout the US. For more information, visit diabetessisters.org. Were stoked our customers came together to support mens health issues, said Travis Boersma, CEO and co-founder of Dutch Bros Coffee. Were honored to support the Movember Foundation and all the amazing work it does. Dutch Bros Coffees #DBMOVEMBER campaign raised $100,000 for the Movember Foundation, the leading charity dedicated to changing the face of men's health in the United States and around the world. Dutch Bros raised the money through the sale of limited edition #DBMOVEMBER reusable straws. Were stoked our customers came together to support mens health issues, said Travis Boersma, CEO and co-founder of Dutch Bros Coffee. Were honored to support the Movember Foundation and all the amazing work it does. The Movember Foundations campaign started in 2003 with 30 men growing moustaches during the month of November, in an effort to raise awareness for mens health issues. Since 2003, more than 5 million men and women have joined the men's health movement, raising $837 million and funding over 1,200 programs in 20 countries focused on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. In 2019, the Movember Foundation will debut its 50 Million Men initiative, which aims to improve the health of 50 million American men over the next five years. We are grateful to Dutch Bros for their unyielding commitment and partnership to ensure men live happier, healthier, longer lives, noted John Owens, USA Country Director. Through raising vitals funds and awareness, together we are able to make an impactful and lasting difference to stop men from dying too young. More than 300 Dutch Bros locations in seven states took part in the fundraiser. To find a Dutch Bros near you visit http://www.dutchbros.com/locations. The DxO PhotoLab 2.1 provides improved performance and additional camera support. DxO PhotoLab 2.1 has improved its image management system resulting in significantly faster searches Special offer on all DxO software until December 25, 2018. DxO PhotoLab 2, DxO's advanced photo editing software, which was voted Best Photo Editing Software at the 2018 TIPA World Awards, has become even more comprehensive thanks to this latest version, DxO PhotoLab 2.1. After introducing DxO PhotoLibrary, a brand-new image and data management system that lets users search for, select, sort, and display images, DxO PhotoLab 2.1 has added a file indexing feature to the macOS version of the software. The software also adds support capabilities for three new devices, including the highly anticipated Nikon Z 7 and the Mavic 2 Pro drone from DJI. Easier image and photo data management DxO PhotoLab 2.1 has improved its image management system by optimizing its database architecture, resulting in significantly faster searches. The Windows version of the software now offers a more detailed search history feature. Any image searches are now saved and available with just one click, even if a new user session is opened. The macOS version of DxO PhotoLab 2.1 now includes a file indexing feature that was previously present in the Windows version only, resulting in an even faster workflow. New supported devices DxO PhotoLab 2.1 now supports three new devices: the Fujifilm X-A5, a hybrid camera with a built-in Bayer-filtered CMOS APS-C sensor; the Mavic 2 Pro, a consumer drone from DJI featuring a Hasselblad L1D-20c camera with a 1-inch sensor; and the Z 7, Nikon's first full-format hybrid. For the Z 7, DxO PhotoLab 2's camera/lens combination database includes no less than 200 optical modules. By extension, the software also supports the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S and the NIKKOR F FX lens, which have already been calibrated. The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S modules will be available in early 2019. Thanks to the high-quality RAW conversion technology included in DxO PhotoLab 2 and DxO's scientific calibration process, the photos taken with these devices will be automatically corrected for any optical flaws, such as distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and a lack of sharpness. DxO engineers are currently calibrating the Nikon Z 6, the Canon EOS R and EOS M50, the Fujifilm GFX 50s and GFX 50r, and the Zoom version of the Mavic 2 drone by DJI. Lastly, DxO PhotoLab will support modules from the range of autofocus lenses specifically designed for the high-resolution Hasselblad X1D in the near future. Towards a complete image-production workflow DxO PhotoLab offers an advanced RAW and JPEG editing solution based on powerful optical corrections and exclusive, automatic correction tools. These tools include the de-noising feature DxO PRIME, the smart exposure optimization feature DxO Smart Lighting, and DxO ClearView Plus, a revolutionary tool that removes haze and increases local contrast within the image. To allow photographers to apply local edits, DxO incorporated Nik Software's U Point technology into DxO PhotoLab. This local editing technology lets users perform complex selections, which used to require a significant amount of time and painstaking manual brush work, in just a few clicks. DxO PhotoLab is the only software to fully integrate U Point technology within a non-destructive RAW workflow. Lastly, with the introduction of DxO PhotoLibrary, DxO PhotoLab now offers search functions that let users select, sort, and display images based on various criteria. With this latest addition, DxO PhotoLab offers an even more complete photo-editing solution. Price & availability The ESSENTIAL and ELITE versions of DxO PhotoLab (PC and Mac) are available immediately and can be downloaded from the DxO website (shop.dxo.com) for a discounted price through December 25, 2018: USD: DxO PhotoLab 2 ESSENTIAL Edition: $99.99 instead of $129 DxO PhotoLab 2 ELITE Edition: $149.99 instead of $199 GBP: DxO PhotoLab 2 ESSENTIAL Edition: 79.99 instead of 99 DxO PhotoLab 2 ELITE Edition: 119.99 instead of 159 DxO PhotoLab 2 users can download this update for free. You do not need a subscription to use DxO PhotoLab 2. You can install the program on two computers with the DxO PhotoLab 2 ESSENTIAL Edition or on three computers with the DxO PhotoLab 2 ELITE Edition. Photographers with a license for DxO OpticsPro or PhotoLab 1 can purchase an upgrade license for DxO PhotoLab 2 by signing into their customer account on http://www.dxo.com. A fully-functional, one-month trial version of DxO PhotoLab 2 is available on the DxO website: http://www.dxo.com/en/dxo-photolab/download/. About DxO For over fifteen years, DxO Labs has been developing some of the worlds most advanced image processing technologies, which have enabled over 400 million devices to capture the highest quality images achievable. DxO Labs develops multiple award-winning image editing software programs for Mac and PC: DxO PhotoLab, a RAW conversion program featuring U Point technology; DxO FilmPack, a program that accurately reproduces the most iconic analog film effects; and DxO ViewPoint, the most sophisticated perspective and lens correction software available. In 2017, DxO expanded its catalog with the Nik Collection, a famous suite of seven creative plugins for Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and Lightroom Classic. Press contact (UK) Jerome Abribat, DxO press.relations(at)dxo.com +33 (0)1 55 20 55 20 Press contact (US) Steven I. Rosenbaum, S.I.R. Marketing Communications, Inc. sir(at)sironline.com 631-757-5665 DxO Press Lounge The latest information for journalists http://www.dxo.com/en/press-lounge DxO, U Point, and Nik are brands owned by DxO Labs. Other trademarks and trade or brand names may be used in this document to refer to either the third-party owners of trademarks or to their products. DxO Labs makes no claims whatsoever with respect to the registered trademarks and brand names of third parties. Tom Schodorf We believe Tom is the perfect fit to help guide our company, most notably the sales organization, as we expand our business and build upon the relationships weve made with our 14,000+ customers worldwide. Egnyte, the leading content platform for business, today announced that seasoned sales executive and trusted advisor Tom Schodorf has joined their board of directors. In his role, Schodorf will provide counsel and support around Egnytes short-term and long-term sales strategy, including hiring, execution, and revenue growth. Tom is not only a tremendous sales leader with an outstanding track record, he is a high-quality person that is grounded in a value system that aligns with what we have built at Egnyte, said Vineet Jain, CEO and co-founder at Egnyte. We believe Tom is the perfect fit to help guide our company, most notably the sales organization, as we expand our business and build upon the relationships weve made with our 14,000+ customers worldwide. Schodorf started his 35-year sales career at IBM, going on to spend seventeen years at BMC Software where he finished his tenure as the VP/GM of their Identify Business Unit. Most recently Schodorf spent five years as the SVP of Sales and Field Operations at Splunk. He holds an MBA from the University of Dayton as well as a Bachelors in Finance from Ohio State University. Egnyte has been an atypical SaaS company to this point, one that prides itself on delivering a world-class product and customer experience without a growth-at-any-cost model, which has made them on of the hottest private companies on the market today, said Tom Schodorf, the newest member of Egnytes Board of Directors. I am honored to join Egnyte at such an exciting time, with cloud adoption at an all-time high and a massive market opportunity in front of us. I look forward to helping Egnyte accelerate the growth of their sales organization and scale their business operations, getting their platform in the hands of millions of users worldwide. Schodorf joins recently added Holger Staude of Goldman Sachs, as well as the rest of Egnyte's esteemed Board of Directors that have experienced many years of success in the technology industry, including Karim Faris of Google Ventures, Matt Murphy of Menlo Ventures (KPCB seat), Dave Barrett of Polaris Partners, Mike Maples Jr. of Floodgate Fund, and Vineet Jain of Egnyte. About Egnyte Egnyte delivers secure content collaboration, compliant data protection and simple infrastructure modernization; all through a single SaaS solution. Founded in 2007, Egnyte is privately held and headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Investors include venture capital firms, such as Goldman Sachs, Google Ventures and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, as well as technology partners, such as CenturyLink and Seagate Technology. Please visit http://www.egnyte.com or call 18777EGNYTE for more information. Eskaton The Well-Being Philosophy provokes dialogues and discussions with care partners, residents and family members to challenge the stigma surrounding the disease and expand the possibilities of what it means to live well with both changing physical and cognitive abilities. During the holidays, family get-togethers allow people to spend time with loved ones they dont get to see on a regular basis. Holiday festivities and feasts may reveal some changes in older adults who attend. From mild forgetfulness to changes in mobility, it may be time to take note if additional support is needed around the home. Eskaton, a nonprofit community-based organization serving the greater Sacramento region for over 50 years, addresses health and well-being of seniors. Nine Eskaton owned and managed communities participated in a two-year-long project to think differently about aging with dementia. The project resulted in a 16-hour Well-Being Academy, a new orientation and new philosophy designed in collaboration with residents who are experiencing dementia. Eskaton and its employees believe every individual continues to grow and make contributions no matter where they are in lifes journey. According to Therese ten Brinke, Project Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives, The Well-Being Philosophy provokes dialogues and discussions with care partners, residents and family members to challenge the stigma surrounding the disease and expand the possibilities of what it means to live well with both changing physical and cognitive abilities. Key principles of the Well-Being Philosophy are: Discovering what makes each resident who they are Ensuring residents are surrounded by people whom they trust and feel connected Providing opportunities to find meaning and purpose Making certain life is celebrated, and that every resident feels surrounded by love and happiness If you believe a family member is experiencing mental or physical changes, please visit https://www.eskaton.org/lodge-gold-river.html and click here to download Signs Its Time, and watch a short video to help you determine if its time to get assistance for your loved one. For more information, please contact Vanessa Romero, Eskaton Lodge Gold River, at 916-915-8796. About Eskaton The Sacramento region is home to Eskaton, a nonprofit senior care provider offering innovative housing, healthcare and social services. Every day thousands of older adults enjoy retirement at our independent senior living communities and receive the care they need through assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, rehabilitation and in-home care programs. With five decades of experience and a national reputation for innovation, Eskaton is Transforming the Aging Experience. For more information, please call 1-866-ESKATON, or visit https://resources.eskaton.org/lodge-gold-river. For media inquiries, please call the NALA at 805.650.6121, ext. 361. eTargetMedia During the holiday season, brands cant afford to blend in with the pack. It is so important to be up on your holiday email game and know the strategies that are going to work to push your email into engaging your customers more and driving the results to have a successful holiday shopping season. eTargetMedia, a leading provider of Email Lists, Postal Lists, Data Append and Creative Solutions released their Winning Strategies for Holiday Email Marketing Report which includes the 4 Dos and Donts for Holiday Email Marketing Success. eTargetMedia has 20 years of experience in the email marketing industry and has managed successful email campaigns for some of the worlds top brands including Mercedes Benz, Alcon, MetLife, Marriott, AARP, P&G, TGI Fridays, Anthem, Sony and more. The company released the holiday email marketing guide to help their customers achieve holiday email marketing success during this busy shopping season. eTargetMedia has found a number of strategies brand marketers can implement quickly into their email campaigns to make sure their holiday emails are engaging customers and prospects, including these four dos and donts for holiday email campaigns: Do use short subject lines that motivate an open Do preach your businesss differences including free shipping, free returns, extended holiday returns and other unique selling points Do include a promotional offer Do optimize for mobile Dont blow up the inbox Dont wait until the last minute Dont forget calls to action Dont forget to personalize During the holiday season, brands cant afford to blend in with the pack. The holiday shopping season is the most important and busiest time of the year for marketers. It is the last chance for brands to increase their sales before the year ends. It is so important to be up on your holiday email game and know the strategies that are going to work to push your email into engaging your customers more and driving the results to have a successful holiday shopping season, stated Harris Kreichman, Managing Partner of eTargetMedia. We developed the Winning Strategies for Holiday Email Marketing Report to give our customers a strategy edge as well as tips that will help boost their revenue this holiday season. The report also includes tips on how to differentiate your company in a crowded holiday marketplace. The full report can be downloaded on the companys website at http://www.etargetmedia.com eTargetMedia, based in South Florida, provides Email Lists, Postal Lists, Data Append and Creative Solutions to a wide variety of direct marketing customers. eTargetMedia is a member of the Data and Marketing Association. Visit eTargetMedia online at http://www.eTargetMedia.com NJBIZ Business of the Year Our positive company culture starts right here in New Jersey and extends to all of our customers each and every day. EverythingBenefits, a provider of comprehensive next-generation benefit technology solutions and services, announces today that leading New Jersey business journal NJBIZ has selected EverythingBenefits as a finalist for its Business of the Year 2018 Award in the 1-50 employees category. According to the NJBIZ website, "the Business of the Year awards recognizes New Jersey's most dynamic businesses and business leaders who share a commitment to professional excellence, business growth and the community." This year's finalists include: EverythingBenefits Desktop Alert Inc. Environmental Alliance, Inc. AnythingIT LLC. Fantasy Island Amusement Park New Jersey Prevention Network (winner) The team at EverythingBenefits is not only committed to delivering on our promise to providing best-in-class benefits solutions for our clients, but also to providing one of the best workplace environments in the state, offering career development, on-the-job training, continued education, and social responsibility opportunities, said Rachel Lyubovitzky, CEO of EverythingBenefits. Our positive company culture starts right here in New Jersey and extends to all of our customers each and every day." ### About EverythingBenefits Success means moving forward. Whether it's accomplished by making things better or by making better things, the end result is our world is getting better every passing day. We're on a mission to deliver better benefits experience for all. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.everythingbenefits.com or connect with us via LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Media contacts: EverythingBenefits Peter Carille, Marketing Specialist 800.689.3568 Ext. 716 PR(at)everythingbenefits.com Bennett and High No matter who we picked, it was going to be a great winner. They are all winners. But even more, we are all winners, said Andy North, president of the Sanford International Board. Two women with a vision to make the blind see were the winners of the inaugural $1 million Sanford Lorraine Cross Award. Jean Bennett, M.D., Ph.D., and Katherine A. High, M.D., whose work with the RPE65 mutation has reversed an inherited form of blindness, accepted the award on Dec. 4 at Sanford Health, headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I want to thank the Sanford Health system for rewarding innovation, said High. There were many days we were discouraged, so its so wonderful for an award to be given for people who made it across the finish line. Bennett expressed her gratitude and said that the patients are the real pioneers. Four finalists competed for the prize, intended to reward contributions to medicine, science and innovation. The women were chosen in an 8-1 vote of the Sanford International Board. No matter who we picked, it was going to be a great winner. They are all winners. But even more, we are all winners, said Andy North, president of the Sanford International Board. The board heard from the candidates in a private presentation on Tuesday morning, with the winner announced at a ceremony that evening. Gene therapy quickly stood out as the field of candidates was narrowed, said David Pearce, Ph.D., president of research at Sanford Health, who noted that these four finalists helped lay the groundwork for much of the innovative work that is being explored now. We want to make a difference. Its a culture that delivers on the idea that if you make a promise here, thats a promise kept, said Kelby Krabbenhoft, president and CEO of Sanford Health, during the award ceremony. Lets start curing things. Lets make a difference. The world will be better because of you. Bennett and High pioneered the gene therapy for the RPE65 mutation, took it to clinical trials and then received the first FDA approval of a gene therapy for a genetic disease. High also co-founded Spark Therapeutics, a fully integrated, commercial gene therapy company working to accelerate the timeline for bringing new gene therapies to market. Bennett is a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania and a scientific co-founder of Spark Therapeutics, and High is president and head of research and development at Spark Therapeutics. The other finalists were: Brian Kaspar, Ph.D., whose lab discovered a gene replacement therapy approach that seeks to change the course of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by addressing its genetic cause. SMA is a devastating disease that robs babies of basic muscle functions, like breathing and swallowing, and in its most severe form (Type 1), usually leads to death by age 2. An initial clinical trial using the AAV9 vector to treat SMA Type 1 demonstrated a dramatic survival benefit and rapid improvement in motor milestones. Kaspar is the scientific founder and chief scientific officer of AveXis, a gene therapy company that was acquired by Novartis in 2018. James M. Wilson, M.D., Ph.D., whose work paved the way for many groups to safely move promising gene therapies for inherited and acquired diseases through the translational pipeline internationally. He is the director of the Gene Therapy Program, the Rose H. Weiss Professor and Director of the Orphan Disease Center, and a professor of Medicine and Pediatrics in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2008, Wilson and the University of Pennsylvania cofounded REGENXBIO, Inc., a clinical-stage biotech company designing gene therapy products. Candidates for the award were filtered through nominations from the public and a computer algorithm that sifted through medical publications in search of great discoveries. An interdisciplinary scientific advisory board identified top areas of innovation and the candidates were narrowed down to the top four. The award is named after the Lorraine Cross, a symbol recognized around the world synonymous for those who take action for their passions. In recent history, Sanford Health has used it to symbolize innovation in health care. About Sanford Health Sanford Health is one of the largest health care systems in the nation with 44 hospitals and nearly 1,400 physicians in nine states and nine countries. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and serving the Upper Midwest, Sanford Health is dedicated to several initiatives, including global clinics, genomic medicine and specialized centers researching cures for type 1 diabetes, breast cancer and other diseases. Sanford Health has nearly 30,000 employees, making it the largest employer in the Dakotas. Nearly $1 billion in gifts from philanthropist Denny Sanford over the past decade have transformed how Sanford Health can improve the human condition. For information, visit http://www.sanfordhealth.org. Smart Contract-Based Insurance Automation Malta's ascension to EU in 2004 attracted a number of insurance and reinsurance companies to the jurisdiction which mainly services the European market. Blockchain company HashCash Consultants will be collaborating with a leading Life Insurance company to bring their operations to a blockchain network. Industry overview in Malta The Distributed Ledger Technology or DLT has made significant advancements across industries, and Malta has welcomed the change in most sectors. The worlds first blockchain nation will also see this innovation play a bigger role in its insurance market. The Insurance sector, as of 2015, reported of fifty-eight insurance undertakings. Forty-two of these undertakings were authorized for general business, two composite, seven long-term businesses, and another seven reinsurance firms. The same year also saw a 33.6% increase in gross written premium to 3.78 billion from 2.83 billion in 2014. Two years after Solvency II brought about landmark regulatory changes, the insurance industry is undergoing another year of reformation in 2018. The Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are incorporating new-age technology to refashion insurance distribution in Malta and the EU. Blockchain in Insurance A blockchain network provides a transparent ecosystem for collaboration between multiple companies to optimize sharing of relevant records essential to all parties and streamline claims recovery. The blockchain ledger is decentralized, distributed, and operates on a consensus mechanism that reprises every member or node in the network of any alteration in records. Its shared ledger capabilities can help insurers agree on claims, build trust that evidence is being shared and improve the overall customer experience. Another central feature to blockchain is smart contracts, and it radically changes how the insurance payout process pans out. It would minimize insurer costs and claims administration costs. Policyholders could subsequently receive savings in lower premiums from insurers, or go a step further and have the option of choosing a refined insurance cover for smaller events. Under the traditional system, it would be impractical to initiate a manual claim process for those. Smart contracts would enable automatic policy adjustments as a response to pre-determined events or information. Such a system would expedite claims payments, giving policy owners their rightful money in much less time than its alternative which normally takes a week. HashCash in Insurance HashCash provides HC NET Blockchain which can be used by insurance companies to convert multiple policies into smart contracts. This would produce a single, consolidated view of policy data and documentation in real-time. The insurers will be able to furnish visibility into coverage and premium payments, and update network participants with automated notifications following payment events. HC NET Blockchain can be the vital link across a vast ecosystem of third-party administrators and service provider networks. Being decentralized, the inherent transparency of the digital ledger optimizes claims processing by reducing the scope of errors by insurers. Better provider management and lower operational expense would be a natural consequence of this. The blockchain solution offered by HashCash ensures contract certainty and enhances risk-handling capabilities, fraud detection, and risk prevention. About HashCash Consultants HashCash Consultants started as a Blockchain Consulting Company in California. Today, HashCash products enable enterprises to move assets and settle payments across borders in real-time using HashCash Blockchain network, HC NET. Financial Institutions use HC NET for Retail Remittances, Corporate Payments, Trade Finance, and Payment Processing. HashCash also runs the US-based cryptocurrency exchange, PayBito and the leading Cryptocurrency payment processor, BillBitcoins. HashCash offers cryptocurrency exchange and payment processor white label solutions, comprehensive ICO services and customized use case design and development. HashCash propels advancement in the field of blockchain through the Blockchain1o1 program and its investment arm Satoshi Angels. Hope Gander Goodwin, a loving mother, wife, and grandmother, has completed her new book Tales of Travel, Love, and Survival in the Foreign Service: a powerful opus that exudes with virtues of compassion, understanding, and courage in the family. Author Goodwin shares a life filled with nostalgia that relates to readers of any status. Living and working in twenty developing countries is no small challenge, especially when six children are involved in every move and transition. As Tales of Travel, Love, and Survival in the Foreign Service reveals, Hope Gander Goodwin proved to be up to the task during forty-five years of being an inspiration and active partner to her husband, Joe, whose foreign service career included the United States Agency for International Development, university contracts, and private sector positions in economic development. Tours of duty were in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central and South America. The Goodwin family endured many sacrifices and experienced dangerous situations. On the other hand, the benefits derived far outweigh the negative side of life abroad. Helping those in need to help themselves is a gift and a blessing. While attempting to sincerely make a difference in the world, their accomplishments far exceed disappointments. These parents are most proud of their legacy in producing compassionate, productive, broad-minded world citizens. Diplomacy, endless love, strength, and survival prevail in this inspiring autobiography. Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Hope Gander Goodwins enthralling account reaches out to all people who are searching for purpose and encouragement on how to achieve a satisfying life. Readers who wish to experience this inspiring work can purchase Tales of Travel, Love, and Survival in the Foreign Service at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional New York based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex and time-consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. How Caring Science Can Transform the Future of Healthcare - Unitek College What if everyone took a dose of caring science? What if we infused that philosophy in the K-12 systems? What if we infused that philosophy in all of our colleges and universities? How different the world would be, said Dr. Morris. To change the world, we must first change ourselves. This philosophy reinforces the theme of Uniteks transformative conference at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Newark, California. Led by world-renowned nursing theorist Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, LL (AAN), Distinguished Professor and Founder/Director of Watson Caring Science Institute, participants and esteemed guests discussed the impact of caring attributes on student learning experiences. Specifically, they discussed how to Infuse Caring into Teaching and Learning. During the November 12th conference, Dr. Watson served as keynote speaker to introduce her theory of caring principles (Caritas). Hundreds of guests attended this groundbreaking event to reflect on the important impact of caring science on the individual as well as healthcare and technology professions. The Conference also featured numerous experts in the field, including Joseph Morris, PhD, MSN RN GNP Executive Director of the California Board of Nursing, Jim DAlfonso, DNP, RN, PhD(h), NEA-BC, FNAP Executive Director of Professional Practice, Leadership Development & Research for Kaiser Permanente Northern California, and Jeffrey Hudson-Covolo, DNP RN Vice President of Patient Care Services & Chief Nurse and Executive at Sierra View Medical Center. Ultimately, its critical to incorporate the principles of caring science into daily life. At Uniteks Conference, educators and healthcare professionals set an important example by advocating for caring science and urging others to advance the concept of caring in their own lives. To walk the talk, teachers attending the conference practiced Watsons Caritas principles in order to make learning fun, meaningful, and enduring. By discussing their efforts to create a more caring world, the panelists directed a call to action toward the audience. What if everyone took a dose of caring science? What if we infused that philosophy in the K-12 systems? What if we infused that philosophy in all of our colleges and universities? How different the world would be, said Dr. Morris. The panelists also discussed changes needed in hiring practices, language around care, and relationships between teachers and learners. Beginning in 2019, Uniteks Chief Academic Officer, Abdel Yosef, PhD, RN, CNE, will launch the Caring Initiative Award as a way to recognize members of the faculty that go above and beyond to innovate, elevate, and demonstrate consistent caring attributes through adult teaching and learning in the classroom. Unitek Learning is the parent company of two distinguished learning institutions: Unitek EMT and Unitek College. Taught by experienced professionals, Unitek programs teach the best-practice clinical technique and theory used in the field today. Equipped with a multitude of sought-after skills, Unitek graduates are prepared to excel in many of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare and nursing. Contact: Lou Cabuhat, Ed.D(c) Assistant Dean Allied Health and Technology & Director of Faculty Training and Development 4670 Auto Mall Parkway Fremont, CA 94538 Room 104 Direct: (510) 896-7590 URL: UnitekLearning.com ### New Livery for Sun Country Airlines IAC was pleased to be a part of the transformation of the first Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737-800 aircraft into the new employee-chosen livery. Sun Country put a fun spin on the creation of the new branding by letting their employees vote from four different livery designs. While all four liveries had similar elements, the airline says it was a landslide victory for the winning livery. The final product came out amazing! During the painting process, IAC worked hand-in-hand with the Sun Country team, hiring local Florida videographer Lans Stout to capture the transformation of the aircraft into the new livery. View the Lake City team in action here! Fun Facts: There were 170 gallons of primer and paint and over 325 rolls of various tape used on the aircraft, and the IAC team worked around the clock for 9 days! About International Aerospace Coatings IAC, comprised of three legacy companies Eirtech Aviation, Leading Edge Aviation Services and Associated Painters, has global headquarters in Shannon, Ireland with 13 state-of-the-art facilities throughout USA, Europe and Asia, including 8 wide body hangars. The company boasts the largest global footprint in the aircraft painting industry. IAC serves the commercial, military, VIP and OEM aviation markets and has worked on nearly every make and model aircraft in modern existence. Currently, IAC refinishes over 1000 aircraft per year throughout its global network. For more information, visit our website at http://www.iac.aero. About Sun Country Sun Country Airlines is a privately-held company based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The award-winning airline is a leader in leisure travel flying to more than 50 popular destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, having earned a reputation for offering world-class service at an affordable price. The airline also offers services from its Sun Country Charters and Sun Country Vacations divisions. For more on these Sun Country destinations and to book travel, including flight and hotel packages, visit suncountry.com. Contact: Nikki Thomas Phone: +1 714.881.1887 Email: Nikki(dot)Thomas(at)iac(dot)aero "Through this partnership, we will be able to offer all of the used car dealerships the innovative solutions and forward-thinking technology they deserve. MVSC COO Joseph Nemelka Motor Vehicle Software Corporation (MVSC) a provider of electronic vehicle registration and titling services (EVR) and Independent Automobile Dealers Association of California (IADAC), a non-profit trade association corporation, announced today IADACs exclusive endorsement of Vitu, MVSCs Vehicle-to-Government (V2Gov) solution. Through this partnership, IADAC will promote only Vitu services to its used car dealer members, and work with MVSC to provide Virtual Reports of Sale, Temp Tags and electronic vehicle registration and titling for the independent dealership community. Partnering with IADAC allows for ongoing opportunities of growth in innovation and efficiency. "The Independent Automobile Dealers Association of California is proud to announce the partnership with MVSC/Vitu as a great benefit for its members, Larry Laskowski, Executive Director for IADAC shared. Independent dealers will now have an opportunity to streamline their title processing, saving time and money using MVSC/Vitu technology." MVSC COO Joseph Nemelka added, We are looking forward to working with IADAC and its member community. Through this partnership, we will be able to offer all of the used dealerships the innovative solutions and forward-thinking technology they deserve. The collaboration comes as Vitu prepares its California partners for DMVs impending AB 516 requiring all vehicles sold in the state to have temporary license plates or temp tags before leaving the lot. With the law going into effect on January 1, 2019, IADAC and MVSC are making it a priority to see that all dealer members are supported. #### About Motor Vehicle Software Corporation Motor Vehicle Association Corporation (MVSC) is a Vehicle-to-Government (V2Gov) technology firm developing innovative process management SaaS solutions, including electronic registration and titling. Since 2005, MVSC has driven market efficiencies with superior processes like Vitu, the revolutionary title and registration solution. About Independent Automobile Dealers Association of California (IADAC) The Independent Automobile Dealers Association of California (IADAC) is a non-profit organization committed to promoting the ethical practices of the automobile industry. Incorporated in 1958, IADAC is the only association that provides representation before regulatory agencies and advocates fair legislation on behalf of independent dealers and their customers. PriVID Eye Systems and ViVID A/V Solutions have always been the same company with two separate divisions for Security and A/V Solutions. Recently, the two divisions have rebranded to form Innuvo, a comprehensive company providing full-service A/V, Security, and Networking services in South Florida with 24+ years of experience. With two divisions, there was always a need for two of everything - from websites, to graphics, to email addresses. The objective was to rebrand and utilize a name that did not target the company in any specific industry. Innuvo, short for Innovation and Innovative was chosen to represent how the company is cutting-edge, original, and always on the forefront of all A/V, Security, and networking advances. The company wanted a name that was simple, catchy, and easy to remember. Since 1995, PriVID Eye Systems provided top-notch security system integration in the commercial, industrial and retail application of Digital CCTV, Access Control and Burglar Alarm Systems, as well as Remote Video Transmission and Audio/Intercom solutions. Similarly, ViVID A/V Solutions created an unparalleled service for all commercial and residential needs. The company has provided commercial applications such as conference rooms, boardrooms, video teleconference, training rooms, classrooms, and digital signage to clients such as Porsche and Nova Southeastern University. In addition, they specialize in residential solutions such as in-home theater installation and complete home automation, audio visual installation and low-voltage wiring. President Michael Spring along with his VP of Sales and Marketing, Larry Sattler, realized that by combining the two key areas of operation, the focus could be more full-service and all-comprehensive to better serve any commercial and residential needs. Innuvo now serves commercial and residential properties with all A/V, security, and networking needs. The companys full-service team guides the client through every step. Creative design teams help clients turn ideas into blueprints, trained technicians install systems, and experts explain how to use them. The all-inclusive company now provides a comprehensive experience to ease the clients A/V, security and networking systems implementation with custom solutions. Visit the innuvo website at https://www.innuvo.com/. James Ghi, a firefighter, hazardous materials technician, company officer, and station commander, retiring at the rank of battalion chief, has completed his new book From the Ground Up: a passionate narrative that shares his efforts to refine the firefighting standards of the Charleston Fire Department to nationally recognized standards. Author Ghi lets readers view his vision of a more enhanced training curriculum for firefighters that would build up their training and certifications, providing them with the tools to operate safely in hazardous environments firefighters face every day. "From the Ground Up" describes the journey of James Ghi fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. As a premature infant James was not expected to survive. As a child he was underweight, was bullied in school, survived the wrath of an abusive father and stepfather but managed to meet the rigors required to become a firefighter. At each stage of his life he had to adjust to many circumstances, building himself from the ground up. In June 2007 the Charleston (South Carolina) Fire Department suffered the largest loss of life since the events on 9/11 when nine firefighters perished battling a fire at the Sofa Super Store. James had read the various reports written after the fire, recognizing the need for better training in Charleston. His successful career with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue gave him the necessary skills, education and confidence to apply for and accept the position of Chief of Training for the City of Charleston Fire Department. Little did he know his efforts to bring the Charleston Fire Department to nationally recognized training standards would be resisted at nearly all levels and never imagined the efforts some Charleston personnel would take to discredit him. Even with the resistance, James was able to bring the Charleston Fire Department training to nationally recognized standards and meet many of the mandates in the various reports, building it From the Ground Up. Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, James Ghis convincing account gives a detailed chronicle of his efforts to build a firefighting training environment for the safety of all. Readers who wish to experience this awakening work can purchase From the Ground Up at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional New York based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex and time-consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. By closely partnering with our clients, we are able to better understand their business vision, align our training solutions to address their specific training challenges, and significantly improve their workplace performance and productivity. LearningMate Solutions Inc., a global learning solutions provider, has been named Corporate Vision Magazines Best Corporate Training Company in the 2018 Human Resources and Training Awards category. Discussing the success of their winners, Steve Simpson, Corporate Vision Magazines Awards Coordinator commented, I am truly honored to be able to showcase the very best of the best in the HR and Training market through this awards program. I would like to wish my winners a hearty congratulations and the best of luck as they look to the future. Following a review by a network of respected industry partners and a rigorous in-house evaluation of its performance over the past 12 months, LearningMate was selected based on the following criteria: Commitment to innovation Methods Competition LearningMates recognition as Best Corporate Training Company is a testament to our commitment to helping corporations and professional organizations advance their training offerings using a unique combination of learning and technology solutions, says Abhijit Navale, LearningMates Director of Corporate Solutions. By closely partnering with our clients, we are able to better understand their business vision, align our training solutions to address their specific training challenges, and significantly improve their workplace performance and productivity. Learn more about LearningMates corporate learning solutions at http://www.learningmate.com. About LearningMate. LearningMate builds on a strong foundation of learning design with progressive technology and engineering solutions to connect todays learners, training managers, educators, administrators, policymakers and content creators with the information, tools, and solutions they need to be successful. With teams in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and India, LearningMate serves a global clientele of corporate enterprises, education institutions, and government agencies to deliver innovative, efficient and customized solutions for curriculum and media development, competency assessment, engineering, and big data. About Corporate Vision Magazine. Created by a highly experienced and passionate team of business experts, advisors and insiders, Corporate Vision provides discerning readers worldwide with a wealth of news, features, and comment on the corporate issues of the day. If you would like more information about this release or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Taya Bures at 605.838.8108 or via email at taya.bures@learningmate.com. FWR 2019 Our team has worked hard this year further refining our service offering...and this is a testament to the...dedication we feel sets us apart... Mack International, founded in 2002, is widely recognized as one of the foremost premier boutique firms specializing in providing C-suite retained executive search and strategic consulting solutions to family offices, family enterprises and family investment firms on an international basis. Linda C. Mack and Mack International were recently shortlisted in three categories including Family Wealth Counselling, Leading Individual Service Provider, and Top Women in Wealth Management. Showcasing best of breed providers in the global private banking, wealth management and trusted advisor communities, the awards were designed to recognize companies, teams and individuals which the prestigious panel of judges deemed to have demonstrated innovation and excellence during 2019. The Family Wealth Counselling category recognizes firms providing counselling services to families of significant wealth or their owned enterprises; helping them navigate the complex issues around generational transition, governance and leadership succession. The Leading Individual Service Provider category acknowledges exceptional individuals working in the private client world, and Women in Wealth Management identifies women in the industry who are an inspiration to both female clients and colleagues. Commenting on the firms shortlisting, Linda Mack, Founder and President of Mack International said: We are delighted to have been shortlisted for these prestigious awards. It is a great honour to have our work recognized in categories that reflect the value we are dedicated to bring to every client. Our team has worked hard this year further refining our service offering as thought leaders in the industry and this is a testament to the hard work and dedication we feel sets us apart. The individual award nominations are particularly meaningful. ClearView Financial Medias Chief Executive, and Publisher of Family Wealth Report, Stephen Harris, was first to extend his congratulations to the shortlisted firms. He said: The firms who have been shortlisted in these awards are all worthy competitors, and I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations. These awards are judged solely on the basis of entrants submissions and their response to a number of specific questions, which had to be answered focusing on the client experience, not quantitative performance metrics. That is a unique, and I believe, compelling feature. These awards will recognize the very best operators in the private client industry, with independence, integrity and genuine insight the watchwords of the judging process such that the awards truly reflect excellence in wealth management. Our aim is to make these annual Awards one of the brightest, and keenly contested highlights in the wealth management calendar. Winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner which will be held in New York on March 20, 2019 at the Mandarin Oriental. About Mack International LLC Mack International is the premier, boutique retained executive search and strategic management/human capital consulting firm serving national and international clients in the family office, family business enterprise and the wealth management industries on national and international basis. Founded in 2002, the firm has achieved an exceptional track record of success as evidenced by its unmatched industry expertise, in-depth market knowledge and unparalleled track record of success. Founder and President, Linda C. Mack has established proprietary methodologies such as the Mack 360 and is credited for having coined the term expert generalist in the industry. About ClearView Financial Media Ltd (ClearView) ClearView Financial Media was founded by Chief Executive, Stephen Harris in 2004, to provide high quality need to know information for the discerning private client community. London-based, but with a truly global focus, ClearView publishes the Family Wealth Report group of newswires, along with research reports and newsletters, while also running a pan-global thought-leadership events program. With teams based in New York, London, Singapore, Switzerland, South Africa and Malaysia, the company is one of the fastest-growing media groups serving the financial services sector. The 2019 Nissan Rogue is available for purchase and for lease at Matt Castrucci Nissan. One of the newest releases from Nissan is now available at Matt Castrucci Nissan. The Nissan Rogue has been one of the most popular and best-selling models from the automaker and the 2019 model is out. To help prospective customers learn more about the 2019 model, Matt Castrucci Nissan has put out a model research page on the 2019 Nissan Rogue. The page can be found by hovering over the sites primary toolbar and following the Nissan Model Information Link. Once on the page, readers will come across information about the 2019 Rogue as well as links to the dealers inventory. The page goes on to break down design, performance and technological features of the 2019 Nissan Rogue. The 2019 Nissan Rogue features up to 70 cubic feet of interior cargo volume, making it one of the most spacious crossovers of its kind. The interior also comes with an upscale design with leather-wrapped amenities, a heated steering wheel, fold-down bucket seats and all-leather upholstery. Under the hood, the 2019 Nissan Rogue features a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower. The engine is paired with an advanced Xtronic transmission, Sport Mode and eco switches. Those who would like to learn more about the 2019 Nissan Rogue are encouraged to contact Matt Castrucci Nissan. The dealership is located at 3013 Mall Park Drive in Dayton, Ohio and can be reached over the phone at 855-299-1946. San Miguel de Allende Mexico With rising costs of surgery in the U.S. we see more and more people going overseas as medical tourists. Typically, a knee replacement costs $35,000 in the United States, says International Living Executive Editor, Jennifer Stevens. Take that amount to one of the best-value locales we recommend abroadplaces where where healthcare is high quality but prices are lowand you could not only have your knee replaced by a well-qualified surgeon in a state-of-the-art facility, but you could also afford to take a year off and relaxall expenses paid. With rising costs of surgery in the U.S. we see more and more people going overseas as medical tourists. It can be a great way to test-drive a retirement outside of the States. Have a procedure done and then spend a few months recuperatingitll cost less than the surgery alone in the States. Folks already living abroad regularly praise the quality of care and the friendly, welcoming doctors, which complement the low price tags quite nicely. The International Living report details five great retirement hubs that offer knee replacements at a fraction of the U.S. cost. Mexico Mexico has long been a favorite for expats looking for a haven where they can make the most of their retirement, full- or part-time. The countrys close proximity to the U.S. and Canadaas well as its affordable cost of living and great healthcareattracts folks looking for a nearby option. In Mexico, every medium to large city has at least one first-rate hospital. And a big plus is that most doctors and dentists in Mexico received at least part of their training in the U.S. In 2001, Patrice Wynne moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to San Miguel de Allende, in Mexicos Colonial Highlands. She started a fair-trade boutique, Abrazos San Miguel, offering textile products created with Mexican seamstresses. When Patrice needed not one but two knee replacements, she found the level of care and professionalism among medical staff in the nearby city of Queretaro to be first-classnot to mention significantly cheaper than in the States. Several people have expressed surprise when I shared that I was not in major excruciating pain from having both knees replaced at the same time, she says. When I interviewed Dr. Fidel Dobarganes I asked many questions about the pain issue. He assured me that he has a pain-management plan that works, that it did not involve addictive drugs, and that on a post-op patient survey of pain level ranked 1-10, his patients scored 2 as the average. It proved to be true. I chose Dr Dobarganes after our first meeting because of his humanity, as well as his reputation and patient referenceshe has done 8,000 knee and hip surgeries and has been trained in Mexico, the U.S., and Germany. When I was wheeled into the operating room, I was dumbstruck by the modern new equipment. In fact, everything about my operation and the stay in the hospital was sophisticated. My total costs were originally estimated at just over $19,500. But because of my work in the community, the doctor obtained a reduction of $7,350 for the hospital stay, so the final cost for the dual surgery was $12,250. And it is customary in Mexico to allow a family member to stay in the room at no cost, including hospital cafeteria meals. My husband had his own bed in my room for four days. [By contrast,] when I called to have my initial consultation with the surgeon I was hoping to use in Northern California, the cost was $1,250 plus $500 in X-rays. The initial visit and subsequent post-op visits to see Dr Dobarganes in Queretaro were $40 each with $20 in X-ray fees. Panama Panama provides affordable, good-quality healthcare, anchored by the excellent clinics and hospitals in Panama City, which enjoys a top-notch reputation throughout Latin America. Clinics and hospitals are strategically positioned throughout Panama, however, and so its rare that retirees find themselves based more than an hour from a modern facility. A knee replacement in Panama will run you around $12,000 in the capital city or even less in smaller towns, says IL Panama Editor, Jessica Ramesch. So, for the $35,000 youd pay in the States, you could pay for your flights and the surgery here, and you would struggle to spend more than $3,000 touring Panama before your surgery. Heck, you could bring five friends or family members along and pay for their rooms and meals and still come out ahead. Ecuador One of the great benefits for foreign residents living in Ecuador is high-quality, low-cost healthcare. IL Correspondent Donna Stiteler lives in Ecuadors third-largest city and the economic center of the Southern Sierra, Cuenca. Cuenca has several top-notch hospitals, and many of the physicians have studied abroad and are bilingual. For the quality of care offered, costs are amazingly lowan office visit runs around $30. Donna says, Here, a knee joint replacement costs $7,000 and $1,300 for arthroscopic surgery on the joint. Thats a whole lot cheaper than the U.S. In Cuenca, a couple can live well on $1,680 a month$20,160 or a yearso even after having knee surgery, you and your other half can live for over a year on what the surgery along would cost in the States. France France offers a healthcare system that is world-class. And prices typically run well below those in the States. Here in France, the average cost for a knee replacement is around $13,700, so youre going to be over $21,000 better off if you have your dodgy knee replaced in France, while enjoying one of the best cultures the world has to offer, says IL South of France Correspondent, Stewart Richmond. What about a car? From the change left over from your knee bill, you could buy a classic Jaguar XJS 1988just the thing for the narrow medieval streets of sophisticated France. And for those who really want to impress their friends back home, what about a bottle of Frances top-notch wine, DRC Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits. A lovely drop to crack open at your next cook-out with the neighbors. You can pick a bottle up for around $16,000 and still have a little left over to pay for the steak. But U.S. retirees who choose France for their retirement have an added bonus. After three months residency you can enter the French health system which means up to 70% of the money you spend on your knee replacement will be refunded by the Government. Winning all round. Italy Although Italian healthcare costs vary based on a number of factors including region and whether you have private insurance or not, expats report costs as reasonable. IL Italy Correspondent, Valerie Schneider says, a knee replacement if you go private and pay, costs about $22,729. Thats savings of more than $12,000you could rent a country villa in Tuscany with pool for eight weeks at $1,500 a week. Or it would buy you a pair of Vespa motor scooters to explore Italy and still have money left for the insurance and gas for a couple of years. If you have insurance coverage, the cost of the surgery would depend on coverage but range between $1,200 to $3,000. If you are enrolled in Italy's national healthcare system, the cost is zero. That means that you could conceivably buy a house in Italy with the same money as it would have cost just to get your knee replaced back homeyes, there are village homes for sale at that price! Or you could buy a sporty Alfa Romeoalong with insurance coverage. A couple could also fund their living expenses for almost two years in a charming Italian town like Umbriathe region that lies between Rome and Florence at Italys geographic centeror Basilicata, a hidden gem tucked into the ankle of the boot, speckled with verdant valleys, deep forests, rolling hills, and alpine peaks. Bonus: Vietnam Southeast Asia offers incredible value for money and is becoming increasingly popular on folks retirement radars as a place to vacation while test-driving retirement overseas. Vietnam has a lot to offer its growing expat populationits a brilliant blend of East and West. A vibrant destination, steeped in history and brimming with opportunity. When it comes to bang for your buck, Vietnam is at the top of the list. And the country is full of surprisesand wonder. Until recently, most expats in Vietnam chose to seek medical care in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore for all but the simplest procedures. In the past few years, however, Vietnams healthcare system has improved dramatically. New hospitals have been built in several smaller cities, including Nha Trang, Vung Tau, and Phu Quoc, and there are now two internationally accredited general hospitals, one in Hanoi and the other in Ho Chi Minh City. The cost of a knee replacement at the JCI-accredited FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City is between $7,750 and $9,250 with the average price around $8,000, says IL Vietnam Correspondent Wendy Justice. That leaves $27,000 to spend at will. For any medical tourist, thats one luxurious medical vacation in Vietnam... You could go for a month. The high-end budget looks like thisKnee replacement: $8,000. Airline tickets: $1,500. Five-star hotels in Vietnams: $6,000 (30 days at $150 per day). High-end restaurants in Vietnam: $1,950 (30 days at $65 per day). And back in the States theres money left to by a brand-new Nissan Sentra: $17,550. The report can be found here: Medical Tourism: Turn a Knee Replacement into a Lengthy Vacation in these 5 Spots Editor's Note: Members of the media have permission to republish the article linked above once credit is given to Internationalliving.com Further information, as well as interviews with expert authors for radio, TV or print, is available on request. Photos are also available. For information about InternationalLiving.com content republishing, source material or to book an interview with one of our experts, contact PR Managing Editor, Marita Kelly, +001 667 312 3532, mkelly@internationalliving.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalliving/ Twitter: @inliving https://twitter.com/inliving?lang=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/International.Living/ About International Living Since 1979, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment. Mi Rancho 100% Agave Tequila We only work with producers and their products we personally like Casa Tequilera Dean Lozoya S.A de C.V. the producer of Mi Rancho 100% Agave Tequila and HERMITAGE SPIRIT, Corp., announced today a long-term multi-year strategic production and distribution agreement to worldwide jointly develop the international award winning Mi Rancho 100% Agave Premium Tequila brand. HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. with their managements network of leading Asian and European partners is a strong and trusted brand building and distribution business for authentic wine and spirit brands worldwide. HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. and Mi Rancho Tequila, one of the world's best new premium tequila brands, will work together to exclusively market and promote the brand. The format and the scale of this agreement are unique in the global wine and spirits industry. It also begins a new chapter of commercial cooperation between Mexico and China within the wine and spirits industry. Ms. Claudia Schumann, president of HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. and Ms. Bergitta Reiss, CEO of HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp., with many distinguished guests in attendance, today at a press conference at the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City, stated The strategic agreement between HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. and Casa Tequilera Dean Lozoya S.A de C.V. is anticipated to last for several years. Both companies will work to grow the marketplace share of the Mi Rancho 100% Agave Tequila brand through HERMITAGE SPIRITs brand management expertise, vast distribution network and knowledge of the Chinese and European consumer market. The mission of HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. is to offer reliable channels for consumers to buy authentic fine wine and spirits. I cordially welcome Mi Rancho 100% Agave Tequila, to join HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corps. portfolio. It will satisfy the growing tequila consumption of the middle and upper class, and escalate the tequila business development of HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp., said Claudia Schumann, president, of HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. "China is the fifth largest tequila consumption market globally and is projected to be a key driver of total global tequila growth during the next five years. The vision of HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. is to build Mi Rancho 100% Agave Tequila to the number one imported premium tequila brand in China and Europe". HERMITAGE SPIRIT Managements deep understanding of Chinese and European consumer insights and their professional brand building capabilities are the key reasons for this agreement. "This strategic alignment with HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. is an exciting step forward in the execution of our international strategy, which is focused on establishing a strong distribution of our new powerful global tequila brand in core markets around the world," said Michael Dean, owner and founder of Mi Rancho Tequila. The management of HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp., is a proven and successful brand builder in the alcohol beverage industry, and is the right strategic partner for us to work with to build our brand portfolio in China and Europe due to their vast industry experience, established market relationships and deep knowledge of the Chinese and European consumer. This long-term agreement with HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. demonstrates our commitment to these regions and to investing in our brands. Dean also commented that, Carlos Gomez, President and CEO, of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City and The Metis Company were instrumental in the acquisition of this agreement and long term relationship with HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. About Mi Rancho Tequila The journey began in Jalisco in 2008, where the Dean-Lozoya family was determined to bridge the divide between premium taste and affordability. Premium tequila of course had to begin with 100% Blue Agave, planted in the ideally fertile soils of Jalisco, home of all highly regarded tequilas. The harvested product is then cooked using the autoclave method, which allows optimum control of the temperatures for ideal cooking, reducing the cost of production. The result is a clean true agave taste when the juices are extracted. Unique to Mi Rancho Tequila is their proprietary yeast, which is made from the same Weber Blue Agave plant that is the basis of their tequilas. This hand-formulated yeast is organic in nature and gives the tequila a cleaner and crisper presentation. Rather than regular distillation, a slow distillation process is implemented, which burns off more impurities, as well as methanol concentrates. The end result is captivatingly smooth and pure. The Maestro Tequilero, Sr. Hector Davalos Abad, is a highly respected and skilled expert with many years in the business of tequila distillation, over the course of which he has been responsible for the development of the profiles of several highly esteemed brands. Official website: http://www.miranchotequila.com About HERMITAGE SPIRIT, Corp. HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. is a distribution agency, managing specialty products worldwide. HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. was founded by two sisters, Claudia Maria Luise Schumann, President of THE WINE INVESTORS Corp., a Fine Wine Investment Firm and Bergitta Nanette Reiss, Co-Founder of PARK VIEW WINE Hong Kong and Mainland China, and president of BORDEAUX PARKVIEW WINES France, Trader of Classified Bordeaux Wine, with extensive expertise into the Asian and European Wine and Spirit market. HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. was created by the two sisters to promote and support products of outstanding quality. Both sisters state: we only work with producers and their products we personally like. HERMITAGE SPIRIT, Corp. is headquartered in Panama with offices in China, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Russia, and USA. With their strategic partners in Asia and Europe and connections with the worlds most exclusive wine traders, spirit distillers and liquor experts, HERMITAGE SPIRIT Corp. builds multi-channel distribution networks that serve consumers across the world. Michel combines all the key aspects we look for in a keynote: engaging, educational, compelling, and relevant, says Ramon Lo, publisher of Airport Experience News. Airport Experience News has chosen Michel Falcon as the keynote for the upcoming Airport Experience Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Falcon is an entrepreneur, international keynote speaker and author who leverages his People-First Culture philosophy to create customer experience, employee engagement and company culture strategies to grow businesses. Michel combines all the key aspects we look for in a keynote: engaging, educational, compelling, and relevant, says Ramon Lo, publisher of Airport Experience News. As we have re-branded to Airport Experience News, our focus is on the many points of opportunity that we as an industry have to engage a traveler from curb to gate. Michels talking points and approach to customer experience, company culture and employee engagement are representative of that focus. Falcon is a graduate of Capilano University in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has spoken to and consulted for various companies such as Verizon, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Electronic Arts, Toyota, Alfa Romeo and Lush. In addition to being a speaker, Falcon is also a business owner, overseeing a portfolio of restaurants in downtown Toronto. Falcon is also the author of People-First Culture: Building a Lasting Business By Shaping Your Focus From Profits to People. The Airport Experience Conference, formerly the ARN Conference & Exhibition, will be held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 24-27. The event is the largest gathering of executives, decision makers, and brands who operate in the airport experience industry. For more information on the show, visit airportxnews.com/conference. In a profession where word of mouth can make all the difference, knowing how to build a reputation as a dependable, valuable expert witness is paramount. Litigation Insights CEO/Senior Research Director, Dr. Merrie Jo Pitera, has released a new educational webinar, hosted jointly with veteran trial attorney Joseph M. Price of law firm Faegre Baker Daniels. Entitled Engineering in the Courtroom: Becoming a Technical Consultant or Expert Witness, the webinar is geared toward those who want to lend their expertise to jury trials, bench trials, and arbitrations. During the 90-minute webinar, Dr. Pitera and Mr. Price guide viewers through the legal and ethical considerations and the step-by-step process involved in becoming a successful expert witness. Viewers learn the essentials of being both an outstanding expert as well as a confident, proficient witness, able to use their expertise to teach complex material to a layman audience while incorporating a clients case themes. After all, achieving long-term success is about far more than passing the interview. Clients are too often impressed by an experts interview, only to be disappointed by the experts report and testimony performance. And in a profession where word of mouth can make all the difference, knowing how to build a reputation as a dependable, valuable expert witness is paramount, says Dr. Pitera. To address this issue, viewers hear directly from a seasoned trial attorney what attorneys are looking for when they hire: how to put together a stand-out resume, how to develop defensible positions, and how to maintain objectivity. Then, Dr. Pitera a jury consultant and witness-prep expert discusses how to effectively communicate dense subject matter to an audience, using behaviors that build credibility and language the audience can understand. Whether new to the field or an established expert, this webinar helps each viewer develop and refine the skills that lead to a lasting career as an expert witness. Those interested in learning more or purchasing this webinar may visit: http://www.lorman.com/training/400077TMX?p=18960 About Merrie Jo Pitera, Ph.D. CEO/Senior Research Director Litigation Insights, Inc. Psychology and communications expert with more than 28 years of experience in the field Practice areas include intellectual property, employment, commercial, environmental and product liability/personal injury litigation Communication expertise includes preparing expert, corporate, and fact witnesses for Daubert hearings, depositions, trials, arbitrations, and congressional hearings Frequent national and international speaker on jury behavior and witness prep methods Has authored numerous white papers re communication skills for the testifying expert and/or corporate witness, and published articles in a variety of law journals on jury selection and trial preparation Co-author of the book, Storytelling for the Defense: The Defense Attorneys Courtroom Guide to Beating Plaintiffs at their Own Game. About Joseph M. Price, J.D. Senior Counsel with Faegre Baker Daniels Senior trial lawyer and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers Decades of experience and a passion for solid science to representing pharmaceutical and medical device makers in complex litigation, mass tort, and class action products liability cases Tried numerous medical product liability cases in 10 states and is nationally and internationally recognized for his mass tort expertise One of the pioneers in mass tort and medical device litigation, dating back to his extensive involvement in the Dalkon Shield litigation in the early 1970s Has served as MDL, national coordinating and liaison counsel in major medical products litigation, tried many cases, and played key roles in the national and regional defense and coordination of such litigation About Litigation Insights: Litigation Insights is a national, woman-owned company with 25 years of experience conducting jury research, developing trial graphics and assisting counsel with jury selection and courtroom support during trial proceedings. As a full-service consulting and visual communications firm, the company provides everything from mock trials, witness preparation, and jury selection to trial graphics and courtroom technology. Its offices are located in Kansas City, Minneapolis, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Baltimore. Interested parties may call (888) 339 9885 or visit http://litigationinsights.com for more information about the company. Jay Holtz Jay Holtz said, Im excited about my new role with the Oldcastle Infrastructure team. I love stormwater policy and regulations since they are what drive our business and because they lead to clean stormwater and healthy waterways! Oldcastle Infrastructure, the leading provider of building products for major construction projects nationwide, announced on November 19th the creation of a Regulatory Management group supporting its Stormwater product line. Concurrently, the company also announced the promotion of Jay Holtz, PE to the newly created role of Director of Regulatory Management, leading that team. This critical team and position were created to enhance the regulatory environment for Stormwater treatment and storage products and to support continued growth of this product line for Oldcastle Infrastructure. Matt Clemson, General Manager, Stormwater said, The creation of this team demonstrates the importance that advancing the regulatory landscape has on the long-term growth of our industry and on the positive environmental impact of our solutions. Given his unmatched technical expertise and deep industry relationships, Jay is the perfect fit to develop and lead this new function. We are excited that the growth of our Stormwater line has allowed us to invest in our business. Jay was previously Director of Engineering at Oldcastle Infrastructure. His engineering background is in hydrology and hydraulics. Jays career spans more than 30 years, having earned his degree in Civil Engineering at the University of California at Davis in 1986. Since that time, he has worked for a number of firms associated with the design and application of stormwater treatment and storage systems. He worked as a contractor with Peter Kiewit Construction, as a designer with CH2M Hill, as a regulator with Clean Water Services in Washington County, Oregon, and as a manufacturers technical lead with Oldcastle Infrastructure, among others. This breath of perspective and experience gives Jay a unique understanding of each factions water quality needs and goals. Jay is based in Portland, Oregon and can be contacted at jay.holtz@oldcastle.com. Jay Holtz said, Im excited about my new role with the Oldcastle Infrastructure team. I love stormwater policy and regulations since they are what drive our business and because they lead to clean stormwater and healthy waterways! About Oldcastle Infrastructure Oldcastle Infrastructure, A CRH Company, is the leading provider of building materials, products and services for infrastructure projects to several market sectors nationwide, including: Building Structures, Communications, Energy, Transportation and Water. For more information, visit http://www.oldcastleinfrastructure.com. About CRH in North America CRH is the leading supplier of building materials and products for residential, non-residential and infrastructure construction projects across the United States and Canada. CRHs Americas Materials Division supplies aggregates, asphalt, ready mixed concrete, cement, and paving and construction services. CRHs Americas Products Division supplies a broad range of value-added building products through its three primary businesses: Oldcastle Architectural, Oldcastle Infrastructure and Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope. For more information visit http://www.crhamericas.com. This is a wonderful event for families to learn about Kwanzaa and celebrate diversity among holiday celebrations! Written and directed by OrigiNation Founding Artistic Director and celebrated choreographer, Shaumba Yandje Dibinga, Tafuta! blends music, dance and poetry to tell the story of a young child who is bullied in school because of her familys tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa. The child ultimately embraces her heritage, discovers her own voice and self-empowerment and draws on the strength found in this African American tradition to triumph over the bullies. Tafuta is the only play of its kind and is surely going to make audiences understand the importance of family and traditions. The cast includes children ages 7-16 from all over Massachusetts including students from private, public and charter schools, Bostons most talented adults and members of OrigiNations Professional Dance Division. This is a wonderful event for families to learn about Kwanzaa and celebrate diversity among holiday celebrations! says Dibinga. As stated by the founder of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community. It brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. About OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center Founded in 1994, OrigiNation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts program that utilizes dance as a vehicle to develop leadership, confidence and self-sufficiency among boys and girls ages 3-18 from underserved communities with limited access to quality dance and theater programs is limited. OrigiNation serves over 300 boys and girls annually through its on-site programs. It serves an additional 5,000 youth through its domestic and international outreach, education and touring programs. To date OrigiNations youth have performed, taught, and conducted service projects in the South African cities of Johannesburg, Capetown, Pretoria, Soweto (2007); Dakar, Senegal (2009); London, England (2010 & 2015); New Orleans, LA (2011); Accra, Ghana (2012) and Trinidad Tobago (2016 & 2017). For the most up-to-date schedule for all OrigiNation programming, follow OrigiNation via these links and visit http://www.originationinc.org: Twitter: @originationarts | Facebook: @originationarts | Instagram: @originationarts Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Relations and Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association Announce 7th Annual Global Celebration A Toast Heard Round the World "On New Years Eve, we invite all Pacifica Alumni and friends to join in celebrating the myriad unique and diverse ways that Pacificans around the world tend the soul of the world, states Dianne Travis-Teague, Director of Alumni Relations. Marking its seventh year, Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (PGIAA) is gearing up for its annual global celebration A Toast Heard Round the World on New Years Eve. Each year event organizer and Director of Alumni Relations Dianne Travis-Teague invites members of the schools global community (alumni, students, faculty members, staff, families, and friends of the institution) to join the celebration. At 12 midnight on New Years Eve, wherever in the world they are, PGIAA alumni and friends are encouraged to raise a glass and Tweet, Facebook, or Instagram their dreams for the coming year using the hashtag #ToastPacifica2019. "On New Years Eve, we invite all Pacifica Alumni and friends to join in celebrating the myriad unique and diverse ways that Pacificans around the world tend the soul of the world, states Dianne Travis-Teague, touching on the schools motto, Animae Mundi Colendae Gratia. The Alumni Association seeks not only to provide alumni and the global community with opportunities for personal and professional growth, but also to serve as a path for making positive changes within society through service and education. Also coming up February 28-March 3, 2019 is the 6th annual PGIAA Coming Home 2019 gathering on the Ladera Lane campus. Our theme of Stronger Together in Community follows a year of tremendous destruction in the Santa Barbara area. Highlights of Coming Home 2019 include a Career Fair,- keynote speaker Dr. Theopia Jackson, a Career Fair, the Annual Alumni Authors Spotlight & Reception, Alumni Networking Brunch, the Wendy Davee Award for Service, Chancellors Community Award, Chancellors Award for Excellence, and a writing workshop presented by Dr. Fanny Brewster entitled, The Creative Self: Secrets, Dreams, and wishes. Please see Coming Home to Pacifica for complete details. PGIAA incorporated on April 17, 2013 as a California 501(c) Nonprofit Corporation for the purpose of developing an operational and charitable membership association supporting both the alumni of Pacifica Graduate Institute and the wider community in pursuit of developing their intellectual, spiritual, altruistic, and professional capabilities. Established in 1976 and treasuring over 4700 graduates, Pacifica Graduate Institute is an accredited graduate school offering masters and doctoral degree programs framed in the traditions of depth psychology. Further information is also available at the associations website. We are pleased to assist the state of Alabama to accomplish their vision of ensuring availability and access to appropriate health care for all Alabamians. Qualis Health has signed a contract renewal with the Alabama Medicaid Agency (the Agency) to conduct retrospective hospital inpatient quality reviews, review hospital internal utilization review plans and medical care evaluation studies, and review provider preventable conditions for the approximately 122 facilities in the states hospital network. The Agency administers a comprehensive array of health care services and programs in order to provide ready access and high quality care for more than 1,000,000 Medicaid recipients. Our staff is very dedicated and committed to excellence as we review inpatient retrospective admissions and continued stays based on patients needs in the clinical situation, said Anette Ivory, RN, BSN, MPPM, Director of Qualis Healths Care Management Services. We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with everyone in the hospital provider network to improve healthcare and support the needs of our fellow Alabama residents. Qualis Health strives to improve value in the healthcare system by ensuring the delivery of high quality clinical services at a reasonable cost, said Marci Scott-Weis, RN, MPH, CCM, Chief Operating Officer. We are pleased to assist the state of Alabama to accomplish their vision of ensuring availability and access to appropriate health care for all Alabamians. Qualis Health also provides utilization management and quality review services for the Alaska, District of Columbia, Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico, Washington and Wyoming State Medicaid agencies. # # # About Qualis Health Qualis Health is one of the nation's leading population healthcare consulting organizations, partnering with our clients to improve care for millions of people every day. We work with public and private sector clients to advance the quality, efficiency and value of healthcare. In April 2018, Qualis Health and HealthInsight announced a formal merger, combining the two organizations and operations across the U.S. Both Qualis Health and HealthInsight have been engaged in healthcare quality consulting and providing quality improvement services for more than 40 years. Quality Home Products of Texas (QHP) logo We are honored to support Montgomery County Food Bank on behalf of our team that is committed to giving back to our community and enriching the lives of others, stated Bill McGraw, President and Owner of QHP. Quality Home Products of Texas (QHP), is honored to announce it will be supporting the 2018 Montgomery County Food Banks Holiday Food Drive alongside countless other sponsoring companies and individuals. In addition to being a platinum sponsor, QHP will match every dollar donated up to $10,000. We are honored to support Montgomery County Food Bank on behalf of our team that is committed to giving back to our community and enriching the lives of others, stated Bill McGraw, President and Owner of QHP. QHP is receiving donations in the form of cash or canned goods from now until Friday, December 7th, 2018. Supporters can deliver donations to the QHP main office located at 114 Commercial Circle, Conroe, Texas, 77304. Contributions can be made now on the Food Banks secure donation website here: http://bit.ly/QHPandMCFB The company is asking the community to join Montgomery County Food Bank, and the other sponsors on Friday, December 7th from 7am-5pm at The Woodlands United Methodist Church for a holiday celebration. The festivities will include music and performances from by local students as well a special visit from Santa. The address is 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands, Texas, 77380. QHP is well known in the Houston and surrounding areas for almost 30 years of providing generators, tankless water heaters, water treatment and softening, and air purification to residential customers. The company is set apart in the area having earned over 9,000 five-star reviews from its customers QHP has a profound commitment to improving the quality of life for its customers by providing the highest possible quality of environmental equipment for homes and families. QHP is dedicated to creating a lifetime relationship with its customers by instilling in all its employees the desire to serve with a sincere and caring attitude that far exceeds customers expectations. ABOUT QUALITY HOME PRODUCTS OF TEXAS Quality Home Products of Texas (QHP) has been serving the Greater Houston area and its homeowners since 1989. Because of its over 60,000 established and satisfied customers, the company is an industry leader in award-winning service and providing for home improvement needs. QHP specializes in the distribution and maintenance of Rainsoft Water Treatment equipment, whole home standby generators by Generac & Kohler, tankless water heaters by Navien, and the newest addition for home improvement projects, custom closets, which are built to the customers satisfaction using only the highest-grade materials. QHP is honored to have earned over 9,000 five-star reviews from customers. QHP has won the Better Business Bureaus (BBB) Pinnacle Award, the most prestigious customer service award, four times. The company has also earned the BBB Award of Excellence, a distinction for customer service, seven times. To learn more about QHP, visit http://www.qualitytx.com. ABOUT MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOOD BANK Established in 1985, the Montgomery County Food Bank acts as a clearinghouse for food items donated and purchased for distribution to charities assisting the poor and victims in crisis. The Montgomery County Food Bank is a 501(c) (3) Non-Profit Organization, a partner with the Houston Food Bank and a member of Texas Food Bank Network and a member of Feeding America. To learn more about Montgomery County Food Bank, visit http://www.mcfoodbank.org. QUALITY HOME PRODUCTS OF TEXAS CONTACT: Brian Edwards, General Manager - 936.756.4999 - bedwards(at)qualitytx.com MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOOD BANK CONTACT: Lindy Johnson 936.271.8822 ljohnson(at)mcfoodbank.org MEDIA CONTACT: Cami Gueguen, CAMIO PR LLC - 512.415.5460 - cami(at)camiopr.com Largest Louisiana Diamond Store Opens in Metairie When my father opened his little jewelry store 60 years ago, I doubt he ever dreamed it would grow to become Louisiana's larges diamond showroom The doors have opened to the largest diamond store in Louisiana Ramseys Diamond Jewelers at 701 Veterans Blvd in Metairie just in time for engagement season and holiday shopping. The brand new 8,400-square-foot beautiful retail space highlights more than 50 showcases of diamond jewelry in excess of 2,000 engagement and wedding rings, a state-of-the-art gem lab, a custom design studio, an observable service center, 44 parking spaces, and knowledgeable jewelry professionals. The official Grand Opening celebration was held on Wednesday, November 28th. "When my father opened his little jewelry store 60 years ago, I doubt he ever dreamed it would grow to become Louisiana's largest diamond showroom," stated CEO Robert Ramsey, Jr. "But my sister Lori and I like to think that somewhere he is watching and smiling in approval." The Ramsey familys roots run deep in the Greater New Orleans area and the jewelry industry. Founded in 1958, Robert Bob Ramsey Sr. opened B & J Manufacturing Jewelers in New Orleans, manufacturing fine custom jewelry for other jewelers to sell under their own name. Bob decided to enter into the retail business in 1972 with the opening of Ramseys Jewelers in Metairie. Three years later, his son Robert Jr. joined the company as an apprentice jeweler, assuming control of operations with his sister Lori in 1980. Roberts son Bobby joined Ramseys in 1999 after apprenticing with jewelry stores across the country. Life is about family and celebrations, added Robert Ramsey Jr. After 60 years in business, it was time to invest in our customers and community with our diamond superstore. We offer shoppers a convenient and relaxing atmosphere during the holiday shopping frenzy and engagement season. According to WeddingWire.com, 40 percent of couples get engaged between November and February. Ramseys knowledgeable staff caters to future newlyweds, providing them with personal diamond selection consultation, best price and grading guarantees, and affordable financing. Whether visitors are looking for a private consultation or wide open showcases where merchandise can be tried on unassisted, the Ramseys shopping experience is like no other store in the state. The public is invited to visit Ramseys Diamond Jewelers at 701 Veterans Blvd in Metairie between Bonnabel Blvd and the parish line. Grand opening sale items will be featured the entire month of December. Follow Ramseys on social media for information on prize registrations. About Ramseys Diamond Jewelers Founded in 1958, Ramseys is now a 3rd generation jeweler celebrating 60 years as one of New Orleans best known businesses. Many local New Orleanians grew up listening to Robert and Loris colorful radio commercials and instantly recognize the Rrrrrrrrrramseys Diamond Jewelers tagline when they hear it. "My friend Roy claims he's just been doing a bad imitation of Tony the Tiger for the past 25 years," says Robert Ramsey Jr., "but everyone from New Orleans who meets him asks him to do it for them, and he never lets them down." Ramseys has a second location on the Westbank at 1901 Manhattan Blvd in Harvey that will soon be merged into the BIG store at 701 Veterans. For more information contact Robert Ramsey at 504-885-4653 or visit ramseys.com on the web. Follow us on Facebook. Portland, Maine Portland has a special mix of creativity, ingenuity, authenticity, and quality of life that creates the perfect environment to build a growing, sustainable, and socially-responsible technology company. Rapid Insight, an analytics software solutions company, today announced its expansion into Maine with a new office in downtown Portland at 120 Exchange Street. The company will maintain its headquarters in Conway, New Hampshire and recruit top talent to fuel its growth at both locations. Newly appointed CEO Brett Austin selected Portland for its track record of supporting competitive software companies as they scale. Portland has a special mix of creativity, ingenuity, authenticity, and quality of life that creates the perfect environment to build a growing, sustainable, and socially-responsible technology company, said Austin. Portland also offers access to top-notch technical and business-oriented talent. Austin is a native to Maine, has lived and worked in major tech hubs from Seattle to Boston, and currently resides with his family in the greater Portland area. Rapid Insight is actively recruiting for new positions in marketing, sales, data analysis, quality assurance, and software development for both the Conway and Portland offices. The company is working with organizations like Live and Work in Maine to efficiently fill these roles. It is gratifying to have Rapid Insight and a proven Maine leader, Brett Austin, choose Portland as the company continues to grow the team. Southern Maine has the local talent needed to fuel this growthas well as the ability to recruit talent to this area because of the great quality of life Maine offers, said Ed McKersie, Founder and President of Live and Work in Maine. This is a big win for our employment community, and I look forward to watching Brett build Rapid Insight into a major employer. Rapid Insights original Conway office opened in 2002 with the goal of building world-class software and generating smart job opportunities in a location that offered quality of life and proximity to the great outdoors. The new Portland office will offer employees a similar opportunity to balance work and play, and urban life with outdoor adventureremaining true to the original spirit of Rapid Insight at its founding. Rapid Insight is also expecting to significantly expand the square footage for its New Hampshire headquarters with a new office facility in Conway. More details will be available in the first fiscal quarter of 2019. Additional Resources - Explore Rapid Insight Career Openings - View All Rapid Insight News - Subscribe to Insights About Rapid Insight Rapid Insight is an analytics software solutions company founded in 2002 with a mission of empowering professionals of all skill levels with the simple, intuitive tools they need to turn raw data into actionable information. Today, the company offers a growing portfolio of solutions within the Veera analytics platform that enable thousands of customers worldwide to easily build predictive models and perform advanced data analysis. Headquartered in Conway, New Hampshire in the foothills of the White Mountains, Rapid Insight embodies the adventurous and resourceful spirit of the region through its commitment to delivering innovative technology backed by best-in-class customer service. To learn more or download a free trial of the award-winning Veera platform, visit http://www.rapidinsightinc.com. Chicago-based RedMane Technology will provide application, maintenance and technology services for Missouris Medicaid Eligibility Determination and Enrollment System (MEDES). We will work shoulder to shoulder with State staff to maintain and enhance this vital system that so many Missourians rely on. Our people are excited to partner with the State to help drive operational excellence. RedMane Technology LLC, a Chicago-based software solutions and systems integration firm, was awarded a contract to provide application, maintenance and technology services for Missouris Medicaid Eligibility Determination and Enrollment System (MEDES). The MEDES solution supports over 800,000 Missourians receiving Medicaid and processes more than 10,000 Medicaid applications per month. RedMane will provide development, integration, testing, system architecture, database administration, and deployment services as part of this contract. The company will work closely with Missouris Department of Social Services to keep MEDES available, properly functioning, and in compliance with federal and state regulations. RedMane will bring to bear a proven set of maintenance and operations approaches, practices, and processes that the company has developed and refined over time to facilitate the highest levels of system performance, reliability, and user satisfaction. Tony Lakier, RedManes president, said the companys highly skilled and experienced staff will be a great asset to the State of Missouri. We will work shoulder to shoulder with State staff to maintain and enhance this vital system that so many Missourians rely on, Lakier said. Our people are excited to partner with the State to help drive operational excellence. About the State of Missouri Department of Social Services The State of Missouris Department of Social Services mission is to help individuals, families and communities to secure and sustain healthy, safe, and productive lives. 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. To learn more about RedMane, visit redmane.com. Val Traore Our painters are our employees not subcontractors or day laborers and they are trained, vetted, background-checked, uniformed and professional. You can depend on us for quality, integrity and professionalism and we are licensed, bonded and insured. - Val Traore After more than 25 years serving the community in the non-profit sector, entrepreneur Val Traore is excited to transition her skills to a new kind of service as the local owner and operator of Fresh Coat Painters of Burlington-Camden. Fresh Coat Painters offers residential and commercial painting services including interior or exterior painting, deck sealing and staining, pressure washing, popcorn ceiling and wall paper removal and other services for nearly every protective coating application. Fresh Coat Painters of Burlington-Camden has a 24/7 receptionist, online scheduling and free detailed quotes, and they only use high-quality materials. Fresh Coat Painters of Burlington-Camden serves Marlton, Evesham Township, Medford, Voorhees, Berlin, Lumberton and all points in between. When I retired from my most recent non-profit role the president and CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey, I had three goals I wanted to travel, do meaningful work locally and own a profitable business so I would have the means to give back to those in need. Painting is a service everyone needs at some point and its the least expensive way to make the biggest impact on a space. Im excited that, by opening Fresh Coat Painters of Burlington-Camden, Ill be able to continue to be a part of this community in a way that enables me to give back, especially through Fresh Coats philanthropic program Fresh Coat Cares, Traore said. Fresh Coat Cares is Fresh Coat Painters program that encourages local franchisees to give back in their own communities through service projects. Projects in other communities have ranged from painting the resting area at a local hospital to painting an entire non-profit early learning center. In addition to the Fresh Coat Cares program, Traore was drawn to Fresh Coat because of the companys nation-wide commitment to customer service. Fresh Coat offers a 3-3-3 customer service pledge, which means calls will be answered by a live person within three rings, a quote will be delivered within three days (customer schedule permitting) and the job will be started within three weeks. Fresh Coat Painters has a national product partnership with Sherwin-Williams, so products are guaranteed to be high quality. We believe in the 3-3-3 guarantee because we believe in the power of customer service. Ive had painting projects go wrong and its frustrating. I knew there had to be a painting company out there that promised high-quality workmanship, professional painters and quality products at a clear, fair, firm price. Thats what we do here at Fresh Coat. Its a completely different experience than what people have come to expect from the painting industry, Traore said. Our painters are our employees not subcontractors or day laborers and they are trained, vetted, background-checked, uniformed and professional. You can depend on us for quality, integrity and professionalism and we are licensed, bonded and insured. Before Fresh Coat, Traore retired from an extensive career in the non-profit sector, including more than 25 years in non-profit leadership working at hunger-relief organizations in Baltimore, Chicago and New York. In her last role as president and CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey, she had overall responsibility for the organizations strategic, programmatic, financial and management operations. Traores non-profit work has been profiled in leading print, television and radio broadcast such as Black Enterprise, Philadelphia Business Journal, Courier Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, ABC and NBC TV to name a few. She's received several awards for her work that includes 2018 Nonprofit Executive of the Year, 2018 New Jersey 50 Most Influential Women in Business, 2017 Lifetime Legacy Award at SJ Magazines Women of Excellence, 2016 Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Southern New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, 2014 Mutual of America Hometown Hero, 2014 SJ Business Journal: Person of the Month, 2012 Camden County Woman of the Month, 2012 South Jersey Super Women: 40 Women Making a Difference, 2012 Brava Woman of the Year, 2011 National Association of Women Business Owners Heroine of the Year and 2011 Philadelphia Business Journal Minority Business Leader of the Year. Traore is married to Brehima Traore and has one son Dean and an adorable has not grown out of puppyhood yet five-year-old Cavapoo named Tonkaboy Fresh Coat was founded in 2004 as part of Strategic Franchising Systems. Since 2015, Fresh Coat has been included in the Bonds Top 100 and named to Entrepreneur Magazines Franchise 500 list. Fresh Coat is also part of the International Franchise Association, the Small Business Associations Franchise Registry, VetFran and Minority Fran. For more information about Fresh Coat Painters of Burlington-Camden, call (856)389-6100, email VTraore@FreshCoatPainters.com or visit https://www.freshcoatpainters.com/burlington-camden/. Tico: an unforgettable tale of love, friendship, and adventure. Tico is the creation of published author Rocky Russell, a great-grandfather, Bible student, and retired construction worker who served as counselor at the Billy Graham Crusade and spends his retirement writing in the countryside. Russell writes, Within these pages is excitement, adventure, romance on the high seas, civilization, and the wilds of the jungleall set in the mid-1800s. This is the story of a young Dutchman who becomes a man very quickly. This is a story of his friendship and devotion to a full-grown gorilla named Tico. Together they fight outlaws, pirates, and wild natives. This is a story of trying to overcome adversities and tame a wild land in the heart of Africa while making a home for family and friends. Lastly, this is a story of friendship between man and beast. You will laugh, cry, and cheer for them every step of the way. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Rocky Russells new book is a stirring, heat-pounding, colorful tale that delves into a classic scenario of how a man may save a beast, but the beast will ultimately save the man. Russells wholly engaging narrative will take the reader through the untamed heartlands of Africa, across the open ocean, among the hostile jungles of islands, and deeper into the beastly nature of people compared to the humanity of an ape. View a synopsis of Tico on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Tico at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Tico, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. "Through our deep integration with SiteLock, our hosting partners will be able to quickly deploy tools that ensure the highest level of threat protection," said Lukas Hertig, Senior Vice President of Business Development & Strategic Alliances at Plesk. SiteLock, the global leader in website security solutions, today announced a partnership expansion with Plesk, the leading WebOps platform and hosting control panel to build, secure and run websites, applications and hosting businesses. With this expansion, SiteLock will become a preferred website security provider for Plesk, simplifying security for web professionals and service providers through its industry-leading malware protection and remediation solutions. Cyberattacks are continuing to make headlines as hackers evolve and their attacks become more sophisticated. Proactive website security is essential to combating these bad actors, and stopping attacks before they happen," said Lukas Hertig, Senior Vice President of Business Development & Strategic Alliances at Plesk. "By partnering with SiteLock, the market leader in website security, we have access to industry-leading tools, such as a customized risk score, that will empower both hosting and service providers to proactively educate their customers on key vulnerabilities or potential threats within their websites. Through our deep integration with SiteLock, our hosting partners will be able to quickly deploy tools that ensure the highest level of threat protection. The average website is attacked 58 times per day. Thats one cyberattack approximately every 25 minutes. As the threat landscape continues to evolve its no longer a matter of if youll be attacked, but when, making website security a top priority. Many service providers rely on providers, like Plesk, to provide a one-stop shop for all their hosting needs. With the integration of SiteLock website security solutions, web hosts now have access to a full service offering that simplifies and streamlines the go-to-market process with a single click deployment. Through this unique collaboration, web hosts can quickly and easily deploy SiteLock solutions from the Plesk ecosystem without the need for an extension. Plesk customers will now have access to Patchman, which automatically detects and patches vulnerabilities at the server level, as well as the SiteLock suite of powerful website security solutions including industry-leading scanners to automatically find and fix malware and vulnerabilities, along with a Web Application Firewall (WAF). "We are excited to expand our partnership with Plesk as a preferred provider of website security solutions," said Tom Serani, Chief Channel Officer at SiteLock. "In the face of an ever-evolving threat landscape, todays web hosts require proven cybersecurity solutions that mitigate risk in order to stay competitive and drive new business. Working together, Plesk and SiteLock create a unique opportunity to provide innovative and proactive website security to web hosts worldwide. About SiteLock SiteLock, the global leader in website security solutions, is the only provider to offer complete, cloud-based website protection. Its 360-degree monitoring detects and fixes threats, prevents future attacks, accelerates website performance, and meets PCI compliance standards for businesses of all sizes. Founded in 2008, the company protects over 12 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit sitelock.com. About Plesk Plesk is the leading WebOps platform to build, secure and run applications, websites and hosting businesses. Available in more than 32 languages across 140 countries in the world. 50% of the top 100 worldwide service providers are partnering with Plesk today. Plesk is managing and securing more than 380,000 servers, automating 11M+ websites and at least 19M mailboxes. Besides simplifying complexity and saving time through automation for developers and sysadmins, the rich and open ecosystem over 100 Plesk extensions provides access to even more relevant features targeted at specific audiences. Slow Wine As we delve deeper into the US wine world, the more impressed we are with its landscape, and how more and more wineries and winemakers are adopting organic and sustainable beliefs and practices." says Giancarlo Gariglio, Editor of Slow Wine. Slow Food International and Slow Wine Editore are proud to announce the release of the latest English-language edition of Slow Wine, the acclaimed and comprehensive annual wine guide of over 500 different wineries worldwide, with its annual US Tour in March 2019. This year, the Slow Wine guide continued their expansion into the US, by including Oregon wineries for the first time. The wineries were reviewed with the same Slow principles as their Italian peers. The move to add non-Italian wineries is not unprecedented the 2018 edition added seventy wineries from California this years additions continue to show the guides vigorous efforts to take their Slow philosophy worldwide. Slow Wines move into the US started in California, where it officially opened its chapter in the summer of 2017. After visiting hundreds of producers on the West Coast and evaluating them according to the same high standards the guide is known for, 70 producers were selected and added to the 2018 guide. Now, moving into Oregon is a significant step for the Slow Wine Guide, as the pioneering state is home to internationally-celebrated wine producing areas. Oregons commitment to sustainable wine-making and respect for the terroir is consistent with Slow Wines principles and its mission to support local agriculture. Slow Wine Editore, the Slow Wine guide publisher, and a delegation of its top wineries will hold tasting events for press and trade during their annual US tour, this year making stops in five cities nationwide. Attendees will get a chance to preview this innovative guide, discover new wines, and meet the people behind 100+ Italian and American select producers who represent the Slow Wine values. The dates and locations of the 2019 Slow Wine US Tour are: March 4th, San Francisco, California March 5th, Portland, Oregon March 7th, Denver, Colorado March 11th, New York, New York March 12th, Boston, Massachusetts Slow Wine recognizes that the wineries they review not only put their hearts and souls into the wines they produce, but also into the land on which it is made. The guide uses the following symbols to evaluate each winery: The Snail, the Slow Food symbol, signals a cellar that has distinguished itself through its interpretation of sensorial, territorial, environmental, and personal values in harmony with the Slow Food philosophy. Only wineries that are herbicide free can receive the Snail. The Bottle, allocated to cellars that show a consistently high quality throughout their range of wines. The Coin, an indicator of great value. Slow Wine features wines that represent outstanding quality, expressing the history and identity of the land from which they come in each sip. We are very happy to continue our adventure into the US, featuring wineries from California and now, Oregon. As we delve deeper into the US wine world, the more impressed we are with its landscape, and how more and more wineries and winemakers are adopting organic and sustainable beliefs and practices. The newly chosen Oregon wineries are core examples of this; these producers represent the Slow philosophy, which continues to be increasingly important to consumers in wine and food globally, says Giancarlo Gariglio, Editor of Slow Wine. We look forward to carrying on our work of discovering new wineries and winemakers around the world, whose beliefs and practices coincide with the Slow philosophy, as well as continuing the guides role of helping readers find these wineries, which have become even more numerous in Italy, and the US, in the nine years since we started the guide. To register for the Slow Wine trade and media events in San Francisco and New York, please visit the links below. Registration for Portland, Denver, and Boston will follow shortly. San Francisco https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slow-wine-2019-us-tour-san-francisco-tickets-52089322566 New York https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slow-wine-2019-us-tour-new-york-tickets-52089477028 About Slow Wine The Slow Wine Guide, published by Slow Food Editore (the publishing arm of Slow Food Italy*), adopts a new approach to wine criticism and looks at a variety of factors to evaluate wineries in their entirety. They take into consideration wine quality, history and adherence to terroir, value, environmental sensitivity and ecologically sustainable methods of practice. Slow Wine was conceived to give a realistic snapshot of the current Italian wine landscape. The guide features reviews of over 500 different wineries, each one visited by Slow Food experts. It is available for purchase on Amazon.com as well as in select bookstores. *Slow Food International is a global grassroots organization that envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it, and good for the planet. A non-profit member-supported association, Slow Food was founded in Italy in 1989 to counter the rise of fast food and fast life and the disappearance of local food traditions, and to encourage people to be aware about the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes, and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. Stillwater Dwellings Modern Prefab, Windsor, CA We believe that elegant design can create exceptional opportunities for indoor/outdoor living and connecting people to their beautiful surroundings, Kaveh Khatibloo, co-CEO December 2018, Stillwater Dwellings celebrates 10 years designing and building modern luxury, prefab homes for discerning clients nationwide. Stillwater Dwellings was founded in 2008 by prominent residential architect, Matthew Stannard, who believed luxury, modern homes could be more sustainable and accessible to homeowners. Stillwater Dwellings has since established itself as a premier brand in the prefab industry. Based in Seattle, Stillwater Dwellings has evolved to stay ahead of the growing demand for luxury prefabricated homes. Co-CEOs, Kaveh Khatibloo and John Morgan have built a talented team of architects, project managers and design professionals that enables them to create exceptional homes and to forge strong and lasting relationships with their customers and business partners alike. In addition, Stillwater Dwellings has been a key player in helping wildfire ravaged communities in California rebuild their homes by offering fast-track solutions. The rebuilds incorporate fire defense planning by using a few basic planning and architectural design decisions to greatly improve the chances that homes will survive any future wildfires. In addition, Stillwater periodically holds local events to help residents find additional recovery resources. Each Stillwater home showcases fine detailing, premium materials and eco-friendly features. Their aesthetic is grounded in master modern architecture and can be easily recognized by their signature details; a soaring butterfly roofline, exterior visors and a steel plate, floating entry canopy. We believe that elegant design can create exceptional opportunities for indoor/outdoor living and connecting people to their beautiful surroundings, Kaveh Khatibloo, co-CEO. Using floor to ceiling windows, thoughtful site integration and elegant interiors, Stillwater achieves a living space that is both beautiful and comfortable. Over the past 10 years, Stillwaters designs have been sought after by homeowners looking to build their dream home in a more sustainable and predictable manner than traditional stick built homes utilize. Their cultivated, three-step process is predicated on the idea that building a home should not be stressful and confusing, but exciting and rewarding. We bring much more to the table than beautiful designs. We work collaboratively with our clients to develop an understanding of what they want in a new home and then guide them through the entire process. The result is simple. A beautifully designed home that brings joy to its owners for years to come. John Morgan, co-CEO. STRmix sophisticated forensic software capable of resolving mixed DNA profiles previously thought to be too complex to interpret has been used to convict a Wyoming man of third-degree sexual assault, a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years. Wyomings State Crime Laboratory used STRmix to test for DNA on the couch cushions on which the sexual assault was alleged to have taken place. Jennifer Brammeier, Senior Forensic Scientist with the State Crime Lab, testified that DNA from both the victim and the defendant Casper, Wyoming businessman Tony Cercy was present on the cushion cover. She noted that the DNA on the cushion was 52.6 sextillion times more likely if it was from both individuals than if it was random. Brammeiers testimony was bolstered by testimony from John Buckleton, DSc, FRSNZ, one of the developers of STRmix. Pointing out that STRmix is now routinely used to resolve DNA profiles by 38 U.S. forensic labs, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Dr. Buckleton explained that STRmix builds up a picture of the DNA genotypes present that, when added together, best explains the observed mixed DNA profile. STRmix then enables analysts to compare the results against a person or persons of interest and calculate a statistic, or likelihood ratio, of the strength of the match. According to Dr. Buckleton, the likelihood ratio has largely replaced talk about whether a DNA sample found at a crime scene is a match with someones known DNA as new methods of DNA analysis such as STRmix have become widely used in forensic labs worldwide. Cercy initially was charged with one count each of first-degree assault (rape), second-degree assault (intrusion), and third-degree assault (sexual contact). In February 2018, a Natrona County jury acquitted Cercy of the first- and second-degree counts, but deadlocked on the third-degree count. After a mistrial was declared, attorneys for the alleged victim asked for the case to be retried. The request for retrial was granted, but the trial was moved to Thermopolis after the defense cited concerns over intense publicity before, during, and after the trial. STRmix has now been used successfully in a number of U.S. court cases, as well as thousands of cases internationally. There have also been at least 24 successful admissibility hearings in the U.S. for STRmix. A new version of STRmix, STRmix v2.6, was introduced in August 2018. The new version features a user interface that has been completely redeveloped and refreshed, providing users with vastly improved usability and workflow. Version 2.6 also enables a range of contributors to be entered when performing a deconvolution, and any type of stutter to be added and configured. Jo-Anne Bright of the New Zealand Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) and Duncan Taylor from Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA) worked together with Dr. Buckleton on the development of STRmix. For more information about STRmix visit http://www.strmix.com. A stroller among other items lie jumbled in a cargo area Cars are intensely private habitats an extension of everyday life," said Barry Robertson, study co-author. "If cars cant transport people, pets and belongings in a clean and orderly way, the experience degrades." A new visual study based on thousands of car interior photos reveals a hidden reality inside consumer vehicles: dirt, disorder and insufficient storage plague Millennial and Gen X drivers in America. The study, jointly published by Vizionation and Pay Your Selfie, is based on analyzed data from hundreds of car owners between the ages of 25 to 54 and 1,200 photos of their car interiors and home environments. Cars are intensely private habitats an extension of everyday life. But the pristine vehicle interiors shown in car ads and marketing are far from realistic, said Barry Robertson, Vizionation principal and study co-author. An authentic understanding of how daily life in all its untidy reality is essential to be credible with car buyers navigating their prime years of work and family responsibilities. The report spotlights how cars are tasked to function as extended homes on wheels: busy mobile hubs where drivers and riders frequently eat, do business or homework, and groom themselves while traveling. Yet cars perform these secondary duties sub-optimally given storage limitations and a lack of accessible solutions for keeping interiors clean and chaos-free. By relying on smartphones to capture the hidden truths of driver lifestyles, weve visually documented connections between cars and everyday realities that otherwise go unnoticed, said Michelle Smyth, CEO of Pay Your Selfie and study co-author. Our findings illuminate the many ways cars can echo and amplify the organization challenges people face inside their homes. The study, An Inside View: Car Interior Scenes & Secrets, is based on in-depth explorations and surveys conducted between March through June 2018. A panel of 100 vehicle owners ages 25 to 54 with household incomes of $50,000 and above participated in multi-step photo surveys on vehicle interior storage use, satisfaction, organization, pain points and desired improvements. Additional photo surveys confirmed the importance of car interior storage and the embarrassment factor of dirty or disorderly vehicle spaces. It is available for purchase at Vizionation.com. Drivers spend about an hour and forty minutes in their cars each day, said Robertson. If cars cant transport people, pets and belongings in a clean and orderly way, the vehicle ownership experience degrades. This is a major pain point for drivers that the auto industry can help ease. About Vizionation Vizionation publishes high-value and cost-efficient qual-quant research reports across a wide range of categories and topics. Led by career automotive industry and marketing experts, it is the inter-generational consulting and research arm of Boomer / neXt, LLC. About Pay Your Selfie PayYourSelfie, Inc. (Pay Your Selfie) specializes in ethnographic mobile surveys that humanize data about peoples attitudes, behaviors and lifestyles. It analyzes longitudinal in-the-moment photos and survey data from a proprietary panel of 200,000 U.S. consumers, enabling marketers to visualize and better understand their customers' worlds. Christopher (Chris) William Crowley "(Chris) was well-respected throughout the imaging and archival preservation industries for both his expertise which went back nearly four decades and his ability to build lasting relationships." - Patrick Crowley, Vice President, The Crowley Company Vice president Patrick (Pat) Crowley of The Crowley Company, an international leader in digital imaging hardware solutions and conversion services, announced today the passing of his brother and company president, Christopher (Chris) William Crowley, on Sunday, December 2, 2018. Our family shares our grief with many others around the world, notes Crowley. Chris was known as one of the last of a generation who still believed in a handshake deal. His word was his bond and he was well-respected throughout the imaging and archival preservation industries for both his expertise which went back nearly four decades and his ability to build lasting relationships. Chris Role at Crowley Chris worked summers as a teenager with his father and hero, Jerome F. (Jerry) Crowley, Jr., who founded J.F. Crowley Inc. in 1980. The family firm, located just outside of Washington, D.C., represented manufacturers of hardware and software in the photographic, graphic arts and micrographic industries. At the time, the client base was primarily local, state and federal government entities. Upon graduation from the University of South Carolina in 1982, Chris joined his father full-time, concentrating on sales. In 1986, the firm opened a digitization services division and the company name was changed to Crowley Micrographics to better represent its offerings. In 1988, Pat joined the firm. In 1996, upon their fathers passing, Chris took the helm as president and is credited for transitioning the company fully into the digital age, changing the name to The Crowley Company in 1997 and expanding the client base into the corporate, academic, records management and archival markets. Through key acquisitions, Mekel Technology (San Dimas, California) in 2003 and Wicks and Wilson, Ltd. (Basingstoke, United Kingdom) in 2011, Chris added manufacturing divisions to the company, as well as an international footprint. In addition to manufacturing these two leading brands of microfilm, microfiche and aperture card scanners, Chris ventured the company into a Crowley product line that now includes universal microform scanners, overhead document scanners, image hosting, high-resolution cameras and a document security examination platform. Among Chris many talents, says Crowley, was his ability to assess the market to see what was missing or could be improved. If it was in our wheelhouseor a natural extension of what we were already doingChris moved ahead. He continues, He deserves the bulk of the credit for todays success. The micrographics and imaging industries have gone through several consolidations and he was able to guide us through each, coming out stronger each time. Perhaps more importantly, he cared deeply for his staff, a fact borne out by our many decade-plus tenures. Chris Remembered Debbie Harris, the companys human resources and technical support division manager, was also Chris right hand for nearly 19 years and echoes the sentiments of many who had the privilege to work directly with or for Chris. Chris was my mentor. He not only taught me about business as I worked my way up the ladder from scan operator, he encouraged my further education, offered advice about issues both work and personal and taught me the value of kindness. I can only hope to be to someone else what Chris has been to me. He truly touched and changed my life. Joerg Vogler, president of Zeutschel GmbH, has worked with Chris and The Crowley Company for nearly 35 years. This truly is a loss for our industry, says Vogler. Chris demanded a lot from his business partners, but he gave just as much in return. When Zeutschel ventured to North and South America in the 1980s, Chris was the person we trusted with our product line exclusively. To this day, he and his company have Zeutschel exclusivity in many markets and is the preferred distributor in others. More than a good businessman, though, Chris was my friend and I will miss our many meals, travels and conversations. Vice president of operations at BMI Imaging Systems, Inc., Jim Modrall, is at once a customer, a friendly competitor and a longtime colleague. As you go through life, if you are fortunate, you meet a few people that have a positive impact on everyone around them. Chris was one of those people. Every interaction with Chris was a positive experience. He had many talents, he was a good business man, he was a good friend but, first and foremost, he was a good family man and father. Modrall adds, I was lucky enough to have known Chris dad Jerry and just like Jerry Chris was both loved and respected by everyone lucky enough to know him. I am proud to have called Chris my friend and my world is dimmer with his passing. The future of The Crowley Company Chris health has been compromised for many years, explains Crowley. He never let it stop him or get the best of him and only those close to him knew of his health battles. Understanding that longevity was the one goal he would most likely not obtain, Chris, Pat and brother Kevin, who joined the company as chief technology officer in 2017, developed a comprehensive succession plan. Says Crowley, Id like to say it will be business as usual, but of course well be missing Chris. Knowing this day would come, we have built a strong management team that knows the capture hardware, digitization services and manufacturing sides of the imaging industry inside and out. With this deep bench, added to by the expertise of our staff members in R&D, on the scanning floor and in the corporate and sales offices, our customers will not feel the loss that we do. The formal obituary of Christopher William Crowley can be viewed at legacy.com when posted. He is immediately survived by his wife, Kathy, and his two sons, Christopher William, Jr. and Brendan Michael. Both Christopher and Brendan work for the family firm. You can learn more about The Crowley Companys history, its evolution and Chris role in its development in the following two blog posts: On Fathers Day: Jerry Crowley Crowley Celebrates 35 Years About The Crowley Company Headquartered in Frederick, Md. , The Crowley Company is a world leader in digital imaging technologies and services, manufacturing and utilizing front-end capture systems for the purposes of cultural heritage digital preservation, records management, document examination and machine vision. Assel Grant Services We are excited to announce Julie Assel as the incoming 2019 GPCI Board President. Her constant commitment to the organization and her passion for moving the credential forward will allow Julie to be successful." As the newly appointed GPCI Board President, Assel will help lead the organization in continuing its mission to provide a standard of excellence for the grant profession. She is President and CEO of Kansas City-based Assel Grant Services, as well as the current chair of GPCIs Marketing Committee, a member of the Nomination Committee, a Certification Maintenance Program committee member, and a member of the Accreditation Committee. We are excited to announce Julie Assel as the incoming 2019 GPCI Board President. Her constant commitment to the organization and her passion for moving the credential forward will allow Julie to be successful as the GPCI Board President. I look forward to the progress she will make in moving the credential forward! Allson Boyd, GPC, Current President of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute Board of Directors. GPCI is the awarding body of the nationally-recognized Grant Professional Certification (GPC) credential. In 1999, three organizations closely associated with the field of grants began identifying and validating the competencies and skills grant professionals should possess if they are to fulfill their duties and obligations in grantsmanship. Until the Grant Professional Certification (GPC) was established, it was difficult for organizations to gauge a grant professionals competency, and those seeking assistance with their grants crossed their fingers in hope of hiring an experienced, ethical grant professional. Addressing these concerns led to the creation of a certification process. In 2004, GPCI was incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and offered its first exam in 2007. Via my roles with Assel Grant Services and GPCI, I see grant writers constantly demonstrating the value they bring to an organization seeking grant funding. Having the GPC credential reflects that value and is why I have advocated for professional credentialing for many years and served the GPCI in several roles, including its strategic plan early on and nationally positioning the credential, Assel explains. Assel Grant Services has six GPCs on staff, more than any other firm in the country. I believe in the value the GPCI brings to our industry and being appointed president is an honor. Assel will serve a one-year term as president and could possibly serve up to two more years until her term is complete in 2021. ABOUT ASSEL GRANT SERVICES Assel Grant Services is an industry-leading consulting firm based in Kansas City, Mo. specializing in grant research, proposal creation and application for nonprofits, school districts and institutions of higher education. The Assel Grant Services team is a highly efficient, expert group of experienced grant writers and researchers who specialize in private and public grant programs in areas as diverse as human services, arts, education, and healthcare research. Learn more about Assel Grant Services at http://www.asselgrantservices.com/. ABOUT GRANT PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE The Grant Professionals Certification Institute confers the Grant Professional Certification (GPC) to those who meet eligibility requirements and successfully exhibit proficiency in the required competencies. The GPC credential is based on rigorous standards and ongoing research necessary to meet real-world challenges of grant professionals. GPC credentialed grant professionals are committed to excellence in their profession and, on average, report higher earnings than those without the credential. Not only is he (Yousef) a great entrepreneur, but he is also a great ambassador for the EU. The incredible life story of former refugee and LG Sonic CEO Yousef Yousef was last week paid tribute to in the European Parliament by Carlos Moedas, the European Commissioner for Research and Innovation. In his November 27th speech at the High-Level Conference EU Research and Innovation in Our Daily Lives, Commissioner Moedas spoke at length of Yousefs life and journey, citing the man who convinced him of the power of European science and innovation to change lives. The European Dream In 1996, Yousef Yousef (1983) arrived in the Netherlands from Syria as a refugee together with his mother, brother and sister. For almost seven years they lived together in a refugee camp, afraid each day would be the one that they learn they will be deported. The inspiration to become an entrepreneur came from his father Qaury Yousef, who was a successful businessman. His father passed away when Yousef was two years old, leaving his mother to raise three children by herself. She decided to take her children to Europe, and Yousefs dream of entrepreneurship accompanied him to Europe. To achieve his goals, he started following educational programs in the refugee camp. After ten years Yousef was granted the Dutch residency which allowed him to enroll in The University of Leiden. Protecting the Worlds Water In 2011, Yousef became CEO of LG Sonic, a company with the mission to eliminate chemical usage in the water industry, doing so by controlling algal blooms with ultrasound technology. Many people doubted this technology, but Yousef and co-founders Lisa Brand and Rick Kaper never stopped believing in their goal: protecting the world's water from chemicals. With EU funding for the FP7 program they developed a technology that combines water quality monitoring with ultrasound technology to control algal blooms. The company serves industry-leading drinking water companies in the United States, United Kingdom, Colombia and New Zealand. In 2015, LG Sonic was the first European company to be named Certified Innovation Partner of American Water, the largest public utility in the United States, and the cooperation stands to this day. From Entrepreneur to Recognition Throughout Europe In his speech, Commissioner Carlos Moedas addressed how he was moved by the story of Yousef. It was the conversation he had with Yousef that helped crystallize the meaning of the European Dream, stating, not only is he (Yousef) a great entrepreneur, but he is also a great ambassador for the EU. The commissioners faith in the power of European science was bolstered due to the work Yousef and LG Sonic are doing. Yousef has shown what a person can achieve when pushing themselves to excel and fulfil their dreams. The entrepreneur's path from refugee to cutting-edge innovator is a story millions of the worlds population should hear. LG Sonic Yousef Yousef is CEO of LG Sonic, a leading international manufacturer of innovative water treatment systems. LG Sonic products provide an environmentally friendly solution to effectively control algae in large water surfaces such as lakes and reservoirs. With its international distributor network, more than 10,000 LG Sonic products have been successfully installed in over 50 different countries. Coordinator of several European FP7 projects: ClearWater PMPC and Dronic (3.2 million) Official Innovation Partner of American Water, U.S. largest water and wastewater utility Winner of several innovation awards: Aquatech Innovation Award (2015), Global TAG excellence award (2015), WssTP Water Innovation Award (2014) http://www.lgsonic.com "Tillmans Fund Administration business complements E78 and solidifies our complete front to back office solution for Private Equity funds, GPs, and the Portfolio Companies they invest in." Tillman Private Equity Services, LLC (Tillman), a leading Fund Administrator for Private Equity and SBIC Funds, announced today that Chris Rakers has joined as Managing Director to lead Tillmans Fund Administration and Outsourced CFO business. Im excited to join Tillman and work alongside a truly dynamic team that has deep roots in the Private Equity and SBIC space, said Rakers. Increased demand from limited partners, regulators, and auditors for technology and transparency is driving this current shift towards an outsourced Fund Administration model for Private Equity funds. Tillmans exceptional reputation, first-class talent, and focus on innovation made this a really attractive opportunity for me. Rakers brings 14 years of experience in the Private Equity and Hedge Fund industry, most recently as a Senior Manager at NAV Fund Administration Group where he helped the firm almost double its assets under administration from $38 billion to $65 billion during his 4 years there. Prior to that Rakers served as Chief Operating Officer at Custom House Fund Services (now part of Apex Fund Services) where he managed a 200+ person Fund Administration team across the US, Europe, and Asia. He began his career as a Fund Accountant at Northern Trust. In 2017, Tillman was acquired by the Private Equity consulting group, E78 Partners, LLC (E78). We are thrilled to have Chris join our growing team and lead Tillman through this next phase of growth, said John Signa, Managing Director of E78 Partners, LLC. Tillmans Fund Administration business complements E78 and solidifies our complete front to back office solution for Private Equity funds, GPs, and the Portfolio Companies they invest in. The shift towards outsourced Fund Administration in the Private Equity space continues, and Chris experience and knowledge of the industry will be valuable as we navigate through changes in regulation and the evolving needs of GPs and LPs, said Gary Modrow, Managing Director of E78 Partners, LLC. We see a lot of parallels in the recent trend for outsourced Fund Administration in Private Equity and the evolution of Hedge Fund Administration over the past decade, and believe Tillman is well-positioned for exponential growth in the coming years. About Tillman Private Equity Services, LLC Founded in 2013, Tillman Private Equity Services provides Fund Administration, Management Company Support, and Outsourced CFO services to Private Equity and SBIC funds. Tillmans team of former auditors and C-level executives have a service-focused approach, acting as an extension of each Funds back office. Tillmans 99% client retention ratio is a direct reflection of our emphasis on quality and client service. Tillmans clients include GPs and Funds of all sizes and strategies, including buyout, venture capital, debt, distressed, fund of funds, mezzanine, and real estate. For more information, visit us at https://www.tillmanpes.com/ About Element78 Advisors Founded in 2016, Element78 works with leading private equity groups and their portfolio companies to address critical accounting, finance and operational objectives. Drawing on decades of experience, Element78 delivers unique and invaluable perspective to its clients. We know what it takes to manage a company through change; from platform acquisition through integration and exit readiness, Element78 offers solutions throughout the investment lifecycle. We are a team of financial athletes serving as the change agents our clients need to move companies forward. For more information, visit us at http://e78advisors.com Tillman and Element 78 Advisors are E78 companies. We are delighted at the opportunity this brings for Seams Systems to bring a Microsoft based product range to the Australian market. TRIMIT and Seams Systems are proud to announce a new business partnership. The partnership enables Seams Systems to deliver TRIMIT Fashion, TRIMITs gold standard software solution for the apparel and fashion industry, to the Australian market. In the fashion industry, the competition is fierce and to be successful, companies need to keep track of a wide variety of data from multiple sources, communicate and collaborate effectively, and react fast. Isolated IT systems or heavily customized IT solutions will often make it difficult for fashion companies to work efficiently, and the architecture may not be able to support further growth. TRIMIT meets the challenges faced by fashion companies with TRIMIT Fashion, a flexible and scalable business management solution for the fashion industry. The solution can help fashion companies automate and streamline processes, achieve supply chain visibility, as well as improve collaboration across their entire business. We are delighted at the opportunity this brings for Seams Systems to bring a Microsoft based product range to the Australian market. This will fill a gap in the local marketplace that our very experienced organisation is able to exploit to the full, said David Porter, Principal at Seams Systems. Moving forward, Seams Systems will help apparel and fashion companies optimize their business and drive growth with TRIMITs fashion-specific Microsoft software solution. We are really excited to get a chance to work with the team at Seams Systems and the opportunity it brings to launch TRIMIT in Australia, said Troels Rasmussen, Head of Sales at TRIMIT. He continued, "As partners, we will be working closely together to exchange experiences and bring the best Microsoft-based fashion software to customers in Australia. This work is getting started now, and we look forward to working with the team at Seams Systems. About Seams Systems Seams Systems are a software manufacturer and supplier based in Melbourne. The company has provided IT support for the apparel industry through its flagship product Seams Fashion ERP for several decades. Seams Fashion represents complete integration of all business processes from range creation through logistics, inventory management, wholesale distribution, retail and online B2B and B2C. Seams online websites provide seamless integration with client ERP systems, facilitating automated upload of product, customer and inventory information and automated download of orders and sales information back to ERP. More about Seams Systems can be found at seamssystemssoftware.com.au About TRIMIT For more than 28 years, TRIMIT has been a front-runner in providing companies worldwide with industry-specific software solutions that let them focus on doing business and perform at their very best. TRIMITs solutions seamlessly combine PDM, ERP, and E-commerce in a single, powerful industry solution based on Microsoft Dynamics NAV/365 Business Central. Companies using a TRIMIT solution can immediately benefit from the industry best practices that have been built-in since 1990. Today, more than 400 companies in the fashion, furniture, and manufacturing industries use a TRIMIT solution to automate and optimize their business from design to delivery. Additional information about TRIMIT is available at http://www.trimit.com. Every day we see the progress being made by Health Transformers around the world. These entrepreneurs are choosing to focus on health innovation, not because it is easy -- but because it is essential. - Steven Krein, CEO & Co-founder, StartUp Health - StartUp Health To Announce Details of an Urgent Health Moonshot to Curb Addiction and End Opioid Epidemic Free Livestream Access Passes for Virtual Global Participants Winners To Be Announced from Accentures Health Tech Innovation Challenge StartUp Health, a global organization dedicated to investing in entrepreneurs working to achieve health moonshots, will be back in San Francisco, CA on January 7-8th to host the 7th annual StartUp Health Festival. Featuring more than 100 CEOs from StartUp Health portfolio companies, alongside fireside chats with Dr. Jill Biden, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard Tyson and Novartis Chief Digital Officer Bertrand Bodson, the StartUp Health Festival will bring together more than 2,000 inspiring leaders in health and wellness to focus on solving the worlds biggest health challenges. In addition to progress updates on StartUp Healths 25 year plan to achieve health moonshots, and impact stories from over 100 startup founders, this year StartUp Health will be announcing details of a critical, urgent health moonshot focused on addiction and the opioid epidemic, followed by a fireside chat with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who has tackled this topic in his reporting for CNN for a number of years. For more than five decades, President John F. Kennedys challenge that we choose to go to the moon continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs with the gift of moonshot thinking and the achievement of seemingly impossible goals. The StartUp Health Festival was created to carry on this legacy by bringing people and organizations together to collaborate on achieving health moonshots, said StartUp Health CEO and Co-founder Steven Krein. Every day we see the progress being made by Health Transformers around the world. These entrepreneurs are choosing to focus on health innovation, not because it is easy -- but because it is essential. Were living in the most exciting time in history for transforming health, but to truly leap forward we first need to dream big. We need to choose to go to the moon again, said Unity Stoakes, President and Co-founder of StartUp Health. It may take many years, but together we can achieve the impossible and solve the worlds biggest health challenges. The StartUp Health Festival is a three-level experience for participants including a dealmaking salon and networking floor, the StartUp Health Cafe and a main stage featuring moonshot updates, startup spotlights and fireside chats with over 100 leaders including: Jill Biden, Ed.D, Co-Chair, Biden Cancer Initiative, Second Lady of the United States from 20092017 Bertrand Bodson, Chief Digital Officer, Novartis Eugene Borukhovich, Global Head of Digital Health Incubation & Innovation, Bayer William Carson, MD, President & CEO, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. Giacomo Chiesi, Head of Global Corporate Development, Chiesi Group Karen Drexler, CEO & Co-founder, Sandstone Diagnostics Esther Dyson, Executive Founder, Wellville Jamey Edwards, CEO & Co-founder, Cloudbreak Health Jennifer Esposito, General Manager of Health and Life Sciences, Intel Sanjay Gupta, MD, Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN Rick Hennessey, CEO, SOLIUS Sandra Hernandez, MD, CEO, California Health Care Foundation David Karow, MD, PhD, Chief of Radiogenomics and Interim CEO, Human Longevity Inc. Naheed Kurji, CEO & Founder, Cyclica Hesky Kutscher, CEO & Founder, CareDox Marco Huesch, MD, Managing Director & Chief Medical Officer, Ping An Global Voyager Fund Melissa Manice, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer & Founder, Cohero Health Philip Marshall, MD, Chief Product Officer & Co-founder, Conversa Jane Metcalfe, CEO & Founder, NEO.LIFE Reed Mollins, Chief Strategy Officer & Co-founder, Doctor.com Kabir Nath, President & CEO, Otsuka North America Pharmaceuticals Brian Neman, CEO, Sanguine Biosciences Judith Nowlin, Chief Growth Officer, Babyscripts Todd Park, Executive Chairman & Co-founder, Devoted Health Lord Prior of Brampton, Chair, NHS England Mona Siddiqui, MD, Chief Data Officer, US Department of Health & Human Services Josh Stein, CEO & Co-founder, AdhereTech Terry Stone, Managing Partner of Health & Life Sciences, Oliver Wyman Thomas Tsang, MD, CEO & Co-founder, Valera Health Nick Turkal, MD, CEO & President, Advocate Aurora Health Bernard Tyson, CEO & Chairman, Kaiser Permanente David Weingard, CEO & Founder, Fit4D StartUp Healths Lead Innovation Partners include Sanofi, Novartis, Chiesi, Ping An & Accenture: The StartUp Health Festival is an invite-only event made possible by StartUp Health partners and investors including five lead innovation partners all dedicated to supporting our mission to achieve health moonshots. We share StartUp Healths belief that technology will enable us to democratize health care, said Heather Bell, SVP and Global Head of Digital and Analytics at Sanofi. Working together with the worlds Health Transformers, we will engage patients in new ways, implement new technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, and find better ways to get new drugs to market faster improving the health of people around the world. Accenture HealthTech Innovation Challenge - Monday, Jan 7, 2019 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm Were proud to partner with Accenture for the third year to host the Accenture HealthTech Innovation Challenge finals and awards on Monday, January 7th from 5-7pm. The Accenture HealthTech Innovation Challenge connects leading-edge startups with prominent health and life sciences companies to tackle some of the worlds greatest health challenges including access, quality and affordability-of-care options. This year, the program had a record number of entries with more than 1,100 applicants. After regional rounds in Boston, Dublin, Sydney and Tokyo, were pleased to bring 10 of the top health startups to the final round of the Accenture HealthTech Innovation Challenge at the StartUp Health Festival, said Stuart Henderson, industry managing director, Accenture Life Sciences. The program provides a platform that gives our clients the opportunity to have first-hand access to innovative solutions to reshape healthcare and impact their businesses. Oliver Wyman Closing Reception | Tuesday, January 8, 2019 Were honored to partner with Oliver Wyman to present the first Women in Healthcare Leadership Award, to be presented on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. They will also be sharing insights from their Women in Healthcare Leadership research. Global Partners Supporting StartUp Healths Mission to Transform Health The Festival is made possible with support from StartUp Healths world-class partners including: Chiesi, Novartis, Ping An, Guidewell, Masimo, Otsuka, Advocate Aurora Health, Kaiser Permanente Ventures, Sanofi, Accenture, Bayer, Oliver Wyman, Allied Physicians, California Health Care Foundation, Proskauer Rose LLP, Baxter, Allscripts, BioQuest & Silicon Valley Bank. StartUp Health has amassed the worlds largest portfolio of over 260 digital health companies from six continents and 22 countries and has a global network of over 200,000 investors, customers and partners. StartUp Health is backed by leading health systems, payors and pharmaceutical companies committed to collaborating with entrepreneurs dedicated to transforming health by providing capital, expertise and commercialization opportunities to gain traction and scale. To apply to attend the Festival, visit http://www.startuphealth.com/festival. If your organization would like to support the 2019 StartUp Health Festival email festival@startuphealth.com. Entrepreneurs can apply to join StartUp Healths Moonshot Academy at http://www.startuphealth.com. Tune into the free livestream and watch online at http://www.startuphealth.com on Jan. 7-8, 2019 beginning 10:00am PST. Property owners receive a very official offer and think that is the law for what they are able to receive, NC Eminent Domain Law Firm Attorney Jason Campbell said. If an offer has been made, there may be a more complete and satisfactory offer to be gained through reappraisal and negotiations. The widening and access changes to Western Boulevard (NC 53) will bring the roadway and its effects nearer to more than 100 businesses in Jacksonville. It is important to note, in addition to some owners being displaced by the project, many others may have their businesses impacted either by the widened roads, sidewalks, and utility easements that may interfere, permanently or temporarily, with their parking and customers access. The offers some property owners receive from state officials may amount to far less than what their property is worth. Nor would these offers make up entirely for the impact to their businesses, or the frustration when faced with selling, according to former NCDOT attorneys at the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm. These property owners in the path of the Western Boulevard project will soon receive purchase offers from state officials. According to attorney Jason Campbell, with the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm and former NCDOT attorney, property owners should be careful a project with potential for such detrimental effects can spare a few moments to ensure citizens get a fair shake. Property owners receive a very official offer and think that is the law for what they are able to receive, Campbell said. If an offer has been made, there may be a more complete and satisfactory offer to be gained through reappraisal and negotiations. Business and home owners are welcome to attend a no obligation seminar and ask their questions on December 13 from 79 P.M. at the Hampton Inn & Suites (1032 Hampton Inn Way, Jacksonville, NC 28546) Second Check By North Carolina law, property owners whose land or businesses are targeted for acquisition ultimately receive an offer from the state. If the owner chooses not to accept the offer and takes no further steps, the state will still acquire the land and deposit the amount of the original offer with the County Clerk for the owner. This is where the NC Eminent Domain Law Firms second check approach comes in. In most cases, the property owner is then free to pursue a potentially better, fairer arrangement, without losing the first offer. If continued negotiations do not change the offer, the owner still has the first offer. But if continued negotiations are successful, the property owner will receive a second check in addition to the first offer. We hate it when we see property owners get less money than they should, simply because they didnt know the full extent of their rights, said Stan Abrams, also with the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm and a former NCDOT attorney. The NC Eminent Domain Law Firm is available to talk with property and business owners, and to try to answer questions about the unique circumstances regarding their individual properties. Those questions typically include: Property owners who have questions about this project and how it will affect them are encouraged to call the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm at 1-877-393-4990. And to attend the seminar on December 13 from 79 P.M. at the Hampton Inn & Suites (1032 Hampton Inn Way, Jacksonville, NC 28546) About the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm A division of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm is dedicated solely to representing property owners throughout North Carolina, who may be impacted by eminent domain law. The NC Eminent Domain Law Firm is led by attorneys Stan Abrams and Jason Campbell, both of whom previously worked as Assistant Attorneys General for the North Carolina Department of Justice in the Transportation Section, where they litigated condemnation cases for the NCDOT. They have over 30 years of combined experience working exclusively on eminent domain cases. The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin has the legal resources of 46 attorneys and is based in Durham, North Carolina, with 13 additional offices throughout the state to serve its clients. Contact Information: Stan Abrams 1-877-393-4990 NC Eminent Domain Law Firm B1505 South Glenburnie Road Unit P New Bern, NC 28562 Agents of Change, a new program created to enable agents to make a social impact in the developing world William Pitt Julia B. Fee Sothebys International Realty today announced the firm has partnered with New Story, a 501c3 non-profit charity, and World Housing for Agents of Change, a program created to enable the companys agents to make a social impact in the developing world. The new initiative will allow agents to either make a one-time contribution or recurring monthly donation to help build homes for families abroad who are living in poor conditions and slums. William Pitt Julia B. Fee Sothebys International Realty is the Sothebys International Realty brands first East Coast affiliate, and second overall, to participate in the program. To date, the company has already raised enough money to fund the building of ten new homes. New Story has been building communities in countries including Mexico, Haiti, El Salvador and Bolivia by working with local partners to transform slums into safe, life-changing communities. The Agents of Change program will specifically focus on rebuilding efforts in Morelos, Mexico, a state that was devastated by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Mexico City in 2017. The earthquake caused over 240 deaths throughout central Mexico and damaged 184,000 households. Each new home through Agents of Change costs approximately $6,500 and is given to a family in need to impact their lives for generations to come. New Story has created an innovative and more transparent model than the traditional charitable giving experience. Operation costs that the charity might incur are paid for through a separate group of investors, meaning every dollar given to New Story through donations goes directly to building homes. Through this unique partnership the firm has the opportunity to build not just a home for those in need, but also a community. On a daily basis, we see the importance of home ownership in our clients lives all over the world, said Paul Breunich, President and CEO of William Pitt - Julia B. Fee Sothebys International Realty. We feel everyone should have that security and sense of peace, and now through Agents of Change we can help build homes for families living in dangerous conditions. By rallying together, our company can create an incredible legacy of hope and transformation around the world for years to come. For more information on Agents of Change or to donate, click here. About William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty Founded in 1949, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty manages a $4.2-billion portfolio with more than 1,000 sales associates in 27 brokerages spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Westchester County, New York. William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty is one of the largest Sotheby's International Realty affiliates globally and the 34th-largest real estate company by sales volume in the United States. For more information, visit the website at williampitt.com. Sotheby's International Realty's worldwide network includes 960 offices throughout 72 countries and territories on six continents. Online Newsletter Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news and information from publics.bg Children of Jubilee by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Simon & Schuster, Dec. 4, $17.99, ISBN 978-1-4424-5009-7) Haddixs Children of Exile introduced 12-year-old Rosi and her brother Bobo who, along with the other children of their town, were raised by adults known as Freds. After being returned to their real parents, the children learned that reality is not what they had understood it to be. The dystopian trilogy concludes as Rosi and other children from Fredtown attempt escape from alien enslavement. Last month, author Shannon Messenger set out on a three-week tour in celebration of her bestselling novel Flashback (S&S/Aladdin), book #7 in the Keeper of Lost Cities series for middle graders. Each of the events drew crowds between 200 and 700 fans. Weve gathered a selection of highlights from the tour, which included readings, appearances by guest authors, and more. Shannon Messenger (l.) with fellow author Tamara Ireland Stone (Little Do We Know) in San Francisco, during an event hosted by Keplers in Menlo Park, Calif. Messenger with (top row, from l.) Alison Nolen and Caryn Wiseman of Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and author Barry Eisler; (bottom row, from l.) Laura Rennert and Jennifer March Soloway of Andrea Brown. A view of the crowd at Barnes & Noble in Frisco, Tex. B&N in Portland, Ore., welcomed Messenger and Laini Taylor (l.), author of Muse of Nightmares. Signing books at Changing Hands in Phoenix, Ariz. Messenger with Michael Leali, a bookseller at Andersons in Chicago, during an event held by the store. The tour wrapped up on November 30 in Washington, D.C., where Messenger appeared in conversation with James Riley (author of the Story Thieves series), during an event hosted by Hooray for Books in Alexandria, Va. The U.K. Society of Authors (SoA), which represents 10,500 writers, scriptwriters, illustrators and literary translators, has issued a report called "Brexit Briefing," which outlines the vulnerabilities the U.K. creative community faces during Brexit negotiations. It asks that the government ensure "a new national policy framework that is favorable to writers" and specifically asks protections for writers to be included under the Withdraw Agreement that dictates the terms on which the U.K. leaves the European Union. The SoA asserts that the U.K. publishing industry makes a significant contribution to society as a whole and contributed 5.7 billion ($7.15 billion) in turnover in 2017 to the U.K. economy. The organization's top concern is that "current copyright standards are not watered down or used as bargaining chips as part of future trade negotiations," as stated in the report. It also notes that the E.U. is likely to approve the Digital Single Market directive before the U.K. exits the European Union and asks the government to introduce a similar provisions into U.K. law; these new provisions would include the expectation of increased transparency from publishers in reporting sales to authors and other favorable adjustments to author contracts. A second major area of concern is that the government negotiate trade terms that allow Europe to remain an open export market. The report states that "The UK is the largest exporter of physical books in the world, with a 17% share of world exports. Exports play a major part in the success of the UK publishing industry as a whole, accounting for 3.4bn, or 60% of total revenues." The European Union is the U.K.'s single biggest market for physical books, accounting for 36% of exports. At the same time, the report asks that the U.K. adopt a 'national exhaustion of rights framework of protections for its own book market post-Brexit in order to protect U.K. IP at home. This framework will mitigate the potential for grey market imports of books, for example, as well as provide further terms for enforcing copyright protections. Other key terms the SoA would like to see included in the Withdraw Agreement include provisions to continue to allow U.K. writers access to European grant funding and exemptions for writers to allow them to continue to travel and work in Europe. The final request is that the U.K. government move to reduce VAT on ebooks to zero following Brexit, something that was recently legislated as being legal under E.U. law. Several prominent writers offered their support for the report, including Joanna Trollope, Linda Grant and Joanne Harris. "We can't just assume that our creative industries will have the same importance if we lose our easy access to European markets," wrote Harris in the report. "We need to be able to trade easily with Europe and the rest of the world. We need customs arrangements in place that allow us to move goods swiftly and efficiently. Otherwise we risk becoming increasingly marginalized, with disastrous results for the publishing industry, and the creative arts as a whole." Dr Addison said the gains of the ongoing reforms in the banking sector and restoration of macroeconomic stability must compel the banks to assist other private businesses. The gains achieved in macroeconomic stability, together with the implementation of other policy initiatives, will provide some impetus to economic growth. Banks, therefore, must position themselves to scale-up their support for private sector-led growth. The restoration of macroeconomic stability should provide some basis for improved financial intermediation to boost economic activities in the near-term, he added. He was speaking at the 2018 Annual Bankers Dinner in Accra. he explained that the banking sector can be described as one of the important pillars for the development of the country as expected by its citizens. He argued that there was the need for solid, strong and well-capitalised banks to support that cause. The sustainability of the banking industry is critical to achieving the high aspirations of Ghanaians. As such, all stakeholders must work to ensure that banks operate within an enabling environment that supports them to carry out their financial intermediation function. He added that it is the responsibility of all to ensure that the challenges in the sector are addressed in order to boost confidence in the sector. We should collectively work hard to regain the general publics confidence through the introduction of prudent policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure the irreversibility of reforms introduced. He said this when he briefed Ghanas Parliament on preparations for the national celebration. He said that due to the limited amount of funds available to them, they are largely depending on private donors. He explained that the budget allocation since 2016 till date has not changed hence their constraint. The National Farmers Day as the name connotes is a big event that has serious budgetary implications. The constraints of the national budget have been a major drawback to this years preparations given that some budgetary allocations of GH2million ($411500) approved for the fiscal year 2016 and 2017 was maintained for 2018. In effect, the Ministry has had to rely heavily on sponsorship of corporate Ghana and other development partners to ensure a successful celebration, Dr. Afriyie Akoto told the lawmaking chamber. He argued that the budget approved for the celebration did not reflect the status of agriculture as the lead sector in Ghanas economy. I trust therefore that in reviewing the 2019 budget estimates for the Ministry of Agriculture, this matter will seriously engage the attention of the House and receive favourable consideration. The 2018 National Farmers Day will be held in Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region. It is on the theme; Agriculture: Moving Ghana Beyond Aid. Dr Afriyie Akoto said the theme shows the premium placed on agriculture by the current government and by implication the farmer whos the focus and target of governments policies and programmes. The National Farmers Day is commemorated each year on the first Friday of December to honour Ghanas Farmers and Fishers as key contributors to the nations socio-economic development. The programme of activities usually planned for the celebration include: The restored logo has the coat of arms and a ballot box showing the hand casting a vote. ece-auto-gen The memo added that the core values of the Electoral Commission, namely integrity, fairness and accountability have from today also been restored. All communications from the Electoral Commission must from today, be made on the letterhead bearing the original logo of the Commission as appears on the face of this letterhead Reams of Letterheads are to be picked up from the stores of the Commission. Kindly ensure that the most recent logo is removed from the buildings and properties of the Commission, the memo added. In April 2016, the then EC Chairperson Charlotte Osei unveiled a new logo for the Commission despite public criticism at the time. ece-auto-gen At a ceremony to unveil the logo Mrs Osei defended the Commissions decision to choose the new logo in spite of the public outcry. That is our new logo. We like it, we picked it, and it makes us happy, she said. After the elections in December 2016, Nana Akufo-Addo won and was subsequently sworn in as President of Ghana. Some staff of the EC petitioned the President over some misconducts and financial malpractices allegedly championed by Mrs Osei and two of her deputiesAmadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwah. Nana Addo referred the matter to the Chief Justice who also set up a Committee pursuant to Article 146(4) of the Constitution. The committee was to investigate separate complaints brought against the three persons. The committee recommended their removal from office. The recommendation was on the basis of the stated misbehaviour and incompetence to Article 146(1) of the constitution. Speaking at the meeting with their Togolese counterparts, the Head of Ghanas delegation, National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah said he was hopeful the countries will reach an agreement without disputes. This is the third meeting between Ghana and Togo on the maritime boundary negotiations which shows we have come a long way to find mutual interest for both countries. This meeting started on the quest of both presidents for peaceful coexistence . The underlying principle is to get an outcome grounded in international law, he said. He added that at a previous meeting in Lome from October 30-October 31, they both agreed on a work programme, timeline for negotiation and proposal for provisional arrangements in line with UN conventions. The two countries are also expected to address the negotiation processes through a technical and political dimension. Even though both countries have agreed on a roadmap, Togo expressed some reservations which were not disclosed but are yet to be addressed. The Togolese delegation also said they were not happy about Ghanas decision to allow the countrys Navy in some areas under the negotiation. The Togolese delegation suggested that both parties should not undertake any activities there until the negotiations are completed. Ghana has learnt a lot from its maritime dispute with Ivory Coast which was filed at the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea. The suit was filed by Ivory Coast. Even though Ghana won the case, lessons were learnt, and it cost Ghana some financial gains. The dispute delayed exploration and production of oil in parts of the cape three point offshore. Ghana delegation The Ghana delegation aside its leader has Lawrence Apalse, Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy, representatives from the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Survey and Mapping Division, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Office of the President. The commitment will be made through a number of strategies that will improve the countys economy. The government said it had started work on improving local business. This is seen as a priority because the local businesses generate huge income to the country. According to the countrys minister of Business Development, Mr. Ibrahim Awal, the governments top priority is to make Ghana a number one business nation at least in West Africa. The minister was speaking at a meeting he had with various Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of some companies in the country. These CEOs who are also members of the UK- Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) together with the minister deliberated on strategies that can be generated to drive businesses in Ghana. The meeting also saw in attendance some other members of the UKGCC from telecoms, logistics, legal and business associations and this gave the CEOs the opportunity to interact and share ideas about their businesses with them. Mr. Awal while addressing the business tycoons revealed that the ministry will launch a National Employment and Implementation Plan, a capacity building programme of about $100 million that will equip the youth in various fields to acquire entrepreneurial skills. According to him, a criteria has been rolled out for the implementation of the One District, One Factory initiatives as part of government strategies in building the economy, adding that, government is implementing initiative considering the raw materials and also employing the local people of such areas. The minister disclosed that, 70 per cent of public funded projects would be given to Ghanaians and that, 10 per cent would also be directed to startups. He then promised that, the companies will have some tax relieves. Earlier in the week, Ghanaians were stunned by a prophecy from one Prophet Adom, who warned that if Shatta Wale doesnt take care he will be the next celebrity to die. He said the My Level hit maker could die in a fatal accident on December 24. However, Dr. Lawrence Tetteh has countered the prophecy, declaring that Shatta Wale will not die. ece-auto-gen According to him, God has not revealed to him that the artiste will die, therefore Shatta Wale will live. He said he has personally prayed to avert any deaths that will come the way of the dancehall sensation. He came to embrace me and even held my feet; I laid my hands on him and prayed for Shatta Wale and I know Shatta wale will live and he will not die, Lawrence Tetteh declared in an interview with Ghanaweb. The preacher, however, cautioned Shatta Wale to be mindful of some of his utterances in public, pointing to sometime back when the artiste said he will burn churches. Steve Mbogo, a flamboyant Nairobi politician has resorted to the high court to get redress, and the court has reportedly ordered the blogger, Cyprian Nyakundi to appear before it on Thursday, December 13. Tuko.ke.co reports that civil division Judge, lady Justice Thuranira Jaden directed that Nyakundi be served with an application filed by Mbogo and his wife Swabrina Jamal, and that he present himself to the court on the material date. ece-auto-gen Reports say court documents forwarded by Steve Mbogos lawyer Velma Maumo shows that the family is seeking two main reliefs. They want an order compelling the blogger to immediately retract all defamatory content touching on them on his online pages and websites. In addition, Mbogo and his wife are also seeking KSh 20 million (Ghc 946,569.90) in damages for the injuries caused to their reputation so far by the said publication. "Nyakundi has negatively edited photos of Mbogo for his own political and economic gain, according to court documents. The politician claims the extent of damage caused to his familys image is enormous, saying other bloggers and all forms online platforms also jumped on the said defamatory publication and shared it to millions of audience, making it a viral topic for discussion and online bullying. The applicants reputation has been immensely damaged and we have been turned into objects of cyber bullying unless the orders are granted at least in the interim to curtail further dissemination of the defamatory articles written by Nyakundi, his lawyer stated in the application filed in the High Court. Prior to the law suit, Mbogo who claims Nyakundi has no evidence to back the said defamatory publication had earlier warned of serious consequences for such publications about him. He resorted to Instagram to say: For the past two years, I have been a victim of cyber bullying and slander. Many bloggers and journalists have accused and attacked me falsely but I have always kept cool because they always made me stronger and my success has always proved them wrong." Lindaikejisblog.com reports that Chief Magistrate Ibijoke Olawoyin, gave the order after the accused persons were charged with four counts of criminal conspiracy, trespass, house breaking, and theft. Prosecutor, Insp Alhassan Jibrin is reported to have told the court that, on Nov. 22, one Sgt. Usman Olayinka attached to High Court Judge in Basin area, Ilorin, reported the case at the Area Command office of the police in Ilorin. Jibrin said that the complainant, alleged that the accused who is a security guard in the judges house, and one other, broke into the judges house and stole one Samsung Galaxy phone, valued at N300,000, some jewelries valued yet unknown and the sum of N10,000. He added that the police arrested the accused in his home town in Otupa, Benue for interrogation. During police investigation, the accused confessed in his statement that he had used the security room toilet key to open the main door and gained entrance into the judges room, and stole the items. He said that the accused also confessed to have sold the Samsung Galaxy phone for N10,000 to one Micheal at Asoka village, Benue, who is now at-large. For the jewelries, he sold them at the rate of N7,000 to the second accused person at Fakeye street, Basin, Ilorin. Jibrin said that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 97, 348, 288 and 317 of the penal code law. The fashion icon is serving us all forms of style chills in her recent photos and it's totally stunning. Nana Akua Addo 'Choncho' as swayed us off this time with a more casual but elegant wardrobe moment and its ravishing . ece-auto-gen Strapped in three different costumes, the actress tells us how all-rounded the style gem is. She takes us to the world of couture and lets us in a little bit on her debonair street style. READ ALSO:Serwaa Amihere steps out on the streets of London in stunning apparelsSerwaa Amihere steps out on the streets of London in stunning apparels Nana Akua rocked a black turtle neck jumpsuit with a latex seemingly skirt attached to it. She also rocked a white skirt and matched it with a little crop top with some elaborate butterflies designed to it. The third was the black and gold midi dress which was entirely gorgeous. ece-auto-gen Nana Akua Addo has made a name for herself in the fashion industry as the most awarded fashion icon here in Ghana and Africa as a whole. Also on the presidents itinerary, today is the commissioning of the newly constructed accident and burns center at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the James Town Fishing Harbour.Akufo-Addo is also expected to meet and interact with spare parts dealers at Abossey Okine. The bill has been before parliament for too long and the Members of Parliament seems to show no commitment towards its passage. In February 2017, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia assured Ghanaians that the government will ensure Parliament passes the bill in 100 days and the government has been in power over 600 days and the bill is still in limbo despite pressure being mounted on the government. In March 2018, Nana Addo also served notice that he will give impetus to his fight against corruption by impressing on Parliament to pass the RTI bill before it goes on recess. Speaking at the 61st Independence Day celebration at the Black Star Square on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, he promised the will come to being to strengthen the fight against corruption. "Fellow Ghanaians, corruption, or, more specifically, the stealing of public funds, continues to hold back the development of our nation. Corruption is not a partisan matter and we must all act to protect the public purse. With the office of the Special Prosecutor now in place we can expect more prosecutions for corruption in the coming months and public officials, present and past, should be on notice that they would be held accountable for their stewardship of our public finances," he noted. Pulse.com.gh revisits what Bawumia said on the passage of the RTI bill and here's what he said in 2017 after the government was sworn into office. READ MORE: MPs divided in Parliament over passage of RTI bill "Our government has already made it clear that we will be passing the Right to Information Act. We will make sure a special prosecutors office is set up to prosecute corruption and we will amend the criminal code to move the corruption from a misdemeanor to a felony. These are just some of the actions we intend to implement this year," Bawumia said at a forum in Accra. The RTI bill has suffered several setbacks in Parliament with the Right to Information Coalition, earlier threatening to stage a protest against government over the delay in the passage of the Bill. ece-auto-gen The right to information bill is a fundamental human right guaranteed by the countrys 1992 Constitution and recognised as a right under the International Convention on Human Rights. The bill will give substance to Article 21 (1) (f) of the constitution which state "All persons shall have the right to information subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary for a democratic society". The bill was drafted in 1999 and reviewed in 2003, 2005 and 2007 but was not presented to Parliament. This is affirmed by Article 1(1) of the 1992 Constitution which categorically states that the sovereignty of Ghana resides in the people of Ghana in whose name and for whose welfare the powers of government are to be exercised. This principle is affirmed by article 21(1)(f) of the same Constitution which grants all persons . The right to information subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a democratic society. (CNN) The "Trump Effect" is slowing down global climate action, and working against the ambition of the Paris Agreement, according to a new report. The U.S. president's policies are "acting against the momentum which the Paris Agreement on climate change hoped to generate," argues a report from the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) an Irish think tank. It was released Monday as talks were beginning at the COP24 UN climate conference in Katowice, Poland, where nations are tasked with finalizing the guidelines around the Paris Agreement. Read: Climate conference in the heart of coal country The Paris Agreement committed almost 200 countries to keep global warming well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and, if possible, below 1.5 degrees. The United States ratified the Agreement, but Trump announced in June 2017 that the U.S. would withdraw from it although it cannot formally leave until November 2020. 'Creating cover for others to follow suit' The IIEA report argues that Trump policies the "Trump Effect" are creating roadblocks in three ways. It says that the decision to withdraw from the Agreement has created "moral and political cover for others to follow suit." It gives the examples of Russia and Turkey, which have signed the Agreement but have yet to ratify it, and Australia, which abandoned legislation to comply with its Paris pledge. "Australia was set to bring forth legislation to implement its extremely weak Paris pledge," says Joseph Curtin, the report's author. "But in the debate that surrounded it, various leaders referred to the precedent established by President Trump, saying if Trump wasn't committed to the Paris Agreement, why should they bring forth legislation they alleged would be damaging to the Australian economy? "You could see the oxygen the Trump Effect gave to the Australian political debate and how it energized those who sought to defect from Australia's Paris pledge." 'Damaging goodwill' The report also says goodwill at international negotiations has been damaged by Trump partly by his decision to end U.S. contributions to the Green Climate Fund, which was set up to help developing countries reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change. Opinion: The Paris Agreement won't save us from climate change Since announcing its withdrawal, the U.S. has remained involved in Paris Agreement negotiations. Curtin says the U.S. has opposed any strict rules for reporting requirements around climate financing including the $100 billion per year that developed countries have promised to developing nations. "Overall the U.S. is taking a very unsympathetic view to the whole financing debate and this has created a wedge between developed and developing countries," Curtin told CNN. "It has soured the spirit of collaboration you need between developed and developing countries at these sort of international negotiations." Fossil fuel investment Finally, the report argues that "U.S. federal rollbacks have increased the attractiveness of fossil fuel investments around the world." Among those climate protection rollbacks, the administration has announced plans to freeze Obama-era greenhouse gas emissions standards for automobiles, and the Environment Protection Agency wants to reverse the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, which had a goal of cutting the country's carbon emissions by a third by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. Read: U.S. isolated on climate The report says that following the Paris Agreement, in 2016 there was a decline in investment in fossil fuels like coal and tar sands, with investors deeming them risky. But it says that changed in 2017 as Trump's policies created "the impression that the era of fossil fuels may not be drawing to a close, or at least not as rapidly as the Agreement in Paris had suggested." It points to a study that surveyed 36 U.S. banks and found that their investment in coal increased by 6% in 2017 after a 38% drop in 2016. Impact on climate talks At the weekend, G20 leaders agreed on a statement that includes a section on climate, reaffirming signatories' commitment to the Paris Agreement. But a separate clause puts the United States alone, saying it "reiterates its decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, and affirms its strong commitment to economic growth and energy access and security, utilizing all energy sources and technologies, while protecting the environment." How the so-called "Trump Effect" plays out at COP24 remains to be seen. Notable among the world leaders at the opening ceremony was the absence of those from the planet's most powerful nations, which are also the world's biggest carbon polluters. But the report also notes that "Paris is not in crisis," and points out that the EU and China, among others, are on track to meet their 2020 goals. Last week, the EU announced a draft plan to be carbon neutral by 2050. "The Paris Agreement was designed to be particularly flexible and I think it will continue to trundle forward until at least November 2020," said Curtin. "Nobody at Paris will say this, but everybody will be hoping for a different outcome in the November 2020 U.S. elections. "I think the agreement will survive until the end of the first period of the Trump presidency, and hopefully then there will be the energy to pick up the pieces and drive the process forward."CNN has reached out to the White House for comment. This story was first published on CNN.com "'Trump Effect' is hurting Paris Agreement, says report" The association which is into the supply of vessels is committed to making a great impact in the maritime industry in the light of port transformation in Ghana. He said "I also want to encourage you that for you to sustain in business and am happy that you having your first inauguration here at RMU. We need to upgrade our skills and I am sure that Regional Maritime University will offer that opportunity and once awhile you come back and upgrade." READ MORE: GPHA staff apologises to Mac Manu He also urged the association to purge itself of miscreants and also take advantage of ICT to boost their business. "We are also in an ICT world. You can sit in the comfort of your home, when the ships are calling in the Tema port, the application of the software of the company enables you to just apply. Just like the CUBAG representative said, after they have finish discharging and the vessels are still berthing at the port, they are wasting the space because other ships have come and berth and discharge, but if they give advance notice and with the application of ICT they will be provided with the necessary tools to gate them out of the port," he added. The Director of Tema Port, Edward Kofi Osei said Ghana's Port Authority is working diligently to increase the cargo that come through the port from 14million tons per year to 20million tons. He said the Tema Port expansion project will open up the country for more businesses including transhipment, hence, the need for the Ghana Ship Suppliers association to position themselves. "We also know that with the MPS expansion, Tema port or Ghana will become a hub in West Africa and with that there would be an increase in the number of vessels that will be calling in at Tema port and transhipment is going to go through the roof," he stated. The Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, Prof Elvis Nyarko urged members of the association to conform to international best practices in their business activities. Speaking on this year's celebration in Parliament, Dr. Afriyie-Akoto said government has to rely on private donors and corporations in order to organise a successful Farmers Day. The constraints of the national budget has been a major drawback to this years preparations given that some budgetary allocations of GH2million approved for the fiscal year 2016 and 2017 was maintained for 2018", he said. In effect, the Ministry has had to rely heavily on sponsorship of corporate Ghana and other development partners to ensure a successful celebrations". "I trust therefore that in reviewing the 2019 budget estimates for the Ministry of Agriculture, this matter will seriously engage the attention of the House and receive favourable consideration", he said. The National Farmers Day is commemorated each year on the first Friday of December to honour our gallant Farmers and Fishers. The event acknowledges the vital position Farmers and Fishers occupy in the nations socio-economic development. ece-auto-gen A memo signed by the newly appointed Chairperson, Jean Mensa said it has reverted to the old logo. The memo stated: "Effective December 4, 2018, the original logo of the Electoral Commission which bears the Coat of Arms and has a ballot box showing the hand casting its vote, has been restored." It added that "The core values of the Electoral Commission, namely integrity, fairness and accountability have from today also been restored. "All communications from the electoral commission must from today be made on the letterhead bearing the original logo of the commission as appears on the face of this letterhead" The new logo, which appeared in place of EC's original logo, had generated a lot of debate amongst the public with some suggesting that the Commission must not change the original one. ece-auto-gen Many also accused the Commission of plagiarism, pointing to a Turkish company which had a similar logo. But Charlotte Osei while addressing the media and stakeholders at the event said, her outfit is happy with its new logo. Explaining the meaning of the logo, Charlotte Osei said the blue in the circle represents unity and also represents stability and independence of the commission. He made this known when he cut the sod for the construction of town roads in the Tema metropolis of the Greater Accra Region on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, on day-1 of his 3-day tour. He said "Some people are asleep so they do not see the developmental projects that are on going. We are working to change the situation of the country. We going to put this country on a new track of progress and prosperity." According to him, he is a truthful man who has no intentions of deceiving Ghanaians adding that he will ensure that he fulfills all his promises within the four (4) year mandate. READ MORE: Nana Addo inspects Tema motorway interchange project "You gave me four years, I will come and account to you fully when the four years is due for everyone to know that I am a man of my words. I am a truthful man and all of Ghana will see that I am a truthful man," he noted. ece-auto-gen Nana Addo also inspected ongoing works on the commencement of construction works on the Grade Separation of the Tema Motorway Intersection. In the new post titled, "5 books I loved in 2018", the popular philanthropist shares five books you should be reading this holiday season, noting that they are also "highly giftable." Revealing why he chose these books, Gates writes, "My list is pretty eclectic this year. From a how-to guide about meditation to a deep dive on autonomous weapons to a thriller about the fall of a once-promising company, there's something for everyone. If you're looking for a fool-proof gift for your friends and family, you can't go wrong with one of these." The list starts with a memoir of a highly accomplished woman who grew up in a Mormon survivalist household and ends a guide to meditation and mindfulness. Here are the five books you need to read during the Christmas holiday according to billionaire Bill Gates: Educated Written by Tara Westover, it follows the author's life from growing up in an isolated in a Mormon survivalist household to leaving home at age 17 and eventually getting a PhD from Cambridge University. According to Gates, the book is about those who "remove themselves from society because they have these beliefs and knowledge that they think make them more enlightened. Their belief systems benefit from their separateness, and you're forced to be either in or out." Army of None This is a rather unexpected holiday book by Paul Scharre that offers explains what A.I. in warfare is all about. Despite the complicated topic, the American business magnate writes that "this thought-provoking look at A.I. in warfare is hard to put down. His fluency with the subject should come as no surprise: he's a veteran who helped draft the U.S. government's policy on autonomous weapons." Bad Blood This is a look at a blood testing company called by investigative journalist John Carreyrou. Gates writes, "A bunch of my friends recommended this one to me. Carreyrou gives you the definitive insider's look at the rise and fall of Theranos. The story is even crazier than I expected, and I found myself unable to put it down once I started." He adds, "This book has everything: elaborate scams, corporate intrigue, magazine cover stories, ruined family relationships, and the demise of a company once valued at nearly $10 billion." 21 Lessons for the 21st Century This is written by Yuval Noah Harari who explains why humans worry so much and offers tips for dealing with anxiety. "If 2018 has left you overwhelmed by the state of the world, 21 Lessons offers a helpful framework for processing the news and thinking about the challenges we face," the American philanthropist says. The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness Last on Gates' reading list is a guide to meditation and mindfulness by Andy Puddicombe, the co-founder of meditation app maker Headspace. Under the plan pushed by MPs like Conservative Nick Boles and Labour's Stephen Kinnock which is reportedly backed by several leading Cabinet remainers the UK would copy Norway's relationship with the EU after Brexit, either for temporarily until new free trade agreement with the EU is ready, or a permanent basis. There is a growing belief that something like the Norway model would win a majority of MPs over and break the impasse in Parliament. Here's what the Norway model would actually mean in practice. What is the Norway model? The Norway model includes two key European organisations: The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and European Economic Area (EEA). Norway, along with Lichtenstein and Iceland, is a member of both. EFTA is made up of the aforementioned three countries, plus Switzerland. They trade between themselves while the group as a whole has free trade deals with numerous non-EU countries, Canada, Mexico and others. The EEA, on the other hand, is a collaboration of all EU member states plus three EFTA states: Norway, Lichtenstein, and Iceland. All EEA members including the EFTA countries enjoy full access to the European single market. EEA membership is only available to either EU or EFTA member states. So, under a Norway-style Brexit, Britain would leave the EU, join EFTA, and then become the 31st full member of the EEA. BusinessInsider What are the pros of the Norway-style Brexit? Being in EFTA-EEA would allow the UK to retain full access to the single market. This would mean reduced barriers to UK-EU trade and continued single market treatment for services, which account for around 80% of the UK economy. Most research suggests this would be the least damaging form of Brexit. The government's own impact assessment found the Norway option would be the least damaging option in terms of economic harm. And although Britain would retain full single market access, it wouldn't be forced to sign up to some of the EU's more contentious policies. It wouldn't be required to join the EU's Common Fisheries Policy, for example, which is strongly opposed by Brexiteers, particularly in Conservative MPs in Scotland. It would also be exempt from the Common Agricultural Policy. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) would also have no jurisdiction over Britain. What about the cons? Although the UK would finally be free of the ECJ, it would have to answer to the EFTA court, which for most Brexiteers would merely represent another set of unaccountable, interfering foreign judges. Then there's the issue of Britain's influence as an EFTA/EEA country. Under the Norway model, Britain would have full access to the single market but have much less say in shaping its rules than it does now as an EU member. Norway does not formally participate in Brussels decision-making but has incorporated around 75% of EU law into its national legislation. BusinessInsider What about immigration? The elephant in the room here is immigration. The public's desire to control immigration was arguably the biggest driving force for Brexit, and the UK government has vowed to end the free movement of EU citizens. EEA members are required to accept the four freedoms, including the free movement of people. Clearly, this would be politically dangerous for any government. There is one way around that. It's unrealistic but theoretically possible. Article 112 of the EEA Agreement allows non-EU member states to opt out of the four freedoms if they are facing serious economic, societal or environmental strain. For example, Lichtenstein used Article 112 to impose controls on the free movement of people, due to concerns over whether a landlocked country of such modest size and resources could cope with big influxes of people. Obviously, Britain is very different from Lichtenstein, and would likely have a much tougher time arguing for an immigration opt-out. BusinessInsider What would it mean for the Irish border? Perhaps the strongest case for a Norway-style Brexit is that it would go some way to resolving the Irish border dilemma. By remaining fully aligned with EU market rules, Britain would avoid a plethora of non-tariff barriers which would otherwise emerge on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. However, a Norway-style relationship wouldn't provide the whole solution for avoiding physical infrastructure on the island of Ireland. In order to also eliminate tariff barriers, Britain would need to be in either the current or a new customs union with the EU after Brexit. Norway is not in a customs union with the EU. BusinessInsider So how likely is a Norway-style Brexit? Earlier this year, the Brexit committee led by Labour's Hilary Benn published a report calling for May to use the Norway option has her official backup if she fails to meet key negotiating goals in Brexit talks with the EU. The idea has gathered momentum in recent weeks as MPs look for alternatives to May's Brexit deal which is almost certain to be be voted down by MPs. The EU has always said the Norway option is available to the UK. However, there are some practical problems. Firstly, although EFTA/EEA countries are generally open to the idea of Britain becoming a permanent member of the club, whether they'd accept temporary membership is a different question. Prime Minister Solberg appeared to kill hopes of temporary UK membership in November. "W Even if Norway, Iceland and it could take up to twelve months for Britain to complete the joining process, while exit day is just months away at the time of writing. On top of that is the issue of customs. For a Norway-style model to solve the Irish border problem, it would need to come with a customs union add-on. However, EFTA countries have together signed trade deals with other countries which include customs arrangements. The UK would need to sign up to those, making a customs arrangement with the EU very difficult if not impossible. A small town in Idaho with under 2,000 residents saw two high-profile visitors Tuesday at its elementary school: Apple CEO Tim Cook and Ivanka Trump. The pair a tech mogul and the daughter of the US President travelled to a school district in Wilder, Idaho as part of a White House initiative centered on STEM Related content Videos taken by media on scene showed Cook and Trump arriving at the school Tuesday. Related content Related content Cook and Trump's field trip to the school was accompanied by other visitors: protestors. While there were some (including those from ACLU Idaho) who showed up to protest Trump administration immigration policies, there was also a group of Wilder district students who walked out of school to protest the technology-led education program for its failure to actually further education. Related content Things are getting a little... @ Nicole Foy News of the joint visit was first reported Monday night by the Idaho Statesman, and was confirmed in a tweet from Ivanka Trump early Tuesday morning. Wole Olanipekun, counsel to MTN and Seyi Sowemimo, CBNs lead counsel, told the court on Tuesday, that the negotiation for settlement was already in an advanced stage. Olanipekun said his client has approached CBN and decided to pursue an out-of-court settlement, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. Saliu Saidu, the judge presiding over the case, however, adjourned till December 12 for a report on the settlement. ece-auto-gen In August 2018, MTN had filed the suit, seeking an injunction to restrain the CBN and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) from taking further actions to on foreign exchange repatriation and taxes reclaim. Earlier, Nigeria's central bank (CBN) ordered Africa's telecoms giant and four other banks to refund a total of $8.134billion moved out of the country" for breaching the country's forex regulations. This is coming a week after both parties failed to reach an agreement at the meeting held on Monday, November 26, 2018. The meeting which took place at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja was attended by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, the National President of the union, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, the permanent secretary, Sunny Echono and representative of National Universities Commission. ece-auto-gen ALSO READ: According to Premium Times, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Comrade Danielson Akpan, who was present at the meeting, said the two parties need to consider the interest of the students in their deliberations. My fear is that these politicians can give a political response and may not meet the conditions again, You will recall that the first meeting between the lecturers and the government on Thursday, November 15, 2018, ended in deadlock as both parties failed to reach an agreement to call off the strike. The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has declared that it would begin an indefinite strike on Wednesday, December 12, 2018. The National President of ASUP, Usman Dutse in an interview with Premium Times reportedly said the federal government had failed to meet the demands of the polytechnic lecturers. ece-auto-gen Earlier in October, the union issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government. It later extended it to November but didn't start the strike. The ASUP president said the impending strike would be ''total and indefinite''. This further emphasises the resolution of the 93rd National Executive Council meeting reached at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos last week. Government has failed to implement and fulfil agreements it reached with the union as contained in the memorandum of understanding signed, he said. Meanwhile, the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities have again failed to resolve their disagreements over ASUU strike. The actor and politician took to his Instagram page on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, to share the latest development. According to him, he reached out to the billionaire businessman who decided to take over the entire hospital bills of the actor. "So, a few days ago, I reached out to @femiotedola asking for help for my friend and brother, Victor and just this morning Femi calls to tell me that he would take care of ALL of Victor's bills. He told me that he is already on it and that his people are talking to Victor's wife. Is God not awesome????? I can't even contain my joy and gratitude. Thank you Femi @femiotedola you are a man and half and thank you to my young friend @gbenroajibade for championing this cause, they don't make them like you anymore," he wrote. This is probably the best news we will be hearing of today and we are happy that help has finally come to Victor Olaotan. It would be recalled that a few days ago, the news that the veteran actor's health was deteriorating following a car accident a few years ago. It was also reported that he was in need of $50,000 to get the appropriate medical care overseas. Victor Olaotan seeks financial assistance after ghastly car accident Victor Olaotan is seeking financial assistance after a ghastly car accident a few years left him unable to use his legs properly. The veteran actor it is reported needs the sum of $50,000 for treatment outside the country. A Gofundme account has been opened on his behalf to raise funds so he can travel out of the country to search medical help. Victor Olaotan was involved in a ghastly car accident back in 2016. At some point, it was reported that his legs were so bad it needed to be amputated. Victor Olaotan reportedly facing leg amputation following accident in 2016 Back in 2017, reports had it that veteran actor Victor Olaotan was going to have both legs amputated. This comes as a result of the car crash he was involved in back in October 2016. Victor Best known for his role as Fred Ade-Williams in the long-running television drama Tinsel, Mr. Olaotans legs may reportedly be cut off in order to save his life. In August, Wuzup Naija reported how residents in Ifako-Ijaiye area of Lagos State accused Police Superintendent H.E Nwabuisi, the Divisional Police Officer of the Pen Cinema Police Division allegedly led his men to Alimi Ogunyemi Street where some Muslim faithful, who had just finished praying in a mosque, were arrested around 8 pm for doing nothing. This is the Nigeria we live in, where people get arrested for nothing and true criminals of heinous crimes walk free. According to Wuzup Naija, the Rivers State Police Command is the latest to indulge in this disgraceful trend. The report details how an unnamed man raped a 3-year-old girl, but walks free because the police didnt get the money they allegedly demanded from the girls mother before prosecuting the matter. This is pure madness. The matter became public knowledge after Broadcast Journalist and Host of The Daily Report, Ify Oyinkansola Onyegbule shared the sad story on her Facebook timeline, to decry the actions or inactions of the Rivers State Police Command, despite their swearing an oath to secure, protect and prosecute when needs be. ALSO READ: 5 boys drugged and filmed 2 girls while raping them, but go scot free With a picture of the rapist, Onyegbule types that, This human being sexually molested a three-year-old in Rivers statethe police demand money from the girls mother to prosecute the case? The woman backs out because there is no money for such action? Her daughter has been broken and damaged for life? Goshhhh!!! I think the government needs to wake up to its responsibility and take up this womans case, why should the poor continue to suffer? This man here I hear has walked free and is at large? Please, when will the trumpet sound? Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Her white wedding gown was made up of 2,380,000 mother-of-pearl sequins. A 75 foot long tulle veil and 1,826 hours to make. Incredible! The dress had a scalloped lace on the high collar, as well as the button down front. It was custom-made for Priyanka and it was extra special because Priyanka's dress is only the fourth wedding gown Lauren has designed, with the others all for family members. The Ralph Lauren gown featured floral and scroll motifs and lace-effect tulle appliques with scalloped sleeves and a high-neck collar. The sheer long sleeve gown was layered over a strapless column dress. The dress took an incredible 1,826 hours to create, was hand beaded and hand embroidered with Swarovski crystals and two million mother of pearl sequins. They chose Ralph Lauren because the designer holds special significance for the couple, as they both walked in Ralph Lauren at the 2017 Met Gala a year before they started dating. Even more romantic, Nick Jonas requested for a small piece of lace from his bride's dress to be stitched inside of the purple lapel of the tuxedo, bearing the phrase 'My Jaan' - the second word being Urdu for 'life.' Priyanka also had a piece of her mother-in-law Denise Jonas' own dress from her 1985 wedding sewn into her gown. Sewn into the embroidery of Chopra's dress were also eight moving messages, People report: 'Nicholas Jerry Jonas' (her husband's full name), '1st December 2018' (their wedding date), 'Madhu & Ashok' (the names of her parents), 'Om Namah Shivay' (a Hindu mantra invoking Lord Shiva), 'Family,' 'Hope,' 'Compassion,' and 'Love.' The couple continued celebrating their marriage on Tuesday with an elaborate wedding reception in New Delhi, India. The happy newlyweds held hands and gazed at one another lovingly.Priyanka looked sensational wearing a exquisite silver lehenga with white roses tucked into her hair. 1. Golibe Festival ece-auto-gen For the first time, Onitsha will be hosting the first ever Golibe festival, scheduled for 23rd December 2018 to 1st January 2019 in Onitsha, Anambra state. This is perfect for all the easterners who come back home for the Christmas celebrations. It will feature a family friendly festival of art, culture, music, dance, competitions and master classes with dozens of booths for food and fun activities for all ages. 2. One Lagos Fiesta One Lagos Fiesta will be holding from the eve of December 24, 2018 till the wee hours of January 1, 2019 at Eko Atlantic City. This year, some of the a-list artistes expected to perform at this years OLF include Olamide, Teni, Slimcase, Mr Real, Humblesmith, Blackky, Mr P, Dr. Adewale Ayuba, Saheed Osupa, among many others. 3. Igue Festival ece-auto-gen Igue festival is celebrated between Christmas and New Year. It includes the Oba's blessing of the land and his people. The festival originated as a celebration to renew Oba Ewuare's magical powers. During the Igue ritual season, the Oba is prohibited from being in the presence of any non-native person. See the top things to do in Edo state. 4. Calabar carnival ece-auto-gen According to Linda Ikeji's blog, the Prince, Aminu Sanusi Lamido has made a formal introduction of his sweetheart, Fulani Zainab Ali Bashir to the public, ahead of their nuptials - which will be a lavish, beautiful affair going by Nigerian royal wedding standards! ece-auto-gen He is quoted to have shared the following words: "Nothing like perfect wife or perfect marriage... All you can wish for is an understandable and respectful wife... And after years of trial and error I have finally met my gold... so ladies and gentlemen allow me to introduce the new princess of kano.. Fulani Zainab Ali bashir.." A wedding date is unmentioned, so it is not known whether the nuptials will light up Kano before the end of 2018 or if it is one of the weddings to look forward to in 2019! Whatever the case, we have no worries that it would be an amazing affair just like other royal weddings we have seen in recent times. Recall Ooni of Ife's talk-of-the-town wedding in October which we all loved for it embrace of culture and its mindblowing elements. We expect nothing short of that traditional radiance and extravagance at this Kano Wedding - and we surely can't wait! This was disclosed by the president's Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, on Wednesday, December 5. According to his statement, the FEC will look critically into the 2019 appropriation bill before transmitting it to the National Assembly. "President Muhammadu Buhari will on Friday, preside over an extraordinary Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting to finalise works and look critically into the 2019 budget before transmitting it to the National Assembly for passage," he posted on his official Twitter account . Weekly FEC meetings take place in the Presidential Villa on Wednesdays, but the president has been away in Poland participating in the United Nations' Climate Change Conference, and won't return until later today. The passage of budgets has been controversial over the past two years especially regarding how late they're usually finally passed into law. This was disclosed by the spokesperson of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement released on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. "The on-line applications hit this figure as at 12.30 pm today, Tuesday 5thDecember 2018," he said. Ani further disclosed that 20,217 of the applicants are males while the remaining 1,661 are females. While Niger State (2,276 applications), Katsina (1,677 applications), Kano (1,577 applications) and Bauchi (1,543 applications) have the highest number of applicants, Lagos (112 applications), Anambra (107 applications), Ebonyi (88 applications), and Bayelsa (55 applications) have the lowest so far. Ani promised that applicants should be assured that the commission will conduct a transparent exercise without any irregularities. Requirements for recruitment In a press statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, on Thursday, November 29, he invited applications from young Nigerians who have a passion for a career in the Force to enlist for recruitment as Police Constables. According to the general requirements, applicants must be Nigerian citizens 'not less than 18 years of age or more than 25 years of age' who possess their National Identity Numbers (NIN). Applicants are also required to possess an 'O' level Certificate with at least five credits level passes including Mathematics and English Language 'in not more than two sittings in WASSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB'. Applicants, who must be of good character and must not have been convicted of any criminal offence, must also not be less than 1.67 metres (for men) or 1.64 metres (for women) in height and must not have less than 86cm (34 inches) expanded chest measurement (for men only). All candidates must undergo medical examination before final selection. How to apply for Police recruitment To apply for recruitment, applicants must have a functional email address and mobile phone number and fill and submit the online form at the web address - www.policerecruitment.ng Applicants must ensure to print out the information that is automatically sent to their submitted email and not forget to copy and save their registration number for future correspondences. This is because applicants will be required to present a hardcopy of email message sent to them if they're eventually shortlisted and contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. The Force warned applicants against registering multiple times as that would mean automatic disqualification from the recruitment exercise. Guarantors' form Applicants are directed to download and fill a Guarantors' Form, presenting verifiable references from two guarantors. The two guarantors must be picked from a pool that includes traditional rulers, magistrates, local government chairpersons, heads of educational institutions attended, career civil servants not below the rank of Grade Level 12, police officers not below the rank of CSP, or military officers not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. People disqualified from applying People with speech impediments, knock knees, bow legs, bent knees, and flat feet are discouraged from applying for recruitment. Others instructed to not apply include people with tattoos, bodily scars, defective eyesight or squint eyes, protruding navel, gross malformation of teeth and deformed hands that cannot perform the full functions of the hand. Applicants must also not be pregnant at the time of recruitment. Mr Ibrahim Magu, the EFCC Acting Chairman, made this known in an interactive session with Newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Justice Valentine Ashi of a Federal Capital Territory High Court (FCT), sitting in Apo, Abuja, on Tuesday, ordered EFCC to apprehend and arrest Alison-Madueke within 72 hours. Others to also arrest the former minister are the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of States Security Service (DSS) and all other security agencies. Magu said: I need less than 72 hours; we are going to comply with the court order. It is in our character to comply with court orders. There is no time ever that we refuse to comply with court order. If we dont comply with court orders, it means we have reasons to appeal against the courts decision. I need less than 72 hours to produce Deziani. How can I get her if she is being protected by forces outside this country? This is my predicament otherwise if it is 72 hours, if she is here, I will just get her, he said. On the challenges hindering the commission from extraditing Allison-Maduekwe for over three years, the chairman said that other law enforcement agencies outside the country were on the matter. She is in the UK and we are making preparations for the process of getting her. We have already gone to court. That was our request for establishing that and compelling the court to declare that we issue a warrant of arrest against her. If she is here in Nigeria, I will get her immediately and take her before the court. Our problem is that she is in that country, Magu said. NAN reports that the order was made following a motion ex-parte made before the court by counsel to EFCC, Msuur Denga. Denga had prayed for an order of the court to issue a warrant of arrest against Allison-Madueke to enable the commission apprehend and arraign her for alleged financial crimes in Nigeria. The EFCC investigated the former minister along with Jide Omokore, a former Chairman, Atlantic Energy Drilling Company, following a petition dated October 2, 2013, from Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), bordering on money laundering and official corruption. Investigations into the petition revealed that Madueke as supervising minister of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was found to have engaged in illicit and monumental fraudulent dealings in oil transactions, which she entered into on behalf of the Federal Government. Madueke and Omokore are also alleged to have accepted and given gifts in properties located at Penthouse 22, Block B, Admiralty Estate, Ikoyi, and Penthouse 21, Building 5, Block C, Banana Island, Lagos. They are to be arraigned on Feb. 25, 2019 on a five-count charge for the offences, which are contrary to Sections 26(1) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. According to a report by AFP, Boko Haram faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked the military base on Saturday, December 1, 2018. While the previous death toll disclosed by military sources indicated that two soldiers were killed, new Army spokesperson, Brigadier General Sani Usman, told AFP on Tuesday that eight died as a result of the attack. The Army spokesperson also revealed that 10 terrorists were killed by troops during the attack. "Eight of our gallant troops paid the supreme price while over 10 Boko Haram terrorists were killed by the troops during the encounter," he said. The attack follows a recent resurgence in the group's deadly attacks in the northeast region as it has launched several assaults on military bases. Two weeks ago, terrorists 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 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. ece-auto-gen The attacks have given rise to public outcry over President Muhammadu Buhari's handling of the terrorist group after his administration has made several claims that the group was 'technically defeated'. When he spoke at the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference in Maiduguri, Borno last week, he 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. This information is contained in a statement by the Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu in Abuja on Tuesday. Shehu stated that after a guided tour of the Museum, devoted to the memory of the victims who died at both camps during World War II, Buhari penned a hand-written tribute in the visitors book, quoting Shakespeares Julius Caesar. ece-auto-gen He wrote: The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones. The President also laid a wreath at Block 11 of the museum, known as the Death block. The presidential aide qouted an epitaph in the Block: Male and female prisoners from all parts of the camp complex where held in this building following brutal interrogations, they were in most cases sentenced to death by shooting. Shehu revealed that shortly before leaving the Museum, which included the Nazi concentration camps Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, Buhari fielded questions from State House Correspondents traveling with him. ece-auto-gen The president described those fanning embers of discord in Nigeria as illiterates and ignorant. According to the presidential aide, Buhari is on Day Four of his visit to Poland, where he had attended the opening of the UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice. ece-auto-gen The President had delivered his national address at the 12-day meeting of COP24, met with several world leaders and visited the impressive Nigerian pavilion at the climate summit. The terrorist group's insurgency escalated in 2009 after its spiritual leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was extra-judicially murdered by police officers. Hundreds of the group's members were also killed during the crackdown by the military. While speaking during an interview with Pulse on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, Durotoye said the military has not been deliberate in its prosecution of the war because certain people are profiting from it. He said unnamed military sources have previously told him that soldiers on the frontlines are sometimes ordered to not kill terrorists in their sights for unexplained reasons. He further accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of using funds meant to prosecute the war to fund elections instead. He said, "I spoke with a couple of military guys in the last two weeks and some of them were saying, 'Sir, we don't understand what's going on because sometimes even when you see the people and you want to attack them, they'll tell you not to.' "This is what they said. They said they'll get orders from above to say, 'Don't kill them, capture them'. But these guys here have guns they want to kill you and you say don't kill them. If you say capture them, then there's a problem. "I think it's important that we have military that are deliberate about ending this whole terrorism. "For me, if you see that $1 billion is spent on arms against Boko Haram every four years just before election, you realise that there's more than meets the eye there. "We know that every war all across the world, there are people, especially in the military, that are making a lot of money from it. In Nigeria, it's no different." He said the APC and PDP have both used funds meant for financing the military to fight Boko Haram to achieve political means and urged Nigerians to vote both leading parties out in the 2019 general elections to prevent a future recurrence. He said, "There are people that are making money from this and every war situation because there are people who are there and supposedly buying arms but we saw with Dasuki-gate especially where the money for the arms went. The money for the arms went to Ekiti election. "PDP did it, APC did it. The only way to make sure it does not happen in the next four years is to make sure that it's not PDP or APC you're voting. That's the only way. We cannot continue to do the same thing the same way and expect different results." 2019 presidential election The 2019 presidential election, scheduled for February 16, 2019, is billed to be closely-fought between President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, of the PDP. Alongside Durotoye in the chasing pack is Donald Duke of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Oby Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC). Others are Tope Fasua of the Abundance Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Eunice Atuejide of the National Interest Party (NIP), Adesina Fagbenro-Byron of the Kowa Party (KP), Chike Ukaegbu of the Advanced Allied Party (AAP), Hamza Al-Mustapha of the People's Party of Nigeria (PPN), Obadiah Mailafia of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and many more. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Catholic Bishops Conference on Tuesday banned their priests from such endorsements. The ban followed public outcry against incidents during the harvest thanksgiving of the Adoration Ministries, Enugu on Dec. 2, where politicians were coerced to make donations. Reacting to the ban, the President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network, Mr Olu Omotayo described the move as a `step in the right direction. Omotayo said that it was imperative to separate religion from politics, adding that a fusion of the two would breed crisis. He said that both Muslim and Christian clerics needed not to use their positions to influence the political decisions of their adherents. You are bound to see this in a society like ours that is still developing but I believe we shall soon get it right. The move by the Bishop Conference is in the right direction because priests should concern themselves with the preaching of salvation and not secular politics, he said. Omotayo said that traditional rulers also needed to be cautioned against taking sides in politics through endorsements to avoid clashes among their subjects who belong to different political parties. In his reaction a professor of law, Osita Ogbu commended the Bishop Conference for taking the step, which he said, would bring sanity among their adherents and priests. Ogbu said that though the priests had the right to discharge their civic responsibilities, but they should not influence others with their positions. People should be made to freely choose their leaders, Ogbu said. Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (NAN) says it does not fall within their mandate to direct how member religious denominations behave in the secular political space. A CAN executive member, who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, said that the Christian body was only concerned with unity among churches and the relationship of government with Christians. Col. Tukur Gusau, the Public Relations Officer to the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said in a statement that the decision was taken on Tuesday at a meeting of the Air Council presided over by the minister. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the federal government on Monday had directed the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to remain in North East until security situation in the region improves. Gusau said the air chief was also directed to reorganise air operations in support of operations Lafiya Dole in the North East and Sharanda Daji in Zamfara. Idris made his position known at a Public Hearing on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Police Act, 2004 and enact the Police Act, 2018. He further kicked against proposal to empower the senate to remove the I-G whenever it deemed fit, saying such would politicise the force. Equally, Idris moved against plans to reduce the number of Deputy-Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) from seven to one. According to him, the reduction will make the job difficult for the I-G. The confirmation and removal of the I-G by the senate is not necessary. It will politicise the Police Force. It should be expunged from the bill and the tenure of the I-G of five years should be maintained. The appointment of the I-G in consultation with Police Service Commission (PSC) is appropriate. However, there should not be any confirmation by the senate. This is the desire and position of the Police Force. There should also not be one DIG. There should be seven as we have already. Having one will put too much pressure on the I-G instead of reducing the workload, he said. The Chairman, PSC, Mr Musiliu Smith, said plans to remove Force from the Nigeria Police Force should be done in accordance with provisions of the Constitution. I have few observations. One is the change of name from Nigeria Police Force to Nigeria Police. If the name has to be changed, it has to be done constitutionally. We met a police when all the training schools were working. We met a police where you could not be promoted without writing an examination. We met a police where every policeman lived in the barracks. Today, some policemen are given houses by criminals and drug bandits. That needs to change and then we should think of additional funding source for the police. In Lagos State, a governor came into office. He did not like what he met on ground. He invited some of us to change what was on ground, he said. Smith added: That was what gave birth to Lagos State Police Trust Fund. We cannot tackle insecurity without this. Let us think of that. The yearly budget ritual cannot help us. It will not take us anywhere. If we want a highly motivated police force, we should adequately fund it. In his remarks, the President of the senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the bill was meant to establish a cordial relationship between the police and the people. Saraki, who was represented by the Deputy Majority Leader, Sen. Bala Ibn NaAllah, said the police required urgent reform. Na Allah, who is the sponsor of the bill, said the bill will help to protect the police from politics and politicians. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Sen. Tijjani Kaura, lauded the bill. He said it seeks to reposition the police force to serve the people better. Kaura commended President Muhammadu Buhari for increasing the salaries of police officers and expressed optimism that with an enabling law, the police would be better positioned. The Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kwara State chapter, Mr. Joshua Omokanye disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting. Omokanye added that the increments will be paid alongside November's salary. The sum of N99.5m was allocated to SUBEB and N16.3m was allocated for payment of LG promotion, he said during the breakdown. Omokanye said if the allocation from the federal government continues to increase, it will help to offset salary arrears of workers. The ALGON Chairman appreciated the Ahmed-led administration for approving cash-backing for the promotion of LG workers and ensuring that its workforce is catered for. Also, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kwara State chapter, Alhaji Toyin Saliu, commended Governor Ahmed for fulfilling his promise to members. The lawmaker, however, urged security agencies to ensure that the abducted staff were safely rescued. It would be recalled that eight workers of the college were on Tuesday kidnapped by the gunmen. Oyintiloye, who is the House Committee Chairman on Information and Strategy, also called on security operatives to step up surveillance throughout the state. The lawmaker said that there was an urgent need for the police to map out vulnerable areas prone to crimes in the state. Oyintiloye further called on communities and vigilance groups to collaborate with the police, especially in the area of information sharing. While urging the police to promptly investigate the incident, Oyintiloye commiserated with the families of the victims. The death of the policemen was confirmed in a statement in Gusau by the commands Public Relations Officer, Mr Muhammad Shehu, Superintendent of Police. Shehu debunked media report that 50 policemen were killed in the attack. According to him, on Nov. 29, 2018, there was serious onslaught on bandits by the police which resulted in the killing of 104 bandits. He said in course of the confrontation, 36 policemen got missing after which 16 of them were found dead and 20 recovered alive. After search and rescue operations embarked on by police Joint Intervention Force to rescue the missing policemen following the heavy attack on the bandits, 16 police officers were found dead while the remaining 20 were rescued alive. Over 50 bandits hideouts in three camps had earlier been destroyed while over 500 cattle and 79 sheep were recovered from the bandits, Shehu said. He said that Police Special Forces Personnel, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Police Mobile Force, Federal Special Anti-Rubbery Search personnel, with three surveillance patrol police helicopters, had been deployed to the state. The Police Joint Intervention Force operations in the state under the command of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations, are making progress. There is serious ongoing operation by the police to root-out the remnants of armed bandits and other criminal elements in the identified hideouts in the state. The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, condoled the families of the deceased policemen. He directs a befitting burial for the gallant officers, prompt processing and payment of life assurance benefits and other entitlements to their families. The IGP is saddened with the death of the gallant officers whom he described as heroes of the force. Their demise is a great loss to Nigeria Police Force and our dear nation. The supreme price they paid for the security and safety of the country will not be in vain. In spite of this unfortunate situation, the police will not relent in efforts at ensuring that armed banditry and other crimes are brought to the end in Zamfara and Nigeria at large, he said. The First Lady, who described them as retrogressive elements, said that they have become clogs in the wheels of development of the current administration. She said this while speaking at a conference organized by Project 4+4 in Abuja, according to Vanguard, I have realized that Sen Babafemi Ojodu, Special Adviser political to the President, and Dr. Hajo Sani, my aide Sajo and wife of the Vice-President Mrs Osinbajo are not comfortable with my saying this and want me to confine myself to my prepared speech but we must say the truth, she added. Mrs. Buhari also told those present that the government has made a lot of progress, but would have achieved more if not for the two men. The First Lady did not mention the names of the men she was talking about. Buharis government hijacked In October 2016, Aisha Buhari during an interview with BBC, openly criticised the President saying that she might not support his 2019 re-election bid. She also claimed that some people have hijacked Buharis government. "The president does not know 45 out of 50, for example, of the people he appointed and I don't know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years. "Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position. If things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again, she said. Mrs. Buhari also alleged that a 'powerful caucus' is behind the presidential appointments. Recently, the First Lady vehemently kicked against the practice of giving automatic ticketsto people by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Gbenga Bojuwomi, Convener of the group made the allegation while addressing newsmen at the APC national secretariat on Tuesday in Abuja. He said that the group had enough evidence to substantiate its claims. The convener said that the party chieftains had been having secret meetings to discuss their agenda and were mobilising for an opposition political party. Once again, we are using this medium to tell our dear President Buhari and APC national leadership to as a matter of urgency move faster before they disgrace the party at the eleventh hour, he said. The group convener said the party chieftains had concluded plans to defect shortly before the Feb. 2019 elections, adding to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Bojuwomi urged the national leadership of APC to move faster and work harder to disappoint such party chieftains. The CUPP made the decision after a closed door meeting at the YarAdua Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, December 5, 2018. Speaking at a world press conference, the CUPP convener and former Governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola said Atiku met the various criteria set for the selection of a consensus candidate. According to Vanguard, he said I welcome all of you. to this very important General meeting of the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP. You will recall that at the inauguration of the steering committee of the CUPP, we were saddled with the responsibility to midwife and supervise the selection of a joint presidential candidate for the coalition. In furtherance of this objective, therefore, the steering committee invited all political parties in the coalition to forward to us memoranda detailing their suggested ideas on how the candidate of the coalition should emerge and the criteria to use. The response was very impressive and rich. The steering committee, which as you all know has every coalition party represented in it, distilled the suggestions., the aggregate of which was used to arrive at the result we are about to submit today. Criteria for selection He also said However, before we go into the results, ladies and gentlemen, it is necessary to first enumerate the identified criteria we used in arriving at the choice of presidential candidate for this coalition. In other words, we graded the candidates of all the parties using these criteria; The national acceptability of candidate and party, strength of the structure of candidate and party across the country, competitiveness of the candidates party vis a vis our major challenger the APC. Financial strength of candidate and party, access to financial resources, capacity and readiness to prosecute the election across the about 120,000 polling units in the country. Competence, capability, and credibility of the candidate, acceptability of candidate locally and internationally, candidates experience in administration, management of economy and politics. Ladies and gentlemen, after a painstaking assessment of what we have across the coalition parties and after processing the candidates suitability using these criteria, the steering committee hereby submits that a former Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is the best and his party the most virile of all the options before us. We therefore chose him as the CUPP candidate for the 2019 Presidential election." APCs next evil Oyinlola also called on members on members of the CUPP to hit the ground running, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced. We have come a long way in this journey. The campaigns have started. The gloves are off and we must hit the ground running. Our main challengers are already in war mood, they have launched what they called THE NEXT LEVEL. We must prove to them that we are the masters in this enterprise and tell them that the Nigerian people would not follow them (the APC) to THE NEXT EVIL scheme they have designed for our country. Millions of our suffering compatriots are looking up to us for deliverance and we must. not disappoint them. I thank you all for the confidence reposed in us. I thank the steering committee members for the great sacrifice they made in meeting every Wednesday since the inauguration weeks ago. It is all in the service of our country. My prayer is that Almighty God will crown our efforts with success. We shall be victorious; we shall not be put to shame. Osun experience There is, however, the imperative of taking the letter and spirit of our MOD down to the state level. A deep appraisal of the recent governorship election in Osun State will tell any discerning. mind that it would have been very difficult for the APC to do what it did if the opposition had presented a common front. Indeed, opposition votes combined in the Osun state election, where about 500,000 almost doubling those of the ruling APC which scored 255,505 votes. So, our suggestion is that whatever we are doing with the presidential ticket should be done in all states for all positions for the good of our people. The modalities can be worked out based on the peculiarities and political realities of each state. We must all realize the fact that it is better and wiser to win together than to lose together, Oyinlola said The former APC member has vowed to work with the People's Democratic Party's candidate, Jimi Agbaje, in the 2019 governorship election. Oluwo accused the leadership of the APC in the state as being undemocratic in the process that saw Babajide Sanwo-Olu emerge as the party's governorship candidate over current governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. He added that the governorship primary election has diminished the reputation of APC in the state. In a letter he sent to the APC chairman in the state on Wednesday, the former commissioner alleged that a powerful group in the APC had been violating the principle of separation of powers. Read his resignation letter below: "A few hours ago, I submitted to His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, a letter of resignation of my appointment as the Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources. "Consequently, as a registered member of the All Progressives Congress, I have deemed it necessary to formally notify you of my intention to reconsider my membership status. "My decision to resign is not unconnected with the events of the last few weeks, which have created a heavy moral burden for me. I have found it rather difficult to come to terms or rationalize the partys conduct of the October 2018 primary elections, which were largely characterized by massive voter disenfranchisement, intimidation, violence, undue influence and non-compliance with all known principles of democracy. "In the particular case of the gubernatorial primary, which was conducted using the 'open ballot' option in violation of the guidelines of the APC that specified the 'open-secret ballot' option, it is clear to me that the core principles of merit, competence, justice and fairness have been sacrificed by the APC on the altar of political expediency. "The integrity-deficient nature of the primary has significantly diminished the hard-earned reputation of our State as a reference point for free and fair democratic practice. I have struggled for weeks to understand the rationale for the apparent desperation and brigandage brazenly displayed by the party apparatchik in the various elections. "I had never thought such vicious attack could be unleashed on the progress that the state had made in its steady democratic journey. "The indifference of the APC to the continued use of an arm of government by a powerful group within the party, to intimidate critical institutions of democracy in the State, undermines the doctrine of separation of powers, creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and impairs governments ability to implement policies and programmes that will benefit the majority of the people. "This is in conflict with my strongly held belief that group interest, no matter how powerful, must be subordinated to the interest of the majority. "I am convinced that the present atmosphere of encirclement will not abate anytime soon. I therefore resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress, immediately." The former vice president said this after his north-central campaign rally in Ilorin, Kwara State on Wednesday, December 5, 2018. The PDP won the presidency during the return of democracy in 1999 and led Nigeria through three presidents before losing the Presidential Villa to President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC in 2015. Taking to his Twitter account on Wednesday, the candidate noted that the current government has failed its promises to improve the nation and urged Nigerians to hand power back to the PDP. He said, "Today we have listened to the failures of the APC government since 2015 till today. There is nothing they have not promised us, they promised us security, jobs and better economy, they failed. Whatever they promised, they failed. "It is time to return Nigeria to PDP, because the best years of this country was when the PDP was governing our country from 1999-2015. "In terms of corruption, Nigeria is worse of today than we were in 2014. In terms of economy, we are the poorest country in the world today. In terms of insecurity, we are most insecure than at any other time in our history." The candidate further accused the APC of buying votes in a desperate bid to retain power and urged Nigerians to not sell the country's future. "This is what the APC are doing. They are buying PVCs, they will come to you and give you N10, N20, N50 to buy your PVC - they are buying your future. Do you want to sell your future? Don't sell your PVCs because they are going to use it against you," he said. 2019 presidential election ece-auto-gen While next year's election, scheduled for February 16, 2019, is expected to be keenly-contested between Atiku and President Buhari, they both face competition from other candidates including Donald Duke of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Obiageli Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Fela Durotoye of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC). Others are Tope Fasua of the Abundance Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Eunice Atuejide of the National Interest Party (NIP), Adesina Fagbenro-Byron of the Kowa Party (KP), Chike Ukaegbu of the Advanced Allied Party (AAP), Hamza Al-Mustapha of the People's Party of Nigeria (PPN), Obadiah Mailafia of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and many more. The business expert disclosed during an interview with Pulse on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 that his passion to build Nigeria is why he's contesting for the nation's highest political office. While explaining why he's not contesting for a lower office, as has been suggested by some, the leadership expert said his vision for Nigeria is better served from the nation's highest office. He said, "One of the things that I've always told people is, number one, do something that you believe you're passionate about and, more importantly, that you have a vision for. I think that your vision or passion should help you. "I am passionate about Nigeria and I'm passionate about making changes in governance in Nigeria. Some people are passionate about the legislature and passing laws. I'm more passionate about the execution and getting the government running; the nation building itself. "So, the first thing is always do something you're passsionate about otherwise you won't find the energy to be able to surpass the challenges. "But the most important thing I've found out is that the kind of change that I want to see happen is going to happen at two levels. Number one, when you have enough power or authority to be able to make things happen." To drive home his point here, the presidential candidate disclosed how he oversaw a project that got 75 teachers to train over 900 students after school hours free of charge in Lagos State, simply because he wanted a better nation. He said running for the position of president demands a lot of sacrifices but people like him are needed so that Nigerians can be liberated from the stranglehold of the current political class. He said, "For me, if things were working well, people like me would not run. We'd just be doing our business because to run for office, the sacrifice is unbelievable. Do you know the sacrifice that is required to leave your life behind, your family behind to be able to say you're going to pursue for something that's going to be beneficial to all? "But you know a lot of people because they've been used to rulers that are ruling for their own selfish interest, they think everybody that is coming out is coming for their selfish interest. "In the end, you realise that people will say what they'll say, you've got to be focused on your vision and creating. I want a new Nigeria and I think we need to have a team of really smart people who know what to do." 2019 presidential election The 2019 presidential election, scheduled for February 16, 2019, is billed to be closely-fought between President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Alongside Durotoye in the chasing pack is Donald Duke of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Oby Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC). Others are Tope Fasua of the Abundance Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Eunice Atuejide of the National Interest Party (NIP), Adesina Fagbenro-Byron of the Kowa Party (KP), Chike Ukaegbu of the Advanced Allied Party (AAP), Hamza Al-Mustapha of the People's Party of Nigeria (PPN), Obadiah Mailafia of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and many more. Agbaje, on Saturday, December 1, 2018,complained that his campaign posters were being removed and vandalized. According to Daily Post, the General Manager of LASAA, Mr. Mobolaji Sanusi said the action was taken because the PDP guber candidate did not seek permission from the agency. Sanusi said this on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, during a Security/Stakeholders meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Political Parties put together by the Lagos Police Command. The LASAA boss also revealed that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Babajide Sanwo-Olu sought his agencys permission. Daily Post reports that some of the political parties present accused the ad agency of bias. Speaking further, he said that the regulations guiding the pasting of posters in the state must strictly be adhered to. ALSO READ:Jimi Agbaje is not serious about governing Lagos Lagos police boss reacts In his remark, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgar Imohimi advised everyone to always get permission before pasting posters in the state. Lagos State is politically matured. The removal of the billboards and poster could not have been an intentional act and that is why I have invited the LASAA MD to be here today in order to clear the air on the issue, he added. The PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation gave the dismissal in a statement issued by its Director, Media and Publicity, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan on Tuesday in Abuja. The party has three out of the five governors in the region: Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). Ologbondiyan said that the report that the governors from the South East were absent because they have no support for the aspiration of its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was only a figment of the imagination of those peddling the rumour. He said that such insinuation smacked of ignorance and mischief on the part of those peddling it. Ologbondiyan said that the Sokoto Presidential Zonal rally was for the North West geo-political zone and would be replicated in the remaining five geopolitical zones of the country. There is no sense in the insinuation since, going by the campaign time-table, the Presidential Candidate will visit all the zones, where all the governors elected on the platform of the party from those zones will be present. Abubakars next port of call will be Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Wednesday where the party will hold the North Central Presidential Zonal rally which will have in attendance state governors leaders, members and supporters of the party in the zone. This is the same arrangement that we have for all the geo-political zones of the country.The so-called shunning of the Sokoto rally by PDP governors of South East extraction was only a figment of the imagination of those peddling the wicked rumour." Ologbondiyan said he wondered why some people had decided to peddle falsehood about the PDP and its flagbearer, just to score cheap political points. He said such negative reports about the PDP and Atiku were being sponsored by those who have become jittery at the rising profile of its presidential candidate. But we are undaunted because Nigerians are very discerning. In the fullness of time, the lies and those behind them will be exposed, he said. Saraki made this known on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, in a statement signed by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu. He also urged the President to rise above petty politics and act without further delay in the best interest of the country and its democracy by signing the Electoral Bill into law. Saraki noted that he had been inundated with telephone calls and discussions by members of the National Assembly who expressed concern about the delay in the signing into law of the Electoral Bill as the one month period provided by the law for the President to sign a bill presented to him by the National Assembly is about to expire in the next few days. According to the statement, the Senate President said that many of the legislators who contacted him were particularly disturbed that certain individuals who are said to be chairmen of political parties had approached the Federal High Court to stop the President from assenting to the bill. He also noted that the jaded tactic employed in the 90s to scuttle the return to democracy when groups like the Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) went to court to frustrate the announcement of the results of the June 12, 1993 elections is now being adopted by some masked groups and individuals to stop the signing into law of the Electoral Bill. Saraki therefore urged President Buhari to dissociate himself from these ugly antics and sign the bill which he said has comprehensively addressed issues that usually clog the process of free, fair, credible and peaceful elections. Nigerias democracy is more important than any individual It is the prerogative of the President to either sign a Bill into law or refuse it assent. He is free to exercise this prerogative the way he likes in this case. What I found surprising is a situation where some people now want to adopt a wrong tactic of abusing the court process to stall the matter. That will be unacceptable and I am sure our judiciary will rely on the lessons from the past and not allow itself to be used. We do not want the President to allow the setting of a bad precedent in which somebody will go to court in future to stop the passage of an appropriation bill or any essential law which will be important to the development of the country. My position remains that the President, his aides, the entire country and the international community are aware that all the concerns raised by the President on the past three occasions he withheld assent to the bill have been addressed by the legislature. We bent backwards on each occasion to accommodate the wishes of the President. We started work on this law since 2016 to prevent a situation where it would become part of the election controversies. Every sincere commentator, observer and analyst knows that what we have done with that bill is to raise the level of transparency, credibility and acceptability of our electoral process. We made sure that the law if assented to and honestly applied by INEC and all those concerned will give us an election that will be better than what we had in 2015. The President should know that the survival of democracy, its development and the future of Nigeria are far more important than the ambition of any individual or party. I am using this opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to put a stop to this uncertainty in the political process by signing without delay the 2018 Electoral Bill so as to allow INEC and the concerned parties know how to prepare for a credible process, Saraki added. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the President has withheld his assent to the document about three times, citing various irregularities. On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, the PDP had to bring people from Niger, because Sokoto residents refused to attend their rally. Hunger in the land At the rally, the PDP chairman also said that Nigerians are suffering from hunger and insecurity. He called on Nigerians to vote for the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Speaking at the palace of the emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Secondus said The nation is currently suffering from hunger and insecurity. There is need for a competent and well experienced Nigerian to come on board to save us. As we are all aware that Nigeria is in distress and we are in dear need of a well-connected leader to rescue us. There is no iota of truth in the claims that the crowd that you saw during our visit to Sokoto State were people hired from Niger Republic. They are our genuine supporters and that was a clear indication that people are tired of the current government. We are here to receive your blessings and permission to talk to our people and seek their votes for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi. In his remarks, the Emir called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be unbiased. Your ambition is clear, legitimate and you need the protection of God for you to move round the nation for campaigns. Nigeria is so connected and we need to respect each other. I wish you all the best and Allahs protections always, he added. El-Rufai, on Tuesday, December 4, 2018,alleged that the people at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mega rally in Sokoto state were rented from Niger Republic. The Governor also said that the PDP had to hire people because residents of Sokoto refused to attend the rally. El-Rufai the destroyer In his reaction, Tambuwal accused El-Rufai of destroying the image of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Vanguard, the Sokoto state Governor, in a statement issued by his aide, Akibu Dalhatu said the APC was surprised by the gargantuan crowd at the rally on Tuesday. Tambuwal said The outcry by El-rufai is a testimony to the fact that APC and its leadership were shocked by the gargantuan crowd the rally recorded in Sokoto which serve as the final burial of APC government in the Northwest and Nigeria in general because of perpetual failure, bad leadership, massive corruption, failure to end terrorism and other security challenges bedevilling our nation since the inception of Buharis administration in 2015. For the purpose of setting the record straight, El-rufai should not forget so soon that his hands were deeply involved in messing up of the present administration as a result of his bad governance and policies as a governor of Kaduna state, through mass sacking of innocent primary school teachers, unnecessary demolition of peoples landed properties, disregards and disrespect for traditional rulers, Northern elders, leaders and other respected institutions, escalation of insecurity, refusal to obey the court orders and rule of law among several others. El-Rufai is cold-hearted. It was the same Northwest people that he and his party begged for support in 2015. But because of the failure of APC government, incessant hunger and poverty all over the region that have made them to decamp to PDP, he is now calling them foreigners. What scared El-rufai and his co-travellers was the success recorded at the Sokoto PDP campaign rally. The Sokoto gathering, no doubt, instilled fear in the minds of El-rufai and his cohorts so much that in their wildest imaginations, their party the APC will find it impossible to record a replica of such mammoth crowd in any state of the Northwest including El-rufaIs own state of Kaduna. We therefore challenge El-rufai and APC to do same if at all they can in any of the state in Northwest. With Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal at the helm of affairs as Governor of Sokoto state and campaign coordinator of PDP in Northwest, El-rufai will receive the shock of his life in Kaduna state and entire Northwest during the forth-coming general election. Tambuwal as master political strategist who came second during the Presidential primaries of PDP will defeat APC hands down and deliver the entire Northwest to PDP because of massive support, love and loyalty of the people of the Northwest to him. Governor Tambuwal appreciates the political courage of the entire people of Northwest, their support and loyalty to PDP and sincerely thanks them and appeal to them to come out en mass during the forth-coming general election to lead PDP to victory. Atiku is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and considered to be the biggest obstacle to the second term ambition of President Muhammadu Buhari who's the APC's candidate. While speaking at a forum organised by the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups in Abuja on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, Tinubu said the former vice president lacks focus so much that he has changed parties many times to push his personal interest. He further ripped into the PDP as a party that has greatly failed Nigerians in the past and, as punishment, isn't yet deserving of a return to power. He said Atiku's promises to transform the nation are unreliable because he and the PDP have failed to improve the country in the past. He said, "Their candidate, who is supposed to beat Buhari, has been in our party and many other parties. He has more party membership cards to build a house. "All you have to do is to go out there and tell him that a house built on cards will be collapsed with a single stroke of broom. He said they are reformed, but reformed what? Reformed PDP? No. Tell them as you go out that we accept the admission of guilt that they were vagabonds before and now being reformed. "But they have not served enough probation. You can only be reformed if you are an ex-convict, a drug addict or a political prostitute. It is because Buhari has no temperament and no tolerance for corruption, he is vigorously ridding the nation of blemish and looting. "They are busy changing parties and that is why they are confused. Atiku is now PDP Aladdin. He is going to create 14 million jobs and I say how? "They will turn Atlantic into fuel to crash the prices without the refineries working and the population is expanding and people must move around. He just talked of crashing the prices of fuel. They are lying again because a leopard cannot change its skin." Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, further highlighted the achievements of President Buhari's administration and said it'll be impossible for Atiku and the PDP to remove him from the Presidential Villa. 2019 presidential election ece-auto-gen While next year's election, scheduled for February 16, 2019, is expected to be keenly-contested between Atiku and President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), they both face competition from other candidates including Donald Duke of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Obiageli Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Fela Durotoye of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC). Others are Tope Fasua of the Abundance Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Eunice Atuejide of the National Interest Party (NIP), Adesina Fagbenro-Byron of the Kowa Party (KP), Chike Ukaegbu of the Advanced Allied Party (AAP), Hamza Al-Mustapha of the People's Party of Nigeria (PPN), Obadiah Mailafia of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and many more. She said this during a visit to her by Peter Eigen, the Visioner and Founder of Transparency International, in Nigeria. The ACPN presidential candidate described corruption as Nigerias most visible problem, and assured Nigerians in a statement on Wednesday that her party would ensure transparency in governance. Ezekwesili noted that fighting corruption in Nigeria required a a proactive process, building strong and impartial organisations headed by utmost professionals. She said, Corruption is arguably Nigerias most visible problem, and a war against it has been a tool for opportunistic politicians who lack the track record, political will or even technical know-how to tackle this. Tackling corruption requires proactive approaches. First, value reorientation, which will be led by the highest political authority in the land, being the president. Hence, ensuring the election of a credible, untainted president is critical to tackling corruption. Secondly, prevention through reduction of opportunities for corruption, through public sector reforms, which improves public financial management and also reduces the role of government in the economy. This means reviving the role of the audit agencies and processes across the public sector. Also strengthening agencies like the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) by reviewing and updating their laws for effectiveness. Finally, effective sanctions on corruption and impunity by reversing the aberrant status quo where there is freedom to engage in corrupt practices without consequences. This will require providing agencies the capacity to detect, investigate and prosecute corruption. The presidential candidate also expressed displeasure with the ineffectiveness of the Freedom of Information Act, saying it was encouraging poor accountability in governance. There are two laws that deserve significant focus because they hold significant potential to tackle corruption but have been hindered from functioning to their fullest capacity: the Freedom of Information Act and the Electoral Act. Ensuring that stringent penalties are placed on bodies that refuse to or hinder the process to release information that the public request is critical to improving transparency and fighting corrupt practices. We will simplify the process of making an FoI request, by allowing online applications and tracking the time that it takes to respond to them. This is an initiative that will be executed, she added. It will be recalled that Ezekwesili was the pioneer head of the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit (aka Due Process Unit). It was in this position that she earned the title of Madam Due Process for the outstanding work she led a team of professionals to do in sanitising public procurement at the federal level in Nigeria. As witnessed by members of the Obiageli Ezekwesili Campaign Organisation - HOPE 2019, Eigen reminisced over the years he worked with Ezekwesili to bring global attention to the menace of corruption. He praised her for the courage of taking on anti-corruption and demand for transparency during the regime of a brutal dictatorship. The Transparency International boas remembered Ezekwesilis role in the innovation of TIs Corruption Perception Index and her becoming the organisations global voice, thereby reflecting how seriously citizens of African countries want the world to tackle corruption. He then praised her far reaching work as one who led the first country design and implementation of the EITI principles when as chairperson of NEITI, they went beyond the basic publishing of revenues received and paid between government and oil or mining companies. ALSO READ:Ezekwesili vows to provide uninterrupted electricity as President NEITI broadened the initiative to process and physical audits of NNPC/ Ministry of Petroleum, IOCs and NOCs, which were all then published on the Internet. It was for that work we were recently nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, a statement from HOPE 2019 read. According to Eigen, he is happy that Ezekwesili is running for the office of the President of Nigeria. He wished her success in the elections, saying, It will be so much easier for Nigeria to be committed in tackling her systemic corruption challenge and become a model of transparency. Six years after direct talks broke down, Morocco and the Polisario Front, who fought a war over the region until a 1991 ceasefire, will take part in two days of roundtable discussions along with Algeria and Mauritania starting Wednesday afternoon. And on the eve of the meeting, UN chief Antonio Guterres called in a statement on all parties "to engage in good faith, without preconditions and in a constructive spirit in the discussions." A former Spanish colony, phosphate-rich Western Sahara sits on the western edge of the vast eponymous desert, stretching around 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) along the fish-abundant Atlantic coastline. When Spain withdrew from the North African territory in 1975, Rabat sent thousands of people across the border and claimed it was an integral part of Morocco. The following year the Polisario Front declared Western Sahara the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), with support from Algeria and Libya, and demanded a referendum on self-determination to resolve the dispute. AFP But as the stalemate continued, Morocco built razor-wire-topped concentric sand walls in the desert that still ring 80 percent of the territory it controls. A 1991 ceasefire saw the UN deploy a peacekeeping mission which has perpetuated the line of control, but the international community has long intended a referendum be held to decide the territory's status. Rabat currently rejects any vote in which independence is an option, arguing that only granting autonomy is on the table and that this is necessary for regional security. Living in limbo Awaiting a settlement, between 100,000 and 200,000 refugees live precariously in camps in western Algeria. The last round of direct talks were launched by the UN in 2007 but collapsed five years later over the territory's status and the proposed referendum. Koehler -- a former president of Germany who has led the diplomatic efforts since 2017 -- will host the foreign ministers of Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania on Wednesday, as well as a Polisario delegation headed by Khatri Addouh, the speaker of the Sahrawi National Council, or parliament. The UN has described the meeting as "a first step towards a renewed negotiations process with the aim of reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution" for Western Sahara. AFP But while all sides signalled goodwill ahead of the meeting at the UN's Geneva headquarters, they appeared to be sticking to their positions. While supporting a "durable" political solution marked by a "spirit of compromise", King Mohammed VI said in a recent speech that Morocco will not yield on its "territorial integrity", including control over Western Sahara. And key Polisario official Mhamed Khadad told AFP ahead of the Geneva talks that "everything can be negotiated except the inalienable and imprescriptible right of our people to self-determination." Reflecting its status as the Polisario's main supporter, Algeria likewise speaks of this "inalienable and imprescriptible" right. Diplomats and others with insight into the process have meanwhile played down the prospect of any real breakthrough. A diplomatic source stressed that the roundtable was "not a negotiation" but rather a meeting "that will make it possible to test the real will of the parties, and to determine if they should move forward" or not. And Nour Bakr, with non-profit Independent Diplomat which advises the Polisario Front, told AFP that while it was "positive that these talks are happening ... real progress will be difficult." UN envoy Horst Koehler, a former German president, is hosting the talks, which kicked off at the UN headquarters in Geneva on Wednesday afternoon. In his October invitation letter to the talks, Koehler insisted it was "time to open a new chapter in the political process". The UN meanwhile has described the talks as "a first step towards a renewed negotiations process with the aim of reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara." A former Spanish colony, phosphate-rich Western Sahara sits on the western edge of the vast eponymous desert, stretching around 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) along the Atlantic coastline, a prime fishing region. When Spain withdrew from the North African territory in 1975, Rabat sent thousands of people across the border and claimed it was an integral part of Morocco. The following year the Polisario Front declared Western Sahara the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), with support from Algeria and Libya, and demanded a referendum on self-determination. Since then 84 UN member states have recognised the SADR. AFP But a stalemate ensued, and Morocco built razor-wire-topped concentric sand walls in the desert that still ring 80 percent of the territory it controls. Under a 1991 ceasefire, the United Nations deployed a peacekeeping mission which has perpetuated the line of control, but the international community has long intended for a referendum to be held to decide the territory's status. Rabat currently rejects any vote in which independence is an option, arguing that only granting autonomy is on the table and that this is necessary for regional security. Living in limbo Awaiting a settlement, between 100,000 and 200,000 refugees live precariously in camps near the town of Tindouf in western Algeria, not far from the Moroccan and Western Sahara borders. The last direct talks were launched by the UN in 2007 but collapsed five years later over the territory's status and the proposed referendum. Koehler, who has led the diplomatic efforts since 2017, is hosting the foreign ministers of Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania on Wednesday, as well as a Polisario delegation headed by Khatri Addouh, the speaker of the Sahrawi parliament. AFP But the agenda for the meetings remains vague and the format has not been unanimously agreed. Algeria wants to participate only as an "observer country", but Rabat considers it a "stakeholder" in the discussions, since Algiers is the Polisario's main backer. In a statement issued Wednesday, Algiers said Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel has met with Koehler and reiterated his country's support for the process "in its capacity as a neighbouring country". And while all sides signalled goodwill ahead of Wednesday's meeting, they did not budge from their positions. King Mohammed VI has said he supports a "durable" political solution marked by a "spirit of compromise", but in a recent speech he insisted that Morocco would not yield on its "territorial integrity", including control over Western Sahara. And key Polisario official Mhamed Khadad told AFP ahead of the talks that "everything can be negotiated except the inalienable and imprescriptible right of our people to self-determination." 'Not a negotiation' Diplomats and others with insight into the process have meanwhile played down the prospect of any real breakthrough. One diplomat stressed that the roundtable was "not a negotiation" but rather a meeting "that will make it possible to test the real will of the parties, and to determine if they should move forward" or not. Observers meanwhile point to increased pressure on the sides to find a solution, after the UN Security Council recently adopted a US-drafted resolution to renew a small peacekeeping mission at the ceasefire line, but cut its mandate from 12 to six months. Nour Bakr, with the non-profit Independent Diplomat which advises the Polisario Front, meanwhile called for more EU support for the process, lamenting that the bloc is negotiating major trade deals with Morocco that involve Western Sahara. The Europeans "try to make a separation between having these trade deals and claiming to support the political process," he told AFP. The 23-year-old, who was volunteering on the island of Lesbos for the aid group Emergency Response Centre International when she was arrested, has been held in provisional detention in a prison near Athens in a case that has sparked outrage and protest. "After new evidence in the investigation" Vassilis Spyrou, lawyer for Moraitis, said one of those detained was freed on parole last week, followed on Thursday by the four others, including Mardini, who were released on bail. He said the court had set the bail for the founder at 10,000 euros and 5,000 euros for the others. The group, who deny the charges, were accused of offering "direct assistance to migrant trafficking networks", asking for advance information about arrivals and organising landings without giving the authorities forewarning. Mardini and her sister Yusra made headlines in 2015, when they used their swimming skills to pull to safety their water-logged boat with another 18 people onboard on its journey from Turkey to Lesbos. The following year Yusra, now a UNHCR goodwill ambassador, participated on the refugee team at the Rio 2016 Olympics and Mardini went on to win a scholarship studying economics and social sciences at Bard College in Berlin. Lesbos has been a key gateway into the European Union since the start of the bloc's migration crisis in 2015. Then on Wednesday, an Istanbul court issued the arrest warrants for Assiri and Qahtani on the charge of "deliberately killing (someone) with monstrous feeling or causing torment", according to state news agency Anadolu. Assiri, the former deputy head of general intelligence, often sat in during Prince Mohammed's closed-door meetings with visiting foreign dignitaries. Qahtani was a key counsellor to the crown prince. Both were sacked after Riyadh admitted Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate. Saudi Arabia has sought to distance Prince Mohammed from the murder and has received support from US President Donald Trump. His administration has downplayed possible links between the crown prince and what happened to Khashoggi. AFP But two key senators from Trump's own Republican party said Tuesday that a briefing by the CIA's director had strengthened their conviction that Prince Mohammed directed the murder. US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker said however he had "zero question in my mind" that Prince Mohammed directed the killing after an hour-long briefing to a small group of senators by CIA director Gina Haspel. Trump ally and fellow Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said the "crazy" crown prince was "complicit in the murder of Mr Khashoggi to the highest level possible". 'Zero question in my mind' Khashoggi, a Saudi contributor to the Washington Post, was killed shortly after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain paperwork for his upcoming marriage. AFP According to Turkey, a 15-member Saudi team was sent to Istanbul to kill him. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government, but has insisted it was not King Salman. The Istanbul prosecutor in charge of the Turkish investigation said in late October that Khashoggi, a former Saudi insider turned critic, was strangled then his body was cut into pieces. Turkish officials have searched the consulate, the consul-general's residence, a forest in Istanbul and two villas in the northwestern province of Yalova, but Khashoggi's remains have still not been found. Riyadh, after initially denying that Khashogghi had been killed at the consulate, has detained 21 people over the murder and is seeking death penalties against five of them. But it has strongly denied the crown prince was involved. Saudis 'won't take action' A senior Turkish official said Wednesday that the prosecutor's move "reflects the view that the Saudi authorities won't take formal action against those individuals". AFP Riyadh could "address those concerns" by extraditing the suspects to Turkey, the official said. The official, who did not wish to be named, also suggested there could be more arrest warrants sought by the prosecutor. Erdogan maintained pressure on Riyadh this week in an interview with reporters during his visit to South America, urging the kingdom to provide further details. "Where is Khashoggi's body? Your team of 20 knows this," he demanded, the Hurriyet newspaper quoted him as saying. On Saturday Erdogan insisted that the Saudis extradite suspects in the killing to Turkey for trial, but said the kingdom was not cooperating. Turkey seeks transparency Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday said that Turkey would "not hesitate" to seek an international probe if there were difficulties during its probe. Cavusoglu also criticised the lack of evidence given to Turkey by Riyadh as he urged the kingdom to be "transparent" and give details of what Saudi officials have found during their investigation. jpegMpeg4-1280x720The murder has damaged Riyadh's international reputation and Western countries including the US, France and Canada have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals. Odege raised in matter, saying the 36 fishermen from Homa Bay county were arrested and detained since November 5. ece-auto-gen Remba Island They were arraigned before a Tanzanian court which demanded a cash bail of Sh1.2 million (26 million Tanzanian Shillings). "Mr Speaker, I want to know whether the CS is aware that several Kenyans have been arrested on Lake Victoria under unclear circumstances. I also want to know what steps the ministry put in place to end the continued harassment and detention of Kenyan citizens," Odege told Parliament. The arrested fishermen come from Remba Island in Suba North, and are held at Sota Beach in Tanzania. ece-auto-gen Their colleagues have complained that the Tanzanian authorities also forcefully took away fishing gear worth millions. The MP has also called on the CS and the President to give Kenyans an update of the negotiations between Kenya and Uganda over the ownership of Migingo Island. The French Head of State will be in the country to attend the fourth session of the UN Environment Assembly tagged UNEA-4 scheduled to take place from 11 15 March, 2019. "We expect that he (Marcon) and President Kenyatta will co-host the summit on One Planet with the primary outcome of Kenya driving the global environmental agenda. "Weve begun to frame Nairobi as the world global environmental capital because we host United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). It has become as assembly of all UN member States and there are a lot of discussions going on around environmental management in Nairobi," she stated. ece-auto-gen President Kenyatta last met with President Macron at the G7 summit in May 2017 where the G7 nations had talks with African Heads of State and Government. CS Juma explained that the new collaboration with France was a step toward Agenda 2030, much like the partnership with Canada during the recently held Blue Economy Conference. Reports by the Nation claimed that the order to lift the ban on matatus from entering the CBD came as a result of the meeting which happened after the announcement by Sonko. Telephone Call The State House meeting came before a telephone conversation with higher authorities upon which the statement lifting the ban was released. According to the Nation, State House had intervened and Sonko had to make the announcement first before proceeding to State House with the Regeneration Committee. ece-auto-gen On Monday Sonko had been resolute that the ban would not be lifted. When he appeared before Senate he maintained that he had talked with the President on the availability of the NYS buses to transport the physically challenged and the elderly from their stages to the CBD. However, during the presser when he lifted the ban, Sonko attributed his change of mind to the lack of a contingency plan. Sonko stated that he wanted to allow for further consultations with all stakeholders in order to find a lasting solution to the problem of vehicle congestion. Way Forward I have noted with deep concern the plight of Nairobi residents as a result of the ban, and hereby announce that the full implementation of this directive has been suspended with immediate effect, Sonko stated. ece-auto-gen During the coming days, I will continue to hold discussions with affected parties to find a way forward, he added. A press statement from the CBK confirmed the appointment, stating that the task force would recommend strategies to harness the potential of digital finance and financial technology to advance SDGs. Digitalization of Finance "I fully concur that digitalization of finance has great potential in facilitating achievement of the SGDs," Dr Njoroge stated. "The invitation is also an important recognition of Kenya's success in digital finance and financial inclusion, with lessons that have been useful for other countries," he added. ece-auto-gen Dr Njoroge, while accepting his appointment noted that the invitation was an important recognition of Kenya's success in digital finance. On his part, Secretary-General Guterres stated: "We have already seen how technology has helped expand financial inclusion-itself an important goal- by 1.2 billion people in just six years." He added:: "But we have only just begun to tap the potential of digital finance and investment to meet the broader agenda set forth in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change." Experts The Task Forces membership includes experts from the investment community, capital markets, government, and civil society, as well as leading banks and innovators in digital payments. In January, the Task Force will meet in Davos, Switzerland and is expected to present its preliminary report of recommendations to the Secretary-General in September. ece-auto-gen Another $22.5 million has been approved for America's Cup infrastructure, making the total investment $136.5 million. Economic Development Minister David Parker said the additional funding will help with the Government's long-term strategy, which will include the removal of the tank farm from Wynyard Point in Auckland. Some of the funds will also go towards new wharf facilities, dredging, and weight barriers. Mr Parker predicts that the 2021 America's Cup will rake in between $500 million and $1 billion for New Zealand, making it a "worthwhile" investment. Primary school teachers will have to sacrifice some of their money for additional time, the Secretary for Education says. Primary school teachers and principals voted to reject the Ministry of Education's third pay offer, citing that they need to be paid fairly and get the time and support needed to ensure a quality education. Iona Holsted, Ministry of Education secretary for education told RadioLIVE that something has got to give, and if they want time to be addressed, they'll have to make some sacrifices. "Thats what a negotiation is," Ms Holsted said. CANADA: Canadian Pacific formally unveiled its next-generation grain trainsets on December 4, during the opening of an upgraded loading terminal near Moose Jaw attended by Saskatchewans Minister of Highways & Infrastructure Lori Carr. SOUTH KOREA: The government has revived plans to combine national passenger operator Korail with new entrant Supreme Railways, Korails Vice-President for Passenger Transport Hyungik Cho has told Railway Gazette. These broadcasts form part of the theatre's Multimedia Project which is focused on developing and promoting opera culture. As part of the agreement with Hispasat the Gran Teatre del Liceu will offer three opera titles from its next season via satellite: Rossinis LItaliana in Algeri, by Gioachino on 18 December 2018; La Gioconda, by Ponchielli (7 April 2019), which will be broadcast live in cinemas around the world; Puccinis Tosca on 28 June 2019, which is included in the Liceu a la Fresca programme, a project to bring opera outdoors to the streets so that as many people as possible can enjoy the show.This aims to bring opera to audiences outside of Barcelona, broadcasting the shows live in cities in Spain and other countries such as France, Portugal, Andorra and Italy. This is possible through an existing deal with Hispasat and the newly signed agreement means opera from Liceu can now be enjoyed in the Americas. The agreement also includes the broadcast of another Puccini, Manon Lescaut, as part of the same programme, from 16 June 2018.Commenting on the deal, Hispasat president Elena Pisonero said: this agreement reaffirms Hispasat's commitment to promoting culture. Our satellites are the ideal technological infrastructure for these types of projects, because they are the most efficient to broadcast an event live to any point within their coverage with the highest image and sound quality. We are proud to collaborate with the Liceu in broadcasting these shows and to bring the art of opera to a greater number of people.President of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Foundation's Board , Salvador Alemany added: in 2001 the Gran Teatre del Liceu was one of the first institutions worldwide to start a live opera project. Since then our goal has been to seek stronger partnerships to continue developing a leading multimedia project that keeps Liceu well positioned on the international scene. Formalising this agreement today with Hispasat is key to consolidate this initiative which opens borders and further democratises the opera genre. Australia is preparing to receive its first operational Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft. The first two aircraft (AU-1 and AU-2) are due to arrive at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Williamtown in New South Wales on 10 December, the Department of Defence (DoD) disclosed on 3 December. The U.S military hit al Qaedas branches in Somalia and Libya twice over the past several days, killing 20 fighters in strikes that appear to have targeted the groups military capacity. In Libya, the U.S killed 11 members of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and destroyed three vehicles in a precision airstrike near Al Uwaynat on Nov. 29, U.S Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a press release. That strike is the third against AQIM so far this year. On June 13, one AQIM fighter was killed in an attack south of Bani Walid. And on March 24, AFRICOM killed Musa Abu Dawud, a high-ranking al Qaeda leader in Libya who was listed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, in Ubari. Dawuds experience in waging jihad spanned three decades; He rose in the ranks of Algerias jihadist movement and became a senior leader in the Salafist Group for Call and Combat (GSPC), which merged with al Qaeda in 2007 and renamed itself al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. [See LWJ report, American forces kill senior al Qaeda leader in Libya.] AFRICOM said that the Nov. 29 strike was carried out in coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord and the U.S will not relent in its mission to degrade, disrupt, and destroy terrorist organizations and bring stability to the region. We are committed to maintaining pressure on the terror network and preventing terrorists from establishing safe haven. The U.S military has launched six strikes against jihadist groups operating in Libya so far this year, evenly targeting al Qaeda and the Islamic State with three strikes apiece. In Somalia, AFRICOM reported that nine Shabaab fighters were killed during an operation in near Lebede on Nov. 30. AFRICOM confirmed that Lebede is located in Bay province, but they did not provide a precise location. The strike may have been conducted in support of Somali forces in the area, since Shabaab claimed to overrun the town of Gufgudud (Goof Gaduud) in Bay on the same day. The strike in Bay province is the first outside of Mudug province since October. The U.S military has focused on Shabaabs network in Mudug since the beginning of November. Some 53 Shabaab fighters have been killed in seven strikes in Mudug since Nov. 3. The U.S military has relied on counterterrorism strikes to keep al Qaedas networks at bay in Somalia, Libya, and Yemen. While these operations have killed senior operatives and low level fighters, it has failed to deal a decisive blow to the groups insurgencies which have been highly effective at replacing its leadership and rank and file over time. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. This article appeared originally at FDD's Long War Journal. 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, 12/05/2018 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 has denied he married Leida Margaretha before she came to America.Speculation that Eric had married Leida, a 29-year-old from Jakarta, Indonesia, in an overseas ceremony late last year had surfaced among viewers after they discovered Eric had posted a photo showing the couple wearing formal wedding attire -- a white gown and suit, flower bouquet, boutonniere and all -- on his Facebook page in December 2017.The Facebook posting's comments also included Eric, a 40-year-old avionics technician and former U.S. Marine from Baraboo, WI, replying "November 30 in Jakarta" when a commenter had asked "When did you get married?," according to screenshots obtained by Starcasm.That date was well before Leida arrived in New York City in early June 2018 as shown on 's currently-airing sixth season.However, Eric recently took to Instagram to set the record straight."Just so we're clear on the picture of us floating around out there and the article about us being married in Jakarta: It was a commitment ceremony. Nothing more," Eric explained."It allowed us to travel her country together alone. They don't allow unmarried, non related men and women to travel alone together. No documentation was filed with either Indonesia or United States. It was strictly symbolic. If you doubt this, go ahead and inquire with the State Dept. of WI."According to Starcasm, Leida had also posted a photo of an invitation to the couple's alleged American "wedding celebration" in January 2018 -- adding more evidence to the idea the stars were already married by the time Leida arrived in America in June."States side wedding... Another ceremony, another reception, another after party, another 'round' as well....?" she reportedly wrote alongside it.Leida also reportedly mentioned "returning" to the United States when discussing her then-upcoming June trip, suggesting she clearly had traveled to America before.Eric and Leida met in Indonesia in 2016 after Leida responded to a personal ad on an international website posted by the divorced father of three.After only two days together, Eric proposed marriage, and then Leida's K-1 visa was approved.Although Eric claims the couple did not marry when fans suspected, the pair's recent social media postings have pretty clearly given away -- as has Eric's daughter Tasha -- that they are still together and happy.Leida's five-year-old son Allessandro also appears to live with them in the United States.The latest episode of featured Eric and Leida starting to plan their wedding in the United States.Eric said he set aside a few thousand dollars for their nuptials, and the couple checked out a modest hotel ballroom for the reception and also met with a florist. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 11/24/2021 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! Which couples are still together and which MAFS couples have broken up and divorced? And where are they now? 's first twelve seasons featured 44 different couples getting married at first sight -- so which couples are still together, who has broken up and divorced, and where are they all now?Each season of -- which premiered in the United States seven years ago and is based on a Danish series -- features couples (previously three couples, but four couples on Seasons 8 and 9, and five couples beginning with Season 10) being matched together by relationship experts and agree to marry when they first meet.Complete strangers become husband and wife in a matter of minutes, and the couples' lives are then documented by TV cameras over the course of the next four to eight weeks (eight weeks, in the case of 's most recent seasons).The couples typically enjoy their first night together in a hotel after exchanging vows -- with some couples deciding to consummate their marriage immediately -- and then embark on a honeymoon, move in together, and simply attempt to deal with the struggles of daily life as man and wife.At the end of the extreme marriage experiment, each couple must decide whether they'd like to stay married or get a divorce on "Decision Day."has experienced very mixed results over the years. While a significant number of couples decide to stay together and continue their new marriage at the end of their season, the real world seems to hit them hard after the cameras leave, resulting in the couple splitting up only months later.Do cast members see a different side of their spouses once cameras are gone, or do the romances naturally fizzle over time?Some couples are still together to this day and are extremely happy. Jamie Otis and Doug Hehner from Season 1, for example, have had two children.Several other couples have also had children -- including Ashley Petta and Anthony D'Amico Shawniece Jackson and Jephte Pierre Danielle Bergman and Bobby Dodd Deonna McNeill and Greg Okotie , and Jessica Studer and Austin Hurd However, there are also relationships that ended badly. Jessica Castro from Season 2, for instance, accused Ryan De Nino of alleged death threats, and she went on to file a restraining order and lawsuit against him.Some couples have also never even made it to "Decision Day" and ended their marriage prematurely, including Season 4 couple Heather Seidel and Derek Schwartz as well as Season 6 couple Molly Duff and Jonathan Francetic Are the remaining couples now lovers, friends or enemies?! What about early season couples like Cortney Hendrix and Jason Carrion, Jaclyn Methuen and Ryan Ranellone, Vanessa Nelson and Tres Russell, Sonia Granados and Nick Pendergrast, and Lillian Vilchez and Tom Wilson?And how about more recent season couples like Danielle DeGroot and Cody Knapek Sheila Downs and Nate Duhon Jaclyn Schwartzberg and Ryan Buckley Dave Flaherty and Amber Martorana , and Tristan Thompson and Mia Bally Keith Dewar and Kristine Killingsworth , and AJ Vollmoeller and Stephanie Sersen Click thelink below to see photos of each couple and find out! BEGIN GALLERY >> Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 12/05/2018 ADVERTISEMENT , Episode 7 FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. featured each couple meeting their potential in-laws, and Jona Bienko deciding he'd like to ask Brandin Brosh to marry him during Tuesday night's episode on Lifetime.chronicles a three-week process for the singles, guided by franchise experts Pastor Calvin Roberson and Dr. Jessica Griffin, in the romantic destination of St. Lucia.The show currently features four couples blossoming and deepening their connections.Brandin, a 28-year-old clothing boutique owner from Biloxi, MS, is paired with Jona, a 35-year-old auto broker from Como, CO. Eric Acosta , a 31-year-old entrepreneur and son of a diplomat from Denver, CO, matched himself with Katie Muller , a 28-year-old in digital advertising from Denver, CO. Shannon Raddler , a 33-year-old pharmaceutical sales representative from Atlanta, GA, is pursuing Kimber Gardner , a 28-year-old medical sales representative from Las Vegas, NV.And finally, Jada Rashawn , a 27-year-old professional nanny placement specialist and brand spokesperson from San Antonio, TX, is a couple with Chris Perry , a 29-year-old musician, personal trainer and youth counselor from Binghamton, NY.The broadcast began where last week's episode had left off, with Pastor Cal revealing his big surprise on Day 17 -- that most of the cast members would be able to see and consult with their parents or close relatives on Honeymoon Island.Pastor Cal was then shown welcoming Katie's parents Taree and Andrew, Kimber's dad and stepmom Sherman and Sam, and Shannon's mom and sister Hertha and Ariel.Chris, however, was unable to see his young daughter, Bella, because his parents apparently didn't have passports.Katie first sat down with Eric and her parents, and he opened up about his business regarding medicinal cannabis, which was a bit shocking for Taree and Andrew.Eric was so nervous that he ended up talking a lot about exotic fruits, and the meeting didn't exactly go perfectly.Kimber and Shannon's families then sat down together, and receiving a blessing was very important for both individuals in the relationship. Hertha called Kimber a very beautiful girl, but Shannon was more worried about his overprotective sister.It wasn't long before Kimber dropped a bomb, that she was living with Shannon on the island. Shannon's mother was "in shock" and the situation didn't sit well with her.Kimber revealed she had lived with four men in the past, and that information even caught her own father off-guard. Ariel wasn't happy with this news, asking the cameras, "How many trials and errors do you need?"The conversation then switched to whether Kimber would like to welcome children, which was obviously a point of contention for the couple.Kimber wanted Shannon's family to accept her, but she also didn't want to feel pressured to have kids based on "other people's views on life." And Shannon was able to get Kimber to "a maybe."Jona and Brandin then woke up next to each other on Day 18, and Brandin admitted she'd be very busy over the next few months. Jona was willing to move for Brandin since she owns a store.Jona was ready to do whatever it takes to be married and make this relationship work. Jona did not want to leave Honeymoon Island and enter a long-distance relationship.Afterward, Jada Skyped with her parents Brenda and Emmett, who couldn't make the trip to St. Lucia. Jada missed them so much and craved their insight and advice.Chris then walked into the room and got to meet them over video chat. Chris was put on the spot and had to sing "Amazing Grace" with her father, but the little chat went great and Jada was really happy.Meanwhile, Kimber spent some alone time with her parents. His father asked if she was really falling in love or just got swept up in the moment, and Kimber said they were actively working on cultivating a strong relationship every day.Sherman admitted he liked Shannon, especially the fact he'd like to have children one day. Sherman hoped to become a grandfather at some point, and he joked about how the grandkids would be good looking if Kimber ended up with Shannon.Shannon's loved ones, however, were worried about him compromising his principles because he never wanted to live with a woman before marriage.Shannon insisted he was happy with Kimber and she could definitely be "wife material." Ariel eventually came around, saying Kimber seemed like a genuine person, but she thought it was "wack" the couple already had sex.Katie then sat down with her parents and confessed she was nervous about how much Eric has to travel for work, mainly because she had been really hurt by an ex who seemed to drop all forms of communication when he was away.Afterward, Pastor Cal sat down with Jona and Brandin for a chat to find out whether this couple would be ready to wed once they left the island. Pastor Cal felt every time they took two steps forward, they would take one step back.Jona gushed about how hilarious and kind Brandin is, and he couldn't believe he had fallen so head over heels for the girl -- claiming it's very unlike him to become so invested in someone so quickly."I know without a doubt Brandin is one in a million," Jona told the cameras, before revealing to Pastor Cal he'd like to propose marriage at the end of the process."I am going to ask her if she is willing to spend the rest of her life with me... The odds of whether Brandin is going to say yes or no, I truly think it's 50/50. But my gut is 100 percent telling me that I would be the fool if I did not do this."Chris was then shown FaceTiming with his adorable daughter Bella. He said he never brought a woman around his daughter before, which made Jada feel that much more important and special when she got to join in the video chat.Jada thought Bella was so beautiful and precious, and she couldn't wait to meet her in person."You are the first girl I ever introduced to my daughter," Chris told Jada.Jada felt closer to marriage than ever before since Chris had taken such a leap of faith with her.Kimber then enjoyed a pool day with Shannon's sister and mother. Kimber said she had been in four serious back-to-back relationships from the age of 14 to 26, with the longest romance lasting four years.Kimber had been single for a year-and-a-half prior to meeting Shannon, which sparked concern for Ariel she's a "serial relationship person." But Kimber acknowledged her faults and said she's at a place in her life where she'd like to have a long-term partner.Hertha and Ariel made it known they'd be okay if Kimber decided not to have children, and she cried because their support meant so much to her. Ariel said Kimber had the "potential to be a great sister-in-law," although she hoped things wouldn't move too fast.The episode concluded with Jona asking Brandin's mother, Susan, for permission and her blessing to pop the question via Skype. Jona said he didn't want to risk losing that one-in-a-million girl out of fear things may not work out or he gets rejected.The broadcast ended on a cliffhanger, before Susan could share her response with Jona.Interested in more Married at First Sight news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group Porterville, CA (93257) Today Some clouds. Areas of dense fog developing. Low 38F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds. Areas of dense fog developing. Low 38F. Winds light and variable. A University of Georgia student rides a Bird scooter across campus on Sept. 4. UGA and Athens-Clarke County police started ticketing riders who do not follow the road rules for the electric scooters. Scooters can only be ridden on the roads or in bike lanes, not on sidewalks. Grow It Know It is a partnership between Clarke County and Barrow County schools, UGA Extension, UGA Office of Service Learning and UGArden. The program is meant to highlight issues such as poverty, food insecurity and environmental sustainability through hands-on activities in the classroom. As the semester draws to a close, one day is granted to University of Georgia students to do with as they see fit. For the members of Rescue P The airports chosen for operation, management and development through a public-private partnership model are those in Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Guwahati. The government does not want the next round of airport privatisation to go the Air India way. With that in mind, a high-level government committee has set conditions that are easier to comply with, a source close to the development said. For instance, even a bidder with no prior experience in airport development will be allowed to participate in the privatisation process. While net worth of the companies will be among the key criteria, bidders will be asked to absorb employees of the airports for at least five years. Soon after the Union Cabinet cleared private management of six more airports on November 8, a high-level committee headed by NITI Aayog chief executive officer Amitabh Kant finalised the guidelines and conditions for the privatisation process. Airport Authority of India will do a single stage bidding process which will only evaluate eligibility criteria based on financial capability, another source said. The airports chosen for operation, management and development through a public-private partnership (PPP) model are those in Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Guwahati. This is the second wave of airport privatisation in India - 12 years after Delhi and Mumbai airports were privatised in 2006. For Delhi and Mumbai, airport operation experience, either standalone or in a consortium, was a mandatory condition for bidders. In the new round, airports would be bid out for a period of 50 years with freedom on land usage of airports for non-aeronautical purposes. In the earlier process, airport developers had sought liberal guidelines for land usage. Hence private owners of the airports will be allowed to use land parcels for non-aeronautical usage like building shopping malls, or developing aerotropolis, one of the sources said. For Delhi and Mumbai airport privatisation, 230 and 190 acres of land were allowed to be developed for commercial purpose. For the six airports chosen for privatisation, the government will not allow airlines to hold a majority stake in the airports as a proposal to permit cross ownership of airlines and airports was ruled out. This would make a company such as Tata Realty ineligible for any controlling interest in airports as it holds stake in Air Asia India and Vistara. Among the primary reasons cited for the failure of Air India bidding process were the stringent bidding conditions. It didnt get even a single bidder. Similarly, Airport Authority of India, despite trying a multiple times, failed to get a bidder for operation and maintenance of Ahmedabad and Jaipur airports as bidders said there was little scope of revenue generation from the projects. Experts said the lucrative structuring of the concession agreements would entice bidders. According to Jagannarayan Padmanabhan, director, CRISIL Infrastructure Advisory, the previous privatisation of some of the metro airports in India yielded good returns to the private developers. With Indian market becoming the third largest in the world, and the growth being sustained for several quarters with head room for further growth, there is significant interest among the Indian developers as well as the international investor community. "One of the key factors will be the quality of data being presented to the bidders, apart from structuring/terms of the concession - this will strongly influence the number of bidders who will finally participate in this process, he said. However, the 2019 Lok Sabha election may come as a dampener - prospective bidders fear that the process may not get completed before the code of conduct sets in. The conditions looks lucrative but the timeline is very challenging, said an executive of a company interested in airports. The government intends to complete the bidding process by the third week of February. Photograph: Reuters Based on the Skytrax ranking for 2018, IndiGo is number two among the best low-cost carriers in Asia, behind rival AirAsia. IndiGo will soon create aviation history. From a fledging airline that started 12 years ago, it is set to have 200 aircraft (currently it has 198) sometime this month, becoming the only Indian carrier to reach this milestone. Last month the airline took delivery of seven new planes. Its roller coaster ride is evident from the fact that in the low-cost carrier (LCC) category it has beaten its nearest rival, SpiceJet, though the latter started operations a year earlier. SpiceJets fleet size is a third of that of IndiGo. And what is ironical is that its leading promoter, Rahul Bhatia, nearly became a co-owner of SpiceJet, but the deal fell through because he asked for a majority stake. In the global arena too, IndiGo is making waves. Based on the data of Statista for 2017, it is the seventh-biggest global LCC in terms of revenue and net profit, behind the likes of South West Airlines, Jet Blue, and Ryan Air. And based on the Skytrax ranking for 2018, it is number two among the best LCCs in Asia, behind rival AirAsia. In terms of fleet size, however, it is still way behind many global LCCs. South West Airlines, the biggest of them all, has more than 746 planes, Ryanair over 445 planes and Jet Blue, with 252, too is much ahead in the race, according to the data from planespotters.net. But IndiGo has more planes than global LCCs like Easyjet (159) or Norwegian (159) though they both have higher revenues. The AirAsia group, which has many operations and is its key competitor in the LCC space in Asia, specifically in India, has 256 aircraft. Analysts say IndiGo did a couple of things right while other competing airlines didnt. It decided from the beginning to place large orders for aircraft upfront and was able to negotiate attractive discounts on the sticker price from Airbus because of the large volumes. They then sold the machines at a premium to leasing companies and booked an upfront profit, and took the same aircraft back on lease. A senior executive of a consultancy firm which has worked with it said: They were tough negotiators and were never in a hurry like other Indian carriers to close the deal until the manufacturers brought the price down. That paid huge dividends. "They did the same for spare parts as well as maintenance deals. So their costs were lower than competition. IndiGo executives say they followed the sale and lease-back strategy because they believed technology for aircraft would change and become much more fuel-efficient, so there was no point getting saddled with old planes. That is why they maintained the average age of the aircraft at under six years. But senior executives point out with the Airbus 320 neos in play (they are far more fuel-efficient), they do not think that technology will change dramatically in the next 20 years, so now they are planning to move to acquiring at least a few aircraft every year. Aviation experts say IndiGo understood consumer preferences well. It concentrated on on-time performance and offered customers a lot of frequencies between two destinations. Unlike other competitors which opened up new destinations and expanded quickly, IndiGo was different - it would open a new station only if it could put in at least four or five flights. That is reflected in the fact that currently IndiGo flies to only 42 destinations in the country while SpiceJet goes to 49 destinations with one-third the fleet. A year ago top IndiGo executives said they are looking at a fleet of 350 in the next five years-and that now looks like a reality. But many airlines say the increase in capacity by LCCs is a key reason why they are not being able to hike air fares. The low yields of airlines because they cannot increase fares is partly a result of new capacity being deployed in the market by airlines, said Sharat Dhall of yatra.com. Clearly this is a reason why many of them like Jet Airways and Air India are in a financial mess. Ronojoy Dutta checks in to IndiGo Ronojoy Dutta, who has earlier served United Airlines executive and Air Sahara president, on Tuesday joined IndiGo as principal consultant. He will report to interim chief executive officer (CEO) and founder Rahul Bhatia. Dutta will be responsible for developing a five-year plan for the airline, IndiGo announced on Tuesday. He is the latest in a series of veteran global airline executives hired by IndiGo as it prepares to expand its global presence. The largest domestic airline by the number of passengers flown, IndiGo will soon have 200 aircraft in its fleet. The airline commands 40 per cent of the domestic market share. It also plans to fly soon to Central Asia and Europe. To support its growth plans, IndiGo has been hiring foreign executives with experience in large airlines. Its former CEO Aditya Ghosh resigned in April this year. Greg Taylor, an executive of United Airlines, was slated to take up that job. But, sources aware of the development said the process of appointment had been slowed, as the airline awaits regulatory clearance. Dutta grew up in Shillong and studied at IIT-Kharagpur. After graduating, he worked at Voltas in Bengaluru and Kochi, before going to Harvard Business School in 1978. After Harvard, he worked at Booz Allen Hamilton, one of the worlds top consultancy firms. Other Booz Allen ex-alumni include Rakesh Gangwal, the current promoter of IndiGo. Both have a lot in common: They are IIT-Kharagpur alumni; have Masters in business administration; and both led two of the largest US airlines. In 1985, Dutta made the career-changing move to United Airlines, then poised to become a giant of the US aviation industry. He started out in charge of crew scheduling, and over the next few years, he went from one job to another in the airline before taking over as senior vice-president in charge of planning. In July 1999, he took over as the airlines president. He has been an advisor in restructuring of both Air Canada and US Airways and was president of Air Sahara for two years. Arindam Majumdar reports from New Delhi Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters The initiative is being undertaken by the government of Karnataka, considered one of the leaders in the technology space. Currently, India doesn't have such a platform and, globally, there are very few privately-run platforms. Photograph: Kind courtesy, Pixabay.com Come next year, India will have its first marketplace for intellectual properties, where innovators can promote their ideas and innovations to receive patents, and can even trade those with willing investors. This initiative is being undertaken by the government of Karnataka, considered one of the leaders in the technology space. Currently, India doesn't have any such platform and, globally, there are very few privately-run platforms. According to sources in the know, the platform will be supported by blockchain technology to ensure transparency, and protection against any tampering. "The digital platform for IPs will not only help innovators register for patents, but also enable them to trade with investors. This way, it will be an online marketplace for ideas," said Saurabh Bhattacharya, director (government & public services) at PwC said. "PwC is engaged with the state government on creating the platform. It is likely to be finalised in a month or so," he said. Any innovator can register his/her idea through logging into the platform. Once the idea is registered, it will be verified by sector experts. After the idea is vetted, it will be published on the marketplace. Interested investors or companies can bid for them, following their hosting. Investors can also seek access to information on the innovation, sharing of which will be solely the owner's discretion. "There will also be provision for non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between the investor and innovator to will ensure full confidentiality of the idea. There will be legal validation to this deal through an e-contract," Bhattacharya said. Since the platform will run on blockchain technology, there will be complete transparency with least scope of manipulation. In that way, an impostor can't steal the idea. The platform will also allow an innovator to block an investor from bidding. According to industry experts, an online marketplace for IP trading will allow innovators from far flung areas to register in the platform. It is also likely to help young entrepreneurs raise funds from private equity and venture capital funds. The proposed platform will allow innovators to register their ideas and patents in the fields of agriculture, science & technology and biotechnology among others. Globally, there are several marketplaces for IP trading, including the likes of IP Nexus, IAM Market and IP Exchange, which are mostly privately owned. The Karnataka government is also planning to set up an "Innovation Authority" that will protect IPs of enterprises. According to Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, the authorities would protect start-ups and small businesses from any kind of manipulation with their IPs. Jios adjusted gross revenue share went up by 7 percentage points in Q2FY18-19 over the previous quarter in the circles of the C category. Reliance Jios launch of a low-cost 4G feature phone in July seems to have paid rich dividends, with the telco wresting substantial market shares from its key rivals Airtel and Vodafone-Idea in non-metro circles. According to the data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) for the quarter ended September, Jios adjusted gross revenue (AGR, excluding national long-distance revenues) share went up by 7 percentage points in Q2FY18-19 over the previous quarter in the circles of the C category. The figures for the circles in the B and A categories are 6 and 3.4 percentage points. On the other hand, Vodafone-Idea, for instance, got a hammering in the C category, losing over 8 percentage points, and also in the B and A categories, though by lower margins. Even Airtel had to give ground to Jio, but for it the good news was that it was able to wrest revenue share from Jio in metros. Airtels share went up by 3 percentage points while its rival lost marginally by 1.4 percentage points. Jio in the September quarter is top of the charts in 12 of the 14 circles in the B and C categories, including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh east and west, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Assam and Kerala. Even in the A category circles, it has become number two in four of the five circles, including Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The phone was aimed primarily at egging on 2G players to move to the data world without having to make a substantial investment in a smart phone. With an incremental increase in the number of subscribers, ranging from 9 million to 11 million a month, 5 million of those are those who have subscribed to the 4G feature phone. Under the offer, customers have to pay Rs 1,095 for the package, which includes the phone for Rs 500 (the money is returned in three years, so it is effectively free) in exchange for an old phone. It comes loaded with six months data and an unlimited voice package (for which one pays Rs 594) and 0.5 GB every day, apart from freebies such as SMS. The offer, analysts say, has done two things: It has hiked the average revenue per user at the lower end of the market as consumers effectively pay around Rs 99 per month for the next six months for the service. Earlier they were recharging phones at Rs 10 a month or trying the Rs 49 offer from Jio for limited data. Jio now has the largest share of AGR (without NLD revenues) at 33.7 per cent, followed by Vodafone-Idea at 30.6 per cent and Airtel at 27.4 per cent. Telcos, however, point out the key question is whether these subscribers will continue to take the same package after the six-month period is over. But rivals point out Jio is merely subsidising the phone heavily to acquire revenue customers. Photograph: Shailesh Andrade/Reuters 'Subodh Singh had a key role as the investigating officer in the Akhlaq murder case.' 'He was the first key witness from the government side in the case.' IMAGE: Police officers pay tribute to Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh at a wreath-laying ceremony in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, December 4, 2018. Photograph: Twitter photo via PTI Slain police inspector Subodh Kumar Singh's sister has alleged that her brother was murdered because he was investigating the Dadri lynching case. Singh was killed on December 3 by a violent mob incensed over cow carcasses in Bulandshahr. The inspector's sister has alleged that her brother's murder was a conspiracy hatched by the Uttar Pradesh police. Mohammad Akhlaq was lynched by a mob on September 28, 2015, in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, after he was accused of slaughtering a cow during Bakri Eid by villagers, a murder that then shook the nation. "Subodh Kumar had arrested all the accused in the case," Yusuf Saifi, the lawyer for Akhlaq's family, tells Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf. What is Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh's connection with the Akhlaq murder case? He was the investigating officer in the Akhlaq case. He had investigated this case in the initial days. I have no idea why he was, all of a sudden, transferred to Varanasi. As far as Akhlaq's murder case is concerned, the charges have not been framed against the accused and all of them are out on bail. Charges have not been framed even three years after Akhlaq's murder? Yes, the chargesheet has not been filed yet. The accused in the murder gave a discharge application and (a lot of) time is wasted over this procedure. Therefore, charges could not be framed. As the investigating officer in the Akhlaq murder case, what was Singh's role? Subodh Kumar had arrested all the accused in the case. There were 10 of them initially and all of them were arrested by him. He had taken all the action that had to be taken against the accused. He had recorded the statements of witnesses and complainants under Section 161 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code). Singh had a key role as the investigating officer in the Akhlaq murder case. After all, the private witnesses (Akhlaq's family members), Singh was the first key witness from the government side in the case. He was the Number 1 witness. When was he transferred? I don't recall the exact date, but I think soon after a month after Akhlaq's lynching, he was transferred. Whom did he arrest and how? Singh arrested many accused in the case who were on the run. He also arrested many people from different locations, like someone from the bus stop or some people from their villages. Do you feel his murder is related to Akhlaq's case? I cannot comment on this issue, but I can only say that he was the main witness in the case from the government side. He arrested around 10 out of 18 accused when he was the investigating officer. IMAGE: Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the multi-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, being produced at a CBI court in Patiala House Courts, New Delhi, on Wednesday. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo British businessman Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the graft-tainted Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal during the United Progressive Alliance rule, was on Wednesday sent to five-day Central Bureau of Investigation custody by a Delhi court, a day after he was extradited to India from the United Arab Emirates. As the extradition sparked a political slugfest between the BJP and the Congress, Michel, 57, was produced before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar amid tight security at the Patiala House courts complex. The CBI arrested Michel, who was chargesheeted in the AgustaWestland case, on his arrival from Dubai late on Tuesday night. Michel will again be produced in the court on December 10. CBI prosecutor D P Singh said Michel was required for custodial interrogation to unearth the deep rooted conspiracy and the money trail. The custody was required to identify Michel's accomplices including the Indian Air Force officials, bureaucrats and politicians, who were influenced/instrumental in changing the decisions, which made Anglo-Italian company AgustaWestland eligible to participate in the bidding process and ultimately bagged it, he argued. India has since scrapped the contract with Italy-based Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of paying kickbacks by it for securing the deal. The deal, initialled in 2010, was scrapped on January 1, 2014. While seeking custodial remand of Michel, the CBI prosecutor contended an amount of 42.27 million (Rs 283 crore at the then prevailing exchange rate) was paid by the Westland Group companies to the firms of accused Christian Michel James as kickbacks/ bribe without undertaking any work against the receipt of such amount. Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI. He had denied the charges and alleged that the CBI wants him to take the names of the Gandhi family, a claim which had been refuted by the central probe agency. In the court, the special judge was informed by the CBI that its investigation showed Michel had entered into 12 contracts through two of his firms -- M/s Global Trade and Commerce Ltd, London and M/s Global Services FZE, Dubai, UAE, with M/s Finmeccanica, M/s AgustaWestland, M/s Westland Helicopters, UK, etc. The CBI prosecutor argued this was done by Michel to legitimise the illicit commission on the procurement of VVIP Helicopters by the ministry of defence. He said the accused has to be interrogated thoroughly for which his 14 days custody was required but the judge granted five-day custody. He further submitted Michel has to be confronted with number of documents, including classified information and the CBI has to find out the role and identity of other accused persons involved in the alleged payoffs. The CBIs plea for custody was opposed by Michels counsel Aljo K Joseph and Vishnu Shankaran who said they have not yet received any documents from the agency and that the accused may be remanded to judicial custody. The court rejected the oral prayer of Michel's counsel that a lawyer be permitted to be present at all times during his interrogation. The Congress alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were latching on to Michel for a smear campaign against opposition leaders. But the allegation was rejected by BJP President Amit Shah who challenged the Congress to spell out its stand on the extradition of Michel. I want to know whether any middleman should be arrested or not? What does the opposition want? Does it want to save them, Shah told a press conference in Jaipur. Modi also brought up Michel's extradition at his rally in Pali in Rajasthan on the last day of campaigning for the state assembly polls on Friday. "The government has brought the middleman involved in a helicopter scam from Dubai. He served politicians and will now disclose secrets," the prime minister said. Let's see how far this goes. Asked about Michel's extradition, Congress president Rahul Gandhi asserted his party has made its position very, very clear in this matter earlier at a news conference and raised the alleged irregularities in the Rafale jet deal with France. Gandhi told reporters in Hyderabad that the prime minister should explain the alleged payment of Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani in the deal. The Anil Ambani-headed Reliance Group has denied any wrongdoing. Michel had an anxiety attack upon reaching CBI headquarters past midnight on Tuesday for which doctors were called to attend him, official sources said. Michel was given medical treatment after which he was subjected to intense grilling about the money trail and identification of documents, they said. He was allowed to sleep for two hours between 4 am and 6 am on Wednesday before being provided with breakfast. After 6 am, he was again subjected to questioning by the officials of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CBI before being taken to the court in the afternoon. In more trouble for Michel, official sources said he will be made to undergo a separate round of grilling by the ED over the purported creation of shell firms in India and abroad that were alleged to have been created by him and others to launder bribe money. The agency may also file a fresh (supplementary) charge sheet in this case detailing the role of other accused. The ED, which is probing the case along with the CBI, had filed a charge sheet against Michel in 2016 and had alleged that Michel received 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland which was nothing but kickbacks paid by the firm to execute the 12 helicopter deal in favour of the firm in guise of of genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country. The British High Commission also stepped in and sought consular access to Michel. A spokesperson of the high commission said information has been sought from the Indian authorities urgently on Michel's circumstances and that the British government is in contact with his family. Another official of the high commission, who wished not be named, said consular access to Michel has been sought. "Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in the UAE. We are in contact with his family and the Emirati authorities regarding his case, and are urgently seeking information from the Indian authorities on his circumstances," the spokesperson said. Of the seven people from Naya Bans named in a first information report on cow slaughter related to the mob violence here, two are pre-teens, one does not stay in the village and a fourth was away at a Muslim congregation 40 kilometres away, angry villagers said on Wednesday. IMAGE: The police chowki which was attacked by the mob in Monday's violent protests over the alleged illegal slaughter of cattle, in Bulandshahr. Photograph: PTI Photo The FIR is based on a complaint filed by Bajrang Dal's district convenor Yogesh Raj, the main accused in the violence that broke out on Monday after cow carcasses were found strewn in a jungle, killing a police inspector and a 20-year-old man, police officials said. Raj has been absconding since Monday. Police is investigating the violence that led to Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and Sumit Kumar dying of gunshot injuries on the basis of two FIRs -- one on cow slaughter and the other on violence. Naya Bans village, less than three kilometres from Chingrawati where the violence took place, is the focal point of the cow slaughter FIR. All seven named are from the village and all are Muslims. According to the villagers, a 10-year-old Class 5 student and a 12-year-old Class 6 student are on the list. The two, who can't be identified because of their minor status, are cousins. "Their names should be removed from the FIR which accuses them of cow slaughter. Just look at them," said the father of the Class 5 student, pointing to the children. The 42-year-old, who lost his right foot during a motorcycle accident six years ago, said the children stay at home. "I was summoned to the police station in Siyana on Tuesday. I was told the names (of the children) are in the FIR. I was made to wait for three hours and told that 'kaptan saahab' (local police chief) would enquire about something. But nothing happened and I returned home," he said. The mother of the Class 6 student said police reached her home at 2.15 am on Tuesday and started conducting a check at that unearthly hour. They were not sure of the name of her son and kept looking for a 'Shehzaad' and 'Qasim', she said. "They left at 2.30 am before leaving everything in the house messed up," she claimed, adding that they kept asking where she was hiding him. Her husband lives and works in Delhi. Tempers were running high in the village with residents disputing two other names. One was not a resident of the village and the other was working in the Ijtima (Muslim congregation) about 40 km away. Mohammad Hussain said his brother Safruddin, 36, was wrongly named in the FIR. "Several people from Naya Bans, including Safruddin, went for the Ijtima. He was there from November 29 and returned yesterday. "He was given the task of managing parking at the Ijtima," Hussain said, showing an Ijtima management slip that named Safruddin as a parking official. Safruddin, who works as a cloth trader in Siyana near Naya Bans, has three children -- a 14-year-old daughter and two sons, 12 and 8. As his brother was being questioned by police, Hussain waited patiently outside the police station for him. The fourth name being disputed is that of Sudaif Chaudhary. Queries during a visit to the village yielded no result. Locals said nobody by that name lives in the village. "This (the allegations over wrong names in FIR) is part of analysis and verification," Superintendent of Police, City, Pravin Ranjan Singh told reporters. Officials said the cow slaughter complaint was filed at 1 pm on Monday on a complaint by Raj, about two hours after the violence broke out. Raj, who was named as the main accused in the second FIR filed around 2.30 am Tuesday, has been on the run since Monday, officials said. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday will meet the family members of inspector Subodh Kumar Singh who was killed in the Bulandshahr violence. The chief minister will meet them at his Kalidas Marg residence in Lucknow, an official spokesman said Wednesday. Adityanath had declared on Monday a compensation of Rs 40 lakh for the wife, Rs 10 lakh for the parents and a government job for a member of the family of the inspector, who was also an investigating officer in the 2015 Akhlaq lynching case. Singh and a 20-year-old man were killed in mob violence triggered by alleged slaughter of cows in Bulandshahr. The chief minister on Tuesday ordered a thorough probe and issued directions to take strict action against those involved in the alleged cow slaughter in the western UP district. Adityanath held a late night meeting in Lucknow with the chief secretary, the DGP, the principal secretary-home and the additional director general of police-intelligence. The chief minister has drawn flak from the opposition parties for attending a laser show in Gorakhpur when the violence broke out in Bulandshahr on Monday. The Opposition has said that such incidents are part of attempts to incite communal unrest in the society ahead of Lok Sabha polls and demanded his resignation. An official spokesman said that the chief minister was of the view that the incident "is part of a bigger conspiracy, and hence all those directly or indirectly related to cow slaughter should be arrested in a time-bound manner". Since March 19, 2017, all illegal slaughter houses had been closed and instructions were issued to all district magistrates and superintendents of police to ensure that such activities do not take place in any of the districts. The chief secretary and the DGP have been instructed to ensure that this order is followed at all levels. Instructions were also issued to run a campaign to identify those persons who are vitiating the atmosphere and stringent action is initiated against them. It was not clear if any decision was taken to act against those responsible for killing police inspector Subodh Kumar Singh. IMAGE: Charred vehicles set on fire by a mob in Monday's violent clashes over the alleged illegal slaughter of cattle in Bulandshahr. Photograph: PTI Photo Amid a political furore over the killing of a police inspector and a man in Bulandshahr in a case of mob violence, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ajay Singh Bisht on Tuesday night ordered a thorough probe. Directions were issued for strict action against those involved in the alleged cow slaughter, said to be the trigger for the brutal incident, a senior official said. A day after the tragic incident, Bisht held a meeting in Lucknow with the chief secretary, director general of police, principal secretary-home and additional director general of police-intelligence. The chief minister faces the flak from the Opposition parties for attending a laser show in Gorakhpur when the violence broke out in Bulandshahr on Monday. The Opposition has said such incidents are part of attempts to incite communal unrest in UP ahead of the 2019 general election. After the chief minister's meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Information, Avinish Awasthi said, "The UP chief minister directed (officials) for a thorough probe in the incident. Instructions were also issued to take stringent action against people involved in cow slaughter." "The incident is part of a bigger conspiracy, and hence all those directly or indirectly related to cow slaughter should be arrested in a time-bound manner," Awasthi said. It was not clear whether any decision was taken to act against those responsible for killing police inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and 20-year-old bystander Sumit Kumar in the mob violence. Adityanath announced Rs 10 lakh financial assistance to Sumit's family members from the chief minister's relief fund, Awasthi said. The police inspector's family has alleged a police conspiracy in his death. Since March 19, 2017, Awasthi said all illegal slaughter houses had been closed and instructions were issued to all district magistrates and superintendents of police to ensure that such activities do not take place in any of the districts. The chief secretary and DGP have been instructed to ensure that this order is followed at all levels. Instructions were also issued that a campaign is run to identify those persons who are vitiating the atmosphere and stringent action is initiated against them, Awasthi said. 'The Ayodhya anniversary, every year brings back the tragic memories. Politicians should let people's wounds heal and not reopen them to suit their agenda' Mohammed Azim, an auto-driver in Ayodhya, still recalls the frightening night of December 6, 1992 when he along with a group of other Muslim residents of the temple town had taken shelter in the farm fields fearing for their lives. Azim, who was just 20 then, said, "An army of 'karsewaks', in a grip of frenzy, had brought down Babri Masjid, triggering unrest and panic. We were so terrified, we did not know what to do." The 46-year-old, now a father of four, feels upset that Ram temple issue was again being raked up by some politicians and the Sangh Parivar, threatening the "fragile peaceful atmosphere" of Ayodhya, whose residents are still trying to come to terms with the tragedy 26 years later. "Every year around this time, we fight those emotions. We have tried to put the past behind us, but the tragic memories just refuse to go away. And, with all the noise around the temple issue in Ayodhya and elsewhere, it has opened our wounds again," he rued. Azim says the fateful night still flashes before his eyes. He says it was a Hindu family who gave him shelter when "the two communities were baying for each others' blood". "We were panic-stricken, so a group of us in our neighbourhood ran outside the town and into the farm fields to hide ourselves from a frenzied mob running amok in the streets," he said. "We spent almost the entire night in the fields. It was a cold and painful night, I will never forget it. At the crack of dawn, we knocked the door of a Thakur family, who knew me, and he sheltered us for a few days," he recalled as tears welled up in his eyes. Mohammed Muslim, 78, who now drives an e-rickshaw, gets perturbed talking about the incident, and says he wished politicians and Hindu-outfits would not whip up communal frenzy. "We were unsafe then, and today also we feel insecure when outside crowd comes to our town (referring to the recent Dharma Sabha of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad)," he said. Muslim, Azim and many other members from their community describe the incident as a "blot on democracy" when "mobs were allowed to take over the city". "The demolition first demoralised our community and then the ensuing violence in Ayodhya and riots in other parts of the country fractured our faith in the system. I had run away to Barabanki after the unrest in 1992, I was so terrified," Muslim recalled. But, it is not just minority community, which feels the pain, as Vijay Singh, a doctor who lives near the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi, said, the recollection of the incident sends chills down the spine. The 48-year-old medic says he was present in Ayodhya on the day the 16th century mosque was demolished and saw the violence that followed in the holy city. "It was terrible. We do not want another Ayodhya tragedy," he said. "We want to preserve the peaceful atmosphere, but politicians stoke fire to suit their agenda. Even in 1992, so many people had come from outside to bring the structure (mosque) down. It was a very tragic and unfortunate incident that affects Ayodhya till this day," Singh said. Azim, Singh and many other residents of the holy town reckon that Hindu and Muslim communities have lived here in peace for ages, and even after the tragedy, no one wants any fresh political trigger for disharmony. Activist Shabnam Hashmi said Ayodhya has always been a place of ancient culture and communal harmony and alleged that its syncretic nature was "hijacked" in 1992, and the "city is still paying the price". Hashmi said in 1993, Delhi-based SAHMAT had organised a meticulous exhibition -- Hum Sab Ayodhya -- documenting the history, heritage, geography and culture of Ayodhaya, accompanied by cultural programmes in various cities across India. In August 1993, Muktnaad, a mushaira was held in Faizabad and Muktnaad in Ayodhaya, a unique, night-long cultural performance on the banks of Saryu at Ram Ki Paidi, where some of the noted artists performed. "The events were to let people achieve catharsis. It was the first event held in Ayodhya after the violence. It was the 'breaking of the ice', but it was not easy putting it together, and had to run from Faizabad to Lucknow for permission," Hashmi said. "The anniversary, every year brings back the tragic memories. Politicians should let people's wounds heal and not reopen them to suit their agenda," she said. 'Now I will see how you escape...' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi addresses an election rally in Jaipur. Photograph: PTI Photo Taking on the Gandhi family a day after the Supreme Court ordered that income tax cases against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi be reopened, Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi on Wednesday said his government had scored a win thanks to the courage of a chaiwala. Alleging that the Gandhi family had been enjoying privileges for four generations, Modi told an election rally in Sumerpur in Pali district that it was the "victory of the honest". "Now I will see how you escape... Look at the courage of a chaiwala who took those running country for four generations to the court's door," Modi said. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court allowed the income tax department to reopen the tax assessment of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi for 2011-2012 in connection with the National Herald case. In his rally on the last day of campaigning before the Rajasthan assembly election on Friday, Modi also referred to the extradition of Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in the politically sensitive Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland chopper deal from the United Progressive Alliance era. Michel was brought to India late on Tuesday. "The government has brought the middleman involved in a helicopter scam from Dubai. He served politicians and will now disclose secrets," the prime minister said. "Let's see how far this goes," he said. Continuing his attack against the Congress, Modi asked the gathering who had spread the venom of casteism and created urban-rural divides. The Congress, he asserted, had lost the election and was now contemplating who to hold responsible for its defeat. "The Congress's 'gaaje-baaje' company thought the BJP was finished in Rajasthan. Now they are saying they are losing due to infighting and rebel candidates," he declared. Making a final push for his party, he said people were clearly in the BJP's favour in the desert state and it would once again form the government. "The public has decided. Now it is our job to win every booth in Rajasthan. Our mantra should be 'Mera polling booth, sabse mazboot'," Modi said. The results for the election will be declared on December 11. To prove himself superior, Modi can demean Gandhi, Patel and others: Rahul Rahul Gandhi said Modi showed his need to prove his superiority by questioning Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and asserting that Kartarpur went to Pakistan due to the lack of wisdom of the leaders of that time. His attack on Modi came a day after the prime minister alleged that Kartarpur went to Pakistan at the time of independence because Congress leaders of that time had no vision and did not respect Sikh sentiments. In a Facebook post in Hindi, Gandhi said Modi was now questioning Patel and implying Kartarpur went to Pakistan due to the lack of wisdom of the leaders of that time. 'What is in Prime Minister Modi's mind has finally been articulated... to prove himself superior to others, he can demean Gandhi, Patel and other leaders,' Gandhi said. Correcting the Congress mistakes was his 'destiny', Modi told an election meeting in Rajasthan on Tuesday while referring to the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor across India-Pakistan border. The foundation stone for the much-awaited corridor linking the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur -- the final resting place of the Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev -- to the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district was laid last week. BJP chief Amit Shah had set a target of winning 22 Lok Sabha seats out of 42 seats in West Bengal. IMAGE: BJP president Amit Shah during a public meeting in Rajasthan. Photograph: PTI Photo With an eye on the next general elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party is all set to begin its high profile Rath Yatra from December 7, claiming that it would prove to be a "game changer" in West Bengal politics. BJP president Amit Shah will kickstart the campaign titled 'Save Democracy Rally'. The campaign is scheduled to begin from Coochbehar district in the north on December 7, from Kakdwip in the south 24 Parganas district on December 9 and from the Tarapith temple in Birbhum district on December 14. "The Rath Yatra will be a game changer in West Bengal politics. This will kickstart a wave of support in favour of the BJP and will become a deciding factor in the next general elections," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said. This is for the first time that the BJP has undertaken a political campaign of such a huge magnitude, covering nearly 10,000 kms, in the state. Three air-conditioned buses decorated as chariots carrying BJP leaders will criss-cross the entire state for nearly 40 days starting from December 7, covering all the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. Apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, several top BJP leaders and chief ministers such as Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Raman Singh, Yogi Adityanath, Uma Bharati and Giriraj Singh will also participate in the campaign. The chariots would have pictures of some of the Bengal-born personalities like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda. Modi is also likely to attend four rallies to give a thrust to the party's campaign in the state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. "People will come out on the streets and join our rally irrespective of caste, religion and creed," Ghosh said. The party's Rath Yatra comes at a time when the BJP has made steady inroads in the state with the saffron party winning more than 7,000 seats in the three-tier Panchayat polls held in May this year. In several by-elections held since the 2016 assembly polls, the BJP has emerged as the biggest competition to the ruling Trinamool Congress by outsmarting the Communist Party of India-Marxist and the Congress. Shah had set a target of winning 22 Lok Sabha seats out of 42 seats in the state. The party has already prepared a blue print and has also chalked out seats where the BJP's chances of winning is more than 60 to 70 per cent. The seats are spread across north Bengal, south Bengal and tribal-dominated districts of Junglemahal, said a senior BJP leader on the condition of anonymity. Some of the seats which the BJP will be targeting in the next Lok Sabha polls are Balurghat, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Malda North in north Bengal and Purulia, Jhargram, Medinipur, Krishnagar, Howrah in south Bengal, he said. According to BJP sources, the party's main purpose of conducting Rath Yatras is to strengthen its organisation and reach out to the maximum number of polling booths in the state. West Bengal has around 77,000 polling booths. Another reason is to create a wave against the TMC government over its alleged anti-people policies, the sources said. BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya claimed that the campaign will expose the "misrule and corruption" of the state government. "The police is acting as if they are party members of the TMC. We would expose the criminalisation of politics and politicisation of the administration pursued by the TMC government in the state. This Rath Yatra is being conducted to save democracy in West Bengal," Vijayvargiya said. The party will also use this as an opportunity to spread awareness about NRC in Assam, he said. The BJP has also prepared leaflets which will be distributed in various areas of the state. The leaflets highlight the need for an NRC in West Bengal and passage of the Citizenship Bill, Vijayvargiya said. The party has also engaged its Minority Morcha wing to ensure active participation of Muslims in the campaign. "Muslims comprise nearly 30 per cent of the state's population and if the party has to win elections in West Bengal, we have to take them along with us," BJP state minority morcha chief Ali Hossain said, adding that the party had fielded more than 850 Muslim candidates in the Panchayat polls and nearly half of them had won. The minority community plays a deciding factor in at least 10-12 parliamentary seats of the state. While the BJP is buoyant over the Rath Yatra, the TMC leadership, however, alleged that the main purpose of the campaign is to create communal tensions in the state. "The main agenda of the BJP is to create communal rift in West Bengal. But their agenda of dividing people on religious lines will fail," TMC secretary Partha Chatterjee said. Rubbishing all the allegations of Chatterjee, Vijayvargiya claimed that it is the TMC which pursues the policy of appeasement as the BJP believes in the politics of "Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas". IMAGE: Christian Michel James at a Delhi court. Photograph: ANI Middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal Christian Michel James may prove to be the missing link in the money trail in the alleged multi-crore scam being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation. A proposal for the Rs 3,600 crore helicopter deal to ferry VVIPs was initiated in 1999 to find an alternative to the Indian Air Force flying horses of Soviet era -- Mi-8s. Several factors such as the inability of the choppers to operate at night, in adverse weather, and safely at places in elevation beyond 2000 metres besides their technical life getting over were primary reasons that the IAF decided to replace its eight Mi-8 helicopters used for ferrying VVIPs like the President, the prime minister, the Vice President and the defence minister. The then National Democratic Alliance government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee floated a global Request for Proposal in March 2002 for acquisition of 12 helicopters for VVIP duties to which four companies responded. Three were shortlisted by the Technical Evaluation Committee and subjected to flying tests but AgustaWestland's contender EH101 was not certified to fly at 6,000 m and it did not participate in the evaluation. After flight evaluation, EC-225 of Eurocopter, France was found suitable for acquisition by the government. A meeting took place under the aegis of the principal secretary to Vajpayee on November 19, 2003 where it was decided that since VVIPs rarely travel at 6,000 m height, the ceiling should be reduced to 4,500 m which could avoid single vendor problem and give more alternatives to choose from. The principal secretary also wrote a stern letter to the IAF chief on December 22, 2003 that the PMO and the prime minister's guarding force SPG (Special Protection Group) were not consulted before setting mandatory parameters for selecting the VVIP choppers. This reduction in ceiling became the primary allegation in the corruption case in the helicopters' deal which was signed by the Congress led United Progressive Alliance government in 2010. The United Progressive Alliance government deliberated upon and incorporated the changes suggested by the principal secretary. It floated another proposal in which three companies namely Sikorsky, United States; AgustaWestland, United Kingdom; and Rosoboronexport, Russia responded to the RFP. The Russian company was ruled out over the issue of earnest money leaving only Sikorsky and AgustaWestland in the race. They were subjected to flight tests in the US and the UK respectively and AgustaWestland choppers were selected for the deal. The CBI has alleged that the then IAF chief S P Tyagi played a role in recommending the reduction in operational ceiling of the helicopters from 6,000 m to 4,500 m which brought AgustaWestland in the race. It has alleged that the IAF was strongly opposed to changes but when Tyagi became the chief, he recommended these. This, according to the agency, was allegedly done at the behest of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland's top executives who engaged the services of three middlemen-- Michel, Guido Haschke and Carlos Gerosa who allegedly paid bribes to Tyagi and his cousins Rajiv, Sandeep and Julie. The agency has alleged that firms of Michel received about 42.27 million, approximately seven per cent from the companies to swing the Rs 3,600 crore deal in their favour. The bribes were allegedly routed through companies of Michel and advocate Gautam Khaitan in the form of multiple contracts through layered transactions to camouflage them. The money trail, however, is believed to be incomplete and the CBI will need statements and questioning of Michel to fill the gaps to link Tyagi with payments from Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland, officials said. Michel on his part has alleged that the CBI team wants him to take names of Gandhi family, a claim which had been refuted by the agency. The CBI had filed its charge sheet in September last year naming Tyagi, first chief of the Indian Air Force to face corruption charges, and his cousins, Indian middlemen and companies accused. Along with them, five foreigners -- the then Finmeccanica chief Giuseppe Orsi and AgustaWestland's Bruno Spagnolini and middlemen Michel, Haschke and Gerosa were also named. After the case was registered in 2012, Michel had escaped from India and did not join investigation, CBI's spokesperson said. A non-bailable warrant was issued by a special Delhi court followed by an Interpol Red Corner Notice in 2015 which led to his arrest in February 2017 in Dubai. After a Dubai court cleared his extradition rejecting all his contentions, the UAE government gave its nod to his extradition after which he was brought to India by a team of CBI led by Joint Director Sai Manohar, who was part of the SIT once led by Special Director Rakesh Asthana. The Congress on Wednesday expelled Indian Youth Congress leader and lawyer Aljo K Joseph from the party after he appeared in a court in New Delhi for Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the graft-tainted Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. In a statement, the Youth Congress said Joseph represented Michel in his personal capacity and did not consult the party before appearing in the case. 'IYC does NOT endorse such actions. IYC has removed Aljo Joseph from IYC's Legal Department and expelled him from the party with immediate effect,' the Youth Congress said in a statement. Suresh Nakhua, a spokesperson of the Mumbai BJP unit, had first claimed that Joseph was a Youth Congress functionary, evoking sharp reactions from various quarters. Following criticism, the Congress expelled Joseph from the party. British businessman Michel was on Wednesday sent to five-day Central Bureau of Investigation custody by a Delhi court, a day after he was extradited to India from the United Arab Emirates. The CBI's plea for custody was opposed by Michel's counsel -- Joseph and Vishnu Shankaran -- who said they have not yet received any documents from the agency and the accused may be remanded to judicial custody. Joseph was with the IYC for a long time, but had not been active recently, a senior Youth Congress leader said, adding that the lawyer did not consult anyone in the party at any level. He was unable to give a satisfactory explanation for his action and, therefore, the party decided to take action against him, the IYC leader said on condition of anonymity. The issue of Joseph appearing for Michel gained traction after Nakhua made the sensational claim in a tweet. 'BOOM.....Any guesses who is lawyer for Christian Michel ?Mr @Aljokjoseph , National incharge, legal department, Indian youth congress (Youth wing of Cong led by #OutonBail @rahulgandhi )' Nakhua tweeted. Asked about the issue, Joseph earlier said his relations with the Congress were separate, and his profession was separate. He said he was only discharging his duties as a lawyer which had nothing to do with the Congress. Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI. He had denied the charges and alleged that the CBI wants him to take the names of the Gandhi family, a claim which had been refuted by the central probe agency. The AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, initialled in 2010 during the UPA rule, was scrapped on January 1, 2014. WOODBURY The Connecticut Choral Society invites music loves to All is Calm, a deeply moving musical commemoration of the famous Christmas Truce of 1914. All is Calm weaves together the stories of World War I soldiers, eyewitness and newspaper accounts, and the music of the day to reflect the magic of the famous Christmas Truce said Eric Dale Knapp, Artistic Director and Conductor for the Connecticut Choral Society. It is filled with patriotic tunes, trench songs, and classic Christmas carols that illustrate Peach on Earth. The Christmas Truce of 1914 was magical moment during World War I when soldiers on the Western Front paused the sounds of rifles firing and shells exploding faded and were replaced by the Christmas spirit. Advent hymns and favorite carols were sung from the trenches across enemy lines and Allied soldiers even heard brass bands joining the Germans in joyous song. The Christmas Truce came only five months after the outbreak of war in Europe and while fleeting and never repeated, it was a reminder that beneath the brutality of war, the soldiers' essential humanity endured. Our concerts are a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit, said Jenny Dickson, Connecticut Choral Society Board of Trustees President. We encourage the audience to sing along to some classic carols that bring a little peace to all of us. The concert features the 50-voices of the Connecticut Choral Society and acclaimed pianist Linda Sweetman-Waters, all under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp. A pre-concert lecture will be held prior to the Newtown performances to delve more deeply into the Christmas Truce and the reason why it was a unique and memorable event. Concerts will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown on Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. Pre-concert lectures begin one hour before the concert. Another concert will be held Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m., at North Congregational Church in Woodbury Advance tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for youth/seniors, and $10 for active or retired members of the military. They may be purchased online at www.ctchoralsociety.com. To learn more, visit the CCS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/connecticutchoralsociety20178) or www.ctchoralsociety.com BRIDGEPORT - Defiance was not a good look for Oscar Ziggy Hernandez. The illegal immigrant, with a history of abusing women, Tuesday morning blamed his lawyer, the criminal justice system and the judge for convicting him of murdering his wife and seriously wounding her best friend. Im innocent and god knows I didnt do it, he proclaimed through a Spanish interpreter. Clearly, Superior Court Judge Kevin Russo was not convinced, sentencing the 41-year-old Stamford cook to 75 years in prison. This was an incident of intense and unimaginable domestic violence, the judge retorted. While in this country we address our marital problems through therapy and if necessary the courts, you addressed your problems with the point of a dagger. You produced a crime scene so gory a movie producer would have difficulty reproducing it. In the early morning of Feb. 24, 2017, Hernandez fatally stabbed his girlfriend, 26-year-old Nidia Yubi Gonzalez, multiple times in the neck and then stabbed her friend Brenda Castellanos multiple times, nearly running her through with a large knife in his Greenwood Street home following an argument. He then then fled with his and Gonzalezs 6-year-old daughter Aylin. He was captured following a high-speed chase in central Pennsylvania. Hernandez claimed that his girlfriend and her best friend stabbed each other following a drunken argument over a cell phone. A jury convicted Hernandez of murder, attempted murder, first-degree assault and risk of injury to a child. Senior Assistant States Attorney Joseph Corradino, who with Emily Trudeau, had prosecuted the case, told the judge that Hernandez had sneaked back into this country after being deported to his native El Salvador for choking an ex-wife. The defendant has gone from assaultive conduct in the past to taking someone elses life, incapacitating this defendant for the rest of his life would serve the people of Connecticut by keeping them safe, Corradino said. Gonzalezs mother, Lesbia Pinto, broke into tears as she tried to address the judge and had to briefly leave the courtroom. She was a good sister, a good mother, someone who worked hard to move forward, and it was because of her I was able to come to this country, Gonzalezs sister, Stephanie Retonna, tearfully told the judge. It is now my turn to raise her daughter and I know she is watching over us from heaven. Hernandez wiped a tear from his eye as his lawyer, Jonathan Demirjian, talked about the four children Hernandez has with three women here. He maintains his innocence and looks forward to the appeal process, Demirjian added. NEW HAVEN When Doug Wimbish, bassist of the Grammy-winning rock band Living Colour, donated $13,000 in new music equipment to High School in the Community, it meant New Haven students might not have to find instruments in the same way he did: in the trash. Wimbish, who was raised in Bloomfield, said he first discovered a mandolin in his neighbors trash can. But despite being a late bloomer with music, he said he always felt connected to music. Im here because I was thankful enough to have music in school, Wimbish said during a visit to HSC Tuesday. According to HSC music teacher Michael McGinley, Wimbish donated two acoustic guitars, two electric guitars, two basses, two bass amps and three guitar amps of Peavey brand equipment. Wimbish visited the school to discuss his experience growing up with music, including parts of his childhood in Nassau, where he said he was surrounded by music. He said his cousins in the Bahamas would successfully pass Wimbish off as Jermaine Jackson in the 1960s, which meant access to nightclubs in his early teen years. He said he loved the feeling of being surrounded by music and nightlife, but he felt like a fraud passing himself off as a celebrity, and wanted to establish himself as a musician instead. Before Wimbishs arrival, students said they were curious to know how he established himself as a successful musician. I want to know how he started his career in music, said senior Lincy Valeta. Similar to Wimbish, several students said they felt music chose them. Its always been in me, said freshman Airiqa Hoheb. It was either that or chorus, and I could not sing, said senior Alex Washington. Ellen Maust, supervisor of performance and visual arts for New Haven Public Schools, said the district is working to inspire students to create, instead of playing back the works of dead white men. Heres a story of someone like them. Its inspirational for them, she said. Former West Haven Mayor Ed OBrien also watched Wimbish speak with the students Tuesday, as he is working on founding the WimBash Foundation with Wimbish and his wife, Diane Nilsson, which will raise funds for music education programs. Theres no money in boards of education to fund music programs, said OBrien, who presented the school with a check from WimBash for $2,500. OBrien briefly spoke with the students about his relationship with Wimbish who introduced OBrien as the hopeful next mayor of West Haven complimenting him for donating instruments to an urban school district. OBrien lost his seat to now-Mayor Nancy Rossi in 2017. Students Tuesday performed songs across several genres and decades for Wimbish, from Isnt She Lovely by Stevie Wonder and Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana; Wimbish jumped in on bass for the latter as McGinley picked up the drums. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com TORRINGTON The City Council doubled the number of minutes residents are allowed to speak at its meetings, after freedom of speech was debated and council members considered whether to decrease the time allotted for public comment. . The existing limit was five minutes per person, but the council Monday considered a proposed resolution to reduce that time to three minutes, then approved a 10-minute limit. The suggestion to reduce the time allottment raised the ire of council member Paul Cavagnero, who said residents should be able to express their thoughts. It spits in the face of the First Amendment. Lets make it 10 minutes, not three, Cavagnero suggested. Council member Frank Rubino, however, said the Board of Education already has a three-minute limit. If we give five or 10 minutes (to a lot of people) it could take days, councilor Gregg Cogswell said. But Cavagnero said the idea to decrease the time allowed places us above the public; it has autocratic overtones. Mayor Elinor Carbone asked for a vote on the three-minute time limit, which received only two in favor of approving the resolution. She then called for a vote on the 10-minute limit. The result was a 3-3 tie, which Carbone broke by voting for the 10-minute limit. The approved resolution is part of a broader Rules of Procedure document that pertains to all regular and special meetings and public hearings in Torrington. The prior rules stated at the expiration of five minutes, no further comment will be accepted. The approved new resolution will follow the same procedure . A second proposal within the resolution was even more vehemently challenged. It would prohibit board members from speaking to a resident while they addressed the officials. We cant talk to the public speaker? Cavagnero asked with disbelief. We exist to serve them. Carbone said, there is a state statute that allows this resolution. She also noted that an updated Roberts Rules of Order book, which guides parliamentary procedure, contains the prohibition of speaking to members of the public when they address municipal board members. Justin Silverman, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition, said time limitations for residents speaking at public meetings was not unusual. But, he said, Ive never heard of a situation where a board wont respond to an individual for something thats on the agenda. It doesnt fall in line with the idea of public meetings, Silverman said. Its not in anyones interest to cut off a question. Several council members said asking questions of the public speaker could cause a ruckus. The procedural rules address such an outcome. Public outbursts, gestures, applause or other attempts to disrupt the meeting are prohibited. Violators will be removed from the meeting at the discretion of the Mayor, the resolution says. Rules for addressing members of the state General Assembly allow questions from the legislators, according to a guide for the public. It notes that speakers should keep the length of their remarks at three to five minutes. When you finish, remain at the microphone for a moment, in case committee members want to ask questions, the document says. With no support for the proposed rule to prohibit questions to the speakers, Carbone tabled the issue. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (circle) walks into the Legislative Council (LegCo) chamber for a weekly question session and is greeted by shouts by protesting opposition lawmakers, Dec. 5, 2018 UPDATED at 11:15 pm EST on 12/5/2018 Authorities in Hong Kong on Wednesday shut down a session in which lawmakers ask questions of chief executive Carrie Lam after several of them protested the disqualification of a pro-democracy lawmaker from a local-level election. Lam walked into the Legislative Council (LegCo) chamber for a weekly question session to be greeted by shouts of "Shame on you for political censorship!" and "Shame on the government for controlling elections!" The protests came after the disqualification of lawmaker and former land rights activist Chu Hoi-dick from rural elections earlier this week. LegCo president Andrew Leung ordered Claudia Mo, leader of the pan-democratic caucus in LegCo, Ray Chan and Chu to leave, suspending the session when Mo and Chan refused. The session was abandoned by Leung after lawmakers resumed their shouts of protest some 20 minutes later. Lam said later that the question-and-answer session hadn't been "successfully completed." "These sessions in which the chief executives answers questions from members in the Legislative Council is beneficial to our administration, and enables the general public to have a window on the interactions between the chief executive and LegCo members," she said. "It enables a more timely and proactive response to issues of broader public concern." Mo told reporters that the shouts of "shame" began within seconds of Lam's entering the LegCo chamber, and that lawmakers had been expelled from the chamber with no prior warning. "Now [the establishment] is talking about amending LegCo's procedural rules once more ... to turn it into another ... National People's Congress (NPC)," Mo said, in a reference to China's rubber stamp parliament. Chung Kim-wah, assistant professor of social policy at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said he believes the government is seeking to control the outcomes of elections, however. "It's pretty clear that Carrie Lam sees the pan-democrats as the enemy these days, because they're willing to go as far as [banning them] from village-level elections," Chung told RFA. "This incident is going to cause a greater rift between the administration and the pan-democratic camp," he said. "There are no guarantees that the next session will go smoothly either." 'Implicit support for independence' Leung later said members "should not chant slogans" in the chamber, and that he had followed the rules of procedure. Lam said the government would "study" whether election laws needed an overhaul in the wake of a string of decisions debarring potential candidates on the basis of their publicly expressed views. Eddie Chu's candidacy in village representative elections scheduled for January was rejected by election officer Enoch Yuen in a notice issued on Sunday. Yuen told journalists that he had based the decision on Chus answers to key questions set for him, which he said could be understood as "implicitly confirming support for independence as a possible option for Hong Kong people." Chu has said he has never supported independence for the city, which has seen a rapid erosion in freedom of speech in recent years after a string of high-profile political interventions by the ruling Chinese Communist Party, which had promised in the city a "high degree of autonomy" after the 1997 handover. He said the move showed that the Hong Kong government now expects all its officials to act as "thought police." Chu is the ninth Hong Kong politician to have been barred from candidacy in elections in the city, after six pro-democracy LegCo members were stripped of their seats when Beijing's parliament ruled their oaths of allegiance invalid. Pro-Beijing figures began on Monday to call for his impeachment in the wake of the election ban. Last month, the Hong Kong Labour Party's would-be candidate Lau Siu-lai had her candidacy rejected by a returning officer, an administrative official charged with the orderly running of elections. Lau has repeatedly denied that she supports the idea of self-determination for Hong Kong, which became a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China in 1997. Alleged separatist views have already been used as grounds to debar two other prominent opposition figuresAgnes Chow and Andy Chan, founder of the separatist Hong Kong National Party. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report incorrectly identified Chung Kim-wah as assistant professor of social policy at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Reported by Lau Siu-fung for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Gao Feng for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Authorities in the central Chinese province of Hunan have placed a prominent freelance journalist and associates under criminal detention, RFA has learned. Chen Jieren, his brother Chen Weiren and associate Deng Jiangxiu were placed under criminal detention on Nov. 12 on suspicion of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," "extortion" and "concealing a crime," Chen's lawyers said. Chen was first taken away from his home in Hunans Shaoyang city in July, and placed under investigation by the State Supervisory Commission set up by President Xi Jinping in March. Six other people are being investigated as part of the same case. Chen Weiren's defense attorney, who gave only his surname Yan, said none of the detainees have been allowed to see their lawyers, as the case is under investigation by the agency, which has been criticized by rights groups as placing detainees at risk of torturing and forced confessions. "We can't meet with [our clients] because they won't let us," Yan said. "The case is being investigated by the State Supervisory Commission right now, and they won't allow us to meet with them ... or to read the case files." "We applied to be allowed to meet with them, but were refused," he said. "They have detained three of Chen Jieren's brothers, as well as his wife." "To be honest, you know as much as we do about the case," Yan said. Hunan rights activist Yuan Xiaohua said the authorities are using Chen's business practices to retaliate against him over his rights work. "It's pretty easy for them to find something to pin on him, and this is a very sensitive case, so they won't let him see a lawyer," Yuan said. "They have also been threatening and intimidating his family." "This is a pretty well-established modus operandi." Complaints against high officials Calls to the Hunan provincial police department rang unanswered during office hours on Wednesday. Chen Jieren's detention came after he filed a complaint against Shaoyang municipal party secretary Deng Guangya on June 25, calling for him to be removed from office. He had also written an article criticizing the conduct of provincial party official Xie Jianhui. State news agency Xinhua has accused Chen of using officials' fear of his reporting to extort money from them, and state media have aired video footage of him "confessing" to losing his moral fiber after leaving his job in the ruling Chinese Communist Party-backed media behind. "I abused my own influence and the trust of my social media followers," the agency quoted Chen as saying. "I used wording that evoked fairness and justice to cheat my readers; to deceive the people," his "confession" said. "I am a classic example of a fake guy on the internet," the agency quoted Chen as saying. It accused Chen of profiting from the fear he engendered in officials, as a freelance journalist, warning that "ordinary citizens can only use legal channels to exercise their right to criticize [the government] ... and as whistle blowers." Lodging a complaint against a government official isn't technically a criminal matter in China. But journalists, academics and academics are increasingly being detained by the ruling Chinese Communist Party in recent months on the basis of their speech, activists say. Since graduating from Beijings prestigious Tsinghua University Law School, Chen worked for a number of top publications in China, including Southern Weekend, China Youth Daily, Beijing News and the People's Daily newspapers. Reported by Wong Siu-san and Lee Wang-yam for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. YEREVAN -- Armenia did not request a postponement of a Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit that had been scheduled to be held in Yerevan on December 6, a spokesman for acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has said. Arman Egoian's comments to RFE/RL on December 4 came hours after an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yury Ushakov, told reporters in Moscow that the summit had been postponed until an unspecified date in 2019 at Armenia's request. Ushakov, whose country dominates the six-nation CSTO, said the summit was being postponed because Armenia is holding snap parliamentary elections on December 9. But Egoian said that Pashinian had explained the real reason to journalists earlier, and that Armenia did not request the postponement. Pashinian said on December 2 that the summit was postponed due to a lack of agreement on the selection of a new CSTO secretary-general to replace the Armenian who was dismissed in November Armenia currently holds the rotating presidency of the CSTO, which also includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Dramatic domestic political developments in Armenia have sent ripples through the CSTO, which Kremlin critics say Putin uses to maintain Russian influence in the former Soviet Union. A former opposition lawmaker, Pashinian came to power in May after leading street protests that prompted the resignation of his long-ruling predecessor, Serzh Sarkisian, whose government had close ties with Russia. Yuri Khachaturov, a longtime former chief of staff in Armenia's military, was relieved of his post as CSTO secretary-general in November after being hit with criminal charges in his home country in July. Khachaturov was charged with disrupting Armenia's constitutional order a decade ago, when he was a deputy defense minister, in connection with a crackdown that followed a disputed March 2008 presidential election. Pashinan is looking to the December 9 election to cement his power and decrease the influence that Sarkisian's party still holds through its large faction in the South Caucasus country's parliament. Pashinian has vowed to maintain close ties with Russia, which has a major military base in Armenia and plays an influential role in its economy. But at a meeting with Putin in September, he hinted at wariness about Russia's sway, stressing the importance of "respect for the sovereignty of our countries" and "the principle of noninterference in each others internal affairs. Ushakov said earlier that Valery Semerikov, a Russian, will continue to serve as acting CSTO secretary-general. Mikhail Zhyzneuski, who was shot dead five years ago, on January 22, 2014, during the Euromaidan protests, is considered a hero in Ukraine. But in his home city of Homel in Belarus, his grave has been vandalized and his family say they have been treated as pariahs. (Originally published December 5, 2018) BISHKEK -- About two dozen Kyrgyz activists have demonstrated in front of the United Nations' office in Bishkek, demanding immediate action to help the multiethnic indigenous community in Chinas northwestern region of Xinjiang. The protesters on December 5 held placards saying "No to Chinese fascism!" as they called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to help stop the "persecution" of ethnic Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, and Uyghurs in the Chinese province. The demonstrators also called on the UN Security Council to adopt a special resolution on the matter. On November 29, a group called the Committee to Protect Kyrgyz People in China was created in Bishkek by activists and ethnic Kyrgyz from western China who have moved to Kyrgyzstan. The group says there are many cases in which Chinese authorities have detained ethnic Kyrgyz whove remained in Xinjiang or visited the region after moving to Kyrgyzstan. It says those people have been held incommunicado at so-called reeducation camps in western China for months or even years. In neighboring Kazakhstan, there also have been protests in recent months about the situation in western China by ethnic Kazakhs who have left Xinjiang. They have been urging Kazakh authorities and the international community to secure the release of relatives being held at the camps in China. After Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan gained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, many ethnic Kazakhs and Kyrgyz from Xinjiang resettled in the two Central Asian nations, taking advantage of state resettlement programs. The UN said in August that an estimated 1 million Muslims from Xinjiang, mainly Uyghurs, were being held in "counterextremism centers" in China. The UN also said millions more have been forced into reeducation camps. China denies that the facilities are internment 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. U.S. prosecutors have charged four people linked to the Panamanian law firm behind the Panama Papers, the massive leak of financial data and legal papers that highlighted a global scheme to evade U.S. taxes. In a statement on December 4, federal prosecutors in Manhattan identified the four people as two Germans, one American, and one Panamanian citizen, and said that three of the four people had already been arrested. That included Harald Joachim von der Goltz, a former U.S. resident and a client of the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca & Co., who they said was arrested in London on December 3. Another man was arrested in Paris last month and a U.S.-based accountant was arrested in Massachusetts on December 4. The fourth defendant was a lawyer at Mossack Fonseca and remains at large. Prosecutors say Mossack Fonseca, which shut down earlier this year, conspired to circumvent U.S. tax laws to maintain its own wealth and that of its clients. The four men named in the 11-count indictment face conspiracy and tax fraud charges. The Panama Papers are a collection of 11 million secret documents that were first leaked to the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung. They were then shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which began publishing collaborative reports with news organizations in 2016. With reporting by AP and Reuters After more than three decades working as a teacher at her local school in southern Tajikistan, Nabotbegim Yusupova looked forward to a peaceful retirement spent helping out with her grandchildren. Instead, she is out of a job, ostracized by society, and heading to Russia in her mid-50s to start a new career as a migrant laborer. Yusupova is the mother of Asliddin Yusupov and Jafar Yusupov, two of the five men Tajik authorities say carried out the deadly attack on Western cyclists on July 29. The Yusupov brothers and two of the others were killed in a police manhunt immediately after the attack, while the fifth, Hussein Abdusamadov, survived and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. The attack, widely condemned by Tajik authorities and public, claimed the lives of four tourists -- two Americans, a Dutch, and a Swiss national -- and wounded three others. It also destroyed the lives of the families of the attackers, relatives say. Some of them were immediately dismissed from jobs, some ended up behind bars, and others have become accustomed to frequent visits from the police. Just days after the attack, the administration of School No. 5 in the southern city of Norak, where Yusupova has taught since 1986, confirmed to RFE/RL that she no longer worked there. The school administration declined to comment further, but one teacher said under condition of anonymity that Yusupova was dismissed at the order of "higher authorities." In an interview with local media, Yusupova said, "I worked hard for 32 years...and my children spoiled it all." Days later, the Yusupov brothers' aunt, Mohbegim Yusupova, was dismissed as the head of a Norak neighborhood committee, an unpaid but highly regarded government-backed position that involves working with local communities. Parroting Government Propaganda In the southern region of Panj, near the border with Afghanistan, Juma Safarov frequently takes part in government-sponsored meetings with young people. He warns them about the dangers of joining terrorist groups and urges parents to be watchful of extremists trying to brainwash their children. Safarov knows about such dangers firsthand: his 19-year-old son, Zafar Safarov, was among the five who targeted the cyclists. The teenager, along with the other assailants, appeared in a video that shows them pledging allegiance to the extremist Islamic State group ahead of the attack. Also in the video was his cousin, 19-year-old Asomiddin Majidov, who was also killed in the manhunt. A soft-spoken village farmer, the elder Safarov isn't keen on speaking about his family's ties to the attack, but he doesn't have much choice. Relatives of those linked to religious extremism are pressured to take part in the government's anti-extremism propaganda campaign. Just days after the attack, Safarov told RFE/RL that he "knew nothing" about how his son and Majidov might have gotten involved in the plot to attack the bicyclists. "I never thought he would do something like this," he said of his son. "He went to Russia in February.... I didn't even know he was back in Tajikistan." The head of Safarov's hometown of Selga, Mehrob Khojaev, says the parents of each of the teens regularly attend government-sponsored gatherings. "Since the July attack, we have organized meetings with young people and invite them to talk to the audience," Khojaev says. In the capital, Dushanbe, the mother of convicted ringleader Abdusamadov, Gulchehra Shodmonova, has become a regular fixture at pro-government rallies and media, denouncing opposition leaders. Supporting the authorities' official line, Shodmonova blames the July attack on the banned Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, and claims her son was brainwashed by the party. Ended Up In Jail Abdusamadov is the only surviving attacker, but he wasn't the only person to be convicted in connection with the incident. Fourteen others went on trial in November in connection with the attack, in which the group of seven Westerners were run down by a vehicle as they bicycled on a highway outside Norak, after which the assailants exited the vehicle and stabbed survivors before fleeing. Two men were found guilty of providing support to the attackers, and were sentenced to 16 years in prison. Twelve others got up to 18 months in prison each for failing to notify authorities of a possible crime, a charge they deny. All of the 12 are believed to be relatives and acquaintances of the Yusupov brothers, and lived in Norak and nearby areas. One mother insists her son, Mansur Solehov, ended up in prison solely for being a cousin of the Yusupov brothers, who visited the family several weeks before the attack. Solehov was sentenced to 18 months in prison for failing to report the plot, but his mother, Taghoigul Solehova, claims his cousins never mentioned their plan to their relatives. "They came to our house to visit their uncle -- my husband -- who was ill with high-blood pressure complications," Solehova says. She also claims her son was "beaten and given electric shock" in pretrial custody, but authorities reject allegations of mistreatment. Bahrinisso Haidarova, the only woman among those sentenced, was a neighbor of the Yusupovs in Norak. Her one-year jail sentence was deferred, with the judge citing her status as a single mother and sole provider of two small children. Haidarova, who sells snacks at a stall near the Dushanbe-Kulob highway where the attack took place, admits speaking with the Yusupov brothers and Abdusamadov several days before the assault. "They bought food from me," Haidarova told RFE/RL in November. "They were asking other merchants if tourists stopped here to eat. Our stands are on a hilltop that provides a good view of the area. There were several tourists there that day." Haidarova, 27, denies having any idea that her neighbors might have had murder on their minds. Shattered Lives It took four months for Mahliyo Tukhtaeva, 26, to obtain a death certificate for her husband, Asliddin, the elder of the two slain Yusupov brothers. Tukhtaeva's life has changed since police summoned her in late July to break the news that her husband had committed a terrorist act. The following day she learned that her husband had been killed. What followed for the widow with two young children were numerous visits by police, being shunned by society, and an uncertain future. "I constantly feel very, very sad. I don't leave home because I can't face people saying my husband was a terrorist. I haven't slept properly since," Tukhtaeva told RFE/RL on November 30. Tukhtaeva said she wasn't aware of her husband's plans, as he had moved the young family hundreds of kilometers away to her native town of Isfara in the months leading up to the attack. Tukhtaeva still lives with relatives in Isfara, as there is no place for her to call home in Norak. The housewife doesn't have the resources to complete the half-built family house her late husband left her in Norak's Kibil district. "He destroyed my life," she says. "He let me down." Mumin Ahmadi and Orzu Karim of RFE/RL's Tajik Service contributed to this report BRUSSELS -- The European Union is now expected to add nine individuals allegedly involved in the organization of last months elections in the areas controlled by Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine to its sanctions list, according to sources in Brussels. The bloc's ambassadors agreed to the move on December 5, several EU sources familiar with the matter who could not speak on the record told RFE/RL. The sources said only five people were initially expected to be added to the list but several countries led by Poland called for another four individuals to be included. The bloc's foreign ministers are due to agree to the move when they meet in the Belgian capital early next week. The nine individuals would join 155 other people from Russia and Ukraine who are currently subject to EU asset freezes and travel bans. The bloc has also frozen the assets of 44 entities from both countries since Moscow's seizure of Ukraine's Crimea region in March 2014 and its support for separatists in a conflict that has killed more than 10,300 people in eastern Ukraine since April 2014. Kyiv and its international backers, including the European Union and the United States, have denounced the November 11 polls in the areas held by the separatists in the Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk regions as a sham. MOSCOW -- The embezzlement trial of Russian theater and film director Kirill Serebrennikov has been adjourned for five days due to the hospitalization of a co-defendant in the case. Judge Yelena Akkuratova adjourned the Moscow trial until December 10 after the lawyer for the former director of Moscow's Gogol Center, Aleksei Malobrodsky, announced at a December 5 hearing that Malobrodsky had been hospitalized with a "serious" heart condition. The high-profile trial began on November 7. Serebrennikov's August 2017 arrest drew international attention and prompted accusations that Russian authorities were targeting cultural figures who are at odds with President Vladimir Putin's government. The acclaimed 49-year-old director initially was charged with organizing the embezzlement of 68 million rubles, or about $1 million, in state funds granted from 2011-14 to Seventh Studio, a nonprofit organization that Serebrennikov established. In January 2018, prosecutors raised the amount Serebrennikov and his three co-defendants are accused of embezzling to 133 million rubles, or about $2 million. All four defendants -- Serebrennikov, producers Malobrodsky and Yury Itin, and former Culture Ministry employee Sofia Apfelbaum, have pleaded not guilty. Serebrennikov has called the trial "absurd." A fifth person charged in the case, accountant Nina Maslyayeva, pleaded guilty and has provided testimony used as evidence against the defendants. Maslyayeva is to be tried separately. Serebrennikov's supporters say the case was part of a politically motivated crackdown on the arts community ahead of Russia's March 2018 presidential election in which Putin, a longtime Soviet KGB officer who has been president or prime minister since 1999, won a fourth term in office. Serebrennikov previously had taken part in antigovernment protests and voiced concerns about the increasing influence in Russia of the Russian Orthodox Church, whose ties with the state have increased under Putin. Relatives of Kadyrjan Batyrov, a fugitive leader of the ethnic Uzbek community in Kyrgyzstan, say Batyrov has died in Ukraine after eight years of self-imposed exile. Batyrov's relatives told RFE/RL that the 62-year-old businessman died in his sleep in the Black Sea port city of Odesa late on December 4. The relatives did not provide further details. Batyrov fled Kyrgyzstan after deadly clashes between ethnic Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in Kyrgyzstan's southern regions of Osh and Jalal-Abad in June 2010. At least 450 people were killed and thousands more were injured or displaced as a result of the violence. The majority of victims were ethnic Uzbeks. Batyrov received political asylum in Sweden in 2011. He was sentenced to life in prison by a Kyrgyz court after being put on trial in absentia in 2011 and 2014, with the court finding Batyrov guilty of inciting ethnic hatred and organizing the 2010 clashes. Batyrov maintained his innocence, declaring that the trials against him were political retaliation by the Kyrgyz government. In September 2016, Batyrov addressed an OSCE conference in Warsaw where he criticized efforts by Kyrgyzstan's government to investigate his 2010 escape from the former Soviet republic. When the wife of exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi went public with her breast-cancer diagnosis, thousands of Iranians flooded social media with messages of support. And in a country where public discussion of cancer is still considered rare, it was her openness that was praised by many on social media. Yet there was also criticism of her husband's support for the hard line the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has taken on Iran, which includes the reimposition of tough economic sanctions that, according to Iranian officials, have negatively affected access to medicine and health care. Yasmine Pahlavi, 50, made the announcement last week in an online video. She said that despite being a private person, she had decided to use Instagram, one of the very few social-media sites that remain unblocked in Iran, to document her fight with cancer in the hope of raising awareness among her compatriots, particularly women and girls. "I hope my illness becomes an opportunity for us all to learn more about women's health and breast cancer," the mother of three said in a November 28 video, where she noted that women in Iran are generally reluctant to speak about their bodies. "I believe we must pay greater attention to this illness and other diseases that threaten the lives of hundreds of thousands of Iranian women," she said. 'Shocking' Lack Of Education Cancer remains a taboo subject for many in Iran, where health issues are considered highly private. Sogand Afkari, an Iranian-American who works in the travel sector in Iran, says she experienced breast cancer through her aunt, who was diagnosed about two years ago and is now in remission. "The first thing that shocked me was the lack of information and education around breast cancer in Iran," Afkari, who is based in Iraq, tells RFE/RL. "My [aunt] did not realize she had breast cancer until she was watching an episode of Doctor Oz," she says, referring to a U.S. talk show that focuses on health. "They taught her that she has to check her breasts." Iranian health officials say the prevalence of breast cancer in Iran is lower than in Western countries, while the mortality rate is the same. (According to official Iranian statistics, 30 women out of 100,000 are diagnosed with breast cancer. In the United States, the Netherlands, and France, over 90 out of 100,000 women are affected.) According to local health officials, Iranian women are often diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer -- when the tumor is more difficult to treat and is more likely to have spread -- due to a lack of awareness about the need for preventative screening. A member of the board of directors of Iran's Association for Female Cancers, Azamolsadat Mousavi, said in a 2017 interview that breaking the taboo and raising awareness was the most important issue regarding breast cancer in the country. A woman in Tehran who lost her mother to breast cancer says Pahlavi deserves praise for her effort. "I'm not a monarchist but I respect Yasmine Pahlavi for speaking publicly about her cancer. For a long time, my mother refused to even talk about it. She was reluctant to use the word 'breast cancer' and would just call it her 'disease.' There is a stigma," the woman, who did not want to be named, tells RFE/RL. "What [Pahlavi] has done is valuable. It could lessen the fear and concern over [breast cancer] for many," a user commented on Instagram. "This announcement could be a wake-up call for women who don't take their health seriously," another said. No Hiding From Politics Pahlavi, however, has also been accused by some Iranians of using her condition to push the agenda of her husband, Reza Pahlavi, who's taken an increasingly active political role in recent months, calling for an end to the Islamic republic and the establishment of secular democracy in the country. Reza Pahlavi's father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was toppled by the 1979 revolution that led to the creation of an Islamic republic. Reza Pahlavi has since lived in exile with his family. Travel worker Afkari says Pahlavi's effort to raise awareness about breast cancer can't be separated from her husband's support for U.S. policies on Iran. "The people can't exercise their own self-determination when they're grappling with sanctions," she says. "She could be making such a claim to portray herself as brave and strong and reasonable. Anything is possible from this undemocratic family," a commenter on Instagram said. Others suggested that Pahlavi should push for the removal of U.S. sanctions, which they said had made access to medicine and treatment increasingly difficult for Iranians inside the country. Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in May and announced the reimposition of sanctions that target Iran's economy, including its banking and oil sectors. "If you really want to express solidarity, stop the sanctions on medicine so that people don't face problems. My father has diabetes. Today we went to three hospitals to do a test and were told they don't have the kit," an Instagram user said. "Imagine what those who suffer from cancer and other untreatable diseases go through," the user added. The United States says it has never targeted medicine or food. "Our sanctions do not now, nor have they ever, targeted humanitarian goods. Our sanctions pressure the Iranian regime into changing its behavior and they do not target the Iranian people. The United States does not sanction the export of food or medicine to Iran," Brian Hook, the U.S. special representative for Iran, said in a July briefing with journalists in Washington, D.C. Iran has said that the sanctions, which have contributed to the crash of the national currency, the rial, and restricted financial transactions, have also had a detrimental effect on the country's health-care sector. Last month, in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres, Iran's Medical Council said that U.S. economic sanctions "have seriously affected the ability to access health services and treatment, medicine and medical essentials." Domestic mismanagement and hoarding has also been blamed for the rising prices and shortages of some medicine. An official at a pharmaceutical company in Tehran who did not want to be named tells RFE/RL that "medicine produced inside the country needs raw materials from outside." In some cases, she says, the price of medicine has doubled or tripled. Mohammad Zarghami of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report Iranian authorities are continuing to commit crimes against humanity by concealing the fate and whereabouts of thousands of political dissidents who were secretly executed in prison 30 years ago, according to Amnesty International. In a report published on December 4, the London-based human rights group called on the United Nations to establish an "independent, impartial and effective international mechanism" to help bring those responsible for the extrajudicial executions to justice. Amnesty said the report, based on testimonies from 100 family members and survivors from across Iran, documents, historical archives, and memoirs, reveals the scale of the executions, which, the rights group said took place in at least 32 cities across Iran within a matter of weeks in July-September 1988. "The fact that to this day the Iranian authorities refuse to acknowledge the mass killings, tell relatives when, how, and why their loved ones were killed and identify and return their bodies, means that the enforced disappearances are continuing today," Philip Luther, Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, was quoted as saying. "This has inflicted torturous suffering on victims' families. Until Irans authorities come clean and publicly reveal the fate and whereabouts of the victims, these crimes against humanity are ongoing," Luther added. The report describes how, in late July 1988, the authorities put prisons on lockdown across the country and suspended family visits without giving any reasons. At least 5,000 political members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO), leftist groups, students, and others were executed by late September, in what Amnesty International describes as "a coordinated effort to eliminate political opposition." Some of the officials accused of being members of the so called "death commissions" that questioned prisoners, continue to hold state positions, including Iran's current Justice Minister Alireza Avai, Amnesty said. The rights group said all individuals involved in committing and concealing the executions must be brought to justice in fair trials that exclude the death penalty. BISHKEK -- The former head of Kyrgyzstan's Customs Service, Adamkul Junusov has been detained in Baku at the request of authorities in Bishkek. Kyrgyz Financial Police spokeswoman Anastasia Piskur told RFE/RL that Junusov was detained in Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport on December 5. Piskur said Kyrgyz investigators were traveling to Azerbaijan to bring Junusov back to Bishkek, where he is wanted on charges of abusing his office. The Financial Police in Bishkek previously charged that Junusov's "corrupt" activities as head of the Customs Service from 2013 to 2016 had cost Kyrgyzstan's state treasury 166 million soms, or about $2.1 million. Junusov's whereabouts had not been known since the summer. He was added to Kyrgyzstan's wanted list in August after he was indicted in absentia and a court in Bishkek issued a warrant for his arrest. Junusov is the latest of several former Kyrgyz officials facing corruption charges in Bishkek after working during the 2011-2017 term of former President Almazbek Atambaev. Atambaev has criticized his successor, President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, since March for sacking or arresting a number of his close allies in what he called a "pseudo-anticorruption" campaign. Two Atambaev allies who also served as prime minister when he was president, Sapar Isakov and Jantoro Satybaldiev, were arrested in June on corruption charges. In October, Atambaev's former adviser Ikramjan Ilmiyanov was detained in Russia and brought by Kyrgyz authorities to Bishkek where he was arrested on corruption charges. Kyrgyz lawmakers and other politicians recently have been calling for an investigation into some decisions made by Atambaev while he was in office. Kyrgyzstan's Supreme Court ruled in early October that the immunity provided to the country's former presidents is unconstitutional. On November 27, a parliamentary committee outlined a bill that would eliminate immunity for former presidents, potentially clearing a way for Atambaev to be prosecuted. WASHINGTON -- The U.S. special counsel investigating interactions between associates of President Donald Trump and Russian officials has recommended that Trump's first national-security adviser receive no prison time when he is sentenced by a judge. The sentencing memo released on December 4 by Robert Mueller offered few details into the scope of cooperation that Michael Flynn provided to investigators. But, according to the memo, Flynn provided "substantial assistance" and gave information on links or coordination between the Russian government and the Trump campaign. Flynn is due to be sentenced by a U.S. judge later this month. The filing, made in U.S. federal court for Washington, D.C., is the latest development in Mueller's criminal investigation, an investigation that has shadowed Trump since before he took office in January 2017. Flynn, a retired lieutenant general and former director of the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency, was a top adviser to Trump's campaign during the 2016 presidential election, and Trump tapped him to be his first national-security adviser, a powerful White House position. However, Flynn's nomination was dogged by reports that he had secretive conversations with the then-Russian ambassador to the United States, Sergei Kislyak. According to court records, Flynn spoke with Kislyak in late December 2016, just a few weeks after Trump's election victory, and just after then-President Barack Obama imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response to U.S. intelligence conclusions that Moscow interfered in the election. Obama also expelled 35 Russian diplomats. According to court documents and news reports, Flynn tried to persuade Kislyak to tell the Kremlin not to retaliate for the U.S. sanctions. He also discussed with Kislyak an upcoming UN Security Council vote on Israel. Flynn was questioned by FBI investigators in the following weeks, and in February 2017, just weeks after Trump took office, Trump forced Flynn to resign amid reports he had misled Trump's vice president, Mike Pence, and other administration officials. In December 2017, 10 months after being fired, Flynn pleaded guilty to charges of lying to FBI investigations about those conversations with the Russian envoy, and he agreed to cooperate with law enforcement officials probing wider interactions with Russian officials. Flynn's situation has touched directly on Trump himself. On February 14, 2017, a day after Flynn was fired, Trump met with the then-director of the FBI, James Comey. According to testimony Comey provided to Congress, Trump brought up Flynn's situation, saying, "I hope you can let this go." Trump fired Comey three months later, and Mueller, a former FBI director, was then appointed by the Justice Department to take over the FBI investigation. Trump has denied any wrongdoing in his conversation with Comey, but some legal experts have said that if Trump sought to influence Comey, and the overall FBI investigation, into Flynn, that could amount to obstruction of justice, a felony crime. Flynn's sentencing isn't the only legal development causing problems for Trump. His former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, faces new charges of lying to FBI investigators, charges that come on top of his earlier conviction on bank and tax fraud charges related to his lobbying work for Ukrainian politicians. Manafort had also pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy in a related case. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has expressed concerns about Kosovo's plans to transform the Balkan country's lightly armed security force into a national army, calling the step "ill-timed." Stoltenberg made the comments following a meeting of the military alliances foreign ministers in Brussels on December 5, nine days before the Kosovar parliament is set to vote on whether to create a regular army, a move that the Serbian prime minister has warned trigger Serbia's armed intervention in the former province. Belgrade and ethnic Serbs in the northern part of Kosovo have vehemently opposed the creation of a Kosovar military, saying it would violate UN resolutions and be used against the countrys Serb minority -- a claim denied by officials in Pristina. Tensions between Pristina and Belgrade have also soared after the Kosovo government last month introduced a 100-percent tax on imports from Serbia in retaliation for what it said were the country's efforts to undermine the young republic on the international stage. Relations between Pristina and Belgrade have been tense since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Although more than 110 countries recognize Kosovo, Serbia does 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. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Stoltenberg said Pristinas moves to transform the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into an army was "ill-timed, goes against the advice of many NATO Allies, and may have serious repercussions for Kosovo's future Euro-Atlantic integration." The new tariff introduced by Pristina has created "new divisions," the NATO chief also said, adding that such steps "are making the EU-mediated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina even more difficult." Stoltenberg called on both sides "to show restraint, to refrain from provocative steps and statements, and to make the necessary compromises so that they can move forward toward a better future." In Belgrade, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic warned that her country "cannot stand aside and watch in silence while someone is conducting new ethnic cleansing" of Serbs. Brnabic also said Serbia was losing 42 million euros ($48 million) a month because of Kosovo's tariff on Serbian products. Her warning came a day after President Aleksandar Vucic said that "the irresponsible behavior of Pristina could lead to a catastrophe because Serbia cannot peacefully watch the destruction of the Serbian people." Kosovar Prime Minister Ramush Hardinaj on December 5 denied as "a pure lie" that the intentions of a new Kosovar army would be to occupy northern Kosovo. "The army is not for the north. Our army is for Afghanistan and Iraq, to help those countries" in peacekeeping missions, Hardinaj said. Serbia lost control over Kosovo in 1999 after NATO launched air strikes to stop the killing and expulsion of ethnic Albanians by Serb forces during a two-year counterinsurgency war. Nearly two decades after the end of the conflict, the landlocked territory of 1.8 million people is still guarded by NATO troops. The current KSF is a 2,500-strong force trained by NATO and tasked with crisis response, civil protection, and ordinance disposal. In October, Kosovo's lawmakers gave preliminary approval to legislation expanding the size and competencies of the force in a session that was boycotted by ethnic Serb representatives. The proposed laws envision the new security force will have 5,000 active soldiers and 3,000 reservists. Parliament is set to vote again on the proposals on December 14. With reporting by AP NATO foreign ministers have agreed to activate the military alliances program of advice and assistance for Bosnia-Herzegovina, despite Bosnian Serb objections to membership. Meeting in Brussels on December 5, the ministers invited Bosnia to submit its first annual national program of political, economic, and defense reforms aimed at bringing aspiring countries into line with the alliance's standards. The move is part of NATO's Membership Action Plan (MAP) process, but it doesn't mean that the ethnically-divided Balkans country will join anytime soon. And it's unclear whether Sarajevo will accept NATO's invitation. "We made our decision: we are ready to receive their annual national program. But let them decide and we are ready if they are ready," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters after the Brussels meeting. The alliance offered a MAP to Bosnia in 2010 but declined to "activate" it until all conditions were met. The process held up over the registration of immovable defense property at the federal level, with the ethnic Serb-dominated Republika Srpska -- one of the two entities that make up Bosnia -- opposing the move. NATO allies have decided to move forward rather than allow the Bosnian Serbs to have a de facto veto over the MAP, but the property must still be registered at a federal level for the MAP process to conclude. Serb nationalist Milorad Dodik, the current head of the rotating chairmanship of Bosnia's three-part presidency, has long been a vocal opponent of Bosnia's membership in NATO. Bosnian Muslim presidency member, Sefik Dzaferovic, said in a statement that NATO's invitation will give new impetus for the country to reach one of its "most important foreign policy goals." Dzaferovic also said he expected Bosnian institutions to "immediately start preparing the annual program of reforms in cooperation with NATO." That view was also expressed by the ethnic Croat member of the presidency, Zeljko Komisic. With reporting by AP Meeting in Brussels, NATOs foreign ministers have reaffirmed their countries' commitment to Afghanistan's "long-term security and stability" despite mounting Afghan casualties in the 17-year conflict. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg made the comments following the two-day talks ending on December 5, the day after a top U.S. general said the death toll among Afghanistan's security forces will no longer be sustainable unless urgent measures are taken. Stoltenberg told reporters that the allies were "concerned about the high number of casualties" but said the increase in violence could be a sign that things are about to change. "Sometimes there is an uptick, an increase in violence because different parties try to gain the best possible position at the negotiating table. So it may actually become worse before it becomes better," he said. NATO took the lead on international security efforts in Afghanistan in 2003, wound down combat operations in 2014, and is now mainly training and advising Afghan forces so that they can handle the country's security needs. However, the Western-backed governments security forces have struggled to counter attacks from the Taliban and other militant groups since the withdrawal of most NATO combat troops. "They are fighting hard, but their losses are not going to be sustainable unless measures are taken to "correct" recruiting and training issues, Lieutenant-General Kenneth McKenzie, who has been nominated to lead the U.S. military's Central Command that oversees wars in the Middle East and Afghanistan, said on December 4. 'Stalemated' Speaking at a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, McKenzie also said that the United States and its allies need to keep helping the Afghans recruit and train forces to battle the Taliban's estimated 60,000 fighters. "If we left precipitously right now I do not believe they would be able to successfully defend their country," he said, adding that "the operational military situation is largely stalemated." Some 14,000 U.S. soldiers are currently serving in Afghanistan, and McKenzie couldn't say how much longer the United States would remain in the country. In October, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Afghan forces had more than 1,000 dead and wounded during August and September alone. And Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last month said the death toll among Afghan security forces since 2015 was close to 29,000 -- a figure far higher than anything previously acknowledged. With reporting by AP KYIV -- President Petro Poroshenko says senior figures from Orthodox Christian communities in Ukraine will meet on December 15 in a bid to form a new, unified, independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Speaking on December 5, Poroshenko said that the "unity gathering" will be held at St. Sophia's Cathedral and attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. The meeting could be crucial step in years of efforts to create a church in Ukraine that is independent of Moscow and has the imprimatur of Bartholomew, the "first among equals" in the global Eastern Orthodox faith. Announcing an event he said was "long-awaited" and "important for the whole country," Poroshenko said those gathered would determine the status of "our new church" and elect a leader. It is also expected to adopt a charter. According to Poroshenko, Bartholomew will present the church with a tomos, a decree granting it independence -- known in church parlance as autocephaly. Bartholomew announced the decision to recognize Ukraine's request for an autocephalous church in October. The announcement by Bartholomew, who is considered the leader of the 300-million-strong worldwide Orthodox community, came amid deepening tension over efforts by Ukrainian Orthodox churches to formally break away from Russias orbit. It also prompted the Russian Orthodox Church to announce days later that it was ending its relationship with the Ecumenical Patriarchate in protest. Ukraine currently has three main Orthodox denominations: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, which remained subordinate to Russia after the breakup of the Soviet Union, and two breakaway entities -- the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate, led by Filaret, and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, led by Metropolitan Makariy. The developments have added to tensions between Kyiv and Moscow, already high since Russia's 2014 seizure of Crimea and the war in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Moscow-backed separatists. Ukrainian police searched churches of the Moscow Patriarchate and the homes of affiliated priests in several cities earlier this week, saying the measures were related to a criminal investigation on suspicion of inciting hatred and violence. Representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate will not attend the December 15 gathering, a spokesman said. "Our stance has not changed," said Archbishop Kliment, asserting that "the creation of the Ukrainian autocephalous church does not meet canonical norms." The Ecumenical Patriarchate is based in Istanbul, the former Constantinople -- once the capital of the Byzantine Empire before the Ottoman Muslim conquest of 1453. With reporting by gordon.ua, UNIAN, AP, and TASS Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the U.S. plan to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) was "ill-considered" and warned that Moscow will follow suit if the United States arms itself with weapons banned by the pact. Putin spoke on December 5, a day after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Washington would abandon the INF treaty unless Moscow returns to compliance with the accord within 60 days. His remarks came shortly after the Russian Foreign Ministry said it received official notification that the United States intends to withdraw from the INF unless Russia remedies what Washington says is a serious violation of the treaty. Putin claimed that the United States was seeking to use Russia as a scapegoat for the demise of the INF by accusing it of a violation. "They are looking for someone to blame for this...ill-considered step," Putin told journalists in Moscow, adding that "no evidence of violations on our part has been provided." It is "simplest" for the United States to say, 'Russia is to blame,'" Putin said. "This is not so. We are against the destruction of this treaty." President Donald Trump announced in October that the United States would abandon the INF, citing the alleged Russian violation and concerns that the bilateral treaty binds Washington to restrictions while leaving nuclear-armed countries that are not signatories, such as China, free to develop and deploy the missiles. Putin said he understands the second argument. "Many other countries -- there are probably more than 10 -- produce these weapons, but Russia and the United States have restricted themselves in a bilateral fashion," he said. "Now, evidently, our American partners believe that the situation has changed so much that the United States should also have these weapons." "What will be the response from our side? Very simple: We will also do this," he said, indicating that Russia will develop and deploy weapons banned by the treaty if the United States does so. The United States says that Russia has already done that by deploying the 9M729, or Novator, which Washington says breaches the ban on ground-launched cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 km. In a joint statement on December 4, NATO foreign ministers said that Russia has "developed and fielded a missile system, the 9M729, which violates the INF Treaty and poses significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security." The NATO ministers called on Russia to "return urgently to full and verifiable compliance," saying it is now up to Russia to preserve the INF treaty." Russian officials have repeatedly dismissed such demands and Putin gave no indication that Russia plans to abandon the 9M729, which it claims does not violate the treaty. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on December 5 that the official notice from the United States cites unspecified evidence of alleged Russian violations. The Russian side has repeatedly declared that this is, to say the least, speculation," Zakharova said of the U.S. allegation. No evidence to support this American position has ever been presented to us." Zakharova claimed that Russia has always respected the treaty and considers it one of the key pillars of strategic stability and international security." Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, told foreign defense attaches in Moscow on December 5 that a U.S. withdrawal from the treaty would be a dangerous step that can negatively affect not only European security, but also strategic stability as a whole. At the NATO ministerial meeting on December 4, Pompeo said that Washington would abandon the INF in 60 days unless Moscow dismantles the missiles, which he said were a material breach of the accord. "During this 60 days, we will still not test or produce or deploy any systems, and we'll see what happens during this 60-day period," Pompeo told journalists in Brussels. "We've talked to the Russians a great deal," he said. "We're hopeful they'll change course, but there's been no indication to date that they have any intention of doing so." NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that although Moscow has a last chance to comply with the INF, "we must also start to prepare for a world without the treaty." Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the U.S. ultimatum was an "escalation of the situation." Peskov accused Washington of "manipulating the facts...to camouflage the true aim of the United States in withdrawing from the treaty." In a tweet on December 3, Trump expressed certainty that "at some time in the future" he, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping "will start talking about a meaningful halt to what has become a major and uncontrollable Arms Race." With reporting by AP, AFP, Interfax, TASS, and RIA Novosti Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow will follow suit if Washington pulls out of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Putin spoke on December 5, a day after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Washington would abandon the INF Treaty unless Moscow returns to compliance with the accord within 60 days. Serbia's president sought to rally opposition to a coming vote by Kosovo to establish an army, as he met with Russian and Chinese ambassadors in Belgrade. Aleksandar Vucic's meetings on December 4 came 10 days before Kosovo's parliament was set to vote to transform its security forces into a regular army. Serbian officials argue that the army would be used against the Serb minority in Kosovo, whose independence has not been recognized by either Beijing or Moscow. "The irresponsible behavior of Pristina could lead into a catastrophe because Serbia cannot peacefully watch the destruction of the Serbian people," Vucic said in a statement. Vucic also met with the U.S. ambassador. Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo soared after the Kosovo government last month introduced a 100 percent tax on Serb imports. The move followed a vote by the international police organization, Interpol, denying Kosovo membership in the organization. Serbia had lobbied intensively against the membership proposal. Vucic said both the formation of the army and the imposition of tariffs were intended to "force Serbs out" of Kosovo. Kosovo split from Serbia after a 1998-99 war for independence that left more than 10,000 dead. Serbia's crackdown in the province prompted NATO to launch air strikes. With reporting by AP and RFE/RLs Balkan Service Slovakia has expelled a Russian diplomat as an alleged spy. Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini announced on December 5 that the diplomat was expelled in late November after information provided by military intelligence indicated he was working as a spy. Pellegrini did not name the expelled diplomat but said the Russian man had been declared persona non grata "for engaging in intelligence activities against Slovakia and NATO." "We expelled him on November 22 and he left Slovakia within 48 hours," Pellegrini told journalists in Bratislava, adding that man's spying activities contravened the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. There was no immediate reaction from Russia about Pellegrini's remarks. Slovakia is a member of NATO and the European Union. Based on reporting by Reuters, SME, etrend.sk, and TASS Ukraine's security agency said it has thwarted a massive cyberattack and blamed Russia for the attempted attack that targeted the country's court system. The Security Service of Ukraine said in a statement December 4 that hackers used falsified accounting documents to target computers of the country's judiciary system. The service, known as the SBU, said the alleged hacking was "massive" but provided no detail about the extent, timing, or severity of the hacks. Ukraine has been hit regularly by major cyberattacks and hacking attempts since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and Russian-backed militants launched a war in eastern regions that has killed more than 10,000 people. In December 2015, the country's electrical grid was targeted with coordinated cyberattacks that caused major disruptions in power supplies. The SBU blamed Russia. However, U.S. government agencies, who later pinpointed the intrusions, stopped short of blaming Moscow. Private researchers, however, blamed a Russian hacking group that is believed to have links to Russian security agencies. 76 new police units readied for Cancun street patrols Cancun, Q.R. Nearly 80 newly leased police units are scheduled to arrive in Cancun to increase security patrols throughout the city. In a press conference, Cancun mayor Maria Elena H. Lezama Espinosa announced the installation of the new vehicles that have been adapted for police patrol use for the municipality of Benito Juarez. She says the city of Cancun has leased 76 new units that are already in Public Security facilities. The newly leased fleet consists of 50 double-cabin patrol trucks, 10 Explorer vans and 16 motorcycles, all equipped and ready to conduct surveillance tours, which according to Lezama Espinosa, is an effective way to combat crime. This helps fight corruption. The new patrols have a life of three years, so with this contract, we will have new operative vehicles for three years, she explained. The current municipal government received vehicles that were part of a lease contract from the previous administration and confirmed that changing to an acquisition scheme would have been financially unfeasible. When not having the more than 70 million peso needed to pay for the purchase of the patrols and their maintenance, the option was to lease them again. The contracted company, Lumo Financiera del Centro, offered a lower leasing option than in the contract of the previous administration, with ample insurance coverage, as well as the preventive and corrective maintenance for each of the acquired units. Earlier this week, Carlos Bustos Alvarez, director of the Cancun Tourist Police announced the addition of 30 new members for the Cancun Hotel Zone also in a bid to strengthen security. Gem Auctions DMCC closes largest debut rough diamond sale in industry history Gem Auctions DMCC founded by mining entrepreneur Alan Davies, held its first-ever rough diamond auction in Dubai this week. The company sold 120,000 carats for over $57 mn, marking the largest rough diamond auction debut by a new company in the history... Luaxe full-scale mining operations expected soon Alrosa Angola Full-scale mining operations at the Luaxe diamond project in the Eastern Lunda Sul province are expected soon, according to Alrosa. Company director-general in Angola Alexander Gorlov told a diamond conference in Saurimo that they had completed exploration... Lucara revises FY 2022 revenue, sales, production guidance upwards Lucara Diamond which owns the Karowe mine in Botswana has revised its guidance on diamond revenue for the full year 2022 from $185 million to $215 million. Rio Tinto begins community, environmental engagements over Chiri diamond JV Rio Tinto Angola has commenced community and environmental engagements over its Chiri diamond concession in the Lunda Norte Province, according to a senior company official. Vijay Mallya New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI) Fugitive liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya Wednesday said his extradition from the UK to India will take its own legal course, while offering to pay back 100 per cent of "public money". Mallya, who has been fighting a legal battle against his extradition to India, claimed that he has been falsely dubbed as a "defaulter" by politicians and media. "I see quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course," he said in a series of tweets. In September, a UK court had fixed December 10 as the date to deliver its verdict on whether beleaguered liquor baron can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore. He further said, "The most important point is the public money and I am offering to pay 100 per cent back. I humbly request the banks and government to take it. Advertisement Kingfisher Airlines If payback refused, WHY (sic)," he added. Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India over default of Rs 9,000 crore that was loaned to Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) by several banks. He, however said, "Politicians and media are constantly talking loudly about me being a defaulter, who has run away with PSU bank money. All this is false. "Why don't I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before Karnataka High Court. Sad." He claimed he had made the offer to settle the dues to the banks since 2016. Reflecting on the downfall of KFA, he said, "Airlines are struggling financially because of hight aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices." He further said Kingfisher also faced the "highest ever crude prices of USD 140 per barrel." "Losses mounted and that's where the banks' money went. I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," he tweeted. Brahm Mohindra Spokesman News Service: Chandigarh, December 5: Taking big strides forward in implementing the agenda of Congress manifesto, the Health Department cleared the backlog of appointments on compassionate grounds by handing over the appointment letter to 18 candidates. It was disclosed by Mr. Brahm Mohindra Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab. PPSC Advertisement He said that among the candidates who had been given appointment letters on the compassionate ground included 2 clerks, 1 driver and 15 Class four employees. He said that his prime concern was to fill all the vacant post in hospitals to upgrade the health delivery system. He said that the appointment letters to 306 medical officers, who were selected by PPSC, had already been given some days ago similarly the recruitment process of specialist doctors was almost complete. ESI Hospitals and Dispensaries The Health Minister said that the meeting of Punjab Cabinet held on 3 December had given go-ahead for filling all the 185 vacant posts of ESI Hospitals and Dispensaries. He said that the process for the recruitment had begun and soon all vacant post of doctors and paramedic would be filled. The Health Minister also extended greetings to the newly recruited employees and exhorted them to work with full sincerity and dedication. State governor, senators honor former commander-in-chief George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the United States, passed away at his home in Houston, Texas at the age of 94 on Nov. 30, 2018. Bushs death comes just over six months after the death of his wife, Barbara Bush, at the age of of 92. Prior to serving as the 41st President of the United States, Bush served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States, under President Ronald Reagan. Following his death, President Donald J. Trump issued an order that all United States flags were to fly at half-mast for 30 days. Wyoming Governor Matt Mead also issued an order that all Wyoming state flags were to fly at half-mast as well. President George H.W. Bush was an extraordinary patriot and public servant, said Mead in a statement. His dedication to family and his absolute courtesy to all serve as a model for all Americans. Carol and I send our condolences to his family. Senator Mike Enzi also issued a statement. As a dedicated husband, father and public servant, George H.W. Bush lived his life with honor and distinction. From his time in the Navy during World War II, to Congress, to being an ambassador, to his service as vice-president and president, his dedication to serving his country was exemplary, Enzi said. Diana and I send our deepest condolences to the Bush family. Bushs political career began in 1963 when he was elected chairman of the Harris County, Texas Republican Party. In 1964, Bush ran against incumbent Ralph W. Yarborough in for a seat in the United States Senate. He ultimately lost the election, though he would win election in 1966 to the United States House of Representatives from the 7th District of Texas. The time that Bush spent in the House would be short-lived as President Richard Nixon convinced the young politician to relinquish his seat in the house to run for a seat in the Senate, once again, against Yarborough. While Yarborough lost in the primary election to Lloyd Bentsen, he endorsed Bentsen against Bush. Bensten would end up defeating Bush in the Senate race. Following his election loss, Bush was appointed by Nixon as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations and was confirmed in 1971 and served two years in the position. Bush also served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1973 to 1974, Head of the United States Liaison Office in China and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 1976-1977. Bush served two terms as vice-president to Ronald Reagan and only one term as president following his election loss to Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States. According to presidential historian Mark K. Updegrove, Bush set the tone for future outgoing presidents by leaving a letter of support for Clinton on the Resolute Desk. Every president since has left similar letters of support for their successors. Following his death, his body was laid in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol until 7 a.m. on Wednesday before his memorial service becoming only the 12th U.S. President to have been lain in state there. Sharks that use a whip-like tail to stun their prey, rays with saws on their faces, and river rays half the length of a bus are among the most unique species at risk of extinction according to the latest ranking from international conservation charity ZSL's (Zoological Society of London) pioneering EDGE of Existence programme. The new list revealed today (4 December) ranks the world's 50 most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) sharks, rays and chimeras -- known collectively as Chondrichthyes. These mythical-sounding (but very real) creatures have no bones in their bodies, only cartilage and appeared more than 400 million years ago, roaming the seas when dinosaurs lived. Each species on this list has few or no remaining close relatives, effectively representing distinct branches of the tree of life and making each of them truly irreplaceable. If they go extinct, we will have nothing like them left on the planet. Topping the new list, at number one is the largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis), which also holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking EDGE species in the world. Using an elongated snout (rostrum) lined with teeth on each side to slash at its prey, the large-tooth sawfish is facing threats from unsustainable fishing activities as it's often caught as by-catch in nets. Despite the fearsome reputation of the great white shark and the well-recognised appearance of the hammerhead, sharks are one of the least-studied groups of animals -- some so elusive they've never been captured on camera. Many of these species are threatened by targeted fishing, driven by a desire for shark fins or other body parts, as well as being unintentionally caught (bycatch). Habitat degradation, due to coastal development, mangrove deforestation, water pollution and trawling, is also to blame for the steep decline in many of these populations. However, the new EDGE List gives conservationists another tool to identify and prioritise species where there is a most pressing need for action. advertisement EDGE Sharks co-ordinator and marine biologist, Fran Cabada said: "Sharks, rays and chimeras -- making up the cartilaginous fish, have been around since the age of the dinosaurs, but due to human activities, their modern relatives are facing threats all over the world. They're found in almost every aquatic environment and as many are apex predators, i.e., at the top of the food chain -- they're crucial to maintaining healthy ecosystems. "Unfortunately, sharks have a bad image. This means people often can't see beyond the negative, and usually exaggerated stories, and don't understand just how threatened and important they are. "The new EDGE Sharks and Rays list gives us the opportunity to highlight the most unique sharks and rays on our planet which are also the most endangered, so that we can target conservation efforts where it's needed most. Many are overlooked and poorly known, so conservation actions targeted at these survivors of ancient lineages should be prioritised." ZSL's Marine and Freshwater Conservation Programme Manager, Dr. Matthew Gollock added: "The EDGE Sharks and Rays list comprises some of the most interesting and unique fish we have on this planet. The modern extinction of a single species from this list would cause the loss of millions of years of evolutionary history. "Since 2013, we have been working in collaboration with partner organisations in the Canary Islands for the conservation of the angel shark (Squatina squatina), #5 in the EDGE list, increasing our knowledge of this species and working with divers, fishers and policymakers to improve management and policy. "Our successes from this project have allowed us to expand our work to Wales, UK, where we have taken a similar stakeholder-lead approach to collect sightings and community memories of the angel shark in order to better understand and conserve this Critically Endangered species across its range." First established in 2007, the EDGE of Existence programme has previously published lists for amphibians, birds, corals, mammals and reptiles. The EDGE lists provide conservationists worldwide with a scientifically rigorous method of focusing their conservation efforts on animals and plants that represent a significant amount of threatened evolutionary history. ZSL's EDGE of Existence programme works with partners including the National Geographic Photo Ark and Fondation Segre to fund early-career conservationists striving to secure the future of EDGE species all around the world, through the EDGE Fellowship initiative. The first ever EDGE Fellowships on Sharks and Rays will begin in early 2019, implementing conservation actions for the largetooth sawfish and the pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) in Asia. Find the full ranking of EDGE Sharks and Rays here: http://www.edgeofexistence.org/sharks-and-rays Real-world learning experiences, like summer camps, can significantly improve children's knowledge in a matter of just days, a new study suggests. Researchers found that 4- to 9-year-old kids knew more about how animals are classified after a four-day camp at a zoo. It wasn't that children who attended just knew more facts about animals, the researchers noted. The camp actually improved how they organized what they knew -- a key component of learning. "This suggests organization of knowledge doesn't require years to happen. It can occur with a short, naturalistic learning experience," said Layla Unger, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher in psychology at The Ohio State University. "It highlights the enriching potential of real-world programs like summer camps. They aren't just recreation." Unger conducted the study with Anna Fisher, associate professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University. Their study appears online in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology and will be published in the March 2019 edition. advertisement This study is one of the first to show how quickly knowledge organization changes can occur in children. "We didn't know if it would take months or years for children to accomplish this. Now we have evidence that it can happen in days," Unger said. The study involved 28 children who took part in a four-day summer zoo camp in Pittsburgh. They were compared to 32 children who participated in a different summer camp in a nearby neighborhood of Pittsburgh, which was not at the zoo and didn't involve animals. At the beginning and end of each camp, all children completed two different tests that measured how well they understood the differences between mammals, birds and reptiles. The zoo camp consisted of lessons, interactions with preserved and live animals, tours of the zoo, games and craft sessions. advertisement "Most of the themes at the zoo camp were not oriented toward explicitly teaching children biological taxonomic groups," Unger said. "So the children were not spending every day talking about the differences between mammals, birds and reptiles." At the beginning of the camps, children in both groups had equivalent knowledge about the relationships between the three types of animals. But the children in the zoo camp knew significantly more by the end of their four-day camp, while the others did not. Kids who had been at the zoo had a 64 percent increase in test scores on one assessment from the beginning to the end of camp, and a 35 percent increase in the other. Not surprisingly, there was no change in test scores for children in the other camp. This study was not designed to test whether a four-day classroom lesson about animals could produce the same results as the four-day zoo experience, Unger said. But other research suggests a class may not have the same positive effect, partly because it might not engage students as much as the real-world experience. Unger said it was significant that the zoo camp improved knowledge organization, and not just facts about animals. "Children didn't just learn piecemeal facts like 'ostriches are birds.' They learned how different birds such as ostriches and ducks are related to each other even when they may look very different or live in different habitats, and how birds are different from mammals and reptiles," she said. "This kind of knowledge organization helps children retrieve what they have learned from memory, it helps them reason on the basis of what they learned and helps them integrate new information. It is a key part of learning." Unger noted that both camps in the study charged parents for their children to attend and attracted mostly kids from middle-class families and above. That could be an issue for families who can't afford to send their children to camps. "Our study showed that the zoo camp really did enrich the children who attended. It may help explain at least a part of the learning opportunity gap between children who have access to camps like this and those who don't." After over a decade of preclinical research and development, a new gene therapy treatment for sickle cell anemia (SCA) is reversing disease symptoms in two adults and showing early potential for transportability to resource-challenged parts of the world where SCA is most common. Preliminary data from a pilot Phase 1-2 clinical trial testing the gene-addition therapy were presented Dec. 3 at the American Society of Hematology's (ASH) annual meeting in San Diego by principal investigator Punam Malik, MD. She is a physician-scientist at the Cincinnati Children's Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute and director of its Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center. Malik called the data promising. "One year after treatment of our first patient, and six months after treatment of our second patient, both have seen a remarkable improvement in the quality of life due to remarkable reduction in disease symptoms. This includes near elimination of chronic pain and sickling events and improved anemia," Malik said. "Although it's still early post-treatment, these preliminary results are quite promising. If sustained this therapy will provide a transportable, safe and feasible gene therapy for all SCA patients." SCA is a painful, inherited disease where blood cells become sickle-shaped and stuck in the vascular system. It can damage vital organs and cause death. How the Therapy Works The gene therapy developed by Cincinnati Children's uses a modified gamma globin lentivirus vector to transfer a healthy fetal hemoglobin gene into a patient's blood stem cells (hematopoietic stem cells, HSC). The lentivirus is modified so it does not cause illness. advertisement The therapy comes from the observation that some adults never stop producing fetal hemoglobin (HbF). This prevents red blood cell sickling when sufficient quantities of HbF are present in the body. Normally, the fetal hemoglobin gene switches off shortly after birth. The new gene therapy approach designed by Malik and team places a fetal hemoglobin gene in the bone marrow cells that cannot switch off. Cells are collected earlier from the SCA patient and genetically reprogrammed in a clean lab facility with the modified lentivirus vector. Then the patient's bone marrow is preconditioned with one low-dose of chemotherapy, after which the gene-corrected cells are infused back into the patient. Patients recover their blood counts within a week to 10 days and recover from the chemotherapy effects by two weeks, Malik said. A key feature of the treatment regimen is the reduced-intensity preconditioning for patients receiving the therapy for SCA. The method is less toxic and expensive than myeloablative preconditioning normally used in bone marrow transplants, according to the researchers. Myeloablative conditioning uses high-intensity chemotherapy to prepare a transplant patient's bone marrow for healthy gene-corrected blood stem cells (HSCs). This typically results in low blood counts and other side effects. These can include severe infections and long stays in transplant units for one or two months. This means transplants using myeloablative conditioning have to be performed at large and sophisticated medical centers in developed parts of the world. Malik said this limits access to people in underdeveloped regions where SCA is more common, like Africa, India, the Caribbean and South America. advertisement Reaching High-Need Regions One goal for Malik and her colleagues is that their therapy's reduced intensity conditioning will allow it to be offered at hospitals in places like Central Africa and other underdeveloped regions of the world. SCA affects more than 90,000 people in the United States, and millions of people worldwide have the disease, according to the researchers. Malik said additional data from the study will tell investigators of the consistent and long-term clinical benefit of this therapy to patients with severe SCA. The trial is scheduled to treat up to 10 patients with SCA. Preclinical studies by the research team suggested the treatment allows the body to produce normal red blood cells instead of the sickle-shaped cells that define the inherited disorder. Improved Quality of Life Both adult patients included in the ASH presentation are 35 and 25 years old who, respectively, had gene transfer therapy 15 and 12 months ago. In the year and a half prior to receiving gene-correction therapy, both patients had more than a dozen acute sickle events per year, according to Malik. These included acute chest and pain crises, chronic pain, and required the ongoing use of oral or injectable opioids on a regular basis. Investigators report that one year following therapy, the first patient no longer requires daily oral opioids for chronic pain and has had one acute sickle cell event. The second patient no longer uses oral opioids and has no vaso-occlusive events, where blood cells become stuck in the vascular system. Launch of Aruvant Sciences In an effort to accelerate the development of the therapy, Cincinnati Children's has partnered with Roivant Sciences to create Aruvant Sciences. The joint venture is focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies for hematological conditions. Aruvant's lead candidate is RVT-1801, the gene therapy used to treat both patients in Malik's ASH presentation of early clinical trial data. Aruvant Sciences will be based in Cincinnati. Visit the Roivant Sciences website to learn more: https://roivant.com/roivant-launches-aruvant-sciences-and-roivant-foundation-in-partnership-with-cincinnati-childrens-hospital-medical-center/ Why do people go to war when the consequences of warfare are so dramatic? Scholars have suggested that the motivations for participating in war either lie in the individual rewards warriors receive (to the victor goes the spoils) or because group members coerce them to participate for fear of punishment. Understanding the factors that motivate warriors to join war parties sheds light on some of the most fundamental aspects of human nature: How our ability to cooperate is linked to our most destructive tendencies. In a new study, a team of researchers examined the social composition of raiding parties and their relationship to marriage alliances in an Amazonian tribal society, the Waorani of Ecuador. The Waorani formerly practiced lethal raiding, or small-scale warfare, as part of their social fabric. The anthropologists spoke in detail with tribal members about their raiding histories in an attempt to understand what drives individuals to participate in acts of war. Theirs is one of only a handful of datasets in the world with detailed information about what warfare looks like in small-scale societies prior to the intervention of the state. They found that Waorani are actively joining raids with people who could provide access to ideal marriage partners for themselves as well as their children. Additionally, subtle coercion from in-laws appears to be a factor in joining raids. The relationships built through raiding resulted in meaningful bonds between the men, which could shed light on the evolution of friendship. "A big debate in anthropology is what warfare and raiding groups look like in small-scale societies. Arguments have always been about this nice band of brothers -- literally brothers, uncles, fathers all fighting side-by-side with one another," said Shane Macfarlan, assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Utah and lead author of the study. "But sometimes, kin are not enough. Warfare is about alliance building, relationships with other people where there might be something else to gain by fighting with one another -- like marriage partners." The study published on Oct. 31, 2018, in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The Waorani The Waorani are indigenous Ecuadorians from the lowlands of the Amazon Rainforest made up of 2,000 individuals today. When people of Euro-American descent first made contact with members of the tribe in 1958, the population consisted of 500 individuals residing in four mutually hostile territories. Within the territories, Waorani lived in neighborhoods of longhouses, called nanicabo. Each neighborhood was separated by a one- to two-days walk, and each nanicabo was separated by a 30- to 60-minute walk. advertisement For the Waorani, the ideal marriage partners are bilateral cross cousins -- for example a man's mother's brother's daughter or his father's sister's daughter. One of the ways to make alliances is through raiding. Lethal raiding was quite common amongst the Waorani; when an individual decided to raid, he would convince followers to join him. "The benefit of making an alliance outside of your direct kin is that it expands your social universe for getting the things that you need, and one of the things that people need in all societies is mating partners," said Macfarlan. Between 2000 and 2001, co-authors Jim Yost, Pam Erickson of University of Connecticut and Steve Beckerman of Pennsylvania State University interviewed almost all of the Waorani population aged 49 years or older -- 65 women and 55 men. The researchers collected detailed genealogical information from multiple generations, and cross-referenced the data with existing Waorani genealogies. They also collected raid histories that included the men who participated, the organizer, the victims, and the rationale for the attack. The researchers used marriages and births to establish a timeline of the raids. From 1917 to 1970, there were 550 raid reports. The researchers consolidated them into 49 separate raids that involved 81 people. In-laws, brothers and marriage Macfarlan and senior author Stephen Beckerman analyzed the make-up of the raiding groups and the raiders' marriage histories. If the "bands of brothers" model holds, then the raiders should include mostly direct ancestors or descendants of each other, known as lineal kin. If the groups were strategic alliances, then the individuals should consist of men who can provide marriage opportunities for each other -- genetically related, but outside of lineal kinship. Because the researchers needed to be able to distinguish cousins, they only used individuals for whom they had grandparents' information. They analyzed the social composition of the 49 raids, including the 1041 individual relationships that emerged from the 81 men who participated. advertisement Although males had a plenty of lineal kin to choose from for forming raiding parties, they selectively raided with non-lineal kin. They also found that men raided more frequently with men who were generically related to them, but from different lineages -- the ideal marriage exchange partners. Indeed, the raiding alliances resulted in marriages for both the raiders, and for the raiders' children. Yet another motivation to join raiding parties seemed to include some coercion. Macfarlan found that sometimes men got married first, then raided more frequently with his in-laws. While scholars have typically assumed that warfare was either about individual rewards or coercion we find that this is a two-way street. "Sometimes people go to war to find alliance partners that gives them access to marriage opportunities, but other times guys get married first and then these marriage ties are leveraged to coerce people into warfare." Evolution of friendship Humans for the most part have three kinds of relationships: kinship, marriage and friendship. Traditionally, anthropologists only considered kinship and marriage as important. Recent interest has looked into the evolution of friendship itself. A common feature of friendship across cultures is that it promotes cooperation between people who are neither are kin nor our lovers, with our friends providing us with benefits that kin and lovers cannot. One context where friendship is extremely important is helping us deal with conflict from other people and groups, known as the Alliance Hypothesis. The study's findings provide evidence for this hypothesis, Macfarlan said. "The act of killing another human is a really traumatic act, which causes people to share something in common psychologically that establishes trust and fosters things like friendships," said Macfarlan. Pamela Erickson of the University of Connecticut, James Yost, Jhanira Regalado of the Museo de Historia Natural, Quito, Ecuador, Lilia Jaramillo of Cotopaxi, Ecuador, and Stephen Beckerman of Penn State University co-authored the study. As with most crime, the highest rates of burglary occur in urban communities since large metropolitan areas generally boast more concentrated wealth. Big cities also allow burglars to maintain anonymity and evade authority while offering ample opportunities for discreet disposal of stolen property. Burglars observe their target cities with the careful attention of urban planners, taking note of public spaces, roadways, building architecture, behavior patterns, and tenant schedules. Although law enforcement is making concerted efforts to address and prevent burglary, frequent offenses in major metropolises continue to unsettle city-dwellers. Existing mathematical models typically examine burglaries in residential, suburban environments, where similarly-structured houses with predictable lattice alignments are hotspots for repeated criminal activity. Some are agent-based, others utilize differential equations, and still others account for the effect of police presence. These models suggest that residential burglars prefer revisiting previously-burgled houses -- or those with similar architecture -- because they are already familiar with layout, security features, and availability of goods. Thus, if a home or its neighboring residence is robbed, repeat or near-repeat victimization heightens that home's attractiveness. While this phenomenon -- upon which most models are based -- occurs throughout the world, it is much more common in suburban districts. Flexible models that include alternate patterns of victimization are especially desirable when considering urban burglary. In an article publishing tomorrow in the SIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems, Joan Saldana, Maria Aguareles, Albert Avinyo, Marta Pellicer, and Jordi Ripoll present a nonlinear model of urban burglary dynamics that accounts for the deterring effect of police presence. Their model, which focuses on the Catalonia region of northern Spain, emphasizes timing of criminal activity rather than spatial spreading and location. "We first came in contact with the interesting field of mathematical modeling of burglaries during the 115th European Study Group with Industry," Aguareles said. "Pere Boque, a mathematician who works as an analyst for the Catalan Police Department, set out the problem of anticipating a burglar's movements using predictive models in the same way that mathematical models for fluid dynamics allow meteorologists to predict the weather. We found the topic fascinating." Their work is inspired by age-dependent population models, which study a population's evolution in time based on the physiological ages of its individuals. "Our model puts the emphasis on when -- rather than where -- the burglaries will take place and on the type of victimized houses, represented by their 'age,'" Avinyo said. A burglar's age is the amount of time since his most recent offense, while a house's age is the amount of time since it was last burglarized. The likelihood of robbery acts as a function of a burglar's age, and a house's susceptibility is a function of that house's age. When a burglar commits a crime, the ages of both the house and the burglar reset to zero. These details add a level of heterogeneity to the populations of houses and burglars. "Our model focuses on the burglars' dynamics: their propensity to strike, their preference to act in groups, and different strategies to choose targets," Saldana said. "All of these aspects are linked to the age of a burglar in our formulation. This allows us to implement different behavioral theories and use particular information obtained directly from offenders, like the so-called 'individual offending frequency' considered in criminology." Because behavioral hypotheses related to repeat and near-repeat victimization limit a model's customizability, Saldana et al. consider general functions for the recurrence rate (tendency of burglars to commit a crime) and victimization rate (rate at which houses are robbed). "Contrary to previous models where repeat and near-repeat victimization theories are widely considered, our model is compatible with different scenarios," Ripoll said. "Our age-structured model is a conceptually different approach in comparison with agent-based models where burglars are just seen as "particles" entering and leaving the system randomly. Less a priori assumptions are needed." When preparing their model, the authors ignore demographic turnover and assume that both the total number of burglars and burgled houses remain constant, i.e., a closed population of burglars acts on a specific geographic area. They also presume that a house's victimization age directly correlates with its status as a desirable target. Other considerations include the belief that all burglars will eventually commit another robbery (as long as vulnerable targets still exist) and the possibility of burglars working together (co-offending). In the authors' model, a lower house vulnerability leads to a higher degree of co-offending. The aforementioned assumptions imply a predator-prey type relationship between burglars and vulnerable homes. After establishing these fundamentals, Saldana et al. modify their initial predator-prey system to account for active police response to criminal activity. "The organization of police resources and the allocation of police units is one of the main concerns of police departments," Ripoll said. "Nowadays many police departments tend to allocate police resources to help citizens feel secure. They ask police patrols to move randomly around different areas so that people develop a (sometimes false) sense of security. But this has long been observed to be quite an inefficient way to employ police resources." Introduction of dynamic deterrence -- in which police patrol reduces a burglar's intention to strike -- means that the system's dynamics are dependent on history and prior offenses. As a consequence, each burglar must wait longer between burglaries due to heightened police presence in targeted areas. "The big question lies in the optimization of police resources," Ripoll continued. "This is why it is of great interest to understand the particular effect of police presence on burglar activity." When law enforcement more heavily considers recent crimes in its patrol efforts, the resulting deterrence factor lowers the frequency of burglaries and eventually reduces the recurrence rate. Ultimately, Saldana et al.'s nonlinear model of urban burglary offers more flexibility than traditional models based on spatio-temporal descriptions of criminal activity. "Our model is simple enough to provide some explicit formulae for relationships between different aspects of the dynamics," Pellicer said. "These can be contrasted with real data -- for instance, the mean time between two consecutive burglaries of the same house and the mean time between two consecutive offenses committed by the same burglar -- under different police strategies." When studying burglaries in a particular city, researchers must adjust their model's parameters and functions to correlate both qualitatively and quantitatively with real data. Because this model is simpler than most previous models, it yields both numerical simulations and explicit results for further study. It also allows the authors to explore model adjustments, such as the introduction of space into the system via a meta-population approach or consideration of the burglars' physiological age or experience. Fundamentally, however, testing possible police configurations and strategies is of utmost importance. "Fitting the model with real data would definitely be relevant to police departments," Pellicer said. "We want to highlight the increase over the last few years in the association of mathematics with criminology to produce models that ultimately help with crime prevention." A team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the Texas Heart Institute and Texas Children's Hospital has developed a powerful new approach to understand the formation of new neurons in the mammalian adult brain. Published in the journal Cell Reports, this work opens exciting new pathways that can be further developed to repair malfunctioning brain circuits. "The mammalian brain is a complex tissue composed of diverse cell types. However, despite rapid advances in the field of neuroscience, only a limited number of cell types in the brain are known and well-characterized," said lead author Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel, associate professor of molecular and human genetics and neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine and investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital. "Identifying all cellular subtypes is crucial to unravelling how brain circuits function and will yield insights into brain activity under diseased and injured conditions." In this study, Arenkiel and his colleagues described an innovative approach that identified novel cellular targets and genetic pathways involved in the wiring of adult-born neurons into existing brain circuits. Researchers now know that the brain is not just composed of four or five cell types performing generic roles. Most circuits consist of unique subtypes of cells, many of which currently are uncharacterized, explained Arenkiel. For instance there are possibly thousands of functional subtypes within a particular class of neurons. "Therefore, the first task to begin understanding brain circuits is to identify all the cellular players," said Arenkiel, who also is a McNair scholar at Baylor College of Medicine. "This would allow us to genetically probe them to reveal their biological functions, a necessary knowledge to fix these circuits when something goes wrong." In most adult mammals, only two regions of the brain, the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb (OB), have been shown to integrate new neurons into existing brain circuits. Arenkiel joined forces with co-corresponding author Dr. James Martin, professor and Vivian L. Smith Chair in Regenerative Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and director of the Cardiomyocyte Renewal Laboratory at Texas Heart Institute. The team applied a relatively new technology, single cell RNA sequencing, to identify novel cellular subtypes in the OB. advertisement To perform single cell RNA sequencing, Burak Tepe, a graduate student in the Arenkiel lab and one of the primary authors of this paper, and colleagues prepared a single-cell suspension by disassociating brain tissue using enzymes. This mixture was sorted in a microfluidic chamber in which every cell was co-encapsulated in microparticles (beads) with unique barcodes that kept track of the cellular origin of each mRNA transcript. Using this profiling strategy, they painstakingly generated a library of mRNA transcripts for 50,000 cells in the OB. This information revealed that the OB comprises approximately 30 different cell types that included 18 different types of neurons, as well as many other non-neuronal cells such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, vascular and immune cells. Additionally, the team uncovered genes and/or pathways that are chronologically turned "on" or "off" in these lineages during brain development. This study leverages the combined power of single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of adult-born neurons with bioinformatics to compare how gene expression profiles from different neuronal lineages progress over time. This powerful method has allowed the researchers to recreate a putative developmental trajectory ("pseudo-timeline") of all the neuronal lineages in the OB -- from migrating neural progenitors to fully functioning mature neurons -- along with detailed information of when and where specific genes or genetic networks are turned 'on' or 'off.' Consistent with this, the researchers found specific subtypes of neurons were differentially enriched or depleted in response to distinct sensory cues. "In addition to identifying key players and providing crucial mechanistic insights into adult neurogenesis in OB, we think this study has a broader impact because other researchers can now use this approach to identify and tease out the function of new neuronal circuits in other parts of the adult mammalian brain," Arenkiel said. Other contributors to this work include Matthew Hill, Brandon Pekarek, Patrick J. Hunt, Thomas Martin and James Martin. The authors are affiliated with one or more of the following institutions: Baylor College of Medicine, the Texas Heart Institute, and the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital. This work was primarily supported by funding from National Institutes of Health, Klingstein-Simons fellowship, McNair Foundation and the NRSA grant F31NS089411. Harnessing nuclear fusion, which powers the sun and stars, to help meet earth's energy needs, is a step closer after researchers showed that using two types of imaging can help them assess the safety and reliability of parts used in a fusion energy device. Scientists from Swansea University, Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, ITER in France, and the Max-Planck Institute of Plasma Physics in Germany paired x-ray and neutron imaging to test the robustness of parts. They found that both methods yield valuable data which can be used in developing components. The sun is a shining example of fusion in action. In the extremes of pressure and temperature at the centre of the sun atoms travel fast enough to fuse together, releasing vast amounts of energy. For decades, scientists have been looking at how to harness this safe, carbon-free and virtually limitless source of energy. One major obstacle is the staggering temperatures that components in fusion devices have to withstand: up to 10 times the heat of the centre of the sun. One of the main approaches to fusion, magnetic confinement, requires reactors which have some of the greatest temperature gradients on earth, and potentially in the universe: plasmas reaching highs of 150 million C and the cryopump, which is only metres away, as low as -269 C. advertisement It is critical that researchers can test -- non-destructively -- the robustness of engineering components that must function in such an extreme environment. The research team focused on one critical component, called a monoblock, which is a pipe carrying coolant. This was the first time the new tungsten monoblock design has been imaged by computerised tomography. They used ISIS Neutron and Muon Source's neutron imaging instrument, IMAT. Dr Triestino Minniti of the Science and Technology Facilities Council said: "Each technique had its own benefits and drawbacks. The advantage of neutron imaging over x-ray imaging is that neutrons are significantly more penetrating through tungsten. Thus, it is feasible to image samples containing larger volumes of tungsten. Neutron tomography also allows us to investigate the full monoblock non-destructively, removing the need to produce "region of interest" samples" Dr Llion Evans of Swansea University College of Engineering said: "This work is a proof of concept that both these tomography methods can produce valuable data. In future these complementary techniques can be used either for the research and development cycle of fusion component design or in quality assurance of manufacturing." The next step is to convert the 3D images produced by this powerful technique into engineering simulations with micro-scale resolution. This technique, known as image-based finite element method (IBFEM), enables the performance of each part to be assessed individually and account for minor deviations from design caused by manufacturing processes. The research was published in Fusion Engineering and Design. In a small study of infrequent cannabis users, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have shown that, compared with smoking cannabis, vaping it increased the rate of short-term anxiety, paranoia, memory loss and distraction when doses were the same. The findings of the new study, described in the Nov. 30 edition of JAMA Network Open, highlight the importance of dose considerations with the perception that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cannabis, the researchers say. And they ask regulators of medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries to take note. Vaping devices heat cannabis to a temperature in which the mind-altering compounds in the plant are released as a vapor that is inhaled. Vaping is thought to be safer for cannabis and tobacco use because it doesn't produce many of the harmful components of burning material such as tar and other cancer-causing agents. But, the researchers say, their study suggests that at least for first-timers or others who don't use cannabis regularly, vaping delivers greater amounts of THC, the primary intoxicant in cannabis, which increases the likelihood of adverse reactions. "In light of increased legalization of cannabis, we designed our study to be more representative of the general population's exposure to cannabis, namely someone who has never smoked it and wants to try it for medical or recreational purposes, or someone who does not use it regularly enough to understand or predict its effects," says Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "What our study suggests is that some people who use cannabis infrequently need to be careful about how much cannabis they use with a vaporizer, and they should not drive, even within several hours after use. It could be dangerous for themselves and others, and on top of that, they may experience negative effects such as anxiety, nausea, vomiting and even hallucinations," he adds. For their study, the researchers chose 17 volunteer participants (nine men and eight women, average age 27 years), who hadn't used cannabis in the past 30 days, which was verified by a drug screen, and together on average hadn't used in over a year. advertisement In a controlled setting at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center's behavioral pharmacology research unit, each participant either smoked or vaped cannabis containing 0, 10 or 25 milligrams of ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active component in cannabis that gives people the high, in single visits once a week over six weeks. The researchers say that 25 milligrams of THC is a relatively low dose, and much less than is typically found in pre-rolled cannabis "joints" sold in dispensaries where cannabis is legal. The participants either smoked preloaded pipes or inhaled vapor from a vaporizer. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew the doses of THC that were delivered in a given experimental test session. During each of the six sessions, the research team observed and assessed drug effects in the test subjects, including for adverse reactions. They also measured vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure and collected blood samples just after smoking, every 30 minutes for two hours and then every hour for eight hours. Each participant also completed the Drug Effect Questionnaire -- rating self-reported drug effects out of a score of 100 -- shortly after smoking and each hour for up to eight hours later. The survey assessed overall drug effect; feeling sick, anxious, hungry, sleepy and restless; and experiencing heart racing, dry mouth, dry eyes, memory impairment and coughing. Results showed that a few minutes after smoking, those who vaped the 25-milligram THC dosage reported an average of 77.5 on the overall strength of the drug's effect, meaning how high they felt compared with the average score of 66.4 reported by those who smoked the same dose. Participants who vaped 25 milligrams of THC reported about a 7 percent higher score on average for anxiety and paranoia, compared with people who smoked the same amount of the compound. Those who vaped any dose of THC also reported higher levels of dry mouth and dry eyes than those who smoked it. For example, when vaping 25 milligrams of THC, the participants rated dry mouth at 67.1 on average compared with 42.6 for those smoking it. Researchers say the participants also completed three computerized tasks designed to measure attention span, memory, physical reaction time and motor movement. One task required the participant to replicate the shape of patterns, another required them to add up strings of single-digit numbers and the third required them to follow a dot across the screen with the cursor while also tracking a dot that pops up in the periphery. advertisement The tests are meant to represent skills needed for proper workplace performance, operating a car or other daily activities. Reaction times on average were slower by more than 120 milliseconds with both active test doses of THC, using either smoking or vaping, when compared with reaction time after smoking or vaping cannabis without any THC. Next, the researchers compared the effects of vaping compared with smoking on participants taking the computerized Divided Attention Task, which required participants to track a square on the computer screen while also monitoring numbers in each corner of the screen. The amount of time participants accurately tracked the square on the computer in the Divided Attention Task dropped by an average of 170 percent after smoking 25 milligrams of THC compared with the cannabis without THC. The amount of time they accurately tracked fell an average of 350 percent when vaping 10 milligrams of THC and fell 500 percent when vaping 25 milligrams of THC, compared with those smoking either dose. "Our participants had substantially higher impairment on the tasks when vaping versus smoking the same dose, which in the real world translates to more functional impairment when driving or performing everyday tasks," says postdoctoral fellow Tory Spindle, Ph.D., a researcher in the behavioral pharmacology research unit at Johns Hopkins Bayview. Other results showed that blood levels of THC were at their highest immediately after smoking or vaping cannabis. At 10 milligrams of THC, blood levels of THC reached an average of 7.5 nanograms per milliliter in vapers, compared with 3.8 nanograms per milliliter in smokers 10 minutes after they inhaled the drug. At 25 milligrams of THC, blood levels reached an average of 14.4 nanograms per milliliter when vaped compared with 10.2 nanograms per milliliter when smoked. "There's a definite differences in the amount of drug making it into the blood when using a vaporizer versus smoking the drug, so considerations need to be made when dosing to ensure people are using cannabis safely," says Spindle. The researchers note that they could only detect THC in the blood samples up to four hours after using, even though the participants reported the drug's effects lasted five or six hours. The researchers say this suggests that blood testing isn't an accurate way to tell if someone is high or perhaps driving under the influence. Two participants vomited after vaping 25 milligrams of THC, and another experienced hallucinations. One person vomited after smoking 25 milligrams of THC. Vandrey cautions that the study involved only a small number of younger adults and lasted only six weeks. "We still don't have a full look at the long-term effects of vaping, such as whether there is a risk for chronic bronchitis, and more work needs to be done on that front," he says. It is important to note that these effects were observed in individuals who don't use cannabis very often, and may not extend to people who use cannabis routinely; they may have developed tolerance to these effects and also may be better able to regulate their dose. In recent years, Canada and several U.S. states including Washington, California, Colorado and Massachusetts have legalized cannabis for recreational use. Thirty-two states have made cannabis available with a doctor's prescription, including Maryland, where the research was performed. Additional authors include Edward Cone, Nicolas Schlienz and George Bigelow of Johns Hopkins; John Mitchell of RTI International and Ronald Flegel and Eugene Hayes of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This research was funded by SAMHSA. The Institute of Human Virology (IHV) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) announced today the discovery that DnaK, a protein of the bacterium mycoplasma, interferes with the mycoplasma-infected cell's ability to respond to and repair DNA damage, a known origin of cancer. Little or no mycoplasma DnaK DNA sequences were found associated with the tumor, which was fully developed, suggesting a hit-and-run or hide mechanism of transformation, indicating that the damage is done early, but the protein may not be needed once the cancer cells are formed. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and suggests that bacterial infections may contribute to far more cancers than previously thought. The announcement was made by Robert Gallo, MD, The Homer & Martha Gudelsky Distinguished Professor in Medicine and Co-Founder and Director, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Davide Zella, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine. Drs. Gallo and Zella collaborated with Herve Tettelin, PhD, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine. "Currently, approximately 20% of cancers are thought to be caused by infection, most are known to be due to viruses," said Dr. Gallo. "Mycoplasmas are a family of bacteria that are associated with cancers, especially in people with HIV. Our work provides an explanation for how a bacterial infection can trigger a series of events that lead to cancer. Of particular importance, the infection did not need to persist and the protein did not need to be continuously present in all cancer cells. The study also provides a mechanism for how some bacterial infections can interfere with specific cancer drugs." Researchers utilized immune-compromised mice as a model for analyzing the effect of mycoplasma infection on the development of lymphoma. They compared how quickly non-infected immune-compromised mice developed lymphoma compared to mycoplasma-infected immune-compromised mice. The mice were infected with a strain of mycoplasma from an HIV patient. The researchers found that mycoplasma infection caused the mice to develop lymphoma earlier in life than non-infected immune-compromised mice and that some, but not all, of the cancer cells had bacterial DNA. Finding only a small amount of bacterial DNA in the cancer cells suggested that the infection did not have to persist to trigger cancer. "We focused on a protein called DnaK, which is part of a family of proteins that function as a 'chaperone' for other proteins protecting them from damage or helping them to fold," said Dr. Zella. "However, in this case, DnaK reduces the activity of important cellular proteins involved in DNA repair and anti-cancer-activities, such as p53. Thus, cells infected with mycoplasma would not be able to properly repair damaged DNA, thus, potentially increasing the risk for cancer development." The scientists noted that the bacteria can release DnaK and the DnaK enters nearby uninfected cells. The study also demonstrates that by reducing p53, DnaK can also reduce the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. Thus, mycoplasma infection could not only trigger events leading to the accumulation of DNA damage and oncogenesis in infected cells, but also trigger cancer-causing events in nearby uninfected cells that took up DnaK released from infected neighboring cells. "We analyzed the amino acid sequences of DnaK from many bacteria and found that the DnaK proteins from bacteria associated with cancer grouped together were different DnaK sequences from bacteria that are not associated with cancer," said Dr. Tettelin. "This raises the possibility that other bacteria have the same cancer-promoting ability." According to Dr. Gallo, "This hit-and-run, or hide, mechanism mediated by a protein common to many cancer-associated bacteria changes how we need to think about infection and at least some cancers. Furthermore, this provides a basis for understanding how infection can influence the effectiveness of some cancer treatments." "This is fascinating science with important implications," said UMSOM Dean E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, who is also the Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor. "We are pleased to see a cross-collaboration between two disciplines here at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Our Institute of Human Virology's basic science laboratory research was aided by the School's Institute of Genome Sciences' sequencing expertise, bringing the research to full fruition." This research was partially funded by the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund (CRF) Program. Morgan State University also participated in this study. Whether young women picture themselves as the primary caregiver or primary breadwinner for their future families may depend on how they believe men's roles in society are changing -- or not changing -- according to a new study from the University of Arizona. When unmarried young women believe that men are becoming significantly more active in childcare, they are more likely to imagine themselves as the primary breadwinners for their future families. On the other hand, when young women believe men are only becoming slightly more involved in childcare, they are more likely to imagine themselves as the primary caregivers for their future families, researchers found. How women imagine their future selves could potentially impact the educational and career decisions they make years before they actually begin their families, suggests the study, published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. "This shows how dependent women's role choices can be on their expectations of their future male partners," said lead study author Alyssa Croft, an assistant professor in the UA Department of Psychology. "Those expectations could have implications for what women are willing and able to do in their own lives." Croft's findings are based on a series of experiments conducted in the United States and Canada, in which she and her collaborators asked single female college students, ages 18 to 25, to write about how they imagine their lives 15 years in the future. The researchers focused on young women who plan on one day getting married and having children. Participants were told they were part of a study on how people are affected by statistics in everyday life. They were presented a fact sheet that included a series of graphs on a range of topics, such as smoking rates, precipitation trends, fruit and vegetable consumption, and how the percentage of stay-at-home dads has increased over time. advertisement Participants in each experiment saw the same data -- either from the U.S. Census Bureau or Statistics Canada, depending on where the experiment was conducted. However, the graphs on stay-at-home dads were presented differently to different participants. Some saw the increase in stay-at-home dads represented as a steep line on a graph, which gave the appearance of a more rapid and dramatic shift. Others saw a flatter line, suggesting a more gradual change. Researchers merely tweaked the y-axis of the graph to get two different visual representations of the same data. The researchers also manipulated the text accompanying the graphs. In the U.S. versions of the graphs, which showed that the percentage of stay-at-home dads in America increased from 4 to 12 percent over two-and-a-half decades, the graph was titled either "Rapidly increasing prevalence of stay-at-home dads" or "Low prevalence of stay-at-home dads." Text beneath the graphs either read, "These numbers are projected to continue increasing at a similarly rapid rate over the next two decades" or "These numbers are projected to remain relatively low in the next two decades." After seeing the graphs, each study participant was asked to provide responses to a series of questions about how they imagine their lives in 15 years, including whether they see themselves as being the primary financial provider or primary caregiver for their family. In both the U.S. and Canada, young women who saw the graph depicting a sharper increase in stay-at-home fathers were more likely to see themselves as breadwinners, while those who saw the flatter line were more likely to imagine themselves as caregivers. The researchers replicated the findings across a series of similar experiments. advertisement The fact that this effect was seen in college students -- whom one might assume are particularly career-oriented -- is especially interesting, Croft said. "These are the individuals who we would think might be most likely to balk at traditional gender stereotypes, and yet they're still showing this pattern of role expectations that is in direct response to what they believe men will be or will not be doing," Croft said. Croft said the research was motivated by the fact that although gender roles have changed significantly, that change has been asymmetrical. An estimated 70 percent of U.S. families today have two working parents, and women are increasingly more likely to be the primary economic providers for their families. However, family responsibilities continue to fall disproportionately to women, Croft said. "Women's roles are changing much more quickly than men's, but we wondered, could it be that there is a still a sense in which women's roles are restricted because of the way gender roles are intertwined with one another?" she said. "Could it be that women are picturing, before they're even in a relationship, a very stereotypic division of labor in their future families? And does that affect the education and career decisions they make when they're young?" More research is needed to understand how and to what extent women's perceptions of men's roles affect the education and career choices they make early on, but the fact that those perceptions are shaping their future visions of themselves at all is significant, Croft said. "This may be one reason we should care about the degree to which men's roles aren't changing as much as women's," she said. More research also is needed to understand whether men's visions for their futures are similarly influenced by their perception of women's roles. Some men, for example, might welcome relief from the stereotypical expectation that men should be the financial providers, Croft said. "Perhaps thinking about women changing their roles to relinquish some of the caregiving control would be appealing to men who want to be more involved with their children," she said. "But that's an open question at this point." Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid implicated in nearly 29,000 overdose deaths in the United States last year, most likely spread because of heroin and prescription pill shortages, and also because it was cheaper for drug wholesalers than heroin, according to a report on illicit US drug markets by researchers at UC San Francisco. First synthesized in a Belgian lab in 1960, illicitly produced fentanyl has swept through U.S. drug markets in waves, the latest beginning in 2013, and has claimed an extraordinary number of lives. The researchers who wrote the report said having a better understanding of whether fentanyl's deadly spread is being driven by the economic imperatives of suppliers or the tastes of drug users would help policymakers find ways to curb it. Made entirely in the lab, fentanyl is far more powerful and much cheaper to produce than heroin, which is derived from poppy opium. It is usually sold deceptively -- as heroin or brand name prescription drugs like OxyContin and Xanax. The researchers said drug users and street-level dealers, who may also be using the drugs, often don't know whether they are taking or selling drugs adulterated with fentanyl, since it is added to the supply higher up the distribution chain. Therefore, the researchers said, demand from drug users is unlikely to have played a role in its spread. "Fentanyl is rarely sold as fentanyl," said Sarah Mars, PhD, a researcher in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at UCSF and the first author of the paper, published Tuesday, Dec. 4, in Addiction. "The dealers selling fentanyl directly to the users often don't know what's in it. Not only is this particularly dangerous, but it also means penalizing low level dealers isn't going to make any difference in the fentanyl poisoning epidemic." The researchers sifted through the scientific literature on fentanyl use, pored over United Nations opium production data as well as data on heroin price and purity from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and analyzed results from their ongoing NIH-funded study, Heroin in Transition, which is led by senior author Daniel Ciccarone, MD, MPH, a professor of family and community medicine at UCSF. "Our research has focused on talking to people who are using heroin and fentanyl-laced heroin, and asking them about their experiences," said Mars, who directs the study's qualitative research. "Most of the illicit fentanyl has been in the Northeast and Midwest, and we've been to places where the death rate is very high. We asked drug users how they detect it, if they can -- how they try to prevent overdose." Mars said users expressed opposing views on fentanyl, which causes a more sudden and powerful but usually shorter high than heroin. While some said they liked fentanyl, because it brought on the euphoria they had lost the ability to feel from tolerance built up by long-term heroin use, or because it broke through the opioid blocking effects of medications like buprenorphine, others said they feared fentanyl and disliked its harsh effects. advertisement "Whether or not they prefer fentanyl, users don't have any influence over what drugs are being sold," Mars said. "Without accurate information about these drugs, they can't make an informed choice about what they are buying. Also, very little drug slang has developed to describe fentanyl, which lends support to the notion that this is not a demand-driven epidemic." The researchers said users do try in various ways to detect fentanyl in the drugs they buy, but it's impossible for them to determine which synthetic opioid is present or how potent it is before they use it. Different chemical versions of fentanyl, known as analogues, with wildly varying potency, appear unpredictably in different locations around the country. Some analogues are so new they have not yet been deemed illegal and some, like carfentanil, which was designed to tranquilize large animals, are incredibly powerful -- as much as 10,000 times the strength of morphine. "We believe it's the fluctuation in the potency of the drugs containing fentanyl that makes them so dangerous," Ciccarone said. "You might have one dose that had hardly any fentanyl in it or none at all. Then, you might have one with a different fentanyl analogue, of different potency, or even mixtures of multiple fentanyls and heroin." The researchers said the data suggest that heroin shortages or 'supply shocks' occurred before the current and prior fentanyl waves struck in both Europe and the U.S. Prescription opioids were also becoming harder to obtain in the U.S. at the time. Fentanyl, which has also appeared in drug markets in many European countries, as well as Russia, Brazil and Canada, is an easy substitute for heroin since it can be produced in the lab year round and is not subject to blight, pests or climate conditions. It is about 30 to 40 times stronger than heroin and considerably cheaper to produce. The full motives of wholesale suppliers still remain hidden, but there are significant incentives for them to shift over partially or completely to fentanyl, even though it often causes users to overdose. The researchers said it may just be a matter of time before fentanyl takes over more of the illicit U.S. and worldwide drug market, as has already happened in Estonia. An international group of scientists led by researchers from the University of Bristol have advanced our understanding of how ancient animals saw the world by combining the study of fossils and genetics. Ancestors of insects and crustaceans that lived more than 500 million years ago in the Cambrian period were some of the earliest active predators, but not much is known about how their eyes were adapted for hunting. Work published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B today suggests that when fossil and genetic data are assessed in tandem, previously inaccessible and exciting conclusions about long dead species can be made. By examining the morphological characteristics of fossils' eyes, alongside the genetic visual pigment clues, a cross-disciplinary team led by a collaboration between the University of Bristol's Davide Pisani, Professor of Phylogenomics in the School of Earth Sciences and Nicholas Roberts, Professor of Sensory Ecology in the School of Biological Sciences, were able to find that ancient predators with more complex eyes are likely to have seen in colour. Professor Pisani remarked: "Being able to combine fossil and genetic data in this way is a really exciting frontier of modern palaeontological and biological research. Vision is key to many animals' behaviour and ecology, and understanding how extinct animals perceived their environment will help enormously to clarify how they evolved." By calculating the time of emergence of different visual pigments, and then comparing them to the inferred age of origin of key fossil lineages, the researchers were able to work out the number of pigments likely to have been possessed by different fossil species. They found that fossil animals with more complex eyes appeared to have more visual pigments, and that the great predators of the Cambrian period may have been able to see in colour. Dr James Fleming, Professor Pisani and Roberts' former PhD student, explained: "Animal genomes and therefore opsin genes (constituting the base of different visual pigments) evolve by processes of gene duplication. The opsin and the pigment that existed before the duplication is like a parent, and the two new opsins (and pigments) that emerge from the duplication process are like children on a family tree. "We calculated the birth dates of these children and this allowed understanding of what the ancient world must have seemed like to the animals that occupied it. We found that while some of the fossils we considered had only one pigment and were monochromat, i.e. they saw the world as if looking into a black and white TV, forms with more complex eyes, like iconic trilobites, had many pigments and most likely saw their world in colours." The combinations of complex eyes and multiple kinds of visual pigments are what allows animals to distinguish between different objects based on colour alone -- what we know as colour vision. Professor Roberts commented: "It is remarkable to see how in only a very few million years the view those animals' had of their world changed from greys to the colourful world we see today." The project involved scientists from all across the world -- from the UK as well as Denmark, Italy, Korea and Japan, where Dr Fleming has now moved to work as a postdoctoral researcher. Each of them brought their own specialities to this multidisciplinary work, providing expertise in genetics, vision, taxonomy and palaeontology. An ancient, dolphin-like marine reptile resembles its distant relative in more than appearance, according to an international team of researchers that includes scientists from North Carolina State University and Sweden's Lund University. Molecular and microstructural analysis of a Stenopterygius ichthyosaur from the Jurassic (180 million years ago) reveals that these animals were most likely warm-blooded, had insulating blubber and used their coloration as camouflage from predators. "Ichthyosaurs are interesting because they have many traits in common with dolphins, but are not at all closely related to those sea-dwelling mammals," says research co-author Mary Schweitzer, professor of biological sciences at NC State with a joint appointment at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and visiting professor at Lund University. "We aren't exactly sure of their biology either. They have many features in common with living marine reptiles like sea turtles, but we know from the fossil record that they gave live birth, which is associated with warm-bloodedness. This study reveals some of those biological mysteries." Johan Lindgren, associate professor at Sweden's Lund University and lead author of a paper describing the work, put together an international team to analyze an approximately 180 million-year-old Stenopterygius fossil from the Holzmaden quarry in Germany. "Both the body outline and remnants of internal organs are clearly visible," says Lindgren. "Remarkably, the fossil is so well-preserved that it is possible to observe individual cellular layers within its skin." Researchers identified cell-like microstructures that held pigment organelles within the fossil's skin, as well as traces of an internal organ thought to be the liver. They also observed material chemically consistent with vertebrate blubber, which is only found in animals capable of maintaining body temperatures independent of ambient conditions. Lindgren sent samples from the fossil to international colleagues, including Schweitzer. The team conducted a variety of high-resolution analytical techniques, including time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF SIMS), nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, as well as immunohistological analysis and various microscopic techniques. Schweitzer and NC State research assistant Wenxia Zheng extracted soft tissues from the samples and performed multiple, high-resolution immunohistochemical analyses. "We developed a panel of antibodies that we applied to all of the samples, and saw differential binding, meaning the antibodies for a particular protein -- like keratin or hemoglobin -- only bound to particular areas," Schweitzer says. "This demonstrates the specificity of these antibodies and is strong evidence that different proteins persist in different tissues. You wouldn't expect to find keratin in the liver, for example, but you would expect hemoglobin. And that's what we saw in the responses of these samples to different antibodies and other chemical tools." Lindgren's lab also found chemical evidence for subcutaneous blubber. "This is the first direct, chemical evidence for warm-bloodedness in an ichthyosaur, because blubber is a feature of warm-blooded animals," Schweitzer says. Taken together, the researchers' findings indicate that the Stenopterygius had skin similar to that of a whale, and coloration similar to many living marine animals -- dark on top and lighter on the bottom -- which would provide camouflage from predators, like pterosaurs from above, or pliosaurs from below. "Both morphologically and chemically, we found that although Stenopterygius would be loosely considered 'reptiles,' they lost the scaly skin associated with these animals -- just as the modern leatherback sea turtle has," Schweitzer says. "Losing the scales reduces drag and increases maneuverability underwater. "This animal's preservation is unusual, especially for a marine environment -- but then, the Holzmaden formation is known for its exceptional preservation. This specimen has given us more evidence that these tissues and molecules can preserve for extremely long periods, and that soft tissue analysis can shed light on evolutionary patterns, relationships, and how ancient animals functioned in their environment. "Our results were repeatable and consistent across labs. This work really shows what we're capable of discovering when we perform a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional study of an exceptional specimen." For six decades, Carol Schuldt plunged barely clad into the water off Ocean Beach, befriended mixed-up youngsters and swore like a stevedore. They called her Schultzie and also the Queen of the Beach among other things. She was a free spirit and proud of it. They called me a crazy lady, she told an interviewer years ago. I would jump in the ocean and throw my clothes off. I was the first hippie. Bodysurfing, being close to nature, that was my path. Schuldt died Saturday in her mural-covered San Francisco home, only a short walk from the ocean. She was 85 and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and heart failure. A native of San Francisco, Schuldt attended Lowell High School, crewed on tuna fishing boats, drove a jitney, worked on an Idaho ranch, played the piano in a North Beach nightclub, bicycled the California coast and attended Beat Generation poetry readings. In the afternoons, she began spending more and more afternoons at Kellys Cove, the area at the north end of Ocean Beach, below the Cliff House, known for being an early hangout for bodybuilders and surfers. She and her friends said they were among the first to popularize bonfires at Ocean Beach. We were purple and freezing. In those days the water was colder. We never brought any wood. It was all driftwood. That was part of our ritual, Schuldt said in an oral history recorded by the Western Neighborhoods Project. Theyve proved that water has a memory and a mojo. In those days, there was none of this science like there is now. If the water has a memory, it doubtless recalls the sand-covered, sandy-haired woman who would emerge from the Pacific Ocean most afternoons and chat in colorful language with other beachgoers, many of them youngsters who were between jobs, homes and schools. Many such people found a meal and a temporary home with the woman they called Schultzie. Whether it was eating natural foods, railing against conventionality or keeping a compost pile, Schuldt in the 1960s seemed to be ahead of the curve. She would call things phony and a bunch of crap, recalled her friend Miner Lowe of San Francisco, who met her in the 1960s when he was learning to surf. I first noticed her coming out of the water, and she was dressed in a scarf, Lowe said. She was unique. A rebel. A dropout. She shunned all conventionality. ... She had a vocabulary like Tugboat Annie. And she had a strong, robust sense of excitement for life. Over the decades, San Francisco changed, but the Queen of the Beach didnt seem to. She kept bodysurfing well into her 80s, holding court in front of her beachfront house with anyone who would listen and talking fondly of how things once were. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The 60s were so colorful, so much fun, she told a San Francisco Public Library oral historian in 2005. Now theres technology people into their body and looks. Things in your ears. Computers. Its not as much fun as it used to be. Asked for advice, the Queen of the Beach would invariably reply, Stay close to nature; stay close to the Earth. And dont forget this, she would add, tapping her heart. She is survived by her longtime partner, Tamby Tavasieff of Woodacre; her son, Peter Tavasieff; and her daughters, Celeste Tavasieff and Simone Tavasieff, all of San Francisco. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m., at Purissima Cemetery, 1165 Verde Road, Half Moon Bay. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com A long-standing immigration law that imposes criminal punishment for encouraging or inducing someone to enter or remain in the United States illegally violates freedom of speech, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday. People can be punished for helping others to violate the law, including the law against illegal entry, but encouraging and inducing are typically acts of expression that cannot be criminalized, said the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. And the court noted that it is not a crime to remain in the U.S., even for someone who entered without authorization. The law, passed in 1985, potentially criminalizes the simple words spoken to a son, a wife, a parent, a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, a student, a client I encourage you to stay here, Judge A. Wallace Tashima said in the 3-0 ruling. The statute thus criminalizes a substantial amount of constitutionally protected expression. Although the law has not been used much, Tashima said, it might be invoked to prosecute a grandmother who encourages her grandson to overstay his visa, or a speaker at a rally who calls out, I encourage all you folks out there without legal status to stay in the U.S. in support of a campaign to change immigration laws. Lawyers for the city of San Francisco told the court that the Trump administrations director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement had threatened to use the law to prosecute city officials for allegedly shielding undocumented immigrants from federal agents through the citys sanctuary policy. Attorney Mark Fleming, who filed arguments for the Immigrant Defense Project and the National Lawyers Guild, said lawyers might also be prosecuted for advising an undocumented client to remain in the U.S. The mere risk of that happening has a chilling effect on people, Fleming said. Other federal courts have upheld the law by interpreting it narrowly to cover only advice that aids in lawbreaking. The Justice Department, which could appeal the ruling, did not respond to a request for comment. The case came from San Jose, where Evelyn Sineneng-Smith operated an immigrant counseling firm, mostly for Philippine migrants working in health care. She was convicted in 2015 of telling two undocumented clients she could help them obtain work permits and legal residence even though she knew the law allowing those benefits had already expired. The clients told investigators they would have left the U.S. if they had known the truth. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The court overturned her two felony convictions for encouraging her clients to remain in the country, but upheld two separate mail fraud convictions for sending retainer agreements to her clients saying she would help them legalize their status. She also pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison but has been free on bail during her appeal. Her lawyer, Daniel Cook, said he would continue to appeal the mail fraud convictions, arguing that Sineneng-Smith did not actually defraud her clients because her advice could have helped them gain legal status under bills then pending in Congress. But he said the courts ruling on free speech was important. If the 1985 law remained intact, Cook said, no undocumented immigrant could ever get advice from anyone without a risk that the adviser would be prosecuted. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko The interim head of San Franciscos beleaguered transit system delivered a 90-day progress report Tuesday, the first official review after a systemwide slowdown over summer. Muni met its goals to reduce preventable collisions and improve the frequency of its rapid bus lines. But it missed targets to increase service, run its light-rail lines on time and get its lowest frequency bus routes on a tighter schedule. Nonetheless, acting Muni director Julie Kirschbaum was optimistic. The bus system came within one point of hitting its mandate for 96 percent service delivery the share of scheduled buses that are operating on a given day and steadier train arrivals. In the past three months, riders experienced delays or gaps between trains 21 percent of the time, barely missing the goal of 20 percent. Those numbers seemed to cheer the board of directors at San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. But the board also signaled that Muni will face scrutiny going forward. They asked for similar reports every 90 days. The 90-day plan laid out by Kirschbaums predecessor John Haley was supposed to build trust in Muni and thaw relationships in City Hall, following a calamitous period of bus delays. Haley had poached drivers and buses from popular routes to run shuttles during the two-month retrofit of Twin Peaks Tunnel, a vital pipeline between downtown and the westside neighborhoods. That infrastructure project strained Muni at a time when it was already short drivers, and trying to cope with other changes, Kirschbaum said. Officials were overhauling the light-rail fleet, introducing a new fare box and radio system and adding new 40-foot trolleys. So we had to train our existing operators in all of this stuff, Kirschbaum said. It happened to coincide with Munis general signup for drivers to switch vehicles or roles, which also taxed the agency. And on top of all that, she said, we had to figure out how we were going to take these major rail lines with high-efficiency trains, and convert them into buses. 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. Even as it steadily improves, Muni is grappling with other construction projects that disrupt service. Crews widening a platform in Mission Bay got delayed by rain over the weekend, forcing the agency to replace its T-Third trains with buses on Monday and Tuesday, which irritated commuters. SFMTA Director Ed Reiskin said the line will be back to normal Wednesday, just as Muni faces a grilling in City Hall. Supervisor Vallie Brown called for a hearing at 11 a.m. to hear answers from SFMTA about why this system collapsed over the summer, and what steps are being taken to strengthen Muni. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan A new system designed to make train travel safer after a string of crashes is being delayed again as railroads across the country including the Bay Areas Caltrain ask for extensions of up to two years. I think the majority of commuter and passenger railroads, and even some freights, will ask for an extension, said Susan Fleming, director of physical infrastructure at Congress nonpartisan watchdog, the Government Accountability Office. Despite widespread support for positive train control the automated brakes that would override human error and potentially save lives smaller agencies are struggling to buy and set up the technology. That kicks the can down the road a bit, Fleming said. Among those commuter lines is Caltrain, which runs along the Peninsula. For months it has hovered on a federal watch list of railroads that were at risk of missing the Dec. 31 deadline and getting hit with fines of up to $28,000 a day. Caltrain had installed 98 percent of the positive train control hardware by the end of October, but officials plan to request a two-year extension so they can test it and train the engineers. The San Joaquin Valleys Altamont Corridor Express is also on the watch list. Yet after months of jostling, spokesman Chris Kay said the rail line put equipment in place last week and will test it by the end of the year. ACE sped up the process by doing early trial runs on a partial system, using antennas that were recalled on the East Coast because they couldnt withstand heavy rain and snow. It has since swapped those parts for the correct antennas, Kay said. Each railroad has its own story, Fleming said. For some the challenge was money. Others had a limited pool of expertise ... and needed to hire people to make this happen. On top of that, she said, only a few vendors and suppliers make the software and do the testing. Congress set the timeline for all freight and passenger trains to incorporate positive train control after years of catastrophic accidents, in which trains overshot platforms, collided with posts or other vehicles, or hurtled off the track, sending passengers to their deaths. The mandate became more urgent last year, when an Amtrak Cascades train plunged from an overpass near Tacoma, Wash., killing three people, injuring many others and crushing cars on Interstate 5. But many railroads have struggled to build the intricate network of GPS monitors, wireless radio towers, track-side detectors and computers to automatically slow trains down when they approach curves or trundle into stations. Being a small but mighty rail line, we kind of get pushed to the back with these projects, Kay said, explaining why ACE has scrambled to catch up. Two big obstacles stood in the way, he said. First, only a few companies make this technology, and the competition to get it is stiff. Because ACE has only 13 passenger locomotives, it fell to the back of the line. Second, positive train control requires intense coordination. ACE runs on tracks owned by Union Pacific, which had to install the system before ACE could outfit its trains separately. Paul Chinn / The Chronicle Still, Kay said, theres an advantage to being small: We can install this equipment and get all the testing done quickly. Caltrains situation is even more complicated. The agency has folded positive train control into a huge modernization project that includes electrifying the rail cars. So officials have to test the new automated brakes at a time when workers are on the tracks, digging potholes and putting up wires for the new electric system. They expect to have positive train control fully operating along the Peninsula corridor by the end of next year. Some safety advocates are tentatively optimistic. Others are impatient. Weve been pressing for some form of positive train control for well over 40 years, said Chris ONeil, spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board. And theyve rolled it back, rolled it back, rolled it back. And now were on the brink of X number of railroads getting extensions, and one more deadline. Members of the safety board started rallying for positive train control in 1969, when two Penn Central commuter trains crashed head-on near Darien, Conn., killing four people and injuring 43. But Congress was slow to react, even as technology improved and other deadly collisions showed the need to implement it. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. In 2008, 25 people died when a Union Pacific freight train collided with a Metrolink commuter train in Chatsworth (Los Angeles County), jolting the nation. That year federal lawmakers enacted the Rail Safety Improvement Act to require positive train control by 2015, a date they later pushed back. In the meantime, the countrys railways saw dozens more accidents with a common theme: An engineer, distracted or fatigued, misinterpreted a signal or paused to look at a cell phone. Legislators grappled with whether to enforce strict engineering requirements or go easy on agencies that lacked the money or manpower to build a complex control system. Officials at the Federal Railroad Administration set a hard line with the December deadline then extended it to 2020 for agencies that qualify. Robert Hall, director of railroad pipeline and hazardous materials investigations for the NTSB, said he hopes this will be the last postponement. Kay applauded the new train control system, which will speed up travel and allow trains to run more frequently, while improving safety. But he warned that positive train control is not an end-all, be-all safety feature. It wont help if someone runs across the track, for example, and wouldnt have prevented a 2016 mudslide in Sunol that derailed two ACE train cars and sent nine people to the hospital. Yet safety officials say it probably would have headed off last years deadly derailment in Washington. Amtrak officials said that train had positive train control, but the technology was not yet operating. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan The San Jose City Council early Wednesday approved a $110 million public land sale of 10 acres to Google, a key step to advance the tech giants expansion plans that would transform the citys downtown, despite protests that led to arrests and a rare closing of the councils chambers. After hours of debate that began Tuesday, the council voted unanimously after midnight for a plan by Google to bring around 20,000 jobs near Diridon Station by 2035, which would make it the citys largest private employer. Specific buildings havent been proposed, and final approvals are expected to take years. Dozens of residents expressed opposition, eloquent and profane, to Googles arrival in San Jose at a public hearing preceding the vote, underscoring the tension over techs enormous growth in the region. Opponents said Google would exacerbate the citys housing costs and displace residents. They also criticized the companys lack of minority workers and questioned if the company would benefit local residents. Google said in its diversity report that 2.5 percent of employees are black and 3.6 percent are Latino. San Jose cant afford a Google deal that ignores tenants, Alejandra Mejia, a mother of three children who said she has lived in a homeless shelter, said at the hearing. At one point, as council members prepared to cast their votes, opponents broke out in chants, prompting city leaders to put the meeting on hold for an hour. Some protestors chained themselves to seats until police officers used bolt cutters to separate them from the furniture. Eight protestors were arrested, police said. City officials said the development would bring much-needed jobs to the city and boost tax revenue, without requiring public subsidies. The council is seeking 25 percent affordable housing as part of the project. San Jose is still technically a bedroom community, Kim Walesh, San Jose deputy city manager, said at the hearing. Our job growth has not kept pace. Walesh said the city has 0.81 jobs for each employed resident, the lowest ratio among any major U.S. city. More than 60 percent of employed San Jose residents commute out of the city for work, to destinations including Googles headquarters in Mountain View. She said having Google as the single master developer would give the city more leverage in negotiating community benefits. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said at the hearing that the expansion would revitalize many dark corners of our downtown and that Google was a model community partner. Mark Golan, Google vice president of real estate and workplace services, said at the hearing that the company has been talking to community groups for 10 months and supports a deal with no tax subsidies and payment for additional community benefits. Diridon Station is one of the Bay Areas largest transit hubs, with current service by Caltrain, Amtrak and VTA light rail, and a planned BART connection by 2026. The city passed its Diridon Station Area Plan in 2014, calling for over 5 million square feet of office space, more than 2,600 housing units, 420,000 square feet of retail and 900 hotel rooms. It isnt clear how many housing units Google will build, but the company has said residential development is a priority. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes The project is expected to generate $8.5 million to $12.5 million in annual net tax revenue, plus $45 million to $69 million in new property tax revenue, according to a city-commissioned study. Silicon Valley Leadership Group, a nonprofit trade association whose members include Google, found 68 percent of San Jose residents supported the project in a September poll. The South Bay Labor Council and Silicon Valley Rising found 63 percent of 400 San Jose voters surveyed supported the project in a poll released in February. Project opponents said they want public land to be used for public housing and shelter for the homeless. Walesh, the deputy city manager, said Google building market-rate housing would help fund affordable housing. Randy Musterer, owner of Sushi Confidential, a restaurant about a half mile from the planned project, voiced his support, saying Googles presence would help boost sales for small businesses. He said he would hire 50 people if the project moves forward. We look forward to continuing to engage with the community and city of San Jose to form a joint vision for the proposed development, Javier Gonzalez, South Bay policy lead for Google, said in a statement after the vote. Roland Li is a Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf A ballot measure to ban all vacation home rentals in South Lake Tahoes residential neighborhoods after three years and reduce their occupancy limits almost immediately has passed by a margin of 58 votes, the El Dorado County Elections Department announced Tuesday. The City Council plans to meet Monday to accept the final results of the November election. Ten days later, Measure T will take effect, said Chris Fiore, a spokesman for the city. Any voter can demand and pay for a recount, but that doesnt seem to be in the works despite the measures thin majority of 50.42 percent. We have talked about a recount, but I dont believe we are going to ask for one, said Jerry Williams, president of the Sustainable Community Alliance, a group of home and business owners who opposed Measure T. We are disappointed in the outcome but remain committed to working with city leaders in protecting jobs and tourism. The measure can only be overturned or modified by another vote. Williams said his group has not discussed a subsequent ballot measure and he has not heard if anyone is planning a lawsuit to challenge Measure T. The measure applies to homes rented for 30 days or less outside the citys tourist core. The core generally runs along Highway 50 from Ski Run Boulevard to Stateline. There are about 1,400 short-term rentals outside the core and only 400 inside. The voters have spoken, and we respect that, Fiore said. The only thing we can do is wait for the fiscal shoe to drop. That has been our concern all along, what it will do monetarily to the city of South Lake Tahoe. The city estimated that it could lose up to $4 million a year in tourist taxes and other fees. A group of residents called Tahoe Neighborhoods Group gathered enough signatures to place the measure on the ballot. Although homes in the city have been rented to vacationers for decades, their numbers have increased with the growth of rental sites such as Airbnb and VRBO. Measure T proponents said tourists dont belong in neighborhoods zoned as residential. They say visitors disturb their peace and make it harder for full-time residents to find housing. A year ago, the city limited vacation home rentals to 1,400 outside the tourist core and imposed stiff rules and fines aimed at cracking down on loud parties, parking problems and late-night hot tub use. Opponents of Measure T said these were working, but many neighbors were still unhappy. Our mission was to get this in front of the voters. We felt the broader community hadnt been listened to, said Peggy Bourland, a member of the neighborhood group. Their victory is a caution for our community and all communities. She said a similar ballot measure in Pacific Grove near Monterey passed with 57.5 percent of the vote. That measure will prohibit short-term rentals in residential areas outside the coastal zone and phase out existing ones within 18 months. The California Coastal Commission plans and regulates land and water use along the states shoreline, excluding the San Francisco Bay, in partnership with local governments. The commission opposes blanket vacation rental bans along the coast and has found them inconsistent with the state Coastal Act because they unduly limit public recreational access opportunities, it said in a December 2016 letter to coastal communities. In Del Mar, just north of San Diego, the City Council adopted an ordinance that would limit short-term rentals in residential areas to 28 days per year, with a minimum stay of seven days. The commission refused to certify the ordinance, proposing instead a minimum stay of three days for up to 100 days per year. The City Council has taken legal action challenging the commissions authority. Some states have taken stronger steps to limit local authority on short-term rentals. Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Tennessee and Wisconsin have enacted legislation prohibiting short-term rental bans, the National Council of State Legislatures said in a report. In South Lake Tahoe, the 1,400 homeowners with existing vacation home permits in non-core neighborhoods can continue to operate them for three years. Those permits cannot be transferred to anyone, including a new owner. Once Measure T takes effect, the city can issue no new permits outside the core. After Dec. 31, 2021, anyone still operating a vacation home rental outside the core will have to stop, although they could rent it for more than 30 days at a time. Measure T also reduces occupancy limits on short-term rentals outside the core effective Dec. 20. The current limit two people per bedroom plus four per home will shrink to two per bedroom period, and no home can have more than 12 occupants. Fiore said the city will issue permits that reflect the new occupancy limits by Jan. 7, but that it will enforce them the same way we did before. The city responds only when it gets a complaint. The city will give affected owners until Jan. 7 to bring their ads and property signs into compliance with the new limits. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Michael Keller, a real estate broker and owner of Keller Properties in South Lake Tahoe, said the cap imposed last December and uncertainty over Measure T have already impacted the market, especially large homes designed for families and groups. After the city imposed the 1,400 home limit last December, the waiting list for vacation home permits grew to about two years, he said. He listed a newly built, seven-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot home on Regina Road near the base of Heavenly ski resort at $2.25 million in August 2017. After seven price cuts, its now listed at $1.55 million. At that price, the owner an investor who built it as a vacation rental would take a substantial loss, Keller said. The majority of the buyer pool (for that type of property) has disappeared. A new owner could rent it out for more than 30 days at a time, but its not the kind of property that would be turned into workforce housing. Lower- and moderate-priced homes have been less affected because many people who buy them as a second home may rent them out as a sideline. They also could be more easily converted to full-time rentals. Evan Goldin lives in Menlo Park but couldnt afford to buy a home there, so he bought one in South Lake Tahoe instead. He and his wife use it about half the year and rent it short term the other half. In the five years he has owned it, he has had no violations and paid the city about $50,000 in taxes and fees. Im really disappointed and worried about the future of South Lake Tahoe, the hole it will blow in the budget and all the businesses that have started up in the last few years, Goldin said. Personally, its disheartening to have my property rights taken away. We are not some giant company, just one married couple that owns one home and are not sure what to do. Measure T does not impact homes outside the South Lake Tahoe limits, but El Dorado County has also discussed imposing a moratorium or cap on vacation home rentals in unincorporated areas. From an economic standpoint that can have some of the same effect as an outright ban, Keller said. Kathleen Pender is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: kpender@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kathpender WASHINGTON A typically noncontroversial part of Congress must-pass farm bill has become a flash point in the aftermath of California wildfires that President Trump blamed on neglected forests, prompting House and Senate leadership to intervene in negotiations over how to regulate federally owned woodlands. Still, sources say its not clear whether the bill will result in many new tools to combat increasingly devastating fires. And lawmakers have largely resisted a push to include the most contested provisions sought by House Republicans and the Trump administration. The twice-a-decade farm bill authorizes money and sets policy for agriculture and food security, and must be passed by the end of the year to keep the nations food industry and safety net functioning. The bill also sets broad guidelines for managing federally owned forests, as the U.S. Forest Service is a division of the Department of Agriculture. Congressional negotiators working to reconcile starkly different House and Senate versions of the bill say they have reached a deal in principle on legislation that will be sent back to both chambers for a vote. But congressional leaders are closely guarding details, and negotiators caution that some elements could change. According to sources close to the negotiations, the compromise version will more closely resemble the bipartisan Senate bill than the House measure that narrowly passed with only Republican votes. It is expected to waive some environmental reviews for removal of trees and other growth that is insect-ridden, diseased or deemed to be a fire hazard. However, the bill will allow such waivers over smaller tracts of land than what House Republicans had sought, the sources said. The House bill would have doubled the size of waivers to cover 6,000 acres of forest at a time. The bill will also expand good neighbor provisions to allow county and tribal governments to help manage forests and watersheds on federal land. And it will boost programs intended to promote forest restoration and preservation between government and nongovernmental entities. The forestry provisions are an unlikely attention-getter for the farm bill. Most of the public debate over the legislation has centered on House Republicans attempts to expand work requirements for food-stamp recipients, but that effort died after the GOP was routed in the House midterm elections. After fires in Butte County and Southern California killed a combined 88 people last month, Trump and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke began pushing the farm bill as a vehicle for possible fire prevention provisions. Trump falsely claimed that the farm bill would contain $500 million in wildfire relief and pressed for improved forest management in California over what he says are environmentalists standing in the way. More than half of forestland in California is owned by the federal government, while state and local agencies own just 3 percent. Touring the Camp Fire devastation in Butte County, Trump said the president of Finland had told him they spend a lot of time on raking and cleaning and doing things and they dont have any problem. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto later denied ever discussing raking with Trump, and many forestry experts said Trumps comments were a gross oversimplification of the issue. Zinke authored an opinion piece pushing for the House version of the farm bill and more forest-clearing and logging, which he labeled active management of forests. He and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue called for expanded rights to log on federal land and for waiving many environmental restrictions on tree cutting. As Trump administration officials focused on the forestry provisions, congressional leaders took over negotiations on those measures from agriculture committee chairs. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco was among those who became involved in the closed-door discussions, aides say. Some lawmakers have chafed at the secrecy surrounding the bill, including Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael. He called the House-passed bill a partisan monstrosity and said hes been communicating his concerns to Pelosi. We have just been kept completely in the dark, Huffman said. Its just been incredibly closely held, so concerns have been expressed, and Im certainly hopeful that we dont see any overreach, but Im watching carefully. ... I dont trust the Republican majority in its final days to be thoughtful conservationists. Perdue conceded this week that the administration largely lost on the provisions it had wanted in the farm bill, according to Politico. He said the administration could try to push a stand-alone bill instead. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock (Stanislaus County), said the compromise bill will follow a timber harvesting plan that will keep our forests safer, cleaner, and a forest management plan that conserves our water. Environmental groups and Democrats say theyre not trying to stand in the way of reasonable forest management. But they argue that Republicans are disingenuously pushing for provisions that would vastly increase logging and circumvent input from communities and scientists. Environmental groups also argue that the administration is ignoring climate change as a driving factor in wildfires and is pushing for increased logging, when whats needed are stronger building codes and landscape designs that create fire breaks between homes and woodlands. What the California fires have confirmed is that the best way to protect structures is by creating defensible space, and theres a suite of things that can be done to give structures the best chance of surviving a wildfire, said Randi Spivak of the Center for Biological Diversity. Logging in the back country is not one of them. Democrats question why the administration is pushing for more authority to bypass environmental laws when Congress passed similar and less sweeping measures in March. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., pressed Perdue in October for information on what the government had done under those powers. He has not replied. The top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee said the administration needed to demonstrate how those new laws worked before asking for broader authority to log forests. To my knowledge, those havent been used yet, Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow told The Chronicle. So wed love to have those used so we can see how it goes. Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan A death-row inmate convicted of three gang-related murders in 1997 died of unknown causes at San Quentin State Prison this week, corrections officials said. Herminio Serna, 53, was pronounced dead at 8:37 p.m. Monday at the prison, according to the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The circumstances of his death, including where and when his body was found at the prison, were not revealed. Serna was sentenced to death in November 1997 by a Santa Clara County jury that found him guilty of murdering Esteban Guzman, Marcos Baca and Sheila Apodaca with special circumstances in the killing of Apodaca. His co-defendants, James Trujeque, 66, and Bobby Lopez, Jr., 53, were also sentenced to die. The trio were reportedly members of the Nuestra Familia prison gang that carried out violent, deadly attacks against fellow gang members in the San Jose area in the 1990s. Sernas death comes nearly a month after prison staff found two other death-row inmates dead in their cells. Both men, 54-year-old Andrew Urdiales and 51-year-old Virendra Govin, were in their cells alone when their bodies were found, officials said. They were each facing execution for multiple murders. Their deaths are being investigated as suicides. Another death-row inmate, 30-year-old Jonathan Fajardo, was stabbed to death by another inmate in the East Block Housing Unit recreation yard at San Quentin in early October. 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. Since 1978, 79 death-row inmates have died from natural causes, 25 have died by suicide, 13 have been executed in California, one was executed in Missouri, one was executed in Virginia, 11 have died from other causes, and three inmate deaths including Sernas are being investigated to determine the cause and manner of death, according to corrections officials. There are 741 inmates on the states death row, officials said. Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LaurenPorFavor A San Francisco jury found a man guilty on Tuesday of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old boy over the course of several months, officials said. Jose Francisco Gonzalez, 51, was convicted of two counts of forced oral copulation, one count of forced lewd acts upon a child, and one count of committing a lewd act upon a child, according to the San Francisco district attorneys office. Officials said Gonzalez rented a room from a family friend in San Francisco, where he spent months babysitting the familys two young boys ages 3 and 6 while their mother worked night shifts. In March 2017, the 3-year-old boy told his mother that he saw his 6-year-old brother perform oral sex on Gonzalez. The older boy subsequently said that Gonzalez repeatedly forced him to perform and receive oral sex, and fondled him over several months while his mother was at work. Gonzalezs public defender, Roberto Evangelista, said in a statement to The Chronicle that his client is a hardworking man whose family and friends testified on his behalf. He has maintained his innocence of these heinous charges from the beginning and continues to do so, Evangelista said in a statement. The public defenders office plans to appeal the jurys decision, Evangelista said. During trial, the victim said that Gonzalez, who he referred to as his big best friend, advised him not to tell his mom about the sexual assaults because it would make him cry, according to the district attorneys office. We were keeping it a secret but its not a secret anymore, said the 3-year-old boy during trial. Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Schmidt, who prosecuted the case, said in a statement that he hopes the verdict will provide some measure of comfort for the victim and his family. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The facts of this case are extremely disturbing, said District Attorney George Gascon. Ensuring such men never touch another child is some of the most important work we do. Officials have not scheduled a date for Gonzalez to be sentenced, but he is facing a maximum term of life in prison, officials said. The San Francisco Police Department investigated the case. Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LaurenPorFavor In South Ozone Park, Nurse Vivian and Pop took Christmas cards seriously. The day after Thanksgiving, the Paulsons drove to Great Eastern Mills out on Long Island to pick out Christmas cards: mostly nativity scenes, a few snowmen, one box of foil-lined envelopes to impress Aunt Rita. One box of Seasons Greetings! for all of Nurse Vivians Jewish friends from Kings County Nursing School. The only person who got an individual card was Grand Aunt Beatrice, who by force of age and whiskey had become the matriarch. Pop picked out a funny card for her, something like Santa Claus landing on an outhouse yelling, Rudolph, you idiot! I said the Schmidt house! Seems antique now, but in the 60s, the annual Christmas card was Facebook. Pop kept a list in a spiral-bound stenographers notebook, with more than 300 names. He had a system, in that as he or Nurse Vivian wrote out the card, they noted the year underneath the address. If the person sent us a card back, the year was circled. Three years without a circle got the person off the list. The big change came in 1963. Robert Moon had divided the United States up into sections, and called it the Zone Improvement Plan, or ZIP code. On July 1, 1963, the Post Office implemented this system to make mail delivery zippy. Three months later, they issued a list of two-letter codes for each state, so instead of Calif. for California, we use CA. Todays trivia: Whats the only state to change its two-letter code? At the request of Canada, Nebraska was changed from NB to NE. Seems that some Omaha people got confused with New Brunswick. Pop looked up everyones new ZIP code, thinking that this would give him the edge over Aunt Rita, whose card always arrived before the first candle on the Advent wreath was lit. But alas, he never got the drop on her, as, no matter what else happened that November, her card was in our mailbox on the 28th. A half-century later, she still beats the Paulsons. Unlike Nurse Vivian, instead of boxed cards, Brian and I take Solstice/Kwanzaa/Noel/Hanukkah photos. Thereve been a few serious Andy Williamses, but mostly we aim for Yuletide-of-the-Absurd. Holiday Greeting From the Planet Krypton; Dance of the Sugarplum Pekingese; and a Pirate Christmas. The year Bandit moved in, we dressed up as Jonny Quest. My personal favorite? The Village People and their Village Puppies. Brian and I like filling out the envelopes. We go through our Superman address book just as Pop did, except we tend not to eliminate names. Partly thats my OCD: I like to have a name under each letter, and although we have plenty of Fs and Ps, we cannot afford to give up Quirions, Yateses and Zweifels. First reader to identify as Xerxes gets a free Christmas card! Last year was not the best year in the Fisher-Paulson family, but we still have our traditions, and we went High Concept. When Zane was little, he had a fascination with ninjas, only he had a hard time pronouncing the word. Drew masked warriors all over the bedroom walls, but when the cartoon came on, hed say, Wanna watch Ginger Turtles. So 12 months ago, Crazy Mike brought his camera, and photographed the teenaged (and middle-aged) ninja mutant turtles, in front of the works of Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael and Leonardo: a Cowabunga Christmas. As Zane posed for the Vitruvian Turtle, he hugged me and said, I just love being part of this family. This year, Im keeping myself too busy to wallow. So I suggested we set a goal: Lets beat Aunt Rita this year! Brian sighed, The womans in her late 90s. Shes got to slow down sometime. And with Zane gone, no photo. No props. No costumes. We can beat her. We asked an artist, Joe Phillips, to draw the Fisher-Paulson family. Joes brilliant: Just for a moment, we looked happy and whole and under one roof. On paper, at least. Life doesnt always imitate art. But it gives us something to aspire to. Our card is not as we are, but as we might be on Christmas morning, had the bungalow in the outer, outer, outer, outer Excelsior been just a little bit more like a Hallmark movie. I realize now that none of us really gets a Norman Rockwell holiday, and most of us are like ginger turtles. But all of us are like Zane, in that we just love being part of this family. The Fisher-Paulsons might not be the most accurate, but we are the most zippy: postmarked 24-November-2018. Merry Christmas, Aunt Rita. Kevin Fisher-Paulsons column appears Wednesdays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com Confronting a public pension system with rising deficits, the California Supreme Court seemed inclined Wednesday to approve some legislative reductions in future retirement benefits for hundreds of thousands of state and local government workers, but not the far-reaching cuts backed by Gov. Jerry Brown. The justices heard arguments in Los Angeles on the right of public employees to buy additional retirement credits while still employed. A 2004 state law allowed employees with at least five years of service to purchase up to five years of additional credits commonly labeled airtime before retiring. Under this plan, a 20-year worker could qualify for a pension based on 25 years of contributions. Legislation signed by Brown repealed that law in 2013. The issue before the court was whether the repeal applied to employees who had been hired before 2013. A union of 6,000 state firefighters, backed by other labor organizations, argued that workers still on the job had a right to pension benefits that were in effect when they were hired or were added during their employment. That principle is called the California Rule. It was adopted by the states high court more than 60 years ago and has been followed by a dozen other states. The court could use this case to reaffirm the rule, define it much more narrowly as Browns office is arguing or abolish it, though it would take new state laws to further reduce public workers pensions. We want to retain the best employees we can for the state, Gregg Adam, lawyer for Cal Fire Local 2881, told the court. For employees who were already working when the 2004 laws repeal took effect, he said, were talking about reliance on the future retirement benefits they had been promised. But Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye questioned whether the right to buy retirement credits in the future was really a pension benefit. How does that affect your pension when its only an opportunity to purchase? she asked. Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuellar compared the 2013 law to repeal with a law the court unanimously upheld in 1977 that lowered state employees retirement age from 70 to 67. And when Adam said many government workers had applied for their jobs because of promised benefits like the now-repealed pension law, Justice Goodwin Liu said, Everything is an inducement to employment, including such benefits as health care and vacations, which are not immune from future cutbacks. But the justices also seemed skeptical of some of the arguments by Rei Onishi, a deputy legal affairs secretary in Browns office, which took over Attorney General Xavier Becerras usual role in representing the state. The governor signed the 2013 repeal law in the face of a looming pension crisis, Onishi said, referring to forecasts of mounting deficits in the pension systems for more than 2 million state and local government employees. One 2010 study projected a statewide shortfall of more than $500 billion, forcing local governments to consider layoffs and service reductions even as the state projects a budget surplus. Referring to the former right to buy future retirement credits, Onishi said, merely because somebody is hoping for something in the future does not establish a vested pension right. Public employees, he contended, have only a right to a substantial ... reasonable pension. Liu said the terminology, used by some lower courts, is subject to wide interpretation. 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. Are there any limits on what the Legislature could do in reducing current employees future pensions? he asked. No, Onishi replied. And when Cuellar speculated that the Legislature could say a substantial reasonable pension is $1, Onishi, after hesitating, agreed. In other words, said Justice Leondra Kruger, there is no vested right to some minimal pension benefit, prospectively speaking? Not if the employee hasnt earned it yet, Onishi replied. A ruling is due within 90 days. It probably will affect another 2013 law signed by Brown that banned pension spiking, which boosts retirement benefits by increasing an employees pay during the final years, often done by cashing out unused vacation time and sick leave. Wednesdays case is Cal Fire Local 2881 vs. California Public Employees Retirement System, S239958. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Scientists have rapidly ascended the summit of gene editing, motivated by CRISPR (for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats), a naturally occurring gene editing system pioneered at UC Berkeley. Atop the mountain awaits an unseen vista of programming all living things at mans will. But is it reasonable to expect scientists worldwide to proceed in lockstep and peer beyond the horizon together? Groundbreaking advancement often comes from those compelled to proceed alone by the sheer force of their scientific inquiry. Chinese researcher He Jiankui did just that last week by revealing his gene editing experiments on the embryos of twin girls born last month. Hes actions, if he actually did what he claims to have done, breach a handshake agreement among scientists not to edit heritable DNA. For now, such editing is viewed as akin to playing God, potentially setting in motion a cascade of evolution to which only nature holds the rights. He removed a gene called CCR5 from the embryos, thus making them resistant to HIV. (The father of the girls is HIV positive, and the parents were said to have consented to the experiment.) Predictably, Hes actions were met with condemnation. If the girls survive, they would pass on their edited genome to their children. Whether the edited genes would persevere is unknown, as there are many factors in genetics not well understood. Hes activities were condemned immediately by the Chinese government and his research suspended. His employer, the university in Shenzhen, said the researcher has been on unpaid leave since February and distanced itself from his research. He has not been seen since appearing at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing in Hong Kong. Man, however, has been loading the dice of evolution long before DNA was discovered. Plants and animals have been selectively bred to produced desired traits for tens of thousands of years. CRISPR and related tools are merely more precise and expedient methods; scientists can find the exact sequence of nucleic-acids in the DNA and remove it or splice in a new gene, all in the lab. But what is still a long ways from being understood is how such edits affect the individual organism as well as the whole ecosystem. While the genetic origins of some human diseases are well known sickle-cell anemia, for instance, is the result of a single incorrect nucleic acid most diseases are a result of far more complex mutations and interactions in the 3 billion nucleic acid pairs of DNA. To gain understanding, the vast majority of research to date has been performed in animals. Corporate scientists, funded largely by venture capital, already have edited animal genomes to create meatier salmon, beefier Angus cattle and hornless dairy cows. But efforts are well along at hundreds of companies around the world, including several here in the Bay Area, to develop human medicines based on gene editing. The first therapies have already hit the market, for example, a form of childhood leukemia can now be cured for $475,000 through edited T-cells. It stands to reason then the countries and companies that take the first steps toward inventing and patenting human gene editing technologies will gain not just in medicine but also in the defense, agricultural and other industries. And though China, like the United States, has laws prohibiting the creation of genetically modified humans, such laws may have less to do with ethics and more to do with preserving rights, and hence profits, to such future technology. Certainly many scientists and ethicists harbor genuine concern for the welfare of human subjects and possibly even a virtuous concern for nature but the overarching condemnation of Hes actions seem to have more to do with a race to industrialization of a powerful new technology. If concern for downstream effects to the ecosystem were the primary concern, then why should humans be any less concerned about edits to other living organisms? Moreover, why start the public debate now humans have been altering gene pools and ecosystems through indirect means often to the detriment of many species, including Homo sapiens, since the dawn of industry. White moths evolved to black ones due to soot pollution in the United Kingdom; birds the world over have changed the pitch of their songs to be heard above traffic; carcinogens in consumer products alter our DNA, which we pass on to our children. If nature administers evolution, then modern humans have long been its underwriters. We have already tampered with our genomes and ecosystem; by that lens, these experiments are not any more egregious. In a world where being first to patent and to market often defines success, it is not surprising that a scientist pursuing the next logical (or illogical), experimental step on a promising technology would be so widely disparaged: that one step forward puts everyone else one step behind. We need only to examine the history of pioneering science to hear echoes of the same objections Christaan Barnards heart-transplant experiments (1967), Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoes IVF-created babies (1969), or the Asilomar Conference limitations on recombinant DNA experiments (1975) that all eventually gave way to industry desires. If we are to embrace science and the scientific method of inquiry, then we should embrace the scientist proceeding according to his own morality. As Lao Tzu said in his Tao Te Ching, A good scientist has freed himself of concepts and keeps his mind open to what is. Chirag Asaravala is a consultant to the biotech industry and consults for several CRISPR startups. 2 1 of 2 Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Michael Short / Special to The Chronicle Show More Show Less SACRAMENTO Every homeless person in California would have a right to a bed year-round under a statewide right to shelter policy proposed by Sen. Scott Wiener. The San Francisco Democrat announced SB48 on Wednesday, although key details of the bill including how much the added shelters will cost, how they will be paid for and who will be responsible for ensuring enough beds are made available will not be worked out until at least next year. The political wrangling around the $181 million the city unexpectedly received last week began Tuesday, as Mayor London Breed and a number of supervisors offered differing visions on how they want to spend the extra money. The proposals, which were introduced Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors meeting, concern the unexpected $415 million windfall the city received from excess revenue in a county education fund. While the City Charter mandates that more than half the money go toward budget reserves and certain city agencies, such as the Municipal Transportation Agency, the mayor and board have free rein over how to spend $181 million. Breed and the six supervisors who sponsored the competing proposal Aaron Peskin, Rafael Mandelman, Sandra Lee Fewer, Hillary Ronen, Norman Yee and Jane Kim agree that most of the money should be spent on homelessness and housing initiatives. They differ, however, on exactly how much. And because the board wont be able to take up the allocation until next year, when its composition will shift to a progressive majority, deciding how the funds are spent is likely to amount to one of the mayors first political tests of how she can negotiate with a left-leaning board. The mayor wants to use the money largely to meet the goals of Proposition C, a November ballot measure she opposed that would raise $300 million in taxes from the citys largest businesses to fund homeless services. The measure passed with 61 percent approval, but is facing possible legal challenges that could hold up the money for months or even years. Breed is proposing to split the extra money into two chunks: $90.5 million for the Mayors Office of Housing and Community Development and $90.5 million for the Departments of Public Health and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing together. The money would go toward specific initiatives, such as jump-starting her ambitious goal of adding 1,000 shelter beds by the end of 2020 and conducting a performance review of the citys existing homelessness programming. Meanwhile, the supervisors proposal spearheaded by Peskin seeks to divvy up the money in a more diverse way: $121 million for the Mayors Office of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Public Health; $10 million to help meet some of the goals of Junes Universal Childcare for All ballot initiative, which is wrapped up in a lawsuit; and $50 million to go toward reducing San Franciscos reliance on Pacific Gas and Electric Co. The boards proposed $50 million allocation to purchase electric utility equipment from PG&E would give the city more independence from the utility company, potentially easing the friction of recent years about how power gets delivered to some municipal facilities. City officials have complained that PG&Es insistence on what critics call arbitrary technical requirements has resulted in substantial delays and cost overruns on numerous city projects including affordable housing developments, recreation spaces and public-safety facilities. Years of tensions between the city and PG&E peaked in March when Barbara Hale, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commissions general manager in charge of power, accused PG&E of requiring city projects to be built to handle power loads far beyond what was actually needed. At the time, Hale said that at least 16 projects were facing delays because of the utilitys mandates, some by over a year. PG&E maintains that its unfair for San Francisco to take advantage of the utilitys infrastructure without having to own or maintain any equipment, and it has cited the arcane Federal Power Act to back up its claims. The utilitys position is that the city must meet its requirements and install equipment of its own if it wants to transmit electricity over PG&Es lines at wholesale prices. Since 2014, PG&E and the city have waited for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to sort out the matter, but a judgment could take years. The sudden influx of cash came from the Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund, or ERAF, a state program that shifts a portion of local property taxes to public school systems in each county. When county auditors determine that the fund has enough money to meet the minimum state funding requirements for its public schools and community colleges, the remaining funds are returned to the local governments with few restrictions on how theyre spent. This is the first time San Francisco is receiving excess ERAF money. The exact figure, $414.7 million, includes excess ERAF for both the previous and current fiscal year. City Controller Ben Rosenfield said his office is working with the State Controllers Office to determine if the city is owed excess ERAF money from previous years. Tuesdays proposals will set off a 30-day legislative waiting period. Details will be debated in 2019, when three new supervisors Matt Haney in District Six, Gordon Mar in District Four and Shamann Walton in District 10 join the board. The outcome of the November election put into question how many allies Breed will have on the 11-member board when it comes to fulfilling key parts of her agenda and it remains to be seen how she will negotiate the use of the excess funds with a progressive-majority board. The mayor wants to ensure funding goes to affordable housing and homelessness, so we can help people get off the streets, said Jeff Cretan, the mayors spokesman. She looks forward to discussing her priorities with the board, as well as their priorities in the coming weeks. Ronen said Tuesday is only the beginning of the conversation on how to spend the money. Whats going to happen here is that there are going to be two different versions of how to spend that money, and well have a very public debate and make different cases, and then meld them together, she said. Trisha Thadani and Dominic Fracassa are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com, dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani @DominicFracassa Progress in the fight against global warming has taken a big step backward, according to research published Wednesday, which projects greenhouse-gas emissions from fossil fuels will hit a record high this year after a recent and promising lull. And next year, emissions are expected to be even higher. The research by the Global Carbon Project, with work out of Stanford University, blames the uptick on the explosive growth of the global economy. While many wealthy nations like the U.S. are turning to clean energy to spur the boom, they arent doing so quickly enough to make up for the dirty coal plants in India and China that continue to spew out pollution. This years projected 2.7 percent emissions bump will mark a second year of rising greenhouse gases after three years of little or no growth. The change in direction casts doubt on whether nations will meet the climate goals laid out in the 2015 Paris accord and head off the fallout from global warming, which has already resulted in more wildfires, more drought and more flooding. We hoped that we had seen the peak in carbon emissions, said Rob Jackson, professor of Earth system science at Stanford and one of the primary contributors to the Global Carbon Project. We know now that this wasnt the case. The emissions research, published in three scientific journals this week, comes as world leaders and environmental experts, including many from California, meet in Katowice, Poland, to flesh out a strategy for reducing greenhouse gases as prescribed in the Paris Agreement. The challenge at the two-week summit could hardly be greater. The new emissions research is just the latest in a series of reports that show how dire the situation has become. Last months U.S. National Climate Assessment found that disruptions from heat-trapping gas are happening much faster than expected. These include the deadly fires and choking smoke in California. The political environment, meanwhile, continues to sour on climate action. President Trump, on a recent cold day, again questioned the science of rising temperatures, tweeting, Whatever happened to Global Warming? His decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris deal has been followed by concern that other nations like Brazil and Australia are also losing interest. The Poland meeting really should be a series of mea culpas by a number of countries, said Dan Kammen, professor of energy at UC Berkeley, who has attended many of the U.N.-sponsored climate summits, but is not attending this one. We can remain hopeful that the countries that are part of the Paris accord will really double down. Kammen said another year of rising greenhouse-gas emissions does not bode well for meeting the Paris targets. The accord calls for limiting greenhouse gases enough so that global temperatures dont rise more than 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, by the end of the century. This is the point at which the atmosphere is expected to be too warm to prevent catastrophic and irreversible problems. Temperatures have already risen about 1 degree Celsius since the industrial revolution. We really need to see a reduction now, Kammen said, noting that heat-trapping gases should drop nearly half by 2030 to stay on course. Todd Trumbull The new emissions report estimates that the worlds discharge of fossil-fuel-generated carbon dioxide, the gas most responsible for rising temperatures, will be 37.1 billion tons in 2018. The mark represents a 2.7 percent increase over 2017, which follows a 1.6 percent increase over the prior year. Emissions between 2014 and 2016 were largely flat. The biggest contributor to this years increase is China, according to the report. As the year comes to a close, emissions in the worlds most-polluting nation will have risen 4.7 percent as the country makes additional iron, steel, aluminum and cement to feed the expanding economy, according to the projections. More coal plants have opened to provide the necessary energy. India, which produces about a third as much greenhouse gas as China, is expected to see a 6.3 percent increase in emissions this year. The spike is not only driven by economic growth but the need to simply furnish power for millions who dont have it. The U.S., too, is projected to see a jump in greenhouse gases, about 2.5 percent. The worlds second-biggest polluter saw a dramatic drop in the use of coal in 2018, yet increases in oil and natural gas, which is considered a greener alternative to coal, are expected to offset the decrease. Energy demands grew in the U.S. largely because of air conditioning during an exceptionally hot summer and heating during a cold winter in the East, according to the report. This year will mark the first uptick in emissions in the U.S. since 2014. Despite efforts by the Trump administration to roll back climate regulations, however, the country is expected to see declining greenhouse gases next year. Federal deregulation has been slow to take hold while market forces are likely to continue pushing out coal in favor of wind and solar energy. Worldwide, though, global emissions are forecast to continue rising in 2019, based on current trends, according to the report. The authors did not speculate by how much. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The emissions research was published in the journals Environmental Research Letters, Nature and Earth System Science Data. For three years, we had decreases (in greenhouse gases) in wealthier countries that counterbalanced increases in places like India, Jackson said, noting that the red-hot economy doesnt have to be an impediment to emission reductions. Countries can still grow while cutting fossil fuel use, but there just arent enough countries doing this. Attendees at the 24th annual U.N. climate conference in Poland hope to get more nations on board with alternative energy. Three years ago in Paris, nearly 200 countries committed to cleaning up their economies, though the details of their promises were left to be worked out at future summits. Its also appearing that these pledges will fall well short of the targets. Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board who is representing California in Katowice, said the state is participating to encourage ambitious climate action. I think its important that we show, especially in a time when other countries and our country are behaving in an erratic way, our commitment, she said, before boarding her flight to Europe. California is a steadfast member of the international community. The White House has sent a national delegation to Poland, but its not expected to be active in discussions. The U.S. technically remains in the Paris Agreement until 2020, the first year it can officially withdraw. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, one of the early speakers at the climate conference, told a cheering crowd in Katowice that many in the U.S. are still in the fight against global warming. America is more than just Washington or one leader, he said, calling Trump meshugge for his decision to snub the Paris agreement. Thats Yiddish for crazy. Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander The Three Tenors seemingly reunited onstage at the War Memorial Opera House recently. But their vocals were a spoken-word serenade by San Francisco Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock, General Director Emeritus David Gockley and Association President Keith Geeslin who sang the praises of Cynthia Fry Gunn and her husband, Opera Board Chairman John Gunn. It is with great joy that the three of us pay tribute to a couple whose generosity, passion and belief in this company have quite literally catapulted S.F. Opera into world-class excellence, toasted Gockley. This sixth An Evening on the Stage honored the Gunns philanthropic generosity and cultural leadership with a Crescendo Award. It was hosted by newly elected San Francisco Opera Guild President Mary Poland, with event chairs Kim Dempster and Linle Froeb. Black-tie guests dined on a delectable McCalls dinner set upon the opera stage transformed into a twinkly winter wonderland thanks to designer J. Riccardo Benavides, who expertly riffed off scenery already in place for Its a Wonderful Life, a new opera by composer Jake Heggie. The Gunns are amazing and truly love opera: The company stands on that pillar of excellence because of their generosity, said Heggie, whos new work benefited from the couples beneficence. A live auction raised funds for the guilds free music-education programs. And soprano Golda Schultz wowed the crowd with a Puccini aria and a song from her native South Africa. Gunn, an EssEff native who joined the Opera board in 2002, traces his love of the art form to high school where he met Ronald Adler. The two teens attended dress rehearsals under the leadership of Ronalds dad, former Opera General Director Kurt Herbert Adler. In 2008 the Gunns, who met at Stanford University, committed a historic $40 million gift the largest ever given by individual donors to an American opera company. Theyve also underwritten numerous productions a sort of S.F. Opera greatest hits, including Porgy and Bess, Dream of the Red Chamber, The Ring Cycle and next years premiere of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs. Amy Tans Bonesetters Daughter was the first time we had people outside scalping tickets, recalled John Gunn, with a laugh. After numerous tributes, it was no surprise as the Opera Chorus took the stage belting out Handels Zadok the Priest. Better known as the rousing British anthem, it contains that famous line, tweaked to honor the Gunns: God Save the King ... and Queen. Not surprisingly, this duo were the first up on their feet to applaud. Second act: It was a really big show for American Conservatory Theater as supporters officially welcomed ACTs new Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon and new executive director Jessica Bielstein during the Fall Celebration at ACT trustee Ken Fulks St. Josephs Arts Society. The evening featured a seated Paula LeDuc dinner and lively Sheila E. concert that raised $900K for ACTs training, education and community programs. But first, ACTs new leaders received verbal standing Os from such luminaries as actors Ellen Burstyn and Judd Hirsch, both grateful recipients of MacKinnons direction. Pam embodies my four favorite qualities of a director, Burstyn said. Shes wildly talented; shes a real leader; she knows how to work with people and brings out the best in them. Berkeley Rep Managing Director Susie Medak hailed Bielsteins great listening skills and collaborative spirit: Shes a powerhouse, and youre going to love Jennifer! With both MacKinnon and Bielstein sailing this ship, actor BD Wong is certain ACT now has the potential to showcase tremendous magic. And actor Hirsch reminded MacKinnon that he hopes she hires him for a future production. Rock on: Standing barefoot in the swanky penthouse of the Fairmont Hotel, musician Michael Franti and his wife, jewelry designer Sara Agah, welcomed VIPs prior to their third Rockers Ball. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Two hundred guests at this dinner-concert (organized by Kelley OBrien) and auction (led by lively Liam Mayclem) raised $589K for Frantis Do it For the Love Foundation, a nonprofit the couple founded to grant musical wishes to people in advanced stages of life-threatening illness. Five years ago, Franti and his wife received a Twitter message at a concert from a fan who shared that her husband had advanced stages of ALS but that before he died, he hoped to attend one of Frantis shows. They were on the side of the stage at our Bottle Rocket show when he whispered to his wife he wanted to dance, recalls Franti. She picks him up from his wheelchair and they had a beautiful slow dance as the audience cheered them on. He told me that moment allowed him to become Steve again. Since then the Frantis have fulfilled 2,000 wishes at concerts all over the U.S. They also work with hospitals, hospices, related organizations and other musicians. Levi Strauss once again partnered with the foundation, providing signature Rocker Ball jean jackets to VIP guests. And since the ball occurred during the devastating Butte County fires, the foundation also donated $5K to assist fire victims. Ive long admired Franti a passionate advocate of social justice causes and a Bay Area music scene OG, who jokes he was born back east in Oakland and migrated to San Francisco in 1984. But Ive never understood his no shoes stance and figured this was my chance. Apparently, Im not the only one. Everybody asks that, he said with a laugh. I stopped wearing shoes on my birthday in 2000. I was traveling in a lot of countries where people couldnt afford shoes. I came back to San Francisco and tried it for three days to see what its like. And in solidarity with those people I met, I havent worn shoes since. Catherine Bigelow is The San Francisco Chronicles society correspondent. Email: missbigelow@sfgate.com Instagram: @missbigelow After singing her way through Drake High School in San Anselmo and making it through several elimination rounds on American Idol, Kelli Peterson moved to Hawaii to record and perform her own style of soul-reggae under the stage name Kelli Love. She built a $15,000 studio behind her rented home in the town of Puna, on the Big Island of Hawaii, and was working on her third album when the volcano on the island erupted on May 3. When the evacuation order came, Peterson fled with her two young boys, two guitars, a ukulele and some recording gear but had to leave behind her keyboard and piano and amplifiers. They each packed a small suitcase but left behind all the furniture, art and possessions. Everything but Petersons dream was locked in lava and gone for good as she bought one-way tickets home to San Francisco to start over. Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund Founded: 1986 Total cash distributed: Nearly $130 million Number of individuals and families helped: More than 150,000 (approximately 4,500 individuals and families annually) Total cash distributed to food banks: More than $21 million Number of annual donors: Approximately 5,800 See More Collapse We were literally in the path of the volcano, said Peterson, a single mom. We had to evacuate and come home in a crisis, to Marin, where I have family. One reason she had left home is that the cost of housing in Marin made Hawaii cheap by comparison. But in her three years away, Bay Area housing costs had taken off, and now she struggled to find a place she could afford to rent. At first, she was moving the kids back and forth from her aunts place in Fairfax to her moms place in Cotati while also working to scrape up enough money to get into a place of her own. Im working three different freelance jobs doing social media and marketing, working at night after I finally get the kids to bed, she said. Im trying to get the money together, and every time I check Craigslist, the rents keep rising. In Marin, it could be $7,500 that someone needs to come up with just to get into a place. Peterson was out of money, but the thing she still had was her car, a Toyota Camry that shed left behind years ago. She drove in search of housing, and was all the way to Point Reyes Station when she ran out of options and found herself at West Marin Community Services, a nonprofit agency. Thats when her luck finally started to turn after five bad months. Program manager Martha Martinez helped her gain assistance through The Chronicles Season of Sharing Fund. With a grant to cover her deposit and first months rent, she was able to lease an apartment in Highlands of Marin, a hillside complex just east of Highway 101 in San Rafael. Peterson, 35, and her boys Kin, 5, and Che, 1, share a one-bedroom. Because they had no furniture, Peterson went online looking for curb giveaways. She got lucky there, too. A man in San Anselmo was remodeling and dumping his living room set. Peterson had no way to haul it all so the man loaded it on his truck and delivered it. Now she is sitting on a gifted $3,000 sofa from Pottery Barn. There ought to be a song in that. As a writer, Peterson resists the cliche that she has come full circle, but it is true that her earliest memories are of going to the Marin Civic Center, one exit to the south, to watch her maternal grandfather, Peter Allen Smith, preside over the Superior Court. I just love that Frank Lloyd Wright building, she said. Its really beautiful and nostalgic for me. Her mother, Anne Marie Smith, is an oncology nurse at Kaiser Permanente, which is even closer. Its a blessing for all of us, Peterson said. Peterson is the oldest of five siblings. By age 16 she was singing with the Bay Area funk-reggae band About Face. She sang a solo at her Sir Francis Drake high school graduation ceremony in 2001. By the time she graduated from UCLA, in 2006, shed adopted the stage name Kelli Love. She was also on MTVs Making the Band in 2005. She was writing songs for TV and film, doing session work. In 2009, she earned a songwriting credit for Whos Gonna Love You Now, on an album by Randy Jackson, a producer and judge on American Idol. What made me move to Hawaii is that I wanted to change gears and make a go of it as an independent artist, she said. Last winter, Kelli Love sang with Eli Mac to open for Lauryn Hill at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, she said. Songs from her CDs are on soundcloud.com. As Kelli Peterson, she had a job on an event production team. Now she doesnt even have a piano, though she couldnt fit one into her apartment anyway. She also doesnt have a table to eat on, and the only quiet place for her to play her guitar is out on the back patio. Kelli Love has not yet started to sing about fleeing the volcano, but she can feel it starting to come. Im getting the kids into school and programs in this area, which will give me more time to find more work and re-establish myself here, she said. Id like to start a new album in the spring. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_art Suni Sudhi / Courtesy of the SF Brewers Guild Every Wednesday morning, SFGATE finds the biggest headlines in local (and sometimes national) beer. Check back here weekly for news, events, and information about special releases from your favorite local breweries. SFGATE has a biweekly beer newsletter! Called the Taploid, it contains key stories from this column, as well as other, more nationally-spanning industry news. To sign up, head here, enter your email at the top, and check the box marked "Taploid." A rally in oil prices after a two-month slide indicates traders are betting that OPEC and its allies including Russia will agree to produce less crude. Representatives of oil-producing nations will hold a highly anticipated meeting Thursday in Vienna, with analysts predicting that they will agree on a cut of at least 1 million barrels a day in an effort to bolster prices. Russian President Vladimir Putin boosted expectations for a deal when he said at the G20 summit over last weekend that Russia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to extend an attempt by OPEC to balance oil supply and demand although he provided no figures. Crude prices began falling in October and continued to plunge last month due to oversupply and fears that weaker global economic growth would dampen energy demand. The price of both benchmark U.S. crude and the standard for internationally traded oil fell 22 percent in November. Oil prices rose ahead of an OPEC meeting on Thursday, where members are expected to agree to cut output in 2019. Benchmark U.S. crude gained 0.6 percent to settle at $53.25 per barrel in New York. Brent crude, the international standard, added 0.6 percent to close at $62.08 per barrel in London. The Alberta premier announced that the Canadian province will trim production by 8.7 percent because of a shortage of pipeline capacity. Finally, the small but wealthy Persian Gulf nation of Qatar said Monday that it will leave OPEC in January. Qatar has been feuding with Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations that accuse it of financing terrorism. Qatar is one of the smallest oil producers in OPEC, so its departure will have only a marginal impact on the cartels share of the worlds supply. Still, the surprising announcement underscores the political tension within OPEC, which doesnt necessarily make it easier to come to a decision on cutting production, said JBC Energy analyst David Wech. Some analysts expect OPEC and Russia will agree to even larger cuts, about 1.5 million barrels a day. Anything less, they say, could send oil prices lower. OPEC must produce a credible agreement to cut output by about 1.5 million barrels a day for oil prices to recover their recent losses, Credit Suisse analyst William Featherston wrote in a note Monday. Saudi Arabias decision is complicated by President Trumps desire for lower prices and the Saudis wish to improve relations with the U.S. after the murder of regime critic Jamal Khashoggi. Motorists have enjoyed a break from rising gasoline prices over the past two months, but that road is about to hit a dead end if OPEC succeeds in boosting oil prices. In the U.S., the national average stood Tuesday at $2.43 a gallon, down nearly 50 cents from the start of October, according to price-tracker GasBuddy. Thats an extra $200 million that Americans havent left at the pump, said GasBuddy analyst Patrick DeHaan. David Koenig is an Associated Press writer. Users of Quora, the question-and-answer site, are now asking: Did my personal data just get stolen? The social network said late Monday that the account information and private messages of about 100 million users may have been exposed when its computer systems were compromised by a malicious third party. Quora discovered the data breach Friday, CEO Adam DAngelo wrote in a blog post, and it is still investigating how it happened. It is our responsibility to make sure things like this dont happen, and we failed to meet that responsibility, DAngelo wrote. The Mountain View company said that the incident will probably not result in identity theft, because the site does not collect sensitive information such as credit card or Social Security numbers. But coming less than a week after the Marriott hotel chain announced that hackers had stolen the personal data of up to 500 million guests, the incident serves as another reminder that a vast and expanding portion of our lives is vulnerable to digital intrusion. Quora commands a huge audience. The company says that 300 million people around the world use its site at least once a month to ask and answer questions about politics, faith, calculus, unrequited love, the meaning of life and more. By comparison, Twitter claims 326 million monthly active users. But since it blasted onto the social media landscape in 2010, igniting a blaze of interest among tech company employees, Quora has not become the mainstream cultural force that Twitter has, for better or for worse. That is perhaps why some Quora users reacted to news of the security breach with surprise not that their account information may have been accessed by malicious actors, but that they had a Quora account in the first place. The company seemed to acknowledge such reactions this week. A page of frequently asked questions about the attack includes the query: I didnt know I had a Quora account. How is it that my email or information was exposed? Its answer: You may have signed up for Quora some time ago. While you might not have regularly visited or used Quora, your account remained. Raymond Zhong is a New York Times writer. Robots are coming to a Walmart near you, and not just as a gimmick. The worlds largest retailer is going to use 360 autonomous floor-scrubbing robots in some of its stores in the U.S. by the end of the January, it said in a joint statement with Brain Corp., which makes the machines. The autonomous janitors can clean floors on their own even when customers are around, according to the San Diego startup. Walmart has already been experimenting with automating the scanning of shelves for out-of-stock items and hauling products from storage for online orders. Advances in computer vision are also making it possible to use retail floor data to better understand consumer behavior, improve inventory tracking and even do away with checkout counters, as Amazon is trying to do with its cashierless stores. Brains robots are equipped with an array of sensors that let them to gather and upload data. We can take anything that has wheels and turn it into a fully autonomous robot, provided that it can go slow and stopping is never a safety concern, said Brain CEO Eugene Izhikevich. And its more than just navigation. It is to robots what Android operating system is to smartphones. Brain doesnt make its own hardware, focusing instead on developing software BrainOS that endows machines with autonomy in closed environments. At first, the machines will need to be operated by humans, who teach the layout of the space that needs cleaning. After that the robots can perform the task autonomously. The robots, which look like a cross between a miniature Zamboni and a motorized wheel chair, already scrub floors at airports in Seattle, San Diego, Boston and Miami, Izhikevich said. Last month, Brain unveiled a smaller version of the machine developed jointly with SoftBanks robotics arm and aimed at the Japanese market. At that time, Izhikevich said that he is looking to use the robots for security patrol and deliveries inside big-box stores. BrainOS is a powerful tool in helping our associates complete repetitive tasks so they can focus on other tasks within role and spend more time serving customers, John Crecelius, Walmarts vice president of central operations, said in the statement. Pavel Alpeyev is a Bloomberg writer. Email: palpeyev@bloomberg.net Talbots Toyland used to buy full-page newspaper ads during the holiday shopping season and hope for the best. Now the San Mateo store is connecting with Bay Area toy shoppers on Googles search engine and attracting customers it might otherwise have never found. Google for years has offered tools to help small merchants increase their online visibility, but only if those retailers had digital records of what was on their shelves. Like many small businesses, Talbots lacked digital records of what was in stock, and never got around to building one for its mammoth inventory of 65,000 products, which include everything from Lionel Trains collectibles and the latest must-have Legos. Then last year, the store purchased three devices from Pointy, a Dublin, Ireland, startup that helps independent merchants increase their visibility online and lure consumers who otherwise would shop at Amazon.com and eBay, or at mega-retailers like Walmart that have entire teams dedicated to being visible online. The $500 device plugs into a cash register and, using each items bar code as employees ring up sales, creates a digital inventory that is posted online and visible in Google searches along with the retailers location. While Pointys hardware has been around for four years, it just got more appealing, thanks to a new partnership with Google that lets merchants buy local inventory ads that appear in the search results of nearby shoppers. Think of it as a Google Maps for local products. Talbots, which has been in business for more than 60 years, saw immediate results. Potential shoppers called to confirm the items they wanted were in stock. Talbots knew these were new customers since many asked for directions, and the store surmised that at least some of these new customers were tipped off by the advertising generated by the Google-Pointy partnership. Sales are up by double digits this year, which Talbots attributes to this added online visibility, as well as the closure of nearby Toys R Us locations. I know the whole whats in store thing has been around for a while, and Google has been around for a while, but we just didnt have time to get things set up, said Keith Schumacker, manager of Talbots. This thing does it all for us when we scan items at the register. Now when people look on Google for things we sell, they find us. Pointy already has devices in 10,000 U.S. retail locations and sees plenty of room to grow. Ninety percent of the $5.4 trillion in U.S. retail spending this year will happen in stores, according to eMarketer Inc. Those in-store transactions are increasingly influenced by online experiences, which include researching products and searching for where they are available. Many shoppers prefer to buy an item in a store after inspecting it and speaking with an expert than buying it online and waiting for delivery, says Mark Cummins, who co-founded Pointy. Most shopping still happens in brick-and-mortar stores, but consumers expect to be able to pull out their phones and find whatever they need instantly, he says. Pointy is helping retailers catch up there. Cummins started Pointy in 2014 after selling his previous startup, Plink, to Google in 2010. Plink let users search the web using images rather than keywords. Cummins got the idea for Pointy after a party where he and friends enjoyed craft beer purchased from a nearby market. He wanted to buy the beer but couldnt remember the name of the store, which got him thinking you can search online for products around the world but you cant always find out whats on the shelf at the shop around the corner. The low-cost devices designed for small businesses follow the path of Square, which started a decade ago by selling cheap smartphone plug-ins that let dog walkers and pedicabs accept credit cards. Square processed $65 billion in payments last year and offers additional financial services, highlighting how simple solutions for small businesses can add up to big business. Pointy is already diversifying its revenue. In addition to selling the device, it helps local businesses like Talbots buy Google search advertising and gets a commission on those sales. Talbots Toyland has been spending about $300 a month on Google advertising, which it is increasing over the holiday season when toy shopping spikes. Digital advertising sales will total $111 billion this year, up 25.7 percent from a year ago, with Google leading the market, according to eMarketer. Pointy could help Google increase that market even further if it encourages more small retailers to buy search ads. Sure, shopping online is great for certain things, said Noel Ruane, a partner at Polaris Partners, which led a $12.5 million funding round for Pointy this summer. But if something is close by, Im happy to go and buy it so long as I know its there. Spencer Soper is a Bloomberg writer. Email: ssoper@bloomberg.net / A suspect is dead following an officer-involved shooting near Martinez, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office. The incident happened at 9:33 a.m. at Adelaide Drive and Pacheco Boulevard, authorities said. / A shooting at a moving car Tuesday night in Fremont left one man dead and another injured, marking the citys third homicide of the year, authorities said. Police responded at 11:18 p.m. to reports of gunshots and a crash on the 34000 block of Torrington Court. The car crashed into a home on the corner of Torrington and Chaucer Drive, where officers found a man in the passenger seat suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Fremont Police Department. Two men are dead after separate officer-involved shootings in the Bay Area on Wednesday morning, authorities said. The first shooting occurred in Napa after police responded to a 1:48 a.m. report of a man with a handgun assaulting a woman, police said. Eight hours later, the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office reported a fatal shooting outside the city of Martinez. The first incident happened near Lincoln and Soscol avenues, a busy intersection near the Napa River, said Chief Robert Plummer of the Napa Police Department. Officers told the suspect, who was not identified by police, to stop and show his hands, Plummer said. Instead, the suspect ran behind an apartment complex toward a wooded area and dry ravine. A physical altercation ensued between the suspect and an officer and shots were fired, according to police. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are investigating to verify allegations that the suspect was armed, Plummer said. We dont know if he had a weapon or not, he said. Napa police said the officer involved sustained minor injuries and has been placed on administrative leave. The woman involved in the original incident was not injured. Police did not release details on her relationship with the man who was killed. The shooting outside Martinez occurred at 9:33 a.m. at Adelaide Drive and Pacheco Boulevard, authorities said. Contra Costa County sheriffs deputies were responding to a call 30 minutes earlier when an officer noticed a 41-year-old Discovery Bay man with an outstanding warrant, according to officials. The officer chased the man, and a physical struggle ensued, authorities said. The deputy then repeatedly told the suspect to take his hands out of his waistband, but the suspect allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot at the deputys head. The officer returned fire and killed the suspect, officials said. Authorities did not identify the suspect but said he was a known gang member who had an active warrant for evading and resisting arrest in another county. The man had extensive prior contacts with law enforcement that include drug possession, multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of dangerous weapons, felon in possession of a firearm, stolen vehicle possession, obstruction, possession of burglary tools and parole violation, according to the Sheriffs Office. No deputies were injured in the incident, authorities said. The Sheriffs Office and Contra Costa district attorneys office are investigating. Gwendolyn Wu and Sarah Ravani are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com, sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu @SarRavani San Francisco radio station 96.5 KOIT is rethinking its ban on the wintertime standard "Baby It's Cold Outside" following swift social media outcry. After a station in Cleveland banned the 1944 duet last week, KOIT managers decided to do the same following a slew of complaints from listeners who believed the song has an inappropriate overtone and suggested date rape. "The #MeToo Movement has really opened our eyes and really made us look at content and lyrics," KOIT Program Director Brian Figula told KGO earlier this week. "I think we need to do a deep dive. It depends on how extremely we want to do this." By Tuesday afternoon, however, Figula was reconsidering the position. Social media users and other critics reached out to complain that the station's ban was an overreaction, so KOIT set up a poll on its website just before 4 p.m. The ask: "Should 96.5 KOIT place 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' back into rotation?" By 9:45 Wednesday morning, more than 2,500 people had responded to the poll. Most of the answers wanted the song back on the airwaves. "We're a brand and great brands have great customer service," Figula told SFGATE. "I'm allowing the listeners to decide what the outcome of this situation will be, (and) the majority are saying let's play it." Figula acknowledges that songs like "Baby It's Cold Outside" are reminiscent of "when life was more simple, and stress-free," and that people have demonstrated they have strong opinions about not just Christmas music, but the decision to ban the song. Despite complaints from both sides, Figula is looking at the situation positively, adding, "This has opened a great dialogue." "People are more sensitive to content and lyrics," he says. "People are (also) more opinionated now that social media is so accessible, and we're listening to these comments." KOIT is still fielding votes in its poll about the song, so the station will wait to announce the majority opinion on Monday at 7:20 a.m. Figula said he wants to make sure anyone who has an opinion is heard. "I want (KOIT) to reach the majority, so if I get a complaint I have to really think about it," he said. "If we get hundreds of emails, we have to take action. Enough is enough." Lyrics for the original 1944 version of "Baby It's Cold Outside," written by Frank Loesser, are below: (I really can't stay) But, baby, it's cold outside (I've got to go away) But, baby, it's cold outside (This evening has been) Been hoping that you'd drop in (So very nice) I'll hold your hands they're just like ice (My mother will start to worry) Beautiful, what's your hurry (My father will be pacing the floor) Listen to the fireplace roar (So really I'd better scurry) Beautiful, please don't hurry (Well, maybe just half a drink more) Put some records on while I pour (The neighbors might think) Baby, it's bad out there (Say what's in this drink) No cabs to be had out there (I wish I knew how) Your eyes are like starlight now (To break this spell) I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell (I ought to say no, no, no, sir) Mind if I move in closer (At least I'm gonna say that I tried) What's the sense of hurting my pride (I really can't stay) Baby, don't hold doubt Baby, it's cold outside (I simply must go) Baby, it's cold outside (The answer is no) Baby, it's cold outside (The welcome has been) How lucky that you dropped in (So nice and warm) Look out the window at the storm (My sister will be suspicious) Gosh your lips look delicious (My brother will be there at the door) Waves upon a tropical shore (My maiden aunt's mind is vicious) Gosh your lips are delicious (But maybe just a cigarette more) Never such a blizzard before (I got to get home) But, baby, you'd freeze out there (Say lend me a coat) It's up to your knees out there (You've really been grand) I thrill when you touch my hand (But don't you see) How can you do this thing to me (There's bound to be talk tomorrow) Think of my life long sorrow (At least there will be plenty implied) If you caught pneumonia and died (I really can't stay) Get over that old doubt Baby, it's cold Baby, it's cold outside Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira. Denise Webster didn't say goodbye to San Francisco when she left for good earlier this year. After more than six decades living around the Bay Area, her departure was tinged with anger, resentment and, most of all, sadness. "I never thought this would happen," she said. "I thought I'd die in San Francisco." In February, after a major financial loss and what felt like continual "punishment" in the form of parking tickets and a car burglary, the 66-year-old decided to move to Sacramento. There, she could a roomy apartment and could more easily travel her adult daughter in Truckee. In 1957, when Webster was four years old, her family immigrated from Hong Kong to San Francisco. Their last years in Hong Kong were tumultuous. Both of Webster's parents were of Portuguese descent her mother was a refugee who settled in Macao, a colony of Portugal, and her father spent much of the war in a Japanese concentration camp because he held British papers. With Japan's occupation of Hong Kong still raw, and Communist China threatening to take over the region, the Websters and much of their extended family left. They settled in a stuccoed flat on a monochrome stretch of Golden Gate Avenue in the lower Richmond District. The extent of its miles-long concrete grayness was only deepened when the fog burned off in the afternoons. ALSO READ: A 93-year-old SF native reflects on how the city has changed Despite the monotony of the neighborhood's appearance, Webster remembers childhood in vivid color. It was a safe city for a child to roam freely then, and afternoons not spent behind the barbed wire fences of the local playground were devoted to exploring the tiny neighborhood shops along Clement and Geary. They'd stick their tongues out at the meat hanging in the butcher shop, ogle Barbies in the windows of the toy store and, if they were feeling adventurous, they'd meander into Pacific Heights, scouting for mansions they planned to buy after making their city fortunes. Longer adventures were conducted by cable car, which the children would ride all the way downtown to gaze at the men in three-piece suits and women in fur, who shopped and worked around the epicenter of commerce that was Union Square. From kindergarten through high school, Webster attended the Catholic school down the street from her house, the Star of the Sea. Nearly everyone came from traditional Irish and Italian families. Webster stood out as a Hong Kong immigrant of Portuguese descent. "I felt like I had to try harder," she said. But in general, the city and its subcultures embraced her. Webster assimilated quickly into the Catholic school culture of the city, and after graduating, she enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley. While studying, she commuted to San Francisco to work as a salesgirl at the glamorous department store Gump's. Wearing her finest clothes and a pair of crisp white gloves, mounting the stairs to the Personnel Department at the Post Street store and asking for a job, a story she recounts on her blog, a series of recollections from growing up in the city. The manager needed a Christmas gift wrapper for the upcoming holiday rush. She asked if Webster could start that Monday. "Here I was this starving student from Berkeley that got to sell $35,000 necklaces to kings and queens and movie stars. That could only have happened in San Francisco, and it could never happen again," she said. Webster remembers her first decades in the city as a time of seemingly endless possibility, glamour and excitement from the Vietnam War protests she attended on Berkeley's Sproul Plaza to the first time she saw Jefferson Airplane play in the late-1960s. "I will always be indebted to the city that accepted me and let me dream," she said. Growing up, she remembers feeling torn by a "dual identity," with one half of her in Hong Kong and the other on the fog-locked avenues. The city allowed her to exist in this liminal state, and celebrated her for it. "San Francisco accepted me," she said. It was a place where anything could happen, "and everything did happen!" ALSO READ: What a Bay Area native learned after moving to Sacramento In 1975, Webster married and settled down with her then-husband in Berkeley and, 10 years later, they moved with their young daughters to Lafayette. When the first dot com boom hit in the mid-90s, Webster went to work for Sun Microsystems and later a handful of other up-and-coming tech ventures, where she eventually served as an executive. By the mid-2000s, Webster said she could "see the writing on the wall." She said she was "pushed out" of the company she worked for, and struggled to find a job in an industry full of young people who were less qualified than Webster, but would do the work for less. As the demographic of Silicon Valley skewed younger, so did the population of San Francisco, Webster said. "I felt I was being pushed out of the city, too, because I wasn't young anymore. It made me feel my age." After moving between Oakland and Berkeley, Webster moved back to San Francisco in 2014 to start an art commerce company. When the company folded a few years later, Webster felt her options were running out. "I never thought I'd have to move out. If I had to find a place in the Bay Area, I figured I would find it," Webster remembers. She didn't. With much of her investment lost on the company, and retirement looming, Webster had to assess her options: "I looked and looked. I just couldn't bring myself to spend $3,000 for a garage flat in the Sunset," especially when she vividly remembered a time you could get the same room for $250. That might just be the curse of a San Francisco upbringing: remembering the way it once was, and the inability to give in to what it has become. Though expense was the nail in the coffin, Webster said it was a series of little moments that eventually tipped her cup, including a devastating car break-in. "I can't even go to Geary Blvd. and park my car without it getting broken into? I can't park anywhere without getting a ticket?" San Francisco started to feel like a "punitive city, like it was intentionally punishing its citizens." The time had come to leave, so Webster moved to Sacramento, where she could easily drive to see her daughter both Webster's children left the Bay Area and where she'd heard recent rumblings about a slower way of life in an up-and-coming city. Webster said she packed up and moved in a hurry, eager to escape a city she felt blighted by. The city she remembers was a place where families their members young and old lived, where public transit was never too crowded and neighbors not only knew each other, but stayed for generations. Leaving the city, and witnessing what she called a "rapid change" over the last two decades, stung. "I felt that I had lost a dream when I left," she said. Webster continues to settle into her new life in Sacramento. She rents an apartment on a tree-lined street that's not too far a drive from shops, restaurants and theaters. Above the mantle of her new home hangs a painting of the Golden Gate Bridge, captured on an uncommonly fog-less afternoon. Across from the artwork is a table full of knick-knacks multicolor plates, vases and a Portuguese dictionary that belonged to Webster's mother. Webster purchased the pottery from the antique stores along Sutter Street and Gumps back when they still existed. Are you a longtime San Francisco native? Are you interested in being interviewed for a future SFGATE story? Email SFGATE producer Michelle Robertson at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com and you could potentially be featured in an upcoming story. Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com. Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news. The Oakland Zoo is celebrating the arrival of the firstborn of its third generation of Hamadryas baboons. The baby boy, named Mousa, was born to a mother named Mocha last month, and was brought outside the following day "like many of the mothers in the past," according to the zoo. What North Beach needs most is a Whole Foods grocery store, according to a new survey. Dispirited by a storefront vacancy rate of more than 10 percent double the district's 2015 rate North Beach Neighbors, a 37-year-old community advocacy organization, asked 245 residents what they thought was missing from their neighborhood. (The population of North Beach is just over 18,000, so the survey sample size is small.) The majority of respondents desired the same thing: a grocery store, specialty foods market or a food/market hall. Other survey options included childcare services, gyms, fast-casual restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The most desired establishment among survey takers was Whole Foods Market, followed by the specialty grocery store Bi-Rite Market. Souvla, a fast-casual Greek restaurant founded in San Francisco, came in third. The Whole Foods revelation is especially interesting given that the San Francisco Planning Commission recently blocked a proposal to build a Whole Foods 365 store in Russian Hill, just a few blocks from North Beach. The proposal was rejected because it did not include enough housing units. (You can read more about the four-year fight over the grocery store here.) Survey respondents also seemed to contradict their lust for a Whole Foods later in the survey. When asked if they would support formula retail (chain stores and restaurants), only 28 percent said "yes." Seventy percent, however, said they would support formula retail if the business started in San Francisco. Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com. Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news. WASHINGTON The nations most exclusive fraternity the presidents club assembled Wednesday to mourn George H.W. Bush, putting on public display its uneasy relationship with the current occupant of the Oval Office. The uncomfortable reunion brought President Trump together in the same pew with past White House residents who have given him decidedly critical reviews. The late Bush was the de facto chair of the modern incarnation of the presidents club, transcending contentious campaigns and party lines to bring together fractious personalities who share that rarified experience. But the staid group of Oval Office occupants has been disturbed since Donald Trumps election. And since his swearing-in, Trump has spurned most contact with his predecessors and they have snubbed him in return. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Robert Mueller, in a highly anticipated sentencing memo for President Trumps first national security adviser, described in broad strokes the extent to which Michael Flynns cooperation aided the special counsels probe into Russian meddling during the 2016 campaign. Many of the details of Flynns assistance have been redacted, but here are five key takeways: Flynn will likely avoid prison Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to the FBI about his conversations with then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition period from Election Day 2016 to Trump's inauguration in January 2017. One big question ahead of Flynns December 18 sentencing date remains whether the former national security adviser will avoid prison Two other cooperating witnesses in the Mueller probe George Papadopoulos, a former Trump campaign aide; and Alex van der Zwaan, a Dutch attorney both pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators were sentenced to prison. But Flynn could be well-positioned to avoid their fate. Given the defendants substantial assistance and other considerations set forth, a sentence at the low end of the guideline rangeincluding a sentence that does not impose a term of incarcerationis appropriate and warranted, Mueller wrote Tuesday. Muellers glowing review of Flynns cooperation may persuade U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan to grant leniency in sentencing the three-star general. Under federal guidelines, Flynns crime carries a penalty of up to six months in prison. What Flynn has told Mueller: content and context Prior to Tuesdays court filing, very little was publicly known about the extent and content of Flynns cooperation. But the special counsel revealed some key details about what information Flynns cooperation has yielded. In his sentencing memo, Mueller wrote that Flynn participated in 19 interviews with the [special counsels office] or attorneys from other Department of Justice offices, the content of which notably included firsthand information about the content and context of interactions between the transition team and Russian government officials. His early cooperation was particularly valuable because he was one of the few people with long-term and firsthand insight regarding events and issues under investigation by the [special counsels office], Mueller wrote Tuesday. Mueller also wrote that Flynn provided documents and communications to back his oral testimony. Mysterious transition team officials In mentioning that his investigation focuses in part on "interactions between individuals in the Presidential Transition Team and Russia, then stating that Flynn described interactions between the transition team and Russian government officials, Mueller left observers wondering who those other transition team officials could be. The transition team, which helped prepare Trump for the presidency after his election victory, included members of the Trump family and some of the presidents closest advisers and confidants. Investigations are ongoing Mueller is in the process of writing a final report, ABC News has reported, but many of the investigations and prosecutions his team has initiated dont appear anywhere near completion. Mueller wrote Tuesday that many of the investigations in which [Flynn] has provided assistance are ongoing. The subject of those investigations remains unclear, but one thing is for sure: the implications of the special counsel probe are not going away anytime soon. We dont know what we dont know Of the 13 pages Mueller penned and filed late Tuesday, almost half was redacted. The special counsel may reveal more information about the content of Flynns cooperation at his December 18 sentencing, or he may wait until completing his final report. But it is not a foregone conclusion that Muellers report will be public, as ABC News has reported, and we may never know the full details of Flynns cooperation. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. A death row inmate who was convicted of a murder during a robbery at a home in Lafayette in 1998 died in his cell at San Quentin State Prison on Tuesday night, state prison officials said. Joseph Perez Jr., 47, was found unresponsive in his cell at 9:11 p.m. and was pronounced dead 10 minutes later. An autopsy will be done to determine his cause of death, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Perez was sentenced to death in 2002 for the murder of Janet Daher, 46, on March 24, 1998. Investigators at the time said Perez and other suspects had taken a BART train to Lafayette to look for a home to steal from and ended up targeting Daher's residence. She was strangled and stabbed in her bedroom and about $20,000 in jewelry was stolen. The suspects were found following the offering of a reward and an extensive publicity campaign by Daher's family and friends. Perez's death is the second in two days of death row inmates at San Quentin. Herminio Serna, 53, convicted of three murders in Santa Clara County, died at the prison on Monday. Corrections Lt. Sam Robinson said along with autopsies, investigators are looking into whether the two inmate deaths are isolated or somehow connected. The deaths follow two apparent suicides of death row inmates at San Quentin in early November, cases that investigators said were unrelated. Robinson said, "It's pretty rare for this to happen in such a concentrated population in the course of just a month." Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A state appeals court has upheld an injunction and a $2.7 million civil fine ordered against a notorious San Francisco landlord who was found to have illegally harassed, retaliated against and evicted tenants. The injunction affirmed by the state Court of Appeal in San Francisco on Monday requires landlord Anne Kihagi to hire a city-approved independent property manager for five years to manage 11 buildings and bring them into compliance with city codes. John Cote, a spokesman for City Attorney Dennis Herrera, said the injunction will go fully into effect when the case returns to San Francisco Superior Court next year. The injunction and penalty upheld by the appeals court were issued by Superior Court Judge Angela Blackwell last year in a lawsuit filed by Herrera in 2015. Herrera said in a statement, "Once again, a court found that Ms. Kihagi's predatory practices as a landlord subjected tenants to campaigns of harassment and unconscionable abuse." Kihagi's lawyer, Ryan Burns of Newport Beach, was not immediately available for comment. Kihagi's sisters Julia Mwangi and Christine Mwangi co-own or co-manage some of the properties and are liable for part of the financial penalty. Appeals court Justice James Humes wrote in the ruling by a three-judge panel, "For years, the landlords bought apartment buildings, evicted longtime tenants who lived in rent-controlled units, remodeled units without necessary permits, and re-rented the units at higher market rates. "In doing so, they wrongfully harassed, retaliated against, and evicted a number of their tenants," the court said. Herrera's lawsuit originally concerned seven buildings owned by Kahagi, but the 2017 injunction applies to 11 buildings she owns. Three of those buildings are under a receivership imposed by a mortgage lender, Cote said. Herrera said Kihagi's actions included threats; intimidation, interruption of tenants' utility and mail service; failing to cash rent checks and later claiming they were paid late; and remodeling units for re-rental without obtaining construction permits and safety inspections. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A San Quentin State Prison death row inmate from Santa Clara County was pronounced dead Monday, prison spokesman Lt. Sam Robinson said today. Herminio Serna, 53, died of unknown causes pending an autopsy, Robinson said. Serna was sentenced to death by a Santa Clara County jury on Nov. 21, 1997, for the murders of Esteban Guzman, Marcos Baca and Sheila Apodaca. Serna's crime partners James Trujeque, 66, and Bobby Lopez Jr., 53, also were sentenced to death for a series of gang-related murders in the San Jose area, Robinson said. Serna has been on death row since Nov. 26, 1997. His death is one of three death row inmates whose cause of death is pending, Robinson said. There are 741 inmates on California's death row. Seventy-nine condemned inmates have died of natural causes, 25 have committed suicide, 13 have been executed in California and 11 have died of other causes, Robinson said. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) Jurors in San Francisco today found a 51-year-old man guilty of sexually abusing a 6-year-old boy whom he babysat, prosecutors said. Jose Francisco Gonzalez was found guilty of two counts of forced oral copulation, one count of forced lewd acts upon a child and one count of committing a lewd act upon a child. According to the district attorney's office, Gonzalez faces a maximum term of life in prison. "The facts of this case are extremely disturbing," District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement. "Ensuring such men never touch another child is one of the most important work we do." According to court documents, Gonzalez was a friend of the boy's family and rented a room out of their San Francisco home. The family also entrusted Gonzalez with babysitting the boy and his 3-year-old brother as the boys' mother worked a night shift. The sexual abuse came to light in March 2017 when the 3-year-old told his mother that he saw his older brother perform a sexual act on Gonzalez. The 6-year-old victim then confessed to his mother that over the course of several months, Gonzalez had been forcing him to perform sex acts. Gonzalez was taken into custody on March 15, 2017, according to jail records. During the trial, the victim described Gonzalez as his "big best friend" and said that Gonzalez had told him not to tell his mother because it would make Gonzalez cry. The 3-year-old also testified, saying, "We were keeping it a secret ... but it's not a secret anymore," prosecutors said. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Linda Colfax will sentence Gonzalez, although a sentencing date has not yet been determined. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A 34-year-old San Pablo man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of child pornography, Contra Costa County sheriff's officials said today. Francisco Perez was arrested Nov. 20 and has since been released pending further investigation, according to the sheriff's office. Perez previously was employed by a food service company that provided food to San Domenico School in San Anselmo in Marin County while under the false name of Mario Arguetta, sheriff's officials said. Investigators said there is no evidence to suggest any student at the school was a victim in connection with Perez. The case started with a tip to the sheriff's office about someone allegedly in possession of child pornography. Detectives eventually obtained search warrants for Perez's home and electronic devices. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office at (925) 313-2600 or tips@so.cccounty.us or the Marin County Sheriff's Office at (415) 479-2311. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN JOSE (BCN) The San Jose City Council today approved a new independent police auditor to replace Aaron Zisser, who resigned from his role in August amid strong opposition from the San Jose Police Officers' Association. Shivaun Nurre has served as interim IPA since August and worked in the office for 12 years, taking on the lead position during four previous vacancies. "I think you have to say, I kind of know the ropes," Nurre said to the City Council this afternoon. She holds a law degree from University of California at Davis and is an active member of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement. The IPA office handles complaints from the public regarding police and reviews police investigations into personnel to determine if they are thorough. Nurre's term will run through Dec. 31, 2020, and she will head the office as it undergoes a controversial expansion, supported by community advocates demanding more accountability for the IPA, but a battleground for the Police Officers' Association. "I firmly believe that robust independent oversight is very beneficial to our department and to the community," Nurre said. Nurre worked as assistant IPA under Zisser, whose resignation came at the end of an attack campaign from SJPOA President Paul Kelly. Kelly alleged Zisser inflated police brutality statistics in a report to the City Council, attended a community protest against police and other offenses. Zisser denied each of the allegations. Kelly also refused to work with the IPA on reforms that were in the works during Zisser's tenure, including allowing the IPA to access use-of-force data, review of completed officer-involved shooting investigations, and oversight over internal complaints against officers. After Zisser resigned, Kelly said the SJPOA's office would be on board with the reforms, but the resignation brought forth concerns regarding the IPA's independence. Mayor Sam Liccardo said today he has often been at odds with the SJPOA's office, but he believes Nurre's appointment will help all three organizations expand the IPA's scope of review. "The people and the politics interfered ultimately with the policy," Liccardo said at a news conference this afternoon. "We're now in a place where we're going to have stable leadership, and we'll be able to move forward together." 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. HAYWARD (BCN) A shelter-in-place order was in effect this morning for some schools in Hayward after police received a report of a man walking down the street holding two shotguns, police said. At 8:15 a.m. police received the report of the man who was in the area of Murray Drive and Dunbar Place near Tennyson High School and Moreau Catholic High School. Harden Elementary School is not far away. Police said at least one person heard the man say one gun was for animals and another was for people. Officers went to the area and found the man in a backyard inside a shed. A crisis negotiation team also went to the area and spoke with the man and he surrendered. Police said that although no direct threat to schools existed, schools were asked to shelter in place as a precaution. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A shelter-in-place order is in effect this evening for the Pickleweed Community Center at 50 Canal St. in San Rafael due to police activity in the area, police said. Live power lines are down and police are encouraging people to avoid the area. Monday night a young man was shot and killed at nearby Pickleweed Park. 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 will become the first major U.S. city to remove minimum parking requirements for building developers after supervisors voted on the ordinance at their meeting today. The ordinance would amend the city's planning code to eliminate off-street parking requirements citywide with the hopes of speeding up construction on housing projects and reducing the number of cars on city streets. City officials have already removed the requirement from several zoning areas, but the ordinance would make the policy citywide. "While removing the requirement, this legislation in no way removes the option of the developer building parking. We are not removing the maximum parking requirement nor prohibiting parking, we are just no longer requiring developers to build parking if they don't want to or if they want to build less than what is required," Supervisor Jane Kim said. Kim introduced the legislation. Supervisor Norman Yee, however, argued that a citywide policy would not make sense for parts of the city that are not easily accessible by public transportation, and could increase the number of ride-hailing service cars like Uber and Lyft clogging city streets. Supervisor Malia Cohen reiterated Yee's sentiments and suggested that an amendment be made to carve out her district, District 10, from the ordinance because it's not easily accessible by public transit. During the first reading, supervisors voted six to four to pass the ordinance, with Supervisors Cohen, Yee, Ahsha Safai and Catherine Stefani voting against it. Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer was not present at the meeting. Both Mexico City and Hartford, Conn. have also recently done away with parking requirements for developers. Also at the meeting, supervisors voted unanimously to establish an African American Arts and Cultural District in the city's Bayview and Hunters Point neighborhoods. "The neighborhood is home to a vibrant community," Cohen said. "The purpose of the legislation is to honor and recognize the contribution of the African American community; past residents as well as present residents, and of course, setting up a place, a cultural home for future San Franciscans." The new district joins other established cultural districts in the city, including the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District, the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, and the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District. Also today, Mayor London Breed introduced legislation to appropriate $181 million to fund homeless and affordable housing programs in the city. The money is the discretionary portion of a recently announced windfall of $415 million that the city is recognizing from newly available property tax revenue, according to the Mayor's office. The legislation would direct $90.5 million for affordable housing programs to the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development and $90.5 million for homelessness programs to the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and the Department of Public Health. "The voters have been clear that homelessness and affordable housing are a top priority, and I am committed to investing in proven programs that help people off of the streets and into housing," Breed said in a statement. "As we wait for additional homelessness funding to become available, we can move now to create new affordable housing, continue expanding our shelter capacity under my plan to open 1,000 new shelter beds, and increase our mental health and substance use treatment beds and programs. I look forward to working with the Board of Supervisors in the coming weeks to determine how to best fund these programs." The remainder of the money would go toward budget reserves and dedicated baseline uses such as transportation, public schools, libraries and early child care and education, children and family programming, as well as tree maintenance. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A Contra Costa County sheriff's deputy shot and killed a 41-year-old Discovery Bay man who had fired a shot at him after a foot pursuit led to a struggle between the two in unincorporated Pacheco this morning, sheriff's officials said. Shortly after 9:30 a.m., two deputies were finishing up a response to a call on Adelaide Drive and as one left the area, he noticed a man with an outstanding warrant on foot in the area of Adelaide Drive and Pacheco Boulevard, according to the sheriff's office. The deputy went to contact the man, who reached into his waistband while running away, leading to a foot pursuit. The deputy commanded the man to show his hands and tried to physically control him, sheriff's officials said. During the struggle, the suspect pulled out a firearm from his waistband and fired a shot toward the deputy's head but missed. The deputy returned fire, shooting the suspect. Fire and ambulance crews responded but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The man, whose name is not yet being released, is an alleged gang member who had a no-bail warrant for evading and resisting arrest in another county and also had multiple prior contacts with law enforcement for assault, theft and weapon and drug offenses, according to the sheriff's office. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the sheriff's office at (925) 313-2600. Any tips can be sent to tips@so.cccounty.us or by calling (866) 846-3592. 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. One person is dead and another is hospitalized after they were shot while driving in Fremont late Tuesday night, causing their vehicle to crash into the side of a house, police said. The shooting was reported at 11:18 p.m. in the 34000 block of Torrington Court. Officers arrived and found a male victim with multiple gunshot wounds in the passenger seat of the vehicle, which had crashed into the home at the corner of Chaucer Drive and Torrington Court, according to police. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:35 p.m. and his name is not yet being released, police said. Witnesses reported a second male running away from the scene and he was located nearby at about 11:50 p.m. He also had gunshot wounds, but they were not life-threatening, police said. Investigators determined the second victim was the driver of the vehicle and an associate of the victim who died. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital to be treated for his injuries. No arrest has been made in the case, Fremont's third homicide in 2018. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Fremont police at (510) 690-6900 or to email Detective Nordseth at snordseth@fremont.gov. Tips can also be sent by text message to 888777 with a message starting with "Tip FremontPD." 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. Flooding has been reported at several locations in Oakland and around the Bay Area as a result of this morning's wet weather, according to the California Highway Patrol. Around 12:40 a.m., roughly a foot of water was reported in the vicinity of westbound Interstate Highway 580 and eastbound state Highway 24. Roughly 15 minutes later, additional flooding was reported on eastbound Highway 580 just west of Harrison Street. Then around 1:45 a.m., three to six inches of standing water were reported in the vicinity of the northbound Interstate Highway 880 and Interstate Highway 980. Additional flooding has been reported at various locations in San Mateo and Marin counties, as well as in San Francisco. A 24-year-old man was arrested Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of stealing money at gunpoint during a drug transaction and fleeing the scene in a friend's vehicle, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department. Officers responded to a report of armed robbery in a residence in the 2200 block of Versaille Street, and found a vehicle matching the suspect description in the vicinity of Fulton Road and Appletree Drive. While they were following the suspect vehicle, one of the occupants allegedly threw a backpack out the window. After a traffic stop, that bag was found to contain drugs, money and a loaded gun, according to police. There were four people in the vehicle at that time, all of whom were detained for questioning. Roberto Laron Alvarez, a Santa Rosa resident, was identified as a suspect and arrested. The others were later released. Alvarez was booked into county jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance while armed, police said. He was also on probation, and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, according to investigators. San Francisco residents have a chance this evening to enjoy the season as city officials light a holiday tree in Civic Center Plaza, organizers said. The 50-foot noble fir will be lit at 6:30 p.m. in the plaza at 335 McAllister St. after some holiday performances. The event gets underway at 5 p.m. and also includes a toy giveaway for children 12 and under. Temperatures in the mid-50s are expected today in San Francisco. Skies will be cloudy, there is a 50 percent chance of showers and the daytime high should reach 56 degrees. Tonight's low temperature is forecasted at 49 degreses, with a 30 percent chance of rain. Winds from 9 to 14 mph are expected today, with windspeed dropping down to about 5 mph in the evening. Thursday skies will be mostly sunny with a high around 59 degrees and a mild breeze. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. The water began rising around three o'clock in the morning after a water heater pipe burst inside the rental home Laura and Gus Andersen had moved into just days before; cardboard boxes still sat on the floor, unpacked and exposed. Gus, a member of the military, rushed to sweep the water off the hardwood floors as his wife recorded video of the sloshing liquid inside their house south of Atlanta. Despite frequent and persistent requests to their landlord, Progress Residential, the company did not immediately fix the damage and test for mold, the Andersens say. "Do something do anything," Andersen pleaded in a recent interview while standing on her front lawn. In a "clearance letter" dated 2 1/2 weeks after the pipe burst that contained spelling and grammatical mistakes, a contractor told the Andersens it did an inspection and found "dry and normal conditions" in the spots where it tested. When asked if she still worries about her health living in the home, Laura Andersen told a reporter, "I do ... I worry about what is going on behind the Sheetrock, what is going on behind the flooring." The Hearst Television National Investigative Unit's three-month investigation into Progress Residential which has 26,000 homes found a pattern of complaints from renters and former employees about the company's customer service, standards, billing practices, response times and internal culture. The concerns span markets, states and years. Andersen was one of more than a dozen people interviewed for this story, which also relies on public and nonpublic documents, court records and filings. Online, renters have sounded off in hundreds of posts: "you prey on your customers," "deplorable," "ridiculous," "the worst company" and "a total nightmare." The company often posts a reply that includes, "We apologize for your frustrations." In addition, the unit's investigation found attorneys general in eight of the nine states where Progress operates Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas have received complaints, including one from David Mehan in Arizona. "I was just so fed up," Mehan said in an interview. Progress Residential, in its response to the Arizona Attorney General's Office obtained by the National Investigative Unit, admitted to two internal errors in Mehan's case and reversed a little more than $1,700 in charges. "I'll never do business with them again ... because they're awful," Mehan said. Melanie Lefebvre and her husband, Michel, won an initial default judgment against Progress this year in Mississippi for approximately $3,500, accusing the company of keeping their deposit and making up home repair charges. The company got the decision thrown out over a technicality; both sides go back to court Nov. 30, court records show. "We tried to negotiate with them, we tried to get a mediator involved, everything was falling on deaf ears. So we thought: we have no choice; we have to file suit," Lefebvre said during an interview from Mississippi. "Absolutely, we felt ignored." Progress Residential is accredited with the Better Business Bureau with an "A+" rating. But customer reviews, which combine to give Progress about two out of five stars, do not factor into the rating, a BBB spokeswoman explained. The BBB said it had received 278 complaints against the company since Jan. 1, 2016, many regarding service issues, guarantees or warranties. Former renter Angela DePolo-Hughes says the company blocked her on social media after she complained about a host of issues that culminated in an eviction notice on Christmas Eve. She then started a Facebook group that now has more than 300 members. "People are sharing their horror stories ... We're not going to be quiet," DePolo-Hughes explained during an interview. And it's not just renters feeling wronged. A federal class action-lawsuit (3:16-CV-356) filed in the Southern District of Texas led by a former employee claims the company forced leasing agents to illegally work longer hours "without any overtime." The company denies the claims; a trial is scheduled for January. Through spokesman Peter Jakel at public relations agency Linnel Taylor, Progress Residential's CEO, Chaz Mueller, did not grant Hearst Television an interview for this story. In a two-sentence statement that did not specifically answer any of 24 questions submitted to it by Hearst, Progress Residential said: "We strongly believe these claims are without merit. We strive to provide our employees with the best possible work environment and our more than 100,000 residents with homes in desirable communities." Progress Residential's parent company, Pretium Partners, announced in June it had raised more than $1 billion from "investors from across the globe, including insurance companies, pension funds, and high-net worth individuals" to "acquire, renovate and manage" single family homes. The public release said Progress Residential had already purchased 5,000 homes for its Real Estate Fund II, known as SFR Fund II. "We are confident that our leading real estate platform, deep sector expertise, and operational advantage will enable Pretium to continue to acquire, renovate, and manage single-family rentals, while seeking to provide our investors with the risk-adjusted returns to which they are accustomed," Pretium CEO Donald Mullen said in the statement. But Laura Andersen says she's still waiting for some repairs to her Georgia home after a flood of inaction. In the interview, Andersen said she would "never again" rent from Progress Residential, which, she said, had "failed us." "They literally and figuratively left us out to dry," Andersen said. Know of waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement? Send investigative tips to the National Investigative Unit at investigate@hearst.com. LONDON Britains Parliament dealt Prime Minister Theresa Mays government two bruising defeats Tuesday, and that was before lawmakers began an epic debate that will decide the fate of Mays European Union divorce deal and her political career. Opening five days of debate on the Brexit agreement, May said that since the British people voted in 2016 to leave the EU, it was the duty of this Parliament to deliver on the result of the referendum. WASHINGTON A bipartisan group of senior senators on Tuesday said that a classified briefing by the CIA director had only solidified their belief that Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, ordered the killing of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi. Prince Mohammed is a wrecking ball, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told reporters after an hour-long briefing by Gina Haspel, the CIA director. I think hes complicit in the murder of Mr. Khashoggi to the highest level possible. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., the Appropriations Committee chairman, echoed that all evidence points to that, that all this leads back to the crown prince. This is conduct that none of us in America would approve of in any way, Shelby said. The clear and biting assessment put Republican senators at odds with the White House, which has steadfastly refused to cast blame on Saudi Arabias leadership for the death of Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and Washington Post columnist. His killing sparked international outrage over the kingdoms heavy-handed tactics and renewed attention to the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Senators, however, were divided as to what steps to take next, following a stinging vote last week to consider a measure cutting off U.S. military aid to Saudi Arabias campaign. Somebody should be punished, but the question is: How do you separate the Saudi crown prince from the nation itself? Shelby said. Graham said he would not vote for the Yemen resolution. Instead, he said, he would rally support for a different, broader effort against the kingdom to cut off arms sales and military aid for the war in Yemen, and impose new sanctions on those responsible for the killing, including the crown prince. There is not a smoking gun, theres a smoking saw, Graham said. You have to be willfully blind not to see it. He was referring to a bone saw that Turkish officials have said was used to dismember Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. President Trump has maintained his support for Saudi Arabia and, specifically, Prince Mohammed. In an extraordinary statement last month that appeared calculated to end debate on the killing, Trump said it was possible that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event maybe he did and maybe he didnt! We may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi, Trump added in the Nov. 20 statement. In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Last week, the White House dispatched Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to persuade senators to stay the course with Saudi Arabia, a key Middle East ally, in the interest of national security. But U.S. officials have said that the CIA has concluded that Prince Mohammed ordered the Oct. 2 killing. Eric Schmitt and Nicholas Fandos are New York Times writers. METULA, Israel The Israeli military launched an operation Tuesday to expose and thwart tunnels it says were built by the Hezbollah militant group that stretch from Lebanon into northern Israel. The military said the tunnels are not currently being used by militants and that its work to find and neutralize them was taking place inside Israeli territory. However, the operation could heighten tensions between Israel and its Iran-backed foe, which have both been preoccupied with other conflicts since their last conflagration more than a decade ago. BRUSSELS Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Tuesday that the Trump administration would begin the formal process to scrap the landmark Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty within 60 days unless Russia returns to compliance with the treatys terms. The burden falls on Russia to make the necessary changes, Pompeo said. Only they can save this treaty. If Russia does not come back into compliance by the deadline, the administration will begin a formal, six-month process to end the treaty, Pompeo said. During those months, the United States will still not test or deploy missiles that would abrogate the treaty, he said. The announcement came at the end of a day of meetings that Pompeo held at NATO headquarters in Brussels. The Trump administration said in October that it planned to withdraw from the treaty, alarming many of its closest European allies. Some complained that the Americans should have done a far better job consulting with them before making such a decision. While the Trump administration pointed to years of treaty violations by Russia, there is another reason it wants to scrap the deal: The pact constrains the United States from using new weapons to respond to Chinas growing militarization of the South China Sea. Because China is not a signatory to the treaty, it faces no limits on developing intermediate-range nuclear missiles, which can travel thousands of miles. Elbridge Colby, director of the defense program at the Center for a New American Security, said it is a challenge to balance Europes concerns about pulling out of the treaty with the need to respond to the growing threat from China. Its a hard sell for the Europeans because they see scrapping the treaty as pushing them into a further arms race with Russia without improving their security, Colby said. On the other hand, China is by far the most significant military threat to the U.S. and our allies and we need to adjust to that. At a news conference after the NATO meeting, the organizations secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, said that the pact, which is known as the INF Treaty, had been a pillar of Euro-Atlantic security for more than 30 years, and that it had made us all safer. But Stoltenberg agreed that the Russians had violated the agreement. This is part of Russias broader pattern of behavior intended to weaken the overall Euro-Atlantic security architecture, Stoltenberg said. There is no question that the United States fully complies with the treaty. There are no new U.S. missiles in Europe. But there are new Russian missiles in Europe. Stoltenberg urged Russia to return to compliance. We seek dialogue, not confrontation, with Russia, he said. Gardiner Harris is a New York Times writer. The song "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is one of the catchiest holiday duets out there, but people seem more concerned about the song's underlying message than ever before. Many people think that in the #MeToo era, it should be obvious why "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is offensive and even dangerous -- it's a song that glorifies and normalizes date-rape culture. Others think the song is innocent and social justice warriors should just relax. Will it be on your holiday playlist? PERSPECTIVES Here's an unfiltered look at the song, originally written for the film "Neptune's Daughter" in 1949. From the get-go, it was never a truly innocent song; the two characters singing are identified as "mouse" and "wolf" on the printed score. A number of radio stations this year have decided to remove "Baby, It's Cold Outside" from rotation. Cleveland station Star 102 WDOK-FM made a public statement about the change. CNN's Ray Sanchez reports: Some fans of the song actually agree that it is indeed a display of rape culture, but not in the way that most people think. By taking lines out of context and looking at them through the lens of 2018 (meaning 2018 humor, colloquialisms and culture, not just the long-overdue #MeToo mindset), listeners are painting an inaccurate picture of the song and the story taking place within it. One Tumblr user and former English teacher takes the time to explain the true concept behind the song. He highlights: The Baby Its Cold Outside Christmas song factually checked against todays woke culture. Im all for progress, lets just make sure we get our points down right. pic.twitter.com/wNVAfLY5H8 JAMIN (@jasminjoestar) November 30, 2018 Even if the song had innocent beginnings, few listeners will interpret the lyrics with the historical context in mind. The song perpetuates rape culture and gender stereotypes, while also taking away female agency. Needless to say, it's not a song many people want their kids growing up hearing in between "Jingle Bells" and "Let It Snow." Listeners have been calling for an end to "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for years now. Key and Peele even did a sketch in 2012 that explicitly calls out the song's intimations of rape. It ends with the female figure beating up her assailant after he dances his way around her and locks her inside his cozy-but-lavish house. In 2017, USA Today's Mary Nahorniak wrote: Yearly reminder that "Baby Its Cold Outside" is a song promoting and normalizing date rape culture. Donald Butcher (@TheDonButcher) November 30, 2016 Still, people are holding firm to the context behind the tune. Silencing the song is akin to silencing women, and in doing so, furthers the taboo surrounding female sexual expression. Others feel that the conversation is much ado about nothing and that the song should continue to be played simply based on its quality. After the Cleveland radio station, Star 102, banned the song from airwaves, many listeners expressed their opinions on Facebook. CNN reports on one listener's perspective: I would say baby its cold outside on #MondayMorning but ya'll are too sensitive. Now off to pick on Rudolph. pic.twitter.com/OrGQCZ4wca Saint Chops (@saintchops) December 3, 2018 The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say. CITY HALL -- To put injured deer out of their misery when found around Staten Island, the city contractor charged with performing vasectomies on the boroughs exploding deer population considered training the New York City Police Department on how to euthanize deer using a lethal dose of the drug Succinylcholine Chloride (SCC). In March, Anthony DeNicola, the president and founder of city contractor White Buffalo, told a wildlife biologist at the states Department of Environmental Conservation he was planning to train the NYPD in May how to euthanize deer using SCC. Unlike other parts of the state, hunting is prohibited in New York City, so residents and police alike cant kill the deer on their own. DeNicola noted that police cannot use firearms to put deer down, so he offered to train them in administering a lethal dose of SCC, according to emails obtained by the Advance through a Freedom of Information Law request. [NYPD] have an Emergency Services Unit that can tranquilize, but I am concerned about their ability to administer drugs IV or via intracardiac administration. With SCC you can inject it IM and it will cease respiration in less than 15 seconds, DeNicola wrote. Given how professionals often botch lethal injections via IV for the death penalty applications, I prefer a method that is more reliable for the other professionals without the regular use of a method under stressful circumstances. Parks Department spokeswoman Meghan Lalor insisted the city is not considering euthanizing healthy deer. Meantime, NYPD Lieutenant John Grimpel confirmed the idea to euthanize deer was discussed as a possible solution when police respond to catastrophically injured deer. But Grimpel said the department decided to not follow through with the DeNicolas plan. If a deer is found critically injured -- often as a result of a deer-vehicle collision -- Lalor said the NYPD will sedate the deer until Animal Care Centers arrives to pick up the animal. ACC then humanely euthanize the deer at a shelter, Lalor said. White Buffalos team are experts in the field of deer management. White Buffalo is equipped to humanely euthanize deer that are catastrophically injured on Staten Island, Lalor said. As weve discussed with you in the past, the mortality rate for the deer study is very low and this actions only taken when its the only humane way to address the injured animal." The Parks Department said White Buffalo has never euthanized deer during any vasectomies performed on Staten Island. NOT NECESSARY AT THIS TIME The NYPDs Grimpel said the department did not find the lethal method necessary to pursue at this time. He said the NYPD did do a separate training with White Buffalo to refine the departments tranquilization technique. We are always open to discussing new strategies, which is part fine-tuning the work we do to keep people safe, Grimpel said. The emails also showed that DeNicola also discussed obtaining whats known as a deer damage permit (DDP) with DEC to be able to capture-and-kill via a dart laced with SCC followed by the injection of another drug. However, the Parks Department said those discussions with DEC were in reference to a non-New York City contract in upstate New York. White Buffalo is in the midst of the what is supposed to be the third and final year of the controversial $3.3 million deer vasectomy program, which is running more than $800,000 over budget. In November, the Parks Department said White Buffalo had performed 1,456 vasectomies on Island bucks and estimated the current deer population stood somewhere between 1,7931,975. Although the city says it has seen a reduction in the Islands deer population, Staten Islanders still report frequent sightings of the animals in their backyards and around the Island. Collisions with the animals has also been on the rise too. Since 2015, Staten Island has seen a 216 percent increase in deer vehicle collisions, according to city data. Although 2018 is not quite over, a rise in deer-vehicle collisions appeared to be heading on on upward trend for this year as of November with 69 collisions reported as of Nov. 3. Most of the collisions this year happened in the 123 precinct in Tottenville. FOLLOW SYDNEY KASHIWAGI ON TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. When the call came over for a 7-year-old girl unable to breathe, NYPD officers Iryna Timofeeva and Michal Dodz thought of their own children as they raced to the scene. Nearly 24 hours later, the Staten Island officers were recognized for the actions they took Tuesday afternoon inside a New Brighton home, which ultimately save the childs life. Whenever its kids, you always feel as if its your kid, said Timofeeva during a press conference Wednesday outside the 120th Precinct stationhouse in St. George. The officers described a chaotic scene as they arrived at about 12:21 p.m. to the home on Hendricks Avenue. The child laid unconscious on the floor, after apparently suffering a severe asthma attack. The mom was screaming, the father was saying help her, help her, said Dodz. Thats when our training kicked in, and we did what we were trained to do. Dodz said he performed chest compressions on the child, as members of the FDNY arrived with oxygen. Timofeeva then took over on compressions, as Dodz administered the oxygen. Moments later, the girls eyes opened as she regained consciousness. That first breath was very emotional for everybody, said Timofeeva. I teared up. The girl was rushed with a police escort to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton. Officers said the ordeal lasted about four minutes, from the time they arrived to the time she was transported to the hospital. Timofeeva, 35, has been a member of the force for two years after immigrating from Russia about 15 years ago. She has a 9-year-old son at home. Dodz, 36, has been a member of the NYPD for 12 years and is the father of two toddlers. He immigrated to the U.S. from Poland when he was 14 years old. According to an NYPD spokeswoman, officers are required to receive CPR training every two years. The Supreme Court is currently considering the constitutionality of "civil forfeiture," the process in which law enforcement officials seize assets and property from citizens accused of a crime. Supporters of civil forfeiture say the system prevents criminals from profiting on their crimes. But opponents say police are far less likely to seize guns from criminal organizations than they are to seize much-needed assets from common people, and citizen have little recourse to get their property back -- even if charges are never filed. What do you think? PERSPECTIVES The case currently before the Supreme Court involves Tyson Timbs, an Indiana man who, in 2013, was busted for selling around $400 worth of heroin to undercover police officers. According to NPR: The Land Rover the state seized from Timbs is valued at $42,000, according to Slate, more than four times the maximum fine of $10,000 for Timbs' crime. The issue of civil forfeiture is one that has united activists across the ideological spectrum. According to Slate: Criminal justice activists believe the practice unfairly targets those that cannot fight back. Unlike criminal seizures, people who have had their property taken via civil asset forfeiture do not have a right to an attorney. As Chris Ingraham wrote for The Washington Post, "Why spend $20,000 on a lawyer over a $5,000 seizure?" SLATE: Neil Gorsuch and Sonia Sotomayor just came out swinging against policing for profit Conservative pundit George Will wrote in an op-ed for the Washington Post that civil seizures are obviously abused and should be abolished. Civil forfeiture recently had a supporter high up in the Justice Department: Jeff Sessions has long been a vocal supporter of the practice. Before his ignominious ouster from his position as Attorney General, in July 2017, Sessions supported civil forfeiture during a speech to law enforcement officials. Per The Washington Post: ANALYSIS: Sessions' defense of civil asset forfeiture, annotated Slate reports that, on its face, civil forfeiture makes sense as a way to prevent organized criminals from profiting from their crimes: The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say. WASHINGTON The Latest on events honoring late former President George H.W. Bush (all times local): 12:45 p.m. Former President George W. Bush says he told his father just before he died that he had been a "wonderful dad" and that he loved him. Delivering a eulogy at the elder Bush's funeral on Wednesday, George W. Bush said his father's "last words on earth were 'I love you, too.'" George W. Bush extolled his father not only for his service as president but also as a role model as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Bush choked up at the end of his eulogy before regaining his composure. He patted his father's flag-draped coffin twice as he went back to his seat at the Washington National Cathedral. Former first lady Laura Bush wiped her eyes with a tissue as her husband sat next to her. ___ 12:40 p.m. Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, who left the U.S. after the killing of a Saudi journalist in Turkey, has returned to Washington for events around the state funeral of former President George H.W. Bush. The Saudi embassy says that Prince Khalid bin Salman is in Washington and that Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir is leading the kingdom's delegation at Wednesday's service. Khalid bin Salman is the younger brother of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who the CIA has assessed with high confidence ordered the killing of Washington Post journalist and U.S. resident Jamal Khashoggi (jah-MAHL' khahr-SHOHK'-jee). The ambassador left the United States in early October after Khashoggi went missing on a visit to a Saudi consulate in Turkey. There was speculation at the time that he would not return. Saudi prosecutors have said a 15-man team sent to Istanbul killed Khashoggi with tranquilizers and dismembered his body. ___ 12:40 p.m. Former Sen. Alan Simpson has hailed his old friend George H.W. Bush as man of humility, a commodity the Wyoming Republican says is rare in the capital. At the Washington National Cathedral memorial service for the late president on Wednesday, Simpson said, "Those who travel the high road of humility in Washington, D.C., are not bothered by heavy traffic." Simpson recalled that once while he was under fire by the press, Bush told him to "wave to your pals over there in the media" as they passed photographers. Simpson says Bush accepted a 1990 bipartisan budget deal that included a tax increase, despite his campaign pledge to not raise taxes. He says Bush said, "OK, go for it, but it will be a real punch in the gut." Simpson says "his own party turned on him" for that, contributing to his 1992 re-election defeat. Bush died last week in Houston at age 94. ___ 12:25 p.m. Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney has praised former U.S. President George H.W. Bush as a strong world leader who helped oversee the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union and was "responsible for the North American Free Trade Agreement" with Canada and Mexico. With President Donald Trump, a sharp NAFTA critic, seated in the front row at Bush's funeral, Mulroney said Wednesday the deal "created the largest and richest free trade area in the history of the world" and was "recently modernized and improved by new administrations." Trump had called the trade deal unfair to the U.S. and moved to replace it. Mulroney said Bush also deserves credit for the Americans with Disabilities Act and revising the Clean Air Act. He said, "There's a word for this. It's called leadership." Bush died last week in Houston at age 94. ___ 12:15 p.m. Former President George W. Bush appeared to hand former first lady Michelle Obama something at his father's funeral, recreating a moment from Sen. John McCain's funeral earlier this year. At McCain's funeral, Bush and Obama were seatmates and he appeared to hand her something during a eulogy. The bipartisan moment went viral, and Obama later told NBC's "Today" show Bush slipped her a mint. On Wednesday, Bush dug into his pocket right before he shook the hands of the former presidents and their wives gathered for the funeral of his father, former President George H.W. Bush. He appeared to switch something into his right hand before he shook Mrs. Obama's hand and then hand something to her. She smiled at him after the exchange. ___ 12:05 p.m. Humor is creeping its way into the somber ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral to remember the life of former President George H.W. Bush. Presidential historian Jon Meacham was the first speaker on Wednesday and said that on the primary campaign trail in New Hampshire once, Bush grabbed the hand of a department store mannequin while asking for votes. Meacham says when Bush realized his mistake he said, "Never know. Gotta ask." Meacham recounted how comedian Dana Carvey once said that the key to doing a perfect impersonation of the 41st president was "Mr. Rogers trying to be John Wayne." Looking ahead to the 1988 election, Bush once said: "It's no exaggeration to say that the undecideds could go one way or the other." And Meacham said that late in his presidency, Bush's tongue ran amok when he said: "We are enjoying sluggish times, but we're not enjoying them very much." ___ 12:05 p.m. George H.W. Bush's biographer is hailing the late president as a noble man who made the world better and inadvertently made it chuckle. Historian Jon Meacham has told mourners at a Washington memorial service that Bush's credo was, "Tell the truth, don't blame people, be strong, do your best, try hard, forgive, stay the course." Meacham said Abraham Lincoln's "better angels of our nature" and Bush's thousand points of light are "companion verses in America's national hymn." Meacham says Bush "made our lives and the lives of nations freer, better, warmer and nobler." President Donald Trump has mocked the "points of light" phrase at some of his campaign rallies this year. He contrasted it with his own campaign slogan, saying "Putting America first, we understand. Thousand points of light, I never quite got that one." ___ 11:05 a.m. It's an extraordinary scene inside the Washington National Cathedral, where former world leaders are mingling, waiting for a ceremony remembering former President George H.W. Bush to begin. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter are seated in a front-row pew. President Donald Trump walked in and shook hands with Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, who greeted him by saying "Good morning." Trump did not shake hands with Bill and Hillary Clinton, who looked straight ahead. Bill Clinton and Mrs. Obama smiled and chatted as music played. Carter is seated silently next to Hillary Clinton in the cavernous cathedral. Obama cracked up laughing at someone's quip. Vice President Mike Pence shook Carter's hand. ___ 11 a.m. The casket of former President George H.W. Bush has arrived at Washington National Cathedral in a lengthy, slow-moving motorcade that transported his family, friends and dignitaries. Bush's flag-draped coffin left the Capitol on Wednesday morning and was moved to the packed cathedral. The former president had been lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda since Monday. World figures, members of Congress, President Donald Trump and all four ex-presidents are attending the ceremony. Bush's son former President George W. Bush will give a eulogy, bidding a final Washington farewell to his father, who died Friday in Houston at age 94. Bush's remains will be flown to Houston to lie in repose before a private burial Thursday at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. ___ 10:55 a.m. The hearse bearing the coffin of George H.W. Bush has driven slowly past the White House in a symbolic final nod at the building where he served as the nation's 41st president. The funeral procession of limousines on Wednesday was carrying Bush's casket from the Capitol, where thousands of mourners had been paying respects to him since late Monday. It was en route to the National Cathedral, where President Donald Trump, all four surviving former presidents and hundreds of other dignitaries and mourners were set for a memorial service. Bush died last week at age 94. He is to be buried Thursday in Texas. --- 10:50 a.m. The U.N. Security Council has paid tribute to the late U.S. President George H.W. Bush, standing silently in his memory. Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara (ah-lah-SAHN' WAH'-tah-rah) was presiding over the U.N.'s most powerful body on Wednesday and asked the 15 members and diplomats in the crowded council chamber to observe a minute of silence to honor Bush at the start of a meeting on sustaining peace after conflict. Speaking on behalf of the council, Ouattara said "President Bush left us following a long, illustrious career serving his country," including as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, where he presided over the Security Council in 1972. Ouattara conveyed the council's "warm gratitude to the people and government of the United States of America" and condolences on Bush's death. Bush died last week in Houston at age 94. ___ 10:35 a.m. Former President George H.W. Bush's casket has left the U.S. Capitol for a state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. Family, friends, congressional leaders and others gathered with military brass on the steps of the Capitol for the send-off Wednesday as cannons echoed a salute and a military band played "Hail to the Chief." Bush's flag-draped coffin was carried to a waiting hearse for the procession to the cathedral. His son former President George W. Bush put his hand over heart at the plaza. The 41st president had been lying in state since late Monday in the Capitol Rotunda, an honor reserved for few. Hundreds of visitors, including many former White House officials, arrived to pay tribute. Bush died last week in Houston at age 94. ___ 9:40 a.m. Friends and family are gathering at Washington National Cathedral under tight security for a funeral service honoring late former President George H.W. Bush. Wednesday's national funeral service will cap three days of remembrance by dignitaries and ordinary citizens. It will bring together world envoys, the four remaining ex-presidents and President Donald Trump. After Wednesday's service, Bush's remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose at St. Martin's Episcopal Church before burial Thursday at his family plot. The 41st president oversaw the post-Cold War transition and led a successful Gulf War, only to lose re-election in a generational shift to Bill Clinton in 1992. He died last week in Houston at age 94. ___ 7:35 a.m. The public viewing for late former President George H.W. Bush at the Capitol Rotunda has drawn to a close. A funeral service at Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday will cap three days of remembrance by dignitaries and ordinary citizens as they honor Bush, who died in Houston last week at age 94. The Republican president oversaw the post-Cold War transition and led a successful Gulf War, only to lose re-election in a generational shift to Democrat Bill Clinton in 1992. His funeral will bring together world envoys, the four remaining ex-presidents and President Donald Trump. Bush's remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose before burial Thursday at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station ___ 6:40 a.m. Pope Francis is sending his condolences to the Bush family and says he's praying it finds strength and peace as it prepares to bid farewell to former President George H.W. Bush. The Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sent a telegram of condolences on Wednesday to the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo. In it, Parolin says Francis was saddened to learn of Bush's death last week in Houston at age 94 and assured the family of his prayers. The telegram says: "Commending President Bush's soul to the merciful love of Almighty God, His Holiness invokes upon all who mourn his passing the divine blessings of strength and peace." Funeral services for Bush are planned for Wednesday at Washington National Cathedral. ___ 12:15 a.m. Washington is bidding its final farewell to former President George H.W. Bush, his funeral at Washington National Cathedral drawing world envoys, the four remaining ex-presidents, and President Donald Trump. The ceremony late Wednesday morning will cap three days of remembrance by dignitaries and ordinary citizens alike. The Republican president oversaw the post-Cold War transition and led a successful Gulf War, then lost re-election in a generational shift to Democrat Bill Clinton. Joining American notables and representatives from more than a dozen countries is an electrician and fix-it man, Mike Lovejoy, who has worked at Bush's Maine summer estate since 1990. Bushs remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose before burial Thursday at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The turkeys in Ocean Breeze and elsewhere get to call Staten Island home for a little bit longer. In June, Mid-Island Councilman and Minority Leader Steven Matteo, along with Speaker Corey Johnson, announced the allocation of $100,000 in discretionary funds in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget for the capture and relocation of the turkeys that create hazardous conditions on the East Shore. For over a decade, the turkeys have flocked in the middle of Seaview Avenue, Capodanno Boulevard, Laconia and Mason avenues and surrounding blocks, causing motorists to stop in the middle of the road or swerve to avoid the fowl. Last month, two turkeys were found dead on a sidewalk near Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) . Pedestrians cross the street out of fear of being attacked. Earlier this year, a protective mother bird and her 18 eggs were removed from outside Dongan Hills resident Richard Gambardellas home. Gambardella said the mother, who was camped out behind a bush next to his front door, was aggressive, making him afraid to enter or exit his home. The staff at Staten Island University Hospital have to shoo the birds away from the main and emergency room entrances. Matteo hoped the removal would be this fall, however, the removal cannot begin until monies are processed through the city. The city is still processing the funding, which, unfortunately, takes some time, especially with new vendors, Matteo said. But regardless of when the turkey relocation begins, I am committed to do what it takes to see this program through to completion, he said. Matteo called the turkeys a nuisance and said the hazards they pose to public safety are serious." NEARLY 200 TURKEYS REMOVED IN 2014 In 2014, more than 150 turkeys were removed from the East Shore after a deal between the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture and SIUH. The turkeys were relocated to the And-Hof Sanctuary in the Catskills until funding ran out, leaving turkeys behind that continued to mate and caused the population to boom once again. The funding secured by Matteo and Johnson will allow the And-Hoff Sanctuary to humanely capture and relocate the remaining turkeys. The money will enable us to establish additional species-specific habitats and facilitate professional animal caregiving in our ongoing effort to give many more Staten Island turkeys a carefree forever home at our sanctuary, said Kurt Andernatch, founder and president of the sanctuary. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Joel W. Martin, provost and dean of faculty at Pennsylvanias Franklin and Marshall College, has been selected as the new president of Wagner College. Martin will begin his tenure as the 19th president of the school on July 1, 2019. It is with a great deal of excitement and anticipation that I can announce to the Wagner College community that Joel Martin has been selected as our next President, said Warren R. Procci, chair of the Wagner College board of trustees. He has a very impressive background in multiple aspects of academia and he will undoubtedly lead Wagner toward a shining future. Martin succeeds Richard Guarasci, Wagners longest-serving president, who will retire on June 30. Guarasci began his tenure at Wagner in 1997 as provost, and was named president in 2002. Joel is a gifted educator and an accomplished scholar, and he is a strong advocate for the practical liberal arts. Joel will be an excellent leader for Wagner College," said Guarasci. "He and his charming wife, Jan, hold a deep commitment for building and sustaining positive and caring relationships with students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as with their local communities. Martin has a distinguished record of teaching, service and leadership at colleges and universities, according to Wagner College. Wagner College initially attracted me because of its pioneering curriculum, the famous Wagner Plan, integrating practical liberal arts with professional programs in ways that hold great promise for todays students and their future success, said Martin. Then I saw the campus itself and recognized how its location, affording that grand view of New York City, embodies higher educations deep mission to serve as an empowering gateway, a portal to opportunity for all who dare to dream big. MARTINS EXPERIENCE Martin earned his bachelors degree at Alabamas Birmingham-Southern College, a liberal arts school. He holds a masters degree in theological studies from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in the history of religions from Duke University. He is also the author and editor of several books in the field of Native American religions. He began his academic career at Franklin and Marshall College in 1988 in Lancaster, Pa., as a professor, and later, the chair of the religious studies department. In 2000, he was named the Costo Endowed Chairholder in American Indian Affairs and was a professor at the University of California Riverside. He served as interim dean of the University of California Riversides College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences from 2004 to 2006. From 2006 to 2014, he held academic leadership positions at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He served as dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and then vice provost for academic personnel and dean of faculty. During this time, he improved the gender balance and diversity of the faculty, and strengthened the finances of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Since 2014, he has served as provost and dean of faculty at the Franklin and Marshall College. Wagner College is celebrating its 100th anniversary of its Grymes Hill campus during the 2018-2019 school year. Wagner is a private, residential, liberal arts college with a community of 2,200 students and 110 full-time faculty. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. CITY HALL -- The owner of a missing diamond engagement ring and wedding band was reunited with her prized possessions Tuesday night. News of the missing rings spread after fellow passenger, Jean Corbett of Rossville, took to Twitter Tuesday to find the owner of the rings found on the bathroom sink of the 1:30 p.m. Newhouse ferry. Corbett said she decided to go to the bathroom as the ferry was pulling up to the St. George Terminal. She said another woman was in the bathroom before her, so she tried to see if the rings belonged to that woman. However, the woman told Corbett she had seen the rings on the sink but wanted nothing to do with them. In a rush to make her connection on the Staten Island Railway, Corbett said she gave the rings to a deckhand and asked him to pass the rings along to security. A passenger on the 130pm ferry Staten island bound left their diamond rings in the bathroom a wedding band, engagement ring and two beautiful rings, you will need to go to the ferry security to retrieve them. My heart sank, when I saw them Jean Corbett (@JeanCorbett11) December 4, 2018 When Corbett was told by the Department of Transportation that the rings and their rightful owner had been reunited, she said she wanted to cry. My prayers were answered, thats all I can say is that theyre in her hands, Corbett said. I am so happy. It made my day, it made my Christmas, its going to make my New Years. I was in the right place at the right time. According to the official Facebook page of the Staten Island Ferry, after the ring owner got off the 1:30 p.m. ferry, she got off her train, looked at her hand and realized then she had left the rings on the bathroom sink of the ferry. The ring owner called 311 and ferry staff were soon aware of the lost rings. That night, the ring owner met with security at the St. George Terminal where she was reunited with her rings. Im so grateful to the woman who turned them in, the ring owner was quoted as saying by the ferrys Facebook page. DOT declined to give the name of the ring owner. Corbett said DOT told her the ring owner asked to meet with her, but has yet to hear from her. The ferrys lost and found office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday The office is located in the St. George Terminal waiting room, next to the NYPD Police Room. For additional information, or lost and found assistance, passengers are asked to call 311. Outside of New York City, passengers can dial 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675). FOLLOW SYDNEY KASHIWAGI ON TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. MTA board members got an earful from Staten Islanders at a hearing on Monday about proposed toll and fare hikes. Whether any of it will make even the smallest difference is yet to be seen, but one thing became clear through the evening: Theres lots that can be done to raise revenue and improve transit service before we increase fares and tolls on the backs of New York City commuters. First on the list: Put real teeth in enforcement efforts against fare-beaters. I admire MTA president Andy Byford for saying that MTA officials, backed by the NYPD, will bodily block turnstile jumpers. But its not going to be enough. Not paying the fare is theft and should be treated as such. Students get free MetroCards. There are discounts for low-income residents. The burdens been eased for a lot of New Yorkers. If were going to let people jump turnstiles and dodge paying on the bus, then just make the system free for all of us and be done with it. Fare-beating isnt the only reason that the MTA is struggling financially. But if theres an estimated $100 million out there that can be scooped up merely by enforcing the law, Im all for it. And, yeah, lets collect fares along the entire Staten Island Railway too. The current system allows too many people to ride for free. Staten Island will do its part to raise revenues. We use the system, well pay for it. Fair is fair. Second: Put tolls on the currently free East River bridges. This would be separate and apart from any congestion pricing toll equity plan that might be coming down the pike. Tolling the bridges would raise a lot of money. Staten Island motorists pay a bridge toll every time they return to the borough. It doesnt matter if its a discounted toll. Its still money coming out of our pockets for the pleasure of simply coming home. Think of the folks who never pay a toll to use the East River bridges for their regular commute or family travel. Now thats a discount. Sure, some Staten Island commuters will end up paying those East River tolls too. But at least it would level the playing field. Wed all be in it together. It's mind-boggling that the toll on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge could go to $19, while some bridges in the city are free to use. Bridges in places where there are more mass transit options than Staten Islanders have. Like subways. How is that fair? Its not going to be an easy political lift. No elected official wants to sell new tolls to their constituents. But fair is fair. Heres another suggestion that Staten Islanders had at the hearing: Enforce HOV lanes and bus-only lanes in order to help keep express buses moving. Simple, right? You can streamline the routes as much as you like, but one delivery truck or tourist bus parked in a bus lane can screw up the whole works. And think of how the ride could be smoothed if cars with fewer than the required number of passengers werent constantly dodging in and out of the HOV lane. Start giving out tickets and make it a big disincentive to illegally use the lane. Not all of this is in the MTAs control. The NYPD is going to have to help. Lawmakers are going to have to help. Which only makes sense, because were all in this together. Just dont take more money out of my pocket and leave me with the same old problems. Do something about it. The fall of State Senator Marty Golden (RBrooklyn) and Congressman Dan Donovan (RStaten Island) should put the Brooklyn GOP on notice: There is a need for younger, more diverse candidates that can connect with the community and provide unique solutions to problems plaguing our urban neighborhoods. Its no secret that New York City is a liberal bastion that has made it difficult for Republicans and the Republican Party to find a niche audience. However, that is just as much the fault of the local party apparatus of political tribalism of the five boroughs. Brooklyn GOP has so far failed to reflect the people its trying to represent. Todays voters look to leaders who care about their needs. And to the vast majority of city voters, the Republican Party has become synonymous with callousness and corruption. However, empathy and conservative principles are not mutually exclusive. If Republicans want to broaden their appeal, they need to revisit George W. Bushs compassionate conservatism. They need to fight for people, not abstract concepts. The next generation of Republicans must reaffirm a better future for all. They must get back to basics and start reconnecting with their local communities speak their language (literally). New York City Republicans need to reach out to minority communities and refocus their priorities on bipartisan issues that the mayor, the City Council, and Albany have consistently dropped the ball on. We need a message that sets us apart, that moves us beyond the demagoguery of Donald J. Trump and provides solutions to problems plaguing all New Yorkers when it comes to housing, education, criminal justice and healthcare. If that means adopting liberal ideas, or compromising in order to codify a kinder, gentler society, then that is exactly what we should do and we can do it without sacrificing our core principles of fiscal probity, free enterprise, personal freedom, individual responsibility and self-government. The GOP has a lot to offer, but we need to be consistent. We have an obligation to stand up for everyday New Yorkers who are struggling to make it. If were about the working class, then our statutes and our systems need to sing it from the rafters. We cant get caught up in the quagmire of self-aggrandizement or appeasing special interests. If were for rooting out corruption, then lets root out corruption. Ultimately, its not about Democrat versus Republican, Right versus Left, but instead practical versus fantastical. Issues like, homelessness, housing and income inequality have sky-rocketed in New York. The status quo of corporate welfare is not working. And yes, we can have a great message, but messaging means nothing without the proper messengers. Running young, qualified, well-vetted candidates that reflect the local community is our best way of our communicating our ideas to a new audience. Its time for both parties to genuinely and unequivocally advocate for the working class and those struggling to make it, or else we will all get left behind. (Joel M. Acevedo is a board member of the Brooklyn Young Republican Club and founder of the Sunset Park Republicans. He is an Arrochar resident.) 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! But, according to a groundbreaking new study by boffins at the International Monetary Fund, higher female labour force participation actually increases male wages. Lady in red: Julie Bishop's now-famous red shoes. Credit:AAP That might seem a bit odd, at first blush. Surely, an increase in the supply of total labour would act to depress wages? Turns out thats only true if you think men and women are perfectly interchangeable in the workplace; in the language of economists, if you think the elasticity of substitution between a female and a male worker is very high. Loading If thats true, and men and women are perfect substitutes for each other, then there is no benefit to having a rising proportion of women in the workforce that could not also be achieved by just having more men in the workforce. But - as much as it raises my feminist hackles to admit - men and women in todays society do tend to exhibit different behaviours. Whether thats nature or nurture, Id tend to fall firmly on the latter. But, at least for the time being, and in todays social setting, as the authors report: Women have been found to be more risk averse, reflecting greater fear of negative outcomes, and to be more averse to competition." Indeed, if you dig deep into complex data sets on relative productivity and gender participation rates across countries, like the boffins at the IMF have, it emerges that men and women are not perfect substitutes at least not in todays society. Women bring new skills to the workplace, they write in the study, 'Economic gains from gender inclusion: New mechanisms, new evidence'. This may reflect social norms and their impact on upbringing, social interactions, as well as differences in risk preferences and response to incentives. Turns out, men and women are complements rather than substitutes in the productive process. We tend to embody different skills that, when combined, make workplaces and economies more productive. This is significant, according to the boffins: As such, there is an economic benefit from diversity that is, from bringing women into the labour force, over and above the benefit resulting from simply having more workers. This hypothesis finds support in the data both cross-country macro data and firm-level data. Loading As a result, the authors find bigger potential gains to society from increasing gender parity than previous studies. The range of estimates for the elasticity of substitution implies that closing the gender gap in labour force participation could increase GDP by between 10 per cent and 80 per cent, depending on the initial value of female labour force participation. Importantly, its not just women who stand to gain, but men too. Why? Well, while its true that a bigger supply of labour would tend to depress wages, the boost to productivity resulting from the fact that men and women turn out to be complementary in the workforce more than offsets this. Our findings ... suggest that greater gender diversity is likely to boost male incomes. This makes discrimination against women in labour markets not only economically inefficient but also directly costly to men. Loading Countries like Ireland, which has seen a large increase in female participation, have enjoyed strong productivity gains. Similarly, productivity has been going backwards in some countries, like Morocco, where female labour force participation has stagnated at 25 per cent. Where does Australia sit in all this? Australias female participation rate now stands at 60.5 per cent, but still lags behind that of men at 71 per cent. This puts us close to the advanced world average. But when it comes to female participation in full-time employment, we are a clear laggard, with a higher proportion of women working two to three days a week. Thats costing us dearly, the reports findings suggest. The key message of this paper ... is that obstacles to women entering the labour force are even more costly than initially thought, and benefits from closing gender gaps are likely to be larger than initially thought. Importantly: These higher gains are preserved even when considering that home production would decline when women work in the market economy. As economies get richer, they naturally shift to become more service-based, and less brawn-based, helping to break down gender barriers. But to the extent they remain, barriers to female labour force participation (which include tax distortions, discrimination, and social/cultural factors) slow this process, reducing output and welfare. TPG Telecom executive chairman David Teoh has promised shareholders he is prioritising 5G technology and the hiring of female directors for the company's new board, if a $15 billion merger with Vodafone Hutchison Australia is successful. Activist shareholder groups, such as the Australian Shareholders Association (ASA), have hit out at companies for having too few women on their boards. In November, Vocus Group was criticised for having one woman on the board and was encouraged to hire more female directors. TPG Telecom executive chairman and CEO David Teoh says he is prioritising more female directors. Credit:Fairfax Media ASA representative Mary Curran raised concerns about the lack of gender diversity on TPGs board in 2017, and attended the 2018 annual general meeting on Wednesday to raise the issue again. Mr Teoh said he had interviewed some candidates for the director post for the [merged companys board] and everyone I interview is a woman. Investors have smashed rare earths miner Lynas slicing as much as 25 per cent from its share price after the Malaysian government signalled tough new conditions would be attached to its licence to operate in the country. But the plunge does not reflect the worst-case scenario facing the company if it is unable to meet the new conditions and keep its plant operating beyond September next year, according to a former investor who follows the stock. The fund manager said the market appears to be pricing in a scenario where the company comes up with a waste solution and only faces the prospect of higher costs. In a statement to the ASX Wednesday morning, Lynas said it was considering all options, including its legal options after Malaysia overnight moved to set new conditions on the renewal of licence, including the removal of radioactive residues produced by its controversial $1 billion rare earths processing plant. Britain's BT Group says it is removing Huawei Technologies' equipment from the core of its existing 3G and 4G mobile operations and will not use the Chinese company in central parts of the next network. New Zealand and Australia have stopped telecom operators using Huawei's equipment in new 5G networks because they are concerned about possible Chinese government involvement in their communications infrastructure. Huawei, the world's biggest network equipment maker ahead of Ericsson and Nokia, has said Beijing has no influence over its operations.. Credit:AP Huawei, the world's biggest network equipment maker ahead of Ericsson and Nokia, has said Beijing has no influence over its operations. BT said Huawei's equipment had not been used in the core of its fixed-line network, and it was removing it from the core of the mobile networks it acquired when it bought operator EE. European and Asian stocks dropped on Wednesday following the rout on Wall Street, though declines were contained and US equity futures rose after China pledged to start delivering on trade agreements reached with America. Wall Street was closed on Wednesday to mark the death of President George H. W. Bush. The Aussie dollar slid close to 1 per cent after Wednesday's weaker-than-anticipated economic growth number for the third quarter. It was trading 0.98 per cent lower at US72.66 as of 5:52am. Global markets were left reeling following Tuesday's steep sell-off in New York, but nerves appeared to steady after China's Commerce Ministry said Beijing will start to quickly implement specific items where there's consensus with the US and will push forward on trade negotiations within the 90-day "timetable and road map." China's announcemenet ended days of silence from the Asian nation following a weekend meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Credit:AP While the Stoxx Europe 600 Index slumped 1.2 per cent, that was far less than the 3.2 per cent plunge recorded by the S&P 500 a day earlier. Futures for America's benchmark S&P 500 Index advanced. Alex McCauley, is worried the word 'innovation' has become too political after former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's 2015 mantra was dubbed a failure. "It's lost its meaning, its been broadened to include everything," the chief executive of advocacy group StartupAus said. "Its not very tangible for people, they dont understand what innovation is. Thats something that we have to do better at, distinguishing what we want, rather than innovation more broadly." Alex McCauley, CEO of StartupAus, said Australia's political "lacklustre" towards the technology industry is preventing it from thriving. Credit:Daniel Munoz Mr McCauley is worried the significance of Australias technology sector is not widely understood by the public, a result of a "lacklustre" political approach towards startups. The fifth annual startup Crossroads report released on Thursday by StartupAus predicts 25 per cent of the Australian economy is likely to be directly impacted by software by 2025, equating to $524 billion of GDP. When young Petr Matous wanted to connect at university, he joined the sumo wrestling club. He didn't know a sandanme from a yokozuna but dived in anyway, having just moved from Czech Technical University in Prague to undertake post-graduate studies in Japan. "Joining sumo completely changed my life. It gave me access to a completely new set of friends and exposure to a part of Japanese society even the Japanese don't always see," he says. "Sumo was a transformational experience." Look outside your bubble and you'll find new groups at uni. Young Petr is now Dr Petr Matous, an expert on social networks and associate dean at Sydney University's engineering and IT faculty. With Dr Faezeh Karimi he examined how students interact at Sydney University, and published the findings: Mapping diversity and inclusion in student societies: A social network perspective. To visualise the data, Matous and Karimi produced heat maps. Unsurprisingly, the reddest areas are around Sydney's uni bars, however the lnternational Students Lounge (ISL) and engineering lawns also glowed. (Engineers are notoriously social creatures.) I clocked her on a crowded old train that was dragging itself around Sydney's CBD on a late November afternoon. With a display folder in hand, pencil skirt on torso, and eyes nervously watching the display scroll through the service's upcoming stops, the young woman deserved a Helpmann for her portrayal of "school leaver going to summer job interview" in the city's newest underground performance venue, carriage number 3671. Tan pantyhose have been rejected by younger corporate women. Credit:Shutterstock She was also sweating a lot. I hardly needed to look to know the source of her failed temperature regulation: her legs, several tones more orange than the rest of her, were covered in a thick pair of tan pantyhose. On Monday, senior politics journalist Tony Wright summarised the state of play in Canberra in a way only he could: Welcome home from Argentina, Scott. Things have been going very well back here. Very well indeed. Everyones having a ball. Love from Malcolm, Craig, and all the party. #auspol I am not sure the current PM would have seen the humour in his tweet. In some ways, the August leadership spill that resulted in another Australian prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, losing his job seems a lifetime ago. But on the other hand, it seems as though barely any time at all has passed. The blood-letting from that event continues unrestrained, and the biggest ramifications of the coup that resulted in Scott Morrisons elevation to the nations top job are probably still to be felt. Not amused: Scott Morrison might not see the humour to the current situation. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen As somebody said to me recently, NSW is fast becoming ground-zero of the Coalitions war with itself. The publics assessment of the Morrison governments NSW MPs will not only have a significant impact on the outcome of next years federal election but, as the Heralds exclusive polling showed this week, the state election is likely to be influenced heavily as well. State political editor Alexandra Smith's story revealed half of those polled indicated they would consider changing their vote in the March state election based on the instability and infighting of the federal government. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has been trying to distance herself from her Canberra colleagues, but those kinds of numbers won't have given her any assurance that her strategy is having an effect. Politicians like to say that voters are smart enough to distinguish between state and federal issues - and I suspect thats largely correct - but it will be hard for voters to even get to those issues through the fog of poor discipline and self-obsession. Its the Heralds job to cut through the politics to the heart of the issues and you can expect that, as we close out this month and launch into 2019 with a focus on both state and federal politics, well be doing our best to provide insights into the policy decision-making, not just the politics. Indeed, I noted many readers, in comments published on digital stories and in the newspaper, rejected the idea of federal contagion of the state election. Instead, they cite those all-important state issues - such as infrastructure spending, school and hospital funding, education, and law and order - as being among the topics theyll be examining before casting their vote in March. NSW is fast becoming ground-zero of the Coalition's war with itself. On Monday, we announced that Mark Kenny would be leaving his role as national affairs editor of the Herald and The Age to pursue a new challenge. Its fitting, in the context of the past few months, that his final piece filed for us (published last week) was headlined: Not governing, drowning. We wish Mark all the best for the next chapter of his career. While we say goodbye to Mark, its exciting that our reporting ranks have swelled with the Heralds seven new trainees starting in the newsroom last week. In addition, we have also welcomed journalist Lucy Manly, who will take over the Sunday gossip column until recently known as The Goss. A new name and format will be unveiled in The Sun-Herald this weekend. Labor has seized on a NSW Treasury document that says the sale of the state's remaining stake in WestConnex is a "live option", as evidence of the government's plans to privatise more state assets. But Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has accused the Opposition of scaremongering, insisting that the government has "no plans" to sell the remaining 49 per cent interest in the $16.8 billion toll road. The trading of blows as both sides enter election campaign mode came after a NSW Treasury response to a freedom-of-information application from Labor stated that "a further sale of the government's equity [in WestConnex] remains a live option under deliberation". NSW Labor leader Michael Daley said the documents showed that the government wanted to sell more state assets despite people having had enough of privatisations. The final step towards state heritage listing of the original Ultimo Powerhouse will begin next year following pressure from the National Trust, which has described three years of inaction after the building's nomination as "inexplicable". But there are no plans to give heritage protection to the museum's Sulman award-winning domed extension which constitutes the museum's entry hall. And the Office of Environment and Heritage says any subsequent heritage protections imposed on the historic powerhouse and its interiors won't impede government plans to either sell the site or relocate the museum to Parramatta. The $38 million Powerhouse Museum taking shape in 1986. Credit:Robert Pearce Construction of the Powerhouse began in 1888 and it became the first large state-owned electricity generating station in NSW and original station for the supply of power to Sydney's tram network. A second man has been charged over an armed hold-up of a cash van in Sydney's south-west earlier this year. The 30-year-old man from Cambridge Park was arrested and charged on Wednesday with a number of offences in relation to the heist following police raids. Detectives have charged a second man as investigations continue into the robbery of cash-in-transit guards in Sydneys south-west earlier this year. Credit:NSW Police Police searched five properties in Cambridge Park, Berkshire Park, Castlereagh and Emu Plains from 6am seizing several items relevant to the investigation including cash, guns, a boat and a car. It's alleged the man and an accomplice stopped a cash van outside the Clemton Park Shopping Village in Campsie on April 5 and threatened armed guards with large rifles before taking off with cash. Chris Dawson has been charged over the disappearance of Lynette Dawson, following his sensational arrest on Wednesday at a relatives Gold Coast property. Mr Dawson, who has long been the only suspect in his wifes mysterious 1982 disappearance, spent the night in a Queensland prison cell after his bid to stop his extradition to New South Wales to face a murder charge failed. Chris Dawson arrives at Surry Hills Police Station on Thursday morning. Credit:James Brickwood The 70-year-old arrived at Sydney airport shortly after 9am and was taken to the Sydney Police Centre, accompanied by three detectives. He was then formally charged with murder before being refused police bail, to appear at Central Local Court later on Thursday. Brisbane ferry commuters will have to find alternate ways to work on Thursday morning as ferry drivers take industrial action over a pay dispute with ferry operator Transdev. The 48-hour protected action will begin at 4am on Thursday as a result of a dispute over industrial agreements. Ferry services across the city will be disrupted on Thursday morning. Credit:Fairfax Media/Robert Shakespeare Maritime Union of Australia's Queensland branch deputy secretary Jason Miners said sections of the workforce were paid under the award, and many were on casual contracts. Mr Miners said ferry drivers did not want to go on strike but were struggling to reach common ground with Transdev after almost a year of bargaining over their workplace agreement. A man, believed to be in his 60s, has escaped with a minor injury to his knee after his glider crashed into a property in south-east Queensland. A glider has crashed at Hoya in south-east Queensland. Credit:7 News Paramedics were called about 11am on Wednesday to treat the man at Pocock Road near Boonah in the Scenic Rim region, south-west of Brisbane. Queensland Ambulance Services said the man declined transportation to hospital. Investigations are continuing into how the incident occurred. All 100,000 dogs of Brisbane are invited to a day-long Christmas extravaganza in Fortitude Valley this month. Three laneways in the Valley: Winn, Bakery and California lanes, are welcoming canines to get into the holiday spirit on December 15. Dogs of Brisbane are invited to a special pooch party in the Fortitude Valley. Credit:Peter Rae The festivities will kick off with the Winn Lane Dog Show, where pet owners can enter their fur children in a catwalk show. 'Santa Paws' will then make an appearance at California Lane where pooches can pose for a family photo. Heres a hint why we saw so many young people skip school and take to the streets last week, simply to be heard. Fewer than one in five of those aged 11 to 26 believes their views are taken on board by politicians in government. Queensland boasts the lowest percentage in the nation - at just 15.4 per cent. Students across Australia walked out of school last week to protest inaction on climate change. Credit:Louie Douvis The chasm doesnt end there. Only 30 per cent of the same age group in Queensland feel as though their opinions are respected. Nationwide, that figure sits at 43.7 per cent. Those figures tell a story that every one of us should hear: our youth feel alienated and powerless, and despite their interests in those decisions that will increasingly determine their lives, they are being ignored. 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. The area with the biggest increase in total crimes recorded The area with the biggest increase in total crime reports over the past decade is Craigieburn, in Melbournes north. Last year there were 4359 incidents in this area, twice as many as there were 10 years ago. But the population of this area has also almost doubled over the past decade, so once you look at the crime rate in the area that change is not as dramatic. The areas with the highest and lowest crime rates Some of the areas with the highest overall crime rates in Melbourne include Campbellfield, Collingwood, Fitzroy, St Kilda and Broadmeadows. In regional Victoria, the areas with the highest crime rates are Hazelwood, Shepparton, Moe, Mildura, Traralgon and Bendigo. Melbourne Airport and Laverton North also have high crime rates, but thats because these areas have a very low residential population, which distorts the data. That happens for a lot of sparsely populated areas, where one or two additional crimes a year can blow out the apparent crime rate. Areas where the crime rate has been increasing in Melbourne include Campbellfield, Corio and Frankston North. Areas where the crime rate has been increasing in regional Victoria include Hazelwood, Moe and Traralgon. A swathe of suburbs in Melbournes east have among the lowest crime rates in Melbourne. Balwyn North, Kew East, Glen Iris and Mont Albert have a crime rate about half that of the rest of Victoria. The state's most commonly recorded crime By far, the most commonly reported crime in the state is theft from a motor vehicle. Over the past decade there have been 473,814 reports of cars being broken into and things like wallets, phones or number plates being stolen. Almost 14 per cent of crimes reported to police - about one in seven - is a theft from a car. Its the most common crime in two-thirds of metropolitan postcodes. Residential burglaries are the most common crime in some seaside postcodes including Rye, Rosebud West, Inverloch and Balnarring. It's also the most common crime in Clyde, a suburb in Melbournes south-east where thousands of new homes have been built in the past few years. In Chirnside Park, Cheltenham and Keilor Downs, the most common crime is theft from a shop, which is not surprising given these postcodes are dominated by large shopping centres. In Mornington, drunk and disorderly behaviour offences are the most common crime; in Stawell it's drug possession; in Healesville it's breaching a family violence intervention order; while in Frankston, Ringwood and Broadmeadows, the most common crime is breaching bail conditions. Some other common crimes include assaults (which make up 9.1 per cent of crime reports), residential burglaries (8.7 per cent), car thefts (4.1 per cent) and drug offences (3.7 per cent). Homicides are among the least common crimes that police encounter and make up 0.05 per cent of reports. Loading The crime that is surging the most The crime that has increased the most in the past decade is breaching a family violence intervention order. This made up 1.3 per cent of reports to police in 2009, but now it makes up 5 per cent. Its a crime police responded to 42 times a day on average last year. But that increase is also driven by the fact more family violence intervention orders are being issued by the courts - about 30,000 each year. There has also been an increase in reports of breaching bail conditions over the past decade. This crime made up 4.4 per cent of reports last year (an average of 32 times a day). A crime that is becoming less frequent is criminal damage to property - things like broken windows and smashed letterboxes. This used to be the most common crime police were called out to but there has been a steady reduction over the past decade. The state of residential burglaries Last year there were 28,337 residential burglaries in Victoria, or about three every hour on average. The areas that have seen the biggest increases in burglaries in the past decade are largely fast-growing areas on Melbournes fringe such as Cranbourne, Clyde and Craigieburn. In 2009, there were six burglaries in Clyde but at their peak in 2016-17 there were 217. Thats partly because criminals target new estates. Many of them are sparsely populated, leaving homes surrounded by still-vacant lots. Loading You can see how burglary numbers have changed in your area by using our interactive, but there are some caveats about how we have displayed the crime rate. All rates in the dashboard are calculated on a per capita basis. This is a good measure for most crimes, but the per capita rate can be misleading for home break-ins, due to variations in household sizes in different parts of Melbourne. On Melbournes growing fringe, the number of people in a household is larger than average, so the per capita rate is not an accurate comparison for the inner city where household sizes are smaller. A better measure would be the rate of break-ins by household, however this cannot be displayed in the current version of the interactive. For example, while St Kilda ranks seventh among metropolitan postcodes on a per capita basis for residential break-ins, it ranks 21st on the rate of break-ins by household. About one in every nine home burglaries last year was classed as aggravated, which means the resident was inside the house at the time. However, this does not necessarily mean the victim came into direct contact with the crook. Home invasions, where a group of assailants carry out a home burglary and often go out of their way to antagonise the occupant, are bundled into the data on aggravated burglaries. It is not possible to tease out how many home invasions there have been in a selected postcode. The number and rate of non-aggravated residential burglaries reached a 10-year low last year, but 2017-18 was the third-worst year in the past decade for aggravated home break-ins. The figures also show that aggravated burglaries are making up a larger proportion of residential burglaries than they once did. In 2008-09, five per cent of home burglaries were aggravated, now the proportion is 10.9 per cent. The area where the most crimes are recorded The Melbourne CBD has by far the highest crime rate in the state, but thats because its a place where hundreds of thousands of people go to work or socialise every day. Its crime rate is about six times higher than the rest of Victoria. However, keep in mind that crime rates are based on the resident population and for a place like the CBD, the visiting population is always much higher. In real terms, there has been a steady drop in crimes recorded in the CBD over the past decade. In the 12 months to June 2018 there were 16,602 criminal incidents in the CBD, thats 1225 fewer than there were a decade ago. One of the most common crimes in the CBD is being drunk and disorderly - there were 1401 cases, which made up 8.45 per cent of the area's police reports. There were 1379 cases of thefts from retail stores - a 10-year low. That might also be influenced by the fact there has been a steady decline in retail establishments in the city over the past decade. On the flipside, there was a 10-year high in fraud cases, people nabbed possessing drugs, and bike thefts in the city last year. What would you like to know? The interactive allows you to explore the data for your area and compare its crime rate to the rest of Melbourne or the entire state. You can also dig deeper and choose the type of crime you would like to investigate. For example, you could see how graffiti incidents have played out in your area over the past decade. Rhys Conner took his own life in a FIFO accommodation camp on July 25, 2013. In the years since, Rhys's father Peter Miller and his family have struggled to come to terms with why the 25-year-old died. Peter Miller, with his daughter Tegan Connor, talks to the media about the suicide of his son Rhys Connor in a FIFO accomodation camp. Credit:Nathan Hondros "He was in a donga on a FIFO mine site," Mr Miller said. "It's been a struggle to accept it, to keep going, to readjust to a new life filled with grief. Australian Army engineer Steve Driver is on a beach teaching Philippines marines how to blast through doors and walls so they can hunt down Islamic State-linked terrorists. He knows a thing or two about bombs. The Glasgow native and former British sapper served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan before taking a few years' break from military life and then finally finding a new home with the Australian Army. When I rejoined the army, I was saying I felt as if I still had something to give. Maybe this is it. If I can help an ally keep themselves alive and defeat an enemy that Ive been fighting for 15 years and is on our doorstep, thats worthwhile, he said. They will keep coming unless we do something about it. Government MPs have told Prime Minister Scott Morrison to change electoral laws and force Australians to produce identification before voting in federal elections, as part of suite of proposed measures following a post-mortem of the 2016 federal poll. Recommendations from Coalition members of a parliamentary committee would also make it harder for minor parties to register, and clamp down on cyber security risks. A post mortem of the 2016 election has recommended mandatory voter identification. Credit:Max Mason Hubers "Every surf, bowls or services club in Australia requires a person to show ID to enter," Liberal senator James McGrath said. "Yet in Australia we do not treat elections with the same gravity as a visit to a surf club or entering a Brisbane CBD pub after 10pm on a Friday night." Suggested forms of identification include any government-issued card, a proof-of-age card or any proof of address. The report also floats introducing a standalone "voter ID" card. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has infuriated some of his conservative colleagues by unveiling a new bill to protect gay students from discrimination in religious schools, triggering complaints he failed to consult the Coalition party room on the bill and his proposal to hold a conscience vote to decide the changes. Liberals expressed their concern directly to Mr Morrison at a meeting before he announced the bill, signalling the divisions within the Coalition over how to act against discrimination without preventing religious schools teaching on matters of faith. Attorney-General Christian Porter and Prime Minister Scott Morrison with the proposed bill. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen / Fairfax Media Liberal MPs said they were stunned to learn of the Prime Minister's bill when they were told of his plans on Tuesday night and they remained frustrated that they were yet to see the draft legislation. Mr Morrison called a meeting with some backbench colleagues on Wednesday to go over his proposal for a new bill aimed at breaking a deadlock in Parliament, along with an offer to hold a conscience vote on the issue to get the matter decided this week. Unions are defending their right to bankroll million-dollar electoral advertising campaigns, with a High Court challenge of NSW laws expected to guide any future political donation reforms by the federal government. The peak body for unions in NSW is challenging the state government's new electoral funding laws, which threaten union members with jail time for engaging in joint election campaigns and halve the amount each union can spend in the six months before an election to $500,000. Unions are challenging NSW electoral laws in the High Court. Credit:Karleen Minney Appearing before the full bench of the High Court on Wednesday, Unions NSW argued that the new laws are constitutionally invalid because they "impermissably burden the implied freedom of communication on governmental and political matters" in the constitution. Both the Commonwealth and the NSW Liberal Party - along with South Australia - have intervened in the case in support of the Berejiklian government, which argues that union spending must be curtailed to stop them from combining to "drown out" political parties and endorsed candidates. Premier Daniel Andrews in Pakenham. Credit:AAP Paul Hamer is no Labor operative from central casting. He didnt emerge from the union movement or from inside an MPs electorate office. He is a civil engineer with expertise in public transport who decided to run in what was presumed by Labor to be a safe Liberal seat because he was inspired by the Andrews governments positive record on infrastructure. Hamer says he often heard the same thing from constituents when he campaigned; they liked the sight of a government getting on with building things after years of inertia. Its arguable that a generation ago a person with a professional background such as his might have been more inclined to run for the Liberals. But that was a time when the Victorian Liberals commanded the political centre, a position from which the party governed the state for 27 unbroken years between 1955 and 1982. The party now confronts the same inter-generational stretch in the wilderness that Labor endured in that time. Labor looks odds-on to occupy government for at least the next two terms, given the size of the swing last month. If this comes to pass it will have completed its own 27-year period of dominance of the Victorian political landscape, save for a four-year blip between 2010 and 2014 when the Baillieu and Napthine governments were in power. Loading That period was characterised by a near-total lack of advancement on major projects. Perhaps the most visible legacy of those four years of Coalition rule are the soulless PSO boxes that occupy space on every railway platform in Melbourne. Andrews record over the past four years is well known but worth repeating once more here for comparison: starting Melbourne Metro, a nine-kilometre rail tunnel through the CBD; the West Gate Tunnel, a new tollway across the Maribyrnong River; 29 level crossings removed. There were serious missteps too, all of which the Coalition pursued aggressively from the opposition benches: misusing $388,000 of public money to pay casual staff to don red shirts and campaign for Labor; the Premiers backfiring intervention in the firefighters industrial dispute; a parliamentary Speaker and Deputy Speaker rorting the second-residence allowance for regional MPs. But for all of the noise the opposition and the media generated on these issues, it was ultimately just that, noise, for most voters, who were happy to forgive an industrious government for its imperfections and back it in on a credible promise of four more years of infrastructure delivery. The parliamentary Liberal Party (or whats left of it) is due to meet for the first time since Saturday's rout on Thursday morning, to elect new leaders and begin to plot a path back to government. They could do worse than steer a course down the political centre in the successful tradition of Hamer. Hamer didnt have it all his own way all the time. There were forces within his own party who found him too centrist, too liberal, for their own liking, and agitated for his downfall. John Pesutto concedes defeat in his seat of Hawthorn on Wednesday morning. Credit:AAP But as John Pesutto, another casualty of the eastern suburban wipeout, said in his concession speech on Wednesday, the Liberal Party serves the Australian people best when it reconciles the competing conservative and moderate inclinations within its ranks. "The Liberal Party at its heart represents two great traditions in liberal philosophy; its the conservative tradition and the more moderate or classical liberal tradition," Pesutto said. "If you look at history the Liberal Party has always been at its most successful when it has included and embraced both sets of traditions." The defeated member for Hawthorn, until this week touted as a future leader, also said voters in his area marked the party down for its ideological stance on issues including climate change and the supervised injecting room. Jakarta: Security forces are trying to recover the bodies of 31 construction workers and a soldier killed by gunmen in the remote Indonesian province of Papua this week. A Papuan activist displays the banned separatist "Morning Star" flag at a rally for the 57th anniversary of the failed efforts by Papuan tribal chiefs to declare independence from Dutch colonial rule, in Surabaya, East Java, on Saturday. Credit:AP The workers were brought from a distant island to help build a major highway, officials said. Papua police spokesman Suryadi Diaz said 24 workers were killed on Sunday when gunmen stormed a government bridge construction project in a remote mountainous village in Nduga district. Eight other workers fled to the nearby house of a local Parliament member, but an armed group came a day later and killed seven of them, Diaz said, citing reports from several witnesses. The eighth managed to escape and remains missing. Washington: Canadian authorities said on Wednesday that they have arrested the chief financial officer of China's Huawei Technologies for possible extradition to the United States. Justice Department spokesman Ian McLeod said Meng Wanzhou was detained in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday. Meng Wanzhou, daughter of company founder Ren Zhenfei, and a vice chair of Huawei Technologies. Credit:Huawei McLeod said a publication ban had been imposed in the case and he could not provide further details. The ban was sought by Meng, who has a bail hearing Friday, he said. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this year that US authorities are investigating whether Chinese tech giant Huawei violated sanctions on Iran. London: It was a day of extraordinary high drama in the British Parliament that changed almost nothing. Brexit remains on a knife edge between compromise and chaos. Prime Minister Theresa May lost as many votes in Parliament in one day as the most recent Labour PM Gordon Brown lost in his entire premiership (as London's Telegraphs political editor pointed out). Weird times: Artist Kaya Mar displays his painting of British PM Theresa May in front of Downing Street in London on Tuesday. Credit:AP One of those votes held May's government in contempt of Parliament, over its refusal to hand over the legal advice of Attorney-General Geoffrey Cox on Mays Brexit deal with the EU. Washington: Breaking with President Donald Trump, senators leaving a briefing with CIA Director Gina Haspel on Tuesday said they are even more convinced that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker said he believes if the crown prince were put on trial, a jury would find him guilty in "about 30 minutes." Senator Lindsey Graham, who demanded the briefing with Haspel, said there is "zero chance" the crown prince wasn't involved in Khashoggi's death. "A smoking saw": Lindsey Graham, a frequent ally of President Trump, is convinced the Saudi crown prince was involved in the death of Jamal Khashoggi. Credit:AP "There's not a smoking gun. There's a smoking saw," Graham said, referring to reports from the Turkish government that said Saudi agents used a bone saw to dismember Khashoggi after he was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Graham said "you have to be willfully blind" not to conclude that this was orchestrated and organized by people under the crown prince's command. Jason Velazquez instantly noticed something wasn't quite right with one of the tweets from Rudy Giuliani. It was Friday and President Donald Trump's lawyer had issued yet another missive criticising special counsel Robert Mueller. But unlike Giuliani's other tweets, one pesky missing space between two sentences turned previously normal text into a bright blue hyperlink. Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump' lawyer, failed to grasp the workings of Twitter. Credit:AP "I kind of chuckled a little bit that he created this accidental link," Velazquez, 37, told The Washington Post. The Atlanta-based digital marketing director said he "knew immediately that it was just a typo," but that didn't stop him from clicking on the link. Velazquez didn't know it at the time, but this was just the beginning of what would become a viral social media prank that resulted in Giuliani's typo being used to send an anti-Trump message: "Donald J. Trump is a traitor to our country". The stunt infuriated Giuliani, who falsely blamed Twitter for allowing "someone to invade my text," prompting many to mock the President's cybersecurity adviser for his lack of tech savvy. PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) Executive Director Anastacio Baker, would like to inform COCI members that the Simpson Bay Public Service Center at the Fish Market will also be used as a polling station for the election for the board of directors on Friday, December 7. COCI members have two options, besides the main office in Philipsburg, members in the Cole Bay, Cay Bay, Simpson Bay, Beacon Hill/Maho/Cupecoy can go to the Simpson Bay Public Service Center instead of driving all the way to Philipsburg. Those elected to the board to represent the Small Business sector will be elected for a three-year term. Five (5) candidates were postulated for one (1) seat, the names are: Anna Elaine Richardson, Benjamin Ortega, Cleon Giovanni Frederick, Ifelola Badejo & Jennifer Christina Carty. COCI voters can request and pick up their voting cards at the Chamber of Commerce & Industry office from Tuesday, December 4th, 2018. COCI members can visit the Simpson Bay Public Service Center on Friday to cast their vote during office hours of the aforementioned center. COCI also announces that the business community can also visit the Simpson Bay Public Service Center to request excerpts. This service is available as of December 3, 2018. The service was discontinued after the passing of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, but COCI is pleased to announce that this service and others are now available once again for the business community who need to conduct COCI business activities. The objective is to facilitate services and make it easier for COCI members to do business. We fully understand the challenges of traffic congestion and parking when trying to get to Philipsburg and once you are in town. The Simpson Bay Public Service Center is a central location over the hill that makes it much easier for our members on that side of the hill to do their business activities with the Chamber. We look forward to continuing to introduce new services and products that makes it much easier to do business in the country, Baker said on Tuesday. PHILIPSBURG: St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) has been notified by Italian construction company INSO that its parent company, Condotte dAcqua (Condotte) has filed for Extraordinary Administration, which is a restructuring procedure aimed at satisfying the creditors on the one side and safeguarding the continuity of the business and the employees rights on the other. Condottes going through financial turbulence was mentioned by several speakers, including Minister of VSA Emil Lee and SMMCs General Director Kees Klarenbeek, during yesterdays Groundbreaking Ceremony for the construction of the new hospital. Despite these current circumstances, Tripartite members Ministry of VSA, SZV, and SMMC have confidence that the project is properly insulated from any financial shocks, thereby safeguarding the SMMC, its lenders and the country of St. Maarten. Until clarity is established, no money will be transferred to INSO by SMMC by its own initiative, that of Minister of VSA, and the lenders, which includes the SZV. This may result in a slight delay on the timetable. INSO, the lenders to the SMMC and the World Bank have been in positive cooperation towards reviewing the current financial safeguards of the project, the objective being to ensure a successful start and quality completion of the new hospital. In 2016, SMMC contracted INSO as the general contractor to design, build and maintain the new hospital. We value the professionalism of the international company INSO. Sufficient financial safeguards are in place in the business plan of the new hospital project. SMMC ensures that payments will only be made when construction works are indeed completed at each stage, after proper verification by SMMCs contracted engineering firm. This arrangement protects the lenders of the project as well, Kees Klarenbeek stated. Minister of VSA Emil Lee emphasized: With any major project such as this, there should always be consideration for unforeseen risks and we are happy to know that the business and project plans were drafted in such a detailed manner that these can be addressed effectively, without endangering the desired project outcome. The Tripartite feels that perhaps this situation is a blessing in disguise as if the construction of the new hospital had started already and this would have arisen then, it could have ended in financial losses, contrary to now - before the start of the construction - financial safeguards can and have been put in place to insulate the new hospital project and its lenders from any turbulence evolving from a parent companys financial woes. Condotte is a construction company that is active since 1880 with a current annual turnover of 1.3 billion euros. The company is going through financial turbulence due to the crisis that has affected the Italian construction business in general in recent months. Condotte, is embroiled in disputes with Italian state entities over expenses from carrying out public works and has filed for protection. As a result of the extraordinary administration measure, the courts have appointed an administrator, headed by Gianluca Lucisano, a former officer of the Guardia di Finanza with the role to protect INSO. SMMC is working with the administrator to ensure that the new hospital project can proceed without any risk. The New Hospital project managers have been in contact with the Italian administrator, to ensure the project can move forward with clarity and surety. In the continued manner of upholding transparency and integrity concerning the new hospital project, it should be noted that the Condotte administrator has yet to make a decision on the way forward for INSO, and it is likely to either sell INSO as a healthy going concern, or to use the good company of INSO and its also profitable hospital maintenance company SOF, as part of a restructured Condotte. Various options are weighed to ensure the safety of our healthcare and our countrys investments, which includes the use of the World Bank Trust Fund set up by the Netherlands and overseen by the Minister on behalf of Government, concluded Interim CEO of SZV Glen Carty. WILLEMSTAD:---The U.S. Consulate General Curacao will be closed on December 5, 2018, due to the National Day of Mourning to pay homage to the memory of President George H.W. Bush. In his honor, a condolence book will be available for those wishing to show their respect. Signing opportunities at the U.S. Consulate General Curacao, J.B. Gorsiraweg 1 in Willemstad, will be on Thursday, December 6, 20,18 from 14:00 - 16:00 and Friday, December 7, 2018, from 10:00 - 12:00. President George H.W. Bushs life was defined by service. He volunteered for combat in the Pacific during World War Two. Through his heroic efforts as an aviator in the United States Navy, the youngest in United States history at the time, President Bush flew 58 combat missions. Propelled by his sense of duty to his Nation, George H.W. Bush re entered public service after the war, first as a Member of Congress, and then as Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief of the United States Liaison Office in China, Director of Central Intelligence, Vice President, and President of the United States. President Bush helped to bring the Cold War to a victorious end and to transition the country into a period of sustained peace and prosperity. PHILIPSBURG:--- Ferfina S.P.A Group, the parent company of INSO, the construction company contracted to build the new hospital on St. Maarten, has allegedly amassed over US $833 million in debt with an apparent US $6 billion in order backlogs. Additionally, documents from the Courte de Roma show that another affiliate company, Condotte, as well as INSO, has been seeking urgent reprieve from creditors who are demanding funds that they simply cannot pay, or work they cannot perform. Member of Parliament Rolando Brison of the United St. Maarten (US) party faction in Parliament on Tuesday said he has uncovered information about the precarious financial situation and potential Bankruptcy of Ferfina S.P.A, the parent company of INSO. I have been investigating various aspects about the building of our hospital, and was very concerned to find out by various sources in Italy about the very volatile situation the parent company of INSO finds itself in, stated MP Brison. My fear is that St. Maarten may find itself as one of these creditors, and our hospital finds itself as part of the 6 billion dollars work backlog continued MP Brison. According to research conducted by MP Brison, the Ferfina SPA Group is the holding company over various entities including Condotte and INSO. A September 18, 2018 report of Italian media agency Affar Italiana, showed the company with over 833 million dollars in debt, while only having 233 million in assets. Other legal documents I have attained show the company with a reported 6 Billion dollars in order backlogs. Will St. Maartens hospital also be lost in this huge amount of backlog the conglomerate has amassed? MP Brison added that the negative situation is only further compounded by the fact that the NIB is involved in the financing of this hospital, and entity that is directly linked to the ENNIA Group currently being investigated and restricted by the Central Bank. So your construction company and financier are both facing potential bankruptcy? Is it the intention to use public funds to bail these companies out? He said the right thing to do, and the only thing to do is for the Minister to halt plans until he is certain, without any doubt, that taxpayers money and the viability of the hospitals future is safe. If the Minister does not give parliament sufficient confirmation that public funds and this project are not at risk, Brison said he will be calling on a Parliamentary inquiry into the entire process of the building of this hospital and anything related thereto. Another report shows the conglomerate filing for a blank agreement in March of this year to the Courte de Roma to avoid financial action from creditors. Around that time of year, managing director Duccio Astaldi, cousin of Paolo Astaldi the owner of the company, was arrested for its alleged involvement in a round of bribes for road infrastructure in Sicily. It is also surprising as to what level of screening was conducted in selecting this company. It is very strange how the World Bank can quickly approve loans in tens of millions for the Hospital, without doing necessary due diligence, yet we hear of the immense difficulty local companies are having in complying with the procurement standards of the World Bank. One young professional told me she had literally given up. Is there a level playing field when it comes to procurement for our own local and foreign companies? A letter with various questions has been dispatched to the Minister of VSA Emil Lee: Has any due diligence been done before continuing with this company? Is it wise to continue with a company that may not have the financial backing it needs to build something as important as our hospital? These facts have been available for months. I would be surprised if Minister Lee was not aware of this, and nonetheless, the groundbreaking still continued. Was this just a charade by the Minister and the government to push forward with this hospital and INSO? The Minister went as far as advocating transparency and integrity during his speech at the groundbreaking: Are we fooling the people of St. Maarten and sending a false message? I for one will not take my people for a fool and have to bring this information and let them be aware of what is at risk. It seems the Minister was tipped to my investigation and sent out yet another lofty press release stating that despite the circumstances, Tripartite members of the Ministry of VSA, SZV, and SMMC have confident that the project is properly insulated from any financial shocks. I wish to state emphatically that I do not share the confidence of this Minister, who hid this fact from the public only until a local website had revealed the details of INSO reportedly going bankrupt. Millions of guilders of our own social premiums and pension funds are being pumped into a company that is facing serious financial issues, as both the SZV and APS confirmed they are involved with the financing of the hospital. St. Maarten, these are YOUR hard earned social premiums and savings potentially going into a black hole of debt. The lack of urgency of the Minister is a slap in the face to the millions our local workers pay each month to safeguard their health and their future, but just to cut a ribbon he proceeded nonetheless. A hospital for our country is of utmost importance, but what good is a hospital project if the one contracted to build is facing bankruptcy? Minister Lees M.O for too long has been to deflect, confuse and deny. He has become a master at this. For this reason, I only came out publicly with this information after having conducted my own very detailed investigation. The facts are clear, and the Minister has a lot of answering to do. Click here for more information. Read more on INSO More on INSO bankrupcy. Cypress Development Cashed Up Posted by Publisher Internet . 1. Introduction After closing an oversubscribed private placement of C$2.01M @C$0.22, Cypress Development (TSXV: CYP; OTC: CYDVF; FRA: C1Z1) is sufficiently cashed up to proceed towards a Pre Feasibility Study (PFS) on their Clayton Valley Lithium project in Nevada, which is scheduled for Q1 2019. The company is also working diligently at subjects like metallurgical test work and water supplies, which are needed to enable eventual production in the future. For this purpose, Cypress recently completed an agreement with Dajin Resources (DJI.V) for a JV on Dajin\-\-s nearby Alkali Spring Valley Lithium property. This project has the potential to obtain sufficient water rights. Besides water, metallurgy is a critical component of the Cypress Development story. For this I will also quickly rehash some points from the recently published and filed Preliminary Assessment (PEA), showing excellent economics, in order to provide sufficient context. All presented tables are my own material, unless stated otherwise. All pictures are company material, unless stated otherwise. All currencies are in US Dollars, unless stated otherwise. 2. Update First let\-\-s have a quick update on what happened since my last article on the PEA on the Clayton Valley project. The most important thing for now was the oversubscribed private placement, which was non-brokered and was closed on October 29, 2018. I always prefer this as it isn\-\-t a case of a syndicate of brokers just calling clients who often just follow suggestions by their brokers, but as the company has to tap into their own network there is usually a fair chance that interest is a bit more serious. As a consequence, Cypress had to pay some finder?s fees of a total of $49,665 and issued an aggregate 225,750 finder?s warrants, which is a small portion of about 2.5%. A normal finder?s fee in the current sentiment ranges from 7-8%, so my guess is the company could raise C$1.4-1.5M by themselves. Each finders warrant is exercisable into one common share for a period of up to thirty-six months at a price of $0.33. The company issued 9,139,300 units at a price of $0.22 per unit, for gross proceeds of $2,010,646, which is very decent these days for an early stage lithium project. Each unit is comprised of one common share and one transferable warrant, with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share of the company for a period of up to thirty-six months at a price of $0.33. The issued shares are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period expiring on February 27, 2019.The proceeds will be used for the completion of the PFS on the Clayton Valley Lithium project, including further metallurgical studies, related infill drilling, and for general working capital purposes. As you see often, when a company wants to raise money, whether if it is brokered or not, the word gets out among interested parties, and especially when these parties can get a full warrant they tend to sell lots of shares in advance, in order to walk the share price down to lower levels as much as possible, so most likely the upcoming placement gets priced not only at a discount but also at a discount to these lower levels, plus they get a free and most likely low priced warrant. It is not exactly the type of action I would like to see, but sentiment in lithium and overall market sentiment isn\-\-t positive to say the least, and most lithium stocks have given back 50% or more this year so Cypress isn\-\-t really behaving out of the ordinary. Besides this, it has a cashed up treasury of C$2.5M nowadays, which is enough to take the company through the PFS, lots of test work, application of water rights, the beginning of permitting and part of the Feasibility Study (FS) which will start directly after completing the PFS, which is scheduled for the end of Q1, 2019. There isn\-\-t much expectation of options/warrants exercises anytime soon, as the earliest expiry date is almost a year from now (about 12.3M warrants in the money @0.125-0.13 expire in October/December 2019). It is good to see, at least in my opinion, that management opted to go for the intermediate PFS, as it isn\-\-t very expensive but takes care of a potential void in catalysts, which would happen if they would just skip it and go straight to the FS, as they were still contemplating as an option at the time of my last article a few months ago. As water rights are a very important subject for any mining project, it is even more important for a relatively large lithium project based on tank leaching. As it can be challenging in Nevada to acquire water rights, Cypress management has to be creative. It seems they have found a way forward, as Cypress closed an agreement on November 8, 2018 with fellow lithium junior Dajin Resources on the Alkali Spring Valley Lithium property. As per the news release of October 3, 2018: Under the Letter Agreement, Cypress has the exclusive right and option to acquire a 50% undivided interest in Dajin?s unpatented mining claims and application for water rights in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Cypress will complete a due diligence review and prepare a Definitive Agreement for the transaction. Upon completion of the Definitive Agreement and TSX Venture Exchange acceptance, Cypress will allot to Dajin 150,000 shares of Cypress and pay Dajin USD$50,000. Cypress will have a two-year period to complete earn-in by issuing an additional 150,000 shares of Cypress and performing USD$200,000 in exploration expenditures within the first year, and USD$250,000 in exploration expenditures during the second year. Upon successful completion of the two-year earn-in period a joint venture (JV) will be created. At Alkali Spring Valley, Dajin located 145 unpatented placer mining claims to explore for lithium brines and has applied to the State of Nevada for 1,000 acre-feet per annum of water rights. Dajin and Cypress will work jointly to obtain additional data as needed for Dajin?s water rights application with Esmeralda County and the State of Nevada. Cypress and Dajin will share proportionally in property development if lithium brine resources are discovered. Should Dajin elect not to participate following Cypress? earn-in, Dajin shall have the option to dilute to a 10% net profits interest on the value of the JV?s property in Alkali Spring valley. If this application works out, it would mean that Cypress could obtain a share in the water rights on Dajin?s property for US$500,000 in work and 300,000 shares, equivalent of C$60,000 today. To me that is a fair deal as water rights can be difficult to obtain in this area. After these water rights have been granted, there are no more costs involved for ownership, and no permitting is needed to use these water rights, just for developing the water supply. Another development of importance for the company and its project is the pricing for lithium products. The pricing of spot lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) saw a rather drastic decline since my last article in September, as LCE prices dropped from US$15,139/t to US$11,720/t: This is quite a development, although the contract prices keep rising, according to Orocobre and SQM. Unfortunately, the stock markets extrapolate lithium sentiment from the spot prices of LCE, as it is more visible and shows momentum more compared to long term contracts. I am actually surprised that these contract prices keep rising so quickly, as I would expect both producers to have their total production committed at some point against longer term contracts, which you can\-\-t change every quarter that easily. But I am no expert in this field, maybe I should ask lithium supply specialist Joe Lowry about this next time.? 3. PEA revisited The new PEA had excellent numbers, as the post-tax NPV8 was C$1454, and the post-tax IRR was 32.7%) at a relatively high base case price of US$13,000/t lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). The impressive part here is that at a much more conservative LCE price of US$10,500/t LCE the post-tax NPV8 still is C$947M, and the post-tax IRR still is 25.0%, which is enough for capex financing thresholds of lithium projects. Cypress Development also updated their resource statement. Notwithstanding the first and already impressive NI43-101 compliant resource estimate of 6.5Mt LCE which was already world class, the total tonnage stands at almost 9Mt LCE now. Again, as a continuous reminder, examples of world class sized LCE deposits in each category are brine projects like Cauchari/Olaroz (Orocobre: 6.4Mt LCE, SQM/Lithium Americas 11.7Mt LCE), clay projects like Sonora or Thacker Pass (Bacanora: 7.2Mt LCE/Lithium Americas: 8.3Mt) or hard rock projects like Whabouchi (Nemaska: 4.06 Mt LCE). Although Cypress doesn\-\-t have reserves yet, for size it is the second largest clay-hosted deposit in the Americas at the moment. In order to discuss the PEA metrics a bit further, it is always useful to see those metrics lining up with the data of other peer projects. In this case there are 3 clay hosted projects (although Rhyolite Ridge of Ioneer, formerly known as Global Geoscience, has low clay content), of which Bacanora\-\-s Sonora is hectorite clay which means it can\-\-t be leached by acid at all, and needs very expensive roasting. Thacker Pass of Lithium Americas seems to have non hectorite bearing host rock (smectite and Illite clay) but sample material is called hectorite by metallurgical description, nevertheless they still can use acid leaching, and Rhyolite Ridge of Ioneer, can use acid leaching as well. Since my last update, Ioneer has completed a PFS, and as this study is done by Amec Foster Wheeler, in my view the best engineering firm for mining studies in the world, the results provide interesting peer comparison material. Here is the line-up between the 4 projects: I have normalized the post-tax NPV and IRR for a lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) price of $10,500/t, which I deem a reasonable and conservative lithium product contract price. As we have seen in the LCE price chart, the spot price has come dangerously close to this price level already in a matter of months, but this doesn\-\-t seem to have much bearing on contract prices which remain above US16,000/t for now. Numerous initiatives around battery manufacturing giga factories are being deployed all over the world, so it seems there are high expectations about future demand. This demand has to be fed by sufficient supply, so I am quite curious if contract prices hold up the coming years, and if this is the case, if spot prices go up again. The current situation can be compared with uranium, where contract prices have a premium compared to spot prices. Back to the peer comparison between Cypress and Ioneer. Something that caught my eye immediately was the very low capex/tpd ratio and opex of Cypress, compared to Ioneer, see the table. The operation of Cypress is double the size for throughput so there should be some economies of scale, but not to this extent. Ioneer has a higher strip ratio, and also has a bigger and more expensive acid plant as mentioned earlier, but again this shouldn\-\-t result in such a capex/tpd ratio. An interesting detail is that Ioneer only processes the searlesite (boron) ore, and stockpiles the (Li only) clay stone. Ioneer describes it like this in this news release: \This is due to the low-clay, low-carbonate and high-searlesite (boron) content of the rock, which make the mineralization amenable to low-cost acid leaching at ambient temperature and pressure.\ As Ioneer has a much higher grade and a lot of boron acid byproduct, stated that their project was \responding extremely well to acid leaching \and made a big deal about avoiding the clay component, I wondered why their costs were so much higher, and their IRR ended up lower than the IRR of Cypress. The retention time of pregnant solution in the leach circuit is estimated at 4 to 6 hours with acid consumption estimated at 125 kg per tonne of ore as mentioned. This is an advantage compared to the vat leach method which Ioneer/Global Geoscience intends to use, which takes much more time (days), needs more acid per tonne of ore (470kg vs. 125kg), and would need a much bigger acid plant (3500tpd vs 2000tpd) for the same LCE production. This is also part of the explanation of having higher costs. Cypress is going through an optimization process at the moment, as management thinks 100kg/t of ore is possible. According to management, tests on composite samples for the individual ore types are underway, with the focus being on better defining time versus acid consumption and time versus recovery curves. Ioneer didn\-\-t use a full scale pilot plant in order to test commercial production levels. On a side note I think it is quite remarkable to see Ioneer trading at a A$316M market cap, for a project that is still bench scale testing a novel recovery method just like Cypress. Until now, this required new method with its inherent risks is probably the main reason for the Cypress stock to trade this low, but the difference in perception is remarkable. As the current market cap of Cypress is just C$14.7M, the post-tax NPV8 of C$947M is no less than 64.4 times this number, whereas ?Ioneer trades at around 1/3 of NPV but needs to do pilot testing as well. There seems to be a serious disconnect regarding Cypress in the market, and I am wondering if this is entirely justified. A pilot plant is something I discussed a few months ago with management. A few months ago they were in the process of buying a used pilot plant for Feasibility Study met test work, details are still being worked out at the moment in this regard.? 4. Conclusion Cypress experienced a lot of enthusiasm for their last capital raise, and almost doubled the originally intended amount to C$2M, which is remarkable in this period of negative sentiment in the markets. Unfortunately the share price suffered in the period before the raise, but it presents a buying opportunity in my view. With the raised money, management expects to be able to complete a PFS and do a lot of met work, which is crucial for success for their Clayton Valley Lithium project. The company made a smart strategic move to secure a JV with Dajin in order to get a hold of the very important water rights. The metallurgic test work and PFS, scheduled for Q1 2019, will clear up a lot for Cypress and investors, and could be strong catalysts, worth waiting for.?? I hope you will find this article interesting and useful, and will have further interest in my upcoming articles on mining. To never miss a thing, please subscribe to my free newsletter at www.criticalinvestor.eu, in order to get an email notice of my new articles soon after they are published. Disclaimer: The author is not a registered investment advisor, and has a long position in this stock. Cypress Development is a sponsoring company. All facts are to be checked by the reader. For more information go to www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com and read the company?s profile and?official documents on?www.sedar.com, also?for important risk disclosures. This article is provided for information purposes only, and is not intended to be investment advice of any kind, and all readers are encouraged to do their own due diligence, and talk to their own licensed investment advisors prior to making any investment decisions. By https://www.criticalinvestor.eu/ Ravenquest Begins Cannabis Sales Posted by Publisher Internet RavenQuest BioMed Inc. (the ?Company? or ?RavenQuest?) ? (CSE: RQB? OTCQB: RVVQF? Frankfurt: 1IT http://www.commodity-tv.net/c/search_adv/?v=298617) is pleased to announce that it is concluding its first cannabis sales transaction, beginning a new era for the Company as it joins an exclusive club of companies that generate revenue from the legal sale of cannabis in Canada. RavenQuest recently obtained its Business to Business (?B2B?) sales license from Health Canada, permitting the Company to effect sales to other licensed producers. Under the terms of RavenQuest?s first cannabis sales transaction, it will use its B2B sales license to sell its cannabis inventory at its Markham, Ontario facility to a large publicly traded Canadian licensed producer. ?This is an important inflection point in the history of RavenQuest, as we will soon generate revenue from cannabis sales,? stated George Robinson, CEO.? ?We expect a new harvest from our Markham facility in the coming weeks, which will add significantly more revenue. ?Importantly, pricing in the B2B market is favourable, competitive and on par with that from provincial wholesalers, meaning we expect to have multiple sales channels available to us and are fully able to take advantage of these opportunities to generate revenue for shareholders.? Our message to shareholders is simple: Cannabis sales at RavenQuest have begun and will continue at competitive prices,? Robinson continued. About RavenQuest BioMed Inc. RavenQuest BioMed Inc. is a diversified publicly traded cannabis company with divisions focused upon cannabis production, management services & consulting and specialized research & development.? RavenQuest is a licensed producer with facilities located in Markham, Ontario and Edmonton, Alberta.? RavenQuest maintains a research partnership with Montreal?s McGill University focused upon cultivar (strain) recognition, plant stabilization and yield maximization of the cannabis plant.? The Company focuses on partnerships with Indigenous communities. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of? RAVENQUEST BIOMED INC. ?George Robinson? Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Mathieu McDonald, Corporate Communications ? 1-877-282-1586 In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger info@resource-capital.ch www.resource-capital.ch Neither 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 press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are ?forward-looking information? with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the receipt of payment for and successful shipping of cannabis from the Company?s Markham facility to a large publicly traded company, the successful harvest of cannabis at the Company?s Markham facility and the addition of more revenue, generation of revenue from future cannabis sales, the Company?s ability to take advantage of multiple sales channels, the continued pricing of cannabis in the B2B market being favourable, competitive and on par with that from provincial wholesalers and the continued sale of cannabis by the Company at competitive prices. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in the Company?s public filings under the Company?s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.? Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.? The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law. Safe Secure Pakistan 2019 - Pakistans leading international exhibition and conference for Fire, Safety, Security & Health Safety & Security has become a global challenge and is a major concern for every individual and organisation. With the globalisation of trade and emphasis on safety & security, the compliance with the international standards has become inevitable. The government is keen to take effective measures which has increased the demand for latest state-of-art technology, equipment and improved services. Safe Secure Pakistan 2019 provides an excellent opportunity for international safety & security equipment manufacturers to reap the benefits from this potential market. It brings together major international and local exhibitors to display latest technology, innovations and advancement of internal security, fire fighting, policing, emergency & rescue, transport safety. The event has established itself as a most preferred security trade event in the industry. The show has successfully completed its 14 editions and holds an important place in the market. Safe Secure Pakistan is successfully heading towards the 15th International Fire, Safety, Security and Health Exhibition and Conference in 2019. ONVIF, global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products held its annual membership meeting in early November this year, with an overview of important activities of 2018 and perspective on the year ahead. Attendees heard presentations on the final release of Profile T in 2018, an advancement which represents how ONVIF keeps pace with technological advancements that affect product development and interoperability between IP-based physical security products. Profile T for advanced video streaming In an acknowledgement of its 10th anniversary, ONVIF chairman, Per Bjorkdahl highlighted the forums achievements over the past decade, including an overview of the six ONVIF profiles, with emphasis on the newly released Profile T for advanced video streaming. Collectively, the profiles provide support for the more than 10,000 conformant products that are increasingly included in various bid and specification processes in projects around the world. Bjorkdahl also cited the continued involvement of ONVIF as part of the work of the International Electrotechnical Commissions TC79 for international standardisation. ONVIF also recognised the contributions of four individuals from various ONVIF technical committees for their work on different profiles and committees. Fredrik Svensson of Axis and Dora Han of Hikvision were recipients of the ONVIF award, which acknowledges individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to ONVIF. As chairman of the Profile T Working Group, Svensson was a leading force in the development and successful final release of the Profile T specification. Han received the award for her extensions to the specification, and for supporting the development of other members extensions to the specification. 2018 ONVIF Distinguished Service Awards recipients One of two 2018 ONVIF Distinguished Service Awards was given to Baldvin Gislason Bern of Axis One of two 2018 ONVIF Distinguished Service Awards was given to Baldvin Gislason Bern of Axis for his role in developing and proofing the evolution concept as chair of the Technical Services Device Test Tool Evolution. Joining him in receiving this award is Dr. Hasan Timucin Ozdemir of Panasonic, who served as chairman from 2009-2018 of the ONVIF Video Enhancement Working Group, which is responsible for formulating and prototyping new features for the ONVIF specification. All of our honorees have shown their significant and long-term commitment to the organisation as a whole, and in turn have directly and positively impacted the work of ONVIF, said Bjorkdahl. The success of our organisation would not be possible without the innovative contributions and hard work of our members, and for that, we say thank you. Defining video surveillance and access control standards ONVIF Technical Committee Chairman, Hans Busch of Bosch, spoke to members about the specification development roadmap and its alignment to the standardisation activities within the IEC TC 79 working groups for video surveillance and physical access control standards. Technical Services Committee (TSC) Chair Andreas Schneider of Sony gave an overview of the committees work on new and existing profiles, client and device test tools, updates to the conformance process and tools and Developers Plugfests. Founding members Axis, Bosch and Sony automatically retain seats on the Steering, Technical and Technical Services CommitteesONVIF Communication Committee Chair, Tim Shen of Dahua provided a recap of ONVIF communication efforts in 2018, with a continued focus on market education about the specific profiles through presence at industry events and media activity. He also reported on the success of the first ever ONVIF Open Source Spotlight Challenge that took place earlier this year. The results of the annual elections for committees of ONVIF were announced by Kevin Schader, ONVIF Executive Director. Re-elected to the ONVIF Steering Committee were Mayur Salgar of Honeywell and Stuart Rawling of Pelco by Schneider Electric. For the Technical Committee, Hanwha Techwins Sujith Raman, Pelco by Schneider Electrics Steve Wolf, and Tyco Security Products Stephen Serplus were re-elected, while Hikvisions Dora Han joined the committee as a new member. Bob Dolan of Anixter and Giri Guntipalli of Honeywell were re-elected to the Technical Services Committee, along with new member Marwan Obeidat of Pelco by Schneider Electric. Tim Shen of Dahua, Jens Berthelsen of Hikvision and Xinming Kang of Honeywell were re-elected to the ONVIF Communication Committee, while Cathy Zhou of Huawei joined the committee as a new member. Founding members Axis, Bosch and Sony automatically retain seats on the Steering, Technical and Technical Services Committees. IP-based physical security solutions expert Founded in 2008, ONVIF is a leading and well-recognised industry forum driving interoperability for IP-based physical security products. The organisation has a global member base of established camera, video management system and access control companies and more than 10,000 profile conformant products. ONVIF offers Profile S for streaming video; Profile G for recording and storage; Profile C for physical access control; Profile Q for improved out-of-the-box functionality, Profile A for broader access control configuration and Profile T for advanced streaming. ONVIF continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions that ONVIF conformant products can provide. Protesters at a rally against offshore drilling outside the Statehouse in Columbia in February. The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is a satellite dwarf galaxy of the Milky Way that is among the closest galaxies to Earth. At about 163,000 light-years from Earth, the dwarf galaxy looks like a faint cloud in Southern Hemisphere skies. It lies on the border of the constellations Dorado and Mensa. Both the LMC and its companion, the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), are named after the explorer Ferdinand Magellan. While astronomers in the Southern Hemisphere saw these clouds before Magellan's round-the-world voyage in 1519, the explorer and his crew were the first to bring that knowledge to the Western world. Magellan died in the Philippines during that voyage, but his crew provided documentation of the discovery upon their return to Europe. LMC location Magellan's discovery of the LMC and SMC predated telescopes, but even after the instruments allowed Galileo and astronomers in the 17th century to get a closer look, it was still several hundred years before scientists could accurately calculate the distance to the LMC, the SMC and other nearby galaxies. Scientists came to better understand cosmic distances using tools such as "standard candles" (objects, such as certain types of variable stars, that have known luminosities). From then on, the LMC was considered the closest galactic object to Earth until 1994, when astronomers found the Sagittarius dwarf elliptical galaxy, according to NASA. Another discovery in 2003, the Canis Major dwarf galaxy, turned out to be even closer. The LMC is part of a collection of dozens of galaxies known as the Local Group, so named because they are fairly close to our own Milky Way galaxy. The most prominent member is the Andromeda galaxy, a Northern Hemisphere object visible with the naked eye just north of the constellation of the same name. The Andromeda galaxy is 2.5 million light-years away and is moving closer to our galaxy for an eventual collision. The giant star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, the Tarantula Nebula. (Image credit: ESO) Star-birth hotspot Other than its proximity to Earth, the LMC is also known for being a site where stars form. Within the LMC's borders, several observatories from NASA and other space agencies have witnessed vast amounts of gas coming together to create young stars. A 2012 composite image of the Tarantula Nebula a region of the LMC more properly known as 30 Doradus revealed violence and radiation through the lenses of the Hubble, Chandra and Spitzer space telescopes. "At the center of 30 Doradus, thousands of massive stars are blowing off material and producing intense radiation along with powerful winds," NASA wrote at the time. [Images: 50 Fabulous Deep-Space Nebula Photos] Another, smaller star-forming region within the LMC is in a spot known as LHA 120-N 11. Images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope show that this region consists of several pockets of gas and numerous brilliant new stars. In general, the LMC is an excellent spot to look if you want to see stars being born, NASA said in a statement. "It lies in a fortuitous location in the sky, far enough from the plane of the Milky Way that it is neither outshone by too many nearby stars, nor obscured by the dust in the Milky Way's center," NASA stated. It is also close enough to study in detail (less than a 10th of the distance to the Andromeda galaxy, the closest spiral galaxy) and lies almost face-on to us, giving us a bird's-eye view." The LMC's relatively close location to Earth also affords astronomers the chance to study it in more detail, with the aim of extrapolating information that can help explain how other galaxies behave. One example of this kind of research is the study of the LMC's rotation, which was picked up by the Hubble Space Telescope and published in February 2014. "Studying this nearby galaxy by tracking the stars' movements gives us a better understanding of the internal structure of disk galaxies," Nitya Kallivayalil, a researcher at the University of Virginia who participated in the research, said in a statement. "Knowing a galaxy's rotation rate offers insight into how a galaxy formed, and it can be used to calculate its mass." The researchers discovered that the LMC makes a rotation every 250 million years. They found this by using Hubble to track the motion of stars in the galaxies sideways with respect to the plane of the sky. While this technique has been used for more-nearby objects before, this effort represented the first time the method was used for a galaxy. The team next plans to turn its attention to the SMC to do the same sort of analysis. Since the SMC and the LMC are also close enough to gravitationally interact with each other, looking at how they move in relation to each other may reveal information about the movements of other galaxies in the Local Group, the researchers said. NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) took this snapshot of the Large Magellanic Cloud (right) and the bright star R Doradus (left) with just a single detector of one of its cameras on Aug. 7, 2018. The frame is part of a swath of the southern sky TESS captured in its "first light" science image as part of its initial round of data collection. (Image credit: NASA/MIT/TESS) First time around Until recently, the LMC and the SMC were thought to have made multiple trips around the Milky Way. Researchers said the gravitational pull of the Milky Way is what caused the tail of gas and dust known as the Magellanic Stream that was ripped from the SMC. In the last few years, however, scientists have realized that the pair of clouds is actually just making its very first trip around the Milky Way. By pointing NASA's Hubble Space Telescope toward the two clouds, scientists began to catch a glimpse of the objects' histories. "Hubble's biggest contribution is enabling us to clock how fast the Magellanic clouds are moving," said Gurtina Besla, a researcher at the University of Arizona who studies dwarf galaxies. In 2007, Besla overturned conventional wisdom when she suggested that the LMC and SMC were making their first orbit of our galaxy. "They're moving too fast to have been long-term companions of the Milky Way," Besla said. She used data from the European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft to clock smaller, satellite galaxies orbiting the LMC, as well. And, understanding how these galaxies move has helped researchers better calculate the mass of the LMC. Current estimates put the LMC at about 100 billion times as massive as Earth's sun, or a quarter the mass of the Milky Way. Besla said this size means the LMC is about 10 times heavier than previously calculated. As researchers continue to make more detailed observations of the dwarf galaxies, they hope to learn more about the Milky Way's enigmatic neighbors. These measurements may help reveal more about our own galaxy, too. The LMC carries a significant amount of stars and gas with it as it approaches our galaxy. While that can be helpful, according to Besla, the additional mass makes it more difficult to calculate the movement of other objects whose interactions help scientists determine the Milky Ways mass. "The LMC being there is both helpful and a bit of a hindrance to understanding the total mass of the Milky Way," Besla said. This article was updated on Dec. 4, 2018 by Space.com Contributor, Nola Taylor Redd. Update: SpaceX has successfully launched a Dragon cargo ship filled with NASA cargo to the International Space Station. The attempted landing of the mission's first-stage booster, however, did not succeed. Read our full story. Original story: SpaceX is set to launch a cargo mission to the International Space Station and land a rocket back on Earth today (Dec. 5), and you can catch all the action live. A Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch a robotic Dragon capsule toward the orbiting lab from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 1:16 p.m. EST (1816 GMT); the two-stage rocket's first stage will also attempt to land back at Cape Canaveral shortly after liftoff. You can watch it live here at Space.com, courtesy of NASA, beginning at 1 p.m. EST (1800 GMT). You can also watch directly via NASA or SpaceX, both of which will webcast the launch. [Gallery: Inside Dragon, SpaceX's Private Spacecraft] Today's Falcon 9 liftoff will come just 48 hours after a Falcon 9 launched 64 small satellites to orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The gap between the two launches was suppposed to be just 24 hours, but the Dragon launch was delayed a day because mouse food going up with a rodent-research experiment was found to be moldy and had to be replaced. The Dragon will deliver more than 5,600 lbs. (2,540 kilograms) of food, supplies and scientific experiments to space station crewmembers on SpaceX's 16th cargo mission under a contract with NASA. The research gear includes the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI), an instrument that will measure forest canopy heights around the globe; the Robotic Refueling Mission 3 (RRM3), which will demonstrate technologies intended to top up satellites' tanks in space; and the aforementioned mouse experiment, known as Rodent Research-8, which is designed to help scientists better understand the mechanisms behind aging and how it contributes to disease. SpaceX's Dragon cargo capsule, after it was fished out of the sea following the completion of its first resupply mission to the International Space Station in early 2017. (Image credit: SpaceX) There's a 90 percent chance that the weather will be good enough for a Falcon 9 liftoff today, launch weather officer Clay Flynn, of the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing, said during a pre-launch news conference Monday. The two-stage Falcon 9 launching today is a brand-new vehicle, though the Dragon has visited the station once before, during the CRS-10 (Commercial Resupply Services-10) mission in early 2017. SpaceX prioritizes reuse of its space vehicles, viewing re-flight as key to lowering the cost of spaceflight enough to enable ambitious exploration feats. The Falcon 9 that launched Monday featured a first stage that had already flown on two orbital missions a first for the company. If all goes according to plan, the Dragon will reach the space station three days from now. Its arrival will bring the number of visiting spacecraft at the orbiting lab to six. Also attached to the International Space Station are three robotic cargo ships Northrop Grumman's Cygnus vessel and two Russian Progress freighters and two Soyuz crew spacecraft. The Dragon is scheduled to come back to Earth for an ocean splashdown in mid-January. 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. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft lifted off into clear blue skies today (Dec. 5), carrying more than 2 tons of crew supplies, science investigations and equipment toward the International Space Station but the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage spiraled down in a failed landing. According to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Twitter, a hydraulic pump on one of the first stage grid fins stalled, so the booster ended up splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean rather than coming in for a landing at a pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida. The rocket landing was not required for SpaceX's main mission: delivering 5,600 lbs. (2,500 kilograms) of supplies to the space station's six-person crew. The Falcon 9 launched its Dragon spacecraft at 1:16 p.m. EST (1816 GMT) from the CCAFS and will catch up with the space station over the next few days before astronauts grapple it with the station's robotic arm on Saturday (Dec. 8). This mission, CRS-16, is the second time this Dragon spacecraft has made the trip; it also flew to space as part of the CRS-10 mission in 2017. The mission also marks SpaceX's 20th launch of the year. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the company's robotic Dragon cargo capsule toward the International Space Station on Dec. 5, 2018. (Image credit: NASA TV) SpaceX representatives confirmed the success of Dragon's trip into orbit, adding that they will use telemetry from the Falcon 9's first-stage booster to better understand why it's landing attempt failed. "The first stage did land in the water," SpaceX spokesperson John Insprucker said during a live webcast. "Now, the good news is we've got a lot of telemetry from it, so we'll be able to understand what happened and work to improve reliability as we always do here at SpaceX." "Second stage went into great orbit, it was really precise," he added. "Dragon, you saw separate, and now the solar arrays coming out. All told, another great day for SpaceX and NASA." The most recent previous landing failure for SpaceX was the core first-stage booster on its debut Falcon Heavy launch; the two side boosters made a flashy synchronized landing, but the central booster crashed. The company's most recent Falcon 9 first stage landing failure was in June 2016. In February, the core stage of SpaceX's new heavy-lift rocket, the Falcon Heavy, just missed its landing on a drone ship in the Atlantic. See more Moldy mouse chow and more Today's launch was delayed by a day on short notice thanks to some moldy mouse chow. The mice and their habitat are loaded to the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft shortly before launch; because of possible contamination after finding mold on a small portion of the food bars, the launch crew also had to unload the rest of the bars, which had been loaded earlier deeper in the spacecraft, and get supplies to replace them. Though the launch team tried to get everything back in place for a Tuesday liftoff, they couldn't quite make it work hence a delay to the following day. The nonmoldy food bars and their corresponding mice, which will support the study of aging-related effects in space, are among the components for 38 new investigations on the Dragon spacecraft, NASA officials said. Another investigation, which will study muscle degeneration, will make use of 36,000 tiny worms. By the end of the mission, they will have reproduced enough to grow their population to between 2 million and 3 million, the study's principal investigator, Timothy Etheridge of the University of Exeter, told Space.com. The spacecraft will also carry a module to test robotically refueling liquid methane; an instrument that will use near-infrared lasers to measure the heights of Earth's forests; an experiment that will measure how bacteria biofilms grow in microgravity; a setup to grow large, pure protein crystals for analysis; and two student projects from NASA's and Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" Space Station Challenge. Those projects will test dental glue and a plant-watering process for space. Space traffic jam in orbit When the Dragon arrives, it will join five other spacecraft already at the station. According to NASA officials, there are two Russian Soyuz spacecraft, which bring crewmembers to the station; two Russian Progress spacecraft; and Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft. Six spacecraft is the maximum the space station has held, according to NASA spokesperson Dan Huot. And the Dragon brings a special treat for one class of spacecraft: It's carrying a satellite deployment system called SlingShot that can fit inside the Cygnus spacecraft's berth to deploy up to 18 cubesats. According to the CRS-16 mission overview, after the Cygnus leaves the space station for the first time, it can navigate to a higher orbit and release the cubesats. See more The International Space Station currently has six crewmembers; three arrived Monday (Dec. 3), and three have been there since June. The Monday Soyuz trip marked the first crew flight since an anomaly during launch grounded another crew in October. European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst, NASA astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev will head back to Earth Dec. 20 after six and a half months in space but not before helping out with unpacking the Dragon! Newcomers Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, NASA astronaut Anne McClain and Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques will stay until June. The Dragon spacecraft itself should leave the station and head back to Earth in January, according to Kirt Costello, ISS program chief scientist at Johnson Space Center. In that return, the Dragon will bring back equipment and experiments for analysis including, most likely, 20 mice and millions of worms. Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook. Original article on Space.com. WASHINGTON Arianespace completed its final Ariane 5 launch of 2018 and penultimate overall mission for the year on Dec. 4, carrying a satellite for India and another for South Korea to geostationary transfer orbit. The Ariane 5 lifted off from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana along the South American coast at 3:37 p.m. Eastern. The Indian Space Research Organisations GSAT-11 telecom satellite detached from the rocket's upper stage 29 minutes later, followed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institutes GEO-Kompsat-2A weather satellite another four and a half minutes later. The mission was Arianespace of Evry, France's sixth Ariane 5 mission of the year and 10th cumulative launch for 2018. An Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket carrying the Indian GSAT-11 communications satellite and South Korean Kompsat-2A weather satellite on Dec. 4, 2018 from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. (Image credit: Arianespace) ISRO's GSAT-11 satellite was originally scheduled to launch in May, but the Indian space agency called off the mission to inspect the satellite the largest ever built in India for mistakes. As a result, GSAT-11's original co-passenger, the Intelsat-38/Azerspace-2 condo-sat, was forced to reschedule for another Ariane 5 mission that took place Sept. 25. Intelsat of Luxembourg and Tysons Corner, Virginia, paired the condo-sat with another of its satellites, the Horizons-3e joint venture satellite it co-owns with Sky Perfect JSAT of Japan, to right its own launch plans. ISRO Chairman K Sivan, in a speech following the launch, acknowledged the difficulty caused by the missed May launch and expressed gratitude for Arianespaces ability to still launch GSAT-11 this year. "I must specifically thank Arianespace for this great grace you have given to us," he said. ISRO has its own launch vehicles, but has consistently relied on Arianespace to orbit satellites too heavy for the agencys own launchers. GSAT-11 is a 5,850-kilogram telecom satellite designed to cover the Indian mainland and nearby islands with 32 Ku-band user spot beams. The satellite has 16 gigabits per second of total throughput a smaller amount than most high-throughput satellites (Thaicoms IPstar, launched in 2005, has 45 Gbps of capacity). GSAT-11 also has eight spot beams in Ka-band to connect with ground segment hubs. The satellite has a design life of 15 years. KARI's GEO-Kompsat-2A is the first in a pair of civilian geostationary weather satellites. Sang Ryool Lee, KARI vice president, said the 3,500-kilogram satellite took more than seven years to develop. "The launch today marked the successful end of GEO-Kompsat-2A development and also the hopeful start of better Korea weather service,"he said. GEO-Kompsat-2A has a design life of 10 years. Stephane Israel, Arianespace CEO, said the second satellite, GEO-Kompsat-2B, is scheduled to launch in one year, also on an Ariane 5. Israel said Arianespace's final launch of the year will be a Soyuz mission in the coming weeks of CSO-1, a reconnaissance satellite for the French military. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. Plenty of romantics have made a wish on a shooting star as it streaks across the night sky. Those brilliant beacons of hope are actually pieces of space debris burning up in Earth's atmosphere. And if a part of them makes it to the ground, it gets a new name. A meteorite is the term given to a piece of a comet or asteroid that falls into the Earths atmosphere and survives to hit the surface. These objects come in three easy-to-remember categories: stony, metallic and stony metallic. Stony meteorites, as the name implies, are made from rocky material not all that different from what's found in the ground on our planet. These objects are the most common type of meteorites and are thought to represent leftover fragments from the creation of our solar system. Such meteorites often contain organic, or carbon-containing, compounds, the molecular basis of living organisms, and sometimes even traces of water, suggesting that the ingredients for life may have originated before our world was born. A 70-lb. iron meteorite found in the Arizona desert was bought at an online auction for $237,500. (Image credit: Christie's) Metallic meteorites contain mostly iron and nickel, while stony-metallic meteorites are made from both rocky and metallic material. Only around 8 percent of meteorites fall into either of these categories, according to "Meteorites and the Early Solar System II," a book from the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston (University of Arizona Press, 2006). Some of these meteorites originated on the moon or Mars and have therefore given scientists insights into different bodies in the solar system. NASA operates a system of cameras across the U.S. called the All Sky Fireball Network, which looks for bright streaks in the night sky so that researchers can better understand where and how often meteorites fall to Earth. Dedicated meteorite hunters scour remote places in search of fallen space rocks so that scientists can study these objects and because eager collectors will pay good money for rare specimens. Don't worry too much about a meteorite finding you, though. The odds of being hit by a meteorite are extremely tiny. Two years ago, reports came out that an Indian man was the first person in recorded history to die from a meteorite impact. But the deadly rock turned out to have characteristics of Earth-based material, suggesting that it had become airborne during a terrestrial explosion, as Space.com's sister site Live Science reported. The Murchison meteorite has at least 75 amino acids in it. (Image credit: Wikimedia Commons) Among the most famous fallen space rocks is the Murchison meteorite, which fell to Earth in 1969 and has since been well-studied because it is rich in organic compounds. The Allan Hills 84001 meteorite, which originated on Mars, made a big splash in 1996, when scientists said they'd found evidence of ancient bacteria hiding inside it. But subsequent evidence seemed to contradict the discovery, and to this day, nobody completely agrees on what was found inside the meteorite, as Space.com reported. Other recent famous meteorites include chunks from the 2013 meteor that burned up over Chelyabinsk in Russia. The explosive event was captured by dashboard cameras all over the region. And the Hoba meteorite is the largest known meteorite. It weighs 60 tons (54 metric tons) and was found on a farm in Namibia. It's so big that it's never been moved and is now part of a tourist attraction. Additional resources: Early in its mission, the Opportunity rover spotted round, iron-rich concretions nicknamed "blueberries," which constituted one of several different types of evidence suggesting that Mars used to be wet. This (false-color) photo captures an area just 1.2 inches (3 centimeters) across. It was just a few months after NASA's Opportunity rover touched down on Mars in 2004 that it spotted a geological curiosity: tiny, iron-rich spheres scattered across the rock surface near the robot's landing site. Snack-loving scientists working with the mission dubbed these objects "blueberries," but the features were easier to name than to understand. Their recipe remains something of a puzzle. Trying to sort out the origins of these blueberries has always involved studying similar-looking spherical formations here on Earth. New research takes its inspiration from these terrestrial analogs to offer a new idea of the chemistry that may have gone into whipping up these Martian blueberries. In turn, this research helps reveal what ancient Mars may have looked like. The blueberries are tantalizing for more than just their whimsical name; they also constituted some of the earliest evidence we had that Mars was once incredibly wet. "No matter what the exact chemistry of these spherules was to start, the fact that they're there tells us [that] a lot of liquid water moved through these rocks over time," Briony Horgan, a planetary scientist at Purdue University in Indiana, told Space.com. [10 Amazing Mars Discoveries by Rovers Spirit & Opportunity] And if scientists can parse out precisely how the blueberries formed, that may help us understand what Mars was like back when the features formed and what sort of life could have theoretically thrived in those circumstances, Horgan said. So, the team behind the new research traveled to two different terrestrial destinations in search of rock formations that resemble Martian blueberries: Utah and Mongolia. These formations aren't identical to those on Mars, which are about a tenth the size of the Earthly equivalents. Our planet's formations are also less orderly than the Martian versions. "They're all blobbed together. They're different sizes," Horgan said of the terrestrial features. But it's much easier to get to Utah and Mongolia than to Mars, so scientists use these features despite the imperfect comparison. The researchers found that the formations seemed to have been built around cores of a mineral called calcite, with iron-rich material in only the outer shell. "That moment [of discovery], it was very exciting," geochemist co-authors Hidekazu Yoshida of Nagoya University and Hitoshi Hasegawa of Kochi University in Japan, wrote in an email to Space.com. Based on those observations in the field and chemical modeling, the scientists suggested that floods of iron-rich, gently acidic water washed over the original calcite structures. Unlike the terrestrial versions, Martian blueberries seem to be made of hematite all the way through, no longer sporting any calcite heart. But that could point to a long period of overwash that ate through all the calcite, the researchers said. The nagging details of chemical reactions that may or may not have taken place on early Mars have larger implications. First, these details are relevant to scientists' natural interest in all that water that flowed through rocks to form the blueberries. "The chemistry of water tells us about the habitability of the environment," Horgan said. The second potential implication would relate to another long-standing debate about Mars what happened to its once-thick atmosphere. The authors in the new study argued that this atmosphere could have gone into the carbonate ions locked in calcite precursors to the blueberries. But that wouldn't solve the atmospheric mystery, Steve Ruff, a planetary geologist at Arizona State University who works on the Opportunity mission, told Space.com. "My sense of what we know about the area of the hematite that we can map from orbit is it's not a huge area," covering less than 1 percent of Mars' surface, he said. There just aren't enough blueberries to pack away very much atmosphere. [Latest Mars Rover Photos from Opportunity & Spirit] He said he also worries that Earth's formations aren't similar enough to those on Mars for scientists to learn about the blueberries. But Ruff didn't dismiss the new paper. "I'm intrigued by this idea," he said. "The formation of these little concretions on Earth and certainly on Mars has always been a bit of a mystery, and there's multiple ideas about how you form these things." The Martian blueberries are small enough that in order to truly solve their mystery, scientists will need more-sophisticated tools than are currently on the Red Planet. NASA's next rover, the Mars 2020 rover, will carry instruments with high enough resolution that they could tackle these questions. But that rover is slated to visit a place called Jezero Crater, far away from the plain where Opportunity spotted the blueberries. "Going back to places on Mars with NASA is not something people want to do. They want to go to new places," Ruff said. Nevertheless, he said he isn't giving up hope that the new rover could solve the blueberry mystery. "Maybe we'll get lucky and see something like this with the 2020 rover." Whatever the nuances of blueberry chemistry turn out to be, the new paper is a reminder of the vast time scales and the potential complexity such time scales entail involved in Martian geology, Horgan said. "Time can play a really important role in the minerals that we see," Horgan said. "We should be careful. There could have been multiple things that happened to these rocks." The research is described in a paper published today (Dec. 5) in the journal Science Advances. Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels. Follow us @Spacedotcom and Facebook. Original article on Space.com. Bir-Lehlou (Liberated Territories), December 2, 2018 (SPS) - President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Bahim Ghali, has received a reply message from Tanzanian President John Magufuli. The message came in response to the message of condolence sent by President Brahim Ghali to his Tanzanian counterpart, following the tragic incident in September, in which a ferry carrying more than 200 people sank on the lake off Tanzania. The Tanzanian President appraised the message of condolence he received from the Sahrawi President and expressed his thanks and appreciation for the Sahrawi government and people's standing with the government and people of Tanzania in its ordeal. (SPS) 062/SPS/TRA STAMFORD A Bristol man, who one Massachusetts attorney turned pastor called the best con man hed ever met, has been accused of taking $7,500 for repairs he never did on a downtown church. Marcus McClennan, 45, was charged this week with third-degree larceny and was held in lieu of a $100,000 court appearance bond. McClennan is accused of depositing a check from St. Johns Episcopal Church for roof repairs, but never showed up for the job. Financial Crimes Sgt. Sean Boeger determined the church obtained a $30,000 estimate from McClennan, who represented himself as Trumbull Architectural Restoration, and wrote him a deposit check for $7,523.75 in July 2017. After cashing the check, police said McClennan made several excuses for not doing the repairs, including saying his father was sick and he was going through a divorce. The parishs rector, Rev. James Wheeler, sent McClennan a letter at the end of 2017, saying the church was canceling its contract due to lack of performance and asked for the deposit to be returned. As news surfaced about the alleged theft, police became aware of two other Connecticut churches with similar complaints against McClennan. Rev. Christopher Files, of Trinity Lutheran Church, said McClennan deposited a $5,250 check in July 2017 for $10,500 worth of work to the roof and interior of his Milford church, Boeger said. Boeger said McClennan gave similar excuses to Files for not doing the job. Boeger said retired attorney Donald Peters, who is the spiritual leader of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Parish in Chicopee, Mass., wrote a $10,500 check to McClennan for $20,000 worth of work to refurbish the interior of the churchs roof. Peters said the renovations were for the churchs 100th anniversary in May, but were never done. Peters said McClennan did not return the deposit. He is one of the best con men I have ever come across, Peters told the Stamford Advocate. In the affidavit, Boeger said he was unable to reach McClennan. According to the Secretary of State, the business was registered as a limited liability company in 2012. The affiant believes that suspect Marcus McClellan has shown a pattern of acts in which he accepts deposits for repair work from churches and never completes any of the agreed upon work while failing to return the deposits to the churches, the affidavit said. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, on Tuesday defended President Donald Trump's response to the killing of Washington Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi, telling a CNN host, "Journalists disappear all over the country." Khashoggi was killed by a team of Saudi agents inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in October. Trump and senior members of his administration, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, have insisted that no single piece of evidence irrefutably links Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the killing. Several senators stated after a closed-door briefing by CIA Director Gina Haspel on Tuesday that the evidence overwhelmingly points to the crown prince's involvement. But Stewart echoed Trump, telling CNN's Brianna Keilar that "no one can say" for certain what happened and maintaining that it is in U.S. interests not to allow the relationship with Saudi Arabia to rupture. "We have to have a relationship with some players that we don't agree with," Stewart said. "Journalists disappear all over the country. Twenty journalists have been killed in Mexico. You don't think it's happened in Turkey and China? Of course it does. And yet, we have to have a relationship with these individuals, or with these countries." According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 45 journalists were killed in 2018 because of their work; Reporters Without Borders estimates that more were killed in the first nine months of this year than in all of 2017. Asked for comment on Stewart's remarks, his office released a statement emphasizing that the lawmaker supports both defending human rights and preserving relationships with key allies. "We cannot brush aside the murder of any journalist and I have always said that those who are responsible for the murder of Mr. Khashoggi should be held responsible," Stewart said in the statement. "As the leader of the free world, we have to accomplish two goals; defend human rights while also attempting to maintain important relationships with key allies that we hope will help us bring stability to critical parts of the world. We should always strive to do both." --- The Washington Post's Shane Harris, Karoun Demirjian and Emily Rauhala contributed to this report. NEW CANAAN The property at 716 Silvermine Road is a study in contrast. At one end of the two-acre level corner lot is a rustic historic barn built in the late 19th century, and at the other end is a stately colonial house that was built a century later on a picturesque private lane. The two combine to create an attractive estate that straddles past and present, and it sits in historic Silvermine. Silvermine is a unique Fairfield County, Connecticut neighborhood which is made up of adjoining sections of Norwalk, New Canaan and Wilton, according to the website for the Silvermine Community Association, a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization. Association membership comprises residents and friends of this area. Members engage in cultural, civic, literary, historic, social, and charitable activities, and the association hosts events year-round, including occasional history dinners, neighborhood clean-ups, an annual potluck dinner and quarterly Silvermine socials, the website says. This festive time of year, Santa Claus always arrives on the back of the fire engine to deliver presents to children of SCA members, and the Easter Bunny visits the associations annual Pancake Breakfast. Also found in Silvermine is GrayBarns on the Silvermine River in neighboring Norwalk, a short distance from this house, as is the Silvermine Art Center in New Canaan. GrayBarns has a rich history of its own. The former millhouse and textile factory, which is now a rustically luxurious inn and tavern offering an upscale seasonal menu, once catered to celebrities and now serves as an elegant retreat. The tavern hosted Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher on their honeymoon and received frequent visits from Hollywood heartthrob Spencer Tracy, the GrayBarns website says. While GrayBarns provides deluxe accommodations, this 6,675-square-foot clapboard and stone house features its own upscale amenities and other attractive features, including its heated Gunite in-ground swimming pool, pool house, built-in grilling area, an outdoor fireplace, and fruit trees apples and pears. There is also a carriage barn with two heated garage bays and a studio above it with a kitchenette and full bath. The white house with gray shutters was built in 1972 and was meticulously renovated by current owners. Many improvements were made this year giving the house a renovated chefs kitchen with new custom-designed white cabinetry, a renovated master bath with a soaking tub, oversized shower, double vanity and marble floor; and renovated den. Several spaces, including the formal living room, family room, and guest bedroom, were updated, repainted and re-carpeted. The exterior of the house was power-washed and repainted, and in the backyard the pool equipment was replaced with an all new system that includes remote access from an iPhone. Indoor-outdoor living is encouraged with the French doors that lead from the formal living room to a flagstone patio. In the formal dining room another set of French doors leads to the patio with the grilling area and fireplace. Inside, there is a marble fireplace in the living room and a floor-to-ceiling red brick fireplace in the family room. The main barn on the property was built circa 1875, according to James Sexton, architectural and documentary researcher with special expertise in colonial architecture. Sexton has prepared Historic Structures Reports for the Bush-Holley historic site in Greenwich and the Pardee-Morris House, owned by the New Haven Colony Historical Society. In a report he presented to the New Canaan Planning and Zoning Commission on September 26, 2007, Sexton called this structure a side-entry or eaves-front bank barn with a sawn, square-rule frame, interior silo, and gambrel roof. It has two small gable roofed dependencies that together create a structure with a U-shaped plan. If the building were constructed much earlier than this, it would not have been raised up off the ground in the way that it is, Sexton said, adding the U-shaped collection of buildings creates a shelter doorway to the south of the main barn, fitting a longstanding tradition. From the research Sexton did on this barn, he concluded that this is an architecturally and historically significant structure. ABOUT THIS HOUSE STYLE: Colonial ADDRESS: 716 Silvermine Road PRICE: $2,750,000 ROOMS: 11 FEATURES: 2.06-acre level property, corner lot, historic barn, carriage barn with heated garage bays and studio, heated Gunite in-ground swimming pool, spa, pool house, flagstone terraces, exterior lighting, three fireplaces (one of them outdoors), outdoor gas grill, pergola, covered rear porch, proximity to conservation land trust property, convenient to three town centers, wet bar, rear stairs, apple and pear orchard, thermal storm windows, private guest room/au pair suite, skylights, wood roof, full partially finished walk-out lower level, pull-down attic stairs, attached and detached garages with total of five bays, semi-circular driveway with double border of Belgium block, stone wall, zoned central air conditioning and heating system, can be available largely furnished, six bedrooms, six full and one half baths SCHOOLS: East Elementary, Saxe Middle, New Canaan High School ASSESSMENT: $1,533,910 MILL RATE: 16.96 mills TAXES: $26,015 See More Collapse The barn complex at 716 Silvermine Road is a well-preserved example of the sorts of agricultural structures from the end of the 19th century that once filled the landscape of Fairfield County (and much of the rest of Connecticut as well). Its survival into the 21st century makes it an important physical reminder of the areas agrarian past and an artifact well worth preserving for future generations, Sexton said in his report. There are other advantages to this location. The house is only minutes to schools, the New Canaan train station, and the centers of three towns New Canaan, Norwalk, and Wilton. It is also close to the New Canaan Land Trusts Silvermine-Fowler Preserve with walking trails. For more information or to make an appointment to see the house contact co-listing agents Marsha Charles and Holly Slattery of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; Charles at 203-904-4663 or marsha.charles@cbmoves.com, and Slattery at 203-722-2139 or holly.slattery@coldwellbankermoves.com. F ew of us had heard of moral hazard until the Bank of England started banging on about it during the financial crisis. As the banking world was collapsing around his ears, the then-governor Lord King said it would be wrong to bail out banks because it would set an example to others that they too could behave recklessly and be rescued. Moral hazard. He was wrong. As he admits (when not slagging off his successors), King put too much stress on moral hazard and not enough on the greater need to step in and secure the integrity of the banking system. However, though he got the balance wrong, the concept was right: companies should not be allowed to operate on the understanding that if their risky behaviour goes wrong, they will be bailed out, in full, by someone else. Energy companies are concerned that a form of moral hazard is creeping into their world. This time, its the moral hazard of consumers. In regulators enthusiasm to nurture competition, a system now exists where, if a company goes under, customers will be transferred to another supplier and any credit they have for energy not yet used 100% reimbursed. The pledge is part-funded by a levy on the industry. For customers, its great: you can switch to a cheap mom and pop energy firm without risking a penny. But bigger companies complain it spawned a new breed of energy supplier, recklessly undercutting the market. The newcomers have a one-way bet: if the wholesale energy price remained low, theyd make big profits. If it rose, they may go bust, but customers would be transferred painlessly so there would be little bad publicity. Theoretically, you could set up another energy firm the next day. A cottage industry has been built up around the phenomenon. The Sunday Times at the weekend found licence factories to make it easy for entrepreneurs to start up new energy companies. Surprise surprise, some of these new, super-cheap firms have been criticised for having lousy customer service, and now, as wholesale prices have risen, theyre going bust at quite a clip. Yet the deals keep coming. This week, it emerged that one small firm has a scheme where customers pay 1000 up front for a years energy, locked in at the cheapest fixed-energy tariff in the country. Not only is it super-cheap, but customers get 12% annual interest on the credit balance a further discount on that super-low tariff. A risky business proposition in anyones book, but if it goes bust, those customers deposits will be reimbursed by the industry levy. T akeda chief Christophe Weber clinched Japans largest overseas takeover on Wednesday as shareholders approved the controversial $59 billion (46 billion) swoop on UK drugmaker Shire. The Frenchman, a former rising star at GSK, said the debt-fuelled deal would create a more competitive, agile, highly profitable, and therefore resilient company. Around 12% of shareholders at a general meeting in Osaka voted against the proposal, which will make Takeda among the top 10 biggest drugmakers globally. Shire shareholders were also set to approve the deal at a vote today. The takeover has come under fire from some Takeda shareholders and relatives of Takedas founding family over the high debt levels. Webers Takeda is adding on about $30 billion of debts. Management has said it will sell about $10 billion worth of assets. Weber has also said cost savings should add up to $1.4 billion within three years. Takeda shares are down 36% from their 12-month high as investors fret about the issue. They rose 1% today to 4240 yen but are well below the 6666 yen peak. Shire shares also increased 2.7% gaining 121.5p to 4671.5p. Taptica has also updated on its situation after its shares tumbled yesterday. This is a long story this one but investors should know the ins and outs. Yesterday it was announced chief executive Hagai Tal was stepping down after he was found liable yesterday for certain statements made in relation to the sale of Plimus in 2011 to private equity, where he was chief executive and a shareholder. Plimus was separate to Taptica which he set-up in 2014. T he City was split over Ted Bakers prospects on Wednesday after hug-gate caused the fashion brands value to fall by 198 million in three days. Analysts at HSBC downgraded the stock to Hold from Buy saying uncertainty over leadership distracts from the core investment case and there was limited visibility as to when this will be resolved. This means that instead of seven Buys and one Hold it now has six Buys and two Holds. No one yet rates it a Sell. Founder and chief executive Ray Kelvin has been accused of inappropriate behaviour to staff and there are fears he might have to step down. Ted Baker has commissioned an external investigation. But Liberum reiterated its commitment to the stock: We believe the impact on the groups brand strength and longer-term growth prospects is likely to be minimal. O n Monday night, while every self-respecting feminist in the capital was basking in Michelle Obamas magic, I found myself in Hull. Its not all glamour, you know. But Michelle would have approved because something rather extraordinary occurred I had a lecture theatre named after me at my old university, which Blackadder famously described as this countrys third greatest. There are many reasons why this is remarkable, but mainly because I barely saw the inside of a lecture theatre during my time in the great city on the Humber. My Indian immigrant parents said I could be anything I wanted in the world provided I was a doctor, lawyer or accountant. I was squeamish and terrible with numbers, so law it was but alas, I was no legal eagle especially at the age of 17, when there was all that vital socialising to do in the student union. I was such a terrible law student I thought jurisprudence was a case about a woman called Judith Prudence. I still think tort is something from Bake Off. The tributes from my former housemates on Facebook spoke volumes. In case anyone is thinking Ayesha is being self-deprecating and humble, I can confirm everything she said about her academic dedication is true in fact she may even have overstated her efforts a touch. My former boss Ed Miliband was equally touching when he asked me if it was a case of mistaken identity. Despite all that, it was a great privilege to be honoured alongside five hugely talented women the Kiln Theatres artistic director Indhu Rubasingham, Womans Hour presenter Dame Jenni Murray, Court of Appeal judge Dame Eleanor King, theatre director Marianne Elliott, and Rosie Millard, the former broadcaster and chair of Children in Need. Hull University is keen to recognise the achievements of women and naming these lecture theatres is a great start. We took part in a well-attended public discussion about womens leadership where much sound advice was shared: when obstacles pop up, find other ways around them; be resilient; work hard; dont be shy about asking for opportunities; be brave. It was all practical, positive stuff. "I was such a terrible student I thought jurisprudence was a case about a woman called Judith Prudence" However, in some ways, a more interesting and honest conversation followed over dinner and drinks, on the not-so-nice stuff about being a celebrated first or trailblazer. It can be lonely. Your rise can be feted but your fall can be fast and hard. You carry the weight of your entire gender or race on your shoulders and there is little leniency if you slip up. I hope that as we try to inspire young women, we can also we be honest about the tough stuff because thats real life. But its not all doom and gloom, for I am living proof that you can be a shambles at university and it can be OK in the end. Heres to many a happy hangover in the Hazarika theatre but not too early, please. I wont be joining Gwynnies Goop troop One woman who has no issues with self-confidence is Gwyneth Paltrow. I have a love-hate relationship with Gywnnie and dedicated a chunk of my stand-up show to her. Im somewhat sceptical about her status as wellness-warrior-in-chief and am highly suspicious of her overpriced health website Goop which, lets be honest, sounds like a yeast infection. When you sign up for the newsletter, you get Goop in your inbox they really havent thought this through. Theres lots of inane and expensive advice involving steaming your nether regions, and she once declared: I would rather die than let my kid eat a Cup-a-Soup. The shame! Recently Gwynnie had a run-in with a young woman at a yoga studio who had the temerity to ask if it was her first time, to which she replied: You have this job because Ive done yoga before! I admire her chutzpah. There was I thinking it was an ancient Indian practice which originated thousands of years ago. Not so! Last October she said, Ive always been the person who introduces wellness ideas into the culture, and I can see by pattern recognition that people eventually come round This is a pretty big claim given that Western folk have been doing downward dogs for quite a long time before Gywneth was born. But good for her. I guess its all about the hustle. Maybe Im the one who needs to chill out? Wanna party? Bank on Carney... Mark Carney / Getty Images Weve established that I love a good social but who knew the Bank of England was party central? A freedom of information request reveals 100,000 was spent on a summer bash for 2,500 staff and their families. The timing is interesting as Governor Mark Carney has just warned about food bills going up in the event of a no-deal Brexit. T he British Museum is to put on the largest exhibition dedicated to manga ever held outside Japan. Visitors will be able to don cosplay costumes and browse the shelves of a virtual manga bookshop when some 130 objects including original drawings, books and games go on show in May. Manga, which translates as pictures run riot, traces its roots back to the 19th-century Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai but it has now become a multi-billion-pound global industry, with comics, graphic novels, films and games all showing its influence. Curator Nicole Rousmaniere said she expected the show to be an eye-opener for many visitors who are unaware of the depth of the genre, which can cover topics from sexual politics to the destruction of Hiroshima. She added: It is almost visual story-telling, its not just relying on words, it is images. Words support the story but the images are central, and manga is part of the future because we are going towards that Instagrammable, image-led world. If you come to this exhibition you will have learned a skill, because you will be able to read manga and understand it, and understand what you like and dont like. She said the show would feature a cosplay section where visitors can dress up as their favourite manga characters, and a recreation of Tokyos oldest manga bookshop. London art exhibitions you have to see in autumn - In pictures 1 /17 London art exhibitions you have to see in autumn - In pictures Modern Couples: Art, Intimacy and the Avant-Garde October 10 - January 27 2019, Barbican; barbican.org.uk Courtesy Rodchenko and Stepanova Archives, Moscow Videogames September 8 - February 24 2019, Victoria & Albert Museum; vam.ac.uk 2015 Nintendo Klimt/Schiele November 4 - February 3 2019, Royal Academy; royalacademy.org.uk The Albertina Museum, Vienna Exhibition organised by the Royal Academy of Arts, London and the Albertina Museum, Vienna Yayoi Kusama October 3 - December 21, Victoria Miro; victoriamiro.com AFP/Getty Images Gainsborough's Family Album November 22 - February 3 2019, National Portrait Gallery; npg.org.uk Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery Space Shifters September 26 - January 6 2019, Hayward Gallery; southbankcentre.co.uk The Bunny Smash exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo/Eiji Ina Pierre Huyghe October 3 - February 10 2019, Serpentine Gallery; serpentinegalleries.org Courtesy of the artist, Hauser & Wirth and Serpentine Galleries; Kamitani Lab / Kyoto University and ATR The Sun: Living With Our Star October 6 - May 6 2019, Science Museum; sciencemuseum.org.uk Image courtesy of NASASDO and the AIA, EVE and HMI science teams. Mantegna & Bellini October 1 - January 27 2019, National Gallery; vam.ac.uk Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid/Photographic Archive Museo Nacional del Prado 100 Figures: The Unseen Art of Quentin Blake October 5 - January 27 2019, House of Illustration; houseofillustration.org.uk Night and Day: 1930s Fashion and Photographs October 12 - January 20 2019, Fashion & Textile Museum; ftmlondon.org Private collection Turner Prize 2018 September 26 - January 6, Tate Britain; tate.org.uk Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Andy Keate. Hyundai Commission: Tania Bruguera September 8 - February 24 2019, Tate Modern; vam.ac.uk Tate Photography Ribera: Art of Violence September 26 - January 27 2019, Dulwich Picture Gallery; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Bilboko Arte Ederren Museoa-Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao I Object: Ian Hislop's Search For Dissent September 6 - January 20, British Museum; britishmuseum.org J.Fernandes/D.Hubbard/Trustees of the British Museum Christian Marclay: The Clock September 14 - January 20 2019, Tate Modern; tate.org.uk The Artist. Photographer: White Cube (Ben Westoby) Courtauld Impressionists: From Manet to Cezanne September 17 - January 20 2019, National Gallery; nationalgallery.org.uk The Samuel Courtauld Trust, The Courtauld Gallery, London The museum has worked with about 50 artists, including the creators of best-selling characters such as Astro Boy and Princess Jellyfish. Ms Rousmaniere, Handa Curator of Japanese Art at the museum a position supported by the International Foundation of Arts and Culture said the show would also trace the international roots of the typically Japanese art form. She said: There is also a British story the British brought satire to Japan in the 19th century with The Japan Punch magazine, and that was a huge influence, but there are Disney influences as well. It is an international story. Visitors will also be able to download digital manga, have their portrait manga-fied in a special photo booth, and learn about the influence on manga of popular games such as Pokemon. Among the exhibits is a huge 17-metre-long curtain used in traditional Kabuki theatre which will be displayed across one wall showing an illustration of demons and ghosts emerging from the cloth. British Museum director Hartwig Fischer said: Manga, the modern graphic art of story-telling first perfected in Japan, is now loved all over the world. Building on Japans centuries-old tradition, the best manga have the visual power to excite us and draw us into their world, with inventive storylines that engage our emotions. The British Museum cares for one of the finest collections of Japanese graphic art in the world. It is our privilege to invite the modern masters of manga to join company in this exhibition with the great masters of the past such as Hokusai and Kyosai. T he countdown to December 25 in London steps up tomorrow as Trafalgar Square switches on its Christmas tree lights. A tree has stood in the famous square during the festive season for the past 70 years, attracting visitors from across the UK and further afield. When will Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lights be switched on? The big switch on will take place on Thursday December 6 at 6pm. The illumination marks the first in a series of Christmas activities held in Trafalgar Square. A Blessing of the Crib service will take place on December 9, followed by carol singing events in the lead up to Christmas from December 10-21. Where is the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree from? Norway has gifted London with a Christmas tree every year since 1947, to show gratitude for Britain's support during World War II. The spruce is selected from the forests that surround Oslo and is transported to the UK by sea. In traditional Norwegian fashion, the tree is decorated with vertical strings of lights, which now use energy-efficient bulbs. The Christmas tree usually remains in Trafalgar Square until the Twelfth Night of Christmas January 5 when it is taken down and recycled. London's Christmas lights through the years 1 /14 London's Christmas lights through the years December 14 1973: The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree PA Archive/PA Images December 23 1966: Golden tapestries linked by festoons of lights shining over the traffic in Oxford Street PA Archive/PA Images November 24 1965: Christmas lights on Oxford Street PA Archive/PA Images December 22 1963: Traffic on Regent Street underneath the lights PA Archive/PA Images December 6 1935: Selfridges Department Store all lit up Getty Images November 30 1955: Strings of bulbs form a festive christmas display on the front of Simpson's, a department store in London's Piccadilly that no longer exists Getty Images December 5 1962: A heavy fog descends on Christmas shoppers in London's Regent Street Getty Images November 27 1960: Cars in line stuck in a traffic jam, Regent Street Getty Images December 20 1935: Christmas decorations at Paddington Station Getty Images December 9 1961: Oxford Street in London packed with Christmas shoppers underneath the lights Getty Images December 17 1953: Children from the Bishop House Day Nursery in Kennington gaze in wonder as the fairy lights decorating their local Christmas tree are switched on by London County Council Getty Images December 1927: An array of Christmas lights brightening department stores Bon Marche and Quin and Axtens on Brixton Road Getty Images December 15 1966: The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square PA Archive/PA Images Getty Images How tall is the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree? The Norwegian tree is usually 20-25 metres tall around 82 feet and is illuminated with hundreds of lightbulbs. Who will switch on the Christmas tree lights this year? The Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Lindsey Hall, will switch on the festive lights on December 6, alongside London's Norwegian Ambassador, Mona Juul, and the Mayor of Oslo, Marianne Borgen. Five of the most beautiful Christmas trees in London 1 /5 Five of the most beautiful Christmas trees in London Claridge's The unveiling of the Claridges Christmas tree represents the unofficial start of the festive season in the capital, and this year the theme is love. Designed by Diane Von Furstenberg and called the Tree of Love, its a wonder to behold: a six-metre blue iridescent sculptural tree decorated with 8,000 hand-painted silver leaves, glass spheres and 150 hand-blown glass hearts. The London Edition Art fans should start their night with a cocktail in the Lobby Bar at the London Edition, where the Christmas tree is decorated with more than 160 hand-sculpted snowflakes designed by paper artist Zoe Bradley. Its a handcrafted approach: each snowflake on the Lobby Bars 14ft Nordmann fir tree has been meticulously crafted with more than 20,000 folds, taking 100 hours to create. A majestic white peacock sits perched on top, with a plume of feathers cascading down the side. Hotel Cafe Royal Hotel Cafe Royal has teamed up with luxury perfumier Diptyque for this years celebrations, and its two trees for the price of one. The festive firs are located in the new lobby and outside the historic Oscar Wilde Lounge. They are hung with decorations in the shape of the brands famous oval and letters of the alphabet in its signature typeface. Aqua Shard Maverick design studio Bompas & Parr is behind Aqua Shards annual Christmas tree this year and its a multi-sensory marvel: a swirling snowstorm inside a grand sculpture inspired by the shape of the Shard. The so-called Snowscape is adorned with wild, frosty branches reaching up through the atrium and surrounded with a base of natural forest foliage inspired by a winter wonderland. David Cleveland The Connaught Most Christmas trees are static but Sir Michael Craig-Martin, the designer of the Connaughts tree, wanted his to be ever-changing. The magnificent nine-metre-high Norway Spruce is adorned with 12,000 bulbs that glow, fade and change colour all night long. Jamie McGregor Smith Who will perform at the Trafalgar Square lights switch on? Both the Salvation Army and the St Martin-in-the-Fields choir will sing carols at the switch on. They will be joined by local school children who will read poetry to the gathered crowd. You might have read this week that the newly-minted Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton are apparently at war with one another. This "Battle of the Duchesses" (sidenote: good video game idea) has got so bad that Meghan and Harry are now packing their bags for Windsor, where - one can only guess - another feud rumour will pop up in a few months between Meghan and her new Windsor neighbour, the Queen. But now fans of both Duchesses - and those who know a game of "let's pit the women against each other" when they see it - have hit back with their very own royal feud hashtag. Enter #MyPalaceSource - the new hashtag for all your (completely fake) royal news... Some Palace sources are shining an investigative light on the behaviour of Meghan's dogs. Others are decoding Meghan's all-black outfits. Meghan's smooth transition into royal duties hasn't escaped notice either. There's speculation over the presents she's planning for Christmas day. And yet more rumours about her dogs. And her disruptive scented candle addiction. And obviously, Beyonce is involved in some way too. In real life, the row between the two Duchesses has apparently reached such a fever pitch they've even decided to stay with each other at Christmas. I'm sure #MyPalaceSource will have an opinion about that. In the meantime, here's some soothing pictures of royal family pets. R aluca Micu, covered head to toe in flour, greets me on the shop floor of her bakery in Shepherds Bush. Inside theres a familiar smell - the promise of freshly baked bread. Would you mind waiting on those bags of flour? Have a pear galette - I saved one for you! she suggests, dusting herself down. As I begin on the pear galette a regular customer comes in to pay for his favourite loaf, a walnut and raisin sourdough. He beams at me before walking out again. Half an hours interview time later, we head to the back so that Micu can continue baking. She opens the door of one of her two Belgian ovens revealing both a hot blast of bready air and shelves of golden brown loaves. Around us there are bowls filled with recently mixed dough, and baskets ready to be filled with it. Flour, meanwhile, has found its way onto any available surface, including the floor. Micu takes one shelf out, leaves it on top to cool, then turns to apologise for the mess. It takes ages to bake bread - and its very physical and very tiring, she says when I ask if what she does is enjoyable. You have to really like it because otherwise it doesnt make much sense to do it - its not making me rich! The reason I still do it is because people really appreciate it, and they say so and I think thats important. As much as I was earning more money in an office job I dont think my work there was appreciated nearly as much as it is here." Raluca Micu is a self-taught baker / October 26 bakery Here she tells me what it takes to run her business. Baking bread by numbers 0: years of training to be a baker Ha! Ive had none. I think the only person who used to bake bread was my Romanian grandmother who used a kind of old ceramic dome with a fire underneath it to heat it up! 11: years working for a telecommunications company I studied market research at university, then did a masters in PR and worked for a telephone company. Then I asked to be picked for redundancy. When I started this I had no idea what I was doing, although I had always wanted to do something with food and was baking up to four loaves a day whilst on maternity leave. Eventually I was fed up of whinging about my job, and saying I want to have a bakery, so I got on with this. 6: weeks to start the business We opened within six weeks of getting my redundancy money because a friend, who is an architect, wanted to help before he went abroad. This was the first place I saw, it was close to home and my friend said it was right. I also made a business plan - but there simply isnt enough time in the day to make half of the things Id planned!" 1: number of bakers Its just me baking, and my shop assistants occasionally weigh out flour. October 26 bakery 9: breads in the October 26 range I dont like to make anything unless I like it. The range changes depending on the day - on certain days I use the white and brown dough mix to make either a seeded loaf or one with walnut and raisins, so that people know which day to come. Tomorrow well make savoury cheese pies and galettes, and other days Ill make sweet things, like the pear gallete. 12-18: hours the bread spends proving in the fridge I bake fairly standard sourdough - by preparing and mixing the dough using either my brown or white starter, letting it prove here and then in the fridges. The dough spends between 12-18 hours in the fridge depending on how long it waits to go in the oven. Then Ill bake it in my two semi-professional Belgian steam ovens. My bread is pretty standard now, but Im still learning The thing is that this is handmade and it is so temperamental when it comes to the weather. Mad temperature drops are hard to work with! 12: loaves in one oven at a time Theres a limit to what I can make at once. In theory I should be baking nine in here but I bake 12 - they do get a bit friendly inside! 3.5: years running the business When I started the business I was here from 5am until 11pm every day for three weeks - then I realised I wouldnt survive unless I reduced the menu. Now Ive been here for 3.5 years, working six days a week, and I close the shop on Sunday and Monday. I do still come in on Monday to prepare dough for Tuesday. October 26 bakery 70-130: breads she bakes in a day Last year I bought a second oven so I was baking about 70 on a less busy day, or up to 130 on a Saturday, including baguettes. Im probably making the same money now, because I have staff, and Ive taken a loan to open the downstairs shop, to buy the mixer, fridge and oven. Plus Im baking more now so flour costs have increased. 5.45am: when Raluca gets up on a weekday morning I come in, turn the ovens on, sit on the bags, eat breakfast and read a book. I start baking first with whats been prepared yesterday, then the sweet stuff. Next I make the dough for the next day - sometimes my shop assistants will help me by measuring flour and water. I bake until midday and at about 1.30-2pm I start shaping the bread and put it in the baskets or the fridge. On Saturdays I come in an hour earlier as its busier, and I leave by midday. Often Ill be making orders or paying bills at home. I wear many hats! 2.45pm: when Raluca leaves to pick up her daughter from school My shop assistants keep the shop open until 5pm - or 4pm on Saturdays, depending on what stock we have left. A fraudster known as The Boss has been jailed for seven years for running an 8.5 million money laundering operation. Wei Han, 36, shopped for designer goods, sent his daughter to a 3,500-a-term private school and drove a 73,000 Bentley from the criminal profits. The Chinese national, below, told the taxman he earned 1,100 a year but had a 48,000 Maserati and a 39,000 Mercedes at his 5,600-a-month rented Chelsea home, as well as thousands of pounds worth of jewellery and watches. There was evidence of a very wealthy lifestyle that on the face of it he couldnt afford, said prosecutor David Markham. Wei, along with his lieutenant Jie Huang, 25, used couriers to collect criminal cash and pay it into third-party accounts, then transferring it into Chinese currency, Southwark crown court heard on Friday. The men used Weis rented 1.4 million home in Brook Mews North, Bayswater, for the money laundering operation. When officers swooped last January they caught one of the couriers, Adam Fuller, 29, delivering 500,000 in cash which had been concealed in a custom-built hide inside a Mercedes. Despite being in custody, Wei and Jie managed to hand operation controls to Wenqi Li, 26, using mobile phones smuggled into prison. A commuter who attacked Transport for London staff in a bout of Tube rage after being asked to step back from the edge of a platform is facing jail. Scott OBrien, 44, reacted angrily when Tube worker Gustavo Gonzalez asked him to stand behind the yellow line at Baker Street station. Westminster magistrates heard OBrien hit Mr Gonzalez over the head with a rolled-up newspaper and then hurled homophobic abuse at him. He pushed Kaleem Naeem, a colleague who tried to intervene, in the chest and continued to shout aggressive abuse. The gentleman was taking the mick out of me over the Tannoy. Is that allowed? OBrien told the court. I went back to speak to him, yes. I tapped him with a newspaper. I did it in a jokey way. OBrien admitted assaulting Mr Gonzalez in the incident on September 7, but denied attacking Mr Naeem. Finding him guilty, magistrate Jay Cheyne told OBrien: You could have got on the train and left. Instead you remained and prolonged the situation. The magistrate said he used threatening and abusive words to both London Underground workers and used aggressive and homophobic language towards Mr Gonzalez. OBrien, from Wormley, Hertfordshire, pleaded guilty to assault by beating on Mr Gonzalez. He denied but was convicted of assaulting Mr Naeem and using threatening words. P olice in Northern Ireland have released chilling CCTV of a gunman minutes before he killed his victim in front of scores of terrified children. Jim Donegan, 43, was targeted in a gangland-style attack in front of children leaving school on the Glen Road in west Belfast as he waited to collect his son. The married father of two sons was sprayed with bullets and shot in the head as he sat in his luxury Porsche car waiting to collect his teenage son, dying instantly, detectives said. Security camera material shows a man in a high-visibility coat walking near a school in west Belfast. Investigators said he was carrying a gun in a bag he had over his shoulder. The victim was shot dead in his red Porsche / PA A seven-year-old boy who witnessed the violence has been left traumatised, his mother said. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery said: "Children who moments before were no doubt enjoying Christmas activities in class, maybe practising for their Christmas concert or school nativity, will no longer be dreaming about Santa or presents. "Instead they will be having nightmares about a murder in broad daylight outside their school. A place which should be a safe haven to learn and grow. Investigation: police at the scene of the shooting / PA "The gunman walked past these children and fired a weapon eight times. "It is utter madness as any one of these bullets could have ricocheted, and having been at the scene I cannot emphasise enough that it is sheer luck I am not investigating multiple fatalities." He appealed for anyone who may have seen the gunman to contact police. Forensic officers attending the scene of a suspected shooting in West Belfast / PA Youngsters are being offered counselling. The mother of a seven-year-old told Q Radio News that she fled with her son after seeing the gunman. "I heard about six or seven gunshots and then I heard someone screaming, my son saw it, he was able to tell me he saw a man up ahead with a hi-vis vest on, and his hood up and carrying a bag," she said. "He was still standing there at the time so I just turned with him (her son) and ran up the street. "It was very scary, more so for him (her son), he is still freaking out about if he is still going to be there tomorrow, he has been asking me, will they all be away when he is going to school?" She added: "It's not a place to do anything like that, it's not right any time, but right outside three/four schools on that road. It's just disgraceful." Mr Donegan's 13-year-old son is a pupil at St Mary's Grammar School, near where the attack happened. Interim principal Fiona Crookes said the boy and his mother Laura were brought back to the school after the shooting. More than 1,000 pupils were exiting the school at the time of the attack and teachers shielded the car in which Mr Donegan sat from the view of children. The school is expected to reopen for classes on Thursday. A London food market boss who claims she stole almost 19,000 of the takings to pay off debts to an arms-dealing sheikh in Dubai is facing jail. Janine Sparks, 40, told a court that she was lavished with designer clothes, jewellery, and first-class hotel stays while living with her boyfriend Ali. But she claimed she abruptly fled the United Arab Emirates in 2012 because she became uneasy about the controlling sheikhs business dealings in weapons and steroids. Sparks insisted Alis henchmen tracked her down to the UK this year and demanded money, forcing her to start stealing from her employers at the Mercato Metropolitano in Borough. In her role as assistant manager she was trusted to bank the weekly takings, but instead pocketed the cash and claims she gave 12,000 to Alis men. However, Judge Silas Reid, sitting at Inner London crown, dismissed Sparkss story as a lie, saying he might never know if she spent the stolen money on luxury living, paying off debts, or bankrolling an out of control cocaine habit. This offence is so serious I will probably have to send you to prison, he told her. Sparks, a former group operations manager for Burger King in her native South Africa, claimed two of Alis men confronted her at her home six years after she left Ali. She alleged they said she and her cousin in Dubai would be hurt if she did not give Ali money. She tested positive for cocaine when she was arrested after accountants noticed the missing money in June. Sparks admitted to having a drug problem previously but insisted it was no longer the case, claiming she only spent 400 of the stolen money on cocaine. Judge Reid freed Sparks on bail on Monday until sentencing tomorrow, but said: I can place no reliance on what she says ... I dont know if she stole the money because she had debts to people, her drug use was out of control, or whether she stole because she wanted a life more luxurious than she could afford. I cant know because she hasnt told me the truth. A n elderly woman died after a burglary gang ransacked her home. The 77-year-old, named locally as Maureen Whale, collapsed as she was in the process of reporting the break-in to a 999 operator at about 6pm last night. She was taken to hospital but died with her family at her bedside. Neighbours said Mrs Whale, who lived alone, was raided by a gang who had earlier carried out two other burglaries on flats opposite her home in Barnet. It is thought she had lived at the flat in Bells Hill all her life. This morning police were stationed outside the property and two others across the road. Michael Murphy, 55, her next-door neighbour, said he disturbed the gang when he returned from work. One of the suspects entering the house in Barnet He said: My alarm went off and that spooked them. They legged it out of the house and calmly walked up the road. Mr Murphy, who runs a garage, said the area was typically very safe and the incident was shocking. Melvyn Eyres, 67, whose home was also broken into last night, said: I went round there at about 6.10pm last night and the Christmas tree had fallen over. I thought thats odd. Police at the scene in Barnet Theyd smashed the door and got in up on our balcony and ransacked the place. They didnt steal too much, there wasnt much to steal. Then they went across the road to where Maureen lives. I dont quite know what happened. She was quite elderly and had lots of breathing problems. An ambulance came and they were doing CPR on her and then they took her away. I didnt know her very well, but I have lived here all my life and I remember her from when I was a little boy. Its the shock of it really. My wife isnt in a good way. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: The victim told police that suspects had forced entry and stolen property. While on the telephone to the police operator the caller collapsed. The incident comes after 98-year-old Peter Gouldstone died from his injuries after he was beaten up in his home by burglars who stole his 10-year-old TV. The retired Post Office engineer and war hero was punched and kicked after being dragged from his bed on November 5 in his home in Arnos Grove, five miles from the latest incident. He suffered two bleeds to the brain and extensive bruising, and was found by his son the following morning at his home. He died on Friday. Detectives are still hunting his killers and the charity Crimestoppers has issued a 10,000 reward for information leading to their prosecution. Police in Barnet said detectives were examining possible links with a number of other break-ins in the area last night. No arrests have been made. Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, who is leading the investigation, said : Our focus now is catching the culprits behind this burglary which has contributed to the death of an elderly woman. We are doing everything we can to build a clear picture of this incident. This includes looking at three other break ins that have been reported in the nearby area. Work is ongoing to establish if they are linked. Three of the four properties targeted were empty when the burglaries took place. Both suspects involved are described as white males aged in their twenties and of thin build. They wore dark wooly hats and dark clothing. Any burglary is an awful and harrowing experience which can leave many feeling uncomfortable in their own homes. This burglary has ended with the worst possible consequences. A wonderful elderly lady has died. With that in mind, I want to reach out and make a direct appeal to anyone from the criminal fraternity who has information to contact us. You will know and discussions will be going on about who is involved and where any stolen property is, I need you to have the confidence to call police and let us know who is responsible. Chief Superintendent Simon Rose, from North West Area, said: These break ins and the subsequent death of an elderly woman will no doubt cause concern and alarm to those in the area. Locals can expect to see an increased police presence in the area. We are there to help them and support the local community but need their help also. If you live or were passing through Bells Hill flats in Barnet yesterday evening - did you see anything suspicious? Have you got information that could assist police. We need to hear from you urgently to catch those responsible. T he family of a caring and loving young NHS worker who died after collapsing at a concert paid tribute to him today. Ali Mills suffered a cardiac arrest at Alexandra Palace during a show by English rock band Bring Me The Horizon on Friday. Medics arrived within three minutes but could not save him. Mr Mills, 25, lived with his mother and brother Richard in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. Sister Nicola, 29, said: He had a heart condition that we think was exacerbated by the moshing and dancing, jumping around and enjoying himself doing what he loved. She said her brother was a music lover who worked as an operating theatre assistant. She told the Standard: He was lively and extroverted, and an incredibly caring and loving person. A royal police officer who sent highly sexualised texts to a teenage girl after demanding her mobile number while on duty at Buckingham Palace has been sacked. Scotland Yard said specialist protection officer Pc Andrew Daly has been dismissed without notice after a tribunal found him guilty of gross misconduct. The married officer sent the 16-year-old girl highly sexualised and abusive text messages, including one asking if she was a virgin, a hearing was told. Daly, who did not attend, admitted taking the number of the girl in May 2016 and sending her disrespectful text messages. Although the officer said he did not know how young she was, the panel found yesterday that he clearly knew she was very young. The woman, who is now over 18, told the hearing in west London that the messages left her feeling disgusted and quite violated. A ctor, writer and all-round wit Stephen Fry is no longer involved in a remake of beloved war film The Dam Busters, despite his exhaustive, and completed, work on an early version of the screenplay, the Londoner hears. Last week reports circulated that Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson was ready to resurrect the remake project after years of it lying dormant. The New Zealand director, who won an Oscar for his work reimagining the Tolkien fantasy, recruited Fry to write the script more than a decade ago. In 2014, Frys people confirmed to us that, while his work had been long finished, from recent correspondence with Peters office I know that the film is nowhere near pre-production. It is now thought that a new team will push the project forward. But the split is not thought to be a matter of bad blood in addition to the script, Fry and Jackson worked together on the Hobbit trilogy but a matter of scheduling and finance. It is not unheard of for stars to disappear from projects such as this. Dame Emma Thompson, a pal of Frys from their Cambridge days, shelved her attempt at a remake of musical My Fair Lady. Frys influence on The Dam Busters remake may yet be felt. He has previously revealed that his draft changed the name of Wing Commander Guy Gibsons dog from N***** to Digger. Jacksons latest film They Shall Not Grow Old a retreatment of footage from the First World War made in collaboration with the Imperial War Museum was acclaimed by critics and audiences. A representative for Fry did not wish to comment. A spokesperson for Jackson has not responded. Graceful in the face of hostility Gina Miller wins fashion spurs Waxing lyrical: Gina Miller / Joe Neman/PinPep Piccadilly had a taste of the Enlightenment yesterday evening, as women gathered for a feminist literary salon at Maison Assouline bookshop. Gina Miller read from her book Rise while #MeToo crusader Anjuli Pandit shared her favourite pieces of feminist literature. The event was held in celebration of designer Catherine Quins Women of Grace campaign and new collection, which was partly inspired by Miller. Its a timely theme: From Gina Miller who fought for democracy in the courts over Brexit, to Dr Blasey Fords powerful court testimony, Quin says, this year I have been particularly struck by a list of exceptional women who have remained resolutely graceful in the face of hostility. More pioneering women were to be found in Park Lane, as Gemma Chan, Zara Martin and Sai Bennett attended the unveiling of the holiday installation at the Four Seasons Hotel, while Naomie Harris was at the Curzon Mayfair for a special screening of Netflixs Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle. Rash slight of King Mervyn King, the former Bank of England governor, writes powerfully in the Telegraph that the political class has let down the people with Mays Brexit plan. He compares it to the 1970s, when governments were managing decline and the UK needed the radical Thatcher to shake things up. What King fails to mention was that in 1981, when he was an economics lecturer at Birmingham University, he was a signatory of a letter to The Times by 364 economists that complained of the shock treatment Thatcher was administering to the economy. Isnt hindsight a wonderful thing? -- Daniel Hannan MEP got a little Freudian on Monday while on a panel with Nicky Morgan MP. I am a huge admirer of Nicky, he said at Intelligence Squareds Brexit Deal Debate. Ive known her since I was a teenager but even in these gender-fluid times, I never wanted to be her until tonight. I never wanted a WTO deal I always wanted the closest and best deal for our country and our neighbours. Sarah, Duchess of York at her daughter Eugenie's wedding / Getty Images Sarah, Duchess of York was full of irrepressible joy at a recent Kensington dinner. Reminiscing on Eugenies big day, she compared new son-in-law Jack Brooksbanks looks to that of James Bond. She went on to describe him, in an interview with Hello!, as the best lion tamer there is. Jonty in the frame A surprise contender to succeed Sir Charles Saumarez Smith at the Royal Academy: Jonty Claypole, the BBCs director of arts. Saumarez Smith steps down shortly after a decade as chief executive and both senior arts figures and executives from outside the arts are in the running. Claypole has overseen the BBCs arts coverage for six years and is a favourite. And theres a twist the wife of Tim Marlow, the RAs artistic director, is Tanya Hudson, who works as a senior arts producer at the BBC, where Claypole is boss. If chosen, Claypole would be Marlows boss. Neat. A Christmas card with a difference: Nigel Evans reworks Banksy Former deputy speaker Nigel Evans is channelling Banksy this Christmas. His card is a take on the recent shredding of Girl with Balloon shortly after it was sold for 1 million at auction. What could he mean? SW1A James Brokenshire, Communities Secretary, reveals that Theresa May was an unlikely confidante when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. I would end up having quite detailed conversations with the Prime Minister, he tells Nick Robinsons Political Thinking podcast, having to tell her, Well, I cant be around in the morning Ive got to have a bronchoscopy. Cancer, he adds, Makes you look at whats important. You dont get stressed out about things perhaps in the way that you did. Not on the ball with his footie scoring: Boris Johnson (Photo: Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images) / Getty Images We may be 1-0 down at this stage of the negotiation with the EU, but we will win 2-0, Boris Johnson boomed across the Commons. He corrected himself before anyone had to point out that this is not how scoring works. -- Robbie Gibb, No 10s director of communications, was at Strangers Bar last night with a pint of bitter and a bag of Mini Cheddars. Dinner of champions. Quote of the Day S enior Tories declared today they have enough cross-party support to push through an ultra-soft Brexit if Theresa Mays deal collapses next week. In a sign that Parliament is ready to seize control from the embattled Prime Minister, two prominent supporters of her agreement said there was a Commons majority for backing a Norway-plus plan that would keep Britain in Europes single market and customs union. Former Downing Street fixer Sir Oliver Letwin said: I do believe there is a cross-party majority for that solution in the House of Commons. And Former Cabinet minister Nicky Morgan told the Evening Standard: It has been clear for months now that a consensus in Parliament can be found around access to the single market and being part of a customs union, which points towards a Norway-plus solution. Last night Mrs May suffered three heavy defeats in Commons votes. Referring to the one which will put Parliament in charge if a Brexit Plan B was needed, Sir Oliver told Radio 4s Today programme: There is now a mechanism to ensure that can be put in place. Former business minister Anna Soubry commented: Sensible centrists are taking back control of the Brexit debate. Theresa May leaving for PMQs / Jeremy Selwyn In key events today: Cabinet minister Andrea Leadsom, a leading Brexiteer, claimed a no-deal Brexit could still happen because the Government would not be bound by Commons motions. Two more ministers were said to be poised to resign from the Government to protest against Mrs Mays blueprint. Some six to seven pages of confidential legal advice by the Attorney General that was shown to Cabinet ministers in private last month was being published at the behest of Parliament. Mrs Mays leadership was once again being discussed by MPs. Mrs Leadsom said she was the right person to lead the country at the moment. The Prime Ministers power to control Brexit was badly weakened by the triple defeats at Westminster, when MPs voted to hold the Government in contempt of Parliament. Mrs Mays former de facto deputy Damian Green was among MPs who joined the Commons revolt to allow other Brexit options to be put forward if her deal goes down in flames. He said today he would vote for it on Tuesday. Theresa May opens debate on Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Sources said the Tory Right-wing European Research Groups private WhatsApp group was on fire as furious members complained of a plot to derail the no-deal Brexit that some of them would prefer. This morning there were warnings that Mrs Mays job will be on the line after next weeks big Commons vote on her deal, on December 11, which most expect to result in a massive defeat. TODO: define component type apester ERG member Steve Double said: She is responsible for [the deal] and therefore sadly it appears the only way to change course is to change the leader. This is now about more than Brexit, this is about the very democratic heart of our country. Mrs Leadsom told Today the Government was publishing the legal advice not without some regret. Frankly, I think any parliamentarian who wants at some point in the future to be in Government is going to live to regret their vote last night, she added. She told the programme she backed Mrs Mays deal but had experienced conflicting thoughts about it. Sir Oliver said: I will support the Prime Ministers deal but we all know there is a serious risk it will fail. There were also angry words from Centre-ground Tories. Johnny Mercer accused the Government of clear deception of red lines crossed without acknowledgement and of arrogance. Sam Gyimah, who resigned as universities minister last week, said the Government had left itself an incredibly weak hand for trade talks, adding: Its time to level with the British public that Brexit is far from over. We have to be clear-eyed that the EU will only work in its interest not ours. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox accused the pro-Remain majority in Parliament of attempting to steal Brexit from voters who backed Leave in 2016. I think that there is, as I have written recently, a real danger that the House of Commons, which has a natural Remain majority, may attempt to steal Brexit from the British people, the Brexiteer told the International Trade Committee. Which I think would be a democratic affront. Brexiteer Tory Nigel Evans said: I have got more chance of winning Bake Off than the Prime Minister has of winning this vote on Tuesday. Education Secretary Damian Hinds predicted that Brexiteers would rally behind Mrs Mays plan to stave off the risk of a second referendum or a Norway-style deal. There is one deal on the table. If that were not to be passed, then I think we go into a period of some uncertainty about what would happen instead, he told Newsnight. Former Cabinet minister John Redwood said: Supporters of Mrs May also wanted to use the threat of no Brexit to try to get pro-Brexit MPs to vote for the May agreement. This in unlikely to work as the agreement is penal and does not get us out of the EU in any normal sense of that phrase. Right-winger Peter Bone said: This is a completely rotten deal. It does not honour what the people voted for. A [confidence] vote would clarify the situation and we could either move forward with Mrs May or choose a new leader. Former Cabinet minister Grant Shapps was set to come out against the deal in a speech this afternoon, in which he will say Mrs Mays agreement that the EU and UK would use best endeavours to avoid a backstop is worthless. T heresa May was accused of trying to hoodwink Parliament today when secret legal advice on her Brexit deal was revealed to contain bombshell warnings. Ministers were explicitly told that the Irish border backstop would last indefinitely even if future trade talks broke down between the EU and the UK. The document also made clear that different regulations would exist between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with regulatory checks required on goods going from the mainland to the province. Yesterday ministers agreed to publish the legal advice in full after MPs passed a motion declaring the Government in contempt of Parliament over its refusal to make the whole document public. Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during Prime Minister's Questions / PA In the Commons, Ian Blackford, the Scottish Nationalist leader at Westminster, was stopped by the Speaker John Bercow after accusing Mrs May of inadvertently or otherwise misleading the House about the deal. Mrs May rejected the allegations that she misled MPs. Page 1 of the Attorney General's legal advice to the Prime Minister The Democratic Unionist Party, the Northern Irish party whose support Mrs May needs after losing her majority in the 2017 election, reacted with fury at the disclosure of the full advice. Westminster DUP leader Nigel Dodds said it was devastating legal advice, adding: No wonder they tried to hide the legal advice. DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson told the Evening Standard: The Government have tried to hoodwink the House of Commons and the people of Northern Ireland. SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford / PA The Government has been peddling a version of the backstop that is totally at odds with the explicit text of the agreement. This has now been confirmed by the legal advice. The clear warnings set out by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox appeared to clash with Downing Streets repeated claims that the backstop was time-limited or temporary in nature. The Prime Minister and Chief Whip were said to be urgently discussing a plan to reassure the DUP by adding a parliamentary lock on the backstop in an amendment to next weeks Commons vote on the deal. However, it was unclear how such a lock, giving MPs the power to give or refuse consent before the backstop comes into force, would have binding effect without the EUs agreement. Mr Coxs advice was drawn up in secret and shown to ministers only in a secure room for fear of leaks. Key passages revealed: There is a legal risk that the UK might become subject to protracted and repeating rounds of negotiations. The backstop protocol does not provide a mechanism that is likely to enable the UK lawfully to exit this remains the case ... even if the parties believe that talks have clearly broken down and there is no prospect of a future relationship. Mr Cox wrote: Despite statements in the protocol that it is not intended to be permanent in international law the protocol would endure indefinitely until a superseding arrangement took its place. Mr Cox concluded that a review mechanism adds nothing to the UKs protection, stating: It is difficult to think of a circumstance when the option to use the review mechanism might arise. Mr Cox said the backstop was by no means a comfortable resting place in law for the EU and that the bloc would be keen to move on to a new trading agreement. He said the Irish would be disadvantaged if the whole of the UK had access to EU markets under the backstop, creating an incentive for them to make it temporary. TODO: define component type apester Different regulatory regimes would apply in Northern Ireland to Great Britain. Goods passing from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will be subject to declaration process, it stated. Great Britain would be essentially treated as a third country by Northern Ireland for goods passing from GB to NI. This means regulatory checks would have to take place. Labours Brexit spokesman Sir Keir Starmer said: All week we have heard from ministers that releasing this information could harm the national interest. Nothing of the sort. All this advice reveals is the central weaknesses in the deal. He added: It is unthinkable that the Government tried to keep this information from Parliament and indeed the public. Mrs Mays former de facto deputy Damian Green was among MPs who joined the Commons revolt to allow other Brexit options to be put forward if her deal goes down in flames. He said today he would vote for it on Tuesday. Mrs May rejected claims that the Government had misled MPs with its explanation of the legal advice before it was published today. I have myself said on the floor of this House that there is indeed no unilateral right to pull out of the backstop, she said. What Ive also said is it is not the intention of either party that the backstop should A be used in the first place or should be, if it is used, should be anything other than temporary. Senior Tories say they have enough cross-party support to push through an ultra-soft Brexit if Mrs Mays deal collapses after next Tuesdays vote. In a sign that Parliament is ready to seize control, two prominent supporters of her agreement said there was a Commons majority for a Norway-plus plan that would keep Britain in Europes single market and customs union. Former Downing Street fixer Sir Oliver Letwin told the BBC: I do believe there is a cross-party majority for that solution in the House of Commons. F ar more women believe Britain was wrong to vote to quit the EU than continue to back the referendum result, according to a poll. The new YouGov survey found that 48 per cent of women say that in hindsight they think the UK was mistaken to vote to splinter away from the European Union, compared with 35 per cent who think it was the right decision, and 16 per cent dont know. Among men, 50 per cent say it was a wrong move and 40 per cent right, with 10 per cent dont know. Anthony Wells, director of political research at You Gov, said: Among men, the proportion think- ing Brexit was the wrong decision has now reached 50 per cent, with an even larger lead for wrong among women. In London, the split is far starker, with 60 per cent saying leaving is wrong and less than a quarter saying it is right, though the sample size for regions is small. Overall, the gap between adults in Britain believing it was a mistake to back Brexit has grown to 11 points, to 49 per cent compared to 38 per cent who still say it was the right decision. A Conservative Brexiteer said he is more likely to win the Great British Bake Off than Theresa Mays deal passing through Parliament. Nigel Evans made the comment to International Trade Secretary Liam Fox after the Cabinet minister showed his support for the PMs deal. Mr Evans, MP for Ribble Valley, was quizzing Dr Fox at an International Trade Commons committee meeting on Wednesday. He said: "At the moment we can leave the European Union unilaterally. Once we sign the Withdrawal Agreement we can't. "So you understand that I have got more chance of winning BBC Bake Off than the Prime Minister has of winning this vote on Tuesday with the colleagues I have spoken to?" Nigel Evans MP of Vote Leave celebrates referendum result with Paul Nuttal Mr Evans, who is joint executive secretary of the 1922 committee, also seemed to suggest that Dr Fox is in the so-called pizza club, a group of ministers meeting privately to discuss Brexit. He stated Dr Fox had eaten a lot of pizza in recent weeks. Dr Fox said he had not eaten any pizza and joked that he hoped the comment was not about his weight. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said he backs Mrs May's deal / PA Following this, Mr Evans pushed Dr Fox to state what he would tell the PM should her deal fail in Parliament. Dr Fox has said his advice to colleagues is to back the Prime Minister and any advice to her would be made in private. Continuing to talk of the deal he said: My view is, frankly, when youre in prison and someone offers you a key you take it. To this, Mr Evans replied that: The problem is were being offered a prison cell and the EU are the ones with the key and that is the real people have with voting for this deal. He added that the EU are the ones with the key. Dr Fox also said the Remain majority in Parliament may attempt to "steal" Brexit from voters. TODO: define component type apester He told the Commons International Trade Committee: "I think that there is, as I have written recently, a real danger that the House of Commons, which has a natural Remain majority, may attempt to steal Brexit from the British people. "Which I think would be a democratic affront." D ominic Raab who quit the Cabinet over Theresa May's Brexit plans has backed her to go back to the EU and "be tougher" to avoid the "lousy deal". Despite resigning just weeks ago over Mrs May's Brexit plans, he was surprisingly complimentary of the Prime Minister and said that she has shown "steely resolve" and "is at her best when she stands tall and stands strong". When asked what should happen if Parliament votes the deal down, he told Sky News: "In my view the Prime Minister is at her best when she stands tall and stands strong. "We should go back to the EU, stop being blackmailed and bullied, make our best final offer, the terms that would be palatable to this country, that would give effect to the Referendum." Former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab / AFP/Getty Images He added that if that failed, Britain should be prepared to walk away without a deal. Theresa May continues to try and rally support for her deal ahead of December 11 crunch vote / Getty Images Despite praising the Prime Minister's "steely resolve", Mr Raab lambasted her deal in media appearances on Wednesday morning, stating that Britain had been "bullied" and "blackmailed" by the European Union. He added the Government "should be very clear" if a "reasonable and common sense approach" is not welcomed that it should walk away with no deal. "We're more likely to get compromise, pragmatism, bit more goodwill from the EU if they know we're serious about walking away from a lousy deal, which is what this is," Mr Raab told Sky News. Dominic Raab backed Theresa May to go back to Brussels and negotiate further / AFP/Getty Images When asked whether he had sent a letter of no confidence in the PM to the 1922 Committee, he said he had not and added: "I support this Prime Minister and I want to see her make a success of Brexit." He was also complimentary of the PM in an interview with Talk Radio where he said she had a "steely resolve" and should remain in power and "stand up to Brussels", should the deal be voted down in Parliament. TODO: define component type apester Mr Raab quit his role as Brexit Secretary in November, after serving in the post since July, and was replaced by Stephen Barclay. "I certainly miss the challenge of it and it was in sorrow not in anger that I stepped down," he told Sky, but reiterated he did not feel he could back the deal. He said the legal advice published also strengthened this due to issues surrounding the backstop and the ties that creates. One point he focused on was the backstop, which he said signed the UK up to a number of constraints he did not feel were reasonable. Mr Raab said he felt there were a "range of technical solutions which coupled with goodwill on both sides" could resolve the border issue. He said he believes the EU is trying to use the backstop as a means of "controlling the UK". Andrea Leadsom, leader of the House of Commons, has confirmed the full legal advice is set to be published at 11.30am on Wednesday. When confirming this, she reiterated her concerns over doing so. Andrea Leadsom spoke strongly against legal advice being published in full / REUTERS Speaking to Radio 4, she said: "Going forward, not only will Government ministers be very careful about what they ask law officers to give advice on, but law officers themselves will be very reluctant to give any advice to Government that they might then see published on the front pages of the newspapers, so it's the principle of the thing. "And, frankly, I think any parliamentarian who wants at some point in the future to be in Government is going to live to regret their vote last night." T he free school movement risks running out of steam unless parents and charities who want to set them up get easier access to funding, a senior Tory said today. Former London minister Greg Hands praised the roll-out of 442 schools across the country, spearheaded by then education secretary Michael Gove, but said the bureaucratic funding system, and the fact that more than half the schools are in London, means the vision might never reach its true potential. The first free schools opened in 2011, and until September this year were funded by the state through the Education and Skills Funding Agency quango. They are now funded by the Department for Education directly. Mr Hands, MP for Chelsea and Fulham, who will lead a debate in Westminster Hall today, said: There is a risk the free schools movement might not fulfil its true potential. You will end up with schools in an area like mine which is the centre of the movement but it has a risk of running out of steam unless more is done to reinvigorate the movement. The funding needs to be more flexible and more innovative in terms of finding sites. Some who want to set up schools are parents the people who think, Im not satisfied in my area, and who want to set it up, but once it gets to the funding, it can take many years, by which point their own children may have moved on to secondary school for example. We also need to get this to move beyond London. The schools can be set up by groups of parents, teachers or charities. There are 180 in London, five of them in Mr Handss constituency, including Fulham Boys School and the West London Free School, co-founded by journalist Toby Young. Mr Hands said it was important to look into the issue now after the head teacher of Fulham Boys School, Alun Ebenezer, said that he probably would not have set up the school had he known at the start of the process how clunky the funding process would be. The numbers of free school applications have steadily increased since 2011. In the most recent round 124 groups applied in a programme set up for groups located outside London. Mr Hands said the agency that funded the schools is "kind of bureaucratic, slow and not innovative", but added that the use of old police stations for school sites in London had been effective. A Department for Education spokesperson said the free school programme has been an outstanding success. S uddenly, the leadership crisis that Captain Jacob Rees-Mainwaring and the European Research Groups Home Guard cocked up is back with a vengeance. A former minister who keeps a scrupulous eye on such things says he knows of at least 32 letters seeking a confidence vote and reckons there are others he doesnt know about. Another ex-minister predicts the final tranche of letters needed to trigger the process to replace Prime Minister Theresa May will pour in on Tuesday evening when the PMs deal is expected to suffer a massive defeat in the House of Commons. How massive? One Brexiteer predicts she will lose by at least 120 votes. A former whip suggests a deficit of 150 is possible. Anything higher, they agree, and letters wont be needed because May would be humiliated out of office. It seems Downing Streets attempts to coax Tory MPs into backing Mays deal are not working out. The whips dont approach you directly, they use one of your friends, reveals an MP of the subtle tactics of Tory chief whip Julian Smith. However, last nights humiliating defeats for the Government show the whips do not have control. Theresa May leaving for PMQ''s / Jeremy Selwyn I know of five MPs who went in to No 10 for a chat and came out more resolved to vote against the deal, says one ex-minister, backing a hard Brexit. The majority of Tory MPs are keeping quiet. Might there be a silent majority in favour of Mays deal? More likely they are trying to avoid being asked to a presentation by Gavin Barwell, says a backbencher, referring to Mays tireless chief of staff who has been inviting rebels to hear the arguments. TODO: define component type apester If the vote is bad, May must move fast to survive. MPs think she will dash to the despatch box to say she accepts the verdict of the House, and will seek to renegotiate. An EU summit on Thursday offers an opportunity to kick the can down the road. What could she ask for? Among Tory MPs, the biggest sticking point is the backstop. I just cant vote for something that we cannot get out of if it turns out to be bad, says one ex-minister, echoing many colleagues. Many Tories say they would accept the other compromises in Mays deal if the backstop could be made time-limited or subject to a break clause. However, MPs doubt the EU would back down, so they are instead game-planning a leadership contest squeezed into a two-week timetable. Sajid Javid and Boris Johnson are among names that might go to a postal ballot of members over Christmas. T he Government has today published the Attorney General's full legal advice on Brexit after it was found in contempt of Parliament. MPs on Tuesday passed a historic motion to hold the Government in contempt after it withheld cabinet legal advice on the Brexit deal. It was the first time in modern history that any Government has been found in contempt, which shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer branded a "badge of shame". Downing Street initially said it would only release a "full, reasoned position statement" laying out its political and legal position on the Withdrawal Agreement. Sir Keir Starmer branded the vote a "badge of shame" / AFP/Getty Images But the move infuriated Labour Party and Tory Brexiteer MPs who demanded the full text be published. MPs had last month voted that the government should publish "any legal advice in full". Page 1 of the Attorney General's legal advice to the Prime Minister They said a 43-page summary and a statement by Mr Cox on Monday had failed to meet the terms of the vote and urged Speaker John Bercow to launch contempt of Parliament proceedings over the issue. MPs from across the parties signed a motion demanding the release of the full legal advice. The Government was forced to publish the full legal advice on Wednesday morning after MPs voted by 311 to 293 on Tuesday that its failure to do so amounted to contempt. Read the legal advice that was published today in full here. F acebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has hit back at a UK parliamentary committee after confidential emails between senior executives were published by a fake news inquiry. The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee on Wednesday accused Facebook of cutting deals with some app developers to give them more access to data, while icing out others that it viewed as potential rivals. The confidential documents were brought to light by US software company Six4Three, which were gathered as part of a legal case against the social network. A 250-page cache by the committee set out a number of key issues, including the company's handling of user data and details of how it provided some companies with access to data on users' friends despite changes in 2015 to end such practices. A cache of documents show Facebook considered charging developers for data access / AP Internal emails between chief executive Mr Zuckerberg and vice president Justin Osofsky dating back to January 24, 2013, show that the Facebook co-founder green-lit removing some rivals' access to the social network, meaning Twitter could no longer allow people to find friends on its Vine video app. Facebook said the documents are misleading and that the information they contain is "only part of the story, adding: Like any business, we had many internal conversations about the various ways we could build a sustainable business model for our platform. But the facts are clear: Weve never sold peoples data. Mark Zuckerberg has spoken out on Facebook about the release of the documents / AP In a Facebook post, Mr Zuckerberg also sought to put the documents into context, saying: Of course, we dont let everyone develop on our platform. "We blocked a lot of sketchy apps. We also didn't allow developers to use our platform to replicate our functionality or grow their services virally in a way that creates little value for people on Facebook. I understand there is a lot of scrutiny on how we run our systems. That's healthy given the vast number of people who use our services around the world, and it is right that we are constantly asked to explain what we do. But it's also important that the coverage of what we do -- including the explanation of these internal documents -- doesn't misrepresent our actions or motives." The UK committee seized the documents from app developer Six4Three, maker of a now-defunct bikini-picture search app. Six4Three acquired the files as part of a US lawsuit that accuses Facebook of deceptive, anti-competitive business practices. The documents remain under court seal in the US. Confidential documents have been released by a parliamentary committee / PA In a summary of key issues pertaining to the documents, the committee said Facebook "whitelisted," or made exceptions for, companies such as Airbnb and Netflix, giving them continued access to users' "friends" even after the tech giant announced changes in 2015 to end the practice. "Facebook has clearly entered into whitelisting agreements with certain companies, which meant that after the platform changes in 2014/15 they maintained full access to friends data," the committee said. "It is not clear that there was any user consent for this, nor how Facebook decided which companies should be whitelisted or not." The documents "raise important questions about how Facebook treats users' data, their policies for working with app developers, and how they exercise their dominant position in the social media market," said committee chair Damian Collins. "We don't feel we have had straight answers from Facebook on these important issues, which is why we are releasing the documents," he added. The cache includes emails from Mr Zuckerberg and other key members of his staff. The emails show the CEO and other executives scheming to leverage user data to favour companies not considered to be threats and to identify potential acquisitions. Mr Collins also alleges "that increasing revenues from major app developers was one of the key drivers behind the Platform 3.0 changes at Facebook" in 2015, and that "the idea of linking access to friends data to the financial value of the developers' relationship with Facebook is a recurring feature". A statement from Facebook said: "As we've said many times, the documents Six4Three gathered for their baseless case are only part of the story and are presented in a way that is very misleading without additional context. "We stand by the platform changes we made in 2015 to stop a person from sharing their friends' data with developers. "Like any business, we had many internal conversations about the various ways we could build a sustainable business model for our platform. But the facts are clear: we've never sold people's data." In 2015, Facebook changed its developer API settings in order to stop developers from seeing data from friends of users who had downloaded their apps. T he British academic jailed for spying in the UAE has revealed hellish details of his time spent locked in solitary confinement in an Abu Dhabi jail. Matthew Hedges, 31, said he was kept in total darkness for 23 hours a day, threatened with violence and was so scared and on edge before being pardoned. Speaking for the first time since the ordeal, Mr Hedges said he was forced to go cold turkey from drugs that had been given to him at dangerous levels. Mr Hedges said he was interrogated for up to 15 hours per day and often put in ankle cuffs. He was also threatened with rendition to a military base overseas where he would be beaten, the Durham University PhD student told The Times. AFP/Getty Images "I was never physically tortured, but it was psychological, and it felt like torture," he told the newspaper. Matthew Hedges back in his wife's arms after returning to the UK after being freed from a jail in the UAE Mr Hedges said the light in his cell would only be turned on to eat, and that the fluorescent bulbs fitted in the room caused migraines. With the knife dangling over your head, the Sword of Damocles, that kept me on edge for the whole time, the student said. The student was granted a presidential pardon from a life term for allegedly spying on security operations after being detained by Emirati state security officers in May. He confessed to the allegations of spying for Britain under duress. Mr Hedges has since returned to Britain where he was reunited with his wife Daniela Tejada last week. Daniela Tejada, wife of British academic Matthew Hedges / REUTERS After they were reunited, Mrs Tejada said: Weve been through hell and back." The Briton's pardon came in response to a letter from his family appealing for clemency and due to the historical close ties between the UK and the UAE, an official told reporters. "His Highness has decided to include Mr Matthew Hedges among the 785 prisoners released," he said T he British academic wrongly jailed for spying has disclosed more details about the torture he endured while being detained in the UAE including being shackled and forced to stand still for 24 hours. Durham University PHD student Matthew Hedges told the BBC's Today programme that he had suicidal thoughts during the ordeal and dreamed that he had hung himself. The 31-year-old said the toll on his mental health was "unbearable". Earlier this month, Mr Hedges was granted a presidential pardon from a life term in jail on allegations of spying. He was detained by Emirati state security officers in May. AFP/Getty Images He returned to Britain and was reunited with his wife last week. He said: I was psychologically being tortured, especially with the cocktail of medication I was being given. I wasnt able to manage my thoughts throughout the incarceration. That was the hardest thing for me to deal with, there was no way to deal with it. Matthew Hedges back in his wife's arms after returning to the UK after being freed from a jail in the UAE Mr Hedges revealed at one point during his interrogation, he had cuffs attached to his feet. He said: I was shackled. When I had to go to the bathroom or use the shower, I would be escorted by four guards and I would wear ankle cuffs [and] whenever I was transported I was blindfolded and handcuffed. On one of the days I tried to tell to truth to inspectors, I had to stand all day in ankle cuffs. He added: It was mentally exhausting, but physically your adrenaline takes over, but its how it made you feel mentally. At his lowest point, Mr Hedges said he had been suffering from panic attacks and even had suicidal thoughts. AFP/Getty Images Upon hearing he would be sentenced to life in prison, Mr Hedges said he was taken back to the interrogation room he had spent months in and not to a prison as he expected. He said the uncertainty of it, and not being able to communicate with his wife or anyone he knew, did not make sense. He said he was in total shock, adding: I wasnt able to process that right in the court, it was too much as an explosion. I couldnt say goodbye to [wife] Dani or anyone else, I was rushed out of the court and taken back to the same interrogation room. I was expecting to go back to jail. I was subsequently interrogated again the following day, so nothing was making sense. That weekend was the second or third time I had suicidal thoughts. I was expecting to go to jail to try and go through this, but again I was back in the interrogation room. Mr Hedges and his wife / AFP/Getty Images I was having quite bad panic attacks and felt I was choking and I couldnt breathe, and that night I dreamt I was hanging myself in the cell. That wasnt good, it was very, very hard to deal with in that time period, because youre by yourself, there was no one to speak to. Mr Hedges also claimed he was propositioned by those who were imprisoning him to become a double agent during this time. He said: They propositioned me to steal official documentation from the Foreign Office and I responded, I had a panic attack, I said Listen, even if I wanted to, I couldnt, I dont work for the Foreign Office, I dont know how you think this would be possible. T he Queen today toured the UKs oldest childrens charity Coram, formerly The Foundling Hospital, which has helped vulnerable children since 1739. On her fourth visit to the hospital she met one of its oldest-surviving former pupils, 102-year-old Edward Newton. He said: I grew up in The Foundling Hospital. I still remember King George V and Queen Marys visit in 1926 so it is wonderful to meet Her Majesty today. She was there to open The Queen Elizabeth II Centre, a national centre of excellence for children, named in her honour, which has been launched to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Thomas Coram, who campaigned for 17 years before the royal charter was issued in 1739. The charter established The Foundling Hospital, making it the first home in London to care for abandoned babies and vulnerable children. The Queen viewed the Royal Charter and met families who have benefited from Corams services as part of her visit. R yanair is facing legal action after it refused to compensate thousands of passengers caught up in a wave of strikes this summer. The UKs Civil Aviation Authority is taking the airline to court over its refusal to pay out to customers affected by the flight disruption. Ryanair was forced to cancel hundreds of flights between July and October when pilots and crew walked out over pay and working conditions. However, the airline argued that it was not obliged to pay compensation because the strikes represented extraordinary circumstances. The CAA will fight Ryanair to get passengers compensation after strikes this summer / PA Wire/PA Images Some passengers were left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after having to organise alternative travel plans or accommodation. The carrier has also pulled out of the dispute resolution scheme AviationADR, which was set up to rule on unresolved complaints by passengers. Today, the CAA said it had started enforcement action against the airline following its decision not to honour claims made under European Commission regulation. Pilots demonstrated outside Ryanair's headquarters at Swords, Dublin, on August 3 / PA Wire/PA Images Rory Boland, travel editor at consumer magazine Which?, said: Customers would have been outraged Ryanair attempted to shirk its responsibilities by refusing to pay out compensation for cancelling services during the summer which left hard-working families stranded with holiday plans stalled. It is right the CAA is now taking legal action against Ryanair on the basis that such strikes were not extraordinary circumstances and should not be exempt, to ensure the airline must finally do the right thing by its customers and pay the compensation owed. Ryanair said in a statement: Courts in Germany, Spain and Italy have already ruled strikes are an exceptional circumstance and EU261 compensation does not apply. We expect the CAA and courts will follow this precedent. T wo actors who play dwarves in a West End pantomime production of Snow White alongside Dawn French claim that they were laughed at by staff when trying to buy their lunch at a branch of Five Guys in central London. Ben Goffe and Craig Garner shared their experience on social media, writing that they were "disgusted" by the actions of members of staff at the branch of the burger chain at Argyll street. The pair, who both have dwarfism, are performing in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves pantomime at the London Palladium alongside Dawn French and Julian Clary. Mr Goffe wrote on Twitter: Absolutely disgusted with the treatment I received from Five Guys Argyll Street today. Staff were laughing at myself and colleagues from Snow White London because were short. Do they always laugh at their customers if they have a disability? While his co-star Mr Garner asked: Is this normal protocol when greeting customers! In response, Five Guys told the pair that they were looking into the incident and issued an apology. They said: We do not condone this sort of behaviour and we will look into this immediately. We apologise for any offence this may have caused. Many people took to Twitter to share their outrage. Sarah Middleton said: Ben I am so sad to hear this. Youre brilliant and they dont deserve your custom. Five Guys youd better get this sorted. While Toni Holmes wrote: Absolutely no need for this. Clearly staff there are a bit thick. T he money raised for the 15-year-old Syrian refugee who was filmed being attacked at school will be spent on relocating him and his family, a solicitor has said. A fundraising page for the teenager raised more than 158,000 after footage of him being attacked and threatened while at school in Huddersfield went viral. The videos emergence on social media last month was followed by further footage of what was said to be the boy's sister being physically abused at the same school. After the Gofundme appeal closed on Tuesday, the familys lawyer Tasnime Akunjee told the BBC the family would spend the money relocating in West Yorkshire. The bully holds a water bottle over his victim's head before 'waterboarding him' in the grounds of the school He said the remaining funds would be given to charity or used to help other refugees. The online appeal was one of the most widely shared and fastest growing of the year. A video of a girl, reportedly the bullied teenager's sister, being attacked The fund's organiser Mohammed Tahir yesterday thanked everyone for their contributions towards the 158,089 total which he said represented a life-changing amount for the family. Mr Tahir said: "As you can see, the donations have slowed down and I feel we are in a position where we can close the campaign. "The donations have now been turned off and I personally would like to thank everyone who supported the cause." John Coventry, from GoFundMe, said: "This has been one of the most widely shared and fast-growing pages of 2018 with people coming together from 50 countries in a truly inspiring show of support. "We're now working closely with the family to get the funds directly to them." A 16-year-old boy is due to make an appearance in a youth court over the incident Prime Minister Theresa May has previously said the generous public response showed the "true spirit of Britain". Footage of the boy being attacked and threatened with drowning at his school provoked a flood of sympathy after it was shared on social media. G eorge W Bush broke down in tears during an emotional tribute to his father today as America united in mourning for the former president's state funeral in Washington DC. George HW Bush, who died on Friday aged 94, was described as a "noble man, the best father a son and daughter could have" by his son. In a moving address to former presidents including Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, he said: "Dad we will miss your decency and kind soul." In tears, he told attendees at the National Cathedral: "In our grief, I just smile knowing that Dad is hugging Robin and holding mom's hand again." Former US President George W. Bush speaks at the State Funeral for his father / AFP/Getty Images Mr Bush said his father had showed him "what it means to be a president that serves with integrity." State funeral of George HW Bush - In pictures 1 /42 State funeral of George HW Bush - In pictures The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard from the U.S. Capitol AP President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive for the State Funeral former President George H.W. Bush, at the National Cathedral AP U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand with former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former first lady Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter in the front row at the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington Reuters President Donald Trump shakes hands with former President Barack Obama during a State Funeral service for former President George H.W. Bush AP President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and former presidents, vice presidents, first ladies and spouses attend the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral December 05, 2018 in Washington, DC. A WWII combat veteran, Bush served as a member of Congress from Texas, ambassador to the United Nations, director of the CIA, vice president and 41st president of the United States. Getty Images Former United States President George W. Bush (2L) greets Former United States President Barack Obama (C) as he arrives at the National Cathedral for the funeral services for former United States President George H. W. Bush, in Washington EPA The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a military honor guard into a State Funeral at the National Cathedral AP U.S. President Donald Trump with former President Barack Obama as he takes his seat in the first row along with former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter prior to the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington Reuters The hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush passes by the White House from the Capitol, heading to a State Funeral at the National Cathedral AP The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images A joint services military honor guard carry the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush from the US Capitol, in Washington EPA A joint service honor guard carries the casket of former US President George H.W. Bush Reuters Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton look over at former U.S. President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama while seated with former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter (R) prior to the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington Reuters (Front L-R)US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, former US President Barack Obama, former US First Lady Michelle Obama, former US President Bill Clinton, former First Lady Hillary Clinton, and former US President Jimmy Carter sit before the funeral service for former US President George H. W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images Jordan's King Abdullah II(C)and Queen Rania arrive before the funeral service for former US President George H. W. Bush AFP/Getty Images A U.S. military honor guard team carries the flag draped casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush from the U.S. Capitol Getty Images President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive for the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush Getty Images A U.S. military honor guard team carries the flag draped casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush from the U.S. Capitol Reuters People watch as the hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush heads to a State Funeral at the National Cathedral AP An honor guard marches away after President George H.W. Bush's state funeral procession passed by the White House AP Sully, former President George H.W. Bush's service dog, pays his respect to President Bush as he lie in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington AP Members of the public file through the Capitol Rotunda to view the flag-draped casket of the late former President George H.W. Bush Getty Images Former US first lady Laura Bush (L) and former US President George W. Bush (2nd L) greet US President Donald J. Trump (R) and first lady Melania Trump (2nd R) outside of Blair House in Washington, DC EPA Mourners pay their respects in front of the casket of the late former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda Getty Images Former US President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush visit the casket containing the body of former US President George H.W. Bush in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, DC EPA Former US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush put their hands on the casket of Former President George H. W. Bush as he lies in state in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, DC EPA Visitors gather before a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral EPA Former Vice President Al Gore walks joins attendees at the state funeral Reuters Prince Charles walks past U.S. Vice President Mike Pence as he arrives at the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush Reuters Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is greeted by former British Prime Minister John Major prior to the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral Reuters Former CIA Director John Brennan (L), shakes hands with President Donald Trump's Chief of Staff John Kelly (R), before a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush EPA The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington AFP/Getty Images The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington AFP/Getty Images The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington AFP/Getty Images Former US President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush watch as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard at the US Capitol AFP/Getty Images The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington AFP/Getty Images The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington AFP/Getty Images From right, former President George W. Bush, second from right, former first lady Laura Bush, Neil Bush, Sharon Bush, Bobby Koch, Doro Koch, Jeb Bush and Columba Bush stand just prior to a joint services military honor guard carrying the flag-draped casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush from the U.S. Capitol to transport it to Washington National Cathedral Getty Images (R-L) Former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, Neil Bush, and Sharon Bush, stand as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard EPA Former Vice President Joe Biden (3-L), and his wife Jill Biden (L), speak with Ivanka Trump, the daughter of President Donald Trump (2-L), and her husband, President Donald Trump's White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner (4-L), as former Vice President Al Gore (2-R), speak to former President Jimmy Carter (R), and former first lady Rosalynn Carter (Bottom-C), before a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush EPA The hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is driven away from the Capitol to a state funeral at the National Cathedral Getty Images People line the street to see the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush motorcade to a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, AP Foreign leaders, former presidents and members of American high office were united in mourning today at the funeral of 41st president George HW Bush. Bush died on Friday aged 94, eight months after the death of his wife Barbara Bush. Former US President George W. Bush speaks next to the flag-draped casket of his father / AFP/Getty Images Historian Jon Meacham said in his eulogy that Mr Bush was the last great-soldier statesman, describing him as our shield in dangerous times. A military band played as the casket of the president was carried down the US Capitol steps in a solemn procession with members of the Bush family watching. Michelle Obama shakes hands with President Donald Trump Prince Charles and Sir John Major were also in attendance at the memorial service at the National Cathedral in Washington DC. George W Bush delivered a eulogy, along with former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. All surviving former US presidents were at the cathedral along with their wives. The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a military honor guard / AP Prince Charles and Sir John Major were also in attendance along with leaders of Germany, Jordan, Australia and Poland. Hundreds of people lined Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Washington to watch a hearse drive Bush's coffin from Capitol Hill, where he had lain in state since Monday night, toward the cathedral on Wednesday morning. Prince Charles listens during a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush / AP Thousands of people had filed past Bush's body to pay their respects in the Capitol Rotunda, some getting a chance to see Sully, a service dog who was Bush's friendly companion. Sully became an internet sensation after being photographed lying next to his late master's coffin. Mr Bush, who had been President Ronald Reagan's vice president, navigated the United States through the end of the Cold War and was president when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. Former US President George W. Bush leaves after speaking at the State Funeral for his father / AFP/Getty Images He was dogged by domestic problems, including a sluggish economy, and faced criticism for not doing enough to stem the tens of thousands of deaths from the AIDS virus ravaging America. When he ran for re-election in 1992, he was pilloried by Democrats and many Republicans for violating his famous 1988 campaign promise: "Read my lips, no new taxes." Democrat Bill Clinton coasted to victory. The ceremony at Washington National Cathedral, the nexus of state funerals, ends three days of remembrance by dignitaries and ordinary citizens as they honour the Republican president who oversaw the post-Cold War transition and led a successful Gulf War, only to lose a re-election in a generational shift to Democrat Bill Clinton in 1992. The flag-draped casket of former US President George H.W. Bush arrives carried by a military honor guard / AFP/Getty Images After the national funeral service at the cathedral, Mr Bush's remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose at St Martin's Episcopal Church before burial on Thursday at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. His final resting place will be alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years who died in April, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukaemia in 1953 at the age of three. Mr Trump ordered the federal government closed on Wednesday for a national day of mourning. Flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days. D onald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn may avoid jail after giving substantial assistance to investigators probing alleged collusion between Russia and the presidents 2016 election campaign. Special Counsel Robert Mueller today revealed that Flynn has offered first-hand evidence on the Trump teams alleged contacts with the Kremlin. Mr Mueller said he was not pursuing a prison term for Flynn in a memo to the judge who will sentence him on December 18 for lying to the FBI about conversations with the then Russian ambassador to the US. Flynn admitted he had discussed lifting US sanctions on Russia with Sergey Kislyak before Mr Trump took office, and that he had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about the conversation. Special Counsel Robert Mueller said he was not pursuing a prison term for Flynn / AFP/Getty Images Mr Mueller said Flynn has assisted on a range of issues, including interactions between individuals in the Presidential Transition Team and Russia. A White House transition team is legally not allowed to speak to foreign officials until the president formally starts work. Flynn, 60, was grilled in 19 interviews, and Mr Muellers redacted text suggests he provided evidence about at least three ongoing investigations. The ex-general served as Mr Trumps national security adviser for less than a month in early 2017, and was part of his inner circle during the election campaign. He plays a central role in the investigation into claims of obstruction of justice made against the president. Former FBI director James Comey has alleged that Mr Trump asked him to drop inquiries about Flynns communications with Mr Kislyak amid fears the national security adviser could become a blackmail target. The memo from Mr Muellers office says: A sentence at the low end of the guideline range, including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration, is appropriate and warranted. It points to Flynns exemplary military and public service and says that he deserves credit for accepting responsibility in a timely fashion and substantially assisting the government. T he family of a British backpacker are desperately hunting for clues about her whereabouts after she went missing in New Zealand last week. Grace Millane, 22, was staying at Base Backpackers in Auckland but has not contacted her family since Thursday. She was last seen by her roommates on Saturday and has not been heard from since. She had previously kept in daily contact with her family, who are from Billericay, Essex, and has not been active on social media despite celebrating her birthday on Sunday. Grace has not been seen since Saturday, when she spoke to her roommates at Base Backpackers in Auckland / Grace Millane / Facebook Brother Michael Millane, 29, said the family are now worried and her disappearance is totally unlike her. He said: Grace travelled to South America six weeks ago as part of a group tour, before going to New Zealand two weeks ago. We last had contact with her on Thursday, but it had been daily before that. The last contact anyone else had with her was on Saturday, when her roommates asked what she was doing with her day. They were the last people to see her and said she seemed fine. The recent graduate arrived in New Zealand two weeks ago on a solo backpacking trip / Grace Millane / Facebook But it was her birthday on Sunday and when she didnt make any contact with us by Monday, we knew something was wrong she hadnt liked any of the comments wishing her a happy birthday on Facebook or anything. It was my birthday yesterday and we still hadnt heard anything, which rang alarm bells. Its unusual for her not to chat so were really worried this is totally unlike her. Graces family alerted police to her disappearance on Wednesday, and say the Foreign Office is liaising with police in New Zealand, who are combing CCTV and social media for clues. Michael said that although Grace was independent, she still kept her family updated with her plans via WhatsApp. He added: Shes really independent she was travelling alone but she always let us know where she was and what she planned on doing next. She had made friends in New Zealand, even though she had gone on her own, but we have no idea who she could be with and neither do her roommates. She hasnt been active on social media at all and both her UK and New Zealand phones are going straight to voicemail. Its really unlike her. British High Commission Wellington consular manager Tony McLeod said the commission was aware of reports of a missing British national. He said: We are working with the family in the UK and New Zealand Police in relation to reports of a missing British national in New Zealand. G reenland's ice sheet is melting at "unprecedented" rates in the face of rising temperatures, scientists' analysis of ice cores has found. Surface melting across the the mile-thick ice sheet increased in the 19th century as human activity started to warm the climate, but ramped up in the 20th and early 21st centuries and shows no signs of abating, scientists said. Ice loss from Greenland, including runoff from melted snow and ice on the top of the ice sheet, is contributing to sea level rises. If Greenland ice continues to melt at unprecedented rates as a result of warmer summers, it could accelerate the already fast pace of sea level rise, the researchers warned. Analysis of ice core samples from sites 6,000ft (1,829m) above sea level has enabled the researchers to assess melting dating back 350 years. Summer melting in 2012 was at levels that represented "exceptional highs" for the past 350 years, scientists found / PA The ice cores contain layers that show how ice melted and refroze on contact with the snow-pack underneath each year, revealing the intensity of melting. The scientists combined the results from ice cores with satellite data and climate models to reconstruct melt-water runoff at lower elevations on the edge of the ice sheet that contributes to sea level rise. They found that increases in melting closely follow the start of industrial-era warming in the Arctic in the mid-1800s but the magnitude of the melt has exceeded natural variability in the past few decades. Scientists said melting had gone "into overdrive" / PA Study co-author Sarah Das, from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the US, said: "From a historical perspective, today's melt rates are off the charts, and this study provides the evidence to prove this." Total ice sheet melt-water runoff had increased 50% compared with the start of the industrial era, and had seen a 30% increase since the 20th century alone, she said. Summer melting in 2012 was at levels that represented "exceptional highs" for the past 350 years. And melt and runoff in the last decade are likely to be unprecedented in the past 6,800 to 7,800 years, a study published in the journal Nature showed. The researchers also warned that Greenland, which locks up the equivalent of around 30ft (7m) of sea level rise, is becoming more sensitive to warming than it was in the past. The world has already warmed by almost 1C since pre-industrial times, and there are concerns that the ice sheet could reach a tipping point at around 1.5C to 2C of warming, lead author Luke Trusel said. At that point it could go into a state of irreversible retreat. Dr Trusel said: "We see melting and runoff from Greenland start ticking up as warming initiated in the Arctic in the 1800s, but only in the last few decades has it really accelerated to levels we haven't seen before in the last few centuries." He said melting had gone "into overdrive", and as a result Greenland melt was adding to sea level more than any time during the last three-and-a-half centuries, if not thousands of years. As the ice sheet melts it becomes slightly darker, absorbing more sunlight and melting more, even if temperatures do not change, while increased melting can generate impermeable ice layers which exacerbate runoff. Dr Trusel, from Rowan University's School of Earth and Environment in New Jersey, US, said Greenland would melt more and more for every degree of warming. T his is the moment Michelle Obama and President Trump solemnly shook hands at the funeral of former president George HW Bush. As Mr Trump arrived to sit on the front row at Washington National Cathedral, he shook hands with Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. In the video, he does not shake hands with Bill or Hillary Clinton. It is the first time Trump has been present at an event with Mrs Clinton since the election. Ms Obama and Mr Trump have had a frosty relationship. In her new memoir Becoming, she wrote: "I will always wonder about what led so many, women in particular, to reject an exceptionally qualified female candidate and instead choose a misogynist as their president The state funeral for George HW Bush is being held at Washington Cathedral. The ceremony caps three days of remembrance by dignitaries and American citizens as they honour the Republican president who died on Friday at 94. A joint service honour guard carries the casket of former US President (Getty) / Pool Prince Charles is in attendance, representing the Queen. On Tuesday, soldiers and citizens wound through the Capitol Rotunda to view Mr Bushs coffin and honour a president whose legacy included Second World War military service and a landmark law affirming the rights of the disabled. State funeral of George HW Bush - In pictures 1 /42 State funeral of George HW Bush - In pictures The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard from the U.S. Capitol AP President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive for the State Funeral former President George H.W. Bush, at the National Cathedral AP U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand with former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former first lady Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter in the front row at the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington Reuters President Donald Trump shakes hands with former President Barack Obama during a State Funeral service for former President George H.W. Bush AP President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and former presidents, vice presidents, first ladies and spouses attend the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral December 05, 2018 in Washington, DC. A WWII combat veteran, Bush served as a member of Congress from Texas, ambassador to the United Nations, director of the CIA, vice president and 41st president of the United States. Getty Images Former United States President George W. Bush (2L) greets Former United States President Barack Obama (C) as he arrives at the National Cathedral for the funeral services for former United States President George H. W. Bush, in Washington EPA The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a military honor guard into a State Funeral at the National Cathedral AP U.S. President Donald Trump with former President Barack Obama as he takes his seat in the first row along with former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter prior to the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington Reuters The hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush passes by the White House from the Capitol, heading to a State Funeral at the National Cathedral AP The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images A joint services military honor guard carry the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush from the US Capitol, in Washington EPA A joint service honor guard carries the casket of former US President George H.W. Bush Reuters Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton look over at former U.S. President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama while seated with former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter (R) prior to the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington Reuters (Front L-R)US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, former US President Barack Obama, former US First Lady Michelle Obama, former US President Bill Clinton, former First Lady Hillary Clinton, and former US President Jimmy Carter sit before the funeral service for former US President George H. W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images Jordan's King Abdullah II(C)and Queen Rania arrive before the funeral service for former US President George H. W. Bush AFP/Getty Images A U.S. military honor guard team carries the flag draped casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush from the U.S. Capitol Getty Images President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive for the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush Getty Images A U.S. military honor guard team carries the flag draped casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush from the U.S. Capitol Reuters People watch as the hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush heads to a State Funeral at the National Cathedral AP An honor guard marches away after President George H.W. Bush's state funeral procession passed by the White House AP Sully, former President George H.W. Bush's service dog, pays his respect to President Bush as he lie in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington AP Members of the public file through the Capitol Rotunda to view the flag-draped casket of the late former President George H.W. Bush Getty Images Former US first lady Laura Bush (L) and former US President George W. Bush (2nd L) greet US President Donald J. Trump (R) and first lady Melania Trump (2nd R) outside of Blair House in Washington, DC EPA Mourners pay their respects in front of the casket of the late former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda Getty Images Former US President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush visit the casket containing the body of former US President George H.W. Bush in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, DC EPA Former US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush put their hands on the casket of Former President George H. W. Bush as he lies in state in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, DC EPA Visitors gather before a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral EPA Former Vice President Al Gore walks joins attendees at the state funeral Reuters Prince Charles walks past U.S. Vice President Mike Pence as he arrives at the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush Reuters Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is greeted by former British Prime Minister John Major prior to the state funeral for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral Reuters Former CIA Director John Brennan (L), shakes hands with President Donald Trump's Chief of Staff John Kelly (R), before a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush EPA The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington AFP/Getty Images The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington AFP/Getty Images The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington AFP/Getty Images Former US President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush watch as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard at the US Capitol AFP/Getty Images The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington AFP/Getty Images The casket with the remains of former US President George H.W. Bush departs the US Capitol during a State Funeral in Washington AFP/Getty Images From right, former President George W. Bush, second from right, former first lady Laura Bush, Neil Bush, Sharon Bush, Bobby Koch, Doro Koch, Jeb Bush and Columba Bush stand just prior to a joint services military honor guard carrying the flag-draped casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush from the U.S. Capitol to transport it to Washington National Cathedral Getty Images (R-L) Former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, Neil Bush, and Sharon Bush, stand as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard EPA Former Vice President Joe Biden (3-L), and his wife Jill Biden (L), speak with Ivanka Trump, the daughter of President Donald Trump (2-L), and her husband, President Donald Trump's White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner (4-L), as former Vice President Al Gore (2-R), speak to former President Jimmy Carter (R), and former first lady Rosalynn Carter (Bottom-C), before a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush EPA The hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is driven away from the Capitol to a state funeral at the National Cathedral Getty Images People line the street to see the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush motorcade to a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, AP Their twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara, followed, while Jeb Bush and his wife joined along with about a dozen other members of the Bush family. Former president George W. Bush greets (from L-R) US president Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, and former president Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter during the funeral service for his father George H.W.Bush / AFP/Getty Images After the national funeral service at the cathedral, Mr Bush's remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose at St Martin's Episcopal Church before burial on Thursday at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. His final resting place will be alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years who died in April, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukaemia in 1953 at the age of three. The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a military honor guard into a State Funeral at the National Cathedral / AP Mr Trump ordered the federal government closed on Wednesday for a national day of mourning. Flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days. Mr Bush's service dog Sully was taken to the coffin viewing - his main service in the months since Mrs Bush's death in April being to rest his head on her husband's lap. The flag-draped casket of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush is carried by military pallbearers / REUTERS Mr Trump ordered the federal government to be closed on Wednesday for a national day of mourning, while flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days. T sunami waves have been spotted after a powerful undersea earthquake in New Caledonia in the South Pacific. Evacuations were ordered after hazardous waves up to three metres tall were expected to rise following the 7.6 magnitude quake on Wednesday. People on the east coast have been told to retreat at least 300m from the shore and to get to ground at least 12m in altitude. The quake struck about 104 miles east of Tadine at a shallow depth of six miles, according to the US Geological Survey. Earthquake: Evacuations were under way in the region after a tsunami warning was issued (file image) / Shutterstock "Tsunami waves reaching 1 to 3 metres above the tide level are possible along some coasts of New Caledonia and Vanuatu," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said. A Shake Map showing the location of the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that hit off the east coast of New Caledonia / United States Geological Survey The centre warned that waves of up to one metre (three feet) are possible for some coasts of Fiji. There were no immediate reports of damage from the quake. A spokesman for French mining and metals group Eramet , which operates the Doniambo nickel plant in the main harbour of Noumea, said it had enacted its tsunami alert process. N ew Caledonia has been hit by powerful aftershocks following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck the Pacific region on Wednesday morning. Tsunami alerts were subsequently issued for coasts within 1,000km (620 miles) of New Caledonia, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where most of the worlds earthquakes and volcanic activity occur. Residents received text messages urging them to flee to refuge centres immediately after the tsunami warnings were activated. There were no immediate reports of damage following the quake. Heres everything you need to know about the earthquake, including the latest travel advice: Where is the earthquake? A Shake Map showing the location of the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that hit off the east coast of New Caledonia / United States Geological Survey At 04:18 GMT, the quake struck New Caledonia at a depth of 10km with its epicentre 168km east-south-east of Tadine, a town on one of New Caledonias Loyalty Islands. The US Geological Survey said the aftershock measured 6.6, downgrading it from an initial measurement of 7.0. New Caledonia is a French overseas territory comprising of dozens of islands in the South Pacific with a population of about 270,000. Neighbouring Vanuatu is an independent state with a population of over 270,000 and was previously jointly occupied by France and the UK. Will there be tsunamis? The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported that some tsunami waves had been observed and that the danger zone included coasts located within 100km of the earthquake epicentre. According to AP, tsunami warnings were raised as far as Fiji. The New Caledonian high commission initially issued a tsunami warning for all of New Caledonia, ordering the immediate evacuation of residents to refuge centres. The Directorate for Civil Protection and Risk Management of New Caledonia (DSCGR) later downgraded the warning, saying evacuation was not required for the west coast of the country but told residents to remain vigilant over the entire coastal strip due to possible abnormal sea movements. New Zealand authorities also issued a tsunami warning after the quake which was quickly retracted. Is it safe to travel to New Caledonia? The Foreign Office has yet to place any travel restrictions on New Caledonia, but have warned visitors to remain cautious. A nimal rights group PETA has been mercilessly mocked on social media for suggesting animal friendly alternatives to popular phrases. The organisation said common phrases such as flog a dead horse or kill two birds with one stone should be replaced with the likes of feed a fed horse or feed to birds with one scone. In a second tweet, it added: "Just as it became unacceptable to use racist, homophobic, or ableist language, phrases that trivialise cruelty to animals will vanish as more people begin to appreciate animals for who they are and start bringing home the bagels instead of the bacon." Vegans and meat eaters alike ridiculed the organisation's suggestion. Vegan comedian Romesh Ranganathan tweeted in response: Siri, show me why people think us vegans are humourless t****. I'm not convinced that changing Bring home the bacon to Bring home the bagels isn't anti-Semitic. Then again, it might be pro-Semitic, replied fellow comedian David Baddiel. One Twitter user who goes by the name Uncle Dane said: Feeding a fed horse is animal abuse, you're gonna give it a belly ache. Reported. Author Aaron Gilles suggested his own tongue-in-cheek swaps such as the cat is liberated from the satchel instead of the cat is out of the bag and stop touching my horse instead of hold your horses. Writer and filmmaker Jesse Hawken suggested replacing curiosity killed the cat with curiosity thrilled the cat while designer Rita Lambu said I have bigger dishes to dry could be used instead of bigger fish to fry. T he Duke of Cambridge today made a passionate speech praising UK military personnel and their families for their sacrifices and commitment. Prince William and wife Kate made a brief visit to Akrotiri RAF base in Cyprus, where he spoke out about how the armed services prioritise dedication to duty in the fight against Islamic State. You always put duty first and so do your families, some of whom we had a chance to meet yesterday at a party at Kensington Palace, he said. We know this isnt easy for you or for your wives, husbands, children and friends back in the UK. The duke, who served as an RAF search-and-rescue pilot, praised military personnel on active service in 35 countries from Somalia to South Sudan to Kuwait and Ukraine working to protect the UKs security and added: All this work is done without fanfare. You dont seek praise for your contribution. Its not about credit or recognition for you its just about service. As we approach Christmas, Catherine and I feel very strongly that praise for your work and recognition for your sacrifices is exactly what is due to you all. From my time in uniform, we both know a bit of what it feels like to balance your work commitments with your family life. The royal couple, who were at a diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace last night, made the whistlestop overseas visit in support of military personnel and their families who will be apart over the festive period. The duchess last night wore a tiara once belonging to Princess Diana as she attended the reception. The royal couple earlier yesterday hosted a Christmas party for RAF families at Kensington Palace. On arriving at the base the couple had a short private briefing before going to a hangar to meet with some of the servicemen and women. They started with a group of RAF support personnel including Tina Hays, from RAF Marham, who has a son aged 12. She told Kate: 'I've been in the military for 15 years and have had several overseas deployments. But I find that the older they get, the worse it is. It's very difficult to be away at Christmas but we try to work it around holidays and things like that. ' She said afterwards that the couple 'really sympathised' with how difficult it was. Corporal Karl Noakes, 33, also from RAF Marham, said he had been sent pictures of his daughter Alysia, two, at yesterday's Christmas party at the palace. A US woman has been labelled a "shining example" after shooting and killing an escaped prisoner who broke into her home. Bruce McLaughlin Jr., 30, was shot in the head by the woman after he kicked in her back door in Pickens County, South Carolina, on Tuesday. The burglar entered the home around 3am, and grabbed a knife sharpening tool from the kitchen before heading towards the womans bedroom. The woman fired a single shot from a handgun she owned, which struck Mr McLaughlin in the head and killed him, Sheriff Rick Clark said. Sheriff Rick Clark, Pickens County Sherif on WSAV / WSAV The sheriff said the woman was home alone and had undergone concealed weapons training at some point prior to the incident, but was not injured. He said: "This was a big guy. If she hadn't had a weapon there's no telling what would have happened. But she stopped the crime, she solved the crime for us and she came out a winner. "I gave her a big hug. I told her how proud I was of her. This is the shining example of what this lady did took the time to get her Concealed Weapons Permit and set herself up to be able to protect herself and not be harmed, killed or raped or whatever. Timothy Dill is shown in an undated photo provided by the Pickens County, S.C., Sheriff's Office. / AP She came out on the good, on this end, and the other guy the bad guy didnt." Mr McLaughlin had been in and out of the county jail around 12 times on charges ranging from drug possession to assaulting a police officer, officials said. He was currently awaiting trial on first-degree burglary and theft charges. Another inmate, Timothy Dill, also escaped the jail, but has since been captured and charged with escape along with two counts of kidnapping, and first-degree assault and battery. The pair allegedly beat up two guards as part of their escape, which they planned for days. The sheriff said that other inmates tried to help the guards as they were being attacked. K evin Hart is about to achieve a life goal after accepting the unbelievable invite to host the 2019 Academy Awards. The US comedian, 39, promised to make the prestigious ceremony a special one as he follows in the footsteps of Jimmy Kimmel, Neil Patrick Harris and Ellen Degeneres. Hart broke the news on Instagram, posting a picture of the iconic Oscars trophy. For years I have been asked if I would ever Host the Oscars and my answer was always the same...I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when its supposed to, he wrote. I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time.... Hart said he was looking forward to the legendary list of hosts and that his mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. He finished: I will be sure to make this years Oscars a special one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity ....now its time to rise to the occasion. The Academy shared Harts message on Twitter alongside the caption: Welcome to the family! The 91st Academy Awards will take place on Monday, February 25. Nominations will be announced on January 22. K im Kardashian has shared a sweet snap of son Saint on his third birthday, dubbing him her favourite boy. The reality TV star posted an adorable snap of her son relaxed on an outdoor sofa as part of the tribute. She captioned the post: Happy Birthday to my favourite boy my Sainty Joon. I must have done something really special to deserve having you as my son. I love you to the galaxy and back. Fans of the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star were quick to praise the tot for being the cutest ever. One user wrote: He is the cutest ever. Another commented: Happy birthday blessings. Whilst a third added: Omg hes so beautiful! Kim Kardashian shares video with Saint and Chicago The post comes after the mother-of-three previously faced accusations of favouritism towards Saint after she hailed him the reason she decided to vote in the US midterm elections. Posting an image of Saint in November on election day, she wrote: I voted today for my baby right here and his future!!! But fans were quick to hit out at the star for not acknowledging her daughters North, five, and nine-month-old Chicago. One user wrote: What about the others damn? Another commented: Yeah you kind of opened up a can of worms there with that one. Also, someone above made a great point its our daughters that are most affected in this regime. Kardashian has previously told of sibling rivalry between her children. The TV star, who is married to Kanye West, revealed North often tries to stop brother Saint and baby sister Chicago from entering her room. Kim Kardashian has kiss rejected by son Saint Speaking to Ashley Graham on her podcast, she said: North acts like an only child at all times. I think shes a little confused. Shes beyond jealousy now. Shes just like, Its my world. She wont even let Saint [set] foot in her room. If he does or if hes with me and I have to take care of both of them its like full war. Its so funny, and hes just the nicest human being on the planet. V logger PewDiePie is close to losing his crown as the most subscribed to YouTube channel as Indian channel T-Series catches up with him. The two channels have been locked in a battle for days as the Swede fights to retain a title which he has claimed as his for around five years. To millions, it is hugely important - so much so that one ardent PewDiePie fan hacked into 50,000 printers worldwide to spread the word about his channel and the race to keep him at the top. Here's everything you need to know about the battle: PewDiePie has apologised for using the word / PewDiePie/YouTube What are the two channels that are locked in a race to the top? PewDiePie is a Swedish vlogger whose real name is Felix Kjellberg. He has held the crown of most subscribed-to channel for nearly five years. He posts gaming videos, vlogs and general chat under the PewDiePie name, but has garnered controversy in the past over some of his content. His battle against T-Series has been described as "David vs Goliath" since the Indian channel is the product of a company which posts Bollywood trailers and songs in a country of 1.3 billion people. T-Series is a massive brand in India that has been running since the 1980s. "The problem for PewDiePie is that he simply cant keep up with the machine that the T-Series YouTube channel," wrote Matt Binder on tech site Mashable. "The YouTube channel for the Bollywood music giant grows at close to 145,000 subscribers per day. "T-Series, having started in the 1980s, is a legacy brand in India, a country with a population of 1.3 billion people. "It has employees and an entire roster full of musical artists and Bollywood superstars that it relies on to pump out as many as half-a-dozen highly-produced music videos per day. "In contrast, PewDiePie is just one guy putting out one vlog or video game stream per day." How many subscribers have they got? Both currently have over 73 million subscribers, but online tracking tool Social Blade documents that the gap between the two is closing to under 500,000. The tool updates every second and is currently being streamed on YouTube, recording that T-Series racks up more than 150,000 new subscribers a day and PewDiePie just over 140,000. What have they said about each other so far? Following the printer hack, Kjellberg said in a video: "All of this support to keep me on top is so funny. I love it. Please keep it up. "But don't do anything illegal OK... because that will look bad on me." Kjellberg also posted a video on his channel asking supporters to fight on his behalf, and humorously challenged T-Series to a battle to the death. DNA India reported last month that T-Series had hit back at Kjellberg for his goading, writing that the company is a "well respected platform". President Neeraj Kalyan said: "It's a matter of pride for all Indians that an Indian YouTube Channel will soon be world's biggest channel on YouTube. "But it seems a set of overzealous PewDiePie fans are negatively spamming T-Series channel on YouTube. I would like to inform them that we are not perturbed by this kind of behaviour. R uPauls Drag Race is headed to the UK next year - and they're looking for local drag queens to take on the eight-part series. The award-winning show has found a digital home on BBC Three, with casting officially underway for Queens of Great Britain. In a statement, RuPaul said: It is a dream come true to extend our royal family to the United Kingdom with our partners at BBC Three. I am beyond excited to celebrate the massive charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of the Queens queens. The US series has been judged by RuPaul himself alongside Michelle Visage and a host of celebrity guests and regulars. Contestants complete in individual or team Maxi Challenges. The bottom two each week take part in a Lip Sync battle, which sees the loser Sashay Away. It is thought that the UK version will follow the same format, but with some added British twists. Where to see RuPaul's Drag Race favourites in London 1 /16 Where to see RuPaul's Drag Race favourites in London Bob the Drag Queen Getty Images Aquaria Getty Images Sharon Needles D Dipasupil/Getty Images Bianca Del Rio Getty Images for Logo Adore Delano, Bianca Del Rio and Courtney Act Getty Images Willam Getty Images Alaska Getty Images Miss Vanjie Getty Images Latrice Royale Getty Images for Three Lions Entertainment Jinkx Monsoon Getty Images Asia O'Hara Getty Images Monet X Change Getty Images Katya Getty Images Ginger Minj and Ivy Winters Getty Images Blair St Clair Getty Images Kameron Michaels Getty Images A source told The Sun: This is a massive coup for the Beeb as lots of other UK channels wanted this show. It will follow the exact same format as the American version with British twists and some famous guests. They added that there will be a huge budget for costumes and production of the series. Q ualcomm, the biggest mobile software company in the industry, has revealed its new Snapdragon 855 chip which will power all future Android smartphones and the next generation 5G devices. At the companys annual Snapdragon Summit in Maui, Hawaii, it unveiled the new mobile platform to follow up last years Snapdragon 845 chip which is in phones such as OnePlus 6T and the Google Pixel 3. The chip, the first of its kind, will enable Android devices to connect to the 5G mobile network as soon as next year, provided smartphone manufacturers take advantage of the chip. The roll out of 5G devices is expected to be slow so it's likely they'll only a few smartphones with 5G connectivity at first. When it hits though this next generation in mobile technology will spell the end of Wi-Fi, improve the capabilities of innovations like driverless cars and drones, and will mean you are never offline again. Qualcomm says the new Snapdragon 855 chip will be able to support multi-gigabit download speeds on 5G networks too. During the keynote address, Qualcomms president Cristiano Amon, said: Today marks a massive an exciting step forward underscoring how Qualcomm Technologies and ecosystem leaders are driving 5G commercialisation, a journey that went from R&D, accelerated standardisation and trials, the launch of innovative products and technologies to the imminent launch of 5G networks and smartphones across the globe starting in early 2019. Together we are demonstrating our role in transforming the mobile industry and enriching consumer experiences with 5G mobile devices. When it comes to the first 5G phone, OnePlus has that covered. The Chinese smartphone company revealed at Qualcomm's event that it will be releasing the first commercial 5G phone in Europe, on the EE network, powered by the Snapdragon 855 processor. EE will be switching on 5G sites in 16 cities in 2019, with the first four cities being London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast. If you want to be the first on the 5G network, look out for OnePlus's new smartphone in 2019. Aside from its 5G capabilities, the powers of the new 7nm processor mean the next generation of Android devices should have better battery life and improved performance. The chip also features a new multi-core AI engine that Qualcomm says will offer up to three times better AI performance compared to the 845 processor. This should hopefully improve computational photography, so phone makers will be able to follow in the steps of Google and offer improved camera software. Qualcomm is going all in on augmented reality (AR) or extended reality as it officially refers to it. The dedicated vision processor in the Snapdragon 855 chip means it can now process depth mapping at 60 frames per second, which will improve AR applications. The importance of continuing NATO's adjustment process to the current security challenges in a comprehensive manner, as regards the Alliance's Eastern flank included, was pinpointed on Tuesday by the Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Teodor Melescanu, at the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels, a release by the relevant ministry informs. The working sessions started with a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers with their counterparts from Georgia and Ukraine dedicated to the Black Sea security situation, this being the second meeting in this format in 2018, after the one in July's high-level Summit. Teodor Melescanu stressed the need to strengthen the NATO role in the Black Sea region, restated the commitment and support to the two partner states, backing NATO's decision to continue a substantial pledge as regards the political dialogue and the practical cooperation with Georgia and Ukraine. The Romanian chief diplomat emphasized the importance of furthering the adjustment process of the North-Atlantic Alliance to the current security challenges, in a comprehensive manner, as regards NATO's Eastern Flank, included. He voiced support for the ministerial declaration, adopted at the meeting, of NATO's solidarity with the USA regarding Washington's conclusion regarding the violation by the Russian Federation of the Intergovernmental Nuclear Force Treaty (INF), the release reads. The minister also underlined the importance to ensure the complementarity of the projects unfolded in the EU in the security and defence sectors with those developed within NATO, mentioning the attention to be granted to the enhancement of the NATO-EU synergy during the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union held by Romania as of 1 January 2019. On the sidelines of the meeting, the Romanian chief diplomat had a series of bilateral talks with counterparts from NATO allied and partner states. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and Teodor Melescanu discussed about aspects on the cooperation between Romania and Canada within NATO, the Romanian minister thanking for the contribution of Canada to the tailored forward presence in Romania, in particular in the air police field. They have also addressed aspects regarding the cooperation between the two states within the United Nations and the peace-keeping operations, as well as bilaterally. In a bilateral talk with the chief diplomat of the Macedonian gov't, Nikola Dimitrov, Teodor Melescanu addressed the stage and the perspectives of implementing the Prespa Agreement and the efforts of the Skopje authorities to integrate within NATO. Minister Dimitrov thanked for Romania's ceaseless support to his country's efforts to integrate within NATO and the EU. Teodor Melescanu and his Georgian counterpart David Zalkaliani had an exchange of opinions on the Black Sea regional security developments and the efforts of the Tbilisi authorities to integrate within NATO. Minister Melescanu reasserted Romania's constant and palpable support for the Georgian side's efforts, also tackling the possibilities to consolidate the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, from the regional outlook included, the MAE release reads. Foreign Affairs Minister Teodor Melescanu stressed on Wednesday, on the second day of the meeting of the NATO Foreign Ministers in Brussels that our country will continue to maintain its active profile and significant presence in the theater of operations in Afghanistan in 2019 too. According to a release of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) on Wednesday, the works of the second day of the meeting in Brussels began with a working session on Western Balkan attended by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, the developments in the region were analysed on this occasion and the state and perspectives of NATO relations with the partners in the area were discussed. "The progresses of NATO's" open door "policy were welcomed, notably the conclusion of the Prespa Agreement and the start of NATO's accession negotiations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Allies also presented readiness to accept, by the authorities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the first Membership Action Plan (MAP)'s from Sarajevo, if they would like to benefit from this NATO membership preparation tool. Also agreed was the need to increase NATO's support for the states in the region, endorsing their reform efforts and fighting security challenges in the region," the MAE said. According to the same source, the Romanian Minister stressed the need for a constructive commitment of all regional actors, in line with the assumed obligations and avoiding initiatives that could increase tensions and negatively affect regional security. He also emphasised the importance of a unitary message and synergy of action between NATO and the EU in the region, which Romania will continue to support, including during the Presidency of the EU Council. Real also: President Iohannis: 'Educated Romania' - strategic project; it's not my electoral programme "The final ministerial session was dedicated to the situation in Afghanistan in the format of the participants in the Resolute Support (RSM) mission. On this occasion, it was reconfirmed the commitment to Afghanistan by continuing the operational effort within the RSM mission, by providing the necessary funding for the Afghan security and defence forces and by supporting the process of internal reconciliation. The Romanian Foreign Minister stressed that our country will continue to maintain its active profile and significant presence in Afghanistan's theater of operations next year. At the end of the works, a joint statement on the RSM format regarding Afghanistan was adopted," the release mentions During the day, the Romanian Minister had a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell, during which an exchange of views on the status and prospects of the bilateral relationship on all its components - political, economic and security was carried out, as well as talks regarding the developments in the Black Sea region, in the current context, but also ways of managing the challenges of the area. Another tackled aspect was the cooperation during the Romanian Presidency of the EU Council, with the Romanian Foreign Minister reiterating the crucial importance of the transatlantic relationship and the support for the deepening of the NATO-the EU relationship in all areas of common interest, the MAE release mentions. AGERPRES . Minister-delegate for European Affairs George Ciamba had meetings in Brussels on Tuesday with the Secretary General of the EU Council and the European Parliament Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen and Klaus Welle, and EP Budget Committee Chairman Jean Arthuis whom he discussed to, the context in which the Presidency of Romania of the Council of the EU is due to unfold, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) informs in a press release. According to the cited source, the talks with the European officials have highlighted the context in which the Presidency of Romania at the EU Council is due to unfold, marked by the Brexit process, the elections to the European Parliament, the finalization of the reflection process on the future of the Union and the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. The Minister-delegate for European Affairs stressed the importance of close cooperation with all European institutions, highlighting, in context, the role of the European Parliament as a key partner in finalizing the negotiations of the files on the European agenda. In context, he pointed out that Romania will make efforts to facilitate the advancement of negotiations in the priority European files, in a joint effort to achieve results for the benefit of the entire Union. In his discussions with Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen, George Ciamba mentioned the importance of a close cooperation with the Secretariat-General in managing the practical aspects in the decision-making process generated by the specificity of the end of the European legislature. During the discussions with Klaus Welle, the minister-delegate expressed the full availability of the forthcoming Romanian Presidency at the EU Council to contribute to the most substantial advancement of negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 in order to allow a timely agreement on this file. Ciamba also pointed out in the dialogue with the EP representatives the importance of a constructive commitment on the part of all the member states, the European Parliament and the European Commission to facilitate a positive approach in this important file, from the perspective of the European elections, included. Over 10 million non-resident tourist arrivals were registered at Romania's border points during the first 10 months of this year, with an increase of 7.4 percent as opposed to the same period of last year, according to the data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) on Wednesday. From the total of non-resident arrivals in Romania, 48.9 percent are from the European Union countries, most of whom from Bulgaria (27.1 pct), Hungary (25.9 pct), Germany (8.7 pct), Italy (7.9 pct), Poland (5.6 pct), France (4 pct) and the United Kingdom (3.8 pct). On the other hand, over 18.3 million Romanian tourists were registered to having left the country at the border points, which is also up by 6.3 percent, in comparison with the period of January - October 2017. Road transport means were the most resorted to for traveling abroad, representing 68.8 pct from the total number of departures. During the same period, arrivals in tourist accommodation structures totalled 11.07 million, higher by 6.1 percent as opposed to the similar period of 2017. The arrivals of Romanian tourists represented 77.8 percent, and of foreign tourists 22.2 percent, similar to those of last year. Most foreign tourists in tourist lodging structures arrived from Germany (293,200), Israel (238,800), Italy (206,300), France (150,700) and the United States of America (146,500). Overnight stays in tourist accommodation structures registered 24.84 million, higher by 5.5 percent as opposed to the period of January - October 2017. Overnight stays of Romanian tourists represented 81.2 percent, while non-resident tourist overnight staying represented 18.8 percent. By counties, during the period of January - October 2018, the number of tourist arrivals in tourist accommodation structures recorded higher values in the Bucharest Municipality (1.75 million), Constanta (1.27 million), Brasov (1.15 million) and Cluj (557,500) and the number of tourist overnight stays recorded higher values in Constanta (approximately 4.9 million), Bucharest (2.85 million), Brasov (2.26 million) and Cluj (1.04 million). Angela Merkel was cautious, responsible and well-meaning: She wanted peace in Europe and good relations with Russia. But she will go down in history instead as the most destructive and weakest of German Federal Chancellors. Merkel made the same mistake so many elitists made before her. She stayed in power for too long and ended up listening to the wrong people. She abandoned the more cautious, sound principles that had served her so well for so long. Had Germanys first democratically elected woman leader in modern times stepped down after two terms in 2014, she would be remembered warmly as a socially and fiscally cautious, wise and responsible leader who maintained overall peace, security and prosperity, defended fiscal competence in the European Union and kept its euro-currency strong. She could also claim to have acted as a check on the more manic expansionist and super-hawkish policies of the United States, the United Kingdom and Poland. Instead, Merkel failed to oppose at the very least the catastrophic US and EU-backed violent revolution and coup detat that toppled stable, lawful democracy in Ukraine in 2014 and led to a collapse in US-Russia relations unparalleled since the end of the Cold War. Also, Merkel threw the borders of Germany open to an enormous wave of utterly unregulated immigration from the Middle East that itself was the product of disastrous US, French and UK policies aimed at toppling President Bashar Assad in Syria. Merkel should have forthrightly and courageously opposed those policies as her far superior and infinitely more courageous and principled predecessor Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder defied the rage of President George W. Bush when he invaded Iraq in 2003. Instead, Merkel stayed cravenly silent in 2011. Then the US, UK and French aggressive adventure in Syria opened the way for the rise of ISIS the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria to seize half the territories of both countries, unleashing a wave of barbarism unprecedented in the region for at least a century. The blowback in Germany itself and other Western European nations from the millions of refugees created by the Syria misadventure has been catastrophic. Waves of violence, murder, rape and terror were unleashed against scores of millions of peaceful, law-abiding people. Far from trying to stem the tide, the European Union did its utmost to prevent democratically elected governments across Europe from doing their constitutional duty to protect their own peoples. Merkel herself did not raise a finger to combat the horrors she had unleashed on Germany. Merkel therefore will not be remembered for her previous two terms of generally responsible if mediocre stewardship. Instead she will go down in history for having destroyed her people's physical safety with a huge wave of unregulated immigrants from the Middle East. She proved reckless and fearless in all the wrong ways: She opened her countrys borders to the floodgates of ethnic invasion, the true costs of which have yet to be paid in a dark and ominous future. Yet Merkel, for so long hailed as the Strong Woman of Europe in reality proved to be a spineless jellyfish when it came to guarding the institutions and principles of global security and peace. She did not dare to raise a finger as three successive US presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump destroyed the structures of trust, security and treaties in Europe in a reckless, mad bid to crush Russia. Since 2014, successive US congresses with their prejudices shamefully fanned by the ignorant and feckless Obama have imposed increasingly draconian sanctions on Russia as it struggled to respond to the breakdown in security across Eastern Europe and Eurasia unleashed by the Ukrainian coup of 2014. During the years since that fateful event, Merkel clearly grew increasingly uneasy about the wild directions that US policies were taking. But she never once had the guts to stand up publicly and break with them. This was not statesmanship and leadership but cowardice and craven appeasement of the forces of aggression and deadly risk-taking. Angela Merkel was certainly no Adolf Hitler. But she was clearly another Neville Chamberlain and the reckless warmongers she appeased were not in Berlin but in Washington. Economically, Merkel proved to be, not a Vladimir Putin or a Konrad Adenauer presiding over a dramatic and lasting restoration of her countrys economy and prosperity. Instead, like her great friend Obama she revealed herself to be a complacent, intellectually lazy and hapless parasite. During Merkels 12 years in power, wave after wave of green legislation and government measures with her full approval succeeded where two world wars, the bombing campaigns of the US Army Air Force and British Bomber Command all had failed: Angela Merkels policies succeeded in destroying the great steel and aluminum industries of the Ruhr. The escalating costs and unreliability of relying on wind power and other romantic reusable energy sources destroyed competitiveness of the industries that had been the invincible powerhouse of Germany for 200 years. If the destructive forces so casually unleashed by Merkel can be reined in and subdued, she will be lucky to be forgotten merely as an arrogant and incompetent bungler: A minor, unfortunate footnote to history. But if the catastrophes she initiated cannot be contained and suppressed, then generations of Germans and Europeans to come will curse and revile her memory. Imagine what Western reaction would have been if a British or American citizen was detained in Russia then subjected to months of solitary confinement followed by being put on trial for less than five minutes without legal representation or an interpreter, and finally sentenced to life imprisonment. The media in Britain and the US would have gone berserk with self-righteous fury and demanded that drastic and economically draconian measures be taken against Russia. The government in London would have demanded an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to condemn Moscows dastardly treatment of an innocent academic, and no doubt there would have been US Congress demands for even more sanctions, along with portentous declarations from politicians and commentators about free speech and violations of human dignity. On the other hand, in the case of the conviction and sentencing on November 21 of British academic Matthew Hedges in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the UKs response was mild to the point of being grovelingly placatory. Prime Minister May told Parliament that We are deeply disappointed and concerned at todays verdict. We are raising it with the Emirati authorities at the highest level. The US was totally uncritical, which is not surprising as the official State Department line is The United States and the UAE enjoy strong bilateral cooperation on a full range of issues including defence, non-proliferation, trade, law enforcement, energy policy, and cultural exchange. The two countries work together to promote peace and security, support economic growth, and improve educational opportunities in the region and around the world. UAE ports host more US Navy ships than anywhere else outside the United States. Certainly, as reported by the BBC, orders were given five days later to release Mr Hedges, because the Emirates issued a pardon as part of a series of orders on the country's National Day anniversary. There was no apology of any sort to the man or his family, and the UAE declared he was 100 percent a secret service operative. Leaving aside for the moment the assertion that Mr Hedges may indeed have been spying (which was the charge against him), it is interesting to consider the background to his treatment, which should have come as no surprise to anyone in London and Washington. Before the mockery of a trial, Britains foreign minister, the singularly inept Jeremy Hunt, went to the UAE and met the de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, on November 12. According to his tweets he raised the case of British national Matthew Hedges and was hoping for a good outcome. Ten days later he had to say something following his conspicuously useless intercession and came up with the lame complaint that todays verdict is not what we expect from a friend and trusted partner of the United Kingdom and runs contrary to earlier assurances. The man is a fool. What else could he expect from a country like the Emirates? In its latest Report Amnesty International states that the authorities continued to arbitrarily restrict freedoms of expression and association, using criminal defamation and anti-terrorism laws to detain, prosecute, convict and imprison government critics. The US State Department describes the place as seven semiautonomous emirates whose unelected rulers constitute the Federal Supreme Council, the countrys highest legislative and executive body. The US, that stalwart promoter of democracy when not supporting dictatorships, is well aware that under the Emirates authoritarian regime there are no political parties and its citizens are unable to choose their government in free and fair elections but, as in its treatment of that neighbouring absolute monarchy, Saudi Arabia, Washingtons policy is to reinforce the rule of dictators when it seems a good thing to do so. The day after Hedges was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Emirates the place was visited by a staunch upholder of autocracy, Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He was told by the UAEs equally undemocratically-appointed ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, that UAE-Saudi relations are an exceptional role model for brotherly ties that go down to the annals of history. They are firmly based on mutual respect and joint determination to achieving the ambitions of their two peoples for sustainable development, social welfare and economic well-being, which is a nauseating piece of double-speak, because in both countries social welfare is confined entirely to the small percentage of people who are actually citizens, and women are treated as chattels and worse. In the UAE, For a woman to marry, her male guardian must conclude her marriage contract; men have the right to unilaterally divorce their wives, whereas a woman must apply for a court order to obtain a divorce; a woman can lose her right to maintenance if, for example, she refuses to have sexual relations with her husband without a lawful excuse; and women are required to obey their husbands. In Saudi Arabia it is almost exactly the same, as, for example, women must obtain permission from a male guardian a twenty year-old son would do to obtain a passport and travel abroad. It couldnt be clearer that the UAE and Saudi Arabia are despotic fiefdoms. And it is equally obvious that America and Britain are entirely selective about whom they criticise or penalise for actual or supposed violations of what they choose to interpret as violations of human rights. When there are international incidents involving favoured countries there are only polite expostulations, or more usually no comment whatever, and it is obvious why these double standards apply. The answer lies in the money, as the Saudis and the UAE spend vast sums on Western-supplied military equipment. Britains official position indicates that it would suffer severely if commercial arrangements with the UAE were to be upset, as it is the UKs largest export market in the Middle East and the 13th biggest globally. The UK exported 9.8 billion of goods and services in 2016. This was a 37% increase since 2009. The UAE is the UKs fourth largest export market outside the EU . . . The majority of the UAE population is made up of expatriates, with around 120,000 UK residents. So dont let us have any more self-righteous posturing from the British government about democracy and morality and all these good things, because it is obvious that when the UK and the US are deeply involved commercially with other countries, there is no question of sacrificing profit for a glow of moral satisfaction by taking action if a particular country is considered to have offended against international ethical standards. They are selectively ethical to the point of blatant hypocrisy. In October 2018 the U.S. Air Force turned off GPS (satellite-based navigation) over a portion of Montana where the recently expanded Powder River training area allowed warplanes to use airspace up to 16,000 meters (51,000 feet). Ten heavy bombers (B-52, B-1B and B-2) flew in while the GPS was off and tested their skills at navigating without GPS. That means going old school via maps, manual calculations dead reckoning, maps, radar and visual clues on the ground. The last item gets pretty tricky from 15,000 meters up and is especially difficult when clouds are present. While most warplanes still have the pre-GPS INS (inertial navigation system) equipment long-range flights require the unjammable INS to be updated periodically to adjust for the inherent drift in any INS system. This can be done by returning to World War II methods of navigating over water in long-distance aircraft. That would mean using a sextant to get current (approximate by GPS standards) position. That does not help large aircraft using INS as a backup but INS is adequate for giving an aircraft time (an hour or more) to make an emergency landing. Long range bombers do not have that option because INS becomes less accurate the longer you use it. Thats because the gyroscopes and accelerometers used have a tiny inaccuracy (drift) built in which grows over time since the last accurate update. INS has become smaller, cheaper and more accurate since GPS was introduced in the 1990s and for shorter range aircraft (fighters and fighter-bombers) INS is an adequate substitute for GPS. But for heavy bombers, which sometimes have to fly halfway around the world, the INS drift can get pretty large and at that point, you have to go old school (pre-GPS). Actually, before GPS there were satellite-based navigation systems for updating INS systems but these were superseded by the faster, cheaper and more accurate GPS. Realistic training for a wartime GPS outage is difficult for long-range bombers because they cant just turn off the GPS and practice. Commercial aircraft are everywhere these days and at all altitudes. Thus the need for a large bit of airspace that can exclude commercial aviation for a while. During such an exercise the air force is monitoring the airspace with ground radar to make sure no aircraft wander in unannounced while the GPS is disabled up there. This no GPS training has to be done periodically to validate the training heavy bomber crews are given. Meanwhile, the navy and ground forces have also been reviving and practicing pre-GPS navigation. Since introduced in the early 1990s GPS has revolutionized movement in unfamiliar areas and nowhere was this more apparent than in the military, where so many personnel on the ground, flying aircraft and steering ships operate in unfamiliar surroundings. Yet after a decade old forms of navigation (using compass, sextant and maps) began to fade away in the military. But after a few years a growing number of commanders and their subordinates realized that that satellites could fail or be jammed and the only alternative would be to fall back on the old ways. Training was revised. Ground troops were reintroduced to pre-GPS training in which troops were taught how to move cross country using a compass and map or simply told to reach a barely visible distant land feature by using landmarks they could see. Naval academies reintroduced celestial navigation and the use of the sextant. Pilots, especially those flying helicopters, were taught the old visual orienteering methods. It was found that without GPS the younger troops, sailors and pilots could still do it old school and seemed to relish the challenge. In one U.S. Navy exercise officers and sailors aboard a destroyer successfully used pre-GPS methods to guide their ship across 2,500 kilometers of open water (from Japan to Guam) and arrive within seven kilometers of where GPS would have taken them. That was close enough to Guam (which is 59 kilometers long) to visually navigate to the naval base and dock. Similarly, there was a recent incident in Central Asia (that was caught on a cell phone video and widely distributed) showing a Kazakh Mi-8 helicopter landing on a highway and asking people in the next vehicle to show up where they were on a map. A truck driver pointed to where the city was they were looking for and the helicopter went on its way. The Mi-8 crew were on a training exercise to see if they could navigate without GPS and back in the old days that sometimes involved landing and asking for directions. On the ground troops are being reintroduced to the compass, paper maps and orienteering. Most managed to figure it out how it worked before GPS when the joke was that the most dangerous man on the battlefield was a second lieutenant with a map. TICKERS: PA; PLMNF Source: Streetwise Reports (12/4/18) This Canada-based exploration company makes headway in southeastern Peru as it completes a major milestone and releases more information on its biggest projects. Palamina Corp. (PA:TSX.V; PLMNF:OTC.MKTS), a Canada-based precious metals exploration company, released information about developments that could propel the company forward. According to the company, Palamina is looking for the hard rock source of a modern day gold rush underway in Peru. Palamina has acquired five district scale gold projects covering 77,000 hectares in the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt in southeastern Peru: Coasa, Bendi, Gaban, Cori and Orco. All five projects either have visible gold showings or there is visible gold being mined adjacent to them. There are also 100,000 artisanal miners in the belt actively mining gold driving this modern day gold rush, the company stated. Palamina Corp. initially went into Peru at the end of 2016. Management says 2017 was spent acquiring, visiting, assessing and prioritizing the land. It wasn't until 2018 that the company started systematic exploration. First Heli-Borne Geophysical Surveys in the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt (POGB) In late October 2018, management announced the completion of heliborne geophysical surveys over its Coasa, Gaban and Cori projects. The company noted that in the POGB, gold mineralization frequently has an association with disseminated magnetic pyrrhotite hosted by quartz veins within regional shear zone structures. Andrew Thomson, president of Palamina stated, "Palamina is the first company to conduct heli-borne geophysics in the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt (POGB). The ~3,000 line-km survey is now complete, and we are awaiting the processed data to better understand the structures of the Coasa, Gaban and Cori gold projects." While Palamina awaits the survey results, it shared news on its Gaban Gold Project and continues to advance its flagship Coasa Gold Project. The company says it holds title and application rights to 19,300 hectares at Gaban where 10 sets of alluvial miners intermittently mine coarse alluvial gold from the Yanamayo River within the property. "Geochemical stream sediment sampling has returned values up to 4.9 g/t gold (at -60 mesh) in the Yanamayo River. Palamina has secured the mining rights to 85% of the Yanamayo River watershed which is bound on all sides by four mountain ridges," the company stated in the news release. Palamina has located five outcropping shear zones hosting quartz veins-veinlets in the mountain ridges surrounding the Yanamayo River. Taken from historical artisanal workings along one of the shear zones located on the recently acquired Aurifera concession, these two samples make up part of the Yanamayo watershed and returned: Source: Palamina Corp. The company noted that the Yanamayo River makes up part of the watershed driving alluvial gold mineralization at Madre de Dios where alluvial miners cover over a 700 square kilometer area. Future Drilling and Plans at the Coasa Gold Project As Palamina plans to spend the 2018 Christmas season integrating the geophysical survey data, it's revving up for a drill program at Coasa where permitting is expected to be in place by April 2019. The company has noted that at Coasa the focus is on the Veta Zone where gold mineralization has been traced over a 500 by 800 meter zone. Palamina reported the discovery of four visible gold zones at Veta where chip sampling returned up to 620 g/t gold and channel sampling up to 1.8 meters of 19.6 g/t gold. The company has also made a discovery in the Cayos zone, which returned 3 meters of 30.5 g/t gold. While management expects to have drill permits by April, it doesn't expect to see results from drilling until September 2019. Management notes there is still a small amount of work to be done before getting to drill targets. Two structural geologists have been busy on the project to further define the best drill targets. Palamina notes that it has been in talks with companies for potential future joint ventures on its other project in Puno. The company's management team boasts more than 35 collective years of experience on the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt. "In just the last two years alone, Palamina's board of directors and advisory board have cumulatively raised over $50 million and defined over 7 million ounces of gold on a number of projects," Thomson stated. Presently, Palamina has just under 30 million shares outstanding with roughly 40 million shares fully diluted. Palamina's stock currently sits at CA$0.39, giving it a market cap of approximately CA$11.65 million. [NLINSERT] 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 Palamina Corp., a company mentioned in this article. TICKERS: JCO; JROOF Source: Keith Schaefer for Streetwise Reports (12/4/18) Keith Schaefer, publisher of Oil & Gas Investments Bulletin, profiles a small-cap oil and gas firm active in the Oklahoma STACK that he believes stands out from the pack. Update: On Dec. 10 Jericho Oil announced that Valkyrie 19-12-06, a high-rate, single mile Meramec oil well in Blaine County, "achieved a peak 24-hour rate of 725 oil-equivalent barrels ("BOE") per day (55% oil). The 30-day normalized rate (IP30) for this ~4,500 ft perforated lateral well was 625 BOE per day (52% oil). Initial rates of productivity from the Valkyrie continue to strongly support the Company's confidence in its multi-zone developments and the overall value of our coveted STACK acreage position. The Valkyrie, in addition to the STACK JV's previously announced Wardroom Meramec well, located 2 miles to the southeast, show consistent performance of the STACK resource, crucial to our Company's long-term net asset value." More details are available here. Oil stocks will be a screaming buy sometime between now and Dec. 31. Tax loss selling pressure will add to the pressure of lower oil prices, and some crescendo of selling will hit in the coming weeks, if not days. So where do I look to buy into this fear? I'll tell you why I'm looking at Jericho Oil Corp. (JCO:TSX.V; JROOF:OTC) They've hit on a couple monster wells in the last quarter, validating all their acreage. They're in Oklahoma, which enjoys some of the best oil prices in North America. And Encana's $5.5 billion buyout of Newfield tells me the industry loves this play. All these producers will have a reflex bounce up come Januaryjust from the mindless selling pressure of tax loss time ending. There is a "gimme" of 20-30% coming in early January. But I think you have to be analytical to figure out where The Big Winners will be. Pricing power has actually become A Big Deal for oil producers. Oklahoma is getting GREAT pricing, just $1.50/b off WTI. The Big Oil Plays in North America are suffering from severe price discounts. Permian producers got scorched early this year as the amount of oil being produced overwhelmed infrastructure and West Texas oil prices tumbled to first $8, then $12 and finally $20/b lower than WTI pricing. The Bakken in North Dakota had been enjoying a premium to WTI after the Dakota Access Pipeline went into service last yearbut surging production there has already filled it and that premium has rapidly fallen to a $20/b discount on some days recently. One of the largest producing basins is the Canadian oil sands, and those barrels have had a $50/b discount some days. That's really ugly. So I'm looking to invest where I can get the best bang for my buckand that's the U.S. midcontinent. STACK Drilling Results Far Better Than Lofty Expectations Jericho got into the STACK play in textbook fashionit spent 2015/2016 patiently buying assets for pennies on the dollar, a rare company armed with cash in a world full of desperate sellers. 2018 was the inflection point where Jericho Oil switched from asset accumulation mode to production growth mode. The early results for Jericho's STACK wells have vastly exceeded management's own lofty expectations. Jericho's first well was the Wardroom 13-19N-13W #1H well, which was put on production early this summer. The well targeted the Meramec formation within the STACK and the results knocked the ball out of the park. This was a monster well. Where Jericho Has Been Drilling Source: Jericho Oil Corporate Presentation The Meramec well came on production at an eye-popping 950 boe/day. That was a top decile result for the entire basin and Jericho did it on their very first attempt. Todayafter 230 daysthe well has verified the quality of Jericho's acreage. Jericho's second well was the Swordspear 15-23N-10W location. This well targeted a second formation within the STACK which called the Osage. The Osage is quite different than the Meramec because it is a conventional reservoir. Conventional means lower rates of initial production, but also much lower decline rates. This is the kind of production that generates stable cash flows that most junior growth companies don't have access to. Jericho's Swordspear well came on at an excellent production rate of 500 boe/day. Since then production from the well has remained exceptionally strong. After 30 days the well was still doing 450 boe/day. Just yesterday they said the well has averaged 330 boepd after 160 days. Having the Osage as a low-decline, second formation provides the perfect complement to the big initial production rates of the Meramec. These 2018 drilling results from Jericho really couldn't have been better. And while the results have been excellent they really aren't all that surprising. Competitors including Alta Mesa, Chaparral, Devon, Continental, Newfield, Exxon Mobil and Staghorn have been drilling excellent wells all around Jericho. The economics of this acreage are equal to the best in the industry. Source: Newfield Exploration Presentation Not surprisingly, leasing activity in the play has increased by 1,800% over last year. . .making STACK acreage more highly coveted. The industry wants this play badly. We don't have to look any further than the $5.5 billion that Encana (ECA-NYSE/TSX) just agreed to pay for Newfield Exploration (NFX-NYSE) for proof of that. So we've got: Good oil prices Great wells And now for 3. . .a land value underpinning the stock that's worth 2-5x what the stock is trading for. This kind of valuation is really only relevant on a buyout, but it's the kind of valuation that lets me sleep at night. Jericho and Partners' 16,000 Net Core Acres in the STACK Source: Jericho Oil Corporate Presentation Today Jericho and its partners are sitting on 16,000 net acres of highly coveted STACK acreage. On average, Jericho was able to acquire that land for $2,300 per acre. What is that land worth today? It isn't hard to determine. With companies now rapidly acquiring acreage all around Jericho we have a steady flow of documented arm's length data points available to do such a calculation. Documented STACK Transactions Source: Chaparral Energy Adjusted for production, STACK acreage has been trading hands at prices ranging from $8,500 to $20,938 per acre. That is hard, verifiable, data. This provides us with a range of values, many of which were established when oil prices were much lower than today and when the play was much less proven. What these data points show us is that acreage today is worth 4 to 10 times what Jericho paid for it. Jericho's "buy when there is blood in the streets" strategy has allowed the company to make multiples on their investment. That's why I'm looking to increase my position in Jericho. To conclude, I would add a couple soft points. JCO has a smart, deep-pocketed and tightly held shareholder base. These shareholders include unusually heavy hitters like Ed Breen, the CEO of Dow DuPont. It is a shareholder group that screams of credibility and long-term thinking. These insiders own a full 46% of Jericho's shares. These people all get paid one way. . .if Jericho's share price goes up over the long term. All of this is a recipe for commodity development success. Buy good assets when commodity prices are low, then develop those assets and sell the production when commodity price rise. Keith Schaefer is editor and publisher of the Oil & Gas Investments Bulletin, which finds, researches and profiles growing oil and gas companies that Schaefer buys himself, so Bulletin subscribers know he has his own money on the line. He identifies oil and gas companies that have high or potentially high growth rates and that are covered by several research analysts. He has a degree in journalism and has worked for several Canadian dailies but has spent over 15 years assisting public resource companies in raising exploration and expansion capital. [NLINSERT] Disclosure: 1) Keith Schaefer disclosures are below. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Jericho Oil. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has a consulting relationship with Jericho Oil. Please click here for more information. An affiliate of Streetwise Reports is conducting a digital media marketing campaign for this article on behalf of Jericho Oil. Please click here for more information. 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy. 4) This article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until 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 securities of Jericho Oil, a company mentioned in this article. Keith Schaefer and Oil and Gas Investments Bulletin Disclosures: DISCLOSURE: I am long Jericho Oil. Management at Jericho Oil has reviewed and sponsored this story. The information in this newsletter does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of a corporation or entity, including U.S. Traded Securities or U.S. Quoted Securities, in the United States or to U.S. Persons. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption therefrom. Any public offering of securities in the United States may only be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the corporation or entity and its management as well as financial statements. No securities regulatory authority in the United States has either approved or disapproved of the contents of any newsletter. Keith Schaefer is not registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"): as a "broker-dealer" under the Exchange Act, as an "investment adviser" under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or in any other capacity. He is also not registered with any state securities commission or authority as a broker-dealer or investment advisor or in any other capacity. Charts provided by the author. Bay of Plenty Our client has plenty of work in the pipeline and as such they are in need of hammerhands for an immediate start.The successful... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz Bay of Plenty lifeguards are some of many who have learnt the skills to help save lives in challenging rock rescues, helicopter call-outs and beach scenarios after attending a recent surf lifesaving school. Their skills are so in-demand that some lifeguards have already put them to use in a real rescue. Eighteen lifeguards from Surf Life Saving New Zealand clubs in Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Gisborne took part in the Zespri Intermediate Lifeguard School. Lessons were run in the classroom, on the beach, and in the water at Whangamata Surf Life Saving Club from Friday November 16 to Sunday November 18. Head instructor James Lloyd says the lifeguards already had the basic skills with one - two years of patrolling under their belts with their local clubs, but the school teaches higher level skills to tackle some of the more challenging real-life situations where lifeguards are called to help. We had a great team of instructors and mentors from around the region who helped them build upon rescue and first aid techniques, and talked to them about how things can unfold when its all happening, and made sure theyre prepared. The sunny weekend brought lots of beach-goers out, and many watched the training and chatted with the lifeguards, as they ran a huge range of practical scenarios, with training signs up. During the weekend the group learned about first aid treatment of spinal injuries, heart attacks and anaphylactic reaction, how to set up a landing space for a helicopter, tube and board rescues, and spent a lot of time on rescues on and off rocks. With the environments around New Zealands coast, were often operating in large swells and strong currents and around rocks. Theres lots of Kiwis that like to walk on the rocks and fish off them, says James. So we staged lots of rescues off the rocks and showed our lifeguards how to navigate getting patients off the rocks safely in the surf. We first spent a lot of time in the classroom with our instructors whove been around for some time, and made sure the lifeguards understood all the safety aspects and correct techniques before heading out and putting it into practice. The skills have already been put to use, with one student using his training to take part in a rock rescue on Tuesday November 20. Instructor Phoebe Havill of Onemana SLSC was able to take student Callum Fulton of Whangamata SLSC with her on the rescue, which helped bring home how important these skills are. James says he is impressed with all the candidates enthusiasm, learning and growth in their skills through the weekend. For them to be there, they are already people who are doing a lot to give back to their community and to those around them. But they learned a lot and developed skills and leadership with the teamwork they were doing together. These guys are the next leaders for these clubs and Im looking forward to seeing them take the skills they have learnt back to their clubs and local communities. The Top Candidate was awarded to Lukas Harris from Pukehina Surf Rescue, while the Best Attitude award went to Sam Cox from Pauanui SLSC. Out of the Mentors, Georgia Eldridge from Waihi Beach Lifeguard Service was named as Top Mentor. The school is fully sponsored by Zespri, who are the Primary Regional Partner for Surf Life Saving New Zealand in the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Gisborne, which gives a huge boost to the lifeguards who attended the school and takes the financial pressure of those volunteers and the clubs that support them. Its really important to have that support from Zespri so our lifeguards can keep upskilling and be ready when people need their help. Without their support we wouldnt have been able to run the school. Top candidate 2018: Lukas Harris, Pukehina Surf Rescue Top Mentor 2018: Georgia Eldridge, Waihi Beach Lifeguard School Best attitude 2018: Sam Cox, Pauanui Surf Life Saving Club Some of the skills the young lifeguards learned included: Tauranga organisations, Trustpower and Bay Venues have announced New Zealand energy and telecommunications company Trustpower will be the new naming sponsor of Baypark. From December 2018 Baypark, the largest community, sporting and events venue in the Bay of Plenty, will be officially known as Trustpower Baypark. Baypark provides a wide range of activities such as community sports, concerts and cultural events, exhibitions and shows as well as international level sporting fixtures. It has also been home to speedway in the Bay of Plenty for many years. The multi-faceted venue includes the Trustpower Arena and Trustpower Stadium, both of which are used extensively throughout the year. The colourful new Trustpower branding of the venue will be installed over the next few weeks. Being part of the community is an essential part of Trustpowers DNA and we have supported local organisations like the Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter for many years," says Trustpower CEO Vince Hawksworth. Were excited about our new partnership with Baypark and the opportunity to be involved in an even wider range of community events and activities here on our home turf. Bay Venues CEO Gary Dawson believes that Trustpowers involvement could not have come at a better time, with the facilitys usage and enquiry rates at unprecedented levels. We are very excited to be able to form a naming rights partnership with Trustpower a successful Tauranga company that has the same underlying community objectives as ourselves that is to enrich the lives of those living in Tauranga. Local use and enjoyment of Baypark has grown year on year and Trustpowers involvement with Baypark will ensure future growth and accessibility for all sectors of our community through their participation, or attendance at the many events and activities currently available at the venue." Update 6pm - Civil Defence has determined a 7.6 magnitude earthquake which hit near Loyalty Islands will not affect New Zealand. The earthquake hit southeast of Loyalty Islands at about 5.18pm NZT, says Civil Defence in a media release. "MCDEM has assessed the information with the assistance of science advisors. Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will affect New Zealand. "This will be the final message via the National Warning System for this event unless the event parameters change significantly." Earlier: Civil Defence is assessing whether a 7.6 magnitude earthquake near Loyalty Islands will affect New Zealand. The earthquake hit southeast of Loyalty Islands at about 5.18pm NZT, says Civil Defence in a media release. The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management and GNS Science are currently assessing whether this has created a tsunami that could affect New Zealand. If a tsunami has been generated in this location it is not likely to arrive in New Zealand for at least 3 hours. We will send a further update to media as soon as the initial assessment has been completed. Updates will also be published on our website www.civildefence.govt.nz, NZCivilDefence Facebook page and Twitter @NZCivilDefence. Only messages issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre messages do not represent the official warning status for New Zealand. New Zealand is retaining its World Bank title as the best country in the world to do business with, after continuing to see massive and unprecedented growth in the high-paid tech sector. Tauranga based company GPS-IT is one of many contributing to this. NZTech head Graeme Muller says the number of tech sector jobs continues to grow rapidly, with 2830 new jobs created in 2017 and an estimated additional 3200 in 2018, making the tech sector easily the fastest growing in New Zealand. The employment growth has been fastest in computer system design firms like Xero, Push Pay and others who have added close to 15,000 new jobs in the past decade, Muller says. A growing tech sector in 2018 is something for all New Zealanders to celebrate for many reasons. The growth is not limited to one part of the country. New tech roles are highly paid generating new wealth for regional New Zealand and research has found that for every new tech role created 4.9 other support roles are created in a community, he says. There are growing examples of globally successful tech firms operating out of the regions such as Animation Research in Dunedin, GPS-IT in Tauranga and TracMap in Mosgiel. The regions are now looking more attractive for successful tech exporters. We saw The Straker Group, an internationally successful Kiwi translation software firm, begin the process of moving up to 20 of their staff from Auckland to Gisborne during 2018. This growth in digital workers is not limited to the tech sector with most large organisations also trying to employ from the same limited talent pool which is driving up salaries to more than twice the New Zealand average. The growing digital skills shortage was highlighted in an analysis of the market last year by the Digital Skills Forum and is the focus of a Digital Skills Hui at Wellington in March, bringing together all the relevant government agencies, leading tech employers, education facilities and NGOs to develop policy and programmes to enable New Zealand to respond quickly. The exponential growth of the tech sector is expected to increasingly impact regional development in a positive way and New Zealand is well placed to benefit from a quick response to digital skills demand and future of work opportunities, says Graeme. NZTech works closely with government and is encouraged by the investment in teachers skills to support the introduction of the new digital technology curriculum in class rooms throughout New Zealand. In todays weather forecast we are expecting showers developing in the morning, possibly heavy and thundery with hail from the afternoon, and clearing in the evening as westerlies change southerly. Its a three-clothing layer day today with a high of 19 and an overnight low of 10 degrees. Humidity is 79 per cent. Low tide is at 12.50pm and high tide at 7pm (Tay St). Theres a sea swell of 0.3m and sea temperature is 19 degrees. Sunset tonight is at 8.21pm. If youre going fishing the next best fish bite time is between 11.30am and 1pm. On this day in NZ history in 1905 special votes were cast in the general election. For the first time in New Zealands electoral history, registered voters who were away from their electorate on polling day were able to cast a special absentee vote at any polling booth in the country. On this day in world history in 1492 Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Santo Domingo in search of gold. In 1812 the majority of Napoleon Bonapartes Grand Armee staggered into Vilna, Lithuania, ending the failed Russian campaign. In 1877 Thomas A. Edison made the first sound recording when he recited Mary had a Little Lamb into his phonograph machine. In 1906 Lieutenant Thomas E. Selfridge flew a powered, man-carrying kite that carried him 168 feet in the air for seven minutes at Baddeck, Nova Scotia. In 1922 Benito Mussolini threatened Italian newspapers with censorship if they kept reporting false information. In 1967 Adrian Kantrowitz performed the first human heart transplant in the US. In 1969 Hells Angels, hired to provide security at a Rolling Stones concert at the Altamont Speedway in California, beat to death concert-goer Meredith Hunter. In 2006 NASA revealed photographs from Mars Global Surveyor that suggested the presence of water on the red planet. Today is the birthday of Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist. Born in 1952, he once said Right now, the biggest shared value that I can think of is that you should treat others the way you want to be treated, and just have some good sense about what matters to you. To get involved in activities around the Bay of Plenty, please check out our Whats on page. Have a great day! A winter storm forecast for Saturday didn't materialize as feared, and Sidney's Christmas Kickoff and Parade of Lights went off without a hitch. Many residents braved the cold weather to attend kickoff events and the parade, which boasted a record 20 floats. For the second straight year, Sidney High School won the Organization Float. Security First Bank and Sidney Regional Medical Center teamed up for the Parade Theme Award, and Points West Bank & Insurance won the Griswold Award. To the left, High Plains CASA provided a chili and cinnamon roll dinner while others had crafts ready for attendees. And, of course, Santa made it in time to close the parade and see the towns children. Syracuse, N.Y. -- The future of a state program that provides seed money for promising young Central New York companies with university ties is up in the air with the pending retirement of state Sen. John DeFrancisco. DeFrancisco, R-DeWitt, has been the legislative sponsor of the Grants for Growth program since it launched in 2006. But he is retiring at the end of the year. Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, the economic development organization that administers the grants, said he's concerned about the program's future after DeFrancisco's departure. In Albany, "member items" such as the Grants for Growth program are not automatically renewed after their legislative sponsor leaves. "We're trying to talk to other members of our (legislative) delegation about funding," he said. "And we're talking to private investors about supporting it." Onondaga County Comptroller Bob Antonacci, a Republican like DeFrancisco, will succeed DeFrancisco after beating Democrat John Mannion in the race for the 50th District Senate seat on Nov. 6. Antonacci said CenterState is one of numerous organizations that have asked to meet with him regarding future state funding for various programs. He said he plans to ask all of them to demonstrate the success of the programs before he agrees to support new funding. "Everyone's got to be measured and be able to justify their funding request," he said. "I'm very committed to economic development, but I'm also committed to accountability for economic development." Launched in 2006, the program originally provided matching grants of up to $75,000 to companies partnering with a college or university to bring products from the research stage to the marketplace. In 2012, the program was modified. Companies can now qualify for grants in one of two categories based on their growth stage: $25,000 "proof of concept" grants for early-stage companies and "concept to marketplace" loans up to $150,000 that CenterState can convert into ownership shares in some circumstances. The program has invested $4.47 million in state money into a total of 86 companies. Included among the recipients are three Syracuse-area startups that are seeing strong growth: Ephesus Lighting Simple Admit Ichor Therapeutics The program sprang from a report issued by CenterState's predecessor, the Metropolitan Development Association, in 2004 that identified ways for the central Upstate New York area could build a technology-drive, knowledge-based economy. Called "The Essential New York Initiative," the report recommended that the region establish a capital network for entrepreneurs who would start and grow technology companies in the area. The report identified two reasons for the critical shortage of business startups in the central Upstate area: A lack of local industry-university partnerships to commercialize new technologies and a dearth of venture capital to help promising young companies get off the ground. The Grants for Growth program was designed to address both issues. The grants are available to support innovative applied research projects between universities and industry, with an emphasis on those with the best chance of creating local jobs. "A university-industry partnership was the key," said Simpson. The state is providing $400,000 for the program for 2019, though some of that money could be doled out in grants and loans in later years if any is left over at the end of next year. Even if Antonacci supports funding for Grants for Growth, the program's survival isn't guaranteed. While the Senate was under Republican control, DeFrancisco's support assured that the funding would be there. Antonacci, however, will find himself in the Senate minority. Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 Syracuse, NY -- A Liverpool man who has a history of drinking and driving appeared for sentencing today on separate incidents from spring. Dakota Spicer, 24, was spared jail in a deal worked out by his lawyer, Tylyn Bozeman. County Court Judge Stephen Dougherty commended her work. Instead of going to jail, Spicer would spend 5 years on probation for incidents in March and April. But if he messed up, he could be sent to prison for 1 1/3 to 4 years. Spicer wasn't happy. "Why can't I just get a year in jail now?" the man asked. Spicer expressed little confidence that he could stay out of trouble for five years. He'd wind up in prison after messing up, he said. "Are you planning on violating probation?" Dougherty asked him. "Just the fact you're saying you'd rather take a year in jail proves to me you need probation." "I'd rather just get it over with," Spicer replied. "That's great, just violate probation and we'll get it over with," the judge fired back sarcastically. "Do I have a great track record to this point?" Spicer asked. The banter continued before the judge turned to his sentence. "I don't want you to violate probation," the judge said seriously. "No one wants you to." If Spicer did well for the first few years, he could be released from probation early. "That's something to look forward to," the judge said. Spicer continued grumbling as he walked out of court. "Do I have to go over to (probation) now?" he asked his lawyer. She handed him the court paperwork. "Read the blue sheet, it'll tell you," she said. "I can't read," he responded as he walked out of court. Pande "Pete" Trifunovski is accused of killing his wife Snezana "Suzie" Trifunovski, according to Onondaga County Sheriff Eugene Conway. Syracuse, NY -- A Lysander man accused of murdering his wife argued today that media exposure has ruined his chance for a fair trial. Pete Trifunovski, 69, is facing what will amount to a life sentence for the January beating and strangling of his wife, Suzie, inside their home along the Seneca River, just off River Road. Onondaga County sheriff's deputies say Trifunovski killed his wife, then hid her body in a storage unit. He was arrested after returning to the residence. Trifunovski is headed to murder trial next week. But, he argued, coverage by local media has made it impossible to pick a fair jury. County Court Judge Stephen Dougherty quickly rejected Trifunovski's request, noting it was made too late and in the wrong court. Then the judge urged Trifunovski to stop listening to fellow inmates, who the judge surmised were giving him amateur legal advice. "Remember, the advice you are getting are from people in jail," Dougherty told him. "Whatever advice these inmates are giving you is garbage." Instead, Trifunovski should consult with his assigned lawyer, Ken Moynihan, and his own family, the judge said. Moynihan said he didn't think there was any legal basis to move the trial. But he promised to quiz potential jurors about their knowledge of the case. The judge noted that prosecutors were willing to consider a plea to manslaughter, with an 18-year prison sentence. Trifunovski has previously rejected an offer of 15 years to life in prison for murder. Moynihan had one last conversation with Trifunovski about that offer. Prosecutors Joseph Coolican and Jarrett Woodfork left the courtroom so Trifunovski and his lawyer could talk in private. But Trifunovski decided to take his case to trial. He's facing up to 25 years to life in prison, if convicted. It's unclear what Moynihan's strategy will be at trial. The lawyer has previously said it appeared Trifunovski killed his wife in a fit of passion. But even if the jury agreed, that would likely not be enough to lower his punishment below the plea offers made before trial. Jury selection begins Monday. Trifunovski remains jailed. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Hundreds of Old Newsboys will spread across Central New York Friday and Saturday to hawk The Post-Standard to raise money for the Christmas Bureau, which provides gifts, food and other items to Onondaga County families in need. The goal of the annual Old Newsboys Hope for the Holidays fundraiser is the same as it's been for more than eight decades: Every child deserves a gift on Christmas. "Hope for the Holidays is the best of Syracuse traditions - we celebrate the holiday season and raise money for our community - built on the award-winning tradition of The Post-Standard," said Tim Kennedy, president of Advance Media New York. "Hope matters for the 3,000 families that benefit from our collective efforts. Hope matters for all of us." Want to donate now? You can do it online Andrew Sabbaghzadeh, of the Salvation Army, said the Old Newsboys is vital to the Christmas Bureau. The Christmas Bureau, which is sponsored by the Salvation Army and the United Way of CNY, served 7,000 children in 2017. "And we expect about the same, if not more, this year," Sabbaghzadeh said. The Christmas Bureau Distribution Day will be held Dec. 19. Eligible low-income families receive a book, a toy and a stocking stuffer for each child in the family. Each family receives a gift card to get food for a holiday dinner and extra food to help them feed their children during the school break. Registration is being held now. Visit the Salvation Army's website for more information. Hundreds of volunteers make the day possible and the donation from the Old Newsboys fundraiser is essential, Sabbaghzadeh said. "It's the single biggest donation towards the Christmas Bureau that we receive," he said. "I'm not sure we could pull it off without it." Old Newsboys will be stationed on street corners, stores and gas stations Friday and Saturday hawking newspapers for donations with the same message to the community from the 1930s: "Buy a paper ... give what you can." The newspapers are donated and all the money collected goes to the Christmas Bureau. Tom Brown, chairman of the Old Newsboys sale and The Post-Standard's circulation director, said he's excited for the hawking to begin. "We hope for another sale blessed with generous contributions from the community, good fun and comraderie amongst those doing the selling and a wonderful Christmas season," Brown said. Nancy Kern Eaton, president of United Way of CNY, said the Old Newsboys campaign is a fun way to support such an important mission. "This is a time of year where we feel really grateful," she said. "Many us pause to count our blessings. Part of counting those blessing is helping other people have them." SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Catholic Diocese of Syracuse has acknowledged its list of 57 priests accused of child sex abuse could be incomplete. The diocese published the list for the first time on Monday, after years of advocates calling for more transparency in the handling of clergy sex abuse cases. A chorus of those same advocates -- including victims and lawyers -- now say the list is incomplete. Three survivors of clergy sex abuse and three lawyers who have represented victims told Syracuse.com they were aware of allegations against priests who were not on the list. Diocese Chancellor Danielle Cummings said her office has heard from people who believe the list is incomplete. As allegations surface, the diocese will investigate and update the list as needed, Cummings said. The list is published on the diocese's website. Cummings said she expects to make a public announcement if any new names are added. The diocese is still investigating allegations concerning conduct from decades ago, Cummings said. The allegations surfaced in the last year as the diocese started a compensation program for victims, she said. Yet advocates say the list also excludes names of priests who were reported to the diocese years or even decades ago. Cummings said the diocese investigates and reports each claim to the district attorney in the county where the abuse is alleged to have occurred. A Diocesan Review Board, made up of lay people and clergy members, oversees investigations. The board determines if a claim is credible based on at least one of the following three criteria: The claim is "reasonable, plausible and probable." The claim can be corroborated with evidence or other sources. The abuse is admitted by the accused. "If a name is not on the list, the Diocesan Review Board determined it was not a credible allegation," Cummings said. In an interview Monday, Bishop Robert Cunningham said the number of accused priests who were "cleared" by the diocese is relatively small. Charles Bailey, a survivor of abuse himself and leader of the local Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said the list was "riddled with inconsistencies, errors and omissions." He takes issue with how the diocese reported the name of his abuser, Rev. Thomas Neary. Bailey said Neary raped him hundreds of times beginning when he was 10 years old. The diocese included Neary on a list of 20 priests against whom allegations were reported after their deaths and might not be substantiated. Bailey said he has talked to other victims of Neary who say they reported their abuse to the diocese prior to Neary's death in 2001. Bailey and others are calling for the diocese to release additional information about the priests, including how and when they were removed from ministry, what the nature and extent of the abuse was, and in the case of living priests, where they are now. "Just to throw their name out there is nowhere near enough," Bailey said. "Give us the full story." George O'Neil, a survivor of abuse by Rev. Daniel Casey, said the release of the list Monday was a good gesture by the bishop. "I feel that the list is a step forward for the Catholic church. But the list is incomplete. It's missing names," said O'Neil, who is also active with SNAP and said he is connected with several other victims. Kevin Braney, a survivor of abuse by Rev. Charles Eckermann, said he too felt mixed emotions about the release of the list. "It is a big step in the healing process for victims and families and for everyone else who been wondering about this," Braney said. "The bottom line is those names are out and kids and families are going to be safer as a result." Braney said he was nonetheless disappointed to see that names of some priests he believes belong on the list were not included. "I hope there is a recognition that this is not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter that has to run its course," Braney said. Braney's attorney Jon Little, of Indiana, said he believes the diocese has not properly investigated all claims. He said other clients he represents are disappointed their abusers were not included on the list. Other attorneys echoed his comments. The New York State Attorney General in February announced a statewide probe into handling of sexual abuse cases. The Syracuse diocese said it was cooperating and would turn over all allegations to investigators. The AG's office has encouraged victims and anyone with information about abuse to call its hotline at 1-800-771-7755 or file a complaint online. Do you have an experience to share about clergy sexual abuse? Contact reporter Julie McMahon anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992 SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Three struggling Syracuse city schools may be taken over by outside managers. The state Education Department announced today Danforth Middle School, Dr. King Elementary School and Westside Academy at Blodgett middle school may be taken over by an independent receiver because they did not make enough improvement in student performance and other measures during the 2017-2018 school year. The school district has 60 days to appoint an independent receiver and have that appointment approved by the state. An independent receiver would take over management and operation of the schools and develop an improvement plan. The independent receiver could be an individual, a nonprofit group with a proven track record of improving school performance or another school district in good standing approved by the state Education Department. As an alternative, the district could ask the state to phase out one or more of the three schools and replace them with new schools with different staffing, instructional practices and school environments. The Syracuse district took that approach with Fowler High School which was closed at the end of the 2016-2017 school year and replaced by Public Service Leadership Academy at Fowler, a high school focused on career and technical education to prepare students for careers in public service like firefighting and emergency response. It also did that when it replaced Hughes elementary with Syracuse Latin. Superintendent Jaime Alicea said today the district will work with the state over the next 60 days to come up with a plan for the three schools. The district hopes to phase out and replace the schools instead of turning them over to an independent receiver, Alicea said. But that decision will ultimately be made by the state Education Department. "We will work to do what is best for students and staff in those three buildings," Alicea said. The three schools had been making progress, but slipped during the 2017-2018 school year, he said. "I was disappointed and I know the staff worked hard to support our kids, he said. If they are turned over to an independent receiver that would not happen until the 2019-2020 school year. No school in New York state has yet to be taken over by an independent receiver. Three underperforming schools in Rochester, Buffalo and the Bronx at risk of being turned over to independent receivers were closed instead. Danforth, King and Westside are among seven city schools that have been on a state watch list for three years because of poor performance. The four others have made improvement, according to the Education Department. They include Dr. Weeks elementary, Frazer pre-K-8, Henninger High School and Lincoln Middle School. Under state law, the struggling schools were put under the receivership of the district's superintendent who was given unprecedented authority to overhaul the schools and turn them around. When the receivership program began in the 2014-2015 school year, 18 city schools were placed under the receivership of the superintendent. Syracuse has the poorest school district in Central New York. Census data show about half the city's children live in poverty. The district also has many students from other countries who are not fluent in English. About 17 percent of the district's children are English-as-a-second language students. Contact James T. Mulder anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-2245 New York -- The New York Police Department plans to soon launch a fleet of 14 drones across the city. Officials said the drones would be used to monitor crowds, investigate hazardous waste spills, handle hostage situations, reach remote areas in crime scenes and more, according to The New York Times. They will not be used for routine patrols, unlawful surveillance or to enforce traffic laws. The drones will not be equipped with weapons, the Times said. "Drone technology will give our cops and their incident commanders an opportunity to see what they're getting into before they go into harm's way," Chief of Department Terence Monahan said, according to the Times. "For this reason alone, it would be negligent for us not to use this technology." The department will voluntarily report data on the drone program, the Times said. So far, 29 officers are trained to fly the drones with more training planned in the weeks ahead. Officials shared plans on the drone program with community groups ahead of Tuesday's announcement, but critics are still concerned, according to the New York Daily News. Christopher Dunn, associate legal director for the New York Civil Liberties Union, pointed to a portion of the policy governing the program that allows use of the drones for any "public safety" reason the chief of department deems necessary, according to the Times. That would allow police to use the drones however they want, Dunn said. The use of drones opens the door to police building a permanent archive of footage involving political activity or intimate behavior that is visible only from the sky, Dunn said, according to the News. The Legal Aid Society agreed, the News said. "This department has a history of using powerful technology to unfairly target out clients and communities of color," the society said, according to the News. "Its continued unrestrained expansion will only sow distrust and increase unequal treatment of our clients. This is a dangerous step towards the further militarization of the NYPD." The department noted that over 900 police, fire and emergency units nationwide already use drones, according to CNN. "As the largest municipal police department in the United States, the NYPD must always be willing to leverage the benefits of new and always-improving technology," NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill said in a news release, according to CNN. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A water main break has flood parts of North Beech Street, forcing the city to close the street from Burnet Avenue to Hawley Avenue, according to Syracuse officials. The break has affected water service on the Northeast Side of the city, including Eastwood: Water pressure can expected to be lower, officials said. Flooding on North Beech street receded, but several properties in the area were affected, officials said. The Syracuse Fire Department and Red Cross are assisting residents. National Grid has shut off utilities in the immediate area. Repairs to the water pipe are expected to take at least 24 hours. The city will begin road repairs after the repairs are finish. Most of those who fell ill visited the park in the fall of 2017. Disneyland has denied it was the source, pointing to three infected people who had been in Anaheim but not at Disneyland. One of them died. Dr. Matthew Zahn, medical director for epidemiology at the Orange County Health Care Agency, told an appeals board judge at the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those three people were in nursing homes in Anaheim. He said health workers visited the nursing homes and determined there were no likely sources of the Legionella bacteria there. Tests around the time of the outbreak showed high levels of Legionella bacteria in two of Disneyland's cooling towers, which likely spread contaminated droplets to people in the park, Zahn said. The medical director said he concluded the three nursing home patients were probably sickened by Disneyland as well, because water infected with Legionella bacteria "can spread two to four miles." Zahn pointed out that cooling towers -- part of an air-conditioning system that releases mist -- are the most common source of Legionnaires' outbreaks. Disneyland cooling tower #4 had very high levels of Legionella bacteria when people began to fall sick, Zahn said. Once it was sanitized, Legionnaires' infections appeared to cease, he added. "Most likely those cases were related to a common exposure," Zahn said. "Cooling tower #4 was the most likely source of exposure." The health agency has never formally identified a cause of the outbreak. Upon questioning by Disneyland's lawyers, Zahn said he could not be 100 percent certain that Disneyland was the source of all of the cases without additional testing. He also said the county's environmental health workers could not identify a source of the outbreak when they examined the park's water sources in October last year. "They did not find an obvious -- on their pass through -- source," Zahn said. Earlier this year, Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown said in a statement: "We strongly object to Cal-OSHA's allegation that our cooling towers caused any illness, since the source of the outbreak has never been scientifically determined." In March, Cal-OSHA cited and fined Disneyland $33,000 for failing to properly clean cooling equipment linked to the outbreak and other related violations. The agency investigates only hazards that endanger workers, so its findings focus on how three Disneyland employees were infected and does not address the 19 non-employees sickened. Disneyland is appealing the citation at a two-day hearing in West Covina that began Tuesday. Christopher Merrill, the Cal-OSHA administrative law judge, will rule within 60 days. Zahn was a witness called by lawyers for Cal-OSHA. Testimony by the agency's witnesses will continue Wednesday. Disneyland is expected not to call any witnesses, Merrill said. Cal-OSHA lawyers also called Christopher Casteel, who conducted the investigation into Disneyland's violations. Casteel, associate safety engineer with the agency's Department of Industrial Relations, said cleaning records showed that Disneyland did not follow proper guidelines to disinfect its cooling towers, thereby allowing high levels of bacteria to grow in the towers and spread in the park. Orange County health officials never formally identified the cooling towers as the source of the outbreak, and Disneyland officials have said that the test results don't definitively prove that the towers were to blame. Disneyland's cooling towers have been free of Legionella since November 2017, and there is currently no risk to the public, Orange County health officials said. Meanwhile, a young girl who was diagnosed with Legionnaires' after visiting Disneyland last fall filed a suit against the theme park last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The girl went to the theme park in mid-October last year to celebrate her mother's birthday and two weeks later developed a persistent cough, according to the lawsuit. "The facts don't support these claims and the lawsuit has no merit," Disney's Brown said Tuesday. The girl visited the theme park on Oct. 13, 2017, but the last person who developed Legionnaires' as part of this outbreak visited the park on Oct. 3, according to Zahn's testimony Tuesday. Sometimes a story is just too good to be true. A Syracuse Standard reporter learned this the hard way after hearing about an amazing discovery in the attic of Syracuse's St. Joseph's Hospital on Dec. 4, 1898. For the past year-and-a-half, the pages of the world's newspapers had been full of stories about the exploits of Swedish explorer Salomon August Andree, who, in 1897, had joined in the race to be the first to travel to the North Pole. Salomon August Andree Andree was an engineer and physicist and a self-proclaimed "instinctive survival expert." He got caught up in the excitement of reaching the North Pole and thought he had discovered the best way to get there. In a hydrogen balloon. King Oscar II of Norway and Sweden and Alfred Nobel were among those who helped finance his venture. His main selling point of his plan was he said he could steer the balloon with the use of "drag ropes," which would hang below the gondola and drag along the ground. The balloon, weighed down by ballast, would then fly at stable altitudes. The ropes and a sail would allow him to steer the balloon and after flying over the Pole he would turn toward either Canada or Russia, then walk back to civilization. Patriotic fervor exploded in Sweden around Andree's plan and readers around the world were fascinated. But his idea was one of the most ill-conceived in history. With little balloon experience and no preparation or training, Andree took off in July, accompanied by Knut Fraenkel and photographer Nils Strindberg Almost immediately, the plan fell apart. Two of the three ropes fell out shortly after takeoff and then the balloon began to leak hydrogen. After just 65 hours in the air an arctic storm brought the balloon down after traveling 295 miles. Andree and his team survived the crash and started walking south. They had three sledges, a tent, a small boat and three months worth of food with them, but lacked warm clothing. They had guns, which they used to hunt polar bears. (They had plenty to drink, but the crates of beer, wine and champagne had to be abandoned.) But the dragging of the heavy sledges and digestive issues, possibly from Trichinella parasites they had ingested in polar bear meat, wore them out. St. Joseph's Hospital as it would have looked in the late 1890s. The building was said to the highest point on the Syracuse's north side and was thought to be the logical spot a pigeon flying from the North Pole would land in the city. The ice drifted beneath their feet as they walked causing them to make no progress despite their exertions. In early October, they reached the island of Kvitoya where they hoped to winter and recover. No one in the civilized world knew what was happening with the expedition. Only two floating buoys carrying back messages had been recovered and none of their homing pigeons had returned. Until a message was received in Syracuse, of all places more a year later. On Dec. 4, 1898, hospital attendants ascended the steps of St. Joseph's Hospital, then the highest point on Syracuse's north side, after patients had said they had heard noises coming from the attic over their heads. The Syracuse Standard believed that the pigeon, supposedly carrying a message from the missing explorer was legitimate. The attendants found feathers all over the floor of the attic and then a small, emaciated pigeon, in such a "weakened condition" the Standard reported, "that it was unable to move wing or leg." The bird must have flown through an open window then become scared and confused. The nurses of the hospital placed the bird near a steam radiator and fed it. It was doubtful the bird would survive: "That the bird has made a long journey is quite evident from its starved appearance. Its heavy plumage fits loosely over a framework which is almost entirely devoid of flesh." The homing pigeon carried a weather-beaten note around its right leg, and when it was read for the first time, it caused all sorts of excitement. The message, written in French, said: Latitude 85 degrees 43'. Longitude 15 degrees east. We are going very slowly. Very cold. Dogs are dead. -Andree August 17 Could this really be a message from the missing explorer? Could he still be alive? Even more amazing, editors at the Standard wrote, if the coordinates were correct Andree was on his way towards accomplishing his goal. A pigeon fancier, "who knows pretty nearly all that there is to be known about pigeons," saw the bird that day while it recovered and vouched for its authenticity. "He carefully examined its plumage and then gave the positive opinion that the bird was a foreigner and did not belong in this country. He said that the unusually heavy plumage about the breast indicated that the bird was a native of a northern country." The Standard's pigeon story was called a "good story spoiled" and a "bad fake" by the Syracuse Courier. The discovery of the bird was "the only subject of discussion among the patients." But one of the Standard's competitor, the Syracuse Courier, did not buy the story. They examined the silver band that held the small note to the pigeon's leg. The letter "S", surrounded by a circle, was stamped on it, along with some numbers. A call to the president of the Syracuse Homing Pigeon Club, found that the "S" was the emblem of their club. The ID number on the band meant that it belonged to local club member Frank Broughton, who was conveniently out of town. The pigeon itself was just a "Syracuse bird." The Standard had fallen for a hoax. The Courier reveled in the Standard having been duped. Their headlines said it was "a bad fake" and a "good story spoiled." The Syracuse Daily Journal also got into the act, saying Syracuse had already fallen for the Cardiff Giant, "why not Andree's pigeon." It was not a pigeon from a far-off northern country, just a normal "Syracuse bird." "Whoever wrote the message," an Elmira newspaper said, "evidently intended to create a sensation, and he did." The Standard tried to save face, saying the paper's "story of the arrival of the strange bird was a simple recital of the facts. The Standard vouches for nothing more." It closed the matter by honoring the brave bird and the local hospital. Andree could not have chosen a "messenger more sagacious." "Whence it came or whither it went, it knew its business," the paper reported. The paper then went on to praise St. Joseph's. "Just as they take in and care for the humblest, when in sore distress, without questioning, they gave this spent bird a welcome and a warm corner in their gracious hearts. They dressed its hurts and gave it food. What they did was in pretty symbolism of the mission of the hospital." The little pigeon, the tool of someone's cruel prank, died three days after it was discovered, joining Salomon August Andree, who, along with the rest of his team died in Oct. 1897 less than two weeks after arriving at Kvitoya. The men's remains, as well as photographic film and Andree's journal, were discovered in 1930 and returned to Sweden for proper burial. This feature is a part of CNY Nostalgia, a section on syracuse.com. Send your ideas and curiosities to Johnathan Croyle: Email | 315-427-3958. 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. The personal data of some 100 million people who have used Quora, a popular question and answer website, has been compromised, the company disclosed Monday. We recently discovered that some user data was compromised as a result of unauthorized access to one of our systems by a malicious third party, wrote Quora CEO Adam DAngelo in an online post. We are working rapidly to investigate the situation further and take the appropriate steps to prevent such incidents in the future, he added. The intrusion which was discovered Friday, DAngelo noted placed the following information of Quora users at risk: Account information, such as name, email address, hashed password and data imported from linked networks when authorized by users; Public content and actions, such as questions, answers, comments and upvotes; and Non-public content and actions, such as answer requests, downvotes and direct messages. It is highly unlikely that this incident will result in identity theft, as we do not collect sensitive personal information like credit card or social security numbers, states a response on the companys FAQ page. Mild Breach Compared to other large data breaches such as the breach at the Marriott hotel chain last week, which affected some 500 million customers and enabled intruders to steal credit card numbers, dates of birth and passport numbers the Quora attack is relatively mild, said Ted Rossman, an industry analyst with Creditcards.com in Austin, Texas. The Quora breach seems more contained, he told TechNewsWorld. It was information that was already public or things that are not that sensitive, like email addresses. The risk for most Quora users isnt that severe, remarked Paul Bischoff, privacy advocate at Comparitech, a reviews, advice and information website focused on consumer security products. The stolen passwords are hashed and no payment information was breached, so theres little immediate threat to most people, he told TechNewsWorld. However, the small portion of users who utilized Quoras direct messaging platform might have exposed private information sent to other users, Bischoff added. A D V E R T I S E M E N T All personal information not just passwords and credit card numbers can be valuable to data abusers, though. As we saw with the Cambridge Analytica fiasco, access to personal likes, tastes, and other preferences can be used against individuals, Javvad Malik, a security advocate at AlienVault, a threat intelligence company in San Mateo, California, told TechNewsWorld. Chilling Effect on Sharing Theft of data at the site also could have other consequences for Quora. Since this is a knowledge-sharing platform, one of the risks of an incident like this is it could deter people from engaging in that kind of activity, which is productive and useful, said Thomas Jackson, chair of the technology practice group at Phillips Nizer, a law firm in New York City. Breaches like the one at Marriott put clients at risk because so much customer data is exposed, he told TechNewsWorld. In the Quora case, the main issue is going to be the willingness of inviduals to contribute going forward. Will it have a negative effect on postings and new signups? Once a breach occurs, the damage is done and theres no taking it back, added Bischoff. That being said, other than being breached, Quora did pretty much everything right, he continued. Passwords were stored as hashes and not in plain text. Quora promptly notified users of the breach and took action to remedy the issue. Leveraging Social Media Logins Although knowledge seekers with Quora-only accounts may be at minimal risk from the data breach, that might not be the case for those who use other services, such as Facebook and Google, to log into the website. For people who log into Quora using Facebook or Google authentication, there may be more identity information leaked, depending how much is contained in their Facebook or Google profiles, said Mounir Hahad, head of the threat lab for Juniper Networks, a network security and performance company based in Sunnyvale, California. People need to make sure their Google and Facebook profiles contain a minimal amount of personal information, he told TechNewsWorld. For example, neither service needs to know your exact date of birth to provide you with services. A D V E R T I S E M E N T The most useful information stolen by the cybercriminals likely will be a massive list of valid email addresses, Hahad said. Hackers will often turn around and sell this data on the underground market, he explained. Typical buyers are those that run spam platforms that cater to people trying to push products or build botnets. Whats a Consumer to Do? Consumers concerned about the risks posed to them by the Quora breach can take a number of steps to protect themselves. They should decouple their Quora accounts from other platforms, recommended Mike Bittner, digital security and operations manager at The Media Trust, a website and mobile application security company in McLean, Virginia. They should also change all their passwords, applying unique credentials to each one, he told TechNewsWorld, and check their credit cards for any unauthorized charges. Maintaining unique passwords across all accounts is particularly important, noted James Carder, CISO for LogRhythm, a cybersecurity solutions company in Boulder, Colorado. Its common for attackers to sweep other consumer platforms to test credentials they just stole, he told TechNewsWorld. Quora users also should be on the lookout for increased phishing and other attacks,he advised, as the black hats might have enough information to craft specially targeted ploys. More of the Same in the Future Until the Quora and Marriott attacks, 2018 was shaping up to be a down year for breaches, with 670 million records lost, compared to 1.58 billion in 2017, noted Terry Ray, CTO of Imperva, a web application firewall maker in Redwood City, California. Now, with two back-to-back major breaches compromising roughly 600 million total accounts, 2018 is in striking distance of matching or exceeding last year, he told TechNewsWorld. The future doesnt look bright, unless youre a data thief. All companies, regardless of size, should expect to be targeted by attackers and prepare themselves by knowing all the third parties they work with, The Media Trusts Bittner warned. Attacks are not a matter of if, but when, he added. Until companies can adequately protect their customers, this trend will not slow down, and the prognosis will not trend positively, Carder predicted. I thought the Equifax breach last year where they let 150 million accounts slip out the cracks would be a tipping point, said Creditcards.coms Rossman, but a year, later very little has changed. Its up to us to protect ourselves. A hot potato: Its worth noting that these results should be considered with a bit of caution. After all, the study was conducted by a Google competitor with a vested interest in attracting rival business. Even still, the results are fascinating and in line with other rumblings we've heard related to the not-so-private nature of Incognito mode. DuckDuckGo, makers of the privacy-minded search engine by the same name, has conducted a follow-up study on the state of Googles filter bubble. A filter bubble, for those unaware, is the alleged manipulation of search results based on your personal data such as past search history, your location, browsing history and even purchase history. The idea is that these metrics can be used to create personalized search results based on what a given algorithm thinks you might be most likely to click on. The problem, of course, is that sometimes, personalized recommendations arent wanted. Sometimes, you want to be able to access unbiased information or gather details on a topic you arent well versed in. Personalized search results can skew such research. The logical step for someone wishing to get unbiased search results (assuming they are even aware of filter bubbles) would be to remove themselves from the filter bubble. With regard to Google, one would seemingly do this by logging out of their Google account and entering private browsing mode. Yet in a recent study from DuckDuckGo, these steps proved ineffective in offering filter bubble protection. DuckDuckGo had 87 participants across the US search Google at the same time, logged out and in private browsing mode. Youd think their results would be similar but that wasnt the case. According to DuckDuckGo, most people saw results unique to them when searching for terms like gun control and vaccinations. Furthermore, Google included links for some users that it did not include for others and there was significant variation in the News and Videos infoboxes. The order of links also varied. This is important to note because links that are presented first are much more likely to be clicked versus those further down the page, thus influencing reach. Full details on the study are available for those interested in digging deeper. Lead image via Benny Thaibert, Shutterstock The big picture: Yandex is ultimately following along with Google's strategy of making it easy to access services that generate more revenue. Hardware can be a valuable business by itself, but not when margins are slim and the competition is high. Russian search engine company Yandex has decided it too must release more hardware so that its users can be even more entwined in services that generate ad revenue. Called Yandex.Phone, the budget Android offering brings only basic features and an onslaught of Yandex apps. Of course, what would a smartphone be these days without a custom digital assistant? Alice is Yandex's own virtual helper that understands Russian with almost human levels of accuracy. There are now around 34,000 different skills that Alice can perform. After launching its own app store in 2012, Yandex has already become more widely used than Google in Russia on Android devices. The company has also overtaken Google on desktop searches in Russia. Phone specs are fairly average, but a $270 price point (17,990 rubles) gives plenty of reasons for compromises made. A 5.65-inch Full HD+ IPS panel shows all that Android 8.1 has to offer with Yandex's own launcher. Dual 12MP and 5MP rear cameras along with a 5MP camera will provide adequate photography. Expandable storage is also present along side the 64GB of internal storage. A Snapdragon 630 paired with 4GB of memory may not be all that impressive, but again, expectations need to match the price point. A 3,050mAh battery is capable of being fast charged with Quick Charge 3.0. Also, there is a 3.5mm headphone and USB-C port on the device. Yandex.Phone launches on December 6 at the company's headquarters in Moscow, but will then become available a day later from Beeline, a major Russian carrier. M.Video and Eldorado retail stores will also be selling the device. Yandex also has Beru, its own e-commerce platform, where it will put its new phone up for sale. The Chinese scientist who said that he was instrumental in the birth of the world's first genetically edited babies is missing. Missing After Presenting Controversial Work At Hong Kong Summit The whereabout of He Jiankui are unknown since last Wednesday after he presented his controversial experiment at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing in Hong Kong. Local reports suggested that Chinese authorities placed the scientist under house arrest. China's government earlier ordered to stop He's work with Vice Minister of Science and Technology Xu Nanping describing the project as illegal and unacceptable. "The Ministry of Science and Technology has requested the relevant units to suspend the scientific and technological activities of the relevant personnel," Xu said. "The next step of the Ministry of Science and Technology will, on the basis of comprehensive and objective investigations, be investigated and dealt with in accordance with the law." On Leave Since February The Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, where He works as associate professor, however, said that the researcher is not detained. "Right now nobody's information is accurate, only the official channels are," a university spokesperson said. The spokesperson, however, did not provide further details saying that the institution could not answer questions regarding the matter at this time. The university, which also conducted a probe into the research, is distancing itself from He's work. The institution said that He has been on leave since February and that it has no knowledge of his research. Controversial Gene-Editing Experiment He set off a storm of controversy after he announced that he used the gene-editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9 to make changes to the embryonic genes of twin girls named Lulu and Nana who were born last month. The changes to their DNA made the babies immune to AIDS-causing HIV. Ethicists and the scientific community raised concern about the project saying that He used a potentially dangerous technology. While gene editing holds promise for treating certain conditions in those already born, scientists said that using gene editing on eggs, sperm or embryos may have unknown risks. For one, the changes made on the babies can be passed on to their future generations. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Qualcomm has officially unveiled its next-generation mobile processor, which premium flagships of the next few years are destined to come equipped with. It's called the Snapdragon 855, and it comes with a number of upgrades that usher phones into the future. For one, the chip will support 5G network connectivity. That's a big promise for Qualcomm to make, especially since a lot of carriers have been waxing poetic about this technology yet come up empty handed when asked to show proof or provide a concrete schedule. Qualcomm baking it into its latest platform lets 5G escape from the cruft of hype-talk, at least. Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 The announcement was expected. Around the same time a year ago, the company officially showed off its Snapdragon 845 mobile platform, also at the Snapdragon Technology Summit. However, the Snapdragon 855 isn't a mere spec bump from the 845. Rather, it's the first chip that will properly utilize 5G and will absolutely appear in the first wave of 5G-capable phones as the network slowly but surely gains footing. Qualcomm isn't mincing words here too. It's very straightforward about its claims, stating that this new platform will support "multi-gigabit" download speeds on 5G networks. A Major Step Toward 5G Networks This year's Snapdragon Technology Summit is also pretty special considering it's one of the last major milestones before 5G networks actually launch in the United States. Not only that, both AT&T and Verizon are making the rounds in the Grand Wailea hotel in Maui where the conference is taking place to demo real 5G devices as well. This is the first time for any carrier to do such a feat, since 5G demos in the past have been lackluster, if not totally theoretical or performed behind closed doors, as The Verge notes. When Will The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Be Released? Qualcomm is the top dog when it comes to mobile processors, at least in the United States. As such, there's very little question that it will appear in most major flagship phones from here on out. Whether or not it proves to be a big step forward in the smartphone chip game doesn't matter, really manufacturers are still going to put it in their latest phones. 2019 is a safe bet. As for the other improvements, Qualcomm says the chip will give "up to three times the AI performance compared to the previous generation mobile platform." In addition, there will be a computer vision processor baked into the platform, which helps to "recognize who and what you're capturing," according to Qualcomm executive Alex Katouzian. Makes sure to check back with Tech Times as we learn more about the Snapdragon 855. In the meantime, feel free to sound off in the comments section below if you have any thoughts! 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology together with Google have developed an artificial intelligence system that can create realistic 3-dimensional object models. In a paper, the team presented Visual Object Networks, a new system that is capable of creating shapes complete with 3D tweaks, including texture, lighting, and viewpoints. The paper was accepted at the 2018 Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS), a summit focusing on artificial intelligence. The conference will run from Dec. 2 to Dec. 9 in Montreal, Canada. AI Generating Realistic Images "Most computational models have only focused on generating a 2D image, ignoring the 3D nature of the world," explained the researchers. "This 2D-only perspective inevitably limits their practical usages in many fields, such as synthetic data generation, robotic learning, visual reality, and the gaming industry." Researchers bypassed these limits by going through a process they call "disentangled object representation." Basically, what happens is that the AI decomposes the image into three factors: shape, viewpoint, and texture. It also learns how to create 3-dimensional shapes before adding "2.5D" sketches. The process also allowed the researchers to train the system by using large troves of data from Google image search, Pix3D, and ShapeNet. However, to get VON to create images on its own, the team trained an adversarial network, also known as GAN, which is a two-part neutral network. The researchers revealed that after only two to three days, the AI can already produce realistic 128 x 128 x 128 objects. To test, the researchers calculated the Frechet Inception Distance of the images generated by the system and showed 200 pairs of generated images plus models to Amazon's Mechanical Turk. In both cases, the VON performed with flying colors. However, the work is not finished yet. The researchers want to later on work on the "coarse-to-fine" modeling of generating images at a higher resolution and synthesize natural scenes. 2018 NeurIPS Top Honors Aside from the VON project, the 2018 NeurIPS also announced three other best paper selections during the event's opening remarks, including submissions from Huawei Noah's Ark Lab and Microsoft Research. The Test of Time Award went to the researchers from NEC Laboratories of America and Google Zurich who submitted a paper on "The Tradeoffs of Large-Scale Learning." The NeurIPS 2018 conference is expected to be attended by almost 9,000 people throughout the week. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russia may have placed a new secret weapon into orbit during a scheduled rocket launch. The U.S. military fears that this mysterious object may have the ability to destroy other satellites in orbit. Mysterious Orbital Body A rocket that blasted off from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Western Russia on Nov. 30 was supposed to place three Rodnik communications satellites into orbit. The U.S. military's Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC), however, noticed something unusual. The CSpOC expected to track the three satellites and the upper stage of the launch vehicle, or four new orbital bodies in all, at the peak of the rocket's ascent. The CSpOC, however, found that five orbital objects left the rocket. Inspector Satellites It is possible that the upper stage of the rocket broke into two, or the Russians intentionally kept part of the launch a secret. If the latter is true, one of the five objects could the so-called inspector satellite. Inspector satellites are believed to be weaponized and may have the ability to destroy other satellites in orbit by nudging them into the Earth's atmosphere. Military officials believe that the ability to disable or destroy another country's satellite is a key national security capability and it is not the first time that Russia was suspected of launching a space weapon. In May 2014, Russia also launched a mysterious object dubbed 2014-28E into space. The object was initially thought of as a space junk but satellite trackers observed that it performed a number of interesting maneuvers. "Any satellite with the capability to maneuver has the potential to be a weapon," Joan Johnson-Freese, from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, commented at the time. Eavesdropping On Military Communications Earlier this year, French Defense Minister Florence Parly also accused Russia of sending the Louch-Olym orbiter to eavesdrop on data transmitted to and from the French-Italian military satellite Athena-Fidus, which is used for secure military communications and planning of operations. "Trying to listen to one's neighbor is not only unfriendly. It's called an act of espionage," Parly said. "It got close. A bit too close. So close that one really could believe that it was trying to capture our communications." 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A hospital in Brazil delivered a healthy baby girl from a woman who received a uterus transplant from a dead donor. This is the first successful case of its kind, doctors have revealed. While uterus transplants from deceased donors have been carried out in at least 12 countries including the United States, none has produced live births. Details of the transplant and the birth have been published in the journal The Lancet. Uterus Transplant From Deceased Donor The report revealed that the mother, a 32-year-old woman, has a condition called Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome, which means she has an underdeveloped or absent vagina and uterus. Usually, affected women neither have menstrual periods nor able to carry a pregnancy. The donor, meanwhile, passed away due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage. She was 45 years old and had three vaginal deliveries prior to her death. According to the paper, months before the transplant, the unnamed woman underwent in-vitro fertilization that resulted in eight early-stage embryos. These were cryopreserved until she was ready to get pregnant. The transplant lasted for 10 hours. Doctors had to connect veins, arteries, ligaments, and vaginal canal of the recipient to the donated uterus. The woman had to be observed for several months in case the body rejected the uterus or complications arise. However, five months after the transplant, the woman had, for the first time in her life, experienced menstruation. Two months later, doctors implanted the first single embryo. Baby Born The baby was born through c-section on Dec. 15, 2017. She weighed 2,550 grams. During the same surgery, the transplanted uterus had to be removed so that the recipient can stop taking immunosuppressive drugs. Doctors said that the transplanted uterus showed no signs of rejection and only changes that occurred during pregnancy have been observed. The woman and her baby girl were released from the hospital three days later. Both remain healthy and normal seven months after the procedure. Dani Ejzenberg, the doctor who led the research, called the delivery a "medical milestone." He also said that the technique gives women with infertility issues a wider access to potential uterus donors. "The numbers of people willing and committed to donate organs upon their own deaths are far larger than those of live donors, offering a much wider potential donor population," he stated. However, Mats Brannstrom of University of Gothenburg in Sweden who performed the first successful uterus transplant from a living donor in 2013 said that the technique needs to be "replicated by several teams around the globe" to be validated. He remains hopeful that future transplants will allow women to give birth and significantly increase the quality of life of parents. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. FILE - In this Sept. 25, 2013, file photo, the Delta Queen riverboat is moored at Coolidge Park on in downtown Chattanooga, Tenn. President Donald Trump signed legislation on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2018, that will allow the historic 1920s Delta Queen to cruise the nation's rivers once again after a 10-year layoff. (John Rawlston/Chattanooga Times Free Press via AP, File) The parent company of Virginia College announced Wednesday it was closing all of its campuses within the next two weeks, including the Cortana Mall location that had been targeted for shutdown in July. Education Corporation of America said it will close down more than 75 campuses. The for-profit company operates a number of chains, including Virginia College and Brightwood College, and had about 20,000 students. The company, based in Birmingham, Alabama, had previously announced it would close the Cortana location on July 1 and its other Louisiana location, in Shreveport-Bossier City, on June 1. At the time the announcement was issued, there were 268 students enrolled at the Cortana location and 232 enrolled in Shreveport, said an official with the Louisiana Board of Regents. Virginia College closing both Louisiana campuses Virginia College is closing both of its Louisiana locations next year, part of a plan by the parent company of the for-profit college to shut The company said in a statement released Wednesday that it was closing all of its career colleges effective with the current term for most students. In legal documents from October, the company said declining student enrollment had left it unable to make payments on its debt and rental fees. It faced eviction at several campuses. 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 But the U.S. Education Department criticized the sudden closure, saying the chain had options to help students find other schools before shutting down. The company's website says it will provide more information to students on Dec. 17. Inside Higher Ed, an online news site, noted that the company has faced accreditation issues. The chain is overseen by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, a group that the Obama administration sought to eliminate. That move would have caused for-profit schools to lose access to federal financial aid unless they were approved by another accreditation group. The Trump administration is considering if it should continue recognition of the ACICS. Attempts by Virginia College to get accreditation from other organizations has been unsuccessful, with the groups citing poor graduation and job placement rates, along with high faculty turnover rates. The company filed a suit against the U.S. Department of Education in October in order to maintain access to federal student aid, but that suit was dismissed. After more than a year of deliberation, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board is preparing to adopt guidelines for handling requests for industrial tax exemptions that largely track the ones adopted last month by the Metro Council. However, a faith-based group critical of these tax breaks, Together Baton Rouge, on Wednesday attacked what they described as "several, subtle changes" to what the Metro Council settled on, saying that they serve to "gut the measure entirely and transform it into a rubber stamp." The parish school systems proposed guidelines preserve the most contested part of the Metro Councils guidelines, namely that projects need to create at least 15 permanent, full-time jobs. But, unlike the Metro Council's version, the School Board would exempt any "environmental project" which provides benefits above and beyond what's required by law from the job requirement. In an email to its members, urging them to come out in force against the new guidelines, Together Baton Rouge blasted that added language as a "massive loophole." "'Environmental projects' is defined so broadly that virtually every application would qualify," according to the email. "That means that every project would qualify, without having to create a single job." East Baton Rouge Metro Council agrees to hard-fought compromise on industrial tax exemption guidelines The debate over what guidelines the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council will use on future industrial tax break requests was settled Wednesday. The School Board is set to consider its own guidelines for ITEP short for Industrial Tax Exemption Program when it meets at 5 p.m. Thursday at the School Board Office, 1050 S. Foster Drive. Its not slated to give final approval to the guidelines until its Dec. 13 meeting. The guidelines are the culmination of years of fights over how best to remake Louisianas decades old ITEP program, which gives manufacturers that plan to spend money on expansions or improvements a break on their property taxes. Under new state rules that took effect on Aug. 20, approved projects receive an 80 percent property tax abatement down from 100 percent previously over 10 years, instead of eight. 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 But, in a big change from the past, local taxing authorities now have an opportunity to say yea or nay to the portion of the tax breaks that applies to them. In East Baton Rouge Parish, that includes the School Board as well as the Metro Council and Sheriff's Office. The changes have sparked intense public and behind-the-scenes debate, pitting business groups favoring fewer restrictions against community activists and school employee organizations that want more limits on when exemptions are granted. School Board members Dawn Collins and Mike Gaudet are slated to present the proposed ITEP guidelines to the board Thursday night. Collins has echoed many of criticisms of ITEP while Gaudet has generally sided with the ITEP proponents, such as the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. ExxonMobil, which has received many ITEP exemptions through the years, argues that ITEP helps maintain a business environment that promotes capital investment and job creation. "For this reason, it is imperative that we have a predictable, stable tax climate going forward as this is a key consideration for future ExxonMobil investment and likely for other businesses, as well," ExxonMobil spokeswoman Megan Manchester said. "We appreciate the work of the Metro Council and the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board to develop these guidelines and help move the dial in the direction of predictability." In its Wednesday email, Together Baton Rouge raised several objections. It criticized new language saying that the new guidelines would apply only to ITEP exemption requests begun after Aug. 20. The organization wants the new guidelines to apply to a handful of already completed projects that are in the pipeline but have yet to receive ITEP exemption, including a handful from ExxonMobil. The organization wants to use the added tax revenue from denying these ITEP requests to increase the salaries of school employee as well as for other educational purposes. In one departure from the Metro Councils guidelines, the School Board plans to bring on the chamber to work with its finance department to come up with the forms ITEP applicants will have to submit to establish clear baselines and projections for the outcomes. The Metro Council plans to rely solely on the city-parish's finance department to handle these duties. Liz Smith, senior vice president for economic competitiveness with the business organization, said BRAC is willing to help in whatever way the School Board needs. She said it has no plans to charge for this particular service since it's the kind of work the business group does every day. Together Baton Rouge, in its email, objected to the chamber's involvement, saying that it "funded by the applicant companies" and "lobbies openly for approving ITEPs." FRENCH SETTLEMENT The fire chief in this Livingston Parish village has been paying the department's bills and has pledged to repay the full $227,000 his wife allegedly stole over the course of a year. Alan Guitreau, who remains in charge of the French Settlement Volunteer Fire Department, said Tuesday night he has paid about $12,000 of his own money for mechanical and electricity bills since the scandal came to light in late October. Guitreau has said he was unaware that his wife, Melissa Guitreau, was stealing from Livingston Parish Fire Protection District No. 8 until she admitted it to him on Oct. 29. She served as the secretary and treasurer of the district until she was arrested. During an emergency meeting Oct. 31, Alan Guitreau pledged to the fire department that he would repay every dollar taken, as he can gather the money, according to an audio recording of that meeting. "This is my fire department. I love this department. I've been here 30-plus years, and I intend on making it right," Alan Guitreau told the District No. 8 board on Oct. 31. "It's not going to happen overnight. I just don't have that financial funding to do that. As the money comes available, I will be making it right with the district." Wife of French Settlement fire chief arrested, accused of embezzling $225K from department The wife of the French Settlement fire chief was arrested Monday and accused of embezzling $225,000 after her husband reported her confession Guitreau told the board that night his wife had "bought nothing elaborate," but rather she had funneled the money through their family business. "We made some wrong business decisions, and instead of her letting me know that we were getting in a bind, she took this route here, because she didn't want to disappoint me," Alan Guitreau said. Interviews with board members also shed some light on how Melissa Guitreau could have stolen a quarter-million dollars more than the annual budget from the tiny, volunteer fire department. 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 Two fire district board members said the board has always reviewed financial documents at their semiregular meetings, but it appears those documents were falsified. The financial statements show the bills going in and out for fire department expenses, but they do not indicate how the account balances were dwindling. "The paperwork we were given all worked out, so we had no reason to doubt otherwise," said board member Fabian Brignac. "Obviously we weren't getting a very good statement of finances." Checks going out from the fire district are supposed to have signatures of two board members, and the chairman of the fire district should be one of those, said board Chairman Brian Baum. French Settlement fire department left with less than $1,000; treasurer accused of embezzling $225K The volunteer fire department in French Settlement was left with less than $1,000 in the bank and an unpaid insurance bill that threatened a s Baum said he had not signed any checks over to the former treasurer. The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office has said it appears names were forged as part of the theft. Brignac said one reform the board is considering would be to provide copies of the checks themselves to the board members. The board at its regular meeting Tuesday night discussed trying to find a new accountant to audit the district's finances. The fire district never conducted its required 2017 audit, which Alan Guitreau cited at the Oct. 31 meeting as a reason the theft went unchecked. Guitreau said after Tuesday's meeting that fire department operations have continued as normal, despite the recent issues. Livingston Parish made a $29,000 loan to the fire district to pay its annual, but past-due, insurance bill, and the finance director with the parish has taken over management of the fire district's books. Local businesses have also contributed about $9,300 to shore up the district's finances until property tax revenue arrives in January. The Capital Area West chapter headquarters of the Louisiana Red Cross recently added a GMC Acadia to its fleet with money from a grant from the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation. From left are Merri Alessi, Jay Huffstatler, Gail McQuade, Dan Bevan and Jan Ross. Louisiana now has one of the nation's most modern Medicaid enrollment systems an undertaking that leaders say will help address concerns over potentially misspent funds in the health care program that covers more than a third of the state's population. "We needed this system. This was something we knew was an issue at the very beginning of this administration," Louisiana Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee said during a recent tour of the new enrollment management central hub in Baton Rouge. "It's a total transformation of what we had." The upgrade is stark. Workers no longer have to key functions into an antiquated, circa-1992 disk operating system, (DOS)-based platform, which relied heavily on individual determinations and paperwork. Now, Medicaid enrollment counselors can guide people through a state-of-the-art website or those interested in Medicaid can go online on their own. "It just wasn't functional like it is now," said state Medicaid deputy director Mitzi Hochheiser. The effort to move to a more standardized enrollment portal has been in the works for years. It cost about $71 million, 90 percent of which was covered by the federal government, and required weeks of retraining employees. But officials say the effort to bring the system into the 21st century will pay off in rooting out duplications, ineligibilities and other concerns that have been raised over the years. And it's coming online at a time when the Medicaid program that covers nearly 1.7 million Louisiana residents has faced increased scrutiny. Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, agreed to expand Medicaid through executive order shortly after taking office in 2016. Since then, more than 481,000 people, mostly the working poor, have been added to the state's Medicaid rolls. The expansion applies to adults whose household income falls below 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which is about $16,600 a year for a single person or $33,900 annually for a family of four. Others on the Medicaid program include low-income children whose families qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program, commonly known as CHIP; pregnant women; and children and adults with special needs. The Department of Health has the largest budget in Louisiana state government at $14 billion more than 70 percent from the federal government. Its funding has ballooned with the expansion of Medicaid, which is nearly all covered by the federal government through the Affordable Care Act. Audit: Louisiana may have misspent $85M in Medicaid program Louisiana's health department may have spent as much as $85 million over 20 months for people enrolled in the Medicaid expansion program who d In the three years since the expansion took effect, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor has audited Medicaid at least nine times. According to the most recent one, LDH may have allowed up to $85 million to be spent on ineligible people during a 20 months period largely because of the self-reporting standards for employment under the old system and also worker errors. "Without a sufficient process to determine recipient eligibility, LDH cannot ensure that Medicaid dollars are spent appropriately," auditor Daryl Purpera concluded in his overview, which was presented to legislators last month. The audit has since been used to highlight the potential for waste in the program. But its release came just days before LDH announced its new system was up and running, so it doesn't reflect changes made. "It felt like I was being judged on an old car I was sending to the junkyard," Gee said. "We would not defend the old system. We absolutely agree it had problems and needed to go." The auditor's office expects the upgrade will address some of the issues raised, Purpera said in a recent legislative hearing. "Ultimately, the report is designed to help the department understand the deficiencies and correct processes going forward," he said. Louisiana considering new method for increasing access to Hep C drugs Louisiana could soon become the first state well on its way to ridding its residents of the nation's most deadly infectious disease, under an Gee, who previously served as the state Medicaid medical director, said the Jindal administration scrapped earlier plans to upgrade the system that was first put in place when Edwin Edwards was governor. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up When John Bel Edwards tapped Gee to lead the Department of Health, she said, an immediate priority was to resume an attempted modernization. "Our efforts to change it were paramount," she said. Under the old system, LDH relied on manual entries that left it up to staff to independently judge which of the more than 100 programs someone may qualify for and input it using function codes on the old-school black interfaces with white block letters and numbers. "It just was too bulky," Gee said. Eligibility determinations also awkwardly stretched across multiple systems. A caseworker would shift programs to look up information and then have to manually input it into the main system, Hochheiser said. The new system is streamlined into one and more automated. "People were really anxious about losing the old system and moving to the new system," Medicaid director Jen Steele said. This is about saving people's lives, but some challenge Louisianas Medicaid health care costs In the two years since Louisiana expanded its Medicaid health care program, more than 400 women enrolled have been diagnosed with breast cance The team worked simulations for a month, knowing that there would be just one shot at officially linking to the federal system or else health care coverage of people across the state could be put at risk. On the day the system finally went live, Steele wore a cheerleader costume, while others donned "Mom-to-be" or "Dad-to-be" t-shirts. "They were really, really impressed," Steele said of the official change-over. Today, the results can be seen in the sprawling command center that houses tech support and customer support working alongside. There's a large screen at the front of the room that details how many people are logged into the system, their activity and any problems that may be popping up. The command center was staffed around the clock in its initial days to ensure that any kinks could be immediately worked out. Louisiana is now one of the few states with real-time eligibility and has one of the most modern systems in the country. The system uses 160 different sources to automatically verify information that is submitted, and flags any issues for a individual review. It also has real-time analysis something the auditors said would be necessary to address eligibility issues that the most recent audit had raised. "I'm sure there will be some times we have to work through the kinks," Gee said. Gee said one of the perks of the new system is flexibility. If the department gets a recommendation from the auditor or other agency, it can immediately set out to address the issue. "They've given us some good suggestions already," Gee said. WASHINGTON A battles brewing in the U.S. Senate over a bipartisan package of criminal justice reforms, and Louisianas senators have wound up on opposite sides of the issue. Sen. Bill Cassidy earlier this week signed on to the First Step Act, which would ease mandatory minimum prison terms and give federal judges more discretion at sentencing. The bill, endorsed by President Donald Trump, would be the first major rewrite of federal sentencing laws in decades. But Cassidys fellow Republican, Sen. John Kennedy, has ripped into the law, characterizing it as soft on crime and he's been attacking Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat and frequent Kennedy foil, in the process. Gov. Edwards, Sen. Kennedy clash over characterization of Louisiana's criminal-justice overhaul WASHINGTON Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy threw jabs at his home state's criminal justice overhaul while turning his thumb down at a proposed b Kennedy has repeatedly likened the First Step Act to Louisianas 2017 bipartisan overhaul of prison sentences, which has cut the states previously highest-in-the-nation incarceration rate while shortening sentences, primarily for non-violent offenders. The First Step Act would reduce mandatory minimum federal prison sentences for drug-related crimes and offer early release to some prisoners suffering from severe and chronic illnesses. The House of Representatives passed a similar prison reform bill in May but senators have since added additional provisions. The proposed legislation would eliminate a long-criticized disparity between sentences for crack and cocaine offenses and retroactively shorten sentences for those already serving lengthy prison terms for crack offenses. The bill would also put millions more into rehabilitation and screening programs for federal inmates and offer prisoners who complete classes points toward possible earlier release dates. The bill will make our communities safer and give former inmates a second chance at life after they have served their time, Trump said at a White House event last month. Cassidy joined 13 other Republican and 14 Democratic senators in sponsoring the bill. I agree with President Trump. This reform makes society safer, Cassidy said in a statement Monday announcing his support. Equipping non-violent and low risk parolees to re-enter society, get a job and stay out of trouble can break the cycle of recidivism and crime. This also saves taxpayers money. Keeping geriatric inmates with Alzheimers under guard is a waste of prison beds. As a physician, Cassidy once worked in high-security prisons to treat inmates. As was the case for Louisianas 2017 reforms, the First Step Act has attracted a unique coalition of supporters from both left and right, including free market think tanks, religious conservatives and left-wing civil rights groups. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up But its fate likely rests in the hands of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, who so far has refused to bring the package up for a vote on the Senate floor. A handful of staunch opponents including Kennedy and Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton have urged McConnell to block the bill. Influential Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa, an outspoken backer of the proposal who has spent years negotiating the overhaul, contends he has plenty of support to pass it. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions was a vocal opponent but was ousted from office by Trump shortly after last months midterm elections. Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a senior White House advisor, has lobbied hard for the bill's passage. Edwards, the Louisiana governor, met with Kushner to discuss the state's prison reforms earlier this year and invited Trump in August to tour the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola to learn more about the state's efforts to rehabilitate convicts. Its unclear when, or if, McConnell will bring the package up for a vote. Grassley told reporters he hopes the package will pass this year but said hed try to work with the incoming Democratic leadership in the House next year if it remains stalled. Kennedy, who opposed Louisianas criminal justice overhaul and has repeatedly criticized the state prison systems handling of its rollout, has painted a grim picture of his home state to national reporters while explaining his opposition to the proposed federal overhaul. In a February Judiciary Committee hearing on an earlier version of the bill, Kennedy called Louisianas overhaul an unqualified disaster and, despite strong Republican support for the changes in the Baton Rouge Statehouse, blamed Edwards for the changes. Edwards and other Louisiana officials blasted Kennedy for those comments, arguing the senator badly skewed the facts and seized upon a small handful of incidents to undercut a law thats significantly cut the prison population while saving taxpayer money. Edwards, who has repeatedly tangled with Kennedy on a range of issues, also dismissed Kennedys criticism as political posturing. Kennedy for months considered challenging Edwards for the governorship next year but announced on Monday that he plans on remaining in the Senate instead. The First Step Act would only impact prisoners convicted in federal court and serving their sentences in federal prisons. State courts and prisons where roughly 90 percent of all U.S. prisoners are sentenced and serve time wouldnt be affected by the overhaul. Louisiana Republican U.S. Sen. John Neely Kennedy has been called slick-talking, folksy and Senator Soundbite. Recently he's earned a couple of new nicknames: Big Tease and Drama Queen. For close to a year, Kennedy has masterfully played his "Will he-won't he?" schtick, sucking all the oxygen out of the discussion over which Republican is best suited to challenge incumbent Democrat Gov. John Bel Edwards. I wrote in an Oct. 27 column, "Expect a Kennedy-Edwards race next year." I wasn't the only one swayed by what many considered Kennedy's obvious attempt to discourage other Republicans from joining the race. He paid for and released a poll earlier this year showing himself as the only candidate that could beat Edwards. The poll had Kennedy beating the governor by a margin of 51 to 37 percent. Other than multimillionaire businessman Eddie Rispone, who plans on spending $5 million of his own money, all other potential Republican contenders stayed on the sideline, assuming Kennedy would run. Why wouldn't they? Raising money would be close to impossible with most big donors waiting to see what the perceived front-runner, Kennedy, would do. Because of Kennedy waiting so long to announce his intentions, potential candidates have for the most part lost out on raising money for 2018. With campaign limits capped each calendar year, that's a lot of cash left on the table. John Kennedy was blocking all the other Republicans who were considering the race from getting in while he was playing Hamlet on the bayou, said seasoned political analyst Jim Engster. Kennedy gave us every impression he was running. It appeared his campaign to oust Edwards had already begun. The senator came across as obsessed with the governor, sniffing out any opportunity to criticize him. At one point Kennedy even called for Edwards to resign. It's unusual for a U.S. Senator to spend so much time and energy criticizing the governor of the state he serves. Compare Kennedy's constant attacks of Edwards to the stance of his fellow Republican in the Senate, Bill Cassidy. It's rare for Cassidy to criticize Edwards. The same is generally true for the rest of Louisiana's congressional delegation, although Edwards and U.S. Rep. Garret Graves of Baton Rouge have sparred from time to time on flood recovery issues. When's the last time you heard Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise attack Edwards? But Kennedy's attention-getting ways were most apparent with his refusal to say when he would decide whether or not to run. Month after month, Kennedy's indecision paralyzed the potential field. Only recently did Kennedy promise to announce by Dec. 1. But that day came and went, with Kennedy squeezing out a couple more days of his look-at-me, notice-me, charade. Finally, on Monday, Kennedy said he would not run. I love being in the United States Senate. I will not be a candidate for governor in 2019, Kennedy said in a release. You would think Edwards would appreciate Kennedy elbowing out most potential contenders for most of the year. The governor should have thanked Kennedy. Instead, he insulted him. "For Sen. Kennedy, this was never about the people of Louisiana. This was about focusing the spotlight on himself," Edwards said in a written statement. Political analyst Clancy DuBos said on WWL-TV that Kennedy has toyed with the idea of running for governor for close to 20 years. Lanny Keller: And theyre off, in governor's race, more or less When I registered to vote for the first time, as a Republican, the nice lady at the courthouse tried to talk me out of it. For the best of mot "I think Kennedy accomplished his goal. He got to fire a few shots across John Bel Edwards' bow, get himself some publicity and then go back to the Senate were he pretty much has a safe seat," said DuBos. We'll never know for sure why Kennedy didn't run. He could've been scared. Edwards enjoys strong approval ratings and is anything but a far-left Democrat. It's never easy beating an incumbent even if he is a Democrat in a red state. And Kennedy would have had a tough time explaining potentially abandoning his Senate seat so soon to become governor. While Kennedy enjoyed a lot of attention teasing us about running, he also left Republican voters without a clear front-runner with less than a year before the election. What's ironic is that Edwards' harshest and most frequent critic ended up helping him. The governor should consider sending Kennedy a nice Christmas gift this year. Email Dan Fagan at faganshow@gmail.com. Twitter: @DanFaganShow. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission East Baton Rouge Metro Council approved an Industrial Tax Exemption Program request for the $332 million by Formosa Plastics Corp. USA for an expansion at its Baton Rouge facility. No, give Siemian one last shot Yes, it's Taysom Time Let's see what Ian Book can do Is it really too late to convince Drew to come back? Vote View Results Randolph Delehanty, curator of The Baroness Pontalba and the Rise of Jackson Square, shares five must-see objects from the exhibit. 1. Bronze dore tazza with cut glass dish with Almonester and Pontalba crests Gaston de Pontalba, 1855 Pontalba Family Gaston de Pontalba, the Baronesss middle son, was an artist who made innumerable sketches and also designed cast-metal objects. He designed this elaborate table decoration with the Almonester and Pontalba crests. It was cast in Paris. 2. The Cabildo, Cathedral and Presbytere in Baroness de Pontalbas Time Enlarged reproduction M.P. Simons, Philadelphia, daguerreotypist, 1851 Pontalba Family In this rare daguerreotype recently discovered in the Pontalba Family Archives, Jackson Square had just been landscaped and the cast-iron fence erected. The First Municipality added a mansard roof and cupola to the Cabildo (left) in 1847 and persuaded the wardens of the cathedral to do the same with the Presbytere (right). This accentuated the buildings verticality. 3. The Lower Pontalba Building at Completion: Transitional Late Greek Revival with Italianate Verandahs M.P. Simons, Philadelphia, daguerreotypist, 1851 Henry Howard (?), architect; Samuel Stewart, builder, 1851 Pontalba Family This rare daguerreotype, recently discovered in the Pontalba Family archives, shows the Lower Pontalba Building with its three pedimented gables just after its completion. Louis H. Pilies new cast-iron fence surrounds Jackson Square. Decatur Street is being repaved and granite curbstones stand on end to the right. Today, the Louisiana State Museums 1850 House Museum is in the center of this row. 4. The Pontalba Building as Built: Facade and First Floor Plan Henry Howard (?), architect; Waldemar Appolonius Talen, delineator; Samuel Stewart, builder, 1850 Ink and color on paper Pontalba Family This unique architectural rendering recently discovered in the Pontalba Family archives in France shows the facade and first floor plan of one of the two 16-townhouse Pontalba Buildings as built. The gray zones represent the public sidewalk and the private flagstone-paved passageways between the shops that give access to rear service courts and stairs. Though the builder and the draftsman are credited, the architect is not. Was this architect Henry Howards design that builder Samuel Stewart adjusted to the 13-inch slope in the site from Decatur to Charters streets? 5. Lower Pontalba Building Cast-Iron Attic Window Grille with AP Monogram Photograph by Richard Sexton, 2018 Waldemar Appolonius Talen, designer, 1850 James L. Jackson, Brother & Co. Foundry, New York Waldemar Appolonius Talen, builder Samuel Stewarts draftsman, designed the elaborate cast-iron verandahs, transoms and window grilles with the Almonester-Pontalba monogram. The 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival roster, as of this writing, remains a mystery. But a pair of more modest springtime events, Hogs for the Cause and Family Gras, rolled out their rosters this week. The 11th annual Hogs for the Cause will feature headliners Trampled By Turtles and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, along with an array of local bands. The 2019 Hogs for the Cause takes over the grounds of the UNO Lakefront Arena on March 29-30. The nonprofit event raises money for the families of children who are being treated for pediatric brain cancer. The festival has given grants to hundreds of families. Dozens of barbecue teams from across the country camp on the festival grounds, tending to their smokers as they compete to offer the best pork dishes in a variety of categories, including whole hog, ribs, pork butt/shoulder, "porkpourri," sauce and fan favorite. There is also a prize for the fundraising champion. In 2017, the event moved from its previous home at City Parks Festival Grounds to the grounds of the UNO Lakefront Arena. The 2018 edition sold out. Coming off of a sold out Hogs this year, we really wanted to take the music to the next level for 2019, director and co-founder Becker Hall said in a statement. Our lineup is the best one we've had yet, proving that Hogs is as much a music festival as it is a food festival. It all goes to one amazing cause to provide aid to families with children being treated for pediatric brain cancer and that's our main motivation." Bluegrass/folk-rock combo Trampled By Turtles and Americana band Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real top a music that also includes The War and Treaty, local funk band Dumpstaphunk featuring special guest bassist George Porter Jr., blues guitarist Samantha Fish, American Aquarium, Marco Benevento, Low Cut Connie, Bishop Gunn, the Lost Bayou Ramblers, Red Shahan, Liz Cooper & the Stampede, the Wooks, Walter Wolfman Washington & the Roadmasters, Brent Cowles, LUTHI, the Hot 8 Brass Band, the Iceman Special, J and the Causeways, Roadside Glorious and One South Lark. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. via the events web site, www.hogsforthecause.org. The 12th annual Family Gras, Metairie's free Carnival season festival, will present an eclectic array of headliners at its new location on the grounds of the Clearview Shopping Center on Feb. 22-24, 2019. Family Gras previously occupied the Veterans Memorial Boulevard median in front of Lakeside Mall. John Oates, the dark-haired half of hit-making pop/rock/soul duo Hall & Oates, plans to make up for his rained-out 2018 Family Gras gig with a return engagement on Friday, Feb. 22. Weather permitting, he and his band will intermingle Hall & Oates hits with his solo material following the Krewe of Excalibur parade. Michael McDonald lent his distinctive, soulful voice to songs by Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, as well as his own solo hits. He'll top the Family Gras bill on Saturday, Feb. 23 after the Krewe of Caesar parade. Closing out Family Gras 2019 on Sunday, Feb. 24 following the inaugural Krewe of Kings parade is contemporary country songwriter Brett Eldredge. His string of singles includes "Don't Ya," "Beat of the Music," "Lose My Mind," "Drunk On Your Love" and "The Long Way." 'Family Gras new home will allow music and majesty to meet literally at the concert stage," producer Greg Buisson said in a statement. "Our new home at Clearview Center gives us a spacious concert venue to accommodate the festivals quick growth. We are excited to once again bring some of the nations most celebrated artists to our carnival celebration. Admission to Family Gras is free, but VIP ticketing options are available. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Advocates have filed a complaint in New Mexico on behalf of a college student who says a convenience store employee called police on him for "being arrogant because he's black." The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico this week filed a complaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau on behalf of Jordan McDowell, an African American university student from New Orleans, following an August episode at a Santa Fe Allsup's convenience store. According to the complaint, McDowell, a pre-med student at Xavier University in New Orleans, drew attention from an employee at the Allsup's Convenience Store. The complaints say the employee felt McDowell was being "suspicious and sneaky." After McDowell confronted the employee, the complaint says the employee called 911. No one was arrested. The Clovis, New Mexico-based Allsup's did not immediately return phone messages. Dress in winter holiday attire be it a red and green sweater or an elf outfit and head to the 10th annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Celebration in the Oaks Run/Walk on Saturday, Dec. 8, along Victory Avenue at City Park. The fun begins at 2 p.m., the costume contest is at 2:45 p.m. and the run/walk starts at 3 p.m. The event is the perfect holiday family outing, said Crescent City Classic race director Eric Stuart. Families can unwind for the holidays and enjoy hot gumbo and the popular family picture-taking with Santa. You get to do your workout with the race and then have early access to Celebration in the Oaks. Race officials expect more than 2,500 runners and walkers to take part in the two-mile event and enjoy gumbo from Blue Runner, hot chocolate and coffee from Community Coffee and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The cost is $25 in advance and $30 on race day for adults. Children ages 4-10 may register for $10, and children 3 and younger enter free. To purchase race bibs in advance, visit runsignup.com/Race/LA/NewOrleans/Celebration. Registration includes food, drinks, free photos with Santa and a long-sleeved official holiday-themed race shirt. Race bibs also allow 4 p.m. early race-day access to Celebration in the Oaks, featuring a half-million decorative lights and exhibits. The run/walk is produced by the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic. It is part of the Crescent City Classic Race Series, which includes the Crescent City Classic 10K set for April 20, 2019. For information, visit ccc10k.com/celebration-in-the-oaks-runwalk. Santas on the run The annual Running of the Santas, a five-block fun run of costumed revelers through the Warehouse District, is set to start at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Mannings Restaurant, 519 Fulton St., and end at Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive. Enjoy food and drinks from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mannings, and a creative holiday costume contest at 8 p.m. at Generations Hall. Contestants may register online at www.runningofthesantas.com or on the day of the event beginning at 11 a.m. at Mannings. Category 6 and Paris Avenue will headline the post-run concert from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance at the event website, and $85 VIP tickets include draft beer from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Mannings and an open bar at Generations Hall. Information is available at www.facebook.com/runningsantas and on Twitter, @RunningSantas. A portion of event proceeds will benefit the That Others May Live Foundation, which provides scholarships, family counseling and aid to surviving children of United States Air Force Rescue Heroes who died during a rescue mission. The goal of the program is to ensure that every child of a fallen personnel recovery service member receives an opportunity for success. 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 Menorah lighting The New Orleans VA Hospital, also known as Southeastern Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, is hosting its annual Menorah Lighting and Recognition Ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, in the hospitals main concourse near the entrance at 2400 Canal St. Rabbi Mendel Ceitlin, director of education at Chabad Jewish Center of Suburban New Orleans, will facilitate the lighting. Christmas concert Shades of Praise choir will present its annual Christmas concert, Its All About the Baby, at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at the Academy of the Sacred Heart Nims Center, 4301 St. Charles Ave. If you need a Christmas spirit liftoff, this concert is the place to be, said choir tenor and secretary Charlotte Travieso. The concert supports the nonprofit choirs mission to introduce gospel to wider audiences across racial and denominational boundaries, and to help forge relationships that dispel stereotypes and create racial harmony. Prospective choir members are welcome to join rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in room 230 at the Loyola University Communication & Music Complex, at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and Calhoun Street. Concert tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children younger than 12 enter free. For information, visit www.shadesofpraise.org. Blood drive St. Pius X Church Parish and the St. Pius X Junior Girl Scouts will hold a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at 6600 Spanish Fort Blvd. Donors will receive family blood coverage for one year or blood coverage for the donor and up to three designated people. Donors also will receive a T-shirt and health screening and cholesterol testing. There will be a drawing for an HP inkjet printer. St. Tammany residents are asked to join in a ceremony to honor the nations veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of those buried in Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell. The annual Wreaths Across America ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Road. Daniele Palen, the administrative coordinator at the cemetery who directs the local Wreaths Across America, said the ceremony reflects the nation's gratitude to the 1,800 veterans and their spouses buried at the cemetery, which opened in June of 2014. Its not just about placing a wreath, Palen said. Its a way of remembering them at Christmastime. Before each wreath is laid, she said, the veteran's name is read aloud, along with other information on their headstone. Its to make sure we understand what each veteran out here gave up for their country. Each branch of the armed forces sends representatives to place their branchs ceremonial wreath on a stand. There is also a ceremonial flag for POWs and merchant mariners who served in World War II. The event begins with members of the Patriot Guard Riders, who arrive with the wreaths. The colors will be presented by the Civil Air Patrol, followed by singing of the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by a military chaplain. The SLVC director, retired Navy Cmdr. Ted Krumm, will speak. The guest speaker will be Capt. Tony Scarpino from the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base. His remarks will be followed by the ceremonial wreath presentation and a three-volley salute by the Northshore Honor Guard. Palen said family members with loved ones buried at the cemetery will then be asked to place their wreaths on the graves. All those at the ceremony who would like to can help place the remaining wreaths after saying the deceased veterans name at the grave site. Volunteers are needed to come early to help take the wreaths out of packaging and distribute them throughout the cemetery. They are also needed to help with parking, setting up chairs, refreshments and cleanup. The public is also invited to sponsor the wreaths with a donation of $15. The remembrance wreaths are handcrafted of American balsam and hand-tied with a red velvet bow in Columbia Falls, Maine. 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 National Wreaths Across America Day began at the Arlington National Cemetery and has spread throughout the country. The fundraising is held from the national programs website, and no payments are accepted at the SLVC offices, Palen said. The St. Tammany Veterans and Military Affairs Advisory Council accepts donations on the national site, with all proceeds going to support SLVC. Other organizations can use it as a fundraiser, with $5 of the donation staying with the group. They recently hit their goal for this year but are collecting donations for next year, when the need is expected to grow by 400 to 500 wreaths. This is a yearlong drive that starts in January, Palen said. Palen, an Air Force veteran, said the closest national cemeteries are in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Zachery. The VA now partners with states to build veterans' cemeteries that are closer to home. SLVC is located on 75 acres donated from the Camp Villere Louisiana National Guard facility. Were in the first of eight phases of the cemetery, Palin said. We have another 65 years before reaching capacity. In addition to Slidell, there are state veterans cemeteries in Leesville, Rayville and Keithville, and the groundbreaking for a fifth was recently held in Jennings. Donations for wreaths at SLVC can be made at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/14847/Overview/. For information, contact Palen at Daniele.Palen@la.gov or call (985) 646-6458. One of the candidates in Saturday's runoff for an Orleans Parish Civil District Court judgeship has drawn a complaint from a local nonprofit group. The deputy director of Voice of the Experienced alleges that Marie Williams, a seven-time candidate for public office, falsely claimed that she helped start the group. Williams is facing corporate defense lawyer Omar Mason in the runoff, which will decide who will occupy the Division E seat on the civil bench. The complaint from VOTE Deputy Director Bruce Reilly to the state Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee is the latest example of how what had been a sleepy race has turned into a battle in the campaign's final days. In the Nov. 6 primary, Mason got 42 percent of the vote to Williams 27 percent. Both Democrats, they are vying to fill the seat left open by Judge Clare Jupiters death in May. Mason paints himself as the more experienced and accomplished candidate. A principal at the Aaron & Gianna law firm, where he handles toxic tort cases like asbestos lawsuits, he points to his ranking from peers in the Martindale-Hubbell legal directory as well as a raft of endorsements from political heavy-hitters. His backers include five members of the City Council, Clerk of Criminal District Court Arthur Morrell, the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee and the Alliance for Good Government. Over 19 years, he said, he has done both plaintiffs work and defense work. I understand how to view cases from both perspectives. By contrast Williams, a solo practitioner, boasts about her lack of endorsements. Shes running as an outsider who claims she will revamp practices at the court. Williams said she has a history of doing pro bono work, including for the homeless and criminal defendants. Thats what makes a big difference between us. Im not that corporate kind of person. Im that person, that lawyer who really is for the people, she said. I think when you ask for endorsements, you ask for favors, they want favors back. Yet while Williams claims not to have sought any endorsements, she was irked when Mason got the nod from one group last month. Voters Organized to Educate, the separately incorporated sister group to Voice of the Experienced, endorsed Mason after a Nov. 12 candidate forum in the 7th Ward. Williams did not attend the forum. She said she was shut out by Voters Organized to Educate. But the group has produced several invitations sent to an AOL email address, which Williams described in one of her emails as her personal address, before the forum. Williams said the invitations should have gone to a separate Google email address listed on her website. Or someone should have reached out to her in person, she 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 only thing they did was want to bash me on Facebook," she said. "But you know what, thats fine. Im a Christian and I do not care." Voice of the Experienced also complains that Williams has claimed that she helped start the original VOTE, which began in the 1980s among inmates at the all-male Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. I helped start VOTE, she wrote on social media. Norris Henderson, the groups executive director, denies that Williams has ever had any connection with the group. "I dont know where she got that from," he said. I never said I started the organization, Williams said in a text message after hearing about the group's denials. Instead, she explained, she helped the organization when it moved from the prison into New Orleans, another claim that Henderson rejects. The Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee, which received the complaint from Voice of the Experienced, has the power to issue a public statement reprimanding candidates for violating judicial canons. For Mason, the entire back-and-forth shows that his opponent is ill-suited for the bench. He also points to Williams claims that Masons supporters have ripped down her campaign signs and followed her in a vehicle near a campaign forum. Mason said those are signs of desperation. Its just far-fetched. She clearly has a tendency to just make things up, he said. I dont think that exhibits good judicial temperament. Williams said that while shes raised complaints about intimidation from Masons camp, that is not the focus of her campaign. My campaign is grass-roots. Get to the people and not worry about the crap thats going on, she said. The two candidates have strikingly separate income sources for their campaign funds. Between Oct. 22 and Nov. 15 alone, Mason raised $80,000 in contributions, many from local lawyers and firms who practice in Civil District Court. Williams raised nothing over the same period. Her campaign is relying on $60,000 in personal loans from herself, which she has used to buy advertising, including a large electronic billboard near the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Its from personal money. I kind of came into money, she said. Im investing in myself, and thats the way I feel. The Louisiana Supreme Court on Wednesday disbarred Salvador Sal Perricone, the former federal prosecutor whose prolific online commenting under pseudonyms began a scandal that led a judge to throw out the jury verdicts in the Danziger Bridge police shooting case. The controversy plunged the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Orleans into disarray and led to Perricones taking a voluntary leave of absence from the law. Still, the ex-prosecutor had fought disbarment, arguing that he posted scores of comments on nola.com about his offices cases because he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. But in a joint, unsigned opinion with no dissent, the justices said Perricones conscious decision to vent his anger by posting caustic, extrajudicial comments about pending cases strikes at the heart of the neutral dispassionate control which is the foundation of our system. "Our decision today must send a strong message to (Perricone) and to all the members of the bar that a lawyers ethical obligations are not diminished by the mask of anonymity provided by the Internet, they continued. Retired Judges Gay Gaskins and Hillary Crain sat in for Justices John Weimer and Greg Guidry, who recused themselves from the case. Weimer is related to a witness in the case, and Guidry worked with Perricone as a federal prosecutor. Perricone had worked his way up from New Orleans police officer to FBI agent and then to a senior position as a prosecutor under then-U.S. Attorney Jim Letten when the commenting scandal broke in 2012. It was soon revealed that out of more than 2,600 comments Perricone posted under names like Henry L. Mencken1951 and fed up, some 100 to 200 pertained to his offices cases. Among the most prominent cases highlighted in his online rants was the investigation into local landfill magnate Fred Heebe, who had hired big legal guns to fend off a federal corruption case targeting him. Heebe comes from a long line of corruptors, Perricone wrote in one comment. Heebes goose is cooked, he added the next day. A forensic linguist hired by Heebes lawyers helped to figure out that Perricone was the author of those comments, which led Perricone to admit to them in March 2012. Heebe was never charged with a crime after prosecutors dropped their investigation of him. Perricone also had to admit writing about the Sept. 4, 2005, shooting of six civilians, two of whom died, on the Danziger Bridge. Although he did not work on that case himself, he predicted that the officers involved in the post-Hurricane Katrina scandal would be convicted. NONE of these guys should have ever been given a badge, he wrote during the trial. You put crap in you get crap out!!! Months after Perricone's ouster, Lettens top deputy, Jan Mann who had been assigned to look into the online posting scandal after Perricones unmasking was forced to admit having herself posted comments under nola.com stories about pending cases. 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 By the end of 2012, Letten had left the office after an 11-year stint, along with Perricone, Mann and her husband, senior prosecutor Jim Mann. A federal judge, Kurt Engelhardt, launched his own investigation, which turned up a third Department of Justice lawyer, Karla Dobinski, who had also posted online comments on the Danziger Bridge case during the trial. Dobinski played a role in the Danziger prosecution from Washington, D.C., where she served in the DOJs Civil Rights Division. Engelhardt later suggested that top DOJ officials in the Obama administration had tried to shield her identity. Citing grotesque prosecutorial misconduct, largely related to the posting scandal, Engelhardt in September 2013 threw out the jury convictions in the Danziger case and the sentences subsequently handed to five former New Orleans police officers. Those officers pleaded guilty in 2016 in exchange for much shorter prison terms than those Engelhardt originally gave them. Appearing before the state Supreme Court in October, Perricone's attorney downplayed the role his client's comments played in the downfall of the first Danziger prosecution, noting that the judge cited other factors as well. Lawyer Kirk Granier also said Perricone had been subjected to 47 separate episodes including seeing dead bodies and being shot while he was a cop which gave him PTSD. But the justices specifically rejected Perricone's claims that PTSD should spare him from disbarment. They said Perricones own testimony reveals he was aware that he should not post these comments, yet he decided to do so anyway. Clearly, any mental disability from which (he) suffered did not prevent him from knowing his actions were wrong. Under these circumstances, we find absolutely no support for the conclusion that (Perricone) has proven his mental condition caused the misconduct. Perricone may ask for reinstatement to the bar in five years. However, "the sanction of disbarment imposed at this point in (his) profession, at the age of 67, is arguably akin to permanent disbarment and essentially a legal profession death sentence," Justice Scott Crichton said in a concurring opinion. Perricone and his attorney did not immediately return requests for comment. But shortly after The Advocate's story was posted on the newspaper's Facebook page, Perricone using his real name logged on to register his dismay. "Those of you who relish in this decision are just as corrupt as the State of Louisiana," he wrote. "This decision is wrong on so many levels. ... Congratulations! I am now liberated to speak my mind consistent with the First Amendment and I will!!" His post went on to make allegations of bribe-taking and other chicanery. Staff writer John Simerman contributed to this report. An off-duty Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office sergeant was shot and wounded during an apparent carjacking attempt late Tuesday. Sgt. Delaney Jordan, 41, had been visiting family in New Orleans East when he was shot in the back, according to New Orleans police and other law enforcement sources. Jordan was taken to University Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. Violence in our city touches everyone, even members of our law enforcement community, Sheriff Marlin Gusman said in a statement. Jordan works at the city's jail. Can't see video below? Click here. Video provided by WWL-TV Police said Jordan was in his car about 11:20 p.m. in the 7800 block of Brevard Avenue when a man holding a gun and wearing a black ski mask approached. Jordan stepped out and was shot once in the back. WWL-TV obtained a surveillance video that shows Jordan being approached by someone who was in another vehicle that pulled up next to the sergeant's parked car. 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 video shows Jordan running away from his vehicle when he suddenly collapses. The person who apparently shot Jordan gets back into the other vehicle, which then speeds away. A neighbor told the station that he and his wife heard gunfire and then saw Jordan being helped up by paramedics. "It's a sad day in the neighborhood it's senseless," the neighbor said. "A man, just sitting there minding his own business, and somebody just comes up and shoots him." Police haven't named any suspects in the case. He is the second sergeant with the Sheriff's Office to be shot in an off-duty encounter in a little over a year. +2 Suspect arrested in killing of man identified by friends as ex-OPSO sergeant A suspect was arrested Sunday in the fatal shooting of a man who family members and friends said was a former Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office In November 2017, police said Sgt. Ian Taylor was fatally shot in a home in Gentilly by a relative named Jabari Williams. Police arrested Williams on a count of murder, and in May, he was transferred to the state's psychiatric hospital in East Feliciana Parish. WWL-TV reported last week that there have been more than 2,600 car thefts reported in New Orleans this year up from nearly 2,300 in 2017. In a development that could hamper progress on complying with a federal court-ordered reform agreement, Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusmans office hit the eject button last week on a contract to replace its 1980s-era jail management computer system after spending $360,000 on it. The new software and database package from Texas-based Tyler Technologies was supposed to revolutionize the jails aging tech infrastructure. But officials say that after Gusman signed the contract in March 2017, they realized it would never live up to their expectations without further, costly modifications. Criminal District Court judges and clerks also worried that the new tech package would cripple their access to information without more pricey plug-ins. With the cancellation of the contract on Nov. 26, it could take years and at least $3 million more before the jail receives a new system. In addition to the money spent on the contract thus far, more invoices could arrive from Tyler Technologies over the next few months. The jail may be left with little or nothing to show for all that money. Invoices show the jail spent $250,000 on a software license plus thousands more on project management costs and travel expenses, but the system never went online. "We are in the process of evaluating what portions of it we can utilize," said Blake Arcuri, the Sheriff's Office general counsel. New Orleans City Council President Jason Williams said he is exploring options for a refund. Sometimes you get what you paid for," he said. "Thats what I suspect happened here. The graphical user interface for the jails current management system looks like something out of the 1983 movie WarGames, with glowing green text on a black background. The jail database, which was built more than 30 years ago, holds records on inmates' locations, their health histories, use-of-force records and more. It is housed on a hulking server at the Sheriffs Office headquarters. Computer technology played only a minor role in jail administration then, but these days it is used for everything from tracking inmates' locations to tallying the funds in their commissary accounts. Its kind of the information hub of a jail, said Steve J. Martin, a corrections consultant who was involved in the U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the Orleans Parish Prison. The jails 2013 court-ordered reform agreement says it must obtain a new computer management system that can classify inmates to appropriate jail tiers to help prevent rapes and keep warring gang members away from each other. Another requirement is for an automated early warning system that can sound an alarm when deputies seem to be sliding into a pattern of misconduct. The Sheriffs Office put out a request for bids in spring 2016. The seven vendors who submitted proposals included industry leaders like Global Tel Link. The citys Office of Information Technology and Innovation rated its proposal as fully compliant with the jail's needs. But Global Tel Links proposal was also the priciest of seven bids, a jail official said. When Gusman signed the contract for a new management system in March 2017, it was with a less costly option from Tyler Technologies, based in Plano, Texas. City tech gurus warned that Tyler's software represented an inadequate solution. It would require a host of expensive custom tweaks, and it would not be able to track information like deputies use of force, they said. Nevertheless, Gusman signed the contract. Although the document bears Gusmans name alone, Arcuri described it as a joint decision between the Sheriff's Office and the administration of former Mayor Mitch Landrieu. I think it was a mutual decision that this was the best that they could afford, and we could get, Arcuri said. And we did think at the time that this product would be able to fully accommodate our needs with the modifications that Tyler told us they could make. 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 Williams, the councilman, said he believes the decision was made on a cost basis. I dont suspect foul play or anything nefarious. I just think they came in with a low bid, he said. For $1.4 million overall, Tyler promised to give the jail its new software system, as well as a second system to keep track of the sheriffs finances and a third system to track Civil District Court subpoenas. The jail management system was the most expensive part of the package, at $685,000. Each of the three systems would also require about $50,000 a year in maintenance costs. But if local officials were hoping to save money by selecting Tyler Technologies, they may have been penny-wise and pound-foolish. Almost from the start, the limitations of Tylers system became evident, according to officials familiar with the process. There was always this uncertainty that they could do what was asked, said Tenisha Stevens, Mayor LaToya Cantrell's criminal justice commissioner. In July of this year, the Sheriffs Office sent a letter to the company warning that it had growing concerns about the software. Tylers system would require expensive plug-in software to ask inmates a list of 47 questions needed to classify them to the proper tiers. (T)his agency operates on a strict budget and neither anticipated, requested nor received the significant funding necessary to purchase such a system, particularly when the agency was assured that Tylers alleged state of the art system would be able to accommodate the same classification functions, the letter said. Meanwhile, Criminal District Court judges were also raising alarms. In an unusual arrangement, the jails old database also buttresses the electronic dockets used by judges, attorneys and clerks to track cases. Tylers software would require expensive modifications to power the court dockets going forward. Last week, the Sheriffs Office wrote Tyler a second letter formally canceling the part of its contract that covered the jail management system. The Sheriffs Office said it would maintain its contracts for the financial and civil service systems. Tyler Technologies declined comment. Stevens said the city plans to open a bidding process to build a central system for the jail, the Criminal District and Municipal Courts, and the clerk of Criminal District Court. The city plans to put out a request for proposals by March. Stevens said she expects the integrated system to cost in the range of $3.2 to $3.5 million. Although that figure is several times the $685,000 contract the Sheriffs Office signed for its jail management system, Stevens describes the new project as an overall cost savings because it would do double duty as an electronic hub for the courts and clerks. The Sheriffs Office can also stop spending money on modifications to Tylers system, she said. But the Sheriffs Office and one watchdog group worry that the new bidding process will slow down the jails already lagging push to come into compliance with the 2013 federal reform judgment, which was spurred by inmate deaths and rampant violence inside the jail. At least theoretically, that system is really what any city of this size needs, Arcuri said of the latest plan. However, of course theres concern as to how long such a process will take." Emily Washington, an attorney at the MacArthur Justice Center in New Orleans, which represents jail inmates, said she also worries that the bidding process will become another impediment to progress. Were kind of back at ground zero, so that is concerning to me, she said. I could probably go through and find a million areas of the consent judgment that are impacted by not having a current, functioning jail management system. How many unpaid hours did you work for your firm this year? And how much of it was by choice and how much was forced or expected by your employer? Perhaps you are a school teacher who attended after-school functions, coached a sports team and gave up many nights to marking or parent/teacher interviews. When does working longer hours without pay cross a line? Or a graduate accountant or lawyer who regularly works nights or part of the weekend because your boss expects young staff to work long hours if they want to get ahead. Or a healthcare worker who works beyond their shift, without paid overtime, because the organisation is short-staffed and you are dedicated. Having just returned from New Zealand and viewing their television offerings, we should all give a daily thank you here in Oz to the ABC and SBS for their offerings. Whilst they may not always appeal, they at least provide us with food for thought and stimulation of the brain cells that are lacking across "the ditch". Greig Morris, Tullamarine Concern for children I'm concerned about the children in The Secret Life of Four Year Olds. The scenario where all the children were sitting in a circle talking to the teacher, who asked if boys and girls could be friends. All the boys naturally said no, and all the girls said yes. They were then asked if they would like to choose any particular girl they would like to be friends with, and all the boys chose the same girl, leaving the three other girls wondering why they hadn't been chosen, one getting very upset. These sort of questions shouldn't be asked unless thought has been given to the outcome. This emphasis on girlfriend/boyfriend is a very American attitude and has no place here with such young children. Jill Burn, Ivanhoe Carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion have accelerated, driven higher by a resumption of growth in China and the US, dimming the prospects that climate goals agreed in Paris can be met. Projected growth of CO2 emissions from fuels and industry will be about 2.7 per cent in 2018, up from 1.6 per cent a year, according to the Global Carbon Project backed by science groups around the world. China's greenhouse gas emissions have picked up, helping to accelerate global growth rates. Credit:Oded Balilty A "substantial increase in both energy consumption and CO2 emissions in China" was the biggest change compared with 2017, according to a paper published on Thursday in Environmental Research Letters. China, which accounts for about a quarter of the 2018 forecast total of 37 billion tonnes, had relatively stable emissions since 2013. However, revived growth in heavy industry - including steel output rising 6.1 per cent - will propel its overall CO2 emissions 4.7 per cent higher this year to 10.3 billion tonnes. You're scrambling to select Christmas presents and cowering as 2019 rears its unsightly head, but I trust that you're all good to celebrate the musical year that was. Right? Music streaming platform Spotify has just released their streaming insights for 2018, which include Canberra's top 10 most streamed tracks. Prepare to be delighted, disappointed or utterly confused about the creative punctuation kids are using in their artist names these days. While 2017's results revealed a year of pop, rap and hip-hop have dominated this year. The pop ballads of Ed Sheeran which topped the 2017 lists have been crushed by American hip-hop artist Post Malone, whose songs Better Now and Psycho featured in Canberra's top 10 most streamed tracks. All Christmas lights are special, immediately injecting whimsy and magic into suburban streets, but these ones in Chifley are particularly meaningful. They are the work of 77-year-old Bev Lucas, who is something of a dab hand at Christmas lights, having had her previous efforts in Narrabundah and Ngunnawal featured in The Canberra Times as far back as 1983. Seventy-seven-year-old Bev Lucas has put up Christmas lights around her Chifley home as a promise to her 73-year-old dying sister Valma. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong Now living at Chifley, Mrs Lucas has put up Christmas lights again at her current home in Salmond Street - she believes the first time they've been decorated so for 67 years. Five more former Mr Fluffy blocks have been sold in the latest and last mass auction for 2018. A total of 18 blocks, ranging in size from 632 square metres to 1846 square meters, went under the hammer on Wednesday. The ACT government has bought back more than $670 million worth of former Mr Fluffy asbestos homes across Canberra. Credit:Rohan Thomson The blocks were scattered across Canberra's Tuggeranong, Inner South and Woden regions. An 853-square metre block at 98 Rivett Street, Hackett sold for $790,000, the highest sale of the day. Three blocks in Wanniassa sold. A 685-metre block in the suburb was the lowest sale of the day at $505,000. The expert panel supporting Mr Fluffy homeowners wants to establish a permanent memorial to the asbestos crisis, which the group's chair says should be remembered among the most significant episodes in Canberra's history. The push came as the ACT government on Thursday published a list of the remaining asbestos-affected homes. The register listed 67 Mr Fluffy properties, 66 of which were still standing. The register has angered owners who chose to remain in their properties. They say the public disclosure of their addresses will draw unwanted attention. Dr Sue Packer, the head of the government's Mr Fluffy community and expert reference group, sympathised with properties owners, saying the "whole situation was horrible". The number of children in Australia with full immunisation coverage has spiked, hitting a record high, according to new data. In a significant milestone, the rate of vaccination among Indigenous children has also reached its highest-ever level, according to official data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). The proportion of fully immunised five-year-olds reached 94.5 per cent, and 93.8 per cent of one-year-olds had also received all the vaccinations on the National Immunisation Program (NIP), the report released on Thursday showed. "This is good news all round," NCIRS director Kristine Macartney said. The federal government must impose a tax on sugary drinks, mandate Health Star Ratings and ban junk food ads on TV until 9pm if it wants to drive down Australia's obesity rates, a Senate committee report has concluded. The Select Committee into the Obesity Epidemic, comprising senators from all major parties and chaired by Greens leader Richard Di Natale, has tabled a far-reaching report with 22 recommendations. The report calls for a tax on sugary drinks. Credit:MARK LENNIHAN In a move that will likely delight health groups and enrage the food and beverage industries, it has recommended the government slap a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), saying this would reduce sugar consumption, improve public health and push manufacturers to reformulate their products. "The World Health Organisation has recommended governments tax sugary drinks and, at present, over 30 jurisdictions across the world have introduced a SSB tax as part of their effort and commitment toward preventing and controlling the rise of obesity," the report said. In 1591, Shakespeare said: "The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers." The criminal justice system in Victoria has been fractured by a leading criminal defence barrister (known as Informer 3838 and in court documents as Lawyer EF) being, at the same time, a registered police informer who was working against her clients. A royal commission into the years of corruption of the police and the system will, I hope, clear the problem up. Informer 3838 and the legal controversy surrounding her have dominated this week's headlines. Credit:Mark Stehle At the moment, there is no reason for the public to trust the system. Why would anyone put complete trust in their lawyer when that lawyer could be a paid police informer reporting back to the police? How could the public trust the police? Yet, the system will only work properly if that trust is renewed. The woman at the centre of the Lawyer X scandal was involved in a sexual relationship with a former police officer, who was later on a steering committee that managed her role as Informer 3838. The oversight role of the senior officer, who was part of the force's Intelligence and Covert Support unit, raises further concerns about force's handling of a highly sensitive matter already riddled with conflicts of interest. Informer 3838 is the registered number police gave the gangland lawyer when she turned supergrass and gave police information about Melbourne's criminal underworld, some of which were her own clients. The Age understands the lawyer and policeman began an intimate relationship when the officer worked as a prosecutor. They met at a readers course, in which barristers and prosecutors hone their court skills. After a stint with the Australian Federal Police, the officer rapidly advanced through the ranks, and is understood to have been closely aligned with former chief commissioner Simon Overland. Thousands of potholes on 200 freeways and arterial roads across Melbourne will be filled under a $183 million blitz, with some stretches closed over the holiday period. More than 200 roads including sections of the Princes Highway, Nepean Highway and Hume Freeway will be resurfaced and potholes and cracks filled over the next 12 months. New Roads Minister Jaala Pulford was hard at work on Wednesday morning. Credit:Eddie Jim Roads Minister Jaala Pulford announced the upcoming works at her first press conference less than a week into her new role. While the works will be carried out over the year, the bulk of it will be done over the summer, Ms Pulford said. Gangland widow Robert Williams' lawyer is set to file an urgent injunction to halt the sale of an Essendon family home seized by the tax office. In the wake of the Informer 3838 scandal, Williams believes she is a chance to wrest back the Primrose Street home, which was seized to repay her family's hefty tax debt. Roberta Williams is seen leaving the Melbourne Supreme Court in June 2018. Credit:David Crosling The criminal barrister known as Informer 3838 who gave information to police about her underworld clients represented murdered drug lord Carl Williams, Roberta's former husband. The three-bedroom Essendon house, understood to be worth about $1 million, is set to go to auction on December 15. Police are appealing for help to find a 25-year-old woman missing since Monday evening. Jade Diana Stillwell was last seen in the vicinity of Mackie Street in Victoria Park around 7pm on Monday. Missing woman Jade Stillwell Credit:WA Police Concerns are held for her welfare. Anyone who has information on Ms Stillwell's whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. However, this has meant the current definition of "single dwelling block" in the Territory Plan does not apply to these blocks with the extra flat, and some of the rules that govern the development of multi-unit housing don't apply either. Those rules include restrictions on plot ratio, block size requirements, replacement dwellings, the number of dwellings in each building and restrictions on attics and basements. The result has been redevelopments that are not sensitive to the neighbouring blocks and the character of the area, the government said. The variation was designed as an interim measure to prevent further "unconstrained multi-unit redevelopment" occurring in the older established suburbs until a wider review of the ACT's housing options - dubbed the Housing Choices project - is finished. That project is looking at changes that would encourage more people to subdivide blocks in those suburbs, in order to increase density and allow people to age in place. A separate planning strategy released on Wednesday also prioritises urban infill over greenfield development, saying infill would be the source of 70 per cent of Canberra's new homes going forward. Planning committee chair and Greens crossbencher Caroline Le Couteur said it was unclear how many of these blocks were out there, as they were random and scattered across Canberra's older suburbs and the leases were paper-based. Labor backbencher Suzanne Orr questioned whether it was fair that these blocks were able to be developed by virtue of a decades-old planning quirk. But in its submission to the inquiry, the Master Builders Association of the ACT said the draft variation had pre-empted the outcome of the Housing Choices project and resulted in "mixed messages" about the government's housing policies. It said the variation could be considered a denial of natural justice and procedural fairness to applicants who were working to the old rules. "Whilst we understand that the ACT government wished to avoid a situation where they announced their intended changes and then experienced a rush of development applications to avoid being covered by the new requirements, we believe that public and industry stakeholder consultation should have occurred prior to any variations being implemented," the association said. "In our experience, the development applications that are lodged for the established suburbs are not for high-rise developments - which we consider would be excluded already under the Territory Plan requirements - but are typically for the development of medium-scale three to five townhouses. "The developers in these instances are very unlikely to be national corporations and are usually everyday people in the ACT attempting to get ahead, whether it be to invest personally or perhaps establish a self-managed superannuation fund." Planning consultant Nichelle Jackson told the inquiry she had five clients whose plans had been held up by the draft variation. The association said those investors will have to go back to the drawing board or significantly alter their plans to comply with the new rule, at a cost. The Master Builders Association's legal and compliance director Ashlee Berry told the inquiry there needed to be a transition period, where people who proved they'd spent money progressing a development application under the old rules should be considered under them. However the Friends of Hawker Village group - which began lobbying the government to change the rules four years ago, after five two-storey townhouses were approved on a former granny flat block - said that they wanted consistency about how planning rules applied across residential zones. If a block had the same zoning and the same lease as the blocks around it, the same redevelopment rules should apply, representatives Robyn Coghlan and Christine Gingell said. "It was never intended for these particular blocks in any way to be treated differently from the blocks on either side of them," Ms Coghlan said. Planning Minister Mick Gentleman said the premise of the Master Builders Association's argument was incorrect and the Housing Choices project was about getting the right balance between meeting future demand and preserving the existing character of suburbs. Britain's outgoing high commissioner has suggested a "visceral" connection with coal has played a role in Australia's impasse on climate change policy, as the Morrison government grapples with the issue following the removal of Malcolm Turnbull. In a farewell address in Canberra on Wednesday, Menna Rawlings said British politics had avoided the same problem because Britain had reduced its reliance on coal under Margaret Thatcher decades ago. Outgoing British high commissioner Menna Rawlings. Credit: Asked whether she was surprised by disagreement within the conservative side of Australian politics about carbon emissions, Ms Rawlings noted bipartisanship existed at home. "And it's very different here but you have to ask why is it different? Why is it so much more important here? I think coal is just still so much more important in Australia than it has been in the UK for decades. Damage assessments from Queensland's catastrophic bushfires have revealed 15 homes were damaged, with 12 suffering severe damage. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, with help from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, has completed 453 damage assessments. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk visited North Stradbroke Island on Wednesday to thank firefighters for their efforts. Credit:Jack Tran/ Office of the Premier More than 60 sheds and other structures were also damaged, with more than 20 properties suffering damaged vehicles and machinery. The numbers were expected to rise. Mr Yang's failure to disclose his membership of the groups, and then his decision to quit them, must be read in a larger context which would make any politician in the same situation fair game for curious journalists. But yesterday Premier Mark McGowan dismissed those reports as "slurs and innuendo and ... basically a bit of dog-whistling by some people". Revelations about Labor MP Pierre Yang's links to pro-Beijing organisations have consumed their fair share of column inches. And a cause for concern for any political leader. In December last year, Labor senator Sam Dastyari quit Parliament after a series of revelations about his links to Chinese Communist Party-aligned interests in Australia. One of his problems of which there were many was a June 2016 press conference he gave to Chinese media outlets in which he backed Beijing's aggressive posture in the South China Sea, in stark contradiction to Labor policy. While there is no suggestion Mr Yang has altered any of his public policy positions as a result of his membership of two pro-Beijing groups, one of them has published a public statement in which it "resolutely opposes the show of force and military provocations by the United States in the South China Sea to threaten China's sovereignty and core interests". Although Mr McGowan is right when he says Australia has recognised the Chinese Communist Party as the government of China since 1972, relations between the two nations and China's ambitions have moved on significantly since the days of Gough Whitlam. Washington: US President Donald Trump's former national security adviser provided so much information to the Special Counsel's Russia investigation that prosecutors say he shouldn't do any prison time, according to a court filing on Tuesday that describes Michael Flynn's cooperation as "substantial". Michael Flynn, former US national security advisor. Credit:Bloomberg The filing by Special Counsel Robert Mueller provides the first details of Flynn's assistance in the Russia investigation, including that he participated in 19 interviews with prosecutors. It was filed two weeks ahead of Flynn's sentencing and just over a year after he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations with the Russian ambassador on Trump's behalf. Though prosecutors withheld specific details of Flynn's cooperation because of ongoing investigations, their filing nonetheless underscores the breadth of how much information Mueller has obtained from people close to Trump as the president increasingly vents his anger at the probe - and those who cooperate with it. This week, Trump lashed out at his former legal fixer, Michael Cohen, saying he is making up "stories" to get a reduced prison sentence after his latest guilty plea to lying to Congress. Trump also praised longtime confidante Roger Stone for saying he would "never testify against Trump," adding in his tweet: "Nice to know some people still have 'guts!"' Fit follows function says Houston safety advocate By Maureen McDonald Senior Editor Michigan Bureau The Auto Channel In a room full of people in business suits at Toyotas recent supplier convention, Jane Henry stood out in a well-cut t-shirt, work pants and back pack adorned with safety striping. She was a one-woman showcase for a new line of attire for women working in manufacturing and other skill trades. Women die every year on jobs and ill-fitting clothing contributes to the problem, says Henry, founder and CEO of the Houston-based SeeHerWork, a new player in the workwear market that launched this fall. Toyota invited her to meet first and second tier suppliers at the recent expo, Opportunity Exchange: Challenge the Impossible, Together. Henry caught the attention of Good Morning America and CNN, according to Cindy Mahalak, public relations representative for Toyota, noting Henry is making manufacturing more welcoming and safer for women. Just after Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston, Henry began moving boards and throwing stuff in the dumpster outside her home. Her gloves nearly fell in and she almost lost balance when her hands followed the ill-fitting mens gloves. She began looking for safety options for personal protection equipment and found few examples in the workplace. Women represent 32 percent of skilled trades in manufacturing they are making inroads in construction and oil extraction, not to mention transportation, energy and road repair. Henry wants them outfitted properly. These jobs arent safe for women. If they put duct tape to make coveralls fit properly they are at risk of getting off quickly in case of fire or toxic spill. If they dont have safety shoes that fit they are at risk. Sometimes they are shunned by men in work groups, harming their health and self-esteem, Henry noted. Once she put her house back together Henry set out to create a new company. She had served as a management consultant for energy companies like Chevron, BP and ExxonMobil and knew the risks for female employees seeking these higher paying jobs. She ran focus groups for hundreds of women. They all had stories about baggy pants caught in machines, giant gloves that wouldnt stay on, or helmets that couldnt tighten enough to be safe. Gloves fell off. Safety glasses were ugly and unsafe. She tapped a product designer and came up with a helmet with a better twist guard, gloves for a smaller hand, glasses with tortoise shell finish along with contoured shirts that are smaller at the shoulders. Soon she will have coveralls that zip at the waist for easy removal. She is working on a mesh bra that covers up to the neck to avoid burns from welding or shards from building materials falling into the breasts. Toyota is interested in supplier diversity, says Mihalak who accompanies Henry on a round of media interviews at the 29th annual supplier-Toyota conference. Well invite her back to meet with procurement and engineering teams in spring. Safety is essential to Toyota. Women play a large role in Toyota manufacturing. Leah Curry is president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing in West Virginia, Millie Marshall leads in Indiana and Susan Elkington presides over the Georgetown plant in Kentucky, Toyotas largest plant in America. Henry hopes to visit with all three female plant managers and other women in executive roles for auto plants. Clothing and equipment could be a deciding factor in outfitting thousands of Rosie the Riveters for our times. Were talking to women in every branch of skilled trades and using female patterns to develop our products, Henry said. When women feel safe, they function far better on their jobs. The Cut on Tuesdays: a weekly podcast from the Cut and Gimlet Media, with host Molly Fischer. Photo: Photo Illustration by Stevie Remsberg/Photos Getty At this point you can probably picture the standard front page photos of a shooting: crowds embracing and weeping outside an office or school, aerial shots of police arriving, and eventually a candlelight vigil. A few weeks back, on Twitter, some doctors started posting a different kind of photo. They wanted to show the immediate aftermath of gun violence that they saw at work every day. They posted photos of bloody gurneys, bloody scrubs the things left behind all the time, not just when a shooting makes the news. And amid all that, a woman named Kate Ranta shared a photo of her own. She wasnt a doctor, and the photo wasnt from her job. It was taken in her house right after she was shot. In this episode, Kate tells the story behind that photo. It begins when she fell in love with a man named Tom. KATE: When I first met him in his townhouse, he had this case of hunting rifles on display. I was like, Okay. He really let it be known, that he had multiple shotguns in the home. One was under the bed. Multiple handguns just in a drawer not locked up or anything. When I was moving in with Henry Henry was three. And this was before I really knew anything at all about guns, gun safety, anything. Just instinctively, I was like, I need you to get at least trigger locks and some safes for these handguns because I dont need Henryespecially with a shotgun under the beddiscovering this. He was resistant at first because it was like, Well, if somebody breaks in, I have to be able to grab the shotgun and blow them away. I was like, I cant do this. You need to secure these guns. He did relent and he got trigger locks and he got safes for the handguns. I was uncomfortable and he could tell I was uncomfortable. MOLLY: Yeah, what did you say? KATE: I was like, Why? Why do you have so many guns? He talked about growing up in New Jersey with his father who also was military who was a big hunter. They lived in rural Connecticut, so I know hunting and being around guns was something he had done his whole life. He was also in the military, so he explained his training. Its something he enjoys. He likes having them also for protection. I never dated anybody with guns. I thought to myself, Well, this is his culture. This is how he grew up. Hes military. They all have guns. Hear the rest of Kates story on this weeks episode of The Cut on Tuesdays. Click above to listen, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. For everyone who loves a good crime series, Netflix has a christmas present on the way just for you. While we all wait for season 3 of Making A Murderer, Netflix has a new true crime doco to keep us all busy. Based on the book The Innocent Man: Murder And Injustice In A Small Town, the new series will focus on two murders which took place in Ada, a small town in Oklahoma, in the 1980's. Speaking of the six-part documentary, Director Tweel said: "As a filmmaker I often find that the best stories are the ones we tell ourselves, but what surprised me was the extent to which that idea also permeates the criminal justice system. By re-examining these old cases I hope that viewers will identify the biases involved, even their own." John Grisham, author of the original book and attorny, also spoke of how excited he is to see the new series: "The documentary series of The Innocent Man is gripping, compelling and ultimately just as heartbreaking as the book. Though I know the story well, I cant wait to watch it again." Watch the full trailer below: Zhao Qianli, 20, was arrested after taking photographs on restricted Navy property in Key West, Fla., on Sept. 26, 2018. (Monroe County Sheriff's Office) 20-Year-Old Chinese Man Arrested for Taking Pictures of Navy Base in Florida A 20-year-old Chinese national faces jail time after taking photographs of a U.S. Navy base in Florida. Zhao Qianli was arrested on Sept. 26, for trespassing on restricted Navy property in Key West, prosecutors revealed this week. Zhao told officers he was lost and that he was a dishwasher from New Jersey. But prosecutors believe he obtained sensitive information, citing a number of photographs he had taken. The Chinese national faces federal charges of photographing defense installations and entering military, naval, or Coast Guard property, reported the Miami Herald. Zhao is being held on a $250,000 bond and faces up to 18 months in jail if convicted of both charges. The criminal complaint says that witnesses saw Zhao walking along a fence separating Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and the Naval Air Station Key West before walking around the fence and entering the facility from the beach. Theres no gate blocking access at the beach but the fence has signs that say Restricted Area. The fence line Zhao Qianli circumvented had numerous warnings that noted the fenced facility was a military installation and Restricted Area warning signs posted on the beach, the complaint stated. Zhao then spent several minutes taking pictures with a cell phone and a digital camera. After he was confronted, officials found out he was in the country on an expired visa. Alleged Chinese Spy Arrested China is considered the most likely country to spy on the United States, with several charges in recent months of alleged spies. In October, Xu Yanjun was charged with conspiring and attempting to steal trade secrets from multiple American aviation and aerospace companies. He was arrested in Belgium in April and extradited to the United States. According to the court indictment, Xu, who went by aliases, including Qu Hui and Zhang Hui, was assigned by Chinas Ministry of State Security to obtain technical information, including trade secrets, from U.S. and European aviation and aerospace companies, for the interests of the Chinese government. He often concealed his identity by presenting himself as being associated with Chinese universities or organizations such as the Jiangsu Science and Technology Promotion Association. Since at least December 2013, Xu and his co-conspirators worked to identify aviation technology that was desired by Beijing, according to the indictment. Xu and the others then targeted engineers and experts working at those aviation companies, and paid them to provide trade secretsoften under the guise of inviting the expert to travel to China and give a university presentation on the technology, for the sake of exchanging ideas. In September, Ji Chaoqun was arrested in Chicago for allegedly acting as an illegal agent for China in the United States. Ji 27, first came to the United States in 2013 to study electrical engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and in 2016 enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. Prosecutors said that Ji began communicating with an intelligence officer in China in late 2013 and they met on several occasions. A search warrant executed in 2015 revealed that Ji had sent files to the officer containing information about eight different people, all naturalized citizens from Taiwan or China. From NTD.com Kim Sung-joo (bottom C), a victim of forced labor by Japan during its colonial rule of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945, and relatives of other victims arrive at the Supreme Court in Seoul on Nov. 29, 2018. South Korea's top court on Nov. 29 ordered a Japanese heavy industries giant to pay compensation over forced wartime labor, despite a previous 1965 settlement. (JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images) A Serious Threat to the JapanKorea Relationship A legal saga spanning a century is setting two U.S. allies against each other On Oct. 30, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea (ROKSC) confirmed a prior decision in a World War II forced labor court case against Japanese company Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. This decision could catastrophically damage the relationship between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), two close allies of the United States. Japan occupied Korea from 1910 to 1945. Throughout the colonial period, Japanese companies employed Korean workers. These workers were promised pay at a scheduled rate. However, some of these wages were not paid, particularly after Japans government ordered the companies to turn over the pay into a central fund. Japan unconditionally surrendered to the Allied Powers in 1945. Japan was then itself occupied by the United States. That occupation ended with the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951. Since 1951, Japan has maintained an alliance with the United States. However, Japan and Korea did not immediately normalize diplomatic relations, in part because of issues remaining from Japans occupation, and in part because of the Korean War, which eventually led to a split between ROK and North Korea (DPRK). 1965 Settlement The diplomatic agreement that normalized relations between Japan and ROK was the 1965 Treaty on Basic Relations Between Japan and the Republic of Korea. Like most complex diplomatic agreements, the treaty covered a range of issues. One issue discussed at length was unpaid wages for conscripted Korean workers. Because of the importance of reaching a resolution to labor-related issues, Japan and Korea agreed to a separate protocol, the Agreement on the Settlement of Problems Concerning Property and Claims on the Economic Cooperation Between Japan and the Republic of Korea. Under the terms of the 1965 agreement, Japan agreed to pay $300 million to the ROK, along with $200 million in preferential loans. The money had various purposes, one of which was to settle completely and finally (AII, section 1) outstanding claims for unpaid labor by Korean workers against Japanese corporations. Both sides agreed that no contention shall be made regarding further claims (AII, section 3). Japanese diplomats initially offered to compensate workers directly, but ROK negotiators asked instead for payment to the ROK government, for use on public works and other projects. Japan made that payment, on time and in full. The ROK government initially did not to disperse any funds to workers. However, in 1971 and 1974, ROK established funds to reimburse workers. Nevertheless, many laborers still have not received full payment. Chased Through the Courts The Nippon Steel case began in 2001, when four Korean former workers sued the Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. in California for unpaid wages. The California court dismissed the case, holding that the 1965 agreement clearly precluded any further lawsuits on behalf of these plaintiffs, since it finally resolved any outstanding labor claims in the September 2001 legal case In Re: World War II Era Japanese Forced Labor. Unsatisfied with the California ruling, related plaintiffs filed a separate suit in Tokyo. A Tokyo court ruled against the plaintiffs in 2003, also finding that the 1965 agreement precluded recovery. Still not satisfied, the plaintiffs tried again in Seoul Trial Court. That court also ruled against the plaintiffs in 2005. Plaintiffs appealed to the Seoul High Court (SHC), which affirmed. Because the SHC based their opinion squarely on the 1965 agreement, plaintiffs appealed the case to the Supreme Court (ROKSC), asking ROKSC to rule on the constitutionality of the agreement. In a surprising opinion, the ROKSC held in 2012 that the 1965 agreement did not preclude individual recovery for lost wages. The ROKSC found that Japan could not have meant to provide remedy for these workers, because Japan does not accept that the occupation of Korea was illegal. Therefore, Japan could not have intended to pay damages resulting from the occupation. The ROKSC remanded the case to the SHC, which now ruled for the plaintiffs. Defendants appealed to the ROKSC, which affirmed on Oct. 30. In this latest verdict, the ROKSC further argued that even if the 1965 treaty precluded further claims for back wages, plaintiffs could still sue for damages due to removal to Japan. Potential Confiscation From a legal perspective, the argument put forward by the ROKSC seems clearly false. It is actually quite common for a defendant to settle a lawsuit without admitting any fault. In fact, in 1997, Nippon Steel itself agreed to pay $163,000 to eleven families in a private settlement without fault. That settlement is binding. The 1965 treaty represents a contract between Japan and ROK. If individuals feel that ROK later failed to properly compensate them, their recourse is to sue ROK, not Nippon Steel. Separately, if individuals feel that they are owed separate remedy for removal, their recourse is to sue the government of Japan, not individual companies. The decision in Nippon Steel will damage other nations confidence in ROKs ability to negotiate international agreements. If ROK breaks binding contracts with other countries when it is to their advantage, there is no point for other nations to make compromises and politically difficult choices. Further, because of the precedent established by Nippon Steel, thousands of claims could be brought against hundreds of Japanese and American companies. Plaintiffs can sue corporations and win under the precedent set by Nippon Steel. After winning a judgment, these plaintiffs can demand payment. If there is none, the plaintiffs can ask the court to enforce their holding. The court can then seize assets held in ROK to satisfy judgment. Because of the legal risk caused by Nippon Steel, Japanese and American corporations doing business in ROK may be forced to relocate assets that would be vulnerable to seizure. This would crucially impair a fundamental link between Japanese and Korean civil society. The economic and cultural relationship between individual citizens within governments ultimately shapes the future of bilateral relations. By jeopardizing so much of the mutually beneficial economic partnership between Japan and Korea, Nippon Steel could catastrophically disrupt the American alliance system in East Asia. Cory Evans is an assistant professor at Baruch College, the City University of New York. His research focuses on Japanese law and diplomacy in East Asia. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Mourners pay their respects at the casket of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush as it lies in state inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 4, 2018. (Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters) Americans Pay Respects to Late President Bush at US Capitol Current and former generals, lawmakers, and Cabinet members joined ordinary Americans on Dec. 4 at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda to pay their respects to the late President George H.W. Bush, who died Nov. 30 at the age of 94, after a life of service as a World War II hero, head of the CIA, and wartime president. Tourists and office workers walked in silence past a flag-draped casket that held Bushs body under the soaring Capitol dome. Secretary of State Colin Powell was among the former Cabinet members who came to pay their respects. Powell led the U.S. military under Bush during the 1991 Gulf War. Several U.S. generals from that campaign against Iraq also attended. Bush, the 41st U.S. president, was remembered as a patrician figure who represents a bygone era of bipartisan civility in American politics. On Washingtons Embassy Row, national flags flew at half-staff on many foreign diplomatic buildings. Bushs casket will be transported past them on Dec. 5 on its way to a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral. Former U.S. Sen Bob Dole, 95, arrived at the rotunda in a wheelchair. An aide helped Dole to stand and salute Bush, who defeated him in the fight for the 1988 Republican presidential nomination. Dole, who went on to support Bush as a senator, then sat in his wheelchair for a few moments, appearing to hold back tears. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump came to pay their respects on Dec. 3. Trump, a fellow Republican, planned to visit with the mourning family at Blair House, near the White House on Dec. 4. With a sound judgment, common sense, and unflappable leadership, President Bush guided our Nation, and the world, to a peaceful and victorious conclusion of the Cold War, Trump said in a statement on Bushs passing. As president, he set the stage for the decades of prosperity that have followed. And through all that he accomplished, he remained humble, following the quiet call to service that gave him a clear sense of direction. Sully, Bushs service dog, also walked past the casket and lay nearby briefly. Bush, the father of the 43rd president, George W. Bush, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, will be buried in Texas on Dec. 6. During a memorial ceremony, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell heralded the Navys youngest aviator, who, as president, scored a decisive victory in the Gulf War against the forces of Iraqs President Saddam Hussein. George W. Bush and Powell appeared to hold back tears as McConnell spoke. He was only 20 on that September day in 1944 when his plane was hit on a bombing run. But through the fire and smoke, George Bush stayed steady at the controls. A steady hand staying the course, thats what George Bush gave us for decades. Bush served as the vice president under President Ronald Reagan for two terms before being elected president in 1988. During his four years as president, Bush ended the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, steered the United States through the end of the Cold War, and condemned Chinas 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijings Tiananmen Square. But domestic problems, including a sluggish economy, imperiled his re-election. When he ran for president in 1992, he was criticized by Democrats and many Republicans for violating a 1988 campaign promise to not raise taxes. Bill Clinton, a Democrat, won the election, ending Bushs presidency. Bush was born in Connecticut to a wealthy family. He moved to Texas to become an oilman and eventually shifted to politics. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1967 to 1971 and lost bids for a U.S. Senate seat in 1964 and 1970. Only 12 presidents have lain in state at the U.S. Capitol; Abraham Lincoln was the first after his assassination in 1865. Bushs wife, Barbara Bush, died in April at the age of 92. The pair were married for 72 years. Reuters contributed to this report. A nurse holds RU486 pills at the family planning department of Hospital Broussais in France on Oct. 25, 2005. (Manoocher DeghatiAFP/Getty Images) Bill Mandating Abortion Drugs on Campus Reintroduced in California After Veto A proposal that would mandate public universities to provide abortion pills to students vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown in September has been brought back to the California state Senate. Democratic state senator Connie Leyva from Chino had vowed to bring back the bill after it was vetoed. She reintroduced it as the state legislature reconvened after the election on Dec. 3, now with Democratic supermajorities in both chambers and a new governor-elect. The College Student Right to Access Act, or SB 24, would require on-campus student health centers to have the abortion drugs available by Jan. 1, 2023. The two-dose abortion pills would be given to students who seek to terminate their pregnancy during the first ten weeks, Leyva said in a statement. The medication advertises a success rate of over 95 percent and students would be expected to return to regular activities within 1-2 days, said the state senator. The non-profit organization Live Action released a video with former abortionist Dr. Anthony Levatino describing the medication procedure to help educate women. I am confident that the incoming Legislature will also approve SB 24 and that Governor-Elect Gavin Newsom will continue to stand strong in his support for a womans right to choose, Leyva said. The bill would require $10.3 million in private funding to provide a $200,000 grant to all public university health centers to pay for the cost of medication abortion readiness. An extra $200,000 would go to the University of California and California State University for 24-hour telephone support for students who obtain the abortion medication. The legislation was authored by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo and sponsored by the Womens Foundation of California, ACCESS Womens Health Justice, ACLU California, and other groups. The bill will be considered in one or more Senate policy committees in the spring. In Gov. Browns Sept. 30 veto of Senator Leyvas former bill, SB 320, he argued that the legislation was not needed. According to a study sponsored by supporters of this legislation, the average distance to abortion providers in campus communities varies from five to seven miles, not an unreasonable distance, he wrote. Because the services required by this bill are widely available off-campus, this bill is not necessary. Anna Arend, Students for Life of America coordinator for Northern California, testified in Sacramento regarding the groups opposition to SB 320. She said there were more than 90 Students for Life groups on campuses in California and they provide supportive resources to pregnant and parenting students. Student success is not in opposition to parenting, which is the basis of SB 320 and the claims that we need abortion drugs on campus, she said. Abortion drugs bring challenges to student success, she added, citing the possible side effects of the drugs, which can occasionally require hospitalization or in rare cases cause death. She said the procedure can also potentially be traumatic. Sacramento State graduate Jessica Massey is also opposed to legislation mandating abortion drugs on campus, like SB 320 and the new bill SB 24. She had one abortion in her junior year before becoming pregnant again. Ultimately, I chose life. It was the best thing I have ever done, said Massey to CBS Sacramento. She said the hurt and pain she felt from going through the abortion was something she wanted to help other women avoid. Smartphones show the ride-hailing apps Uber Technology Ltd., left, and Didi Chuxing at a residential compound in Beijing, on Aug. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Business Users of Smartphones May Be Breaking the Law Commentary This article is part of a series on corporate surveillance, highlighting civil liberty, privacy, cybersecurity, safety, and tech-product user exploitation threats associated with connected products that are supported by the Android (Google) OS, Apple iOS, and Microsoft Windows OS, smartphones and their harmful effects. Due to the proliferation of smartphones and bring-your-own device programs, many businesses, major corporations, government entities (including the military), law enforcement agencies, health care providers, legal professionals, and journalists have adopted smartphones to use professionally. However, are smartphones secure enough to use within a confidential and protected environment such as the defense industry, enterprise business, government, health care, critical infrastructure, and the legal profession? The answer to this question is no. Thats according to an admission made by T-Mobile, per a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) formal consumer complaint that I filed against T-Mobile in July 2015. T-Mobile has admitted that smartphones that are supported by the Android and Apple operating systems (OS) arent private or secure forms of telecommunications and computing, because of preinstalled surveillance and data-mining technology developed by Google and Apple. Dont take my word for it. T-Mobile explains it better than I can: We, too, remember a time before smartphones when it was reasonable to conclude that when you activated service with T-Mobile that only T-Mobile would have access to our personal information. However, with the Samsung Galaxy Note, the iPhone, and many other devices, there are indeed a variety of parties that may collect and use information. T-Mobile Privacy Team (FCC Consumer Complaint #423849 filed by Rex M. Lee/public record) In March, I contacted Verizon and asked if Verizon could sell me a private and secure smartphone, tablet PC, or even a flip phone. After three months of vetting Verizons solutions, I concluded that Verizon couldnt sell me a private or secure smartphone, tablet PC, or flip phone. Shockingly, Verizon agreed with my conclusion, which also validates the T-Mobile admission. However, Verizon admits that Android, Apple, and even Microsoft OS-driven smartphones, tablet PCs, and flip phones arent private or secure because of preinstalled surveillance and data-mining technology that not even Verizon can control, disable, or uninstall. Verizon admission: We have reviewed your request at the highest levels of our organization and have confirmed that the only solutions to make a phone private and secure are available through third parties, not directly from Verizon. Additionally, Verizon is not equipped to address preinstalled solutions or applications on any device.July 2 email to Rex M. Lee Additionally, Android, Apple, and Microsoft OS-supported smartphones, tablet PCs, connected products, and PCs are also supported by intrusive and exploitative factory-installed content developed by companies such as Amazon, Facebook, and Baidu (a nation-state Chinese company/Android content developer). My research and analysis indicate that such products arent private, secure, or safe enough to use within a confidential and protected environment because all products concerned are enabled to support indiscriminate surveillance and data-mining business practices rooted in surveillance capitalism. Its safe to conclude that smartphones, tablet PCs, flip phones, connected products, and PCs plus voice automated assistants are intentionally designed for consumerism. This means that the factory-installed content that supports all products concerned is intentionally designed to enable the OS and content developers with the ability to monitor, track, and data-mine the product user for financial gain, even at the expense of the product users privacy, cybersecurity, and safety. The products arent safe to use because the collective terms of use that support the products dont indemnify (protect) the product user from harm, even if the users personal and professional information is used in a negligent manner, such as the Facebook/Cambridge Analytica scandal. This means that connected products such as smartphones and tablet PCs arent private, secure, or safe enough to use within a confidential and protected environment that is governed by confidentiality agreements (employment), nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), industry and federal cyber-security standards, federal information processing standards (FIPS), and confidentiality laws. All of this means that when a person uses a smartphone or tablet PC that is supported by surveillance and data-mining enabled technology for official business, the product will leak confidential and protected personal and professional surveillance data (e.g., location data) and sensitive user data (digital DNA) to numerous unauthorized third parties such as content developers. Unauthorized third parties include Google, Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon, Facebook, Baidu, and other telecom and tech providers responsible for the development of the OS, plus the intrusive and exploitative preinstalled content that supports the products. At this point, many people that Ive discussed these matters with bring up mobile device management (MDM) and security solutions as a means to privatize and secure connected products such as smartphones and tablet PCs. Lets take a look at MDM and security solutions to see if said solutions can privatize and secure a smartphone or tablet PC. MDM and Security Solutions My research indicates that its impossible to privatize and secure a smartphone, tablet PC, or connected product supported by the Android OS, Apple iOS, or Microsoft Windows OS, due to preinstalled surveillance and data-mining technology developed by all parties concerned. My research also indicates that factory-installed and third-party MDM and security solutions wont prevent Google, Apple, and Microsoft from collecting personal and professional digital DNA from a users smartphone, tablet PC, or connected products in general, including PCs that support said solutions. For example, the application permission statements that support the preinstalled Android Samsung Knox security app enable Samsung plus all affiliated content developers, such as Google, to indiscriminately collect surveillance data and sensitive user data from the Samsung Knox app user. See the Android Knox app permission analysis below for a Samsung Galaxy Note smartphone supported by the Android OS: The so-called Android Knox security app is granted more than 60 highly intrusive permissions, which indicates that Samsung, plus all relevant affiliated content developers, is enabled to collect nearly 100 percent of the Knox app users personal and professional digital DNA from the Galaxy Note smartphone. My research indicates that the Android Knox security app can be classified as a predatory surveillance and data-mining app. Furthermore, the Android Knox app that I analyzed is supported by a Facebook interactive application permission command string, implying that Google and/or Samsung are enabling Facebook to collect the users personal and professional digital DNA via the Knox security app, further validating that the app is predatory in nature. Per the formal customer complaints that Ive filed with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Samsung, Ive sent my Galaxy Note smartphone terms of use and factory-installed content reports to AT&T, T-Mobile, and Samsung on several occasions to confirm all of my findings. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Samsung have yet to address the complaints, information, concerns, questions, and smartphone reports that Ive submitted to them dating back to 2015, which is surprising because I paid for all products concerned. That means that Im a paying customer just like you. Now that we can safely conclude that smartphones and tablet PCs supported by surveillance and data-mining enabled technology arent private, secure, or safe enough to use within a confidential and protected environment, lets review confidentiality laws plus telecom laws associated with protected (due process/Fourth Amendment) telecom infrastructure governed by the FCC. The analysis of existing laws will help validate if, in fact, smartphone and tablet PC users plus OS developers and content developers may actually be breaking existing laws plus violating legal agreements and cybersecurity standards associated with confidential and protected telecommunications, information, and data. Confidential and Protected Telecommunications and Infrastructure In my professional career, Ive yet to review a confidentiality agreement, NDA, industry or federal cybersecurity standard, FIPS, or confidentiality law that makes an exception for telecom and tech providers such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon, Facebook, or Baidu. Its illegal for any individual to leak confidential and protected telecommunications, information, or data to any unauthorized third party, which would include all telecom and tech providers concerned. Additionally, it is also illegal for any unauthorized third party (such as telecom and tech providers) to collect, use, share, sell, purchase, and aggregate any confidential and protected telecommunications, information, and data collected from a telecommunication subscriber (individual/business/government entity) or authorized device user (employee) without proper authorization. Smartphones and tablet PCs are no less significant than a home or office phone or PC that is supported by protected (due process/Fourth Amendment) telecom infrastructure governed by the FCC within the United States. This means that smartphone and tablet PC users are also protected by the same telecommunication and consumer laws that protect home and office phone and PC users from unwarranted and unauthorized surveillance and data-mining conducted by state actors, individuals, or companies. For example, if Google, Apple, or Microsoft were state actors, they would need to obtain a warrant from a domestic judge or a U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC/FISA) to conduct lawful surveillance and data-mining on U.S. telecommunication subscribers and authorized device users. Note that Baidu is, in fact, a nation-state actor (of China) concerning U.S. telecom subscribers and authorized device users. The Federal Trade Commission, FCC, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, state attorneys general, and relevant agencies need to investigate if existing civil liberty, telecommunication, and consumer laws are being violated by Google and Baidu with regard to intrusive Android and Baidu content, such as the Baidu web browser and Android Baidu apps that support smartphones (discussed further below). Additionally, individuals or private companies must seek the authorization from the telecom subscriber or authorized device user in order to conduct surveillance and data-mining on the telecom product user by way of the users smartphone or tablet PC. By way of application legalese, such as app permissions, an individual cant lawfully grant an unauthorized third party (e.g., Google, Apple, Microsoft) the ability to collect confidential and protected telecommunications, information, or data from a smartphone or tablet PC that is supported by protected telecom infrastructure governed by the FCC. In fact, the smartphone or tablet PC user, plus the unauthorized third party (e.g., Google, Apple, Microsoft), could both be held liable for breaking the law or for violating any relevant legal agreements and cyber-security standards. For example, it would be illegal for a smartphone or tablet PC user to divulge confidential and protected information associated with the smartphone or tablet PC to any unauthorized third party, whether that third party is a telecom provider, OS developer, original equipment manufacturer, content developer, or a spy. Use of Consumer-Grade Smartphones Is Illegal in Confidential Environments According to the T-Mobile and Verizon admissions, coupled with my research, numerous third parties that include Google, Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon, Facebook, and Baidu are, in fact, enabled to collect a smartphone and tablet PC users personal and professional digital DNA, which could also include confidential and protected telecommunications information and data due to the indiscriminate surveillance and data-mining business practices employed. Based on this information, one could conclude that it is illegal to use a smartphone, tablet PC, voice-automated assistant, connected product, or PC that is enabled to support surveillance and data-mining business practices within a confidential and protected environment, such as the defense industry, health care, legal profession, critical infrastructure, or government, including the military. This means that health care providers, members of the military and law enforcement, judges, attorneys, elected officials, and even lawmakers may be inadvertently breaking the law when they use a smartphone or tablet PC for official use. Additionally, people who use smartphones supported by surveillance and data-mining enabled technology within the defense industry, critical infrastructure, enterprise business, and government may be inadvertently in violation and/or in breach of confidentiality agreements (employment), NDAs, industry and federal cyber-security standards, and FIPS. Due to predatory surveillance and data-mining business practices, companies such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft may have ended privacy and cybersecurity as we know it. Organizations need to consider the investment they are making with regard to privacy and cybersecurity associated with their telecom and network infrastructure, because smartphones and tablet PCs supported by surveillance and data-mining enabled technology arent private, secure, or safe. After all, what good is a secure network if smartphones, tablet PCs, voice-automated assistants, connected products, and PCs are unsecure due to factory-installed surveillance and data-mining technology developed by telecom and tech providers? Who knows? You may be surprised to find out that you are leaking your personal and professional information to nation-state companies from China such as Baidu. If you dont believe me, review the installed apps that support your smartphone. You may find the following Android Baidu app permission in your smartphone: Email app, Android permission: BAIDU_LOCATION_SERVICE. I was surprised and horrified when I found this Android Baidu interactive application permission command string in a Samsung Galaxy Note smartphone that I purchased from a T-Mobile corporate store in Selma, Texas. In Part 2 of this article, I will address the fact that the Android OS supports intrusive content developed by nation-state companies such as Baidu. I will also address a conflict of interest between telecom providers and data-driven OS and content developers that compete in multiple industries worldwide, such as Google. Rex M. Lee is a privacy and data security consultant and an analyst and researcher for Blackops Partners. His website is MySmartPrivacy.com Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Lord Justice Leveson poses with a summary report into press standards on November 29, 2012 in London, England. His findings were subsequently used to reduce press freedom in the United Kingdom. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Censorship in the British Media: A Troubling Trend? Commentary LONDONThe British mediaprint and electronichave been in conflict with the government, regulatory authorities, celebrities protecting their privacy and big business trying to suppress exposure of malfeasance for decades. The Official Secrets Act 1911 was watered down in the revised 1989 version but remains in place to protect national security. Just after the conclusion in 2012 of what was called The Leveson Inquiry, American-British broadcaster Bonnie Greer and I participated in a London power breakfast hosted by broadcaster Carole Stone. Lord Justice Leveson had chaired a protracted investigation costing an estimated 5 million pounds ($6.37 million). At the behest of Prime Minister David Cameron, it tackled telephone hacking and other potentially illegal behavior by the press against celebrities, some of whom I would call B list stars. Bonnie and I agreed that attempts by the government and judiciary to limit the scope of press freedom could not happen in the United States because of the First Amendment. Our British audience found this discussion fascinating. I told the group I could not imagine American taxpayers tolerating massive expenditure on a case brought by rich celebrities who felt their privacy was being violated by the tabloid newspapers. It must be emphasized that the inquirys investigation of phone hacking of the mother of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, of the parents of missing child Madeleine McCann, of the families of British servicemen and of Chris Jefferies, wrongly accused of murder, were positive aspects of the Leveson Inquiry. The inquiry recommended replacing the Press Complaints Commission, but the prime minister never acted on this. The phone-hacking activities resulted in several prosecutions and caused the demise of Rupert Murdochs News of the World newspaper. A more jarring aspect of the post-inquiry period was the exposure by The Daily Telegraph newspaper of Culture Secretary Maria Millers 90,000 pounds ($114,661) expense claim; the prime ministers office tried to suppress the story because she had been instrumental in masterminding aspects of the Leveson inquiry. The Parliamentary Commission for Standards eventually took her to task and, on Dec. 15, 2012, The Guardians Tanya Gold noted that this was a triumph for freedom of the press. In the end, the Conservative Partys 2017 manifesto stated that a second inquiry would be dropped. This was confirmed to Parliament by Culture Secretary Matt Hancock in March of this year. Restricting Press Freedom In subsequent years, attempts by government and by the rich and powerful to limit press freedom have resulted in the United Kingdom slipping to 40th in the 2017 Reporters Without Borders league table. Unbelievably, the United Kingdom now ranks below South Africa, Chile, and Lithuania. This sad state of affairs partially arose from the introduction of the Investigatory Powers Act by Parliament in November 2017also known as the snoopers chartergiving UK intelligence agencies and police the most comprehensive surveillance powers in the Western world. Thankfully, the British government did stop short of accepting a recommendation by the Law Commission that whistleblowers be jailed for 14 years and that investigative journalists be subject to prosecution for espionage. Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act, another post-Leveson rule that urges newspapers to join a government-sanctioned regulator, has fallen flat; one reason is that the regulatory body, Impress, is, according to the New Statesman May 8 issue, funded by foundations that are in turn funded by Max Mosley, who has led a one-man campaign against much of the British media. It should be stressed that it is not just conservative officials challenging press freedom. Labours deputy leader, Tom Watson, is reported to favor a second Leveson Inquiry and approval of Section 40. The News Media Association has said this would inflict enormous damage on a free press, and the Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport said this would undermine a free press and high-quality investigative journalism. Gagging Orders In recent weeks, a story has rocked Britain because it revolves around suppression of the press by a billionaire. In October, a mainstream newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, was itself a front-page national story because of an injunction stopping it from publishing the name of a celebrated retail magnate who had been accused of sexual impropriety and racist behavior in the workplace. In a rare act of parliamentary privilege, however, Lord Hain revealed the name of the accused: Sir Philip Green. This explosive episode opened up a major national discourse about non-disclosure agreements (NDA) that muzzle abused employees for life. Sir Philip had used his vast wealth to stop the Telegraph from revealing his identity. The Sunday Times of Oct. 28 noted, Gagging deals are the outdated tools of bullies. I quote conservative journalist Sebastian Payne in his Oct. 25 appearance on BBC topical debate show Question Time: The House of Commons spent 2.4 million on 53 gagging orders. These confidentiality clauses exist to stop people like me and newspapers from doing their job: This [Philip Green] injunction has a chilling effect on freedom of speech in our society. If things are printed that are untrue, then there are libel lawsyou can sue for that. But to not even put allegations out there is really damaging. We have seen this before with Harvey Weinsteins PA who broke her NDA because she wanted to expose [in The Financial Times] the coercion. Theresa May said she was going to do something about this, and she needs to get on and do it. In conclusion, I will end on an optimistic note. The British newspaper The Guardian this year exposed the Windrush scandal about the deportation of long-time West Indian immigrants, and on BBCs This Week, host Andrew Neil referred to the prime minister as the Maybot. Downing Street press briefings are combative, but the government does not suppress the aforementioned freedoms. Hopefully, a dynamic UK press will endure in turbulent times. Philadelphia-born Carol Gould is a UK-based political commentator. She is the author of Dont Tread on Me: Anti-Americanism Abroad and Spitfire Girls. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Danish model Helena Christensen and guest at the Chanel Metiers D'Art 2018/19 Show at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Dec. 4, 2018. (Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images) Chanel Bans Use of Exotic Animal Skins in Its Fashion Products LONDONLuxury fashion house Chanel has said it will stop using exotic animal skins in a move that has been welcomed by animal rights activists. The renowned French company has said it will stop producing clothes made from animal fur, as well as skins such as lizard, crocodile, and snake. Head of Fashion Bruno Pavlovsky said it was difficult to obtain such exotic skins ethically, and said Chanel already uses little fur in its products, according to the BBC. Chanels designer Karl Lagerfeld said they had arrived at the decision not because of pressure from animal rights activists. We did it because its in the air, but its not an air people imposed to us, Lagerfeld told fashion industry magazine Womens Wear Daily. However, the move was still welcomed by rights group PETA, which said in a statement: The champagne corks are popping at PETA, thanks to Chanels announcement that its kicking fur and exotic skinsincluding crocodile, lizard, and snake skinto the curb. For decades, PETA has called on the brand to opt for luxury, cruelty-free fashion that no animal had to suffer and die for, and now its time for other companies, like Louis Vuitton, to follow the lead of the iconic double-Cs and do the same. In a previous role as designer for Fendi, Lagerfeld used skins from animals like mole, rabbit, and squirrel. Other Fashion Brands Follow Suit Last year, fashion brand Gucci said it would not use any animal that had been bred or caught for its fur in its products. And in 2016, Armani similarly pledged to end the use of fur, alongside Michael Kors, Versace, Burberry, and John Galliano. But Chanel is the first luxury brand to ban the use of exotic skins, joining labels like ASOS, H&M, Nike, Nine West, and Puma, according to PETA. PETA said that recent advancements in textiles have made faux fur and vegan leather almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Its clear that the time is now for all companies, like Louis Vuitton, to follow Chanels lead and move to innovative materials that spare countless animals a miserable life and a violent, painful death, PETA said in a statement. Designer Stella McCartney has long advocated the banning of real fur in fashion, with her fake-fur clothes making waves at the 2015 Paris Fashion Week. At the time, McCartney said, according to The Guardian, Ive been speaking to younger women about it recently and they dont even want real fur. So I feel like maybe things have moved on This year, none of the London Fashion Week designers used fur in their collections for the first time in the events 35-year history. Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, told the Guardian that it highlights a trend we have seen over the past few years, with more and more brands deciding to use alternative materials to fur. Beijing Makes Specific Commitments on US-China Trade Deal Trump promises tariffs on Chinese goods if 'a real deal' isn't worked out WASHINGTONPresident Donald Trump has presented Chinese leader Xi Jinping with a carrot and a stick on trade negotiations between their two countries, three days after their meeting in Argentina during the G-20 summit. In a series of tweets on Dec. 4, he recalled their wonderful and very warm dinner where the two discussed trade, and affirmed that both leaders want this deal to happen. But if a deal doesnt happen, he warned, I am a tariff man. When people or countries come in to raid the great wealth of our nation, I want them to pay for the privilege of doing so, Trump said in a post on Twitter. It will always be the best way to max out our economic power. We are right now taking in $billions in tariffs. .I am a Tariff Man. When people or countries come in to raid the great wealth of our Nation, I want them to pay for the privilege of doing so. It will always be the best way to max out our economic power. We are right now taking in $billions in Tariffs. MAKE AMERICA RICH AGAIN Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2018 After Trumps Dec. 1 bilateral meeting with China at the G-20 summit, both Trump and National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow were informed trade barriers with China will be dropped immediately. U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin told Fox Business on Dec. 4 that China had responded to the meeting with specific commitments on agriculture, liquefied natural gas, automobiles, and industrial products, as well as promises on additional purchases of $1.2 trillion. As a gesture of goodwill, Trump told Xi during their meeting he would hold off on raising tariffs from 10 to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods that would have taken effect on Jan. 1. He gave China 90 days to work out a real deal, and if it doesnt, higher tariffs loom, he warned. Mnuchin said the agreement would comprise two phases, the first being very specific commitments implemented within the 90 days, and completing the second phase very quickly as well. When asked about structural changes the United States had made as a prerequisite to any trade deal, Mnuchin said he expected some things to be implemented on a rolling basis in phase two. There are a series of structural issues. Some of them can be implemented very quickly, some of them can be implemented on a rolling basis, he said. Our expectation is that there will be specific deliverables, there will be specific timelines, and that there will be penalties if China does not meet those timelines. Starting during the campaign, Trump has repeatedly said he wants to level out the $375.6 billion trade imbalance with China, and has called for the country to remove barriers like tariffs and protectionist measures like subsidies. Mnuchin said that if these and other predatory trade practices China uses to the United States disadvantage are corrected, the trade deficit will take care of itself. If not, he said the United States is prepared to increase tariffs, without reciprocal tariffs attacking us. Cautious Optimism on New Deal U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is taking over as lead negotiator from Mnuchin, who will continue to be involved in deals. Kudlow called Lighthizer the best trade negotiator in the business and expressed confidence that he would keep China on track with its commitments. Lighthizer is considered by many to be a China hawk and is in favor of taking a more aggressive approach to China. In late November, his office released a damning report on Chinese trade practices that gave China a low grade on resolving complaints on hacking, intellectual property theft, and forced technology transfers. Based on the reports findings, Lighthizer said in a written statement that China has not fundamentally altered its unfair, unreasonable, and market-distorting practices. U.S. negotiators have a list of 142 requirements that China has to agree to before it enters into a trade deal. In a phone call with reporters Dec. 4, Kudlow, who accompanied Trump to Argentina, said that based on his conversations with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, Liu and his staff were taking those demands seriously. After going into previous talks with Chinese negotiators rather optimistic, Kudlow said he became somewhat cynical when those talks didnt produce results. After seeing the depth and breadth of the conversation Trump and Xi had in Argentina, Kudlow said he was cautiously optimistic. Instead of being hammered out by lower-level officials, he said Xi came very prepared for the conversation, and that the deal was mostly done by the two leaders. Kudlow also noted the relationship between Trump and Xi, which he described as having chemistry, as part of the reason for his optimism. You know, weve been hearing that theyre friends and so forth, he said. I do think it means something, I do. I think personal relationships matter and well see how this turns out. China Said to Be Restarting Imports of US Soybeans and Natural Gas as Trump Cites Xis Strong Signals The Chinese regime is getting ready to resume imports of U.S. soybeans and liquified natural gas (LNG), Bloomberg reported, in a move confirming the Trump administrations claim that China had agreed to immediately start purchasing some U.S. products. Chinese officials have been instructed to take necessary steps for the purchases, two officials told the outlet. However, it was unclear if this meant China would scrap the retaliatory tariffs on these itemscurrently at 25 percent for soybeans, and 10 percent for LNG. The exact timing of the purchases was also not clear. After the Dec. 1 Trump-Xi meeting which yielded a 90 day truce in the Sino-U.S. trade war, the White House said in a statement that China will agree to purchase a not yet agreed upon, but very substantial, amount of agricultural, energy, industrial and other product from the United States to reduce the trade imbalance between our two countries. China has agreed to start purchasing agricultural product from our farmers immediately. After mostly keeping mostly silent on details from the meeting, Chinese authorities, via a brief statement on the Commerce Ministrys website, said Dec. 4 that China would try to work quickly to implement specific issues already agreed upon. It did not elaborate on what these issues were. The ministry added that both sides were working along a clear timetable and road map, but did not give details. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump on Dec. 5 wrote on Twitter that China was sending strong signals, and expressed optimism that the regime would fulfill its side of the bargain. Very strong signals being sent by China once they returned home from their long trip, including stops, from Argentina. Not to sound naive or anything, but I believe President Xi meant every word of what he said at our long and hopefully historic meeting. ALL subjects discussed! Trump wrote in a post. Trump, however, earlier warned that if a solid trade deal could not be reached, his administration would continue levying major tariffs against China. We are either going to have a REAL DEAL with China, or no deal at all at which point we will be charging major tariffs against Chinese product being shipped into the United States. Ultimately, I believe, we will be making a deal either now or into the future, Trump tweeted on Dec. 4. The president also noted that negotiations between the two countries were underway and left open the possibility of an extension to the ceasefire. Lifting Tariffs? As the two countries work to resolve their differences, some Chinese analysts expect China to cut agricultural tariffs as a sign on commitment to the trade truce. China will for sure cancel the 25 percent tariffs on U.S. agriculture products. China has to do this, basically to get room to breathe, an executive at a state-owned trading house told Reuters. Tariffs on U.S. soybeans might drop as the two sides enter a honeymoon period. It is expected that they will start sending out goodwill signals, Tian Hao, senior analyst with First Futures told Reuters. China imports almost 90 percent of its soybeans, and the United States had been the countrys primary supplier of soybeans. But U.S. exports of the product have drastically decreased after China slapped retaliatory duties of 25 percent on the product this spring. Chinas tariffs on U.S. soybeans had earlier pushed the price of soybeans from Brazil, the worlds top supplier, so high that Chinese buyers could have imported American soybeans and paid the tariff for less. But that premium has been significantly eroded in recent weeks after China built up large soybean stocks, and demand for soymeal declined in the wake of an African swine fever epidemic ravaging the countrys huge hog herd. Reuters contributed to this report. Epoch Times staff writer Annie Wu also contributed to this report. U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping (L) shake hands during dinner at the Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida, on April 6, 2017. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) Chinese Authorities Mum on XiTrump Meeting Details, Censor US Embassys Social Media Chinese authorities are still mostly silent on details from the meeting at the G-20 summit between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump, while internet authorities have partially censored social-media posts from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Chinas foreign ministry, which is the only government department that holds a daily briefing that foreign media can attend, has repeatedly referred journalists questions to Chinas Ministry of Commerce instead. But the commerce ministry also has been quiet. The ministry is scheduled to hold its next weekly news briefing on Dec. 6. One Chinese official told Reuters that officials were waiting for the leaders to return before publicizing details. Xi and his most senior officials, including the commerce minister and the countrys two top diplomats, are currently in Portugal and due back in China on Dec. 6. While most Chinese media continue to run scant details on the meeting, some have begun mentioning the 90-day deadline for negotiations to continue before U.S. tariffs increase. Apparently, the Chinese government doesnt want its people to consider the agreement as a failure for China, Fang Kecheng, a Chinese media researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, told Reuters. The 90-day limit sounds like an ultimatum given by the strong actor to the weak actor, he added. Fang is a former journalist for the mainland Chinese newspaper Southern Weekly. Luwei Rose Luqiu, a journalism professor at Hong Kong Baptist University who was a former reporter with the pro-Beijing, Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, told Reuters that the Chinese authorities usually give little details to Chinese media about such bilateral meetings. The initial official news report is typically drafted by the foreign ministry and approved by the General Office of the Chinese Communist Partys Central Committee, she said. Chinese state media are mostly positive on the talks, though. The typically hawkish state-run newspaper Global Times ran a Dec. 4 article noting that global stocks rose upon news of a ceasefire in the trade dispute. Meanwhile, a Dec. 3 Global Times editorial published in its English edition bluntly admitted that its almost impossible to overcome the huge differences between the two sides in 90 days. However, the article said that the agreements made between Xi and Trump thus far are a major breakthrough, and that its highly likely that 90 days of effort could build a certain trust and lead to compromises that are acceptable to both. US Embassys Social-Media Posts But the U.S. Embassys social-media posts are being censored, preventing Chinese citizens from accessing information about the G-20 talks outside of what Chinese media have been allowed to report on. On the popular WeChat social-media platform on Dec. 3, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing posted in full the White House press secretarys official statement on the talks, as well as a Chinese translation. The post was visible but blocked from being re-posted or shared. A separate WeChat post by the U.S. Embassy on the passing of former President George H.W. Bush didnt have such restrictions, according to a Bloomberg report. On Weibo, a platform similar to Twitter, the U.S. Embassy also posted a Chinese-language message explaining details from the G-20 talks mentioned in the White House statement. However, as of Dec. 4, users couldnt expand the post to read the full message. The sentences that are visible explain the fentanyl designation, the halting of tariff increases, and Chinas promise to buy more U.S. agricultural, energy, industrial, and other goods. Some netizens also commented on the post, saying that their comments werent publicly visible. The re-posting and sharing functions also didnt work, they said. Because comments on an account belonging to a U.S. entity are less likely to be censored by Chinas internet monitors, the U.S. Embassys Weibo account has long been considered a rare safe haven for free speech in China, allowing netizens to speak their minds. Earlier this year, netizens were able to comment freely on the U.S.-China trade dispute. One Weibo commenter also mentioned that the QR code that allows users to access the U.S. Embassys account on WeChat was no longer working. Reuters contributed to this report. Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela (R) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping shake hands upon the latter's arrival at the presidential palace in Panama City, on Dec. 3, 2018. (Luis Acosta/AFP/Getty Images) Chinese Investments in Panama Draw Concerns About Corruption, Challenges to US Interests Worries as Xi signs economic deals during Panama visit China and Panama signed multiple cooperation deals after Chinese leader Xi Jinpings recent visit to the Central American country. However, experts are voicing concerns that the closer relationship between the two countries could be damaging to Panamas interests, as well as those of the United States. Xi arrived in Panama on Dec. 2 for a 24-hour visit during which he met with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela. The two leaders signed 19 cooperation agreements in trade, infrastructure, banking, education, and tourism, according to Reuters. One of the agreements calls for China to provide non-reimbursable aid to Panama for carrying out the different projects; the amount wasnt disclosed. Additionally, Varela expressed support for Panamas continued participation in projects under Beijings One Belt, One Road (OBOR, also known as Belt and Road) initiative, according to Chinas state-run media Global Times. Beijing first announced OBOR in 2013, a bid to build up geopolitical influence through trade networks, with billions of dollars worth of investments in countries throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Corruption Concerns Panamanian economist Eddie Tapiero raised concerns about the relationship with China, while speaking at a news program run by Panamanian broadcaster TVN. It calls us to be more demanding in areas of transparency, corruption, and the law. If that doesnt happen, the initiative [with Chinese investment] would not work out because the money would be squandered, Tapiero said, and efforts to boost Panama would not happen. While Tapiero didnt elaborate on how corruption might take place, Chinas OBOR has been known to foster corruption in countries with weak institutions, while benefitting the Chinese regime and harming local interests. One example involves Malaysia, whose newly elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad canceled some $23 billion worth of OBOR infrastructure projects in August after his predecessor was charged with corruption and money laundering, in relation to funding for the projects. Similar transparency concerns were voiced by Miguel Antonio Bernal, a law professor and a candidate running in Panamas 2019 presidential election, who said, They [China] have a colonization plan and we dont have the professional capacity to resist it. We are like an ant wanting to be friends with an elephant, according to a Dec. 2 article by U.S.-based Spanish-language cable news channel Univision. China Investments Chinese companies have invested heavily in Panama in recent years. For example, in May 2017, Chinas Landbridge Group, under the OBOR initiative, was awarded the contract to expand Panamas largest port, the Colon Container Port, for about $1 billion. The firm began construction in June 2017, according to Chinas state-run media. In July 2018, Chinas state-run China Communication Construction and its China Harbor Engineering subsidiary won the bid to construct a new bridge over the Panama Canal, with a $1.42 billion contract. In an article published Sept. 21, Global Americans, a nonprofit platform that provides news and analysis on Latin America, pointed out several cases of Chinese companies being awarded public contracts under dubious circumstances. China Harbor Engineering, for example, was awarded the bridge contract following the unexplained withdrawal of one of the competitors from the bidding process. The companys final design closely resembled one submitted by the competitor who lost the bid. U.S. Interests Both the United States and China are heavily dependent on the Panama Canal for trade. Thus, Panamas geographic location is important for both countries. According to statistics by government agency Panama Canal Authority, for the fiscal year 2018, the United States was the top user of the canal, with about 68 percent of total trade going to or from the country. China was second at about 16 percent. The U.S. congressional committee, China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), issued a report in October on Chinas engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean, warning of the challenges posed by Chinas investment in the region. It would reduce the United States strategic influence in the region, diminish U.S. regional security relationships, and undermine U.S. promotion of international norms such as democracy and fair labor practices, the report concludes. China is currently constructing port facilities at both ends of the Panama Canal: Balboa Port and Amado Cruise Terminals near the entrance connecting to the Pacific Ocean; and the Colon Container Terminal and Panama Colon Container Port at the Atlantic Ocean entrance. The USCC report includes comments by Navy Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander of the U.S. Southern Command, in February 2018, who stated that increased reach to key global access points like Panama create[s] commercial and security vulnerabilities for the United States. The USCC report questions the economic feasibility of some of the Chinese projects, including the $167 million Amado Cruise Terminal, which is not along any major cruise ship routes. Huawei, ZTE Meanwhile, Chinas top telecoms firms are making inroads in Panama. R. Evan Ellis, a professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute (SSI), predicts that Huawei and ZTE will be the dominant providers of telecoms infrastructure and services in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a near-monopoly status eclipsing local providers by 2050. Such dominance, according to Ellis, would give China virtually limitless capability to collect business intelligence or appropriate technologies to give an unfair position to PRC-based companies, he said for a report published by U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Nov. 21. The two firms dominance could also compromise virtually any military, government, or business leader in the region, to obtain from them valuable political and military intelligence, he said. Huawei was even recently awarded a contract for installing a street-level surveillance system with facial recognition cameras linked to a data network based in the city of Colonallowing the Panama government to mimic Chinas mass surveillance system, where millions of cameras currently monitor citizens throughout the country and have been used to snuff out dissidents. Panamas system would also be wired to government offices of defense, migration, fire department, and ambulance service. Beijing has especially deployed advanced surveillance technology in Xinjiang as part of its efforts to monitor and persecute Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities. Beijing is now exporting its surveillance technologies to other countries. Many governments around the world, including the United States and Australia, have raised concerns about equipment and phones made by Huawei and ZTE. The Pentagon issued an order in May 2018 to remove all phones from these two companies sold at stores in U.S. military bases, on concern that those devices could be used to spy on U.S. military. A picture taken on Dec. 3, 2018, shows an ancient gold coin recently uncovered at an excavation site in the Israeli Mediterranean town of Caesarea. (JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images) Coins From 900 Years Ago Found in Israel, Linked to Crusades: Archaeologists Rare gold coins were discovered in the ancient Israeli port city of Caesarea, according to reports published this week. The coins are believed to have been hidden about 900 years ago. Some 24 coins apparently were hidden by someone who may have wanted to retrieve them, but they never got them back, the BBC reported on Dec. 3. Archaeologists say the owner might have been killed when Crusaders invaded the area in 1101 AD. Among the hoard of coins are Fatimid dinars and rare 111th-centuryByzantine coins, the Times of Israel noted. On the whole they are very, very rare, said Israel Antiquity Authority expert Dr. Robert Kool in the Times of Israel report. These coins usually did not travel beyond the political borders of the Byzantine Empire. During the Crusader war, the ruling Fatimid empire was routed and people were massacred or taken as slaves, the Times noted. For nearly 1,000 years, the bronze pot that held the coins was situated between stones in a five-foot-deep watering hole. The people broke a piece of ceramic and put it in as a stop-gap lid so the coins wouldnt fall out, said Kool to the publication. It really seems to add up to the Crusader conquest, which was a pretty dramatic event. A statement from Israeli researchers said the finding might link the treasure to the Crusader conquest of the city in the year 1101, one of the most dramatic events in the medieval history of the city, SBS News reported. According to contemporary written sources, most of the inhabitants of Caesarea were massacred by the army of Baldwin I (11001118), king of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, officials said. It is reasonable to assume that the treasures owner and his family perished in the massacre or were sold into slavery, and therefore were not able to retrieve their gold. The coins and related treasures are being displayed at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the BBC reported. The finding is in a location where two other treasures from the same Crusades era were discovered, the Jerusalem Post noted. A golden pot with silver jewelry was discovered there in the 1960s. Meanwhile, bronze vessels were also found in the same area 30 years later. Other details about the finding are not clear. Denmark Plans to House Criminal Migrants on Isolated Island STOCKHOLMThe Danish government is planning to build a secure center on a small island for housing criminal migrants and other people without resident status who cant be legally deported. The plan, which was presented Nov. 30, means that a new departure center will be established on the island of Lindholm, which has only three permanent residents, and is currently the home of a veterinary research facility for testing animal viruses. Since the island is accessible only by ferry, these tested viruses arent easily spread to the mainland. Now, this restricted accessibility will instead be used to contain potentially troublesome migrants. The plan is to move the research facility by 2019, and establish the center with a view to begin operations in 2021. The center will be able to host 100 residents, with a spare capacity of a further 25. It will also host staff and police officers. The current center is situated near the town of Ikast in central Jylland (the Danish mainland). Soren Pape Poulsen, Danish minister for justice, said that many people in the area have felt unsafe because of the center, Tv2 reported. We are sending these criminal migrants to an island where there are no other people that can be disturbed by them, Poulsen said. This is good for a sense of security and for people who feel that these people cause a lot of disturbance. Its important to note that the planned residents of the new center arent detaineesthey are people who have served their sentence and are awaiting deportation, or people who cant currently be deported to their home countries as they may face torture or execution. This also puts limits on how the government may house and monitor them. Human-rights lawyer Louise Holck told the Politiken newspaper that the conditions on the island will determine if this will become a human-rights issue. You cant detain these people, she said. If the conditions as a whole are very strict, it may, in human-rights terms, amount to actual detention. So far, there has been no major opposition from the other political parties in Denmark to the plans, but the optics of housing non-detained migrants on an isolated island has raised eyebrows, both inside and outside of the country. Jakob Thiemann, Social Democratic candidate for the European Parliament, warned of dehumanization in an opinion piece in Politiken, comparing the island to the notorious prison islands of Alcatraz or Robben Island in South Africa. But the issue that has so far gained most attention is the projected cost: Some $115 million will be spent over the next four years on the plan, information.dk reports. And once the center is up and running, it will cost about $34 million a year, which means over $250,000 a year per planned resident, or $750 a day. Are there even hotels that expensive? Social Democratic politician Mattias Tesfaye told information.dk. We will look into this properly. Its taxpayer money. The direct cost per migrant a year at the current facility is about $37,000, according to official figures from the Danish Ministry for Immigration and Integrations press department, but the ministry adds that this doesnt include the cost of preventative police work, whereas police costs are included in the figures for the new center, information.dk reported. Inger Stjberg, minister for immigration and integration, defended the costs, and said that the facility is meant to also have a deterrent effect, Tv2 reported. Its not supposed to be nice, coming to a departure center, she said. If you are being expelled or not granted residency, this is not a place you will want to stay in. Rescue workers assist people who were injured when a car drove through a group of counter protestors at the "Unite the Right" rally Charlottesville, Va., on Aug. 12, 2017. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters) Driver Sobs After Learning He Killed Woman at Virginia Rally The white nationalist who drove a car into a crowd of counter-protesters at a Virginia rally last year began sobbing and whimpering after his arrest when police told him he had killed someone, according to video played at his trial on Dec. 4. Within minutes of the mayhem at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville on Aug. 12, 2017, James Fields could be heard on footage recorded by a detectives body-worn camera saying he acted in self-defense. I didnt want to hurt people, but I thought they were attacking me, Fields told the police, according to the video footage played to the jury, who will soon vote on whether to convict Fields on 10 charges, including murder. After police arrested him, Fields, 21, asked at the police station about the extent of the injuries he caused. There were people with injuries, one had passed away, a detective tells Fields, according to video footage from the police station. Fields is then heard sobbing, whimpering, and gasping for breath. Steven Young, the lead detective on the case, testified that it took about two minutes to calm him down. Mr. Fields appeared to be in a panic, Young told the court. Fields was one of hundreds of white nationalists who went Charlottesville last year to protest the planned removal of a statue honoring the U.S. Civil War-era Confederacy from a public park. At a rally the night before the incident, protesters carried torches and chanted anti-Semitic slogans. Heather Heyer was killed after Fields drove his car into her and other counter-protesters, badly injuring others. On Dec. 4, Judge Richard Moore allowed prosecutors to show the jury a cellphone text message exchange between Fields and his mother the day before Fields traveled to Charlottesville. I got the weekend off, Fields wrote to his mother. Ill be able to go to the rally. Be careful, his mother replied. Were not the one who need to be careful, Field wrote. He also attached an image of Adolf Hitler. Moore told the jury they would have to weigh whether the exchange and the image of the Nazi leader showed that Fields had premeditated intent. Attorneys for Fields called Paul Critzer, a Charlottesville Sheriffs Department deputy, along with three other law enforcement officers, to the stand on the afternoon of Dec. 4. Critzer testified that he talked to Fields after stopping his Dodge Charger and telling him to throw his keys out of the window. He seemed calm in tone. He said, Im so sorry, Critzer said, adding that Fields bolted away from him after initially putting his hands out of the window of his car as if he was going to surrender. The judge said the defense will call seven or eight witnesses on Dec. 5 and one witness on Dec. 6. The jury may get the case on Dec. 6, he said. By Gary Robertson Patrick Ho was found guilty on Dec. 5 for bribing officials of two African countries for Chinese energy company CEFC China Energy. (Sunrest/CC-by/Wikimedia Commons Ex-Hong Kong Official Who Worked for Chinese Energy Company Convicted of Bribery A former Hong Kong official has been convicted by a federal jury in New York for bribing the presidents of Chad and Uganda to secure oil rights for a Chinese energy conglomerate. The jury, who took less than three hours to reach a verdict on Dec. 5, found Chi Ping Patrick Ho guilty of seven of eight counts of conspiracy, money laundering and violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The prosecution alleged that Ho offered US$2.9 million in bribes to a state leader and officials in Chad and Uganda to gain oil rights and development opportunities in those countries for Shanghai-based energy conglomerate CEFC China Energy. The case stretched from the halls of the United Nations to the oilfields of sub-Saharan Africa, opening a window into the often blurry line between non-governmental organizations and private enterprise. Ho was charged and tried in New York, prosecutors said, because several relevant meetings, communications and wire transfers occurred in Manhattan. Ho, 69, an ophthalmologist and former Hong Kong Home Affairs Minister, headed CEFCs nonprofit think tank. Prosecutors portrayed Ho as an astute businessman who lined the pockets of government officials in a bid to expand the business of CEFC China Energy around the world. Running an NGO allowed the defendant to pass himself off as a humanitarian, Paul Hayden, a U.S. Justice Department trial attorney, told jurors at the outset of the trial. He offered millions of dollars in bribes, and he did so to gain business. Hos attorneys acknowledged he made the cash payments but argued they were donations intended to foster goodwill. CEFC is a private company that does typically does business in the state-dominated fields of oil and gas and financial services. Its founder, Ye Jianming, has been missing since March, and is reportedly under investigation by Chinese authorities. Chinese state-affiliated media Caixin reported in March that CEFC was linked to the Peoples Liberation Army. The most damning testimony in the trial came from Cheikh Gadio, a former foreign minister of Senegal who had been indicted with Ho before agreeing to testify. Gadio, who was hired as a consultant, said he was shocked by the $2 million in cash that had been hidden in more than a dozen gift boxes CEFC presented to Chads president, Idriss Deby, during a 2014 visit. According to Gadio, Deby said his first impulse was to expel the companys delegation from his country. Gadio said the president asked him why people believe that all African leaders are corrupt. Gadio said Ho told the president he was impressed by his refusal of the bribe. He said CEFC insisted the Chadian government keep the cash as a charitable donation. This is not how legitimate business is done, Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Zolkind said. Its bribery. Arms Deals During the case, prosecutors also alleged Ho helped broker arms deals to Chad, Qatar and Libya. Documents filed in October shows emails in which Ho discusses using the companys connections to arrange arms purchases for those countries. In an email from March 2015, Ho discussed selling weapons to Libya and South Sudan, both countries are under arms embargoes. Ho asked the other party, Find a way to pass them onto me and we can execute that right away. Then the other party answered: Attached. [We] have the funding and processing mechanisms in place. If it works nice, there will be much more. Also for S. Sudan. The prosecution also alleged Ho was involved in a scheme to help Iran get around sanctions by accessing funds from a Chinese bank. In an October 2014 email, Ho said he was going to Beijing to visit the CEFC chairman for business related to Iran. He wrote about how the Iranian government funds held in a Chinese bank and wished to buy precious metals. The Iranian agent is looking for a Chinese company to act as a middleman in these transactions and will pay commission, Ho wrote. [They] have a strong urge to establish a relationship with us regarding oil and other products. Ho is due to be sentenced in March and could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison. The Epoch Times staff writers Cathy He and Nicole Hao contributed to this article. Carla Stefaniak, 36, went missing last week ad before that, she sent an ominous text message to her sister-in-law. She was staying at the Airbnb. (Carla Stefaniak/Facebook) Family Identifies Body Found in Costa Rica as Missing Florida Woman Carla Stefaniak The family of Carla Stefaniak, a Florida woman who went missing in Costa Rica last week, said they identified her body after officials confirmed her death. Authorities said a suspect, a man from Nicaragua, has been arrested in the case. A homicide investigation has since been opened up. Words cannot express the devastation within her family and friends. We want the world to know that we will never forget Carla, a Facebook post on the Finding Carla page said. It appears her father was allowed to see the body of the woman, 36, reported CNN and the Washington Post. We will never forget the joy she brought into our lives, how much she made us laugh. We will always be with her and we know she will always be with us. May god bless her soul, the post said. Her body was discovered on the property of an Airbnb near the Costa Rican capital, San Jose. She went missing on the day of her flightjust one day after her sister-in-law left the country. According to CNN, a partially decomposed body was discovered on Dec. 3, about 1,000 feet from the Airbnb where she was staying. Walter Espinoza, a spokesman with the countrys Judicial Investigation Department, confirmed the details in media reports. Bismarck Espinoza Martinez, 32, a Honduran national who moved to Costa Rica months earlier, was detained in the case. Martinez worked security onsite. A government spokesman told CNN that he was staying in the apartment. He was arrested on Dec. 3, and is currently in jail because hes a flight risk. The person linked to this homicide (Espinoza Martinez) was close to her and had the time and place to commit the crime, the spokesman said. Authorities added an autopsy confirmed that Stefaniaks cause of death was due to head, neck, and other injuries, according to a prior report. On Tuesday, a family friend, Bugra Demirel, told the BBC they had waited outside the morgue to identify her body. Officials turned them away, saying they needed more time. Burga told the BBC: Its a horrible wait, and every single minute that Costa Rican officials are not showing the body is just a tremendous amount of pain on the family. Another brother, Carlos Caicedo, previously told WFLA that hes in Costa Rica, saying he visited the Airbnb and elaborated on what the guards had told him. She went there the night before and left at 5 a.m., said Caicedo. Everything is gone. She left with everything on hand. None of us really believe this 5 a.m. story because it really doesnt make sense, her sister-in-law April Burton told Fox13. We know she was abducted. Theres no reason for her not to contact anyone. Burton had traveled to Costa Rica with Stefaniak, but she left one day before her. The U.S. State Department in September 2018 issued out a travel advisory for U.S. nationals visiting Costa Rica. Exercise normal precautions in Costa Rica. Some areas have increased risk, the agency said. Brazilian doctors said the first baby has been born to a woman with a uterus that was transplanted from a deceased donor, reports say. (Reuters video) First Baby Born Using Uterus Transplanted From Deceased Donor: Doctors Brazilian doctors said the first baby has been born to a woman with a uterus that was transplanted from a deceased donor, reports say. Eleven previous births have used a transplanted uterus, but they were from a livingnot a deceasedwoman, who was usually a relative or a friend, according to The Associated Press. Ten prior attempts using deceased donors in the United States, the Czech Republic, and Turkey havent worked, the report noted. The girl was delivered in December 2017 by a woman who was born without a womb due to a rare condition. The woman, 32, was initially scared of the procedure, said Dr. Dani Ejzenberg, who is the transplant teams lead doctor at the University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, as AP reported. This was the most important thing in her life, he told AP. Now she comes in to show us the baby and she is so happy. The woman became pregnant through in vitro fertilization seven months after the transplant. The donor was a 45-year-old woman who had three children and died of a stroke. https://t.co/Jg1NKjWJGg News4JAX (@wjxt4) December 5, 2018 The woman got pregnant via in vitro fertilization (IVF) about seven months after the transplant procedure. The donor was a 45-year-old woman who died of a stroke. Doctors say the unidentified woman gave birth via a cesarean section. A year later, doctors say the mother and child are healthy. The first uterus transplants from live donors were a medical milestone, creating the possibility of childbirth for many infertile women with access to suitable donors and the needed medical facilities, Ejzenberg told the BBC. However, the need for a live donor is a major limitation as donors are rare, typically being willing and eligible family members or close friends. Dr. Srdjan Saso of Imperial College London told the broadcaster that the results were extremely exciting. It enables use of a much wider potential donor population, applies lower costs and avoids live donors surgical risks, Saso stated. Doctors from the Cleveland Clinic transplanted a uterus from a deceased donor in 2016, but the procedure failed. The Brazilian group has proven that using deceased donors is a viable option, said the Cleveland Clinics Dr. Tommaso Falcone, AP reported. It may give us a bigger supply of organs than we thought were possible. President George H. W. Bush waves goodbye to U.S. Marines and members of the British 7th Armoured Brigade as they conclude a Thanksgiving Day visit with troops in the Saudi desert on Nov. 22, 1990. (Rick Wilking/Reuters) George H.W. Bush: The Person Our Founders Intended to Be President Commentary The passing of former President George H.W. Bush gives us a perfect chance to revisit the origins of our presidential system and how our elections were supposed to work, as Bush would have been exactly the kind of person the framers at the Constitutional Convention had in mind when they created the presidency. George Washington was chosen by the framers of the Constitution as president of the Convention where they debated and hammered out our new republic. He had already proven himself on the battlefield andwhats much more importanthe had proven his character and trustworthiness to hold power by giving up that power once the war was won. Too seldom remembered today, Washingtons resignation of his commission as commander-in-chief shook the world of 1783, as he did what no other conquering general had done in more than 2,000 yearshe won the war and then resigned power and went home to his farm. The framers had among them one who taught them exactly the kind of person they wanted in the presidency. But they struggled mightily to develop a system that might get that kind of person after Washington would pass from the stage. For most of the Convention, members actually wanted Congress to choose the president, as they believed an elite already chosen out of the great body of the people would be best suited for the task. Because such an idea clearly violated the basic principles of separating powers, such a system had to be abandoned. They didnt anticipate the president becoming a popular leader and didnt assume the American people were best suited to choose a president. Indeed, they were concerned that a popular election would divide and damage the nation as the passions of the moment would carry the public away from their constitutional moorings. Late during that summer of 1787, they hammered out the compromise that would become the Electoral College. It would work to give a temporary eliteelectors chosen in their statesthe power to vote for candidates for president. Backing them up, in case they failed to give a majority of their votes to one candidate, was the House of Representatives where votes would take place in state blocks. Why did such a system emerge, and what does it have to do with George H.W. Bush? Well, the linchpin of the system was to be one of deliberation. Electors were to meet in their states, deliberate on the possible candidates, and then vote for, as Alexander Hamilton said, some fit person as president. And what kind of person were they to vote for? Very different from modern expectations, there was little assumption that views on policy or promises of government action would drive the elections. Rather, electors would vote on the basis of their best judgment as to the wisdom, experience, and virtue of the candidates. They were looking for a type of person to hold the office, rather than one tied to a party or an agenda. George Herbert Walker Bush was just the kind of person the founders would have expected to be elected. Though no George Washington, he was a combat veteran and an accomplished man in business. He served as ambassador to the United Nations, ambassador to China, CIA director, a member of Congress, and vice president. He had the experience and knowledge in government that dwarfed so many other candidates. Presumably, he had acquired wisdom and judgment in those positions, and he had demonstrated his character in various challenges along the way. He was a dedicated family man and, as near-universal testimony has shown in the past few days, he had the virtue of staying a good man, even while holding power, and then every good grace in giving up power and going home. We can agree or disagree with the policies and specific decisions of Bush. Modern America may or may not want or need his kind of leadership and his kind of decision-making in the Oval Office today. As times change, leadership challenges demand different kinds of solutions. However, we can say that with his experience, knowledge, and proven character, George H.W. Bush would have been just the kind of person our nations founders would have hoped to be elected president. As Alexander Hamilton would have put it, Bush was a fit person for the highest office in the land and reminds us of our founders intent when creating the office and the Electoral College method of filling it. Gary L. Gregg holds the Mitch McConnell Chair in leadership at the University of Louisville, where he is also director of the McConnell Center. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. George HW Bush Sent Secret Delegation to China After 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush sent a secret delegation to China in order to maintain ties with Communist Party leaders. Former U.S. President George H. W. Bush played a role in supporting the Chinese Communist regime after the Tiananmen Square massacre in June 1989. The massacre sparked international outcry and the United States approved economic sanctions on China. However, Bush sent a secret delegation to China which aimed at normalizing relations between Washington and Beijing. Bush, 94, passed away on Nov. 30 after several years of failing health. The Voice of America reported that the Chinese media expressed their affection for the 41st president of the United States and called him an old friend of the Chinese people. The bloody crackdown on pro-democracy Chinese student protesters on June 4, 1989, remains one of the most censored political taboos in China today. The number of casualties has never been fully disclosed, though estimates by human rights groups and witnesses range from several hundred to several thousand. Tens of thousands more were arrested and imprisoned. After the shocking massacre, international communities implemented sanctions against China. On June 28, 1989, Washington approved tough economic sanctions against China and suspended talks and funds for trade and banned shipment of police equipment, reported American political journalism, Politico, in June 2011. However, less than one month after the bloody crackdown on student protesters, Bush sent a secret mission to China. He dispatched National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft and Deputy Secretary of State Lawrence S. Eagleburger to Beijing over the July 4 weekend, reported The Washington Post in Dec. 1989. Bush justified his secret mission by saying that China is a billion-plus people. They have a strategic position in the world that is important to us I do not want to isolate the Chinese people, The New York Times reported in Dec. 1989. The people he mentioned referred to the state or the Communist leaders in Beijing, said the report. The report said Bushs China mission was about strategic interestsit betrayed American and Western values and also betrayed the student demonstrators who sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy. Hong Kong media Apple Daily reported that Bush did not understand the tyrannical nature of the Chinese Communist Party in contemporary politics and therefore attached great importance to personal relations with high-ranking Party officials, especially its former leader Deng Xiaoping. Bush almost visited China every year after leaving office in 1993, and four times in 1996, said the report. Sheng Xue, a Canadian democracy activist, said in a seminar in New York in 2009, The U.S. helped the CCP break through the dilemma after the Tiananmen massacre, reported Chinese-language Radio France Internationale (RFI) in May 2011. Sheng said that the attitude of the Bush administration in some ways supported former CCP leader Deng Xiaopings two-handed policyeconomic reforms and political repressionafter the June 4 massacre. The RFI report cited from Tenth of Diplomacywritten by Qian Qichen, the former foreign minister of the CCPthat Deng told Scowcroft during his visit to China that the CCP had been fighting for 25 years and was not afraid of anyone. Deng said that since Washington was responsible for the economic sanctions against China, it could also remove the sanctionsdepending on its words and deeds. When Scowcroft returned to the U.S., Bush wrote a letter thanking Deng for receiving his delegation and told him how the United States and Japan removed the words condemning China from the communique at the G-7 summit. But Deng was not satisfied. In August, he wrote back to Bush, saying that the U.S. was responsible for lifting the sanctions. In sending a secret mission to China, Bush only wanted to maintain strategic ties between Washington and Beijing and turned a blind eye to human rights abuses. The mission ignored the Chinese regimes tyranny and oppression of its own people, and betrayed freedom and democracyvalues that student demonstrators defended and risked their lives for at Tiananmen Square in June 1989. Epoch Times staff Paul Huang contributed to this report. George HW Bushs Casket Arrives at Cathedral for Washington Farewell The casket of former president George H.W. Bush arrived at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. on Dec. 5 as former President George W. Bush and other former and current officials looked on. A 21-gun salute was carried out for the 41st president as military members saluted the former commander-in-chief, who was also a World War II veteran before becoming the CIA director for a number of years. A military band played Hail to the Chief as the casket of the 41st president was carried down the U.S. Capitol steps. George W. Bush placed his hand over his heart and appeared to hold back tears, according to video footage and photos. Military pallbearers carried Bushs casket up the steps and into the cathedral, according to The Associated Press. The ceremonies on Dec. 5 were the final in three days of mourning in Washington D.C. as many honored the former Republican president. The four living ex-presidents all came, including George W. Bush, who will eulogize his father and President Donald Trump will attend but is not scheduled to speak. Also attending: one king (Jordan), one queen (Jordan), two princes (Britain, Bahrain), Germanys chancellor and Polands president, among representatives of more than a dozen countries, according to AP. Former Pres. George W. Bush greets and shakes hands with each of the living presidents and first ladies at the funeral service for his father, George H.W. Bush. https://t.co/d0MoM1oMHy pic.twitter.com/pB9MleZk7J ABC News (@ABC) December 5, 2018 Looking forward to being with the Bush family. This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed! Trump tweeted. On Dec. 4, President Trump and first lady Melania Trump met with George W. Bush and his family. Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida and son of the 41st president, told the Wall Street Journals CEO Council on Tuesday: The president and first lady have been really gracious. Youll see a lot of joy, said Ron Kaufman, Bushs White House political director, told Reuters of the day. Itll show the way of life that people took for granted in many ways and now kind of long for. On Dec. 4, former U.S. Sen Bob Dole, 95, arrived at the rotunda in a wheelchair. An aide helped Dole to stand and salute Bush, who defeated him in the fight for the 1988 Republican presidential nomination. Dole, who went on to support Bush as a senator, then sat in his wheelchair for a few moments, appearing to hold back tears. The Associated Press contributed to this report. George W. Bush, Jeb Bush Greet Mourners of 41st President in Capitol Former President George W. Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush met mourners who were paying tribute to their father, George H.W. Bush, the 41st president who died over the weekend. They made a surprise visit at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 4 to greet mourners as their father lay in state. They were accompanied by their wives and George W. Bushs daughters, Jenna and Barbara, according to Fox News. They spent time shaking hands and hugging members of the public who were near the casket. Bush even held a baby that was brought by a mourner. Earlier on Tuesday, George W. Bush and Laura Bush met with President Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, for about 20 minutes at the Blair House. The former presidents son, Neil Bush, his brother Jonathan Bush, and his nephew Billy Bush, who is the former host of Access Hollywood, also visited the 41st presidents coffin. Former Republican Sen. Bob Dole, who ran against Bush in 1988, also visited his casket. Video footage shows Dole, 95, being lifted by an aide to stand before he saluted the former president. Both men served in World War II in different capacities. Members of the public who never voted for the man waited in the same long lines as the rest, attesting that Bush possessed the dignity and grace that deserved to be remembered by their presence on a cold overcast day in the capital, according to The Associated Press. Im just here to pay my respects, said Jane Hernandez, a retired physician in the heavily Democratic city and suburbs. I wasnt the biggest fan of his presidency, but all in all he was a good sincere guy doing a really hard job as best he could. President Trump ordered the closure of federal offices on Dec. 5 for a day of mourning during Bushs funeral. President George H.W. Bush led a life that exemplified what is truly great about America. As with so many of his generation, the Greatest Generation, President Bush worked selflessly throughout his long life to bring about a world of justice and lasting peace. With his passing, we mark one of the last pages of a defining chapter in American history, he said in a statement to Congress this week. He added: Fearless, courageous, adventurous, and unyielding, through the highs and lows of the twentieth century and into the next millennium, President Bush served his nation, creating an example that will inspire generations for decades to come. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Giving Thanks During the California Wildfires One woman gave up her Thanksgiving to be with those affected by the devastating fires In mid November, a woman in California went outside to let her dog back in the house. When she turned around, her house was ablaze in a matter of seconds. Others in the area tried to leave by car, but ended up running to other cars ahead of them when their own became engulfed in flames. Some had to simply run on foot. Around them the devastating wildfires burned. Thanksgiving is a time to eat and drink yourself silly, but more importantly its a time to be thankful for what we have in our lives. Pamela Harris of Orlando, Florida, missed her own familys Thanksgiving festivities to help those who had been affected by the California wildfiresit was a moving reminder that theres always something to be thankful for. Harris is not your typical 61-year-old woman. The navy veteran and retired firefighter has been involved with the Red Cross for 17 years. Instead of spending Thanksgiving at home with her children and grandchildren, Harris was driven to travel to Chico, California, for her 37th Red Cross deployment so those who had been displaced by the wildfires could try to enjoy the holiday too. I feel like this is what I was called to do, and it makes me feel good, makes me feel very humble. It makes me appreciate what I have, and Ive also learned that what I have could be taken away in a matter of seconds. Just like their lives were destroyed, the same thing could happen to me, Harris told The Epoch Times. According to the Red Cross, more than 1,000 people remain displaced with more than 2,000 Red Cross disaster workers and nearly 500 Red Cross volunteers still working. The Camp Fire destroyed 13,970 homes and burned 153,330 acres of land, making it the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in Californias history. The Woolsey Fire decimated about 1,500 structures and burned 96,940 acres of land. Fortunately, both fires have now been contained. Harris and other volunteers prepared a Thanksgiving dinner for people who had fled their homes, which had likely been destroyed. The winds were high, and the fires had been moving rapidly. Giving Thanks Harris did anything and everything she could to help those in need. She tried to find out as much information about homes, family members, and pets as possible and relay the information to residents. Even though it was the day of Thanksgiving and things are looking pretty dim for them right now, they still had things to be thankful for, and most of them expressed that throughout the day, Harris recalled. We all pitched in and served each other and sat down and ate together. Amidst the chaos, she tried to help keep residents spirits up and quash rumors. Now, Harris and her colleagues are trying to determine when people can leave the shelter and where they can go next. The most rewarding part of her work is simple: Helping and seeing people smile. You know, with all this devastation around, if you could see someone smile, that makes all the difference, Harris said. It makes you feel good inside because you know youre making someone elses day better even though theyre going through the devastation that theyre going through. So we had good moments and bad moments. We laughed and we cried a couple times and we laughed again, and it turned out very well. U.S. President George Bush (R) watches as comedian Dana Carvey does his George Bush impersonation on Dec. 7, 1992. Carvey and his wife, Paula, spent the night at the White House as guests of President Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. (ROBERT GIROUX/AFP/Getty Images) H.W., Trump, and Saturday Night Live Commentary As George H.W. Bush lay in state at the Capitol, he received well-deserved praise for his service to the nation, his leadership, and his general all-around decency. To a certain extent, that is to be expected when any president passes, but Bush was a legitimate war hero, an accomplished statesman, and he remained a kind and gentle man throughout his life. That is why the injection of politics into so many of the tributes given to him has been a little hard to swallow. As one example, I pulled up an article related to Saturday Night Live comedian Dana Carveys recurring impersonation of President Bush, and how Bush (after having lost his bid for re-election) nevertheless invited Carvey to the White House. That is a nice story. The sub-headline, however, said, Hard to imagine our current POTUS making such an invite to Alec Baldwin. The article explained, Unlike President Donald Trump, who bristles publicly at Alec Baldwins impersonation of him on the current SNL, Bush seemed to take Carveys mockery in stride. Why did Trump have to be brought into this? Carveys visit to the White House can be found online, and its well worth viewing. He was hilarious. He entered the room to the playing of Hail to the Chief and took the podium with a joke about his relative shortness. He was somewhat nervous, explaining that this is very, very strange, but he didnt miss a beat. After a joke about impersonating the president to the staff the night before, he explained how he developed the Bush impression. You start out with Mister Rogers, then you add a little John Wayne. Suddenly, you have George Herbert Walker Bush. Thats actually a pretty good combination to explain Bushs character as well. Comedian and talk show host Conan OBrien called Carveys Bush character a sweet impression. The two men even developed a lasting friendship. [Carvey] told me Ive tried not to cross the line of fairness, Bush wrote in his diary. I told him I didnt think he had. Thus, Bush could laugh at the good-natured humor from Carveys character. Upon Bushs passing, Carvey released a statement saying, It was an honor and a privilege to know and spend time with George H.W. Bush for over 25 years. I will miss my friend. Baldwin has never indicated a desire to draw a line of fairness, much less hold to one. With his impersonation of Trump, he is trying to land body blows. Yet, in story after story, the implication seems to be that Bush could roll with punches in a way that Trump, with his enormous ego, simply cant. These are political statements lightly disguised as fond memories of the late president. From Satire to Attack Just this past weekend, on the day after Bush died, Baldwin made his latest appearance as Trump on SNL. It was a cold opening set in Argentina, where Trump and other world leaders had gathered for the G-20 summit. In the sketch, Trump worries about Robert Muellers investigation and complains that the former FBI director is coming after him as he talks to various figures, including Melania (who contemplates getting Trumps money after he is arrested), attorney Michael Cohen (Mikey Cocopuffs), Rudy Giuliani (as a vampire), and a shirtless Putin (who breaks up with his main girlfriend Trump for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, explaining that he prefers presidents who dont get indicted). The scene concludes with the ensemble joining in with Trump singing, Dont Cry for Me, Argentina, the truth is Im very guilty. That isnt the same kind of kidding that Carvey gave to Bush. As Michael S. Rosenwald wrote in the Washington Post, What feels like satire is actually an attack. Later in the same SNL episode, Weekend Update anchors Michael Che and Colin Jost played a very nice tribute to Bush featuring a back and forth between the late president and Carvey. Bush critiqued Carvey in a very funny way. Introducing that segment, Jost said, President Bush was famously a very warm and gracious man who always understood the power in being able to laugh at yourself. They seemed sincere, but following a couple of news stories critical of Trump, it felt a lot like another of those political jabs. As an aside, Trump actually hosted SNL during his presidential campaign. Some of the skits were very funny and permitted him to poke fun at himself, and his promises to keep winning and have Mexico pay for the border wall. The repeated nature of articles and statements like these are almost the flip side of the funeral for Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone, which turned into a political rally. The shots at Trump miss the point of what we should be doing at this time: talking about H.W. and remembering him. If you want civility and good humor all around, start offering it noweven to those who may not deserve it. Another SNL alumnus and former Democratic senator from Minnesota, Al Franken, wrote a tribute to Bush on his Facebook page. It is a wonderful account of Frankens trip to visit Bush after his presidency. The task was to film a cold opening for SNL in which the former president wished guest host Dana Carvey well in the role. Franken reprints the script; it is short but hilarious. It begins with Bush noting that SNL made fun of him on a regular basis and vowing that he would have his revenge, but not right then because, using Carveys Bush catchphrase, Wouldnt be prudent at this juncture. As I sat down to write this, I thought that Franken had done what so many others have doneused praise for Bush as a subterfuge to bash Trump. Franken left comedy to go into politics, and his positions are far from the sitting president. As I re-read the post, however, I realized that Franken hadnt done that. He did what youre supposed to do. He simply wrote a nice tribute to the late president. The impression that I had received about this being another jab at Trump came not from Franken but from the numerous comments that followed the re-posting that I originally read. Maybe Franken intended that, but I dont think so. Id like to think that a guy who walked from comedy to politics (only to be ousted, fairly or not) understood that this wasnt the time to take a jab, but to celebrate a life. Thanks, Al, and thank you, Mr. Bush. Ronald J. Rychlak is the Jamie L. Whitten chair in law and government at The University of Mississippi. He is the author of several books, including Hitler, the War, and the Pope, Disinformation (co-authored with Ion Mihai Pacepa), and The Persecution and Genocide of Christians in the Middle East (co-edited with Jane Adolphe). Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A Chanel counterfeit luxury bag is displayed during a press conference following a record seizure at the customs headquarters in Hong Kong on August 6, 2015. (Philippe Lopez/Getty Images) How Sham Tricks Sam: Methods of Concealing Counterfeit in America NEW YORKStrolling down a Manhattan street, you might stumble upon Gucci wallets and Prada purses strewn on a white sheet for sale at bargain prices. If youre really attentive, you may also notice a customer exiting a low-end leather shop clutching a brand new brand name bag. These are all counterfeit goods that have been smuggled into the country by criminals, cheating consumers and undermining the American economy. In 2015, criminals smuggled into the United States counterfeit and pirated goods worth between $58 billion and $118 billion, according to a report update by the Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property. A full 87 percent of counterfeit goods seized in the United States come from one countryChina, according to the report. The report says that China now produces more goods in general than the U.S. and is still the worlds principal IP (intellectual property) infringer. According to the report, China is committed to policies that include reaping foreign technology and information, and these policies that have contributed to greater IP theft. The United States constantly buys its own and other states inventions from Chinese infringers, reads the report. Methods to Avoid Detection In August, 22 people were charged with smuggling Chinese-manufactured counterfeits into America. Nearly half a billion retail dollars worth of fake Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch handbags, Michael Kors wallets, Hermes belts, and Chanel perfume were confiscated by authorities. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a press release that according to court filings the defendants were involved in a multileveled counterfeiting operation, which included importing, shipping, and distributing the illegal goods. [B]rought by ocean-going ships to the United States in 40-foot shipping containers, [the alleged counterfeiters] smuggled through ports of entry disguised as legitimate imports and distributed throughout the country, the DOJ said. Detective James Ricaurte learned the ins and outs of counterfeiting as a New York Police Department detective. In 1994, he made headlines after a successful sting operation to recover a $1.75 million-Stradivarius stolen from a Rolls-Royce. He had gone undercover as a buyer of stolen goods and was so convincing, that he found a second violin too that was stolen from the same car. Ricaurte also worked for the DOJ, and is now owner of Allegiance Protection Group, a Manhattan-based private investigation and security firm. Some of his companys services include investigating potential counterfeit. Hes also a member of the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition. Ricaurte talked about some of the sneaky methods counterfeiters currently use. For example, counterfeiters often set up businesses that sell generic products to insulate themselves from police, which is something that the 22 caught with half a billion dollars worth of Chinese fake goods were accused of. So everybodys seen the generic handbag stores along Broadway in the 30s [30-40 streets] where you walk by a store and you have all these pocketbooks that are similar to that of a brand name or color scheme, so youve got to think to yourself, How many bags do they have to sell, and how popular are those bags, to justify how many containers of shipments of those type of bags coming in? Ricaurte said. He said those generic bags are used when someone goes into a store and asks for a name brand handbag. The counterfeit seller then take the brand label and attaches it to the generic handbag. And it now becomes a brand name counterfeit, he said. Ricaurte said it takes about seven seconds for that seller to take a label from a secret hiding spot, place it onto the bag, then sell it to you for $75 versus $20 or $25 without the label. Fraud and Falsification: Importing and Shipping Counterfeit In the case of the 22 charged in August, the DOJ outlined the smuggling methods several are accused of. They fraudulently used the names, addresses and other identifying information of legitimate import companies and falsified the descriptions of the containers contents on U.S. customs paperwork. Ricaurte said this how counterfeiters disguise their activities at the import stage. He said they use a good standing shipping brokers information, often without the brokers knowledge. The DOJ said that these alleged counterfeit importers also used burner phone numbers and email accounts to conceal their identities. Burner phones are prepaid cell phones that dont need a service contract or legitimate identification. Counterfeiters use them only within counterfeiting operations; they dont use them for personal calls. If a criminal thinks police are onto him, he just ditches the phone and gets a new one. Ricaurte said that independently owned mailbox drop centers are also used to send out and receive counterfeit products and as a layer of insulation to avoid being discovered. The guys who run them can also tell them when a package arrives, or if police have been asking questions or monitoring the location. Getting Duped Online: Distributing Counterfeit While some people may go to tourist areas looking for counterfeit, others get tricked into buying counterfeit online when they werent asking for it. The internet is a major area that counterfeiters use for distribution, Ricaurte said. Counterfeiters set up websites, and become third party suppliers and display an image of what appears to be a genuine product, but then a counterfeit products is ultimately provided to the consumer. Hidden Harm of Counterfeiting Counterfeits are also usually manufactured in questionable circumstances, according to Ricaurte. You dont know what materials are being used. You dont know the circumstance behind the making of that counterfeit, that fake good, he said. We have regulations in this country, and agencies that enforce those regulations to a standard, so that the consumer is protected. So what they [brand name companies] are putting out there is not going to explode when you plug it in or its not going to create a rash when you put it on, or whatever the case may be, he said. Ricaurte sees a lot of other harmful impacts of counterfeiting too. For example, less sales tax is collecteddollars that help to fund community services such as police, firefighters, ambulances, and schools. American employers and employees are impacted too, like factory workers, logistics companies, shippers, as well as the retail industry and its sales force, he said, adding that the innovator not only has to compete with legitimate competitors, but with counterfeiters too. So its not on an even platform by any means, he said. Husband of Good Samaritan Killed After Helping Panhandler Speaks: I Want Justice The husband of a woman who was fatally stabbed in Baltimore after she tried to give money to a woman in need has spoken out. Maryland woman Jacquelyn Smith had asked her husband, Keith Smith, to pull over last week after she saw a female panhandler holding what appeared to be a baby along with a sign that read that she needed assistance. "She was trying to help someone out." ABC News Smith then rolled down her window and offered $10, according to reports. But then, a man approached the vehicle and said he wanted to thank her for the help, but he instead tried to grab her purse and necklace, ABC News reported. In the ensuing struggle, the man then stabbed Jacquelyn Smith. This girl actually said, God bless you after the suspect stabbed his wife, Keith Smith told the Baltimore Sun. She was trying to help someone out, Keith Smith told ABC. I think the reality is, we forget about the times that were living in. You may have the best intentions on helping this person, but when you let a person get into your safe zone, youre actually opening yourself up to whatever this person has intended for you. The incident took place in the Johnston Square neighborhood of East Baltimore at 12:30 a.m. after their daughters 28th birthday. It was drizzling, it was cold, wet and my wife, like any normal person, felt sorry for the baby, which turned out not to even be a baby, he said of the incident. The womans baby may have been a doll, he said. It must have been like a stuffed animal or something wrapped in a blanket. From where we were, it looked like a baby and we thought it was a baby, Smith recalled. He said he saw a man standing next to the woman but it didnt occur to him that they would try to rob them. As she was handing her the money, the guy came to say Thank you, and the woman was saying God bless you. God bless you,' Smith explained. While were looking at her saying God bless you and my wife was handing her the money, he came over to the car and said Thank you and then he started stabbing my wife and snatched her necklace off and ran. I Want Justice The murder, he said, is disheartening for a number of reasons. For most people, the last thing youre going to think about is that this person is about to take your life for a few dollars, Keith Smith said. The female suspect is in her 20s and around 5 feet tall with medium brown skin. The male accomplice is black, about 5 feet 10 inches tall. He has a medium build, was wearing a hoodie, and had a goatee. I just want justice. Thats it, he said of the slaying. I just want justice for my wife. Jacquelyn Smith worked as an electrical engineer at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Baltimore police Commissioner Gary Tuggle described the killing a heinous murder. Officials dont have any leads yet. Theyre using this ruse as panhandlers to get the attention of their would-be victims, Tuggle told the Sun. We also want to caution the public about engaging with panhandlers and recognizing that not all of them have honest intent. Not all of them have real need. Former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush pay their respects to his father former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Dec. 4, 2018. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo) Laura Bush Shows New Son-in-Law White House, Meets With President Trump Former First Lady Laura Bush took members of her family, including her new son-in-law Craig Coyne, on a tour of the White House while the family was in Washington for George H.W. Bushs funeral. Laura Bush and husband George W. Bush lived in the White House from 2001 to 2009. Bush, 72, accepted an invitation by current First Lady Melania Trump to visit the building and see the holiday decorations that Trump and a host of volunteers put up recently. A sweet visit during this somber week, Bush wrote on Instagram, posing with 20 of her relatives in front of the portrait of H.W. Bush. Thanks to Mrs. Trump for inviting our family to the White House to see the Christmas decorations and our old friends, the residence staff. Several grandchildren also attended the tour, in addition to former first daughter Dorothy Bush Koch and Barbara Bush, one of George W. Bush and Laura Bushs twin daughters who married Coyne earlier this year. President Donald Trump said earlier on Monday that Laura Bush would be visiting the White House and given a tour of the Christmas decorations by Melania Trump. Looking forward to being with the wonderful Bush family at Blair House today, he also said on Twitter. The elegance & precision of the last two days have been remarkable! Laura Bush and George W. Bush met with the president and first lady outside the Blair House after the tour. Pictures showed the couples meeting and exchanging pleasantries ahead of H.W. Bushs Dec. 5 funeral, which was slated to start at 11 a.m. Later on Dec. 4, the former president and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, along with their wives and Jenna and Barabara Bush, met with mourners who were paying tribute to their father. After the funeral, the casket bearing the former president will be taken to Houston, Texas, for a viewing. Bush will be buried at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum after a ceremony at the Texas A&M University on Dec. 6. Bush, 94, died on Nov. 30. He was survived by five children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, eight-great grandchildren, and two siblings. Trumps Visit Casket President Trump has praised and honored the elder Bush, arranging for Air Force One to transport Bushs body to the nations Capitol and visiting the casket on Monday night. The president and his wife stood in front of the casket with their eyes closed before the 45th president saluted the casket and the pair exited the rotunda at the U.S. Capitol. Trump posted a video of the welcoming ceremony on his Twitter feed, and its received millions of views. Bushs body will be taken to the National Cathedral on Wednesday morning by motorcade. Trump ordered federal offices closed on Wednesday for a national day of mourning. President George H.W. Bush led a life that exemplified what is truly great about America. As with so many of his generation, the Greatest Generation, President Bush worked selflessly throughout his long life to bring about a world of justice and lasting peace. With his passing, we mark one of the last pages of a defining chapter in American history, he wrote in a statement sent to Congress. Fearless, courageous, adventurous, and unyielding, through the highs and lows of the twentieth century and into the next millennium, President Bush served his nation, creating an example that will inspire generations for decades to come. A demonstrator holds a placard reading " Join us" as they stand by toll gates on a motorway at Biarritz southwestern France, on Dec.5, 2018. (AP Photo/Bob Edme) Macron Scraps French Fuel Tax Hike Amid Violent Protests PARISFrench President Emmanuel Macron scrapped a fuel tax rise Wednesday amid fears of new violence, after weeks of nationwide protests and the worst rioting in Paris in decades. Protesters celebrated the victory, but some said Macrons surrender came too late and is no longer enough to quell the mounting anger at their president, whom they consider out-of-touch with the problems of ordinary people. Macron decided Wednesday to get rid of the tax planned for next year, an official in the presidents office told The Associated Press. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told lawmakers the tax is no longer included in the 2019 budget. The decision has ramifications beyond France since the fuel tax rise was part of Macrons efforts to wean France off fossil fuels in order to reduce greenhouse gases and slow down climate change. Its withdrawal is both a blow to broader efforts to fight climate change and a warning to other world leaders trying to do the same thing. The yellow vest protests began Nov. 17 over the government plan to raise taxes on diesel and gasoline, but by the time Macron bowed to three weeks of violence and abandoned the new fuel tax, the protesters were demanding much more. Many workers in France are angry over the combination of low wages, high taxes and high unemployment that have left many people struggling financially. On Tuesday, the government agreed to suspend the fuel tax rise for six months. But instead of appeasing the protesters, it spurred other groups to join in, hoping for concessions of their own. The protests took on an even bigger dimension Wednesday with trade unions and farmers vowing to join the fray. So after nightfall, as parliament debated the 2019 budget, Macrons government suddenly gave in. I have no problem with admitting that on such or such question we could have done differently, that if there is such a level of anger its because we still have a lot of things to improve, the prime minister told legislators. Philippe said the tax is now abandoned in the 2019 budget, and the government is ready for dialogue. The budget can be renegotiated through the year, but given the scale of the recent protests, Macron is unlikely to revive the added fuel tax idea anytime soon. Jacline Mouraud, one of the self-proclaimed spokespeople for the disparate yellow vest movement, told the AP that Macrons concession comes much too late, unfortunately. Its on the right path, but in my opinion, it will not fundamentally change the movement, she said. Three weeks of protests have left four people dead, hundreds injured and central Paris littered with burned cars and shattered windows. The sweep of the protests and their wide support by citizens of all political stripes has shocked Macrons government. In the last few days, Paris saw the worst anti-government riot since 1968; French students set fires outside high schools to protest a new university application system; small business owners blocked roads to protest high taxes and retirees marched to protest the presidents perceived elitism. Macrons popularity has slumped to a new low since the demonstrations began. The former investment banker, who has pushed pro-business economic reforms to make France more competitive globally, is accused of being the president of the rich and of being estranged from the working classes. On Wednesday, Frances largest farmers union said it will launch anti-government protests next week after trucking unions called for a rolling strike. Trade unions have not so far played a role in the yellow vest protest movement but are now trying to capitalize on the growing public anger. A joint statement from the CGT and the FO trucking unions called for action Sunday night to protest a cut in overtime rates. The FNSEA farmers union said it would fight to help French farmers earn a better income but would not officially be joining forces with the yellow vestsprotesters wearing the high-visibility vests that motorists are required to keep in their cars. French police have cleared most of the fuel depots that protesters had blocked earlier in the week, but fuel shortages still hit parts of France on Wednesday, affecting hundreds of gas stations. Demonstrators also blocked toll booths, letting drivers pass without paying, to press demands that ranged from higher incomes and pensions to the dissolution of the National Assembly, Frances parliament. At Tolbiac University in downtown Paris, students took over a school building and classes were canceled. We need taxes, but they are not properly redistributed, protester Thomas Tricottet told BFM television. The high school students FIDL union called for massive protests on Thursday and urged Frances education minister to step down. One student was injured during protests at a high school in Saint-Jean-de-Braye in north-central France. BFM said he was shot in the head with a rubber bullet. Julien Guiller, a spokesman for the regional school administration, told the AP the student was expected to survive. Until he scrapped the fuel tax rise, Macrons actions after returning from the G-20 summit in Argentina had done little to reassure protesters that he was listening to their concerns. He has refrained from speaking publicly about the protests and has largely remained in his palace. On Tuesday night, he was jeered as he traveled to a regional government headquarters that was torched by protesters last weekend. One activist said Wednesday that he fears more deaths if Saturdays yellow vest demonstration in Paris goes ahead and urged Macron to speak out and calm the nation. If not there will be chaos, said Christophe Chalencon. The 52-year-old blacksmith from southern France told the AP the French public needs Macron to admit he made a mistake, with simple words that touch the guts and heart of the French. By Sylvie Corbet, Samuel Petroquin and Angela Charlton Michael Flynn (C), former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington on July 10, 2018. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Mueller Recommends No Prison Time for Flynn, as He Helped With Investigations Special counsel Robert Mueller recommended no prison time for Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn who, in 2017, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and on his lobbying disclosure forms. Muellers team argued in a sentencing memo filed on Dec. 4 that Flynn cooperated with the federal government in multiple investigations and deserved a sentence at the low end of the guideline rangeincluding a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration. The guideline range pertinent to Flynn was zero to six months of imprisonment. The defendants assistance to the government was substantial and merits consideration at sentencing, the memo reads. Many specifics in the document were redacted, including some details about Flynns help with the special counsel probe, all details about his help with another criminal investigation, and his providing useful information on yet another matter that is also redacted. Based on the structure of the redactions, there could be a fourth matter Flynn assisted with. He participated in 19 interviews with the special counsels office and attorneys from other Justice Department offices. He also provided documents and communications for investigations that are still ongoing, the memo stated. Flynn Deal Flynn used to head the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 to 2014 and advised the presidential campaign of Donald Trump in 2016. He was tasked with contacting foreign dignitaries as part of Trumps transition team and was then named national security adviser in the administration. His term was short lived, though. On Jan. 24, 2017, he was visited by two FBI agents, Joe Pientka and, reportedly, Peter Strzok. Flynn agreed to talk to them. The agents asked about Flynns contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, with whom Flynn spoke multiple times as part of his transition work. As it later emerged in court documents (pdf), Flynn asked Kislyak to ensure Russia did not escalate the situation after then-President Barack Obama imposed additional sanctions on Russia. He also asked Russia to vote against or delay the vote on Egypts resolution to the U.N. Security Council regarding Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Flynn later acknowledged he lied to the agents about the two requests, in a Nov. 30, 2017, guilty plea. He also pleaded to lying on his foreign lobbying disclosures about the extent to which his work for the Turkish government was overseen by that government. Foreign lobbying paperwork violations are seldom prosecuted. Flynn said the work started in August 2016. He shut down his lobbying firm in November 2016. Trump accepted Flynns resignation on Feb. 13, 2017, after then-Acting Attorney General Sally Yates informed White House counsel Don McGahn that Flynn misled Vice President Mike Pence about the content of his calls with Kislyak. Signs of Lying Mueller was appointed in 2017 to probe allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with the Russian government to sway the 2016 election. Hes produced a slew of indictments, but none has substantiated the original allegations. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, raised questions about what happened during the Flynn interview in a May 11 letter to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher Wray. The agents who interviewed Flynn saw nothing that led them to believe [he was] lying, then-FBI Director James Comey told the Senate judiciary committee on March 15, 2017, according to a law enforcement agent on detail to the committee who took notes of Comeys briefing, Grassley said. Agents saw no change in [Flynns] demeanor or tone that would say he was being untruthful, the committee staffs own notes said, according to Grassleys letter. Comey denied saying so. Flynn may have been under pressure to cut a deal with Mueller to protect his son with whom he ran the lobbying business. The Mueller team was putting pressure on Flynn, threatening that his son may be implicated, too, NBC News reported in November 2017. If the elder Flynn is willing to cooperate with investigators in order to help his son, anonymous sources told NBC, it could also change his own fate, potentially limiting any legal consequences. Later that month, Flynn entered his plea. No charges were brought against his son. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who sits on the House judiciary committee, said the charge against Flynn wouldnt have held in court because one of the agents who interviewed Flynn was Strzok, who was fired from the Mueller team after text messages with his mistress, then-FBI lawyer Lisa Page, revealed animus against Trump. Michael Flynn wont be facing any prison time, but he would have faced no legal jeopardy at all if he just wouldnt have pleaded guilty because they would have never gotten a conviction with Peter Strzok as their star witness, Gaetz told Fox News on Dec. 4. In this photograph taken on January 8, 2018, a North Korean seafood seller eats dinner at his shop with his wife in the border city of Dandong, in China's northeast Liaoning province. (CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/Getty Images) North Korean Seafood, Banned by UN Sanctions, Is Being Sold Across the Chinese Border According to sanctions imposed by the United Nations in response to North Koreas nuclear weapons and missile program, the export of coal, textiles, and seafood is illegal. Recent reports, however, show that crab and other seafood from the seclusive communist state is being sold in Dandong, a Chinese city located across the Yalu River that forms the natural border between North Korea and China. North Korean crabs are abundant in Dandong, says a Dec. 4 report by Radio Free Asia (RFA) following a visit to the border city by their correspondents toward the end of last month. Many North Koreans live in Dandong illegally, working for Chinese employers in clothing factories and other jobs. The UN Security Council has subjected North Korea to sanctions of varying intensity ever since it conducted its first nuclear test in 2006. In addition to exports, North Korean nationals are barred from working abroad. China, a permanent member of the Security Council, officially abides by the UN sanctions. According to the RFA report that in Dandong seafood markets, there are many fresh crabs and other seafood items marked as being produced in North Korea, and that shop staff are open about the origins of their wares. Under the sanctions of U.N., North Korean seafood cant enter China. So those are smuggled, Im Soo-ho, of South Koreas Institute for National Security Strategy, told RFA. The information we received is that Chinese exchange ships in the trans-boundary waters with North Korea. Then they ship the seafood to China. Im said that the Chinese first send empty transports to North Korea, then pay the North Koreans in Chinese currency and rice after the ships return full of seafood. RFA reporters found that Chinese businessmen ship raw textiles to North Korea, which are made into clothes and smuggled back. RFA also found several clothing factories in Dandong that hire North Korean workers. Another common occurrence is that of drivers making sure their gas tanks are full before returning to North Korea, which is chronically short of petroleum. RFA said some individuals told them of rare earth metals being exported to China from North Korean mines via Dandong, but that the reports could not be verified. A Dec. 5 Chinese-language search for North Korean Seafood online yielded the names of multiple Chinese companies operating in Northeast Chinese cities bordering North Korea, including Dandong, Huichun, and the Yanbian Ethnic Korean Autonomous Prefecture, a border region administered by China but home to a mixed Chinese and ethnic Korean population. Masked police stand in an ice parlor in Duisburg, western Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018 as authorities conduct coordinated raids in Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands in a crackdown on the Italian mafia. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa via AP) Police Arrest 84 in European Crackdown on Italian Mob THE HAGUE, NetherlandsHundreds of police in Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands arrested at least 84 suspected mobsters and seized around 2 million euros ($2.3 million) Wednesday in a series of coordinated raids targeting a powerful Italian organized crime syndicate. Today we send a clear message to organized crime groups across Europe, said Filippo Spiezia, vice president of Eurojust, the EU prosecution agency that coordinated the raids. They are not the only ones able to operate across borders; so are Europes judiciary and law enforcement communities. It was the second significant mob takedown in as many days. On Tuesday, Italian authorities said they had dismantled the rebuilt upper echelons of the Mafia in the Sicilian capital of Palermo by arresting 46 people, including the man presumed to have taken over as provincial kingpin. Wednesdays raids were the culmination of a two-year investigation codenamed Pollino against the powerful ndrangheta criminal group on allegations of cocaine trafficking, money laundering, bribery and violence, said Eurojust. The ndrangheta is Italys most powerful criminal organization, eclipsing by far Sicilys Cosa Nostra or the Naples area Camorra. The Hague-based agency said the massive probe was the biggest of its kind in Europe. Some 4 tons of cocaine were traced during the investigation. Cocaine and ecstasy pills also were seized in Wednesdays raids. Italian police hailed the cooperation between European police forces and Eurojusts coordination, saying it was an important new crime-fighting tactic that allowed investigators in different countries to share information in real time. But Italys top Mafia prosecutor, Federico Cafiero De Raho, also sounded a note of caution, saying the raids only scratched the surface of the powerful ndrangheta, whose tentacles and illicit activities, including huge cocaine trafficking operations, were spread all over the world. Speaking in The Hague, Cafiero de Raho said the arrests are nothing for ndrangheta. There are thousands of people who should be arrested and billions of euros that should be seized. A leading expert on the ndrangheta, Catanzaro-based Prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, recently said the Calabrian-based ndrangheta syndicate has for years been buying up hotels, restaurants and other properties in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany to both launder some of the billions of dollars it rakes in through cocaine trafficking, as well as invest that money to start clean businesses and earn even more revenue. Eurojust said Italian authorities arrested 41 suspects, mainly in Calabria. In Germany, federal police said there had been multiple arrests in the early morning raids on premises linked to the southern Italy-based organized crime group. The focus was on the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which borders the Netherlands and Belgium, and Bavaria to the south. Five suspects were arrested in the Netherlands, where prosecutors got the ball rolling for the investigation in 2014 with probes into two Italian restaurants, and more suspects were detained just over the border in Belgium. Eurojust said those arrested Wednesday included high-ranking members of the mafia network. By Mike Corder Police Target Ndrangheta Italian Mafia in Raids Across Europe Law enforcement agents are conducting coordinated raids in Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands in a crackdown on an Italian mob accused of global-scale cocaine trafficking, money laundering, bribery, and violence. Hundreds of police are understood to be involved in the operation in Belgium, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. Todays action, code named Pollino, is the result of an intensive joint investigation that started in 2016 and has been coordinated at European level, said Eurojust in a statement. Eurojust, the EUs Judicial Cooperation Unit, is a unit established to fight cross-border organized crime in Europe. Italian police said there have been at least 90 arrests, the BBC reported, but the operation is still ongoing elsewhere. German federal police said in a statement on Dec. 5 that there had been multiple arrests in the early morning raids on premises linked to the Ndrangheta, a southern Italy-based organized crime group. In Germany, were talking about 47 suspects at the moment, and we have searched 65 premises, said German prosecutor Horst Bien, at a Dec. 5 press conference in The Hague, organized by Eurojust. Kris Vandepaer, a Belgian Federal Police director, said law enforcement agents in Belgium had carried out over a dozen high-risk raids and did so without a single incident. Giovanni Bombardieri, an Italian prosecutor, said that sophisticated investigative techniques were used to monitor the crime groups operations and communications, and characterized the violence linked to Ndrangheta as tantamount to carnage. More Powerful Than Sicilian Mafia The Ndrangheta crime syndicate, which comes from Italys Calabria region, is widely believed to be the most powerful Italian mafia organization, with massive rackets in money laundering and cocaine dealing. Ndrangheta is thought to control as much as 80 percent of the cocaine trade in Europe, according to the BBC, and boasts around 6,000 members. They are in charge of drug trafficking in Germany, and they launder money by reinvesting it in legitimate businesses like restaurants, said Christian Hoppe, chief criminal director of Germanys Federal Criminal Police Office. Hoppe said the crime organizations drug trafficking operations are extensive and sophisticated, with the use of human money mules and vehicles with special hiding compartments. He cited a recent drug bust linked to Ndrangheta in the Belgian city of Antwerp, resulting in the seizure of 3.5 tons of cocaine. Federico Cafiero De Raho, a prosecutor in Italy, told the press conference that every year about 1.5 tons of cocaine are seized in just a single port in Italy, and said that Ndranghetas smuggling operations in other European ports, such as Rotterdam and Antwerp, amount to tons and tons of cocaine. Bombardieri added that the crime syndicate is not confined to Europe, but it has operations elsewhere in the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. He said that fighting organized crime across state lines requires judicial instruments like the ones used in this occasion in Europe, which allowed us to coordinate our regulations, and enabled us to counter Ndrangheta. Cafiero De Raho said the raids are just one stage in a long-term fight against organized crime. This is just a first step, said Cafiero De Raho, adding, Currently in Italy, we have 25 billion euros in assets that have been seized from Ndrangheta and other criminal organizations, and probably there will be another 25 billion seized. He said that members of the mafia establish sophisticated networks with links to legitimate businesses and institutions in order to hide their criminal activity. They infiltrate these organizations secretly, Cafiero De Raho said. They sit around the table with respected professionals in reputed institutions, unbeknownst to them [and that is why] we expect the development of an investigation that is constant and ongoing. Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures after a meeting between the presidents of Argentina and Russian Federation as part of Argentina G20 Leaders' Summit 2018 at Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 01, 2018. (Ricardo Ceppi/Getty Images) Russia Will Build Banned Missiles If US Quits Arms Treaty, Putin Says Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Dec. 5 that Moscow will respond to Washingtons exit from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) by building missiles currently banned by the pact. Putins televised remarks were a response to an ultimatum delivered Dec. 4 by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who said the United States will begin the formal withdrawal process from the treaty in 60 days unless Russia takes steps to comply with the treaty. The United States has accused Russia of violating the treaty since the mid-2000s. Russia denies being in violation. The Russian president accused the United States of using the violations as a pretext to exit the 1987 arms treaty, which bans the production, possession, and testing of short- and mid-range ground-launched missile systems. Putin pointed out that other countries are in possession of missiles that the United States and Russia chose to abandon under the treaty. Now it seems our American partners believe that the situation has changed so much that the United States must also have such a weapon. Whats our response? Its simple: in that case, we will also do this, Putin said. President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the treaty on Oct. 20. At the time, Putin said that if the United States commences deploying missile systems in allied territories in Europe, Russia would respond by targeting those European nations. In tandem with Pompeos ultimatum, NATO released a statement on Dec. 4 holding Russia in material breach of the INF. Pompeo told reporters the same day that European allies lobbied the United States for the 60-day window, during which they plan to mount an intense diplomatic campaign to bring Russia to compliance. China, Iran, and North Korea possess missile systems which are barred under the INF. China, in particular, has deployed a substantial number of these weapons, forcing both Washington and Moscow to consider a new strategic reality. This is a Cold War bilateral ballistic missile-related treaty in a multipolar ballistic missile world, national security adviser John Bolton said in Moscow on Oct. 23. This is something that concerns the Russians very substantially, and we talked about that. Beijing has deployed at least eight unique operational nuclear-capable missile systems with effective ranges between 300 and 3,400 miles, which are prohibited under the INF, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Most of Chinas long-range arsenal consists of mid-range missiles noncompliant with the INF. Beijing can produce these weapons cheaply and use them to threaten U.S. bases and allies in the Western Pacific, according to Ian Williams, the associate director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. U.S. strike capabilities must be delivered with expensive ships and aircraft, limiting the quantity and promptness of U.S. firepower that U.S. military can bring to bear early in a conflict, Williams wrote in an analysis supporting Americas exit from the INF. The United States attempted to bring China into the INF on at least three occasions. Each attempt has failed. Student Killed After School Bus, Flatbed Truck Crash in Indiana A school bus crash involving a flatbed truck left at least one student dead and more injured in Argos, Indiana, on Dec. 5. WTHR reported that the crash took place at 9:15 a.m. on U.S. Route 31 and 13th Road. BREAKING: Police now say a student has died in the bus and truck crash in Marshall County. Other injuries have been reported as well. https://t.co/y5d8ww9cWb WTHR.com (@WTHRcom) December 5, 2018 The age or name of the student who was killed was not released by police. A student was flown from the crash via an air ambulance to a nearby hospital, the report said. About 39 students from East Pulaski Community Schools were on the bus when it was involved in the accident. The bus was slowing down or stopping at a railroad track, which is required by law, when the truck hit it from behind. According to insurance firm AAA, Passenger vehicles, buses carrying passengers, motortrucks carrying employees, school buses, and vehicles carrying flammable material must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest railroad tracks before proceeding, unless directed to do otherwise by a traffic signal or traffic officer. Here in this area weve had just tragic, tragic stories here of late involving school buses and its heartbreaking. We just need to pay attention, we need to be cautious, and uh, so this doesnt happen, said Sergeant Ted Bohner with the Indiana State Police. U.S. 31 was shut down for a period of time. Other details about the incident are not clear. Argos is approximately 30 miles south of South Bend, located in northern Indiana. The students were headed a field trip, police told ABC News. School Bus Accidents Last month, there was a rash of accidents at school bus stops, leaving several children dead across the United States. The spate of school bus accidents started in Indiana on Oct. 30, when a driver failed to recognize a school buss flashing lights and hit four children who were crossing the street in Rochester to board a bus. The 24-year-old female driver was charged with three counts of reckless homicide following the incident. All three siblings died. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a recent report (pdf), there were 1,172 school-transportation-related fatal motor vehicle crashes between 2006 and 2015. From 2006 to 2015, 102 school-age pedestrians (18 and younger) have died in school-transportation-related crashes. Sixty-one percent were struck by school buses, 3 percent by vehicles functioning as school buses, and 36 percent by other vehicles (passenger cars, light trucks and vans, large trucks, and motorcycles, etc.) involved in the crashes, the report said. Traffic Deaths Down Across US in 2018 U.S. traffic deaths fell 3.1 percent in the first six months of 2018, according to preliminary figures released in October 2018, Reuters reported. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that 2017 traffic deaths fell by 1.8 percent to 37,133 after traffic deaths rose sharply in the previous two years, according to final figures. The U.S. traffic fatality rate fell to 1.08 deaths per 100 million miles traveled for the first half of 2018. The fatality rate in 2017 was 1.16 million deaths per 100 million miles traveledthe second highest rate since 2008. This is good news and bad news, said Deborah Hersman, CEO of the National Safety Council, CNBC reported. The total number of fatalities is not getting worse, but the situation is not getting better. Video: High-Speed Chase Ends in Serious Crash in Oklahoma City Systemic Failure and Strategic Defeat: The Microchip Front in the SinoUS Trade War The unfortunate fate of Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit, one of Chinas three major major microchip firms, serves as a window for determining the success of Chinas strategy of trying to play technological catch-up. It also provides a good through through the fog of war on the battlefield of intellectual property disputes between China and the United States. In the competition between high-tech countries, Chinas blatant strategy of theft has hit a nerve with the Trump administrations policies. Chinas Long March Through the Microchip Industry Chinas infringement of U.S. intellectual property (IP) rights is one of the main disputes underlying the Sino-U.S. trade war. And disputes over microchip technology are some of the most common in the IP battle. China has been researching and developing microchips for over half a century. At present, however, the sore spot of the microchip still exists, and the root of this sore spot is precisely the state-run system that China is so proud of in its high tech research and development. This type of system concentrates and directs all of the nations forces in technological research, by which the government takes the lead in coordinating organizations, assigning tasks, providing funds, and pursuing breakthroughs. Leaving aside production costs, gains made are first applied to the military, because the military only wants products that are usable, and the government pays all the bills anyway. Meanwhile in the civilian sector, high-cost technology developed through domestic researches is not as cost-effective or reliable compared with purchasing foreign technology. Chinese chip research and development began at the Yongchuan Semiconductor Research Institute (now the No. 24 Laboratory of the China Electronics Technology Group). Following the warming of Sino-U.S. relations in the early 1970s, technology was imported from Europe and the United States, and elite scientists and military research groups were tasked with providing the necessary microchips for military projects such as the indigenous development of nuclear weapons and artificial satellites. However, the national R&D system were slow to implement technological upgrade and had difficulty coping with complex market changes. Even less were they able to meet the huge demand of the civilian market. In short, the militarized R&D system was seriously lacking in industrial ethic and the capacity for upgrade and innovation. As a result, Chinese microchips in this period were about 15 years behind international standards in terms of research and technology, and more than 20 years behind in terms of industrial production. In 1990, the State Planning Commission and the Ministry of Electrical and Mechanical Services decided to implement its Microchip Project 908 for the civilian market. Using the Wuxi Tongzhi Microelectronics Co. Ltd., (i.e. the Huajing Electronics Group)which came about as a merger of the Jiangnan Radio Equipment Factory and the 24th Laboratory of the Electronics Departmentas its base, meticulous designs by researchers and entrepreneurs, repetitive verification of proposals, and 2 billion yuan in government investment were committed in hopes of being able to, in one fell swoop, narrow the gap between Chinese microchips and those produced internationally. The project failed, given its state-run constraints. With the establishment to production phase lasting seven years (two years for funding approval, three years for the introduction of the production line from Lucent, and two years for factory construction), the technology was already four or five generations behind the international mainstream when it was began production in 1997. In that year, it suffered financial losses of 240 million yuan, and has gone down as a classic case of making preparations to fight the previous war. At present, Chinas commercial chips still rely on copious imports, and the high patent royalties associated with foreign supply is a big pain for the Chinese government and its enterprises. After the failure of Microchip Project 908 in order to succeed at commercial chip localization, China made a second state-run attempt: Microchip Project 909. Project 909 could not escape the old problem failure to find a breakthrough point in the microchip industry. Some use the following metaphor to describe the situation: calculating the right time, angle, and speed to jump into a high speed train car is an extremely difficult task. Chinas state-run state commercial chip manufacturing often falls back on duplicating chip research and development that is used for the military sector. The pace of research and development also cannot keep up with mature international technologies, the degree of industrialization is low, and it is difficult to prepare products for mass production, so development costs are huge and lead to high prices per unit. Naturally, this kind of chips are commercially unpopular. Following Project 909, the number of chips imported annually by China has continued to grow. In 2017, China imported $88.9 billion worth of memory chips, a 40 percent increase from the previous year. By this time, chip development in China had already turned to a new direction: acquiring foreign high-tech companies and with them their patents, technology, and production lines; or poaching technical personnel from foreign companies Buy if You Can, Steal if You Must The Downfall of Fujian Jinhua Twenty years ago, U.S. Congress established its U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) to monitor bilateral relations between China and the United States. In an Aug. 1 report, the official media of Chinas International Communication Office quoted USCC member Michael R. Wessel as saying that Chinas engaged in a buying spree of international semiconductor firmsWhat they cant develop on their own, they intend to buy, if they can, or steal, if they must. Has this road been a smooth one? The recent failure of Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co., one of Chinas three new chip bases, has left behind a wreath of mourning after what happened when it took this route. In the field of commercial chips, there is a very important product called dynamic random access memory (DRAM). China does not have this technology, so the Chinese government has listed DRAM R&D and production as key priorities for economic development. To this end, Beijings 2016-2020 economic development plan identified three major memory projects, namely Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit, Hefei Changxin (Innotron Memory), and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd. under majority shareholder Tsinghua Unigroup. This has led to a series of episodes involving Chinese chip enterprises centered on Micron Technology, a major U.S. chip manufacturing company. Tsinghua Unigroup was first under the support of the government chip fund. In 2015, it tried to acquire Micron for $23 billion, but the merger was unsuccessful. In 2016, Tsinghua Unigroup took in five senior engineers and managers from Inotera, Taiwan, a DRAM foundry company that has business relations with Micron. These five people then passed on corporate secrets to Tsinghua Unigroup. The case was investigated by the Taiwan Taoyuan District Inspection Office in September 2017, and the five were prosecuted for commercial espionage. Recently, Tsinghua Unigroup has also been preparing to acquire French chipmaker Linxens from Luxembourg private equity firm CVC Capital Partners for $2.6 billion. The acquisition is still awaiting approval from French regulators. Compared to the Tsinghua Unigroups dealings, the experience of Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co. caused greater sensation in the media of various countries, with the conclusion being that the Jinhua Company had essentially been strangled at birth. The sensation surrounding Fujian Jinhua is also related to the technology of Micron. The Epoch Times has reported many stories about Fujian Jinhua, which will only be briefly outlined here. Fujian Jinhua itself was established from scratch. However, with the technical support of Taiwan Lianhua Electronics Co., Ltd., as well as the the Chinese government, it was provided 600 mu (about 100 acres) in land, and had a total investment of 37 billion yuan for its first phase project alone. It prepared to start production in September this year so as to become a major manufacturer of random access memory (DRAM). It is said that after the plant was put into production, Chinas random access memory production technology was just five years behind that of developed countries. However, just as Fujian Jinhua prepared to celebrate an auspicious launch as Chinas first mass-producer of DRAM memory, the company suddenly stopped operating. Its official website is now completely blank, as if the tens of billions the government invested into the project had evaporated. The direct reason for the death of Jinhua was that earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice announced lawsuits against Fujian Jinhua, its partner company Taiwan Lianhua Electronics, and three Lianhua employees, alleging that the two companies had infringed upon Microns intellectual property rights and trade secrets. The cost was estimated to be worth $8.75 billion, and all defendants were accused of conspiring to commit economic espionage. If convicted, the defendant enterprises would face fines of up to $20 billion. At the same time, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a ban on Fujian Jinhua that barred American companies from selling technology and products to it. At this point, some of Jinhuas equipment purchased from the United States and Taiwan had just arrived and was being inspected and installed. But once the Commerce Department issued the ban, the semiconductor equipment, parts and software suppliers in the United States involved with Jinhua immediately stopped providing technical support to Jinhua and didnt even answer phone calls or reply to emails. Meanwhile, Jinhuas Taiwanese partner Lianhua Electronics received a note from the Taiwan International Trade Bureau, and also stopped cooperation with Jinhua. It now appears that aside from government investment, Jinhua literally has nothing else. Once its source of upstream technology was interrupted, it became an unfinished project. Among the three Taiwanese sued by the Justice Department, one was the CEO of Fujian Jinhua. He had resigned in 2015 as president of a branch company of Micron to work at Lianhua Electronics and served as a intermediary between Lianhua and Jinhua. Another person was a former technical staff member at Micron who also resigned to work at Lianhua. Before leaving Micron, he downloaded a large number of Microns tech data. According to a recent report by Taiwans CommonWealth magazine, at the end of 2017, the Taichung District Prosecutors Office found evidence of his theft during an inspection of the company. In exchange for a reduced sentence, the person later become a prosecution witness, whereby Lianhua Electronics became the defendant. This case is currently undergoing court trial. From Import Substitution to High-End Market Competition: the Crux of the Sino-U.S. Trade War Superficially speaking, the three major Chinese memory technology projects that started in 2016 look the same as the earlier Microchip Project 908 and Microchip Project 909, which were both efforts to develop the chip industry. However, the goals and methods of the new memory project are completely different, and it is precisely this difference that has induced a microchip battle between China and the United States. Simply put, the old microchip engineering process imitated old technology used by Western companies, while the new chip project attempts to plunder the future prospects of these companies. The goal of the 908 Chip Project and the 909 Chip Project was basically to implement the localization of chip production, or a form of import substitution. Its method was to purchase second-rate technology and equipment from abroad to provide products for the domestic market, but this did bring about competitiveness for export. The new memory project, by contrast, aims not only to use products for the domestic market, but also to squeeze out the shares of American companies in the global market. To achieve such a goal, the project cannot rely only on importing foreign second-rate technology, but must also take aim at high-end technology. Thus the only available method is buy if you can, steal if you must. As for the United States, what China seeks in its chip war is not only U.S. technology, but to further encroach on the intellectual property rights and benefits of these high-end technologies. This is one of the greatest triggers from the Sino-U.S. trade war, and the arena of microchips is one of its most important battles. On Nov. 20, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative released its latest Section 301 investigation report on China, an updated version of the 301 investigation report from this March. The new November report underlines the focal positions of the United States in the Sino-U.S. trade war. After the release of the March report, although China and the United States conducted several high-level dialogues, the Chinese side did not make any adjustments or commitments in response to U.S. concerns, among which technology transfer and intellectual property protection issues were key points of emphasis. Chinas state-run overseas propaganda described the report as listing Chinas four major crimes, of which number one on the list was that China continues to infiltrate the business networks of U.S. companies and steal trade secrets, intellectual property, and technological data on a large scale. The fourth point refers to the Chinese governments unfair means of stimulating Chinese companies and capital to buy U.S. companies, thereby obtaining advanced technology and intellectual property. The concerns brought up in points have been fully demonstrated in the Sino-U.S. chip war. In the information age, the modern economy is characterized by the growing importance of intellectual property. Currently, 40 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) is related to intellectual property. It can be said that the crux of economic competition among major countries in the twenty-first century is competition in the field of knowledge. Competition in the information economy requires huge amount of venture capital. The returns from intellectual property not only cover the benefits of successful R&D investment, but also the costs associated with failed investments. In all R&D investments, the proportion of failures usually exceeds 70 percent. Without frequent failures, there is no possibility for success. If failed R&D investments cannot be compensated for by the commercialization of successful projects, future ventures will be stifled. Chinese government and companies often complain that charges for the use of Western intellectual property charges exceed the direct R&D costs that went into the technology. This perception stems from limitations in the Chinese vision. So far, China does not have much high-end R&D supported by market-based venture capital. Such R&D is often regarded by the government as a matter of national interest, to be financed by state-owned banks. Thus, companies that fail in the R&D process will not go bankrupt. An advantage of state-sponsored high-tech research and development is that the money is lazier: research personnel do not have to gamble with their own professional future and do not experience many sleepless nights spent on research. The disadvantages of state-paying are also self-evident. First, bureaucratic management is inefficient, and administrative bureaucrats will not bet their careers for high-tech research and development that has a high probability of failure. They are naturally cautious and do things in an unhurried manner. Second, administrative and scientific bureaucrats in decision-making roles do not have the vision that front-line R&D personnel possess, and are unable to see clearly the direction of technological development. From this, we can answer the issues raised in the first section of this article. Why cant the Chinese state-run system bring about the localization of commercial chips? Undoubtedly, if using this system could solve the problem of how to comprehensively catch-up with the technology of developed countries in the commercial field, the Soviet Union would not have collapsed, and China would not have needed to carry out its reform and opening up. The war of microchips between China and the United States shows that the U.S. government knows very well that China is not only after the gains to be made by emulating the intellectual property American companies, but also hopes to spend minimal sums in taking away technology and using it to crush U.S. companies and damage the foundations of the American information economy. This is the fundamental reason why the U.S. government monitors the issue of intellectual property infringement in the Sino-U.S. trade war so closely. Meanwhile, the Chinese government is insistent on remaining silent on the issue, giving only general statements and never negotiating on specific cases. This may be because there are so many such activities that are happening presently as you read this. In this regards, the Chinese government and enterprises are still holding on to their last hope. Perhaps, when there are more cases like the Fujian Jinhua episode, and mergers and acquisitions or straight-up theft become more difficult, only then will China enter substantial negotiations on intellectual property issues. Dr. Cheng Xiaonong is a scholar of Chinas politics and economy based in New Jersey. He is a graduate of Renmin University, where he obtained his Masters degree in economics, and Princeton University, where he obtained his doctorate in sociology. In China, Cheng was a policy researcher and aide to the former Party leader Zhao Ziyang, when Zhao was premier. Cheng has been a visiting scholar at the University of Gottingen and Princeton, and he served as chief editor of the journal Modern China Studies. His commentary and columns regularly appear in overseas Chinese media. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. L - Cover of the newly published Global Terrorism Index 2018. R - Rabbi Israel Kozlovsky, director of Nariman Light (Chabad) House, gestures at shrapnel marks from the 2008 Mumbai militant attacks that claimed 166 lives, during a media visit on the eve of the tenth anniversary of the attacks in Mumbai, India, on Nov. 25, 2018. (Punit Paranje/AFP/Getty Images) Terror Deaths Down 44 Percent in Three Years, but Terrorism Still Widespread A new study into terrorism across the globe reveals a notable drop in terror-related deaths, but shows that violence associated with extremism remains a significant threat. Researchers at the Institute for Economics and Peace, a think tank that works to develop metrics to analyze peace and to quantify its economic value, compiled the newly published report, known as the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2018. Terrorism By the Numbers 94: The number of countries that recorded improvements in the Global Terrorism Index 27 percent: The drop in terrorism deaths compared to 2016 5: The number of countries that recorded over 1000 deaths from terrorism. 46: The number of countries that deteriorated in the Index 487: The number of people killed in 2017s worst terrorist attack, committed by Al-Shabaab $52 billion: The total global economic impact of terrorism Terrorism-related deaths dropped for the third straight year after hitting a peak in 2014, the report said, with the total number of terror-related deaths in 2017 amounting to 18,814. 5 Countries With Biggest Impact Iraq: The total number of deaths from terrorism in Iraq fell from 9,783 to 4,271 between 2016 and 2017, which amounts to a drop of 56 percent. Afghanistan: In 2017, Afghanistan was the country that recorded the highest number of deaths from terrorism. Nigeria: Total terror-driven deaths in Nigeria fell to 1,532 in 2017, a decline of 16% compared to a year earlier. Syria: Deaths from terrorism in Syria decreased by 48%, with the gradual winding down of the Syrian civil war. Pakistan: In 2017, Pakistan recorded its lowest number of terror-related deaths since 2006. Terrorism In Europe In Europe, the total deaths from terrorism fell by 75 percent, with significant falls noted in Belgium, France, and Germany. Spains rank on the terrorism index, however, deteriorated significantly. Steve Killelea, executive chairman of the Institute for Economics and Peace, said that the marked improvements in Europe can be attributed to several reasons. ISIL has lost much of its attractiveness due to its military defeats and weakened capabilities to mount attacks in Europe, he said, referring to the ISIS terrorist group. Increases in counter-terrorism funding, combined with better surveillance techniques, have also contributed to the steep reduction of deaths in Europe from terrorism. However, interestingly, although deaths from terrorism in Europe have decreased, the number of terrorist incidents increased in this period. Killelea said the findings show that ISIS is losing its ability to plan and coordinate larger scale terrorist attacks, as a result of lessened capabilities and increased counterterrorism measures. ISIS Biggest Threat While ISIS continued to decline, it remained the deadliest terrorist group globally in 2017. The number of deaths from terrorist attacks attributed to ISIS fell by 52 percent in 2017, and the report noted a corresponding decrease in the lethality of attacks. The report said that the Taliban reoriented its focus last year from attacks on civilians to attacks on the police and military. The Taliban killed 2,419 police and military personnel in 2017, up from the 1,782 in the prior year. The number of Taliban-attributed attacks also increased from 369 to 386 in 2017. Economic Impact of Terrorism The global economic impact of terrorism was $52 billion in 2017a decrease of 42 percent from the previous year. Deaths accounted for 72 percent of the economic impact of terrorism, with the remainder stemming from GDP losses, property destruction, and non-fatal injuries. The reports authors point out, however, the true economic impact of terrorism is likely to be much higher as these figures do not account for the indirect impact on business and investment. The numbers also do not factor in the costs incurred by security agencies in countering terrorism. Principal Causes of Terrorism Killelea said the research revealed that conflict and state terror are the principal causes of terrorism. He said that of the 10 countries most impacted by terrorism, all were involved in at least one violent conflict and eight were involved in a major war with at least 1,000 battle deaths. The report showed that the 10 countries most marked by terrorism are: Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Pakistan, Egypt, Congo, Central African Republic, and India. These 10 countries accounted for 84 percent of all deaths from terrorism in 2017. Killelea added that when the 10 most conflict-related terror-afflicted countries are combined with countries with high levels of political terror, the number jumps to over 99 percent. Political terror involves extra-judicial killings, torture, and imprisonment without trial, he said. A Global Phenomenon Terrorism remains a widespread, global phenomenon with 67 countries recording at least one death in 2017. This is the second highest number of countries in the past 20 years to record one or more deaths due to terror. However, it is a fall from the peak of 79 countries in 2016. There were 19 countries that recorded over a hundred deaths from terrorism in 2017, and five that recorded more than a thousand. Methodology Authors of the terror tables derived their results from data from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD), which is collected by people at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) and the University of Maryland. Index scores were generated by looking at four factors in a given year: the number of terror incidents, the number of deaths caused by terrorists, the number of terror-caused injuries and the amount of property damage from terror incidents. Those factors were then weighed with scores between zero and three and a five-year weighted average was applied to them to show the latent psychological effect of terrorist acts over time. The study, which ranks 163 countries, and accounts for 99.6 percent of the worlds population, has been conducted annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace for the last 17 years. Trumps Visit the Bushes to Honor the 41st President Video: Trumps arrive at Blair House in DC President Donald Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, visited with members of the Bush family following the passing of former President George H.W. Bush at Blair Housethe presidents guest houseon Tuesday, Dec. 4. Photos showed former President George W. Bush kissing the cheek of Melania as the couples met. Bush also shook hands with Trump. Former first lady Laura Bush also hugged the current first lady. Looking forward to being with the wonderful Bush family at Blair House today. The former First Lady will be coming over to the White House this morning to be given a tour of the Christmas decorations by Melania. The elegance & precision of the last two days have been remarkable! Trump tweeted a day before. They met following the death of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away over the weekend. Laura Bush, meanwhile, posted a group photo after the visit and said it was a sweet visit during this somber week. Thanks to Mrs. Trump for inviting our family to the White House to see the Christmas decorations and our old friends, the residence staff, she said on Instagram. Former President George W. Bush is slated to give a eulogy during his fathers funeral service on Dec. 5. A report from Politico said the Bush family is going to avoid making critical statements against Trump. If anybody at anytime knew anything about the 41st president of the United States, they would completely and totally understand that he would welcome the current occupant 100 percent, said an aide in the office of the former President Bush told Politico. This is the way the country says goodbye to presidents. A close friend added that the Bushes are unbelievably respectful of the office of the president and the funeral is not a political event. This will be about the celebration of the noble public service that George H.W. Bush gave. Its not going to be about anybody else. I dont think its going to be about Trump, said another Bush White House staffer in the report. President Trump, meanwhile, ordered the closure of federal offices on Dec. 5 for a day of mourning. President George H.W. Bush led a life that exemplified what is truly great about America. As with so many of his generation, the Greatest Generation, President Bush worked selflessly throughout his long life to bring about a world of justice and lasting peace. With his passing, we mark one of the last pages of a defining chapter in American history, he wrote in a statement to Congress. Fearless, courageous, adventurous, and unyielding, through the highs and lows of the twentieth century and into the next millennium, President Bush served his nation, creating an example that will inspire generations for decades to come. Former Republican Sen. Bob Dole was seen being helped from his wheelchair to salute Bush, as seen in a video above. Video footage showed an aide lifting him from behind and propping him up. Both men had served in World War II. The location of the epicentre of the earthquake. (USGS) Tsunami Warning Issued in Pacific as New Caledonia Rocked by Multiple Strong Earthquakes A string of powerful earthquakes have hit the off the east coast of New Caledonia in the South Pacific, around 155 kilometers (95 miles) east-southeast of the Loyalty Islands. The strongest of the quakes registered at 7.5 in magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey. That tremor occurred at 3:18 p.m. local time. The epicenter of undersea quake was reported to be relatively shallow at around 10 kilometers (6 miles) below the surface. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has issued a tsunami warning for the islands surrounding the epicenter of the earthquake, saying that tsunami waves have been observed. The warning said that hazardous tsunami waves have been forecast for some coasts, and are possible for islands within a 1,000 kilometer (600 mile) radius, including the coasts of New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Tsunami waves reaching 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) above the tide level are possible along some coasts of New Caledonia and Vanuatu, according to the warning. Tsunami waves reaching 0.3 to 1 meters (1 to 3 feet) above the tide level are possible along some coasts of Fiji, it added. National authorities will determine the appropriate level of alert of each country and may issue additional or more refined information. Tsunami waves less than 0.3 meters (1 foot) were also forecast for the coasts of surrounding countries in the region. New Caledonias civil defence service has issued an evacuation order for the areas within 300 meters (328 yards) of the coast for the East Coast, Isle of Pines, and the Loyalty Islands. There were no immediate reports of damage from the quake. A spokesman for French mining and metals group Eramet, which operates the Doniambo nickel plant in the main harbor of Noumea, said it had enacted its tsunami alert process. The procedure is to ask people who work near the sea to move higher up, he said, adding that he had felt the quake, describing it a strong but not long-lasting shaking. New Zealands Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management tweeted that after an earlier assessment, there was no tsunami threat to New Zealand. There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the 7.6 magnitude earthquake southeast of Loyalty Islands MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) December 5, 2018 Reuters contributed to this report. UK Lawmakers Defy Government to Keep Door Open to Exit From Brexit LONDONBritish lawmakers have opened up the road that could lead back to EU membership, wrenching the Brexit steering wheel from Theresa Mays government in a dramatic parliamentary vote. May had given British parliamentarians only two options on Brexit: Vote for the deal she has negotiated with the EU, or reject it, condemning the UK to leave the 27-member trading bloc on March 29, 2019, with no deal. That vote will happen Dec. 11. On Dec. 4, however, lawmakers crowbarred a third option into the Yes or No vote. That option allows them to steer away from the no-deal scenario that has spooked markets, toward a second referendum on Brexit or a soft Brexit, Norway-style deal. When they voted 52-48 to leave the EU in June 2016, the British people sparked divorce talks but left the UK wedded to the EU while the terms of the settlement were negotiated. That divorce settlement was wrapped up in November but needs the approval of the British parliament, which is deeply divided over Brexit. Fear of No Deal Mays deal isnt expected to pass, with lawmakers from her own Conservative Party positioned to shoot it down. Many Brexit-supporting lawmakers cant stomach the terms aimed to prevent a hard border between Ireland and Northern Irelandthe final sticking point in negotiations. They claim it will make the UK a vassal state of the EU. But it was fear of leaving the UK with no deal that prompted some conservative lawmakers to wrangle open the door to a third option that could even result in the undoing of Brexit. If no bespoke deal is agreed upon, the EU and UK default to World Trade Organization trade rules on March 29, 2019. That no-deal Brexit is widely seen as the worst-case economic scenario and has spooked markets in recent months. Defending her deal, May said, I have spent nearly two years negotiating this deal. I have lost valued colleagues. I have faced fierce criticism from all sides. If I had banged the table, walked out of the room, and delivered the same deal, some might say I had done a better jobbut I didnt play to the gallery. On Dec. 4, lawmakers overruled the government and agreed to an amendment that gives them more say if they reject Mays deal. The amendment creates a mechanism for parliamentarians to amend the final motion on the Brexit deal. It isnt legally binding but carries political heft the government is unlikely to challenge. It gives the lawmakers the change to rally a majority behind various options, including potentially demanding the government renegotiate the Brexit deal with the EU, or calling for a second referendum. Fading Appetite for Brexit Labour backbencher Chris Leslie, who backed the amendment, said, It was always a nonsense that MPs, after the meaningful vote, would be somehow gagged from expressing a view. The Grieve amendment gives teeth back to the House of Commons so MPs can have some real bite. Lawmakers now have three days of debates before the historic Dec. 11 vote. Political winds have been shifting behind a campaign for a second referendum, along with a change in public attitude over the last few months. Just 38 percent of people think that Britain was right to leave the EU in the latest survey, compared to 49 percent who think it was wrong. The path of return to EU membership was also lit up by a statement on the same day from the advocate general of the European Court of Justice, who advised that the UK can back out of Brexit without the agreement of the European Union. He was giving official advice on a case brought by anti-Brexit campaigners who want to clear the legal and constitutional runway ready for a second referendum. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet attends a news conference at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on Dec. 5, 2018. (Denis Balibouse/Reuters) UN Seeking Access to Chinas Re-Education Camps in Xinjiang GENEVAThe top United Nations human rights official Michelle Bachelet said on Dec. 5 that her office is seeking access to Chinas Xinjiang region to verify worrying reports of re-education camps holding Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. The Chinese regime has used the excuse that Xinjiang faces a serious threat from Islamist militants and separatists who plot attacks and stir up tensions with the ethnic Han Chinese majority to crack down on the local population in Xinjiang. We have been asking for direct access to the region to be able to check and verify the worrying reports we are receiving, Bachelet told a news conference in Geneva. Beijing has faced an outcry from activists, academics, foreign governments and U.N. rights experts over mass detentions and strict surveillance of the mostly Muslim Uyghur minority and other Muslim groups who call Xinjiang home. In August, a United Nations human rights panel said it had received many credible reports that a million or more Uyghurs in China are being held in what resembles a massive internment camp that is shrouded in secrecy. China says it is not enforcing arbitrary detention and political re-education, but rather some citizens guilty of minor offenses were being sent to vocational centers to provide employment opportunities. However, a report published on Nov. 5 by U.S. think-tank the Jamestown Foundation found that despite the purported large vocational training campaign, employment outcomes had not markedly improved, according to Xinjiangs own official employment figures. Xinjiangs budget figures do not reflect increased spending on vocational education Rather, they reflect patterns of spending consistent with the construction and operation of highly secure political re-education camps designed to imprison hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs with minimal due process, said the reports author, Adrian Zenz, an anthropologist at the European School of Culture and Theology in Germany. Uyghurs and other Muslims held in concentration camp-like facilities, known as re-education centers, are forbidden from using Islamic greetings, must learn Mandarin Chinese, and sing propaganda songs, according to a report by Human Rights Watch. Uyghur children of parents who are detainees in political re-education camps or living in exile are being placed into state-run orphanages in Xinjiang by local authorities, a traumatized father has told The Epoch Times. The news follows orders by Chen Quango, the Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) Secretary in Xinjiang, to relocate all orphans in Xinjiang to state facilities by 2020. Western countries including Canada, France, Germany, and the United States have urged China to shut down camps in Xinjiang. By Stephanie Nebehay. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. Voter-Fraud Allegations in Midterm Elections Highlight Need for Federal Election-Law Reform California was in the headlines a few days ago for its creative use of absentee ballots for vote harvesting. Thats how three Republican candidates, who apparently won on Election Day last month, ultimately had victories snatched away in losing to Democrats days after the election. In California, 5 million absentee votes changed the future of the apparent winners. Now, we go to North Carolina, where we have a most unusual situation. Conservative Republican Mark Harris, seemingly the victor on Election Night for the states 9th Congressional District seat, had his election put on hold pending an investigation of alleged voter fraud regarding absentee votes. We first learned about ballot harvesting from the great state of California. Under a new California law, a relative or a third-party person living in the home can cast an absentee vote for someone unable or perhaps unwilling to vote. Although it is perfectly legal, it runs counter to the traditional purpose and use of absentee ballots. Ballot harvesting is illegal in North Carolina, so how did it become an issue for Mark Harris? Almost a month after the Nov. 6 election, an anonymous tipster provided information that has caused the board of elections to delay certification of the election. This is after Harris, a former Baptist pastor, was declared the winner when his vote total exceeded his Democrat opponent, Dan McCready, by 905 votes. For Democrats, this might seem like an early Christmas present that could generate an opportunity (a costly one at that) for a do-over election, or it might just be a way to taint Harris and the GOP. Its far too early for Democrats to celebrate. Right now, there is much glee and salivation among Democrats, who get to point fingers at Republicans. It certainly takes the spotlight off them. However, I believe the allegations in North Carolina and other states might be a godsend for those of us who want serious electoral reform. If both parties are abusing a process implemented to make voting easier for people with legitimate reasons for not voting in person, evidence of abuse should lead to greater scrutiny of mail-in ballots. Its clear that Democrats werent expecting to lose the 9th Congressional District. They were aggressively using absentee ballots as part of their insurance policy in swing districts. An Oct. 17 News & Observer article, titled, A spike in absentee ballot requests from NC Democrats, typically a GOP strength, noted that 45 percent more Democrats than Republicans had requested absentee ballots. Groups involved in pushing the absentee ballots included the left-leaning Center for Voter Information, which reportedly mailed 202,000 absentee ballot applications with self-addressed, postage-paid envelopes, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The intent was to give persons from groups unlikely to show up at the polls the chance to vote by mail. Getting certain demographics to vote has always required extra nudges and follow-ups. Higher-socioeconomic individuals would be far more likely to vote and request absentee ballots if sickness, travel, or some other legitimate excuse prevented them from early voting or voting on Election Day. As is often said in the South, if you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas. Harriss campaign made the unfortunate mistake of contracting with a company (Red Dome) that hired a questionable character (former Democratic Party operative Leslie McCrae, with a known criminal past) to run its get-out-the-vote operation. Getting out the vote is something Democrats are experienced at doing. For years, Democrats have paid what is called walking-around money for the sole purpose of mobilizing voters. McCrae fit the bill as a hired gun highly sought by both political parties. If McCrae engaged in unethical vote-getting tactics, we can be sure these tactics were used in other elections. A Washington Post article quoted two women who reported giving their ballots to someone who knocked on their door, but they couldnt remember for whom they voted. The interviewed women stated that someone came to their respective homes, helped them fill out their ballots, and took the ballots to mail on their behalf. The New York Times reported, State officials are particularly concerned that people working on behalf of Mr. Harriss campaign picked up, harvested, absentee votes, a crime under North Carolina law. Harvesting is the word we learned from the Democrats in California who have legalized and perfected the process. As part of its damning evidence, the article stated the following: Bladen County, a largely rural county in the district, recorded the states highest rate of absentee ballot requests: 7.5 percent of registered voters, compared with less than 3 percent in most counties. An unusually large number of them, 40 percent, were never returned. In neighboring Robeson County, 62 percent were not returned. No other county had a rate higher than 27 percent. Mr. Harris won 61 percent of submitted absentee ballots in Bladen County, even though registered Republicans accounted for only 19 percent of the ballots submitted. Its possible that more Democrats than Republicans failed to return their ballots. So, the high Harris return rate might just mean his team did a better job than the Democrats did in getting their supporters ballots returned. If the process is to be fair, then the post-election investigation must include an examination of both political parties. What, if any, follow-up did the Democrats do with the absentee ballot recipients? Regardless of what happens in North Carolina, it has implications for the rest of the nation. Democrats and Republicans have a stake in ensuring a fair and open electoral process. We need new federal election guidelines to prevent states from rigging the process. Mandatory voter-identification requirements; clear and transparent standards for the handling of absentee ballots; enhanced penalties for registering and encouraging non-citizens to vote; and verification of machine votes with immediate receipts would improve the process. If we get started now, we can correct many of the problems before 2020. Dr. Carol M. Swain is the voice behind Be The People Newsa blog and podcast dedicated to empowering individuals to think independently, understand their responsibility, and believe in their unique ability to make a difference in the world. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. If one takes a peek into the kitchen of Susan Schmitt's Wilton-based bakery The Painted Cookie, a sign reading "Home is Where the Cookies Are" can be seen on prominent display. A sense of hominess permeates this bakery, now in its fifth year in business. "It was grandma's recipe," said Schmitt about the foundation of her baking business, adding that she "enhanced it with two other spices" without betraying a hint of her proprietary ingredient list. Schmitt also acknowledged that the idea for the bakery emerged during her years as a stay-at-home mother: her two sons had friends with nut allergies, thus requiring her to create their favorite treats in her kitchen to ensure that no trace of nuts would be found in the cookies. Over time, Schmitt added, she began consulting cookie blogs and became a bit more adventurous in her baking. "I was doing it as a hobby out of the house and donating to our church and some local places in town," she recalled. "People started asking for cookies and Connecticut didn't have a cottage law then, so the next step was to come here." Schmitt opened The Painted Cookie in a 625-square-foot retail space at 196 Danbury Road in Wilton in January 2013. Since the recipes from her home kitchen were all without nuts, she opted to keep that formula for her business. "And that opened a lot of doors for us," she said, noting the scarcity of nut-free bakeries. "All of your ingredients have to be produced in a nut-free environment. We have sugar cookie, gingerbread and just branched out into biscotti another item that people with nut allergies don't get the opportunity to have. We also do gluten-free cookies to order." Over time, The Painted Cookie doubled its retail space to 1,250 square feet within the same building and branched out from an old-school neighborhood bakery to a wholesaler with corporate accounts in Westchester and Fairfield counties. "We're doing Pepsico's holiday party for the fourth year," Schmitt said, noting that her corporate orders now take up 80 percent of her business. "We have a lot of pharmaceutical companies as clients. For most of November, we're booked with custom corporate orders. Corporate seemed to have switched their buying from December to November." Schmitt creates seasonal cookies with whimsical symbolism. Autumn has a range of crimson-colored cookie leaves for the New England fall foliage, bright orange cookie jack-o'-lanterns and stark white cookie ghosts for Halloween and cartoonish cookie turkeys for Thanksgiving. December's holidays will find cookie menorahs for Hanukkah and cookie Santa Clauses and brightly decorated trees for Christmas. "There is a cookie for any occasion," she said. "Now in the world of 3-D printers, you can get a cookie cutter made of any shape. I have up to 1,200 cookie cutters." On the retail side, Schmitt identified May as her busiest month for consumer interest. "We have first communions, which are huge, and all of the school stuff that is going on," she stated. "You have Mother's Day, you have Cinco de Mayo, you have Memorial Day we call it 'May Madness.' " Schmitt also finds time to connect with her community via children's workshops. Prior to Thanksgiving, she offered her young students what she dubbed "our coloring turkeys" her turkey-shaped cookies covered in white icing, which the children colored in using food coloring markers. Children have also provided expert opinions on several of the recipes that she tests, most notably her chocolate-covered Oreos that put a new spin on an old favorite. "The chocolate-covered Oreos have become very, very popular," she said. "We use a nut-free French chocolate. We had a dark chocolate and a milk chocolate and the kids picked the dark chocolate. It is a nice coating chocolate that doesn't break off when you bite into it. We refer to it as our 'cookie crack.' " And while Schmitt's work might seem as much fun as dare we say it? a plateful of fresh-baked cookies, she has to contend with ingredient pricing, which somehow never seems to decline. A particular thorn in her budget is the price of vanilla, which has seen price spikes due to product shortages. "We still use our Penzeys double-strength vanilla and we are paying over eight dollars an ounce," she said. For the immediate future, Schmitt is seeking to perfect a peppermint bark recipe for a new Christmas cookie, noting that she likes to "try something new every year." And while admitted that running a nut-free bakery helps to pique the interest of many potential customers, it's her variations on her grandmother's still-secret recipe that keep them coming back. "We have a good tasting product," she said. Phi Hall is a reporter for the Fairfield County Business Journal. For more of his work and that of the journal, please visit westfaironline.com. NORWALK Despite having significantly higher numbers of high needs students, the Norwalk School District spends significantly less money per pupil than surrounding districts. Weve refined our comparison list to those districts that we have an actual border with and are competing with directly, and Stamford, of course, which is in our District Reference Group, Superintendent of Schools Steven Adamowski said at Tuesdays Board of Education meeting, at which expenditure data was presented. According to the data, Norwalk will spent $17,589 per pupil in 2017-2018, up from $16,981 in 2016-2017, but still well below other surrounding districts. Weve done a little better here, weve come up about $500, but still at the bottom, Adamowski said. Still, Norwalk lags significantly behind Weston the highest spending district in a group that includes Westport, Darien, New Canaan, Wilton and Stamford which spends $22,374 on each student. According to Adamowski, high needs students are a group comprised of English Language Learners, special needs students and those that qualify for free and reduced lunch. Norwalks suburban neighbors have drastically smaller high needs populations. Of the group, Norwalk has the second highest prevalence of high needs students at 61 percent, second only to Stamford, where 65 percent of students are high needs. None of the other districts in the group have more than 20 percent. You see the highest need districts funding at the lowest levels, Adamowski said. For Norwalk to equal the per pupil expenditure in Stamford would require a nearly $15 million budget increase. To equal the average per pupil expenditure of surrounding times, would require more than $36 million. Adamowski said he expected the request will be an increase of about $12 million for the coming budget. Some board members spoke in favor of drawing down the citys fund balance, which is larger than that of all other towns compared, to help offset some of the cost. Colloquially known as the citys rainy day fund, the total unassigned fund balance in June 2017 was $51.2 million, up from $47.4 million in June 2016. As per the Board of Estimate and Taxation, Norwalks fund balance must fall between 7.5 and 15 percent of total expenditures each budget year, in attempt to keep pace with other Connecticut municipalities with triple-A bond ratings. The preference has been to save money rather than further invest in the schools, some in the room felt. I think it is indicative of the fact that the value and priority has been placed on the fund balance, historically, as opposed to educational funding, Adamowski said. Board of Education member Bruce Kimmel noted that the roughly $5,000 per pupil difference in funding between Weston and Norwalk equaled about a $100,000 difference per class, per year. Multiplied out over the 13-year academic career of a student, Kimmel argued, the result is a vastly different level of educational investment in Norwalk compared to some of its more affluent neighbors. More Information Area school districts' 2017-2018 per pupil spending Weston: $22,374 Westport: $22,302 Darien: $21,122 New Canaan: $20,575 Wilton: $20,378 Stamford: $18,873 Norwalk: $17,589 Area school districts' percentage high needs students New Canaan: 14 Weston: 15 Westport: 16 Darien: 18 Wilton: 20 Norwalk: 61 Stamford: 65 See More Collapse There are many (people) in different agencies in Norwalk who dont appreciate the importance of per pupil expenditures, Kimmel said. justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586 HARTFORD New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart paid a $500 fine to the State Elections Enforcement Commission last month for sending out a promotional brochure with a 2017 tax bill less than three months before her re-election. New Britain Town Democratic Chairman Bill Shortell said the fine doesnt make up for the thousands of dollars of city funds that were used for the promotion of the mayor. Shortell said its just one example of how Stewart used the office to improve her image for her statewide run for governor and then lieutenant governor. Stewart lost the Republican primary for lieutenant governor to Sen. Joe Markley, R-Southington, in August of this year. Stewart agreed to pay the fine and settle the case with the State Elections Enforcement Commission, but says it was simply unfortunate timing related to the state budget. In 2017, the bipartisan budget was signed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Oct. 31. The bills went out in September. Its unfortunate the State of Connecticut Legislature didnt pass a budget on time in 2017, which forced the tax mailer to be delivered later than usual, Stewart said. With that said Im not going to stop providing necessary and prudent information to our citizens. They have a right to communication with their leaders. Connecticuts election law says No incumbent holding office shall, during the three months preceding an election in which he is a candidate for re-election or election to another office, use public funds to mail or print flyers or other promotional materials intended to bring about his election or re-election. The brochure contained official tax and revenue information for the 2017-2018 budget. The second side contained a Mayors Message 2017 from Stewart describing policies and positions that was entitled New Britain: Leading the Way. The SEEC also found that the brochure touts Stewarts accomplishments, successes, how proud she is about her budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year, and states that it is an honor to serve as your Mayor. The SEEC found that the tri-fold brochure supported Stewart for re-election, in that it references her accomplishments and record as Mayor and makes favorable references to the improvements to New Britain based on her record. The Commission concludes therefore that the brochure was promotional. Stewart said she likes to keep taxpayers informed about whats happening. In the name of transparency a number of elected officials send out a message from the mayors desk, along with tax bills, Stewart said. Like my mailer, and those of my predecessors, these brochures inform taxpayers where their money is going and the return on investment they are receiving from their local government. Stewart signed the settlement agreement on Nov. 8 and it was adopted by the commission on Nov. 13. NORWALK Six years after closing its West Avenue facility, the YMCA could be returning to Norwalk as a tenant of the South Norwalk Community Center. Riverbrook Regional YMCA, based in Wilton, has responded to the city of Norwalks request for proposals to lease and manage the community center at 98 South Main St. It wouldnt start off as your gym and swim-type YMCA, because A, it doesnt have a gym and B, it doesnt have a pool, said Robert C. McDowell, CEO of Riverbrook Regional YMCA. The impact that were going to be able to establish is through the programs. Those programs would include tackling youth obesity, and offering health lectures, college-readiness, computer training, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses, according to McDowell. McDowell said the YMCA would fully staff the community center and work in conjunction with other agencies, such as Americares, which is already in the building, so as not to duplicate services. The YMCA was the only organization that responded to the request for proposals issued by the Norwalk Purchasing Department. On Wednesday evening, the Norwalk Common Councils Land Use and Building Management Committee will be asked to establish a review committee tasked to review and conduct necessary negotiation with YMCA in order to develop terms for City approval. My thought is that we would set up a subcommittee of the Land Use Committee, and I was going to invite Mr. (Ernie) Dumas to join us as well, since he represents the district, and review the proposals, said Council President Thomas P. Livingston, a District E Democrat who chairs the committee. The idea is well take a look at it with an open mind. We want to make sure it best serves the community. Dumas, a District B Democrat on the Common Council, has questioned the citys handling of the community center after tenant Norwalk Economic Opportunity filed for bankruptcy and vacated the property. He expressed support Tuesday for the YMCA filling the void. Its kind of early right now, but I think the YMCA should play a big part in there and they should be there, Dumas said. Mayor Harry W. Rilling said the city has been looking for an organization to come in, renovate the building and develop programs to assist Norwalk residents who need social services. It turned out they were very interested in the building, Rilling said. They had no physical facility here in the city after they sold their building, and so we were very, very happy that they were interested in coming into the building and working with us and putting together a program for providing assistance and services. McDowell, in a cover transmittal letter address to Rilling and provided to the Land Use Committee, said Riverbrook Regional YMCA offers 125 distinct programs. Since 2014, more than 2,400 Norwalk children have received free swimming lessons at the Wilton Family YMCA, according to McDowell. After nearly a century, the YMCA of Norwalk closed its doors at 370 West Ave. on Dec. 31, 2012. While no longer having a physical presence in Norwalk, the organization has continued to offer after-school programs and summer camps to children. The South Norwalk Community Center has been largely vacant since NEON filed for bankruptcy in 2014. In August 1987, the city deeded the building to NEON and fellow anti-poverty organization South Norwalk Community Center, Inc. (SoNoCC) under the condition it revert to the city if the tenants stopped providing services. The city reacquired half of the building for $125,000 after NEON went bankrupt. In August, the Common Council approved a purchase-and-sales agreement whereby the city paid SoNoCC $300,000 for the remaining half interest in the building. The city plans to sink an additional $200,000 into needed repairs, including replacement of the roof. The YMCA or any social-service agency accepted by the city to provide services would be responsible for fitting up its space within the building, according to officials. The $500,000 came from a $3.5 million payment made to the city by SoNo Collection developer Brookfield Properties. VIRGINIA A committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday to discuss solar power zoning regulations in Cass County. While there is not a solar farm proposed at this time, there has been some interest. We have had inquiries from companies that are interested in solar farms, Cass County Zoning Officer Denny Lorton said, noting that the county has not decided anything regarding solar farms. The meeting is to work toward adopting some solar energy regulations in the future. We have a wind energy ordinance, but we do not have a solar energy ordinance, Lorton said. We have been intending to adopt one before long. Its a discussion with the committee, not the county board. We will be adopting a ordinance soon to regulate the solar energy farms. While solar farms are under consideration, theyre not something currently being discussed in detail, Lorton said. We dont know when that might happen, he said. We at least want to be ready if it does happen. Although solar power has been slow to grow in Illinois, a state-approved plan this year set guidelines for renewable energy and has spurred interest. The Illinois Commerce Commission approved updates in April that ramped up the call for solar power production. During the next seven years, the state hopes to add enough solar energy production to power about 450,000 homes. By 2025, the state wants 25 percent of its power to be from sources such as solar and wind. The field of computer science is a rapidly growing field with a projected employment growth rate of 19 percent by 2026. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineerings Department of Computer Science (CS) wants to ensure females are a part of the fields surging growth and success. The Departments second annual SheCode event introduced high school girls, the majority of them freshman, to computer science and problem-solving. Approximately 30 participants came from Alton, Belleville, Collinsville, Edwardsville, East St. Louis, Troy and other localities for the one-day educational experience on Saturday, Dec. 1. Participants were broken into two working groups: those who had coded before and those who had not. Those with coding experience used Flutter, a framework developed by Google to make iOS and Android applications. They learned about widgets and what goes into creating an app, and then designed their own. Those without previous experience were introduced to block coding. They also learned what computer science is and the many different ways it can be used. I love sharing my love of learning and computer science with these girls, said SIUE senior CS major Taylor Dowdy, of Wood River. We enjoy showing them that this STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field is a reachable goal. My favorite moments of SheCode are the aha moments that participants experience when they learn and understand something new! With the support of Dennis Bouvier, PhD, associate professor in the Department of CS, 12 current students coordinated the event. Additionally, three computer science alumnae, who are now working in the technology field, served as volunteer mentors during SheCode. Its incredibly important for young girls to have female role models and mentors in the technology field, to show them the endless possibilities a career in this field can provide, said Darla Ahlert, MS 15, a technology enablement consultant at Slalom Consulting. I enjoy making the connection between every day interactions they have with technology and the fact that they can one day be the leaders who create future technologies. SheCode was made possible by the generous support of Centene Corporation, AT&T, NISC, OCI, Enterprise Holdings, Care Otter and Bayer. For more information on SIUEs Department of Computer Science, visit cs.siue.edu. EDWARDSVILLE The field of computer science is a rapidly growing field with a projected employment growth rate of 19 percent by 2026. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineerings Department of Computer Science (CS) wants to ensure females are a part of the fields surging growth and success. The Departments second annual SheCode event introduced high school girls, the majority of them freshman, to computer science and problem solving. Approximately 30 participants came from Alton, Belleville, Collinsville, Edwardsville, East St. Louis, Troy and other localities for the one-day educational experience on Saturday, Dec. 1. Participants were broken into two working groups: those who had coded before and those who had not. Those with coding experience used Flutter, a framework developed by Google to make iOS and Android applications. They learned about widgets and what goes into creating an app, and then designed their own. Those without previous experience were introduced to block coding. They also learned what computer science is and the many different ways it can be used. I love sharing my love of learning and computer science with these girls, said SIUE senior CS major Taylor Dowdy, of Wood River. We enjoy showing them that this STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field is a reachable goal. My favorite moments of SheCode are the aha moments that participants experience when they learn and understand something new! With the support of Dennis Bouvier, PhD, associate professor in the Department of CS, 12 current students coordinated the event. Additionally, three computer science alumnae, who are now working in the technology field, served as volunteer mentors during SheCode. Its incredibly important for young girls to have female role models and mentors in the technology field, to show them the endless possibilities a career in this field can provide, said Darla Ahlert, MS 15, a technology enablement consultant at Slalom Consulting. I enjoy making the connection between every day interactions they have with technology and the fact that they can one day be the leaders who create future technologies. SheCode was made possible by the generous support of Centene Corporation, AT&T, NISC, OCI, Enterprise Holdings, Care Otter and Bayer. For more information on SIUEs Department of Computer Science, visit cs.siue.edu. BETHALTO Three Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering students visited Trimpe Middle School in Bethalto on Thursday, Nov. 29 to heighten interest in engineering among approximately 60 students. Senior mechanical engineering majors Cody Johnson, of Sullivan, Thomas Giacobbe, of Glen Carbon, and Aaron Bandy, of OFallon, discussed the engineering process, their projects and the importance of working in groups. Johnson, Giacobbe and Bandy are all members of Pi Tau Sigma, SIUEs mechanical engineering honor society. The students and a few teachers thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and asked quite a few questions, as we touched upon topics ranging from finite element analysis and Hookes Law to group cooperation, Bandy said. We were also impressed at the schools introduction to engineering topics such as orthographic drawings as early as 7th grade and using AutoDesk Inventor in 8th grade. We worked with April Wrenn to arrange the visit that we all enjoyed and are hopeful that they will have us back for another visit next semester. Majid Molki, PhD, Distinguished Research Professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, believes in the importance of such community outreach. Exposure of young students to the engineering design concepts and teamwork at this early stage of education is motivating and helps the students to choose the right engineering major and be successful in college, he said. The SIUE School of Engineering offers one of the most comprehensive and affordable engineering programs in the St. Louis region with eight undergraduate degrees, five masters degrees and a cooperative doctoral program. Students learn from expert faculty, perform cutting-edge research, and participate in intercollegiate design competitions. Companies in the metropolitan St. Louis area provide students with challenging internships and co-op opportunities, which often turn into permanent employment. Students gain hands-on experience in the Schools state-of-the-art facilities, including the new Student Design Center. Karon residents petition Governor over barrier blocking public road PHUKET: A group of local residents in Karon have filed a petition asking the Phuket Governor to investigate a barrier placed across a road that has been used for decades by local people. By The Phuket News Wednesday 5 December 2018, 11:35AM The residents complained that a private landowner had installed a barrier preventing them from using the road. Photo: PR Dept Led by Aummara Thepkaew, the residents from Soi Patak in the Bangla area of Karon filed the petition at the Damrongdhama Centre (Provincial Ombudsmans Office) on Monday (Dec3). Ms Aummara explained that the barrier, installed by a private land owner, had blocked 14 families from directly accessing their homes along Soi Patak. The road is a public way that even Karon Municipality have improved by making it a concrete road, she said. People in the community have been using the same path as the entrance-exit to the community for more than 100 years, she said. The problem is that a person who claims ownership of the land on this road has installed a barrier to block the entrance of this road. Now residents cannot use the public way. More than 14 villagers in Soi Patak have been suffering from this problem, she said. Officials at the Damrongdhama Centre and Karon Municipality have promised to solve this problem for a long time, but no one has done anything about it, Ms Aummara said. A previous order from the Ombudsman of Thailands office issued on Nov 6 last year ordered the then Phuket Governor and Karon Municipality for remove the barrier, but the barrier remains in place, she added. The request was officially received by the Damrongdhama Centre for further action. Man survives high-speed slam into six-wheeled truck PHUKET: A man survived his car slamming into a six-wheeled truck fully loaded with garbage at high speed on the bypass road early this morning (Dec 5). transportaccidentspolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 5 December 2018, 10:59AM Police and rescue workers were called to the scene, near the turnoff to Wat Rassada, at 2:10am. On arriving they found a heavily damaged Toyota Yaris ATIV in the middle of the road with its driver, Pakon Jaroenrit, 35, from Satun still trapped inside. Rescue workers recovered Mr Pakon from the wreck and rushed him to Vachira Phuket Hospital. Nearby was the six-wheeled truck lying on its side beside the road, its load of garbage spilled along the verge of the road. Police noted in their report that the it appears that the truck driver, who police did not name in their report, had pulled out onto the bypass road from the side street leading to Wat Rassada, forcing Mr Pakon in his Toyota Yaris to brake heavily, but unable to avoid the collision. Officers noted that they would be checking CCTV in the area to confirm as part of their investigation. Police in their report made no mention of any preliminary charges to be pressed for the accident. Phuket honours Fathers Day, King Bhumibols birthday PHUKET: Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana led a merit-making ceremony earlier this morning (Dec 5) to give thanks to the late Father of the Nation King Bhumibol Adulyadej, on the occasion of the late Kings birthday and to mark Fathers Day. culture By The Phuket News Wednesday 5 December 2018, 12:57PM The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. Photo: PR Dept The merit-making began at 6am at Phuket Provincial Hall, with Governor Phakaphong, Phuket Vice Governors, soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, police officers as well as students and members of the public providing offerings to monks at the ceremony. In addition to honouring King Bhumibols birthday and Fathers Day, the ceremonies this morning also paid tribute to Dec 5 as Thailands National Day, as proclaimed by the Cabinet earlier this year. Phuket roads to close for Bike Un Ai Rak PHUKET: A total of 5,362 people in Phuket have registered to take part in the Bike Un Ai Rak national cycling event to be held this Sunday (Dec 9), with today the final day of registering to receive the official T-shirt before the event. culture By Tanyaluk Sakoot Wednesday 5 December 2018, 01:03PM Right click the image and openin a new window to see larger version. Roads along the 27-kilometre route for Bike Un Ai Rak will close during the event. Photo: PR Dept Roads along the 27-kilometre route for Bike Un Ai Rak will close during the event. Photo: PR Dept Roads along the 27-kilometre route for Bike Un Ai Rak will close during the event. Photo: PR Dept Roads along the 27-kilometre route for Bike Un Ai Rak will close during the event. Photo: PR Dept Roads along the 27-kilometre route for Bike Un Ai Rak will close during the event. Photo: PR Dept People can register at the Khaw Sim Bee building at Phuket Provincial Hall until 4pm today, explained Monchai Sealoh of the Phuket Provincial Office of Strategy and Information for Provincial Development. Registrants will need to bring their ID card or passport. People can still register at the event on Sunday, but there will not be official T-shirts for them to wear. However, of course all people are still welcome to join the event. We just ask them to wear yellow or light blue to mark the occasion, Mr Monchai said. Col Chaiwat Uikham, the former Patong Police Chief who is now a Deputy Commander of the Phuket Province Police, said the second Bike Un Ai Rak rehearsal held last Sunday (Dec 2), provided police with a solid foundation on which to draw up their plans to provide safety for the mass event. More than 1,000 people joined the rehearsal last Sunday, which saw the cyclists pedal along the official route to be used this Sunday. We will have more than 500 police officers from Wichit, Chalong and Phuket City Police Stations to line the route and activities in the area, Col Chaiwat told The Phuket News. All roads along the route will be closed from 2pm to 5pm, confirmed Col Chaiwat. The route in Phuket covers just over 27 kilometers, starting on Narisorn Rd in Phuket Town, travelling south along Chao Fa East Rd, turning right onto Luang Por Chuan Rd, past Wat Chalong, turning right onto Chao Fa West Rd, then right onto Wirat Hongyok Rd, continuing onto Bangkok Rd, turning right onto Thalang Rd and right again onto Phuket Rd, continuing to Saphan Hin and then turning around to finish at Phuket Provincial Hall. To see the official route map see the image gallery above, or click here: All roads along the route will be closed with police officer present because I dont want any accidents during this event. Motorists are not to pass cyclists along the route during these times. We will be assisting them to make it safe, he said. Why Jesus? He is the way and the truth and the life worth living NATO Delivers Two New Air-Defense Radars to Lithuania 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. NORRISTOWN Two Pottstown men pleaded guilty to drug-related charges in connection with a corrupt organization that authorities alleged distributed the deadly drug fentanyl and cocaine in Montgomery, Berks and Lehigh counties. James Leo Sanders Jr., 28, of the 300 block of Chestnut Street, pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Court to charges of corrupt organizations, conspiracy to deliver controlled substances, and possession with intent to deliver cocaine in connection with incidents that occurred between November 2015 and June 2018. Comese Robinson Sr., 39, of the 900 block of North Hanover Street, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring with a corrupt organization, possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy to deliver controlled substances in connection with the drug ring that was dismantled in June during an investigation dubbed Operation Poison Control. Judge Risa Vetri Ferman deferred sentencing the men so that court officials can complete background investigation reports about them. Robinson and Sanders potentially face decades in prison on the charges. Sanders was remanded to the county jail without bail to await his sentencing hearing. The judge permitted Robinson to remain free on bail while awaiting sentencing. Sanders and Robinson were among more than a dozen people rounded up during the drug investigation. At the time of the arrests, District Attorney Kevin R. Steele alleged the drug ring members were delivering poison to drug-addicted people in the region. Court documents indicate Sanders and Robinson were lesser players in the drug operation. Last week, another Pottstown man, Aaron Ace Ramseure, 31, of the 900 block of North Hanover Street, pleaded guilty to 16 felony drug-related charges and is awaiting sentencing. Steele previously characterized Ramseure as second-in-command in the drug ring. Authorities identified David Tyrone Cooper, 43, of the 1000 block of Saylor Street, Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, as the leader of the alleged corrupt organization. Cooper is still awaiting court action on drug-related charges. Others charged, and still awaiting trial, in connection with the drug operation include: Miguel A. Migz Figueroa Jr., 34, of the 700 block of Lance Place, Reading, who was identified in court papers as Coopers fentanyl, heroin and cocaine supplier; Jerome Beverly Tucker, 63, of the 400 block of Chestnut Street, Pottstown, who authorities alleged was to cook the crack cocaine and prepare it for distribution; and Christopher Saunders, 25, of the 400 block of King Street, Pottstown, who was identified as Coopers stepson and a member of the organizations upper echelon and who allegedly was responsible for overseeing the distribution of cocaine and fentanyl in Pottstown. Investigators with the district attorneys Violent Crime Unit said the organizations criminal activities were reported to police by nine confidential informants and three anonymous concerned citizens. The investigation also utilized electronic surveillance including wiretaps on the suspects phones, visual surveillance, controlled drug buys and seizures of evidence with search warrants. During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Cooper was previously jailed for about 10 years on drug trafficking charges and while he was preparing for release from a state prison in 2015 he formulated a plan to distribute drugs in Montgomery County, according to the criminal complaint. This investigation revealed Cooper accomplished his goal, detectives wrote. This plan included the enlistment of various sub-dealers, including his stepson, Chris Saunders. On June 1, 2018, detectives intercepted phone calls between Cooper and his alleged confederates that revealed Figueroa was to deliver fentanyl to Cooper at the Muhlenberg Township residence, according to court papers. Surveillance was established in the area and detectives observed Figueroa arrive in a Honda Odyssey and meet with Cooper. During a subsequent search of Coopers residence, detectives seized cocaine, drug packaging materials and a firearm, according to the arrest affidavit. Detectives alleged the cocaine was obtained from Figueroa. Figueroa also utilized a concealed compartment, or void, in the rear of the Honda Odyssey to conceal drugs. A state police trooper trained to identify such altered vehicle compartments searched the vehicle and discovered two bags of fentanyl, nearly 200 grams, and a Glock .40-caliber firearm. Officials said the fentanyl seized could have been divided into 6,600 doses on the street. Searches also were conducted at other residences in Montgomery, Berks and Lehigh counties and resulted in the seizure of drugs, seven firearms and $34,000 cash, court papers indicate. The arrests were the culmination of a joint investigation by authorities from Montgomery, Berks and Lehigh counties, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and Pennsylvania State Police. Bombardier Inc., which has lost half its market value in the last six months, is about to get its chance to soothe Wall Street. Shareholders are still reeling from Bombardiers cut last month to its cash-flow forecast, which the company blamed on its train business after years in which aircraft investments devoured resources. Chief executive officer Alain Bellemares mission at an analyst meeting in New York on Thursday is to explain why the struggles will be short-lived. Bellemare is trying to restore investors faith in the second half of his five-year turnaround plan after already mapping out 20,000 job cuts, raising more than $7 billion (U.S.) and pivoting away from commercial aircraft manufacturing. The disappointment at Bombardiers rail business, a division trying to overcome high-profile stumbles in Toronto and New York, is fuelling doubts about the CEOs ability to attain his long-term goals. The market is trying to figure out whether this is a one-year or an 18-month hiccup, or something more complicated, said Chris Higgins, an analyst with Morningstar. They are in a turnaround, so there were always going to be a few zigs and zags. The rail business, which already accounts for more than half of total sales, is increasingly important to Bombardiers future as the company moves pivots away from passenger planes. In an effort to eliminate a cash drain, Bellemare this year ceded control of the fledgling C Series aircraft to Airbus SE, which renamed it the A220. Hes also selling Bombardiers turboprop program and considering options for its regional jets. Negative Surprise Bombardier pinned the weak cash-flow outlook for 2018 and 2019 on increased working-capital needs at its train division, which is increasing output. The forecast spurred questions about the companys ability to boost earnings and cash flow while reaching $20 billion of sales in 2020. It was the first time this management team has come out with a negative surprise, said Dan Fong, an analyst at Veritas Investment Research. Clearly if this sort of pattern continues, then people would start to wonder if there are other factors at play. But they say its limited to a handful of contracts, so it sounds like they will work through that. Bombardiers recent stumbles in rail equipment are stoking misgivings. The company has missed a string of deadlines to supply light-rail vehicles and streetcars to Toronto. Last year, Bombardier was excluded from bidding for a $3.2 billion New York subway-car contract because of past delays. And the Canadian government recently signalled it wouldnt force state-owned Via Rail to pick Montreal-based Bombardier over Germanys Siemens AG for a new rolling-stock order. Bombardiers widely traded B shares rose 2.8 per cent to $2.17 (Canadian) at 10:58 a.m. Wednesday in Toronto. As of Tuesdays close, shares had tumbled 33 per cent after the company chopped its cash-flow forecast Nov. 8, the biggest drop on a Standard & Poors index of Canadian industrials. The CEO and his team will certainly have some upbeat messages for investors. Bombardiers Global 7500 private jet, poised to debut this month, has blockbuster potential, said Morningstars Higgins. Having completed multibillion-dollar development programs on that plane and the C Series, Bombardier can become a cash-generating machine for many, many years to come, chief financial officer John Di Bert said in a presentation last week. Substantial Turnaround The rail unit has racked up a $33.9 billion backlog of orders. It won recent praise from a key investor, the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, Canadas No. 2 public pension-fund manager. The Caisse owns 27.5 per cent of Bombardiers rail unit, as well as a smaller stake in the parent company. Bellemare is orchestrating a substantial turnaround in trains, Michael Sabia, CEO of the Caisse, told Bloomberg Television last week. We have a lot of confidence in the management team. Bombardiers bonds have recouped some losses since the cash-flow forecast cut. The 7.5 per cent notes due in 2025 jumped to 95.625 cents on the dollar Tuesday, from a low of 90 cents on Nov. 16. The bonds traded as high as 105.9 cents in July. Bombardier is rated B- at Standard & Poors, six notches below investment grade. The companys credit-default swaps are the worst performers among Canadian issuers since the start of the year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The cost to insure Bombardier debt against default for five years has widened by about 230 basis points this year to about 613 as of late Tuesday, the data show. Debt Burden Bombardier had about $9.5 billion of adjusted debt as of Sept. 30, with the next major maturity of $850 million in March 2020. Di Bert said Bombardier would like to refinance its 2020 maturities next year. While the company has explored a repurchase of the Caisses rail stake, the priority is to maintain strong liquidity and protect its credit rating, he said. In the shorter term, Bombardier must persuade shareholders that it has a handle on cash flow. Fitch Ratings last week downgraded Bombardiers credit ranking to B- from B, citing the expectation that indebtedness will decline more slowly than planned because of the cash-flow deterioration. Every company can have setbacks, but given the leverage levels and the history of the company theres limited patience on the part of investors for deviation from expectations, said Chris Murray, an analyst at AltaCorp Capital. Not to mention that the overall market is a little skittish about trade wars and the possibility of a longer-term downturn in the economy. Read more about: Canadas government bonds rallied and the loonie tumbled after the nations central bank pointed to signs of slower-than-expected growth as it left borrowing costs unchanged, leading traders to trim bets for a rate rise in January. The yield on the countrys two-year government bond fell as much as 7.4 basis points to a two month low of 2.044 per cent, the biggest slide since May, while the Canadian dollar sank to the weakest since mid-2017. The market-implied probability that the Bank of Canada raises rates next month declined to about 37 per cent from about 55 per cent Tuesday, based on OIS. A January rate hike may not occur, said Maria Berlettano, head of Canadian government credit strategy at CIBC. The rate decision was as expected, but the statement was dovish. The statement acknowledged some new growth concerns and also suggested that there may be additional room for noninflationary growth. The Canadian dollar weakened as much as 1 per cent to $1.34, and is now down 6 per cent this year versus the greenback. The Bank of Canada kept its overnight rate at 1.75 per cent on Wednesday but noted global trade frictions and oil-production cuts in Alberta as forces dampening its outlook. Canadian stocks extended gain after the statement from the Bank of Canada, with the S&P/Toronto Stock Exchange Composite Index rising as high as 1.3 per cent. Montreals mayor apologized Wednesday for speaking almost entirely in English as she delivered a speech highlighting international foreign investment in Montreal. Valerie Plante admitted she had clearly made a mistake by not using more French as she addressed the crowd at an artificial intelligence gathering Tuesday. She told a council meeting Wednesday morning that she delivers about a dozen speeches a week, all mainly in French, and is proud to do so. French is my native language, its the language of my heart, and its a great pride for me to use this language in the biggest francophone metropolis in North America, she said. Plante drew the ire of language critics for a speech that contained no French except for a brief opening greeting and a thank you at the end. She even earned a rebuke from the provincial culture minister, who said Quebec politicians have a duty to speak its official language. Read more: Who is Valerie Plante, Montreal's new mayor? Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante to meet with investors hoping to bring baseball back to city Montreal elects Valerie Plante as citys first female mayor All Quebecs elected officials have the responsibility to promote the French language, said Nathalie Roy, who is also the minister responsible for the French language. Its our official language. Its our shared language. We have to celebrate it. Roy added that she believed the message had been heard in Montreal. Plante said the speech, welcoming the arrival of three U.K.-based AI companies to Montreal, was supposed to have been delivered mainly in French, but she departed from her notes at the last minute. She had been chatting with the British investors just before heading to the lectern, and the button stayed stuck, she said. It was not my intention. I actually didnt follow the plan, Plante told reporters. I always speak in French and have a section in English depending on the content. Plante said she was surprised by the controversy over what she described as a stupid mistake but understands the concern over use of French. I was angry with myself, in the end, she said. She noted that the announcement she attended Wednesday concerned the citys plan to better integrate immigrants, which is aimed at helping them learn French more quickly. The Ontario government said on Wednesday it was looking into rules requiring all municipal councillors to pledge allegiance to the Queen after an Indigenous councillor-elect refused to do so. The issue arose in Hearst, Ont., where Gaetan Baillargeon said he was forced to vacate the seat he recently won in a general election because he wouldnt take the oath. Its inconsistent with my views regarding the relationship between the Crown and the Indigenous people of Canada, Baillargeon said in an interview. To me, the Queen represents residential schools, the reserves, and the breaking of all the treaties. Baillargeon, of the Constance Lake First Nation just west of Hearst, said he believed a pledge exemption existed for First Nations but the town clerk said no. He said the clerk told him he had to give up his seat or the swearing-in ceremony on Monday would have ground to a halt something he said he didnt want to have happen. I would rather have pledged allegiance to Canada and its laws, Ontario and to the people of Hearst, Baillargeon said. I want to pledge allegiance. Roger Sigouin, the mayor of the northern Ontario town of about 5,000, said the ball was in the governments court. Were behind (Baillargeon), 100 per cent, Sigouin said on Wednesday. The only thing is we wait and see what government is going to do. We didnt have any choice because the law is there. Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark said he was aware of the concerns and was considering options. We are looking into the matter further, Clark said in a statement. At this time, there is no exception to the requirement to take the declaration of office prior to taking your seat as a local councillor. Under Section 232 of the Municipal Act, councillors are required to take the pledge in the form established by the minister for that purpose. The current incarnation, set in 2001, reads in part: I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second (or the reigning sovereign for the time being). The declaration is established provincially and there is no local authority to amend the declaration, Clark said. At the same time, he said he hoped those elected could take their places to serve municipalities and their residents. Sigouin, too, said he hoped the issue could be resolved before the councils first meeting on Dec. 18, at which point council would have to declare the seat vacant, starting the 60-day countdown clock on a new vote or a replacement appointment. Baillargeon said he didnt want to give up his seat. The people of Hearst voted for me, he said. If I cant make any changes, then what use am I as a politician. Its not the first time the issue has surfaced. In January 2011, the town of Hearst formally appealed to then-Liberal municipal affairs minister Rick Bartolucci to drop the requirement after a francophone councillor raised the issue. Bartolucci refused, saying it was not a priority for the government. Other Indigenous politicians have been allowed to bend the rules in other situations by using Cree for a pledge or changing the wording, Baillargeon said. The oath issue also surfaced a few years ago in a failed challenge to Canadian citizenship rules, which requires a Pledge of Allegiance to the Queen. Sigouin said there was some irony in that the province has been adamant in recent years about consultations with Indigenous people as a precursor to any development of the north. Now we have a guy like Gaetan who is willing to sit at council to make a difference between both communities, to work together, but the regulation is not there, Sigouin said. So thats where the government has got to jump and say, OK, I think we have to do something about it. EDMONTONAn Edmonton cannabis producer that just got its sales licence in the midst of a major shortage is opting to stay out of the recreational market. Atlas Growers Ltd. announced Monday that it obtained its initial sales licence from Health Canada to obtain, sell and distribute cannabis products, including fresh and dried flower, extracts, seeds and live plants. But its president and CEO Sheldon Croome said the company plans to use that licence to sell exclusively to medical cannabis patients, at least for the foreseeable future. Theres so much demand in (recreational) adult use, that I could sell five years of our entire production tomorrow, basically. And the thing is, I dont have the capacity to be able to produce for that market yet, Croome said. We really want to make sure we dont do a disservice to the medical patients who rely on our products on a daily basis for pain management or anxiety, or being able to eat if theyre suffering from cancer and went through chemo. Things like that are at the very top of our list. Cannabis retail stores have been short on stock across Canada since legalization went national Oct. 17. Read more: Pot growers turn to gifting, trading with no legal way to buy cannabis seeds in Canada They invested $200,000 before cannabis was legal. Now, these retailers are stuck in limbo as Albertas supply runs out Edmonton pot grower teams with University of Alberta to turn waste into energy The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) announced two weeks ago it was only receiving 20 per cent of the cannabis it ordered from its 15 licensed producers, leading to continued shortages for its own online store and the few retail stores that are already open. Some producers are meeting the amounts they promised under contract, but many others are not. Estimates by the AGLC and licensed producers suggest the shortage could take between three and 18 months to be fully resolved. Spokesperson Heather Holmen said the AGLC has reached out to every federally licensed producer hoping to pull in more product, but would not confirm or deny having reached out to Atlas Growers specifically. In terms of producers who choose to provide to one market over the other, I wouldnt say its a disappointment from our perspective. They have their business decisions to make and hopefully are managing their commitments, Holmen said. Croome said multiple government bodies have been in touch with him about providing cannabis to the recreational market, but he turned them down. Atlas is headquartered in Edmonton with a 38,000-square-foot facility and laboratory northwest of the city in Lac Ste. Anne that can currently produce about 5,000 kilograms of cannabis annually. The company owns a 160-acre site that could allow for expansion of up to 1,000,000 square feet of additional construction, potentially outgrowing Aurora Sky at the Edmonton International Airport. Croome said about half of its product will go out in the form of oil or pills, adding he wants to primarily direct patients to healthier methods of ingestion rather than smoking. He added that the company was founded on a vision of advancing medical science using cannabis and currently has distribution in Germany, with deals in Europe, Central America, South America and Canada in the works. Croome said tight branding restrictions have partly deterred him from entering the recreational market. It took three years for Atlas to get its licence from Health Canada, which he said has also restricted its expansion and hampered its ability to cultivate enough product to supply retail stores. Im not going to say, No, we never will. But Im just going to say right now we have to make sure we take care of the patients that weve already made promises to, Croome said. That doesnt mean the company is not making its mark on the retail side. Croome said Atlas is selling seeds to other licensed producers to increase the overall genetic diversity of Canadian cannabis. If Atlas does move into the recreational market eventually, it will likely start with seeds, which are currently not for sale anywhere in Canada despite being legal. In March, Atlas reached a deal with ATB Financial that made it one of the first cannabis companies in North America to get financing from an accredited financial institution. The company raised $10 million in private capital for the first phase of its production facility, and ATB agreed to provide the remaining $6.25 million. In September, the company announced the Cannabis Waste Project partnership with the University of Alberta to develop strategies for the on-site treatment and handling of cannabis waste that could convert it into electricity. Read more about: In a groundbreaking move, an Ontario cannabis producer intends to plant a legal crop of open-air pot for the first time in Canada this spring. Toronto-based 48North Cannabis Corp. announced this week that it is seeking Health Canadas permission to plant 100 acres worth of cannabis (40 hectares) on a farm just south of Brantford by late May or early June. The benefits of outside growing including the free sunshine are as clear as day, says company co-head Jeannette VanderMarel. Cannabis is a plant that was meant to be grown outdoors, VanderMarel says. The only reason it moved indoors was because of the illegality of it. That indoor growth is energy-intensive, with the massive and expensive lighting arrays and heating systems needed to grow the plants on a commercial scale eating up loads of electricity and money, VanderMarel says. Aside from the lower operational costs of outside growing, she says the costs of buying land are far less than buying plants or building greenhouses. Currently, evaluations to build greenhouse space is around $1.5 million an acre, VanderMarel says. I bought 100 acres for $1.5 million. University of Guelph cannabis expert Youbin Zheng points out that indoor growing can produce multiple crops a year, where outdoor farming in the southern Ontario climate can yield just one. VanderMarel says indoor space constraints limit plant size, where outdoor growing allows for towering cannabis jungles. Outdoors there are (strains) that can grow up to 15 feet tall and produce up to 10 pounds of usable buds on one plant, she says. VanderMarel says the company is putting in security measures around the property to keep out would-be pot pilferers. This includes chain-link and barbed-wire fencing, cameras and vibration sensors around the farms perimeter, as well as patrolling security guards during flowering season. I have very robust security that will certainly ensure that people will not get into my farm, VanderMarel says. And any attempt I will be aware of. I dont see it as less secure than a greenhouse. VanderMarel says that during prohibition days many people in southern Ontario obtained licences for personal cannabis cultivation and that their breeding experiments produced a number of strains that grow particularly well in this climate. Theres been a lot of, lets say, backyard R&D on growing really great plants here. She says her company expects to plant four to six of these Ontario-friendly strains on the Brant County property. She says at least 90 per cent of the plants will be turned into oils, and most will be grown for recreational use. Zheng says that indoor growing, using soil-free systems, allows producers to precisely adjust water, heat, light and nutrient levels to create consistency in their products over entire crops and generations. Outdoors, nutrient and water levels can very significantly from one corner of a field to another, while light levels and temperatures are set by fickle nature. Its harder to get consistency outside, he says. VanderMarel agrees that indoor growing can produce far better product consistency, but says its very expensive. She says her farm will produce organic products and that the cannabis plant is ideal for this type of farming. She says the terpenes that give cannabis its strong and distinct odours also act as natural insect repellents. But Zheng points out that any outdoor crop is liable to be coated with pesticides used by upwind farmers growing such insect-vulnerable plants. In a field youve got contamination from all over, he says. For example farmers spray pesticides and the soil has previously existing contaminants like heavy metals or all the environmental pollutants (over which) you have no control. The 48North plants will be germinated inside at the companys Brantford facility and planted as seedlings in the spring. They will be harvested between late September and mid-October. VanderMarel expects that harvest will produce 40,000 kilograms or more of usable product, or 400 kilograms an acre. An acre of greenhouse space can produce 900 kilograms a year, she says. When the driver convicted in the incident that killed her husband was handed a $500 fine in a Scarborough courtroom last month, Angela Sim had a message for him: the punishment was not nearly enough. The penalty you receive here today will not fit the crime but penalty there must be, Sim said in a victim impact statement read aloud by a Crown attorney. You should not be able to walk away untouched. Gary certainly didnt. He didnt have a chance. Gary Sim, 70, died on July 2, 2017, two days after he was cut off by a van driver while riding his bike. On Nov. 14, Justice of the Peace Grace Lau found Zivorad Simich, 64, guilty of a non-criminal Highway Traffic Act offence called turn not in safety. The $500 fine she handed gave him was the maximum penalty allowed by law. In an emotional scene that played out in the courtroom at 1530 Markham Rd., Crown Attorney Jamie MacPherson read out the victim impact statements from Sims widow and their daughter Heather, and a tearful Simich apologized to the family for what he said was an incident that would haunt him forever. And even as lawyers and Lau sought to determine the strictest penalty the driver could face, none disputed that whatever it was it paled in comparison to the devastation caused to Sims loved ones. The court realizes there is no penalty I could impose that could compensate for the loss suffered by the grieving family, Lau said, according to a transcript of the proceedings. The deadly incident occurred at the south entrance of the Jane Park Plaza in the Rockcliffe Smythe neighbourhood of west Toronto. Shortly after 1 p.m. Sim was riding his bike westbound on the sidewalk of Alliance Ave. Simich, who was also headed westbound in a Ford Transit cargo van, passed Sim and then made a last-second decision to turn into the plaza directly in front the cyclist, according to Laus ruling. Sim fell to the ground and suffered a serious head wound. During a two-day trial, a police collision reconstructionist testified he couldnt determine for certain whether there was contact between the bike and the van, but one eyewitness attested there was. No proof of contact was required to establish the unsafe turn charge. Simich pleaded not guilty. He said he braked and signalled before turning, and couldnt explain why he failed to see Sim either as he passed him or when he checked his mirror before making the turn. The court heard the van he was driving had no rear windows. Lau determined there was no reasonable excuse for Simichs failure to see Sim. He ought to have seen the cyclist and ought to have taken into account that the cyclist might enter into his path before he turned, she said in her ruling. She concluded that while he acted without intention or willfull conduct, Simichs behaviour fell below the standard expected of a reasonable and prudent driver in the circumstances. After Lau delivered her verdict, Simichs lawyer didnt contest the Crown seeking the maximum fine. Lau had to recess the court while she and the lawyers attempted to ascertain whether legislation passed in December 2017 that increased fines for some offences under the Highway Traffic Act to $1,000 could be applied to the case, but eventually concluded $500 was the maximum. Simich was given 60 days to pay. In her victim impact statement, Angela Sim described her husband of nearly 45 years as a caring partner and father who was close with his six grandchildren. A former chartered accountant, he shared his skills by helping friends and family with renovations, and volunteering to tutor math at a public school. He was an experienced cyclist, and in his later years often took to Twitter to advocate for better road safety. Angela said in her statement that after he died, she sold their home because she couldnt bear to live in it alone. Im told it gets easier with time, at this moment I would not agree. Death changes everything but time changes nothing ... I miss him as much today as I did the day he died, she said in her statement. Gone is the light of my life. Simich told the court that following the incident he has been on medication for depression. After the ruling he asked to address the Sim family, and in a halting apology he told them he was truly sorry for what happened. I cannot say I know how much you suffered, I cant I am truly sorry I apologize, he said. In an interview after the ruling, Heather said she was relieved to see Simich didnt take her fathers death lightly, but she still believes drivers convicted in fatal collisions should face heavier penalties than mere fines. Under the previous Liberal government, the province introduced harsher penalties for careless and distracted driving, but they wouldnt have applied this case because Simich was charged with a lesser offence. Heather has become a road safety advocate in the wake of her fathers death, and supports the Ontario NDPs so-called vulnerable road user law. The bill, which was introduced last month and has passed first reading, would subject any driver who injures or kills a pedestrian or cyclist to a mandatory probation order that would require them to take a driving instruction course and serve community service. The drivers licence would be suspended during the probation period. The new Conservative government said last week it is still reviewing the legislation and has not decided whether to support it. JERUSALEMIsrael launched an operation Tuesday to destroy tunnels it said Hezbollah had dug under its northern border, announcing the move with much fanfare at a time when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces multiple corruption investigations as well as accusations of being soft on security. The military said it had exposed one of the Lebanese militant groups tunnels into Israeli territory in a mission it dubbed Operation Northern Shield. A spokesperson, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, said the tunnel began in a house in Lebanon and extended more than 40 yards into Israel. Netanyahu said in a televised address Tuesday night that the tunnels were built by Hezbollah but funded by Iran. They were built with one purpose in mind to attack and murder innocent Israeli men, women and children. This is a grave violation of Israels sovereignty and a gross violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, he said. The resolution, which Lebanon also says Israel routinely breaches by violating its airspace, dates to the end of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Netanyahu said Lebanon would be held responsible for all terror activity emanating from its territory and urged the U.N. Security Council and countries around the world to condemn the groups actions. Israel would defend itself against Irans attempts to entrench itself in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza, he said. Tuesdays development comes amid deep concern about the buildup of Iranian proxies in Syria in recent years. In the past few days, there has also been a renewed focus on Lebanon, after allegations that a plane carrying Iranian weapons for Hezbollah, its most powerful proxy, had arrived at Beiruts airport. Read more: Saudi friend of Khashoggi sues Israeli surveillance firm Damaging police report looms over Netanyahu re-election bid Airbnb ends West Bank settlement listings, causing uproar in Israel However, the dramatic announcement of the operation which has so far involved the unearthing of one tunnel that appears to have been monitored by Israel for several years triggered concern that domestic politics were at play. Netanyahus security credentials have taken a knock in recent weeks. He faced widespread criticism, including from within his coalition, for agreeing to a cease-fire with Hamas after the militant group that runs the Gaza Strip fired more than 450 rockets and mortars into Israel following a botched Israeli raid into Gaza. He had earlier agreed to allow Qatar to send money to Gaza to pay the salaries of civil servants and alleviate the humanitarian crisis there. Those events led to the resignation of his right-wing defense minister, Avigdor Liberman, and left his ruling coalition hanging by a thread, with a one-seat majority in the Knesset, or parliament. Protests were held in Israeli communities in the vicinity of Gaza. Education Minister Naftali Bennett also briefly threatened to resign and pull his party out of the coalition, toppling the government, if he were not given the defense portfolio, saying he would work to restore Israels military strength. Netanyahu, who did not bend and instead appointed himself defense minister, has since continued to be dogged by corruption allegations. On Sunday, Israeli police recommended indicting him on charges of corruption and bribery in one of three criminal investigations into his conduct. Were clearly hearing some form of domestic political messaging, said Michael Horowitz, a senior analyst at the Middle East-based security consultancy Le Beck International. Israel has known about these tunnels for years, and while the timing also makes sense regionally, it certainly helps Netanyahu turn the page of the recent confrontation in Gaza that almost brought the Israeli government down. Israel is also trying to send a message of deterrence to Hezbollah, he said, which as of Tuesday had not reacted to the news that Israel had uncovered one of its tunnels and plans to destroy more. On Thursday, Israel warned Lebanon to stop allowing Iran to send weapons to Hezbollah after an Iranian cargo plane suspected of carrying a consignment landed in Beirut. Hours later, Israel was accused of carrying out strikes inside Syria, which fired a barrage of antiaircraft rockets in response. Hezbollah then launched a campaign it dubbed defend our skies, accusing Israel of breaching Resolution 1701 by violating Lebanons airspace. It threatened to retaliate against any Israeli attack, releasing a video showing targets in Israel with their coordinates. Irans regional hegemony has also been a driving foreign policy concern of the Trump administration. National security adviser John Bolton said Tuesday that the United States strongly supports Israels efforts to stop tunneling into its territory. More broadly, we call on Iran and all of its agents to stop their regional aggression and provocation, which pose an unacceptable threat to Israeli and regional security, Bolton said. Conricus said the timing of Operation Northern Shield was guided by the maturation of different capabilities that will allow us to feel confident enough to find the tunnels. The army assembled a task force to assess the tunnel threat in the area in 2014, he said, and began preparing for the current operation more than a month ago. Several tunnels were monitored for quite a long period of time, Conricus said. But despite apparently being aware of the tunnels, Israel kept the information quiet. Residents of northern Israel say that for two or three years they have heard sounds of drilling and knocking underground and had alerted the military. Conricus said engineering experts investigated every report. We heard noises. We called the army. We also took pictures of Hezbollah operatives on the border, Zamir Hatan, from the northern border village of Shtula, told Israeli Radio. The army held a meeting with us and told us we had nothing to worry about and that as long as they werent shooting, there was nothing to be done. The military had also previously told journalists that the rocky terrain in the area meant it was not possible for Hezbollah to build tunnels. Israel has been using what it says is new technology to detect and destroy tunnels built by Hamas in the south, under the fence with Gaza. Those are normally destroyed before their existence is announced to the media. Yoav Kish, a member of Netanyahus party and chairman of the Knessets Internal Affairs Committee, said the latest operation proves that what was seen as the prime minister being hesitant and weak in Gaza was actually restraint that made the move in the north possible. A tough military move against Hamas could have led to regional deterioration and confrontation in the north as well, he said. Read more about: A group of specialists trying to break away from the Ontario Medical Association is being called out by peers who charge that the discord is all about money. They dont want to be the group that has to give up (some money) for other groups to increase their earnings, general surgeon Dr. Nancy Baxter said in an interview Tuesday. Until the OMA started talking more about relativity, you didnt hear about these specialty organizations wanting to break away, continued Baxter, one of many doctors who has gone public with criticisms many of them on social media of a referendum the breakaway specialists held last week. Relativity refers to big pay gaps between different medical specialties. The OMA, which represents Ontarios 31,000 practising physicians in contract negotiations with the provincial government, has struggled recently to develop a recommendation on the issue for an arbitration panel charged with resolving a four-year-old contract dispute. The stakes in the ongoing dispute are high. The arbitration panel must first determine how much extra money should be added to the physician services budget, which currently stands at more than $12 billion or 10 per cent of the entire provincial budget. The panel must then determine how the extra money should be divvied up between different specialties. Radiologist Dr. David Jacobs, who is spearheading the breakaway efforts, served as an OMA board member until late September when he resigned and announced the need to form a separate specialist group. In an open letter critical of the OMA, Jacobs noted it was unable to reach a negotiated settlement with the new Ford government and charged its bureaucracy has grown while its accountability has waned. Read more: Some high-paid medical specialists vote to break away from OMA OMA leaders back plan to narrow pay gaps between medical specialties Ford government, OMA fail to reach negotiated settlement He said 24 specialty sections recognized by the OMA (there are 49) had shown interest in forming a separate group, writing that they should be able to freely choose who represents them. He called for one bargaining agent to represent family doctors and another to represent specialists. The timing of Jacobs resignation coincided with the release of a report from the OMAs relativity advisory committee, which recommended narrowing pay gaps between medical specialties. It called for the pay of four top-billing specialties radiologists, ophthalmologists, cardiologists and gastroenterologists to be cut by up to 1 per cent annually for 11 years. Money saved would then be redistributed to lower-paid specialty groups. Essentially, this means high-paid specialties would get a smaller piece of the pie and lower-paid specialties a bigger one. While the word relativity was never mentioned in the letter, there was reference to an upcoming meeting of the OMAs 250-plus member governing council at which a vote was to take place on whether to endorse the committees recommendation to narrow pay gaps. Jacobs, who is also vice president of the Ontario Association of Radiologists, warned the meeting would further divide the OMA and said he cannot be party to this. Council members voted almost 80 per cent in favour of narrowing pay gaps. But in an unusual move, the board then persuaded council to change its decision to one that would see each of the 49 sections make its own pitch to the arbitration panel on how to tackle relativity. The OMA leadership then came under fire from doctors on Twitter, angry over what they called copping out on a difficult issue. Others interpreted the move as a strategic one aimed at weakening support for the formation of a separate specialist group. Jacobs subsequently revealed the formation of the Ontario Specialists Association (OSA) and invited specialists to vote on a referendum in late November to secede from the OMA. In releasing the results of that vote last week, the OSA issued a news release stating Ontario Specialist Groups Vote Overwhelmingly to Leave the OMA. The release stated the majority of voters from eight sections were in favour of separating, but there was very limited information released beyond that. But upon further investigation by the OMA and others, it was learned that only 10 per cent of specialists and 5 per cent of all doctors voted in favour of a divorce. The OSA also issued incorrect information, initially stating the majority of otolaryngologists (also known as ear, nose and throat doctors or ENTs) had voted to separate when in fact the opposite was true. On Twitter, many opposing physicians are calling into question the motives and results of the vote. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Ian Stiell, referring to why a majority of ER doctors opposed the split: Emergency physicians are a very poor fit with the Ontario Specialists Association which wants to preserve income for the highest billing specialists without addressing relativity. Psychiatrist Dr. Javeed Sukhera: Shame on (the OSA). Relativity is about valuing each and every physician. It is not about knocking each other down. If we help lift each other, we all win. Family medicine resident Ali Damji: We are in an era where new money isnt coming to us so we need to redistribute and invest in underfunded areas (primary care, mental health, elderly) Which unfortunately also means that when we invest in that part of the pie, other parts become smaller. I dont think doing so in an evidence-based and thoughtful way is a bad thing and its needed. Baxter, adding to the growing chorus of female doctors calling for disparity in pay between male and female physicians to be addressed: We need relativity within and across specialties to address the discrimination experienced by physicians in Ontario. (OSA) needs to figure this out as well. Pediatrician Dr. Mo Eltorki, questioning the results of the vote: Sorry, please elaborate on your definition of success! This does not represent specialties in Ontario, not even close! You forgot to mention the large specialties that refused to split from the OMA: emergency medicine, dermatology, ENT, occupational therapy and plastic surgery. Asked earlier if the issue of relativity was behind the efforts of the OSA to separate, Jacobs would only say all doctors are facing fee cuts. He has repeatedly stated the Ford government is receptive to the idea of specialists forming their own organization. The Medical Post last month quoted an unnamed Ford government source stating that the province would respect the results of the referendum. The source said if a critical mass of doctors voted to split, the government would be open to amending legislation to make that happen. Since then, Health Minister Christine Elliotts office has only said the government is seeking legal advice on how to proceed. Theresa Boyle is a Toronto-based reporter covering health. Follow her on Twitter: @theresaboyle It looks as if you appreciate our journalism. Our reporting changes lives, connects communities and effects change. But good journalism is expensive to produce, and advertiser revenue throughout the media industry is falling and unable to carry the cost. That means we need you, our readers. We need your help. If you appreciate deep local reporting, powerful investigations and reliable, responsible information, we hope you will support us through a subscription. Please click here to subscribe. 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Activists are calling on the executive director of Pride Toronto to resign after an undemocratic and chaotic annual general meeting Tuesday shut down debate on the organizations controversial decision to allow the Toronto Police Service to participate in next years Pride parade. Prides decision to reverse a two-year ban on police involvement came in the face of criticism from activists and Pride Toronto members, who say police should not be formally represented at the event while Black, Indigenous, trans and other marginalized communities continue to be subject to police violence. For the first time in the organizations history, reporters were denied entrance to Tuesdays meeting. Pride members sought a point of order on Tuesday night to add the policing issue to the agenda, but the meeting was subsequently shut down, said scholar and activist Punam Khosla. This was pressed and pressed and pressed from the floor. The chair basically tried to shut all the people who were questioning up, Khosla said. At the point they were unable to do that, they adjourned the meeting. Pride Toronto did not respond to the Stars request for comment. In a recently published opinion piece in Now Magazine, executive director Olivia Nuamah defended her organizations move to include Toronto police in the 2019 parade. The Toronto Police Service, along with the many agencies that impact all communities of colour, must work together to realize change, Nuamah wrote. This is why we invited them to apply to take part in next years parade we are seeking to start a new relationship, with real and positive outcomes, through doing the actual work it will take to make the change we all seek. TOP STORIES. IN YOUR INBOX: For the days top news from the Stars award-winning journalists, sign up for our daily headlines newsletter. But some Pride members expressed disappointment in the organizations handling of the issue on Tuesday. Im just a general member and I havent really decided honestly about police at Pride. Thats one of the reasons I came tonight, I wanted to hear both sides, said Lynette Dubois. Instead of answering us, they delayed everything and when we made a point of order they shut the meeting down. Thats not a meeting, she said. Theyve lost the confidence of a large group of the membership from what Im seeing tonight. Beverly Bain, a black queer activist and professor at the University of Toronto, said the groups membership has already voted twice against formal police inclusion in the parade. This particular board and executive can no longer be trusted to represent queers, Bain said. Its absolutely clear that this meeting tonight was a complete total failure and disaster on the part of Pride Toronto. It is a major defeat for them, added Gary Kinsman, a Laurentian University sociology professor and founding member of Pride Torontos forerunner, the Lesbian and Gay Pride Day Committee. That committee, he noted, was founded in 1981 with the express aim of protesting police brutality. What Pride Toronto is now is nothing like how Pride started, Kinsman said. The federal Department of Public Safety recently pledged $450,000 to Pride Toronto to undertake Canada-wide research on policing of marginalized communities. But some members expressed concern over accepting funding from a body whose mandate includes policing and corrections. Pride Toronto started with zero dollars and it can continue with zero dollars, said Brian De Matos. It is more important for the community to be safe than to be funded. Eight immigration detainees who were held behind bars for more than a year have been granted their freedom after the launch of a review into a system that critics charge has long favoured incarceration and has resulted in non-citizens being left to languish in jail. Six of those long-term detainees are now out of jail, while the release of two others is imminent, a spokesperson for the Immigration and Refugee Board told the Star. In addition, two former long-term detainees have been deported following the review of 27 long-term detention cases involving inmates locked up for at least a year. The review was launched in the wake of a damning independent audit this summer that revealed a system that unfairly keeps people behind bars for months on end due to ill-informed adjudicators, decision-making based on inaccurate information, unchallenged faith in border enforcement officials and inadequate legal representation for detainees. It also followed a Star investigation last year that found an immigration detention system that indefinitely warehouses non-citizens, away from public scrutiny and in conditions intended for a criminal population. While those who were freed are still subject to constant monitoring and reporting requirements, the remaining 17 long-term detainees remain incarcerated and are entitled to periodic assessment for possible release. The board notes that the number of detainees who have been released is based on the latest information it had available. The board is now reviewing cases where detainees have been held between six and 12 months. Read more: Supreme Court to grapple with murky legal rights of immigration detainees Audit of immigration detention review system reveals culture that favours incarceration Caged by Canada | Hundreds of unwanted immigrants like Ebrahim Toure languist indefinitely in jails across the country Identities and personal details of the detainees granted their freedom were not available Tuesday, but the Star confirmed one of the eight is Ebrahim Toure, a failed refugee claimant who was profiled in the Star investigation and released in September after 5-1/2 years in jail. He was freed with a combined $26,000 in cash and performance bonds put forward by three sureties. Its excellent that the board is taking the audit findings seriously. These are discretionary decisions and the system is supposed to catch these (unjustified) cases, said University of Toronto professor Stephanie Silverman, an expert on immigration detention practises. The system is imperfect and decision-makers need more training in not just the reasons for detention but the reasons for release. Long-term detention has physical and mental consequences on detainees. Decision-makers need to take harm into balance in their decision-making. Long-term immigration detainees are entitled to a review every 30 days before an adjudicator to determine if they should be released or kept behind bars. Although decision-makers are randomly assigned to cases, inmates can only be heard by a pool of adjudicators who work in one of the three regional offices Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia based on the detainees locations. Detainees are usually failed refugee claimants or immigrants whose permanent resident status has been revoked. They are held pending deportation because officials consider them a flight risk, a danger to the public, or if their identity cant be confirmed. Others are inadmissible to Canada for security reasons, violation of human rights, crimes against humanity or for serious criminality or organized criminality. The number of immigration detainees varies by the day but as of September, 50 had been held for more than a year; 57 between six and 12 months; 183 between three and six months; and 2,157 for under 90 days. Under the review, the refugee board said decision-makers are instructed to actively investigate the specific barriers to release the detainees, explore potential alternatives to detention and develop a viable plan for their release. We have seen early success with the program, where all parties understand what is required for release and are ensuring that reasonable and timely efforts are being taken, said the boards spokesperson Anna Pape. While advocates are pleased the board has made an effort to bring accountability to detention decisions, they said the fact just eight out of the 27 long-term detainees had been ordered released shows the system is flawed. Hanna Gros of the University of Torontos International Human Rights Program said these reviews are an important first step. Immigration detainees are incarcerated the same way as people in the criminal justice system. We are depriving people of their liberty. Its one of the most invasive acts taken against private individuals, said Gros. We cant be wrong about these decisions. Toronto lawyer Jared Will, who represented Toure, said more robust legal safeguards are needed to justify prolonged immigration detention in the long run. We need stricter rules about the time duration an individual can be detained and about the burden of proof and procedural standards for justification of the detention, Will said. There is too much margin of error in their discretion now. Nicholas Keung is a Toronto-based reporter covering immigration. Follow him on Twitter: @nkeung It looks as if you appreciate our journalism. Our reporting changes lives, connects communities and effects change. But good journalism is expensive to produce, and advertiser revenue throughout the media industry is falling and unable to carry the cost. That means we need you, our readers. We need your help. If you appreciate deep local reporting, powerful investigations and reliable, responsible information, we hope you will support us through a subscription. Please click here to subscribe. A Hamilton mother has removed her five-year-old son from a French Catholic elementary school after she says her son was involved in a disturbing sexual incident with another five-year-old student in the school washroom. The mother said she received a call from Ecole elementaire catholique Notre-Dame on Cumberland Ave., near Prospect St. S., around 2:45 p.m. on Nov. 29 telling her a teacher had discovered her son on his knees in the washroom with the other boys penis in his mouth. The mother said her son has been the victim of bullying by a small group of students since the start of the school year. The Spectator is not identifying the mother and the children because of the sexual nature of the alleged incident and the boys ages. Based on the mothers attempts to piece together the timing of the incident, she says the school waited nearly three hours to tell her. The school described it as a courtesy call, she says, to let her know that the Catholic Childrens Aid Society (CCAS) had been called in to investigate. Anahid Ehab Hanna Elkes, principal of Notre-Dame, declined to respond to repeated phone calls and email messages, then directed all questions to the MonAvenir French Catholic school board. The MonAvenir board issued a single-sentence response to a request for comment. The board cannot comment on matters involving minors in its care, a spokesperson stated in an email. Marcel Levesque, the French Catholic school trustee representing Notre-Dame, said he was unaware of the incident and expressed shock when contacted Monday afternoon. He said he would look into the allegations and respond. About an hour later, the board indicated its terse statement covered any comments by Levesque as well. The mother said shes decided to move her son to a new school. Shes angry with what she sees as the cavalier manner in which the school handled a shocking incident. She said the teacher who found the boys put them both in a timeout. Why was I not notified immediately? the mother asked. This is a very serious matter, she said. Put aside the sexual part where were you? Youre supposed to be supervising children. This should never have happened, she added. This is a professional place. This is a school. After returning home with her son, the mother says she asked him to describe what happened. He told her the other boy told him if he didnt kiss his penis, he wont be his friend. She said her son has struggled since September to make friends, since hes new to the school. The night before the incident, her son asked if they could make cupcakes for his class. I asked why and he said Well, I dont have any friends, the mother said. Im going Oh my God. Its unreal. The mother says she was visited by a CCAS worker the following day. She said her son was so distraught, he was in the fetal position gouging at his eyes as he was being questioned. She said the CCAS told her that the other boy had been interviewed and had said that her son asked if he could kiss the other boys penis. She said her son strongly denied saying that. The mother says shes also upset with the way the CCAS has handled the case. She said the worker told her theres no real need for you to phone the police on this because we work very closely with the police, the mother said. Of course Im phoning. Im a mom here, this is my child. Wheres the justice in this? On Monday, the mother said she was contacted by a different CCAS worker, who asked her if she had been speaking with the media and seemed angry with her when she said yes. Rocco Gizzarelli, executive director of the CCAS, said he cant speak about the specifics of any case the society is involved in. Gizzarelli said public agencies, such as schools, have a duty to report any suspected situations involving child abuse or risk of abuse to a childrens aid society. This would include situations such as the one you have described, where age-inappropriate sexualized behaviours are witnessed, Gizzarelli added. The mother said she contacted police and was visited by two police officers on Sunday. She produced an incident report number provided to her by one of the officers. She said the officers told her they wouldnt be laying any charges because of the young ages of the boys. A spokesperson for Hamilton police said they cant comment on cases involving five-year-olds or even confirm theres an investigation. Former Liberal premier Kathleen Wynnes signature free college and university tuition plan could soon cost $2 billion annually a staggering 50 per cent higher than previous estimates, the provincial auditor general has found. Although the program, which will cost taxpayers about $650 million more a year than the old grant-and-loan system, was designed to help students from low-income families, there is little evidence that that is happening. We concluded that a large portion of the new OSAP recipients were already attending college or university and paying for it by themselves or with loans even before they qualified for the new aid, auditor general Bonnie Lysyk said Wednesday. In her two-volume, 1,128-page annual report to the legislature, Lysyk examined a slew of programs, finding cost overruns and political meddling at transportation agency Metrolinx, problems for patients without private insurance paying for health services when travelling even within Canada, and ineffective development of Torontos waterfront. The watchdog also found most elevators in Ontario do not meet safety standards and there are few penalties for scofflaw operators. She also raised alarms about the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), which oversees everything from elevators and amusement park rides to ski lifts and stuffed animals, saying the agency seldom takes the initiative to protect public safety. Read more: Highlights from the 2018 auditor general report Metrolinx improperly approved GO stations under political pressure, Ontarios auditor general finds Auditor general report finds Legal Aid failing to properly track lawyers billings, quality of work Her conclusions from 15 value-for-money audits are aimed more at the transgressions of Wynnes government than those of Premier Doug Fords administration, which was only sworn in on June 29. A central finding in almost all of our audits this year was that spending of public monies did not consistently result in the cost-effective achievement of anticipated program benefits or the the proactive addressing of program risks, Lysyk said. Treasury Board President Peter Bethlenfalvy said Lysyk shed new light on the disappointing waste and fiscal mismanagement that existed under the previous government. He promised the Ford government will establish a new culture of fiscal rigour and transparency in the provinces finances. Ontarios revamped student aid system, which provides low-income students with non-repayable grants to cover tuition and often more, was intended to increase access to college and university for under-represented groups. It reformed the old system which provided a combination of grants and loans. The colleges and universities ministry had estimated that axing post-secondary tax credits was expected to more than offset any increased costs of the changes, but the auditor found that the uptake to financial aid to date has exceeded expectations and will, in fact, cost many millions more each year. Worse, because the ministry only tracks limited data about (student aid) recipients , (it) cannot determine whether the latest changes actually helped improve access to post-secondary education, says the report, noting overall enrolment has remained roughly the same. Subscribe to the Star to support political reporting and analysis from our award-winning journalists at Queens Park Lysyk also found that one-third of mature students those who have been out of high school for four years or more qualified for grants, but the ministry did not know whether the students actually needed OSAP support. Unlike students who attend university straight out of high school, the income of the parents of mature students isnt taken into consideration, even if they still live at home and their family earns more than $200,000 a year. Interim Liberal leader John Fraser said the tuition reform introduced under his government was new and its important to keep in mind that it means 230,000 students will graduate without debt. We had a very high subscription for people coming in and wanting to get a degree, which is critical for their success going forward, Fraser told reporters Wednesday. So when you have a program like that, and it is oversubscribed, you do your best estimates but the intention of that is to give students a shot at higher education which benefits the economy as well. But Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Merrilee Fullerton said the auditor shows that the previous Liberal government took reckless actions that threaten the long-term sustainability of the student aid program. Our goal is to ensure students who want to attend college or university receive a high-quality education and the skills needed to find a job in the workforce of tomorrow, she said in a statement to the Star. Our government will examine how to restore the financial sustainability of OSAP, so the program is efficient, cost-effective, and helps the students who need it the most. How a routine report leads to story opportunity | Story behind the Story On Waterfront Toronto, Lysyk blasted the joint federal-provincial-municipal agency for failing to deliver on its mandate to transform the citys 2,840-acre lakefront. The auditor also questioned the wisdom of the agencys agreement with Google-run Sidewalk Labs to develop a wired smart city on waterfront lands, including privacy concerns over the use of residents data. As well, she expressed concern about the earmarking of $453 million toward Port Lands flood-protection at the mouth of the Don River. On Metrolinx, Lysyk maintained that the agencys 2016 decision to locate GO Transit stations at Kirby and Lawrence East was influenced by the then-Liberal government and by city hall. As for elevator safety, Bonnie Rose, president and CEO of the TSSA safety authority, said her agency takes our accountability for administering Ontarios public safety mandate extremely seriously and has already established a plan to address the auditors concerns around elevators and other matters to strengthen our ability to keep Ontarians safe. Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie Read more about: Can play help refugee children heal from trauma? Thats the belief behind a new partnership formed by the Lego Foundation, Sesame Workshop and organizations working with Syrian and Rohingya refugees. In its first major humanitarian project, announced on Wednesday, the foundation will provide $100 million (U.S.) over five years to the makers of Sesame Street to deepen their work with the International Rescue Committee in the countries around Syria, and also to partner with the Bangladeshi relief organization BRAC. The aim is to create play-based learning programs for children up to age six in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Bangladesh. The programs will teach basics like the alphabet and numbers, but will also emphasize social and emotional development to counter the effects of stress and suffering. They will be offered both to displaced children and to some of their potential friends in host communities. Officials at the organizations involved said that helping childrens brains develop during their first years when they are absorbing information like sponges is crucial to helping them become healthy and successful later in life, and that play is an excellent way to do it. We know from child development research that the best way for children to learn is through exploring their world and play, said Sarah Smith, the senior director for education at the International Rescue Committee. More people around the world about 68.5 million have migrated across borders or been forcibly displaced than ever before, and more than half of them are children, according to the United Nations. That statistic along with the growing length of time that many of those people spend in limbo, unable to return home or settle legally in another country is prompting donors and aid groups to think about longer-term assistance. We do risk losing a whole generation if we dont help the children who find themselves in these emergency settings, said John Goodwin, the chief executive of the Lego Foundation. The Syrian war and the campaign of violence against Rohingya communities in Burma are among the most gruesome conflicts that have driven children from their homes. While some Syrian refugee families have started to return, millions more remain outside the country, sometimes in destitute conditions. Many fear conscription, arrest or torture by the government if they return, as well as violence by other armed factions. And in Bangladesh, the United Nations has warned against a plan to repatriate some Rohingya refugees to Burma. At least 10,000 people were killed last year in brutal pogroms led by the Burma military. Survivors who fled to Bangladesh gave sickening accounts of what they had endured, and they now live in refugee camps near the border. The families needs are great. In addition to basics like adequate food and shelter, children need to foster ties with nurturing caregivers to heal from what they have witnessed and endured, said Hirokazu Yoshikawa, a director of Global TIES for Children, a research centre at New York University that will conduct testing and evaluation for the program. Part of the magic of human development is that very few experiences doom a child to ruin, Yoshikawa said. But we have to address the risks early. This is particularly critical in these first years. The Lego funding will allow Sesame Workshop and the International Rescue Committee to expand projects they began last year including a new adaptation of Sesame Street using a grant from the MacArthur Foundation, and to measure and evaluate them more extensively. The organizations are also developing new methods and materials for use in play centres and homes, emphasizing qualities like resilience, empathy, inclusion and respect for difference. And they provide training for play facilitators who come from the refugee or host community. Erum Mariam, a program director for BRAC, said that many of the 240 play labs the organization has created for refugees were built by the childrens fathers and painted and decorated by mothers and children. We place a lot of emphasis on culture and on strengthening community engagement, she said. Within those centres, trained facilitators focus on providing enough structure to make children feel safe, while allowing for spontaneous joy. When a child enters the humanitarian play lab, we want the child to feel very happy and very connected to their culture and heritage, she said. BRAC has received previous funding from Lego and plans to open more than 500 additional play labs for refugee children by May with the new grant. The organization will also be working with Sesame for the first time. (They will not rely on actual Lego toys, which would be expensive to import, Goodwin said.) Sherrie Westin, the president for global impact and philanthropy at Sesame Workshop, said the organization hoped to inspire other donors and aid groups to consider early childhood interventions in crisis settings. Less than 3 per cent of humanitarian aid goes to education, she said. If were not investing in education, we are not giving these children a path forward, much less a chance to thrive and rebuild their society, Westin said. Read more about: U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May is locked in a power struggle with the British Parliament that looks set to determine the final shape of Brexit. May lost three key votes on a day of drama in the House of Commons on Tuesday, highlighting the weakness of her position as she tries to ratify the deal shes struck with the European Union. The result is that Parliament now has the potential to decide on Britains plan B if as expected it rejects Mays divorce agreement with the EU in the biggest vote of all next week. Thats not what the premier wanted. It raises the possibility that members of Parliament could seek to pursue a softer withdrawal including potentially staying in the blocs single market or even attempt to stop Brexit entirely. One option that could gather momentum over the weeks ahead is for a second referendum to allow the public to overturn the decision of the first. No longer must the will of Parliament reflecting the will of the people be diminished, Tory lawmaker Dominic Grieve said after engineering one of Mays defeats Tuesday. Parliament must now take back control and then give the final decision back to the public because, in the end, only the people can sort this out. But according to Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom, the crucial vote didnt rule out a no-deal Brexit. Read more: Theresa May takes losses in Parliament, Brexit hangs in balance U.K. Prime Minister May says shell still have job after big Brexit vote May wont rule out no-deal Brexit, but Bank of England says firms not ready It basically says Parliament, where we know there is no majority for one outcome or another, will have more say over this, she told BBC Radio on Wednesday. On Dec. 11, Parliament will vote finally on whether to accept or reject the 585-page withdrawal agreement that May and the EU reached in November. Few officials in Mays government believe they have much chance of winning, with some Tories predicting a heavy defeat. If theyre right, the U.K. will be on course to crash out of the EU with no deal, an outcome which the Bank of England and the Treasury warned last week would cause immediate and severe damage to the British economy. According to the BOE analysis, house prices could be hit by 30 per cent and the pound could fall by as much as 25 per cent after a no-deal Brexit. While the EU is clear it wont renegotiate the divorce terms, the bloc has always said it will consider a much softer Brexit if the U.K. drops its red lines. The European Commission says Britain can keep full single market membership if it agrees to keep the blocs free migration rules and abide by the rule of the EUs top court. May has ruled out both of these conditions but others in Parliament take a different view. The signs are not good for Mays plan. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the official opposition, which he leads, will oppose her deal next week. Critics from all sides of the House lined up to raise objections to the deal. One of those was former Conservative Chief Whip Mark Harper, who said he would end 13 years of loyalty to the government and vote against the deal. He urged May to go back to Brussels before the vote next week and try to change the text on the Northern Irish backstop in order to appease Brexiteers. If the Prime Minister listened to the views of Conservative colleagues, she would know that her deal isnt going to be voted through next week and it needs to be changed, he told BBC Radio on Wednesday. Even Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party, which has a formal role propping up Mays minority Tory government, isnt backing her. On a day of fast moving developments on Brexit: - An advisory opinion from the EUs top court indicated that the U.K. can unilaterally decide to reverse Brexit; - May lost two House of Commons votes forcing her to publish secret government legal advice on her Brexit deal. After being found in contempt of Parliament an unprecedented charge against a government May promised she would release the legal file Wednesday. It will be released at about 11:30 a.m., Leadsom said; - The premier then lost a third big vote that could prove even more significant: it gives Parliament the power to shape the final Brexit settlement if, as expected, May fails to get her deal approved in the Dec. 11 vote. The pound pared earlier losses. Speaking shortly after the defeats, May put on a brave face, and appealed to her colleagues to back her compromise plan or risk betraying voters who chose to leave the EU in the referendum of 2016. I do not say that this deal is perfect it was never going to be, May told the Commons. We should not let the search for the perfect Brexit prevent a good Brexit that delivers for the British people. The governments frustration focused on the central figure of Commons Speaker John Bercow. He made the ruling to allow Tuesdays damaging votes to take place. According to people familiar with the matter, Mays cabinet ministers expressed their private anger at Bercows handling of Brexit during a meeting earlier Tuesday, with some of those present voicing harsh words about the Speaker. Bercows office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Thanks to Mays defeats Tuesday, it would be the Speaker again who would decide how Parliament can shape the plan B if the premier fails to get her overall Brexit deal through the Commons next week. Read more about: BRUSSELSNATO on Wednesday gave Bosnia-Herzegovina the green light to take a major step forward on its path toward joining the worlds biggest military alliance, despite Bosnian Serb objections to membership. NATO foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels, invited the ethnically-divided Balkans country to submit its first annual program of reforms aimed at bringing it into line with the alliances standards. The move is part of NATOs Membership Action Plan, or MAP, process, which helps aspiring countries prepare for membership. We are ready to accept the submission of the countrys first annual national program. This includes practical measures covering political, economic and defence reform, which will help to prepare for membership, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters. The move doesnt mean that Bosnia will join anytime soon, and its unclear whether Sarajevo will even accept the MAP invitation. We made our decision. We are ready to receive their annual national program. But let them decide and we are ready if they are ready, Stoltenberg said. Read more: NATO urges Russia to uphold nuclear deal after U.S. threatens exit Ukraine urges NATO to deploy ships amid standoff with Russia U.S. sets deadline for Russia, warns it may quit nuclear pact Bosnia was riven by war in the 1990s as the former Yugoslavia broke apart. It is governed at federal level by representatives from each of the Bosnian Muslim, Bosnian Croat and Bosnian Serb communities. Muslim Bosniak presidency member, Sefik Dzaferovic, welcomed NATOs invitation and said it would give new impetus for the country to reach one of its most important foreign policy goals. I expect that (Bosnian) institutions will immediately start preparing the annual program of reforms in co-operation with NATO, Dzaferovic said in a statement. That view was reiterated by the Croat presidency member, Zeljko Komisic, but the pro-Russian Serb presidency member Milorad Dodik remained silent on the issue. Dodik has long been a vocal opponent of Bosnias membership in NATO and has repeatedly vowed to block all the efforts to reach that goal. Western organizations like NATO and the European Union see the integration of countries in the Balkans like Bosnia as a powerful force for democratic reform. Bosnia was granted MAP status in 2010, but NATO declined to activate it until all conditions had been met. The process has been held up over the registration of defence property like military barracks and buildings used by the defence ministry. This is supposed to be registered at national level, but Dodiks Republika Srpska refuses outright to do so with its property. Rather than allow the Bosnian Serbs to have a de-facto veto over the membership action plan, NATO allies have decided to move forward regardless, even though the property must still be registered at federal level for the MAP process to conclude. They also believe it is important to promote reform in the wake of the Oct. 7 general election, which led to nationalist politicians dominating Bosnias three-member presidency; an institution which wields little formal, but much symbolic, power and is meant to help heal ethnic wounds. THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDSHundreds of police in Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands arrested at least 84 suspected mobsters and seized around $2.3 million (U.S.) Wednesday in a series of co-ordinated raids targeting a powerful Italian organized crime syndicate. Today we send a clear message to organized crime groups across Europe, said Filippo Spiezia, vice-president of Eurojust, the EU prosecution agency that co-ordinated the raids. They are not the only ones able to operate across borders; so are Europes judiciary and law enforcement communities. It was the second significant mob takedown in as many days. On Tuesday, Italian authorities said they had dismantled the rebuilt upper echelons of the Mafia in the Sicilian capital of Palermo by arresting 46 people, including the man presumed to have taken over as provincial kingpin. Wednesdays raids were the culmination of a two-year investigation codenamed Pollino against the powerful ndrangheta criminal group on allegations of cocaine trafficking, money laundering, bribery and violence, said Eurojust. The ndrangheta is Italys most powerful criminal organization, eclipsing by far Sicilys Cosa Nostra or the Naples area Camorra. The Hague-based agency said the massive probe was the biggest of its kind in Europe. Some four tons of cocaine were traced during the investigation. Cocaine and ecstasy pills also were seized in Wednesdays raids. Italian police hailed the co-operation between European police forces and Eurojusts co-ordination, saying it was an important new crime-fighting tactic that allowed investigators in different countries to share information in real time. But Italys top Mafia prosecutor, Federico Cafiero De Raho, also sounded a note of caution, saying the raids only scratched the surface of the powerful ndrangheta, whose tentacles and illicit activities, including huge cocaine trafficking operations, were spread all over the world. Speaking in The Hague, Cafiero de Raho said the arrests are nothing for ndrangheta. There are thousands of people who should be arrested and billions of euros that should be seized. A leading expert on the ndrangheta, Catanzaro-based Prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, recently said the Calabrian-based ndrangheta syndicate has for years been buying up hotels, restaurants and other properties in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany to both launder some of the billions of dollars it rakes in through cocaine trafficking, as well as invest that money to start clean businesses and earn even more revenue. Eurojust said Italian authorities arrested 41 suspects, mainly in Calabria. In Germany, federal police said there had been multiple arrests in the early morning raids on premises linked to the southern Italy-based organized crime group. The focus was on the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which borders the Netherlands and Belgium, and Bavaria to the south. Five suspects were arrested in the Netherlands, where prosecutors got the ball rolling for the investigation in 2014 with probes into two Italian restaurants, and more suspects were detained just over the border in Belgium. Eurojust said those arrested Wednesday included high-ranking members of the mafia network. PARISFrench President Emmanuel Macron scrapped a fuel tax increase Wednesday amid fears of new violence, after weeks of nationwide protests and the worst rioting in Paris in decades. Protesters celebrated the victory, but some said Macrons surrender came too late and is no longer enough to quell the mounting anger at the president, whom they consider out of touch with the problems of ordinary people. Macron decided Wednesday to get rid of the tax planned for next year, an official in the presidents office told The Associated Press. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told lawmakers the tax is no longer included in the 2019 budget. The decision has ramifications beyond France, since the fuel tax rise was part of Macrons efforts to wean France off fossil fuels in order to reduce greenhouse gases and help slow climate change. Its withdrawal is both a blow to broader efforts to fight climate change and a warning to other world leaders trying to do the same thing. The yellow vest protests began Nov. 17 over the government plan to raise taxes on diesel and gasoline, but by the time Macron bowed to three weeks of violence and abandoned the new fuel tax, protesters were demanding much more. Many workers in France are angry over the combination of low wages, high taxes and high unemployment that have left many people struggling financially. On Tuesday, the government agreed to suspend the fuel tax rise for six months. But instead of appeasing the protesters, it spurred other groups to join in, hoping for concessions of their own. The protests took on an even bigger dimension Wednesday with trade unions and farmers vowing to join the fray. Read more: Macron returns to a France in turmoil as nation weighs state of emergency Yellow vests riot in Paris, but anger is rooted deep in rural France French political protesters angry over fuel taxes clash with police Police warned of potential violence during demonstrations in Paris on Saturday, with one small security forces union threatening a strike. So after nightfall Wednesday, as parliament debated the 2019 budget, Macrons government suddenly gave in. I have no problem with admitting that on such or such question we could have done differently, that if there is such a level of anger ... its because we still have a lot of things to improve, the prime minister told legislators. Philippe said the tax is now abandoned in the 2019 budget, and the government is ready for dialogue. The budget can be renegotiated through the year, but given the scale of the recent protests, Macron is unlikely to revive the added fuel tax idea anytime soon. Jacline Mouraud, one of the self-proclaimed spokespeople for the disparate yellow vest movement, told The Associated Press that Macrons concession comes much too late, unfortunately. Its on the right path, but in my opinion it will not fundamentally change the movement, she said. Three weeks of protests have caused four deaths, injured hundreds and littered central Paris with burned cars and shattered windows. The sweep of the protests and their wide support by citizens of all political stripes has shocked Macrons government. In the last few days, Paris saw the worst anti-government riot since 1968, French students set fires outside high schools to protest a new university application system, small business owners blocked roads to protest high taxes, and retirees marched to protest the presidents perceived elitism. Macrons popularity has slumped to a new low since the demonstrations began. The former investment banker, who has pushed pro-business economic reforms to make France more competitive globally, is accused of being the president of the rich and of being estranged from the working classes. On Wednesday, Frances largest farmers union said it will launch anti-government protests next week, after trucking unions called for a rolling strike. Trade unions so far have not played a role in the yellow vest protest movement but are now trying to capitalize on growing public anger. A joint statement from the CGT and the FO trucking unions called for action Sunday night to protest a cut in overtime rates. The FNSEA farmers union said it would fight to help French farmers earn a better income but would not officially be joining forces with the yellow vests protesters wearing the high-visibility vests that motorists are required to keep in their cars. French police have cleared most of the fuel depots that protesters blocked earlier in the week, but fuel shortages still hit parts of France on Wednesday, affecting hundreds of gas stations. Demonstrators also blocked toll booths, letting drivers pass without paying, to press demands that ranged from higher incomes and pensions to the dissolution of the National Assembly, Frances parliament. At Tolbiac University in downtown Paris, students took over a school building and classes were cancelled. We need taxes, but they are not properly redistributed, protester Thomas Tricottet told BFM television. The high school students FIDL union called for massive protests Thursday and urged Frances education minister to step down. One student was injured during protests at a high school in Saint-Jean-de-Braye in north-central France. BFM said he was shot in the head with a rubber bullet. Julien Guiller, a spokesman for the regional school administration, told the AP that the student was expected to survive. Until he scrapped the fuel tax rise, Macrons actions after returning from the G-20 summit in Argentina had done little to persuade protesters that he was listening to their concerns. He has refrained from speaking publicly about the protests and has largely remained in his palace. On Tuesday night, he was jeered as he travelled to a regional government headquarters that was torched by protesters over the weekend. One activist said Wednesday that he fears more deaths if Saturdays yellow vest demonstration in Paris goes ahead and urged Macron to speak out and calm the nation. If not there will be chaos, said Christophe Chalencon. Chalencon, a 52-year-old blacksmith from southern France, told the AP the French public needs Macron to admit he made a mistake, with simple words ... that touch the guts and heart of the French. In a disparaging tweet, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Macrons decision Tuesday to delay the gas tax hike showed that the French leader doesnt believe in the 2015 Paris global climate accord. The Trump tweet came as thousands of climate experts were meeting in Poland to work out national responsibilities in the fight to reduce emissions and slow global warming. Read more about: BANGALORE, INDIAA suspected hydrogen cylinder blast in a southern India aerospace centre has killed one researcher and seriously injured three others. The Indian Institute of Science says in a statement that the blast happened on Wednesday and that the cause is under investigation. The New Delhi Television channel says one researcher was hurled eight metres by the blast. The injured people suffered severe burns and fractures and were taken to a hospital for surgery. The institute is known for research and higher education in science, engineering, design and management. It is located in Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka state. Read more about: NATO: Russia Must Preserve INF Treaty 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. Jason Velazquez instantly noticed something wasnt quite right with one of the tweets from Rudy Giuliani. It was Friday and U.S. President Donald Trumps lawyer had issued yet another missive criticizing special counsel Robert Mueller. But unlike Giulianis other tweets, one pesky missing space between two sentences turned previously normal text into a bright blue hyperlink. I kind of chuckled a little bit that he created this accidental link, Velazquez, 37, told The Washington Post in a phone interview Tuesday. The Atlanta-based digital marketing director said he knew immediately that it was just a typo, but that didnt stop him from clicking on the link. Velazquez didnt know it at the time, but this was just the beginning of what would become a viral social media prank that resulted in Giulianis typo being used to send an anti-Trump message: Donald J. Trump is a traitor to our country. The stunt infuriated Giuliani, who falsely blamed Twitter Tuesday for allowing someone to invade my text, prompting many to mock the presidents cybersecurity adviser for his lack of tech savvy. It all started around 6 p.m. Friday, when Velazquez came across the random hyperlink in Giulianis tweet. Giuliani had unintentionally left out a space between a period and the beginning of another sentence that began with In, which also happens to be the internet country code for India. After clicking on the link, Velazquez said he realized no one owned the domain. Read more: Opinion | Vinay Menon: Why Rudy Giuliani is the Andy Kaufman of our time Rudy Giuliani says Muellers team trying to frame Donald Trump Opinion | Vinay Menon: Truth isnt truth, lies Rudy Giuliani Without thinking, I went and purchased the domain and then I thought, I could literally put whatever I want up and he would either have to delete the tweet or leave it up because you cant edit a tweet, he said. For the low price of about $6 (U.S.), Giulianis tweet now links to a simple website that bears the blunt anti-Trump text. Carrying out the prank only took 15 minutes, said Velazquez, who bought the domain for an entire year. He shared what he had done on Twitter, writing, Rudy didnt separate g-20 from .in so ya boy bought the domain. I wanted something . . . bold, he said. Certainly, something that [Giuliani] would not want to be linked from his tweet. At most, Velazquez thought his stunt would get a few hundred retweets and then be absorbed into the Twittersphere, but by early Wednesday morning, Giulianis tweet containing the link had about 45,000 likes and nearly 17,000 retweets. Click on Rudys link, wrote actress and activist Alyssa Milano to her 3.47 million Twitter followers. Even Mexicos former president Vicente Fox was amused, tweeting that whoever is behind the g-20.in, is a . . . genius! While it appeared Giuliani was unaware for several days that one of his tweets was being used to insult the president, that changed Tuesday. Twitter allowed someone to invade my text with a disgusting anti-President message, Giuliani tweeted, adding that the same thing-period no space-occurred later and it didnt happen. (Giuliani was likely referencing part of the Nov. 30 tweet that read Helsinki.Either, which is not a valid domain.) He continued: Dont tell me they are not committed card-carrying anti-Trumpers. . . . FAIRNESS PLEASE. A Twitter spokesman told the New York Times that the accusation were artificially injecting something into a tweet is completely false, adding that the social media site cannot edit tweets. Giuliani was immediately roasted by the internet for what one Twitter user described as turning a typo into a full on conspiracy theory. Many were eager to point out the accusations flaws, drawing attention to Giulianis cybersecurity background. Velazquez told The Post that Giulianis followup tweet speaks to the impulsive nature of the administration where theyre not thoughtful in anything they put out there, especially on Twitter. While he isnt sure exactly what prompted Giuliani to defend himself, Velazquez said he saw the new tweet was shared around the same time the news broke that Mueller had recommended former national security adviser Michael Flynn serve no prison time. Maybe, Velazquez said, Giuliani had wanted to take some of the attention away from the court filing. To prevent that from happening, Velazquez made a quick update to his website. Now, below the anti-Trump text in slightly smaller font, is a headline about Mueller and Flynn that links to a relevant Reddit thread. As fun as this is, this not the most important thing going on right now by far, Velazquez said. A number of people have suggested that Giuliani can simply delete the tweet with the offending link, but Velazquez said he doesnt think that will happen. That would mean that I forced him to delete it, he said. Its a hilarious Catch-22. Either I affect what his message is, or I affect what his message is. Read more about: JERUSALEMNo sooner had the Israeli military excavators begun to drill into the rocky ground than the suspicions burst forth. They were not directed so much at Hezbollah, Israels arch-enemy to the north: Few Israelis were completely surprised at their governments assertion that the group had dug tunnels under the Lebanese border. Residents there have complained of strange sounds at night for years. Instead, the distrust was directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, who recently assumed the additional role of defence minister, and who is facing increasing legal woes. The military operation to expose and destroy what his government described as tunnels into Israeli territory began two days after the Israeli police recommended that Netanyahu be indicted on bribery, fraud and other charges the third corruption case against him and potentially the most damaging. At the same time, Netanyahu is trying to preserve his fragile coalition amid accusations he has not been tough enough in handling the simmering conflict with Gaza to the south. He and his political opponents are now in an election year. On television, radio and social networks, many Israelis wondered if the tunnels disclosure was a cynical ploy akin to the 1997 black comedy Wag the Dog, in which a political candidate invents a war to distract from his personal predicament. While Netanyahu has not exactly done that, critics said he appeared to be pumping the serendipitous military action against the tunnels for all it was worth. More than the tunnels, the operation has exposed the extent of Netanyahus problematic situation a potentially noxious mix of national security and personal and political expediency that risks damage to Israeli public confidence. In legal terms, there is nothing to prevent Netanyahu continuing in office, said Shlomo Avineri, a professor emeritus of political science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. But theres also a question of the public standing of a prime minister and minister of defence under investigation. There have been prime ministers who have resigned for much less. While acknowledging the importance of destroying tunnels, detractors immediately ascribed dubious political motives to the timing of the action and decried the drumbeating and media hype of what they said was basically a defensive engineering project on Israeli soil. They said even the name of the manoeuvre, Operation Northern Shield, seemed overly alarming and reminiscent of past wars. This operation was necessary. We have to tell the truth, Tzipi Livni, the leader of the parliamentary opposition, said on radio Tuesday morning. But from here to these dramas is a long way off. Speaking to international journalists a few hours later, Livni was more circumspect, saying nobody had invented the tunnels as a political fiction and refraining from any criticism. Yoav Gallant, the minister of construction and housing and a retired general, criticized the claims of political opportunism. We shouldnt take the process of protecting Israels security and turn it into a political tool, he said in the Knesset, Israels parliament, on Monday. Such behaviour is worthless. A little modesty, a bit of courtesy, and some respect for the government of Israel and the Cabinet, and less rage and shouting about the wrong things, he added. Netanyahu addressed the nation Monday night in what many saw as a superfluous live broadcast from the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, alongside the outgoing military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot. Eisenkot emphasized that the Cabinet had approved the anti-tunnel operation nearly a month ago. The army distributed unusually voluminous amounts of information including aerial images and footage of what the army said was a Hezbollah operative fleeing from a booby-trapped camera inside one of the tunnels. Is this Operation Northern Shield or Operation Netanyahu Shield? asked Yoel Hasson, an opposition politician in the Israeli parliament, on Twitter. In a letter to the parliaments Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, he questioned both the timing of what he dismissively called a bulldozer operation, and the overwrought way in which it had been presented, as if Israel were going into battle. Israelis have seen this sequence of events before. When Menachem Begins government bombed an Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak three weeks before the 1981 elections, for example, many suspected it had been timed for political gain. Begin denied the assertion, saying Israel had information the plant was about to start operating. Any attack after that point, he argued, could have blanketed Baghdad with radiation. Still, Netanyahu was seen as exploiting the fears of ordinary Israelis who are already jittery, seemingly always on the brink of the next war. Netanyahu summarized a similar conundrum confronting his predecessor, Ehud Olmert, in 2008, at the height of Olmerts legal troubles. Describing Olmert, then a rival, as up to his neck in investigations, Netanyahu said: He does not have a public or moral mandate to determine such fateful matters for the state of Israel when there is the fear, and I have to say it is real and not without basis, that he will make decisions based on his personal interest in political survival and not based on the national interest. Olmert was a caretaker prime minister at the time, having been forced from office even before he was criminally charged. Unlike Netanyahu, Olmert was an unpopular prime minister, widely blamed for Israels perceived failure in the month-long war against Hezbollah in 2006. He eventually went to prison for crimes including bribery, fraud, obstruction of justice and breach of trust. Others defended Netanyahu and gave more charitable explanations for the aggressive publicity surrounding the anti-tunnel operation. They said Israel needed to build international legitimacy for the action in case it led to an escalation, since Hezbollahs response is not yet clear. In addition, the publicity appeared intended to show the failures of the United Nations peacekeeping monitors in southern Lebanon, and the flouting of U.N. resolutions by the Lebanese government and Hezbollah. Discovering tunnels is a vast challenge, wrote Amos Yadlin, a former Israeli military intelligence chief and now director of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, and the time for National Security Awards and decorations will come, social-media cynicism aside. Avineri said the anti-tunnel operation had been clearly legitimate but overshadowed by the fact that its been exaggerated, presented as a bit more than it is and working for the benefit of Netanyahu politically. He added: Everything has to be deconstructed in terms of the election campaign, which is taking place on both sides, including the opposition. In a country where security and defence are at the core of political debate, every government tries to utilize it for its own purposes and the opposition will criticize it for whatever it does. And if anything, Netanyahu is known to be cautious and averse to military adventures. Zipi Israeli, an expert in public opinion and national security, said historically, military campaigns have rarely helped incumbents in elections. I think Netanyahu understands that, she said. If things deteriorate and there are casualties, that wont be in his favour. She added, The festivities are usually only on the first day. Read more about: It was 36 years ago when NDP MP Margaret Mitchell stood in the House of Commons and spoke about the issue of wife assault. She demanded that the government take action, only to face an outburst of laughter from male MPs. Just six years later, a man massacred 14 women, mostly students, at the Montreal Ecole Polytechnique. He separated the women from the men and killed them simply for being women. Since those dark moments in history, along with many other incidents, women have been demanding change. There are now stronger laws and many institutions now have anti-harassment policies. The #MeToo movement continues to raise awareness about issues of consent and workplace power. Yet there are still about 150 femicides in Canada each year. Women, especially the least powerful ones, continue to face abuse, harassment and violence. Indigenous women continue to go missing or are murdered. Most studies on gender-based violence recommend measures such as better education of children, starting in early grades, teaching about bullying and consent. They also call for better training of police and those in the justice system, as well as better access to shelter beds, second stage and affordable housing for women facing violence. They also often recommend measures to improve womens economic independence and better access to positions of power. Womens leadership in all facets of society, from corporations to law firms, academia and in science, can help prevent violence against women. But how? Women have long struggled against their limitation to the private, domestic sphere. They have fought for education, for the vote, and for the right to run for political office. Eighteenth century philosopher and writer Mary Wollstonecraft put it well: I do not wish them [women] to have power over men, but over themselves. In other words, women need access to the same possibilities as men, including the same rights to be leaders and to run for political office. The more women gain positions of power, the less they will be viewed as vulnerable, exploitable targets. When women were mostly confined to the home, they were under the private control of men. If they are economically dependent on men, they are less likely to rock the boat. When men are in charge of our corporations, our judiciary, and our political institutions, women can seem like intruders. The goal of aggressions against women is often to silence or erase them. The continuum of violence against women from sexist jokes and psychological manipulation to rape and murder is about silencing women by those who believe that only men have the right to exercise power. Those happy with the gender biases that limit womens access to power continue to push back. Recent studies are documenting this backlash against womens efforts for greater democratic representation. To give a personal example, when one of the co-authors of this op-ed, Peggy Nash, first ran for a leadership position in her local union, she was called out by her opposition for both being a poor mother and a poor leader. Women of course can be good mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, friends and lovers and still run for office. Change is inevitable but far too slow. In spite of a gender equal cabinet in our federal government, women occupy only 27 per cent of the seats in the House of Commons, which ranks us 60th in the world according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Ryerson Prof. Tracey Raney has seen this first hand in her politics classes as well. All too often, she noticed that female students were not taking up leadership roles during group activities. They were also less willing to voice their political opinions. To empower more young women to take an interest in politics, we launched a pilot program at Ryersons Faculty of Arts this fall. The Women in the House program enabled talented students who identify as women to shadow women MPs for two days at Parliament Hill, the federal governments seat of power. These students witnessed first-hand a day in the life of women who have stepped up and succeeded in their bid to run for public office. They were inspired and motivated by the generosity and commitment of the women MPs across all party lines. These young women care about the future of our communities. They want to be part of the public life of our country. They are taking up the political mantel just like the diverse number of women candidates who ran for city council before the Premier reduced the number of council seats. And just like other women who ran and won in unprecedented numbers during the U.S. midterm elections, sending a strong message to a U.S. president who has bragged about assaulting women. Our job is to ensure that when they are ready to take that step, they will have an opportunity to do so that is free of fear, harassment and violence. Things are slow to change until suddenly we wonder what took us so long. OTTAWAA lawyer speaking for Raj Grewal says the Brampton East MP wants to clarify it was only his family that helped pay back money he borrowed to fuel his gambling problem. The lawyers statement comes in the wake of questions prompted by Grewals 11-minute video statement last Friday, in which the 33-year-old politician describes how his mental health issue with gambling drove him into millions of dollars in debt and prompted him to borrow money solely from family and friends. He said these loans are completely traceable and that everybody has been paid back. That raised questions from NDP MP Nathan Cullen about how Grewal managed to repay the money he borrowed if he was already millions in debt. Joel Etienne, a lawyer responding to questions the Star sent to Grewals personal parliamentary email account, responded that the MP wanted to clarify the record. Mr. Grewal borrowed solely from friends and family and moneys were repaid back only by family, Etienne said. Read more: Raj Grewals status as an MP might hinder investigation, NDP says Raj Grewal made the right call to resign, PMO says Brampton MP Raj Grewal rethinking decision to resign, says he repaid gambling debts He said this money was repaid before Grewal met with the Prime Ministers Office on Nov. 19 to disclose his gambling problem. Grewal said in his video statement that he first came to his family about his mental health issue with gambling on Nov. 5. This is now a private personal family matter, Etienne said. Reached for comment Wednesday, Cullen said Grewals clarification doesnt dispel all his questions. He said his concern centres on whether Grewal, in taking loans to fuel his gambling, exposed himself as an elected MP to the potential influence of his creditors something akin to an MP taking outsized campaign contributions from certain individuals. If the argument is the money was secured by the parents or a sibling, because of the quantity of the money were talking about, the same concerns remain, he said. I cant imagine that would be enough to avoid the same red flags. Last week, Cullen and NDP ethics critic Charlie Angus asked Parliaments ethics commissioner, Mario Dion, to launch a new investigation into Grewals conduct as an MP. During question period Thursday, Angus said Dion confirmed he is willing to look into whether Grewal misused his position on the House of Commons finance committee when he asked officials how they investigate cases of money laundering. While Grewals questions at the committee were the subject of their request for an investigation, both MPs have also pointed to a section in the ethics code for MPs that calls on members to avoid real or apparent conflicts of interest and to not accept any gift or benefit connected with their position that might reasonably be seen to compromise their personal judgment or integrity. Dions spokesperson Jocelyne Brisebois declined to confirm whether the commissioner will launch a new investigation because she cannot discuss specific cases. Subscribe to the Star to support political reporting and analysis from our award-winning journalists in Ottawa Grewal, a former Bay St. lawyer, was first elected as a Liberal MP in 2015. He came to national prominence last spring, when he invited the head of a Brampton construction company that paid him for legal work to events with high-ranking officials during Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus controversial visit to India. Dion is already investigating whether Grewal breached Parliaments conflict of interest and ethics code by inviting the executive to events during the trip. Months later, on Nov. 22, Grewal unexpectedly announced he would step down as Brampton East MP for personal and medical reasons. The PMO revealed the next day that Grewal told the office he had a gambling problem that drove him into significant debt. The office also said the RCMP made inquiries about ethics investigation into Grewals conduct during the India trip. In the following days, the Globe and Mail reported Grewals gambling transactions were picked up by Fintrac, the agency responsible for tracking potential money laundering, and that the MPs activity was flagged to the RCMP. The Canadian Press also reported that Ontario Provincial Police heard talk of Grewals gambling debts on wire taps during a broader investigation into suspected money laundering. Neither police force will confirm the reports or say whether it is investigating Grewal. Trudeau, however, has said the RCMP is trying to answer a lot of questions about Grewal in order to get a complete understanding of the situation. Late Friday night, Grewal broke his silence amidst the revelations by releasing a detailed video statement in which he said he would reconsider his initial decision to resign as an MP, but that he would leave the Liberal caucus while he seeks treatment for his gambling problem. All is far from well between Rachel Notleys Alberta government and Justin Trudeaus Liberals. With the prime minister in the eye of the storm over the failure to get more oil to tidewater, no federal gesture between now and next falls election is likely to really lower the temperature between the two capitals. The combination within a space of six months next year of an Alberta and a federal election probably guarantees that the rhetoric between the two capitals will become more heated. But those who expect that the federal vote will wash away the clouds should think again. For months now the trend in the voting intentions polls has pointed to a Conservative sweep of Alberta next fall. A Liberal victory would almost certainly see the province consigned to the opposition benches, with no voice within the federal government. And that would only exacerbate the current frustrations with Ottawa. But the alternative is not necessarily promising of a more harmonious climate. Anyone who expects a Conservative victory to result in peace or even decisive action on the pipeline front is almost certainly in for a disappointment. For all the talk among Conservatives about Trudeau messing up the file, Stephen Harper had he been re-elected as prime minister in 2015 would have faced many of the same roadblocks. The Northern Gateway pipeline green lit by his government over its last term in office was anything but a done deal. The controversial project was mired in litigation. Shortly after Harper left office, a court overturned his approval of the pipeline. Instead of scrapping the project as Trudeau did, a Conservative government would probably have appealed the decision and, in the end, the Supreme Court would have had the last word. But there is no guarantee that the top court would not have doubled down on the original ruling and ordered the government to more properly acquit itself of its duty to consult the Indigenous communities affected by the pipeline. No federal government is exempt from the rule of law. The duty to consult is part of Canadas constitutional framework. There is no opting out of it. The notwithstanding clause only applies to some sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is not a get-out-of-jail card at the disposal of governments looking for a way to ignore any inconvenient court ruling. When it comes to dealing with landmark cases, the Supreme Court tends to put it politely to proceed at a measured pace. It would likely have taken 18 months to two years to secure a definitive ruling on Northern Gateway. That same timeline would have attended an appeal by the Trudeau government of the more recent Trans Mountain court ruling again with no guarantee that the outcome would have cleared the way to an immediate resumption of the expansion rather than to a court-ordered return to the drawing board. Any government Liberal or Conservative looking to meet the court requirements rather than to challenge them would have to avoid shortcuts liable to bring about a new round of litigation. By the same token, a federal Conservative government could hardly have prevented the replacement in Victoria of a pipeline-friendly B.C. Liberal government with one led by the NDP. Premier John Horgan is within his rights to test the extent of his governments power to limit the oil that transits through the province in court just as Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba are entitled to challenge the federal carbon tax. Were the federal government to start to retaliate financially against provinces for exercising their legal options, a major unity crisis would be the likely result. The hurdles standing in the way of more pipelines are hardly unique to Canada. In the U.S, where no one would accuse the current administration of being anti-pipeline or even in the least concerned over the impact of fossil fuels on climate change, a Montana court has just put the brakes on the Keystone XL project. Trudeaus Liberals are counting on shovels eventually hitting the ground on the Trans Mountain expansion site to prove their Alberta critics wrong. But even that is unlikely to buy peace on the carbon tax front. That much vilified federal measure is becoming a lightning rod of dislike for Trudeau himself, and recent events in France are demonstrating that it could have the potential to ignite a populist protest movement. Over on the Conservative side, the commitment to do away with the carbon tax would not speed up the construction of new pipelines by a single day. A government led by Andrew Scheer would soon discover that steamrolling the opposition in some key provincial quarters to its pipeline ambitions was easier said than actually done. One way or another, federal-provincial peace is unlikely to be on next falls ballot. Chantal Hebert is a columnist based in Ottawa covering politics. Follow her on Twitter: @ChantalHbert Read more about: VANCOUVERSix Vancouver police officers surround two men on a deserted downtown Vancouver side street on Tuesday afternoon. Tears well in one mans eyes. He is released without charge but is obviously shaken. He says the encounter has made him late for his check-in at a nearby shelter and hes worried he will lose his spot the only place he has to sleep that night. He wont give his name to StarMetro because he is afraid police will target him further for speaking out. Twenty-four hours earlier and 40 kilometres away in Surrey, a young man is forcibly ejected from a McDonalds. He needed a place to charge his phone. The manager threatened to call the police. The man also wont give his name because he fears police backlash. A report released Wednesday by Pivot Legal Society says these kinds of negative interactions with police are all too common in B.C. The report is the result of two years of work spanning 10 communities under the provinces five regional health authorities. It encompasses multiple focus groups and surveys as well as interviews with 76 individuals and more than 100 service providers. Far from discouraging problematic behaviour, the report says, police interactions with marginalized people are actually contributing to harmful practices and to the problems of homelessness and overdose-related death tearing families and communities apart. Read more: Zoned Out: Critics say police-imposed area restrictions put vulnerable people at risk B.C. government sues opioid manufacturers over overdose crisis Drug-user advocacy group takes complaint against Aquilini Group to B.C. Human Rights Tribunal Findings of the report include: the routine disruption of harm-reduction activities, including seizure or destruction of drug paraphernalia, unnecessary police presence near supervised consumption sites and unnecessary police attendance at emergency overdose response calls over-policing of marginalized communities, including discrimination, harassment, detention without charge and use of force directed disproportionately at Indigenous people, people who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness the routine confiscation of the personal property of people living in public spaces as one element of an all-encompassing and oppressive network of policing that also includes bylaw officers and private security guards Rather than discouraging substance use, police confiscation of drug paraphernalia actually encourages riskier behaviour, the report says. Some of the reports participants reported searching for used drug paraphernalia such as needles on the ground after having their clean supplies seized. This dramatically increases the risk of the spread of diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C, the report says, and runs counter to long-standing public-health efforts to reduce rates of such diseases. The report also found individuals tend to avoid supervised consumption sites when police station themselves nearby for fear of arrest. When arrests do occur, this throws people who use drugs into or back into a criminal-justice system that the study considers ill-equipped to deal with the complexities of addiction. Individuals whose fear of arrest drives them to use on the street are beyond the help of the trained practitioners inside supervised consumption sites, who are able to provide medical intervention in case of an overdose or help prevent overdose to begin with, says the report. The provinces overdose prevention sites saw 66,600 visits between December 2016 and March 2017, according to the study. During this same time period, there were 481 overdoses and zero fatalities. However, the largely peer-run Overdose Prevention Society in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside reported 108,803 visits alone between Dec. 25, 2016 and Oct. 9, 2017. It reported 255 overdoses and zero fatalities during that time period. Reflecting on the stories in the Pivot study, the B.C. Civil Liberties Associations executive director Josh Paterson said its clear law-enforcement across the province police communities in a way that is in direct conflict with the health goals of harm reduction. There is both an over-policing on the one hand and under-protecting on the other hand, which doesnt make intuitive sense, he told StarMetro in an interview. Police interactions are making peoples lives more difficult. But when people need the police, particularly Indigenous people in rural and northern British Columbia oftentimes the resources arent there to make that happen. In a statement, the Vancouver Police Department pointed to several long-standing policies it has embraced to align its enforcement activities more closely with the goals of harm reduction. Since 2006, the statement said, the VPD has actively encouraged people who use drugs to access the citys harm-reduction sites and does not target individual drug users for arrest for personal possession of illicit drugs. Since 2006, the VPD has had a no response policy for overdose calls, unless their presence has been explicitly requested by Emergency Health Services. All VPD officers are trained in naloxone use, and their department has established full-time community liaison positions to help vulnerable individuals and communities, including a homelessness outreach constable and a sex liaison constable. Vancouver police have also worked at improving their relationship with members of Indigenous communities, the statement said, including initiatives to connect specifically with Indigenous women and girls, work in partnership with community members and organizations, integrate police officers into Indigenous communities, understand and participate in traditions and customs and provide training for members on cultural competency. The B.C. RCMP did not respond to an email request for comment by deadline. In his past six years on Surreys streets, 49-year-old Chris Vance says hes experienced police harassment first-hand. There are some really bad ones, Vance says. They humiliate you. They degrade you. They make sure you know youre a lowdown piece of shit. For the past few months, Vance has lived outdoors in a wooded area along a side street on the outskirts of Surrey. He moved to a different ravine recently, he said, because bylaw officers found his spot and he was worried they or the police would confiscate his possessions another key problem identified in the Pivot report. They assume were all thieves, he says. Vance recalls an incident a few months ago in which a woman who was camping near him lost everything she owned when bylaw officers took down her camp. Shed been homeless for six months, Vance said, and bylaw officers had given her only three days to find somewhere to move her belongings. When she failed to meet the deadline, they simply confiscated all of it. She was crying, Vance said. All her stuff was gone, even the urn with her dads ashes in it. Another common practice is to ticket homeless people for not wearing bicycle helmets, Vance said. Many people in the Surrey area use bicycles as their main source of transportation. Ticketing them for not wearing helmets only adds additional fines they have to pay if and when they are able to find employment or housing. Its not like were able to pay the tickets right now, he said. As frustrating as these situations are, Vance is quick to point out that not all officers are bad. It comes down to the individual, he says. The RCMP officers who police the Newton area of Surrey are particularly helpful and kind, he says. I had this one woman cop stop me one morning when it was really cold, Vance said. She got out of her car and was really worried if I was OK. She asked if I wanted a coffee. I asked how I could repay her, and she said, Just keep being a good person. Sitting in a coffee shop in downtown Vancouver, Brian Collard agrees with Vance. Ive had lots of good, lots of bad. Its really both, Collard said. Collard has lived in Toronto, Surrey and Vancouver and says his experiences with police across those jurisdictions have been mixed. In my experience, police give you the respect you give them back. If you start getting mouthy, or start running away, thats when your trouble starts, usually. Collard says while the majority of his interactions have been positive, when things do go badly its usually more than a simple inconvenience. Ive gotten sh-t kickings in the alleys. Ive been arrested for jaywalking. Ive got scars on both my legs from a police dog, he said. Collard says hes been kicked out of housing by landlords simply for having the police show up and ask to speak to him. He said police often dont appear to realize that in certain situations their very presence can cause difficulties for vulnerable people. Now in recovery, Collard said he spent years as a heavy-duty user, which he thinks likely contributed to how police treated him. When he was using, he said, it was common for police to stop him and make him empty his pockets. If they found him with a crack pipe, for example, theyd smash it. Darcie Bennett, Pivots director of strategy and one of the authors of the study, said its clear the targeted criminalization of individuals who are at the heart of a public-health emergency is making that emergency worse. But, she said, there are some administrators and agencies who understand the need for reform. Im optimistic that there are people within government who see that the status quo is not working, Bennett told StarMetro in an interview, adding change does need to begin happening immediately. There are a few very urgent first steps, she said. One is really for various provincial ministries to be talking to each other and making sure our policing practice and whats happening within the ministries of health and mental health and addictions are aligned. The Pivot report also identifies several steps that could be taken to reduce the impact of community policing on marginalized individuals. It points to the VPDs no response policy as one strategy that should be adopted provincewide. It also calls for a provincial policy to de-prioritize the confiscation of personal belongings and harm-reduction supplies and a requirement to issue receipts for those items that are seized. It also calls on the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and the attorney general to set out a clear set of directives guiding policing in B.C. and to set up a legal aid fund to increase access to justice for people who believe they are the victims of police harassment. The office of the attorney general was unable to provide a response by deadline, saying a response would be forthcoming at a later date. The study is unequivocal about the urgency of making changes to how B.C. communities are policed. Abuse by police and the resulting feeling of powerlessness impacts everything from substance use, to access to health services, to decisions about whether to call for help during a crisis, the study said. As a province, we must demand better from our police. Correction Dec. 5, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version of this story misspelled Darcie Bennett's surname. It looks as if you appreciate our journalism. Our reporting changes lives, connects communities and effects change. But good journalism is expensive to produce, and advertiser revenue throughout the media industry is falling and unable to carry the cost. That means we need you, our readers. We need your help. If you appreciate deep local reporting, powerful investigations and reliable, responsible information, we hope you will support us through a subscription. Please click here to subscribe. Read more about: VANCOUVERThe B.C. governments sweeping climate plan garnered support from business groups and climate advocates alike but it remains unclear how the province will close a 6 million-tonne shortfall in its greenhouse gas commitments. The provinces plan, released Wednesday in Vancouver, aims to cut B.C.s emissions by 18.9 million tonnes over the next 12 years, largely through increasing the use of electricity by all sectors including heavy industry and transportation and boosting low-carbon fuels. Climate advocates praised the government for taking an important step in the right direction, particularly given a political context thats seen U.S. President Donald Trump slash environmental regulations and Ontario Premier Doug Ford scrap the provinces cap and trade program. Its actually quite remarkable to have a government that gets it and is doing their best to act on it, said political scientist George Hoberg, an expert in environmental policy at the University of British Columbia. We are 75 per cent of the way there which is extremely important, he said. The plan depends most heavily on slashing industry emissions by 8.4 million tonnes, nearly half the total cuts planned achieving that with aggressive electrification, major new hydro transmission lines, and a $240-million a year technology fund. Read more: B.C. climate plan features carbon tax breaks for green leaders in industry New vehicles sold in B.C. to emit zero emissions by 2040 Three years after Paris accord, climate talks begin under new political and scientific realities Another third of the cuts would come from greener transportation, particularly a ban on emission-producing new vehicles within 20 years, incentives to buy cleaner cars, and boosting the renewable fuel supply. Increasing the price on carbon emissions to $50-a-tonne, and ramping up buildings energy efficiency each account for a further one-tenth emissions savings, the latter by retrofitting 51,000 provincially owned housing units, and requiring at least 15 per cent of natural gas use to come from renewable sources. Observers noted however, that the CleanBC plan falls 25 per cent short of meeting B.C.s 2030 target to cut emissions by 40 per cent relative to 2007 levels. And, some experts, including B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver, say counteracting emissions from B.C.s nascent liquefied natural gas industry remains a major challenge. Hoberg agreed. They have not yet cracked the LNG nut yet, he said. Premier John Horgan though, was adamant the government will close that gap within two years. Horgan said with climate change, a historic global crisis, B.C. has both local and international obligations, but also opportunities. The global stage awaits us, he said, but our backyard needs attention as well. Speaking to a large audience in Vancouver, he cited two summers in row of unprecedented wildfires, floods and drought that displaced thousands. We can see British Columbia is changing, this special place that we depend on and call home, he said. These are challenges we can no longer ignore, and opportunities we must take. Whats very interesting about the B.C. government approach, said Hoberg, is how enthusiastic they are about the economic benefits not just environmental imperative of climate action. The only way were going to be able to address climate change is to turn it into a great economic opportunity, he said. Its an opportunity members of the business community welcomed, with some caveats. Greg DAvignon, the CEO of the Business Council of B.C., endorsed the plans emphasis on harnessing B.C.s resources to advance a competitive and productive economy for the benefit of all British Columbians. By leveraging our low-carbon assets, including renewable hydro electricity, he said in a statement, British Columbia can play an outsized role in reducing global climate impacts. But, he said, employers and individuals need to understand what the plan means in terms of costs. Have your say: And that is an outstanding question. The government committed the climate plan would be fully-costed but the details wont be released until Februarys budget. Dan Baxter, the BC Chamber of Commerces director of policy, added that there are some concerns among businesses that the carbon tax will no longer be revenue neutral. In a very rare compliment from the B.C. NDP to their predecessors who held power for 16 years, Horgan credited former B.C. Liberal premier Gordon Campbell with taking the province down this path when he introduced North Americas first carbon tax in 2008. Subscribe to the Star to support deep local reporting in your community. The B.C. Liberals environment critic, Peter Milobar, said in a phone interview that the NDP and Greens plan had a lot in there thats understandable and supportable. But he quipped thats because it was little more than a re-gifted version of his former governments own climate plan four years ago, just in time for Christmas. Thats essentially what this is, the Kamloops-North Thompson MLA told StarMetro. Its a repackaged version of our 2015 climate plan update, striving for essentially the same targets, with a few minor additions but unfortunately missing 25 per cent of emissions reductions that are to be determined later. It has a whole lot of missing information that conveniently wont even be figured out until after the next election. That gives the Greens good cover to make it appear theyve accomplished a great target, when its literally a plan with no detail and no deliverables, he said. Jens Wieting, a climate campaigner with the Sierra Club BC, called the plan a great step in the right direction, but is concerned that even if the province meets its existing targets those measures wont be enough to help the world keep warming below the 1.5 C threshold. Preventing warming beyond that threshold would prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate change, according to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Correction December 5, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that incorrectly stated the planned emissions cuts by industry would be 8.9 million tonnes. In fact, industry would see a reduction of 8.4 million tonnes of emissions. Read more about: MILLBOURNE It looks like the end of the line for the borough fire department. The Millbourne Borough Fire Department has been out of service for three and a half months with no hopes of restoring service due to a dispute between the fire company and borough over staffing and use of the building. For now Upper Darby has been answering calls in the borough, but it has notified Millbourne that as of Jan. 1, that will come with a cost. Fire Co. Chief Joseph Artmont and Assistant Chief Joseph Artmont Jr. say the future is dim for the 110-year-old department that has been protecting its citizens, given the deadlock situation. According to the Artmonts, the fire department declared out of service (OOS) status at the Sept. 18 council meeting after unsuccessful efforts to talk to officials about staffing at the fire house. Since then borough officials have contacted neighboring towns for estimates on cost to provide fire service to the tiny town including Upper Darby, Philadelphia, East Lansdowne, Yeadon and Lansdowne. Upper Darby Mayor Thomas Micozzie acknowledged the township has been responding to calls in the borough on a standard mutual-aid agreement. Artmont Jr. says there were three fire calls in the borough that were handled by other fire companies since the OOS call. Borough officials estimated the town averages 25 fires per year. Upper Darby has not been paid at this point in time and that is due to my hope that they can work this out together, Micozzie said. If you may recall there was a similar situation in the 1990s. I am treating this currently as a mutual-aid agreement due to the fact they are out of service instead of out of business. This will come to an end Jan. 1, 2019, as I have instructed the solicitor to pen a letter to them advising we will bill per call beginning on that date. They have been advised in writing the cost of a call by the Upper Darby Township Fire Department. The township will not be placed into a position of refusing a call however we will pursue payment through whatever means to cover the reimbursement of our apparatus, insurance and staffing. I am hopeful they come to some resolution on this matter. Upper Darby Taxpayers are not going to be burdened with the costs due to inaction of Millbourne elected officials. According to Artmont Jr., the fire company was OOS from 1990 to 1992 because the borough did not have any money. This time around, according to the Artmonts, the OOS is due to officials not addressing the manpower problem by hiring part-time firefighters and not keeping up their end of an agreement to provide a room for firefighters to meet and train. Manpower is a problem for every fire department, Artmont Sr. said. Every fire company has a manpower problem. We wanted to put two people on the payroll budget because getting manpower out in the daytime is a problem. They wouldnt hear of it and said we would have to go out of service. Artmont Jr. lamented the manpower situation. The day of Millbourne Fire Co. having an all-volunteer fire company is over in Millbourne Borough, Artmont Jr. said. Theres not enough manpower. The other gridlock for firefighters is access to a second floor room atop the borough hall. Officials ousted them several years ago when the room was declared unsafe due to a structural issue but never repaired. We had no place to meet, no room to have classes, Artmont Sr. said. They received a grant to make repairs but did nothing. Now we want to take them to court for allegedly failing to abide to the terms of a century-old agreement to house the fire department. The fire company owned the building (that housed the fire department and borough hall) and sold it to the borough in 1915 with the agreement to house the fire department for life, Artmont Sr. said. According to Artmont Jr., the borough stopped paying the fire department in October what was budgeted to cover insurance and truck loan payments and other expenses. Were using what money we have to pay for insurance and loans, Artmont Jr. said. They were giving us $35,000 a year. Weve been asking to meet with them since June. They would not meet with us. The meeting room has been condemned for five years and they havent fixed it. We sent out a flier to residents who came to council meetings but they would not talk to residents about the fire company. Artmont Jr. expressed his gratitude to three fire departments for responding to the calls in the borough since September. Millbourne Fire Co. thanks Upper Darby, East Lansdowne and Yeadon for covering the borough, Artmont Jr. said. We appreciate that. East Lansdowne did submit a $4,000 bill to Millbourne for the one call. Borough Manager Nancy Baulis says council has taken a stand since the fire company reinstated a legal action against the borough. Borough council and the fire company are at a standstill, Baulis said. Its because the fire company reinstated a suit filed because they didnt have use of the second floor. Attempts to reach the council president and other council members were unsuccessful. According to the Sept. 18 meeting minutes, the dialogue between Artmont Sr. and council President Justin Skariah included a disagreement about meeting with or without an attorney present. Residents in attendance expressed concern about response time for emergencies from outside fire departments. All residents should know to call 911, Baulis said but could not provide the length of time it would take for an outside company to respond. Council voted to stop paying the fire company their monthly stipend if the fire company is out of business, effective in October. CARLINVILLE Friday marks the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, leading to U.S. entry into World War II. A Blackburn College student was among the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives that morning. Word of the attack was heard across America within hours, including in Carlinville. At Blackburn, the first news was received in Butler Hall, the primary mens dormitory, around 1:30 local time that Sunday afternoon, some 97 minutes after the initial bombing. The school newspaper, The Blackburnian, reported that students made a scramble for the radios for more details. The paper added that some confusion followed before a parade started in which some members of the band led the way to Stoddard Hall, where female students were singing Christmas carols. As the news spread like wildfire and caused a great deal of excitement, some of the male students shot off firecrackers and blank shells after walking back to Butler. One of their own was already lost. At Pearl Harbor, Marine Private First Class Philip Patrick Tobin, a member of the Blackburn Class of 1940, was killed aboard the USS Pennsylvania when a high-altitude bomber dropped a 500-pound bomb that pierced a gun emplacement on the ships starboard side, detonating below decks. Tobin, a Pekin resident, had enlisted in the Marines the previous February. In the days that followed December 7, Blackburn President William M. Hudson and some faculty members received Christmas cards from Tobin, postmarked Pearl Harbor. ***** Another Blackburn graduate who played a key role at Pearl Harbor was Truman Landon, a 1924 graduate who had already carved a distinguished service record. Landon would later rise to lieutenant general in 1954 was promoted to command the American Air Forces in Europe in 1961, one of many honors in a remarkable military career. That morning, Landon was heading for the Philippines as commander of the 38th Squadron when he arrived from at Hickam Field during the Japanese attack. The flight of 12 B-17s had originated from Hamilton Field, a fourteen-hour trip, and was nearing the end of its fuel load as it approached Oahu at 8 a.m. local time and saw the rising smoke from Pearl Harbor. Despite being completely unprepared for the bombardment, Landon calmly engineered the safe landing of his flight amid intense anti-aircraft fire. Landon received the Silver Star for gallantry in action, conspicuous bravery and coolness in handling of his airplane and in leading his echelon. It was one of many decorations for Landon during his career, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, and Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters. For his part at Pearl Harbor, Landon is said to have later remarked, Hell of a way to fly into war! Unarmed and out of fuel! His character was depicted in Tora! Tora! Tora!, a 1970 docudrama on Pearl Harbor. ***** As the initial shock of the attack wore off, the war became, in the words of The Blackburnian, the chief topic of discussion on the campus. Many Blackburn men wanted to join the Army or Navy Air Corps, and world events became a distraction for study and daily life. The Blackburnian wrote that the present situation has affected nearly all of the students in one way or another. Radios are on more now than at any previous time this year. Whenever a news broadcast is on, students flock to the rooms to hear the latest developments. On the first floor of Butler, up to the minute bulletins were posted to give those that were in class all of the latest news. News of the war was printed in The Blackburnian throughout the next four years, as well as recruiting advertisements. Eventually, the total of Blackburn casualties in the war reached twenty. The names of the College men and graduates who gave their lives were printed in the Nov. 24, 1945 edition of The Blackburnian, under the headline Blackburns Gold Star List. Tom Emery is a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville, Ill. He may be reached at 217-710-8392 or ilcivilwar@yahoo.com. ALTON A homeless man with a criminal history was charged Tuesday with two Class X felonies after a Thursday night shooting in the 800 block of Ridge Street. Antonio R. Perkins, 40, was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, being an armed habitual criminal and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. Bail was set at $250,000. The charges claim he injured a man by shooting the victim with a handgun. He was also charged for possessing a handgun after being convicted of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance Jan. 9, 2002. He was also convicted in 1997 of robbery. The incident took place inside a residence in the 800 block of Ridge Street. Alton police, fire and rescue responded to the shots fired at the residence at 9:50 p.m. Thursday. The victim, an adult male, was conscious and alert at the scene while being transported to the hospital. His injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. Alton Police Department spokesperson Pfc. Emily Hejna said that police on Friday had identified a person of interest. Hejna also said the shooting occurred during an argument inside the home, and is being investigated as aggravated battery. The aggravated battery and armed habitual criminal charges are Class X felonies, punishable by prison terms of between six and 30 years. The unlawful possession of a weapon charge would normally carry a sentence of between two and 10 years in prison, but because Perkins has previous felony convictions, the sentence would be enhanced to between three and 14 years. Probation is not available. By Damian Carrington 4 December 2018 KATOWICE, Poland Action to fight global warming is coming whether world leaders like it or not, school student Greta Thunberg has told the UN climate change summit, accusing them of behaving like irresponsible children.Thunberg began a solo climate protest by striking from school in Sweden in August 2018. But more than 20,000 students around the world have now joined her. The school strikes have spread to at least 270 towns and cities in countries across the world, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the US, and Japan.For 25 years countless people have come to the UN climate conferences begging our world leaders to stop emissions and clearly that has not worked as emissions are continuing to rise. So I will not beg the world leaders to care for our future, she said. I will instead let them know change is coming whether they like it or not.Since our leaders are behaving like children, we will have to take the responsibility they should have taken long ago, she said. We have to understand what the older generation has dealt to us, what mess they have created that we have to clean up and live with. We have to make our voices heard.The conference of nearly 200 nations is taking place in Katowice, Poland, and its main task is to turn the vision of tackling global warming agreed in Paris in 2015 into concrete action. On Monday, Sir David Attenborough told the summit that without action the collapse of our civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon.Thunberg, who had a meeting with the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, on Monday, said: What I hope we achieve at this conference is that we realise that we are facing an existential threat. This is the biggest crisis humanity has ever faced. First we have to realise this and then as fast as possible do something to stop the emissions and try to save what we can save.On Tuesday, Guterres said: Our younger generations will have to help drive, and complete, the work we start today. We need to harness their energy, invention and political power to raise climate ambition.Toby Thorpe, a school student from Hobart, Tasmania, who took part in the recent school strikes in Australia and is also at the UN summit, said: We are in this together. Together we are strong and we will not give up. Australias resources minister, Matt Canavan, had dismissed the school strike the best thing youll learn about going to a protest is how to join the dole queue but the Senate later approved a motion in support of the students. [more] For the Intelligencer GLEN CARBON The Leadership Council celebrated its new office space at 104 Magnolia Drive, Suite B, on Monday with a ribbon cutting and open house. I am very proud and excited to inform you that after 35 years, the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois has moved from its 800-square-foot office to over 2,000-square feet that will enable us to continue to expand our mission and enhance our communities, said Kevin Powers, president of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois. Spending a fall semester on Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles campus is a delight in many ways, especially the first time you experience it, and even more so, if it offers your first visit to the United States. Russasmita Sri Padmi, of Indonesia, arrived on campus in September through the Fulbright US-ASEAN Visiting Scholar initiative program. While in southern Illinois, shes had the pleasure of viewing beautiful fall colors, a few snow flurries and even her first deer sighting. But what she truly came to consume as an academic scholar is the SIUE Center for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Research, Education and Outreachs innovative strategies and nationally recognized best practices for education programming, professional development and community engagement. When she returns to Indonesia in mid-December, Sri Padmi plans to use this newly expanded knowledge and applied experience to assist in designing and establishing a mathematics teacher training program at her home institution of South East Asia Minister of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Quality Improvement for Teachers and Education Personnel (QITEP) in Mathematics. The work of the SIUE STEM Centers educational researchers is impressive, Sri Padmi said. The operation is research-centered and delivers effective programming. I am conducting a case study that highlights how this STEM Center works. In my home country, STEM is a hot topic in education, but it needs to be developed. Im specifically interested in how this Center conducts its professional development for teachers. The Fulbright US-ASEAN Visiting Scholar initiative program is a scholarship granted to ASEAN nationals to pursue professional or scholarly research in the U.S. I see myself as a world citizen, Sri Padmi explained. I enjoy working with people from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. I consider myself very lucky to have this opportunity with the SIUE STEM Center. Hosting an international Fulbright scholar helps solidify SIUEs position as a recognized leader in STEM education, said SIUE STEM Center Director Sharon Locke. Russasmita will bring ideas from our program back to her country for the benefit of teachers in the ten ASEAN member nations. In turn, SIUE benefits from the information she shares about math education trends in her country. While at SIUE, Sri Padmi spoke with three different groups of SIUE education students to describe her culture and educational strategies for supporting teachers in her diverse country. By interacting with her, SIUE students gained a better understanding of the challenges that are common to both countries, such as supporting schools in isolated rural areas, Locke explained. Russasmita also described opportunities to connect classrooms and students in the U.S. with those in Indonesia. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from her. Sri Padmi is passionate about delivering mathematics in an engaging way that ignites young learners interest in the core subject. Through her work in teacher professional development, she seeks to expand the inclusivity of the Indonesian education system. Everything has some kind of mathematical principle that makes it work, she explained. I want people to realize and appreciate that. I hope to play a role in creating or developing a more inclusive education system that embraces everyone without judgement or discrimination, she added. Thats huge work as our country is incredibly diverse both culturally and physically, but I want to be involved in the change. The nation bid its final farewell to the late former President George H.W. Bush on Wednesday in a service of prayer and praise that is drawing together world envoys, Americans of high office and a guy from Maine who used to fix things in Bushs house on the water. A viewing for the 41st president at the hushed Capitol Rotunda closed Wednesday morning. A ceremony at Washington National Cathedral, the nexus of state funerals, will cap three days of remembrance by dignitaries and ordinary citizens as they honored the Republican president who oversaw the post-Cold War transition and led a successful Gulf War, only to lose re-election in a generational shift to Democrat Bill Clinton in 1992. Its hardly unusual to see Christmas displays in yards at this time of year. While driving on West Delmar/Route 3 in Godfrey last week, I saw a display so striking that I pulled my car off the road and walked over to it. Yes, the display indeed featured Jesus, Mary and the infant Jesus. But the three figures werent together as they are in traditional Nativity scenes. A wire enclosure placed Jesus in solitary confinement, while Mary and Joseph had been placed inside another wire enclosure. The family had been torn apart, just as our eras immigrant parents are forcibly separated from their children. This isnt merely another Nativity scene. Its a dramatization of a recurring tragedy. The person who created this display covered infant Jesus with Mylar, which is a polyester resin material. Why Mylar? When I shared a photo of this unique Nativity scene on my Facebook timeline, the displays creator explained in a post, I swaddled baby Jesus in Mylar because thats the blanket of choice for the kids they separate from their parents. Putting a blond-haired plastic Jesus in a cage is ridiculous, the displays creator conceded, But so is taking young children from their parents. She correctly noted that this kind of trauma can permanently damage the kids, and it being done on purpose. This one-of-a-kind holiday display concludes with a series of three signs that paraphrase Jesus words as recorded in Matthew 25:35-40. Sign 1: I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. Sign 2: I was a stranger and you invited me in. Sign 3: Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. In other words, Jesus is saying if you tore apart an immigrant family, its as though you tore apart my family. What Christian would want to live with that on their conscience? The Christmas display on Route 3/West Delmar is a response to the Trump administrations xenophobic hostility toward immigrants and asylum seekers. Its a hostility that is avidly shared by many of Trumps supporters, including those who profess to be Christians. The language on the third yard surely troubles them. Does one honor Jesus by applauding the Border Patrol personnel, who recently fired rubber bullets and tear gas into the least of these brothers and sisters? Tear gas is so frequently employed in the United States that we have become jaded to its use. Most Americans will be astonished to learn that tear gas, which is a chemical weapon, is banned from use in war under international treaties. Those asylum seekers were in Mexico when they were gassed. The New York Times quoted Geoff Gilbert, a professor of international human rights and humanitarian law at the University of Essex in Britain, as noting the United Nations Charter states that members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of other members. The Border Patrol clearly violated Mexicos territorial integrity by firing tear gas across the border. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly criticized this use of tear gas against toddlers and infants. Tear gas threatens their short and long-term health, the AAP noted. These children deserve our compassion and assistance. These men, women and children are fleeing persecution. In Matthew 2:13-23, were told that Jesus, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to escape persecution by Herod. Celebrating these three long-ago refugees while applauding our nations assault on contemporary refugees seems rather hypocritical. Matthew 6:24 records Jesus as warning that no one can serve two masters. Trumps Christian supporters can either heed Jesuss words about welcoming strangers, or share The Donalds contempt for immigrants from what he regards as s******e countries. Its time for these Christians to choose. John J. Dunphy is the author of Abolitionism and the Civil War in Southwestern Illinois and From Christmas to Twelfth Night in Southern Illinois. His latest book, Unsung Heroes of the Dachau Trials, has just been published by McFarland. Be sure to browse through A Growing Boy's Wine Diary , with 10+ years of tasting notes! Uganda ChristianUniversity was founded when the historic Bishop Tucker Theological College waspromoted as a university in 1997. Bishop Tucker Theological College trainedclergy and educators during its 84-year history from 1913-1997. The localchief, Hamu Mukasa, granted land for the college to operate in Mukono.International partnerships were part of the Colleges missionary history. TheChurch Mission Society teamed with Ugandan leaders and others to assure theCollege had the necessary intellectual and other capital. By the late 1990s,the Church of Uganda sought to have a broader impact on society through thehigher education not only of clergy but of other professionals as well.Uganda Christian University was established in 1997. The Interns will receive training in areas ofeducation, community service, leadership and fundraising. 4040 will organisemaster classes and hangouts for interns to support personal and careerdevelopment. Interns will also be assigned mentors on merit. Interns will enjoythe wide network of 4040, both during and after the internship. The Office of theUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14,1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCRs mandate under the Statuteof the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is to leadand co-ordinate action for international protection to refugees; seek permanentsolutions for the problems of refugees and safeguard refugee rights andwell-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate concerning issues of statelessness,as it is given a designated role under Article 11 of the 1961 Convention on theReduction of Statelessness. Touched by the compassion of the nurses who tended to her... Hundreds of employees of state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Tuesday staged protests across the country against the Narendra Modi government's decision to privatise six profit-making airports, according to a union representative. The protests were organised by the Airports Authority Employees Union. Last month, the Modi government cleared a proposal to manage six AAI airports under public-private partnership. These AAI airports are Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru. The AAI union's general secretary Balraj Singh Ahlawat told PTI that protests were held across the country against the planned privatisation of the six airports. The AAI employees are planning to go on hunger strike starting from December 10 and later they might also go on mass casual leave, he said. There are around 15,000-16,000 employees at the AAI, he added. AAI operates more than 100 aerodromes. Fugitive liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya on Wednesday said his extradition from the UK to India will take its own legal course, while offering to pay back 100 per cent of "public money". Mallya, who has been fighting a legal battle against his extradition to India, claimed that he had been falsely dubbed as a "defaulter" by politicians and the Indian media. "I see quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course," Mallya said in a series of tweets. In September, a UK court had fixed December 10 as the date to deliver its verdict on whether beleaguered liquor baron can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore. Mallya further said, "The most important point is the public money and I am offering to pay 100 per cent back. I humbly request the banks and government to take it. If payback refused, WHY (sic)," he added. I see the quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100% back. I humbly request the Banks and Government to take it. If payback refused, WHY ? Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 5, 2018 Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India over default of Rs 9,000 crore that was loaned to Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) by several banks. He, however, said, "Politicians and media are constantly talking loudly about me being a defaulter, who has run away with PSU bank money. All this is false. "Why don't I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before Karnataka High Court. Sad, Mallya tweeted. Mallya claimed he had made the offer to settle the dues to the banks since 2016. Reflecting on the downfall of Kingfisher Airlines, he said, "Airlines are struggling financially because of hight aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices." Mallya further said Kingfisher also faced the "highest ever crude prices of $140 per barrel." "Losses mounted and that's where the banks' money went. I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," Mallya tweeted. Mallya's tweets came hours after alleged AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal middleman Christian Michel was brought to India from Dubai, the first successful extradition since India initiated similar proceedings against economic offenders like Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. The first look poster of Iron Lady, a biopic of former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa, was unveiled on Wednesday. Directed by A. Priyadhaarshini, the highly-anticipated film features Nitya Menen as the actor-turned politician. The poster was released on December 5 which is also the second death anniversary of Jayalalithaa. The poster, with a tag line 'India's Margaret Thatcher', shows Nitya Menen looking strikingly similar to Jayalalithaa in her early days. The biopic will trace Jayalithaa's journey from being a movie star to the chief minister of the state, and death. Iron Lady is not the only biopic planned on Jayalalithaa. Two other biopics, helmed by Bharathiraja and A.L. Vijay, were also announced in recent times. There was much speculation about who will essay Jayalalithaa. The film is expected to go on floors on February 24, Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary. After their dreamy wedding, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas hosted a reception here that was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, besides other prominent dignitaries, family members and close friends. After spending the weekend in Jodhpur in Rajasthan, the newlyweds landed in the national capital on Tuesday. In the evening, Priyanka and Nick appeared for a photo-op at Hotel Taj Palace's Raja Baugh area. Just like the wedding affair, the reception was also a fiercely- guarded event. There was tight security around the luxury hotel and since the prime minister attended the event, policemen were also on their toes. The background bearing their initials - NP at the centre - was reminiscent of the one that featured as the backdrop of the moment the couple announced their engagement in August. Though they arrived late, the couple smiled for the paparazzi who waited for more than an hour to catch a glimpse of them. While Nick looked dapper in a velvet jacket paired with matching black trousers and a bow tie, Priyanka opted for an beige lehenga with neatly tied bun with white roses. After striking a pose for the shutterbugs, Priyanka smiled and told reporters, "Ab aapko family se milate hai." The couple's families - Priyanka's mother Madhu Chopra and Nick parents Denise Miller Jonas and Paul Kevin Jonas Sr - joined the couple on stage. Nick's elder brother Joe and his fiance Sophie Turner also turned up for the photo-op. Sophie, who opted for Indian attires for the entire wedding weekend, continued her tryst with Indian traditionals. She opted for a peach lehenga while Joe donned a blue and black semi-formal suit. The couple, who is next in line to tie the knot, posed for the shutterbugs sans the families. Priyanka and Nick exchanged wedding vows on December 1 at Jodhpur's majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace in a Catholic ceremony officiated by the groom's father Kevin Jonas Sr. It was followed by an equally grand wedding as per Hindu traditions on December 2. The couple shared a number of pictures from their mehndi and sangeet festivities but the veil on the final twin ceremonies was lifted by People magazine on Tuesday. The US-based publication had the exclusive access to the wedding ceremony. Is the Bharatiya Janata Party making another desperate bid to topple the JD(S)-Congress coalition government in Karnataka by luring the disgruntled Congress MLAs into its fold? A leaked audio CD, allegedly of a conversation between Molkalmuru MLA and BJP's Valmiki strongman B. Sreeramulu's aide and a Dubai-based businessman, where the duo are discussing the possibility of defections, has gone viral on social media giving the Congress leaders the jitters. What triggered more speculation is senior Congress leader and MLA Satish Jarkiholi's admission that some party MLAs are disgruntled over not being inducted into the cabinet. The authenticity of the audio CD is questionable as the conversation was supposedly accessed by the State Intelligence. Now, how it got leaked to the media, contend the BJP leaders. While the coalition parties have announced a cabinet expansion on December 9, a day before the winter session of the Karnataka legislature begins in Belagavi, the BJP has vehemently denied that there is any bid to carry out an Operation Lotus (poaching of MLAs). The coalition government is trying to tarnish the BJP by making baseless allegations to gain sympathy of people ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. We are happy being the opposition party, said BJP's state spokesperson C.T. Ravi. Meanwhile, Union minister Prakash Javadekar's statement that there could be a political dhamaka in Karnataka in December has added fuel to speculations. It is a unnatural alliance in Karnataka as the JD(S) and the Congress have been rivals. You can expect dhamaka anytime. Perhaps, Yeddyurappa will be able to say when the dhamaka will take place. In fact, the BJP got the highest number of seats in the elections, Javdekar told a private TV channel in Rajasthan on Tuesday. Taking a cue, BJP leader and former deputy chief minister K.S. Eshwarappa said that the coalition would collapse on its own. The BJP need not lure any MLA from the Congress or the JD(S), he said. Leader of the opposition in Council Srinivas Poojary was more candid when he said the party was here to do politics. We will welcome anyone who wants to join hands with us. We are here to do politics and are not sanyasis, said Poojary. Amid all the high drama, the Congress leaders claimed that they were aware of every move of their MLAs and there was no cause for concern. I am aware of what my MLAs are doing. We run the government and keep the necessary information. The BJP is again hoping to form the government at any cost. What was Janaradhan Reddy doing at Jindal Ayurveda hospital and whom did he meet?, asked water resources minister D.K. Shivakumar, the Congress's go-to man at the times of crises. Meanwhile, Chikballapur MLA Dr Sudhakar K., who too is aspiring for a cabinet berth, took to Twitter on Tuesday to clear the air. Dear people, I am suffering from cervical disc bulge and have been suffering intense pain. I am being treated at the Jindal hospital for the last few days. Few news channels are reporting that I have met Janardhana Reddy and I am planning to join the BJP. I can only laught at this! he tweeted. Further, Sudhakar tweeted saying he was deeply hurt by the WhatsApp forwards and fake news on the media. I am a staunch Congressman and have never shaken hands with people conspiring against my party or talked to those who have spoken ill of my leader Shri Siddaramaiah. Never in this life or another, says Sudhakar, who was upset with the party keeping him out of the cabinet. Incidentally, state BJP president B.S. Yeddyurappa is said to be in Jindal hospital for his routine rejuvenation treatment. According to sources, the saffron party is contemplating pulling out 10-12 MLAs from the rival parties and is hopeful of forming the government. The party is exploring the possibility of holding the bypolls to these seats along with the Parliament elections next year. However, a section of the leaders are keen on focusing on the Lok Sabha elections rather than make futile attempts to topple the government which might backfire during the 2019 general elections. The BJP, which is hoping to corner the ruling coalition over the poor implementation of the farm loan waiver, sugarcane farmers' crisis and lack of coordination among the coalition partners, is not free from infighting either. Recently, some senior BJP leaders stepped up their demand for a change of guard in the state unit of the party. Yeddyurappa is the leader of the opposition in the assembly and will have to give up the party president's post, as one cannot hold two posts, argued the leaders. The factional war was evident when the leaders mooted the names of C.T. Ravi (Vokkaliga) and Aravind Limbavali (SC) for the party chief's post, considering the caste equation. However, the party leadership was not inclined to replace Yeddyurappa, a Lingayat strongman and former chief minister, ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha polls. The Shikaripura MLA is still the tallest leader of the dominant Lingayat community and undoubtedly a mass leader and a vote-catcher. The Supreme Court quashing all five illegal land denotification cases filed before the special court against Yeddyurappa, on Tuesday, has come as a shot in the arm for the BJP, which emerged as the single largest party winning 104 out of 222 seats that went to polls last May. But the party had to sit in the opposition as the fractured mandate brought two arch rivals closer to form a coalition. The Congress with 78 seats and the JD(S) with 37 seats, along with two independent candidates, stitched a post-poll alliance (with a total of 117 MLAs) to stake claim to form the government. Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy taunted the BJP stating that the "earthquake" prediction of the BJP has remained a mere prediction for the last six month. While the BJP seems keen to form the government, the cabinet expansion bid of the allies is likely to expose the fault-lines within the coalition partners. Ten days after the Karnataka special investigation team (SIT) probing the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh claimed to have filed an additional charge-sheet in the case, the Goa-based Sanatan Sanstha has accused the SIT of trying to tarnish its image. Dubbing the SIT's press release (issued on November 24) announcing the filing of the 9,500-page additional charge-sheet before the special court as ridiculous, the national spokesperson of the Sanatan Sanstha, Chetan Rajhans, accused the SIT of being party to a larger conspiracy to implicate the Sanstha in a Malegaon-type (saffron terror) case. Taking strong objection to the SIT citing that Gauri Lankesh murder had been committed by persons inspired by Kshatra Dharma Sadhana, a book published by the Sanatan Sanstha, Rajhans charged that the charge-sheet was nothing but a script jointly written by the Karnataka SIT and CBI in Maharashtra. The book was published by Sanatan Sanstha 15 years ago and is out of print today due to no demand. Blaming the book only shows how low the investigating agencies can stoop to implicate Sanatan Sanstha. SIT has unlawfully arrested innocent devout Hindus. They are denying the accused judicial assistance, Rajhans told a press conference in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The SIT has also spread false information that the accused were in possession of a hit-list. When it yielded little, they tried to lure one of the accused, Parashuram Waghmore, with Rs 25 lakh to name Sanatan Sanstha. The latest ploy is to make false propaganda against the Sanstha by claiming that the killings were due to the book published by us. Since 1995, thousands of copies of Kshatra Dharma Sadhana have been sold. Now, how many people have been killed? asked Rajhans. Rajhans also demanded to know which holy texts were being read by jihadis who are spreading terrorism across the world? Will SIT explain which holy text was read by the activists of Popular Front of India, who are involved in the killings of 23 devout Hindus in Karnataka? he asked. Interestingly, the SIT stated that the additional charge-sheet was submitted to the special court on November 23 and that the investigation was now focused on tracking the accused who were absconding and the material objects used to commit the crime. It also stated that all the 18 accused in the case were active members of an organised crime syndicate formed in 2010-2011 under the leadership of Dr Virendra Tawade alias Bade Bhaisaab, but stopped short of naming any organisation. N.P. Amrutesh, vice-president of Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad, the counsels for the accused, said, "SIT claims that the killers were inspired by the book Kshatra Dharma Sadhana are laughable. The investigating agencies are busy exchanging the accused for interrogation as they have been unable to prove anything. Normally, the investigating agency has to file a charge-sheet within 90 days after the arrest of the accused. In this case, the SIT could not file a charge-sheet. So, they booked the accused under Karnataka COCA, only to buy time, as KCOCA allows a period of 180 days to file a charge-sheet. Moreover, the SIT has not technically submitted any charge-sheet to the court. In fact, the 9,500-page charge-sheet is a sham. It is a film script prepared by Karnataka SIT and CBI. They are cooking up stories to target innocent Hindus. This is a single point agendaof tarnishing the image of Sanatan Sanstha and Hindu Janajagruthi Samiti, alleged Amrutesh, adding that the charge-sheet was only a film script that cannot be substantiated with evidence. The Sanstha representatives insisted that the organisation had no Hindu activists as members, but it had only spiritual seekers. Amol Kale, who has been named as main accused in the Gauri Lankesh case by the SIT, has not been in contact with the Samiti for the last 10 years or held any post of office-bearer. All the accused are assumed to be activists of the Samiti. This smacks of a conspiracy. Even the members of the Abid Pasha gang (having links with Popular Front of India),who proved guilty of killing Hindu leaders, were not slapped with KCOCA and the police helped them secure bail, said Ramesh Shinde, national spokesperson of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. But the Hindu activists arrested in the Gauri Lankesh case have been booked under KCOCA though none have any criminal background. This clearly shows that the Karnataka government is favouring the jihadis and selectively subjecting the accused Hindu activists to unfair treatment. This is part of the Congress conspiracy to malign the Hindu organisations. What the SIT charge-sheet says In the charge-sheet, the SIT states that all the 18 accused in the case were active members of an organised crime syndicate formed in 2010-2011 under the leadership of Dr Virendra Tawade alias Bade Bhaisaab. A former editor of Sanatan Prabhat provided financial support to this syndicate. The members of the syndicate targeted persons who they identified as inimical to their belief and ideology. The members strictly followed the guidelines and principles mentioned in the book Kshatra Dharma Sadhana, published by Sanatan Sanstha. After Tawade was arrested in 2016 for his involvement in the murder of Dr Narendra Dabholkar, the leadership was taken over by Amol Kale. The SIT also mentioned that the important members of the syndicate included Amit Degvekar, Vikas Patil (alias Dada) and Rushikesh Deodikar (alias Murali). Vikas Patil had recruited Sujith Kumar (alias Praveen) and Manohar Edave (alias Manoj) to carry out recruitment of members in Karnataka. The shooter, Parashuram Waghmore, was recruited by Sujith Kumar, who also recruited many others including K.T. Naveen Kumar. Edave recruited Ganesh Miskin and Amit Baddi. As a norm, persons with a history of aggression and violence were recruited as members. The members met, conspired and got trained at various places in Karnataka and Maharashtra. They were in constant touch with each another and took active measures to hide their identities. They always used nicknames/assumed names and separate phones (other than their personal mobile phones) for the syndicate activities. They were indoctrinated and actively underwent arms training and shooting practice and were trained in the manufacture and use of bombs with the intention of promoting insurgency and creating fear in society. In August 2016, during a meeting of the syndicate, the main members identified Lankesh as a Durjan as defined in Kshatra Dharma Sadhana, based on her speeches and writings. They jointly hatched a conspiracy to murder Lankesh, states the charge-sheet. However, Rajhans rubbishes such claims. We heard about Gauri Lankesh only after her death; Sanstha does not preach violence. We abide by the Constitution and law. There is nothing provocative in the book and it is freely available for anybody to read. It has become a tendency to blame Hindu organisations. Today, it is the Sanstha; tomorrow, it could be RSS, VHP or Sri Rama Sene. The leftist mafia is trying to target Hindu organisations and dub them as extremists, though their earlier efforts in Malegaon failed, says Rajhans. French police officers are in Kerala to question Thodupuzha native Subhani Haj Moideen, a suspected Islamic militant, who is said to have received weapons training along with Salan Abdusalam, the main accused in the 2015 Paris terror attacks. The French officials will question Moideen at Viyyoor jail on Wednesday. The attacks in Paris on the night of November 13, 2015 by gunmen and suicide bombers had claimed the lives of 130 people. The attackers hit a concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars, almost simultaneously. "Three coordinated teams" were believed to have been behind the attacks, according to Paris chief prosecutor Francois Molins. The French police sought permission from the foreign ministry to stay in India for three days to complete their investigations into the dreadful attacks. French consular officials in India will accompany the party. The questioning will take place with the assistance of the National Investigation Agency and will continue till Friday, if needed. It is for the first time that a European agency is questioning an Indian prisoner over an attack that took place on foreign soil. Moideen is facing legal proceedings over a conspiracy to conduct terrorist attacks at places in Kerala. He is alleged to have held secret meetings at Kanakamala, Kannur, in this regard. Moideen had allegedly decided to return to Kerala from Syria in 2015 after witnessing the death of his associate, who burned to death in front of him at the war front. When the terrorist organisation he was working with got wind of his plans, he was imprisoned and was only released on assurance that he would continue to plan terror strikes in India too. (With inputs from manoramaonline) On November 14, when Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and his deputy O. Panneerselvam unveiled a bronze statue of their leader and former chief minister Jayalalithaa at the AIADMK party headquarters in Chennai, the cadres were awe-inspired. Clad in white dhoties and starched white shirts, the duo along with their cabinet colleagues stood at the feet of the statue, with their hands folded. Days later, on the second death anniversary of Jayalalithaa, the same group of men gathered at her beach side grave. Clad in black shirts they took oath to continue to work in their amma way and sail the party to victory in next elections. Minutes later, it was the turn of the AIADMKs ousted deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran and his faction to pay homage at the memorial. Not to miss, the TTV-led faction, too, took oath to lead the party to a victory in the upcoming elections. Jayalalithaa was a phenomenon. Unlike her mentor M.G. Ramachandran, who drew inspiration from the DMK, Jayalalithaa systematically worked to be the queen of hearts. It was not just the friendship with MGR or her career as his long-time heroine in films that made her a politician she was; she chose and played to work hard to be the epitome of love among women and the people of the state. While MGR led the party to victory and was in power for three consecutive terms, it was under Jayalalithaa that the AIADMKs vote share grew to over 44 per cent. The party swept the polls in 2014 and saw a second consecutive term in 2016 without an alliance. She was the love for every woman voter in the state; she was considered clean despite the Karnataka court verdict in a disproportionate assets case. But two years after her death, the party is in shambles. The EPS-OPS duo has managed to be in power but remain unpopular. Recently when Cyclone Gaja washed away the entire delta, the ministers were shown their place. Videos of public chasing the ministers and throwing barbs at them went viral. The chief minister was later forced to survey the cyclone affected region by helicopter to assess the damage. The government also could not manage to get the required funds to rebuild the flood affected delta. Not just Gaja. The government has failed the people many a time in last two years. They have gone ahead to carry out policies that Jayalalithaa once opposed. Hers was regarded as a clean government. But there are corruption charges against each of our ministers, says Rajendra Shanmugam, who was part of the AIADMK till a few months ago. Shanmugam, who hails from Thanjavur, has decided to quit politics as the party and the leader whom he always loved do not exist now. For Shanmugam, the AIADMK cannot come back to what it was under Jayalalithaa. Like Shanmugam, several AIADMK supporters have not renewed their membership during the membership drive held by the party recently. Keeping the flock together is a challenge for both EPS and OPS who want to lead the AIADMK together. When MGR died on December 24, 1987, the party saw a split within 40 days and the government fell. But within a short span of two years, Jayalalithaa proved to be a successful political heir of MGR and got the flock together. All MGR loyalists, who earlier chose his wife Janaki, came back to support Jayalalithaa. Within two years after the fall, Jayalalithaa led the party to a massive victory. Contrary to the public perception that the government will fall within three to four months after the death of Jayalalithaa, to everyones surprise it has pulled on. When everyone expected the fall of the government like in 1987, this time it has thrived on, but it lacks a qualitative leader like MGR or Jayalalithaa. Given the background and the style of the AIADMK which has thrived on individual personalities and autocracy since its inception, it now lacks a strong leader. OPS and EPS each other know they cannot prove successful. Their weakness of lacking the capability of a leader has turned into their strength, says R. Ramasubramanian, a senior journalist and political analyst. After Jayalalithaa's death, the government has survived, but the party remains adrift and visionless without a strong leader. Nevertheless, the EPS-OPS duo have come together to lead the state, but the AIADMK is not the same under Jayalalithaa. The party is seized of a general secretary for two years now. The general secretary election and the party bylaw amendment are still pending in the court. The two-leaves symbol is back, but TTV remains a thorn in the flesh for the ruling faction. TTV won the bypoll to RK Nagar constituency, previously held by Jayalalithaa, last December by more than 40,000 votes. While the FERA cases and the two-leaves symbol bribery case are hanging like a Sword of Damocles for Dhinakaran, he has been riding high on the RK Nagar victory and expanding his base in the southern districts. Bulk of the AIADMK cadres are with AMMK, Dhinakaran repeats at every public meeting he addresses. While OPS and EPS, as the coordinator and the joint coordinator of the AIADMK, have expelled over 3,000 members who owed allegiance to TTV, the party's membership seems to have dropped steadily from the 1.5 crore cadres that Jayalalithaa would tout at every public meeting. Let the government face its consequences. We want the AIADMK to be revived and we are sure that our Ammas spirit will guide us, says yet another AIADMK rebel K.C. Palanisamy, in a video circulated to the party cadres. Palanisamy has gone to the court to restore the basic ideology of the party and have a general secretary elected by the primary members of the party, like during the reign of Jayalalithaa and MGR. As Jayalalithaas new golden hue stands high at the party head quarters with an eternal smile on her aureate face, it remains to be seen if the men who stood at her feet with their hands folded can sport the same smile on their faces. The government continues to be in power. But only an electoral victory can determine if the AIADMK is as strong as it was under Jayalalithaa. EPS and OPS together have now managed to run the government, but they are not leaders, but were cadres under Jayalalithaa, says political analyst Tharasu Shyam. A new study reveals that as much as 64 per cent of Indian companies faced a cyber attack on their systems last year. And losses are mounting too, to as much as 70 crore rupees for large corporates. These are the revelations of a Frost & Sullivan study released on Wednesday afternoon. The loss of jobs, not to forget the monetary losses, has also been high, with up to six out of ten companies facing job losses. The study report, titled 'Understanding the Cybersecurity Threat Landscape in Asia Pacific: Securing the Modern Enterprise in a Digital World' involved a survey of 1,300 companies ranging from medium sized (250 to 499 employees) to large level corporates (more than 500 employees). The study reveals that more than three in five organisations (62 per cent) surveyed have experienced a cyber security incident. More alarmingly, about one third of the companies surveyed admitted that they were not even sure if they had a hacking or systems breach at all, as they have not performed proper forensics assessment. Opportunities presented by cloud and mobile (technologies) to connect with customers (may) optimise operations, (but) they take on new risks, said Keshav Dhakad, corporate legal head of Microsoft India referring to the report. With traditional IT boundaries disappearing, the adversaries now have many new targets to attack. Companies face the risk of significant financial loss, damage to customer satisfaction and market reputationas is evident from high-profile breaches this year. Most organisations were revealed to not have any cybersecurity strategy at all, while for a large majority, it was an afterthought. About three in five respondents said that the fear of hacking had hindered digital transformation projectsa mere 18 per cent see cybersecurity as a digital transformation enabler. On the positive side, the study highlights that many companies were looking at technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to boost their cyber security. New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI) India is the fourth highest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, accounting for 7 per cent of global emissions in 2017, a study said Wednesday. The top four emitters in 2017, which covered 58 per cent of global emissions, were China (27 per cent), the US (15 per cent), the European Union (10 per cent) and India (7 per cent), according to the projection by the Global Carbon Project. The rest of the world contributed 41 per cent last year, it said. India's emissions look set to continue their strong growth by an average of 6.3 per cent in 2018, with growth across all fuels coal (7.1pc), oil (2.9pc) and gas (6.0pc), the study said. The top 10 emitters were China, the US, the EU, India, Russia, Japan, Germany, Iran, Saudi Arabia and South Korea. The study also said that the Indian emissions were projected to grow 2 per cent in 2017, compared to 6 per cent per year averaged over the previous decade, due to significant government interventions in the economy. In India, emissions are expected to grow by a solid 6.3 per cent in 2018, pushed by strong economic growth of around 8 per cent per year. "Coal is still the mainstay of the Indian economy, and as in China, it will be a challenge for solar and wind to displace coal, given the strong growth in energy use," it said. It also said that although global coal use is still 3 per cent lower than its historical high, it is expected to grow in 2018, driven by growth in energy consumption in China and India. The emissions in the rest of the world -- remaining 41 per cent of global emissions -- are expected to grow by 1.8 per cent in 2018. This group is of mainly developing countries and the five countries contributing most to the growth in this grouping in the last decade are Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Iraq and South Korea, the study said. China, India and the European Union are setting the pace. These regions represent 40 per cent of global carbon emissions. They are set to achieve more than what they agreed in the first round of Paris Agreement in 2015. Their leaders can step up and announce even bolder programmes at the UN summit in September, 2019, to review the commitments made during Paris Agreement, it said. The study said that while China and India still rely heavily on coal, the US and the EU are slowly decarbonising. India can continue to deploy solar farms, leveraging its leadership of the International Solar Alliance to displace coal and clean up its smog-choked cities. By 2020, India can announce its own fossil-fuel exit strategy and a target date for its peak CO2 emissions, the study said. The study warned that the global emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and industry are projected to rise for the second consecutive year in 2018, by more than 2 per cent to a new record, mainly due to sustained growth in oil and gas use. PTI UZM DPB Mumbai, Dec 5 (PTI) Neil Nitin Mukesh, who is working on his debut home production "Bypass Road", says the film has the scope to be turned into a franchise. The 36-year-old actor says he has already started working on a sequel. "'Bypass Road' is not geographically bound by any country or state. This story happens between Mumbai and Alibaug. We have started developing the next plot. 'Bypass Road' can have a series like part one, two, three, etc," Neil told PTI. "The second one is being developed, it is shaping up really well. Since I am pre-occupied with the shooting of 'Bypass Road' so I will get a team of wr iters to help me on the story," he says. Neil says about 70-75 per cent of the work is complete with "Bypass Road". As an actor, Neil started his Bollywood career with Sriram Raghavan's thriller "Johnny Gaddaar" and went on to work in films like "New York", "Tera Kya Hoga Johny", "7 Khoon Maaf" and "Players", among others. "It is a risk that I took then because I believed in the genre. Thriller is a very interesting genre. It is not in hero-heroine space, it is more of story and plot and it is driven by story telling," he says. Neil said it took three years to crack the script of "Bypass Road". The challenge, Neil says, is in bringing edge-of-the-seat moment to the plotline. "Audience today is smart and intelligent, they are exposed to this genre, they are aware of the norms of a thriller. They are always expecting and predicting the nature of how the story will unfold. One has to be one step ahead of the audience and try and test their intelligence." The 36-year-old actor-producer started writing the story while he was shooting for Salman Khan-starrer "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo". The plot has undergone some changes since then. "It was an original idea that came to my mind and I instantly penned it down. Then I started developing it and it shifted from one space to another." Neil, who enjoyed watching Hollywood films like "Saw", "Scream" and "Hush", bemoans the lack of slasher genre in Indian thriller space. "We are very conservative with our thoughts when it comes to this space. It is something we have not done in India. I think we are now prepared. The digital medium has opened doors for new kind of content. So we should not shy away from exploring new things. It doesn't have to be gruesome or bloody, it can also be thrilling." The film, which marks the directorial debut of his younger brother Naman Nitin Mukesh, also features Adah Sharma, Gul Panag and Rajit Kapur. It is likely to release in the first quarter of 2019. PTI KKP RB BK BK Moscow, Dec 5 (AFP) Moscow on Wednesday dismissed US claims that Russia is violating a major Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms, from which Washington is planning to withdraw. "Groundless accusations are again being repeated," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared Russia in "material breach" of the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. "No proof has been produced to support this American position," Zakharova said. She described the treaty as a "cornerstone of global stability and international security". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov meanwhile said facts had been distorted "in order to camouflage the true goal of the US withdrawing from the treaty". Pompeo said during a meeting with fellow NATO foreign ministers on Tuesday that the US would withdraw from the deal within 60 days if Moscow does not dismantle missiles that Washington says violate it. NATO said it was now "up to Russia" to save the treaty. In October, President Donald Trump sparked global concern by declaring the United States would pull out of the treaty and build up America's nuclear stockpile "until people come to their senses". But on Monday, the US leader said he wants talks with his Chinese and Russian counterparts Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin "to head off a major and uncontrollable Arms Race". Signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, the INF resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals. But it was a bilateral treaty between the US and the then Soviet Union, so it puts no restrictions on other major military actors like China. Pompeo on Tuesday said there was no reason why the US "should continue to cede this crucial military advantage" to rival powers. The Trump administration has complained of Moscow's deployment of Novator 9M729 missiles, which Washington says fall under the treaty's ban on missiles that can travel distances of between 310 and 3,400 miles (500 and 5,500 kilometres). US-Russia ties are under deep strain over accusations Moscow meddled in the 2016 US presidential election. The two states are also at odds over Russian support for Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria's civil war, and the conflict in Ukraine. (AFP) AMS AMS Colombo, Dec 5 (PTI) Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said that the current political crisis in the country will not drag on beyond a week even as a war of words between him and ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe intensified. His statement came days after a lower court temporarily barred Sirisena-appointed prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa from performing his duties. Sri Lanka is going through a major political crisis since October 26 when President Sirisena, in a controversial move, removed Wickremesinghe and installed ex-strongman Rajapaksa in his place. The president later dissolved Parliament and called for a snap election on January 5. However, the Supreme Court overturned Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls. In a statement, Sirisena said that he has always taken decisions in the best interest of the country and the people. "The current political crisis will not drag on beyond seven days," he said on Twitter. In his strongest yet statement against the president, United National Party (UNP) leader Wickremesinghe on Tuesday said the United National Front (UNF) was prepared to face elections and they are "not afraid of elections." "Don't be like Hitler and some of the other dictators who used the referendum," Wickremesinghe was quoted as saying by Sri Lanka Mirror. Sirisena, speaking at the SLFP special convention at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on Tuesday, said that he had been left with no option but to sack Wickremesinghe as he was destroying the noble principles of good governance. "He destroyed me as well to some extent," the President said, adding that the former prime minister attempted to grab powers which were decentralised under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. President Maithripala Sirisena added that Wickremesinghe is a stubborn, headstrong person who was following far right wing neo-liberal policies. On Tuesday, Rajapaksa filed an appeal before the Supreme Court against a court order that barred him from acting as Prime Minister. The Court of Appeal in an interim order Monday temporary halted Rajapaksa and his Cabinet from functioning in their positions in response to a case filed by 122 legislators against his disputed government. The court set the hearing of the case for December 12 and 13. As many as 122 parliamentarians of Wickeremesinghe's UNP, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and Tamil National Alliance last month filed a petition in the Court of Appeal challenging Rajapaksa's authority as the prime minister. The interim ruling was a major blow to both President Sirisena and Rajapaksa. Ousted prime minister Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa both claim to be the prime ministers. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal is invalid because he still holds a majority in the 225-member Parliament. Prior to the crisis, Wickramasinghe's UNP had the backing of 106 parliamentarians while Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine had 95 seats. Rajapaksa has, so far, failed to prove his majority in Parliament. Wickremesinghe, with the support from the main Tamil party, claims to have the support of more than 113 legislators, required for simple majority. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has 16 seats in the house and JVP has six legislators. The UNF has moved three no trust motions against Rajapaksa, who has refused to step down. The Sri Lankan president has said that due to sharp personal differences with Wickremesinghe, he would not reappoint him as the Prime Minister. However, Wickremesinghe's UNP claims that Sirisena will be left with no choice as he would be the man who will command the confidence in the House. PTI CPS AKJ CPS Berhampur (Odisha), Dec 5 (PTI) Four shelter homes in Odisha have been shut down after an inquiry found that they were running without registration, officials said Wednesday. The state government had ordered the district collectors across the state to inspect shelter homes following allegations of sexual harassment at an NGO-run facility at Beltikiri in Dhenkanal district. The incident had sparked statewide outcry and three persons were arrested in connection with the case. Three of the shelter homes closed were run by Good News India (GNI), the same NGO whose branch at Beltikiri was embroiled in the sexual abuse scandal. The other closed shelter home was operated by an NGO with the financial assistance of GNI, sources said. Ganjam district administration shut down a shelter home for children at Saheb Jenapalli near Chhatrapur, run by Good News India, they said. The home was closed due to lack of registration, said District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Subodh Sarangi. There were 134 inmates, including 78 girls and 56 boys, in the home. Most of the inmates belong to Kandhamal and Gajapati districts, Sarangi said. The children would be handed over to their parents after producing them before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), he said, adding at present they are lodged in Utkal Balashram, a child care institute run by the government. The DCPO said the home was not registered under Juvenile Justice Act since 2016. In Gajapati district, the administration closed a shelter home at B Sitapur in Goshani block after shifting its inmates to a different hostels. There were 159 children -- 69 boys and 90 girls -- in the home, also run by Good News India, said Arun Tripathy, DCPO Gajapati. Similarly, the process to shift inmates from a shelter home at Chandragiri also in Gajapati district was started. While around 50 inmates have been shifted to a nearby hostels, the rest would also be shifted soon, officials said. As many as 109 inmates, including 75 girls and 34 boys, were in the home. The other shelter home is in Kandhamal's G Udayagiri. District administration shifted all 142 inmates, including 113 girls and 23 boys, to child care institutions being run with support of the government. PTI COR SKN RG SOM SOM Kolkata, Dec 5 (PTI) The West Bengal government has decided to distribute nutritious food material at subsidised rates to members of the Sabar and Lodha communities in the state, an official said Wednesday. The move comes after reports last month said that seven people of the Sabar community have died due to starvation in Jangalmahal region of Jhargram district. People belonging to the two communities, who already get rice and wheat at Rs 2 per kg each, would now receive pulses and soyabean at reduced prices under a proposed scheme through the public distribution system, a senior official at the state secretariat told PTI. The Sabars belong to the Munda ethnic group and is a de-notified tribe. Both the communities reside mostly in West Midnapore district and parts of Jhargram. The official said the food and supplies department would give extra emphasis on the quality of the food distributed to the two communities. The department would soon employ officers who would visit the areas where the two communities live and review their condition, he said. "Our officers will take into consideration their earnings and its mode. Depending on the reports, we will take up programmes to raise the standard of their lives," he said. Secretariat sources said that as per directives of the Chief Minister's Office, its has also been decided that special health camps will be opened in areas inhabited by the two communities. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had refuted the alleged starvation death reports as "fabricated", saying that the deaths either happened due to "age-related ailments" or "excessive liquor consumption". "People have died in Jangalmahal due to excessive consumption of liquor or age-related ailments. While two people have died of illness and old age, others have died due to liver problems caused by excessive consumption of liquor," she had said. Banerjee had also said the state government provides food grain to "every poor person" in the state. "The reports that people from Sabar community have died due to starvation is absolutely false and fabricated. No one has died in Bengal due to starvation. We provide free rice and wheat to each and every poor person in this state from the hills in the north to Jangalmahal in the south," she had stated. The Jangalmahal is a tribal area which is spread across Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram and West Midnapore districts of West Bengal and were once hit by Maoist violence. Besides West Bengal, the Sabar community is found in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, whereas the Lodhas are found in Odisha. PTI SCH MM KK SOM SOM SOM Bajkul (WB) Dec 5 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit out at the BJP Wednesday, saying farmers were committing suicide in the states ruled by the saffron party. She questioned why the farmers were not getting food in the states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and why was there no proper respect for women and teachers in these states. "Why did 12,000 farmers commit suicide in the BJP-ruled states? Why do you (BJP governments) not feed the farmers?," Banerjee asked, while speaking at a rally at Bajkul in East Midnapore district. Several farmers in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have committed suicide this year mainly due to crop failure, debt and inability to repay bank loans. Thousands of farmers from across the country had held a massive protest in Delhi on November 29 to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Keeping up her attack against the BJP, Banerjee asked, "Why do you (BJP) not show respect to teachers and women? Why do you kill people? Why do you create differences, leading to violence and vandalism in the country?" She alleged that the saffron party was "killing the minorities, driving away Hindus and torturing Christians". Reiterating that the BJP was lying to people and trying to divide them on the basis of religion, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief referred to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's recent comment in poll-bound Rajasthan that Hanuman was a Dalit, but did not name him or elaborate. The BJP, she said, was against both Hindus and Muslims, adding, "It has driven away Bengalis from Assam and Biharis from Gujarat. It drives away Muslims at times and Hindus at times from the country.... Of the over 40 lakh people kept out of the complete NRC (National Register of Citizens) list in Assam, 23 lakh are Hindu Bengalis." Stating that the BJP had not fought for the country's independence, Banerjee alleged that former Communist Party of India (Marxist) activists, who had tortured the people of the state during the previous Left Front rule, had now switched over to the saffron party. She said she would not let the CPI(M) "goons" to return to action in West Bengal, adding, "We (TMC) have carried out several movements and expelled the CPI(M) from West Bengal. Now, the expelled CPI(M) activists have joined the BJP and are trying to continue to torture the people. We will politically expel each and everyone from the state." PTI SCH KK RC Bajkul (East Midnapore), Dec 5 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday slammed the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh over the mob killing of a police officer, alleging that the state police is carrying out "fake encounters after fake encounters". Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, who initially investigated the 2015 mob lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri, was killed in violence that erupted in Bulandshahr on Monday. A 20-year-old bystander also died in the violent confrontation between a mob of some 400 people, including right-wing activists, and police apparently after the discovery of cow carcasses strewn in a nearby jungle. Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress chief, expressed sympathy with the family of Singh. "They have murdered a police officer who was investigating the case. You have seen that day before yesterday they murdered the officer in Bulandshahr district. We sympathise with him. They are carrying out fake encounters after fake encounters and killing people," she said at a public rally in Bajkul in Purba (East) Midnapore district. Following the tension in Bulandshahr on Monday, Banerjee on Tuesday directed the West Bengal police to step up vigil near the inter-state boundary to prevent "outsiders" from entering the state and trigger clashes like the one witnessed in Uttar Pradesh. She had asked state Security Adviser Surajit Kar Purkayastha to set up watchtowers and install CCTV cameras in inter-state boundary areas. The West Bengal chief minister has alleged that people from neighbouring Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha were entering the state and trying to disrupt peace. PTI SCH SNS ABH ABH Sentineles had displayed warmth to expedition team having a woman,recounts Anthropologist Port Blair, Dec 5 (PTI) The protected and reclusive Sentinel tribespeople known for welcoming outsiders by firing arrows on them, had surprisingly displayed warmth to a contact expedition team having a woman among them, recounts the female Anthropologist about the trip 27 years ago. Talking about the successful tour to Sentinel island in 1991, Madhumala Chattopadhyay recalled that the islanders known for showing hostility towards tresspassers had put their guard down seeing a woman being part of the expedition team. The presence of a woman indicated that the contact party meant no harm, Madhumala said speaking to the local media from New Delhi over phone. The Anthropologist, now a senior official in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,said they had conducted as many as three contact expeditions in DSS vessel MV Tarmugli. Killing of a US national John Allen Chau, 27, last month in course of his illegal trip to the North Sentinel island, reignited peoples interest about the handful of aboriginals as per the 2011 census. North Sentinel island has been declared no go area by a law. Information pouring in after the death of the American national revealed that very few trips had been made to the island, about 102 km from capital Port Blair, in the past. The Sentinelese people are among the tribes that survived the tsunami of 2004 without any help from the outside world. The last time the world heard about the Sentinel islanders was in 2006 when two fishermen were killed by the primitive natives after their boat had strayed towards the island. The woman Anthopologist said that on two occasions, they could successfully contact the tribes but in the third occasion, due to inclement weather, the Sentinelese did not come to the seashore and the team had to back off. Narrating her experience, she said a 12 member expedition team headed by then Tribal Welfare Director, S Awaradi had sailed for the Sentinel Island on 3rd January 1991. We reached the spot on 4th January and saw some tribes near the seashores. Then we boarded a small dingi and ventured neared to the shore. Our team started dropping coconut in the seashore, which the Sentenelese, consisting of few males and females collected. Finding no danger, the team then approached them up to the coast and gifted coconut to them by hands. "Having worked extensively with the indigenous tribes of A & N Islands, I knew the language of some of the local tribe like Jarawa and Onge.I told them Nariyali Gabha Gabha which means come and collect the coconuts. By hearing these words, the Sentinelese seemed happy and immediately rushed to us to collect the coconuts. Some even touched us and our boats. When the gift brought by us finished,the team returned home, she recounted. The second contact expedition started on 21st February 1991. This time also Madhumala and her team were able to contact the tribe, reached the shore and gifted them coconuts. But, this time, things started to mess up with the Sentinelese touching the police rifle brought by the cops for security. The Sentinelese wanted to take away the rifle for making their arrows, she recollected. However, vigilant police personnel did not allow them to take the rifle with them. The contact was successful and the team returned back successfully, she said. A native of Howrah in West Bengal, Madhumala had gone to the Sentinel island for a field research for her PhD fellowship to the Anthropological Survey of India. On 4 January, 1991, MV Tarmugli, the Andaman Nicobar Administration ship, put down its anchor off Allen point on the southwest part of the North Sentinel Islands. Not much was expected, probably like many futile missions in the past, she narrated about the trip. However, unlike in the past, this mission had one difference; there was a women anthropologist in the contact team. The team started dropping coconuts in the water. After a bit of trepidation, a few Sentinelese men came sprinting and waded through the shallow waters to collect the floating coconuts, she narrated. The team leader then instructed that more coconuts be dropped and this time the Sentinelese brought a canoe to collect the coconuts in cane baskets. The women and children, however, maintained a distance and remained on the shore. An invisible wall stood between the islanders and the contact team. No party made the first move to bridge the gap further. Four hours rolled by, the contact party kept floating coconuts and the Sentinelese kept collecting them. With their stock of coconuts over, the team went back to the ship to replenish. It was 2 pm when the team returned. The process of dropping coconuts started again, and this time the tribe welcomed the contact party. The Sentinelese in the second round had become bolder, she said. A young Sentinelese youth waded up to the boat and touched it with his hands. Following him, more men closed in to collect the coconuts. A Sentinelese youth sitting on the shore got up and aimed his arrow at the contact party.Unfazed, Madhumala gestured at the youth to come over and take his share of the coconuts. With arrow refusing to go down and she refusing to remove eye contact, the arrow was released but luck intervened. A Sentinelese woman standing nearby gave a push to the marksman and the arrow missed its mark and fell harmlessly in the water. What probably changed the equation that day was the presence of a woman in the contact team who maintained her calm and took the initiative, she said. PTI CORR SNS SNS SNS New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI) The Election Commission on Wednesday ordered the removal of Superintendent of Police of Telangana's Vikarabad district over the arrest of Congress' A Revanth Reddy as the police observer found his detention of was "unwarranted", sources in the poll panel said. "The Commission has decided to shift SP Vikarabad T Annapurna and post Avinash Mohanti as the new SP with immediate effect," an EC functionary said. The commission has also directed that Annapurna be attached to the police headquarters and not assigned any election duty, the functionary added. The observers are deployed by the EC to keep an eye on various issues related to elections. In the early hours of Tuesday, the Vikarabad police had taken Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee working president Reddy into preventive custody citing law and order issues. Reddy's arrest came ahead of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao 's meeting at Kodangal. Revanth had given a Kodangal bandh call and asked the party workers to stage protest programs across the constituency against the visit of the chief minister. He was let off later, but only after Rao's meeting at Kosigi in the assembly segment got over. Telangana goes to polls on December 7. PTI NAB NAB TIR TIR (Eds: Recasts intro, updating with more inputs) New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI) Describing the killing of a policeman by a mob in Bulandshahr as "shameful", Congress president Rahul Gandhi wondered if police was being treated in such a manner in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's rule, then how terrorised the common man would be feeling. "Police official Subodh Singh's killing by a frenzied mob is painful and shameful," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi on Tuesday night. "If in Modi-Yogi rule police is in such a condition, then how much terror the common man would be feeling," he said. A mob of some 400 people, including right-wing activists, fought pitched battles with police on Monday in Siana area of Bulandshahr district, apparently after right-wing activists were angered by the discovery of cow carcasses strewn in a nearby jungle. They set fire to dozens of vehicles, hurled stones and also fired shots at police who retaliated with gunfire. In the violence, Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, the station house officer of Siana, and 20-year-old Sumit Kumar were killed. Earlier on Tuesday, the Congress attacked Modi over the Bulandshahr violence, asking if "this was the change" he had promised the country. The party demanded an inquiry into the incident under the supervision of a sitting high court judge. PTI ASK ABH ASK DIV DIV New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI) The Pakistan High Commission Wednesday said it has issued visas to over 220 Indian pilgrims to participate in the 310th birth anniversary celebrations of religious leader Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib, at Sukkur in Pakistan's Sindh province from December 5-16. Under the framework of a bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines, Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan every year. Shadaram Sahib, who was born in Lahore in 1708, had laid the foundation of Shadani Darbar tirth, a 300-year-old temple, in Pitafi area of Sindh. "The Pakistan High Commission has issued visas to over 220 Hindu pilgrims from India to participate in the 310th birthday celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib, at Sukkur, from December 5-16," a release from the High Commission said. Devotees from across the world visit the temple every year. "The issuance of pilgrimage visas is in line with the Government of Pakistans efforts for promoting visits to religious shrines and people-to-people exchanges," the High Commission said. "It also reflects the commitment of the Pakistan government to faithfully implement the bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines," it said. Last month, Pakistan had given visas to more than 3,800 Sikh pilgrims to visit the country. "Pakistan remains committed to preserving sacred religious places and providing all possible facilitation for the visiting pilgrims of all faiths," the High Commission said. PTI MPB RT New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI) The National Commission for Child Rights has rescued six child labours from a construction site run by NBCC, the central public sector undertaking, and summoned its CMD in this connection. NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo said the rescue operation was carried out on Tuesday and six child labourers were rescued from a construction site in East Kidwai Nagar. He said NBCC CMD Anoop Kumar Mittal has been summoned next week on December 13 over rescue of the child labourers. A NBCC spokesperson said it has not received any summon yet. He also said that the NBCC does not deal directly with the recruitment of workers at its site and the recruitment is done by contractors. PTI UZM/HAQ RCJ Dehradun, Dec 5 (PTI) Opposition Congress Wednesday staged a dharna outside the gate of Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha Bhawan after a party legislator was not permitted to enter its precincts in an official vehicle. As Congress MLA Karan Mahra arrived at the Vidhan Bhawan to attend the second day's proceedings of the Uttarakhand Assembly's ongoing winter session he was intercepted by a police official who asked him to produce a vehicle pass. Mahra said the vehicle belonged to the assurance committee of the assembly and a pass was not required. The police official, however, insisted on a pass and asked the MLA to get down and walk into the House. This enraged the MLA who sat on a dharna outside the gate of the building in protest demanding the suspension of the official in question. He was immediately joined by Leader of Opposition Indira Hridayesh and other party legislators, including Pradesh Congress president Pritam Singh, former Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal and Mamata Rakesh. With the entire Opposition staging a dharna, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prakash Pant came out to persuade the Congress MLAs to call off the protest and attend the proceedings of the state assembly in public interest. He assured them that the incident will be probed and the guilty will be punished. However, the Opposition MLAs refused to budge demanding immediate action against the official. Mahra alleged that the tiff at the gate was stage-managed as he was going to question the state government's failure to appoint a Lokayukta despite its much publicised zero tolerance to corruption on the floor of the House and the state government did not have the guts to face the difficult question. "The state government is evasive. It did not want the proceedings of the House to go on smoothly today as it had no answer to the questions of the Opposition," he said. Leader of Opposition Hridayesh, who is the senior most member of the assembly, said she had never seen something like this being done to a legislator in her long legislative career. Insisting on not calling off the dharna, she said it was no use attending the proceedings of an assembly which cannot respect its members. PTI ALM SNE SNE Jaipur, Dec 5 (PTI) The BJP transformed poll-bound Rajasthan from a 'bimaru' to a developed state and would now make it prosperous, party president Amit Shah said here on Wednesday while predicting that his party would form a government with full majority. Taking on the Congress at a press conference here, he said the party was involved in negative politics, promoting casteism and appeasement. The BJP, in contrast, practised the politics of development and got a good response, Shah told reporters on the last day of campaigning for the December 7 polls. While the Congress promoted dynastic politics, making members of one family party presidents, the BJP gives importance to those who perform and work to push the country ahead, he said. Referring to the violence in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, earlier this week, Shah said it would be unfair to give it a political colour. The Congress, he added, had made allegations but things would be clear after the Special Investigation Team report. A police inspector and a young man were killed in mob violence that broke out after cow carcasses were found strewn in a jungle in the Uttar Pradesh district on Monday. "The number of those who filed income tax doubled after demonetisation," the party president added. The BJP conducted 15 roadshows and 222 big meetings in Rajasthan during its campaign for another term in office, he said. The votes will be counted on December 11. PTI SDA AG AAR AAR MIN MIN Ahmedabad, Dec 5 (PTI) The Supreme Court collegium has recommended the names of three advocates and a judicial officer for their elevation as judges of the Gujarat High Court. In a resolution dated December 4, the collegium comprising Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justices M B Lokur and A K Sikri recommended elevation of advocates Bhargav Karia, Megha Jani and Sangeeta Vishen as judges of the Gujarat HC. It also recommended appointment of judicial officer Vishnu Kumar Patel as a high court judge, says the resolution uploaded on the apex court's website. The Gujarat HC collegium had recommended their elevation on December 1, 2016. The Supreme Court collegium considered the same on April 19 this year. The apex court collegium further considered the matter and found the three advocates suitable for appointment as high court judges, it said. The proposal regarding Patel's elevation was referred back to the Chief Justice of India for reconsideration, after which his name was cleared for judgeship, the resolution said. Even after the four new appointments, the total strength of the Gujarat High Court judges will remain around 30 as three judges are set to retire soon. The high court has a sanctioned strength of 52 judges. PTI KA PD RSY SRY New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI) The Supreme Court Wednesday took strong note of the "inadequate" reply of the West Bengal government on construction of court rooms and residential units for the lower court judges in the state. The apex court on its own had taken note of over 5,000 vacancies for judicial officers across the country and had directed all the 24 high courts and 36 states and UTs to apprise it of remedial measures. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had summoned the Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary of West Bengal on Wednesday to apprise it of the deadline for completion of construction of 422 courtrooms and 630 residential units for subordinate judges in the state. Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De along with the Finanace Secretary appeared before the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, and unsuccessfully attempted to satisfy it about the pending projects and their date of completion. The CJI asked the top bureaucrat as to when the under construction projects for 75 court buildings and 39 residential units would be completed. It also asked as to when the construction of 422 court halls and 630 residential units will commence. At the outset, the court today said out of the 75 court building projects, only 23 have been granted the approval and asked as to how many courts would be housed in the 23 projects. "I do not have the exact details," the Chief Secretary replied and sought some time to collate information. "This is unacceptable. We need courtrooms for judges to sit and residences to stay," the bench said. "We are only at the tip of the iceberg. We require 422 buildings but only 75 are being constructed. Out of that, approvals have come only for 23," it said, adding, "Is it not the Constitutional duty of the state to provide court halls and residences for judges?" The court was unimpressed with the recent affidavit filed by the state government and said that it has been "skilfully drafted" and did not give the requisite information. "We have called the highest authority of the state that is the Chief Secretary. If the Chief Secretary is unable to provide us answers, then what will we do," the bench asked. The bench said, "So far as appointment of judges was concerned, we will do that, but where the judges will sit and reside." "Tell us as to how many courtrooms and residential units would be buit in the 23 projects," the bench asked in the forenoon and asked the the top bureaucrats to discuss and come back to it. The bench was also critical of the approach of the Calcutta High Court Registry and asked as to why it did not inform the state government about the judiciary's requirements of courtrooms and residences. "The long and short of the matter is, how can you blame the state government, if you do not give the proposal about your requirement," it said. Later, the bench asked the state government to file a status report on the infrastructure projects. The bench, during the day, took up issue of vacancies of judges, their recruitment processes, infrastructure and manpower for lower judiciary in states of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Kerala. The bench was also critical of the appointment process specially in Karnataka where 30 posts of district judges were advertised and only four were selected for appointment. Out of over 4,000 candidates, only 33 were selected for appointment as Civil judge, junior division against the vacancies of 101. "Out of 30 district judges post, you selected only 4. In civil judges, out of 4,700 fresh law graduates, you could not select 101 judicial officers. You selected only 33," it asked. "What are looking for. You (High Court) have set so high standard...who is conducting the interview," the bench said. On being informed that five High Court judges had interviewed the candidates, the bench said, "Five High Court judges interviewing 23-year-old law graduates for the post of 'Munsif'! How can they pass through." The bench asked high courts and the states to complete the exercise of filling up vacancies, constructing courts, residences and providing man powers for judges expeditiously. Now, the court would deal with such issues relating to Madhya Pradesh, Madras, Odisha, Patna and Punjab and Haryana. 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. The top court had appointed senior advocates Shyam Divan, K V Vishwanathan, Vijay Hansaria and lawyer Gaurav Agrawal as amicus curiae and asked them to assist it in dealing with the case. Divan would deal the vacancies and the processes needed to fill them up in states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and the North-Eastern states. While Vishwanathan would assist the top court in dealing with the vacancies in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Kerala, Hansaria would deal with Madhya Pradesh, Madras, Odisha, Patna and Punjab and Haryana. Agrawal would render assistance to the top court in dealing with the issue of vacancies in states of Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tripura and Uttarakhand. PTI SJK SA Cong-JDs panel decides on Dec 22 for Kumarswamy cabinet expansion Bengaluru, Dec 5 (PTI) Ending the suspense, the Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka Wednesday announced that the HD Kumaraswamy cabinet would be expanded on December 22. The decision was taken by the coordination committee of the coalition that met under the chairmanship of former chief minister Siddaramaiah. Congress president Rahul Gandhi and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda were consulted before deciding the date, Siddaramiah told reporters here after the over two-hour long meeting of the committee. Six members from the Congress and two from JD(S) would be inducted, he said adding it was also decided to appoint MLAs as heads of corporations and boards on the same day. There has been growing clamour among the MLAs, especially those from the Congress, for expansion of the cabinet at the earliest, with a few openly expressing their discontent over the delay. This will be the second expansion of Kumaraswamy's ministry, who currently heads the 26-member cabinet. After the first expansion in June, discontent among the Congress ministerial aspirants surfaced, giving birth pangs to the coalition ministry formed in a post-poll pact after the May assembly elections threw up a hung verdict. The cabinet was expected to be expanded in October itself, but had been put off. Siddaramaiah said the plan was to expand the cabinet on December 9, but as the legislature session commences on December 10 in the northern district of Belagavi, the date had been deferred. It would be expanded a day after the conclusion of the session on December 21. The former chief minister, who is also the leader of the Congress legislature Party (CLP) said the coordination committee also decided to appoint a few MLAs from both partner parties as Parliamentary Secretaries to Ministers. Under the agreement reached during the formation of the coalition in May last, the chairmanship of 20 boards and corporations will go to Congress and 10 to JD(S). Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal and JD(S) secretary general Danish Ali were the others who attended the coordination committee meeting. Siddaramaiah said measures for smooth functioning of the government and speedy resolution of issues raised by MLAs concerning developmental work in their respective constituencies were also discussed at the meeting. A few MLAs, especially those from the Congress, have reportedly conveyed their unhappiness to the party leadership about the functioning of the government -- against a few JD(S) Ministers, including Kumaraswamys brother and PWD Minister H D Revanna. Rubbishing reports about disgruntled MLAs under the leadership of Satish Jarkiholi of Congress planning to join hands with the BJP, Siddarmaiah pointed to Jarkiholi himself denying them. None of the Congress MLAs will leave the party, and such information was only a speculation in the media, he said. Congress and JD(S) parties are totally intact, BJP is only day dreaming about success through operation lotus, but they will not succeed, it is not possible, their dream will remain a dream, he said. The coalition government was stable and would remain so for its full tenure, Siddaramaiah said as he predicted BJPs defeat in the assembly elections in the five states. Echoing Siddaramaiah's statement, JD(S) secretary general Danish Ali said the coalition government would last its full five year terms. He also termed reports about trouble in the coalition in sections of media as BJP sponsored. PTI KSU VS VS DMK trying to capture power through "short cut," says Minister Chennai, Dec 5 (PTI) Senior AIADMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister D Jayakumar Wednesday alleged arch rival DMK was trying to win the by-elections expected in 20 assembly segments through shortcut, including through a secret pact with AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran. DMK is "somehow or through short cut," trying to win the 20 seats when elections are held and "day dreaming," about capturing power through it, he said adding it would never happen. Speaking to reporters here, Jayakumar alleged that DMK could even have a "secret pact," with Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam deputy general secretary Dhinakaran for the polls. The 18 assembly seats represented by disqualified AIADMK MLAs loyal to Dhinakaran have fallen vacant after the Madras High Court recently upheld the Speaker's action and lifted a stay on notifying elections. Two other seats fell vacant due to the demise of sitting MLAs -- DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi (Tiruvarur) and AIADMK's AK Bose (Tiruparankundram). Asserting that the AIADMK government had been implementing all the welfare schemes initiated by late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Jayakumar said such good work for the people will translate into votes for the AIADMK. Referring to the Mekedatu dam issue, he asserted that the AIADMK had all along fought for the rights of farmers and the welfare of the state in river water issues. He accused the DMK of betrayal of the state's interests be it Mullaperiyar dam or the Cauvery issues. The assembly is slated to adopt a resolution on Thursday on the dam issue to urge the Centre to halt its nod to Karnataka for preparing a Detailed Project Report for building a reservoir across Cauvery at Mekedatu. Meanwhile, Dhinakaran said elections to the 20 assembly segments were expected to be held alongwith Parliamentary polls next year. "The ruling party will lose power if it did not win at least eight seats," he told reporters. In the 234-member House with 20 vacancies, AIADMK has 115 MLAS (excluding the Speaker), DMK 88 and its allies (Congress 8 and IUML 1) nine and one is represented by Dhinakaran who won as an independent from RK Nagar last year. "This is a weak (AIADMK) leadership..it is subservient to the Centre and you cannot expect big from it...people know it well and they desire a regime change through elections," Dhinakaran claimed. PTI VGN VS VS Chandigarh, Dec 5 (PTI) The Haryana police has arrested a man who is named as an accused in multiple criminal cases and carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head, police said Wednesday. A team of Special Task Force (STF) nabbed Ravinder alias Rabbo Tuesday night near Kamla Nehru Park, Sohna Chowk in Gurugram, a spokesman for the Haryana Police said. Ravinder is a resident of Rohta Patti, Hodal, district Palwal, he said, adding that a pistol and two live cartridges were also recovered from his possession. He was involved in several cases of crime including attempt to murder, theft, obstructing public servant in discharge of duty, rioting and criminal intimidation", he said. The arrested person has also been declared a proclaimed offender in a case registered at Sadar Police Station, Palwal district, he added. PTI SUN AD AD TIR TIR Noida (UP), Dec 5 (PTI) The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration Wednesday announced invoking the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against another notorious criminal involved in the sensational killing of a local BJP worker in November last year. Two days ago, the district administration had booked the key conspirator in the case, Arun Yadav, under the NSA. Accused Anil Bhati, 26, who is currently in Kaushambi jail, has been deemed as a threat to security and public order, District Magistrate Brajesh Naraian Singh told reporters in presence of Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Pal Sharma Wednesday. Bhati, who is from Ghaghola village in Greater Noida, has been residing in Patparganj, Delhi, until he was arrested, he said. Local BJP worker Shiv Kumar along with his driver and personal security guard were killed in a shootout in Greater Noida on November 15, 2017. The job was contracted to the Sundar Bhati gang after the conspiracy was hatched by Yadav, the DM said. "Bhati, the nephew of gangster Sundar Bhati, played a key role in the killing of Shiv Kumar by providing his shooters for the task," Singh told reporters. A case was registered at the Bisrakh police station against Bhati under Indian Penal Code sections 147, 148, 149, 302, 34, 120B, among others. "If Anil Bhati is not detained under section 3(2) of the National Security Act, then it is likely that he would again indulge in such activities and may pose threat to public order. In light of all this, he has been booked under the NSA," Singh said. So far, the stringent NSA has been invoked against five people by the district administration, he added. According to the law, certain provisions of the National Security Act prohibit bail to any person with a view to prevent them from causing any activity prejucial to the security of the state or public order, among others. PTI KIS RCJ Westerly, RI (02891) Today Snow showers this evening. Breaks in the overcast later. Low 29F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%.. Tonight Snow showers this evening. Breaks in the overcast later. Low 29F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Monzo has hit its record breaking crowdfunding target of 20million in a speedy 2 hours and 42 minutes after launching the campaign. If you exclude the 1.85million already raised from existing investors, a rush to buy shares in the bank, which will not be listed on the stock market, saw 112,000 a minute ploughed in after the crowdfunding kicked off this morning. The successful fundraising campaign means Monzo now holds the record for the highest amount of capital raised by a fintech company in a single crowdfunding round. The challenger bank now hold the coveted 'unicorn' status - the term used for unlisted start-ups valued at more than $1billion. Tom Blomfield is the founder and chief executive of Monzo which launched a 20million crowdfunding round as part of broader fundraise strategy Monzo's latest crowdfunding campaign offered its customers a chance to own a stake in the trendy challenger bank. Customers of the east London-based bank were able to invest as little as 10 or as much as 2,000 through Monzo's app from 10am today. In an indication of how confident the digital bank was that it could raise money from those who have signed up to its in-vogue accounts, the funding round was exclusive to Monzo customers. Investors will get shares in the bank, but it is unlisted - meaning they will not trade on the stock market and so investors can't cash them in as easily as conventional listed company shares. The cash will be used to expand Monzos product range and further grow its customer base, which is already around 1.2 million strong. Those who didn't already have an account weren't able to invest. This round forms part of broader fundraise, which saw 85million invested by venture capitalists in September this year. Speedy fund raising: Monzo hit its crowdfunding target within 2 hours and 42 minutes of the campaign opening to customers Those who invested in the bank will receive a special investor Monzo card and will be able to attend yearly investors' meetings - called AGMs - as well as exclusive events hosted by the bank. Is it worth investing in Monzo? Monzo has come a long way since launching in 2015 as an audacious tech-centric challenger bank seeking to disrupt the status quo moulded by larger, more established rivals. More than 1.2 million people have an account with the bank and have spent more than 4billion using the distinctive coral-pink cards. What is crowdfunding It is a way for entrepreneurs to raise money for their venture. It works through individuals or organisations who invest in (or donate to) a company through a crowdfunding platform in return for a potential profit or reward. There are several types of crowdfunding. The type that Monzo is using is equity crowdfunding. Here, people invest in an opportunity in exchange for equity. Money is exchanged for a share in the business, project or venture. As with other types of shares if it is successful the value goes up. If not, the value goes down and you could lose your money completely. Monzo says that its share price has risen to 7.7145 from 2.3566 at the last crowdfunding round in November 2017. But a glance underneath the bonnet reveals a heavily loss making business, which burnt through cash at a rate of 2.75million a month (on average) in its last financial year (to the end of February 2018). This is in a bid to start offering banking services like savings products and business account to boost revenues. Overall losses jumped fourfold from 7.7million to 33.1million year-on-year. Monzo doesn't hide from the fact that it currently operates at a loss. In fact, it often mentions it in its regular email bulletin to customers. However, there is a sense that there has been a turning of the tide when it comes to the firm's financials. The bank has hit a number of milestone over its last financial year including receiving a full banking licence in April last year, and moving customers from pre-paid cash cards to full current accounts last September. The lender has also started offering overdrafts. Monzo claims it has recently reached per-customer profitability - meaning that it'll make a small amount of money for each new customer. However, although the bank is now profitable per customer, it still has a long way to go before it is profitable as a company after fixed costs like salaries and offices are taken into account. Key investment considerations It's expensive and risky Investing in loss-making growth businesses is a risky game. The valuation being placed on Monzo is very high. It does not make a profit, yet is crowdfunding to make itself a 1billion company. The business could be successful for years to come, but there is no guarantee that in future investors will not decide that actually it is not worth that much. As with all investment, there is a real risk of losing some or all the money you invest, but this risk is compounded when investing in a start up as most fail. Monzo's coral payment cards have particularly prove popular among its millennial customers You may argue that Monzo's large and rapidly growing customer base and its strong branding makes the bank immune to failure, but the demise of online estate agency eMoov is a timely reminder that it's tough to keep a business in a competitive marekt afloat. Interestingly, eMoov had also raised business capital through Crowdcube. It raised 1.9million through the platform as recently as July this year before going under five months later. How would you sell your shares? It is also important to remember that Monzo shares aren't publicly floated on a stock exchange like the London Stock Exchange, and are therefore difficult to trade. Some crowdfunding platforms offer a secondary market for trades to occur. Crowdcube isn't one of these, so you wont be able to sell your share immediately. The only way you'll be able to cash in your stake is if Monzo grows to a point where it floats on a stock market, is bought by a larger company, or its management buys back equity from investor. These events don't happen overnight, so you should be prepared to wait for a return on your investment, as even successful start-up businesses tend to take time to generate income. Alternatively, Monzo might decide to reward shareholders for their financial backing by paying dividends, but growth companies tend to reinvest most of their profits into increasing their size or targeting new markets. It is important to highlight that you may not not always be able to cash in your stake for as much money as you paid. You need to invest in more than one company By offering the chance to invest to its customers, many of whom are young professionals, Monzo will pick up some investors who have never held shares before. If they just invest in Monzo, they are increasing their risk. It is important to note that investments should be diversified, with studies showing that you need to hold shares in 15 to 20 companies, so as to avoid being overly-exposed to the fortunes of a few. With investments, there is a temptation to invest in something that is viewed as new, cool and exciting, but unfortunately not all companies that fall under this banner make good investments. If you're serious about making your cash work harder for you by investing, you should think about your attitude to risk and how long you'd be able to leave your cash invested. You might have more joy investing in funds or investment trusts -which pool investors' money to buy a basket of company shares, or even bonds and other assets - rather than putting your eggs in one basket by investing in shares in one company. Funds offer diversification and are considered a safer way to get started with the stock market and grow your money. For more information, read our investment guide. Banks are looking to move branches into shopping centres because of a lack of footfall on High Streets Banks are looking to move branches into shopping centres because of a lack of footfall on High Streets. The trend could raise further fears for many shop owners, who already face pressure from high business rates and online giants. At a major conference on the future of bank branches in London last week, two banks said they were opting for shopping centres over traditional High Street addresses. Jimmy Robertson, RBS's head of branch strategic projects, confirmed he had relocated a branch in Scotland. 'We were on the High Street in Inverness where every other bank was,' he said. 'But that's not where customers actually go to now, so we moved the branch into the shopping centre.' Meanwhile, Brendan Kerin, head of retail operations at Irish bank Permanent TSB, told delegates they plan to do the same with many of their branches. In September, RBS announced it would close a further 54 branches in England and Wales in the New Year. The move follows the closure of 109 branches in July and August, and a further 53 branches that closed last month. f.parker@dailymail.co.uk TORONTO, December 4, 2018 Thomson Reuters (TSX/NYSE: TRI) will host its 2018 Investor Day in Toronto today beginning at 8:30 a.m. EST. The companys senior management team will deliver a series of presentations outlining the companys new organizational structure, operating and growth strategies, capital structure as well as revenue and free cash flow growth objectives for 2020. Todays Investor Day materials include forward-looking information for Thomson Reuters and its three primary operating segments Legal Professionals, Tax Professionals and Corporates. This forward-looking information and all of the Investor Day presentation materials can be found in the Investor Relations section of the Thomson Reuters website, www.thomsonreuters.com. A replay of the Investor Day webcast will be posted to the Thomson Reuters website later today. Thomson Reuters Thomson Reuters (TSX/NYSE: TRI) is the worlds leading provider of news and information-based tools to professionals. Our worldwide network of journalists and specialist editors keep customers up to speed on global developments, with a particular focus on legal, regulatory and tax changes. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information on Thomson Reuters, visit tr.com and for the latest world news, reuters.com. SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in the Investor Day presentation materials are forward-looking, including statements relating to the companys 2020 goals. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and reflect our companys current expectations. As a result, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including other factors discussed in materials that Thomson Reuters from time to time files with, or furnishes to, the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. There is no assurance that any events described in any forward-looking statement will materialize. Except as may be required by applicable law, Thomson Reuters disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. CONTACT MEDIA David Crundwell Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs +1 416 649 9904 david.crundwell@tr.com INVESTORS Frank J. Golden Senior Vice President, Investor Relations +1 646 223 5288 frank.golden@tr.com The following companies are subsidiares of Sonic Automotive: AM GA LLC, AM Realty GA LLC, AnTrev LLC, Arngar Inc., Autobahn Inc., Avalon Ford Inc., Car Cash of North Carolina Inc., Cornerstone Acceptance Corporation, ECHOPARK: AM GA LLC, ECHOPARK: AM Realty GA LLC, ECHOPARK: EP Realty NC LLC, ECHOPARK: EP Realty SC LLC, ECHOPARK: EchoPark AZ LLC, ECHOPARK: EchoPark CA LLC, ECHOPARK: EchoPark Driver Education LLC, ECHOPARK: EchoPark FL LLC, ECHOPARK: EchoPark NC LLC, ECHOPARK: EchoPark Realty TX LLC, ECHOPARK: EchoPark SC LLC, ECHOPARK: EchoPark TX LLC, ECHOPARK: Echopark Automotive Inc., ECHOPARK: SAI DS LLC, ECHOPARK: SAI DS Realty TX LLC, ECHOPARK: SAI Vehicle Subscription Inc., ECHOPARK: TT Denver LLC, ECHOPARK: TTRE CO 1 LLC, FAA Beverly Hills Inc., FAA Capitol N Inc., FAA Concord H Inc., FAA Concord T Inc., FAA Dublin N Inc., FAA Dublin VWD Inc., FAA Holding Corp., FAA Las Vegas H Inc., FAA Poway H Inc., FAA Poway T Inc., FAA San Bruno Inc., FAA Santa Monica V Inc., FAA Serramonte H Inc., FAA Serramonte Inc., FAA Serramonte L Inc., FAA Stevens Creek Inc., FAA Torrance CPJ Inc., FirstAmerica Automotive Inc., Fort Mill Ford Inc., Franciscan Motors Inc., Frontier Oldsmobile-Cadillac Inc., Kramer Motors Incorporated, L Dealership Group Inc., Marcus David Corporation, Massey Cadillac Inc. 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Cargill grows business in Philippines with US$235 million planned investment Cargill has reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippines with plans to invest US$235 million to grow its business in the country over the next two years. The company is focused on helping meet the increased domestic demand for chicken and pork, as well as delivering solutions in key areas of the global agricultural supply chain. The company has also announced a contribution of US$$130,000 to support the Inclusive Business Capacity Building Fund to help Filipino farmers become more successful. "We are proud to have been in the Philippines since we started our business here 70 years ago. Working closely with the government, our customers, partners and the community, we are helping farmers thrive and are bringing safe and nutritious food to Filipino tables. We are grateful for our partnership with the Philippines government as they welcome investments that enable Cargill to grow alongside the Filipino people and the local economy," said Dave MacLennan, chairman and CEO of Cargill, during his recent visit to the region. 2018 marks an important milestone for Cargill as the company celebrates its 70th anniversary in the Philippines. The company opened its first office in 1948, which also marked its first office in the Asia Pacific region. Cargill employs 2,200 employees across 27 locations in the Philippines. The company is also celebrating the first year anniversary of C-Joy, Cargill's joint venture with Jollibee Foods Corporation to process chicken for domestic consumption. The $235 million investment will drive the expansion of Cargill's animal feed and nutrition business and agricultural supply chain businesses. It will also support the growth of C-Joy to deliver on increasing consumer demand for the chicken. During his visit, MacLennan was also invited by the Philippine Business for Social Progress to address government officials, business leaders, non-government and civil society organisations, and local communities at the Inclusive Business Leaders Forum. "Supporting the Inclusive Business Capacity Building Fund is another way we can help the world build food security. Smallholder farmers are an essential piece of feeding nearly 10 billion people by 2050 and they need all the help they can get to become more productive and profitable. I am also particularly pleased to see that this programme also focuses on advancing women in agriculture," said MacLennan. C-Joy has also joined the Inclusive Business Model Investment Program of the Board of Investments (BoI) to improve the lives of 300 farmers, 30% of whom are women. Cargill has a strong chicken and pork farmer training programme in the Philippines. For the past 25 years, the company has worked closely with these farmers, educating them on best farming practices to increase their productivity and profitability. Last year, about 40,000 farmers benefitted from the programme. This year, this number is expected to increase to 70,000. - Cargill Toyota Motor Corp. engages in the manufacture and sale of motor vehicles and parts. It operates through the following segments: Automotive, Financial Services, and All Other. The Automotive segment designs, manufactures, assembles and sells passenger cars, minivans, trucks, and related vehicle parts and accessories. It is also involved in the development of intelligent transport systems. The Financial Services segment offers purchase or lease financing to Toyota vehicle dealers and customers. It also provides retail leasing through lease contracts purchase by dealers. The All Others segment deals with the design and manufacture and sale of housing, telecommunications and other businesses. The company was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda on August 28, 1937 and is headquartered in Toyota, Japan. Read More Cobb celebrates record broiler results in Russia In October this year, more than 130 participants representing 80% of Russia's poultry industry took part in the Cobb Russia Annual Technical Seminar at the Yakhont Hotel in the Moscow region. Seminar attendees came from all sectors of the poultry industry, including production and technical directors, veterinarians, hatchery and feed specialists of large agro-industrial enterprises, including the Cherkizovo Group, Belgrankorm, Agrocomplex, Akashevskaya, Chelny-Broiler, Sfera Group, AK Bars and Verkhne-Volzhskaya. "We invited all of the regional chicken producers and many significant groups attended," said Konstantin Tishenkov, general director of Cobb Russia. "It was a very well organised meeting with a great range of topics. Our entire Cobb Russia team put in an exceptional effort to make the seminar such a success." Presentations were made by Cobb Europe technical consultants Mark Foote, Paul Welten and Matthew Wilson. The panel was joined by Cobb Germany specialists, including chief veterinarian Stefan Muller-Molena, Ira Khamatshina, Galina Bukrineva, Lidia Malakheeva, as well as Cobb Russia technical managers and independent consultant Ron Meijerhof. "This seminar is a good opportunity for middle and upper management levels to become familiar with the industry's latest technological developments, as well as to meet and exchange ideas with each other," Tishenkov added. The final gala dinner honored customers who achieved record results for the Russian market. Jan Mascheck, director of Wimex Group, the largest European broiler hatching egg and day-old chick producer, said the sales growth of Cobb in the Russian market over the last few years reflects how producers across the world are benefiting from the Cobb500 broiler. Production costs are the key to profitability in such a competitive market, he said, and in areas of feed conversion, feed costs and meat yield, the Cobb500 appears to have a significant advantage. - Cobb Neovia acquires third largest premix company in Colombia Neovia has become the majority shareholder of Biomix, the third largest player in Colombia's premix market. The company's acquisition allows it to strengthen its positions on the global premix market and gain a significant market position in Latin America's fourth-largest economy. Neovia believes in the growth potential of the Colombian premix market and will progressively deploy its international brand of premix and services, Wisium, complementing Biomix's current offering, the company said. Founded in 1999, Biomix is mainly active in poultry. The company also offers solutions for other species, such as swine and ruminants. It has a FAMI-QS certified 2,500 m2 factory and a storage space, and employs nearly 80 people near Medellin, Colombia's second largest city, which is located 400km from the capital Bogota. Biomix has a portfolio of recognised brands, such as Toxibond and Biocalcio, and offers reference solutions against mycotoxins, as well as mineral supplements. With a population of 49 million and a steady growth over the past fifteen years, Colombia is positioning itself as a high-potential market. In 2017, GDP growth stood at 2.2% according to the IMF, placing it among the largest regional economies, behind Peru. Increasing standard of living combined with the country's political stability make Colombia a promising market. As such, the country is currently the fourth largest livestock feed market in Latin America, behind Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. The country is also the third largest poultry producer in Latin America with 774 million broiler chickens in 2017 and a 9% production increase in recent years. With close to 20 years of recognised expertise, Biomix has built-up a strong reputation with customers. The merger with Neovia will allow the company to expand its portfolio of products and solutions and gradually deploy Neovia's international premix and services brand, Wisium, which is already present in over fifty countries, including several major Latin American countries, like Mexico and Brazil. "...we are delighted with the Biomix-Neovia merger and, in particular, the growth potential this represents for our future products and solutions. This is a great opportunity for all Biomix employees who will benefit from Neovia's global innovation centre, know-how, and expertise," Carlos Saa, CEO of Biomix, said. "...the acquisition of Biomix materialises our desire to accelerate our development on high-growth potential markets and strengthens the historic global expertise of our premix and services business," said Eric de Seguins Pazzis, Neovia's chief marketing and business development officer. "The synergies identified in species expertise and innovation will enable us to develop new products and innovative solutions adapted to the needs of Colombian livestock farmers and boost export to neighbouring countries, such as Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. This major acquisition reinforces our leading premix and services positions in Latin America (Mexico and Brazil) and reflects our belief in the growth potential of the Colombian market." - Neovia NORRISTOWN A Norristown man admitted that he had sexual contact with an underage girl and now he awaits his fate from a judge. Ramon Young, 21, of the 1000 block of Willow Street, pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Court to a felony charge of statutory sexual assault in connection with incidents that occurred in Norristown in July 2017. With the guilty plea, Young admitted that he had sexual contact with a girl who was under 16 years old and at a time when he was four years older but less than eight years older than the girl. At the time of the incident, Young was 20 and the girl was 14, according to court documents. Judge Steven C. Tolliver deferred sentencing so that court officials can complete a background investigation report about Young, including drug, alcohol and mental health evaluations. The judge also ordered officials to conduct a house arrest suitability assessment for Young, according to court papers. Young, who remains free on bail pending sentencing, faces a possible maximum sentence of five to 10 years in prison on the charge. However, state sentencing guidelines could allow for a lesser sentence. As a condition of bail, Young is prohibited from having contact with the girl and her family. An investigation began on July 7, 2017, when the mother of the 14-year-old girl contacted Norristown police to report that her daughter was missing and that she suspected the girl was involved in a sexual relationship with an older man, according to the criminal complaint. On July 10, police made contact with Young and he subsequently led officers to a wooded area in the borough where the girl was found unharmed. During an interview by child social workers, the girl said she met Young when she was 12 and became his girlfriend when she was 13 years old. However, the girl allegedly told Young she was 17 years old, court papers indicate. Young told investigators he did not become aware of the girls actual age until June 2017 shortly before he left for his annual training with the Pennsylvania National Guard, according to the criminal complaint filed by former Norristown Detective Kathleen Kelly, who is now a county detective. Young told detectives that when he returned from training on June 30 he wanted to see the girl. Young went to the girls Swede Street home on July 4 and the pair talked about their relationship, court papers alleged. Young admitted that on July 4 he and the girl engaged in sexual activity even though he was aware she was 14 years old, according to the arrest affidavit. Young fled from the girls home via a fire escape on July 5 when the girls mother found him there, detectives alleged. Young told detectives that he and the girl walked to the National Guard Armory in Plymouth Township on July 6 where he retrieved his belongings including his Army-issued tent. Young then used the tent in the woods by Elwood Park so he and (the girl) could camp, Kelly alleged. The girl told detectives she left home and spent four nights with Young camping in the woods. Other charges of unlawful contact or communication with a minor, corruption of a minor and indecent assault of someone less than 16 years old are slated to be dismissed against Young at time of sentencing in exchange for his guilty plea to the most serious charge. Jews around the world are celebrating Hanukkah, a festival of lights, which begam at sundown Sunday. It was instituted to celebrate the liberation of ancient Israel from domination by the Syrian Seleucid empire, which sought to suppress the traditional Hebrew religion by law and violence. It is thus a celebration of religious freedom, as well as the triumph of light over darkness, of spirituality over materialism. These concepts are symbolized by the lighting of the traditional Menorah, the eating of special foods and giving gifts to children. The Syrian Seleucid emperor Antiochus III (ruled 221-186 BCE) established his rule over Israel after winning a war with Egypt. His policies were fairly tolerant of local religions, but when Antiochus IV began his reign in 174 BCE, things changed. After a small-scale rebellion in Israel, he responded with a vengeance, killing many Israelites and outlawing certain traditional religious practices, including circumcision. He favored a faction called Hellenized Jews, who sought to incorporate Greek concepts of beauty, art and culture into the Hebrew culture. As Syrian soldiers sought to enforce the new laws in smaller villages, they encountered resistance in the village of Modin, where the priest Mattityahu resisted their orders and ended up leading the villagers to kill the Syrians. He and his sons, led by Judah Maccabee, fled to the hills, where they conducted a guerrilla campaign against the Syrian overlords. After they won three battles against progressively larger Syrian armies, the Syrians retreated, leaving Israel to the Israelites. The Maccabees then sought to cleanse the temple the Syrians had desecrated. One of the rituals was to burn an oil light for eight days, but they found only one cruse of purified oil, enough for a single day, and it would take eight days to create a new supply of purified oil. According to custom, the light miraculously burned for eight days. This miracle is celebrated by the lighting of the branched Menorah, one additional light per day until all eight lights are burning. Foods cooked in oil, like potato pancakes and doughnuts, are eaten, and gifts of money Hanukkah gelt are given to children. The children play with the dreidl, a spinning top with a spiritual message. Concepts like freedom of religion evolve over time (and are generally accompanied by spirited debate as to whether this particular change is real progress). Freedom from having a government-established religion, for example, is of fairly recent origin, historically speaking, and still not practiced in much of Europe. But the idea that it is wrong to suppress religion and religious practices through violence and the force of law, as Hanukkah reminds us, is of relatively ancient and honorable origin, and has influenced those religions influenced by Judaism, mainly Christianity and Islam. It is spiritually and culturally healthy, not just for Jews but for all of us, to have that concept embedded in our way of life. Orange County Register for Digital First Media Dublin, Ireland The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, is a published poet who also writes his own speeches. How could it be otherwise in this most literary of cities? Dublin is home to a pantheon of great Irish writers, including four who won the Nobel Prize for Literature: William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney. For Ireland, that's a large number for a small republic of fewer than 5 million souls. On Thursday, President Higgins honored two more acclaimed writers, William Kennedy of Albany and Edna O'Brien, an Irish-born novelist who lives in London. They were among 10 recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, established six years ago to recognize significant contributions of members of the Irish diaspora. The president delivered a brilliant 15-minute oration on Irish identity and how it has endured despite the deep cultural disruption of a vast Irish diaspora in which millions fled the island due to famine, economic desperation and British rule. The large and successive waves of emigration in the 1800s were so great that by 1901 more Irish lived in the United States than in Ireland, Higgins said. "And yet we are a people bound together by a shared culture, a shared heritage and a shared consciousness of the past. We share a vision of Irishness that is based on compassion, solidarity, friendship and a spirit of generosity that travels beyond borders," he said. Army officers wearing white gloves greeted guests of the honorees at the regal presidential residence, Aras an Uachtarain. The 1751 mansion features exquisite mahogany paneling, corridors of white marble and bronze busts of past presidents aglow beneath enormous crystal chandeliers. It exuded the sweep of history. "These awards for the Irish out of Ireland have an elevated understanding of our fragile, shared humanity," Higgins said. The honorees included Sister Bridge Tighe, a Catholic nun who grew up in Ballindoon, County Sligo, and who has spent the past 20 years providing care and comfort for Palestinian refugees in Jordan and those marred by violence in the Gaza Strip. Sister Mary Killeen, of the Sisters of Mercy order, was born in Dublin and for four decades has provided health care for children and built five elementary schools in the sprawling Mukuru slum in Nairobi, Kenya. "All those nuns and me the poor pagan," Edna O'Brien told me with a throaty chuckle after the ceremony. "I told Michael D. he was trying to make an honest woman out of me. It truly was a wonderful list of people. It made me a bit embarrassed to be just a lowly writer. It reminded me it's very hard to keep the Irish down." Kennedy met Higgins afterward and described the vast numbers of Irish immigrants who settled in Albany, including his grandparents. Kennedy complimented the president's speech and inviting him to visit the New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany. "You're a poet, so you could come read your poetry," the Writers Institute's founder told him. "Or, you can just come as the president." We had dinner in the stunning Farmleigh House, a mid-18th century Georgian mansion once owned by the Guinness family. The Irish government bought it from a Guinness descendant in 1999. The sale included an extensive, two-story library with the Guinness family's collection of a few thousand rare books. Kennedy and I stood in stunned silence beneath 20-foot tall rows of bookshelves lined with collectible volumes. We posed beside a bronze bust of another Irish literary great, James Joyce. Farmleigh House is now used as the official Irish state guest house and has welcomed President Barack Obama, England's Queen Elizabeth and other world leaders. I wondered if they borrowed books from the library. We dined on home-cured Kenmare salmon and slow-cooked Tipperary beef fillet, braised brisket beignet, crispy quinoa, pickled wild mushroom and smoked-marrow bearnaise. I chose the red wine, a French pinot noir. Dessert was a caramel and apple mousse that we spooned while listening to a traditional Irish band. The sprawling formal dining room was decorated for Christmas, a winter wonderland of light and sparkle. I would have loved to hear Joyce's description of this magical evening. "We give these awards to remind us of our pride in Irish history, in all of its tragedy and triumph," Simon Coveney, minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, said during the dinner. "We gather to celebrate our Irishness. We're an amazing little country, you know. It's also a very un-Irish thing to do to say we're doing great things." That night, three generations of the Kennedy clan, 14 in all, gathered at the Merrion Hotel to celebrate their patriarch's latest honor. The next day, I went with Kennedy and his wife, Dana, to meet David Hanly, an Irish writer pal of Kennedy's, at O'Brien's Pub on Leeson Street. They met in 1973 in Dublin. Hanly is a raconteur, novelist and retired radio announcer for RTE. He became known as "the most famous voice in Ireland," for his gravelly tone and authoritative delivery. Heaney, who died in 2013, gave Hanly the first interview after he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1995. "I knew him as an old friend and suddenly he was Famous Seamus and fame became a bit of a burden for him," Hanly said. He and Kennedy swapped stories about writer friends and Hanly recalled the 1963 visit to Dublin by President John F. Kennedy, the first Irish-American U.S. president. Thousands lined the route of President Kennedy's motorcade, including Hanly, a youngster. "I remember his movie star tan. It impressed me because the Irish are so white," he said. "We absolutely loved him." On Saturday, Kennedy, his wife and I visited exhibits at the National Library on the life and work of two of Ireland's Nobel laureates, poets Yeats and Heaney. Kennedy knew Heaney, who visited the Writers Institute in 1985. Kennedy paused to read one of Heaney's earliest, and most famous poems, "Digging." It describes his father and grandfather cutting turf on a peat bog and digging potatoes in the rocky soil of Northern Ireland. It ends with these lines: Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "The cold smell of potato mould, the squelch and slap/ More Information Contact Paul Grondahl at grondahlpaul@gmail.com See More Collapse Of soggy peat, the curt cuts of an edge/ Through living roots awaken in my head./ But I've no spade to follow men like them./ Between my finger and my thumb/ The squat pen rests./ I'll dig with it." Kennedy said: "In Ireland you feel charged with intellectual energy, you feel it in the talk of the people, and in the daily life." His family got together for dinner on Saturday night at Bestsellers, a cafe where the walls were decorated with a photo of Beckett and a painting of Joyce. "That's Ireland," Kennedy said, "a rare, vivifying culture that gives writers equal time with movie actors." On the Sunday morning flight back to New York, I saw Kennedy scribbling notes on a legal pad and typing into his laptop while nearly everyone else around him slept. "I got some good hours in on a new novel," he told me, this most Irish of writers on the cusp of turning 91, charged by the intellectual energy of Dublin and the ghosts of his literary heroes. Paul Grondahl is the director of the New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany and a former Times Union reporter. He can be reached at grondahlpaul@gmail.com WASHINGTON - Former President George W. Bush was eulogizing his father with a perfect mix of serious and funny, remembering his bravery in combat and his dislike of broccoli, his patriotism and his lousy dancing. Then a burst of raw emotion rose up, and a grieving son nearly doubled over as he recalled "the blessings of knowing and loving you, a great and noble man, the best father a son or daughter could have." Former president George H.W. Bush was remembered Wednesday as a steadfast leader in tumultuous times and a decent and humble husband, father and friend during a soaring and deeply personal state funeral at Washington National Cathedral. "When George Bush was president of the United States of America, every single head of government in the world knew that they were dealing with a gentleman," said former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, addressing President Donald Trump, the four other living ex-presidents and 3,000 guests on a rare day of magisterial ceremony in the nation's capital. George W. Bush's tribute was the emotional high point, and the cathedral filled with sustained applause as he passed his father's flag-wrapped casket, resting on a bier that once held the remains of Abraham Lincoln, returned to his seat and wiped away tears. The themes he highlighted - of service over self, cooperation over partisanship, family and country over political tribe - also suffused the tributes from the late president's friends, who addressed a crowd of U.S. and world leaders all struggling through an era of crippling political partisanship. Former senator Alan Simpson recalled Bush's 1990 decision to raise taxes after his famous presidential campaign slogan, "Read my lips: No new taxes," a move that contributed to his bitter defeat in 1992 and ushered in the rise of a more revolutionary Republican Party. "He often said, 'When the really tough choices come, it's the country, not me. It's not about Democrats or Republicans, it's for our country that I fought for,' " Simpson said. "He was a man of such great humility. Those who travel the high road of humility in Washington, District of Columbia, are not bothered by heavy traffic." The crowd loved that one. "You would have wanted him on your side," Simpson said. "He never hated anyone. He knew what his mother and my mother always knew: Hatred corrodes the container it's carried in. The most decent and honorable man I ever met was my friend George Bush." Bush's death last week at age 94 coincides with the end of the fiscally conservative and socially moderate Republican Party that his family had come to embody. The "kinder, gentler" party Bush promised has now been subsumed by Trump's party of nationalist anger and anti-establishment disruption. But on Wednesday, in Washington's grand stone cathedral, the day belonged to tradition and bipartisanship - to the establishment. The Bushes, like the Kennedys on the left, are U.S. political aristocracy, families whose names connote tradition, public service and a recognized set of values - which are now largely under fire. The day was American high ceremony in all its finery, with flags snapping in the cold wind, crisp military uniforms and flowing religious garments, cannon fire and soaring choirs, a 21-gun salute, tolling church bells and motorcades. The cathedral's rows of wooden seats suddenly became the setting for portraits capturing a rare moment in U.S. history. In the front row: Trump and former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, along with their wives. In the second row, Vice President Mike Pence and his predecessors Dan Quayle, Richard Cheney, Joseph Biden, accompanied by their wives, and Al Gore. Trump and the Bush family had agreed to an informal truce in the feud that has dominated their relations, at least for this week, to allow the family and the nation to mourn the passing of the 41st president without toxic partisanship. But the tension was still blindingly obvious. When Trump and first lady Melania Trump entered the church, they exchanged brief handshakes with the Obamas, who were seated next to them, as dictated by protocol. Melania Trump shook hands with Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton gave her a smile. But the president made no effort to greet the Clintons. Bill Clinton looked in Trump's direction briefly, as if willing to shake hands. But Hillary Clinton stared straight ahead and never glanced at the man who defeated her for the White House. Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas, the court's most conservative member, appointed by George H.W. Bush, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the court's liberal lion, sat side by side. Ivanka Trump sat next to Chelsea Clinton. Dozens of congressional leaders from both parties sat close by members of the Trump administration. Establishment figures facing their own populist revolts came from around the world to salute Bush. Prince Charles of Britain paid his respects, while his government at home was debating its nasty Brexit divorce from Europe. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was there, too, representing a solidly centrist German establishment that has also been buffeted by furious nationalism. Other guests seemed lifted from the pages of Bush's resume: representatives from Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, all deeply affected by the 1991 Gulf War, were there. So was King Abdullah II of Jordan, a staunch U.S. ally whose father, King Hussein, while a longtime CIA asset, was publicly skeptical of Bush's coalition efforts against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Former Polish president Lech Walesa joined the mourners, as both a Bush contemporary in power and a symbol of the post-Soviet order that Bush helped nurture during his presidency from 1988 to 1992. Wednesday's readings began with the younger generation of the Bush family as three granddaughters, Lauren Bush Lauren, Ashley Walker Bush and Jenna Bush Hager, delivered gospel readings from the ornate stone pulpit. Historian and Bush biographer Jon Meacham, who also gave a eulogy at Barbara Bush's funeral in April, lightened the mood when he recalled the former president's difficulties with the English language, including his observation before the 1988 election that "it's no exaggeration to say that the undecideds could go one way or the other." He also noted that an eager candidate Bush once accidentally shook the hand of a department store mannequin in New Hampshire. When he realized his mistake, Meacham said, he exclaimed: "Never know. Gotta ask." Bush had the perfect establishment resume: son of a U.S. senator, Phillips Academy, U.S. Navy fighter pilot, Yale University, ambassador to the United Nations, envoy to China, U.S. congressman, CIA director, vice president and president of the United States. He was as elite as an ascot, but his struggles with spoken English boosted the career of Saturday Night Live comic and Bush impersonator Dana Carvey - who later became a friend of Bush. Meacham said Carvey joked that Bush's speaking voice was "Mr. Rogers trying to be John Wayne." But Meacham said that while Bush's tongue might have "run amok," "his heart was steadfast." "Abraham Lincoln's 'better angels of our nature' and George H.W. Bush's 'thousand points of light' are companion verses in America's national hymn," Meacham said. "For Lincoln and Bush both called on us to choose the right over the convenient, to hope rather than to fear, to heed not our worst impulses but our best instincts." Bush flew 58 combat missions in World War II and sky-dived to celebrate his 75th, 80th, 85th and 90th birthdays. Yet he lived longer than any other president: 94 years and just over five months. Jimmy Carter is second at 94 years and two months. Addressing the crowd, Meacham described an incident when Bush, the last U.S. president to serve in World War II, was piloting a fighter jet that crashed into the Pacific in 1944, killing his two crewmen. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "Why him? Why was he spared?" Meacham said. "The workings of providence are mysterious, but this much is clear: The George Herbert Walker Bush who survived that fiery fall into the waters of the Pacific three quarters of a century ago made our lives, and the lives of nations, freer, better, warmer and nobler. "That was his mission. That was his heartbeat," Meacham said. "And if we listen closely enough, we can hear that heartbeat even now, for it's the heartbeat of a lion - a lion who not only led us, but who loved us. "That's why him. That's why he was spared." - - - The Washington Post's John Wagner, Felicia Sonmez and Patricia Sullivan contributed to this report. --- Video Embed Code Video: Memorable moments from George H.W. Bush's D.C. funeral. Dignitaries, politicians and family gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on Dec. 5, to say goodbye to former president George H.W. Bush. Embed: --- Video Embed Code Video: During his eulogy on Dec. 5, historian Jon Meacham shared how former president George H.W. Bush's plane crash during WWII shaped the rest of his life.(The Washington Post) Embed code: Video: As former president George W. Bush arrived Dec. 5 at his father's memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral, he appeared to hand former first lady Michelle Obama a mint, which he also did at the September funeral for the late senator John McCain.(The Washington Post) Embed code: Video: Former president George W. Bush became emotional during his eulogy for his father, former president George H.W. Bush, on Dec. 5.(The Washington Post) Embed code: Video: Dignitaries, politicians and family gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on Dec. 5, to say goodbye to former president George H.W. Bush.(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) Embed code: ALBANY Like Hillary Clinton before her, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has published a children's book about powerful women. The Albany native, who succeeded Clinton as New York's junior senator in 2009, will visit the University at Albany on Friday to discuss Bold and Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote. Illustrated by award-winning artist Maira Kalman, the picture book spotlights 1o inspiring women at the center of the suffrage movement and offers a kid-friendly overview of feminist history from the ratification of the 19th Amendment to today. The book offers plenty of lore about New York, the birthplace of the suffragist movement. Gillibrand opens with stories about the civilly engaged matriarchs in her own family, like her grandmother Dorothea "Polly" Noonan, a well-known figure in Albany and state politics, who used to "roller skate down the long, marble halls of the New York State Capitol where she worked." The senator said she hopes the book will spark a conversation between children and their parents. "I want young readers to think about their own families," Gillibrand said Wednesday. "I think every family has their own heroes and role models, and I think that this book will provoke conversations." The book was released by Random House Children's Book in November, ahead of next year's 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the constitutional right to vote. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Gillibrand said she was approached by the publishing company around the time she was pushing for a Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission, which works with state and local officials to educate the public on the historic event. Gillibrand's bill passed both houses and was signed by President Donald J. Trump. A former corporate attorney, Gillibrand has served in Congress for more than a decade. Before she was elected to the Senate, she served one term as congresswoman for New York's 20th district. Gillibrand has gained attention for her advocacy on women's issues, including sexual violence on college campuses and in the military. Widely seen as a presidential contender in 2020, Gillibrand recently acknowledged that she has given the prospect some thought, saying she felt a "moral" calling to do something to address the hate and division in politics. "I really need to think about it, and pray on it, and weigh that call," Gillibrand said. The question-and-answer session with Gillibrand is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the university's Page Hall Downtown Campus. SCHENECTADY Timothy Morris was in the Schenectady County jail on reckless endangerment and weapon possession charges. Tarchand Lall, a fellow inmate being held on a murder-for-hire charge, offered to pay his bail. But there was a catch: Once free, Morris needed to find a man who worked for Lall, a contractor. And he needed to give the man a lethal dose of heroin. And that was the story Morris, now a key witness for the prosecution, told jurors Tuesday at Lall's first-degree murder trial in County Court. "I was surprised," Morris, 23, told Assistant District Attorney Peter Willis. "After what he told me he was accused of, it kind of shocked me that he would ask me basically to do the same thing." Lall, 54, of Schenectady, a Guyanese immigrant, is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, weapons possession, life settlement fraud and criminal solicitation. If convicted of the top charge, he faces life in prison without parole. Prosecutors say Lall hired two hitmen from Delaware to carry out the murder of Charles "Chuck" Dembrosky, 49, who was shot in the neck outside his Campbell Avenue home on the morning of Nov. 19, 2016. Willis and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Assini say Lall marked Dembrosky, his former employee, for death in order to collect $150,000 in life insurance money. Dembrosky had allowed Lall to take a policy out on him. Lall also had an insurance policy on the life of the man he allegedly targeted for the overdose . Morris said in July 2017, during a recreation period at the jail, he and Lall spoke through a fence. Morris said his family had been willing to put up houses and cars and extra money to help bail him out. Lall offered a more macabre way, he said. "He asked me to find out how much my bail would be and depending on how much it was, he was willing to help me out in return for help from me," Morris, clad in an orange jump suit from the Fulton County jail, testified. Morris said Lall wanted him to contact Chad Raymond, a friend of Dembrosky and a person Lall believed to be cooperating against Lall in his murder-for-hire case. "He informed me that (Raymond) was a drug addict," Morris told Willis. "He wanted me to give them a bad dose of heroin to hopefully force them to overdose so they wouldn't show up to court." Morris said Lall gave him a description of the man and said he could be found on Brandywine Avenue in Schenectady next to a mosque. He said Lall told him he could show up on behalf of Lall and say he was there to do construction work on houses. Morris said he led Lall to believe he was willing to kill the man so he could get bailed out. "Did you ever have any intention of following through?" the prosecutor asked. "No," Morris replied. Morris said Lall asked him if he knew how to get heroin. Morris said he told Lall that having grown up in Schenectady, a "drug infested area," he could find the drug. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Morris said he did not approach Schenectady County prosecutors with the information but instead gave the information through his attorney, Sven Paul. During her cross-examination, Lall's attorney, Cheryl Coleman, grilled Morris over his cooperation deal with prosecutors. Morris faces no more than nine years in prison forthe reckless endangerment and weapon charge - as well nine concurrent years on a burglary charge. Coleman revealed that Morris's gun charge originated in July 2017 as an attempted aggravated assault of a police officer. She suggested Morris shot at an officer during a chase. Colemen told Morris he could have faced up to 25 years in prison. Coleman also said that when he was arrested, he had drugs on him. He said he did not. "You were charged with having drugs on you," Coleman reminded Morris. "I was," Morris answered. "So the police planted those?" Coleman fired back, incredulously. Willis objected. Judge Matthew Sypniewski sustained the objection. In May, a jury convicted the hitmen Lall is accused of hiring - Joevany "Moon" Luna, 43, and Kyshaan Moore, 28, both of Wilmington, Del. - of the murder of Dembrosky. The trial continues Wednesday. ALBANY A motorcyclist who crashed his bike in Berne, killing a woman, pleaded guilty Wednesday to vehicular manslaughter, according to the Albany County District Attorney's office. In return for his plea to the felony, Alex Hamilton, 23, will be sentenced to one to three years in state prison for the Sept. 2 crash that killed Leanna Rose Prudhomme, 23, Hamilton's passenger. "She had her whole life ahead of her," Lurina Zelvian said of her sister, a local sheet metal worker. "She was taken too soon." She faulted the sentence Hamilton received, saying state law should be changed to allow stiffer penalties. "He's not getting enough jail time," she said. Deputies said the motorcycle was eastbound late that night on Route 403 when it left the road and struck a utility pole, throwing both Hamilton and Prudhomme. Deputies found Prudhomme lying in the road and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Hamilton, of Hannacroix, was found lying next to the motorcycle. He was treated at Albany Medical Center Hospital for internal injuries, deputies said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Hamilton smelled of alcohol and several beer cans were found in the motorcycle's saddlebags and around the accident scene, officials said. The investigation also revealed the two had just left a bar in Greenville. Hamilton remains out on bail and will be sentenced Feb. 4. He will be subject to a minimum six-month license revocation subject to the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the installation of an ignition interlock device for three years upon release, prosecutors said. BERNE - A deer that was shot and loaded into a pickup truck ended up spoiling a prize for two hunters - and led to a heap more unexpected trouble. It happened like this, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation: The two hunters were riding on Bradt Hollow Road in Berne on Thanksgiving Day when they opened fire on the animal that crossed their path. They put the fallen buck a 4-pointer into the truck bed without gutting it and drove off. But about a mile down the road, the animal regained consciousness, jumped out of the pickup and bolted. In the meantime, a witness had called Albany County sheriff's deputies after reporting that the men had shot the deer from the driver's side window of the truck. A DEC environmental conservation officer, Brian Canzeri, also responded. The hunters - both from Fort Ann and identified as Augustus Stevens Jr, 31, and Nathan Arno, 25 - ended up being the quarry themselves: After they'd turned around to look for the runaway animal they were stopped by deputies as they tried to flee. There was blood on the tailgate, rear bumper and floor mats. The wounded buck was eventually found and put down. Two days later, the investigation turned up three deer carcasses in the area linked to the two men. Officers seized two rifles and spotlights from the hunters. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Both had suspended driver's licenses. Stevens had a warrant pending from Fort Edwards. Arno had prior hunting violations in Washington County and an order of protection barring him from having firearms. The DEC said they were ticketed for taking big game deer with the aid of a light, shooting within 500 feet of a dwelling, discharging from a public road, having a loaded gun in a motor vehicle and taking a deer from a motor vehicle. Sheriff Craig Apple said reports of illegal hunting in the southern part of the county have subsided. "We don't get too much of it," he said. "Periodically, we'll get people who come up here to jack deer but it really has subsided over the past few years." ALBANY - Former Suffolk County state Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci is being accused of sexually assaulting his chief of staff during an overnight visit to Albany last year. The allegation from Brian Finnegan was detailed in a lawsuit filed Tuesday against his former boss in state Supreme Court in Suffolk County. Lupinacci was elected Huntington town supervisor in November 2017, and resigned his Assembly seat upon assuming the new position in January. The lawsuit describes a visit to Albany in December 2017 for government purposes, which included a dinner at Cafe Capriccio and visits to local bars later in the evening. Lupinacci is described as drinking heavily during the night starting at 5 p.m. in the Assembly office and forcing Finnegan to consume alcohol, before retiring to their shared room at the Renaissance Albany Hotel after midnight. "There, this predator, was able to take advantage of me, and perform forcible, non-consensual and unwanted sexual acts on me in the middle of the night while I was sleeping," Finnegan said at a news conference. The lawsuit describes Finnegan waking up around 2:30 a.m. to find Lupinacci kneeling by the side of his bed. Finnegan said he realized his underwear and genitalia were "out of place." When asked what was happening, Lupinacci went back to his bed, the lawsuit claims. A few minutes later, the lawsuit alleges Lupinacci again approached Finnegan's bed, prompting a confrontation. Finnegan got up from the bed and pushed Lupinacci away, saying, "You've been touching me in my sleep and I'm not going to take it anymore." Finnegan spent the rest of the night in the lobby of another hotel and never returned to work, submitting a resignation letter a few days later. In addition to the incident in the hotel room, Finnegan also claimed Lupinacci would regularly ask him intimate questions, such as information about women he was seeing romantically. He said Lupinacci repeatedly made it clear that these types of questions made him uncomfortable. "He explicitly told me that I could not separate my personal life from my professional life, and I was required to disclose personal information about myself and my family to him," Finnegan said. "I always wondered why he needed to know, and now the answer seems obvious: This was a repeated pattern of abuse that ended in sexual abuse." Lupinacci's attorney, Brian Griffin, said in a statement that the allegations are "unequivocally false and completely without merit." He accused Finnegan of seeking an "unjust and unwarranted financial payday." Griffin said Lupinacci will "vigorously defend himself against these false allegations." Finnegan held a press conference this week with his family by his side. His attorney, Arthur L. Aidala, said Finnegan is looking for acknowledgement of what took place. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "The financial aspect is just the only relief that a court can provide," Aidala added. "What [Finnegan] would like the court to do, which is impossible, is turn back the hands of times so this never happened." He noted that negotiations have been ongoing with Lupinacci's attorney since last year to reach a settlement outside of the court system. When asked about the decision not to bring criminal charges, Aidala said they thought "long and hard" about that option, but felt it was outside his client's comfort zone. "I don't have an exact reason why we didn't go criminal," he said. The Capitol has repeatedly had to deal with allegations of sexual misconduct against state legislators in recent years. Marc Panepinto, a former state senator from the Buffalo area, pleaded guilty to sexual harassment in July to settle charges that he made a sexual advance toward a staffer in a hotel room and then offered her a job and money to cover up the incident. In November 2017, then-Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin was sanctioned for his actions related to a June 2016 incident in which a female Assembly aide accused him of asking her to provide him a nude photo. McLaughlin denied the incident. David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87 T.J. Miller, the stand-up comedian and actor whose career was rocked by allegations he abused an ex-girlfriend and made up a bomb threat after arguing with another woman, will perform this weekend in Albany. Miller has four shows scheduled for Dec. 7 and 8 at the Funny Bone in Crossgates Mall. Tickets are $25. TROY The citys Public Safety Committee voted 2-1 Tuesday night after an emotional three-hour meeting to declare the Collar City a Sanctuary City, sending the resolution to the full City Council for action Thursday night. The resolution that codifies city policy for the Troy Police Department not to ask people about their immigration status received an emotional boost at the beginning of the meeting when Dalila Yeend, 35, spoke in favor of its passage. Yeend, who was born in Australia and immigrated to the United State from New Zealand when she was 17, was arrested May 29 during a traffic stop by city police for not having a valid drivers license. Yeend was released on her own recognizance by a judge, but city police detained her until U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took her into custody. I just hope that if this passes, it will help a lot of people, said Yeend, who was held at the ICE detention center in Batavia until she was released. The mother of two American-born children, Yeend has applied for a green card to stay in the U.S. legally. More than 125 people attended the meeting with 46 city residents speaking for or against the measure. Yeend, whose arrest by immigration agents helped rally supporters of the resolution, followed Rensselaer County Executive Stephen McLaughlin who spoke in opposition to its passage. Rensselaer County is going to stay strong and obey federal laws, McLaughlin promised. This is an ill-advised resolution that does nothing, said McLaughlin adding that its a disservice to the law enforcement performed by city police. The Troy Police Benevolent Association leadership opposed the measure as not taking into account that the citys officers do not ask people their immigration status. Police said Yeend was detained after an immigration order came up during a warrant check. The committee vote was along party lines with Democratic Councilman David Bissember, the committee chairman, and Councilwoman Coleen Murtaugh Paratore voting for the resolution and Republican Councilman Mark McGrath voting in favor. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. At points during the meeting, Republicans argued that the Democratic-controlled City Council should not vote on the resolution but instead it should be submitted to a public referendum next year. The Democrats hold a 4-3 council majority. The Republicans have launched the referendum alternative when confronting issues that the Democrats have the majority to pass. McGrath read part of a letter from Democratic Mayor Patrick Madden that suggested the council consult with city law enforcement leaders before taking action on the resolution. Bissember said the resolution would go to the City Council to act on at its meeting Thursday night. The resolution directs that city police and other employees will not ask about the immigration status of individuals being provided local government services, except where the receipt of such services or benefits are contingent upon ones immigration or citizenship. It also directs several times that police officers will not act as immigration agents; ask any individual about their immigration status except if required during an investigation; and officers will not enforce civil immigration warrants. The resolution follows unsuccessful attempts by supporters of undocumented immigrants at the County Legislature earlier this year to convince county officials not to support the Rensselaer County Sheriffs Offices Section 287(g) agreement with ICE to check the immigration status of people held at the county jail. [December 04, 2018] American Campus Communities Commences Construction on ACE-Funded Holloway Student Housing Apartment Community at San Francisco State University American Campus Communities (NYSE: ACC), the nation's largest owner, manager and developer of high-quality student housing has commenced construction of a new on-campus student housing development in a public-private partnership with San Francisco State University (SF State). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181204006155/en/ Representatives from SF State, American Campus Communities, and the project team celebrate the commencement of construction of the university's newest on-campus student housing. (Photo: Business Wire) San Francisco State University is a public research university that serves nearly 30,000 students and is part of the California State University System. This student housing project marks the first equity-financed public-private partnership for the California State University System. With a waitlist of more than 2,000 students wanting to live on the SFSU campus, the partnership will allow for a state-of-the-art solution to the need for updated student housing at affordable price points in the market. The project is the result of a development collaboration with Pacific Union Development Company (PUDC) and RLR Ventures (RLR), who have been working with SF State on the Holloway Avenue revitalization project since 2014. "This public-private partnership with American Campus Communities and Pacific Union Development Company will help us meet the demand for modern, on-campus student housing," said Jason Porth, SF State's vice president for University Enterprises. "It has also created an exciting opportunity to contribute to the revitalization of Holloway Avenue." Upon completion in 2020, the project will be located on the southeast edge of the SF State campus, serving as a hub of student life activity and pedestrian connection between the University and its surrounding community. The 584-bed, mixed-use community will feature fully furnished apartment-style units with private and shared accommodations. Residents will have access to nearly 14,000 square feet of modern amenity space, including social and recreational lounges, and an Academic Success Center. Additionally, the community will include nearly 15,000 square feet of on-site retail. The development is designed sustainably and will pursue a LEED Gold certification. "We're excited to kick off our partnership with the California State University System," said Jamie Wilhelm, ACC executive vice president/public-private transactions. "We look forward to delivering modern, purpose-built student housing and we're very proud of the work that PUDC and RLR have done in helping SF State meet its needs through a unique partnership model." The new facility adds o the University's ongoing revitalization of Holloway Avenue, which is emerging as a vibrant campus gateway. In addition to the student housing community, the corridor includes the university's first new academic building in over two decades-the Liberal & Creative Arts Building. The four-story, 76,000 square foot building will house SF State's Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts program, administrative offices, television studios, a newsroom, radio station and interdisciplinary lecture and active learning classrooms. It, too, will be open for the Fall 2020 semester. "This project is designed to support the academic success and social interaction of SFSU students and provide vibrant retail and gathering space for the University and the surrounding community," said Joel Roos, PUDC Principal, vice president of development. "We are enormously proud to play a role in the University's vision for unmatched student living as a key component of the Holloway Avenue neighborhood vision," said Ross Robb, RLR Ventures president. The transaction was structured under the American Campus Equity (ACE) program, which gives universities the opportunity to expand and modernize their student housing offerings without the use of university financial resources. Under the ACE program, ACC delivers high-quality student housing at lower development costs and operating expenses as well as affordable rents to residents, without the use of taxpayer or university funds, which allows universities to dedicate their capital to educational and research facilities. About American Campus Communities American Campus Communities, Inc. is the largest owner, manager and developer of high-quality student housing communities in the United States. The company is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered equity real estate investment trust (REIT) with expertise in the design, finance, development, construction management and operational management of student housing properties. As of September 30, 2018, American Campus Communities owned 168 student housing properties containing approximately 103,500 beds. Including its owned and third-party managed properties, ACC's total managed portfolio consisted of 202 properties with approximately 131,900 beds. Visit www.americancampus.com. About Pacific Union Development Company Pacific Union Development Company is a privately-held real estate development, investment and property management firm located in San Francisco. Founded in 1975, PUDC has distinguished itself as a leader in the development and management of large-scale commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties throughout the Bay Area. The firm's broad portfolio of projects includes multi-family, student housing, mixed-use, senior housing, affordable housing, retail, hotels, museums, schools, parking facilities, medical office buildings, subdivisions, and single-family homes. For more information on PUDC, please visit www.pudco.com. About RLR Ventures RLR Ventures, LLC is a Tempe, Arizona based development and advisory firm specializing in structuring public-private transactions for colleges and universities, K-12 school districts and municipalities. About San Francisco State University San Francisco State University is a doctoral public university serving students from the San Francisco Bay Area, across California and beyond, with nationally acclaimed programs that span a broad range of disciplines. Nearly 30,000 students enroll at the University each year, and its more than 253,000 graduates have contributed to the economic, cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond. Through them - and more than 1,700 world-class faculty members - SF State proudly embraces its legacy of academic excellence, community engagement and commitment to social justice. For more information, visit sfsu.edu. Forward-Looking Statements In addition to historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements under the applicable federal securities law. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions regarding markets in which American Campus Communities, Inc. (the "Company") operates, operational strategies, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. For discussions of some risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 under the heading "Risk Factors" and under the heading "Business - Forward-looking Statements" and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, including our expected 2018 operating results, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181204006155/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] UCLA Student Brutally Stabbed By Classmate Headed to Trial Following 'Reasonable Person Standard of Care' Determination By Court of Appeal Katherine Rosen, a UCLA pre-med student brutally stabbed by a classmate with mental illness, will finally have her case heard by a jury following a unanimous decision by the Second District Court of Appeal determining the university and its employees have a duty to act with a reasonable person standard of care to protect students from foreseeable acts of violence during curricular activities. The unanimous decision also concluded that triable issues of fact exist as to whether UCLA breached their duty of care to Ms. Rosen resulting in her 2009 attack by Damon Thompson. "The appellate court's decision reinforces Judge Rosenberg's original determination and what we've believed all along: UCLA and colleges throughout California have a duty to protect their students from known risks while on campus," said Brian Panish, attorney for Ms. Rosen. "The violent and brutal actions of Ms. Rosen's attacker were foreseeable and reasonable care should have been taken by UCLA to ensure not only her safety, but the safety of all of its students. The university failed Ms. Rosen and we're looking forward to holding UCLA accountable for its inaction." Brian Panish, Deborah Chang and Patrick Gunning of Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have represented Ms. Rosen throughout eight years of litigation against UCLA, beginning in 2010 in the Los Angeles County Superior Court before Judge Gerald Rosenberg and all the way to the California Supreme Court where a March 2018 decision determined public universities and colleges in California owe a duty of care to their students to protect them from foreseeable acts of violence by fellow students -- reversing a previous decision by the Second District Court of Appeal which sided with UCLA in concluding that the university did not have a duty to protect Ms. Rosen and dismissed her lawsuit. Attorney Alan Charles Dell' (News - Alert)Ario also represented Ms. Rosen in her appeal, including arguing the cases before both the California Court of Appeal and California Supreme Court. The state Supreme Court remanded the case to the appellate court to resolve disputed issues of material fact that the majoriy did not address in their original opinion, including whether there was a triable issue of fact as to whether UCLA breached its duty of care to Ms. Rosen and whether the university and its employees were statutorily immune from a lawsuit as a result. Prior to Ms. Rosen's 2009 attack, different departments and personnel at UCLA had documented numerous red flags about her assailant relating to erratic, violent behavior as a result of schizophrenia. He'd made numerous threats against students, including Ms. Rosen, and despite these multiple red flags, UCLA failed to perform any type of threat assessment pursuant to its own policies and procedures. In 2010, Ms. Rosen filed a negligence action against the Regents of the University of California and several UCLA employees, alleging that defendants had breached their duty of care by failing to adopt reasonable measures that would have protected her from her attacker's foreseeable violent conduct. The Defendants brought a motion for summary judgment, which was denied by the trial court in 2014. On appeal, two of the three justices concluded in October 2015 that a public university has no general duty to protect its students from the criminal acts of other students. Attorneys for Ms. Rosen immediately petitioned the California Supreme Court for review of the Court of Appeal's decision and the decision was reversed, holding that colleges and universities have a "duty to use reasonable care to protect their students from foreseeable acts of violence in the classroom of during curricular activities." A status conference has been set in Los Angeles County Superior Court for Monday, May 13, 2019. Katherine Rosen v. The Regents of the University of California, et al Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Case No. SC108504 The Regents of the University of California v. Superior Court of California Court of Appeal of the State of California, Second Appellate District, Division Seven Case No. B259424 ABOUT PANISH SHEA & BOYLE LLP Panish Shea & Boyle LLP represents plaintiffs in wrongful death, catastrophic personal injury, product liability, mass torts, and business litigation cases. Firm attorneys are repeatedly recognized for their excellence by other trial attorneys, legal organizations and publications nationwide and have dedicated themselves to obtaining justice for clients who are often dealing with a life-altering injury, death of a family member or other challenges caused by the wrongful act of another. With this mission at the heart of its work, the firm has a proven track record of obtaining significant, and often record-breaking verdicts including a $160.5 million verdict for a man who suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a vicious beating by security personnel for a nightclub, a $53.7 million verdict for two brothers severely injured following a head-on collision with a CRST big-rig, and a $41.8 million verdict and subsequent $46 million settlement for a U.S. Air Force Captain catastrophically injured after being struck on his motorcycle by a SoCal Gas truck. The firm is consistently ranked among the best plaintiff's law firms in the country, including by U.S. News & World Report, where it has been recognized as a Tier One law firm in the areas of Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation, Plaintiffs Product Liability Litigation and Plaintiffs Mass Tort/Class Actions, as well as by the National Law Journal which has named the firm in its list of Elite Trial Lawyers. psblaw.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181204006219/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] WISeKey and Saudi Advanced Technologies "SAT" (a company of E.A. Juffali & Brothers) to establish a Joint Venture to expand cybersecurity and IoT offerings in the Middle East WISeKey and Saudi Advanced Technologies "SAT" (a company of E.A. Juffali & Brothers) to establish a Joint Venture to expand cybersecurity and IoT offerings in the Middle East WISeKey signs a Memorandum of Understanding with SAT to establish WISeKey Arabia, a Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia in the form of a Limited Liability Company, according to the Saudi Foreign Investment Laws and Regulations ZUG, Switzerland & GENEVA & Saudi Arabia - WISeKey International Holding ("WISeKey", SIX: WIHN), a leading cybersecurity company and Saudi Advanced Technologies "SAT", a wholly owned company of E.A Juffali & Brothers, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming to establish WISeKey Arabia, a joint venture in the form of a Limited Liability Company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As per the MoU, WISeKey and SAT will join forces to implement a strategy for the development of cybersecurity and IoT market in Saudi Arabia, with the objective of expanding WISeKey's presence in the Middle East. WISeKey and SAT share the common objective of studying the potential establishment of the WISeKey Arabia as one of the country's leading providers of cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain services for the growing Middle East market. The overarching objective of the new company is to establish a market foothold with credible in-country leaders to maximize near-term revenue, while at the same time create significant market opportunities in sectors such as: retail, financial transaction, automotive, smart cities, consumer products, healthcare, smart cards, industrial, transportation, and IT infrastructure. WISeKey's global expansion strategy has been focused on the development of joint ventures with strategic partners on a national level. Through the strategic partnership with SAT, WISeKey will be deploying its cybersecurity services and IoT infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in other high growth economies in the Middle East, which provides substantial opportunities for WISeKey to expand its presence and offerings to local organizations. The Kingdom's IoT and M2M Communication market, currently encompasses 65% of the cybersecurity and IoT market of the Gulf region, is estimated to reach $16 billion in 2019 (from ~$4.9 billion in 2014) and is expected to continue its fast growth over the next decade supported by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic reform plan, the Kingdom's vision for the future. As per the Vision 2030 economic reform plan, sophisticated digital infrastructure is integral to Kingdom's advanced industrial activities, attracts investors and enhances the competitiveness of the economy. For this reason, the government will partner with the private sector (including telecom operators) and it will support local investments to further develop telecommunications and information technology sectors which will ultimately lead the development of a sophisticated digital eonomy. Improving the quality and expanding the coverage of high speed broadband to 90 percent of housing in densely populated cities and 66 percent in other urban zones remains a high priority of this plan. WISeKey's strategy to enter new regions via long-lasting relationships with a strategic partner, brings a stream of high profile clients that are in high demand for cybersecurity solutions, such as digital identity and privacy, secure mobile communication, secure cloud computing, IoT, secure semi-conductors, Blockchain and other innovative technologies offered by WISeKey. The joint venture will benefit from the previous MoU signed with SAT in 2018 to expand WISeKey's current operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, having as a goal the expansion into other Middle Eastern countries. Through its alliance with SAT, WISeKey has explored and secured additional synergies with leading companies in the region whose values and product portfolio align well with its mission to provide state-of-the-art technology and cybersecurity services, using a highly secure data center located in the region. WISeKey, in cooperation with SAT is currently developing a Root of Trust (RoT) and a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including a globally trusted Certification Authority within a security strategy framework. PKI provides the necessary security (encrypted and digital signatures) for electronic transactions. WISeKey already secures many banks in the Gulf region, including the National Bank of Kuwait and regional Middle East branch offices by providing S/MIME digital certificates for secure e-mail to more than 200 savings banks. Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey International Holding, said: "The opportunity for WISeKey Arabia joint venture is unequaled in the market. WISeKey is the only company in the world that delivers a vertical cybersecurity service platform from Root of Trust to Chip. The joint venture, will deliver an end-to-end solution to the Juffali ecosystem of companies across the country. I am very much looking forward to collaborating with Khaled Juffali, the Chairman of E.A. Juffali & Brothers, and I am confident that we will continue to experience significant technological accomplishments in the region." About E. A Juffali & Brothers. Juffali group E. A. Juffali & Brothers was established in 1946. Over the last seven decades, Juffali has been a key contributor for Saudi Arabia's modern economy, setting up the electric power supply and telecommunications to some of Saudi Arabia's major cities, during the initial development of the Kingdom. Over the years Juffali has, developed partnerships with world-leading companies across many sectors. About WISeKey: WISeKey (SIX Swiss Exchange: WIHN) is a leading global cybersecurity company currently deploying a Virtual Platform large scale digital identity ecosystem. WISeKey's Swiss based cryptographic Root of Trust ("RoT") and IoT Microchips provide secure authentication and identification, in both physical and virtual environments, for the Internet of Things, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. The WISeKey RoT serves as a common trust anchor to ensure the integrity of online transactions among objects and between objects and people. For more information, visit www.wisekey.com. To receive WISeKey's latest news visit the WISeKey Investors Corner. Press and investor contacts: WISeKey International Holding Ltd Company Contact: Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO Tel: +41 22 594 3000 [email protected] WISeKey Investor Relations (US) Contact: Lena Cati The Equity Group Inc. Tel: +1 212 836-9611 [email protected] Saudi Advanced Technologies Ltd. Company Contact: Tawfiq AL-Zoubi Tel +966 12 667 2222 [email protected] Disclaimer: This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] MetLife Names New Leaders for Japan and EMEA MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) today announced that Eric Clurfain, currently Executive Vice President and Head of EMEA, has been named Chairman, President and CEO of MetLife Japan K.K. (MLJ), effective Feb. 1, 2019, subject to the necessary approvals. He will report to Kishore Ponnavolu, President, Asia, and be based in Tokyo. Clurfain is taking over the role from Sachin Shah, who is leaving MetLife for an external opportunity. Clurfain's appointment was part of MetLife's succession planning for the General Manager role. He will oversee all of MetLife's businesses in Japan, the company's second largest market globally and its largest retail life insurance business. "Eric is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of building high-performing teams and businesses and a deep commitment to customer centricity," said Steven A. Kandarian, Chairman, President and CEO of MetLife, Inc. "He has extensive expertise across multiple markets and business lines and a strong understanding of how to operate successfully in highly regulated environments. His deep experience and expertise in all aspects of insurance will ensure that we continue to help our customers in Japan improve their health, build their savings, and retire with confidence. We are very excited to have a leader of Eric's caliber and engagement taking the helm of our second largest market." Clurfain has more than two decades of insurance experience. He joined MetLife n 2010 as General Manager of MetLife in Turkey, where he played a critical role in reshaping the company's strategic direction to reach a market leadership position. He became Head of Central and Eastern Europe in January 2012 and was appointed Head of EMEA in July 2018. Eric previously held positions with United Healthcare and AIG, including several country and regional management roles in markets around the world. Over the course of his career, he has held key leadership roles in distribution (both retail and group), product development, and operations. Taking over Clurfain's role as Head of EMEA will be Dirk Ostijn, who is currently Senior Vice President, Head of Europe and Chief Executive Officer of MetLife Europe d.a.c. Ostijn will report to Michel Khalaf, President, U.S. Business and EMEA, and continue to be based in Dublin. Ostijn will oversee all of MetLife's businesses in the company's 26 EMEA markets. "Dirk has been an exemplary leader for MetLife and is the right executive to assume responsibility for the EMEA region," Kandarian said. "He brings a wealth of sector and regional experience to this important role and has a strong track record of contributions to our EMEA operations over many years." Ostijn joined MetLife in 2005 as CEO of MetLife Belgium and has held regional assignments as Chief Financial Officer of Europe/India, Head of M&A Western Europe, Head of Strategic Initiatives Western Europe, and Regional Head of Western and Central Europe. He began his career in 1989 at Citi where he spent 16 years in financial services in retail banking and insurance in roles covering several markets in Europe. About MetLife MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181204006154/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Amazon Chooses HRS to Optimize Its Global Hotel Program HRS, the leading Global Hotel Solutions provider, announced a landmark agreement with Amazon, the world's largest online retailer. Starting in 2019, Amazon will outsource its worldwide hotel sourcing to HRS. The multi-year agreement also includes options for Amazon to deploy other HRS solutions in the effort to enhance Amazon's global hotel program. Amazon is ranked #12 on the Business Travel News listing of America's top 100 travel programs; the company has more than 610,000 employees worldwide. "After considering multiple options to secure maximum value for our global lodging spend, we selected HRS to handle our worldwide sourcing, along with options to utilize other HRS services to further optimize our hotel program," according to Amazon's Travel Team. "Data expertise, innovation and transparency are at the heart of Amazon's core business principles, and we expect our travel program to mirror that approach via use of creative, disruptive services that break new ground. HRS' end-to-end array of hotel ervices - especially its use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in sourcing, auditing and search-and-book processes - drove this choice. "Furthermore, as Amazon grows globally, HRS' presence in all our key city centers, strategizing with us to secure competitive rates at business-grade hotels, is vital as we strive to best manage our hotel expenditures." Amazon Announcement Coincides With Honor for HRS CEO Tobias Ragge The Amazon agreement coincides with HRS CEO Tobias Ragge being named among the 25 Most Influential Business Travel Executives of 2018. The honor was announced by Business Travel News at an event in New York City on December 3, with BTN citing HRS' transparent approach to hotel program management and growing roster of multi-national clients. Tobias Ragge has now been named to the BTN 25 list three times in the past five years. "It's an honor to work with a truly visionary company like Amazon. Their leadership in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data analytics inspires our own innovations in sourcing, rate auditing and hotel recommendation," said Ragge. "As for the BTN honor, it's truly a credit to the 1,500 HRS employees around the world who are changing modern hotel procurement. We're also grateful for our diverse client base, whom we collaborate with every day in the effort to enhance both performance and transparency in global travel management." About HRS HRS simplifies business travel. Corporate travel managers and business travellers around the world trust HRS to find the best accommodation and simplify all processes related to their business travel. In addition to professional hotel sourcing and the negotiation of corporate rates with hotels, HRS optimises paperless payment of hotel accommodation and meetings as well as automated invoice processing. More than 3,000 multinational corporations rely on HRS Global Hotel Solutions. Customers include global players from the Fortune 500, including Amazon, Google, Siemens, Alibaba, China Mobile (News - Alert) and Volkswagen. HRS pursues clear goals: savings for companies and high traveller satisfaction. Founded in Cologne in 1972, HRS today has more than 1,500 employees in 35 offices worldwide, including Dallas, London, New York, Sao Paulo, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. Further information at corporate.hrs.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005093/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Alipay Supports Growth Opportunities and Digital Innovation for Start-Ups in Malaysia As part of Alipay's commitment to supporting digital innovation and talent cultivation in Southeast Asia, the Company today launched its Malaysia roadshow for the Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge ("ANSIC"). ANSIC is a joint initiative by Alipay, the world's largest mobile and online payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group ("Ant Financial"), and NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore ("NUS"). The roadshow was held at WORQ Subang in Shah Alam, Selangor, where Alipay shared its experience of how technology can be used to solve real world problems with start-up entrepreneurs in Asia. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005289/en/ Alipay Senior Algorithm Engineer Xin Guo sharing the story of Dingsunbao with local start-ups in Malaysia. (Photo: Business Wire) Alipay's Senior Algorithm Engineer Xin Guo, explained to a crowd of Malaysian start-up entrepreneurs how he and his team developed the idea of using AI to make car damage claims more efficient for insurance companies, reduce costs and most importantly, increase convenience for car owners. On a rainy evening in September 2016, Xin Guo recalled being involved in a car accident that caused some minor damages to the vehicle. He then waited for 30 minutes for his insurance company to dispatch a claims adjuster, who had been delayed from handling other similar accidents. Despite the wait, it had ultimately, only taken a few minutes to file the claim. While the average waiting time for human claim adjusters to arrive at minor car accidents in China is 30 minutes, in congested cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, car owners may have to wait for hours. This unpleasant experience made Guo wonder: If AI could be used to automate this common process, wouldn't that be a win-win for insurers and car owners? At Ant Financial, every team member is empowered to leverage the power of technology to solve real world problems. Guo pitched his idea to his superior and quickly obtained approval to start building a feasible solution from scratch, using the company's resources. Using AI, machine learning and computer vision, Xin Guo and his team worked day and night to develop a technology service that became known as Dingsunbao, or "Loss Assessment Master". In August 2017, after eight months of development and testing, the first official version of Dingsunbao was launched. The service allows car owners to upload images and videos of their damaged vehicles, and have their claims processed within seconds. Through technology, insurance companies are able to save significant resources by freeing up human claim adjusters to focus on more complicated accidents. Customer satisfaction also significantly improved. In China, it has been difficult for insurers to strike the right balance between operational costs and customer satisfaction. Most insurance companies barely break even or in fact lose money from their automobile insurance business due to labor costs and fierce competition. This has now changed with the introduction of Dingsunbao. As of May 2018, Dingsunbao helped insurance companies reduce their costs of claims handling by over RMB 1 billion, and saved claim adjusters 750,000 hours of time through the automation of the claims process. Xin Guo's sharing session at the ANSIC roadshow sparked lively discussion from participating start-up entrepreneurs. Separately, Dr. Melissa Foo, VP of Social Innovation of Agensi Inovasi Malaysia, moderated a anel discussion entitled, "Running a Sustainable & Scalable Social Enterprise in Malaysia." Panelists included Redza Shahid, CEO and co-founder of Grub Cycle, a social supermarket that is dedicated to reducing food waste and Suzanne Ling, co-founder of the Picha Project, a social enterprise providing sustainable catering services to help refugee families in Malaysia. Discussing the role of technology in addressing social issues, Redza Shahid commented, "Food waste is a global issue and we want to help. Grub Cycle works with restaurants and supermarkets to buy food that they can't sell then distribute the food at a discount to low income groups, through online and offline channels. It really makes a difference when our suppliers and consumers can see in real-time how much they have saved by using Grub Cycle." Susanne Ling explained the reasons she started Picha Project, "The value of social enterprise is in solving real issues. Picha wants to help refugees in Malaysia have a way to support their families before they are able to return to their home country. Our chefs are all refugees in Malaysia who would otherwise have little chance of getting a job. We are focusing on using technology to bring out the stories of our chefs, making corporate catering more convenient and marketing more effective." Xin Guo said, "It's very exciting to see so many young, energetic and ambitious start-ups in Malaysia today. Alipay is also a start-up company. We hope by sharing our own experiences and working with partners here, we can contribute to supporting local innovation and the growth of more indigenous start-ups that use digital technology to address real world problems and benefit more people." The Malaysian roadshow is part of a series of events in Southeast Asia to help raise awareness of the Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge and to inspire new ideas and innovation in the region. In Malaysia, Ant Financial supports its partner Touch n' Go with technological capabilities and experience in implementing a mobile payment platform to offer innovative payment solutions and other inclusive financial services. For more information on the Challenge, please visit www.alipaynusseachallenge.com. ### About Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge The Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge aims to identify and support the growth of start-ups in Southeast Asia that are using digital technology to build a more inclusive society. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, enabling low-income groups to gain access to better educational opportunities, supporting elderly individuals leverage digital technologies to enhance their lifestyle, and helping people with disabilities through upskilling and reskilling initiatives. The inaugural Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge is taking place in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Applicants can participate by registering online at www.alipaynusseachallenge.com. Applications will close in January 2019. The first round of judging will determine the top three winners within each country, who will each receive a cash prize of SGD $10,000. The nine finalists will compete for the top cash prize of SGD $50,000 in the grand finale, to be held in Singapore in March 2019. The winning teams will not only receive financial rewards to invest toward increasing their social impact, but also receive support to accelerate their growth through networks, mentorship and partnership opportunities with Ant Financial, NUS and other partners in the ecosystem. Top teams will also receive three-month incubation support by NUS Enterprise, as well as access to its BLOCK71 community and co-working space in Singapore, Bandung, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Suzhou and San Francisco. A series of workshops and roadshows have been held in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, to build awareness of the challenge, encourage applications and support further growth for the participating teams. In addition, the winners will become eligible for the 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion programme jointly provided by International Financial Corporation ("IFC"), a member of the World Bank Group, and Alipay. The comprehensive training programme will support the cultivation of 1,000 technology experts in emerging markets from both public and private sectors over the next 10 years. There will also be potential opportunities to work with Ant Financial and Alipay on CSR (News - Alert) initiatives. This latest initiative builds on the work and strategic partnerships that Ant Financial has been carrying out in Southeast Asia. Ant Financial has been sharing its technology capabilities with strategic e-wallet partners such as TrueMoney in Thailand, DANA in Indonesia, GCash in the Philippines and Touch 'n Go in Malaysia, to enable them to innovate and better service their customers. About Ant Financial Ant Financial Services Group is dedicated to using technology to bring the world equal opportunities. Our technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, security, Internet of Things and computing, empower us and our ecosystem partners to serve the unbanked and underbanked, bringing more secure, transparent, cost-effective and inclusive financial services to individuals and SMEs worldwide. Ant Financial has formed international partnerships with global strategic partners to serve local users in those markets, and we serve Chinese travelers overseas by connecting Alipay with online and offline merchants in popular destinations. Brands under Ant Financial Services Group include Alipay, Ant Fortune, Zhima Credit, MYbank and Ant Financial Cloud. For more information on Ant Financial, please visit our website at www.antfin.com or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @AntFinancial. About Alipay Operated by Ant Financial Services Group, Alipay is the world's largest mobile and online payment platform. Launched in 2004, Alipay currently works with over 200 domestic financial institution partners. Over the years, Alipay has evolved from a digital wallet to a lifestyle enabler. Users can hail a taxi, book a hotel, buy movie tickets, pay utility bills, make appointments with doctors, or purchase wealth management products directly from within the app. In addition to online payments, Alipay is expanding to in-store offline payments both inside and outside of China. Alipay's in-store payment service covers over 40 countries and regions across the world, and tax reimbursement via Alipay is supported in 29 countries and regions. Alipay works with over 250 overseas financial institutions and payment solution providers to enable cross-border payments for Chinese travelling overseas and overseas customers who purchase products from Chinese e-commerce sites. Alipay currently supports 27 currencies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005289/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] South Asia's Largest Security and Surveillance Congregation 'IFSEC India' Expo Gets Underway in the Capital Today NEW DELHI, December 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 350 Indian and Global brands mark the 12th edition of the event South Asia's largest security and surveillance expo by UBM India largest security and surveillance expo by 20+ participating countries & over 350 brands showcase Smart Security for Emerging India & over Smart Security for Emerging India Launch of two whitepapers - South Asia Risk Review (SARR) 2019 co-branded by Mitkat Advisory and IFSEC India, as well as 'Emerging Trends in Critical Infrastructure Security' by PwC and UBM India co-branded by Mitkat Advisory and IFSEC India, as well as by PwC and UBM India Announcement of the preview edition of IFSEC Bangladesh in Dhaka from April 18th - 20th , 2019 from , 2019 Two-day power packed conference on 'Unraveling the Evolution in Security Tech' alongside the exhibition alongside the exhibition To witness the third IFSEC India Awards UBM India today launched the 12th edition of International Fire & Security Exhibition and Conference (IFSEC) India, a three day show, from December 5th - 7th, 2018, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The expo was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Shri Satyendra Jain, Cabinet Minister, Government of NCT Delhi; Guests of Honour, Shri D.R. Karthikeyan, Chairman, Assocham Homeland Security Council; Shri Shiv Charan Yadav, APSA India Chapter; Shri Maninderjit Singh Bitta, Chairman, All India Anti Terrorist Front; Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India and Mr. Pankaj Jain, Group Director, UBM India amidst an august industry gathering. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/675607/UBM_Logo.jpg ) (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/789308/IFSEC_Logo.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/794028/IFSEC_India_Expo_2018.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/794029/Inauguration.jpg ) One of the key announcements made at the inaugural session was that IFSEC, the global brand, is now extending its wings to the SAARC region by launching a preview show in Dhaka, Bangladesh scheduled for April 18th - 20th , 2019. The show brought together internationally renowned exhibitors from over 20 countries such as UK, USA, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Korea, Russia and over 350 domestic and globally renowned brands, key government officials, consultants and business experts under one platform, to discuss global best practices and seek solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the security and fire domain. It also provided high-impact informative demos and a wealth of opportunities for the visitors to network and learn about cutting-edge technologies, industry trends, challenges, market insights and discover the best solutions to keep their business and clients secured. Speaking at the inauguration of IFSEC 2018 at New Delhi, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, "Security and surveillance in India is the need of the hour and requires rapid augmentation and innovation amidst industrial, commercial and residential establishments. Also, in the age of smart tchnology and to match the pace of smart cities, the need for smart security is crucial. UBM India's objective for IFSEC India 2018, is to bring to the forefront this need and in response, the required solution offerings based on novel technology. The expo acts like a medium to the progress and vision of the security industry, as we provide a platform for industry players to collectively ideate, innovate, spot trends and come up with integrated, high-tech solutions that are at once cost effective and easy to implement." "Next year we are also setting our foot in the SAARC region with the launch of the preview show of IFSEC in Dhaka, Bangladesh considering the potential of the country being one of the world's fastest growing economies between 2016 and 2050, its teeming population and industrial growth. We look forward to the industry's support and encouragement, as we have received over the years," he further added. IFSEC India showcased products and technologies pertaining to CCTV and surveillance, biometrics and RFID, Integrated Systems, Access Control, GPS Systems, Video Management, Parking Automation, Transport, Perimeter Protection, IoT, Smart Homes, Security and Safe Cities in addition to surveillance for the knowledge of end users and providers. Key global brands and distributors included premier plus partners: Aditya Infotech, Dahua, eSSL, Ezviz, Globus, Hikvision, Mark, Nuctech,Pyronix, Realtime, TVT and Zkteco; Premier Partners such as Axestrack, Biomax, Honeywell, Mantra, Panasonic, Road Point, Seagate, Timewatch, Unique Electrovision, Vantage, and Western Digital, among others. The expo provided high-impact informative demos and a wealth of opportunities for the visitors to network and learn about new technologies, industry best practices and trends, challenges, market insights and discover the best solutions to keep their business and clients secured. This year, IFSEC India introduced a novel concept with the creation of the Regalia Lounge, an exclusive 5 star lounge that aims to encourage vital interactions between key exhibitors and big ticket buyers on a 'By Invitation Only' basis. Day 1 of the expo saw the unveiling of the white paper report on South Asia Risk Review (SARR) 2019 co-branded by Mitkat Advisory and IFSEC India. With the South Asian region rapidly becoming an ever-dynamic and geo-politically sensitive region for India and the business corporations, the SARR intelligently and succinctly presented a wide array of political, socio-economic, societal, legal/ regulatory and environmental risk impacts to businesses of all sizes and complexities, comprehend further analyzing the risks and opportunities that they present to their businesses to de-risk and grow. It is an authoritative guide on the South Asian region which is well received by the industry experts. A white paper report by PWC on 'Emerging Trends in Critical Infrastructure Security' was also released on the sidelines of the show. The reports will bridge the knowledge gap as well as serve as the authority in this domain for industry professionals. A major highlight of the expo is the two-day power packed conference themed 'Unravelling the Evolution in Security Tech'. Security in India is continuing to be an onerous task; to address this, IFSEC India 2018 proactively deciphered relevant insights on the global security market as well as latest technology such as aerial vehicles and drones. Day 1 of the conference was marked by eminent industry personalities including who discussed trending topics such as - 'Crime in Metro' ; 'Technology-Enabled Disruptions' ; 'Emerging Paradigms in Security Architecture' ; 'The Threat of Cyber Attacks on Security & Surveillance Systems' ; panel discussions on 'Corporate Risk Management: Evolving role of CSOs in an era of rapid innovations and disruptions' and 'Managing Regulatory Compliance Requirements Related to Corporate Security' and some presentations. Day 2 will see a keynote session on 'Future Ready Leaders' and sessions on 'Security Domain - Standardization Perspective'; 'Impact of Terrorism on the Economy'; 'The Evolving Role of a CSO in Crisis Management and in Ensuring Business Continuity'; 'Indoor Positioning Systems for Safety, Security and Productivity'; 'Use of Block Chain in Security and Surveillance'; panel discussions on 'How AI & IoT Add Value to Video Surveillance Systems' and 'How Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Can be Effectively Used to Enforce Homeland Security' to name a few. The expo is supported by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Asian Professional Security Association (APSA), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Electronic Security Association of India (ESAI), Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI), Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), Mitkat Advisory, SECONA, CIISCM, GACS among others and with 'Security Update' and 'Security Today' as the official media partners, The evening of Day 1 will also witness the 3rd edition of the IFSEC India Awards. With the impressive growth of the Electronic Security Industry in India, the awards have been crafted to specially get the minds behind electronic security in various industry verticals like BFSI, retail, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, PSUs, IT & ITES and infrastructure in the limelight. The awards will recognize the excellence and innovations of CSOs & security officers who continuously work behind the scenes to ensure robust security. The process advisors for the IFSEC India Awards will be Ernst and Young. IFSEC India owes its rich legacy to the 40-year-old IFSEC Global and success to the way the Indian edition has modified itself to suit the specific needs of this region. Recommended by industry experts as the pre-eminent authority on the global security and fire industry, the expo has nudged the industry on the path to a completely secure, smart and digitally enhanced world. About IFSEC India 2018: The 12th edition of IFSEC India will be organised by UBM, which in June 2018 combined with Informa PLC to become a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organiser in the world. Please visit https://www.ifsec.events/india/ for more information and http://www.ubm.com/global-reach/ubm-asia for our presence in Asia. About UBM Asia: UBM Asia recently became part of Informa PLC, a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organiser in the world. Please visit http://www.ubm.com/asia for more information about our presence in Asia. For any media queries please contact: UBM India Roshni Mitra [email protected] Mili Lalwani mili.lalwani[email protected] +91-22-61727000 Prachi Kumar [email protected] +91-7718866668 UBM India [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] ChannelNet Connects UNIFY Financial Credit Union to its OneClick Financial Personal Digital Experience Solution UNIFY Financial Credit Union (UNIFY) has launched ChannelNet's OneClick Financial a comprehensive, personal digital experience platform for its more than 245,000 members. "The OneClick Financial platform allows us to leverage the considerable benefits from our value-added products, and creates a dynamic and personal experience to further engage our members," says Natasha Ranchigoda, VP of Marketing and Experience of UNIFY. "We are excited to offer our members this engaging experience." Paula Tompkins, CEO of ChannelNet, added, "ChannelNet's patented technology is perfect for credit unions and banks to welcome and cross-sell products and increase their share of wallet. Financial institutions currently using OneClick Financial are reporting open rates as high as 60 to 70 percent and engagement times exceeding three minutes." OneClick Financial is a data-driven, digital engagement platform designed to make communication between financial institutions and their customers automated, cost-effective and engaging. OneClick Financial provides each customer with their wn personal page that cross-sells relevant products and services, integrates with social media, displays video, provides educational content and gathers feedback to ensure strategic interactions. This powerful platform enables credit unions and banks to deliver a tailored and targeted experience that encourages relationship growth while creating consistent, positive customer interactions. ABOUT CHANNELNET ChannelNet is a leader and pioneer in delivering customer acquisition and retention services via mobile and web-based solutions that work across channels. Using software-as-a-service (SAAS), its patented marketing automation platform connects leading automotive, financial services and home improvement companies with their customers to sell products and services through brick and mortar, call center, field sales and digital sales channels. The privately held company, founded more than 33 years ago, is based in Dearborn, Michigan with an office in the San Francisco Bay area. More information is available on www.channelnet.com and www.oneclickfinancial.net or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @ChannelNet and LinkedIn/ChannelNet. About UNIFY Financial Credit Union UNIFY Financial Credit Union is one of the nation's leading credit unions, with more than $2.8 billion in assets and over 245,000 members across the country. UNIFY has over 50 branches in 17 states, and regional offices located in Torrance, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Mesa, Arizona; Allen, Texas. Visit UnifyFCU.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005180/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Data Inventorying Increases the Value of Information Assets by 15%, According to Ponemon According to new research from the Ponemon Institute, commissioned by DocAuthority, improving the visibility and management of data can immediately increase the value of a business's information assets by 15 percent. The independent research surveyed 2,827 professionals with a responsibility for important business data in the US and UK, across seven functional areas. It found that the value of companies' information assets were 15 percent higher if they were using an automated discovery tool to better understand and manage their data. Respondents who used an automated discovery tool: rated the 'market value' of data as being on average 15% higher than those who hadn't used automated tools. Market value was defined as what their organisation could earn from trading or selling the information. rated the 'business value' of data as being on average 15% higher than those who hadn't used automated tools. Business value was defined as how good and relevant the data was for specific purposes. "Businesses are short-changing themselves if they don't understand the value of their data," says Doctor Larry Ponemon, Chairman and Founder of the Ponemon Institute (News - Alert). "You need to have a clear view of your data, where it is, who can see it, what is valuable and what is toxic if you are to effectively manage and defend it. But you also need the same level of understanding if you hope to appreciate and realise the true value of data you hold; whether that is Intellectual Property or data that increases business sales or marketing effectiveness." Steve Abbott, the CEO of DocAuthority, comments, "The implications of these findings are far-reaching. Data discovery enables Chief Data Officers (CDOs) to identify the market value in order to monetise their information assets, as well as put a dollar value on governance projects. Data management - by using automated data identification tools - allows CDOs to not only communicate to the CFO in a language they understand, but to demonstrate their ability to immediately impact a business's bottom line and can be done with relative ease." Steve continues, "If you don't understand the data held within your business, how can you know the commercial value of the assets you have available in the context of a sale? Only around 5% of data retained by businesses will be the most valuable; but identifying that 5% is a major challenge for businesses battling with unstructured data." Notes to editors The research report - Understanding the Value of Information Assets - was independently produced by Ponemon Institute and is available: http://bit.ly/2QlbO24 Methodology Respondents were asked to rank the importance of six criteria on a scale of 1 = not important to 10 = essential Six elements on the value of information assets Intrinsic value pertains to how correct, complete and exclusive these data are. Business value pertains to how good and relevant these data are for specific purposes. Performance value pertains to how these data affect key business drivers. Cost value pertains to what it would cost the organization if the data were lost or leaked outside. Market value pertains to what your organization earns from selling or trading this information. Economic value pertains to how the information contributes to the organization's bottom line. Respondents results were divided by whether they had, or had not used an automated tool to help undertake data discovery work - 43% had, 57% had not or were unsure 'Market value' was rated by those who used automated tools at 7.13 / 10 versus 6.53 / 10 for those that didn't. 'Business value' was rated by those who use automated tools 7.88 / 10 versus 6.69 / 10 for those that didn't. About DocAuthority DocAuthority is a leading document control solutions company. It offers organisations a broad, yet business-friendly, security policy utilising AI to help automatically discover and accurately identify unstructured and unprotected sensitive documents to help prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. DocAuthority works with enterprise-size organisations in all sectors including the healthcare, retail, technology, energy, public sector, telcos, services and financial services sectors to help these businesses understand the risk they face and design an effective mitigation plan to improve the security of sensitive data. Founded by Ariel Peled and Itay Reved in 2013, DocAuthority is a global company headquartered in Raanana, Israel and is managed by the people who pioneered DLP. To learn more about DocAuthority, visit www.DocAuthority.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005110/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] nChain Unveils Ground-breaking Metanet Project to Power the Internet on Bitcoin SV Blockchain LONDON, Dec. 5, 2018 /CNW/ -- nChain, the global leader in blockchain research and development, has revealed its ground-breaking "Metanet" project to power and integrate the Internet through the Bitcoin blockchain. Using intellectual property it has created, nChain will develop the Metanet exclusively on Bitcoin SV (BSV), which reflects the original Bitcoin protocol and design. The Metanet is the creation of nChain Chief Scientist Dr. Craig S. Wright, who announced the project during his November 30 speech at the CoinGeek Week conference held in London. Dr. Wright explains: "What we are going to actually create is a secure alternative to the Internet, built on the blockchain. The Internet becomes a sidechain to the Bitcoin blockchain. The Metanet is a value networkthe entire global system of online activity and data connected commercially." The Internet has transformed how we live and operate, but it was born in a pre-blockchain era. On the surface, the Metanet sounds similar to the Internet. But the Metanet is powered by technical differences in how data can be stored and accessed through blockchain transactions, which provide security and economic efficiency advantages over current Internet technology. The Metanet will transform how the Internet operates by using Bitcoin transactions to transfer compressed data, and thus enable reliable, semi-automated exchange of web page and other information. The Metaet will enable new ways to distribute web content and facilitate new e-commerce business models made possible by Bitcoin microtransactions. This can allow companies to earn instant micropayments for clicks, content, and data. Taking advantage of the economic security and stability of the blockchain, the Metanet can act to reduce the potential for fraud due to the higher data quality and integrity that blockchain-backed data storage provides. This enables companies to create new business models with blockchain-based content distribution and microtransactions that (until now) have not been economically feasible on the Internet. For example, new solutions will allow: Authorisation of access to web content, social media accounts, and distributed systems securely, in real time, and with private identity Internet search, information and content services that rely on micropayments by users rather than traditional advertising models Business models for real-time and secure pay-per-use of content and digital assets Integrated wallet systems for a seamless user integration and experience Automated contracts for and distribution of purchased products (both digital and physical) Real-time supply-chain management in a verifiable and traceable manner Automation of form-free and real-time insurance policies Secure real-time event ticket, transportation and hotel booking nChain Group CEO Jimmy Nguyen observes: "The Metanet will initially enhance, then eventually drive the Internet, making Bitcoin SV the global public ledger that underpins all Internet activity. It is a mind-blowing concept with limitless possibilities based on the additional security, efficiency, and data integrity of the blockchain, and is another part of Craig Wright's vision for unleashing Bitcoin's true power. We have taken the initial steps, and know it will take work with others to make the Metanet a reality." The Metanet project is an enormous undertaking that will take time to specify and deliver in a business-friendly form. nChain will continue its work and find select collaboration partners to help progressively develop the Metanet. Find Craig Wright's presentation announcing the Metanet project here. For further explanation, watch an interview with Craig Wright here. ABOUT NCHAIN: nChain is the global leader in research and development of blockchain technologies. Its mission is to enable massive growth and worldwide adoption of the Bitcoin network - focusing on Bitcoin SV (BSV) as the original Bitcoin which will fulfil the Satoshi Vision. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nchain-unveils-ground-breaking-metanet-project-to-power-the-internet-on-bitcoin-sv-blockchain-300760540.html SOURCE nChain [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Texas Veteran Receives $7,500 Grant from Banks Joshua Ashby, a retired U.S. Army Specialist, will receive a $7,500 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant from Texas Capital Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas). The grant helped fund a home built by Operation FINALLY HOME, a nonprofit dedicated to providing American veterans with custom-built homes mortgage free. The media is invited to the home dedication ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 6 at West Fork Ranch at 7429 Charbray Road in Fort Worth. HAVEN is a unique grant program offered by FHLB Dallas through its member institutions, such as Texas Capital Bank, that reach out to veterans and active-duty service members who have been disabled in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. HAVEN provides grants up to $7,500 to support necessary home modifications. To qualify, veterans must also meet income eligibility requirements. WHAT: Home Dedication WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 6, 2018 WHO: Mark Frears, EVP, Funding and Investment, Texas Capital Bank Effie Dennison, SVP, Director of Community Development and Corporate Social Responsibility, Texas Capital Bank Rusty Carroll, Executive Director, Operation FINALLY HOME Joshua Ashby Melanie Dill, Community and Economic Development Product Manager, FHLB Dallas WHERE: West Fork Ranch 7429 Charbray Road Fort Worth, Texas 76131 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005024/en/ [December 05, 2018] Patriot One Pre-qualifies for up to $1 Million (CAD) by Canadian Government's Build in Canada Innovation Program TORONTO, Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Patriot One Technologies Inc. (TSX.V: PAT) (OTCQX: PTOTF) (FRANKFURT: 0PL) (Patriot One or the Company), developers of the award-winning PATSCAN covert weapon detection system, is pleased to announce its pre-qualification for up to $1 million (CAD) from the federal governments Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) for testing by the Department of National Defence. About the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP): The BCIP program helps innovators in four different ways: land a first major reference sale, sell their innovation, but keep and control the intellectual property, get their innovation tested in real-life settings and gain feedback to help advance products to market faster. BCIP Proposal 007 Process: As a BCIP innovator, Patriot One submitted its proposal to the program in early 2018 once the Companys PATSCAN threat detection solutions achieved an adequate Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Under call for proposals 007 guidelines, the Company was evaluated on the merit of innovation. Upon pre-qualification, the BCIP program sourced a Canadian Government Department as test partner. Contract Value: The BCIP program opportunity pays up to $500,000 for non-military innovations and up to $1,000,000 for military innovations. Patriot One was pre-qualified under the military innovation component of the BCIP program. Military Component: There are six priority areas within the military component. These priority areas include (i) Arctic & Maritime Security, (ii) Command & Support, (iii) Cyber-security, (iv) In-Service support, (v) Protecting the Soldiers and (vi) Training Systems. Patriot One meets several of these priority areas, specifically: Arctic/Maritime Security and Protecting Soldiers. We are excited to pre-qualify for up to $1 million (CAD) for the Military Component of the Build in Canada Innovation Program, expressed Martin Cronin, CEO and President of Patriot One Technologies. The ability to test our PATSCAN CMR and some of our other threat detection solutions in a real-life setting with an arm of the Department of Defense is exciting for our entire team. As a Canadian-based company, we are truly honored to be part of this effort to protect our serving military personnel around the world. Martin Cronin, CEO Patriot One Technologies Inc. About Patriot One Technologies, Inc. (TSX.V:PAT) (OTCQX: PTOTF) (FRA: 0PL): Patriot One has developed the PATSCAN next generation software and sensor solution for the covert detection of weapons threats. Designed as an innovative and effective platform to combat active shooter threats before they occur, the system features the award-winning PATSCAN CMR cognitive microwave radar system. Built for cost-effective deployment in weapon-restrictedbuildings and facilities, the Patriot One software solution and related hardware systems can be installed at key access points to covertly identify weapons and to alert security for the intervention of active threat events before they commence. Owner/operators of private and public facilities can now prominently post anti-weapons policies with compliance assured. The Companys motto Deter, Detect and Defend is based on the belief that widespread use of its technology will act as an effective deterrent, thereby diminishing the epidemic phenomena of active shooters across the globe. For more information, visit: www.patriot1tech.com . Patriot One Technologies are proud winners of the 2017 Anti-Terrorism / Force Protection category of the Security Industry Association s New Product Showcase at ISC West. About BCIP The Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) helps Canadian companies of all sizes move their state-of-the-art goods and services from the laboratory to the marketplace. The program helps innovators land a first major reference sale, sell their innovation, but keep the intellectual property, get their innovation tested in a real-life setting, and gain feedback to help get products to market faster. The program pays up to $500,000 for non-military innovations and up to $1,000,000 for military innovations. Visit: https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/picc-bcip/priorites-priorities-eng.html . For further information, please contact: Patriot One Inquiries [email protected] www.patriot1tech.com Investor Relations John Martin +1 (888) 728-1332 [email protected] Media Contacts: Scott Ledingham, PR Media Now +1-613-806-7135 [email protected] CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: No Securities Exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, licensing, commercialization and regulatory compliance issues and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] ADF Solutions Newest Release Makes It Easier to Fight Against Child Exploitation BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ADF Solutions, the leading provider of automated forensic software for investigators and lab examiners, today announced the ability for on-scene and lab investigators to rapidly collect media files using Digital Evidence Investigator, Triage-Investigator, and Triage-G2software and export media files to the Griffeye Analyze platform. Qualified professionals can request a free trial of ADF forensic software at www.tryadf.com . "This new functionality will further help law enforcement agencies identify and rescue children from sexual abuse", stated Raphael Bousquet of ADF Solutions. "Using ADF software, media files collected either on-site or in the lab from suspect computers, storage devices, drive images, etc. can now be easily exported into a roject VIC compatible output and imported into the Griffeye platform." "In a time when investigations get more and more complex, there is no tool that can do it all. By enabling the use of various tools in one seamless workflow, investigators will be able to do their job more effectively and solve cases quicker. Put simply, this integration brings more power to the user." Johann Hofmann, CEO of Griffeye. The ADF VICS Report option allows investigators to create a Project VIC compatible output folder that contains selected picture and video files together with a Project VIC JSON file. This report can be imported into Griffeye or used to create Digital Evidence Investigator? hash captures for use in other cases. About ADF Solutions, Inc. ADF Solutions is the global leader in automated digital forensic software for digital investigations. ADF tools reduce forensic backlogs, streamline digital investigations and provide digital evidence results and intel from computers, external drives, drive images, and other media storage (USB flash drives, memory cards, etc.) devices. About Griffeye Griffeye provides the world's premier intelligence and visual big data platform for digital media investigations handling images and video. Griffeye Analyze DI Core, DI Pro, CS operations and CS enterprise can be used in any investigation containing digital material for industries including law enforcement, defense, and national security. Press Contact: Bret Peters Director of Global Marketing ADF Solutions, Inc. 301-312-6578 x117 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adf-solutions-newest-release-makes-it-easier-to-fight-against-child-exploitation-300760193.html SOURCE ADF Solutions [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] BMO Harris Bank Partners with AutoGravity to Transform the Car-Shopping and Financing Experience BMO Harris Bank announced today that it is partnering with AutoGravity, a platform changing the auto-shopping experience, to streamline and simplify the car-buying and financing process for consumers nationwide. AutoGravity connects car buyers with lenders and dealerships to provide consumers with pre-qualified finance offers for their vehicle of choice. Using the AutoGravity app available on iOS, Android (News - Alert) and the Web, buyers choose from new or used vehicles, shop by monthly payment amount, browse local inventory, apply for financing and select a personalized financing offer. "AutoGravity will enhance the car-finance experience for existing and future customers," said Craig Harter, Head of U.S. Indirect Auto, BMO Harris Bank. "We are excited to tap into AutoGravity's growing user base, and look forward to serving the needs of car shoppers." AutoGravity has attracted nearly 3 million users who have collectively requested more than $3 billion in vehicle financing. Consumers are becoming more comfortable securing financing options online, and BMO Harris is well positioned to help digital-savvy car shoppers an dealers save time and money. "BMO Harris Bank is recognized as one of the top U.S. banks in the automotive finance space and they have strong relationships with dealers across the country," said Mark Humphrey, vice president of AutoGravity's Lender Network. "We are proud to partner with them to provide car buyers greater transparency, control and confidence in the purchase process." This partnership with AutoGravity is another step in BMO's ongoing journey to make banking more convenient for customers. About BMO Harris Bank BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through nearly 600 branches and fee-free access to over 40,000 ATMs across the United States. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, go to the company fact sheet. Banking products and services are subject to bank and credit approval. BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group,a highly diversified financial services provider with total assets of CDN$774 billion (as of October 31, 2018), and more than 45,000 employees. Third party web sites may have privacy and security policies different from BMO Harris. Links to other web sites do not imply the endorsement or approval of such web sites. Please review the privacy and security policies of web sites reached through links from BMO Harris web sites. About AutoGravity Corporation AutoGravity technology is revolutionizing the digital car-buying experience by providing car buyers with tailored loan or lease offers in minutes. Harnessing the power of the smartphone, AutoGravity's award-winning platform empowers car shoppers with transparency, convenience and speed. Based in Irvine, California, AutoGravity partners with the world's leading banks and financial services companies to give car buyers direct control over how they finance or lease their cars while connecting them to a nationwide network of trusted car dealerships. The AutoGravity app is available via the Apple App Store, the Google (News - Alert) Play Store and all web devices. For more information, please visit www.AutoGravity.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005242/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] DataStax Announces DataStax Enterprise 6.7 DataStax, the leading provider of the always-on, active-everywhere distributed hybrid cloud database built on Apache Cassandra, today announced the availability of DataStax Enterprise 6.7 (DSE 6.7). DSE 6.7 delivers the leading distribution of Apache Cassandra with multi-workload support for operational analytics, geospatial search, increased data protection in the cloud, better performance insights, Docker production support, and connectivity to Apache Kafka. "We're excited to release version 6.7 of DSE and offer our enterprise customers five key new feature upgrades, including: improved analytics, geospatial search, improved data protection in the cloud, enhanced performance insights and new developer integration tools with our Apache Kafka Connector and certified production Docker images," said Robin Schumacher, SVP and Chief Product Officer at DataStax. "Our customers can now take full advantage of these features from the industry's best production-certified version of Apache Cassandra and all the expert support needed from DataStax." DataStax Enterprise 6.7 includes: Production-ready Kafka and Docker integration: Modern cloud applications need to act on events as they arrive, especially in use cases that involve fraud, anomaly detection, financial systems, IoT, time series, etc. The DataStax Apache Kafka Connector makes integrating DSE with such event-based activity easy. For Docker, certified images are now available for production usage. Production support for Docker simplifies deployment of DSE in containerized environments. Modern cloud applications need to act on events as they arrive, especially in use cases that involve fraud, anomaly detection, financial systems, IoT, time series, etc. The makes integrating DSE with such event-based activity easy. For Docker, certified images are now available for production usage. Production support for Docker simplifies deployment of DSE in containerized environments. Easier, more scalable operational analytics for today's cloud applications: Cloud applications require always-on, operational analytical capabilities to personalize each customer's experience and analyze interaction behavior. DSE Analytics in 6.7 provides more scalable and predictable performance for analyzing large data volumes, out-of-the-box high availability for no downtime, plus simpler and more secure management for data stored in DSE's file system (DSEFS). Lastly, performance benchmarks show DSEF scaling to 40TB per node with no decrease in query performance. Cloud applications require always-on, operational analytical capabilities to personalize each customer's experience and analyze interaction behavior. in 6.7 provides more scalable and predictable performance for analyzing large data volumes, out-of-the-box high availability for no downtime, plus simpler and more secure management for data stored in DSE's file system (DSEFS). Lastly, performance benchmarks show DSEF scaling to 40TB per node with no decrease in query performance. Simplified enterprise search for geospatial applications: Applications that focus on logistics, financial networks, and IoT use cases need enterprise-class geospatial capabilities. DSE Search delivers more support and easier development capabilities in DSE 6.7 for building out geospatial functionality. Applications that focus on logistics, financial networks, and IoT use cases need enterprise-class geospatial capabilities. delivers more support and easier development capabilities in DSE 6.7 for building out geospatial functionality. Improved data protection with smart cloud backup/restore support: DSE OpsCenter 6.7 provides improved data backups for those using cloud deployments with support for generic S3 storage and Microsoft (News - Alert) Azure, along with much faster restore times reducing downtime for critical databases. 6.7 provides improved data backups for those using cloud deployments with support for generic S3 storage and Microsoft (News - Alert) Azure, along with much faster restore times reducing downtime for critical databases. Improved performance diagnostics with new insights engine and third-party integration: The new DSE Insights engine in version 6.7 collects all data needed for fast performance analysis, and integration with external monitoring systems makes it easy to analyze DSE in conjunction with other parts of the software stack. News - Alert) indicates that data workloads are moving to the cloud at a fast pace, with 61% of organizations saying that by 2020* cloud will be the primary environment for data platforms and services, compared with 40% this year," says James Curtis, Senior Analyst, Data Platforms & Analytics, 451 Research. "As such, enterprises will require database offerings that are able to accommodate multi-cloud, hybrid environments." DSE 6.7 and updated versions of OpsCenter, Studio, and DSE Drivers are available for download, as is updated documentation to guide installation and upgrading. "DSE is the only long-term, strategic choice for an active-everywhere enterprise data layer," Schumacher continued. "We heard from our customers and are delivering a feature set that will help solve their biggest data challenges. DSE 6.7 will give our enterprise customers exceptional cloud deployment flexibility, make cloud data management easier and make developing cloud applications faster than ever before." To learn more about DataStax and DataStax Enterprise 6.7, please join DataStax at DataStax Accelerate, The World's Premier Apache Cassandra Conference, on May 21-23, 2019 in the Washington D.C. Area. To register, please visit https://www.datastax.com/events/datastax-accelerate. *451 Research Voice of the Enterprise, Data and Analytics, 2H 2018. About DataStax DataStax delivers the always-on, active-everywhere distributed hybrid cloud database built on Apache Cassandra. The foundation for personalized, real-time applications at scale, DataStax Enterprise makes it easy for enterprises to exploit hybrid and multi-cloud environments via a seamless data layer that eliminates the issues that typically come with deploying applications across multiple on-premises data centers and/or multiple public clouds. Our product also gives businesses full data visibility, portability, and control, allowing them to retain strategic ownership of their most valuable asset in a hybrid/multi-cloud world. We help many of the world's leading brands across industries transform their businesses through an enterprise data layer that eliminates data silos and cloud vendor lock-in while powering modern, mission-critical applications. For more information, visit www.DataStax.com and follow us on @DataStax. DataStax is a registered trademark of DataStax, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Apache Cassandra and Apache Kafka are trademarks of the Apache Software Foundation or its subsidiaries in Canada, the United States, and/or other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005211/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] CommerceWest Bank Declares Cash Dividend Payment to Shareholders CommerceWest Bank (OTCBB: CWBK) announced the approval of a quarterly cash dividend by its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.17 per common share, payable January 11, 2019 to shareholders of record at December 14, 2018. CommerceWest Bank is a California based full service commercial bank with a unique vision and culture of focusing exclusively on the business community. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Irvine, California. The Bank serves businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on clients in Orange (News - Alert) County, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties. We are a full service business bank and offer a wide range of commercial banking services, including concierge services, remote deposit solution, online banking, mobile banking, lines of credit, working capital loans, commercial real estate loans, SBA loans, and cash management services. Mission Statement: CommerceWest Bank will create a complete banking experience for each client, catering to businesses and their specific banking needs, while accommodating our clients and providing them high-quality, low stress and personally tailored banking and financial services. Please visit www.cwbk.com to learn more about the bank. "BANK ON (News - Alert) THE DIFFERENCE" Statements concerning future performance, developments or events, expectations for growth and income forecasts, and any other guidance on future periods, constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, loan production, balance sheet management, expanded net interest margin, the ability to control costs and expenses, interest rate changes, financial policies of the United States government and general economic conditions. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect future events or developments. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005099/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Commissioner: Canadian rights and values must be central to government's digital innovation strategy GATINEAU, QC, Dec. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada's Privacy Commissioner is calling for the protection of Canadian rights and values as the federal government considers how to respond to a digital revolution raising "some of the most fundamental questions of our time." Commissioner Therrien today released a letter to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) offering his views related to the government's National Digital and Data Consultations. "I am growing increasingly troubled that longstanding privacy rights and values in Canada are not being given equal importance within a new digital ecosystem eagerly focused on embracing and leveraging data for various purposes. Individual privacy is not a right we simply trade away for innovation, efficiency or commercial gain." He noted that the consultation is asking how government should increase citizens' trust and cofidence on data use "while not impeding innovation." "I am wary of this discourse as it suggests to Canadians that privacy is at odds with innovation," the Commissioner wrote. "Canada should simultaneously pursue privacy and innovation, and Privacy by Design is an excellent way to achieve both. " Commissioner Therrien has called for stronger privacy laws that adequately protect Canadians. In the letter, he states the law should continue to be principles-based and technologically neutral. However, it must also be rights-based and drafted not as an industry code of conduct that courts find difficult to interpret and apply, but rather as a statute that confers rights, while allowing for responsible innovation. Additionally, a modernized law should empower a public authority such as the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada to issue binding guidance or rules to clarify how general principles and broadly framed rights, such as consent, are to apply in practice. This would change the Privacy Commissioner's role from ombudsman to regulator. "To build confidence in the digital economy which the government recognizes is necessary Canadians cannot be left to fend for themselves, and they cannot rely exclusively on organizations to manage their information responsibly. An independent regulator with sufficient powers to protect Canadians in a complex environment is required," says Commissioner Therrien. About the Privacy Commissioner of Canada The Privacy Commissioner of Canada is mandated by Parliament to act as a guardian of privacy in Canada. The Commissioner enforces two laws for the protection of personal information: the Privacy Act, which applies to the federal public sector; and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, Canada's federal private sector privacy law. SOURCE Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Paytronix Finds Third-Party Retail Channel Delivers Biggest Impact to Overall Restaurant Gift Card Sales NEWTON, Mass., Dec. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paytronix Systems, Inc ., the most advanced digital guest experience platform, today released its inaugural Annual Gift Card Sales Report. Leveraging data from over 190 restaurant brands and 550 stored value program figures, the study is one of the first to analyze the trends around restaurant gift card sales, focusing on the impact of various sales channels and consumer redemption rates, particularly during the holiday season. One of the key findings reveals that third-party channels accounted for over half of all restaurant gift card sales in 2017, for both units sold and total dollars. Third-party channels include discount warehouses like Costco as well as gift cards sold in retail establishments not owned by the restaurant brand, including grocery, convenience or drug store outlets. Third-party retail sales are a critical component to any gift card program and this report underscores its value for restaurant brands, said Andrew Robbins, President and co-founder of Paytronix. Gift sales contribute substantial top-line impact, plus it offers the often overlooked benefit of being one of the most effective customer acquisition programs. As part of this report, Grotto Pizza, a mainstay of family casual dining at Delawares beaches since 1960 with locations across the northeast, announced it increased sales by 30 percent thanks to its strategic gift program. Additionally, Zaxbys, a fast casual chicken restaurant concept with over 800 locations nationwide, experienced 18 percent increase in gift sales through its partnership with Paytronix. Both case studies aredetailed in this report and highlight the broader business value of having a strategic gift program. Other key findings include: 2017 experienced modest growth from 2016 with a .76% increase in total gift card sales In-store sales accounted for 42.8% of all gift card sales in 2017, down from the previous year as third-party retailers continue to gain popularity However, during the holiday season, in-store sales attributed 51.5% of all sales, overtaking popularity of third-party retailers from November 1 through December 24 Around 70% of all gift cards are redeemed within 180 days of purchase, with about 20% still having a balance on the card after a full year Quick service restaurant gift cards are redeemed more quickly than other categories, with a 75% redemption rate after 180 days compared to 52% for fine dining. View or download the full report here . About the Paytronix Gift Card Sales Report Designed to identify the latest trends in restaurant gift card sales and help restaurant marketing executives compare results to others in the industry, use trends for planning inventory, and gain insight into how channel sales contribute to the growth of gift card sales programs, the Paytronix Gift Card Sales Report analyzed more than 190 restaurant brands and 550 stored value program data. The restaurant service types included in the data set are multiunit quick-service, fast-casual, casual dining, and fine dining. The report provides a comparison of sales and redemption by sales channel including in-store, third party retail, and corporate sales. All data is sourced from gift card sales processed by Paytronix between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017, with redemption data through June 2018. About Paytronix Systems, Inc. Based in Newton, Massachusetts, Paytronix is a provider of SaaS customer experience management (CXM) solutions for restaurants and convenience store brands. Through its innovative software design and integrations with more than 30 widely used point of sale systems, Paytronix empowers more than 350 brands across 20,000 locations with the flexibility to build unique, revenue-enhancing guest experiences. Customers benefit from big data consumer insights that Paytronix generates through 1-to-1 engagement with more than 248 million loyal guestsvia mobile, social and todays most innovative digital marketing tools. As a result, customers motivate their guests to increase spend and drive revenue. For more information, visit www.paytronix.com . Media Contact : Michelle Tempesta Paytronix Systems, Inc. [email protected] 617-871-2330 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] RelayRIDE(SM) Greatly Reduces Missed Medical Appointments Through Real-Time Monitoring and Active Intervention JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- One Call, the nation's leading provider of specialized healthcare solutions for the workers' compensation industry, today announced new, impressive results that demonstrate how RelayRIDESM, the innovative addition to its transportation program, helps reduce missed medical appointments. RelayRIDESM works to solve this problem via proprietary technology that automatically assigns sedan transportation referrals through the rideshare platform Lyft, if the injured worker is in a Lyft coverage area. RelayRIDESM features real-time monitoring with automated alerts thereby proactively enabling One Call to mitigate potential service disruptions such as appointment 'no shows' by contacting the injured worker while dispatching another driver. Since its inception, One Call has been refining RelayRIDESM to address the problem of missed appointments. These constant process and system improvements have been met with great success for clients using the program: 50 percent reduction in overall injured worker no shows for sedan transportation assignments* 80 percent reduction in injured worker no show rates for rides fulfilled by RelayRIDE SM . In the last five months, RelayRIDE SM injured worker no shows have averaged less than one percent . In the last five months, RelayRIDE injured worker no shows have averaged less than one percent A portion of One Cll customers now have 70 percent or more of their sedan assignments fulfilled through RelayRIDE SM , significantly reducing the number of missed appointments , significantly reducing the number of missed appointments More than 350,000 rides have been completed with an average user approval rate of 4.9 out of 5 stars $150 billion annually[1]," said Linda Colsen , national product leader for transport and translate at One Call. "It's always been a big problem without a great solution, until now. The results are clear: RelayRIDESM is disrupting workers' compensation an industry that has relied upon a traditional transportation model to get injured workers to appointments by providing a more effective and efficient option." Historically, payers' only option was to coordinate transportation through a traditional transportation provider, typically charging minimum mileage fees, rush fees and wait time charges. RelayRIDESM eliminates these fees, providing significant savings to customers. For injured workers with more critical needs such as access to a wheelchair, stretcher, or life support RelayRIDESM is not the answer at this time, but for many, it's a very viable solution. "We could be on the cusp of something really big," said Colsen. "While workers' compensation represents a small part of the overarching healthcare industry, this technology-powered service is paving the way in healthcare transportation. It's saving the workers' compensation industry millions of dollars, and we're excited to see how it will impact other healthcare sectors in the future." *This is a blended number since not all rides are fulfilled through RelayRIDESM About One Call Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, One Call is the nation's leading provider of specialized healthcare solutions for the workers' compensation industry. One Call arranges convenient, efficient and cost-effective healthcare for injured workers so they can get back to work and life faster. From diagnostics and medical equipment to home healthcare, physical therapy and transportation, One Call offers a complete suite of innovative products and services with a focus on injured workers' needs across the continuum of care. For more information and the latest news, visit us at onecallcm.com, LinkedIn (One Call) and Twitter (@onecallcm). Media Contacts: Lisa Noakes One Call, Sr. Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Relations [email protected] [1] Wallace, Richard. "Access to Health Care and Nonemergency Medical Transportation: Two Missing Links". Article. Transportation Research Board. Web. DOI: 10.3141/1924-10 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/relayridesm-greatly-reduces-missed-medical-appointments-through-real-time-monitoring-and-active-intervention-300760217.html SOURCE One Call [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Government of Canada invests in artificial intelligence and creates close to 1,000 middle-class jobs Six Montreal-based companies to scale up and expand into new markets MONTREAL, Dec. 5, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies will shape a better future for all Canadians by creating good jobs and new sources of economic growth to make our economies more competitive, inclusive and sustainable. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting six highly innovative businesses from Greater Montreal. Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced investments of nearly $6.3 million to support six AI businesses in their efforts to scale up and expand into new markets. Of this amount, a $5 million repayable contribution will be provided to Element AI Inc., a world leader in artificial intelligence that provides software products to help businesses be stronger, safer and more agile. This financial assistance will enable Element AI to continue deploying its operations abroad, increase its participation in trade shows, hire artificial intelligence specialists, and purchase computer equipment. It is anticipated this will create approximately 900 new jobs. In addition, nearly $1.3 million is being provided to support the continued growth of five other innovative artificial intelligence companies in the Greater Montreal area: Imagia, Keatext Inc., ARA Robotic Inc., C2RO Cloud Robotics Inc. and Roof Ai. Combined, these investments are expected to create 77 jobs. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canada's high growth-potential businesses to innovate, to increase their productivity and competitiveness, and to access new markets, thereby contributing to the economic growth of regions, job creation and a better quality of life for Canadians. Quotes "Artificial intelligence is transforming all industries and sectors, opening up more opportunities for Canadians. It's exciting to see the vitality and creativity of these six Greater Montreal companies that, each in its own way, are helping to stengthen Canada's role as a global leader in innovation and creating highly specialized jobs that play an essential role in the growth of Canada's digital economy." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED "This investment from the Quebec Economic Development Program demonstrates yet again Canada's commendable leadership in AI, which has permitted Canadian companies like Element AI to shine. This investment will help accelerate the company's global expansion, create jobs, and expand our innovation infrastructure." Anne Martel, Senior Vice President of Operations and Co-founder, Element AI "With the support of CED, we are fortunate to be moving into the AI city of Montreal. This will continue to foster our relationships with AI institutes, such as Mila and IVADO, and strengthen a healthcare AI ecosystem that includes other key institutes like Vector & AMII. The support provided will accelerate innovative discoveries for pharmaceutical, medical devices and diagnostic companies to make personalized medicine accessible for all patients." Shelley Epstein, Vice President, Corporate and Public Affairs, Imagia "Building a business is an ongoing challenge. It's a journey that starts with finding the solution to a problem in the market and then coming up with ways of exposing that solution to clients. Along the way, it involves obtaining all the help you can in order to get there. Organizations like CED are valuable resources that make that journey shorter." Narjes Boufaden, President and CEO, Keatext "CED's support is enabling us to go ahead with our marketing projects in Canada and the United States. With CED's assistance, we were able to support our growth and position ourselves in new markets outside Quebec. " Pascal Chiva-Bernard, President and CEO, ARA Robotics "C2RO's growth strategy is ambitious: we are commercializing our real-time machine intelligence solution globally to enhance the quality of everyday experiences with artificial intelligence. CED's financial assistance will help boost our ability to penetrate global markets and extend the reach of C2RO's game changing Engage platform." Riccardo Badalone, CEO, C2RO Cloud Robotics "The Quebec Economic Development Program helped us penetrate the U.S. market faster and fuel our growth. Using the funding provided by the program, we were able to secure some of the biggest real estate companies in the United States." Pierre Sabbagh, President, Roof Ai Quick facts Canada is a world leader in AI, and fostering Canada's advantage in digital technologies is one of the pillars of the government's economic growth strategy. is a world leader in AI, and fostering advantage in digital technologies is one of the pillars of the government's economic growth strategy. The Government of Canada is committed to growing AI clusters, through new investments and scaling up homegrown firms. This will ensure that AI technologies are adopted across industries to increase innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. is committed to growing AI clusters, through new investments and scaling up homegrown firms. This will ensure that AI technologies are adopted across industries to increase innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The SCALE AI Supercluster, spanning the Quebec -Waterloo corridor, brings together the retail, manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure, and information and communications technology sectors. -Waterloo corridor, brings together the retail, manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure, and information and communications technology sectors. Montreal will be hosting the World Summit AI Americas in April 2019 . . The Innovation Superclusters Initiative, with a budget of $950 million , was announced in February 2018 by Minister Bains. , was announced in by Minister Bains. For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018-2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca. For 50 years now, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in regional economic development in Quebec : half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses. Related product For more details on the projects, please refer to the backgrounder. Stay connected Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] GoldSpring Consulting Hires Senior Staff, Augments Travel Management Core GoldSpring Consulting, a leader in business travel and meetings consultancy, announced today the addition of two senior consultants, Adam Gordon and Sebastien Tournier. Gordon will help support the firm's burgeoning meetings management practice with recently promoted senior vice president, Kevin Iwamoto. Tournier will bolster the firms travel management core with niche focus on procurement and pricing strategies for clients. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005448/en/ Adam Gordon, senior consultant, GoldSpring Consulting. Gordon will support GoldSpring's growing meetings management practice. (Photo: Business Wire) Gordon joins GoldSpring following his role at American Express (News - Alert) as director of business development and client engagement for meetings and events. He had responsibility for designing and leading consulting engagement services for clients and prospective clients to help them begin or further optimize their strategic meetings management programs. Tournier was most recently vice president, global program solutions, meetings and events and global pricing at Carlson Wagonlit Travel. He supported global client portfolios managing both client profitability and financial support including all pricing activities. About GoldSpring Consulting GoldSpring Consulting is an independent consultancy providing services to support all aspects of managed travel and meetings programs, including proprietary software solutions to analyze and benchmark programs. GoldSpring's industry-leading team of experts offers extensive experience and custom solutions to optimize clients' travel programs. For more information about GoldSpring and its services, please visit goldspringconsulting.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005448/en/ [December 05, 2018] Petsky Prunier Advises MightyHive on Its Pending Sale to S4 Capital, the New Age Digital Advertising and Marketing Services Company Led by Sir Martin Sorrell Petsky Prunier is pleased to announce it has advised MightyHive, Inc., a market-leading programmatic solutions provider and one of the largest Certified Google (News - Alert) Marketing Platform Partners, for future-thinking marketers and agencies, on its pending sale to S4 Capital plc (SFOR.L), the new age/new era digital advertising and marketing services company, in a transaction valued at US$150 million. As a result of the merger, MightyHive will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of S4 Capital. Pete Kim, MightyHive CEO and co-founder, and Christopher S. Martin, MightyHive COO and co-founder, will join the S4 Capital Board of Directors, while also remaining in their roles running the day-to-day operations of MightyHive along with third co-founder and CTO Lexi Viripaeff. MightyHive is a new breed of media consultancy that partners with global brands and agencies seeking transformative marketing results in a time of significant disruption and opportunity. Recognized as a global leader in advanced marketing and advertising technologies, MightyHive provides consulting and services in the areas of media operations and training, data strategy, and analytics. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in New York, London, Toronto, Singapore, Stockholm, and Sydney. The transaction with S4 Capital will enable MightyHive to meet rapidly growing demand from clients and expand the opportunities the consultancy canhelp its clients unlock. The merger with MightyHive furthers S4 Capital's strategy of aligning award-winning digital creative content, digital media planning and buying, and first-party data capabilities and follows S4 Capital's acquisition of international digital creative content and production company MediaMonks earlier this year. MediaMonks' award-winning digital creative production and MightyHive's market-leading programmatic offering will give clients end-to-end, fully integrated, seamless capabilities in purely digital marketing. Following both the MightyHive merger and the recent opening of the MediaMonks office in San Francisco, S4 Capital's focus on the West Coast of the United States and the digital natives at companies including Facebook, Google, Microsoft (News - Alert), and others, as well as software giants Adobe, Oracle, and Salesforce, will intensify. S4 Capital was created with the objective of building a digital, multinational business in the advertising and marketing services sector. S4 Capital's mission is to create a new era/new age digital solution embracing data, content, and technology in an always-on environment for global, multinational, regional, and local clients, and for millennial-driven digital brands concentrated in three key areas initially - the development of a global digital content platform; first-party data fuelling both digital media planning and creative ideas; and, finally, digital media buying. Petsky Prunier, with a team led by Sanjay Chadda and Lexia Schwartz, served as the exclusive financial advisor to MightyHive. "There are critical times in the development of a company when nothing but the best will do. The challenge is to determine who can actually deliver. MightyHive chose Sanjay Chadda, Lexia Schwartz, and the team at Petsky Prunier, and we have never once looked back. Simply extraordinary." Pete Kim, CEO/Co-Founder, MightyHive About Petsky Prunier LLC Petsky Prunier is one of the leading investment banks to the technology, media, marketing, information, e-commerce, and healthcare industries. Our firm's merger and acquisition and private placement advisory services reflect a unique blend of product specialization and industry expertise. Together with strategic consulting firm Winterberry Group, a Petsky Prunier company, our organization represents one of the largest industry-specific advisors providing strategic and transactional services. We offer global reach supplemented through our partnerships in China and India. Securities transactions are processed through Petsky Prunier Securities LLC, a member of FINRA, and an affiliated entity. For more information, visit www.petskyprunier.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005567/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Optum Bank Data Tool Uses Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Analytics to Help People Increase Health Savings Optum Bank, the nation's leading provider of heath savings accounts, has enhanced its data and analytics tool to help increase health savings account (HSA) savings and provide accountholders with a better understanding of how to use their HSAs to pay for health care costs. Optum Bank's updated Health Finance Journey uses behavioral science and advanced analytics to determine what motivates consumers to behave in certain ways. The Optum model then clusters consumers into microsegments based on common attributes and motivations. This provides employers that sponsor HSA qualifying insurance plans with unique insights that enable them to develop better targeted and personally relevant communications to help employees save more for their health care expenses and make better health care decisions. This updated model is providing encouraging results. Overall, accountholders who were targeted with new messages based on the enhanced Health Finance Journey increased their balances, became eligible to invest, and took the next step and chose to open investment accounts. Specifically, the enhanced tool resulted in: A 26 percent increase in one-time contributions. An increase of average balances of 12 percent. A 23 percent increase in investment account openings. Most health savings accountholders are required to have a minimum cash balance before they can open an investment account. "Employers want access to the latest data-driven analytics and tools that help their employees save for their current and future health care needs," said Deb Culhane, president and CEO of Optum Bank. "The Health Finance Journey's enhanced capabilities offer employers better strategies to help them communicate the right messages, to the right employees, at the right time. We are very encouraged by the initial results of applying this updated model." In 2014, Optum created the '5 Stages of Health Saving and Spending' to map employee health care saving and spending behavior with HSAs. These are stages that people take in their health savings from deciding to get an HSA to optimizing their accounts through the investment option. The Optum Health Finance Journey works in tandem with the '5 Stages' by providing employers with deeper understanding of where their employees have progressed in each of the stages, and helps employers with targeted communications tactics to move employees through all five stages, thereby increasing engagement and savings rates. For more information about Health Finance Journey and the '5 Stages of Health Saving and Spending,' visit the Optum Bank website at: https://www.optumbank.com/resources.html. Investments are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by Optum Bank, and may lose value. About Optum Bank Optum Bank, Member FDIC, and OptumHealth Financial Services (OHFS), is a health and wellness company serving more than 115 million people. Optum Bank is solely dedicated to health care banking with more than 10 years of experience managing health savings accounts (HSAs). With more than 5 million health savings and notional accounts, and more than $9.5 billion in assets, Optum Bank is uniquely positioned to guide consumers along the journey from opening to optimizing an HSA. Health care and finance is in our DNA. About Optum Optum is a leading information and technology-enabled health services business dedicated to helping make the health system work better for everyone. With more than 135,000 people worldwide, Optum delivers intelligent, integrated solutions that help to modernize the health system and improve overall population health. Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH). For more information, visit www.optum.com. Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for UnitedHealth Group. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005039/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] iProspect Promotes Brittany Richter to SVP, Head of Products and Services NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- iProspect, a leading global digital performance agency, announced today the promotion of Brittany Richter to SVP, Head of Products and Services. Effective immediately, Richter will report directly to Michael Gullaksen, Chief Operating Officer at iProspect US. "Products and services is one of our most crucial teams in that it holds all of our offerings in one place," said Gullaksen. "Brittany's passion for and interest in pursuing innovation and creating new channels for our clients is proof that she will thrive in this role, as will iProspect, and I'm looking forward to an incredibly successful 2019." Richter has been with iProspect for more than five years and previously served as VP, Head of Social Media, where she built the agency's social offering from the ground up. From the time she began at iProspect in 2013, Richter saw an opportunity and the timing was critical, with social media becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex and brands needing a partner to help navigate the space. In this role, Richter was able to build strong relationships with a number of integral partners, including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Now, with more than 120 specialists working across 170 brands for social media alone, Richter's vision has quickly catapulted the practice into the fastest growing offering within iProspect and one of the reasons brands continue to flock to the agency. "Brittany embodies an entrepreneurial spirit at her core. From the day she started at iProspect, she had a vision for creating a social offering. Not only did she bring that vision to life, but she continued to grow it over the last five years and it has been and will continue to be incredibly successful," said Jeremy Cornfeldt, President of iProspect US. "Brittany is a true leader and I have no doubt of her ability to succeed in this role and help us continue to produce innovativ products that our clients benefit from." Richter, who works out of iProspect's New York office, is responsible for leading and supporting development and delivery of products for each of iProspect's individual offerings, including Paid Search, Paid Social, SEO, Display and Paid Platform Merchandizing, a specialist practice launched earlier this year that optimizes paid search marketing across resellers and marketplaces, including Amazon, Walmart, and others. In this position, she will work across these teams to create innovation within each channel and bring together a truly holistic offering from iProspect that showcases its unmatched understanding of performance. Additionally, Richter will oversee all members of the products and services team the largest team at iProspect. She will also work closely with external partners to stay attuned to the direction of the industry, allowing the agency to better understand the needs of clients and create best-in-class work. "As head of social media at iProspect, I oversaw the vision, operations and teams in that department. In this role, I get to do that on a larger scale and across channels to showcase our many offerings and work with even more of our teams," said Richter. "As part of this role, looking at what the future will bring is imperative and I'm incredibly excited to look ahead to the evolution of the role of content and creative, voice and AI, as well as other areas, and showcase the agency's understanding of the ever-changing industry." Richter remains a critical part of iProspect's leadership team, which has grown exponentially this year with several other new hires and promotions. Earlier this month, iProspect announced the promotion of Charlotte Polci to the newly-created role of VP of Integrated Solutions. The agency also named Adam Kasper EVP, Managing Director, Joel Grossman Chief Technology Officer, and Belle Lenz Chief Marketing Officer earlier this year. For further information, contact: Gabriella Berman Director, Public Relations 646.880.3187 [email protected] About iProspect iProspect is the first truly global digital marketing agency, with 4,300+ employees in 93 offices across 55 countries. A trusted partner with an in-depth understanding of consumer behavior, iProspect reshapes brand strategies to meet the fast-paced demands of the convergent world with a focus on exceeding the client's business objectives. Our global reach, in-depth knowledge of diverse local markets, and expertise produce award-winning, performance-based marketing strategies for leading brands such as General Motors, Hilton, Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, and many others. In 2017, iProspect was named a leader in Forrester Research Inc.'s "The Forrester Wave" Report for search marketing agencies. iProspect has also been listed as the "Best Agency for Performance Marketing" by iMedia three years in a row, MediaPost's 2015 Search Agency of the Year and iMedia's Best Agency for Search.? For more information, visit www.iProspect.com or follow us on Twitter @iProspect. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iprospect-promotes-brittany-richter-to-svp-head-of-products-and-services-300760512.html SOURCE iProspect [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Course Hero Welcomes Preetham Vishwanatha as Vice President of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Dec. 5, 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 the appointment of Preetham Vishwanatha as Vice President of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. In the past 20 years, Vishwanatha has built large-scale machine intelligence platforms for evidence-driven decision-making in ad tech, commerce exchanges, retail demand chain solutions, and cloud-based analytics domains. He brings distinguished expertise in stochastic optimization for large-scale systems, vision computing, and computational linguistics. He is a published author and accomplished speaker. "For more than 10 years, Course Hero has helped students graduate confident and prepared," said Andrew Grauer, founder and CEO of Course Hero. "For the last several years, we have done this by providing an easy-to-navigate library of course- and school-specific study resources. But as we look to the future, we want to go further in boosting the active learning experiences of students, significantly increasing their success rates to graduate. We believe artificial intelligence is critical to that endeavor. We're excited to have Preetham spearheading the AI vision and efforts for us." Vishwanatha, who joins Course Hero from global mobile advertising and marketing platform InMobi, assumes full responsibility for building Course Hero's machine learning and artificial intelligence capability, including engineering, platforms, and reseach to enable semantic and narrative intelligence around educational content and learning experiences for students. Under Vishwanatha, the team will build and operationalize a semantic knowledge graph that will enable AI to autonomously tailor bespoke learning experiences personalized to individual student needs, learning styles, and skills. The team will also create similar graph intelligence to help educators formulate unique content. "We're on the precipice of a paradigm shift in the field of edtech," said Vishwanatha. "The edtech of the past has focused on providing students with better access to existing learning materials and experiences. The edtech of the future will center around creating bespoke learning outcomes tailored to the individual learner, and artificial intelligence will be a key ingredient to accelerate this." 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 and named a 2018 Best Place to Work in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times and Silicon Valley Business Journal. Connect with Course Hero at www.coursehero.com or on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest. For more information, contact: Grayling PR for Course Hero [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/course-hero-welcomes-preetham-vishwanatha-as-vice-president-of-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-300760708.html SOURCE Course Hero [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Tax Increment Financing Bonds Issued for Walton's Westphalia Town Center Development Walton Westphalia Development Corporation (the "Corporation") announced today that Prince George's County Maryland issued $39,755,000 of its tax increment financing (TIF) bonds for public infrastructure projects in and around Westphalia Town Center. The bond sale proceeds are immediately available for the developer to design and construct Presidential Parkway, and complete the design and upgrade the intersection of MD-4 and MD-223. These improvements are expected to unlock the potential of Westphalia Town Center, relieve existing traffic problems, and spur economic development in this part of the County. The Corporation's president, CEO, and chairman Bill Doherty said, "This investment in Westphalia by the County and the TIF bond holders will allow us to move forward with best-in-class builders, and retail and development partners". Mr. Doherty added, "While there has been strong builder and end user interest in the Phase 1 town home lots and retail land, the success of future commercial phases depends on upgraded public infrastructure. We appreciate the partnership and teamwork of Prince George's County and the entire finance team for their confidence in us and in the project." Currently the Corporation is delivering residential townhome lots to three homebuilders, recruiting retail tenants, and evaluating offers from multiple partners for various uses in future phases of the Corporation's project in Prince George's County, Maryland. Additional Information The Corporation is managed by Walton Global Investment Ltd. and the development of the Project is managed by Walton Development & Management (USA), Inc., both of which are members of the Walton Group of Companies. The Walton Group of Companies ("Walton") is a multinational real estate investment, planning, and development group concentrating on the research, acquisition, administration, planning and development of strategically located land in major North American growth corridors. Walton's communities are comprehensively designed in collaboration with local residents for the benefit of community stakeholders. Its goal is to build communities that will stand the test of time: hometowns for present and future generations. For more information about Walton Westphalia Development Corporation, please visit www.sedar.com. For more information about Walton, visit www.walton.com. This news release, required by Canadian laws, does not constitute an offer of securities, and is not for distribution or dissemination outside Canada. This news release contains forward looking information, and actual future results may differ from what is disclosed in this news release. Forward-looking information is based on the current expectations, estimates and projections of the Corporation at the time the statements are made. They involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which would cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Corporation's actual results and performance in future periods to differ materially from the forward looking information contained in this news release include, among other things, renegotiation of loans, refinancing or extension of existing loans, the amount and timing of the financing received, the amount of, timing and terms of any tax increment financing that has been received or may be received by the Corporation, the length of time it takes to develop and sell the Project, the ability of the Corporation to enter into joint ventures relating to, or to otherwise, vertically develop portions of the Project, the ability and length of time it takes to design and begin construction of the Presidential Parkway and the benefits thereof, the ability and length of time it takes to design and upgrade the intersection of MD-4 and MD-223 and the benefits thereof, the availability and terms of other construction financing required by the Corporation, the costs involved in the horizontal and/or vertical development of the Project, the prices at which the serviced lots and parcels from, or vertically developed structures on, the Project can be sold, the rate at which serviced lots and parcels from, or vertically developed structures on, the Project are purchased in the marketplace, general economic and market factors, including interest rates, a decline in the real estate market, changes in government policies and regulations or in tax laws, changes in municipal planning strategies and whether certain development approvals are obtained and changes in the Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate, in addition to those factors discussed or referenced in the prospectus and other documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available online at www.sedar.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005636/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Kapa Capital Inc. Announces Qualifying Transaction with PSI International Inc. SYMBOL KAPA.P VANCOUVER, Dec. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Kapa Capital Inc. ("Kapa" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding agreement (the "Agreement") dated November 29, 2018 with PSI International, Inc. ("PSI"), a US private company incorporated under the laws of the state of Virginia. Kapa and PSI propose to complete an arrangement, amalgamation, share exchange or similar transaction and continue the business of PSI (the "Transaction"). The Transaction is expected to constitute Kapa's Qualifying Transaction under the Capital Pool Companies policy (the "CPC Policy") of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). Kapa, after completion of the Qualifying Transaction, is referred to in this news release as the "Resulting Issuer". For over 40 years, PSI has been a provider of information technology and data analytics and management solutions to federal, state and local government agencies. PSI's key clients include United States' Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Food and Drug Administration and other local and state agencies such as New York State, NYPD, MTA and WMATA. PSI is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia. In 2017, PSI had revenue of approximately US$44 million and positive earnings before taxes, which amount is reflected in the audited consolidated financial statements of PSI for the year ended December 31, 2017. All of PSI's revenues are long-term multi-year contracts with United States's federal, state and local government agencies. Further information about PSI, including financial information and the proposed management and board of directors of the Resulting Issuer, will be provided in a subsequent news release. Prior to and/or concurrent with the completion of the Transaction, PSI may complete one or more private placements of subscription receipts or other form of security, in consultation with Kapa, for gross proceeds of approximately CAD$10 million, or such other amount as may be determined by PSI (the "PSI Private Placement") Upon completion of the Transaction, the parties anticipate that the Resulting Issuer will be listed as a Tier 2 Technology Issuer on the Exchange. The Transaction is arm's length and is therefore not a Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction under the CPC Policy. Accordingly, the CPC Policy does not require Kapa to obtain shareholder approval of the Transaction. "This represents an important milestone for PSI," said Richard Seol, Chairman and President of PSI. "This agreement with Kapa positions PSI to execute on our growth strategy, broaden our customer base, and expand our geographic footprint. Our client's success continues to drive our business, and this transaction enhances our ability to provide our customer's with valuable and actionable data solutions." Harry Katevatis, President, CEO and director of Kapa stated "Kapa is excited to combine with PSI and has been impressed with its review of PSI's business and revenue growth, as well as its experienced management team. In addition, PSI has an impressive pipeline of new bsiness opportunities. We look forward to working together towards building shareholder value and executing PSI's business plan". The Agreement contemplates that Kapa, PSI and PSI's stockholders will complete a business combination by way of an amalgamation, share exchange, arrangement or other similar form of transaction whereby the holders of common stock of PSI will exchange such common stock in consideration for common shares of Kapa. Outstanding convertible securities in PSI will also be exchanged for equivalent convertible securities of Kapa on the basis of an exchange ratio to be definitively agreed upon by the parties. Immediately before the closing of the Transaction, Kapa will (a) consolidate the issued and outstanding common shares and convertible securities of Kapa on the basis of an exchange ratio to be agreed upon by the parties (the "Consolidation"), and (b) change its name to a new name suitable to the business of PSI. The share exchange is expected to take place on a 1-for-1 basis, after completion of the Consolidation and the change of name. As of the date hereof PSI has 24,000,000 common shares outstanding, and accordingly Kapa expects to issue 24,000,000 post-Consolidation common shares in consideration of all the shares of PSI now-outstanding (the "Base Value"). In addition to the Base Value, Kapa expects to issue such number of Kapa shares as is equal to the shares of PSI issued under the PSI Private Placement (the "Placement Shares") to the holders of Placement Shares in consideration of 100% of the Placement Shares. Any convertible securities of PSI issued pursuant to the PSI Private Placement will be similarly exchanged. The exact ratio of the Consolidation will be determined by Kapa following completion of the PSI Private Placement, and will be calculated to imply a value of $0.30 per Kapa common share (pre-Consolidation) immediately prior to completion of the Transaction. Certain of the Resulting Issuer shares issued to the principals of PSI who will become management of the Resulting Issuer will be subject to escrow in accordance with TSXV policies. Conditions of Closing Completion of the Transaction will be subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to: (a) the parties' entry into a definitive agreement in furtherance to the Agreement; (b) completion of the PSI Private Placement; (c) receipt of all necessary regulatory approval and the approval of the shareholders of Kapa and PSI; (d) receipt of all necessary third party consents; (e) approval of the Transaction by the Exchange as Kapa's Qualifying Transaction; and (f) Kapa satisfying the Initial Listing Requirements set by the Exchange for a Tier 2 Technology Issuer. Sponsorship Kapa intends to apply to the Exchange for a waiver of the Exchange's sponsorship requirements. There is no assurance that this waiver will be granted; however, Kapa anticipates that, considering the advanced stage of PSI's business and the size of the PSI Private Placement, there are reasonable expectations that the Exchange will grant the waiver. Management and Board of Directors Upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction, it is expected that all members of the Kapa board and certain of Kapa's senior officers will resign and the board of directors and management team of the Resulting Issuer will be reconstituted with nominees put forth by PSI. Kapa will provide further details regarding the proposed insiders of the Resulting Issuer in due course. Trading in Kapa's shares has been halted, and the halt is expected to remain in place until the Transaction is completed. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Kapa Capital Inc. Charalambos (Harry) Katevatis President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Statements in this press release regarding Kapa which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties, such as the completion of the proposed Qualifying Transaction. 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. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties such as the risk that the closing may not occur for any reason. Forwarding-looking statements in this news release include the statements that: (i) the parties anticipate that the Resulting Issuer will be listed as a Tier 2 Technology Issuer and (ii) discuss the proposed gross proceeds of the PSI Private Placement. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements due to factors such as: (i) the decision to not close the Qualifying Transaction or PSI Private Placement for any reason, including adverse due diligence results and Exchange refusal of the Qualifying Transaction; (ii) adverse market conditions; and (iii) the need for additional financing. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update any changes to such statements. Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE PSI International, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Louise Walker Elected to Pacific Coast Bankers' Bancshares and PCBB Board of Directors Pacific Coast Bankers' Bancshares, parent company of PCBB, announced today that Louise Walker, President and CEO of First Northern Community Bancorp (Dixon, California), was elected to serve on its board of directors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005005/en/ PCBB announces newest board member: Louise A. Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer, of First Northern Community Bancorp. (Photo: Business Wire) "Louise has been an influential leader in the banking industry for many years, and we look forward to her experienced leadership and solid expertise to help bring PCBB to the next level," said Ken Cosgrove, Chairman of the Board. Steve Brown (News - Alert), President and CEO further noted, "Louise not only brings over 30 years of impressive banking experience, but she also provides insight from her vast community engagement to help us continue our progress in enhancing the customer experience with newer digital elements. We could not be more pleased Louise will be joining the board." Louise began her banking career at First Northern in 1979, and has held several executive management positions with the bank, including 14 years as Senior Executive Vice President and CFO. In 2011, she assumed the role of President and CEO of First Northern Community Bancorp and its subsidiary, First Northern Bank, with assets over $1 billion. Louise is currently serving a three-year term on the American ankers Association (ABA) board of directors as well as a board member of the Western Bankers Association (formerly CBA), in which she also served as Past Chair. In addition, she is serving a two-year term on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Advisory Committee on Community Banking. She also currently serves as Chair of the Solano Economic Development Corporation, and is a board member of Valley Vision, board member of the Roseville Community Development Corporation, Lambda Alpha, Sacramento Chapter, as well as the Yolo Food Bank. Louise holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Saint Mary's College of California. "I look forward to adding my insights and customer viewpoint to the board of directors in my new leadership role," Louise Walker said. "I plan to leverage my already active involvement in the banking industry to provide additional strategic direction in alignment with the company's mission to serve and support its community bank customers and shareholders." Current Board Members Ken Cosgrove, Chairman, Independent Director J. Mike McGowan (News - Alert), Vice Chairman, Board Member, Premier Valley Bank Steve Brown, President & CEO, Pacific Coast Bankers' Bancshares and PCBB Jack Briner, President & CEO, California International Bank, N.A. Curt Hecker, Independent Director John Gaynor, Independent Director Tamara Gurney, President & CEO, Mission Valley Bank Minor Hinson, Independent Director J. Stephen Huntley, Independent Director About Pacific Coast Bankers' Bancshares pcbb.com Pacific Coast Bankers' Bancshares ("Bancshares") and its subsidiary, PCBB, were founded in 1998 with the sole purpose of helping community financial institutions become stronger. PCBB, a state-chartered, FDIC-insured member of the Federal Reserve System, provides solutions and services that help community-based financial institutions better compete with larger financial institutions and financial technology companies. About First Northern Bank thatsmybank.com Established in Solano County in 1910, First Northern Bank has stood the test of time - only eight California banks founded earlier than First Northern are still in business today. In June 2015, First Northern topped the $1.0 billion mark in assets. First Northern is a regional community bank that fuels the community through lending, investments and volunteerism. The Bank has 10 branches strategically positioned along the I-80 corridor from Fairfield in Solano County to Auburn in Placer County. The Bank specializes in relationship banking, with experts available in small-business, commercial, real estate, agribusiness and mortgage lending. The Bank is a SBA Preferred Lender, has non-FDIC insured Investment and Brokerage Services, a mortgage loan office in Sonoma, and a commercial loan production office in Walnut Creek. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005005/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] TapClicks Prepares for Supercharged Growth in MarTech Sector, Hires VP of People & Operations and VP of Enterprise Customer Success SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TapClicks , the global SaaS leader in marketing intelligence, analytics, reporting and workflow, announced today that it made two new strategic hires as the company prepares for accelerated growth in the MarTech sector. Tonya J. Long is joining the company as Vice President of People and Operations while Regan Davis is joining as the Vice President of Enterprise Customer Success. On the heels of TapClicks' recent $10M Investment from Boathouse Capital , the company is building out its executive team to support the rapid increase of new customers and expansion of existing customer programs while optimizing the alignment of people and projects to support the company's industry-leading revenue growth and market penetration. "More than 5,000 B2B and consumer media companies, agencies, franchises, and brands use TapClicks to gain with immense value through its 1,400 marketing integrations and full stack marketing operations and intelligence platform," said Babak Hedayati, TapClicks Co-founder and CEO. "As we continue to drive success among enterprise-class customers and brands, we wanted to bring in world-class expertise to enhance our culture and operations. Tonya's and Regan's vast experiences from companies such as Yahoo!, DFM, Akamai and Avaya, are a perfect match for us to build out our industry-leading organization." As Vice President of People and Operations, Tonya J. Long will lead TapClicks' global human resource functions, including scaling out the company's culture while enhancing talent acquisition, performance management, and learning and development. She is also charged with driving corporate cross-functional efforts to optimize, strengthen and streamline TapClicks' systems and processes to align people with projects that support the company as it positions itself for accelerated growth on top of its recently secured investments, continued product innovation and ongoing M&A activity. Long will be vital to building the cultural foundation for TapClicks' future as she leads the integrations of newly acquired companies and champions the company's organizational evolution through its growth period. She most recently held senior product operations roles at Akamai Technologies and Avaya and brings more than 20 years of senior leadership in high-tech enterprise companies to TapClicks. "TapClicks has a reputation as one of the hottest Silicon Valley startups and its management team is delivering really compelling technology in a portfolio driven by high-performance teams evolving around the globe," said Long. "I am thrilled to be part of the most powerful force in Marech, especially as the company continues to drive towards industry-leading growth." Regan Davis is joining TapClicks as Vice President of Enterprise Customer Success and is responsible for promoting customer success by growing and managing relationships with strategic customers, including agencies, brands and media companies who manage omni-channel marketing for thousands of SMBs. As a long-time digital marketing executive, Davis intrinsically understands the complexity of managing multi-pronged marketing programs and how to align customer success through education and communication. In her role, she will help key customers gain greater business benefits from their existing TapClicks program, in addition to expanding the platform into multiple properties, business units, regional markets and geographies. Davis was previously the Head of Publisher Partnerships at DevCon, an AdTech security provider, and brings with her deep experience in managing multimillion-dollar partner channels in technology and media industries. "TapClicks is filling a large and complex gap in today's exciting MarTech landscape. The ability to enhance marketing performance through advanced analytics across an array of over 200 tools and integrations is a game changer," said Davis. "TapClicks is able to dynamically improve how marketers can achieve success and I am thrilled to be joining the impressive team behind such standout innovation." TapClicks integrates more than 200 sources of marketing campaign data and performance metrics into a unified, scalable, end-to-end marketing analytics, reporting, workflow and order management solution. The company also offers a HIPAA compliant solution to ensure healthcare covered entities and their digital agencies are able to easily maintain regulatory compliance. Serving 5000+ media and advertising agencies and their 500,000 brand clients, TapClicks' solution enables users to analyze data quickly and effectively, delivering powerful automated reports and visualizations to enhance marketing operations and performance while improving sales enablement without the burden of additional IT overhead. "Both Tonya and Regan bring strong records of success, leadership and operational excellence to the TapClicks team. Tonya's expertise across product, customer and employee verticals will be essential as we continue to develop our culture, strengthen our processes and align the company's assets to continue to deliver a world class marketing analytics, reporting and workflow platform," said Colby West, TapClicks President. "And having Regan on board to invigorate our customer ecosystem will help us extend TapClicks' value to reach customers across industries and market segments like never before." About TapClicks TapClicks, Inc. is the leading marketing performance platform for digital and media agencies and their SMB, B2B enterprise and consumer brand clients. Its pre-integrated, unified platform includes agency orders, marketing workflow, performance analytics, client reporting and data centralized across a wide range of marketing and advertising tools. TapClicks' unified platform is used by over 5,000 digital and media agencies. The company has been recognized by the 2018 SaaS Awards for the Best SaaS Product for Business Intelligence or Analytics, Best UX/UI/Design in a SaaS Product and Best SaaS Product for Sales / Marketing; the 2018 MITX Best Technology Award ; and StreetFight's Local Visionary Award 2018 for " Best Dashboard for managing Local Campaigns ." Additionally, it has been honored for three consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 list as a Fastest Growing Company in Silicon Valley . TapClicks, founded in 2009, is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. with locations in Boston, Nashville, and New York City, as well as international offices in Montreal, Canada; Bogota, Columbia; and Hyderabad and Pune, India. For more information, visit TapClicks.com and sign up for a demo or free trial today. Media Contact: Samantha Singh Lumina Communications for TapClicks Inc. [email protected] 650-722-0294 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tapclicks-prepares-for-supercharged-growth-in-martech-sector-hires-vp-of-people--operations-and-vp-of-enterprise-customer-success-300760778.html SOURCE TapClicks [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] GP Strategies Acquires TTi Global COLUMBIA, Md., Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global performance improvement solutions provider GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE: GPX) announced that it has acquired TTi Global, a provider of training, staffing, research and consulting solutions to the global automotive industry and other key sectors. This acquisition significantly enhances GP Strategies' service offerings and customer base in the automotive industry, adding service training and multiple new markets, customer relationships and capabilities. TTi Global highlights include: Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Operates globally with offices in Australia , Brazil , Chile , China , India , Japan , Mexico , Peru , South Africa , Thailand , The Philippines , United Arab Emirates , United Kingdom and the United States , , , , , , , , , , , , and Offers a wide range of services, including technical and non-technical training, staff augmentation services and global research consulting Annual revenues of over $50 million expected "The TTi acquisition is an important step in our progress towards the financial goals set forth in our previously disclosed long-term strategic plan, and most importantly putting GP Strategies back on a growth track," stated Scott N. Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer of GP Strategies. "This acquisition is directly aligned with our strategy of accelerating growth in the automotive industry, a large market with significant growth potential for our business." "The addition of TTi Global enhances GP Strategies' global platform as a comprehensive training provider, providing us with greater scale and depth of services to capitalize on global training opportunities," stated Adam H. Stedham, President of GP Strategies. "This acquisition will deliver immediate benefits to GP Strategies, giving us the ability to provide complete training services for dealership sales and service staff, as well as increased capability across Asia and Latin America in both automotive and non-automotive markets. In addition, this acquisition adds staff augmentation as a new service line for GP Strategies, allowing us to serve our clients' staffing needs. As clients continue to look for ways to transform their business and enhanc customer experience, we are now better positioned to help them on that journey." "The opportunity to join GP Strategies is exciting," said Lori Blaker, President & Chief Executive Officer of TTi Global. "Our shared expertise and experience in the automotive industry will enable us to broaden and deepen the value we deliver to our clients. Our combined leadership enhances our ability to serve as an automotive strategic partner." Investor Webcast and Conference Call GP Strategies has scheduled an investor webcast and conference call for Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Prepared remarks providing an overview of the TTi Global acquisition will be followed by a question and answer period with GP Strategies' executive management team. The conference call may be accessed via webcast at: https://services.choruscall.com/links/gpx181206.html or by calling +1 (833) 535-2204 within the US, or +1 (412) 902-6747 internationally, and requesting the "GP Strategies Conference." The presentation slides broadcast via the webcast will also be available on the Investors section of GP Strategies' website the morning of the call. Participants must be logged in via telephone to submit a question to management during the call. The webcast will be archived on the Investors section of GP Strategies' website and will remain available for 90 days. Alternatively, a telephonic replay of the conference call will be available for one week and may be accessed by dialing +1 (877) 344-7529 in the US, or +1 (412) 317-0088 internationally, and requesting conference number 10126811. About TTi Global TTi Global provides staffing, learning, research and consulting solutions to industries across various sectors with automotive as a core focus. TTi Global oversees operations on six continents with offices spanning the globe. With a staff of over 1,100 employees in international operations, they offer a wide range of services, tailor made to drive business goals, including business consulting, research, staffing, workforce development and learning solutions. TTi Global world headquarters are in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. About GP Strategies GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE: GPX) is a global performance improvement solutions provider of training, digital learning strategies and solutions, management consulting, and engineering services. GP Strategies' solutions improve the effectiveness of organizations by delivering innovative and superior training, consulting, and business improvement services, customized to meet the specific needs of its clients. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, manufacturing, process and energy industries, and other commercial and government customers. Forward Looking Statement We make statements in this press release that are considered 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. These statements reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. We use words such as "expect," "intend," "believe," "may," "should," "could," "anticipates," and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean a statement is not forward-looking. These statements are not guarantees of our future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause our actual performance or achievements to be materially different from those we project. For a full discussion of these risks, uncertainties, and factors, we encourage you to read our documents on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth in our periodic reports under the forward-looking statements and risk factors sections. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. 2018 GP Strategies Corporation. All rights reserved. GP Strategies and the GP Strategies logo design are trademarks of GP Strategies Corporation. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gp-strategies-acquires-tti-global-300760885.html SOURCE GP Strategies Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] Robbins Arroyo LLP: Ternium S.A. (TX) Misled Shareholders According to Class Action Shareholder rights law firm Robbins Arroyo LLP announces that purchasers of Ternium S.A. (NYSE: TX) filed a class action complaint against the company's officers and directors for alleged violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 between May 1, 2014 and November 27, 2018. Ternium S.A., through its subsidiaries, manufactures and processes various steel products in the United States and Latin America. View this information on the law firm's Shareholder Rights Blog: https://www.robbinsarroyo.com/ternium-s-a/ Ternium's Chairman Allegedly Knew About Bribes to overnment Officials According to the complaint, on May 7, 2009, Ternium sold its 59.7% stake in Venezuelan steel company Sidor to Corporacion Venezolana de Guayana for almost $2 billion. Ternium subsequently represented to investors that the company does not condone the offering or receiving of bribes or any other form of improper payments. However, Ternium's Chairman and Argentine billionaire, Paolo Rocca, knew that one of his company's executives paid cash to government officials from 2009 to 2012 to expedite compensation payments for the sale of Ternium's Sidor unit. On November 27, 2018, Bloomberg (News - Alert) reported that Rocca was indicted for his role in a graft scheme, set a $103 million bond, and forbade Rocca from leaving the country. On this news, Ternium's stock fell nearly 5% to close at $28.02 per share on November 27, 2018. Ternium Shareholders Have Legal Options Concerned shareholders who would like more information about their rights and potential remedies can contact attorney Leonid Kandinov at (800) 350-6003, [email protected], or via the shareholder information form on the firm's website. Robbins Arroyo LLP is a nationally recognized leader in shareholder rights law. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits, and has helped its clients realize more than $1 billion of value for themselves and the companies in which they have invested. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005831/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [December 05, 2018] EQUITY ALERT: Rosen Law Firm Announces Filing of Securities Class Action Lawsuit Against Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima - LOMA Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima (NYSE:LOMA) pursuant and/or traceable to Loma Negra's Registration Statement filed in connection with its November 2017 Initial Public Offering ("IPO"). The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for Loma Negra investors under the federal securities laws. To join the Loma Negra class action, go to https://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-1370.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. or Zachary Halper, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. NO CLASS HAS YET BEEN CERTIFIED IN THE ABOVE ACTION. UNTIL A CLASS IS CERTIFIED, YOU ARE NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL UNLESS YOU RETAIN ONE. YOU MAY RETAIN COUNSEL OF YOUR CHOICE. YOU MAY ALSO REMAIN AN ABSENT CLASS MEMBER AND DO NOTHING AT THIS POINT. AN INVESTOR'S ABILITY TO SHARE IN ANY POTENTIAL FUTURE RECOVERY IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON SERVING AS LEAD PLAINTIFF. The complaint alleges that Loma Negra's Registration Statement contained untrue statements of material fact and omitted to state material facts both required by governing regulations and necessary to make the statements made not misleading, including: (1) downplaying and misrepresenting Loma Negra's exposure to a massive, ongoing coruption scandal engulfing its majority owner, InterCement Participacoes S.A.; (2) misrepresenting a purported increased demand for Loma Negra's cement and other products as a result of economic growth and government funding for public works projects in Argentina, as well as the purported benefits to Loma Negra from that increased demand; (3) misrepresenting events and trends in the Argentinian economy, as well as Loma Negra's exposure thereto; and (4) including references to known risks that "if" occurring "might" or "could" affect Loma Negra, despite the fact that these "risks" had already materialized at the time of the IPO. When the truth of defendants' misrepresentations and omissions became known, the price of Loma Negra shares suffered sharp declines. At the commencement of the lawsuit, Loma Negra's securities were trading more than 40% below the $11 IPO price. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 4, 2019. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. If you wish to join the litigation, go to https://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-1370.html or to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Phillip Kim, Esq. or Zachary Halper, Esq. of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected]. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn (News - Alert): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter (News - Alert): https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook (News - Alert): https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 3 each year since 2013. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005838/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] You have reached a premium content area of TOL. To read this entire article please login if you are already a TOL subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Samsung Galaxy S20 FE review: A value triumph Editor's Choice The Galaxy S20 FE packs all the best features of the Galaxy S20 into a more affordable package, but there are some trade-offs if you get this phone. Editors' Note: Updated at 10 p.m. ET with additional details about the Snapdragon 855 throughout the story. WAILEA, Hawaii Every generation of mobile processor brings a slew of expected improvements It's faster than ever! It consumes less power than before! and you can certainly expect those kind of gains from Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 855 chipset. But the latest mobile processor previewed here today (Dec. 5) by Qualcomm promises enough other notable improvements to mean big changes for your next smartphone. Besides improvements to speed and efficiency helped along by the fact that this is Qualcomm's first 7-nanometer chip the Snapdragon 855 will allow phones to take advantage of the faster networking speeds available from next-generation 5G wireless networks. A new sensor in the chipset will enable phone makers to embed fingerprint readers underneath their devices' displays. And Qualcomm is talking up a host of other improvements, from a more sophisticated image signal processor that will boost smartphone cameras to a faster AI engine. Qualcomm says that its partners are already sampling the Snapdragon 855. Look for the new mobile processing platform to start appearing in leading Android flagship devices during the first half of 2019, with OnePlus saying that its next flagship phone will be the among the first to be powered by the Snapdragon 855. (Update 12/6: Initial reports had OnePlus claiming that its phone would be the first to ship with Snapdragon 855, but OnePlus later clarified that was a misunderstanding based on an incorrect translation of CEO Pete Lau's announcement.) When the chipset does start popping up in phones, here's what you can expect the Snapdragon 855 to deliver. 7-nanometer CPU: 45 percent performance boost Like the Kirin 980 and Apple A12 Bionic, Qualcomm is building the Snapdragon 855 using a 7-nanometer process. Other chips switching to the smaller design have seen a boost to power efficiency, and Qualcomm's latest is no exception. Qualcomm says the Kryo 485 CPU on the Snapdragon 855 processor delivers up to a 45 percent improvement over the performance found in the Snapdragon 845 that's powering leading Android flagship phones these days. Similarly, the Adreno 640 GPU on the new chipset can boost graphics performance by up to 20 percent over Qualcomm's current offering. That's the biggest performance increase ever for a Snapdragon update, Qualcomm senior director of product marketing Travis Lanier told Snapdragon Tech Summit attendees. Left unsaid by Qualcomm is how these performance gains will help the latest Snapdragon close the gap with Apple's pace-setting CPU. The A12 Bionic is the fastest processor we've tested, turning in a score of 11,515 for the iPhone XS Max on the Geekbench 4 general performance benchmark. That's well ahead of the 9,014 turned in by the HTC U12+, the fastest performing 845-powered phone in our testing, and even with the promised improvement delivered by the Snapdragon 855, it seems like the iPhone could continue to enjoy its edge in speed. (Image credit: Image Credit: Tom's Guide) Qualcomm did suggest that its new processor will boost performance in the apps mobile users turn to the most. A chart shown off by Lanier displayed apps including Gmail, Google Maps, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube all enjoying faster launch times on Snapdragon 855 than on other rival 7-nanometer processors (which would be the A12 Bionic and the Kirin 980). Another graphic appearing during the Snapdragon 855 unveiling touted sustained gaming performance the Snapdragon 855 maintains a steady performance over time while other processors start to flag after an initial surge. To that end, Snapdragon-powered phones have fared better in graphics testing, and the 855 figures to continue that trend. In addition to the better-performing GPU on the Snapdragon 855, the new chipset supports Vulkan 1.1 a first on mobile high dynamic range, and physically based rendering. All three of those features should contribute to more realistic gaming, according to Qualcomm, as part of the company's Elite Gaming initiative (which we'll talk about more in a little bit). A demo after the Snapdragon 855's unveiling demonstrated the kind of power savings you can expect from the new mobile processor. Qualcomm set up two references devices with 3,000 mAh batteries side by side one running the Snapdragon 845 and the other with the 855. Playing PUBG Mobile, the 855-powered device had an expected battery life that was more than an hour longer than the 845 device; the gap widened to about an hour and 15 minutes when performing on Instagram. In other words, expect longer battery life from phones running on a Snapdragon 855. 5G Support: Up to 20x faster speeds The Snapdragon 855 will be ready for 5G even if it takes phone makers and especially cellular networks a little bit to catch up. The new mobile processor includes Qualcomm's X50 modem, the 5G-capable modem the company unveiled earlier this year. The X50 can use both Sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency bands for 5G connectivity, which should allow phones equipped with the Snapdragon 855 to reach some eye-popping data speeds when connected to 5G networks. According to Qualcomm, for example, mmWave frequency bands can deliver a 20x boost to average performance compared to what's out there now. MORE: The Truth About 5G: What's Coming (and What's Not) in 2019 Translation? You'll be able to perform data-intensive tasks downloading 4K movies, transferring large files and streaming graphically intensive games with real-time responsiveness that were either too much of a headache to perform on smartphones or not even feasible with today's cellular networks. Of course, to reap those benefits, wireless carriers will have to launch their 5G networks, something that's not anticipated until later on in 2019. To ensure that flagship phones can still deliver fast data while 5G networks are rolling out, Qualcomm is also equipping the Snapdragon 855 with the X24 LTE modem. That's a Cat-20 modem capable of delivering 2 Gbps speeds, at least on LTE networks capable of supporting that kind of throughput. Now that we have a mobile processing platform capable of powering 5G-capable phones, some of the burden is going to shift to phone makers to start producing these devices. Already this week, Samsung announced plans with both Verizon and AT&T to come out with 5G phones in early 2019, while LG and Sprint made similar promises back in August. Reports suggest that Apple will wait until 2020 to come out with a 5G iPhone, giving Qualcomm and the Android phone makers that use its Snapdragon platform a potential edge over their rival from Cupertino. 3D Sonic Sensor: Fingerprint reader under the display With bezels around smartphone displays getting thinner, phone makers have been forced to find a new home for the fingerprint sensor. Generally, that's been on the back of the phone, which isn't always a convenient place to put it. A new sensor on the Snapdragon 855 will allow that sensor to remain on the front of the phone, where it will live under the display. The Qualcomm 3D Sonic Sensor is an ultrasonic sensor that's different from capacitive sensors that are popular on older smartphones. For starters, Qualcomm says its sensor will be able to work even when your finger is wet, something other smartphones can't claim. The OnePlus 6T already features an optical in-display sensor that works fairly quickly and reliably in our testing. We're eager to see how Qualcomm's 3D Sonic Sensor compares, especially with no demos of the new feature available here in Hawaii. (One Qualcomm rep told us that a preview might be in the offing at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month.) One thing that is for sure, though with this feature now part of the Snapdragon 855 platform, look for a lot more devices to adopt embedded fingerprint sensors into their designs in 2019. Spectra 380 ISP: Big camera upgrade Cameras are one of the most critical features on a smartphone these days, and Qualcomm wants to make sure that the cameras on Snapdragon 855-powered handsets have some added oomph. The new chipset includes an improved Spectra 380 image signal processor (ISP) that boasts computer vision features capable of powering computation photography. Because those features are now built directly into the ISP instead of offloading them to the Snapdragon's Hexagon digital signal processor, you can expect a camera that will perform computational tasks more quickly. Object detection, for example will be 11 times faster thanks to the hardware enhancements made to the Spectra ISP, Qualcomm's Judd Heape told me. The camera's not just faster; it will consume less power, too. The Spectra 380 should see a 4x gain in power savings over its predecessor, Qualcomm says. MORE: Best Smartphone Cameras What does all that mean in terms of camera capabilities? The Snapdragon 855's computer vision ISP will support hardware-based depth sensing, so that it can allow for real-time video capture and object segmentation in 4K HDR at 60 frames per second. Essentially, you'll be able to apply portrait mode effects to videos or even remove the background of a video you've shot in real time. In one particularly impressive on-stage demo, Heape showed off a cinemagraph where you could freeze a portion of a captured video a video of a person blowing bubbles froze so that the woman appeared as a still image while the bubbles continued to pop. Those kind of video-centric features weren't on display in demos after the Snapdragon 855's unveiling, but we did get to see improvements to the ISP's still photo capabilities that allowed for better images with sharper details and more accurate colors in low-light settings as well as improved bokeh effects in portrait shots. (Image credit: Image Credit: Tom's Guide) Qualcomm also says that the Spectra 380 supports video recording using HDR 10+, the first ISP that does so. That allows the camera on Snapdragon 855-powered devices to capture more than 1 billion shades of color without sacrificing contrast. Qualcomm says it's lined up a phone maker to bring HDR10+ support to the market in 2019. The Snapdragon 855 is also adding hardware acceleration for the HEIF file format, an important addition given the number of phones with multiple cameras. All those shots captured by different sensors can be saved in a single HEIF file. As a result, Qualcomm promises a 50 percent reduction in file size for images. But HEIF support is about more than just more compact file sizes, Heape said. HEIF is able to save video as well as multiple stills in a single file. It can also embed a lot of metadata, from time and location stamps to depth maps, which would allow you to go back later and create a portrait mode image. Qualcomm expects to take advantages of more of these types of HEIF-enabled features in future versions of its mobile processor. Wi-Fi 6-ready Souped-up cellular connectivity is only part of the story with the Snapdragon 855. The new mobile platform also features faster Wi-Fi connectivity. To that end, Qualcomm says the latest Snapdragon platform Wi-Fi 6-ready, meaning it can work with the latest wireless standard at least once router and networking equipment makers start cranking out Wi-Fi 6 devices. Snapdragon 855 also supports Qualcomm's 802.11ay-based 60 GHz Wi-Fi mobile platform, which is capable of delivering 10 Gbps speeds at latency equivalent to wired connections. (Image credit: Image Credit: Tom's Guide) In a demo area, I played Asphalt 9 on a Snapdragon 855-powered mobile device with a joystick accessory attached, and the gaming streaming to a big-screen TV set nearby. Taps and button presses I made on the phone registered instantly on the TV with no lag in responsiveness, essentially allowing me to enjoy a console-style game from my mobile device. Faster and Better AI: Your phone's getting smarter Qualcomm's fourth-generation AI engine draws on improvements to the Kryo CPU, Adreno GPU and Hexagon digital signal processor, an approach Qualcomm is happy to contrast with other mobile processor that limit AI to a single processor. The changes to the Hexagon 690 are particularly important here, as the DSP has doubled the number of core vectors from the Snapdragon 845. A redesigned Hexagon Tensor Accelerator also helps the Snapdragon 855's AI engine deliver a 3x improvement over AI performance in the current Qualcomm chipset. At the same time, hardware improvements to the 855's Adreno GPU boost the number of arithmetic logic units, while the Kryo 485 CPU also has introduced some changes to speed up AI performance. The bottom line: the Snapdragon 855 inside your future Android phone is going to be able to perform more calculations faster. It's also going to be able provide better support for the multitude of voice assistants fighting for space on your smartphone. Features such as dedicated AI acceleration for echo cancellation and noise suppression should make it easier to talk to the assistant of your choosing on your smartphone and guarantee that your voice is heard. Snapdragon Elite Gaming: Your next phone will be more entertaining Mobile gamers figure to benefit from the Snapdragon 855, as Qualcomm is using this processor to introduce its Snapdragon Elite Gaming program. Qualcomm says it will offer true HDR gaming with cinematic color grading. It's also introducing new physical-based rendering that the company says will result in extremely realistic graphics and lighting. Custom algorithms aim to reduce dropped frames by more than 90 percent, and support for both 5G and 60 GHz Wi-Fi are expected to reduce latency when you're taking on others in multiplayer games. Movie Playback and Mixed Reality As for movie playback, the Snapdragon 855 supports HDR10+, a first for mobile. An included Cinema Core decoder for H.265 and VP9 is up to 7x more power efficient, Qualcomm says, meaning you'll be able to watch more movies without having to search for a charging cable. On the mixed reality front, the Snapdragon 855 supports 8K playback at 120 frames per second, which should deliver more immersive experiences in virtual reality. A demonstration by NextVR's David Cole brought that point home by illustrating how 5G can deliver that kind of clarity. An 60-frame-per-second broadcast of a soccer match in VR lacked the resolution of the 5G version that featured higher frame rates. You could recognize individual players and there was less blur around the ball as it was kicked toward the goal. Main Image Credit: Qualcomm KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Police say they dropped the investigation for the same reason they would in any other case and it has nothing to do with the accused being a celebrity. But it's not clear if Hunt's celebrity status stopped mandatory reporters from calling police the night of the alleged assault. Imagined Doggie Dedication Kansas City trainer explains service dogs relationships with owners LEAWOOD, KS (KCTV) - Service dogs can be life-changing for people with special needs. They go through rigorous training from rambunctious puppies, to reliable companions. Callie and Buck, service dogs, train with David Caton almost every day in Kansas City. Hipster Booze Bad Idea??? KC's Ruins Pub closes, but new owners will keep self-pour beer - Kansas City Business Journal Scott Kalwei opened Kansas City's first self-pour craft beer bar in September 2015. Three years later, the business has shut down. Ruins Pub, 1715 Main St., appears to have closed in October. Now, The Kansas City Star reports that Grant and Jason Tower are remodeling the business and plan to open Taps on Main in early January. Today's City Hall Tax Scheme Could Kansas City pass its own gas tax? Kansas City, Mo. - The push to raise the gas tax in Missouri failed in November, but city leaders raised the question this week about whether Kansas City can pass its own gas tax increase. Missouri has one of the lowest gas taxes in the country. Local Brass Achievement Symphony to attempt Guinness World Record for TubaChristmas The Kansas City Symphony is aiming for tuba glory at noon on Friday, Dec. 7 in the Municipal Arena at Municipal Auditorium with its annual holiday tradition TubaChristmas . Since 2008, the Symphony has hosted hundreds of tuba and euphonium players for TubaChristmas, most recently in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts for two performances each year. Kansas City Chocolate Milk Crisis KC Foodie Victory Jack Stack Barbecue named one of the country's top 25 restaurants Kansas City loves its barbecue, but so do travelers from across the country. Jack Stack Barbecue - with its five locations in the metro area - has been named as one of the top 25 everyday dining restaurants in the country by TripAdvisor. Urban Core Upscale Tour Historic homes welcome crowds during annual Homes Tour in the Northeast Five historic homes opened their doors to the public during the 12th annual Pendleton Heights Homes Tour and Artist Market Saturday, December 1st. Visitors were able to walk through the homes, meet some of the owners, and see the remarkable restorations that have taken place. Kansas City Trolling Culture Victory Chiefs fan trolls Raiders again at Raiders' new stadium It's called a rivalry for a reason. Chiefs fans will remember Gerard DeCosta, the construction worker and Kansas City fan who posted a photo on Facebook last year claiming he buried a Chiefs Kingdom flag underneath the construction site for the Raiders' new stadium in Las Vegas. A collection on evolving pop culture:Closer to home, these news links dominate the local news cycle this evening . . .And this is thefor right now . . . Veteran police officer surrenders after long hotel standoff in KCK A longtime Kansas City, Missouri police officer barricaded herself and her two children in a hotel room, which led to a 28-hour standoff in Kansas City, Kansas. The case is shining a light on the stress that law enforcement officers endure, and the effect the job has on their mental health. They negotiated with the dude for more than a day inHere's the aftermath and a realization that plebs unaffiliated with law enforcement might or might not get the same consideration.Checkit: Kansas City, KS officer at center of hostage situation with her two children KANSAS CITY, KS (KCTV) -- Police from one jurisdiction say a Kansas City officer held her children hostage at a hotel in KCK. Tuesday, they are with family members after a long standoff with some of her co-workers and other law enforcement agencies. Police say she had a crisis. Aftermath and possibly part of the reason why locals were kept in the dark on the deets of dramatic episode . . . Missouri voters said no to 'right to work.' Republican lawmaker wants it anyway. JEFFERSON CITY * A Springfield Republican wants to again make Missouri a "right-to-work" state - even after two-thirds of voters in August shot down the state's law. State Sen.-elect Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, filed the legislation this month in preparation for the Legislature's annual session, which starts in January. An unpopular bit of legislation that the blue wave struck down is now up for debate again and again until it passes. Take a look and then realize that "constant vigilance" is boring: Back in 2014, the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Secretariat and the five Customs administrations of the SACU region (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland*) embarked on a partnership to support effective implementation of the five-year SACU Customs Modernization Programme. The partnership came to be known as the WCO-SACU Connect Project and benefitted from the generous financial support of the Government of Sweden. On 15-16 November 2018, the SACU Secretariat hosted the WCO and the five SACU Customs administrations in Windhoek, Namibia in order to reflect on the achievements, challenges and lessons learned and to receive the Project deliverables as the Project comes to an end in December 2018. Over the past five years and through the delivery of 114 activities (including 96 on-site activities), the Project has achieved tangible results in the areas of IT Connectivity, Trade Facilitation, Risk Management and Legislative Reform. In particular, the SACU region has developed its own regional framework for IT Connectivity, based on the WCO Data Model and Globally Networked Customs (GNC), and South Africa and Swaziland have now entered into live data exchange. The SACU region has also developed a framework for its Regional Preferred Trader Programme (scheme and operating manuals), covering 76 operators, and has trained a critical mass of Preferred Trader auditors to effectively roll out the programme at regional level. In terms of Risk Management, the SACU region has developed and effectively implemented a Regional Risk Management Package. This has led to the successful completion of three regional enforcement operations resulting in significant seizures and remarkable levels of revenue recovery. Thanks to the Projects momentum, the SACU Member States were all also able to ratify Annex E to the SACU Treaty during the lifetime of the SACU-Connect Project and to modernize their Customs legislative framework. The SACU Secretariat reported that all the Project structures, such as the Regional Working Groups and the Steering Committee, will now be mainstreamed into SACU structures, hence ensuring the sustainability and impact of the Projects benefits beyond 2018. In handing over the Project deliverables, the WCO reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaborate with the SACU Secretariat under the MoU signed in 2010 while SACU Member States remain entitled to benefit from WCO support by the virtue of their membership to the organisation. * Swaziland was renamed the Kingdom of Eswatini in April 2018, marking 50 years of independence. Opening Remarks by SACU Executive Secretary, Ms. Paulina M. Elago This ceremony marks the end of the WCO-SACU Connect Project which is a SACU Regional Customs Modernisation Programme. The Project was implemented as a collaboration between SACU Member States, WCO and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The project started in 2008 and was implemented in two phases, respectively in 2008 to 2013; and 2014 to 2018. Today we will receive the presentation of the outcomes of the WCO-SACU Connect Project covering the period from February 2014 to December 2018. This ceremony takes places at the backdrop of the rapidly changing trading environment, which is necessitated by the advent of the fast-paced technological advancements and innovation. In this regard, the main topical issues in international currently is the 4th industrial revolution. As we follow the developments, it is clear that international trade will be revolutionised in the near future. Some of the new innovations that are disrupting the international trade landscape globally include: Blockchain Technology that is used to seamlessly facilitate payments of trade transactions called Letters of Credits; Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning that is used for e-commerce to translate languages and respond to queries in the preferred language, manage the truck traffic at the ports, and also to optimise routes for trade shipping; Trading Service via Digital Platforms which connects sellers and buyers virtually. Goods and services are exchanged with ease without physical interaction; 3D Printing which allows computers to process material for manufacturing purposes; and Mobile Payments are changing methods used by buyers to connect to the markets. These new global developments in international trade environment propels nations to promote seamless movement of goods and services; efficient, transparent and predictable trading environment; internationally accepted norms and standards; and Just In Time delivery of products from manufacturer to the consumer. SACU is not spared from the impact of these global developments. However, the current reality is that Trade Facilitation Stakeholders are still seized with complex and burdensome procedures; high transactional cost of trade, excessive documentary requirements, lack of predictability, transparency, and lack of inter-Agency coordination. Globally, the Ease of Doing Business Index by the World Bank provide a ranking of 190 countries over time. Currently the ranking for the SACU Member States is as follows: 2017 ranking 2018 ranking Botswana 71 81 Eswatini 111 112 Lesotho 100 104 Namibia 108 106 South Africa 74 106 The above rankings for SACU Member States reveal that there is still a lot that could be done to enhance the ease of doing business in SACU. On trading across the border indicator, targeted improvements could be done through developing initiatives that focus on the following: Release and clearance of goods; Border cooperation; Procedures on importation and exportation of goods; Freedom of transit; Customs cooperation; and Development and implementation of tools such at the Time Release Study to monitor and evaluate performance constantly. As we are aware, the SACU Customs Modernisation Programme has been the flagship Programme for Trade Facilitation in SACU. To date, it is encouraging to note the achievements and the substantive progress achieved under the WCO-SACU Connect Project. I am glad to note that the following regional Frameworks were concluded under Phase II of the collaboration between the WCO and SACU, which was renamed WCO-SACU Connect Project in 2014: Model Bilateral Arrangement to facilitate automatic exchange of information; Preferred Trader Programme Engagement Strategy; Preferred Trader Programme Training Manuals on Risk Management and Audit for Customs Officials; Preferred Trader Programme Internal and External Manuals to guide Customs Officials and Traders on implementation of the Preferred Traders Programme; IT Connectivity Blue Print; IT Connectivity Utility Block Your Export Is My Entry; IT Connectivity Unique Consignment Reference; Regional Customs Risk Management and Enforcement Strategy; Regional Customs Compliance Management Strategy; and Three (3) Joint Customs Enforcement Operations targeting alcohol, tobacco, and textile and clothing. These achievements and the outcomes of the WCO-SACU Connect Project lays the foundation to strengthen collaboration and cooperation on Trade Facilitation in SACU. In this regard, the full implementation of the regional Frameworks will lead to constant modernisation and reforms of Customs Systems, Procedures, Processes, Policies and Legislation in the SACU Member States. This will result in advance on the technological capabilities and reduction of inefficiencies related to the burdensome requirements to move goods across the borders. In addition, the SACU Member States are currently reviewing the SACU Trade Facilitation Programme under the Work Programme of the Ministerial Task Teams. The objective of the review is to develop a Comprehensive Trade Facilitation Programme which include initiatives such as the One Stop Border Posts; Standards and behind the border issues. This therefore necessitates coordination and collaboration amongst key Stakeholders mandated to facilitate cross border trade in SACU. Therefore, Customs Administrations occupy an important space in Trade Facilitation work in SACU. Thus there is need to take the opportunity to fully partake in the review of the SACU Trade Facilitation Programme to contribute towards the review of the SACU Trade Facilitation Programme to so that it responds to the cross border trade demands. In conclusion, as SACU we are looking forward to receiving the outcomes of the WCO-SACU Connect Projects which SACU Member States will use as a basis to strengthen regional collaboration on Customs Modernisation. As the Secretariat we are ready to facilitate the continued implementation of the SACU Customs Modernisation Programme. With news that Sri Lanka has been voted the top destination to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet Jetwing Hotels are pleased to announce the opening of a new resort in Kandy Autumn 2019 (TRAVPR.COM) UK - December 4th, 2018 New luxury resort opening in Sri Lanka Fresh inspiration for the ultimate Winter Sun 2019 destination If you are searching for warm sunshine, tropical landscapes and a luxurious resort to escape the grey and wet skies of the British winter, then look no further than the brand new, resplendent Kandy Hotelfrom JetwingHotels,one of most respected tourist organisations in Sri Lanka. The Jetwing Kandy Gallery Hotel, opening Winter 2019, is set amongsta mountain forest and a beautiful reservoir in the historic and enchanted city of Kandy, the very heart of the beautiful Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka. The grand four-storey, sustainable building will have 26 suites, each with private balcony or terrace. Architecturally designed to harmonise with the surrounding culture, the hotel will be rich with endemic trees and plants. Other features include indoor and outdoor dining, bar, swimming pool, Spa and Yoga facilities and of course the legendary hospitality and outstanding commitment to sustainable tourism which are signature characteristics of the Jetwing family. The British winter months, December March, are the ideal time to visit the famous hill region of Sri Lanka, with the scenic city of Kandy surrounded by mountains home to lush tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. Kandy is also famed for its sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth where a treasured tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is believed to have been smuggled into Sri Lanka in the 4th century BC. The Jetwing Kandyis the latest addition to thegroup of 40 exceptional Jetwing properties across mountains, coastline and plains of Sri Lanka,all designed with timeless luxury, feature modern amenities, and respectively honour the culture and heritage of the country. For further information visit http://www.jetwinghotels.com -ENDS- For media enquiries please contact Phoebe Oliver at Oliver Relations: phoebe@oliverrelations.co.uk // 07970 739 695 Notes to Editors With over 40years experience, Jetwing remain the largest chain of hotels and villas on Sri Lanka. Founded in the 1970s by Herbert Cooray, a genuine pioneer of sustainable tourism, the essential ethos of Jetwing was to share an authentic Sri Lankan family hospitality experience with visitors. Jetwing Hotels have been historically committed to eco and sustainable tourism, successfully implementing various sustainable initiatives; a holistic framework of initiatives each with its own emphasis on environment, economy and people. Linked to and work with all major travel and tour operators (Thomas cook, Kuoni, Der-Tour) Highest TripAdvisor ranking Free WiFi across all 32 properties Island-wide Footprint ### Italy Luxury Tours adds more unique experiences on clients demand through its 7nights/8days combine tour to Verona and Lake Garda in Italy. (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - December 4th, 2018 - Italy, USA : Italy Luxury Tours adds more unique experiences on clients demand through its 7nights/8days combine tour to Verona and Lake Garda in Italy. They offer a chance to collect an ultimate fun and memorable moments with their luxury trip to Italy with the starting prices from Euro 4,785.00 per person. Verona is the city where the tale of Romeo and Juliet begin. With the heart-shaped kitsch and revival romance, Verona is also a bustling center of Italy. Italy Luxury tours give an ultimate chance to discover the beauty of Verona with their combined classic tour package to Verona and Lake Garda. They offer a luxurious experience for 7 nights/8 days in their fully customized tour package. You will start your journey from Verona, the city that is surrounded by walls and perfectly paints the picture of medieval Italy. With the guidance of highly experienced and talented local tour guide provided by Italy Luxury Tour you can take a stroll through both Romeo and Juliet's houses, the Roman Bridge and theatre as well as the numerous squares within the city. The next halt of your classic tour is Lake Garda, a famous tourist destination near Verona. Here, you will taste the best wines from the Bardolino Wine Region, as well as experience a private guided walk at the lake, the surrounding medieval streets and tiny towns. Now, you have a chance to explore the magical city of Verona today, with an amazing classic tour to Verona and Lake Garda tour offered by Italy Luxury Tours. For booking, contact: +1 (888) 959 7108. About the company: Italy Luxury Tours is a full-service touring company that offers private tours to all the areas of Italy. Their experienced staff provides excellent service and special touring plans, many of which are custom designed for each traveller or group. All tours are private, making them an ideal way to tour Italy. Company: Italy Luxury Tours Telephone: 1-888-959-7108 Email address: tours@italyluxurytours.com ### Travel a channel for socio-economic exchange (TRAVPR.COM) GERMANY - December 5th, 2018 - For Immediate Release: Augustine Tours brings you another way of travel to Africa The company offers Private Tours & Corporate Trips to Africa. Germany December 5, 2018 - Augustine Tours is excited to announce its new office in Germany -Augustine Tours-Europe-under the motto, Travel a channel for socio-economic exchange. Inspired by St. Augustine The World is a book and those who dont travel only ready one page, we believe that travel can be a great channel for both educational, cultural & business exchange. Whether we travel for business or vacation, there is always a sense of socio-economic or cultural exchange in one way or another. This is where a travel company like ours plays its role., said Augustin Ndikuriyo, the managing director. Augustine Tours is featuring travel as a way of reading the book (world), Africa being a 54-page chapter. With a wealth of local knowledge shaped by the tradition of African hospitality which the company happily shares and transmit to the visitors, its private tours convey a true value of experience. Operating with two offices in Rwanda and Germany added to the ability of using multiple languages English, French and German, the tour programs are flexible and can always be adjusted according to the needs of the clients. For more information, visit www.augustinetours.com Press Contact for Augustine Tours-Europe: Contact Augustin Ndikuriyo Managing Director Phone: +49 157 869 70 918 email: info@augustinetours.com About Augustine Tours: Augustine Tours was founded by Augustin Ndikuriyo, a Burundian entrepreneur and tourism promoter, passionate about promoting Africa tourism sector to the world. The company serves individuals and companies with an interest in Leisure and Corporate Trips to Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. More destinations are to be added on the list. ### HITEC Dubai 2018, the Middle Easts largest hospitality technology exhibition and conference, was officially inaugurated today by Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - December 5th, 2018 - HITEC Dubai 2018, the Middle Easts largest hospitality technology exhibition and conference, was officially inaugurated today by Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). Co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Naseba, this years expo, which is taking place at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai from 5-6 December, is showcasing a wide range of innovative solutions from the worlds leading hospitality technology providers. Travel technology has grown rapidly over the last decade leading to drastic transformation and disruption in all aspects of the industry. HITEC Dubai demonstrates this success with a window to the latest trends shaping the hospitality industry. Frank Wolfe CAE, CEO of HFTP, said, This year we have over 70+ main stand holders and expect over 3000 visitors, 2000 business meetings and 300 intensive one-on-one sessions at the expo. The growth and scale of HITEC Dubai is testament to the buoyant hospitality industry in the Middle East. Our core aim is to gather hospitality and technology leaders to share their success stories and tackle common challenges. For the first time we will debut in Dubai, HFTPs expanding Entrepreneur20X (E20X) competition that is a unique opportunity for startups to present their breakthrough business concepts to the industry. Taking centre-stage at the show will be a Promobot, an intelligent humanoid robot. We will also feature ground-breaking regional and international case studies, thought provoking panel discussions and technology demonstrations from the worlds top service providers and revolutionary thinkers. HITEC Dubais Advisory Council Chairperson Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said, HITEC Dubai promises to be stellar show. Technology is in our everyday life with smart homes and hotels need to keep pace with the latest developments in order to meet the expectations of modern travellers. As our industry expands in an increasingly competitive market it is essential to integrate technology to enhance the guest experience with greater efficiency. Internet of Things, Cloud Technology, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, etc are all paving the way for the future of technology in the hospitality sector and HITEC Dubai will be a great platform to see what lies ahead. For more information or to register for HITEC Dubai 2018 visit https://www.hitec-dubai.com/ Call Amir Abdin on +971 44 55 7920 or Rouf Hyder Beigh +971 44 55 79 32 ABOUT HFTP Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is a global non-profit hospitality association, headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, that uniquely understands the industrys problems. HFTP has members and stakeholders across the globe. HFTP assists its members in finding solutions to industry problems more efficiently than any organization via its expert networks, research, conferences such as HITEC and certification programs. HFTP also owns the worlds only hospitality specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segment of the hospitality industry. ABOUT NASEBA Naseba offers global business facilitation services. The company creates growth opportunities by bringing together people, partners and ideas. It helps clients raise capital, enter new markets, secure partners, close sales and educate workforces. Nasebas goal is to create opportunity and add economic value at every stage of its clients journey. It does this through three key areas: investor services, commercial services and leadership services. Since inception in 2002, Naseba has facilitated deals totalling billions of dollars for its clients. The company has connected over 100,000 global executives through more than 1,000 proprietary business platforms and is an expert in growth markets. About Dubais Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the worlds leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai Tourisms mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai among global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the emirate. Dubai Tourism is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubais tourism sector. It markets and promotes the Emirates commerce sector, and is responsible for the licensing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Brands and departments within the Dubai Tourism portfolio include Dubai Business Events, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment. For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com ### Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : HOSPITALITY EXPERTS COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY DRIVEN BY TECHNOLOGY AT HITEC DUBAI 2018 Industry: Hotels HITEC Dubai 2018, the Middle Easts largest hospitality technology exhibition and conference, endorsed by Dubai Tourism and co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - December 5th, 2018 - HITEC Dubai 2018, the Middle Easts largest hospitality technology exhibition and conference, endorsed by Dubai Tourism and co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Naseba, brought together industry experts to present ground-breaking regional and international case studies, thought provoking panel discussions and game-changing technology demonstrations. The two-day expo is being held at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai from 5-6 December with an aim to facilitate knowledge sharing, networking and deal flow amongst hoteliers and hospitality technology providers. Kicking off the proceedings today at the HITEC Dubais global stage was a session on Futuristic Talk moderated by Nicholas Watson, CDO of Naseba. Participating on the panel was HITEC Dubais Advisory Council Chairperson Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International; Mahmoud Kamal, CIO, Habtoor Hospitality; Ajay Rathi, Group Sr. Director IT, MERAAS; and Lyle Worthington, Group CIO The Student Hotel. Nicholas stated, The future of the hospitality industry in the Middle East, like the rest of the world, is being shaped by unparalleled advances in technology. Hotels are compelled to rethink the hotel design, guest services, experiences and concepts in keeping with the travellers expectations. Emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, blockchain, are all taking the first steps and it is interesting to hear from the experts in the industry on how they are embracing these innovations. Commenting on the future of hospitality, Laurent stressed, Innovations in hotel technologies are, no doubt, opening up new opportunities for optimizing guest experiences and enhancing operational excellence. However, the future of hospitality lies in having the right mix of technology and human touch. It is important to understand the existing ecosystem and adapt the best practices to boost efficiency and competitiveness as well as guest satisfaction. What is required is a structured approach to tap the great potential of technology. Like everything else, it is a two-way process and needs to have a conversation engaging customers to offer a personalized experience that makes travellers lives easier, simpler & more convenient. Speaking about automation, Mahmoud Kamal, CIO, Habtoor Hospitality, said, Technology continues to transform the hospitality industry revolutionizing every aspect of the business. Having an integrated network of systems will enable hotels to build and foster the necessary connections for guests in order to cater to their requests and predict their needs. Currently, there is a great deal of work under way related to in-room automation to help bring the smart home concept of integrated and connected solutions into the hotel room. For more information or to register for HITEC Dubai 2018 visit https://www.hitec-dubai.com/ Call Amir Abdin on +971 44 55 7920 or Rouf Hyder Beigh +971 44 55 79 32 ABOUT HFTP Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is a global non-profit hospitality association, headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, that uniquely understands the industrys problems. HFTP has members and stakeholders across the globe. HFTP assists its members in finding solutions to industry problems more efficiently than any organization via its expert networks, research, conferences such as HITEC and certification programs. HFTP also owns the worlds only hospitality specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segment of the hospitality industry. ABOUT NASEBA Naseba offers global business facilitation services. The company creates growth opportunities by bringing together people, partners and ideas. It helps clients raise capital, enter new markets, secure partners, close sales and educate workforces. Nasebas goal is to create opportunity and add economic value at every stage of its clients journey. It does this through three key areas: investor services, commercial services and leadership services. Since inception in 2002, Naseba has facilitated deals totalling billions of dollars for its clients. The company has connected over 100,000 global executives through more than 1,000 proprietary business platforms and is an expert in growth markets. About Swiss-Belhotel International Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 150* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia's Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world's fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. www.swiss-belhotel.com *Numbers may fluctuate For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release : CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Evops Company: Evops Phone: 45667355 Email: Admin@evops-pr.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS Treehugger and our third-party partners use cookies and process personal data like unique identifiers based on your consent to store and/or access information on a device, display personalized ads and for content measurement, audience insight, and product development. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Treehugger.com, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, click below. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. List of Partners (vendors) TRENTON Disrespectful, clamored North Ward Marge Caldwell-Wilson. Unacceptable, tsk-tsked at-large councilman Jerell Blakeley, saying afterward the city is being led by Mr. Magoo. Ill remember that when you need a vote, warned South Ward councilman George Muschal. Send the mayor a letter, demanded council president Kathy McBride. We need serious people to man these posts, thundered East Ward councilman Joe Harrison. I concur, at-large councilman Santiago Rodriguez stated. The legislative body was all up in arms about many of Mayor Reed Guscioras acting directors deciding to leave Tuesday nights council meeting before the final whistle. Blakeley had a bunch of questions for the embattled acting police director Carol Russell about how she plans to combat violence in the city following the brazen midday execution of a Crip gang member. But those questions went unasked because Russell was nowhere in sight. I had my questions and now Im talking to an empty podium with the Wild Wild West outside, Blakeley said. I cant know [her plan] because theres no one here. Council members were also upset acting fire director Derrick Sawyer and acting water works director Shing Fu-Hsueh bounced early, too. Both are up for confirmation votes this week, and apparently cant attend Thursdays meeting, so this was councils and the publics only chance to address them prior to the upcoming advice-and-consent sessions. Muschal has already indicated he has problems with Sawyer, a former Philadelphia fire commissioner. But the South Ward councilman didnt get a crack at him. The mayors chief of staff, Yoshi Manale, also left the meeting early, so council had little recourse to address anyone from the mayors team. McBride asked law director John Morelli to help her put together a letter to the mayor demanding the directors to remain till the end of future meetings. vinaymishra188@gmail.com Chandigarh, December 5 A day after four unidentified miscreants opened fire on the owner of GH Ornaments, at the NAC, Mani Majra, the UT police have failed to make any headway in the case. The miscreants had arrived in a Brezza, bearing a Delhi registration number. They quarrelled with the jewellery showroom owner and then opened fire on him. Hanumant Bhosle was standing outside the showroom on the first floor when the miscreants arrived. The victim panicked and tried to run after which one of the miscreants opened fire on him. The victim escaped and locked himself inside his cabin. The police said an employee of the victim, who was standing downstairs, rushed to rescue him. However, the miscreants threatened him. The police said they had collected the CCTV footage of the area to identify the registration number of the car in which the suspects had arrived. Though the jewellery store owner has denied having any enmity with anyone, the police said they were probing all angles, including personal enmity. The police said since one of them was carrying a bag on his back, the robbery motive could not be ruled out. TNS Rahul Bedi Rahul Bedi Senior journalist The recent Delhi High Court judgment upholding the trial courts conviction of 88 persons for their role in the Sikh pogrom in East Delhis Trilokpuri in 1984 has come almost two generations after the horrendous massacres in Indias Capital stunned the world. Thirty-four years after the slaughter of some 350 Sikhs in two alleyways in this trans-Jumna resettlement colony, these convictions are unlikely to engender even a modicum of closure for the survivors and their families. In what can only be called a cruel joke, the guilty have been sentenced to five-year imprisonment for their involvement in butchering Sikhs in Trilokpuris Block 32 for 48 hours from November 1, 1984, the day after Indira Gandhis assassination by her two Sikh bodyguards. The slaughterers took time off for meals, before returning to resume their savagery against the colony of Dalit migrant Sikhs, many of who eked out a meagre existence weaving charpoys. Their only sin, like thousands of other victims, was that they were Sikhs. The killers had no fear of police or the authorities in satiating their blood lust, calculatedly planned by senior Congress politicians armed with voter lists. It would also be humanly unfeasible for Trilokpuris survivors to erase the picture of their lanes littered with bodies, body parts and mounds of hair brutally hacked off in an odious bid to obliterate their Sikh identity. It was impossible for anyone walking down this alley, once the killings were done, to place their feet flat on the ground, for fear of stepping on either a body or a scythed limb. This macabre scene was set horrifically against a patina of sticky blood, partially coagulated in the November chill over which flies and insects buzzed incessantly. Amidst the carnage a young polio-afflicted mother sat emotionlessly in the doorway of her tenement cradling her baby girl; the bodies of almost all her male family members lay gruesomely piled high behind her. As a group of newspaper journalists including myself who had stumbled upon the slaughter, gingerly navigated their way towards her, she wordlessly surrendered her child to them in an act of capitulation and hopelessness. We lifted them up and handed them over to a handful of local policemen, who by now had arrived, never to see either of them again. Alongside, a three-year-old girl, stepping over the bodies of her father and three brothers and countless others lying in the street clung helplessly to one of us, pleading mutely for help. She wanted to be taken home, not realising that she was already there but it was knee-deep in corpses. But the most spine-chilling part of this grisly setting was the total silence that hung over the killing zone, despite it being surrounded by hundreds of people who, no doubt included the perpetrators. There was not a whisper from the mob, as the defused light from a couple of hastily lit Hurricane lanterns added to the ghoulish scenario as we stumbled our way over human remains. Hundreds of pairs of bloodthirsty eyes malevolently followed our every move in an encounter that even 34 years later remains terrifying. The official toll in Delhi, in what is decorously referred to as the 1984 riots, was around 2,730. A more realistic casualty figure tabulated by rights activists, however, is around twice that number. At the time, all Sikhs in Delhi were unable to comprehend the cataclysmic events that brought this bloody apocalypse upon them as the state turned avenger and systematically supervised the massacre of their easily identifiable community. It seemed they had failed to realise that the earth had moved in response to a big tree falling. Consequently, as the blood letting eased, thousands of traumatised Sikhs staggered out of hiding, flocking to hastily erected refugee camps in gurdwaras and school compounds, as their homes lay charred, pillaged or both. Nobody had an answer for them, as they set about the grim task of cremating their dead and putting their shattered lives in order. The carnage ended only with Indira Gandhis funeral on November 3. Thereafter, Army units, deployed earlier across Delhi in a haphazard and diffused manner, were finally issued shoot-to-kill orders by the federal government to control marauding mobs and restore some semblance of order. It was possibly the first time in recent history that the state, headed by the Congress had participated in seeking revenge and later to cynically exploit Mrs Gandhis murder to ensure Indias biggest-ever electoral victory for her son and heir Rajiv. Over decades, at least nine inquiry commissions, interminable and indeterminate court proceedings, and more recently, judicially monitored Special Investigation Teams followed, with the feeble aim of punishing the guilty for the 1984 pogrom and bringing closure to victims families. No senior police officer, state official, politician or anyone in authority associated with orchestrating the massacres has been indicted. Many reportedly involved in the killings had died, and the endless investigative and judicial processes against former Congress MPs Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler for their alleged role are unlikely, after 34 years, to reach a retributive conclusion. In August, Congress president Rahul Gandhi told an audience in London that his party was in no way involved in the 1984 pogrom. Give it another few years and perhaps the Congress will even deny that the carnage happened. monicakchauhan@gmail.com London, December 5 The husband of a 34-year-old Indian-origin pharmacist found dead in her home in Middlesborough, northern England, earlier this year has been found guilty of her murder on Tuesday. Mitesh Patel, 37, had denied killing his wife Jessica, whose body was found at their home in May. His murder trial at Teesside Crown Court opened last month and on Tuesday a jury found him guilty of strangling his wife to death with a supermarket plastic bag so he could start a new life with his boyfriend whom he met on the gay dating app Grindr. Justice James Goss told the jury a life sentence was mandatory and he would determine Patel's minimum term behind bars during a sentencing hearing on Wednesday. The court was told how the accused had planned to claim a GBP 2-million life insurance payout and move to Australia with lover Dr Amit Patel, described as his soulmate. The jury heard the cheating husband met other men on Grindr and had made internet searches dating back years, including "I need to kill my wife", "insulin overdose", "plot to kill my wife, do I need a co-conspirator?", "hiring hitman UK" and "how much methadone will kill you?". In July 2015, he told his Sydney-based lover Amit: "Her days are marked." Mitesh Patel had insisted he was innocent and claimed he had returned home to find the couple's house burgled and his wife's wrists bound with duct tape. But prosecutors presented evidence to the jury to show it was Patel himself who had tied her up after injecting her with insulin and strangling and suffocating her with a Tesco supermarket bag. Jessica Patel's family made a statement at the end of the trial, saying they were "devastated" by her death. The statement said: "She had simple dreams, all she ever wanted was to fall in love, have a family of her own and live happily ever after. The man we welcomed into our family, who promised to look after and protect her, betrayed her in every sense of the word, cheating her of her dreams, robbing her of her life and robbing us of her." The court heard that Mitesh Patel regularly chatted to men on Grindr under the pseudonym "Prince", using the gay dating app daily in front of employees at the pharmacy he ran with his wife. The jury was told that his gay double life became the pharmacy's "worst kept secret". At the start of the trial, Justice Goss had said that it was agreed that the accused had been unfaithful to his wife with men, having used the dating app Grindr. He had therefore ruled out any jury member who had used the same dating app or visited the Patels' pharmacy in Linthorpe since 2011 to be included for the trial to ensure impartiality. On Tuesday, the jury of six men and six women took three hours of deliberation to give their guilty verdict. Jessica Patel was found at her home on The Avenue in Linthorpe suburb of Middlesborough with serious injuries and pronounced dead at the scene. The victim, also known as Jess, ran the local chemist's shop on Roman Road in Middlesborough with her husband, whom she met while studying at university in Manchester. The couple's home is close to their pharmacy, which they ran for around three years. Both the home and work premises were the focus of intense police searches in the days after the murder on May 14. PTI amansharma@tribunemail.com Varinder Singh Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 5 The leader of Canada's National Democratic Party (NDP) Jagmeet Singh -- the first person of a visible minority group to lead a Canadian federal political party -- and his outfit have virtually kicked off the poll campaign for the British Columbia's Burnaby South byelection and the 43rd Canadian federal polls. While the 43rd Canadian federal polls are scheduled to take place on or before October 21, 2019, the dates for the byelection for the federal riding of Burnaby South in the BC are yet to be announced. The bypoll is to be held on or before March 18, 2019, as per Canadian law. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh -- also known as the first turban-wearing Sikh to be a provincial legislator in Ontario -- has already spent almost a month campaigning in the BC for the byelection and winning or losing the riding (seat) could decide his political future. After this, he addressed his party workers gathered from across the country in the capital Ottowa on Tuesday. In a campaign style, he informed the party rank and file that Canadians were struggling with an array of serious problems ranging from lack of housing, expensive medical treatment to uncertain employment. While alleging that a large number of Canadians were distressed and felt that they had voted for something else (Liberals), the stylish 'Poster Boy' of Canadian magazines and publications Jagmeet said Canadians did not get what they had voted for and that they deserved something better (NDP). The big question before the Canadian 'political pundits' and strategists of all major political parties was what if he loses the forthcoming byelection and whether he will survive as the leader of Canada's third biggest political party in case of such an 'eventuality'? For political strategists and a section of Canadians, Jagmeet offered a 'very different' opposition to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his Liberal Party and the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada for he had 'largely' gone un-noticed and for his party's political fortunes have 'floundered' over the period. They have a feeling that his brief as the leader of a party was to bring the NDP to the mainstream, but he was 'isolated', for Canadians have 'hardly heard' from him. All eyes now are on Jagmeet and whether he manages to win the byelection or not? If he manages to put up a good show, PM Trudeau was expected to lose his voters with left leanings and even his government. In any case, Jagmeet Singh or Jimmy Dhaliwal holds the key whether Trudeau will stage his comeback or not. He had started his career as a criminal defence lawyer and who had jumped in the political arena in 2010 when he had contested the federal polls from Bramalea-Gore-Malton constituency. He was elected as NDP leader in October 2017. shalender@tribune.com Farmers have to face innumerable uncertainties in every stage from sowing to harvesting to realising the sale proceeds. They brave several natural and manmade hurdles, including vagaries of nature and middlemen. The story of sugarcane growers is not different. These farmers primarily belong to politically sensitive states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana and Punjab, where politicians treat them as vote banks. On political considerations, ruling governments in the state promise farmers a state advised price (SAP) for their crops, which is often higher than the fair and remunerative price (FRP) fixed by the Centre. Such promises, which are incongruous to the economic principles, are often broken, provoking farmers to agitate. This is particularly true in the case of cash-strapped Punjab. The state government is hard placed to tame the seven private sugarcane mills responsible for creating a hostage-like situation in the region. Millers insist on concessions, subsidies and exemptions before they start their mills in the current crushing season. This unnerves local farmers because this means no buyers for their ready crop and they are unlikely to get their past dues, which have crossed Rs 400 crore. Desperate farmers did what they do the best, blocked highways. Private mills mostly owned by politicians or people with considerable political influence hesitate in offering SAP, citing a glut situation. They are sure to get concessions from the state. The government is likely to take a favourable decision for them, apparently under the cover of providing relief to the agitating farmers at the cost of public exchequer. Farmers, particularly in India, are by and large poor. They are often debt-ridden. It is criminal on part of the mill-owners to withhold their past dues about Rs 18,000 crore for the entire country. The Centre and state government must intervene and pay the entire amount to the farmers without any further delay. Secondly, it is the duty of the state government to pay SAP to the sugarcane farmers and recover the same from the millers. shalender@tribune.com The higher judiciary has been unrelenting in its campaign to cleanse politics of criminals. On Tuesday, it took note of the special courts being set up by Kerala and Bihar, two states with a large number of tainted politicians; UP and Maharashtra are the other. The available data reinforces the need for a time-bound and exclusive judicial mechanism to expedite trials involving politicians. Well versed in the art of delaying hearings, obtaining repeated adjournments and filing interlocutory petitions, it is estimated that politicians have been successful in stalling the framing of charges in at least half of the cases. By the time cases are decided, the tainted politician has become a legislator several times. The idea of special courts for politicians suggests singling out a class of people. Special courts have so far dealt with a type of crime such as corruption, terrorism and drug trafficking. Considering that corruption charges against public servants are also handled by special courts because it is in public interest to expedite cases against those in public life, the same benchmark applies to politicians. The political class also invited a more active court intervention because it was unresponsive to the Supreme Courts 2014 direction to complete trials of elected representatives within a year. That order came in the wake of another Supreme Court decision that immediately disqualified tainted politicians instead of giving them the rope to file an appeal. Unlike the special courts set up earlier and then disbanded, the apex court has visualised an after-life for these estimated 1,000 courts by proposing they can continue functioning as normal courts. The measure should make a slight dent in the workload of trial courts which stands at an average of 4,200 cases per court. The battle to prevent criminals from entering public and political institutions will be hard and long. A renewed level of trust in politics requires the political executive to rise up to the occasion by making available the required funds and infrastructure for the special courts. For clean politicians it is in their interest to clear their names quickly. editorial@tribune.com Kuldeep Chauhan Tribune News Service Shimla, December 5 With the onset of winter, farmers have started burning dry leaves and twigs in many orchards, resulting in air pollution, contributing to asthma, respiratory diseases and allergies in the areas, observed the state pollution board, which has issued an advisory on the menace. Farmer bodies have urged the state government to launch an awareness campaign to educate farmers. A thick layer of smog was visible all over Theog, Jubbal-Kotkhai, Chopal, Rohru and Nankheri Rampur in Shimla district. It could be seen over Anni, Dalash, Tirthan, Kullu in Kullu district and Seraj and Karsog in Mandi district, said farmers. The burning of green twigs and fallen leaves was likely to increase further once the farmers in higher belts started clearing orchards this month-end, said Laxman Thakur, a farmer from Nandpur. The pollution board, forest, horticulture-agriculture and local administration should launch the a drive against air pollution, he said. The government should give subsidised shredders to farmers so that they could cut the twigs into small pieces that could be used for composting, said Surender Thakur, a apple farmer from Shilaru. They had urged the Centre to include Himachal in the Rs100-crore Crop Residue Management Scheme to tackle the issue of green twigs burning, but nothing had been done for two years. President of the Seb Utpadak Sangh and Theog legislator Rakesh Singha said small and marginal farmers need to be trained for making compost from biodegradable twigs, he added. Member-secretary, state pollution control board, Dr RK Pruthi, said they had issued advisory to farmers not to burn the twigs, dry leaves, grass and bushes. We will take up the issue with horticulture and agriculture departments to educate the farmers on its harmful effects, he added. amansharma@tribunemail.com Shimla, December 5 A man faked his death allegedly for making insurance claim, but ran out of luck as the police nabbed him on suspicion that he had killed a labourer and burnt his body in his car. Aakash, a resident of Chandigarh, was arrested on Tuesday from Palwal Railway Station in a joint operation of the Sirmaur Police and the Government Railway Police, Haryana, Sirmaur Superintendent of Police Rohit Malpani said on Wednesday. Prima facie, Aakash and his family wanted to grab the huge life insurance money, the value of which will be estimated after further investigation and interrogation of the accused, the SP said. He said Aakashs nephew Ravi Kumar (29) was also involved in planning and executing the alleged crime and he was arrested on Monday from Himachal Pradeshs Nahan. Elaborating, police said a case of accidental death was registered at Nahan police station on November 20, stating a car had collided with a parapet at Judda Ka Johar and it got completely burnt before police could arrive. It was also stated that a person named Aakash had died in the alleged accident and got burnt with the vehicle, they said. A team of Forensic Science Laboratory visited the spot the next day. The SP said police suspected some foul play when Aakashs family started to pressure the police to release death certificate from the very next day of the accident, he said. ...and grew suspicious when a team of the Punjab Police came to Nahan a few days ago in search of a missing labourer from Rajasthan who was working with Aakash and was last in touch with him, the SP said. Meanwhile, Ravi visited Nahan on December 3. The SP said as suspicion grew, police nabbed Ravi from Nahan and produced him in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, which sent him to five days police remand. During interrogation, police found out that Ravi was with Aakash when he burnt his car and then they left for Haryana. Aakash was further planning to flee to Nepal, the SP said. As per their plan, Aakash had deliberately collided his car with the parapet on the intervening night of November 19-20 and set it afire before police reached the spot, Malpani said. A police team chased Aakash till Varanasi, but he managed to escape. Finally, he was detained on December 4 at Palwal Railway Station while he was travelling in a train from Bihar to Delhi, the SP said. The accused will be produced in a court to seek his police remand for interrogating him and finding out the modus operandi used to kill the unidentified labourer, police said. A fresh case has been registered under Sections 302 (punishment for murder), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence), 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and both Aakash and Ravi have been arrested, the SP said. PTI editorial@tribune.com Our Correspondent Una, December 5 Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj on Wednesday said Una Postgraduate College would be developed as a cluster university or a regional study centre of Himachal Pradesh University. He was speaking at the inaugural day of the two-day golden jubilee celebration of the college. Congratulating the college management, alumni and students, Bhardwaj said the college had adequate land for future development, adding that professional and new postgraduate courses would be introduced in the college in the coming years. He directed the PWD authorities to prepare a detailed project report for the repair of old structures in the college. The minister said efforts were being made to network colleges with industrial houses so that students could get hands-on experience in industrial units, increasing their chances of employment, adding that 10 such colleges had been identified. MP Anurag Thakur called upon the youth to fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a caste-free and corruption-free India. He stressed the importance of three Es education, employment and empowerment. BJP state president Satpal Singh Satti said a sum of Rs 6 crore had been spent during the previous BJP regime for the construction of new infrastructure at Una college, adding that not a single new construction had been done at the college during the five-year Congress rule. Director, Education Department, Dr Amarjeet Sharma also spoke, while college Principal Trilok Chand enlisted the achievements of the institution. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Srinagar/Jammu, December 5 National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abullah and vice-president Omar Abdullah offered special prayers and paid rich tributes to NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on his 113th birth anniversary on Wednesday. Farooq and Omar led the senior party leaders, party functionaries and other activists in paying tributes at the main congregation held at Qaid Mazaar at Naseem Bagh, Hazratbal in Srinagar. On the occasion, Farooq said Sheikh Abdullahs legacy of struggle for the identity and the dignity of the state and its people provided a guiding light to not just the party but the people of Jammu and Kashmir as a whole. The best tribute to Sheikh Abdullah would be to leave no stone unturned to fight for the honour and dignity of people who have suffered immensely due to various political machinations, instability and turmoil, he said. Omar said the party was committed to nurturing his legacy of secular thinking and inclusive approach for one and all. The party continues to follow the path laid down by Sheikh Abdullah which is to protect the identity and dignity of J&K and its people against forces hell-bent to divide us on the basis of religion, region and language, he said. Similar functions were held across the Jammu division to pay tributes to Sheikh. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Jammu, December 5 Tributes were paid to the heroes of the Chhamb battle of 1971 at a solemn ceremony at Pannu War Memorial in Akhnoor under the aegis of the Crossed Swords Division on Wednesday. A contingent of the 5 Sikh Regiment comprising Junior Commissioned Officers and other ranks was also present. It also paid homage to the heroes of their unit. A defence spokesman said: During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, a Company of the 5 Sikh Regiment was entrusted with the vital role of defending the important approaches to the Chhamb sector under the leadership of Major DS Pannu. Over a period of four days, the brave soldiers successfully repulsed as many as 14 attacks, thereby foiling the designs of the Pakistan army in the sector. The brave soldiers stood fast till the end despite all odds and inflicted prohibitive losses on the enemy. Many of them, including Major DS Pannu, the Company Commander, sacrificed their lives in the line of duty in the finest traditions of the Indian Army, he said. On the solemn occasion, Maj Gen Rajinder Dewan, General Officer Commanding, Crossed Swords Division, Col NJS Pannu (retd), brother of Late Major DS Pannu, who was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously, and other serving and retired soldiers laid wreaths at Pannu War Memorial. A kirtan, ardas and langar were also organised at the memorial. A number of ex-servicemen and locals also attended the ceremony and paid respects to the brave sons of the nation. sanjiv@tribunemail.com Europe is one of the fast-growing regions in the world and is steadily overcoming the effects of the worldwide recession and evolving as an important region for start-ups and job seekers in the region. Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the stepping stones for Europes success and growth as a prominent player in the global startup ecosystem creating a vast job market for startup jobseekers. Moving to Amsterdam can be a game changer for your career in many ways. The latest collective effort in the region to help startups grow in the Netherlands region is the Amsterdam-Startup Delta programme. It is a collaboration between the important innovation hubs, the start-up community, and various economic, social and cultural government agencies in the region to provide a conducive base for startups. Why move to Amsterdam? Amsterdam, unlike several other European cities, has hardly any language barrier. The city is largely bi-lingual, and that is why expats here have no issues living and working in Amsterdam even if they dont speak Dutch. The Netherlands was ranked number one for work-life balance in the world, according to the 2018 OECD Better Life Index. The cost of living in Amsterdam is also lower than its American counterparts like Silicon Valley or Los Angeles. Notable sectors The Amsterdam Startup Delta collaboration has especially helped drive the sales of the many tech startups in the region. The main sub-sectors of the ecosystem that are doing exceptionally well are AgTech & Food, Health & Life Sciences, and Fintech. Government support for start-ups and immigrants The Netherlands welcomes entrepreneurial spirits with open arms. Unlike many ecosystems, the private sector also matches pace with government support and funding, thereby making the Netherlands a crowdfunding leader in Europe, raising 223 million in 2017. The government has an Ambitious Entrepreneurship Action Plan that helps start-ups moving to Amsterdam get better access to all the resources conveniently. It aims to help businesses connect to the right capital, knowledge, and consumer market. The Start-up Visa allows exceptional entrepreneurs from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland to stay and to work as an entrepreneur for a maximum of one year in the Netherlands. You can apply for an extension at the end of year one or get a visa under another scheme for a self-employed individual. Besides the start-up visa. You can apply for an orientation year visa or, if you are working as an employee, take benefit of the highly skilled migrant scheme. For investors, there is also a special investors scheme too. There is ample support for new companies, with relatively easy access to loans from various agencies. Netherlands Enterprise Agency encourages entrepreneurs in sustainable, agrarian, innovative and international business. Yostartups, a global pre-accelerator for startups & entrepreneurs. twitter @yostartups rchopra@tribunemail.com New Delhi, December 5 A Delhi court on Wednesday sentenced former coal secretary HC Gupta to three-year imprisonment in a coal block allocation scam case which happened during the previous UPA regime at the Centre. Two other bureaucrats--KS Kropha and KC Samria--were also awarded three-year jail term. The three bureaucrats were also fined Rs 50,000 each. Special Judge Bharat Prashar sentenced other convicted persons Vikas Patni, MD of Vikash Metals and Power Limited (VMPL), and its authorised signatory Anand Mallick to four-year jail term. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 25 lakh on Patni and Rs 2 lakh on Mallick. A fine of Rs 1 lakh was imposed on the company. The case pertains to irregularities in the allocation of Moira and Madhujore (North and South) coal blocks in West Bengal to VMPL. In September 2012, the CBI registered an FIR in the case. The CBI had sought a maximum of seven years imprisonment for the five convicted persons and imposition of heavy fine on the private firm. The offences for which they had been convicted entail a minimum punishment of one year in jail, going up to a maximum of seven years. The court had on November 30 convicted Gupta, former joint secretary in Ministry of Coal Kropha and the then director (CA-I) in the ministry Samria. It had also convicted the firm, Patni and Mallick. Gupta, who was the Coal Secretary from December 31, 2005 to November 2008, has already been convicted before this in two other cases of coal block allocation in which he had been sentenced to jail for two and three years, respectively. He is out on bail in both the cases. Kropha, who was then the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal, retired in December 2017 as the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya. He has also been convicted and sentenced to two years in another coal block allocation scam and has been on bail. Samria then held the rank of Director in the Ministry of Coal and is Joint Secretary in Ministry of Minority Affairs. He has already been convicted and sentenced to two years jail term in another case and was out on bail. All the convicted persons were taken into judicial custody after pronouncement of the order on the direction of the court. All have been held guilty for the offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC, including cheating, criminal conspiracy and criminal misconduct. Gupta has been accused in 12 cases of alleged irregularities in coal block allocation scam, prosecutors had said. The CBI has filed charge sheets in connection with alleged irregularities in 40 cases of coal block allocations during the UPA-1 and UPA-2 regime. On July 25, 2014, the Supreme Court had approved appointment of Additional Sessions Judge Parashar as special judge to exclusively deal with all coal scam cases. Till now the special court has decided six such cases. In the present case, the court had on August 19, 2016 framed charges, including cheating and criminal conspiracy against Gupta, the two public servants, the firm and its two officials. They all had pleaded not guilty and claimed trial. All the accused were out on bail. The other two coal scam cases in which Gupta was earlier convicted related to Kamal Sponge Steel and Power Ltd (KSSPL) and Vini Iron and Steel Udyog Ltd (VISUL). Kropha and Samria were also convicted in the KSSPL case. PTI shalender@tribune.com Yash Goyal Jaipur, December 5 Rajasthan, that goes to the polls on December 7 along with the state of Telangana, is headed for an election in which not only caste and religion but rebels too will play a key role. At least 65 rebels in the fray may square the pitch for the ruling BJP as well as the Opposition Congress. With no perceptible Modi wave, the BJP , perhaps, deliberately desisted from slogans such as achche din, sabka vikas, saba ka saath on its banners and hoarding. Nor did BJP star campaigners PM Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah, UP CM Adityanath Yogi and Union Ministers raise the note ban, GST, Rafale, RBI and CBI controversies. Instead, they chose to hit out at the Congress president and the Gandhi dynasty. Recognising the massive anti-CM sentiment, the BJP top heads sought votes on the BJP phir se slogan. In all, It was a lacklustre affair with leaders addressing either rallies or holding roadshows. With altogether 2,294 contestants from 88 parties in the fray, ground reports suggest that jaati (caste) may be a deciding factor in several constituencies. Not only are the BJPs seven and Congress four defectors putting up a tough fight, but the 35 Congress rebels and 30 of the BJP are likely to eat into the votes of official candidates. The BJP rebels are likely to inflict a greater damage, considering the saffron party this time dropped 56 sitting MLAs, six of them ministers. The BJP apostates, Ghanshyam Tiwari (Bharat Vahini party) and Hanuman Benwial (Independent MLA), who have joined hands to form Rajasthan Loktantrik Morcha, are giving sleepless nights to the official candidates as they command a huge Brahmin and Rajput vote bank, respectively. Beniwal has been mobilising the Jat youths, upsetting the Congress calculations. Also, five BJP ministers and six sitting MLAs are fighting the party candidates as Independents. A desperate Ahmed Patel, MP and AICC leader, reportedly approached Brij Kishore Sharma, son of former Gujarat Governor Nawal Kishore Sharma, and Rajiv Arora, Ashok Gehlots confidant, imploring them not to work against the party candidates in Hawa Mahal and Adarsh Nagar seats of Jaipur. Observers foresee a neck and neck contest between the BJP and the Congress on 128 seats. On 60-65 seats, the contest is likely to be triangular and on 12 seats a multi-cornered one, they say. 1.25-6% swing can turn tables Statistics show that a 1.25-6% swing can turn the tables. In 2003, the Congress lost 9% votes and was left with 56 seats. The BJP gained 120 seats with 5.97% votes In 2008, the Congress polled 1.26% more votes and won 96 seats with a swing of 3.97% votes in its favour In 2013, the BJP saw a vote swing of 10.93% in its favour, helping it win 163 seats. On the other hand, the Congress was shrunk to 21 seats, losing 3.75%votes Shah cuts short press meet BJP chief Amit Shah on Wednesday cut short his interaction with the media in Jaipur abruptly, claiming: You people are asking manufactured questions. After a 10-minute speech on the partys poll assessment, a scribe got up to pose him a question. Aap ko bolna hai ya nahin... vo pravakta bolenge (The party spokesperson will decide if you are to speak or not), he was told. Provoked by a query on the BJP claiming a victory on 180 seats, Shah stood up and left. OC uttara@tribuneindia.com Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, December 5 The Maharashtra Government is working on a plan to fill up vacancies in a number of departments following the 16 per cent reservations for the Maratha community. According to sources here, Chief Secretary Dinesh Kumar Jain has been asked to identify posts in every department that could be brought under the Social and Economically Backward Class quota under which Marathas have been given reservations. Sources say recruitments for more than 70,000 vacant posts in various departments, including the state police force, will begin before the Lok Sabha elections are announced early next year. Sources say the number of new jobs under various reserved categories would be higher than 68 per cent as many reserved posts haven't been filled up in many departments. The actual number of vacancies and the categories they fall under would be known by the end of December, according to state government officials. Sources say, the Maharashtra government had planned to undertake a recruitment drive earlier this year. However this was stalled due to the agitation by the Maratha community for reservations. Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court has scheduled hearing of a public interest litigation petition against the 16 per cent reservation for the Maratha community on December 10. The petition has been filed by advocate Gunratna Sadavarte. Organisations representing the Maratha community have filed caveats before the Bombay High Court seeking to be heard in the matter. The Maharashtra Government has also filed a caveat before the Supreme Court. shalender@tribune.com London, December 5 Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Wednesday took to social media with an offer to pay back 100 per cent of public money to various Indian banks and urged the government to accept his offer, days ahead of a UK courts decision on his plea not to extradite him to India. The former Kingfisher Airlines boss, who has been on bail in the UK on an extradition warrant since his arrest in April last year, is fighting extradition to India on charges of fraud and money laundering allegedly amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore. A ruling in the case is expected at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on December 10, but the businessman stressed that the extradition issue was a separate matter which will take its own legal course. The most important point is public money and I am offering to pay 100 per cent back. I humbly request the banks and government to take it. If payback refused, why? he questioned in one of his posts on Twitter. After weeks of silence, Mallya shot off a series of tweets to defend the bank loans he had acquired as a means of keeping his now-defunct Kingfisher Airline afloat. Airlines struggling financially partly because of high ATF prices. Kingfisher was a fab airline that faced the highest ever crude prices of $140/barrel. Losses mounted and thats where banks money went. I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it, reads one of his posts. Making a reference to his liquor group United Breweries, Mallya said Indias largest alcoholic beverage group had contributed thousands of crores to the state exchequer over the years. He said, Politicians and the media are constantly talking loudly about my being a defaulter who has run away with PSU bank money. All this is false. Why dont I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court? Sad. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Naveen Garewal Tribune News Service Hyderabad, December 5 AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday said the TRS would form the government in Telangana but his party would not be a part of the government. He lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying he must learn humility and decency from his mother Sonia Gandhi. Owaisi said Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Adityanath were all ganging up against him. He called himself Team Hyderabad in response to the Congress and BJP calling him Team B and C of the TRS. Owaisi asked Rahul how come he had become a target of his ire while all these years he was a good man when the Congress wanted favours from him. Indian politics is not bipolar and there is scope beyond the Congress giving a certificate in secularism and the BJP awarding certificates of nationalism. There will be a third front comprising of regional parties that will form the government in 2019, he said. The AIMIM is contesting eight seats in old city of Hyderabad and it hopes to win all of them. In the 2014 polls the party had won seven seats. Praising the TRS government for doing a lot for the Muslims, he said 50,000 Muslims had been sent to school on whom the TRS government is spending Rs 1.2 lakh each year. About 900 students have gone abroad to study. Since illiteracy is the biggest bane of Muslims, the party has chosen to support TRS which is the only party that has done anything for the Muslims. Im not a tenant in India. Muslims like me want partnership in politics and society. When the British left, Adityanath and company had no choice; Muslims did and they made a conscious decision to stay back. They cannot be treated like second-class citizens now, he said. Citing various examples, he said the BJP had failed in governance. So has the UP government whose chief minister is on a tourism spree while cow vigilantes have shot a police inspector with his own revolver. The BJP has to be answerable to the people and Im confident they will reject it in 2019 for failing them and dashing their hopes and expectations, he said. rchopra@tribunemail.com Washington, December 5 Pakistan continues to use Afghan Taliban as a hedge against India, a top American commander has told lawmakers, as he expressed the US frustration over Islamabads failure to take concrete steps to deny safe havens to terrorist groups. Marine Corps Lt General Kenneth McKenzies remarks came days after US President Donald Trump sought Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans help in the Afghan peace process. The Trump administration, in the recent months, has intensified its efforts to seek a negotiated settlement of Americas longest war in Afghanistan where the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers since late 2001, when it invaded the country after the 9/11 terror attacks. The Taliban are fighting to flush out US-led international forces and re-establish their regime in Afghanistan after their ouster in 2001. Pakistan is an essential element in long-term stability in Afghanistan, McKenzie told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday during his confirmation hearing for commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Pakistan could play a key role in facilitating talks between the Taliban and government of Afghanistan, he said. Pakistan does not appear to be using the full extent of its influence to encourage the Taliban to come to the table, he said. We continue to see the Taliban being utilised as a hedge against India rather than as part of a stable, reconciled Afghanistan, McKenzie said. His answers to the Senate Armed Services Committee came after it became public that Trump had written a letter to Imran Khan, seeking his help in the Afghan peace process. President Trump sent a letter to Prime Minister Khan, requesting Pakistans full support to the US-led Afghan peace process and Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzads upcoming trip to the region, a spokesperson of the National Security Council, White House, told PTI. In the letter, the President recognises that Pakistan has the ability to deny the Taliban sanctuary on its territory, the spokesperson said. The letter also makes it clear that Pakistans assistance with the Afghan peace process is fundamental to building an enduring US-Pakistan partnership, the spokesperson said. McKenzie told lawmakers that he did not see much of a change in Pakistans behaviour towards Afghanistan or its stand against terrorist groups. Despite Pakistans positive rhetoric in support of the US South Asia Strategy, violent extremist organisations (VEOs) operated along its border with Afghanistan, he said. While Pakistan has conducted some operations against VEOs in the country, they must continue to expand these operations and remain aggressively engaged, McKenzie said. Taking concrete steps that deny VEO safe havens in Pakistan and VEO freedom of movement from Pakistan to Afghanistan remain an important task that Pakistan needs to fulfil. Pakistan must leverage their influence over the Taliban leadership to help compel them to come to the table for reconciliation negotiations, he added. McKenzie said the US CENTCOM would continue to support the State Department as it worked towards a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, which included ensuring that Islamabads equities are acknowledged in any future agreement. Pakistans action or inaction, as it relates to stability in Afghanistan, has often led to USs frustration, he said, adding that stability in the South Asia region remained the most important mutual strategic interest for both the US and Pakistan. We must continue to engage with the Pakistani leadership to realise how we can achieve this mutual interest, McKenzie said. I do believe that any solution in Afghanistan is going to require the assistance of Pakistan. It has to be a regional solution, not just a solution centred in Afghanistan, he said. It is in Pakistans long-term interest to have a government in Afghanistan that is stable, and that they can do business with, he said. So I think Pakistan has not shown indications, by and large over the last few years, of being a serious partner in this regard, McKenzie said. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad. McKenzie said the meeting was to see if the US could find some way forward. Probably Pakistan knows very clearly that their assistance will be required to reach an end-state in Afghanistan. I think the task that we have is to make it attractive to them so that they see that it is in their best interest to do that, McKenzie said. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Hyderabad, December 5 The Congress on Tuesday said the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were latching on to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal who was extradited to India from Dubai, for a smear campaign against Opposition leaders. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, in a statement, alleged that facing imminent defeat in state polls, Prime Minister Modi and the BJP government were seeking to weave a web of lies and construct a mesh of deception to hoodwink the people of India in the chopper case. Michel, the alleged middleman in politically-sensitive Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was brought to India late Tuesday night following his extradition by the UAE. In his rally in Rajasthan on the last day of campaigning before the state elections on Friday, Modi referred to the extradition of Michel saying, The government has brought the middleman involved in a helicopter scam from Dubai. He served politicians and will now disclose secrets. Surjewala accused the Modi government of indulging in a cover-up conspiracy to hide its role in helping and promoting the banned company AgustaWestland and its parent company, Finmeccanica. While the BJP and PM Modi are seeking fake credit without being subjected to investigation by the CBI for their own complicity and connivance, they are latching on to Christian Michel for committing a smear campaign against opposition leaders. The truth qua Christian Michel is already out in the open, he claimed. Surjewala alleged the statement made by Michels advocate Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos after his detention in July had clearly brought out that the Modi government and its agencies were forcing him to sign a false confessional statement naming UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in return for complete exoneration from any charge whatsoever in the case. Even Christian Michels sister had come out and reiterated the coercions of falsely naming Opposition leaders as a ticket of exoneration of Christian Michel, he said. He claimed that never before in the history of India has a Prime Minister been found complicit in gaining false evidence against Opposition leaders to seek revenge. Surjewala also said it was time that CBI investigated the Prime Minister for his alleged role in exonerating AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica instead of weaving a fake story to deflect attention from the imminent defeat in five states. The ruling BJP had said on Tuesday that the extradition in the case from the UPA era is a diplomatic victory for India and could spell serious trouble for the Congresss first family, referring to Gandhis. It also asserted that the development was an unequivocal affirmation of the Modi governments seriousness in fighting corruption. PTI shalender@tribune.com Naveen S Garewal Tribune News Service Hyderabad, December 5 Hectic campaigning for the Telangana Assembly elections came to an end on Wednesday evening with every party claiming it was on the verge of forming the next government. Members of the Praja Kutami (grand alliance) claimed the betrayal of dreams of Telangana had placed the alliance ahead of its rivals. Wooing the farmers, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said they should not be treated as a liability but an asset. He promised a farm loan waiver and vowed to fulfil the dreams of the people who struggled for an independent state of Telangana, if the grand alliance was voted to power. Lashing out at the BJP, he asked : If the Modi government can waive industrialists debt of Rs 3,50,000 crore, why cant it pull the farmers out of a debt trap? Speaking at Kodad in Nalgonda district, Rahul claimed: In a few days, Telangana will see a storm that will change everything. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu said the grand alliance had given hope to voters that things could change for the better. It is the beginning of change in national politics, he claimed. On the last leg of campaigning, Nizamabad MP and KCRs daughter K Kavitha said: We campaigned for 90 days and visited each house, telling people what we have done and what we will do, if we win. The Congress has always used the Muslims as a vote bank. They should not succumb to pressure and must vote for a secular party. The state will see a multi-corned contest on all 119 seats. The ruling TRS and the BJP are contesting all seats. The Congress has put up candidates in 95 constituencies and its allies TDP in 13, TJS eight and CPI in three constituencies. In all, 1,831 candidates are in the fray. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has filed 1,306 cases of paid news on TV channels. monicakchauhan@gmail.com New Delhi, December 5 The Supreme Court on Wednesday approved the Centres draft witness protection scheme and asked all the states to implement it till Parliament comes out with a legislation. A Bench headed by Justice A K Sikri said that they have made some changes in the scheme. The issue of witness protection scheme had cropped up earlier when the top court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking protection for witnesses in rape cases involving self-styled preacher Asaram Bapu. During the hearing on November 19, Attorney-General K K Venugopal had told the apex court that the draft scheme, which has now been finalised, would be made into a law in due course, but till then the court should direct the states to start implementing it. The top court was also told by advocate Gaurav Agrawal, who is assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the matter, that the government has finalised the draft witness protection scheme after discussing it with all the states. The draft witness protection scheme, finalised in consultation with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), has three categories of witnesses based on the threat perception. In April this year, the Centre had informed the top court that it had framed a draft witness protection scheme and it was circulated among the states and Union Territories administration for comments. The court had asked the Centre to finalise the scheme after getting response from the states and Union Territories. The court had said that witness protection scheme can be implemented for at least sensitive cases and the Ministry of Home Affairs could come out with a comprehensive plan. The draft of the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, states that it is the first attempt at the national-level to holistically provide for the protection of the witnesses, which will go a long way in eliminating secondary victimisation. The witnesses, being eyes and ears of justice, play an important role in bringing perpetrators of crime to justice, the draft noted. This scheme attempts at ensuring that witnesses receive appropriate and adequate protection. This will go a long way in strengthening the criminal justice system in the country and will consequently enhance national security scenario, the draft said. The types of protection measures envisaged under the scheme are to be applied in proportion to the threat and they are not expected to go on for infinite time, but are expected to be for a specific duration on need basis which is to be reviewed regularly. Further, the scheme envisages that there should be safeguards that witnesses and accused do not come face to face during investigation or trial and adequate security measures should be there for the safety of the witnesses and all possible steps should be taken for expeditious completion of the trial of cases. The scheme provides for identity protection and giving a new identity to the witness. In the cases involving Asaram, petitioners who are witnesses, have sought a probe into the instances of alleged attacks and disappearances of witnesses in these cases. The top court had in March last year questioned Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the status of implementation of witness protection schemes till then and had directed them to provide security cover to witnesses in rape cases against Asaram, who is at present in jail. While Uttar Pradesh has three such witnesses, Haryana has one. Section 195 A of the Indian Penal Code deals with witness protection. Countries such as USA, United Kingdom, China, Italy, Canada, Hong Kong and Ireland have witness protection scheme. In 2003, Justice V Malimath Committee on criminal justice system had recommended enacting a separate witness protection law and in 2006, the Law Commission of India, in its 198th report, provided for a draft witness protection law. PTI uttara@tribuneindia.com Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, December 5 The central government on Wednesday defended before the Supreme Court its decision to divest CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana of their powers and send them on leave, saying the public fight between the two top CBI officers made the probe agency a subject of ridicule. "Dispute between CBI Director and Special Director was pulling down integrity and respect of premier institution. The two top officers were fighting against each other and went public which exposed CBI to ridiculeThey were fighting like Kilkenny cats," Attorney General KK Venugopal told a three-judge Bench of Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice KM Joseph. The AGs statement came in response to a question posed by Justice Joseph who specifically sought to know if the Centre had the power to divest the CBI Director of his powers under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Justice Joseph pointed out that Section 4(1) of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act that governs the CBI says that in corruption cases, the Central Vigilance Commission will have superintendence over CBI while section 4(2) says that the Centre will have power of superintendence in all other matters. He wondered if the Centre could also divest him of powers under PC Act. He has been immobilised and divested of all powers for now, Venugopal said requesting the Bench to look at the Centres order as a whole. Vermawho is due to retire on January 31and Special Director Rakesh Asthana have been at loggerheads for quite some time. They were sent on leave last month and both have filed separate petitions challenging the governments decision. Noting that the fight created an unprecedented and extraordinary situation and the Government was watching with "amazement" as to what these two officers were doing, Venugopal said in such a situation it was absolutely essential for the Centre to step in. He justified the Governments decision, saying it was necessary to take such a decision as the infighting was adversely affecting the CBIs credibility. "If the government had not done so, only God knows where and how this fight between the two top officers would have ended," the Attorney General told the Bench, which also included Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice KM Joseph. Concluding his arguments, Venugopal asserted that the decision was aimed at restoring public confidence in the CBI. On behalf of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Solicitor General Tushar Mehta commenced his arguments but the Bench rose for the day within few minutes. The Benchwhich is seized of petitions filed by Verma and Asthana against the Centres decision to divest them of their powers and send them on leaveposted the matter for further hearing on Thursday. CBI officers AK Bassi and Manish Kumar Sinha have challenged the governments decision to transfer them to Port Blair and Nagpur respectively. Verma had on November 29 asserted before the top court the Centre had no powers to take such a decision as he was appointed for a fixed tenure of two years and cannot even be transferred without the consent of the appointing panel. Questioning the Centres senior advocate Fali S Nariman, representing Verma, had contended 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". The top court had on the last date of hearing said it would first consider if the government had the power to divest the CBI Director of his powers. The AG maintained that the three-man panel headed by prime minister only recommended three names for appointment of CBI Director. The actual appointing authority was the government and not that panel, he said. Earlier, Asthana had sent a complaint against Verma to the Cabinet Secretariat, which in turn forwarded it to the CVC. The Centre took the decision after consulting the CVC. After Verma challenged the Centres decision, the Supreme Court asked the CVC to inquire into the complaint against Verma under the supervision of former SC judge AK Patnaik. The CVC has already submitted its interim report to the court in a sealed cover which in part goes against Verma. The CVC has yet to conclude its probe. shalender@tribune.com Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, December 5 The Centre today defended before the Supreme Court its decision to divest CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana of their powers and send them on leave, saying the public fight between the two top CBI officers made the probe agency a subject of ridicule. Dispute between CBI Director and Special Director was pulling down the integrity and respect of the premier institution. The two top officers were fighting like Kilkenny cats, Attorney General KK Venugopal told a three-judge Bench of Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph. The AGs statement came in response to a question by Justice Joseph on whether the Centre had the power to divest the CBI Director of his powers under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Justice Joseph pointed out that Section 4(1) of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act that governs the CBI says that in corruption cases, the Central Vigilance Commission will have superintendence over CBI, while Section 4(2) says that the Centre will have power of superintendence in all other matters. He wondered if the Centre could also divest him of powers under the PC Act. He has been immobilised and divested of all powers for now, Venugopal said, requesting the Bench to look at the Centres order as a whole. Verma who is due to retire on January 31 and Asthana have been at loggerheads for quite some time. They were sent on leave last month and both have filed separate petitions challenging the governments decision. Noting that the fight created an unprecedented and extraordinary situation and the Government was watching with amazement as to what these two officers were doing, Venugopal said in such a situation it was absolutely essential for the Centre to step in. If the government had not done so, only God knows where and how this fight between the two top officers would have ended, the Attorney General said. On behalf of the CVC, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta commenced his arguments but the Bench rose for the day within a few minutes. The Bench which is seized of petitions filed by Verma and Asthana against the Centres decision to divest them of their powers and send them on leave posted the matter for further hearing on Thursday. CBI officers AK Bassi and Manish Kumar Sinha have challenged the governments decision to transfer them to Port Blair and Nagpur, respectively. monicakchauhan@gmail.com New Delhi, December 5 Fugitive liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya on Wednesday said his extradition from the UK to India will take its own legal course, while offering to pay back 100 per cent of "public money". Mallya, who has been fighting a legal battle against his extradition to India, claimed that he has been falsely dubbed as a "defaulter" by politicians and media. I see quick media narrative about my extradition decision. That is separate and will take its own legal course, he said in a series of tweets. In September, a UK court had fixed December 10 as the date to deliver its verdict on whether beleaguered liquor baron can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore. He further said, "The most important point is the public money and I am offering to pay 100 per cent back. I humbly request the banks and government to take it. If payback refused, WHY (sic)," he added. Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India over default of Rs 9,000 crore that was loaned to Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) by several banks. He, however said, "Politicians and media are constantly talking loudly about me being a defaulter, who has run away with PSU bank money. All this is false. "Why don't I get fair treatment and the same loud noise about my comprehensive settlement offer before Karnataka High Court. Sad." He claimed he had made the offer to settle the dues to the banks since 2016. Reflecting on the downfall of KFA, he said, "Airlines are struggling financially because of high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices." He further said Kingfisher also faced the "highest ever crude prices of US$ 140 per barrel." "Losses mounted and that's where the banks' money went. I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," he tweeted. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, December 5 A Special CBI judge today remanded extradited British national Christian Michel in five-day police custody for questioning over the alleged kickbacks paid in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case. The middleman will now be produced before the judge at Patiala House Courts on December 10. Michel, 57, was extradited from Dubai last night under the guidance of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. He is one of the three middlemen, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI. Both agencies had notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. The CBI filed a chargesheet against him in September last year. Anglo-Italian company AgustaWestland is also one of the accused. Judge Arvind Kumar rejected Michels bail application over the complexity of the case. The public prosecutor said the CBI needed to question the accused for details of kickbacks given to senior officers, influential people and others. The public prosecutor said the agency needed his custody to investigate the money trail, confront the evidences gathered and ascertain the beneficiaries of kickbacks. Rejecting Michels bail plea moved by counsel Aljo K Joseph, the judge granted five-day custody, though the CBI had sought 14 days remand. The court ordered Michels medical examination before sending him to CBI custody. A new bail plea was moved on his behalf, but the court did not give any specific date for hearing. Meanwhile, ED is preparing to grill Michel over purported creation of shell firms in India and abroad to launder bribe money, sources in the agency confirmed. It is expected to either seek fresh custody of Michel or move an application for questioning alongside the CBI under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), agency officials said, adding they may also file a fresh (supplementary) chargesheet in this case detailing the role of other accused. The ED, the sources said, will specifically ask about their dealings with Indian Air Force (IAF) officials during the course of the deal. A senior CBI official handling the case said that investigators had been grilling Michel since he was formally arrested soon after his arrival in India last night. In view of our investigation so far, Michel appeared to be one of the missing links to establish the money trail and also beneficiaries of the bribe, he said, adding that the agency was looking at definite answers to questions on four counts. We are and we will, in the next five days, confront Michel on four crucial links his diary entries, his dispatches from India, shell companies set up by him and his links with former IAF Chief SP Tyagi and his brothers, who are also accused in the case and have already been questioned, he said. We intend to know how the money, euro 42.27 million, which was received by Michels companies from Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland, was distributed further to establish the money trail of alleged bribes paid to swing the deal, the official said. CBI officials said Michel had an anxiety attack on reaching the CBI headquarters early today and doctors were called to attend to him. After treatment, he was put to intense grilling, they added. Michel was allowed to sleep for two hours between 4 am and 6 am before being given breakfast. After 6 am, he was again subjected to questioning. The CBI alleges an estimated loss of euro 398.21 million ( Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal signed on February 8, 2010, for the supply of VVIP helicopters worth euro 556.262 million. The ED, in its chargesheet filed against Michel in 2016, had alleged that he received euro 30 million ( Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. Consular access sought The British High Commission has sought consular access to Christian Michel. IYC expels leader for appearing as counsel New Delhi: The Congress party has expelled Indian Youth Congress leader and lawyer Aljo K Joseph after he appeared in a court for Christian Michel (in custody, right). The IYC said Joseph represented Michel in his personal capacity and did not consult the party before appearing in the case. PTI gspannu7@gmail.com New Delhi, December 5 The Congress on Wednesday expelled Indian Youth Congress leader and lawyer Aljo K Joseph from the party after he appeared in a court here for Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the graft-tainted Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. In a statement, the Youth Congress said Joseph represented Michel in his personal capacity and did not consult the party before appearing in the case. IYC does NOT endorse such actions. IYC has removed Aljo Joseph from IYCs Legal Department and expelled him from the party with immediate effect, the Youth Congress said in a statement. Suresh Nakhua, a spokesperson of the Mumbai BJP unit, had first claimed that Joseph was a Youth Congress functionary, evoking sharp reactions from various quarters. Following criticism, the Congress expelled Joseph from the party. British businessman Michel was Wednesday sent to five-day CBI custody by a Delhi court, a day after he was extradited to India from the UAE. The CBIs plea for custody was opposed by Michels counsel Joseph and Vishnu Shankaran who said they have not yet received any documents from the agency and the accused may be remanded to judicial custody. Joseph was with the IYC for a long time, but had not been active recently, a senior Youth Congress leader said, adding that the lawyer did not consult anyone in the party at any level. He was unable to give a satisfactory explanation for his action and, therefore, the party decided to take action against him, the IYC leader said on condition of anonymity. The issue of Joseph appearing for Michel gained traction after Nakhua made the sensational claim in a tweet. BOOM.....Any guesses who is lawyer for Christian Michel ?Mr @Aljokjoseph , National incharge, legal department, Indian youth congress (Youth wing of Cong led by #OutonBail @rahulgandhi ) Nakhua tweeted. Asked about the issue, Joseph earlier said his relations with the Congress were separate, and his profession was separate. He said he was only discharging his duties as a lawyer which had nothing to do with the Congress. Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI. He had denied the charges and alleged that the CBI wants him to take the names of the Gandhi family, a claim which had been refuted by the central probe agency. The AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, initialled in 2010 during the UPA rule, was scrapped on January 1, 2014. PTI amansharma@tribunemail.com Ashok Kaura Phagwara, December 5 Ending the two-day stalemate, protesting sugarcane growers lifted a blockade from the national highway in Phagwara after Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh met owners of private sugar mills and said a settlement has been reached. Kapurthala Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Tayab along with Senior Superintendent of the Police Satinder Singh went to dharna site near Konica Resorts and gave details of the decision and appealed to the protesters to lift the dharna. The appeal was accepted by the agitating cane growers who announced to lift the dharna to restore normal vehicular traffic on NH between Phagwara and Jalandhar at 6.32 pm on Wednesday. Farmer leader Jangveer Singh Chauhan, who was leading the protest by cane growers at Dasuya, said they also have lifted the dharna as their demands have been met. Farmers who were holding a dharna at Mukerian also called off their protest. Earlier, vehicular traffic between Phagwara and Jalandhar on the national highway remained suspended for the second day on Wednesday, giving a tough time to thousands of commuters. The protesters were demanding release of the arrears to the tune of Rs 417 crore for sugarcane immediately and increase in the rate of sugarcane from Rs 310 to Rs 350 per qunital. Blockades were organised by seven farmer organisations, led by Lok Bhalai Insaaf Welfare Society, near Konica Resorts on the national highway in Phagwara . Even the international Indo-Pak buses from both sides could not ply through Kartarpur-Kapurthala-Nakodar-Phillaur-Ludhiana-Delhi road. They were diverted to alternative route. While traffic from Ludhiana to Jalandhar was diverted via Phillaur-Bilga-Nakodar-Jalandhar, vehicles intended to take Phagwara to Jalandhar route were diverted via link roads through several villages. The sugarcane growers held a dharna in front of Phagwara Sugar Mills initially and blocked the highway on Tuesday evening. No vehicles, except ambulances, were allowed to pass. Lok Bhalai Insaaf Welfare Society president Baldev Singh Sirsa, farmer leaders Kulwant Singh Sandhu and Satnam Singh Sahni earlier said the sugarcane farmers had no intention of causing inconvenience to public but the state government was evasive on their genuine demands. rchopra@tribunemail.com Varinder Singh Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 5 Canadas National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians has rapped the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for not sharing the information about the plans of Canadian of Indian origin Jaspal Atwal to join an official event of Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Indian visit in February with his security network. The high-level committee comprising Canadian senators and MPs has also held the RCMP responsible for not sharing the criminal record of Atwal which could have been a potent security risk to the Prime Minister, his family and his delegation. The abridged report of the committee was released on Tuesday. The RCMP, the report indicated, had admitted that it had made a mistake by not providing the PMs security set-up with advance inputs that Atwal had plans to join the PMs official trip to India. Atwala Canadian of Indian descent who was convicted of trying to kill then Punjab cabinet minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu during his Vancouver visit in 1986had travelled to India in his private capacity. But there was a controversy when he was spotted at an official event of Trudeau at the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. Atwal had sprung a big surprise in Canada and India as he figured among the 423 guests whose names were cleared by the Canadian PMO. A former member of a banned militant group, he had reportedly secured his invitation through BC Liberal MP Randeep Sarai. The report virtually indicted the RCMP for having ignored Atwal being a security risk given his criminal record and history, saying the force conducted its security checks on an ad hoc basis. On its part, the RCMP asserted that it was capable of assessing and reducing the risk to the PM and to cope with varied possible threats. The RCMP also informed the high-level committee that Atwals criminal history notwithstanding, he was not considered a threat. The committee report suggested that the RCMP had come to know on February 13--three days prior to Trudeaus leaving for Indiathat Atwal could be joining Trudeaus Indian event. Subsequently, it had sifted through criminal record of Atwal but failed to share it with Trudeaus security set-up and the Integrated National Security Team. Justin Trudeau had landed in India on February 17 along with his family and a high-powered delegation for their week-long visit. He however, was virtually cold-shouldered by the Indian government for his alleged support to the Sikh separatists. editorial@tribune.com Our Correspondent Ferozepur, December 5 Following specific intelligence inputs regarding the possibility of some Pakistani ultras hiding in this area, the Ferozepur police on Wednesday carried out a massive search operation in a dhani close to Mamdot block, 20 km from district headquarters. The police had tracked the location of a Pakistani SIM near Gulab Singh village, around 2 km from Mamdot. Sources said the search operation to ascertain the possibility of some Pakistani terrorists taking shelter in this area was launched on Tuesday night which was on during the filing of report. The police have been searching each and every household, besides fields in this village. Ferozepur Range IG Mukhwinder Singh Chinna and SSP Pritam Singh are camping at the site to supervise the search operation. When contacted, the IG refused to divulge details. Two days ago, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) had pasted posters of Pakistani terrorist Zakir Rashid Bhatt, alias Zakir Mussa, who is former commander of terrorist organisation Hizbul Majahideen, at the Cantonment Railway Station here. Two weeks ago, the state DGP (Intelligence) had written a letter to field police officers here regarding the possibility of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists hiding in the Ferozepur area, following which the police and other paramilitary forces had launched a search operation at that time also. Sources said the police had rounded up some persons on suspicion. However, no terrorist has been nabbed till now. Chinna said keeping in view the elections in Rajasthan, the police had sealed the inter-state border and round-the-clock supervision was being done. He said two additional companies had been deployed besides Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) had also been asked to stay ready for any eventuality. Sources said military forces, too, had launched a similar search operation. editorial@tribune.com GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 5 The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has turned down the state governments proposal of inviting Pakistan to Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) scheduled to be held in the holy city from December 6 to 10. This was revealed by RS Sachdeva, chairman, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Punjab chapter, here today. On the state governments behalf, Vinni Mahajan, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce, had written to the MEA for facilitating visa for Pakistani exhibitors for PITEX, but it flatly refused to consider it, he said. Sachdeva said PITEX was originally conceptualised keeping in view the bilateral trade between the two neighbouring countries. Pakistan has been a regular participant for the past 10 years till 2015 along with other SAARC countries as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad had evinced a keen interest in the event in the past. Pakistani cotton, embroidered fabric, leather goods, silver filigree footwear and onyx stone handicraft attracted maximum visitors to the exhibition, he said. For the past three years, Pakistans active participation was missing during this trade and cultural bonanza. There used to be at least 45-50 exhibitors from Pakistan. Now, except for a few who possess SAARC visa, no direct visa is being granted by the MEA. We have five bookings from their side, but their actual participation would be known shortly, Sachdeva said. Meanwhile, countries like Thailand, Afghanistan, Turkey and Egypt have confirmed their participation. Similarly, traders from Jharkhand, J&K and Rajasthan are also participating in a big way in the event. The fair would be formally inaugurated by Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu and Education Minister OP Soni tomorrow. Deputy Commissioner KS Sangha said it would be for the first time that the MSME (Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) would conduct a conclave to talk about capacity building of small-scale industry to make them globally competitive. Cabinet minister Rana Gurmit Sodhi would be the chief guest on December 7. The National Jute Board, PSIEC, GMADA, Punjab Agro Industry Corporation, PEDA, Milkfed and Markfed would also be part of the event. Madhu Pillai, regional director, PHDCCI, said this time over 425 stalls would be set up over an area of 10,000 sq metres. In 2005, PITEX was started with around 150 industrialists and merely 50,000 people had visited the exhibition. Now, we expect a footfall of over 2.5 lakh, she said. Meanwhile, a walkathon to promote organ donation, health talk on causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of heart diseases and recent advances in joint replacement in association with Fortis Escorts would be organised. editorial@tribune.com Ashok Kaura Phagwara, December 5 Thousands of commuters were harassed as road traffic between Phagwara and Jalandhar on the National Highway-1 remained suspended for over 26 hours owing to a protest by sugarcane farmers. The farmers, who had begun their protest outside Wahid Sandhar Sugarmill, owned by Akali leader Jarnail S Wahid, yesterday had moved to the highway in the evening. They had erected tents in the middle of the road and slept there through the night. Arrangement for langar, water and tea went on till the dharna was lifted around 7:30 pm today. The farmers had been demanding the release of pending dues of Rs 417 crore from sugar mills immediately. They also sought an increase in the State Advised Price (SAP) of sugarcane from Rs 310 to Rs 350 per quintal. Even after the announcement by CM Capt Amarinder Singh regarding the release of Rs 25 per quintal directly to the farmers and release of Rs 65 crore to the sugar mills for clearing dues, the protesters had refused to budge. They finally lifted dharna on the assurance by the Kapurthala administration that the mill in Phagwara will clear dues of Rs 52 crore by January 15 and will start accepting new stock of cane from December 12. Seven farmer organisations led by Lok Bhalai Insaaf Welfare Society had participated in the dharna. Though heavy police force, including commandos, PAP, Punjab Police and BSF personnel, remained on alert since last evening, normal traffic could be restored only after dharna ended this evening. Even the Indo-Pak buses had to take a detour via Kartarpur-Kapurthala-Nakodar-Phillaur route. The road traffic from Ludhiana to Jalandhar was diverted via Phillaur-Bilga-Nakodar-Jalandhar and from Phagwara to Jalandhar was diverted via link roads. No vehicles except ambulances were allowed on the 10-km stretch. Kapurthala DC Mohammad Tayyab and SSP Satinder Singh had been camping in Phagwara since yesterday. They held several meetings with the farmers. President of the Lok Bhalai Insaaf Welfare Society Baldev Singh Sirsa and various farmer leaders said sugarcane growers had no intention of causing inconvenience to the public, but the state was evasive on their demands. Meanwhile, farmers in Dasuya and Mukerian too lifted the dharna following the announcement of release of their dues. Book millers, officials for unrest: sad Bhogpur (Jalandhar): After reports of registration of FIRs against 252 farmers for blocking highways, SAD chief Sukhbir Badal on Wednesday said the cases should be registered against sugar mill owners and officials who could not come to their aid. Leading a dharna outside cooperative sugarmill at Bhogpur, Sukhbir said: The CM should book his own officials responsible for the lapses and the consequent unrest. Sukhbir also dared the CM to seal all erring mills. Asked if Akali leader Jarnail S Wahid, who owns the Phagwara mill, should also be booked, Sukhbir said: He should be booked at the first place. He is the president of the millers and has not paid the dues. Deepkamal Kaur pardeepdhull@gmail.com Shanghai, December 5 China expressed confidence on Wednesday that it can reach a trade deal with the United States, despite fresh warnings from President Donald Trump that he would revert to more tariffs if the two sides cannot resolve their differences. The remarks by the Chinese Commerce Ministry follow a period of relative quiet from Beijing after Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping reached a temporary truce in their trade war at a meeting over dinner in Argentina on Saturday. In a brief statement on its website, the ministry said China would try to work quickly to implement specific issues already agreed upon, as both sides actively promote the work of negotiations within 90 days in accordance with a clear timetable and road map. We are confident in implementation, it said, calling the latest bilateral talks very successful. Trump, via Twitter, held out the possibility of an extension of the ceasefire but warned tariffs would be back on the table if the talks failed to bear fruit. The negotiations with China have already started. Unless extended, they will end 90 days from the date of our wonderful and very warm dinner with President Xi in Argentina, Trump tweeted. He said he would place major tariffs on Chinese goods imported into the United States if his administration is unable to reach an effective trade deal with Beijing. We are either going to have a REAL DEAL with China, or no deal at all - at which point we will be charging major Tariffs against Chinese product being shipped into the United States. Ultimately, I believe, we will be making a deal - either now or into the future, Trump wrote in a post within minutes of the Commerce Ministry statement. The threat of further escalation in the trade war between the worlds two largest economies has loomed large over financial markets and the global economy for much of the year, and investors initially greeted the ceasefire with relief. But the mood has quickly soured on scepticism that the two sides will be able to reach a substantive deal on a host of highly divisive issues within the short negotiating period agreed. Failure would raise the spectre of a major escalation in the trade battle, with fresh U.S. tariff action and Chinese retaliation possibly as early as March. The White House says China had committed to start buying more American products and lifting tariff and non-tariff barriers immediately, while beginning talks on structural changes with respect to forced technology transfers and intellectual property protection. Sources told Reuters that Chinese oil trader Unipec plans to resume buying US crude by March after the Xi-Trump deal reduced the risk of tariffs on those imports. Chinas crude oil imports from the US had ground had to a halt. Markets down Global financial markets tumbled on Tuesday as doubts over what could realistically be accomplished in the tight negotiating window added to concerns about fading global growth. The benchmark Shanghai stock index slipped 0.2 percent by midday on Wednesday. Despite a temporary de-escalation of hostilities following the G-20 summit, the relationship between the US and China will remain contentious, Moodys Investors Service in a report. Narrow agreements and modest concessions in the ongoing trade dispute will not bridge the wide gulf in their respective economic, political and strategic interests. Officials from the US and a number of other major economies have often criticised China for its slow approach to negotiations and not following through on commitments. China has said comparatively little about the Trump-Xi agreement after senior Chinese officials briefed the media following the meeting, and there have been some differences between US and Chinese accounts of what the deal entails. Officials now face the difficult task of fleshing out a deal that is acceptable to the Chinese but also involves significant enough concessions not to be torpedoed by the China hawks in the Trump administration, Capital Economics said in a note this week. We wouldnt be surprised if no agreement can be reached within 90 days, with the higher tariff rate coming into force only a few months later than originally planned. A Chinese official told Reuters officials were waiting for the leaders to return before publicising details. President Xi and his most senior officials are due back in China on Thursday having visited Panama and Portugal since leaving Argentina. On Wednesday, the Global Times tabloid, which is run by the Chinese Communist Partys main newspaper, said myriad statements from the Trump administration about the deal including the agreement that China would buy $1.2 trillion in additional US goods were designed to highlight or even exaggerate facets of the deal that benefitted the United States. Reaching an agreement within three months is a spur to not only China, but also the US If the two sides fail to reach a deal, all the White House promises will be invalid, it said. It will be a win-win situation if a deal is realised. But if not, more fights and talks will continue alternately for a longer while. Chinese society should maintain a calm attitude. Reuters rchopra@tribunemail.com New York, December 5 German scientist Albert Einsteins most famous letter about his views on God and religion, written just a year before his death, has been sold for a whopping USD 2.89 million at an auction here. The letter was expected to fetch up to USD 1.5 million, Christies said in a statement. The two-page letter, dated January 3, 1954, was written to German philosopher Eric Gutkind, who had sent Einstein a copy of his book Choose Life: The Biblical Call To Revolt. The word God is for me nothing but the expression and product of human weakness, the Bible a collection of venerable but still primitive legends, Einstein wrote in the letter. This remarkably candid, private letter was written a year before Einsteins death and remains the most fully articulated expression of his religious and philosophical views, the auction said in a statement. The word God is for me nothing but the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of venerable but still rather primitive legends, Einstein wrote. No interpretation, no matter how subtle, can (for me) change anything about this, he wrote. Einstein instead invokes Baruch Spinoza, the 17th-century Jewish Dutch philosopher with whom he strongly identified from an early age. Spinoza believed not in an anthropomorphic God who intervened in daily lives, but in a God beyond description, one responsible for the sublime beauty and orderliness of the universe. For me the unadulterated Jewish religion is, like all other religions, an incarnation of primitive superstition. And the Jewish people to whom I gladly belong, and in whose mentality I feel profoundly anchored, still for me does not have any different kind of dignity from all other peoples, Einstein wrote. As far as my experience goes, they are in fact no better than other human groups, even if they are protected from the worst excesses by a lack of power. Otherwise I cannot perceive anything chosen about them, the letter says. Einstein wrote in response to Eric Gutkinds 1952 book, Choose Life: The Biblical Call to Revolt, which he read at the behest of Dutch mathematician and philosopher LEJ Brouwer (1881-1966). Though Einstein was unequivocal in his critique of Gutkinds work, he sought to establish a common ground between them, noting that they still agreed on the essentials. Prefacing his frank remarks on God and religion, he observed diplomatically that he and Gutkind both believed in the importance of a strong moral foundation that rose above self-interest and instead sought to benefit humanity. PTI shriaya.dutta@tribuneindia.com Sydney, December 5 Australia is mulling a strict law that gives enforcement agencies power to track messages on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram that offer end-to-end encryption and also to force users to open their smartphones when demanded, a media report said. The controversial encryption Bill comes at a time amid allegations of encrypted platforms facilitating spread of rumours, hates speech and even criminal activities like child trafficking and drugs businesses. In countries like India, messages circulated in WhatsApp have been linked to several lynching cases, forcing the government to ask platform to take suitable preventive action. But the new Australia Bill also raises privacy concerns as under the proposed legislation, the Australian government agencies could compel companies to build spyware. The proposed laws could force companies to remove electronic protections, assist government agencies in accessing material from a suspect's device, and in getting technical information such as design specifications to help in an investigation, News.com.au reported on Wednesday. Critics have slammed the Bill for being broad in scope, vague and potentially damaging to the security of the global digital economy, the report said, adding that a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has been scrutinising the bill. The laws will help security agencies nab terrorists, child sex offenders and other serious criminals; Australia's Attorney-General Christian Porter was quoted as saying. About 95 per cent of people currently being surveilled by security agencies are using encrypted messages, he added. The spying powers are limited to only "serious offences" such as preventing terrorism and tackling organised crime in Australia, dailymail.co.uk reported. IANS Joint press release DE | FR | IT | NL Unique joint investigation by judiciary and police forces in the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and Belgium culminates in the largest coordinated joint action against an organised criminal group to date in Europe. During a joint action day starting today in the early hours, judicial and law enforcement authorities in the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg have taken coordinated and decisive action against the 'Ndrangheta. This aggressive, mafia-style organised criminal group is one of the most powerful criminal networks in the world, and controls much of Europe's cocaine trade, combined with systematic money laundering, bribery and violent acts. The operation, code-named 'Pollino', is the biggest of its kind to date in Europe. Several hundred police, including special intervention units, were engaged in today's action, together with prosecutors and investigative officers. The judicial authorities and law enforcement agencies involved have been working intensively together since 2016, including in a joint investigation team (JIT) supported by Eurojust, the EU's Judicial Cooperation Unit, and Europol in The Hague, to prepare the action. As a result of close cooperation, almost 4 000 kg of cocaine and hundreds of kilos of other drugs have been detected across Europe during the course of the investigation. By 12:00 on the action day, 84 suspects have been reported arrested, including high-ranking members of the mafia network. An estimated EUR 2 million in criminal assets are expected to be seized, and many witness hearings and house searches will be conducted, securing important evidence to be used at trial. Actions are also taking place in Suriname. (Click on image to enlarge). The case originated in 2014, when the Dutch Fiscal, Information and investigation Service (FIOD) referred an investigation of possible money laundering to Eurojust. The investigation looked into partners of Italian restaurants in Horst and Venray in the Netherlands and showed connections to the Nordrhein-Westfalen region in Germany as well as to criminal activity in Reggio Calabria in southern Italy. The Dutch Desk at Eurojust then proactively encouraged the other countries concerned to look into the case. The 'Ndrangheta mafia network, which has its base in southern Italy, is known to operate by starting legitimate businesses in other countries as a cover to expand overseas, smuggling drugs, laundering illicit profits and claiming new territories as areas under their control. By splitting the activities per country, the mafia network aims to exploit legal differences between criminal jurisdictions and to escape attention, since each crime, if only investigated separately, may appear as an isolated act rather than part of an international operation. The creation of a JIT by the Netherlands, Italy and Germany for Operation Pollino in October 2016 had a catalytic effect on the scale and intensity of the investigation. Essentially a legal framework, a JIT is a platform for judiciary and police from different countries to work directly together in a specific case and systematically exchange operational information. Step by step, the authorities involved in Operation Pollino, including investigative judges, worked very intensively together to fit together the pieces, and pooled their knowledge and creativity in order to establish a joint strategy and uncover the actual magnitude and complexity of the criminal activity of the 'Ndrangheta. The exchange of evidence, which is essential to build solid prosecution cases, has been an important element in preparing today's action. It was the first JIT with the participation of Italy. The practical support through EU agencies such as Eurojust and Europol has played a crucial role in Operation Pollino. The JIT has been facilitated and financed by Eurojust, which also organised of a series coordination meetings to regularly bring the actors together, support the development of a joint strategy and facilitate the mutual understanding of the different judicial systems at critical juncures of the investigation. Europol has contributed through extensive data analysis in the context of Analysis Project ITOC, which supports cases investigating the criminal activities of mafia-structured OCGs originating in Italy and impacting other Member States. During the joint action day, prosecutors from the judicial authorities followed the action in real time from the coordination centre at Eurojust, which allows for swift analysis of new data as it is being collected during the action and makes it possible to adapt the strategy as required. Europol has also assisted the Italian police in the field with a mobile office. Filippo Spiezia, Vice-President of Eurojust and National Member for Italy, said: 'Today, we send a clear message to organised crime groups across Europe. They are not the only ones able to operate across borders; so are Europe's judiciary and law enforcement communities. By working together and using the unique tools at our disposal in the EU, such as the possibility to form a joint investigation team and with the practical support through EU agencies such as Eurojust and Europol, we are able to detect, investigate and prosecute this kind of serious organised crime.' As of 11:00 today, the following actions and results have been reported: NETHERLANDS: 5 arrests. Seizures of almost 4 000 kg of cocaine and 140 kg XTC pills. Dutch investigators from FIOD and the Dutch police have also helped to search in Italy and Germany. Authorities involved: Fiscal, Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) Police National Unit, Dutch National Prosecution Service ITALY: The main focus has been in the regions of Calabria and Catanzaro in southern Italy. There have been 41 arrests. Authorities involved: Office of the Public Prosecutor of Reggio Calabria Central Operative Service of the State Police (SCO) State Police Investigative Department of Reggio Calabria Central Service of Investigation of the Guardia di Finanza (SCICO) Police Command for financial investigation of Guardia di Finanza (Valutaria GdF) Operational anti-drug department of the Guardia di Finanza of Reggio Calabria (GOA) GERMANY: The main focus has been in the western parts of the Nordrhein-Westfalen region due to its proximity to the ARA harbours. There have been 15 arrests (+ 6 in a related operation). Authorities involved: Staatsanwaltschaft Duisburg Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) There has also been close cooperation with other German organised crime investigations, with the Organised Crime Units of the Landeskriminalamt NRW, the Police in Cologne as well as the Offices of the Public Prosecutor in Cologne and Aachen, where coordinated arrests and searches have been executed today. BELGIUM: The main focus has been in Maasmechelen in Limburg. There have been 4 arrests (+ 10 in a related operation). Authorities involved: Public Prosecutor's Office Limburg Federal Judicial Police, Limburg Local Police of Lanaken-Maasmechelen, Limburg LUXEMBOURG: Two suspects have been arrested and the national investigation is ongoing. Authorities involved: Police Letzebuerg Parquet de Luxembourg Cabinet d'instruction Luxembourg Eurojust Q&A (DE, EN, FR, IT and NL): For more information about Eurojust, see www.eurojust.europa.eu or contact Eurojust's Corporate Communications Unit at media@eurojust.europa.eu, phone +31 70 412 5000. For all Eurojust press releases, please see www.eurojust.europa.eu (Press centre). If you would like to have Eurojust press releases delivered electronically to your inbox, please complete and submit this subscription form. ? rchopra@tribunemail.com Islamabad, December 5 The Pakistan government has decided to cut by 10 per cent the non-salary current budget of the civilian set-up as part of an austerity drive to solve the cash-strapped nations economic woes, according to a media report. The Express Tribune reported that the move would help save nearly Rs 10 billion in the remainder period of fiscal year (2018-19) but would not address core fiscal problems. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has also decided to continue with a ban imposed on the creation of new posts except where the posts are required to be created under development projects, the report said. The Ministry of Finance has issued an office memorandum to give effect to the austerity measures for the fiscal year 2018-19. Effectively, the cut in the current non-salary expenditure will be on the budget allocations for the period of December 2018 to June 2019, the report said. In consideration of fiscal constraints and keeping in view the austerity drive of the present government and to save public money, it has been decided to effect a saving of 10 per cent in current expenditures, said the ministry of finance office memorandum. The 10 per cent cut will not be applicable on employees related expenses, their retirement benefits, subsidies, transfers, and civil works. The military budget has also not been slashed. The PTI government is implementing tight fiscal and monetary policies. The State Bank of Pakistan has already downward revised the economic growth rate projections to 4 per cent for this fiscal year as against 5.8 per cent growth rate in the last fiscal year. The total downward revised annual budget for running the civil government is Rs 460 billion for fiscal year 2018-19. Nearly 70 per cent expenditures have been exempted from the budget cut, which would reduce the net benefit to not more than Rs 10 billion, according to an official of the Ministry of Finance. The total non-salary expenditures are Rs 180 billion and some components like transfers and civil works are exempted from the cut. The total budget for this fiscal year is Rs 5.3 trillion. Out of this, an amount of Rs 1.1 trillion has been allocated for defence and Rs 1.842 trillion for servicing of the public debt. Prime Minister Imran Khan, after his swearing-in on August 18, moved into a modest three-bedroom house of his military secretary along with two servants. He had announced that he would not stay in the sprawling PM House which has a staff of 524 and fleet of 80 vehicles, keeping his pledge to cut down the expenditure of the cash-strapped government. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Singapore, December 5 Singapore has made a strong protest to Malaysia over its plan to extend the limits of a port in its southernmost state, saying it encroached the territorial waters of the wealthy city-state. The assertion, which Malaysia called inaccurate, is the latest development in the neighbours spats over parts of the Singapore Strait, one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes. Singapores transport ministry said it had asked Malaysia to reverse its steps on the port limits to reflect Singapores sovereignty over the waters in question, and refrain from further unilateral action. We note with grave concern that Malaysia has recently purported to extend the Johor Bahru port limits in a manner which encroaches into Singapore territorial waters off Tuas, it said in a statement on Tuesday. In response, Singapore has lodged strong protest with the Malaysian government. It added that Malaysian vessels had repeatedly intruded into Singapores territorial waters over the past two weeks off Tuas, in the city-states west. Singapore has protested the unauthorised movements of, and purported assertions of sovereignty by, these vessels, which are inconsistent with international law, it said. Singapore will not hesitate to take firm action against such activities, it said, adding that it was ready to try and resolve matters amicably, in line with international law. On Wednesday, Malaysias transport minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, called Singapores claims inaccurate, saying the altered port limits had not encroached any part of the city state. The altered port limits of Johor Bahru port are in Malaysias territorial sea and it is well within Malaysias right to draw any port limit in our territorial sea, he said in a statement. In a previous territorial dispute between the neighbours, over remote rocky outcrops off Malaysias southeastern shores, the International Court of Justice awarded rights to a formation to each in 2008. In another dispute, Malaysia told Singapore it intends to take back control of airspace managed by the city-state since 1974, amid friction over a flight path to a secondary airport in Singapore. Singapore was once part of Malaysia but they separated acrimoniously in 1965, clouding diplomatic and economic dealings for years. Reuters pardeepdhull@gmail.com United Nations, December 5 Conflict has pushed tens of millions of people into a situation where they are in urgent need of help, the UN relief chief has said, in an appeal for funds that could top USD 25 billion to support life-saving aid projects in over 40 countries next year. Speaking at the launch of a major annual analysis of global humanitarian needs, Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock said that a total of 132 million people will need assistance next year. Of that number, the UN and its partner organisations aim to support 93.6 million. While conflict is the main cause, climate-related risks such as drought and tropical storms are also significant contributors to the number of people in crisis. Something like one person in 70 around the world is caught up in crisis and urgently needs humanitarian help or protection, Lowcock said. We have a larger number of people displaced, mostly by conflict than we have seen in the world before, nearly 70 million. The UNs Global Humanitarian Appeal for 2019 amounts to USD 21.9 billion; it is expected to increase to USD 25 billion, once Syrias financial needs have been calculated. As of mid-November, donors have provided a record USD 13.9 billion in funding, which is about 10 per cent more than at the same time last year, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The conflict in Yemen is one of the main reasons why next years funding appeal is so high, amid ongoing violence between Government forces and Houthi opposition, that has left at least eight million people close to famine. Highlighting the near-economic collapse of Yemens economy which will require long-term financial support from the international community if it is to recover, Lowcock warned that next year, three-quarters of the countrys population 24 million people - are likely to need help. The country with the biggest problem in 2019 is going to be Yemen, he said, before insisting that the UNs coordinated response plans help the humanitarian community to deliver, more and better to millions of people. In total the UN is seeking USD 4 billion for its Yemen appeal, Lowcock said, adding that theres going to need to be billions of dollars additional support for the Government of Yemen from the international community, because oil revenues are down 85 per cent. Unless they get help the problems associated with plummeting currency are going to happen again, the UN official said, while also stressing the need to tackle the root causes of conflicts everywhere. Beyond Yemen, needs will remain exceptionally high in Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Sudan, Lowcock said. Every month in 2018, humanitarians have reached eight million Yemenis with food assistance and 5.4 million Syrians with supplies, medical assistance and protection, Lowcock said. This is happening even as threats to the safety of aid workers are on the rise, he noted. Peoples insecurity has also worsened significantly in Afghanistan because of drought, political instability and an influx of returning refugees, according to the Global Humanitarian Overview 2019, as well as in Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR), owing to an upsurge of conflict and violence. Turning to the high human cost caused by climate hazards, the UN official noted that there is an 80 per cent chance in 2019 of an El Nino event, which is linked to extreme weather events. While the impact is not expected to be as widespread as in 2016, it is still likely to be a significant event and affect some 25 countries with drought, tropical cyclones and floods including South Africa, Malawi and Madagascar, Lowcock warned. In another finding, the OCHA report shows that the average UN humanitarian response now lasts more than nine years; in 2014, the norm was 5.2 years. This year, moreover, nearly three-quarters of people receiving assistance are in countries that have been affected by humanitarian crises for seven years or more. PTI A PRISON officer with 26 years of service was shot dead yesterday in front of his fruit and vegetable stall in Valencia. He is the 26th prison officer to be murdered in the last 30 years. Police said around 1.30 p.m. Trevor Serrette, 48, of Sangre Grande was sitting behind the counter at the stall located off the Eastern Main Road, Valencia. He was there with a 64-year-old relative and a friend when a white Nissan AD Wagon with two men stopped in front. The Brazilian Institute of Asset Recovery (Instituto Brasileiro de Rastreamento de Ativos, or IBRA) recently held its inaugural event. The event called the International Seminar on Tracking Assets to Combat Fraud and Corruption took place in Sao Paulo on October 26, 2018. The invitation-only seminar drew a much larger crowd than expected more than 200 attendees. These included several justices of the Superior Court of Justice (Brazils top court in civil and criminal matters), appellate, trial and bankruptcy court judges, prosecutors, practicing lawyers, bankruptcy trustees, academics, and others. The five panels centered on ex parte investigations and transnational tracing of assets; reversal of the burden of proof; asset tracking in judicial recovery processes; mechanisms of prevention of fraud and corruption, and conflicts between criminal and bankruptcy proceedings. In addition to Brazilian experts, the panels included speakers from the British Virgin Islands, Jersey, Switzerland, UK, and United States. The author was honored to deliver the keynote speech representing the International Anti-Corruption Academy or IACA (Austria). Event-organizer IBRA is an exciting addition to the already very active Brazilian anti-corruption landscape. The group was created by Brazilian lawyers Rodrigo Kaysserlian (Krikor Kaysserlian Advogados), Renato Capanema (the Ministry of Transparency, Supervision and Control), Andre Rocha (EXM Partners), and others. The idea for IBRA originated with Rodrigo Kaysserlian, a lawyer working primarily on asset recovery in bankruptcy cases, during one of his IACA classes in the Master in Anti-Corruption Studies program at the IACA. He immediately shared the idea with his classmate, Mr. Capanema. Fast forward, in less than a year, the new Institute opened its doors with a strong support of several law firms and other organizations, and the blessing of a number of prominent persons in the judiciary, government and the legal community. Asset recovery is a major issue in Brazil. According to Mr. Capanema, there are $1.5 billion in Brazilian assets currently restrained abroad, and bringing it back is a major challenge. Unsurprisingly, many discussions focused on bankruptcy cases (including cross-border insolvency): 88 percent of the Brazilian Chapter 11 cases are filed in Sao Paulo. Corruption and fraud played a prominent role also, as did the topics of removing incentives for such conduct through aligning interests of the public and private sectors and civil society, prevention, compliance, and capacity building. The issues of the offshore havens and beneficial ownership were discussed as well, with speakers from the BVI, Jersey and Switzerland sharing the new developments in their jurisdictions. IBRA will focus on raising awareness, disseminating knowledge and leading efforts to improve Brazilian legislation related to asset recovery. Justice Carlos Fernando Mathias of the Superior Court of Justice summed it this way: IBRA was born victorious because it has the strength of the great young people as well as the wisdom of the older professionals behind it. And nothing can beat the joy and pride of an educator who sees her former students succeed professionally and pursue a very meaningful endeavor to make this world a better place. ___ Elena Helmer is an Associate Professor and Senior Expert at the International Anti-Corruption Academy. On Thursday night all eyes were glued to some form of media as the nation eagerly and attentively followed every word uttered by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. No one knew what would have been said or implemented. The address to the nation focused on the vulnerabilities created by this coronavirus pandemic. The strain on the medical system, the strain on the economy and on the education system. You will love White Sands. It is in one of the best parts of the beach, and they have a nice area to walk up and see the most beautiful sunsets. We stay next door at Nirvana, and we frequently go next door to WS to have drinks. As a previous poster stated "if you live in L.A. you will be fine in Negril". We go there frequently, and we would never stay AI again. We want to experience being in Jamaica not a resort that is trying to be as American as possible. As for safety, during the day it's very safe, at night take precautions as you would anywhere. Don't get into any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. Taxi's are very reasonable, use them. Have fun! Edited: 2 years ago I think Melbourne definitely should be on your must do, its full of galleries, street art in our famous laneways and the Yarra Valley It Morninton Peninsula wine regions only an hour out of the city. GOR is definitely worth the trip, it runs to the west of Melbourne though not towards Sydney, so you generally do a loop back to Melbourne where you can fly to your next destination or continue driving east and up the coast to Sydney. The GOR beaches arent so much relaxing on the sand type beaches, theyre surf beaches and can get quite wild in the water. But the scenery is stunning. If you can spend a week traveling by car between Melbourne and Sydney then you can visit places like Wilsons Prom, Mallacoota, Nowra, Jarvis Bay etc that have lovely beaches and a relaxed seaside village feel. Otherwise you could fly up to Brisbane and drive back to Sydney over a week, or drive north to the Sunshine Coast and explore the area, then fly back to Sydney. Thats the point everyone is trying to make. If you lodge the paperwork for the child visa, it will cancel your Tourist visa, so they will not let you into the country. If for some reason there is a delay in the lodging and you manage to travel to Australia before the cancel the tourist visa, then cancel it once youre here, that makes you an illegal immigrant and they will kick you out of the country and ban you from returning for 3 years. It would probably ruin your chances of getting the child visa approved. So travel here on your tourist visa, stay for up to 3 months, then return home, lodge the 101 visa request and wait until it is processed and either approved or rejected. By the look of it they take about a year to be processed so its not a quick thing. Re: First time in japan.. jR pass? Icoca or kansai thru? 3. Re: First time in japan.. jR pass? Icoca or kansai thru? -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:- This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. Im sure most people on TripAdvisor will talk you into staying even though everything you fear in your post sounds like this is not the trip for you. Especially as a first trip with your partner. Its like one of you knowing how to play golf really well and then teach the other one who is totally new and then one of you cannot drive a 5-speed manual transmission car so after frustrating golf lessons, you go to the top of a steep hill to start the driving lesson. I see so many stressed families and couples here and remark to my friends weekly when i see these tourists... they look like they hate each other. Angry people in train stations. Angry people on the city streets throwing their hands up in the air. Wait for the posts to come, itll all be peaches and cream with very little reality and Im the one preaching doom and gloom. Kyoto has become overrun with tourists. Its often overcrowded so Im not sure if youll enjoy it. I still love Kyoto but the station areas are crazy busy nowadays and the most famous temples are very jammed too. Yes, theres a lot of walking. People are exhausted at the end of the day when they go from place to place. I had guests last month who I warned and one guy destroyed his feet and was in pain and then limited for the rest of his time here. And hes not old. Another friend in August had the same thing happen so he skipped an entire day out because he couldnt walk around due to his blisters. And he was younger than my guests last month. Its too bad you cant just go to Okinawa because then you could relax on an island or something. Japan is crowded and will get more crowded because the tourist numbers continue to increase. Its safe here and there are many cool things to see. Lots of good food too. People who get rail passes often end up over-traveling around Japan and then keep track of how much money their saving. Its really annoying and mind boggling to me that people need to tally that up and only spend a few hours in each place so then they can get the most out of the train pass instead of actually having a relaxing vacation. Some are actually obsessed with using the train passes as much as possible. Maybe if you have to come here, go to an onsen town and stay much longer than what most tourists do. Most people do one night in between major cities. Book an onsen hotel with a normal bed for 3 or 4 nights and just relax? A place where you can go on walks and stay away from busy train stations for a few days? You only have 10 days so Im not sure if thats even possible. -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:- This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. After Mondays Inter-Cluster Meeting, a team will be deployed to Ambae to assess the impacts of ash fall in affected areas.Photo: Terence Malapa Any company marketing medicine or equipment to the Israeli healthcare system (hospitals and health patient funds) needs to meet new compliance-related regulations by setting internal procedures, training employees and third parties, and improving the allocation of marketing and R&D resources when carrying out business in Israel. Starting November 1, Israel adopted a tight regulatory regime governing the relations between pharmaceutical and medical devices companies on the one hand and the medical institutions and healthcare providers on the other, namely doctors and health professionals. The regulation follows an investigative journalists TV story and a parliament discussion about corruption in the healthcare system. The Israel Ministry of Health Director General, Moshe Bar Simantov, published a special circular that came into effect on November 1. This version of the circular updates a previous version issued in June 2018. The circular regulates issues like receiving samples and drugs from pharmaceutical companies, the work of doctors for such companies, external financing of research, medical conferences in Israel and abroad, the activities of marketing representatives, and more. * * * Among the main points of the circular are: All commercial agreements of a hospital or medical institution with a commercial entity shall be subject to prior approval by a special management committee of such institution. This committee, in turn, is subject to supervision by a central engagements committee established by the Ministry of Health. Clinical trials may be funded by a pharmaceutical or medical devices company only under a designated budget that shall be forwarded to the hospital or performing institution and shall be allocated to the research upon the institutions professional criteria. Participation of doctors in conferences organized and funded by commercial companies is permitted, provided that such conferences are scientific in essence and are not marketing inclined. No side jobs for doctors with pharmaceutical companies are allowed if such jobs are directly related to the doctors position in the medical institution or if the doctor might get into a conflict of interest as a result of such employment. Travel abroad of doctors and other healthcare employees can be funded by commercial companies but shall be subject to certain conditions; most interesting is the one directing that the travelling employee cannot be one having any influence on purchasing decisions of his medical institution. The work of marketing representatives will be regulated, and working as a representative will require an annual certificate issued by the medical institution based on the passing of a professional ethics exam. The syllabus for such exam has not yet been determined and therefore a grace period of three months from the publishing of the syllabus until coming into force of this requirement has been set. It will be forbidden for marketing representatives to meet one-on-one with doctors. (This directive has sparked a heated debate between the doctors association and the Ministry of Health; some doctors even called it insulting and trust breaking. Following this controversy, an examination period of 12 months was set by the ministry, in which one-on-one meetings could take place in specially approved circumstances, and at the end of the period, the Ministry of Health shall determine how to approach the application of this directive.) ____ The new directives, although not legislation per se, signify a fundamental change in the marketing and sales arena in Israel for pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers. ____ Asher Miller is a compliance expert and the founder of Miller Law, an Israeli law firm specializing in compliance and industry-government transactions. He can be contacted at [email protected] As noted, looking here you will note that all the times noted appear to be about a week earlier and in some cases slightly more than average. So whether that will be the case this time around, who knows. Since in 2017, these were the reports So if the winter is colder you could be right in the middle of it in Tokyo or Kyoto or if warmer then you might have to go north a little but as JapanCustomTours notes, not that far north. Depending on the weather and given your schedule and to maximize a rail pass, I would probably spend the first night in Tokyo. I like Tokyo station but it is expensive and others like other areas but in my view, staying around Tokyo Station or Ueno give good access to the Tohoku shinkansen. A JR pass could be activated to start April 21 and good until April 27. So you could take the shinkansen up tohoku depending on the weather. Taking the HAYABUSA 1 first thing in the am can get you as far as Hakodate in just over 4.5 hours but to Sendai in a little over an hour and a half and points in between in a little more or less time. Or the shinkansen HAYATE to Kitakami in about 2.5 hours. You can use to check trains. Both of these lines go up from Tokyo station and Ueno. So there are lots of options and you could spend two to three nights in Tohoku before taking the train and doubling back to Tokyo and then on to Kyoto. As an example, it would take about 5 hours on the train from Sendai to Kyoto via Tokyo. But you would need to get back to Tokyo by the end of Apr 27 to maximize the 7 day validity of the pass. You could be back sooner too. But I think you would want to fix your dates in Kyoto around Apr 23 -26 or so earlier and I would put Tokyo at the end when the pass is done. - The governor suspended the ban after a meeting with PSV operators - He said the suspension would allow for further consultations in search for a lasting solution - He hinted at introduction of bus rapid transit (BRT) and CBD commuter train as part of the solution Nairobi governor, Mike Sonko, has returned to the drawing board to rethink his strategy on how to decongest the capital without hurting the poor city dwellers who bore the brunt of his unprecedented matatu ban on Monday, December 3. The governor unveiled fresh plans after his ambitious quest to rid Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) of matatus at all cost suffered a major setback due to an apparent lack of proper planning. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko suspends matatu CBD ban Nairobi governor, Mike Sonko, has returned to the drawing board to rethink his strategy on how to decongest the capital city after his daring matatu ban failed terribly. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Only 3 matatus per Sacco to be allowed into CBD after Sonko suspends ban In a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke on Tuesday, December 4, Sonko revealed he had already embarked on a fresh round of consultations with all the key stakeholders in the transport sector to find an amicable and lasting solution to Nairobi's perennial traffic chaos. "The Nairobi City County Government will consult further with all the affected parties, in order to find a lasting solution to problem of traffic jam in the CBD," he tweeted moments after sending a heartfelt apology to Nairobians who were forced to walk long distances to and from work following the PSV ban. READ ALSO: Nairobians walk to work as City Hall blocks matatus from entering CBD The governor noted the plan to decongest the city would not be shelved despite the regrettable Monday incident. He said a comprehensive plan to streamline the city's transport system had already been put in place and would be implemented without delay. "As a co-chair to the Nairobi Regeneration team, I appeal to the team to hasten the BRT system and implementation of the CBD commuter train to make the decongestion of Nairobi a reality," he said. READ ALSO: Corrupt Kenyans have every reason to worry after nomination of experienced spy to head EACC City Hall on Monday blocked public service vehicles (PSVs) from accessing the CBD in compliance with the gazette notice 4479 of May 12, 2017. Many were forced to trek to work due to lack of matatus within the city centre and at popular termini where most of the PSVs usually pick and drop passengers. Most commuters were left confused and stranded as they could not figure out where the new bus termini were located, forcing some of them to either trek to their destinations or seek alternative means of transport. READ ALSO: Nairobi's new look as Sonko's regime implements new system to lock matatus from CBD The situation was so dire Nairobi senator, Johnson Sakaja, and several others moved to court to have the matatu ban lifted with immediate effect. "As I said yesterday and before, the move by Mike Sonko to ban matatus from the CBD is premature, and unfair to ordinary citizens. You dont ban matatus before providing alternatives for commuters. It must be rescinded immediately and proper planning done," the senator said. In his petition, the senator cited lack of public participation and alternative means of transport as the reason why the ban must be suspended. Sakaja's concern was shared by several other residents of Nairobi who also felt the PSV ban was untimely and caused unnecessary inconvenience to city commuters. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Raped by Police While Seeking Asylum - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko - Members of the Ngirita family are facing charges relating to loss of KSh 468 million NYS cash - Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) had moved to court seeking orders to freeze the family's assets - The agency argued the properties owned by the Ngiritas were bought using proceeds of crime - Assets to be recovered included parcels of land and vehicles belonging to the Nakuru based family The High Court has granted an order allowing the government to freeze assets belonging to the Ngirita family members who are facing charges relating to alleged theft of KSh 468 million at the National Youth Service (NYS). The Assets Recover Agency (ARA) had moved to court to seek permission to take over assets it believed were acquired using proceeds of crime as the government intensifies war on corruption. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Video ya simba akipambana na fisi zaidi ya 20 waliomvamia yaushangaza ulimwengu The properties being targeted by the Assests Recovery Agency reportedly belong to Lucy Wambui Ngirita, her son Jeremiah Gichini Ngirita and daughter Phyllis Njeri. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Court orders maximum security for all NYS scandal suspects TUKO.co.ke on Wednesday, December 5, established the recovery agency was targeting numerous assets including vehicles and lands owned by the embattled members of the Ngirita family. The agency managed to convince High Court judge, Hedwig Ong'udi, that the assets were acquired using money allegedly stolen from NYS and therefore the government had reasonable grounds to freeze them. READ ALSO: The raw misery NYS suspects have faced in remand Some of the properties are said to belong to Lucy Wambui Ngirita and her son Jeremiah Gichini Ngirita and daughter Phyllis Njeri. Among the assets to be recovered are three vehicles and several parcels of land located in Kitale, Naivasha and Nakuru. The lands were reportedly acquired between 2016 and 2017. READ ALSO: Kenyan banks that facilitate NYS grand theft put on notice by Central Bank of Kenya The Ngirita family is believed to had received the lion's share of the NYS loot amounting to hundreds of millions of shillings which TUKO.co.ke understands was then distributed among them. Besides Lucy, Jeremiah and Njeri, the other Ngirita family members who are also facing similar charges are Catherine Wanjiku Mwai and Anne Wambere Wanjiku. READ ALSO: NYS female suspects show up in court carrying babies Investigations conducted so far revealed Jeremiah received KSh 72.2 million, the largest share of the alleged loot. He was followed by Ann who received KSh 59 million then Lucy who received KSh 56.4 million. Phyllis pocketed KSh 50.97. Initial reports by TUKO.co.ke indicated Ann secured the KSh 59 million NYS business deal using her office-less company's Certificate of Registration of Business and a tax compliance certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). READ ALSO: Kenyan banks that facilitate NYS grand theft put on notice by Central Bank of Kenya The Ngiritas' case shares a lot in common with Josephine Kabura's in the 2015 NYS scandal. Both ladies secured multi-million deals with the institution in controversial ways. Although Kabura may have gotten away with it, Ann and her family members may not be that lucky given that she admitted having fraudulently received money from the youth empowerment programme. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. A grandmother's pain over the Nairobi CBD Matatu ban - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke - NTSA argued producing a license is not the only way a police officer can find out if a driver is licensed - The Authority noted it had developed an application that can also be used to verify a driver's license - NTSA had earlier clarified it is not a must for private motorists to have first aid kits and fire extinguishers - Only PSVs are required to have the safety equipment, especially those traveling long distances - The clarifications came amid panic by private motorists over the resurrection of Michuki rules The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has come up with a fresh proposal that could rescue motorists who have been suffering in the cruel hands of rogue traffic police officers whenever they forget to carry their driving license. The Authority is pushing for amendment to the current Traffic Act demanding physical license so that motorists will not be forced to arm themselves with the driver's license at all times provided they are validly and duly licensed to be behind the wheels. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: NTSA to vet all driving schools within 14 days The National Transport and Safety Authority said it had developed an application that enables one to verify status of any driving license. This can be used as evidence that one is duly licensed. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: NTSA clarifies only PSVs with capacity of 25 and below should have yellow line on the sides In its proposal, NTSA argued producing ones license was not the only way a police officer can verify that a motorist is indeed a licensed driver. "Section 36 (2) of the Traffic Act allows a motorists to produce other evidence to satisfy the police that the motorist is duly licensed as per the requirements of Section 30," the Authority said in a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke on Wednesday, December 5. READ ALSO: Police train eyes on matatu graffiti glorifying violence, gangsterism Section 36 (2) of the Traffic Act states a driving license or provisional license include such other evidence as will satisfy the police that there is no contravention of Section 30, which basically requires a driver to have a valid license. "To this end, NTSA has developed an application that enables one to verify the status of any driving license and this can be used as evidence that a motorist is duly licensed," the Authority said. READ ALSO: NTSA, police suspend night travel for long distance vehicles after 37 were killed at Migaa The NTSA suggested the Traffic Act be amended after it reportedly received numerous complains from members of the public. The Authority had also earlier clarified that although all public service vehicles (PSVs) are expected to have first aid kits and fire extinguishers, it was not mandatory for private motorists to have the same. Section 55 of the Traffic Rules is clear that only PSVs are required to carry fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Private vehicles are only required to have lifesavers," NTSA noted. Concerns had been raised that police officers were likely to impound private vehicles for not carrying first aid kits and fire extinguishers in the name of enforcing the recently revived Michuki Rules. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news Kenyans accuse NTSA of incompetence and corruption and want it disbanded - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke - Police Constable Michael Kitaka stormed Inspector Joseph Kariuki's house within the police camp - He demanded to know why Kariuki had refused to grant him an off day - An argument ensued and Kitaka shot his senior inflicting serious injuries on his ears and thigh - The suspect later surrendered to police and handed over a magazine with 13 rounds of ammunition An Administration Police officer has shot his senior colleague at a police station in Kajiado county after the latter allegedly refused to give him an off day. Police Constable Michael Kitaka stormed Inspector Joseph Kariuki's house within the police camp and demanded to know why he had refused to grant him a day to rest. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Narok police officer shoots wife dead in front of 8-year-old child The officer got agitated after his senior refused to give him an off duty. Photo: UGC Source: Depositphotos READ ALSO: Video ya simba akipambana na fisi zaidi ya 20 waliomvamia yaushangaza ulimwengu In a Tuesday, December 4, police report seen by TUKO.co.ke, an argument ensued between the two and ended in Kitaka shooting his colleague and senior using his G3 rifle and inflicting serious injuries on one of his ears and thigh. Inspector Kariuki battled with the attacker, overpowered him and managed to disarm him as he ran away. The injured officer was rushed to Loitoktok Sub-county hospital where he received medical attention and allowed to go home. READ ALSO: Police officer commits suicide after killing lover in Nakuru Later, Constable Kitaka surrendered to police at Kimana Patrol Base where he reported he had killed an officer and handed over a G3 magazine with 13 rounds of ammunition. The suspect will be presented to court on Wednesday, December 5. Cases of officers going wild and misusing their weapons are on the rise with the latest case being on Wednesday, November 14, where an armed police officer shot his wife dead in Trans Mara, Narok county. On Friday, November 23, another officer in Kiambu county shot his colleague dead after a bitter argument over a government vehicle. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news Raped by Police While Seeking Asylum | Tuko TV Source: Tuko - Njoroge was appointed to lead a task force on digital financing for sustainable development - The main aim of the task force shall be focusing on strategies of digital financing in advancing SDGs - The governor accepted the appointment noting its was an important recognition of Kenya's success in digital financing Central Bank Governor Patrick Njoroge has been appointed to lead the United Nations Task Force on Digital Financing for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres launched the task force in November 29, 2018, whose main aim shall be focusing on strategies of digital financing in advancing SDGs. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Uhuru says he will not sign into law bill granting MPs free cars, rent-free houses Central Bank Governor Patrick Njoroge shall lead UN task force on digital financing. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: First Lady Margaret Kenyatta to open 120 bed capacity mother and child hospital in Makueni Speaking during the launch of the task force, Guterres noted technology had played a great role in the expansion of financial inclusion to more than 1.2 billion in less than six years. Njoroge's appointment is effective immediately and the task force is expected to give it's first preliminary report by 2019. The governor accepted the appointment saying his appointment was an important recognition of Kenya's success in digital finance. READ ALSO: Kenyans angered with appointment of 91-year-old former VP Moody Awori to government job I fully concur that digitisation of finance has great potential in facilitating achievement of the SDGs. The invitation is also an important recognition of Kenyas success in digital finance and financial inclusion, with lessons that have been useful for other countries, said Njoroge. The CBK Governor has initiated several changes in the banking industry which has often seen many financial institutions finding themselves on the wrong side of the law. READ ALSO: Good news for banana, broccoli farmers in Kenya as Korea opens doors to mass imports Currently, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Equity and Cooperative banks are required to pay a fine of KSh 393 million to the CBK for facilitating National Youth Service scandal. Prior to his appointment as Central Bank boss in 2015, Njoroge was an advisor to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news Nairobi Matatu ban madness-Kenyans react | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Hong Kongs former home secretary was convicted by a Manhattan federal jury Wednesday for bribing African officials on behalf of a Chinese energy company. Patrick Ho, 69, was found guilty after a one-week trial in the Southern District of New York. The jury deliberated just one day. It convicted Ho on seven counts one count of conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, four counts of violating the FCPA, one count of conspiring to commit international money laundering, and one count of committing international money laundering. The jury acquitted Ho on one money-laundering count. He had denied all eight counts against him. Ho Hong Kongs home affairs secretary from 2002 to 2007 has been in federal custody since his arrest in November last year. He offered to post a $10 million bond but was denied bail because of the flight risk. He now faces up to five years in prison on each FCPA-related count, and up to 20 years in prison for each money-laundering count. Sentencing is set for March 14, 2019. The DOJ said Ho, with help from his co-defendant Cheikh Gadio, offered $2 million in bribes to the president of Chad. Gadio, 62, is the former foreign minister of Senegal. He acted as a witness for the DOJ under a non-prosecution agreement, evidence at Hos trial showed. A lawyer for Ho, Edward Kim, told the jury there was something rotten about Gadio. He lied from the witness stand so that he could get a free pass, Kim said. Ho also paid a $500,000 bribe to Sam Kutesa, the minister of foreign affairs of Uganda. Kutesa had recently completed his term as the president of the UN General Assembly. In April, Ho asked the trial court judge to dismiss some of the FCPA counts against him. He argued that the DOJ shouldnt be allowed to bring the same charges under alternative theories of jurisdiction. He also asked the court to toss evidence text messages and emails that came from a search of his iPad and cell phone. Judge Loretta Preska rejected Hos motion to dismiss the charges and to exclude the digital evidence. Ho is also known as Chi Ping Patrick Ho and He Zhiping. The DOJ alleged that an NGO Ho leads called the China Energy Fund Committee or CEFC was used to funnel bribes to the officials in Africa. The NGO is based in Hong Kong and Virginia. CEFC is fully funded by a Shanghai-based oil and gas company called CEFC China Energy Company Limited. ____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. A Nairobi anti-corruption court has convicted a middle aged man to five years without the option of fine for impersonating a top detective of the Ethics and Anti- Corruption Commission. The court heard the accused identified as Duncan Bunduki Bundi solicited for money from unsuspecting members of the public while posing as EACC's Head of Investigations in 2010. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: EACC detectives arrest court clerk for extorting KSh 10,000 bribe EACC outgoing CEO Halake Waqo. Photo: EACC/Facebook. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Kabete police officers open fire to free colleagues arrested by EACC detectives over corruption Chief Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi found Bundi guilty of four counts of impersonating an investigator and extortion by threats. The prosecution team had lined up three complainants who positively identified their tormentor in bringing to a close the eight-year-old case. Bundi was handed 12 months each for impersonation and a further 18 months each for two extortion charges by threats. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news A grandmother's pain over the Nairobi CBD Matatu ban| Tuko TV Source: Tuko One of the jobs that has been made very difficult with the advent of COVID-19 is that of teachers. They have been forced to adapt to the virtual world in order to ensure the success of future generations. Canada has decided to send a large monitoring mission to the elections in Ukraine next year. As an Ukrinform correspondent has learned from a source, this decision will be officially announced during the OSCE Ministerial Council, which will be held in Milan on December 6-7. The information about the exact number of observers and the duration of their stay in Ukraine will be made public later. Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland will represent Canada at the OSCE Ministerial Summit. As the Foreign Ministry of Canada reported, during the meetings in NATO and the OSCE, the minister will work with the G7 and other partners to take a decision regarding the serious concern of Canada over the latest act of Russian aggression, especially near the Kerch Strait. ol Ukraines Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, has called on Macedonia to impose sanctions against Russia. She said this at a meeting with Prime Minister of Macedonia Zoran Zaev during her working visit to Croatia, the Government portal reported. "Russia does not demonstrate progress in the implementation of the PACE resolutions regarding Russias military aggression against Ukraine. The recent acts of provocation by Russia in the Sea of Azov, fake elections in Donbas on November 11, no progress in the release of Ukrainian political prisoners - this list could go on, the vice prime minister noted. She called on the Republic of Macedonia, as a friendly country and a candidate state for EU membership, to impose sanctions against Russia and join European policy in this direction. During the meeting, the parties also discussed common challenges and strategic goals in countering Russian intervention and developments on the path to EU and NATO membership. In turn, Zaev noted that Macedonias membership in NATO meant peace and stability in the country. He expressed hope that Ukraine would join the Alliance in the future. ish Budapest will continue to block the meetings of the NATO-Ukraine Commission. Hungary voices its support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine but will continue to pursue a policy of protecting the interests of its community on the territory of this state. Hungary will lift its veto on the NATO-Ukraine Commission meetings if Kyiv takes the necessary steps to restore the rights of the Hungarian community that resides on the Ukrainian territory, which is fully in line with our bilateral agreements and the international law. The ball is in Ukraines court now, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said following the meeting of the ministers of NATO member countries in Brussels on Wednesday, the official website of the Government of Hungary reports. The minister also noted that Hungary is subjected to pressure and is urged to change this stance. However, if we give up, we will have no other way to participate in the life of the Hungarian community in Ukraine, Szijjarto underscored. ol Ukraine expects concrete actions from Western partners due to Russian aggression in the Kerch Strait and would like to invite NATO ships to the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said this in an interview with Bloomberg. "I would like to thank all the leaders of the world for supporting us in this difficult time during Russian aggression. The statements of the United States, the G7, the European Union, our other allies, and various strong words are definitely strong support for Ukraine. But in this situation, I think, while Western partners make strong statements, Putin acts," he said, when asked whether he is satisfied with the reaction of Western countries to what happened in the Kerch Strait. He added that the actions of the international community that could follow in response to Russian aggression could include sanctions and a buildup of NATO forces in the Black and Azov Seas to maintain stability in the region. "In this situation, of course, we should have better coordination in order to act. To act means not to start a war [...] To act means [to impose] a new block of sanctions against Russia, probably named Azov sanctions, absolutely increase the presence of NATO in the Black Sea and probably in the Azov Sea. We would be very much pleased to invite NATO vessels to keep stability," he said. As for presidential elections in Ukraine, Poroshenko said that they would not be rescheduled, as it will play into Putin's hands. "If we postpone presidential elections, there will be only one winner in this situation, and the name of this winner is Putin. We will not give him this chance," he said. When asked whether developments in the Kerch Strait affected the Ukrainian economy or the willingness of investors to invest in the country, Poroshenko said: "My answer is definitely not. First of all, it's because we do not limit any rights, including the rights of economic agents. We have a stable banking system. We have a stable exchange rate," he said. On November 25, Russian border ships committed aggressive actions against Ukrainian ships heading from the port of Odesa to the port of Mariupol. They fired on and captured three Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait, as well as 24 sailors. On November 26, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the law approving a presidential decree on the introduction of martial law for 30 days in ten regions of Ukraine due to Russian aggression. op Ukraine calls on the signatory states of the Budapest Memorandum to hold urgent consultations, according to a statement released by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. "Russian aggression and the violation of the terms of Ukraine's refusal to use nuclear weapons undermine the international non-proliferation regime and will determine the future of relations with countries that may choose to develop this type of weapons. On November 27, 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, in accordance with paragraph 6 of the Memorandum, appealed to the signatories of the Budapest Memorandum with the request to hold urgent consultations to ensure full compliance with commitments and the immediate cessation of Russian aggression against Ukraine," the statement reads. The ministry noted that Ukraine considers the Budapest Memorandum to be "an important international instrument for ensuring Ukraine's security and demands that Russia fully comply with its commitments." "Twenty-four years ago, Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees secured by the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the Russian Federation in the Budapest Memorandum in connection with Ukraine's accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). In particular, these states undertook to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine," the ministry said. The ministry also recalled that the guarantor states had made a commitment that none of their weapons would ever be used against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on December 2 that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ignored his request for a phone call regarding an attack on Ukrainian ships in the Sea of Azov. On November 25, Russian border ships committed aggressive actions against Ukrainian ships heading from the port of Odesa to the port of Mariupol. They fired on and captured three Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait, as well as 24 sailors. On November 26, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the law approving a presidential decree on the introduction of martial law for 30 days in ten regions of Ukraine due to Russian aggression. op The Czech Republic rejects militarization of Crimea and the Sea of Azov. During the meeting with Ukrainian Minister Pavlo Klimkin I reassured him of our full support. Czechia will not recognize the annexation of Crimea by Russia, we reject militarization of the peninsula and of the Sea of Azov. We stand by Ukraine in difficult times, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Tomas Petricek posted on Twitter following the meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin in Brussels. According to Petricek, the best response to Russian pressure is a strong, democratic and prosperous Ukraine. Earlier, the Czech side stated that it would use all the diplomatic levers of influence to help unblock the Sea of Azov and restore peace and territorial integrity of Ukraine. ol Russians had more than doubled to 250 from 93 machines within the space of two weeks from mid-September to October 1. Russia has been ramping up its forces near the border with Ukraine since August and now poses the greatest military threat since 2014, the year Moscow annexed Crimea, the commander of Ukraine's armed forces told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday. General Viktor Muzhenko gestured to a series of satellite images, which he said showed the presence of Russian T-62 M tanks stationed 18 km (11 miles) from the Ukrainian border, as reported by Reuters. They had more than doubled to 250 from 93 machines within the space of two weeks from mid-September to October 1. Read alsoUkraine prosecutors show re-enactment of Russia's Kerch Strait attack - media For Muzhenko this is evidence of a concerted build-up of Russian forces in the run-up to November 25, when Russia fired on and captured three Ukrainian vessels at the Kerch Strait, an action Kyiv's leadership fears may be a precursor to a full-scale invasion. Ukraine and Russia have traded accusations over the clash. The Kremlin's spokesman on Monday dismissed as "absurd" the notion that Russia wanted to forcibly take over Ukrainian ports. Muzhenko said Russian troop levels were at "the highest" since 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea and then deployed forces to eastern Ukraine. "In front of us is an aggressor who has no legal, moral or any other limits," he said. "It is very difficult to predict when it will occur to him to begin active combat actions against Ukraine." "This (the Kerch Strait incident) was an act of aggression from regular forces, the border service (of the Russian Federation) in relation to the Ukrainian armed forces," Muzhenko said. The Russian defense ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Muzhenko said Ukraine had deployed more land and air forces to the region in response, and intensified military exercises across the country, but declined to go into specifics. He added that Ukraine expects to complete the building of a military base on the Azov Sea, which had been planned before the navy clash, by next year. Ukraine was also expecting help from allies, mostly the United States, for equipment including air and naval reconnaissance, boats and weapons for ground troops, he said. Buzzoole, an Italian provider of an influencer marketing platform and service, secured $8.9m in Series A funding. The round, which brought total funding to date to over US $10m, was led by StarTIP (Tamburi Investment Partners TIP) and Vertis Venture 2 Scaleup, with participation from existing investors R301, Brahma, Impulse VC and ScaleIT Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to expand its market presence globally, specifically in the U.S and UK, and accelerate its R&D and platform development. Co-founded by Fabrizio Perrone & Gennaro Varriale, Buzzoole is a marketing services company that automates, manages and measures investments with influencers. Tools include: GAIA, an AI driven platform designed to optimally match brands and creators; and True Reach, which based on a proprietary algorithm designed by Nielsen allows brands and agencies to understand the reach of their campaigns. The company currently supports a network of more than 270,000 creators with its technology platform and serves in the region of 850 international companies including top global brands Rakuten, Ralph Lauren, Starbucks, Pandora, Unilever and P&G. It also works with agencies like Mindshare, Havas, GroupM, Omnicom, IPG and Publicis Group. Buzzoole has close to 70 employees in London, Milan, Rome, Naples, and New York. FinSMEs 05/12/2018 Participants in the unification council will elect the head of the newly created independent autocephalous local Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said the Orthodox churches in Ukraine will gather for a unification council on December 15. Earlier it was reported that participants in the unification council would elect the head of the newly created independent autocephalous local Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Its head that is to be elected will be given a tomos on autocephaly. Read also"After autocephaly, there will be no Moscow spirit in Ukraine" Patriarch Filaret As UNIAN reported earlier, a decision was announced after a meeting of the Holy Synod on October 11 that the Ecumenical Patriarchate proceeds to granting autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine. In addition, the legal binding of the Synod's letter of 1686 was abolished, thus taking the Kyiv Metropolis from under Moscow's canonical jurisdiction. Also, head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP) Filaret and head of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) Makariy were reinstated in their canonical status. On October 12, the UOC-KP urged the hierarchs of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) to prepare for a special unification council. On November 3, Poroshenko and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I signed an agreement on cooperation and interaction between Ukraine and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. On November 19, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople said the Holy Council of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine would be held in December. On November 29, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate drafted the Ukrainian Church's constitutional charter in anticipation of the issuance of the Patriarchal and Synodal Tomos. The minister insists that the protection of minority rights is inseparable from security issues. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto has said Hungary will continue blocking the NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC). "Until Ukraine stops the systematic reduction of the rights of the Hungarian national community, Hungary will not be authorising the convening of any session of the NATO-Ukraine Commission," he said at a press conference after the first working day of the two-day meeting of NATO member state foreign ministers, according to the Hungarian government's official website. Read alsoDiscussion with Hungary "very productive," Klimkin convinced "There is major pressure on us to give up this position. If we were to do so then we would have no other resource with which to take action in the interests of Hungarian national communities," he said. The minister insists that the protection of minority rights is inseparable from security issues. "Assuring the rights of minorities is part of security and stability. It is no accident that in its Annual National Programme Ukraine undertook to maintain, develop and respect minority rights," he said. "Hungary can only withdraw its veto in one case: if the Ukrainians take the required action in the interests of restoring to the Hungarian community living on its territory the rights to which they are due in accordance with bilateral agreements and international law. The ball is on Ukraine's court," he added. However, according to Marchuk, the Russian side does not accept such offers. Ukraine's envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) at the Minsk talks on Donbas Yevgenij Marchuk has said Ukraine has offered to swap the captured Ukrainians for Russian prisoners by the end of the year. Read alsoEU calls on Russia and Ukraine to pursue detainees swap by year-end "The Ukrainian side has made an offer today, but the formalized offer in writing was sent a few days ago. And we believe, as we stressed today, almost 90 people [from Russia] could celebrate the New Year with their families. These are [among others] 23 Russian citizens who are in Ukrainian prisons," he told Priamyi TV Channel. "We are ready to swap them for 23 Ukrainians who are in the Kremlin's prisons. That is 23 for 23. We've offered, prepared and believe if the other side agrees, then it could be another 66 for 19. That is, we free 66 people and get our 19. Ukraine guarantees these offers can be finalized before December 27. And the swap procedure may begin from December 27," he said. However, according to Marchuk, the Russian side does not accept such offers. Meanwhile, the EU continues to discuss new sanctions in connection with illegal "elections" held in Russian-occupied Donbas on November 11. German Ambassador to Ukraine Ernst Reichel says there is no consensus within the European Union about the introduction of new sanctions against the Russian Federation over of the seizure of three Ukrainian boats and the capture of 24 Ukrainian navy sailors in the Kerch Strait on November 25. "Now we are again facing the question about sanctions, this time because of the incident that took place in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait. And as far as this is concerned at the moment, there is no consensus within the European Union to really go ahead with additional sanctions," the ambassador said at a round table meeting on December 5 on the topic: "Sanctions against Russia: How to Preserve the European Unity?" organized by Kyiv-based New Europe Center, an UNIAN correspondent reported. Read alsoLutsenko stands for imposing sanctions against certain Russian individuals, legal entities over Kerch Strait aggression He also says it is necessary now to prevent the escalation of the conflict. However, according to the ambassador, this does not mean that the EU will not come back to the issue of introducing new restrictive measures against the Russian Federation. "But it is felt, at least by some [EU] member states, including my country, it would be counterproductive at this particular moment to go again at sanctions against Russia, because there is already too much tension in the whole story," Reichel said. "The EU debate right now is less about additional sanctions against Russia on a major scale, but about an effort to defend existing sanctions. That's a fact that may not seem fair here in Ukraine, I understand this, but this is the way the discussion is going on outside of the borders of Ukraine," he said. At the same time, the ambassador noted that the EU continues to discuss new sanctions in connection with the holding of illegal "elections" in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas on November 11. "This is probably not a matter which will go up to the level of the heads of state and government [of the EU member states]," Reichel said. When asked whether the EU would extend sectoral sanctions imposed in 2014 against the Russian Federation, which are expiring at the end of January 2019, Reichel noted that the EU regularly discusses this issue. At the same time, he expressed the conviction that the sanctions would be extended. The foreign ministry says that Russian aggression and violation of conditions for Ukraines refusal from nuclear weapons undermines the international non-proliferation regime and will determine future relations with countries that may choose to develop this type of weapons. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine appealed to the signatory countries of the Budapest Memorandum demanding urgent consultations to ensure full compliance with the obligations taken up and to immediately end Russia's aggression against Ukraine. In a statement handed over to UNIAN, the Foreign Ministry recalls that 24 years ago, Ukraine abandoned nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees, which were sealed by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the Russian Federation in the Budapest memorandum in connection with Ukraines accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). In particular, the said parties pledged to refrain from applying the threat of force or the use of force against Ukraine's territorial integrity or political independence. The guarantor states have pledged that no weapon of theirs will ever be used against Ukraine. It is these guarantees that made it possible for the Verkhovna Rada to adopt the law on NPT ratification. Read alsoThrough Kerch Strait provocations, Moscow seeking to undermine international maritime law On November 25 of this year, Russia carried out another act of armed aggression against Ukraine an armed attack on the naval vessels in the Black Sea and the Kerch Strait. "This brazen and insidious attack is a continuation of the armed aggression against Ukraine launched by the Russian Federation on February 20, 2014," the Foreign Ministry stressed. Ukraine has always considered the Budapest Memorandum an important international instrument for ensuring the security of Ukraine, and demands that Russia fully comply with its obligations, the authors of the statement noted. The Foreign Ministry said that Russian aggression and violation of the conditions for Ukraines refusal from nuclear weapons undermines the international non-proliferation regime and will determine the future of relations with countries that may choose to develop this type of weapons. Therefore, on November 27, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, based on Clause 6 of the Budapest Memorandum, requested that signatory states hold urgent consultations. The effort will aim at whitewashing Russian coast guards whose armed attack on the Ukrainian naval boats led to a number of Ukrainian crew being injured. The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation mulls another special informational operation on covering the act of armed aggression against Ukraine near the Kerch Strait on November 25, 2018, the Information Resistance OSINT community says. After Ukrainian prosecutors pressed charges against Russian coast guards over their aggression at sea, border guard commanders in the occupied Crimea suggested that the FSB HQ in Moscow spin disinformation about the cause of the injuries sustained by Ukrainian sailors, Ukrainian MP Dmytro Tymchuk, who is the IR group's coordinator, wrote on Facebook Tuesday. The proposed spin suggests that fragmentation injuries suffered by the three Ukrainian navymen were allegedly a result of a hand grenade explosion on board during the skirmish between the crew and the SBU operative rather than a result of an armed attack on the boat by Russia's Izumrud coast guard ship. The fake report will claim that the SBU officer allegedly forced the Ukrainian sailors to execute a criminal order. Read alsoUkraine explains in Brussels Russian propaganda narratives used in election meddling The spin is set to claim that another three sailors also sustained their injuries in the fight with other crew members before the seizure of the vessel by Russians, rather than got injured by Russian spec-ops troops during the assault, as it was in reality. Earlier, the Russian media received from the government the instructions to report that the Russians shelled the Ukrainian naval boats with "blanks", that is, non-charged ammo, the use of which could not have caused fragmentation injuries among Ukrainian sailors. As UNIAN reported earlier, the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine released a video with a detailed reconstruction of events of Nov 25 when Russian forces attacked Ukrainian naval vessels near the Kerch Strait. Budapest assures that the Hungarian government supports Ukraine. The Hungarian government is interested in preserving gas transit to Europe via Ukrainian territory, according to Minister of Innovation and Technology of Hungary, Laszlo Palkovics who met with Ukrainian Ambassador Liubov Nepop, the Ukrainian Embassy reports. The Ukrainian diplomat stressed that the latest act of Russian aggression near the Kerch Strait requires an adequate response from the international community, and appealed to the Hungarian side to support Ukraine by tightening sanctions against Russia, increasing NATOs presence in the Black Sea, and halting construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Read alsoMinister Szijjarto: Hungary to continue blocking NATO-Ukraine Commission According to the Palkovics, Prime Minister Viktor Orban clearly stated that the Hungarian government is pro-Ukrainian and supports Ukraine, while as for the Nord Stream 2 issue, Budapest is interested in maintaining transit via Ukraine. In addition, during the meeting, the opening of the Mukachevo-Budapest railway link and the prospects for the opening in the near future of the new Lviv-Budapest flight were discussed. They also exchanged views on practical steps for the implementation of infrastructure projects, development of border infrastructure, cooperation on environmental issues, and resumption of the work of the commission on scientific and technical cooperation. Read alsoDiscussion with Hungary "very productive," Klimkin convinced UNIAN memo. Relations between Ukraine and Hungary deteriorated after the Verkhovna Rada adopted in 2017 a new law on education. Hungary is blocking the meetings of the Ukraine-NATO Commission, alleging a violation of the rights of Hungarians living in Ukraine over the provision of the law, which stipulates that the language of the instruction in schools be the state language (Ukrainian). Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto demanded that Ukraine amend the education law and postpone its implementation until 2023, otherwise Budapest will block meetings important for Ukraine at the level of the European Union and NATO. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed for the first time that the captured Ukrainian sailors had been transferred to Moscow. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation promised to provide access for Ukrainian consuls to Ukrainian sailors captured near the Kerch Strait. Finally! 10 days after the capture of our vessels, the Russian Foreign Ministry officially announced that the Ukrainian sailors are in Moscow, and promised to allow access to them for our consuls. We are doing everything to get the consuls to see our guys as soon as possible! Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin wrote on Twitter. UNIAN memo. As UNIAN reported earlier, on the morning of November 25, Russia blocked the passage to the Kerch Strait for the Ukrainian tugboat Yany Kapu and two armored naval boats Berdyansk and Nikopol, which were on aa scheduled re-deployment from the Black Sea port of Odesa to the Azov Sea port of Mariupol. Read alsoRussian infowars: FSB to claim captured Ukrainian sailors injured in skirmish between each other The Ukraine Navy Command noted that the Russian side had been informed in advance of the intention to re-deploy the vessels in accordance with international standards to ensure the safety of navigation. The Russian coast guard ship "Don" rammed the Ukrainian tug, damaging the Ukrainian vessel. As the Ukrainian boats were heading back in the Odesa direction after being rejected passage via the Kerch Strait, Russian coast guards opened aimed fire on them. All 24 crew on board were captured and later remanded in custody for two months, charged with "illegal border crossing" (the sailors are facing up to six years in prison). Three crewmen were injured in the attack. The Russian-controlled court in the occupied Crimea ruled to remand all 24 POWs in custody, after which they were transferred to Moscow-based Lefortovo and Matrosskaya Silence detention centers. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine is prioritizing the implementation of the Action plan to strengthen the use of evidence, information and research for policy-making in the WHO European Region. Ukraine has joined the WHO European Health Research Network (EHRN) as its sixth member country. The official launch of the membership took place during the first meeting on strengthening national health research systems, held in Kyiv on October 1719, 2018. The meeting was organized one year after the adoption of the Sofia Declaration and the establishment of the EHRN, according to the official website of the World Health Organization (WHO). Read alsoUkrainians to get doctor's notes, prescriptions, medical history online from 2019 This landmark occasion brought together for the first time national health research stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, the National Academy of Medical Science, the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and others. Under the leadership of the Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation of WHO/Europe, participants discussed how health information, health research and knowledge translation contribute to evidence-informed policy-making. They also explored country-driven approaches to advancing national health research in Ukraine. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine is prioritizing the implementation of the Action plan to strengthen the use of evidence, information and research for policy-making in the WHO European Region. A newly formulated action plan demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to conducting a comprehensive assessment of its national health research system. The assessment will help to identify: existing mechanisms and processes for the governance and management of national health research; the institutions engaged in research for health; human and financial resource allocation and needs; and enablers of the use of health research in policy and practice. In addition, Ukraine will participate in the virtual meeting of EHRN in early December 2018 and spearhead regional efforts to strengthen health research systems. The 62-year-old businessman died in his sleep in the Black Sea port city of Odesa late on December 4. Relatives of Kadyrjan Batyrov, a fugitive leader of the ethnic Uzbek community in Kyrgyzstan, say Batyrov has died in Ukraine after eight years of self-imposed exile. Batyrov's relatives told RFE/RL that the 62-year-old businessman died in his sleep in the Black Sea port city of Odesa late on December 4. The relatives did not provide further details. Read alsoFormer President George H.W. Bush dies at 94 Batyrov fled Kyrgyzstan after deadly clashes between ethnic Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in Kyrgyzstan's southern regions of Osh and Jalal-Abad in June 2010. At least 450 people were killed and thousands more were injured or displaced as a result of the violence. The majority of victims were ethnic Uzbeks. Batyrov received political asylum in Sweden in 2011. He was sentenced to life in prison by a Kyrgyz court after being put on trial in absentia in 2011 and 2014, with the court finding Batyrov guilty of inciting ethnic hatred and organizing the 2010 clashes. Batyrov maintained his innocence, declaring that the trials against him were political retaliation by the Kyrgyz government. In September 2016, Batyrov addressed an OSCE conference in Warsaw where he criticized efforts by Kyrgyzstan's government to investigate his 2010 escape from the former Soviet republic. Camunda, a Berlin, Germany-based provider of open source workflow automation software, raised 25m in Series A financing. Highland Europe made the investment. The company will use the new funds to accelerate global awareness of its solutions, drive continued product development and expand its organization in the United States, Europe and Asia. Led by Jakob Freund, co-founder and CEO, Camunda provides an integrated platform for software developers and business stakeholders, covering all phases of workflow automation: from process design and execution, to continuous process improvement. The stack includes a toolkit for modeling and executing business processes, coupled with visual interfaces for monitoring and troubleshooting active processes and analyzing large volumes of process data. More than 200 enterprise customers such as AXA Insurance, Intuit, T-Mobile, Universal Music Group and Zalando use Camundas software to automate core business processes such as eCommerce order executions, stock transactions, and insurance claim settlements. The company has offices in San Francisco and Denver, USA. FinSMEs 05/12/2018 Russian masterminds behind the disinformation effort deliberately recruited a Ukrainian national to spread fake news to make their messages look more solid. Security officials exposed a disinformation campaign orchestrated from Russia and occupied Crimea, aimed at sowing panic among Ukrainian users of social networks against the background of the recent introduction of martial law. During a raid in Dnipropetrovsk region, a local resident was revealed who had been recruited to become one of the provocateurs working "in the field" as part of the scheme. The suspect would post on social networks public calls for violating Ukraine's integrity. Security officials got hold of the man's electronic correspondence with Russian nationals and Crimea residents who had tasked him with distributing provocative material, the SBU press service reported Tuesday. Read alsoRussia massively employing social networks to sow panic as Ukraine introduces martial law Among the material forwarded for posting there were reports on the alleged "legality" of actions of the Russian forces near the Kerch Strait during their attack on the Ukrainian naval vessels, as well as condemnation of the actions of the Ukrainian sailors, according to the SBU report. Russian curators would also send for dissemination fake instructions, allegedly made by Ukrainian authorities to citizens, regarding the 'seizure for military needs' of private vehicles with foreign registration plates, fake photos of empty food shelves in Ukrainian grocery stores, long lines at gas stations, and draft calls from enrollment stations claiming 'nationwide mobilization', the Security Service of Ukraine reports. It is noted that the revealed network of provocateurs was deliberately set to involve Ukrainian nationals, to better adapt fake news for the local population and create the illusion of truthfulness of messages spread. Read alsoRussian infowars: FSB to claim captured Ukrainian sailors injured in skirmish between each other As UNIAN reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the evening of November 26 supported the introduction of martial law in several regions of Ukraine and in the internal waters of the Azov-Kerch water area. Martial law is introduced in 10 regions of Ukraine: Vinnytsia, Odesa, Mykolayiv, Kherson, Zaporizhia, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions. The decree provides for the introduction of martial law from 9:00 on November 28, 2018, for a period of 30 days. The move by Filaret, who is turning 90 next year, sends a message to believers that the new, younger top cleric is here to stay. Patriarch Filaret, who is currently heading the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate, will not run for the position of the leader of the Independent Local Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as reported by reported by Andriy Kovalyov, a religious scholar, who previously worked in the UOC-KP's press service. "According to my information, he [Filaret] will not run for the leading post," he told Hromadske TV. The scholar added that most likely, the Unification Council on Dec 15 is to select as the new church's top cleric some unknown bishop. "In my opinion, though, this will be someone from the Kyiv Patriarchate (KP), because there will be a majority of KP bishops," said Kovalyov. According to him, seven to 15 bishops from the UOC of the Moscow Patriarchate will attend the Council. It should be noted that 15 bishops of the UOC-MP had asked Constantinople to provide autocephaly to the Ukrainian church. Read alsoEcumenical Patriarchate's Synod drafts Ukrainian church's constitutional charter Kovalyov added that the future head of the local church would be "a renowned and authoritative bishop among his colleagues." Asked why Filaret is refusing from running for the top post, the religious scholar said: "Filaret will turn 90 next year. As far as I know, this is an element of negotiations with Constantinople and manifestation of the Patriarch's wisdom, noting that the post of the head of the local church needs to be handed over to a younger presbyter... This is a very correct and symbolic sign in the context of the creation of a new church and a revival. " "It seems to me that Filaret wants to see at the post a young primate, someone much younger than him. That's to send a message to the future laymen, to give confidence that he's coming [to lead the church] for long. He is young, he has strength, and he has a new vision for the development of the church," added Kovalyov. According to Kovalyov, 41 bishops of the UOC-KP have a chance to become the primate. According to intelligence reports, two enemy troops were eliminated and another five were wounded. Russia's hybrid military forces mounted 24 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA) and another three as wounded in action (WIA). "One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another three were wounded in the past day. According to intelligence reports, two occupiers were killed and another five were wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said in an update on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on December 5, 2018. Read alsoDonbas update: Two Ukrainian soldiers wounded in Donbas in past day Russian occupation forces opened aimed fire from grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms as they attacked the defenders of the towns of Avdiyivka and Krasnohorivka. The following villages also came under enemy fire: Krymske, Novozvanivka, Troyitske, Luhanske, Pisky, Slavne, Taramchuk, Berezove, Novomykhailivka, Starohnativka, Vodiane, and Shyrokyne. The enemy also employed 82mm mortars to attack the defenders of Krymske, Pisky, Novozvanivka, Shyrokyne, and Vodiane, while 120mm mortars were used near Luhanske. Moreover, the defenders of Krasnohorivka came under fire from anti-tank missile systems, while those near Troyitske and Vodiane were attacked with the use of weapons of infantry fighting vehicles. "Since Wednesday midnight, Russian-led forces have attacked the Ukrainian positions near Taramchuk. No heavy weapons were used. No casualties among Ukrainian troops have been reported since the start of the day," the report said. The official listed the measures with which Washington had responded to Moscow's actions. A senior official of the U.S. Department of State has said Russia needs to release the crews of recently captured Ukrainian boats, or there will be consequences. "We want the Russians to absorb the message that they need to release the crews or there will be consequences and the pain will grow over time," the official said at a special briefing on December 4, 2018, on the meeting of the North Atlantic Council. Read alsoUkraine prosecutors show re-enactment of Russia's Kerch Strait attack - media "It marks an unmistakable escalation of the conflict there, not least because it's the first time that the Russian government has openly and unapologetically used its own forces without any attempt at claiming it was done by so-called separatists; but secondly the demonstration effect of what happened in Kerch. There are a lot of international passage maritime passageways in the world the Middle East, Asia. We have principled reasons to be concerned about a demonstration like the demonstration effect like this sinking in, but also very practical and interest-based reasons to be concerned about a lot of places in the world where U.S. troops and commerce pass through, and we don't want this precedent to stick," he said. "Today the U.S. reiterated that we condemn this Russian act of aggression, call it for what it is; that Crimea is Ukraine; and that the Russian action in Kerch is both a clear military escalation and a violation of international law and freedom of the sea." The official listed the measures with which Washington had responded to Moscow's actions, such as sanctions against companies involved in the construction of the Kerch Strait Bridge and operating in Russian-occupied Crimea, condemnation statements by the U.S. president, the secretary of state and the U.S. ambassador to the UN, as well as the cancellation of the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. "I think the Russians have this message; but if they don't, it should be abundantly clear to them that for as long as they hold these crew members, we will continue to raise the costs. They need to release the crews, return the ships, and this is not something that we're going to turn our attention away from," he added. The diplomat was expelled on November 22. Slovakia has expelled a Russian diplomat after information from military intelligence showed he engaged in espionage activities in the NATO and European Union member country, Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said on Wednesday. "We expelled him on November 22 and he left Slovakia within 48 hours," Pellegrini told reporters, Reuters wrote. As UNIAN reported earlier, Austria arrested a retired army colonel on suspicion of spying for Russia. For its part, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday that its troops in Crimea, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014, conducted a military drill with its Pantsir anti-aircraft missile systems. The U.S. has begun making the necessary preparations to sail a warship into the Black Sea, a move that comes amid heightened tensions in the region following Russia's seizure of Ukrainian ships and detention of Ukrainian sailors. The U.S. military has requested that the State Department notify Turkey of its possible plans to sail a warship into the Black Sea, three U.S. officials tell CNN, a move they said is a response to Russia's actions against Ukraine in the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, according to CNN. For its part, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday that its troops in Crimea, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014, conducted a military drill with its Pantsir anti-aircraft missile systems. The U.S. is required to notify Turkey about the passage through the straits under the Montreux Convention, a 1936 treaty that governs the passage of military vessels through the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, which connect the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. Read alsoCoast guards Russia's new "little green men" - media Under the rules of the treaty, countries that do not have a coastline on the Black Sea are required to provide Turkey with at least 15 days' notice prior to transiting the straits. Two of the officials said that the notification was to provide the Navy the option to move a warship into the area, but that this option would not necessarily be selected. "Our US 6th Fleet is always prepared to respond where called," said Cdr. Kyle Raines, a spokesman for the Fleet, which oversees naval operations in the region. "We routinely conduct operations to advance security and stability throughout the US 6th Fleet area of operations to include the international waters and airspace of the Black Sea," Raines told CNN. "We reserve the right to operate freely in accordance with international laws and norms," he added. As UNIAN reported earlier, U.S. Senator John Barrasso has called for deploying warships to the Black Sea in response to Russia's aggression. "Putin is somebody that respects strength and territory. Words don't mean much to him, action does. I think we need to do more. I've called for sending ships to the Black Seaand have NATO do it as well. To show the people of Ukraine that we are with them. To show Russia that international law must be followed," Barasso told NBC's "Meet the Press," according to his website. Honda Innovations, the Mountain View, CA-based arm of Honda R&D, has announced four venture capital (VC) partnerships. The new partners include: 360 Capital Partners, a European VC firm headquartered in Paris, France, that invests across Europe in innovative deep-tech with a focus on robotics, mobility, and industrial innovation. JB Nordic Ventures, a newly launched VC fund and partnership between BaltCap, the largest private equity and VC firm in the Baltic region, and JBIC IG Partners, a Japanese government backed private equity and VC firm. The fund focuses on IT, robotics, and mobility for Baltic, Iceland and Scandinavia. SOSV, a VC firm headquartered in the USA, with a focus on accelerating startups in hardware, mobility, cross-border software, food and life sciences in San Francisco, New York, London, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Taipei. Yunqi Partners, a VC firm in Shanghai and Beijing China, that invests in companies focusing on enterprise service, IOT, robotics, and mobility. These partnerships expand Hondas support of global innovation through Xcelerator operations in major technology hubs around the world, including Israel, Boston, Detroit, Japan, China, and Europe. Since 2015, Honda Xcelerator has supported startups with funding for rapid prototyping, collaborative workspaces, mentorship opportunities, and access to all Honda products including test vehicles and robotics prototypes. With a broad focus, Honda Xcelerator looks beyond automobiles to create future mobility products and services that bring new value to the customer experience. Honda Xcelerator takes a non-exclusive approach of co-development, investment, and incubation contributing to the overall growth of startups, including DeepMap, Tactual Labs, and WayRay, advancing technologies that focus on challenges posed by autonomous vehicles and advanced connected cars. A recent strategic partnership between Honda and SoundHound, an innovator in voice-enabled AI and conversational intelligence technologies, aims to accelerate the development of voice-enabled AI assistant. FinSMEs 05/12/2018 Luminate Capital Partners, a San Francisco, CA-based private equity firm, completed its second fund, at $425m. Luminate Capital Partners II includes a diversified investor base of endowments, foundations, public and corporate pensions, asset management firms, and family offices. Led by Founder and Managing Partner Hollie Haynes, Luminate is a private equity firm focused on making investments in growing enterprise software companies. The firm partners with management teams to provide flexible capital and operational support to drive strategy, accelerated growth and build long-term value. It closed its inaugural fund in 2017 with more than $265m of capital commitments. Moelis & Company LLC was placement agent while Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal counsel. FinSMEs 05/12/2018 December 5 2018 Maryhill Housing Association has pledged to engage with local people over its plans to build 65 properties for rent and sale in the north Glasgow district. Proposals penned by Elder & Cannon Architects employ the practices trademark dark brick to dress four separate blocks of accommodation set amidst landscaped grounds on the junction of Maryhill and Cowal Roads. Maryhill Cross has been left as wasteland following demolition of landmark Victorian buildings, attracting the attention of the local housing association as it seeks to meet tenant demand. Some locals have reacted angrily to the arrival of giant grey boxes in their midst however, arguing against the scale and potential adverse impact on traffic congestion. Others however came out in support of the ambitious scheme, preferring it to another anonymous low rise monolithic block. Housing officials will now meet with community groups to discuss its vision. (@ChaudhryMAli88) China has finished building the world's first Arctic liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, which will be capable of operating at temperatures below minus 50 degrees Celsius (minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit), local media reported on Wednesday BEIJING (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) China has finished building the world's first Arctic liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, which will be capable of operating at temperatures below minus 50 degrees Celsius (minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit), local media reported on Wednesday. The Arc7 ice class vessel with a payload of 44,500 tonnes was named Boris Sokolov and will soon be handed over to its Greek owner, according to the China Daily newspaper. The vessel is able to break the 1.8-meter (6-foot) thick ice layer, the newspaper reported. In the past, tankers of similar type could only transport LNG to the Arctic in summer. The unique features of Boris Sokolov will allow it to continue transportation in winter. (@ChaudhryMAli88) VIENNA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th December, 2018) Nigeria and Libya are willing to participate in the OPEC-non-OPEC oil production cut deal despite of existing exemptions, Omani Oil Minister Mohammed Rumhi said Wednesday. "Nigeria and Libya are ready to participate in the agreement," Ruhmi told reporters in Vienna. Both countries have been exempt from cuts under the agreement since January 2017 due to ongoing domestic military conflicts. Myodetox, a Canadian lifestyle therapy brand, raised $2m in funding. The funding was led by a group of private angel investors. The company intends to use the funds for brands expansion into the U.S. market, opening its first U.S. clinic location in Los Angeles. Led by Vinh Pham, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, and Scott Marcaccio, Co-Founder and CEO, Myodetox is a lifestyle therapy brand that operates nine locations across Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, which offers 30- or 60-minute treatment sessions built around a personalized treatment framework that focuses on proactive and reactive body care, injury prevention, recovery and optimized mobility. Every session begins with a comprehensive body assessment with an expert therapist trained in the Myodetox system, followed by a programmed treatment plan designed to resolve pain and optimize movement. Guests can experience upscale amenities, beverages from local brand partners, concierge-style service, custom-designed therapy pods, curated playlists etc. FinSMEs 05/12/2018 The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC members of the oil output cuts deal will discuss exemptions later in the day, and Venezuela, Libya, Iran, Nigeria should be treated "separately," Omani Oil Minister Mohammed Rumhi told reporters on Wednesday. VIENNA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC members of the oil output cuts deal will discuss exemptions later in the day, and Venezuela, Libya, Iran, Nigeria should be treated "separately," Omani Oil Minister Mohammed Rumhi told reporters on Wednesday. "Exemptions in the cut will be discussed fairly. I think in countries like Venezuela, Iran, and we'll see situation in Libya and Nigeria, they need to be treated separately or differently," Rumhi said, when asked about the agenda of the upcoming OPEC-non-OPEC Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee in Vienna. Sudanese authorities expect the participation of at least 70 Russian companies from the private and public sector in the intergovernmental commission meeting in Moscow on December 10-13, Abdul Jabbar Usman Al-Muri, the deputy minister of oil, gas and mineral resources of Sudan, told Sputnik. KHARTOUM (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) Sudanese authorities expect the participation of at least 70 Russian companies from the private and public sector in the intergovernmental commission meeting in Moscow on December 10-13, Abdul Jabbar Usman Al-Muri, the deputy minister of oil gas and mineral resources of Sudan , told Sputnik. "We have prepared a list Sudan's private sector groups that will participate in the commission's meeting and hold talks with relevant groups from the Russian side, whose participation is estimated at 70 [companies] from the private and public sectors," Usman Al-Muri said. The deputy minister noted that the private sector in Sudan was given a large part at the next session of the intergovernmental commission and expressed hope for "large-scale, clear and tangible results" and joint projects. Al-Muri added that Sudan hoped for more investment coming from Russia. Vice Chancellors of four Multan universities expressed commitment to link research to industry and work on developing technologies for human facilitation at a ceremony held to recognize the work of 110 researchers here Wednesday. MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Vice Chancellors of four Multan universities expressed commitment to link research to industry and work on developing technologies for human facilitation at a ceremony held to recognize the work of 110 researchers here Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, VC Nishtar Medical University (NMU) Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kamal Pasha disclosed that NMU would soon be taking steps towards robotic surgery. These views were expressed at a ceremony organized by the Organization of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) of Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) Multan for giving awards to researchers. Dr. Pasha said that NMU has started many research initiatives in medical science and promised that there would be 'discoveries' within next few years. Vice Chancellor BZU Prof. Dr. Tahir Amin advised researchers to focus on local and national level applications of their research work and then move forward to developing international level linkages. They should opt for innovations motivated by their passion to facilitating the people and industry. Vice Chancellor Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture (MNSUA), Prof. Dr. Asif Ali said that ORIC departments of universities create researchers and leaders but added that research would benefit only when it is linked with the country's industry. He pointed out that business Incubation Centres of universities should be strengthened for a broader liaison with SME sector which he described as a main source of employment opportunities. He said that universities should also take advantage of HEC's Technology Development Fund to develop new technologies for human facilitation. He said that in his opinion, Ph.D and M.Phil studies, particularly research should be completely funded by the government. Vice Chancellor NFC Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Akhtar Ali Kalru said that it was high time that educational institutions should be free from political interventions and merit and law should prevail. Director ORIC BZU Prof. Dr. Saeed Akhtar said that the ceremony was organized to honour the researchers and recognize their contributions made so far. He disclosed that Higher education Commission (HEC), after analyzing BZU research work and findings and our requests, has provided Rs 100 million funding that would further improve research work at the university. He said that they would seek Rs 200 million research funding from HEC next year on the basis of their research projects and research work done so far. Advocates of green schools met in Dubai to enhance indoor air quality, IAQ, in learning environments with the objective of driving dialogue on the topic and to gain perspectives and input from industry experts. DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 05th Dec, 2018) Advocates of green schools met in Dubai to enhance indoor air quality, IAQ, in learning environments with the objective of driving dialogue on the topic and to gain perspectives and input from industry experts. The EmiratesGBC Coalition for Green Schools Roundtable, hosted by the Emirates Green Building Council and held at Time Oak Hotel, took an in-depth look at indoor air quality in UAE schools. With air pollution and respiratory illnesses cited as a leading cause of absenteeism in schools globally, the Coalitions Roundtable discussion highlighted the importance of indoor air quality and what can be done to improve the indoor school environment for students. A part of the Global Coalition for Green Schools, the Emirates Coalition is engaging stakeholders and like-minded organisations that aim to equip communities with resources to achieve the UAEs vision of "ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn in a green school within this generation." Emirates Green Building Council, EmiratesGBC, an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, is a founding member of the Global Coalition. It promotes discussions on creating a national vision of healthy, high-performance schools that are conducive to learning while saving energy, resources and money. Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said, "Indoor air quality is not often deliberated, and the purpose of the roundtable was to bring the issue to the forefront, especially in schools where youth spend most of their time. We also want to equip schools, as well as other stakeholders, with the information and knowledge about the impact of poor indoor air quality and what can be done to improve the school environment for students. Youth are the future of this nation, and their wellbeing is a priority and moral obligation in every aspect. " During the roundtable, Matt Bird, Design Engineer Advanced, Dyson, presented a case study on Dysons collaboration with Taaleem Schools in the UAE to raise awareness and measure indoor air quality in Taaleems schools. The case study supported the roundtable discussion that followed, with a focus on addressing the impacts of poor IAQ in schools, understanding its performance in schools, and exploring the measures of success for improved IAQ. Held for the second consecutive year, the roundtable was moderated by Nada Chami, business Development Manager from Saint Gobain, a world leader in the sustainable habitat and construction markets, with a focus of ensuring overall health and wellbeing of building occupants. The first roundtable was conducted in November 2017 offering a well-rounded overview on the "State of Our Schools" and served as the first step to constructive dialogue between diverse stakeholders. A key outcome of that roundtable was the collective agreement that a very limited number of schools fulfil the agreed definition of a green school in the country. The white paper from the first roundtable session touched upon the topic of IAQ in schools explaining that "the existing research indicated IAQ of existing schools in the UAE is in critical condition, which can lead to long-term respiratory related illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma." The roundtable concluded with a consensus that there needs to be more awareness among key stakeholders and a genuine willingness to treat the root cause of the issue. A stricter implementation of green building regulations, including retrofitting older schools, is key to improving the overall Indoor Environmental Quality, IEQ, in schools and providing a more holistic approach to promoting and increasing the number of green schools. Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE Federal export credit company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with French bank Natixis, a subsidiary of Groupe BPCE, the second-largest banking group in France, to strengthen UAEs exporters capability to trade globally, assist businesses to expand internationally and support the UAEs non-oil diversification strategy. DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 05th Dec, 2018) Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE Federal export credit company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with French bank Natixis, a subsidiary of Groupe BPCE, the second-largest banking group in France, to strengthen UAEs exporters capability to trade globally, assist businesses to expand internationally and support the UAEs non-oil diversification strategy. The areas of cooperation between ECI and Natixis include support for UAE businesses by educating them through a series of seminars and workshops on commercial and political risk mitigation, mutual collaboration in export finance solutions, and the exchange of market intelligence between the two parties. The partnership will augment the UAEs strategy to reduce its reliance on the oil sector as a source of economic activity over time, and to place a greater focus on developing more diversified growth and trade activity. The MoU was signed by Massimo Falcioni, Chief Executive Officer at ECI; Simon Eedle, Regional Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, middle East at Natixis; and Barbara Riccardi, Head of Middle East Finance Portfolio at Natixis, in the presence of senior officials from both parties. Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Export Development Corporation, and board Member and Chairman of the Executive Committee at ECI, said, "ECI consistently works towards accelerating and sustaining national economic diversification as well as supporting the export and re-export of UAE goods, works, services, and the foreign investments of the UAE businesses, by providing a range of export credit, financing and investment insurance products. The association with Natixis will pave the way for UAE businesses to forge ahead in line with the UAE Vision 2021 agenda as well as fuel the growth of countrys economy, as a whole and export community, in particular." Massimo Falcioni, CEO of ECI, said, "We are now living in an era of digitalisation, and ECI is focused on incorporating innovation to support UAE businesses by offering premium trade credit solutions, also aligned with the new wave of technology revolutionising the banking landscape. The signing of the agreement between ECI and Natixis, which is known for its highly innovative financial solutions and services, is an important step towards this direction. This alliance will further sustain ECIs mission to help UAE businesses export internationally by providing in-depth intelligence and export credit policies that will give them the confidence necessary to enter and operate in new markets." Simon Eedle commented, "This partnership with ECI will enable us to considerably increase our support for local corporate clients in the UAE, whether through trade finance, or through the large scale projects where export credit support is often an important element of the financing package. We are looking forward to working closely with ECI." (@FahadShabbir) H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, has led a UAE delegation during the UAE-Saudi Joint Security Committee meeting, chaired by Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom's Minister of Interior. ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 05th Dec, 2018) H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, has led a UAE delegation during the UAE-Saudi Joint Security Committee meeting, chaired by Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom's Minister of Interior. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday, and was received by the Saudi Interior Minister. The two sides discussed means of enhancing cooperation between the two ministries and exchange views on recent developments concerning the Gulf region. The meeting, held at the Saudi Ministry of Interior's headquarters, saw discussions on a number of agenda items, including the means to enhance cooperation and coordination between the two brotherly nations in the security and policing sectors, that meet with the interests of the two countries' stability, leadership visions, and aspirations of their peoples. Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was present during the Committee meetings, along with senior officials and representatives from the UAE and Saudi Ministries of Interior. The inaugural Digital Economy Conference, DEC 2018, will be held in the nation's capital, Abu Dhabi. ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 05th Dec, 2018) The inaugural Digital Economy Conference, DEC 2018, will be held in the nation's capital, Abu Dhabi. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Summit will take place on 16th and 17th December at the Emirates Palace. DEC 2018, organised by the Council of Arab Economic Unity within the League of Arab States, will illustrate and discuss a vision for the digital economy throughout the region with government representatives from the 22 Arab League countries. The Summit's objective is to present and discuss the results of a strategic study conducted in partnership with Cairo University and with the contribution of various institutions in Europe and the US. Government representatives will debate the process of defining an ambitious agenda for a regional digital economy. Assessments on key technology investments will be shared, envisaging the development of a common technology framework for the 22 member states of the Arab League, as governments collaborate in the pursuit of economic and societal development. DEC 2018 will assess key benefits and challenges related to the advent of disruptive technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Big Data, Robotics, 3D Printing, systems for Electric cars. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Police Tuesday arrested three gamblers and recovered bet money amounting Rs12,000 and one mobile phone from their possession. RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Dec, 2018 ) : Police Tuesday arrested three gamblers and recovered bet money amounting Rs12,000 and one mobile phone from their possession. According to police spokesman, Murree police raided in the area of Tehsil Murree andarrested 3 gamblers identified as Shahzad, Mohabat Shah and Naveed Abassi . Police have registered a case against all of them and started investigation. (@mahnoorsheikh03) The finance minister termed it propaganda against government. Lahore (Point News 5th December, 2018) Finance Minister Asad Umar has termed the news reports regarding him being removed from the position as baseless. The finance minister said that this is propaganda against government. He said that the prime minister has directed him to continue his work. Terming the news reports as baseless, he said that Prime Minister Imran Khan said that these reports are a propaganda against him. Expressing his incognisance over the reports, he said that he is currently chairing a meeting of Finance Ministry, adding that he met Shamshad Akhtar as well yesterday. He said that there was no mention of any changes in the Finance Ministry in the meeting with Shamshad Akhtar. There were reports that Finance Minister Asad Umar is likely to be removed from his position in view of the trembling economic situation of the country. Media reports said that Asad Umar is expected to be removed from his office over his poor performance as finance minister while the government has started considering new Names for the position. These include Shamshad Akhtar besides two other people. Shamshad Akhtar has earlier served as the governor of State Bank and the caretaker finance minister. In his interview to senior journalists and anchor-persons on Monday, the prime minister had hinted that there will be some changes in his cabinet and the ministers giving poor performance can be removed. Earlier on Tuesday, the Prime Minister House had clarified that Finance Minister Asad Umar has not stepped down from his post. Following reports altercation between Asad Umar and Advisor to the prime minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, there were rumours that the finance minister has resigned. However, in a statement released by the Ministry of Finance, it was clarified that the finance minister has not stepped down. The ministry also rubbished reports of an altercation between Asad Umar and Abdul Razak Dawood and senior party leader Jehangir Tareen. The ministry said, Some elements are spreading disinformation to achieve their objectives. There is no truth in them. As far as differences are considered, our party holds a discussion on every matter and every minister and advisor shares their point of view after which a final discussion is taken, the ministry added. The ministry further said, The finance minister has neither resigned nor plans to. Moreover, Tareen also clarified that he did not have any differences with Umar on any matter. Consulate General of Pakistan, Jeddah has held a farewell lunch for the outgoing Ambassador of Pakistan to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Khan Hasham bin Saddique, in Jeddah. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Consulate General of Pakistan Jeddah has held a farewell lunch for the outgoing Ambassador of Pakistan to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Khan Hasham bin Saddique, in Jeddah The lunch was attended by all officers including the Consul General Shehryar Akbar Khan, a message received here from Jeddah on Wednesday said. While speaking at the occasion, Khan Hasham said that the friendship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan was above personalities and had its roots in the peoples of both the countries. He said that the people to people contact between the two countries had provided base to these relations and it had been strengthened with each passing day. He said that he enjoyed every day of his stay in the Kingdom due to two major reasons. First reason, he said, was the closeness to the holiest places of the Muslims, and opportunity to perform the holy religious "Ibadat". Second was the opportunity to serve the large diaspora of the Pakistani community living in the Kingdom, he added. He termed the service to the community as sacred duty and said that he tried to perform to best of his abilities and expressed his satisfaction over his stay in Kingdom in terms of services to the Pakistani community. While appreciating the consulate officers' commitment towards their work, he advised them to assist the community in best possible way, adding, that hard work was key to success. Ambassador Khan Hasham expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and the Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and the Saudi government for providing him an enabling and conducive environment to serve both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said that it was an honour for him to serve his mother land as well as the Kingdom, being the most sacred place for the Muslims of world. Earlier Consul General Shehryar Akbar Khan appreciated the Ambassador for his fruitful stay in Saudi Arabia adding that Ambassadors' personal interest in the community matters had motivated them to perform even better. SolarHome, a Myanmar-based Pay-As-You-Go solar company, raised US$10m in debt funding. Backers included Crowdcredit, a cross-border crowdfunding platform based in Japan, and Trine, a Sweden-based crowdfunding platform for off-grid solar. The investment followed on the US$4.2m in convertible note funding raised in 2018 from international investors, including Trirec, Insitor Impact Asia, Beenext, and a group of Singapore-based family offices. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate expansion across Myanmar. Led by Ted Martynov, chief executive officer and co-founder, SolarHome is a pioneer in Pay-As-You-Go solar for off-grid households in Southeast Asia. The company, which has already installed close to 28,000 solar home systems, aims to reach 100,000 homes with its product packages that include budget, basic and premium solar system bundles for lighting and phone charging purposes, as well as TV bundles. SolarHome was seeded and developed by fintech venture builder FORUM. FinSMEs 05/12/2018 (@rukhshanmir) Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail on Wednesday said that consultation with Dubai and Briton were underway for water plants to be installed in Karachi shortly. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) : Governor Sindh , Imran Ismail on Wednesday said that consultation with Dubai and Briton were underway for water plants to be installed in Karachi shortly. The starting of Thar-Coal plants would help generate cheap electricity besides addressing energy issues of the province, he stated while talking to a private news channel. Imran Ismail said Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) government, working under an active leadership of Imran Khan, had held discussion with Saudi Arabia, U.A.E and China and we hope that stock exchange and other matters relating to economy would show better results in days to come. The government would fulfill the promises made with the people during election drive, he said. To a question the Governor said that Rangers should perform their duties in Karachi as extortion, target killing, mobile snatching incidents had plummeted due to their efforts, he added. To another question about delay in projects, he said the Sindh government had barred the projects funded by Federal government. We wanted to carry out works with Sindh but there are reservation over working of Chief Minister of the province, he expressed. In reply to a question about fake accounts, he said it was amazing that Ex-President Asif Ali Zardari had supportive remarks over the fake account holders. He, however said that PTI government would not spare any person involved in money laundering or any objectionable activities. The inquiry had been conducted to identify the involvement of institutions like Karachi Development Authority, Lyari Development Authority, Malir Development Authority for issuing orders for receiving rent amount from vendors selling their products on footpaths in different areas of Karachi, he added. Provincial Minister Human Rights and Minority Affairs (HR&MA) Aijaz Alam Augustine on Wednesday said that violence against women can be minimized by educating people and providing social support to them. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Provincial Minister Human Rights and Minority Affairs (HR&MA) Aijaz Alam Augustine on Wednesday said that violence against women can be minimized by educating people and providing social support to them. He stated this while participating in a special event regarding policy dialogue between young and adolescent girls and key stakeholders in connection with 16 days of activism to end gender based violence at provincial headquarters of Pakistan girls guide association Punjab, Lahore. The event was attended by Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan Mr. Brek Batley, PTI MPAs Sumera Bukhari, Mussaret Jamshaid Cheema, Neelam Hayat Khan, Zahra Abbas, media person Asadullah Khan, Regionmal Director HR Lubna Mansoor, Executive Director Search for Justice Iftikhar Mubarak and around 250 girls from different educational institutions of Lahore. The participants presented different proposals to end gender based violence. The provincial minister congratulated the organizers for arranging such an important policy dialogue. He said that empowerment and investment in girls was key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence against women. It would also help promote and protect their fundamental rights. Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday established a control room at its headquarter for receiving preliminary result of re-poll in constituency No PB-47 Kech III. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Dec, 2018 ) : Election Commission of Pakistan ECP ) on Tuesday established a control room at its headquarter for receiving preliminary result of re-poll in constituency No PB-47 Kech III. The re-poll is schedule to be held in the constituency on December 6, Thursday, said a press release. The control supervised by Additional Director General Elections will receive polling day complaints from 8 am till receiving of the preliminary result. (@ChaudhryMAli88) On occasion of World Soil day, Senior Environmental specialist here on Wednesday urged to promote and raise awareness among masses on soils for sustainable agriculture development, nutrition and food security in the country. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :On occasion of World Soil day, Senior Environmental specialist here on Wednesday urged to promote and raise awareness among masses on soils for sustainable agriculture development, nutrition and food security in the country. Expert Dr Saifullah Khalid talking to ptv news channel, highlighted the importance of the soil in life of humans said 'No food without soil' and the main issue is awareness, the masses are not aware of these issues and solutions . Soil pollution can be invisible and seems far away but everyone, everywhere is affected, adding, with a growing population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, soil pollution is a worldwide problem which degrades our soils, poisons the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. He emphasised the media is best medium to aware the people, beside that we should celebrate world soil day with Farmers and Land owners to aware them about the importance and safety of our soil and land. "It is non-renewable. Our food, water and climate depend on it," he pointed out. Expert further suggested the Pakistan soil scientists to have analyzed the soil of whole country for its nature and properties, which could better reflect for its needs and the required practices/inputs. He also indicated that soil is like a living material having several organisms which take part in its development and greatly contribute to crop production. Polluting the soil with industrial chemicals results in transfer of toxic materials in the produce ultimately consumed by humans and health hazards, he warned. He shared the latest developments taking place in the developed countries for sustainable management of soils to grow healthy foods. Dr Saif also called for greater attention to the pressing issues affecting soils, including climate change, antimicrobial resistance, soil-borne diseases, contamination, nutrition and human health." He said , soils have got the ability to filter and buffer the contaminants, thus minimizing the negative effects of pollutants, but its potential is limited. The major chunk of pollutants rises from human activities, like mining, unsustainable farming practices and industrial activities. With the advent of technology scientists are able to recognize the previously unidentified pollutants, however, these technological advancements have led to the release of new contaminants into the environment. It is high time now that some solution be sought for this invisible yet highly dangerous issue of soil pollution, he added. He further said , 'Soil Day sounds a little silly. Soil is dirt. There's nothing fancy about dirt. But that is precisely what's so great about it, he highlighted. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations refers to soil as "Where Food Begins," and that's exactly right. Altogether, 95 percent of our food comes from our soil, though according to the FAO, sustainable soil management could be yielding up to 58 percent more crops. International Volunteer Day was observed on Wednesday (December 5) across the world including Pakistan with the theme "Volunteers Build Resilient Communities". ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :International Volunteer Day was observed on Wednesday (December 5) across the world including Pakistan with the theme "Volunteers Build Resilient Communities". The Day also known as International Volunteers Day (IVD), gives volunteers a chance to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels. Over the years, governments, businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals contributing on the International Volunteer Day through various activities including voluntary community projects, parades, marches or rallies, award giving ceremonies for volunteers who made significant contributions to their communities, time donation campaigns that involve people pledging hours of voluntary service to specific projects are also included, ptv news reported. Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Khan Buzdar has said the volunteers put their lives at risk to rescue the victims during disaster or calamity. In a message on the occasion of the International Volunteers Day, he said the objective of marking this day is to pay tribute to the individuals and organizations which are active in carrying out humanitarian activates voluntarily and selflessly. ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Dec, 2018 ) :Federal Minister for Planning Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar Tuesday said the separate secretariat for new province of South Punjab would be established by June 30,2019. He said the government would bring amendment in the constitution for the purpose and opposition would also be taken on board in that regard, he said while talking to a private news channel. The minister said it was the long lasting demand of the people of South Punjab and the time had come to fulfill the promise of new province made by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. He said Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) had always created hurdles in the way of establishing the new province of South Punjab. Replying to a question, he said strong economy was always essential to run the state affairs. Makhdoom Khusro said opposition was making hue and cry for escaping accountability, adding last government of PML-N had artificially controlled Dollar price and destroyed the national economy through its poor economic policies. He said decreasing Currency rates was international phenomenon. He said the government would introduce modern technology in agriculture sector, adding, exports would also be increased to strengthen country's economy. Korean Rail Network Authority expressed its interest in joint venture in the Pakistan Railways Network system of working. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Korean Rail Network Authority expressed its interest in joint venture in the Pakistan Railways Network system of working. Korea Rail Network Authority General Manager Kim Young June and Director Overseas Project Division Cheng Nam said that they were considering joint avenues to provide modern technology to Pakistan during their visit to Workshop Division of the railways on the second day of their tour to Pakistan Railway Headquarters on Wednesday. Earlier, Ghulam Qasim, Divisional Superintendent Workshop gave a detailed briefing on Wagon & Carriage Factory, under the supervision of Aijaz Ahmed Buriro, Additional General Manager Mechanical. During the briefing, it was communicated that Pakistan Railway Workshop Division consisted of Loco Shops, Construction Shop, Carriage & Wagon Shop, Electric Shop, Steel Shop & Power House. A brief introduction of each section was given to the delegation and later, a tour to carriage and wagon factory was arranged. The Korean Delegation also gave a briefing on progress of Korea Rail Network. Afterwards, the delegation visited Mughalpura Dry Port where Tahir Hassan Bukhari, Chief Traffic Officer briefed. General Manager of Korea Rail Network Authority also planted alstonia (plant) in the premises of Divisional Superintendent Workshop. The Additional General Manger traffic awarded the honorary shield on behalf of Pakistan Railways to thedelegation. (@rukhshanmir) Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Punjab vice chairperson Waseem Akhtar Tuesday said OPC had put in place measures to resolve the problems of Overseas Pakistanis through state-of-the-art web portal, giving electronic access to every Pakistani in the world. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Dec, 2018 ) :Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) Punjab vice chairperson Waseem Akhtar Tuesday said OPC had put in place measures to resolve the problems of Overseas Pakistanis through state-of-the-art web portal, giving electronic access to every Pakistani in the world Presiding over a departmental meeting here, he said the innovative step of establishing OPC had been taken to secure the rights of Pakistanis living abroad, adding a comprehensive and effective policy had been adopted for early resolution of the issues of Overseas Pakistanis. He said the satisfaction of the complainant was the ultimate objective so that regular feedback till the resolution of the problem was being ensured. The complaints of Overseas Pakistanis were discussed in detail during the meeting, whereas the VC OPC issued necessary instructions to officers concerned. (@rukhshanmir) Pakistan and Japan Wednesday expressed firm resolve to further increase high level interaction between the two countries. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) : Pakistan and Japan Wednesday expressed firm resolve to further increase high level interaction between the two countries. This resolve was expressed during a meeting between National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Kentaro Sonoura and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here. They also exchanged ideas on enhancing cooperation in political, defense, economic and commercial sectors. Welcoming Kentaro Sonoura, the foreign minister said Pakistan regards Japan as a close friend and a key economic partner. The national security advisor expressed his earnest desire to further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan in the days to come. He said Japan recognizes the efforts and sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in fight against the menace of terrorism. The foreign minister appreciatedJapan's acknowledgement of sacrifices and contributions made by Pakistan in the global fight against terrorism and Japan's commitment to work closely with Pakistan in this regard. He reiterated that the government was focusing on socioeconomic uplift of the people of Pakistan and furthering regional peace and stability. Briefing the Japanese side on China Pakistan Economic Corridor, an economic undertaking between China and Pakistan,the foreign minister invited Japanese investment in Special Economic Zones and assured facilitation to Japanese investors in all sectors. The foreign minister welcomed the upcoming sixth round of Joint Government business Dialogue scheduled to be held on December 10, in Tokyo and hoped for concrete outcome of the meeting. Pakistani flag was Tuesday hoisted in Nicosia, Cyprus, signaling that Pakistan has joined the ranks of troops contributing to UNFICYP, the United Nations Force in Cyprus, according to a message received at UN Headquarters in New York. UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Pakistani flag was Tuesday hoisted in Nicosia, Cyprus, signaling that Pakistan has joined the ranks of troops contributing to UNFICYP, the United Nations Force in Cyprus, according to a message received at UN Headquarters in New York. Warrant Officer Nadeem Qadir, the first-ever military peacekeeper from Pakistan deployed to UNFICYP, unfurled the green crescent-and-star during a ceremony at the Mission's headquarters in Nicosia. WO Qadir, who joined the mission earlier this year, is in charge of UNFICYP's Visits and Protocol unit, the message said. UNFICYP, it added, anticipates several other deployments from Pakistan in the near future. Pakistan is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping, with 8,230 troops serving at hotspots around the world. UNFICYP was stablished in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on the island and bring about a return to normal conditions. The Mission's responsibilities expanded in 1974, following a coup d'etat by elements favouring union with Greece and a subsequent military intervention by Turkey, whose troops established control over the northern part of the island Over the years, more than 150,000 troops have served in the mission. Currently, about 800 troops from a dozen countries serve in Cyprus. The largest troop contributors are Argentina and the United Kingdom, followed by Slovakia Since a de facto ceasefire in August 1974, UNFICYP has supervised the ceasefire lines; provided humanitarian assistance; and maintained a buffer zone between the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces in the north and the Greek Cypriot forces in the south. UNFICYP's Chief of Mission also serves as the Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus and in that capacity leads efforts to assist the parties in reaching a comprehensive settlement. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Mirza Shahzad Akbar Wednesday said the agreement between Pakistan and Switzerland on sharing of bank accounts details was signed and ratified and being implemented since November 30. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Mirza Shahzad Akbar Wednesday said the agreement between Pakistan and Switzerland on sharing of bank accounts details was signed and ratified and being implemented since November 30. Speaking at a press conference, he said the agreement with Switzerland to gain information about foreign bank accounts of Pakistanis was a great achievement. He said the previous governments deliberately avoided signing an MoU with the Switzerland. The Pakistan would start getting information about bank accounts of its citizens from Switzerland within two weeks time, he added. Shahzad Akbar said it was essential to understand the framework of treaty to make the exchange of information possible. He said the Switzerland was the country which kept information of bank accounts highly confidential, however, now they had agreed to share the data according to the provisions of the treaty. Agreements for exchange of information about bank accounts with other countries would also be signed but it would take some time, he added. He lamented that six years were wasted in ratification of the treaty, adding the government was also in contact with the German government for sharing of bank accounts information. Shahzad Akbar said former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif spent Rs250 million on his 25 private visits abroad on government expense and the case was referred to National Accountability Bureau which would investigate the misuse of authority. Sharing details, he said Sharif visited Jeddah on a private visit for offering Umrah with 28 people and the money was spent from national exchequer. He said, similarly, he went on private visits to United Kingdom, China and Saudi Arabia. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Belarus is planning a series of activities in Islamabad to celebrate the upcoming 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Pakistan for a dynamic renewal of bilateral relations, Ambassador of Belarus Andrei Ermolovich said Wednesday. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Belarus is planning a series of activities in Islamabad to celebrate the upcoming 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Pakistan for a dynamic renewal of bilateral relations, Ambassador of Belarus Andrei Ermolovich said Wednesday. "Belarus and Pakistan can open up a new chapter in their bilateral relations as the two countries celebrate 25 years of their ties in February 2019,"Ambassador Ermolovich said during a visit to Associated Press of Pakistan headquarters. Ambassador Ermolovich said the Belarus government had lined up high-level visits of its representatives to Pakistan in connection with the upcoming anniversary to explore the potential of further cooperation in diverse fields. He said the Belarsian Deputy Foreign Minister and the Minister for Industries would separately visit Pakistan, the dates for which were being sorted out. He said a delegation of political scientists from Belarus would organize a conference in Islamabad in February in collaboration with Centre for Global and Strategic Studies. Also, the embassy of Belarus will hold a photographic exhibition in Islamabad with an objective to highlight the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Belarus, he added. In a meeting with Managing Director APP Muhammad Qamarullah, the prospects of news exchange cooperation between APP and Belarus' news agency Belta were discussed. The Managing Director APP apprised the Belarusian Ambassador about APP's news exchange cooperation with some 35 news agencies in the world, saying the objective was to get across authentic and credible narrative about Pakistan. He said the APP Global a recent news portal initiative, was acting as a bridge between Pakistan's premier news agency and other wire services and could be regarded partially a diplomatic tool to bring closer the audience and readers of respective countries. Director News Shafek Koreshe, Director Information Technology(IT) Ghawas Khan and Chief News Editor Bilal Thaheem attended the meeting. Speaker of National Assembly Asad Qaiser while leading a parliamentary delegation will attend the second conference of the heads of six countries Parliaments to discuss issues related to regional cooperation, connectivity and terrorism. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Speaker of National Assembly Asad Qaiser while leading a parliamentary delegation will attend the second conference of the heads of six countries Parliaments to discuss issues related to regional cooperation, connectivity and terrorism. According to an official of National Assembly, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser left for Tehran on Wednesday to attend the two-day conference beginning from Friday. According to Pakistan's ambassador to Tehran, Rifat Masood, Pakistan hosted the summit last year in Islamabad as the innovator of the summit, adding, "The Islamic Republic of Iran will take over as president of the summit from Pakistan at a conference scheduled for next Friday and Saturday with Tehran as the host. "The participants will include Speakers and officials from Iran, Pakistan, Russia, China, Afghanistan and Turkey. The main purpose of holding the conference is to reinforce regional coordination to effectively counter terrorism in the region, she added. Ambassador of Tajikistan Sherali S Jononov on Wednesday stressed the need for enhancing trade ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan. SIALKOT, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Ambassador of Tajikistan Sherali S Jononov on Wednesday stressed the need for enhancing trade ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan He said this during a visit to Surgical Instruments Manufacturing Association Pakistan (SIMAP) here. He said Pakistan and Tajikistan were enjoying excellent bilateral relationships and there was a need to explore business opportunities between the two countries besides people-to-people contacts. He invited the local businessmen to come forward for enhancing trade particularly in the field of surgical instruments, saying that lucrative facilities were being provided to businessmen in Tajikistan. Group Leader SIMAP Jehangir Baber Bajwa said that the association was keen to organise a sector specific exhibition in Dushanbe in collaboration with Tajik counterparts. He said the exhibition would provide an opportunity to businessmen of both the countries to define ways of mutual cooperation. The Tajik envoy assured cooperation and support of his government in this regard. Sherali also inaugurated a centre inside SIMAP office. SIMAP Chairman Khalilur Rehman and other office-bearers were present. (@FahadShabbir) Three suspected robbers were arrested by Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of Police from nearby area of Hyderi Market here on Wednesday. KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Three suspected robbers were arrested by Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of Police from nearby area of Hyderi Market here on Wednesday. The police have recovered one dozens cell phones and three pistols from the suspects identified as Haider, Afzal and Rehan, claimed police sources. The suspects were said to be involved in dozens of robberies in the districts of East, Korangi and Central. World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)'s experts from ten different countries Wednesday gathered to develop competency-based trademark examination concept which is imperative for socioeconomic uplift of the country. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) : World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)'s experts from ten different countries Wednesday gathered to develop competency-based trademark examination concept which is imperative for socioeconomic uplift of the country. The experts in a three-day workshop titled,"Regional Conference on Competency-Based Trademark Examiner Training and Learning Management System" would discuss modern ways and share their expertise to enhance competencies of trademark examiners by embracing modern learning management system. Extending warm welcome to the foreign experts in the conference's inaugural session, Intellectual Property Organization-Pak (IPO) Chairman Mujeeb Ahmed Khan termed the gathering of Intellectual Property Rights' head in Pakistan a beginning of long-term relation among regional states. "Such a regional cooperation will not only help us in learning from each others' experiences but also serve as a muscle boost for economic prosperity of their respective states," he added. "A country's socioeconomic development can be gauged through total number of its registered Trademarks and Copy Rights which are directly proportion to creativity and innovation," he remarked. He asserted that the IPO-Pak would create more opportunities to emerging entrepreneurs which eventually increase industrial and commercial activities. Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce Shandana Gulzar Khan thanked WIPO for choosing Pakistan to host the International conference on this significant subject. She said the accurate examination of trademarks made a significant impact on the economic growth and elimination of future trade disputes amongst the business community. Terming the consumer purchase transactions critical in the modern market economy, she said the consumer entry in a retail outlet always depend upon the trademark reputation. This conference was pivotal to improve the present trademark examiner training landscape, which remained in a piecemeal of uncoordinated seminars and workshops, regretting that the trainings on the trademarks examination were not systematic in the past. She stressed to enhance trademark examiners' competencies in more coherent manner by adopting learning management system adding a competency-based and learner-driven training and learning management framework was imperative to propel a more coherent, inter-connected and comprehensive training. WIPO Director Andrew M ONG said he felt proud in partnering with Government of Pakistan as It was the best time to strengthen their ties under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He vowed to arrange more such conference and seminars in Pakistan in future. He said the WIPO would ensure well designed future trainings to meet the requirements of individual trainees and their respective offices. Talking to APP, a WIPO expert and Counsellor Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific David Simmons highlighted the shortage of staff in IPO-Pak and urged for more recruitment to enhance the organization's efficiency. He underlined the need of adopting the paperless culture in IPO-Pak to ensure quick processing of trademark and Copy Rights applications. He commended the efforts of Chairman IPO-Pak for taking many initiatives in short span of time. The WIPO experts participated in this conference were come from Switzerland, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, United Kingdom and Indonesia. (@rukhshanmir) Tripoli, Dec 5 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Fifteen migrants died and 10 others survived 11 days at sea after their boat capsized off the coast of Libya, the Libyan Red Crescent said on Tuesday, citing the survivors. The migrants had set off for Italy from the city of Sabratha, west of Tripoli, but their vessel overturned and they came ashore in Misrata some 270 kilometres (170 miles) east of their departure point, said Red Crescent spokesman Baha al-Kawash. The boat was thought to have been swept away by the current due to bad weather, Kawash told AFP. The 10 survivors, who include two women, spent 11 days at sea without any food or water before reaching a beach in Misrata on Monday, said another member of the Red Crescent. Two of the survivors were from Algeria and Egypt, and the rest were from sub-Saharan Africa, the source said on condition of anonymity. They had suffered injuries and dehydration, and received medical treatment before being taken to a migrant detention centre in Misrata, said Kawash. Three of the 15 dead migrants were women, according to the survivors. The head of the Libyan office of the International Organization for Migration said the survivors of the "tragic" incident had suffered from severe dehydration. Othman Belbeisi said an IOM medical team was on its way to tend to the survivors. Plunged into chaos following the fall and killing of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising, Libya has become a prime transit point for sub-Saharan African migrants making dangerous clandestine bids to reach Europe. People smugglers have taken advantage of the turmoil, putting African migrants seeking to reach Europe at greater risk. Many migrants, intercepted or rescued at sea, find themselves held in detention centres where they face dire conditions. Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka called Wednesday on Ukraine and Russia to de-escalate tensions triggered by the incident in the Kerch Strait when three Ukrainian vessels were detained by the Russian border guard service. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka called Wednesday on Ukraine and Russia to de-escalate tensions triggered by the incident in the Kerch Strait when three Ukrainian vessels were detained by the Russian border guard service. "We have taken note of the incident in the Kerch Strait which contributed to the escalation of tensions. The European Union and Austria demand that international law be respected and, as for the conflict in the Sea of Azov, I want to call on both countries to do everything possible to reduce, and prevent tensions," Sobotka said addressing Russia's State Duma. On November 25, three ships of the Ukrainian Navy Berdyansk, Nikopol, and Yany Kapu illegally crossed the Russian border, entered Russian territorial waters that were temporarily closed, and began moving toward the Kerch Strait, which serves as an entrance into the Sea of Azov. The Ukrainian vessels and their crew were detained by Russia after failing to respond to a lawful demand to stop. Following the incident, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree declaring a 30-day period of martial law in several Ukrainian regions located near the Russian border and the coasts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the incident was a provocation prepared in advance as a pretext to introduce martial law in Ukraine ahead of the country's presidential election. The martial law would affect the campaign, set to start in late December, amid Poroshenko's low approval rating, Putin said. Belgrade on Tuesday accused Kosovo of trying to "drive out" its Serb minority by taking steps to create an army and refusing to lift a 100 percent tariff on Serbian goods. Belgrade, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Dec, 2018 ) : Belgrade on Tuesday accused Kosovo of trying to "drive out" its Serb minority by taking steps to create an army and refusing to lift a 100 percent tariff on Serbian goods. The moves by Kosovo, a former Serbian province that declared independence a decade ago, have spiked tensions between the former war foes. Belgrade has cast them as threats to Kosovo's 120,000-strong Serb minority. "It is quite clear that the announcement of the formation of an army and the insistence on a 100 percent tax on Serbian goods are intended to drive the Serb people out of Kosovo," Serbian President Aleksander Vucic said in a statement. He warned that the move could "lead to disaster, because Serbia cannot and will not calmly observe the destruction of the Serbian people". (@ChaudhryMAli88) MUSCAT, Dec 4 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Dec, 2018 ) :The Belt and Road Initiative not only helps China, but also aims to help the world to achieve common benefits, Omani officials said during the Omani-Chinese business Forum in capital Muscat. "The initiative is an ambitious one launched in 2013 to provide bridges of trade and civilization cooperation between China and the rest of the world," Hatem al-Tai, a member of the State Council of Oman, said at the forum held from Dec. 2 to 4. China and Oman signed a strategic partnership agreement early this year and there are many projects to be achieved between the two countries as a result of the agreement, al-Tai added. He stressed that the Omani-Chinese relations are witnessing progresses and prosperity of civilization, economy and culture. "We welcome the Omani-Chinese forum, and believe that this is the beginning of projects and stronger relations between Oman and China," said al-Tai. Muhammed al-Muqdad, former head of history at Sultan Qaboos University and a specialist in Omani-Chinese relations, said that the initiative aims at public benefit and comprehensive development for all, and treats others as partners, not followers. The relations between Oman and China have been developing rapidly and the bilateral cooperation will make remarkable progress in all fields, he added. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Bolivia's Supreme Court has given the green light for incumbent President Evo Morales to run for a fourth consecutive term in January 2019, despite protests by the opposition, local media reported on Wednesday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) Bolivia's Supreme Court has given the green light for incumbent President Evo Morales to run for a fourth consecutive term in January 2019, despite protests by the opposition, local media reported on Wednesday. The court approved a total of nine candidates for Primary elections in January, according to the Diario newspaper. The court's decision comes amid protests by the opposition which says Morales' re-election bid is unconstitutional. Protests took place in Bolivia on Tuesday with activists calling on the government to respect the results of the 2016 referendum that rejected Morales' request to seek the fourth term. Morales has been in office since 2006. The Bulgarian government decided Wednesday it would not sign up to a UN-proposed comprehensive deal outlining an international response to global migration, local media reported. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) The Bulgarian government decided Wednesday it would not sign up to a UN-proposed comprehensive deal outlining an international response to global migration, local media reported. The cabinet press office said, as cited by the BNR state broadcaster, that it would not send an official delegation to the intergovernmental conference in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh next week. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was approved on July 13 by all UN member states except the United States, which withdrew from the pact last year. The paper represents the international community's attempt to establish a common global approach to all aspects of international migration. The paper comprises 23 objectives for better managing migration at local, national, regional and global levels. The motion has proved to be a divisive issue in Europe, with Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland raising concern over possible limits on their ability to shape own immigration policies. The European Commissions will stay engaged in the trade dispute between Kosovo and Serbia over import duties, its spokeswoman told reporters at a press briefing on Tuesday. BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 04th December, 2018) The European Commissions will stay engaged in the trade dispute between Kosovo and Serbia over import duties, its spokeswoman told reporters at a press briefing on Tuesday. "As we've said repeatedly and very clearly, this is against the principles of the regional economic area ... and has a negative impact on the whole region ... We've made our position very well known, it has not changed, and we will continue to work in this context," Maja Kocijancic said. EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn on Monday urged Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to focus on ending the standoff after Pristina hiked taxes on Serbian goods from 10 percent to 100 percent last month, effectively halting trade. Hahn warned that regional trade was important to economic development and prepared the two aspiring EU members for engagement within the bloc's internal market. Haradinaj again refused to revoke the tariffs and demanded that Serbia recognize the independence of its breakaway province. (@rukhshanmir) MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has offered a reward of up to $20,000 for information that would help to identify a perpetrator of the recent attack on the US Consulate in Guadalajara, press service of the the US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico has said. On November 30, a man threw two hand grenades at the consulate building. No victims have been reported. "The FBI is offering a reward up to $20,000 in exchange for information leading to the identification and arrest of this individual or group responsible for the attack," the mission tweeted. The incident took place hours before US Vice President Mike Pence and first daughter Ivanka Trump arrived in Mexico City to attend the inauguration of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Gabon's President Ali Bongo is recovering well after being hospitalised in Morocco, his prime minister said after the two met in the capital Rabat. Libreville, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Gabon's President Ali Bongo is recovering well after being hospitalised in Morocco , his prime minister said after the two met in the capital Rabat The 59-year-old president, who fell ill on October 24 at an economic forum, arrived in Morocco last week following a month's treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia for an illness that has not been officially revealed. "The head of state is doing fairly well, the process of his rehabilitation is evolving very quickly and positively," Prime Minister Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet said in Libreville late Tuesday. Ngondet had previously travelled to Morocco accompanied by senior officials to visit Bongo in hospital. "The head of state is conscious, he recognises who he is speaking to, he can see well, he speaks well, his voice is good," Ngondet told reporters. He said the officials were "reassured" following the meeting. Public television in Gabon late Tuesday broadcast a silent video of the meeting between Bongo, Ngondet, Vice President Pierre-Claver Maganga Moussavou and the head of the constitutional court, Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo. The footage follows the release on Monday by Morocco's royal palace of a handout picture which it said showed Moroccan King Mohamed VI with Bongo at the hospital. The prime minister's announcement follows more than a month of speculation over the health of the Gabonese president. After a long silence, the Gabonese presidency admitted last month that Bongo was "seriously ill" and had undergone surgery. The lack of official news recalled the secrecy surrounding the death of Bongo's father Omar Bongo in 2009 after decades at the helm. Ali Bongo was narrowly re-elected president in 2016 after beating opposition challenger Jean Ping by a few thousand votes following a poll marred by deadly violence and allegations of fraud. Opposition figure Jean Eyeghe Ndong on Wednesday dismissed Ngondet's assurances, calling for professional medical bulletins on Bongo's health. Doctors are "the most appropriate people" to assess the president's condition, said Ndong, head of the Coalition for the New Republic backing Ping. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the second son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has not yet officially announced his candidacy for president because Libya's election law still needs to be passed, the coordinator MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the second son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has not yet officially announced his candidacy for president because Libya's election law still needs to be passed, the coordinator of his political team told Sputnik on Wednesday. Media reported in March that Gaddafi's son, who had been detained for six years by militia before being released in June 2017, was planning to run for president. "Saif al-Islam has so far made no official announcement that he intends to run for president or any other political office ... The election law has not been adopted yet and therefore conditions for [a presidential candidate's] nomination ... has not been announced yet," Mohammed Al-Gadi said during a visit to Russia. Lev Dengov, the head of the Russian Contact Group for intra-Libyan settlement, told Sputnik in November that Russia was in regular contact with Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. Libya has been torn apart by conflict since Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011. The eastern part of the country is governed by the parliament, backed by the Libyan National Army (LNA) and located in Tobruk. The UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) is headed by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj. In May, representatives of the GNA and the authorities operating in the east of the country agreed that the divided nations would hold parliamentary and presidential elections on December 10. One of the ringleaders of a short-lived coup in Burkina Faso in 2015 apologised in court on Wednesday to the victims of the attempted putsch that left 14 people dead. Ouagadougou,(APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :One of the ringleaders of a short-lived coup in Burkina Faso in 2015 apologised in court on Wednesday to the victims of the attempted putsch that left 14 people dead General Gilbert Diendere led an elite unit of presidential guards loyal to long-time ruler Blaise Compaore, who was ousted from the presidency in 2014. A year later, Diendere and forces loyal to him tried to overthrow the subsequent transitional government. "The long- awaited moment for me has arrived, this moment where I address the real victims of events, the injured, and parents of dead victims," Diendere told a military court in the capital Ouagadougou. "Since a long time, I hear your cries, your tears and I share your pain," added Diendere, who appeared in a half-full courtroom in military fatigues. "Your son, your brother acknowledges his full responsibility. I am convinced, with regard to the pain, that you will accept (my request for) forgiveness," he said. Diendere is charged with treason, murder and threatening state security. In the first day of his testimony last week, he denied leading the coup attempt in September 2015, which also left 270 wounded. Diendere is among 84 defendants in the trial including another general and suspected ringleader, Djibrill Bassole, who served as foreign minister under Compaore. The coup bid involved taking the country's transitional leaders hostage but was thwarted by army-backed street protesters who attacked the plotters' barracks. The defendants are being tried on a range of charges including treason, undermining state security and murder in a case seen as a test for the judiciary in the West African country. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, all parties to the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, to convene the meeting in a Budapest format following the Kerch Strait incident. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged Russia , the United Kingdom and the United States all parties to the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, to convene the meeting in a Budapest format following the Kerch Strait incident. In late November, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called on the Budapest Memorandum signatories to help Kiev in countering Russia's alleged aggression in light of the detention of three Ukrainian ships for entering Russian territorial waters near the Kerch Strait east of Crimea. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Moscow fully complied with its obligations under the agreement and did not to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. The Russian foreign minister, in particular, recalled that the Budapest Memorandum prohibited change of power in the way it had happened in Ukraine in 2014. "On 27 November 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, pursuant to the paragraph 6 of the Memorandum, appealed to the signatory states of the Budapest Memorandum and demanded urgent consultations to ensure full adherence to the commitments and immediate halt of the Russian aggression against Ukraine . .. The efficient steps are required to restore confidence in the Budapest Memorandum and the efforts by the international community to strengthen the international non-proliferation regime," the statement read. Kiev underlined that it had given up its nuclear weapons in exchange for the security assurances from Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. "In particular, these states have committed themselves to refrain from the threat of force or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine ... The Guarantor States reaffirmed their obligation that none of their weapon will ever be used against Ukraine," the statement read. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited a considerable nuclear arsenal. In 1994, Russia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States signed the Budapest Memorandum, under which Kiev agreed to destroy its nuclear arsenal in exchange of security assurance of the other signatories to the document. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Vilnius will voice approval for the UN Global Compact for Migration, but will not sign the agreement, Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said Wednesday. VILNIUS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) Vilnius will voice approval for the UN Global Compact for Migration, but will not sign the agreement , Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said Wednesday. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is expected to be formally endorsed at an intergovernmental conference in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh on December 10-11. On Tuesday, the Lithuanian parliament adopted a resolution that gives the government a mandate to join the agreement. "A minister will participate in the conference, express approval of the UN pact ... Nothing will be signed by the minister," Skvernelis told the press conference without elaborating on which minister would that be. The text of the UN migration pact was finalized on July 13 by all UN member states except the United States, which withdrew from the pact last year. The paper represents the international community's attempt to establish a common global approach to all aspects of international migration. The paper comprises 23 objectives for better managing migration at local, national, regional and global levels. The motion has proved to be a divisive issue in Europe, with Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland raising concern over possible limits on their ability to shape own immigration policies. Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko will pay a working visit to London on 4 and 5 December for regular Kazakhstan-UK political consultations in the furtherance of the bilateral Strategic Dialogue, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aibek Smadiyarov has told today's briefing, Kazinform correspondent reports. ASTANA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Dec, 2018 ) :Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko will pay a working visit to London on 4 and 5 December for regular Kazakhstan-UK political consultations in the furtherance of the bilateral Strategic Dialogue, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aibek Smadiyarov has told today's briefing, Kazinform correspondent reports. During the visit, Roman Vassilenko is going to hold meetings with Minister of State for Europe and the Americas Alan Duncan, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Kazakhstan Bob Stewart, business representatives, members of the Kazakh-British Society, and the leaders of the Chatham House think tank. In addition, there will be the annual session of the board of Trustees of the Eurasian Council on Foreign Relations, consisting of high-ranking representatives of the European Union, former heads of state and government, and former foreign ministers of several European countries, representatives of major European companies, think tanks, and mass media. Also, traditional panel discussions on topical issues of the global and regional agenda are held as part of the event. (@rukhshanmir) Malawi's Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested a top police commander and a businessman with ties to President Peter Mutharika on Wednesday over a graft scandal that has embarrassed his government ahead of polls. Lilongwe, Malawi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Malawi's Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested a top police commander and a businessman with ties to President Peter Mutharika on Wednesday over a graft scandal that has embarrassed his government ahead of polls. Mutharika has previously faced questions over whether he profited from the award of a $3.9 million contract to supply rations to the police force. The arrests come at a sensitive time for Mutharika who is preparing to contest elections in 2019. The central region police commissioner Innocent Botomani, who was police head of finance at the time of the transaction, will be charged with fraud, abuse of office and acquiring proceeds of crime, said the ACB in a statement. Karim Zameer, the head of Pioneer Investments which won the tender in 2015 and is an ally of Mutharika, will be charged with theft and fraud. A police superintendent will face a forgery charge over the affair. "They will be taken to court after the Bureau has recorded statements from them," said the ACB. A leaked investigative report alleged that Karim paid $200,000 into the account of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party one day after receiving payment for the rations supply deal. Mutharika was listed as the sole signatory on the receiving account, according to the report. Following a public outcry over the vast donation, the party was forced to return it -- but an ACB probe subsequently cleared Mutharika of personal wrong-doing. After facing criticism for the decision, ACB director general Reyneck Matemba later said it was his right to discontinue investigations in the absence of incriminating evidence. Karim previously hit the headlines when it was revealed in July that he donated five vehicles worth a total of $115,000 to Mutharika who, local press reported, then registered them in his own name. (@rukhshanmir) The Moldovan presidential administration is closely following the situation on the border with Ukraine in order to rule out any provocations after Kiev decided to introduce martial law in some regions of Ukraine, Moldovan President Igor Dodon told Sputnik. CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) The Moldovan presidential administration is closely following the situation on the border with Ukraine in order to rule out any provocations after Kiev decided to introduce martial law in some regions of Ukraine, Moldovan President Igor Dodon told Sputnik. Last week, the Ukrainian authorities introduced 30-day martial law in some regions following the incident in the Sea of Azov, which resulted in detention of three Ukrainian military ships by Russia. Two of the regions - the Vinnytsia region and the Odessa region - are bordering Moldova. "The presidential administration is very closely following the situation on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border, on its Transnistrian part, in order to rule out and prevent any provocations," Dodon said. The leader also expressed concern over the possible difficulties that the Moldovan citizens may face in Ukraine. "Hopefully, this situation will not have grave consequences for the regional security," Dodon added. On November 25, Ukraine's Berdyansk and Nikopol gunboats and the Yany Kapu tugboat illegally crossed the Russian maritime border as they sailed toward the Kerch Strait, the entrance to the Sea of Azov. The Ukrainian vessels and their 24 crew members were arrested by Russia after failing to respond to a demand to stop. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the incident was a provocation prepared in advance as a pretext to introduce martial law in Ukraine ahead of the country's presidential election. The martial law would affect the campaign, set to start in late December, amid Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's low approval ratings, Putin said. Moldova President Igor Dodon said in an interview with Sputnik that an attempt to impeach him without a referendum would be a usurpation of power and would destabilize the situation in the country before parliamentary elections. CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) Moldova President Igor Dodon said in an interview with Sputnik that an attempt to impeach him without a referendum would be a usurpation of power and would destabilize the situation in the country before parliamentary elections. Moldova Parliament Speaker Andrian Candu had previously accused Dodon of violating the constitution and threatened him with impeachment. According to the Moldovan legislation, the president may be removed from office if he violates the constitution. Votes of at least 33 lawmakers are needed to initiate the impeachment procedures. The impeachment requires support by two thirds of the lawmakers, or 67 votes. "The impeachment procedure is very complex, it requires a mandatory referendum, and it is obvious that the authorities will lose it. An attempt to remove the president from office without a referendum will be the usurpation of power, it will destabilize the situation before the parliamentary elections," Dodon said. (@rukhshanmir) Moldovan President Igor Dodon told Sputnik that the country's parliament is seeking and may achieve suspending of his powers again before the end of 2018 in order to approve four bills that the president refuses to sign. CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) Moldovan President Igor Dodon told Sputnik that the country's parliament is seeking and may achieve suspending of his powers again before the end of 2018 in order to approve four bills that the president refuses to sign. The bills include the one on construction of the US embassy building in the territory of the former stadium in Chisinau, a new code on television and radio broadcasting, a bill on making May 9 "Europe Day," and on the resubordination of the police to the government. "There is an issue of the next temporary suspension of powers of the president and his complete removal from the position. The attempt of temporary suspension is likely to happen before the end of the year, because there are four laws that I have not signed . .. Most likely, there will be another last attempt to go according to this scenario, and the parliament will not have another opportunity," Dodon said. The Moldovan president noted that he had appealed to the constitutional court for an explanation on whether the decisions of the parliament were constitutional. Dodon has already been suspended four times. Moldova, a parliamentary republic, has long been experiencing a stand-off between the president and the government over the country's foreign policy. Dodon, who took office as president of Moldova on December 23, 2016, insists on rapprochement with Russia, while the parliamentary majority and the government stick to a pro-Western course in foreign policy. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo welcomed Belgium's recent decision to buy F-35 fighters, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a readout of the top US diplomat's meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel in Brussels on Tuesday. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 04th December, 2018) US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo welcomed Belgium 's recent decision to buy F-35 fighters, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a readout of the top US diplomat's meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel in Brussels on Tuesday. "Secretary Pompeo welcomed Belgium's recent decision to purchase 34 F-35 aircraft," Nauert said. The deal will guarantee the extension of the 40-year-long air relationship between the two countries into another generation, Nauert said. She added that the purchase ensured that Beligum would continue to be a premier air contributor within the NATO alliance. During their meeting, Pompeo and Michel discussed ways to further cooperation on matters of global security as Belgium prepares to join the United Nations Security Council next month, Nauert said. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Russian side of the Russian-Turkish commission monitoring the implementation of the Syrian ceasefire has registered one truce breach over the past 24 hours, while the Turkish side has registered seven ceasefire violations, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) The Russian side of the Russian-Turkish commission monitoring the implementation of the Syrian ceasefire has registered one truce breach over the past 24 hours, while the Turkish side has registered seven ceasefire violations, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. "[Over the past 24 hours], the Russian party of the Russia-Turkey Commission on violations of the Joint Agreement has registered one case of ceasefire violation in Latakia province. The Turkish side has registered seven cases of ceasefire violation in the provinces of Idlib (4) and Aleppo (3)," the ministry's center for Syrian reconciliation said in its daily bulletin. According to the ministry, the reconciliation center has carried one humanitarian operation in the settlement of Haymat al-Daer, Aleppo province, delivering 2.16 tonnes of humanitarian cargo over the past 24 hours. The number of areas, which signed reconciliation agreements, has remained the same and amounts to 2,518, the bulletin said. The number of armed formations claiming that they observe the ceasefire regime has not changed either, standing at 234. Russia, Turkey and Iran are the guarantors of the ceasefire regime in Syria, while Moscow has also been supporting the government forces' fight against terrorist groups, and providing humanitarian aid to civilians. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Russia and the Republic of Rwanda on Wednesday signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy, Russia's Rosatom state nuclear corporation said in a press release. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) Russia and the Republic of Rwanda on Wednesday signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy, Russia 's Rosatom state nuclear corporation said in a press release. The document was signed by Rosatom Director General Aleksey Likhachev and Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure Claver Gatete. "The document establishes legal basis for interaction between Russia and Rwanda in a wide range of areas, including elaboration of the project for the construction of a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) and of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in the Republic of Rwanda; development of nuclear infrastructure in line with the international requirements; elaboration of the regulation in the field of nuclear safety, supervision of physical protection of nuclear materials, radiation sources, storage facilities of nuclear and radioactive materials," the press release said. The agreement also prescribes cooperation in such areas as fundamental and applied research in the field of peaceful atom; manufacturing of radioisotopes and their application in manufacturing, agriculture and healthcare; training and development of specialists for the nuclear industry. The two countries also plan to create working groups for implementation of specific projects and scientific research, carry out exchange of experts, organize seminars and conferences. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Russia will respond to Slovakia's expulsion of a Russian diplomat over suspicions of spying activities in kind, Russian lower house lawmaker Anton Morozov told Sputnik on Wednesday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) Russia will respond to Slovakia's expulsion of a Russian diplomat over suspicions of spying activities in kind, Russian lower house lawmaker Anton Morozov told Sputnik on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, Reuters, citing Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, reported Slovakia was expelling a Russian diplomat suspected of espionage activities. "The response is always in kind in such situations. I doubt that our Foreign Ministry will be able to agree with these accusations. Most likely, we will reject these accusations," Morozov said. (@FahadShabbir) South Korea has established an inter-agency task force on legal issues related to recent Seoul court rulings against Japan's wartime forced labor, a government official said Tuesday. SEOUL,(APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Dec, 2018 ) : South Korea has established an inter-agency task force on legal issues related to recent Seoul court rulings against Japan 's wartime forced labor, a government official said Tuesday. It involves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Government Legislation, the Office for Government Policy Coordination and other relevant authorities. "A meticulous review of the rulings is under way. We are trying to pool wisdom and craft the best possible method," the official said. "Some time is needed." In November, the Supreme Court ordered Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. to compensate 10 Koreans who worked at its shipyard and other production facilities in Hiroshima and Nagoya 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) each to four female victims and the family member, and the other that ordered it to pay 80 million won each to six elderly men. The South Korean government immediately said that it respects the court decision and that it would reset its policy on the matter. Japan, however, has fiercely protested the rulings, saying they run counter to the 1965 state-to-state pact on settling reparation issues, connected with Japan's 1910-45 colonization of Korea, and normalizing bilateral diplomatic ties. Tokyo's top diplomat, Taro Kono, warned that his government will seek countermeasures unless Seoul addresses the issue. He did not elaborate. "We can't contain our disappointment (over such remarks)," the official said. "Our government will take countermeasures as well if necessary."What's more important is for Japan to stop seeking to evade legal and moral responsibilities for its past atrocities and handle the problem with a sincere attitude, the official added. Slovakia has expelled a Russian diplomat after the country's military intelligence received information proving that he had engaged in espionage activities, Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said on Wednesday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) Slovakia has expelled a Russian diplomat after the country's military intelligence received information proving that he had engaged in espionage activities, Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said on Wednesday. "We expelled him on November 22 and he left Slovakia within 48 hours," Pellegrini told reporters, as quoted by Reuters. Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini on Wednesday said Slovakia expelled a Russian diplomat late last month for spying. Bratislava, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) : Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini on Wednesday said Slovakia expelled a Russian diplomat late last month for spying. "On November 22, a diplomatic officer of the Russian defence attache's office was declared persona non grata," Pellegrini told reporters. "He carried out espionage activities against the interests of the Slovak Republic and NATO."He added that the diplomat left the European Union member country within 48 hours. A Slovak foreign ministry spokesman told AFP no further details would be provided. The Syrian army on Wednesday prevented militants from attempting to attack its positions in northern Latakia, killing several perpetrators of the assault, a Syrian military source told Sputnik. DAMASCUS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) The Syrian army on Wednesday prevented militants from attempting to attack its positions in northern Latakia, killing several perpetrators of the assault, a Syrian military source told Sputnik. "Syrian troops in northern Latakia foiled an attempt by militants to conduct an attack from Ayn al-Hawr village on the army's position five kilometers [3 miles] from the town of Kensabba on the Latakia-Jisr al-Shughur highway," the source said. According to the source, a number of terrorists were killed, while the rest of the group managed to escape. Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with the government forces fighting against numerous opposition groups and terrorist organizations. Russia, Turkey and Iran are guarantors of the ceasefire in Syria. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th December, 2018) A Syrian service member has died in a militant attack on a town in the northern Aleppo province, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The attack took place in the past 24 hours. The Russian ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides monitors the implementation of ceasefire deals across the country. "Militants attacked al-Ziyara town in Aleppo province. One serviceman of the Syrian Arab Republic was killed in the attack," it said in a daily bulletin. Ceasefire was also violated in the buffer zone in the neighboring Idlib province. The Center for Reconciliation urged militant leaders in the area to stop hostilities and engage in the peace process. (@rukhshanmir) He 19 Roman Catholic clergy to be beatified as martyrs in Algeria on Saturday were assassinated between 1994 and 1996 amid a brutal war between Islamic militants and government forces. Algiers, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :The 19 Roman Catholic clergy to be beatified as martyrs in Algeria on Saturday were assassinated between 1994 and 1996 amid a brutal war between Islamic militants and government forces. Mostly French nationals, the men and women were declared martyrs by the Vatican in January 2018, since they were murdered "in odium fidei", or out of hatred for the faith. Here is a summary of the killings. - Four White Fathers - On December 27, 1994 attackers armed with automatic rifles gunned down four missionaries at their rectory at Tizi Ouzou, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of the capital Algiers. From the Missionaries of Africa order -- also known as the White Fathers -- they were French nationals Jean Chevillard, 69, Alain Dieulangard, 75, and Christian Chessel, 36, and Belgian Charles Deckers, 70. Two days later, the radical insurgent Armed Islamic Group of Algeria (GIA) claimed responsibility, in rapid revenge for the December 26 killing of four of its men who had hijacked an Air France plane and were shot dead by French forces. The group, the most radical of the insurgent organisations then at war with Algeria's secular government, said at the time its "forces will continue the extermination of Christian crusaders." The four GIA hijackers seized the plane on the tarmac at Algiers airport on December 24, killing three of its more than 200 passengers and crew. After the plane landed at Marseille airport two days later, it was stormed by elite forces who killed the abductors and freed the passengers. - The monks of Tibhirine - On the night of March 26 to 27, 1996, gunmen stormed the Notre Dame de l'Atlas monastery in Tibhirine, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) southwest of Algiers, and kidnapped seven French Trappist monks. The GIA announced on May 23 it had slit their throats, blaming the French government's refusal to negotiate with them. Algeria's army said they found the heads of the victims on May 30; the bodies were never seen again. The Algerian government maintained the massacre was another crime by the Islamists. But this version came into doubt after allegations from various witnesses that the army itself may have been responsible, either through blunder or to discredit the Islamists. The seven were: Christian de Cherge, 59; Luc Dochier, 82; Paul Favre-Miville, 56; Christophe Lebreton, 45; Michel Fleury, 51; Celestin Ringeard, 62; and Bruno Lemarchand, 66. - Bishop of Oran - Bishop Pierre Claverie, 58, was killed with his driver on August 1, 1996 when a remote-controlled bomb exploded at his residence in Oran in western Algeria. Claverie, a dual French-Algerian national, was attacked after returning home from a meeting with the then French foreign minister. He had publicly condemned atrocities attributed to Islamic fundamentalists and his killing was blamed on the GIA. The murder was met with outrage in Algeria and France, coming only weeks after the kidnapping and murder of the monks of Tibhirine. - Killed in Algiers - Two French nationals were gunned down in a library in the Casbah suburb of Algiers in May 1994. Of the 19 clergy to be beatified on Saturday, they were the first to lose their lives. Brother Henri Verges, 63, and Sister Paul-Helene Saint-Raymond, 67, were killed while they were helping young Algerians to prepare for their examinations. The GIA claimed the killings. In October 1994 two Spanish Augustine nuns -- Esther Paniagua Alonso, 45, and Caridad Alvarez Martin, 61 -- were shot dead en-route to prayers in the residential, working class Bab El-Oued area. In September 1995 two more nuns -- Jeanne Littlejohn, 61, of Maltese nationality and Denise Leclerc, 65, from France -- were shot dead returning from prayers in the capital's poor Belcourt district. In November the same year French nun Odette Prevost, 63, was killed in an attack in the Kouba district, a working class area of central Algiers. At least four PKK terrorists were neutralized in air operations carried out in northern Iraq on Monday, the Turkish army said on Wednesday ANKARA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :At least four PKK terrorists were neutralized in air operations carried out in northern Iraq on Monday, the Turkish army said on Wednesday. Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured. The terrorists preparing for an attack on Turkish bases were neutralized by airstrikes carried out in northern Iraq, the Turkish General Staff said on Twitter. The terrorists were spotted during the army's reconnaissance and surveillance activities, it added. In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK - listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the EU - has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain a key pillar of social development as the leadership is providing them opportunities of education, training and employment, Emirates News Agency (WAM) said on Wednesday. ABU DHABI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain a key pillar of social development as the leadership is providing them opportunities of education, training and employment, Emirates news Agency (WAM) said on Wednesday. The editorial in The Gulf Today said the adoption of a new package of national legislative policies and initiatives by the UAE Cabinet to empower Emirati women takes empowerment to a much higher level, worthy of emulation by other nations. He said it was heartening that in a special session chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Cabinet approved the empowerment bundle in line with the directives of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to ensure that Emirati women were conducive partners in the UAE's development journey. It added, "The new empowerment package is based on three principal axes: Legislation and Policy, Services, and International Representation, all of which include resources to support the advancement of Emirati women as active partners in local, regional and global arenas. "Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's name will come to mind instantaneously when talking about women's empowerment." The editorial went on to note that Emirati women have notched leading positions, including the Speaker of the Federal National Council, with female members making up 20 percent of the FNC. "They have also been appointed to the UAE Cabinet, where women now occupy nine seats. Additionally, they have got key positions in various fields, such as engineers, doctors, lawyers and diplomats, as well as 66 per cent of government jobs, 30 per cent of which are decision-making positions. "The latest Cabinet decision will undoubtedly help provide more tools to enhance women's leadership roles and representation in society across all fields on the local, regional and global scale.""Each and every Emirati woman deserves praise and respect for proving their capability to excel," concluded the Sharjah-based daily. (@ChaudhryMAli88) An equivalent of $2.6 billion of Treasury funds will be shared out between UK departments in the coming days to prepare for Brexit, UK Chancellor Philip Hammond said Wednesday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) An equivalent of $2.6 billion of Treasury funds will be shared out between UK departments in the coming days to prepare for Brexit, UK Chancellor Philip Hammond said Wednesday. "I have made more than 4.2bn available for EU exit planning since 2016. In the coming days, HM Treasury will allocate a further 2bn of that money to government departments to bolster Brexit preparations," Hammond tweeted. The finance chief explained that a responsible government must prepare for all scenarios. This comes as debates continue in parliament over UK Prime Minister Theresa May's proposed deal on the terms of withdrawal, which will be voted on next Tuesday. UK citizens voted to leave the European Union in a referendum in June 2016. The exit is expected happen by late March 2019. Moscow believes the illegal presence of the United States in Syria is aimed at breaking apart the sovereign country, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) Moscow believes the illegal presence of the United States in Syria is aimed at breaking apart the sovereign country, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday. "In a broader sense, the aim of the illegal US presence, as we see it, is to play the 'Kurdish card' across the Euphrates, to lead the case toward the banal dismemberment of sovereign Syria, despite the official statements on the alleged commitment to its unity and territorial integrity," Zakharova said at a briefing. Zakharova noted that the questionable activity of the US-led coalition in Syria was a matter of special concern, highlighting that the illegal occupation of a 55-kilometer (34-mile) zone around Al-Tanf, where a US military base is located, continued. According to the spokeswoman, the US side claims that several missile strikes from that zone, which took place on Monday, were aimed at terrorist targets, but Syrian state media refutes this information. The US-led coalition of more than 70 countries is conducting military operations against the Islamic State terrorist group (banned in Russia) in Syria and Iraq. The coalition's operations in Iraq are conducted in cooperation with the Iraqi government, but those in Syria are not authorized by the government of President Bashar Assad or the United Nations Security Council. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th December, 2018) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's special envoy for Syria will pay a 10-day visit to Turkey and Jordan for talks on resolving the crisis, the US State Department said in a press release. "The Secretary's Special Representative for Syria Engagement, Ambassador Jim Jeffrey and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Levant Affairs and Special Envoy for Syria Joel Rayburn will travel to Turkey and Jordan, December 4 - December 14," the release said on Tuesday. In Jordan the Ambassador will discuss additional ways to ensure unhindered access to humanitarian and medical aid for the population of Rukban, according to the release. The State Department said while visiting Turkey Jeffrey will have meetings with Turkish leaders and senior officials in a High-Level Working Group on Syria. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Western Sahara is a former Spanish colony that is mostly under Morocco's control but is claimed by an Algerian-backed independence movement which has campaigned for a vote on self-determination through decades of war and deadlock. Geneva, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Dec, 2018 ) :Western Sahara is a former Spanish colony that is mostly under Morocco's control but is claimed by an Algerian-backed independence movement which has campaigned for a vote on self-determination through decades of war and deadlock. Here is some background on the sprawling, desert territory -- the only one on the African continent whose post-colonial status has yet to be resolved -- as the United Nations prepares to convene new talks in Geneva on Wednesday. - Between desert and ocean - The north African territory sits on the western edge of the vast Sahara desert, stretching along about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) of Atlantic coastline. At 266,000 square kilometres (103,000 square miles) it is relatively large but its inhospitable terrain supports only around half a million people. Bordering Morocco to the north, Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the south and southeast, it boasts large reserves of phosphate and rich offshore fisheries. Its largest city is Laayoune, which is administered by Morocco and where about 40 percent of its population lives. As Spain withdrew in 1975, Morocco moved in, claiming that the territory was an integral part of the kingdom. It was opposed by the Polisario Front, which took up arms to fight for independence. The dispute was referred to the International Court of Justice in The Hague which ruled in favour of self-determination. In November 1975, 350,000 Moroccans, took part in the so-called Green March to the border to press the kingdom's claim. In February 1976, the Polisario Front proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), with the support of allies including Algeria and Cuba. - Separated by sand wall - The Polisario initially gained the upper hand before being pushed back into the interior. During the 1980s, Morocco built a series of concentric walls in the desert, most made of sand, to keep Polisario fighters out of territory where it had established control. The outermost defensive line runs for 2,700 kilometres across the desert, ringing the 80 percent of the Western Sahara now under Moroccan control. It is fortified with barbed wire and trenches and forms one of the world's largest minefields. A UN-brokered ceasefire in 1991 perpetuated the line of control. The SADR is a member of the African Union but controls just 20 percent of its territory, mostly empty desert. Morocco rejoined the African bloc last year after a 33-year absence under the cloud of the dispute. The conflict has long poisoned its relations with neighbouring Algeria. Their common border has been closed since 1994, and between 100,000 and 200,000 Sahrawi refugees live in camps around the Algerian desert town of Tindouf. - UN setbacks - The United Nations has repeatedly failed to broker a settlement. It deployed its Minurso mission in 1991 to monitor the ceasefire and organise a referendum on the territory's future status. The vote was set for 1992 but was aborted when Morocco objected to the proposed electoral register, saying it was biased. Headquartered in Laayoune, the mission has had strained relations with the Moroccan authorities. The authorities now refuse to accept any vote in which independence is an option and say only autonomy is on the table. Morocco and the Polisario have not held direct talks since 2012. In October, the UN Security Council voted to extend the mission for six months, setting a deadline for progress in a renewed push for a settlement. The latest UN report on Western Sahara cited accounts of "serious human rights violations" committed by Moroccan police, such as arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment and torture against those pushing for self-determination. Last month's evaluation also referred to reports of "excessive surveillance operations" targeting journalists and human rights campaigners. It additionally highlighted the Polisario's de facto authority over the Tindouf camps and concerns over rights abuses there. Th UN envoy to Western Sahara, former German president Horst Koehler, has invited the two sides along with Algeria and Mauritania to Geneva for talks on December 5-6. Thousands of Central American migrants hoping to request asylum in the US are currently in Tijuana discovering it's a lot more difficult than they imagined. Some of them find refuge at the Casa del Migrante, run by the Scalabrinian Fathers. By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp The Scalabrinian Missionaries have been providing shelter and other services to deportees and migrants in Tijuana, Mexico for 31 years. Since the arrival of the caravan of migrants from Central America, the majority of the men they serve are now these migrants. Scalabrinian Father Pat Murphy spoke with Sr Bernadette about the situation these migrants are in, the services they receive at the Casa del Migrante and the prospects of achieving their goal--receiving asylum in the United States. Why the migrants left home Fr Murphy explained that 90% of the men the Casa del Migrante used to welcome were deportees from the US. Since the arrival of the Central American caravan, 70% are now Central American migrants awaiting the possibility of requesting asylum in the US. Many of them left their country because of the violence and lack of opportunity to improve their lives. Some of their children, as young as 13 and 14 years old, were facing coercion to join local gangs. Those who were business owners could no longer sustain the demand for unofficial taxes levied by organized crime. You cant work for your business for $50 a day and then give away $25 to organized crime, he said. People are leaving because they want more opportunities in life. Casa del Migrante welcomes the migrants once they have received initial services at other shelters. He noted that the men are obviously tired, some have broken bones and they are malnourished. Listen to our interview with Fr Pat Murphy of the Casa del Migrante en Tijuana Asylum prospects in the US These migrants left their homes with the illusion they would receive asylum in the US in a matter of days, Fr Murphy says. There were already 2,000 migrants, most of them from Mexico, waiting their turn. Now there are 5000. Fr Murphy says that the border authorities are processing between 40 and 80 asylum requests a day at the Tijuana border with California. They come very uninformed, he continued, they dont know the reality is that 95% of them will never get asylum. The reason is because they lack documentation that they are victims. Those with children who did not bring their birth certificates with them will be separated at the US border because they have no proof they are the parent(s). Changing the dream As the migrants wait and learn how long the asylum process is for the US, many change their view quickly, Fr Murphy said. Once people realize its not so easy to get asylum and youre going to have to wait for months, then they start changing their American dream for a Mexican dream. Casa del Migrante is in charge of a UN program assisting migrants who decide to seek asylum in Mexico. The Casa also offers a pretty sophisticated set of services, according to Fr Murphy. Migrants are able to consult a lawyer, a psychologist, social workers, doctors, and they can find work through their employment office. They are given three days to work out a plan. If they succeed in finding employment, they can stay on a little longer. Low-paying factory jobs in the area have 100,000 vacancies right now, Fr Murphy said. Although the pay is low, many are able to save up in order to afford an apartment. During his visit to Bangladesh, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, president of Caritas Internationalis appreciated Caritas Bangladeshs work for Myanmars Rohingya minority Muslim refugees in the country. The president of Caritas Internationalis, the global federation of national Catholic charities is calling on the international community to continue to help the displaced Muslim minority in Bangladesh. Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle made the appeal after visiting a refugee camp for Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh who fled atrocities in Myanmar. The 61-year old Archbishop of Manila kicked off his 2-day visit to Bangladesh on Dec. 3 by visiting refugee families, aid workers including Caritas staff and government officials in Cox's Bazar district in southeast Bangladesh. The district accommodates more than one million Rohingya Muslims, most of whom fled deadly persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine State in 2016 and 2017. Cardinal Tagle spoke to several families at Kutupalong refugee camp, the largest of the 30 refugee shelters in the district. He visited aid distribution points, child-friendly spaces and model houses set up by Caritas. He then talked to aid workers and volunteers including those from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and also made a courtesy call on Muhammad Abul Kalam, head of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission (RRRC), the main government body that oversees refugee and relief operations. Joy and sadness The visit has brought both joy and sadness for Cardinal Tagle, who has "seen news and footage of the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people" and his heart "bled for their suffering." "Now, coming to the camp, a part of me rejoices that they are given the attention, especially the dignity, they deserve. But at the same time a part of me continues to be sad because I wonder if this is a permanent of state of life for them or if this is temporary," Cardinal Tagle told ucanews.com. "I cannot imagine how parents would respond if their children asked them what is their future. If I had a child here, I would not know how to give an answer," he said. Refugee couple Jahid Hossain and Rehena, both in their 30s, shared their story of pain and suffering with Cardinal Tagle and urged for help to be able to return to their home in Myanmar as citizens. Caritas Bangladesh Caritas has been operating in Kutupalong camp since a new wave of Rohingya started arriving in August 2017. It has so far spent about 750 million taka (US$8.92 million) in helping refugees from its emergency appeal fund created with donations from Caritas members across the globe. It has also received and spent 8 million taka from UNHCR. The Joint Response Program of Caritas has focused on comprehensive support for the Rohingya, said James Gomes, regional director of Caritas Chittagong. About 40,000 households or 240,000 refugees have benefited from Caritas food support, while 10,000 families have received non-food items and constructed more than 1,000 shelters, he said. Caritas has also distributed gas cylinders and stoves to 20,000 families to reduce the need to cut trees for cooking, and it has given tree and vegetable saplings to more than 26,000 refugee families. Expressing appreciation for Caritas Bangladesh, Cardinal Tagle said. It really embodies what Caritas is all about. Despite being very small, the cardinal said that Bangladesh Churchs charity and development arm is able to do its mission because of the collaboration of many other Caritas members. This really gives me hope that if we come together we can make a difference," Cardinal Tagle added. (Source: UCANEWS) Famed TV personality, Vanessa Simmons, will host a pop-up shop for her new, all-natural and cruelty free skincare line, Sugar Me at Beauty Kitchen Boutique at 501 Nevada Way #5 located in the heart of downtown Boulder City, just 20 minutes away from The Las Vegas Strip, from 1 until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15 (Pictured: Vanessa Simmons Photo credit: Donna Adi). As a busy mom always on the go, I take a lot of pride in my skincare and bath routine, which is often the only time of day I get to have a few moments of relaxation to myself, said Simmons. I worked really hard developing Sugar Me which combines my passion of self-pampering, clean-beauty and relaxation, into a chemical-free organic product line loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, thats like soul food for the skin. The Sugar Me experience is playful, its about evoking all of your senses with delicious at-home spa products that smell good enough to eat. Alongside my dear friend, Heather Marianna, owner of Beauty Kitchen Boutique, Im excited to host my very first Sugar Me pop-up shop, with a ton of sweet offerings right in time for the holidays. Fans can meet-and-greet with the vibrant entrepreneur while shopping a selection of Sugar Mes signature sugar scrubs including Cellulite Blasting Coffee Scrub ($30), loaded with essential oils while diminishing signs of aging and cellulite, Sugar My Lips ($22), a bubble gum scented lip scrub packed with vitamin E oil and aloe vera, designed to keep your lips hydrated and protected and vitamin-infused donut bath fizzers ($8) in a variety of succulent scents so delicious, youll swear they are edible. Guests will also be able to purchase the brands Sweet Holiday Candle Set, which combines festive scents of Bergamot, Caramel, Egyptian Musk and Rose Water alongside a holiday bath fizzer and an exclusive signed holiday card from Simmons, priced at only $40. Beauty Kitchen Boutique has quickly become the go-to destination for celebrities celebrating their love of clean-beauty skincare and beauty products. The boutique hosted its red carpet grand hosted by The Real Housewives of Orange County stars Emily Kirschenheiter and Gina Simpson to rave reviews in early November 2018. The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc. (SWRG), a collection of iconic American steakhouses headquartered in Boston, is set to debut its all new Smith & Wollensky Las Vegas location at the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Construction is currently underway at the highly anticipated Americas Steakhouse branded restaurant and is slated to be unveiled April 2019. Las Vegas, were back, and we are thrilled to unveil an all new updated look and feel, enhancing the overall steakhouse experience for our guests, said Michael Feighery, CEO & President of Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group. The return to Las Vegas is very special to me, as I opened and managed the first iconic location on the Las Vegas Strip back in December of 1998, and I cannot wait to return to The Strip with an all new location. We are all looking forward to reliving old memories and creating new ones with you soon at our new Grand Canal Shoppes location this spring! Spanning over 14,000 square feet and two stories tall, Smith & Wollensky Las Vegas will be located at the South Canal turnaround inside the Grand Canal Shoppes. Boasting the evolution of the original Smith & Wollensky design, interwoven with the retail destinations Italian flair, guests will immediately be greeted by the familiar Smith & Wollensky inspired green awnings and signature latticework. The restaurant will feature a warm inviting atmosphere, complete with a tavern like open concept bar and lounge, located off the promenade level, just steps away from the indoor canal. High upon the overlook mezzanine level, guests will be treated to an impressive wine wall and a peek-a-boo view into the famed butcher room, as well as main dining room, bar and lounge, and ample private event space including an intimate all glass private room overlooking the bar and promenade. The all new restaurant will feature the distinctive decor and design that Smith & Wollensky is known for. Showcasing an array of the brands signature green and white colors, as well as antique lighting, handcrafted glazed brick tile, and herringbone dark wood flooring complemented by plaid mosaic tile, guests will be welcomed by the eclectic style that is unique to the Smith & Wollensky brand. The upper level features an art deco inspired 18 seat bar outfitted with mirror hidden television and a luxurious lounge complete with leather tufted booths and Lincoln chairs. Among the expansive dining room, guests can enjoy seating for up to 300 guests, including choice of leather power booths and expandable tables with comfortable nail head trimmed chairs. Several private event spaces round out the dining room, which can be combined, and are fully equipped with state-of-the-art A/V accommodations able to host groups from 40 to 400. Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group has partnered with an esteemed lineup of Greater Boston area collaborators, as well as Las Vegas based architect and construction teams to create the new restaurant space. The restaurant will be designed by longtime partner of Smith & Wollensky Group and renowned Boston based restaurant architect designer, Peter Niemitz of Niemitz Design Group, as well as Las Vegas based Richardson Wetzel Architects (RWA Architects). In addition, TEAM Construction will build out the existing restaurant space and has over 60 years of combined construction experience in all aspects of commercial construction, with a focus on restaurants, retail, gaming and hospitality. Hospitality experts, Stys Hospitality Initiative (SHI), will lead the project management, with a seasoned senior team that brings more than 20 years each of architectural, engineering, construction and project management experience. Celebrating over 40 years as Americas classic steakhouse, the original Smith & Wollensky location opened in 1977 in New York City and has since become an institution known for its American hospitality and New York style swagger. The time-honored steakhouse brand has expanded to six locations across the top cities in America, including Boston, Chicago, Columbus, and Miami Beach, as well as their first international location in London. In addition, the Smith & Wollensky brand plans to open a location in Taipei, Taiwan this December 2018. The latest issue of Vietnam Briefing Magazine, titled The China plus One Strategy in Vietnam, is out now and currently available to subscribers as a complimentary download in the Asia Briefing Publication Store. In this issue: What Vietnam can do for Your China Business How to Plan a Supply Chain Shift Trade Agreements, Rules of Origin, and Tariff Avoidance Companies in China involved in low-value production and assembly are turning to Vietnam due to rising costs and an increase in regulations. This strategy called China plus one has been implemented by several companies in the last few years. However, with growing trade issues between China and the US, the trend of shifting low-cost manufacturing to Vietnam has recently picked up the pace. Despite its advantages such as low manufacturing costs, overall proximity to China, and an excellent network of trade agreements, Vietnam is not without its share of challenges. Manufacturers need to figure out how to realign their supply chains, which production elements to relocate, market entry strategies, and understand the rules and regulations that govern Vietnams several trade agreements. In this issue of Vietnam Briefing magazine, we discuss the growing popularity of China plus one manufacturing. We highlight market entry strategies available to investors, analyze the differences between these locations, and finally highlight the important role that rules of origin play for companies that are seeking to tap into Vietnams world-class network of trade agreements. Dezan Shira & Associates has a growing team of pre-market entry specialists throughout Vietnam, providing our clients with years of combined experience assisting foreign enterprises to navigate the nuances of the Vietnamese market and select optimal locations for investment. For questions on how to assess investment requirements, compare locations for an establishment, and leveraging the rules of origin in Vietnam, please contact us at vietnam@dezshira.com. A boy washes his hands with tap water in Ninh Thuan Province.-VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Thanh Additionally, some 2,650 public toilets were also constructed in these provinces. The provinces consist of Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, Bac Giang, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan. It was initial results of a five-year programme, implemented by the Ministry of Health under financial supports of the World Bank, the online newspaper VietnamPlus reported. The programme is expected to contribute to the reduction of diseases in residential areas, especially those related to water and sanitation, thereby increasing the productivity, and improving the quality of life for thousands of local people. It is also designed to improve personal hygiene, environmental sanitation as well as strengthen access to clean water in rural areas. The programme, worth US$225.5 million, was approved under the Government decision No 1415/Q-Ttg, issued in August 2015. It has three components. The first is rural water supply; the second is rural sanitation; and the third is improving capability of communication, monitoring and evaluation for relevant agencies. Localities implementation Lo Van Tien, vice chairman of the Peoples Committee of Dien Bien Province and head of the provincial steering committee to implement the programme said it had begun to change the behaviour of locals. Local people were step by step familiar with standard toilets, tap water and setting up a habit of washing their hands after using toilets, Tien said. When the behaviour of local residents was changed, it meant that the environmental sanitation was also improved, he added. Statistics from the local administration show the province has set up 45 public water supply works between 2016 and June 2018. The province schedules to provide tap water for a total of nearly 402,000 local residents by 2020. In the meantime, Ha Giang Province has built 38 water supply works for nearly 9,600 households and constructed more than 3,400 household toilets since 2016. The province also organised training courses for local staff, who participated in implementing the programme, and strengthened dissemination to raise public awareness for local residents of clean water and environmental sanitation. Nguyen Minh Tien, vice chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, said the committee had ordered relevant agencies to finish the programmes targets as soon as possible. Pham Thi May, a local resident in Yen Bai Provinces Dai Phac Commune, got a new toilet thanks to financial support from the programme. The new toilet is hygienic and convenient, she added. May said her family used an old-style toilet before. It was not only unhygienic and inconvenient but also posing negative impacts on the environment. She felt thankful because of the programme, she said. Hoang Kim Chung, vice chairman of the Peoples Committee of the commune said the programme was believed to improve the health for local residents and protect the environment. The committee planned to boost dissemination to local residents so that it could more effectively implement the programme in the future, he said. According to associate professor Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, director of the Health Environment Management Agency under the health ministry, infectious diseases with the highest number of patients were those related to clean water and environmental hygiene. In Vietnam, infectious diseases with more than 100,000 patients are flu, diarrhea, dengue fever, foot-hand-mouth disease, mumps and chicken pox. Meanwhile, the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) said 88 per cent of childhood fatalities are related to weak sanitation and clean water shortages. As an Abbott expert, could you provide a glimpse into the global status of HIV/AIDS? Gavin Cloherty, head of Infectious Disease Research, one of Abbotts leading Virus Hunters Nearly 37 million people around the world are living with HIV. Today, three out of four people living with HIV know their status, the vital first step to getting treatment. Thanks to sustained access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), many 58 per cent of HIV infected people are living longer and healthier, gradually reducing the risk of transmission. Nevertheless, the HIV virus rapidly evolves into new strains, making it more difficult to eliminate. For more than 30 years, Abbotts research and diagnostics work has helped to identify these new strains in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We were especially proud that our first HIV blood test was approved by the US FDA in 1985. Ever since, our broad range of tests have spanned the entire continuum of care for people at risk for HIV or living with the virus, whether they are getting treatment at a public health clinic in Chicago or living in a remote village in Uganda. About 9.25 million people do not know they are infected with HIV How important is it to have an early HIV test? An early and accurate HIV test result critically helps healthcare professionals connect the HIV-infected to effective treatment and transmission prevention. To reach the 90-90-90 goals* it is the most important to make testing technologies accessible to everyone, especially those in remote areas. Outside of the US, Abbott is helping address this issue with the collection of a few drops of dried blood on a special paper. These samples can be transported without immediate refrigeration for testing, making it possible for clinicians to monitor their patients HIV treatment response. Also, Abbott is developing rapid diagnostics, offering the right care at the right time with a comprehensive portfolio of tests that span the continuum of HIV care. In Sub-Saharan Africa, we currently supply the vast majority of HIV screening tests to fight the disease, as well as monitoring and management tools to help ensure patients receive the treatment and care they need. Another gap that needs to be addressed is diagnosing HIV in infants, for whom time is of the essence. According to a report, nearly half of HIV-positive babies who do not receive timely treatment die before they reach the age of two. Beyond the US, Abbott is tackling this challenge by creating an early infant diagnosis test that offers same-day results at the point of care for faster access to treatment. In Vietnam, how many diagnostic platforms has Abbott launched that can test for HIV? In Vietnam, Abbott has a breadth of HIV tests which are available on the Alinity and ARCHITECT systems, screening more than 60 per cent of the worlds blood supply. These tests are continually updated for the ongoing research development supported by our Abbott Global Viral Surveillance Program. We are proud to say that our testing solutions can have life-changing impact on people around the world. Could you please give us more information about the ongoing researches testing HIV on a nationwide scale of Vietnam? While Africa has long been associated with offering insights into the genetic diversity of HIV, more recently different strains have been found in the Asia-Pacific region. To fight against HIV and help eliminate the AIDS epidemic, we are touching nine Asia-Pacific countries, including Australia, China, India, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. In Vietnam, we are conducting an ongoing nationwide HIV study among at-risk populations. The initial results showed a very high incidence rate of HIV among men who were newly found to have HIV within six months. This result was presented at various President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) forums, scaling up of the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis in Vietnam, directly impacting PEPFAR policy, which can further reduce the number of new HIV infections among high-risk population. Which difficulties is Vietnam facing to reach the 90-90-90 target? At the end of August 2017, 121,399 in the total 209,000 infected Vietnamese were treated with ART, approximately 58.1 per cent. Back in 2014, Vietnam was the first Asian country to adopt the 90-90-90 target, but a study published in 2017 suggests men who have sex with men in Vietnam risk being left behind. According to UNAIDS, only 65.7 per cent of men who are in an intimate relationship with men know their HIV-related status, which means one-third of them are unaware of their current HIV infection and do not receive any treatment. What recommendations would you offer Vietnam? Is there any suitable surveillance programme to eliminate HIV/AIDS? To help Vietnam achieve UNAIDS target, we need to use all the tools at our disposal, including testing. People usually do not get tested for HIV early because they feel fine. However, getting tested is extremely important because a fast and accurate result is the key righto connecting infected people to treatment and prevent virus from spreading. Abbott has partnered up with the Vietnamese government to eliminate the AIDS epidemic. How does this partnership work? Currently, we are in partnership with the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion to determine the prevalence of HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections Syphilis, HSV-2, Neisseria gonorrhoea, and Chlamydia trachomatis and identify risk factors associated with HIV and high prevalence sexually-transmitted infections among men who have sex with men in Hanoi. Abbott is conducting several nationwide research projects to help Vietnam survey the spread of HIV and eliminate AIDS These researches are part of our Abbott Global Viral Surveillance Programme. Introduced in 1994 to monitor the diversity of the HIV virus globally and ensure our tests are always up-to-date, this programme has marked many breakthroughs within our work to eliminate the AIDS epidemic. The unique challenge here is to stay ahead of new strains that can evade diagnostic detection, immune responses, treatments, and vaccines, serving as a vital tool against evolving threats. With more than 70,000 samples collected over 20 years from 45 countries on six continents, we track virus evolution, challenge our performance on Abbotts diagnostic tests, and drive the continual improvement of testing technology. To date, more than 100 studies have been published in support of this research. Since we are living in a global village these new viral strains are just a plane ride away, which makes it crucial to keep track of viral diversity to ensure our tests can detect them. What are the impacts of the Abbott Global Viral Surveillance Programme? As a leader in screening the worlds blood supply, Abbott makes sure that the diagnostic tests available are accurate no matter what strain is present. Currently, we are one of only two institutions in the world to identify and characterise these viruses. In 2009, through this programme, we discovered the HIV Group P strain in a sample taken from a Cameroonian woman visiting France. While this woman kept testing negative for other HIV tests, our molecular test detected that she had HIV. What this showed us is that if we do not update our tests, it will be really hard to conquer the viral diversity of these new strains: if a virus cannot be found through testing, it cannot be treated. That is how outbreaks happen. Many of the so-called "yellow vest" protesters were male low-income earners from provincial France AFP Police detained a total of 412 people during the worst clashes in decades in the centre of the French capital which saw security forces pelted with stones, more than 200 vehicles torched and numerous shops vandalised. The first 57 suspects who joined the so-called "yellow vest" protests appeared in fast-track courts on Monday, with dozens of others set to go before magistrates on Tuesday (Dec 4). The overwhelmingly male cast of characters, some sporting visible injuries, included many low-income people from provincial France who came to the capital to express their anger. "With everything that has happened to me in the last 48 hours, I don't want to ever come back," 20-year-old Martial Pissonier, dressed in a leather jacket, said in one of the five court rooms hearing cases on Monday. READ: Macron makes U-turn on fuel-tax increases in face of 'yellow vest' protests The truck driver from the town of Roubaix in northeast France was found to be carrying an extendable metal baton when arrested, something the prosecutor described as troubling. "You don't come to a demonstration with an extendable baton to defend yourself," he said. Others included Valentin Lequitte, a 27-year-old with a history of alcohol addiction, who had more than a dozen previous criminal convictions including for resisting arrest, drink-driving and abusing police officers. The mechanic from the town of Dreux, an hour's drive west of Paris, was accused of joining crowds who threw stones at police and was seen giving security forces the middle-finger. "I don't want to go back to prison. I've got a job, an apartment," he pleaded in court, adding that he was trying to change but that "alcohol ruins everything". Michael, a 30-year-old unemployed man from the Rhone region of southeast France, was described by prosecutors as an anarchist after being found wearing a black sweatshirt with ACAB on it, which stands for "All Cops are Bastards". The French government has repeatedly blamed far-right and far-left thugs for the violence in Paris on two successive weekends since the start of the yellow vest protests on Nov 17. RIOT POLICE HEAD-CHARGE Others in court had no criminal past and seemingly no radical political views, but were instead the sort of frustrated low-income workers who have joined the "yellow vest" movement in droves. What started out as protests against the introduction of new fuel taxes has spiralled into a broad opposition front to Macron and his pro-business economic reforms since he took power in May 2017. Stephane, a 45-year-old butcher from the Hautes Alpes area of eastern France, said it was the first time he had joined a demonstration like the one on the Champs-Elysees on Saturday. He was accused of charging head-first into a line of riot police, known as CRS. "I would have liked the CRS to come and shake us by the hand, to put themselves on the people's side," he told the court. Jeremy Onselaer, a 22-year-old from the Parisian suburbs, defied any stereotyping: the master's student earns 2,500 a month working part-time in the finance department of the national postal service. He was accused of building barricades in the street, attempting to harm police officers and possessing cannabis. His lawyer urged magistrates not to impose a restraining order that would have banned him from the capital, because he had studies to pursue at the Paris School of Business. The strain on police and the justice system caused by so many cases was also evident at the recently opened new Paris city court complex, designed by star Italian architect Renzo Piano. "The conditions for the defence are completely unacceptable," one lawyer complained, adding that she had six clients and had spent only a few minutes with each of them. Many suspects opted to have their trials deferred to prepare their defence, with hearings set to resume next year. In most cases, magistrates ordered the suspects to report to police regularly until their trials, starting on Saturday morning when another day of protests has been announced. There were also numerous cases of instant acquittals due to the flimsiness of evidence provided by police. A 50-year-old nurse from Nice walked free saying he had been randomly arrested while walking in the Bastille area of Paris. "Violence is not part of my thinking," he said, adding that he was a regular practitioner of yoga and meditation. Intellectual property includes intangible creations like patents, trademarks and copyrights AFP/CHANDAN KHANNA The National Development and Reform Commission, China's state planner, along with 37 government departments, released a joint policy to deal with serial IP infringers, who will face a raft of tough punishments and restrictions if blacklisted. The crackdown comes days after US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed at a summit in Argentina to hold off on new tariffs while negotiators seek a deal. Trump has imposed levies on billions of dollars worth of Chinese imports, in part as punishment over alleged IP theft, which the US says costs its companies as much as US$600 billion a year - which China has denied. Following the trade war truce, the White House said the two sides had agreed to negotiate "structural changes" to enhance IP protection in China. IP includes intangible creations like patents, trademarks and copyrights. Under the policy unveiled Tuesday, China will build a social credit-type system for the field, publishing a national list of serious IP offenders. The national IP Administration will make it more difficult for firms and individuals who make the list to register patents. Other departments will limit or prohibit offenders' access to government support and state procurement contracts. Their offences will be recorded in the firm's or individual's credit history. Individuals would also be restricted from holding board positions at state-owned companies, buying property or going on extravagant holidays. Banks are instructed to more carefully consider extending credit lines, while firms will be prohibited from issuing corporate bonds. Qualifying for the "serious dishonest behaviour" IP list will require repeatedly infringing on patents, not abiding by past IP enforcement rulings, and providing fabricated documents while applying for patents, among other things. "For those of us in the industry of protecting intellectual property rights, this is definitely a welcome measure," said Bob Jin, a partner at LexField law firm, focusing on intellectual property law in Beijing. The measures takes protection a step further by using public power to punish serial offenders, he said. In situations with serious repeat offenders, "we don't have a good way to deal with it, so this is actually filling in some blanks," Jin said. A recent report by US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer's office accused China of a campaign of state-backed cyber-attacks on American companies. Seeking to shake its reputation for counterfeit goods, China has in recent years taken steps to improve IP protection, including establishing specialised IP courts to handle patent disputes, copyright and trademark infringement. PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosts a reception for Chairman of Lotte Group Shin Dong-bin, Ha Noi, December 4, 2018 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu Speaking at a meeting with the Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Tuesday, Lotte Group chairman said his visit to Vietnam this year was to examine the progress of Lottes eco smart city projects in HCM City and Hanoi. The smart city projects will improve peoples living standards by providing them with access to spearhead technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), open platforms, cloud computing and environmental friendliness, said Shin. The projects will help improve the cities socio-economic growth, especially the Thu Thiem Lotte smart city would favour employing residents of Thu Thiem Commune, the Lotte Group chairman said, wishing the PM will join the projects groundbreaking ceremony next year. At the meeting, PM Phuc spoke highly of Lotte Groups operations in Vietnam and expected Lotte, with other South Korean firms in Vietnam, would help foster the strategic partnership between the two nations. A view of Lottes eco smart city project in HCM Citys Thu Thiem Commune. - Photo Lotte Group Farm produce promotion Lotte Group chairman Shin Dong-bin acknowledged PM Phucs concern over exporting Vietnams agricultural and farming products to overseas markets. Vietnams export products have been displayed at all stores and supermarkets in South Korea since 2011 and they will be officially allowed for sale next April under the co-operation between Ha Noi and Lotte Mart South Korea, Shin said. In return, PM Phuc asked Lotte Group to make further investment in production activities in Viet Nam and promote the sale and consumption of Vietnamese products, especially farm produce, in South Korea. Start-up community Lotte Group has tried its best to foster the start-up community and open up new opportunities for Vietnamese talents, the Lotte Group chairman said. Since 2008, the Lotte Scholarship Foundation has given scholarships to more than 1,800 Vietnamese students. With Silicon Valley Vietnam and the Ministry of Science and Technology, it is implementing the Lotte Accelerator project to support outstanding start-up projects, Shin said. The front view of the shopping-department-residence complex Lotte Centre in Ha Noi.- Photo Lotte Group There are now 3,000 start-up projects in Vietnam and 100 of them have received huge investment from overseas investors, according to PM Phuc. He also asked Lotte Group to quickly establish a start-up foundation for young Vietnamese people. According to the Lotte Group chairman, the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and South Korea is now at its best. The South Korean government has granted long-term visas for Vietnamese travellers the first in Asia promising further co-operation between the two countries. Since its launch in Vietnam in 1996, Lotte Group has set up 18 sub-units in the country, employing a total 20,000 workers and investing more than VND40 trillion (US$1.78 billion). Lotte Group has also focused on business-to-business (B2B) projects. For example, Lotte Chemical a sub-unit of Lotte Groups Lotte Advanced Materials started constructing a factory at Nhon Trach Industrial Zone in the southern province of Dong Nai to meet the demand of the electronics industry. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (center of the table) talks with relatives of the sailors arrested after the seizure of their navy vessels by Russia. (MYKOLA LAZARENKO/UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/AFP) "For me there's nothing more important than getting them out," Poroshenko told relatives of some of the 24 seamen taken by Russia last month. "All of Ukraine is now proud of your loved ones," he said during the emotional meeting in his office, hugging the captives' family members, some teary-eyed. Late last month Russia opened fire on and seized three Ukranian navy vessels as they tried to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. The 24 Ukrainian crew members, three of whom were wounded, were detained. The incident was the most dangerous in years between the ex-Soviet neighbours, which have been locked in a confrontation since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and supported an insurgency in eastern Ukraine. More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict. Despite international calls for their release, the Ukrainians were sentenced to two months' detention and are now held in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the Ukrainian vessels crossed into Russian waters illegally and insisted that Moscow will not release the sailors as part of an exchange. The seamen have joined a long list of Ukrainians held in Russia including filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who refused food for 145 days in his Arctic penal colony earlier this year. Kremlin critics have said Russia is preparing a show trial of the sailors. The Ukrainians, charged with illegally crossing Russia's borders, face up to six years in prison, Nikolai Polozov, one of the defence lawyers in the case, told AFP on Tuesday. He said it remains unclear who is in charge of the criminal case. Calls to the Investigative Committee and the FSB security service went unanswered on Tuesday. Poroshenko insisted that the seamen's detention was illegal. "According to their status, according to the Geneva Convention, they are prisoners of war and cannot be tried in any Kremlin court," he said. 'NO THREAT TO HEALTH' In Russia, Moscow's top rights official Tatyana Potyaeva visited the three wounded Ukrainian sailors who are being treated for hand, arm and leg injuries in the medical unit of the Matrosskaya Tishina remand prison. "There is no threat to their health," the ombudswoman said, adding they were receiving antibiotics and painkillers. Two of them also spoke to their relatives, she added. On Tuesday the European Court of Human Rights, acting on a request from Kiev, called on Moscow to provide "appropriate medical treatment" to the wounded soldiers. The other 21 are being held in Moscow's high-security Lefortovo jail. Kiev last week imposed martial law for 30 days in 10 regions that border Russia, the Black Sea and the Azov Sea. Poroshenko has warned of a build-up of Russian forces near Ukraine's borders, claims the Kremlin has dismissed. European leaders have rebuffed calls from Ukraine for greater support against Russia, after Kiev urged NATO to send ships into disputed waters. On Tuesday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin pressed NATO to come up with a "comprehensive answer" to Russian aggression in the Black Sea, as the alliance treads carefully for fear of further escalating tensions. In Brussels for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Klimkin hinted that at least one member was ready to step up its presence in the Black Sea, without naming it. The foreign ministers discussed the standoff but did not agree any concrete new measures to help Ukraine. Ukraine has accused Moscow of blocking commercial vessels from entering and leaving the ports. But Kiev said Tuesday that Russia had begun allowing some ships to enter Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, in what could signal an easing of tensions in the flashpoint area. It is hoped that Vung Tau can utilise the citys resources and favourable location to maximise its trade potential As a major urban hub in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau and just 120 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau has the abundant natural resources to grow into a major national centre for petroleum services exploitation, as well as for tourism and seafood services. The citys general planning was first approved by the prime minister in 1993 and the second time in 2005. Some contents can no longer fit current development given the robust pace of local economic transformation and constant growth in social and economic development criteria. The planning scheme, which was approved in 2005 and is still in effect today, controls the height of buildings and fails to create an impression of a city in development. In addition, many functional zones do not match the current context amid rapid urbanisation. In May 2017, the prime minister approved a proposal to revise the citys general planning. Based on the task, the Vung Tau Peoples Committee has worked on the revised planning which was circulated for public comment and received strong support. Vung Taus revised planning with a vision towards 2035, which covers about 15,000-hectare space and an estimated official population of about 650,000 people, has then been submitted to the prime minister for approval. In the words of Mai Ngoc Thuan, Secretary of the Vung Tau Party Committee, the revised planning aims to bring sweeping changes, helping to turn Vung Tau into a modern metropolis, and once approved, it will need a great deal of effort from both city leaders and people to make the ambitions come true. A major highlight in the planning reform is that no limit will be set to the height of buildings, with only the total floor and land area kept under control. There are exceptions for areas near mountains, with the height of buildings not surpassing two thirds of the mountain height. The changes aim to create a hallmark to the citys development through having in place modern and magnificent buildings to meet burgeoning construction demands amid increasingly scarce land funds. The city will feature 10 major sub-zones with clear functions for each zone. The draft also envisages relocating a helicopter airport from Ward 9 to Go Gang area, which is set to become a financial and economic hub of national and international significance. Notably, the Vietnam Institute for Urban and Rural Planning has referred to Frances Law on Urban Planning in respect to the imposition of height restrictions. Accordingly, to preserve existing salt-marsh ecosystems in the city, the consultancy unit has proposed construction density of less than 15 per cent and minimises high-construction density in these areas. Green tree planning is set at 10 square metres per person at least, which matches first-grade, green city standards. It is hoped that the new revised planning will help Vung Tau particularly to attract large-scale investment projects, and from there push forward local socio-economic development in the upcoming years, said Nguyen Lap, Chairman of the Vung Tau Peoples Committee. It will also serve as a strong legal base for the approval of diverse sub-zone planning, and the implementation of important investment projects. In an op-ed in the Portuguese press, Xi stressed the importance of China's relationship with Portugal as part of a broader network of trade links stretching across Asia, Africa and Europe. (Photo: AFP/Luis Acosta) Fresh from a visit to Spain last week, his two-day stay in Portugal will include a meeting with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the signing of cooperation agreements. One of them will bring the Portuguese port of Sines, in the southwest, into what China calls the "new Silk Road", an initiative that offers loans to build railways, roads and ports across Asia, Europe and Africa. In an op-ed published Sunday in Portuguese newspapers, President Xi stressed the importance of China's relationship with Portugal as part of a broader network of trade links. But China's growing influence in Europe, welcomed by Greece and several eastern European countries, is viewed warily by others on the continent. At the initiative of France and Germany, EU countries last week agreed a framework regulating foreign investment, particularly from China. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said Friday that Lisbon did not back the idea and was relieved that the final accord provided for only an advisory role on the part of the European Commission. Foreign investment does not worry Portugal, and the EU should not "take the path of protectionism" in the face of globalisation, he said. Portugal, one of western Europe's poorest countries, was open to Chinese investment after being hit hard by the 2008 global financial crisis. Its 78 billion euro (US$88 billion) EU-IMF rescue package in 2011 came with required austerity policies - and a wide-ranging privatisation programme that opened the doors to Chinese investment. Chinese investment accounted for 3.6 per cent of Portugal's GDP between 2010 and 2016, according to figures from Spain's ESADE business school. China now owns a 28 per cent stake in Portuguese energy utility EDP, the country's largest firm, via China Three Gorges and China's state-owned international investment company CNIC. It also has a stake in Portugal's biggest private bank, BCP, and its leading insurance company, Fidelidade. SEEKING 'LARGE-SCALE' INVESTMENT Perhaps the most contentious issue is China Three Gorges' bid to take a controlling stake in EDP, of which it is already the main stakeholder. The operation, launched in May, involves some nine billion euros. But while it has been welcomed by the Portuguese government it still risks running foul of barriers imposed by regulators in around 15 countries where EDP operates - including the United States. Luis Castro Henriques, head of Portugal's trade and investment agency AICEP, says Chinese investment in Portugal has been good for the country. China has risen to Portugal's 11th-largest trade partner in the decade since 2008, when it was 28th on the list. "We want now to attract large-scale industrial investment, notably in the automobile and agro-food sectors," Castro Henriques said. Interior Minister Sar Kheng on Tuesday denied reports that the government was easing pressure on members of Cambodias former opposition party as a result of threats to suspend the countrys preferential trading agreement with the European Union. The government said it would reverse a five-year ban on 118 former Cambodia National Rescue Party politicians that prevented them from engaging in political activity, allow media outlets to reopen and civil society groups to act with fewer restrictions. In October, the E.U. told Cambodia it had 12 months to reverse its crackdown on critics, civil society and the media or risk being suspended from the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme, which allows Cambodian products duty-free access to E.U. markets. Kheng said the move was intended to strengthen democracy and was not due to any other reasons. People can say its because of the EBA, but we have never abandoned democracy...as we can see, Cambodia has more elections than any country at the same [stage of development]. He added that the political parties law would be amended to allow the former CNRP members to return to political life. Leng Penglong, National Assembly secretary-general, said in a statement on Monday that the politicians could regain their full political rights after the banning date issued by the court. He could not be reached for comment. George Edgar, EU Ambassador to Cambodia, told VOA Khmer on Tuesday that the government statement was a positive step for Cambodian democracy, though observers would need to wait and see how it would play out in practice. The statement and the moves towards the creation of a mechanism to unban politicians is a very positive thing. I will be watching closely to see what happens in practice. I think, certainly our response to the statement is a positive one, he said. In November 2017, the Supreme Court ruled to dissolve the CNRP on allegations party members had colluded with the United States to overthrow Prime Minister Hun Sen. The CNRPs leader, Kem Sokha, was jailed over the allegations and remains under house arrest after spending a year in prison awaiting trial. Chan Chen, a lawyer for Sokha, said his client welcomed the decision to allow the CNRP politicians to return to political life. Any solution for the national interest, the promotes democracy and human rights in Cambodia, my client supports, he said. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the United States will withdraw from a milestone Cold War-era nuclear treaty unless Russia returns to compliance. During a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels Tuesday, Pompeo said the United States will abandon treaties and multilateral institutions that are not bolstering U.S. national security and sovereign interests. VOAs Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department. The body of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush returns to Texas for burial Wednesday after the funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral. Thousands of visitors paid their respect to the 41st U.S. president while his body was lying in state at the U.S. Capitol from Monday evening until Wednesday afternoon. VOA's Zlatica Hoke reports dignitaries and the general public mingled in the Capitol's Rotunda as they parted with the former leader. Iran is accused of covering up the mass executions of thousands of political prisoners thirty years ago killings that amount to crimes against humanity, according to a new report from Amnesty International. The human rights group wants the United Nations to open an inquiry into the killings and disappearances in 1988 which targeted supporters of Iranian opposition groups. As Henry Ridgwell reports from London. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. The South Sudan Opposition Alliance disintegrates into two factions; UNMISS condemns attacks on women and girls in the town of Bentiu; and gunshot wounds and snake bites are deemed the two main causes of disabilities in South Sudan. Aid agencies working in the Democratic Republic of Congo have accused the United Nations of manipulating data ahead of elections to give an overly positive impression of the situation in a country beset by conflict and disease. They say new figures from the U.N. humanitarian agency that show a large drop in the number of displaced people are misleading, accusing it of bowing to government pressure before a presidential election scheduled for December 23. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Congo said it did not manipulate data and that it is in ongoing discussions with agencies on the issue. The government also rejected the accusation, saying aid agencies deliberately exaggerated crises to increase funding. The vast country is battling an Ebola outbreak as well as multiple armed conflicts that have been aggravated by President Joseph Kabila's refusal to step down at the end of his elected mandate in 2016. Last year the U.N. said there were 4.5 million internally displaced people forced to flee their homes and unable to return in the Congo. But in a statement last month it estimated just 1.37 million would need assistance in 2019. It also put the overall number of people in need at 12.8 million, a slight decrease from last year, although a separate, international food security tracking system has estimated the number suffering from acute hunger alone at 13.1 million, up from 7.7 million last year. "Overall humanitarian needs have risen during 2018 rather than decreased," a group representing about 45 humanitarian agencies said in a letter to the U.N. seen by the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "Such cynical manipulation of critical data distorts the reality of the situation on the ground and compromises humanitarians' ability to communicate effectively on the gravity of the crisis." A spokesman for OCHA in Congo said the disagreement stemmed from a "difference in perception of the data," but declined to elaborate. The U.N. Global Humanitarian Overview, which lays out the situation for 2019, was published on Tuesday and did not include the disputed figure for the number of displaced. It said 2.9 million internally displaced people (IDPs) were expected to return home due to security improvements in Congo a projection that aid workers dispute. "IDP figures have never been and never should be up for negotiation. These are human lives we are talking about here," one humanitarian professional told the Thomson Reuters Foundation on condition of anonymity. "The U.N. should know better than to use these lives as political ping-pong." Tensions are running high ahead of the election to replace Kabila that could lead to the country's first democratic transition of power. The government in March boycotted an international aid conference in Geneva after the U.N. declared the crisis to be at a Level 3, the highest-level emergency. The government said at the time this was an exaggeration that was discouraging investment and demanded that humanitarian statistics be brought in line with its own. Government spokesman Lambert Mende said on Tuesday the figures included in the new response plan were accurate. "We are not going to exaggerate figures to please NGOs who are looking for funding," he said. Aid agencies said downplaying the number of people fleeing violence would impact their ability to help millions. While violence has decreased in some regions allowing for people to return home, it has increased in other places such as Ituri and North Kivu provinces over the past year, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR). "Globally the displacement problem in DRC has remained widespread and in parts of the country very dramatic," said UNHCR spokesman Andreas Kirchhof. "We don't see that there is an enormous improvement in many areas over the past months. In many regions it has even deteriorated." Angolan President Joao Lourenco has met longtime critics of the government, generating some goodwill from activists who struggled to have their voices heard during the long rule of former leader Jose Eduardo dos Santos. Lourenco, a former defense minister who became president last year, on Tuesday hosted members of Angolan civil society organizations at the presidential palace to discuss education and other ways to improve the country, long plagued by corruption and human rights abuses. Lourenco has sought to distance his administration from his former boss, removing dos Santos' children from powerful government posts and opening the way to corruption cases against them. Activist Sergio Calundungo welcomed what he called a "symbolic meeting" that indicates Lourenco is "not afraid to dialogue," according to Agencia Angola Press, the state-run news agency. Luaty Beirao, a rapper jailed during the dos Santos era, tweeted that he had expected the meeting to be a positive gesture rather than a "magic wand" that would wave away the southern African country's problems. One of the Angolan state's harshest critics was barred from the meeting. However, journalist and activist Rafael Marques de Morais said there had been a "misunderstanding" and at a private meeting with Lourenco on Wednesday he discussed corruption, human rights and other issues, state media said. "I believe in the goodwill of the president," Marques said earlier on Maka Angola, a website that he founded to highlight alleged government corruption and other concerns. He said he planned to raise the "main concerns" of people in Angola, where poverty is widespread despite the country's status as one of Africa's top oil producers. In an October article in Maka Angola, Marques noted "encouraging signs" in Lourenco's anti-corruption drive, including the arrest of Jose Filomeno dos Santos, son of the ex-president and former head of Angola's sovereign wealth fund. However, Marques wrote: "Bringing so many rich and powerful criminals to justice is complicated by the fact that so many retain positions of political or military power." Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who took power in 1979 amid a civil war, stepped aside as president after elections last year. He quit the post of ruling party leader in September, saying he had made mistakes but was leaving with his "head high." Allegations of flagrant absentee ballot fraud in a North Carolina district have thrown the Election Day results of one of the nation's last unresolved midterm congressional races into question. Unofficial ballot totals showed Republican Mark Harris ahead of Democrat Dan McCready by 905 votes in the 9th Congressional District. But the state elections board refused to certify the results last week in view of claims of numerous irregularities and concerted fraudulent activities involving mail-in ballots in the district. The elections board has subpoenaed documents from the Harris campaign, a campaign attorney confirmed Tuesday. Investigators seem to be concentrating on activities linked to a longtime political operative from Bladen County, where allegations about mail-in absentee ballots also surfaced two years ago during a tight election for governor. In affidavits offered by the state Democratic Party, voters described a woman coming to their homes to collect their absentee ballots, whether or not they had been completed properly. State law bars this kind of harvesting of absentee ballots, which must be submitted by mail or in person by the voter or a close family member. If the allegations are accurate, this is the biggest absentee fraud in a generation or two in North Carolina, said Gerry Cohen, an election law expert and former longtime legislative staff attorney. North Carolina has a long history of this kind of thing, particularly in rural areas. Concerns about voter harvesting worried state election officials so much that they sent a letter to every Bladen County address where a voter requested a mail-in ballot asking the voter to call them if someone else tried take the ballot or fill it out. Elections officials will never come to your house to pick up your absentee ballot or tell you how to vote, the letter warned. The portion of Bladen County in the 9th District was the only place in the district's eight counties where Harris won a majority of the mail-in ballots, according to unofficial election data. Bladen and Robeson County where officials also have requested information had the highest percentages of unreturned mail-in absentee ballots in the state, according to Catawba College political scientist Michael Bitzer. The total number of unreturned ballots for Bladen and Robeson in the 9th exceeded the current margin. The district attorney in Raleigh announced this week that she's been investigating potential Bladen County voting irregularities since last January. The investigation that began with claims from 2016 has now spread to this years primary and general elections, Wake County DA Lorrin Freeman said in an interview. Freeman said she was investigating in part because of comments made by McCrae Dowless of Bladen County during a State Board of Elections hearing in December 2016. Dowless worked as a contractor for Harris' chief strategist in the campaign, Harris campaign lawyer John Branch confirmed Tuesday. Dowless, who served prison time in 1995 for felony fraud and was convicted of felony perjury in 1992, has worked on get-out-the-vote efforts for various local and legislative candidates through the years. Dowless put his name on an elections protest, backed at the time by the campaign of then-GOP Gov. Pat McCrory, that alleged a ``massive scheme'' by a local political group to run an ``absentee ballot mill'' to improperly submit votes for a write-in candidate for a position Dowless was seeking. But the board peppered Dowless with questions about his own absentee ballot activities. Dowless acknowledged he hired people in 2016 to urge voters to turn in absentee ballot request forms, which is legal. In sworn testimony, Dowless said he never handled or filled out the actual ballots. The board dismissed Dowless' protest but sent all of its evidence to local and federal prosecutors. Visited by a reporter Tuesday at his Bladenboro home, Dowless declined to comment. He said the voice on the speaker phone in his hand was that of an attorney advising he decline to describe his election activities. Documents released late Tuesday by the elections board as part of its investigation show Dowless appears to have been the top collector of Bladen County absentee ballot requests this fall. A copy of the Bladen election boards log book shows Dowless turned in well over 500 applications. The elections board has said it will hold a hearing on the allegations on or before Dec. 21. Board members can call for a new election if they find enough problems that could have altered the outcome or cast doubts on the election's fairness. An election would take place well after the new session of Congress convenes Jan. 3, likely creating a temporary vacancy. Republican leaders say Harris, a Southern Baptist minister, should be certified the winner, saying no evidence has been made public that show he didn't get the most lawful votes. The campaign was not aware of any illegal conduct in connection with the 9th District race, Branch said in a statement. Although Democrats won enough House seats nationally to take back the chamber come January, the 9th is gaining attention in part because a Republican has held the seat continuously since 1963. Democrats had hoped McCready, an Iraq War veteran, would end the streak, especially after Harris edged U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger in the May GOP primary. Incoming Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland said Tuesday that a very substantial question about fraud exists and hopes state officials get to the bottom of the controversy. Hoyer said Harris is not eligible for being sworn into the House at this point. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in Iowa on Tuesday that he would do everything he can to make climate change the defining issue of the 2020 Democratic presidential nominating campaign, despite resistance in regions of the country that his party would likely need to recapture the White House. More than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) away in Charleston, S.C., fellow billionaire Tom Steyer who, like Bloomberg, is weighing a 2020 Democratic presidential bid held a roundtable discussion focused on voting rights in the nation's first Southern primary state. The two deep-pocketed Democrats have been noncommittal about whether they will run for president in 2020, but on Tuesday they joined the growing list of visitors to early primary and caucus states. In an interview, Bloomberg didn't provide a timeline for when he'd decide whether to seek the presidency. "I am obviously thinking about what the right thing to do is, but I think honestly I know that there's a time by which I have to do something,'' he said. "I also think that there are going to be a lot of events over the next few weeks or very small number of months that are going to be important.'' Steyer said he is closely watching the decisions made by other Democrats, joking, "I assume there are going to be more Democrats running than there are going to be voters.'' Skepticism in Trump states While both men have put the climate atop their agendas, and spent millions promoting awareness and solutions, they could face skepticism in states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan, where President Donald Trump won in 2016 by promising to protect the coal industry. "I will do everything for sure to try to make it the issue,'' Bloomberg told reporters after visiting a solar-electric panel installation company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "Every place I have gone, people always want to talk about the climate. They always want to bring up the fact that I've been very active in closing coal-fired power plants.'' Steyer on Tuesday turned his focus to voting rights one of the "five rights'' in the platform he released last month calling South Carolina the "perfect place'' to begin that conversation. "If you look historically, South Carolina has a long history of trying to make sure that people don't have equal votes,'' Steyer said at the start of the town hall. He called South Carolina a state that, "whether people here enjoy it or appreciate it or are sorry about it,'' plays an outsized part in the national conversation about the future of the country. Both men have been sharply critical of Trump and agree that he is not fit for the presidency. Steyer, who has amassed a 6 million-person email list from his Need to Impeach campaign against Trump, has repeatedly said Trump is a danger to the country and must be ousted. Speaking on Tuesday, Steyer described Trump as "the most corrupt president in American history who is a basic threat to our system and our safety and to the Constitution itself.'' He said that many politicians, from both parties, don't think it's good for their careers to talk about that.'' Bloomberg, however, said, "It would be a mistake to say anything about that before you see what comes out of the investigation'' being conducted by former FBI Director Robert Mueller into Russian election meddling. Backers of Democratic candidates Bloomberg and Steyer spent millions during the 2018 midterm campaigns on behalf of Democratic candidates. Their travel gave them new opportunities to test their message and, perhaps most important, gauge the interest of Democratic primary voters and activists in the potential candidacies. In the Des Moines area, Bloomberg was visiting a community college's wind-energy program and was scheduled to meet with mothers organized to curb gun violence before attending a screening of his climate change film, "Paris to Pittsburgh.'' Bloomberg contributed $250,000 to the Iowa Democratic Party this year, giving him some claim to gains such as capturing two Republican-held House seats last month. He also has plans to meet with key Democratic operatives. But other potential candidates, including Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Sen. Kamala Harris of California and Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, have been more aggressive in their efforts. Musical drama A Star is Born, superhero movie Black Panther and horror flick A Quiet Place were named as some of the 10 best films of 2018 by the American Film Institute on Tuesday. The top movies also included coming-of-age tale Eighth Grade and family film Mary Poppins Returns, as well as historical dramas BlacKkKlansman, If Beale Street Could Talk, The Favourite, Green Book and First Reformed. The honors are among the first to be handed out during Hollywood's awards seasons, which continues with Golden Globe nominations Thursday through the Academy Awards in February. The group also gave a special award to black-and-white family drama Roma, which did not meet criteria for the top 10 list of American films. Roma was shot in Mexico and the dialogue is in Spanish. The movie is being shown on Netflix and in a limited number of theaters around the world. The AFI also named its top 10 TV series of the year. They were The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Succession, Atlanta, Pose, The Americans, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Barry, Better Call Saul, This is Us, and The Kominsky Method. North Korea experts have cautioned against another summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, citing a lack of progress on denuclearization since the first summit in Singapore. After meeting with the leaders of South Korea and China during the G-20 summit, Trump expressed a willingness to hold a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. On his way home from the weekend gathering in Buenos Aires, Trump said a second summit with Kim will likely take place in January or February and three sites were discussed as potential meeting locations. "We're getting along very well," Trump said. "We have a good relationship with Kim." The White House released a statement during the G-20 summit saying "great progress has been made" on Trump's discussions on North Korea. "It was agreed that great progress has been made with respect to North Korea that President Trump, together with [Chinese] President Xi [Jinping], will strive, along with Chairman Kim Jong Un, to see a nuclear free Korean Peninsula," said the White House. However, former U.S. officials who have dealt with North Korea extensively and analysts on North Korea have questioned the timing of a second summit. They argue that working-level talks between Washington and Pyongyang should come before Trump meets with Kim, emphasizing working-level negotiations are where progress on denuclearization can be made. Robert Gallucci, chief U.S. negotiator during the 1994 North Korean nuclear crisis, said, "What I care about is that there would be real progress." He continued, "And that is going to take [place] in the working-group level discussions about what the North Koreans expect, and what we are prepared to give in order to make progress towards our goal." Christopher Hill, a chief negotiator with North Korea during the George W. Bush administration, doubts Trump's second summit with Kim will yield much in terms of results, similar to the lack of progress made on denuclearization after Trump's first summit with Kim. "I don't see what they are going to even discuss," Hill said. "But I think what [Trump's] just trying to tell the press and others is that we are continuing to make progress, although I think the rest of us do not really see what the progress is. So I wouldn't take too seriously what he says." Hill believes pre-summit agreements on denuclearization made in working-level talks will determine the success of the next Trump-Kim meeting. "The success of a summit is proportional to the amount of work that it's done before the summit," Hill said. "I think there's a lot of skepticism about the process right now." Trump's openness to another meeting with Kim comes amid growing skepticism about North Korea's commitment to denuclearization. North Korea called off planned talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the last minute in early November. The cancellation came after Pyongyang refused to engage with Stephen Biegun, the U.S. point man on North Korea. Some experts believe Pyongyang is only interested in direct talks with Trump. Bruce Klingner, former CIA division chief for the Korea and current senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said Pyongyang sees Trump as "more likely to offer additional concessions, as he did in Singapore." "It would be a mistake to convene a second summit without real progress toward a comprehensive agreement on North Korean denuclearization," Klingner said. Robert Manning, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, also cautioned against holding another summit. "The first summit outcome was so ambiguous that it has not provided any impetus for detailed negotiations or a framework for talks to resolve the whole set of issues," Manning said. During a press briefing last week, Robert Palladino, deputy spokesperson for the State Department said, "Future dialogue will take place and it'll definitely be something that Special Representative Biegun will be leading." While the U.S. remains open to talks with North Korea, it is maintaining that sanctions will stay in place until the North takes steps toward denuclearization. In a statement released shortly after Trump's meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in during the G-20 summit, the White House said the two leaders "agreed on the importance of maintaining vigorous enforcement of existing sanctions" against North Korea. Moon said Tuesday he hopes Kim's visit to South Korea occurs this year, although a specific date is yet to be determined. "Although there is no timeframe set for that, still, it's very meaningful," said Moon from New Zealand about Kim's visit. The word "millennial" tends to be associated with blame and shame: "They're too lazy and too poor to move out of their parents' basement," some critics think. A recent Wall Street Journal article asserted that the demand for canned tuna has declined because millennials "don't even own can openers" in a world that favors "convenience." Millennials shot back on social media that they actually prefer fresh and frozen fish, requiring quite a bit more preparation and effort than opening a can. But often overlooked in those discussions are hefty student debt and wages out of pace with the cost of living, and a new survey showing aspects of being a millennial, such as home ownership and career development, that defy popular opinion. And guess what? Millennials are growing up. Accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP reports that millennials defined by the firm as ranging from 20 to 36 years old are more positive, more stable and more invested in the real estate market than just two years ago. "In two years, millennials are progressing. They're graduating college, finding full-time jobs, buying houses and getting married," the Millennial Economy 2018 report said. While more than 80 percent of millennials say that student debt has forced them to delay buying real estate, home ownership among that age group has increased since 2016. In 2018, 40 percent of millennials owned homes not far behind the approximately 45 percent of Generation Xers and baby boomers who owned homes around the same age, according to the Ernst report. Two years earlier, only 26 percent of millennials owned their homes. And the storied number of millennials who live at home in their parents' basements has been cut nearly in half, from 30 percent in 2016 to 16 percent in 2018, while the percent of millennial renters has remained level 43 percent in 2016 and 2018. Like earlier generations faced with bubble real estate values, some millennials are moving away from big cities and buying homes in the suburbs and smaller towns, according to the 2018 Home Buyer and Seller Generational report. The path to home ownership is career success by way of a good education and hard work, respondent millennials told Ernst. Eighty-six percent of millennials said working hard "is an extremely or very important factor in getting ahead in life," according to the data. "Millennials see themselves as their best resource for career development," the report said. "It's up to me to seek skills and opportunities proactively, wherever they are offered," answered 35 percent of those surveyed. Twenty- to 36-year-olds acknowledge that the economy in 2018 is more stable than it was two years ago, but the "deeply pessimistic" generation, as the report calls them, remain skeptical that the stability will last. Their outlook on the American economy remains bleak only 9 percent of respondents would call the current economy "excellent." But opinions vary greatly among party affiliations. Despite being seen as job-hoppers, the report showed that millennials are "risk-averse" in their career choices and aren't changing jobs any more quickly than Generation X did at the same age a point backed up by a Pew study last year. "Millennial workers, those ages 18 to 35, are just as likely to stick with their employers as their older counterparts in Generation X were when they were young adults," Pew senior researcher Richard Fry wrote in a piece last April. The biggest concern millennials expressed about their future was retirement. Seventy-five percent of respondents said that they worry "a lot or some" about their security at the end of their careers. Lowest on the list of concerns was "foreign competition for jobs," which 31 percent of respondents said they worried about "a lot or some." "Millennials' primary priority is pay equity, but flexibility is also important in their career," the report said. The concern about pay equity was notable among millennial women. Thirty-six percent of millennials who identify as Democrats describe the economy as excellent or good. But among Republicans, the "outlook on the economy has skyrocketed with the election of Donald Trump," according to the 2018 report. Of those who identify as Republican millennials, 75 percent said the economy was excellent or good. Thirty-one percent said the same thing in 2016. Generally, millennials tend to lean Democratic, according to Pew Research Center. As of March 2018, 59 percent were Democrat or lean Democratic, while 32 percent were Republican or lean Republican. And while 77 percent of millennials report that they are proud to be American, 30 percent report "high levels of confidence in American institutions," and 19 percent report a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in "corporate America," down one point from 2016. One thing has not changed: Humanities majors are most likely to be in student loan debt, while business majors are among the least likely, according to the studies. A new study estimates 164 million people are migrating to foreign countries in search of work, an increase of 9 percent since 2013. The majority of migrant workers are men between the ages of 25 and 64, according to the International Labor Organization's second edition of Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers. While the number of migrant workers in upper-middle-income countries has grown, the report finds the vast majority head for richer countries in North America, Europe and the Arab region, particularly the Gulf States. Manuela Tomei, director of the ILO Conditions of Work and Equality Department, tells VOA most of the people who migrate for work are low skilled, and employed in fields such as construction, agriculture, the hospitality industry or as domestic help. She says migrant workers are a key factor in boosting the economies and development of rich countries and in the higher brackets of upper-middle-income countries. "Their main contribution is through the work, the services that they provide to host communities in sectors and occupations, in jobs in which often nationals are not interested to work any longer," Tomei said. Unfortunately, she noted, the influx of migrants into foreign countries often creates a backlash. Instead of welcoming the workers as being beneficial to their societies, host communities often react with hostility. In coming years, she said, these workers increasingly will be needed because of demographic trends and rapidly aging populations. Labor migration is a long-term trend, she added, urging governments to learn how to manage workers for their mutual benefit. A U.N. team authorized over a year ago to investigate the massacre of the Yazidi minority and other atrocities by jihadists in Iraq will finally begin work early next year, the head of the investigation said Tuesday. The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution in September 2017 to bring those responsible for Islamic State group war crimes to justice a cause championed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad and international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney. The team, led by British lawyer Karim Asad Ahmad Khan, was deployed to Baghdad in October, but has since focused on administrative and technical details to lay the groundwork for the probe. "The investigative team now looks forward to continuing preparations in Iraq with a view to commencing investigative activities in early 2019," Ahmad Khan told the council during his first report. The Iraqi government had resisted calls for the U.N. probe and the head of the investigative team stressed that much effort had been deployed to ensure cooperation from Baghdad. Ahmad Khan told the council that "the realization of our investigative activities is dependent on securing the cooperation, support and trust of all elements of Iraqi society." The United Nations has described the massacre of the Yazidis by IS jihadists as possible genocide and U.N. rights investigators have documented horrific accounts of abuse suffered by women and girls. Nadia Murad is among thousands of Yazidi women who were taken hostage and held as sex slaves when IS fighters swept into Iraq's Sinjar region in August 2014. The investigators will gather evidence on war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide for use in Iraqi courts that will hold trials for IS militants, according to the U.N. resolution. More than 200 mass graves containing up to 12,000 bodies have been recently discovered in Iraq, providing evidence of war crimes by IS. The United States announced it will provide $2 million to support the work of the investigative team, known as UNITAD, the U.N. investigative team to promote accountability for crimes committed by Daesh, an Arabic acronym for IS. After being awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize, Murad said she wanted IS jihadists to face trial in a courtroom. "For me, justice doesn't mean killing all of the Daesh members who committed these crimes against us," she said in October. "Justice for me is taking Daesh members to a court of law and seeing them in court admitting to the crimes they committed against Yazidis and being punished for those crimes specifically," she said in October. An Indian court has ruled that officials may hold a British man while they investigate him for alleged bribery in a canceled $670 million helicopter deal between India and an Italian defense company. Judge Arvind Kumar allowed Briton Christian James Michel to meet briefly Wednesday with his attorney, who sought unsuccessfully to have him released on bail while the charges are investigated. Michel was extradited to India from Dubai on Tuesday to face charges of channeling bribes to Indian contacts. Indian investigators said in court documents that Michel transferred the money from a British subsidiary of Finmeccanica, which has since been renamed Leonardo S.p.A. In 2014, India received three of 12 AW101 helicopters it had ordered to fly senior officials but then halted the deal after the bribery allegations surfaced. Iran is guilty of crimes against humanity for covering up the mass executions of at least 5,000 political prisoners 30 years ago, according to a new report from Amnesty International. The human rights group wants the United Nations to open an inquiry into the killings and disappearances in 1988 which targeted supporters of Iranian opposition groups. Many families still do not know what happened to their loved ones since the disappearances. Tehran has never admitted to the killings, revealed the whereabouts of the bodies or the fate of those who disappeared. That crime is still alive and active until the state in question, Iran, accounts for what happened to those people, Kumi Naidoo, secretary-general of Amnesty International, told VOA. Through hundreds of interviews and documents, Amnesty details how thousands of jailed political activists were executed or disappeared following a "fatwa" or religious order given by then-Supreme Leader Rouhollah Khomeini. Many were supporters of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), an outlawed opposition group based in Iraq, which in 1988 staged an armed incursion in Iran. In the following weeks, between late July and early September, Amnesty said the regime tried to wipe out the opposition through mass executions. Groups of prisoners were rounded up, blindfolded and brought before committees involving judicial, prosecution, intelligence and prison officials. Amnesty said the proceedings were summary and arbitrary in the extreme, and the victims only discovered they were to be executed minutes before they were lined up before a firing squad or nooses were put around their necks. Many of the officials accused of taking part in these committees currently hold powerful positions in the state. Certain government officials who enthusiastically were engaged in forced disappearances and executions, today still hold positions of power, not just in the government, but importantly also in the judiciary that can block progress to get justice on an issue like this, said Naidoo. Two years ago, an audio recording was leaked purportedly revealing senior Iranian officials discussing the details of the mass executions. Following the leak, Tehran called the perpetrators heroes who were defending the nation from invasion. Amnesty accuses the government of continuing a policy of cover-up and misinformation, destroying mass graves and refusing to reveal the whereabouts of those killed or missing. The lack of condemnation from the U.N. Commission of Human Rights at the time, and the failure of the U.N. General Assembly to refer the situation to the Security Council, emboldened Irans authorities to continue to deny the truth and inflict torture and other ill-treatment on the families, according to Amnestys report. The human rights group has urged Iran and the United Nations to open an investigation to finally deliver justice and closure. Despite losing most of the territory they once held, Islamic State (IS) fighters are now holding their ground against U.S.-backed forces in their last stronghold in eastern Syria. Fierce clashes have been taking place around Hajin, in the Syrian province of Deir el-Zour, for three weeks, with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) trying to close in on the remaining IS militants in the town. But local sources say IS fighters have been putting up a tough fight in Hajin, taking advantage of foul weather. "In the last 24 hours, the SDF has brought additional reinforcements to add more pressure on [IS] fighters in the area," Rami Abdulrahman, director of the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told VOA. Abdulrahman added that several hundred local tribal fighters had joined forces with the SDF to combat IS. The al-Shaitat tribe, which is one of the largest Arab tribes in Deir el-Zour, has shown determination to battle [IS] militants," Abdulrahman said. Tribe members slain In 2015, IS killed nearly 700 male members of the al-Shaitat tribe because they refused to pledge allegiance to the terror group. Ever since, tribe members have been seeking revenge against IS. In late November, at least 50 SDF fighters were reportedly killed after IS militants counterattacked two villages in Deir el-Zour that recently had been liberated from the group. "This is the last bastion for IS in all of Syria, and so to them this battle is a life-or-death matter," Sadradeen Kinno, a Syrian reporter who closely follows IS activities in the region, told VOA. Their so-called caliphate will literally be obliterated when Hajin has been captured. So that's why we see most of IS's fighting force is now present in this part of Deir el-Zour." With help from the U.S.-led coalition, the Kurdish-led SDF has made major advances against IS, liberating large swaths of territory from the extremist group, including its de facto capital, Raqqa. The SDF now controls approximately one-third of Syria, making it the second-largest entity in the war-torn country, after the Syrian regime troops. But analysts say in Hajin, IS has reportedly mixed with civilians, using them as human shields and hampering the progress of anti-IS forces. "It's really hard for the SDF and U.S.-led coalition to carry out a full-blown operation inside the city. The coalition is already in hot water for reports of civilian deaths in Deir el-Zour," Kinno said. Anti-IS coalition officials have denied that U.S. or allied warplanes were responsible for airstrikes that reportedly killed about 60 civilians in eastern Syria, including Hajin, in mid-November. But British Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, deputy commander for strategy and information for the U.S.-led coalition, said that coalition leaders were looking into reports that coalition actions caused civilian causalities. "We will investigate them, as we investigate every allegation of civilian casualties," Ghika told reporters in November. Insurgency Analysts say that recapturing Hajin and surrounding territory held by IS could take longer than expected. "The long-term trend here is that Hajin will eventually be retaken from IS," said Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, a researcher at the Middle East Forum, a U.S.-based think tank. He assessed that if and when it has been cleared from eastern Syria, IS would re-emerge "as an insurgent movement. I don't think they will substantially regain territory, though." Located on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, Hajin offers IS fighters access to Syrian regime-held areas on the western side of the river. Last week, the terror group posted photos on social media that purportedly showed the militants using boats to move between the two sides of the river. "IS fighters manage to use the river to move and to get supplies from regime-held areas toward the desert," reporter Kinno said. IS "has built a massive network in the desert mostly ungoverned territory and has access to weapons and other supplies," he added. Syrian regime troops and Iranian-backed Shiite militias continue a separate campaign against IS in eastern Syria. But they are also at odds with the U.S.-backed SDF. "I think [IS fighters] exploit problems in security created by the fact [that] control is divided between two sides that don't really coordinate," analyst al-Tamimi said. Special counsel Robert Mueller is set to give the first public insight into how much information President Donald Trump's former national security adviser has shared with prosecutors in the Russia investigation. The special counsel faces a Tuesday deadline in Michael Flynn's case to file a memorandum recommending a sentence and providing a federal judge with a description of how valuable the retired U.S. Army lieutenant general has been to the probe. The deadline comes ahead of Flynn's Dec. 18 sentencing and more than a year after he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about reaching out to Russian government officials on Trump's behalf. Federal sentencing guidelines recommend between zero and six months in prison for Flynn, leaving open the possibility of probation. The detailing of at least some of Flynn's cooperation also comes as Trump has increasingly vented his anger at the probe and at one of his former confidantes who cooperated with it. This week, Trump lashed out at his former legal fixer, Michael Cohen, saying he is making up "stories'' to get a reduced prison sentence after his latest guilty plea to lying to Congress detailed conversations he had with the then-Republican presidential candidate. In the same morning, Trump praised longtime confidante Roger Stone for saying he would "never testify against Trump,'' adding in his tweet: "Nice to know some people still have 'guts!''' It's unclear if Trump will now turn his fury on Flynn, who Trump grew close to during the 2016 campaign and has drawn the president's sympathy since he came under investigation. According to memos written by former FBI Director James Comey, Trump tried to protect Flynn by asking Comey to let the investigation into his false statements go. Trump has denied asking Comey to drop the investigation but that episode is among those under scrutiny by Mueller as he probes whether Trump attempted to obstruct the Russia investigation. Flynn's case has been a contrast to those of other Trump associates, who have criticized the Russia probe. Most notably, Trump former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, aggressively fought the investigation and is now facing the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence after his cooperation agreement recently fell apart over allegations that he had lied to investigators. Stone has also waged a public campaign against Mueller. But Flynn has largely remained out of the public eye, appearing only a handful of times in media interviews or campaign events, and he has strictly avoided criticizing the Mueller probe despite widespread encouragement from his supporters to go on the offensive. He has instead spent considerable time with his family and worked to position himself for a post-conviction career. Flynn's false statements stemmed from a Jan. 24, 2017, interview with the FBI about his interactions with Sergey Kislyak, Russia's then-ambassador to the U.S., as the Obama administration was levying sanctions on the Kremlin in response to election interference. In court papers filed along with his plea deal, Flynn said that members of Trump's inner circle, including the president's son-in-law and White House aide, Jared Kushner, were involved in, and at times directing, his actions in the weeks before Trump took office. Flynn was forced to resign his post on Feb. 13, 2017, after news reports revealed that Obama administration officials had warned the Trump White House about Flynn's false statements. The White House has said that Flynn misled officials -- including Vice President Mike Pence -- about the content of his conversations. Flynn also admitted to making false statements about unregistered foreign agent work he performed for the benefit of the Turkish government. Flynn was under investigation by the Justice Department for the work when he became national security adviser. Norway will pay Brazil $70 million for reducing deforestation in the Amazon in 2017, but is concerned over a more recent surge in destruction of the world's largest tropical rainforest, according to a Norwegian government statement. Norway's statement comes as right-wing President-elect Jair Bolsonaro threatens to pull out of the Paris Agreement on climate change and end environmental fines, spurring activist fears that deforestation could accelerate. Bolsonaro also pushed the Brazilian government to withdraw its offer to host next year's United Nations climate conference, saying foreign involvement in the Amazon threatened Brazil's sovereignty. Norway's money will go to the Amazon Fund, a joint project also backed by Brazil and Germany, which helps pay for management of 1 million square km (247 million acres) of Amazon, a system for registering rural properties that aids in monitoring deforestation, and other services aimed at preserving the rainforest. The annual funding is linked to Brazil's success in reducing Amazon deforestation in the prior year. Deforestation fell 12 percent in August 2016 to July 2017, the period used to measure annual destruction. Norway has cut its support for the fund in the past when deforestation spiked. Brazil last month reported a preliminary 13.7 percent rise in deforestation from August 2017 to July 2018. It was the highest level in a decade, signaling a potential impact on next year's round of international funding. "These figures will only be verified next year, but the preliminary estimate of increased deforestation gives reasons to concern both in Brazil and in Norway," the Norwegian statement said. Norway cut funding for the Amazon Fund to $35 million when deforestation last rose in 2016. Brazil's Amazon soaks up massive amounts of carbon dioxide and is seen as a bulwark against global climate change. A representative for Bolsonaro's transition team declined to immediately comment. Norway said it looked forward to discussing cooperation on Amazon preservation with the new government. When President Donald Trump told VOAs Greta Van Susteren last week that 650 members of the migrant caravan in Mexico were "stone-cold criminals," he elevated the number to a new high. Since the beginning of November, the number of criminals accompanying the various migrant caravans has more than doubled, according to the administration. The numbers matter because they are part of the argument for extending the mission of some 7,000 troops at the U.S.-Mexico border through January, and for a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) request, reported by Politico, for federal police officers to help at the border. And they are disputed. Immigration advocates and critics of Trump's border policies believe the numbers are exaggerated to generate a false crisis at the border. The DHS' on-the-record comments show the criminal count has gone from a low of 270 to the recent high of 650. Nov. 1: So far, there are over 270 individuals along the caravan route that have criminal histories, including known gang membership. (DHS fact sheet) Nov. 19: Weve identified more than 500 criminals travelling with the caravan flow. (DHS official told reporters on a press conference call) Nov. 26: We have confirmed that there are over 600 convicted criminals traveling with the caravan flow. ( DHS Secretary Kirsten Nielsen wrote in a Facebook post) Nov. 30: And you see whats happening when you have MS-13 and these gang members, and look at the caravan. Now, they have over 650 people that are absolutely stone-cold criminals. (Trump to VOAs Van Susteren) SEE ALSO: Highlights From VOA Contributor Greta Van Susteren's Interview With President Trump This number changes, a DHS official explained during the Nov. 19 press call. People enter and leave that caravan flow throughout the journey. But we are very confident in our assertion that there are criminal elements within the caravan seeking to exploit it to gain entry into the United States or to actually to exploit other individuals in the caravan. How does DHS calculate the numbers? DHS has said little about how it makes assessments. Some of the details are law enforcement sensitive, so we cant release those publicly, DHS press secretary Tyler Houlton said last week. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner Kevin McAleenan was a fraction more forthcoming, telling reporters after CBP agents used tear gas on about 500 protesting migrants last week, "That [the number] is gathered through direct engagement, as well as information-sharing with our government of Mexico partners." But not knowing how the numbers are generated makes them impossible to confirm or disprove. DHS has used annual arrest numbers to demonstrate that criminals were likely to be part of the caravan. In fiscal year 2018, CBP apprehended 17,256 criminals trying to cross illegally along the southwest border, as well as 1,019 gang members. The criminals were among a total of 396,579 undocumented border crossers in 2018. So, 4.4 percent were criminals and 0.3 percent were gang members. A report issued by DHS in August about the 2014 immigrant surge is consistent, saying that 5 percent of the people apprehended at the southern border had a criminal record. (About 50 percent of those apprehended were from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.) 600 out of how many? San Diego Sector Border Patrol Chief Agent Rodney Scott told reporters last week that there are about 6,000 migrants in Tijuana, and another 2,000 in Mexicali. If that is the group within which DHS is identifying criminals, 600 comes to about 7.5 percent, higher than the stats from earlier years. But the DHS official on the Nov. 19 call, after citing the same Tijuana statistics, said, The combination of all groups trying to reach the United States is between around 8,500 and 10,500. Six hundred in 10,500 is about 5.7 percent still high, but closer to previous years. 'Stone-cold criminals' Neither the president nor DHS are specific about what they consider criminal charges or convictions. Were the charges in the U.S.? In the migrants home country? Were they immigration offenses such as re-entering the U.S. illegally? Its important to note that these are also violent criminals, DHS press secretary Houlton told reporters. This includes individuals known to law enforcement for assault, battery, drug crimes, burglary, rape, child abuse and more. This is serious, DHS Secretary Nielsen said in her Facebook post. Last week, the CBP announced an arrest on Nov. 24 by border patrol agents of a convicted murderer from Honduras "after he illegally entered the United States with other members of the migrant caravan." Agents discovered documents showing the 46-year-old man had been recently released from prison in Honduras on murder charges. Yet, DHS data show that 32 percent of the undocumented immigrants deported in fiscal year 2014 as criminal aliens were convicted of illegal entry. Sixteen percent were removed for drug offenses; 14 percent for traffic offenses; 10 percent were removed for assault; and 1.7 percent for sexual assault. One group that is unlikely to be included in DHS group of criminals is Middle Eastern terrorists as hinted at in an October tweet by Trump. A new study by the immigration hard-line group Center for Immigration Studies says that based on publicly available source material, 15 suspected terrorists have been apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border, or en route to it, since 2001. To CIS, this soundly refute[s] public suggestions that suspected terrorists have never crossed the southern border. Alex Nowrasteh with the libertarian Cato Institute, thinks the report shows how remote the threat is. If the goal of this CIS report was to show how small the terrorist threat along the Mexican border is, then it succeeded marvelously. Swedens foreign minister confirmed late Tuesday that the parties to the Yemen conflict have begun to arrive in Sweden for peace talks that are expected to start later this week. The Houthi delegation has arrived to Sweden, together with Special Envoys from UN, Sweden and Kuwait for planned consultations on Yemen, Margot Wallstrom said in a tweet. Expect Yemeni Government delegation shortly. Hopefully consultations will take place soon, as an urgent step towards ending the conflict. U.N. Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths has been conducting intensive rounds of shuttle diplomacy to persuade the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed government of Yemeni president Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi to meet for serious negotiations in a bid to wind down the brutal war that has killed tens of thousands, collapsed the economy and left millions on the brink of starvation. We hope now that the U.N.-led consultations can begin later this week,Sweden's deputy U.N. Ambassador Carl Skau told reporters in New York. This is, of course, significant. It would be the first time in more than two years that the parties are meeting, he added. Envoy Griffiths last attempt to get the parties together in Geneva in September fell apart, when the Houthis skipped the talks. Prior to that, the parties met for weeks of negotiations in Kuwait in 2016 that ultimately broke down. Skau would not confirm the location of the talks, only to say they will be near the Swedish capital, Stockholm. But after several false starts, some observers were cautious. We have no illusions that this process will be easy, but we welcome this necessary and vital first step, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement. Peace, prosperity, and security can be on the horizon, and those participating in the consultations have the chance to be part of a new chapter in Yemen's history, she added. On Monday, a U.N. plane carrying about 50 injured Houthis fighters left Sana'a for the Omani capital of Muscat, where the wounded were to receive medical attention. The evacuation was arranged by Griffiths as a confidence-building measure ahead of the talks, and it was agreed to by the Saudi Arabian-led coalition. Saudi Arabia launched an air war against the rebels in March 2015, aimed at restoring Hadi's government. Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, Tuesday highlighted the resilience of embattled Christians in the Middle East during a special service in Westminster Abbey, focusing on their plight in a region thats turned increasingly harsh for Christianity. In a message of hope, Prince Charles said he had been privileged to have met so many with such inspiring faith and courage who were battling oppression and persecution, or who have fled to escape it. And he made a plea for peace, saying extremism and division are not inevitable. Throughout history, in these lands which are the cradle of faith for Jews, Muslims and Christians, communities of different beliefs have shown that it is possible to live side by side as neighbors and friends, he said. Indeed, I know that in Lebanon, Muslims join Christians at the Shrine of our Lady of Lebanon to honor her together. And I know that there are Muslim faith leaders who have spoken out in defense of Christian communities and of their contribution to the region. His remarks from the abbeys pulpit were made during a service attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, as well as Catholic, Jewish and Muslim religious leaders, including four patriarchs from the Middle East. All three of the great Abrahamic faiths believe in a loving, just and merciful God who cares for creation, who cares for his creatures and who expects us to care for one another, he said. Prince Charles has for many years encouraged interfaith dialogue and more recently has expressed alarm about the challenges facing Christians in the region, especially their prospects in Syria and Iraq. Tuesday marked the first time he has spoken from the pulpit on the subject during a church service. The service at the abbey had a dual aim to celebrate the contribution Christians make to the region but also to publicize the dangers they face. Earlier this week, the Archbishop of Canterbury warned that Christians are on the brink of extinction in the Middle East, due to the threat of violence, murder, intimidation, prejudice and poverty. They are enduring the worst situation since the Mongol invasions of the 13th century, he said. In the last few years, he said, Christians have been butchered by Islamic State, and in many countries they find themselves squeezed between the upper and lower millstones of pressure from the society and the conflicts that bother the region. He noted Iraqs Christian population has decreased by half since 2003. Archbishop Welby wrote in Britain's The Sunday Telegraph newspaper: Whether in large and flourishing communities, such as in Lebanon or Egypt, or smaller, struggling churches, they need the protection and encouragement of governments and people at home and abroad, and foreign popular expression. Without this, they cannot live out their vocation as citizens of their native lands in cooperation with other religious groups. A series of recent reports also have highlighted the predicament of Middle East Christians. Aid to the Church in Need, an international Catholic aid organization, documented significant violations of religious freedom in 38 countries, with many of the abuses caused by the spread of militant Islamism in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The charity estimates that the Christian population in Syria has fallen dramatically since 2011, from 1.4 million to an estimated 450,000, with many fleeing as their churches have been destroyed. IS both in Syria and Iraq targeted Christians, subjecting them to atrocities, forcible conversion and enslavement. At the height of the Syrian conflict, Christian refugees in southeast Turkey many of whom were retreading the steps of their forebears who fled persecution in southern Turkey during the last century said they often were seen as fair game by an assortment of jihadists and Islamist rebels. Some refugees said Christians were targeted because they were seen as being pro-Assad, although some of the persecution was motivated by greed, they said, with the better off being targeted first and their property divided by powerful local Sunni Muslim families. In neighboring Iraq, the Christian minority made up of Assyrians, Chaldeans and Syriacs began to leave the country even before the appearance of IS. In the 1990s, hostility from the government of Saddam Hussein and after his fall, sectarian killings and bombings, along with an increasingly aggressive Islamist political culture forced two-thirds of Iraq's Christians to flee overseas, slashing the population from a pre-Saddam estimate of 1.5 million to 300,000 today. With the advance by IS militants into the Nineveh plains, the original Assyrian heartland where Christians speak Assyrian as their first language and Arabic their second, the exodus accelerated, according to local Christians. The Nineveh plains are where Thaddeus, an early Jewish convert to Christianity, is thought to have preached the Gospel, sent there by one of the apostles, Thomas. Prince Charles highlighted the Nineveh plains in his remarks, saying earlier this year he had met a Dominican Sister from Nineveh who, in 2014, as IS advanced on the town of Qaraqosh, got behind the wheel of a minibus crammed full of her fellow Christians and drove the long and dangerous road to safety. He added: The Sister told me, movingly, of her return to Nineveh with her fellow Sisters three years later and of their despair at the utter destruction they found there. But like so many others, they put their faith in God, and today the tide has turned nearly half of those displaced having gone back, to rebuild their homes and their communities. ... This is the most wonderful testament to the resilience of humanity, and to the extraordinary power of faith to resist even the most brutal efforts to extinguish it. Trade unions and farmers pledged Wednesday to join nationwide protests against President Emmanuel Macron, as concessions by the government failed to stem the momentum of the most violent demonstrations France has seen in decades. The "yellow vest" protests began over a plan to raise fuel taxes, but by the time Prime Minister Edouard Philippe bowed to three weeks of violence and suspended the plan Tuesday, the protesters were demanding much more. Students set fires outside high schools to protest a new university application system. Small-business owners blocked roads to protest high taxes. Pensioners marched to protest the president's perceived elitism. And Wednesday, France's largest farmers union said it will launch protests next week, after trucking unions called for a rolling strike. Trade unions so far have not played a role in the improvised movement, but are now trying to capitalize on the growing public anger. A joint statement from the CGT and FO trucking unions called for action beginning Sunday night to protest a cut in overtime rates, and asked for an urgent meeting with the transportation minister. Farmers union FNSEA said it would fight to help farmers earn a better income, though it said it would not officially be joining forces with the "yellow vests," as the protesters have come to be called after the high-visibility vests French motorists are required to keep in their cars, and which they don for demonstrations. French police have cleared most of the fuel depots that protesters had blocked, but fuel shortages continued to hit several parts of France on Wednesday, with hundreds of gas stations affected. Demonstrators were also blocking toll booths, letting drivers pass without paying, to press demands that ranged from income and pension rises to the dissolution of the National Assembly, France's parliament. At Tolbiac University in downtown Paris, students took over a school building and classes were canceled. "We need taxes, but they are not properly redistributed," protester Thomas Tricottet told BFM television. "We obviously need to fight against this." High school students' union FIDL called for a "massive and general mobilization" on Thursday and urged the education minister to step down. One student was injured during protests in front of a high school in Saint-Jean-de-Braye in north-central France. BFM said he was shot in the head with a rubber bullet; authorities did not immediately confirm that. Julien Guiller, head of communication at the regional school administration, told The Associated Press that the student was expected to survive. Government concessions The government was clearly on the back foot. A day after announcing a six-month suspension of the fuel tax rises, it opened the door for more concessions as spokesman Benjamin Griveaux did not rule out bringing back a wealth tax that was slashed soon after Macron came to power in May 2017. "If something isn't working, we're not dumb we'll change it," Griveaux told RTL radio, though he said "the issue is not on the table for now." Macron's popularity has slumped to new lows since the first demonstrations took place on Nov. 17. The former investment banker, who campaigned for deep pro-business economic reforms, is accused of being the "president for the rich" and of being estranged from the working classes. Since returning from the G-20 summit in Argentina over the weekend, Macron's actions have done little to change that perception. He has refrained from speaking publicly about the protests, and has largely remained in his palace residence. On Tuesday night, he was booed and jeered as he traveled to a regional government headquarters that was torched by protesters last weekend. By caving in to the protesters' demands on fuel taxes, Macron also lost credibility in the fight against climate change, which he has tried to champion. U.S. President Donald Trump said Macron's decision to delay the tax hikes show he doesn't believe in an international climate accord. "I am glad that my friend @EmmanuelMacron and the protestors in Paris have agreed with the conclusion I reached two years ago," Trump wrote on Twitter. "The Paris Agreement is fatally flawed because it raises the price of energy for responsible countries while whitewashing some of the worst polluters." Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday his country would start developing intermediate-range nuclear missiles if the United States leaves a key arms agreement and begins developing the weapons as well. Putin told Russian news agencies that a U.S. withdrawal from the treaty would mean Washington has concluded it "has to have these weapons" and that Moscow "will do the same." U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told NATO ministers in Brussels Tuesday it will begin the six-month process of withdrawing from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 60 days if Moscow does not regain compliance with the treaty. WATCH: US Threatens To Withdraw from INF Missile Treaty With Russia Pompeo accused Russia of deploying "multiple battalions of the SSC-8 missiles," a land-based, intermediate-range Cruise missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Moscow has denied deploying such weapon systems. It makes no sense for the United States to remain in a treaty that constrains our ability to respond to Russias violations. Russia has reversed the trajectory of diminishing nuclear risk in Europe, Pompeo told reporters in Brussels. The 1987 INF treaty, negotiated by then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, eliminated all nuclear missiles with a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers, reducing the ability to launch a nuclear strike at short notice. NATO allies have voiced concern over the U.S. threat to withdraw, fearing a new arms race in Europe; however, NATO foreign ministers agreed Tuesday to formally declare Russia in "material breach" of the treaty. Pompeo delivered a pointed message to European allies, says Jonathan Eyal, international director at the Royal United Services Institute in London. Instead of complaining all the time about the United States walking away from the treaty, the Europeans should spend a bit of time looking at why the United States is withdrawing from the treaty," he said. No European state has contradicted the American position. That intelligence information indicates a Russian gross violation of that treaty. So I think the American argument would be, Let us get together and convey a strict message to Moscow that if it wants the treaty saved, it will have to make a concession and it will have to abide by the treaty,' Eyal told VOA. Meanwhile, in Brussels Tuesday, during a separate speech hosted by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, Pompeo dismissed claims that the United States was withdrawing from the international stage under President Donald Trumps "America First" policy. WATCH: Henry Ridgwell's video report In the finest traditions of our great democracy, we are rallying the noble nations to build a new liberal order that prevents war and achieves greater prosperity, Pompeo said. He added that President Donald Trump was reshaping the global system based on nation states, not multilateral institutions. We are acting to preserve, protect, and advance an open, just, transparent and free world of sovereign states, Secretary Pompeo told the audience of diplomats and government officials. He took aim at the European Union and said Britains decision to quit the bloc was evidence that supranational organizations were not working. A spokesperson for the European Commission said Pompeo was "one of those people who come to Brussels and coin an opinion without knowing how our system works." Qatars emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has received a written invitation from Saudi Arabias King Salman to attend an annual Gulf Arab summit being held in Riyadh on Dec. 9, the Qatar News Agency said on Tuesday. Qatar is locked in a bitter dispute with Saudi Arabia that has fractured the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and it has not said what level of representation it will send to the gathering of heads of state seen by analysts as unlikely to bring a diplomatic breakthrough. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and non-GCC member Egypt have imposed diplomatic, trade and transport sanctions on Qatar since June 2017, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Doha denies the charge. At last years GCC summit, held in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain sent ministers or deputy prime ministers, rather than heads of state. The invite from the Saudi king comes a day after Qatar abruptly announced it was quitting OPEC after 57 years to focus on gas in an apparent swipe at the oil-producing blocs de facto leader Saudi Arabia. Dohas exit from OPEC has deepened the sense among diplomats and analysts that any prospect for a near-term resolution to the Gulf row was unlikely to come at the summit in Riyadh. Im sure this summit will not bring any change, said Mahjoob Zweiri, director of the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have repeatedly said that the dispute was not a high priority for them, and Qatars foreign minister said last month he saw no thaw. At an Arab League summit in Riyadh last April Qatar did not send a senior official and its delegation was headed instead by its permanent representative to the Arab League. The row has defied mediation efforts by Kuwait and the United States which sees Gulf unity as essential to efforts to contain Iran. The GCC was founded in 1980 as a bulwark against bigger neighbors Iran and Iraq, but the protracted row has undermined its role in regional affairs. Russia on Wednesday warned authorities in Cyprus not to allow the U.S. military to deploy on their territory, saying such a move would draw a Russian reaction and result in "dangerous and destabilizing consequences" for the Mediterranean island. Maria Zakharova, a spokesman for Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Moscow had become aware of what she called "anti-Russian plans" involving Cyprus and the U.S. military which she said was eyeing setting up forward operating bases for its troops there. "We're getting information from various sources that the United States is actively studying options to build up its military presence on Cyprus," Zakharova told a news briefing in Moscow. "The aim is not being hidden - to counter growing Russian influence in the region in the light of the successful operation by the Russian military in Syria. There was no immediate U.S. response to her comments. Prodromos Prodromou, a spokesman for the Cypriot government, said the island had no desire to further militarize. "We want to clarify that it has never been our aim, nor do we seek the militarization of Cyprus," he said, responding to Zakharova's remarks. "The Republic of Cyprus, because of its advantageous geographical position, offers facilities for missions of a humanitarian nature, and then only in cases where countries make a request or have a relevant MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the Republic. Zakharova said a U.S. delegation had inspected potential sites for the bases and that Washington was engaged in intensive talks with Nicosia on expanding military cooperation. Cyprus is a popular destination for Russian tourists and capital and many wealthy Russian business people bank or own property there. The island, a former British colony, hosts two British military bases. The United States has an embassy in Nicosia. Cyprus was split by a Turkish invasion in 1974 that followed a Greek-inspired coup. Northern Cyprus is now a Turkish Cypriot state of about 300,000 people that is recognized only by Turkey. Greek Cypriots run the island's internationally recognized government which represents the whole island in the European Union. Cypriot media said the island had recently appointed a military attache to Washington. Zakharova said Russia had repeatedly warned Cypriot authorities against allowing the island to be further militarized. "It being drawn into U.S. and NATO plans in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East will inevitably lead to dangerous and destabilizing consequences for Cyprus itself," she said. "In Moscow we can't ignore the anti-Russian element in these (U.S.) plans and in the event that they are implemented we will be forced to take counter measures. President Donald Trump insists his new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada will address the exporting of U.S. manufacturing jobs overseas. That pledge, however, comes on the heels of auto giant General Motors' announcement of the layoff of 14,000 employees in five factories in the United States and Canada. Despite the president's optimistic pronouncements, the General Motors announcement indicates broader market shifts in the automotive industry that are unlikely to be reversed. General Motors justified the decision as a result of shifting economic trends that have seen consumer preferences shift away from mid-sized vehicles and toward sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and electric cars. The company said the move "is transforming its global workforce to ensure the right skill sets for today and the future." Those moves toward increased efficiency also include a 25 percent cut of the executive workforce. But in Lordstown, Ohio, workers whose livelihoods have depended on jobs in GM factories struggled to understand the move. Mid-sized autos The Lordstown plant manufactures the Chevy Cruze, one of the mid-sized cars auto manufacturers no longer see as profitable. Trump specifically addressed the impact on the Lordstown plant shortly after GM's decision, saying, "They say the Chevy Cruze is not selling well. I say, 'Well, get a car that is selling well and put it back in.'" Workers are holding on to that hope with the Lordstown plant in an "unallocated status" that leaves open the possibility of GM moving in another product. Local union leader Dave Green acknowledged that issues with the Chevy Cruze were part of an overall industry trend away from smaller cars. "They're not building cars, sedans anymore, but people are still buying cars," Green told VOA. "Part of it is that they need to be priced right and they need to be priced fair. If I can go into a dealership and lease an SUV cheaper than a Chevy Cruze you know, most Americans want more for less. So they're going to get the bigger, the better, the more for less and it is what it is. I think the car was priced a little out of its range." The 6.2-million-square-foot Lordstown plant is well-placed in the center of the country, with easy access to major highway artery Interstate Highway 80 and an infrastructure of secondary plants. Green said 80 percent of the plant's production is sold within a 600-mile radius. "GM would be foolish to walk away from it," he said. The 1,600 workers anticipating a March 2019 layoff from the Lordstown plant certainly hope that's the case. They earn $30-40 an hour compared to the next best option in the area, $10 an hour at the aluminum factory. Lordstown is part of the broader Warren-Youngstown, Ohio, area that once thrived on the presence of steel mill manufacturing. When those plants shut down in the 1970s and '80s, the auto industry became the lifeblood of the local economy. "That's is the largest plant that we have," said Trish Williams, owner of the Ice House restaurant in Austintown, Ohio. She has several family members and friends who have worked at the GM plant in the past and present. "That keeps this town going. Our steel mills are gone. Our factories are gone. [Hewlitt] Packard is closed. General Electric is gone. Chrysler is gone and GM was it. GM was what kept this here it may turn into a ghost town," Williams said. 'Don't sell your house' Trump visited Youngstown in July 2017, telling workers, "Don't sell your house. Don't sell your house. Do not sell it. We're going to get those values up. We're going to get those jobs coming back. And we're going to fill up those factories, or rip them down and build brand new ones." Many residents said they do not hold Trump responsible for GM's decision, a move that could devastate the local economy. "The president doesn't own GM," waitress Lisa Miller said. "Nor can he say you can't do this, you can't do that. We are a free country. I believe the president will push with all his might as we've already seen him doing to keep them here and to change things, but this was something that was out of his hands." Just days after the GM announcement, Miller said she was already noticing a drop in sales and an end to the usual lunch to-go orders from GM workers. Some of those workers will be able to transfer to other plants around the country based on their seniority within GM. But many workers expressed concern to VOA about the number of temporary employees who earn far lower rates per hour working in those plants. They are also aware of GM's plant in Mexico that builds the Chevy Blazer, an SUV. "Why is our plant not getting the Blazer?" asked Rebecca Zak, an 18-year veteran of the Lordstown GM plant. "Why is it being built in Mexico? It's mind-blowing. I heard in Ramos, Mexico, they get paid $2.65 an hour." Zak said she sees the decision as part of a trend toward corporations enriching themselves at the expense of the worker. "We're the ones that build this car, we are the ones that got this company this far and who are the ones who are suffering? The worker, not corporate America. Six billion dollars in the third-quarter and they can justify laying off 14,000 people," she said. GM workforce Those 14,000 people represent just 7 percent of GM's 180,000-person workforce, a strategic shift for a company in a competitive automotive market. What remains to be seen is whether that strategic shift will include places like Lordstown. But as Lordstown employee Dan Smith said, "Any industry is cyclical. Gas could go up to $5 a gallon and then, poof, there goes the truck-SUV market. And they're going to need small cars. It's something we went through, my dad's worked there." Smith said he was shocked by the decision but did not entirely fault GM for operating a plant in Mexico with lower-paid labor. "Business-wise that makes sense, but then to sell it here in the United States doesn't make much sense for American people to buy an American car that's built in another country," he told VOA. For Williams, waiting to see how the decision impacts her community and her business, the equation seemed simple. "Smaller cars, bigger cars they all have four wheels," she said. "They've made other cars off that line why not bring another car back?" Watch Related Video Story: President Donald Trump's former national security adviser provided so much information to the special counsel's Russia investigation that prosecutors say he shouldn't do any prison time, according to a court filing Tuesday that describes Michael Flynn's cooperation as "substantial." The filing by special counsel Robert Mueller provides the first details of Flynn's assistance in the Russia investigation, including that he participated in 19 interviews with prosecutors and cooperated extensively in a separate and undisclosed criminal probe. But the filing's lengthy redactions also underscore how much Mueller has yet to reveal. It was filed two weeks ahead of Flynn's sentencing and just over a year after he became the first of five Trump associates to accept responsibility by pleading guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. Though prosecutors withheld specific details of Flynn's cooperation because of ongoing investigations, their filing nonetheless illustrates the breadth of information Mueller has obtained from people close to Trump as the president increasingly vents his anger at the probe and those who cooperate with it. This week, Trump accused his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, of making up "stories" to get a reduced prison sentence after pleading guilty to lying to Congress and also praised longtime confidante Roger Stone for saying he wouldn't testify against Trump. It's unclear if Trump will now turn his fury on Flynn, whom Trump bonded with during the 2016 campaign. Trump has repeatedly lamented how Flynn's life has been destroyed by the special counsel's probe. At one point, he tried to protect Flynn by asking former FBI Director James Comey to drop an investigation into his alleged false statements, according to a memo Comey wrote after the February 2017 encounter. That episode, which Trump has denied, is among those under scrutiny by Mueller as he probes whether the president attempted to obstruct the Russia investigation. Federal sentencing guidelines recommend between zero and six months in prison, and Mueller's office said Flynn's cooperation merits no prison time. Prosecutors said Flynn's early cooperation was "particularly valuable" because he was "one of the few people with long-term and firsthand insight" into the events under investigation. They noted his cooperation likely inspired other crucial witnesses to cooperate. Mueller's team credited Flynn with serving 33 years in the U.S. Army, including five years in combat. But prosecutors also said the long military and government service that sets him apart from all other defendants in the investigation made his deception more troublesome. "The defendant's extensive government service should have made him particularly aware of the harm caused by providing false information to the government, as well as the rules governing work performed on behalf of a foreign government," they wrote. Flynn's case has stood apart from those of other Trump associates, who have aggressively criticized the investigation, sought to undermine it and, in some cases, been accused of lying even after agreeing to cooperate. Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, is accused of repeatedly lying to investigators since his guilty plea. Another Trump campaign aide, George Papadopoulos, is serving a 14-day prison sentence and, though he pleaded guilty to the same crime as Flynn, was denied probation because prosecutors said his cooperation was lacking. But Flynn has largely remained out of the public eye, appearing only sporadically in media interviews or campaign events, and avoided criticizing the Mueller probe despite widespread encouragement from his supporters to go on the offensive. He has instead spent considerable time with his family and worked to position himself for a post-conviction career. In Tuesday's filing, prosecutors emphasized that the conduct Flynn lied about cuts to the core of the investigation into any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. Flynn's false statements stemmed from a Jan. 24, 2017, interview with the FBI about his interactions with Sergey Kislyak, Russia's then-ambassador to the U.S., as the Obama administration was levying sanctions on the Kremlin in response to election interference. Mueller's office blamed Flynn for other senior Trump transition officials making misleading public statements about his contacts with Russia, an assertion that matches the White House's explanation of Flynn's firing. "Several senior members of the transition team publicly repeated false information conveyed to them by the defendant about communications between him and the Russian ambassador regarding the sanctions," the filing said. As part of his plea deal, Flynn said members of Trump's inner circle, including his son-in-law and White House aide Jared Kushner, were involved in and at times directing his actions in the weeks before Trump took office. According to court papers, in mid-December 2016, Kushner directed Flynn to reach out to several countries, including Russia, about a U.N. Security Council resolution regarding Israeli settlements. During those conversations with Kislyak, Flynn asked Russia to delay or vote against the resolution, a request the Kremlin ultimately rejected. Flynn also admitted that later in December 2016 he asked Kislyak not to retaliate in response to the Obama administration sanctions, something he initially told FBI agents he didn't do. Flynn made the request after discussing it with deputy national security adviser K.T. McFarland, who was at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, and being told that Trump's transition team did not want Russia to escalate the situation. Flynn was forced to resign his post on Feb. 13, 2017, after news reports revealed that Obama administration officials had warned the Trump White House about Flynn's false statements. The White House has said Flynn misled officials including Vice President Mike Pence about the content of his conversations. Flynn also admitted to making false statements about unregistered foreign agent work he performed for the benefit of the Turkish government, a matter Mueller's team cited in Tuesday's filing. Flynn was under investigation by the Justice Department for the work when he became national security adviser. An exhausted Alonzo Juan Jose sat still on a cot inside a shelter in southern New Mexico. For six days, the 24-year-old migrant from Huehuetenango, Guatemala, and his 5-month-old daughter, Allison Yajaira Juan Miguel, slept on a concrete floor while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. Now they were moments away from a good night's rest following a nearly monthlong journey through Mexico, to an El Paso Port of Entry, to the refuge of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Cathedral in Las Cruces. "I just want her to sleep," Juan Jose said in Spanish as he rocked his daughter. More migrants like the father and daughter duo are coming. Volunteer shelters in the U.S. say they are getting hit with an expected surge of new migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. who need temporary housing. Nonprofit groups and churches especially along the U.S.-Mexico border are racing to get donated clothes, diapers, cots and meals for Central American migrants as the holidays approach and resources begin to dwindle. The move comes as Trump administration in recent weeks has been releasing detained immigrants from Central America at a quicker pace than previously, putting a strain on shelters from San Diego to South Texas. Shelters say ICE is no longer helping migrants with travel plans and is now releasing them from custody whether the migrants have places to stay or not. Surprise busloads In some cases, volunteers are picking up migrants from train and bus stations after getting dropped off by immigration officials. Other times, shelters are getting surprised by busloads of migrants at their front doors. A temporary shelter in San Diego has housed more than 1,500 asylum seekers since opening in October for people who are released by immigration authorities pending the outcome of their cases in immigration court, Kate Clark, an immigration attorney at Jewish Family Service of San Diego, said last week. Immigration and Customs Enforcement began releasing more people before they could arrange travel to family and friends in other parts of the country, she said. One day last week, ICE released nearly 100 people, bringing the number of migrants staying at the shelter to 178. "We are responding to this crisis in real time," California Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom said alongside Clark at a news conference. Church leaders in the Phoenix area say ICE has released about 5,000 migrants in the last two months to local churches. They say they have had to scramble to find diapers, clothing and food at the last minute. Most of the migrants dropped off at churches or shelters leave within a day or two. ICE officials have said the agency lacks the resources to house the growing number of migrant families crossing into ports of entries in California, Arizona and Texas, and they have begun releasing them to nonprofit shelters and churches in the area. Growing needs Sylvia Corona, one of the volunteer coordinators at Immaculate Heart of Mary, said the network of shelters in southern New Mexico and West Texas believes the demand will continue to grow in the coming weeks. "I think we're going to see hundreds of families needing places to stay," Corona said. "We're opening up two more shelters soon. We're letting them stay in our own homes if we have to, but we'll find something." In the meantime, Immaculate Heart of Mary and others have set up Amazon.com registries to facilitate donations like baby clothes, paper plates and coats. Annunciation House, an immigrant shelter in El Paso, Texas, is asking for packets of underwear and socks. The shelters house the migrants until they can make other travel arrangements. The call for donations has hit communities far from the border and has used the migrant caravan to highlight the growing need, although not all migrants are connected to the caravan that has garnered international attention. Last week, for example, the Berkeley City Council in Berkeley, Calif., voted to donate money to provide food, shelter and basic needs to caravan members detained at U.S. ports of entry or traveling to immigration hearings. During a recent evening at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cirila Alejandra Calelpu, 20, of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, selected donated clothes for her and her daughter Lucia Tojen Calel, 3. The pair had just been released from an El Paso ICE detention center following a monthlong journey north. Like Juan Jose, she was fleeing gang violence. "I'm going to Florida tomorrow to be with my sister," Calelpu said while fighting off a cold. Children around her played with donated toys while other mothers combed through piles of free clothes. Juan Jose was headed to Birmingham, Ala., to join his brother. "At least tonight, I get to take a shower," Juan Jose said before closing his eyes. His 5-month-old daughter then fell asleep in his arms as the pair lay on a cot. She began to snore. "Well," he said. "Maybe I won't." Taiwan is expected to adjust its largely hands-off stance toward political rival China by 2020, following losses for the ruling party in local elections last month, while still holding a middle ground between independence and unification. The government of President Tsai Ing-wen may take a slightly more accommodating stance toward China, some analysts believe, possibly by focusing on economic relations over politics. Conversely, some say, the government could swing further toward Washington to resist China. Tsai faces pressure to do something palpable before the Taiwan presidential race of 2020. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, but the island is self-ruled and 83 percent of Taiwanese like it that way, according to government figures. Tsai, elected in 2016, rejects Beijings dialogue condition that both sides see themselves as part of a single China, and Beijing responded by cutting off talks. For the next stage, ahead of the presidential election, I think the roles of Beijing and Washington will be stronger than before, therefore whether its the Democratic Progressive Party or President Tsai, its required that you make some policy adjustments, said Andy Chang, China studies professor at Tamkang University in Taiwan. Decisions in Taipei can quickly thaw or chill China-Taiwan relations, which have raised military tension multiple times over the past seven decades. Unhappy with Tsai, the globally powerful Chinese government periodically flies military aircraft near Taiwan and squelches Taiwanese foreign diplomacy. The two sides have been separately ruled since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s, when the losing Nationalists fled to Taiwan and rebased their government. Voters link China, economy Elections of mayors and county magistrates in Taiwan November 24 had little to do with China policy, Tsai said last week. But some voters equate todays China-Taiwan stalemate with dips in local tourism and trouble exporting agricultural products. A China-Taiwan dialogue could produce agreements that open Taiwan further to the $12 trillion-plus Chinese economy. Election results handed 15 of Taiwans 22 top local seats to candidates from the opposition Nationalist Party, which today advocates closer China relations including a resumption of the dialogue that its government carried out before 2016. Tsai will stick to her overall China stance, despite elections, because she has sunk so much time already into straddling the line between keeping distance from Beijing without declaring formal independence, scholars believe. Independence would be a red line for China. Tsai is eligible for reelection in 2020, likely against an opposition candidate who openly backs stronger China ties. If Tsai makes a change, then her most basic currency is gone, said Huang Kwei-bo, vice dean of the international affairs college at National Chengchi University in Taipei. Economic cooperation Ruling party mayors and magistrates have expressed willingness to work with the new Nationalist mayor of the southern city Kaohsiung on developing local tourism for people from China. On Tuesday, the domestic China Times website quoted Taiwans chief China policymaker stressing local economic development and a bit less discussion of politics. Those moves may herald a softened tone toward Beijings dialogue condition, said Lin Chong-pin, a retired strategic studies professor in Taiwan. Kinder language may follow, he said. (Its) probably a softened tone toward the one-China policy or Taiwanese sovereignty, whatever, Lin said. There are many ways of going around. She could express openness toward a one future China or a one historic cultural China. Resisting Beijing via Washington Decisions in Washington and Beijing will inevitably affect China policy in Taipei, Chang said. China, for example, rolled out a list of relaxed rules earlier this year to lure Taiwanese over for work and study. The U.S. government periodically offers arms sales and sends high-level officials to Taipei. Taiwanese generally prefer a pro-U.S. policy over a pro-China one, Chang said, and that view will establish direction for Tsai. Taiwan-U.S. relations have leapt ahead this year with supportive legislation in Washington and occasional passage of U.S. navy ships near the island. China disapproves but has taken little counter-action as it struggles with Washington over trade. Leaders in Taipei will reference public opinion to chart any new China policy, said Chiu Chui-cheng, deputy minister with the governments Mainland Affairs Council. The government will respect the ideas and suggestions from all circles and do reviews on a rolling basis to enforce related Taiwan-mainland China ties, together maintaining the status quo of peace in the Taiwan Strait, Chiu said. China may give Taiwan a break from the diplomatic and military pressure of the past two years as it waits for Tsai to take stock of the November elections, Huang said. Gunfire erupted in several neighborhoods in Guinea's capital, Conakry, on Tuesday as hundreds of opposition supporters clashed with security forces for a second day of protests over the timing of elections, witnesses said. The government said about 10 people had been injured, including one with bullet wounds. At least six people were hit by bullets on Monday. The government denied security forces shot at people protesting and called for an investigation. Government spokesman Damantang Albert Camara said one person died on Tuesday after falling into a ravine during violence. Medical sources and rights group Amnesty International said a man had been killed during Monday's clashes. Opposition parties have called the protests to try to pressure the government to hold a local election ahead of a presidential vote, as laid out in a 2013 agreement between Guinea's rival political factions. The government does not recognize the clause on the order of voting and has set the presidential election for Oct. 11, with the local election due early next year. Analysts say that holding the local election ahead of the presidential vote would give President Alpha Conde's rivals a more influence in the organization of the vote. The government denies that delaying the local election will have an impact on free and fair elections. Rich in bauxite and iron ore, Guinea has seen its mining potential hamstrung by years of political instability. Witnesses and a security source said youths burning tires and manning barricades clashed with security forces, paralyzing main roads running through poorer neighborhoods. Medical sources said the man who died on Monday was hit by a projectile but it was not clear what the projectile had been. Amnesty International said the 30-year-old man had died after being shot in the chest. The Guinean authorities must not bring back the old demons of violence. All those responsible for the excessive use of force must be clearly identified and brought to trial, the group said. Protests in Guinea regularly turn violent and the government has ordered soldiers to remain in barracks, while the police and gendarmes on the streets have been instructed not to use lethal force. Residents in opposition strongholds such as Bambeto, Hamdallaye and Cosa have reported shooting but it was not clear who was responsible. It hasn't let up since yesterday, resident Adiatou Bah said. This morning I heard gunfire and I stayed at home. The government called for talks to ease tensions. Dozens of people were killed in election-related violence during the 2010 presidential vote and the legislative election in 2013. However, opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo on Tuesday ruled out any talks unless the government scrapped the existing election timetable. Thailands government is considering a proposed Life Partnership Bill, which would guarantee same-sex couples rights similar to couples in traditional marriages, including the use of ones spouses surname, property rights and the right to end the partnership. The move is seen as a milestone in efforts to improve legal rights for those in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, or LGBT, community, which comprises an estimated 8 percent of the population, or about 6 million people. For hotel receptionist Patipant Chuthapun, who lives with his partner in the northern city of Chiang Mai, the proposed partnership law is a welcome one. In the lobby of the boutique Isty hotel in the citys urban core, the 23-year-old worker feels most at ease with his sexual identity, while he can openly greet foreign tourists, including gay and lesbian travelers. At first, when I worked at the hotel, I felt like I had to hide my identity because I wasnt sure if the guests would look down at me. But they seem to be more open and accepting to the way I am, he said. What was more challenging to Chuthapun was telling his parents about his sexuality when he was a teenager going to school in the conservative farming community, where more than 90 percent of Thais practice the conservative Theravada Buddhism. We have problems with the family, and they dont accept who we are because Thailand is not as open as Western countries, said Chuthapun. Now, we have the law, and our families have heard about it and they are starting to open their hearts for us. Current marriage laws reflect a traditional interpretation of gender and family arrangement with reference specifically to men and women. LGBT groups have been holding public hearings and rallies at major centers across the country, ahead of a government decision on whether to have the new civil partnership bill go before a legislative assembly this year. WATCH: LGBT rights The bill was first drafted in February 2013, but proceedings were sidelined a year later, after a May 2014 coup and subsequent government reshuffle. Now, the renewed hearings have caught the attention of many in the LGBT community, including Patawee Triwijan, a resort worker and Chuthapun's live-in boyfriend. In the past when we first lived together, we had to pretend to be like others and say that we were just friends. So, when we went out in public, we didnt dare to hold our hands to show our affection, said Triwijan, as he monitored a popular LGBT website for updates on the proposed law. Things are changing now because we have more support. and we arent afraid to hold our hands in public, Triwijan added with a smile. At the Chiang Mai Rights and Liberties Protection Department, the staff is busy compiling recommendations gathered from hearings in the northern regions of Thailand. We opened the public hearing stage for every group, for LGBTs and for the government that has to implement this law if it is passed, said Director General Phuchit Jaruwat. We discussed the challenges and limitations that this will have if passed and open up to opinions of what we need to make the law work best in our society. Thailand wants to have the same standard of rights for the LGBT community so that all members of society have the same status. Gay rights groups say the bill is a positive step but that they will continue to push, hoping that the measure is a sign of more rights to follow. Thailand looks a lot like a paradise for the LGBT community but in reality, we dont have any written laws or regulations to support our community. So, we are faced with many problems in Thai society that we need to fix, said Ratthawit Apiputthiphan, director of Mplus, an aid group for the LGBT community. Aside from the stated benefits, the act raises the age of legal consent from 17 to 20 and does not include joint adoption or parental rights. For the latest same-sex marriage law, they need more adjustments and changes to make it more complete for the LGBT group,Apiputthiphan adds. For example, when a partner gets sick, we can sign the documents for his treatment and for adoption, to allow us to adopt children. We want to have all equal rights, the same treatment as ordinary men and women. It seems like they have this law just to label us. A 2014 country report that was reviewed by USAID and the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, noted that in Thailand's southern provinces, where followers of Islam largely congregated, attitudes toward the LGBT community were more conservative and unfavorable. The document, Being LGBT in Asia: Thailand Country Report, also said, "Legal and policy reform is seen as difficult both because lawmakers tend to be conservative and, because the constitution and country's laws are seen as sacred." (It noted the opinions did not reflect the official policy positions of USAID or UNDP). Although the date for the vote is still unconfirmed, Gen. Phuchit Jaruwat, the rights and liberties protection director, said, "We hope to have the bill finalized and for a vote before the end of the year." If the law passes by then, Thailand will be the first country in Asia to fully legalize country-wide same-sex unions. Five living American presidents will come together Wednesday to pay final tribute to George Herbert Walker Bush, the nation's 41st president, who died last Friday at the age of 94. Former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama will join the current commander-in-chief, Donald Trump, for Bush's funeral services at the Washington National Cathedral, where they will hear a eulogy from George W. Bush, the late president's son and the 43rd president. Also scheduled to speak at the state funeral will be former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney of Canada, former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson, and historian Jon Meacham, the elder Bush's biographer. Among the dignitaries who will be in attendance include Britain's Prince Charles, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Lech Walesa, Poland's former president. WATCH: Mourners give their condolences Wednesday's services will begin when a motorcade will deliver the ex-president's flag-draped casket to the cathedral from the U.S. Capitol, where it lay in state Tuesday as thousands of mourners filed through the Rotunda to pay their final respects. An emotional moment during the public viewing occurred when 95-year-old former Senator Bob Dole was helped from his wheelchair and saluted his fellow Republican and World War Two veteran. After the funeral, former President Bush's casket will be taken to Andrews Air Force Base and flown back to Houston, Texas for a second and final service on Thursday. He will be laid to rest at his presidential library and museum at Texas A&M University in nearby College Station, next to his wife of 73 years, Barbara, who passed away in April, and their daughter Robin, who died of leukemia in 1953 when she was only three years old. President Trump has designated Wednesday as a national day of mourning in Bush's honor. The New York Stock Exchange will be closed, as are most government offices. The U.N.'s top human rights official warned that the rise of populist nationalism threatens many of the freedoms, rights and protections enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Born out of the devastation of two world wars, the Great Depression of the 1930s, and the Holocaust, the seminal document is geared toward preventing similar disasters from happening. December 10 marks the 70th anniversary of the declaration, which U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said has withstood the test of time. She said its fundamental principles can be applied to meet the challenges of today, such as ensuring equal rights for LGBTI people and protecting the right to life, food and health in the face of climate change. But, she warns, many of these rights are under threat from politicians pushing a nationalistic agenda. "When leaders speak against migrants or a sort of hate speech or xenophobic speech, you are giving license to other people not to respect people's rights," Bachelet said. Leaders are responsible for what they say, and must lead by example, she added, dismissing the argument sometimes made by developing countries that human rights are a Western concept. Human rights are universal, Bachelet stressed, saying everyone must work to ensure the rights spelled out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are not eroded. President Donald Trump's envoy on Afghanistan is seeking Pakistan's help in persuading the Taliban to negotiate directly with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's administration, according to a highly placed source with knowledge of the interactions. Zalmay Khalilzad, the special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, arrived in Islamabad Tuesday morning with an interagency delegation as part of his 18-day trip of the region to try to jump-start peace talks with the Taliban. This is his third visit to the region since he was tasked in September with delivering a negotiated settlement to the Afghan war. A day before Khalilzads arrival, Pakistan Prime Minster Imran Khan received a letter from Trump. Longtime advocate "He [Trump] wants Pakistan to play its part and use its influence to bring the Taliban to talks. We have a very prime position in it [Afghan peace], and we will certainly make an effort. I have long advocated for it [peace talks]," Khan said in remarks aired on state-run television. Khalilzad has tried previously to persuade the Taliban in his meetings with them, but they have strongly rejected the idea of talking to Kabul as a "waste of time," said Faiz Mohammad Zaland, a Kabul University professor who met with the Taliban in Moscow last month. The Taliban call the Afghan Unity Government a puppet of the American "invaders" and want to negotiate directly with the Americans. "When they [Americans] give an international guarantee for the withdrawal of their forces, then it's possible to talk to the Afghan side also but in Afghanistan with those political parties who have influences with the people of Afghanistan, not this present government, because this government doesn't have support of the people," said Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, head of the Taliban's political office in Doha. He made the comments while talking to a group of Russian journalists in Moscow in November, after a multinational conference on Afghanistan. The conference, called the Moscow Format, was the first time the Taliban had officially appeared in a public forum. A timeline for withdrawal of foreign forces has long been the Taliban's prime demand as a precondition for negotiations on the future of Afghanistan. Doha contingent's trip A story published in the British Telegraph newspaper claimed that seven members of the Taliban's Doha office also arrived in Pakistan a few days ago at the order of the group's leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada. "We will go word by word through the progress of peace talks with the top leaders. We will get their consultation on many issues to be in a better position in next week talks with Khalilzad," a member of the Doha office told The Telegraph. Several analysts say the Taliban would also want a postponement of the Afghan presidential elections scheduled for April 20, 2019, and an interim government to facilitate the peace negotiations. The idea has received a mixed reaction from Afghan officials. Ghani's office has announced its commitment to the April election date, while Mohammad Mohaqiq, a deputy of Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, told VOA's Dari service that an interim government might be acceptable for "limited acts, such as holding presidential elections, national grand assembly, and providing a setting for constitutional reform," as long as it preserved the gains in human rights that Afghanistan has made in the past 18 years. U.S. envoy Khalilzad has said that it will be up to Afghans to decide whether to postpone a vote, saying the outcome would be more acceptable to all parties if there was a road map to peace in place. "I hope the Taliban and other Afghans would use the election date as a deadline to achieve a peace agreement before then. ... The sooner we get peace, the better it will be," he told a group of Afghan journalists in Kabul last month. Terror list, prisoner exchange Other Taliban conditions include official recognition of their political office in Doha, taking some of their members off the list of terrorists to enable them to travel freely, and an exchange of prisoners. While the insurgents have made steady territorial gains in Afghanistan and have enjoyed newfound legitimacy on the international stage, they've indicated that they may be willing to negotiate if their conditions are met. "Everywhere in the world, when there is war, the final decision is taken on the table. ... I think now it's a suitable time for the Afghan issue also that this should be solved on the table," Taliban envoy Stanekzai said in Moscow last month. At the same time, the group has shown little flexibility when it comes to its core demands. "We will not tolerate a single American soldier in Afghanistan," Stanekzai said. Other than Pakistan and Afghanistan, Khalilzad is also scheduled to visit Russia, the Central Asian states of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on this trip. Bridging decades and the vast contemporary political divide, five U.S. presidents assembled Wednesday to mourn one of their own George Herbert Walker Bush, who died last Friday at the age of 94. "He taught us public service was noble and necessary," his son and the 43rd president, George W. Bush, told the invited guests at Washington National Cathedral. "He had an enormous capacity to give of himself." President Donald Trump had no speaking role during the Episcopalian service, a break from recent tradition and in accordance with George H.W. Bush's wishes. Trump had tweeted before the service: "Looking forward to being with the Bush family. This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed!" The current president, who has had a contentious public feud with the Bush family, earlier had declared Wednesday a national day of mourning, closing federal agencies, suspending regular mail delivery and closing stock markets. Trump, the day before, had spent 20 minutes visiting Bush family members, who were staying at Blair House, across the street from the White House. Blair House is also known as the President's Guest House. Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, shook hands inside the cathedral with his immediate two-term predecessor, Barack Obama, but the tension between the Trumps and Obama was palpable in the pews, epitomizing the nation's political divide. Also, in the front row was Democrat Bill Clinton, who defeated the elder incumbent Bush in 1992 to become president, and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whom Trump defeated in the 2016 election. George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton eventually became close friends and traveled together internationally. Another close friend of the elder Bush, former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson, recalled that the 41st president was a class act from birth to death...one of nature's noble men." Bush was hailed by presidential historian Jon Meacham as "America's last great soldier-statesman" who "made our lives and the lives of nations freer, better, nobler and warmer." Among the foreign dignitaries inside the cathedral were Britains Prince Charles, Jordans King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Polish President Andrzej Duda and former presidents of Estonia, Mexico and Portugal, as well as former prime ministers of Britain, Canada, Japan and Kuwait. Bells tolled 41 times as Bushs casket entered the cathedral after being transported in a family motorcade from the U.S. Capitol and past the White House for the first state funeral for a president in a dozen years. Around the clock in the Rotunda over two days, thousands many who had lined up in near-freezing temperatures for hours to enter the Capitol paid their final respects to Bush, whose flag-draped coffin rested on the wooden catafalque built in 1865 for the casket of assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. The four entrances to the Rotunda were draped in black as Bushs body lay in state, an honor bestowed to only 31 others in the history of the United States (Lincoln being the first president). One of those who entered the Rotunda on Tuesday was former Senator Bob Dole, a rival to Bush in the 1988 Republican presidential primary. Dole, who is 95, was helped from his wheelchair to stand and salute his fellow World War Two veteran. Bush was born into privilege and politics (his father a U.S. senator and grandfather a top industrialist). He served in Congress, as ambassador to the United Nations, chaired the Republican National Committee, was an envoy to China, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and vice president before being elected president in 1988. After Wednesdays funeral, the casket was taken to Joint Base Andrews in nearby Maryland to be flown back to Bushs home state of Texas on the same specially configured Boeing 747 he frequently boarded as Air Force One. The plane landed around 6 p.m. local time and Bush will lie in repose overnight at St. Martin's Episocpal Church in Houston, where a service will be held Thursday. His casket will then be taken on a final 120-kilometer ride on Locomotive 4141, with the blue-and-white paint scheme of Air Force One, to College Station for burial at his presidential library on the grounds of Texas A&M University. He will be buried alongside his wife, Barbara, who died earlier this year, and their daughter, Robin, who succumbed to leukemia in childhood. Ken Bredemeier contributed to this report. The United States says it has re-established a "permanent diplomatic presence'' in Somalia for the first time in 27 years. The State Department on Tuesday said, "This historic event reflects Somalia's progress in recent years and is another step forward in formalizing U.S. diplomatic engagement in Mogadishu.'' The U.S. closed its Somalia embassy in January 1991 as the country collapsed into civil war, with the military airlifting out the ambassador and others. The U.S. formally recognized Somalia's new federal government in 2013 but has based its diplomatic mission in the capital of neighboring Kenya. Former Secretary of State John Kerry during a surprise 2015 visit to Somalia said the U.S. would begin the process of re-establishing a diplomatic presence. New Ambassador Donald Yamamoto arrived at the U.S. mission last month. The United States has resumed a "permanent diplomatic presence" in Somalia's capital after an absence of nearly throe decades. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement that the new mission opened Sunday. "This historic event reflects Somalia's progress in recent years and is another step forward in formalizing U.S. diplomatic engagement in Mogadishu," the statement read. The U.S. formally recognized Somalia's new federal government in 2013, but has based its diplomatic outpost at the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. Veteran U.S. diplomat Donald Yamamoto arrived in Mogadishu last month as Washington's ambassador to Somalia. The new mission will not be a full U.S. embassy, and some diplomatic staff are expected to remain stationed in Kenya. The U.S. embassy was closed in January 1991 when warlords overthrew dictator Mohamed Siad Barre and Somalia descended into civil and anarchy. Then-President George H.W. Bush deployed U.S. forces to Somalia in late 1992 to provide stability and allow aid to reach suffering Somalis. But the mission turned tragic months later, when two U.S. military helicopters were shot down and 18 U.S. soldiers killed during an operation against a warlord. The head of the U.N. mission in South Sudan has condemned a recent wave of rapes and sexual assaults on women and girls near the town of Bentiu. "These attacks on vulnerable civilians are absolutely abhorrent and must stop. The violent assaults happened in a government-controlled area and it has primary responsibility for the safety of civilians," said David Shearer, chief of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS. Doctors Without Borders reported the attacks last week. The medical aid group said it treated 125 women and girls who were raped, beaten and brutalized in South Sudan's Rubkona County between Nov. 19 and 29. Shearer told reporters in Juba the attacks happened as the women walked along roads near the towns of Nhialdu and Guit on their way to a food distribution center in Bentiu. "They report the attacks as having been carried out by young men in civilian clothing or military uniforms," Shearer said. He said UNMISS has stepped up patrols in the area, and urged commanders of armed groups operating in the area to control their troops. Sudan Sudan People's Defense Forces Spokesman Major General Lul Ruai Koang denied government soldiers assaulted women and girls in the area but said the government would investigate the matter. "We are not responsible for the alleged rapes, that were allegedly committed from the 19th to 29th, however we are going to do our own investigation, and should we find some elements within our forces responsible for this, they will be held accountable," Koang told South Sudan in Focus. Koang claimed several criminals come from U.N.-run camps, and accused rebel SPLA-IO forces of crossing through government-controlled areas on their way to U.N. Protection of Civilian sites (POCs). Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel, the SPLM-IO deputy spokesperson, denied that rebel fighters carried out the assaults and said the government in Juba must take responsibility when its soldiers commit serious offenses against civilians. He also said the stakeholders who signed the September revitalized peace agreement must establish cantonment sites so criminals can be easily identified. "We are not really responsible for attacks on the civilians or for those harassment that happened, especially the rape cases but as human beings we can rule out some unruly soldiers and we have set a committee to investigate and we will find exactly where these people came from," Gabriel told South Sudan in Focus. The U.N. mission said Wednesday that human rights investigators are on a plane to South Sudan to look into the situation. "One rape is too many," said Andrea Cullinan from the United Nations Population Fund in a statement. "This is a case of the break-down of rule of law." Indonesian human rights groups decried the arrests made of West Papuan students and pro-independence activists after they staged peaceful rallies across Indonesian cities on Saturday. Benny Wenda, chairman of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), demanded accountability from the Indonesian law enforcers, writing, in the strongest possible terms, the ULMWP condemns the Indonesian government for the arrest and brutal treatment of over 500 West Papuan people and Indonesians in solidarity, who were targeted on 1st December simply for peaceful commemorating West Papua National Day. Amnesty International Criticism These arbitrary arrests add to the long list of acts of harassment, intimidation and arrests faced by Papuans this year, not to mention the attacks they faced from hostile groups at yesterdays rallies, Amnesty Internationals Usman Hamid said in a statement. The most number of arrests more than 200 took place in the city of Surabaya, East Java, where demonstrators from organizations such as the Alliance of Papuan Students (AMP) staged a peaceful rally commemorating West Papuas National Day. On December 1, 1961, the morning star flag a symbol for its independence was first raised under Dutch administrative rule. December 1 has since been regarded as the day West Papua carved out its independence. In 1963, West Papua was formally absorbed into Indonesia; with the trails blazed by the UN and the West, Indonesia held a contentious referendum in 1969 in which only over a thousand were selected to agree, through bribery and threats, to the formal absorption. Charges of Treason The rally on Saturday, as human rights lawyer and the activists legal council Veronica Koman told VOA, was rife with accusations of treason and separatism of the West Papuans, lobbed by more than a dozen nationalist groups. Because of the nature of our criminal code on treason is pretty broad, its used to persecute these students. During the Dutch rule, there would have to be an attack in order for an act to be considered treasonous. Now its not, she said. Anindya Shabrina, a student and activist with National Students Front (FMN) who was there to document the Surabaya rally, said that she saw the nationalist groups pelt rocks, glass shards and bamboo sticks at the dormitory where the rally took place. According to her, 16 people were injured, three of them required stitching for their injuries. The [state apparatus] always does this in the name of the Surabaya people, even though the working class over here perhaps doesnt really care that much about this stuff. Sentiments against dark-skinned people exist, Im sure, but they dont themselves commit any acts of discrimination. They accept them, she told VOA. It was also reported that two people involved in the Surabaya rally were missing: university students Fachri Syahrazad and Arifin. They have since returned home. On the day of the rally, they were taken to the police crime investigation unit building to be interrogated. I wasnt given a chance to contact my family or a lawyer, Fachri told VOA, adding that he was there to document the rally and that his phone and wallet were confiscated by officers. The next day, I woke up at 7 only to be grilled again and the official report, along with further questioning, was made at 12. It was very intimidating. Veronica said that it should have been illegal to deny someone who has just been arrested a chance to contact any form of legal council. Surabaya police chief Rudi Kurniawan told VOA that no arrests have been made. That was an effort at protection and repatriation because an order was disturbed, he said. Widespread Protests The arrests were not the first for West Papuan activists or students. Crackdowns on protests also took place in the special province of Yogyakarta in 2016. Security was also cited as the reason. The crackdown took place again the following year, when President Joko Widodo made a visit to Yogyakarta. The provinces of Papua and West Papua have been plagued by intimidation and violence, with over 500,000 Papuans killed since the 1960s. It is also Indonesias poorest province, with 28 percent of its people living below the poverty line. A military presence, complicated by its involvement with Freeport McMoran (Papua houses the lucrative Grasberg gold mine), has also been cited as one of the sources of violence in the region. In 2014, four people of the Paniai regency were shot by security forces. In 2017 shootings between the Free Papua Movement and security forces were reported. Febriana Firdaus, an investigative journalist who has written extensively on West Papua, said that whats caused the rift is Indonesias treatment of Papuans. Theyre not transparent about what happened between Indonesia and Papua. Papuans feel suspicious that their freedom of expression is silenced. Indonesia never opens up to Papua, especially with regards to the [The Act of Free Choice] referendum, in which people were captured and killed, she said. Theres no democracy for Papuan students to express their political aspirations as prescribed by Indonesias constitution, said Dorlince Iyowau, spokesperson for the "Alliance of Papuan Students." Theres no good future for West Papuans because the only good future for West Papuans is independence from Indonesias colonialism. An immersive "Wizard of Oz" exhibit will greet visitors to the Motion Picture museum in Los Angeles when it opens after a long delay in late 2019, organizers said on Tuesday. A pair of the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the classic 1939 musical, along with costumes, props and exhibits about the behind the scenes making of "The Wizard of Oz," will be installed in the lobby of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Hundreds of other movie memorabilia on show in the main "Where Dreams Are Made" exhibit will include a pair of doors from Rick's Cafe from the movie "Casablanca" and the typewriter used to write Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho." Museum director Kerry Brougher told reporters on Tuesday that the museum had several goals. "We want to convey the emotional and imaginative power of film... We want to explore the impact of cinema on society and culture at large and most importantly, we need to ensure film's history and its legacy for future generations." The $388 million museum in mid-town Los Angeles is spearheaded by the organizers of the Oscars and has been years in the planning. Plans were first announced in 2012 with a projected 2016 opening but the project was plagued by building delays. The 300,000-sq-foot museum, with two movie theaters and sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills, is now expected to open in about a year, museum officials said on Tuesday. The work of Japanese master animator Hayao Miyazaki will be the subject of the museum's first temporary exhibit, followed by one on African-American cinema from 1900 to 1970 that is scheduled for the fall of 2020. After previous false starts and amid mounting international pressure from the United States and other Western powers, the warring sides in Yemen's catastrophic civil war are engaging in low-key U.N.-brokered peace "consultations" in Sweden. But diplomats caution that participants seem unlikely to make major compromises, and the focus is more on de-escalation. On Tuesday, the Saudi-backed internationally recognized government and rebel Houthis, who are backed by Iran, agreed to a mass prisoner swap on the eve of formal talks set to start Wednesday, which is likely to see the warring sides exchange about 1,500 captives each. "This is one step in the right direction toward building mutual trust," said Mirella Hodeib, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross, one of several relief organizations that has been warning of the catastrophic conditions inside the country, where 12 million people are suffering severe hunger. The head of the U.N.'s World Food Program, David Beasley, dubbed the conflict, "the world's worst humanitarian crisis." The war has left more than 10,000 people dead from the fighting and more than 50,000 dead from starvation. About 130 children die every day because of malnutrition. Saudi-led airstrikes have struck schools, hospitals and residential areas, and the Houthis responded by firing long-range missiles at towns in Saudi Arabia. The four-year-old war in Yemen has pitted the officially recognized government backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates against the Houthis, members of a Shi'ite offshoot who have been supported by Iran. The conflict has shattered the economy and left half the population dependent on humanitarian aid. Observers have warned that a diplomatic solution is the only way to stop a man-made famine. U.N. envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy for months, talking to the government and the rebels who control the capital, Sanaa. "The parties owe it to their fellow Yemenis to seize this opportunity. We have no illusions that this process will be easy, but we welcome this necessary and vital first step," the U.S. State Department said in a statement. Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF's regional director in the Middle East and North Africa, who wrapped up a visit to Yemen this week, said, "The toll of almost four years of the recent fighting across Yemen is mind boggling, with more than 2,700 children recruited to fight an adult's war. Over 6,700 children were verified killed or severely injured. Nearly 1.5 million children have been displaced, many of them living a life that is a mere shadow of what childhood should be. "In Yemen today, 7 million children go to sleep hungry every night. Every single day, 400,000 children face life-threatening, severe acute malnutrition and could die any minute. More than 2 million children are out of school. Those who are in school often have to settle for poor quality education in overcrowded classrooms. Do these numbers and the stories behind them actually matter?" Cappelaere said. 'A small measure of progress' Yemeni scholar Hisham Al-Omeisy said that while the talks will be more about de-escalation, and just starting the political process could be seen as "not much" given "the humanitarian situation and toxic political atmosphere currently prevalent in Yemen, it's better than nothing." Unless the war is stopped, millions will starve, warned David Miliband, a former British foreign secretary and now the head of the International Rescue Committee. He said Wednesday that confidence-building measures like news of prisoner swaps, and the government agreeing that injured Houthi fighters can be flown out of Yemen for treatment overseas, represents "a small measure of progress." But trust is low, he cautioned. "The factions in the fight are splintered, and the war economy means that not everyone is losing from the fighting." Miliband warned: "The danger is that such micro-measures are overwhelmed by intransigence or worse on the part of the warring parties. That raises the importance of further pressure from outside." Main objectives Griffiths has outlined two main objectives for the negotiations in Sweden, which are formally being seen as consultations rather than formal peace talks. He said he wants to secure an agreement on the future of Hodeida city and port, currently blockaded by the government's foreign backers, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He hopes to establish a step-by-step protocol for an unfolding de-escalation of the violence, which would see the sides take turns ceasing hostilities. The Houthis are strongest in the West of the country, and in recent weeks, Saudi-led ground forces have closed in on rebel-held Hodeida, while maintaining their blockade at sea, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The port is the entry point for three-quarters of imports into the war-wrecked country. Momentum for the talks has been building since the death in October of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, slain in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul. Outrage over the killing of the Saudi writer, which has been tied by the CIA to Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, helped galvanize international support for ending the war with the U.S., Britain and France all pushing for a cease-fire in Yemen. Diplomats said last month they sensed the crown prince, who has overseen the Saudi military effort in Yemen, may be willing to end Riyadh's intervention as a way to rehabilitate himself in the wake of Khashoggi's killing. Britain's foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, told the BBC last month that Khashoggi's death had helped Western powers put pressure on Saudi Arabia. "We are in a position to ask them to do things," he said during the interview. Shortly after Khashoggi's slaying, the U.S. called for a cease-fire and reduced some of its logistical aid for the coalition backing government forces. Iran urged all sides "to have constructive and responsible participation in the talks." Last week, 63 senators voted to move forward with a debate on ending American support for Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. A bipartisan group of U.S. senators Tuesday vowed to sanction Saudi Arabia after a briefing from CIA Director Gina Haspel about Khashoggi's killing, saying her briefing convinced them that the Saudi prince ordered the murder. Bridging decades and the vast contemporary political divide, five U.S. presidents assembled Wednesday to mourn one of their own George Herbert Walker Bush, who died last Friday at the age of 94. "He taught us public service was noble and necessary," his son and the 43rd president, George W. Bush, told the invited guests at Washington National Cathedral. "He had an enormous capacity to give of himself." President Donald Trump had no speaking role during the Episcopalian service, a break from recent tradition and in accordance with Bush's wishes. Trump had tweeted before the service: "Looking forward to being with the Bush family. This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed!" The current president, who has had a contentious public feud with the Bush family, earlier had declared Wednesday a national day of mourning, closing federal agencies, suspending regular mail delivery and closing stock markets. Trump, the day before, had spent 20 minutes visiting Bush family members staying across the street from the White House at Blair House. Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, shook hands inside the cathedral with his immediate two-term predecessor, Barack Obama, but the tension between the Trumps and Obama was palpable in the pews, epitomizing the nation's political divide. Also, in the front row was Democrat Bill Clinton, who defeated the elder incumbent Bush in 1992 to become president, and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whom Trump defeated in the 2016 election. Bush and Clinton eventually became close friends and traveled together internationally. Another close friend of Bush's, former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson, recalled that the 41st president was "a class act from birth to death...one of nature's noble men." Bush was hailed by presidential historian Jon Meacham as "America's last great soldier-statesman" who "made our lives and the lives of nations freer, better, nobler and warmer." Among the foreign dignitaries inside the cathedral were Britain's Prince Charles, Jordan's King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Polish President Andrzej Duda and formers presidents of Estonia, Mexico and Portugal, as well as former prime ministers of Britain, Canada, Japan and Kuwait. Bells tolled 41 times as Bush's casket entered the cathedral after being transported in a family motorcade from the U.S. Capitol and past the White House for the first state funeral for a president in a dozen years. Around the clock in the Rotunda over two days, thousands many who had lined up in near freezing temperatures for hours to enter the Capitol paid their final respects to Bush, whose flag-draped coffin rested on the wooden catafalque built in 1865 for the casket of assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. The four entrances to the Rotunda were draped in black as Bush's body lay in state, an honor bestowed to only 31 others in the history of the United States (Lincoln being the first president). One of those who entered the Rotunda on Tuesday was former Senator Bob Dole, a rival to Bush in the 1988 Republican presidential primary. Dole, who is 95, was helped from his wheelchair to stand and salute his fellow World War Two veteran. Bush was born into privilege and politics (his father a U.S. senator and grandfather a top industrialist). He served in Congress, ambassador to the United Nations, chaired the Republican National Committee, envoy to China, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and vice president before being elected president in 1988. After Wednesday's funeral, the casket was taken to Joint Base Andrews in nearby Maryland to be flown back to Bush's home state of Texas on the same specially configured Boeing 747 he frequently boarded as Air Force One. A service will be held Thursday at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston before the late president embarks on a final 120-kilometer (75 miles) ride on Locomotive 4141, with the blue-and-white paint scheme of Air Force One, to College Station for burial at his presidential library on the grounds of Texas A&M University. He will be buried alongside his wife, Barbara, who died earlier this year, and their daughter, Robin, who succumbed to leukemia in childhood. Ken Bredemeier contributed to this report. Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. Nimesh Patel. Photo: Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images Theres been a lot of talk over the past several years about comedians performing on college campuses and whether college students are too obsessed with political correctness for it to be worth it for stand-ups. Jerry Seinfeld recently clarified in an interview that his previous comments on the issue were taken out of context. I play colleges all the time. I would never say theres any place I dont like these audiences. My job is the opposite of that, he said. I want to make them like what I do. I dont always succeed but thats my job. And never blame them, never. The worst possible situation the deadest, most hostile crowd I dont care. Its still my puzzle. Thats a professional attitude that Id never ever compromise. Late last week, the worst possible situation happened when former Saturday Night Live writer Nimesh Patel was booted offstage during a charity event at Columbia University. The show, called cultureSHOCK: Reclaim, is organized every year by Columbias Asian American Alliance, which promotes the political, social, and personal empowerment of Asian Americans as well as other marginalized groups. According to the Columbia Daily Spectator, event organizers took issue with a joke during Patels set in which he spoke from the perspective of a friend in New York who is a gay black man. He reportedly included the line that being gay cant be a choice because no one looks in the mirror and thinks, this black thing is too easy, let me just add another thing to it. About 30 minutes into Patels set, members of AAA interrupted the performance, denounced his jokes about racial identities and sexual orientation, and provided him with a few moments for closing remarks. Compared to his other jokes, ones specifically targeting sexual orientation audibly receive less laughter from the crowd. Patel pushed back on the officials remarks, and said that while he stood in solidarity with Asian American identities, none of his remarks were offensive, and he was exposing the audience to ideas that would be found in the real world. Before he could finish, Patels microphone was cut from off-stage, and he proceeded to leave. Students who attended the event shared differing opinions online. In the Spectator report, one student supported AAAs decision to boot Patel from the stage, saying, The message they were trying to send with the event was opposite to the jokes he was making, and using peoples ethnicity as the crux of his jokes could be funny but still offensive He definitely wasnt the most crass comedian Ive ever heard but for the event it was inappropriate. Another student, who said she watches a lot of comedy, said that none of Patels jokes were jokes that I hadnt heard before and none of them were jokes that elicited such a response in my experience [AAA] should have talked to him beforehand especially because comedy is known for being ground-breaking and for pushing boundaries. The Spectator also published two op-eds by students responding to the show, with one calling the performance a trainwreck and Patels material strangely obsessed with Black people and arguing that he wasnt booted for offensive jokes but because he sucked the energy out of an entire auditorium. Another op-ed written in Patels defense argues that the event organizers should have known that inviting a stand-up comedian to an event that seems to have had an unwritten policy that certain things couldnt be said was not a wise choice: Given this, it likely would have been wiser to not invite a comedian at all, or at the very least, to inform him of these boundaries before the set. And if these boundaries were too broad or ill-defined to explain, it is wholly unfair to expect the comedian to intuit them. We acknowledge that discomfort and safety can coexist, however, the discomfort Patel caused was unproductive in this space. We ourselves are still processing the events of cultureSHOCK and maintain different perspectives on it even within our organization. We invite and welcome dialogue concerning his remarks and our actions, the AAA said in a statement released on Facebook. That being said, we deeply apologize for inviting him in the first place and bringing these comments into a space for inclusion and acceptance. We apologize for the hurt his words caused members of the community.